#and i still gotta do the regular saturday obligations after that

[bcbdrums]

someone allowed me to have CAFFEINE (it was me).

[writersdrug]

OOOH bartender Simon when one of the regulars starts making comments about reader at the bar

Yes

Slight nsfw, someone makes derogatory marks about reader

Simon didn't understand why the man chose to be a regular at his bar. He never spoke much to the lad, Mitch, other than the occasional grunt and "'nother round?" Still, the bloke had been coming to his pub every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night like it was his religion - it very well might've been - spilling his guts over neat whiskey about his failing marriage, his estranged children, and his shitty job. Simon was surprised he managed to keep one, with how much he was drinking on a Sunday night.

"Don't ever get a wife, Simon." Mitch says, fidgeting his empty whiskey glass in his fingers. He'd already come in with a sour expression and droopy eyes - Simon wondered what the topic would be for tonight, but as usual, it steered towards his divorce waiting to happen.

"Already got one." He says, jerking his head to the liquor shelf. "Woodford."

Mitch laughs, letting Ghost take his empty glass and dunk it in the wash basin. "You got anyone waitin' for you after work?"

Ghost clicks his tongue, wiping the condensation off the bar top. "Rather not talk about my personal life 'ere."

"Bah - you need something young n' fresh." Mitch sighs, tapping his fingers against the wood. "Guy like you can't have something too committed, or else your work ethic will suffer."

Ghost grunts as his response. He reminds himself that Mitch was a customer, like everyone else, and he only has to tolerate his yapping for tonight - until next Friday.

Mitch turns his head to look at you, and Simon follows with his eyes: you're standing at a table, bantering with the couple seated there as you take their orders. Hair pulled back into that weird claw clip thingy Simon likes so much, posture relaxed as you leaned on one hip, a soft smile on your face as the couple takes their time placing their orders. He remembers how unfamiliar you were with it all in the beginning, and now it looks like you've been working here for the past ten years. Like you belong in his pub.

"How's she handling the job?" Mitch asks.

Simon shrugs. "Seems t' be managing just fine. Gets away with more shit than I should be allowin' 'er."

Mitch chuckles, looking back at you. "They always do when they look that good." He comments, making Ghost pause. "Price knew what he was doin' hiring her."

He feels his muscles tense subconsciously. "I hired 'er."

Mitch looks back at him, a wicked smile spreading across his face. "Simon, you ol' dog..." he begins, leaning his forearms onto the bartop. "Gotta keep the customers comin' somehow, eh?"

Ghost blinks. "I don't follow." He does; but he's giving Mitch a chance to redeem himself after his insinuation.

"C'mon, was it her face? What she wore to the interview? Did Johhny-boy see her and beg you to hire her?" He leans in towards Simon, who obliges and meets him halfway, just to hear what else the prick will say, so he knows how much damage he can justify.

"I'm telling you - the only reason she probably took the job was, well.." he raises and eyebrow.

Simon waits. "Hmm?"

"You know - three big guys like you lot - not to mention that old brewmaster assistant, Garrick, I know he frequents here... well, any desperate thing like her would be throwing themselves at the opportunity."

He's livid. "Wha' opportunity?"

"Gettin hit from all sides, if you catch my drift."

Ghost nods slowly, biting the inside of his cheek until he tastes blood. He wants to punch a hole through Mitch's chest, but two patrons roughhoused in one week would make Price get on his case. He turns to the bar and grabs a whiskey glass.

"Aww, don't be like that..." Mitch says when he senses Ghost's anger. "I'm sorry. Listen - if you don't want to show her a good time, me and my buddy will. I'll leave my number and you'll give it to her for me?"

"Drink this, sober up, and go home Mitch." Ghost says, slapping the glass of clear liquid in front of the man. Mitch eyes him with a huff as he returns to washing the glasses in the bar sink.

"Fuckin' loser..." he mumbles, grabbing the glass and downing a large gulp - he immediately sputters, the drink spilling all over his front as he coughs and hacks violently. The entire floor looks over at the commotion, you included, standing by the POS and watching with a furrowed brow.

"Fuck- was that goddamn Everclear?!" He rasps.

"I think it's time y' head out, Mitch." Ghost says, leaning both of his hands against the bar. "Call your wife and kids. Stop comin' 'ere every week." He then leans in close, right in front of Mitch's face. "Cuz if I see you back at my bar again, I'm draggin' you out the back myself."

His eyes crinkle with a smile as he claps Mitch on the arm, making him jump from the impact. He quickly gets up off his seat and stumbles towards the front door, sparing one last bitter glance between you and Ghost, before he angrily shoves his way out.

Ghost sighs, putting the Everclear back on the shelf; you walk over right on cue. "What was that about? He ok?"

Simon shrugs, closing Mitch's tab on his POS and assigning an auto-gratuity. "Dunno. Maybe my advice finally got t' the bastard."

[im-confusedandgay]

one bad night

summary: Simon Snow is intoxicated and Baz Pitch is hopelessly in love with him. Loosely based off of that one friends episode and @creativitear ‘s post of that snowbaz text message thing part 1, part 2, part 3 , part 4 of fuck knows I'm making this shit up. read on AO3

    I was filming the group assignment in the dorm room for potions class when Simon texted. When i got the first few messages i kind of figured he was dared to text me, so i minded my own damn business. Until the situation became my business, until my one top priority became Simon and his stupidity.

I have to babysit the fucking Chosen one. And the Chosen one called me beautiful. and a babe. (Or at least in Simon's case he tried to spell that one out.) I don't know what to think. Or feel.  But i do know what to do.

