#but turkey break is here so I'm going to try my best to get back to the arts for me once more! :D

[kay9leo]

#MCtober2024 - Week 3 Alternate House AU

Based on lamieboo's #MCtober2024 event (click on #MCtober for more info).

When I first checked out Pottermore when it came out and did the house sorting quiz, I would always end up being a hat stall and could pick either Gryffindor or Hufflepuff. Most of times I would take it on other sites, my end result would essentially be GryffinPuff.

So here we have Iñaki (since she is sort of based off my younger self) in the two alternative houses that she could be in if she wasn't so dead set convincing the sorting hat to put her in Slytherin to avoid making friends.

Gryffindor AU - Relationship Changes

Imelda Reyes

I think that as a Gryffindor, she would be Imelda's worst nightmare. While Iñaki isn't much of a Quidditch player back in the States, in the UK, she end up joining the sport when Natty convinces her to try out for the chaser position. She ends up being one of the best chasers Gryffindor has had in a while. Where in the main universe where she is a Slytherin and is Imelda roommate who eventually becomes as close to her as a sister due to their shared Hispanic culture and a friendly sibling-like rivalry, as a Gryffindor (and to a minor extend, as a Hufflepuff) her relationship with Imelda is one of a frienemy rivalry where the two girls are always trying to one up each other and they have a mutrual respect for each other.

Natsai Onai

In Gryffindor, Natty becomes Iñaki main to-go person, moreso since when she is in Gryffindor, Natty is Iñaki's roommate. The two are the last people who you expect to get in trouble or go hunting down for evidence since while on the surface, they seem like goody-two shoes, it allows them to use that cover to get out of more trouble than most people expect they would get in. Where when Iñaki was in Slytherin in the main universe and was two peas in a pod with Sebastian, in this universe, you wouldn't find Natty without Iñaki  and vice versa. You would somethings hear more tales of a strange spotted big cat (aka Jaguar Iñaki) hanging out with a strange deer creature (aka Gazelle Natty) in the Forbidden forest.

Sebastian Sallow

Where in the main universe where he and Iñaki are two peas in a pod, best friends that you've ever seen, in the Gryffindor AU, to Iñaki, Sebastian is someone she sort of sees as a rival since their DADA duel and someone she would be sassy with. There are less conversations between the two compared to when she is in Slytherin due to the two house being rivals and also because she doesn't spend as much time with him compare to the Slytherin Iñaki. Sebastian is the one who seeks her compared to when she is in Slytherin (they both equally seek each other out). In short, Sebastian has his work cut out for him to be Iñaki's friend instead of rival, never mind being her main person in this AU. Heck, he even has a hard time being her rival since Imelda called dibs on it first due to quidditch.

Hufflepuff AU - Relationship Changes

Poppy Sweeting

The two were assigned to be roommates and they click pretty fast after bonding together over a cat that was sleeping on Iñaki's bed. The difference between Iñaki being in Slytherin and in Hufflepuff with her is that in Hufflepuff, the two girls tend to sneak out to have late night convos in the kitchens and Iñaki ends up showing Poppy her jaguar form before offering to teach Poppy to be an animagus when Poppy gains interest in learning how to be one (Poppy ends up being either a Great Pyrenes or Hippogriff because of this reddit post). They end up being known as the oddball duo in the school and you can commonly find them in the Beasts outdoor classroom.

Sebastian Sallow

As far as Hufflpuff Iñaki goes, she is on better terms with Sebastian since there isn't a House rivalry to be concerned with. She does find it more annoying since Sebastian assume loyalty is due to her house and not just being her friend. While he is her friend, he's not directly her main person to go to - that honor belongs to either Poppy or Natty (depending who she finds first). Their banter is more like of close classmates rather than friends and it takes a longer time for Iñaki to let him in surprisingly enough (compared to her Gryffindor self) since while they do team up in Crossed Wands, Iñaki doesn't really think much about him unless he looks for her since there isn't really a house rivalry between them to keep her attention on him. To Iñaki, Sebastian is another classmate and who happens to be friendly and it will take the entire school year before they end up becoming close friends (which is why Iñaki says that line to him in the pic, she does consider him a good friend by that point). Just know, Sebastian is always the first one to offer being her partner in class since it's the only way Iñaki will actually speak to him - he simps harder for Iñaki here to be her friend while the rest of the class thinks his not-so-secret crush is so obvious (to the point, Iñaki is wondering about it as well). In Slytherin ironically enough, it is the easiest for him to hide his crush for her since they are always together unlike when Iñaki is a Hufflepuff where he's trying to get her attention to be seen as more than a classmate and trying to be her friend.

[nmakii]

Hii! Hear me out on this, right, Alastor (in your current yandere husband au) has one-on-one bonding with our lovely Noah. (I have a cat named Noah...lowkey imagining him here.) Idk what dads do with kids but for the sake of plot I'm going to call it hunting. Reader is sitting quietly as Noah tells her all about his day in the forest and how he got to see his food before it was his food! She starts thinking that no amount of nurture can overpower someone's nature. Reader doesn't hate her son...but she's just worried and is trying her best, because in her mind, she's still a single mom and always will be. (Rightfully so) Alastor is egging this on and almost trying to get reader to lose it in front of Noah, to prove something. Other things ! Alastor is def not happy with one kid lmao. Seven years is a long age gap...better hurry up! He wants his Emilia....not because his mother is asking for it or anything like it! Speaking of his mother...god rest her soul man...i lowkey would just marry him for her to be my legal mother (in-law). Rip mom...fly high girl... (Ps, can i please hug you platonically, i literally love you and your writing so much. Please remember that you've made so many cool things and will continue to make cool things no matter which path you go. Love you girly (gn), a little more than Alastor's mom) - Charry Anon

WE’RE GONNA FLY AWAY FROM HERE

[before you read this, read the rest of the story!]

— the more and more alastor influences your son, the more he becomes just like his father. but, why stop at just one child?

— i love u i will make MORE yandere alastor bc hes now my fave

you hated this house. no matter how much alastor tried to hide it, the subtle scent of blood reeked from all over this house.

you oh, so desperately wanted to run away— hop on a train all the way to long island. but, it isn’t so simple anymore. you had a son to think of, a son who’s growing scarily closer to his father.

the thought of hurting noah might have never crossed alastor’s mind, but he wasn’t above threatening it to bring you back home. and above all that, you couldn’t leave him alone with this wolf.

and so, you stayed.

“and then, papa told me to stay quiet… and he shot the turkey! papa took me to his butcher room and showed how get the yummy turkey meat! y’know mama, papa has lots of meat in his butcher room.” your son rambled on, kneeling on a stool by the kitchen counter as you prepare for dinner. “lots of meat, you say?” you raised an eyebrow. “…that sounds really fun, baby.” you sighed.

it’s only been a month since he forced you back. and, noah’s already calling alastor ‘papa’. he tainted your sweet boy’s mind— ‘mama lied to you, she wanted to keep you all to herself. she’s really selfish, but then again, i can’t blame her!’

and, you couldn’t protest. if you did, if you broke the rose-tinted filter alastor created— he would hurt you. not physically, alastor is still a ‘gentleman’. he’d hurt you mentally, break your little mind until you can’t do anything but nod your head.

alastor would never strike his hand on noah. after all, deep down, there’s some part of him that’s still in love with you, albeit in his own twisted way. and, noah is apart of you, alastor couldn’t bear to hurt him, not unless he’s misbehaving…

“mama, can we have the turkey we hunted for dinner?!” noah asked excitedly, slamming his hands against the counter over and over again. “sure, baby… but, remember before..? you got in trouble with mr. yee because you released all his chickens…” you asked, quite desperate. this little boy, the one who finds hunting fun. he is nothing like the one who wanted to become vegan after he found out where chicken comes from, despite failing because of his love for chicken burgers.

“yeah, but papa showed me how fun hunting is!” he squealed. at the mention of papa, alastor laughed, carrying noah from behind, tickling his belly as he kissed your little boy’s head. “talking to mama about our little trip, huh?” alastor grinned.

“ah, alastor… dinner will be ready in a half hour.” you glared at him. “no worries, my love. it just means that i have a half hour to play with our beautiful son!” he smugly said. he saw the hatred in your eyes the moment he said ‘our’.

he was trying to make you lose your shit. make you seem like a hysterical woman. that way, if you even tried to divorce him, noah would be left in his care. now that you were older and wiser, you wouldn’t play into his little trap.

“alright, you two have fun.” you begrudgingly smiled. alastor’s eyes widened, showing his shock for just one split second. alastor nudged noah, “go on for a second. papa wants to talk with mama.”

oh god, what now?

once noah left, alastor went behind you, straddling your waist. “what is it, alastor?” you groaned. “i want another child, darling” he whispered against your ear. “i visited my mother with noah last week, she adored him, my love. she said she’d adore a granddaughter this time. she even picked out a name, emilia.” he rambled on. “as much as i love your mother, i don’t want another child, alastor.” you hissed out.

“oh, but it’s not just my mother, dear. little noah also wants a little brother or sister of his own.” at the thought of a little sister for noah, it would keep him busy, away from alastor, wouldn’t it? he’d gain those brotherly instincts that are so reminiscent of the soft hearted boy you raised.

“…alright…” you frowned. alastor’s grip on your hips tightened as he pressed kisses onto your neck. “good girl.” your head leaned back as you melted into his touch. as much as you didn’t want to, the warm sensation of his soft lips on your skin was to die for. “after dinner, darling.” he grinned, finally leaving you alone.

what had you done to be forsaken with this monster?

[kandadze]

Ep 30 loose thoughts

Whoo boy, I'm scared.

Wow, ZYC's words really hit LL *hard*. Still not sure if it's going to be enough for him to stop being a malice, quitting cold turkey rarely actually works.

ZYZ waiting for him... I immediately got distracted by the fact that there seems to be a weiqi board between them?! How about you just play a round instead of killing each other?

Yet another scene we've already seen in the MV... ZYZ gifting LL the Truth Eye. (I've watched it so many times I'm literally trying to predict the ending by piecing together the scenes we weren't shown in the eps so far 😅)

Oh dear, it's like whatever they try to say, it comes out wrong. Their worldviews are so different, they're bound to misunderstand each other no matter how much they might still love each other.

It breaks my heart that ZYZ is still hoping for a draw. This demon loves and loves and loves in spite of everything. 😭

Oh but I do kinda get how LL's tentative hope got crushed here. He so desperately wants to live and mean something to ZYZ, he will not see leaving Bai Jiu's body as an atonement - he'll see ZYZ's requesting it, without any alternative, as yet another proof that ZYZ doesn't care about what's going to happen to *him*.

Isn't ZYZ supposed to be the strongest demon or something? Don't tell me he's poisoned as well!

