#everything else was starbucks and corporate and boring

[paopuofhearts]

Call me Straight but this was the only thing I cared about at Pride today.

[dokugaholidayexchange]

Happy Holidays Yumanichan!

Happy Holidays @yumanichan!  Here’s your gift from your giftee @shortfry based on the prompt:  Character A is stuck working in coffee shop on Christmas Day and Character B is the lonely soul spending their whole day there. Story under the cut! 

Apologies this is posted late. I completely forgot to post until I was settled into bed! 

Coming Home

Grey clouds roamed high above to lounge against an equally colourless sky. It was turning out to be one of those overcast days where everything seemed all too bright. The ones that would cause eyes to squint from the sharpness of a diffuse glow, etching a claim on exposed retinas not hidden behind shades. Tall buildings blended into the obtrusive glare of a nearly-white background. Newly fallen snow dusted streets and crevices like powdered icing, only tasteless and bland instead of sweet.   

But none of that mattered to him, this washout of a palette. 

A moment was taken to inhale a deep, cleansing breath of the chilled atmosphere, relieving the stench of recycled air from a fourteen-hour flight. He was never particularly fond of the winter months, or any other season. Yet there was now a subtle appreciation for the muting of the senses when the weather dropped, and all else faded.

-X-

She knew she shouldn’t have been so ambitious. Had known it was a terrible idea from the start. But stubbornness had sat deftly upon her left shoulder, whispering ‘it will work, trust me’. It had been the catalyst to the catastrophe that was happening right before her very eyes. 

But as she watched with helpless horror, any pitiful prayer to the God of Mayhem to have mercy was quickly dashed aside. 

Because it was already too late. 

The house of cards had come crashing down. 

The Tower of Pisa had finally tipped over. 

Olympus has fallen. 

Now she stood defeated, staring at the crumpled boxes strewn across wet pavement. 

“I told you it would take two trips.”

With a sliver of hope that nothing was broken, she precariously manoeuvred the remaining cardboard boxes in one arm using her hip as leverage, while the other hand carefully fished out a large set of keys. Unlocking the glass double doors, she pivoted her back to push against the entrance, shooting a wry look over to her amused co-worker. 

“All hail Sally, the mighty Oracle!” she bellowed in a poor imitation of renaissance speech, “Now give me a hand with those.”

Laughing good-heartedly, Sally simply shook her head at the theatrics before bending down to grab the fallen boxes, slightly surprised it was heavier than expected. “Honestly, Kagome, how much of this stuff do we even need? There’s like, four boxes!”

Kagome gave a nonchalant shrug as they both entered the darkened room, flipping the lights on once their cargo had been set in a row on the largest table. “Enough to cheer this place up.”

As Kagome dove into opening each box to display the contents, Sally gave an assessing once-over of their workplace. 

It was a mid-sized café situated in the financial district of the downtown core, tucked into the side of a large office building at street level. Unlike the corporate franchise giants of Tim Hortons or Starbucks, Java Jolt was independently owned by a sagely brother-sister duo. Chocolate leather seats comprised the comfy booths that lined the walls, each centred with a sleek marble table. The walls were coated in the soft cream shade of Benjamin Moore’s Navajo White. Dark brown trims raised the elegance while providing a practicality to high-trafficked areas and hiding scuff marks. The counter and kitchen equipment all matched in commercial-grade polished steel. Frosted glass and crystal sconces lay the finishing touches to the upscale parlour. Overall, it was exactly what one would expect from an establishment catered to the corporate elites. 

Perhaps Kagome was right. Though nice, this place was borderline boring. “As long as we don’t get into too much trouble with Matt. Remember what happened last year?”

“Psh, we just won’t use fake snow this time,” Kagome dismissed while digging through the contents in concentration, “And besides, he’ll be gone for the next two weeks. Plenty of time for us to take it all down and clean up before he gets back and yell at us.” 

Sally peered into what seemed like bottomless pits of things that glittered, shined, and shimmered. How did so much stuff managed to fit into only four boxes?  There seemed to even be a fake tree in there! 

Glancing at the clock reading 4:54 AM, Sally groaned internally, now knowing that Kagome hadn’t called to simply ask for a ride into work, and why she had chosen to come in an hour and a half before opening. She could already see her lazy morning vanishing, chased away by pure ambition. Too late now to back out.

“Alright,” she conceded, knowing there’s no way to divert Kagome’s current trajectory. It was the younger girl’s favourite holiday, after all. “What are we starting with first?” 

Beaming, Kagome held up a tangled mess of wires and bulbs. “Let there be light!” 

It was going to be a long, long morning.

-X-

It had taken two pre-opening sessions to get most of the decorations set up around the café. 

Colourful lights now lined the windows, creating an inviting glow for passers-by. A miniature evergreen with polyester pine needles stood by the pick-up counter, stuffed with gold and silver ornament balls and its own set of mini string lights. Bouquets of silk hollies were nestled neatly at each booth on the wall ledge as to not take up table space. Tinsel and garlands were strung along the bakery display. The entire place had been transformed. It now resembled a shop in the Christmas Market down by the distillery. 

But, it wasn’t done. She wasn’t done.

“Why are you putting pigeons on the window?”

Kagome turned from where she stood on the step stool, blinking owlishly at Sally’s questioning gaze. Silence stretched. She glanced back at the two picture cut outs that had just been taped up. Reaching out a hand, she traced their outlines; one bird shaded in a deep violet, the other in a light pink. A soft smile crested her lips. “They’re turtle doves. In love.”

“They look like pigeons,” Sally replied, unconvinced. “But my question still stands; why are you putting them on the window?”

Kagome turned to see the twenty-eight year-old woman standing there with a finger to her chin, caramel-haired ponytail falling over a shoulder, head slightly tilted, contemplating. 

Her smile brightened, the imagery inducing a comforting familiarity. “Because it’s the second day of Christmas.” 

“That makes sense now,” Sally nodded, making her way over to clear a few mugs from a vacant table. “I was wondering why there was a plush duck sitting in the tree since yesterday.”

Kagome laughed then, climbing back down from the step stool. “That’s a partridge!”

-X-

He wasn’t sure why he had opted to take a cab today. 

Walking would have gotten him to the destination faster.

A sourly glance was aimed at the taxi’s digital timer before swivelling back to the standstill traffic. For a city of this size, he couldn’t fathom why anyone had thought it would be a good idea to close off an entire lane, on a two-lane roadway shared with streetcars that ran on above-ground tracks, and during rush hour. It had to have been a massive oversight of city planners. No civil engineer in their right mind would have rubberstamped this web of snail-paced excuse for transportation in the municipality’s busiest areas. And no proficient project manager would have decided that this would be the best time for traffic-halting construction work to commence. A bunch of incompetents. 

A loud honk and a string of foreign curses streaming from the driver’s mouth brought him out of his inner scrutiny, the cab coming to a complete stop mere inches from tapping the bumper of the car ahead. They had only travelled half a block before becoming gridlocked. 

This was a colossal waste of time. 

Grabbing hold of his briefcase and handing over a fifty-dollar bill, he swung open the door and exited, not sparing a second glance to the cabbie utter his thanks for the overpayment on a twenty-dollar ride. 

The rush hour frenzy was in full effect. Businessmen and pedestrians milled about in swarms of black and grey. It wasn’t much different from back home. Humans were all the same. They were all dressed for the season – bundled up in pea coats made of wool or down-filled puffer jackets, boot-covered feet causing mini splatters of melted snow as they hurried to their destinations. 

Eyeing the brownish slush that had once been white, he frowned as the cold and wet began soaking into his leather shoes. Perhaps he should have just stayed in the cab and endured the two-hour ride back to the hotel that was only six blocks away. If only he could still fly without being detected. Today’s enhanced technology and CCTV would make it near impossible to do so in such a congested area without triggering a UFO sighting. Pushing away the thought of the past versus the present, he made his way along the sidewalk, blending in like everyone else. 

The smells of the city was a pungent spike that stabbed his senses. Unlike his arrival on that quiet Sunday morning, the scent of fresh snow had melted away to a saturation of damp and mildew. 

Grimacing, he sped up the pace, but a sliver of a long-buried scent stopped him dead in his tracks.

Honeysuckle and jasmine.

Dipped in rich, dark coffee.

-X-

A reason for why Christmas was one of her favourite North American holidays was the sheer joy and happiness that exuded from everyone, even the grumpiest of grouches. The other reason was the slowing down of the city. People seemed to rush around less, a simmering of the pulse to something less manic. The city toned down, and so did the customers. It was a welcomed break from the daily 9AM line-ups and 3PM refuel. Not that she didn’t like her current job, holidays just gave her a bit of a breather. 

Like today, just five days away from Christmas, the café was quiet except for the few patrons typing away on their laptops, blind and deaf to the world around them, likely to try and meet any last-minute deadlines for whatever assignment they were furiously working on. Kagome watched them idly from her seat at the front counter, occasionally checking on the coffee machine and cleaning non-existent spills here and there to kill the time. Sally had already flown home for the holidays, leaving Kagome the only one manning the day shift. 

Opening the calendar on her phone, she double checked her itinerary, eager for her turn to visit home after Christmas Day when Sally is back on shift. 

Just a few more days.

When the bells that she had hung up over the front door chimed in a delicate tone to indicate a customer had entered, she pocketed her phone and looked up with a smile, only to freeze at the tall figure standing before her. 

It can’t be. 

She had to have been daydreaming, a broken film reel stuck on scenes scanning through her mind, damaged from years of replaying those same images whenever reality felt like slipping.

But she wasn’t dreaming this time. 

She was not imagining it. 

Though his face was unmarked and she felt no aural buzz against her skin, she recognized those gilded eyes and platinum hair from anywhere. 

He was real. In the flesh.

Sesshomaru.

-X-

“Miko.” 

The moment stood still, suspended in time as all at once, all those years of wondering of what had happened to her friends in the past flashed through her mind. She could feel the pressure building behind her eyes, threatening to release like a damn and flood the gates. 

But she held back, locked those gates and reinforced them, blinking away the threat of tears.

“No one has called me that in a long time now.” Her lips were trembling as she fought to settle her nerves, still shocked at seeing him here, in her time, dressed in a modern black coat and dark slacks.

“How are you here?” He spoke in the same baritone that echoed from a distant memory, stepping towards the counter where she stood behind. The underlying question was clear in his golden gaze. Why are you still alive. How are you still alive.

She was curious too. About what had happened in the past 500 years. What she had missed. The lives of her friends. There were many, many things she wanted to know, words stringing together like those tangled Christmas lights, on the tip of her tongue. She wanted to know everything. 

Kagome plastered on a hopeful smile, “Do you have time for a coffee?”

-X-

After a few awkward pauses stemming from Kagome still trying to process what was happening, they had settled into a companionable conversation. She had seated them at a booth closer to the front counter so she could easily hop in and out, in case another customer had to order. Sesshomaru wasn’t much a coffee drinker, but luckily they had several blends of exotic teas that we acquiesced to. 

Before long, an hour had passed, and the daylight darkened into night. She had told him of her true origins; of falling down the well all those years ago, of what had catapulted her into the journey to collect the jewel shards, of her disappearance back to her own time after the defeat of Naraku and a wish had been made to rid the jewel forever. And though she did most of the talking, he was forthcoming with answering her questions too – about the lives of her friends. About their deaths. 

“I’m glad Sango and Miroku were able to get married and settle down to have kids.” Kagome smiled, a stray tear trailing down her cheek as her gaze drifted to the turtle doves on the window. “I’m glad they no longer had to fight.”

Sesshomaru handed her a napkin. “Your companions lived happy lives.”

Grateful, she dabbed away the wetness in her eyes. But she wasn’t ready to ask about the others. About her best friend that she had come to love in a completely different, platonic way. About the kit that she loved like her own. Not yet. “And what about you? What have you been up to all these years?”

His eyes met hers then, knew that she was only distracting from what she truly wanted to know. “Rebuilding.”

He regaled the tale of the fall of the Western Lands. Of how things had changed over the centuries; the disruption of men and technology and science. Of the burning of his domain and years that it had taken to rebuild and overcome. To reinforce, to adapt. To Change. 

She was curious if he had ever started a family of his own. 

He told her no. 

“Why not?” she asked. “Didn’t you ever love someone?” 

Long fingers reached for his cup, sharp nose inhaling the scent of honeysuckle and jasmine, a scent that had nothing to do with the tea he was drinking. It was a scent from his long lost past that was now as bright as he ever remembered, all emanating from the being sitting across from him awaiting his every word; the woman with dark, midnight hair and glistening sapphire eyes. 

A woman who had been lost to time, and found again.

-X-

Their conversations had continued over the next couple of days. Sesshomaru would stop by in the afternoon when the café was practically empty, sitting at the same booth from their first meeting in the modern era. Kagome would bring over two cups of tea and some pastries. He would only drink the tea, but she had enjoyed having something to nibble on while they talked. 

He had told her of his current ventures, of why he was in Toronto to attend a week-long national conference to represent his company. She had told him of her being in the last year of obtaining a master’s degree in social work at the local university while juggling with part time work at the café. 

“Why not pursue your degree in Tokyo?” he asked. 

Kagome chewed the edge of her plush lips, and he noticed her eyes dipping, downcast as her shoulder slumped. “I guess… I just needed a change of scenery.” 

Staying in Tokyo would have been closer to home, to her family. 

To the well. 

But she just couldn’t. She didn’t tell him of all the years she’d spent trying to pull herself out from a mountain of grief of losing her friends. Of a whole life she had known on the other side that was lost to her, that the well and the shrine grounds was a constant reminder of something so close yet so far out of reach.  

She couldn’t tell him, but when her gaze rose to meet his, she knew she didn’t have to. 

His amber eyes reflected the warmth streaming in from the afternoon sun. He wasn’t what she remembered him to be. He was…softer. The edges rounded out. 

Kagome smiled, and took another bite of her butter tart.  

-X-

It was Christmas Eve, and like most stores, the café was closing early. 

“When are you leaving?” she asked from where she was bent over with a rag, wiping down the empty tables.

“Tomorrow evening.”

Straightening, Kagome walked over to their regular booth and sat down across from him in her usual seat. The rag twisted within her hands, hidden beneath the polished table. She glanced around the coffee shop, eyes everywhere except on him. 

Reds and greens and yellows and blues dotted the window, each little bulb emitting a glow that no longer gave a sense of warmth when she looked at it. Her gaze turned towards the miniature tree where the ornaments now seemed too glaringly shiny. The tinsel around the bakery display was beginning to look tacky, bits and pieces flaking off from getting caught on customer’s sleeves lean against the display. She eyed hollies by the booth. Threads of fake silk stuck out, the plastic berries collecting a tiny layer of dust. 

None of it felt the same. None of it was real.

Not the fake turtle doves in conjured love by the window. 

Not the lonesome partridge stuck into the plastic tree. 

“Are you coming back to Toronto?” she asked almost too quietly, still not able to meet his eyes.

There was a moment of quiet. A hesitation.

“No.” 

-X-

Splashing water on her face, she stared into the mirror of the dimly lit bathroom, noticing the puffiness ringing each eye. After getting back to her apartment after work last night, she had cried herself to sleep. She wasn’t all too surprised at why though. Sudden bouts of nostalgia and waterworks were no stranger to her over the last eight years. 

And yet, something was different this time. 

Perhaps it was because of the easy companionship she had found in Sesshomaru, the fact that he was someone who knew her; in the flesh and not in her dreams. 

That fact that he was real. And not another reassembled figment of her memory.

The fact that she would probably never see him again.  

She took a deep, shuddering breath. “It’s time to let go, Kagome,”

Drying her face with a towel, she made her way back out front to close up shop, fully intent on not dwelling in the past on Christmas Day. It was supposed to be cheerful and bright, so she will try her best to do just that.

But as she rounded the corridor to the front, once again, she was frozen in place at the sight before her. 

“Sesshomaru,” she whispered, not trusting her voice to crack. “Wh-what are you doing here? Aren’t you going to miss your flight?”

Her eyes were wide, breath held as though afraid to breathe, afraid to move as he approached in measured steps, coming to stop just inches away. 

“Kagome,” he spoke, and she could feel his breath fan across her cheeks at soft sound of her name. She had to tilt her head back to meet his gaze, and felt her world spinning when a warm hand cupped her cheek. “Come home with me.”

And before she had a chance to respond, before she could even register the words, she felt his lips brush against hers, petal light, lifting an invisible heaviness that she hadn’t even realized was there. Unconsciously she leaned in closer, a tingle of a dormant aura tickling the edge of her peripheral senses. 

It had been a long, long time since she had felt the familiar wave of youki caress her skin, waking her own reiki from its eternal sleep. 

It was liberating, she felt…alive. 

And just as she was about to be lost in the sensation of their entwining power, he moved away, just barely, breaking off the chaste kiss. 

Sapphire blue met sunset gold, speaking volumes as he held her close. 

She smiled, genuinely, radiantly. “Yes.”

-X-

[ladyblogger-margie]

Permit Pending - Part 1

Pairing: Will Miller (Triple Frontier) x F!Reader

Summary: All Will Miller wanted was a park permit for a VA fundraiser, what he got instead was an unscheduled afternoon exploring different parks with F!Reader.

Word Count:  3890

Rating: G (smut to come in chapter 2!)

Warnings: Course language. Eventual smut in future chapters. 

a/n: My first time writing reader insert and for Will Miller AND for Triple Frontier, so any feedback at all is appreciated. No Y/N. 

Series Master List

3-2-1, Will Miller counted down to the ring of his morning alarm clock. Just like every single day his phone blared a monotonous alarm sound at exactly 05:42 and Will shut it off. He spent the next three minutes practicing mindful breathing and preparing for the day ahead. At 05:45 he rose and changed into his gym clothes. 

He shook together a protein shake as he rode the elevator down to the surprisingly decent gym in his building where he did exactly 30 minutes of cardio followed by an hour of weight training. Today was back and chest day – his favorite – so of course he decided to listen to a podcast instead of a playlist of high tempo motivational music. It was easier to be motivated for something you already wanted to do after all. The podcast today was about finding a balance between order and relaxation, something his therapist had recommended he do before his insurance ran out on therapy sessions and he opted out of continuing the process.

After the gym he returned to his apartment and started the coffee maker. After a quick shower and some facial hair maintenance, he dressed in one of his branded polo shirts and drank his coffee with his breakfast. He had two talks scheduled for the day before lunch, then an errand to run after lunch. Later that evening he would meet up with Benny for fight training. Today could not be any more normal for him - exactly the same as the day before, and the day before that. 

Or so he thought. 

You woke up groaning when your alarm went off at 7:15am. You snoozed it. You also snoozed your 7:22am, 7:31am, and 7:40am alarms. You finally rolled yourself out of bed at 7:50am in time for your quick 30 minute yoga routine before you got ready for work. 

