#but because we had to check out of the last hotel we've been moved to a five star hotel for the night

[paisholotus]

Ch. 1

January 19th, 1992

A/N: This mf long. But I hope y'all enjoy ❤️

Leilani's pov

Today is the day of the Vmas. We were opening for Boys || Men, and I was so fucking nervous. After checking on my manager Rome, he's my cousin, to see If everything was good and done. As I was putting on lotion, there was a knock on my door. I already knew who it was, me and my sisters, had to go practice/soundcheck one last time before our performance tonight.

"Hold on, y'all!" I yelled towards the door, but they kept knocking. Which I knew was Mo because don’t nobody do that but her, aggy self.

"I SAID HOLD ON! DAMN!" I yelled, louder this time, and it stopped with her laughing, like that was the funniest shit on the planet. After I finished rubbing the lotion on my legs, I wrapped my bath robe around myself and went to open the door. As I opened the door, Mo mean mugged me as Carrie stared at me blankly like I was wasting they time. Mo jerked her head to the side and smacked her teeth, "Mmcht, move out the way, guh." She said, walking past me. I rolled my eyes, and Riri walked past me, sitting down on my bed.

"Don't be looking at me like that! I know yo ass heard me say I WAS COMING! Dumbass Pickney!" I said, walking into my closet. Mo smacked her lips again, "Yo short ass should have been ready. Yuh a guh tuh mek us fucking late! Damn midget!" She yelled, taking my candy from out my bag. I came from out my closet looking at her crazy, "MI? YUH DA ONE ALWAYS FUCKIN LATE! Ramp wid yuh mammy!" I said, and walked back into the closet to put my clothes on. "WE GOT THE SAME MOM, HOE!" She yelled.

I laughed and slid my bra and shirt on, "No, we don't. Ya adopted." I came out of the closet, put on my jewelry, and started doing my hair. "Mo, shut ya mouth! And, Lei, hurry up so we can go, DAYUM! Gotta fucking parent the both of y'all." She yelled, and walked out the room.

I grabbed my things and walked towards the door. "Ight, let's roll, aggy."

She burst out laughing, "guh, bye! You be the main one getting on someone nerves. Sounding like somebody, Mama." She said as we walked down the steps and towards the kitchen where Riri was.

"I am the mama! You and Riri, the two ain't shit ass daddies that don't pay child support." I said, pointing to our two dogs jumping up and down because I was about to feed them. Riri scrunched her face and walked towards the refrigerator, grabbing water. "Yeah, well, this daddy is paying all the bills in this MF!" She said, drinking the water, leaning on the counter.

I rolled my eyes and went to put the dog food up and walked to the sink to wash my hands. "Excuse, you BITCH! But we all pay bills to live in this MF. Wah di fuck yuh chatting about?" Mo asked, Riri. I grabbed my coat from off the island chair, leaving out the kitchen, "Yeah, well the both of y'all eat us out of house and home, fast metabolism heffas! Bring ya asses!" I yelled, walking out the front door, towards the garage.

I put my stuff in the trunk and got in the back seat, and waited for them. Riri got in the driver's side while Mo in the passenger, "How you gon be the first one to walk out, and not drive?" Riri asked me. I waved her off and looked out the window. She started the car and pulled out the driveway, "probably, because her ass can't reach the peddles." Mo said, laughing.

I chuckled and stucked my middle finger at her, "Tap ya noise!" I said, laughing.

-Time Skip-

Delante's pov

"De, can you come get these niggas, please?" Dale said, walking into my room. We staying in the hotel for the Vmas, we've been nominated.

"What they doing?" I asked, laying my clothes out on the bed.

"Them MFS keep messing with me." He yelled, pointing out the door.

"Like what, Dale? Y'all always doing sum shit!" I said, grabbing my drink, drinking from it.

"I was going to the bathroom, and Jojo hungry hippo ass grabbed me by my neck, while K-ci paper clip body built ass threw a mfing bag over my head and pushed me in the bathroom and closed the bathroom and fucking ran. I know jojo's big ass bout put a dent in the fucking floor." I looked at Dale then at K-ci and Jojo standing in the hallway, and busted out fucking laughing.

"FUCK Y'ALL LAUGHING AT!? AIN'T SHIT FUNNY!" He said, standing up.

"Man y'all get the fuck out of here!" I said, bending over laughing.

"That shit not funny. Y'all niggas swear y'all on Comedy Jam. I could have hit my head or sum shit, and y'all sitting here laughing." He said, walking out the room, "Y'all sum clown ass niggas!" He yelled, from down the hall.

I sat up, trying to control my breathing, holding my stomach, from laughing so hard. "Fuck I do? That was dem niggas." I yelled, finishing the rest of my drink off.

"Man, whatever, forget that soft ass nigga. Always gotta exaggerate shit. We need to get ready any ways." K-ci said.

"Man, Dale, why you got us out here wearing this wack ass shit. Got us niggas looking like Barney." I said, scrunching up my face at how ugly these hoes looked.

"Mmcht, man, come on, they don't look bad. Be a good big bro, please?" He begged me.

"Man, ight. But you owe me for next time. Now y'all get the fuck out so i can get ready!" I said.

We all got ready and met each other downstairs in the lobby. When we arrived at the Vmas, we automatically got bombarded with flashing lights and cameras and fans of different celebrities. We took some group photos and answered a lot of questions about our upcoming album. I mainly just let Dale and k-ci talk because I and I don't do much talking.

We walked inside, and I saw many people I worked with and did music for. Apparently, the same group that got interviewed with us on VideoSoul is opening for Boys || Men. They did so well that their voices were so powerful. The dark skinned one, Leilani, was fine as fuck. She had a pretty ass smile, little waist, big ass and thick thighs. Her sisters were a lighter brown color and were slim thick, they were fine too, but the one in the middle, stood out to me the most.

We sat down in the seats and waited for them to start. I honestly didn't want to be here, we get nominated and never fucking win. I honestly think it's because we push the envelope and never follow rules, but they wanna give it to niggas like Boys || Men. They good but we're better and I stand on that shit. I took a puff of my cigar leaning back into the seat.

The music came on, and the announcer walked across the stage.

"Wassup, y'all, how y'all feeling? This year's MTV VMAs celebrate the biggest music videos and artists. From hot new artists to popular nominated artists, stick around to see who's going to be honored with the Video Vanguard Award." He said.

"But, first, I want y'all to put your hands together for the hottest new group, LMC!" He yelled.

The lights went down, and we heard slow beating music.

"I'm out that B-town, coming, coming down

I'm coming down dripping candy on the ground

B, B-town, town, I'm coming down

Coming down dripping candy on the ground"

Her voice was so alluring.

"I know when you were little girls

You dreamt of being in my world

Don't forget it, don't forget it

Respect that, bow down bitches

I took some time to live my life

But don't think I'm just his little wife

Don't get it twisted, get it twisted

This my shit, bow down bitches"

There she stood, Leilani, at the very top of the rows. And walked down slowly with band members behind her.

"Rolling high, leather and wood

Keep it trill, that's what good

Kiss my momma, show that love

Pop them bottles in that club

I heard your boo was talking lip

I told my crew, to smack that trick

Smack that trick, smack that trick

Guess what they did, smack that trick

Gold everything, gold ass chain

Gold ass rings, gold ass fangs

You can see me stunt when you turn on ya screen

You can see me stunt when you turn on ya screen

I'm bigger than life, my name in the lights

I'm the number one chick, ain't need no hype

The capital L means, I'm 'bout that life

The capital M means, I'm 'bout that life

The capital C means, we 'bout that life"

Dale elbowed me, staring at Monae, rapping coming down another aisle, walking onto the stage with her sisters with the band dancing, playing behind them. The lights quickly went low again, and the song changed. When they came back on, there were dancers in yellow outfits, including Leilani and her sisters. "DAMN SHE LOOKED FINE!" I said to myself.

"DRUNK IN LOVE, WE BE ALL NIGHT! SING IT!" The crowd was jumping, it was hype up in this bitch.

"WE BE ALL NIGHT!"

"SING IT!"

"VMAS! I NEED Y'ALL GET OUT YO MFING SEATS!" they screamed.

"RIDING WITH MY SURFBOARD! SURFBOARD! SURFBOARD! GRINDING ON DAT WOOD! GRINDING, GRINDING ON DAT WOOD! I'M SWERVING ON DAT, S-SWERVING ON DIS BIG BODY, BEEN SERVING ALL THIS SWERVE, SURFING ALL IN THIS GOOD GOOD."

I felt myself cheesing like fuck watching all this happen, it's like I was fucking mesmerized.

"AHHHHHHHHHH YOUUUUUUUUUUU!"

the crowd was swaying from left to right, right along with them. Jumping up and down all kinds of shit. It was popping off up in here.

"I SWAG, I SURF! I SWAG, I SURF! I SWAG, I SURF!"

Leilani got off the stage and in the middle of the rows.

"SURFBOARD, SURFBOARD, GRINDING ON DAT WOOD, GRINDING, GRINDING ON DAT WOOD! I'M SWERVING ON DAT, S-SWERVING ON HIS GOOD GOOD!"

She started dancing in the crowd with the dancers.

"TO THE LEFT, TO THE LEFT! EVERYTHING YOU OWN IN THE BOX TO THE LEFT! SING IT!

TO THE LEFT, TO THE LEFT! EVERYTHING YOU OWN IN THE BOX TO THE LEFT! LOUDER!"

"SAY, IMMA A DIVA!"

And the women in the crowd repeated.

"IMMA A DIVA"

"SAY, IMMA A DIVA! SING IT!"

"IMMA A DIVA! LOUDER!"

"IMMA A DIVA, CAN'T HEAR YOU!"

"IMMA A DIVA!"

"COME ON!"

They broke out in steps and were singing the words over.

"VMAS! PUT YO HANDS IN THE FUCKING AIR!" Carrie yelled.

"AND WE BE ALL NIGHT!"

They said one more time before posing in formation.

Everyone in the crowd was standing and clapping giving them a standing ovation. They gave love to the crowd, then walked backstage.

"Y'ALL, SHOW SOME LOVE FOR, LMC!" The announcer yelled to the crowd. I sat back down and lit my cigar. This just gave more than enough reason to talk to Leilani. I gotta have her.

[trivialbob]

Last night Sheila and I drove to a far suburb for a party at the house of some people we know. Because it was going to be late night and a bit of a drive, we got a hotel room. We hired a young woman in the neighborhood to stay overnight with our dogs.

The party was nice, but it's breakfast the next day that I want to write about.

The hotel provided the typical free breakfast. The little dining area was clean, the food was fresh, and the coffee hot and plentiful. But it's the same hotel breakfast we've had plenty of time. Lucky for us, across the parking lot was a family owned restaurant known for bakery and breakfast dishes.

We were seated promptly. Our timing was excellent, because a small line soon formed at the waiting area by the front door.

This is one of those places where the servers, like the hash browns, are well seasoned. These competent women were really good, even the youngest one. How do they hire someone new who seemingly has five years of experience already working in that very same restaurant?

Even though a single server was assigned to our table, every other time a different one walked by she'd check on us. It's quite possible I could have had a refill of hot coffee after every three sips. I didn't need that much coffee, so I declined. Had I dropped a fork it likely wouldn't have hit the floor, as one of those servers would have caught it and had a new one in my hand before I knew it.

If the tables were nucleui in atoms, the bus boy was an electron, constantly moving around them. When his hands were full the servers grabbed what they could to help out.

We could see plates coming out of the kitchen. I ordered corned beef hash, but with each plate for other people I observed I second guessed my choice. Until I got my corned beef hash.

There was a lot of food. It was another instance where Sheila and I should have split a meal. I devoured my hash and eggs. A piece of toast the size of a license plate covered half my plate. When I moved it I found another helping of hash!

Sheila ordered her favorite breakfast, eggs Benedict. Most of it came home for lunch or dinner.

Nothing made us feel rushed. The employees simply do their best to not waste a nanosecond of anyone's time. Turnover is swift. It's not unlike fast forwarding through TV commercials. No need for that fluff, just get to the meat and potatoes of the program.

Payment is at the front counter. There's none of that song and dance about here's the check, come back, grab a card, bring it back with a receipt, sign the check, put card away.

When we returned after being away 21 hours the dogs acted like they'd been in solitary confinement for a year. I am absolutely certain the woman who watched them did a good job. The dogs are just drama queens.

[bekkachaos]

Okay but I wrote a thing based on this post about Buck and Eddie being Monica and Chandler at Ross's wedding (because I couldn't help myself) and why do I want to write more??

Just Friends

Buck squinted in the light coming through the hotel room curtains. He had forgotten to close them the night before and was regretting it now.

It had been a long night, and he was probably only just thinking it through in that moment, making his heart race as it dawned on him that he had irrevocably changed things.

He heard the sound of feet approaching the door, and before he could check that everything was covered up where it counted, Chim was wrenching open the door and staring in at him.

"Hey Chim," Buck said, eyes wide and smile forced.

"I'm getting married today," he said, almost like he was waiting on Buck to confirm that it was real.

"Yeah you are," he said, heartrate skyrocketing.

