#Yellow Spring Road
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rrrick · 1 year ago
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batmanbeyondrocks · 2 years ago
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Credit: Destination ✈︎ Travel ✈︎ Hotels@destination
Music Factory•Mary On A Cross (Speed Up) (Remix)
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orofeaiel · 28 days ago
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Road lined with Scotch Broom
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ecoharbor · 2 years ago
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dimalink · 1 year ago
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I dream about a leaves like autumn. Or about something close. And it is almost in summer, it happened. In a last day of May, I was walking the city. And I see a thing, I want. Yellow leaves, such a little yellow leaves at the asphalt. I dream a long time about such photos. It is awesome, that such close to autumn fragment, it was found in very end of spring.
Stairs is rather big. And it leads somewhere forward. It is there, by the way, a little forest. With lots of trees. There are singing birds there. So, it is a stairs portal. In a new location. Out of the city. In the little forest. Stairs is rather long. And by corners there are leaves there. So, it is such a place.
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shutterandsentence · 1 year ago
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"Blessed are those who have not seen and yet still believed."
--John 20:29
Photo: Asheville, North Carolina
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aquamarine-dream-queen · 3 months ago
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Spring Break in Oz Day 3: Yellow Brick Road
Just follow the Yellow Brick Road, bring some friends and you'll be at the Emerald City in no time!
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thepaperbagqueen · 3 months ago
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You only have to follow the yellow road 🟡💛✨💫
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adventurealldays · 2 years ago
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ashtontheroad · 1 year ago
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SMELL THE SPRING
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ashtonfei · 1 year ago
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THE SPRING
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hedgehog-moss · 2 months ago
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The cherry tree I planted in front of the greenhouse blossomed for the first time this spring! A round of applause!
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The wind always blows from the valley so I planted this tree strategically so that in spring a delicious smell would be delivered in my living-room through the windows, and around the outdoor table where I work, and it worked :) I estimate that it improved my quality of life by 11%. A light spring breeze carrying a cherry blossom smell is the kind of thing that stops me in my tracks ten times a day and makes me close my eyes and take a deep breath and think oh, life is good.
More tree updates: I talked in this post from 2021, then this one from 2022, about how I hoped to plant a 'fruit tree path' in the woods behind my house—this project is still ongoing and, well, hasn't borne fruit yet, but has finally blossomed. My Fruit Alley now boasts 10 trees, and looks like—what it is, a small opening in the woods that I have to deploy heroic and sustained efforts to keep open, because the woods try to reclaim it year after year, patiently, like a slow green tide.
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The white thing in the middle is one of the tarps I've been using to smother brambles, I move them every few weeks and it works pretty well. I also use cardboard, but in the spring it's hard to keep up with the sheer rate of growth everywhere. Of course the main enemy is the army of broom that you can see in the distance, all yellow and cheerful-looking at the moment. I mostly fight them in the winter, every year I manage to push them back a few metres...
Here's a photo where you can better see some of the trees :
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In total I have planted 2 apple trees, 1 quince tree, 1 mirabelle plum, 3 red plums, 1 nectarine tree, 3 cherry trees. I'm really glad that all of them survived, as I was a bit worried about damage from deer or boars. I did lose 2 chestnut trees that were destroyed so savagely I have to assume it's wild boars, but I had planted them much farther away in the woods and I won't make this mistake again. I now have two new baby chestnuts and I planted them near the greenhouse (downhill):
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I think I'd never seen nectarine flowers before, they look exotic! I also discovered this year what quince flowers look like:
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The only tree that didn't bloom was the smallest apple tree, and honestly that's her fault because for some reason she decided to make tender new green leaves in the middle of winter, so she pretty much exhausted herself for nothing. And you can't blame climate change and seasons being weird for this, because it was a cold and snowy week and no other nearby fruit trees were making any leaves. The confused apple tree is a New Zealand cultivar, so I suppose you could argue she thinks she's still in New Zealand, except she's never been to New Zealand in her life, she was born and raised in France, she doesn't know New Zealand exists. The only possible explanation is, I suppose, a deep-rooted yearning for their ancestral homeland among New Zealand apple trees.
I was a bit concerned when this tree then failed to produce any leaves in the spring, I worried she might be hopelessly hemispherically-challenged, but then I went back to check two weeks later and she was finally green! In a seasonally-appropriate way!
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Other trees I've planted, not in the fruit tree path: a persimmon, but it died very quickly :( I will try again; a goji berry shrub, which has been here for two years and seems to be doing well, but so far no sign of berries; and in front of my house, an amelanchier (un arbre dont ma mère n'arrive jamais à se rappeler le nom et qu'elle persiste à appeler "le mélenchon"):
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Finally, my last piece of important tree-related news is that I had the hazel tree near my house removed this winter:
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I asked the guy who was working on the road nearby with an excavator digging a drainage trench if he could do it, and it took all of 10 minutes, like picking a flower, it was impressive!
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And the reason I wanted to remove it is that there are hundreds of hazel trees in my woods and I wanted something different in this spot by the house. Unfortunately for this deserving hazel, it just wasn't special enough.
So I planted a tiny ginkgo :) And now I just have to be extremely patient as I wait for everyone to grow.
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heyimkana · 2 months ago
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I HAVE COME UP WITH AN ASK!
Ahem- so husband jin-woo and reader goes out on a date (before they have any kids). Reader loves cats so whenever she sees a cat, she runs after it and coos at it.
At some point, jin-woo would say "I'm not scared of her cheating on me, I'm worried about her running after a cat and never coming back home again" (cause reader sucks at directions- totally not talking bout myself who got lost multiple times)
WAIT JULIET THAT'S SO CUTE AAAA LISTEN I HAVE A SCENE
okay another drabble for Husband Jinwoo from Pillow Talk
So, this happened a while back when you were still engaged, like maybe a few months before you got married. Jinwoo took you to Japan for a nice little unplanned trip. It was at the beginning of spring, the sakura trees were blooming, and sure, they had those in Korea too but they just hit differently in Japan.
You enjoyed the scenery together, walking down a street lined with sakura trees. Jinwoo walked a couple of steps behind you just so he could revel in the sight of you looking so gorgeous with your hair swaying in the wind and cherry blossom petals fluttering around you. Whenever you turned around to toss a smile over your shoulder, he felt like he was falling for you all over again. He took a few secret pictures of you without you knowing and he used it as his wallpaper whenever he was away on a long mission (he's embarrassing).
Anyway, that day, as the two of you strolled down this beautiful road, Jinwoo spotted a food stall that sold your favorite dessert. He wanted to make it a surprise so he told you to sit on a bench and wait for him as he went to buy you some. You nodded and watched him leave.
You got distracted, however, when a black cat appeared before you. Instead of having yellow eyes, this one had blue eyes and it was so rare and it looked so pretty, you couldn't help but follow it with your gaze. You thought the cat looked like Jinwoo in a way, especially the way it just stared at you, kind of coldly at first, but then it circled your leg, rubbing its fur on your skin, purring. Yes, it was definitely the cat version of him.
You wanted to pet it and held onto it until Jinwoo returned so you could show it to him. And at first, the cat curled up on your lap but after hearing something, its ears perked up curiously and it jumped off your thighs. You followed it before you realized what you were doing. You thought you wouldn't stray too far.
As the cat began to walk faster with its little feet, you started to pick up the pace too. "Hey, wait!" The cat wasn't stopping. If anything, it ran faster, taking turns here and there and by the time you looked back, you realized you had no idea how to return to the street you were in before. You got separated from him all because you were busy chasing down a cat. Again.
To your horror, that damn cat was about to cross a road filled with passing cars. Without thinking, you reached out to stop it, managing to scoop it up in your arms but you lost your balance while doing so and you toppled forward. You were about to land face-first on the ground. A passing car was about to hit you, and with how fast it was going, it could've been fatal if you weren't suddenly pulled back by two strong hands.
The next time you blinked your eyes open, you were back in Jinwoo's embrace. Half of his body was still enveloped by these familiar misty black tendrils, meaning that he just used shadow exchange to swap position with the shadow he placed on you to save you just in time.
"J-Jinwoo—" Your heart was racing. You wanted to apologize for running off without telling him, but he wasn't looking down at you. He kept his gaze on the car that almost ran you over before. It had stopped abruptly because of you and the driver stepped out, cussing at you furiously in a language you didn't understand. You could tell what his message was, though. He was definitely calling you an idiot.