You breezed into the parks and recreation office at City Hall at exactly 8:57am. You grabbed a cup of coffee from the office machine knowing that if you got up at 7:15am as planned you would’ve had time to stop at Starbucks on your way into the office. 

You spent your morning as you usually did - catching up on your passion projects which were the youth sport organizations. You ensured all the public teams had access to the necessary fields and confirmed with the greens team that they were all in working order. You loved your mornings at work even though you weren’t necessarily a morning person. 

After lunch was another story. After a series of poorly timed budget cuts, your department was forced to cancel the internship program. That meant you were drafted into working the permit desks in the afternoons. You knew that it wasn’t actually the worst thing in the world, it was just so boring. The applications were longer than they had any right to be and filled with confusing language. This meant nearly every single application required a specific follow up that never fit one of the many form responses you’d been accumulating in the hopes of streamlining the process. 

Of course you wanted your community to take advantage of the awesome parks in your town, but apparently the legal department didn’t. It put you in a difficult spot where sometimes you were forced to give the park permits to corporations instead of individuals and it drove you crazy to do so. It also locked you to a desk unless a specific permit issue arose that required an in-person follow up which never happened. Which is why after lunch you went off campus to get yourself your favourite Starbucks order because the permit desk on a Monday required the heavy artillery to survive. 

Or so you thought. 

After a few hours of pouring over pages and pages of documents, the most handsome man you had ever seen walked into the office. He had blonde hair and soft eyes which you noticed right away but immediately after you were drawn to his strong chest tightly wrapped in a blue polo with some logo you didn’t recognize over one of his firm pecs. 

“My name is William Miller, and I’m hoping you can help me with a park permit,” the man said, holding out his hand to you. 

You composed yourself as quickly as you could and introduced yourself in return, shaking his hand. “I’d be happy to help you with that,” you said as you let go. His hands were firm and from the callouses you could tell he worked out, though his general physique already gave that away. 

He smiled at you and you felt something stir inside you that was not exactly professional, “Did you have a specific location in mind?”

“No, actually I was hoping to get your opinion. I’m helping to put together a community fundraiser, a BBQ actually, to help support the local VA, but I’m not exactly sure where would be the best place to set something like that up,” he replied. 

You knew exactly where to send him. There was a perfect location you often recommended for huge family reunions, outdoor wedding receptions, and concerts. But as you looked down at the desk for the correct application form you saw the huge pile of pages still left unread taunting you and you got an idea, “Why don’t I give you a tour of a few different locations to help you make your decision?” 

“That’s a service you offer here?”

“We aim to please” you said, desperate for an excuse to get out of the office. 

Will hesitated as he fiddled with his keys for a moment. 

“I could drive if you like,” he offered.

You smiled as professionally as you could, trying to contain your glee. 

“Thank you, let me just check out with my boss and I’ll be right back” you darted away before you could blow your composure. 

You stuck your head into your boss’ office. “Hey, I’m stepping away from the desk. Some guy is insisting I help him pick a park location for his permit request. I’m on my cell if there’s an emergency” you said, not stopping to hear their response before darting off. 

You grabbed your coffee off the desk and landed in front of Will. “Ready,” you said as he smiled warmly at you. He held the door open for you as you left the office, and your boring afternoon, behind.

He led you to his truck in the parking lot and held open the passenger door for you which made your heart flutter though you tried to control it and you reminded yourself that this was a professional outing, not a date. 

He climbed into the cab beside you and started the truck before he turned to you and asked, “Where to?”

You gave him directions to a park you know wouldn’t work, but it did have a couple of soccer fields, and you wanted to check the nets there for holes and figured you could push your luck a bit more today. 

He pulled into the park parking lot and looked around with a slight purse of his lips and a furrow in his brow. He cleared his throat before asking, “I did explain it was a BBQ, right? I don’t really see a place for that,”. 

You suddenly felt guilty, thinking he probably had somewhere else to be today and you derailed him for your own selfish reasons. “I’m sorry, I’m keeping you. I just had to get out of the office, and I took advantage of you. If you’ve got somewhere to be, leave me here with your information and I’ll get everything arranged for you at the perfect place,” you said, avoiding eye contact.

To your surprise he smiled at you, “You should’ve said, I’ve got nothing going on this afternoon, I can help you play hooky.” 

You smiled back at him, relieved that he was on board with your scheme. 

Will watched as you inspected the soccer nets for tears and he felt a warmth in his chest he hadn’t since his fiancee, who had left him after the incident at the Publix. You were really nice and he could tell you were passionate about your job, at least parts of it, especially hearing you explain exactly what your job was while he drove you both to this destination. Plus there was no denying that he found you incredibly attractive. 

You returned to his side at the edge of the field after completing your inspection. “Thanks for waiting, there’s a middle-school tournament here starting tomorrow and I wanted to make sure everything was set,” you said to him and he knew he was in trouble. 

“Ready for park number two?” you asked. 

He nodded and led you back to the truck. 

When you arrived at park number two, Will realized this had to be the place you intended for the permit and he was a bit disappointed. He had been hoping to stretch out his afternoon with you a little longer. Before he could ask if you needed a ride back to City Hall he heard you let go a soft, sad sigh. He looked at you but you were gazing out the front window at the park. 

“Is something wrong?” He asked. 

“I’m going to kill the guys in City Planning,” you muttered upset. 

Will tried to figure out what it was you were looking at, but he couldn’t see anything wrong with the park. It looked like the perfect place for a fundraising BBQ. 

You turned to Will hopeful, “Do you have tools in this truck, or is it just for show?”

He smiled at your joke, “I’ve got a box in the back. What’s the problem?”

You gestured to a park bench, “City Planning keeps installing anti-homeless architecture in my parks and I’m not going to let them get away with it,” you said with a sly smile. 

Will knows for sure now that he definitely has a crush on you. He gets out of the truck and grabs his modest tool box from the bed and follows you over to the bench. He sees a metal arm rest in the middle of the bench, obviously installed to ensure no one lays across it. He checks the back to see how it’s attached and scoffs at the simple way it’s been bolted in and opens his tool kit. 

“Am I going to get arrested for this?” He jokes as he gets to work. 

You laugh, “You’re with me, I’ll protect you”. 

You smile at this; you could get used to the idea of having his back. He gets the bar free and you take it from him. He gestures to another bench a few steps away and he gets to work on liberating that bench too. You happily follow him as you ask, “So, you work for the VA?”

“Yeah, I mostly just run my mouth though,” he grunted as he loosened the much tighter bolt on the second bench. 

“Were you military?”

“Yeah,” He rolls up his sleeve and shows you a tattoo on his forearm, “Delta Force”. 

“But you’re retired now?”

“Something like that,”.

“Aren’t you a bit young to be retired?”

He paused and handed you the second detached metal arm. 

You felt self conscious, maybe you were being rude? “Sorry, it’s none of my business,” You said nervously. 

He shook his head, “You’re fine. It’s just not something I’m necessarily proud of though”. 

“You don’t have to explain, it’s none of my business,” You said, as you led the way to the third bench. 

“I had some trouble, and I was told my services were no longer needed in the field,” he explained getting to work on the third arm, “But I found a way to be useful, stay involved”. 

You nodded, “That couldn’t have been easy,”.

He shook his head, “There are good days, and bad days,” and he handed you the third arm. 

He looked around and didn’t see any more pieces of hostile architecture so he turned to you, “Do you need a ride back to City Hall?”

You looked at him and felt bold. “This is obviously the best park for your event, but if you’ve got nowhere to be, did you want to make one more stop and see my favorite park?”

He smiled at you and nodded his head. You led the way back to his truck where he put his tools away and took the arms from you and dumped them in the bed. 

“I can’t wait to drop those off at the City Planning office tomorrow,” you giggled triumphantly. 

You and Will loaded up into the truck and you directed him out of the parking lot. 

Park number 3 was your favorite place in the entire world, though to be fair you hadn’t actually travelled much so you couldn’t really compare it to anywhere else, but still. To you the lakeside beach next to the tree covered green grass was a slice of heaven. You’d go there on the weekends with a podcast lined up or an old book and spend the whole afternoon on a bench with a coffee and some fresh air. 

When Will pulled into the parking lot, you suddenly got nervous. You had lost some of your earlier boldness that suggested you open yourself up like this to a man you just met. But there was something about him, a warmth and a vulnerability that made you want him to know you, and you to know him. 

You both got out of the truck and the sun was starting to get low in the sky as you walked him to a bench that bordered the beach and the grass. You took a seat and he sat next to you, your thighs gently brushing. The contact sent a shiver down your spine that had nothing to do with the cool breeze that brushed through the leaves above your head. 

Will looked out across the lake and around the park. He felt the warmth of your leg against his and the urge to lean over and brush your cheek with his thumb nearly overwhelmed him. You were so close, it would be so easily for him to just kiss you. But he wasn’t sure you’d want that. You wanted to play hooky from work, and share your love of the parks. He couldn’t let himself think that your enthusiasm for the day had anything to do with him. Instead of holding you under his arm and against his chest, he folded in on himself and looked at you.

He was about to ask what you were thinking about when his phone rang. He pulled it from his pocket and noticed Benny’s name on the caller ID and cursed under his breath. “I’m so sorry,” he said to you as he answered, “I’ve got to take this.”

He stands and walks a few paces away and you watch him leave, disappointed. You thought maybe he was about to ask you on a date, and tried not to let yourself be too upset that he didn’t. You watch as he rubbed his forehead and shook his head as he talked on the phone to someone you couldn’t hear and didn’t know. 

He hung up the phone and turned to look at you, and you turned away, a little embarrassed to have been caught staring at him. He walks back to you on the bench but doesn’t sit down again. 

“Thank you for showing me this place, it’s beautiful,” he said softly and his sweet voice drew your gaze to his lips as he spoke. You felt the electricity surge between you all the way through to the tips of your fingers and your toes. “I hadn’t realized how late it’s gotten, I’m supposed to be at the gym, training my brother,” he explained. 

You nodded and stood up next to him, so close you had to look up to meet his eyes. “That’s fine, I can call an Uber or something back to City Hall” and you pulled out your phone. 

He put his hand on your arm, “Don’t be silly, I’ll take you back. Plus gotta make sure those city planning guys get their gift.”

Your breath hitched when he touched you and you couldn’t contain your smile as you nodded. “Are you sure? I’ve already taken so much of your time” you said, unable to tear your eyes from his. 

“I want to”.

He walks you back to the truck and opens your door for you again and you hop in both flustered and excited. 

The drive back to City Hall is more quiet than you’ve been all day. Your previous trips were full of chit chat about sports and books and random small talk. Now all that existed in the truck was the electricity and tension between you. You wondered if he felt it too, or if the surprising infatuation was a one-sided affair. 

Will gripped the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles went white. He had spent most the afternoon with you and he failed to buck up the courage to ask you out. You took him to your favorite place and basically hand wrapped a romantic moment, and he blew it. He didn’t know if you noticed the potential romance of the location, or if you intended to entice him so completely, but you had. And he blew his shot. 

Back at City Hall he handed you the metal arms from your adventure and you stayed by the truck. You were hoping he’d ask you out before he left. 

“Thanks for the ride, and the impromptu bench liberation, and the excuse to get out of the office,” you said with a smile, lingering longer than you needed to. 

He smiled back, maybe he could ask you now and he could still pull off the romantic gesture. “I had a great day, which I hadn’t actually expected when I went in earlier looking to fill out boring paperwork,” he said leaning unconsciously closer to you. 

He took a deep breath, ready to ask - when his cell phone rang again. He silenced it and tried again, “Hey-“ and the phone rang again and he answered it. “I’m on my way, asshole. Start with cardio,” he said, frustrated, “you don’t need me for that”.

He hung up and looked at you embarrassed by his outburst, absolutely believing that he had blown it for sure now. But you just looked at him amused, not annoyed. 

“Friend of yours?” you asked, stifling a laugh. 

“My baby brother. He’s a fighter and I’m his trainer, which I do for free by the way, but he loves to act like he’s my boss”, he explained. 

“Sounds like a character.”

“He is something that’s for sure. He’s also really special, really talented. He deserves a better lot than what he’s got”, Will's voice trailed off as he thought bitterly about how Benny left service when he did and the guilt he carried, unspoken, about that ever since. 

Will leaned back, “Do you need a walk to your car?”

“I’m alright, thank you. I better head back up to the office first anyway. Thanks again for today. Maybe I’ll see you around”, you forced a smile, abandoning all hope of a date and retreating into the building. 

Will kicked himself mentally all the way to the gym. When he got there he was in a bad mood. 

“Finally!” Benny shouted at him when he walked in.

“I have a life outside of you, you know that right?” Will spit towards Benny.

“Fuck’s wrong with you?” Benny asked.

“I told you I was on my way, what was so important that you had to call me again and nag me?” Will asked.

“You’re never late, I was worried,” Benny admitted. 

Will paused. He hasn’t thought of it like that. He was never late, it was so unlike him. It was actually kinda nice Benny worried, even if he was an ass about it.

“Well I’m here now, let’s get to it”, Will shrugged and he climbed into the ring opposite Benny. 

After training they grabbed some food together. After scarfing down most of his meal without breathing, Benny asked Will, “Why were you late? You didn’t say.”

Will cleared his throat, “I was trying to get a park permit for the VA BBQ”.

“I thought you did that right after lunch?”

“It took longer than expected,” Will said vaguely. 

Benny squinted his eyes at his older brother until the metaphorical lightbulb went off. “Oh shit!” he said, “You were with a girl! Fuck, I never would’ve called you away if I knew, you’ve been alone for so long!” 

Will threw his used napkin at his taunting brother, “Fuck off.”

“Seriously,” Benny said, not laughing anymore, “I hope I didn’t blow it for you, I want you to be happy.”

Will sighed, “I didn’t get her number, and I didn’t ask her out.”

Benny gave him a sympathetic smile, “At least you got the permit for the event.”

Will pinched the bridge of his nose, “Fuck, I completely forgot to actually get the permit.”

Benny smirked at him. “You know what that means, right?”

“No,” Will groaned. 

“You gotta go back and see her tomorrow.”

Will leaned back in his chair, his mood dramatically improved. 

The next morning you dragged yourself out of bed after your third alarm and skipped yoga, just not in the mood. You hoped stopping at Starbucks would get you out of your funk, but even your favorite coffee didn’t have its usual effect. You felt so stupid for feeling like this today. You literally knew Will Miller for all of one afternoon, it shouldn’t ruin your whole week that he didn’t ask you out. 

You walked into the office ready to be grumpy for the rest of the day when you noticed Will stand up from the chair in which he was sitting. 

Will had been waiting for you since the office opened. He was there long enough to wonder if what he was doing was creepy or sweet. The longer he waited, the worse he felt about his plan. Though once he saw you, his resolve formed and he stood to greet you. Any insecurity he had melted away when he saw how you smiled at him when you noticed him there. 

“Hey,” he started, finding his voice. 

“Hey,” you replied, breathless. 

“I never did fill out a permit yesterday, I got distracted by someone way more interesting than paperwork,” he said, unable to contain a grin. 

You felt something deep in your center as you too failed to contain a beaming smile. 

“I can help you with that,” you walked behind the permit desk and he met you on the other side. 

You handed him the paperwork and helped him fill everything out. The entire time neither of you could contain your ear splitting smiles. When he finished you stamped his form and returned his copy. 

“You’re all set, Mr. Miller,” you said, “Will there be anything else?”

He looked you the eye, “Are you free Friday night? I’d love to take you out.”

You nodded eagerly, “I’d like that.”

PART 2 

[gay-salt-amber]

Breeze Pelt x Jay Feather Headcanons

I may make a Jay x Breeze x Fallen headcanon post later but I wanna focus on two people for now! Headcanons under cut

-As we all know they hated each other in the past, but stuff can change

-They first started talking when all the other medicine cats stayed behind in their clans due to a lot of cats getting sick and Breeze Pelt was bored and struck up a conversation since nobody else was there that he wanted to talk with

-That same day he managed to make Jay Feather genuinely laugh, while the leaders were speaking he made a joke about Firestar and Jay laughed, Breeze Pelt saw stars.

-While Jay Feather knows a relationship like this is wrong, they like the thrill of it all and Breeze Pelt sure as hell doesn't mind running away from patrols.

-Jay Feather and Breeze Pelt both train in the dark forest, one because they get to see each other and two, because Jay Feather and Breeze Pelt feel strangely at home there

-The first time Breeze Pelt made a move was before a moonpool visit that Jay Feather and the other medicine cats were going to, Breeze Pelt pulled him aside and held the others hand while using every pick up line and flirty remark in the book

-Maple Shade ships them both

-Once, Breeze Pelt invited Jay into his home in the Dark Forest and he confessed to him over a movie (Jay can see in the Dark Forest btw)

-He didn't even outright say 'I love you' They were just watching a show and the characters kissed, Breeze Pelt just said fuck it and went for it

-It went well, and after talking they started dating

-Once Breeze Pelt tried to just make pancakes and coffee, he burned both and Jay Feather was pissed, it was 7 in the morning and they were making pancakes.

-Jay Feather, due to being a medicine cat, can go WEEKS without sleep, all they need is coffee and they're good, which concerns Breeze Pelt so whenever jay Feather isn't in the Dark Forest he convinces Maple Shade to make a portal and bring them there so they can sleep

-Breeze Pelt loves coffee, but unlike Jay he likes more stranger coffees, his favorite is Dirty Chi coffee, while Jay Feather will just get a cappuccino or a frappe from Starbucks.

-Breeze Pelt is the type of person who never tells anyone if he's sick till he vomits and or pass out, which leads to Jay Feather needing to keep a close eye on him and scolding him ALL THE TIME.

-Jay Feather likes wearing dresses, not to formal occasions, just for fun and because they like to wear them, they're comfy. And it's not really a problem since Breeze Pelt isn't the type to judge.

-Breeze Pelt enjoys reading, so Jay Feather, being as loaded as they are, always nearly buys out the whole book section whenever they're shopping at a book store.

-Breeze Pelt paints his nails black since Jay Feather both hates it but also thinks its cute, so its fun watching his lover stammer over what they're about to say.

----NSFW AHEAD---

-Jay Feather tops, even though they're blind, since they mainly fuck in the Dark Forest since that place doesn't snitch on anyone, it doesn't matter.

-Jay Feather doesn't mind being bottom, they just like making Breeze Pelt work for it

-But one time, they almost fucked in the Thunder Clan kitchen

-That was because Jay Feather was getting coffee during a late night shift and Breeze Pelts horny ass snuck in through a window and, you know what happened

-They like banging in chairs

-for example, Jay Feather is trying to work on medical files, Breeze Pelt sits on their lap, starts kissing they others neck and, you know what happens

-They have very high energy so they can go 12 at night to 12 in the afternoon

-Breeze Pelt likes using his claws whenever he can, he wants everyone to know Jay Feather is his

-Jay Feather is the same but with hickeys

-Jay Feather is weirdly really into pain, which Breeze Pelt abuses alot

---NSFW over---

-When the two are in the Dark Forest, they both play a lot of video games, which Jay Feather are pretty decent at.

