#didn't bother changing the user names because tired

[undead-knick-knack]

Little does Ashton realize, Essek does in fact want to know more about the Hat Man

[sweetcloverheart]

You know what would have been an actual interesting motive for Emonette going full Renegade Route that didn't rely the writer's hateboner for mean rich blonde girls? A Class Salt plot.

(Not that while I say this, the class depicted is not the Miraclass, but a madeup class for this AU/plot idea)

Picture this: Emonette is in her first year at Francois Dupont and isn't friends with anyone - she's shy, awkward, and too clumsy for her own good. She weirds people out with her motormouth and her need to know everything about everyone, but mostly just fades into the background most of the time. Even the cruel queen bee Chloe doesn't bother with her because why would she? Emonette's not anyone important nor will she be.

But if there's one trait she still shares with our Mari, it's that need to help people - So when someone needs help with a project, or extra goods for a fundraiser, or just an extra hand, she happily and eagerly offers it. Rain or shine, 24/7, she's your gal for whatever event or crisis ills you. After all, friends always help each other out! She couldn't dare leave her classmates' hanging when they might need her.

(And yeah, it gets a bit overwhelming when too many people ask for help around the same time, and she's often left to do the work on her own to the point that she's constantly tired/burnedout- but that's just the price of friendship!)

Then one day, Emonette overhears a conversation she knows she wasn't meant to -

"Are you sure it's fine for me to ask Marinette to help with this? I don't want to be bothering her when she seems so busy-"

"Look, it's fine. Clumsinette's a huge pushover. If you asked her for a kidney she'd likely make space in her schedule for the surgery - if the spazz doesn't drop her calendar into soup or something."

"That seems a bit mean to say about your friend, no?"

"Pfft - dude, I'm not friends with her. I just let the little freak think that so she'll handle group work for me and get me free snacks from her parents' bakery."

"Really?"

"Yeah really! Everyone else in class does the same thing too. You just got to let her think you want to be all buddy-buddy with her and she'll do anything you ask!"

And at first, Emonette doesn't want to acknowledge it - is convinced she misheard, or misunderstood, or they were talking about someone else who is also named Marinette who also owns a bakery and brings extras to class.

But then she notices how her "friends" only seem to want to hang out when there's a class event to be organized or a group assignment that needs a little "extra" pizazz or a dress for a upcoming party or when her parents are having half-off on eclairs. How they're always "busy" when she has spare freetime and tries to invite them over, or how all their calls and texts are about how she missed a stitch on a shirt she was asked to fix or to hurry up on the finishing touches to a poster they need for their part-time job.

(That they always seem to be giggling about her when she enters or leaves the room, or how they call her Clumsinette behind her back)

And when she has to reject a request for help, everyone stops talking to her immediately. She's ignored, shoved around, has her things taken and damaged, and it doesn't stop until she tells them she's able to do it.

"That's our good friend Marinette!"

"Our everyday little hero!"

The rose-colored glasses break, and Emonette finds herself alone in a sea of users and leeches that see her as a free snack machine or an on-call handy girl. There was never "friends" here not ever.

(Not for silly, stupid Clumsinette)

"Y-yeah, you can always rely on me!"

A year passes, and nothing has changed except the growing, boiling anger within her. Her classmates still use her for their own personal gain, and she has little ways of recourse to avenge herself. It seems as though she's doomed for a life of misery.

Then she finds a box, dropped by a bobbed brunette girl from the other class in a rush to leave school - and when she opens it up, her life is changed forever...

[m00dysunflower]

Testimone di Gangster vs Purple Haze Feedback

Just came fresh off of reading the new Squatizi light novel (which I LOVED) and decided to ruminate on why I loved one and hated the other so much.

I want to preface that if anyone is nasty in replies or tags about my views and opinions of PHF, I'll block you, I don't have time to fight over a non canon Fugo centric light novel. And I think it's valid to compare the 2 stories because they're both based around part 5 and in light novel format that supposedly expands upon the part. If you find my thoughts valid and insightful, cool, if you don't, move along, you're not going to convince me to change my mind sadly.

Also this isn't going to have too bad of spoilers. I'm kinda more vague when it comes to talking about the Squatizi story.

............................................................................

Purple Haze Feedback:

I respect that people needed more Fugo content and it was a genuinely good premise. An aftermath story of Fugo returning to Passione under Giorno and Mista? Yeah I would have loved a story about that. But if you need to warp characters' personalities and throw in a bunch of forgettable stands and their users to do it... I honestly can't bother to care.

If it was much shorter then I could tolerate it, but it wasn't, so here I am. I'll be going point by point with PHF just to organize my thoughts better for such a chaotic story.

1. It warped the pre-established characters.

Mista I think was done the most dirty with that opening scene, but to insinuate that Abbacchio and Fugo killed kids behind Bruno's back felt like absolute whiplash. Also Abbacchio is bisexual obviously, he would have slept with men too, not just women lol.

I don't like that they made Trish become a pop star. Maybe she would have been better as a model, but regardless, not so soon after part 5 when she needed her time to be normal and heal, or at least be under Giorno and Mista's protection.

The whole "Fugio" moment also felt off-putting to me and is part of the reason I don't like the ship. Look, it was absolutely no rain scene or "The only time I feel at ease", let's not try to compare it.

Fugo was okay, but he was just boring and I feel that's not good... you know, considering he's the protagonist of this story. He got better near the end, sure, but by the time I got to the end I was so tired and done with the story. A better writer would have done him and the story more justice.

2. Uninteresting supporting cast and villains

Cannolo was a fine addition, but I never understood what his stand actually did, same with all of the villains' stands. I think that's just poor writing if people walk away not understanding what just happened. I had to reread scenes and I still didn't get most of what happened. Voodoo Child was a cool stand, reminded me a bit of Moody Blues, but I didn't like Sheila as a character. And I'm sorry, who let's a 14 girl in a skimpy ass outfit be the Don of Mafia's bodyguard? Sheila's whole design was so hyper-sexualized and gave me the ick, especially if she was allegedly supposed to be indigenous coded. I've only seen speculation though so I won't go into it further.

Volpe and Manic Depression are the only villain names I remember. I couldn't even tell you the names and stands of the others or what Manic Depression even did as a stand. None of them felt like an actual threat.

3. Felt like a poorly written fanfic

The random mention of Tonio from DIU as Volpe's brother was also a whiplash "where the fuck did that come from" moment, because it was so unnecessary and felt like a cheap tie in for something that was formally published in a book. It really helped give it an average fanfic feel (and I write cheesy, overly dramatic fanfiction!). I think that was also when I was nearing my breaking point.

I once had someone try to mansplain to me that PHF was a "more realistic look of the mafia"... it is not, I promise you that lol. Mafia had rules about women and children and all other kinds of shit that Passione definitely does not abide by. Real life Mafia has so much more to it. This is camp fictional media, no one should ever take it so seriously.

In short, I just think PHF had a lot of wasted potential and would have done better with an altered story. I just can't convince myself to blindly love it, no matter how much I tried to like it.

............................................................................

Testimone di Gangster

I read it last night so it's still so fresh in my mind, but this is how you expand upon a story in my humble opinion. This is also probably going to be shorter just because it was a shorter and more focused story with less characters. I also don't want to spoil it for those who haven't read it yet since it just came out in English.

