#after indulging myself with some tea and ice cream

[eighthwholove]

A very happy birthday to Paul John McGann, born Saturday, November 14, 1959!

[missspringthyme]

March 14th, 2024

I spent a lot of time with german-american today. She's studying for an exam she's retaking that she's really stressed about, and I have 3,000 words to write. It's perfect.

Unfortunately, neither of us particularly wanted to be doing the things we were doing, the weather outside was gorgeous, and we were in some silly goofy moods. At one point I sat on the floor in the puddle of sunlight that was coming in through the window and did some work there. Finnish roommate had knocked on my door and asked if I wanted to get ice cream and oh my god did I desperately want to just enjoy the sunshine with an ice cream. Or sit up on the balcony and just enjoy the weather.

Instead, I got window sunlight.

I tried to use it as a motivator to get myself to finish faster. If the proposal was done before sunset I could get an ice cream. Instead, I ended up sitting upstairs with german-american, battling the clock.

We took a break and came downstairs for dinner. This is when we decided it would be a good idea to adjust all the lights in the ceiling. This was a harder task than initially anticipated, and in the process we broke one of them. We managed to hide our crime, but knew even the slightest touch would reveal the damage we had done. Additionally, in fixing it we had made it crooked.

When the boys came home we stayed silent while they commented on the changes in light positioning. German-american pointed to the crooked one, and without a second thought third-culture Australian lept up and smacked it like he was blocking a basketball. Although this meant the light was broken once more, it also meant that the crime could be placed on his shoulder's instead of ours. The boys immediately started attempting to fix it, becoming as Engineer Like as they could. Lots of mumbling about what tools they needed while standing on wobbly perches. In the end though, they did manage to fix it. Hooray!

After dinner, we headed back upstairs to work. With third culture Australian joining us a little bit later. If I'm honest, I was not very happy he wanted to come and work with us too. He talks to himself and is generally a very noisy worker, but this is made worse when he does anything on MATLAB. The last thing I needed was more distraction, but I couldn't really tell him no.

German-american and I made a big pot of sweet ginger tea to split between the 2 of us, which was an excellent choice. We went back and forth on which mug should go to which person, with her telling me to choose because she didn't want to decide. I could tell she really wanted the pink mug though, so I told her to take that one.

As the night went on, we all started to crave some snacks. I offered to make us all some of my protein mug cakes and so we took a break to enjoy those. Tragically, this backfired and now my appetite for treats had only grown. Looking down the barrel of an all-nighter, I told the other two that I would make a snack run to Rewe before it closed. This also meant that I got to go outside for the first time all day, even if it was just at night.

I allowed every indulgence, recognizing this very same mood from this time last year: diss season. I bought popcorn, paprika chips, hummus, baby carrots, a pain au chocolat, sour cola straws (spinnenbeine), chocolate for TCA, but no fizzy drinks. I consider that last one a mark of remarkable restraint. It also makes me wonder how being back in the US while I'm writing my thesis will look like. My family has never been a snack family, and there is a general disdain towards unhealthy foods. I can already hear the teasing if I tried to buy a soda while we went grocery shopping. Although I also happily snack on lots of non junky foods, they just tend to be more expensive, so maybe if I'm not the one footing the bill it won't matter anyway.

We all shared the snacks and german-american and I worked through 3 pots of tea. Eventually, they told me goodnight, leaving me all alone with my treats and my computer screen.

At some horrible witching hour, I started to feel the panic begin to seep into me. I have done far worse in a smaller amount of time, but this was different for several reasons. (1) I am feeling the effects of burnout, it has quite literally been less than a year since I wrote my last thesis and last semester was brutal (2) I really want to impress my supervisor and my second supervisor, and this would be the first time they would actually read and assess the quality of my work. Even if this is a pass/fail assignment, it represents a much larger test in terms of their opinion of me (3) As always, the literature in this field is dense and difficult to read. It is very easy to misunderstand concepts (4) I am not sure how much I actually understand, and by writing it all out, my supervisor will be able to tell exactly what I don't understand. I began to look back on photos from this time in years past and felt a manic delight in the knowledge that for the past few years I have consistently lapsed into insanity on this week. The notable highlights include, of course, me actively in the midst of writing my bachelors thesis (and also finally having french/dutch braids click for me, hell yeah) as well as frantically attempting to pack my life up and leave before borders shut at the very start of the pandemic. March 14th, 2020 I was in a shower after a night of no sleep, eating a miniature tub of hagen das fruit ice cream, fully losing my mind.

I texted T all of that and he managed to calm me down and also make me cry a little bit. He told me to remember how proud my 14 year old self would be of me right now and he's absolutely correct. I spent a minute whispering to myself the things that I had managed to do that little Alexa would be stoked to hear about and took a deep breath (I did a bachelor's in biology and psychology in Scotland, and finished with good grades and a 1st class dissertation; I figured out how to have nice nails and do eyeliner and french braid my hair; I'm living in Germany; I'm doing a masters in Neuropsychology; I'm on track to do a PhD etc etc). T offered to read through my proposal, but I was worried I wouldn't be finished with it before he went to bed, so instead I asked that he read my methods to make sure it made sense. He said it was fine and told me to send me the rest if I finished on time. I decided to head back downstairs for a change of scenery and to avoid potentially making eye contact with an employee of the building arriving for their day of work.

I did not finish on time for T to read it, but it was good enough for me to send to my supervisor for notes at a reasonable time before falling asleep.

[sapphireshorelines]

summer of '23 : shared meals, spilted bills, skindering about fish recipes we love and teas to try out, suspending self indulging gossips for a few seconds to capture them in our phones, stumbling down unadmonished deep into the east-asian media rabbit-hole, surfing bookstalls adding to the unreads on my shelf, skipping classes for dance rehearsals, strolling through gallery and garden, sitting by the pond across the museum in drizzling rain, some stranger puking on me on the train, sipping cola from paper tea cups, scurrying after an ice-cream cart down the footpath across the street, starting to like to prepare tiny meals for myself this summer of '23.

[zu-is-here]

Oh well at least you were able to track it down!

Hahaha midnight snack ;)

Stuffed potatoes? That sounds interesting, is that kind of like jacket potatoes?

I love me some good old mash. With lumps of course! Bangers and mash is the best.

Yep busy morning, I don't know why it has to be so early!

[from here]

Yep! Heheh— Jacket potatoes, righttt *^* And mash with bangers and lumps awww! Nostalgia <3

How was your day? ♡

UPD:

Thanks a lot! (๑˃̵ᴗ˂̵) Heheh same here ;D

Awww that was so sweet of her! ;3; Oh I can feel you (>3<) Please have a nice rest and good sleep as well! <3

That's really good to hear it╰(*´︶`*)╯And these waffles with cookies looks so yummy *^* I have! A sweet tooths' heaven~ Why tough to eat? Too sweet? (・∀・) Oh I do love some good waffles! Especially with some ice cream or syrup ♪

Such a nice family timing! <3 Oh I've never seen The Princess Bride but a good crossover is always a right idea (๑˃̵ᴗ˂̵) Driller you say hmm~

The day was great, thanks! Yep, work's been good too *w* We decided to play a bit with news' headlines to make it more "clickable" so now we're competing with each other for the most original title xd

And after work I went for groceries and decided to have a quick dessert with some tea at a cafe, but when I entered, an admin asked for my documents since "children can't be here without adults"... I haven't been so flattered in a long time heheh (༶ૢ˃̵̑◡˂̵̑༶ૢ)˚✧₊⁎

Oh I see! Hope it was worth it in the end <3 Pancake or waffle hmm,,, Noo it's too hard to choose! (≧∀≦) And for you? *^*

Gonna watch for sure! (ﾟ∀ﾟ) Not because of the potential Driller with Cross in it as well, nono—

The one with the most views wins! ☆ We'll see it in the end of the week~ And yep I got it, was twice happy ///

Ah fair enough! Isn't there a waffle day though? *0*

Oh I do! Thank youuu <3

I got a mango soufflé with milk oolong (*´∇｀*) indulging myself even before getting my salary XD

There was a couple sitting next to me, and the girl was so rude to the waitress who brought her soup after the main dish and not before, I was ashamed and sorry for her... I didn't have a pen to write words of encouragement so hopefully double tips are considered? Hope people will treat you good enough! (ówò)♡

[themadlostgirl]

When It’s Cold (2)

*Horny teens are horny. Mild smut mentions ahead.*

~~~

I laid in bed watching the lightning flash outside my windows as thunder shook the room and rain poured down. As a child a storm like this would have had me hiding under my covers. Tonight though I watched the storm, every inch of my body on alert with every crack of lightning and thunder. The doors to my room burst open with a roll of thunder. A shadowed figured stood in the hallway. My heart hammered fast as I tried to see through the darkness at my intruder. A flash of lightning illuminated the once dark room and I recognized the jagged line down my visitor’s face.

“Felix?” I sat up straighter. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to make sure you weren’t scared.” He prowled closer, a wicked grin on his face as he got to the foot of my bed. “You always were so scared of storms.”

“I was…” I murmured. He was dressed only in a pair of pants. That same chiseled torso I had gawked at earlier on full display.

He crawled onto the bed until he was hovering over me. “Do you want me to stay?” His voice purred in my ear, “I can keep you warm if it gets cold.”

“Yes please,” I let the robe around me fall from my shoulders leaving me exposed. “Keep me warm, Felix.”

“Gladly.” He swooped down upon me.

~~~

I woke with a start. My body was wound up tight and I was tangled in the blankets on my bed. I gazed around me confused before the previous day’s events caught up to me. It felt like a dream that Felix and I had found this mansion last night.

Felix…

The real dream came back to me with stark detail. What had that been all about? I’ve never had a dream like that before. I never have dreams in the first place. Even when I do they’re nothing like that and most certainly do not feature Felix. Yet he had been the epicenter.

Half naked with a devilish grin looking down at my own nude body. I had wanted him to--to--

I buried my face in my pillow. This wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t gone to his room last night and saw him coming out of the bathroom. Why did I have to see that? Now I was having borderline erotic dreams about him. Oh screw borderline! I knew exactly what I had been hoping to happen and the aching between my legs only solidified it.

It’s not like I never found Felix ugly or anything. He was pleasant to look at. I dare say at times he was handsome but I never dwelled on it. Maybe a stray intrusive thought or two but they never went so far as my dream had. I couldn’t stop picturing it. Felix and I in bed, his large hands on my body, his lips caressing my skin…

I pressed my legs together as the image took root in my head. Maybe I deserve to indulge a little. For right now there is nothing to worry about. Besides, it’s not like Felix will ever know. My hand dipped between my legs as I let myself fall back into the dream. My body was extra sensitive since I hadn’t been able to indulge in this particular past time since Neverland. Not that I got to do it a whole lot there either. I swear there is absolutely no privacy on that island.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

And none here either it seems.

With a small whine I swung out of bed and pulled my robe in tight. I opened the door and Felix was waiting on the other side already dressed. Could it be considered poetic irony that the boy I had just a moment ago been masturbating to interrupted said masturbation?

“Did you just wake up?” Felix looked me up and down.

“Kinda. I figured I was allowed to sleep in. What do you want?” I stepped back and started collecting my clothes from the floor. 

“Get dressed. I discovered something you’re gonna wanna see.”

“Can’t you just tell me?”

“No. Now hurry up.” He closed the door and left.

With a sigh a pulled my clothes back on and followed Felix up a set of stairs to a hallway that led to a dead end. “This is what you wanted to show me? A wall with a picture on it?”

“Watch this,” He pulled the light fixture next to the painting and suddenly the wall came loose and rotated opening up a passageway into a whole new room.

“This place has secret rooms now. Very cool.” I stepped inside. “A library?” I looked at the books but there were no names on the spines. I pulled one off and flipped through it but all the pages were blank. “I will say I wasn’t expecting this.”

“Oh but it gets better.” Felix went over to the desk at the end of the room and pulled open the drawer. There was a button inside. He pressed it and a section of the floor popped up. I knelt down and opened the hatch and my eyes went wide. It was a safe!

I turned the latch and nearly cried at what I saw. Money. Just stacks and stacks of money! One less thing to worry about. We wouldn’t need to scrape by or get jobs. This safe could keep us comfortable for months! Years even!

“How did you find this?” I asked Felix.

“I like puzzles and I like to snoop.” He grinned pulling out a stack of hundreds. The band around it said ten thousand. Ten thousand dollars and there were easily a hundred or more just like it from what I could tell from the naked eye. We have someplace warm to sleep and we have money for food.

I started sniffling and I could sense Felix watching me befuddled. “Sorry, I just--” I took a deep breath and wiped the tears from my eyes, “We’re going to survive the winter. We don’t have to be hungry or cold again.”

“I know,” Felix pulled a few hundreds from the stack and dropped the rest back in the safe. “Now how about we go do that grocery shopping you were so insistent on?”

“Yes!” I hopped to my feet. We put everything back in place and left the room. I found a pad of paper and started making a list of everything we would need. Unlike Felix who had spent so much time on Neverland that he couldn’t remember who he had been before being a Lost Boy , I did remember who I was. I remembered the responsibilities I had before Neverland. What was needed when I was made to go to market. The grocery store wasn’t like the open air markets I was used to but it was still the same general concept.

Felix and I got weird looks as we entered the store and I took one of the trollies. My first stop was to grab some toiletries. Toilet paper, shampoo, body wash, loofah, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and even a set of razors in case Felix wanted to shave. Next we grabbed laundry detergent, dish soap, paper towels, spray cleaner, trash bags, aluminum, and hangers. We would need to go to a different store for clothes. Lastly, food. Now, being the designated responsible person out of the two of us I know we couldn’t just indulge in the sweets and other delicious yet not necessarily healthy food for us.

I sped up and down the aisles with Felix trailing after me as I dumped stuff into the trolley. Chicken, beef, bacon, vegetables, fruits, a ten pound bag of potatoes, bread, milk, two dozen eggs, pasta, rice, butter, flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, vanilla, yeast (it’s been forever since I baked anything but I figured I could give it a try), orange juice, apple juice, cheese, canola oil, olive oil, and spices. Then came on the things I knew less about, peanut butter, chocolate chips, gummy candies, dressings, chips, ice cream, instant brownie mix, pizza rolls (they sounded good), cans of soup, yogurt, pancake/waffle mix, whipped cream, cereal, granola bars, pretzels, and tea bags.

Our trolley was overflowing with items as we wheeled our way over to the register. The man bagging our items looked at us strangely as we started unloading our groceries onto the counter. Several minutes and a trolley full of groceries later we were given our grand total. I was scared that we wouldn’t have enough but thankfully we did. We left the store and looked at our haul.

“Hey, Felix,” I paused as we were halfway through the parking lot, “How are we gonna get all this back to the mansion?”

“We steal the cart.” He said it like it was obvious. “Who is gonna stop us?”

“True.” We started out trip back to the mansion and pushed the trolley into the house. We spent the next several minute cramming things into cabinets and the icebox. I pushed the trolley back outside and went to put my toiletries away while Felix took the laundry items down to the basement. I would also need to learn how to use the electronic washers they had here if I wanted clean clothes.

Speaking of clean clothes, “Felix!” I shouted down the steps, “We’re not done yet today. We need to go clothes shopping.”

“Why?”

“Because I didn’t bring any extra sets of clothes with me when we left Neverland and I’m sick of wearing these dirty rags. Now get a move on!”

Felix came upstairs with a scowl. “Don’t pout. Even if we kept these clothes clean they stand out too much. I think it’s part of the reason everyone glares at us. We’ll arise less suspicion if we blend in. Especially since our mission is to find a way out of here and back to Neverland.”

“Fine.” Felix grumbled. He counted the remaining money in his pocket. “Let me grab a few more bills from the library just to be safe.”

My stomach grumbled and I decided to grab a granola bar to settle my stomach while I waited for Felix. This house was so strange. They didn’t have any dish soap but they had pots and pans. No shampoo but they had combs. Not a lick of food but a cabinet dedicated to what looked like a very fragile table set.

Felix came back a few hundred dollars richer and we made our way back into town for the second time that day. The clothes store was emptier than the grocery store which put me more at ease. Felix and I went our separate ways as I perused around the racks and racks of clothing. I grabbed a few shirts, pajamas, sweatshirts, sweat pants, underwear, socks, gloves, a scarf, hat, a thick jacket, a new pair of boots, and a large messenger bag. When I went to try on some pants though I was thoroughly disappointed. They fit fine but the pockets on them were tiny! I could barely get my hand in them. Was this what pants were like here? Why?!

