#Stormy Monday (Live) | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

formulauno98 · 6 months ago

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Yacht Girl Summer - Chapter Five / Monday - George Russell x Reader, Toto Wolff x Reader

Word Count: 4k

Warnings: Very mild spice. This is going to be a slow burn and if you're uncomfortable with the idea of two-timing don't read this.

Author’s Notes: Disclaimer, purely fiction. No use of Y/N and minimal descriptions because I want everyone/anyone to be able to enjoy this.

MONDAY MORNING

At long last, the storm had passed and as you’d slept, the crew had managed to get the electronics working well enough to move the yacht and anchor in a calm bay.

Emerging from your quarters for breakfast, the sun shone brightly, casting sparkling reflections on the sea surrounding you, a stark contrast from yesterday’s stormy grey skies and relentless rain.

Monday morning was a quiet affair, with the group nursing hangovers coupled with lack of sleep from being kept awake all night. Undoubtedly the surprising revelation that George had walked in on Toto having sex in the garage also hung heavy, Toto and George uncharacteristically subdued. For once, you were not the quietest at the table.

"That storm last night was wild, wasn't it? I thought we might get blown off course." you said, trying to fill the awkward silence.

"Indeed, nature always reminds us who's in charge out here." Toto replied.

Glancing between you and Toto, a hint of tension in his voice, George added, "Yeah, quite a night. Thanks for keeping an eye on her, Toto."

You could feel yourself turning rouge at the memory of Toto pulling you into the small cupboard yesterday evening, the intimate moment electric with sexual tension. For the last few days your crush on Toto had spiralled but you never dreamt that it might be returned.

Toto merely raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing on his lips "Just ensuring everyone stays safe. Wouldn't want any of my guests lost at sea."

George laughed, his smile not quite meeting his eye as the conversation turned to your companion’s hangovers.

"Ugh, my head is pounding,” Cara moaned, sipping gingerly on her coffee, “That game was killer George.”

“I know!” exclaimed Marion, nursing a herbal tea, “"I think I might have to be teetotal for the rest of this trip.”

Chuckling, John chimed in, “"Ah, you ladies know how to live! Last night was a blast though. Nothing like a thunderstorm and some racy revelations to liven things up. You lot are a surprisingly wild bunch.”

John smirked, his eyes darting to Toto who was sat quietly, "Speaking of which, boss, any plans for tonight? Perhaps a quieter affair?"

Toto pepped up, “We'll see how the day unfolds. The crew need to dock in Porto Cervo to assess damage and restock supplies so perhaps we can explore after lunch."

– – –

As the yacht glided into the marina, the picturesque town of Porto Cervo unfolded before you. There were already a few large boats moored and the crew expertly steered into a vacant spot. The view was glorious, the buildings painted in pastel hues and the streets bustling with life. You couldn’t wait to go for a wander in the afternoon and clear your thoughts.

As the anchor went down, Toto turned to the group. "Just to let you know, I’ve invited some friends to join us for lunch. They’re eager to meet you all."

George raised an eyebrow. "More guests?"

"Just a few old friends. They’re in town and it would be rude not to invite them." Toto replied.

– – –

The guests arrived shortly after the yacht docked. A group of older Italian men, clearly good friends of Toto, greeting him with hearty embraces and speaking animatedly in Italian.

"Everyone, meet my friends, Stefano, Flavio, and Marco," Toto introduced them, turning to you and George. "And this is George and his girlfriend."

The men turned their attention to you, their eyes lighting up with interest.

"Bellissima! A pleasure to meet you," Stefano said, taking your hand and kissing it lightly.

"Toto didn’t mention he had such beautiful company," Marco added, his smile wide.

"We are lucky men today," Flavio said, his gaze lingering on you a bit too long.

George’s jaw tightened, and Toto seemed to notice, a slight frown crossing his face.

– – –

As lunch progressed, the Italian men’s flirting became more overt. They regaled you with stories of their exploits, each trying to outdo the other, while George and Toto watched with seemingly growing irritation.

"You must visit my vineyard in Tuscany," Marco suggested, leaning in closer. "I’ll give you a private tour."

"Or perhaps a ride in my classic car collection," Flavio offered, his eyes twinkling.

You laughed politely, feeling the tension between George and Toto. George’s face was a mix of jealousy and frustration, while Toto’s usual calm demeanor was replaced by a more protective stance.

"You all are too kind," you said, trying to tactfully deflect their advances. "It sounds wonderful."

"You should definitely go," Cara chimed in, winking at you. "A vineyard tour sounds amazing."

"Maybe we could all go," Marion suggested, her eyes dancing with amusement. "Make it a group outing."

John and James exchanged amused glances, clearly enjoying the spectacle.

"I think George might have something to say about that," John said, nudging George playfully.

– – –

Leaving Toto to talk business with his associates, the rest of you decided it was time to explore shore. Stepping foot onto dry land for the first time in what felt like forever, you and George, along with John, Marion, James and Cara, decided to explore the small streets along the edge of the marina.

"Those men were quite something, weren’t they?" Marion said, linking arms with you.

"Yes, very charming," you replied, glancing at George, who seemed lost in thought.

"You seemed a bit on edge, George," John observed. "I’ve never seen you like that."

"Well, those guys were practically drooling over her," James said, laughing. "I’d be on edge too."

George stayed quiet but you sighed, feeling the weight of the situation. "It’s nothing, I just want to enjoy the day," you said, trying to lighten the mood.

It became quickly apparent that George, John and James were not interested in browsing the small boutiques so the group decided to split up, the men going off to explore the coastal path while you stayed shopping with Cara and Marion. The irony was not lost on you that a few days ago you felt awkward in the older women’s company but were now relieved to have escaped George.

Picking up a silk scarf and thumbing it delicately, Cara broached the subject, “So my darling, you and George. You don’t seem as loved up as you I thought you would be, a young couple and all. Is everything okay?”

Shocked that Cara was voicing this since you didn’t know her terribly well, you stuttered slightly, “Yes… well…no.”

Her eyes kind, she came over a little nearer, “You know, dear, George is a good man. His job just takes so much of his focus. I’ve experienced the same with James. They get over excited and it feels as if nothing else matters.”

Floored that the older woman shared your experience and had so neatly verbalised it, you turned to her, eyes wide, “You feel like this too?”

“Not so much any more, but we’ve had our ups and downs.” Cara said kindly before gesturing at Marion who was trying on earrings across from you, “Marion will agree, won’t you?”

“Oh yes,” Marion nodded, “I almost left John one season. Our children were young and I was left at home whilst he was gallivanting around the world, forgetting our existence entirely. It was shit to put it frankly”

Surprised that the women were opening up to you in this way, you tried to choose your words carefully, “It’s just... he’s so distant lately. It’s like he forgets I’m my own person.”

Shooting you a sympathetic look, Cara advised you, “"It’s understandable to feel that way. But sometimes, we need to remind those we love of what they could lose. Men like George can be wonderful partners, but they often need a little nudge to realise what’s right in front of them."

Countering, Marion nudged you on the arm, “And if George isn’t giving you what you need, you owe it to yourself to have that conversation. It’s not about hurting him, it’s about being honest. You never know, he might step up and surprise you."

You smiled at the two women before you, grateful for their advice, “"I know. It’s just hard. I don’t want to hurt him, but I also don’t want to lose myself."

“Have a chat with him.” said Cara, her blue eyes firm. “That’s the only way you’ll know.”

“I will.” you said, resolving to take their advice and have a sit down with George to tell him how you had been feeling. “Thank you, this is helpful. I’ve felt so alone.”

Sympathic, the two women fussed about you, Marion putting her arm around you, “Oh my darling, you’re never alone. Please talk to us any time. About anything.”

Although you thanked her, you knew you couldn’t yet broach the subject of Toto. That was a whole other issue and now was not the time to get into it.

MONDAY AFTERNOON

As the afternoon wore on, the group reconvened on the sun deck of the yacht, Toto’s business associates readying themselves to leave.

"So, what did you think of Porto Cervo?" Marco asked, his eyes twinkling as he looked at you.

"It’s beautiful," you replied, trying to keep the conversation light.

"You must come back soon," Flavio said, his smile widening.

"And maybe next time, without the storm," Stefano added, laughing.

“And without George.” joked Flavio, eyeing your boyfriend.

"I’m not sure about that," George said, his tone flat.

– – –

Having bid the men goodbye, Toto then broached the topic of the evening’s plans to the group, suggesting an evening out in Porto Cervo.

"How about we hit Billionaire tonight?" he proposed, looking around eagerly to gauge everyone’s enthusiasm.

"Ooh yes, I’ve heard it’s amazing!" Marion exclaimed, clapping her hands. "We have to go!"

“I thought you were now teetotal?” her husband chimed in, “That lasted all of what… eight hours?”

Marion playfully slapped John, “I don’t need to drink to have a good time.”

“What do you all think?” Toto asked, noticing that you, George, Cara and James had not said anything.

“If Marion’s going, I’ll go.” said Cara, “But I’m definitely not drinking.”

“Spoilsport,” said James, “I’m up for it Toto.”

Turning to you and George, Toto raised his eyebrows, daring you to talk.

"Sure, I could use a night out," George agreed, though he glanced at you with a hint of concern.

"Sounds like fun," you said, trying to shake off the tension from earlier.

“Great,” said Toto, “Be ready by ten.”

MONDAY EVENING

Turning around in front of the mirrored door in your cabin, you surveyed your outfit.

“Wowser.” said George, sidling up to you and planting a kiss on your neck, wrapping his hands around your waist, “I mean wow.”

In all fairness, your floor length slip dress was a little risqué, semi sheer and adorned head to toe with light blue sequins, you shimmered like a mermaid in the golden bedroom light, “Is it too much?”

“Not at all.” said George, stepping back and admiring you once more, “As long as Flavio isn’t there.”

You laughed, “Stay by my side at all times.”

“Where else would I be?” he replied, leaning in to kiss you softly.

“You don’t look so bad yourself,” you said, caressing his arm gently, surveying his neat navy trouser and linen shirt combination. Resort chic.

“Oh yeah?” he said, intensifying the kiss, breaking apart to tweak your strap and add, “Can’t wait to take this off later.”

You laughed, toying with the buttons on his shirt and replying, “Me neither.”

Perhaps your fears were unwarranted. When things were good with George, they were really good, and he did look handsome in tonight’s get-up, hair flopped to perfection.

Or so you thought. Until you emerged from your cabin to meet with the rest of the group and spotted Toto.

He was wearing cream chinos and a navy linen shirt, unbuttoned just enough to reveal a tantalising amount of upper chest, sleeves rolled back on vein popping forearms. As you made your way over, you locked eyes with him, his eyes full of desire as he took in your outfit for the night. You gulped. He had definitely just checked you out.

– – –

The crew having shepherded you all down to the marina, three sleek black sedans were waiting for you.

