#did he eat 3 tubs of ice cream in one sitting? did he trip and fall down the stairs?

[ask-prismaknight]

Prisma, have you ever tried to hold Galaxia? If so, did it speak to you?

[tatooedlaura-blog]

The Warmest Thing I Own

Feeling good enough for the time being to attempt herding Mulder in a grocery store ... 

Our Moments: Chapter 1: Five Words (post-Leonard Betts) Chapter 2: Sidebar Nonsense (post-Memento Mori) Chapter 3: Interim (floating somewhere around Unrequited) Chapter 4: Max 2.0 (post-Tempus Fugit/Max) Chapter 5: Shadowed Grey Eyes Chapter 6: The Warmest Thing I Own @today-in-fic

&&&&&&&&&&

The following morning, she woke him up, stretching beside him, humming as her muscles flexed and moved, liquid twist of spine and limb. He felt her and opened his eyes, finding the room grey but light, “what time is it?”

Her voice scratched out an, ‘I don’t care’ before burying her head back in the pillow.

“Are we not caring today? ‘Cause I can get behind not caring today.” Reaching out to poke her side, “how are you feeling?”

Rolling in his direction, she gave him a smile that could have lit the city had she come with plug and adaptor, “I actually feel okay. I don’t think I’ve slept like that in weeks.”

“No nightmares?”

“No. Only dreams of farmhouses and men in kilts.”

Mulder laughed, “more than one?”

“Maybe.” Sighing deep, “it’s Saturday, right? Now, I know we’d normally share the worry today but I think I’d rather ignore it completely and go grocery shopping and maybe make dinner and eat a gallon of ice cream.”

“It’s actually Friday but I’m good with all that anyway.” Finally able to see the clock on her nightstand, “it’s 8:27 so I vote you call Skinner while I go shower, then we commence.”

Booping his nose, “you’ve got five minutes or I’m coming in.”

Good God.

He knew she was joking. Had to be joking. But he found himself washing a little slower than usual, wanted to see what she would do at the five-minute mark.

She stood outside the bathroom door at 4 minute, 45 seconds, hand on knob. She felt giddy and free and happy and relatively well and the thought of opening the door made her stomach tighten but would it be all kinds of stupid?

Five minutes.

She felt her hand turning the damn handle.

Just as Mulder pulled the door open.

She stumbled forward into wet flesh, towel around waist holding fast as Mulder took a step back, catching her in his arms, “hi there.”

Both knew she had been opening the door.

“Hi.”

“Almost didn’t make it.” Eyes sparking down at her, given he now knew she had been opening the door, “damn slow water heater.”

She was red.

It amused him.

“Were you coming in for something?”

Something, at the moment, in her mind, was removing his towel and taking him back into the shower but instead, she pointed around him, “toothbrush.”

His grin made her shake her head, slip under his arm, brush her teeth, and keep taking deep breaths.

They were both crazy.

&&&&&&&&&&&

Grocery shopping with Mulder was akin to herding cats. She looked left at something, he threw three things from the right into the cart. She questioned two of them and winning, turned right to replace them on the shelf while Mulder, pouting, turned left, tossing in two other things, plus a box of Twinkies.

Finally, she threated to make him sit in the cart and while he looked her square in the eye, evaluating life and limb, he reached up, tipping a box of CocoPuffs from the top shelf into the cart, never breaking eye contact.

By the end, they had at least remembered the juice boxes.

Steaks were the order of the day, Mulder waving away her cheap-ass $6.00 on sale frugal fingers in favor of the New York strips, thick, red, mouth-watering, and definitely not $6.00. Mistaking her longing look for hunger, he gently turned her away, “we need to cook them first.”

Swallowing, “I know.”

Mashed potatoes followed, “yes, I’m getting the box of potato flakes because real potatoes are too damn much work.”

“Fine by me.” Then came the three pounds of mushrooms, “who the hell is washing all these dishes?”

Mulder smiled, tossing a bulb of garlic in the cart, “dishwasher. You have one but you never use it. I’ll teach you how tonight.”

She just kept stealing glances at the steaks.

Ice cream came last, small tubs of chocolate, cherry, orange sherbet, mint, dark fudge, and peanut butter swirl, “I like variety. Don’t look at me like that.”

“I’m just wondering if either of us will be able to fit through the front door by the time we’re done.”

“You could stand to gain twenty pounds.”

He hadn’t meant to say it out loud, bring reality into their fun but glancing at her, he saw understanding in her eyes, her hand finding its way into his for a moment, “I’d rather not do it all in one night, if that’s okay?”

She got a long hug for that, shoppers steering around the odd couple embracing in the freezer section but smiling at them regardless because, really, there’s nothing wrong with a little love in frozen foods.

Mulder paid the bill and Scully didn’t fight it, especially after she saw the amount of items he’d stashed in the basket under her radar, “how did I not see any of this?”

“Once you caught sight of the steaks, I could have jammed an elephant in here and you’d have never noticed.” Handing the cashier his credit card, “little woman’s got an appetite.”

Swatting him on the arm, “Mulder! Did you see how many things of ice cream you got? I don’t know how we’re going to fit all that in the freezer.”

The cashier grinned, handing him his card back, “you can always buy her a bigger freezer.”

“This is very true. Freezer shopping next.”

Scully gave up, “that’ll be tomorrow’s trip. We’ll just have to eat all this tonight.”

“Challenge accepted.”

&&&&&&&&&&&

Back at the apartment, groceries spread from one end of the counter to the other, Scully was mid-ice cream put away when she stopped, hand shaking, head spinning. After a second, she turned to Mulder, his back to her, “I’m, um, if you don’t mind, I’m going to go lay down.” Her hand was already rubbing her forehead, “are you okay putting everything away?”

Turning, his stomach sank at how pasty pale she’d become in the last two minutes, “yeah. I’m fine. Go take a nap.”

She was already moving, one hand on the wall of the hall to steady herself as she headed to the bedroom. Once alone, he slowly, methodically, put the groceries in their proper places, shutting cupboards quietly, trying not to rattle pasta or click jars. Five minutes and a fully stocked kitchen later, he realized it was only a little after one. She’d made it four hours. It had been a good four hours but …

If he dwelled on that, he’d scream at the top of his lungs, cursing the sky, fist shaking in the air. Instead, he pulled the mushrooms back out, deciding some manual cooking labor would keep his mind occupied.

That and trying not to cut the tips of his fingers off.

Three pounds of mushrooms, a stick of butter, six cloves of garlic, a teaspoon of salt, and ½ that of pepper later, and small, diced onion to boot, he set her crockpot to warm, snapped the lid tight, and wondered what next.

Sheets.

Put the sheets in the dryer.

Checking that the stains were gone, he hit the button to set the machine humming.

Clean up.

Last night’s Chinese cartons and chopsticks were still on the coffee table. Trash. Check.

Take out the trash. It smelled. He killed five minutes tying the bag, walking it to the garbage chute. Coming back inside and locking the door.

Then he stood there. Tight circle rotating, trying to find something else.

He knew what he wanted to do but felt he shouldn’t. She was fine. She would yell for him if need be.

Bu something kept pulling him in the direction of her bedroom.

“Fuck it.”

He made his way to her door to find her curled on the bed, small lump under thick covers. Stealing to the other side, he carefully lay down, sliding under the quilt in silence. If she wanted to, she could hit him later for arriving in her bed unannounced.

He would love it if she had the strength to hit him hard enough for it to make an impact.

Then again, she’d hit him before and it never made an impact.

It mostly just made him more stubborn and annoying.

He couldn’t help a small smile as he thought about how irritating he could be but she just kept coming back anyways.

She’d come back from this, too. She had to.

She had no choice.

He could see the tension in her face, even while asleep, forehead wrinkled, eyebrows tight. Reaching out, he began massaging between her eyes, imaging that fucking tumor only an inch below his thumb. How the hell could they not take the damn thing out? It was right there.

Right.

There.

Another thought he had to banish from his mind or screaming would ensue, he kept rubbing, watching her face slowly relax, pinched look disappearing, “mmmhmm.”

Soft sound in the back of her throat told him to keep going, small circles, occasionally venturing to the round bones surrounding her eyes, the bridge of her nose, up to her hairline. Another ‘hhmmmm’ later, then a deep sigh, she rolled to her back, making his task a little harder, arms more awkward in their reach.

Shifting slightly, arm now across her chest, he continued. Feeling himself drifting off, his thumb movements lighter and slower, he felt her turn her head, face him, “Mulder?”

“Hi.” Rolling towards him once again, her hands slipped under his arm and one palm to his face, she moved forward, kissing him. Shocked, he pulled back after a moment, “are you awake or asleep?”

He saw her suddenly blink, head shake, both signs she was just waking up, “what? Mulder?”

Knowing she didn’t recall anything because there was no embarrassment turning her red, no heat in her cheeks, eyes innocently confused, “nothing. You said something and I thought … I just wasn’t sure if you were awake. Go back to sleep.”

Caught in limbo of dreams and Mulder, she didn’t care, and scooted closer, into his arms, “you are the warmest thing I own.” Snuggling into him, about as up close and personal as they could get fully clothed on a Friday afternoon, “I like it.”

She so totally did own him and he would be perfectly fine declaring that by billboard, sky writer, or booming voice from the sky. Lips to her forehead, he left them there as he agreed, “I do, too.”

&&&&&&&&&

[rikorene]

𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 (𝐚𝐮) // ushijima wakatoshi [reader insert]

[ a/n : hajhajdjahjh. sometimes i look at the number of ppl reading this series and think of how much y’all like to hurt yourself by indulging in angst. like damnnn, same. thank u guys so much for the support hhhhh. hope u enjoy!! ]

[ without you i. (part 1) // without you ii. (part 2) ]

warning : angst, mentions of toxic relationships. 

note: this is completely irrelevant to the main plot, just a story of what would happen if ushijima never initiated the break up in their first year of highschool and what would happen if they continue being together. 

based off the song ‘quiet room by ewe’  i recommend listening to this cover of the song hehe. 

the room was dull, in your shared apartment unit the two of you silently ate the dinner you made hours before he got home. it was dry, tasted bland on your tongue even though you had herbs and spices in the recipe. the only sounds that you could hear was the quiet chewing of food and the clanking of silverware on the platter.

you've known ushijima wakatoshi since your middle school days, you found him quite attractive and warm despite his stoic and cold demeanor that he displayed on the outside. you were even surprised that he had confessed to you in your third year of middle school under a cherry blossom tree in spring.

you could still remember how the light shone in his eyes, how a soft hint of pink dusted his cheeks when he uttered out the words of how he had liked you for your warm and cheerful personality that never failed to make him smile. you could almost smell the cherry blossoms that bloomed during that day. but, it was all in the past now.

in ushijima's point of view, he wanted to run away; away from what ever this was called. he found it difficult to be in a relationship like this. he's a volleyball player, a professional volleyball player. often leaving for days just to train and go to tournaments. in the 6 years of their relationship, he was never the one to speak up.

he kept quiet the entire time. but that didn't mean he didn't make decisions for himself. guilt was chipping away every inch of his being, seeing you try to work things out for the two of you even if it was helpless. but you didn't want to see the truth, you often turned a blind eye for the sake of what ever you held onto.

a thin thread, almost on the brink of snapping.

it was past midnight when wakatoshi finally came home, and he found you you were waiting at the table patiently for your lover. it was as if he didn't come home late and made you wait for hours.

'12:17 am'

he dropped his things on the sofa and went to the dining area, going to you to give you a kiss on the cheek. you smiled at him tiredly, you were sleepy and starving. but you refused to start eating without him.

he went to the other side of the table and said his thanks, you followed. the two of you began eating the cold food but made no comment of how bland it tasted on your tongues.

in the middle of eating, a tear escaped your eye, then another until tears streamed down your face. ushijima looked at you as he continued eating, making no comment of how your tears fell on the table.

"does it always have to be like this?" you let out a choked sob, refusing to stop chewing. it was irritating on your tongue making you want to throw it up.

"you'll get used to it soon." ushijima replied in a monotone voice with a stoic expression, setting his utensils down he stood up and went to your side of the table, he wrapped his arms around your shoulders, as if hugging you from behind as you continued to sob.

finally, a sound.

that night, in your shared bed you couldn't sleep you shifted uncomfortably under the covers and ushijima noticed the change. he turned to face you, making you stop in your movements and stared at him, he sighed and pulled you close, hugging you as he stroked your hair.

"let's go out, hm?"

the two of you went out at 3 am. going to a quiet playground and sat on the swings, it was the first time in a while where he was the one who intiated in taking you out. you kicked the ground at your feet, softly pushing yourself.

you remembered the times in highschool where you would knock on his door at 12 am and sneak out to a nearby convinience store and go to playgrounds like these. the memory of you and him first time sneaking out made you smile, you remembered how he found it ridiculous to sneak out when the two of you were going to see each other at school anyway. but at the same time, the two of you had goofed around the playground and was chased away by a stray dog, making the two of you laugh at your idiocy.

but at the same time, you both had it rough. ushijima wanted to focus on volleyball, it meant everything to him while you wanted to settle down, become someone that you can be proud of. your dreams clashed with ushijima's and you had to give up on yours for the sake of ushijima's. now that you were an adult, the two of you were not on your best terms, it's been like this for years now. an endless cycle of heartbreak. ushijima got used to it and kept quiet about it, you just refused to face the truth.

"we used to sneak out at times like these, right wakatoshi?"

ushijima hummed in response, smiling softly at how you would climb up and down, smiling at him happily as you constantly made a fool of yourself just to see him smile. you would drag him to the convenience store to buy food or ice cream and eat it at the playground near your school. it was weird, a different kind of weird, and he liked it.

he wanted to laugh at how things turned out now. it was a futile attempt at love, but he did not want to make your sacrifices in vain, so he swallowed it all up and refused to speak. maybe it was for the best, maybe.

the creaking of the seesaw gave you both a nostalgic kind of comfort that made your hearts skip a beat, you stared at the starry night sky deeply and saw a dark abyss, you wanted it to swallow you up and never return. but it was ridiculous. you just wanted to disappear. you looked at ushijima, he was staring into nothing, softly kicking his feet off the ground to move the swing back and forth.

you stood up and went over to him, grabbing his hands and smiling softly, he snapped out of it and stared at you, his eyes slightly sparkling like the stars in the skies. you took his hands in yours and began to playfully pull him with soft giggles towards your shared apartment where he had followed you inside with a smile. you accidentally tripped on something as you walked backwards to your bed and fell on it, ushijima falling with you.

you laid there out of breath as ushijima buried his face in your chest, pulling you close.

"i love you." he muttered.

it was a lie.

you just smiled in response and stroked his hair. with tears welling up on the corner of your eyes, ushijima couldn't see the tears. but he knew that it was streaming down your face.

"i love you too."

you looked to your windowsill and saw your small potted plants ushijima bought you one day when he came home from a game.

'oh? it's wilting away.'

  it was a rainy day, the two of you sitting on the couch watching a show that was playing, you both were sitting next to each other. not even bothering to cuddle up and wrap your arms around one another, no, it wouldn't work. you knew that.

even if ushijima was staring at the tv blankly, his focus was on something else. he thought of what the outcome would be if he had severed the strings that connected the both of you, would you be happy then? would it change things for the both of you? maybe.

you knew that ushijima was in deep thought but didn't bother to point it out, instead you just pretended not to see and just laughed dryly at what a character said on tv.

"let's take a bath." he said.

you looked at ushijima and saw how bags formed at the bottom of his eyes due to the lack of sleep that his thoughts were causing. you looked the same as well, your hair untidy and eyes puffy. you smiled at him and agreed.

"okay."

the two of you silently sat in the bathtub, his back was facing you as you washed his hair. the sound of the water dripping from the tap and the sound of your scrubbing were the only things that could be heard. ushijima's thoughts were a mess as you attempted to ease him from his thoughts by massaging his scalp, but your efforts were in vain, the thoughts just kept on clouding his vision. then a drip came from his face, bouncing against the water.

at first, he thought that it was water, but it kept on spilling.

he was crying. you knew that but didn't point it out. ushijima was hurting by his own thoughts of what he could do to make it all better, he thought of what would become of the two of you as the time passed. it was getting difficult for the two of you and you both knew that well. you were aware of how you tried to piece all the broken things together just to be broken down once more.

it reminded him of the time where you had attempted to glue back the broken pieces of the pot of your favorite plant back together, but it just broke down even more.

"why does this hurt so much?" he asked, pulling up his knees against his own chest and leaning forward to lean his head against them, making you stop all your movements and stare at him sadly.

"maybe it was never meant for me and you after all." you replied, the truth spilling out of your mouth, like how the water overflowed the tub and spilled on the cold tiles of your bathroom floor. you leaned over to pat his hair as he let the tears fall silently.

after an hour, you both got out of the tub and wrapped yourselves in towels, by then ushijima had no will to dry himself off after wearing clothes and sat on the bed. you let out a sigh and grabbed a dry towel, you went in front of him and started to rub the towel against his hair, his head and eyes casted down and stared at your feet. he took notice of the small bruises at your feet, knowing you were a clumsy person, you had probably kept tripping over something in the apartment.

ushijima remembered the time where the two of you had camped out on the rooftop when the two of you were in your second year of highschool, remembering that the two of you were barely holding on at that point in time, he remembered how you pointed out the stars and told him all about it. times like those made the flame in his heart start up once more. but even if you did those things once more, he wouldn't feel anything. just a dull ache in his chest. of course, you knew that.

"if i let go now, would you even bother telling me the truth?"

his head raised up to meet your eyes. you just stared back at him, mirroring the same emotionless eyes that he held. he lowered his head, and you got your answer. with a sigh, you leaned down and pressed a kiss against his cheek, you let the kiss linger against his skin a bit longer and he reached up to gently hold your cheeks and pressed a kiss against your lips.

you found it funny how he tasted like mint.

it was a cloudy day. you were standing in front of the door with a suitcase in hand as ushijima stared at the floor. you let out a sigh and softly smiled at him, you reached a hand up and cupped his cheek with one hand making him lean into your warm touch and kissed your palm. that made you giggle a bit.

"you never told me the truth in the end." you said, finally pointing something out. he had liked it when you finally stopped turning a blind eye at everything. he looked at you, smiling sadly as if offering an apology. he was about to speak until you pressed a finger against his lips.

"just shut up and wait for me. okay?"

it was a lie.

and this time, you both accepted the lie that the other had offered. with one final kiss against his lips, you left, closing the door gently. and it was once quieter around his apartment.

but he liked the silence.

looking around, he saw that you left your journal on purpose, he knew what was written in it. it had plans where you wanted to travel, a future plan for your wedding, and a few sketches here and there. yet even if he knew what was inside of the journal, he still opened it and there was a yellow sticky note on the first page.

'never forget. わたしは、あなたを愛しています. (i love you) '

he smiled softly at the note and closed the journal, placing it on the coffee table and went to the kitchen, beginning to cook. his mind slightly wandering around.

'i wonder when.' with a scoff, he washed his hands as an attempt to wash away the guilt and sorrow.

