#for example... MAINTENANCE IS FINALLY FIXING OUR DAMN WALLS !!!!

[pawnguild]

can't believe they took my blood 😔

[hazelinhouston]

26-290819 // update

SO HARD TO KEEP UP. And also last few days have been an absolute blur so this is me trying to remember. 

260819 

First day of school! I can’t remember what happened in the morning, but I got to school about 12.30 pm? And it is so difficult to find the classes - the classes are labeled (trying to write American spelling lol) by numbers. BUT it isn’t very sequential. Like one aisle is 2600s for example, and the next aisle is 2300s like why?? So I walked up and down the building to find the class. And it was hidden in this like computer lab place. First class was stats and welcome welcome HAHAH. But the prof spent like a good 1.5 hours just going thru the syllabus and she was really very thorough. 

Then I had my next two classes with Dr. Strait (one of the Sch Psych professors!) and he was really quite funny. And he found a lot of moments to inject like teachable moments through his jokes. 

By 8 pm, having had 7 hours back to back classes, man I was pooped. So back home and idk what I did. 

OH and I had to e-mail the international office because I remembered .. that based on visa terms, I should not be doing anything out of school for my first year. And some of my modules require me to engage in external voluntary stuff e.g. applying learning principles with a dog shelter (damn cool!) and mentoring program. 

270819 

Woke up to e-mails from the international office telling me that I need to go through processes and I started frantically e-mailing professors that I knew had volunteering stints in their modules to tell them about the processes. And then also scheduled for a meeting with the international office in case. Processes seemed smooth and dandy BUT then I realized oh no, my fellowship. I had totally forgotten to check about that and idk if they were adequately informed.

Hmm. This day tbh, I just recall mainly being at home trying to sort my life out. Oh Daryl woke up with bed bug bites from the Airbnb and we were like ooookay, got to start moving out. So we brought a ton of our stuff over from the Airbnb to the apartments (impetus to move!). And started washing whatever clothes that were left at the Airbnb, in case any bed bugs got to them. 

Idk what else I did this day. I think we went by to Best Buy to check out tv cables and possibly installing a reverse camera/dashboard camera - it is damn expensive. And this guy just kept recommending expensive shit to us. Like no, not Best Buy hello. Whereas this other girl was super helpful. We managed to get a wifi OH YES we got a modem HAHAHA (this is clearly just word vomit right now), and fixed up the wifi! And the Xfinity guy that came by to help us was super nice as well. We had to search in our house where the stupid coaxial cable was. And finally the Xfinity guy found it after unscrewing some wall plates thingum. So yes all the more - okay we can move in, we have wifi now! 

280819

Had arranged meetings with the international office and also one of my professors to sort the visa thing out. And apparently there was some mix up with the international office about my fellowship and they were not in the know (unlike what my professor had thought) because their director had left. SO... It became a rush to start the processes for it to ensure that I could start with the program next Friday. 

Then after all that, went back home and did some packing and a little nap (too much excitement from the whole day). Before going back to school at 3 ish pm to pass Daryl his lunch and then for my 4-10 pm classes. It started out with Learning Principles and then I had Biological Basis of Behavior. A lot more orientation and intro-ey stuff, but generally first week has been okay. ALTHOUGH we already have readings that are streaming in for next week, so ... yay. 

290819

Slept in this morning, lol woke up at 10 am when we told the maintenance people to come at 9 am oops. And they were supposed to install a brand new fridge (yay!) because our fridge was missing shelves and some parts broke etc. Had a missed call from the front desk and then contacted them to figure out what’s up. Maintenance people ended up coming at like 11 and saying they would bring the fridge right over. But I had to leave to meet another professor about the visa/volunteering issues so zoooom bye. I left Daryl to handle that and came back to a brand new fridge! 

Then went by the Airbnb to drop off laundry and we went by Best Buy/Home Depot to just check on carpet cleaner/vacuum cleaner prices. Not cheap at all... But we have to get them soon cause it kinduv feels like there might be some mites on the floor? So yeah we shall see. 

We then headed back to school because there was some welcome bash thing going on? Basically a fair full of free shit. We got tons of free drinks, brownies and chips which we all brought back to the apartment hehehe. Love this free stuff at school fairs culture. They even had a buffet table to make your own burger? And also a taco stand just randomly. Like sure why not. 

