#also it gives me an excuse to use my antique pink glasses

[july-19th-club]

i think this might be the first time ive ever bought a bottle of wine with an actual cork . malbec. good gracious . im grownup

[eddysocs]

What If It’s You - Chapter One (Of All The Bars…)

Summary: Alex is set for a relaxing night of alcohol and debauchery, but when a beautiful stranger comes walking in, she may just rethink her plans.

Word Count: 1,187

Warnings: Alcohol, one bad but joking pickup line

The neon sign of The Blue Lounge beckoned Alexandra inside. Her first day at work down in Houston called for a drink, and if she was lucky, a girl to take home for the night. She sat herself at the end of the bar, giving the bartender a nod that she was ready to order. "What'll it be," he asked.

"I’ll take an Old Fashioned." As he prepared her drink she took a glance around the room. There was a cute brunette a short ways down the bar, but she was flirting rather intently with the guy next to her, so Alexandra turned her attention elsewhere. That’s when she spotted two women come in and sit at a table right in her line of sight. A redhead and a blonde. Despite how loud the blonde one was, Alexandra still couldn’t quite make out the details of their conversation. Though if she were honest with herself, it was partly because she was too busy checking out the redhead with her.

She gave a quick glance and a muttered thank you to the bartender as he slid her drink over to her. She lifted the glass to her lips, never taking her eyes off the two of them as she took a sip, noting just how many of the men in the bar seemed to be taking an interest in them both. When the blonde moved to excuse herself several minutes later, Alexandra saw that as her prime opportunity to make her move.

Quickly downing the rest of her Old Fashioned, Alexandra came over to the high table and propped her elbow on it, leaning into the redhead's view.

"There must be something wrong with my eyes. I can’t seem to take them off of you. Now that’s out of the way, hi, I’m Alexandra, but most people call me Alex."

With a small chuckle, the other woman responded. "Hi, Alex, the name's Reba. Say, you’re not from around here, are you?"

"What tipped you off? It’s the accent, right," Alex joked. Reba laughed and Alex took the opportunity to explain a bit. "I’m actually from California but I came out here for dental school and just sort of stayed after I graduated."

This seemed to take Reba by surprise as her eyebrows raised. "Dental school?"

"Not a fan of dentists," Alex asked, still trying to keep things light.

"My ex husband is a dentist," she stated.

"Ex husband," Alex replied, intrigued, but also trying not to let the revelation dash her hopes.

"I don’t know if you saw her, but the woman I came in with," Reba explained, "is his new wife."

"Well I already figured he was stupid if he left you. Now I know just how stupid." Again Reba laughed and Alex swore it was the sexiest thing she’d ever heard. "Speaking of your, uh, is friend the right word? She’s standing in the corner staring at us."

Reba turned and caught sight of her, waving her over. "Alex, meet Barbra Jean. BJ, this is Alexandra."

Alex smiled politely, and shook Barbra Jean's hand when she offered it, but she wasn’t so thrilled about the interruption. Yet she supposed she had to make the best of it. She’d certainly gotten through stickier situations. "Can I buy some drinks for the table," Alex asked.

"Actually, I saw a pretty rare Beanie Baby in the window of the antique shop next door, so I’m going to check that out, but you gals go ahead." With that, Barbra Jean bowed out, leaving Alex alone with Reba again. Maybe she wasn’t so bad, Alex thought. "So, what can I get you," Alex asked.

"I’ll take a Pink Squirrel," Reba said. Alex went to the bar and ordered another Old Fashioned for herself and a Pink Squirrel for Reba. When she came back with the drinks, they were quiet for a moment, each taking a sip of their respective drinks.

Alex wanted to blame Barbra Jean for making her lose her edge, but it wasn’t that. No, it was Reba. She wasn’t at all like the girls she usually picked up in bars. College girls looking to experiment for the night, no strings attached. She could charm them with ease. But the more she got to know Reba, the more she left her tongue tied. She wasn’t about to be Alex's one night conquest, and Alex didn’t want her to be.

"So, did this ex husband come with a family," Alex finally asked. Not the most subtle way to bring it up, but it was out there now.

"Three kids," Reba confirmed. "Cheyenne, Kyra and little Jake, though he’s not quite so little anymore."

"Tell me about them," Alex prompted, somewhat surprised at herself for genuinely wanting to hear. She’d never dated a woman with kids before. Not that this was a date, but hadn’t that been what she was hoping for when she’d come over here?

"I can do you one better. I got pictures." Cracking the biggest, most beautiful smile Alex had seen from her all night, Reba scooted her chair closer to Alex and pulled out some pictures of her kids from her purse. Alex listened as she told stories about Cheyenne and then Kyra, and then Jake. At some point the stories all blurred together as Alex focused less on her words and more on the way her blue eyes sparkled as she spoke them.

This was dangerous territory, letting herself fall so easily for a woman she stood so little chance with. She could save herself the heartbreak of rejection if she just ended it here. Snapping her away from her thoughts was Reba's voice, once again clear in her muddled mind. "I’m sorry, I must be boring you to tears."

"Quite the opposite. Your family sounds amazing. It’s not hard to see you love them." At the word love, Alex's eyes traveled down to Reba's lips, staying there for just a moment until she realized she was doing it and then she quickly looked away. Now would be a good time for that exit she was just thinking about.

"I’ve had a wonderful time talking with you tonight, but I’ve got an early morning at the new job, so I’ll have to say goodnight." Alex practically had to force the words to come out of her mouth because the last thing she wanted to do was to say goodbye. Yet still, as Reba was preoccupied with putting her pictures away, Alex scribbled down her name and number on a napkin and slipped it in the small pile beside Reba.

"Well I better stop Barbra Jean from adding any more to her Beanie Baby collection. I hope we'll meet again sometime."

Whether it was just a pleasantry or possibly something more, Alex couldn’t tell, yet the words made her heart flutter anyway. "I hope so too," was all she said back. Reba hadn’t asked for her number, so maybe it was just nice words and nothing more. All Alex really knew is that she’d remember this night, and Reba, for a very long time to come.

🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡

-> Chapter Two

Forever Tag: @arrthurpendragon, @baubeautyandthegeek, @foxesandmagic, @carmens-garden, @fawera, @themaradaniels, @that-demigirl, @iloveocs, @bossyladies

[cheri-translates]

Alone on Christmas

A one-shot dedicated to my Secret Santa partner, @beautiful-mystic-mess​

♡ MERRY CHRISTMAS YOU PRECIOUS GIRL ♡

And major appreciation to @ginkgowritings​ who initiated this wholesome exchange and for feeding us quality Gavin content :>

Mildly suggestive!

[ a week before christmas ]

“How could you do this?!”

“I’m sorry.”

“You. Are. The. Worst. Boyfriend. Ever.”

“I know.”

“How could you leave your adorable girlfriend alone on Christmas?”

“Mm, she’s adorable.”

“...”

A zephyr rakes up dried leaves, pulling them into a dance in mid-air. This dazzling display would have left you in awe, if you weren’t currently fuming.

Gavin presses a chaste kiss to your right temple. You huff, a cloud of mist leaving your parted lips.

It’s nearly impossible to stay mad at him.

“I’m going to miss this,” you grumble, voice slightly muffled by the azure scarf you’re sharing with him. 

Giving your laced hands an angry squeeze in the left pocket of his jacket, Gavin halts in his footsteps in the middle of the empty park.

“I’ll only be gone for two weeks, and even though I might not be contactable…” his voice falters when he sees the tears prickling the corners of your eyes, glistening under the glow of streetlights.

Eyes widening, he quickly removes himself from the scarf and stands in front of you, wrapping the wool evenly around your shoulders. Cradling your face, he tilts your chin upwards and gently scoops away the pearly droplets with his calloused thumbs. 

“I really am the worst boyfriend,” he murmurs, slight panic in his eyes.

The last thing you want Gavin to see before he leaves tomorrow is your crying face.

You smack him in the chest, then turn away to rub the heels of your palms roughly against your face. However, it’s a futile effort as the tears return in a continuous, unrelenting supply.

“What if... what if something happens?” You choke, words surfacing in a blubber as you sob messily.

Gavin turns you around to face him, as though he’s inspecting a fragile antique. He draws you into an embrace, and you bury your face in the crook of his neck.

A light swirl of wind tangles and tosses the scent of mint in your surroundings.

“Nothing will happen. I promise.” he whispers into your hair.

He draws back, flitting his lips across your face, every peck removing the tears, the sadness of his impending departure, and the clouds of uncertainty. 

The ticklish sensation causes you to giggle.

Gavin gazes into your slightly reddened eyes, then brings your right hand to his lips, planting a kiss on your engagement ring.

“I’ll make it up to you when I get back.”

--

[ four days before christmas ]

The house is silent, save for the occasional tapping of the keyboard and the almost imperceptible whirring of Sparky Jr. Jr. the Zoombot.

“Maybe Kiro’s Christmas album could turn this gloomy season around,” you muse to yourself, scrolling through your playlist before settling on a bubbly rendition of “All I Want For Christmas Is You” to inject some festive vibes into the room.

Leaning back against your chair, you return your gaze to the document on the laptop screen. You thought burying yourself in work would make the days more bearable. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to have such a desired effect.

Whenever you worked at home, Gavin would drop by the study room and bring you warm drinks, your favourite snacks, and words of encouragement to keep your momentum going.

You stare at the pink, bunny-shaped post-it note stuck to the top right corner of the laptop: I’ll be home soon. You can do this, my girl.

He had stuck it there before he left. But it seems he’s also taken your motivation along with him.

You sigh.

--

[ christmas day ]

The dullness of winter hangs above you as you drag your feet down the familiar street, boots sinking into the soft snow. 

The streets are livelier than usual, with raucous children pressing their ruddy cheeks against the glass windows, cooing over the newest toys.

Aside from you, no one is alone. Seeing everyone accompanied by their partner, friends and family gives you a stark reminder of how the person you wanted to spend Christmas with is currently in an unknown location and in an unknown condition.

Catching sight of your gloomy reflection in a glass window, you hurriedly smoothen the crease in between your brows, perking yourself up. You don’t want to ruin the company’s Christmas party for everyone.

This year, your contribution to the party is in the form of baking Christmas goodies. Not wanting to mess it up, you even sought the advice of Victor beforehand on how to make the perfect chocolate cupcakes. 

Although the goodies turned out slightly different from the images he sent you, you trust that your employees wouldn't dare to complain given that the fate of their monthly salaries rests in your hands. At least, not in your presence.

--

After storing the box of cupcakes in the pantry’s fridge, you head over to the main office. 

“Boss!” Minor greets enthusiastically once you step inside, squatting down next to the Christmas tree standing tall in the corner of the room.

Although the branches are already weighed down with tons of decorations, Minor continues digging through the cardboard box filled with ornaments, seeking to further embellish it.

“We’re almost done,” Kiki says proudly, taking a step back to admire the tree. “All that’s left is for Eli to-"

“Kiki!” Willow interrupts loudly. “I think we need more fairy lights.”

“Eli?” You repeat, utterly confused. “Wh-”

“Anyway,” Anna pipes up, handing you a Santa hat so you can match with the rest of them. “Since you’ve been such a wonderful boss, we thought we should give you something you’re sure to love.”

“Yes, make a guess!” Minor chimes in, standing up and clasping his hands together excitedly. “We’ll give you three tries.”

A thud from the file cabinet draws everybody’s attention. The door swings open, revealing none other than a familiar figure curled up in a foetal position at the bottom shelf.

But how is this possible? 

A ghost? 

Did you finally go insane after plowing through all those proposals for Victor over the past few days?

“Bro Gavin! You were supposed to wait for our signal!” Minor huffs in mild irritation.

“...it’s really cramped.”

You watch, frozen in position, as he struggles to extricate himself from the clutches of the cabinet. 

Straightening up and patting some dust off his hands, his face breaks out into a handsome, slightly sheepish smile as he mouths your name. 

“Gavin!” You lunge at him, wrapping your arms around his neck in a tight hug. He responds instinctively by pressing you closer to himself, and you can feel the rumbling of his chest as he chuckles softly.

Ignoring the flush on your cheeks when you hear whistles from around you, you draw back, staring at him in wide-eyed disbelief.

Then, you fire a series of questions at Officer Gavin:

“Are you real?”

“Yes.”

“When did you get back?”

“This morning. The mission ended earlier than expected.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” “I wanted to give you a surprise.”

“Are you hurt?”

“Nope...?”

“Gavin helped with the decorations.” Kiki pipes up excitedly, pointing at the unevenly cut paper snowflake garlands strung on the walls.

Catching the hesitance in Gavin’s response and Kiki’s input, you lift his hands up. As expected, you notice the razor-thin paper cuts donning his fingers. 

You bring them to your lips, blowing on them. “My Gavin is a poor liar as always.”

“And I thought their posts on Moments were bad enough...” Minor gripes good-naturedly, gesturing for everyone to leave the room. “We’ll go decorate the pantry now~”

Knowing glances are exchanged among the group as they flee from the scene, giving the two of you some privacy.

All the heaviness in your heart from the days before seem to melt away as you stand on your tiptoes, kissing him with all the fiery passion you have in your being. You can feel him laughing against your lips.

“It’s only been seven days,” he breathes in between kisses. You feel like crying with joy, but only laughter bubbles from your throat. Breathless and blissful laughter.

“Seven days is too long,” You respond, planting kisses on whatever skin you can reach on his handsome face. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too,” he echoes. He pulls your face away from his just so he can simply look at you, his liquid pools of amber drinking you in.

The door slams open with a thud.

“Did anyone miss me?” Eli bellows, strolling into the room with a tower of presents.

-

The party commences soon after that. Gifts are exchanged (Minor knitted Thorny a mini Santa hat), glasses are clinked, and separate conversations take place.

While it’s nice to be a part of the liveliness, you feel pretty overwhelmed and drained soon after. Offering to bring the cupcakes out, you politely excuse yourself from the intense discussion with the girls on which was the worst Christmas movie on Netflix this year.

Out of the corner of your eye, you can see that Gavin is currently engaged in a conversation with Minor (though it looks more like a one-sided effort on the latter’s part). You decide not to disturb their moment of bonding, and head out by yourself.

-

Taking small sips from a glass of water, you fiddle mindlessly with the round magnets on the refrigerator, relishing this short breather. 

Once you feel sufficiently rested, you pull the fridge doors open, retrieving the familiar box.

“Are you okay?”

The sudden voice causes you to jolt, and you almost drop your precious cupcakes.

"Mm, I’m fine. Just bringing the desserts out," you tell Gavin with a shrug.

"That can wait," he says simply. One large hand glides between yours and the tray, snatching it away, and sliding it onto the counter next to you. “I said I’d make it up to you when I got back.”

Now that the obstruction is out of the way, he wraps his arms around your waist and presses his lips to yours. You giggle, hands moving up to lace through his hair as you try to bring him closer than he already is. 

He crushes you tightly against his body, easily lifting your feet off the ground and seating you atop the counter. There isn’t even enough room for air to fit between the both of you.

His teeth travel upwards, grazing the soft lobe of your ear, making you shiver deliciously.

“Gavin, not... not now,” you’re trying very hard to keep your volume down. 

“Hm?” His warm breath tickles your skin. Caressing your cheek, he peppers feathery kisses down your jawline, ending with gentle licks and nibbles on your neck. “Why not?”

What happened to the boy who used to blush at the mere thought of talking to you?

“We’re in the office,” you respond lamely, attempting to pry him away without using any strength whatsoever. Your body betrays you, and you feel your grip around his neck tightening so he couldn’t go anywhere even if he tried.

Someone in the doorway clears their throat.

As though you got scalded, you release your hold on him and hop off the counter.

You lift your head to see a teasing Eli, his brows arched in bemusement as he splays his fingers over his eyes. "Please refrain from using the office furniture inappropriately.”

While you smoothen your slightly rumpled clothes and, Eli stuffs a Santa hat into Gavin’s hand. 

“Here,” Eli says, injecting faux urgency into his voice. “Wear this.”

“No.”

Already expecting Gavin to refuse from the get-go, Eli waggles his brows.

“If you wear it, maybe you could...” His voice dips into an audible whisper. “Slide into her chimney tonight.”

Gavin coughs, dealing a painful blow to Eli’s torso. “Get out.”

“Ah, my spleen.” Eli winces exaggeratedly, grabbing the box of goodies off the counter. “I’ll keep the others occupied. Please lock the door next time. You’re welcome.”

With a wink, he makes his way back to the meeting room, shutting the door with a click.

Pretending that you didn’t hear Eli’s comment, you meet Gavin’s gaze once again. After staring each other for a few seconds, the two of you burst into embarrassed laughter.

He takes you into his arms with a contented sigh, nuzzling his chin against the top of your head.

"Merry Christmas. I’m happy to be home.”

-

ENDING THIS WITH ANOTHER POOR EDIT:

[valkyrieskwad]

i put a spell on you (because you're mine)

ao3

hi all! here’s the contribution i made to @supercorpzine​ this year!! it was a blast getting to work with so many talented people. hope it brought a little light to everyone’s 2020, we can sure use it.

__

Kara Danvers has an awful habit of making Lena feel like she's falling apart.

It's a familiar sentiment in some ways—as a struggling nineteen-year-old witch, Lena's grown accustomed to falling apart over the simplest things about her magic, about learning spells and potions and figuring out her own identity enough to do incantations with any real meaning—but the way she falls apart about Kara feels different.

Maybe it's because they live in the same apartment, or because they finish each other's sentences and have the same taste in music and food and old English literature. Maybe it's because they spend their weekends getting lost in the aisles of antique bookstores, smiling too big as the dust collects in their hair, getting too excited about old newspaper clippings used as bookmarks stuffed between browning pages.

Maybe it's because Kara spends two hours every day meticulously looking after their house plants, chatting to them about her day with her golden-blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail, and the sun bouncing off of her sharp blue eyes.

Maybe it's because Lena's in love with her, because she's absolutely hopeless for Kara, and she couldn't snap out of it even if she wanted to.

The two of them are like tree trunks planted right next to each other: separate roots and branches, but grafting together in the middle, growing taller and taller into something too intertwined to be anything other than inseparable.

-

"I was thinking of leaving," Kara whispers one night, completely out of the blue. It's late and they're on the couch, snuggled together underneath their quilted blanket—the first one they ever made together, decorated with different colored owls. Lena's eyes feel heavy, but she blinks them open as Kara shifts in closer and adds, "After I graduate, I mean. I feel like there's just so much of the world I still haven't seen yet, you know?"

"Mmm," Lena hums, but then it all catches up to her and she opens her mouth to say, "Oh," sucking in a deep breath and swallowing past the lump suddenly growing in her throat. "What do you feel like you haven't seen?"

"I haven't seen anything," Kara sighs, and it's like her words burn for some reason, etching hot across Lena's skin like a freshly inked tattoo. 

Lena feels like she's seen everything living here. She feels so in tune with the land around her, that she hasn't really thought of being anywhere else for a while now. Southern Oregon may not be the most interesting part of the country, but it's the only place that Lena's ever found a sense of community. It's the only place she's ever felt like she can be queer and a witch and magical and accepted. It's the only place she's ever felt a part of something larger than herself without feeling like she's being completely drowned out.

It's where she met Kara. It's where she fell in love. It's where she wants to stay.

"I didn't mean it that way," Kara says a few seconds later. "I just, I hear you and Andrea talking about all the things you've seen, and I feel like I want to see those things, too. I feel like I'm missing out on the world. Just being here."

There's a too-long pause that settles over them, but Lena eventually finds her voice to say, "If you want to see the world, I think you should," and then she tries not to think about what that means for them.

-

There are two things Lena remembers from her very first junior-witches potions class: 1) the first time she met Andrea and the way she smiled as she told Lena about solstice festivals and candle magic, about crystals and La Virgen and her immeasurable love for Santa Muerte, and 2) how serious the professor's face looked when she said, "Under no circumstances should you ever make a love potion."

They were nine years old, and the idea of a love potion made them both giggle and roll their eyes, adding more ingredients to their boiling pot as Andrea went back to talking about bonfires and spiced cider, evergreen and mistletoe and clove-spiked apples and oranges. 

If anyone had asked her back then, Lena would have said she'd never make a love potion.

"But Santa Muerte would accept you even if you did," Andrea had said.

Lena remembers that too.

-

She thinks about that when she does decide to make a love potion, when her head keeps spinning because Kara said she wants to leave, and Lena knows she wants to stay. She thinks about it as she adds each ingredient, whispering over and over that if she loses Kara, she'll lose herself too, like it's liturgical almost, an incantation, her way of broadcasting her strongest intention so the spell can get it right and Kara can love her, and they can stay here together, happily, forever.

She thinks about it when she decides the love potion is a bad idea, when she hides it in the back of the fridge because even if Santa Muerte will still accept her, she's not sure she'll be able to accept herself.

It's a tough decision, but it's the right one.

So, she pushes it to the back of her mind, tells herself it'll all be okay, and then she tries to sleep as best as she can.

-

She doesn't expect her world to end when she gets home the next day, when Kara meets her at the door and takes a deep breath, sighs, smiles, clears her throat, twiddling her fingers together as she says, "Sorry, but I might have eaten your stew in the fridge."

"Excuse me, what?" Lena asks, letting her backpack clunk to the floor, taking several deep, deep calming breaths before she asks, "My stew?"

"Yes," Kara says slowly, cheeks pinking up. "I'm sorry, I was just. Hungry. But it was delicious if that makes a difference."

Lena can't breathe. "The one in the back of the fridge?"

"Yes," Kara says again, blushing even harder, and heat floods through Lena so fast it suddenly feels like she's drowning. "The one in the glass Tupperware that was hidden behind the milk. The thing you always do with the food you don't want me to eat." 

"Why'd you eat it, then?" Lena whispers.

"I don't know," Kara admits. "But if you give me the recipe, I'm sure I could make it for you again. I'm really sorry."

"It's okay," Lena tells her, heart pounding, head swirling, because Kara looks hopeful and beautiful and Lena doesn't know how to tell her how much she royally messed up, how that stew shouldn't have been in the fridge in the first place, how it's written in the preface of 86% of spellbooks to never make a love potion, let alone leave one lying around. "I was just going to throw it out, anyway," she adds with a smile.

 She's pretty sure her life is over.

-

"I think I did something not good," Lena announces, and Andrea closes her book as she looks up at Lena, eyes glinting like she knows this is a big enough deal to warrant her undivided attention. This is, in fact, that serious. As a Scorpio sun Libra Venus, Lena absolutely hates complicated, messy situations, and this is as messy and complicated as it gets. "I need to talk to you about it."

"What kind of not good?" Andrea asks immediately.

"It’s not like, the end of the world, but it actually is the end of the world. I made a love potion that Kara ingested on accident, and I'm freaking out," Lena explains, shoulders inching their way to her ears as a blush inches its way across her cheeks. "I think I'm in trouble."

