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oftenderweapons · 4 years ago

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Apple Of My Pie (6) — Jin

A Small Town Swoons story

Chapter 6.

Pairing: Kim Seokjin x reader (nicknamed Buttercup)

Wordcount: 3.8k

Genre: non-idol!AU, Baker/Café owner!Seokjin, University student!reader Flatmates!AU, Friends To Lovers; angst, very little fluff

Rating: suggested 18+ for future smut and swearing

A/N: Hello my cupcakes! Welcome to the Small Town Swoon Universe! 🥰✨

In this episode: Jin and Buttercup have been apart for a while. Both mourn for their separation, Buttercup nursed by the attentive care of Jeongguk and Yoongi, while Seokjin prefers dwelling on his feelings in solitude. In the deepest darkness, some sense finally sheds a light, thanks to the words of an unexpected ally.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: Swearing. Both jin and Buttercup are underfed, which leads to a sense of coldness and numbness, fatigue and haziness that are mentioned in the fic.

Remember to vote for next prompt (check the link in my bio) and in case you need it, here’s my masterlist 💜

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Enjoy ✨💜

Navi: Chapter 1 — Chapter 2 — Chapter 3 — Chapter 4 — Chapter 5 — Chapter 6 — Chapter 7 (7/7)

He missed you.

He missed you a lot.

He missed you waking up at two am to raid the kitchen. He missed hearing your laugh from across the apartment while you watched something.

He missed hearing you ramble on and on about literature in your own room as you studied your lessons, he missed breakfast together, he missed waking up at two pm after a night shift and having late lunch together after you came back from your lessons. He missed making you hot cocoa, watching films together, having dinner, talking about boring stuff.

He missed you.

He had been missing you for two weeks now, and soon they would become three.

Nineteen days. In a few hours he would have to handle one more Saturday dinner alone, one more Saturday night without watching a film with you on the sofa. And then another Sunday morning when he would cook too much food and end up bringing it to Taehyung.

Nineteen days.

That’s how long you had been missing.

And every time he came back home, one more piece of you disappeared. Your toiletries had vanished on that unfortunate Sunday. That inglorious, tragic Sunday, when he was still too confused to understand the end had started.

On Monday, the first few books were gone; your currently reading novels, usually abandoned on the coffee table, had disappeared.

Next your blanket, the one his granny had gifted you for your first Christmas away from home. That was on Tuesday, with some more books.

The emptiness he had prayed for ever since he had decided he needed to fall out of love with you was slowly conquering the apartment. The same emptiness, once a welcome feeling in his mind, now manifested in his heart as a slow, ruthless strangling, the one where you know exactly what is happening, and you feel every cell of your body oppose, fight for oxygen, like a person clawing at the offender’s fingers tightening around their throat.

He felt like he was drowning, inch by inch, unfathomably.

He rang the door bell.

A disturbingly sweet scent of tuberose met his nostrils. He flinched.

“Hi, come in!”

“We can order in some pizza or I could make pasta. Or risotto.” Jeongguk sat beside you, stealing your book and putting it down. “You need to eat, Sweets.”

You shook your head. “I’m okay, I’m just not in the mood.”

“Just a little, come on. Make me happy.” He begged, looking at you with those eyes that made it impossible to deny him.

“Okay. Just a little, though, I’m really… Not okay.” You admitted, snuggling up next to Bibby, his torso pillowing your head.

He scared you with a sneeze before you both settled down again. The dog had become your shadow, following you everywhere, as if he could sense your deep need for affection and support.

Jeongguk nodded. “Can you handle a baby pizza? We can eat the leftovers tomorrow for breakfast,” he mused, letting you know it was okay even if you didn’t finish your food.

He just wanted you to eat.

You were cold all the time, your teeth always clattering, your body so weak after days of eating the very minimum to stay alive and studying.

In the last few days you had even given up on attending university, your friends and study buddies sending you the recordings of the lessons. One of your teachers had even noticed your absence and Lara had diligently made up an excuse, saying you had caught a bad flu and that you were slowly recovering.

“Lemme call the pizza place.” Jeongguk cupped your cheek, studying your face, so pale, your eyes, so tired.

You nodded.

Jeongguk sat up and called. “Hi, it’s me. Yeah, can I have a baby Margherita in ten? I know, it’s Friday and rush hour, just a baby Margherita… You’re the best. Yes, I’ll bring you candies. Go to work. Yeah, bye.”

You blinked a few times, quite surprised at Jeongguk’s relaxed tone as he talked to the person on the phone.

“It’ll be here soon. Why don’t you rest your eyes a little. You need that, Sweets.” He reminded you.

He could be so apprehensive, so caring and observant.

He seemed to know everything, the same way Jin did. Still, you were far from feeling for Jeongguk the things you felt for Jin. It felt like that path you had walked to Seokjin would never lead you to Jeongguk, though you had considered.

It wasn’t a matter of food, or time, or affection or care. It was something deeper, deeper than attraction and spending time together and laughing at the same jokes.

It was as if your soul didn’t feel at home in his space, like it could never inhabit his body the way it inhabited yours. Or Seokjin’s.

You closed your eyes.

“Good for you.” Jeongguk said, fixing the blanket around you, adding an extra one for your feet, knowing that they always got cold.

“She’s sleeping.”

“Does she sleep a lot?”

“Quite a lot, yes.”

“Did she lose weight?”

“Yes, definitely.”

“Does she eat, even just a little?”

“When I’m around, yes, but I’m not usually home for lunch. I’m pretty sure she eats breakfast and dinner. Very little food, but at least she eats.”

“That’s reassuring.”

“Yoongi, she’s trying.”

You could hear some voices from the kitchen table, but you refused to open your eyes. You could recognise them with your eyes closed anyway.

Spice’s voice appeared. “I bet she’s exhausted. He looked bad too. They’re hurting so bad, both of them.”

“They had chances, Spice. They turned them down. Maybe they’ll learn the lesson.” Yoongi said coldly.

“Not everyone is like us, baby. They’re taking their time.” Spice calmed him down.

“They won’t have forever.” Yoongi objected with a slight growl in his voice.

Jeongguk stared as Spice brought an arm around Yoongi’s shoulders, pulling him into her chest. She knew it was his history making him speak with so much anger and tension. “If it doesn’t happen, then they’re not meant to be.”

Yoongi relaxed a little. “If they aren’t, then I don’t know who is.”

Spice shook her head. “They’ll work it out.”

Jeongguk placed his head against his hands. “She’s just freezing cold, all the time.”

“You mean her body temperature or her mood?” Yoongi questioned.

“Her temperature.”

Yoongi tutted. “Give her more sugars. She needs fruit and honey and chocolate. Keep those on the coffee table so you can keep them in check, see if she eats.”

“Sure thing.”

“Has she seen him?” Spice asked, still holding Yoongi’s hand.

“No. I don’t think so. Lara tells her when he’s at the bakery so she can go home and get what she needs.” Jeongguk replied.

Yoongi breathed heavily. You could tell it was him by the way his exhale was drenched in exasperation. “That man. He will drive me mad. He’s so stupid.”

“He has a girl—”

“Which in my opinion he should have never had.” Yoongi commented.

“It’s his choice, Yoongi. He fucked up. I’m here for her.” Jeongguk objected. “I’m her friend.”

“You had feeli—”

“I had them. In the past. You know how this works, Yoongi. How it works for me. She’s never been it. I’ll know when the right one comes.” Jeongguk stated, as determined as ever.

“Then learn the lesson from that fucker and when she comes, tell her what she means to you.” Yoongi said, squeezing Spice’s hand in his.

“I’ll tell her so much she’ll get tired of it.” Jeongguk affirmed with the solemn tone of promises.

Spice squeezed Yoongi’s hand in return. “We never get tired of hearing that.”

Yoongi’s eyes met those of his lover, friend and partner. “We never do.” He said, like a whispered secret to his beloved.

Jeongguk smiled at the exchange. That was his goal. Finding something like that, like what he saw between his friends, right in that moment.

“Should I wake her?” He asked, musing about your situation.

Yoongi got out of his bubble and replied quickly. “Yes. Try keeping her close to a proper sleeping schedule. Her body is spread thin right now, so she’ll need naps, but don’t let those last too long.” The man instructed. “If it doesn’t get better in two weeks, then we’ll need to get proper help. You know there’s not much I can do since I’m connected to both. I cannot be professional about it.” Yoongi explained. “I have a uni colleague who practices and who could help her, were this to continue.”

“Thank you, Yoongi.”

“All cool, kid. Text me when she’s up. Tell her to call me if you see she’s ready.”

Jeongguk nodded, “I’ll have her call you.”

“Yeah, just don’t force her,” Yoongi replied, standing up and wearing his coat. “Spice and I will be out of town next weekend. Just so you know.”

Jeongguk smiled, “thank you for telling me.”

“Wake her and feed her.” Yoongi said, walking to the door, Spice following him closely. She watched as Yoongi’s eyes looked for your sleeping form. “Tell her we love her a lot. That she needs to be strong and healthy to explore the woods with Joon and to help us with spring pies.” Yoongi shook his head. “Maybe ignore the pies.”

Jeongguk nodded. “Joon will bring her to the cottage soon. I’ll be having a busy week starting Monday.”

“Great. See you, Gukkie.” Yoongi said, finally ready to leave.

From the smell of coffee and leather, you felt what could only be Spice’s hand touching your face. “Stay safe, baby.” She told you, still thinking you were asleep.

Underneath all those layers, Spice was a sweetheart, after all. It made your heart clench.

“Bye Guk.” She said, shortly before you heard the door close.

He sat beside you and Bibby. “Open your eyes, Sweets. You need to eat your dinner.”

You pouted and stretched, sitting up. “I’m going to the cottage?”

“Namjoon will pass by on Sunday to pick you up.” Jeongguk said, incapable of hiding some envy. He wanted to go to the cottage too. It was beautiful to see how much a day can make a difference in the woods in spring.

You nodded, already comforted by the thought of sharing some time with one of the people you respected and trusted the most, in his lovely cottage, among his plants and paintings and books. It was the most healing place in the universe. “Can I have some pizza?” You asked, sniffing at the inviting scent in the air.

Jeongguk smiled at your question, significantly happy with your request. “Of course.”

“How are you? Did you sleep a little?” Grace asked, getting a glass of water and some biscuits for Seokjin.

He smiled at the young woman but sneered at the food, almost hissing. He felt ready to throw up his guts. He felt disgusting.

“Not much.” He said, rubbing his arms. He felt so cold.

Grace shook her head. “You should eat.”

Seokjin looked out of the window, the orange afternoon sun hurting his eyes. Two more hours. Saturday dinner alone. He tried to find the words, the right words.

He realised there weren’t any.

“I miss her, Grace.” Jin placed his elbows on the table and planted his forehead against his palms. “I miss her too much.”

Grace nodded and stood up. She walked to the window and stood there, with her back to Jin. “Everyone. Everyone in this town knows. Everyone.” She paused. Seokjin waited. She didn’t speak with anger or sadness. She simply spoke, like one who knew.

“Everyone knows about you and her, about how perfect you look together. But she didn’t even consider you. You always cared for her, but who cared for you? Who made breakfast and dinner and the laundry and the cleaning for you?” Grace seemed upset now. “She never made a move, though. Everyone knew, but sometimes only one person really, actually knows.” She turned around. She had a small smile on, a bitter one, maybe. “Because you weren’t hers, I made a move. And I never expected you would take me into consideration, all the girls — and the boys — who have tried never succeeded. How would I?” Again she paused. “But I did it. Somehow.”

Seokjin nodded. “You are a great person, Grace. You’re smart, kind, beautiful. And you’re dedicated, and I was attracted to you since the first time I saw you.”

“But I’m not her, am I?” She said, so gentle; the kind of gentleness that you use with strangers, to keep them at a distance.

“You’re not her, and there are pros and cons to this, just like for any other people.” Seokjin replied politely.

Grace nodded as she paced back and forth. She grabbed a biscuit and she ate it unhurriedly, still pacing, chewing it slowly.

“I tried to move on.” Seokjin explained, “but maybe I’m not ready.”

Grace bobbed her head. “Fair. After all I could be only a carer.” She admitted. “I think I took pity on you, but never truly loved you.” Her expression looked sad but honest.

Seokjin pursed his lips. “We both deserve better than dull pity, may it be giving or receiving.”

“I thought pity would suffice. We could be great friends and then grow into something more than that. But some friendships don’t evolve like the one you have with her.” Grace sat down in front of her guest. Her boyfriend. Soon to be her ex.

Their time together was coming to an end, each second inevitable like the ticking of the clock.

“I hope you don’t feel insulted, or disrespected.” Seokjin confessed, his tone of voice extremely apologetic.

“We both got into this with the wrong intentions. I think we both deserve the best and we clearly will not get it from each other. You need her, and I'm just a detour on your way to her—”

“Please, don't think that I didn't care about you.” He said, with so much pain in his voice. He was so disappointed in himself.

“I know you cared. Maybe you still care, but I know you wouldn't be here if she were an option.” Grace said, her voice honest, a bit harsh maybe, but with no suffering or aggression.

“Don't think I chose you because I couldn't have her. Among several options, I still chose you, because you were the one I liked the most, because I could fall in love with you. And I still like you, but I didn't fall. And I'm not sure that will happen.” Seokjin spoke with transparent unequivocality.

“It would be stupid for us to continue down this path. We would just lie to each other, unless we accept that our relationship will be based on fondness and nothing more.” Grace explained clearly.

Seokjin pouted. “We're too young for fondness.”

“We are.” Grace agreed. “But you need to tell her, Jin. You must tell her. You're hurting for a separation you could have absolutely avoided. At least, if you have to suffer, do it for the right reason.” Grace had a clarity in her that Seokjin had come to respect. He knew someone would love it someday. Someone would take care of her and cherish her and adore her and worship her with her gifts and imperfections. Someone could even love the scent of tuberoses that always lingered on her skin.

“I think we're ready to say goodbye.” She mused. “Although I would love it if we could still be friendly around each other. I don't wanna say 'let's stay friends' because that could be hypocritical of me right now, but I think I'd be very happy if we could still say hi and chat at the bakery when I stop by.”

“I think I'd be proud to call you my friend, when you feel ready for that. Still, you don't have to do that. I understand I hurt you—”

“No offense, but you didn't hurt me. I already knew what I was getting myself into. I think I've always known you would never be mine. A part of me was ready for this to happen and I think that's what's keeping this from being hurtful or insulting or whatever. We have been clear from the very start.”

“I wasn't clear about her.” Seokjin's eyes watered. He felt like he didn't deserve Grace's mercy and understanding.

“Anyone and everyone could tell. You were clear with anything but words. Plus I knew, and still I let it happen.” Grace took Seokjin's hand in hers. “It's not your fault. You're not alone.”

He didn't know when it happened but somehow he was crying, weeping like a baby, sobbing and sniffling.

Grace rose and walked to his chair, standing behind him, placing both her hands on his shoulders, rubbing them energetically. “You’re gonna be alright, Jin. Just go and fix all this mess with her. Talk to her please or I swear I'm gonna hate you. Don't make all this pain useless.” The young woman hugged him and kissed his head. “Stop telling yourself you don't deserve her. Stop being paranoid about her turning you down. Have you ever considered her giving you a chance?” She spoke with a soothing tone, something that he knew would make her a great mother someday. He could see himself kicking his own butt and begging Grace to take him back, were he ever to learn how to love her.

However, a part of his brain told him that loving Grace was something he could never learn, just like he never had to learn how to love you.

“You're one smart, beautiful woman, you know?” He asked, patting Grace's hands with his. “I hope you get someone who can love you the way you need.”

Grace nodded. “The same to you, dear. Now go get your lady or I'm going to castrate you.”

He squeaked out a teary laugh before standing up. “Are you okay with me hugging you?”

She smiled and nodded.

The embrace held for maybe half a minute before she whispered 'go, quick', like her gut was telling her something.

Seokjin smiled before winking and running out of the building.

You were grateful for the umbrella. You knew that soon the light drizzle would become a full storm and with all your heart you hoped you had enough time to carry your stuff to Yoongi’s pub, Ginger’s, and save yourself from the rain.

You were eager to get your stuff ready. All you wanted was for it to be Sunday already, for the energy of the woods to restore your soul and offer a safe haven to your mourning body.

You wanted the slightly damp spring days, the blossoms on the trees and the light green new leaves. You longed to see the lawns become once more verdant, filled with daisies and the frolicking of bees and butterflies.

However, for now you were stuck in the cold, humid weather, not a hint of spring in sight.

With a slight pout you entered your building, climbing the stairs in a path you could walk with your eyes closed.

The keys indented your skin uncomfortably, your hold too tight.

You slipped the right one in quickly, trying to make the errand as brief as possible.

Once you entered, you took off your shoes. You didn’t want to stain Seokjin’s floor, especially considering how he always took care of it, spending extra time in treating the hardwood boards with special products to keep them glossy and vibrant in their splendid maroon colour.

You completely avoided looking at the kitchen, walking to your room and finding the last bag of clothes resting on the bed, still made with three-week-old sheets. You wondered whether it was a good idea for you to wash them, but once you were reminded you would be gone for a whole week, maybe more, you shook your head and went on with your tasks, cleaning up your desk once you noticed the dust on it.

Your tiny bookcase was halfway empty, the only things left some old books you read during your first year and tiny trinkets.

A can of cherry coke from your first trip to the lake with the guys; a tattoo Jeongguk had designed for you a long time ago, waiting for you to finally find the guts to get it done; granny’s recipe for her special apple pie; a picture of you and Seokjin at the bakery’s fiftieth anniversary, a small buttercup flower dried and pressed into the framed picture; another photo, this one from your birthday, the guys surrounding you in a group hug, and Seokjin staring from the distance, his eyes glimmering with something your mouth will never speak.