The man stopped, however, when he saw the way Jinwoo was looking at him. Your fiancee didn't say anything, didn't move a muscle, but he managed to drain all colors from the man's face by his presence alone. The driver bowed his head in apology several times before he ran back to his car and drove away.
Only then did Jinwoo finally look at you, his gaze heavy on your face and he was silent.
You swallowed. Jinwoo rarely got angry. If anything, he'd never gotten angry with you before, not like this. Even the black cat was beginning to whimper softly in your arms, terrified of him. It jumped away from your hold once more, but this time, you let it go.
"I'm... I'm sorry, Jin—"
"Don't be sorry if you're just going to repeat it again. I don't want your apology. I want you to be better."
It struck you how cold he sounded and needless to say, it ruined all the pleasant, romantic atmosphere that shrouded you before. Jinwoo stood tall, towering above you, watching you lose your words with anger, disappointment, and relief all swirling into one in his eyes. Without saying another line, he handed you a box of the dessert he just bought—a couple of slices of your favorite cheesecake, topped with whipped cream—and he wrapped his fingers around your wrist, dragging you back to the hotel.
Jinwoo was quiet, and the silence between you was deafening. He didn't mean to give you a silent treatment, it was just... He was trying to calm himself down first before he said anything, not wanting to hurt you with his tone or the words he didn't mean to say. He stood under the warm shower mulling to himself, thinking how easily he could've lost you back then if he had been a second too late.
When you saw him walking out of the bathroom dressed in jeans and a black shirt, ready to get dinner with you, you couldn't bear it any longer. With an uneasy heart, you hugged him from behind, your arms winding around his waist. "I'm sorry... I was an idiot. Please don't be mad at me, I can't stand it."
Honestly, he was the same, but how many times had it happened already? Why wouldn't you learn your lesson? He didn't turn around to face you just yet, but he caressed your hand. "You can't keep doing this to me, Angel. Do you know how worried I was when I returned to the bench and I didn't see you there? Thank God, I put a shadow on you but what if I didn't?"
"I'm sorry..."
"You could've been killed."
"I know." Your voice grew quieter and quieter, heavy with guilt.
Jinwoo sighed, finally turning around to face you. He gathered your face in his hands, his thumb stroking your cheek, his voice barely above a whisper. "I can't lose you, all right? I don't know what I'd do without you."
You softly smiled, angling your face slightly to press a soothing kiss on his palm. "I don't know what I'd do without you, too. So don't give me the cold shoulder, okay? I'm gonna cry if you keep doing it."
He rolls his eyes at your pouty lips despite enjoying your cute act. "Maybe you should. I'm still angry, you know. Seeing you cry will probably melt my heart a little." His lips curve into a smirk, his fingers slightly pinching your cheek. "You look the prettiest when you're like that, after all."
"I'm starting to think you're a bit of a sadist."
"Never said I wasn't." As his smirk widened, Jinwoo hauled your body over his shoulder, stealing a yelp out of you. He tossed you down to the bed, spreading your legs and settling himself in between. "You know what men like me do to a disobedient little girl like you?" he asked as he pulled his black shirt over his head, the muscles in his abdomen rippled with his movement.
You gulped, your body tensing as you felt his hand pushing up your dress, his mouth placed hot and wet on every inch of skin he exposed. "W-we get... punished?"
"Usually, yes," he said, his voice so pleasantly deep and husky by the time he reached your ear. "You've been very naughty today but I still feel like treating my princess tonight. We're on a vacation right now, aren't we? We should make the best of it while it lasts." He licked a stripe up your neck, tasting your skin. "I was planning to take you out to a nice dinner, but..." He stopped, glancing at the nightstand.
You followed his gaze, your eyes landing on a plate filled with the cheesecake he'd bought you before. It was still fresh and untouched as you didn't feel like eating it before, not with the mood you were in back then. You returned your gaze to him, seeing him smile down at you, mischief shimmering in his eyes.
He reached out, coating his two fingers thickly with whipped cream. "How about we start with some dessert, Sweetheart?" Jinwoo asked as he smeared the cream over your lips. Your eyes widened, your breath caught in your throat as he leaned down and swiped his tongue across your lips. His kiss, the slow, delicate glide of his tongue, his low, soft moan, everything was so sensual, it caused your stomach to somersault in response.
He pulled away, his tongue running over his own bottom lip as he relished the aftertaste. His gaze was still fixated on your mouth, hazy with lust. There was a gleam in his eyes, one that said he'd be proud if you obeyed his command.
He scooped another bit of cream, his voice turning more dominant and possessive when he said—
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theninthdoor · 2 months ago
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݁˖⚘‧˚ pac || yes or no + short message/clarification ࣪˚࿔
🌷 think of a question you need a Yes/No answer for, take 3 deep breaths, ground yourself, and then pick one of the 8 options below. this PAC should give you a general idea of what the energy surrounding this matter is + what Spirit wants you to know and/or suggest you to do about it. 🌷 take only what resonates and leave the rest! if you feel like the pile you’ve initially picked doesn’t really apply or resonate with you, then don't force it. just really try to use your intuition + your discernment. and you can also, of course, pick more than one pile. 🌷 remember that this is all for entertainment purposes and that free will still exists. don’t feel pressured to do anything you don’t want to or to make a pile/answer fit you situation, alright? 🌷 enjoy, my friends!
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Pile 1 || ✧
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cards: ace of pentacles, king of swords, Time for a Nap
Your answer, dear Pile 1, is Yes! This might require some more work going forward, and things might not be or go exactly as you have envisioned them up until this point, but the outcome should still be very positive! At the bottom of the deck we have the Eight of Pentacles and the Four of Wands, too, which suggest that your efforts will be rewarded (now or later), for sure, as long as you stay committed to whatever it is that you have in mind. New communication or clarity regarding this matter might be coming towards you soon, as well, so I would be on the lookout for that! At last, Spirit is saying that it's alright for you to relax now. Don't rush; don't fret; don't doubt. Things will work out for the best, as you will surely see. You're going in the right direction (action-wise, thought-wise, or both).
extra messages - don't have to apply; serves as extra confirmation: Cat- names; C- names. Cambridge. UK. Harvard. Planning for college. Light brown hair. Green hair. Tan skin. Howard. H- names. Blue manicure. Red manicure. Ice. Snow. New books. Missing deadlines. Tabi shoes. Blue pajamas. Elf. Elv-. Long essays. Yellow flowers. Craving donuts or croissants. Bears.
Pile 2 || ✧
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cards: ace of swords rx, seven of wands rx, Breathe rx
This seems like a No, dear Pile 2… Something about it is making me feel like your/someone's time has passed or other things have now gotten in the way of this, so the road is blocked. We have the Ten of Cups at the bottom of the deck, though, which, to me, is a sign that even if No is not what you were expecting to hear, it will still prove itself to be the best answer you could get. The future holds clarity and resolve. It's not so much that you're being denied whatever it is that you have in mind; it's more so like you're being redirected towards something better altogether. And, I think, the long-run is what you should be thinking of, not the past or the present.
extra messages - don't have to apply; serves as extra confirmation: Burgundy hair. Ginger hair. Ginger cat. Ginger. Spices. A new baby in the family. Younger brother. Losing or breaking an umbrella. Iris. Inez. Ingrid. Slovenia. Slovakia. Sweden. Norway. Royalty. S- names. Monet. Painting. Studying art. A- names. Y- names. Red brick.
Pile 3 || ✧
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cards: knight of wands rx, nine of wands, Go The Distance
No for now; More likely in the future. - That is what I heard here. The timing isn't quite right for it to happen or for you to make a decision. Something tells me, too, that if the answer were to be Yes, you'd soon find out that it should've been a No instead. If this were to come to you right now, that is, it's likely that you wouldn't be happy about it, even if you think you would. Now, if you're asking about someone else, I feel like there's some sort of pause there. I see no activity; just silence and/or distraction - like the other person is looking away from this. So, basically: Now is not the time. That is our take away from this.
extra messages - don't have to apply; serves as extra confirmation: Elephant. E- names. Flowers. Garden. Spring allergies. Allergic reactions. Arguments with the mother. Light-colored hair. Throwing a lot of old stuff away, or wanting to. Planning for a tattoo. Saving money. Drawings of trees. Biology. Botany. Lakes. L- names. Lily. Leon-. Land-. Pisces placements. Elev-. Eleventh grade.