“You two come with me,” said Toto, gesturing at the third car in the line. “I hope you don’t mind a third wheel.”

“Not at all. Not at all.” said George, always eager to please his boss.

Having reached the car first, Toto opened the door for you with a charming smile, "Ladies first."

You thanked him as you slid in, trying to ignore the flutter in your stomach.

George made his way around to the other side of the car, looking slightly affronted but remaining polite as he slid in beside you, grabbing your hand in his, "Toto, you really know how to pick the best places."

Toto replied, "Porto Cervo has its charms." before bending down and asking with a dashing grin, “Would you mind moving across to the middle?”

You obliged as Toto settled in the seat beside you, his commanding stature filling the tight space.

As the car set off along the marina, you tried not to think about the fact that Toto’s knee was pressed up against yours, jostling as the car glided over the cobbles.

Attempting to break the tension, you looked out of the window at the passing buildings, “This town looks so beautiful at night, it’s like something from a movie.”

Toto grinned, his eyes crinkling, "Indeed. And with the right company, it becomes even more enchanting."

Out of the corner of your eye, you could see George’s jaw tightening, his grip on your hand becoming slightly firmer.

In a slightly strained voice, he spoke up, "It’s definitely got a unique vibe. So, Toto, what’s the plan for the night? Any special surprises?"

Toto grinned, "Just a night of good music, great company and perhaps a few surprises. But let's see where the night takes us."

“Mysterious,” said George, his mind whirring into gear.

For the first time you felt the tension between George and Toto. The dynamic of their relationship was a strange one. It had been known to shift between father and son, friends and equals and irate boss and employee, George always eager to impress Toto. This, however, was all new territory.

Trying to calm him, you shot George a reassuring smile and squeezed his hand, "I’m sure it’ll be a fun night.”

Softening at your touch and returning your smile, George eased up, "Yeah, you’re right. Let’s just enjoy ourselves."

– – –

As the car pulled up to the entrance of Billionaire, the vibrant energy of the exclusive club spilt out onto the street. Lights flashed and the sound of music and laughter filled the air.

The valet opened the car door for Toto and you quickly followed suit, stepping out, feeling the excitement of the night ahead.

Extending a hand to help you out, Toto glanced at you expectantly, "Shall we?"

Accepting his large hand in yours, you felt the electricity between you once again. Careful to not hold on for too long, once righted you let go and turned to George with a smile "Let’s go."

George shot another strange look at Toto as he slipped his arm around your waist possessively, making your way into the club.

– – –

Having found John, James, Cara and Marion once inside, you were now all settled into a plush booth, beginning to relax and enjoy the evening. Drinks flowed freely and the conversation turned lively.

"This place is incredible!" Marion shouted over the band playing, raising her glass. "Here’s to an unforgettable night!"

"Cheers to that!" John echoed, clinking glasses with everyone.

You noticed Toto sitting close to you, his arm resting casually on the back of the booth. George was on your other side, his arm protectively around your waist. The proximity of both men not helping your situation.

– – –

As the night progressed, the music drew you to the dance floor. Catered to an older European crowd, some interesting tunes were being played but you made the most of it and let loose.

You, Cara, and Marion danced together, laughing and letting the music take over. If someone had told you a few days ago that you’d enjoy tearing the dance floor up to Abba’s Dancing Queen with the two older women you would have called them crazy. But stranger things had happened.

It wasn’t long before George gave in and joined you for a few songs, his enthusiasm making up for his lack of rhythm, "You’re amazing," George said, pulling you close as you swayed along to Chic, your hips bumping awkwardly as you tried to steer George towards the beat. You smiled, trying to focus on the moment.

"Mind if I cut in?" Toto asked, his voice smooth.

George hesitated but nodded, stepping aside. Toto took your hand, spinning you around effortlessly, keeping perfect rhythm. Dancing with Toto felt different - intense, almost electric.

"You've got some moves, Toto," you said, looking up at him.

"So have you," he replied, his gaze locking with yours. The world seemed to fade away as you moved together, your surroundings a blur as you admired the man in front of you.

Slightly disappointed when the song ended, you broke apart from Toto who turned to Marion with an invitation for the next dance. Making your way back to the booth, the Italian men from lunch had arrived, joining the group. It emerged that Flavio owned the club and seemed to know everyone there.

"There you are, bella," Marco said, taking your hand. "Shall we dance?"

Before you could respond, Toto reappeared. "She’s with us tonight," he said firmly, his protective side showing.

"Relax, Toto," Flavio laughed. "We’re just having fun."

George, noticing the tension, joined the group. "How about another round of drinks?" he suggested, trying to defuse the situation.

– – –

Feeling overwhelmed, you made your excuses and stepped outside onto the terrace for some fresh air. The cool breeze was a welcome relief from the heat inside and the turmoil that you were feeling. You leaned against the railing, looking out at the twinkling lights of Porto Cervo.

"Mind if I join you?" Toto’s deep voice came from behind you.

You nodded, feeling the tension between you. "It’s beautiful out here," you said softly.

"Not as beautiful as you," he replied, stepping closer.

You turned to face him, the intensity of his gaze making your heart race. "Toto, I..."

Before you could finish, he leaned down, capturing your lips in a kiss that left you breathless. It was everything you had imagined and more.

After a few moments, you pulled away, your mind racing. "I can’t do this, Toto."

Toto looked at you, his eyes full of longing, "Why not?"

Taking a step back, your voice trembling slightly you replied, "Because... because it’s not right. I’m with George. I’m flattered but…"

Just as you were starting to articulate your feelings, you were rudely interrupted by John’s loud laughter. Jumping apart, the two of you tried your best to act natural as he joined you out on the terrace.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here? Stealing a quiet moment, are we?" he said, swaggering over.

Trying to maintain composure and forcing a smile you replied, "Just needed some fresh air. It’s boiling in there."

Laughing, John exclaimed, "I bet! Those Italians really know how to throw a party, don’t they?"

His demeanour shifting totally, Toto smiled at John, "Indeed. They certainly do."

Slapping Toto on the back, John was drunk and clearly wanting to have a chat, "You know, I was just telling George that he’s a lucky man. Not every day you meet someone who shines as brightly as this young lady, isn’t that right, Toto?"

Toto smiled firmly, his eyes flicking to you with an unreadable expression, "Absolutely. George is a very lucky man."

Blushing and feeling the weight of both their gazes you replied, "Thanks guys, you sure know how to make a girl blush."

Leaning on the railing beside you, looking out at the view, John continued, "So, are you two coming back inside? The party’s just getting started."

Taking a deep breath, needing a moment to gather your thoughts, you countered, "I think I’ll stay out here for a little while longer. I need a bit more fresh air."

John seemed okay with this, "Alright but don’t stay out here too long. You’ll miss all the fun!"

Giving you a final, lingering look before turning to follow John back inside, Toto added, "Take your time. We’ll see you in a bit."

As John and Toto disappeared back inside, you leaned back against the railing, trying to sort through the whirlwind of emotions. The kiss, Toto’s words, John’s interruption - it was all too much. You needed to make some decisions and soon. But for now, you allowed yourself a few more moments of solitude, letting the cool night air calm your racing heart.

– – –

You stayed outside for ten minutes before returning to the club, trying to act normal despite the kiss still lingering on your lips.

"There you are!" Marion called out. "We were wondering where you went."

"Just needed some air," you said, forcing a smile, feeling like the worst liar in the world.

“Heyyyyy…” said George, dancing over to you, two drinks in his hands and a cigar in his mouth, “There’s my girl. I missed you.”

He was drunk out of his mind. Possibly not the worst thing as he would be less likely to notice your nerves. “Hi love.” you said, steadying him as he wobbled beside you, setting the drinks down precariously on the edge of the table.

“Do you want to dance again? He asked sweetly, taking your hand in his.

“Sure.” you said, hoping you could distract yourself from what the hell just happened out on the terrace. Toto had called you beautiful and kissed you. Knowing full well that you were in a relationship with George. What was he playing at?

You didn’t see Toto for a while as he had disappeared into the crowd, likely chatting business somewhere. Instead you hung onto George, who was all too eager to try and impress you on the dancefloor and whisper his plans for what he had in store on return to your cabin.

– – –

As the night progressed, the music at Billionaire ramped up and the drinks flowed more and more freely. Marion and John, in particular, were far gone, their laughter becoming louder and their movements more erratic. All you could do was watch on in amusement as they twirled aimlessly.

Slurring her words and waving her glass around Marion exclaimed, "This music is amaaazing! Whoo!"

Attempting to dance with his wife but stumbling a bit, John added, "You’re the best, Marion! Let’s show them how it’s done!"

Sitting at the booth with the rest of your group, you smiled as you leaned into James and said, "I think we need to rescue them before they fall over."

Nodding, trying to suppress his laughter, he agreed, "Yeah, probably a good idea. They’re a bit out of control."

Not faring much better was George, trying to keep up with the conversation at the table but slightly slurring his words.

Gesturing wildly he told the group excitedly, "And then, Toto here, he’s like the king of the yachts! No one can beat him!"

Smiling, slightly amused, Toto ruffled George’s hair affectionately, "Easy there, George. Maybe you’ve had enough."

You watched the scene unfold with a mix of amusement and concern. Despite the drunken antics around you, your thoughts kept drifting back to the kiss. Toto was acting like nothing had happened.

Just as you were contemplating slipping away for another breather, Marion stumbled over to the booth, nearly knocking over a table.

Giggling uncontrollably, she leaned down to hug you tightly, "You guys, you’re the best! I love you all!"

Trying to join in and almost falling into the booth, John added, "Yeah, what she said! Best night ever!"

Amidst the laughter and chaos, Toto caught your eye, a knowing look passing between you. Despite the fun atmosphere, the unresolved tension hung heavy in the air.

– – –

As the night came to an end, the group stumbled their way out of the cars and back up onto the yacht, the crew helping your tipsier companions safely up the passarelle and into their cabins. You felt a mix of emotions - confusion, excitement, guilt. George held your hand, but your mind was on Toto.

As he had headed to his cabin, he had given you a lingering look before disappearing down the hall, "Goodnight, everyone."

“Goodnight boss!” shouted George, still struggling to stand up straight.

“Goodnight.” you added, much more quietly.

Entering your cabin, George turned to you, sensing your distraction. "You okay?"

Closing the door behind you, you took a deep breath, knowing it was time to confront the truth. Your heart raced as you met George's gaze. "George, I need to tell you something..."

He looked at you with concern, his grip on your hand tightening. "What is it?"

Your voice trembled as you forced the words out. "Tonight, out on the terrace... I kissed Toto."

The confession hung heavy in the air, the silence stretching between you. George's expression flickered with shock and hurt, his thoughts racing as he processed your words.

Before either of you could speak further, a knock on the cabin door shattered the moment. Toto’s voice followed, cutting through the tension. "We need to talk."