"I'm getting married... to-day!" he said again, letting out a joyful sound before stepping back out and closing the door with a thud.

Buck let out the breath he had been holding, just as the covers beside him started getting pulled down, the sound of a tired grunt coming from below them.

"You think he knew I was here?"

Buck turned his head to see a dishevelled looking Eddie, squinting in the sunlight and turning his eyes up to Buck.

For a moment, neither one of them had words. They just shared an awkward and disbelieving look between them as the reality of what had happened last night dawned on them.

Buck became increasingly aware that he was naked, and on top of that he could feel Eddie's very bare thigh pressed up against him below the duvet.

Eddie cleared his throat, shuffling so he could sit up against the headboard (one that Buck actually wonders how it's still in firm place after the night they'd had).

For something that had felt so easy the night before, there was a hell of a lot of tension in the sheets between them.

"Well we uh..." Buck said, letting out a breathy chuckle. "We've never done that before."

"Nope," Eddie said, neither of them turning to look at the other.

Buck was suddenly so aware of the heat radiating from Eddie's body beside him. That paired with the memories of the night before and the fact that it was morning and his body was waking up just as his mind, made him flush, in a number of places.

"So are you... are you okay?" he asked, feeling Eddie nodding beside him.

"Yeah," he said. "You?"

"Yeah, no, I'm good. You?" he said, realising what he had said and they both turned to look at one another. "We uh, we did you."

A hint of a smile spread on Eddie's lips. Lips that were still a little red at the edges from Buck's stubble burn. Lips that Buck was trying to banish all memories of in that moment, because suddenly all he could remember was when they were stretched thin, wet with saliva and precome and sliding up and back on Buck's-

"Yeah we kinda did," Eddie said, and Buck felt the heat run through him as they locked eyes.

For a moment there was silence between them, and Eddie's throat bobbed as he swallowed hard. His eyes dropped to Buck's lips.

"I should probably go," he said finally. "We have a wedding to attend."

Buck nodded quickly, "Shit, I told Maddie I would be there early to help set up."

Eddie tore his eyes away from him long enough to look for any of his clothes, chuckling lightly as he saw his boxers on the lampshade. He grabbed them before standing up and using them to cover himself, though only from the front, and Buck's eyes betrayed him for a number of seconds too long as his eyes wandered down his bare back and ass.

"Better get going then," Eddie said, stepping into his boxers and turning around to look back at him, smirking slightly at the way Buck's eyes flickered back up to his face.

"Yeah," Buck said, making no attempt to move.

Eddie raised an eyebrow and Buck smiled awkwardly, it was morning after all.

"In like, a minute," he said.

Eddie's lips twitched but he just continued to gather his clothes and throw them on roughly.

He slipped his shoes on without tying them, and he left his buttons down over his tank top as he walked toward the door, putting one hand on it before turning back to Buck.

"We don't have to make it awkward, right?" he asked, for the first time a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. "We just got a little..."

"Drunk?" Buck offered, making Eddie chuckle.

"I was going to say carried away, but you're not wrong," he said. "We're good, yeah?"

"Of course," Buck said. "Yeah Eds, we're good."

Eddie's shoulders let the tension out and he smiled back as he pulled the door open.

"Well, thanks for um... Thanks," he said, and then he was gone.

Buck let out all the air in his lungs and put a hand to his head. He was good, he was too good. And all of a sudden that seemed like a huge problem.

[fella-lovin-fella]

Hey!!! It's been a fat fucking minute since I sent you any updates lol. I'm actually about to celebrate my one year anniversary with my boy now. And like: we've been living together since February, we're getting married next year, we just moved two states over together last week, etc. I'm actually divorced already (hilarious turn of events including getting married at 20, "my ex-wife took the gaming pc in the divorce" is the funniest true phrase I got) and my while family all were warning me about getti g married young with my ex but with my boy now my family has actually been asking why don't we just get married even sooner lmao. It's so funny how much more they like him. My mom has hated every person I've ever dated, except for him. She actually asked why wait when I told her about us getting married next year. My grandmother had the same reaction. She wants us to get married before the year ends lol.

I actually have covid rn too. I got sick after the first day of our move and had to tap out, but my boy only has his learner's permit and has never driven on the highway before. But after I was sick and he went out and got me a covid test (which was positive 🥲) he promised me that he would get us and all our pets the rest of the way there and he drove for 2 days (with like a break overnight at a hotel) in a big moving truck all for the first time even though he has anxiety driving so that way I could rest. And he would check up on me and make sure I had Gatorade and everything the whole time too. He's literally an angel ngl.

Anyways happy update because I just realized I haven't sent any in fucking forever lol

OH MY GOD HI!!! im so so so happy for you!! i cant believe you're getting married! that's so exciting!! im sorry you're sick and im wishing you a speedy recovery<3 be safe okay? it's so cute that you're still keeping me in the loop, it makes my day every time :)

[charlesandmartine]

Saturday 11th March 2023

The Brisbane City Hall was built in 1930 and was the largest clock tower in Australia at 92 metres in height, the tallest building in Brisbane until the 1960s. Cannily this beats the clock tower at the GPO building in Sydney which tops out at a mere 73 metres. No competition there then. The tour of the tower needs to be quick to get 4 people at a time up the top in a very old clanking lift, wave a hoof at the view and the bells and back down again before the clock does its Westminster chimes all over again. There's always going to be casualties in a tour program with limited time available. In this case having been able to view the views from the top it was thereafter basically: there's the bells made in the Loughborough foundry and there's a clock down there somewhere now all back in the lift, we're off. Um, is it weight driven and is it still wound by hand? Don't really know much about the clock as such. I expect you could look that up he said. For the horologists, the tower has 4 x 3 ton bells for the chimes and 1 X 4.3 ton bell for the hour strike. Lovely tones I must say. The clock itself is electric driven and operates from a master pendulum on the same basis as the Greenwich Observatory.

We then crossed the river to have a flat white in the Art Gallery Café. It would appear that the streets on the North Bank of the Brisbane River are named after English monarchy and across the river after British Prime Ministers. One person said, and I thought this was quite witty, they don't have a Truss street because there aren't any streets short enough! Anyway we had our coffee, popped into the Queensland Museum and popped back out again rather quickly because it was crawling with kids, then went to check on the theatre situation at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre to see if there were by any chance any tickets that had become available for tonight's play. No luck so we crossed the river again to do a bit of shopping. We really like the South Bank complex of theatre, art galleries and museums. It has a lovely relaxed feel about it and you can just meander around soaking up the atmosphere and today also the rain.

Being Saturday the shopping area has a bit of a carnival touch and with St Patrick's day not too far away now there was an Irish Band, possibly called Silken Thomas, playing sentimental tunes from the Emerald Isle. It's a universal ting that all nationalities seem to unite with a tear in the eye to the playing of an Irish ballad, as though we all have a longing for the old country. We've seen it in New York, Australia, Scotland, Birmingham and most weirdly in Amsterdam! How do these Celts do it? Just hope for Ireland's sake they don't all feel the pull and decide to return home. Martine who is half Irish had a lump in her throat. Even I did and I'm Anglo Saxon. (I think). So to the strains of Danny Boy, Whiskey in the Jar, Leaving of Liverpool and feeling all didley didley we ambled off to take a look at the next celebration, that of the Pakistan Australian Cultural Association that is setting up in George Square. We were hoping they might have food. No genetic ties there. (I don't think).

Our last evening here we began with a one venue pub crawl involving some Aussie beer. It wasn't one of those pub restaurants that Martine was hoping for as they are in the outback where everyone goes quiet when you walk in. Quite the opposite, it was very noisy but very atmospheric. Then we moved on to Betty's Burgers for, well a burger actually. It's our first time with Betty's and we wondered if we would be safe with her but I have to say, a burger with king prawns on board was rather nice. Then back to the hotel to pack again ready for a really early Virgin Australia flight to Sydney tomorrow morning. Yawn.

Brisbane is a very pleasant modern city which I can see would really appeal to a younger generation with the opportunities it offers. She appears to strive to present herself as a contemporary place to live, work and play although there have been times in the past when the town elders have been accused of sacrificing some of the old in order to facilitate the new. Bold new schemes are underway to add three new river crossings including a CrossRiverRail connection. This is indeed a city of investment in its future. We have had a brief but good time here. It's a shame that we view Brisbane at the moment of our trip as we prepare, with great regret, to returning home on Wednesday.

ps on the eve before our little flight to Sydney, we were watching Sully on the telly.

pps look how small and insignificant the Albert Street Congregational Church looks against the skyscrapers

[natedogx15]

Miraculous Descendent Chapter 70: The Sound of Silence

Previous Chapter

It has been a few days since the last Akuma and the confrontation among the heroes about Ladybug's relationship with Marinette. So far, the others haven't brought it up with her much. There are a few comments occasionally, but nothing nasty during their patrols. The team has been coming together pretty well. They've started going on patrols at Canine's suggestion, and they've managed to integrate Brawling Tiger into the team. Sometimes, the patrols consist of each hero moving around the city alone. Other times, they'll move in pairs or as a group. 

It's been nice for Marinette, mostly. The group's synergy has been awkward lately, mainly because Brawling Tiger and Canine don't get along. Brawling Tiger's relaxed and reckless personality with Canine's strict personality causes them to clash. Cat Noir and Ladybug don't help much, either. Despite his moments of bravado as Cat Noir, Adrien is still awkward and nervous around people, including the new heroes. So, he does his best to help mediate when the two argue but has had trouble lately. So, it's usually up to Ladybug to calm things down.

"I wonder what the team would look like if we had more members." Marinette absently mutters as she works on sowing a black derby hat.

The derby hat isn't the one she made for the contest. That one is in a display case in the hotel vault until Gabriel's fashion event, so nothing happens to it. The one she's working on is a request from one of her classmates. Mylène asked Marinette if she could fix her dad's hat since he needed it for an upcoming performance. The school custodian and assistant educator at their school, Fred Haprèle, is an aspiring actor and performer when not helping at the school. His latest show has the derby hat as part of his costume.

"It's a natural occurrence. When more people join a group, it's natural for those with personalities that don't match to dislike each other. Many organizations face that struggle. Whether it's early on or later down the line." Tikki explains to Marinette with a smile.

Hearing this causes Marinette to sigh in disappointment.

"Hopefully, it won't affect our future fights much. We've been doing so well lately, and I'd like to keep that going." She tells her Kwami while focusing on the stitching.

"I'm sure you can handle any problems that might arise. However, remember that there are very few who do not taste defeat. You'll likely face it at some point." Tikki warns her wielder.

"I know, Tikki, don't worry," Marinette tells her Kwami to try to ease her worries.

"I'm just telling you, Marinette. One needs to remember these types of things. Otherwise, something bad can happen." Tikki says with a slightly grim expression that's unlike the usually kind and upbeat Kwami.

The rapid growth of Marinette's team and its problems seem to have put some worries in Tikki's heart, which is the reason for her current advice.

"I'll be careful, Tikki. I think this is a good thing. Brawling Tiger worried me, but it seems like we can trust her. It's nice to have an extra pair of hands against Hawkmoth. She seems strong, too. If what she told us and what she did against Puppeteer is anything to go by." Marinette adds while remembering what happened in this room before.

"Don't forget about the battle with Horrificator. That was quite the performance from what Alya showed us on her blog." Tikki adds, causing Marinette to nod.

Ever since Alya managed to get footage of Brawling Tiger before her official debut against Puppeteer, her blog has become more popular. A lot of people have been checking it out for that clip alone. Speaking of traction, Alya's getting more people to help her investigation.

The girl is currently in her room, looking through the comments for her question before finding an interesting comment.

"Hey, I'm a delivery driver. One of the people I deliver to is this tradition crazy hermit. I've heard him mutter how superheroes shouldn't be around Paris again when I delivered to him. He might be able to help. If you can get him to tell you anything, anyway." The comment reads.

Attached to the comment is an address, which causes Alya to grin. After so long, she finally has a lead to Hawkmoth's words.

"Just wait, Hawkmoth. I'm going to find out your secrets soon. Then Ladybug and the other heroes will know it too." She confidently says as she puts the address in her phone and prepares to head over there, hoping this isn't a prank.

"Nora. I'm going out for a little while." Alya calls through the home as she rushes toward the front door.

Back at the hotel, Mylène enters the lobby and heads toward the front desk with Ivan behind her. Ever since Horrificator, the two have spent more time together thanks to Mylène's newfound comfortableness around him. It's done wonders to improve Ivan's temper since he doesn't feel as lonely around school.

"Excuse me. I asked Marinette if she could help me with something. Is it okay if we go up to her room?" Mylène politely asks the front desk lady.

The lady smiles at the two when they say this.

"Don't worry. Marinette already told me about one of her classmates coming to pick something up from her. Do you need help finding her room?" She asks while looking at the two, causing them to nod.

The front desk lady quickly gives them her and Ivan Marinette's room number so the two can head up. While in the elevator, Ivan decides to start up a chat.

"It still feels strange to be allowed here." He tells Mylène.

"Yeah. It's a good thing Marinette is so nice." Mylène nods with a happy smile.