HUH??? WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE LOST ALL HIS DEMONIC POWER??? How? When???

Explain yourselves ffs!

Oh no PSJ just watched her brother die in front of her for the third time... 😭

Oof the whole sequence hurt like a bitch, Lin Ziye hit it out of the ballpark with his acting yet again, and I very much love how this was a team effort instead of the two great demons showdown... But ngl I feel like Bai Yan was completely useless. You're a fucking tree spirit as old as the gods! Why aren't you helping???

*Now* you're whipping out the goddamn root??? I think you could've presented it as an option for him *while* asking him to vacate Bai Jiu's body, he *was* open to suggestions! (I love the dramatic fight scenes as much as the next guy, but now in the light of this new info it seems to me that *this* particular fight - AND THE RESULTING DEATHS - was potentially completely unnecessary??? Once this is all over can you please take some time to work on your communication skills, people!) But also fuck this guy, he'd said he was not going to hurt Ying Lei! Dishonor on him and his goddamn cows!

ZYZ, you big ol' softie!!! (But also, this changes my understanding of the scene at the creation stone somewhat... let's see if they expand on this in any way.)

NO, YING LEIIIIII!!!! 😭 I *wish* ZYC had healing powers omg this was so rude!!! (Also not his last words being his encouragement to Bai Jiu!!! Who's not even conscious at this point!!! 😭😭😭)

"This time we draw." You mofos!!!

This still doesn't explain anything about *why* all his demonic power is gone. Did he use it all up to restore the sword? Is it because he was the only source of power that the creation stone could draw from this time, as opposed to when he rebuilt the tower - with LL?

They're back to breaking my heart with their bond and the - rather one-sided at this point - bickering. Scold him, ZYC, you'll both feel better!

Bai Jiu, this poor kid, I can't even begin to imagine what he's going through right now. Even with ZYC there, the weight on him must be enormous. (I hope someone goes to PSJ as well...) Aaaand they made me cry again. Ying Lei understood humans so well! Food can totally be a love language. And he used his powers to make sure the easily perishable snack he made for Bai Jiu wouldn't spoil!!! 😭😭😭

I'm glad they showed us WX doing her best to comfort PSJ. I love that they showed us that PSJ does have the very human wish to be special in some way, to feel needed and accepted, and how having that can translate into strength to protect and make sacrifices in return. I hope she goes back to kicking ass real soon.

After "this"??? Whatever the heck do you mean, ZYC? Are you planning on offing yourself to heal WX? (I know that ZYZ would have totally done it already, save for the tiny issue of having no demonic power at the moment...) Yeah, this totally sounds as if he was saying his goodbyes ffs

ZYZ is a vision in this white outfit and with the light pouring onto him from above. Also, ZYC reaching out to him like *that* yet again. It was almost enough to distract me from the fact that they seem to be withholding info about the poison from each other, without realizing that they both already know. What are you two planning, you self-sacrificial idiots???

Whew okay, this was a ride and a half. Onto ep 31 since apparently I have access to it, and I'd rather break my heart in one go instead of prolonging the agony. This way I can bawl my eyes out for the rest of the weekend and still appear functional at work on Monday.

[pinkmoondoll9shihtzu]

Quitting Weed Day 9 Status Report 📝

to start off , i'll say, i do indeed feel like Ass ! this post might get a tad emo. regretting my life choices to smoke for as long as i have 😕 But then again, maybe that's harsh, cus i was just doing the best i could with the circumstances i been dealt in the past.

i couldnt just quit cold turkey cus every time i try that its way too intense and i alwaus end up going back. So the past 9 days i've been hitting my (extremely weak) weed cart a couple times a night, only after 9pm, just to help me sleep. Before that i was smoking probly like. 5-8 bowls a day, followed by hitting the weed pen RELENTLESSLY all night until i passed out. So its still been a huge change lol. From tonight onwards tho i'm done w the weed pen and ready to try 0 thc 🙏

kind friend @palmceader sent me a CBD tincture made for sleep (thanku again 🥹) which im sure has a TINY percentage of thc, but nothing even close to how much im used to.

i cant even imagine how fried my dopamine receptors are, cus honestly, i feel Fucked. spaced out is an understatement. i cant focus on anything and its kinda driving me insane. it feels impossible to read or draw or do any of my hobbies.. my body feels heavy and depressed. No motivation. its kinda the opposite of what i was expecting. i can barely keep my eyes open during the day..

on a brighter note i havent been struggling too much with sleep or appetite. i think sleepy time tea + the tincture + magnesium is rly helping. my dreams recall is already improving so much, and the times i have nightmares arent as bad as its been previous times i tried to quit. i havent rly struggled with cravings at all either, which used to be a huge obstacle for me ! im just so over it now. i was starting to get chest pains and coughing a lot, which was taking any joy out of the act of smoking for me.

morbid to say but I often think of my father and how his rampant addictions directly lead him to such a painful and horrific early death. its a rare perspective of imagery so disturbing , i know i can't go on in such a manner. Like, what a fucking fool i would be! For others i can understand it but for me, no. it has haunted me for a long time to know i'm letting myself go down that path, even with all my insistent self-justification that his death is what brought me to this in the first place. deep down ive been knowing i need to break the cycle like i have the choice and the power, im still alive im still here ..

Sorry if thats depressing to bring up! i do feel depressed tho. i cant use weed to hide from my pain anymore.. i have to rewire my whole ass method of coping with stress at age 30. i know i can do it but its gonnnna be a long winded process full of ups n downs. Running away is no longer an option and thats a lot to face! a lot of old wounds i never rly dealt with, cus i kept my head in the 💨clouds💨 for so long.

i promise not to give up this time tho no matter how hard it gets 🙏 i want to set a good example too like indunno a lot of younger ppl follow me now i dont wanna feed into narratives that may influence them in bad directions. i have a responsible heart. i rly dont think weed is cool i havent since i was like 16. i was just dependent on it so i tried to romanticisze its role in my life. its silly.

im kinda laughing now cus im like god, i initially felt like the reason im quitting is so i can be more active in my dream world, but the more i think about it the more i notice MANY many more reasons to quit that go way deeper.

All in all the reason im talking about it is to maybe inspire other ppl who have been on the verge of quitting but too afraid to rly take the plunge-- Ur not alone, ur not weak for being addicted, if u need to reach out to me u are more than welcome.

Ppl rly downplay weed addiction cus the withdrawals arent life threatening like other substances, but that doesnt mean its a walk in the park. Most ppl i know who are stoners have never been able to quit for similar reasons as me. It takes a major psychological hold over u. if u ever need to vent about it or need advice, im here!

if u read all of this, pls dont worry abt me xD Even if it feels miserable rn i have faith things will improve, the heaviness and brainfog will lift, the emotions will be purged, i am excited for my future. One day at a time....Dont giving up 🙏

Signed, PMD9

[specialbluehens]

mother hen

based on this post i made about shane being an older sibling figure to the younger bachelors & bachelorettes. he's the disgruntled mom friend.

1. sam

Shane slumps into a chair and takes off that dreadful cap as he begins his legally designated 15 minute break at work. He knows if it weren't for the literal law that he wouldn't be given a break at all, especially with Morris stressing about customers that never show up. It's the same two or three people from town every day. Morris isn't going to get that through his thick skull, though. Shane sighs as rubs his eyes roughly with his palms, trying to fend off his exhaustion and mild hangover.

He's getting better. He hasn't cut himself off completely, but he's getting better. He can remember his nights now instead of select moments and then blurry images and distant noises. Shane sighs. He has a therapy appointment in a couple of days. He isn't enjoying therapy but it is starting to give him relief in a way he's never felt before. It's better. It's better, he reassures himself, despite the pressure in his chest yelling at him that he's a failure for not going cold turkey.

Shane slouches further down in the chair and tips his head so it rests on the back of the chair. These cushioned armchairs, as cheap and small and obnoxiously colored blue as they are, are the best things JojaMart has ever gotten. He shuts his eyes and listens to the sound of absolutely nothing in the break room. He's saved from the terrible repetitive pop music playlist on the floor. It's just him and the whirring of a nearby fan.

Until the door swings open and Sam comes barging in with a giddy smile and something in his hands. He's going to come over and try and show him isn't he?

"Shane!"

Shane groans and covers his face with his cap.

"C'mon! I gotta show you something!"

"No." Shane grumbles from under his cap. "Go away."

"Please?" Sam asks nicely, "I promise you will like it."

Shane grabs his cap and swings it down onto his lap. "What is it?"

Sam holds out a flier and beams. Shane sighs and snatches the paper and takes a look at it. It's an advertisement for a show in Zuzu City.

"Who's 'Goblin Destroyer?'" Shane asks.

"My band!" Sam says excitedly, hopping from foot to foot. "We got a gig! It's a small show but it's still in Zuzu City!"

Shane blinks and nods. "Alright, cool." He looks up at Sam, who's got the biggest hopeful puppy dog eyes he's ever seen. Sam is giving Jas a run for her money. "Uh… good job." He tries to say it and mean it. It's exactly what Sam is looking for, because Sam somehow grins even wider and giddily jumps up and down.

"You totally gotta come!"

Shane purses his lips together. Go to their concert? He can't remember the last time he'd been to a concert, especially given how tickets usually cost more money than he has. Except, Sam and his band can't be expensive. It's their first show and probably at a small concert venue or in a club in Zuzu City, which most of the time is free. He has no reason to not go other than he doesn't know if he wants (or can handle) being in a potential crowd.

But Sam is waiting patiently and quietly. This means a lot to him.

Shane sighs, "Yeah, I can go. I just need the date and time."

"Really?!" Sam nearly shouts. "And everything is on the flier, plus everybody from here who's coming will be on the bus together. Pam agreed to it," He explains.

"Ah," Shane says, reading the flier again and seeing yes, all of the information is there. "Erm, your mom going?"

"Her and Vince are going, yea," Sam sounds less excited but he's still happy. "I'm not sure Mom will like the music too much, she doesn't like it when we practice in the house, but I think my dad would like it."

"Mmm," Shane hums.

"My dad isn't going to be home until next year," Sam says, his demeanor shifting into what Shane can only describe as sullen. "It's been weird, getting ready for it even though it's a whole two seasons away."

Shane isn't sure what to say to that. He never had much of a family growing up, and what little he remembers of his father are more images than true moving memories. Flashes.

"He's been gone since Vince was a toddler," Sam says. "We had just moved to the valley when it happened." Shane knows all of this already, this isn't the first time Sam has told him about it. Sam tends to repeat it a lot.

"I mean, I'm an adult now, y'know?"

"You're an adult?" Shane teases dryly. He smirks as Sam leans over and gives him a light slap on the knee.