 The nearest bar i know is the Cupids Shot bar -- all the watford teenagers go there on Fridays or Saturdays (Sunday's when they're feeling that low) and its a 5 minute walk from Watford.  I soon find myself jogging towards the bar, hoping to a god i don't believe in that Simon didn't do anything he'd normally do. Which is something inconceivably stupid. Obviously. That one's a given.  Crowley, he's so fucking stupid.Fucking hopeless idiot. Im running now, and i still don't know what to think. Or feel.  Once I reach my destination, i fish for the bottle of cologne from inside my jean pocket. I changed out of my school uniform a while ago -- what do you wear when you're going to save your longtime crush from poisoning themselves with too much vodka? The answer is jeans and a plain green shirt. I also tied my hair into a bun for good measure. I spray the bottle of cologne on my neck and wrists -- its cedar and bergamot. A personal favourite.  I walk into the bar and a few people glance my way, some boys and some girls. If i weren't in love with Simon Snow i could have been the worlds greatest play boy. People would have made legends about me.

The bar smells like any regular old bar. I spot a few students i’ve seen walking past by the Watford hallways. Theres strangers kissing, others drinking their sanity away, and a giant crowd of dancing, sweating bodies in the centre of the room, letting their limbs run free with the blaring music.  I pray Simon isnt one of those bodies and thats when i spot him: sitting on the bar stool, his phone on his hand and a shot of god knows what on another. In just a second he downs that shit and places the empty glass on the countertop, his head hanging low.  He's a mess. 

Well, theres one thing to be grateful for: he's also alone. I search the perimeter of the room. No bulky guy. That's good. Splendid. Saving the Chosen one would be easier for me then. And then of course theres another thing to keep in mind: The Chosen one is drunk. Drunk senseless. Shit for sense, and since the chosen one happens to be Simon Snow, who naturally has a shit sense, this just means his stupidity is maximised by all that alcohol. I have a strong feeling that this night would be the bane of my entire existence. I walk towards the monstrosity that is Simon Snow, and every step i take towards him feels like a sort of vindication.

 I still don't know what to feel.Crowley, I just wanted to film my group project in peace. I know, I know, i've done terrible things that could amount to this much karma, and karma is the biggest living asshole there is but god did it have to be me?

and then i see him. Simon's description of him seems about right, despite the alcohol. I know its him because it just seems a little too obvious, actually. He's a big bulky guy. Not dwayne johnson big, but regular big. the kind of big to get rightfully intimidated by.  But I'm Baz Pitch, so i say to hell with intimidation. Besides, intimidation is nothing when you could call upon hot vermillion flames on the two of your hands and could suck the blood out of a deer. I make intimidation itself look like my bitch. 

 I feel my face grow red with anger -- my palms start to sweat and I'm just about to yell at him to back off when he places a hand on Snow's shoulder, and i watch with horror as he puts his lips to Simon's ear and whispers (i think its vampire senses that help me make it out) "You wanna get out of here darling? I know a place where the two of us could get to know each other a little better."  My throat starts to clog up.

Simon gives him a confused look. I tap the bulky guy's shoulder with my finger. He looks up at me.  Then I punch him. 

I punch him thinking of the words he whispered to Simon, taking every letter and syllable and hitting him back with it. I punch him with all the strength i have, and mind you i've got a lot of strength in me.  I make sure i punch him real damn hard his grandchildren would have a bruise on their cheek and the next generation to the next generation after.  I punch him so hard he falls backwards, then i punch him again and he topples over the counter. People stand up and seem to gather all around me and bulky guy here, but i don't bother with any of them -- i punch him and punch him until he's on the floor, until i see the blood trail off his nostrils.  Until i see Simon Snow in the corner of my eye, eyes wide and mouth agape. Only then do i stop.

Its been awhile since I've been this violent, and it feels wrong to start now. But then again, I'm not the big weird pervert who likes taking advantage of kids younger my age.  Now i have one thing to think about when i want to punch something. "Hey," I look over to my side where the bartender is, eyes wide as well as everyones. I'm not that ignorant (i am indeed very ignorant) but aren't  crowds like these suppose to be cheering? Were the hollywood movies all a lie? (I'm not surprised.) "You gotta leave." The bartender says, pointing towards the door. "Yeah, well." I look to the floor where the bulky guy is, bruised and pissed as fuck. He arches an eyebrow at me, his hand in his nose, miserably trying to contain all that blood. his eyes look at me like he either wants to slit my throat and drown me in the river or take me to his house to seduce me. Because he’s just that kind of guy.

I'd rather he drown me in a river, thank you very much. ”I think i got that message. C'mon Snow." He's still standing there, dazed, looking like a deer caught in the headlights. I grab his arm and he looks at me.Once we're out, i lightly hit him on the arm. Even that sends him stumbling back a bit. I grab his arm again. "I'm not doing this because i worry about your wellbeing, I'm doing this because it is under basic moral obligation to look after those in need." He grins. The fucker actually grinned at me, and of course he looks beautiful when he grins. He says "Aye aye captain," and then stumbles upon a trash can and bows his head there, vomiting the night away. Simon bloody Snow. 

[tellywoodtrash]

ishqbaaz 25.07.17 lb

plain text version here. 

bhavya just be taking her gal pal along with her on an investigation like it’s a saturday brunch and shopping date. nice. 😊😊😊

hahahahahahaha shivaay using oberoi mansion as an example of a safe place. i honestly cannot stop laughing. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

i honestly love ragini’s transitions once someone leaves the room. when the billu is away, the naagini shall play! 😇😇😇

what kinda jankyass 90s winamp looking program is this that the mumbai police is using to track the sim location? 🤔🤔🤔

the calls are coming from inside the house! 😯😯😯

of course. contrived excuse for not being able to hear. lorddddddddddd. 🙄🙄🙄

why the fuck did he have to come all the way outside the house to make the call anyway? itna bada ghar hai, you’re telling me there’s no silent spot anywhere INSIDE where he can make a call? 😒😒😒

