#fitting comfortably into a small bag or even a pocket. This makes it a fantastic travel companion for capturing breathtaking footage on the

[azeemsafiofficial]

DJI Mini 3 Review: The Ultimate Drone Camera for Beginners

The DJI Mini 3 is the latest iteration of DJI's popular line of compact drones, designed with beginners in mind. It builds upon the success of its predecessors, the Mini and Mini 2, offering an even more impressive package for those looking to dip their toes into the world of aerial photography and videography.

Read Article: The DJI Mini 3 Review: Best Drone Camera For Beginner

Buy On Amazon: Check Price

Design and Portability:

One of the standout features of the DJI Mini 3 is its compact and lightweight design. Weighing in at just 249 grams, it falls below the regulatory weight threshold in many countries, which means you often won't need a license or registration to fly it. The foldable arms make it incredibly portable, fitting comfortably into a small bag or even a pocket. This makes it a fantastic travel companion for capturing breathtaking footage on the go.

Camera Performance:

The camera on the Mini 3 is a notable improvement over its predecessors. It boasts a 1/2.3-inch sensor, capable of shooting 12MP photos and 4K video at 30fps. The image quality is impressive for its size, delivering vibrant colors and sharp details. While it may not compete with DJI's more advanced models like the Mavic Air 2 in terms of camera capabilities, it certainly exceeds expectations for a beginner-focused drone.

Flight Performance:

DJI's Mini drones have always been known for their user-friendly flight experience, and the Mini 3 is no exception. It comes equipped with GPS and downward-facing sensors for stable and precise hovering, even in less-than-ideal conditions. The addition of obstacle avoidance technology helps prevent collisions, further enhancing its safety and ease of use for beginners.

Battery Life:

The Mini 3 comes with an upgraded battery that offers a respectable flight time of up to 31 minutes on a single charge. This extended flight time provides more opportunities to capture stunning aerial footage without constantly worrying about returning to the base for a recharge.

Read Article: The DJI Mini 3 Review: Best Drone Camera For Beginner

Buy On Amazon: Check Price

Intelligent Flight Modes:

DJI has included several intelligent flight modes that make capturing professional-looking shots a breeze, even for newcomers. QuickShot modes, such as Dronie and Circle, automate complex maneuvers, allowing users to focus on framing their shots. ActiveTrack 4.0 lets the drone autonomously follow a subject, while Smart Return to Home ensures a safe and accurate return even in challenging environments.

Controller and App:

The Mini 3 is compatible with the DJI Fly app, which provides an intuitive interface for controlling the drone and accessing various features. The included remote controller offers precise and responsive control, and it can hold most smartphones for a live view of the camera feed.

Price:

One of the most appealing aspects of the DJI Mini 3 is its affordability. It provides access to DJI's renowned technology and features at a price point that won't break the bank, making it an excellent choice for beginners or those on a budget.

Conclusion:

In summary, the DJI Mini 3 is a fantastic drone for beginners and amateur aerial photographers and videographers. It combines portability, ease of use, and impressive camera capabilities at an affordable price. While it may not match the advanced features of DJI's higher-end models, it more than satisfies the needs of those looking to capture stunning aerial content without a steep learning curve. If you're in the market for a beginner-friendly drone that delivers on both performance and value, the DJI Mini 3 should be at the top of your list.

Read Article: The DJI Mini 3 Review: Best Drone Camera For Beginner

Buy On Amazon: Check Price

[bambians]

Elevate Your Wardrobe with Men's Polo T-Shirts

When it comes to versatile and stylish clothing, men's polo t-shirts are a wardrobe essential. Combining comfort, style, and functionality, they are perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual outings to more polished events. At Bambians, we offer a fantastic collection of men's polo t-shirts, including options with pockets that add both style and practicality to your outfit.

The Timeless Appeal of Mens polo t shirt with pocket

1. Versatile Fashion Staple

Polo t-shirts have long been a staple in men's fashion. Their timeless design makes them suitable for various occasions. You can wear a classic polo for a casual day out, at a family gathering, or even in a semi-formal setting when paired with the right trousers. This versatility allows you to get more use out of each piece, making it a smart addition to your wardrobe.

2. Comfort Meets Style

One of the standout features of polo t-shirts is their comfort. Made from breathable fabrics like cotton and blends, they offer a soft feel against the skin while providing enough stretch for ease of movement. The collared design adds a touch of sophistication, making it a stylish option that doesn’t compromise on comfort. Whether you’re heading to work, running errands, or enjoying a weekend brunch, a polo t-shirt ensures you look put together without sacrificing comfort.

3. Polo T-Shirts with Pockets: A Functional Twist

While classic polo t-shirts are fantastic on their own, those with pockets offer an added level of functionality. The pocket not only provides a practical space to store small items like your phone, keys, or sunglasses but also adds a stylish element to the design. A men's polo t-shirt with a pocket can easily elevate your outfit, making it perfect for casual outings or days when you need to carry essentials without the bulk of a bag.

Why Choose Bambians for Your Polo T-Shirt For men Needs?

At Bambians, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality apparel that combines style and sustainability. Here are a few reasons why our men's polo t-shirts should be your go-to choice:

1. Sustainable Fashion Choices

We believe that fashion should not come at the expense of the environment. That’s why our polo t-shirts are made from eco-friendly materials like organic cotton. By choosing our products, you’re supporting sustainable practices that help protect the planet.

2. Quality Craftsmanship

Each polo t-shirt is crafted with attention to detail and quality. Our garments are designed to withstand the test of time, ensuring you get the most value out of your purchase. Whether you’re wearing it for work or play, you can trust that our polo t-shirts will maintain their shape and color even after multiple washes.

3. Diverse Styles and Colors

We understand that every individual has unique style preferences. That’s why our collection features a wide variety of colors, patterns, and fits. Whether you prefer classic shades like navy and white or bold colors that make a statement, you’ll find the perfect polo t-shirt that resonates with your style.

4. Affordable Pricing

At Bambians, we believe that quality fashion should be accessible to everyone. Our polo t-shirts are competitively priced, allowing you to build a stylish wardrobe without breaking the bank. Plus, with our frequent promotions, you can snag great deals on your favorite styles.

5. Customer-Centric Experience

We value our customers and strive to provide an exceptional shopping experience. Our website is user-friendly, making it easy to browse our collection and find the right polo t-shirt for you. Additionally, our customer support team is always ready to assist with any questions or concerns.

Styling Your Polo T-Shirt

Casual Day Out

For a relaxed look, pair your polo t-shirt with denim shorts and sneakers. This ensemble is perfect for a day at the park or a casual lunch with friends. Opt for a polo t-shirt with a pocket to keep your essentials close at hand.

Smart-Casual Ensemble

If you’re heading to a semi-formal event or a dinner date, elevate your look by wearing a polo t-shirt with tailored trousers or chinos. Add loafers or dress shoes, and you’re ready to impress. A pocketed polo adds a touch of sophistication while remaining practical.

Layered Look

Polo t-shirts are also great for layering. Wear one under a lightweight jacket or cardigan for cooler days. This look combines comfort and style, making it ideal for transitioning from day to night.

Conclusion

Men's polo t-shirts are a versatile addition to any wardrobe, offering comfort, style, and functionality. At Bambians, we provide a range of options, including polo t-shirts with pockets that cater to the needs of the modern man. With our commitment to sustainable practices, quality craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction, you can shop confidently knowing you’re making a responsible choice.

Explore our collection today and elevate your style with the perfect men's polo t-shirt from Bambians! Embrace versatility and comfort in every outfit and make a lasting impression wherever you go.

[gadgetpipashu]

Mini Bluetooth Headphones

Here's a blog post draft focusing on mini Bluetooth headphones and their pricing in Bangladesh:

Mini Bluetooth Headphones: Compact, Convenient, and Affordable Options in Bangladesh

As technology continues to evolve, the demand for compact and portable gadgets is on the rise. Mini Bluetooth headphones, known for their convenience and sleek design, have become increasingly popular among music lovers, commuters, and fitness enthusiasts alike. Whether you're looking for a pair of earbuds that fit snugly in your pocket or a discreet headset for hands-free calls, mini Bluetooth headphones offer the perfect blend of style and functionality.

Why Choose Mini Bluetooth Headphones?

Mini Bluetooth headphones are a fantastic choice for several reasons:

Portability: Their small size makes them easy to carry around, fitting comfortably in your pocket or bag.

Wireless Freedom: Enjoy the convenience of wireless listening, whether you're on the go, at the gym, or simply relaxing at home.

Comfort: Designed to fit securely in your ears, they offer a comfortable experience, even during extended use.

Versatility: Many models are equipped with features like noise cancellation, water resistance, and long battery life, making them suitable for various activities.

Price Range of Mini Bluetooth Headphones in Bangladesh

When it comes to purchasing mini Bluetooth headphones in Bangladesh, you'll find a wide range of options catering to different budgets. Here’s a breakdown of the typical price range you can expect:

Entry-Level Options (৳500 - ৳1,500): If you're on a tight budget, there are several affordable models available. These entry-level mini Bluetooth headphones may not have all the bells and whistles of premium brands, but they still offer decent sound quality and basic features. Brands like Awei and Remax often fall within this price range.

Mid-Range Options (৳1,500 - ৳3,000): In this price bracket, you can expect better sound quality, improved build, and additional features such as water resistance and longer battery life. Brands like Xiaomi and Realme offer popular models in this range, combining affordability with performance.

Premium Options (৳3,000 - ৳7,000+): For those willing to invest in higher-end mini Bluetooth headphones, this range includes options from renowned brands like Sony, Samsung, and JBL. These headphones typically offer superior sound quality, advanced features like active noise cancellation, and enhanced durability.

Where to Buy in Bangladesh

Mini Bluetooth headphones are widely available in Bangladesh, both online and in physical stores. Popular e-commerce platforms like Daraz, Pickaboo, and AjkerDeal offer a wide selection, often with discounts and promotional deals. Additionally, you can find them at major electronics stores and mobile phone shops across the country.

What to Consider Before Buying

When choosing mini Bluetooth headphones, consider the following factors:

Battery Life: Ensure the battery life suits your daily usage needs.

Fit and Comfort: Look for a design that fits comfortably in your ears, especially if you plan on wearing them for extended periods.

Sound Quality: If sound quality is a priority, read reviews or try to test the headphones before purchasing.

Features: Decide which features are important to you, such as noise cancellation, water resistance, or touch controls.

Conclusion

Mini Bluetooth headphones offer a convenient and stylish way to enjoy your favorite music or take calls on the go. With a variety of options available in Bangladesh across different price ranges, there’s something to suit every budget and preference. Whether you're looking for an affordable pair or willing to splurge on premium features, you'll find plenty of choices in the market.

Ready to upgrade your audio experience? Explore the latest mini Bluetooth headphones available in Bangladesh and find the perfect pair that fits your needs and budget.

[techtired]

A Multilingual Adventure- Discovering the Magic of Google Pixel Buds

Designed elegantly and with simple controls, Google Pixel Buds are a pair of wireless earbuds that let you listen to media, take calls, talk to your Assistant, translate languages, and express yourself. Your headphones could do more than just let you enjoy your preferred music. Right? What if they could assist you in completing tasks without looking at your phone? Or if they could just ask to help you, almost certainly answer any query, or assist you in understanding someone speaking another tongue? Sounds something unbelievable. Today, we are unveiling Google Pixel Buds because, trust me, it is a handy pair of headphones. These wireless headphones include a few extra smarts to obtain the answers you need while keeping your eyes up, sound fantastic, are easy to use and charge, and provide support from Google Assistant. Google Pixel Buds Specifications Specification Details Brand Google Model Pixel Buds Type True Wireless Earbuds Connectivity Bluetooth 5.0 Battery Life Up to 5 hours (earbuds), up to 24 hours with charging case Charging USB-C, Wireless Charging Earbud Weight 5.3 grams each Case Weight 56.1 grams Water Resistance IPX4 (sweat and water-resistant) Audio Custom-designed 12mm dynamic speaker drivers Voice Assistant Google Assistant Microphones Dual beam-forming microphones Additional Features Adaptive Sound, Real-time Translation, Touch Controls Colors White, Almost Black, Quite Mint, Oh So Orange What is included in the box? Google Pixel Buds Charging Case USB-C Charging Cable Ear Tips Quick Start Guide Warranty Card Safety and Regulatory Guide User Experience Aspect Description Setup Simple Fit Secure Sound Quality Crisp Controls Intuitive Connectivity Seamless Battery Life Long-lasting Voice Assistant Integrated Comfort Ergonomic Pixel Buds: Easy Use and All-Day Comfort Using Pixel Buds is incredibly easy, and the emphasis is on being user-friendly right out of the box. Each pair has its fabric loop that ensures they fit snugly but comfortably. This makes it easy to wear them for long periods without discomfort. This design is excellent for people who don't like constantly changing or fixing their earbuds' parts. The adjustments are quick and easy and are made to fit your needs without any trouble. The Pixel Buds' controls are cleverly simple and very easy to understand. There is no need for buttons because the right earbud has a keyboard built right into it. This design choice makes the earbuds look and feel better and makes them easier to use. Simple gestures let you easily control your listening: swipe forward to turn up the volume, swipe back to turn it down, and use a light tap to stop or play your music. It's as easy to charge your Pixel Buds as it is to use them. They come with a small charging case that you can put in your pocket or bag without any trouble. This case isn't just portable; it also lets you listen to music for up to 24 hours, so your buds are always ready when you are. The Pixel Buds are incredibly easy to pair with your device. All you have to do is open the charging case close to your Pixel or an Android phone running Android 7.0 Nougat or higher with Google Assistant, and the buds will connect right away without any complicated setup needed. Help with more complex tasks with Google Assistant. Not only are the Pixel Buds headphones, but they also let you use all of Google Assistant's features right from your ears. It would be great if you could tell your helper to play your favourite music, make calls, or read your turn-by-turn directions without touching your phone. This tool is excellent when you need to concentrate, like commuting, cooking, or jogging. On top of that, Google Assistant can help you remember important things. Google Assistant will let you know if you have an important message or a meeting coming up. It can even read texts out loud, so you can stay up to date without taking your attention away from what you're doing. Google Translate Breaks Down Language Barriers One of the most innovative things about the Pixel Buds is that they work with Google Translate. With this feature, the earbuds become influential real-time language translators, making them perfect for travellers or anyone who talks to people who speak different languages. Take a seat in a cute Parisian café. Press and hold the right earbud, ask Google Assistant to "Help me speak French," and start talking. Your phone's speaker translates The English you speak into French, and the French replies are translated back into English for you to hear. This function works with an amazing 40 languages, making it an essential tool for communicating with people worldwide. Availability, Colours, and More Just Black, Clearly White, and Kinda Blue will be the three fashionable colours the Pixel Buds will be supplied in November. These choices guarantee that your earbuds work perfectly and complement your taste and style. They will also be readily available worldwide since they launch in numerous foreign markets, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, and Singapore. Improved Connectivity and Convenience The Pixel Buds provide everyone wishing to improve their auditory experience with a complete solution that blends naturally with the Google ecosystem. They stand out for their technological prowess and emphasis on simplifying daily contacts through accessibility. The Pixel Buds are meant to enhance your life in many different ways, from managing your music to negotiating the streets to breaking down language barriers; they bring the power of the Google Assistant into a small, portable form you can carry anywhere. Pros and Cons Pros Cons High-Quality Audio Expensive Comfortable Fit Limited Color Options Easy Setup Average Noise Isolation Seamless Integration Touch Controls Compact Design To sum up The Google Pixel Buds are a big step forward in how innovative technology is used in everyday life. The simple form of these earbuds makes them very useful for many things that improve daily life. They offer more than excellent sound quality by combining great functionality with a simple look. The Pixel Buds are meant to be the best wireless earbuds ever. They can do everything, from working perfectly with Google Assistant to translating between languages in real time, and they're also just great for listening to music. Google's announcement promises a better sound experience and a tool to help people meet and be more accessible as the world becomes smaller. FAQs What makes Google Pixel Buds different from other intelligent earbuds? The Google Pixel Buds stand out because they can connect to Google Assistant and translate in real-time through Google Translate. These features make wireless earphones different because they let you control and talk in more than 40 languages without using your hands. How do the Pixel Buds' touch features work? The Pixel Buds have a touch-sensitive area on the right side. You can slide the phone forward or backward to change the volume. Press and hold to play or pause music, and this will turn on Google Assistant. The settings are made simple so you can use them without looking. Are Pixel Buds able to translate talks in real-time? What's going on? Systems using Pixel Buds can use Google Convert to switch between languages in real time. Hold down the right earbud and ask Google Assistant to help you speak a different language. When you talk into the buds, the translation will come through the phone's speaker. Then, the answers come back to you through the buds. Read the full article

[sumiyarezasuchana]

Conquer the Elements: The Ultimate Guide to Nike's Therma-FIT One in Cold Weather

As the cold weather settles in, it's time to prepare for the chilly months ahead. Nike, a brand known for its commitment to both fashion and functionality, has released its latest innovation in cold weather gear: the Nike Therma-FIT One. This cutting-edge cold-weather solution offers a plethora of features designed to keep you warm and stylish during the harshest winter conditions. In this article, we'll delve into the impressive qualities of the Nike Therma-FIT One and provide you with tips on how to get discounts on this exceptional product.