You were slowly spiralling into despair when you heard the door unlock.

Dread grabbed your insides and twisted them tight, your hands unconsciously snatching the bag, switching off the lights before you tried to run out of your room, hoping it was just a projection of your exhausted brain.

It wasn’t.

There, on the entry mat stood Seokjin, drenched head to toe.

You stared at each other for a second.

“Hi.” He said.

He looked a mess. “Are you alright?”

He bent forward, his hands on his knees, his chest heaving with laboured breathing as he shook his head.

He knelt on the floor.

He shook his head some more.

You stood paralysed in front of him.

“I could use a friend.” He whispered, right before you dropped your bag and fell to your knees right in front of him, pressing his face to your chest. “You said you would never leave me alone. You promised.” He sobbed, hugging you to his body. “You promised.” He repeated, your clothes getting wet as they touched his.

“I’m sorry Jinnie. I’m so sorry, honey.” You replied, tearing up yourself. “Come in, let’s get you warm and dry.”

He refused. “Don’t go.”

“I’m not going, Jinnie. Come in.” You spoke softly.

“Swear on your cocoa that you won’t leave.” He required.

“I swear on the cocoa, now please come in, I don’t want you to catch a cold, Jin. Please.”

Reluctantly he followed your lead.

“You should get changed.” You said, cupping his cheek as the two of you stood one in front of the other.

His skin felt too hot.

“I don’t want to get you out of my sight.” He said, hugging you again.

You were both drenched by now. “We both need to get changed.”

He pouted. “You get in the bathroom. I wait outside. I can get changed while you’re in.” He said, sure that you were too smart — and too lazy — to jump out of the window.

“I won’t run.” You said, trying to reassure him.

“What if you change your mind?” He insinuated with an accusing, hurt tone.

You gave up. “Okay, I’ll get changed in the bathroom.” You conceded, grabbing your duffel bag and walking in the room, closing the door behind you.

You changed quickly, trying to show him you were invested in staying as little away from him as possible.

“I’m ready.” You called, waiting to open the door. You didn’t want to see something you weren’t meant to.

“Yes, you can come out.” He said.

As you opened the door, the first thing you noticed was his bare chest, wide, immense before your eyes.

You averted your gaze as he slipped on a sweater. He hugged you again. “I’m cold.” He murmured.

Your heart couldn’t handle that. “Let’s get on the sofa.”

“I don’t have a blanket anymore.” He said, looking at you with eyes so big, so lost and emotional.

You shook your head and entered his bedroom, grabbing his comforter carelessly. “Let’s go.”

He smiled and followed you, sitting down and dragging you onto his lap.

“Seokjin.” You reprimanded, thinking of the last time you had seen him.

“What?” He asked, fixing the covers around the two of you, holding you so tight you almost couldn’t breathe.

“What about Grace.” You said, not even a question, just a distant, unemotional statement.

“No more. I left her, Buttercup.” He said, nuzzling his nose into your hair. “I left her.”

You smelled so good.

You always smelled so good.

He kissed your neck. You tasted good too.

“Jinnie.”

“We’ll talk in the morning. I just need to sleep next to you. Please, Buttercup.” He begged, so tired and so adorably undeniable.

“Let’s sleep then.”

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Navi: Chapter 1 — Chapter 2 — Chapter 3 — Chapter 4 — Chapter 5 — Chapter 6 — Chapter 7 (7/7)

#kim seokjin x reader #jin x reader #bangtanhq #thetruthuntoldnet #seokjin fluff #seokjin angst #Baker!seokjin #bts fanfiction #bts blog #Seokjin flatmates!Au #seokjin friends to lovers

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luminari-mc · 3 years ago

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Hello vel<3 <3 imma ask 1) did u eat anything nice today? 2) are u celebrating halloween somehow this year? :o and 3) what is your favorite cake?🍰 rly rly hoping you feel better soon, too (=^･ω･^=)

Hi Naamah, thank you ;; I'm doing my best but it's only just the start unfortunately haha.

I did eat ice cream and pasta, the sauce was delicious 👌

I'm not much of a Halloween person when it comes to partying, but me and some friends will play some spooky games!

Chocolate cake forever ♡ Dark chocolate especially. Like lava cake will own my soul for the rest of eternity.

Fill My Inbox Game

#thank you again for the ask ♡#vel's asks #baalism

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miumoou · 4 years ago

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Dreams Really Do Come True ~ Chapter 6

Dazai X Reader 💞

[Y/N] POV

"Your smile compliments a beautiful lady like you"

I knew that he would say such a thing to any women but it made feel relieved knowing it was the man who I thought I'll never meet "You really are him aren't you" I lightly laughed as he gently let go of me and helped me up. It really did feel like a dream as we stood in the frosty cold air. The clouds began to fade away revealing the bright ball of fire which slowly disappeared behind the chained fencing which separated us from the calm evening ocean waves. Looking over I spotted the sign "Danger no jumping" and once again I breathed a sigh of relief as I looked back at Dazai with a joyous look.

"Oh and here this is for you!" I handed over the plain white bandages to him.

"Thank you" He paused as he slid the bandages away into his large pocket as this coat was a little too oversized on his slim body.

"I really needed those bandages...ever since I got here I've had to wear this super warm coat and at times it's been driving me crazy but now because of this beautiful young lady I can finally take it off." Looking over at you he noticed that there was no element of surprise in your expression. "Hmmm I'm guessing that you already know why I've been wearing this coat." His hand wrapped around his soft silk hair as he spoke out those words.

Looking at him now he really did look otherworldly. He almost looked like a mystical statue. Maybe he was Medusa's lover.

"Oh by the way there has been something that I've been meaning to ask but what is your name beautiful? The curiosity is actually killing me!" His tone of voice changed into the goofier Dazai I knew from the detective agency. "I simply must know the name of the women who is simply perfect for a double suicide with me~"

I laughed as he spoke. "You don't have to flirt with me Dazai I know you do that with everyone but I do love this goofball version of you!"

Dazai looked at me with a surprised look "Oh so you know about how I flirt too? Haha well then what's your name?"

"Yes I do and my name is [Y/N] [Y/S]" I grinned as the heavenly artist behind me painted the sky in a gradient made up of pink, orange and blue as the sun collided with the peaceful sheet of water.

"[Y/N]? That's such a fitting name for you!~"

"Well [Y/N] chan~ would you like to..." he grabbed the Pier railing from both of my sides blocking off any possible exists keeping me at the centre. I could almost hear his steady heartbeat as he kept his cool despite being so close to a woman. He is a womanizer of course it's easy for him but it's not for me. He looked down at me with an intense serious expression.

"Tell me how do you know me [Y/N]? How much do you know?" I tried to move a little away from his face as I panicked. I always panic when I get confronted. "I...I..." Dazai noticed how I was trying to move away so he bought himself even closer. So close that I could see his handsome face in high definition. His hands gripped the railings tighter.

"[Y/N] answer me please." His eyes were determined to get answers from me. It almost felt like one of those interrogations he held back during the days of the dark era.

Nicole POV

"Feeeew she didn't figure out why I was truly here! Hahaha I tricked her" I spoke out proudly with a smirk on my face.

"That was a close one! I can't let her know that I am secretly a Bungo Stray Dogs fan or should I say that I am here to see a certain someone which is even worse"

My eyebrows lifted high into the heavens wiggling. I grinned to myself as I stood at the centre of the milk isle. "Wait why am I in the milk isle? Or should I say the mulk isle haha wow why am I laughing to myself."

"I really am a dumbass at times" as I spoke those words I started to return back to my more timid personality as I started to feel several pairs of eyes gazing at me. Are they judging me? Probably but that's just me isn't it. I tilt my head down to look at my phone to change the song into 'Together Forever by Rick Atsley'. I love listening to him he genuinely makes me feel good. I know I sound basic saying that but hearing him say that 'I will always do what's best for you' makes me all warm inside.

With a slow pace I headed for Rose De Jaune's famous pasta isle with my bright green shopping trolley. Why? Cause my favourite noodles were located there! I reached out to grab the brand which I would normally get with my mum. Honestly I am amazed that I managed to find this isle by myself. I normally follow my mum. Turning around I saw a man with messy black hair and emerald green eyes staring straight into my soul. "Oh my life he is so sexy!"

"..."

Did I just say that out loud?

I said that out loud???

What kind of dumbass am I??

I quickly looked back at my noodles nervously. My eyebrows wiggled without permission. I'm so embarrassing! *I slapped my eyebrows*

The sexy man watched me and couldn't help but laugh hysterically "Why are you slapping your eyebrows? You see I got lost while I was looking for my suicidal maniac friend and here I find you. You. Miss crackhead slapping her own eyebrows? Don't get me wrong." He moves in closer with an energetic smile staring right into my nervous wrecked face. "You are real pretty but you also seem a little funny...but what's even more important is that your grabbing the most finest noodles in town and I love those" he starts to hum a song as he thinks of those delicious noodles.

I began to feel more at ease as he mentioned those words "Yo-...You love noodles as much as me?" I asked shyly as I was speaking to such a perfect man. Sexy and he loves food? He is my ideal type. Looking back at him again I noticed him wearing a basic vanilla white t-shirt. Okay he is basic like me? Love that.

"Now then beautiful Miss" as he spoke he unwrapped the Cadbury chocolate which he was holding since the beginning of this encounter. He must have picked up those on the way to the pasta isle. Then he began to chomp into the bar of sweetness. I gasped. What is he doing? Why is he biting chocolate which he hadn't bought? I was too nervous to ask so all I could do was stand there with an expression full of shock.

"Have you seen my friend Osamu Dazai? He is a tall slender man with brown slightly wavey hair. He has also them typical bangs which frame the face and gather a little at the centre."

Wait.

What did I just hear?

Dazai?

Then could it be?

Could this be who I was looking for?

"Ranpo?" I accidently shouted out.

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surveys-at-your-service · 3 years ago

Text

Survey #411

“everybody’s got loaded stories, and i know for a fact everybody sees a bullseye on my back”

Have you ever been to jail? No. Opinion on snow? I absolutely love it! Not big on the slush it leaves behind, though. It gets ugly. What are you best at drawing? Meerkats. Are you scared of going over bridges? Nah. If you had endless energy and stamina, how would you spend your days? Plenty of exercise, lots of exploration with my camera, doing chores much more regularly... stuff like that. What mental or physical space do you go when you want to recharge or relax? I go to my room and watch YouTube. Did you have/use a comfort object as a child (do you continue to have one)? I actually don't remember. Now as an adult, if I go somewhere, my purse is actually like my comfort item in that I like to sit and sort of hug it to feel more secure. When was the last time you said something you regret? What did you say? I'm unsure. What do you tend to get carried away with? New hobbies/interests. It will be like all I care about for a long while, ha ha. Do you believe we have souls; do you believe in a life after death? Yes to both. Do you still talk to the person you last made out with? No. Have you ever seen your best friend cry? Ugh, yes, and it's the absolute worst. What kind of vitamins did you take as a kid? We had those Flintstones ones for a while, but for most of my childhood, we had gummy vitamins. Have you ever gone to court? Well, yes, but not for like your ordinary court hearing. While hospitalized on one occasion, a lawyer visited to speak to the patients informing us that we could argue against our discharge dates if we believed we were going to be committed for too long, which I thought I was, so I signed up to bring my case in front of a judge. So yeah, I've been to court, but not for ordinary reasons. Are you friends with your neighbors? "Friends," no. The people to our left like just moved out, and I don't even know if we've ever been outside at the same time as the family on our right. Favorite color? I like baby pink. How long has it been since you’ve seen The Lion King? I saw the CGI remake when it came out, if that counts? I don't know about the original. When did you last hold hands with someone? Sometime when I was at my sister's house, my niece grabbed my hand to drag me somewhere, ha ha. Have you ever had a crush on your sibling's friend? No. Have you ever gone to a beach? Multiple times. How good is your eyesight? It is very, VERY bad. I need new glasses severely. What’s the best wedding you’ve been to? My former dance teacher's. Have you ever had a negative encounter with the police? What happened? No. What’s your favourite thing to cook/bake? Do you eat it often? I don't do either. How do you flush the toilet in public? I generally use my elbow. I don't like standing on one leg, so I don't really use my foot like I'd prefer. Favorite horror movie? Silent Hill is dearest to me overall just because of what it is, but as a horror film, I think the original Blair Witch Project is best. Do you have your wisdom teeth? X-rays have only ever shown two are present, but I have enough space for those. What would you name your pet snake if you had one? It would depend on their appearance. The snake I have currently is named Venus because her coloration is similar to the planet. Do you like peanuts? Only when covered in chocolate. Where do you typically shop for bras and underwear? Do you tend to keep it simple, or have a variety of different items? Have you ever gotten a professional bra fitting? I don't get new undergarments (or clothes in general) frequently, but historically, my bras are bought online and underwear just from Wal-Mart. I don't really get the second question? I mean I don't have a style when it comes to those types of clothes, if that's what you mean. I've never had an actual bra-fitting, but I absolutely need to but keep putting it off. It seems like NO bra fits me properly all-around, and it's ridiculously annoying. What (if any) types of xrays/scans/other diagnostic tests have you had done? Was anything found? Idk man, a lot. I've had xrays on my wrist (found a fracture), teeth, legs... maybe more? I've also had an ultrasound on my liver for reasons I don't recall. I either had an MRI or CT scan (I can't remember which) when I got a concussion, and uhhhh... I can't think of anything else. Were you breast or bottle fed as a child? If you plan to have children, which do you think you’ll choose? Do you think one is really better than the other? I was nursed, and if I hypothetically had children, I'd definitely try to do the same. It was so incredible to me that I've never forgotten this: when I was at the hospital while my sister had her first baby, there was a chart on the wall of how many more nutrients were in breast milk versus formula milk, and the list was GARGANTUAN. Like, unbelievable. Now, do I think it's BETTER? That's a complicated question for which, in short, my answer is no. More nutritious, well, given what I just said, obviously. But breastfeeding just doesn't work for all mothers for a plethora of reasons, like the time demand, they can be self-conscious, it's painful... and all those things are okay. A mother should do what works best for her. Neither one is "wrong" or makes someone less of a mother because they feed their child less traditionally. Do you find that you have become more selective in terms of friendships as you’ve gotten older? Did the friendships you thought would last over time end up that way? Absolutely. There are just some kinds of people I absolutely do not tolerate anymore. And no, not most. We just drifted apart with time, or given most of my closest friendships are/were online, they just fell off the face of the earth. What are you doing right now? This and re-watching John Wolfe play Bloodborne. Bloodborne is such a comfort series to me... somehow, ha ha. Yet another game I've never played but desperately want to. Where are you? In my bedroom, as always. When you get yelled at, do you yell back or let it go? Depending on who it is, I might yell back, but most likely cry, ha ha. I hate being yelled at, like a lot. Is the person you last texted single? That would be my mom, so yeah. I've hoped she'd find a partner forever... She, probably more than anyone I know, deserves love from the *right* guy. I worry a lot how lonely she may become whenever I move out. Are you easily scared by horror movies? Not at all. Are you friends with any of your ex boyfriend/girlfriends? Girt and Sara, yes. Are you lonely? Be honest. Very. What has made you happy today? It's too early for this. What has made you sad today? Nothing, really. Last thing eaten? I had leftover pancakes from yesterday. Are you wearing anything that’s not yours? No. Do you like to wear makeup? I mean it makes me feel prettier, sure, but the actual time investment doesn't feel worth it for me personally. Especially when you're not even that good with applying it. Have you ever attempted to write a story or novel? Many times when I was younger. Would you rather have perfect hair or perfect skin? Perfect skin. I hate my skin, it has so many blemishes. What’s your middle name? Marie. How big is your bed? Queen. Do you drink? Only a bit for special occasions, really. I'll have a daiquiri on your average day every once and a blue moon. Would you fall apart if that last person you kissed walked out of your life? That's an understatement. Do you prefer pasta, salad, or coleslaw? Pasta. I hate coleslaw. Do you find smoking unattractive? Yes. Where’s the last place you went besides your house? The TMS office. Do you eat breakfast daily? Yes. Who were you with the last time you went to the movie theater? My dad. Do you like your cell phone? No, but it gets the job done. I just wish I had a phone with a good camera. Has anyone ever sang to you? Yes. So, what if you married the last person you kissed? That's the dream, but I acknowledge and accept it just might not work out like that. Do you usually answer your texts? Almost always. Have you ever changed clothes in a vehicle? Yes. Who has seen you cry the most? My mom, for sure. Have you ever just laid down outside and stared at the stars? Yeah, Jason and I did that one night on the trampoline. Have your friends ever randomly stopped by your house? In the past, yes. Think to the last person you kissed; have you ever kissed them on the ground? No. Do you have a condom in your room? No, got no use for one. Do your siblings ever pay for stuff for you? Yes. What brand is your digital camera? Canon. Do you own expensive perfume/cologne? No; I really don't get the point. When was the last time you went tanning? Ew, never. I find NO appeal in just lying in the boiling sun. Do you like the smell of fresh cut grass? No, I hate it. Do you get embarrassed easily? Like you would not fucking believe. It's one of the things I hate most about myself, because I'm embarrassed about everything I like and what makes me me. Has anyone ever thrown you a surprise party? No. Do you always wear your seatbelt? Absolutely. You couldn't pay me not to. Do you sing in the shower? No. Have you ever been called a slut/whore/something along those lines? Only playfully among friends. Have you ever stood up for someone you hardly/didn't even know? Yes. Have you ever fallen in love with a really good friend of yours? Yes. Do you own a blacklight? No. Do you like fruit better than vegetables? Definitely. Have your friends met the last person you kissed? Of my current friends, only Girt has. If you’re straight, have you ever thought about kissing the same sex? If you’re gay, have you ever thought about kissing the opposite sex? I'm bisexual, soooo. What does your laugh sound like? Do you have a loud laugh or a quiet laugh? Bro my laugh is so fucking loud and obnoxious. Is there a reality TV show you would consider taking part in? No.