-Their favorite games to play are GTA, Among Us and a few others

-Jay Feather is a amazing cook, most medicine cats are. Whenever Jay realizes Breeze Pelt hasn't eaten, they will legit whip up a 4 course meal in 15 minutes just to get them to eat something

-They have 3 kids, Blaze Eye, Quail Wing and Eagle Feather.

-Jay Feather likes podcasts. Their favorite podcast is The Corporate Casket.

-When Leafpool found out, she was very worried that Jay would make the same mistake that she made. Jay Feather had to be refrained by Breeze Pelt from smacking her and remind her that they're not a fucking idiot

-They're wedding was AMAZING let me show some photos

-What the wedding area looked like-

And Jay Feather ofc wore a dress, and bought Breeze Pelt a REALLY pricey suit because they weren't letting this wedding be a complete cheap shit show, this is the dress and the suit was just a normal black suit, so you can prolly just imagine that

-Breeze Pelt and Jay Feather both bite their nails, Jay Feather does it out of stress and Breeze Pelt does it out of boredom

-Breeze Pelt, despite knowing they cant, sometimes he imagines running away with Jay Feather and leaving the stressful clan life behind

-They do often talk about this, but they know its just a dream.

-Breeze Pelt is surprisingly the 'everything needs to be clean' one out of the two which makes Jay Feather laugh whenever they see the other rush to clean something in 2 seconds

-jay Feather gets surprisingly violent randomly, mainly when he doesn't get enough sleep but Breeze Pelt tries his best to keep his lover calm

-The only sport Jay Feather can do without looking stupid is ice skating since Hawkfrost taught them and a few others, Breeze Pelt likes roller skating so it works well

-Jay Feather gets misgendered due to their long hair, they are mistaken for a girl. This pisses Breeze Pelt off a lot, so when he can he will track the person down and either kill them, torture them or anything in-between

-Breeze Pelt is pan and Jay Feather is gay

-Breeze Pelt was the first person Jay Feather came out to as non-binary, Breeze Pelt just smiled and asked if they had a new name, pro-nouns and if they wanted to go shopping for anything. Jay Feather nearly cried

-Jay Feather has a really good gay-dar, so when Breeze Pelt came out as pan, Jay Feather just sat there and said, "I've known for months, its not new."

---Well thats it! requests are open, if you want to request anything, you can-- Amber

-Jay Feather often wakes up angry in thee middle of the night from talking with Yellow Fang or anyone else when they do, they figure out who Breeze Pelt is and just lay into him and calm down.

-in this au, Breeze Pelt is adopted, but unlike Jay Feather nobody knows

[papergirllife]

The Story Of You And I.

Lee Taeyong ( One Shot- Part 1 )

Warnings : Angst, smut, slow burn.

You and Taeyong went way back. Since the both of you were 7 at the 2002 Seoul Fashion week for your mom's up and coming fashion label.

When you met him, he was working as a child model for your mom's brand.

" Hi I'm Y/N. What's your name?"

" I'm Taeyong. Who are you? "

"I'm Ms Kim's daughter. Your one of the models for this show aren't you? "

" Y-Yeah."

" Let's be friends from now on. "

"Okay."

You didn't know why you picked him out of all the boys there to make friends. Maybe it was because of his big googly eyes or his cute bouncy self waiting in line to be dressed.

The both of you became close friends. Always chatting at the backstage of every show. He even signed a contract to stay on with your mom's brand.

As you got to know him longer, you knew more about him. He was a rich family's son, he's mom was once a famous model back in the 70s' and married a wealthy business man. Their family owns Lee Insurance Inc. and even a law firm.

As he got older, his father wanted him to learn up the ropes of the business world, at the age of 12.

He never liked the corporate world, too shady he always said. Thankfully he has a sister who enjoyed business. So the responsibility didn't weight on him anymore.

As Taeyong and you grew, the both of you started developing into teenagers. His eyes were still big, but held a sense of mystery. His jawline sharper. Shoulders broader.

You hadn't changed much, not as much as he did. You started cutting down from snacking as you fall into the phase of wanting to keep yourself fit. You started a gym membership and enrolling dance classes.

You still remember staring at yourself in the mirror at age 15, admiring the curves you developed from your hard work.

Taeyong wasn't blind. He saw the way you changed. No longer that cute little girl who said hi to him at his first catwalk.

One day at the age of 16 the both of you were trapped in one of your mom's studio due to heavy snow fall as you were helping Taeyong with his measurements.

You got bored, so you started sketching some designs on your notebook after your mom taught you how to.

" Do you always bring along your sketch book and pencils wherever you go?"

" Yeah. So that whenever I'm inspired I'll always be able to draw at once. It's really important to me. "

" Thats so artistic and cool."

" Thank you. "

You could feel the blush creeping up your cheeks. You have never been complimented much in your life. Being a famous designer's daughter means you rarely have sincere friends. Taeyong was the closest to you among all.

You looked up from the sketch book to see Taeyong's face only millimeters away from yours. His eyes focused on your lips. With a pounding heart, you closed the gap between the two of you.

Everything was well for a year. Both of you were the sweethearts of the weekly tabloids. The power couple netizens would call the both of you. Until everything fell apart.

At one of your girl friend's new year's party bash. You were supposed to go there with Taeyong, but you suddenly had a headache from the amount of work from school and work. So Taeyong texted you that he wouldn't go as you weren't going to be there.

You were going to fall asleep until your friend Yeri called you.

" Y/N, Y/N. Open your messages right now. You won't like it, but it's the truth and I didn't want to hide it from you. "

" Um. Okay? Hang on a sec. "

When you opened Yeri's chat, there were two blurry photos, you clicked into them and your heart dropped.

It was Taeyong and some random girl making out. You exited your chat with Yeri and opened Taeyong's.

' I'm breaking up with you. '

You hit send and proceeded to block his number and all the other forms of social media accounts.

A few weeks later, the tabloids caught wind of the break up and even caught a photo of Taeyong and some girl kissing at Starbucks.

Taeyong and Y/N, Lovebirds No More? Who's Taeyong's New Mystery Girl?

Y/N's nasty heartbreak, Taeyong's Break For Freedom.

The Similarities Between Y/N and Taeyong's New Darling, Rosé.

Throughout this break up, only Yeri was there, helping me move on from my first love and heartbreak. Passing me tissues and eating tubs of ice cream together.

2019.

" Ms Bae, Ms Bae! "

" Yes? "

"We're short of one of our main male models, he suddenly called and said that his aunt was in critical condition at Jeju. So he flown out of the city and won't be participating in all of our shows. "

" Hurry find a replacement. Any decent model will be fine for today until we find another permanent. "

" Yes, Ms Bae."

You can't screw this up. This is the first time your mom gave you full reins of the company. You had to ace this one way or another.

You were adjusting a model's clothing when you heard a voice that made you drop the pins in your hand.

" Y/N, long time no see. "

You still remember his voice, even though it got deeper as he matured.

" Taeyong. "

You greeted him in a hardened tone.

" Cut the crap. What are you doing

here? "

" Ms Bae, Ms Bae. He was the only decent model available at such a short period of time. "

Your assistant didn't dare looked up to your face, fearing that you might fire her on the spot.

" Get him dressed Nancy. "

" Yes, Ms Bae. "

You looked at Taeyong like he was trash, well technically he is to you but not literally. And you really needed a replacement model.

" Y/N, don't you remember all the happy memories we shared? "

You ignored him and started picking out his runway attire.

" Mr Lee, what is the size of your waist? "

Your assistant asked.

" Ask Y/N. She knows. "

" I don't keep trash in my head. Tell her yourself. "

Taeyong sighed. You sneaked a glance at him. He still does that making his lips straight frown whenever he's frustrated.

It's time you forgot about him Y/N, you told yourself.

" Size 31. "

He took the pants from your assistant to change behind the veil.

" Are you okay Ms Bae?"

Nancy whispered.

"It's been 4 years plus now Nancy. I'm fine. " Or that's what you keep telling yourself.

Nancy seemed a little bit relieved at what you said event though she wasn't entirely sure you were speaking the truth.Suddenly someone called.

"Nancy, Nancy! We need your help with one of the model's measurements. "

You took Taeyong's clothes from her hands and beckoned her to go. She left with a little bit of uncertainty on her face, but didn't dare to question her boss.

Taeyong finally stepped out from the veil, looking smart in the pants you designed.

" Here. Change into the button up first, then the sweater, finally the coat. "

You passed every article of clothing to Taeyong but he didn't take it.

" Dress me. "

" Stop playing games Taeyong. Time is ticking. "

" What sort of games? You did this all the time back when we were kids. "

" I'm not your friend or anything anymore, so get dressed on your own. "

Instead of listening to you, Taeyong plopped down the stool, mindlessly looking at his fingers.

After a minute of no sign of movement from him you took matters into your own hands.

You began to unbutton his shirt rapidly and put on the shirt for him, buttoning the buttons.

Taeyong had a surprise look on his face, he didn't think you'd actually do it.

When you undressed him, you saw the changes on his body. He was much more built than he was last time. Small knobs and cervices at his once soft stomach. You were careful to not touch him.

After you finished adjusting the dress shirt, you forced the sweater over his head, fingers accidentally knocking onto some part of his face.

" Ouch! You used to be more gentle when you dressed me backstage your mom's shows. "

" Let the past stay the past. " You said as you dumped the coat on his face.

" Do that on your own, or get a fling to do it for you. "

You scanned him top to toe to see if anything was wrong. Until you spot his Nike sneakers.

You weren't going to be Prince Charming for him. So you called Nancy and told her to switch tasks with you with a pair of size 9 from your latest collection.

The show was starting soon, you double checked the attendance and the paper and magazine companies.

You could feel a headache forming thinking of the gossip columns eating on the drama that's going to happen tonight.

Ex Lovers Reunited?

What's Happening Between Taeyong and Y/N? Taeyong casted in Y/N's First Full Fledge Collection.

Just mother freaking great.

Everything went smoothly during the beginning, no mismatched clothes, no ruckus outside the venue.

You took a peak from behind the curtains. The columnist and VIP customers seemed to be enjoying it.

" Ms Bae, Ms Bae. "

Nancy called you interrupting your thoughts.

" Yes? "

" Right after Taeyong's wrap up for the runway, it's supposedly your turn to greet and thank the guest. "

Shit, I forgot. A could sense an oncoming disaster.

" Right, yeah. Just let me get changed and I'll be right out. "

You changed into a pair of black skinny jeans and black sweater, to not distract the audience from the clothes worn by the models.

I stood behind Taeyong to wait for my cue. He suddenly turned around and looked at me in the eyes.

" No good luck kiss like when we're 17? "

"You lost that right when you lost my trust. "

For a while Taeyong really looked hurt. I could have been imagining it, don't get your hopes up Y/N , it'll just break your heart again.

When Taeyong walked the runway, heads turned and jaws dropped. Of all the models to grace my brand they didn't expected him. Especially for the closing scene, but there wasn't anyone else under my belt that could pull of such an outfit.

I could see my guest started whispering among themselves. Some frowned, some smiled, some had cynical looks on their faces, like they expected you to fall back with your most popular ex.

When Taeyong came back, it was your time to shine.

" Thank you so much for coming to the show. Customers who would like to make purchases may raise their hand, an employee with an iPad would be of assistance. Once again thank you and goodnight. "

You bowed and returned to the back end. You started helping your staff pack up the equipment, but they all dismissed you midway claiming that they could finish up by themselves.

So you decided to pack up your belongings to head home to prepare for the after party.

After keeping everything, you double checked your belongings and found that your sketch book wasn't present.

You started panicking, the sketch book held many ideas and sketches for future references.

" Ms Bae you should head home to prepare yourself for the after party. "

" I know Nancy, but I can't seem to find my sketch book. "

Nancy's eyes became saucers, she knew how important that book was to you.

" I'll help you ask all the staff, you have to head home to prepare first, it's your first after party Ms Bae. "

" Okay, thank you Nancy. Contact me if you find it. "

[saiikavon]

princessmuk replied to your post “I’m bored and I want to write klance. Anyone got prompts?”

Coffee shop auuuu

Of course!

I had an idea for a magic coffee shop that I was excited about, so this kind of fits in with my last prompt, too! Added this on AO3 as well, and of course, if you like my work, please consider clicking the ko-fi button on my page. Hope you enjoy!

               It’s no small feat that Elixir of Life is as popular as it is, given that it’s a coffee shop in a small college town filled with college students that practically subsist on the stuff. It’s not location, though it is conveniently situated near the campus bus stop; but so are the locations of the two (two, because corporations are slowly devouring the country whole) Starbucks on either side of the same street. It’s not price, though that doesn’t hurt; the shop is run by fellow college students who understand the need for cheap, but still relatively good coffee—and it is pretty good coffee, but that’s not Elixir’s secret to success, either.

               It’s the magic, and the baristas who work it so expertly into every cup.

               Places like Starbucks have tried, of course, to integrate magic into their brews, when the craft became more common in everyday use, but manufactured spells always went a little stale, and never did well in places where homegrown comforts were needed. All of their spell boosts are standardized, put up on the menu along with whatever fancy-flavored frapp is in season at the moment. Elixir’s spells are custom to each order, able to cover whatever the person might need in the moment, though they are careful not to dole out any spells that might have gotten them in trouble with the university.

               The one downside to the shop is that its popularity does tend to drive away anyone who isn’t fond of crowds. Normally, Keith would have avoided such a place like the plague, but their coffee is really, really good.

               It has nothing to do with the cute barista with the messy brown locks and the roguish smile and the blue eyes that make him want to recite sappy poetry on the spot.

               Lance is the favorite of most regulars, thanks in no small part to his charm and good nature, though those qualities are just reflections of the main reason people flock to his register: his particular set of magical skills. Every barista at Elixir has their specialty—everything from boosts to health or strength for customers, to magical flavor enhancements to the coffee itself. Keith’s favorite is the specialty of another boy named Hunk, a brand of magic he can’t place that makes his coffee the perfect kind of warm that sinks right down to his soul. Lance, though, his gift is for love magic.

               On anyone else, Keith might have considered the use of love magic manipulative, but Lance always turns away anyone asking him to make their crush fall in love with them, or to make a partner forgive them for a fight. Keith once heard him reminding one such person that love is a natural force, like the elements, and that like any elemental magic, love magic should be used in alignment with the element and not to control it. Being somewhat gifted in fire magic, Keith understands this very well—disrespect your element, and it could very easily turn against you.

               That being the case, Lance usually helps people seek understanding of others’ feelings, sometimes their own. He sprinkles courage for those wanting to confess, puts in dashes of calm and insight for people wanting to resolve conflicts with their loved ones, and even helps those who have been rejected move on from the hurt.

               Lately, Keith has begun to wonder if Lance is somehow, subtly, unknowingly, working his love magic on Keith, because Keith thinks he might have a bit of a crush.

               It wouldn’t have been a problem had Keith just left things the way they were after their first meeting. He’d never been great with social cues, and had assumed that Lance’s tendency towards friendly teasing was actually him making fun of Keith (given that he had kind of been making fun of Keith’s hair, it wasn’t a totally inaccurate assumption). They’d snipped at each other for a few minutes before Keith stormed off with his coffee…which, as Keith’s first experience with Hunk’s delicious warming spell, was the reason he came back. He’d just resolved to do so when Lance wasn’t around.

               He hadn’t known Lance’s schedule (the fact that he knows it so well now is nothing short of embarrassing), so he hadn’t exactly succeeded in that endeavor. What resulted was an apology he hadn’t expected, and a conversation that had actually endeared him to Lance.

               “I can be a little much for some people,” Lance had said, “and I don’t always see that at first. Hunk had to set me straight after you left—but I seriously wasn’t trying to be rude. You’re cute and I was just trying to break the ice, you know?”

               Keith raised a brow. “By insulting my hair?”

               “Not really my best line,” Lance admitted. “Start over? Whatever you want, on me, as an apology.”

               Keith shifted, a little dumbstruck by the unexpected turn this had taken, and rubbed the back of his neck before replying. “I really liked whatever that first drink was that I had. There was some kind of…warming spell?”

               Lance beamed. “Oh, yeah! That’s Hunk’s specialty. He also does this really great sweetener, it’s not really magic, but—” He halted himself, blushing a bit before continuing, “You know what? I’ll stop talking and just get you your coffee.”

               He had left, Keith had gotten his coffee, and had been coming back nearly every day since. His attraction continues to grow.

               They share a brief conversation every so often, when Keith finds his way to Lance’s register, so it isn’t as though his attraction is based on just…watching. As the weeks go by and their short exchanges continue to pile up, Keith comes to learn that Lance utterly embodies his element in ways that are more than just romantic. He flirts and flatters, of course, but Keith also gets little tidbits about Lance’s family and friends, and hears the love in every word. Lance also genuinely cares about strangers, and is excited to share himself in a way that Keith wishes he could be, too. It doesn’t hurt that Keith associates him with the smell of coffee and the crispness of magic in the air.

               It takes Keith a while to open up as much as Lance has. He talks about his classes, shares embarrassing stories about his pseudo-brother/mentor (Takashi Shirogane is something of a campus hero, so Keith delights in shattering the cool, polished illusion as often as possible), but is reluctant to share much about himself as a person, much to Lance’s dismay.

               If Keith were to be honest with himself, he’d probably say he’s protecting himself from disappointment. If he starts really opening himself up to Lance, he might get his hopes up, thinking that there could be something between them. That Lance isn’t just talking to him because he’s friendly to everyone, that Keith is somehow special.

               “Maybe you are,” Shiro tells him. “Maybe he’s just afraid to cross a line because you’re hesitant.”

               It’s a fair point, but it’s hard to take a chance, when he’s so used to being cast aside, passed off as “someone else’s problem.” When he’s used to riding the line between craving intimacy in a relationship and wanting his space, until his partner gets tired of it and leaves. Or he ends it himself, before it can go that far downhill.

               With Lance, he’s too afraid to step forward or let go completely, so he rides a different line, one that probably isn’t much better. He talks to him, watches him, lets his heart flutter, but doesn’t give himself over. It’s cowardly, and it’s testing his patience. Sooner or later, he’s going to make a stupid decision, and he knows it.

               His stupid decision, much to his embarrassment, turns out to be confessing to Lance in the worst possible way.

               He has a severe case of tunnel vision one morning when he goes to Lance’s register. His mind is on magic, and he doesn’t remember important things, just knows as he opens his mouth that he needs this. That it’s probably better this way. Maybe it’s even more cowardly than what he’s already been doing, but he’s tired of waiting and watching and pining. He needs it to stop.