[ i am: hurting. huhu ily ushijima ]

[amerrierworld]

Babysitter (pt 8)

Thor (Ragnarok) - fanfiction

Pt 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Characters: Hela x fem!reader, Tony, Nat, Thor

Word Count: 1,474

Warning: angst angst angst angst

You don't know how long you stood at your shattered window for. Your fingers were numb from gripping the windowsill and it had begun to rain. 

A warm hand covered your own and pulled you gently away before you caught a cold. Natasha sat you down in the living room and Tony set to work on your window. Thor handed you a cup of tea, and you could taste a shot of something had been added, but you welcomed it warmly.

“Should be fixed in no time, Y/N,” Tony was the first to speak up. Natasha sat next to you on the couch, staying quiet. Thor was pacing back and forth, impatiently.

“We have to find her,” he growled.

“No, we don’t,” Nat retorted. “Wherever she is, it’ll be a waste of time tracking her down.”

“She may know something about Thanos!”

“I doubt that, big boy,” Tony sighed. “If she knew something about Thanos, you  really think she would’ve waited here with Y/N until we all came looking for her? If I’d been her, I would’ve fled ages ago.”

“You don’t know my sister, Stark.”

“Well, clearly you don’t either.”

“If you knew what Hela was capable of-,”

“Please, be quiet,” you said, softly. The two men ceased their bickering and looked at you. Tony crossed his arms and sighed.

“Wanna tell us what happened?”

“I- I don’t know, okay? She.. we became close, that’s all. I liked her. I think she liked me too.”

“Y/N, she’s a merciless killing machine,” Thor spat. “She cannot be trusted!”

“She didn’t kill me, did she? She had plenty of chances, but never killed me. Nor did she ever run away even after she was free.”

“And why exactly did you free her?” Natasha asked. 

“Because I trusted her. I trust her still. She didn’t hurt any of you, nor me. She’s just protecting herself.”

“And then she ran off and left you alone. Very trustworthy.”

“It’s not that simple!” You slammed the cup on the coffee table, angry tears streaming down your face now. “It’s not fair. You guys can’t just come in here and- and fuck everything up!”

Startled, the three looked at you, quiet for once. 

“She- she was wonderful. Better than anyone I’d ever met! And then you fucked it up. And now I’m alone, again, because you guys refuse to ever talk to anyone!”

You were gasping for breath as you cried, and Nat hesitantly drew your into a hug. You slumped in her hold.

“Instead, you just come in here with weapons ablaze, and scare the shit out of both of us. I thought.. this time, I really thought...”

You blinked more prickly tears away.

“We’re sorry, Y/N. But it’s over now, and she’s not coming back,” Natasha said. “You think she’ll come back after what’s happened?”

“She wouldn’t just... leave. She has no where to go.”

“I doubt that,” Thor interrupted. “She has plenty of places around here she can fit right into. Maybe a goth band.”

Natasha threw a pillow at him.

“Y/N, come with us. Your place needs to get cleaned up. We’ll get you sorted out, and it’ll get better, okay?” Natasha cooed you quietly. “But you can’t think about her right now, nor can you trust her.”

“She killed thousands of people without a second thought, and almost killed me, too,” Thor said. “If it came down to it, she would kill you too.”

You felt numb. Part of you screamed outrage at what they were saying, but you felt like you had no other choice. You had no idea what was going to happen next, and now you were alone again, unsafe and vulnerable. At least the Avengers stuck around, right? Maybe Hela really was just waiting for a wait out.

You heart ached and you felt tears welling up again, but you quietly nodded. Natasha helped you pack a bag and Tony set the security locks for your place before you shut everything off and locked the door behind you.

-

Hela’s lungs were on fire from gasping for so long. Not because she was out of breath from running, but she was out of breath from crying. Cold tears stung her cheeks as she finally came to a halt somewhere deep in the city. Car horns and chatter sounded all around her.

She paced on a stretch of sidewalk for a few moments, trying to gather her thoughts, trying to keep your scream out of her head. The way you pleaded, cried out, struggled to help, was burned into her memory. It hurt more than all the memories of people she’d killed, all the blood she had spilled, and her heart broke over and over again.

Her eyes shifted to glance behind her every few moments, expecting a hammer-wielding God or a man in armour to come charging at her at any moment. The idea of being blamed for Thanos’ work or having to face him or the grief of your friends terrified her. Thanos was not something she could face, at least not in the state she was in now. 

Her body ached from the sudden exercise and adrenaline coursing through her veins. She wanted to eat something, Hela decided. Not that she needed to, but she wanted to. 

Snatching a hotdog off of a lonely vendor, the man shouted at her at first, but one glare shut him up. There was a kid with a hotdog staring at her as she devoured it, mustard dripping on his shirt that depicted a star surrounded by  white and red rings.

“Are you an Avenger?” he asked, gawking. She looked at him, incredulous, wondering if you would’ve been mad if she killed this kid on the spot just out of spite. Instead, she raised her foot and nudged him until he stumbled and dropped his hotdog. Amid his sniffly cries, Hela grabbed another hotdog and marched away, fuming. 

She could no longer feel the impending doom of the past few days, and she realized it really had been a sign of Thanos’ incoming attack. Her mind ached with worry, something she wasn’t used to. She was worried about you and your loved ones, and even the Avengers. Even her asshole of a brother who tried to kill her multiple times. 

She’d become soft and caring, Hela realized. She snorted despicably at the sensation, but it ached with a need for comfort as well. Your comfort. She wanted to be back in your home, with cozy heating and food for days. But if it meant you being in danger, she’d have to hang out here in the slumps of the city, in secret, until she could figure out how to protect you and what to do next. 

Hela passed an ice cream shop. She had learned what shops were here, how they worked, and what to do, but she con’t be arsed at the moment to follow any of the etiquette you had advised her on.

Stomping inside, she demanded the largest portion of green tea ice cream they had. Their diner TV was on, news of the ‘Blip’ keeping all their attention.

“Unusual flavour!” the worker at the cash register commented, clearly flustered by a customer acting normally for once. “Extra large then?”

“Give me the whole tub,” she ordered, eyeing the container that a co-worker was scooping ice cream out of.

“Sorry, ma’am, we can’t do that, you’ll have to order a size-,”

Hela lifted her leg and smashed the cash register, bills fluttering in the air. “Now.”

Trembling, they did as she asked, and she took the ice cream scoop that came with it as well. On the way out, she kicked the door hard enough that the glass in it shattered too. 

You had once told her, humorously, how many people your age would binge-eat ice cream and other sweets when heart-broken. Now, Hela understood why. 

She wasn’t worried about the Avengers fighting her. Clearly, they were more concerned with you and half their population disappearing than with tracking her down. 

People took no notice of her, they seemed accustomed to people walking down their streets with horns coming from their heads and carrying a freezing cold tub of ice cream. 

Hela walked far enough until she reached the supermarket you had taken her on her first trip out in New York. She bunkered down next to a homeless fellow sitting by the front door. He had a little cap on the ground with a few meagre coins tossed in it, and he was clearly startled by the angry goth woman coming to sit next to him, chomping ice cream. 

She offered him some, he refused, and so she kept eating in silence, glued to the spot, despite the cold weather and stares.

And that was how Loki found her. 

A/N: cliffhanger teehee !

taglist: @midnight-lestrange​ @cheerfullyvenomous @germansarechill @gaylorrds @amii-nyc @waitingfortheendtocome @novakitten0901 @marvels-writings (pls let me know if I’ve missed you or want to be added to the tag list!)

[midnightsnyx]

Consequences - Matthew Tkachuk: part 8

summary: you absolutely hate Matthew Tkachuk so it’s just your luck when you wind up pregnant with his child.

here is it! the last part! please let me know if its too corny lol. epilogue will be posted either this week or next.

couples notes: 1. i don’t know anything about childbirth aside from what google taught me so i apologize for any wrong info! 2. i’m sorry this story was pretty short lol ya girl is doing the best i can😅 3. i wanna throw a couple quick thanks now and then the rest when i post the epilogue. 

first of all i wanna send a thank you to @hannahmb​ who let me bounce ideas off her, gave me feedback, listened to me complain about not knowing where to go with the chapters and also, helped name baby tkachuk! so thank you hannah! you rock 🖤

i wanna thank @notanotherhockeyblog95​ for also listening to me whine about not knowing what to write 😂 also, for giving me loads of encouragement and letting me throw ideas at her! you’re the best!!🖤

anyways here’s part 8! i hope you guys like it and thanks again for reading<3

word count: 2.3k

warnings: none

Part 8

41 weeks

“Matty. Wake up.” You whisper, shaking his shoulder in attempt to wake him. He doesn’t budge so you pull the blankets off him in hopes that it might work but again, he doesn’t move. It’s quite disappointing considering you’re now five days past your due date and if you were in labor, he won’t wake. Luckily, Chantal is sleeping just down the hall. After many conversations, you and Matthew agreed that it was probably a good idea to have her stay with the two of you in case you were to go in labor while Matt was playing a game. Yes, you had friends around but it comforted you much more having Chantal here because she’s went through this before.

With one last look at Matt, you roll out of bed and waddle like a duck, because that’s what you looked like according to Matt and Brady, to the kitchen. You were trying to wake Matt up because you felt like a snack but you didn’t feel like getting out of bed.

You’re digging through the freezer for some ice-cream you’re sure Brady had bought when he last visited when you feel the first cramp. It’s a little uncomfortable but you’ve been having some braxton hicks contractions on and off over the past few weeks, some feeling real enough that you went to the hospital only to be sent home which was very embarrassing even though Chantal told you it happens all the time. It wasn’t exactly the fact that you got sent home that you felt embarrassed about, but that Matthew left practice because he thought you were in labor. You just thanked your lucky stars that it wasn’t while he was in the middle of a game because it would’ve been ten times worse.

So you brush it off, cheering silently when you find the tub of chocolate ice-cream, idly wondering if it’s weird to eat it in bed at three o’clock in the morning. You decide it’s not, walking back to the bedroom and crawling in bed. You sit up against the headboard and grab the PS4 controller so you can put Netflix on since you know you won’t be falling asleep any time soon.

Matt rolls over and throws and arm over your legs and nuzzling his face in your side halfway through an episode of Grey’s Anatomy. It’s gives your belly a weird feeling again, not pain this time but something else. Something a little unsettling because you haven’t felt this particular feeling in quite some time.

You’re pretty sure you’re in love with Matt which makes you equally frightened as it does happy. You’ve realized that your hatred for him stemmed from that one night when he did something to make you angry when your breakup with your ex was so fresh and you were emotionally vulnerable.

Just like Johnny had told Matt good things about you, he’s mentioned things about Matt to you, obviously in hopes that the two of you would hit it off. It gave you a little hope that despite what you had heard from some of the girls, he wasn’t that bad of a guy which you know is true now.

Your only problem now is that you have no idea how strong his feelings are for you. Part of you is afraid that what he does feel is only from seeing you carrying his child. You know what he told you at the baby shower, that he liked you since you met but you still can’t shake the feeling that maybe what he feels for you might just be temporary.

That one day he’s going to wake up and decide that he doesn’t want you the way he does now and it breaks your heart thinking about it.

“You’re crying.” Matt mumbles and you look down to see him now wide awake. “What’s wrong?”

You didn’t realize that you were crying and you can’t wait for the day when everything doesn’t make you cry like a baby.

“I’m fine.” You say, swiping the tears away. “It’s the show.” This is a lie because you haven’t been paying attention to the show for about five minutes.

He looks at the TV and then looks back at you with an eyebrow raised. “It’s a sex scene. Something you been wanting to tell me?”

He has a tiny smirk on his face and it’s temping, it really is, but you shake your head and try to come up with some other excuse.

“My ice-cream melted.”

“Do you want more?” He frowns, sitting up and it drives you insane sometimes, how willing he is to do anything for you at any given time.

“No, I just -” you sigh, putting the tub on the night table. “I’m tired.”

You know it’s a lie and so does he but he doesn’t push like he normally would. You let him tug you down so you’re laying on your side and he’s wrapped around you, hand resting on your belly and face tucked in your neck.

“What about Jasper?” He whispers and you smile.

“I like it.” You tell him and he nods.

“We’ll put it on the list.”

. . .

It’s later that evening and you’ve been having what you’re telling yourself are braxton hicks contractions all day. You refuse to go back to the hospital already because you know you’ll just get sent home again. Besides, Matty has a game tonight and you’re determined to go because it’s the last game of the season. The Flames won’t make the playoff’s this year and you know Matt is upset about it but he said that what’s more important is that he’ll be here for when and after the baby is born.

His words made you fall in love with him a little more.

You and Chantal arrived at the arena early enough that you can go down to see Matt while she finds your seats. You text him when you’re outside the locker doors and he looks happy when he walks out to see you. You can see the hint of disappointment that tonight is the last game until next season but he smiles at you anyway.

“How’s Jasper?” He asks, resting a hand on your stomach.

“I don’t remember agreeing to that name.” You tease and he shrugs.

“Jasper Tkachuk. Has a nice ring to it.” He says, giving you a soft smile. He looks like he wants to say something else but somebody yells his name and you know he has to go.

He smiles apologetically. “I’ll come find you after the game.”

You nod, letting him kiss you before heading back to the locker room. You find your way to Chantal in the stands, trying to ignore the way the braxton hicks contractions won’t go away. There’s a small part of you that knows you shouldn’t be brushing them off but now really isn’t the time for you to go into labor.

You can’t hide the winces from Chantal though because halfway through the first period, she frowns.

“How long have you been having them?”

You wince when another one washes through you. It’s much closer to the last one.

“Since this morning?”

“Y/N.” She scolds gently but firmly.

“It’s his last game! I don’t want to miss it.”

“Honey, you’re in labor.”

When those words leave Chantal’s mouth, it feels like somebody smacked you because it’s suddenly so real.

“C’mon. Let’s get to the hospital.” She says, helping you out of your seat.

“Matt-”

“We’ll get a message to him.” she assures you. “he won’t miss it.”

. . .

As you watch the game from your hospital bed, Chantal paces around the room on her phone trying to talk to someone who can get a message to Matt.

Your water broke shortly after you and Chantal arrived at the hospital and you know how quickly things can progress so you’re terrified that he won’t make it in time. You know that it’s something that the two of you had talked about early on, in the case that he was on a road trip and wouldn’t be here but knowing that he is here but you can’t get a hold of him, is hard.

“I know it’s an unusual situation.” Chantal snaps. “Figure it out.”

When she ends the call, she sighs and presses a hand to her forehead. You know how stressed she is about the situation but when she turns to you, there’s a gentle smile on her face.

“He’ll be here.”

You admire her attempt at trying to reassure you but you know that you need to get yourself in a good mindset to be okay if he’s not here.

“Did you call Becca?” You ask, hoping for at least some good news.

“Yes, she’s on her way.”

A little bit of good news. Finally.

You start to ask if she’s called anyone else but a nurse comes in the room to check you. When she tells you it shouldn’t be much longer, your heart sinks, realizing that Matt’s probably not going to make it here in time.

“I just got word that Matthew Tkachuk will be out for the rest of the game.” you hear Elliotte Friedman say and your head snaps up. You forgot that the TV was still on and it’s now intermission. “I didn’t see him get injured during the game, Chris. Did you?”

“No, and he didn’t take any major penalties. Maybe we missed something.”

Your heart leaps when you realize that he’s probably left the game because someone got the message through to him and you’re proven right when your phone buzzes and his name appears on the screen.

“Matty.”

“Hey, baby.” he says in a rushed voice. “I’m on my way to the hospital, okay?”

“Yeah?” You sniffle, knowing you’re going to cry.

“Yeah.” He promises. “Fifteen minutes, okay?”

He stays on the phone with you until he reaches the hospital and even until he reaches your room.

He takes Chantal’s place on the chair next to your bed as soon as he walks in.

“Ready?” He asks, taking one of your hands in his and pressing his lips to it.

“Not really.” You joke, trying to lighten the mood because you’re scared out of your mind. Your entire life is about to change but when you look at Matt sitting next to you, eyes kind and warm and with the smile on his face, you know you can do just about anything with him by your side.

. . .

“I guess we need to pick a name now, huh?” Matt whispers, cradling the baby in his arms. He was natural from the moment he held him and it was like your heart exploded. If you thought you loved Matt before, you know that you love him now.

“What about Henry?” You ask, watching him walk around, bouncing the baby gently.

His mouth turns up in a tiny smile. “I love it.” Then he looks up at you and tilts his head a little as if he’s coming to a realization.

“What?”

He shrugs, looking back down at Henry before walking over and sitting on the bed next to you. He lets you take the baby out of his arms so you can nurse him.

“I just realized something.”

“And what’s that?” You ask, raising an eyebrow when he smiles.

“I love you.” He says easily and when your eyes start watering, he just laughs gently. “I love you so much it’s crazy.”

“Really?” You ask and he nods.

“Really.” He grins and you can’t help but laugh when he pulls his phone out of his pocket and waves it in the air.

“Now, shall we make this Instagram official?” He asks and you roll your eyes fondly.

“You’re such a dork.”

“But you love me.” He says and you smile, pulling him close enough so that you can kiss him.

“I really do.”

[slippinmickeys]

Of the Eight Winds, Part 7

This is part seven in who knows how many from the prompt from @sunflowerseedsandscience : “Mulder is unhappily married when Scully is partnered with him, and while he doesn’t cheat (because sorry that’s not romantic), he falls for her so hard that he finally gets the courage to end the marriage and start fresh.”

Links to parts one, two, three, four, five and six.

1

When he repeated the words “I, Fox, take you, Dana” he made a face, and she couldn’t help but laugh. It was half nerves and half him and bubbled up from inside her. The officiant smiled at her indulgently, and Mulder repeated himself and again made a face, and again she laughed. This time she looked over her shoulder at her mother who was standing witness, giving her an “ honestly , Dana” look while simultaneously trying to hold a one-year-old Lily who did not want to be contained. Mulder repeated the vows one more time.

“I, Mulder, take you, Scully,” he said, changing the words to better suit them, and there was no funny face, and no laugh. There was only a rightness to it, which washed gently over her and settled her nerves.

When the officiant told Mulder he could kiss the bride, he leaned into her slowly, and then wrapped his arms around her tightly, lifting her feet up off the floor. There were whoops and hollers from the small congress of witnesses, one of which she knew for sure was Charlie, and another she suspected might actually be Skinner.

When they darted out to the car after the ceremony, they were pelted with sunflower seeds which Scully didn’t realize until Mulder picked one gently out of her hair and popped it into his mouth.

They didn’t have a reception, just a small dinner at an Alexandria restaurant.

Scully watched the way Doggett and Reyes sat, heads bent together at the other end of the table and nudged Mulder.

He put his arm around the back of her chair whispered in her ear.

“There’s just something about that office, Scully.”

2

They had both left the X-Files once Scully was pregnant enough not to be out in the field anymore. Scully transferred to her old teaching position at Quantico, and Mulder “retired,” opting to write books for a few years while he finished his PhD, later opening his own practice.

They consulted often with their replacements and Mulder felt like he spent just as much time at various FBI facilities as he did at home working.