#survey #surveys #random questions #lyrics: ''paranoiac personality'' by alice cooper

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xmxisxforxmaybe · 5 years ago

Text

Decryption_Error: “Unlocked”

Summary: Y/N’s dad did some digging and shares what he found out about E Corp, and later, Elliot gives her a Valentine’s Day gift from the heart.

A/N: Savor the last bits of Soft Elliot™️. I’m so sorry for what’s next 😔. I kept this chapter short to emphasize a few important plot points.

Decryption_Error: All Chapters

Word Count: 1900

Tags: @sherlollydramoine @rami-malek-trash @teamwolf2411 @limabein @txmel @alottanothing @ouatlovr @backoftheroomandnotbelonging @moon-stars-soul @free-rami @ramimedley @hopplessdreamer @sweet-charmie @polarcrystall @hah0106

Warnings: Wee bit of sex

“Are you sure there’s nothing after this, Dad?” I asked as my eyes scanned over the transcript of the grand jury record.

After a class action lawsuit was lost in 1998, another ambitious prosecutor went after E Corp for falsifying records not just at the Washington Township facility but at two other plants upstate. In 2000, 23 people, in accordance with New York state law, sat on a grand jury and all but one juror voted to indict E Corp, sealing the supermajority needed to move the case to trial.

But then—

“Nothing. Someone made it all disappear.”

My father and I locked eyes.

“Look at all of this evidence,” I said, looking down at the transcript again. “The prosecutor has eye-witness testimonies, dates, documents—everything. The grand jury met for over two months!”

“It looks like it would have been a solid case.”

“E Corp is responsible for those deaths. I’m sure of it. They should have compensated those families!”

“It wasn’t about the money, sweetheart. You’re too young to remember the lawsuit, but it sent a shockwave down Wall Street. Nearly everyone had done business of some sort with E Corp by then, so we were all watching closely. If I remember correctly, the biggest pushback from E Corps was the contingency for new safety protocols—it wasn’t cost-effective to retool their entire system based on one hazard that no one could prove directly caused the deaths of those employees.”

“So, it’s perfectly normal for people who all work in the same building to all get diagnosed with cancer all at the same time?”

“Of course it isn’t.”

“You believe there was a coverup.”

My dad got up and went to the fridge, pulling out a bottle of water. He took a long drink before he said, “Y/N. You never ask me for anything. Why did you ask me to look into this?”

“Elliot’s dad worked at the Washington Township plant.”

Dad put his water down on the counter, leaning forward as he chose his next words carefully, “If you give Elliot this information and he pursues it, it won’t be hard to figure out where it came from. I tried to be smart, but I did pull some strings to get access to this transcript.”

“I never thought you’d find anything, Dad. I’m sorry I put you in this position.”

“I trust your judgment, sweetheart. I’ve never had to worry about you, not like your sisters and your brother. But this is . . . a grey area.”

“I know.”

“Just promise me you’ll think about it before you give him the transcript?”

“I promise,” I said as my phone trilled.

I looked down, and despite the seriousness of the information I had just been inundated with, I smiled when I read Elliot’s text.

“He still makes you smile like he did all those months ago,” my dad observed.

“He does—it is Valentine’s Day, after all,” I said with a grin.

“A holiday you swore was, and I quote, ‘Nothing more than a fool’s errand.’”

“It is an impossible holiday, Dad. I told Elliot as much, but he’s up to something. He’s a pretty terrible liar.”

“Don’t act like you aren’t a little bit excited to spend a special evening with a special someone,” my dad teased.

“Just because you and Mom still act like romance isn’t dead doesn’t mean the rest of us have to.”

Dad chuckled as he walked over to kiss the top of my head.

“Your cynical act is not fooling anyone in this room—let yourself be happy,” he said as he gave my shoulder a squeeze.

“Thanks again for digging this up,” I said as I stood and tucked the transcript into my bag, and in my haste to catch my train, I forgot to snap the closure shut.

“Just . . . think about it,” Dad called as he cautioned me once more.

I glanced back after I opened the door and gave my dad a reassuring smile. He was right: I did need to think carefully about how much of this—if any—I should share with Elliot.

But he was wrong about something, too.

I didn’t need to let myself be happy; I was already happy.

* * * * *

I had known that Elliot was up to something, but I had no idea what. A few days ago, he had come up to see me, my secretary beaming as she announced his presence.

Elliot really was a terrible liar, and I took pity on him as he tried to casually ascertain my after-work plans on a day which just happened to be February 14th.

I called him out on it, and he turned an entirely new shade of reddish-pale as he tried to assure me it was just a coincidence. I told him I planned to stop by my parents’ apartment and that I’d probably be home around 8:00 pm.

Elliot thanked me for the information and left my office while I muffled my laughter.

But when I walked into my apartment at 8:00 pm on February 14th, any possibility of laughing at Elliot’s attempt to be romantic was instantaneously knocked out of me.

Carefully organized on the kitchen island was a recreation of everything we had made together for our mock-picnic over Memorial Day weekend.

He had clearly spent hours preparing everything from the pasta salad (with tri-color noodles, of course) to the burgers to the—

And my inventory of the picnic food was cut short as my eyes took in the sight at the end of the kitchen island; there stood Elliot, wearing my white Columbia t-shirt and holding a single red rose.

I felt like an idiot as my eyes filled with tears, but I was so moved by his sweet gesture. This was exactly the sort of thing Elliot would do—something simple, something soulful.

I moved out of the entryway, shrugging out of my coat and dropping my bag haphazardly on the floor, not caring as its contents spilled slightly out and onto the floor.

“This looks exactly like my mother’s chocolate cake,” I said as I took a few steps into the kitchen.

“I followed her recipe exactly, but I can’t guarantee it will taste like hers.”

“The recipe?”

Elliot’s tongue poked out to swipe over his bottom lip before he pulled it between his teeth. He tried to tamp his shy grin as he explained, “I called her. She was really nice about it and even offered to help me make it.”

“You didn’t take her up on her offer?” I asked, brow raised.

“I wanted to do something for you all on my own.”

“You’ve certainly succeeded in stealing my heart all on your own, Elliot Alderson.”

“I got you something,” he said, moving from the end of the island to close the distance between us. “This is for you,” Elliot said as he handed me the rose along with a tiny white box he had pulled from his pocket.

I gave Elliot a curious glance, but he was watching my fingers, clearly a little uncomfortable in this strange role of being a romantic.

I pulled the lid off the box and my heart fluttered as I picked up the key to Elliot’s apartment.

He ran his hand nervously through his hair as he was now watching my face.

“I know it’s not—”

“This is perfect,” I said, cutting him off with a hug.

When I felt his body relax under my touch, I kissed the corner of his jaw before whispering, “Thank you.”

“Are you hungry?” he asked, his eyes sparkling.

“Starving,” I answered, knowing my eyes were mirroring his in their projection of happiness.

* * * * *

Elliot’s fingers had crept under my t-shirt and were tracing down my spine, a whisper of a touch in the dark.

We had gone to bed kind of early, full to bursting thanks to Elliot’s surprise; I glanced at my alarm clock and saw that it was 1:03 am.

“Are you awake?” he rasped, his voice shaking off the thickness of sleep as his fingers continued to trace over my skin.

I rolled over, tucking my hands under my pillow, waiting for my eyes to adjust so I could see him.

“Hi,” I smiled.

“Hey,” he smiled back.

I reached over and cupped his face, my thumb brushing over the slight stubble on his chin.

“Happy Valentine’s Day.”

Elliot sat up on his elbows, and my hand trailed down to his bare chest as he looked at the clock on my nightstand.

“I think it’s over.”

“Is it?” I asked moving my hand underneath the sheet.

I could feel the vibration from Elliot’s chest as he silently chuckled.

I could almost hear him as he bit his lip.

“Isn’t it?”

It was my turn to chuckle as my fingers crawled down his belly and dipped under the waistband of his boxer-briefs.

Elliot’s hand moved over mine, encouraging me to grasp his half-hard cock. When I wrapped my hand around him, he sucked in a breath before letting out a low groan.

I moved closer to his body, close enough to nuzzle into his neck before I started to kiss him, up and over his jaw and to his waiting mouth.

It was one of those moments I wanted to live in forever; I could feel him growing hard in my hand and I shivered at the sweet little moans coming out of his mouth between our kisses.

Elliot shifted, working off his underwear before he rose up to push me onto my back, his fingers pulling at the hem of my t-shirt. I sat up so he could pull it off, and Elliot reached down to tug my panties from my hips.

His fingers were buried in my hair as I guided him to my slick entrance, his body lying flush on top of mine, his warm weight making me feel safe, and when he thrust inside of me, satiating that deep, deep ache, I felt loved.

* * * * *

I shut off my alarm, vaguely remembering the kiss Elliot pressed to my temple an hour or so ago. He had left early in the morning, something he was in the habit of doing when he spent the night during the work week.

I rolled over, intending to pull his pillow close so I could inhale his scent, but I was distracted by the note he left on his pillow, probably knowing I would do this exact thing as soon as I woke up.

Use your key tonight.

Love, El

I tucked Elliot’s neatly written note into my bedside drawer and smiled as I clutched his pillow to my chest. It wasn’t lost on me how important it was that Elliot had decided to share his space with me, and when I got up, I put my favorite playlist on shuffle and sang along as I got ready for the day.

As I dashed into the kitchen, I noticed that Elliot must have picked up my discarded coat and tote from last night because my bag was sitting neatly on one of the kitchen stools and my coat was hanging off the back, ready for me to pick up and slide into as I rushed out the door.

#Elliot Alderson #elliot alderson x reader #elliot x reader #mr robot fanfiction #rami malek #rami malek character #female reader

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gwen-of-myth · 5 years ago

Text

A Molded Man, A Better Lover

I am flesh and I am bone

Rise up, ting ting, like glitter and gold

I've got fire in my soul

Rise up, ting ting, like glitter

Like glitter and gold

Like glitter

“Where is he,” Peter rumbles, ready to kill but more than that he is antsy. He is the boss, he should have complete control of everything, and everyone. It’s unsettling to everyone, especially him.

The lackey quivers and stutters but when Peter hears no answer he throws his cigarette on the floor, grinds it with his foot, and picks him up by the shirt.

“Where?!”

His roar echoes, and finally, he gets his answer. Peter throws the human down on the floor and rolls his eyes at the whimpers. What a weak excuse of a human.

With the information he retrieved, him and the rest of the mob are able to find the place pretty easy. Normally he’d send a small group and stay behind, but. It’s personal.

They break down the door and are in an immediate standoff with a rival mob, and in front is none other than the infamous Demon Wolf and next to him, a tied up Stiles.

“You’re dead,” he says, and Deucalion smiles mockingly.

His screams satisfy Peter almost as much as pulling Stiles into his arms does when he is free of the rope.

Despite everything, Stiles appears to be unharmed. It’s probable that Peter got there right before the torture begun, and of that he is grateful. His magnificent Stiles only was subjected to this much because of him and his mob’s rivalry. Peter never wanted to get him involved to begin with, but Stiles is extraordinary.

“I knew you’d come,” Stiles whispers against his throat, and Peter swears in that instant that he will never let anything bad happen to his sweet boy ever again. He swears it on his life.

“Of course I did. You’re mine; I protect my things.”

Stiles rolls his eyes but smiles.

“What, no sappy make out session and love confession? I’m disappointed,” he teases.

Peter’s smile suddenly turns solemn, and he says, “My dear, I could have lost you. You’re my whole world, and I’d do anything for you. From the bottom of my terrible, rotten heart, I truly love you.”

They share a tender kiss and Stiles, being him, starts crying.

“Stop laughing! That was beautiful you asshole!”

Peter brings him back to his penthouse, kisses the rope burn, and cooks Stiles pasta with Parks and Recreation on in the background.

“How’s school?”

Stiles shrugs, biting on a pen. He’s an art major, and his work is gorgeous, but his confidence, like with most creators, is lacking.

“How’s work?”

Peter shrugs, stirring the pot. Stiles has seen glimpses of work before today, men with guns and the hard look in Peter’s eyes after a hard kill. The man isn’t invulnerable, and today showed that Stiles is one of his weak spots, which is...worrying for Stiles.

Dinner is ready after a few moments, and Stiles moans at the taste. The sauce is just the right consistency, and the spices are not too little or too much.

“Y’know, if you ever left your life of crime and stuff you could open a kickass restaurant.”

Peter gives him a soft look,

Do you walk in the valley of kings?

Do you walk in the shadow of men

Who sold their lives to a dream?

Do you ponder the manner of things

In the dark

The dark, the dark, the dark

Sheriff Stilinski, like his son, is no fool. The first thing he did when he met with Peter and Stiles for dinner—who he knew; for many reasons, the man is infamous—is threaten to riddle him with so many bullet holes no one would ever know who the body belonged to if he so much as made his son cry.

But John also knows Stiles is his own person, so, awkwardly, he tries to make peace with Peter.

They show up to John’s house on a Harley, Stiles on the back with a sleek looking helmet and what is probably one of Peter’s jackets.

They have dinner, and tells John about his latest project.

“It’s a mural, like—a big one. Like an entire wall big oh my god Peter where is my phone I need to show him!”

Peter takes his own phone out and in a couple of taps, shows John. There’s pride in Peter’s eyes, and he sees why.

It’s nowhere near finished, some of the brush marks are streaky and paint got on the floor, but even so…

“Peter is gonna invite the guys over when it’s done, so everyone can see it. That’s why it’s in the living room,” Stiles rambles, then steals Peter’s phone and proceeds to describe what he’s planning and where and what colors he’s using.

John notices how Peter watches Stiles, like he’s the most important person on earth. It’s the same way he used to look at Claudia, and then at Stiles when he was born. For the first time since meeting Stiles’s mob boss boyfriend, John knows Peter will take good care of his boy.

(But he still has his shotgun just in case.)

I am flesh and I am bone

Arise, ting ting, like glitter and gold

I've got fire in my soul

Rise up, ting ting, like glitter

Like glitter and gold

Like glitter

“Peter!”

“Yes, darling?”

“It’s done!”

When Peter walks into the room, he’s taken aback. The painting is gorgeous, golden and sparkling in the light. But even more so is Stiles. He’s covered in paint nearly head to toe, which is sexier than it has any right to be.

There’s glitter on that tempting smile, and it awakens something primal and powerful inside Peter.

He crashes into Stiles like a tide, destructive and strong and enveloping. He washes over him softly, too, gently pulling off clothes and kissing the skin bared. Paint is rubbing onto him too, a mixture of metallic and matte and vibrant hues that don’t even compare to Stiles in his eyes.

“Do you like it,” Stiles whispers, after they share a tender kiss.

“I love it. I love you.”

Do you walk in the meadow of spring?

Do you talk to the animals?

Do you hold their lives from a string?

Do you ponder the manner of things

In the dark

The dark, the dark, the dark

“Do you trust me?”

It’s a ridiculous question. Of course Peter does—since he got in the family, he’s trusted no other. With his heart, his life, his entire being.

So Peter simply says, “Of course,” and kisses Stiles’s shoulder.

They’re in bed, the windows letting in the moon. Stiles’s eyes sparkle mischievously as he turns over and straddles Peter.

“How much?”

It makes Peter squint at his boy. Questions from him are not new, but…

“I would give you the world, if you asked. I trust you with my life, my men, me—“

Stiles gets off the bed, and Peter sits up.

Stiles is getting on one knee. Peter’s breath hitches when Stiles pulls out a box and opens it, revealing a glittery band.

“Peter, this time with you has been the happiest of my life. No one has ever supported me or my art, or protected me, or cooked for me. No one has ever met my dad like you have, and I want this every day with you. Forever. So...will you marry me?”

Peter pulls Stiles into his lap for a tender kiss.

“Of course I’ll marry you sweetheart. I’ve never wanted anything more in my life.”

I am flesh and I am bone

Arise, ting ting, like glitter and gold

I've got fire in my soul

Rise up, ting ting, like glitter

Peter’s cornered. His men are down, bleeding on the cold earth. There’s a gun to his head, and his lies to far to reach.

He doesn’t accept the death he knows comes, but. He accepts he cannot escape it now.

Then there’s a flash and his would be murderer is down, a bullet striking them dead.

“Peter!”

It’s his Stiles, at his side, holding a gun in one hand and pulling Peter up with the other. His leg was injured during the fight, so he relies on Stiles to help him to the Jeep.

“How,” he has to ask. His voice is raspy from yelling.

“I made Boyd tell me. Y’know, for the scariest man in west America, you sure are dumb.”

Peter huffs a laugh, then erupts into a coughing fit.

“Don’t worry,” Stiles murmurs into his ear. “You’re safe.

And for the first time, possibly ever, Peter feels it.

I am flesh and I am bone

Arise, ting ting, like glitter and gold

I've got fire in my soul

Rise up, ting ting, like glitter

Peter arrives to the charity event all charm, with Stiles at his side. In the public eye, Peter is a philanthropist businessman, always giving back to the community. As such, he is frequently invited to events.

He usually hates the atmosphere—but something beckons to him one night. The auction is about to start when he arrives.

He ends up purchasing a painting for Stiles to take to his apartment, because he can’t move in until after he finishes school.

Stiles drinks a lot of champagne flutes, and becomes more than a little tipsy as the night progresses.