The Nike Therma-FIT One: Unveiling the Ultimate Cold Weather Companion

When it comes to battling the cold, Nike is a brand that consistently leads the charge with innovative solutions. The Nike Therma-FIT One is no exception. This remarkable piece of apparel is engineered to keep you warm and comfortable while ensuring you look your best during those frosty days.

Feature 1: Therma-FIT Technology

The heart of the Nike Therma-FIT One lies in its revolutionary Therma-FIT technology. This cutting-edge fabric is designed to trap and retain your body's natural heat, keeping you snug even in the coldest of weather. It's like a personal temperature control system for your body, ensuring you stay warm without feeling weighed down by excessive layers.

Feature 2: Lightweight and Breathable

Despite its incredible warmth, the Nike Therma-FIT One remains remarkably lightweight and breathable. This means you can stay comfortable and active without feeling bulky or restricted in your movements. Whether you're hitting the slopes, going for a jog, or just walking around town, the Therma-FIT One is designed to keep you comfortable and cozy without hindering your mobility.

Feature 3: Stylish Design

Cold weather doesn't mean you have to compromise on style. Nike's Therma-FIT One is not only practical but also incredibly stylish. It comes in a range of trendy designs and color options, ensuring you can make a fashion statement while staying warm. Whether you prefer a sleek, minimalist look or a bold, eye-catching design, the Nike Therma-FIT One has you covered.

Feature 4: Versatility

The Nike Therma-FIT One is a versatile piece of clothing that can adapt to various situations. Whether you're going for a run, attending a casual gathering, or simply running errands in the city, this garment is the ideal cold weather companion. Its adaptability makes it a valuable addition to any wardrobe, allowing you to get more wear out of it.

Feature 5: Durable Construction

Nike is known for its commitment to quality, and the Therma-FIT One is no exception. Crafted with durable materials and top-notch craftsmanship, this cold-weather essential is built to withstand the test of time. You can rely on it year after year, making it a worthwhile investment for the winter season.

Feature 6: Convenient Pockets

The Therma-FIT One includes conveniently placed pockets to keep your hands warm and store small essentials. No need to struggle with gloves or bulky bags when you have everything you need at your fingertips. It's the little details like these that set Nike products apart from the rest.

How to Get Discounts on the Nike Therma-FIT One

Now that you're excited about the Nike Therma-FIT One, you might be wondering how to get your hands on this fantastic cold weather gear without breaking the bank. Here are some strategies to help you save on this outstanding product:

1. Keep an Eye on Nike's Official Website:

Nike often runs special promotions and discounts on its official website. Keep a close watch for seasonal sales, holiday discounts, and limited-time offers. Sign up for their newsletter to stay updated on the latest deals.

2. Visit Nike Outlet Stores:

Nike Outlet stores are known for offering quality products at discounted prices. You might be able to find the Therma-FIT One at a lower price than you'd expect. Outlet stores are a treasure trove for deals and discounts.

3. Shop During Holiday Sales:

Holidays and special occasions are prime times for discounts. Look out for sales during major holidays, such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the Christmas season. Nike often participates in these sales events, offering significant reductions on their products. If you're a student looking for Black Friday Student deals, don't forget to explore the exclusive student discounts available at select retailers to maximize your savings.

4. Explore Online Marketplaces:

Marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and others often feature sellers offering Nike products at competitive prices. Just be sure to purchase from reputable sellers to ensure authenticity and quality.

5. Utilize Coupon Codes:

Coupon websites and browser extensions can help you find promo codes and discounts for Nike products. For cash back offers visit Cash Back INT. Before making your purchase, search for relevant coupon codes to apply during checkout. Visit Brand Coupon Mall for more deals & discounts.

6. Consider Nike Memberships:

Nike offers a membership program where you can enjoy exclusive discounts, early access to sales, and free shipping. It's a great way to save money in the long run, especially if you're a fan of Nike products.

In conclusion, the Nike Therma-FIT One is a must-have for anyone looking to stay warm and stylish during the cold weather season. Its innovative features, including Therma-FIT technology, lightweight design, and versatility, make it a standout choice for cold weather apparel. By keeping an eye out for discounts and following the above tips, you can make this remarkable product even more accessible. Don't let the cold weather slow you down – embrace it with the Nike Therma-FIT One.

[dogntreats]

New Post has been published on Dog N Treats

New Post has been published on https://dogntreats.com/hiking-with-your-dog-here-are-the-best-dog-leashes-to-use/

Hiking with Your Dog? Here Are the Best Dog Leashes to Use

Hiking with your dog is a fantastic way to bond, explore nature, and stay active together. However, choosing the right leash for your hiking adventures is crucial to ensure safety, comfort, and enjoyment for both you and your furry friend. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss the best dog leashes for hiking, helping you make an informed decision that suits your needs and preferences.

Best Dog Leashes For Hiking

Ruffwear Roamer Leash

The Ruffwear Roamer Leash is a versatile and durable leash that is perfect for hiking with your dog. It is made from climbing-grade nylon webbing, which is strong enough to withstand even the toughest adventures. The leash also has a reflective strip for visibility in low light conditions.

One of the best features of the Ruffwear Roamer Leash is its traffic handle. This handle is located closer to the clip, which allows you to keep your dog close to you in crowded areas or when crossing streets. The traffic handle is also useful for training purposes.

The Ruffwear Roamer Leash is adjustable from 5.5 to 7 feet, so you can find the perfect length for your dog and your hiking needs. The leash is also padded for comfort, both for you and your dog.

Read More Reviews On Amazon

Our Rating: (5 / 5)

Kurgo On-Trail Run-Lite Vest

The Kurgo On-Trail Run-Lite Vest is a hands-free dog leash that is ideal for hiking. It features a padded waist belt and a bungee leash that helps to absorb shock and reduce pulling. The vest also has a reflective trim for visibility and a built-in pocket for storing small essentials.

The Kurgo On-Trail Run-Lite Vest is a great option for active hikers who want to keep their hands free. The vest is comfortable to wear and the bungee leash helps to reduce pulling, even when your dog is excited. The built-in pocket is perfect for storing small items such as keys, poop bags, or treats.

Read More Reviews On Amazon

Our Rating: (5 / 5)

Mountainsmith K9 Dog Pack

The Mountainsmith K9 Dog Pack is a great option for dogs that like to carry their own gear on hikes. It is made from durable materials and has multiple pockets for storing food, water, and other supplies. The pack is also equipped with a padded shoulder harness and a chest strap for a comfortable fit.

The Mountainsmith K9 Dog Pack is a great way to lighten your load and give your dog a sense of purpose on hikes. The pack is well-designed and comfortable for dogs to wear. The multiple pockets make it easy to organize and store gear.

Read More Reviews On Amazon

Our Rating: (5 / 5)

Black Rhino Hands-Free Leash

The Black Rhino Hands-Free Leash is another great option for hands-free hiking with your dog. It features a padded waist belt and a bungee leash that helps to reduce pulling. The leash also has a reflective trim for visibility and a built-in pocket for storing small essentials.

The Black Rhino Hands-Free Leash is a great option for hikers who want to keep their hands free while hiking with their dog. The leash is comfortable to wear and the bungee leash helps to reduce pulling. The built-in pocket is perfect for storing small items such as keys, poop bags, or treats.

Read More Reviews On Amazon

Our Rating: (5 / 5)

Nite Ize SpotLit Rechargeable Collar Light

The Nite Ize SpotLit Rechargeable Collar Light is a great safety accessory for hiking with your dog at night. It is a lightweight and durable collar light that is rechargeable and has three different brightness settings. The light is also water-resistant and can be seen from up to 1/2 mile away.

The Nite Ize SpotLit Rechargeable Collar Light is a great way to keep your dog visible to other hikers and motorists at night. The light is easy to attach to your dog’s collar and it has a long battery life. The three different brightness settings allow you to adjust the light to suit your needs.

Read More Reviews On Amazon

Our Rating: (5 / 5)

The Importance of Choosing the Right Hiking Leash

Choosing the right hiking leash for your dog is not only essential for safety and comfort but also plays a significant role in enhancing your overall outdoor experience. In this section, we’ll delve deeper into the importance of selecting the perfect hiking leash by discussing various factors that contribute to an enjoyable and secure adventure with your furry friend.

Safety Considerations

One of the primary reasons for choosing the right hiking leash is to ensure the safety of both you and your dog. A suitable leash allows you to maintain control over your pet, preventing them from wandering off or encountering potential hazards such as wildlife, steep cliffs, or busy roads. Additionally, the right leash can help prevent accidents or injuries caused by sudden pulling or lunging.

Comfort for You and Your Dog

A well-suited hiking leash contributes to the comfort of both you and your canine companion. For your dog, a comfortable leash minimizes strain on their neck and body, allowing them to enjoy the hike without discomfort. For you, the right leash offers a secure grip and reduces strain on your arms and shoulders, making it easier to manage your dog during long hikes.

Functionality and Features

Different leashes offer unique features tailored to specific needs, enhancing your overall hiking experience. For example, hands-free leashes provide added convenience by freeing up your hands, while bungee leashes reduce strain and impact caused by pulling. By selecting a leash with features that cater to your preferences and requirements, you can optimize the functionality of your hiking gear.

Durability and Weather Resistance

When choosing a hiking leash, it’s essential to consider its durability and resistance to various weather conditions. A high-quality leash should be able to withstand wear and tear from regular use, as well as exposure to elements such as rain, snow, and mud. Opting for a durable and weather-resistant leash ensures that your investment lasts longer and provides reliable performance throughout your adventures.

Adaptability to Different Environments

Lastly, the right hiking leash should be adaptable to different environments and situations. Depending on your hiking location, you may encounter various terrains, wildlife, and other challenges that require different levels of control and flexibility. By selecting a versatile leash that can be adjusted according to your surroundings, you can confidently navigate any trail with your canine companion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the importance of choosing the right hiking leash for your dog cannot be overstated. By considering factors such as safety, comfort, functionality, durability, and adaptability, you can select the perfect leash that enhances your outdoor experience and ensures the well-being of both you and your pet. With the appropriate leash in hand, you and your furry friend will be well-equipped to tackle any trail and create lasting memories together.

[universalinfo]

HOODIES AS AN ACCESSORY IN PET FASHION

Pets have become an integral part of our families, and pet owners are increasingly interested in ensuring their furry companions are not only well-cared for but also stylishly dressed. Just like humans, pets can enjoy the cozy comfort and fashionable flair of hoodies. The trend of hoodies as an accessory in pet fashion has taken off, allowing pets to look adorable while staying warm and protected. In this article, we'll delve deeper into the world of pet fashion and explore the various benefits of hoodies as an accessory, as well as the endless possibilities they offer in terms of style and functionality.

Cozy Comfort

Pets, just like humans, seek comfort and warmth. Hoodies provide a cozy and snug fit that can make pets feel safe, secure, and content. The soft and comfortable materials used in hoodie construction, such as cotton or fleece, create a gentle embrace around pets' bodies, making them feel like they're being wrapped in a warm hug. This comfort factor is particularly important during colder months or for pets that are sensitive to temperature changes.

You should also read Keep Your Hoodie Huggable.

Protection from the Elements

Hoodies offer functional protection from various weather conditions. Whether it's a drizzle, a chilly breeze, or a scorching sun, hoodies provide an extra layer of insulation and shield pets from the elements. The hoods of pet hoodies serve as a protective cover for their heads, preventing rainwater from dripping into their ears or shielding their sensitive eyes from harsh sunlight. With hoodies, pets can enjoy their outdoor adventures while staying comfortable and protected.

Fashion Statement

Pet owners love to express their pets' unique personalities through fashion, and hoodies are a fantastic way to do just that. From fun prints and patterns to vibrant colors and stylish designs, hoodies allow pets to make a fashion statement wherever they go. Whether it's a chic urban look, a sporty vibe, or a cute and playful style, hoodies offer endless possibilities to showcase a pet's individuality and capture attention.

Functional Features

Pet hoodies often come with practical features designed specifically for pets' needs. For example, many hoodies have leash holes or zippers on the back, allowing for easy attachment of a leash without compromising comfort. This feature ensures that pets can enjoy their outdoor walks or outings safely and securely. Some hoodies also come with convenient pockets where pet owners can store small essentials like treats, waste bags, or even a pet ID. These functional elements make hoodies not only stylish but also practical for both pets and their owners.

Emotional Comfort

Hoodies can provide emotional comfort for pets during stressful situations or when they simply need some extra reassurance. The gentle pressure and close fit of a hoodie can have a calming effect on pets, helping to reduce anxiety and stress. This can be particularly helpful during thunderstorms, fireworks, or visits to the veterinarian. Putting a hoodie on a pet can create a sense of security and closeness, providing them with the emotional comfort they need.

Conclusion

Hoodies have become an exciting and popular accessory in pet fashion, offering a perfect combination of comfort, style, and functionality. These versatile garments allow pets to stay cozy, protected, and fashionable all at once. From their snug fit and warmth to their fashion-forward designs and practical features, hoodies provide a range of benefits for pets and their owners. So, embrace the trend of hoodies as an accessory in pet fashion, and let your furry friend shine with their unique style and undeniable charm. With a hoodie, your pet will not only look adorable but also feel comfortable and loved, ensuring that their fashion-forward journey is a delight for both of you! Would you like to see hoodies for pets in our catalog? Contact us!

[rajshri]

Advantages of Purchasing and Using the Best Neckband Online

It is crucial to use neckbands since they provide a solution that is not only comfortable but also handy when it comes to listening to music or receiving calls while on the go. You can move freely without the hindrance of cables or wires when wearing a neckband because of its lightweight, small size, and often includes a wireless connection. They often have integrated controls, making it simple to change the volume, skip tunes, and answer calls without having to remove your phone from your pocket or purse. The sound quality of the cheapest neckband in Dubai has also been enhanced. They have long battery life and the ability to charge quickly, making them an excellent option for anybody searching for a high-quality listening experience while on the go.

Comfort:

The fact that they are comfortable to wear is one of the most significant benefits of utilizing neckbands. The use of cumbersome over-the-ear headphones is made unnecessary by the design of neckbands, which are intended to be worn comfortably around the neck and provide a tight and secure fit. They are frequently manufactured from soft, flexible fabrics that fit the neck's curvature, making them perfect when you buy Rajshri neckband online in Dubai.

Improved Sound Quality:

Most neckbands come with high-quality audio components that can produce a sound of a higher caliber when compared to other kinds of headphones. They also typically incorporate noise-cancellation technology, which helps to minimize ambient noise, making it easier to hear your music or accept calls in busy places.