Daryl then went to class and dropped me back at the apartments. Went out with the neighbor to get bubble tea across the road. It was pretty ok, better than Gongcha here tbh. And then she was hungry so we went to get some Vietnamese food. She is allergic to a lot of stuff though. The Vietnamese food was pretty decent! I always like a nice comforting pho. The broth is just very soothing for some reason. Chatted for about 2 hours before heading back and popped in to see her apartment. There are 6 people squeezing in it at the moment - that is a lot and very overwhelming. 

And here I am, finally done (I think!). Fellowship starts tomorrow with orientation! Excited!!!

[jbuffyangel]

Exhausted: This Is Us 3x05 Review (Toby)

This Is Us focuses on the Pearsons’ significant others in “Toby.” It’s an extremely packed episode, which probably means they need to focus on the supporting characters more frequently. There is a connective thread with Toby, Beth and Miguel, beyond just being married to Pearsons, finally being explored, which I am excited about. They each carry their spouses to the point of exhaustion.

Let’s dig in...

Toby and Kate

Chris Sullivan carries this episode on those big, broad shoulders and gives us a side of Toby we haven’t seen. At his core, Toby is caretaker and in that way reminds me of my husband who is also just as amazing.  But there are times I want to ask Toby, “Aren’t you exhausted? I am a glass half full, rainbows and unicorns type person, but even I cannot compete with Toby’s energy, positivity and enthusiasm. Toby is always on. He’s almost superhuman in that way.

Well, it turns out Toby is not superhuman and yes, he is exhausted. We see flashbacks of Baby Toby, who is the very definition of the cutest, and we learn Toby’s sadness has always been part of him. In fact, he’s very similar to his mother. Is depression genetic? If yes, then I didn’t know that. 

Anywho, Toby’s mother is overwhelmed with a new baby and fighting constantly with his jerk of a father.

“There’s so much of her in you it scares me.”

THAT IS NOT SOMETHING YOU SAY TO YOUR CHILD! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?

Unfortunately, Toby’s father does not view depression as a medical ailment and simply advises his son to get his “mopey” attitude under control because it won’t play well as an adult. What a prize this guy is.

Toby used his wonderful sense of humor to cheer up his depressed Mom as a child. Ugh my heart. As for Toby’s mother, just speaking from experience, sometimes you really just need “one damn day.” You’re doing great, sweetie.

Toby’s last live in girlfriend wasn’t able to handle his moods and she left him, which sent Toby spiraling deeper in his depression. Eventually, he started seeing a therapist, started taking meds and then he met Kate.

I would classify Kate the same as me – high maintenance. This works well with someone who gravitates more towards the caretaker role. But the focus needs to shift time to time, so your partner doesn’t feel short changed.

Toby spends a great deal of time cheering Kate up, cheering Kate on, and being her “rock” as she earnestly put it. However, Toby’s need to be Kate’s hero has led him down a disastrous plan of going off his meds. The sadness is coming back and Toby doesn’t know what to do other than pretend it’s not happening.

However, once Kate announces she’s pregnant (YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FINALLY SOME GOOD NEWS FOR THESE TWO), Toby’s rock wall of positivity and joy goes tumbling down. He sobs into wife’s arms. 

Letting go and succumbing to the depression isn’t weakness. It’s strength. Sometimes you need to drown before you can swim.  Sometimes you need to go deep into the hole before you can figure your way out.

It’s also a hugely important moment in Kate and Toby’s marriage. I always say marriage is not 50/50. Sometimes it’s 90/10 or 40/60. What you and your partner need day to day and year to year shifts. 

I think it’s fair to say though Toby has been carrying his share of emotional burdens. Toby can’t be sad because Kate is. Toby can’t worry because it’ll make Kate worry more. Toby can’t be angry because Kate is lashing out from pain and grief, so he just has to take it. It goes on and on and on, which is why I wanted to ask Toby, “Aren’t you exhausted?”

This isn’t Kate’s fault either. We can only know what our partner shares with us. Toby kept Kate out. He wanted to be the rock and she needed a rock. It was a mutually beneficial relationship until it wasn’t. That’s marriage. You have to grow and evolve with your partner.

Now it’s about what Toby needs. Toby needs to know he doesn’t have to be in control all the time. He needs to know Kate isn’t going to leave him when the sadness comes. Toby needs to let Kate all the way in. It’s her turn to be the rock.

Randall and Beth

I love you Randall. You are a deeply good human being. You are a blessing to all the lives you touch, but sometimes my friend, you leap before you look.

Randall and Beth are preparing for his first campaign event and my first thought was...