“You’re hot,” Stiles yells more than once in his ear, “Wanna date?”

Peter pretends to think about it, then shows Stiles the ring. He bursts into tears until Peter explains that, truly, they’ve been together for a long time and are very happy.

When they arrive to his penthouse Peter thanks the driver and picks Stiles up (slowly, so he doesn’t get puked on).

He helps Stiles shed his clothes and crawl into bed. I’m the morning, Peter will make him chocolate chip pancakes and let him complain all about his headache. He hopes he has a lifetime to cherish Stiles even more.

'Cause everybody's in the backroom's

Spinning up

Don't know what you're asking for

And everybody's in the front room's

Tripping out

You left your bottle at the door

“Can I ask you something?”

“Anything,” Peter says.

“How’d you become the big honcho anyways? Doesn’t seem like something that just happens overnight, y’know?”

Peter hums in agreement.

“Well, you see...you know about the fire, about losing my family, about the facial reconstruction surgery. After losing everything and everyone and even more to hospital bills, I was desperate. Desperate enough to look for help where I shouldn’t have.”

“Sounds sketchy.”

“It was. They’d have me do things that scared me, but eventually I became used to it. The family became my life, but then the cops found us.”

“Before dad?”

“Before your dad, yes. They threw everyone into jail, but I was new enough they didn’t have anything to hold me with. They let me go and a handful of others. Our leader, however, was murdered in jail.”

“Shit.”

“Yeah, everyone was thirsty for blood. But it was anarchy, brother fighting brother, so I stepped in and came up with a plan. My first one was to win over the cops. The second one was killing our old boss’s murderer.”

“Then what?”

“With my leadership, we did both. We donated to charities, even to the cops directly, and managed to bribe one of them to kill one of their own. We dealt among ourselves quietly for years then, but well, new police force got hired.”

Peter looks at Stiles, really looks at him.

“I’m not leaving them. Not for a long while, because, like I needed them, they need me.”

“I know.”

“But I will. For you, I’d do anything.”

Stiles closes his eyes and buries his face into Peter’s neck.

“I know.”

'Cause everybody's in the backroom's

Spinning up

Don't know what you're asking for

And everybody's in the front room's

Tripping out

You left your bong at the door

Peter and some of his men (some of Stiles’s closest friends, by now) are front row during his graduation ceremony. They made little signs with his name on them and everything. Peter is wearing a golden suit, looking smug as hell, and Stiles is so happy.

When his name is finally called he almost trips over his gown from running. He did it! It’s like he’s dreaming. He punches himself just to make sure he isn’t.

After the ceremony is done, Peter drives them to Stiles’s little apartment. They usually stay at Peter’s, because it’s nicer, but Peter wants to spoil Stiles there.

“I ordered your favorite food, it’ll be here any minute.”

A hungry look passed over Peter’s face, and Stiles shivers.

“But until then…”

I am flesh and I am bone

Arise, ting ting, like glitter and gold

I've got fire in my soul

Rise up, ting ting, like glitter

Like glitter and gold

Like glitter

Like glitter and gold

Like glitter

#song is glitter and gold by barns courtney #moodboard #steter #mob boss au

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innerclouds · 5 years ago

Text

This was requested of me, send me more! <3

1: when you have cereal, do you have more milk than cereal or more cereal than milk? More cereal then milk.

2: do you like the feeling of cold air on your cheeks on a wintery day? Yes.

3: what random objects do you use to bookmark your books? Strips of paper.

4: how do you take your coffee/tea? Coffee: Black. Tea: Plain.

5: are you self-conscious of your smile? Yes.

6: do you keep plants? Yes.

7: do you name your plants? No.

8: what artistic medium do you use to express your feelings? Digital/Paper.

9: do you like singing/humming to yourself? No.

10: do you sleep on your back, side, or stomach? Sides, I shift constantly.

11: what’s an inner joke you have with your friends? "Robush".

12: what’s your favorite planet? Neptune.

13: what’s something that made you smile today? Giant floofy chicken-gryphons.

14: if you were to live with your best friend in an old flat in a big city, what would it look like? Bed, couch, nice kitchen, tv, computers, consoles, tons of plants and pets.

15: go google a weird space fact and tell us what it is! Don't even need to google it, I know one. There are "clouds" in space that taste like raspberries and smell like rum.

16: what’s your favorite pasta dish? Chicken alfredo.

17: what color do you really want to dye your hair? Purple or blue.

18: tell us about something dumb/funny you did that has since gone down in history between you and your friends and is always brought up. "Celtic Necklace".

19: do you keep a journal? what do you write/draw/ in it? No.

20: what’s your favorite eye color? Green/Hazel.

21: talk about your favorite bag, the one that’s been to hell and back with you and that you love to pieces. Don't have one.

22: are you a morning person? No.

23: what’s your favorite thing to do on lazy days where you have 0 obligations? Nap.

24: is there someone out there you would trust with every single one of your secrets? Yes.

25: what’s the weirdest place you’ve ever broken into? Cabin.

26: what are the shoes you’ve had for forever and wear with every single outfit? Don't have any of those.

27: what’s your favorite bubblegum flavor? Watermelon/Spearmint.

28: sunrise or sunset? Sunset.

29: what’s something really cute that one of your friends does and is totally endearing? We share a rather accurate hivemind.

30: think of it: have you ever been truly scared? Yes.

31: what is your opinion of socks? do you like wearing weird socks? do you sleep with socks? do you confine yourself to white sock hell? really, just talk about socks. Socks are useful, I have a few myself including super fluffy, warm and fuzzy ones for winter.

32: tell us a story of something that happened to you after 3AM when you were with friends. More closer to 2am then 3am, heli flew way lower then it should have and kept circling my place until after I turned off my computer screen and light, then it left.

33: what’s your fave pastry? Chocolate Éclair.

34: tell us about the stuffed animal you kept as a kid. what is it called? what does it look like? do you still keep it? Maggy. Cat. Yes.

35: do you like stationary and pretty pens and so on? do you use them often? Stationary yes, but I loathe pens. No.

36: which band’s sound would fit your mood right now? Weathers.

37: do you like keeping your room messy or clean? Clean.

38: tell us about your pet peeves! People who don't wash their hands after visiting the bathroom/before handling food.

39: what color do you wear the most? Black.

40: think of a piece of jewelry you own: what’s it’s story? does it have any meaning to you? Necklace, onyx pendant of my zodiac animal. Someone very close to me gave me it, it's very special to me.

41: what’s the last book you remember really, really loving? Raptor Red.

42: do you have a favorite coffee shop? describe it! I do not.

43: who was the last person you gazed at the stars with? Bae.

44: when was the last time you remember feeling completely serene and at peace with everything? In the company of the bae.

45: do you trust your instincts a lot? Yep.

46: tell us the worst pun you can think of. I honestly can't think of any off the top of my head.

47: what food do you think should be banned from the universe? Sharkfin soup.

48: what was your biggest fear as a kid? is it the same today? That's a very long list and yes, more or less.

49: do you like buying CDs and records? what was the last one you bought? Not really. Don't recall.

50: what’s an odd thing you collect? Rocks and anything with a specific gay red headed reaper.

51: think of a person. what song do you associate with them? Studio Killers: Jenny.

52: what are your favorite memes of the year so far? Idk.

53: have you ever watched the rocky horror picture show? heathers? beetlejuice? pulp fiction? what do you think of them? Rocky Horror: Yes. Amazing.

Heathers: No. No opinion.

Beetlejuice: Yes. Amazing.

Pulp Fiction: Yes. Amazing.

54: who’s the last person you saw with a true look of sadness on their face? Bae.

55: what’s the most dramatic thing you’ve ever done to prove a point? Rather not say.

56: what are some things you find endearing in people? Amusing quirks.

57: go listen to bohemian rhapsody. how did it make you feel? did you dramatically reenact the lyrics? Great song but no different. No.

58: who’s the wine mom and who’s the vodka aunt in your group of friends? why? Honestly never thought about that so I have no idea.

59: what’s your favorite myth? Cryptids.

60: do you like poetry? what are some of your faves? Yes. Ones bae writes.

61: what’s the stupidest gift you’ve ever given? the stupidest one you’ve ever received? Game pixels. I was gifted a beer once.

62: do you drink juice in the morning? which kind? Orange/Grapefruit.

63: are you fussy about your books and music? do you keep them meticulously organized or kinda leave them be? I don't organize by titles or theme or anything, just keep them neat and clean.

64: what color is the sky where you are right now? Pitch black.

65: is there anyone you haven’t seen in a long time who you’d love to hang out with? No.

66: what would your ideal flower crown look like? Woven blue irises/purple roses.

67: how do gloomy days where the sky is dark and the world is misty make you feel? Comfy.

68: what’s winter like where you live? Freezing and full of power outs.

69: what are your favorite board games? Balderdash.

70: have you ever used a ouija board? Nope.

71: what’s your favorite kind of tea? Black/Earl.

72: are you a person who needs to note everything down or else you’ll forget it? Yes.

73: what are some of your worst habits? Pop all the joints.

74: describe a good friend of yours without using their name or gendered pronouns. Adorable, fluffy sheep.

75: tell us about your pets! His name is Rune and he has atomic shits and giant paws, he's also very old and grouchy.

76: is there anything you should be doing right now but aren’t? Sleeping.

77: pink or yellow lemonade? Arnold Palmer.

78: are you in the minion hateclub or fanclub? I'm assuming you mean the little yellow pill looking guys, they're pretty adorable.

79: what’s one of the cutest things someone has ever done for you?

Anything and everything bae has ever done for me.

80: what color are your bedroom walls? did you choose that color? if so, why? Ugly wood paneling. No.

81: describe one of your friend’s eyes using the most abstract imagery you can think of. Idk.

82: are/were you good in school? Good as in what? Behavior? I was behaved sure, but I was also the person people forgot was even in the class/school because I didn't speak to anyone/make a sound/have friends.

83: what’s some of your favorite album art? I honestly don't recall off the top of my head.

84: are you planning on getting tattoos? which ones? Possibly.

85: do you read comics? what are your faves? I read manga if that counts: Kuroshitsuji Berserk JoJo Beastars

86: do you like concept albums? which ones? What's a concept album?

87: what are some movies you think everyone should watch at least once in their lives? Not sure.

88: are there any artistic movements you particularly enjoy? No.

89: are you close to your parents? Mother: Sorta. Father: Nope.

90: talk about your one of you favorite cities. I only really know of one city enough to form an opinion on it and I wouldn't call it my favorite.

91: where do you plan on traveling this year? New place and visit bae.

92: are you a person who drowns their pasta in cheese or a person who barely sprinkles a pinch? Ocean of cheese.

93: what’s the hairstyle you wear the most? Loose pony.

94: who was the last person you know to have a birthday? Me.

95: what are your plans for this weekend? Work.

96: do you install your computer updates really quickly or do you procrastinate on them a lot? Update before log off.

97: myer briggs type, zodiac sign, and hogwarts house? Who? Rat. I don't know, I always get mixed results with that.

98: when’s the last time you went hiking? did you enjoy it? I honestly can't recall.

99: list some songs that resonate to your soul whenever you hear them. Delta Heavy: White Flag Korpiklaani: Keep On Galloping Two Steps From Hell: Black Blade

100: if you were presented with two buttons, one that allows you to go 5 years into the past, the other 5 years into the future, which one would you press? why? Neither.

#IC-Requests #Personality thingy #Questions

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quietcatastrophe · 7 years ago

Text

To Begin Again- An Outlander Fanfiction

It’s been a minute (cough, five years, cough) since I’ve written anything, but I felt compelled to participate in the Outlander Fanfiction Prompt Exchange. I’ve recently fallen in love with the show, and the inkling to write began to stir. I selected Prompt 38: Modern AU where Claire has a kid(s) before meeting Jamie.(submitted by anonymous). I’ve taken a wee bit of liberty with the prompt, but here’s hoping you all enjoy it!

He just barely makes the catch, righting the poorly placed stand before it has the chance to topple and send its contents crashing to the floor. He thanks his years of playing sports for the quick reflexes, and his luck for being in the right place to help the poor lass who knocked into the display in the first place.

“Bloody fuck”, he hears her whisper under her breath, her accent unmistakably English, and her tone unmistakably frustrated.

She turns to thank him—cheeks flushed crimson with embarrassment, apologies already spilling from her lips—when he notices the prominence of her very pregnant belly. He’s momentarily dazed, unable to reconcile his immediate reaction to her stunning features with her obvious unavailability. He takes a steadying breath to collect himself, holds it deep within his chest, and returns his focus back to the words she’s still speaking.

“I really am very grateful. It seems as if my spacial awareness decreases as the rest of me…increases.” Her eyes fall to the floor, obviously still feeling the effects of the nearly missed grocery disaster.

“Twas no trouble at all, lass. I’m only glad I happened to be traveling in the same aisle. It would have been a terrible tragedy to lose so many chocolate bunnies just before the holiday.” A small smile lights her face, and his breath catches in his throat. She is absolutely captivating; her eyes a warm, golden brown, her hair sprawling in wild curls. This present moment of clumsiness notwithstanding, she seems to radiate a certain gracefulness. He’s known her for all of thirty seconds, but he senses that she is a force to be reckoned with. Cursing himself for allowing his thoughts to wander in such a way—for imagining what it would be like to be pushing the trolley alongside her as they argued over the superiority of their favorite breakfast cereals, or whether to buy the whole wheat or regular pasta—he shakes the images from his mind, and brings his eyes back to hers.

“Well, I supposed I should be letting ye go get back to yer family. Wouldn’t want them to be missing ye for too long.” He sees her smile fall, her eyes cloud over, and he regrets having said a word.

“It’s just me, I’m afraid. Or rather, just us” she adds as she brings her hand to rest on her belly. “My partner…former partner, I should say, decided that fatherhood didn’t fit into his five year plan. Thought it better to leave immediately rather than stay only to ‘grow to resent me and the baby’. Ever the pragmatist, he was. And far be it for me to hold him back.”

Jamie hates himself for assuming she was married. And for so firmly lodging his foot into his mouth. But in this moment, he knows he hates this other man with an unrivaled intensity. Knowing nothing of him—not his name, his profession, his circumstance in life—he knows with absolutely certainty that such a man is unworthy of the woman standing before him. He’s unable to summon a response, afraid to say the wrong thing again, to cause her more pain. But his silence becomes awkward, and before he has a chance to speak, he sees the flush of embarrassment stain her cheeks once more.

“God, here I am, pouring my soul out to a stranger in the grocery store. I’m so sorry. You really didn’t need to know any of that. I’m afraid oversharing is another side effect of this whole pregnancy fiasco. But really, thank you again for saving me from the mortification of upending the display. I’m quite sure I wouldn’t have been able to get back up if I’d had to pick them up from the ground, which would have killed the last shred of my dignity.”

He feels as if he’s watching the scene from outside of his own body—hovering above as his form stands still, dumbstruck, unable to form a proper sentence. He’s pulled back into himself as he watches the woman nod once, and move to step away from him, away from the precarious cardboard tower of Easter confections, and out of his life forever.

“How would you feel about pouring your soul out to a stranger in a coffee shop?” He blurts out, nearly shouting, afraid that if she leaves his sight now, he’ll never see her again. She turns to look back at him, surprise the most evident expression on her face. God, has he already blown it?

“It’s only…well, it seems like ye might be in need of a friend. I’ve been told I’m a verra good listener.” He exhales on a sigh, his chest tight with the anticipation of her response. She has no reason to accept his offer, but he can’t help but wish that she will nonetheless.

“I’m afraid I can’t” she replies, extinguishing the small flame of hope burning within him. He must look like a kicked puppy, unable to put up a mask to hide his disappointment. But before he has a chance to proverbially tuck his tail and run, he hears her gently clear her throat. When he lifts his eyes from the floor, she’s observing him with a curious smile.

“It’s not that I wouldn’t like to, it’s just that some of these things won’t keep” She gestures broadly to the contents of her trolley. Of course, the groceries. He has his own perishables, but they’d been jettisoned from his mind by the possibility of spending a few more moments with this alluring woman. “Here, let me give you this” she plunges her arm into the deep leather satchel that’s slung over her shoulder, digging with determination. Her hand emerges, clutching a little case. She pops the latch and removes a small rectangle of paper. A business card, he realizes, as she moves to hand it to him.

He studies document with a reverence one would usually reserve for a painting in a museum. Claire. Her name is Claire, and she’s a doctor! Not just a doctor, but a surgeon. If he thought he had been captivated before, he knows now that he is beyond hope. He need to know her, needs to hear more of her story.

“Well now you know my name, how about you tell me yours?” she asks, the same cheeky, curious little smile perking up the corners of her mouth.

“It’s Jamie. Jamie Fraser” he replies, happy to find that his ability to speak hasn’t abandoned him altogether.

“Jamie. It suits you, I think. How about you give me a call tomorrow, and we can see about that cup of coffee?” She arches an eyebrow, waiting for his response.

“Ye can count on it, Claire.” His smile tugs his mouth wide, unable to conceal his joy. The promise of a tomorrow with this mesmerizing stranger is easily the best thing he’s ever gotten from the grocery shop.

#outlander #outlander fan fiction prompt exchange #modern au #jamie and claire #I forgot how nauseating publishing words can be #plams sweaty moms spaghetti dot mp3 #interested in continuing this story but I prefer to write with a beta #so if you'd be interested please hit me up

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sprnklersplashes · 6 years ago

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I Can Be Your Hero (6/?)

Or... Captain Swan Supergirl AU.

AO3

The DEO’s training area was a large circular room with a white floor and walls that looked like they were made of steel. Bright white lights came on once Emma and her trainer, a tall, pretty brunette named Ruby, entered. The ceiling seemed to go on forever; when Emma looked up, she was just met with a bright white light that made her squint. The room was cold too, just enough to make the hairs on Emma’s arms prick up.