First off, I think it was a such great idea to take two characters we knew so little about and expand upon them in a way that felt so much more natural. There's less room for warping characters when they didn't have such distinct personalities to begin with and also helps build the world up.

There was no overly complicated plot about drugs and stands and it gave more insight on how the crime world works in Jojo's version of Italy. It even had nods to other real life gangs and how Passione fit into this world with them. It even gave nods to the Cosa Nostra and a real life prosecutor (Falco) who dealt with a lot of gang business in Italy and I think that's just so cool. I love shit like that so much, I adore me some good worldbuilding in general that we didn't necessarily need, but it's just cool to see.

I'll admit, the story was bit hard to follow in the first chapter, but once I picked up that it was from Squalo's perspective, it was such an easy and fun read that didn't make me question what was going on every two paragraphs.

It really showed us how Tiziano is clever and calculating and can be such a useful stand user and teammate. It solidified why he and Squalo are partners (and most definitely in more than just crime for sure now ahaha). I also just love the idea of him being an attorney, especially with Talking Head as a stand, it was a fantastic concept.

The entire time I was just so entertained and caught up in the story, it was so much more engaging than I thought it was going to be. I was genuinely invested in the trial and how Tiziano was going to win the case for Passione. I'm almost sad that this story was so much shorter and would have loved more in between moments with Squalo and Tiziano, but maybe it was for the best not to drag things out.

The ending was a great nod back to their involvement in part 5 and this was in general a great insight into who they were before joining Diavolo's special guard. Plus it makes so much more sense and is amusing to know that he had a lawyer (Tiziano) apart of his elite team.

............................................................................

Now look, I don't think I necessarily have a bias because I do like Fugo just as much as I like Squalo and Tiziano. I also normally don't care for light novels when comes to anime/manga so I don't think it could be that either.

Maybe it was simply the Fugo/Fugio lovers had over-hyped and demanded that everyone read PHF that it just soured the novel before I even read it? I couldn't say for sure. All I know is I went into PHF was no expectations and was so dissatisfied where as I went into Testimone di Gangster with some expectations and was thoroughly entertained.

This is by no means a dig at Fugio shippers, like I said, PHF's ending and the hype around it made me personally more uncomfortable with the ship than I already was before reading it. Simple as that.

If I were to recommend additional Jojo content, especially for the part 5 lovers, Testimone di Gangster is the one I would urge people to read if they have an hour or two to spare. It's a short and sweet look at some great side characters and has more of part 5 spirit without getting caught up in a bunch of bland ocs.

[magratpudifoot]

I am going to have an aneurysm.

My company sent out a PowerPoint yesterday that included an embedded link to a training video repository and detailed instructions on how to search for a specific video.

I wasn't able to open the link. I tried copying the hyperlink. I tried copying the URL from the hyperlink editor. I tried three different browsers. I tried going up directories in the URL. I tried googling the host site. Nothing worked.

Then I sent a message to the rest of my team to see if anyone else was having a problem getting to it. Sarah**, who works in a different location, said she got in. She pasted the link in chat. It was the same link I had pulled from the slide. I tried it anyway. It didn't work.

Then Linda**, the other person who works at the same site as me, chimed in and said she couldn't open it either. Now, I'm not an IT specialist, but I do have a technical degree and have been terminally online since I was 13. And that sounds like an overeager firewall to me.

So I told Linda that our Sys Ad contact was out, but that I would email them to see if we could get the access issue dealt with. And she said, "I'm just going to ask Tiffany** for the link."

The link that we already had. Because Tiffany had embedded it in that PowerPoint. And because Sarah posted it in the chat.

It's not the link that's the issue, Linda.

Today, I had an email in my inbox from Linda: "See below." Below I find a message forwarded from Tiffany, which I will now paraphrase: "Yeah, it's kinda tricky to find the video on that page. Here's a direct link to the video file and explicit instructions on how to play an online video, since you all are apparently too internet illiterate to use a search bar."

It's...it's not the Searching For The Video step that's the issue, either.

But you know what? The video opened from that link. So it looks to everyone like Linda was right, and I don't know what I'm doing, and I should have just emailed Tiffany to begin with WHY DO YOU MAKE EVERYTHING SO DIFFICULT, MS P??

Reader, Linda and I are working from home today. Our site is closed this morning because of the storm rolling across the northeastern US. We are not currently behind the same firewall we were when we were trying to get to that site yesterday. Yesterday, we were in Helm's Deep trying to get a messenger through the gate. Today we're in the Shire, and the messenger can walk right up to our front doors.

IT. WASN'T. THE LINK. LINDA. If you try that same URL from your cubicle, it is not going to work.

...UNLESS I continue pursuing the access restriction and get it resolved before we are asked to watch more of the videos in the same repository. Which of course I am going to do.

And I'm going to keep quiet about it, because I am so, SO tired of trying to explain to people how computers work now that tech companies have convinced everyone that end users don't need to understand anything about computing and developers are super special brain geniuses and no one else can or should bother themselves with more than clicking the buttons they allow us to see.

** Names have been changed.

[nimue-hidden-lake]

CW below cut: Gore, mention of cannibalism

Nothing really graphic in the comment I am about to show but I want to warn you, in case the mention alone upsets/triggers you. Also I tagged it under "Deep Waters" as a result despite it not being a piece of writing.

Alright so... Something more serious this time... Because I do not want to stay quiet about it.

I find it sort of funny to be honest. Thank you for letting me know how butthurt you are. I apologize for my wording here.

I have blacked out the user and work (it is nsfw, I do not share these work on this blog) but I find it hilarious how I found this under one of my fics. I deleted it so no worrying about coming across it either anymore.

Actually I just noticed how this was made by a guest who put in a name so there is no account but... Whatever, just in case.

Nothing unusual though sadly. I'd say I'm pretty hardened up by now (I had worse when I was younger, this is nothing new to me. I just laugh it off) but anyone else could take this pretty harshly.

Listen, I'm fine with people not liking my work. That is expected, that's how it is. Not everyone likes everything. I'm also fine with constructive critism, I'm nowhere perfect and always aim to improve.

This type of comment is just a time waster though and can also showcase the unnecessary stigma for canon/oc work. It's not for everyone and that is ok. But please, for the love of god, stop bothering others. Are you aware how you can actually hurt people with comments like these!? Hearing stuff like this can be damaging.

Actually no need to bother with that speecg. It won't stop. Not gonna change anyone's mind, I can't. So instead let me give you advice when you see comments like these under your creative works:

Don't try to start a conversation. You get nowhere with that, believe me. Delete the comment and block the user, then move on with your life. It's the only way to battle this.

Don't feel bad either. You do yourself a favor actually. Comments like these can damage someone mentally eventually. I'm sure you heard it many times but it's true nonetheless.

Alright, I'm done.

Note: I apologize for saying the same thing everyone does probably. I felt like sharing this though. I laugh but I'm also tired seeing it. Some people will hate comment for no reason and it's very old at this point... Kinda sick of seeing it. At most I'm just surprised it didn't happen to me sooner since starting to write OC/Canon for Enstars.

[tropicalrpg]

his name started with an X (an incomplete story)

He doesn't deserve a post all of his own.