Ivan rubs his head, thinking about Adrien when she says that.

"Adrien's nice, too." He tells her while remembering when the teen tried to be his friend.

"Are you planning to hang out with him?" Mylène asks him.

"Maybe, but I've been a jerk to him and brushed him off a lot," Ivan tells her while wincing slightly.

"I'm sure he'll forgive you." Mylène encourages Ivan to try, wanting Ivan to have more friends.

The two then hear the elevator ding, signaling their arrival on the right floor. It then takes them a moment to find Marinette's door. At that time, they see Nate coming out of a room with folded sheets.

"Hey, guys. What are you up to?" He asks while taking

"We're just heading to Marinette's room to pick up my dad's hat. I asked her to fix it for him." Mylène tells him.

"Cool. It's the one down the hall." Nate nods before pointing toward Marinette's room for them.

"Thanks." Mylène thanks him.

"Why are you carrying folded sheets?" Ivan asks while pointing at the sheets.

"I need to earn an allowance somehow. Dad doesn't want me to become spoiled. So, I have to work at the hotel to get my allowance." Nate tells them.

"That's cool." Ivan nods slightly.

"Yeah. It comes in handy; too bad I didn't get to show it off more when you guys were helping at the hotel." Nate tells them with a grin before walking off to deliver these to the hotel laundry.

After that short interaction, the two finally enter Marinette's room.

"Hi, you two. I've almost got the hat ready. I'm just finishing adding the pocket you asked for." Marinette tells Mylène with a smile.

"Thanks again for this, Marinette. I appreciate it." Mylène tells her with a grateful smile.

"No problem, Mylène. I appreciate the chance to practice." Marinette gives Mylène a kind smile while Ivan looks around awkwardly.

Marinette soon finishes stitching on the hat and shows it to the two for Mylène to judge. When Mylène sees how well Marinette did on it, she grins in excitement.

"It looks amazing, Marinette. Thank you." She tells the girl while slightly hugging the hat, excited to give it to her dad.

"You're welcome, Mylène. I hope your dad likes it." She kindly says.

"Would you like to come down with Ivan and me to give it to him? He's waiting in the lobby right now." She tells Marinette, causing the girl to nod.

"Sure."

With that, the trio heads back down to the lobby and meets with Fred in the lobby. When Fred sees them coming down, he grins and gets out of his seat.

He's wearing a black jacket over a white v-neck shirt, blue jeans, and black sneakers.

"Here you go, Dad," Mylène says while handing the hat off to her father.

Fred takes a moment to examine the outside of the hat with a happy and surprised smile. Then, when he looks inside, his smile turns even brighter before he turns toward Marinette.

"This is amazing, Marinette. You're quite talented, aren't you?" He asks in an impressed tone, causing Marinette to blush slightly.

"Of course she is, Dad. Did you forget that her hat won Gabriel Agrete's contest?" Mylène asks her father excitedly, happily remembering Marinette's achievement.

"Still. Thank you for doing this for me, Marinette. Are you sure you don't want anything in return?" Fred asks, not wanting to cheat the teen out of money for her hard work.

"It's fine, Mr. Haprèle." Marinette quickly waves the man off with a smile so he doesn't feel bad.

"Thank you again, Marinette. You're a sweet girl. Almost as sweet as my lovely daughter." Fred says with a grin before he pulls out a small picture of Mylène and slips it into the secret pocket Marinette sowed in the hat.

Mylène blushes in embarrassment at her father's praise while Marinette smiles at the happy family. She and Ivan then get to watch Fred perform a small mime performance for them out of gratitude and excitement for his upcoming performance, causing Marinette to clap by the end of it.

"That was incredible, Mr. Haprèle. What are you starring in again?" Marinette asks, wanting to know more about the performance.

Before Fred can answer, Mylène cuts in with more enthusiasm than Marinette has ever seen with the usually nervous and shy teen.

"It's called, "The Mime's Extraordinary Adventures" and will show Paris' best actor and mime today," Mylène tells her in a way that shows how much she admires her father.

Hearing his daughter's words causes Fred to smile proudly at his achievement before the moment is interrupted by a phone call. When he picks it up, the phone displays an image of a woman that causes him to cringe in nervousness.

The woman looks remarkably similar to Sabrina. She's an older woman with chin-length, straight orange hair, aquamarine eyes behind brown, square-framed glasses, plump lips, and equally plump cheeks. From the image, she's wearing a purple sleeveless button-up vest over a grey turtleneck sweater with her heavier figure. Above the photo is the caller ID, Sarah.

After Fred sees her image, he nervously has the teens quiet down before taking the call. As soon as he does, he has to pull the phone slightly away from his ear when a forceful female voice begins urgently shouting at him.

"Fred, where are you? We need you here, now!"

"I just needed to pick up my hat to finish the costume, Sarah," Fred tells the woman.

"Then hurry up! The bus is leaving soon, and I need you here before it leaves. No more excuses!" Sarah shouts at him.

"It's not an excuse. I know when the bus leaves. I'll be there before it takes off." Fred tries hard to soothe Sarah's worries before ending the call and looking at the teens.

"That was Sarah, the place director. She's very nervous about the premiere. She's ready to blow a fuse! So I better get going. I hope I'll see you all at the Eiffel Tower later. It'll be a spectacular performance." Fred promises the three teens with a smile.

"Of course, I'll be there, Dad," Mylène says while clenching her fists excitedly at the idea of watching her father perform in a big show.

"I'll be there too, Mr. Haprèle." Ivan agrees with Mylène to show his support for the girl's father.

"Thank you, you two. I look forward to seeing you in the crowd." Fred says before leaving.

"Love you, Dad," Mylène calls out one last time before her father is out of earshot while waving at him.

At the bus where Fred is supposed to be, Sarah stares at her phone in uncertainty while a man is leaning against the bus behind her. The man would be described best as suspicious. He has short reddish-orange hair, bushy eyebrows, a plump nose, a pronounced chin, and an arrogant crooked smile. He's also wearing similar clothes to Fred, with the main difference being a greyish-brown v-neck.

"So, what's his excuse this time?" The man asks in a slightly haughty tone.

"He had to pick up his hat from a repair shop. At least that's what he said." Sarah sighs in slight says in annoyance.

"Well, he's a very convincing actor." The man points out in a slightly joking tone.

"Actually, he is a great actor. But he's always making excuses for why he's late, why he's..." Sarah says in a matter-of-fact tone before getting cut off by the man as he walks toward her and uses his arms to make a gesture like sleeping in his bed.

" Falls asleep in the middle of rehearsal? Why he has to leave early? Why he's missing parts of his costume?" The man adds, causing Sarah to look down slightly before the man continues.

"Come on, Sarah! When are you gonna wake up and smell the coffee? But it's up to you if you wanna make the show suffer." The man states in a slightly resigned tone, trying to get Sarah to change her mind about Fred.

Sarah isn't having it, though. She's unwilling to give up on Fred because he is a terrific actor and a good person.

"Look, you're his understudy. Just be ready to take his place if something happens, okay?" She angrily asks him, seeming to have enough of the man's attitude.

"I won't let you down, Sarah." The man confidently says while putting a hand on Sarah's back while she crosses her arms.

"Thanks." But Sarah brushes him off and walks away, not noticing the sneaky smirk on the man's face, like he has something planned.

Somewhere else in Paris, Alya is getting off a bus close to the given address. After a few minutes, she arrives at a tiny beige and orange house with a scalene triangle roof and windows with green shutters. Around it is a wall with a green fence that keeps it closed off from people.

Alya blinks in surprise at the house before looking at the address again to ensure she has the right place. When she realizes it's the right place, she sighs.

"Of course, it's this place. Oh well. Whatever it takes to get a scoop and finally bring Hawkmoth down." Alya says as she rings the buzzer next to the gate door.

After she does, the lid of a pipe between the fence flips open, and Alya can hear the voice of a cranky older man.

"What!? What do you want?" The man angrily asks, causing Alya to grow slightly nervous.

"Hi. My name is Alya Césaire. I'm here to interview you about past heroes in Paris before the Miraculous Team." Alya politely introduces herself, hoping to get the man to come out to answer her questions.

"No, go away." The man orders, causing Alya to scowl slightly.

"Please. I heard from one of my blog's followers that you might know something. It might help save Paris if you told me more." Alya pleads with the man.

"Blog?" The man questions.

"Yes, sir. It's a website on the internet that I run to show Paris and the world how incredible our heroes are." Alya explains.

"You used a blog to find me? And you're investigating a crime by yourself?" The man asks.

"...Yes," Alya says in a slightly hesitant tone when he hears the man's question.

"That's not how it's done!" The man angrily exclaims, surprising Alya.

"I'm sorry?" Alya asks before the man goes on a rant.

"You shouldn't use the internet for information! Professionals should gather information for you, or you should go to the library! You shouldn't rely on some screen! And it should be the police who are investigating a crime. Not some child." The man angrily reprimands Alya.

Hearing this causes Alya to scowl, and she's close to dropping the polite act.

Back with Fred. He's hurrying toward the bus before getting a sudden phone call. He takes a moment to rest by answering the call, assuming it's Sarah again.

"I'm just around the corner, Sarah. Don't worry. I'll be early this time." Fred promises before hearing the voice of the man talking to Sarah earlier.

"Wrong person, Fred. It's Chris. Sarah asked me to call you with a last-minute location change. The bus is picking us up in 10 minutes, in front of the Louvre." The man casually explains to Fred.

This information surprises Fred.

"Really? That's on the other side of town!" Fred tells Chris with a hint of urgency in his voice.

"Yes, I know. But..., uh, it's closer to the Eiffel Tower, you know." Chris slightly fumbles with his words as he tries to think of a good excuse for the sudden change in meeting spots.

"Well, okay. Uh, luckily, I should make it on time." Fred says, but there's a hint of nervousness and uncertainty in his tone.

"Thanks for letting me know, friend," Fred says as he thinks about the quickest way to get to the Louvre.

"Sure. What are friends for? We'll see you there." Chris tells him before hanging up.

Back at the bus Fred is supposed to be on, Chris is letting out an evil chuckle as he realizes his plan is working. He's confident the starring role will be his after this. Meanwhile, Alya is still having her confrontation with the older man. However, she soon notices something about the man's mailbox. The name Roland Dupain is underneath the drop-off.

"Dupain? Would you happen to be related to Mayor Dupain and Samuel Dupain?" Alya asks the older man.

To her surprise, there's a pause at that question. However, it doesn't last long, as the man suddenly shouts at her.

"Don't speak to me about those two! They are an insult to tradition!" Roland shouts at her with more anger than any of the other times before.

The strength in his voice causes Alya to back up slightly.

"Wait. I'm a friend of their children. Well, more of a classmate." Alya adds that last part.

There's another pause before Roland asks in a somewhat weak voice.

"Children?"

"Yes. Nate Dupain and Marinette Cheng-Dupain. I'm a classmate of theirs." Alya tells the older man.

"Marinette? Cheng?" The older man mutters in a confused tone.

Thinking she finally found a way to get the man to talk, Alya grins before saying.

"Yes, sir. If you answer my questions, I'll tell you about them." Alya promises the man.

For a while, the man doesn't answer. However, Alya can see the front door of the man's house opening. With a grin, Alya believes she successfully hooked the man.

Returning to where the performance bus is parked, Chris tries to convince Sarah they must leave.

"We have to get to the Eiffel Tower for dress rehearsal. If you wait any longer, you'll jeopardize the entire production." Chris points out while leaning on the bus entrance, causing Sarah to sigh in resignation.

"You're right, Chris. Let's get going. You'll be taking Fred's place tonight." The woman finally relents as she walks onto the bus.

"I definitely won't let you down, Sarah," Chris enthusiastically says before Sarah walks past him.

Luckily for him, no one notices his smirk after Sarah walks past him. He lets out a snicker as the bus takes off.

Across town, Fred makes it to the Louvre with enough time to get on the bus. However, when he looks around the front of the museum, he doesn't see the bus.

"Where are they?" He asks worriedly before running up to a couple of people, one of which is Théo.

"Excuse me. You haven't seen a bus with a poster for The Mime's Extraordinary Adventures on it, have you?" He anxiously asks Théo, who is handing out posters for the show and wearing a sandwich board over his body that displays bigger versions of the posters on his front and back.

"Sorry, Mr. Haprèle." Theo shakes his head, causing Fred to reach for his phone anxiously.

On the bus, Sarah can see Fred trying to call her on the phone she has lying on the seat next to her. However, Chris' head immediately rises from the seat behind her to ensure he keeps Fred's spot in the show.

"He's got some nerve. Calling now? I wouldn't give him the time of day if I were you." He tells Sarah in an annoyed manner.

However, Sarah ignores Chris with a sigh and picks up the phone, wanting to hear Fred's excuse this time to see if it'll be enough for her to change her mind.

"Sarah, where are you?" Fred asks in a confused and nervous manner as soon as she picks up.

"We waited for you, but you never came," Sarah informs him in a frustrated tone.

"But I'm on time! In front of the Louvre." Fred nervously explains to Sarah, causing Sarah to gain a confused look.