               “Will you make me a drink today?” he asks. “I need help to…get over someone.”

               Lance’s hand hovers over the register, eyes wide in surprise. No doubt he had been ready to ring Keith up for his usual, only to be completely floored by the change. It’s a long, awkward moment before he speaks, fumbling for a cup as he does.

               “Right, sure, uh…how…” He licks his lips. “I mean…I didn’t know you were…under…someone…”

               Keith wills his face not to turn pink. “I’ve been…trying to ignore it, but I can’t. So I need help to…process these feelings, I guess.”

               “Yeah, okay, I can do that.” Lance fumbles for a sharpie next, eyes still wide and still fixated on Keith, as though he’s watching a horrible car crash. “I just need a name.”

               Keith’s entire body goes suddenly very cold, and he swears his heart stops. “What?”

               “A name? I don’t know how to shape the spell without the name of the person. So who is it?”

               Of course. Keith had foolishly forgotten about that part; had forgotten the way Lance always comforted people over the rejection or the loss while scribbling the name down on the cup. Now, knowing this, he can either try to step back and be subjected to Lance’s questions, or he can just say it, and…face it all right now. Perhaps it will be easier. He doesn’t know.

               He does know that he’s never been one to turn back once he got started.

               He swallows, nervous, looking Lance in the eyes while his heart threatens to pound its way right out of his chest. “It’s, um…Lance,” he says. “Lance McClain.”

               Lance drops the sharpie.

               “What?”

               Keith is definitely burning bright red now, he can feel it. He lowers his voice and shuffles his feet, not daring to look at Lance anymore. “I wasn’t…really planning on telling you like this. Or at all, really. I just…” He sighs, and runs a shaking hand through his hair.

               “I’m not good at this, Lance.”

               There’s a moment of silence, and Keith looks up to see Lance watching him carefully, considering. When he meets Keith’s eyes, he bites his lip, looking as nervous as Keith feels. He wonders what it means, and opens his mouth to try and apologize, or explain, or…something, but Lance interrupts him.

               “I’m gonna make the drink,” he says, carefully. “I’ll give it to you if you join me on my break in a couple minutes and…and hear me out on something. If you really want to get over me, you can, but…but listen to what I want to say first?”

               He looks…soft, Keith realizes. There’s something in his eyes that makes Keith’s heart seize with a mixture of fear and hope. His voice is very quiet now, his tone anxious and uncertain.

               “I told you I’m not good at this, Lance,” he replies.

               “Please?”

               With a voice so gentle, with eyes so imploring, Keith just doesn’t have it in him to refuse.

               He’s in a daze as he walks away, going to sit at one of the tables outside to wait for Lance. He didn’t want to let himself hope, before, but the way Lance had spoken to him inside leaves no room for doubt in his mind. That wasn’t sympathy, or pity; Lance hadn’t been trying to apologize. He’d have let Keith just have the drink if that were the case.

               He feels the same. As much as he can, with as little as Keith offered. Still, Lance feels there’s something about him worth making an effort for, and that, as much as it still does scare Keith a little, also makes him feel…really good.

               He sits and thinks as he waits, a decision forming in his mind. None of this is how he wanted it to go, but it could still turn into something wonderful in the end, if he lets it. He’s tired of pining. He wants to let it.

               Lance comes out with the coffee, and he and Keith smile at each other shyly. Lance sits, skin flushed and looking flustered and excited in a way Keith’s never seen him before. It’s a side he likes, a side he wouldn’t mind seeing more often.

               He decides before Lance even speaks not to take the drink, but he listens to Lance anyway, letting himself grow more and more at ease as his hopes are totally confirmed.

[messyscriptorium]

Dismissal chapter 1. Smoke and gold. (1)

First chapter of the Dismissal series written in collaboration with @sootemptation and @oh-beyond. This is also the first chapter of Smoke and gold, which will be Yixing’s part inside the Dismissal series. Enjoy!

Fandom: EXO

Genre: CEO!AU

Type: Slight angst. Future smut.

Member: Zhang Yixing (Lay)

Warnings: None

Word count: 3,409

Dismissal part 1 | part 2 | part 3 | part 4 | part 5 | part 6 |

Smoke and gold part 1 | part 2 |

Traffic in Seoul during a weekday and at 5 o’clock in the afternoon was a real life nightmare. You’d been stuck in the same spot of one of the streets of the Hannam neighbourhood for the past twenty minutes and you could feel this was going to take long. You could also feel your boss getting impatient in the back seat of the elegant black Audi. Whenever he moved, trying to get comfortable, the leather car seats would creak under his weight. The sounds were getting on your nerves and the delay was getting on his.

“Tell me again, chauffeur. Why are we stuck?” He asked you for the fifth time. Chauffeur. God, how much you hated it when he called you that. He was so pretentious and snobby. You had been working for him for nine months already and he hadn’t bothered to learn your name yet.

“I think there’s been an accident in the Hannam Bridge, Mr Zhang,” you answered him meekly. “The roads are cut to traffic until the incident is resolved.”

“Can you do something about it?” He demanded in an irritated tone. Was he an idiot? Was he really asking you to magically solve the traffic problems of Seoul? You took a deep breath before you answered him. You really needed this job.

“I can try to go back and take the Dongho Bridge to get into Gangnam, sir. It will take longer than the usual way but I haven’t heard of any problems in that route.”

You looked at him through the rear-view mirror, waiting for his approval. When he finally looked up from his smartphone, he was frowning.

“Well, what are you waiting for? Do I have to tell you how to do everything?”

Fucking. Asshole.

“No, Mr Zhang,” you muttered under your breath. “Right away, sir.”

You grabbed the steering wheel with a little more force than necessary, your thoughts focused on not saying a sassy retort back to him, and you maneuvered the car to make a turn in an alley and get the both of you out of the traffic jam. The car meandered through the streets of Seoul, your eyes focused on the other vehicles and the traffic signs. Whenever you reached a red light, you took a few seconds to throw a quick glance at your boss through the rear-view mirror. He was still engrossed with whatever was happening in his smartphone.

Car rides with Mr Zhang were always like this. You had been silently driving him around the city —or whatever other places he asked you to take him— for the past nine months. He was always looking at his smartphone, talking on the phone, closing some very important deal with the company of the month. He only spoke to you to give you instructions. You were a little grateful for that, if you were being honest with yourself. The man made you nervous, he had a very imposing aura and you weren’t sure you weren’t going to make a fool out of yourself if you ever were to make conversation with him.

And he was handsome. Really handsome. High cheekbones, nice skin, a slightly aquiline nose and dark hair that he always wore pushed back. But what you liked the most about his face were his lips. Those lips were created for pouting, and you were sure that was how he managed to close all his deals, because his personality sucked. There was no way in hell he managed to close all those deals by being charming. The original sexual attraction you felt for him at the beginning vanished the first time he was a jerk to you. He was still handsome, though, that was something you could not deny. But your past desire to bang your boss had been replaced by your desire to bang his head against a wall.

You soon reached your destination, some fancy business building in Gangnam where the meeting was being held. You pulled aside and stopped the car at the entrance, your hand going for the handle of the door, but Mr Zhang was already opening his.

“Don’t bother, chauffeur,” he said, throwing you a disappointed look. “I’m already late enough to be waiting for you.”

And with that he closed the car door with a bang. You let go of the handle with a loud sigh, dropping yourself against the seat in a defeated attitude.

“Don’t bother, chauffeur,” you repeated in a low voice, mocking him. You knew it was a childish behaviour but it was all you got; saying aloud all the things you couldn’t say to him when you were finally alone.

The porter of the building was making signs to you, telling you to move to let room for the next car, so you quickly started the engine and you moved the car out of the way, heading to the car park reserved for corporative drivers. Once you parked, you took your phone out of your pocket and you placed it in the passenger seat, prepared for when Mr Zhang would contact you to let you know he was ready to leave.

You turned up the radio, placed your forehead against the steering wheel and started to hum along to the song that was playing at the moment. It was some pop song that you didn’t know the title of, but you’d heard enough times to know the chorus. That was, when you were alone in the car. When Mr Zhang was in the car, radio was forbidden unless it was to hear the latest news about the Korea Exchange or the negotiations about THAAD. You were sick of only hearing about economics and politics. You wanted to take your head off of those problems for once in a while and just relax. The word ‘relax’ was not on Mr Zhang’s dictionary, though.

You actually got this job thanks to one of your father’s friends. Last year had been a tough year for you. You felt like University life was getting the best of you, felt like you were throwing away the best years of your life for… for nothing, really. You’d seen a lot of your friends with their University degrees working at the nearest McDonald’s, Starbucks or the closest multinational company franchise around the street. And you were sure there was where your degree on Ancient Languages was going to get you. So, why waste your parents’ money on some education that was useless? You dropped out.

Things at home were a mess; your parents were so disappointed on you. Their only child, a dropout. After all their sacrifices, sleepless nights and double shifts to get you to University, you decided you didn’t want to do it anymore. Your dad was the worst; he couldn’t even look at you without scoffing and leaving the room. Your mum preferred the silent treatment during the first few days after the news. However, after the waters calmed down a bit, they both reached the same conclusion. You didn’t want to study? That was fine, but you had to work.

And that brought you to this job. Your dad knew some guy who knew some guy who knew some other guy, and they were looking for a driver. Some rich man had fired his previous one and he was in the need of another. The idea sounded a little bit ridiculous to you, after all, you were not a professional driver and you were sure there were many other qualified people applying for the job. You were about to tell your father to drop it, that you were going to find a more suitable job for you. That was, until you saw the salary.

Until this day you still didn’t know how you managed to get the job, how you did better than a lot of drivers with years and years of experience. But you were not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, and you took the job eagerly. The money was good, and after a few months of working for Mr Zhang you had saved enough to rent a small apartment, so you moved out of your parents’ house.

The day you met Mr Zhang, you were left speechless. He was definitely not the type of boss you were expecting. You supposed you would be working for some middle-aged man with a protruding tummy and an incipient bald spot. Not this fine man who was probably only a few years older than you.

The song in the radio transitioned to some cheesy ballad and you groaned, lifting your head and changing the station. The waiting was the worst part about this job. Always waiting for him to do all the things he had to do while you had to sit tight in the same spot for hours and hours. Not that you were complaining, the job could be worse, but you were bored out of your mind.

Your phone dinged and you picked it, turning the screen on. You had a new message, but it wasn’t from Mr Zhang.

Love of my life: hey girl. how’s work going?? [18:26]

You smiled at the text. Your best friend, Hyeri, knew how boring your days could get. You took no time to answer her back.

You: Hey, girl. Hideous as always. He’s been a bitch to me again. [18:29]

Love of my live: oooh :( i’m sorry. do you want to see some meme of a dog? [18:29]

You: Yes, please!! [18:30]

The next text was a picture of a Labrador holding Mjölnir in its mouth with the title “Labrathor” in it. You snorted. That meme was old, but it made you laugh nonetheless.

You: Thanks, youre the best <3 [18:31]

Your phone dinged again and Mr Zhang’s name popped up in your screen. The meeting only took four songs? That was quick.

Mr Zhang: Wait for me at the entrance. We have to go somewhere else. [18:31]

You turned off the radio and started the engine of the car again, heading for the entrance of the building, where you stood next to the car with the door open, waiting for him. It wasn’t long before you saw him emerging from the glass doors of the edifice. He was unbuttoning the jacket of his three-piece suit, his eyes fixed on you. You straightened your uniform and bowed, greeting him politely. When he was finally inside the car, you run to your seat and started the engine again.

“Where to, Mr Zhang?”

“Namwon,” he answered.

“I- uh, Namwon, sir?” You stuttered. “The city in North Jeolla?”

“Yes, Namwon, the city in North Jeolla,” he repeated in a tone that was very clear that he didn’t want to say it again. “Is there any problem?

“No, sir, no problem at all. Namwon,” you said in a tiny voice.

The truth was that yes, there was a problem. Namwon was across the country. It was an almost three-hour drive from Seoul. You guessed you weren’t going to get a decent amount of sleep that night. You had six hours ahead of you driving through South Korea and it was almost 7 o’clock in the evening. Great.

Instead of dwelling in how unfair this was going to be for you, you quickly made your way through the street of Seoul and towards the highway, heading south. You didn’t know what kind of business required Mr Zhang to leave the capital and go to a small city in the middle of the mountains, but you were not going to ask him about it. You knew better than that. He didn’t like to talk about his life and you didn’t like to hear him either.

It was a lucky strike that the roadways were clear at this time of the day, there were no congestions and the trip was going without any incident. It was also very quiet and awkward. Your eyes were fixed on the road and his eyes were fixed on you. You could feel them in the back of your neck, and whenever you looked back at him through the mirror his eyes never left you. Was he angry at you? Have you done something wrong? You didn’t want to lose this job.

Fortunately for you, Mr Zhang’s phone started ringing when you thought you were about to scream at him to stop looking at you. You let a silent sigh escape your lips while he answered his phone.

“Yes, Junmyeon, what is it?”

A short silence followed and you imagine the other man, Junmyeon, was explaining something to him. You heard him hum in agreement a few times to whatever this Junmyeon guy was telling him on the phone.

“I’m on my way, I think I’m not too far from the house.” Another silence. “Yes, send me the exact direction, my chauffeur doesn’t know exactly where we’re going…” More silence and then you heard him laugh. He had a nice laugh, almost childlike, naïve, and it caught you off guard. “Yes, okay, I’ll see you in a bit. Bye, Junmyeon.”

He ended the phone call after that and you looked at him again. His eyes were on you once more.

“I’m sending the location of the house to the car GPS. Do you think you can follow it?” He asked you.

“Of course, sir,” you responded through gritted teeth. Of fucking course you knew how to follow some GPS instructions. It was the condescending and paternalist tone he used with you what always got you on your nerves. Why did he have to have such a beautiful laugh?

After that, the trip went silent again and you reached the house without any more incidents. The house itself was not in Namwon. It was on the outskirts of the city, far away from any other house.

The place was beautiful; the whole thing built using Hanok style, the Korean traditional architecture. Although you could tell the building was new or at least very well restored because there was nothing out of place. The house had a simple garden on the front with a path made of circular stones that led to the front door. A soft light came out of the windows of the house and it gave the whole building a warm aura.

You parked the car in the main way of the mansion and hurried to open Mr Zhang’s door. This time he had nothing to say against your behaviour and you mentally high-fived yourself. When you turned around you saw that there was a man standing in the threshold of the front door and he was smiling. His cheeks glowed when he did so and his eyes became a line of happiness.

“Yixing!” He screamed, gleefully, coming forward to trap your boss in a tight hug. “I’m glad you could make it.”

“It’s nice to see you, too, Junmyeon,” Mr Zhang answered, and you could tell he was being truthful. He really was happy to see the man hugging him.

When the two man broke the hug, Junmyeon looked at you. You hurried to bow politely at him and you could see him eyeing Mr Zhang.

“And who do we have here, Yixing?” He asked, not moving his eyes from you. Your boss turned around to look at you, surprised in his eyes like he had forgotten you were still there.

“Oh, her,” he said, moving his hand as if you were someone unimportant, “she’s just my chauffeur.”

Junmyeon laughed loudly at this and he patted Mr Zhang’s shoulder.

“C’mon, Yixing. Could you be more of a jerk?”

Oh, you had to agree with Junmyeon on that.

“What? I’m not a jerk! What do you mean?” Mr Zhang was a little outraged.

“You brought your chauffeur to the other part of the country when you could have made that drive by yourself. Especially when you knew you were going to stay the night.”

What? He was going to stay the night? And what about you? Did you have to go back to Seoul and come back tomorrow to pick him up? Breathe. This was a good job, it was the first time he’d made something like this. Don’t snap.

“Come here, chauffeur,” Junmyeon was talking to you, “at least have dinner before you have to go back to Seoul.”

You looked at your boss, but his expression was unreadable. Did he wanted you to stay? You were not sure if staying for dinner at the house of a friend of his was stepping your boundaries.

“It’s not necessary, sir, thank you.” You declined the offer quickly.

“Ah, don’t be silly. Go to the kitchen, my maid is there. You can have dinner with her and then go back to Seoul, uh?” It sounded more as an order than an invitation. Before you could refuse again, he grabbed Mr Zhang’s shoulder and guided him inside. You followed them timidly, leaving your shoes at the entrance and then you started to look for the kitchen.

The inside of the house was even more spectacular. Everything was made of light wood. The walls and the ceilings were white and the wooden beams of the building were on sight. The house had a rectangular ground plan and in the middle there was an interior courtyard full of stunning vegetation. You could see that garden through the glass walls of the front part of the house.

You followed the left corridor, your nose guiding you in the right direction. It smelled heavenly in there. When you entered the kitchen, you were welcomed by the warm smell of hot manduguk getting heated in the fire. A woman was standing there. She was wearing a handmaid uniform and he was smiling at you. She didn’t seem afraid at a stranger coming into her kitchen. You guessed it was because you were a woman and you were wearing a uniform, too.

“Hello,” she greeted, “I’m Jangmi. Let my guess. Mr Kim has invited you to dinner.”

You chuckled and gave her your name, and you confirmed her suspicions.

“Your boss seems nice. He told me to have dinner with you before going back to Seoul. Is that ok?” You asked her softly.

“Of course! Here,” she said, bringing a chair close to her, “sit there and eat with me. It gets lonely up in the mountains sometimes. And it’s only Mr Kim and I here, so there’s no many people I can talk to.”

Oh, you liked her. She was careless, warm and full of life. She didn’t stop talking while she served you dinner and you wondered how she managed to eat when she was constantly chattering. You didn’t really care, the food tasted awesome and she was great company.

When you both finished eating, you started to help her clean all the mess, but she shushed you away, waving a hand in front of your face.

“No, no, no. Leave that, I got it. It’s really late and you still have to go home. I’ll take care of it, don’t worry.”

“Thank you so much, Jangmi-ssi. The food was amazing.”

You were really grateful to her and you bowed deeply.

“Oh, stop that,” she said, chuckling. “Now leave! And drive safely.”

You bowed again and you smiled widely, saying goodbye to her. This day hadn’t been as bad as you thought it would. You’d had a warm homemade meal and a nice conversation. These little things always made you happy.

The way back to Seoul was boring, especially during the night when you could only see the road ahead illuminated by the car lights. But at least you could listen to some music and before you knew it you were leaving the car at Mr Zhang’s house and taking a cab to your small apartment.

You took off your shoes the minute you entered your house and went straight to the bathroom to brush your teeth before going to bed. You put on your pyjamas and then fell flat-faced against your mattress. You were so tired you almost fell asleep immediately, but the soft ding of your phone made you open your eyes. Who was texting you this late? The light of your screen made you squint your eyes momentarily, but when they got used to it, you could read the message.