SAMAR. FUCKIN WHY, DUDE?!?!?! HONESTLY. YOU SHOULD BE TALKING YOUR SISTER OUT OF HER CRAZY. OR SECRETLY MEDICATING HER BY LACING HER CUCUMBERS WITH ANTI PSYCHOTICS. NOT PULLING A RAHUL FROM DARR. 😫😫😫

lmao ok suddenly samar found a bike helmet outta nowhere. 😐😐😐 

um.... ok? 😕😕😕

THEY WERE DOWNSTAIRS ON THE GROUND LEVEL. HOW THE F ARE THEY RUNNING DOWN THE STAIRS NOW? HONESTLY, CHUTIYA SAMAJH RAKHA HAI KYA? 😑😑😑

how the f does samar know the layout of oberoi mansion so well? 🤔🤔🤔

also, they’re fucking upstairs again. you gotta be kidding me. what kinda teleporting chase sequence is this? 😣😣😣

whatttttttttttttttttttttt nonsense, lorddddddddddd. 😤😤😤

also, samar is as rich, if not richer than shivaay. why can’t he just hire someone to do this, instead of doing this dirty work himself?? kuch bhi. 😐😐😐

shivaay seems destined to permanently sport that forehead bruise now. 😗😗😗

great. these two are going to argue over this now. 😐😐😐

yuuuuuuuuuuuhp. 😒😒😒

anika, what happened to not bringing this up with shivaay until you had proof???? looks like that theory just swiftlyyyyyyy went out the window. GOD AND I WAS GETTING HAPPY THAT FOR ONCE, ANIKA IS HANDLING THINGS SMARTLY. 😫😫😫

OUFFO OM, THE BABY DOESN’T HAVE FEVER. 🙄🙄🙄

omki is feeling old chulbul waale jhatke? 😏😏😏

ooooooohhhh i like this instrumental saathiya. 😊😊😊

look at him making moon eyes at her. 😍😍😍

god does om has munchausen by proxy or something??? the child is not ill, omkara! 😑😑😑

great. this is going to be an issue. that she isn’t educated enough to get the english names of drugs and thus isn’t good enough for him. 😣😣😣

god pinkyyyyyyy, why are you bhatkofying like a bhoot behind gauri???? THERE’S ZERO REASON FOR YOU TO EVEN INTERACT WITH HER. 😠😠😠

self loathing. that’s why. gauri reminds pinky of herself when younger. 😬😬😬

like... pinky is actually MEANER to gauri than she was to anika. i really don’t get it. 😕😕😕

... uh? rudra and bhavya share the same bed??????? the fuckkk? FUCKING SHIVIKA DIDN’T SHARE THE BED UNTIL LIKE MONTHS AFTER MARRIAGE. THIS IS SOME REAL HORSE SHIT. 😠😠😠

... as usual, not feeling this romance at all. also i’m mad that they wasted one of my fav songs on these two. why do they keep getting the songs i want for my other two otps??????? 😡😡😡 

ok little bit feels at her taking the picture of them. the least amount. 😳😳😳

aaaaaaand... bhavya’s skull just got cracked like an anda. 😐😐😐

shivaay looks painfully young in this tshirt waala combo. 😙😙😙

faraq faraq faraq. 😇😇😇

oh boy, gauri is still trying to remember the name of the medicine. girl, raat se subah ho gayi. just give up. 😶😶😶

why isn’t she using her internet chaachi for help rn? 🤔🤔🤔

also, omki doesn’t even care about the medicine anymore. 😐😐😐

this pinky is such an expert at finding and exploiting ppl’s innermost insecurities. 😔😔😔

oh ho, this is just painful to watch. like genuinely, and not coz of second hand michmichi. her distress and despair is just so heart wrenching. 😭😭😭

man, i just loveeeeeeeeeeeeee rudra + baby together. they’re the bestttttttt. leenesh manages to create such good chemistry with every single cast member, it’s amazing! 😚😚😚

NO DO NOT LEAVE THE BABY ALONE. DO NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😟😟😟

oh ho, these two arguments are happening 3 feet away from each other. 😑😑😑

why are you ppl shutting up rudra when he’s asking about a genuine issue that’s more impt than any of your petty nonsense? 😒😒😒

why is she surprised to see blood from her own wound? 😒😒😒

wow, whoever took bhavya just left her there, in an unsecured car, in the oberoi parking lot. with her phone. worst kidnappers ever. 🙄🙄🙄

as usual, the oberoi security have been bested by a team of fat 40 year old unclejis. 😑😑😑

why is everyone sooooo surprised at power failure? as if the lights don’t go out here on a regular basis. 🙄🙄🙄

haaaaaaaan, leave the front door WIIIIIIIIIDE OPEN. not like that’s a security risk or anything. 😌😌😌

these oberois are just begging to be murdered in their beds at this point. 🙄🙄🙄

“gala phaad ke cheekne chillane ki zaroorat nahi.” 

general life advice to shivaay. applicable in every situation. stop being so fucking shouty. 😒😒😒

meanwhile bhavya made it all the way upstairs. FUCKING HOW!?!?!?!??! 😣😣😣

LMFAO, HAS A GUN POINTED TO HIS FUCKING HEAD, STILL HAS ZERO IMPACT ON SHIVAAY’S TADI AND DIALOGUEBAAZI. 😂😂😂

HAHAHAHAHA OM’S EYE ROLLING AT SHIVAAY’S TADI LIKE “THIS ASSHOLE IS GOING TO GET US KILLED.” 🤣🤣🤣

omg acp anda is the fucking worst at her job. at this point, even ranveer, who doesn’t actually do any policing is better - at least he doesn’t make things WORSE. 😒😒😒

hahahahahaha anikaaaaaaa “bhaisaab ek minute, ek minute haan...” *pushing the guns away dismissively* “AAP DO MINUTE CHUP NAHI REH SAKTE?” 

lmaoooooo bulbul also joining innnnnnnn. 

hahahahah OmRu 😂😂😂😂

"tamancho par aapki tadi nahi chalegi... main baat kar rahi hoon... EK MINUTE!!! MAIN BAAT KAR RAHI HOON!!!!!” 

the wayyyyyy anika keeps slapping the guns away so cavalierly is hilariousssss. 🤣🤣🤣

GOD THESE TWO IDIOTS. 😫😫😫

evennnnnn the kidnappers are sick of these two and their bs. 😑😑😑

the baby looks happier than ever, finally being left alone and in peace for the first time in 4 days. 👶🏽👶🏽👶🏽

shivaay’s aankhon waale ishaare are not understood by either of his idiot brothers. 🙄🙄🙄

you aintttttttttttttt slick omki. idiot. 😒😒😒

lol anika back on her BS. 😆😆😆

the kidnapper is this 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽 close to fucking shooting them to get them to stfu. 