Wireless Connection:

The cheapest neckband in Dubai is equipped with wireless connectivity, enabling you to connect to your smartphone without the need for cumbersome cables or cords. Because of this, playing music or answering calls is simple, even without physical links to your device.

Simple To Use:

When you buy Rajshri neckband online in Dubai, it often comes with built-in controls that make it possible to change the volume, skip tunes, and answer calls without removing your phone from your pocket or bag. It makes handling your music and calls easy while on the road.

Longer Battery Life:

Neckbands often come equipped with rechargeable batteries that have a longer life span, making them an excellent choice for listening sessions that last longer. Additionally, they often have quick-charging capabilities, allowing you to recharge your headphones whenever needed instantly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cheapest neckband in Dubai and headphones provide an alternative to conventional over-ear headphones that are more comfortable, portable, and handy. They also provide a high sound quality, wireless connection, and simple control, making them an excellent alternative for anybody searching for a high-quality listening experience while on the road. Whether you are searching for headphones for sports, work, or regular usage, neckbands are a fantastic choice to explore.

[boldlyvoid]

Amoreena | chapter four

Chapter Four

summary: Heaven is a real place and it's located exactly 14.6 miles away from the FBI, Quantico Headquarters. Off behind a small park, under a fantastical willow tree surrounded by wildflowers, in every colour young minds can imagine.

Don't forget, heaven also comes with angels.

Warnings: fluff, hurt/comfort, depressed spencer, reader has a daughter, falling in love, strangers to lovers, library smut, oral (female receiving) lots and lots of fluff

word count: 3.9k

from the beginning <3

Everyone at work was very understanding. Almost all of them saw it coming, he was taking more sick days than normal and he wasn’t putting up a fight anymore when the 30 days was required to take rolled around. They were profilers after all.

He arrives on Thursday morning to pack his desk. The team is finally home and all together to wish him well on his future journey, giving him hugs and kisses as they each visited his desk.

They had already replaced him, Will LaMontagne was giving the FBI a shot, finally. Spending more time with JJ, the kids were old enough now to accept both of them working. And Kate Callahan was back, now that her baby wasn’t a baby anymore either.

Even Penelope and Derek showed up, bringing a cake that said ‘happy retirement’ written across the frosting. They were happy for him, they shared the same excitement he had. There was a thrill in his eyes again as they asked him about his plans.

“Tell us about this Y/N you met,” Emily cut into the laughter to get to the serious topics.

“I’ve been going to the park a lot recently and I found this little reading nook by a pond. She was there with her daughter and they invited me over to their picnic,” he realized how fake it all sounded as he continued to speak. “Her daughter is wonderful and super smart, I took them to the Smithsonian on Sunday and I’m completely smitten.”

Everyone swooned, happy to see him finally finding someone that makes him gush like this. It had been a very, very long time since Spencer has told any of them about a person, let alone someone he was in love with.

“She is wonderful,” Penelope added, “she makes the best tea and she lives in a literal Disney movie.”

Spencer laughed, “yeah she does. They probably read more books than I have, they make so many references all the time and they even dress up for what they’re reading, it’s amazing.”

They were amazed by how giddy he was, unable to stop smiling at him, “here we dressed up for the museum, I was milo from Atlantis and she was the old man in Tarzan,” he pulled his phone from his pocket to show them the photo.

It was his background now, Y/N sent it to him when he finally went back to his place Monday night, knowing he’d miss them. Not wanting him to be alone.

He was beyond proud to show them the photo, beaming from ear to ear as they all complimented his attire.

“She looks like you,” Kate added, “must be the genius gene,” she added, making awkward eye contact with JJ as they both clocked it.

“She’s exactly like me, that’s why Y/N likes having me around, it’s good for Amoreena to feel normal with the way our brains work,” he spoke about her like she was his own. Forever grateful to have her in his life.

“So when are you proposing?” Matt teased him. Knowing the feeling of love like this all too well with his perfect wife and a handful of children.

“I’m not trying to jinx anything,” Spencer admitted. “I actually have a job interview at the Library she works at later, so I’ll be around here a lot more.”

“He’ll be moved in by the end of the month,” Tara smiled, proud of him and the courage it takes to follow your heart.

“I’m going to miss you guys,” he presses his lips together softly, nodding as he avoids eye contact with them. “But you can call me whenever you need my brain, I guess.”

Hugs were exchanged as Spencer had to leave, Derek even offered to drive him back to his apartment to help with 4 boxes of books from his desk, and to have a bit of a talk like they always do.

“It’s surprisingly easy to be a dad, all you have to do is be there and love them,” Derek shared a tidbit of advice

“She told me she doesn’t mind me being like Amoreena’s dad, but I don’t think I can yet. I want her to decide when she wants me in that role.”

Spencer explains his feelings the easiest to Derek. Like he was already in his mind and knew the thoughts before he said them, Derek was never mad or disappointed in him. He loved him fully, and Spencer loved him right back.

“Like when you chose Gideon?”

Spencer can only nod, it’s still too sad to think about him being gone. “You know what it’s like, you love your father but there are other people in your life who fit the role better.”

“Yeah,” Derek agreed. “You’re going to be great, regardless of the name she uses when she thinks of you.”

“Thank you,” Spencer smiled as they pulled up to his apartment, “you should bring Hank to meet the animals this weekend sometime.”

“He’d love that,” Derek smiled back at him, patting his shoulder lightly. “I’m really proud of you.”

“I wouldn’t have been able to do it if you didn’t first,” he admits. “You’re a strong man who decided to put his happiness first, I can be too.”

“You sure as hell can,” Derek wrapped him up in one last hug before sending him off to live that best life he was talking about.

The only person who didn’t know yet was his mother. He wasn’t sure how to tell her, he knew she’d be proud of him regardless but that anxiety of disappointing her never went away even now that he was 40.

“Spencer!”

“Hey mom,” he smiled when she picked up. “How are you?”

“I’m fantastic, Marge and I are going on a walk later to see some ducks that were born, I really love it here Spencer,” he could hear it in her voice. She was much more joyful when she was surrounded by friends.

“I’m glad to hear it.”

“you sound happy, what’s going on?”

She was his mother, after all, she could know exactly how he’s feeling from just hearing him breathe or being in the same room as him. It was like a superpower, she always knew what was going on.

“I met someone,” he can’t help but smile. “And I quit the FBI to have a family.”

“You’re kidding?” He couldn’t read her tone, not sure if she was surprised or disappointed.

“Her name is Y/N, she has a 7-year-old daughter named Amoreena who is exactly like how I was as a child, you’d really like them,” he explains and he can hear his mother's smile from his end of the phone.

“I would love to meet them, you can bring them to visiting hours next Tuesday?” Diana offered, genuinely happy for him in a way that made his heart burst.

“I’ll see if they’re free and I’ll let you know.”

“I love you, Spencer,” she reminded him. “It’s nice to hear you’re happy, that’s all I’ve ever wanted for you.”

“I love you too, thank you, mom, for everything.”

She hangs up before they can get too emotional, leaving Spencer inside his sad little apartment all by himself. Taking the opportunity to pack his overnight bag for Y/N and pick out some books from his collection to show Amoreena.

There’s an envelope sticking out of one of his books that manages to catch his attention, taking it out to see his name written on it in Gideon’s handwriting. He almost forgot he had this, how important the words were.

Spencer,

I knew it would be you who came to the cabin to check on me. I’m sorry the explanation couldn’t be better, Spencer. I’m sorry it doesn’t make more sense, but I’ve already told you. I just don’t understand any of it anymore.

I guess I’m just looking for it again, for the belief I had in college, the belief I had when I first met Sara and it all seemed so right.

The belief in happy endings. When you find that, never let it go, Spencer.

Don’t let this job do to you what it did to me, get out and get a life when you can. I have faith in you, till I see you again, take care, son.

Gideon

He walked over to the window then, seeing a beautiful red and brown bird perched on his fire escape. He couldn’t help but smile, “I found my Sara, thank you,” he whispers to the bird who turns its head to the side before flying off.

Gideon always did have the best timing and the best advice.

—

“Y/N, your one o’clock is here to see you,” the receptionist at the Library said over the phone, hanging up and returning her attention to Spencer, “she’ll be with you in a moment.”

“Doctor Reid,” he hears her voice as she rounds the corner, appearing behind a stack of books in the most beautiful blue dress he’s ever seen. “Lovely to see you again.”

“You too,” he smiles.

“Right this way,” she can’t help but smile as she escorts him to her office.

“I don’t normally consider people who don’t send in a resume, but I have a feeling you’re going to be good at this,” she teased him as he sat at her desk.

“Allison is going on maternity leave in a few weeks, so you won’t start until she has the baby. If you’re serious about wanting this position, it’s only Monday through Thursday, 9 to 2:30.”

“You’re not going to ask me anything?”

“I don’t know if you know this, but the literary historian and I get to spend a lot of time together, I’d rather hire someone I know I already like,” she smiled again. “And it would be nice to see you every day without a 7-year-old taking all your attention away from me.”

“You just want to live out the fantasy of kissing someone in the encyclopedia section, don’t you?” He teased her right back, making her blush. “I knew it.”

“Sue me!” She laughed, and he finally understood what tinker bell meant when she said farries are born from the purest laughter.

He was in love with her right then and there, he was sure of it.

It had been under a week and yet as he stared at her, hearing her wonderful laughter and seeing her beautiful smile, knowing she wanted to spend time with him, that she genuinely liked him and none of this was one-sided, it made him fall harder than he thought he could.

“Come on then,” he stands abruptly, taking her hand and pulling her out the door.

She tries to giggle quietly as she follows him all the way back to the quietest section of the library. Most of the books on the shelves didn’t even have bar codes because they haven’t been checked out since the 60’s, no one needs them but they can’t seem to part with them.

She backs up against the shelf and pulls him into her space, he drops her hands and holds her face instead, looking at her beautiful eyes as they sparkled in the fluorescent lighting.

“I was expecting this to be hungrier than this when I imagined it all for all these years,” she whispers, biting her lip to force her smile back.

“You’re just so fucking beautiful,” is all he can say, brushing her cheeks with his thumbs lightly a few times before finally placing his lips against hers, ever so gently.

Her hands stretched around his back, pulling him in closer till their bodies are pressed together and then she’s kissing him deeper. Breathing in through her nose like she’s trying to keep him there forever, her fingernails dig into his shirt and he knows she wants more.

He slid his thigh between hers, opening his mouth to give her all the access she wanted and letting her take control of the speed. She wasn’t kidding when she said she expected it to be hungrier. She was kissing him like it was the first time she has had contact with another human being in years, and it just might have been. She said she was single for a while before Amoreena, probably the whole time since as well.

“Spencer,” she took a moment to gasp for air, breathing against his lips as he did the same. “Can we?”

He kisses along her jaw then, moving towards her ear to whisper, “do what? Use your words.”

“Anything, just touch me please, god it’s been 12 years,” she begged as quietly as possible, tugging at his hair as he nibbled on her earlobe.

He kissed down her neck making his way towards her chest. Holding her by the hips now, she arched her back into the shelf as he kissed all the way to where her dress started to cover her breasts but he didn’t stop. Kissing over her clothes as he dropped down to his knees in front of her.

He undid his tie, slipping it off his neck and handing it to her, “in case you need to scream into something.”

She held it in her hand for a second, registering what he just said and moaning softly in response as she held it closer to her lips, he took that as a yes and slipped under her dress.

She was wearing just a pair of regular cut pink underwear, not expecting this in the slightest when she got ready this morning. He kissed her over top of the fabric, spreading her legs so that he could kiss the insides of her thighs as she tried to desperately grind into his face. grazing his teeth against her skin as she shivers, thighs shaking in anticipation.

He kisses right where her clit should be under the fabric, knowing he’s correct when she whimpers around the tie he handed her. It's muffled and adorable as he kisses her again and again, knowing she wants more and teasing her gently.

He pulls her panties to the side, mesmerized by how perfect she is for only a second before returning to the task at hand. Being the first person to pleasure her in years, wanting her to have the best time possible.

With one hand he holds her panties back, using his other to slowly swipe a single finger through her folds to see just how wet she was. Smirking against her thigh as he’s able to slip right in.

“Please,” he hears her whisper, lifting the dress up so she could look at what he’s doing.

“Such a good girl for me,” he pressed the words against her skin.

He spreads her legs even further, resting one of them on his shoulder as he dives in, sucking her clit into his mouth abruptly as he pumps his single finger in and out. She jerks her hips at the sudden contact, stuffing the tie in her mouth and biting down as she whimpers.

He knows what he’s doing, where all the pleasure spots are and what feels the best on most women. Searching around and trying different tongue movements, memorizing the sounds she makes and attempting to hear them again and again, knowing it means she’s enjoying herself.

That’s all he wanted, to please her. Not even realizing how hard he was as he continues to eat her out furiously in the back corner of the DC Public Library. He forgets they’re even in public entirely as he moans against her clit, sending shockwaves through her body.

She’s quaking then, holding onto the top of his head with one hand as the other grips a shelf. She’s panting into the material of the tie, the hot breath making its way through the fabric and stopping the whorish moans he knew she’d make. It had been too long since someone treated her right.

He added a second finger then, wanting to push her over the edge as he curled them, finding her g spot and caressing it with every thrust of his fingers. She clenched around him then, a high-pitched noise left her mouth as she finished around him.

He couldn’t help but smirk, re-moving his fingers and cleaning them off in his mouth. Releasing them with a pop before dragging his tongue along her one last time. Gathering up everything she released and placing her panties back over her nicely.

He kissed over her underwear one last time before fixing her dress and standing up, “did I manage to fulfill the dream?”

She couldn’t help but laugh, looking like she was coming down from a real high, not just an orgasm. She pulled him in close and held onto him for dear life as she continued to catch her breath, and then her hand started to wander.

“Nope,” Spencer whispered, moving her hand away from his aching cock. “As much as I want to, I’d rather fuck you at home.”

“Home huh?” She teased him, kissing his cheek softly as she pulled back.

"I love you," he whispers against her ear, without a fear in the world that she didn't feel the same way.

"I love you too, Spencer."

They couldn’t stop smiling at each other, it felt surreal to be this happy. He kissed her a few more times, staying hidden in the back corner until the blood in his body let this dick and went back to where it was supposed to be.

She just held him in her arms, leaning back against the shelves as they kissed softly, running her hands through his hair gently, over and over. She whispered a few thank you’s to him, letting him know it was everything she waited for.

It was truly perfect.

—

Amoreena was so happy to see him back at the farm when she got off the bus, she missed him during the few days he wasn’t there.

She asked him to help with her homework, her teacher assigning them an “all about me” project to showcase their growth at the end of the year ceremony. It was almost June, she only had a few weeks left before she was off for the summer and free to show him around the whole kingdom.

Y/N brought out a box of craft supplies and a collection of photos. Showing Spencer every single moment of her and Amoreena’s life.

From her first sonogram to the first bump photo, she had and every maternity shot on the farm you could think of, to the day she was born, her first bath, first steps, chocolate cake shoved on her nose at her first birthday, everything. He felt like he watched her grow up in the blink of an eye, staring at all the photos while Y/N and Amoreena made a plan for her project.

She did look a lot like him, in some instances, she even looked like his mom. There was a look Diana would get when she was intrigued with something, or when she was trying to figure something out. She’d bite her tongue and tilt her head, and it was exactly what Amoreena did.

He never thought he’d see a child-like himself this early, he always expected someone to contact him at 18 and surprise him like Rossi. He really never, ever thought he'd have a child in his life who he was blessed with watching grow up. He never believed someone would have a kid so much like him and allow him to see the world through their eyes. He was amazed by how lucky he got, to be brought into an already happy family that wanted him, they didn’t just need him.

There was no need for a father in Amoreena’s life, she was happily living her life with her grandparents and her mother, explaining to him that she had a bunch of aunts and uncles, plus 15 cousins and they all lived close too. Her life was full of people to love her, and yet she wanted Spencer to love her too.