When the Lone Gunmen were killed and buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Mulder stepped away, eventually deciding that his consulting days were over.

A couple of years later, after William was born, they received an “It’s a Boy!”  congratulations card postmarked from Arlington, Virginia. It was blank, but for a monogram as a signature, which read simply “TLG.”

3

As a one-year wedding anniversary gift, Melissa Scully offered to take Lily off of their hands for a week if they promised to go somewhere warm and tropical. Mulder figured Scully had probably put her sister up to it -- or at the very least had her add the tropical addendum to her gift, but either way it was nice to get away from it all. He hadn’t slept in one day since becoming a father.

Melissa came to their door with a small suitcase and a giddy smile, eyes only for her niece. She was rewarded with a big, sticky hug.

Mulder already had their luggage loaded in the car, but Scully lingered in the doorway, she was having trouble saying goodbye.

“Scully, our flight is in exactly two hours and I know you like to get to the airport early,” he said. He would not go back inside himself or he’d have trouble leaving, too.

Finally, Scully gave Lily one last hug and said to her sister, “the terrible twos are a real thing, Missy. Call us if you need us.”

“We’ll be fine,” Melissa said, and ushered Scully outside, Lily perched on her hip. Then she called “I’m not offering when she’s a threenager!”

On their flight home, Mulder reached for Scully’s hand.

“I’m not spending that much money on a tropical vacation again, if we’re never going to leave the room.”

Scully wiped a finger down one side of her mouth and gave his lap a meaningful look.

“Worth it,” she said.

4

Mulder defended and received his PhD with little fanfare.

Scully made him a celebratory pie (sweet potato), and they sat down on their back porch to eat it with a bottle each of Shiner Bock once they had both kids down.

It was a beautiful spring night, a warm breeze wafting through the woods behind their house. Mulder could almost swear he could smell the cherry blossoms from the district.

He leaned back after finishing his slice in record time and let his fork clatter to his plate. He lifted the beer to his lips.

When he set the beer back down on the table, there was a small brown box wrapped in white ribbon sitting next to his empty plate. Scully smiled at him as she took a sip of her own.

When he opened it, he found the antique brass compass that had passed between them several times.

“Regifting, Scully?” he said to her, mirroring words she’d once said to him.

“Turn it over,” she lobbed back.

Above the old To finding our way... inscription, it now read “ To Dr. M.” He leaned over and gave her a lingering kiss.

When he sat back down and picked up his beer, she reached over with her own and clinked the necks of the bottles together.

“Doctor,” she said to him on a nod.

“Doctor,” he nodded back.

5

With their second child, Scully went into labor a month early. He’d been speaking at a conference in New York when an organizer pulled him aside as he was exiting the stage from his last panel and told him he had a phone call. It was Mrs. Scully, who sounded concerned but was trying to hide it. In the background he could hear a muffled TV and then a worried three-year-old “ Where’s daddy ?”

The train ride back to DC was torture. He was anxious, could barely sit still. He kept calling Mrs. Scully who said she didn’t know much -- they’d had to take Dana into a Labor & Delivery room and Lily was really bothered by the whole situation so she’d taken her home to her house. Melissa, who had planned to be Scully’s doula, was in San Diego with Bill.

Later, when he was holding the baby for the first time, Scully’s doctor came into the room. There had been some complications with the labor, but Scully hadn’t elaborated, and Mulder had been too elated to by the birth of his son to give it much thought.

The OB informed them that she didn’t think it was possible for Dana to have any more children.

While the doctor was going through the finer points of it, Scully reached out and squeezed his hand so hard it hurt. He could only hear the roaring of blood in his ears.

6

Scully thought “Crusher” was a ridiculous name for a cat. However, family tradition mandated that every pet be named after a female doctor and Will got naming rights on this one. He had recently gotten really into Star Trek .

The cat sat on the coffee table, as black and fluffy as her predecessor, but with a slightly more quarrelsome personality. Scully thought it was probably fitting being that their first born was about to be a freshly minted teenager.

Mulder came into the living room carrying an enormous bowl of popcorn with Lily on his heels, sulky as she plopped into an easy chair. Good grades had earned Will the Saturday evening activity of his choice and he’d opted for a family viewing of the first Lord of the Rings movie. No family member’s presence was optional and Lily loathed sci-fi/fantasy, much to Mulder’s dismay.

He set down the bowl, which Crusher nosed thoughtfully, and cut his eyes to his wife.  

“Will’s in charge of the ice cream,” he said, his eyes widening with a look of slightly anxious amusement.

“Is that wise?” Scully asked.

“No,” said Lily quickly with no small amount of sass, earning her a sharp look from her mother.

Will came in then balancing four tubs of Ben & Jerry’s and several spoons. He paused when he reached the coffee table and gave Mulder a significant look.

“They come in pints,” he said with a British accent, which launched Mulder into an uncharacteristic fit of hysterics. Lily rolled her eyes. Scully wondered what was so funny.

7

Scully had had one of the longest days on record, and if she walked into a messy house one more time, she swore she would walk directly up to her bathroom, climb into a hot bathtub and not get out until morning.

When she got to their front door, she could barely open it for the load of hockey equipment in front it.

“That’s it,” she said to herself.

She would have followed her oath to the letter if she hadn’t tripped on a cat toy halfway through the kitchen. Mulder and the kids were all parked in various spots around the room.

“You okay?” Mulder asked her, barely looking up.

Her silence spoke volumes and eventually the three Mulders in the house were looking at her with a kind of low grade fear.

“Why,” she said, struggling to keep her voice steady, “am I the only person in this house who cleans it?”

Will opened his mouth to say something, but Mulder put a hand on the boy’s arm.

“The mop has a handle, not an access code,” she said, giving them each a cold glare before heading up the stairs. “I will be in the tub,” were her parting words.

When she came down a couple hours later, wrapped in a silk bathrobe and a significantly better attitude, she found the house spic and span, a rumpled looking Mulder sitting quietly at the kitchen counter nursing a Coke.

“The house looks great,” she said, and he smiled at her.

“We’ve implemented a few extra columns on the chore chart,” he said, “and I have a row now, too.”

She reached for the Coke and he handed it over.

“Got you something,” he said, and nodded at a lone parcel sitting on the countertop.

When she unwrapped it she found a hastily made homemade sign, made from what she could tell was scrap lumber that had been sitting around the garage. Painted on it were three words in three different handwriting styles. It read “Bless This Mess.” They had all signed it.

She felt her eyes start to tear.

“It’s hideous,” she said, and Mulder laughed. “You can hang it over there,” she sniffed.

It would hang in their kitchen for the rest of their days.

8

Lily was 17 and was just getting over the nightmarish huffy know-it-all stage of the early teens. Mulder and William—who had just hit the gawky, all arms and legs stage of adolescence—were sitting at the dining room table, taking apart Mulder’s old VCR. It had stopped rewinding and they had a plan to watch Plan 9 From Outer Space that night. Mulder swore the movie was better on video, so William swore it too.

“We’re missing a screw,” Mulder said to his son, who was in charge of keeping the various component parts together on the table.

“We’re not, I handed them all to you,” Will said.

Lily came skidding into the kitchen, grabbing the edge of the doorway to keep her balance.

“Dad,” she said, her voice tremulous and shaky. Mulder was on his feet before she finished saying his name. “There’s something wrong with mom.”

Mulder tore up the steps, the thundering steps of his children right behind him and skidded to a halt in the door of the master bath. Scully was on the floor--he couldn’t tell whether or not she was conscious.

“I heard a thump and I came in here and she was like this,” said Lily, nearly in tears.

“It’s okay, Lil,” he said distractedly, reaching forward to feel for a pulse on Scully’s neck.

When his fingers met her flesh, she inhaled deeply, and tried to sit up.

“Mulder?” she said, her eyes flickering open “what… what happened?”

“Honey, you passed out,” he said, giving her a hand to sit up.

She looked pale, but glanced over his shoulder at the worried faces of their two kids and said, “I’m okay guys.”

She did a self-assessment and convinced a not-really-convinced Mulder that she was fine, with the caveat that she go to the doctor first thing the next morning, and when she walked into the house after her appointment, she looked shocked and was shaking.

Mulder walked over to her and tipped up her chin to connect eyes.

“Don’t make me guess,” he said quietly.

Her eyes shone and she gave him a tentative smile.

“I’m pregnant,” she said.

[magpiemorality]

The Thing In The Woods, Intruality pt.3

One Two Four Five

Part 3 of the Creature!Remus story for @littlestr! In which Patton notices something strange and takes steps.

Warnings: spooky things, swearing

***

The vacation had gone very smoothly after their initial mishap, but Patton was always glad to be back home in his own apartment, able to lounge around with his guilty pleasure on Netflix, in his cosiest clothing and a tub of ice cream.

So maybe it wasn’t the healthiest way to spend his evenings; but he loved it nonetheless. Self-care, right? Besides, he still dragged himself out to the gym with Roman and walked to and from work every day. It wasn’t the end of the world if he indulged a little bit.

There was just one thing up with his routine at the moment. Ever since he’d got back, he’d noticed a few weird happenings around his apartment. His nights were restless and for some reason he’d just stopped hearing his alarm in the mornings full stop, despite checking his phone was on loud and buying a second alarm clock as a backup. And, maybe related or maybe not, he was sleeping crazy well? The deepest, most peaceful sleep he’d had in a while, as if the whole world was perfectly still and quiet for the entire night and not a thing disturbed him.

There was also the matter of the peanut butter.

That morning when he’d got up (late again and scrambling to get ready for work on time, grateful he still apparently had a working body clock somehow) he’d nearly tripped and fallen over an empty jar of peanut butter that was laying on the floor by his bed. How it had got there he was dismayed to say he had no clue, because- and this was maybe the most interesting fact of all- he didn’t eat peanut butter. There was literally none in his apartment. Somehow the jar had been both emptied and planted in his room, without him knowing.

Ordinarily he’d explain it away as a prank from Roman, but seeing as Roman hadn’t had time to visit, busy catching up on work after their long weekend away, it couldn’t have been him. And it (probably) wasn’t a burglar or stalker because nothing else was even so much as shifted from where it was supposed to be, and the locks were all untouched as well.

Patton was beyond confused.

Logan and Virgil had been pretty unhelpful when they’d met up for lunch, but for some strange reason Roman’s joking suggestion of being haunted stuck with him, and though he wouldn’t admit it Patton decided that looking into what to do about a haunting couldn’t hurt. Especially if none of his friends found out, because then he’d never hear the end of it.

A quick google search revealed a truck load of conflicting information that made his head swim, and he groaned, falling back on his couch with a pout for a second before sitting back up again, legs crossed with the laptop balancing on top. “Okay Pat, you are gonna sift through this and find your answers. We got this,” he told himself, settling in to scroll through the seven million odd results.

A filter to ‘what to do when you’re being haunted’ helped when he finally thought to try it, rather than bothering to try and confirm that that was indeed what was happening. It actually brought up an ad for some kind of ghost hunter site that he opened in a new tab for later, and was surprised by the professionalism of when he returned to it. Some guy calling himself 'The Night’s Watch’ (which wasn’t super creative if you asked Patton) was advertising a ghost assessment and removal service in the city, and he had some kind of bargain free first visit on offer.

Patton had dialled before he thought too hard about what he was doing, surprised when a croaky, slurred voice picked up the phone. “'Lo? Do you know what time it is?” They groaned down the line and he had to pull back to check it was the right number. “Hello? Are you just going to silently breathe at me or did you need to make an appointment for your haunting?”

Oh okay, right number then. “Um, sorry! I just, wanted to do the free visit?”

There was a silence. “Shit, is that still on there? I thought I changed it-” the voice muttered. “Sure, why not? Should'a got rid of it if I didn’t want people to notice it. What’s your address, I’ll be right round.”

“Tonight?!” Patton squeaked, surprised.

“Yeah tonight. I work at night. Exclusively. Did you not read that part?”

“No yeah, I mean yes, but- that’s very short notice.”

“I’m not busy. Only so many hauntings in a peaceful city like this one right? Address?”

“Oh right,” Patton rattled off the address, wondering why there was a weird dark stain in the top corner of his living room ceiling. He got up to peer at it as the voice on the phone took down various contact details.

“I’ll see you in like, whenever the bus shows up. An hour? Ah who knows, see you later dude.” They hung up without a further word and Patton realised too late that he didn’t know anything about who was coming. The mark was forgotten and he rushed around to tidy up a bit, dressing in something more company-appropriate and sitting the jar of peanut butter on the table at the ready in case the guy needed to do any mojo on it. Patton didn’t know, okay? He was very much in the dark here.

The buzzer went only forty minutes later, the same voice tinny through the intercom but recognisable enough that he let them in. And then at last, in his doorway, stood The Night’s Watch, complete with slicked back hair, dark sunglasses, grey trench coat and an empty Starbucks to-go cup.

“Remy Picani, call me he and I walk,” the ghost hunter said, taking Patton’s extended hand and shaking it once firmly before striding into the apartment and looking around. “So what are you experiencing, cold spots? Moving items? Wailing? Suspicious fog? That one’s usually just eye-related, have you done an eye test recently?”

Patton struggled to keep up as Remy walked and talked at an unbelievable pace. “Um, no nothing like that, actually, and I wear glasses so… It was the noise. Or the no noise? Oh and the peanut butter!” Remy turned to look at him, peering over their sunglasses with a raised eyebrow. Patton faltered before hurrying to get the item in question and hesitantly holding it out with a hopeful smile.

Remy’s eyebrow stayed raised, but they took the jar gingerly and eyed it. “And… what exactly was up with the uh, the peanut butter?” They asked, unscrewing the top to peer inside and screwing it back on so they could toss it in their hand a few times. Patton made a face because yeah, it wasn’t super ghosty now he thought about it…

“Um, it appeared. It’s not actually mine at all- I never have any in the apartment. I found it this morning on the floor, just sitting there.”

“Just sitting on the floor. M'kay, sure. And what else were you saying, about the noise?”

Patton shook his head. “No, the no noise. It’s been like, weirdly quiet a lot? I haven’t heard my alarm go off for the past three days unless I’ve already been awake. Apparently I’ve been sleeping through number 4c’s newborn baby too. Which is weird- I’m a light sleeper you know?”

Remy had gone entirely still. “Um, M- Remy? Is everything o-”

“Where did you find the jar?” Remy asked urgently, grabbing him by the shoulders after shoving their glasses up onto their head. “Quick, quick!”

“Um, by the bed! Just on my bedroom floor, but-”

“Holy shit.”

“What? What is it?!” Patton wailed, but Remy was off, leaping through the space into the bedroom and stopping dead into the bedroom. Patton ran right into the back of them, trying to peer over their shoulder to see what they were so struck by. But there was nothing there.

Remy sniffed a few times, taking careful, light steps forwards towards the bed. They circled slightly to head towards the closet, but they turned back to the bed after a quick squint, and stopped almost exactly where he’d found the peanut butter jar. “Here, right?” They murmured, looking back to see him nod. “On my signal, turn the lights off, okay?” For a few more moments they just stood there, but then they took one more step towards the bed and turned to nod to Patton, and as the light switch flipped all hell broke lose.

Something exploded from under the bed frame and filled the room with shadow darker than the shadows already cast, and the whole world went muffled and quiet. Patton felt the inexplicable urge to pop his ears but he couldn’t, and besides he was too busy screaming at the scene before him, where Remy was tussling with a great big, shadowy thing.

What in the name of all that was holy had been living under his bed?!

[creambunnie]

♡ Love You More ♡

WayV Xiaojun X OC (Y/N)

angst fluff . ENJOYYYYY

a/n : it has been a long time since i've written such a long imagine. i hope you guys love it!

you wrapped your finger around your mug of hot chocolate and had a sip as your boyfriend!Xiaojun stared at you lovingly. you placed your mug down and looked at Xiaojun with a nervous look. Xiaojun grabbed your hands and squeezed them gently.

"do you think i will make it?". you asked your boyfriend anxiously.

the both of you just graduated from college. Xiaojun already had a stable job at a big tech company, while you, who graduated with a performing arts degree , were auditioning here and there for dramas and shows to land on your first tv debut. you auditioned for romance, action and even horror! you didn't really care about the genre,you just wanted to experience the real deal and improvise yourself till you become a well-groomed actress.

Xiaojun rubbed your hand with his thumb and nodded his head. "i believe an actress as talented as you could make it! if they don't cast you though, it's alright. it's not you, they are the ones who are at lost.". Xiaojun comforted. you scrunched your nose up at his cheesiness and squeezed his hands.

"are you sure you're not just being nice to your girlfriend?". you asked. Xiaojun laughed and shook his head. "of course not! i really mean it. you are very talented! remember when you acted like you were in pain just to get a kiss from me?" . Xiaojun comforted again but didn't forget to tease you . you pulled your hands away and slapped his hand playfully. "ahh why did you have to remind me!". you whined which made him laugh with adoration at your cuteness.

after the short cafe date, you and Xiaojun went to the audition venue by cab . Xiaojun was your moral support. he had always accompanied you to your auditions and comforted you when you were rejected. he would motivate you to do your best and be better each audition.

you were at the waiting room, anxiously waiting for your turn. Xiaojun was sititing beside you while holding your hand in his to give comfort . you on the other hand, tried rehearsing your lines for the last time. you became more nervous when the staff told that you would be going in in about 2 minutes.

"ahh babe i am so nervous!". you mumbled as you faced your cute boyfriend. Xiaojun gave you a small smile and carresed your hair lovingly. "i believe in you , sweetie. you are going to do your best! i promise to treat you to ice cream later after your turn alright?". Xiaojun pecked your lips one last time before you were called. He gave you a soft goodluck as you followed the staff.

~

you were given quite a good feedback from the judges and they told you they would contact you about the results soon. you went out of the hall to the waiting room earlier with a good feeling. you were about to run and hug your boyfriend but was greeted by his close friend instead.

"oh Hendery! are you here for the audition too? oh and did you see Xiaojun?". you bombarded him with questions.

Hendery chuckled and rubbed his nape. "actually Xiaojun was the one who asked me to come here and walk you home. His mother called him earlier because of something urgent. he really is regretful that he had to leave . ". Hendery tried his best to explain to you as politely as possible. your head dropped as you stared at the floor below you.

"oh.. i understand. family is definitely more important. no worries!". you exclaimed as you looked up to Hendery.

Hendery frowned when he saw your teary eyes. He hated seeing his friend sad so an idea popped into his mind. Hendery grabbed your wrist and pulled you along gently. "times like this call for food! i am starving and i bet you are too! let's go!". you giggled and let Hendery drag you.