"What are you talking about? Why would we be meeting there?" Sarah asks him, unable to understand how he got the meeting places mixed up since the Louvre is across town.

"I don't know, I... I thought the meeting place had changed!" Fred shakily explains but can't gather his words from nervousness and confusion.

"Fred, I don't want to hear any more of your lame excuses," Sarah states in a no-nonsense tone, having enough of Fred's excuses.

"But Chris said-" Fred starts before Sarah cuts him off.

"I don't care, Fred. It's not just this excuse. It's all of your excuses. It's always an excuse with you, and I've had enough. Chris will be the lead tonight at the premiere. At least I can count on him." Sarah throws one last barb at Fred before ending the call and throwing her phone with an annoyed ugh.

Behind her, Chris smirks as his plan continues to work. He's confident that nothing will stop him from playing the starring role in the show today. Unfortunately, he fails to consider other details and who might be watching.

In his lair, Hawkmoth can sense the growing emotions of sadness, anger, betrayal, confusion, and others within Fred's heart. Worse for Chris, Hawkmoth has personal feelings about this kind of scenario.

"Ah, the acting business. It's a harsh business where people betray each other for a chance in the limelight. I know your pain, sir. My wife had to fight through this at one point as well." Hawkmoth states as he creates a butterfly before sending it after Fred.

After a while, it arrives at the Louvre as Fred stares into his hat on a bench, Thèo giving him a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"What did I do?" Fred continues to question.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Haprèle," Thèo tells him, feeling bad for one of the school's staff.

"I don't think so. Mylène is going to be so disappointed in me." Fred says in a self-deprecating manner as he pulls out the picture of his daughter in the hat's secret pocket.

Neither notices the butterfly heading toward him before it lands on the photo, causing Theo's eyes to widen in fear. Without a second thought, he throws the sandwich board off his shoulders and runs as far away from Fred as possible while Hawkmoth talks to the man.

"Mime, I am Hawk Moth. I'm giving you the power to make whatever you gesture come to life. You can use it to destroy the one who betrayed you and perform the best show Paris has ever seen. Don't let yourself be silenced into doing nothing. All I ask in return is for one Miraculous." Hawkmoth tries persuading Fred, his influence causing the man to gain an evil grin before dark magic envelops him.

When the magic disperses, Fred's Akuma form is that of a muscular mime. He has purple-tinted skin, short blond hair, mascara, and drawn-on black tears under his eyes. He's wearing a bluish-grey dress jacket over a horizontal black-striped white shirt, white pants with black accents around the pockets, and black and white boots.

With a scowl, The Mime looks around and notices a police vehicle driving near the Louvre. Inside the car is Sabrina with her father.

"So, you're telling me that one of your classmates has a connection to Ladybug?" Roger asks Sabrina.

"Yes, she's watching over a powerful item for her." Sabrina nods before looking at her father.

"Is that something we should worry about?" Sabrina asks him.

"Possibly. Even if it is, there isn't much I can do. I can't search for or take it from her without a proper reason. Your word, whether as my daughter or Canine, isn't enough for me to take action." Roger explains to his daughter.

Hearing this disappoints Sabrina slightly. While she trusts Ladybug to protect Paris, she doesn't like the idea of the Miracle Box not being protected. However, they don't have time to dwell on it when Roger sees The Mime walking toward his car.

"What is that mime doing?" Roger questions as The Mime acts like he's holding something and is about to hit the cruiser.

Roger doesn't see anything in The Mime's hands, but when he swings at the car, Roger and Sabrina can feel themselves launched in the air. They're sent flying a fair distance away before the car rolls across the ground and lands back on its four wheels. Both groan in pain before Sabrina looks at her dad worriedly.

"Are you okay, Dad?" She asks worriedly.

Roger groans while holding his side before looking at his daughter.

"I'll be alright. Just take care of that Akuma." Roger orders his daughter, causing Sabrina to nod while Barkk comes out.

While she transforms, Roger reaches for his radio to call for backup.

Surprise! Roland debuts early as an important informant for Alya. I bet you didn't see that coming. As for why he's the only one who remembers the past heroes of Paris, it has to do with how the past was forgotten.

[hankkd7]

[2021] Bentley's journal

~~ JAN 6, 2021. ~~

It has been more than 24 hours since the death of my mother...Tess told me that I should write down some of my thoughts in a text file of some kind, just for myself... I don't know how this will help me, considering I have never done this kind of thing before, but I trust Tess because she herself has tried it before.

More about her death...I woke up at 3:47 AM to a loud noise. Thinking nothing of it, I went back to sleep. Turns out that was the gun going off. Makes my stomach turn knowing I left her decomposing for some 8 hours...

I wasn't able to sleep that night, even with Tess just downstairs ready to comfort me whenever... I faintly remember a night terror I had...all I can remember of it is that my head hurt like hell afterwards. Tess told me I was shouting at something...so it must've felt all that real to me.

Yet, I don't know why I can't remember it... Call me crazy, but I only heard my mother whisper my name in the dead of night...I guess this is the start of the grieving process.

~~ JAN 11, 2021. ~~

We're having the funeral in Astoria, where she grew up. It's hard to guess why she'd move down to California instead of Astoria. I'm pretty sure she told me once that this house was once my paternal grandparents' house before they retired.

The hardest thing about yesterday was talking about the plans for the funeral with my uncle. It's the first time I've heard him cry...he just lost his sister just like that. I knew that they were very close.

Reading him the part in the note my mother wrote that was addressed to him was difficult too... it was just too fucking difficult to not break down into tears...My little cousins don't even know yet...

I still haven't slept yet...I feel so tired and weak...and I don't feel like eating at all... That mental image of that room is constantly flashing in my mind whenever it pleases itself to.

Is it all my fault...? Why didn't I see the warning signs...?

~~ JAN 12, 2021. ~~

I've been felling worthless with every hour after my last entry...just absolutely pathetic... I still...can't...fucking...sleep or make myself eat.

Or at least I couldn't...

Tess came over to check in on me and help me pack up for the trip up. I'll never forget the look on her face when she saw me... It look like she was worried, horrified...but also glad to see that I was okay...?

She said I looked so exhausted and hungry...she practically had to watch me eat a thing of yogurt before tucking me into bed while she gathered my things...Never have I felt so relaxed around her until now...

I ended up waking up from a 12 hour long rest to her watching a movie quietly. She also ended up surprising me with the news that she's coming up to Astoria with me for the funeral, and will be giving me a ride to and from. I remember feeling relieved that I wouldn't have to endure that nearly 5 hour long drive by myself.

Tess ordered us a pizza and we spent the rest of our evening talking...she managed to get me to laugh for the first time in three days...Over all; a really nice time bonding with each other... Since we haven't hung out in-person that much after the mass hysteria of the COVID pandemic...seeing each other and talking like nothing happened feels so comforting for me...

Not to mention she kissed my cheek while I was walking her out to her car. She had a blush unlike any other she's had.

The car ride tomorrow might be a little awkward for a tiny bit. But we both know that we're just a little more affectionate for each other than most friendships of the opposite sex...

~~ JAN 13, 2021. ~~

We've gotten a hotel room for ourselves after visiting with my family for a bit. I've been starting to feel like little things that wouldn't really bother me are now starting to piss me off.

I don't know if this is just a part of the grieving process, but I don't feel right. Like, I'm a new person after the event...

~~ JAN 23, 2021. ~~

I completely forgot about this log. I've just been so occupied...doing nothing... I emailed my professor, explaining my situation and that I would need some time off. And then after my trip...isolation. From everyone but Tess.

She's been checking in on me at least once every other day. Sometimes bringing me sandwiches from work for some decent food. I lie to her about my mental health though...I don't know why...I just feel like I'm gonna waste her time venting about everything that's bothering me.

I'm doing fucking terribly in actuality.

Is it normal to want to hurt yourself after this...?

~~ FEB 1, 2021. ~~

Yesterday, I cut myself for the first time. It felt scary...like I would die on accident... but then the urges became stronger each time I did it...

I hope I'm not obsessed with doing it...?

I've been wearing longer sleeves to hide this from Tess, I don't want her to worry about me. Neither should anyone else. Ever.

~~ FEB 16, 2021 ~~

Tess came over on Valentines day to give me some groceries she got for me. She gave me some candy, shyly of course. I keep forgetting how important she is to me. I'd literally die for her.

I think she'd break off our friendship if she ever found out what I'm doing behind closed doors...

~~ FEB 23, 2021 ~~

I think I'm going to far...I literally had to fucking do it while she was over, huh? Good thing I did it in the privacy of my own bathroom.

My cover almost got blown when she found some blood droplets on the floor. I ended up coming up with a "shaving accident".

I need to be more careful or else our friendship will be ruined.

~~ MAR 8, 2021 ~~

Yesterday was my 19th birthday, Tess took me to a nice dinner a couple miles out of town, it felt cozy in there with all this snow pounding down where we both live.

She tried her best to make it a really good birthday, and it payed off.

I don't think I cut myself at all that day...which is a first...

~~ MAR 20, 2021 ~~

I feel very bad for Tess...she's wasting her hard earned money on someone as hopeless as myself. Of course...she's stable enough to get me things but...why me of all people...?

~~ APR 9, 2021 ~~

This whole fucking thing was my fault. I can sense it. I didn't notice jack shit. I didn't realize she was suffering this badly.

I want to join her, but what will Tess think...she'll have no one to turn to when she needs someone.

~~ APR 18, 2021 ~~

I'm going to fucking snap. Just take my soul away, whatever is in control of my miserable life.

I've got no choice, if you're reading this, Tess, then I'm long gone from this hell we call life.

I'll stage it as an accident if I fucking have too.

~~ APR 22, 2021 ~~

I just came back from the hospital 7 hours ago. I was admitted on the 19th. I don't want to get into details. I'm not sure if I even can. I don't really remember what happened, but from what I've heard, I intentionally cut too deep.

Tess got worried when I didn't show up to work, so she rushed over to my place. There I was, bleeding on my bed, about to die. She held and comforted me until help arrived.

Jesus...what the fuck was I thinking? If I did end up pulling it off, she would've seen me; dead. Just like how I found my mother. Dead in her bed, the gun still in her hand.

And then what? Would she get depressed too? Would she spiral out just like how I did? I'm so fucking stupid.

Tess now knows that I had a self-harming issue. I now realize that I somehow convinced myself that she'd hate me for doing that. But she doesn't. Of course she doesn't.

She made me promise to not do it ever again, or at least not as often as I used to. The urge is still there, begging for release. Every time I look at that knife though...I can't help but think: "This thing nearly killed me."

It hurts so much, but I have to stay strong for Tess.

I'm ending these fucking journals, it makes me sick reading past entries.

[steamishot]

T-35 days

work is now easing into its slow season. i've still been training the new girl A here and there. the last time i met up with her, i was "too nice" and continued training her for 2.5 hours and basically held her hand through everything. it's really frustrating when we have gone over something 3x before and she doesn't remember how to do it. at the rate of which she's learning, we still haven't gone over the other populations i used to manage. the last time we met up, i set a hard boundary at 1 hour and told her i had to go.

i believe this is a hire of nepotism, which puts me in an odd place. i haven't complained or made comments about her to my previous manager because i think she's some sort of distant friend or relative. but going forward, she will be my old manager's responsibility.

boston: we took our first amtrak ride to boston. by coincidence, we've gone to boston once a year during aug/sept for the past 3 years. the first time was by plane, the second by driving, and third time by train.

after a 4 hour train ride, we arrived to the boston back bay station around 2pm on saturday. we checked into our hotel room where the wedding venue was also taking place. took a shower and got ready.

they provided a shuttle to the church. it was my first time witnessing a church wedding, and for white people, lol! it was the most "like the movies" wedding i've been to

the wedding was pretty intimate, about 6-7 tables. matt was surprised he got invited

we got seated with the groom's (who was matt's coresident) medical friends. i sat with an endocrinologist, pathologist, PCP, palliative care consultant and hospitalist. the spouses of the doctors were also non-med. and the one PCP who is married to another doctor, his anesthesiologist partner didn't show up, lol. other people kept asking if i was a doctor too and i had FOMO for not having a dr title

on sunday, we met up with K for about two hours. she's going through some personal things so i sensed that she wasn't really in a sociable mood and didn't want to hang out for long. however, we got to exchange creations with each other and have dinner together. she crocheted a unicorn for me, and i gave her a bowl i made in ceramics (color taro).

randomly, matt and i stumbled upon a korean group dancing at the park while we were walking around. they gave out bracelet freebies and i picked up 3 packets. we all made and wore a "friendship bracelet". she texted me today that she's still wearing it because it reminds her of spontaneity + friendship 🥰

although my friendship with K is 99% digital (this was my third time ever meeting in person over 4+ years?), we've gotten pretty close because we're now texting almost daily and are learning japanese together via duolingo

even though i was pretty anxious about these two events, i left boston feeling pretty fulfilled. i got to hang out with matt's medical friends, their partners, and got to also see my friend for a bit. it makes me feel proud to see the friendships/community we created on the east coast, even though the meetups are quite infrequent, lol

exercise: i'm motivated to start running again, or being more consistent with cardio (biking is another option). since returning to NYC and being in a whole mood about this move, i realize i've been more or less like a potato. i was mentally at my best when i did consistent, challenging workouts. this was a long, long time ago. and when i'm overly emotional, it's easy to just slip into a depressive mode and not workout at all.

upcoming plans: we have a double date for pizza with S&I tomorrow. i'll be going on a hike with T&S on sunday. a pool hangout with A&S the following weekend. then, switzerland. i don't have the same excitement for social plans as i used to have when i was in the "building my life here" mode, because now it's become "leaving my life here" mode. and it feels a little pensive and sad thinking about our last hangouts, but the thoughts are probably always worse than what actually is. it's like i'm ready to leave, but i don't want to say goodbye.

media: currently reading i am not your perfect mexican daughter and enjoying it. also watching kdrama recommended by ceramics friend LG called king the land with matt. we both like it and find it funny.