Ruby took off her jacket, revealing a red crop to with a toned set of abs, and flicked her dark ponytail over her shoulder. Emma’s tongue darted to the corner of her mouth at the sight. She remained in her Swan costume, deciding it was better for everyone involved if she trained in the same gear she fought in. Emma took a few quick test jumps to get ready. The DEO had made some modifications to the suit, all while Anna protested in the background. The material Anna had used was replaced by something stronger, far more resistant to tearing, fire and bullets. It was also designed to keep her from overheating in a fight and the boots were given some modifications; built in shin guards and new soles, not unlike a pair of sneakers. A really high-tech pair of sneakers. Made for battling aliens in the middle of the desert.

It was also, according to Mal, stain resistant. Which was a nice, if unusual, addition.

“Okay,” Ruby breathed, striding towards Emma. “Let’s start with some warm ups. Come at me.”

“Do we really need to do this?” Emma asked. “I told Elsa and Ingrid, I’m basically indestructible.”

“Maybe, but that won’t win you the fight,” Ruby said, flicking her hair out of her eyes and crouching low. “You need skill as well as strength. Technique. Now come at me.” Emma rolled her eyes slightly but did as instructed; she came at Ruby with full force, a small voice in the back of her mind telling her to slow down or she’d knock the poor girl over, but hey, that was what Ruby signed up for by agreeing to train her.

What actually happened was Ruby caught Emma in the stomach with one arm and grabbed Emma’s wrist with the other. Before Emma could even gasp, she was hurled over Ruby’s arm and landed with a painfully loud whack on the floor, leaving her winded and her head spinning.

“When Ingrid first joined she spent twelve hours a day in here for five months,” Ruby informed her, reaching down to help her up. Not that she needed the help, but it was nice. “If anything, it’s standard procedure. Not because I think you’re weak.” Ruby studied her as she regained her balance. “Although, your technique does need a bit of refining.”

“Oh?” Emma asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Your stance is too open,” Ruby explained with a grin. “Leaves you vulnerable to all sorts of attacks. And you think with your muscles.”

“Okay,” Emma said, thinking it over. “Come at me this time.”

“You sure?” Ruby asked. Emma nodded, holding her left arm across her chest. When Ruby swung at her, she blocked it, swung her around and made to kick her down. Until Ruby hooked her ankle around hers and in a split second, Emma felt herself once again colliding with the ground. “Basic rule of hand to hand combat, cover all your weak points. By just focussing on my arms, you left your lower body completely open.”

“First rule of fight club?” Emma asked dryly, getting up herself this time. Ruby at least chuckled at that.

“Here’s a good first rule,” she said. “Think of the people you’re protecting.”

“The whole city?” Emma responded. “I do. It’s a big ask.”

“Not them,” Ruby answered. “I mean yes, think about them, but think about the people who’d be hurt if something happened to you. The ones who wait up for you at home with one eye on the phone.” There was something in Ruby’s expression, a pain behind her eyes, biting the inside of her cheek, her shoulders straightening as she took in a deep breath.

“Sounds like you’re a little too familiar with this,” Emma said sympathetically.

“I’ve worked here for three years,” she said. She toyed with a red streak in her hair, apparently reading Emma’s face, seeing the question she was too shy to ask. “My grandmother. I’ve lived with her all my life. She’s the one waiting for me.” Another deep breath, a tug on the red streak, a set of her jaw. “And my girlfriend. Dorothy.”

“Oh,” was all Emma could say.

“Yeah um…. Bisexual,” Ruby said, pointing at herself, eyes on the floor. Emma smiles despite the tension in the air. If anyone can relate to this, it’s her. Awkwardly explaining to Ingrid that she’s bringing a girl to the dance even though six months ago she had a not so subtle crush on her maths tutor. Working up the courage to say it to Graham. Whispering it to Elsa in their shared bedroom.

“Me too,” she said, holding out a fist. With an amused, and shocked, smile, Ruby pumps her fist against hers. “Round three?”

“As many rounds as it takes,” Ruby said, getting into position again. “Remember, keep yourself guarded.” Emma swings another punch at her. Sometimes she could keep defending herself, sometimes she could even nearly get Ruby down, but every time Ruby had her back on the ground.

Until nearly four hours later, when the training and tips lock in her mind and she had Ruby on the floor, on her stomach, Emma’s foot on her back.

“Not bad, Swan,” Ruby panted, and Emma couldn’t help but feel proud.

*****

Almost every single day since she started working at West Co Emma hadn’t used the cafeteria. She had nothing against it; certainly not Elsa’s rants about how many calories were in a single bread roll. As far as she was concerned, calories were irrelevant. She could always burn them off doing laps of the city skyline. And it’s not like it tasted bad either; those chemicals and e-numbers her sister hated so much gave the food just a special something, a kind of magic that could only be captured in that white walled, brightly lit world of the cafeteria. What she was against was paying $10 for a sandwich. She didn’t have that kind of money. Well, she did, but the price was so ludicrous she wasn’t paying on a point of principle. She also preferred eating at her desk, shifting through files and sending emails and talking to Graham than searching for a table down there.

However, she happened to oversleep after a particularly rough training session with Ruby, she was lucky her super strength prevented bruising, which led to her rushing out the door, both skipping breakfast and leaving her pasta she made the night before in the fridge,

Which was how she ended up sitting at the one nearly empty table in the cafeteria, Will from accounts was there but he was hunched over his book, giving her nothing more than a nod, and she could enjoy her admittedly great chicken and fries in peace and have a mental argument with herself about why she shouldn’t be getting food from the cafeteria every damn day.

“Ahoy there,” Killian Jones greeted. She looked up to see the photographer with a small smile on his face, clutching a try with a salad, bread roll and carton of milk balanced on it, fingers tapping away at the bottom. “May I sit? Everywhere else is fairly full.”

“Of course,” she said, waving to the seat opposite her. He sat beside the one opposite her. She tried not to take it personally. It wasn’t her, it was him being a gentleman. So, she turned back and tried to lose herself in her Instagram feed. And yet she found herself glancing out of the corner of her eye at him.

And then she saw him pour the milk into a plastic cup and drink it as if it was water.

“Seriously?” she asked before she could stop herself. He looked up at her in surprise, surprised that she was speaking to him, or that she was speaking to him about his drinking habits. “You’re one of those people?”

“Those people?” he echoed.

“Those weirdos who drink milk on its own,” she said, gesturing to the cup on his tray. He frowned, looking from the cup to her and her look of disgust.

“Maybe it’s a cultural difference,” he offered. “Maybe what is strange to you Americans is perfectly acceptable to us Englishmen.”

“Nope, you’re just weird,” Will replied, not taking his eyes off his book. Emma and Killian exchanged an awkward look, their face almost identical; eyebrows raised and biting their lips to keep from laughing.

“Well, okay,” he breathed. “Although to be fair, I’m not technically English. My mother was Irish.”

“Oh, that kind of makes sense. Irish people do all kinds of weird stuff,” Emma said, popping another fry into her mouth.

“See, you judge me for my consumption habits, and yet your meal of choice looks like a heart attack on a plate,” he pointed out.

“Oh, bite me,” she said flatly. “I’d have to eat at least five of these in a row before being in danger of a heart attack. Just so you know.”

“Where did you learn that?”

“Googled it to prove a point to my sister,” she replied, taking a look at his chicken salad. “You’d like her. She eats rabbit food too.”

“I don’t eat ‘rabbit food’,” he said. “I’m just a healthy eater.”

“Is it because you’re Irish?” Emma giggled.

“I actually think it is,” he answered. He set his jaw, his fingers drumming on the table. “My mum was always one for maximum veggies and minimal chocolate. Suppose it came with the territory. But…” He held up a plastic-wrapped cookie that had sat on his tray. “I suppose I do have a sweet tooth.”

“My mom, Ingrid, was like that growing up,” Emma said, choosing her words carefully. She loved Ingrid with her heart and soul, but still struggled referring to her as “mom”. “Ingrid” worked just fine for the both of them. “She kept the rule about no candy on the weekends, no leaving the table until we finished all the greens. She didn’t know about the hidden candy bars in the floorboards in my room.”

He laughed, and Emma noticed how gorgeous his laugh was. Full, but also light and musical.

She adjusted her glasses slightly.

“So, you were a little rebel back in the day, Snow?” he asked, leaning back in his chair, one arm over the back seat.

“Oh, completely,” she deadpanned. “I was the trouble maker of the litter picking team.”

“You did not do litter picking as a child,” he said. Emma raised an eyebrow. “Aw, that’s cute.”

“I’d love to see what you were like as a kid,” she said. “Let me guess, the brooding loner with an affection for leather jackets and a penchant for rule breaking?” She finished off her statement by gesturing to his black leather jacket worn over his white shirt. That jacket, with the messy black hair and chain around his neck, did give him a bad of a bad boy vibe.

“Half right,” he said. “Loner, yes. Bad boy, no. I was the pinnacle of a law-abiding citizen. I was in the church choir and everything.”

“That’s adorable,” she teased. “Bet you were the most angelic voice in the choir.”

“Well, that’s what my nan said, and who am I to argue with my nan?” he asked while unwrapping the cookie. He broke it in half and handed the bigger half over to Emma.

“I can’t,” she protested, shaking her head.

“Yes, you can.” He placed it on her tray. “It’s your reward.” He huffed a laugh when she raised her eyebrows. “You got my child-self half right, you get half a cookie.”

“So, if I got the whole thing right, I’d have got the whole cookie?”

“Perhaps,” he said with a wink. The wink sent a shiver down her back, a pink blush creeping across her face that was identical to his.

Suddenly, a tremendous shake ran through the room, causing framed certificates off the walls, tables to nearly fall over, cracking a few windows, overhead lights to swing. It dragged on and did not show signs of slowing down, long enough for windows to shatter, one of the chords holding the overhead lights to snap and leave it swinging dangerously above their heads. The shock from the unexpected and vigorous movement had Emma’s head spinning and she felt as though her stomach was going to drop out from under her. Emma and Killian looked at each other, his mouth hanging open, her jaw clenched, both their eyes wide. Out of instinct, he grabbed her arm to steady her as a second shock went through the room. When she looked up, she saw cracks beginning to form in the ceiling. The whole roof would cave in if this didn’t stop.

She and Killian ran out of the cafeteria, swept up in the sea of people hurrying through the doors despite urges from security guards not to panic, that this had a normal explanation…

Yeah, right.

Killian and Emma stopped dead in their tracks when they passed the window and saw what the cause of the quake was. On the road outside West Co., blocking the traffic, there was a single man, dressed in an all-black ensemble, tight black trousers and shirt, but the flowing cape gave it away the most. He looked like he had stepped out of an anime that was Anna’s guilty pleasure. From there, Emma couldn’t see what he was holding, but he clapped his hands and another quake set the building shaking.

“Snow, come on,” Killian said, pulling her to away from the window and in the direction of the emergency exit. They could only just see the glow of the EXIT sign above the door with the sea of people filling the hallway.

It was a no-brainer, really. Emma looked at Killian, his attention entirely focussed on the crowd; his eyes wide and teeth clenched as he took quick, deep breaths. She slipped her hand out of his and crept away from the crowd and around the corner.

“Emma?” she heard his panicked voice call. “Emma?!” A pang of guilt hit her chest, as well as a fluttering in her stomach.

Still, Killian could wait. Right now, he, and the rest of the city, needed the Swan.

******

The Swan planted herself down on the road, mere feet from this new villain. Up close, she could see he was around her age, dark hair, dark stubble and a glint of insanity in his eyes. A wicked smirk flashed across his face at the sight of her.

“The Swan,” he laughed. “Well, I guess they are sending in their finest.”

“No one sends me anywhere,” she responded. “Now how about you put away your shiny new toys and we can forget this ever happened?” He laughed, but it was devoid of humour. Just a hollow, empty sound.

“I could do that,” he said. “Or I could do this.” He clapped his gloved hands and send another earthquake to shake the ground. Emma put all her focus into staying upright, her eyes darting to the shaking building of West Co. and then to the cars in front of and behind her, hearing the fearful screams of their owners. She could only imagine what it would be like inside and her gut churned.

“Nice gloves. Guessing you didn’t pick them up at the mall?” she asked, stepping closer again. He clenched his fist and she saw that the gloves must have been made of black metal, red lines surrounding the base of each finger. “Mind telling me who hooked you up with them?”

“Not today, Swan,” he said, moving to clap again.

Emma sent a stream of cold air from her mouth, aiming at his hands, trapping them, then going for his feet. When she stopped, she saw the string of ice she had made along his chest by mistake, frost along his collar bone, and how his feet were linked together by a thick strip of ice. Well, nobody’s perfect, but the job was done. His hands, and more importantly, the gloves, were encased in two ice cubes, and he had no way of fleeing.

“Oh, that’s cute,” he remarked bitterly.

“Now you can tell me who got you those?” she asked. “Or why you’re wearing a cape?”

“You’re wearing a cape,” he pointed out. She shrugged it off and kept staring at him, watching as his face changed; the narrowed eyes growing wider, mouth opening as he started gasping rapidly, his body tensing quickly. “God that’s cold.”

“And it’ll get colder,” she said. “So why don’t we make a deal. You tell me what I want to know, and I’ll melt those ice blocks a little.” He paused, thinking about her offer, all the time his body grew more tense and his gasps grew shorter in length and higher in pitch.

“Deal,” he panted. “I got them from some lady selling them near my place.”

“She was just selling alien gadgets off a street corner?” Emma scoffed.

“I live in Petersland,” he said. “Ever been there? You with your superpowers? Think they’ve ever been there in their silver Mercedes and high-up jobs? It’s a dump. Houses get set fire every other week and no one bothers to clean it up. Kids live on school dinners and adults live on cigarettes and stale bread. So yeah, lady comes up and starts selling new gadgets, I’ll check it out.”

“What did she look like?” Emma asked.

“I didn’t take a picture. Dark hair, dark eyes, kind of small, really pretty?”

“Did she tell you how they worked?”

“Yep. She told me that all I needed to do was c-clap my hands and I’d level a city block.”

“Okay,” Emma said. “Don’t say I never keep my word.” She shot her laser to his left foot and applied enough heat for the ice to begin melting on its own. She knew from experience that if she tried to melt it on her own she ran the risk of zapping him and she wasn’t spiteful enough to do that.

No matter how much it tempted her.

“Anything else I should know?” she asked as police showed up behind him. And of course, the black van of the DEO. “Think about your answer carefully or you could be getting hauled off to prison in a set of pre-prepared ice-cuffs.”

“She said… She said that she wanted to see me face off against you,” he said. “Wanted me to draw you out.”

“Me?” Emma asked. “Why?”

“Just the messenger, hon,” he said, a smirk flickering across his pale face.

Screw it, Emma thought. A laser to the foot was a worthy punishment for that comment.

The police began filing out of their cars, guns raised, and Mal jumped out from the DEO van, Ruby at her side. They casually strolled to the police, flashed a badge, and dodged around them to Emma and their soon-to-be newest prisoner. While Mal’s face remained stony, Ruby was smiling and slipped in a cheeky wink at Emma.

“Nice work,” she mouthed.

“Thank you, Swan,” Mal said. “We’ll take it from here.”

“No,” Emma protested. “I need to talk to him.” Mal frowned, turning from him to Emma. Emma took a step closer, pushed her hair behind her shoulder and lowered her voice. “He wasn’t working alone. He said someone sent him. And that someone wanted him to find me.”

“Come by when you can,” Mal whispered. “He’s under our jurisdiction now.”

Emma stood back and watched as he was loaded into the back of the DEO’s van and the van took off, getting smaller and smaller until it was out of sight entirely. The police climbed back into their cars, some casting her dirty looks, some smiling. Camera flashes went off around her. Ambulance sirens wailed in the distance.

Two things stuck in Emma’s mind from that encounter. The first was his message for Emma; someone wanted her to come out, to fight. To test her? To try to hurt her. She guessed all she could do was hope that he had answers and was willing to give them up.

The second was what he had said about his life. She had to admit that he had a point. Even on her own planet, which she had considered a paradise, there had been people living in the streets, but when her parents were in charge they cared. They tried to help. People weren’t as fortunate on this planet. The government was rarely competent at protecting its people, especially those who didn’t have enough money to matter.

Emma was back in the West Co. building before anyone could even notice she had been missing.

Almost anyone.

“Emma!” Killian exclaimed, eyes wide when he saw her through the crowd of West Co. employees who were scurrying back to their offices, some eager to start jotting down their notes, some desperate to call home. Killian ran up to her, stopping at the last minute, pulling his arms back. “What happened to you? I just turned around and you were gone!”

“I know, I’m sorry, I needed to call my sister,” she lied. “I had to let her know I was okay.” He nodded, but his eyes were still bright with panic. “I’m sorry I scared you.”

“It’s okay,” he said, forcing a smile. “You’re safe now and that’s all that matters.” His smile didn’t quite meet his eyes though. His hand reached out and pulled her lopsided sweater up onto her shoulder. Seemed she wasn’t as quick changing as she thought.

“I should go to Miss West,” Emma said. “She’ll be going insane up there.”

“I should grab my camera,” he replied. “Get the best shots in before anyone else.”

She turned to go, adjusting her glasses as she ran off down the hall, still feeling his eyes on her.

******

Emma ended up spending her night at the DEO, instead of her plans to send a few emails, take some Buzzfeed quizzes and watch Brooklyn Nine-Nine all while tucking into an overflowing bowl of pasta. She was leaning against the wall, watching their newest inmate, now ice free but his hands cuffed behind his back, sitting on a chair and scowling at Mal, giving her what looked like one-word answers, but she couldn’t hear through the one-way glass.