"I'm being serious, dude," Sam says, "I just… I'm doing great things and he's not even here. I've been told he didn't have a choice but then there's so many people whose dads are here and weren't shipped off to the war. Did he have no choice?"

"Sam there wasn't a draft, and there hopefully won't be one anytime soon. So no, your father wasn't forced," Shane states matter-of-factly. He didn't plan on continuing further, but Sam's look of defeat…

"But, by 'no choice', probably meant in looking for a job. People who aren't doing well sometimes feel like the military's all they can do and be guaranteed some benefits at the end of it. Why did y'all move to Pelican Town?" Shane asks.

"It was too expensive in Zuzu," Sam says.

"Do you know why I moved to Pelican Town? Why did I move in with my aunt?"

"Because it was too expensive in Zuzu City."

"Right, and that was just me and Jas," Shane says, "Two of us. Y'all are a family of four. I can't imagine how hard it was."

"... Yeah…" Sam murmurs.

"Look, your old man was doing what was best at the time. He's gonna be different when he comes back."

"Yeah, in his letter he said he was different. I found it in my mom's room."

"Don't go snooping in your mom's room," Shane scolds. He clears his throat to switch off the "talking to Jas aka a child" mindset. "All I'm saying is, maybe this," Shane passes back the flier. "This'll be something he can enjoy when he gets back."

"I hope so," Sam says. "I don't know what I'd do if he doesn't like it."

"He'll like it," Shane says, "And even if he doesn't, he'll still be proud. He's your dad. He'd be crazy if he wasn't proud of you."

"You think so? Sometimes I don't even know if my mom is proud of me."

"She's going to be proud of you when she sees you on that stage. I know I'd be."

"... You would?"

"Mhm."

Sam looks at the flier and his face scrunches, deep in thought. Shane checks the clock and sees he's a couple minutes past his break. He sighs and he stands up, stretching his arms up to try, popping his back. Before he can leave, Sam is wrapping his arms tightly around Shane and squeezing.

"Sam?!"

"Thank you," Sam breathes.

Shane awkwardly pats Sam's back. "Er… you're welcome?"

Sam lets go and hurries off out of the breakroom. He probably wasn't even supposed to be back here, let alone for an entire 15 minute break. Shane sighs as he drags his feet to the door.

"That was weird," He murmurs to himself. He ignores the lightness in his chest. It was weird.

As long as the kid's happy though, right?

Shane questions if it was worth it as Morris yells at him for being late coming back from his break. He sees Sam behind Morris, mopping as usual as if he hadn't gone to the breakroom and is the reason Shane is late. Shane sighs again.

He'll take the blame for it this time.

This time, he tells himself, despite it not being the first time.

It probably won't be the last.

[dragonridernoobie]

UnderSwap Papyrus X Abused!reader

Stretch (Papyrus)<-

(Y/N) <-

Ex BF <-

Cashier <-

Blue (Sans) <-

Note: this is supposed to be a friendly fanfic, but if you are in a abusive relationship, don't be afraid to reach out! There's help. More info at the bottom.

Stretch was sitting on a bench at the local park. He had a cigarette between his teeth that he was taking pulls from. His hands were inside the pouch of his orange hoodie, his one leg crossed over his other, and he had on black sweatpants. It was a nice fall day, and stretch was enjoying the weather. The tall skeleton looked exhausted, bags under his eyes sockets like he wasn't getting enough sleep. He took his hand out of his pocket to pull the cig from his mouth to exhale the smoke, sighing as he did. While he relaxs, he hears someone call his name. When he sees who is calling him, he sees his best friend/crush (Y/N).

"Hmm?"

He takes the cigarette out of his mouth, looking over to see Y/N).

"Oh, hey (Y/N)"

He said, waving to (Y/N). (Y/N) sits next to him

"How are ya stretch."

"Tired. Always tired."

He said, taking another drag from his smoke.

"It's good to see you, though. What are you doing here?"

"Was passing thru the park to go to this new sandwich shop."

"Sandwich shop, you say?"

He said, intrigued.

"What kind of sandwiches we talking about."

"Don't know, it's a new shop that was opened yesterday. All I know about it is that the sandwiches are cheap. Like there 5$ per sandwich."

"You're already talking my language."

He says, giggling a bit.

"Cheap sandwiches? Lead the way."

He says with a chuckle. They then head over to the sandwich shop and go inside

"Dam...it's pretty nice inside."

"Yeah, it is."

Stretch says, looking around the joint.

"They have a lot of seating, too. That's always good, which means they're not always busy."

The shop was a nice calm look. Warm lights, warm colors everywhere. Pictures of flowers and animals, the smell of sandwiches and coffee in the air. They walk up to the cashier and look at the menu

"Hi, welcome to sandwich sky's. What can I get you to?"

"Could I get a turkey sandwich with light Mayonnaise, please? Stretch?"

"Just a BLT, extra bacon please."

Stretch says, looking over to (Y/N). He leans his elbows on the counter, looking at (Y/N) and smiling at her.

"ok, drinks?"

"Rootbeer, please, stretch?"

"Some honey would be great."

He says, his lips curving in a smile that held warmth.

"ok, that will be 13.21$."

(Y/N) pulls out her wallet and looks at stretch

"You can pay me next time by taking me back here."

She then pays for their meal and goes to sit down and wait.

"Alright."

Stretch said, watching her hand the cashier the money. After a bit, the casber comes over with their food. The cashier handed them the food.

"This place is actually pretty chill."

"indeed."

(Y/N) unwrapps her sandwich and takes a bite

"My this is good."

"Agreed."

Stretch said, taking the first bite of his sandwich. He hummed in satisfaction. The bacon was a nice touch, crunchy, but not overly salty or greasy.

"This is a damn good BLT. I can't believe they can sell these for 5 bucks, this is a great deal."

They both finish their sandwiches and just stay in the sitting area, sipping on their drinks while talking.

"God, why don't all places have cheap sandwiches this good? The last place I went was like 12 bucks, and it wasn't even as good as this."

He took another sip from his honey, setting it down. He seemed to be in a better mood, as if the sandwich helped him relax.

"prices, sales, etc. I wouldn't be surprised if prices of this place go up in the next few months."

"God I hope not. This is a great little joint."

He said, stretching out and relaxing back, his hands resting on the back of the chair.

"So, what have you been up to?"

"...well, as you know, I'm still trying to break up with my boyfriend, but it's been... hard."

"Ahhh..."

He said, not seeming surprised. He knew his friend was in a bit of a rough patch.

"Still having problems?"

"ya, I keep finding him cheating on me, and as much as I would love to break up with him, I can't because I live with him."

"He lives with you..."

He said and sighed.

"What's stopping you from kicking him on out? I feel like if he's cheating, it should be a done and done deal."

He takes another sip from his honey.

"rent, I won't be able to pay it on my own if I move I to a new place."

"No other roommates to help with that?"

He said, looking at her curious.

"Nah, so I'm just pretending to be in love with him...even tho I do that, it still hurts to find him in bed with another bitch."

"Damn..."

He said, not really knowing what else to say.

"Have, have you tried to, talk to him about this, about him cheating on you, I mean?"

"yep, and keeps saying "I promise to never do that again" biggest fucking lie."

"God, he sounds like a dick."

He says, sighing a bit and looking over to her.

"Have you at least started looking for some one-bedroom places to stay?"

"None here that's in my rage of money."

"Damn..."

He sighed, thinking it over.

"No parents or family you trust that you can stay with till you get that sorted?"

"Nah."

"Well damn, that sucks...."

He said, sipping on his honey. The honey was nearly done. He leaned back in the chair, crossing his arms over his chest.

"You could always stay with me."

He said, looking at (Y/N). She perks up at this

"That...I might do that, but what about your brother?"

"I'm sure he wont care."

He said, shrugging and making a small gesture with one of his hands. his face now holding something of an embarrassed expression.

"Hmm...IL think about it."

"Hey, no rush... Take your time thinking it over."

He said, looking away from her a bit and glancing around the diner. He leaned forward a bit on the chair, sipping his drink some more.

"You can stay as long as you like... It'd make me happy."

(Y/N) smiles and nods. She then gets up

"Anyway, I need to get going. I was glad to see ya again."

"See you soon..and I mean it. If you can stay with me, you're always welcome."

He said, leaning back and getting up.

"It was good seeing you as always, (Y/N)"

They walk out and give each other a hug before going separate ways. Their goodbye hug was long and full of warmth. He waved at her when they broke the hug, and she was walking off to go on with her day. His gaze followed her, and the smile that remained on his face was not one that would easily fade that day. Later in the evening stretch and his brother were in the living room watching TV. It was around 9 pm. While they watched TV, stretch the phone started to ring. Stretch reached into his pocket and looked down to his phone and saw that it was (Y/N) calling. He smiled at her name and answered.

"Yo, you called?"

He asked as he brought the phone to his ear. He hears sniffling and muffled crying.

"(Y/N)?"

He asked, a bit worried for his friend.

"You okay? Did something happen?"

His brother blue paused the TV and looked over at him with confusion. He waves at stretch to put the phone on speaker so he can here to, since he was also good friends with (Y/N). He nods and presses the speaker button, holding the phone out between him and his brother. They both here (Y/N) finally say something

"Can...can you come pick me up please."

She says and cries a little at the end. He looked over at his brother, confusion turning somewhat to worry on his face as he heard (Y/N) words.

"Uh, yeah, yeah, I can do that."

He said, not questioning what was happening yet, but ready to get to (Y/N) as soon as possible.

"We will be there in a bit, okay? Stay put."

When his brother and him go into the car and drive to (Y/N)'s place. She is seen sitting on the curb, hugging her knees and crying. He parked as close as he could to where (Y/N) was sitting and got out of the car, walking over. His expression changed as he got closer to her, a worried look coming over his face. He sat down beside her and gave her a comforting pat on the back. His brother is sitting next to her too.

"What's going on? What happened?"

When she looked at him, her face was covered in bruises and cuts

"I..I told him I was breaking up with him and moving out, and he beat me."

His brother, who saw how bad her face was, ran to the car to grab the first-aid kit. He gasped when he saw her face, his breath catching in his throat.

"Oh my god...."

He said, quickly putting one of his hands on her shoulder.

"Are you alright?"

He looked at her face, not really sure what to do in this situation.

"Was he still there when you left? Is he in the house?"

(Y/N) nodded, and let's Blue fix up their face. He looked to his brother and watched as he got to fixing her face while he remained silent. He was concerned for (Y/N), but he didn't really know what to say to help. He reached his hand out and gently rubbed her back, just offering comfort. While they are fixing her up, her apartment door opens, and her brother shouts out to her, not noticing blue or stretch*

"hey bitch, get inside and do the dishes!"

He froze and felt his body tensed up a bit, when they heard her ex shout out to her. He stood up quickly, looking over to her ex.