Mr Zhang: Remember that tomorrow I have an appointment in Seoul at 4 pm. Don’t be late. [01:58]

[echo-espresso]

small little life update:

I don’t know if anyone will pay attention to this, or if anyone who is still an active follower even knows me IRL or CARES but whatever im happy and I don’t have too many outlets for all this good shit in my life

I moved in April, away from an abusive man and to a new city that felt just safe enough, and just new enough. I hid where I was going from him. He doesn’t know, not to my knowledge anyways. I started work at Starbucks, a company I’ve had experience with since I was 17. A real corporate starbucks this time, I’m a partner, with the free bag of coffee a week and free drinks and food, it’s a nice deal. I was thrilled on this new adventure, everyone at the store was so warm and welcoming, I found comradere with the closing staff most of all. It was a nice environment, we all bonded over weed and nerdy things, bullshit customers and relationship problems.

 And there was a ~boy~. JM. Okay, not boy. Man, full grown human man ten years my senior with blue hair and a zelda beanie and who was the most helpful and patient with me. I work in a rough part of the city. When I tell family and friends where my location is, their eyes widen. One of the best part of being a closer is that my closing crew takes no shit. They all made me feel incredibly safe, especially this ~JM~. I started getting excited when I saw him on the schedule with me. He was brand new, a far stretch from my normal type. Friendly and outgoing and incredibly smart and had this crazy cool life experiences. Protective in a very casual way, offering to walk me to my car when I’d clock out and nervously look at the dark parking lot. He casually called me beautiful, and everytime we’d work together, we’d end up just finding dozens and dozens of things in common, from weird personality traits, bad habits, our cat obsession. We ended up texting constantly, sharing music and bad relationship stories. I knew immediatley I would end up close to this JM person in some capacity. 

Aside from work, my life outside of it was awkward. I didn’t know many people here, aside from one close friend. I spent most off days in my apartment binge watching netflix, too broke to do much else. Every day I worked though I looked forward to it. People at work liked me, I was new but I knew plenty already, could bar with confidence and speed, had all of the product knowledge stored in my head to help customers. I was fast, always found something to do. 

JM opened up to me about his life. He’s a writer, like me, and was sharing pieces he’d written late in the night. At work, JM sung a lot, mostly doing dishes, mostly to himself. He told me it was to block out the bad memories. JM toured in Iraq with the US Navy, he was a medic. He likely has severe PTSD. He told me he sings to drown out the thoughts, that he sometimes forgets where he is, even at work. The singing annoyed some coworkers. After he told me that, it just worried me. I’d go to the back to make sure he was okay, which he seemed touched by. The pieces he wrote were haunting pictures of life during war. The violence he saw, participated in, and experienced is like nothing I could imagine. He shared stories with me he hadn’t told any other person. I did the same. He was a vault, a secret keeper, and so was I. We lived in eachother’s confidence, and found an inexplicable incredible amount of trust with one another. We both bore our own scars of trauma. 

The moment I decided he was special was when he told me a story about him in the Navy. One of my best friends growing up, Taylor, was also in the Navy. In 2015, my friend Taylor jumped off the boat she was stationed on. I cried for weeks. JM told me, not knowing about her, that he’d planned to do that same thing, years ago, standing on the side of the boat in the middle of the night. Something convinced him not to. 

He started cooking for me, bringing me food to eat on my lunch. When he got a horrible head cold, I brought him pho and nyquil. We started taking care of eachother, because nobody had taken care of us in a while. 

It was evident he was interested in me. My friend Julie met him and as soon as we left she told me “he is in love with you Abbi. Like full blown in love with you.” And despite my best efforts to remain professional, I couldn’t stop what was happening. At one point in the back room he was helping me grab something on a top shelf, and touched the small of my back, and my whole body went numb. I’d catch myself staring at him, memorizing his mannerisms. I’d notice the curve of his collar bone, the bulk in his arms. At one point in the back room the bottom of his shirt lifted and he had taught stomach muscles that made me turn bright red. Whenever I’d walk on a shift he’d yell “YAS” with such genuine glee. I started hanging out at his apartment, his roommate also works with us. We went to middle of the night carne asada fries, he gave me weed, we watched movies on his couch. He finally told me he planned to pursue me. I finally told him he needed to be patient. So he was. 

One night, he texted me that he needed me to come over. He couldn’t be alone, and his roommate was working late. He was shaky, tearful. Work had been bad, he’d snapped at a supervisor. The triggers had been getting more numerous. I listened to him on his porch, rubbing his back while he chain smoked cigarettes. He calmed eventually, I offered to take him to get food. After he was calm, he wouldn’t stop thanking me, telling me I was amazing. A few more days passed.

I’d had a bad day, one day, early summer. We were sitting on his couch, his arm around me pretty casual. It was me that broke the rule, that kissed him first. I was pretty forward, once I want someone I really want them. I asked him if I could stay over. He didn’t push sex on me, in fact we just slept in the same bed, his arms around me. But it was the best I’d slept in years, despite his apartment being 90 degrees. 

JM and I went to yosemite that day. We smoked weed on the drive up, listened to music with the windows down. Sat underneath the giant trees. The best part about he and I is we talk so easily. There’s never an awkward pause, just a constant cadence of conversation and joking. 

We joke now, 4 months later, that JM came over to my apartment and never left. He is my constant, my surprise addition to my life here. Nobody takes better care of me. He helps me with my bills, he is inexplicably not grossed out by most things. I wake up every morning to him telling me how beautiful I am. It’s literally the first thing he says to me, everyday. We cook for eachother, we explore the world around us. We never have a dull moment when we’re together, we make every day amazing even on our brokest, saddest days. It’s the first time I’ve had a relationship where there’s a realistic future. Which terrifies me. He makes everything so easy. I had a different picture for my life when I moved here, but this version is so much better. 

TL: DR???? 

IDK. I’m happy and in love and that’s the story.

[rosemarymargaretmyersmrazikcobb]

This is an introduction.

Rosemary Margaret Myers Mrazik Cobb

Family names:Myers,Cobb,Turmo,Griffin,Passarella,Leddon,Wilson,Hall,DuPrey, Szydlik,Colaianne,Geary,Brown,Mrazik;Musselman,Frane;not Nadalin,Mattingly,or Iwaki,not Johnson,Karras,Schissler,or Connell,not Boehler,Wimsatt,Hennessey;not Baptist.

I like science,art,Latin language and its the Greco-Roman history,and Stonehenge,physics,botany,anthropology,archeology,ecology;Wales,Scotland,Ireland,New Zealand,Canada.

I remain single,by choice.

Objective and Overview:Seeking an opportunity with a company that will combine my experience in business,my bachelor's degree,and my interest in the sciences.At Hunter Engineering Company,I was working in the Marketing Information Department for seven years.I managed a database, prepared contracts,managed a yearly short term direct mail project,typed and distributed interoffice memos,and supported the Regional and Divisional Sales Managers with special projects.I utilized Microsoft Word,Excel,Outlook,and a mapping software.After Hunter Engineering,I worked at Mission Equipment and Lifts,Inc and then Macy's.I graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Minor in Art History in 1988.Later,while working at Hunter Engineering Company,I began evening classes for pre-medicine,from 1996-2003 at UM-St.Louis.My focus and long term goal remains to obtain a PhD in the sciences.

Skills and Accomplishments:I am a past member of Toastmasters International,a public speaking organization.My office skills include data entry,marketing,managing a yearly short-term direct mail project,revising contracts,managing a database,typing and distributing inter-office memos, and supporting the Regional and Divisional Sales Managers with special projects. I used Microsoft Word,Excel,Outlook and a mapping software on a daily basis. My typing is currently 35 WPM and know 10 key by touch.My education includes a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a GPA of 2.453 and Post Baccalaureate Pre Medical classes with a GPA of 3.123.

My profile on Linkedin.com with a recommendation from Hunter Engineering Company at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosemarymrazik/

My profile on Facebook is https://www.facebook.com/RMM038

I began a blog with a few notes that I kept while I was job searching; thai can be found at https://rosemarymrazik.blogspot.com/ My blog is a pretty good reference,that gives some of the other websites where my resume information is stores on.

My Twitter account is https://twitter.com/RMM038

My Pinterest account,which has a brief resume,can be found at https://www.pinterest.com/rmm038/

My Flickr account,with quite a few pictures,and of course,a short resume,can be found at https://www.flickr.com/people/rmm038/

I prefer Google's suite of computer products,so my basic background information,can be found at https://aboutme.google.com/u/0/?referer=gplus

These accounts are available for public viewing and reference.

When I was laid off from Macy's in Manhattan Village in Manhattan Beach, California,sometime on January 18,2011,I decided to make the best of my time by starting my own online retail business selling sportswear,at https://www.companycasuals.com/SportswearByRosemaryMrazik/start.jsp To my disappointment,I floundered after a brief beginning,but the website remains.I,hopefully,will be able to begins this business once again, or another one similar to it;maybe a reading room,where I can sit with my laptop,a good book,enjoy a fireplace at its best in the middle of the winter, and have a cup of hot tea or hot chocolate.I seem to have a craving for Starbucks holiday pastries right now.

Well,anyway,I was placed at a job with the same Macy's location within a month or two after I was told that my job was cut,this being in the fitting rooms on the Women's side of the building;Macy's Womens at Manhattan Village Shopping Center.After struggling with part time hours for over a year,I was placed in another job,but this time,I snagged a fairly good job in the Macy's Men's Store as a Levis sales support person.Nice.I now had regular working hours;not bad for retail work shifts;but my hourly wages remained close to minimum wage,making financial ends meet quite a struggle.

So here is the boring part,my resume,at least in a small section of it.For my resume,go to my Linkedin.com account at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosemarymrazik/ or to my Facebook.com account at https://www.facebook.com/RMM038 or to my Indeed.com account at https://my.indeed.com/resume or to my Slideshare.com account at https://www.slideshare.net/RosemaryMMrazik

July 9,2007 to March 14,2016 Macy's Inc. Macy’s Mens and Home Store and Macy’s Womens Store Manhattan Village 3400 Sepulveda Boulevard Manhattan Beach,CA 90266 310-546-5525 www.macysinc.com

The above websites with my accounts and profiles of my background,are available for public viewing and reference.

ABOUT YOU "The last time I checked,I am Homo sapiens."Monday,July 23,2018. "Wales,Stonehenge,I would like to go camping near Loch Ness and have a bar-b-que,read one of my favorite books-"The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" by JRR Tolkien,and Charles Darwin's books,"The Voyage of the Beagle" and "On the Origin of Species;"having a cup of tea with Tommy-my brother,Larry K.Iwaki Jr PhD-a friend,and whomever else would like to be there."Tuesday,July 24,2018. "And,I would like to walk my cat,or is my cat walking me?"Tuesday,July 24,2018. "I need to study anthropology,archeology,mix in some botany,and a little bit of astronomy and ecology,add in some Latin.And,by the way,I do not believe in the existence of a god;and,really,never did;or an infallible universe."Wednesday,July 25,2018. "Everything scholastic;just show me what you found,on a computer or laptop or computer tablet or book or ..."Thursday,August 9,2018. "MCCS Camp Pendelton-L.I.N.K.S."Monday,August 20,2018. "The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society;MCAS Miramar in Oceanside,California and Camp Pendelton-Marine Corps Family Readiness;US Vets near Inglewood, California;Hunter Engineering Company Corporate in Bridgeton and First Bank and First Services in Creve Coeur,Missouri;Mission Equipment in Oceanside, California and Macy's Men's and Home Store in Manhattan Beach; General Dynamics,Consolidated Grain and Barge,Cass Bank and Trust,Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance,Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance,McDonnell Douglas, and Monsanto."Friday,August 10,2018. "Just show me;I'm from St.Louis."Saturday,August 11,2018. "You figure out more,when you are doing something,outside,...just walk in small groups.""Everyone,completes a task each day,to maintain...""I help Karen,my sister,cross the street,when we are both in 1,1a,or 1ab,and we both see each other,and talk to each other.""You get up and get ready for the day,when the Sun rises.""Do not wait until after the fact,until you do something,or to talk about...""If all else fails,stay with a highschool friend or cousin,and think about,and do,the same schedule of classes,(Home Economics,English Literature,Shop and PE Classes,Art,Latin,Earth Sciences,Physical Sciences,Biology,Physics,Chemistry,Geometry,Algebra,Trigonometry,etc.);extracurricular sports and clubs,(chess club,computer club,audio visual club,cross country running);even the schedule for snow days,and study once again the same classes that you took.Sunday,August 12,2018.Monday,August 20,2018.

"What is the definition of Martial Law,and what are the Geneva Conventions? What are the violations of the Geneva Conventions,and what does this have to do with Martial Law?What are some of the acceptable forms of Civil Disobediance?"Sunday,August 12,2018;Monday,August 13,2018;Monday,August 20,2018. "Thank you Ambassador Steve Braur,and to your family,for the years of working at Hunter Engineering Company."Monday,August 13,2018. "Thank you Pat Dolbeck and Sgt.Polemini,Jack Van Nest,Gloria Durbin,Larry Piraino,Charles Powers,Danny Castro,Mike Ernsberger,Bill O'Brien,Jim Rahman, Mike Young,Gunny Stroud,and Major Harrington in the Auto Skills Center,and the many other people who I talked to in the Marine Corps,with MCAS Miramar and Camp Pendelton in Oceanside,California;while I worked at Mission Equipment with Jerry Giardullo."Thursday,August 16,2018.

"I have never earned,for an entire year,a salary that is at a minimum of the bottom range of middle class income.""Make your monthly and weekly expenses equivalent to you income.""My debt and expenses have always been larger than my income.""I have been encouraged to remain undereducated;but not from ...""I have never been disabled.""Office automation,ham radio,facsimilie machine,computer laptop,mobile telephone;libraries, books and cafes, blue cheese and breads, salads with salami,camping, travel and good company with family and friends-walking each day and study of books and working for a paycheck;expense to income ratio;wireless internet and WiFi,Irish potatoe famine,the flu and cough,severe weather."Saturday,September 1,2018.

Written by Rosemary Margaret Myers Mrazik Cobb,the daughter of Kathleen A. Myers-my mother,of the household of my parents Kathy Myers-my mother and Thomas H. Cobb-my father and step father,Karen A. Myers,Robert B. Mrazik, Rosemary M.Mrazik,Thomas J.Mrazik,David (Dave)Cobb,Dolly Griffin,and Suzi Cobb,Danny Passerella,and David Doodlebaugn,Pat Turmo;which is,for the most part,an athiest household-and I prefer to keep it this way.One of the household addresses was at 100 North Bemiston and Maryland Avenue in Clayton; then on Stafford Lane in Florissant,Missouri,and then at 12907 Nimes Drive in Creve Coeur,Missouri,in West Saint Louis County,in Somerton Ridge Subdivision.I will not renounce this household for any vague,religious reasons,or for anyone else.I attended and graduated,in 1983 from,Parkway Central Junior High School and Parkway Central Senior High School,both in Chesterfield,Missouri on Woods Mill Road near Olive Street Boulevard.I attended and graduated from the University of Missouri in Saint Louis with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing and a Minor in Art History in 1988,at Natural Bridge Road near North Hanley. I worked at Piece of the Pie in Ward Parkway Mall in Kansas City and at Chesterfield Mall in Chesterfield,Chenoweth-Chapman Cleaners at Bellerive Plaza in Creve Coeur with Mr.Lee,the Frame Factory in Creve Coeur with Carolyn Mandelman and Karen Coburn at Olive Street Road and Craig Road;First Services,LLP and First Bank with Monique Datillo and Melinda White,both in Creve Coeur at North Woods Mill Road and Olive Street Road;at Hunter Engineering Company Corporate in Bridgeton at Natural Bridge Road and Lindbergh Boulevard with Mr.Steve Braur,Paul Roberts,Bill Markey,Steve Helmkamp,Mike Green,David Newton,Bob Bock,Bob Toolen,Jeff Elder,Mr.Davis Shular,Mike Healey,Jeff Kern,Delyn Wirkus,Denny Bowen,Joe Staniszewski,Doug Woolverton,Frank Ponte,Joe Fuller,Harold Smith,Dave Smith,Jenny McDonald, Steve Meitz,Greg Dunkin,Rhonda Tenkku,Terri Burke,Cheryl Naes;at Pictage, Inc.in Torrance with Andre Kiel,Ariel Minguez,Julia Hamm Tashima,and Dave Shevock;at Mission Equipment and Lifts in Oceanside,California with Mr.Jerry Giardullo and Bill Markey,Danny Castro,Lucas McAhren;at BevMo! on Vista Way in Oceanside,California with Brien O'Neill,Scott Reid,Nathan Chavez,Jonathan,and Kelly,Sgt.Polemini;at Macy's at Manhattan Village in Manhattan Beach,California with Shannon Giancotta,Teresa Matus,and Tracie Manick,Scott O'Brien.Cutting Edge Optronics in O'Fallon,Missouri with Randall St.Pierre PhD,Deb St.Pierre,Larry Iwaki Jr PhD-University of Illinois Urbana Champaigne with Dr.Dana DeLott,Larry Dupin,Sam Ponte,Ron Foche.University of Missouri in Saint Louis with Van Reidhead PhD,Mary Leopold PhD.George Nguyen with MIT and/or Harvard.Kathleen A.Myers with Webster University and Washington University in Saint Louis;Rosemary Margaret Myers Mrazik Cobb with the University of Missouri in Saint Louis and the University of Missouri in Kansas City;Karen A.Myers Cobb with the University of Missouri in Kansas City;Robert B.Myers Mrazik Cobb with the University of Missouri in Saint Louis;Thomas J.Myers Mrazik Cobb with Parks College of Engineering,Aviation,and Technology.

Read as much of this,as you would like to read;so do not forget,...

You do know something about this amazing universe.

Geneva Conventions. Sunday,July 15,2018;Thursday,July 19,2018.

Wednesday,July 18,2018;Sunday,July 22,2018;Monday,July 23,2018;Friday,August 3,2018;Saturday,August 4,2018.

I would like to eat an Imo's pizza about now. For an impromptu idea, put together a household Toastmaster's club to meet at the breakfast table;bring your own ideas for doing something that day.I do have one one idea that I would like to bring to the breakfast table,the Invictus Games...,as described on a Google search as "The Invictus Games is an international adaptive multi-sport event,created by Prince Harry,in which wounded,injured or sick armed services personnel and their associated veterans take part in sports including wheelchair basketball,sitting volleyball,and indoor rowing." Eat those foods that you grew up with,especially when you think that you are getting a hayfever.Saturday,August 4,2018.

The cost and availability of college,based on something that is similar to the educational model that is, not only familiar,but works rather well;that is the public school education for high schools;factor in McDonald's,gas stations,shopping centers,...

The cost and availability of housing,based on something that is similar to camp grounds,Hosteling International,a library,...;not only are these familiar,but also works rather well.