I went over to the men’s section and found Felix also trying on some new clothes. It was a simple black t-shirt and a pair of dark denim jeans but it looked really good on him. He almost looked less foreboding. Maybe that was just due to the fact that he didn’t have his cloak hood up like usual.

“You look mad,” Felix chuckled upon seeing me stomp up to him.

“I am! Look at this.” I squeezed a few of my fingers into my jeans pocket. “These pants have absolutely no room! Are yours like this as well?”

“Mine?” he stuck his entire hand in his pocket up to the middle of his forearm. “Nope.”

“What the hell?” I stuck my hand in his other pocket. These were so much roomier than mine! “Why are these better than the ones in my section?”

“I don’t know,” Felix pulled my hand out of his pocket, his face was red with anger again and he wouldn’t look me in the eye, “You can stop invading my personal space though.”

“Oops, sorry.” I snatched my hand back to my chest. What had I been thinking? I essentially stuck my hand down his pants and for what? Because I was jealous of the size of his pockets? I grabbed a few pants from his section that looked to be my size and raced back to the dressing rooms in my section. These fit just as well as the ones I was wearing now but the pockets were much roomier so I chucked the others away and got the men’s pants.

Felix met me at the registers when he was done browsing. He still wasn’t looking at me. I think I made things between us really uncomfortable. We paid for the clothes but had no trolley this time so had to carry everything in large bags back to the mansion. After we got back Felix disappeared into his room. I changed into a pair of the comfy new clothes I bought and went downstairs to make myself something to eat.

I heated a can of soup up and sat down to eat. I wasn’t in the mood to be so adventurous as to make a full blown meal. Now that we had all the essentials Felix and I could start our search for a way back to Neverland in earnest.

I didn’t see Felix for the rest of the night. Figures he wouldn’t want to be around me after we spent all day together. I drew myself another hot bath and this time was able to actually wash myself with the soap and shampoo we had bought. I felt truly clean for the first time in a long time as I slid on the pajamas I bought and crawled back into bed.