“Can I put the photo of us at the museum on here too?” She asked Y/N, looking at Spencer to see if he was okay with it too. “I already told my friends that you’re my dad.”

He felt like he couldn’t breathe, he didn’t want to cry in front of her so instead he just stopped all movement inside of his body and held it in. Looking at Y/N who was also a little emotional as Amoreena went back to looking through the photos.

Amoreena didn’t even notice how their expressions changed, she didn’t understand the weight of the words as she said them. She was oblivious to the hole in Spencer’s heart that she was filling with glitter glue, making him feel like he was whole again.

“Yeah,” he finally managed to speak. “I’d love to be on your project.”

“I know you said we don’t need dads but I kinda want one,” Amoreena’s soft expression made his heart melt even more. He was putty in her hands, willing to be whatever she wanted from him as long as he could.

“When did you say that?” Y/N asked softly, confused as to where she was when they had a conversation.

“The other morning at breakfast, um, my father left when I was little. It was just me and my wonderful mother until I was 21, then I found someone to call Dad. His name was Jason Gideon, he was my mentor and he made he feel like I was smart and loved,” he smiled, letting her know he genuinely meant it. “There’s a big difference between being a father and being someone's dad.”

“What’s that?” Amoreena’s innocent mind running wild as she tried to figure out his meaning.

“Anyone can be a father when two adults make a baby,” he said softly, making eye contact with Y/N as she blushed. Knowing where he was going with this. “But dads are special, they’re the people who are supposed to make you feel safe and loved. A person who you can turn to for advice and know he’ll love you no matter what you have to say. Dad’s are supposed to love you forever, regardless of what happens in life. Just like your mom does already.”

Amoreena leaned into his chest, pressing her head against him softly. He wrapped his arms around her gently, giving her the tiniest hug he’s ever given. “I pick you then, you’re the best guy I know and I think that means you’d be a good dad.”

Y/N silently cried, getting up from the table and walking into the kitchen so Amoreena wouldn’t see her sob. Spencer tried to widen his eyes so the tears he was generating would slip back into his tear ducts. Not wanting to cry as she held him.

“I’d love to be your dad,” he whispered, kissing her head softly as she held him tighter. “But first I’ve gotta check on your mom,” he whispered into her hair. Watching her pull away and look for where she was.

“Okay,” Amoreena shrugged, returning to her project as he wandered into the kitchen.

She was leaning against the counter when he walked in, her dress pulled up over her face as she cried into the material. Wiping her face as Spencer walked in and looking at him with the happiest smile.

She was laughing into her tears then, shaking her head as she sobbed, “why am I crying?”

He laughed then too, pulling her into a hug and spinning her around gently as she kept laughing. Her face buried into his neck as she smiled, he set her down gently so he could pull her into a kiss.

Her cheeks were all wet as he held her face, peppering kisses to her lips as they both tried to stop smiling.

“I’m going to miss hearing her call you Spencer,” Y/N whispered.

“Me too,” he giggled again. “But dad does have a good ring to it.”

tag list:

@shemarmooresfedora

@spencers-dria

@spookyspence

@reidsfish

@manuosorioh

[oneyeartoparty]

The brothers react to finding an engagement ring you bought for them

Sorry I haven’t posted for a bit, just been very busy and a litte sick. This was something I’ve been working on for a while. Apologies in advance if its not completely spell/grammar checked, I wanted to get it out for you guys ASAP =D I have a request coming up next, but for now, please enjoy this post and have an awesome day!

Lucifer

Lucifer ventures into your room to drop off some packages from Akuzon that were delivered for you. You’d been getting a lot of packages lately, and he was curious about what you were buying but didn’t want to invade your privacy by snooping.

He was planning on asking you when you returned from studying with Satan and Simeon. Lucifer wanted to make sure his love was provided for, and if you needed something, he would get it.

Lucifer had no issue lifting the boxes, but there was enough of them that even with his best stacking skills, they still partially obscured his sight. He managed to make it to your room without knocking something off the wall, but as he entered, he nudged your shelf with the side of one of the boxes causing something to tumble down.

Placing the boxes down, he turned to see a ring box had fallen from somewhere on the shelf and opened on the way down.

Picking it up, he saw an engagement ring with a golden band with a blue sapphire at its centre. Inscribed on the band were the words “To the only demon to have my heart.”

Pride and happiness swelled in his chest in equal measure. To know you loved him enough to plan to propose was a fantastic feeling.

He didn’t know where the box had fallen from, so he hid it on the shelf once more and hoped you wouldn’t notice and left the room, awaiting the day you choose to propose and going to prepare a ring of his own for when the time came.

Mammon

Mammon has a habit of going through your things. It had started as another profit-making venture. Some human items aren’t easy to come by in the Devildom, so he figured trifling through the new human exchange student’s things would be a good way to find something to sell.

But it became a way to learn more about you. Everything you had in your room told your story, and Mammon was intent on learning everything.

It was on a day you were out shopping with Luke that he decided to go through your drawers. You’d been dating a while now, and he wanted to see what you’d picked up on your last shopping trip with Asmo so he could see figure out a gift idea. He wanted to treat you but wasn’t sure exactly what to get so he decided to snoop for ideas.

When he saw the red velvet box, he thought it was for earrings initially, but when he opened it, he saw the two topaz gems sparkle. It was an engagement ring, with an inscription that said, “To my adorable Mammon, who stole my heart the day we met.”

Mammon has stopped working.exe.

He’s flustered, completely red in the face. He so overwhelmed with happiness and love for you at that moment all he can do is stare at the ring.

When he finally regains his composure, he puts back everything as he found it. He doesn’t want to push you to propose until you’re ready, but that doesn’t stop him from being the happiest demon in the Devildom.

Leviathan

Leviathan ventured into your room to set up a new gaming console he’d gotten from Akuzon. He was looking forward to spending the night with you playing games and having fun together.

It was while he was fiddling with the cords that he spied a ring box among some of the consoles neither of you had touched in a while.

Not wanting to accidentally knock it somewhere difficult to reach, he went to move the box. Upon picking it up, he noticed it was already open, and when he saw the contents his mouth dropped open.

The engagement ring inside was a silver band with three small orange sapphires in a triangle. Its inscription read “To remind my true love I’ll always adore them.”

“THEY’RE GOING TO PROPOSE TO ME?” he didn’t mean to shout that; he was just so shocked by his discovery it was automatic. You’re not only dating him, but you like him so much you want to MARRY him?

Tears welled up in his eyes. You genuinely loved him enough to want to propose. It was a scenario he’d only dreamt of, but it was real. For a moment he wondered if he’d isekaied into another world where all his dreams would come true. Still unsure if this was real, Levi sat on your bed and waited for your return.

When you returned to your room, you were immediately smothered in a hug by an equally nervous and ecstatic Leviathan, saying a scattering of “Yes” and “Do you really mean it?”

Satan

While Satan would usually head to the House of Lamentations library or search his room for his next book to read, sometimes he would head to your room and pick from your book selection.

He loved keeping up with the latest additions to your book collection and with many of your books coming from the human world, there was almost always something new for him to read there.

It was while you were cooking dinner that he made his way to your room to return some books and borrow more. After placing back the stack he had in his hands, he scanned the shelves until he had chosen a few.

Retrieving the first few was uneventful, but when he pulled out the final book and small box fell with it.

He internally panicked when it happened as he thought it was something breakable, but when he saw it was a small ring box, he grew confused.

Curiosity taking over, he picked up and opened the box. Inside was a stunning engagement ring, made of silver with four emeralds. Its inscription read “For my loving Satan. May we can spend eternity reading together.”

A smile graced his face when he realised when he was holding. To know you truly wanted him and only him made him swell with joy.

He placed the box back in its place, forgetting the books he’d come to collect as he headed back to his room, grin still present and plans to do something for you in turn already forming in his mind.

Asmodeus

Asmodeus was out shopping when he found the ring you’d bought for him. He’d skipped school to go shopping and had wanted you to come, but you were roped into doing school council tasks for Lucifer before he could slip you out.

He wasn’t going to let this opportunity go to waste though, and he’d been checking out all the new outfits and accessories that had been released since his last visit. He was having a great time and made sure to buy anything he thought would suit you best too.

He had finished buying a new pair of earrings when he was stopped by one of the demon clerks. They said your order was ready, and since their courier was sick, asked if he could take it for you.

Agreeing, they handed him the box and he made his way from the store. He couldn’t glean much about its content other than it was small, perhaps a pair of earrings or a necklace. You’d mentioned wanting to update some of your older jewellery pieces after all.

Wondering what you’d had custom made, he pulled the box from its bag and opened it, nearly jumped for joy when he was the engagement ring within.

He loved the design. The gold band fit perfectly with the five argyle diamonds that were grouped to resemble the outline of a star. And the inscription that read “Never forget I love all of you”.

Slipping the box safely into his pocket, Asmodeus rushed home and began to start pulling together wedding ideas for you two to discuss.

Beelzebub

The nose of a hungry Beelzebub is the most dangerous thing any piece of food can encounter, as anything that nose picks up will soon be eaten. That was the fate of a pile of snacks you’d stowed away in your room, hoping to keep your food-loving boyfriend from eating them.

He lifted your pillow and spied the food hidden there. His attention consumed by it, he began devouring everything in sight, and soon there was nothing edible left.

He noticed it when he was picking up the wrappers. A box stuck between your bed and bedside table. His thoughts immediately shot to it being the final snack that he’d almost missed, so he reached for it.

The box didn’t resemble any food brand he’d ever seen, but this didn’t deter Beel from opening it to check.

The engagement ring withing had a silver band and featured a large ruby surrounded by five smaller ones. It was custom made, evident by it appearing large enough to fit on Beel’s finger and the inscription that stated, “I look forward to snacking eternally with you”.

A happy smile graced his face and red flushed his cheeks. His heartfelt wish of marrying you was going to come true, and he was happy.

He put the box back where he found it and left your room, taking the wrappers from his snack massacre with him.

While he doesn’t tell you what he found, you do notice him smile at you a lot more, especially when he thought you weren’t looking.

Belphegor

With his favourite pillow in the wash, Belphegor was on the prowl for another pillow to use until his original was returned.

Naturally, with you learning magic with Solomon at Purgatory Hall a pillow from your room was a natural choice. You had an excellent mind when choosing the most comfortable pillows and the ones from your room always reminded you of him when you couldn’t be there to nap with him.

He pulled a pillow from the stack and went to make himself comfortable on your bed. He planned on napping until you returned, so napping in your room was the best place.

However, when Belphegor placed his head on the pillow there was a solid lump that made it impossible to get comfortable.

Zipping open the pillow he retrieved a ring box. Opening it he saw, to his immediate joy, an engagement ring.

The ring had several small purple crystals on a gold band. Inscribed on the band were the words “I look forward to snuggling forever with you”.

He wasn’t sure why you though a pillow was the best hiding place, maybe it was because you had such a huge variety of pillows and his brothers accidentally find it there? Regardless he’s please you loved him enough to want to propose.

Stuffing the box back into the pillow, he puts the pillow back and gets another, returning to your bed to nap with a smile on his face.

[unholyhelbig]

Triple Treble High school AU??

Read on AO3 | Request prompts here

The darkroom wasn’t originally in the blueprints for the high school. It was a small space that was wedged between the back stairwell, something that still smelled so thickly of drain cleaner, and sawdust, that the developer only added a twinge of vinegar to the mix.

Beca had pestered and persisted until the school board agreed to convert the unused storage area into a place for the yearbook committee to soak and hang their film. It could fit about four people at a time and left her blinking away the red light when the bell rang, load and enough to vibrate the whole room.

She leaned against the table that woodshop had constructed, mindful of the surface that could splinter at any moment. She was putting the finishing touches on her book report for Mr. White’s third-period English. She was cutting it close, but the photos from the pep rally the day before still had a good three minutes left of the egg timer.

She twisted the dial and listened to the satisfying click that accompanied it.

Beca had learned a long time ago that it was better to be unseen than seen by the whole world. There were no standards that way, if this batch of photos didn't turn out, or darken fully, that would be okay- because it wasn’t like they had noticed her, other than the small flashes of light, or the click of her Nikon.

She scribbled the finishing touches on her interesting take of “To Kill a Mockingbird” and shoved the crinkled lined paper into her backpack. She hadn’t put much thought into it- having read the novel more than once and never finding it as moving as it was intended to be.

The timer sounded off and her heart caught in her throat. It always did, even though she was the one that set it. She knew it was going to hiss eventually, and her hands moved before her mind could catch up. She peered over the edge of the basin at the photo that developed fully.

Chloe Beale beamed charismatically, her arm around Kaylee Eli, brow glistening with sweat. The logo of the cowboy shining under the lights. Beca was a damn good shot, but Chloe was an even better model. She stared right into the lens like she actually saw Beca- she noticed and posed and smiled with the same type of vigor as always.

The second warning bell sounded off and Beca fished the photo from the solution with her tongs. She shook it once, then twice, before clipping it on the line. She shouldered her bag and then emerged into the hallway, breathing in to clear out the sharp acidic scent from her lungs.

She nearly collided with a warm body, also trying their hardest to get through the hallways and into homeroom in time for the third and final bell to sound. Her sneakers squeaked against the floor, and her shoulder did make contact with something soft, and hot, and she stumbled with an apology before even realizing who it was.

Posters, and buttons scattered across the floor with a deafening clatter, and a pile of books were soon to follow. They were obnoxiously red, white, and blue. And Beca was on her knees, very suddenly, scrambling to pile them into a stack that they had once been.

“I’m so sorry,” She said, her own backpack forgotten.

“Were you in a supply closet?”

Beca glanced up, meeting hard and ripe green. The girl in front of her was a mass of blonde hair and lip gloss. She shoved her bangs back and gave Beca an inquisitive look. The posters were stacked now, and the two raised to a standing position.

“No, I mean, yes.” Beca frowned “It’s not a supply closet anymore, though. It’s a dark room. For photography.”

The girl studied her. She looked vaguely familiar. Those posters did too- Aubrey Posen for Student President. She realized she was still gripping them, reading them. She flushed and handed them over.

“I’m afraid I’ve made you miss the final bell.” She said.

“Don’t worry about it. Have a fantastic day.” Beca replied, even if she didn’t’ mean it. She grabbed her bag from the floor and maneuvered her way around the girl and walked off towards her first class- one that she wouldn't be paying much attention to.

Aubrey glared down at her posters. The word Fantastic was outlined in blue and slanted in a way that screamed desperately. She swallowed back the suddenly queasy feeling in her stomach and pulled her shoulders back. It didn’t’ matter if the candy-cane stripes and the blue lettering were tacky. It would win her the vote.

She felt disheveled, the pink late slip in her pocket burned like dry ice. She hated breaking the rules, and even this, even having the permission to skip the first half of the morning to work on her campaign, made her feel like some kind of common criminal.

Aubrey walked all the way to the gym.

She was meant to set up the ballot tables for the three lunch periods. She hadn’t thought that many people would skip out on the greasy scent of fried chicken and the brothy greens that were slopped next to them to vote for student council. Not many people cared about the election, and sometimes Aubrey questioned her own dedication to the cause of no cause at all.

The gym always smelled thickly of sweat and floor wax. It’s bright lights seemed to be the only thing in the school that ran on an automatic timer. The last moments of morning cheer practice had just concluded, and Aubrey waited dutifully by the double doors for the girls to clear out.

Most of them- she knew cordially. She was nod at them and say hello, and even give them a button to strap to their bags. So they smiled kindly as they exited past her, and wished her luck on today's vote. She figured she needed it.

“Are you nervous?”

“Huh?” Aubrey had started to study the sound system in the corner, but her focus was suddenly on the one remaining cheerleader in the gym. Her voice echoed, and her smile radiated. “Oh, uh, no my opposing candidate is a gerbil so.”