Beth just lost her job. Maybe this isn’t the best time to be piling on. Are they independently wealthy? That house is huge and it must come with a serious mortgage. Do they not have bills to pay? Everyone seems very calm about the whole no income situation. I would not be this calm. Then again, maybe Randall listens to Suze Orman and has 12 months of savings.

Side bar: Every time my husband and I saved whatever monthly sum Suze Orman said we needed she would then add another three months. For example, we’d save 3 months and she’d say save 6 months. We’d save 6 and she’d say 9. And so on. It made my husband very cranky and now I’m not allowed to watch Suze Orman because he says she turns me into a crazy person. End side bar.

Unfortunately, Randall just dives right in and tells the people who came for free barbecue all the ways they are wrong about their current council man. He has a bit of a faceoff with the restaurant owner who explains the current councilman saved his business years ago. People don’t owe him loyalty. They owe him their lives.

Yeesh. Yeah, probably should have put some quiet feelers out there Randall. Maybe a poll Jed Bartlet style. I don’t know what this means for Randall’s future as city councilman, but he’s not off to a great start.

What I really want to talk about is BETH. My queen is not doing great. She is putting up a good show of confidence in front of Randall about interviewing for new jobs and fielding six figure offers. 

Source: livelovecaliforniadreams

However, she broke down crying in an interview. She’s not expecting a call back and Beth is right.

What’s sad is Beth doesn’t feel like she can share this with Randall. She constantly has to be on like Toby. Beth is so busy nurturing Randall’s dreams and easing his anxiety there’s very left over for her – both in the relationship and within herself.

Of course she broke down in an interview! Beth honey you were fired from the business you helped build. Grab some booze and take a week off girl. You need it.

But Beth can’t do that. She has to support her family. If she’s worried then it means Randall will worry more. And on and on and on it goes.

Miguel and Rebecca

Poor Miguel. I think he’s been given a bad rap. He’s trying to so hard to be there for the kids and Rebecca, but he’s not trying to take Jack’s place. That’s impossible. He’s simply trying to keep his promise to Jack. 

Source: @livelovecaliforniadreams

There are people who are such a force in our life that it's difficult to imagine them ever dying. It's impossible in fact.

It’s an exhaustive effort from Miguel. Literally. He carries a piano upstairs and spends the better part of the day fixing Rebecca’s refrigerator. Then he gives a pep talk to Randall (which is not well well received) and lets drunk Kevin crash at his place. This was just one day. I’m sure it makes Miguel feel for Rebecca on a whole other level.

I understand the kid’s reservations to Miguel. Their guard is up. They are protective of their father and the hole his passing has put in the family. But I’m fond of Miguel for the same reason the Pearson children are guarded around him - he is not biological and he reminds me of my grandmother. 

My mother’s mom died when she was 19. Her father (my grandpa) eventually remarried. My mother liked her step mother and even grew to love her, but the day my sister was born my father had a tough conversation with my mom. He said, “I know this is going to be hard to hear, but Jeanne will be the only grandmother our children will ever know. So, I think you need to think seriously about the kids calling her Grandma.” My father’s mother was also gone by this time. 

My mom said it was hard to hear, but she knew her step mother would be an amazing grandmother. And she was. My Grandma Jeanne wasn’t my biological grandmother, but she was the only one I had and she was truly wonderful. I like to think she was a gift my Grandma Noella and Grandma Sara sent to us.

So, when I look at Miguel I think what a gift he is to the Pearson family. And it’s what Jack thought as well. It’s why he asked Miguel to look after his family.

Kevin and Zoe

This is a safe space. I am going to raise my stupid white person hand and say I too did not know what the pillowcase was for. So, thank you Kevin Pearson. Your ignorance illuminated my ignorance and I learned something! 

The scenes between Kevin and Don Robinson, Jack’s army buddy, are truly wonderful. 

Source: livelovecaliforniadreams

There’s so much pride in Robinson’s voice as he reveals the truth to Kevin. Jack hid this piece of his life for a good reason, but there is so much to be proud of as well. It’s really a defining moment in the series, where Kevin realizes how much of a hero his father was and how little he really knows about his time in Vietnam.

I was kind of scratching my head when Robinson said Jack never wrote him back. Does that sound like Jack Pearson thing to do? I shrugged it off though and just chalked it up to Jack trying to leave the war behind like Don said. But then, he finds Kevin and gives him the letters. Robinson had to measure the promises he made to Jack versus the wishes of his son. Not an easy decision, but I think he made the right one. Those letters are going to be illuminating.