"Holy crap," Andrea mouths. "That's not good."

"Yeah, you're telling me," Lena groans, then she plops down on the couch next to Andrea and sighs, scuffing her shoe against the old wood of the apartment floor. "I don't think she even knows we're witches."

"What do you mean?" Andrea asks, leaning over so she's knocking shoulders with Lena. "I'm sure she's pieced it together by now."

"Yeah, maybe," Lena frowns. "But I'm pretty sure she thinks we're witches, but not witches. You know, the ones who make lavender salve and herbal tea and talk about tarot readings and natal charts. The ones who carry crystals around and garden and do candle magic without ever really knowing if it works."

"We are those kinds of witches," Andrea points out.

"Okay, yes, but we also do real magic, and we know it works. Crap," Lena groans, leaning forward and pressing her face into her palms. "How did this happen? I could get suspended from doing magic and lose Kara as a friend."

"Hey, it was an accident," Andrea reassures her, draping herself over Lena's back to hug around her. "I'm sure if you talk to her, you can fix this. It'll be okay, I promise. You'll be okay."

"I'll be okay," Lena repeats, and then she keeps saying it in her head until she feels like she believes it.

-

"A love potion?" Kara asks, and she's decidedly not upset. She's not even incredulous. Lena got so antsy she blurted everything out in the middle of making dinner, right after she dropped the colander three times and couldn't focus to save her life because she was so freaking flustered. So now Kara's standing next to a half-minced onion, slowly blinking her eyes with her arms folded across her chest, and she's... smiling. "You made a love potion?" she asks again, like this whole thing is funny and Lena's not falling apart. "Who'd you make it for?"

"I - well, I made it," Lena starts to say, then she takes a deep, sputtering breath, rolls her eyes, and huffs, "Who else would I have made it for?"

"Me?"

Lena sighs. "Yes, you. Because - well, because I want you to stay, but also because. I don't know," she finishes lamely. Then she takes in a long breath, presses her nails against her palm, and just says it, almost too quiet, but she's overwhelmed and feels dizzy. "Because I'm in love with you."

"I wasn't going to leave you behind," Kara says instantly, and Lena feels a bit relieved she just ignored the whole love thing. "I mean, I want to explore the world with you, it just - it came out wrong when I said it, and I got too nervous to fix it. But I always want to be with you. I want to go everywhere with you. You feel like home to me."

"Oh," Lena whispers. She was expecting a lot of things, but that wasn't one of them. Not those words, not phrased that way. She didn't expect Kara to just say that. "What are you saying?" she asks, just to clarify, looking down at her hands and trying her best to hide how flushed she feels.

Kara responds by taking a step forward, and then another, sucking in a nervous, shaky breath, and then she's leaning forward and kissing Lena—on the cheek at first, and then the corner of her mouth, and then she pulls away.

"I'm saying I already loved you," she says, stepping in even closer, filling Lena's space with so much comfort and love and warmth, that Lena feels a little like melting. "I'm also saying," Kara stretches out, and Lena can sense she's smiling before she looks up to see it, eyes latching on to Kara's too-pink lips, perfect and glistening even in the dim, 50-watt kitchen lighting. She's so pretty it's incomprehensible sometimes. "I didn't actually eat the stew. I sort of dropped it on the floor, but I thought it'd be better if I said—"

"Kara," Lena gushes out, like a reflex, like a breath of fresh air, like Kara's the most frustrating person she's ever met in her life. "You're kidding."

"I'm not," Kara says, smiling wider, then she fits her hands on Lena's waist, and Lena swallows, cheeks burning with both nerves and anticipation, and happiness.

Her brain is still stuck on the fact that she wasn't expecting this when Kara kisses her again, on the lips this time, but that doesn't stop her from closing her eyes, from pressing up and opening her mouth and kissing back until she's breathless.

"God, a love potion," Kara laughs, right against Lena's mouth, and then she goes back to kissing her again.

[dansedan]

Uhhhhh I guess this is a chaaaaaapter?????? could even be called.... the first chapter. Chapter One, mayhaps. Under the cut

I.

Father Quiffrey was small, for a man his age, and in tandem with his pallor and trim, uniform way of dress, it gave him an appearance of being almost doll-like. While the generous freckling and pink sunburn of his face and hands should be identical to those of the men Fleetfoot had worked alongside on his father’s ranch, he was nonetheless for the first few moments in his presence genuinely convinced that he might be meeting royalty, rather than picking up a penniless clergyman hired out by his family. The older man seemed to have anticipated the staring, nodding with a tight-lipped smile as he stepped past him and further into the bay, rejecting his offer to help him carry the meager luggage. His gesture was conscious, put-together in an over-serious way that only added to his oddity- the whole way from the dock to their lodgings he could picture the windup key sprouting out of his slender back. He couldn’t have ever imagined father Quiffrey, but once they’d met, he couldn’t forget him for a second after, either.

They kept rooms together but seldom spoke the first few months- taking train after train to get from New England to Colorado. Quiffrey spent most of his time nose deep in a ratty copy of the holy bible- tired from the long trip there, very likely homesick and confused- which Fleetfoot would pity if it didn’t give him so many great opportunities to look at him. The reverend seemed to be constantly conscious, every action plotted out in small and subtle ways, like a sailor’s signals. They ranged from common to bizarre- his way of walking (straight, steady) was like a soldier’s, his laugh (dry and airy, restrained) reminiscent of debutantes, and especially his look of focus (an odd frown tossed past his thin glasses, under the brim of his stiff, flat hat with his chin tucked piously into the neck of his cassock) which seemed inherited from a much larger man, fat and gaudy in the way he had imagined British priests to be. With time, he could see even himself in some of his partner’s gesture, and he would wonder who, then, these other people were to him at some point in his life. He never seemed to wonder, then, why he was so insistent on this observation, just followed the instinct unquestioningly, to the point that with the passing of time it became so constant that Quiffrey started to catch onto him. The reaction was always the same- a dry laugh, that same terse nod, and some comment or another to diffuse the tension built up in their meeting gazes.

“You are quite… observant, Mister Stevenson.” Or

“ah, are my recitations bothering you?” or

“nasty bit of weather here…” or

“well, I suppose that’s it for the night.”

Soon, the first drowsy month of their journey came to an end along with the train-trail. All these new small interactions- not just the offhand comments every so often, but humming hymns in the early morning, returning his glance now more assuredly with his own greeting gaze- were starting to accumulate in his mind, flashing inexplicably before his eyes during their brief moments apart. By the time of their entry into Colorado, Quiffrey seemed to have finally recuperated fully, and he started tagging along for more of the busywork of buying and selling, keenly observing Fleetfoot’s menial exchanges with shopkeepers and townsfolk, chatting them up in his hush, clean voice to make up for the younger man’s brevity. This was particularly useful in the matter of getting a horse, as the only coper in the station-town was oddly closed-off and avoidant, refusing to sell to the pair until the reverend talked him down into trading a horse for a sermon. And so that same night, they bathed and dressed, and left the single white-dappled mare the old man had offered them to walk back to his ranch-house and sit at his dinner table, where Fleetfoot heard for the first time his partner’s language past the point of a sentence.

“And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him- Luke, chapter seventeen, verses fifteen and sixteen. To express, in word or deed, our thanks towards those through whom the lord hands us our blessings, is one of the crowning virtues of our lives as servants of the Lord. Wise men of antiquity have said of gratitude that it is not only the greatest virtue, but also the parent of all others. The fear of God, who grants us all we have, and the humility of knowing we are dependent not only on Him but in our fellow-men…” The old man of the house was nodding in contentment, clearly feeling the flattery to be to his measure. He didn’t notice- none of them had noticed. Noticed that throughout the entire speech, past those wire-rimmed glasses and over the edge of the leatherbound bible, Quiffrey had been staring at him. Clearwater gaze trained, soft and serious on his own dark brown eyes. Fleetfoot felt frozen in place, shivering with the light breeze, almost forgetting to listen as he lost himself in questions. Soon enough, the homily was over.

“the gift of life, the air we breathe, our family gathered ‘round a table and the earth we till for work. All these, and the more precise and pointed gifts that fall upon us through our daily lives.” At this he nodded, knowingly, still staring.  “To all this, show your gratitude, to people and to God. Amen.” Lightly closing the book, a sleepy chorus of replies, and they were out the door with a pat on the back each, the coper nodding solemnly as he sucked on his pipe. They stepped into the desert night in measured silence, side by side.

“So,” the reverend began. “How did you find it, Mister Stevenson?” tempered, honey-whisper voice cutting through the night and jolting him awake.

“Seemed well,” was all he could say. For all his usual curiosity, it was suddenly impossible to bring himself to look anywhere other than directly in front of him. The older man just hummed and nodded in response.

“I’m glad,” he said. “Not quite used to preaching in translations, so I’m… well, I’m glad.”

The short walk home seemed to stretch out for miles in the white-sand darkness, step by careful step. It was only at the door of their hotel he brought himself to finally stop and look at the older man- catching up to him- almost touching- from behind, a gruff whisper forced out with what felt like a herculean effort.

“Thank you, father.”

And suddenly he rushed away and climbed the stairs, shocked at why this simple action felt like it took such bravado, scared at what could come next. He kept the room dark and laid quickly down to bed.

Morning came with a new day and the smell of coffee, the reverend sitting at the table with his bible as usual, fiddling with the pages in the thumb and forefinger of his right hand. He was whistling a tune- an odd, airy melody- and only stopped to nod at him once he noticed Fleetfoot was finally awake, saying nothing of the previous night’s events. Well, of course he wouldn’t say anything about it, the whole thing had been perfectly ordinary.  Should have been ordinary, at least.

Father Quiffrey was small and dangerous- on a single horse, riding behind him with his breath hot on his nape, his new habit of memory conspiring to distract him with a few choice remembrances- brief glimpses of skin caught by coincidence, the occasional pleased, unfocused look that the reverend gave to the early sunlight, distorted by his mind into something that felt far more confusing. By nightfall when they stopped to camp he felt it almost unnecessary to build a fire, yet as they pulled away and stepped on solid ground again, he felt the absence of the other man’s warmth as akin to amputation, already grasping at unlikely excuses in his mind to get close again. In reality, though, they laid at a measured distance from each other, and listened to the sounds of pages being passed and the crackling fire as he fought against the fuzzy feeling at his nape.

It was confusing- this was supposed to be a solemn journey, his one brief opportunity to serve the church and redeem himself for his bastard birth, since his father had forbade him joining the local order, preferred him useful to absolved. He was to deliver the priest to Santa Clara, a piece of influence from his father’s motherland in the missions out west, see if it’d encourage small-town folk to turn to The Church. A man to serve the purpose of the icons, a face that would be, to them, more trustworthy than his own, than the ones of the Mexican priests who had been residing there for decades now, less foreign despite arriving from a greater distance. When he first saw Quiffrey he finally thought this hare-brained scheme might work, but now he could not be so certain, not when his observation seemed to stray from his control- to focus on the pink tongue flicking out the corner of the thin-lipped mouth and not the focused study even in this moment. What kind of icon could he be? - when scripture claimed that men were made in the image of god, and Fleetfoot felt sure that He had made Quiffrey in an angel’s mold.

“I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like topaz, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude.”

He’d slept little and rose in the early morning, rode distracted by the desert breeze and warm return of the body behind him until they reached the next small town over and came into it, set to buy another horse and cast away these feelings from himself. A brief errand, and he came back to find Quiffrey once again preaching for the townsfolk, some small crowd of women, kids, a barkeep. He smiled, meekly, upon noticing the younger man, gestured to the plate of eggs and meat that lay untouched in front of him with a sheepish look before continuing his sermon. Fleetfoot sat down to eat and listen, watch him speak, seemingly unaware he was describing himself. These people had likely never seen topaz, and likely never would, but in their reaction to the reverend’s words, his figure and appearance, he could tell they were just as convinced. Another point for Quiffrey the Icon. He was charismatic in the way he seemed untouched by his surroundings, too innocent to care about the histories of his makeshift parish, or the West as a whole. Then again, he could tell at a glance that there were those with less than holy motives for sticking around- a point then, for Quiffrey the tempter, and company for his own concerns around it. He seemed to deal with them well- a couple pointed recommendations of Hail Mary and a tender smile ‘good-day’.

The scene repeated in the next town, and several after. And soon Fleetfoot was giving into his compulsion to attach himself to the reverend, standing at his back unquestioningly (as questions, and not apologies, were always the difficult part with religion), soaking up the warmth of him and fixing those overfamiliar strangers with a stare that seemed to punctuate the older man’s suggestions. Finally making good use of those small, haunting eyes, piped the voice of his father at the back of his mind, Although, deep down, he knew his father would be scandalized at the hypocrisy of his motive, this little voice, all the way down, knew the farce better than he did himself.

Another point for Quiffrey the tempter.

[365daysofsasuhina]

[ @sasuhinabigflash2020​​ || Day Eleven: Total Silence ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata, Hyūga Hiashi ] [ SasuHina ] [ Verse: Divine Light ] [ AO3 Link ]

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Noise, noise, there’s always only noise.

No matter how many times she tells her father she hates these social gatherings and publicity preening parties, he still strong-arms her into coming. You’d think as an adult herself now she’d finally find the guts to tell him no, but...well, a childhood and teenage years of a controlling parent that forced obedience through a constant threat of removing what you hold dear birthed a fear of that power still lingering after maturity.

...or so she tells herself.

Hinata Hyūga knows she’s mostly just a pushover no matter who it is she’s dealing with. Whether it’s her father, or her cousin, or even her little sister. Making waves and starting arguments just...isn’t in her skillset.

Hence why, more often than not, she ends up at her father’s obnoxious gatherings. His business in the medical technology industry means rubbing all the right elbows. And while Hinata’s choice to pursue journalism isn’t exactly in line with his expectations or standards, he still portrays her in the best light he can...in order to make himself look better.

And through all of that, his company...and its stocks.

For most of her time at these get-togethers, Hinata sticks to the walls, socializing only when necessary and otherwise trying to be as unnoticeable as possible, and evade such interactions in the first place.

But for some reason...tonight is just more than she can handle.

Not only is there music pulsing through speakers, but conversations, laughter, and even some shouting fill the air to a staggering degree. Ugh, she can feel a headache coming on...maybe she’ll just -

“Hinata.”

...wonderful.

Turning to her father, Hinata forces a smile. “Yes?”

“I’ve been talking to a young up-and-comer who would like to speak to you about a possible piece you could write about his company.”

She blinks. “...a piece?”

“Yes, a degree of publicity to help him get things off the ground. Say a few nice words, interview him...that sort of thing.”

Immediately, something in Hinata’s stomach churns. This sounds a lot like a piece of bribery, and that’s the last thing she wants to get herself into. “I...could look into it.”

“He’d like to speak to you now.”

Oh no...no, not now. Not with her head spinning and senses overloading. “I...I’m sorry, I’ve been fighting a headache, and -”

“It will only take a few minutes, Hinata.”

“Could -? Could you give him my email, and I’ll just -”

“No, now.”

The brazen order actually makes her catch herself in a lurch. Her vision is swimming, her skin feels clammy - she has to get out of here, now.

So, without a word, she holds up a hand and just...stumbles forward toward the door.

“Hinata…? Where do you think you’re -?”

For once in her life...she ignores him. With a push, she urges the door open and steps out into the cool air of the city evening. It washes over her like a relieving tide.

But it’s not enough. If she doesn’t move, he’ll just drag her back inside.

So she flees.

Turning to the right, she keeps on down the sidewalk, heels clicking. Thankfully she’s so used to them, even an unsteady gait born of dizziness doesn’t twist her ankles. A few curious passersby give her strange looks, but none make to stop her.

Good.

It’s late enough most other doors are locked and lights out, but by some grace she finds a place alight and open. An old brass handle turns in her hand, letting her into...wherever. At this point, it doesn’t matter. Anywhere is better than there.

Once in, she pushes the portal closed, leaning against it and heaving a weary sigh.

...and then notices something odd.

It’s completely and utterly silent. Such a change from her prior surroundings, her ears begin to ring.

Lifting her head, she takes in the building properly. At first glance, it appears to be nothing more than a second hand or antique shop. The building itself is also old, with crown moulding and rich wooden floors, worn but shining. The smell of old paper permeates the air.

Feeling almost like she’s stepped into another world, Hinata then realizes the door has a glass panel, through which she can be seen. Hefting upright, she moves between rows of shelves to better hide herself from view. And, with nothing else to do, she starts looking through the merchandise.

In truth, it...doesn’t look like much. Random knick knacks, decor, old-fashioned tools and kitchenware. It’s like someone went through every grandmother’s house and looted them, putting whatever they can find into the bins and rows.

It’s...bizarre, and not at all what she expected to find on the same street as the fancy hotel her father almost always rents for his parties. But at least that means it should be one of the last places Hiashi or his goons think to look for her. She walks slowly down the aisle, wondering if something might catch her eye while she’s here.

“...what are you doing?”

Jolting with a gasp, Hinata turns to see she’s no longer alone. At the head of the aisle where she came from, a man about her age eyes her almost suspiciously.

What an odd way to treat a customer, but...well, on second thought, she’s a little overdressed to be shopping for...whatever this stuff is.

“I, um…” How to explain…? “Someone was...following me, so I stepped in. Are...are you open?”

“...yes,” he replies after a pause, clearly weighing her story. “Are you all right?”

“Oh, yes - I’m fine. I’m sure they won’t think to look for me in -” She catches herself, not wanting to be rude. “...here.”

That earns a hint of a snort. “Well...I’m open another half hour, so...stay as long as you like until then.”

“Thank you…” She watches him turn back and vanish from view.

A nagging in the back of her mind sees her follow.

“May I...ask what your store is called? I, um...I m-missed the sign on the way in…”

“Curiosities.”

“...is -? Is that the whole name?”

“Did you expect something more?” he counters, stepping behind a register at the rear of the room.

“I...guess I didn’t know what to expect.”

He leans on his arms, looking her over. “...I find things that are unwanted, and try to find the person who’s meant to want them,” is his cryptic explanation.

“People look for -?” Again she cuts off, realizing she’s...about to be very rude. “...I’m sorry. I’ve, um...I’ve never been to an antique shop before…”

“That’s not exactly what this is, but...a close enough guess.”

Something about his refusal furrows her brow. Is he...hiding something? “How do you find these...curiosities?”

“Most are happenstance. Some I look for specifically. Though those sorts of wares are kept in the back.”

“Because they’re...valuable?”

“To the right people, yes.”

Another pause at his odd reply. “...I should introduce myself,” Hinata then backpedals. “I’m Hinata. Hinata Hyūga.”

“Sasuke Uchiha. And what do you do for a living that’s clearly above the par of a humble shopkeeper?”

His jab makes her go pink. “...I’m, um...I’m a journalist.”

“Hm...you have the air about you. Maybe that’s why you ended up here.”

“...I beg your pardon?”

“It’s Curiosities,” he replies, a grin curling one corner of his mouth. “Only people who are looking for something tend to find their way to my little shop. And journalists are always looking for something. A new story, a new point of intrigue.”

“Well, this...place is rather intriguing,” she agrees, glancing around again.

“One way to put it, yes.”

“As is the man behind the counter.”

His smirk seems to grow, and for a flicker of a moment, as his head tilts, Hinata swears there’s a ruby-red shine to his otherwise dark eyes. “I’d argue that my wares are the true point of interest, but...I can’t deny another’s observations.”

Suddenly, Hinata feels her inner writer coming out. “So...is this a family shop?” she asks casually.

“You could say that. It’s been in the line for quite some time.”

“Anyone else help run it?”

At that, Sasuke seems to hang up for a moment, and an unreadable look passes over his face. “...no, just me.”

“...was that a bad question?”

“No. I...had an elder brother, but...he passed some time ago.”

Shocked sympathy wilts her features. “...I’m so sorry.”

“It’s in the past. Feels like it was centuries ago now, but...well, even old scars can ache.”

She mutes for a long moment. “...seems awfully quiet.”

“Yes, my clientele tends to be...sporadic. Or by appointment.”

“Appointment?”

“People call looking for something in particular, and I...acquire it. We then arrange to meet.”

In spite of herself, Hinata gives a soft laugh. “Sounds suspicious.”

“Any business dealing is, in the right light. But I can assure you, it’s all perfectly legal.” His smile begins to return.

Opening her mouth to speak again, Hinata hesitates as a buzz sounds in the little handbag she’s miraculously kept ahold of. “Oh, sorry...my phone…”

“No apology needed.”

Bringing up her mobile, Hinata grimaces at her father’s name.

“...unwanted conversation?”

“Unwanted lecture,” she sighs, muting it. Guilt and apprehension grow, but...she’ll find some excuse. Her headache is gone, but...well, Hiashi won’t have to know that. “Still, I...should probably be going. It’s getting late, and...I’m doing l-little more than pester you.”

“Pester away. As you said, it’s quiet...a bit of conversation is nice now and again. Perhaps you can do a proper piece about the place another time, since you seem to find it so curious.”

His quip earns a laugh, then a pause. Right...there’s that other piece her father wants her to write.

...she’ll think about that in the morning.

“It was nice to meet you, Sasuke. Um...thanks for letting me hide out in here,” Hinata then offers sheepishly.

“Of course. I’ll admit I wasn’t expecting a gown-clad maiden in tonight, but...you’d be surprised what other sorts of characters I end up with in here.”

“You’ve already sold me on the place, you know,” she replies with a smile. “No need to keep whetting my appetite. I’ll be back.”

“Just being thorough,” he replies, giving a wave as she peers out the door, and then trots back the way she came. “...hm…”

With a trill, a feathery figure alights upon a stand that rests atop the counter.

“Yes, yes...she’s gone. Thank you for behaving yourself.”

A bird of gold and auburn plumage blinks vermillion eyes at him, a small comb of fire flickering along her regal head. But as Sasuke gives it fond strokes, it doesn’t burn him.

“Yet...I wonder…” Looking back to the door, he seems to sink into thought. “It’s very rare we get anyone el’tahl in here. Maybe she has some ven buried in her bloodline, hm?”

In response, the phoenix gives another melodic flow of notes.

“You liked her, did you? Well, that’s all the convincing I need. We’ll have to see how deep she manages to dig when she comes back. But for now, time to call it a night.”

With a snap, the lights extinguish, lock bolting shut at the front. In his hand, an orb of revolving fire lights his way through the back door. Here, objects clearly not meant for unenlightened human eyes glow, spin, float, and hum.

“...how deep, indeed.”