The cost and availability of transportation,that you can live out of,and call "home;"something that is similar in concept to camping grounds,and Hosteling International,a library,...

Food:the cost and availability of food,that one can grow,year after year,in almost all living situations;something with the concept,of sorts,as a truck stop,...

Now for something that sounds fun and enjoyable;a walking holiday,book clubs,a squirt bottle water tussel, ... Gather under one roof with all of your cousins, kaftan style if you so choose,as often as you can;use the holidays throughout the year,if you need a good excuse to do something else;another good reason to write each holiday that you like,in a notebook or calendar.Now that I think of it,a calendar can be written in a small notebook;one that can fit in your pocket.In the same small notebook,write the names,addresses,and other contact information.Once you have quite a few friends and/or cousins,under one roof,(you can meet at a park,weather permitting,or the nearest cafe),and when you think of it,make certain to say the other person's name in a conversation. Begin doing those things that you did while in your high school gymnasium classes. Think of a sentence that uses all part of speech;and then,say the sentence in in context of your immediate surroundings;for example,when you are outside.

EDUCATION Funding for my education:I worked my way through college and without funding or support from my family.I also secured Federally funded student loans.I accomplished this on my own initiative. College:1983-1988 and 1996-2003 1996-2003 University of Missouri-St.Louis 8001 Natural Bridge Road St.Louis,MO 63117 www.umsl.edu 1996-2003:PostBaccalaureate Premedical Classes. * GPA is 3.123 on a 4.0 grade point scale (this include only the grades from 1996-2003 and not from the Bachelor's degree in 1988). * Total Credits Earned:Based on a semester:44 credit hours. * Advisor:Harvey P. Friedman,Ph.D-Pre-Health Professions Advisor/College of Arts and Sciences. * Classes include:Physics 011&012-Mary Leopold,Ph.D.;Biology 011&012-L. Friedman,Ph.D. and James Trager,Ph.D.;General Chemistry 011&012-Dr. Gutwieler,Dr.Dence,and Dr.Sterns;Organic Chemistry 261-Dr.Mannino;General Psychology 003-Dr.Marti Bonne;Calculus 100-R.J.Kashuba;Trigonometry-Mr. Mike Hsu. * Labs were taken with:Physics-Gabor Balzsi,Wentao Qin,and Dr.Lucy He; Biology-Kristine Motherhead,Dr.Mariette Baxendale,and Diego Perez-Salic; General Chemistry-Gary Nichols and Donna Kramer;Calculus-Al Stanger. * Labs were taken with:Physics-Gabor Balzsi,Wentao Qin,and Dr.Lucy He; Biology-Kristine Motherhead,Dr.Mariette Baxendale, and Diego Perez-Salic;General Chemistry-Gary Nichols and Donna Kramer; Calculus-Al Stanger. * I completed these classes while working full time at Hunter Engineering Company. 1983-1988 University of Missouri-St.Louis University of Missouri-Kansas City(1985-transfer student) www.umsl.edu;www.umkc.edu August 7 1988:Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Marketing:Minor in Art History * GPA is 2.453 on a 4.0 grade point scale. * Total Credits Earned:Based on a Semester:139 credit hours. * Member of the American Marketing Association. * Business Administration:Mr.David P.Gustafson-Business Policy,Ms.Ottilla Voegtli-Marketing Management,Buyer Behavior,Business Administration Problems; Mr. David Bird-Business Data Processing;Ms.Donna Rosenberg-Fundamentals of Production;Mr.T. Fuhrman-Financial Management;Ms.Sally MacAdoo-Business Writing;Mr.Probir Ror,Ph.D.-QA Business Analysis;Legal Environment to Business;Basic Marketing;Management as a Behavioral Science;Management of Promotion;Marketing Intelligence. * Sciences:Cosmic Evolution/Introduction to Astronomy,General Biology, Introduction to Sociology. * Math:Algebra,Finite Mathematics,Elementary Statistics,Intermediate Statistics. * Accounting:Principles of Accounting,Managerial Accounting. * Economics:Principles of Microeconomics,Introduction to Economics,Ms. Willadee Gillin and Ms.YueQui Huang-GTA-Macroeconomic Analysis;Mr. David Hakes-Money and Banking. * Literature:Mr.J.Spatz-Introduction to British Literature,Literary Types, Freshman Composition,Literature and Fine Arts. * Art History:Mr.T.Pickerel-Introduction to Art;Mr.Ken Anderson-Primitive/Tribal Arts;Foundation Drawing;Dr.Heldman-Greek Art and Archeology;Art Masterpieces;Modern Art. * Anthropology:Dr.Van Reidhead-World Prehistory,Human Origins. * History/Political Science:American Civilization-Helen Ruhrwein,Crime and Punishment,Public Administration. * Completed the classes while working at Chenoweth-Chapman Cleaners,Piece of the Pie, Inc.,and The Frame Factory. *Because Kathy Myers,my mother,and Tom Cobb,my step-father,insisted on a college degree I attended the University of Missouri-St.Louis.In 1984, a memorial service was held for Thomas Howard Cobb.

1978-1983 Parkway Central Junior and Senior High School 369 North Woods Mill Road Chesterfield,MO 63017 Lawrence Giles-Principal www.pkwy.k12.mo.us * GPA is 3.480 on a 4.0 grade point scale * Earth Sciences-Kestle-Vemmer,Physical Sciences-Wood,Biology, Psychology-Mr.Rayburn,Chemistry-Mrs.Wanner,Advanced Biology-Mr.Schumate. * Honors English-Mrs.Ziwot,Latin-Mrs.Doering and Mr.St.Clair,English-Mrs. Helfrich and Mr.Helfrich,Composition-Boyle,English Literature-Mr.Beck. * Pre Algebra-Mrs.Sanford,Algebra-Mr.Disterhauf,Unified Geometry and Math Analysis-Mr.Fusch,Algebra II-Trig-Mrs.Lynam. * Modern American History-Mr.Gallo;Middle East Studies-Mrs.Kraus;Shaping Western Society-Sullivan;US Government-Mr.Gannon. * Art-Mrs.Preusse,Drawing and Painting-Mrs.Davis. * Extra curricular activities:Track-Mr.William A.Sodeman,Model UN Club (International Club),National Junior Honor Society 1979-1980. *Because Tom Cobb,my step-father,moved his life insurance company offices from Clayton,MO to Creve Coeur,MO,I attended Parkway Central Junior and High School.Tom Cobb attended some of my high school track meets.Kathy Myers and Tom Cobb were at my high school graduation;Richard Mrazik did not attend.

Track-4 years total:3 years in highschool and 1 year in junior highschool. I have the track roster and the track team photos. 1980 Coach:Nina Roberts 1981-1983 Coach:William A.Sodeman

National Jr.Honor Society. Listed in Who's Who Among American High School Students:1981-82;1982-83.

May 28, 1980:Math Honor Roll Certificate Signed by James B.Harry-Principal and Virginia Hurt-Math Chairperson.

Class Schedule by Grade and Year

Grade 8,1978-1979 Unified Studies;Grades B,B;Teachers USB Team Pre Algebra;Grades C,B;Teacher Sanford Earth Science;Grades B,B;Teacher Kestle-Vemmer Latin A;Grades A,A;Teacher St.Clair Home Economics;Grades B;Teacher Bornemann PE Girls;Grade A,A;Teachers PE Staff Study Hour

Grade 9,1979-1980 English I;Grade B,B;Teacher Mrs.Helfrich Modern American History;Grade A,A;Teacher Mr.Gallo Algebra IB;Grade A,A;Teacher Mr.Disterhauf * Physical Science I;Grade B,B;Teacher Mrs.Wood Latin IB;Grades A,A;Teacher Mr.St.Clair Art I; Grades A,A;Teacher Mrs.Preusse Typing I;Grades B,B;Teacher Phillips Physical Ed;Grades A,A;Teacher Jones

Grade 10, 1980-1981 English II;Grades A,A;Teacher Mr.Helfrich Middle East Studies;Grades A;Teacher Mrs.Kraus Shaping Western Society;Grades B,Teacher Sullivan Unified Geometry;Grades B,B;Teacher Mr.Fuchs Biology;Grades A,A; Latin III;Grades A,A;Teacher Mrs.Doering Drivers Ed;Grades B;Teacher Schnell Physical Ed;Grades B;Teacher Major

Grade 11, 1981-1982 *Honors English III;Grades B,B;Teacher Mrs.Ziwot US Government;Grades B;Teacher Mr.Gannon Psychology;Grades A;Teacher Mr.Rayburn Algebra II-Trig;Grades B,C;Teacher Mrs.Lynam Chemistry;Grades C,C;Teacher Mrs.Wanner Latin IV;Grades A,A;Teacher Mrs.Doering Drawing I;Grades A;Teacher Mrs.Davis Physical Ed;Grades A;Teacher Ms.Roberts

Grade 12,1982-1983 Composition;Grades B;Teacher Boyle, D English Lit.I;Grades A;Teacher Mr.Beck English Lit II;Grades B;Teacher Mr.Beck Math Analysis;Grades B,C;Teacher Mr.Fuchs *Adv Biology;Grades B,B;Teacher Mr.Shumate *Latin V; Grades A,Honors;Teacher Mrs.Doering Drawing II;Grade A,Teacher Mrs. Davis Painting I;Grade A;Teacher Mrs.Davis Senior Survival;Grade A;Teacher Mrs.Buckley

1976-1978 St.Thomas the Apostle Grade School 3350 St.Catherine Street Florissant,MO 63033 Rev.Burke-Pastor Sr.Joan Galli,CSJ-Principal-1977 Sr.Margaret Brennan,CSJ-Principal-1976 1977-1978:Grade 7:Mrs.Dell'Orco 1976-1978:Grade 6:Mrs.C.Hanses *Because Kathy Myers,my mother,married Tom Cobb,my step-father,and moved into his house in Florissant,MO,I attended St.Thomas the Apostle Grade School.

1974-1976 Maryland Grade School The School District of Clayton Clayton,MO 63105 www.clayton.k12.mo.us/clayton Dr.E.H. Mueller-Principal 1975-1976:Grade 5:Carolyn Hackman 1974-1975:Grade 4:Mrs.K.Norris *Because Kathy Myers,my mother,met Tom Cobb and he found a house for her to rent close to General Dynamics and his life insurance company office,I attended Maryland Grade School.

1971-1974 McGrath Grade School Brentwood Public Schools 1775 Parkridge Avenue Brentwood,MO 63144 www.brentwood.k12.mo.us Mr.E. Renfroe-Principal 1973-1974:Grade 3:Michelle Costello 1972-1973:Grade 2:Ms.Karen Kuester 1971-1972:Grade 1:Gladys Barlow *Because Kathy Myers,my mother,was a single parent of four children and working at General Dynamics,she rented an apartment in Brentwood,MO.

Immacolata (Assumption) Grade School 8910 Clayton Road Richmond Heights,Missouri 63117 (314) 991-5700 www.immacolata.org

Professional References

Dr.Van Reidhead Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs East Stroudsburg University 200 Prospect Street East Stroudsburg,PA 18301 570-422-3539 www4.esu.edu (Dr.Reidhead was my Anthropology Professor from the Univ

Rosemary M. Mrazik 11412 East 186th Street,Apartment 125 Artesia,California 90701-5549 Mobile Phone:(818)325-9841 rmm038@gmail.com

Objective and Overview:Seeking an opportunity with a company that will combine my experience in business,my bachelor's degree,and my interest in the sciences.At Hunter Engineering Company,I was working in the Marketing Information Department for seven years.I managed a database, prepared contracts,managed a yearly short term direct mail project,typed and distributed interoffice memos,and supported the Regional and Divisional Sales Managers with special projects.I utilized Microsoft Word,Excel,Outlook,and a mapping software.After Hunter Engineering,I worked at Mission Equipment and Lifts,Inc and then Macy's.I graduated from the University of Missouri-St.Louis with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Minor in Art History in 1988.Later,while working at Hunter Engineering Company,I began evening classes for pre-medicine,from 1996-2003 at UM-St.Louis.My focus and long term goal remains to obtain a PhD in the sciences.

Skills and Accomplishments:I am a past member of Toastmasters International, a public speaking organization.My office skills include data entry, marketing,managing a yearly short-term direct mail project,revising contracts,managing a database,typing and distributing inter-office memos,and supporting the Regional and Divisional Sales Managers with special projects.I used Microsoft Word,Excel,Outlook and a mapping software on a daily basis.My typing is currently 35 WPM and know 10 key by touch.My education includes a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a GPA of 2.453 and Post Baccalaureate Pre Medical classes with a GPA of 3.123. Experience 1983-2017

My next Job: March 15,2016:Unemployed.

July 9,2007 to March 14,2016 Macy's Inc. Manhattan Village 3400 Sepulveda Boulevard Manhattan Beach,CA 90266 310-546-5525 www.macysinc.com

My Permanent Address:I rented a room from the House Owner,Michael J. Mattingly with The Real Estate Group. Resided:July 26,2007 throughout February 28,2013,Rosemary Margaret Mrazik. *1971 Avenida Feliciano Rancho Palos Verdes,California 90275-1006 My Mobile Telephone Number:(818) 325-9841.

My Permanent Address:I rented a room from Karen Ann Myers-my biological sister;Rosemary Margaret Mrazik,John Nadalin. *Resided: March 2,2013 throughout October 31,2014. 222 Via Anita Redondo Beach,California 90277 My Mobile Telephone Number(818) 325-9841.

My Permanent Address: Resided:November 1,2014 throughout October 30,2015;Rosemary Margaret Mrazik, Karen Ann Myers,John Nadalin. *Mariners Village Apartments 14000 Old Harbor Lane,Apartment 203 Marina del Rey,California 90292

My Permanent Address: Resided: October 30,2015 to April 13,2017;Rosemary Margaret Mrazik,Karen Ann Myers,John Nadalin. *Alessio Apartments 5720 West Centinela,Apartment 412 Building Three Culver City-Los Angeles,California 90045

My Permanent Address: Resided: April 13, 2017 to current;Rosemary Margaret Mrazik,Karen Ann Myers, John Nadalin. *Eaves Cerritos Apartments 11421 East 186th Street,Apartment 125 Artesia,California 907091-5549

I was interviewed and hired by Odessa Manligas-Men’s Clothing Sales Manager and Shannon Giancotta-Store Manager. * Customers:Dr.Barry Tischler,Fredrick Shaper,Oscar C. Juat Jr.,Brice Head,Carolina Verdin,Max Kaousi,Samuel Ibraham,Arturo Mendoza,Keanna Briles, Lynn Busia,Sung Kim,Sean (Son Van) Nguyen,Louis Dumont,Dr.Paul Nordin,Barry Nelms,Grace and Edward Kim,Nathan Au,Robert Powell,Patrick Vasquez,Alex Gaw,Thomas Cleary,Christian Eichelburger,and Wayne C.Smith. *Managers:Odessa Manligas,Irma Chavez,Donna Wade,Lavetta Hines. *Coworkers:Breanna,Akosita,Brenadette Zaklit,Sam Kallos,Kareem, Hanelmalmedhin.

*Store Managers:Manhattan Village Macy's:Tracie Manick-Store Manager from 4/2/2011-current,Teresa Matus-Store Manager from 2008-4/1/2011,Shannon Giancotta-prior Store Manager. *Odessa Manligas-my sales manager from July 9,2007 to March 6,2010 and from February 2012-May 5,2012;Irma Chavez-my sales manager from August 29,2010-February 2012;Donna Wade-my sales manager from March 6,2010 to August 28, 2010 and May 6,2012-July 15,2012;Lavetta Hines,Odessa Manligas-my signing Team Lead Managers from April,12,2015 through March 14,2016. *Polo Ralph Lauren Manufacturer's Sales Representatives:Ronald Romero- Shop Manager,James Burden up to March 2010 and Heidi Bruner-prior manufacturer's representatives.

Accomplishments: 4/12/2015-3/14/2016;Signing Team Lead.The job duties include:supervising a team of associates to ensure that all merchandise is properly signed; coordinate and oversee the timely execution of sign set-up and removal for the entire store;recruit,train,motivate,and develop Signing Associates to their fullest potential through coaching and feedback;and ensure that all policies,procedures,and standards are understood and followed by Signing Associates. * 37.5 hours per week.From 4/12/2015-5/2/2015,the pay rate was $13.10 per hour.From 5/3/2015-3/14/2016,the pay rate is $13.40 per hour.

5/6/2012-4/11/2015:Levis Merchandise Handler The job duties include: support the selling environment for Levis in the Men's Department to include assisting customers with selecting Levis;meeting the monthly sales goal; advising the customer about the product features and fit;merchandising the Levis product display;yearly inventory. * Bonus:The bonus paid to date from Levis in 2012 for meeting or exceeding the monthly sales goal for Levis was paid for the months of June,July, August,September,October,November,and December.My total bonus for 2012 is $700.00. The bonus paid to date from Levis in 2013 for meeting or exceeding the monthly sales goal for Levis was paid for the months of January,March, April, May,June,July,September,October,November,and December.My total bonus for 2013 is $1,000.00. * Sales in Levis by Month in 2012: For the month of May,my sales in Levis were 6% over the planned sales goal and 0.67% over last year’s sales. For the month of June,my sales in Levis were 6.04% over the planned sales goal and 19.68% over last year’s sales. For the month of July,my sales in Levis were 10.81% over the planned sales goal and 13.49% over last year’s sales. For the month of August,my sales in Levis were 21.20% over the planned sales goal and 30.15% over last year’s sales. For the month of September,my sales in Levis were 14.06% over the planned sales goal and 20.02% over last year’s sales. For the month of October,my sales in Levis were 28.34% over the planned sales goal and 37.89% over last year’s sales. For the month of November,my sales in Levis were 37.4% over the planned sales goal and 28.57% over last year’s sales. For the month of December,my sales in Levis were 11.2% over the planned sales goal and 29.7% over last year’s sales. * 37.5 hours per week, and a bonus when the sales goal for the month is met. From 5/6/2012-8/10/2013,the pay rate was $9.90 per hour.From 8/11/2013 - 5/3/2014, the pay rate is $10.90 per hour.From 5/4/2014-4/11/2015,the pay rate is $11.20 per hour.