[moths-in-the-attic]

Angel for Earth by Angel of Earth

Chapter 3 - Apartment

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

One Week Earlier

"Knock, knock, Mamo-chan. I'm here." Usagi walked into Mamoru apartment.

"Hi, Usako." Mamoru was sitting at a desk in the living room typing.

"Whatcha doing?" She walks over to him and gives him a little kiss.

"I'm typing up an add for the paper. I need to get a room mate. The owner upped the rent again and that extra room's just going to waste."

"I don't want you to get a room mate! We wont get anymore time alone, and what if they find out your Tuxedo Mask?"

"I already checked around for other apartments. Do you know how hard it is to find a good apartment in Tokyo this time of year? As for the whole Tuxedo Mask thing, I'll just have to be careful. I have windows I can always jump out of." He took off his glasses and threw them on the table. "Writing this ad is harder than I thought."

Usagi walked behind him and started to rub his shoulders.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Present Day

"Move over, Ivy. Your hogging the bed. Why don't you turn into something small that doesn't take any space?" Terra rolled over on the bed, making more room for the dog.

The dog started turning into a glowing ball and started shrinking; the glow soon faded and there sat a small silver cat with the earth symbol on it head.

"There, is that better, Terri?"

"Perfect." Terra spread the newspaper out on the bed, "We have to find an apartment. I can't believe how many rat and roach infested places there are around here. And everything is so expensive."

"Why don't you just ask them to leave?"

"Because the place was such a dump to begin with. Besides I don't want to have to ask them to leave just because I want to live there. I don't want to make them lose their homes. Hey, here's one, but their looking for a room mate. Ivy, how do you feel about moving in with someone? It'll mean you can't talk as much."

"I don't care. The sooner we get out of this hotel the better."

~*~*~*~

Terra walks up to the door and knocks. A guy, about seventeen, with midnight black hair and dark blue eyes answers.

"Hi, my names Terra Rose Childs, and I'm here about the ad in the paper."

"Come on in. My name is Mamoru Chiba."

"I just got this feeling. Have we met before?"

"That's funny. I just got the same feeling. I don't think we've met."

They sat on the couch.

"Why don't you tell me a little about yourself."

"Well, I'm originally from Tokyo, but moved to the U.S. when I was four."

"How old are you?"

"I'm 15, almost 16, and in tenth grade. I'm going to Crossroads High."

"What about your family?"

"My adopted parents are back in the U.S. I'm here on an exchange program. The family I was suppose to be staying with had to back out last minute so I've been living in a hotel."

"What about activities?"

"I haven't had time to join anything yet, but it all depends on the season. I want to be part of the volleyball team, swim team, and softball team. For clubs I'm hoping to join the art club, cooking club, nature club and a community service club, if there is one. I also take part in the school plays. Outside of school activities I like to hike, bike, skate. I have a part time job up at the stables where I give ridding lessons and help take care of the animals."

Man, she's one busy girl. That will be good for Tuxedo Mask. And she seems so familiar, like I've know her all my life. Mamoru set his cup of coffee down then asked Terra a few more question before telling her about him.

They talked for hours. It seemed like they were best friends and had know each other forever. After a while Mamoru showed Terra around the apartment.

"You can have the room if you want it, that is if you can put up with me."

"Sure I would love to have the room. Oh, by the way, can I have a cat? She's house broken and doesn't make a mess."

"Sure. My girlfriend is over here all the time and always brings her cat." What Mamoru actually meant was that the cat tagged along to watch them, but he wasn't about to say that out loud.

"When can I move in?"

~*~*~*~

Two days later Terra moved most of her stuff into the apartment and spent the whole day working on her room. It drove Mamoru nuts trying to figure out what was going on in there because she kept the door shut.

The walls were sponged a silvery purple. A water bed sat up against the wall in a corner with a hope chest at the end and a night stand with a lamp sat next to the head of the bed.

In front of one window was a desk with a computer, and in one corner sat a stereo system with a cd rack full of different kinds of cds. An easel sat in front of another window with some canvas. Plants were all over the room, some even climbing up the walls and ceilings and pots of white roses were near the bed.

A white dresser sat near the walk-in closet. Pictures of far away places were on the walls and ceramic mystical creatures sat on things in the room.

"So what do you think, Mamoru-chan? It's almost all done."

"Looks like it took a lot of work, Terri-chan."

There was a knock at the door. Mamoru opened it and there stood a delivery guy.

"I have a delivery for Terra Rose Childs."

"That's me."

"Sign here, please." the delivery guy holds out a board and Terra signs. "Its downstairs we'll just have to unload it."

Terra runs downstairs to the delivery truck with Mamoru and the man in tow. "It's here! It's finally here!" she turns to the delivery guy with a deadly face and red eyes, "If its scratched, chipped, or broken I will make sure you pay. I'll make you wish were never born."

The delivery man looks pale, "Yes, miss."

The other delivery men start to wheel out a object that is covered with a tarp.

"It's here, it's here."

"Terri-chan, calm down. What can be so important?" Mamoru looks down into Terra's eyes and got a shock. Bright yellow eyes almost impossible to look at, "Hey Terri-chan your eyes are yellow. I could have sworn they were dark blue."

"Oh they are. My eyes change color usually when I get big waves of emotions. When there yellow I'm hyper, dark blue is calm, black is depression, red is anger, purple is love, dark green is when I'm jealous, and emerald green is when I have a urge to garden, ice blue is when I'm in kind of a cold mood, brown comes when I'm in between emotions and orange is kind-of-hyper, but mean mood. Usually my eyes are dark blue because its a family color, but my eyes only change with emotions that are very strong. My mother's eyes changed too."

Terra turned to the object and tore off the tarp to reveal a black Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Mamoru's mouth dropped open at the beauty of it.

She hugged it then started to inspect it for scratches. "All in one peace."

"You can drive?"

"Yeah. I was allowed to get my license early, because I was leaving for Japan and I only have a few more months until I'm sixteen.

"When is your birthday?"