Rain pattered outside and I was reminded of my dream from this morning. A part of me dreading and hoping that I would have another just like it.

~~~

Fucking hell! You were killing him! You had to be trying to kill him! That’s what Felix concluded as he locked himself in the master bedroom of the mansion.

Ever since Felix had let himself be talked into going to Storybrooke with you he had been forced by your side. You were the only Lost One in Storybrooke still loyal to Pan when all the others had run off to find families for themselves. He told himself he was tagging along instead of staying in Neverland to enact revenge on those that murdered Pan but that was only half of the story.

He should have never followed you though. Revenge aside. It hadn’t worked out anyway. Even after he learned that Pan was still alive, albeit in someone else’s body, it wasn’t enough. Pan died anyway before he got to enact the curse that would have turned this worthless town into a new Neverland. Now everyone was happy and safe and you and Felix were both very much stranded.

Finding this mansion had been a sweet turn of luck. He knew you were right when you mentioned needing a better place to stay over winter. Felix didn’t like the cold either but he could tolerate it better than you. Every night since you two got here you would shiver the night away at your camp. The night before it had been so cold that even Felix was cursing the wind. While he shivered though he glanced across the fire pit at you. You were huddled in so tight to yourself. Teeth chattering and body convulsing.

He was glad that you didn’t make any mention of him giving you his cloak as an extra form of warmth that night. He didn’t want to try explaining why he had done it. Terrible complicated feelings that he refused to acknowledge. He pushed them down hard, stomped them into dust so they could never rear their ugly head again.

Then he had gotten out of the bath. Truly clean for the first time in years he had left the bathroom and all those complicated feelings from before shot to the surface at the scene laid out before him. You knelt on the ground with only a towel barely covering you. Your wet hair leaving drops of water rolling down your shoulders and back.

His jaw clenched and he fumbled to maintain some composure as you explained what you were doing practically naked in his room. He had found the robe in the master bathroom and was planning on wearing it to bed himself but when he caught sight of you he was only too happy to chuck it into your arms. He needed you to cover up. He needed you clothed and out of his room that instant!

He was far from relaxed after you had left that night. The sight of you knelt over, the towel just barely covering your ass was burned into his brain. He ignored the stirring under his towel and dove into the large bed. He tossed and turned most of the night trying to rid the image and the thoughts he was having. His mind betrayed him though as it brought him much more vivid fantasies of you on his bed wearing nothing at all and beckoning him to take you.

He woke soon after breathing hard and his hand around his cock. Felix cursed the fact that he had a lewd dream about you of all people. He tried to ignore the images flashing in his head but when he closed his eyes there you were on all fours again with a teasing smile. He jumped into the bathroom and turned on the shower hoping a cold jolt would snap him back to sense but then he was thinking of you in this shower with him. Water rolling down your body, that same teasing smile and sultry voice begging him to take you against the wall.

For a few minutes he swallowed his embarrassment and let the fantasy play out fucking into his fist and pretending it was you squeezing around him instead. He thought of your moans and whimpers egging him on. Begging him to be harder, faster, rougher. He bit his lip to keep from shouting as he finally spent himself and started coming down from his high.

He felt more relaxed afterwards but the release of tension didn’t make him feel better knowing he had masturbated to you. You were his...friend? You two had never been friends before coming to Storybrooke and he doubted that you two were that now. Whatever you were to him he shouldn’t be thinking about you like that. You both wanted to get back to Neverland and having obscene fantasies of you was not the way to go about that.

It was still fairly early but he was too wound up to go back to bed. So he got dressed and went exploring throughout the mansion. That’s how he had found the secret library full of blank books and that secret vault under the floorboards. He put everything back in place before racing to wake you up and show you. He had almost forgotten about his dream until you opened the door and he was met with your sleepy face and bedhead. Had you always been this attractive or was it just the layers of dirt that had gotten washed away last night that made you much more appealing to him suddenly? He decided not to dwell on why he was having these thoughts and instead took you down to see the stash of money he had found.

You were so giddy at the knowledge that you could actually have a roof over your head and food in your belly that he found himself smiling too. Your smile was so infectious. He let you take the lead when you went shopping. He didn’t recognize half the stuff he saw in that store but trusted your judgement when you dropped something in the cart.

Then there was when you went to go clothes shopping. Felix wouldn’t admit that he was getting a little worn out of his Neverland attire. It was functional but that was all he could say about it. The smell of it after he had gotten out of the bath the night before almost made him gag. Perhaps this was the reason no one wanted you or him around. You both reeked of years of living in a jungle.

You two were on totally opposite ends of the clothing store so Felix thought he was safe until you came charging into his dressing room ranting about the tiny pockets on your pants. The tight fitted pants that hugged your legs and ass perfectly. Then when you unceremoniously stuffed your hand down his pocket to see how deep they were it took all his self control and thoughts of rotting animal carcasses to not pop an erection right there in the store.

You were trying to make him burst a blood vessel and you didn’t even seem to notice! Which is why he was back in his room sitting on his bed hungry and horny. He was waiting until after he was sure you had gone to bed to get some food. He really didn’t want to chance running into you again and risk those impure thoughts bubbling to the surface once more.

Hopefully today had just been a spoof and tomorrow all these strange new thoughts and feelings would be gone. You two had a mission after all. Get back to Neverland. Lust wasn’t going to help that mission.

---

(Previous) (Next)

[gumnut-logic]

How does one call International Rescue if it isn’t an emergency?

She never did actually ask for his contact details. She hadn’t really needed them before. She guessed she could possibly contact him through Tracy Industries, but there was something so less personal about that avenue that she shied away from it.

She wanted to call him the old-fashioned way and actually speak to him, not some random secretary or automated email spam detector.

He had a nice voice, kinda goofy, yet smart and precise. She wondered what he did in his spare time on that mysterious island out in the middle of nowhere.

And her thoughts trailed off into that same lala land they had been visiting since she last saw him.

She sipped her tea and stared out over the countryside. The air was cold on her balcony this morning, but she ignored it. She quite liked the cold and besides her dressing gown was a self-indulgence in pink fluff and kept her plenty warm.

Looking up at the watery blue sky she wondered where the Eye in the Sky and the Voice Who Answers currently floated.

Her gaze returned to her phone on the table in front of her. It couldn’t be that easy could it?

Rumour had it that the Eye in the Sky could pick up anything from anywhere. Thunderbird Five. John Tracy.

She poked at her phone feeling both silly and stupid, but opened a line. The dial tone purred at her.

“International Rescue?”

It kept purring.

Who was she kidding?

A crackle and the line connected.

That had her sitting up straight immediately.

A female voice. “This is International Rescue. How may we be of assistance?”

She slouched just slightly. A secretary after all.

“This is Cass McCready from the London Metropolitan Fire Department. There is no emergency at this time. I was wondering if it would be possible to speak to Virgil Tracy?”

“One moment please.” Smart and efficient. Definitely a secretary.

The line switched over to some pleasant piano music and Cass found herself on hold. A pigeon landed on the balustrade of her balcony and made a point of staring her down.

Stupid pigeon.

“This is Thunderbird Five. What is your situation?” Definitely male, definitely American.

“No situation. I was hoping to speak to Virgil Tracy.”

“Virgil Tracy? Why? Who is this?”

Okay, stupid secretary as well. “Cass McCready from the London Metro Fire Department. We spoke just last week concerning a diamond heist. I worked with Virgil Tracy and was hoping to speak to him today.”

“I will see if he is available. Please hold a moment longer.”

“Sure.”

“Thank you. Eo-!” And the piano music cut in again.

Hmm, maybe she was getting somewhere.

“Gordon, if I have to come up there one more time, I’m going to pour itching powder into your cast!”

She blinked. “Tracy?”

There was a yelp, a clatter of metal possibly on concrete and a whole bunch of scuffling as if the phone at the other end of the line was on one of those air hockey tables.

“Tracy? You there?”

A harsh breath over the line. “Chief?”

“Tracy?”

“Uh, yeah, Virgil Tracy speaking. How can I help you?”

She had to snort. “You all right there?”

“My apologies, my brother was injured a few weeks back and he has been amusing himself with pranks. Fake phone calls is one of them.”

She blinked and remembered the newscasts yelling about the Thunderbird aquanaut. “I heard. I’m sorry. I hope he is recovering well?”

“Thank you. He is on the mend.” She had the distinct feeling that the aquanaut may not be if he pushed his brother any further.

“Annoying younger brother?”

“Like you would not believe.”

“Got one of them myself. Can’t kill ‘em, gotta love ‘em, that kind of thing.”

“Sums it up nicely.” He paused. “So, what can I do for you, Chief McCready?”

In for a penny, in for a pound. “I was wondering if you had seen the latest Harry Potter movie?”

“What?” Something metal clattered in the background.

Well, that wasn’t the response she was expecting.

“The latest Harry Potter? The reboot of the reboot? I hear they’ve done wonderful things with the holoversion. I have tickets for next Saturday. Thought you might be interested.”

She bit her lip, ever so glad this wasn’t a holoconnection.

“Next Saturday? Uh, yeah, sure.”

He didn’t sound sure.

“Are you sure, Tracy? If either of us get called out, we can raincheck it.” She grimaced. Ack, don’t give him such an easy out, Cass.

“Yes! No! Yes, I’d love to come. Uh, what time?”

“Did you want to do dinner first?” Now she was chewing on her lip.

“Oh, of course, um, do you have any preference? I can make the reservations, if you like.”

Now, that was a little more encouraging.

“How about Thai, with the option of ice creams after the movie?”

“Sounds great. Preferred location?” And she remembered that he was actually on the other side of the world.

“Is it easy for you to get here?”

He snorted. “That is not a problem, trust me.”

“How about our local? I’m in Dorking. Some nice spots here. 6pm?”

“I will see what I can find.” She could hear his grin over the line.

“Great. Then it’s a date?”

There was silence for a moment. “That it is. See you on Saturday.”

“See you then.”

“Looking forward to it. Thunderb-uh, see ya.”

She muffled a laugh. “Keep it cool there, Tracy.”

Dry. “I’ll do my best. Speak to you soon.”

“See you.” And she cut the line.

She sat there for a full minute just grinning to herself.

-o-o-o-

[peach-pops]

A Lovely Night

Author’s Note: This is very self indulgent but this was inspired by watching La La Land for the thousandth time and I absolutely love this song from the movie. You should def listen to it if you haven’t already!

Word Count: 1.5k

Warnings: None

Pairing: Tetsurō Kuroo

Fate had its way of bringing two people together and for a few passing moments, you were comfortable with the small interactions you found yourself in. 

Though after a while, maybe the universe became fed up with the lack of momentum between you and Kuroo and decided that as stubborn as the two of you were, it only made sense that the stars would align yet again so you could light the flame between the two of you. 

You both found yourselves at a formal party hosted by an old classmate of yours and for the hundredth time in only a span of few weeks, you found yourself right in front of him.

“It's pretty strange that we keep running into each other,” You smiled as you found yourself scooting over to leave some room for him to sit beside you.

Kuroo, with his oh so famous smirk, took the seat and stretched out obnoxiously so his thigh would touch yours,” Maybe it means something.”

“I doubt it.”

“ Yeah, I didn't think so.”

The problem wasn’t if there was a lack of chemistry because of course, as clear as day, anyone with two eyes could see the clear connection between the two of you.

No, the problem was admitting that possibly, deep down, you both had feelings for each other. Was it a sense of pride? Was there an accomplishment in not admitting these said feelings? Possibly, after all, Kuroo had a way of pushing your buttons like no one else could.

But there was a part of you that knew that he was the only one allowed to push you over the edge and vice versa. Chemistry or not, it was clear that feelings were involved. The only question is who would break first.

You weren’t quite sure how long you both would keep up the charade and you figured that the question would go unresolved once the two of you left the party so he could “walk you home”. That was a lie of course because as unlikely as you two were to admit it, the next couple of hours would be filled with everything that most people considered a date.

The streets of Japan is arguably one of the most private of public spaces, the streetlights and the humming of nearby restaurants made the silence between the two of you even more comfortable than it already was.

It wasn’t until your heel got stuck between a small crack that the atmosphere of the night was halted.

You braced yourself onto Kuroo’s strong arm to catch yourself which only caused him to let out a low chuckle,” Need me to carry you already? I told you to wear flats you know.”

“ Like I’d take fashion advice from you,” You fired back as you glanced down at his coat jacket that was wrapped around your small frame before rubbing the fabric between your fingers,” what is this, polyester?”

“ Wool.”

“ Right, and how was I supposed to know we’d do this much walking? I was promised a dinner and dessert yet you’ve taken me on a whole tour of Japan on foot. You offered to take me home hours ago, I’m pretty sure you’ve taken me hostage!”

Kuroo hardly flinched because you were right. After all, he only meant to take you home yet one thing led to another and the two of you found yourselves having dinner and then getting a sweet treat after.

He couldn’t help it, he didn’t want the night to end so soon so after the ice cream, he took you to an arcade filled with only Dance Dance Revolution games which prompted you to point out the row of Gashapon machines. This led to other locations like a midnight tea garden and an old karaoke bar for retired citizens, which wasn’t even the strangest place he took you that night.

A “date” that was only meant to be three hours tops came now to a total of almost double that time and even then, you both didn’t want the night to end. Of course, you both wouldn’t admit it outloud.

“ Holding you hostage? Sweetheart, I’m a gentleman, you could’ve left whenever you wanted and my ego would have been just fine,” Kuroo smirked as you only rolled your eyes.

“ A gentleman? You took me to a fish market!” You laughed, shaking your head in disbelief.

“ You said you wanted to go to the aquarium and since it was closed, I had to improvise. There’s always next time, right? I want to take you to this seafood place that has the best mackerel pike.”

“ Next time?” You teased as Kuroo’s heart skipped a beat,” Slow down there Romeo, what makes you think there will be a next time?”

He had met his match, only someone as vivacious as you could keep him on his toes and boy did he eat it up. The quick and effortless banter throughout the night had already won him over and no matter how hard he would try to pretend he couldn’t care, he knew he was utterly whipped already.

“ Romeo? You must have mixed me up with another guy you’re clearly not interested in cause I’m sure you would’ve remembered my name by now...Alisa?” Kuroo pretended to think over the name to distract you from his slip up of mentioning a second date.

It was too late, you had already caught his mistake but decided to play along because after all, you considered him a worthy opponent in your mutual bickering.

“ It’s Y/N, nice try though. Solid effort though Yaku...oh wait,” You clicked your tongue as Kuroo tried to hide the smile on his face,” that’s not you, that was your cute high school friend. My mistake Kuroo.”

You had wondered if you had taken it too far by bringing up his friend but without ruining the energy between the two of you, his fingers brushed against yours once before interlocking his with yours, the first intimate moment of the night.

Your throat felt dry and you were unsure of what to say because as cliche as it sounded, his hands fit perfectly in yours. Kuroo glanced over at you and smiled to himself because bingo, he finally had the upper hand and you were completely speechless at the simple gesture.

“ This is...nice,” You managed to say after a moment as Kuroo waited for another teasing comment,” very romantic if I do say so myself.”

“ Are you saying that there’s some chance at romance?”

You squeezed Kuroo’s hand as if to say yes but you shook your head,” Nope, no romance here.”

Kuroo nodded as he rubbed his thumb up against the side of your hand, your apartment building coming into full view. You noticed this and just like magic, you both slowed down your pace to stretch the night out just a bit longer.

“ I couldn’t agree with you more. I mean, come on, look at this view. To any other couple walking along at this hour, I would say it’s awfully romantic.”

“ Mhm, very romantic. Notice how the lanterns above are dimly lit, perfect mood lighting to a very romantic evening,” You agreed as you leaned into Kuroo’s shoulder which made his cheeks turn a flushed shade of pink.

You both walked up to the front door of your building but made no other attempt to leave,“ I feel guilty, there’s some couple out there that can’t enjoy this night like we did. It feels almost wasteful that the evening was spent on us.”

Kuroo turned you around so you could face him, smiling softly at the sight of your small frame wearing his coat. It was hardly chilly enough to even wear but Kuroo baited the offer of seeing you in his clothes and you took the bait willingly.

He tried to stay strong, he really did but he was only human. It was something about those deep eyes of yours that made his heart swoon and it had been years since he had ever felt so lovestruck for someone and he wasn’t going to let it all go to waste.

“ How unlucky of us, what a waste of a lovely night,” Kuroo sighed as he bent down a bit and poked his cheek with his pointer finger,” If only there was a way to somehow make it all worthwhile.”

Kuroo closed his eyes and prepped himself for a quick kiss on the cheek but felt completely unprepared when he felt your soft lips against his instead. Kuroo wanted to pull away before he lost himself completely but he couldn’t help it, your embrace was ever so intoxicating and he felt like he was in a trance.

As innocent as the kiss felt, you couldn’t help but smile against his lips once you felt him press back even harder as if he had been eager to kiss you all night (which he had). Before he could relish in the kiss longer, you pulled away to a bashful Kuroo.

“ I should probably tell you something now, just to get it out of the way,” You said softly as Kuroo hummed, wanting nothing more than to get back to kissing you,” I hate mackerel pike.”

“ Damn, then I don’t think this will work out,” Kuroo sighed before he leaned his head down to kiss you again because after all, who was he to deny the universe’s attempt at getting the two of you together at last.

[cheri-translates]

[Fan-created Texts] Day 57 - Day 79