“kaun hai yaar yeh dono, itna kyun jhagadte hai???”

it’s sexual tension, my dear man. they’re very horny for each other and aren’t able to do the do. and it’s manifesting like this. has been, for over a year. we’re more sick of it than you are. 😔😔😔

shivaay: we’re divorced!!!!!  gunda: yeh toh hona hi tha. 😒😒😒

LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOO EVEN THE HOSTAGE TAKER HAS AN OPINION ON THEIR RELATIONSHIP 🤣🤣🤣

... gauri has to be anika’s sister. this kinda crazy runs in families, no? 😗😗😗

are they looking for the locket or the baby? 🤔🤔🤔

snorttttt, shivaay/gauri against omki and om/anika against shivaay. besttttttt. 😊😊😊

hahahaha, OM/SHIVAAY AGAINST ANIKA. 😂😂😂

EVERYYYYYYYYYYYYONE AGAINST RUDRA! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 

actually, om is the best solution. he’s so calminggggg. i’d listen to him if i was a gunda. such a sweet boy. so obliging. 😚😚😚

BAD MOVE, GUNDA! BAD MOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😡😡😡😡😡😡 *pushes shivaay/rudra aside to kick gunda’s ass myself* 

lol the girls in the bg. 😆😆😆

why are the other gundas just standing around watching their boss being beat up??? 😐😐😐

aaaaaaaaaaaaand there. shivaay just got cracked like the second anda to be put in this oberoi omelette. 😑😑😑

OUFF SHIVAAY CAN YOU DROP THE TADI FOR 3 SECONDS PLEASE?!!?!? YAAR, THIS IS WHY I WAS LIKE THE OLD DEPRESSED AND MILD SHIVAAY WAS BEST. BUT YOU ASSHOLES JUST HAD TO BRING ANIKA BACK AND RESTORE HIS TADI. YOU WOULDN’T BE IN THIS SITUATION RN IF HE WASN’T SO DAMN MOUTHY. 😒😒😒

greaaaaaat. anika ki andar ki biwi # 1 jaaag gayi hai. power of the mangalsutra and sindoor and all that jazz. though she’s wearing neither. just be know, ~~spiritually~~, she’s alwaysssss wearing it. 🙄🙄🙄

even the kidnapper is like “bitch, didn’t you get divorced? DEFINE YOUR RELATIONSHIP FOR FUCKSSAKE.” 

which we’ve been yelling for over a month now. someone tell us the status of that damn divorce. 😫😫😫

“ayeeeeeeeee meri bhaabi ko kuch mat karna, goli maarni hai toh mujhe maar!”

OH MY HEART, RUDRA!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE HIM SO SO SO MUCH. HONESTLY, I DON’T THINK ANYONE IN THE UNIVERSE CAN LOVE ANIKA AS UNCONDITIONALLY AS RUDRA DOES. *crying forever* 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

poooooori ki pooooooooooori family pagal hai, by god. 🙄🙄🙄

of course, shivaay has to overshadow EVERYONE. ugh. alpha male bs. 😑😑😑

anika toh matlab, tuli hui hai goli khaane mein. 😒😒😒

rudra: bhaisaab, mere dono bhai shaadishuda hai. mare hue ko kya maarna? main single hoon, mujhe maaro! 

idiotttttttttttttttttttttt. 🙄🙄🙄

great. sab kar rahe hai toh acp anda peeche kyun rahe. usse bhi chahiye chance to show akad and tadi. 😒😒😒

.... where are all the older oberois? 🤔🤔🤔

didn’t jhanvi return from her joyride with svetlana till now? it’s the next day! tell me they’re holed up somewhere, making a plan on how to ruin tej beyond repair. 😈😈😈

oh finally, they want the baby. 😗😗😗

itneee bade ghar mein it’s gonna take an eternity and half to find the baby. 😐😐😐

you ppl picked the one thing they’re all united on; they’re not gonna give up the baby. 😌😌😌

apparently the gunshot sound doesn’t scare baby at all. she’s still happy as a clam. 😊😊😊

MY GOD THIS ANDA AND HER LEHARAATI HUI ZULFEIN. HOW DOES SHE EVEN SEE WHAT SHE’S DOING???? 😧😧😧

“bohut maarti hai teri waali” 

pffffffffffffft. 😑😑😑😑

lol anika and gauri also getting inspired. YAAAAAAAAAS GIRLS, GO TO TOWN ON THEM. TAKE OUT ALL YOUR ANGER AT MEN ON THESE FUCKERS. 🙃🙃🙃

WHY IS NO ONE THROWING THEMSELVES IN FRONT OF THE GUN FOR RUDRA???? MY POOR BOY! 😖😖😖

oh finally sr. oberois are back. from where ever they were, and like GOD WE CAN’T LEAVE THESE FUCKEN KIDS ALONE FOR 10 MINUTES BEFORE THEY MANAGE TO GET THEMSELVES INTO LIFE THREATENING DANGER. 😩😩😩😩😩😩

pffffffffffft. apparently we’re not playing the faraq games anymore tomorrow. we’re playing happy family. 😌😌😌

[ka-za-ri]

Feels Right (Gladio x Reader)

Rating: SFW Pairing: Gladio x Reader Genre: Tooth Rotting Fluff Wordcount: 1,514 Suggested Listening:  『希望、一縷。』-- m:a.ture

Notes: Usual tag to @hypaalicious​ bc I got nothing better to do than to satisfy my angry muse and pretend my arms aren’t on fire bc lol what is tendonitis x cts. Fluff bc I can’t write anything else and bc inspiration has been dying like whoa. May need to take a break for 10,000 years again before I bother writing anything quality again. 