“he’s got a solid campaign.” She replied, walking across the seal in the center of the floor. “For what it’s worth, I think you’re going to do great. You’ve got my vote.”

Aubrey hadn’t been this close to Chloe Beale. Not in school- they usually avoided one another after Bumper’s Halloween party, two semesters ago. She didn’t remember, much- the fowl taste of beer, the flashing lights, a kid in a skeleton mask, and Chloe Beale’s lips on hers. Cherry, and tart with alcohol.

Her cheeks reddened at the thought, all-encompassing. “Right, I’m pretty sure you’re not supposed to tell me that.”

“Oh?”

Chloe took a few steps backward before turning completely and walking towards the double doors. Aubrey struggled to avert her eyes, knew that she had to, but couldn’t find a way to do it. Chloe could feel them on her- swinging her hips intentionally.

She found herself letting out a trembled breath once she exited into the hallway. Her arms were burning, and so were her cheeks. Aubrey M. Posen had always been intimidating; in her fancy blazers and thick reading glasses. Her lips tingled, and she pressed two fingers against them to quell the sensation. The girl probably didn't even remember her on Halloween night, that stupid skeleton kid, drenched in fake blood, and the flashing lights that spurred her drunken stupor.

Chloe pressed her back against the painted brick wall and let the coolness drip through her sweaty t-shirt. She hadn’t slept well the night before, and practice before the day had even begun made her bones ache and her stomach turn.

She was going to be late for class, she knew that before they had even finished listening to coach Morris reminding them (for the third time that morning) about the pep rally on Friday. She peeled herself from the wall, blinking away the light from the trophy cases, before slinking into the locker room. It was empty now, the remaining scent of body spray and lotion clouding her lungs.

Chloe quickly changed and pulled her bag over her shoulder. She didn’t’ have a pink slip, not as she should, but figured that Mrs. Gordon would excuse her this once. She would slide into first-period Chemistry and try her best not to disturb the room more than she had to.

“Miss Beale,” She felt her heart seize, Mrs. Gordon’s eyes on her, lifting from the workbook that she was struggling to flip through. The rest of the room had taken to staring at her too, roaming eyes and giddy for a distraction, no matter how small. “Take the nearest seat.”

It would certainly be easier than working her way around the room, through the bags and the lab stools. She glanced sparingly at the empty seat closest to her. Beca Mitchell lifted both of her eyebrows and shifted the camera bag to the floor, allowing her to take a seat.

“Flip to page seventeen, The building of Electron’s and Neutrons”

Chloe reached for her bag, but before she could Beca shifted the textbook towards the middle of them, letting her scan her eyes over the annotated version of the paragraphs. She had never expected Beca Mitchell, resident outcast and photographer, to go through the nightly reading and actually absorb it.

She smelled thickly of cloves and chemicals. It was earthy but comforting. It almost relaxed Chloe from the morning, brought her down to a familiar buzz after sharing a conversation with Aubrey in the gym. She blinked through her lack of focus and tried to concentrate on something other than how close the alt girl was, and how their knees almost met under the lab table.

Beca reached up and turned the page, Chloe realized she hadn’t read a single line.

[jaefluenza]

A Roadtrip with a Stranger | J.jh

one important rule: do not fall in love 🍑

🔅 4,831k words

🔅 fluff, overseas student!characters and more fluff!!!

🔅 youtuber!jung jaehyun x reader

🔅 warning: i didn’t proofread this :(

Hey! It’s been so long since I write on this platform. I hope you guys still like my work cause I’ve been working hard to get the desire to write again. Things has been rough for me mentally that makes me kinda lost the feeling of writing. But I decide to write again, yay! Oh and this work was inspired by an admirable travel vlog by Valspire Family where he went on a roadtrip with a stranger. I’ll put the link to the video at the very end of this work. Hope you like it, and I’m sorry that it’s not gender-neutral but you can use your own imagine from this one i guess :) love y’all.

Jaehyun swam through his e-mails. Okay, no more AdSense pouring in... He wondered. It seems like he needs to create a new content. So, Jung Jaehyun right here is a travel youtuber, where he often travels from place to place, all by himself. He loves traveling. He did it even before he discovered a whole new thing called YouTube. Yeah, that time, he travels by the help of his parents. As an abroad student, he relied a lot on his parents back in their hometown. So he saved some money to travel from close places to places before he eventually wanted to travel overseas as well. Jaehyun learned that he can’t keep using his pocket money to travel forever, he needs to look for a better way.

So when his friends told him to start a YouTube channel, he didn’t even hesitate. As luck sides with him, he started to look through his old memory card where he put all of his videos and photos of his traveling journey. He was so glad that he kept all of them, even though he would reminisce on how he almost drop his camera on a cliff while doing a cheap vlog. Jaehyun uploaded the videos that he edited at 2 am, after doing the assignment he got from college. Such a model student, indeed... And guess what? People love him! His first video got 10,000 views and 167 comments about how he captured the moment beautifully. He even gained 450 new subscribers on his first day of being YouTuber.

Now, after two months of uploading his old local travel videos, he gained more than 23,000 subscribers and thousands and thousands of views, he finally gained independent money from all the ad-sense he received from his videos. So, he’s ready for a new level of adventure, of course, on his own. “Where would I go....?”

He dives through the mailbox again as he only looks randomly at the screen, and suddenly a notification pops up to his surprise. “Y/n (surname)?” He clicked the new e-mail right away, unbothered to look at the subject line first.

“Hey, do you want to go on a roadtrip with me, I guess? this my number, 0xxxxxxxxx text me 🤙”

“Holy shi-” Jaehyun almost cursed before he closes his mouth, shocked by the new thing he discovered on the Macbook screen. A stranger, asking him to go on a roadtrip? Wait, is this real? Well, it has been one of his goals to travel with a stranger, but when he actually goes through it, his head feels like falling into the floor.

He typed the number on the dial pad and add the new contact on his phone. He clicked the message app but before he’s even able to type what he’d want to say, his hand shakes in nervousness. I mean, this isn’t the first time he’s talking to a stranger. He has several moments where he needs to ask some other students he doesn’t know because he has to finish the group project given, but this one feels so different. The thought of going with someone you don’t know if it’s a he or she, spending time with them in the coldness of the night, holding hands with them when you reach the top of an abandoned tower, or holding on an urge to kiss them when it gets too warm in the car... Well, Jaehyun is now thinking so hard when he doesn’t need to. “Okay, okay, let’s get this done. Ask her what’s up and you’re done,” He reassured himself.

“Hey, it’s me Jaehyun. I saw your mail. What’s up?” Sent.

“Okay, okay. That’s good, you did it. Now let’s just eat some chips before they actually reply-” A familiar notification pops up and he can’t push his head away from his phone anymore.

“Omg hi! That was such a fast response! Thank you so much for texting me, I’m such a fan! Uh anyway, i’m (y/n). I want to know if you’re interested to go to the national flower festival with me which is happening in 10 days and if we’re heading there by a van it will be a 4 days travel and we still have 5 days to prepare and tour around the city.”

“Fantastic. Sure. So when do we meet tho?”

“Tomorrow, I guess?”

“Sure. See ya!”

“So, what makes you so excited today, Mr. Jung? I’ve never seen you this cheerful around college since the first day of your youtuber life.” Johnny chirped at the young man. “I’ll be meeting someone new today,” he replied. Johnny rubbed his ears together to listen more carefully simply because he doesn’t believe that his friend’s gonna meet, possibly a new girl?

“I don’t know, john. They could be a he or a she. They only sent me a mail.”

Later that evening, Jaehyun finds himself waiting in the restaurant where she told him to meet up. He glanced at his watch as he waits patiently and he naturally feels like he’s going on a blind date. He holds himself not to order anything until the person’s arrived.

“Oh my god, it has been only 15 minutes but why do I start to feel like I’ve been scammed?” Almost a minute after he said that, a cheerful young lady walked towards his table and asked, “Jaehyun Jung, am I right?” Damn. This is real. “Uh yeah. Hi! Nice to finally meet you, (Y/n.)” He nervously reach out his hand for a shake and she gladly shakes his hand in return. 

“So, guess we now have to set some plan, do we?” Jaehyun said. Afterall, suggesting a plan making seems to be a meaningless idea because when the girl explained the route plan to the festival, he only got mesmerized, lost in her excited eyes. “Hey, are you listening?” Her gentle accent got him right back into his senses and he only laugh while scratching his nape awkwardly. “Woah, I can’t believe a famous travel youtuber like you aren’t that prepared for a kinda long roadtrip like this. Are you even experienced?” She teased him a smile.

“Hey, that’s mean,” he pouted. “I’m ready, more than ever, if you would know. But, well, this traveling with stranger thingy is kind of new to me so... bare with me, please?”

She smirked, “Hell yeah. It’s my first time, too.”

The two then decided to go buy the things they would need in the van. (Y/n) was the one to rent the van and it was decided when the two agreed that they can only afford an old small camper van fit for two people to sleep in the back seats. So they got almost everything such as blankets, sleeping bags, some little decorations to set the mood, and of course, some snacks and beverages. “I’m surprised that you hate redbulls.” Jaehyun teased the younger lady. 

“Dude, me being overly happy doesn’t mean that I drink redbulls... I only drink eight shots of coffee.”

“Damn, that makes sense, too,” he replied with a cheeky smile.

On the first day of a long drive through so many lonely highways, things weren’t going awkward, thank goodness. She comfortably talks to him like he’s an old friend, and he only replies with grins and smiles. It’s all good, until things got deeper as the sun emerges down the ground.

“Alright, let me set my other camera before we grab dinner.” Jaehyun shot up from his camping chair to the van after he set the campfire to warm them both. “Sure, indie boy.”

“Stop calling me that.”

“But you are.. an indie boy.”

“Okay, you won’t stop calling me that, huh?”

(Y/n) put her hand under her chin, looking blankly at the fire, reflecting so hard about how she actually starts to enjoy this trip, when she only meet him yesterday. “Hey, what makes you look so serious like that?” The man sat back on his chair after he successfully brought her back into her senses real quick. 

“Nuh-uh, do you really want me to think out loud?” “Oh, no thanks. Now I regret for worrying.” She chuckled lightly. 

“You know what, when I told you that I’m a fan of your channel, I really meant it. I’ve been a subscriber since you only have, uhm, from what I remember, 242 subscribers, I guess? And fun fact, I’m actually in the same major as you but you won’t notice me, anyway. I’m too quiet.” Jaehyun nearly drop his foldable cup when he heard that. “What? Seriously? You’re in the same college- no, same major as me? How could I- Oh don’t worry, I also am way too quiet for my own being. I don’t really make a lot of friends at college. No one really knows who I am if it’s not for my public channel.”

“I can see that you have such a nice personality. I always love how you expressed your hidden feelings through your vlogs. They’re beautiful.”

“Is that a way to say that I’m pretty?” He winked. “Oh come on, (Y/n). Just diss me like you’ve been doing for the past two days of us knowing each other better.” Again, she laughs.

“Do you know what’s the coolest thing ever in this trip?” She asked. “What is it?”

“It is how I made one significant rule in this trip, that is... to not fall in love with each other.” And somehow, Jaehyun lost his smile for awhile. “Oh, really? Well, it’s not quite hard,” he faked a smirk. “You’re mean.”

“Huh, actually, what makes you think that?” He asked sheepishly. He doesn’t want her to catch what’s happening, like how he actually doesn’t really agree with the ‘significant’ rule. “I don’t know. It’s just, my actual purpose of this trip was just to... you know, gain a friend. And that friend turns out to be you! And falling in love means you’re going to lose someone at the end and I hate to lose a friend I just gained from this trip.”

“Ah... that makes sense. But love doesn’t always goes into an end, Y/n.”

“It does,” she smiled with a visible hint of pain, and Jaehyun hates that. “I had the experience. I’m not trying to act like a sad bitch or something, but falling in love sucks. It means you’re ready for a freaking goodbye and farewell.”

He was going to say something but she cuts him up by getting off her chair, possibly ready to cook instant ramen for dinner. “Alright, my stomach’s grumbling. I’m boiling the water, and you, mister, help me open up the packs, please?” And when he looked at her pair of watery eyes, he decided not to say something and replied with a smile. “Yes, maam.”

The night gets colder and now both the youngsters are heading to bed– the back uncovered seats in the van. “So, this is where we’re going to sleep. As you can see, (Y/n) over here is alread inside her sleeping bag. This is going to be such a great sleepover, I guess?” He snickered. “Don’t lie, Jung. I’m gonna put a bug inside your bag tonight when you’re asleep.”

He turned the camera off and lay down beside her sleeping bag, dropping more blankets around him to cover his body better. “This is our first sleep, you know?”

“That’s true. We might wake up like dead.” She said something gibberish after that along with a yawn. “It’s getting hot in here.” She added. (Y/n) wriggled out of her sleeping bag to get more cool air but Jaehyun only looked at her with a weird look. “I’m curling my body into a ball like a caterpillar and you said it’s getting hotter? You’re unbelievable.”

“You clearly haven’t found yourself getting stuck in a snowstorm in Everest, have you?” “I am not that experienced yet. Have you either?” “Nah, I would die.” “Gosh.”

Jaehyun keeps his glances trained at the younger lady, wanting so much to feel the warmth of her body next to him, to warm him- or maybe each other. “Are you sure you’re not cold?” He asked. “Yeah, I’m getting comfortable- not really, actually. Urgh, what am I talking about...”

He chuckled. “Come here. There’s only both of us here, so practically, I am your heater. Besides, it kinda sucks that we cannot afford a van that has a cool heater inside. Uhm.. what I mean is.. do you want to cuddle?”

(Y/n) turned her body to face him. She actually shifted closer but Jaehyun caught the signs that she actually doesn’t want to show her consent. “Come here,” he said gently. “B-but, what about the rule?”

“Cutie, we cuddling doesn’t mean that we’re falling in love. We only need warmth.” Jaehyun put his arm around her without hesitance and she accepted his secure arms. She found herself getting sleepier than ever and now the screen in her sight went black. Jaehyun smiled at the peaceful sight, and he carressed her cheeks gently, not wanting to wake her up, as he says, “Now I’m actually glad that we get this non-heater van. I can become your warmth everytime.” That night, he slept with a smile plestered on his face.

The sun rises on sight better than yesterday as it prisms over the medium-sized windows of the van and light starts to fill in the narrow space, replacing the coldness. She wakes up first, feeling the ray hits her face warmly. Oh my, it’s already morning...

As cliche as it looks like, when she wants to get up she could feel a pair of strong arms securing themselves around her body. Well, she’s not that stupid to not realize who’s the owner, the only guy she has been with over the past few days. She wanted to wriggle out of his arms, but her brain failed to command her body when the heart does what it wants. And it gets what it wants.

(Y/n) feels something different when she’s about two centimeters away from his face, and it surely feels so different when it comes to only seeing him through her iPad screen. But she doesn’t get it. Why is he... so gorgeous? She was about to stare longer but then he opens his eyes beautifully. “Why are you staring at me?” She flinched, not because she was shocked when he woke up, well actually that’s one of the reason, but, actually, because of his raspy morning voice. They sound kind of.. angelic.

“Wake up, let’s see the sunrise.” She finally wriggles out of his arms and goes to open the door. The cool breeze started to hit her lightly, almost makes her flying aesthetically, as she wished that she could wake up breathing this kind of air every morning. “Well, I didn’t know the sun could look this pretty, and we paid for nothing at all.” Jaehyun stood behind her while doing some stretches because his arms were stuck cuddling her last night, not something he could complain about, though.

“Get your camera out, bud. This will definitely get you hundred thousands of view, I’m sure.”

They ended up playing under the warming sun around the van, the camera only watching them. It feels like they are owning the world and she feels so wonderful. She feels so blessed, and it amazes her that she could have this happening with a complete stranger, a young man that starts to fill in her empty insides. She was reassured that impossible things could happen.