🍒 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for e-mails which have not been released in English servers! 🍒

These are fan-created texts by 夏月_mleila on Weibo, based on Gavin’s 100 Day Event e-mails, and she has given me permission to translate them!

She started from Day 57, and skipped certain days!

[ DAY 57 ]

Eli said that the picture I’m using as my phone wallpaper would have looked even better if the angle was tilted slightly. What does he know? You look pretty no matter what.

-

Gavin: Eli said that the picture I’m using as my phone wallpaper would have looked even better if the angle was tilted slightly. 

Gavin: What does he know? You look pretty no matter what.

MC: Haha, is that how you responded to him?

Gavin: No, I couldn’t be bothered to waste my breath on him. I just added his name to the 50km field training.

MC: ...isn’t that a little too harsh?

Gavin: He won’t learn if I’m not harsh. It’s not his place to comment on you.

MC: Maybe he was just giving suggestions out of kindness?

MC: This way, he might never dare to talk to you again

Gavin: Actually, he was already supposed to go for the field training. I just used this opportunity to discipline him.

Gavin: It’s even better if I don’t mention it. It’d save him from speaking nonsense the entire day.

MC: Poor Eli!

MC: I’m secretly celebrating that you aren’t my leader.

Gavin: ...I definitely wouldn’t do that to you.

MC: I know, I was just kidding

MC: Thank you for saying that I’m pretty, and that I look pretty no matter what (*/ω \*)

Gavin: What’s that bunch of characters at the end?

MC: It’s a shy expression

Gavin: There’s no need to be shy, you’ve always looked pretty

MC: ( *^ 3 ^) / ~☆

Gavin: What does that mean?

MC: It’s a kiss!

Gavin: Cough...

Gavin:  ( *^ 3 ^) / ~☆

Gavin: I just remembered that I have to settle some matters. See you after work.

-

Fan-created Moment Post:

Eli’s Post: I was already very careful with my words and actions, but I didn’t expect to tip the boat over anyway... I really meant it out of goodwill

MC: I don’t know how to comfort you, so here’s an “All the Best”!

Gavin: Do you have any objections?

Eli @ Gavin: Nope, I’ll comply with my superior’s arrangements.

Minor: I suddenly feel incomparably at peace. Did something happen?

-

[ DAY 58 ]

It does feel different eating ice-cream when the weather is cold. But it isn’t good for your stomach, so I’m confiscating half.

-

Gavin: You bought ice-cream again?

MC: Yup. Kiki recommended it this time - she says this brand’s matcha flavour is incredibly delicious!

MC: I’ve had a few bites. The feeling of eating ice-cream in autumn and summer are completely different. 

MC: It doesn’t melt as quickly, and it’s even more cooling and icy in the mouth.

Gavin: It does feel different eating ice-cream when the weather is cold. But it isn’t good for your stomach, so I’m confiscating half.

MC: (｡•́︿•̀｡)

MC: I knew you’d say that, so I only bought one stick per flavour!

MC: Officer Gavin, please show mercy...

Gavin: In that case, you can eat half of it. I’ll eat the remaining half.

MC: Tch. Is this just an excuse so you can eat it?

Gavin: What do you think?

MC: Fine...

Gavin: Wait till the weekend when I’m with you before eating it.

MC: You don’t trust me!

Gavin: It’s not that I don’t trust you. Did you forget how your stomach hurt so much last month that you couldn’t even stand?

Gavin: If you don’t listen to me again, I’ll get angry, and will no longer be your human heater.

MC: Even though that’s what you say, I know you wouldn’t do that!

MC: How could you bear to see your girlfriend feeling awful yet brush her aside!

Gavin: I care about you, but won’t indulge you. Will you listen to me obediently?

MC: Yes! I’ll solemnly carry out Officer Gavin’s instructions, and will firmly resist the temptation of ice-cream.

Gavin: Good. If you manage to perform well, the reward will be a sumptuous meal over the weekend. What do you want to eat?

MC: Really? I want to have hotpot!

Gavin: Okay. When the time comes, I’ll make a reservation in advance.

MC: Gavin is truly good, Gavin is the best, Gavin is the best boyfriend in the world!

Gavin: Cough...

Gavin: Remember not to eat ice-cream on the sly.

MC: As you command! Hotpot, here I come!

-

Fan-created Moment Post:

MC’s Post: To deal with indecisiveness, the best solution is to get one of every flavour!

Kiki: Matcha flavour! I strongly recommend the matcha flavour!

Minor: Boss, are you buying ice-cream on the sly again? Be careful of Bro Gavin’s criticisms.

MC @ Minor: He wouldn’t criticise me. He only criticises you.

-

[ DAY 59 ]

If you feel cold, you can put your hands into my pocket anytime.

-

MC: Why is it so cold this autumn! I’m prepared to snatch up a pair gloves on 11/11!

Gavin: So why were you more willing to ball your hands into little fists than to place them into my pocket?

MC: Anna and the others were around, so it'd have been so embarrassing...

Gavin: There’s no need to feel embarrassed. 

Gavin: If you feel cold, you can put your hands into my pocket anytime.

MC: My ice-cold hands are all ready. Where’s the pocket?

Gavin: I’m going for a mission soon, and I can’t leave.

MC: So it isn’t “anytime”, you big liar!

Gavin: Don’t be anxious, let me think.

Gavin: I could order you a cup of hot milk tea first. After the mission is over, I’ll look for you immediately, okay?

MC: I was just teasing you! I have a hot glass of water accompanying me right now.

MC: I know that if I don’t take good care of myself, a certain person’s heart will ache, right?

Gavin: Right.

MC: And when a certain person’s heart aches, I’ll be very upset too. So I'll definitely take care of myself!

MC: I won’t disturb you. Go do your thing, and be safe on your mission.

Gavin: Mm. After work, my pocket and I will pick you up.

MC: Okay! My hands and I will be waiting for the two of you.

-

Fan-created Moment Post:

MC: With you, every day is warm.

Minor: Summer must be pretty hot then?

MC @ Minor: @Gavin, I’m leaving him to you.

Minor: Boss, don’t do that, I was just kidding!

-

[ DAY 60 ]

This morning, I realised that the tallest tree in the city had white leaves. When I leaned over to take a look, I saw that they were white frost.

-

MC: Giving you a hug

Gavin: What happened?

MC: The weather is so cold, so it must be even colder in the sky, right?

MC: Could you promise me one thing?

Gavin: What is it?

MC: Before the weather turns warm, aside from work purposes, could you not use your Evol if you don’t have to?

MC: Even though I know that you’ll definitely take good care of yourself, there are certain times when you really neglect your health for work.

MC: I’m proud of how much you’ve achieved, but I’m even more worried about your body! Do you understand what I’m saying?

MC: I accidentally said too much. I’m such a nag, haha.

Gavin: No, I don’t find you to be a nag at all. Actually, I’m really happy.

Gavin: Thank you. Thank you for being understanding and caring for me. 

Gavin: Before, I always felt like being on my own was all right, and that I could be freer alone.

Gavin: But ever since being with you, I experienced the warmth and strength of love.

Gavin: ...this time, it’s my turn to say too much.

MC: Shouldn’t family members care for each other? I care for you because you care for me too.

Gavin: You view me as a family member?

MC: ? Weren’t we family members since a long time ago?

Gavin: Yes, I’m someone who has a family now.

MC: Gavin...

Gavin: There’s no need to worry. I'll take proper care of myself so my girl wouldn’t be distressed.

Gavin: It’s late. Rest soon, goodnight.

MC: Mm, goodnight.

-

Fan-created Moment Post:

Gavin’s Post: This morning, I realised that the tallest tree in the city had white leaves. When I leaned over to take a look, I saw that they were white frost.

Minor: It’s Frost’s Descent - Gavin, remember to keep warm.

MC @ Minor: You know what Frost’s Descent is?

MC: Next time, ride Sparky back from work. If it gets colder, we can take the train together.

-

[ DAY 61 ]

The picture you sent me yesterday wasn’t a wolf. It’s a Czechoslovakian Wolfdog - a breed of dog which is very loyal and tame.

-

[ Yesterday, 11.12pm ]

MC: 

MC: I swear that I'm not sleeping late. It’s just that my phone recommended this sticker to me, and I find it really cool.

MC: After looking at this wolf, I thought about you, so I sent it to you.

MC: There’s no need to reply, I’ve already gone to sleep!

[ Today, 12:17pm ]

Gavin: Sorry, I just saw your messages.

Gavin: The picture you sent me yesterday wasn’t a wolf. It’s a Czechoslovakian Wolfdog - a breed of dog which is very loyal and tame.

MC: Really? It looks so much like a wolf!

Gavin: That’s because it’s a hybrid between a wolf and a dog. But there are still differences.

MC: Could you tell me more?

Gavin: The main differences between the two would be their ears and tails.

Gavin: The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog’s ears are much larger than a wolf’s ears. Their tails have a curl, while wolves don’t.

MC: Which means without a reference picture, it’d be difficult to differentiate them.

Gavin: That’s right. The lines are very blurry. If there’s a reference picture, it’d be much clearer.

Gavin: But they are violent dogs, so many cities in the country prohibit rearing them. And they belong to a rare breed, so the chances of seeing them are quite low.

MC: I've got it, thank you for the lesson, Teacher Gavin.

Gavin: I sense that you’re more interested in wolves than before?

MC: That’s right, because it’s your guardian animal!

MC: As long as anything is related to you, I’m interested in it.

Gavin: Same for me.

MC: I welcome Teacher Gavin to share more of such interesting tidbits of knowledge with me.

Gavin: Mm, if it’s something I know, I’ll tell you.

MC: Okay, I’ll be an obedient and good student.

-

[ DAY 63 ]

When I was tidying the room, I found the champion prize from last year’s STF long-distance race in autumn. It’s a keychain of a running military dog.

-

MC: Are you home?

[ Today, 10:02 ]

MC: ? You aren’t back yet?

[ Today, 10:13 ]

MC: Is your phone turned off?

MC: Remember to reply when you see this - I’m waiting for you!

[ Today, 10:18 ]

Gavin: Sorry for making you worry. My phone ran out of battery. I just found the wire to charge it.

MC: It’s okay as long as you’re fine, and safe at home.

Gavin: Mm, I'm fine. Tiny Blackie dragged it underneath the sofa, so I spent a long time searching for it...

MC: Haha, was it throwing a fuss since you were only looking at your phone?

Gavin: Maybe. When I was looking for it, I made a mess out of the house. I was worried you wouldn’t be able to contact me...

MC: It’s all right. Aren't I contacting you right now?

Gavin: Next time, this wouldn’t happen again. I promise.

MC: Mm, I also promise that you’ll be able to contact me anytime.

Gavin: Oh yes. When I was tidying the room, I found the champion prize from last year’s STF long-distance race in autumn. It’s a keychain of a running military dog.

MC: You’re so amazing! You always emerge the champion in every competition. Unlike me, who can’t even run 800-metres.

Gavin: You’ve already made a large improvement. Long-distance running requires endurance, and that requires time to gradually build up.

MC: Mm. That keychain must be really cool, right?

Gavin: If you like it, I can give it to you.

MC: No need, That’s a badge of honour belonging to you.

Gavin: Silly. Whatever is mine is yours. Even I belong to you.

MC: Cough...

MC: Rest early, I’m shy (I’m not!)

Gavin: Mm, goodnight, my cute girl.

-

Fan-created Moment Post:

MC’s Post: Ah... wjzbytkx, awslzsl..., He called me..., I’m so happy!!!

Minor: Boss, has a virus entered your input system?

Gavin: That’s only if I’m considered a virus.

MC @ Gavin: Please don’t speak anymore, and let me calm down!

-

[ DAY 65 ]

I changed a new driving playlist recently. Those songs you recommended - I like them very much.

-

MC: Knock knock knock, is Student Gavin there?

Gavin: Here.

MC: Could I ask Student Gavin if he wishes to eat little cakes made by me?

Gavin: Yes.

MC: What? I can’t sense Student Gavin’s enthusiasm! (please type a few more words!)

Gavin: Mm, I really want to eat the little cakes you make.

Gavin: What made you think of making them?

MC: Today, Anna brought little lemon cakes she made, and I thought they were really delicious.

MC: So I asked her how to make them, and am planning to make them for you over the weekend.

Gavin: Sure. In that case, we’ll buy the ingredients together during the weekend.

MC: I’ll warn you in advance - don’t harbour high expectations, because Anna mentioned that there’s some difficulty involved, and you know that I...

Gavin: It’s okay, we’ll make them together.

MC: Is there a difference if the two of us do it together?

Gavin: Mm... doesn’t seem so.

MC: Haha, so what if our cooking skills are poor? We have self-awareness!

Gavin: Oh yes, I changed a new driving playlist recently. Those songs you recommended - I like them very much.

MC: Do you have the song “Running with the Wind”?

Gavin: Mm, yes.

MC: Haha, I can kind of picture it.

MC: I heard a new song yesterday. When I heard it, I thought of you, so I’ll send you a link.

MC: -sends link to a song called “Chasing the Wind”-

Gavin: Okay, I’ve received it.

MC: Remember not to turn the volume up too loudly while driving.

Gavin: All right, I'll take note.

-

Fan-created Moment Post:

Gavin’s Post: I think of you when I hear the songs you recommended.

MC: Be safe! (incredibly loudly)

Gavin @ MC: Got it. (incredibly loudly)

-

[ DAY 66 ]

In the movie we watched yesterday, I keep thinking that werewolves are even more dashing and decisive than vampires.

-

MC: How was it? Did you manage to coax the kid into being happy?

Gavin: Don’t bring it up - it was even more tiring than being out on a mission.

MC: Haha, the stories didn’t work? I really loved listening to them when I was young.

MC: Also, with such a dashing Big Brother telling her stories, why wasn't she happy?

MC: If I were here, I’d definitely be overjoyed.

Gavin: Maybe I didn't put in enough emotions when telling the story. In the end, a colleague brought candy over to coax her.

MC: As expected, no matter how old a person is, they are defenceless against delicacies.

Gavin: Do you want to hear it? If you do, I could tell it to you.

MC: Sure!

Gavin: Are you done with work?

MC: Mm, I’m slacking a little and reading the reviews for the movie we watched yesterday.

MC: Vampires can teleport, influence emotions, and can even read minds. They’re so cool

Gavin: But I think werewolves are even more dashing and decisive than vampires.

MC: That’s because you’re a werewolf too!

Gavin: What?

MC: I meant in the way you’re very incredible, dashing and decisive.

Gavin: But I’m neither dashing nor decisive when faced with kids.

MC: Haha, that’s all right. Everyone has areas they aren’t good at, so don’t take it to heart.

Gavin: Mm. Do we have any plans for Halloween?

MC: Could we not eat pumpkins this year?

Gavin: Mm, looks like the pumpkin dinner last year left a large psychological shadow on you.

MC: It’s normal to get tired of something when you’ve had too much of it. This is called the Law of Diminishing Marginal Utility. 

Gavin: Does this mean you’ll get tired if you stay with me for long?

MC: Do you have to rake up that incident which happened such a long time ago!

Gavin: No, I was just joking with you.

MC: Haha, you’ve learnt how to crack jokes?

Gavin: Yes, I learnt it from you.

MC: Please pay the school fees, Student.

Gavin: School fees? Could I use a story to get a discount?

MC: You can. In that case, I want to hear a unique story.

Gavin: That’s quite difficult for me. But I’ll give it serious thought.

Gavin: Mm, I just need to practice for a while.

MC: Practice? What for?

Gavin: I’ll need to tell it to our kids in the future

MC: Why are you suddenly bringing up our kids?

MC: I can’t talk anymore, I’ve got to resume filming.

Gavin: Okay, I’ll practice on my own then.

-

Fan-created Weibo Post:

Gavin’s Post: Question: How should one tell a story in order for a kid to like listening to it? (If the answer is effective, you’ll get an additional day of rest this month)

Eli: Old Gav has finally attained enlightenment. I’ll talk to you via PM!

Tang Chao: Leader, I’ve sent the answer via message!

Auntie from the Canteen: They aren’t even married yet. Listen to what Auntie says.

My Girl: ...you don’t have to be so serious about it!

-

[ DAY 67 ]

My phone is spoilt. It’s a good thing I can memorise your e-mail, and didn’t miss the sign-in.

-

MC: Haha, since you can’t use your messaging app today, I shall leave some doodles here.

MC: I’ll draw a small ugly wolf here - ^•ェ•^

MC: And here, an adorable little rabbit - ∩•ω•*∩

MC: I’ll add a clove. Hmm... how can I make a clove?

MC: Forget it, I’ll just add a Pearly - (•<>•)

MC: Finally, just to conclude, I feel a little silly today. Even though I know you’ll contact me soon...

MC: But I can’t help but say...

MC: I miss you. 

-

[ DAY 70 ]

It’s too cold to eat watermelons during this season. I bought cantaloupes and have placed them in the fridge. Remember to eat them.

-

Gavin: It’s too cold to eat watermelons during this season. I bought a cantaloupe and have placed it in the fridge. Remember to eat it.

MC: Which one is heavier - a kilogram of iron or a kilogram of cotton?

Gavin: They’re the same weight.

MC: So why would a watermelon be colder than a cantaloupe if they’re both in the fridge?

Gavin: ...putting it into the fridge preserves its freshness. When eating it, you have to leave it out till it becomes room temperature.

MC: So a watermelon is colder even at room temperature?

Gavin: Aren’t fruits with higher water content usually colder than fruits with lower water content?

MC: Is that so? Watermelons have a 94% water content and ranks No. 1. Cantaloupes have a 90% water content, and ranks No. 4.

MC: There isn't much difference.

MC: Based on such logic, drinking room temperature water is even colder.

Gavin: ...if you want to eat watermelons, I can buy one for you in the afternoon.

MC: Did I place importance on the wrong thing? The important thing is someone’s meticulous care, right? 

MC: Don’t worry, I know how well you treat me.

Gavin: So do you still want to eat a watermelon?

MC: Nope, my Gavin says watermelons are cold.

Gavin: It’s all right. If you really want to eat it, you can just eat less.

MC: it can wait till the cantaloupes have been eaten. Could you come over to eat them with me after work?

Gavin: What’s wrong? Did I buy too many?

MC: Because it’d be even warmer with you by my side! When I eat it, it wouldn’t be as cold.

Gavin: Cough. Okay, I’ll pick you up after work.

-

Fan-created Moment Post:

Gavin’s Post: How good you are to me - I know it very clearly.

MC: Are you referring to me? Are you referring to me?

Gavin @ MC: It’s you, it’s you.

-

[ DAY 71 ]

After the door locked, I realised that I didn’t bring my keys. I never thought that I’d have my forgetful moments too. It’s a good thing the windows weren’t locked.

-

Gavin: Something pretty new happened today.

MC: What is it?

Gavin: After the door locked, I realised that I didn’t bring my keys. I never thought that I’d have my forgetful moments too.

MC: In that case, do you want to come over to my place for now?

Gavin: It’s a good thing the windows weren’t locked.

Gavin: ...

MC: That’s good! I even wanted to call the locksmith for you.

MC: But it’s been so cold recently. it’s better to close the windows at night, or you might catch a cold.

Gavin: Hearing what you just said, I’m not very sure if I locked the windows. Maybe I locked them because of the falling temperatures.

MC: Take a look after work then.

Gavin: ...okay.

[ Today, 12:33 ]

Gavin: What if it’s locked?

MC: Find a locksmith!

Gavin: ...got it.

[ Today, 12:40 ]

Gavin: I suddenly remembered that I need to head out for a mission today, so it might be very late by the time I return. Would the locksmith still be open?

MC: They’re usually open for business around the clock. Hold on, I’ll send you the phone number of the locksmith who helped me previously.

MC: 07295287

MC: What’s up with you today? Did you skip breakfast? You seem a little dazed?

Gavin: ...

MC: Sorry, I didn’t mean anything by that.

MC: I just think you’re a little different today. How could you have forgotten such a habitual thing?

Gavin: It’s nothing much.

MC: There’s something off about your mood.

Gavin: There’s really nothing.

MC: Okay...

MC: In that case, you should come over to my place later.

MC: It’d be so late when you return. By the time the locksmith arrives, you’ll be frozen. We’ll handle it tomorrow, okay?

Gavin: I’ll be fine.

MC: If you don’t listen to me, I’ll get angry!

Gavin: Okay, don’t be mad. I’ll listen to you.

MC: Mm, be safe at work, and see you tonight.

Gavin: See you tonight. 

-

Fan-created Weibo Post:

Eli’s Post: A certain someone is bursting with joy today, and even smiled at me!!! What happened? Oh no, did I make a mistake?

Tang Chao: Relax, Captain Eli. It has nothing to do with you.

Eli @ Tang Chao: I can rest assured then. What’s up with him?

Tang Chao @ Eli: Don’t probe any further, I’m afraid of getting slaughtered!

-

[ DAY 72 ]

I’ve familiarised myself with the technique of cutting bunny apple slices. Next time, I’ll show it to you.

-

Gavin: I’ve familiarised myself with the technique of cutting bunny apple slices. Next time, I’ll show it to you.

[ Today, 12:02pm ]

Gavin: What’s wrong, are you busy?

[ Today, 12:06pm ]

Gavin: Why aren’t you picking up? Did something happen?

Gavin: Call me when you see this.

MC: I’m busy now. My darling is amazing. I’ll call you later. 

Gavin: Who are you?

Gavin: I’m warning you. No matter how you obtained her account number, I have my ways of tracking you down.

MC: Sorry Gavin, something cropped up earlier. I’m sending a client out, so I can’t call you right now.

MC: It’s really me, my account hasn’t been stolen, and I’m very safe. I’ll explain more later. I’ll take around 10 minutes at most. Trust me, okay?

Gavin: Okay.

[ Today, 12:12pm ]

MC: Sorry! I made you worry. I didn't do it on purpose... don’t be mad.

Gavin: So what happened?

MC: I was tidying up some files earlier for the client.

MC: Minor and the others had my phone to check some meeting records. He said you sent a message, and that you sounded very anxious and worried.

MC: So I told him to reply based what I said. I didn't think that...

Gavin: You said that?

MC: Nope. My original words were “I’m busy now. Gavin is amazing...”

Gavin: ...got it.

MC: Don’t blame him, he didn’t mean it.

MC: He explained it to me, and said...

Gavin: What did he say?

MC: He said he didn’t expect people who are dating to not call each other “my darling”...

Gavin: Cough, sorry.

MC: Why the sudden apology?

Gavin: I’ve never noticed such things. If you want to hear it next time...

Gavin: I could call you that too.

MC: Really? Let me hear it now then.

Gavin: Now?

MC: You just said you could it. Not even half a minute has passed and you’re already going back on your word?

Gavin: No, I just...

MC: All right, I was just teasing you. I really like how you call me “My Girl”, “Little Lamb” and other pet names.

MC: They are unique, and filled with your affection and feelings.

MC: So there’s no need to force yourself to say something you don’t want to.

Gavin: It’s not that I don’t want to. My thoughts are the same as yours. I find them more unique, and better representations of us.

MC: So this misunderstanding has been cleared up, right?

Gavin: Yes.

MC: In that case, I’ll start looking forward to your bunny apple cutting skills this weekend. 

Gavin: There’s no need to wait till the weekend. I can do it now. Look outside the window.

-

Fan-created Moment Post:

MC: A certain up-and-rising cutting master’s little bunny apples - they’re amazing, aren’t they!

[words in the pink rectangle: picture of the bunny apples Gavin had cut]

Minor: That’s incredible! As expected of my Bro Gavin, the perfect man.

MC @ Minor: Relax, he doesn’t blame you. There’s no need to curry favour with him.

Minor @ MC: Thanks Sis-in-law! I can live on!

-

[ DAY 74 ]

Found a puppy stuffed toy while tidying up, and thought about how it’s been a very long time since we last went to the claw machine together.

-

MC: A new mall opened near my office recently, and there’s a very delicious ramen shop. Next time, I’ll bring you there to eat.

Gavin: Okay.

MC: There’s even a games arcade on the third floor of the mall. We can play together too.

Gavin: Speaking of games arcades, I found a puppy stuffed toy while tidying up, and thought about how it’s been a very long time since we last went to the claw machine together.

MC: I'm free.

Gavin: What did you say?

MC: I said that I’m free this weekend. Aren’t you asking me out?

Gavin: Okay, then we’ll go this weekend, and can also eat at that ramen shop you mentioned.

MC: Sure, but I really didn’t expect that!

Gavin: Didn’t expect what?

MC: I always thought you were a cool and dashing man who only liked drag racing and boxing.

MC: I didn’t think you’d have childish hobbies like roller coasters and claw machines.

Gavin: I’m not the one who wanted to ride the roller coaster...

MC: But you brought up the claw machine yourself, didn’t you?

MC: Don’t worry. No matter what you like, it wouldn’t change your perfect image in my heart. 

Gavin: The important thing isn’t the claw machine, it’s...

MC: The important thing is eating ramen?

Gavin: The important thing is being together. Being together - do you understand?

MC: I understand.

MC: Are you angry?

Gavin: No.

MC: I can tell when you’re angry or not.

Gavin: I’m really not angry.

MC: I know that you aren’t angry, but you’re not very happy either.

MC: My darling. I’m calling you “My darling”, okay? ps: My phone hasn’t been stolen! This isn’t Minor either!

MC: Or you could tell me what I need to do to make you happy.

Gavin: Go out with me, and free up your weekend for me.

MC: Okay! I’ll be with you, and my weekend will be entirely for you.

MC: Are you happy now?

Gavin: I really don’t know what to do with you

MC: That means you’re happy! Relax, I’ll stick to you the entire weekend, so you can’t toss me aside even if you wanted to!

Gavin: You said it yourself, so you’re not allowed to go back on it.

MC: When have I ever gone back on my word?

Gavin: Who was the one who asked if we could have ice-cream yesterday?

MC: Cough, that was... that was...

Gavin: Was what?

MC: I can’t find an excuse, so what?

Gavin: So what? I can only pamper you. 

MC: Look out of the window.

Gavin: To look at the stars?

MC: Can you see that my smile has reached the solar system?

Gavin: Mm, I see it. Want me to bring it back for you?

MC: No need, I’ll leave it up there to spend the night today.

Gavin: In that case, need me to cover it with a blanket? It might catch a cold that high up.

MC: Haha, stop messing around. Rest early, and see you tomorrow.

Gavin: Mm, see you tomorrow. Goodnight. 

-

Fan-created Moment Post:

Gavin’s Post: Someone said she’d stick to me over the weekend, so I'm including this picture as proof (don’t worry, only you can see it)

MC: I won’t go back on my word!

Gavin @ MC: Silly, I’m keeping it as a souvenir.

-

[ DAY 79 ]

Eli and the guys said they didn’t want to see me hovering around in STF today. How baffling. So, I’m here to see you.

-

Gavin: Want to drink milk tea? I can bring it over to you.

MC: ? You’ll be passing by my office during a mission?

Gavin: No, Eli and the guys said they didn’t want to see me hovering around in STF today. How baffling. So, I’m here to see you.

MC: Has your phone been stolen?

Gavin: No, it’s me. 

MC: No way! STF members listen to the Commander’s instructions. When does the Commander listen to them?

Gavin: ...there are times when I need to consider my subordinates’ moods.

MC: I still don’t believe it’s you.

MC: Question: When we cooked for the first time, what happened?

Gavin: I burnt the pot...

MC: It’s really you!

Gavin: ...couldn’t you have asked about something else?

MC: It was the first thing I could think of - maybe the impression was pretty deep, haha.

MC: Want me to give Eli a call to ask what exactly is going on?

Gavin: No need, it’s really nothing.

MC: What do you mean by “nothing”? You were chased out for no reason, and you aren’t angry about it. And you even left?

Gavin: How should I have reacted then?

MC: By slamming the desk harshly, then pointing at them before saying, “I’ll give you another chance. Repeat what you just said.”

Gavin: In your eyes, am I like that?

MC: Am I wrong?

Gavin: ...not entirely.

MC: All right, since you don’t want to elaborate further, I won’t probe more either. I trust that you can handle it.

MC: Come over. I’ll comfort and protect you.

Gavin: Okay.

Gavin: Is your shopping cart ready?

MC: I’m still deciding between two outfits.

Gavin: Just get them both.

MC: No need, the two outfits are very similar! Help me pick one!

Gavin: Okay, I’m already downstairs.

-

Day 80: here

-

[ Permission to translate ]

夏月_mleila: Sure, of course you can. Thank you for liking it. I also wish for more people to see them

[oksanasanna]

Is 2x07 your favorite because of villaneve (ear)phone sex?

I could write a whole essay on why 2x07 appeals so much to me specifically

I know no one likes Aaron, but I love him. I relate to him a lot (minus the murder and the billion dollars). I’m obsessed with his speech about how he never gets lonely, has no desire for human interaction, and would rather observe people’s lives from afar. I’m the same way, and he’s the only other person real or fictional I’ve ever seen who also doesn’t experience loneliness.

Rome. I studied Latin and Classical Culture in college.

Villanelle gorging on pasta, my favorite food. It’s soo satisfying watching her absolutely stuff her face. I completely understand Aaron’s weird kink.

The bread hand touch.

Bread in general. I would also like to watch Villanelle eat bread and ice cream and chocolate and pasta. Those are the best food groups. Again, Aaron’s onto something.

Eve fixing her hair for Villanelle before going to give her the mic.

The atelier jacket is one of my fave Villanelle outfits.

I also enjoy the outfit Villanelle first wears when she gets to Rome. And the outfit she wears to the lunch date. Billie’s outfits are on point the whole episode, and I love that scene of Villanelle being amazed by all her new clothes in Rome.

I love Billie.

“I don’t like rich men.”

“I will not be needing the pill.”

“Ugh, get a room” and the way you can hear Villanelle’s wet smile after she says it.

The way Villanelle asks for the shepherd's pie recipe and then repeats all the ingredients to herself under her breath to memorize it.

“Always close the curtains. You never know what kind of pervert might be outside.”

“See? That wasn’t so hard was it?” ‘Are you going to leave us alone now?” “Of course not. Why don’t you sit down.”

“The sexy maths teacher.”

Eve’s wide awake speech was Sandra’s best scene of the entire season. The way she doesn’t blink because she’s so focused on the convo and so ready to talk about Villanelle. The tears of intensity. “Are you in a relationship?” “Define relationship.” It’s so powerful.

The earpiece sex!!

The morning after softness!!

Just the fact that we got that (micro)phone sex was absolutely wild. That’s still the sexiest Villaneve have ever been, and that “good morning” and snuggle into the pillows rivals some of the best 3x08 softness. I can’t believe how blessed we were.

Edward Bluemel in his underwear. (I’m gay, but he’s my exception, don’t judge. It’s not straight if I say #NoHetero)

Hugo’s stupid smile and “hey” when he wakes up

Eve’s absolute disdain for Hugo’s entire existence when he says “hey”

“Thanks for the threesome”

Villanelle’s threesome in the beginning of the episode. That whole first scene is fabulous. The slapstick of the girls interrupting them one by one. Jealous Eve. “Thank you.” “For the sex? You’re welcome!” The sexiness of “I’m not with them when I’m with them” and the emotion of “I feel things when I’m with you.” Villanelle’s robe. “I’m not dressed.” “I don’t care.” The framing. The acting. Literally every second of that scene is a masterpiece.

Villanelle having an alley cat for 2 seconds (cats > dogs fight me)

Carolyn asking the same questions for Eve and Villanelle “Any escalation, increased attention seeking, recklessness?”

That beautifully creepy shot of Carolyn in the mirror hovering over Kenny as he watches Eve leave their house.

The way Aaron drags that poor closeted gay dude for watching Gossip Girl with his boyfriend and the way Villanelle just watches on enjoying the tea as she eats her meal and pretends she doesn’t understand Russian.

Villanelle singing and Hugo bopping along.

Hugo being a bi king calling Aaron “not bad looking”

Eve “He Could Kill the Shit out of Me” Polastri getting horny for some rando psycho dude and liking him even more when she finds out he’s killed people. It’s so fresh to see her openly flirting with someone other than Niko and really marked a turning point in their relationship. It wasn’t just that Villanelle was her exception, it was that she was a completely changed person willing to flirt with a psychopath and take advantage Hugo “Human Dildo” Chambers/Turner/Tiller just because she felt like it.

In the same vein, Hugo changing and saying “Don’t watch me. I know what you’re like” and Eve being offended because he’s right lmao

“Cooped up in a hotel room with nothing to do. How will we pass the time?”

“Set up everything in here.” “Why’s it got to be in my room?” “Because I don’t want all this shit in my room.” I love selfish Eve.

I think 2x07 was actually the peak of Dark Eve. Sure she kills someone in 2x08 and again in 3x07, but she kind of regrets it both times or at least feels guilty. In 2x07 she’s taking advantage of people and manipulating them and giving in to her own desires without a care in the world. She stands up to Villanelle when she gets jealous, she ignores Kenny’s warnings because she wants to see Villanelle, she sends herself and Hugo to Rome knowing its dangerous because she wants to see Villanelle, she flirts with the murder dude, she makes the conversation with the therapist about herself because she wants to indulge, she gets impatient with the Peel case and is quick to insult Hugo every time he disagrees with her methods, she doesn’t care when Hugo gets upset about being out of the loop with the threesome (the 2x08 coffee scene where Hugo is pissy about the night before and Eve’s only concern is that her coffee is cold has strong 2x07 energy and is an honorable mention scene). She doesn’t give a fuck about anyone but herself and Villanelle the whole episode and it’s beautiful.

“What happened to her profile?!” “I don’t know, maybe you shouldn’t have fired Kenny!”

I love Hugo with my whole heart. Aside from Aaron, Hugo is the second character I see the most of myself in. I relate to his sense of humor and I think I would probably be some rich posh douchebag boy like him in an alternate dimension. I love that he gets featured so much in the episode, and it’s really his character’s climactic episode. He finally gets to succeed in his missions of banging Eve and taking down Aaron before going down in 2x08. I just like seeing my boy happy.

Villanelle having that really stylish gorgeous piano that I wish I could have.

Eve leaving those voicemails for Villanelle and Villanelle laying down, listening to them, and stroking her scar with that giddy smile on her face.

Villanelle packing her suitcase by balling everything up and throwing it in there and then acting surprised when Konstantin finds razor wire.

The directing juxtaposition of Villanelle and Aaron entering Aaron’s (STUNNING) palazzo and Eve and Hugo checking in to their grubby hotel.

The cheeky face Hugo makes when the receptionist mistakes Eve and Hugo for a couple.

The way you completely forget about Niko and Gemma in the storage unit until the very end of the episode when you least expect it and it shows you their fate as a shocking cliffhanger juxtaposed with the morning after Villaneve softness in the scene immediately before it. What a rollercoaster. What a way to end on a high note.

Gemma’s murder is probably the most gruesome murder of the show for me. Not that I enjoy gruesome murder, but it’s another aspect of the episode that really stands out. Her face in that bag? Genuinely creepy. Yet the fragile tape is funny. It’s a great example of that blend of comedy and darkness that makes this show so unique.

The pink and black title card is one of the best opening color schemes of the whole show.

“Non Voglio Piu Rivederti” by Paola Neri and 

“Vai Tu Sei Libero” by Dalida are songs I listen to regularly

This list is an unorganized hot mess and I probably missed stuff, but you get my point.

There’s not a single weak spot in the episode. From the acting, the directing, the writing, the music, the costumes, the set design, I love every moment of every scene, and I can’t believe Emerald Fennel wrote it just for me.

[shijiujun]

Anon Asks: Thanks! I was thinking of another hurt/comfort, but if you could turn it into fluff then I’m all for it! When LY asked QCS “which would you choose: pride or money” and they both chose pride... I wondered what would make LY choose QCS over pride, or have QCS choose LY. Granted I’m only on episode 15 but I’m totally fine with spoilers! Or if that’s a little much... maybe a little moment where LY can flaunt his own family credentials to save QCS (and BYN)?

And here ya go for your second prompt anon! I’m sorry it kind of got away from me again and ended up being... ~4000 words.

--

wish i could

When a new gang comes to town and kidnaps Chusheng and Youning to force Boss Bai to give up his authority in the Concessions area, Lu Yao decides he’s going to go grab them himself. He is, after all, a member of the Lu family and Lu Zifu raised no weakass kid (when it counts).

--

Read it in full below

One would think that after the entire debacle with Norman and the British, after Lu Yao’s siblings playing all the tricks they know in the book to get Lu Yao to leave Shanghai and go home to Hai Ning with them, after almost having to marry Youning and into the Bai family, Lu Yao would finally be able to live the way he’s always wanted to.

He has friends who cherish him, access to all the best restaurants in the city, a nice apartment and a job he’s incredibly fond of — a job that comes with the perks of frequent free meals and pretty, expensive things when he wants them.

And even if Lu Yao had none of those things, he would stay, if only to have Qiao Chusheng in his line of vision constantly. To see the man’s indulgent smile when Lu Yao demands for things, to watch him command his men or exercising shirtless in the mornings at the police station, but mostly to enjoy the warmth that spreads in his chest like an unfurling flower whenever Chusheng looks at him like he’s the only thing that matters.

He knows he means something to Qiao Chusheng, even if they haven’t acted on their feelings yet. Lu Yao isn’t sure what he’s waiting for, but he is unbelievably happy and contented like this.

So he’s not best pleased when he returns to Shanghai after two weeks at home visiting his sister and father, to see Ah Dou and Salim at the train station, their expressions grim.

“… where’s Lao Qiao?” asks Lu Yao with a frown, dragging his humongous luggage behind him as he looks around, as if Chusheng will pop up with ice-cream for him anytime now.

“Lu-ge,” Ah Dou calls as he usually does these days, his face ashen. “Bai-laoye is looking for you.”

And that’s when Lu Yao knows everything has gone to shit.

Lu Yao is still afraid of seeing Bai Qili despite being on exceptionally good terms with his children and once-a-week dinners at the Bai manor with Chusheng and Youning.

Before his mind can run wild as to why he’s being brought to see Bai-laoye, Salim explains simply, “Inspector Qiao and Bai-xiaojie were kidnapped two days ago.”

For a split second, Lu Yao almost scoffs.

A kidnapping?

What utter nonsense. Who in Shanghai would dare to touch Qiao Si-ye, feared across the city with a fierce and deadly reputation that precedes himself? And even if Chusheng was captured, with Youning too? That noisy, ridiculous and bad-tempered daughter of the revered Green Dragon Gang’s leader?

One not only has to have the competency to actually capture Chusheng and Youning, but also a pressing death wish to go through with it.

He wants to laugh and chide them for pulling such an unbelievable joke, but another glance at both men has his thudding heart beat even faster in anxiety. Ah Dou, for one, has a cut on his left cheek and looks a little too pale to be at the peak of health, and while Salim’s expressions often border on the sides of either confusion or blankness, the way the lines at his forehead pulls at his skin is unmistakable.

Lu Yao dashes into the house when they arrive before Man-jie even opens the doors for him. A turn to the left from the mansion’s lobby takes him to the living room, where Bai-laoye is seated.

“… Lao Qiao and Youning were kidnapped?” blurts Lu Yao without a single greeting.

Bai Qili looks up at his entrance and without berating him for his lack of manners, gestures for him to take a seat and says, “You’re back.”

“Where are they? If they were kidnapped why haven’t we gone over to get them back yet?” Lu Yao asks, but sits his arse down on the expensive leather couch anyway.

The old man doesn’t say anything for a moment as he considers the tea setup in front of him on the table. The water is obviously cold, the lack of steam rising from the pot and teacups not escaping Lu Yao’s notice. Bai Qili has been sitting here for a while then, but Lu Yao can’t quite read his expression.

On the table next to the teapot is a black ornamental box.