"Hey, buddy, let's have a talk, yeah?"

He said, his tone had a sudden shift, something more serious behind his words. His left eye slightly lighting up orange.

"What the? Hey, you the fuck do you think you are? Get away from my girl, she doesn't need your grose skeleton fingers on her."

"Actually, I think she does."

He said, stepping closer to him and getting right in his face.

"Because you're a piece of shit who hits women, the people he's supposed to love. That's all you are, a piece of shit."

He's looking straight in his eyes, his expression stone cold.

"Back off freak! You are a monster, I'm a human, and I have more rights than you!"

"Rights? You talk about rights? Your rights ended when you hit her, you have no rights. Do you really think anyone with any brain would agree with you punching someone who just wanted to leave you?"

staring him directly in the eye. He had no fear of the man, but this man had more than earned the anger of everyone in the world for what he had done tonight.

"ppfff, whatever, move."

He pushes past stretch to go to (Y/N)

"Oh no, you're not going anywhere buddy."

He pushed the man back, putting himself between the man,his friend, and his brother. not really letting him get too close to her.

"If you really are a man like you claim to be, then how about you just leave, huh? If you arent too much of a pussy that is."

"Whp the fuck do you think you are? That bitch is mine and I'll do what ever I want with her, so move."

"She's a woman who has the right to choose who she wants to be with, and she chose not to be with you. You dont own a person just because you decided to date her. She can dump you at any given time she chooses. Now, are you gonna leave her alone, or do I have to make you?"

He said, getting right up next to the man, looking at him dead in the eyes, still standing firm in-between them both. His magic flaring up. The ex is silent and scoffs. He backs away and looks at (Y/N).

"you're a fucking whore! All those time you left you went to go fuck a skeloton? Fucking freak."

"I never fucked him, he just my friend."

"bullshit!"

"Don't talk to her like that!"

"And even if she did, it's none of your business as she is not your property anymore. She can do whatever she damn well pleases. Who she has sex with is her business, not yours."

It was clear a button was pressed in him, as he went on another little rant about the guy.

"So how bout you just leave her alone? She didnt want to be with you anymore. So just move on with your life, yeah? If you're not too much of a pussy to accept that, yeah?"

"Ya!"

The Ex Bf scoffs and throws some more rants and goes back inside. He then comes back out and throws all (Y/N) belongings onto the sidewalk.

"have fun fucking skeloton's whore!"

He was now truly pissed off. Not only did the guy hit the girl in the first place, but now he's kicking her out because he wasn't happy with this relationship anymore. It made his blood boil. He walked over to the pile of stuff, picking up the things that he knew meant the most to her.

"You're welcome to stay with me until you're able to find a place of your own, okay?"

"Ya, you don't need to rush to find a place to stay."

(Y/N) smiles and nods. She helped blue and stretch, getting her stuff into the car, and on the drive back to their place, the drive was quiet. He sat silently as well, occasionally turning to look at her in the backseat, just checking on her to make sure she's okay. He didn't want to ask her if she was okay, as he hated the question himself. He just watched the road and looked over to her from time to time, but kept the silence as they drove back home. Once home, his brother told (Y/N) that she could sleep on the couch, and he would go grab some blankets and pillows. (Y/N) wasted no time to fall onto the couch.

"Hey... You sure you dont want the bed?"

He said, walking inside and seeing her laying on the couch. He had no issue with her sleeping there. It was comfortable, but he didn't want her to have a cramped neck after all was said and done.

"I'm fine with the couch...plus, don't want to steal your bed from ya."

"Eh, it's fine."

He said, sitting down on the couch next to her.

"Plus, its not like ima get much sleep when I can't stop thinking about this whole thing..."

He sighed, rubbing his skull.

"Im just glad you're safe."

He said, looking over at her. (Y/N) smiles.

"Thank you..."

He nods, and leans back. The two sat in silence for a moment before he looked over to her, his gaze still on her for a few moments longer, the expression on his face one of worry.

"I gotta ask... Are you hurt at all? I mean, besides the bruises, just... Are you feeling okay now that you're out of there?"

He asked, sounding and looking genuinely concerned for her well-being.

"he just threw punches at the face, nothing else."

"Are you sure?"

He asked, his voice full of concern.

"Any pain anywhere?"

He looked down to her, his voice sounding more gentle and caring, just wanting to be sure she didn't have any serious injuries.

"ya...."

raising an eyebrow and continuing to look for any signs of any other injuries.

"Just tell me if you're in pain anywhere."

He continued and placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch not exactly harsh and more of a comforting gesture. (Y/N) smiles and leans against him. Resting her head on his shoulder. He smiled back and let out a quiet sigh, wrapping his arm around her. He couldn't help it, but she was just very comforting to have around.

"I'm here."

He said a bit quietly, not wanting to break this very comfortable and calming silence. Not long after, (Y/N) falls asleep. His brother comes and sees her asleep and singles to stretch to help him lay (Y/N) down so he can cover her up. He gets up and helps his brother to lay her down. After that, he puts a blanket over her and covers her up to keep her cozy and warm. When Blue walks out of the room to head to bed. Stretch was about to do the same, but before he left, he made sure to give (Y/N) a light kiss on the forhead. He then whispers

"Everytbing will be ok."

Please reach out if you are in a abusive relationship, there is nothing bad for reaching help. Boy, girl, demon, woman, man, whoever. Please reach out.

[aaeds]

At today's hell-appointment my doctor suggested high levels of stress might make my blood unbalanced, and fuck with my medications. I said it's just the way things are, but I'd try to eat more salad.

Turning the page back home: Greet family, wind up in an interrogation by my father with Alzheimer's threatening to go down into my office when he can't even walk (ultimately throwing himself face forward down a flight of steps) and getting too close with the "I'm your father, I know everything you sit there and listen to me" diatribe and how I'm a liar and sleeping around and getting into weird cars at odd hours.

But it wasn't immediate, at first I was unpacking my bag and talking with my mother and sorting her mail out for her and cleaning up the table, talking about a package I'd gotten earlier.

I had a massive break down and it was the first time I was excused from a room with a lie that I had to go back to work. My mom was always a hot head growing up, her yelling at me is so normal it has no meaning behind it than her own frustration. But my dad is brutal and he knows it, he only gets mad to make a point of willingness to use force.

Which is what I hate about this disease, because just last year we had a really okay year, and the year prior I'd given him so many world's best dad t-shirts and art supplies and he drew me pictures and asked if I wanted to eat the same food and occasionally offered to make me something when I worked late. Not often, but often enough to know he knew I was here.

So the change from laughing at Christmas and arguing about how to cut a turkey and the thousands of trips to target and buying him donuts to walking through the door to an absolute mental break down of his inability to realize his wife is my mom and we're all liars is incredible. What an incredible disease. I fucking hate it.

[oflights]

wip snip 2.1

while i'm not technically writing this right now (i'm taking a much-needed Break this week, though expect to pick this up over the weekend), this is the fic i put on pause to write find a new place to be from. i was about 9k words into it and really do want to finish it, so i'm gearing up to start it again!

the plot of this is essentially that draco is going to lose his home (to his cousin, who he hates because he's the worst. honestly a good chunk of this fic is going to be made-up malfoys and having fun with draco in a big extended family) if he's not married with a kid born by a certain date...or if he's pregnant at the time of that date!!! he doesn't have time for option A so option B has to be what he goes with; he just needs to find a good sperm donor.

he and harry are friends and have a ~history and complicated Feelings about this alluded to here, naturally, but i don't think there's a mystery as to who the sperm donor is going to eventually be, right?

“For fuck’s sake,” Weasley says, throwing his face up towards the ceiling. “Will you just get on with it already?”

“You have no sense of gravitas or ceremony,” Draco says.

“And you treat every bit of gossip like it’s Earth-shattering, apocalyptic news!”

“Well maybe this is!” Draco counters, and before Weasley can wind up with another retort, or before Potter can force him to put a sock in it and leave off, he tosses out, “I’m having a baby!”

That does seem to land as if it’s shattered the Earth, Draco notes with some smugness. Greg inhales a chip too quickly and chokes, making Ginny pound his back while staring at Draco, wide-eyed. Weasley seems to be trying to violently suppress his own reaction, probably because it had been instinctively rude, but the result is his face turning a horrid purple color and his lips turning white as he presses them together. Blaise has done a better job of not reacting, sipping casually at his drink, but his eyes are unquestionably wider.

And Pansy and Potter both seem frozen with perfectly opposite expressions on their faces. Pansy seems delighted, gleeful with the best bit of gossip she’s presumedly heard in days. And Potter—Draco probably should have thought better of blurting that out in front of Potter, considering past circumstances, because Potter seems shell-shocked and a bit haunted, and it looks entirely too familiar.

It’s mostly for his benefit that Draco scrambles to clarify: “I mean—soon, I’m having a baby soon. Not quite yet but I’m planning for it now.” He prods at the device and keeps his gaze trained on it pointedly, not really wanting to see more reactions quite yet. He thinks Pansy is clutching at her heart. “With the help of this wonderful device.”

More stunned silence descends, and Draco isn’t as smug about it anymore.

Greg, Merlin bless him and keep him, is the one to break it, his voice a little strained from the choking. “How does that thing make a baby, then, if it’s for turkeys?”

“Well,” Draco starts gratefully, but Ginny interrupts.

“Hold off there, Draco. The how isn’t what concerns me. Why are you having a baby?” Ginny gestures at the trio of Pansy, Blaise and Weasley and adds, “I thought you were on my side! No brats necessary! We were going to be the fun, queer aunt and uncle together forever! What’s happened?”

“Oi, Gin, what am I?” Potter asks, momentarily distracted from his shock and trauma to protest being left out of something for what seems likely to be the first time in his life.

Ginny waves impatiently at him. “Oh, you’re just a DILF in waiting. But Draco—I thought we were on the same page. We’re supposed to have an alliance against these breeders!”

All three of said breeders protest loudly at that; Pansy brandishes the glass of wine again, now less full but no less of a threat to be thrown in someone’s face.

“I do value our alliance, Ginny,” Draco says, honestly meaning it. “However, I am getting to be a bit older, and as you must know, there are certain magical expectations placed on those of my line and heritage—”

“No!” Blaise suddenly gasps, forgetting to pretend to be bored by all of this for the moment. “Draco, this isn’t about the bloody house, is it?”

[certifiedgryffindorsblog]

So, siblings and the bond they share is important, right? That's someone you share your blood with.

Well for some people being siblings is not that easy and that can be a problem in someone's life and the situation is worse for the people around those people with sibling problems.

There was an earthquake in my country and 10 cities were effected by it. It was a pretty big one and they say it was around 7.8 magnitude. My aunt's house is not harmed, but everything is broken and it's a pretty big mess in her house right now. And of course hers and her family's mental health was effected really badly because of the earthquake that happened at 4.17 am on 6th Feb. So they came here to stay with my grandparents. My family lives in the west side of Turkey and my aunt and her family live in the east side.