And with those four words, the night that had begun with the promise of lighthearted fun took a sharp turn.

Part Six

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kalims · 2 years ago

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⊹ THOSE EYES | malleus draconia

premise. perhaps the universe really wants to keep him in the dark, unintentionally or not being forgotten yet again seems to be a frequent event in his life. parties aren’t for malleus anyways, nor are people.

but when he’s right next to you, a witness to your shine perhaps you’re the one for him.

content. gender neutral reader, fluff

wc. 4k

note. commissioned by faru who wanted to stay anonymous but wanted a nickname instead <3

sorry for being offline for a few. I was working on this hehe

lately, the skies seem gloomy, most people would think that it’s perfectly normal but there’s something oddly familiar about the hue of green beyond the dark, rainy clouds. besides the fact that the rain seems to fall on everyone else but you? your mind can’t help but drift to a certain horned man.

the timing seems appropriate. the weather has been like this plenty of times whenever malleus was in a particular, dejected mood. (you’d know because he’d have that certain tone. quiet and slow. If it wasn’t already obvious you can tell from the exaggerated huffs he emits, which you are starting to get suspicious of that he’s actually making it to get your attention.) speaking of malleus, you haven’t seen him around. not even a glimpse, which is surprising because he’s always trailing after you.

to the dismay of sebek who tried to tell malleus that sticking around a human like you, in his opinion: who apparently didn’t live up to the ‘young masters’ glory would lead to no good.

though you don't know what happened or why, you caught a moment of malleus staring in sebek's direction for a second and the latter immediately shut up and looked away. (presumably in shame? but you can't say.) you never really pondered on it seeing as malleus had whisked you away and distracted you with an easy smile.

you do agree with sebek. malleus' glory is unmatched, even if no one bothers to befriend him everyone notices. his mere presence is so strong that everyone can feel him coming, and when he does they stop and stare. even the gods agree! they seem to want everyone to know that malleus is favored.

amongst.. other means besides social.

he's destined. you don't know why he's referring to you as a ray of light in his darkness when he's practically binding everyone. at some point, his power had reached such a level that his emotions can affect the weather.

it's funny. you think, with such a poker face malleus is really expressive.

the sun seems to illuminate its rays brighter when he's happy, you can see its light even from beyond the clouds covering it. it dims in comparison when he's sad, and right after it loses its color it rains for long periods that the weather forecast was being canceled for not being able to predict it.

you've seen lots of people be a victim of this. be it a student grumbling away, soaking wet from the unexpected pour, or the other crying about their now-wet project.

when he's angry the clouds are darker, and the amount of lightning striking depends on the level of his rage. even you can say that being caught in the middle of it is no good when you're trying to predict where the next one will hit.

but it was strange. this week was chaotic, on monday the sun was blaring all the way to tuesday. you were just glad he seemed to be in a good mood until it started raining around the afternoon of wednesday. it just started pouring so fast out of nowhere that the lightning had actually frightened you because the rain was never accompanied by it.

you've only been in diasomnia a few times.

but.. this time you're quite surprised and it's not because of the beauty of the dorm.

the weather was so stormy that you were afraid you were gonna start flying away. there weren't any students stationed before the bridge. you don't question it because how were they even gonna guard the gates when the wind is gonna be the one breaking it open?

it only meant one thing.

malleus was in the dorm, seeing as the dorm seems to be the core of the storm.

even when you're a little way over the dorm you could still hear sebek's yells. it wasn't like the trudge to the dorm was hard, contrary to your belief the wind only whipped your clothes around like crazy. so you weren't going to get flung anytime soon, your struggle though. was the question of whether you'd be able to hang onto your gift all the way there or not.

because you were holding onto that plastic bag with ice cream in it for dear life—praying that the dessert is the right kind of softness he liked.

the time you found out he liked the dessert was by pure coincidence. you had brought a whole cake in to eat whilst celebrating your birthday together with your friends. you were too distracted talking with one of them to notice the grimace on malleus' face once he took a bite.

you were shocked when he confessed after a while.

… no, not the kind of confession you're thinking about. (even though you'd admit you'd like it to be.)

"why didn't you tell me? ahh... I should have bought another dessert, I knew it. I'm so sorry they already ate the ice cream—"

he cuts you off. "there's no need. it won't hurt." he had said, pausing to add: "if it's for you I can do it."

that night you stayed up late staring off into your ceiling before burying your head in a pillow with a warm face. you didn't have a nightmare or a dream. but his face practically engraved it in your mind till all you could think of was malleus all day.

it was driving you insane!

even when you've reached the front door, sopping wet and dripping all over the front porch all you could think of was the fact that you haven't seen malleus all week. which you didn't really think would bother you if not for the fact that you were wrong in assuming how close you thought both of you were.

again, it was driving you insane as you could tell from the amount of thoughts you have of him.

you'd have to apologize to lilia. you know all about how the man hates getting his porch wet.

"oh my."

oh well. looking like this was definitely not how you wanted to arrive at diasomnia.

lilia casts a curious gaze at you, ears twitching when he takes in your appearance before his lips curve into an easy smirk. you're suspicious that he knows the reason for your sudden arrival. "If I'd known you were coming, I would have sent sebek for you." lilia sighs like a disappointed mother. he gives you a quick smile before looking back and yelling:

"sebek, be a dear and fetch me a towel would you?"

you could vaguely hear a rush of heavy footsteps and you awkwardly just stare until sebek appears carrying a folded towel in his arms. you could emit a sigh if it wasn’t so freezing when sebek's face contorted to that of distaste when he saw you.

lilia with a knowing look merely shook his head. "don't just stand there, will you? we have a guest." he chimes and probably had enough cause he ended up snatching the towel right off the boy's arms.

who actually looked like he felt bad for a second.

lilia ushers you in after drying most of the droplets of water away, so you enter without much complaint. a towel wrapped around your body, over your shoulders. you clutch it like a blanket. looking around trying to look subtle.

this one is looking for him. lilia muses with an amused chuckle. you'd be surprised at how gloomy malleus' mood actually is, that boy had practically washed up the dorm with how long the rainy weather had kept going. lilia knew cater forgetting to invite malleus would have some damper to his mood.

but of course not to the extent.

you have perfect timing. lilia knows malleus considers you dear, perhaps even dearer than him and if lilia can't resolve his mood then you definitely can.

"ah that's right. what brings you to our humble abode?" lilia leads through the halls that lead directly to the main area. you clutch the towel a little tighter. feeling the embarrassment seep through your mind. were you gonna tell him that you all but ran to the nearest convenience store and bought a tub of ice cream for malleus because you figured he was upset?

talk about a test of courage.

you grimace. "I-uhm.. haven't heard from malleus so I got worried."

lilia's face doesn't change from its laid-back nature.

"is he alright, by the way?"

the flicker of surprise in his eyes doesn't go unnoticed by you. "were you at all asim's party, prefect?" he asks, already drawing an answer from your confused face alone. it's not like he already doesn't know, you were nowhere seen at the party after all.

".. no?"

kalim in fact did invite you. but you weren't too fond of the idea when there was a pile of homework from the professors and another one from crowley sitting in ramshackle all alone with no one to do them. so you chose the option that would save you later, and make you suffer currently.

(plus, you did promise to join malleus for a walk since he asked you earlier. but kalim doesn't need to know that, right?)

frankly, you're starting to get concerned with how many times malleus occupies your thoughts.

lilia places his chin in between his fingers with a hum. you listen to him keenly even when he sits you on the couch of the living room. "malleus got invited you see." that was a surprise to you. you smile from ear to ear. that's great for him! but you're expecting a 'but'.

and boy was there one. "but it was rescheduled earlier, you see." he closes his eyes and casts you a closed-eyed smile. for someone whose 'son' had been forgotten, he seems oddly relaxed about it.. and.. wasn't lilia part of the group inviting everyone else?

as if he reads your mind lilia makes sure to say, "cater was the one who said he's got informing malleus all covered. I'm afraid he had forgotten and the party had already finished."

that's pretty.. sad.. no wonder the weather was more extreme than usual. malleus was probably feeling a mixture of sadness and anger.

lilia's eyes drift downwards. and you curse when you realize where he's looking. "what's that you've got there?" somehow every word that comes out of lilia comes out jokingly like he's teasing you.

there was no point in hiding it was there? you sigh and hand over the plastic to lilia who graciously takes it, spares one glance at it, and casts it aside to the table. probably planning to put it in the freezer for later.

it looks like he knows already but you still answer blankly. "ice cream for malleus."

he seems to brighten up after your clear display of intention. good thing sebek had ran back to his room after you stepped foot in the dorm because if he were here right now he probably would have been suspicious and assumed that you'd somehow put something in the ice cream.

"to cheer him up?"

".. yes."

"ah. how sweet. young love never fails to entertain me."

you sputter. "i—that's not.."

a look for lilia is all it takes for you to shut up. he shakes his head with a laugh. "as the youngsters say, 'denial is a river in egypt' do you get it? fufu.. quite funny." he giggles continuously but you can't help but think that he's trying to make a joke. you deadpan. "I do but that's not the point!"

an unfunny joke clearly.

point is your practical son needs some severe cheering up if you just witnessed a tree get struck by lightning a while ago.

from your experience, the tea parties held by heartslabyul is a pretty nice way to unwind.

"does malleus like tea?"

he pauses. "why, yes. he's been raised as a noble after all."

never in your life have you been so stressed. you have to give props for riddle, cause you just found out how hard it is to actually organize a tea party. you don’t even wanna think about what jamil does, you swear he grows a white hair every time kalim throws a party.

nearly all desserts had some kind of association with ice cream, you made sure of it. though you do have to give credit to lilia since the man had graciously let you make use of his fridge to place them there until your scheduled tea party had arrived (honestly saving a bunch of residents from his.. ‘special’ meat.)

you had left sebek the job of informing malleus since you were sure that he was the only person that wouldn’t forget about him. the boy actually approved your choice of who you gave the job to and commended you.

but hey at least he liked it, right?

the guests were.. yet to arrive which is making you anxious because malleus himself was about 1 hour early to his own party.

when he approaches you there’s a clear look of joy. you’d fall over from the small, genuine smile of pureness on his face. you almost forgot to question yourself why in the hell he’s here when the party is scheduled to start in.. one hour.

you sweat. few of the desserts haven’t been taken out of the fridge yet to preserve them! "what.. are you doing here?" you nervously ask but malleus thankfully doesn't seem to mind.

"ah, lilia informed me." his eyes crinkled. "I am very happy to be here."

lilia that bastard.. but wasn't sebek supposed to inform him.. but even if sebek did you're sure that this man would have still shown up early.

now you're wondering what happened to poor sebek. that boy is either angry or devastated.

you find malleus' pure and innocent intentions a little endearing.