“Nice work out there today,” Ruby said as she approached, her hair pulled back into a bun, red streak neatly hidden away, wearing a tight black jacket and trousers, carrying a brown cardboard wallet. She looked different, un-Ruby like. If it weren’t for the slightly winged eyeliner, the grin and the spark in her eye, Emma didn’t think she’d have recognised her.

“Thanks,” she said, looking back to the interrogation. “Any info on who this guy is.”

“A Mr Nick Branson,” Ruby answered, opening the file. “Grew up in Petersland, had trouble in school shoplifted, ran into trouble with the police a few times. Kept a pretty low profile for the past ten years, worked in a drive through Starbucks.”

“How does a barista get his hands on tech like that?” Emma asked. Ruby shook her head and leaned against the wall, mirroring Emma. On the other side of the glass, Mal stood up and left Nick alone in the room, coming out to meet Emma.

“I’ve talked as much as I can to him. He doesn’t seem to be cracking. You’re welcome to try,” she offered. Emma gave her no more than a nod before going into the interrogation room and seating herself opposite him.

“Hi, Nick,” she greeted. He offered a raised eyebrow in response. “Okay I’m new at this so let’s just cut to the chase; who gave you the weapons?”

“And I already told you. Pretty lady was hanging around my neighbourhood selling stuff,” he responded. Emma decided to go old school, dig out a superpower she had had long before coming to Earth. Not laser eyes or strength or flying; her lie detector. Even back on Storybrooke she had been able to tell when someone was telling her a lie when she looked hard. Her parents and later on, Ingrid thought it impressive, others thought it spooky. Still, it was 99% effective, so it was worth a try.

And it told her Nick wasn’t lying. He had no idea who this woman was.

“Did she say why she wanted to fight me?” she asked. Another head shake, eyes on the floor. Again, the truth. “Okay,” she breathed.

She left the room with no more answers than she entered with.

“He’s in the dark,” she told Mal. “He doesn’t know who gave him those weapons or what she wants with me.” Mal nodded, her red lips pressed into a thin line.

“Come here,” she said, leading Emma away from the interrogation room, down a corridor and into another room with steel walls and a grey table. The gloves Nick had used sat on the table. “Do you recognise them.”

“Sure, I’ve seen a few planets with them,” Emma replied. “Approaching the table. “Some planets used them for war weapons, others to try to alter their eco systems.” She studied the gloves, looking for some familiarity, fingers tracing over the cold metal and into the ridges.

She found it. She found familiarity in the symbol on the back, no bigger than the palm of her own hand. The same symbol that she was wearing on her chest.

Her family’s coat of arms.

She wanted to throw up.

“Emma?” Ruby asked, noticing how tense she had suddenly become. “Emma are you okay?”

Her family, her planet, didn’t export weapons on an intergalactic level. They were only traded around Storybrooke itself. Meaning that this weapon can’t have come from any planet other than her home.

“This weapon,” she said, her voice hoarse. “It’s from Storybrooke.”

******

Emma needed a donut. It may have seemed trivial after her realisation at the DEO that had cut right into her, but she was a comfort eater, and the sugar would provide some distraction for her if nothing else.

So, on her drive home, back in Emma-wear, she swung by the store a block from her place. Open 24 hours a day, it was convenient when she needed to grab bread or milk or some random household necessity. It was a god damn heaven send when she needed a sugar fix.

Elsa didn’t need know about the times she’s driven down at 11:30pm for a pastry.

She strolled into the near empty store; the only occupants seemed to be schoolkids coming back from a party and the clerks who looked vaguely zombie-like behind the counter. She gave a wave to one blonde clerk with whom she’d become slightly familiar with on her regular sugar runs and made her way to the bakery at the back of the store, where an array of baked treats was waiting for her. She poured over the selection before choosing the chocolate filled donut covered in white icing, a long-time favourite.

When she turned to go to the counter, she saw a familiar face sitting in the coffee shop, just a few feet from where she was standing. Killian Jones was reclining in one of the leather armchairs, cardboard cup of coffee in hand, in an easy conversation with someone she had never seen before; a tall woman with wavy dark hair with a denim jacket draped over the back of her seat and had a red and black backpack at her feet. Even from there, Emma could tell how pretty the woman was. And how she seemed to hang on to Killian’s every word, and vice versa.

She didn’t know why her face suddenly grew very warm. It wasn’t as though she had caught her boyfriend cheating on her. Killian wasn’t her anything. So logically, the sight of him laughing at something a good-looking woman had said shouldn’t cause her to feel anything at all.

And yet….

He noticed her when he took a glance up, acknowledged her with a wave, eyes lighting up. She gave a stiff, awkward wave back in reply. The other woman turned and looked at her. Not rudely, not coldly, she had a small, pleasant smile on her face, and she turned and asked Killian something. He nodded before getting up and coming over to her.

“Late night snack, Snow?” he asked.

“Could ask you the same thing,” she replied. “If coffee really a good idea at this time?”

“Probably not,” he admitted. “But you know, night out, nothing brings it to an end like a coffee.” Emma nodded, her eyes moving to Killian’s companion, who was checking something on her phone. Killian followed her line of sight.

“Yeah,” he chuckled awkwardly. “Milah. Old friend of mine. Ran into each other, completely by chance, I didn’t even know she was in town. So we met up, went to that little Italian restaurant near work.”

“Sounds nice,” Emma said. In her mind, she began working through the obvious signs. Killian was dressed significantly smarter than usual; a black suit jacket over his blue shirt, discarding his usual leather, top button undone, Milah was wearing a tight grey top that complimented her figure wonderfully, and they went to an Italian restaurant.

He was on a date.

And she didn’t care. Why would she care?

“Care to join us?” he asked.

“I can’t, I’ve got to get home, there’s some stuff I need to get done for Zelena. But… see you at work,” she said, trying to sound enthusiastic. “Enjoy your night.”

“Aye, you too, Snow,” he said, his face falling slightly. She didn’t want to fool herself, but she would have sworn he looked disappointed.

In the car, she took a generous bite out of her donut and rested her head on the steering wheel, letting out a long sigh before driving home.

*******

Above Earth, sitting just out of the range of Earth satellites, Regina looked down at the planet below her, sneering. She turned her attention to the screen on her wall; a wave of her hand brought it to life. The Swan-the name she chose to go by-freezing Mr Branson, stopping him from using the present she had given him. Another wave and the image changed to her facing off with Fiona, or rather, the Black Fairy, electricity coursing through her body, freezing Fiona. Even the footage of her first little adventure, holding that crumbling building up.

“Oh, little Emmarae,” she sighed. “You are a real hero, aren’t you?” She reclined back in her chair. “Let’s see how you do next time.”

#captain swan #cs ff #ouat ff #emma swan #killian jones #fic: i can be your hero #ouat

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x-xdead · 6 years ago

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tag rules: answer all questions, add one question of your own, and tag as many people as there are questions

Thank you @nymini for tagging me♥

1. Coke or pepsi: Neither

2. Disney or dreamworks: Disney

3. Coffee or tea: Tea all the way

4. Books or movies: Both

5. Windows or Mac: Windows

6. DC or marvel: Not really into super-hero stuff but marvel I guess?

7. Xbox or PlayStation: Neither

8. Dragon age or mass effect: Never played one of them

9. Night owl or early riser: I would love to say early riser because i love being awake in the morning but I am too much of a night owl and sleep until forever

10. Cards or chess: Cards

11. Chocolate or vanilla: vanilla

12. Vans or converse: Converse

13. Lavellan , Trevelyan, Cadash or Adaar: Who?

14. Fluff or angst: Fluff

15. Beach or forest: Both

16. Dogs or cats: Cats♥ but sending out kisses to every single dog in this world

17. clear skies or rain: clear skies

18. cooking or eating out: I love both. Especially when you’re doing it with friends

19. spicy food or mild food: mild food but I love to always try a bite from spicy meals

20. halloween/samhain or solstice/yule/christmas: Christmas.

21. Would you rather forever be a little too cold or a little too hot: too cold

22. If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Being able to stop time or to teleport

23. animation or live action: animation

24. paragon or renegade: ?

25. baths or showers: Showers.

26. team cap or team iron man: iron man

27. fantasy or sci-fi: Sci-Fi

28. Do you have three or four favorite quotes? if so what are they: I have one quote that I really really love but I dont know where its from. I saw it once and then never again. Its:

Your heart is made of gold/ And your soul is made of stars/ You think you’re void of light/ Yet its everything you are.

Also,

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent “-Eleanor Roosevelt

“It always seems impossible until its done”- Nelson Mandela

29. netflix or youtube: I am trapped by both

30. harry potter or percy jackson: Harry Potter

31. when you feel accomplished: when I finish a drawing

32. star wars or star trek: Star Wars

33. paperback or hardback: Paperback. Its cheaper

34. horror or rom-com: rom-com. My fragile heart cannot handle horror

35. tv shows or movies: TV shows

36. spotify or pandora: I’ve never even heard about pandora

37. zootopia or inside out: Neither

38. favorite book: Hard to decide... I love Gone Girl, Mistborn and Born A Crime

39. favorite flower: me

40. what field of study are you in (or aspire to be in): maybe one day psychology or sociology

41. song lyric you really love? “The universe was made just to be seen by my eyes”- Saturn by Sleeping At Last

42. what’s your MBTI type? infp

43. fave movie: Hard to choose. Big Hero 6?

44. favorite tv show(s): Avatar The Last Airbender and Bojack Horseman!! Those are the best. I also love Sense8, RuPauls Drag Race and B99,

45. top three authors: I guess I dont really have any

46. favorite season? All of them with the exception of this hot fucking summer

47. favorite high school musical? The first

48. silver or gold? Gold

49. favorite food? Damn thats hard. I love Sushi, Phở, Pasta and anything with curry or sweet potato. Also just salad is really good

50. dream vacation? I would love to visit New Zealand, India and Thailand someday but there are many more

51. last dream you remember? I dreamed that there were clones of me and my friends and I didnt know if I was the real me or a clone me and then I had an existential crisis but all my friends were really chill about it and said something like “so?? whatcha gonna do about it? Life goes on ho”. Also, someone had removed my kneecaps in that dream which apparently works better when you’re dancing but it only confused me

52. city or country: Both

53. Slow burn or love at first sight: Slow Burn. I dont believe in love at first sight

54. What’s your favorite animal? Cats and bunnies

55: Bowling or minigolf? Bowling although I always lose

I am not going to tag 55 people???

Tagging: @perkypan @impossiblychaotictimemachine @lanebird @dadthatvapes @jabacca @plvmprince @ultrasdevil @boysilk @httpaola @adstfu @htmlit (have fun guys if you do this but feel free to ignore it)

#tag games

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thesimplyluxuriouslife · 7 years ago

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188: 18 Secrets & Lessons from the French Culture to Begin 2018

~The Simple Sophisticate, episode #188

~Subscribe to The Simple Sophisticate: iTunes | Stitcher | iHeartRadio

"But I love New Year's Day, because I can never get over the generosity of the fact that we all get a BRAND NEW YEAR, totally for FREE — with no dents, or dinks, or mistakes yet. It's the ultimate REFRESH button." —Elizabeth Gilbert

With 2018 just two weeks away, I am, as I am with each new years, inclined to be quite excited for a fresh start. No matter what the current year shared with me, surprised or delighted me with, the gift of a chance to improve is a priceless opportunity that only arrives once every 365 days. And so, I readily choose to seize it and apply what I have learned over the past 12 months and put it to practice, to improve upon who I reveal myself to be the previous year. As I look ahead to the new year with plans to finally get back to France since far too long ago (2013), I couldn't help but look to my collection of French living and culture books which I didn't fully realized is as plentiful as it turned out to be in my personal library (a sampling captured recently of many of my French themed books) for inspiration as to how to step forward into 2018. Below I've gathered 18 quotes of wisdom, insights and inspiration for beginning anew, renewed and brilliantly rested and ready to make 2018 the year we wish it to be.

You Know More Than You Realize

1."a quarter to a third of all English words come from French, and good thing; otherwise, learning this language would be even harder than it is." —William Alexander in Flirting with French: How a Language Charmed Me, Seduced Me & Nearly Broke My Heart

Read Books Like You Need Them to Breathe

2. "France retains a reverence for the printed book. As independent bookstores crash and burn in the United States, the market here is healthier, largely thanks to government protections that treat the stores as national treasures . . . in France, booksellers —including Amazon —may not discount books more than 5 percent below the publisher's list price." —Elaine Sciolino in The Only Street in Paris: Life on the Rue des Martyrs

The Gift of a Balanced Life is a Beautiful Life to Savor

3. "So here is a trilogy: food/movement/know thyself. Again, these are important elements in my life and also in the lives of French women who don't get fat (and perhaps do not want or need facelifts)." —Mireille Guiliano in French Women Don't Get Facelifts: The Secret of Aging with Style & Attitude

Trust Your Journey, and As You Travel, Just Be Yourself

4. "'Seize the moment . . . pay attention to your life right now' . . . What I failed to see, sitting around the coffee table on those nights, was the possibility that I didn't have to keep looking for a family to belong to; I could create one of my own. I had conflated my deep need to belong to something bigger than myself with a more superficial need to fit in, to look and dress and act like others. But fitting in is not belonging. This seems so clear now, but at the time I didn't understand the difference. I was still floating between New York and Paris, at least in the sense that my identity was tied to both cities. I lived in New York and worked at a New Yorker's pace, but I couldn't let go of Paris —Paris, which had shaped me more deeply than college or even my Manhattan childhood. Returning to Paris felt as if I was reawakening some part of myself that had been asleep since I'd left." —Kate Betts in My Paris Dream: An Education in Style, Slang and Seduction in the Great City on the Seine

On Style: Mix It Up

5. "Forget the 'total look.' Frenchwomen love to mix and match. Pascale Camart, womenswear buying manager for the Galeries Lafayette, told me that having designer labels next to ordinary ones on the same floor was 'on purpose. The Frenchwoman likes to put different things together.' The Parisienne, she says, doesn't buy evening dresses. She sticks with basics and then finds the one distinctive jacket or scarf or top that will make the ensemble a knockout." —Harriet Welty Rochefort in Joie de Vivre: Secrets of Wining, Dining and Romancing Like the French

The Importance of Elevating the Everyday

6. " You don't go overboard, exhausting yourself over the holidays when you make every day an occasion for friendship and family, fun and celebration." —Jamie Cat Callan in Bonjour, Happiness: Secrets to Finding Your Joie de Vivre

Choose Quality in Your Food and in Your Life to Elevate the Experience

7. "Édith Piaf famously sang, Non, je ne regrette rien ('No, I regret nothing'). Although I have my share of regrets, using good chocolate to make a soufflé is never one of them." —David Lebovitz in L'Appart: The Delights and Disasters of Making My Paris Home

Let Your Body Tell You What It Needs and Listen

8. "She knows exactly what she has 'a taste' for, and once she's had enough, that's it. She eats what she wants, when she wants it, until she is satisfied. Food is not a moral or emotional issue for her. She does not describe foods as good or bad; to her they are neutral, just food." —Carol Cottrill in The French Twist: Twelve Secrets of Decadent Dining and Natural Weight Management

The Essence of Real Beauty Goes Beyond the Surface

9. "Style without substance is unacceptable, largely because it's boring, one-dimensional. In France, it's inadmissible to provoke ennui. Real style is built upon a solid foundation of informed intelligence, quick wit, and an impressive panopoly of culture references. One must hold her own in a lively conversation. The essence of beauty is to continue educating oneself and constantly to learn something new. Simply put: these are the keys to eternal youth." Tish Jett in Forever Chic: Frenchwomen's Secrets for Timeless Beauty, Style and Substance

Keep Persevering to Create More 'Luck' in Your Life

10. "Persevering is often not simply a matter of working hard and refusing to quit; often, by trying again, failing again, and failing better, we inadvertently place ourselves in the way of luck. Yet another reason to keep on keeping on." —Karen Karbo in Julia Child Rules: Lessons on Savoring Life

Cooking Need Not Be Complicated & Thus an Necessary Element of Socializing Well in Everyday Life

11. "Yes, Parisians have more fun when they go out. But they're also ten times less likely to eat out. And in Paris, there's no ordering in —you cook. It's simple cooking, really: You can have five friends over, create a fast, delicious pasta with zucchini and mint. Or you just buy cheese, figs, wine and call it a night." — Garance Doré in Love, Style, Life

Opening Your World to Other Languages & Cultures Deepens Appreciation and Perspective

12. "Linguists call America 'the graveyard of languages' because of its singular ability to take in millions of immigrants and extinguish their native languages in a few generations. A study of thirty-five nations found that 'in no other country . . . did the rate of the mother tongue shift toward (English) monolingualism approach the radity of that found in the United States.' Immigrants to America lose languages quickly; natives of America fail to acquire them. Only 18 percent of American schoolchildren are enrolled in foreign language courses, while 94 percent of European high-school students are studying English." —Lauren Collins in When in French: Love in a Second Language

Incorporate the Arts into Your Life

13. "As often as you can, take an evening off and seek out the arts. Attend the ballet, visit an art show at your local coffee shop, go see an independent theatre, attend a symphony performance or a rock concern. These moments are often too few and far between, especially when family and work life seem to always come first. Indulging in the pleasure of the arts feels decadent and is a magnificent way to recharge your soul. Purchase your tickets in advance. Knowing that you are going to attend the ballet in three weeks gives you something delightful to look forward to." — Jennifer L. Scott in At Home with Madame Chic