1/2/2012-5/5/2012:Fitting Room Attendant,part time work,15-25 hours per week, $9.60 per hour. 11/10/2011-1/1/2012:Holiday Recovery Lead,full time seasonal work,$10.60 per hour,37.5 hours per week. Assigned to supervise 8-13 holiday seasonal associates in both the Men's and Women's buildings at Macy's in Manhattan Beach. 1/31/2011-11/9/2011:Fitting Room Attendant,per Human Resources,I was offered a part time Fitting Room Attendant position at $9.50 per hour at 15-30 hours per week. In May 2011,I had a pay raise to $9.60 per hour. 12/25/2010-01/31/2011:Recovery Associate,$9.50 per hour,0-30 hours per week . 1/18/2011:Layoff Status:I was informed by Human Resources that the sales support recovery positions were being eliminated across the country at Macy's.My current recovery position ends effective 1/31/2011.I was offered a severance package or to be placed in available openings. 10/31/2010-12/25/2010:Holiday Recovery Supervisor,full time seasonal work, $10.50 per hour,37.5 hours per week. Assigned to supervise 12-17 holiday seasonal associates in both the Men's and Women's buildings at Macy's in Manhattan Beach. The major job duties included making certain that the sales floor was presentation ready at all times in both buildings during the holiday season. I monitored the fitting rooms,sales floor and cash wrap stands for merchandise,and kept the displays ordered and well stocked with merchandise. 8/28/2010-10/30/2010:Recovery Associate,part time evening work, $9.50 per hour,15 hours per week as a second job to My Alumni Apparel.I accepted a cut in pay because this job was the only one available at the time that was part time evening work.

7/9/2007-8/28/2010:Sales Associate,Polo Ralph Lauren Sales Specialist in the Men's Department,full time,37.5 hours per week at a beginning pay rate of $10.00 per hour and ending at $11.77 per hour. * Bonus:Total bonus paid to date from Polo Ralph Lauren for 2008 is $2,850.00,for 2009 is $1,100.00, and for 2010 is $350.00.I was a member of the American Management Association for 2009. * Manhattan Village Macy's:Polo/Ralph Lauren Sales-Sales Volume by Month, Planned Sales Goals Vs. Actual Sales Volume,2008,2009,and 2010. This was my area of responsibility beginning in February 2008. * Sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren by Month in 2008 For the month of February,my sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren were 49.9% over the planned sales goal and 40.5% over last year’s sales. For the month of March,my sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren were 61.4% over the planned sales goal and 45.4% over last year’s sales. For the month of April,my sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren were 52.1% over the planned sales goal and 35.9% over last year’s sales. For the month of May,my sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren were 40.6% over the planned sales goal and 20.0% over last year’s sales. For the months of June,my sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren were 70.4% over the planned sales goal and 47.3% over last year’s sales. For the month of July,my sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren were 32.4% over the planned sales goal and 11.6% over last year’s sales. For the month of August,my sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren were 15.4% over the planned sales goal and 10.1% over last year’s sales. For the month of September,my sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren were -7.1% over the planned sales goal and -12.2% over last year’s sales. For the month of October, my sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren were 13.6% over the planned sales goal and 4.0% over last year’s sales. For the month of November,my sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren were 58% over the planned sales goal and 28.9% over last year’s sales. For the month of December,my sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren were 1.4% over the planned sales goal and 5.6% over last year’s sales. * Sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren by Month in 2009 For the month of January,my sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren were -18.2% over the planned sales goal and -12.4% over last year’s sales. For the month of February,my sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren were -27.3% over the planned sales goal and -26.4% over last year’s sales. For the month of March,my sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren were -13.1% over the planned sales goal and -13.7% over last year’s sales. For the month of April, my sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren were -7.2% over the planned sales goal and -13.9% over last year’s sales. For the month of May,my sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren were 9.52% over the planned sales goal and 2.8% over last year’s sales. For the months of June,my sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren were 5.71% over the planned sales goal and -0.33% over last year’s sales. For the month of July,my sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren were 27.6% over the planned sales goal and -6.7% over last year’s sales. For the month of August,my sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren were 17.2% over the planned sales goal and 8.2% over last year’s sales. For the month of September,my sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren were 5.7% over the planned sales goal and -9.4% over last year’s sales. For the month of October,my sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren were -11.3% over the planned sales goal and -22.7% over last year’s sales. For the month of November,my sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren were (unavailable)% over the planned sales goal and (unavailable)% over last year’s sales. For the month of December,my sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren were 3.8% over the planned sales goal and -4.1% over last year’s sales. * Sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren by Month in 2010 For the month of January,my sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren were -2.9% over the planned sales goal and 16.9% over last year’s sales. For the month of February,my sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren were 42.2% over the planned sales goal and 34.7% over last year’s sales. For the month of March,my sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren were -9.5% over the planned sales goal and -9.9% over last year’s sales. For the month of April,my sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren were 15.7% over the planned sales goal and -3.0% over last year’s sales. For the month of May*,my sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren were -1.35% over the planned sales goal and -17.8% over last year’s sales. For the months of June,my sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren were xxx% over the planned sales goal and xxx% over last year’s sales. For the month of July,my sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren were xxx% over the planned sales goal and xxx% over last year’s sales. For the month of August,my sales in Polo/Ralph Lauren were xxx% over the planned sales goal and xxx% over last year’s sales. * Some of May's 2010 Week 4 sales data were available;I never received the complete report for the last week of May;The sales percentages used are estimates.

March 29,2011-March 29,2012 Sportswear By Rosemary Mrazik 1791 Avenida Feliciano Rancho Palos Verdes,CA 90275 818-325-9841 http://www.companycasuals.com/SportswearByRosemaryMrazik Small Business-e-Commerce,Sportswear Rosemary M. Mrazik:Small Business Owner

My Permanent Address:I rented a room from the House Owner,Michael J. Mattingly with The Real Estate Group. Resided:July 26,2007 throughout February 28,2013,Rosemary Margaret Mrazik. *1971 Avenida Feliciano Rancho Palos Verdes,California 90275-1006 My Mobile Telephone Number:(818)325-9841.

Company:On March 29,2011,I decided to start my own business after receiving a layoff notice from Macy’s.I created a website and a Facebook page to promote my eCommerce business selling sportswear. Suppliers:SanMar;Legal:LegalZoom.com

Products:Sportswear supplied by SanMar.SanMar is the exclusive distributor of Nike Golf, OGIO and New Era.The other retail brands include Eddie Bauer, Columbia Sportswear,Gildan,Jerzees,Hanes.SanMar also produces Port Authority,America's No.1 private clothing label.Red House,Port Authority Signature,Port & Company,District Threads, Sport-Tek,CornerStone and Precious Cargo complete SanMar's high-quality private label offerings.See www.SanMar.com for more supplier information,the copyright and trademark information. * I am not making a profit at this time or sold the product.This is completed in my spare time.

Aug. 16,2010-Sept.30,2010 My Alumni Apparel,A Division of Hombre/Libre Apparel Dr.Norton Donner,DBA Hombre/Libre Apparel 916 Silver Spur Road,Suite 302 Rolling Hills Estates,CA 90274 310-508-2129 Small Business-e-Commerce,Sportswear Barry Freeman-Owner and CEO

My Permanent Address:I rented a room from the House Owner,Michael J. Mattingly with The Real Estate Group. Resided:July 26, 2007 throughout February 28,2013,Rosemary Margaret Mrazik. *1971 Avenida Feliciano Rancho Palos Verdes,California 90275-1006 My Mobile Telephone Number:(818) 325-9841.

Office Coordinator Company:A new,start-up ecommerce business selling licensed collegiate merchandise. Suppliers:SanMar,Marty Lott-SanMar President,Accountant:Pat Weinstock, CPA, Palos Verdes,CA, Legal:Loeb & Loeb LLP Accomplishments:9/21/2010-9/24/2010:I created a website for University of Southern California,My Alumni Apparel's client, at www.companycasuals.com/MyAlumniApparel using the website template tools from SanMar. Because the funding for the company ran out,we closed the office doors on September 30,2010.Some of us will continue to volunteer our time.I was paid for three weeks out of six weeks of work. 8/19/2010 -9/30/2010:Office Coordinator at My Alumni Apparel:$15.00 per hour at 40 hours per week. 8/28/2010-10/30/2010:Part time evening work at Macy's;15 hours per week at $9.50 per hour as a second job.

*May 18-25,2007:Camping in California State Parks in Carlsbad,CA studying the flight of the pelicans and the seagulls near Miramar,Camp Pendleton,and the Army/Navy Academy:Kelly,Jonathan,

Jan. 31, 2007 Robert Half International,Office Team 300 North Continental Blvd.,Suite 415 El Segundo,CA 90245 310-343-4067 www.officeteam.com

My Permanent Address: Resided: December 28,2005 throughout May 18,2007,Rosemary Margaret Mrazik, Lawrence K.Iwaki Jr.,PhD. Silver Oaks Apartments (760) 547-7733 *513 Canyon Drive,Apartment 17 Oceanside,California 92054 My Telephone Numbers:Home:(760)754-1892,Mobile (310) 683-9584,Backup Mobile (310) 683-9825.

Gianni Mays-Staffing Manager,Janet Acevedo-Division Director,Jessica Manley-Staffing Manager 1/31/2007:Interview and reactivation for employment at Robert Half International.

Dec.11-31,2006 Beverages and More,Inc. 2500 Vista Way Oceanside,CA 92054 760-697-8606 www.bevmo.com

My Permanent Address: Resided:December 28,2005 throughout May 18,2007,Rosemary Margaret Mrazik, Lawrence K.Iwaki Jr.,PhD. Silver Oaks Apartments (760) 547-7733 *513 Canyon Drive,Apartment 17 Oceanside,California 92054 My Telephone Numbers:Home:(760) 754-1892,Mobile (310) 683-9584,Backup Mobile (310) 683-9825.

Brien O'Neill-Manager,Scott Reid-Assistant Manager,Nathan Chavez,Jonathan, Kelly. I was interviewed and hired by Brien O’Neill. Store Associate * Store Associate-Cashier,stocker.Seasonal job.I rearranged the products in the displays,otherwise known as “facing” the products to make the display presentation attractive to the customers.This included rearranging the wine glass display and the select cheeses,meats,and crackers in the refrigerated kiosk.Nathan suggested that I inquire into applying to the Los Angeles Police Department where he has a friend in the CSI Unit;I applied to the LAPD. *$8.50 per hour,36-38 hours per week.

Nov.14,2006 AppleOne Employment Services 2183 Vista Way,Suite B-2 Oceanside,CA 92054 760-966-3682 www.appleone.com

My Permanent Address: Resided:December 28,2005 throughout May 18,2007,Rosemary Margaret Mrazik, Lawrence K.Iwaki Jr.,PhD. Silver Oaks Apartments (760) 547-7733 *513 Canyon Drive,Apartment 17 Oceanside,California 92054 My Telephone Numbers: Home:(760) 754-1892,Mobile (310) 683-9584,Backup Mobile (310) 683-9825.

Sherie Hall-Senior Account Executive * 11/14/2006:The initial interview and registration. Nov.6-14,2006:I placed 48 telephone calls prospecting and networking for employment.

Jan.3,2006-Nov.6,2006 Mission Equipment and Lifts,Inc. 3210 Production Avenue,Suite F Oceanside,CA 92054 760-721-7262 www.missioneq.com

My Permanent Address: Resided: December 28,2005 throughout May 18,2007,Rosemary Margaret Mrazik, Lawrence K.Iwaki Jr.,PhD. Silver Oaks Apartments (760) 547-7733 *513 Canyon Drive,Apartment 17 Oceanside,California 92054 My Telephone Numbers: Home (760)754-1892,Mobile (310)683-9584,Backup Mobile Telephone Number (310)683-9825.

Small Business-Business to Business-Automotive Support Supplier *Jerry Giardullo-Small Business Owner (formerly a sales representative for Hunter Engineering Company) *Government Contractor for MIRAMAR Marine Corps Base: Pat Dolbeck-Purchasing, Sgt. Polimeni,Gloria Durbin,Larry Piraino,Charles Powers, Mike *Ernsberger,Jack Van Nest,Mike Young,Bill O’Brien,Jim Rahmin,and Gunny Stroud. Bill Markey,with Hunter Engineering Company,referred me to Jerry Giardullo to work at his company. *Sales and Service Representatives at Mission Equipment and Lifts, Inc.:Russ Murico,Gary Zuckerman,Tom Cattell,Jeff Larkin,Tyler Bastion,Danny Castro, Lucas McAhren,Grant Sattaur,Buddy Dutton,David Daniel. *Sales and Service Representatives from Hunter Engineering Company:Brian Fusilier,Tom Newcombe,Raul Aguilar,Scott Robb,Matt Harrington,Mark Johnson, Allen Hallenbeck, Chris Harvey,AL Linene Neill,Kim Froide,Randall Youngblood, Tim Hardy,Bob McDonald. *Office co-workers:Caroline Devereux,Teresa Swank,Christina Monfort,Delene Taywater.

Administrative Coordinator * Company:This is a small business owned by Jerry Giardullo,who used to be a sales representative for Hunter Engineering Company.He began his business to supply automotive support equipment to small business,such as auto dealers, to high schools and the military.I worked with Jerry Giardullo when he was a sales representative at Hunter Engineering Company approximately 2001-2002 when I was in the Marketing Information Department as a Sr. Territory Management Representative.He would correspond with me by email and telephone. * Basic job duties:The job duties included producing and tracking purchase orders,compiling a customer management list,shipping and receiving, tracking the inventory,answering the telephone,filing and organizing the marketing brochures from the vendors,producing quotes,and compiling the sales leads.Attended a sales meeting with the Hunter Engineering Company sales representatives,weekly staff meetings,and wrote meeting minutes. * Accounting:I maintained the petty cash for the office,created a ledger for the service technicians contracted to this company to track their commissions,created the purchase orders and quotes,created the time-sheets for the employees. * Marketing:typed the price lists for the products and equipment from the vendors,created a sales lead-prospect list,created a service call sheet as companies contacted the company requesting service to products purchased from Mission Equipment in the past.For Toyota of Carlsbad, I typed and produced a multi page quote for presentation along with Tim Malolepsy from Rincon Marketing.I organized and filed the literature according to vendors.Some of the vendors included Hunter Engineering Company,Balcrank,Rincon Marketing, and Tech Force. * Marketing Information:I maintained several databases. Purchase Order Management Database:I tracked the purchase of equipment from vendors supplying the necessary equipment bought from Mission Equipment and Lifts,Inc. to complete the sale made to the customer.The purpose was to manage the sales to the customers and track the cost of items purchased by Mission Equipment and Lifts,Inc. by ensuring that the product ordered by vendor was being delivered within a certain time frame,track back-ordered products,call the vendor to ensure that the order placed was in stock and obtain an approximate shipping schedule to Mission Equipment and Lifts, Inc. This included tracking the type of the product that was ordered, the cost of the product,the vendor name,the delivery date of the product to the warehouse,the delivery date to the customer,the names of the service technicians who delivered or installed the customer's order.The report was divided my month and totaled the cost of all products to Mission Equipment and lifts,Inc. at the end of the month.For example,I tracked the product ordered for MIRAMAR from Hunter Engineering Company,made certain that the product was in stock,when it would ship,where it was delivered either to MIRAMAR or the company warehouse, and contacted the appropriate sales and service representative at Hunter Engineering who would then schedule a time to meet with the customer to install and train the customer personnel on the appropriate use of the equipment.This also included contacting the customer if a scheduling conflict existed for the product ordered.For MIRAMAR,I faxed a safety plan for Mission Equipment and Lifts,Inc. to the appropriate officer,Pat Dolbeck in the Purchasing Department,for review by the MIRAMAR Safety Officers. Customer Management Database:I maintained a database for all of the customers and vendors for Mission Equipment and Lifts, Inc. including all contact information and divided by the SIC code and industry. * Service Department:I organized the service department office and used the following reports for organization and cost purposes.I maintained a service log giving the details of the job site,the cost of the equipment purchased for the job, the service technicians at the job site,the cost of the service call.To schedule the service technicians for the week,I updated a scheduling board for the job site that requested service for their equipment, the type of service call,and prioritized the schedule of the service calls from clients according to the complexity of the request and length of time to complete the service call.To confirm the delivery of the product to the customer,I created a delivery confirmation sheet for the customer to sign when they received the product.This was filed with the appropriate customer file.After the service technicians would inspect equipment for a customer looking for safety issues that would require immediate attention for repairs, I typed a lift inspection form detailing the recommendations for service or repairs and bound the completed report to be presented to the customer's decision makers to finalize the recommendations for repair or new equipment to be installed.This included MIRAMAR,Nissan Toyota,Toyota Carlsbad,Lexus Carlsbad,and others. * Inventory Management System:I organized the warehouse inventory and maintained several databases to track the inventory arriving into the warehouse and sent to the end user by cost and length of time stored in the warehouse.The reports included the following.Inventory by month was tracked by each purchase order,vendor name,product description,and totaled the cost of the products at the end of the month.Service truck inventory described the tools used by the service technicians with the cost of the equipment.The perpetual warehouse inventory report described the products received into the warehouse by month,purchase order,vendor,product description, total cost by month,and date shipped from the warehouse.The shipping log described the inventory shipped to the customer by week,vendor name,product description, and cost of the items at the end of the week.I organized the inventory by taking a physical inventory count on a regular basis.As the product arrived into the warehouse,it was designated to a specific customer using a labeling system and prepped for delivery. * $12.25 per hour,40 hours per week.

My Permanent Address: Resided:November 1,2005 throughout December 30,2005:Rosemary Margaret Mrazik,Lawrence K.Iwaki,Jr.,PhD. *Moonraker Apartments-Diane M.Friedrichsen,Apartment Manager. Moonraker Apartments Telephone: (310) 371-1819. 5530 West 190th Street,Apartment 125. Torrance-Los Angeles,California 90503. My Home Telephone Number: (310) 921-2850;My Mobile Telephone Number: (310) 683-9584.

Nov. 22-28,2004 Kelly Services at EDS 2121 Park Place El Segundo,CA 90245 310-543-3589 www.kellyservices.com

My Permanent Address: Resided: May 1,2004 throughout November 8,2005:Rosemary Margaret Mrazik, Lawrence K.Iwaki,Jr., PhD. *Westview Apartments:Carrie Devoigne-Apartment Manager 2704 Aviation Boulevard,Apartment 16 Redondo Beach,California 90278 My Telephone Numbers: (310) 372-5212,Home (310) 379-1580,Mobile (310) 465-5220,My Old Mobile Telephone Number (636) 485-0410.

* Kelly Services at EDS was relocated to 21250 Hawthorne Blvd.,Torrance, CA 90503. * Temporary;ATM Department:coding ATM checks,third shift: 7:00pm to 2:00am or 3:00 am; variable hours.EDS Jeannie Cornett-Manager ATM Department.Job lead from Bert Riddick at the Beach Cities One Stop Business & Employment Center. * Salary:$9.50 per hour for the pay dates from 11/22-11/28/2004 for a gross pay of $242.25.