ㅤ

lilia stands in front of the door that malleus never really opened. ah that child, even in his absence for dorm leader meetings didn't upset him this much. lilia presumes that he must have looked forward to an invitation he hasn't had in.. a long time.

he raises a hand to knock. once, nothing. twice, nothing. lilia guesses he'll have to use that card.

"malleus dear, the prefect was just by here."

almost immediately there's shuffling behind the door and not a second later it creaks open to show the horned man's curious face. lilia smiles. one mention of you and he already responded.

this is is his non-verbal way of saying: 'where.'

malleus tilts his head and looks past lilia's shoulders, who then shakes his head and gains the former's attention back. "they are not here anymore if it is them who you're looking for."

"ah."

almost immediately he comically deflates, and lilia resists holding a chuckle.

"but they did leave something for you." the shorter male adds.

as if the energy in malleus comes back, he immediately brightens. the child of man left something? for him? oh.. malleus releases a long sigh. his heart could leap out of its chest and start dancing if it could.

although it pains him to leave your side malleus did just that. you could say that he was.. feeling under the weather and he doesn't want to face you in a state where his anger could possibly take over.

he does not know what he'll do if he hurts you.

people like you are a luxury that malleus doesn't often come across. it's not every day that he meets someone who doesn't falter at the sight of him or one whose eyes don't fly to his horns but to his eyes instead.

he wonders if you knew who he was at that time. would it be different? would you have turned and left him in the dust? malleus supposes there's no point in wondering about what could have been when all he wants is right here.

lilia smiles fondly at him. "your favorite. they've left ice cream and an invitation for you."

just like that, all the sadness in malleus pours out like a continuous river never stopping. something warm thumps in his chest and it's all he can hear. it blooms until he can feel it crawl up to his hands and on the tips of his ears. something warm and worthwhile.

then malleus realizes right then and there. why did he spend so much time worrying about it, since when did he care about the view of others? it's not his fault if they forgot. they should have been grateful that they had the privilege to talk so freely with him.

simple things should not strike such a nerve within malleus.

who needs the other people anyways when he's got everything in his hand? it's not like they have someone their entire being beats for.

but you. weren't you just perfect? malleus had never felt happier. "when and where is this invitation of theirs?"

ㅤ

you deadpan. you should have never assumed that lilia wouldn't have heard your words to sebek. the walls of diasomnia have ears of their own after all.

you shake your head. "oh uh.. there's a few people that came early—" for once you're appreciative, cause god it would be awkward if it's only the two of you. you're not sure if it's because you'll be having an inner crisis during it or the lack of guests.

as you can see you definitely weren't all that prepared. you see malleus smile at you from the corner of your eye when you lead him to a table and sit him down, the man doing so without many complaints.

jamil knows when someone is looking at him. he knew he should have ran back into the kitchen when he saw you staring at him intensely. but before he could even escape you already— "jamil." you say, loudly and he winces.

"why don't you get the others to join us?" you smile at him thinly and jamil understood. there was no room for arguments. he sighs. for a person mysterious to the entirety of NRC you are pretty scary.

oh, fuck did you even look okay? because next to a quite literally sparking, shining man like malleus you feel like you're a bag of trash.

eventually, you find yourself with a strange group, an unlikely group. very weird group. despite malleus being the obvious exception (dare you say he's the most happiest.) there are looks across the table with varying degrees of disturbed, irritation, or just plain fear.

okay, so the fear is mainly from idia who you're surprised even showed up. scratch that. maybe it was just him being nervous?

malleus doesn't look bothered at all.

you laugh awkwardly. "uh.. fine weather we're having?" but two out of five react positively to your words. rook cracks a bright smile while malleus nods slowly.

"indeed! it has been a while since the skies have cleared up." rook chirps, and you sweatdrop. you and a few other people cast a glance at malleus who doesn't seem to be concerned, nor care about the second of attention.

oh god. how awkward, everyone here knows that he's the reason why the weather was so bad.

"I'm just glad it stopped raining." jamil comments, crossing his arms and leaning back in his chair. he's met with several mumbles of agreement. all you could say was, same. no more struggling to keep your school works under the umbrella.

malleus hums. "I must thank you for the invitation, child of man." he smiles at you and you have to bite the inside of your cheek to not let the similar face break out so obviously in yours. "you're welcome."

jamil side eyes the two of you just staring at each other. if he'd known he'd end up being a witness to this.. subtle lovey-dovey stuff he would have never helped you and trey bake the few treats you asked them to in the first place.

plus rook absolutely eating up whatever you two were doing? yikes. god can kill him now.

speaking of trey he should be here suffering. he narrows his eyes.

.. right. "what are you doing here so early? hasn't lilia told you it starts later?" you inquire. it would also have saved you the trouble of creating a group to surround just one table for malleus.

shortly, he replies. "I did not want to be late." malleus blinks at you and almost everything he does makes you swoon, you get to see a clear view of his crystal green eyes. "I also wanted to talk with you," he admits.

and.. essentially have you all to himself before everyone starts to hog you like moths to a flame. maybe that's how malleus got attracted to you as well.

should you be embarrassed that he just said that in front of jamil, rook, and 3 other people, or should you be rolling all over the ground out of joy?

"oh jeune amour!"

"woah."

"malleus-chi at it again earning love points.

"seriously."

your lips wobble as you attempt to hold in the wide smile. you feel like the sun just flashed you in the face from the amount of heat you're feeling right now

"wh… do… uh.."

you don't usually describe yourself as someone who freezes up like this but clearly, you're proving yourself wrong to assume so. "oh haha.." your finger flies to point at the newcomer to direct attention. "would you look at that? the desserts are ready."

saved by trey who enters with a handsome smile. how in the hell is he balancing all those dishes with one arm? you have no idea. one step from you and all of those would have crashed down onto the ground.

then you'll blame gravity.

before you know it the tense atmosphere had melted into something warm. even jamil seems to have eased up, idia isn't hiding in the depths of his hoodie anymore, and rook is rook.

and malleus, despite his usual blank look has a faint lining of peace in his expression. it's rare to see it in a place so.. crowded? his lips quirk up further once he spots the dessert on the plate.

"ah, my favorite, tea and.. ice cream?"

"and crackers." you make sure to add.

he chuckles. "and crackers."

everyone digs into their respective plates. besides malleus' favorite, you made sure to ask what kind of food they'd like to have at the party. it would be rather boring if it were just ice cream, wouldn't it?

well. the ice cream was for malleus only so.

you can't help but sneak glances every now and then. thoroughly enjoying the delighted look on his face when he eats another spoonful. you're suspecting that he might even ask if there's another batch.

coincidentally malleus looks at you the moment you look away. it's a repeating thing. you look, he's looking away. you look away and he looks at you. a never-ending cycle that just results in unsaid feelings.

but everyone knows that if there was ever a god that exists he always has a plan for it.

perhaps once the feelings you bore have bloomed into something mature and people would be the time when you could hold malleus in your arms and worry not about every single thing. it's not always you get to pine for someone.

so I will always love you until you're mine. he thinks. you will be.

malleus casts you a small smirk. "I am hoping you'll spare me that talk later."

"later, please. for now let me finish this."

seriously. the food trey and jamil cooks are scrumptious.

he watches you eat, chat with rook and idia with a smile. he can't seem to invite jealousy in his heart because of them when you've so clearly put in the effort to clear the troubles in his.

next time I shall prepare a feast and festival for you. he thinks seriously.

but that's a plan for another day! one.. you're not exactly aware of.. yet...

#twisted wonderland x reader #twst x reader #malleus draconia #malleus draconia x reader #twst #twisted wonderland #twst fluff #malleus x reader #disney twst #twst imagines #twst headcanons #twst scenarios #ㅤ◜◡◝ . . signed !

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sorchathered · 11 months ago

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Sacred New Beginnings

Chapter 2-Illicit Affairs

Pairing-Bradley Bradshaw x reader, Jake Seresin x reader

Warnings- Drinking, language, smut

Summary- I started writing for chapter 2 last night and somehow decided to do a backstory for you all instead. I didn’t really proofread so don’t kill me, just wanted to get this out asap!

Song inspo- illicit affairs- ts, babe-sugarland

7 months ago

They’d been running night maneuvers all week to prep for the mission, members from dagger and the golden warriors hand selected by Warlock and everyone was wrung out. It was long nights that sometimes bled into afternoons pouring over schematics and flight plans and then simulating the terrain, Stormy and Jake had been holding it together as best they could but he could tell she was drained; her smile hadn’t reached her eyes in a few weeks and he was worried. He caught Rooster around 9 am Friday morning in hopes that he could get him to take her out over the weekend, get her to relax so she’d be refreshed on Monday, and it had seemed like they were on the same page, Stormy needed a break and Rooster could take care of her better than Jake could. But when Friday night rolled around and he joined Coyote for drinks at the bar he found Bradley drunk at the pool tables with Phoenix no sign of you to be found.

He walks over to the group seriously annoyed, they had just talked about this so why the hell was Bradshaw here instead of doting on y/n?!

“Hangman! We were just talking about how we needed a team to play against, how about you and Javy join us?” Phoenix was definitely tipsy, Bradley had told her he needed a drink or ten with his best friend and she was more than willing to help out.

“Bradshaw, where the hell is Storm? I thought we talked about you wining and dining her this weekend?” Jake said with a sharp edge to his tone and Rooster flushed from the mention of your name.

“Not that it’s any of your business bagman but I’m handling things just fine, I picked her up dinner and she was watching Netflix in the tub when I left. She doesn’t need a babysitter, just needs some sleep and I don’t know what me being here is going to do to help with that”

He had the gall to scoff and roll his eyes, did he seriously not want to spend your one weekend off wrapped up in you? Jake couldn’t think of anything better and he wasn’t even allowed to feel that way, Rooster had you naked in his bathroom and he decided the hard deck was a better idea?! Unbelievable.

Meanwhile in your shared home you had taken a nice long bath and eaten the Chinese food Bradley ordered for you but you still couldn’t shake the anxiety thrumming through you. You knew you needed to sleep but instead you were in the living room folding your shared load of laundry and drowning out the warning bells in your head with trashy tv. Bradley had been distant lately but hell so had you, you two were on week 3 of opposite shifts while you trained for this mission and it had been all stolen kisses and text messages, sometimes missing each other completely before you had to head to your respective places. You had such an ache in your chest, you hadn’t been intimate in weeks and you missed his touch, he had assured you he would spend the whole day with you tomorrow but that you should go home and rest and he would be back after some downtime with Natasha. Nat was in a VERY committed relationship with one of the air traffic controllers on base and Bradley being a man solidified that he definitely wasn’t her type, not that you’d ever worried about the two of them anyway. But something felt wrong, ever since you’d been chosen along with Jake to fly with this new ragtag crew there had been a shift. You knew he was upset he didn’t get chosen but he had assured you he was happy for you, knew that if everything went well this could mean you finally getting promoted to lieutenant commander and being able to make a name for yourself. He’d been chosen several times for missions you didn’t get to join in on and never once had you wavered in your support for him…was he shutting you out? Had you done something wrong and didn’t realize? You had worked yourself into a panic now, tears pricking your eyes and breaths coming shallow and you were suddenly startled with the blaring notification of a text on your phone.