Hendery brought you to a small restaurant which was a few stops away from the audition venue. "i always come here with my sister. i'm basically a regular and kind of the owner's favourite,so order anything you want alright. it's on me!". Hendery said and winked. you chuckled at his actions but ordered anyways.

you actually had fun hanging out with Hendery. he was a sweetheart , and a dork too. he would crack jokes randomly which brightened your day up. you always hang out with Xiaojun and his friends but never with any of them individually. it was a refreshing experience eating out with Hendery. after talking and eating, it was finally time for you to go home. Hendery walked you home like how he was asked in the first place. you thanked Hendery for the day and apologised for troubling him. Hendery only responded by shaking his head no and smiled widely. he wished you a goodnight sleep before walking away . you smiled back and went in your apartment.

you lived alone since college years. your parents' house were quite far but you do visit them regularly and they visit you too.

you plopped yourself down on your bed and check your phone. you gasped when you saw text messages from your boyfriend. you were having too much fun you didn't even look at your phone.

♡BaobeiJun♡

hey babe.. i am really sorry but i have to go first. i asked Hendery to accompany you back home. stay safe <3

♡BaobeiJun♡

did you meet Hendery? how was the audition? text me as soon as you see this alright ♡

♡BaobeiJun♡

babe, are you mad? i am really sorry, i am going to make it up to you!

♡BaobeiJun♡

please reply me ㅠㅠ are you home yet? nothing bad happened to you right?

- 10 missed calls from ♡BaobeiJun♡ -

you sighed as you saw the texts. of course you were still upset about earlier. but you didn't want to be the annoying girlfriend and tried your best to pretend that you were okay.

To : ♡BaobeiJun♡

sorry for the late replies babe. i didn't check my phone earlier. yeah i am home, Hendery sent me home like you requested. he also bought me food because we were both starving. i am not mad, don't worry :)

you threw your phone on your bed as you changed into your pyjamas. a few seconds later, you heard your phone chime, indicating that you just received a message.

♡BaobeiJun♡

that is great! i should treat Hendery some time too to thank him. i am glad you are back safe. i was so worried when you didn't reply back :((

you chuckled and rolled your eyes at his text.

To : ♡BaobeiJun♡

i am really sorry hahaha , so you wanna tell me why you had to leave earlier?

Xiaojun then explained to you that his mother called him earlier to ask for his help. Apparently , his childhood friend, named Weiwei, was on a business trip here and Xiaojun's mother asked him to welcome her at the airport. you also got to know that the girl was going to stay at Xiaojun's family's place for a few months because renting an apartment would be bothersome.

you were now feeling more upset actually. he left your side because of another girl? and worse, the girl is staying with him for a while? you were furious, yes. but you were more insecure. you trusted Xiaojun but you just couldn't help yourself from being jealous. i mean, which girlfriend wouldn't? you were tired as you read his explanation and decided to end the conversation with a goodnight.

you switched your phone off and wrapped your whole body with your warm blanket. you tried getting rid of all the bad thoughts and fell asleep in anxiety.

~

you were woken up by the front door bell . you groaned as you sat up and checked the time. 10am. you groaned again and cursed whoever it was who disturbed your sleep as you walked to the front door. you opened the door but was greeted by no one. you groaned again thinking that it was just a prank but was startled when Xiaojun's head suddenly popped up out of nowhere. he leaned down so your eyes were parallel. he chuckled at your shocked expression and gave a peck on your cheek before inviting himself in. "i texted you but the messages weren't delivered so i figured your phone was dead. i came to really make it up for yesterday". Xiaojun explained.

you finally snapped out from your shock and grinned. you felt like your anger towards him yesterday evaporated just like that. you hugged him and buried your face into his chest. "you don't even know how much i wanted to hug you like this yesterday after the audition. i was overwhelmed with my emotions and the only one who could calm me was you. but you weren't there.". you mumbled sadly. Xiaojun felt guilty and carressed your hair.

"i am really sorry. i promised to treat you ice cream right? jajan!!" . Xiaojun pulled away and showed you the tubs of ice cream he bought.

"i was thinking of a movie-cuddling kind of date today.". Xiaojun said cutely as he tapped his chin with his finger. you giggled and pinched his cheeks. "i am up for it! but can you let me go shower first?". Xiaojun nodded and placed the ice cream tubs on the dining table. "sure, i will just prepare the couch alright!".

after a nice shower,you joined Xiaojun who was sitting on the couch with his phone. he put his phone on the table as he saw you approaching him. but you saw that he was texting Weiwei earlier. you decided to just ignore your jealousy and took the ice cream tub Xiaojun handed to you. Xiaojun then pulled you closer so you snuggled into his chest and enjoyed the ice cream. the both of you watched a romance movie and imitated the cheesy lines. you would giggle everytime Xiaojun peck your head when there is a kiss scene.

"you know, i heard that the 2nd movie is released next week!". you said and took a spoonful of your strawberry cheesecake ice cream.

Xiaojun hummed and pecked your head again. "it's a date then!".

you turned to him with a wide smile. "really?". Xiaojun chuckled and nodded his head. you squealed and pecked his lips. "i can't wait ! it's been a long time since we've went to the cinema together.".

Xiaojun carressed your hair lovingly before putting down his finished ice cream tub. "how about i go and take some blankets so we could cuddle here?". Xiaojun suggested. you nodded excitedly as you stood up to give him space.

as Xiaojun went to your room, you saw his phone lighted up . you peeked and saw notifications from Weiwei. you rolled your eyes and turned his phone around so you wouldn't get distracted. you quickly finished your ice cream and cleaned up before lying down beside Xiaojun. Xiaojun wrapped his arm around your shoulders and pulled you closer. you leanee your ear on his chest and sighed in relief as you relaxed ,listening to his heartbeat. "i love you sweetie and i want you to remember that forever.". Xiaojun whispered and pecked your forehead. "i love you too baobeijun,". you whispered back. the two of you cuddled in silence and soon fell asleep .

~

it has been a few days after the cuddle date. you haven't really see Xiaojun after that because he was kind of busy with work. you did texted and called each other but you missed him being with you physically. you sighed and just decided to focus on your work. yeah, you has a part time job at a small bookstore. you still had to make income anyways. so while you practised to be an aspiring actress, you still worked hard in earning your own allowance and not only depend on your parents or boyfriend.

you were keying in some things on the computer when the bell chimed, indicating a customer's entrance.

"welcome!". you greeted as you saw a cute girl entered. you were about to ask if she needed help when the door opened again, revealing your handsome boyfriend. you gasped and smiled widely.

"Baobe--". your words were cut off when the cute girl earlier linked arms with Xiaojun. you frowned deeper when Xiaojun didn't even bother to push her away. you quickly gave a small smile when Xiaojun walked towards you with the girl and waved at you cutely.

"babe, this is Weiwei! and Weiwei, this is my girlfriend, y/n !". Xiaojun introduced. you forced a smile and stretched your hand out for a handshake. but your tired arm was ignored as Weiwei hugged Xiaojun's arm and whined. "when we were little you said we were gonna be together!". Xiaojun only chuckled awkwardly and rubbed his nape. he smiled apologetically to you in which you just shook your head . "Xiaojunjun! let's go eat!". Weiwei saidly in her high-pitched voice which hurt your ears. Xiaojun nodded and looked at you, who was looking at the couple sadly.

"i'll see you soon, okay babe?". Xiaojun said softly as if you were the most fragile thing there. you smiled and nodded. before you could speak, Weiwei pulled and dragged Xiaojun out of the store.

you wanted to just cry out loud but you held yourself back. Xiaojun has been to busy with work and couldn't spend even an hour with you but here he was spending his free time with another girl. you knew she was just a friend and you trusted Xiaojun. you love Xiaojun. but it hurt you how he was being oblivious of your painful heart . you decided to push aside the thoughts and focused on work. you were grateful there weren't many customers on that day . you were not really in the mood to entertain others . half an hour before the store closed, the bell chimed indicating a new customer. you continued packing up books and your things while the customer looked for their desired books. you were packing your bag when the customer placed books on the counter. "hi , i would like to ask if the last volume of this comic is still available?". you quickly turned around at the familiar voice. the customer blinked and chuckled. "i didn't know it was your shift ,". Hendery stated. you gave a small smile and nodded. "yeah i was just covering for my co-worker. ". you said softly. you quickly looked at the comic he was purchasing and keyed in the code in the computer.

"the last volume is sold out . but the new stock is coming tomorrow! you could come by if you like and i could reserve one for you.". you explained.

Hendery grinned and nodded. "sure,i'll purchase these first and come back again tomorrow!". after settling his books, it was finally time for you to lock the bookstore and head home.

you switched off everything and quickly closed the store down. you gasped when Hendery suddenly stood in front of you. Hendery chuckled at your reaction . "i was thinking of dinner. together?". Hendery suggested. you chuckled and shook your head. "i'm actually kind of fu--". your lie was cut off when your stomach growled violently. the two of you stared at each other before laughing. "alright, how about hotpot and some beer? at the same place!". you suggested this time. Hendery smiled widely and nodded. "i'm paying this time so don't worry about what you want to eat alright!". you said again . you tried making yourself happy but your lifeless eyes could never lie Hendery. Hendery decided to just play along with you and waited for you to open up yourself. he hated seeing his friends hurt but he hated forcing people more.

you were on your second bottle of beer, you were not really drunk but drunk enough to cry outloud the feelings you've been hiding since afternoon.

"i know she is just a friend but why is she getting more attention then me? your girlfriend? am i just dumb for crying or are you dumb? why does Xiaojun have to be so kind towards other girls? this is unfair!". you whined and downed another shot .

Hendery kept quiet and let you let out all your feelings. he thought it was finally time for you to cry out everything and feel better .

"Hendery, is it really childish and petty of me to be jealous like this?". you turned to your friend and slurred your words. Hendery only sighed and tucked your hair back behind your ears to have a clearer sight of your red face. "no i understand. you shouldn't feel bad for feeling this way. i can't help you much but i am here for you when you need me.". Hendery comforted. you nodded at his response before falling asleep right after . Hendery quickly stretched his arm out before you could knock your head on the table. Hendery sighed as he combed your hair neatly with his fingers. he understood Xiaojun for taking care of his childhood friend but he was disappointed Xiaojun made you feel like this. Hendery decided to call Xiaojun to pick you up. He felt like it was only right for him as a friend to help his friends out.

A few minutes later,Hendery tried waking you up. you woke up with a groan and clutched your head. "are you sober enough to walk?". Hendery asked as he held your shoulder. you nodded and stood up slowly. Hendery helped you and walked out of the restaurant with you . the moment the two of you stepped out of the restaurant, Xiaojun ran towards you . "babe!". he exclaimed as he took you from Hendery. your head was still spinning but you figured Xiaojun's face. you turned to Hendery as he gave you a small smile. "rest well, alright?". Hendery said before excusing himself.

"why did you drink so much babe?" . Xiaojun asked as he piggybacked you. you leaned your head on his back and sighed. "i was sad. i was angry. i was tired.". you replied word by word. you felt the wind as Xiaojun walked on the empty street, bringing you home.

"do you want to tell me why?". Xiaojun asked softly. your heart broke. of course you were sad and angry because of him. but his sweet and innocent self just couldn't realise that. "i love you Jun... i hope you do too. please stay with me.". you breathed out, holding yourself back from crying. Xiaojun stopped in his tracks for a bit but continued walking right after . "of course i love you too. i am here always, by your side.".

you fell asleep on his comfortable back as you felt assured.

~

you wore Xiaojun's favourite baby blue blouse and styled your hair simply with some light make up. you were excited for your movie date. you were at the cinema , waiting for your boyfriend. he promised to be there half an hour before the movie starts. but coming to 10 minutes before showtime, he was still not there. you tried texting him but the messages were not delivered. maybe his phone battery died, you thought. you tapped your foot nervously as you scanned the place for your boyfriend.

4 mins

3mins

2mins

1mins

showtime.

you sighed and held your head down sadly. *did he forget about our date?* . you were about to exit the cinema when someone called your name. you turned and were greeted by Hendery. he really was like your guardian angel. there whenever you were sad.

"are you here alone? what movie are you watching?". Hendery asked. you smiled sadly and shook your head. "today was supposed to be our movie date but Xiaojun is not here. i tried contacting him but he didn't reply. i think i should just go back.". you explained.

Hendery frowned at his friend's actions. He really was disappointed in Xiaojun.

"how about we watch a movie together? hmm i was thinking, Dora The Explorer?". Hendery suggested, trying to cheer you up. you chuckled at his unique choice of movie and nodded. "that is a great idea! let's go!". you agreed and grabbed his wrist to buy the tickets.

during the movie, Hendery suddenly heard soft sniffings. He turned to look at you and sighed . you were wiping your tears that were flowing down your cheeks non-stop. it was obvious you were crying because of Xiaojun, the movie wasn't even a sad one. Hendery grabbed your hands and squeezed them to comfort you. he then pulled your head to lean on his shoulder. "it's okay sweetie, it's okay. i am always here to comfort you.". Hendery whispered as he carressed your hair. his sweet words calmed you throughout the movie. you were sorry to Hendery for always being stuck in your relationship, but you were also grateful to have him as a good friend.

after the movie, you went to the ladies to freshen up . Hendery waited for you and invited you to dinner. "how about we go to the usual? i kind of like the concept of having our hangout place.". you said as you walked out of the cinema with Hendery. Hendery chuckled but agreed to your suggestion anyway. dinner made your day. you decided to totally ignore your thoughts about Xiaojun and spend quality time with your now new bestfriend. you and Hendery shared a lot of things with each other , from cute childhood stories to epic highschool memories. you also found out that the both of you were big fans of Attack on Titans and Tokyo Ghoul. Hendery promised to lend you his AOT mangas as you promised to recommend him other great animes and mangas. the day eventually ended with Hendery walking you home. "thank you so much for today Hendery. i am very thankful to have you as my friend.". Hendery smiled at your words and patted your head. "i am always here if you are im need of a friend. the restaurant is always open for us to have more fun.". you thanked him again and bid him goodnight as you entered your apartment.

you plopped yourself on the couch and fished out your phone.

♡BaobeiJun♡

omg babe... i didn't realise that my phone was turned off >○<

♡BaobeiJun♡

i overlooked the date for our movie date .. i am really sorryyy

♡BaobeiJun♡

my mom asked me to bring Weiwei around the city. i agreed because i thought our date is tomorrow...

♡BaobeiJun♡

i am really sorry babe,, please reply my messages

♡BaobeiJun♡

babe? i understand that you are mad at me...

♡BaobeiJun♡

are you at least safe back home?

you threw your phone on the couch as you stood up. you decided to just ignore his texts. you were really mad. not just because he ditched you on the most awaited date, but he ditched you as he spent time with another girl. you knew Xiaojun was just being kind but is he really dense to not draw the line? you didn't want your relationship to be ruined by a girl who suddenly appeared in your life. you thought your relationship with Xiaojun was strong , but recent incidents made you doubtful. you washed up and went to bed straight away.

you woke up the next morning feeling a bit better after a goodnight sleep. you were having your light breakfast when you heard a knock from the front door. you groaned as you weren't expecting any guests.

you opened the door only to push it back close as you see his face. but before the door could close fully, Xiaojun held onto it with his leg. "babe please let me in.". he begged. you contemplated for a bit but opened the door anyways. you quickly walked away before he could hug you. Xiaojun followed you to the kitchen as he called out your name softly. Xiaojun wrapped his arms around your shoulders but you harshly pushed him away and faced him.

"Xiaojun. i am tired. please, i am tired of being mad with you and settle my feelings with a hug from you. this is not that simple, Jun. i love you , i really do. but the amount of times you've hurt me in these 2 months is more than the whole 2 years that we've spent together..". you confessed.

Xiaojun tried to pull you into a hug but you rejected. you wiped the tears that were flowing down your cheeks as you continued. "why do you think i was drunk the other night? you think i wanted to feel depressed like that? you think everything was back to normal when you came to pick me up?!". you didn't intend to raise your voice at him but your emotions were unstable.

Xiaojun was startled at your outburst. he looked at you with teary eyes. you sighed as you sat on the floor and pulled your legs before burying your face in between them. your sobs echoed through the silent kitchen. you felt Xiaojun moving closer. he squatted beside you and wrapped his arms around your body before pulling you into his warm chest. "i'm sorry , i'm sorry, sshhh i'm sorry, i love you babe, i really love you . i'm sorry i hurt you, i love you really. i am here now and i promise i won't leave you.". Xiaojun whispered in an attempt to comfort your broken heart. you finally gave in and cried out into his chest.

a few moments later, Xiaojun carried you into your bedroom. he lied down beside you and pulled you closer. you buried your face into the crook of his neck and sniffed in his scent. you relaxed in his arms as you calmed yourself down. "i missed you so much,". he mumbled as he pecked your head. the two of you lied down in silence, enjoying each other's presence and calm breathing. Xiaojun was about to fall asleep when his ringtone startled the both of you. you slowly pulled away from him to give hin space to sit up. Xiaojun rubbed his eyes cutely as he searched for his phone. you couldn't help but giggle at the cute sight and although you were still a bit mad, you didn't hold yourself back from giving him a quick peck on the lips. Xiaojun froze at your sudden action before slowly reaching for his phone. he was used to receiving kisses from you but he was suddenly shy after the fight , his ears turned red . you giggled at his reaction and nudged him to do something about his phone. "i--i'll take this call for a while okay?" he stuttered. you nodded before lying down back on your bed.

after the short call, Xiaojun turned to face you with a guilty expression. "babe.. i really want to spend time with you but this is urgent. Weiwei is having troubles with settling her project and i have to go help. i am really sorry babe.". Xiaojun explained and apologised.

you sighed, just when you thought it was back to normal, everything was about to be ruined again. "it's urgent right? let me walk you to the front door.". you said as you got off the bed. Xiaojun gulped as he sensed your sarcasm. he followed you out of the room like a puppy. "i'm really sorry babe.. how about i take you on a date on Saturday?". Xiaojun tried to persuade you. you gave a small smile and pushed him out off your apartment gently. "i can't. i have plans.". you replied and quickly closed your front door. you heard Xiaojun knocked for a few minutes, begging you to open the door but he then stopped when you ignored him . you figured he finally gave up and went to settle his urgent matters.

♡BaobeiJun♡

babe... what plans do you have that i can't spend time with you?

you rolled your eyes at his message and were tempted to just throw your phone on the ground. he had been ignoring your daily life activities because of his own but had the audacity to suddenly act caring when you finally gave him the cold shoulder. you ignored his message and decided to text Hendery .

To : Huang Guanheng

hey Hendery, i was thinking if you could accompany me this Saturday? i am finally casted for the drama i auditioned for recently and this Saturday is our first shooting. i am quite nervous to go alone...

you waited for a few seconds before Hendery replied.

-Huang Guanheng-

oh sure!! just tell me the time and place ,alright?

you smiled at his response and quickly informed him the details. you were glad he didn't ask about Xiaojun . he really was a friend with good sense.