Oct.31,2004 and Dec.6,2005 AppleOne Employment Services 28901 South Western Avenue,Suite 217 Rancho Palos Verdes,CA 90275 310-833-8079 www.appleone.com

My Permanent Address: Resided: May 1,2004 throughout November 8,2005:Rosemary Margaret Mrazik, Lawrence K. Iwaki,Jr.,PhD. *Westview Apartments-Carrie Devoigne-Apartment Manager 2704 Aviation Boulevard,Apartment 16 Redondo Beach,California 90278 My Home Telephone Number (310) 379-1580, Mobile Telephone Number (310) 465-5220,My Old Mobile Telephone Number (636) 485-0410.

12/6/2005 * Temporary at Krikorian Premier Theaters-Corporate Headquarters; 131 Palos Verdes Blvd.,Redondo Beach,CA 90277;(310) 791-8688:George Krikorian-Owner. * Duties: boxing promotional items for shipping;labeling coupons; stuffing corporate holiday cards;filing invoices.Salary: $8.00/hr for 7.58 hours, with the paycheck stub ending the pay period 12/10/2005 in the amount of $60.64 gross pay. 10/31/2004 * Temporary during Halloween-greet families and give candy to the children at the Avenue of the Peninsula-Shopping Mall.Salary:$8.00/hr for 3.50 hours, with the paycheck stub ending the period 11/6/2004 for the amount of $28.00 gross pay.

2004 Remedy-Talent Magnet 3501 Sepulveda Blvd,Suite 101 Torrance,CA 90505 Wie Lu,Recruiting Division,Customer Service Manager Initial Contact in 2004

Remedy-Talent Magnet 21081 S.Western Avenue #130 Torrance,CA 90501 Initial contact approximately in 2004.

March 11,2004-Nov.3,2005 Beach Cities-One Stop Center Business and Employment Center 320 Knob Hill Road Redondo Beach,CA 90277 310-372-1171 www.redondo.org/depts/recreation/one_stop_employment_center Federally funded career center offering job search assistance and business resources. * Attended workshops:Mary Sercu,Bert Riddick,Georgeann Griffis.

July 26,2003-Jan.23,2004 Pictage,Inc. 1580 Francisco Street,Suite 101 Torrance,CA 90501 310-525-1600 www.pictage.com

Permanent Home Address: Resided: June 25,2003 throughout April 30,2004:Rosemary Margaret Mrazik, Lawrence K.Iwaki Jr.,PhD. *Westview Apartments:Carrie Devoigne-Apartment Manager 2704 Aviation Boulevard,Apartment 12 Redondo Beach,California 90278 My Home Telephone Number (310) 379-1580,My Mobile Telephone Number (636) 485-0410.

Corporate Headquarters:Business to Business and Consumer-Event Services, Photography services for weddings *An Internet service company connecting the professional photographer to customers with office support,lab,and online finished products. *Dave Shevock and Lisa Keil interviewed and hired me.Employees:Andre Keil, Jason Kiefer,Mark Hicken,and Ariel Minguez,Julia Hamm Tashima,Natasha Krakowski,Joseph Padilla. Consumer Technical Help Desk * Answered inbound consumer technical support questions via telephone calls and email.Answered 40 to 60 phone calls per day for a total of 80 to 120 telephone calls daily for the consumer help desk. * Trained an additional 2 people on computer basics:the receptionist and a temporary for the product manager.Trained one person to assist my high work volume prior to and during the Christmas holiday season, my replacement. * Laid off due to a downturn in business.I have a letter from Pictage, Inc. verifying the lay off status is on file.40 hour per week. * $33,000 per year,40 hours per week.

*Dec.31, 2003: Dinner at Randy and Deb St. Pierre's house with Larry and his co-workers from Northrop Grumman Space Technology.Firthridge,Rancho Palos Verdes 90275. *12/25-27/2003:Larry K.Iwaki Jr PhD and myself traveled to visit Sayoko and Larry Iwaki,his parents,in Sacramento,CA.They live at Mead Avenue, Sacramento,CA 92855. *8/23/2003:Los Angeles County Museum of Art,French Masterworks,From the State Pushkin Museum,Moscow.I attended with Larry K.Iwaki,Jr PhD, George Nguyen, Sayoko and Larry Iwaki. *8/3/2003:Lunch with Deb and Randy St.Pierre at Portifino Way,Redondo Beach, CA.

June 2003, Feb.2004 AppleOne Employment Services 2221 Rosecrans Avenue,Suite 126 El Segundo,CA 90245 310-643-6913 www.appleone.com Ana Salguero;Initial Contact in June 2003.

Permanent Home Address: Resided: June 25,2003 throughout April 30,2004:Rosemary Margaret Mrazik, Lawrence K.Iwaki Jr.,PhD. *Westview Apartments:Carrie Devoigne-Apartment Manager 2704 Aviation Boulevard,Apartment 12 Redondo Beach,California 90278 My Home Telephone Number (310) 379-1580,My Mobile Telephone Number (636) 485-0410.

April 15,1996-May 9,2003 Hunter Engineering Company 11250 Hunter Drive Bridgeton,MO 63044 314-731-3020 www.hunter.com

My Home Address: Resided:July 1995 throughout February 1,2000:Rosemary Margaret Mrazik, Jim Johnson. West Pointe Apartments 2081 Chablis Drive,Apartment C Maryland Heights,Missouri 63146

My Permanent Address: Resided: February 1,2000 throughout May 22,2003:Rosemary Margaret Mrazik. West Pointe Apartments 1922 Western Cape Drive,Apartment D Maryland Heights, Missouri 63146 My Telephone Numbers:Home (314) 576-5847,My First Mobile Telephone bought by Lawrence K.Iwaki, Jr.,PhD. (636) 485-0410.

Corporate Headquarters;Steve Braur-Company Owner Business to Business-Automotive Support Equipment, Engineering The corporate headquarters for a privately owned international engineering company that designs,manufactures, and sells automotive support equipment to major car manufacturers,service shops, and tire dealers.Government Contractor:Army Fleet Vehicle Maintenance. Employees:Joe Staniszewski,Don Emerson,Joe Fuller,Dave Wackter,Jim Huhn,Tom Triptow,Larry Caldwell,Denny Bowen,Bob Toolen,Frank Nowaczyk,and Roger Creason. The Regional and Divisional Managers at the time I was hired:Bill Markey, Greg Dunkin,Doug Woolverton,Charles Bullock,Jr.,Jeff Elder,Jeff Kern, Mike Healey,John Zentz,Erwin VanDeman,Davis Shular,Harold Smith,Mike Green,Wes Wingo,David Newton,Delyn Wirkus,George Ryan,John Obradovic,Eric Dickinson, Mitch Weller,and Tom Triptow. I was interviewed and hired by Eric Wolter. Marketing Information Department Dec. 1999-May 2003:Sr. Territory Management Representative April 1996-Dec.1999:Territory Management Clerk Hiring manager was Eric Wolter;co-workers were Pete Tessler and Ann Jansen. Successive managers after Eric Wolter in the Marketing Information Department:Greg Stain,Rhonda Tenkku,and Jeff Russell.Other co-workers: Theresa Houska,Computer Graphics Designer,was from my high school,Parkway Central High School,Sheryl Daugherty-Webmaster,Don Simmons and Darren Goodhart-Advertising Department,Don Cwiklowski and Kim Chandler-Technical Publications.

* Database management:managed the sales and service territories by zip code on a limited access and secured AS/400 database.After receipt of the FAR report or verbal instructions from the Regional and Divisional Managers, I translated the instructions into code and entered the information into the database according to a deadline.This included writing the code according to trade areas and quota by county,and any specific instructions from the managers.All exceptions to standard operating procedure were resolved first from the given parameters I had to make the decisions.For territory disputes between the regional managers and divisional managers,the retired VP-Sales and Marketing Don Emerson would either approve my recommendations or provide a solution.Upon the resolution of the disputed geographical areas, I obtained the agreement from the managers involved in writing. * Prepared legal documents: Produced contracts and amendments for the sales and service representatives according to the regional and divisional managers instructions from the database management:producing the maps and zip code listings, by reviewing the legal terminology in the contracts; questions concerning the Heavy Duty Truck (HDT) contracts were discussed with Pete Liebetreau-Product Manager;provided contracts in question to the Joe Staniszewski-VP of Finance for lawsuits. *Maps: Maps were produced for the Regional and Divisional Managers by downloading territory information from the AS/400 database to an Excel spreadsheet,linking the spreadsheet to the new mapping software, and producing territory maps, regional and divisional maps, and maps by product type for sales analysis.MapPoint Mapping Software,Microsoft Excel, Arpeggio, CAD printer. * Short-term project management spanning 3-4 months each year:I reported to Don Emerson and then later with Steve Helmkamp-Customer Relations Manager to coordinate the work with his department and the Marketing Information Department; supervised and trained Judy White for the data entry and the yearly mailing for the updated distributor contracts.September: Notify Don Emerson and later Steve Helmkamp to update the distributor contract and the accompanying bulletin.This included reviewing the next years contracts for changes to the policy on product lines,suggesting the changes in the legal terminology to Don Emerson or Joe Staniszewski,and after approval, completing a working copy of the distributor contract.The final copy of the contract was given to Rhea Yost for document maintenance in the advertising department.Order the supplies for the direct mail project.Produce the mailing return labels to Hunter Engineering.October:The distributor contracts were mailed within a two week time frame goal in October to the sales representative who would meet with the distributor at a later date to sign the contracts and discuss the changes to the product line or terms. Obtain the approval from Don Emerson and later Steve Helmkamp for the newly printed authorized distributor labels according to the "Hunter Red" logo. Produce the distributor contracts for each distributor, obtain a territory list by county and sales rep, cover letters for each sales rep, produce the sales representative's mailing labels,and send by certified mail organized by sales region to each sales representative.November to March: Data entry by the code for the returned and signed distributor contracts in the secure database. * ALI Reports:Produced the monthly ALI Reports to Pete Liebetreau-Product Manager:Brake Testers,Racks, and Safety Inspection Equipment. * Sales and Service Representative Profiles: I reported to Don Emerson. The reports included reviewing and filing psychological surveys, calculating the sales quotes for the territories, filing the educational achievements, work history, and family background for each new rep, the description of the territory by maps and zip code, filing the contracts and amendments as the territories changed, the assignment of the representative ID numbers. * Copy machine:I volunteered to maintain the copy machine after Joe Staniszewski asked me about the best features for the purchase.The purchasing department and the accounting department provided the requested purchase based on their budget. * Prospect/User Reports:Provided the prospect and user report for the new sales and service representatives and upon request from the regional and divisional managers and Don Emerson. The prospect user report gave the list of current customers and customers who expressed an interest in the Hunter Engineering Company products.The report provided the customer's contact information, equipment purchased,and the sales potential. * Sales Quotas:Calculated the quota for each new sales representative based on the sales quota set for each county in the United States at the beginning of each year. * Representatives' sales and service ID numbers: this was assigned to the two year parameter of available ID numbers.The ID numbers were to remain unused after a rep left the company for a two year time span. Returning reps were allowed to regain the ID numbers upon approval from management, specifically Don Emerson.The ID numbers are in a limited quantity and maintained according to the two year time span availability for the assignment.When the HDT product line was added, the ID numbers were reserved for that specific product line. The other product lines were separated for assignment. I provided the ID numbers to Cheryl Naes in accounting.She assigned the account number for her database management with my rep ID number. *Trade Areas:Organized the counties in a specific territory according to a dollar amount range calculated from the sales quota set for each county at the beginning of the year. *Special Projects:I reported to Don Emerson-the retired VP Sales and Marketing for the following projects for sales analysis.Reporting the delinquent contracts and amendments that were not returned and signed by the representatives within a specified time frame.Open Territory Report: I produced a report that listed the unassigned sales and service territories managed by regional managers.This report answered what areas remained unfilled by a sales or service representative,which regional managers have not hired a representative,and how long the territories remain unprofitable. The addition of sales territories to the existing territories. The goal was to increase overall profitability to the company by introducing a sales representatives who specialized in a specific product line,Heavy Duty Truck automotive products (HDT).

Promotion: December 1999,Rhonda Tenkku promoted me to a newly created position,Sr.Territory Management Representative.The promotion information is on file with Dave Smith-VP Sales and Marketing. * Member of the Direct Marketing Association. * $26,857.00 per year, 40 hours per week.

See less▲

IMDb Member3 months

[tinkerbelljayne]

From the moment I checked into my Santiago hostel, everyone kept telling me I had to make a trip to Valparaiso, a small but colourful coastal city less than two hours away. Everyone bar the hostel owner that is.

“Valparaiso is too dirty for me,” Ivan told me one night over a glass bottle of red wine at the hostel barbecue. “It used to be nice but not anymore.” With Valparaiso being famous for it’s street art, I assumed he just wasn’t a fan of the graffiti, kind of like how it is in Shoreditch; the younger generations adore it’s look, whilst many of the older generations don’t appreciate it.

But two days later, after arriving and checking into my Valparaiso hostel, I discovered exactly what Ivan meant. Before you embark on a walk into the colourful hills of Valparaiso, you first arrive in the Plaza de Armas, and quite frankly, it’s filthy. Whilst the old buildings and barred windows give it a rustic charm, the overflowing rubbish bags, littered floors and packs of stray dogs, do not. Even as I headed up into the hills where my eyes gazed in amazement at all the incredible street art, they kept getting pulled back to the litter all over the ground which was kinda ruining the art for me. Every house and building looked like it had missed bin day for the past three weeks.

Valparaiso is often described as Chile’s very own San Francisco, with it’s drastically steep hills, dock of colourful boats and because it used to have funicular rails, which look like cable cars (although there is only one fully working car remaining in Valparaiso). But as I wandered through the dirty littered streets of Valparaiso, I found myself hoping that San Fran looked nothing like this place. I walked up the curved hills, took in the art, went for a coffee and explored a playground, but nothing was blowing me away.

The second thing I had been told about Valparaiso was that its night life was one of the best in Chile. With only one night in Valparaiso planned in, I wanted to make the most of it. I started by drinking on my hostel balcony around 8pm, and I made zero friends. Great. Then I headed out to the Plaza des Armas at about 10pm which was super quiet, especially for a Saturday night. Next I headed back up to the hills I had been to earlier, this time to scout out a bar or a club, but it was mostly restaurants, mostly quiet and I was mostly bored. I took myself to two different venues for a cocktail, and then ended up strolling around until about 1am. But after everything that happened on my arrival in Chile, I didn’t feel confident being out and about on my own, especially at that hour and so I headed back to my hostel and went to bed.

I woke up in the foulest of moods. I kinda felt like Valparaiso had been a waste of my time. I didn’t like the place. I didn’t see what everyone else had obviously seen, plus I hadn’t met anyone and both my hostel and the night life had been a big disappointment. I decided to stick to my plan to check out that day and I booked myself onto a night-bus that night that would take me to my next Chilean city.

With an afternoon still to kill in this disappointing place, I decided to check out the Valparaiso Street Art Walking Tour, a free tour – also known as a Tour for tips – that offered a two hour walk with a guide, looking at the street art.

And this is when I learnt that sometimes it’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know!

Enter Diego – the tour guide!

Diego, our young, charming, chatty and very passionate tour guide met us in the Plaza des Armas, which I discovered is super quiet on a Sunday. It was as if everyone had left town for the day. Only three others turned up, an American couple and a Brazilian guy, making it a very intimate little tour.

The tour began with Diego walking us to a spot over the road to tell us about the history of graffiti, and how Valparaiso came to have every brick, every door, pretty much every inch of it covered in art. He showed us some of the most beautiful pieces of street art I have ever seen, and in contrast to that he showed us some of the worst and simplest forms of graffiti (which is usually just people signing their street name on someone’s property). He explained how many locals now pay artists to decorate their buildings with huge vivid paintings. And if anyone ever tried to paint over graffiti or art to have a ‘normal’ house, local street artists just see it as a brand new blank canvas  to paint over.

He also pointed out that the hills of Valparaiso don’t have any big brands or chains, no Starbucks, no McDonald’s, because the community won’t allow corporate chains into their unique and independent world that is solely run by them – and even though I’ve got a soft spot for McDonald’s and am a big Starbucks whore, I kind of admired them for that.

Throughout the two hour walk Diego took us on a bit of an adventure. He walked us through hidden alleyways, ones a tourist would never be able to find, each one hiding away a quirky piece of art, or even a teeny tiny shop. He showed us shortcuts that cut the hills in half and took us to views that made us gasp. We were taken down an alley that was being completely repainted by a group of artists and at the beginning of the tour we were introduced to a famous artist couple who were up on scaffolding in the middle of creating commissioned street art. And at the end of the tour Diego even took us to a Bakery that sold a variety of over 60 different Empanadas (which was great news for me, because walking makes me super hungry).

Diego basically opened a window for me, a window that allowed me to look closer and see Valparaiso in a completely different light. Okay, so the night life had not been as expected, not that night anyway, but I suddenly found myself not caring, not when I had beautiful art to admire and yummy snacks to eat. No I did not like the litter situation, it made the place look dirty, but it turns out he agrees, so do many of the residents there. Just like us Brits, they blame their litter problem on lazy youths. But in the UK we have the power, the means and the funding to change this. They don’t. And yes, I had to admit, even though I am a dog person, I had been slightly intimidated by the big wild dogs roaming around everywhere, but as a group of happy dogs joined us on the tour, all with their tails wagging and their tongues hanging out, I began to love them. They were so friendly. Diego explained to us that not many locals tend to have pet dogs because they treat all the dogs in Valparaiso as their own; when one animal is sick they all chip in to get it medicine, they all feed them, they all care for them – which explains why all the dogs look so healthy.

By the end of my two hour tour with Diego, my opinion on Valparaiso had completely changed. It had switched from a ‘colourful s***hole’ to ‘cute & quirky, full of love and imagination’.

The Valparaiso Street Art Walking Tour certainly made me realise that sometimes you have to look a little harder and dig a little deeper to see the real beauty of a place. Not everything is perfectly structured, perfectly tiled or perfectly clean. I forgot that flaws can be beautiful. And exploring is fun, but sometimes you have to be shown a place to really understand it.

Considering the tour was tips only, it was a fantastic little tour, I cannot recommend it enough. Had I not bothered with it I would have left Valparaiso that day not understanding it at all. Instead I left understanding that Valparaiso is a place that is all about being free and having imagination. It still wasn’t my favourite place, and I had no desire to stay an extra night, but I certainly appreciated it as great little place and a cool city for backpackers to visit.

PIN THIS STORY?

x Thanks for Reading x

[do_widget id=manna_social_widget-3]

[do_widget “Blog Subscriptions (jetpack)”]

Follow(function(d, s, id) {var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if (d.getElementById(id)) return;js = d.createElement(s);js.id = id;js.src = “https://www.bloglovin.com/widget/js/loader.js?v=1&#8221;;fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, “script”, “bloglovin-sdk”))

Finding Flaws in Valparaiso From the moment I checked into my Santiago hostel, everyone kept telling me I had to make a trip to Valparaiso, a small but colourful coastal city less than two hours away.