     So this is very late because wow my toothache is...unreal. I’m so sorry, guys. It’s also not what I first envisioned but sometimes characters just veer you off course! I was going to have this be vampire-themed but instead we got...this!      Which is...technically another crossover with a work of my own. DL is mostly a medieval-fantasy sort of world, BUT I do have one story in it so far that’s modern. And Sasuke is being directly crossed with one of the characters, but uh...it’d take a lot to explain and possibly spoil things so we’ll just leave the mystery intact xD      Anyway, I’m...totally exhausted and technically still in pain. Might be going to a dentist tomorrow, no idea, so...I dunno when I’ll get more done since I’m still behind. Thank you for your patience - I WILL finish this event one way or another, it just might be delayed because life things, woo. Buuut on that note, I’ll be heading off. Thanks for reading!

[badsext]

For Asgard! : Klaus x Valkyrie

⚠️: Smut

Klaus is rifling through some antiques in Reginald’s study when he comes upon a strange object, a golden geometric sculpture with interlocking shapes like pieces of a puzzle. Klaus immediately thinks of pawning it for cash, but then he hears something. At first he thinks he’s imagining it, but the object is humming. He picks it up and attempts to rearrange the pieces, but it won’t budge.

“Where’s the goddamn off button?,” he mumbles to himself. He struggles with it a bit more before giving up and throwing it against the wall. It comes to rest on the floor and produces a clicking sound before going silent. Assuming he must have broken it, he stoops to pick it up. Then a bright beam of refracted light comes streaming out of a small hole in the top. The light is so intense it makes him shut his eyes tight.

When Klaus opens his eyes the study is gone and he is standing on an open road by the sea. A pickup truck swerves to avoid him. It’s not unlike the time a mysterious stolen suitcase transported Klaus into the Vietnam war. Fortunately, this time his destination is a peaceful fishing port. The sign reads ‘New Asgard’ and in the distance he spies a pub. “Eh, what the fuck,” he says to himself. Klaus lights a cigarette, shoves the puzzle device into his pocket, and marches into town.

The bar is full of fishermen, drinking and chatting amongst themselves. No one even blinks at Klaus as he saunters up to the bar. He orders whisky then rotates himself 360 degrees on the barstool to take in his new surroundings.

He observes the woman resting on her elbows at the other end of the bar looks like she could kick his ass, which was exactly Klaus’ type when it comes to women. And she is gorgeous. Her thick utilitarian clothing and dour expression can’t hide it.

“The sea was plentiful today, your majesty.” A robust bearded man hails her as he collects his drinks from the bar.

“Aye, Harek. I’ll drink to that!,” the woman smiles and lifts her beer stein, then goes back to her beverage. Klaus leans in, his mind full of questions.

“Excuse me, barkeep? Where am I?”

“New Asgard.”

“Well, yes, that was on the sign, but…What year is it? What is today’s date.”

“Are you alright, my friend?”

“Just tell me.” Klaus insists.

“Tuesday, May 10th, 2023…and it’s just about noon.”

“Oh, boy,” Klaus’ eyes grow bigger as he fishes around in his coat pocket for payment.

“I’ve got this one, Bjorn. Put it on my tab.” It is the beautiful woman from the end of the bar. She looks Klaus over, commenting with a soft, ambiguous grunt.

“Many thanks for the drink, your majesty.” Klaus opens his coat like a dress and curtsies.

Valkyrie stifles a chuckle. “You can skip the formalities. That’s just Harek, he’s stuck in the old traditions. I am Brunhilde, last Valkyrie of Asgard, and king of New Asgard, but you can call me Val. What’s your name, stranger?”

“I am Klaus, 4th son of Hargreeves and irresistible bad boy at your service.” He winks. “If I may, why is the monarch of a small country drinking in a pub at noon on a Tuesday?”

“No, you may not,” she snorts. “But today is your lucky day because I’m bored and this ale makes me chatty.” Klaus moves to the empty stool next to hers and rests his chin in his hand, ready for Val to spill the tea. “I was part of a squadron of fighters, the Valkyrie, defenders of Asgard, but I am the last. My sisters in arms were slaughtered in battle including the one I loved. Her voice trails off for a moment as she stares off into the distance. “Then Asgard was destroyed.”

“Moon exploded by a telekinetic?” Klaus offers a guess.

Val furrows her brow at him. “Fire giant. The people of this town are the survivors of genocide and I am their leader. THAT is why I drink. What’s your story, Klaus?”

“I grew up in a family with superpowers and I’ve got the worst one. I communicate with the dead, and yes, that’s just as much fun as it sounds! I was kidnapped by assassins and tortured, escaped back in time to the Vietnam war where I fell in love with a soldier who died in my arms. Then my siblings and I tried to stop the apocalypse and failed. We’ve traveled back in time…let me see…six times now? We always manage to fuck it up. That’s why I drink.”

Valkyrie tips back the last of her ale and slams the empty stein on the bar, then holds up two fingers. “Shots for me and this miserable bastard!” The shots arrive and Valkyrie clinks her glass with Klaus.’

“Have I started to grow on you?,” he asks, making the shot disappear down his throat.

“The jury’s still out,” she replies, following suit.

Klaus stands up and walks over to the juke box. “Hey, you got a quarter?”

Valkyrie tosses him the coin. He snatches it out of the air with precision that surprises them both. He makes a selection, then comes shimmying back to the opening chords of ‘Immigrant Song.’ Valkyrie smiles. “You’re kidding me, right?”

Klaus shakes his head “iiieeeaaaaahhhh!,” he sings along, pleading with her to join him on the dance floor. She obliges, reluctantly at first, moving to the music, enchanted by Klaus’ goofy charm. The song fades. Something slower begins to play. Valkyrie captures Klaus by the collar and pulls him in close. Her rich brown eyes search his green ones.

“I’d like to take you home and….,"she reaches down and wraps her hand firmly around the bulge in his pants. He shudders in anticipation. Valkyrie tosses some money on the bar and heads for the door, pulling Klaus behind her.

“Don’t wait up,” he announces to no one in particular.

Valkyrie takes Klaus back to her modest cottage not far from the rocky shore. They stand at the foot of her bed. She removes her vest, then starts working on his belt.

“Your majest- um, Val?…I love the fisherman gear: puffy vest, rubber boots, cable knit sweater…it’s hot, but I was wondering if you had anything tighter…perhaps made of leather?” He bites his finger, anxiously awaiting her response.

Valkyrie narrows her eyes at him. “Alright, pretty boy, but be careful what you wish for.” She disappears into the closet and emerges wearing her armor. Klaus’ jaw drops.

“Does this excite you?” She rips open his shirt to feel his heart.

His breath catches in his throat. “Y-you didn’t mention it had a cape!”

Val kisses his neck and whispers sensuously in his ear, “I also have a pegasus.”

“Oh dear god.” His eyes fall shut and his head rolls back.

“Enough talk.” She rips off the rest of his clothes. “Down on the bed.”

Klaus lays down facing her. He watches her lustful eyes roving his body’s topography, but then her expression snaps back to one of severity. “Roll over,” she says. His face lights up. He rolls onto his stomach with his face in the pillow. Val slaps his tight little ass. “Mmm…,” Klaus relishes the sting. Val soothes his sensitive pink cheek with a caress. Klaus lifts his pelvis up to make room for his stiffened cock.

Val reaches under the bed for one of her toys. This one has Klaus’ name on it. She turns it on. Klaus immediately recognizes that sound. He perks up and practically wiggles with excitement. She glides the toy over his ass. His skin has goosebumps. She pauses to put a bit of lube on the tip then she uses it to stimulate his tight little hole. “Oh!,” he shudders at the sensation. “Are you ready for me, pretty boy?”

“Yes.” He is breathless. The waiting is so hard. She slowly inserts the toy. Klaus whimpers and groans until she is fully inside him. She increases the vibration. “Ah,”. Klaus pushes back against her hand. She pulls him by the hair so she can see his face while she fucks him. His face is twisted in pleasure and pain, only seconds from release. She turns off the toy, takes it out. “Don’t you come until I tell you to.” She scolds. “Only good boys get to come.”

“Oh, I promise to be a good boy. I do.”

She pulls off her armor and lies back with her head resting high on a stack of pillows. “Shut up and satisfy me with that pretty mouth.”

“It would be my pleasure, your majesty…For Asgard!.” He dives between her legs to devour her. His tongue glides over her clit, back and forth. His lips wrap around her most sensitive flesh to suckle her throbbing bundle of nerves. He sinks two fingers inside her. She moans, grabbing the back of his head. He takes the encouragement and focuses his movements. She comes in spectacular fashion, crying out and squeezing his head between her muscular thighs. He rises with traces of her essence on his chin. “Was I a good boy?”

“A very good boy.” She flips him over on his back and takes his cock in her hand. She pumps it a few times until it is fully erect. Her other hand slides over his smooth chest up to his neck. She looks into his eyes to gage his reaction. He whimpers and bites his lip, his sparkling green eyes pleading. Her fingers wrap tighter around his throat, squeezing with light pressure. Then she straddles him, sliding her slick pussy over the tip of his cock. He groans and bucks his pelvis. “Not yet, pretty boy. It’s sweeter if you suffer.”

She kisses him, drawing his bottom lip into her mouth and biting it gently. Then she rakes her teeth over his nipple. First one and then the other.

Klaus’ eyes roll back in his head. “Fuck,” he rasps.

Her hand grips tighter around his throat and the other rests against his chest as she lowers herself onto his cock. She bucks forward, slowly at first then picks up speed, her little tits bouncing as she rides. Klaus is in ecstasy, looking up at her in awe. Her brown skin glistens with the sweat of her labor. She leans into her climax, moaning and spasming with her eyes shut tight. When she regains control, she can see that Klaus is about to come, so she climbs off and grabs his wet cock. “Now, pretty boy. I want to watch you come.” She pumps him until he gushes over her hand and makes a mess of himself.

Her whole demeanor changes. She kisses him tenderly then runs off to the bathroom, returning with a warm damp hand towel and a dry one. He smiles up at her, cleaning himself off. She smiles back. “Looks like we manage rather well together, don’t we?”

“You are a goddess.”

Valkyrie laughs.

“What? What did I say?”

“Do remember us when you go back, will you?” She sits next to him nuzzling his ear.

“That’s the thing. I don’t know how to get back. In fact, I’m not a hundred percent sure how I got here.”

“You had the power all along. Just click your heels together three times. Haha! 'There’s no place like home.’”

“How can you be so cavalier? I might be stuck here!”

“Klaus, don’t be ridiculous!” She gets up, reaches into his coat, and tosses him the puzzle device.

“You’re going to have to show me how this thing works.”

“Might want to put your clothes on first.”

Master list

@elliethesuperfruitlover @miraclesoflove @bitch4bagels @bi-satanist @punknatch @ringpopdust @valkyries-for-valhalla @dandycandy75 @vinawyatt

[sweetlittlemessenger]

So I made a story based on MBTI's INFP cognitive functions.

---

This story takes place in a girl's human mind, which is more known in this universe as the Psyche Realm. It tells about the Infsman(inferior function), Terratora of the INFP Squad and her encounter of the four additional CFs who mysteriously appeared in their Realm.

---

♡ Sirene's POV

◇ Terratora's POV

The legends displayed above will tell you who's currently telling the story. If a "♡" is displayed, the story is told in Sirene's perspective and if it's a "◇", then it's in Terratora's perspective

Now with that said let's get on with the story!

♡♡♡

Ever since I saw that door I've been wondering what lies behind it, what shadows hide inside...

I was just doing my daily rounds in the Archives of Snow, finishing overviews of my Host's past memories that I hope she would find relief in. I was carrying a stack load of them when my foot bumped into something that would seem to have felt to be some kind of glass object. I looked down to confirm that it was indeed glass, a glass bottle; full of stars.

"Uuuuuugh, Netaaa!!" I groaned in frustration, I swear our Auxman has no sense of organizing whatsoever, not to mention scatter-brained. She has a habit of taking her so-called projects with her while she works and leaves them behind almost everywhere. I attempted to pick it up when I forgot that I was carrying a stack of memories, making me lost my balance and the pages and books of memories flew and scattered everywhere. One of the memory books glided towards the bottle, making it roll away.

"Hey, come back!" I shouted, not bothering to clean up the scattered memories and proceeded to chase the runaway joke-of-a-craft down the long ass aisle. The bottle's straight-line escape came to a close when it reached the very back of the entire Archives. Finally, I picked up the bottle and looked up. After a quick observation I realized that I have found a door. It was a purplish black color with jet black elegant iron frames. Strange... I have walked the Archives' floors several times and never have I seen a door like this. Filled with curiosity, my hand reached for the door's handle only to be halted by a shout.

"My Tertsman!" a voice called, I turned around to see my Infsman, Terratora running towards me.

"Terra?" I asked, "what are you doing here?"

"I was suppose to inform you about the recently finished tasks, but it seems you have found... their door. You musn't go in there my Tertsman. "

Terratora caught my attention on her emphasis on the word 'their'

"What do you mean 'their?'" I asked

"Behind this door..." she paused for a long second, as if she hesitated to answer, "lies four unannounced Neuronites, if they are even considered one"

This left me pondering and confused, "Four more Neuronites... how? There are already four members in our squad, how could there be four more?"

Terratora didn't answer, but rather, she looked down stayed silent

I continued to ask here more questions "And more importantly, when and how was there a door here?"

She sighed, "I think it's time... that I told to you about the Shadow Squad."

◇◇◇

It was just like any other day. The Domsman guiding the host, the Auxman constantly inventing new inventions (honestly at this point I wonder if her brain ever goes empty), my Tertsman collecting memories, and me, the Infsman, organizing, checking and crossing out finished tasks, that is...if there were. I was currently in the Mental Notes section of the Archives of Snow, doing my daily task when I heard something, or rather... someone.

"Um, excuse me miss." it called, the voice awfully sounding just like the Domsman

'Lady Fi?' I thought, turning around to see if my assumption was correct, it was not. Instead of the pink brown-haired lady in a golden crown-like headband standing before me, was a strawberry blonde woman with bright green eyes wearing a sleeveless dark magenta top with a grecian neckline, dark forest green capri pants embroidered with a pink roses design towards the pant's cuffs, dark purple ankle strap pumps and a translucent pink blazer. What caught my attention were her bright purple Neuro Transmitters.

"Hello there," she waved, " I couldn't help but notice that you're in a little pickle right there, do you need any help?" she said with a smile, though it didn't seem to meet her eyes.

I decided to play along

"Oh, uh... thank you." I answered

The lady then went beside me and spread her arms out, to which I responded by giving her some of the papers I was currently carrying. "Oh how rude of me, I forgot to introduce myself!" she said, "I'm Fenessa, and you are?"

"Terratora." I responded, but didn't bother to make eye contact and continued with my current work, "Infsman of the INFP Squad, I am responsible for organizing the Host's concepts and tasks and as well as checking and marking tasks that are finished."

"Wow, sounds like a tough job!" Fenessa said in amazement, "and you're doing this all by yourself? Where are your other members of your squad, surely there's like a lot you."

"They're..." I hesitated to give her an answer,"in their respective places, doing their respective jobs. There are only four of us, myself included, most of the time we are too preoccupied with our current tasks to help another member."

Why did I hesitate?

"Seriously? Wow that sucks." she commented.

A long moment of silence passed as the two of us continued organizing. I began to ponder on what just happened...

Firryn said that the squad was already at a maximum capacity of four members, and therefore no additional Neuronite was expected to appear.

But why was there another Neuronite?

Where did Fenessa come from?

And why are her Neuro Transmitters purple?

"Soooooo..." Fenessa spoke up, breaking my train of thought, "mind telling me about your Squad, you know, the members, what they do here, what they're like?"

"The squad?" I looked at her for a second then back to the shelves, "Well, there's Firryn the Domsman, she is the leader of the squad and guides our Host in judgement and decision making based on their inner values. Then there's the Auxman, Netalia, she assists the Domsman in her job by helping her stay open minded on certain view points when making judgement. Third is my Tertsman, Sirene, she is in charge of the memory department, mainly to provide relief to the Host, using the memories that the Host hold dear, and lastly is me, the Infsman."

"I see," Fenessa said, as she placed one of the papers to their respective shelves "Judging by how she lets you work all alone here, does she ever acknowledges the efforts you've put into organizing all of these tasks?"

I looked down and thought deeply on what Fenessa said. Lady Fi actually never did once give a glance on how I managed the tasks I was asked to organize.

"No?" Fenessa questioned, "Well that's a shame...Hey! How about I help you by joining your squad?"

My head perked up from the offer, "What?"

"Think of it, us working together in organizing these tasks. It will double the work speed and cut down half the time, oh, and I can also help in contributing on how you guys as a team can work more efficiently and in harmony. So, whaddaya say?" Fenessa reached out her hand with a smile, waiting for me to accept her deal.

The way she looked at me... the way she smiled sent a chill down my axon. Something didn't felt right, it was as if she was trying to manipulate me.

"Thank you, but I have to decline. You see, the squad only allows four members and we have already reached the maximum capacity." I said with a firm tone.

"Aww that's too bad," She said sadly, still smiling

it looked forced

"Oh well, I' ll still be here whenever you need me," she said, putting the last stack of papers on to the shelves, "it was nice meeting you, Terratora. See you around!" she waved and turned around, walking away.

See you around? Wait... is she implying on staying here in the Archives?!

"Wait, you can't just--" and before I knew it, she was out of sight. This was bad, a new Neuronite appeared and was now roaming inside the Archives. It was at that moment, I knew had to report of this event.

The following day, I planned to report this to Sirene, but she was currently preoccupied in digging up "lost" memories that was was found deep in the Archives, so I had no choice but to report to the Auxman. I approached the door of the Auxman's room and knocked a few times.

"Who is it?" a tired voice called from inside the room.

"Terratora, ma'am" I answered.

The door opened to reveal a tired-looking Netalia, and sweet saya she looked like shit, her hair was a mess and she had bags under her eyes. "Ey, Terra! What can I do for you?" she asked

Looking at her current state I asked her with concern "Ma'am, if i may ask, how long have you been wake?"

"Uuuuuuuuh..." the Auxman scratched her head, "36 hours?"

...what do the humans call this significant short period of event again? Ah yes, a "bruh moment." This was definitely a "bruh moment."

"Uh I see..." I muttered as I fixed my posture and went back to the matter at hand, "Well I have something that I must report to you, privately." I firmly informed.

"Oh, sure come in." Netalia said, stepping aside and letting me in her room. Her room was steam-punk themed, giving off a nice afterthought of the 1800's European Industrial Revolution. The walls had real functioning turning copper and gold gears and for the floor was a glossy gold iron-parquet flooring, but there was just one problem. Like her messy appearance, Netalia's room was an absolute mess. Different inventions and papers stacked carelessly in every corner, some papers were scattered across the floor, crumpled. Her work desk was no different. "So," Netalia said, yawning as she sat on her wooden antique chair, leaning forward "what did you want to talk about?"

"There is a new Neuronite that is roaming around the Archives of Snow."

Netalia's expression turned serious, "What?" she asked, her eyes widened a little.

I explained to her of my encounter with Fenessa, explained her appearance and behavior. Netalia began to be in deep thought, trying to process the information she had received. That's when I heard her mutter, "I can't be... Shadow Functions...here?"

"Shadow Functions?" I asked

"Nah, I'm sure you just saw it through a memory book" she said waving her hand, denying my claim of seeing a new Neuronite.

"Ma'am, you are aware of what the Shadow Functions are, right?"

"Yeah, the rumored Neuronites who linger inside a host's pysche realm and cause chaos, but you don't have to worry, it's just a rumor."

"Ma'am, I saw that Neuronite yesterday and interacted with me. If what I saw yesterday was a Shadow Function, there is no doubt that there could be other Shadow Functions roaming around the Psyche Realm as well--"

"First of all, you don't know that," Netalia interrupted, "second, there is no evidence to confirm the existance of the Shadow Functions."

"Ma'am, does my eyewitness testimony not count as an evidence?"

The Auxman thought hard for a moment, "Hm, good point, it does have some credibility, however, because you were the only witness, it does not have enough reliability."

"But ma'am--"

"That's enough Terra," Netalia said in a serious and authoritative voice and stood up from her chair, "this conversation is over."

"Netalia--"

"Terratora, I am warning you--"

"Could you, for once, please listen--"

"ENOUGH WITH THE BULLSHIT TERRA, SHADOW FUNCTIONS DON'T. FUCKING. EXIST!"

I stepped back, staying silent. Netalia gasped, realizing what she had done, she rubbed her temples with her fingers and let out a heavy, tired sigh "I'm sorry...I shouldn't have lashed out on you like that."

"It's ok...I understand" I truly did, Netalia was sleep deprived so it wasn't a surprise she would snap

"Just...don't bring up that topic again ok?"

"Yes ma'am..."

"Good, now if you have nothing else to report, you are dismissed." Netalia said as I walked out of the room.

Great, looks like I'll have to take care of this roaming Neuronite myself.

Not long after that incident, a new Neuronite appeared while I was in the Archives. A redheaded lady with bright green eyes wearing a sun hat, dark bluegreen off shoulder dress decorated with glitter at the hem, and some sandals. She called herself Niema, her choice of words are beyond my understanding, not to mention her unsettling insights of the future. What was most disturbing was how her presence is still felt in Archives from time to time despite not being present in sight.

Fast forward to several days later and another Neuronite appeared. this time by the same of Selly, and just like Niema, she was a redhead with bright green eyes. Her hair was styled into a ponytail, she wore a hazel wood yellow shirt that was tied into a knot, a black wristband on her right wrist, dark mute teal ripped denim shorts, and maroon high-top sneakers with bluish white accents. My encounter with this Neuronite can be summarized into one word: Impulsive. Chasing her across the entire archives, Selly was so fast and hyper that could barely keep up with her. Her curiosity in trying to open certain books of memories without permission gave me a headache.

...

Nothing could have prepared me for the fourth Neuronite. Unlike the previous three, she did nothing but stare at the distance, she was a strawberry blonde with green eyes like Fenessa. Her hair styled into a braid resting on her left shoulder, she wore round glasses with upper half rims framed with icy blue frames, a dark purple hooded shawl with a navy blue short-sleeve sweater underneath, mute blue ripped jeans and maroon sneakers. I did not see her make any movement other than her adjusting her glasses every once in a while. I could sense strong negative energy radiating off of her, the essence very similar to Ti essence.

I had to find out their place of origin, there was no way they just appeared out of thin air. I decided to start with the Archives of Snow, since that's where I found the first Neuronite. I searched every section and corner and found nothing, until I went to the very back of the entire archives. There I saw a door of purplish black color with jet black elegant iron frames. I didn't hesitate to think twice that this was the door they came from, I know this because me and Sirene frequently come to the Archives and never was there a door here.

Following day I requested Netalia to make me a lock. I had to lie to her saying Sirene requested me to get a lock from her, to which Netalia shrugged and gave me the item with two set of keys to go along with it. I rushed back to the Archives to install the lock, but when it came in contact with the handle, it disintegrated...

♡♡♡

"And ever since that day, I've been guarding this door in secret." Terra concluded

"Shadow Functions..." I said shivering at the thought, "I never I'd see the day these Neuronites merging into our Host's Psyche Realm." I looked up at the door and back to Terra, "do you know what lies behind this door?"