~

the day finally came. you met up with Hendery early and decided to get some breakfast together. "you can do it , y/n . don't be too nervous or else you wouldn't be able to focus. here drink some hot tea, to calm you down.". you thanked him for his advice and comforting words. after the short breakfast, the both of you went to the shooting venue.

the site for the rehearsed scene was outdoor. the hot weather was not really helping with your nerves. you practised your lines as much as possible as the stylists prepared you before you were called to the site. you were only a side character but your character actually plays quite an important role in the drama. Hendery gave you a supporting pat as your turn came.

you did a good job with your lines but your co-actor kept on making mistakes. because of that the scene you were in had to be filmed for a few times. you tried to be consistent in the quality of your performance but the hot weather made you exhausted. you were sweating like mad that the stylists had to wipe them for you every few minutes.

the director finally gave a break time, asking your co-actor to calm his nerves and practise his line again. you were glad the director was nice enough to be patient with him . if you were the director, you would have screamed at him. you saw Hendery waving at you as you walked towards him . Hendery's smile turned into a frown as he saw your pale face. he quickly caught you as you stumbled. "are you okay?". he asked as he tried supporting you to stand up straight. "i am a bit dizzy," you managed to reply as you clutched your head. just as you spoke, your body felt weak and you fainted. Hendery's eyes widened as he wrapped his arm under your body and carried you. "ambulance! somebody call the ambulance!" .

~

Hendery : Dejun, your girlfriend just fainted . she is admitted to the hospital now.

Xiaojun : what? tell me the hospital address, i am on my way.

Hendery : alright, come here safely .

Hendery ended the call as he sat beside your bed. he carressed your head and sighed. a few minutes later, Xiaojun arrived . Hendery stood up and greeted his friend. Xiaojun gave Hendery a brotherly hug and went to you who were still sleeping. he held your cheek dearly and pecked your forehead. "what happened?". Xiaojun asked Hendery softly. "she was at the shooting site earlier--". Hendery's words were cut off by Xiaojun. "wa-wait, she was casted ?". Hendery frowned and nodded. "didn't she tell you?" . Xiaojun looked at you sadly and hesitated a nod. "kind of...". Hendery nodded before explaining further. "she fainted after her turn. the doctor said she was too stressful and dehydrated . that was why she fainted. but the doctor said to not worry, a rest and lots of water can make her feel better.". Xiaojun sat beside your bed and held your hand. "i see, thank you Guanheng.". Hendery nodded and stood beside Xiaojun. Xiaojun stayed by your side till night. Hendery stayed too. he was worried about both of his friends . "Dejun.. you've been here since afternoon. why not we go take some fresh air and have dinner ? y/n wouldn't want you to fall ill too.". Hendery patted his friend's shoulder. Xiaojun contemplated for a while but agreed to his friend's suggestion . he pecked your hand for the last time before leaving the hospital.

"which restaurant is still open at this hour?". Xiaojun asked as he checked the time. it was late night. Hendery grinned and patted his back. "i know the perfect place.".Hendery sat on his usual spot while Xiaojun sat on yours. the owner greeted them and passed the menus. "Guanheng! you didn't come with your girlfriend today?". Hendery blinked at her question as Xiaojun stared at Hendery. "you have a girlfriend?". Xiaojun asked. Hendery shook his head and tried to reply the owner. "no no auntie, she is not my gi--". his words were cut off when the owner exclaimed. " ah y/n ! she isn't here today.". Xiaojun's expression was unreadable. Hendery gulped and shook his head. "may we just look at the menu and order ,auntie?". the oblivious owner smiled and nodded before going back to the counter.

"this is just a misunderstanding Dejun.". Hendery started as he stared at the menu that he had memorised by heart. Xiaojun was silent for a bit but smiled . "i understand Guanheng. don't worry. why not we just order?i am starving!!". Hendery knew Xiaojun was just pretending to be okay. Xiaojun and you were really soulmates. hiding your real feelings. Hendery nodded and ordered some food.

the meal was silent and calm. both too occupied with their own thoughts. after the meal, Xiaojun paid for the food and thanked Hendery once again. "why not you go home and rest? i will be with y/n.". Xiaojun said in a matter of factly. not really as a suggestion. Hendery nodded and bid his friend goodnight before going back home.

Xiaojun stayed with for the whole night. you woke up to see your boyfriend sleeping, head on the edge of your bed. you carressed his soft brown locks gently as you stared at his calm sleeping face. Xiaojun's eyes opened slowly as he sat up. he grabbed your hand and pecked them before asking. "are you feeling better ?". you only nodded and squeezed his hand. "did Hendery call you?". Xiaojun hummed in response. his other hand balled into a fist as he heard his friend's name. "the doctor said you can discharge after you eat your breakfast. he said to drink lots of water and rest well.". your eyes widened when you realised you were at job when you fainted. you quickly searched for your phone to check for any messages. "missing Hendery already?". Xiaojun asked with gritted teeth. you looked up from your phone and frowned. "what?". Xiaojun smirked and scoffed. "nothing.". you turned back to your phone and read the text from one of the staffs.

-we hope you have a good rest. we are sorry for not considering your condition , we will update you about the next shootings. for now, we just want you to have a good rest- .

you sighed in relief as you finished reading the text. you thought you were going to be replaced by another actress. you placed your phone down and looked at Xiaojun who was staring at you. "have you eaten?". you asked. Xiaojun shook his head and rubbed his face with his hands. "i'll eat later after sending you home. i don't have the appetite to eat.". you frowned at his answer and placed your hand on his cheek as you carressed them gently. "please eat well. i don't want you to fall ill.". you said softly. Xiaojun gave a small smile and nodded.

in the cab on the way to your house, you leaned your head on Xiaojun's shoulder as he rubbed your interwined hands with his thumb. you jumped when you heard your phone ring.

*incoming call from Huang Guanheng*

you looked at Xiaojun as he nodded his head letting you answer the phone.

Hendery : are you home?

You : i'm on my way home in the cab. I am with Xiaojun.

Hendery : that is great . rest well okay? and y/n .. did you not tell him about the drama?

you kept silent at his question. Hendery called your names a few times .

You : i will alright. don't worry .

Hendery : he is your boyfriend,he should know.

you nodded your head as if he was in front of you.

You : okay okay, stop nagging, gosh.

Hendery chuckled at your response and advised you one last time before ending the call.

Xiaojun squeezed your hand right after you kept your phone. you leaned back onto his shoulder before calling his name out softly.

"babe,, i wanted to tell you but i was mad the other day. i actually got casted for the drama that i auditioned for the last time.". Xiaojun was quiet for a while. he carressed your hand and pecked your forehead. "congrats babe. see, i told you you would make it. you are talented.". he whispered. you smiled and pecked his cheek as you thanked him. you decided to just relax in silence as the cab took you back home.

~

you plopped on your couch as you arrived home. Xiaojun locked the front door and joined you on the couch. you switched on the TV and searched for fun shows to watch. "hey would you like some tea?". Xiaojun offered. you smiled and nodded . Xiaojun went to the kitchen to make some tea for the both of you. he thought this gave him some time to gather his courage for the words he was about to say . he hoped the tea would calm the both of you before the storm comes.

he placed both cups on the coffee table. your eyes were still stuck to the TV as you sipped on the hot tea. you turned to Xiaojun when he suddenly lowered down the volume of the TV. Xiaojun gave a small smile as he reached for your hands. he gave them a squeeze before starting his speech.

"y/n. we need to talk. i don't think this is going to work between us..". you frowned at his words and remembered what he said earlier. "is this because of Hendery? Xiaojun. i've been patient for almost three months now when you have to entertain Weiwei but just because of your jealousy towards Hendery , you want to break up? Hendery is just a friend! ". you asked , obviously disappointed with him . Xiaojun shook his head as he pulled his hands away from yours. "it's not just jealousy, okay?!". you were startled when he raised his voice. Xiaojun sighed and ruffled his hair roughly. "it's not jealousy...". his voice was back to his usual soft voice. "it's a realisation. i realised that Hendery can take care of you better than I can . he treats you better than me. you deserve a man better than me.". you frowned at his what you would say nonsensical excuses.

"no... i don't want to break up with you. i love you Xiaojun! don't you love me too? you promised me you are going to be by my side always.". you said as tears trickled down from your eyes. Xiaojun wiped his own tears as he looked into your eyes. "i do.. i love you. i love you so much therefore we can't be together. i love you so much i don't want to see you hurt . i love you so much i want you to know that you deserve better. i love you... but we are not meant to be with each other.".

your palms turned into fists as you hit his chest. "you stupid jerk! that doesn't make any sense! if you love me, stay with me! don't give up on me!". you shouted as you hit him. Xiaojun grabbed your wrists as he pulled you into a hug. "i love you. this is for your best.". he whispered and pecked your forehead for the last time . Xiaojun stood up and went out of your apartment, leaving you crying on the couch.

- Xiao Dejun -

Guanheng, please take care of y/n .

Hendery cursed under his breath as he read the message from his friend. "what did this idiot do this time." Hendery mumbled as he rushed to your apartment.

Hendery arrived at your house a few minutes after Xiaojun left. the door was unlocked. Hendery quickly went in only to be greeted by your sleeping figure on the couch. he locked the front door and went to you. Hendery sighed as he saw you tear-stained face. he wiped your dry tears and carried you to your room. "she was just healing and you decided to break her again.". Hendery mumbled as he placed you on your bed. you stirred in your sleep and woke up slowly. you saw Hendery standing beside your bed with a worried look. he sat on the edge of your bed and held your hands. "he is an idiot. i am going to talk to him later alright? he is going to make this wo--". his words were cut off as you shook your head. "no Hendery. he is not going to turn back anymore. i know him. this is what he wanted. he thinks this is the best choice.". you tried to say but broke down right after. Hendery sighed and pulled your head towards his chest. "i'm here. i'm here. it's okay , just cry it all out. maybe this is for the best afterall. you are precious y/n and i am here to protect you always.". Hendery comforted you.

.

.

.

.

"and the best actress award goes to , Y/N !!".

the crowd cheered as you stood up from your chair, surprised that you had won the award. you bowed to your seniors and juniors as you walked up to the stage. you received the plaque from the announcer and went to the front to give your winning speech.

"first of all i would like to thank my parents for always supporting me . i thank my fans too for loving my works! i will work harder and improve myself better and better. i would like to thank those who i have worked with. without them, i might not even have the chance to be an actress and moreover, win this award. not to forget , i would also like to thank this amazing person, my friend, Hendery. thank you for being by my side all these years especially these past 4 years. he is a really good producer so check out some of his musics alright? lastly, thank you once again!". you felt your legs tremble as you went back to your seat.

♡Huang Guanheng♡

good job sweetie! and thank you for mentioning me, i am happy i could be by your side.

you smiled as you read his text. you looked up to the stage when you heard the MC called a familiar name.

"before we end the show, we would like to invite this show's biggest sponsor, from the company DJX , Mr Xiaojun , to accept our appreciation gift.". you gulped when you saw the handsome man on the stage. his previous brown locks were now blonde. his smile was still the same like before. but his features were more defined as he matured throughout these years. you gave a small smile when he looked at you and quickly looked away . *you've moved on y/n. don't give in to him.* you thought to yourself.

~

you were standing at a corner with a glass of fruitpunch, waiting for your manager to bring you back. you didn't really enjoy after-event parties but attended anyways out of politeness. you were looking around when you saw Xiaojun walked towards you. you looked up and accidentally stared right into his brown orbs. Xiaojun looked away as his ears turn red. it's been 4 years but you were still as beautiful as ever. he missed you. you still made his heart skip a beat. you smiled as he stood in front of you. "it's been a while, Xiaojun.". the way his real name rolled off your tongue hurt him . he nodded and finally looked at you. "so you and Hendery are together now?". he asked. you chuckled and shook your head. "he is just a friend. a brother. i told you before, didn't i?". you replied with a small smile. Xiaojun looked down sadly but looked back up to you. "y/n. i'm really sorry...". you chuckled again and patted his shoulder. "let the past be past ,Xiaojun. i actually wanted to thank you for all the bittersweet memories. they really help me alot in my acting . experience is what makes it easier to stay in character.". your words hurt him. like how his words hurt you 4 years ago. before Xiaojun could say anything, you were called by your manager. "oh looks like i got to go. see you when i see you!". you waved at him before leaving the ballroom.

Xiaojun sighed as he stared at your back walking away from him. he would be lying if he said he didn't regret leaving you. his life has been nothing but miserable after breaking up with you. he focused on work to distract himself but his soul was empty. before he could leave the venue, he heard the DJ introducing a song. "before leaving, the actress y/n had requested this song. she hoped all of you enjoy it.".

Xiaojun decided to stay and listened to the song you love .

I’ll love you more

If you’re gonna do that, don’t come to me

If a person like me is gonna be erased anyway

Our love that was written down on a white piece of paper

Was clear just like my tears

Just stay by my side for one day

Because this awkward break-up still feels like a dream

Love me a little more, don’t push me away

I’ll try to hide it and let out a sigh in this empty time

When your tears that filled my heart dry up a little

I will engrave you in my eyes

And let you go

Words that sounded affectionate like a friend

Words I want to hear several times a day

Words saying you love me

It makes my breath stop and heart race

But only your voice sleeps in my memories

Just stay by my side for one day

Because this awkward break-up still feels like a dream

Love me a little more, don’t push me away

I’ll try to hide it and let out a sigh in this empty time

When your tears that filled my heart dry up a little

I will engrave you in my eyes

Until you come back

You silently stop in place

With eyes, telling me not to forgive you

I guess this really won’t work

Now all there’s left is this crappy break-up

I try to catch you but you get farther away and disappear

Love me a little more, don’t push me away

I’ll try to hide it and let out a sigh in this empty time

When your tears that filled my heart dry up a little

I will engrave you in my eyes

And let you go

{ NU'EST - Love You More }

Xiaojun wiped his tears that flowed down without him even noticing.

♡BaobeiJun♡

i know it's too late... but i love you . i have always been loving you . i should've have loved you more instead of leaving you. i love you .

i hope you guys enjoyed this~ my feelings were overwhelmed when i wrote this hahaha anyways, do like and comment ! i love to hear to your feedbacks ♡♡

[scoopsohboi]

you look cute in that hat

Pairing: robin buckley/henderson!reader

W/C: 2575

Summary: since your first shift at hotdog on a stick starts soon, you drive dustin to the mall so he can see steve. while your killing time you flirt with robin.

-more robin readers-

-st readers-

“Stop running so fast! I swear that security guard has been watching us since the parking lot.” You were chasing after your little brother, Dustin, as he sped-walked ahead of you through the halls of Starcourt, his sneakers squeaking loudly on the linoleum causing the large man in a blue uniform to follow you two on the other side of the walkway. “Why are you in such a hurry, anyway?”

“That’s Phil. He’s had it out for me ever since he caught Mike, Will, Lucas, and I sitting in Nightmare on Elm Street without tickets.” You rolled your eyes as Dustin slowed his pace ever so slightly. “And I need to tell Henderson what I figured out last night.”

“Oh, right. The ‘Russian spy code’ thing,” you said in a mocking tone, using air quotes until Dustin spun on his heel and frantically grabbed your hands and shushed you loudly.

“Are you literally insane?!” He cried in a voice barely above a whisper. “Oh, my God, don't talk about it out loud,” he hissed before turning around as he muttered about letting the Russians get you and you quietly snorted in amusement. Dustin had burst into your room last night animatedly talking about how he’d intercepted a Russian transmission of a secret spy code. Although it sounded intriguing, you were only going to be home for about another month before you were leaving to start your first semester of college. You were pretty sure it wasn’t actually a spy message, but even so, you didn’t want to get murdered by Soviets before you left Hawkins. Unfortunately, being eighteen meant driver’s license and that meant driving your little brother around town.

“I still can’t believe you’re friends with Steve. Such a trip,” you muttered. You went Hawkins High School with Steve and the two of you were in the same grade, but you were never friends. In fact, you could probably count all the conversations you’d ever had with him on one hand. You had no clue why or how he’d become so close to Dustin. You tried to pry once but the boy never really told you much. Hell, the only reason you knew about the transmission was because none of Dustin’s friends were around to answer the phone. Needless to say you came from a very private family.

Dustin skipped ahead as you two reached the food court and you trailed behind him. You glanced up at the large clock on the wall and took note of the time. 3:20. Your mom made you get a summer job to save up some extra cash before leaving town and your very first shift at HotDog on a Stick was at four. You signed and continued after Dustin, reaching Scoops Ahoy just in time to see him bound around the front counter and to a back door labeled ‘Employees Only.’

“Hey, slow down, I just mopped!” A brown haired girl in a sailor costume chastised from behind the counter. “There’s a sign; you can’t sue if you trip.” You laughed a little and she turned forward, seeing you for the first time. Her blue eyes seemed to sparkle even under the shitty florescent lights and you felt your cheeks blush when she smiled. You knew Robin from school, too, and admittedly better than Steve, but not by much. The two of you had a few class projects together over the years, but nothing too substantial. Probably nothing close to warrant how big of a crush you’d developed on her. God, why did she have to look at you like that? You felt like a puddle already. “Hey, Y/N,” she said coolly, though her voice was slightly higher than usual as if she was surprised to see you. “How’s you summer going?”

“Just, you know, trying to get my life in order,” you shrugged. “I actually got a part-time job here.” Robin’s head cocked to the side slightly. “Not, like, here here,” you gestured to the ice cream shop. “But, like, in the…food court,” you finished lamely. Robin’s brow furrowed a little, confusion spreading over her features. You always liked how expressive she was. You absently wondered if she even knew she did it.

“I thought you were going to IUB?” You could feel your face heating up a little. You didn’t know how she’d heard about that- maybe Dustin mentioned it in passing, but the fact that she remembered made your stomach do flips. You cleared your throat a little, suddenly feeling very dry under Robin’s gaze.

“I, uh- I’m heading out mid-August, so my mom practically went handing out flyers to everyone she knows with a business.” You placed your elbows on the counter and leaned in a little closer to Robin. “I’ll have you know, you’re actually talking to the newest employee of HotDog on a Stick,” you said, shrugging like it was a big deal. Robin laughed and bit her lip.

“Oh, wow,” she said, feigning to be oh-so-impressed. “Lucky me.” Your eyes darted to her lips before you could stop yourself and you saw a little smirk dancing there. You caught yourself leaning in the tiniest bit of a fraction and you let your head fall a little as you let out a shaky laugh, trying to hide the blush that was spreading across your face. This was bad. You had it really bad and Robin didn’t even know what she was doing to you. You were in a crowded food court for fuck’s sake. Not to mention the fact that you didn’t even know if she liked girls. Which, knowing your luck was probably a ‘no.’ You let out a steadying breath before looking back up, feeling more composed after breaking eye-contact for a moment. You decided you were allowed to flirt a little, just to test the waters.

“Yeah, stick with me, baby, and you’ll never want for lemonade again.” You needed to keep it together but you could swear you saw a glimpse of something in Robin’s eye when you called her ‘baby,’ even if you were just joking around. You mentally composed yourself, not wanting to come on too strong and freak Robin out. You hadn’t even started your job yet that would mortifying. “Seriously, I can already tell my love for lemonade is going to go straight to shit.”

“Yeah,” she agreed with a nod, her smirk turning into a smile. “And hotdogs, fries, literally anything fried, probably.” You smiled and nudged her arm playfully. “At least you get one of those cute bucket hats,” she added slyly, bursting out laughing when you gave her a glare that only lasted a second because you couldn’t even fake being miserable with a literal angel laughing.