Luck is Hard Earned

14. "In truth, her luck was not yet finished. Not even close. These two daring shipments were to make her one of the most famous women in Europe and her wine one of the most highly prized commodities of the nineteenth century. As Louis told her, it was a succes born out of 'your judicious manner of operating, your excellent wine, and the marvelous similarity of your ideas, which produced the most splendid unity and action and execution — we did it well, and I give a million thanks to the bounty of the divine Providence who saw fit to make me one of his instrument in your future well-being . . . certainly you merit all the glory possible after your misfortunes, your perseverance, and your obvious talents.'" —Tilar J. Mazzeo in The Widow Clicquot: The Story of a Champagne Empire and the Woman Who Ruled It

On What Is Worth Appreciating and Savoring

15. "The weight of history means that the French don't wipe the slate clean to make way for progress the way Americans do. Because of their centuries-old attachment to the land, restriction is their second nature, not expansion. The French have completely different ideas about what's public and what's private, and those ideas influence how they think about money, morality, eating, manners, conversation, and even political accountability. The French glorify what's elevated and grand, not what's common and accessible. They value form as much as content. And finally, they created many of their instituions to try to deal with the after-affects of two major wars. These factors don't add up to a neat picture that diametrically opposes French and Anglo-Americans. They just explain a lot about why the French think the way they do. Unless Americans recognize these differences, they will never understand the French." —Jean-Benoît Nadeau & Julie Barlow in Sixty Million Frenchmen Can't Be Wrong: Why We Love France, but Not the French

Stop and Nourish Your Body & Mind Daily

16. "No matter how fraught our workload, we stop and have a proper meal. It helps us calm our brains and bodies, and we know we will work more efficiently afterward." —Mathilde Thomas in The French Beauty Solution: Time-Tested Secrets to Look and Feel Beautiful Inside and Out

The Importance of Quality Living for the Individual Living It, Not for Outward Applause

17. "Ambition—another virtue that becomes a vice when taken too seriously. Time is not money for the French. It's an ephemeral currency and should be spent doing the things that make life worth living. Remember, the French woman might have an acute sense of breveity of time and the immediacy of pleasure; that said, she also has a strong predilection to enjoy not only the finer things in life but the things that make life fine." —Debra Ollivier in What French Women Know: About Love, Sex and Other Matters of the Heart and Mind

Let Your Dreams Lead the Way and Never Stop Striving Forward

18. "Willa Carter believed that if you have a wish for something from a young age and you nourish it, if you continually make an effort to nurture this wish and stay connected to this dream, then you will live a fulfilled life. If you believe in something, it invests everything you do with meaning. Paris has always stayed with me, close to me, and I've continually felt nourished by it." —Kate Betts in My Paris Dream: An Education in Style, Slang, and Seduction in the Great City on the Seine At the core of living well is appreciating the value of now and tempering longings and future hopes so that we are soley living in the future. Our lives are indeed right now. Just for a moment, examine where you were in your life one year ago today, now five years ago, now 10. Could you have precisely known where you would be when looking toward the future as your younger self? The future is exciting, but as many of the sage words remind, it is often the simple, the patient and present that make life truly fulfilling. Thank you for stopping by, and remember to stop by next Monday when the Top Episodes of 2017 will be shared. A new episode will return on Monday January 1st with Francophile author Jamie Cat Callan (her new book Parisian Charm School: French Secrets for Cultivating Love, Joy and that Certain je ne sais quoi will be released on January 2, 2018) as well as an excited giveaway for listeners and readers (hint: it is something for your kitchen). ~Tune in to French-Living inspired posts/episodes from the Archives: ~#4: 10 Ways to Unearth Your Inner Francophile ~#23: The French Way: How to Create a Luxurious Everyday Life ~#32: The Francophile Style Guide: The 14 Essentials ~#96: Everyday Living in France - My Interview with Sharon Santoni ~#127: 20 Ways to Live Like a Parisienne ~#144: 20 Ways to Incorporate Your Love for the French Culture into Your Everyday ~#151: 10 Style Tips to Embrace the French Woman's Approach to Effortless Chic ~#155: 6 Life Lessons for Living Well from Julia Child ~#167: My Good Life in France: Author Janine Marsh ~#168: Everyday Living with Author & Blogger Sharon Santoni ~#169: Understanding the French Culture: My Interview with Géraldine Lepere of Comme une Française ~#182: David Leibovitz Talks About Making Paris His Home ~Check out the new addition to TSLL destination: The Simply Luxurious Kitchen. Have a look at the pilot episode below and learn more about this new venture into vodcasting in which we will focus on "Seasonal fare to elevate the everyday meal" here.

Petit Plaisir:

~Salmon en Papillote (Salmon in Paper) - view the entire recipe here

Sponsors for today’s episode:

Birchbox

use code sophisticate to save 20% off all gift subscriptions through 12/25

Birchbox in France

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Tune in to the latest episode of The Simple Sophisticate podcast

#tsllpodcast thesimplesophisticate

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urscottsdale · 7 years ago

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1-100 😌

1:when you have cereal, do you have more milk than cereal or more cereal than milk? i rarely eat cereal but i think i usually balance them pretty equally or try to lol

2:do you like the feeling of cold air on your cheeks on a wintery day? i love it as long as im all bundled up

3:what random objects do you use to bookmark your books? usually the closest piece of paper i can find

4:how do you take your coffee/tea? with lots of sugar 😏

5:are you self-conscious of your smile? very

6:do you keep plants? nope

7:do you name your plants? nada

8:what artistic medium do you use to express your feelings? writing and music

9:do you like singing/humming to yourself? sometimes

10:do you sleep on your back, side, or stomach? all of the above

11:what’s an inner joke you have with your friends? no friends, no jokes other than maybe im the quiet one

12:what’s your favorite planet? pluto

13:what’s something that made you smile today? my dog

14:if you were to live with your best friend in an old flat in a big city, what would it look like? my room: messy, theirs: clean

15:go google a weird space fact and tell us what it is! uranus is tilted on its side 😉

16:what’s your favorite pasta dish? spaghetti

17:what color do you really want to dye your hair? blue

18:tell us about something dumb/funny you did that has since gone down in history between you and your friends and is always brought up. idk tbh

19:do you keep a journal? what do you write/draw/ in it? i dont

20:what’s your favorite eye color? brown eyes 😍

21:talk about your favorite bag, the one that’s been to hell and back with you and that you love to pieces. who comes up with these questions? bc i dont have a favorite bag

22:are you a morning person? no i hate mornings

23:what’s your favorite thing to do on lazy days where you have 0 obligations? listen to music

24:is there someone out there you would trust with every single one of your secrets? theres a couple, one doesnt know it tho

25:what’s the weirdest place you’ve ever broken into? never broken into anywhere lol

26:what are the shoes you’ve had for forever and wear with every single outfit? vanz

27:what’s your favorite bubblegum flavor? mint

28:sunrise or sunset? sunset

29:what’s something really cute that one of your friends does and is totally endearing? randomly checking up on me and actually meaning it when they say they care

30:think of it: have you ever been truly scared? a handful of times yes

31:what is your opinion of socks? do you like wearing weird socks? do you sleep with socks? do you confine yourself to white sock hell? really, just talk about socks. love socks and wearing them, dont sleep in them and i have an assortment of colors bc white is boring

32:tell us a story of something that happened to you after 3AM when you were with friends. there was this time i went out drinking with my friend after graduation, these two guys were hitting on her after she called them gay (even bought us drinks), my friend is gay so that was interesting lol

33:what’s your fave pastry? doughnuts

34:tell us about the stuffed animal you kept as a kid. what is it called? what does it look like? do you still keep it? winnie the pooh and hell yes i still have it

35:do you like stationary and pretty pens and so on? do you use them often? love them but never use them

36:which band’s sound would fit your mood right now? backstreet boys

37:do you like keeping your room messy or clean? i like keeping it clean but it tends to stay messy lol

38:tell us about your pet peeves! i have too many pet peeves tbh

39:what color do you wear the most? blue and maroon (not together tho)

40:think of a piece of jewelry you own: what’s it’s story? does it have any meaning to you? cross necklace is self-explanatory, dog tag necklace i got from my parents so it holds a special meaning to me

41:what’s the last book you remember really, really loving? to kill a mockingbird

42:do you have a favorite coffee shop? describe it! starbucks…

43:who was the last person you gazed at the stars with? lol one of my friends back in like 5th grade

44:when was the last time you remember feeling completely serene and at peace with everything? summer and winter breaks in high school

45:do you trust your instincts a lot? yup

46:tell us the worst pun you can think of. sex while camping is fucking in tents ;)

47:what food do you think should be banned from the universe? most kinds of fish

48:what was your biggest fear as a kid? is it the same today? being alone, and yes actually

49:do you like buying CDs and records? what was the last one you bought? yes but i cant remember tbh. most i have were gifted to me.

50:what’s an odd thing you collect? keys

51:think of a person. what song do you associate with them? @thisvanessa - count on me by bruno mars

52:what are your favorite memes of the year so far? im pretty sure ive never seen a meme i didnt love so. the spongebob one is pretty good tho.

53:have you ever watched the rocky horror picture show? heathers? beetlejuice? pulp fiction? what do you think of them? i wish i could tell u

54:who’s the last person you saw with a true look of sadness on their face? my dog lol

55:what’s the most dramatic thing you’ve ever done to prove a point? idk im pretty passive aggressive so i do a lot lol

56:what are some things you find endearing in people? same as earlier, randomly checking up on me and also saying they miss me

57:go listen to bohemian rhapsody. how did it make you feel? did you dramatically reenact the lyrics? nope

58:who’s the wine mom and who’s the vodka aunt in your group of friends? why? my ex friend is the wine mom and idk maybe im the vodka aunt lol

59:what’s your favorite myth? the earth is flat

60:do you like poetry? what are some of your faves? yess langston hughes and edgar allan poe

61:what’s the stupidest gift you’ve ever given? the stupidest one you’ve ever received? cant think of any tbh, maybe the dancing chicken that used to be passed around for years in my family

62:do you drink juice in the morning? which kind? orange juice and cran-grape juice

63:are you fussy about your books and music? do you keep them meticulously organized or kinda leave them be? i just leave them be

64:what color is the sky where you are right now? gray

65:is there anyone you haven’t seen in a long time who you’d love to hang out with? yes

66:what would your ideal flower crown look like? idk not big on flower crowns

67:how do gloomy days where the sky is dark and the world is misty make you feel? i love them so much

68:what’s winter like where you live? hot with a random cold day here and there

69:what are your favorite board games? wahoo/marbles, sorry, candyland, pretty much all of them lol

70:have you ever used a ouija board? nope

71:what’s your favorite kind of tea? sweet tea

72:are you a person who needs to note everything down or else you’ll forget it? yes but im also too lazy to note things so i end up forgetting a lot

73:what are some of your worst habits? procrastination

74:describe a good friend of yours without using their name or gendered pronouns. beautiful, bubbly, cute, always smiling even tho i know they r sad deep down

75:tell us about your pets! small, black fur ball full of energy

76:is there anything you should be doing right now but aren’t? so many things

77:pink or yellow lemonade? pink

78:are you in the minion hateclub or fanclub? neither im a minion dc club

79:what’s one of the cutest things someone has ever done for you? idk told me i give them butterflies or get nervous when talking to me

80:what color are your bedroom walls? did you choose that color? if so, why? i think they r an off white an bc my apartment landlord wont let me change them lol

81:describe one of your friend’s eyes using the most abstract imagery you can think of. dark pools of chocolate

82:are/were you good in school? i was alright could of been better if i wasnt so lazy

83:what’s some of your favorite album art? never thought about that maybe something justin bieber has done

84:are you planning on getting tattoos? which ones? i want to but im not sure tbh

85:do you read comics? what are your faves? nope

86:do you like concept albums? which ones? yes theres a lot

87:what are some movies you think everyone should watch at least once in their lives? high school musical

88:are there any artistic movements you particularly enjoy? yes

89:are you close to your parents? yes

90:talk about your one of you favorite cities. im pretty sure i could never get tired of nyc

91:where do you plan on traveling this year? i successfully did not travel anywhere this year, thank you bank account ur the best

92:are you a person who drowns their pasta in cheese or a person who barely sprinkles a pinch? drown it in cheese

93:what’s the hairstyle you wear the most? short hair, short on the sides and longer on top

94:who was the last person you know to have a birthday? me

95:what are your plans for this weekend? lazy days

96:do you install your computer updates really quickly or do you procrastinate on them a lot? procrastination is my middle name

97:myer briggs type, zodiac sign, and hogwarts house? INFP, scorpio and hufflepuff

98:when’s the last time you went hiking? did you enjoy it? i dont think ive ever been hiking but i want to

99:list some songs that resonate to your soul whenever you hear them. over and over again by tim mcgraw, make you miss me by sam hunt, remember when by alan jackson, unhinged by nick jonas, chainsaw by nick jonas, untitled by simple plan and welcome to my life by simple plan

100:if you were presented with two buttons, one that allows you to go 5 years into the past, the other 5 years into the future, which one would you press? why? damn thats a really hard one. probably the future tbh.

#thisvanessa #answered

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the-invisible-self · 7 years ago

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I did this. Fast and dirty. Like a Rorschach Ink Blot.

1: when you have cereal, do you have more milk than cereal or more cereal than milk? I balance it exactly. 2: do you like the feeling of cold air on your cheeks on a wintery day? Yes. Like Buck Vu, I'm a fan of cold things in the cold. 3: what random objects do you use to bookmark your books? Anything. Pencils. Receipts. Other books. 4: how do you take your coffee/tea? In my mouth. 5: are you self-conscious of your smile? Naw bro 6: do you keep plants? The ones that survive. (And some of the ones that don't.) 7: do you name your plants? Naw bro 8: what artistic medium do you use to express your feelings? Shitposting. Lol not really. 9: do you like singing/humming to yourself? Yep 10: do you sleep on your back, side, or stomach? All of the above. 11: what's an inner joke you have with your friends? Wouldn't you like to know? 12: what's your favorite planet? Earth 13: what's something that made you smile today? Smutty fanfiction. 14: if you were to live with your best friend in an old flat in a big city, what would it look like? Messy and wonderful 15: go google a weird space fact and tell us what it is! Naw bro 16: what's your favorite pasta dish? Spaghetti w meat sauce and LOTS of cheese 17: what color do you really want to dye your hair? None 18: tell us about something dumb/funny you did that has since gone down in history between you and your friends and is always brought up. I don't have friends. That's why I'm filling out 100 answers by myself. 19: do you keep a journal? what do you write/draw/ in it?nah bro 20: what's your favorite eye color? Brown 21: talk about your favorite bag, the one that's been to hell and back with you and that you love to pieces. It's a bag of holding. With patches. 22: are you a morning person? When I'm not sick 23: what's your favorite thing to do on lazy days where you have 0 obligations? Nothing. Or write. 24: is there someone out there you would trust with every single one of your secrets? My therapist. 25: what's the weirdest place you've ever broken into? Can't say I have. 26: what are the shoes you've had for forever and wear with every single outfit?minnetonka Mocs 27: what's your favorite bubblegum flavor? Isn't “bubblegum” it's own flavor?Whatever. I prefer spearmint. 28: sunrise or sunset? Sunrise 29: what's something really cute that one of your friends does and is totally endearing? Shitposts 30: think of it: have you ever been truly scared? Absofuckinglutely 31: what is your opinion of socks? do you like wearing weird socks? do you sleep with socks? do you confine yourself to white sock hell? really, just talk about socks. I used to steal my husbands socks Bc they were cool & I thought it was cute to wear his things, but he left me and now I don't have a husband or any socks to wear. So. Yeah. 32: tell us a story of something that happened to you after 3AM when you were with friends. I fell asleep. 33: what's your fave pastry? Chocolate. Or cherry. 34: tell us about the stuffed animal you kept as a kid. what is it called? what does it look like? do you still keep it? I unfortunately still have all my childhood folks Bc my hoarder parents mailed them to me 3 years ago. 35: do you like stationary and pretty pens and so on? do you use them often? Gimme college rule loose leaf and some reliable black ink 36: which band's sound would fit your mood right now? STRFCKR 37: do you like keeping your room messy or clean? I like it clean but it's always a mess 38: tell us about your pet peeves! Sticky hands 39: what color do you wear the most? Red? 40: think of a piece of jewelry you own: what's it's story? does it have any meaning to you? I bought a ring that's a big open circle and I wear it instead of my wedding ring Bc fuck my ex

41: what's the last book you remember really, really loving? The night circus 42: do you have a favorite coffee shop? describe it! No. All coffee shops are precious and magical. 43: who was the last person you gazed at the stars with? Myself & a pack of smokes 44: when was the last time you remember feeling completely serene and at peace with everything? I don't 45: do you trust your instincts a lot? Yep 46: tell us the worst pun you can think of. There is nosuch thing. All puns are beautiful. 47: what food do you think should be banned from the universe? Cold potato salad 48: what was your biggest fear as a kid? is it the same today? Knives/bleeding. Yep. 49: do you like buying CDs and records? what was the last one you bought? Yep. David Bowie. 50: what's an odd thing you collect? Magnets of female villains. 51: think of a person. what song do you associate with them? Buck vu. Claire de lune. 52: what are your favorite memes of the year so far? All of Tom’s memes 53: have you ever watched the rocky horror picture show? No heathers? No beetlejuice? Yep - loved it as a kid pulp fiction? Yep - triggering what do you think of them? 54: who's the last person you saw with a true look of sadness on their face? My kid 55: what's the most dramatic thing you've ever done to prove a point? I don't prove myself. I just am. 56: what are some things you find endearing in people? Flaws 57: go listen to bohemian rhapsody. how did it make you feel? did you dramatically reenact the lyrics? I always love that song. Except when I have a headache. Right now I have a headache...so... 58: who's the wine mom and who's the vodka aunt in your group of friends? why? I don't have friends. Just Tumblr friends. And we don't drink together.But liz is the wine mom and chris is the vodka aunt. 59: what's your favorite myth? The Bible 60: do you like poetry? what are some of your faves? Yes. Mary Oliver. All of her. 61: what's the stupidest gift you've ever given? the stupidest one you've ever received? A donut. An empty box that, when opened, I said was full of love. 62: do you drink juice in the morning? which kind? No 63: are you fussy about your books and music? do you keep them meticulously organized or kinda leave them be? not really? I like them inbrsknbow order but honestly idgaf 64: what color is the sky where you are right now? Starlight 65: is there anyone you haven't seen in a long time who you'd love to hang out with? Yes 66: what would your ideal flower crown look like?Lilacs & daisies 67: how do gloomy days where the sky is dark and the world is misty make you feel? Peaceful 68: what's winter like where you live?gloomy days where the sky is dark and the world is misty 69: what are your favorite board games? SETTLERS OF CATAN