Source:  wondersprince

As for the photograph and the woman with the necklace, the same necklace Kevin wears with his father’s dog tags, I’m not sure what it means. Obviously, this person is incredibly important to Jack or else he wouldn’t have kept the necklace for all these years. Could it have been romantic? Sure. If it was does it mean Rebecca wasn’t Jack’s true love? No, not at all.

Keep in mind Vietnam was pre-Rebecca. Jack was pretty clear when he met Rebecca he knew immediately she was “The one.” However, we love many  people in our life. It’s okay to carry pieces of them with you, which is what I think Jack has done. He kept a piece of this woman with him, just like he kept a piece of Don Robinson with him when he place his hands on his children's’ faces and said, “Breathe.”

Stray Thoughts

I think Randall’s dual culture upbringing is strength. He is a black man who was raised in white culture. I think it gives him unique perspective and he belongs in both worlds. It’s not an either or. Maybe this makes me naive but it’s what I think.

Holy crap is this how in vitro really works? It’s so friggin expensive and the success rate is so low! Wow. Sending snuggles to everyone who has every struggled with infertility. You are not alone.

Randall unbuttoning his shirt is all the reason I need to vote for him. Done deal.

Randall: All his lemonade froze Beth.

Beth: Yeah but he was stupid baby.

I love everything about them. I ship it like Fed Ex.

Three hours to get ready Kate? Just as an FYI - that’s all over when you have a baby. You’ll be lucky to get a shower.

Nobody had fun at prom? Man, can teen Pearsons catch a break at some point?

A+ on the prom dresses. Absolutely what I wore in high school. We were slaves to fashion in the late nineties. ;)

I’m super confused. So, Randall’s date wouldn’t go to prom with him because her dad is a racist asshole? How does that work? You are in the dress. The hair is done. Randall Pearson is looking gorgeous in a tux and has a corsage ready to go. You tell dad to go to hell and get in the damn limo kid. Where is her mother in all of this??? What is wrong with people????

Kate’s impression of Adele is dead on.

Rebecca is such an amazing mom. Kate doesn’t give her nearly enough credit.

[durenjtmusings]

10 Baby Facts for SPN Fic Authors

[I swear this is not a rant - it ISN’T. Honest.]

It is actually kind of cool to realize that you possess specialty knowledge that may be of use to others. Stuff that you didn’t really KNOW you knew, until, of course, you are reading along in a fic and something the author describes (or the character says) brings your brain to a screeching halt. “That’s not right – it can’t possibly happen that way…” And then you go and do actual research to back up your gut knowledge. This little FAQ is the result of one such realization.

My dad fixed antique and classic cars for a living from 1964 – 1978, owning his own showroom for 3 years near the end of that time. Born in 1966, I grew up playing in old cars, hiding in floorboards and exploring them to my heart’s content. Our family car for several years was a 1966 Thunderbird, but when dad went to car shows, we rode in whatever he wanted to show off. I’ve been in rumble seats, hard top convertibles, cars with windshields that laid down flat, and cars with no roof, doors, or walls of any kind. My 1st car was a fully restored 1966 mustang. Without really realizing it, I soaked up a LOT of inherent understandings about older cars. The information below is based in that knowledge, backed up with some internet research.

The following is true about Baby (the character in SPN, not necessarily the actual cars that play her): 

1) Compared to most modern sedans, Baby is BIG. Like REALLY BIG. She is 17 and ¾ feet long (5.4 meters) and 7 feet 8 inches wide (2.03 meters). Allowing for door thickness on either side and the gaps between doors and bench seat, I’m betting the front seat is a little over 5 feet wide. Given basic geometry and human skeletal limitations, this means it is not possible for the passenger to have their head resting against the passenger door/window AND place their hand on the driver’s thigh. If the passenger is in this position, the driver can,  at best, entwine fingers with the passenger’s outstretched hand. That’s IT (even with Sam’s monkey arms). Sitting up straight, yes. Slumped over, no. On the plus side, this is why the guys can, in fact, get some sleep in her (and have fun in the back seat).

2) Despite how big Baby is, she is kinda short. Baby is only 54 inches high (4’6” or 138 cm). INSIDE the car, she is slightly less than 4 feet tall total. This means that the following actions WILL make you bump your head (or butt or hands or feet) on the ceiling unless you are very very slow and careful: climbing over the back seat, straddling someone’s lap, taking off your pants or t-shirt (unless nearly lying down in the seat), and lunging across the front bench seat to attack someone bodily. And you will look graceless doing it. [Ahem, trust me on these, I KNOW.] Additional negative modifiers for Sam due to height.

More below the cut.