Terra shook her head "No, my Tertsman, I have not set foot in whatever is behind the door, not even once."

"I see...why didn't you tell me about this?" I asked her

"I feared that you would give me the same conclusion, since the existance of Shadow Functions is just a rumor." Terra explained, making me remember that Neta snapped at her.

"Terra," I looked at her in the eye, "you know very well that I would never raise my voice at you, so don't ever hesitate to come to me if something is not right, clear?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Good." I nodded

"My Tertsman, if I may ask," Terra spoke up

"Yes?" I replied, giving her permission to speak

"Will you promise me to keep this door a secret?"

This put me in my train of thought, should I really keep this a secret? Not sharing this information with the Domsman or Auxman could get me in trouble, but then again, Firryn is too closeminded to confirm this info and Neta is too preoccupied already with her millions of garbage ideas and concepts, and with that, I nodded my head, "You have my word."

"Thank you," Terra said, relieved "Now, I saw several memories scattered across the floor of aisle 8-20."

"Oh, that. I was carrying a stack of memories, when I ran into this thing." I said showing her the bottle of stars.

"Ah" was all she had to say, understanding what happened while showing a hint of annoyance on her face.

"Since you're here now, mind helping clean up?" I asked

"Of course." Terra complied as we both turned around to walk to the messy aisle

As we walked I turned my head around to look at the door one last time, the door's mysterious appearance led me to so many questions yet to be answered.

Ever since I saw that door I've been wondering what lies behind it, what shadows hide inside...

[astronomicalegotism]

Unlikely Partnership

Revenge Is Best Served Together (Book One)

Part Seventeen

Anti snarled and shoved his hands in his jean pockets, glaring at the suit of armour as he passed it. Okay, so maybe when he'd stormed out of the room with Mad and Blank it hadn't crossed his mind that he didn't actually know where Darkiplier's office was and now he may or may not be lost. Whatever, he'll figure it out.

Who designed this stupid place anyways? It's just hallway after hallway after- Anti back-pedalled.

Didn't I literally just pass that suit of armour?

"Oh for fuCKS-" Anti screamed and threw a knife at the armour, only for it to ricochet off and be sent back towards himself. Oops.

Anti quickly glitched out of he way and cursed. He could practically hear Schneeplestein's scolding tone in his head. Anti shivered at the thought. God help me I'm growing attached.

"Geez, you got something against antiques or what?" Anti tensed and snapped his head around to face the unimpressed looking Iplier Ego holding his knife. Anti didn't recognise them at all (Not that he watches Markiplier's videos or anything) so they were probably from one of the one off video ones or something. Maybe one of the ones Marvin hangs out with but always denies doing? He had Mark's black hair that was slicked to the side professionally, although it was actually a bit longer than what Anti remembered. (Must be a prehair dye obsession Ego) He had smart looking glasses rested on his nose and a taunting smirk on his face that instantly annoyed Anti. He kind of looked like a nerdy off brand Darkiplier if Anti was honest, add some monochrome skin and bad temper and you got yourself a double.

Not that that's saying much considering they all have the same face...

"Why are you wearing a suit?" Anti asked bluntly, looking him up and down. It gave the ego a simulationously professional and yet cheap aura. The suit was either second hand or brought from a coustume shop. He was effortlessly trying too hard, Anti had to give him that.

"Hey you don't see me asking why you look like a 90s Halloween movie reject so what give you the right to question my life choices?" Was the snarky response. Great, just what he needed, he'd run into a sassy idiotic side character. Anti grit his teeth. Don't kill him don't make a scene Mad said to do this carefully murder is not careful Anti-

"Touché." Anti forced out, debating whether or not glitching away would count as suspicious activity. The Iplier Egos Probably thought that he was working with Darkiplier, he couldn't give away any clues that suggested otherwise or he'd be done for. Running-No wait, avoiding the Ego for no good reason would make it seem like he was up to something. Or wait, maybe he wanted to look like he was up to something? Fuck this was confusing.

"What are you, constipated?" The Iplier asked, bringing Anti back to earth. Right, staring at someone in dead silence probably isn't normal. Anti opened his mouth to respond (With what he had no idea) but he was casually cut off. Deep breaths. "Anyways! You're Anti right? Wonderful, Absolutely wonderful! Bit of a strange name though, Antisepticeye? Suppose it can't be helped, What with being a fan creation and not an individual idea and that, Though you'd think that maybe thousands of people would be able to think of a better name wouldn't you?"

"Excuse me-" Anti snarled, now clutching a new knife tightly and taking a step forwards threatening. The Iplier Ego's voice heightened in pitch a little at the movement.

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you either way, I'm Bim Trimmer of course, No doubt you've heard about me though?" What is it with this guy and rhetorical questions Jesus Christ- "Actually wait, You're not supposed to be here! Septics aren't allowed here, WIL-" Trimmer's eyes went wide as Anti glitched in front of him, covering his mouth and pressing his knife to his throat.

"Don't. Say. Another. Word." Anti hissed. Trimmer nodded nervously before disappearing, now standing a few feet away from Anti and brushing off imaginary dust from his suit, eyeing him cautiously. Anti gaped for a few seconds before throwing the knife at Trimmer, mainly out of frustration. "Oh come on!!" Anti screamed, Trimmer backing away a little bit more.. Of course he could teleport, because the universe just didn't want to give him a fucking break did it?!

"What are you doing here? What do you want?!" Trimmer asked, obviously trying to get his volume down at least. Questions questions questions GOD THIS GUY WAS GETTING ON HIS NERVES! Anti gripped at his hair tightly, his form glitching violently out of anger and Trimmer let out a little started squeak in response. This was ridiculous, this whole situation was completely fucking ridiculous.

"Darkiplier is going to kill all of us and use our powers to get even stronger and control everyone, and you're asking me what I'm doing?!" Anti let out an involuntary giggle at the ridiculousness of it all, although he could feel rage bubbling up inside him. Trimmer  tensed up a little, but his eyes narrowed dangerously. As if he was a threat to Anti. Yeah right.

"Dark is trying to do what?" Trimmer asked, his eyebrows mocking. He scoffed, "You're not serious. Just because you and Darkiplier have this weird thing going on," He used air quotes, who the fuck uses air quotes, "Doesn't mean that he's trying to kill us all. How do I know you aren't just saying this to incriminate him?" We are talking about the same Darkiplier right? God that prick has everyone wrapped around his little finger doesn't he.

"Aw aren't you Darkiplier's widdle loyal soldier?" Anti coed, stepping closer to the Iplier Ego. "News flash numbskull, Your Little Darkipoo isn't everything you think he is." Trimmer swallowed harshly and Anti grinned.

"God you're even more insane then you look if you honestly think I'll believe you." Trimmer snapped, unnecessarily aggressively in Anti opinion. Someone's a little defensive.

"Whatever, I don't have time for this. Do you know where Darkiplier's office is?" Trimmer laughed darkly in response to his question. Hah, darkly. Dark. Get it?

"Like I'd tell you." Trimmer spat, puffing his chest out and speaking like he was doing the world such a noble service by being complete FUCKING ASSHAT-

Anti's eye flashed green dangerously in warning. Time to see if Trimmer really was an idiot or not.

"Guess I'll just have to get the directions out of you another way then." Anti snarled, shrugging causally, his voice distorted and threatening.  Trimmer flinched at him, but didn't move.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you. Wilford's been training me as his apprentice you know? I can create pocket dimensions too and trust me, you don't want to mess that. I mightn't be on the same level as you power wise, but in polecat dimensions I can shift reality however I want, I can amplify my powers to match yours!" Anti eyes widened minusculy. Wilford's Pocket dimensions were what Dark was using to steal their energy or whatever with (Or at least that's what he was theorising, he actually honestly had no idea what was going on) and that's where the Creators are trapped. If Trimmer can also influence pocket dimensions too, maybe Anti could put a stop to all this without being violent? Or well, he'd probably still be violent regardless but the thought was nice. Maybe he should take a leap out of Darkiplier's book and try a little slide of manipulation? Okay uh, he needed to find a weakness to exploit. Trimmer's blind faith in the Heart and Soul of Markiplier's channel maybe? He definitely seemed to hero worship the walking corpse and pink psycho, thats for sure. But maybe he should try find something else?

"Oh really? You? You can manipulate pocket dimensions? Don't make me laugh." Anti tested. Bim's face turned a shade of red and he clenched his fists. Boom bada Bingo, Bim Trimmer is an Ego with an ego problem.

"Yes, me! I bet you don't know the first thing about pocket dimensions!" Oh my god this was too easy. He was starting to understand why Darkiplier tended to take this route. Okay, time to get some answers.

"Oh yeah well, I know that in pocket dimensions, the laws of time and space and shit don't apply, so you can do whatever you want to who ever is in there. And, once you create a pocket dimension, you can pass on control of that dimension to someone else for them to use." Anti smirked smugly. He knew that information from experience, it was what was happening right now so there was no possible way-

"Oh ho ho, Is that so?" Anti's eyes snapped back up to the laughing ego, taken back. "Who told you that garbage? You can't pass on the control of a pocket dimension to some one that doesn't have the ability to manipulate them moron." Trimmer rolled the r's dramatically but Anti couldn't even find himself to be irritated because what the Fuck. Okay yeah, screw manipulation.

"But that doesn't make any fucking sense, then how come Natemare and Shit can supposedly manipulate Wilford's pocket dimensions?! That's a major fucking hole in Darkiplier's plan if the whole reason why he's gathered us is for us to use the dimensions and torment the Creators!" Trimmer's had paled significantly at Anti's words but the glitch demon just ignored him. His mind was reeling from confusion, they apparently weren't in control of the pocket dimensions?

"Wh-What?" Trimmer spluttered. "What the hell are you talking about?" Anti held up a finger to him, squeezing his eyes shut.

"No okay wait, Shut up for once." If What Bim said is true, that means that Wilford was still controlling the pocket dimensions, but if that was the case they would know since the dimensions weren't doing what the wanted them to do, which means that Wilford somehow knew exactly what they wanted to do the exact second it happens and the only way that's possible is...

Fuck.

"Wilford is in our heads. When we're in the pocket dimensions, he's reading our minds. Mad knows that I left the room to go stop Darkiplier and if since Wilford can read Mad's mind he-SHIT!!" Wilford knows that he's going to try stop Darkiplier and of course he would of told Darkiplier since he's his right hand man until the end that loyal bastard!! There goes his element of surprise, Darkiplier probably already knows he's coming. He needed to get to Darkiplier's office now.

"Uh...What-"

"I said SHUT UP!!" Bim's mouth slammed shut harshly.  Anti's breathing was short and quick as his nails angrily dig into his palms. "I don't know what the fuck Darkiplier wants, power, an army, but whatever it is it's not good news, and he's going to be using Natemare, MadPat,  me and that weird Blank guy to achieve it. I don't care what sob story Darkiplier is feeding you, he's bad news got it?! So grow a fucking spine and help me, because no matter how loyal you are to him, he is not the same to you! We're all just fucking toys to him, stepping stones for him to get what he wants and I am not letting that edgy bastard win. So are you going to stay one of his little disposable soldiers or are you going to fucking help me?!" He didn't have time he was running out of time Darkiplier was going to kill him he needed to do it first-

"Wait, Blank?" Anti blinked. That's the part he focused on?

"What about him?" Anti asked impatiently, his foot tapping so fast that it was blurring.

"What about-He's My friend!"

"I'm sorry, How is this relevent?" Anti would never admit it but the dirty look the Trimmer just gave him will haunt his nightmares for a good few weeks.

"I...If what you're saying is true, he could be in serious trouble. He's never been the same, ever since Dark offered to train him which was weird since I didn't think Dark liked Blank but uh...if Blank is involved in...whatever the hell this all is I can only imagine it's bad." Now look, Anti wasn't one to count all his chickens before they hatched but...

"So does this mean you'll help me?" Anti asked, fingers crossed on one hand and the other ready to summon a knife. You know, just in case. Trimmer narrowed his eyes.

"I don't trust you, and I want to hear the full story of what's happening first but, I owe Blank my life. I'll help. But the second I smell bullshit, I'm turning you in to Dark and you can be his problem." Bim pointed a threatening finger at Anti but he couldn't care less.

"Yeah Yeah Whatever, so will you tell me where Dark's office is?" Trimmer frowned, considering which was bullshit because didn't he literally just say he'd help?”

"You said Dark probably knows you're out to get him right?" Trimmer asked, smiling slightly. Why the fuck was he smiling?!

"So?!"

"So, you need to do the opposite of what Dark will expect you to do! Obviously Dark would expect the first thing you would do is barge into his office, knives swinging and screaming." Anti's eye twitched, But it's not like he could deny it.

"So, What do you suggest I do?" Oh yeah, that asshole was definitely smirking now, fuck him. Trimmer pushed up his glasses, the light glinting off them making him look like an anime character.

"We did to do something completely unexpected, something Dark would never think you'd do."

"And what the fuck would that be genius?!" Anti hissed.

"Why, something smart of course! Dark would never see it coming!"  Trimmer flashed him a too perfect smile and raised his hands dramatically and it finally clicked to Anti where he was from. Oh my God I'm teamed up with psychopathic game show host Jr. "Its a good thing you bumped into me isn't it? After all, how on earth would you manage to not royally screw everything up without me?"

Yeah it's offical.

Anti fucking hates rhetorical questions

“Come on Then Turtle Boy! Dark's office is a bit of a walk from here, we can talk about a plan while we walk. Or well, I’ll come up with a plan, you can just nod your head in agreement and compliment me, that works too. Hope it’s not too much work for you though!” As Anti glared daggers into Bim's retreating form, he wondered if stopping Darkiplier was really worth all the trouble. Although since apparently he was the only damn person in the entire world that was actually competent enough to save it, he guessed he didn’t have much of a choice. Besides, maybe if he stopped Dark and figured out what he was doing he’d be able to twist everything around in his favour. He definitely wasn’t going to pass up an opportunity like this.

He just hoped that he wouldn’t give in to the urge to slit Trimmer's throat until he got what he wanted.

[fearofaherobrine]

Roleplay Server Log #365

"EAlex, Baby Presents and Antiquities”

[Flux] Is sitting inside watching CP build through the window. A small smile flickers across her lips as she watches the effort he's putting into making a room for his daughter-

[Notch] Slips up behind her and hugs around her, putting his chin on her shoulder- Bring proud of our son?

[Flux] - He is doing a wonderful job, but I wonder...  Where will the baby sleep?  Surely a bed will be too large for her...|

[Notch] My bet is that Cp will will make a fancy room for the baby, but the baby will sleep with Lie for quite some time, because mom's worry.

[Flux] - But surely there must be other things they will need?

[Notch] Yes.... this is true... we should probably go out and buy her stuff like everyone did with Aven actually...

[Flux] - You bought stuff for Aven?

[Notch] Well, yeah! It's kind of a tradition for friends to buy a new mom a bunch of baby stuff. The closer they get to having the baby the less able they are to get around and do stuff. So it usually means they aren't working and could use a hand. And babies are incredibly expensive.

[Flux] - I see.  Then don't you think it's time we did that?  Lie is getting rather large...

[Notch] Rubs his chin- You're right. You feel like going shopping? It might be a bit of sensory overload.

[Flux] - If you are there, then I'm sure I will be fine

[Notch] Smiles- So do we drag Cp along and make him carry stuff or no? There's always the razor thin chance he'll get slightly emotional.

[Flux] - No, let's surprise them.  We could say your coworkers want your help with a small problem they've found as an excuse

[Notch] Well we need at least one person who can make portals. And I don't think BEN would be interested. So I'll call Doc for a ride. - He starts walking outside as he types-

[HG] -has just come by to water some of lies plants when he sees notch and waves- hi

[Flux] Follows him out-

[Notch] Oh hey Hg. Hey, you haven't learned how to make irl portals yet, have you?

[HG] no not yet but I should

[Notch] Doc should be along shortly, you should ask them to help you at some point.

[Doc] Comes galloping across the yard with Deerheart on hir back-

[Yaunfen] Is racing alongside them with a big smile-

[Flux] Sidles up next to Notch and takes his hand-

[HG] -Waves- hello doc, deer, yaunfen

[Doc] Hey guys. I take it we're making a party of this?

[Yaunfen] bounces around a little- I wanna go out!

[Deer] - Hey HG- She slides down off of Doc

[Yaunfen] Shifts into their kid form and plops a beret on their head. - I'm ready!

[Doc] Tuck your tail in kiddo.

[HG] oh are you going out to the real world can I come?

[Notch] Oh, yeah. I think I need a different shirt. - Goes back inside and comes out wearing a hoodie.

[Doc] If you want too. We're just going shopping.

[Deer] - Love?  Do you have my shoes?

[Doc] Yeah, I grabbed them when Notch messaged me. - They shapeshift and hold them out. They've already begrudgingly changed to some plain street clothes.

[HG] -puts on his sunglasses-

[Deer] Huffs but does take the shoes-

[Notch] I'm ready when you guys are, but... not everyone will fit in my teeny little car.

[Doc] Well... we could always come out in Dawn's shop. I doubt she'd care. You've still got that occult passport right?

[HG] -puts on his plain clothes- oh doc do you think at one point you will be able to teach me how to use portals?

[Notch] Oh, yeah! Right here. Got my cards too.

[Doc] I can try. I kinda suck at it.

[Flux] Makes certain the flash drive containing her seed is safely tucked away against her skin-

[Doc] Is texting on hir carrot phone-

[Notch] At least we won't have to worry about Licht if we're in a different country...

[Deer] - Now Yaunfen, you know you have to stay close, right?

[Doc] Okay, we're golden. She put up her closed for lunch sign.

[Yaunfen] Yes mama. - reaches for her hand-

[Deer] Smiles a little as she takes it-

[Doc] Swings back and jams forward in a violent headbang and the portal cracks open reality in front of hir-

[Notch] Peeks out-

-The opening is in front of a very old TV in a small room a few steps away is a balcony overlooking the rest of the antique shop-

[Mort] Waves from the steps- Hey Notch.

[Doc] Holds the way for the others to pass through onto the rather threadbare carpet.

[Mort] So what kind of mischief are you guys all up to today?

[HG] -goes though looking at all the different things-

-As the servers pass through, they take a moment to shift into more human like appearances-

[Mort] Nice transformation! You guys make it look so effortless.

[Dawn] Also comes up and releases the tiny chain that blocks the stairs-

[Deer] - It always feels so weird

[Doc] Yeah I know. It pays to stay away from mirrors and not look at your hands too much.

-The shop is a little dusty as usual, but the scent is a comforting mix of wood polish, books, elderly dried herbs and attic smell.

-The tv makes an awful crackly static noise behind them all.-

[Doc] Jumps in a little bit of fear- Please don't be Polybius...

[Yaunfen] Stays close to Doc-

[HG] -covers his ears not liking the sound of static-

[Glitchy] -There's an awful crackling as he pulls himself out of the same electronic device, looking like something decidedly eldritch. Neat. ...Also slightly horrifying.- Huh. -The Tv stops crackling.-

[Yaunfen] Eeek!

[Dawn] Defensive stance-

[Doc] Oh geeze Glitchy you scared me....

[Notch] Same!

[Glitchy] -Looks at Dawn and his eyes narrow behind his glasses a bit, before he looks back at Doc- Didn' mean to. Felt someone going. Decided I'd tag along. I need the exercise.

[Dawn] Who is this? I don't think we've met...

[Doc] Ah, okay. You know our friend Lie is pregnant right?

[Glitchy] Since Strangled isn't here, I'm just Red. And yes, I figured as much.

[Mort] Hey Hg, wanna give the plants a boost while Dawn isn't looking? - Indicates a windowsill full of sad little shoots in pots-

[Dawn] Red? I'm Dawn.

[Doc] Dawn's a witch Glitchy.

[HG] -Sees the plant and waters them while also fixing their soil-

-The little sprouts explode and throw a few creeping vines up the windowsill and down to the carpet. -

[Mort] Glad to see someone loves doing that as much as I do.

[Glitchy] A pleasure to meet you. -He doesn't offer his hand to shake, but does nod aknowledgingly-

[Dawn] Likewise. What's your area of expertise?

[Doc] How are you eyes doing anyway Glitchy, you haven't checked in with me in awhile.

[Yaunfen] Regards the overflowing plants. - Aww... no candy. I like the sweet plants better. How are the pumpkins Hg?

[Glitchy] Glitches, Dreams.. Pokémon. Oh! And they're a lot better! I mostly need my glasses to read on good days. -He taps his glasses and it's obvious today isn't a "just for reading" day-

[HG] they are growing great they are already starting to combine not as big as the others though

[Yaunfen] Let me know when they're ready! We can make a big fun mess!

[Dawn] Dreams... -she shakes her head a bit- Never was one for sleeping very soundly.

[Mort] Wait! Someone said Pokemon!

[Dawn] Oh gods....

[Mort] Has already whipped out a DS, - I'm playing Leaf green!

[Glitchy] I could help with your sleep, if you want. And really? -He moves over to Mort to look- I don't remember much about that generation.

[HG] -Is looking around at the different thing in the shop-

[Mort] I'm not very far but my Beedrill is pretty cool. I started with the Bulbasaur.

[Glitchy] I could hook you up with a mew, if you want. Or any of your favorite legendaries. -It's a tempting, half thought offer, more habit than anything.-

-There are a lot of books, no real order to anything. The shelves are crammed with knicknacks too. There's a small rack of clothes but it looks mostly like oddball coats. Someones cosplay closet but more authentic.

[Mort] Really? I love Mew! They're so cute.

[Glitchy] Of course. Even register it as a legit one. -Holds his hands out for the ds-

[Yaunfen] Wanders over by HG and pokes a finger in a little table fountain - I like the noise.

[Mort] Holds it out excitedly-

[HG] it's pretty too

[Yaunfen] Is pulling books and looking at them. They're holding a book on faries with some lavish illustrations-

[Glitchy] -Takes it and gets to work, there's a few concerning DS noises before the encounter music starts. Onscreen is a mew!-

[Mort] Catch it!

[Dawn] Good grief....

[Doc] Is leaning over to see-

[HG] -looks for a book on plants-

[Yaunfen] Hey HG? I got something from the sifter that says it's supposed to be a plant but it's not?

[HG] what is it?

-The screen is clearly different from a normal encounter, but only slightly so. Every item is maxed out, the PP is as well, and the HP bar is leading off the screen-

[Glitchy] -Bleps a small amount as a pokeball is used. It shakes once, twice, a third, and with some glitch motivation, clicks.-

[Yaunfen] Holds up what appears to be a chunk of pink rock candy, it looks vaguely like a little pink butt.

[Mort] Holy crap that's off the charts!

[HG] candy plant?

[Glitchy] Huh? -Looks up as it offers the naming screen- Oh, yeah. That happens when I do it. Strangled's HP bar will wrap around the screen, actually. Do you want to name the mew?