“So where are we heading now?” Jaehyun put the camera on the dashboard while he stole a glance at the driver besides him. “We’re passing a small city near here and we’re gonna walk around to see if there’s anything fun to visit.” (Y/n) was so glad that she’s the one driving, otherwise she wouldn’t have any other reason for not looking back at his eyes.

“Or maybe we can just rely on Google.” Jaehyun added. “Nah, that’s just not fun. We still have 14 hours of free times before we have to catch up to the festival.”

“So, yeap. I think we’re being super rebellious right now, slowing down our trip, or maybe (Y/n) right here loves to stay longer with me- Ouch!”

They drove past the yellowish trees and even though it’s in the middle of the day when the sun’s supposed to be up right above the van, the yellowish sky around them doesn’t support the cool breeze Jaehyun feels whenever he put his hand out of the window.

“Okay, I’m trying to wake myself up! Ready?” Jaehyun chuckled before he wobbles his head lightly, preparing himself to press the play button. The girl nodded excitedly, trying a little bit hard to not get so excited because she’s driving. Jaehyun pressed the button and the rock and roll song starts to fill in the car. She laughed at how he vibes so hard to the song, and honestly, she never had anything like this. Chilling past the long highway with yellow trees and the hidden sun makes the whole day so calming. She truly feels so blessed.

“Hey, look!” Jaehyun pointed at a petite tea shop across the street when they both walked around the small city to take a break. The little shop looks very nice with a cute vintage look interior which is visible from the outside. “Do you want to have some tea, like the british?”

“Nah, we should just take some pictures there. I’m going to go get redbulls.” “Seriously?”

After nearly four hours of driving, the both of them finally comes to the hours of the sunset. They pulled over and set the camera to the angle where they can get better view of them chilling under the sunset, or maybe just playing around the van like they did in the morning.

“You know what, I think it’s gonna be pretty cool if we climbed on top of the car and pose to get some footages?” Jaehyun suggested. “Are you crazy? We can’t scratch the car, otherwise we will get charged,” she argued.

“Nah, who the hell cares? It’s not like they will bother themselves by checking all over the car. Come on, I’m gonna go first.” Jaehyun climbed through the back of the van and she only laughed as a response. Sometimes, he’s unbearable.

“Okay, you should climb up now.” Jaehyun reached out both of his hands to help her get to the top of the van, and when she did, she didn’t regret doing his suggestions at all cause, the view is so goddamn pretty. “Woah,” she murmured. They both sat down and try to enjoy the view despite the less time that they have right now.

“What made you want to go on a roadtrip with a stranger?” Jaehyun asked. “Um, I’ve taken a semester off this year, and I don’t really have any friends at the moment to spend time with, so... decided I could go out and gain some randomly.” She chuckled bitterly. “I wanted to do something fun. I wanted to go on a roadtrip, but that’s not very fun alone. So I was like, who is the most spontaneous person I can think of... and so I asked you.”

Jaehyun laughed with his whole heart. “It’s really crazy.” His dimples are showing through and she swears, they are driving her crazy. “And you followed through!”

“I can’t believe we’re doing this.” “I know!”

Jaehyun encouraged himself to look at her, this time with deeply moved eyes, and he now realizes that he really admires her young and free figure. “So, are we friends now?” She asked.

When she turned at him, there she goes, with those pair of eyes, looking through his eyes in return. Jaehyun flinched, shocked by how mesmerized he is by her every movement. Like how her hair moves along with the evening breeze, and how her eyelids stutter beautifully, also how her lips turned into a little smile when she opened her mouth. And he smiled back, “Yes, we are.”

Three days have passed and now they are gonna arrive at the city which is the final destination where the national flower festival will be held, how amazing is that. They visited random cities while taking a break, grabbing lunch at a motel in the middle of nowhere, and stopping by at midnight just to lay down on the empty big road to see the stars. 

As strangers, both of them have been going through a lot of things together, only in a few days. Though the ‘significant’ rule was not so forgotten throughout the trip, they can’t help but feel flattered by each other. The young man, who has been broken inside, admitted deeply inside that she had never experienced anything like what she has been doing with the complete stranger, and neither does the young man. 

Jaehyun knows that she is straight up serious about what she said. It was that one significant rule that keeps him held back, to not fall in love with each other. It kinds of frustrating him that he couldn’t touch her like his brain told him to. He respected her without a doubt, and breaking or hurting her would be the least thing he ever wanted during this trip.

The most ironic thing Jaehyun has ever think of is, how his main goal of this trip was to gain a friend. Now he doesn’t want to be just friends. He wishes for more than that. He fell in love with her.

“I can’t believe it! We’re almost there! I can’t wait to see all the beautiful flowers!” She holds the camera up to his face as he drives to the final destination in the city. “Do you really like flowers that much?” He asked.

“Yeah, they’re beautiful, calming, and entertaining. Whenever I pick one, I always got reminded that wherever you are and whatever you’re being, you can still look pretty and graceful. I mean, sometimes people step on some petite flowers on the street but that doesn’t mean they’ll look uglier and unworthy.”

“That’s true. I mean, look at you, still shining even though your surroundings are dark.” He instinctively moved his fingers to the side of her face, gently brushing her hair aside and she only stuttered nervously.

“Jaehyun,” she faintly murmured. “Okay okay, I know that you have made the one significant rule in this trip and I want you to know how much I respect you for that. I’m also very glad that I’m able to gain a friend like you but... during this trip,” he sighed. “I can’t help but think about you... more than I think I should do.”

She keeps her mouth close, not knowing how to respond to the sudden confession. It’s not like she didn’t expect this to happen, anyway. When it comes to the first time she saw him at the cafe, her insides turn upside down. However she kept it in her heart that she signed up for this not to look for a boyfriend or someone to sleep with, but a friend.

“What if I do the same too?” She replied with her consciousness. With that one sentence, Jaehyun steps on the brake so hard that their things in the back almost sprung themselves to the front and (Y/n) cursed. “What the heck, are you trying to get us dead?!”

“Shit, I’m sorry,” he said breathlessly before pulling over in the middle of the long road. “Gosh, what did you say earlier?”

“I said, are you trying to get us dead?”

“No, the other one before that,” he pleaded.

“Huh? W-what if I do the same too?” She tilts her head.

“So you’re saying... that you like me too? No, that’s too soon. Are you thinking of me too?”

She can’t help but chuckle when she saw his eyes grew big with excitement and... a little bit of expectation. “Yeah,” she replied. There’s a long silence after that and doubt starts to grow inside her heart but then... “So, can I?”

“What-”

He immediately attached his lips to hers, heart pounding so hard that it feels like he’s going to die because of the thrill. For the girl, his lips taste like... excitement? Happiness, and perhaps love?

A few people that she thought would give her sunshine and happiness actually have never been anything like this. She’s actually glad that his kiss made her close her eyes to the feel. No matter how much she keeps saying it, never in a way that it gets her bored to say no one has ever made her experience something like this. Kissing in the middle of nowhere, under the burning rays of sun, nothing other than the camera witnessing what’s happening between the two of them and it really, really feels like they are owning the world.

Nice. Now they’re in a motel near the festival as tomorrow is the exact time they would open the gate to all the flowers collected from all over the world. (Y/n) loves flower so much that she decided to check into a motel that has a flower pattern on its wall.

“You can’t just choose this one just because they have a flower pattern on the room’s wall! The review is just so-so!” Jaehyun complained.

“Hey, didn’t you say that wherever I go, you’ll go, and wherever I’ll be, you’ll be?”

“But I won’t be at the same place as you if it’s not guaranteed that they don’t have any bugs at all.”

Booking a room for two which has a twin bed, both of them entered the room, though Jaehyun had to insist to book a room with a queen bed, but failed miserably.

“I’m going to shower first.” (Y/n) goes to prepare her bathing kit and of course, her clothes. “Yeah, sure.”

While she showers, the man wondered if he should officially ask her out, since she said she’s gonna transfer schools soon which means that he might not seeing her again after the roadtrip so maybe an official relationship will make it easier for him to contact her often.

“Should I really do it, like, tonight? I don’t think I should,” he kept the promise ring he bought yesterday at a little jewelry shop when they stopped for a restroom break. 

Before they went to sleep, they spare some time to get a little cute footage for Jaehyun’s travel vlog. “So this is my bed, and that one’s (Y/n)’s bed. I chose this one because it’s quite far from the bathroom since I hate bugs. But you know, I don’t really trust her with keeping me from bugs and- Okay! Okay! I’m sorry don’t hit me with the pillow!”

“Pffftt! Pillow fight!!”

“No! Don’t- my camera!”

A goddamn eyecontact. Hands tangled against each other, eyes both stuttered in shock, as the girl with the pillow accidentaly fell on him. Jaehyun’s free hand instinctively hold her to prevent her from getting hurt, though his brain listens better to his heart, as he feels his heart pounding like crazy against her body.

“I’m... sorry.” “That’s okay.”

“Do you want to sleep with me tonight?” He asked, and later that night, the idea of booking a twin bed room seemed to be a meaningless idea, either.

“So everyone, here we are today aaat... not the exact final location we wanted to go to at the first place, let me tell you the story. When we checked out from the flower pattern motel we immediately leave to the national flower festival which was supposed to be held just 15 kilometers from where we stayed the other night, aaaand guess what?” he paused and you can hear her faint laugh in the background. “Yeah, there is no festival at all. HAHAHAHHAHAAA- Ouch stop hitting me! Are you that embarrassed?”

“That was what happened, everyone. It turned out that the festival was held at December 16, 2019 and before we started this roadtrip, she read only the date and the month, wow. How can you be so cute and stupid at the same time... I am sooo mad!”

“Well, they put the year 2019 sooo small and my minus eyes couldn’t see it- stop giving me that look!”

“Okay, so because miss (Y/n) over here was quite angry that-” “Really angry.” “Okay, she was really really angry for not being able to see the flowers so, I decided to take her to somewhere as an alternative destination. Am I being too good for you?”

“Yes, you are,” she replied with a smile. “Stop paying attention to the flowers! I’m also here, yo,” he pleaded, somehow nervously. “Why-”

“And this is why I kept insisting to take you to a place with lots of flowers... to pick one among all the pretty petals out here, the prettiest petal I’ve ever seen. So, be mine, please?”

the end of video.

a/n: thank you for reading. honestly, I didn’t know whether to post this one cause it’s really been a long time since I write and it really worried me about how much you guys will like it... also, i’m really really sorry for those who put a request into my ask box since I haven’t completed all of them, like trust me, it worries me every single day bcs I feel like I have a debt to pay lol but don’t worry, I promise you I will complete all the requests but please give me a lot of time! once again, big thanks from me.xoxo

Valspire Family - I Went on a Roadtrip with a Stranger

NCT 127 masterlist

Jaefluenza navigation

[blush-and-books]

Congrats!! That’s so amazing and your content is amazing!!

Coffee shop AU, pining,meeting,mixup

(Can’t decide between pining and fluff however I wish you luck with all of these requests and I hope you have a fantastic day!!) (or technically night when you do this?)

i got two coffee shop au requests from anons -- the other one was “coffee shop, fluff, strangers, writing” -- so i combined them!!!!! one of my longest ones for this project. thank you for the request!

Coffee shops where your food and drinks would be brought to you at your table were few and far between. But at Rose’s, the mom-and-pop coffee shop tucked in a quaint brick structure, Julie found a warm home with welcoming employees. 

It even became her favorite place to write music, even if it was a little more money out of her pocket every week, and the songs weren’t going anywhere except for her dream box. 

She was in there all the time, and today was just another one of those days with her and her journal when Flynn, the waitress who Julie has become close with, drops a mug of coffee next to her. 

“Thanks Flynn,” Julie greets the girl, taking a grateful sip of the steaming liquid -- and then wincing. 

“What’s wrong?”

The songwriter shakes her head. “This isn’t a vanilla cappuccino. This is just a sugarless latte.”

“Oh my God, I’m so sorry, let me-”

“Hey, did you just say sugarless latte?” Suddenly, an energetic guy with bright green eyes and expressive eyebrows is running up besides Julie’s table and casually pointing to the latte. His other hand is occupied by a filled mug whose contents are dangerously splashing around. Flynn and Julie exchange a confused look before returning their gaze to the brunette boy next to them. 

“Um… Yeah?”

“Okay, did you have a vanilla… Thing?” He gestures to the mug in his hand. 

“Yeah! A cappuccino.”

The stranger gives her an almost overwhelming grin as he focuses on her instead of the cup of coffee in front of her. His sweet smile lingers as he silently takes her in, and she can’t help but find herself smiling back at such a kind stranger. 

She wants to give him back his coffee, but if her lipstick stain is any reminder, she’s already drunk some of it. And by the way he’s guiltily looking at her cappuccino, she can tell he did too. 

It’s kind of endearing how they have an “I’m sorry I drank your coffee” conversation with their eyes, as if they are close friends who know each other like the back of their hands. 

God, this is a meet-cute if Julie’s ever seen one. 

“I’ll go get you guys new coffees,” Flynn interrupts their silent conversation, looking between them as if she’s missed something. Without another word, she retrieves both mugs and slips away, leaving Julie and the stranger awkwardly grinning at each other. 

The stranger doesn’t make a move to leave, and Julie -- in a ridiculous way -- is tempted to invite him to sit across from her and share the table. She wants to know his name, seeing as how he is painfully cute and looking at her in a way that she has never been looked at by a guy before. It doesn’t make her feel uneasy as much as it does raise hesitant excitement in her stomach.

Suddenly, their weird moment is interrupted by the incoming of two other guys around their age who almost tackle the cute stranger from behind. 

“Dude, there’s no seats left!” The raven-haired one says with a pout. 

Stranger looks disappointed. “For real?” “Yeah, man,” the blonde speaks up, “we looked all over. We just ordered, so maybe we can get our coffees to go?” Scanning the cute stranger up and down, he grows clearly confused. “Where’s your coffee? You got here like 10 minutes before we did.”

While the cute guy answers his friend’s question, gesturing to her somewhere in that response, Julie glances at the space remaining at her table. There isn’t much -- it’s a small table -- but she’ll probably be packing up soon anyways, and it’s good karma. 

She doesn’t know if she’s interrupting one of them, but she doesn’t care. “Here, you guys can take my table. I’m heading out anyways.”

But as she stands and grabs her bag, coffee guy is putting his hands up and urging her to sit back down; almost touching her shoulders. “No, please, it’s cool. We don’t need to sit down. Stay.”

“It’s really no trouble-”

“You were here first-”

“I’m almost done-”

“Seriously, it’s no big-”

“Oh my God!” His two friends exclaim. The blonde rubs his hands over his face in exhaustion. “Just accept her offer, dude. It’s a place to sit.”

“Only if she stays.”

The three of them look at him curiously, as if they didn’t hear him correctly. They couldn’t have, because it sounded like he wanted a complete stranger to stay and sit with him and his friends. 

“What?” Julie asks, because she needs to hear it again to be positive that this guy is slightly out of his mind. 

“You stay in your seat, and we’ll just pull up some chairs. Seriously, I don’t wanna interrupt your-” He gestures to the journal laying wide open on the table. 

“Writing,” Julie finishes for him. Something tells her that this was the wrong thing to say, because while the cute guy lights up, his friends take turns groaning. 

“No, I’m not doing this,” the tall blonde guy says. He tugs on the leather jacket of the guy with the darker hair. “We’re getting our drinks to go and leaving.”

Cute guy, offended, turns to his friends as they are already walking away. “Wait! Guys, what do you mean we’re leaving?”

The frustrated one points a stern finger at his friend. “I mean me and Reggie are leaving, and you can stay and flirt with coffee girl.” Realizing what he just said, he turns to Julie. “Sorry! I don’t know your name. Forgive my friend here, he’s an idiot who clearly likes you and is painfully bad at flirting. Luke, get her name and her number and find us when you’re done.”

Luke. Cute Stranger’s name is Luke. It’s fitting in a way Julie can’t explain.