They have been staying with my grandparents for two months now and they're going back to their house tomorrow even though they were planning to stay for a few more months and I won't be able to see my aunt and my cousins ,whom I love more than anything, again for a really long time. probably. Because of what? Like I told you fights between siblings really have an impact on the people around them. My mom and my aunt fought really bad and now because of their childish act I probably just saw them for the last time in a really long time.

Their fight was childish they had to think more rationally and even if they do fight they shouldn't have made us children not see each other because of their pride and childishness.

But of course as the oldest cousin of them all their words and fight didn't stop me from seeing them. I took the kids for a day and showed them around the city and they say they didn't have this much fun in like forever. So I'm happy that I spent time with them today and made them happy before they went back.

But what broke my heart the most was the last hug and the last tears I shared with them. My littlest cousin is two years old and when I was hugging her and she was in my arms she didn't let go of me until the very last moment and when her mother -my aunt- took her from my arms she started crying. But I knew if I took her in my arms again I wouldn't be able to let go. And when I was hugging the oldest of my cousins (10) she was crying hard and when she hugged me I felt my bones break. We have a bond with her that no one in my family shares and she loves hanging out with me. It was just heart-breaking because we both knew we wouldn't be able to see each other for a long time. And the middle sibling just hugged me and kissed me goodbye. Even though he's only 7 he acts like a protective brother of us so he was really hard to say goodbye too.

I didn't want to say goodbye, alright? No one in my place would. But I had to because they couldn't stay. They couldn't stay because of the childish silly fight.

I have a little brother. He's 8 years younger than me. So I'm trying to be the best big sister he could ever have. It's hard but once you get that feeling of being his heroic big sister that feeling is worth everything to me.

So tonight I made a promise to myself. I will never ever let go of my brother's hand and always be there for him. Being siblings is really important and whatever happens whoever comes into your life your siblings never walk out. Siblings don't leave each other behind. Siblings have each other's backs and most importantly your older brother or sister. Sibling bond is one of the most important values in my life and I promise to myself that I will never leave my brother like my mom and my aunt. My aunt did some things that I really find selfish but she's my aunt and I love her. That's what my mother should have done too. But what's done is done now. We can't take anything back. I just hope that everything will go back to the way it was and they'll come back to spend more time, but that doesn't seem like it's gonna happen anytime soon.

Don't turn your backs on those you love guys. Don't do that to your loved ones or yourself.

[clubsmarties]

He hummed a laugh in response as he stared at her recount the bathroom story. One hand glided over her cheek to get a stray hair off and turned to look at the line. "You'd think they were giving away candy in there. I saw at least two older ladies coming out there like speed demons and wouldn't be surprised if hands were just shown the water." Some people had really disgusting habits. "That's when we use you're pregnant excuse and get out of trouble." His smile showed his amusement and sighed as he remembered what he had seen. "Stand over there has caramel apples with m&ms, peppermint bark, churro infused chocolate bar, and sour gummy worms. For the healthier options, a dairy free crust, apple pie made with real apples, fruit dipped in a pumpkin seed oil and a turkey club with cucumbers."

"No," he nuzzled into her hair and did his best to lock his hands around her waist. Which had become a little harder now with the protruding belly but he did his best. "I've actually had my fill of people. I am taking my break. We can have a snack and sit. I can rub your ankle or wrist or back while you do so?" Eli did a quick glance to the Phillip siblings and sighed. "I told him I needed a break. I didn't want to talk here and not yet so I'm doing the distance thing. I was honest with him and was serious when I said I didn't want to talk yet. I won't be an asshole but not ready. We could go on a kiddie ride the boxes that stay stationary but just give the birds eye view if you don't feel bad right now?"

He'd caught Emma's eyes and waved at her telling he was fine and all good. Inez looked over and did the same thing but Issac nearly broke his heart. He tried his best to show him that he didn't stop loving him, he was disappointed not angry at him. They were going to get through this just needed time. "Hey, where is juju and aaron?" Since they moved they all made it a habit to go on adventures together. No matter the day. "Are they getting it on behind a tree?" Eli joked knowing if anyone had such an appetite, it was Laurel.

"Alright? So what do you want for a snack? A little taste of everything or one in particular?" As he asked he got a tiny hand on his other leg trying to talk to him. He quickly faced them and saw their toothy grin and remembered the little girl from one of his saves two weeks ago. Seeing her mother he waved at her and listened as the little girl gave Laurel a purple flower and him a little locket. As a thank you for saving her grandparents lives. Eli was taken back with such a sweet gift and looked over at his girl. In words that didn't need to be spoken. This was why he did what he did. This is why his career as part of the Austin fire department made him feel like he made a difference. "The purple flower is for good luck on your little human coming." The little girl said and waved her goodbye.

Returning home felt a bit awkward after everything that went down. That was one hell of an intro to their home, for his sisters. Keeping their original plans was the right thing to do, however. After their long trip here, they deserved to enjoy their time here. Awkward situation would still be there afterwards. It just felt horrible though, to see him at odds with his brother. If there was ever a good reason for time traveling, this was it - traveling back to, perhaps, knock some sense into her old self. Walking away from the hospital when Isaac had initially told her too. But, the thought left as briefly as it came. She wouldn't have left anyway, no matter how many chances at a do-over she got.

Bathroom breaks were becoming more frequent for her, and while she was looking forward to each change that this new chapter brought them, she couldn't bring herself to love the long bathroom lines. Still, the smile that always greeted her when she returned always got her. She felt a wide smile tugging on the corners of her lips, mouthing an I love you too in return. Oh, she'd only tell him that again once she reached him. Eagerly, Laurel sat on his lap and wrapped an around him.

"The worst line ever," she huffed, though being here with him, her frustration was already subsiding. "Contraband style, and we get banned from this place for it," Laurel joked, shaking her head. If that happened, she wouldn't mind using the I'm pregnant excuse. It could save them from trouble, right? "But, no no. I'm okay. The guy's bathroom always sounds like a riot." She leaned into him, her head leaning against his. "I'm doing okay, especially post-bathroom break. We could be convinced. What are our snack options?"

She looked up and then to where he pointed, a warm smile present as she spotted the top of their heads. Phillips siblings huddled together at the line. "Was I gone that long then? Hey, you could join them. I will happily stay here on bag duty, I mean, I can never say no to sitting these days. So, the bags will be safe here with me."

[bellarkeselection]

Hello! Can I request a thanksgiving oneshot with Ryan? The reader is his john Duttons daughter and she tells John she’s bringing someone to dinner and it’s Ryan. 😊🦃

Had time to write a request yay!!

Who's Bringing The Turkey??

"Y/n, I thought you said you were bringing the Turkey for Thanksgiving. What are you doing here?" My father asked taking his seat at the head of the dinner table. My younger brother Kayce and Tate sitting on one side with my sister and Jamie sitting on the other side. Shrugging my jacket off I reassured him that I didn't forget it. "Calm down I have to go get it out of the car. Oh and I am bringing a friend to join us for dinner. If that's okay." Exiting the front door I heard my father's foosteps following after me as I stepped off the front porch. Opening the backseat of my truck he helps me lift the turkey tray as the sound of a horse rushing forward came closer to us. "Shit sir. I'm sorry. I intended to help her and got hung up with Jimmy."

My father raised a brow seeing one of his ranch hands coming to stand beside me helping us carry the turkey tray into the kitchen so Gator could prepare it for later. "Ryan, what exactly are you talking about?" Standing beside my boyfriend he removed his cowboy hat playing with it in his hands clearing his throat my direction letting me reply. "Remember when I said I was bringing a friend to Thanksgiving dinner...well suprise it's Ryan. I hope that's not weird for you..the whole boss and ranch hand thing." My father walked up closer to Ryan who gulped in nervousness never being alone with my father like this. "Do you make her happy and take care of her son?"

"Yes sir, I try my best too.." He replied twisting the fabric of his hat until I placed a hand on his shoulder feeling him sigh underneath my touch. I sighed seeing a smile grace my father's face that was rare to see since mom died years ago. "Well then you can join us for dinner. Word of advice it looks formal but it's just dinner. You'll do fine." He exited the room before I snatched my boyfriend's hat from his hands placing it ontop of his head grinning ear to ear. "He didn't threaten to send you to the train station, baby. I told you you'd have nothing to worry about." He shakes his head leaning down giving me a kiss before I wrapped my arms around his neck kissing back. "Gross please don't do that while we eat turkey." Breaking apart I saw my nephew Tate standing in the doorway gagging with a childish grin.

Comments really appreciated ❤️

[ed-recovery-affirmations]

I had initially added this onto a reblog of one of my other posts, but then decided that it merited its own post.

A lot of my U.S. followers have Thanksgiving in a couple of days! All holidays can be hard for people with EDs, but in my experience Thanksgiving is one of the hardest. It is a whole day emphasizing the preparation and eating of a massive amount of food, often with a large group of family members (possibly extended.) It is general practice to be expected to overeat on Thanksgiving, but relatives may also be watching your plate and making comments, especially if you are already a plus-size person. People are pressured to eat more, or to eat less, and talk of "guilty eating" "feeling fat" and "diet breaking" will be rampant in many households.

In short, this holiday is hell for people with pretty much any eating disorder.

Be strong. Take a breath. You can get through this.

You can fall back on your resources to help you eat enough this Thanksgiving.

You can fall back on your resources to help you keep from bingeing this Thanksgiving.

If you need to bring safefoods, you may do so. Your health and well-being takes precedence over your relatives' feelings. If they are open to explanations you may give them, but you are not obligated. "I am experiencing health concerns and this is what I am able to eat right now," is sufficient explanation.

Take a few moments to step away from your family and ground yourself if you need to.

Take a few moments to breathe and notice the non-food aspects of the holiday - perhaps it is getting to hug your grandma, or maybe you get to meet your cousin's cute new baby, or maybe you get to gossip with all the relatives around your age.

If this holiday causes you to lapse or relapse, don't beat yourself up. You can still get through this. You are not alone in going through this. This holiday is so, so hard on so many of us. You can get yourself back up once you have moved past this holiday. You can examine what caused the lapse and figure out how to prevent it next time. You can learn and grow. I believe in you. (The number of times Thanksgiving has caused me to binge, I'm embarrassed to say.)

If you just cannot eat well in front of your family members, take comfort in knowing that this is a holiday based around having leftovers. If you need to enjoy them in a quieter environment, know that you too deserve to enjoy the meal in a way that works for you.