If someone were to find this blog, it would be him. I don't want to say I blame him for it, or whatever, but it did bother me that he was almost stalker-ish online. There's nothing of mine that he didn't find—maybe one or two of my private Twitter accounts. Just one, actually. The other he definitely found, but just knew I'd never let him in. I know there's no way he found this blog, one because he's over me and two because there's no way to find this, but still. If there's someone I know that I think would be able to, it's him.

He's only getting a post, or at least only getting a post this early, because it was something cool to do with the letter X. I got tired of Roman numerals on day, like, one, so I decided it'd work if I did something big to signify the change, on a round number, of course. His first name does not start with an X. One of his last names, or I guess his middle name, does. His Discord user does start with an X, as well. I think I've spent more time interacting with or dodging him on Discord than I've spent with him in real life, but there is the pandemic to blame, of course.

I've been unfair to him. Every time we're away, I think that; then, the rare times we're together, and by together I mean in the same physical space, I think otherwise. Something about him irks me. I don't know if it's the way he is or if it's all that he knows about me, all that he represents. He doesn't deserve a post, he doesn't deserve the first boy-post (now that I've started this, and now that I've thought about it, I think this is a great type of post for me. It allows me to unpack all that these boys have meant for me all this time. I can think of four others that are definitely, absolutely getting posts of their own. On top of the two other posts I know I want to make. I should start making smaller plans; I'm tired of writing, right? And I'm not giving myself a break) that I'm making, but he was a turning point in my life. He's one of the two that has stuck around, in my mind, at least. One of my comforting, comfortable places. Something I can turn to when it all comes crashing down, even if I know it's all in fiction.

(I've been unfair to him, see? I'm using him, even if just the image of him. That's what I've done all along. I've never once wanted to see the real him.)

He’s not the boy I think about the most. (I somehow forgot about this one. Five, now. Five boys I would spend pages writing about.) He’s just the one who changed me the most. He’s not the one I want back, or the one I really wanted at all. I never saw him. I never saw him for who he is. I think he deserves that, because everyone deserves that, even though he’s been a down right asshole to some of the people dearest to me. I think second chances are a birthright, because he never did the unforgivable. But the story of his misdeeds is not ours, and not mine to tell.

Our story, which sounds stupid, it sounds ridiculous to think about an us, started with someone else’s desire. Desire; I don’t want to call it her desire, but that was it. She thought he was good-looking, plus, at fifteen, he had no shame in being left-wing and bisexual. At our school, that didn’t happen—either of it. And not for a new kid, a new, good-looking kid.

All eyes on him. I don’t even want to know how many people he kissed that year. I don’t even want to know how many people he’s kissed this year. He deserves to do a better job. I talk about him as if he deserves so much, but I just think life has been unfair to him. We’ve been.

She wanted him, she kissed him. Then I kissed him, too. And I couldn’t kiss someone else—that’s what I think about, now, not him. But I remember what happened. I wrote poems on that. I was drinking a passion fruit drink, and he wanted to try it, I think? Or he said it probably tasted like shit? I don’t know. I don’t remember. I remember the bottle in my hand and then my other hand on his neck. He’s fucking tall. He’s so tall, and I’m so short, and I kissed him on my tiptoes that day.

The next time I kissed him, and lit a room on fire, we found a way around that. It was cute. I was an idiot that day. If I had to choose one day to be embarrassed of, it’d be that one. Hiding my face in my hands, not having the balls to flirt with him—I still don’t have the balls to flirt—, then kissing him at someone else’s place, hiding, giggling, still. Fuck. A friend and an indirect friend got mad at me that day. We all wanted him, boys competing for another—I don’t miss being a child. I miss the way my heart would speed in my chest, but I don’t miss the drama, the shame. I don’t miss the competition.

I do miss winning. A lot of what happened between us was about competition. We competed all through 2020, a bit through 2021. But, back then, before we were relegated to easy, easy screens, I thought I was winning. It was still about screens—he would text me things that would disgust me now, not because they were nasty but because they were so, I don’t know, superficial. About a part of me I hate. I don’t know. It doesn’t matter. What matters, or mattered, was that he wanted me, I think.

If he didn’t want me, not in that way, then he at least wanted to be friends with me. And I should have been fairer to him.

2022.12.30

[sillyrabbit81]

Her Heavy Cross

Summary: Three years after tragedy hits, Lana she decides to start dating again. She meets Will through a dating app and they begin an online romance. After months of constant requests, Lana relents and agrees to meet and go on an irl date with Will. But is Will who he says he is? Lana is quickly pulled into an intense relationship forcing her to confront her tragic past. Will Lana face it or will she close her heart forever?

Pairing: OMC x OFC

Word Count: approx 3k

Warnings: swearing, angst, implied smut

Authors Note: The story started as a Henry Cavill fanfiction but I changed it to be an original character, but shades of Henry are still there. Hope you enjoy the story and thanks for reading.

Part 10 Part 12

Part 11

The next few days were monotonous. Most mornings, I would go to the gym. Then I'd head off to work. After work, I'd take Perrin for a walk. We stopped at the dog park a few times to throw the ball. Then I'd go home and read or watch tv. After dinner, I would FaceTime Liam before falling asleep.

Although I missed him terribly, it had been good to have some space. I was able to think about us a bit. Liam was always great on the phone, a gentleman even. Yes, he flirted with me and made inappropriate comments, but they were always in context. I'd be lying if I said I didn't flirt with him back. But it was nice to get to know him better, and I decided I definitely liked him as a person and a lover. He was sweet, sincere, funny and warm, the same as he was when he was Will. He seemed to accept who I was. There were no digs at me, maybe some friendly ribbing, but it seemed he liked me too. We spent a lot of time laughing. We had a similar sense of humour.

He opened up about some of his past relationships, how he felt about them and what went wrong. A lot of the times, he admitted to fault, especially in the early ones. I talked a bit about Andy but kept a lot back. No doubt, he noticed.

Thursday afternoon changed everything.

Liam called me when I was driving home from work at about four-thirty. It broke with our routine. We usually spoke around nine o'clock. I answered the phone, and Liam's voice came through the speakers.

"Hello, Sweetheart. How was your day?"

I smiled at this now familiar greeting. "Really good, Liam. How was yours? Have you finished work already?"

"Yeah, good. I'm supposed to stay for another hour, but I wasn't needed, so I left." Liam paused and said, "Listen, Lana, I have to tell you something."

"Oh, no."

"Yesterday, a parent from your school saw the pictures of us." I went cold. I was 10 minutes from my house, but I pulled over. "She left a message on one of the pictures that you look like a teacher from her kid's school." Oh shit. "Anyway, this morning, you were on duty at the "kiss and drop", whatever that is."

Robotically I said, "it's where the parents drop the kids off at school without getting out of the car." I could see where this is as going.

"Right." He sounded strange but continued. "Well, they took a picture of you, put that side by side with the others. Long story short, Sarah was called to confirm your name."

"Oh, for fucks sake." I was pissed off. "What did she tell them?"

"She said she couldn't confirm or deny."

"In other words, yes, but my boss said, don't say anything."

"That's a bit unfair, Lana. She can't lie to them, or they won't bother calling her when they get a story. They will just run it because they can't trust what she says."

"Fuck this," I said and hung up on Liam.