Bradley stumbles into your home around 12:15, reeking of cheap bear and cigarettes. You had finally given up and went to bed at 11 and he couldn’t be more grateful that you weren’t waiting up for him tonight. You’d left his laundry folded on the couch and with guilt sinking into his gut like a rock he made his way to the guest bathroom to shower so he wouldn’t wake you. He had fucked up royally today, when Jake suggested that the mission was burning you out he should have felt sympathy but he couldn’t conjure the emotion if he tried. He should have been the one flying this mission, he would never complain about being burnt out on it especially knowing what this could do for your career. He felt like you took it for granted, so after Jake had headed home for the day he made his way to Admiral Cyclone’s office. He still didn’t know what he was doing it was like he was on autopilot as he stepped in and made his case. You were burnt out and fatigued and that made it all the more dangerous for everyone flying with you. It only made sense for him to suggest you be asked to step down and Bradley to take your spot so you could recoup. It felt like he had blacked out for all of it, before he knew it he was at the hard deck and several drinks in to a strong buzz. He could barely look at you before he’d left for the evening, just suggested you rest up and he’d order you dinner before he slipped out. Jake had been annoying the shit out of him about you, how he should have been doing more and deep down he knew it was true; he’d betrayed you today and let his anger take over but he was still so deep in it he didn’t even care. So when Mirage slipped in behind him in the men’s bathroom after he had been flirtier than usual he didn’t stop her. He’d let her kiss him, warnings going off in his mind that he should stop but it felt too good at the time. She inflated his ego, told him how badly she’d wanted him, how he was so hot and talented and when she ground herself on him he let instinct take over, bending her over the sink and pulling a condom from his wallet; the ones he only ever used for hookups like this with you. He’d fucked her hard and fast, reveling in her praise and came hard, the thought of you not even close to the forefront of his mind. As he pulled out and helped her get dressed the door creaked open, he didn’t even notice it at first until Mickey exclaimed behind him. Fuck. He was so, SO screwed.

Jake Seresin Masterlist

Tagging-

@attapullman

@mamachasesmayhem

@bobgasm

@floydsglasses

@pinkdaisies1106

@mygyn

@angelbabyyy99

@roosterforme

@nouis-bum

@purelyfiction

@86laura11

@djs8891

@shanimallina87

@jessicab1991

@its-the-pilot

@dempy

@dizzybee03

@the-aspiring-fanfic-writer

#top gun maverick #jake seresin #top gun maverick fanfiction #jake hangman x reader #jake seresin x reader #jake seresin fanfiction #jake hangman seresin #bradley bradshaw #bradley bradshaw x reader #bradley rooster bradshaw #bradley rooster x reader #bradley bradshaw smut

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strandnreyes · 3 months ago

Note

(hi hello this is maddie <3) Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers! Spread the self-love 💞

hi!! thanks maddie <3

your first string

TK knows this season is going to be different from the minute he steps onto the court the first day of practice; he can feel the buzz in the air of the Moody Center as the team warms up.

Most obviously, they’re all hungry for a title after being knocked out of the Elite Eight last season, not that TK was around to witness it. But he was there for the buzzer beater that lost them the championship game the year prior, and that’s reason enough for him to crave redemption.

The other main factors responsible for filling the room with energy are the new additions to their roster. Primarily, Carlos Reyes.

TK hasn’t been able to go anywhere this semester without hearing about how Carlos transferred schools after a family emergency to be closer to home, or even more so, seeing him around campus—the library, TK’s favorite coffee shop, his 8 am class every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Carlos is inescapable.

come what may, I’ll still stay

Nearly one year into their marriage and TK finds that life looks a little different these days with Carlos working as a detective. He knows change happens, but when the missed dinners start to pile up and the change begins to feel like too much change, TK struggles with how to remind Carlos that life exists beyond his badge.

wherever you stray, I follow series (cheating a little)

the vampire universe

sacred new beginnings

After five years of marriage, TK and Carlos have been through a lot together, but change is never something that stays away for too long. As they approach a new phase of their lives—searching for a new home—they continue to navigate many other changing aspects of their relationship—family drama, work dynamics, sex, and discussions of their future.

With each twist and turn, they work through it as they always do. Together.

Or, the marriage fic.

to live for the hope of it all

“We were between Honduras and the tip of Mexico when we went down.” He draws an X in the dirt. The area of the ocean that Carlos gestures to with his stick seems so miniscule, but TK knows it’s likely thousands of square miles. “We may have gotten slightly off course when we lost control, but yeah,” he slides his foot over the picture, effectively wiping it away. “It’s a start.”

His eyes are stormy and his brow is furrowed. TK wants to smooth it out with his thumb, he wants to wash the dirt off his neck and ask him why he looks like he’s holding the weight of the world on his shoulders, but all he can do is nod and hope the rescue team can find them as easily as the map made it seem.

#tag game

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ltwilliammowett · 1 year ago

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Cooking like a Sailor- Burgoo

It's Sunday my friends and there you have quite like a nice breakfast. Well, depending on taste, it is sometimes savory and sometimes sweet and one or the other skips it completely and goes straight to lunch. Well, such a nice selection possibilities did not have the Sailor aboard ships. There was then a very simple dish.

And then we talk about the Burgoo a dish from the 17th -18th century which is just a ground oatmeal boiled in water and was later sweetened with molasses or black treacle and seasoned with some salt. The officers probably had some nutmeg on it. This is what Jon Townsend suggested in his video on Burgoo.

youtube

He also quotes the following: Memoirs of a Seafaring Life: The Narrative of William Spavens. Spavens writes:

On Wednesdays we get burgoo boiled for breakfast and a pint of peas to make soup for dinner. On Mondays, no peas but burgoo for dinner.

You can literally read - or hear - this enthusiasm for this dish from his lines.

So it was not very popular and unfortunately the men often had to live with it, because it was not only served for breakfast, there was also the possibility that it came in stormy weather with beef fat on the table, because it was quick and easy to prepare even under such difficult conditions. But if you now want to try it for yourself. Then you look either in the Video of Townsend for his recipe or you use this recipe:

Take two cups of water and one cup of porridge oat. Now you put the cold water in a pot and stir in the oat little by little. Slowly bring the mixture to a boil and then let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring constantly. When the oatmeal has become a smooth mass, serve with molasses or in the modern way with sugar and cream or salt and butter.

Enjoy !

#naval history #cooking like a sailor #burgoo #17th- 18th century #age of sail #Youtube

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grayheartart · 7 months ago

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Alvin Bragg's Star Witness, Michael Cohen, Harassed by 14 Year Old

It's a long watch, to be sure. 3 hours of video but its a live reading of Michael Cohen's testimony on Cross-Examination in the on-going Trump Manhattan trial . The relevant part is at 2:45:30. If you don't have three hours to burn but still want to see the Democrats case crumble on the stand, here is a video that just about summarizes it.

youtube

This case is cooked. End of story. Cohen admitted under oath that his call to Trump about paying off Stormy Daniels was entirely false and his phone call was actually to Keith Schiller about some harassing prank calls Cohen got from some dumb 14 year old kid. Trump gave no direction to Cohen to pay off Stormy Daniels Cohen never told Trump “I’m gonna pay off Stormy Daniels for you, pay me back later,”

It’s far more likely at this point that Trump paid Cohen the $130K believing the invoice to be for legal services rendered and/or standard retainer fee. It's already game over for this case, but there is still Monday when Cross-Examination continues.

#politics #youtube #democrats #biden administration #joe biden #left wing #liberals #democrats are corrupt #progressives #leftists #Trump #fuck democrats #democrats are stupid #Democrats are corrupt #Youtube

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jsagirly · 6 months ago

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𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧- 𝟏𝟖+ 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬

𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 & 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬

𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 ❥ 𝐆𝐨𝐣𝐨 𝐱 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 & 𝐆𝐞𝐭𝐨 𝐱 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐩 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲, 𝐬𝐨 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐭 𝐬𝐨 𝐟𝐚𝐫..

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩.𝟐 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐤𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬✔︎ 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠,𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭.

𝐖𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭! 𝟏.𝟒𝐤

It’s 8 am, on a Monday morning and there wasn’t anything worse you could think of than being stuck here in your English college course.

Of course you were stupid when picking your classes not taking into account how tired the weekend would leave you. Stuffy cold air filled the room and the occasional cough of a student. Your professor is going on and on about some stupid thing.

You weren’t picking up on any of it, that's for sure. As you lay your head on the vinyl wood desk at the back of the class, wishing your black hoodie would just swallow you whole, at least so you could sleep a little longer.

Just as you do think sleep could get the better of you, the door next to you swings open, startling not only you but everyone else in the room as if they were awakened from some sort of drowsy trance.

There standing in the frame is Satoru out of breath trying to take in gulps of air. Although after a second or two he notices everyone’s eyes boring into the disruption he created. Gently closing the door behind him as the professor continues his material.

He slides into the seat next to you. “Late again?”. You ask with a bored look. “You know me too well”. “Satoru you’re late like every class, it's your routine at this point”. “Okay but I'm living a normal college kid life, no one gets up bright and early for an 8 am class”.

“Plus if I remember correctly you’re the one who dragged me to this class with you because you couldn’t be alone”.

He says as he leans on the table on the side to face you. “mhm whatever you agreed to me anyways”. “Yea I did”. He scoffs whilst smiling. “What made you this late anyways?”.

He goes silent and looks away as if that was the only response you needed. “Oh my fucking god, you were playing siege all night weren’t you”. He doesn’t answer and his gaze is still fixed away but you can tell by the soft smile creeping up his face that you’re right.

“ you’re such a loser for that you know”. “I’d expect you to be out”. He hums softly before saying “well I have a girlfriend so I’m allowed to do stuff like this”. “You better pray she never finds out about you being a dork doing stuff like that”. You say sarcastically.

“what’s up with the attitude this morning jeez! Must be this emo ass hoodie huh”. He says before gently pinching the fabric of your sleeve.

“sorry..” you say a guilty smile takes over you. Zoning off into the rest of the lesson.

————————————————————

Although it seemed like you two might’ve bickered a lot he was truly your best friend,you met him your junior year of high school. Chemistry class to be specific, you definitely didn’t run in the same circles.

He was more of a walking trophy boy that every girl wanted to get her hands on while you wanted to steer clear of that as much as possible. Your awkward nature made it hard for you to even find a guy with interest, much less one of the most desired ones.

You didn’t get what they saw in him anyways, he was a guy and he was hot? It wasn’t till that year when you were stuck sitting next to him in class and he sparked conversation with you, probably just trying to escape the boring droning of your teacher.