"April 30th. I'm a Taurus, one of the signs most connected to the Earth."

~~~~~~~~~~~A Couple Hours Later~~~~~~~~~~~

KNOCK KNOCK

Terra answers the door.

"TERRA ROSE WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!?" screamed Usagi

"I live here, Usagi-chan. So you must be the Usako that Mo-chan's been talking about." Terra moved out of the way for the steaming bunny. "He's in watching TV."

Usagi walked past Terra and into the living room where Mamoru was on the couch with a small silver kitten.

"I'll let you too talk, I'm going out for milk. I'll be back in half an hour." Terra grabbed her car keys and walked out the door."

"You didn't tell me that your room mate was a girl!"

"Usako, calm down, Terra is only a friend. She's like a little sister. Usagi you should trust me."

"You're right. I should trust you two. I just can't help rushing to conclusions sometimes. Terra and I have been really close these last two weeks and she seems like a sister to me, too.

"Your getting so mature, my Usako. I love you."

"I love you too, Mamo-chan." Usagi leaned up and kissed him.

The cat looked kind of annoyed and left room, going back into Terra's room.

"When did you get a cat?"

"I didn't. She's Terra's and her name is Ivy."

They started kissing again. The kisses started going deeper when the communicator started going off.

"Not again." groaned Mamoru.

~*~*~*~

"I am Sailor Moon!"

"And we're the Sailor Senshi," chimed in the rest of the senshi.

"And on behalf of the Moon we shall punish you.!

"Mars Fire Balls Charge!" Mars launched her fire ball at a water youma. "It's time for you to become vapor."

The youma easily dodged the attack.

Mercury was typing away on her mini computer trying to find the youma's weakness.

Jupiter was throwing thunder and Tuxedo Mask was throwing roses at the youma, but neither could seem to hit it.

Venus threw her love chain and smacked the youma in the face.

The youma started to shoot out random blast of high water pressure and hit both Chibi Moon and Sailor Moon.

The youma was just about to shoot hot water at the two when a small white rose landed in the mouth of the youma, plugging up its hole.

The senshi gasped and looked up at where the rose had come from.

In a tree stood Sailor Earth. "I'm the Earth's Guardian. I was chosen by Mother Earth to protect the small, and the life on this planet. You can't come in here and try to take over. I'm Sailor Earth. And you're going to pay for attacking my planet."

The youma tore the rose out of it's mouth. "You think you can destroy the Black Rose, little one? You can't! We are stronger than what we once were. You might have gotten rid of us once, but now we're back and stronger than ever!"

"The Black Rose is going down." Sailor Earth started her new attack. "LIFE SEED..."

A small shape of energy appeared in her hand, a gust of wind blew at her back. It blew her hair forward, but left the mask on. The wind also picked up the seed and then dived down right when it got to the youma. The seed fell on the ground.

The youma looked at it and started laughing. "Is that all you got, little girl?"

"DRAIN!" Sailor Earth whispered the last word.

Vines exploded out of the seed and wrapped themselves around the youma. The green vines started to glow and they began to suck the energy out of the youma.

The youma began to scream and shrink and shrivel, until it was nothing but a small dried up corpse.

"Return!"

The vines began to pull back into the seed. The seed was now the size of a baseball. It floated up off the ground and then landed in the palm of Sailor Earth.

A strong wind blew through the park again and hit the corpse turning it to dust.

Sailor Moon was the first to speak. "Who are you? What is your mission."

"I am Sailor Earth and my mission is to find the Princess, and protect her and find the Sailor Elements. At the same time I must protect the Earth."

"What princess are you looking for? The Moon Princess? Because if you are we already found her."

"I'm not looking for the Moon Princess."

"What did the youma mean by Black Rose, and you tried to get rid of it once?"

"It doesn't matter. You best stay out of this or you will get hurt."

"We protect the Earth too! Why don't you join us? Maybe we could help you."

"I won't join you. Nobody asked you to protect this planet, but since you did, you have my thanks. You couldn't help me."

"Sailor Earth, come along now." a large black lab with an earth symbol on its head appeared.

"This is my guardian, Ivy, and you better stay out of our way. I don't want to have to hurt you just for being in the way, but I will."

A white mist surrounded the senshi again and when it had lifted the girl and dog were gone.

~*~*~*~

Terra Rose walked into the arcade. "Hi Motoki. How are you today?"

"Oh hi, Terra. I'm fine. I wanted to talk to you more the other day, but I figured with all the girls there I couldn't get close."

She felt fluttery, like she could soar a million feet off the ground. Rosie girl, stop it. Remember what happened with the last guy? She felt tears sting her eyes but held back.

"Its really weird, Terra, but have we met before? I feel as if I've meet you before. Only I can't place it."

"Well I use to live in Japan, but I moved away when I was four."

Suddenly it hit him were he had meet Terra before. "Angel?" "OH MY WORD! AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!"

She screamed and threw her arms around him.

[amarantine-amirite]

Bad Things Happen To Those Who Wait

The school band finally got a spa day for the whole group at the Palais Resort. We have a big concert on Friday. It's going to be televised, so our band teacher wants our hands to look nice. That was the purpose of the spa day: for us to get manicures.

I heard people say amazing things about the spa at the Palais Resort, but my experience made me feel like all those positive reviews were merely people parroting others instead of thinking for themselves. They can only take three of us at a time because some of the manicurists refused to come to work today. The lounge area in the spa has a bar license, so nobody under the age of 21 is allowed. We kids have to wait in the hotel lobby.

They said the people who went in before us would come to get the next three people. I haven't seen anyone come back. "Where the hell are they?" I muttered under my breath.

"They're coming," Grace mumbled, "you just have to be patient."

I shot her an exasperated look. "You've said that for the last hour and 45 minutes!"

Grace leaned back and glanced at me "Stop exaggerating, Judy. It couldn't possibly be that long." she shrugged her narrow shoulders and tipped her head to one side. "Why is it so hard for you to wait for things?"

I find waiting for anything unbearable because I never know how long I have to wait. I'm not alone in this regard. That said, people who also struggle to wait for things also put things off, and miss deadlines. They misjudge how long it takes to do something. They lose track of the time because they get distracted.

I never struggled with those other things. I set alerts to keep track of deadlines so that I don't miss them and make a schedule to avoid procrastinating. I even discipline myself to check the clock regularly.

Maybe my difficulty in waiting doesn't come from an inability to keep track of time. Maybe the problem is my life experiences conditioning me to learn that waiting is futile. "I learned that nothing good comes out of waiting," I let out a frustrated sigh.

I wasn't lying. When I was four, Grandpa said he'd take me to Legoland for my birthday after his nap. I never got to go to Legoland because he died in his sleep. On my first day of kindergarten, the school bus driver pulled over and told us to wait while he went back to his house to see if he left the light in his kitchen on. He parked on train tracks knowing full well that a train would hit us. And there's also the countless times we've had to wait for something we needed to be delivered only to find out we paid money for a product that didn't exist.

Grace narrowed her eyes slightly. "I don't think that's why," she said. She had a lot of difficulty believing what I had to say.

I raised an eyebrow "Really?" I asked. Her response intrigued me.

Grace leaned in closer. "Tell me the truth," she asked in a hushed tone.

Before I could tell her I was telling the truth, I overheard someone waiting to check into their room complain about her disaster of a home renovation. "It was a mess," she hissed into her phone, "we've got this toilet-trained cat that flushed the toilet in the wet room four times in a row and the septic system flooded the basement."

I froze. The words septic system, wet room, and toilet-trained cat spooked me. It reminded me of why we had to move.

We moved because I threw up on the carpet in our old house. My gastric juices burned a hole in the carpet, so now we have to have the flooring redone. When we replaced the floors, we discovered rotten wood and stairs tall enough for an old person to trip over them.

What should have been simple spiralled into an out-of-control renovation. Our only way to break even is to sell and move once the renovations are finished. The real estate agent refused to list the house unless it had an accessible bathroom.

Accessible bathrooms need showers flush with the floor, enough room to turn a wheelchair around in a circle, and enough space around the toilet to accommodate a wheelchair. It also must be on the ground floor. Putting one in is not for the faint-hearted. I discovered this the hard way when a couple of my classmates and I tried putting the bathroom in ourselves.

Our house had the third bedroom on the ground floor. We never used it because we didn't have very many guests anyway. We do have a ground-floor powder room, but it's hardly big enough to drown a mouse. As I pointed out to the real estate agent, "If you were a mouse, I would show you"

The longer she talked, the worse it got. "We called numerous plumbers, and they didn't even try to resolve the problem. They said we needed to hire a specialist. We did, and these guys told us the house should be condemned," she whined, "something about the fact that the septic system was crooked."

she got up and started to pace towards me. She waved her free hand harder and shouted louder. "I got the real estate agent on the horn and sent her pictures of the damage, but she didn't believe it.'' By now, people stared at this crazy bitch walking around the hotel lobby like a deranged turkey. "She told us that we both had to seek a psychiatric evaluation to rule out compulsive lying because she couldn't find any negative reviews about the people who installed the wet room."

My eyes widened when she mentioned that there were no reviews for the people who did the work. There were no reviews because it was myself and a couple of idiot boys from my old school, not a professional builder.

We removed the bedroom crap from the third bedroom. We installed appliances and laid tile. We knew how to connect everything to the incoming waterline, but we didn't know how to connect the appliances to the sewage stack. The dumb hairball who sits in front of me in math suggested we put in a septic tank. I said no. He didn't understand why that was a bad idea, so that was what we did.

The decision to put in a septic tank instead of figuring out how to attach a wet room to the stack was so stupid I could feel my brain cells dying just thinking about it. And it had disastrous consequences for the new homeowners.

I saw someone pointing at me as they said, "If you're looking for the person who fucked up your wet room, she's right here."

It wasn't me. I'm smart enough to not install a septic system in a house with a perfectly good sewage stack. It was that idiot boy that sat behind me responsible for that disaster. Of course, I felt so panicked I couldn't talk. No sound would come out and I would run out of breath every time I tried to say something.

The woman came over to me, ready to throw me to the ground. As she approached, I gestured to the restaurant and managed to squeak out, "The kid you're looking for went that way, into the kitchen!"

She stomped towards the kitchen. I waited for her to move out of earshot. "See? I told you bad things happen when I have to wait," I nudged Grace's shoulder, "that could've ended in disaster."

The next morning, we saw a video of what went down on the news. The woman who moved into our old house barrelled into the hotel kitchen, grabbed a waitress by the collar and shoved her backwards. The kitchenchen staff screamed as the poor waitress stumbled into the fryer.

According to the new report, the waitress died of her injuries and the woman who assaulted her was never identified.

@leopard-prompts

[elibeeline]

I am stuck in gran canaria because ✨️thunderstorm✨️

[helly-watermelonsmellinfellon]

Y'all thought you'd finally gotten a break from hearing about my real life woes?

Shit's been going down!

Last time I wrote anything it was about being out of money and nowhere to stay. We got a donation, it helped us a lot, and coupled with the ladies at the front desk of the hotel keeping this room at $65 a night for us, we've managed to extend our stay.

The problem:

Step-dad got the knee surgery. He had to get a bunch of 'fragments' removed from his leg, and a few other things, but overall not much work was done. He still needs a total knee replacement. He was whining about his pain for days and refused to wear the brace thing they gave him which has compartments for gel packets.

A few days ago he called his son like he does every damn night, to bug him about shit, and found out he was working on a house with one of step-dad's former employers. A guy who notoriously doesn't pay people, never does things over the table, and spends his days on the go so cops can't track down a specific location of his. Dude lies through his teeth.

Suddenly, step-dad is able-bodied enough to drive back up to PA and now help out on the construction of this house? Like 8 days after knee surgery? Where he claimed he couldn't walk and was in too much pain?

He's been gone for almost a week. The van is gone. We have nowhere to go, no way of know when he's coming back because he's avoiding making calls, and the occasional $20 he has his son send over every other day isn't enough to feed three people who have to order delivery from the local supermarket. Legit, it's too far for Bethy or I to walk, so we'd have to get food delivered, but there's a delivery fee, and now a gas fee because of rising gas prices. And he somehow doesn't get that?

"I gave you a total of $40 in 7 days, how can you not make it work?"

Half of that goes to paying fees and tips for the drivers! That isn't enough!

So he called this morning demanding mom cancel his upcoming appointments. The bypass and the other knee surgery he's got coming at the end of April and beginning of May. He's not coming back for who knows how long now. Had a whole list of excuses on why. Step-bro's wife has had no problem narking to mom about him on the side.

He's acting like this situation is just too stressful for him to be in and he can't take being here anymore. HE'S THE REASON WE'RE IN THIS MESS! Mom and I had a stable home for almost two decades. His big mouth is what fucked that up for us. He is continuously the reason for why we haven't had stable residence in almost 6 years.

Yet he acts like this.

And the icing on the cake! The money he's been getting is what he's bummed off his son.

The employer who never pays people and dodges cops all the time? He hasn't paid them for anything despite all the work they've apparently done on the house. And now both are making excuses for him despite how this is what the man does.

So we're stranded now. We have no guarantee of money or lodging. No way of leaving if we have to leave. He's not coming back for his doctor appointments so they have to be cancelled. I scheduled my own doctor appointment that is very needed and now that has to be cancelled. Bethy has bloodwork scheduled because they have to check for a history of cysts before they can give her some kind of medication, but that's got to be cancelled. And now none of that can happen.

If Bethy's case worker comes around again and finds out that he's not here and he's been gone with the van, off working, when he told her to her face that he can't move and therefore can't work, we're going to be in so much trouble. She spent the last 4 months bothering him about working and now he can do it? For apparently no payment?

He doesn't realize how bad it looks to be stranded with no money and no transportation when you have a state case worker watching your every move? Someone who is meant to make sure your daughter is safe in your hands and you can be trusted to keep her while you are battling homelessness?

I complain about him constantly but have always tried to maintain his few good qualities as not totally terrible and him as still better than my sperm donor as a person. Yet what can I defend in this? How are you almost 60 and this fucking dumb? It's hard for a outsider to not see this as malicious. I can't talk this down of make it seem less bad.

I'm sick of trying to make it seem less bad.

[x3kristax3]

After Duskwood

First | Last | Next

⚠️TW: slight smut (restraints, knife, sexual content), talk about previous abuse.

Chapter 20

It's a quiet drive to the hotel expect the techno music she plays. Jake is in the front seat but he has his hand reaching back touching my leg just grazing it as I'm looking at the city. I close my eyes as the sleepings meds still have me tired.

“What do you see in her?” Trix softly ask’s Jake. I feel like she didn’t want me to hear her ask but I did so I leave my eyes closed.

“For four years, I’ve been searching for a home. The moment we started talking it felt that way. I was instantly drawn to her.”

‘But she’s not your normal type. I don’t think when things get bad with you she will be able to handle it, Nym” Trix says.

Jake sighs, “Trix, I know things with you didn’t go as planned like you wanted them but you can’t hold it against me, I’ve moved on” he says as his fingers still graze my leg.