I slammed my foot down on the accelerator and spun the tires. I had a Toyota Camry SX. It's sort of sporty, but it's not meant to be driven like that, but I was fuming. Liam rang again, but I ignored it. I backed off and slightly and rounded a corner, tires chirping as I went. I fumbled in my bag, driving one-handed until I found and lit a cigarette. As stupid as it was, I drove the rest of the way home like that.

When I got home, I quickly changed into my Draggin jeans, leather jacket and riding boots. I grabbed my helmet, gloves and went for a ride.

I loved being on the bike. Andy was the first guy I'd been with who rode. I remembered the first time he got me on the bike. He hadn't even let the clutch out, and I screamed and jumped off. The second time was better, and I went around the block before I got off. The third time, I was hooked. I loved holding onto his waist as we rode, my chest pressed against his back, my thighs touching his, my hands under his t-shirt. I loved the heavy thrumming of the bike, the wind whistling past. It was exciting, erotic, but also calming. Calming is what I needed.

I was so angry. Not at Liam or Sarah. Or even the bitch who outed me or the others who put my photo out there in the first place. I didn't know who I was angry with. Hollywood? Gossip? Social media? Myself? Maybe I was mad at myself. I deserved it. I'd turned my back on Andy, fucked another guy, and now I'm in a relationship with him, according to public record. Every time someone googles my name, his will come up.

The parents at school will give me looks, and I won't know what they are thinking. Will they be laughing at me? And if it didn't work out, everyone would know. I would have to go through a break up while everyone watched, picked at it, chose sides and commented.

I rode for about an hour up through the Blue Mountains. When I stopped for petrol at Wentworth Falls, my thoughts had settled, and I was thinking clearer. I stopped at a cafe, got a coffee and checked my phone. Liam had called twice more and sent a few messages. Riza had called and texted me.

I checked Riza's first. It was a link to an article, Liam Cross's Secret Aussie Lover. Her text simply said, "Jen just found this. Call me if you need me." I didn't click the link.

I checked Liam's. He said he wants to make sure I'm ok. Then he said he wants to come over and talk to me.

I called Liam. He seemed to answer before it even rang. "Sweetheart. Are you ok?" He sounded a bit frantic.

I took a deep breath. "I'm sorry I snapped at you."

"I knew you'd be upset."

"Upset is one thing. I snapped at you and blamed Sarah. You're right. It's not her fault."

"Lana, don't worry about that. Did you read the article?"

"No."

Liam was quiet a while. Then he said, "Are you ok now?"

"Yeah, I'm ok. I just needed some time to calm down." I let out a short laugh. "I am a redhead after all. I have a temper."

Liam laughed, "Do I have to be worried about being stabbed in my sleep?"

"Nah, being a redhead wouldn't make me do that. I get that part of me from being a Scorpio."

"I don't know whether to be scared or turned on right now."

I smirked, "Why not be both?"

Liam laughed and then got serious. "You sure you're ok? Do you want me to come over? I almost did get in my car when you wouldn't answer."

"Stalker," I teased.

"And that's why I didn't."

"I'm not at home anyway."

"Where are you?"

"I took off on the bike to clear my head. I'm in the mountains right now."

"The mountains?"

"Yeah, the Blue Mountains. Look west tomorrow, and you'll see them."

"I'll do that." Liam paused. "I'm really looking forward to seeing you tomorrow."

"I'm looking forward to seeing you too. Bye, Liam."

"Bye, Sweetheart."

I finished my coffee and rode home.

I texted Riza to let her know I was ok. I played with Perrin. I texted my brother to remind him to pick Perrin up tomorrow afternoon. I ate some dinner before packing my bag for tomorrow and went to bed. It was a long time before I finally fell into a restless sleep.

Liam Cross's Secret Aussie Lover

"Pictures of Liam Cross, 38, with an unknown female were circulating on social media earlier this week, and tongues were set wagging.

"Users were quick to put their detective hats on and tracked down Cross's new flame late yesterday. The woman was identified as Mrs Alana Walker, 30, Sydneysider, and special education teacher. Not much else is known about Mrs Walker other than she was widowed in 2017.  Her husband, Andrew Walker, and father Brian Kelly were killed in a horrific Boxing Day crash when his car was destroyed by a truck driver who had a medical incident behind the wheel.

"Sources close to Cross say that he has been elated the past couple of months, and now they know why. They hope for his sake that this relationship will not be plagued by scandal like his previous relationships.

"For now, Cross's camp is remaining tight-lipped on the situation. While they don't deny a relationship, they will not confirm it.

"Cross is currently in Sydney for an adaptation of the widely popular and romantic fantasy epic Beyond the Stones series by C. W. Taylor. He will co-star alongside Australian Myra Roberts with an expected release in the northern hemisphere winter of 2022."

I woke on Friday morning and laid in bed for a while. I should have gone to the gym, but I just couldn't get my body to move. I wanted to chuck a sickie, blow off the whole day, maybe go for a swim, or just watch movies all day. I had an urge to watch Kill Bill for some reason. But I couldn't do that to the kids.

I knew I was just trying to avoid the parents at school. I'm sure most of them know by now. Gossip runs rampant at the school gate. We've all seen Big Little Lies. Probably all the staff knew too. It was one of those days where I wish I could just press fast forward and get to the part where I see Liam again. I didn't want to miss out on that.

In the end, I got up, showered and got ready for work. I tamed my hair, put on my war paint and dressed in black work pants, ballet flats and a pink knitted cardigan.

I started to pack my bag for the weekend, trying to work out what outfits I needed. I had decided what I wanted to wear for dinner tonight, but I didn't know what to wear to bed. Would I even need anything to wear? I blushed at the thought. I packed a basic set of pyjamas. I added jeans and a couple of t-shirts, a hoodie and my Dr Martens. I put some pretty underwear in there too. I didn't have much, just a white lace set which Liam had already seen and two black lace sets. I packed them all.

My phone beeped, and I got a message from Liam. It was a picture of his face all sweaty from working out. He had his tongue sticking out. He had written, I was going to send you a picture of my cock but thought that was a bit vulgar. So I decided to send you a picture of another part of my body that's going to fuck you tonight. Can't wait x.

My whole body grew hot, my stomach filled with butterflies, and I giggled. I started to reply with 'cheeky bastard', but then I had an idea. I sent him a picture of my face with my mouth open in an O shape, and I rested a finger on the corner of my lower lip. I wrote, I was going to send you a picture of my pussy but thought it was a bit obvious. So I sent you a picture of another part of my body that's going to get fucked tonight. X

Within a minute, I got a reply of: Game on, Sweetheart.

Well, if Liam wants to play a game, I can play a game.

I pulled my pyjamas out of my bag and put in a satin shift, pretty much my only sexy bedclothes. I thought about what other sexy photos I could take and packed a few other things. Then I made my lunch and headed off to work.

I rang Riza on the way to work. She asked me about how I was feeling. I told her I was dealing with it, but I said no more about it. I asked Riza about how she and Jen were going, and she said we would meet up soon.

"I miss you," she said.

"Yeah, I miss you too. Talk soon, ok?"

"Yeah, have a good weekend slut! Tell Liam I said hi."

"Suck a dick Riz."

We hung up, and almost immediately, Dave calls.

He doesn't say hello or anything, just launches in with, "Are you dating Liam Cross?" Fuck. "One of Lucy's friends just sent her an article about you and him."