Pile 4 || ✧
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cards: temperance, the high priestess, Why?
Your answer is Yes. There is some complexity to this issue, though, as the cards are suggesting a need to seek more information. Not only do I think you might need to reflect, by yourself, a little bit about this, but it may also be a case of you needing to talk to others and/or do some research about whatever it is that you're asking about here. If I were to put this energy into a sentence, it would be "Keep moving in this direction, yes, yet cautiously and slowly."; so, even if the answer is positive, you still need to be careful, in order to avoid mistakes and/or misunderstandings. The future just isn't as clear as the present, it seems.
extra messages - don't have to apply; serves as extra confirmation: Listening to Taylor Swift or reading articles about her. Red lipstick. Red manicure. Working at a beauty store. Hairdresser. Fish. Sushi. Fishing. Fire placements; Aries placements, in particular. Andrew. Andre-. Baby blue. Painting walls. Wallpaper. Buying decor or home appliances. The countryside. Get-together with friends. Date night. Plastic surgery. Dolls. Iv-. Hiv-. V- names. Vanya/Vania. W- names.
Pile 5 || ✧
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cards: knight of cups, six of wands rx, Chaos and Conflict
Alright… this one is a solid Maybe. There are many pros and cons; many points in favor and many others against. Overall, there are a lot of conflicting energies at play here. If this involves other people, then your energy is not aligned with theirs, so whatever you want and/or expect doesn't reflect their current standing. You're not seeing eye to eye, and you, yourself, don't seem to be seeing things clearly. Within you, too, I think there's a lot of confusion surrounding this situation. You're just being misguided, somehow, either by your mind or your heart. Either way, though, I don't think this is anything too serious or final, and you should, eventually, find your way to the truth. If you asking about a decision you've been pondering on, then the answer is: Wait. As I said before, you are mistaken, somewhere or somehow. This direction you're going in might not be completely wrong - or else the answer would've been a No, I suppose -, but something about this isn't quite right.
extra messages - don't have to apply; serves as extra confirmation: On and off relationships. Friendships ending. Betrayals. Starting new TV shows. Binge watching shows or movies. Film class. Critical essays. Bad grades. Red or orange clothing. New dresses or skirts. Cottage core. A very old pet. Grey fur. G- names. Phillipe/a. Fil-. Trish. T- names. Treasure. S- names.Tr-. Spain. Argentina.
Pile 6 || ✧
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cards: death, ace of cups rx, Come To The Edge
Before I even pulled the cards here I heard "your friends are not being helpful" - yet I feel like the message might also apply to acquaintances, coworkers, etc., or anyone or anything you have been relying on a lot as of late, really. I feel you being pushed and pulled; being made to run in circles. Whenever you're close to your goal and/or to the truth, something else or someone else distracts you, and then you're back to the beginning. There's an element of immaturity and carelessness here, both coming from you and from around you, so I would, for sure, keep an eye out for that, too. Besides that, I also feel like you're only seeing what you want to see. There is much more to it, yet you're allowing yourself to be deceived and misled.
So, here, the answer here is not really a Yes, nor it is a No. I think the question, itself, is either pointless or misconstrued, so what you ought to do is take a step back and make sure you're using reason and being realistic. After you do so, then, I believe, you might find the right questions to ask (or realize you shouldn't be bothering with this matter at all).
extra messages - don't have to apply; serves as extra confirmation: Going from PAC to PAC. Angel numbers. Social media lurking. Gossip. Frustration. Libra placements. Sagittarius placements. A- names. D- names. Lace. L-names. M- names. Bows. Coquette. Sis-. Sib-. Vancouver. Sol-. Son-. Kark-. Asia. Indonesia. Philippines. Northeast. Tornado. Mel-. Grains. Pink phone case. Yellow phone case. Small tattoos.
Pile 7 || ✧
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cards: the sun, seven of pentacles, Come To The Edge reversed
This feels like a soft Yes, but a Yes nonetheless! I think things are moving in the right direction, as it is, so even if this isn't a clear Yes as of yet, it is likely to become one pretty soon. And, whatever it is that you're seeking, I believe, is likely to either come to you or become available in the near future; so this is like the energy is building up to it or maturing. - and 'Maturing', I think, is really the keyword here, and what you need to reflect upon! You also need to keep moving and to keep bringing positive energy into your life; stagnancy won't do it. Patience is also needed, as well as respect for Divine timing. If there are other people involved here, I feel positive in regard to that/them, too. Everything seems pretty nice, overall, and optimistic.
extra messages - don't have to apply; serves as extra confirmation: Jo- names. Jasper. Buying crystals. Setting up an altar. Al-. Morocco. North Africa. Egypt. Family traditions. The sun. Sisters. Stars. Ancestors. Ancestor work. Baby names. Mother figure. Long dresses/skirts. Wedding. F- names. P- names. K- names. Kan-. Can-. Vials. Ven-. Bracelets. Virgo placements. Capricorn placements. New romantic interest or relationship.
Pile 8 || ✧
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cards: eight of wands rx, king of pentacles, Treasure Island
This is not yet a Yes, but might be on it's way to becoming one! It isn't a No, though. It's just kind of a 'meh'… not even a 'maybe'. There's resistance here. Doubts. Questions. Lack of clarity, all around. I think what you are needing right now is time, first and foremost, dear Pile 8. You need time to think; time to make up your mind about some important things; giving others time, too. Instead of focusing too much on what you're inquiring about here and over-saturating your mind and/or the situation, take a break instead. Relax; do some self-care. You need to look at this matter with fresh eyes from now on, or you might miss the most important cues. Because, overall, the energy is positive, yes, but it could still turn into something less favorable if you push it too much or act on impulse rather than reason.
extra messages - don't have to apply; serves as extra confirmation: I accidentally wrote Pile G instead of Pile 8 for whatever reason, so the letter G might be very significant here. Also, you might find some extra messages in Pile 7, as I am feeling like the two are somehow connected. Grandmother's house. Tile floors. Italy. Sweeping leaves off the floor. Gardening. Cats. Baby pets. Vind-. Motorcycles. Old bus. Something inherited from the grandfather or father. Gold jewelry. Fol-. Jewelry on the right hand/arm. -in. 28. 8. 88. 33.
decks used || The Original Rider Waite + Wisdom of The Oracle
(Disclaimer: Based on current energies. All is alleged and for entertainment purposes only. None of the original images are my own - only the edits!)
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c0tt0ncandi · 2 days ago
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💜 A Sunday Kinda Love.💜
Hey y'all!! So Sinners has temporarily pulled me out of retirement. Forgive my writing I'm a little rusty.
Parings: Stack x OC feat. Smoke x Annie.
Word count: A Lot. 😭
Warning: Just a 🤏🏽 Mary shade, protective Smoke, and Annie being perfect per usual. Pretty fluffy. It's a pretty long one shot so I'd grab a blanket and something to snack on.
A/N: I wrote and edited this on my phone so PLEASE forgive any mistakes or weird spacing. Please don't steal my picture or story. I worked really hard on this and I hope you guys love it. 🫶🏽 I'm really sensitive y'all so be kind. Please?! 🙏🏽😭
Summary: Stack is looking for love, but can he find what his brother has? The women he's interested in just aren't cutting it and he's not sure if "sweet" is quite what he's looking for yet. Or is it?
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Lena walked home from the market in her yellow dress and two braids laid against her scalp on a breezey April day. Spring was her favorite time of year. She loved being outside and leaving her windows open while she read her favorite books or napped. Others called her crazy for leaving her windows opened, but the breeze flowing in between her curtains was relaxing and kept her cool. Besides Lena's place was protected by her friend Annie's magic. She sometimes traded her pastries for protection. That's all Lena really wanted. No money spells and no love spells. Nothing more than protection and safety for her and her home.
It was just Lena so it wasn't that smart to leave the windows opened, but as of now she was safe living alone with nobody, but her, Annie's protection, and her baseball bat.
Lena took a seat at an empty park bench in front of a pond and put her bags down next to her. She had two chapters left in the book and she just had to finish it. The walk home was probably seven minutes away from the park and twenty from the market, but she didn't mind taking a quick reading break today.