But after a while you guys noticed you had a lot in common humor,interests and maybe even a bit of the same traits in personality. So you didn’t fall head over heels for him, you fell into his couch on late stormy nights where you would just talk about life and music, maybe some stupid high school stuff along the way.

Before you knew it he was in your phone at the top of your list as “Satoru 🤍”. Not even in a romantic way just as friends and people who understood each other, plus you had appreciated him never trying to make advances on you.

Now you have to question, is all of that still true? Unfortunately enough you did end up falling head over heels for Satoru Gojo. But as it happens so did he, but not for you..for Evie.

The guilt was more than anything, you remembered denying it at first and just brushing off the fact that you always checked every single one of his texts within 2 minutes,whenever he said something nice to you you felt your heart pick up and all these things you never picked up on before.

But no you weren’t allowed to, that’s what you told yourself over and over and over again. You don’t have a say in this if you do your a bad person because only a bad person would be in love with someone else’s love.

You couldn’t help where your heart was at, why now was it that you realized all those heartfelt conversations were the only ones that had ever rooted themselves in such a deep connection to your soul.

Why only now? So as your heart stumbles further and further in you try your best to cover it up and pretend as if nothings changed.

————————————————————

“hellooo? hey hey y/n”. Satoru looks down on you. and you look around to see all the other students leaving class.

“Oh my god finally” you say with a sigh of relief. Maybe a bit too loud as you saw the professor glare up at you. “C'mon let’s go I wanna get out of here” Satoru says while trying to rush you. “Okay okay just one second” picking up your tote as you follow swiftly behind him.

The light hits your eyes like a flash bang almost making you dizzy. “It feels like I got sent to heaven oh my god why is the light so bright”. Satoru laughs a bit before walking next to you on the sidewalk.

There’s a comfortable silence and just a few students walking around as well. You smell the morning air full of dew on the plants and it’s no longer cold due to the sun bathing it all in a warm glow.

Satoru ends up breaking the silence “wait you mind going with me to the library and helping me check out a book?”. “Sure what do you need help with?”. “All of it…”.

“You don’t know how?”. “How have you made it this far without checking anything out?”. He shrugs “putting it off I guess, but I’m finally being required to”.

You get to the library and the deep smell of books and pages fill your senses, it’s quiet but still there’s a low whisper of students from each table. You can see a few girls gossiping at one table they don’t even lift their heads when the door opens, at another table a girl sitting alone studying with headphones in, and at another there’s a group of frat guys.

Probably trying to cram for finals next week you tell yourself.

“Okay so what book is it?” you softly ask him. “Hmm not sure actually”. Your eyes go wide, “are you kidding?”. He grabs his phone and seems to be looking for something. “Chill outtt I have it somewhere here”.

You mentally roll your eyes. Once you two have found the book that matched the one on his phone. You showed him how to check it out. “thanks for that by the way”. He says whilst walking out with you. “mhm!”.

You spot a poster on the wall of the exit and go to check it out. It reads “Need volunteer work? Or just a calm afternoon? Crochet stuffed animals for a charity auction this Friday! All proceeds go to a children's hospital. Text 123-4567-8907 for details and help!”.

“Ooh this is cute I’m gonna text Nobara to ask if she wants to do this with me” you say while snapping a picture of the poster. “Hm? What is it”. “Oh that’s nice, for charity? Are you in a group where you need hours?”.

“Nah but it seems fun plus I get to help people '' you say still looking down at your phone. “That’s sweet.” Satoru gently smiles. “You’re sweet.. for helping out with that you know”. You look up to meet his gaze “o-oh thanks”.

“Well I have to get goin now, thanks again for the book.” “it was no problem.” You say while waving to him already walking off.

𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞: 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐟 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐚𝐡 𝐚 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟒𝐭𝐡?! 🇺🇸❤️

#jjk series #jjk satoru #jjk fanfic #gojo fanfic #satoru gojo x reader #gojo x reader #gojo satoru #gojo series #gojo x you #eventual smut #angst #spotify #lana del rey

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foundtherightwords · 3 months ago

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As the Sun Will Rise - Chapter 5

Pairing: Grunauer (Overlord) x OFC, Beauty & the Beast retelling

Summary: After losing most of his unit in a disastrous D-Day mission, Derwin Grunauer returns to his hometown near Miami, body riddled with scars and heart heavy with guilt, only to find his neighbors shunning him due to his German name. He retreats into his family mansion and remains there, unwilling to rejoin the living, until the day Alba Reyes turns up at his door with a basket full of warm bread. As the daughter of a Cuban immigrant, Alba knows something of being an outsider, and when she offers to work for Derwin as his housekeeper, it is not only to pay off her father's debt to the Grunauers, but also because she feels some connection to the reclusive young man. When that connection develops into something more, they must overcome both the town's prejudice and their own doubts to find happiness.

Chapter warnings: brief moment of violence

Chapter word count: 3.8k

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4

Chapter 5

I've ruined everything, Derwin thought as he walked down the trail running through the swamp, as fast as his legs allowed. And just when it had been going so well too. After his slip-up on Monday, he'd tried his best to make it up for Miss Reyes. Just because she wasn't going to stay for long didn't mean that she shouldn't feel welcome. The frangipani flowers, he admitted, were a bit much, but they weren't just for her—he liked them as well. They made the whole house smell nice. He simply hadn't noticed them before. Besides, he only gathered the ones that had fallen on the ground; it wasn't as if he went out of his way to pick them for her especially. And he didn't want her to think him completely useless either, which was why he'd been cleaning up his own dinner and even trying to finish some of her work for her.

It was also why he'd agreed to let her play music. He'd wanted to apologize after snapping at her about the study, even though he knew those familiar songs would bring back the bittersweet memories of his parents, of dark, stormy nights when the rain splattered against the window and the power was out. He would sit by the gramophone winding it up, letting the music drown out the sound of thunder and wind, while his parents danced with each other in the flickering flames of the fire or the candles. Sometimes his mother would pull him into the dance with them, but for the most part, he preferred to just sit and watch. They danced so well, his parents, and when they were dancing, it seemed the whole world ceased to exist for them, and there was nothing else but the two of them. Yet Derwin had never felt alone or neglected, watching them. He'd only wished one day he would find someone that looked at him the same way Mom had looked at Dad, that he would feel what his parents were feeling when they danced together.

Lost in those memories, his feet had carried him out of the study of their own volition, and before he knew it, he'd found himself standing at the living room door, watching Miss Reyes as she sang along to the music in her melodious voice, with a trace of Cuban accent: "Come to me, my melancholy baby. Cuddle up, and don't be blue. All your fears are foolish fancy, maybe. You know, dear, that I'm in love with you..."

It was as if she were talking to him. Perhaps his fears had been foolish fancy.

And that wonderful conversation about poetry too! It had been so long since Derwin had someone with whom to discuss books and things, and he hadn't realized how much he'd missed it. He'd only wished Miss Reyes had stayed a little longer so they could have continued talking, and he could have recited his favorite Schiller poem to her. He'd told himself there would be time for that later. With an initiative that surprised even himself, he'd drawn up a contract and called his bank, asking them to send over a new promissory note. He was going to present both to her today.

Then it had all come crashing down.

He'd heard Otto barking like crazy in the night, but he had been too tired and the trek downstairs was too daunting for him to get out of bed. It wasn't until the morning, when he saw the damaged insect mesh at the window, that he realized what had happened.

He should've explained to Miss Reyes. He should've told her the truth—or at least some of it. But he couldn't. How could he explain to her the numbing fear he'd felt at the sight of those graffiti, and the guilt, burning his guts like acid, fresh as if it had only been yesterday? And then, when Otto barked at the poisoned steak on the lawn, anger had surged up, scorching everything away—anger at the unfairness of it all, anger at his father for leaving him with this terrible legacy, anger at his own helplessness—and he had lashed out at the nearest target, which happened to be her.

A twinge had started in his leg not long after he left the drive, but Derwin ignored it and continued walking as the drive merged into the little raised path that wound through the swamp. For most of the wet season, this path would be underwater, but the rain was a little late this year, and the path remained relatively dry, so he pushed through the undergrowth and kept walking deeper and deeper into the swamp, only slowing down occasionally to swat away the clouds of mosquitoes and gnats that buzzed about his head. Soon, the twinge turned into an ache, then the ache turned into a throb, and still he walked on. He walked until his whole leg was screaming in protest, and sweat started pouring down his face, not from the heat but from the agony. Finally, he had to stop, collapsing on the trunk of a cypress that had fallen across the path.

He stretched his bad leg out in front of him, and pain shot through it from knee to hip. Instead of weakening him, the pain only fueled his rage, and he wished he could have hacked his whole leg off and tossed it away. Useless. Pathetic. He slammed his cane into the ground, again and again and again, scattering mud and grass in all directions, until his arm, too, was sore, and he slumped over in exhaustion. This, this was why he had to walk away from Miss Reyes. If he was so ready to fly into a rage with himself, then how could he trust himself to not lose his temper with her? The rumors were bad enough without him adding fuel to the fire. A part of him was always terrified that they were true in a way. Why else would people say these things about him and his father? Perhaps they had seen something in him that he couldn't see himself. Perhaps he really was dangerous.

He tried to tell himself that he didn't care what other people thought of him. And he didn't care, truly, or at least he'd believed so, until he met Miss Reyes. Now he realized that he still cared, quite a lot. For some reason, it mattered what she thought of him, and he couldn't bear to have her afraid of him.

No. This was the very thing he'd warned himself against on the first day. It would not do to depend on another person for his emotional well-being, to put his heart in another person's hands. People can hurt and disappoint and betray one another. No, he would rely on Miss Reyes, if at all, strictly for his physical well-being only. That would be the wise thing to do.

There was a rustle behind him, but he was too tired to turn around.

"Mr. Grunauer?" It Miss Reyes. She'd come after him. Hadn't he just told himself not to put his heart in her hands? So why did the stupid thing suddenly start beating hard and fast at the sound of her voice? "Are you OK?" she asked.

"Fine," he said gruffly to hide his fluster.

"Please come back," she begged. "I'm sorry for offending you. I'm nosy and I talk too much. I didn't mean anything... Look, I don't care what you did or didn't do, all right? You've been nothing but kind to me."

That was blatantly not true. She was probably just saying that because she was afraid he would call in the debt. He said nothing and continued to sit with his back to her, refusing to face her, like a sulking child.

"Please come back," she repeated, sounding despondent. "It's almost lunchtime."

Her reminder made Derwin aware of how hungry he was, not having had any breakfast. He reluctantly pushed himself up on his cane, arranging his face into a proper scowl lest she thought he'd relented too easily, and turned around. Miss Reyes was standing there, wringing her hands and looking contrite, her hair coming loose from her headscarf as was its wont. As she saw him stand up, a hesitant smile crept over her face.