No use denying it then. "Yeah, I am. He's the one I'm spending the weekend with." I braced for his reply.

"Fuck me dead. My fucking little sister is rooting Liam fucking Cross." His voice didn't sound angry. He sounded impressed.

I rolled my eyes. "It's not a big deal. Just don't forget to get Perrin and don't tell Mum."

"Not a big deal? The kids will go crazy when they meet him."

"Dave, we are hardly at the point where we are meeting families."

"Yeah, alright, keep your shirt on."

"I'll come by Sunday arvo to pick Perrin up?"

"Wanna stay for dinner?"

"Yeah, ok. See you then."

I ended the call and got to work not long after that. I went straight to my classroom, trying to avoid everyone. There was one person I couldn't avoid, and that was Marla, my teacher's aide. She was in her late 50s, though, so I thought she would be pretty safe. She didn't mention anything all morning, which was a relief.

At lunchtime, I stayed in the classroom. I told Marla I had some work to do, so she left me alone. I checked my phone and found a message from Liam.

It was a picture of Liam drinking from a bottle of pineapple juice, and it said, Me hydrating for tonight x.

His innuendo made me chuckle, but I had planned for something like this. I took a selfie of myself with a banana in my mouth and sent it with the caption: Presumptive much? Me carbo-loading for tonight.

Liam replied a little later with, I can't decide if I'm winning because my pics are better or if I'm still winning because yours are better.

Marla came back into the classroom about halfway through lunch. She pottered around the room, trying to look busy. She kept looking over at me. I felt myself start to panic. She wasn't acting like that this morning. She must know now. They all must know. I started wondering what everyone was saying about me in the staff room. They had probably sent Marla back to the classroom to see what information they could get out of me. The panic receded, and anger filled the void.

Eventually, I lost my temper. "Have you got something to say, Marla?"

Marla had the good grace to look ashamed. "No. Nothing."

I crossed my arms. "What are they saying?"

Marla sighed, "honestly? They're mostly pretty stoked about it. Happy for you."

I let my arms fall. My vision went a bit blurry. "Really?"

Marla came over and leaned against the table, and rubbed my back. "Oh, Darl, yeah, most of us remember what it was like for you. We just want you to be happy."

I smiled at her, but the tears still came. Marla gave me a tissue. "Thanks, Marla." I sniffed, "ugh, the parents, though. I'm not looking forward to that."

Marla smiled and said, "don't worry about it, Darl. I'll fill in for ya this arvo, and you can do my Wednesday lunch duty. How's that?" I thanked her. Relieved, I hugged her and cleaned myself up.

When school had finished, I made a mad dash to the car park. I knew I was just putting off the inevitable. I'd have to show my face in front of the parents sooner or later, but I decided it was Monday's problem.

I checked my phone before I headed off to Liam's place. He had sent me a shirtless picture of himself with some rope curled up around his shoulder and written, One of my costumes has a rope. It made me think of you. I'm about to leave. See you soon.

Dammit, I couldn't think of a response to that one! I sat and thought about it for ages. I was not about to give in easily. Then it came to me. I got my water bottle and one of my spare undies from my overnight bag. I wet them a bit, put the underwear and water bottle on the bag and took a picture of them both. I wrote. My water bottle leaked in my bag, and my panties got wet. It made me think of you. I'm on my way.

The three circles came up within seconds, and Liam sent, You are in so much trouble, Sweetheart. Park around the back.

And because I can't control my tongue in real life or texts, I wrote back, That's what she said.

I didn't wait for a reply. I just put an audiobook on and drove.

Part 12

[ketsuyuki-hibana-typed]

Requested by @sherillda (maybe the user change the name, can't tag)

By the way, it's almost impossible for a Shinazugawa Sanemi to be in trouble at pinch situation (except final arc)

It's canon that he could hold sword's handle with his toe, he could stop the bleeding with his muscle (it's his ability), he could trigger Genya's gun RIGHT at his ear without disturbing his movements, he still moved fast even though the wounds were all over his body, not to mention he's PARTIALLY COLOR BLIND but didn't bothered by that.

Like, wow. Stan this man.

But again, I thought, "This is fiction, Hibana." Ah right, everything could happen.

Shinazugawa Sanemi x Pillar!Reader

Warning: Heavy Injury Description

"THAT THICK SKULL OF YOURS IS HARDER TO DEAL WITH!!"

"HAAH?!! WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU JUST SAY?!"

It was a morning couple quarrel before Pillars meeting.

You wanted him to be more softer towards his students. You couldn't take their painful stories about the training and promised them to talk with Sanemi.

But it's getting worst.

"It's my students, and I could do whatever I fucking want!!"

"Yes! Yes, I know! But it's inhumane!!"

Thus, the squabble between you and him were continued until Oyakata-sama presented himself in front of the Pillars

In the middle of meeting, Oyakata suggested to make a pair mission for you two, because the request from a certain region was actually difficult.

But, Sanemi insisted to go alone and told Oyakata to assign you to other region.

"I'm afraid that she will get in my way."

It tickled you off. How dare you, how dare you Sanemi? I'm literally equal to you!! But you just stay on your folded feet, and tried to press your anger.

Oyakata-sama smiled and said, "She's not weak, Sanemi. You knew it too, she willl not be here if she's not strong. But, if you persisted."

It really pissed you off to see his hidden grinning on Oyakata's back.

The quarrels continued, now instead of talking about his students, you scolded him for being rude and implied that you're weak.

Himejima had to step up ande mediate between both of you. He pulled Sanemi off while Mitsuri calmed you down.

After that, you neither talk to him nor had lunch with him.

"COME!! ATTACK ME WITH ALL OF YOUR MIGHT! WHY, BECAUSE IM MAD RIGHT NOW!! HAHA, I'M WEAK?! LET'S PROOF IT THEN!"

That's nonsense!! Your students shivered in fear because you never being like this before, but they had no choice and attacked you.

They were like sand-bag for you today.

Sanemi's side wasn't getting better. Their train getting more excruciating than ever.

He still went to the assigned mission that night, without you of course. You went to assigned region.

No secret kissing, hugging and promise to stay alive together like always, you avoided him and he avoided you.

Because it's obvious. If both of you met again, you and him will just throw profanity each other again.

Sanemi's head was in cloud. He did everything to excite his anger on his way. Punching the trees, kicking stones, stomping the ground, cursing, anything.

"Dumb like her only thought about happy things and will be killed as soon as she stepped on this place."

He's too busy with his mind, and didn't realize there's demon who eyed on him from behind.

Meanwhile, you finished your part on your regions. Not in the blink of an eye, it's pretty difficult fight. There were wounds on your chest, but you still able to restrain the pains.

"I wonder how is Sanemi- WELL I DON'T CARE, WHATEVS, HE'S STRONG RIGHT?, HE DOESN'T NEED ME!"

After receiving some gratitude from the lower Demon Slayer Ranks because you helped them too, you planned to head back to headquarters.

And suddenly a loud blast was heard from the wood east.

You looked at the direction, it's Sanemi assigned region.

"Huh, why am I thinking about him. My job is done. I don't care."

But, you stopped your walk. What if the situation getting dangerous, what if the demon he met didn't intoxicate with his Marechi blood, what if-

'I had a bad feeling about this.' You clenched your fist. "Evacuate all of the villagers around here. For the rest of Demon Slayers, help Kakushis brought injured slayers back to the headquarters." You ordered the rest of Kakushis.