"Aye one of these days someone is going to rock your shit and I can't help you. Stack your mouth is going to get you in trouble and so is fucking married women!" Smoke hollard at his brother as he furiously drove to his and Annie's house. His brother was definitely a ladies man, but he took it too far. A good woman was hard to find so taking one from a man that went in front of the congregation and said I do is a death sentence in his eyes. If anyone even stepped to Annie or attempted to talk to his wife he had no qualms of shooting him right then and there. He's done it before and he'll do it again.
Stack sucked his teeth as he brushed his brother off. "Ain't no nigga steppin' to me about shit. Especially not about his bitch."
His brother shot a look at him before focusing back on the road. "Keep calling them bitches especially field bitches and imma knock yo ass out myself. Our mama was a black woman in the field too so you disrespect them you disrespecting her. Another thing if they bitches why you keep fucking them and riskin' your life for some already owned pussy?"
"You preachin' this bullshit to me while you got someone to lay in bed with. Spend your nights and mornins with, cook for you, suck your dick, and live happily ever after with! What do I got, huh?!"
"Nigga I should bust you upside yo' head. You look for sex not a relationship! You look for temporary not forever. You look for those loose girls that want what you want and get mad when they get you before you can get them! I'm surprised yo dick ain't burning right now."
"Well my bad brother. Not everyone can find their forever at 15." Stack sucked his teeth as he looked at his surroundings passing by.
"Every fuckin' excuse in the mother fuckin' book."
Silence rang louder than the engine on their way home.
"I want you to find your own Annie. Not that white skinned broad either. Fucking with her will get yo black ass lynched. They don't give a fuck that she's got that one drop of nigger. She looks like them and she lives like them."
Stack shook his head. "She don't know the word no. Plus her ass can't cook. She turned her nose up to collard greens and measured her sugar for sweet tea."
They both broke the tension with a shared laugh.
Lena had finished her book and it was the perfect ending. The guy got the girl and they lived a happy life after. It was everything she wanted and more. Lena walked home with a smile and a new tune playing in her heart. She couldn't wait to get home and put some music on while she soaked in the bathtub.
As she was walking home a red Model T came zooming past her. Now Lena was a sturdy girl, but they almost knocked her over with the speed they were going. Lena collected her balance and continued walking home.
Stack's head flew back to the thick brown skinned woman in yellow walking by. He wanted Smoke to stop the car, but his brother had just lectured him about woman so he kept his mouth shut. Hopefully he would run into her when he was by himself. She was mighty fine and plenty thick and he didn't want Smoke to blow it for him.
Lena woke up to the sound of birds chirping, her fan slowly blowing, and car horns going off miles away. She stretched out her arms and sat up as she expressed her gratitude for waking up today. Hopeful for a good day Lena got up and headed to the restroom to start her day.
Stack rolled his eye and squeezed the pillow over his ears. No breakfast, no talking, no good morning just Annie's moans and a squeaky headboard. He was happy for his brother, but damn. Every morning? He wanted his own Annie. She was his brother's world. It would sometimes dawn on him that she was his other half. Sure sometimes it made him jealous because as a twin that should've his role, but that was the point of finding your soulmate and partner, right?
He got himself ready for the morning. As he was leaving the bathroom a glowing Annie walked out in a robe with his brother following behind her. He on the other hand looked like she gave him the ride of his life. Tank top was slightly ripped, lips swollen, and a bit of a limp.
Stack wanted to be jealous and mad about it, but he couldn't do anything but laugh. "She to' yo ass up!" His head dropped back with laughter as Annie tucked her head away into Elijah's neck.
Elijah wrapped his arms around his wife and shrugged with a small smile. "Worked me up an appetite. I'm starvin." He groaned into her ear before placing a slap to her ass.
Stack walked into the kitchen and shook his head. "Y'all real annoyin'."
Lena had her hair out. She noticed the aftermath of taking the braids out caused cute chunky curls to frame her face. She slipped her earrings in and put on her white sneakers. She had thrifted a cute red and white polka dotted dress that stopped above her ankles, an anklet that she made with old earrings and cute trinkets sat on her ankle. She threw on a little lipstick and rubbed her body down with some butters that she made herself. Lena grabbed her satchel, keys, and a new book that she started on last night and she headed out the door.
Lena needed to grab a few things from Grace and to return a book today to the library. Just a walk a few minutes shy of twenty minutes.
"Hey Lena!" The older gentleman a few minutes from her house greeted as he took his hat off to address the young woman. "I have some extra apples from my tree. Do you mind cooking me up a pie? I got whatever ingredients you needen to make it."
"No problem, Mr. Willie. When do you need it?" She asked never stopping her stride.
"No rush! Sunday morning after church would be perfect though."
"Throw in a few squash and a head of cabbage and I'll make you two pies. That sound good?"
"Sounds good to me. I'll drive them to your house later on today."
"I'll be back. Heading into town. Probably gonna stop by Chow's. Y'all need anything?" Stack asked as he fixed his hair and adjusted his cuff links.
"What you want for dinner tonight?" Annie asked as she handed Smoke his plate.
"Don't really matter to me long as it's meat and potatoes."
Annie shook her head with a smile. "Pot roast it is."
"With Sweet tea?"
"Anything for you Elias."
"Love you, sis!" He shouted before he headed out the door.
Lena left the library and was headed to Chow's to grab some material from Grace. Grace wanted her to make a skirt for her and Lisa this week. Lena loved working for them because they always paid well and brought her customers. The flowers in their store were from her garden. She brought some by every week. If they needed help she was usually the first person they called. If not her then it was Annie.
Lena didn't have a 9-5, but she worked just about every day. If she wasn't doing it for money it was for food or items. If someone needed help delivering a baby they called her. If someone was hurt or injured they'd usually come to her. Alterations? Flowers? Baked goods? She was the go to girl. That was also the reason many people didn't mess with her. You never bite the hand that feeds you.
"Hey, girl!" Grace greeted as she finished up with a customer.
"Hey, Lisa." Lena greeted the young girl with a smile after hugging Grace. Lisa didn't smile much, but she always smiled at and gave Lena a hug.
"Did you bring me somethin'?" She asked quietly so her mother couldn't hear.
"You already know I did." The sweet woman whispered and snuck the little girl two big chocolate chip cookies wrapped in brown parchment paper.
"Thank you!" She squealed. Her head turned towards the window and her lips perched at the sight of a tall man in red walking into her dad's shop.
"Lisa," Grace called and nudged her head towards the register. Grace walked from behind the counter and took Lena to the back.
As Stack was talking to Bo his head turned at the site of a woman with a fitted mini skirt walk in.
Bo hit his friend's shoulder and shook his head. "That's MRS. Suzette. Married to THE "one punch" Theodore."
Stack sucked his teeth. "What you do talk to Smoke? I'm just lookin'."
"That man that LOOKED at Annie got shot in the knee. These men are serious about their wives."
"You'd shoot for Grace?"
"If you even have to ask I'm not showing her enough love." Bo replied. "You need to talk to Grace's friend. She's real sweet and is a great cook."
"Ion know if I'm ready for sweet." He replied as he adjusted his collar and looked around.
It was Bo's turn to suck his teeth. "That's your problem. You keep finding someone to wet your whistle and that's it. There's more to a partner than sex. Find someone that builds you up and is there through thick and thin. Doesn't get tired of seeing your face everyday. The person you run to for comfort and vice versa. Someone you trust with your entire life. That's what Sweet gets you."
"You point her in my direction and I'll dip my tongue in it."
"Toe! The expression is toe, fool!" He playfully shoved his friend's shoulder.
Stack laughed as he placed his toothpick in his mouth.
"I'll bring these back to you by Saturday. Bye Grace. Bye Lisa."
The little girl waved as she got ready to cash out a customer.
Lena walked home with material in her bag and a few chocolates in hand. She strutted home with a tune in her head and a pep in her step.
"This girl you talking about. What she look like?" Stack asked as he picked at a few grapes that were on ice.
"She's a stacked one. Hourglass, brown eyes, and she always smells real good. She lives like 20 minutes away. She might be with Lisa now. Peak ya head in and see if she in there. She's supposed to be making them some dresses or something!" Bo shouted as Stack headed out of the door.
Stack headed across the street on a mission to see if said woman was still there. He was always allowed into the Chow's establishment, but her shop was mostly white people and it was usually frowned upon to have a black man shop with them. Stack really ain't give a damn.
"Grace, your thick friend still here?"