“Oh, I've moved on. We were bad for eachother Nym. However, I don’t want to see another girl go through that again because of you. It took me months to heal from that abuse.”

I bite my tongue to hold in the tears, hearing her say that makes me realize she’s just wanting Jake to turn his life around.

“Look Trix” Jake raises his voice. “ I had no idea he was going to do that to you! If I had I wouldn’t have brought you around him but I didn’t. I promised myself after that, that I would never bring another girl around him. MC won’t even ever know his name as far as I’m concerned, he’s dead.” he says.

I open my eyes and I see Trix looking in the mirror at me but I don’t say anything and they stop the conversation.

She finally pulls into the hotel and stops in front. Jake and I get out, hearing everything. My heart feels heavy because there are parts of his past he doesn’t want me to know about. She puts her window down "hey Jackass message me to set up the appointments" she says.

"Thats MCs call if she wants you to do them" he says and the look on her face is priceless cause she realized she fucked up.

 She peels out and I looks at Jake "is it really my choice?" I say.

"Yeah she can easily do the design we were talking about on the flight. If you don't want her too because of what she said I understand" he says pulling me against him.

I lean into him still smelling his cologne and I whimper at his touch.  "Let me think about it but you need to make something up to me" I say as I look up at him with a smirk.

He takes my hand and we go in and check in. Once in the room he shuts and locks the door. I'm ahead of him putting my bags down and I feel him wrap his arms around my waist pulling me close and he nibbles my ear. 

"Mmm not what I was thinking but definitely don't stop" as I lean back against him. 

He whispers in my ear as his hands run along underneath my shirt to my breast "what were you thinking?" 

"Showing me Colville, that you know" I say as my hips grind against him.

"You sure you want that instead of this?" He asks and I hear the devilish grin in his voice. 

"I want both," I whimper as my hand reaches up and back around his neck as I bite my bottom lip.

He spins me around real fast and walks me backwards to the desk where he hasn't set up yet and picks me up. I wrap my legs around him as he does and sets me on the desk. He passionately kisses me rough as a hand is rubbing the inside of my thigh and his other hand is squeezing my hip. I moan into his mouth as my hands start to pull off his shirt and he does the same to me. They both get thrown to the floor at the same time. Where his kisses start going down my body.

I lean back on my hands pushing my body closer to him as he lifts up my ass so I'm just hanging off the edge and pulling down my shorts not letting his lips leave my skin. As he puts me back down his fingers that were once on my thigh are moving the fabric of my underwear to the side as his other hand unhooks my bra. 

I look at him for the first time since we've started and I grab his face. As I kiss him deep and rough. He pulls away as he goes back this time sliding his fingers inside me as I moan in pleasure "fuck Jake don't stop please."

His mouth pulls away from my skin as he looks at me seeing me fully give myself to him with no resistance. He whispers in my ear as his free hand rubs my scar "trust me MC" he growls.  

"I do" I say as with his fingers alone I'm close to exploding. I look in his face and I see a different look. He's rough but still protective of me "Jake greenlight on anything you want" I moan as he feels me explode on his fingers.

He pulls away and grabs restraints and his knife. I follow him standing right behind him as he pulls them out of his bag and I whimper "you sure you're giving me the greenlight for everything?" He says as he spins around.  

"Yes" I say looking into his eyes with no hesitation.

He pushes me back on the bed as he ties my hands together above my head. My eyes are closed as soon as my body hits the bed. As I feel his hand on my thigh I hear the blade open and for the first time I don't squim or jump at it. I feel him climb on the bed and gently with no pressure put the knife against my skin as he kisses my neck. Then he pulls away and puts the knife away and undoes the restraints  as I feel him leave the bed. 

"God damn it Jake!" I yell.

He jumps back into bed and kisses me deeply "little bits at a time baby girl" he says as he leaves the bed again and heads into the shower.

I hear the water running and I crack open the door and he's standing at the counter still dressed. "Shit" i say with a smile.

"Thought you could sneak in here I see" he says as he grabs my hand pulling me into him against the wall.

"You know me too well. Why did you stop out there?" I ask.

"There's someplace I wanna take you but first we gave to go get my car" he says. 

I realized it's still at the airport from when we left Duskwood. "Fuck you made me put up with Trix even though your car was there!?" I yell pushing him away and I jump in the shower to clean up. 

He waits for me in the bathroom "that wasn't the plan but she recognized me" he says holding my hips.

"You could have taken me to your car instead of making me sit in the car with her" I say as I move away as I go to change clothes I feel Jake watching me from behind. I hear a sigh as he follows me.

"I'm sorry" he says, grabbing my stomach again.

I realized at that moment that maybe I am jealous of what they had and I realized for the second time today he's apologizing to me when we have a fight. I turn around after getting dressed. "I'm sorry, maybe I am the jealous girlfriend type. I saw how you two looked at each other in the airport." I say lowering my head down.

Jake grabs my chin lifting it up "no need to apologize. Me and her didn't work because we're both too stubborn. Plus I was meant to find you. She doesn't even know my real name" he says, pulling me against him.

"Can we do the tattoos with someone else?" I ask, looking at him.

"You don't feel comfortable with her even if I'm right there?" He asks.

"No, even the drive with your fingers grazing my calf I was on edge. I just wanted to climb into your lap claiming you as mine in front of her" I say "I know that sounds selfish specially after she calling me a princess. "

"No, you have every right to do that because I am yours" he says as he kisses me.

We grab a cab and head to the airport to grab his car and once inside I see that extra hoodie he keeps in the back. "I think this needs to be washed. I thought you brought it with us" I say.

"I meant too and totally forgot in the rush of leaving" he says grabbing my hand.

All of a sudden my phone goes off and it's the agent he asks if we can come in tomorrow. I look at Jake "you okay to do this tomorrow?" I say.

"Yeah, as ready as I'm gonna be," he says.

I set up a time and I hold Jake's hand.

He finally pulls out of the parking lot and we takes me out of the city up to a hill overlooking. Unlike when I took him there is a gaurd rail and the sun is setting "this was my spot" he says.

"Wait, you grew up in Colville?" I say looking at him 

"Yeah well just outside my mom had a house. I still haven't been back to that property" he says as he wraps his arms around me. We lean against the hood watching the sun set and the city light up. "This is the Colville I've known for the past 4 years at night time" he says.

"I guess you need to show me it then." I say grabbing his hand.

Pulls me back towards him "I can see your mind is wondering something MC what is it?" He says.

"Trix said somethings I can't get out of my head" I say. 

"Like what?" He asks.

'Asking if a princess like me can handle you and that she expected something different seeing me" I say looking away from him.

He grabs my face "MC you're not a princess and you can completely handle me. I was unsure when we were out with your friends if I can handle you." He says with a smile.

"I feel like I haven't really seen you lose control" I say looking in his eyes.  "Even when I give you the greenlight to do as you please you stop yourself" I say. 

"Because I'm scared to hurt you. I'm rough and demanding, that's why I had you fill out that form" he says, holding my face.

"What did she mean when she said she expected something else?" I ask.

"Since I've been on the run I've only been with girls like her. However before that my exes were just like you. I changed my "type" so I didn't get too attached. "

"Until you met me and couldn't control the feeling" I say as I hold his hand.

"Exactly…. I tried to push you away but you just kept coming back. That's how I knew you could handle the real me" he says leaning his head against mine.

"So most people from your life from these last 4 years dont even truly know you" I say looking into his eyes.

"Nope only the parts I've let them but the more and more I'm with you the more of it that i used to be is opening up and letting you in. Which scares me but makes me feel relieved at the same time" he says. 

"Well just know iIm not going anywhere. Do you have that ring?" I ask.

"I'm not proposing to you yet MC" he says.

"No, I just want to wear it on my right hand so when I'm not near you I have a piece of your past with me" I say.  "I wouldn't expect you too yet. I know it's something you want but we're not ready yet".He pulls it out of his pocket looking at it. "That's if you want too" I say seeing the internal fight happening in his eyes.

"A part of me does and another part of me remembers the promise to my mom I made" he says.

"Then don't break a promise to your mom" I say. As I say that I turn my back towards him leaning against him just taking in the city view. I feel him grab my right hand and slide it on my finger. 

"One day I'll use it as promised but everyone that knows me well knows what that ring means and your mine" he says. A shiver goes down my back as he says that as I look at it and hold his hand. He kisses my shoulder again. "Let's go show you my world now" he says as he pulls me to the car and opens the door for me.

[skepticbeliever-bookclub]

Hello once again, shippers & readers!

We have come out the other side of June, sparkling and satisfied because as of this week, we have completed our month-long read! Together, we dove head-first into the last four chapters of Ballad of a Thin Man by chapscher.

Contextually, the journey together gave us the rare opportunity to experience the thrills and the twists at the same time and getting to the conclusion and reacting all at once to what we felt was a fitting end (especially in the live read where we were treated to the author themself dramatically reading its conclusion), we are now mostly morose that our current "water cooler" fic is over.

In the end, we were so moved by the dedication the author put into detail and foreshadowing for where the fic took us and it was more than satisfying to be able to bring our long list of analyses about Shane's perspective in this and feel vindication and awe at the ending's execution.

Rating: M

Summary:

He was far too tired for this. He couldn’t even clearly remember what Ryan’s rental car looked like. He told himself that Ryan was probably out parking somewhere and expected Shane to check them in; which was essentially how they worked whenever they filmed on the road. But Shane didn’t think he ever checked them in while he was quite this tired before. He couldn’t even remember getting out of the car. - Shane finds himself in a strange hotel that lingers in the space between memories and the unimagined.

Some Long Book Club Thoughts To Go With Our Theme:

The intimacy at the end is so emotional, somewhat because their injuries prevent more physical intimacy, but also how far they've come to be close.

reading it was like true detective season one, trying as a whole group to put pieces together and find clues and talk through symbolism. very satisfying as a group read

i like, also, inside the sweetness of this moment they're having, this is really the first time all fic we get ryan-and-shane banter

The fic is so lonely up until now. Even though there's been figments for Shane to talk to, he's really just been alone with himself. And now Ryan is there and Shane can let himself really be with him

[the author's] analysis of Shane’s brain is probably one of the best character analyses I’ve ever read

[The author] really manages to be so immersive but without it ever feeling bogged down or too heavy. Like the subject matter is kinda heavy and the mental journey shane takes is A Lot but it’s not so dense storytelling that it slogs along or anything. Which I v much appreciate cuz sometimes stuff like this where it’s so heavy on vibes and esp when it’s all ~ooh it’s in their heads~ it can get tiresome. This didn’t

i love some solid visual psychoanalysis, my first "getting some strong mulholland drive vibes" instinct in chapter one was correct and it was extremely satisfying to experience that wild ride

i love scott and ryan's conversation that we hear, it feels very real and also like we've been dropped into the middle of something that's been going on for days

ryan anguishing over his guilt and trying to stay in the suffer space because he doesn't feel like he deserves rest or food and Scott just kind of coaxing him toward being normal againit's nice

i keep thinking about the two of them irl have sort of tested the waters now and then of dancing together when the whole journey of their relationship and meeting and getting to know one another has been its own parallel dance of never touching whether that's them on opposite sides of the country or in different headspaces in their belief or even now with their work but they're always side by side doing the same thing

THE LOVE CONFESSION AND THEM KISSING SO PASSIONATELY WHILE TEMPORARILY FORGETTING THEIR INJURIES BEFORE IT WAS LIKE OW AND RYAN KISSING SHANE SO BREATHLESS THEY HAD TO STOP LIKE FUCKING FUCKKKKK.

the experience of getting to read the story with so many people in here, going on the journey together, was such a treat.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT DISCUSSION? CHECK OUT THE FAQ, AND SEND US AN ASK! IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR FIC RECS, PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR READS, NOMINEES AND BOOK CLUB REC LISTS!

[imaginationintowords]

Folklore [song series]

peace

Modern Day AU! Steve Rogers x OC!Reader

Plot: Inspired by Taylor Swift’s new album Folklore. The story follows the timeline of Bucky and Elizabeth’s life throughout the years

[word count: 2265]

[a/n: sorry for the wait. it was my birthday last weekend so i was just chilling. but here it is, just in time for the anniversary of folklore's release. the final chapter of my folklore song series. i started this last fall, and it's now the end. thank you to all who read the story and commented and showed it love. you don't know how much that means to me, that people liked it so much. thank you for joining this journey with me, and I hope the ending is a nice little bow to finish it off]

Series Masterlist

Age: 27

Year: July 2021 [two weeks after engagement]

Location: New York

Two weeks after their engagement, Steve and Elizabeth were still living off of the high from their engagement.

They were currently spending some time in New York. Liz had just graduated from law school that spring, while Steve was still working at the same architect firm. That was actually also why they were in New York.

The company was opening another branch in New York. Steve was offered a promotion, but it would only be available at the New York office.

In the few years since Steve graduated, he's been excelling in the architect world. He's really made a name for himself. Last year he was named the "hottest" up and coming architect. Ever since then he's been very busy. His boss gave him the month off, to propose to Liz, and to take a tour of the new office.

Steve told Liz that they'd only move back if that's what she really wanted. Especially since she just finished law school, and she still needs to take the state bar exam. She would need to figure that out soon, because the NY state bar exam date was closing in on her.

She and Steve decided a month in NY would help them both decide if moving back would be best. If they did decide to move back Steve would already have job waiting for him. Liz on the other hand might not.

Luckily for her, Loki was currently working at a law firm in NY. He was able to get her an interview while she was in town. He couldn't promise her a position, as there were a lot of people up for the job, some had even interned there. But Liz still went to the interview giving it her best.

Loki and Scott moved to NY two years ago, both their jobs taking them there. They ended up eloping right before their move, two years after Thor and Wanda got married.

Thor and Wanda had officially been married for four years. They were also considering the move over to the east coast. Both of their families lived out there and it just made more sense to them, especially with them trying to start a family.

Family was a massive pro for Steve and Liz as well. Moving back would mean seeing their loved ones a lot more. Especially now with Poppy about to turn six, part of them felt like they were missing out on their goddaughter's life. Steve also missed Bucky.

Bucky was doing really well in his career. He's currently working as a sound engineer for a movie studio. A big step up from the local recording studio he started in.

He was currently looking for a place to move to in Manhattan. Now that Poppy was about to be six, and she was already going to school in the city, it was time they officially made the move.

Actually he's no his girlfriend had decided to move in together.

Dr. Jane Foster is a pediatric fellow. She was in her first year of fellowship at a private practice in Manhattan.

Bucky and Jane met three years ago, through Sam Wilson. Bucky was hesitant at first to date, because he's a single father, and his main priority has always been Poppy since the day she was born. But