"Yes, (y/n)-sama!"

"Are you planning to go to that area? You got injuries too. Please let me treat you first." asked one of them.

"No worries, I could handle this alone. There's no time. I count on you."

"Understood."

That being said, you started to sway your bad feelings and run to his direction.

On the other hand, Sanemi's fight with the demon was started long ago.

He let out heavy gasp, getting battered from the annoying demon. He started to move recklessly, attacking with his breath techniques but none of it were able to take the monster down.

"Tch!"

Sansmi could feel the blood dripped on his abdomen, no, it's flowing now. "Fuck." He muttered under his breath, trying to surpress his wound with his muscle ability. He's tired, he know, but of course he couldn't run away from here. He knew there is village nearby and he couldn't let this giant demon murdered the villagers.

He jumped again to avoid random attack from the demon. His breathe was heavier than it should be.

A mere demon supposed to be intoxicated by his blood but now, his deep wound on his left and no sign of the demon to moving slower are the real proof that this isn't just a mere demon. A new type? Poison? Probably.

His back was sagged behind the tree, trying to catch a breath but failed. The demon didn't give him rest. It lifted its claws on the air, ready to torn him apart.

"Heh, you even won't let me breath?'

'At least, let me say sorry to her.'

"Couldn't believe that Great Shinazugawa will be in hopeless state like this."

Then, he saw a familiar yet beautiful breathing technique unleashed upon him.

"Third form!!" You gracefully stepped up in front of him, targeting its neck and pushing force thorough your blade.

"What, it's thick!" You jumped back, positioning yourself in stance, pointing your blade towards the demon and protecting Sanemi.

He stared your back with surprised expression. Aren't you going to your region? Why are you here?

"If you could stand, then help me out."

He stood up, joining you at your side. "Don't be a shitty brat, you're injured too."

"Whatever you call."

You tried once more again, with different form of breathing. He went to the other direction. Both of you tried to swing your blades on this demon, but it fend Sanemi's attack and pulled your back with his claw.

You cut its hand off, and quickly jumped backwards, using a tree to let you caught breathe for a moment before used the trunk to support your jump again.

"Fourth style!!"

This time, you and him succeeded to slashed your blade to its neck.

You saw it degraded into ash,nwiping your sweat from your temple. You looked at Sanemi laid down on the ground while panting hard.

"Are you okay?" You knelt in front of him, trying to not look so unsympathetic, even though all you wanna do now is hugged him, and told him, "I'm so relieved you're still alive."

"I don't need you."

"There you go again." You sighed. He sat down. "Let's treat your wo- huh?"

Your vision suddenly blurred. Your hands felt cold. Shivering, you started to lose control of your own body.

And fell into the ground.

Sanemi looked at you in shock. He moved forward and brought you into his embrace.

"Hey, what- goddammit." His palm felt sticky when he touched your back. He looked at his hands.

It made his heart sunk into his stomach. He swear he could make a small pool of your blood with his palm only.

It's not just a scratch, the demon tore your back apart, some of your muscle meat were about to fell off. He suspected it was from earlier when both of you was being attacked back.

"HANG ON!!" He screamed.

"Sa... Ne... Mi... What-"

"DON'T TALK AGAIN!" He quickly suturing the necessary skins to prevent your blood flowing more. He wrapped you in his haori, and soon your blood absorbed into the fabric. "I know you could bear this!! Hang in there!!"

He desperately tried to keep you awake by yelled and called your name while carrying you on his back.

You couldn't feel anything.

It's cold.

It's numb.

You remembered you didn't have chance to say sorry to him.

That one last thought and you dropped your body fully on to his back, unconscious.

You often heard somebody's voice in your sleep, calling your name but you can't move your finger, let alone your body. You couldn't do anything, just hearing that desperate voices saying, "I'm sorry. Please wake up."

It's a pity voice, you thought. I wanted to tell this person that I'm fine, that he didn't have to apologize.

And one day, you snapped your eyes open and white ceilings is the first thing you saw.

You gasped, processing the last fight that rolled again on your brain.

"Oh my God, he's right, I'm weak."

"You're awake and the first thing you say is that you're weak?" Shinobu entered your ward. You let out an awkward laugh. "How is your feeling?" She asked cheerfully.

"Better! I felt great!" You sat down with her help.

"That's good to hear, because I was threatened by your boyfriend if I didn't make you open your eyes in one week, he will kill me. Well, I doubt he could do that."

"Wait, I was sleeping for almost 1 week? I'm really sorry, Shinobu-chan."

"It's okay. I'm actually surprised too because it's a miracle that with this fatal injuries, you're still alive."

"...how bad is it?"

"Scratches on your back."

"Just scra-"

"Big and deep scratch, I could saw your spinal bone thorough your wounded back."

"That's- that's bad."

"Now you know. I will check on you later again. Please rest."

"Will do, thank you! Do you know where Sanemi is?"

"I don't know."

With one last waving, you put your back on the pillow. You looked at the table beside you, a vase with white lily in it and two untouched Ohagi.

"Must be him." you thought. You didn't expect him to visit you because you know he prefers training but looks like he really did stay here for awhile.

You stepped down from your bed slowly. Your back was still hurt but you really wanted to go outside and felt the sun.

It's really quiet here.

"Huh, my back must be so ugly now."

When you walked around, the triplets found and greet you, saying "I'm glad you're fine!"

You talked with them while sitting on engawa and that's when you saw Sanemi from afar. He also noticed you.

You stood up from your seat and waved at him.

"Sane- wha-"

He dropped everything on his hands and went towards you with furious steps.

And pinched your cheek.

"Wawawawa!!!"

"FINALLY, YOU FUCKING WAKE UP."

"Ah, Shinazugawa-san! (y/n) is still injured!"

"SHUT UP."

The girls were running away in fright, but not forgetting to wave at you.

You puffed your cheek and pressed your palm on both of it.

"It hur-"

He suddenly hugged you, almost made your back collided with the floor. He quickly held your back, preventing you to hit the wooden floor.

"Sa- Sanemi?"

He made you sat, still hugging you and planted his forehead on your crook.

"You're alive."

"Yeah? Looks like I am? You're being weird. I'm scared, a little."

"Shut up. It's my fault, I'm sorry."

"What-" He tighten up his embrace. You saw a vague red on his ear tip.

Oho.

"I won't repeat it twice."

"I get it, I get it. I didn't really think about it anymore." You caressed his hair and rubbed his cheek. "You're alive too, that's the matter."

"If I didn't being so stubborn and being more stronger, you probably didn't have to encounter this." He muttered on your skin. He really relieved when he saw you sat there, he really thought he will never see you again. When the thought of he never saw your smile again, he became crazy, and blamed himself. He couldn't help but think that it's his fault.

But now, you're breathing, he felt yiur warm skin, he felt your soothing voice again.

"Well, I'm sorry too, because you proofed my point, I'm the one who weaklings here."

"If you're weak, you di- nevermind, I don't want to think about it."

This dumb quarrel should've ended earlier.

"Yeah, me too." He pulled a warm smile and kissed your lips quickly. You blushed from the unexpected action.

He just realize what he has done and he wanted to hid his face right now.