[Mort] Lets name him Skittles!

[Dawn] I'm going to go do the books...

[Notch] snickers-

[Yaunfen] I dunno. But it looks like a butt. - grins.

[Glitchy] Nice name. -He inputs that and saves the game before returning the DS to Mort. The next encounter everything would be back to normal, unfortunately. Seems if you want great stats you have to have Glitchy keep touching the device.-

[HG] I mean it does I wonder if water it, it might help it yaunfen

[Mort] Thanks man! - chuckles- I hope they get along with the rest of my team. Don't make my poor Oddish feel self-concious or anything. Haha.

[Yaunfen] You can try? - Holds it out a bit in it's little pot.

[HG] -waters the plant-

[Glitchy] Oh, they'll love Skittles. -There's a bit of darkness in his eyes as he mutters under his breath- Or they'll die a swift death.

[Mort] As much eyebrows up as a slightly pliable skull can muster.

[Glitchy] -Raises an eyebrow back- What?

[Mort] I guess it's more intense if it's a game you regularly go into...

[Doc] Please don't break my friends DS or spirit Glitchy.

[Glitchy] Oh you have no idea. And I won't! -He crosses his arms a bit- I'm not Strangled. That's his thing.

[Yaunfen] Watches the little plant as it shivers a bit and them plumps up slightly bigger. - It didn't do much, that's weird....

[Mort] Okay. Dawn's not too excited about playing games. She's a bit old fashioned. She gave me a few eye-rolls over getting this.

[Doc] Snorts. - Old fashioned? From what she's told me, she's so old when she was a kid pottery was considered innovative.

[Dawn] From downstairs- I heard that Doc....

[Doc] Sorry! But it's true isn't it?

[Dawn] Grumpy noises-

[Flux] Has been wandering the store, there are a lot of things that she's never seen before and she has a number of questions building. She's already shifted hey clothes to be more appropriate for out in the real world-

[Deer] Has gone to the window to look outside-

[Dawn] At Flux- See anything you like?

[Flux] - I'm not certain, there's so much here that I've never seen before...  I don't even know what most items in here are...  She runs fingers along a piece of an old loom

[Notch] I think I know what that is?

[Dawn] It's for weaving fabric. It makes smaller loops then knitting.

[Flux] Glancing at Notch- Isn't that what Steve does?

[Notch] Yes, he has his own name for it, but it's a thing people do out here too.

[Doc] He chose that name because it had something to do with the sounds his canes make when he clicks them together.

[Deer] - He's made so many things too!  Did you see the baby socks he made for Lie?

[Doc] I heard he was doing it, but I didn't see them.

[Yaunfen] From behind a bookcase - I saw! They were super tiny!

[Flux] Notices some jewelry and looks at the shiny pieces inside the case- Humans make such interesting things...

[Yaunfen] Is turning a little crank and it's making a slight grinding noise-

[Mort] You need a pencil to make that one work.

[Dawn] Smiles- I'm not much for wearing jewelry, but it is a feast for the eyes.

[Doc] I just like shiny things. And it's a good thing too because my little one has tracked a fair amount of glitter all over the castle.

[Flux] - Well you did see why I could not in the past, it would have become tainted

[Deer] - There is an over abundance of glitter in the castle...

[Notch] Takes her hand- See anything you like?

[Flux] - I am not certain...

[HG] -found a book on plants and is siting on the floor reading it-

[Mort] Peeks over his shoulder a bit-

[HG] -doesn't notice he is to engulfed in the book-

[Notch] Casts around and then makes a little noise - how about this?

-The necklace is three strands of purple beads grading from light to dark.-

[Doc] I think that would translate well into a lower resolution too....

[Flux] Flushes a little in her cheeks- I...  I...

[Notch] Gives her an uncertain look, his own assertion of her tastes being tested- Is that... okay?

[Flux] - I suppose...

[Notch] Then I'll take it. Please.

[Dawn] Unhooks the strands with a smile and passes them to him.

[Notch] Delicately hooks them around her neck and arranges them in a graceful drape over her shoulders and chest.

[Flux] Her fingers rise up to brush against the cool beads against her skin-

[Doc] Are we trading today, or just cash?

[Dawn] I can do either. Or both.

[Notch] Is just mooning over Flux.

[Yaunfen] Slides up behind Doc and scoots a small pile of books along the glass counter and closer to them-

[Flux] - Ah, Dawn, there is actually a slight problem you could help with

[Dawn] And that would be?

[Flux] - There is a problem with my energy whenever Notch and I...  Finish, our more intimate moments

[Dawn] Oh? Are you having some kind of surge?

[Notch] Not exactly...

[Flux] - I end up being unable to hold my form...

[Dawn] So it's a concentration issue?

[Flux] - Yes

[Dawn] Drumming her fingers. - Hmm. You guys have to come back here to go out again right? Let me think about it for a bit.

[Flux] - Alright, thank you

[Yaunfen] And this? Please. It reminds me of mom when you annoy her-

[Doc] Is suddenly trying not to laugh-

-The piece is a brown and white pitcher with a moose head as part of the top and spout. The face of the moose has rolled upward eyes and it looks pretty done with everything.

[Deer] - Yaunfen!

[Yaunfen] What? It's doing the eyeball thing!

[Deer] - Sighs- Dawn, would it be alright to leave some of this stuff here while we go shopping?

[Dawn] Of course.

[Notch] Just start a tab. I've got this.

[Doc] Cradles the pitcher- We'll treasure it always.

[Flux] - Is there anything you would like us to get you while we are out Dawn?

[Dawn] Nah, I'm good.

[Mort] Wait... will the candy plants grow out here?

[Yaunfen] Shrugs-

[HG] huh plants?

[Deer] - Well if Lie's plants can grow out here...

[Doc] Yaunfen do you have any on you?

[Yaunfen] I have some of the candy cane cattails, the popsicle grass, and some of the chocolate pumpkins.

[Doc] I'd try the cattails.

[Mort] I'll grab some dirt, there's a little under the sink from when I topped off the windowbox-

[Dawn] There's a bucket in the bathroom closet.

[Flux] - Do you know where the closest shop with baby stuff is Dawn?

[Mort] Fills the bucket and comes back with it.

[Yaunfen] Sticks a cattail in the dirt and makes a gracious gesture for Hg-

[HG] -gets up still holding the book he was reading and walks over ready to water it-

[Dawn] Mmmm, this is a historical district. There's all kinds of crazy shops if you just walk that way. - points- If you go the other way, there's nothign but fast food but you'll reach a mall with a ton of stuff and I'm pretty sure there's a baby store.

[Mort] Ok Hg show us what you've got.

[HG] -waters the plants-

-There's a bit of an organic groan and the cattails multiply, filling the bucket and making a very sharp peppermint smell-

[Yaunfen] Holds up the rock, again- more please?

[HG] sure -Waters the rock again-

-It wiggles a little bit, but that's all. -

[Yaunfen] Squints suspiciously at it.

[Flux] - May I see it Yaunfen?

[Yaunfen] Passes the hard chunk to her.

[Flux] Uses her magic to investigate it a  little-

-It is organic, but sloooooooow. Worse then an olive tree. -

[Flux] - It's almost like it's sleeping...

[HG] maybe it is

[Yaunfen] Nose wiggle, [because they have no whiskers at the moment] -

[Doc] Well it was a fossil, kiddo. Maybe it wasn't something well-adapted. Just don't eat it, okay? Just in case.

[Yaunfen] Okay, I won't. Probably tastes like butt anyway....

[Licht] Curses as she's once again exploded by a creeper-

-There's a bit of a flicker on the screen as if something is gliching. The summoner is still burning near the small house Licht has build at the spawn. For a moment the chat fills with garbage as the seed tries to resolve an obvious error. -

[Licht] - Are you back?

-There's a lightning strike and a groan of pain from where it hit.

[Licht] Turns her character around- You've been strangely absent

-On the ground is a woman with long orange hair, she moves a hand and makes a pained noise.

[Licht] - What the hell?

-The figure slumps and lays still, barely breathing-

[Licht] Moves closer- Hello?

-The character is unmoving and there's the smallest trickle of blood from under her hair. -

[Licht] Swats at the air over the figure-

-She flinches as if hit and painfully rolls over, blinking a bit. Her eyes are white and glowing and there's a bit of blood on her lips-

- /System generation error 652522-89832-68321211 Alternate pathway used/ -

[Licht] - Can you hear me?

[???] Yesss....

[Licht] - How the hell did you get here?

[???] I don't know? But I'm not supposed to be... - She looks at her hands- an Alex?

[Licht] - What do you mean your not supposed to be?

[EAlex] Sits up and coughs. She looks down at herself- This isn't right... I should be... a Herobrine? How do I know that?

[Licht] - There's already a Herobrine...

[EAlex] There... there is? Then that's why. - she holds her head in her hands- Just my luck to manifest on a taken seed...

[Licht] - I, don't understand what you're talking about...

[EAlex] Yeah... well you're a player. I can tell by the stiff way you stand and move. You don't have to know.

[Licht] Scowls- That's what the other one said too...

[EAlex] Hey, you don't live here. Our troubles are nothing to you.

[Licht] - Maybe, but this is somehow connected to a case I am working on

[???] Appears out of a shadow- You're pathetic. Did you really think a summoner seed would be empty?

[EAlex] Makes a slight hiss of fear, but is still too weak to stand and fight.

[Licht] - There you are, will somebody please explain what's going on here?

[???] It's a war going on under your nose.

[EAlex] Is obviously afraid of him-

[Licht] - Now there's a war?  You are making no sense

[EAlex] Unless you intend to help, I'm not telling you anything.

[???] Your quarry has all the answers anyway.

[Licht] - Mr. Persson

[EAlex] The creator...

[Licht] - Yeah, I still can't figure out what he's doing or where he is

[EAlex] He made a gateway, so we could exist.

[???] You're more right then you know...

[Licht] - A gateway?

[???] Yes... he let the monsters in. - He laughs rather wickedly-

[EAlex] Is chilled to the bone and gives Licht the rather pleading look of a vulnerable woman who's realizing that a psychopath just bought her a drink.

[Licht] Sighs, she isn't sure what she should do- Look, I still have some work to do, if you need a place to stay, I've got a shelter, but not much else- She leaves the game playing in the corner of the screen and pulls up photo's of the outside of Notch's apartment, including the one involving Jeb, Yster, and CP

[???] Gives EAlex a rather vicious look and she shakes a little in fear-

[EAlex] Very quietly- Why are you doing this?

[???] Walks closer to her menacingly-  We have similar goals, you want out, I want in.

[EAlex] I just want to exist...

[???] If you're lucky, I'll let you live when I'm done...

[EAlex] Focuses in her sheer terror and the whole screen tazes sideways, she vanishes and the Herobrine looks around in confusion- Coward....

-In the very corner of Licht's screen a small head with orange hair  pops up from behind her windows bar-

[Licht] Jumps a little- What are you doing?

[EAlex] Climbs up onto the bar and smacks the windows icon- bringing up the start menu-

[Licht] Watches in confusion-

[EAlex] Opens a notepad file and starts typing- Thanks for leaving me alone with the psycho. This is why I say players don't need to know. You can just retreat and be safe.

[Licht] Types back- There's nothing I could do, I don't think I can get rid of him

[EAlex] Makes a pouting face - he is physically there.

[Licht] - So?

[EAlex] He can be hurt. I can too...

[Licht] - Look, the only reason I have this game is because it was given to me as a clue, I have no intention of continuing to play once I've solved this case

[EAlex] Blanches in fear- please don't delete that seed...

[Licht] - Why would I keep it?

[EAlex] Because then I won't be... anymore.

[Licht] - We'll see- She turns her attention back towards the photo's

[EAlex] Kicks her feet on the top of the notepad window for a few mintures and looks around at the pictures. - Wait... is that a Herobrine??? IN THE OUTSIDE???

[Licht] - What are you talking about?

[EAlex] Climbs down the side of the window, and takes a better look at the picture with Cp before pointing a shaking finger at him- That's a Herobrine....!!! A REAL one!

[Licht] Zooms in on the photo- Markus' old coworkers said that he was of familial relation to Markus...

[EAlex] No... that one isn't human....

[Licht] - Always more questions, never any answers

[EAlex] Makes a frustrated noise- But if he can get out... I have to meet him. Even if he tries to kill me...

[Licht] - I wouldn't even know how to lure him in...

[EAlex] Do you have any portable devices?

[Licht] - My phone...

[EAlex] Can you plug it into the computer please? -She shoots a look at the open minecraft window where the obviously seething brine is killing the local wildlife with abandon-

[Licht] - Sure...- It takes her a moment to find and untangle the proper cords and plug her phone into the computer- There

[EAlex] Makes a running jump at the control panel again and brings up 'my computer'. The window pops up and she vanishes into the icon for the phone. After a moment it rings-

[Licht] Picks it up-

[EAlex] Close the game! Just turn it off for now! Hurry!

[Licht] Does so- What is this about?

[EAlex] I don't know what he told you, but it was probably a lie. I can see your phone has wi-fi, so I'm just going to stay here for a while. Just please don't delete the game.

[Licht] - For now I wont

[omg-imagine]

⊱ Six Gifts ⊰

Summary: It’s your birthday and Jim loves giving you gifts.

Fandom: Star Trek (AOS)

Pairing: Jim Kirk x Reader

Words: 3,235

A/N: It’s my birthday today and I wrote a little fluffy Jim Kirk fic to celebrate! As usual, sorry for any mistakes. Enjoy!

For those times when the mornings are rough…

You woke up to an empty bed, which was a little unusual since you were used to waking up with Jim right beside you.

Rubbing the sleep out of your eyes, you then let out a groan as you sat up in bed, silently dreading the fact that you have work in thirty minutes.

Although you loved being a nurse, the past week had been unbearable since you had to attend to your long-houred shifts running on little to no energy thanks to the broken replicator in your cabin– the only good replicator on the ship. Unfortunately, you didn't have time to run up to the commissary and make yourself a cup of coffee. Even if you did, the coffee there didn’t do much to help you stay awake.

After finally getting out of bed, you padded around the room looking for Jim but you realized he had already left. That’s when you picked up the intoxicating scent of freshly brewed coffee and you turned your attention to the hot beverage waiting for you in the kitchenette.

With the cup in hand and up to your lips, you drank the coffee in delight. It was the best cup of coffee you’ve had since coming aboard the Enterprise and you weren’t sure how Jim was able to make it. Once you downed every last drop, you washed and dried the cup before placing it back in one of the cabinets. Out of the corner of your eye, you became aware of a new device sitting on the counter.

The device was certainly not a replicator– it was a Keurig coffee brewer and those things were hard to find nowadays. You knew of it from your grandparents, who had called it one of the best inventions from way, way back in the past.

Right next to the coffee maker was a bag of coffee mix and a note addressed to you.

(Y/N),

I’m sorry for running out before you woke up. You looked so peaceful sleeping there and I couldn’t bring myself to disturb you.

I hope the coffee is still hot by the time you’re up. It costed an arm and a leg to get that antique, but isn’t she a beauty? I made myself a cup and it definitely beats the replicated stuff here.

Enjoy the coffee maker, it’s yours to keep. Let’s just say it’s one of the few little gifts you’ll receive today.

For now, duty calls. I’ll see you at dinner tonight, Angel.

And most of all, happy birthday.

- J

You placed the card down and decided to brew a second cup before getting ready for work. Your birthday was off to a great start and you were going to have to thank Jim later.

For those times when you’re stressed out…

Lunch time rolled around and you found yourself sitting in the commissary along with Nyota. You usually ate with Jim, but the man was apparently too busy on the Bridge to take a break.

“How’s your birthday so far?” Your friend asked as she took a bite out of her sandwich.

“It’s great. Leonard’s being nice to me today and it kinda feels weird,” you answered.

Uhura chuckled. “Well, aren’t you lucky. If that’s the only way McCoy can be somewhat a ray of sunshine, I’d wish it were my birthday everyday.”

You two continued eating your food until Spock arrived at your table with a present in his hands. “Good afternoon, (Y/N). I have brought you a gift from the Captain. He apologizes for not being able to join you for lunch but he promises to make it to dinner tonight.”

“It's alright and another present?” You commented as you were handed over the wrapped box. Tearing away the wrapping paper and uncovering the lid, your eyes widened at what was inside.

“May I ask what it is?” Spock questioned and you took the object out of the box.

“Uhh, bubble bath,” you responded unsurely. “James T. Kirk got me a bottle of bubble bath.”

“There’s a note here,” Uhura pointed out as she gave you the piece of paper.

(Y/N),

I know what you might be thinking. Of all the things I could give to you, here’s bubble bath. But worry not, my dear, for I had put a lot of effort into this gift.

This is one of the finest products out in the world of spa and you’re going to appreciate it for what it can do.

Remember those instances when you told me how exhausted and sore you are from working all day? Well, this particular bubble bath is known for being able to provide stress-relief and relaxation. It’s got essential oils and natural ingredients that is good for you.

If you don’t believe me, read the bottle. I got all of that information from the label. Honestly, I don’t understand how it works but the saleswoman recommended this to me.

It smells nice though.

- J

You twisted the cap open and breathed in the scent. Minty– just like Jim. “I could benefit from this.”

“Aww, that’s really sweet of him,” Nyota said before turning to Spock. “How come you don’t get me nice things like that?”

The confusion on Spock’s face caused you to laugh and you laughed even harder when he was left tongue tied.

For those times when all you need is peace and quiet…

You shuffled into Leonard’s office with tired feet and plopped down on one of the cushioned seats right in front of his desk. Kicking your feet up on his table, the CMO let out a sigh and put his PADD away.

“Y’know, you're becoming too much like your boyfriend and I'm not too keen on that,” Len spoke and you could only chuckle at his statement. “It wasn't a joke, sweetheart.”

“I figured,” you replied, letting out a yawn. “And so much for thinking that I wouldn't get the McCoy scowl on my very special day.”

Len rolled his eyes before reaching down and opening the cabinet to his left. He pulled out a bottle of scotch as well as two glasses, and proceeded to pour you and himself a drink.

“Isn't drinking on the job against regulations, Doc?” You reminded but you graciously accepted the glass and took a sip.

“It’s a little too late to answer that question now, (Y/N). Besides, you've got an hour until you're relieved of duty and you said so yourself, today's a very special day.”

Len raised his glass and you clinked it with yours. “Indeed it is.”

In the midst of your drinking, Leonard remembered something. “Oh, I almost forgot. Kirk stopped by while you were on break.”

“Really? What’s he up to? He left early this morning and missed lunch.”

“I don't know. He didn't stay long to chat. Anyway, he told me to give you this.”

A tiny wrapped box was slid to you and you looked up to Leonard. “Well, open it. I'm kind of intrigued.”

Once you got the wrapping paper out of the way, you took off the top of the box and were confused to see a set of earplugs. Taking out the accompanying note from the box, you began reading the explanation for this strange gift.

(Y/N),

Yes, they are earplugs. Noise-cancelling earplugs. Well, not entirely, more like drown-out-the-sounds-of-Leonard-hassling-you-during-your-shift earplugs.

Don't worry, I got myself a pair too and they work just enough for me not to hear Bones’ incessant heckling about the importance of getting my physical done.

I thought you may need them because you seem to get more stressed out with Bones around. Whenever you feel like working without listening to your boss’ negativity, pop these into your ears.

Hopefully, you don't use them on me.

- J 

You bit back a laughter as Leonard eyed you curiously from across the table. “Let me see that.”

Handing the note over to him, you already had a feeling of what was about to come. “That son of a– is he for real? How old is this man, twelve?! My god, I can’t believe the immaturity of our captain. When I see him in the Medbay next time, I won't hesitate shoving a hypodermic needle up his–”

You quickly placed the buds into your ears and listened to the muffled sounds of Leonard complaining about Jim, or at least that’s what you thought he was doing.

For those times when you miss home…

By the end of your shift, you had two and a half hours until your dinner with Jim. You decided to pass the time by visiting Scotty at the engineering room. You haven't seen him in awhile so you figured it wouldn't hurt to stop by and say hello.

“Ah, why if it isn't (Y/N),” the Scotsman greeted as you stepped inside his office. “Happy birthday, darling.”

“Thanks, Scotty,” you replied after he gave you a kiss on the cheek. You also noticed Chekov and Sulu standing nearby. “I didn't expect you guys to be here. How's everything?”

“It's been good,” Chekov answered delightfully. “And by the way, I would like to wish you a happy birthday as well.”

“Same here,” Sulu added. “And we're not just saying that because Jim threatened to kick us off the ship if we didn't acknowledge it.”

“Oh, no need to worry. Jim wouldn’t pull a stunt like that.”

“I don’t know, (Y/N). He seemed pretty serious back there,” Scotty chortled. “Speaking of Captain Perfect Hair, I have something that he wanted to give to you–”

He excused himself for a moment before returning with a large present in his arms. “Be careful, it’s a bit heavy.”

You looked to the two other men standing nearby. “Do you gentlemen have something for me, too?”

“Nope,” replied Hikaru. “Jim said this is the last one.”

Once you opened the box, you were surprised as you pulled out a potted flower. Marveling the bright pink hues of its petals, you then picked up the card that was sitting on the bottom of the box and read it to yourself.

(Y/N),

You told me that you love chrysanthemums because they reminded you of memories growing up. You especially love the pink ones since you and your mom would grow them in your backyard.

I know you miss being with your loved ones on Earth. Your job isn’t easy and I admire you for sacrificing so much to be here.

That being said, I am pleased to tell you that Starfleet is giving us some time-off in a couple of weeks. It’s only for a few days but we can certainly take advantage of it and visit your family. I wish it were longer, but this was the best I could do.

Anyway, I had asked your mother to send the flower over to Yorktown and I was able sneak it in when the ship docked there. For now, let it be a little reminder of your home, and the family and friends who are proud of you for what you do.

P.S. Don't ask me how I kept it alive since then. I'm just glad it did.

- J

“The Captain really loves you,” you heard Chekov say and you nodded. “I hope I find a love like yours.”

“Aww, you will, Pavel,” you assured, setting the note down on a nearby table.

“Who knew James Kirk was such a romantic?” Scotty added, to which you snorted.

“I didn't realize he was this romantic until today,” you said, sniffing the chrysanthemum and it really did remind you of home.

For those times when you just have to write it down on paper...

You returned to your quarters a little less than an hour before your dinner with Jim at the observation deck. Taking advantage of the time, you took a quick shower and got yourself dolled up for the night.

As you stood in front of the closet thinking of what to wear, you settled for an outfit that you had bought at a store during the last shore leave. You haven't worn it since you tried it on but it still fit your body perfectly. You knew that this one in particular would blow Jim’s mind away.

After putting on your clothes and brushing your hair, you then searched for your shoes that would match your outfit. What you didn’t expect was it to be already laid there by the foot of the closet door with a gift bag beside it.