Then Derwin's eyes fell on the trail behind her, and his stomach dropped.

"Miss Reyes," he said quietly. "Walk toward me very, very slowly. Don't make any sudden movement."

Her eyebrows came together in confusion. She glanced over her shoulder and soon realized what was frightening him.

Crawling onto the trail behind her was the terror of the Florida swamps—an alligator.

It was a big one, almost as big as the fallen cypress on which Derwin had been sitting, at least twelve feet long. Its blunt snout was slightly ajar to show off a mouth full of sharp yellow teeth, and its skin shone dully black in the mottled sunlight coming through the cypress canopy.

Miss Reyes turned back to Derwin, her face blanched. She did as she was told, covering the distance between them in short, jerky steps until he could reach out and pull her to him. Then she turned around again to keep an eye on the alligator, her back pressed into Derwin's chest. He caught a trace of her scent, something floral and subtle like frangipani blossoms, and underneath it was a sweeter note of vanilla that she must have picked up from the bakery. No. Concentrate. They were in a life-or-death situation; this was no time to lose his head over a girl's perfume.

The alligator was now lying fully on the trail, watching them with eyes black and flat like those of a porcelain doll, showing no sign of wanting to move. There was no way they could get around it to go home.

"Just stay still," Derwin whispered into Miss Reyes's ear. "It will probably get bored and move away soon."

As if to defy him, the alligator opened its jaws wider and started hissing at them.

"I don't think it will," Miss Reyes said shakily. "I think it means to attack. We have to fight it." Using her foot, she turned over a branch of the fallen cypress on the ground, testing it, before bending down to reach it. Derwin seized her arms to hold her back.

"Are you crazy?" he whispered. "We can't fight that!"

He tried to push her behind him, but she refused to budge. "We have to do something," she said. "It looks pretty pissed."

Derwin looked around, trying to think. They couldn't go into the swamp—that would be giving the alligator an advantage. They couldn't outrun it—there was nowhere to go, and anyway, he was too tired and his leg hurt too much for him to run. Miss Reyes was right. The only way to escape was to fight it.

"All right," he said, hefting his cane in his hand, trying to judge how much damage it could do. "I will try to hit it on the snout or in the eye, and while it's distracted, you run."

"I'm not leaving you!" she exclaimed, her hand grasping his. "What if you miss, or it—it knocks you down or something? You can't run!"

"Exactly. Between the two of us, you have a better chance to escape."

She turned her head to look at him. Their faces were now mere inches from each other, and in the dappled sunlight, Derwin could see into the very depth of those green eyes. Something in them made him catch his breath.

"So you're going to sacrifice yourself for me?" she asked.

Before he could answer, the alligator lunged at them, its massive jaws snapping. What happened next was a blur. Derwin was aware of Miss Reyes picking up the cypress branch and hitting the alligator with it. The branch glanced off the creature's head as if it had struck steel and bounced away, landing in the swamp with a splash. He swung his cane wildly. It connected with something, the force of the blow numbing his arm and sending the cane flying from his hand. Without the cane, he lost his balance and fell backward, and would've struck his head on the tree trunk if Miss Reyes hadn't caught him in time.

The alligator charged. Miss Reyes hit it again. The branch struck the alligator on the snout. It shook its head, dazed, and changed tactics. Instead of attacking head-on, it turned sideways, its huge tail lashing out like a whip, catching Derwin's right arm as he lay sprawled on the ground, raking across his skin. He heard a scream. Perhaps it was his own. The alligator, certain it had incapacitated the prey now, was turning toward them again, ready for another attack.

There was a short, sharp bark like a gunshot. And then came Otto, bounding down the trail, growling and yapping furiously.

The alligator turned to this new threat and snapped a warning at the dog. Miss Reyes cried out in fear. But Otto was unfazed. He charged at the alligator, sinking his teeth into its snout, drawing blood, before retreating again. The alligator chased after him. Before Derwin could stop her, Miss Reyes picked up his discarded cane and swung it at the alligator's head. The tip of the cane smashed into the alligator's eye. It recoiled. Trapped between Otto and Miss Reyes, it wavered, not knowing whether to focus on the dog or the woman. Otto came closer, his teeth bared, his usually gentle eyes sparking, while Miss Reyes yelled something in Spanish and lifted the cane over her head again. The noise alone seemed to be too much for the alligator, who decided neither was worth it. With a last parting hiss, it slid off the trail into the water and swam away, soon disappearing into the swamp.

***

It was an exhausted, bedraggled group—and in Derwin's case, bloody as well—that returned to the house. To be fair, Otto wasn't tired; if anything, he was full of energy, very pleased with himself for having saved his master from certain death. But he was as grubby as the rest of them, his paws and fur full of mud after trampling through the bushes and the swamp.

Miss Reyes didn't seem to mind that they were tracking dirt through the house she'd worked so hard to clean all week. She directed them into the kitchen, sat Derwin down, and busied herself with boiling some water and getting out the first-aid kit.

Derwin froze at the sight of the kit. He was quite sure he didn't have one in the house—it was too vivid a reminder of his own medic kit, of the war.

"Where did you get that?" he asked sullenly.

"Oh, I noticed that you didn't have one, so I bought it," she explained. Seeing his face, she paused, hesitant. "I'm sorry, was that wrong? I just thought—"

"No, no, it's fine." Derwin tried to relax his brow. It wasn't Miss Reye's fault. How was she to know that such an ordinary household item could root him to the spot and set his heart to hammering in his chest and make his hands shake uncontrollably? "I've actually been meaning to get one, but it's slipped my mind. Thank you." He wondered if she could see through the lie. He could barely buy food for himself; a first-aid kit would be the furthest thing from his mind. But if she was suspicious of his remark, she made no comment of it. She poured hot water into a bowl and sat down in front of him.

"Give me your arm," she said.

Derwin obliged. Three scratches ran across his forearm, where the alligator's tail had whipped him. They weren't deep, but their edges were ragged and dirty, splattered with mud. He'd hardly felt them at the time, caught up in a rush of adrenaline from the attack, but now the throbbing ache was coming on with a vengeance, making his arm tremble. Blood was still welling up through the scratches, and already the edges were reddening, a sure sign of infection. Quickly but carefully, Miss Reyes washed the scratches, first with warm water, then with rubbing alcohol. Derwin couldn't stop a hiss from escaping his lips at the sting.

"Sorry," Miss Reyes mumbled. "I'm not very good at this. At least it's good that you don't need stitches, because I'm even worse at sewing." She glanced at the scar on his hand—a ridge of burned flesh that ran across the back of his hand, almost fusing his last two fingers together—and quickly looked away again without another word.

"You're doing fine," he said, both to reassure her and to distract himself from the sting. "Actually, you're doing much better than I did when I was trained as a medic." He didn't know why he mentioned it. Perhaps to show Miss Reyes that he had nothing to hide. Perhaps to get himself used to talking about it, so that guilt would stop eating away at him every time he thought about the war. "I was so bad, I put the bandage on the wrong arm."

A corner of her mouth quirked up. "Why did they train you as a medic, if you were so terrible?" she asked.

"Because I wasn't good at anything else," he replied, unable to keep the bitterness out of his voice. He could still see himself as he'd been back then, a shy, weedy kid, just finishing his sophomore year at the University of Florida, with a head full of poetry and not much else. He had been reluctant to enlist, but he was ready to do his bit for his country. That naïveté had been eradicated soon enough when his fellow soldiers learned his parents were German. Their wariness had turned into open suspicion, and some had even refused to let him treat them.

Miss Reyes was putting some antiseptic ointment on the scratches. Her fingertips were rough from hard work, but her touch was gentle, and Derwin found he didn't mind the roughness. Once done, she wrapped his arm up. "There," she said, tying the bandage into a neat knot. "We'll take a look at it again tomorrow, but I think you should be fine." Her hand lingered over the bandage. "Thank you," she said quietly.

"For what?" he asked, just as quietly, not daring to move his arm for fear she would pull her hand away.

"For saving me."

"You wouldn't have been in danger if I hadn't run off like that," he said. "I'm sorry I called you stupid."

"It's OK. It was my fault for prying."

"No, you didn't do anything wrong. I was—" She looked at him expectantly, but he couldn't bring himself to say more. Not now. Not yet. "Besides, I didn't do much," he continued. "You were the one who hit that gator. And Otto too." He wished he hadn't mentioned Otto, because Miss Reyes immediately forgot everything else. She jumped up and ran over to the dog, who was lying nearby, and started rubbing his ears and kissing his nose, heedless of the mud.

"Oh yes. How could I forget?" she crooned. "Who's a hero, then? You are! You are!" If a dog could look smug, then that was exactly how Otto looked at that moment.

"I'm quite surprised at his display of bravado, actually," Derwin said drily. "In the three years I've had him, he's never raised his voice to bark at so much as a raccoon."

"Where did you get him?"

"In Portsmouth. England. I was at the hospital there for a while, and I found him wandering the streets. He was just a puppy then. Must have lost his owner in a doodlebug bombing." He bent down to scratch Otto's head as well. "It was a hell of a thing, bringing him back to the States and convincing people at Bay Pines to let him stay with me, but they saw a wounded vet with a puppy and nobody had the heart to turn us away."

She smiled at him. "That was very kind of you, taking him in like that."

"Well," he mumbled, looking away. "We both had no one, so it felt right that we stuck together."

Their hands brushed against each other, briefly, over Otto's head. She quickly drew back and got to her feet. "You must be starving," she said. "I'll make some sandwiches."

"Wait," Derwin said, standing up as well. "There's something I want to show you."

He went into the study, retrieved the paperwork that he had prepared the day before, and presented it to her. She drew the papers out of the envelope, looked at them, and looked up at him, not quite believing it. "So you accepted? You'll let me work for you to pay off the debt?"

"Yes. That's a new promissory note and a one-year contract for your service. If you could have your father sign the note, I'll have it notarized, and we're set."

A smile broke over her face then, almost startling in its brightness. "Oh thank you, Mr. Grunauer! Thank you!" she exclaimed, and made as if she were going to hug him, but stopped herself at the last moment, much to Derwin's disappointment.

She read over the note and the contract again. "Hang on," she said, frowning. "The contract says you're paying me forty dollars a week, but the promissory note says we're only paying you at a rate of thirty dollars a week. What—"

"Here." Derwin handed her another envelope, from which she withdrew a check for ten dollars. Her eyes gleamed in delight. "It's for you," he explained. "I figure you should keep something for yourself, for all the hard work you've done. I'm sorry it's not more."

"No. There's no need to apologize. You've been more than kind." She stared at the check in awe. "My first paycheck. I can't believe it."

"Don't you get paid at the bakery?" he asked, confused.

"Of course not. It's our family's bakery. You don't get paid for helping out." Her tone indicated that this was obvious, and Derwin found himself furious with Mr. Reyes.