Sanemi released his hug, changed his position. He put his head on your thighs, facing your stomach, and hugging your hips.

Not wanting to show his burning face.

"I wanted to sleep, I'm tired of taking care and guard the princess for almost one week. She gave me hard time. Wake me up at noon." You giggled.

"Sure." You stroked his white hair slowly. He shifted for a moment to find comfortable position. His stiff shoulder was relaxed and finally sunk into your tender body.

Your fellow Pillars were coming and heading on your way. You put your index finger on your lips while looking at them. All of the Pillars were stopped for a moment when he saw that feral man slept peacefully on your thighs.

Except one man, Uzui Tengen.

"Look, it's the guy who begging for his girlfriend to come back to life but being tsundere and now casually being intimate in the estate."

Sanemi snapped his eyes open, sat up and turned around. You jolted. Even though you couldn't saw it, you could feel Sanemi's malicious eyes pierced thorough that flamboyant man.

"I'LL KILL YOU, UZUI. I'LL KILL YOU."

[thetaylorfiles]

Republican anon here. I love politics so happy to come back. Let me preface with my problem with democrats is they live in the twitterverse, which is one heavily censorshiped and two not really used by as many people they think, (I think there is even a study that shows 80% of the activity is by 20% of the users). They make their decisions by the radical left that live there and think thats a populas thought. 4 weeks ago if you had asked me who I was voting for I would have said Biden. Unfortunately if I had to walk into today, I would vote for Trump. Its not a vote for him its a vote for the constitution. I don't see Biden as strong enough to fight off Sanders, AOC and Pelosi and also think we all know it's gonna be President Harris. So I cant vote for his tax hikes, packing the court, eliminating the electoral, adding seats and the green new deal. I didnt realize what a flawed candidate he was until I really looked into his 47 years in politics, and both him and Harris just come off of as liars. I'm waiting for something to change my mind in the next week but honestly I dont know what it could be because he has been caught in so many lies I can't believe him. Also everything with Hunter scares me because he clearly owes someone something (and clearly its China). I cant have a President willing to sell out our interests if his son becomes compromised. My biggest group of friends are basically like me liberal conservatives and conservative liberals and we all sort of feel the same. Thats probably why one of the biggest google trends is "can I change my vote". I also think you cant not acknowledge the huge gains Trump has made with the hispanic and conservative black votes. I think this year we are looking at another redo of Regan 1984. Either way whatever happens happens and I will just deal with it and hope Pelosi doesnt 25th amend him. Although to wrap up this ramble the twitter thing I memtioned is the same as the original tumblr point I made. No one in politics cares about people shipping in Tumblr or the trending topics on Twitter. So again I just find it funny they dont know enough about it, but think they know everything about it.

Hopefully that makes sense... Also hope I didn't disappoint you on my voting answer. It's really a tough decision this go around.

I don’t want to get into this too much because I don’t think it’s ideal to discuss politics online. It’s much better done in person because you need tone of voice and humanity. For me, anyway.

And while I get what you don’t want (and believe me, I am not as far liberal as the ones you fear taking over. And I also strongly disagree with the fact that they will take over), I think that to be able to gloss over what an abhorrent and unintelligent man Trump is is to truly do a disservice to our country.

And I when I say this, please know that I’ve never been a supporter of Republican presidents as I didn’t love their policies and such, but I sure as hell respected them. And I sure as hell admired them. And I thought them all to be genuinely great men. People who I believed to have the country’s best interest at heart and any persons best interest at heart. I trusted them, and their leadership, even when I didn’t agree with the decisions they made (some not all).

For as far back as I can remember, I have respected each Republican President. Trump is an absolute game changer. His character and lack of empathy and care and honestly, intelligence, plus the fact that the man is incapable of lying every second sentence, is something that I feel like should supersede any “voting for the constitution”.

Biden? At least we know he’s a good man. Both sides of the aisle - everyone has said that the one thing they can say about Biden is he’s a truly good man. And I long for a genuinely good person in office. Because we don’t have one now.

What you think is going on with Biden’s son should t matter for two reasons: one - most of it is unsubstantiated and two - no one cared about what the presidents children or siblings or family was doing before Trump brought his whole damn family on board into the White House. If you want to talk corrupt? Having something on them? Let’s look to the Trump family. If it doesn’t bother you there, why would Hunter bother you?

Those are rhetorical questions. I really don’t want to get into this. I am happy that it seems to be that the polls are showing a good lead in favor of Biden. Is he ideal? Of course not. But he’s moderate compared to the liberals out there ans I personally think he’ll do a good job of keeping it that way. I am liberal and I think my side has gone too damn far left. Biden isn’t perfect, Biden isn’t amazing, Biden isn’t going to make America a superpower. But he’s genuinely a deeply good man who knows his way around politics and respect and is liked by both sides of the aisle. All we need right now is some good leadership to get us out of this shitshow that is Covid. We need a president who doesn’t lie to us about it. Who doesn’t send us mixed signals. Who listens to scientists. Who gets us to where the other countries are who have beaten this thing down better than we have.

We are an embarrassment around the world. We never were before Trump. And now we are. People pity us and laugh at us. Thanks to Trump. I’m so tired of being a laughingstock.

I hope you reconsider. I hope the scare tactics don’t get you. I genuinely believe Biden will not step down so that we will have a Harris presidency. I genuinely believe he will be moderate and work to keep things the least devisive as possible. Please vote for a man who doesn’t call people names. It’s like, the number one thing you teach children: don’t be mean. Don’t call names. Don’t hurt feelings. Let’s strive to be better than that. Let’s have a President that doesn’t call anyone and everyone he doesn’t like a mean name and who also doesn’t lie constantly. (I know politicians all lie to an extent, but no one can argue that Trumps grandiose sense of self causes massive lies to erupt every time he speaks).

I beg of you to reconsider.

Thanks for having this discourse with me.

Ans btw, agreed about Twitter. It’s a cesspool of the worst of the left in an echo chamber. Trust me. I can see the worst of my side!

[gay-little-treat-wizard]

I wrote a thing...

Ashley Wren is mesmerised.

Ashley doesn't know why he's drawn to the little restaurant and bakery tucked into the street corner. Maybe because it's 11 O'clock and the frigid autumn night air is freezing him deep to the bone and the restaurant is the only place still open. Aside from a need for warmth, Ashley feels oddly welcome in the restaurant.

There's a group of other magic users at the bar, chugging down drinks like they weren't going to feel it tomorrow. The rest of the restaurant's patrons sat at their tables with their meals or stood around display cases full of cakes and pastries. Ashley's stomach turned at the sight. He's hasn't eaten anything since yesterday, when he bought some McDonald's with the leftover change from his pocket.

I still have five dollars, maybe I could buy a cupcake or something?

Ashley walks up to the counter and takes his place in line, hoping he can at least afford something. Everything here looked delicious to him, especially the chocolate cupcakes.

Ooh, but those cost six dollars. Never mind.

Ashley settled on the triple chocolate chip cookies instead, since they cost four and a half dollars a pair.

The blonde in front of Ashley moved away with her box of red velvet cupcakes, which Ashley couldn't help but admire jealously. Ashley stepped up and fished his money out of the back pocket of his tired old jeans. He's been wearing the same jeans for the past few weeks.