Fireworks season meant feeling lonely compared to the couples who blissfully sat on hillsides and beach shores to watch the evening light displays. As much company Gladio provided, his job as the King's Shield kept him scarce most of the time.

Summer meant oppressive humidity and sudden thunderstorms. The heat meant you did everything you could to avoid all contact with people. Still, you had obligations that must be met, such as purchasing groceries and eating on a regular basis. Days when the heat seemed to somehow find a way to snake its way into your apartment even through all the air-conditioning made you wish you had your own personal Ignis to do your chores for you.

Though he'd probably just guilt me into doing them myself with how busy he already is with Noctis...

The summer heat wave didn't seem to get any more pleasant as the days dragged themselves one after another with no relief. You nearly threw something at the TV when the meteorologist announced that it would be even hotter for the rest of the week. Groaning you looked at the calendar on the wall and gasped when you realized what the date circled at the end of the week meant.

"Babe, come on, I know it's hot but let's go see the fireworks before they go away for good." He had suggested the date on a midday call between the two of you. Somehow, despite his busy schedule, he still found the time to check up on you after a training session.

"Gladio, they're going to be back next year. Can’t we just, do something that’s not going to be outside?"

"Yeah? So? That's next year. I wanna go this year. Come on, babe, we almost never get a chance to do anything together. Let's do something before the summer's over, just the two of us."

You couldn't handle him whenever he pleaded with you that way. You felt your resolve crumble right underneath you. As much as you loved air conditioning, your affections for Gladio were that much stronger.

"Fine, when are you next free."

You could imagine the little dance he did when you admitted defeat. "Next week. Saturday. I gotta go now, his royal pain in the ass needs me. But hey, we'll make a day of it. Promise?"

"Promise."

You were starting to have doubts about the date when you heard how hot it was going to be on that Saturday. However, you weren't one to go back on your promises. When the fated date came, you made a point to put on the fewest articles of clothing as you possibly could. Though you were one to usually want to look nice for a rare date, it was too damned hot for you to really care about appearances this time.

You had half a mind to call the whole thing off when you cracked open your curtains to quickly check the weather. You were boldly greeted with an obnoxiously bright sun whose rays could be felt through the closed window. This, is a bad idea. In fact, this is the worst idea we’ve had in a long time. I should just tell him we should make it a night in instead. However, the thought of Gladio whining the whole night at your apartment for bailing out of his romantic date idea kept you from breaking your promise.

The only thing that was more obnoxiously bright than the sun was the smile Gladio wore when you opened the door when he arrived. He took a good look at you with a wide, shit eating grin when he saw your tiny shorts and tank top. "And here I thought I liked showing off my assets." He whistled. "The way you look should be illegal."

You could feel a blush creep up on your cheeks at his comments. "Can it, it's hot. I'm going to get away with as little as possible to avoid dying." you grumbled. "I can't believe you convinced me to do this..."

He let out a loud, mirthful laugh at your grumpy nature. "Oh, come on grump stump, you get to spend time with me. Don’t look so gloomy. Want me to fight the sun for you?" He offered.

"If it means the evil heat orb in the sky will go away, then yes."

"Alright, you've definitely spent too much time indoors. Let's go." He chuckled before taking you by the hand and leading you out.

~~~

The heat was oppressive, and within minutes you could feel your whole body covered with a thin sheet of sweat. You had barely made it out past your apartment complex and you already felt as if you needed three showers to feel like a normal human again. Gladio was quick to notice your discomfort and made a point to try and keep your path in some sort of shade.

As much as you detested the weather, you had to admit, walking through town and spending time with your boyfriend made your mood, somewhat lighter. Gladio had a habit of pointing out something about the city that you hadn't noticed before. Whether it was the fat cat that made its rounds to each of the cafes with outdoor seating for scraps or if the old lady who sold greens had bought a new blouse, you always learned something new about the city the two of you shared whenever you were with him. You loved how perceptive he was of his surroundings and always cherished the details he pointed out as if he had put them there himself. His light, cheerful attitude brought you relief from the heavy heat that had settled on the city.

You hadn't realized how distracted you had been, staring at souvenirs until you turned around and noticed that Gladio had disappeared without telling you. Knowing his nature, you figured he was hiding somewhere near to pop out and give you a start. However, the stand you were at didn't have the room to hide such a large man. Confused, you started to frantically look around to try and see where he had gone to.

You jumped slightly and nearly called bloody murder when you felt something land on your head and the sun suddenly became less bright. Looking up, you were once again met with a wide. wolfish grin as Gladio placed the large sunhat on your head.

"Your nose was getting a little red. Figured I needed to do something about that." He explained, also whipping out a pair of large aviator sunglasses from seemingly nowhere and placing them on your face.

You had a feeling from the way your face was heating up that your nose wasn't the only thing that was red at that point. "Thanks."

"No problem. Now, it looks like I'm dating a bombshell celebrity." He joked, wrapping his arm around your waist and leading you to the next place he had in mind.

~~~~

As the sun set and the time for the fireworks show got closer, you found yourself walking along the beach, flip flops in one hand while the other was occupied with holding Gladio's. With the sun dipping past the horizon, it painted the world in a fiery glow that matched the heat that you had experienced earlier that day. You couldn't help but smile slightly as you widely swung your arms back and forth all the while letting your feet relish in the feel of cooling sand that had just been touched by the sea.

Okay, maybe I can forgive the sun for today. I guess it could have been worse.

It had been a fun day, despite how grumpy you were at the beginning.

You followed Gladio to a quiet spot to settle and watch the sun set prior to the fireworks show. You laughed when you realized both of you didn't have the forsight to bring a blanket to sit on.

"Well, I guess I'll take one the team." Gladio commented, shedding his vest and laying it down on the ground. "Come on, take at seat, it's about to start."