Slipping your shoes on, you then sat on the edge of the bed and opened the gift bag. Inside was a bounded notebook with your name beautifully etched on the front cover. As you flipped through the empty lined pages in the book, a note fell out and landed onto your lap.

(Y/N),

One of the things I love about you is your mind. You have so many thoughts and ideas, and everything that comes out of your mouth is pure gold. I find myself wanting to listen to you for hours because of the things you say. You know just the right words to calm me down or keep me in line.

I got you this journal so you can jot down whatever it is inside your head. Writing can be therapeutic and a great outlet for those days when we’re too busy to see each other and there’s something bothering you that needs to be let out.

Be it your problems or those poems you enjoy coming up with, write it down. I promise to not read it unless you say otherwise.

- J 

You smiled to yourself as you turned back to the first page of the journal. Thinking back to the first night you met Jim, you would have never thought that life would be this way now.

You remembered being a young cadet sitting in a busy bar when the infamous Jim Kirk appeared and worked his charm. You had heard about him from your other friends and knew that he would be trouble.

The two of you became really good friends but you brushed off his many flirtatious attempts at you.

Then one day, you finally said yes.

You were being hit on by some drunk creep and Jim was there to defend you. It suddenly escalated into a fight and by the end, he was left with a broken nose and bruised knuckles.

That night, you finally went to dinner with him as a way to say thank you. It turned out better than you expected it to be and you realized that there was a special connection between you.

And for the past two and a half years of being together, it’s still there, stronger than ever.

Checking your PADD for the time, you noticed that you had about twenty minutes left until you had to meet up with Jim. Without much thought, you grabbed a pen from the nightstand drawer and started writing about your day and how much Jim meant to you.

Dinner on the observation deck had become one of your favorite things to do ever since you started dating Jim. Everything about that moment was perfect– the two of you were sitting across from one another and enjoying the best meal a replicator could replicate. It was a lovely way to end the your birthday.

“Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?” Jim asked before taking a sip of his wine.

You glanced up from your pasta-filled plate to Jim, a smile playing on your lips. “You did, twice actually.”

“Let me say it for a third time then, you look beautiful.”

“And you’re not so bad yourself,” you giggled. You were lucky to have someone as handsome as Jim. The man was breath-taking with his perfect face and perfect hair. And those eyes– very blue and very easy to get lost in.

“Did you like the gifts?”

“Very much. I love how you put a lot of thought into them. I still can't believe you were able to get us some time-off.”

“I figured you and I need to get off this ship for a little bit. Plus, we haven’t seen your family in a while and I think it’s time for a visit. Honestly, I tried my best with the gifts. I’m not the best gift giver out here and I was nervous that you would think that they were silly.”

Shaking your head, you reached for his hand and intertwined your fingers into his. “They weren’t silly. You could have been the typical boyfriend and bought me jewelry. Instead, you went the extra mile by making sure every gift was unique and had a special meaning behind it. This has been the best birthday ever.”

Jim smiled, his eyes crinkling the way you loved them. “I’m glad you think so. You deserve it.”

When dinner ended, you and Jim stood in front of the large glass window and watched the bright stars passing by. His arm was around your waist, pulling you flushed against the warmth of his body as he stole kisses here and there.

“It would have been typical if I gave you jewelry?” Jim teased and you gazed up to him.

“Not you, Jim. You are and will never be typical,” you clarified, placing the palm of your hand on the side of his face. “Give me anything in the world, big or small, and what would only matter to me is that it came from you.”

Jim grinned as he took your hand and pressed a tender kiss on the back of it. “What would you say if I have one last gift for you?”

“Honey, you gave me five already. I feel so spoiled.”

He took a step back, his eyes fixed on you. “This one is the most special.”

Watching speechlessly, you couldn’t stop the tears from forming as Jim pulled out a velvet box from his pocket. You couldn’t hold those tears back when he knelt down in front of you and presented you with the most beautiful ring you have ever seen.

“(Y/N), you are the best thing that has happened to me. I love you and I can’t imagine spending a day without you by my side. Will you marry me?”

“Yes!” You quickly answered and Jim got up from the floor. He slipped the engagement ring down your finger just before you pulled him down, his lips meeting yours. When the kiss finally broke, you both were beaming. “We’re engaged.”

“I know,” Jim replied, his mouth forming a slight smirk. “We should celebrate.”

“We definitely should,” you agreed without hesitation. “Do you want to take a bath with me?”

Jim chuckled at your question. “Sure, darling. But may I ask, why a bath?”

You grasped his hand and began leading him out of the observation deck. “Because I just got a new bottle of bubble bath and I want to test it out with you– just to relax a bit. Once we get married, this is going to be one hell of a ride. Hope you’re ready for that, Kirk.”

Jim spun you around and you were now face-to-face with your new fiancé. His lips brushed softly against yours as he spoke. “I was born ready.”

For those times when it’s us against the world forever…

[gooddame]

You’re drunk and want my name tattooed on your ass. This is a good one to do...

I want to thank @lilbreck for always being in my corner even when I’m being a dummie about drabbles.  I’ve often said that she pulls me out of my personal bubbles more than she knows and this story is for her just because of that reason.

It’s a little over 4k so I’m gonna go under the cut so it doesn’t take up a lot of dash space. Though I can only be so sorry about it being grammarly incorrect so please excuse them. I will make up for it later. This can also be found in my new drabbles page Granted Wish on Fanfic.net.

-

-

“No one says ‘just one shot’ and really means it Care,”Katherine cries as she grabs Caroline’s hand dragging her up on the bar stooland finally the bar top.

Caroline laughs as Kat hands her a shot glasses filling itup as the next song starts up in the rowdy bar they’ve been in for, oh, fourhours now. Their small drinks clink and it’s down the rabbit hole for Carolineas she swings her hips bumping along with Kat to the beat of the song. Shekeeps her head up dancing knowing Kat will never tire as she sways putting on ashow with her footwork making the crowd cheer loudly along with her.

Kat reaches for her hand as the bartender scoots them off inneed of room to serve the guests the pair of them have been entertaining makingKat roll her eyes and Caroline acquiesce to his need graciously. As graciouslyas a girl filled with whiskey and tequila anyway, strictly top shelf, she wasraised right after all in the small town of Mystic Falls. Kat seems todisappear into the crowd leaving Caroline to hunt for a stray chair or table towait for her so she can go home before she’s too drunk.

Her head sways to the new rhythm of the song playing, it’sone she’s heard for years and for some reason it makes her smile as Kat comesback holding two waters and two beers walking like she’s in a pool of jello.Caroline smiles reaching out to help her as they find a corner of the bar closeto the digital jukebox she finds herself leaning on to start in on her drinks.The water is invigorating as it hits her tongue, the lively bar crowd doing alot to keep her body temperature running high.

“I figured one more wouldn’t hurt,” Kat states as she sipsfrom her beer nudging a smile from Caroline as the blonde shakes her headsipping her drinks with glee.

Caroline only knows three words an hour later, ‘one morebeer’ as she observes Kat chatting up the brooding guy she had had her eyes onin the corner of the bar with way too much gel in his hair. Miffed Carolinerealized far too late that she wasn’t going to come back with a bottle of waterlike she said when she sees Kat grab for his hand. It’s a sign that Kat hasdecided to leave with him something that is confirmed when Kat throws her a slylook and Caroline reaches for her jacket preparing for her journey home. Alone.

Caroline mouths to her friend she’s going home, no need tomention how annoyed she is that once again Kat managed her to move past herthree drink max only to leave her high and dry. She counts her drinks, eleven,including shots. They shouldn’t feel this good, she thinks as she pulls herleather jacket back on knowing she doesn’t need it in the hot California aireven in the dead of night.

She makes herself focus, knows that with every tap of herheels on the pavement she’s that much closer to her comfy bed she never shouldhave left. Looking back when she’s down the block she discovers that Kat wasquick about her escape to as she is nowhere to be seen. Looking back so swiftlymakes her sway so she grabs onto the metal rails of a tattoo shop she alwayspasses on her way to work.

Before Caroline can think about it too much she’s slippinginside as her eyes devour the brightly colored displays on the walls and eventhe front desk. Her eyes release the sketches only to find a man with plumppink lips and dark blonde messy curls atop his head with blue searing eyesfocused on three sheets of paper over the front desk.

“Hey, I’m Rose,” The woman with the spunky brunette hair saidin a friendly tone as Caroline waved, “I’ll be with you in a moment. Feel freeto look around.”

Caroline smiled knowing she was acting drunk because she wasstaring not at Rose but at the man Rose was talking to and eavesdropping wasnot above Caroline, especially when drunk. She caught her say his name, Klaus,it suited him even though it made Caroline’s eyebrow rise notably. When herealized he had an audience in her Klaus waved her over, Caroline shook herhead but Rose also waved her back to them.

Rose’s eyes flickered from her to him as the corner of hermouth lifted, “Maybe you can help us out,” she says as she slides the papersCaroline can now see are sketches over to her.

“Currently,” Klaus speaks surprising Caroline yet again withhis British lit though if he sees her shock he doesn’t show it, “I’m unable tochoose between three of these designs. So you can see why I need you.”

“Actually, I don’t.” Caroline squeaks sobering at the worstpossible moment because his eyes are so incredibly blue and pleading, “I don’teven know why I came in here.”

“You’re here now,” he replies smoothly as Rose disappearsinto the back office, “And you’re wearing the shirt of one of my favorite bands-One of my favorite songs.”

Caroline looks down at the cut up yellow and blue Beatlesshirt Kat sneered at earlier that evening, “What song?” she inquired onlyraising her eyes as he makes a noise sounding faintly of amusement.

“With a little help from my friends,” he answered with a bitof intrigue in his tone as he closed some of the space between them.

She rolls her eyes even though internally she’s interestedin where he’s going with this, “We’re not friends,” she reminds him hoping shecan blame her flirty tone on the alcohol.

His eyes narrow in her lips, her smile, “Give me time,” hetells her as she looks from him over at the sketches he’s kept near this entiretime.

“Are these yours?” she asks surprised when she sees his namejust on the edge of the paper knowing the answer already before her eyes lockback with his.

“When you make something, it becomes a part of you,” heexplains, “That’s why it’s so hard to choose,” Caroline has already surmisedthis but she won’t mention it yet.

“I like the lines of this one,” she whispers in awe as hereyes took in the thin lines of the antique compass following with the words,‘Wherever you want to go’ wondering what it might look like in color, “It’ssoft almost like they’re just shades.”

“Is that the only thing jumping out at you,” he queriesmaking her blush as his words his breath tickles her cheek, “I suppose I shouldconsider it.” he says her before she can reply.

Rose pops her head back in to find Klaus has just decided,“Great, “I’ll get Trevor to start gearing up,” she tells him reaching for thedesign as his attention goes back to Caroline.

“Do you have any?” he probes and for a moment Caroline islost about what he means making her blush profusely when she realizes.

“I have two,” she admits as he smiles in her direction,“Teenage rebellion,” is all she’ll say after when his eyes linger on the starby her toes.

“And the other is?” he asks as his foot sets itself in frontof her own closing the rest of the distance between them as she lifts her handto brush her hair back.

“Just there,” he breathes over her wrist making Carolineinhale swiftly at the feel of his hot breath over her skin, “beautiful.” Klauscompliments her.

Without touching her Klaus has a way of making Caroline feelwarm all over making her slow drunken brain short circuit when he speaks again,“You’re welcome to one of these designs.”

“When you’re ready,” Rose calls from the further end ofanother room making Caroline jump back from their close distance, not an easyfeat in her shoes.

“Klaus reaches out catching her arm before she can dive intothe glass display next to them, “Um, thanks,” she manages out as the heat ofhis hands seeps into her body.

“Where are you getting it?” she tests straight after makinghim the surprised one for once and mentally she gives herself some points forfortitude.

Klaus winks as his hands ride off of her waist only to sethis fingers on the hem of his Henley and pull it over his head exposing theother images already inked into his flesh, “Can you guess?” he questions.

Caroline’s eyes shoot up towards the ceiling as he stridesaround her leaving his sketches and his shirt on the desk leaving her spinningwith possibilities. When she trusts that he’s been stamped and seated hergreedy eyes search for his sketches reaching for his shirt. An involuntaryshiver runs over her at the feel of the still warm fabric smelling so fantasticshe has to remind herself of what she’s doing.

She smiles as Rose comes back in to help her wagging herrazor perfect eyebrows at her, “Decide on one?” she asks as she reaches backinto her little office to grab a hanger for Klaus’ shirt.

“I don’t even know that I want one,” Caroline articulates asshe gives up Klaus’ shirt to the brunette, “I mean, they’re beautiful.” Shecompliments, “And I thought you couldn’t tattoo people who are drunk?”

“You don’t seem all that drunk,” Rose replied as she reachedfor the two sketches making Caroline’s hold on the edges become harder toescape from.

“Thanks,” Caroline says feeling the bite of her challengingtone as her eyes lock on the one sketch closer to the right replying in adefiant tone, “I want this one.”

Klaus’ deep pink lips form a stunningly broad smile when hesees her walk into the back, “Jeremy will help you,” Caroline hears Rose say asshe removes her jacket exposing her arms to the cold room.

“Couldn’t stay away,” he teases as she takes a seat on hisside waiting for Jeremy to appear so they can discuss where and how she wantsit to look.

“Bite me,” Caroline replies making him laugh and makingTrevor throw her a dirty look as Jeremy comes around the corner waving at herwith Klaus’ sketch in his hand.

Caroline lifted her hand, her knuckles rubbing at her eyesas she made a move to destroy the vintage alarm clock at her bedside, “I hateyou Katherine Peirce,” she groaned pathetically.

Her head swarmed as she moved to cuddle the side of her faceinto her fluffy pillow when the owner of the cursed name pushed open herbedroom door and spoke, loudly, “Please bitch, you love me.”

Caroline could feel the follicles in her eyebrows when theynarrowed in confusion, “What are you doing here?” she asks sitting up andinstantly regretting it.

Kat looks into her bedroom confused, “You called me,” shesupplied looking amazing in her suit pants and buttoned top with a revelingfront and fresh curls.

Caroline looked down at her Beatles top and panties justknowing her face must have looked like crap as she searched her mind for anidea of when she called her roommate, “I did not,” she said when she knew shehad no idea.

Kat makes a face as she moves around the kitchen, “Yeah, youdid,” she rejoinders reaching for one of their bright colored mugs, “It was toobad too,” she winks sparking something in Caroline, “I was getting freaky too.”

“Ugh, stop,” Caroline cries reaching for her ears to coverthem trying to keep the images at bay, “Why does my ass hurt?” she whinessoftly to herself.

But of course Kat hears as she passes by eating a croissant,“Did you fall on your flat ass?” she inquires with a laugh but to Caroline it’sa distinct possibility and then she realizes.

“Hey!” she shouts tossing her one of the pale blue pillowsthat has managed to escape the floor during her slumber.

Kat ducks with a swift flip of her hair, “Cute ass,” shecorrects with a grin, “My bad,” she replies as she starts the k-cup machine.

Caroline rubs her back softly feeling a slight sting as herfingers glide over the greasy skin while she moved to climb out of bed, “It feelsbruised. Why is there gauze on my bed?” she gasps out.

“Don’t you have a mirror?” Kat calls to her from the kitchenas Caroline pulls her shirt over her head as she rushed to her closet where herfull length mirror was propped on the inside of the door.

Turning her body Caroline felt her heart stop, “Kat!” sheexclaimed as she felt at her back where she had just been massaging to feel thetantalizing lines of her newly minted tattoo.

Caroline heard Kat run from the kitchen into her bedroom, “Noyelling,” she complains before her eyes set on what had Caroline doing so, “Idon’t have any cof-fee, Caroline how drunk were you?”

Her friend’s incredulous look done nothing to calm Carolineas she vaguely remembered she counted her drinks the night before, “I can’tremember,” she cries as Kat touches the edge of her skin.

The friends lock eyes in a daze, “Check your pockets,” Katbuzzes with trepidation motivating both of them scour her bedroom for her pantsand jacket for evidence of the night prior.

“My jacket is missing,” Caroline worries out loud while hereyes focus on the floor under her bed, spotless as she had expected.

“Jeans?” she asks as Katherine who has gone to search in theliving room having seen Caroline’s rings and necklace by the front door.

“Here,” Kat calls sounding as she’s speeding back toCaroline’s room just when the blonde is lifting herself off of her knees,“Receipt, in the back pocket.”

Caroline reaches forthe receipt as she throws on her silk robe covering her bra and panties, “PetrovaPiercings and Tattoo’s,” she mutters in dread, “That’s around the corner.”

“No shit,” Kat drones grabbing the receipt from her as shenotices something on the crumpled yellow paper, “Look at the back, phonenumber!” the brunette purses her lips as she raises her eyebrow.

Surprised Caroline retorts, “Klaus, I know that name, it’son my flat ass,” she grumbles as she tries to settle herself on her bed withoutdiscomfort.

“I said cute,” Kat corrects her as she sips from her freshlybrewed coffee Caroline can only assume she picked up while finding her jeans.

“Kat what did I do,” she asked her oldest friend as shesettles into the edge of the bed with her holding out her arm to hug Caroline.

Kat hands her the blue mug sharing with her friend as shespeaks, “I dunno,” she shrugs crossing her legs as she thinks, “Was he cute?”she asks Caroline as if she could remember.

Caroline sips fromher friend’s mug hating the bitter black taste without creamer or sugar as Katcontinues, “Because that is a nice ass tattoo, no pun intended,” she laughsthoughtfully, “Wait, actually yes.”

“Okay I am going to try really, very hard not to panic,”Caroline squeaks as she feels Kat reach for her coffee before Caroline can dropit.

Kat stands up cradling her mug, “Just dial the freakingnumber,” she rationalizes trying to keep Caroline level-headed was practicallyher first job and she’s good at it, “It’s got X’s on it. I mean, clearly, helikes you.”

“Okay,” Caroline swallows having just one more fear, “Whatif in my drunken state I met a murderer?” she inquires because in her statethat seems like a sensible question.

Kat groans rolling her eyes, “Then he would have found itreally easy to kill you,” she reminds her friend in a sarcastic tone Carolineis not fond of, “Call him.”

“Fine,” Caroline agrees before there’s a new problem, “Where’smy phone?” she asks her impatient friend as she checks the charging dock onlyto find it empty.

Kat looks from one end of the room to the other as shespeaks, “Dead probably, oh, here,” she articulates as her foot kicks one of herthrow pillows on the floor over finding it.

“Poor baby is almost dead, I’m so sorry,” Caroline stallscleaning the screen off from what she can only assume is the balm that wasrubbed into her backside.

“Connect it and push the pretty printed numbers,” Kat tellsher running out of patience for her best friend as her coffee mug gets emptierby the minute.

“It’s ringing,” Caroline retorts as she presses the icon forthe speaker before she can change her mind about hanging up entirely while inthe process of standing up.

“You’re on speaker,” Kat grumbles knowing exactly what istranspiring because she is in fact right there next to her friend.

The call connects just as Caroline shushes her phone all thewhile her eyes are on the counting seconds of the screen and his voice rumbles,“Hello?”

And suddenly the memory of Klaus floods her, “Klaus?” she asksonly to hear him chuckle lightly in her ear as the image of the bright light ofthe parlor takes centerfold in her mind.

She hears him shift from his position and greedily pictureshim, Henley, necklaces and all, “Caroline, good morning, Love,” he utters, hiswords wrapping her in their warmth.

She turns her head so Kat can’t possibly see the blushrushing to her face in a swift blush as she his voice evokes the memory of hishand in her own, fingers twined during the time that Jeremy had worked on aparticularly tender spot. Reality is lost on her as she lingers in her memoryof their unconventional encounter in the parlor. The deep frission caused bythe feel of his fingers in her hair massaging gently to the bite of his nail ashe deliberately cased all of her focus to come to him alone.

-

She blushed at the way he all but smirked when she obstinatelycommunicated to him not to peek as she undid the button of her dark wash jeanswhen she noticed his eyes wander from her face. The mirror behind them wasuseless to showcase what she looked like lying on her stomach with a lifted upshirt knotted around her breasts as Jeremy worked on the stencil. Her eyesavoided his only to look straight across the room at the reflection of the fourof them in the room to find he was already looking at her.

“So, may name, ay?” Klaus asked, making her blush though she refused tolook away from his darkening eyes watching her in the mirror.

“It was part of the sketch,” she had intoned, proud that her voice soundedeven as her stomach fluttered under his penetrating gaze. “And it’s tiny.”

Klaus barely moved as he shifted to lean forward as she watched him inthe mirror, “I can assure you love,” he paused dramatically looking down at histrousers, “It is not,” Trevor snorted as Caroline turned a darker shade of red.

“Last chance to back out,” she heard Jeremy say as his needle startedup and Caroline steeled herself with a nod looking from Klaus to him in themirror nodding for him to do it.

It had been years since she felt the tight sting of needle to flesh yetCaroline savored it as she and Klaus exchanged hooded looks through the mirroras they say impeccably still. She took a special pleasure in the way his armsflexed as he stood when Trevor had finished with his tattoo. If possibly shelet out a soft moan while that happened she managed to pass off for pain whenKlaus looked back at her.

She watched him go before turning her head but not before catchingJeremy’s teasing reflection in the mirror and ignoring it as she hid her facein the headrest of her seat. So imagine her surprise when she opened her eyesto see a pair of black combat boots with the laces wrapped at the ankles andthe trousers she recognized as his tucked into them. Her eyes traveled over hiswaist to his Henley and necklaces before landing on his perfect little smirk.

“Falling asleep are we,” he inquired as he pulled on one of the rollerchairs closer with his boot before he sat down crowding her.

“I’m just,” she trailed off as his fingers stroked her cheek, hersenses exceedingly aware of him so close to her that she could smell what wasleft of his aftershave as he hovered over her face.

Distracting was one way of putting what Klaus seemed to be doing,making her think of him instead of the needle work at her backside. Yet hedidn’t speak, he didn’t ask why she had it placed there and Caroline didn’ttell him she simply stared straight into the eyes that bore into her own. Itwasn’t until at long last she felt the buzz of the needle leave her skin thatshe realized he held her hand still.

Jeremy moved to sit up setting his equipment aside as he cleared histhroat to make sure the pair of them could hear him articulating, “All set.”And actually listen.

He went over the instruction for tattoo Caroline which Caroline barelylistened too already having two other tattoos so she simply nodded. As she wasadding some more of the salve that he had offered to her Jeremy helped her wrapher tattoo to protect it on the way home. She watched Klaus stride to thecounter as she reached for her phone wallet in her jacket to grab her cardreading how late it was.

“Don’t worry about payment,” Klaus told her from the counter as sheshook hands with Jeremy, “I already handled it,” he answers her unasked questioncavalierly.