3) Baby HATES crappy roads. Her big body has an all steel frame and body panels plus a very large engine system. Baby is HEAVY. She weighs a *minimum* of 3704 lbs empty. With equipment and the boys in her, she is over 2 tons. Oh and Baby is LOW. Her ground clearance is slightly less than 6 inches. This means an 8 inch deep pot hole (like the one in episode 11.01, above) can bottom out her axle and stop her in her tracks.  She SUCKS on rough terrain. Oh, and getting her OUT of said hole? Will require a JACK and a lot of swearing. (Baby is rear-wheel drive – her front wheels aren’t getting her out of anywhere). There was NO way the boys lifted her out of that hole in that episode (especially since they showed up in the next scene NOT covered in mud).

4) Baby is, in fact, good to have in a wreck. That all steel frame means she can practically bounce off of most modern cars. You’ll note they use large SUVs and tractor trailer trucks to hurt her. The fact that she makes it through the bumps and bruises she does is relatively accurate. In addition, Baby’s model had shoulder* seat belts in the front driver and passenger sides ‘standard’. Now this doesn’t mean the guys have to wear ‘em, or that Dean/John didn’t take ‘em out, but they were a standard safety measure. If you are wearing them, however, all movement described in 1 & 2 above is even MORE limited/complicated. Wearing them should keep you from getting thrown out of the car in an accident. Without them - you are the rock in a slingshot, out you go.

5) Baby’s model ONLY had a full, flat, smooth bench seat all the way across (front and back). She should NOT be drawn or described with a split front seat or (shudder) bucket seats of any kind. Sliding across this kind of seat from one side to the other was, in fact, a fun game for us as kids. Again, this makes her relatively ideal for napping…kinda. The backwards tilting angle is weird to sleep on and the seat itself is narrow front to back. it isn’t ideal, just possible.

6)  Baby’s gear shift is on the steering column (and she is an automatic). While there is a hump in the floor boards for the transmission, there is exactly zero to climb over for anyone who might be…shifting positions for activities in the front seat. In fact, given #1 above, it is possible for three grown adults to sit in the front seat, although the floor bump makes the middle person uncomfortable (unless they are short). Leg crowding and hip/elbow bumping will occur, but it can be done without too much discomfort. This means Baby can seat 6 with only mild discomfort (and in fact, has seat belts for 6 standard - see #4 above). You could do 7 if the four in the back are small (or someone lays across the other three – What? I’ve done it). OK, if later season Sam is in the front seat, the person in the middle better be Claire or Jody.

7)  Baby, as portrayed on screen, has lots of “optional” features. Most likely, John and Dean have been regularly ‘upgrading her’ over the years. For example she has “all vinyl interior” (standard was cloth and vinyl combined). The extra headlamps in early seasons are another example (and of course the trunk modifications). The ‘67 impala came with a wide variety of transmission and engine options. Even before the Season 1 finale, Baby likely had a “non-standard” engine system. Who KNOWS how powerful a system Dean put into Baby in the FIRST reconstruction (because, trust me, she needed a new engine) and what he might have done since then.

8)  Baby is OLD school rock and roll. *NEW* for the 1967 model year was the option of a tape deck – an 8 track tape deck. Dean’s ‘compact cassette’ deck is an after-market modification, likely sometime after John bought it in 1973. The compact cassette player is not “authentic” or “original” for Baby. (Although Dean may say or think so, he, in fact, knows better.) John likely listened to 8-tracks or to just the radio if the previous owner hadn’t put an 8-track in her.

9)  Baby is EXPENSIVE to maintain: > At best, Baby gets between 10-15 miles to the gallon (4.26-6.19 kpl), depending on the size of the engine Dean put in her most recently (and the tweaks he has made to it). As a corollary, Baby’s top speed is between 95-130 mph (152-209 kph) also depending on the engine. Top speed is inversely proportional to gas mileage. The bigger/faster engine Dean uses, the crappier the gas mileage. > Baby’s engines – ALL of them – are designed for ‘leaded’ gas. To get the most out of her, Dean has to regularly give her additives. > At this point, parts for Baby are either original ‘leftovers’ from the manufacturer (and very expensive) or from junk yards (used) or from online specialty stores (or Dean machines them himself). Glass, in particular, is going to be a special order. This means that ANY fic you write can include gripes about the COST of Baby (or the challenges in finding parts for her). Really, If I was FBI/enemy hunting Dean, I’d haunt the 67 Impala online groups  - which is where Dean’d go to find parts for cheap. They’d all know each other – classic car enthusiasts are a small close-knit community.