“Oh, come on. At least it’s not a sailor outfit,” she tried with a little curtsey, but you rolled your eyes.

“Please, at least you and Steve still manage to look hot in your uniforms. I’m going to be an ugly, striped cylinder. They literally make their employees look like rainbow-striped hotdogs. Like, what is that?” You spoke quickly, going on a short tangent without realizing you’d called Robin hot until after you’d finished. You hoped she didn’t notice, but you weren’t so lucky. She stood there very still, eyes slightly wider than before and lips parted softly, the ghost of her smile still evident. She blinked and shook her head slightly, furrowing her brow and biting the inside of her cheek. She opened her mouth, and then closed it, seemingly deciding whether or not to say something when the voices from the back-of-house started to grow. You saw Steve’s hair flop out from the doorway and Dustin was a few steps behind him. When he saw you Steve’s brows practically soared to his hairline.

“Y/N?”

“Hey, Steve,” you said, grateful for a distraction from the embarrassment of Robin still staring at you. She looked away then, and out of the corner of her eye you caught her tuck her hair behind her ear as her face grew red.

“How’s it going?” He made his way over to the center of the counter next to Robin. You shrugged, sneaking a glance to the girl whose eyes were trained on the register before turning your attention back to Steve.

“Not bad, just waiting for my shift to start. Dustin wouldn’t stop bugging me about coming here all morning so I had to leave a bit earlier than I planned.”

“I forget that you guys are related,” Steve said with a laugh and Dustin huffed next to him, hand already digging a testing spoon into a tub of ice cream.

“I wish I could forget,” he muttered. You scoffed.

“Shut up, you love me.” Dustin made a noise of disgust and you couldn’t help but smile. The two of you didn’t share your personal lives with each other very often, but you and Dustin had your own sibling adventures over the years. From days at the arcade, to driving across Indiana to see a Star Wars trilogy marathon in Bloomington, you knew the kid really did care a lot about you.

“Shift where?” Steve asked as he swatted Dustin’s hand away from the toppings. You jabbed a thumb behind you to where the bright neon sign stood behind you across the sea of messy tables and people eating greasy pizza. Steve caught where you were gesturing and grinned. “Ah, I see. Going to be one of those cute HotDog on a Stick girls, huh?” You felt your face heat up immediately.

Steve Harrington had never flirted with you before. If it had been a few years ago, you would’ve died completely. Having Steve ‘The Hair’ Harrington talk to you like that would’ve melted you like butter, even when he was a total douchebag. You knew Steve wasn’t the same guy he was sophomore year, if his being so close to your brother was any indication, but you’d changed a lot over the years, too. There was no denying that Steve was incredibly gorgeous, but that crush had long since fizzled. You’d had your eye on someone else for a while. Someone who also happened to be standing right in front of you.

“I don’t know about that,” you said, trying to regain some composure. It was getting very hot despite you being so close to an actual icebox and you could feel your palms getting sweaty. You were desperate to get the attention off yourself. “Dusty,” you called quickly, trying to change the subject, “did you tell him about the transmission?” Steve blinked as Dustin began to excited regale his findings, watching you curiously for a moment before turning his attention to the kid.

You sighed internally once the spotlight was turned on someone else and chanced a glance at Robin. She looked distracted, blue eyes flitting back and forth like she was thinking deeply about something. You turned to check the clock again and your first shift started in fifteen minutes. You decided you might as well run away now and try to distract yourself with the assumingly terrible job training you were about to endure. You pushed off the counter, gaining some attention from both Robin and Steve. “I’m going to head over. Don’t want to be late,” you said, looking at Dustin and Steve and trying very hard to not stare at Robin.

“Oh, okay. Bye, Y/N,” Steve said, sounding a little disappointed you were leaving so soon. Dustin muttered a quick ‘buh-bye’ before going back to his conversation with Steve. You finally looked over at Robin and you hated that it was one of the few times you couldn’t read her face at all. You would’ve given anything to read her mind.

“I’ll see you later?” you offered, and Robin smiled softly.

“Yeah,” she said quietly with a nod, as if confirming it. You had no idea what the damage would be from that conversation but you tried to brush it off as you turned around and made your way upstream to HotDog on a Stick. You met your manager and trainer for the day before getting started on the basics. After about an hour you heard a familiar voice talking to one of your coworkers. Your head shot up to see Robin, changed out of her uniform and into her regular shorts and shirt, chatting easily with your manager. You tried to focus on the task you were learning- how to smash the lemons, while straining to hear what they were talking about.

“-but I’m finally off so I don’t have to deal with that anymore,” Robin finished. You wondered what she was talking about as your manager laughed. She wouldn’t talk about you- you knew that. But that didn’t mean your subconscious was reasonable. Your stomach twisted as you started to grow anxious. “Actually, do you mind if I steal one of your employees for literally a minute?” Robin asked shyly and you felt like you might pass out.

“We’re supposed to carpool for church tomorrow and I wanted to make sure she knows where to meet.” You couldn’t help but snort at her quick excuse to talk to you. You tried to cover it with the sound of your smashing, but it didn’t work out too well. You just turned all your attention on the bucket of lemons in front of you.

“Y/N,” Robin called, this time a lot closer, and you looked up to see her leaning on the doorway beside you, nodding quickly toward the main food court. You nodded and held out the handle of the stomper to your coworker before rubbing your hands on your apron and following her out and a few tables down. She turned around and smiled at you, grin growing as she looked up at the hat. You instantly blushed.

“Don’t,” you warned. She smiled widely, full teeth, and you couldn’t help but crack a smile as well. “What do you want?” you asked, pretending to be harsh though it had no bearings considering how much you were grinning now too. Now it was Robin’s turn to blush.

“I-um…what are you doing tonight?” The question took you by surprise as your heart began to hurt in anticipation. You were pretty damn sure where this was going and your head was spinning with disbelief and excitement.

“I-I have work until 8,” you stuttered, a little frozen just thinking about Robin literally asking you out. Robin laughed a little, and you could tell you sounded a little Steve-ish but sometimes talking to Robin made your brain fry. How were you supposed to act normal anyway with her staring at you like that with her amused grin? You wished she would just put you out of your misery already.

“And after?”

“Whatever you’re doing,” you said with a shrug, snapping out of your stupor enough to regain control of the situation. Robin bit her lip, trying to hide her big grin as she tucked her hair behind her ear.

“Cool,” she said, though her eyes told you everything she didn’t dare say out loud. Things you’d both reveal later behind closed doors and out of reach from unwanted ears. “So, 8:30?” she asked and you nodded. She glanced back up at the hat before gazing into your eyes again. “You really do look cute in that hat.”

It was going to be a great night.

[kinda-ooc-just-a-little]

Heart of a Lion

Chapter 6 Getting to Know You Again

Shinso x Reader

Rated M for Future Mature Themes (Not Explicit)

Tags: slow burn, mutual pining, secretive quirk

Summary: You never wanted to be a hero. You come from a long family of heroes, so why not just be a normal person? That’s what you hoped, until you re-connected with your old High School friend/crush.

Chapter 1 / Chapter 2 / Chapter 3 / Chapter 4 / Chapter 5 / Chapter 6 / Chapter 7 / Chapter 8 / Chapter 9 /

Is it too late to just leave? You thought as you were ushered into the charter bus your agency was taking to the camping grounds.

It wasn’t but an hour after you rekindled your friendship with Shinso when he had texted you asking if it was okay to text.

“Of course.” you replied.

And then for the rest of the week, Shinso spent it trying to convince you to go on the camping trip with the agency. It was sweet that he was so adamant, but a bit bothersome that you couldn’t tell what his motive was. Shinso never was transparent with his true feelings and that made it all the harder to be more forward with your feelings.

However, he made it obvious that he REALLY wanted you to go on the camping trip. Which was… different of his usual standoff attitude. Yet, you couldn’t say no.

So now here you were, awkwardly entering the bus with people you’ve only known for a week. They were nice people, sure, but it didn’t stop the nervousness in your heart at the thought that you’ll be spending three days with them.

You immediately took an empty seat at the back of the bus, placed your suitcase in the overhead box, and sat down. Before you could put your ear-buds in for the trip, you heard some of your female team-mates starting to cause a commotion.

“Shinso! I have a seat for you!”

Of course, he’s popular among the women.

You put in your ear-buds and stared out the window hoping the trip would be over quickly. Without warning you were startled when you felt your seat popped up from a sudden weight being placed on it. You look next to you to see Shinso with his arms crossed and headphones in.

You just gaped at him while the women complained in the background. You took out your headphones and tap his shoulder. “Passing up a bunch of hot women just to sit with little old me?”

Shinso grinned. “Feeling honored yet?”

You chuckled. “Oh, so much, your highness.”

He laughed and took off his headphones. “I miss this. Joking around together.”

You lowered your eyes. “Me too. It was much easier when we had to be around each other, wasn’t it?”

He hummed in response. “Well, has anything changed since we last saw each other?”

“I learned that, as an adult, no one is stopping me from eating a whole tub of ice cream. I also learned that I do not make the best decisions, as said adult.”

He gave out a soft angelic laugh. You couldn’t help but snicker along with him.

“So not much has changed, huh?” He said after he’s done laughing.

“Yeah,” you respond. “Except I got my own place. Little apartment down the road from fam’s place.”

“Me too. I love having my own space. Though, it gets lonely sometimes.”

“Tell me about it.” You said as you straightened your back in your seat. “Especially when it’s just work, sleep, and then work.”

He looks at you baffled. “That douche bag seriously ran you that ragged?”

You scoffed in response. “Yeah. Once he got done ogling at me. I swear, ever since you stopped picking me up from work to hang out, his disgusting comments came in tenfold.”

He tensed up in response to this, feeling sorry he left you with such a perverted boss. “Sorry, I-“

“Will you stop apologizing? It’s not your fault that he needs to get his ass kicked to the curb. Besides,” you gave him a thumbs up. “I’m the one who had the last laugh leaving his sorry ass in the dust.”

“Good.” Shinso laid back into the seat. “That asshole didn’t deserve your hard work, or your pretty face.”

Your whole body froze at his comment. He really had a knack of throwing you off guard. “I think you’re the one with the pretty face around here. If all the ogling from the women up front is any indicator.”

“I don’t care about them. All they care about is looks and they act like I’m a prize to be won. No thank you.” He glanced at you. “So, they can stare all they want because this weekend, all my attention will be on you.”

You thanked the spirits that the trip coordinator just then walked onto the bus and announced the schedule for the day or Shinso would clearly see you trying to catch your breath and trying to hide the deep blush on your face.

Once the bus finally arrived, it took no time for everyone to exit the bus and stretch their legs.

“Jesus,” You groaned as you hear a crack in your back. “God forbid we stop and take a break. But no…”

Shinso laughed behind you, also stretching out his back. “The coordinator, a.k.a, your boss, isn’t one to bullshit around and waste time.”

“Such a drastic change from my last boss. Kind of looking forward to the change of pace.”

You heard said boss scream over everyone’s conversations. “Okay everyone let’s get a move on! You can stretch after we get camp set up!”

A groan came out of the whole group. “Come on, we just got here!”

“And you’ll have plenty of time to complain later, let’s go!”

You joined the group walking toward the campsite, noticing Shinso didn’t leave your side for one second.

“You need help carrying those bags?” He offered.

“You know I’m not the weak girl I was back in high school. Also,” you gestured at Shinso’s backpack. “How did you only end up with only one bag? I hope you plan on taking a shower.”

He chuckles at your comment. “I’m a minimalist, didn’t you know?”

Grinning, you elbowed him. “Then carry my tent bag, you nut.”

“Gladly.” He pulled the bag off your arm easily and over his shoulders to join the other bag he was carrying.

You never noticed how much Shinso changed until now. He wasn’t the same person from high school. He looked more… happy with his life. It was his dream to be a hero, and now his dreams are reality. You couldn’t help but feel a bit proud of him.

“You could shoot holes with how hard you’re staring at me.” He said as he meets your eyes.

“S-sorry… I was just thinking.”

“About?”

“Just… I’m so proud of you. You were dead set on being a hero in high school and now… you did it.” You smiled at him. “I’m really happy for you.”

You saw him rub the back of his neck with a slight blush on his face. “W-well… thanks.”

The group finally got to the campsite and started setting up for the night. You found that your campsite was a bit of a ways from Shinso, so you waved goodbye with a “see you soon” and got started setting up your tent in your area. About an hour later, the coordinator screamed at everyone that dinner was ready. As soon as you locked eyes with him, the bright indigo haired boy was, again, immediately by your side. You wouldn't say his presence was unwelcome, but you had wondered if you would ever get any personal space with him around. You figured he was just making up for lost time or maybe he knew that you were nervous around so many strangers. Either way, he stuck with you all through dinner, even when so many other people asked him to sit with their group. You felt a bit sorrowful that you took him away from so many of his friends, even if he didn't seem to mind.

When everyone was done eating and heading back toward the camp, Shinso tapped on your shoulder.

“Hey,” Shinso poked the side of your arm. “Follow me.”

“Sure, you creep." You responded with a grin. "Where are we going?”

He gave you a look as he gestured you toward him and down a path that split off on the way to the campsite. As you reached the end of the path, you could hear running water. “I found it when we were setting up tents. We’re going to see the river tomorrow, but… I thought it might be nice if we saw it tonight.”

The trail ended at a pier that let out over the river. You cautiously walked onto it and look over the edge, seeing not much but murky water and splashes of tiny fish. “So, where’s the free ice-cream?” you joke as you turned toward Shinso.

He laughed and joined in next to you on the pier. “I know luring you with free wi-fi would be ten times more effective.”

“Especially out here. I got absolutely no signal.” You leaned on the wooden railing that separated you from the water. “Although, it’s a nice feeling. Not having to look at a screen for two seconds.”

“With how much your old boss worked you, I’m surprise your not as blind as a bat.”

“Me too. I’ve only been here a week and I haven’t had to do half the work I did at my old job.”

“Well, I’m glad you’re here.” He also leaned his back on the railing, folding his arms. “I really worried every now and then how you were doing.”

“Me too.” You couldn’t stop yourself from brushing a strand of hair behind your ear as a result of nervousness. “I really did miss you.”

You both were silent, but it wasn’t awkward in the slightest. It was… calming to be alone with him once more. It reminded you of the first week of UA, when you and Shinso sneaked out of PE class to see the kittens, when you got to see a new side to Shinso.

It was a nice moment.

“Where the hell are they!”

And moments ruined.

Shinso groaned and rubbed his neck. “We should probably get back before team-leader rips us a new one.” You both started to walk back to camp when Shinso lightly grabbed your hand. “Be careful, it’s really dark now.”

You replied a simple “sure” as you followed closely next to him.

“I meant it you know.” Before you could have asked what, he spoke again. “I really am glad you are here. I felt like such a douche bag when I transferred to the hero course… and again when I promised we would talk again after graduating.” He locked eyes with you. “I know you said I have nothing to be sorry for, but I can’t help it. I should have done more.”

You wish you could have found the words to reassure him that you were not upset at him. “Then… if you’re so sorry, then don’t let it happen again.” You hopped that was enough.

He tightened his grip on your hand. “I won’t.”

He refused to let go of your hand until you both parted ways back to your respective tents.

[musings-from-mars]

More Than Just a Treat

Down Time - Spice Cream Week Day 2

Cinder and Neo had finally arrived in Atlas. After such a long journey from Mistral, only one thing was on the mind of the devious duo.

They wanted some ice cream.

“Ice cream?” Cinder asked, eyes narrowed at her short companion.

Neo shrugged. At least, she thought they both wanted ice cream.

“At a time like this, after such a long, tedious trip between continents, the first thing you want to do in Atlas...is go out...for ice cream...?”

Neo nodded. She didn’t quite see the problem. It had been a long trip, a trip devoid of any frozen dairy treats. Neo figured this was as good of an opportunity to break her ice cream fast as any.

Cinder stared down at her, incredulous. “N...Neo...” She then took a deep breath, then nodded. “Okay. Yeah. Ice cream does sound nice.”

Neo perked up the instant Cinder finished speaking. She grabbed the Fall Maiden’s hand and pulled her along.

“What...? Where are we going?”

“Ice cream,” Neo signed to her. The sign was literally a miming of licking an ice cream cone.

“How do you know where the nearest ice cream shop is?”

“I can smell it,” Neo responded, touching her nose.

Cinder went silent as Neo continued to drag her along. She shook her head in confusion, trying to piece together a response. Neo can smell ice cream...from miles away? She let Neo pull her along, too confused to speak. She expected them to just be wandering looking for an ice cream shop for hours, but if Neo was this excited and confident, Cinder chose to trust her.

~~~

Ten minutes later, they stood in front of an ice cream shop called Scooper Troopers.

“You really can smell ice cream from a mile away,” Cinder murmured, staring up at the storefront sign, mouth hanging open. “H-How?”

Neo offered nothing but a shrug as an answer, then grinned and took Cinder by the elbow, tugging her toward the entrance to the shop. Cinder never liked getting pushed and pulled around, but Neo seemed so excited, she let her.

~~~

Neo was an ice cream aficionado. In other words, she needed to sample every ice cream flavor available. And she didn’t just take a quick bite off the tiny plastic spoon of ice cream she was handed, she smelled it and studied it like wine. It was almost like watching an art critic study a painting. Neo would stare off into space after tasting a flavor, then would shake her head and point at the next tub of ice cream behind the glass. The lone worker behind the counter seemed a tad annoyed, but Cinder made certain to shoot him a fiery glare if he didn’t fulfill Neo’s request. Soon enough, Neo made a decision. Caramel Almond Swirl, apparently the most balanced and aesthetically pleasing of all the available selections. (Neo typed that out just so Cinder could know how much of a dairy snob she was. Cinder would never question how Neo got her full name again).

Cinder tried her best not to let it show, but she was a bit of a sweets enthusiast herself. Certainly not on the same level as Neo, but she had an unusual love for sweet stuff as a result of how rarely she was allowed to enjoy such treats as a kid. Now that she could spend her stolen money however she pleased, she dedicated a lot of it to candy and ice cream. Of course, she didn’t Neo know this. The last thing Cinder needed was to give Neo another reason to tease her. In an effort to hide her enthusiasm for sweets, she didn’t even ask for a sample. She asked for a scoop of vanilla in a paper cup.

As the worker handed her her ice cream, Neo was looked at her with a glare so purely judgemental that Cinder could feel her looking at her. “What?” Cinder asked, holding her cup of vanilla as she turned toward Neo.

Neo shot a glance down at Cinder’s treat, holding her much more impressive double scoop of Caramel Almond Swirl up for comparison.

“Maybe the simple choice is just as good,” Cinder countered, taking a plastic spoon and scooping some vanilla ice cream to her mouth. It tasted sweet and simple, just as expected. “No swirls needed.”

Neo rolled her eyes and waved for Cinder to follow her out to the street side. I was a bit chilly, but Cinder had already shown Neo a little trick that she can do with her Fall Maiden powers. She was able to burn down buildings and blow up cars with a single glance, but Cinder could also use her powers for more passive, useful purposes, like keeping herself and Neo comfortably warm in the Atlas winter. Also, there was no one sitting at the tables in front of the ice cream shop, so it gave them some privacy to converse.