“Who are you,” she asked with a curious tilt of her head as Trevorwaves them out of the room back into the waiting area.

Klaus’ hand is on her upper back leading her but careful of where hetouches, “Would you like to find out,” he probed with a simpering look.

“Walk me home,” she statedpushing her jacket into his arms as she struts ahead of him where Rose holdsthe door open for them both.

“How could I not,” Klaus retorted with a brief lift of his eyes to theceiling before walking out after her, “You’re beautiful and it’s late,” Hereasoned.

Caroline feels him settle into her side on the pavement while she knotsthe front of her shirt to keep it from fussing with her newly covered ink whenshe told him, “I live just over there.”

“So our meeting was coincidental then,” he mused watching the ‘v’ ofher neckline slide lower from the severity of her knot causing a rumble in histhroat.

At their pace they make it to her building faster than Caroline wouldhave liked so when she pulls out her keys to get inside she asked him, “Did youwant to come up?”

Klaus faltered, “I think it’s safer if I just give you my number.” Hesaid cautiously as he pulled her receipt from his pants pocket.

“Why?” Caroline inquired as she watched him pull a pen from his boot ashe leaned on the building wall to write.

“Because you might regret leading me up into your home while you’restill inebriated,” Klaus insisted with her as he tucked his pen back in hisboot and handed her the slip of paper.

“I haven’t drank anything in hours,” she moped as she removed the spacebetween them eager to get him inside of her shared apartment considering Katwouldn’t be there.

Klaus tugged on her shirt pulling her that much closer and it that muchlower revealing the black lace of her bra, “And yet,” he hissed looking upinstead of down.

Caroline laughed in his ear as he continued to speaks, “You still couldforget about me in the morning. It would be a scandal, Sweetheart,” he murmuredagainst her neck.

“So with that said,” he hummed into her flesh as he nibbled at her ear,“Here’s your receipt Caroline.” While she felt his hand slide into her backpocket squeezing her ass as he placed his number inside.

Caroline took the opportunity to rub her front against his making himgroan, his mouth falling open as she surprised him with a deep kiss. Her handsunder his back drawing him closer as her fingernails punctured his Henleypulling him tighter against her. Klaus squeezed her waist as he dragged hismouth over hers purposely taking control of her kiss while leaning her againstthe brick wall.

He sucked on her bottom lip one last time as his eyes opened, his lungspressured for air as he spoke, “That was certainly a valiant effort.” MakingCaroline smile as leaned her head back on the wall watching him.

“Goodnight Klaus,” she murmured as she let go of the front of his shirtmaking sure he was finding this moment as hard to let go as she was before shereached for the keys hanging off of her wallet.

“Call me in the morning Caroline,” he all but purred as he lingered onthe step way, hands behind his back watching her go.

-

“Are you still there?” Klaus’ voice brought Caroline back tothe present making her feel about as warm as he did last night when he pressedher against the wall and she could feel everypart of him.

“Yep,” she squeaked collecting herself quickly, “Sorry Ijust,” she felt herself babbling as Kat mouthed ‘Game face’ to her.

Caroline nodded taking a deep breath, “Did you want to go tobreakfast, probably brunch? Oh, wait are you at work?” she questionedcautiously.

She heard his footsteps as if he was pacing in the roomwherever he was making her smile, “I’d love to meet you for brunch, I assumeyou’ll need a bit of time if you just woke up,” he tested.

“Great,” she said to him thankful of his consideration asshe moved around her room quietly trying to gather her brush and makeup wipes.“I’d love that!”

“What’s going on,” Kat whispers as Caroline reached for heryellow towel and kisses her friend on the cheek mouthing, ‘I’ll explain later’to her.

“Fantastic,” Klaus replies sounding nervous which only madethe butterflies in Caroline’s stomach flutter more, “I suppose I’ll text you inan hour?” he asked subtly pushing for a reply.

“Great, she exclaimed before she could think of anotherword, “I swear I know more words than that,” she promised as she strode to thebathroom whilst still on speaker.

Klaus made a sound before commenting, “I’m intimatelyfamiliar with what your tongue can do Caroline,” making Caroline think shecould go for a hot shower.

“Girl,” Kat salutes her as Caroline throws her robe at herwhispering for her to get out of the bathroom before she pushed her out.

“Great, I mean awesome,” she corrected as she switched onthe shower feeling for the right temperature, I’ll hear from you then.”

She felt his broad smile in his words as he spoke, “Lookingforward to it,” making her squeal to herself as the line disconnected andCaroline jumped in excitement.

The door swung open a second later before Caroline had achance to lock it, “Caroline, it’s later. So what the hell happened last night?”Kat squawked unceremoniously as she tossed Caroline’s dead phone into thelaundry bin.

“Kat,” Caroline laughed as her friend narrowly missedfalling into the shower in her very expensive heels Caroline was sure would beruined by water.

[ifishouldvanish]

The Boston Hour (5/?)

In which Belle is an Antiques Roadshow super-fan and Gold is her favorite appraiser.

CHAPTER SUMMARY: As the afternoon session comes to a close, Gold gets an opportunity to talk to Belle. RATING: T WORDS: 2,509 A/N: Enjoy more of these two dorks trying to flirt with each other! Once again, you can catch up on the TMI Tuesday Q&A for this story here, if you're into that sort of thing. :)

[Part One] [Part Two] [Part Three] [Part Four] [Read on AO3]

“...The quality and craftsmanship of these pieces began to decline considerably after the fifteenth century. Prior to that time, they were commissioned almost exclusively by nobility, but as the popularity of the style grew, more and more pieces were being commissioned by the bourgeoisie. The pieces produced for these smaller, more numerous commissions lacked the care and attention to detail enjoyed by their predecessors, and as a result, that popularity quickly began to decline. However, in the late eighteenth century, Carlos III of Spain ordered an effort to–”

Rumford was appraising an impressive example of Hispano-Moresque lustreware when a petite figure in a blue dress stepped into his peripheral, completely destroying what little focus he had managed to keep since his conversation with David. Suddenly his thoughts were filled only with Miss French, and he had to force himself to finish his appraisal.

“An effort to p-preserve the ah… the techniques, which inspired a– inspired… a, um… r-r- revival of the style in the… the ah, mid ninth– I mean mid nineteenth– century. Which is... what I– what I believe we h-have here. Based on the ah, the coloring and the patterns used.”

He tore his attention away from the ornate dish like he'd been drowning and Miss French was the breath of fresh air waiting for him at the surface.

And there she was. Miss Belle French, heading in his direction. A Venus with her auburn waves, her plump, berry-stained lips, and towering heels. Good grief. Was it possible that she'd somehow gotten even more beautiful since he'd spoken with her little more than two hours ago? He watched as her friend showed her something on her phone, and she pouted her lips in thoughtful deliberation before nodding. Her friend then whispered something to her and winked, and Belle blushed– her smile blinding in its brilliance as she laughed.

Rumford swallowed hard.

He was going to talk to this woman? He was going to ask her out on a date? Was he out of his bloody mind?

He coughed and looked back to the dish in front of him. “A um, a piece like this would likely fetch about twelve hundred dollars at auction.” He finished quickly, the words barreling out of his mouth in a jumble. He half-assedly shook the owner’s hand, and as they left the table and the next guest was setting up, he chanced another glance over the small crowd to look for Belle.

It took him a moment to find her, because she was already so much closer than he expected her to be– as close to the front of the line as she could be without actually being in it. His breath caught in his lungs at the sight of her so near, and she bit back a coy little smile as their eyes met– a gesture he couldn't help returning. His whole body felt like it was buzzing, but the sensation somehow felt more pleasant and exciting to him than terrifying. Mostly.

She came back! That had to mean she liked him, right? But also, she came back? To watch him? How in God's name was he supposed to finish the rest of his appraisals for the day knowing her eyes were going to be on him the whole time? He should stop staring probably, but she was staring at him and smiling, so surely that meant he could stare and smile too?

“We ready?”

Rumford started at the sound of Fa’s voice and shook away his rambling thoughts. “Right.” He cleared his throat. “Yes, ah… of course.”

Fa snickered behind the camera and motioned for him to begin, and he finally wrangled his attention onto the pair of Vienna cabinet plates on the table.

The rest of his appraisals dragged on, and he both dreaded and eagerly awaited the moment his line of guests would dwindle down to nothing. His eyes kept drifting to Miss French, and the sight of her made him stumble on his words and his heart leap into his throat every time. The little smiles she kept giving him were so disarming, and he had to keep reminding himself to wipe the foolish grin off of his face lest he look like a complete loon on camera.

Soon enough, the line was gone and the time had come. Miss French was still standing at the front of the queue, watching him clean up his station. He was fully aware of the fact that he was stalling. There were only so many specks of dust he could wipe off of the tablecloth, and he had to be looking ridiculous at this point.

Talk to her. Just talk to her. You can manage that much, you bampot.

He slipped his phone out of his pocket and pretended to check for any missed calls or messages as he stepped away from the safety of his table– because that somehow felt like a good idea. How close should he get to her before he looks up? Should he act surprised? Like he didn't know she was there? Most of the guests had cleared out of the venue by now, it wouldn't be an unreasonable assumption to make, that she'd left with the rest of them. He got closer, closer, eyes fixed on the ground until he could no longer ignore the pair of ruby red heels that were in front of him. His gaze drifted upwards, to the delicate ankles the straps of said shoes were wrapped around, up the pair of shapely legs, over the rich blue of her dress, until– oh God. What a perfect face. Such a winning smile. And how did this whole speech thing work again?

“Uh…”

“Hey, Mr Gold.” She said, and how dare she look so happy to see him?

“Miss French.” He said, but the words came out in a whisper. “Hey.”

“Thanks again. For um, looking at my book.” She said, giving it an affectionate little squeeze where she carried it in her arms.

“Of cour–” with a terrible thud, his bloody stupid phone slipped out of his hand and onto the floor. They both stared at it for a moment while he decided whether or not to pick it up. Sod it. Not important. Just talk to her. “...Of course.”

“Um–” She wet her lips and shifted on her feet a little. “Yeah, I’ll um, definitely be doing some research into Mailys Desrosiers. So... thank you.”

“That’s– that’s good. I’m glad.” He said, the curve of his lips cracking into a full smile. Was he smiling too much? Did he look mad?

Belle glanced at the floor again and dipped down to pick up his phone. “You um, dropped this.”

He just stared at it in her hand for the longest time, far longer than he should have before registering that he was supposed to take it from her. “...Oh. Aye, I did.” He blurted, and since when had his palms become so sweaty? “Thanks. You. Thank you.” He slipped the device back into his pocket and swallowed. Cleared his throat. He should have grabbed another bottle of water when he had the chance. “I ah… It was a pleasure.”

“Yeah. It was.” She agreed, nodding and nibbling her lip, and Christ. Had she come back over here just to torture him like that? Did she have any idea, the effect she was having on him?

This was easily number one on the list of all the worst ideas he’s ever had. How did he let David talk him into this? With his, “You’re a great catch! A good-looking guy like you!” Ha! What a joke! He should politely excuse himself. Surely he had something he needed to do, right? Run to the bathroom? No, not that. Think, think, think...

But then David's voice rang clear as a bell through the mess of Rumford’s thoughts. She's clearly interested. Let her know the feeling's mutual.

He pressed his lips into a thin line, as if it could stop anything stupid from coming out. Took a deep breath. If you back out now, you'll only live to regret it. You can do this. Just talk to her.

“Y-You know, I–” He cut himself off and scoffed. Commit. “We... If you um– If you wanted, maybe we could ah, talk. Again? Sometime–”

“Oh.” Belle’s cheeks flushed pink and her grin widened, and Rumford felt like he would die right there on the spot.

“A-About the book, I mean.” He blurted. The light in her blue eyes dimmed a little at that, and why had he thought that would be a good thing to say? “Or um… anything, really.” He added, and her eyes brightened again. Yes, good save.

“I’d um, I’d really like that.”

“It’s just um– well, I think… I ah, I thoroughly enjoyed t-t-talking with you.” He stammered. “Well, not think, I mean I did. Enjoy. ...Talking with you. Miss French.”

“Me too. Mr Gold.” She was smiling, but she was also pressing her lips together at the same time and it was by far one of the cutest things he'd ever seen before in his whole pathetic life.

“So, ah… yes.” He nodded, his mouth answering a question that hadn't even been asked.

The tip of her tongue poked out and swept across her bottom lip, and she looked over her shoulder to where her friend was waiting. They exchanged slight nods and Belle looked back at him. “You know, my friend Ruby and I were um, gonna try one of the bars in the area tonight?”

“Oh.” Was she inviting him out?

“Aesop’s Tables? It's um, supposed to be two blocks east of here I think?”

“Aye. I've ah, passed by it a few times.”

“So, maybe you could um… join us?”

“Yes.” He nodded again. God bless. “Yes of course.”

“O-Okay.” She said it with a tremulous little laugh, as if she couldn't believe he'd said yes. As if saying no to her was even an option. Preposterous. “I'll… look for you there? At uh, eight-ish?”

“Eight-ish sounds good.” He said, and he noticed his cheeks were starting to hurt from smiling so much. He didn't really care though, because his heart just felt so light and tingly and shiny and good and he'd just made plans with Miss French!

She did that thing again where she bit her lip and smiled. Then her eyes swept over him from head to toe and back again and he felt like he might combust. Like an ant under a magnifying glass in the summer sun. But in a good way? What that possible? It was as if all his senses had been heightened tenfold. He could feel every individual fiber of his shirt against his skin, hear his pulse, smell… well, something mildly offensive.

“So I guess I'll uh, see you then.” She said.

“Aye.”

She bounced on her toes and wet her lips. “I can't wait.”

He laughed, but it didn't make any noise, and he had to stop himself before it turned into wheezing. “I ah, look forward to it. Miss French.”

“Yeah. Well, I'll uh, see you later then?” She asked, and now she was swaying, shifting her weight from one foot to the other..

He nodded quickly. “Yes. Yes, definitely.”

“Okay.”

“...Yeah.”

“Thanks again.”

“You too. I mean, no. I mean–” he coughed into his fist. “The ah, pleasure was all mine.”

She blushed at that and it just had to be from secondhand embarrassment, right? There was no way he wasn't making a complete ass of himself. “Well, um… good luck with the next session.” She said. “Mr Gold.”

His body eased a little, the end of this torturous conversation finally in sight. “Thank you. I... hope you uh, enjoyed the event. Miss French.”

Her eyes lit up and she smiled. “Oh, it was everything I hoped it would be! You were um– you were amazing.”

“Oh,” he chuckled, rubbing a hand over the back of his neck and blushing. “Well, I don't know about that–”

“Well, I think you were...” She murmured, and Rumford was pretty sure the color of her cheeks was deepening. Good Lord. If she was blushing, he could only imagine what he looked like.

“That's… very kind of you to say.”

She pressed her lips into another tight smile and began rubbing her thumb two and fro over the corner of the cover of her book. “You're just always so thorough,” she said. “I mean, I just really appreciate how much of an emphasis you put on not just assigning value to the items you appraise, but on describing the um, socio-economic environment that produced them.”

“Oh.” He blinked and took a calming breath. He could talk about antiques. He talked about antiques all day. “Well I– I’ve always found that to be the most interesting thing about many antiques.” He said. “I like to think that our viewers feel the same way.”

“Well, this one does.” She chuckled. “You um, you just really tell a story with each piece.”

“Thank you.” He tried not to grin too widely at that, but it wasn’t every day that someone barraged him with compliments about his work– let alone someone as enchanting as Belle French. “I ah... I appreciate that. Truly.”

“I remember you were doing paintings and drawings back in Seattle two seasons ago and somebody brought in that um, engraving by uh… the German artist…?”

She remembered the items he appraised two seasons ago? If he wasn’t grinning like a fool before, he was now. “Max Klinger?”

“Yes! And you talked about the great upheaval brought on by the industrial revolution and how it um, influenced the art at the time.”

“Aye.” He nodded. “It is a… fascinating topic.”

“I mean, the segment they aired was only like, two minutes, but I could have listened to you talk about that for hours.”

“Oh. W-Why thank you.”

“You know,” she stepped closer and wet her lips, “whenever an interesting item gets featured on the show, I like to–”

“–Okay!” Ruby cut in. “I hate to break this up, but you two little aficionados will have all the time in the world to finish this conversation later.” She put a hand on Belle's shoulder and started to drag her away. “Eight o'clock at Aesop's Tables. We all good?”

Their eyes darted back and forth between Ruby and each other for a moment. They both and nodded in unison.

“Good. See how easy that is?” Ruby teased. “Well now– have a lovely afternoon, Dr Gold. Me and Belle here are gonna get out of here before one of the security people drags us out.”

Rumford gave an awkward chuckle, his nerves returning with the sudden change of subject. “Right, ah... Have a lovely afternoon.”

They turned to leave, and Belle threw one last look over her shoulder at him. She gave him another one of her precious smiles and waved.

On its own accord, Rumford’s hand reached upwards to give her a little wave back.

[weirdwritter-blog]

Metanoia

Chapter 1 the Gift

“People come and go into our lives, some of them will just pass by like friends becomes a stranger and others will leave but will not fade away like a beautiful moon in the morning sky.”

In the busy street a girl with a pink hoodie who is sitting in a bench with a cup of coffee on her side taking pictures of the people passing by, suddenly her phone rings. *sighs “Who will this be?”

“Hello?”

“Sofia?! Where the hell are you?”

“Don’t shout Tessa! I’m at the park; don’t tell me they want to change something in my designs? It’s not my time in yet! Look, I am still a freaking student Intern!”

“Wow! They need you especially the president; she wants you to come to the office at 1 pm sharp! Okay? Know goodbye I need to do some paper works.”

Beep…  Beep

“Then she suddenly hangs up” Sofia said it with a sigh, It was a silent morning, the cold breeze from the winter’s breath is swiftly passing by that make all leaves from the trees dance. Sofia shivered from the cold and started packing her stuff then she looks up the sky. “The day is just starting and everything is a mess, thank you very much!” she sarcastically exclaimed.  She started walking and headed to her apartment.

“Good morning Sofia, you’re up early?” asked the landlady holding a basket full of bread. “I was just taking a fresh air” Sofia replied.

“Hmm… I’ve got new fresh bread that I made, want to take some?” asked the landlady, Sofia shook her head and smiled, “No, thank you maybe next time”

“Okay, see you around” and the landlady walked away.  Sofia headed in her room and started searching the room key in her bag. “Where the hell is that key?!”

“Yo! Sofia my friend!”

“OHMYG-! Yah! Kim Taehyung! Don’t scare me like that, my heart will suddenly fall from my chest” said Sofia while clenching her chest. “Don’t worry, if your heart falls I will catch it for you” exclaimed Taehyung and winked at Sofia. “Omo! Look I’ve got shivers all over my body, I found it!” Sofia opens the door of her apartment. She remove her shoes while Taehyung following behind her.  “So how was your Internship at that advertisement company? What’s their name again?”  Says Taehyung while heading towards the refrigerator and getting a glass of water. “Ugh! Frustrating! And the name is Szen advertising company” Sofia grunted and flop on to her couch.

“What happened?” Taehyung asked and sit right next to her, “I don’t know, sometimes I feel like I don’t like what I do now, all of my designs were declined. And some of my pictures are not decent enough to be publish” She said in a low tone, Taehyung hum in response. “Maybe you need to work harder, and try again” Taehyung commented and smiled but the girl besides her still looking at the ceiling with a gloomy expression. “You know, you’ve change”, Sofia suddenly look at Taehyung, he is looking at the picture of Sofia and him when they were kids. He stands up from his seat and walk towards the picture. Sofia sat in the couch properly, “What do you mean by that?” she asked softly. “You used to be so optimistic and fun to be with. You used to be so full of hope. We used to be having fun together like traveling and sometimes you were my photographer when I am having a photoshoot. . You used to be passionate about what you do But now, you look like a…”

“A grown up? A person who doesn’t know what she wants? Is that what you are implying? Taehyung?” Sofia weakly smiled at Taehyung. “Look I am sorry that I cancelled all of our plans because I am busy, I know it is a lame excuse.” She said and weakly walked towards at Taehyung and gently touches his shoulder. “We used to be close friends but I ruined it all. Is it okay if you leave for now? I will talk to you later okay?” Taehyung sighed and walk towards the door, “If you need me, I am just one call away” he said and closed the door. Sofia went to her bedroom and started packing her things for her OJT then a tear fell and landed in her fragile fingertips. “Aigoo! Sofia! Stop this you need to start working harder. Okay? Everything will *sniff* be *sniff*alright” she suddenly sat in the floor hugging her knees; her tears started pouring like a silent rain in the night.  

“Good afternoon, Ms. Sofia” greeted a security guard and open the door for Sofia, “Good afternoon” Sofia responded with a smile. Then a brown haired girl tapping her toes looking at Sofia “I said 1 pm sharp” she scoffed. “I am here Tessa! Okay, I am heading to the office, see ya later” Sofia patted Tessa’s shoulder and walk pass her. “I am just worried about her” Tessa sighed, “But you know Miss Tessa just put a little faith in her, I think she can handle it” said the security guard.

Sofia knocks at the President’s office and a high pitched voice responded, “Come in! Come in!” Sofia slowly opens the door, “Sofia! My darling intern, come in!” Sofia bowed in front of the president, “You called me Mrs. Choi” The president stood up from her seat and laugh “I want you to be the photographer for the photoshoot of Love&Floral fashion line, and I also want you to make the concept for the photoshoot. I will give you all the clothes design.” She said with enthusiasm, “But Ma’am-“Sofia was interrupted by Mrs. Choi’s laugh “Ha! Ha! No buts! You don’t need to hurry, you have one month! I will wait for you proposal. Before that, you will have a photoshoot today with Mr. Lee. Tessa will lead you there. Tessa! Tessa darling” she shouted, Tessa entered the room “Yes ma’am?”

“Please lead her to Mr. Lee for the photoshoot.” She advised, Tessa bowed and signal Sofia to follow her.

 In the hallway Sofia told Tessa about her new project. “What do you mean you will decline? Are you stupid! This is your opportunity to show what you’ve got!” Tessa exclaimed with excitement. But Sofia’s expression stays the same. “You don’t understand Tessa! What if I fail this one too? I already failed the other one.” She replied, Tessa hold her both cheeks and squish it with all her might. “Tessha itsh hurtsh”

“Listen to me! It’s normal to make mistake okay!” Tessa let go of Sofia’s cheeks, “were here now, go!” said Tessa and gave Sofia a quiet “fighting” Sofia took a deep breath and knock on the door.  “Come in”

Sofia enters the room, a large oval table in the middle and 5 people talking to one another about the photoshoot. “Hello, you must be Sofia, I am Lee Chul, nice to meet you” he greeted.