10)  Baby needs LOTS of regular maintenance. The mileage on baby, at this point, is almost a moot number. She’s had at least 2 new engines and one new transmission. She’s had just all sorts of parts replaced. Dean can tell you what’s still truly original, but for the most part, consider only the mileage you see from seasons 2 on when considering wear and tear. That said, Baby is FIFTY years old this season. Yet, as depicted, her interior and her engine are PRISTINE. Dean must spend TONS of time regularly detailing her inside and out. I mean LOOK at the carpets in the image for #5-6 above. There is NO MUD or dirt anywhere. The dashboard isn’t all faded or cracked from sunlight, and the vinyl hasn’t any rips or stains. Now, granted, likely most of that was all replaced with as new as Dean could get in 2006, but still, it takes a LOT of work to keep a car looking like that even if you keep her under a cover in the garage all the time. Baby is an actively working classic car, with the added bonus of blood and other nasty goo all over her on a regular basis. Any time a fic writer needs something for Dean to do, he can be working on Baby. There is ALWAYS something for him to be doing. [Heaven forefend he lube the damn door hinges.]

Bonus Facts: Baby is HOT. No, I mean it, all black vinyl seats and steering wheel sitting all day in the sun – is scorching hot. Like “I can’t touch anything without yelping” hot.  The 67 Impala had air conditioning as an option, so the guys likely have it, but it will still take a while to cool her down in the summer – especially in the southwest.  She will likely also take a bit of time to heat up from dead cold in the winter – especially for those in the back seat. And she isn’t air tight or well insulated, she’ll have subtle drafts. Which also means she’ll fill up fast and sink like a rock if she goes into water (2 TONS – see #3 above).

I hope this is helpful to SPN fic writers. I certainly feel better for writing it - this was fun! :)

*Updated - *brackets* for shoulder seat belts were standard - the belts themselves were an option.

[garlicjuice]

One Morning at Green Rose Café

http://empty-movement.tumblr.com/post/164615156664/empty-movement-empty-movement

Nanami and Saionji meet at a café to talk, inevitably about their past experiences at Ohtori. Post-anime series. ‘Cause I haven’t read the manga yet.

Fun Fact: Probably the first and last time I ever write a fanfic.

Green Rose Café had always been Saionji’s favorite little eatery since he and the Kiryuus moved away from Houou City. Denying the obvious egotistical reason, his constant claim for frequenting the place was the nostalgic atmosphere. He had stated it reminded him of the three’s teenaged days at Ohtori Academy; the dimly lit, almost green tinted wood walls made Saionji reminisce of the old kendo training hall, and the pretty cabana that was always packed for a good look of the sprawling city outside let memories of surveying the campus over the Student Council room creep in his mind.