She would normally nitpick at the fact that the blonde assumed that she would be comfortable having Luke hit on her and giving him her number, but then recalls that he just observed a flustered argument between them over a stupid little table in a coffee shop, and probably could tell by the way her eyes kept flickering to his bare arms that she was very much interested. 

As Luke looks after his retreating friends, Julie gestures to the chair across from her. “Since you’re here, you may as well wait for your coffee. I wouldn’t mind the company.”

“What’s your name?”

The question flies out of his mouth as he anxiously squeezes the chain on his jeans like he’s been dying to ask for a while. Julie holds out her hand. 

“I’m Julie.”

He gladly accepts the offer. “Julie,” he repeats, feeling the name on his tongue. “Julie, and you like vanilla cappuccinos, and you’re a writer.”

“Luke, and you like making your tastebuds suffer, and you’re…” She rolls her lips together, trying to judge whether her assessment from earlier was correct. “... Also a writer.”

The comment was like handing him a golden ticket, because he’s all of the sudden sliding into the chair across from her, and launching into asking her about what she writes and what she does with the writing. 

They are so swept up in their animated conversation that they don’t even notice the correct coffees being slipped in front of them by a smiling Flynn. 

The two of them go through three more cups before parting -- and yes, Luke later reports to Alex, he did get Julie’s number.

[halo-jpeg]

Bearable | A Reddie Fanfiction

Read it from the beginning

Chapter 1

"Bill, why? Why would you say yes to that party? We don't know him! What if he's some serial killer? What if he tries to get us to do drugs? What if he kills us or lives in a dumpster or something?" Eddie is erratic, his drink still in his hand. They were hardly off the block of the little cafe known as Portland Authentic. Eddie hadn't been too fond of the guy behind the counter, mostly because he had written 'Eds' on his coffee cup. "I mean- we only just got to Portland and you're already going to get us killed or something!"

"Eddie, it'll be fine," Stan is the one to cut in with reassurance, taking a sip from his own cup and somehow not flinching at the taste of the straight caffeine, "Yeah, he was a little energetic but he didn't seem malicious. I think it'll be a good opportunity to get to know some new people." Eddie opened his mouth to speak, but Bill beat him to it, and no one had the disrespect to talk over Bill. That was just... off limits, so Eddie shut his mouth again and tried not to grimace.

"Buh-buh-besides," He started, one hand in the pocket of his jeans, the other soaking up the warmth of his cinnamon cappuccino, "It'll be guh-good to get out and see what kind of people Portland has to offer." With that, the discussion was closed, and Eddie let it drop with just a sigh, trying to shake away the lingering annoyance clinging to his mind. There were too many good things about Portland to worry about the bad things- in just a few days he would be working towards his dream as a doctor- he had always wanted to be a doctor. When he was younger, he had wanted his career to be within the health arena for the sake of reassuring his mother that he could take care of himself without being stuck behind a desk- now, though, he wanted to become a doctor to prove his mother wrong, to learn all sorts of things that would help him confirm that he wasn't sick, and had never been sick like Sonia Kaspbrak had said he was.

The rest of the walk back home was near silent, consisting of craned necks and obvious gawking- Portland really was gorgeous, and so different from Derry. Rather than the tiny, modest homes Eddie and his friends grew up knowing, almost everything in the downtown area was some form of 19th century architecture or something alike- each building consisted of warm tones, arched windows, grand streetlamps with pots of colourful flowers. Eddie can't even imagine what it must look like in the daylight.

"Oh, here's my work," Stan said, seeming not to have realized what street they were wandering down. The three halted outside of a small flower shop, Roses on Deane, and approached the large, open windows in the front. The lights were out inside, obviously, but it was still possible to make out the shapes of many many bouquets. Stan had managed to score a job a few months back thanks to a cousin who had a friend who owned the place, and though Stan never considered himself a huge fan of flowers, Eddie could see how the place would fit him. At least one of them had a job- Eddie shudders to think that there is yet another huge thing he needs to get done this weekend. If he doesn't have a job by next weekend then he won't be able to pitch in to help with rent. Bill, who had been working at the library back home, had been transferred here too, so he was also getting payed bi-weekly. Eddie was alone in his unemployment, but that was okay. He was smart, and efficient, and he would get a job sooner or later somewhere.

"When do you start?" He asked, finally bringing his rapidly-cooling drink up to his lips. He braced himself for a horrid taste, taking a slow, tentative sip, and almost letting a sound of approval slip past his lips. It didn't... It didn't taste horrible. Peppermint was okay, in his opinion, and it balanced out the bitterness of the coffee just right.

"Tuesday at 5:00," Stan took one last glance through the window, smiling serenely and turning to continue on to their new apartment. Again, the three fell into silence, calm and comfortable. They walked another three blocks before spotting their building, and Bill was the one to pull out an access card to scan at the door. Their bags were already up in their house, and Eddie had even made a few comments on how he appreciated the security. Electronic locks were unheard of to Eddie until today, and he was pleased. Now, he was too exhausted to be pleased. His coffee had him buzzing, and he would force himself to stay awake until his suitcase was unpacked, but he couldn't wait to curl up in his new bed, away from his hometown for the first time in years.

"We'll have to go grocery shopping tuh-tomorrow," Bill hummed half to himself as he stepped into the elevator, clicking the button labeled with a '2'. "We won't have any fuh-fuh-food. I'll buy us breakfast in the morning."

"Thanks, Bill," Stan smiles, "We can make a meal plan, budget things out. Just to make sure we can always make rent." Eddie nodded along, and took another long sip of the minty-bitter drink in his hand.

"We should go look at the campus. I want to find out where my classes are, maybe." Eddie found himself rocking back and forth on his heels, watching the little glowing number above the elevator buttons blink from 'G' to '1' to, at last, '2'. With a ding, the doors slid open, and a dim hallway was presented to them, the lights on low now that it was just about 10:00 pm.

"I want to go see Back Cove Park at some point. The bird watching is great. They have egrets sometimes, and other birds I haven't seen yet. I always go there when I visit- it's like tradition." Stifling a yawn (not because of the bird talk- Eddie was just tired) Eddie nodded his head. In all honesty, a nature walk sounded nice. Already, he was missing the Barrens, the poor dam he remembers building with Bill ages and ages ago. "It's right on the water, so we can go fishing too, or swimming if you guys wanted to. It isn't always as warm as it is tonight, and it's only getting colder, but..." Stan shrugs. They arrive at their apartment door, number 29, and yet again Bill is the one to pull out his key and stick it into the lock, giving it a twist and pushing the door wide open. Eddie steps inside first, flicking on the light and taking in the sight of his new apartment.

The door opened up into a short hallway. To his direct right there was a door leading to a small closet. A little ways ahead, the hallway broke both left and right, the left way leading to the kitchen and living room along with the doors to the balcony and Bill's room- in turn, the right way led to the main bathroom and the two other bedrooms reserved for Eddie and Stan.

"Wuh-well, I guess this is goodnight," Bill says, shutting the door behind him and kicking off his shoes, "We all have a l-lot of unpacking to do, I'm sh-sure." Both Stan and Eddie nod in near-perfect unison.

"Goodnight, you guys. Enjoy your first sleep in our new house." Stan speaks with a grin, staring at both Eddie and Bill with that intense hazel gaze that seems to communicate the intense reality of the situation. The three men had made it out of their childhood town, and now they were living on their own. They really weren't children anymore. Along with that look in Stan's eyes came a heavy feeling of bittersweetness- Derry was gone, now, and with it, Eddie's childhood. He smiled at his two best friends, and then turned down the hallway to greet his room.

-----

"Alright, that's everything," Ben says as the doors to the cafe swing shut and he locks them tight.

"Another job well done, boy! Another fantastic job, I'd say!" Richie throws one arm over Ben's shoulders, and then the other pulls in Bev by the arm. Crushing his two buddies in a double side-hug, he speaks in his almost-perfected MovieTone Newsreel Announcer Voice, disturbing the silence of the dark Portland streets, "You're both quite the caffeine-mixin' maestros, eh? You'll do great things for this world, great things!"

"Beep-beep, Richie. I'm exhausted." Beverly was smiling, sure, but Richie really could tell that she was done with today. He let both she and Ben go, toning down his behavior and pulling out a pack of cigarettes, offering one to each along with his lighter. Ben declined as politely as possible, so Richie and Bev were left to smoke without him.

"You'll get those beers for me, won't you?" Richie asks, taking a drag and relishing in the way the smoke filled his lungs. He should probably quit sooner or later, huh? Maybe one day. "I've got the cash back home. I'll give it to you and you can just go buy whatever you want. Party booze of your choice." Ben let out a chuckle, waving a hand in front of his face to show his dislike of the cigarette smoke. Richie mumbled something akin to an apology.

"Yeah, yeah, I'll get it. And don't worry about paying me back, I'll be drinking it too." Richie beamed. With a light punch to the shoulder, he turned his attention to Bev, ready to play a little bit of Cupid.

"You're coming too, right Bevvie?" He asked the question as if it were nothing, oh-so subtly bumping Ben with his elbow. Beverly shrugged.

"Probably. It's basically a sin to miss out on an infamous Tozier party, isn't it?" She placed the cigarette against her lips, and puffed out smoke right after. "What else is happening other than drinking too much and getting the Police called on us for being too loud?" Richie couldn't help but snicker at that. The Police had, on numerous occasions, been called on him for playing his music at ungodly levels, but, I mean, come on, he has fantastic taste and the world needs to know it.

"Who knows, maybe some pin the tail on the donkey? Musical chairs?" Ben and Beverly both let out a snort, the redhead spinning to face Richie with suddenly bright eyes.

"Please," She said with a wide, bright smile, "I would pay to see you get annihilated by Ben."

"Excuse me, Miss Marsh, but I pride myself on being a musical chairs master! I was unbeatable in my fifth grade class!" Placing a feign-offended hand on his chest, Richie guffawed, upturning his nose in mock disgust. Beverly was laughing now, a light and cheery sound almost like the jingling of the bell in the cafe but a little less annoying. The bell also didn't make Ben's face light up, and he didn't want to hear the bell forever.

"Probably because you were built like string cheese, Richie- No offense, of course." Beverly only laughed harder at Ben's quip, and yeah, Richie admits that it was pretty good and about 99% true.

"The best damn string cheese you've ever tasted, Haystack," Richie shot his friend a wink, lifting one foot and crushing his cigarette out on the sole of his shoe, "Now, my dearests, I must depart- nice work we did today, you two!" Richie flicked the butt away, speaking over his shoulder as he set off in the direction of home. "I'll see you both at my party!" He spins on his heel, waving Ben and Bev off with one last peace sign before continuing on into the darkness. Richie hummed a little tune to himself, a pep in his step despite his light tiredness. Oh, how he wanted to get home- the idea of cracking open a soda and sitting in front of the TV sounded pretty damn great right about now. For a Friday night the world was surprisingly quiet- the same wouldn't be said about tomorrow. Toziers were born to party. Richie's dad had thrown some ragers in his teenage days, and so had his mom- now, it was his turn to take on the family name and keep that legacy going. Other than beer he probably needed some snacks, chips or cookies or as Ben had so wonderfully suggested string cheese because who doesn't like string cheese? He made a mental note to go grocery shopping tomorrow and hoped that he didn't forget it.

Richie's apartment came into view, a pretty little six floor building made of a nice red brick. He lived on the top floor and his neighbors probably hated him for reasons that should be obvious enough but he'd yet to be kicked out which meant he still had some boundaries to push. He'd been brewing up a new party playlist for a few days now and he made yet another mental note to throw on 'Dancing Queen'. Richie's humming transformed into whistling as he pulled open the door to his building, waving to the late-night receptionist, a kind young lady who hated his guts and probably thought he was flirting with her all the time when he really didn't even swing that way.

"Good evening, m'lady," He said with a goofy, lopsided grin, earning a scowl over the top of a home-deco magazine, "Quite the swell night it is," He didn't linger long, pressing the call button for the elevator and stepping inside. He tapped '6' and waited, his spirits high, excited for tomorrow. He liked getting ready for parties. He liked the decorations he always put up, the arrangement of the snacks that he put too much thought into, and the anticipation of being the host because that always meant most eyes were on him. Up up up the elevator went, and let out a happy little ding as the doors peeled back open and he went right to his door. Richie pulled out his keys, jamming them into the doorknob and pushing the door open to reveal the space inside. "Honey, I'm home!" He called out the words, arms out at his side in a motion of grandeur. Of course, there was no response, and he kicked the door shut with his heel. Richie tossed his keys onto the little table by the door, toeing off each shoe in turn and leaving them discarded in the middle of the entryway.

"Hey there, babes," His first stop was the fish tank on the kitchen counter, packed with swimming little neon tetra and angelfish and Richie's prized bala shark he named Bella- creative, he knows- to sprinkle in some food. The little jar was just beside the aquarium, and he popped off the lid, shaking it above the open water and watching his little pals swim forth for their dinner. With his lasting grin, Richie let out a chuckle, his heart swelling at the sight of his aquatic children as he set the food back on the counter and took a step away. His own stomach let out a growl, and he realized for the first time that he hasn't eaten since after his last class, way back at 3:00. Popping open his fridge, Richie scanned it's contents- yep, he really needed to go get food tomorrow. There was next to nothing. He settled half-reluctantly on some month-old instant ramen and cooked it up with ease. Richie hadn't had instant ramen in ages, but there was a good amount of nostalgia contained within the simple dish. It had carried him through high school one plastic cup at a time, helping him fight through long nights of studying and even a nasty breakup.

The microwave let out three beeps, calling out 'Hey! I'm done, come eat me!' with each and every one. Richie ate it as he hastily cleaned up the kitchen, throwing dishes in the dishwasher and even taking the time to watch a casserole dish by hand, putting on his playlist but keeping the speakers on a low volume for the sake of his neighbors. No more than 15 minutes passed and then he was done, finally allowing himself to do what he's been anticipating all day. With a Pepsi in hand, he made the couch his home, curling up in a knitted blanket and tuning into 'Friends'. As he watched, one eye always on the TV, he snatched the black nail polish from it's spot on the coffee table and began to paint it over the chipped remnants of what was already there. At some point, after they'd dried, he ended up falling asleep on the sofa.

[destroy-the-cannon]

IT’S HERE!

Hey everyone! It’s finally happening. The long awaited Olivia x MC fit is happening. I’ll leave the rest of my thoughts as the bottom as not to bore you, but I’ll put one tiny thing here: there’s actually no Olivia in this chapter. I know, I know! She’s the whole reason you’re here. But I had to do a chapter without her to set up for something you’ll see in a future chapter. I promise, it’ll prove worth your wait. Anyways, without further ado, let’s get to it!

Tags: slow burn, enemies to lovers, queer romance, eventual lemon(s).

Warnings: Mentions of drinking, death, illness. Language. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Paige couldn’t remember a time in her life when she wasn’t working towards something. She busted her ass all through highschool, working her way into a scholarship at a decent university. From there, she had concocted a simple, five-step plan:

-Graduate with honors

-Get into a fantastic business school

-Get an amazing, ultra-high paying job

-Pay off debt

-Buy a good house for her parents, and live out the rest of her life comfortably.

But no. Nearly a month after she graduated from college, her dad got diagnosed. As he spent more and more time in the hospital, the bills rolled in. Charge upon charge upon charge, until Paige’s mother had spent up their retirement funds and was looking into getting a second job. So, naturally, Paige stepped up. She got a job working at a tiny bar downtown, and sent her every spare dime to her family, rooming with strangers, because all her friends still lived back home in California.

And then, just as Paige thought her existence couldn’t get any bleaker, it did.

She was sent one final charge, then never any again.

After that, she threw herself into working extra hours at the bar, no longer having the energy to look into jobs anywhere else. For two years, she worked and slept, worked and slept. The only person she ever really talked to was Daniel, a friend who was good for cracking jokes and aimless chatter, but not ideal as emotional support. So, completely on her own, she did her best to heal. She cried till she couldn’t, screamed, cried some more, and did anything she could to try and lessen the complete suffocation that was her grief. Each day, she did whatever she could to wake up feeling a bit lighter, until she felt almost nothing at all. It took two years, but she was finally starting to feel like a person again.