"Um, Hi," Ashley speaks up when he walks forward to meet the cashier. She's got jet black hair pulled back into a high ponytail, the tips of her hair are dyed a dark blue. A few strands hung loosely in her face, over her light brown skin and in front of her blue-grey eyes.

"Hello and welcome to the Glen. My name is Kaili, how can I help you?" She smiles slightly, flashing pearly white teeth and sharp fangs.

"C-Can I have two triple chocolate chip cookies please?" Ashley glanced nervously as his mud-stained shoes, mildly embarrassed at the state of his clothes.

I probably look like a hobo. Oh, god am I a hobo?

"Sure thing." The girl picks up Ashley's cookies and puts them in a paper bag with the restaurant's logo. "That'll be $4.50." She says as she hands it to him.

Ashley handed her each note and counted out the coins carefully on the counter. She scoops them up and puts them into the cash register, not bothering to count out the change.

"Thank you and come again." She hands him a receipt and a little card. Ashley walks towards one of the plush armchairs littered around the sparsely filled room and sits.

Ashley sits and nibbles at one of his cookies, almost moaning from the taste as it flows over his tongue. Whoever made those cookies must be blessed because they have to be one of the best things Ashley has ever eaten.

He doesn't finish his second cookie, despite the grumbling in his stomach. Instead, he tucks it into one of the pockets of his old jacket and examines the card the girl gave him.

It's a scratch card. Ashley scratches of the thin silvery film to reveal his surprise, mildly excited for the first time in ages.

I won a free coffee!

Ashley gets up, almost skipping with excitement as he makes his way towards the counter again. Kaili is gone now. She's been replaced by a taller man with wavy black hair hiding his eyes and skin so pale it looks like he's never seen a minute of sunlight. His nose is slightly crooked like he's broken it before.

The man looks up at Ashley suddenly and he finally gets a good look at the taller man's eyes. They're bright green, like emeralds, and are peering right at Ashley and into his eyes.

Ethan didn't know what to make of the boy when he saw him standing by the checkout counter for the first time. He smelt him first though. Like chocolate and sugar, reminding Ethan of the inside of a bakery. The boy was tiny, the arms of his ratty old jacket flopping past his hands, his hair was by far the most attention-grabbing thing about him. It was a curly black mess and he had lots of it. He looked like he'd been on the streets for a while: his jacket and light brown skin was stained with dust and grime, his jeans were scuffed with mud and a fresh cut ran over his cheek and button nose and right above his soft full lips, all of which were set on a heart-shaped face.

Ethan looked down to meet the boy's wide golden brown eyes. They reminded Ethan of molten bronze. As he looked into the boy's eyes Ethan could feel the swirl of butterflies in his chest and stomach. Both of them stayed silent, neither really knowing what to do or say.

Kaili stepped out from the kitchen, wiping her wet hands off on her dark black apron. She glanced up at Ethan, then the tiny boy he was staring at and let out a deep sigh.

"Ethan, really? I let you man the checkout for a few minutes and you find your soulmate."

Hope you enjoyed. If you did click the link for more.

[gay-little-treat-wizard]

I wrote a thing.

Ashley Wren is mesmerised.

Ashley doesn't know why he's drawn to the little restaurant and bakery tucked into the street corner. Maybe because it's 11 O'clock and the frigid autumn night air is freezing him deep to the bone and the restaurant is the only place still open. Aside from a need for warmth, Ashley feels oddly welcome in the restaurant.

There's a group of other magic users at the bar, chugging down drinks like they weren't going to feel it tomorrow. The rest of the restaurant's patrons sat at their tables with their meals or stood around display cases full of cakes and pastries. Ashley's stomach turned at the sight. He's hasn't eaten anything since yesterday, when he bought some McDonald's with the leftover change from his pocket.

I still have five dollars, maybe I could buy a cupcake or something?

Ashley walks up to the counter and takes his place in line, hoping he can at least afford something. Everything here looked delicious to him, especially the chocolate cupcakes.

Ooh, but those cost six dollars. Never mind.

Ashley settled on the triple chocolate chip cookies instead, since they cost four and a half dollars a pair.

The blonde in front of Ashley moved away with her box of red velvet cupcakes, which Ashley couldn't help but admire jealously. Ashley stepped up and fished his money out of the back pocket of his tired old jeans. He's been wearing the same jeans for the past few weeks.

"Um, Hi," Ashley speaks up when he walks forward to meet the cashier. She's got jet black hair pulled back into a high ponytail, the tips of her hair are dyed a dark blue. A few strands hung loosely in her face, over her light brown skin and in front of her blue-grey eyes.

"Hello and welcome to the Glen. My name is Kaili, how can I help you?" She smiles slightly, flashing pearly white teeth and sharp fangs.

"C-Can I have two triple chocolate chip cookies please?" Ashley glanced nervously as his mud-stained shoes, mildly embarrassed at the state of his clothes.

I probably look like a hobo. Oh, god am I a hobo?

"Sure thing." The girl picks up Ashley's cookies and puts them in a paper bag with the restaurant's logo. "That'll be $4.50." She says as she hands it to him.

Ashley handed her each note and counted out the coins carefully on the counter. She scoops them up and puts them into the cash register, not bothering to count out the change.

"Thank you and come again." She hands him a receipt and a little card. Ashley walks towards one of the plush armchairs littered around the sparsely filled room and sits.

Ashley sits and nibbles at one of his cookies, almost moaning from the taste as it flows over his tongue. Whoever made those cookies must be blessed because they have to be one of the best things Ashley has ever eaten.

He doesn't finish his second cookie, despite the grumbling in his stomach. Instead, he tucks it into one of the pockets of his old jacket and examines the card the girl gave him.

It's a scratch card. Ashley scratches of the thin silvery film to reveal his surprise, mildly excited for the first time in ages.

I won a free coffee!

Ashley gets up, almost skipping with excitement as he makes his way towards the counter again. Kaili is gone now. She's been replaced by a taller man with wavy black hair hiding his eyes and skin so pale it looks like he's never seen a minute of sunlight. His nose is slightly crooked like he's broken it before.

The man looks up at Ashley suddenly and he finally gets a good look at the taller man's eyes. They're bright green, like emeralds, and are peering right at Ashley and into his eyes.

Ethan didn't know what to make of the boy when he saw him standing by the checkout counter for the first time. He smelt him first though. Like chocolate and sugar, reminding Ethan of the inside of a bakery. The boy was tiny, the arms of his ratty old jacket flopping past his hands, his hair was by far the most attention-grabbing thing about him. It was a curly black mess and he had lots of it. He looked like he'd been on the streets for a while: his jacket and light brown skin was stained with dust and grime, his jeans were scuffed with mud and a fresh cut ran over his cheek and button nose and right above his soft full lips, all of which were set on a heart-shaped face.

Ethan looked down to meet the boy's wide golden brown eyes. They reminded Ethan of molten bronze. As he looked into the boy's eyes Ethan could feel the swirl of butterflies in his chest and stomach. Both of them stayed silent, neither really knowing what to do or say.

Kaili stepped out from the kitchen, wiping her wet hands off on her dark black apron. She glanced up at Ethan, then the tiny boy he was staring at and let out a deep sigh.

"Ethan, really? I let you man the checkout for a few minutes and you find your soulmate."

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