Sam had convinced Bucky to go on just one date. One date was all it took. Bucky was immediately hooked. Same went for Jane.

Jane was incredibly understanding of Bucky's situation. And it also helped that she loved children.

Jane met Poppy four months into the relationship and since then everything has been going great for the three of them. Jane instantly fell in love with Poppy and Poppy loved Jane a lot. Bucky had truly never felt happier. When he was alone with his girls he felt complete. When Bucky brought up the idea of officially making the move, he and Jane made the decision to move in together. They were practically already living together at that point. They were all very excited about this next step in their relationship.

Steve and Elizabeth were watching Poppy for the day while Bucky and Jane worked. They decided to spend their day in the city, walking around what could possibly be their new neighborhood. Poppy was loving having them around, and talking up their ears about school and all the friends she has made.

Around lunch time Poppy started to get hungry and sleepy. They decided to stop at a café and get some lunch.

Liz went inside while Steve and Poppy sat outside. Poppy ended up falling asleep on Steve while they waited for Liz. Steve found himself thinking about the possibility of living there.

Truth be told part of him did want to move back. He genuinely missed the New York City way of living. As he relaxes into the sounds of the city, he hears his name being called out. He looks straight ahead, looking for whoever called him, or if they were calling another Steve. As his eyes scanned the crowd, he met the eyes of the last person he would ever think he would see again.

He was completely shocked.

"Peggy?" Steve questioned, as the woman stopped in front of the table.

"I thought that was you," she smiled, "Wow. You most certainly aren't 17 anymore."

Peggy checks him out, as he stayed in his seat. She wasn't being subtle about it either.

Steve cleared his throat, noticing the way Peggy was eyeing him up and down, "Well it has been a decade wince we've last seen each other."

Peggy glances at the sleeping Poppy in his lap.

"Is this your daughter?" She asks pointing at Poppy, then glancing at his left hand noticing there wasn't a ring on his finger.

"Oh, no. This is my goddaughter. She's actually Bucky's," Steve tells her.

"No way," she gasps, surprised by this information. At that moment Elizabeth walks out of the cafe with a number plaque for the table.

"Oh my gosh! Elizabeth?" Peggy greeted.

"Peggy?" Liz asked confused at this older version of Peggy Carter.

"Yeah," she smiled.

Elizabeth put the number plaque on the table, Peggy catches the shimmer of her engagement ring.

"Oh wow! Congratulations," she says grabbing Liz's left hand, "You have a really beautiful daughter. I'm so happy for you and Bucky. High school sweethearts, making it til the end."

Liz was confused, she looked at Steve, hoping he could get them out of this awkward, and slightly uncomfortable situation.

"Um actually, this isn't her daughter, and she's not engaged or married to Bucky," Steve says, "We're actually the ones engaged."

Peggy was taken by surprise at this brand new information, not expecting to hear those words come out of Steve's mouth.

"Oh, I'm so sorry. My mistake," she apologizes, embarrassed.

"Well Congratulations," she awkwardly says, glancing at her watch, "I better be on my way. But hey here's my card. I moved back a couple of months ago. But we should all get dinner and catch up. There's clearly a lot I have missed."

She hands Liz the business card and walks away.

"Well that was random," Steve awkwardly laughs.

"What are the odds," Liz says sitting across from Steve, "Didn't even know she was back."

Liz cleared her throat and tried to focus on the city around her.

Con: Peggy Carter.

Steve and Elizabeth continued on with their day. At the end of the day, they dropped Poppy off at Jane's apartment and headed to their hotel.

Throughout their day there was a slight tension between the couple, it didn't go unnoticed by the both of them. Neither could figure out what the tension was. They both knew it had to do with the sudden appearance of Peggy Carter.

They laid in their hotel bed, each with a book in their hands. Their nightly read.

Elizabeth had a hard time focusing on what she was reading. She tried to force away thoughts of Peggy Carter out of her head. She flipped the page and stopped when she noticed her engagement ring. She took a long stare at it.

"Do you regret it?" She asks, turning her head towards him.

"Regret what?" He asks putting his book down and turning to face her.

"You and Peggy breaking up," she says, "Do you regret it?"

Steve is taken back by Liz's question.

"No," he shakes his head, "I don't regret it."

"Do you ever wonder what you're life would've been like had she stayed?"

Steve ponders over the question, "Truthfully? No. Once we said our final goodbyes in London, that was it. I never once gave it another thought. I closed that chapter as soon as I boarded my flight. Not that the breakup didn't hurt. Because it did. I just knew then that she wasn't my future. I never thought I would see her again."

"But you did," Liz quietly says.

"Yeah, which was weird," he says.

"I wouldn't blame you if you wanted out of the relationship to be with her," she says tearing up.

"What? No," Steve quickly says, sitting straight up, "I don't want that."

"I just mean, if you wanted to. I would completely understand. She was your first love."

"Yes, she was. But I don't love her," he says, "I know this is only coming up because we saw her today, and there's been this out of awkward tension in the air ever since. But I don't want to be with Peggy."

Liz glances down at her engagement ring again, trying to hide the tears of insecurity rolling down her face.

"Look at me," he softly says, placing his hand over her's, "I love you and only you. I asked you to marry me because you're the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. You and only. Peggy doesn't mean anything to me. I haven't even thought of her since high school. You mean more to me than anything in this world. Especially more than some high school ex-girlfriend. You, Elizabeth are my entire world."

"Why would you even think that?" He gently asks

"Just seeing her and the way she looked at you before she realized we were engaged," she says, "She wanted you. Then my mind started to wonder if maybe that was a sign for you two to get back together. And maybe you'd realize you regret proposing to me."

"There isn't an ounce of regret in me that makes me feel like I'm making the wrong decision," he assures her, "There is no one else for me. You are it. Proposing to you wasn't for confidence. Proposing to you was the only thing I've ever felt so sure of. It was the only thing I've ever done that I didn't second guess. You are the only thing I've ever felt so sure of."

"This," he grabs her and and gestures between the both of them, "Is where I want to be for the rest of my life. This brings me a peace like no other. You are my peace."

Age: 27

Year: May 2022

Location: Somewhere in Upstate New York

"You are my peace," Steve sniffles, as he holds Elizabeth's hands, tears flowing down both of their faces as they stood up in front of their closest friends and families, reciting their vows.

"I don't think I would be where I am today without you and your continued support. I meant what I said years ago about following you wherever you went. All I ever want is to be by your side. Nothing else has ever meant to me as you do. My future doesn't exist if you're not apart of it. Nothing matters if I don't have you. Since the day we met, twenty years ago, I knew you would play such an important part in my life. We clearly aren't the same people we were then. Yet over the many years you haven't strayed away from being this kind supportive, understanding person. To know one day our future kids will have that as a mother, overwhelms me with joy and love. They will be the most luckiest kids in the world.

"You are it for me. You are my world. I know everyone says weddings and getting married is the start of a new chapter, but it doesn't really feel lie that for us. It just feel like our story is continuing. There's no end in sight. And I'll make sure of that, by being supportive, kind to you for the rest of our lives. There won't be a time where you ever have to question my love for you. Because Elizabeth Sanchez, you are love."

Elizabeth has tears streaming down her face. She didn't' care how she looked. The only person that mattered was the man standing before her, professing his never ending love for her.

The pastors signaled her, that it was now her turn to speak.

"I figured I'd try and keep it short and sweet, because you know exactly how I feel about you Steve," she begins, "There's only one thing I want to say, more so I want to thank you. Thank you for giving me love. An unconditional love that never seems to fade. Since day one of our relationship. You've been patient. You always say I'm the supportive one, but you fail to see that you are too. Even more than me. You've always been willing to drop everything, not just for me but for all the ones you love. Anyone who has Steve Rogers' love, should count themselves as being incredibly special. I am the luckiest pet one out of them all because I get to be the recipient of your love every single day. I am the one who gets to spend the rest of their life calling you my husband. My partner. My life. You've shown me a love like no other. So thank-you Steve, for loving me."

Folklore series taglist: @iheartsebandchris @perksofbeingabookworm @atomicsoulcollecto @void-imaginations @stumbleonmywords

Permanent taglist: @rosegolddivinity @definitelynotafangirl-blog1 @1awesomeash @princess-evans-addict @24kbratz @introvertatitsfinest @imagine-all-the-imagines @also-fangirlinsweden @rororo06 @getlostinyourparadise @small-death-and-codeine @bonkyboinkybucky @sincerely-kizzy @loudthoughts-softspoken @aquariuslavenderhoney @cherriesanwine @goalexis123 @sassyslytherinshai @loving-books-is-easier @katiaw2 @xoxabs88xox @osugahunnyicedtea @katierpblogg @thefridgeismybestie @maybeimkate @lou-la-lou @demirunner @celineann91 @marie1115 @fangirl-couch-potato @lokisironthrone @daughterofthenight117

[sometimesiwrite]

Just a Scratch

B I N G O ! 

Prompt: It’s Just a Scratch

Pairing: Lambert/Aiden; Eskel & Lambden; Implied Geralt/Eskel 

Rating: Teen 

Summary: Lambert and Aiden are moving to start the next leg of their adventure together. Eskel sees them off.

Warnings: Modern AU; bittersweet; friends leaving; implied COVID distancing A/N: For Ben & Jemma

@witcher-rarepair-summer-bingo @continentcakeshop @morethangeraskier​

Read it on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/33145900

“All set?” Eskel asked, squishing in one final duffel bag into the footwell and backing himself out of the rear door of Aiden’s VW Golf. Anya, Lambert and Aiden's husky mix, dozed sleepily in the back seat despite the excitement, having been rudely awoken at 6:30am to confusedly do her business.

“That’s it,” Aiden shrugged, letting the trunk close with a dull, satisfying thud. He opened his arms questioningly, and Eskel wasted no time pulling him into an affectionate squeeze, touching his hand to the back of Aiden’s head before pulling away. 

“You take care of yourself. Let me know when you make your first stop, alright? Anything goes wrong, just let me know.” 

“We’ll call you from the hotel,” Aiden reassured as he flipped the car keys over his finger.

“I still say we can make it to Port Hope by the end of the day if we push it.” Lambert was tucked under the hood, giving the car one final check for fluid levels (tyre pressure had already been meticulously checked earlier that morning).

Aiden tilted his head, “That’s if you drive and unfortunately the highway patrol doesn’t care about fuel efficiency if you’re going ten over the speed limit.” He ambled his way over behind Lambert to get a cheeky eye-full of his favourite view, “Besides, I need you to put that sexy brain of yours to work for navigation.”

“Oi! Gerroff!” Lambert protested and Aiden backed away, but not before getting in a perfectly resonant smack. “If you had it your way, you horny old bastard, we’d be stopping every two hours to—”

 Eskel pointedly cleared his throat, scratching his head as he met Aiden’s eyes with a mixture of amused pride and endearing awkwardness that Aiden had so quickly grown to love. He would miss Eskel. They'd gotten close over the last five years, close enough that they had become friends of their own—each keeping the other company when Lambert or Geralt was out of town, planning surprises... 

Aiden's proposal had gone perfectly, their crowning achievement of mutual scheming. Lambert didn't even try to deny the fact that he'd cried like a baby—candles, dusk, his favourite hiking trail, champaign. Even Anya had behaved herself. That is, until she decided her owners had been embracing for too long and not paying nearly enough attention to her. Eskel had offered to edit that part out of the video, but Lambert insisted on keeping it in—"What's a special moment without our favourite dingus. Isn't that right, Anya? Are you a dingus? Yes! Yes you are!" 

“Not gonna miss us at all, are ya, big guy?” The hood latched heavily as Lambert wiped his hands and stowed the oil rag in the passenger's side door next to the Stanadyne.

"You kiddin'? I'm gonna miss you like hell. C'mere." Eskel wrapped Lambert in a bear bug that nearly crushed his goddamn ribs. 

"Easy, Eskel, Jesus I gotta breathe!" 

"Sorry," Eskel eased off, but he didn't let go. There hadn't been enough hugs in the last year. The last few months had barely made up for it, and now there would be far fewer. More dinners over Skype, more sporadic phone calls, occasional texts... watching his and Aiden's life unfold over Instagram and Facebook. But at least they would be happy, Eskel told himself. At least they were starting the next stage of their lives together with an adventure they'd remember forever. This was important for them. And yet the chill, damp fog of isolation was already creeping in around Eskel. Even as he held Lambert close to him and swallowed tears he'd save for later. 

One final squeeze and a pat on the back, and Lambert turned to get in the car, tossing a treat to Anya as he settled in. Aiden gave Eskel a final peck on the cheek, "Take care of yourself, alright? Don't be a stranger. Call, text, whatever. We're always happy to hear from you. Promise?"

Eskel nodded soberly, "I will. Thanks, Aiden." 

"We'll skype when we get to the new place. I want you to see it before it gets cluttered with boxes. We could even do dinner or—"

Eskel waved a hand, "We'll figure something out. Just get there in one piece, and send pictures. I'm not worried." 

Aiden smiled warmly, "Good. Good." A heavy exhale, "Alright, well..." 

"I hate to interrupt the bleeding hearts moment, but we've got commuter traffic piling up on the 606 as we speak! Get your gorgeous butt in the car, we gotta move!"

Aiden took a beat, "Yes dear!" 

"Okay, Anya! You be good!" Eskel gave the chocolate-and-caramel pup one last scritch behind the ears and closed the rear door just in time for the stereo to start playing Journey.

The car rolled down the driveway and Eskel watched until it disappeared over the hill past the stop sign. When the gravelly diesel purr was finally drowned out by late summer cicadas, Eskel sat heavily on the front steps with his coffee. He couldn't bring himself to open the door and go back inside. Something about the stark emptiness of a home previously occupied with guests made the aimless silence too loud. Besides, robins and cardinals were better than daytime tv for company. Finally, Eskel rested his forehead against his thumbs and let the wave of emotion breach the dam.

Shedding tears was something Eskel usually associated with significant pain—rage, grief, remorse, indignation—an open wound that took time and tending to heal. This wasn't like that, though. This was a scratch. Simple, uncomplicated pain: he was sad. Eskel couldn't remember the last time he'd cried because he was just... sad. Decades ago, he imagined, though he couldn't pinpoint a specific moment. It was something children did before emotions became more complicated. But here he was, sitting on his front steps, crying because he was sad. Eyes streaming, hot and wet down his cheeks because his friends were leaving. Just a scratch.

He felt silly, crying over something so inconsequential— and a man as touch-needy as Eskel, bearlike as he was, was left with the sinking feeling that, aside from Geralt, he might not touch another person for a rather long time.

It's not that they didn't have friends, of course, and he would talk to them later that night. He was helping to plan their wedding for chrissake, it's not like they would never speak again. But proximity to other people was something that had grown increasingly scarce, and Eskel—bearlike as he was—had the sinking feeling that, aside from Geralt, he might not touch another person for a while. 

Lambert and Aiden had an uncomplicated relationship with affection that always freed Eskel from the burden of second-guessing the odd touch to a shoulder or elbow. So many others had different personal spaces, many of which had expanded recently. Eskel was happy to respect, and accommodate, but Eskel always felt most himself when he could be affectionate with the people he cared about, and with those two gone, it suddenly felt as though a part of his identity was being forced back into shadow and shyness.

Eskel felt his phone vibrate in his pocket and he sniffed loudly before answering. "Yup? Geralt, hi. Yeah, they just-just left. I'm ok-I'm okay. You know. Goodbyes are never easy. How's the conference? Heh. Good, good. Tell him I send my regards... Listen, I should get to work. No, I’m okay, I'll call you later... Will do. I l— I love you, too, hon. Buh-bye.” 

Eskel hung up the phone and stared quietly at the bird feeder for a few more minutes before going back inside, feeling as though something in the cosmos had shifted.