If you just can't deal with your family this year while navigating ED recovery for yourself, that is okay. Take care of yourself while you eat your favorite food alone, or with a small group. Some families can just be really triggering, especially over the holidays. You don't even have to eat Thanksgiving foods if holiday food is triggering. Eat what you need to eat.

If you'd rather do "friendsgiving" this year, go for it. You deserve the environment that is supportive for you while you are trying to recover. Found families are valid.

Here's to surviving the holidays. Sending my best wishes to all of my U.S. followers for the upcoming Turkey Day.

[theflowerofthecommonwealth]

Power Armor Punch Part Thirty Three

Masterlist

Customer: I'll buy some more for the road. *puts down a few more caps and grabs a few different types of candy* Whoever makes these does it really well.

Geneveve: Why, thank you... I try my best.

Customer: You made all this?!

Geneveve: Well. Not the building, but I did make a package the candy.

Nick: *quietly watching her*

Jasmine: (Makes another frustrated groan at herself, tugging on her hair as she stares down at her feet. She wants more chems… Her body and mind is practically aching for them. Its making her restless, like there is something missing)

Nick: I'm sorry, doll. You're not getting any chems... I can inquire Lucille if we have any addictol in stock to help you kick this faster. *gently rubbing her shoulder*

Jasmine: (Lets out a deep breath through gritted teeth. Years of this stuff being pumped in her, then putting it in herself. It made her feel light and airy, free from the pain. Now she doesn't have it…)

Nick: *sighs and comes to the conclusion that addictol won't work on her either... never easy with this this one, is it...?*

Jasmine: (She wants any sort of chems so bad, thankfully Nick got rid of all her stashes otherwise she might make a mad dash for it. She is not prepared to go cold turkey, its starting to make her break out into cold sweats now and tremble more. If she wasn't so resilient, she might have fainted already) (Quietly) “Bloody hell…” (Tugging harder on her hair as she clenches her jaw)

Nick: *pulls her into a hug to help give her some sort of stability* You'll get through this...

Customer: So then it's not handmade?

Geneveve: Well I have hands and I came up with the recipe myself so-

Customer: You're a machine....

Geneveve: Sir... *takes a deep breath* Yes. I'm a machine. But I worked hard to perfect my recipes despite my mechanical nature. If you don't like that about the store, you can simply leave and never do business here again. So what will it be, sir?

Jasmine: (Leans her head on Nicks shoulder, pulling her hands away from her hair so she does not tear it out from the roots) (Quietly, her voice shaking just as much as her body) “Feels like shit…”

Nick: I know, doll... You're going to for a little bit, but in the long run you'll be so much better for it.

Geneveve: *insulted glare*

Customer: Okay-! I'm sorry! Don't kill me, please! It's just candy! *raises their hands and backs out the door*

Geneveve: *covers her mouth in reconsideration then reaches out pleafully* No, wait! I wasn't- *realizes they're already gone. Quietly* Why...? *hangs her head* Am I that terrifying...?

Jasmine: (Whispering) “I always feel like shit… just more now…” (Shifts a little, sighing deeply while her teeth chatter. Somehow she feels both cold and hot at the same time, its really uncomfortable combined with the new body aches)

Nick: This isn't going to last forever...

Geneveve: *covers their face*

Jasmine: (Whispering) “Seems like it will…” (Puts her arms on Nick to hug him back, closing her eyes and wincing in pain slightly at the movement)

Nick: It isn't...

Geneveve: No- it was just one customer. Perhaps the next will go better. *moves her hands down to her cheeks and gives them a light slap to help ease her nerves*

Angry person: *comes in* HEY. DID YOU THREATEN MY FRIEND?!

Geneveve: I- I'm sorry-?

Angry person: The guy that just came in here- what did you say to him?!

Geneveve: I simply told him he could leave if he didn't like the way the sweets were made. Please calm down-

Angry person: Who gave you the RIGHT, SYNTH?! Telling humans what to do!

Geneveve: I was giving him an option, not an order- please, I meant no harm!

Angry person: Heh! Right! "Meant no harm" my ass!! Just doing your job, huh, you monster?!

Geneveve: *eyes widen then she looks down. She doesn't answer*

Jasmine: (Opens her mouth to say that other people have said that to her and it never does, but she just shuts it with a small choked whimper) (Mumbling) “Hurts…”

Nick: Ssh... *gently rubs her sides. Softly* It's darkest just before the dawn...

Angry person: *grabs them by their dress straps* ANSWER ME, SYNTH!!

Geneveve: *terrified. Eyes wide with fear* I-I... Y-yes-

Angry person: You like KILLING people, SYNTH? I bet this candy's poisoned!

Geneveve: No! I would never-

Angry person: *shoves her into a wall and before Geneveve can get up, they're standing over them with a knife drawn*

Geneveve: Stop! Please! I don't want to hurt anyone-!

Jasmine: (Lets out a choked tearless sob, clinging onto Nick tighter as he rubs and comforts her soothingly) (Quietly) “Daddy… It-… hurts… everything…” (She can pinpoint exactly what and its a damn long list. she just wants to say it out loud… it felt better to say it out loud than keep it bottled in…)

Nick: Anything I can do to help, doll?

Angry person: *crouches and gets ready to stab her*

Lucille: *grabs their hand* And just WHAT the absolute F*CK are you doing to my daughter?!

Angry person: *looks over their shoulder in fear* Wh- Y- your daughter?! This thing-?!

Lucille: *twists their arm in an unnatural angle, pulling them to their feet* I never want to see your face again in Vault 88, got it?! We don't tolerate this behavior here.

Angry person: *gulps* Y-yes, ma'am...!

Lucille: *releases them*

Angry Person: *runs away in a panic*

Geneveve: *covering their face*

Lucille: Geneveve...? *kneels down* Come on, darling. Let me help you up. *extends her hand*

Geneveve: *voice breaks* I wasn't trying to hurt anyone, I swear-!

Lucille: I know, sweetheart. I know...

Geneveve: ... They called me a monster... I suppose I did kill before... but I'm not that synth anymore. I'm not... I'm not. I'm not. I'm not. *shakes their head* Why are humans so hateful? Why?

Lucille: Not all of us are... Same as how not all Synths heartless killing machines. *holds up her robot hand- the one that used to be Nick's*

Geneveve: What...? *notices the hand and arm then looks at her human left* How...?

Lucille: Lost my arm and left eye during a mission. There wasn't a doctor for miles so Detective Valentine did what he could to help us both get out of that situation alive... Just because you're a synth doesn't make you a monster.

Jasmine: (Nuzzles in his shoulder with another strained whimper of pain and discomfort, leaning heavily onto Nick once again) (Quietly mumbling) “I do not know… hurts… please don't leave me…”

Nick: Don't worry. I'm staying right here.

Jasmine: (Takes in a deep breath, sniffing on some small tears dotting her eyes) (Quietly) “Thank you… love you…”

Nick: Of course, doll...

Geneveve: I see... *reaches up and takes her mom's robot hand*

Lucille: *stands, helping her up*

Geneveve: *hugs her, needing that comfort again* I need to feel respected...

Lucille: Then demand it.

Geneveve: That might lead to my destruction. *clutches Lucille tighter*

Lucille: Better to die fighting, then...

Jasmine: (Hums sweetly, blinking on her tears that she does not want to fall) (Softly, to assure herself) “Daddy…” (Yup. Still felt unreal, and undeserving. Even more so with her pounding, murky head)

Nick: Please try not to cry... You're dehydrated enough as it is...

Jasmine: (Quietly) “I am trying… but it hurts.” (Hides her face in his coat collar, not letting the tears fall but she sniffing a lot)

Nick: *tired sigh*

Jasmine: (Gently squeezes Nick tighter, not lifting up her head so she can focus on the sound of his inner machinery)

Nick: *wondering how long this will keep going... he's had difficult clients but none quite like Jas*

Jasmine: (Her breathing starts to even out while she clings tightly to Nick, whimpering softly but still not crying) (Mumbling) “Thank you…”

Nick: *quietly nods* Of course, doll.

Jasmine: (Sighs deeply in Nicks coat, squeezing her eyes tightly. She is tired as fuck but also restless as fuck, not a good combination to have when you already have severe insomnia… God, she is really fucked up isn't she? Maybe not even worth all the trouble in the end…)

Nick: *part of him wishes for both of their sakes this all ends soon...*

Jasmine: (Mentally scolds herself for those blasted thoughts. She already fought so hard to get here alive, not worth giving up just for a bad moment… Like Lucille had said, it would be like letting those bastards win and get the best of her)

Nick: *but he has to endure for her sake...*

Jasmine: (Snuggles into his coat so she is more comfortable, relaxing herself completely. If her restless mind and shaking body would let her, she would fall fast asleep. But she will settle for the drowsy half rest)

Nick: *And trying to help her get better*

Jasmine: (Just breathing evenly cuddled up against him, as close to sleep as she is gonna get for now)

Lucille: *walks in after a few hours discussing the walk to Goodneighbor and contingency plans if they run into any enemies with Geneveve*

Geneveve: And you're absolutely sure they won't find me if I hide...?

Lucille: If they do, give them a face full of this bad boy right here... *hands her a gun and a decent bit of ammo*

Geneveve: Do you always just carry your entire arsenal with you?

Lucille: It comes in handy when you're out there. Better to have plenty than none at all. *sage smile*

Nick: Sounds like they've returned to the agency...

Jasmine: (Her eyes slowly blink open from her somewhat restful half sleep, turning her head to look up at Nick)

Nick: Sounds like they're heading to Goodneighbor... I might consider going with them if we want this case to start moving along.

Jasmine: (Just blinks rapidly a few times, shooing away the sleepiness and fogginess from her head with a yawn)

Nick: How are your wounds...? Your symptoms?

Jasmine: (Tilts her head in consideration. Well, she has no idea how she is suppose to be feeling and how much pain is too much pain. What she is feeling now is perfectly manageable discomfort and stinging) (Quietly) “It is fine…”

Nick: Are you sure...? *raises an eyebrow* Try to stand right now...

Jasmine: (Slowly pulls back from his embrace and shakily stands on her own, tilting her head to one side again) (Signing) “You know I have walked in way worse conditions, right?”

Nick: Sadly, I know... *concerned* Will you be able to run if things get bad?

Jasmine: (Nods her head, sitting back down on the sofa) (Signing) “I can also fight just as well.” (Blinks a few times at a thought) (Quietly) “I ran from Salem all the way to the factory after those raiders took ahold of me, then put up a pretty good fight against you. I will be fine.”

Nick: *after a moment of quiet contemplation* Let's get more salve on those stitches, some fresh bandages, and some more water in you before we go...

Jasmine: (Quietly) “Okay…” (Starts moving slowly to pull off her shirt once again, already dreading the sight of the stitches)

Nick: *already getting up and grabbing the salve and fresh bandages*

Lucille: How do you feel about armor?