"What are you going to do with it?" he asked, pointing at the check.

"Frame it?" She grinned. "No, I'll probably treat Papi and Beatriz and Frank to something. I wouldn't be able to do this if they didn't take over my responsibilities at the bakery."

Always thinking of others. Derwin wanted to tell her to spend it on herself, to do something for herself for once, but he didn't want to overstep. Now that the paperwork was in order and her employment was official, it was more vital than ever that he kept things between them strictly professional. Surely he could do that. He had to, for his own peace of mind and of heart.

Chapter 6

A/N: Here we have a twist on the sequence in "Beauty and the Beast" where Belle runs away and the Beast has to save her from the wolves. I thought it would be fun (and truer to these characters) if "the Beast" was the one that ran away instead and "Belle" was the one saving him. And it's Florida, so of course it had to be an alligator!

Taglist: @kitkat80

#joseph quinn #joseph quinn fic #grunauer #grunauer overlord #overlord 2018 #grunauer x ofc

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rastronomicals · 28 days ago

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5:02 AM EST November 26, 2024:

The Allman Brothers Band - "Stormy Monday (Live)" From the album At Fillmore East (July 1971)

Last song scrobbled from iTunes at Last.fm

The first great double live album.

#The Allman Brothers Band #At Fillmore East #Stormy Monday (Live)

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jazzandother-blog · 6 months ago

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Allman Brothers Band

Stormy Monday (Live At Fillmore East, March 13, 1971)

youtube

At Fillmore East by the Allman Brothers was recorded over two nights — March 12 and 13, 1971 — for which the band was paid $1,250 each show.

The Allman Brothers never intended to make their first live album, per se; they simply wanted to make their third overall album, and they recognized they were better onstage than in a controlled studio environment. Their self-titled 1969 debut, recorded five months after their first show, felt chastened, its straitlaced production and relatively short songs drawing the reins fast on a spirited young racehorse. Their second album, Idlewild South, worked to showcase a softer and more commercially viable side. Sure, it sounded good, but it also sounded dated upon arrival, a folk-rock reverie from a band that was best when it was wide-awake, very high, and very loud. “We get kind of frustrated doing the records,” Duane admitted at the start of the ’70s, noting that the stage was where they found their “natural fire.”

By Grayson Haver Currin / Pitchfork

#blues #blues rock #tabb #the allman brother band #Youtube

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aylacavebear · 11 months ago

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Stockroom Antics - Chapter 1

Maria had changed jobs numerous times over the last five years, more to keep herself safe than anything else. Her mother had told her she was a fairy but she thought it was just her mom being weird. Honestly, though, she had no other way of explaining what had happened to her that stormy day before she'd gone into a coma for two weeks.

Please don't take my work. I'll post warnings for each chapter. Will probably be 18+ I haven't decided yet!

Word Count: 1747

Pairing eventually Dean Winchester x OC

Warnings: Angst (mild)

A/N: This one's written a little differently than my last one. Let me know what you think. It's the first time I've tried this type of writing. Chapters will alternate viewpoints as well. I also looked into an actual area so this one could feel more realistic.

----------------------------------------- Stockroom Antics Chapter 1

You’d think being something supernatural you’d prefer to stay away from people, and live more of a solitary sort of life, but no. You like people, love laughter, and having a job with amazing coworkers brings you a sense of peace and happiness in your life.

One of your best friends at work is Sarah. She’s adorable, fun, and goofy, and you both make each other laugh all day at work while you unbox the truck shipment and get things on the hummers and into the bluebins, to get put out later.

She knows what you are, sort of. Although, not even you yet know the actual name of what you are. You haven’t found anyone you can really trust outside your immediate family to tell the whole truth to. Hell, you don’t need to scare anyone. Most people have no clue what’s really out there and you like keeping it that way. You’ve researched to find a name for what you are but so far, there isn’t a single thing that has your abilities/powers description.

As you’re out on the floor, getting out one of the hummers with the kitchen items on it, your mind wanders back. When did it start, you think to yourself, absentmindedly. Four years, five now. You’re not sure anymore. Technically you’re in your early forties but ever since it happened, you feel like you’re in your mid to late twenties again. It also seemed as though aging had practically stopped. Most things a forty-year-old body would go through, you haven’t been experiencing. Just the opposite, you truly feel as though you’ve been getting physically younger.

“Excuse me, do you work here?” A woman asks, pulling you from your thoughts, as she can’t see the nametag hanging around your neck with how you’re standing.

You turn to her with a friendly smile, “Yup, how can I help you?”

“I’m just looking for a pan I can cover the top of my stove with,” the woman attempted to explain.

Neither you nor the woman knew the exact name of that particular thing, but glancing down, you notice a rather large cookie sheet on the shelf on the endcap of the aisle you’re stocking, “This might work,” you tell her, picking it up.

The woman is impressed, looking it over, “How much is it?” she asks.

You flip it over and find the tag, “Nine dollars,” you let her know, “Not bad. This is really nice.”

“What about that price? Fifteen?” the woman asks.

“Oh, that is the price you’d find it for at another store. Our price is always on the bottom of the tag,” you reassure her.

The woman is very happy, letting you know that if it doesn’t work to cover her stove, she’ll be making cookies. Of course, this is when your lighthearted side comes out, “I’m here Monday through Friday, always in the afternoons,” you tell her, playfully.

She finds you adorable, smiling at your playfulness and the two of you spend almost three full minutes talking about cookies before she thanks you for your help. You know it will bring your times down that you have to run the hummer in, but to you, seeing a customer smiling and enjoying their visit to the store is what brings you the most joy at work.

You smile happily to yourself as the woman goes on about her shopping trip and you get back to running your hummer of kitchen items. It’s while you’re putting out some of the food that the mess of the section bothers you again. This is one thing you’re not responsible for, straightening the shelves up to make them look nice. You frown a bit, seeing that there is nowhere to put out the box of bagged oats. Checking around, and not seeing anyone nearby, you just think that there is room on the shelf, that it looks a little neater, and it happens in less than the blink of an eye.

What you didn’t notice was that you were being watched. A man, in his mid-thirties was standing near the women’s clothing racks, just watching you. He was fairly average, with short brown hair, and brown eyes, only about an inch taller than you, wearing jeans, a blue t-shirt, a hoodie, and sneakers.

You finished the kitchen hummer and then grabbed a toy one, making sure to write down your times on the sheet in the stockroom. The toy hummers were a little different. They had toys, pets, and craft supplies. Being a kid at heart, as well as loving anything stationary, you loved running these hummers. As you were putting out some of the dog toys, you heard the sound of one of the bluebins heading in your direction. It was like the hummers but those bluebins were for women's, men's, and children's items specifically.

Sarah was soon standing at the end of the pet aisle, phone up and recording, a playful smile on her lips, “Aaaannd, you’re fired,” she tried to say seriously.

You pretend to look upset and sad, then toss your arms up with playfulness, “Party at my house!”

The two of you laugh as she saves the video, only to post it online later, your Stockroom Antics tag included. The man who had been watching you earlier continues to do so. Every aisle seems to be a bit of a mess today, so again, you think about it looking a little nicer. Only a little though, you don’t need to draw unwanted attention to yourself from your boss if they watch the cameras.

Ten minutes before your shift ends, Sarah comes back up to you, “Code 99 me?” she asks, and you smirk.

“Oh, so if I don’t, that means you’re stuck here,” you chuckle.

“Not cool,” she replies, playfully, “Should I go find someone else?” she raises an eyebrow.

“Na, I’ll let you out,” you laugh a little.

The two of you walk to the front of the store, in front of the doors so that you’re both on camera. Sarah opens her bag, and you peek in, “Looks good. See you tomorrow?” you tell her.

“Yup. See ya,” she replies before leaving.

You smile a bit and head to the stockroom. There’s always some cleanup that needs to be done and you enjoy doing those little things that there never seems to be time for others to do. The man continues to watch you, and you still haven’t noticed him, not really anyway. You’d seen him, yes, but to you, he’s just another customer.

The backroom isn’t bad, not today. The girl is working on tagging the shoes with the alarms while a couple of other girls are in the clothing pods tagging clothes and getting them on racks to go out either later on or the following morning. You get some sweeping done, straighten up the bluebins and hummers, then bid them all farewell for the evening. Just as you reach the register to clock out, your ‘end of shift’ alarm goes off.

“Thank you phone,” you say out loud, pulling it out of your back pocket, and then turn it off. Smiling and shaking your head a little.

“See you guys tomorrow,” you tell the two cashiers as you punch out.

They smile and say goodbye as you head for the door. Since you don’t carry a purse, there’s no need to have a code 99 before you leave. The air is a little crisp, it being the beginning of January in Southern Arizona and you put the hood of your hoodie over your head. It’s been a cold few weeks, although this week has been the worst with the rain. For three days now the low in the mornings has been in the upper twenties and the days barely over fifty. That’s cold for where you live but it happens every so many years.

As you’re walking toward your truck, which you love with all your heart, the man from earlier is following you still. The chill doesn’t seem to be bothering him at all. For now, you believe he’s still just a customer, not paying him much attention. The wind blows just right, from behind you, and all you can smell is sulfur, and a chill runs down your back. You take a deep breath though, calming your nerves. You should have known that picking a job across the street from where you had previously worked wasn’t the best of ideas.

You stayed calm as you walked to your truck. She was quite the beast of a truck. A 91’ F350 XLT Lariat, crew cab, long bed, with a two-inch lift, 1500 lb leaf springs, and 4-wheel drive. You hadn’t saved up enough to have her fixed up like you wanted but you loved her dearly. As you rounded the hood, the man pushed you against your truck, right in front of the tire.

“Found you,” he said in a low, pleased tone, smiling devilishly, “The boss is gonna be pleased.”

Without thinking you put your hand on his chest and the black smoke of the demon's soul began expelling out of his mouth, toward the ground. This wasn’t the first time you’d had to deal with demons and you knew it wouldn’t be the last. The demon looked at you through the man’s eyes, almost in terror but more in shock at what you were doing. He apparently didn’t get the memo of what had happened to the last demon that had gotten too close to you. A smirk crossed your lips as the demon's soul left the man’s body, went into the ground, back to hell where it belonged.

With the demon now gone, the man was unconscious. You sighed before carefully dragging him over to the closest tree in the parking lot, which you had parked near, and propped him against it. At least he was still alive. Most demons rode whoever they possessed hard, usually killing them in the process. He’ll wake later, you told yourself before heading home.

That night you thought long and hard about whether or not to go back to work the following day. You knew the demon would tell his boss, whom you’d never met, just heard about. That’s when you sat up a little straighter on your couch, a determination in your eyes.

“I’m not letting demons run me out of a job I love,” you said confidently.

----------------------------------------- Chapter 2

A/N: If you'd like to be tagged in this one, and future chapters, leave me a comment and let me know. :)

Link to the series Master List

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