That’s when she met three of the five people who were going to change her life forever.

That day, it was just the men who happened to be in the restaurant. This did make sense, because it was a bachelor party, after all. Not that that was easy to tell, just looking at them. Their clothes ranged from a simple denim-and-white-jeans look to a three piece suit, leather shoes, and a pocket square. Honestly, who still wore pocket squares? Paige shuddered just looking at it. It seemed that she was dealing with a typical group of douchey, overgrown frat boys. It would suck while she was serving them, but usually at least one of them would remember to leave a decent tip. She sighed and strode over, pulling out her pad.

“Hi, what can I-” She broke off for a tiny moment before resuming. “What can I get for you today?” Trying to cover her tracks, she flashed a bright smile.

The reason she had broken off was sitting there, watching her. He wasn’t dressed particularly flashily, in his garnet sweater and khakis, but he had an air of quiet importance about him, something almost noble. His posture was perfect, his hair done with not a strand out of place, a neatly shaved face, a perfectly straight and clean collar. It was the little things about him, things that one didn’t typically find in a crappy downtown bar, that made Paige even warier. He grinned a small, curious grin at her. Before she could respond, the man in the suit began to speak.

“So firstly, I’d like to ask about your wine. I’m assuming there’s a separate list?” Mr. Denim and a (quite cute, actually) guy in a black button down traded amused glances over Sir Suit’s shoulder.

“Sorry, we don’t. We have a good selection of beer an-” He cut her off with a horrified look. She’d never seen such a prim rage before; she had to stop herself from snorting.

“There’s nothing else? I’ve never even heard of some of these labels before! I’d think I’d like to speak to your mana-”

“Tariq.”

The sweatered man, the quiet one, lay a hand on Mr. Suit’s shoulder. His voice was warm, strong, and seemed to contain just a hint of some foreign accent that Paige couldn’t place. He smiled apologetically at her.

“That’s completely fine. We’ll take a bottle of your finest whiskey, and four glasses.”

“Great. Will you be having anything to eat with that?” She was making some strangely intense eye contact with The Sweater (she’d have to try and catch his name) when Tariq cut in obliviously. She was really starting to hate this guy.

“Yes, we’ll each take a filet mignon, medium rare, prepared with a bearnaise sauce.”

Paige blinked. The man smiled blandly at her as though this was a perfectly normal request.

“Sir, the closest thing we have to a filet mignon is the deluxe burger.”

Now it was Tariq’s turn to blanch in horror. “Burger?”

“Sounds great! We’ll take four.” Mr. Denim cut in, shooting a glare Tariq’s way.

“Right then. I’ll go put your order in, and I’ll be right back with that whiskey.”

She turned and made her way back to the kitchen, trying to fight back the smile that threatened to take over her face. Taking out Tariq, this seemed like a group of pretty decent guys. Usually, she expressed nothing more than a vague sort of interest in customers, a kind of unattached curiosity. But listening to them laughing and yelling, she couldn’t help but to want to pull up a chair and join them.

Sighing, she pulled out their glasses and whiskey. She was putting in their order when she felt eyes on her. Without moving, she peered out of the corner of her eye.

The three friends were talking, except for the quiet one. His eyes traced the curve of her neck, and her spine tingled with awareness of his every move. She arched her form just a bit, trying to be as subtle as she could, and his eyes slipped lower.

Just as she was about to turn, his friend elbowed him. She couldn’t make out what they were saying, but the quiet one smiled and turned his attention back to the group. She didn’t miss how his eyes fluttered back for just a half second, darkening, before he focused back in on the booth’s conversation.

She sighed, and grabbed the whiskey. Oh, well. This was going to be a boring night, but hopefully, in terms of tip, a fruitful one.

* * *

“Excuse me?”

Paige turned to find the sweatered man from before.

“I think we’re about to head out, and I didn’t want to do so without apologizing.”

The bar had emptied out completely, and the two were completely alone. Sweater’s friends were jostling around out front.

“Apologizing?” She frowned. “For what?”

“Well, I know we kept you late, and my friends can be pretty…” He paused. “Demanding.”

“Demanding, huh? Well, it was nothing I can’t handle. I’m used to it by now.”

“Well, be that as it may, I’d still like to apologize. We’re about to head out to a club right near here. Could I buy you a drink?”

“Which club are you going to?”

“Oh, well…” He winced. “We were actually hoping that you could help with that. We’re not from around here.”

“In that case, I know just where you should go.” She scanned him with a critical eye before making a decision. “You don’t seem like the kind of guy that would particularly enjoy some wild party spot. There’s a great little secret cove right near here you might like.”

He grinned in relief. “That sounds amazing. I’m getting just a bit tired of the traditional bachelor party antics. Why don’t you lead the way?”

“Sure, that sounds awesome! Let me just get out of this uniform, and we can get going.” She turned to go, then stopped short. “Before we go, can I get your name? I’m Paige.”

She turned to offer her hand, expecting a firm shake. To her surprise, he leaned down and actually kissed her knuckles. An honest to god bow-and-kiss. As soon as he’d done it, his eyes widened in embarrassment before shrinking into a wince. “Sorry, that’s an, ah, custom. Where I come from. It’s tradition. I just- just forgot you don’t do it here. I’m Liam.” He was clearly quite mortified, but Paige smiled. She thought it cute, and made her feel oddly regal. There was something so gentle in the gesture, it was almost reverent. Sweet. Grinning, Paige ducked back into the backroom, changing into an emerald-green dress she kept in her bag. She paused for a moment to check her reflection, fluffing out her hair and dress. Confident, she followed Liam into the night air.

As soon as she stepped out, the first thing she heard was: “Daaang! The waitress is hot!”, quickly followed by a more earnest: “That uniform didn’t do you justice.” Before she could respond, Liam stepped forward.

“Hey. Paige is a guest among us, and I doubt she appreciates you commenting on her appearance like that.”

If he didn’t before, he now had her full trust.

She was pretty used to receiving comments like that by now, and it didn’t particularly bother her. At least these guys didn’t seem to have any cruel intent. She got much worse in clubs or on the street. But it was rare to see another man stick up for her like that. Liam barely even knew her, and yet he was ready to call out his friends for her. Instantly, she found she liked him even more.

The guys stuck their head down and muttered apologies. They seemed sincere enough, and clearly eager to earn a fresh start, so Paige let it go.

“So, the waitress is coming with us?” Mr. Denim piped up, looking Paige over.

“Actually, we’re going with her. She’s picked out our next destination.”

“So she’s our tour guide now.” Denim raised his brow. He didn’t seem malicious, per se, just skeptical.

“Hey, Paige very graciously agreed to show us around, so play nice.” Liam turned to her. “Lead the way!”

“I’d love to, but can I get the rest of you guys’ names first? I can’t be referring to you three as ‘you there’ this whole night.”

“I’m Maxwell! Maxwell Beaumont.” Button Down grinned and shook her hand enthusiastically.

“I’m Drake Walker.” Denim stepped forward and also shook her hand, though much less enthusiastically.

“Great. And you’re Tariq, right?” She pointed at the third man, who was smiling at her in a way that did actually make her just a tad uncomfortable. He nodded, his smile growing.

“Awesome. Let’s get going!” She spun around, and they followed her into the night.

   * * *

They emerged from a small swath of greenery into a beautiful little cove. The starlight shone on the ocean, and the whole place seemed mysterious and magical. Like anything could happen.

“We should build a bonfire!” Drake looked happier than he’d been all night.

“I am will not be engaging in manual labor.” Tariq looked like he was about to throw up.

“I forgot who I was talking to. What I meant was, I’m going to go build a bonfire.” He practically skipped off. Paige could’ve sworn she heard a giggle. The men turned to take in their surroundings.

“This place is awesome! Skinny dippiiiiiing!”

“Keep your pants on, Maxwell.”

Liam turned to Paige as the other two bickered. “Thank you for taking us here, Paige. I can tell the guys are enjoying themselves already.”

“Forget your friends. Do you like it here?”

“I love it.” He was completely sincere.

“This is my secret spot, so I’m really trusting you here.” She was teasing, but he looked her directly in the eye as he responded. “I will do everything I can to be worthy of that trust.”

There was a moment there, where he held her gaze. But he looked away and turned his eyes to the sky as he spoke.

“There’s only one problem. How am I supposed to buy you that drink now?” He’d made his tone light as meringue, but there was a tiny crease between his brows.

“I don’t know. Maybe you’ll just keep owing me.”

“Seems fair enough to me.” They stood together for a second, until Drake called out.

“Guys! The fire’s ready!”

He beamed as he motioned for them to sit. His proud beam suddenly reminded Paige of a particularly peppy golden retriever. She stifled a giggle as she tucked her feet under her.

“Hey, can I ask you guys something?” She had grabbed one of the  beers Drake had insisted they get from a convenience store on the way. She sipped from the bottle, trying to appear casual. Maxwell looked up from one of the pop-tarts he had picked up. “What’s up?”

“Well, what’s up with you guys? What’s your deal?”

As soon as she asked the question, the atmosphere shifted noticeably. The air grew thick with tension. The boys traded nervous glances, each one visibly uncomfortable. Finally, Liam spoke.

“Guys, it’s fine. She deserves to know.”

“Are you sure?” Drake’s puppy-like grin had vanished, replaced with a look of guarded skepticism.

“Positive.” Liam nodded, and they all turned to her.

“Okay. Paige, there’s something you should know about us.”

“Alright…” It suddenly occurred to her that she was on a remote island with four strange men who were now all staring at her, and why did she think this was a good idea? She tried to tamp down her growing panic.

“As you know, we’re not from here. But where we are from, specifically, is... Cordonia.”

“Okay. And this is a secret why, exactly?”

Liam shifted again. Clearly, there was more.

“Well, we’re not just tourists. I mean, we’re not really, ah, average citizens.”

Hm. Well, that wasn’t too surprising. Liam’s controlled manner, the way Maxwell kept looking over his shoulder, Tariq’s pocket square. But what, exactly, did this all mean? They were either spies, mega rich, or criminals. She waited for them to go on.

“What I mean by that is… well, we may have left some things out in our introduction. Drake really is Drake Walker, but the rest of us are different.”

Maxwell piped up. “I’m Sir Maxwell Percival Beaumont. Of Ramsford.”

“I am Lord Tariq Nadar, of Larada.” He bowed and leered at Paige in a way that caused her stomach to lurch suddenly.

“And I am Prince Liam Cicero Constantine Rhys, prince of Cordonia.”

Prince of Cordonia. The way he kissed her hand. The way the other men seemed so keenly aware of his every command. His cordial behavior. She had been flirting with a prince. An heir, she guessed.

But, if he was an heir, then that could mean-

Oh, God.

“Whose bachelor party is this?”

To her horror, Liam raised his hand tentatively.

“It’s mine.”

Shit! Ew, ew, ew. Her opinion of him dropped right down to the ground. Of course he was fucking engaged. He had been flirting with her, checking her out, and he was engaged! Fuck that, fuck him. She hadn’t even been that into him, so any disappointment she may have felt was swallowed by anger and disgust. She was almost ready to leave when he jumped in, probably sensing her rage.

“I’m not engaged. I mean, I will be, but I don’t actually have a fiancé yet.”

Oh. She lowered herself back onto the log, smoothing her pinched features.

“But wait. That doesn’t make any sense. Why have a bachelor party if you’re not even engaged yet?”

“That’s what you're concerned about? Not the nobility thing? I mean, I would- ow! Drake!” Drake elbowed Maxwell into silence before turning to Paige to explain.

“Liam’s at the age where it’s finally time to pick a future queen. The social season begins the day after tomorrow, and by the end of it, Liam’s gonna have a bride. They try to win the favor of the king and queen, catch Liam’s eye, demonstrate their queenly abilities through a series of competitions, blah blah blah. We’re throwing a bachelor party now because the next one’ll basically just be a press event with a bunch of nobles he barely knows.”

“Oh.” It was all she could manage to say. What the hell was she supposed to say? This was a huge bomb to just drop on her casually.

“I hope you don’t think we’re trying to fool you. If that is the case, it’s completely understandable-”

“I believe you.” Oddly enough, she knew they weren’t lying. Somehow, in her bones, she just knew. These were genuine nobles, ones she’d just happened to somehow convince to spend the night out together. Her, the broke, tired waitress. Intellectually, she knew this was an absolutely wild and preposterous thing she was doing, but emotionally, that just wouldn’t register. This felt right, like an evening out with three old friends and one Tariq.

But then again, this was different for them. They weren’t used to spending time with people like her. She was suddenly keenly aware of her own casual behavior, how she’d treated them like any old group of people. They weren’t. She started to gather up her things, fussing with her bag. She should leave them. Why would they want to spend time with someone like her?

“Does this mean I should have been curtseying? Bowing? Using your proper titles?”

“Well, personally, I wouldn’t have minded if you had-”

“Shut up, Tariq.” Maxwell twisted towards her. “This night has turned out to be awesome. You’ve turned out to be pretty awesome. And it doesn’t have to end! Let’s stay out! Just keep thinking of us as regular tourists. Don’t go.”

“I-” She stopped. “Okay. I’m staying.”

Her answer seemed to have surprised her as much as it did them. But she meant it, truly. She was having fun, and as weird as this night had turned out to be, she felt like she had made friends. Real friends, not work ones. This night would become a cool story she told at parties, and these people would become ones she’d wonder about and obsessively google for years to come, she was sure. So she didn’t leave. She sat with them, and it was one of the best nights she’d spent in a very long time.

* * *

“Paige! Wait up!” Paige turned to find Maxwell running after her. Her face split into a surprised grin. “Maxwell! What are you doing here?” He bounded up with a bright look about him. “I’m here for you! The plane leaves in like half an hour, and I wanted to catch you before we left.”

It was the morning after the bachelor party, and Paige was trudging to work. The sidewalk was choked with people rushing from place to place, and Maxwell was struggling to hold his ground.

“And why did you need to catch me, exactly?” Surely, from the beam on his face, he wasn’t just delivering a lost earring? Hope started to tickle at her insides, though what it was for, she had no idea.

“I wanted to make an offer. Obviously, it’s totally cool if you want to say no, and there’s no pressure or anything, but I had to ask.”

“Okay…” What was he doing?

“Come with us.” Her expression must’ve been absolutely shocked, and he hurried on upon seeing it.

“Liam looked really happy last night. Like, uncharacteristically happy and smiley. And you seem really cool, so I got to thinking. You could come with us. You’d be sponsored by House Beaumont, and you’d have a real shot at it! It wouldn’t be easy, since you’re not technically nobility, and House Beaumont is kind of-” he stopped himself. “Um, I mean, it would be hard. Is what I’m saying. But cool! Fun! Are you in?”

“Sorry, what is ‘it’, exactly?”

“Oh, yeah, shoot. Liam’s hand in marriage!”

Liam’s hand. In marriage. The sidewalk seemed to spin. She liked Liam just fine, but marriage? There was no way. She knew it, deep down in her soul. She wasn’t going to marry him, and she never would.

She glanced back over her shoulder, back at the bar. The whole place seemed grubby and hollow. Daniel was wiping away at the counter, a faraway expression on his face. He was dreaming of an out. They had dreamed of that out together, on mornings like this.

Paige pictured elegant palaces, glamorous parties, beautiful people. She imagined dancing the night away, drunk on champagne and laughter. She imagined stolen corridor kisses and secret rendezvous in lavish gardens.

She turned back to Maxwell.

“I’ll meet you back here in twenty minutes. I’ve got some packing to do.”

Son that was the first chapter! It’s out a bit later than I’d like, but it’s out! Sorry again about the Olivia thing. I promise, she’ll be a key character in chapter two. 

I’m really new to publishing my stuff, so if you have any tips or suggestions, please let me know!