Doing as you were told, you sat down and settled yourself down when he sat down next to you and wrapped an arm around you. You both let out a hiss when you felt a dull, burn spread across your arm from where he had touched you.

"Babe, did you put sunscreen on today?" He asked, looking down at you with a worried expression.

"I... I may have forgotten..." You admitted.

He let out a bark of a laugh that melted perfectly to the boom that the first firework that went off in the distance. His smile was illuminated for a brief moment before the bright light dissipated into the night. "Silly, girl. Come here and let daddy kiss the pain away." He teased, placing soft kisses all along your arms.

“Next time we go on a date, let’s stay in.”

“Hmmm. Sounds like a much better plan. Guess who has tomorrow off too.”

Perhaps, summer really wasn't that hot after all.

[5hfanfiction]

Now You Know (Camren) Chapter 2: Garden Trails

Camila and I step out of the apartment and make our way down the stairs of the building. It’s a beautiful day out in Los Angeles; There’s a gentle breeze flowing in the air providing some relief from the sun that the clouds fail to cover today. We carry a simple conversation as we’re walking down the sidewalk that is a part of my daily commute to classes. After we walk for a bit, we’re finally at the line for Diddy Riese. It’s one of the hot spots that Keana mentioned during the ride from the airport. Surprisingly, it’s not as busy as I expected on a Saturday afternoon. We wait for in the short until someone is available to take our order. The kind, Hispanic gentleman behind the counter helps us and scoops chocolate ice cream in between chocolate chip cookies for Camila and coffee and chocolate chip with walnut cookies for me.

“Okay ladies, that will be four dollars,” I open my wallet and scout for a five dollar bill, but when it’s finally in hand, I see that Camila is already handing him money. He opens the register, giving Camila a dollar in change that she then places in the tip jar.

“Muchas gracias, señor!” she manages to mutter in gratitude while the ice cream sandwich is in her mouth. She is fucking adorable. He tilts his head up in reply with a smile on his face before tending to the other customers.

“You didn’t have to do that Camila, but thank you,” I tell her as we sit ourselves down on a table just outside the ice cream shop.

“Boohoo Jauregui, I can spare four dollars. These ice cream sandwiches are heavenly, by the way,” she says, taking another bite.

“So how is it back home?” I ask her.

“Honestly, it feels the same. My parents insisted that I dorm at MiamiU, which I thought was kind of pointless because it’s just a little over a twenty-minute drive from home. But now I know that they wanted to give me some sense of independence, which I respect. It kind of defeats the purpose that I come home almost every weekend for a home-cooked meal,” she laughs, “I also share some classes with some of your private school friends.” 

"Do you happen to share a class with Alexa? I know you’re both majoring in Psychology.”

I see Camila stiffen at the name, but she nods regardless.

“We weren’t as close as we were at Carrolton,” I share, “But I do talk to her every once in a while. I’m surprised she hasn’t mentioned that you guys share classes.”

“Oh- yeah,” she sucks in a breath nervously, which I give her a strange look for. “Are you guys on, uh, good terms? She’s not a bitch to you, is she? I know Alexa can be like that sometimes but I swear-”

“No, no. It’s not like that. Alexa is fine.” Something about her tone is off, but I decide to not press it further.

After we finish our desserts, disposing of them in a trashcan nearby. we’re on the sidewalk again heading to another destination I have in mind. “Lauren?” I turn to her and she speaks up again, “I know I’ve only been here for a total of two hours, but I’m pretty sure that your apartment is in the opposite direction,” she says jokingly.

“Camila, don’t worry. I wanted to show you something.” We head towards a pocket on campus that has become sort of sanctuary since moving out to LA.

“Should’ve known where you’d be taking me, Jauregui,” when she sees the sign that reads Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden. “You were always one for nature.”

We walk along the trail and I watch as she takes in the diversity of plant species that call this garden their home. 

As we head further into the trail, there’s a woman who has settled herself on a stool overlooking the pond, sketchpad on her lap and pencils in hand. Camila leaves my side and attempts to sneak a peek at the sketcher’s progress, making a big show of tiptoeing towards her. I have to cover my mouth with my hands to stop myself from laughing too hard. I watch from afar when she dramatically strains her neck as she’s behind the artist. To both of our surprises, the artist turns around and greets Camila in a friendly manner. I can tell from here that Camila is super embarrassed to have been caught due to her body language. The two beside the pond converse but from my place, I cannot hear a damn word they’re saying.

My mind goes back in forth in deciding to be stagnant and observe them awkwardly from here or to walk up and jump into their conversation. Fortunately enough, Camila makes that decision for me when she waves and gestures me to come towards her. I oblige of course and when I get closer to them and the artist stands up from her seat. I get a full visual of her and realize that I’ve seen this woman before.

“Hey, I know you.” Her index finger goes back and forth from her chin to me as she tries to figure out who I am while I’m doing the same thing, surveying her brown eyes and slightly wavy locks.

“You’re the barista at the coffee shop next to the art department,” I say confidently.

“Yes,” she validates, “And you come around noon-ish like every other day if I’m correct?” I nod in response, “Yeah, I usually come after my ten o'clock art history class.”

“I don’t think we’ve properly introduced ourselves, but I’m Lucy. But I’m sure that my name tag could have told you that.” She transfers the pencil in her right hand to her left to give me a proper handshake.

“Lauren,” I introduce myself simply.

“So, Camila caught me right when I finished with my sketch,” she laughs and takes the sketchpad laying on her stool to show me her work.

“It’s beautiful,” I express truthfully. Lucy managed to capture everything from the plants on the outskirts of the pond to the ripples and the lily pads within it. “Exactly what I said, but she doesn’t believe me,” Camila adds.

“You can have it,” Lucy proposes.

Camila and I look at each other, puzzled. “We can’t do that,” Camila argues, “You obviously put so much work into it.”

“It’s really no big deal, I have hundreds of these back in my room. Just take it, I insist.” She rips the paper out of the pad’s seams and holds it out to Camila. Camila accepts it and smiles at her graciously, “Thank you.”