“With Norman and Anderson out of the picture, there was a gap in power as you know,” Bai Qili begins just as Lu Yao is about to panic again, “The Green Dragon Gang and my trusted people were put into positions that will help secure our power in the region for the next few years to come, but the British slowly restructuring the way their people will be placed here has also allowed some other gangs to take advantage of the situation. I’m not sure if you’ve heard of the She Tou Gang?”

“Like… a snakehead?”

“They’re originally from Suzhou, but some dispute they had with another larger gang there forced them out of the city and here to Shanghai where they heard there are some territories to be taken.”

Why is he saying all this? Lu Yao watches in bewilderment as Bai Qili picks up a cigar and lights it, looking as if he’s aged a decade all of a sudden as he leans into the couch. One puff, two puffs, before he continues.

“And now they’ve taken Chusheng and Youning as hostages to force me to cede territory and the Concessions area to them.”

Lu Yao doesn’t understand why Bai Qili looks so shaken and afraid for a long moment — the man has always been the pinnacle of stability and a symbol of fear to Lu Yao, and in the confusion of the entire situation, he doesn’t get why Bai Qili hasn’t stormed the snakehead’s headquarters or whichever hole they’re hiding in with the rest of the gang to get Chusheng and Youning out.

With a sudden burst of clarity, Lu Yao snatches at the box on the table and opens it.

Lying at the bottom of the box are two cleanly severed fingers, one clearly of lighter skin and more dainty than the other.

On the thinner finger, Lu Yao recognises a very familiar ring. It’s the one he fake-proposed to Youning with, the one she kept even after admitting to everyone that their marriage was a simple sham, the one with a small diamond in it that made her want to wear it as an everyday accessory, to flaunt the favour that Lu Yao owes her for helping him.

And worse is the other finger. It’s one that belongs to a hand he so adores, a hand that hands him the things he wants. The hand that always, without fail, manages to bring him home.

Lu Yao inhales sharply as ice sinks into his skin and bones, feeling his gag reflex as the urge to throw up slams into his gut.

“You know where they are?” he asks, his voice eerily even. “And they’re from Suzhou you said?”

“San Tu, sit down. I have until tomorrow to get to the papers and make an announcement,” the man continues. “I’m not risking their lives, nor yours. It is only some property, some money and investments. We can deal with them after we get Chusheng and Youning out.”

Lu Yao’s head is running through all the possibilities, and it takes him less than a minute to decide on the best course of action.

“Tell me where they are, and lend me Salim. I’ll get them back,” he declares. “Lao ye-zi, hold off on the announcement. If I’m not back by the next morning, it’s not too late to consider that option.”

Bai Qili finally looks up, and the way his gaze rests on Lu Yao right now, it’s as if he’s seeing this man, who Youning and Chusheng have both claimed as one of their own, for the very first time. Seeing him properly, seeing him beyond his vanity, his greed and how timid he usually is.

This Lu Yao is finally looking like a member of the Lu family, one of Lu Zifu’s children.

And he knows that Chusheng must’ve seen something in him, to be so willing to lay his life on the line for his well-being and safety.

“… if any of them lose another finger,” the man concedes, “I’ll do as I planned. And if you end up losing a finger, I’m not going to deal with Lu Zifu or Lu Miao either. If this all goes to shite, we can all go to war. Ah Dou and Liu Zi know where they’re at. Take them both.”

That’s as much approval as he’s going to get.

Lu Yao shakes his head, “I’ll only need Salim and the rest of the men at the station on standby. Liu Zi and Ah Dou should stay with you in case they’ve got another plan in place, lao ye-zi. I don’t want Youning or Lao Qiao scolding me either if you get hurt.”

Bai Qili scoffs, and even though it’s entirely illogical, he suddenly feels a little more… settled. A little more at ease, as if Lu Yao can truly solve this without it escalating into war.

On the way out, Lu Yao uses the house phone to call his sister, who isn’t amused that he’s calling for a favour only a day after he left home.

When she hears what is going on, however, Lu Miao sighs audibly on the other end of the call.

“I’ll send you what you need to the station,” she ends up saying. “San Tu, San Huo and San Mu are ready if you need them, but I’ll prefer to not have to explain myself to the British ambassador again for almost causing another war.”

“It won’t get to that,” Lu Yao simply says, and Lu Miao has no choice but to let her little brother do as he wants. “All I need to know is that you’ll back me up if it comes to that.”

Ah Dou looks unconvinced when Lu Yao tells him what he’s about to do, but keeps quiet and drives the man to the station, where Lu Yao unceremoniously heads into Chusheng’s office and waits for the telegraph his sister promised to send over. It takes only half an hour, and when he does manage to read through the information, he asks Ah Dou to gather the men at the station and wait for his call, and gets Salim to drive him to the She Tou gang’s location instead.

Salim pauses for a second, as if realizing that this might not go well, and Lu Yao doesn’t pressure him. After all, the man has children and a wife waiting for him back at home, and if he refuses, Lu Yao is fine with going alone.

“… can you help me tell Inspector Qiao that I’d like a week off, paid leave, if we survive this?”

At that, Lu Yao snickers, despite the severity of the situation.

“A week off and a watch, how about that?”

“Yes sir!”

===

Youning is sniffling quietly next to him, her face all dirtied and hair a mess, dress ripped in several places. Her hands aren’t bound, unlike his, and she’s pressed close to him, her eyes darting occasionally to the hand with a missing finger on it. The blood has stopped flowing, but Youning still feels afraid, angry and upset all in one.

Thankfully, aside from the dirt and maybe some scratches here and there, Youning is safe and in one piece. All they did was take her ring yesterday.

Chusheng would do anything, even exchanging his life for hers. It is all his fault for being careless, and is it dumb of him to be relieved, that Lu Yao is not in Shanghai and wasn’t with them when they got nabbed?

He knows what they want, and he also knows that even if Bai lao-ye agrees to their terms, it’s not a full guarantee that Youning and he will walk out of here alive. After taking his finger, Chusheng can imagine the old man wavering — he is soft at heart despite all his years of experience, of bloodshed and war after war, especially when his daughter is involved.

All he needs to do is find an opportunity for Youning to escape, and he doesn’t care what happens to him.

The She Tou gang is made up of men younger than both he and Youning are, but what they lack in years of experience in the underworld they make up for in their sheer numbers and ruthlessness. Chusheng has heard of their leader, Xu Boying. At a tender age of 23, he managed to expand the gang’s power and increase their numbers precipitously, and if the British hadn’t run the gang out of Suzhou, it is likely they would have taken over that territory in another year or so.

No matter how good Chusheng is, faced with almost fifty assailants and with Youning at his side, his hands were tied when they were caught.

And if the situation was different, Chusheng would be plenty impressed by the young man’s capabilities, ambition and shrewdness. Within days of settling in Shanghai, Xu Boying managed to hit Bai Qili where it hurts and rather effectively.

He almost laughs. After just half a year of being Inspector, half a year after meeting Lu Yao, he’s entirely lost his touch. He’s gotten used to the regular life, of dealing with employees and work from 9am to 5pm most days when they don’t have cases, of having breakfasts and dinners with Lu Yao, of being a normal, regular son to his adoptive father of sorts, of meeting up with friends for a drink or a night out. No fights, no wars, no fear and just… being safe. Being just like any other person living well in Shanghai, with a stable job, with good friends surrounding him and a supportive family.

And someone he’d like to protect, and keep happy, for the rest of his life.

“We should just kill them,” one of the younger boys in the gang snaps. “What if the Green Dragon Gang brings their people here and just slaughters the rest of us?”

“That’s what the message was for. Be patient, Xiao Han. Especially since we have Bai Qili’s only daughter, that old fart won’t dare to just come in with all guns blazing. Look at us here. One wrong move and we’ll light up the explosives, and then Bai Qili is left with nothing. Trust me, he won’t dare to take the risk.”

“Ge…” Youning murmurs, looking at him.

“Don’t be afraid,” Chusheng repeats, forcing a small smile for her. “You have me, remember?”

The doors to the warehouse they’re being held in opens suddenly, and the both of them look up as a young boy sneaks in, making a beeline straight for Xu Boying.

“What is it?” the leader frowns.

“There’s someone outside. Two men,” the boy reports hesitantly. “He says he’s here for the two of them, and that he brings a message from Bai Qili. One of them is in uniform, from the station. The other… we’ve never seen before. Very tall, dressed in an expensive suit.”

At the sound of that, Chusheng and Youning exchange glances.

It can’t be…

Before Xu Boying can say anything else, the doors slam open loudly, and in saunters one Lu Yao, indeed dressed in an expensive suit as the boy said. Chusheng doesn’t recognize this navy blue set at all, and horror and panic claws at him.

Not Lu Yao, he thinks, not his San Tu.

“Great, looks like everyone is here,” Lu Yao says, uncaring of the guns raised at him at the moment, as if he’s just here for dinner.

“Who the fuck are you-“

“I’m here to take them back, of course,” Lu Yao barrels right over Xu Boying’s question, looking every bit the expensive, spoilt and rich motherfucker he is as he strolls in, almost looking bored.

His eyes rove over both Youning and Chusheng for a fraction of a second before he returns his attention to Xu Boying and his men.

Meeting Lu Yao’s gaze earlier, Chusheng almost cannot believe what he’s seeing. This is a Lu Yao he’s not familiar with, a San Tu he doesn’t usually see.

“You must be Xu Boying,” Lu Yao says, settling comfortably into the seat opposite his at the table. “The Xu family’s bastard son. I’ve heard a lot about you from my sister. Can you not point the guns at me? I’m a little scared of guns.”

There. Right there, that’s the Lu Yao Chusheng knows.

Nostrils flaring in anger at the sound of the word ‘bastard’, Xu Boying slams both hands into the table and stands up, gun in hand and pointed at Lu Yao.

“Who the fuck do you think you are?! You better look at the current situation clearly. I don’t care who Bai Qili sent as a negotiator, but if he doesn’t do what we want, we’re going to blow his daughter and that inspector up. They’re sitting right in the middle of the new shipment we got. If you want them alive, you better tell me who the fuck you are and what you’re doing here-“

“My name is Lu Yao,” Lu Yao answers, seemingly cooperative. “And you’re not going to do that. In fact, you are going to leave Shanghai first thing tomorrow morning.”

At that, guffaws and laughter echo in the warehouse, incredulous at the audacity this man has. After all, it’s more than thirty guns trained on him on the inside of the warehouse and many more at the back, who will come running once Xu Boying starts yelling for them.

“San Tu, what are you doing!” Youning calls from the side.

“Shhh, I’m having a serious discussion here,” Lu Yao hushes her with a glare.

“You don’t care much about your father or your stepmother,” Lu Yao turns to look at the man again. “But you care about your younger brother. It so happens that Xu Bolai enlisted in my brother’s private army up in Hai Ning, and honestly, it isn’t that difficult to have my Da-ge single him out and deal with him.”

“How do you know my brother’s name?!” Xu Boying snarls, his hand shaking a little.

“Do you think I’m lying? Also, where do you think you’ve been getting your stock of arms and explosives from? I’ve set my sister on it. That British middleman you’ve been speaking to won’t be able to provide you with any more goods,” Lu Yao continues. “That’s how you’ve been making your money for the gang in the past two years, correct? It’s simple enough for my sister, who’s Secretary at the Commissioner’s Office, to find the necessary people to arrest him.”

“Not to mention I’ve also called my Er-ge, who is Commander of his own army stationed in Nantong city, and can be here within the next few hours. Bai laoda might not be able to do anything to you guys, that is true.”

“But I can,” Lu Yao concludes, leaning forward slightly and holding Xu Boying’s gaze. “Just my sister alone can wipe out the She Tou Gang without having to lift even one of her fingers. Take on the Lu family and I can have you disappear at the end of the day. You, and your brothers included.”

“Don’t believe me?” Lu Yao smiles, putting both hands up as he shrugs. “Try it. If Qiao Chusheng, Bai Youning and I don’t walk out of here in the next hour, we all die together. You’re not going to get away. Dying here is the least of your concerns because if you’re caught by either Bai Qili, or anyone affiliated with the Lu family, you’ll wish you were dead.”

Silence ensues after Lu Yao’s monologue.

“… Ge,” one of the boys at the side says with a frown. “I think… this is Lu Yao, that consulting detective the station hired under Qiao Si. He is the Lu family’s youngest son. The Lu family… in Hai Ning.”

Whispers break out at that.

Lu Yao is satisfied momentarily to see that his family’s name is still able to get them somewhere. He’s not fond of invoking his dad or any of his sibling’s names, but desperate times, desperate measures.

“I’ll even wait for you to verify the information I just told you,” Lu Yao offers, gracious even in a crisis.

When all the men just stare at him, Lu Yao sighs.

“Look, I didn’t even bring anyone other than Salim with me. The Green Dragon Gang and the guys at the police station are nowhere near here. I could have brought them with me, you know. Either way, if my Da-ge, Er-ge and Da-jie don’t hear from me in the next hour, you and your friends are done for.”

“If you cooperate with me, at least you get a headstart on running,” Lu Yao finishes with a flourish.

That little bitch, Youning thinks, staring wide-eyed at this flamboyant, ridiculous and vain young master, flaunting his wealth and the power his family has without a single care in the world.

More than that, he’s telling the whole world that Chusheng and Youning are under his protection. Under the Lu family’s protection, that these two individuals who’ve lived and breathed the underworld all their lives, are people worth protecting.

Lu Yao is staking a claim, that’s what.

===

“Lao Qiao, does it hurt?” Lu Yao panics in the car later, Salim pressing his foot down on the accelerator so they get out of this ridiculous area as soon as possible. “Lao Qiao, you’re missing a finger, you’re missing… you’re missing a finger- Salim drive faster, let’s get to the hospital!”

Chusheng is quiet, but his eyes are only for Lu Yao as the tall and fair-skinned man fusses over him, acting both like a child and a nagging mother at the same time.

“It’s okay,” he finally says, lifting his uninjured hand to squeeze at Lu Yao’s. “It’s just a finger. And it’s on my left hand, it won’t stop me from firing a gun or protecting you when needed. Calm down, San Tu.”

“Yeah, where did your bravado from earlier go?” Youning turns around in the front seat to glare at him. “You scared me!”

Lu Yao glares at her, then looks down at her hands — her pristine, beautiful hands with all fingers still intact. “I had to save you guys, no? Also why do you have all your fingers and Lao Qiao is missing one?!”

“Ahhh, ge, listen to him! He wants me to lose a finger!”

“They sent two fingers to the manor,” says Lu Yao through gritted teeth, “And one with that ring on it.”

Before the two can get into a further argument, Chusheng tugs at Lu Yao’s sleeve.

“Are you really going to let them go?” he asks.

“They took a finger from you,” Lu Yao says, biting at his lips and looking away. “I told Ah Dou to round all of them up once they get to the port, because that’s definitely where they’re headed next.”

“Smart,” Chusheng grins, and damn it, he feels proud of Lu Yao right now.

“… I saved you, so shouldn’t you repay me for that?” Lu Yao asks next, “I’m so tired! I came to get you guys the moment I got off the train, and you have to compensate me for the emotional trauma I had going through that. I didn’t even get to eat dinner because you said you would bring me to dinner when I return, but look at you now-“

“Lu San Tu! Chusheng-ge has lost a finger and he’s probably got several broken bones and what  not on his body, can you please be nicer to him-“

Chusheng chuckles, because god, he has missed this. In the last two weeks while Lu Yao was gone, this was what had been missing. Just Lu Yao in their lives, filling it up with noise, stupidity and laughter.

Watching Lu Yao earlier as he stared down a group of people he would usually be so afraid of, all for him and Youning, and Chusheng doesn’t know how much more he can love him.

“I’ll repay you,” Chusheng agrees. “I’m missing a finger but… I suppose in compensation, I’ll give myself to you, if you’ll have me.”

Everyone in the car goes silent at that. Both Salim and Youning suddenly pretend to be listening to anything but the conversation between both men in the backseat, Youning having the luxury to appreciate the stars in the night sky frmo where she’s seated.

“… what’s the use of having you,” Lu Yao mumbles, his cheeks heating as he looks away.

“You can have all of me, which means my house, my money… and me,” Chusheng smiles, leaning forward to catch Lu Yao’s eyes again. “Are you sure you don’t want any of it?”

Lu Yao doesn’t reply, and nothing else is said until they reach the doors of the hospital. There at the entrance stands Bai lao-ye, and despite her less-than-ideal relationship with her father, Youning is quick to exit the car and run into her father’s arms.

Right before Lu Yao leaves the vehicle, he mumbles something under his breath, his voice low enough for only Chusheng to hear.

“Chusheng!”

“Lao ye-zi,” Chusheng greets with a smile, and the man takes one good look at him before ushering him into the hospital lobby.

Lu Yao follows, only a step behind and not even losing a finger can put a damper on Chusheng’s mood right now after what he heard.

===

Of course I want all of it.

All your money, everything you own.

And you.

--

Notes:

*She Tou Gang (蛇头帮) - I don’t know if this gang was actually operating in the same years and where they came from, I literally just googled for existing gangs in China for reference XD

*As I explained on a previous post, it’s likely that Lu Yao’s brothers were named San Huo (fire) and San Mu (wood) as a naming tradition from Lu Miao (Lu San Shui - water) and Lu Yao (Lu San Tu - earth), since we Chinese are really fond of the four elements

*Bai lao-ye (老爷) or lao ye-zi (老爷子) - Used to refer to Bai QIli as the master of the Bai family or dad in the family in a sense

[anxiousgirlblog]

10 ways to calm anxiety

We have all at some points in our life felt the cripling feeling of anxiety. I myself have been dealing with a social anxiety disorder for many years now. This means I have lot of experience in handling and calming my anxiety. This is a list of tips (that have worked for me) on how to calm down anxiety or anxious feelings. Just remember that everyone’s anxiety is different and the best thing you can do is to get professional help.

1. Talk to someone

I have always been prone to bottle up my feelings and try not to think about my worries. But instead of forgetting about them, they become even more consuming. It is therefore always a good idea to get it out and a good way to do this, is to talk about it with somebody. Tell your therapist, your parent, your friend, your teacher or someone else about what is making you anxious. If you don't really know what the trigger is then just talk about what you are feeling. When you have talked about it with someone you will likely feel a bit lighter.

2. Write it down

If you don't feel like talking to someone another good way to get some of your worries and anxiety out is to write it down. There is something calming about getting your thoughts and feelings out of your head and down on paper.

3. Be creative