Neo communicated with Cinder with a combination of sign language and typed text on her Scroll. Cinder had picked up on a lot of basic and conversational sign language during their journey together, but if Neo needed to communicate something she hadn’t taught Cinder, she typed it, and then would sign what the word or phrase means. Cinder was dead wrong when she had assumed it would be an annoyance communicating in such a way. She had actually learned a lot and developed an appreciation for the visual language. Certainly less annoying than people talking, after all.

“So, how’s your caramel thing?” Cinder asked.

“Caramel....Almond....Swirl.” She spelt out the ice cream flavor’s official name.

“Caramel Almond Swirl.” Cinder rolled her eye. “How is it?”

Neo picked up her Scroll to type a response, her spoon still in her mouth. Cinder watched her, each passing second meaning Neo’s typed response was getting longer. Cinder almost expected a novel at this rate. This girl is a capable assassin, Cinder thought to herself. Spoon sticking out of her mouth, writing a book review for a cup of ice cream. The fact that Neo was even here with her was an incredible chain of circumstances that was even more incredible with the benefit of hindsight.

If Cinder had gone anywhere besides Lil’ Miss’ Spiders, Neo never would have tracked her down. Then Neo tried to fight her, with murderous intent certainly a factor. Cinder convinced her not to kill her, and instead, convinced her to align with her. All of this could have gone wrong in a dozen different ways, but Cinder, never one to underestimate herself, had taken control of the situation like she always did. She was in control of her own destiny. Everything she did, she did on purpose.

She took another bite of vanilla ice cream.

Neo finally handed her typed review of her ice cream to Cinder, and Cinder began to read it, although not until after marveling at the mass of text before her:

“The consistency is there, certainly. The easiest way for ice cream to completely lose its balance is for the consistency to be off, too thick, too smooth. It was right on the cusp of melting when I sampled it. Still frozen, still solid, but the moment it hits your tongue, it melts, allowing the flavors to deconstruct in your mouth and give you the full impression of the overall treat. Then again, the flavor is a tad off. There isn’t enough almond flavor to justify the name. Adding actual crushed almonds in addition to the present flavoring would benefit it greatly...”

Neo was staring at Cinder as the taller woman read. Cinder continued to scan over the paragraph, somehow enthralled with Neo’s detailed analysis of ice cream. These were aspects that Cinder had never even considered. Consistency? Balance? Everyone needs a hobby, I guess. “Neo,” Cinder said, not knowing what else to do but chuckle as she handed the Scroll back to her. “I read all of that, but I’m still not sure if you like it.”

Neo sighed silently and nodded. “I like it.”

“Good. I like mine as well,” Cinder said. “The consistency is good, as is the balance. The vanilla could be benefited with more vanilla....”

Neo rolled her eyes and lightly punched Cinder in the shoulder. She then continued enjoying/silently critiquing her ice cream.

Neo was probably the most interesting person in Remnant. Cinder knew plenty about her and yet felt like she was still a mystery. And since Neo could not speak but communicated visually, Neo was very good and picking and choosing what she revealed. If Neo wanted to hide something, she could do so quite easily.

So why did Cinder trust her?

Why did Neo trust Cinder?

Neo noticed how long Cinder had remained silent, but she didn’t invoke another conversation. She could tell Cinder was thinking, and she let her.

Neo finished her ice cream. Cinder, however, was too deep in thought to continue eating. Her cup was still half full.

Neo waved her hand in Cinder’s line of vision to get her attention. Cinder looked at her “What?”

“I’m tired,” Neo signed, pressing her lips together. “Your powers making me feel warm...they’re making me tired.”

Cinder stared at her. She could have sworn Neo’s eyes were more subdued shades of pink and brown than usual. Neo’s eyes were indicators of her emotions. From looking at them, she was definitely as tired as she said.

“Okay,” Cinder nodded, her voice not as strong as earlier, cracking a bit. “Let’s head back to the ship.”

Something was on her mind. Neo hoped to find out what it was, because the longer she knew Cinder was worried about something, the less likely she would be able to sleep.

What could compare to a cup of ice cream on the eve of their ultimate revenge plot?

Maybe something about it put things in perspective.

To be continued with Day 3 - Comfort/Hugs

~~~

At last I wrote something. Hope you enjoyed it. I’m excited to write the next one, even if I’m a day behind...

[dreamydream]

Fallout Characters as Vines

Butch: *sitting at a booth eating* I mean, I get complimented all the time- Lone: *bursts out laughing from across the booth* Butch: I do! Lone: *continues laughing*

Six: *puts a pen to their mouth and inhales* *exhales smoke* Blaze it. *points camera to stove* Just kidding it's from my macaroni and cheese~!

Sole: *hands empty water bottle* Here. Mama Murphy: *stares at it for a second* This bitch is empty. Yeet! *lamely throws water bottle to ground*

Rex: *running towards a puddle* Six: You gonna get wet, I ain't gonna take you home, AH he got his damn feet wet now, shit dog...

Deacon: Welcome back to me screaming. AGHHHHHHHH- *takes breath* AGHHHHHHHHHH

Lone: WHAT ARE THOOOOOOOSE?! *motions to shoes* Old Lady Palmer: They are my crocs.

Lone: Sleep?! I don't know nothing about sleep! It's summertime-! James: You better go to bed! Lone: Oh, he caught me...

Sole: Two shots... of vodka. *open vodka bottle and dumps it into glass*

Hancock: Bro, how much money do you have? Sole: 69 caps. Hancock: Oh, you know what that means! Sole: *eyes start to water* I don't have enough money for Nuka Quantum...

Sole: Let me see what you have! Shaun: *runs by and holds up knife* A knife! Sole: NO! *runs after him*

Six: I wanna be a cowboy, baby! Veronica: Hell yeah! Six: *spinning around on old playground equipment with Veronica* I wanna be a cowboy, baby!

Six: Man, you sure do know your bible. Joshua: That's why they call me- ~~BibleMan~~

Six: Wanna hear a chemistry joke? Arcade: ... Six: Is that a no? Arcade: Oh sorry did you want a *looks at camera* reaction? -camera cuts to Six huddled in the bathroom crying-

Lone: Would you rather fight a bunch of kindergartners- Butch: I wanna fight kindergartners. Lone: That's not even the whole- Butch: Those kids are getting slapped-!

Travis: I have a banana peel on the ground and I'm gonna see if it's really slippery like it is in the cartoons. I- *grabs cup of water and instantly slips, slinging water everywhere* UAGHHHHH

Preston: *filming group of radstags eating outside the house* Sole: *sneezes and radstags run off* Preston: Nice, Sole. Sole: I sneezed! Oh, I'm not allowed to sneeze?

Mr. Brotch: Butch has 19 bottles of dish soap, and he gives Paul- Amata: Wait, why does Butch have so many soaps?! Butch: *sitting at a desk surrounded by soap, pouring soap out into hand* MIND YO BUSINESS, AMATA!

Lone: *tries and fails to do a skateboard trick* James: Hey I used to ride skateboard. Lone: Pfft, my dad is such-what?! James: *rides by on skateboard doing a handstand*

Shaun: *holding basketball* Hey, you wanna play? Hancock: Nah, I don't really. Shaun: C'mon... Hancock: Okay, you talked me into it. Shaun: *shoots basketball* Hancock: *viciously slaps it away* Get outta here kid! *slam dunks basketball with Shaun backing away* GAME OVER!!!

Travis: How to pick up girls. *runs at Scarlett and picks her up* Scarlett: AGH GET OFF OF ME! Travis: *trips and falls* OH, FU-

Lone: Daddy can you teach me how to twerk? James: *raises eyebrows* No more tv *unplugs tv* no more computer *shoves computer in trash* We're reading books from now on, little girl. *hands Lone a book*

Arcade: Rex, I'm home. *walks into kitchen to see bloodstain and 'your next' written in blood on fridge* *gasps* This is so wrong... *dips finger in blood and corrects 'your' to 'you're'* There.

Shaun: *standing on ladder* I'm scared, Mom. Sole: Do ya trust me son? *holds out arms* Shaun: Yeah. Sole: C'mon son! Shaun: *falls backwards* Sole: *turns away* Rule number one, never trust anybody!

-Amata and Lone sitting at a table drinking coffee and Butch and Wally pretend to take pictures- Butch: Today we observe two basic white girls in their natural habitat! Whatever you do, don't touch the- Wally: *grabs a coffee and runs off* Butch: *gasps* Are you crazy?!

James: Someone called me a dilf at work today. Lone: Oh, that was so cool- James: No, it wasn't. Lone: YEAH

Shaun: Yeet! Sole: *walks into room* Eat, eat? You wanna eat something? Shaun: No mom I was just saying a random word... Sole: *holds out mutfruit* Okay, eat something. Shaun: No I'm fine- Sole: EaT thE FuckIn MuTrUit-

Lone: *wearing a graduation cap* Hey change of plans, I'm actually not going to college anymore, I'm going to hell. Um, not that excited.

Lone: So you just gonna bring me a birthday gift on my birthday to my birthday party on my birthday with a birthday gift? Amata: *raises eyebrows and slowly looks away* Butch: Happy birthday-? Lone: *smashes glass into his face*

Deacon: Be honest, do these shorts make my butt look big? MacCready: It makes that ass look fat. Deacon: What the fuck?... thank you.

Six: I want to see my little boy~ Arcade: Here he comes. Six: I want to see my little boy~ ED-E: *beep*

MacCready: Hey can I get a sip of that water? Sole: It's not water. MacCready: Vodka! I like your style. Sole: It's vinegar. MacCready: What. Sole: It's vinegar, pussy.

Sole: I'm done with this dumbass Institute with all these fake ass people. Allie: *walks by* Hey. Sole: Hey! *walks by* ...fucking bitch.

Butch: You ready to die?! Lone: You can't kill me, I'm a bad bitch!

Joshua: This is my message to Jesus... Hey, GiGi. Sup man... how are ya?

Raider: That moment when you enter a room and forget why you went in there- Pickman: *stabs him in the back* Raider: *thinks* Oh that's right I was getting chased by a serial killer!

Deacon: Hey babe you wanna spoon? *holds up spoon* And then we can fork? And then-you can slit my throat with a knife...

Hancock: Bro, do you ever smoke lean? Preston: Smoke lean? Hancock: Wo-ow... Preston: N-no, yeah, I have. Hancock: Dude, I thought you were tight. Preston: I have, Mom-!

Mr. Brotch: Okay, is Butch here? Butch: Present. *dabs* Mr. Brotch: ...Lone. Lone: *throws up peace sign* Suh, dude.

Arcade: You ever wanna talk about your emotions, Boone? Boone: No. Six: I do! Arcade: I know, Six. Six: I'm sad. Arcade: I know, Six.

Veronica: Hey, I'm lesbian. Six: ...I thought you were American.

Shaun: I can't swim. Cait: How old are you? Shaun: Ten. Cait: *picks him up and throws him into a pond*

Butch: So basically what I was thinking of was um... Lone: *punches him* Butch: Ah, fuck... I can't believe you've done this.

Six: Do you remember one time I liked you? Benny: No? Six: Good cause it never happened. Benny: Oh... Six: Aha *flips him off* Oho

DC Guard: Detective, this is a crime scene. Nick: *holding 3 tubs of ice cream* What, is this the murder weapon?! *closes freezer with shoulder* Get off my dick!

Sole: I still don't have a New Year's resolution. Piper: You could lose a few. Danse: You could be less lazy. Cait: Don't be such a bitch- Sole: Okay DAMN!... SHIT.

Butch: *whispers* What do beavers build? Lone: A dam. James: *from other room* What'd you say? Butch: Ooh... Lone: Dad, he set me up!

-Amata, Butch, and Christine sitting at a booth- Lone: Today we observe a teenage male appeared to be caught in the friend zone! Research shows there's no escape... I've been spotted!

Six: *looking out over New Vegas* Some day I'm gonna own this goddamn town... *raises whiskey glass to mouth but quickly moves it away* Eughhh I don't like whiskey it burns my mouth!...

Lone: I'm different cause I don't like drama! Y'know?... But Christine... Christine has an STD-

Jack: What are these curious circles? *picks up bottlecap* They have little words on them, how quaint. Do poor people eat these? *bites into it* Disgusting, Edward, take it away!

Lone: This just in, folks, I'm getting reports that Butch is gay; more at 11. Butch: I'm not gay... ... Lone: This just in, folks, I'm now getting reports that Butch is still gay. Let's go to Butch who's on the scene. Butch: I'm not fucking gay!

Six: Any sauces? Raul: Hot and verde. Six: What did you just say to me? Raul: Oh, sorry. *removes accent* Verde. Six: I thought you were trying to seduce me or somethin'

Butch: What's goin' on, my name is Butch, I'm 19 years old, and I'm-... a little nervous *clears throat* He WaS a BOy, shE wAs a GirL ... Lone: I'm Lone and I think I can be the next American Idol *clears throat* I CHimE iN, hAVen'T-

Sole: *holds up harmonica* You play it and you get 100 million caps; but 100 million people will die. MacCready: *furiously plays harmonica* Sole: MacCready no-

[yoosungiib]

could you do the rfa + minor trio (if you feel like it!) and little ways they show mc they love her? I hope this makes sense lol. i love your blog 💘

Thank you, darling! What a cute request ;3

RFA + Minor Trio and the little ways they show their love for MC

~~~

★ Yoosung ★

Since Yoosung gets home from the hospital pretty late, it is you who cooks dinner; and you usually cook some pretty extravagant.

It could be something so simple as macaroni, and yet you’d find a way to make it somewhat extra.

After every dinner, Yoosung will clean the dishes.

And he hates cleaning the dishes. He always had to do them when he was living with his parents. yes, when in college he never did the dishes

It has a become a routine that once you are both finished eating, you’ll go to the couch to rest for a bit or read a book, and Yoosung will start playing his favorite music through his headphones while he cleans the dishes.

Whenever you guys play video games, he’ll always let you win,

And he’ll always make a big deal when you win to make it look like he didn’t just totally let you kill him in the easiest battle possible.

Usually, Yoosung is the first one to be awake in the morning since work starts earlier for him. It makes him sad knowing he cannot be besides you when you awaken from your slumber.

To make up for it, he leaves little post it notes around the house for you to find, and they are new every morning.

They are always compliments, encouragements, or him telling you that he loves you, and each are super cute.

You have all of them saved in a scrapbook.

♪ Zen ♪

One of the most simplest things to do, yet one of his favorite ways to show he loves you, is to make the bed – Of course, it all depends on whether he has a early resershal though, keep in mind.

You guys have a pretty big bed,

And you guys usually make a pretty big mess doing a numerous amount of… activities.

Once you are out of the bed and up and about, Zen starts to make the bed, and he does a pretty good job it!

He once tried to make a swan out of one of the towels from the bathroom to put on the bed, like the ones they do at hotels, but it came out looking like more of an ugly duckling. EIther way, you appreciate what he was trying to do and found it cute.

Zen goes shopping with you.

That is a big thing for him to do since he doesn’t like shopping unless it’s facial products for him.

He finds it boring, but he will do it for you. He knows that you value his opinion on what you pick out, and he knows that you enjoy his company.

Everyday, there is something new posted about you on his blog or any other social media platform.

He makes a huge effort to post at least one appreciation post about you.

Most of them are really corny and cheesy, but at the same time they are sweet and loving.

He loves to post some of his favorite things you have said that day, and will post a picture of you doing something simple like cleaning around the house or laying with him on the couch, or doing something that you love.

He just needs to share with everyone how amazing you are, and to tell everyone just how much he loves you!

❀ Jaehee ❀

She’ll always put down her work and take an hours break to take you on a walk.

She loves how peaceful they are, and loves how much closer you guys can get. You’ll both talk about your days, what you want to watch on tv, Zen’s musicals, or a book you’ve read.

You guys will hold each others hands tightly. She’ll sometimes stop you to point something out that reminds her of you.

Jaehee regularly thanks you for the little things you do around the house, like cooking or cleaning.

She is always very appreciative to see dinner on the table and to find the living room clean. If she is still working with Jumin, it is very comforting to come to a clean home after a stressful day. If you guys are working at the cafe, she’ll sometimes do extra hours, and it’s nice to come back up from the cafe and see dinner is ready.

She’ll always run errands for you,

No matter what it is.

You could text her and say that you guys are out of toilet paper, and you could have intended to get new rolls yourself, but she’ll beat you to it and go out of her way to get it.

☂ Jumin ☂

When Jumin gets home, he always gives you a long, loving kiss.

No short kisses or quick ones to your cheek or forehead, but to your lips, and they are always passionate enough to show you how much he missed you and how he couldn’t wait but to come home to you.

Every kiss leaves you breathless.

Jumin loves to give you random foot massages. You won’t even be complaining of having sore feet, but he’ll just grab your feet from the ground and put them on his lap, and uses those talented fingers of his on them. Could use them on something else

He’ll also sometimes massage your shoulders or back. 

He just loves to give you massages to make you feel good.

He enjoy picking movies out that he knows you’ll love for you and him to watch together before bed. 

If you guys do not have other activities he’ll plan a movie night with snacks and wine.

If he’s feeling up for it, he’ll make a fort with you too, though it’s rare.

And Elizabeth the 3rd will always lounge across both of your laps as you two cuddle up under a soft blanket.

☺ Seven/Saeyoung ☺

Seven lives for the little things he can do to show his love.

Although, nothing is ever little with him.

Seven sends you texts constantly throughout the day to tell you he loves you. He feels bad that most of the time he has to stay cooped up in his ‘office’ doing work, so every hour he sends you a text.

Most of them are goofy, but some can be nice and sweet too. Favorites?

“Everyday is like Valentine’s Day with you!”

“What did one boat say to the other? ‘Are you up for a little row-mance?’ Are you up for some romance, MC?”

“I know I haven’t been the best husband ever, but baby, I’m truly in love with you. And I’m always thinking of you.”

Seven likes to occasionally re-create your first proper date. Your first ever date was actually a simple candle lit dinner out in the park, so every so often he’ll take you back to the park and have the same meal, same table, same candles out there.

Probably your favorite thing is that he cosplays as your favorite characters from TV shows, movies, or books/manga, and will be them for the whole day.

It’s so much fun because not only is he brilliant at cosplay, he’s a brilliant actor too! Watch out Zen.

So he really plays the roll well and makes it believable for you.

❆ V ❆

Sometimes he will come home early from work with dinner.

He likes to surprise you by walking through the door with chinese food, pizza, or what ever your favorite take out is, and he loves to see just how your face lights up at not only seeing him but the food too.

He may get carried away sometimes and feed the food to you, but you don’t complain.

Everyday, he makes sure to thank you for being a wonderful wife.

V thinks that it is very important to tell you how happy he is that you stuck by him and never left his side even after everything, and now you’re his wife, and everyday show him love he didn’t think he deserved.

He paints you many, many pictures.

In fact, you think you have maybe over 100 at this point.

Most of them are self portraits of you, others are stuff that remind him of you. Some may also just be paintings he worked hard on and wanted to give to you.