70: have you ever used a ouija board? nah bro 71: what's your favorite kind of tea?Breakfast tea 72: are you a person who needs to note everything down or else you'll forget it? Yep 73: what are some of your worst habits? Messy everything 74: describe a good friend of yours without using their name or gendered pronouns. deeply generous, but I'm afraid of taking too much… effortlessly beautiful, but a beauty that's not for me 75: tell us about your pets! My cat is a jerk who picks fights with all the other cats and hates babies. 76: is there anything you should be doing right now but aren't? Nah bro 77: pink or yellow lemonade? Yes please 78: are you in the minion hateclub or fanclub? Nah bro 79: what's one of the cutest things someone has ever done for you?Gave me a skipping stone from Spain Bc I reminded them of Amelie 80: what color are your bedroom walls? did you choose that color? if so, why? Brown. Yep. Idk it just felt right. 81: describe one of your friend's eyes using the most abstract imagery you can think of. In her head 82: are/were you good in school? Yep 83: what's some of your favorite album art? Pink Floyd 84: are you planning on getting tattoos? which ones? Birds on my arm 85: do you read comics? what are your faves? Used to. Xmen. 86: do you like concept albums? which ones? Idk 87: what are some movies you think everyone should watch at least once in their lives? Fred estaire & ginger Rogers 88: are there any artistic movements you particularly enjoy? Abstract expressionism 89: are you close to your parents? No 90: talk about your one of you favorite cities. I busked. I loved it, but the good was horrible. There were more homes of dead authors than I had time to visit. 91: where do you plan on traveling this year? A rainforest 92: are you a person who drowns their pasta in cheese or a person who barely sprinkles a pinch?MOAR CHEESE 93: what's the hairstyle you wear the most? Pigtails 94: who was the last person you know to have a birthday?I don't know ppl 95: what are your plans for this weekend? Work while sick. Yay. 96: do you install your computer updates really quickly or do you procrastinate on them a lot? I'm supposed to install updates? 97: myer briggs type, zodiac sign, and hogwarts house? INFP cusp griffindor 98: when's the last time you went hiking? did you enjoy it? Too long ago. Yes. I love hiking. 99: list some songs that resonate to your soul whenever you hear them. ::insert the beetles here:: 100: if you were presented with two buttons, one that allows you to go 5 years into the past, the other 5 years into the future, which one would you press? why? Neither. Fuck that shit. I wanna live rn.

#personal

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caraalee · 6 years ago

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Winter Wonderland in Zagreb, Croatia

After a sleepless night in Naples, followed by an epic journey through Slovenia, I was ready to have the best time of my whole life in Zagreb. Our time there may have just seemed better than it really was, just following the stressful time getting there, but our few days in Zagreb were some of the best travel days I’ve ever had!

Breakfast

I would have loved to sleep in, but we signed up for a walking tour ahead of time just because we didn’t know much about Zagreb or what to do there, so a highly rated walking tour hit two birds with one stone. Luckily, because of the early-ish start to the day, we were forced to find a breakfast place. It was a little tough finding a sit-down breakfast place on a Monday in February, but Bistro Fotić came up on my Google search, and it was really close to Zrinjevac Park, where we were meeting our walking tour guide.

What a great find! Bistro Fotić was both lovely and yummy. We both got the mushroom, cheese, and pepper omelette like the twinsters we are, and it was delish. We also got complimentary bread, too, which I enjoyed, but Roobz didn’t...I think I’m biased toward free bread, but it was dough-y and delicious. The decor was very charming and had plenty of Croatian spark throughout. I only take photos of restaurant decor that speaks to my soul, so that’s saying something.

A Fun[icular] Walking Tour Through Zagreb

Once we finished, we headed over to Zrinjevac Park to meet our walking tour. Our guide’s name was Petra, and we ended up being the only ones on the tour. It was nice to have a private tour, and Petra was excellent, but two hours in the snow was a long time to chit chat with someone I had just met. Luckily, Roobz had questions up the wazoo, and we learned some great tid bits about Croatia-- Nikola Tesla was born there, and it’s where the ballpoint pen AND cravat aka necktie were invented! We also found out Petra’s brother lives in Astoria! Small world.

During the tour, we saw all the main sites except St. Mark’s Chapel and Parliament because the Serbian president was visiting, so streets were blocked off. We were able to enjoy the main attraction of the walking tour--riding the funicular (the shortest in the world!) from upper to lower town. We were also able to catch the daily noontime Lotrscak Tower canon blast, along with the view from the top of the city. So pretty! The architecture in Zagreb was reminiscent of German buildings (at least from the photos I’ve seen), and Petra told us that the buildings were Austro-Hungarian style. I really loved the detail and cone-shaped roofs. We were able to sneak a peek into the Zagreb Cathedral, which was very pretty.

By the end of the tour, we were wet and freezing. But the city was so charming with so much rich history that a lot of people don’t know about, so we really enjoyed learning and getting some history lessons and stories.

Lunch

After our tour, we were ready to sit indoors and feast. We had lunch at Vinodol, thanks to Petra’s suggestion. It was very nice and mostly full of fancy-looking business people. I got the truffle fuzi pasta (Croatia is full of truffly foods we were delighted to learn), and Roobz got the fried steak and potatoes. We both got Dzujsko, the local beer, and we got complimentary bread again--score! Everything was delicious. To reiterate, I had pasta, bread, beer, and finished Roobz’s potatoes. I still tell people about this entirely carbolicious meal I scarfed down with no regrets. MM!

After we filled our bellies, we headed back to the Airbnb to warm up, relax, and do laundry for the first time in two weeks. The nice part about walking tours is feeling productive while still having time to unwind and regroup.

Accidental Michelin-Star Dinner

When we were ready to eat again, I looked up a few places within walking distance and found Zinfindel’s, which had good reviews. Little did we know, we were about to stumble upon a very fancy time!

Upon walking on over, we discovered the restaurant was attached to a hotel, and the entrance had ropes and doormen, so we figured the restaurant would be pretty nice. We were the first ones there and were greeted by the maitre d, so we quickly realized (via the fact there was a maitre d and a Michelin-star sign) that this was going to be fancy fancy. I kind of felt like a peasant with my canvas bag (with a slightly jammed zipper I sewed on myself) and floral Forever 21 dress with pockets, but hey--that’s me and #yolo.

Aside from feeling a bit under-dressed and awkward to actually be waited on by waiters, it was a great time! The staff was very nice and attentive. We got hot towels and an appetizer compliments of the chef! All in all, it was a decently priced restaurant--the prices were comparable to an average midtown Manhattan restaurant.

We had a memorable beverage experience that made the post-vacation story circuit. After ordering a bottle of wine, the waiter came back to our table, opened up the cork then stuck it in Roobz’s face. Who knew smelling the cork was a thing?! My canvas-bagged self did not! Our wine bottle also got its own table next to our bottle of water (we felt lame ordering tap water at a fancy restaurant...).

Our food was delicious! I think I ordered the sea bass and Roobz got the truffle pasta. For dessert, I got chocolate cake, and Roobz got a nutella napoleon. YUM. I would have taken more photos, but we were being watched by the attentive staff, and I was being the ultimate fancy-restaurant tourist. Money tip: we were able to pay in euros here but needed to exchange for some kunas later on for places that still didn’t take euros.

Day Two of Exploring Zagreb

For our last breakfast, I found a restaurant with good reviews, but it turned out to be closed. We looked up another place and found La Struk, and I’m so glad we did. La Struk offered a variety of savory and sweet štrukli, an authentic Croatian dish popular in the Zagreb area and in Slovenia. It’s filled with cottage cheese and kind of similar in texture to lasagna. Because they make them fresh, we had to wait a short while, but it was worth it. I got the pumpkin pesto, and Roobz got apple. Marvelous and perfect for a chilly winter day!

Checking Out Upper Town

Because we missed some sites during our walking tour, we returned to Upper Town to explore and see what we missed. We walked back up to the city top to see a clearer view of the city--gorgeous. Then we headed to St. Mark’s Chapel. Also gorg! #RoofGoals #RoobsAndRooves To check out the souvenir situation, we checked out the city’s central square, Ban Jelačić Square, where there are merchants selling goods during the day, and we got a small drawing of the Square.

We also looked the town’s open-air market, Dolac, which is in between Upper and Lower Towns. During the day, there’s a farmer’s market with rows and rows of merchants. We picked up a small wooden canteen with St. Mark’s Chapel on it to hang up at home. Memories!

Coffee Break

After that round of walking, we headed to a cute and popular cafe called Amélie to get some coffee. The desserts there looked so delicate and yummy, so we also got an orange doughnut-like gift on earth and the Amélie torte. After perusing a bit, we added macarons to go because we’re worth it. After stopping by a grocery store to get snacks and breakfast for our road trip back to Italy, and picking up some more souvenirs, we headed back to Airbnb to lounge and watch a few episodes of House (highly recommended on a winter vacation day) before dinner.

Last Dinner

For our last dinner, we headed to Boban. I got the black truffle tagliatelle. It was decent, but it wasn’t the best I’ve had. Along with some octopus, it came with chewy tomatoes and one piece of basil (I’d eat a plateful of basil if available). Roobz got the truffle gnocci (last truffle pasta!).

We also shared a side of swiss chard and potatoes to sort of offset the pounds and pounds of carbs we had consumed over the past few days...but that didn’t stop us from getting some final Croatian beers! Roobz got Tomislav stout, and I got a limun beer.

On our way back to the Airbnb, we stumbled upon a mini festival in the Square and enjoyed that for a bit--it was a fun send-off from this magical city.

I’m so glad we kept Zagreb in the mix of this whirlwind Euro trip. It was a bit of wild card but ended up being our favorite stop, despite the wintry mix and long drive getting there. Everyone we met was so nice and humbly proud of their city and country. The food was a delightful surprise--I’d describe it as a cross-over between Greek and Italian, but it has its own yummy, truffly flair. Our stay there was relaxed, fun, educational and charming. We were sad to leave, but we had our next and last stop to get to: Venice for Valentine’s Day!

#zagreb #croatia travel #croatia driving #zagreb travel #croatian culture #croatian cuisine #eurotrip #european road trip #carubintrip2k18 #croatian food

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musingsofashortperson · 6 years ago

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.003 // We Mean Business

My bucket list consists mainly of items related to experiences. At the top of the list are skydiving, bungee jumping, and free diving through a waterfall. What follows next is - getting a free upgrade to business or first class.

Yes, it does seem ridiculous. But one must not discount the joy of getting a free upgrade to a flight class that costs up to 3 times more than flying in economy. One must not disregard the thrill of what it means to live the life of the wealthy, even if just for an 8-hour flight, to breathe in the same air as those whose pay grade far exceeds your own, whose money must be stored in a private bank because that’s just how much money they have.

I had the privilege of being upgraded for the first time in my life when we were flying back to Singapore from Heathrow Airport in late 2016. We had already considered ourselves extremely lucky for having snagged premium economy tickets on British Airways for just S$2,450, a mere S$200 more than the economy ticket prices at the time. It was still on the pricey side, but we knew sitting in economy for a 12-hour flight would grant us PTSD, so we had to do our spines and butts a service. My parents, being in their 60s, greatly appreciated the steal.

We were headed to the check-in counters at Heathrow, the airport serving as a stopover for our flight from Reykjavik, Iceland. I handed my boarding ticket and passport over to the kind lady behind the counter, and a smile graced her features as she said, “You’ve been upgraded to business class.” I could only gape. Like a goldfish. I must’ve looked incredibly stupid and not at all deserving of a business class seat. But she continued smiling anyway, and the words I heard flying out of my mouth were, “How did that even happen?”

“I don’t know,” she bemused, “when these things happen, you just take it.”

And took it I did. I so did.

We embraced the kiasu-ness embedded in our Singaporean DNA and walked as swiftly as our fatigued legs would allow us to the business and first class lounge. We whipped out our boarding tickets and showed them to the staff fronting the reception, as if to say, “These are our golden tickets to the chocolate factory, let us in.”

The lounge was indeed the chocolate factory to my Charlie and the Hogwarts to my Harry. There was food, tons of it, and it was for free, a fact that made me realize why the wealthy would pay such big sums of money just to feel like royalty. The spread was wide and well-balanced, with greens for the health conscious and pasta for the indulgent. Given the fact that we were in England, the bread was abundant; croissants, breadsticks, baguettes, you name it. As we embraced our meal in the dining area, we could see a vast seating section that overlooked the runways of Terminal 5. This section was covered in luxury armchairs upholstered with premium leather. Private showers and restrooms were located further inside, offering the weary traveller much needed privacy and quiet.

I’ve only ever wanted short layovers to minimize my discomfort of waiting for flights, but I wanted this particular one to last forever. Our first layover (inbound to Iceland) had us struggling to find comfort in the ever-crowded transit hall. Starbucks held an anaconda of a queue and the chairs may as well have been made of bricks. Noises filled my every sense as I failed miserably to get some shut-eye. The business lounge carried magic with it that ferried away my bad memories of all that previous discomfort and disturbance. It was a magical time in that lounge, for we knew it could very well be our first and final opportunity.

The time for us to board our flight came all too soon, but at the very least it signified that we were about to embark on the second part of our business class experience. No longer did we need to hold any envy in the waiting area as the speakers rang out, “This is a boarding call for all of our First Class and Business Class passengers,” for we were one of them. We stood in the short queue, giddy with joy and excitement, amazed at our incredible luck. “Be cool, be cool,” I muttered silently to myself as the attendants checked my pass and said in a well-rehearsed statement, “Enjoy your flight, Ms Lee.”

When service attendants address you by your last name, you begin to marvel at your own value as a customer.

As I stepped foot onto the plane and the presence of the business class seats came into view, I could only marvel at one thing. “Oh my God, we get a bed.” Well, not a bed bed, but a seat that can transform into a flat one. All you had to do was press some silver buttons by the control panel to make it happen. There were even instructions by the side storage compartments for the uninformed much like ourselves.

“Hi, Ms Lee, would you like some champagne?” Oh, hell yeah. Free champagne? This was shaping up to be the best flight experience ever and we weren’t even close to taking off just yet.

Having priority boarding for premium passengers makes total sense because there is just so much about your seat that you need to absorb - like the bottom drawer to the left for storing shoes; the wide HD screen set a good distance away so you can enjoy your in-flight entertainment with ease; the wideness of the seat that meant short people like me could sit with their legs criss-crossed; the ample storage compartments. Everything.

As boarding continued, we were handed dinner menus. I can barely remember the delicacies offered, but I remember steak because that is what I ordered when the flight attendant came by, bent down, and spoke in earnest as he asked, “And what would you be having for dinner, Ms Lee?”

Once again, your value as a customer. A rich customer.

Dinner was delicious. I was in the company of the BFG and allowed myself a second cup of alcohol - Irish Baileys. The liquor came in a tiny bottle much like the ones you get in those airport gift packs, and despite its tiny size, I had extreme difficulty getting it open and had to ask for help. Definitely not one of my shining moments.

Ah, classic Chandler.

Back to the food. The dessert purified my soul and the appetizers cleared my pores. As I neared the end of my meal, the food coma began to creep in. By the end of the movie, I was feeling incredibly sleepy, and I kid you not, I was more excited about sleeping on a flat bed on a plane than sleeping itself. The lights had already been dimmed by this point, and despite my anticipation, I was still afraid of disturbing the other passengers in my attempt to navigate around the complexities of this seat transformation. With as much stealth as I could, I turned on the reading light and pulled out the instructions. It was like reading a flight manual. I re-read the instructions thrice over. Once I was certain I had it all locked down, I began to move.

“So this shifts down, that comes out, and this pushes in.”

I had successfully created a bed.

By the time I woke up, it was time for breakfast. I had had the best 3-hour sleep on a plane ever and was about to be greeted with the spoils of a hearty English breakfast. There was a choice of porridge on the menu, but I was not about to be a typical Chinese that needs rice all the time. The rest of the flight went by swiftly and smoothly, and soon enough, the cabin rang with the announcement that the pilot was about to begin the descent.

We left the plane feeling like we had conquered one of air travels most impossible feats. We had heard the news, read the stories, and seen the photos of a select few people before us who also, had had the privilege of enjoying a flight upgrade. Evidence was abounding that a flight upgrade could happen to anyone at any time, but who were we, a humble family of three from Singapore, to expect, or even anticipate, that something so special could happen to us as well?

I’ll tell you though. It’s one thing to fly business class. It’s another thing to have a magazine cover of Donald Trump staring down at you as you lounge in your business class seat while sipping on champagne.

He wouldn’t stop staring. I know I’m not white.

#wow this is lengthy #thursdays #bucket list #air travel #flying #blog

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