Plus, he thought while sipping black tea one chilly morning, the fact that Nanami was a barista here made him feel kind of obligated to come. And speak of the devil, Saionji thought again as the girl walked over, her break starting. He made sure to look like a cool, suave older man by crossing his legs, pushing up his purple-tinted circle-frames (his wardrobe had had a drastic evolution), and closing his eyes as he thoughtfully took in another sip of tea. In the earlier days of her working here, Nanami would have constant coffee stains on her apron and fits of releasing her pent up frustration the moment she got back to the apartment. Touga would always comment on how he was surprised she hadn’t yet been fired, and, flustered, the fussy blonde would retort that his work as a newspaper film critic didn’t pay the damn rent. A once adoring little sister now took her brother’s words and actions with many, many grains of salt. Saionji hated to admit it - in fact, he swore he’d never admit it no matter what - but he liked that Nanami had found some independence. Of course, no matter what life lessons she learned, that girl would always be high maintenance, he had recently chuckled to himself. Looking at her now, Nanami’s apron was spotless. But her eyes were weary. She grabbed a seat across from the green haired hipster, plopped down on the gaudy magenta cushion, and released the complaining floodgates. “I haaaaate how packed this place gets in the afternooooon!” It was almost like mooing from an agitated cow. “I have no time to collect myself, or fix my hair or anything at all! I mean, I like working here,” she went on, taking a breath, “but it’s so tough!” Saionji chuckled out loud to show Nanami he found her words silly. Of course, on the inside he sympathized with her. But like hell he’d let her know that. “That’s what life is all about, Nanami. You need to work hard to achieve your goals. Take my kendo, for example. I wouldn’t be this region’s champion without constant practice, everyday.” He made sure to emphasize “constant practice” with two taps on the table, but the disgruntled girl he was lecturing just glared. “I obviously understand that. I’m not as… prissy and stuck up as I was, when I was younger.” She latched onto Saionji’s teacup and took a loud gulp herself, triggering a sharp “Hey!” from the man. “And besides,” she slammed the cup down, “you’re more like the region’s city’s neighborhood’s champion. No, wait - change city to small town.” Now it was Nanami’s time to pompously chuckle. She grabbed a still-wrapped straw to stir the tea, smirking. Saionji held back a snappy comment. They weren’t bickering children, like they used to be, but most of their conversations still ended up in such a way. “Regardless… you should be thankful you’re doing well in life.” “I am,” she insisted. “I don’t have other girls doing my work anymore. I can do things on my own perfectly fine.” “I understand that, and I wasn’t implying you couldn’t. In fact, I think quite the opposite.” Nanami stopped stirring and looked up with a raised eyebrow. “…Unusual of you to compliment anyone.” “Er, I - wasn’t.” Saionji pushed up his glasses again, this time awkwardly. “I was merely stating the facts.” Silence. The man could tell the both of them were squirming and panicking inside for a topic change. Finally, Nanami spoke. “Speaking of other girls, I wonder how Keiko and Aiko and Yuko all are doing. I haven’t been in touch for a while…” she then looked down in what seemed to be shame, her eyes catching a speck of dust on the green floorboards. “Or thought about them, really…” Saionji only stared at Nanami, knowing if he spoke his words would be kind and supportive. So he chose to keep silent. “I was incredibly… snooty back then.” A small self deprecating chuckle. “I wonder how the Student Council put up with me, especially onii-san. …Well, I knew that you all clearly didn’t like me, but you never didn’t talk to me, or ever kick me out of the Council.” She looked up and locked eyes with Saionji, honing a more determined expression, expecting a reassuring counterpoint to her pitying words. But he just coughed and replied, “That’s because Touga appointed you as the acting President. We wouldn’t go against his word. Not without a strong, valid reason, I might add.” There was a millisecond of quiet as the girl took the answer in. Her expression changed to a kind of solemn understanding. “Well, yes, yes, I know. …Either way, if I could realize that Keiko and the girls were only friends with me to get close to onii-san, then I’d say I’ve changed a lot.” “You have. You’ve matured a lot.” Before Saionji could realize what he said, he snappily grabbed the teacup and drank to hide his pink cheeks. The one-two punch of a nice comment and quick snatching motion startled Nanami. Something as simple as complimenting others could get him flustered. Or… maybe just this one specific other. Her one brow raised yet again. “Thanks…” She scooted her chair in closer. “Have I, uh, ever mentioned that this place reminds me of Ohtori’s kendo room?” “Oh…?” Saionji laughed. “Well, now that you mention it, I can see the resemblance, certainly,” he fronted not having made that same observation before. “Don’t lie,” Namami cooed teasingly, “I bet the moment you stepped in here for the first time you thought of that.” He frowned, eyes lowering in irritation. “Hrm. Well. Regardless, it seems like our pasts are coming back to tug on our sleeves this morning.” “Tell me about it,” Nanami let out a melancholic sigh. “Now I’d rather be angry about work than have all that clog my mind.” “…Well, there were good things that happened to us at Ohtori Academy, too.” “You literally got expelled from there.” “Dammit woman, I’m trying to cheer you up!” Saionji slammed his fist on the table, half standing up. Uh oh. Nanami just gazed up in shock. “I mean - you know!” He rapidly sat back down. “I held high positions like Kendo captain, and I was the Vice President of the Council. I had adoring underclassmen as well. I’d say I was set up for a great life once I graduated.” Such grandiose statements were paired with his arms crossing and a big grin. “But you were an asshole to the underclassmen and everyone, and your swordsmanship was clearly lacking considering how many times you lost the Rose Bride. That list seems more like a narcissist’s resumé rather than happy school memories.” “You just love to project your negativity onto me, don’t you?!” Nanami giggled, raising a hand to her cheek, channeling her bombastic laughs of the past. “Think of it as a trick of the light.” “…What is that even supposed to mean?!” “Nevermind. And I wasn’t projecting, I’m just being honest.” She then folded her hands together and rested them under her chin. “But fine, I’ll indulge you. I guess I had some good times, like… uhmm… I… huh.” The girl just sat there, brows knitted, deep in thought.    Sadness then enveloped her face, but it quickly became charged with anger.    “That place was horrible!”    “Now, Nanami, calm-”    “Don’t you remember the creepy chairman? Or how creepy that Anthy girl was? And how much of a - a stubborn jerk onii-san was?!” She viciously threw her head into her hands and repeatedly stomped her feet. “And like I said earlier, I was horrible and stupid too! Everything there was horrible and stupid, stupid, stupid! My only real friend was Tsuwabuki, and even then I just used him!”    Saionji leaned over, his hand reaching out to grasp her shoulder. “Nanami, please calm down!”    She stopped thrashing. The poor blonde had gallons of tears in her eyes, streaming down to her pursed lips and dripping off her sharp chin.    “I… I suppose I’m sorry that Ohtori was brought up. But… that place… It doesn’t matter now. We’re away from all of that. And as I stated earlier, you have matured. You’re a changed woman.” As much as he hated the illuminated feeling in his blushing face, now was not the time to hide it. … “I think I can say… I admire that about you.” Nanami looked right up. Her expression was a mingled mess of taken aback confusion, and being utterly dazed as if she hadn’t heard a word he said. But then she grit her teeth in an act of annoyance. “What’s with you today? You’re complimenting me so much, and you made me cry!” “Nanami.” “What?!” “Would you�� want to come back here later, after work?” “…And why, exactly?” “To just get some tea. And chat. I’d prefer not to, but I know you’re a talkative type.” The frustration on her face quickly morphed into surprise. “Oh, uh. Sure. Sure thing…” “Good.” He finally released her shoulder and relaxed back into his chair. “Now, think about what I said and get back to work. I believe your break is almost over.” “You don’t need to tell me what to do, I see the clock right there. Jeez…” Grumbling, she slowly got up and wiped her eyes. As Nanami walked briskly back to the counter, a tired looking customer shuffled in, officially separating the two from their heart to heart. But then the blonde turned around, with a mischievous grin. “See you later, Sai-chan!” “Don’t you dare start calling me that!”