Grace rolled her eyes. "Who Lena?" Her eyes widened at the realization. "Hell no. You leave her alone. She's way too good for you. She's got her head on straight. She's not one of your whores." Grace put on a smile as one of her customers asked her a question. "Ten cents." She turned her head back to Stack and started pushing him out of her store. "She already left. If you see her leave her alone. Bye Stack."
Stack snatched an apple from her stand before heading back to his car.
As he was driving he took his knife out and tried to cut his apple. He looked up last minute and swerved to avoid hitting a large rock in the road causing him to cut his hand open. "Shit!" As he looked over he saw the same girl from yesterday walking in a red dress today. "Ooohwee it must be my lucky day!" He looked at his hand " Almost lucky. This can wait" and immediately stopped his car for her
Lena was almost at her house probably less than ten minutes away when she saw that same red Model T car zooming past her only this time it swerved and abruptly stopped ahead. It started to back up and she saw a man turn to her. He was very handsome. Hair was neat, had a beautiful smile, nice brown eyes, and a fancy suit. His arms filled out the jacket very nicely too. He wasn't anyone she'd ever seen before, but he was a good looking man.
"Good evenin'." Stack greeted with a nod.
"Evenin'." Lena greeted sweetly.
"Where you headed? This is the second day I've seen you walking. You must live close by, no?"
Her head cocked to the side as she tried to read him. "I might. This your second time seein' me? You ain't say nothin' to me the first time so why now? I wasn't good enough to stop for yesterday?" She teased.
He nervously chuckled his hand still bleeding. "No. My brother was actually driving and refused to stop." He reached over to open the door for her to get in.
Wary, she stepped back with hesitation. Although he was good looking she didn't know him. As soon as Lena was going to decline she noticed his hand was bleeding. "Your hand. That's a lot of blood. You need to put some pressure on it before you bleed out."
"Oh this?" He said as he lifted his hand "Naw it ain't that bad."
She hopped in and ripped an extra piece of fabric off that she had in her purse and wrapped it around his hand. "Put some pressure on it and move over." Lena hovered her body over his to get in the driver's seat as he moved underneath her.
He bit his lip and dropped his head back at the feeling of her ass brushing up against him. She was too focused on getting him bandaged up that she didn't even notice.
Lena hadn't driven in over a year, but she remembered how to do it. For the most part. "I'm takin you to my house to fix your cut. Is that okay?"
"Yeah." He was feeling a little faint. "Got anything to drink? Anything to eat?"
"You feelin weak?" She quickly handed him her purse. "I have some chocolates. We're almost home. Just snack on that until I can get you some water."
After a few more minutes they reached her house. She stopped the car and turned it off before getting out. She grabbed her bags and headed to the door with Stack following behind.
They headed in the house and she immediately grabbed some water, an apple turnover, and her first-aid kit. "Here have a seat. Eat this first."
He quickly took a bite and was taken by surprise. "These real good." He complimented as she pulled a chair up to him and took his hand in hers. "You got some soft hands and smell good, too. Sweet."
"Thanks I made them this morning." She ignored the other two compliments. She was here to help not sweet talk with him.
"They're good. Did you hear what I said about,"
"You ought to be mo' careful. Why was your knife out while you were drivin anyways?" Lena interrupted.
"Ummm I was eating my apple."
"Eatin' and drivin'? Sounds awful dangerous especially with how fast you drive."
"I wasn't going that, OUCH!" Stack flinched and pulled back.
"Don't be a baby. A big strong man like ya self squealin over some alcohol?" She lowered her head to his hand that sat on his lap and gently blew on his cut. Lena gazed up at him as he looked down at her.
His eyes dark and focused on her.
"Better?" She asked above a whisper.
"Y- yeah." His eyes watched as she efficiently and delicately stitched him up.
She hummed a soft lullaby as she grabbed a bandage and a pair of scissors. Lena clipped at the extra stitching and followed up with a secure bandage. "There. You all stitched up." She finished with a satisfied smile. Her eyes big and soft. Safe.
"Thanks." His hand still in hers.
Stack felt something but didn't know what he was feeling. He was happy. He was in awe. He was calm, but turned on, but not like usual. He wanted to get to know her. To be around her. She had him mesmerized.
He looked around the house and although it was small and filled with a lot personality it was neat. "Looks like you're a jack of all trade. Mind me askin what you do?"
Lena wiped her hands off and closed the kit. "If you askin what my title is I don't have one. I just do a little bit of everything for everyone. Little Lisa? I helped deliver her. Those flowers you always seein' at Bo's stores? They from my garden'. I do just about everything, but fix cars." She confessed with a giggle as she crossed her legs in front of him.
"Don't worry about that. I'm mighty handy when it comes to some wheels. I didn't see a car when we pulled up tho."
"I don't own one. Ain't no point. I don't go no further than the market." She poured two glasses of sweet tea and brought it to him.
"Thank you." He took a sip and he couldn't help but shake his head.
Lena's eyes widened at his reaction. She had the best tea on this side of town and she never heard anyone complain.
He pulled the tea back to examine it as a big smile spread across his face. "Probably the best damn tea I've ever had, but don't tell my sister Annie that."
Lena cocked her head to the side and stopped making the sandwiches to look up at him. "Annie? Moore?"
He chuckled and stood to his feet to walk over to her. "Married my brother 8 years ago. Been in our lives for 12. How you know her?"
She closed the bread to the sandwich and cut it in half. "I buy protection from her."
"You believe in it?" He asked as she handed him a plate.
"I believe in Annie. I believe she don't put her name on anything crazy. Her work been keepin' me out harms way."
Stack couldn't argue with that. She kept him and his brother protected while away at war. Hell kept him safe from some of these jealous husbands too.
He took a bit of the sandwich and stood in front of her shorter thick frame. "I should probably ask, do you have a husband?"
Lena leaned back against her table and took a bite. She shook her head. "Don't need one."
Stack chuckled, but stopped when he noticed her raise a brow.
"What's funny?"
He shook his head and wiped his mouth. "Nothin'. Just thinkin' what if someone break in? Havin' a man will protect you."
"Annie protects my home every month and the good Lord protects me everyday." She crossed her arms and looked up at him.
He smiled. "Okay. What if somethin' break?"
"My daddy taught me how to fix things. If I can't fix it Mr. Willie up the street has no problem helpin' me."
"Can't reach somethin'?"
"It's my home. I ain't puttin' somethin' somewhere I can't reach." She quipped with a small smile.
"Somethin' heavy? I'm pretty sure when you go out you need someone to help carry heavy things for you."
"I've always made a way." Lena replied.
"What about sex?" He inquired as he finished his sandwich and stepped closer.
"Sex ain't that important to me. I can handle some of that on my own." Lena replied with a raised brow. "Everything you sayin' I can find a way. Is that all you think you good fo'?" She asked. It was her turn to step closer to him. "Sex and heavy lifting?"
"And protection." He said slightly embarrassed by his answer.
"Baby, if I get a man. A husband" she said as a matter of fact. "I want him to know his worth in this world. Yes my husband can fix, lift, and lick things for me, but is he going to be there for me when I'm ill? Rub my feet when I'm pregnant? Will he support my temporary hobbies that I randomly pick up from time to time? If I'm too tired to cook is he going to make a big fuss about it or is he going to get straight to it in the kitchen? What if I'm having a bad day and don't want to talk? Are you going to be mad at me for my emotions? Will my husband speak as highly of me when I'm not around like I would do for him? Will my husband make love to more than just my body, but my mind and my soul? If I don't feel like having sex are you going to be mad and seek it out else where? I want to come home to peace and so should my husband. A healthy form of communication and respect on both ends is very important to me. I just want to make sure that if I'm going to spend the rest of my life with someone I need to know he's going to be there with me every step of the way without wavering."
"I can be that." Stack answered. "I love when my woman cooks for me, but I can also throw down in the kitchen. When our baby is cryin' and you spend all day nursing I'll be the one to wake up and change em'. You want to randomly ski in this 90 degree weather I'll be the first one in line at the ski store. Hell I'll build you some myself. I can oil your scalp when you too tired to do so and I can run your bath water after a rough day. If you don't want to talk I'll sit here with you in silence until you're ready. However I'd hope you'd never get so down to where I can't hear that pretty ass voice of yours. Be a damn shame." He teased.
He closed the little bit of space between them and rested his hands on either side of her.