“Good afternoon sir” Sofia bowed and smiled back, “Please sit with us, so that we can discuss about the photoshoot” he said. Sofia head towards the oval shaped table and greeted all of the staffs. One of the staff gave Sofia a copy of the products that she will take pictures of. Sofia looks at all the products, “wow! It’s gorgeous, a preserved roses. They also have on in a glass dome like in the beauty and the beast” she observed all the products while listening to the presentation of Mr. Lee “Do you have any questions about the photoshoot?” he asked,  Sofia didn’t hesitate and raised her hand, “Sir, what is the theme?” everyone  looks at Sofia, “Theme? I already told you didn’t I, we will make it part of the nature, our photoshoot will be held in the Garden of Eden okay? Anyone else” he explained, “Sir, what I mean is, what concept do you want me to do with it? We can’t have a photoshoot without a plan on what we want to tell to the audience about the flowers.” Stated Sofia, when she looks at Mr. Lee she gulped.

“Okay, I just need to make it look outdoor atmosphere, is that okay? This is the end of our meeting see you all tomorrow” he dismissed everyone; all of the staff left the room except Sofia. “Maybe I shouldn’t have asked that question” she gloomily sighed, and started to leave the office. It was already dark, and snow started falling. Sofia look up to the sky, it was a quiet night everything was covered in snow. Sofia started walking, in a cold winter’s night with a heavy shoulder. She entered a Café and ordered a cup of coffee. After she bought it she went straight to the park. She wiped all the snow in the bench and sat on it. “Wow, it feels like the snow is falling in a slow motion” she remarked. She observes the park; all of the trees, the streets and the benches are covered in snow, like a big white blanket. Sofia stood up from her seat went to the middle of the park and captured it.

“Time for me to go back home” she took her stuff and started heading towards her apartment, on the way she saw a night market. The sound of the laughter and giggles of the people is singing in harmony and resounded through the atmosphere of the cold breeze. Sofia took out her camera and captured the night market. “Well it’s not bad if I check it out” she went towards to it. Everything looks lively, people buying gifts, decorations and foods for Christmas. Sofia capturing everything she sees, some people approach her to try their sample foods and other’s just inviting her to look at their stall. But one stall captured her attention. A small booth selling different kinds of antique toys, only few people are passing by the stall, she hesitated to go but something is pulling her to visit the stall. Sofia took a deep breath and head towards to it. There is no one guarding the booth, and then a nostalgic feeling suddenly came to Sofia’s mind. She saw a small carousel music box, she tried to spin it and a familiar sound started to play in the music box.  “Good evening, young lady!” an old woman with a basket full of decorations greeted Sofia with glee. “Good evening madam” Sofia greeted back, “Looks like you are very fond to that music box” the old lady walked towards beside Sofia “Don’t be shy, you can look at it closely if you want” she continued, Sofia smiled “The music it feels like I heard it before, can I buy this?” Sofia asked. “Of course! Of course” the old lady went to the back of her stall and look for a paper bag. “Thank you” Sofia handed the cash and started to leave then suddenly the old lady called her. “Young lady!” she shouted, she followed Sofia and holding a rectangular box. It was covered with glitters of green and red.  And in the top of the box it has a little silver crown on it. “I want to give you this” she panted, Sofia gently patted the old lady’s back. “You shouldn’t run like that. You should have let me go to you, here have some coffee, I just bought it” Sofia offered the coffee she is holding, the old lady gladly accepted it “I saw how sad your eyes is when you look at that music box you bought, it feels like you the world is against you, I want to give this to you as a gift. I hope everything goes well in your life.” They both bid farewell and Sofia started to go back to her apartment.

Sofia started to look for her keys when suddenly she saw the landlady holding a basket full of breads. “Good evening” Sofia greeted

“Oh! Dearie, where have you been? Did you have dinner? I will make you some” the landlady suggested

“Nope, I am good!” Sofia replied, the landlady took two breads from her basket “Here have some breads, I won’t allow you to decline my offer” said the landlady. Sofia took the breads, “I have to go now dearie, have a nice evening okay!” Sofia nodded and walk towards her room. She straight went to her bed and started staring at her ceiling full of glow in the dark stars. Sofia looks at her bag and took out the rectangular box and the music box she bought. She turned the music box and it started playing, she puts the music box near in her study table she sat on her chair and watch it plays. “The music sound so familiar, where did I hear it?” Sofia bite her bottom lip, “Maybe I should make some coffee” she stated and headed to the kitchen, while preparing the coffee she started humming the tune of the music box. “Oh! The gift!” she exclaimed, she went back to her bedroom and took the rectangular box; she went to the living room and opened the light shade beside her couch.

She sips from her mug and look at the box, “Oh! It’s a nutcracker, how adorable!” she excitedly put down her mug, “What’s the purpose of this little silver crown, it’s almost looks like a ring” she carefully took off the crown and place it on the table. She gently open the box and remove the nutcracker, “Wow” Sofia put down the box, she started to look closely at the nutcracker, “I’m speechless, why did the old lady want to give me this, it’s charming especially the eyes” Sofia smiled suddenly a her cellphone rings. “Hello? I am at my apartment mom,”

“How was your OJT? Is it going well?” her mom asked. Sofia hesitated but she tried to sound happy “Yup! Its fine” she replied, “How is Taehyung? I hear that both of you are working together.” Sofia sighed “Yup, we are, how about dad? Does he still want me to take over his business?” Sofia asked

“Sofie, he just wants the best from you, even though we are not together, I know he still wants you to have a good career that will help you for your daily needs” she said, “He still doesn’t trust me, does he?” whispered Sofia, “Sweetheart…”

“Mom, I need to go now, I have many things to do. I will call you later promise” Sofia turns off her phone and throws it in her couch. Silently she walked towards to her bathroom and opens the faucet near the bathtub, and then slowly she lowers herself in. The sound of the dripping water is the only sound will be heard and the little sobs that resounds throughout the bathroom walls. Another phone call came, Sofia went out and took her towel and wrapped it in her body. “Hello? Tessa why?” she asked, she put her phone to speaker mode. “Did you get my email? I need a design for it tonight, I am sorry if I am rushing you, but please! Can you make it?” plead Tessa on the phone talking cutely to Sofia, “Fine, I will try my very best” she replied, in the phone Tessa squealed in joy, “Thank! You’re a lifesaver” she said and hangs up.

“I thought that I will get a goodnight sleep, but no! Life is against me again” Sofia groaned. She took out her laptop and started looking at her emails, the she started designing. Many hours passed she looks at the clock, “Shit! It’s almost 1 am, at least all I need to do is send this design to Tessa and I’m done” Sofia clicked the send button. She stood up from her seat and walk towards her kitchen to get some cup of coffee; she remembered the nutcracker and brings it with her to the study table.  She stares at it for a few minutes, “You know it would be cool if you can actually understand me, either way I will tell you everything” Sofia told the nutcracker what she felt and what happened in her daily life. The people she met, her friends, what she likes and dislikes. “If anybody sees me talking to you they will think I am a lunatic, but it doesn’t matter even you are just a nutcracker, you are a great listener. Maybe I should get a dog! They say that dogs understand us that they are also a great listener. Well I don’t want to go to a psychiatrist because I don’t have time and money to do it. Nevertheless time for bed, see you tomorrow” Sofia yawned and went to her bed.

NEXT DAY

The cold morning breeze entered in the open window that made the curtains fly, Sofia shivered under her blue blanket. She slowly opened her eyes and instantly close it again “Who opened the windows?” she walked towards the open windows and closed it, she started to sniff “Smells like scrambled eggs, is it Taehyung?” she hurriedly went to the kitchen but a man wearing a red coat look at her way. “Good morning Ms. Sofia did you had a goodnight sleep?” A tall man with a pinkish her wearing a black boots and red and gold coat. Sofia started yelling and throwing pillow at the strange man. “Please don’t shout! I am the nutcracker you just bought!” he shouted Sofia stopped and stared at the man up and down.

“I don’t believe you!” she argued and started throwing the pillows again, the man walked towards her while he is using his arm as a shield. “Look I can prove myself that I am the nutcracker you are talking to last night” he explained, “Okay! I will let you explain yourself but please don’t come closer or else I will shout!” she threatened and hold on the pillow she was supposed to throw. “Okay, okay. My name is Park Jimin, I am the nutcracker you bought last night if you are asking why I turn to be like this I don’t know the answer either, but what I know is that you are my last mission” he explained.

“I am sorry mission? What are you a spy? I will now call the cops!” Sofia fretted, “Wait! Please listen to me!” he pleaded, Sofia look carefully the man in front of her who is kneeling and begging for her not to call the cops “I didn’t bought you” with a sigh of irritation Sofia put down the pillow she was holding and sat on her couch, “The old lady gave you to me as a gift” she said, Jimin quickly stood up “This is the first! Do you believe me now?” he asked but Sofia shook her head “Nope, but many crazy things already happened in my life so I don’t care anymore. But you need to explain to me carefully and clearly who you truly are” she demanded, the so called Jimin smiled and bowed to her “As you wish” he replied and winked at Sofia.

[ourpyrexdaysatomicnights-blog]

January 27th 2018

I’ve decided to keep a diary. This decision was based partly on my newfound sobriety. It’s been 12 days since my last sip of alcohol. I chose to be sober because I kept blacking out and doing and saying things I don’t remember. It’s terrifying to lose chunks of time, especially since I’m so worried about time, all the time..hah. It scares me to death how I could wake up and be 5 years older and still in the same place, and then not even really remember what all I did during that time. So I suppose that’s my whole reason for this diary. I need to remember this. I need to remember my life. I have a terribly interesting one. Even without the alcohol. I thought it was just the booze, nope, it’s just me. 

Super quick ( but not really ) back story: I’ve been single for a year from Justin as of this month. Nothing really special about that other than it’s the longest we've ever been apart... or even spoke...He’s still the same guy though, doing the same exact things he used to, except now with Herpes. I spent a few months with Eldorado in the spring and the summer riding motorcycles and dressing up and pretending to be cool. He really liked me, but maybe only as much as an Aries can really like anyone. I ended up ending our fling on Halloween when he decided to have a bad attitude about me wanting to spend time with my friends, which probably stemmed from my bad attitude over his dumb hockey costume and poor choice of evening plans ( the black lodge party ). Yes, I was being a total brat. But in the end it showed me who I really wanted to waste all my time with. My two best friends, and not this brain rotted 46 year old. My 25th birthday was freaking amazing besides the DJ’s losing their shit, getting too drunk off the jameson handle I bought them, and then storming out. My ex Jonathan let me borrow some super professional sound system stuff and that really took the party to the next level. It was space cowboy themed and most people dressed up. It was the most fun i’ve ever had at one of my birthday parties. Also I got a huge Annie Oakley tattoo for my birthday. Maybe I’ll make a whole post about that later? Moving on... I have a ten times better relationship with my mother, and it makes my dad super happy that we’re getting along. I decided a while back that I needed to spend more time with my parents, whatever that looked like, and it’s paid off. Besides the material things i’ve gotten out of it, it’s been a joy to see my parents happy and give me attention again. It’s been good for my soul. Speaking of, I go to church now! Every Sunday, at Second Pres. I’m stunned. I really enjoy it. Besides still being the resident black sheep, I’ve been enjoying getting that time in to learn from the Bible and get to know God more. He’s been really good to me. All my life. I have a feeling He’s got something special planned for me. Bonnibelle has cancer and that’s why we didn’t go to Pittsburgh this year. We were 48 hours away from hoping in the car and driving up there when we got the confirming news. I was pretty upset but I ended up living with my parents for a few days. Mom and I watched hours of Kardashians and Desperate housewives. She ended up missing me a lot ( surprise ) and wanted me to stay even longer. Okay so what else... I’m doing well in my online biology class, and that’s a relief because I had to drop out of my last biology class. It was way too tough. I have 2 classes after this that I need to pass in order to graduate. Intro to biology 2 and statistics. I saved the worst for last like I had planned to all along, but I didn’t know it was going to be this bad. It will be two years in April or May that I haven’t eaten a cow or a pig, and keegan has gone completely Vegan. I wish I could do it too. I just love eating chicken and eggs and gamey shit too much. Chocolate chip cookies and fancy cheese isn’t something I would ever be willing to give up. I’m in therapy with this really nice lady names Deborah. She validates me a lot and will actually give me advice if I ask. Which is a huge bonus. I have pink hair and I weigh 157lbs. I work at Aldos still and Ashley is still a bitch. Trying to transition back to blonde, get a bunch of tattoos, eat right, work out, do some yoga, meditate, write in this diary, and spend a lot of time with my friends. I think that’s enough of an update. Time to tell you about my day. 

Well today I had lunch with my dad at La Guadalapana. He ordered the goat BBQ just like me. It’s my favorite thing there. He sad he liked it but he didn’t finish it so I’m not sure he really did. I gave back the credit card, and not begrudgingly like I thought I would. I’m happily taking care of my finances and doing well at work helps a lot. I like using my own money to buy my groceries and gas. It feels less guilty. I worked from 4pm-12am. I was the closer and I made roughly $200. I never know what to do with my money when I get a nice paycheck. There is ALWAYS something that I need buy that makes me poor all over again. I really need to buy comfortable work shoes. I’ve been off work for an hour and 30 minutes and my feet are still throbbing. Its time that I take care of my body in that regard. BUT I could also go ahead and buy my air bnb for chicago and or my second city ticket... My dad always tried to tell me that instant gratification is great but it isn’t always the best thing.. especially when there are priorities to take care of. I think I’ll buy the shoes next week. No excuses. Hopefully I actually bite the bullet and do it. You never know with me. I’m at home now and typing this as the Bachelor is on. It’s Aries season and he's in the hot tub with 22 year old Becca. I don’t think I like her for him. I broke the glass bakeware dish in the sink. Well, it was still hot and I ran cool water on it and it shattered. Lesson learned. Hopefully no one gets mad at me about it. But it’s sort of ironic. Because it happened in the same side of the sink that Melodie, our neighbor/good friend, broke the smaller of the two Pyrex bowls that Oma used to own. I don’t even want to talk about that right now. I can’t believe it’s already 1:38am. Where does the time go? Glad I’m writing this down... So yeah.. I’m sober. Well, not from weed. I have to have something haha. I like it so far. Didn’t think I would say that. I sleep better and deeper. My skin is doing well. I haven't lost any weight, even though I would like to say I have. But it’s been less than two weeks. I’m clearly anxious for that aspect of sobriety to show up. It might make the trade seem a bit more worth it. My goals for tomorrow are to study the biology quiz and go to work with a good attitude and a big smile on my face like I did today. Sunday I hope to get off work so I can go to church and then have plenty of time to get ready for the Grammys party Jen is throwing at Alchemy. Obviously I won’t be able to write in this thing very single night. But even a few times a month would be good. Like I said, I need to remember. Anyway, at the end of every post I may or may not list a few arbitrary memphis fun facts. Here are todays: 

> That record store in memphis ( can’t remember the name of it right now, will update later ) closed today. They were a business for 25 years. It flew around the sun as many times as I have. I remember driving by it in Omas car and my moms car as a little kid. They had a huge Elvis cut out in this big giant glass case thing on the side/roof of the building. It was an impressive place. I bought my Borat copy there. It’s a shame that they're moving on. I’m curious as to what they'll turn it into next. There’s been a lot of new development in Memphis lately. 

> Skinnys Atomic Tiki restaurant bar had it’s grand opening today. Just now realizing that James had the crazy idea to open up a tiki bar. The petty side of me is glad that Skinny did it before him. James was probably there too.. I wasn't upset one bit that I had to be at work all night and miss this event. I’ll see it later. 

> The Cleveland Street Flea Market is closing Feb 4th. I’ve gotten some cool pieces from that place. Most notably my new trash can that sits under my vanity. Really disappointed about this one. We need cool affordable places to shop for decent vintage stuff and now all of that will either be pushed to antique warehouse or A moment in time ( God I hope not ). 

That’s all for tonight, I have to go clean a bunch of glass out of the sink now. 

[elinordserna-blog]

Thanksgiving Tablescapes

Photo by Tessa Neustadt

Thanksgiving is coming up and regardless of the fact that I'm not hosting, my eye is all over the tablescape game. So I started shopping and pinning and created a few fantasy tablescapes that I figured I could at least pass on to those of you who might be hosting. I almost threw a friendsgiving this year just to have an excuse to play with flatware but then I realized that we are leaving on Saturday for a week and once again I didn't prepare or invite anyone. *True story – I swore for 6 weeks that I was going to have a halloween party and then forgot to schedule, plan or invite anyone, so the Sunday before we had a last minute thing that was also Birdie's birthday party (because we were gone for her birthday and kinda forgot about that as well … look she's only 2). So my track record for executing parties isn't good. 

Photo by Tessa Neustadt

The above tablescape is one we did with Parachute and the below are just some that I LOVE. They feel warm and modern, but totally inviting and yet not too fussy or too much “work”.

Photo Source

Generally for the centerpiece I like to have just a few elements, then repeat them down the table – usually including flowers or garland (the simpler/easier the better) and candles. Repetition in pieces creates impact and keeps it simple and easy for you. Don't get me wrong, I love a collection of eclectic vessels but if you are starting from scratch it's a lot easier to execute a cohesive table if you have your pieces the same (aka matching plates, matching flatware, matching glassware). The “collected” look is a lot harder and more expensive to execute than it looks, but when done right is very exciting.

Photo Source

The simplicity in the tablescape below is certainly powerful, right? Dark and moody, with matching napkins and tablecloth and then warm wood chairs and floor.

Photo Source

I started pinning any tabletop item that I LOVED regardless of budget. This generally helps me figure out the vibe and helps lead me into the direction that I want to go. Then if I were actually to execute it, I might look for less expensive versions, unless it was something that I could use on a daily basis and it made my heart super happy.

I thought I was just pinning for one board, but then I looked it all together and there was definitely enough for a few different looks (including flowers and centerpiece ideas). So in case you are still in the planning stages, here are three Thanksgiving tablescapes that I personally think can work year round, for any occasion with seasonal flowers (thus letting you rationalize the splurges :)).

First one is 'Modern Homespun' which is certainly of the moment, but is such because it's both old world and warm yet new and fresh.

1. Prosecco Glasses | 2. Moscow Mule Cup | 3. Large Cut Rimmed Pitcher | 4. Gold Drinking Glass | 5. Dried Yarrow Bunch | 6. Dried Banksia Bunch | 7. Faux Crimson Amaranth Spray | 8. Preserved Fern Bunch | 9. Dried Lagurus Bunch | 10. Cream Dinner Plate | 11. Black Salad Plate | 12. Terrcotta Bowl | 13. Place Card | 14. Place Card Holder | 15. Table Cloth | 16. Amber Bud Vases | 17. Italian Stainless Steel Flatware Set | 18. Blue Linen Napkins | 19. Wooden Napkin Rings | 20. Terracotta Taper Candles | 21. Black Candlesticks | 22. Walnut Serving Set | 23. Grey Wooden Large Bowl | 24. Gravy Boat | 25. Wooden Footed Tray | 26. Oval Pewter Platter | 27. Carving Set | 28. Mug | 29. French Press | 30. Sugar Bowl | 31. Iron Pie Pan | 32. Black Walnut Pie Server | 33. Walnut Spoon | 34. Blue Stipe Bowl | 35. Wooden Oval Serving Tray | 36. Striped Pot Holder | 37. Staub Cast Iron French Oven

I LOVE the combination of the dark burgundy with the black, amber and wood. And creating a dried grass/flower centerpiece is seasonal and very affordable (many wholesale flower markets, and even Michaels or Moskatels will have good versions that fit the bill). Just make sure that your vessels are small-mouthed (like the amber jars up there).

This next look was the one that I initially started with – casual, simple but warm modern Scandinavian farmhouse. Classic/traditional elements (like the candlesticks and basket) with more simple/scandy shapes, too. As you know I have been to Target probably 12 times the last couple weeks and the Hearth and Hand collection by Chip and Joanna Gaines is so great for this look. I wanted all of it, and if I were hosting a Thanksgiving this is probably what I would get – both in look and in price. It's seriously good stuff that looks expensive, but is absolutely affordable.

1. Tulip Wine Glasses | 2. Green Glass | 3. Place Card | 4. Wood House Place Card Holder | 5. Glass Pitcher | 6. Inspiration Photo Source | 7. Green Plate | 8. X Pattern Small Plate | 9. Individual Casseroles | 10. Placemat | 11. Fringed Napkins | 12. Matte Black Flatware | 13. White Taper Candles | 14. Vintage Black Candlestick Holders | 15. Oversized Platter | 16. Gravy Boat | 17. Carving Set | 18. Bread Basket | 19. Tea Towel | 20. Modern Cake Stand | 21. Pie Server | 22. Electric Kettle | 23. Enamel Mug | 24. Serving Platter | 25. Wooden Serving Board | 26. Creamer and Sugar Set | 27. Brass Serving Set | 28. Cast Iron Dutch Oven

This last one is a little brighter, perfect for those of you/us in a warmer/southern climate. It was inspired by those amazing oval rose placemats. It's a bit more delicate and sweet, but the addition of that indigo and blue helps keeps it balanced. I particularly love the battery operated LED fairy lights (of which I have a ton in my house right now) because they give such good light and you can hide the battery in the garland (if it's thick enough). Eucalyptus should be in season at higher end supermarkets (Whole Foods) and you don't even have to wire them together to create a garland, just lay them down the center and add the candles (for height) and string lights (for a whimsical ambience).

1. Ribbed Glasses | 2. Wine Glass | 3. Pitcher | 4. Lilac Glass | 5. Inspiration Photo Source | 6. String Lights | 7. Dinner Plate | 8. Butter Dish | 9. Placemat | 10. Swedish Blue Rosemaling Plates | 11. Pink Bowl | 12. Vintage Flatware | 13. Striped Napkins | 14. Blue Tapered Candles | 15. Vintage-Inspired Candlesticks | 16. Table Runner | 17. Place Card Holder | 18. Place Card | 19. Gravy Boat | 20. Platter | 21. Carving Set | 22. Blush Porcelain Ice Cream Cone | 23. Brass Ice Cream Scoop | 24. Vintage French Wood Boards | 25. Mist Platter | 26. Pewter Slotted Spoon | 27. Staub White Cocotte | 28. Pink Platter | 29. Lotus Platter | 30. Vintage Fork

The blue floral plates make it feel more special and traditional. Then the vintage/antique flatware gives it some old-world heft and grounds it a bit.

Which one would you do or better yet, which style would you want to be a guest at? I honestly can't decide, but it's making me want to throw a dinner party now (although secretly I LOVE that it's not my responsibility at Thanksgiving and what we do in Sacramento feels like home because it's warm and every piece of decor has become part of the tradition). It truly doesn't matter how much you spend or what you use as your centerpiece. We use candles, flowers and cornucopias on white tablecloth, antique silverware and white dishes at Brian's parents and it's perfect. But if you were looking for some new ideas or to start your own traditions, I hope these ideas helped. xx

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