Geneveve: I might need it... this dress isn't exactly... protective.

Lucille: Armor it is, then. *grabs some decent leather armor from her stash*

Jasmine: (Gets her shirt off with minimal pain, immediately sighing and gripping her wrists at the sight of the bandages)

Nick: *comes back with a fresh rag too to clean her stitches and immediately gets to work* Lets get this over with quickly... *gently but quickly pulls off the bandages, frowning at the blood and puss from the wounds that are starting to heal over* You had a little infection starting to set in but I think this stuff Curie made took care of it.

Jasmine: (Winces at the sight of her stitched up self with a little whimper, clutching her stuffed bear tightly in one hand)

Nick: *starts cleaning the wound and applying the salve to them gently*

Jasmine: (Yelps loudly and hisses in pain, her entire body tensing but she remains still on the sofa)

Geneveve: *immediately looks up at the loft above her* What was that? Is someone hurt? *starts to go check out the noise in concern*

Lucille: *grabs Gen's arm to stop her* No. Don't. I'm glad you're concerned about the wellbeing of others but I'm this case you'll only upset the patient- she's very jumpy.

Geneveve: I see...

Nick: It's okay. This will be over, soon, doll.

Jasmine: (Bites her tongue and weakly nods, shuffling a little from the stinging pain)

Nick: Almost done. *applies the last bit of salve she needs and starts bandaging her up*

Jasmine: (Hisses again through gritted teeth when the last bit of salve is applied, turning her wide eyes up at Nick so she isn't looking down at the mess of herself anymore)

Nick: *very neutral focused expression as he applies the new gauze and bandages. He's in full field medic mode at the moment*

Jasmine: (Just stares up at her Dad while doing her best to remain still, her face twisting in pain as she clutches her stuffed bear tighter)

Nick: *completely quiet as he finishes reapplying the bandages, almost as if he doesn't acknowledge her pained expression*

Jasmine: (Blinks a few times, the expression remaining. Its more surprising to her when people acknowledge her pain or wounds rather than ignore it. So him not saying anything is more normal and expected to her)

Nick: There. All patched up. *finally notes her pained expression* Anything I can do...?

Jasmine: (Sucks in a deep breath, shaking her head) (Quietly) “Nothing you can do…” (She moves to slip back on her shirt, but pauses right before) (Signing) “Anyway I can get back my jacket?” (She took it off before the surgery, and it just vanished with the rest of her bloodied clothes. They all had been padded for travel, which she did by hand)

Nick: Sure, doll... sure. *walks off to get her jacket, hoping she doesn't do anything to herself in the meantime*

Jasmine: (Snatches her teddy bear and holds it close to her chest while leaning back, afraid to even look down at herself or move to put on the shirt)

Nick: *comes back shortly with her jacket* Here we are, doll...

Jasmine: (Sits back up and places her bear besides her, taking the jacket from Nick) (Quietly) “Thank you…” (Slowly and carefully slips on her shirt, zipping up the jacket over it. Its a pretty thick and sturdy jacket, it almost feels like its wrapping her body in a tight protective hug, giving her a sense of more security)

Nick: *Nods and checks his ammo for his guns* Just let me know when you're ready to head out... *eventually starts to head downstairs to ask Lucille if they could tag along*

Jasmine: (Touches her head with a small frown, feeling that the braided bun Nick had done for her was frizzling and coming apart. She starts to undo it with her fingers, putting the bobby pins in her pocket)

Nick: Hey, I heard you two are going to Goodneighbor. Mind if Jas and I tag along?

Lucille: You sure she can handle traveling? What if she has one of her... episodes.

Nick: Don't act like that... she's made a lot of progress. I think she can handle traveling in a group.

Geneveve: *quiet and nervous*

Jasmine: (It always makes her feel somewhat bad to ruin a hairstyle done by someone else, mainly because such love and care was put into it) (Quietly) “Stupid. Its just hair….” (Starts unbraiding the braids, twirling her fingers through her curls to give them some bounce back)

Geneveve: *looks down* You're certain she won't be too afraid of my appearance?

Nick: What- if she were afraid of your appearance, what business would she have hanging around me? *jabs his thumb at himself*

Geneveve: So then what was she so afraid of earlier...?

Nick: New people, especially considering she was in a weakened state... she'll very very slowly warm up to you when she realizes you're not a threat.

Jasmine: (Decides to leave her hair loose for now so her scalp can finally breathe for a little while, its been tied up way too long. She will braid or tie it up right before they leave. Slowly she stands, gathering her stuffed bear and knitting project off the couch)

Geneveve: Is this a common occurrence? Perceiving people as threats?

Nick: *tiredly* Yes, unfortunately...

Lucille: And she's more miserable for it.

Nick: Well, we've got a long walk ahead of us. Once you get Geneveve settled in Goodneighbor, there's Jas's case I gotta close.

Lucille: You interested in traveling together for this one, Val?

Nick: Considering you're the best partner I've had in a long time, I think it goes without saying.

Lucille: *excited smile*

Jasmine: (Fidgets with her curls with one hand, draping some of it over her shoulders. She misses keeping it down and loose… its so pretty this way) (Quietly) “Until someone decides to yank it…” (Pops her Pipboy on her arm then slowly makes her way down the stairs, walking straight over to Nick with a small glance at the other two)

Nick: Hey, kiddo! Ya ready to go?

Lucille: She's going to need something to defend herself. *smiles at her hair as she goes to pull out an unmodded 10 mm pistol and a switch blade* You look nice, by the way. *hands it to Jas*

Nick: Make sure you only use that on assailants, got it?

Geneveve: *admiring Jas's hair quietly in the corner. She's covered in leather and metal armor for her own safety despite being a machine. It looks a little odd considering she's still wearing a dress*

Jasmine: (Nods her head at Nick while taking the gun and switchblade from Lucille, putting them in her jacket pocket) (Quietly) “Thank you…” (Grabs her bag, feeling how light it is while she puts her teddy bear and knitting project inside. She is aware that they are all looking at her hair, but she doesn't really mind)

Geneveve: *sighs a little longingly* I wish I had hair...

Nick: Might not be wise. Might get in places you don't want... *taps his exposed jaw*

Geneveve: I see... *looks down with a slight forlorn sigh*

Lucille: Anyway. Shall we get a move on?

Jasmine: (Gives Geneveve a quick “No you don't” look with a bit of sadness in her eyes. Having hair, especially long hair, drew more attention… unwanted attention) (Quietly) “I am ready…” (Slips on her bag over her shoulders looking at Nick)

Nick: Then let's get going... *starts for the hall leading out of the Agency*

They wind and navigate through the rocky halls of what loosely defines Vault 81, heading straight for the subway tunnel Lucille had earlier renovated. There sits a small room with a ladder leading to the outside of the vault.

Jasmine: (Stays close by Nick as she follows along, her mind already snapping into Wasteland survival mode… trained solider mode. No more crying little girl)

@lucilleandherrobots

[blueink3]

Hi blue, have you ever left a fandom with a heavy heart before? I discovered SC and this amazing fandom + fanfics during the height of pandemic. Like many of us, it has given me happiness, distraction, and all those good feelings. I went into fangirl mode HARD.

Lately though, i feel like im crossing the fine line between happy fangirling to unhealthy hyperfixation. The lines are very very blurred to me now. I feel TOO invested and it feels SO personal i can see myself becoming toxic that it borderlines me feeling depressed about it.

I'm self aware enough to realize that I need to step back. But how? How do i walk away from something i love? How do i.. regain balance? I feel so lost.

I'm sorry if this sounds too much. I just dont know who to talk to IRL without sounding crazy.

I understand if you dont want to answer this.. I just want you to know that if i let this all go, your works especially FN have kept me going and gave me joy. Albeit fleetingly.

Thank you for giving so much to this fandom blue. All the best to you.

Oh hello, friend. First of all, I feel like I should preface everything by saying I am by no means qualified to offer life advice. I am continually a shambles.

However, if something that is supposed to bring you joy is no longer doing that, perhaps it's time to take a break. It doesn't have to be forever. You don't need to quit cold turkey. I don't know how much time you're spending in fandom spaces or reading fic, but maybe put a daily limit on it if you can. Personally, I know that when I'm on a work deadline or I have real life stuff to do, I'll close (or at least minimize) all of my tabs except the ones I'm working in because I'm well aware I'm a complete tart when it comes to giving in to distraction. I'll easily lose an hour or two when I was supposed to spend five minutes looking at just one thing.

Try to get away from the computer. Put the phone down. Go for a walk. Get outside. Engage with people in real life that can make you forget to check those fandom spaces. In the pandemic, I started making lists of things I needed to do, even if the first item was always 'get out of bed.' It was still something, and nothing felt better than checking boxes off that list. Accomplishing even simple tasks and getting some sort of physical exercise is good for both my mental and physical health, and it helps me tremendously when I'm anxious or depressed. Which is quite often, actually.

Now what worked for me might not work for you. If moderation isn't possible, then walk away if you need to. Only you can determine what best suits your needs, but know that the fics will be here if and when you choose to return.

Godspeed, my friend. Wishing you health and happiness, always.

[crane--here]

hm. going to elaborate on the subject of crane in dl2 because i do have some thoughts

i think "the kyle crane comeback" is most definitely one of the biggest things the community is rooting for. and don't get me wrong, i do too. not just because of my attachment to crane as a character, but also for narrative and plot reasons

as techland decided to focus more on the writing side of things and elaborate more on the worldbuilding, they pushed for the narrative of "staying human". as the civilization collapsed and the morale went down, it became apparent that people will go doing questionable lengths to survive. and the emphasis is always put on what makes one stay human within all this madness. but there is one clear thing everyone agrees on - once someone turns there's no trace of humanity left in them, even when some try to push against that idea

enter kyle crane

we all know what happened in the countryside, and the collectibles found in dl2 point out to the vial ending being the canon one (kind of obvious). kyle crane's a sentient volatile/night hunter now - capable of rational thought and resisting the virus to a certain extent

and if he's alive out there somewhere, he's probably doing what he always did best - helping people. you really cannot convince me that he wouldn't at least try. it's kyle crane we're talking about. and if anything, he wouldn't lose his courage and compassion for people

he's breaking the status quo. of this belief that the infected are far too gone. he's the one challenging what it MEANS to be human. is humanity really defined by just not turning? or is it defined by the act of kindness and connection to other people? he fits in the "stay human" narrative perfectly. imagine aiden getting to know him, and being left in shock as this deadly infected goes out of his way to ensure people's safety. if techland were to bring back him as an ally in favor of mankind it would help tackle some more complex ideas and questions of the nature of humanity. it could be so good