Your bedroom is filled with paintings.

☻ Saeran/Unknown ☻

Like Seven, he lives for the little things he can do to show his love, considering he is not someone who is very outgoing or flamboyant.

He always lets you have the lost scoop of ice cream, the last piece of cake, or just the last bit of dessert.

It’s a hard thing for him to do since he loves his sweets, but for you he’ll do it.

He’d rather you be the one enjoying it then him.

Ice cream is incredibly important to the both of you. Your fridge, if not filled with food, is filled with ice cream.

Saeran makes sure that the fridge is always stocked up on your favorite ice cream. If he sees that it’s running low, he’ll run to the market to get another carton.

Saeran runs baths for you;

When he sees that you are getting stressed out, or that you’re tired, or that you just need to relax for a bit, he’ll go and run the bath for you, fill it with bubbles, and put in your favorite bath bomb – if you like them.

He’ll also sit with you too if your comfortable. He’ll rest his head on the side of the tub, his fingers dipping into the waters sometimes and tracing up your skin.

He may also join you in the tub too, but he prefers to take showers with you if anything.

Saeran isn’t the best with words, but he wants you to realize just how truly beautiful he thinks you are.

On the mirror is a new sticky note every day complimenting you. And there is always a small heart or smiley face at the bottom too. Each one you have saved and put in a box.

Saeran also frames many picture of you guys up around the house. It could be a really bad photo, but as long as you two are in it he is printing it out and finding a nice frame for it.

There is barely any room left on the walls.

✌ Vanderwood ✌

He’ll surprise you with something you’ve been meaning to get done, done.

He can see that you are busy, and he can see that things like needing to get your car cleaned or re-organizing your bookshelf is getting pushed to the last of your priorities.

So he’ll do it for you. He’ll organize the bookshelf for you just how you like it, and he’ll clean your car, since cleaning is his specialty.

Vanderwood likes to make little to-do lists with you of all the fun things you guys want to do together.

He has really nice handwriting,

And he actually gets really excited making a bucket list type of thing. He also gets excited just thinking of all the things he’d love to do with you.

For example, a trip to London!

The only time he went to London was for a mission, but he would really love to get to go there with you as a vacation spot. He wants to take you on the London Eye, around the shops, see a show at the West End, stay in a fancy hotel.

You have a habit of waiting up for him. Unfortunately, he doesn’t usually finish work till about midnight or sometimes past, and you’ll end up falling asleep on the couch waiting for him.

He always brings you to bed and changes you into your pajamas, being ever so gentle not to wake you.

If he still has more work to do, he’ll kinda just say fuck it and bring it to bed with him so he can just stay besides you.

It’s hard for him to be so far from you.

~~~

Requests are closed right now, but to find rules of requests you can check out my masterlist page!

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[mister-tom-a-dildo-lover]

"stop eating all the ice cream!" I'm very interested to see how you'd write this one. I can't see Tom either saying this quote, or being in a position where this quote is said to him. Tomarry btw. uwu ❤️ your writing

THANKS!

Fandom: Harry Potter

Pairing: Tomarry

Tags: Fluff, Ice Cream, Non-Magic AU, 

“Stop eating all the ice cream!” Tom hissed, taking the large tub away from his lover and setting it on the opposite counter.

Harry, who was sitting at the kitchen table with his spoon between his lips, pouted and turned his watering verdant eyes on Tom. “But it tastes so good!” he whinged.

“That isn’t a good enough reason. You’re lactose intolerant, Harry! Get sorbet, not ice cream.”

“But I don’t like fruit flavoured frozen confections! Cookie Dough is perfection, Tom!”

“Then pick out the cookie dough and eat only that. Remember what happened the last time you bought and ate an entire tub of ice cream on your own?”

On cue, a flush worked its way across Harry’s cheekbones. He’d been violently ill and had horrible cramps and sharp pain for days. He’d been reduced to tears and Tom had been frantic with worry until he learned of why if was happening. And that Harry knew very well what would happen when he did it, but did it anyway.

“I’m not rubbing your stomach this time,” he told his younger lover, frown deep and pronounced.

There was a low sniffle in response.

“No. I refuse to reward you for hurting yourself.”

He turned away and left the kitchen, refusing to allow himself to be guilt-tripped into giving Harry what he wanted. Harry knew that Tom was weak to his oddly powerful allure, and Tom wasn’t giving him the opportunity to use it.

Though if he was honest in the deepest parts of his heart, when Harry became ill once again, he’d most likely be right there, massaging him in order to lessen the pain.

Harry in pain made Tom very unhappy.

A/N: He cares!

[a-life-of-living]

Breakups 101

I’ve only been through 2 breakups in my live but both have been horrific and extremely emotionally scarring. One I dated for 2 years partially long distance while I was in college, we wrrr the power couple and everyone was ready for our wedding including me and as far as he ever told me him. When I was home for a week for spring break he dumped me, said he’s changed his mind and left me on a curb in the rain. I know, it sounds like a bad movie. The second one I was only with for 2 months but in those 2 months we connected and went hard together, we went on multiple trips, bought promise rings, bought a car together, and let both of our families know how committed we were. When I went back to college in the fall he became distant and I had to hear from his friend what his issue was, I apologized for what I’d done and said if he still wanted to leave then ok he could call me and do it if not I’d fly him here and we could spend time together. He said he’d give it a shot he just needed money to fix his tires so he could get to the airport. I transferred what I could and the next day I heard again from his friend that he’d been in a car crash in a work car. Sick with worry I waited a full day to hear from him. He ignored me for a full day after that until one night I texted and said I know you’re busy but today has been awful and I need you. He blocked my number. I had to hear from his friend that the relationship had been over for him for weeks and he was flying another girl out from Canada to see him.

So without further ado...here’s what I’ve learned....

1. Keep busy go places and do things, not alone at first but with others!! Even if you’re not necessarily feeling it go out and see where it takes your mood.

2. Talk to people!! Those friends and family members that have been there through fights with your now ex and every other problem you’ve had?? Well they’re here now and they love you and are ready to help you and remind you how amazing you are through this whole thing. You’d be surprised who comes through with a little love and care when you reach out. Go out for coffee or have them over and sit in your pjs and watch a funny movie, make cookies or eat ice cream. If you don’t have people you normally go to or if your bf was that person, try and text someone who’s offered to let you vent before, tell them you’re feeling alone and need to talk. This is an amazing chance to cultivate a new close friendship. Finally at the end of the day your parents love you, I guarantee it. Tell them what happened and they’ll be there with love.

3. Allow yourself to have time to be alone and feel the pain. Contrary to the last 2 you sadly can’t avoid feeling the heartbreak entirely. Know that it is 100% ok and healthy to sit in your room alone or wherever and cry and scream and feel like you want to die. Eat ice cream, sit alone all day and watch Netflix with junk food. It’s ok. You need this in order to heal. If you lose control and begin to panic or feel the need to self harm. Fight it and or text someone. Anyone. They want to be there for you.

4. This one is importantly and a game changer. Delete the pictures, videos, snapchats, songs, delete numbers, things you wrote about them, block on social media, Polaroids, throw away their stuff, decide what you can keep and not have it be emotionally connected to them, if you think it’ll be a painful reminder throw it out. Now. Everything you need to do, and do it while you’re still upset and crying. I know it sounds crazy but right now you’re a mess and crying and in pain and if you wait to do it later it will just cause more pain and crying do it now and get it all out and done with. Don’t draw it out.

5. If you feel that everything is too much try and write or talk out your feelings you don’t even have to send it or say it to anyone if you don’t want but letting them out can allow your brain to fully process and organize them and open up space for you to breath and be ok.

6. The internet is your friend!! This sounds sad but a quick google will show you 100s of people going through the same thing you are or worse and asking for advice saying they feel like the pain will never end. Read they’re posts and stories and the responses. It’s strangely comforting to know you’re not alone.

7. Don’t listen to sad or relationshipy songs! They won’t help and are just going to make you miss what was and look back.

8. When you’re ready and strong enough allow yourself to honestly recognize what happened and why so that you can learn from it for your next relationship!

9. Exercise! Develop a work out routine, it gets the good chemicals and endorphins flowing in your brain and makes you feel great about you after. A workout is an amazing reset for the mind. As a side note showers, baths, and long walks or drives can also be

10. When you’re ready, start talking to new guys. Finding that there are other people who like you and who you get along with is so refreshing and comforting.

Extras:

Bath bombs are a great way to treat yourself without spending too much and still get a lot out of it. A nice lush bath bomb is $8 at most and they have them for $4, $6, and $7 as well go sniff around lush and grab one. Take a bath and post cute pics of the bomb fizzing, like ya do, set up your laptop next to the tub and have you time!!

Starting and keeping a bullet journal is really helpful and keeps you doing the things you want need and love while also giving you a place that’s your own to express yourself and keep your mind organized to prevent anxiety.

If following someone or something on social media is causing you pain, obsessiveness, or unhappiness unfollow/block them, and if need be let them know that it’s not personal, but at the end of the day you don’t need to say anything if you don’t want.

If someone is hurting you in their attempt to help. Let them know and tell them reasonably what you need.

Songs that I’ve found safe and empowering/comforting in different ways:

- Saturn / Sleeping at Last

- I Did Something Bad / Taylor Swift

- Blank Space / Taylor Swift

- Hardfeelings|Loveless / Lorde (go through this whole album and see what helps and what you need at the moment in my opinion it’s by far the best for breakups and really has all the emotions captured somewhere or another throughout)

- Woman / Kesha

- Let ‘Em Talk / Kesha

Netflix shows to start or get into:

- Breaking Bad

- Gossip Girl

- Gilmore Girls

- Bates Motel

- American Horror Story

- The Great British Baking Show

- Shameless

- Parks and Rec

- The Office

- Big Little Lies (if you have HBO)

- Mad Men

- New Girl

- Riverdale

- Sherlock

- Any of John Mulaney’s shows

- The Santa Clarita Diet

[themirthfulroadrunners]

New Mexico Just off the Turquoise Trail

The first two days of this trip were troublesome, nearly problematic… sorta. We got an early (early!) start, leaving home at 4:45. Traffic wasn’t bad, not even the trucks. Of the 8 construction zones that Google maps identified, which turned into 11-12, none of them slowed us down much. No merging problems, and never below about 60mph. So we arrived at our reserved hotel at about lunch time – much earlier than we usually stop driving. (Exaggeration maybe, and gaining an hour at the New Mexico border did affect our timing. Plus, we had reserved a hotel, due to so many travelers escaping lockdown). But we used the free afternoon to drive a scenic road that was actually more cool than scenic with the find of some awesome old churches. And the location of where Coronado stopped over for 4 days to build a bridge across the Pecos River. We tried to find Pecos Bill. Maybe next time.

The troublesome, nearly problematic parts were in the area of our energy. After the activities of the 2nd day, we were toast. Debbie was so weary as to be sick from it. The hotel bed was heavenly, tho, so good rest was had.

 The morning drive out of our stop (Santa Rosa) was horrific with the truckers. The rudest in the world apparently drive I-40 going west from Santa Rosa and we interacted with many of them. Speaking of Santa Rosa, the California city that was burned up in 2020, is where Wayne moved from in 1979 to return to the land of ancestry (on his dad’s side), Arkansas. Working in the Post Office in Santa Rosa, CA, he saw a ton of misdirected letters that should have gone to New Mexico. Conversely, a lot of Santa Rosa, CA mail that was supposed to go to another address in Santa Rosa, CA, took a side trip to Santa Rosa, NM first.

 Our next hotel in Albuquerque, the city of Debbie’s birth (thanks to the United States Air Force) was touted as a ‘full-service’ facility, which means no free breakfast. Don’t know about you, but for 150 million bucks, we want free waffles! (and yogurt) And we ain’t payin’ no $25 for a hotel breakfast where you can’t even order what you want (free waffles!) Also, now, mind you that this is during the Covid19 Delta-variant-surging-wave, one of the two elevators in a 6-floor hotel is closed. Once while we were on the only operative one, descending from the 5th floor, it stopped at the 3rd where 2 employees and a customer charged in to join us. NO! We scored a strike bowling them down as we clamored over them to get out. WHAT’S A’MATTER WITH PEOPLE? (Besides bein’ knocked out.)

 We got to our house sit and guess what? The promised hot tub doesn’t work, the homeowner had compromised the wiring while tryin’ to electrificate a tree that grows through the deck. After immediately kicking their two dogs (NO, we didn’t), the homeowners pledged that the promised hot tub would be repaired before our house sit was to start. Afraid for their pets’ lives, they did, it was, and a hot tub at 7000’ is sublime. All is well in New Mexico. And even better yet, the owners invited us back before we even unpacked. Now we feel bad for our earlier disappointment.

 Speaking of hot tubs, this trip afforded us the best in terms of stars, satellites, and shooting (falling?) stars. They were awesome.

 New Mexico, which should change its name to Carson State, or Navajo State, seems to have a distinct lack of historic, or cultural, heroes. Coronado, the famed Spanish explorer abused the native Indians (Pueblo, Navajo, Zuni, Apache, Comanche, Ute, Kiowa), and probably more, to the degree that they revolted in 1680. There was blood, followed by bad blood. Coronado was solely interested in exploiting both the people, and their wealth, had he ever found the lost cities of gold. Coronado aside, there were famous trappers and hunters, but none who benefitted the development of the state, or any people groups within. Kit Carson seems to be the singular stand out as far as heroic figures go. (There may be a bunch of indigenous folks, or folks of Spanish ancestry worthy of the acclaim, I don’t know.) Starved for notoriety of some sort (even bad press is better than no press), modern New Mexicans (Carsonians) point to Billy the Kid – almost to the degree of the George Washington slept here hype. While eastern states laud actual heroes: Daniel Boone, Davy Crockett, John Paul Jones, Paul Revere, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, General Anthony Wayne (hah!), Ashley McBride (ha-ha!), and the like, New Mexicans extol a murdering punk, a villain. Oh well, even bad publicity …

Despite the obvious lack of historical heroes, New Mexico does not lack for historical enchantment. The sights are spectacular, especially the mountains and even the smaller rock formations. The people are friendly (excepting the murderous Billy). The food is great. Wayne prefers the red chili peppers while Debbie, the green. Wayne likes to actually see the mold in his food.

After a short two-mile hike with a thousand-foot elevation gain, it was time for Sparkly, our glittery black Ford Edge, to finally get his way, a trip up a bona fide Jeep/ATV road/trail. It used to be a road. In fact, we drove it with ease two years ago. A local told us that the monsoons they’ve had washed it away. Sparkly wanted to go fast, so Wayne let him have his head, doubling the recommended 2mph. Sparkly was sometimes difficult to restrain.

 The adventure was worth it, offering a Stephen King Misery experience. A mountain lion crossed the ‘road’ just ahead of us. Wayne stopped and got out of the car to check out where it had headed. (maybe not the most clever of options) Low and behold, (BTW, we loathe and despise cliches, but sometimes it’s better than a sharp stick in the eye) A hundred or so feet down the nearly 90 degree drop-off was a vehicle smashed into a tree. Though there were no obvious signs of a recent departure from the ‘road’, it could have fairly flown over the nearby brush. Or it could have gone over when there was snow cover. Or … anyway, going down to check whether there was a corpse in the vehicle while theoretically possible, didn’t seem very well-advised considering that there might very well be a mountain lion finishing up what might be left and much preferring the live meat presenting himself on a veritable platter – Wayne.

Surprisingly, there was cell service in this remote mountainous area. From a Sandia Mountain trail map handout, we got through to someone who transferred the call to the proper authority. While they appreciated our call, they’d been aware of the vehicle and that it had been there for some time. But how weird, that the mountain lion crossed exactly where we could see the crashed vehicle. What if it wasn’t the same crash that the authority thought they knew about? What if the driver was just then coming to, only to see a mountain lion eating his face? (Limiting Wayne’s Stephen King intake.)

 Another mile down the ‘road’ we saw a mountain lion kitten, though it was barely a kitten, nearly as large as its mother, and almost devoid of kitten colorations and markings. We watched it in awe for some time before thinking to take a photo. You just have to believe us (or not) that the blond blur in the below picture is the kitten.

 Another quarter mile brought us to our promised hike, a trail to what was described as a Cave Man Cave. Unless we’d unknowingly driven across the Atlantic, it is doubtful that cave men had ever seen New Mexico, let alone inhabited this cave. More than likely the occupants, for which sufficient evidence supported the probability, were ancient indigenous people, no doubt using the cave to hide from mountain lions at night. The cave was cool, but there are better in Arkansas.

 A serendipitous hike in the Sandia Mountains showed us a plethora of wildflowers; most were varieties this Arkansas couple do not normally see. But the star of the show was a large mule deer buck who calmly sauntered in the trail behind us when we stopped for a rest (hiking at high altitude is hard, y’all!).

A retracing of a trip up the Turquoise Trail from 2 years ago put us re-hiking a trail in Cerrillos State Park, just south of Santa Fe. Several old mineral mines dot this trail and their history is revealed in very good signage. Passing through Madrid (unlike the one in Spain, this one is pronounced MAA’-drid), we were stopped for several minutes on Hwy 14 due to a ‘special event’ which we could not see. When allowed to pass through the artsy, cutesy town, we saw evidence of a movie being filmed. After exploring Cerrillos, we returned to Madrid for ice cream and got to watch some of the preparations for more filming. We did not get to see the part where the clipboard snaps and someone yells, “ACTION!” but it was enough. This same town was used for some of the scenes in the motorcycle film Wild Hogs and one building still boasts the ‘Diner’ sign that was added only for the film. Sign on the door says they do not serve food there. One can understand the confusion for tourists. We found out the movie being filmed during our trip is titled Robots and is a futuristic comedy starring Shailene Woodley and written by one of the writers on Borat. Cool beans. We ran into the film company yet again a day or two later, this time in a couple of sites in the Sandia Mountains. Whether the finished movie turns out to be good or meh, we’ll be watching it to catch glimpses of the gorgeous New Mexico countryside. New Mexico and Colorado have several movie ranches sprinkled in the very scenic areas.

 15 months, or so, ago we were house-sitting in Durango when paper Closed for Covid signs went up on doors in business-after-business. Here’s one for the whole town.

 While touristing Old Town Albuquerque we suddened upon a shop managed by a very personable guy who gave us a cup of Arabica/piñon coffee. When we house-sat in Sante Fe last year we talked to a State Park Ranger dude who told us all bout people picking piñon nuts. Having marvelously (Debbie word) passed the aroma tests, we bought a box of K-cups of this unique, pinon flavored brew. The personable guy turned out to be the artist, David Behrens (DavidBehrensGallery.com and Facebook.com/DavidBehrensGallery).

 This trip ranks among the best, or at the top of the list: obedient and FUN pets, very clean and comfortable home, fantastic hiking and scenery (despite the photo-compromising smoke), and very gracious hosts who offered us their entire refrigerator! Regarding the smoke, we shouldn’t be too self-centered considering it may be what’s left of someone’s home passing overhead.

Here are more pix from the trip. Enjoy!