Another way to cope with anxiety is to use it to make art. If you like to draw, paint, write poems, write songs or something else creative, use your feelings and thoughts to create something. It doesn't need to be a masterpiece but it is a good way to express your feelings and work through some of your worries. 

4. Get moving

Exercise can be a good tool calming anxiety. It is a way to distract yourself and focus on something else for a moment. Feeling your body will likely take focus away from your anxious feelings and you will likely feel impowered and strong after a nice workout. 

5. Relax

Even though it can be nice to use and feel your body through exercise, sometimes you just don't have the energy or urge to get moving. Worrying and feeling anxious takes a lot of energy and you therefore need time to recharge. It is importend that you allow yourself to relax.

6. Listen to music

If I'm feeling anxious I like to have headphones on and listen to some good music. Make a playlist of songs that you found soothing so when you are in need you have a playlist of songs that can calm you.

7. Go outside

For me being outside in nature is a very therapeutic thing. There is something so calming about being in surroundings of nature. Go to a beautiful place and feel the powers of the nurturing mother nature. Listen to the wind, the sea, the birds, and think of the fact that you are a part of this big beautiful world. 

8. Indulge yourself

When your mind is tangled in a mess you have to remember to treat yourself right. You should be extra nice to yourself and indulge in things you like. This could be a good book, your favorite movie, ice cream, a cup of tea, etc. 

9. Be near animals

Animals have a calming energy about them. If you have a pet go cuddle it. Many animals are very aware of our feelings and will try to comfort us. If you don't have a pet then go somewhere there are animals like for example outside where there are birds or to a farm where there are cows or horses. .

10. Ask for help

And at last if your anxiety is too consuming and you can't seem to do anything to make it better it is differently importend that you ask for help. Use the resources that are available to you and get help from professionals. 

Thank you for reading. I really hope you found it useful. If you ever need someone to talk to, you are welcome to write me. 

Love Frida

[ayla-221bee]

The Five Times Greg Made Breakfast- Chapter one- Coffee.

 Greg opened his eyes to an unfamiliar living room and found himself on a sofa that was far more comfortable than his own. He could hardly remember the evening before other than the fact that he had dinner with Mycroft and there was alcohol involved.  

 Lots of scotch if Greg could remember correctly. It was the only drink other than posh wines that he drank when he was with Mycroft. He had bought Mycroft a pint one time in Dartmoor after the case had been wrapped up and Mycroft had ‘happened to be in the area,’ and upon receiving the pint, Mycroft wrinkled his nose in disgust and ordered a bottle of wine with an eyewatering price.

 Greg kicked off the duvet that was draped over him and stretched out on the plush sofa, it was a world’s difference from the one in his own flat and it didn’t have a spring that threatened to break away from the thinning material.  

 He soon realised that he was in Mycroft’s livingroom. It didn’t take his abilities as a Detective Inspector to figure that out as he caught a glimpse of several family photos.  A Christmas photo of some sort with a younger Sherlock and Mycroft with faces as if they had sucked a lemon and wearing matching horribly knitted jumpers.  A picture of a somewhat smug and proud looking Mycroft in a university gown and bearing a certificate with his parents was placed on the fireplace.

 Greg found himself smiling to himself, he never expected that Mycroft would be sentimental enough to keep family pictures in his home.

 Greg slipped off the sofa and quietly make his way to the kitchen. He started to search for cupboards and the fridge for anything that he could use to make breakfast.

         Mycroft’s cupboards were empty apart from several mugs, biscuits, and some posh coffees and loose leaf tea. His fridge wasn’t much better and there were more leaflets and menus for takeaway than actual food in the fridge.  There was a half a pint of milk that smelt somewhat off, a bottle of soy sauce, and packets of tomato and barbecue sauce from a  takeaway. The freezer had several tubs of expensive ice cream stashed away.

 Greg had decided that it was the most depressing fridge, kitchen actually, that he had seen in his life. He decided that he would have to buy at least a loaf of bread to thank Mycroft for putting him up for the night.

 Mycroft walked into the kitchen in his dressing gown and his hair slightly ruffled as Greg poured out two mugs of coffee from the cafetiere.  He gave Greg a tired smile as a large mug of black coffee was handed to him.            

 Greg suddenly had become very aware of the fact that it was the most undressed that he had seen Mycroft Holmes. Mycroft was usually in a three-piece suit at all times, occasionally, he would be in his shirtsleeves and tie undone when they lazed around on the sofa after a few glasses of wine or scotch after dinner.  

 There was something almost endearing about seeing Mycroft in his pyjamas and dressing gown. It was somewhat intimate seeing him in a state like this. Greg knew that he would have been one of the few people who saw that sight. It almost felt as if Mycroft trusted him enough to allow him to see him in such a state of undress. He had always consdierd Mycroft to be a friend, he didn’t think that Mycroft thought of him in the same way. It made Greg wonder if Mycroft possibly thought of him in a similar manner.

 The thought of Mycroft considering him to be his friend warmed Greg’s heart more than it should have done. He forced himself to stop staring and started to look for the sugar bowl.

 He noticed that Mycroft was looking at him with an expression of curiosity on his ruffled features. He didn’t say anything for several long moments and seemed awfully intrigued by him. Greg wasn’t too sure if he liked it or not.

 “How are you this morning?” Mycroft asked tentatively.

 “I’m fine,” Greg said with a shrug. “Hungover.”

 Mycroft stirred his coffee, the only noise in the kitchen was the teaspoon occasionally clattering against the side of the mug.   “There is paracetamol in the bathroom cabinet if you need some,” Mycroft said.

 Mycroft opened up his mouth to say something and closed it again, unsure if he was going to speak.  He seemed to be debating with himself about if he was going to say something or not and what words he was going to use. Greg could practically see the cogs turn in his head.  

 He had the feeling that Mycroft would have wanted to talk about last night. Greg couldn’t blame him, especially with how guilty he looked throughout dinner and how many times he had suggested that they leave.

 “Dinner was great last night,” Greg forced himself to say. “That seabass that I had was wonderful. The wine was....good.”

 Mycroft placed his mug down on the table and steepled his hands under his chin. “I did offer for us to go somewhere else countless times. I would have gone to a kebab shop if you wanted to go to one. I have little idea why or how you managed to sit through dinner.”

 Greg had the feeling that Mycroft had never eaten a kebab in his life and Greg could not picture him in a kebab shop for the life of him. It was easier to conjure up the image of Mycroft with a flying umbrella than eating a kebab.

 “The wine helped a good bit,” Greg said with a shrug. “The scotch we had after helped as well. I do apologise for getting drunk.”

 Mycroft raised an eyebrow and the top of his lip curled upwards. “I’m surprised that your reaction to your ex-wife getting engaged was to have most of a bottle of wine. I was fully expecting something more dramatic.”            

 “What did you expect me to do? Start sobbing over the breadbasket?” Greg snorted.  “Chuck myself into the Thames after pudding?”

 “I do wish that we did leave,” Mycroft said quietly. “Or at least moved to another table. I can only imagine how difficult was to see.”

 “She would have noticed if we did suddenly leave,” Greg said with a sigh. “It’s not very mature to run away when we see certain people. She’s moved on and so have I.”

 Mycroft reached over the table and placed a hand on his wrist and gave it a comforting squeeze. He looked rather uncertain when doing it, almost as if he was not sure if it was appropriate to do so or not.

 “Your fridge is absolutely depressing,” Greg said in the attempt to change the subject. “This is the saddest kitchen that I’ve ever seen in my entire life,”

 “What on earth do you mean?” Mycroft asked with a raised eyebrow.

 Greg leaned back on his chair and gestured to the wall. “First of all,  that wallpaper is just horrid and  it makes the place look like a bloody dungeon.”

 “What if I like the wallpaper?” Mycroft challenged.

 “Then I’m convinced that you’ve been replaced by an alien or a cyborg with poor taste, mate,” Greg chuckled.

 Mycroft laughed quietly and Greg felt rather pleased with himself. It was probably illegal somewhere to laugh before eight in the morning. Greg couldn’t remember even being somewhat cheerful during the morning, normally he wasn’t even sociable until he had three coffees in him.

 “I would have made you breakfast if you had food in your kitchen,” Greg said.

 “Why would you want to do that?” Mycroft asked.

 “I always do when I’ve spent the night with someone,” Greg shrugged. “You did allow me to sleep on your sofa...I know that I was a proper mess last night.”

 Mycroft shook his head. “It was understandable that you were upset. I was just so surprised that you even managed to speak to Karen and wish her the best when you left. I would act terribly if I was in your situation.”

 “Did you have anyone like that in your life, Mycroft? “Greg asked. “It was awful enough seeing Karen with someone else at times. I doubt that anyone would be so stupid to let you go.”

 Mycroft hesitated for a moment and quickly shook his head. The pause felt a bit too long and Greg knew that there was someone at one point. He seemed fascinated with the table cloth and Mycroft seemed to be counting the individual threads.

 “Do you eat when you are at home?” Greg asked after several long minutes. “You have a bottle of soy sauce and biscuits.  I can’t imagine that you pop to Tesco after work.”

 Mycroft rolled his eyes. “I hardly have the time to go shop-”

 Greg cut him off before he finished. “I’m wrong about Tesco,  it is probably M&S and Waitrose you would go to.”

 He pulled out his phone and tried to find the nearest posh supermarket was. “What do you fancy for breakfast? I’ll get some proper food for you.”

 Mycroft looked at him as if he had grown a second head. “You do not need to do this.”

 “I’m convinced that you are going to starve to death in this dungeon of yours,” Greg replied. “It is the least that I can do. It’s what friends do for another.”

 “Let me get my-”

 “Don’t do anything of the sort,” Greg said.   “We are mates and you were kind enough to put me up for the night after dinner...I’m so sorry for being rather drunk. Making breakfast and getting a few bits and pieces  is the least I can do.”

 He started to look for his wallet in Mycroft’s dungeon-like kitchen and found it in the empty fruit bowl, “What are you waiting for breakfast?”

  “Coffee is just fine,” Mycroft said.  “I shouldn’t indulge.”

         “I’ll go to that bakery that you like,”  Greg replied. “I’m needing something indulgent to recover from last night. It’s the weekend as well.”

 Mycroft put on a long-suffering sigh and wrapped his dressing gown around himself tightly. “Perhaps one of those almond croissants, you are twisting my arm.”

 Greg grinned. “Almond croissants and some proper food for your house. There is something that I found funny.”      

 Mycroft raised an eyebrow. “What did you find funny?”

 “The fact that you have this fancy job where you control the country,”  Greg said as he cleaned out the cafetiere, “you are this posh bloke and I just find it funny that you have an ice cream ad biscuit stash. No one would have even thought about it.”

 Greg didn’t need to look around his shoulder to know that Mycroft’s ears had gone pink.

 “I won’t say anything,” Greg chuckled. “We are friends, there is no need to worry about your secret being revealed to the world. You might need to buy my silence with some of that posh salted caramel and honeycomb ice cream though.”

[hangfiretales]

I found one of my short stories from a few years ago and was trying to figure out what needed to be polished up. And after spending the last few months complaining about the difficulty I have with using present tense, I discovered (with unfailing irony) that this story needed to be written in the present tense, of course.

*************************************

Anatomy of the Heart

‘That you, pet?’

‘Yes, Nan.’ Who else has a key? I add, but only in my head. She's pretty old. I can afford to be indulgent. 

I shut the front door, and the dusty quiet of home and cats and autumn collapses onto me. 

The lounge room curtains are closed against the afternoon sun but I can see her, sunk in her chair and dressed in something purple and polyester. Reading, of course, eyeball-deep in a comfortable romantic cliché of unbuttoned shirts and thrusting. There’s always thrusting. 

‘Library day, Nan?' I bend and kiss her hair, close enough to smell talcum powder and spearmint. 

‘Narelle had a stack ordered in for me.’ She half-closes the book to glance at the front cover. ‘I think I've had this one before, with the duke. He’s got a limp. That's alright, mind, I don't remember all of it so it's like new.’ 

It might have something to do with a certain sameness of plot amongst her chosen genre, but I say nothing. 

‘Long day, pet?’ 

And it has been, actually, so I tell her; enough to get a bit of sympathy, not enough to bore her. 

I’m rewarded with a pat on the arm and a clucking sound.  

‘Fancy him saying all that when you've spent so much time on it. Bloody professor should give you marks for effort, is what I think. Tea?’ 

And at my nod she straightens in slow motion and patters to the kitchen. 

I follow her to the bench. ‘Unfortunately, it doesn't work like that. I wish it did. I put in more effort looking busy than anyone I know.’  

Nan acknowledges my attempt at humour with a nod but I know she doesn’t think of me as the funny one. That's always been my brother's gig.  

I open the fridge and get the milk out while Nan conveys sugar from jar to mug. One spoon. Two spoons. Pause. Another little bit of a spoon. 

‘I still don't know why you have to get a degree just to read books,’ she says. ‘Why can't you just read them on your own?’ She sniffs twice; once at the education system and once at the milk carton in her hand. She pours it. 

‘There's reading and then there's- like a deep critical understanding.’

But Nan shakes her head. ‘If you're not enjoying it, what's the point.’ A statement, not a question. ‘I've read hundreds of books. Thousands, probably, and nobody ever asked me to get a degree first. Waste of time with your degrees for reading, and degrees for making video games, and music and what-not. Here you go, pet, carry those out. I'll get biscuits.’ 

I take the brimming mugs back out to the lounge room and set them down on the coffee table. My usual seat’s piled up with The Last Cowboy and his horny friends so I sit down on the orange couch. At least one cushion stirs and becomes a cat.  

‘Don't sit on Valerie, she doesn't want your bum on her head.’ Nan puts a tray down next to our mugs: biscuits from a home-brand cream assortment; a jam-jar lid, for discarded teabags; two tea spoons. One’s a sundae spoon, actually, longer and handier for stirring a tall mug. I reach. 

Nan bagses it smoothly. 

‘Sit here. Sit in your spot, love. Move those things-’ 

I put the stack of books at my feet. 

‘And how is Alex going?’ 

Which is the real question, isn't it, even when she leaves it unasked. The endless questions, filling in her days with thrusting dukes and shirtless cowboys and endless curiosity over other people's boyfriends.  

‘Yeah, well, he's- yeah. No, he's good.’  

She gives me a look. And harrumphs. ‘What you need is a real man. One who treats you properly and makes a bit of an effort with himself.’  

‘Like Jack the Excessively Groomed Cowboy?’ I pick him up and read the back cover. ‘Sorry, Chuck the cowboy. The brooding rancher next door is about to change Gillian's quiet life forever. Can she tame his wild bachelor's heart? Blah de blah.’

‘Don't you be a snob. There's nothing like a good romance to pick you up.’

I put it down. ‘It's a bit different from the novel I'm reading for this assignment.’ I say it more breezily than I should.

‘Oh? Go on then. What’s your one about?’ 

‘Well.’ I sit back. ‘There's this girl who's in rehab for her broken back and her father is being blackmailed. He's a drug dealer. It's Danish. It’s-’

‘Any romance?’ 

‘She falls in love with her boyfriend's brother, who's a detective, and she-’

‘Ah, torn between two men. Any sexy bits?’ 

‘Uh, kind of.’ Thinking quickly, because it's tricky to explain the Scandinavian Noir context of the nude ice-fishing scene. ‘Just, you know, frustrated but not going anywhere.’

‘Hmm. Mine sounds better.’

‘Chuck the Impossibly Tanned? Or this one, the Duke of--’ I check-- ‘Really? Notchester?’

I flip it open. ‘Sheba arched her back luxuriously as the Duke ran lascivious fingers down her flushed throat towards the boundless promise of her bountiful breasts.’ She's going all out, this-- Mirabelle Thorne? That's a terrible pen-name.’

‘I've had a few of hers. She does nice historical ones with lords and that.’

‘Aha, look at this bit. Thrusting with gasping impatience between her yada yada. Thrusting, I told you.’ 

Nan looks at me, waiting. I haven’t told her. 

So I tell her. 

She raises a sparsely pencilled eyebrow. ‘You judge the whole lot on one bleeding word? Snob.’

‘I'm not a snob.’

‘Snob.’

‘Don't say that, romances just aren't my thing.’

‘Well, what does that say about you? Can't appreciate the budding love of two young people.’

‘Two or possibly more young people. This one has a heart-wrenching choice between the man who adores her and the man who desires her. One of them's a doctor. Oh. Anatomy of the Heart. I see. And the other one's-- really? An alpaca breeder. What kind of a choice is that?’

‘The doctor's job is to be the rich bastard and the other one's her true love.’ Nan glares over her mug. 

‘No, actually, I think the doctor’s poor. The alpaca breeder's fairly well-off.’ I’m skimming through it. 

‘Well, that's probably true. You seen what they're charging for an alpaca cardigan? Bleeding rip-off merchants.’

‘She shivered at the memory of his efficient fingers. Efficient--' 

‘What you need to do is, you need to sit your Alex down with a couple of nice romances and give him an idea of what you want. Give him a role model. Young lads these days don't have any role models, all these single mums and feefo workers.’ 

She might have meant FIFO. Which may or may not have been a snipe at both my brother and my mother in one handy package. 

‘Who says I want this?’ I look down at the cover artwork, which shows both the devilishly rumpled doctor and the rosy-cheeked alpaca man. Which one has the efficient fingers? 

I put the book down. ‘Thanks for the tea, Nan. I'd better get a move on with this assignment. Do you want me to cook dinner tonight?’

Nan finds her place in The Duke of Notchester, picking up the story mid-kiss. ‘No thanks, pet. We've got some spaghetti bol left from last night. If leftovers aren't beneath you.’

‘Sounds fine.’

I take the last chocolate cream biscuit when I leave. 

When I come out of my room later to get my reheated spaghetti, I’m not that much further along with my work. I’m still replaying Dr Chase's critique of my draft: unfocused and derivative, showing only a surface understanding of the criteria required. 

Yeah, well. 

Nan’s watching some cooking show on TV; a wok full of hot prawns and a posh summery voice. 

I contemplate the gap between the dinners we all tell each other we're eating and the actual dinner, the one in my hands.  

And take the plate back to my desk to eat. 

It isn't a desk, it's a card table in the corner, below the clock and the Johnny Cash calendar. I've wasted plenty of time on this assignment already. It’s time to get serious. 

I contemplate the gap between the romances that we read and the actual boyfriend, who’s totally committed babe but just super busy right now. 

Does the novel's idiosyncratic narrative style add interest to the text, or is it a distracting literary conceit? 1200 words. Use examples. 

I go back to the kitchen for a biscuit. All the chocolate creams are gone.

Nan’s watching something about celebrities eating cockroaches.