... now the question is if they'd pull it off

because that's the one aspect that i'd be kind of afraid of if techland does attempt to bring him back. that in the end it all will come down to the cheapest solution ever in storybuilding like this - have crane end up as a boss fight. i REALLY don't want to somehow risk them fucking up his character arc up to this point. i can't see him as "the villain" in a story like this. the "fall from grace" of a hero WOULDN'T work here! especially not with crane being so beloved by the community. i just wouldn't be able to stand the alex mercer treatment

another question is if it's even possible for crane to come back. well, i do believe so! even as people point out that turkey is incredibly far away from europe, i do believe crane could pull off all that walking. HELL, aiden himself traveled THOUSANDS of kilometers, and you're telling me someone as dedicated as crane couldn't do it??? he's also been mentioned a few times as well (and we aren't even sure if we found all the references yet, with the game being out for only a few days), i somehow hope that could hint into his comeback

so IF kyle crane ever comes back, i really hope he's done justice because it has potential and would definitely make people happy (it's me i'm people)

[watchyourbluesturngolden]

the shrooms cafe

part 1- watermelon tea with strawberry boba

hello everyone 🥺 this is the first series i've ever done so i'm a little nervous but i'm so excited because I really like this story!!!

this is the first part, and I have literally no idea how long it will be because I don't have a solid plan/outline yet! so feel free to send little concepts or things you would like to see included 🥺 i can't guarantee they will be added but i'll definitely try my best :)

shrooms cafe masterlist

my masterlist

warnings: none

word count: 2k

"Stella, we have to leave in 10 minutes!" You called up the stairs. "Come down so you can eat breakfast!" "Yeah Stella, hurry up!" Seraphina yelled from her spot at the dining table. She was finishing up her fruit loops with a grin on her face. "You're going to make us late!" As the youngest, she often liked to bother her sisters. She was only five, just starting kindergarten, but she was already a master at getting under their skin.

"Sera, don't antagonize your sister, please," you reminded her. "She's not going to make us late." Sophie rolled her eyes. "Seraphina, you're so immature." Despite only being 11, Sophie was clearly the mother hen. You sometimes joked that the girls didn't even need you; Sophie would take on the role of their mother with no problem. "Besides, you were the one who made us late yesterday." "It's not my fault I couldn't find my purple socks. What was I supposed to do?" "Maybe wear different socks?" Sophie suggested smugly. "You know I need my purple socks, otherwise I can't write my words!" Sophie rolled her eyes again. "You don't need a certain color socks to write." "Yes I do!" You smiled to yourself, turning back to the fridge as the two bickered. You pulled out the ingredients you would need to make their lunches, then reached up on your tiptoes to get their lunch bags from the top of fridge. "Okay girls, what kind of sandwiches do you want today?" "Peanut butter and jelly!" Seraphina said excitedly. "Why did I even ask?" You smiled. "And Sophie?" "Turkey please, but I can make it myself," She said, sliding off her chair and bringing the breakfast dishes to the sink. "Thank you, love," you said, leaning over to kiss the top of her head. "You are such a big help in the mornings, I don't know what I would do without you." "You would have a real handful dealing with those two," She said matter-of-factly. "That I would," you laughed, handing her a butter knife. "Stella!" you called again. The 8 year old came running down the stairs, carrying her backpack and another bag. "Did you forget I have dance today?" "I did not forget," you reassured her. She liked to plan things, and got worried quickly if she wasn't kept in the loop. "I'll pick you up at the door by the playground, does that work?" "Actually, I was wondering if I could walk today? A bunch of my friends do, and I feel kind of weird having my mom drop me off." "That should be fine," You nodded. "But stay with the group, don't go off by yourself." "I won't," she groaned, rolling her eyes. "You're so overprotective." "Oh yes, I'm so sorry for trying to keep you safe," you laughed. "Now what do you want for lunch?" Once everything was ready, the four of you made your way out to the car. Stella climbed into the back, and Sophie helped Seraphina get buckled. Even though the three of them bickered a lot (as sisters often do) it wasn't hard to see how much they loved each other. "Everybody buckled?" You asked, looking behind you. When you heard a chorus of confirmation, you started your playlist and smiled when the opening notes of Adore You filtered through the speakers. It was easily one of your favorite songs, and the girls liked it just as much as you did. It wasn't a long drive to the cafe; it took about 15 minutes if traffic was good. The girls' school bus stopped about a block away, so they walked there together every morning. Then after school, they would come back to the shop and read books or finish homework until it was time to close up and go home. You parked in the lot behind the shop, helping the girls out of the car and making sure they had all their things. Seraphina held out her hand, and Stella grabbed it to help her jump over a puddle on the sidewalk. Sophie gasped excitedly. "I think that was the biggest jump you've ever done!" The girls promptly launched into a discussion about who could jump farther as you unlocked the door. As soon as it was open, they made their way over to the mushrooms to find some books for the day. Their voices filled the shop as they chatted about school and the cute boy Stella liked and the kitten they had seen outside their house the other day. You went about your morning duties, flipping on the lights and starting up the coffee machine. You also turned on the oven, preparing to bake the muffins. (They were frozen- who has the time to bake them fresh? Certainly not a mother of 3.) Once the kitchen was ready, you went over to the radio and tuned it to a familiar station, the soft

music adding some pleasant background noise. "Okay girls, it's time to get to the bus stop," you said, leaning over the counter to speak to them. "Don't forget, I'm walking to dance," Stella said, pointing at you as she walked to the door. "I won't forget," you said, pointing back at her. "Have a good day!" "Bye mom," Seraphina waved her small hand at you. "Bye honey, bye Sophia," You smiled, blowing a kiss to the three of them. "See you later!" Once the three of them were gone, you went around to the shelves and straightened up, getting ready for your first customers.

-----

After the lunch rush had dwindled down and the shop was nearly empty again, you were getting ready to go on your lunch break. You had just leaned down to grab a sandwich from the deli case when the bell above the door jingled, alerting you that a new customer had come in. You straightened up, your eyes going wide when you realized who it was, but you quickly fixed your face and smiled. "Welcome to the Shrooms Cafe!" "Hello," the man smiled back, speaking in a deep British accent. "I saw your sign for boba tea, and I've been looking everywhere to find some. You're the third shop I've been to today, so I'm really hoping you're not sold out like everywhere else," he grinned, coming closer to the counter. "No, we're not out! What kind did you want?" You asked. "Um... probably should have thought about that before I came in," he laughed nervously, looking at the menu above your head. "Oh, don't worry about it, we're not busy right now," you said reassuringly. “Take all the time you need.” He smiled gratefully, stepping off to the side while he read the menu. Meanwhile, you fidgeted with towels and wiped off the work surfaces and tried to pretend you weren’t staring at him. Who could blame you, really? Harry Styles had just walked into your coffee shop. Who wouldn’t stare? “I think…” he spoke again, breaking you out of your trance. “I’ll do the watermelon tea, with strawberry boba, please.” You nodded, laughing lightly. He quirked one eyebrow, smiling along with you. “What’s funny?” “Oh, no, it’s just… of course you would order the one with watermelon.” “Oh,” he smiled, and you thought you detected a hint of a blush on his cheeks. “I guess I do have a bit of a reputation with fruit, don’t I?” “Just a little,” you grinned. “One watermelon tea with strawberry boba, coming right up.” After ringing up the order, you quickly got to work. Instead of his real name, you wrote “watermelon man” on the sticker on the cup. Hopefully he would appreciate your little joke. “Here you are,” you smiled. “I hope it’s good, seeing as you worked so hard to find some.” “I’m sure it’ll be amazing,” he laughed, grabbing a straw from beside the cash register. You also noticed he had dropped a generous tip into the jar, probably while you had been busy making the drink. “Have a nice day,” you smiled. “You as well,” he said with a small wave before he made his way out the door, sipping his drink as he went. You sighed, shaking your head with a small grin as you grabbed the sandwich from earlier and went to a table for your lunch break.

-----

“Hi mom!” Sophie yelled, holding open the door for Seraphina. “Hi girls!” You called from the back corner of the shop. “I’m by the mushrooms!” The girls quickly found you, Seraphia hugging you and Sophie situating herself on one of the short stools. “How was your day?” You asked. “Good! I gave my report on monarch butterflies and guess what Mrs. Wilson said?” Sophie asked, leaning forward. “What did she say?” “She said it was the best report she had heard all day. She waited until the other kids left so they wouldn’t feel bad, but still,” she said proudly. “Oh wow! I’m so proud of you,” you said, moving over to hug her. “What did I tell you? You can do anything you put your mind to,” you smiled. “Including writing the best report in the whole class, hmm?” She nodded happily before turning away from you to pull a book off the shelf closest to her. “Which one are you starting now?” You asked, leaning over her shoulder to see the book she had. “Anne of Green Gables,” she said. “Oh, I loved those books when I was your age,” you smiled. “I think you’ll really like them.”

She nodded, already immersed in the book. You turned back to Seraphina, who was pulling her folder out of her backpack. “And how was your day, miss Seraphina?” “It was so good, look!” She handed you a paper with two gold stars at the top. “My teacher gave me two gold stars. She said my writing was very good!"

"All that practicing we did must have worked, then!" you said, beaming as you looked at her letters. They were still wobbly, but a huge improvement over how they had been at the beginning of the school year.

She nodded. "And then I colored this picture for you!” She handed you another page. This one had a drawing of you holding hands with her, Sophie, and Stella. The three of you had big smiles and lots of adorable little details. Stella had her hair in a bun and was wearing ballet shoes. Sophie was holding a book in her free hand. Seraphina had drawn herself wearing a shirt with a cat (her favorite animal) on it, and she was wearing her purple socks. Lastly, there was you, holding a cup of coffee and wearing a shirt with a big red heart on it. “Since you like coffee so much,” she explained. “It's beautiful,” you smiled, hugging her. “We’ll hang it on the fridge when we get home, okay?” “Okay,” she agreed. “Why don’t you find a book and read with Sophie for a little bit? We have just over an hour, then we have to go get Stella from dance.” She nodded, handing you the papers and her backpack before running over to the shelves. She grabbed a picture book, settling into the red cushion in the tree and beginning to flip through the pages.

----- “Alright girls, it’s time to pick up Stella,” you said as you wiped off the counter one last time. You had already turned off all the machines and packed up everything else for the day. You flipped the lights off on the way out, smiling a bit when you saw the hand painted sign for boba tea in the window. Harry came into your mind again, with his easy smile, his kind words, and his blushing laugh. You really hoped you would see him again, even though you knew you probably wouldn't. Your shop wasn't very big or well known. How likely was it for him to come to the same little shop in the middle of London again? Still, it didn’t hurt to hope. Maybe he would decide to try the other flavors and stop in again. Your smile spread even further when you started your playlist and Lights Up was the first song to come on. Apparently, it was going to be hard to forget about him.