Lena watched his eyes scan her face. From her brown almond eyes, round cheeks, to her plump lips. He focused on her lips longer than she needed him to. Lena was no stranger to eye contact so he wasn't intimidating. She had strong will and knew no amount of flirting and flashing of his dimpled smile was going to make her fold.
His head dipped down for a kiss, but Lena moved her head to avoid his tempting lips.
He couldn't help but laugh. He'd never had someone reject his kiss before.
Lena smiled at him and took his face in her hands. "You should head home now and get some rest. It's starting to get late. Annie and your brother might be trying to figure out why you're not home yet." Her fingers played in his beard before placing a gentle kiss to his cheek. "Goodnight Stack."
"Can I see you tomorrow?" He asked. Borderline begged.
"I've got a pretty busy schedule tomorrow."
"I don't have to do nothin. I can just sit around and wait until you finished. I just want to see you."
She tried to hide her smile, but failed. "I'll be wrapping my day up around 4."
He flashed his grin. "See you tomorrow at 3:30. Goodnight Ms. Lena." He tilted his hat before placing it back on his head and walking out the door.
"Nigga you said you went to Chow's bout 7 hours ago." Smoke pointed out as he finished his second plate. He got up and brought it to the sink to wash and dry.
"Damn. Was I gone that long? My bad." Stack removed his jacket and took a seat. "Where's Annie?"
"Freshin' up for bed." Smoke looked at his brother's hand. "Hell happened to you? You ain't get yo ass in no shit you can't fix, right?"
Stack had a smile on his face.
Annie walks in with her robe on comfortable and ready for bed. "Oh lawd. That boy happier than a tick on a dog. Which young lady did you pay a visit to today?" She handed him a glass of sweet tea and a plate from the stove.
"Thank you. I went to go visit the Chow's, but as I was leaving I got distracted. Ended up cutting my hand on my knife while I was driving and ran into a beautiful lady named Lena."
Annie stood straight up and scanned her brother in law. "What you doin around Lena? She a good girl that mind her business."
"If she a good girl then he ain't want nothin to do with her. Unless you sweet talked her out of her skirt like usual." Smoke assumed.
"Naw, she don't play that. She focused. Sweet girl with a lot of hobbies." Annie looked at his hand. "She stitched you up?"
Stack nodded with a smile. "Fixed me a sandwich and some tea too. We ain't do nothin but talk. That's all I wanted to do. She real nice and a little feisty. Think she'd be interested?"
Smoke scoffed, but Annie nudged his shoulder.
"Your mission to just sleep with her?" Annie asked. She took a plate of pie from Elijah and thanked him with a kiss.
Stack shook his head as he enjoyed his food. "I ain't want that once I started talkin' to her. Ion know how to explain it, but I just liked bein' 'round her. She got a good spirit I guess." He shrugged as he filled his mouth with food.
Elijah fed Annie a bit of the shared dessert. He circled the fork around in the air before asking his question. "What she look like? Must not be your type if you didn't want to have sex."
"She not my usual type, but she real pretty. Brown skin, full hair, round lips, hips, a little healthier than my usual, but that really don't bother me none. She fit it so well." He whistled. "Voice is like butter. She smell good too and got the softest pair of hands"
Annie chuckled. "That girl don't play about her perfumes and butters." She confirmed. "When you gon' see her again?"
"Tomorrow at 3:30. Said she should be done with everything around then."
"What y'all plan on doin?" Smoke asked as his brother got up for a second helping.
"Nothin." He said happily with a shrug. "I'm just goin to talk. Might see if she'll let me fix a few things around the house or somethin?"
Annie chuckled at her brother in law. He was bit by the love bug. It was no surprise though. Lena was a warm and welcoming spirit who minded her business and helped others along her way. She didn't want much just a simple and happy life. Her love hit hard so if Stack wasn't on his best behavior she would have no problem leaving him with a broken heart. Annie knew of her ex that didn't do right by her and she got rid of him. That man been in a miserable marriage with a woman he don't really want. Hadn't truly found love since she left him.
"Just be careful. She might be a good girl, but she ain't no pushover. If you screw up she'll send you on your marry way and not think twice about it." Annie confessed.
"Imma be on my best behavior." He kissed his sister in law's cheek and sat down to finish his food.
"Stack you don't have to fix that it's fine." She advised as he unscrewed the bolts in the fan. It worked the blades just happened to have one speed and that speed was slow. It was too hot and moving too slow for Stack's liking.
"Naw. It's fine. I can fix this. The motor ain't blown just probably got a little dust in the shaft that's all."
Lena sat next to him on the couch and watched as he struggled with one of the screws. She covered her giggle with her hand causing him to lose his focus and look over at her.
"This funny to you?" He put the fan down and turned to tickle her side now causing Lena to double over in laughter.
"You sweatin' on me!" She laughed as she grabbed his arms to leave some distance between them.
He sat up and sighed. "Baby, it's hot in here! I'm tryna fix this fan and you laughin'. I'm strong it's just stuck!" He said in his defense.
Lena gave a sarcastic nod. "Very strong. Need help with that last screw?"
"I'll screw you!" He mimicked under his breath.
He was just joking seeing how he was playing off of her words, but she was turned on by that. She shook it off and just cleared her throat.
He took his button up off leaving him in a tank top and a leather vest holster. His gun was strapped in and his knife at his side. Lena's eyes wondered towards him as his arms flexed once he finally got the screw loose after a few twists and turns.
"Ha!" He turned to her and noticed her direct her eyes from his arms to his face. He smirked and looked her in her eyes. "I got it out."
"I see." She replied softly. Lena moved closer to him on the couch closing in the space between them. "So what's the next step?" She asked looking up at him with those big brown eyes of hers.
Stack cleared his throat. "I umm" he looked away. "I'm just gonna clear this shaft off and put it back in." His eyes widened and his head snapped back towards her. "Back on! I meant back on!" He corrected.
Lena couldn't help but giggle at him being nervous.
He put his focus back on the task at hand and did just that while she got up to grab something to drink. The wind blew through the window causing her dress to fly up a little catching Stack's attention. "Shit." He said to himself.
"You say somethin'?" Lena asked as she headed back over to him. Hips swaying side to side and a soft smile on her face.
He shook his head. "Nothin' just that I fixed it." He put the last screw in and turned it on.
"Awww yes!" Lena cheered on as she sat down next to him. The fan was blowing faster and stronger. "Ugh that feels so good. Thank you."
"You're welcome. Told you I'm good with my hands." He grinned.
"I see." Lena playfully teased. "I know you introduced yourself to me as Stack, but what is your real name?" She asked as she leaned her elbows on her lap to look up at him.
He smiled at her beauty. "Born Elias raised as Stack."
"Elias." His name sung beautifully on her tongue. Very southern, sweet, thick, and sexy. He wouldn't get tired of it.
His eyes scanned her plump lips. He swallowed hard and adverted his eyes to his glass of tea. "Yes ma'am."
"Did you want dinner or is Annie making something for y'all back home? I don't wanna ruin ya appetite. Mrs. Annie a good cook."
"Great cook. She's making pork chops, but I can still eat here if you had planned on cooking. I don't turn no plates down." He laughed.
"I'm just making a salad with salmon croquettes for dinner. Ain't nothin too fancy."
"You say croquettes? They're one of my favorites. I can make room for both."
Weeks had gone by and Elias had been over her house almost everyday. Showing up in the morning and leaving late at night. Smoke would either pick and drop him off or he'd take the car himself. It didn't really matter how he got to her Stack was going to see her either way. Time was spent doing things Stack was never used to doing before. She enjoyed his company and same for him. He'd drive her into town even if she insisted on walking or taking her bike. They even went on a picnic by the lake a few times. Unfortunately the two of them couldn't hang out the following Saturday because she had to finish a new set of dresses for Lisa and Grace, but Lena had planned to see him the Sunday after bright and early.
"Lisa it fits? How bout you Grace?" Lena asked as she sat at their shop past closing. The two ladies came out from the back room and spun around. Smiles were shared by each lady because of how everything turned out. Lisa had a beautiful pink and gold embroidered dress that came past her ankles and Grace had a beautiful blue and gold dress that stopped a little under her knee.
"They're perfect as usual, Lena. Eight for her and ten for me, right?" She clarified as she handed Lena cash plus a small tip.
"Y'all gonna be the talk of the town. The colors fit y'all so well too." The proud craftswomen said in awe. "Lisa how you wearing your hair?" She asked. Grace always wore a low and tucked bun for formal outings, but because Lisa was younger Grace liked to do something a little more age appropriate and fun for her.