When I get back to my desk I discover that the assignment still hasn't written itself. 

Twenty-four and a half minutes or so later, I find myself chewing on my pen and I’m swearing because it's an expensive one-- I bought it for myself in the hope that it will inspire me to write better. Or more. Or more better. I can't tell if it's worked yet, but the pen’s starting to look ratty. 

She shivered at the memory of his efficient fingers. Was his mind elsewhere, as he performed with admirable though robotic fervour? 

I go back out to the lounge, which is empty of either cats or Nans. I find Anatomy of the Heart sitting on top of Holiday in Heaven and open it somewhere in the middle. 

He watched her through narrowed eyes. Does he find her as one-dimensional as we do? She raised her face, lips parted in surprise, closer to him than-- 

‘Pet?’

‘What?

Nan’s calling from the kitchen. 

‘Tea?’

‘No, thanks.’

I go back to my room. The book is still in my hands. 

This one wasn't written by Mirabelle Thorne, I don't have to check the cover to know that. 

I check the cover.  

April Winter. There’s a definite touch of dryness to her humour; the pseudonym, the title. Or is it a him? It could be. It could be anyone. I've heard a few tales of prestigious authors who churn out romances to stay busy while they wait to get famous. Or to pay bills, between critically acclaimed works that nobody wants. 

I sit down again and open it. It’s a romance, yes. The strong-willed city girl who thinks she’s in love with the wealthy country-boy alpaca farmer until she meets the handsome, serious, magnetic, penniless local doctor. Small town. Impossible choice. Whatever. The plot’s predictable and the woman isn't worth the Chapter Eight punch-up over her. 

But there’s something about it. Something sly, indefinable. The alpaca man is so smug, and the woman so exhaustingly feisty- when the doctor finally wins her, the town rejoices but I am left uneasy. The doctor has a coolness, a detachment. Even as he's declaring his love to her in the moonlit garden behind the old pub he's keeping something back. He's playing a game. 

I wonder if a sequel would unravel this, but of course: romance novels don't have sequels. She gets her man and there's no more to say. 

I get out my phone and do an internet search for April Winter, author. Anatomy of the Heart is her only book. Maybe she has other pseudonyms. Other names, under which she slips strange and unsettling love stories into the world. Or is it a he? 

The clock says eighteen past two in the morning. 

I pick up my pen and begin to write 1200 words on the gap between the type of text that makes a writer look intellectual and the actual books that keep you sitting up reading at your card table, far into the night. 

I use examples. 

*************************************************

[lizzy384]

Great news about the account! :D For the asks, I'm going with harvest, amber, and quilt.

Thanks lovely lady 🥰

Harvest - which fictional character do you most identify with? Why? It’s hard for me to identify one. I looked back an I nine character meme I did ages ago to see who I picked, and realised I didn’t even pick Princess Leia and I should have. So ultimately I decided on Hermone Granger. Like Hermione I had bushy brown hair growing up (from brushing my curls rather than using a diffuser). And wonky teeth til I got braces. I was average looking, but scrubbed up pretty well. I got picked on for being shy and a nerd/geek. I’m very intelligent, excelled at school, cared about doing well. I was called bossy (teachers said, ‘you’re not bossy, your organised, will take the lead when no-one does and want to do well’). By uni, no one ever said it. And on the flip side, I am most definitely a Gryffindor. I have a strong moral code - I was a human rights/social justic pro bono lawyer, after all 😆. I’m loyal and supportive to my friends. I stand up for myself. I’ve faced a lot of adversity and I’ve had many friends say I’m the bravest person they know.

Amber - share an unpopular opinion that you may have. An easy one would probably be that I’m okay with the stage 4 lockdown in Melbourne - I think that people who have never been seriously ill for an extended period, or have a dependant family member who has, often can’t comprehend how important your health is. I may not like all the restrictions or agree with every single rule, but I completely disagree with people who say we need to open up for ecomonic reasons. I feel terribly for small businesses that may never re-open. But the economy will recover. Just like it always does. No quick fixes true - but all we have to do is look at history to see that we will. But if you get seriously sick, a) we still don’t know the long-term effect of covid and b) you could die. To me health trumps ecomony.

Quilt - how do you take you tea (or coffee)? So this is easy to answer, but complicated! Melbourne is after all the cafe capital of Australia. And probably the coffee capital too. We drove Starbucks out of business because their coffee if so crap, nobody wanted it. I only drank it in America out of necessity. The basic answer is white (ie, milk - we don’t do cream in Australia - we don’t even have half-and-half) with one sugar. Tea - herbal. The complicated answer is: freshly ground (Lavazza beans at home in a plunger (French press), with milk and one small sugar. Occasionally I use my pod machine and frother but I don’t like the waste of the pods. Iced-coffee at home: either instant (Moccona) with milk and ice or if I’m indulgent, a scoop of ice-cream. If I’m out hot skinny latte or flat white, with one sugar - cold, milk iced-coffee, ice-cream, but no cream (that’s how they make them in Oz). As for tea: I don’t normally drink black tea, since I’m a coffee drinker, but my presence is earl grey with a touch a milk. Herbal: wide range - peppermint, lemon with honey, berry mix of some kind, peach and rose. Or green tea occasionally.

[onyx-void]

Answer 1 through 50

Okay. You called my bluff. (ok not really a bluff, tbh, thank you I appreciate you) Unfortunately, we're having an internet outage where I live, so this is gonna take a while. Also, I have to do this on the webpage, on my phone, cause otherwise I can't have an 'under the cut.'

1. Do you have a crush on anyone?

I suppose you could call it a crush. That's one layer to how I feel. Like an onion :p

2. What's your favorite candy?

Ferror Roche, or however you spell it, Unless it's a holiday, then I Love those chocolate covered marshmallow treats. 

3. Favorite love song? 

I don't really listen to music much, tbh, love songs included. The first one to come to mind is "Love Story" by Taylor Swift. My favorite when I actually think about it has to be "You Are My Sunshine" by Johnny Cash. 

4. What was your first kiss like?

My first kiss. I had my first kiss last year, actually, at the same age I am now, 22. That was my first date, too, such as it was during a pandemic. I hadn't -still haven't, I guess- had many 'first's.' It was awkward, but nice. Chaste, to start. 

5. What was your last kiss like? 

My last kiss, was a goodbye.

6. Sexual/romantic orientation?

I'm reasonably sure I'm straight, heteroromantic. I've questioned all my orientations several times over the years, but nothing seems to fit as well as that does.

7. Do you prefer poems or love letters?

I would be over the moon to get either. I've written a few poems, though they weren't For anyone. I would prefer love letters, though. Poems can wax and wain to the individuals interpretation, but love letters can declare for all to see. 

8. Favorite fanfic trope?

God, I'm Super self-indulgent with my fanfic. I love Mary Sue's, fix-it, time travel, amnesia, self-insert. I want everything to be okay, and for the main character to be able to have at least some idea of what challenges they'll face. 

9. Have you ever been in love?

Have been, still am.

10. Favorite milkshake flavor?

Strawberry. Also favorite ice cream flavor. Chocolate's fine, but strawberry Hagen Daaz is The Best. (tbh it's also a sorta reference to my fav character/anime, Ryougi Shiki from Kara no Kyoukai. It's also just damn good ice cream tho

11. Dinner dates or Brunch dates?

Dinner dates could be a great end to the day, but brunch date leaves the possibility for a full day together to look forward to, so I'll go with that.

12. Favorite flowers?

Sunflowers. Though lilacs are nice too.

13. Favorite perfume/cologne?

I've used a vanilla sugar scent in the past? Don't use or have others use it enough to have a favorite.

14. Favorite candle scent?

I got a pack of incense a while back, a dozen different scents. I think my favorite is called Celestial. It's smells like... lavender and petrichor and stardust, I suppose.

15. What's your ideal first date? 

Ideal, so everything's perfect. Hiking in the woods, a mountainous area, lots of ups and downs and winding paths and beautiful colors and views. We come to a clearing, and a picnic I've prearranged is already set up next to a glittering lake. We sit, and eat, and talk. 

16. What's your favorite love story?

Just the other day, I was finally able to watch The Princess Bride. I absolutely loved it. 

17. What's the most attractive thing a person could wear? 

Easy. One of my shirts, and that's all that's visible. Could they be wearing something underneath it? Maybe. But you can't be sure, unless they show you one way or another  It's a sort of, are they aren't they thing. That said, it works for just about anything where you can't tell if they're wearing short shorts or something, but it works best if it's something more casual than a dress, like a oversized hoodie or shirt. 

18. Chocolate, vanilla, or red velvet?

Chocolate. Vanillas alright, red velvets gross.

19. Snow, rain, or sun? 

God, we just got snow here that Actually Lasted All Day. That's a miracle tbh. I absolutely love it. 

20. Sweetest romantic memory?

We were swinging at the local park, just talking. And I looked over, and the sun was shining through the trees onto the face of an angel. I could have spent eternity in that moment.

21. Favorite dating sim? (And favorite character?)

The only dating sims I know are yandere dating sim, and hautiful boyfriend. Favorite character in general is Ryougi Shiki

22. Fictional crushes?

...Ryougi Shiki...

23. What's your dream wedding like?

It's a small affair, outside, in our backyard on our plant of land, amongst the orchards and vegetable gardens. There's a living arch made of roses I've been growing in secret in preparation, and the bride's bouquet is made from cuttings we took on the spot. The sun is shining, everyone's full of joy, and our love is sure. 

24. What makes you blush?

Sincere expressions of love, or even just Being Known. If you say you care for me I Will Melt and that is a Threat.

25. Do you believe in love at first sight? 

I have to. I can't disregard my own experiences. That said, it's important to say that love is also something you work towards, together, day in and day out. It's not always hard work, it might not even seem like work, but it's an active thing. 

26. Do you believe in soulmates?

I think there are several people you can meet over the course of your life you can call a soulmate. 

27. Denim jackets, leather jackets, or bomber jackets?

Leather jackets cause I live in Texas. Otherwise, bomber jackets.

28. What's your sign?

Taurus. Lmk if you want my complete chart from that star app.

29. Are you single?

Unfortunately.

30. Do you prefer to charm, or be charmed?

I think I'm quite charming, I'd definitely say I'm in touch with people, though my execution probably leaves something to be desired. That said, I Love to be charmed. Tell me you like me, tell me I'm wanted. Hell yeah.

31. Guitar or piano?

Piano. Love the classics. I was actually looking at how much pan flutes cost just the other day. 

32. Favorite romcom? (Or any romantic movie?)

Once again going with The Princess Bride here.

33. Do you fall in love easily?

Far too easily, I'm afraid. Show your interest in me, and you'll catch mine in you. Doesn't happen very often, though. And if it's just something like a dating profile, I'm far pickier. 

34. Valentine's decorations, yay or nay?

If it's something personal, absolutely. As long as it has meaning, it's worth it. Even if the holiday itself is just to sell cards. 

35. Would you like to propose, or be proposed to? What's your dream proposal?

I would propose, after it's been made mutually clear and discussed we're both up for it. As a kid I dreamed about proposing on one of those boat rides under Niagara Falls. Now, I think it'd be during a hike, on an overlooking cliff, basically like my ideal first date, actually. That, or somewhere personal to the two of us. 

36. Cloud gazing or star gazing?

Star gazing, definitely. Out under the stars, looking up and sneaking glances at each other. Telling stories and making up constellations. What's not to love?

37. Do you like to dance?

Oooh, no. I've never danced, not really the social dancing type. Never really took the opportunity too.

38. What's your OTP?

....Ryougi Shiki and Mikiya Kokuto

39. Kittens or puppies?

You're gonna make me CHOOSE?! ...puppies, because they're more lively and willing to interact with me, generally speaking. 

40. Coffee, hot chocolate, or tea?

Hot chocolate. Never got into coffee, I want to like hot tea, but eh. Iced tea is good tho y'all. 

41. Favorite soda?

God as a kid I Devoured grape Crush soda. Like. 24 cans a week. Mainly drink juice nowadays. Or choccy milk

42. Do you prefer gazing wistfully out the window or lying dramatically on the sofa?

Window, definitely. Light as well have a view if I've gotta be dramatic, right?

43. Favorite ABBA song?

"Take a Chance on Me" followed shortly by "Dancing Queen"

44. Fuck/Marry/Kill?

You didn't name anyone, so... Fuck Lauren German (I've been watching Lucifer) Marry the one I love, and kill, idk, Trump?

45. Favorite pajamas?

For myself? They're fleece, I think. Usually I just sleep in my boxers tho. For my theoretical partner? How about my boxers ;)

46. Favorite liquor?

I've never had any alcohol, and I don't really intend to.

47. Do you think about love alot?

Every day. It's what drives me.

48. A walk in the park or a walk on the beach?

Walk in the park. More cover ;)

49. Hand kisses or nose kisses?

How about a hand kiss going up the arm, slowly, sensually, all the way up the arm, to the shoulder, taking a stop on the side of the neck, and right before it gets to the lips... Nose kisses.

50. What's your dreamhouse?

It's in a mountainous area. On at least 5 acres. Plenty of woods with trails in them, bordering a national park. On my land, there's an orchard of fruit trees, and greenhouses with herbs and vegetables. The house itself is actually japanese inspired. There's an outdoor garden you can access after coming through the entrance. The bedroom door is a sliding one, through a shortened circular opening. The whole thing gives off a cozy feeling. The love of my life has made their presence known in every room of the house.

[confusedcuriousjungleambivert]

6

“You broke me and now you expect me to follow you out onto the battlefield? No. The answer is no.”

"Stop whining so much Hajime! I didn't know Kiji would have so much luck in the next rounds!"

Game night was... Well, it was usually very catastrophic. But no one was actually surprised.

When the Warden called Hajime, Samon and Kiji and Kenshirou into her office they were not expecting a plan for 'bonding', as she called it. Something about trust between the guards that proved themselves the most lately and strengthening it. And of course Mitsuru was consulted and his ideas were playing games every Friday night after their shifts.

They couldn't exactly refuse the Warden (not that Kenshirou would ever), so they complied. Sometimes it actually proved to be funny, all of them forgetting how most board games worked.

But for Samon and Hajime there was one additional reason, and that being that the two of them might have started dating after the Enki episode and the game night was cutting in their already limited dating time.

But, oh well, they could count it as a way to spend time together.

"That's why you have to take everything into account, Samon, but your youth's stubborness just makes it harder for you." Kiji replied.

"You're literally only four years older than me, stop nagging like a mom."

Okay, so Samon's move of using his forces on destroying Hajime's team wasn't as well thought as he thought at first (and maybe he was biased because Hajime pissed him off earlier that day, old habits die hard). And now that Kenshirou and Kiji formed an alliance he was left to either accept a sure ~death~ loss or to step on his game pride and form an alliance with Hajime and try to have a honorable ~death~ loss. But now his boyfriend wasn't bulging and accepting the allience.

"Did they decide yet on the allience?" asked a bored Kenshirou from the kitchen, where he was brewing some more tea.

"No and they don't seem like doing it any time soon." Kiji got up himself, brushing his pants and making sure of having no creases. "I'll give the two of you some more time before we continue with or without an allience. So decide." and with some more hand gestures, he went to the kitchen himself.

"Maybe if someone accepted my offer, we wouldn't have to wait anymore." Samon mumbled, pouting in his hand.

"And maybe if someone didn't make sure I was left with almost no troupes I could accept to get it over with."

"Well maybe if you haven't been so fucking mean today I wouldn't have-" Samon stopped, almost yelling, realising what he was about to say. He turned away from Hajime and covered his face with a hand, a blush creeping on his skin. God, he was embarrassed, he was dating Hajime already, but he was yet getting annoyed at small things. He hated that.

Hajime sighed, getting closer to him. "Monkey, what happened?"

"Nothing."

"We both know that's a lie. Now come on, after this night I don't have a lot of patience left."

"Have you ever?" Samon finally turned to him. Hajime raised his scarred eyebrow. They both knew the answer to that.

"Come on." Hajime asked, more gently this time. "Tell me what happened."

Samon sighed. It was hard talking about what annoyed him to the person that did those things. And especially since it was his boyfriend and he liked him a lot. "You know how you came into the break room today all tired and needing a smoke?"

"Yeah..."

"And how you found me with an ice cream?"

"Do I ever find you without one?"

"Shush, it's the only time I can indulge myself with something good." Hajime's right mouth corner turned a bit up. It gave Samon a little reasurence. "And then, remember how you started screaming at me about not being serious enough and not taking care of the paperwork?"

Hajime remembered the moment. He could see deep in Samon’s eyes how he was hurt, but of course he hid with anger and other harsh words and screams. He felt bad at saying what he did, Samon was always quite disciplined, despite the moments he tried to prove himself by challenges, and his paperwork was always spotless, despite how many sweets he would eat while doing them. He wanted to apologise to him later, but Samon kept running away from him and giving him a cold shoulder, even during the game night.

"I do." he responded. "And I am sorry. I didn't want to say that, even if you should take better care of what you eat."

"Are you nagging me too now?"

"I'm just saying... That I am sorry. And I shouldn't have said what I did."

"It's not actually what you said." Samon told him. "It's more like... The way, the words and the fact that you yelled them in front of everyone. I know we said we shouldn't be much softer in front of everyone else, to not raise any suspensions, but... I do care about your opinion... As a colleague and as a lover. And I felt a lot like you don't see me at the same level."

Hajime took Samon's hand in his, stroking the knuckles. He slowly turned Samon's face by the chin, looking into his eyes. "I'm sorry."

Samon gave him a short eskimo kiss, feeling a little better, even in his vulnerable position. "Thank you."

"You don't have anything to thank me for." Hajime said, still playing with his hand. "What do you say if I try make it up to you and we try to win this game?"

Samon's eyes lit up, not believing his words. "Would you?"

"Let's break them."

Hajime was taken by surprise when Samon tackled him down on floor, leaving playful and innocent kisses on his jaw and neck. Hajime chuckled and kissed Samon'a forehead. The monkey pressed their lips together and Hajime deepened the kiss, wrapping his hands around his waist.

A crashing sound stopped them, Samon jumping out of his skin. In the kitchen door stood Kiji and Kenshirou, both with surprised faces. It wasn't an image anyone was expecting too see anytime soon. Samon and Hajime both blushed.

"So I guess we won't need that allience anymore."