Lucy matches her smile and packs up her things, “Well, I’ll see you around Lauren. And Camila, enjoy your time here. Also- it’s never too late. Best of luck to you.” The barista winks at Camila and I catch her eyeing me knowingly before she’s on the trail again heading towards the exit. I wonder what the hell that was about, but I don’t bother questioning Camila about it.

“That was nice of her,” I express as I lead us deeper into the garden. The sketch is rolled in her hand carefully to avoid any creases. “Yeah, it was,” she sighs contently.

“What were you guys talking about before I got there?“

"I don’t know, really. I was just kinda blabbering because I was so embarrassed,” she laughs, reminded of what just happening. I sit down on a bench along the paved trail and motion for Camila to join me.

“I almost forgot how good you are with people,” I praise as she settles beside me.

She deflects my compliment with a pursing of her lips, blowing air out of them and rolling her eyes.

“But I’m serious. You always say the right things. Look- you even caught yourself in a nearly awkward situation and got a fucking work of art out of it,”

“I can say the same to you,” she dishes back, blushing, “And thanks, Lauren.”

I hum in response as I make myself more comfortable on the bench. I stretch my legs out in front of me and allow my wingspan to rest on the bench’s length. The bench I’ve chosen is under the sun and the warmth causes me to close my eyes and lean my head back to bask in the sunlight. Camila has also managed to make herself comfortable. The sketch is laid down beside her and her head is propped up on her left elbow, upper body is slightly facing me. There is silence between the brunette and me, but it is far from uncomfortable. It’s a few minutes until a word is said from either of us.

I open my eyes for a second and I notice that she is hovering her hand over her eyes in an attempt to cover them from the sun. Although she looks adorable squinting, I reach for the sunglasses that I barely remember that were on my head and hand them to her.

“Here,” I tell her, sunglasses still in my hand, “They’ll look better on you anyway.”

She smiles and gently takes them from me. When the round shaped sunglasses finally settle on the bridge of her nose, she turns back Ito me.

“How do they look?” I giggle when I look at my lopsided sunglasses on her smirking face.

I sigh, “Just as goofy as I remember, Camz.”

“I did a little growing these past three years, I’ll have you know,” she says matter-of-factly.

“Oh, really? Now I’m curious.”

“Well for starters, I have mastered the art of using chopsticks. I’d show you, but I left my lucky chopsticks back home,” she jokes that emits a laugh at my end.

“I have to see this for myself. And I know the perfect place.” I think about the sushi restaurant that I’ve become a regular of (during happy hour of course, I’m still a broke college kid). I pull my phone out of my jacket pocket and look at the time. “But we’ll have to do that another day. We still gotta get ready for the party,” I say disappointed, probably rooted from my desire to unwind a little more. But I cannot pass up on an opportunity for Camila to meet my friends. I know she’ll love them as much as they’ll love her. Like… who doesn’t love her? All the years I’ve known her really showed me how great of a friend she is, especially when we met in our teens. Anyone would be lucky to have her. And with that, my conscience begins to travel to Camila’s whereabouts in the years our friendship was on a bit of a hiatus. Before I can stop myself, I suddenly blurt out her name.

“What’s up?”

“Have you dated in college?” I wondered aloud.

“I was in a relationship with one person,” she says and pauses. “I knew I had to tell you eventually,” she sighs, “that I dated Alexa.”

Her reply leaves me shocked, but I still manage to respond. “Like, my friend, Alexa?”

“Yeah,” she confirms, “We belonged to the same study group the last quarter of our sophomore year. I recognized her from one of your old posts on Facebook or something, and we just got to talking, then seeing each other out of the study group. For like, a year.” Oh wow, I unintentionally set them up together.

“I had no idea, honestly. When did you guys… stop dating?”

“Yeah, Alexa and I weren’t the types to flaunt our relationship. We broke up a few months after New Year’s. Probably around the time I started talking to you again after god knows how long. Like, don’t get me wrong. Alexa was good to me. It kills me knowing that I hurt her. I just…” she huffs, trying to find the right words, “I couldn’t find myself to fall in love with her,” I emphasized, “Which was so stupid of me.”

“That’s not stupid,” I reassure her.

“It’s stupid because I’ve been stuck since high school,” she admits.

“What do you mean?”

“There’s always going to be that one person you’re never not going to be in love with,” she says ambiguously. I try to recall our conversations in the past to conjure up who she’s talking about, but my memory fails me.

“And who is that for you?”

“It really doesn’t matter anymore,” she whispers, “But I’ll figure it out.”

We leave the conversation at that. It takes only a few more minutes until we’re back at my place. I suggest to Camila that she should get ready first while I order some food before the party, my reasoning being that drinking alcohol on an empty stomach is a terrible idea. She complies and heads into my room, shutting the door behind her. I grab one of the Chinese takeout menus that Normani and I have saved on the kitchen countertop and take a seat on the couch in the living room.

I skim through the brochure but my mind is elsewhere. And by elsewhere, I mean on Camila and Alexa dating. I could not fathom my mutual friends in a relationship. I always used to think of Camila as my little secret, being friends from different schools and all. She was a nice escape from the group of friends that I have known for basically my entire life. It was kind of disheartening knowing that not the case in college. I can’t say I didn’t expect it because it’s fucking Camila Cabello. I thoughts drift back to the conversation we had moments ago.

That person had no idea who they were missing out on- Damn fool.

A/N: Oblivious Lauren is the best Lauren (not really). Thoughts? Concerns? Suggestions? I’d like to hear them all! Flashbacks are coming thru soon. And I may be in need of a beta reader. Message me if you’re interested. :)

Wattpad: MISSMOVeyonce

[tessyinfohub-blog]

17 royal rules Meghan Markle has to follow now that she’s a Duchess.