The little girl walked over to her to describe what style she and her mother were thinking about. Lena remembered that she had a few ribbons in her bag and pulled one out that matched. "How about a bow?"
Lisa's face lit up and Grace smiled. "Mama look!"
"You tell Miss. Lena thank you. She's gotta head home. You want Bo to give you a ride? He won't mind." Grace asked as she hugged Lisa tightly.
"I'm good. Thank y'all tho. It ain't a far walk. Y'all have a good night tho."
"You sure?" Grace asked again as Lena headed towards the door.
"I'm good Grace. Y'all have a good night!"
Lena walked home in the dark but she had protection on her. Her goal was never to walk home so late, however she got to Grace's later than anticipated. A little bit of the sun was still up before she left the shop so she thought it was fine however the sun set faster than Lena could walk. Purse at her side and shoes hitting the dirt road Lena heard some people talking off into the distance, but less than a minute later a male voice approach her.
"P-pardon ma'am. Where you headed looking so good this time of night?" He said a little too drunk and a little too close.
"I'm headed home thank you. Seems like your company needs you back over there, no?" She quipped as she tried to keep calm.
He threw a lazy arm towards his company. "They be alright. I'm tryna come home with you pretty lady." He stumbled backwards. "Why you diggin in that bag?" He asked stumbling again.
"Just tryna find my lipstick that all." Lena pulled out some protection powder and blew it at him causing him to scream out and fall to the ground.
She continued to walk home, but this time at a faster pace. She had to remember to tell Annie thank you for her protection powder and get some more from her because thinking about how much she blew out she definitely used more than needed. It wasn't her fault though. She panicked plus she never had to use it before, but she was glad she carried it with her.
Not even two minutes later she heard a car pulling up by her. She prayed it was Elias.
"Lena, come on and get in." Annie instructed as she sat in the passenger seat.
"Annie what are you doin on my side of town?" She asked. She looked in the driver's seat slightly startled. She saw a man looking exactly like Stack driving except he wore blue and wasn't talking.
"We had stopped by the Chow's to drop something off and Grace said you had walked home. Ion know why you insist on walking by yourself. You know people crazy."
"I had your powder on me. Wasn't nobody gon hurt me." Her smile was big and bright. Proud.
Annie chuckled. "You a stubborn girl."
Smoke pulled up to her house and stopped. He turned towards Lena and greeted her with a nod. "My brother Stack had some business to handle. He'll be up here in no time to stay with you overnight. Just for safety purposes."
"And don't say you don't need it. I blessed your house, but we can't be too safe."
"I understand."
Turning around by a sound behind her Lena saw Stack jogging in the distance. She hopped out of the car and examined his clothes from afar. His jacket in hand and shirt untucked. She was sure he had done some damage to the guy that approached her. Lena wasn't sure what he did or how bad he handled him, but she was turned on by his disheveled look.
She walked over to Stack and took his face in her hands. She scanned his face and ran her hands down his arm to find any sign of harm.
"I'm okay. That nigga ain't, but he's no longer my problem. Let's head inside." He turned towards his brother and Annie and waved them off. "I'll see y'all tomorrow round noon."
"Thank you again. Bye Annie."
"I'll bring more protection by tomorrow." She waved as Smoke drove off.
The two of them headed up the stairs with his arm around her waist. As soon as they walked in he shut and locked the door and dropped the curtains down. He sat down at the kitchen table as she headed to grab a cold wet rag. Lena kneeled down in front of him, in between his legs, and gently pressed the rag against his skin. "Did he get you?" She asked as she sat back.
He shook his head. "He didn't get a hit in. Come here."
She rarely ever hear him speak like this. Her eyes soften at his tone. Lena sat on his lap as he wrapped his arms around her thick waist. His head rested on her chest and he just took in her heartbeat.
Sounds of crickets, her blowing fan, and the howling dogs were silenced by the matching heartbeats shared between the two of them. A rhythm Stack had loved and gotten used to since being around her. He never stuck around someone long enough to notice if his heartbeat matched there's. He was grateful for experiencing a first with her. It may not mean much to her or anyone else, but to him it felt real. Felt normal. It felt like home.
Lena could tell his mind was racing and he was trying to calm his nerves. She allowed her hand to gently caress his neck. "You wanna get ready for bed?" She asked.
Her eyes scanned his face.
"Yeah." He lifted her up with ease.
"I'm not trying to hurt you."
"You ain't hurtin me, baby." He replied as he headed to the bedroom. Stack gently laid her down before taking his gun off, removing his knife and holster. He placed it at the nightstand next to the bed as he kicked his shoes off.
Without breaking eye contact Lena removed her dress revealing a short lilac colored slip.
Stack removed his shirt and pants leaving him in his boxers.
Lena bit her lip at his muscular frame.
Stack couldn't help but chuckle.
"Why you laughin' at me?" She asked. She made her way to him on all fours to sit in front of him on the bed. Her head tilted to the side as she looked up at him waiting for an answer.
"Cause you're cute. You also try to play innocent, but I catch you lookin' at me. Bitin' your lip and everything."
Lena couldn't help but laugh at him trying to imitate her. She gently nudged him as he laughed.
"I'm just sayin. Hey, I don't mind."
"I'm looking because I like what I see." She confessed.
"I'm surprised you ain't said nothin about me. I'm always looking." He laughed.
"I don't mind." She wrapped her arms around his neck and looked up at him and his brown eyes. "Imma kiss you now, okay?"
"You don't ever have to ask." He whispered seconds before he greeted his lips with her plump set. He moaned at the touch of her lips and the taste of her tongue. Stack lifted Lena up making sure his hands were secured under her ass.
She moaned in his mouth as he gave her a firm yet gentle squeeze.
His lips moved to her neck as he took a seat on the bed. His grip not loosening up as he sat down with her body on top of his. The weight of her on top of him was something he could definitely get used to.
Lena's fingers gently played at his nape as soft moans escaped her lips which caused his breathing to speedup.
He pulled back from her soft skin. Not because he wanted to, but because she was doing everything right. Her gentle caresses and fingernails always made his heart skip a beat and his goosebumps raise. He rested his forehead against hers and took in the gentle gestures. Lena hummed a soft tune as they took in each other's presence.
"Am I getting too heavy?" She asked. This was the first time she was in his lap for this long and wasn't sure if he was comfortable.
"Naw. You just right."
Not wanting to let the softness of her body go just yet Stack stood to his feet with her in hand and pulled the ceiling fan chord to turn the light off. He gently laid her down and settled his body down next to her.
Lena turned towards his body and nuzzled up next to him. "Thank you again Elias. You didn't have to beat that creep up just for me. I was able to hold my own."
He released a sleepy chuckle. "If I didn't he'd think it was okay to try that shit again." Elias hand rubbed up and down her now exposed hip as she stroked his beard. "I don't play about my girl." He poked one eye open to see her reaction.
Lena sat up on her elbow and looked down at him. "Your girl?" She asked gently.
"I've been meaning to make it official. Lena if you don't mind having me will you be my girl? My partner? My person?" His nerves getting the best of him now causing him to ramble. "I don't usually do this. I've actually never done this so I'm not sure if I'm,"
She stopped him with a kiss. Tasting his tongue yet again was becoming a favorite of hers. His hands gripping her ass as Lena's hands gently ran down his stomach. Stopping at his waistband. She pulled away to catch her breath. Her breast rose as she caught her breath. Her brown eyes scanned his face with a smile. "My answer is yes."
"Yes?" He grinned ear to ear. He pressed a quick kiss to her lips again before pulling back to look at her. He had never done this before. He wanted to put his best foot forward. Be on his best behavior. He wanted to build his own world with her the way his twin brother built his with Annie.
Stack took a deep breath and closed his eyes. "Baby I'm tryna to be good right now and your hand is umm,"
Realization kicked in and she lifted her hand from the band of his boxers with a giggle. "Awww I'm sorry!" She cooed. "I appreciate you being patient with me, but baby we don't have to be innocent everyday." She confessed with peppered kisses in between.
"Wait now don't tempt me!" He threw his body over hers and immediately rammed his face in between Lena's neck causing her laugh to fill up the room.
"You think that boy was on his best behavior last night?" Smoke asked Annie as he watched her get dressed.
Annie chuckled. "He ain't walk home last night so I think he did alright." Annie turned to her husband and tilted her head to the side with a smile. "What's wrong, Elijah? Why you so worried about your brother and Lena, hmm?" She asked as she stood in front of him. Her hands gently laid on his firm shoulders as she awaited his answer.
He wrapped his arms around her waist and shook his head. "I just worry about him gettin' in trouble. Messin' with his future. I'm scared he ain't gon find love and he just gone be by himself forever. I can't be with him every step of the way. I want him to find his other half."
"Elijah you already know everyone has a different walk of life. His ain't gone be the same as yours or mine. Lena might be who he needs in his life. He's hardly here with us anymore and I'm sure he would've bragged about getting himself some from her, but he hasn't. She got him baking cookies from scratch, goin' on picnics, readin' books by the lake. She's good for him and I think he knows that. You gotta trust your brother to find his way his own way." She kissed her husband's lips and rubbed his arms. "Come on let's head over and pick him up. That was his first time staying over so he probably don't wanna come home tonight." She teased.
Lena was taking a nice bath and reading her book when Elias asked to join her. He sat across from her on the floor and took her book and began reading it to her letting her get lost in the fairytale. She had raised her leg and enjoyed the bubbles that sat on top of the warm water cover her leg only to slowly pop with the warm winds blowing through her windows.
Elias put her book down and watched as her thick thigh lifted up and he had every thought imaginable run through his mind. Her eyes focused deadset on him as her smooth brown skin was exposed with every gust of wind. He was doing a damn good job the last few months, but temptation was getting to him every second of the day.
He stood closer to Lena and placed his hands on both sides of her on the porcelain tub. "Keep teasing me with that leg and imma jump in here with you."
She smiled at his threat and was hoping he made it a promise. "What's stopping you?"
He took his shirt off and stepped in one foot at a time with his pants on.
"Elias!" Lena screamed with laughter as he got in halfway dressed just to join her.
Stack hovered over her completely wet and just smiled. He looked her in the eyes and leaned in for a soft kiss. Nothing too long or harsh. Just soft enough to make her heart flutter and lips want more. "You probably the best thing to ever happen to me, ya know? I ain't been this happy in a while and I want to thank you." He confessed.
She gently took his face in her hands and saw the honesty in his eyes. She wasn't looking for a partner or a man. She just so happened to go with her gut with him and she was happy she did. He had brought nothing but peace and happiness into her already peaceful and happy life. He wasn't trying to change it or her just enhance it and he did that times ten. She was forever grateful for him.
"I'm so glad I got in your car to stitch you up two months ago." She confessed with a smile.
"You and that smile healed me up that day."
Lena's eyes started tearing up.
"That ass kept me around though."
She couldn't help but fall into a fit of laughter. Leave it to Elias to make her capture so many emotions all at once. "I can't with you."
He shrugged and kissed her nose. He stood to his feet, leaned over to grab the towel and helped her up. He wrapped her up in a towel and helped her out of the tub.
As they were drying off she got a knock at her door. Elias gently guided her behind him as they headed towards her door. "Who is it?"
"It's Jim Crow nigga open up."
"Elijah!" Annie shouted as she tugged his arm.
Stack opened the door and Lena welcomed them in.
The look of confusion read on Smoke and Annie's face as they saw a wet Stack and a towel clad Lena.
"Make yourself comfortable. I'm going to make myself presentable. Elias see if they want some of that pound cake." She said before disappearing into her room.
"Y'all want some? I helped her bake it the other day."
"It's edible?" Smoke asked as he received a plate from his brother.
"Elijah be nice in other folks home." Annie scolded.
"Why would I offer you somethin' that ain't edible, fool? My baby helped me make it." He said with pride.
Lena walked out and handed Elias a pair of slacks that she made for him a while back. He thanked her with a kiss before heading to the bathroom to change. Lena sat on her couch and smiled. "Thank y'all again for last night. I do appreciate it. Elias helped make that pound cake. He was so proud of himself once it slipped right on out the pan." She confessed with a giggle.
"It's good. Elias should be proud of himself." Annie confessed.
"My brother ain't been crossing the line with you has he? He been respectful?" Elijah asked as he put his empty plate down.
"Oh yes, sir. Always respectful with me. He's always so thoughtful, too. Very kind and a great listener. He lets me ramble on and on about nothing sometimes just so he can hear my voice." She nervously giggled.
Smoke gave her a content nod.
Annie smiled. She pulled a bag out of her pouch and handed it to Lena. "Here's some more protection powder and a mojo bag. Keep this on you at all times. You don't gotta wear it around your neck everyday just keep it on you any way you can, okay?"
"My baby made me and my crazy brother one. We was skeptical about it at first, but it's proven many of times to keep us out harms way. I suggest you keep it close to you when you heading to the market by yourself." Smoke informed.
Annie shared a proud smile at him and took his hand in hers. He gave her a gentle squeeze in return. He wasn't always a believer, but time proved itself over and over again that what she was doing was the truth. The proof was in the pudding. Ain't no way around it.
"Elias you plan on heading back home with us now? We ain't trying to take up her whole Sunday." Smoke asked.
"Oh I don't mind. If y'all want we can have a little cookout today? Elias and I went to the market a few days ago so I have plenty of food to share and cook. I can make a fresh batch of tea, too. Mr. Willie up the street brought me some extra vegetables from his garden. If I don't use it up it'll go to waste and I would hate to trash good vegetables."
"Yeah stay and celebrate." Stack added.
"Celebrate what?" Smoke quizzed. His eyes went back and forth between the two sitting in front of him. They were practically sitting on top of each other and their fingers were locked.
"I asked her to be my girl last night. She said yes. I know it ain't marriage yet," he clarified "but it's the first step. Hopefully she says yes to that too when I ask her in the near future."
Annie looked so proud of her brother in law. He seemed like an enhanced man. Not necessarily change because he was always gonna be Stack, but it seemed like Lena made him want to be a better man. She prayed it all worked out for them because he deserved that happiness that he was always searching for.
Smoke's features softened at his brother's new found happiness. He always wondered if he'd ever find someone and although he only knew about Lena from Annie and Stack she seemed like the best person for him. His brother always spoke so highly of her. He was never vulgar when it came to her or crude. Always respectful and that's all he could ask for.
"Well my schedule is free, baby?" Smoke asked as he looked at Annie.
She smiled and gave her a nod. "Sounds good to me. Thank you and congratulations. I'm proud of you Elias."
Stack smiled wide as he gripped Lena's hand.
"Alright I'll start getting some water boiling. Excuse me." She stood to her feet, gave Elias a kiss, and headed into the kitchen to start cooking.
Annie got up to help leaving the brothers to talk amongst themselves.
"I'm proud of you. Seems like you got yourself a good one."
"Yeah. She real sweet. Got a heart of gold."
Stack continued to tell Smoke all about his plans. He was going to get a car and probably move in with her before getting married. He wasn't in a rush, he wasn't going anywhere and neither was she, but he wanted to make sure everything was set up to give her a perfect life that she deserved.
Stack watched as his girl and his sister in law laughed together about whatever conversation they were having. This was the life he wanted to live. He was glad that he stopped when he did that warm spring day.
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unboundprompts · 1 year ago
Note
prompts for spring, summer, autumn, winter eyes! (The characters literally stand for each season!! They have eyes that hold the seasons)
Different Ways to Describe Seasonal Eyes
-> feel free to edit and adjust pronouns as you see fit.
Spring
He had eyes like the fields of the pastures, green grass nearly up to your knees.
Her eyes were the flower beds that his mother used to prepare when spring finally arrived after a cold winter. Flowers would bloom and blossom in every color imaginable.
Their eyes were like the honey from the honeybees that arrived with the promise of spring.
Summer
Her eyes were a babbling brook, like crisp water on a warm day.
He had eyes that blazed like a hot summer sun.
Their eyes were warm rays and beach days, filled with laughter and freedom.
Autumn
She had eyes the color of the dying leaves, painted red, yellow, and brown.
His eyes were a winding road on a foggy morning, dying branches scratching at the edge.
Their eyes were of burnt out candles, pumpkins placed on doorsteps, and footsteps splashed in puddles on an old street.
Winter
His eyes were snowflakes, irises decorated with a delicate design.
She had eyes like icy mountains and falling snow.
Their eyes were a crisp breeze in the dead of winter, a frozen pond on a stagnant afternoon.
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