17 royal rules Meghan Markle has to follow now that she’s a Duchess. Life as she most likely is aware it—is finished. On Saturday, American young lady Meghan Markle wedded Prince Harry of England turned into the Duchess of Sussex. It sort of abandons saying yet life as she probably is aware it has formally stopped to exist. From celebrations, balls, open commitment, teas and gatherings with the Queen Elizabeth II, Meghan is presently carrying on with an existence of regal obligations. While numerous may see tiaras, outfits and palaces when they take a gander at Meghan, the substances of living as a regal and basically an existence of administration to the British government includes an exceptionally requested and profoundly examined presence, loaded with an apparently interminable measure of discretionary decorum that ought not be crossed. From going into a room in a particular request to making a point not to fold her legs or keeping her skirt a specific length, Meghan should hold fast to a large number of imperial tenets to dodge major no-nos or socially awkward act with a specific end goal to remain in the public eye and the Queen's great graces.

17 royal rules Meghan Markle has to follow are: 1. No Selfies: During her first official event with Prince Harry, Meghan revealed that she would no longer be able to take selfies with fans after a couple asked her to pose."We’re not allowed to do selfies," she told the duo, reports the Daily Mirror. The rule was created to encourage people to make eye contact and make conversation with royals, instead of turning their backs to them (a huge no-no) to take a selfie. Jennifer Gehmair, Royal Family etiquette expert, told Smooth Radio, "Turning your back to the Duke and Duchess and taking a selfie is discouraged if at all possible. I know it’s fun to do, but they much would rather see your face." 2. No Autographs: She may have some Suits superfans in her past, but these days the new royal isn’t allowed to sign autographs under any circumstances. From here on out it’s only royal documents and in some rare cases—visitor’s books, according to RoyalUK.com. 3. No Social Media: Meghan’s not allowed to have her own social media page, which is why her own lifestyle blog and Instagram, The Tig, went dark last year. 4. No Dark Nails: According to sources at OK! magazine, Royal Family members are prohibited from wearing dark and colored nail polish. Meghan wore the Queen’s favorite color, Essie’s Ballet Slippers, to the Royal Wedding, and we have a feeling that color is here to stay. 5. No Traveling Without Mourning Clothes: Ever since the King George died while the then-Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip were in Africa and had to travel back to England in regular clothes, it is imperative that all royals always travel with a set of funeral clothes in order to be respectful. 6. Curtsy Time: The queen expects female family members, including Kate Middleton and Camilla Parker Bowles, to curtsy when they enter a room in her presence, even when it’s an informal occasion, which means Meghan better get used to the curtsy. If she is at an official event, Meghan must also curtsy to anyone who outranks her title. 7. No Miniskirts: The queen disapproves of hemlines higher than an inch or two above the knee. Regular female visitors such as Kate, Camilla, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are already aware of the fashion stipulation. If Meghan hasn’t already ditched her little black dresses or her minis, time to throw them out! 8. None of that Crossed-Legged Business: It’s frowned upon for Royal Family members to cross their legs, according to an expert for Hello! You’ll never see Kate Middleton crossing her legs anywhere other than at her ankles. Kate often does a side-by-side move known as "the Duchess Slant," which Princess Diana utilized. Meghan better be working on her Duchess of Sussex slant! 9. No Wedges: The Queen apparently DESPISES wedge shoes, says Vanity Fair. So get rid of ’em, girl! 10. Mealtime Is at 8:30: If dining the queen, Meghan should be prepared to always eat at 8:30 and dinner will be over by 10. The Queen is known for strictly adhering to her royal schedule. 11. No Open Seating: At a Royal Family gathering, Meghan will always be sat next to Prince Harry. 12. No Room Raiding: There is a strict code of conduct for how to enter a room when your are with the royals. Here’s the royal order: Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, Prince Charles, Camila, Prince William, Kate Middleton, and then most likely, Prince Harry and Markle, according to Reader’s Digest. 13. Don’t Eat Before the Queen or After the Queen: Markle should not begin eating her meal until the Queen has started hers, StyleCaster reports. The former Suits star also needs to keep her eyes peeled—for when the Queen stops eating, everyone must stop eating, even if there is still food. Diane Gottsman, who wrote Modern Etiquette for a Better Life, told Bravo that there are strict rules when eating with the leading lady of England. "No one should start eating before the Monarch and no one should carry on eating after the Monarch has finished," Gottsman said. 14. No Sleeping ‘Til the Queen Sleeps: If Markle stays at the Queen’s house, she’s gotta stay up until QE2 falls asleep, so says the Daily Beast. Apparently it’s considered bad form to call it a night before the monarch. Luckily, the Queen isn’t known for throwing all night-ragers so Markle likely will be able to hit the hay before midnight. 15. Do Not Pass Go: Monopoly is not allowed. According to Reader’s Digest, in 2008, the Leeds Building Society gave the Duke of York Prince Andrew the game of Monopoly to which he responded, "We’re not allowed to play Monopoly at home. It gets too vicious." Looks like all of Meghan’s get out of of jail cards have been used up. 16. No Pinkies Out: Tea time is an important time for royals. Etiquette expert Myka Meier told People that the correct way to drink tea is to use your thumb and index finger to hold the top of the handle, while the middle finger supports the bottom. You should also sip from the same spot the entire time so that the rim doesn’t get lipstick stains. If you are a coffee drinker, you should loop your index finger through the handle. But beware—no pinkies out. Even the royals draw the line somewhere. 17. No Shellfish For You: It’s an ancient royal tradition to say no to shellfish in order to avoid food poisoning. While the royal family doesn’t always adhere to that rule, Queen Elizabeth still does. Let’s be honest, the 92-year-old loves her traditions. Since it’s only a few days in, it’s still unclear if Meghan will be allowed to feast on the exoskeleton-bearing aquatic invertebrates now that she’s no longer a mere mortal. But perchance she’s already thrown out her hunger for molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms, along with those Godforsaken wedges. And of course, there are sooooo many more! Good luck, Meghan! We know you’re up for the challenge! –Culled from E! ALSO CHECK Copy linkPrince Harry and Meghan Markle exchange their marital vows Read the full article