[star-trekkin-across-theuniverse]

Here you are, @pokeharvest - Ooh, you should write a Scotty one where the reader is in engineering and names all the little parts of the ship, and at first Scotty is like "woah and people think I'm nuts about the Enterprise" but then he finds himself joining in on it, confusing everyone else

Word Count: 2007

Author’s Note: I took a few liberties with your request. I hope you enjoy it! PS, TOS Enterprise is approximately ⅓ the size of AOS Enterprise. Despite the fact that my blueprints allow for 250 crew on the Enterprise, TOS Bones once said there was 430-ish people on the Enterprise, so there’s obviously some wiggle room in interpreting size. That means AOS Enterprise could have a crew of 750-1200, depending, but I couldn’t find a definitive answer. Also, aside from size, no new specs on AOS Enterprise. So I had to do a little faking. The swimming pool and bowling alley are totally on the blueprints I have of TOS Enterprise though, they just have nothing really to do with the work of an engineer. Also, I hope I didn’t vilify poor Appleton too much. I’ve been dealing with a bully at work, and it just… bubbled over into the story. P.S. The best part of this was trying to find a song about how currents work, and re-discovering School House Rock’s Electricity.

“Mr. Scott, this ship is huge. I’m worried I’m going to get lost,” one of the other newly assigned grads blinked her eyelashes in a show of wide-eyed innocence that made you want to gag. Montgomery Scott, Chief Engineer on the U.S.S. Enterprise, quirked an eyebrow and turned to face her.

“Aye, lass. She’s a little over 700 metres in length -”

“725, sir,” you interrupted. You couldn’t help yourself. You’d spent most of your last year at the Academy fantasizing about being assigned to the fleet’s flagship. Studying the Enterprise specs had been your geeky little secret hobby. Stepping off the shuttle onto her had felt like coming home. There was nothing out of place. It looked exactly as you’d imagined, you suspected largely in part thanks to the handsome Scotsman standing at the head of your Engineering bay orientation. His blue eyes flicked over to assess you, and the hint of a smile lit his face.

“I love the enthusiasm of new grads,” he grinned. “Thank you, Ensign?”

“Y/L/N,” you provided. Ensign Eyelashes glared at you for the rest of the orientation, obviously angry that you’d distracted Mr. Scott’s attention.

You were hunched over a desk, a set of math tools discarded beside you. You had a stream of equations running down your PADD, and a second PADD open with the Enterprises blueprints in front of you. Finally satisfied with your answer, you stopped to take a drink from the coffee cup beside you.

“What have you got there, Ensign Y/L/N?” Scotty appeared behind you, startling you.

“Oh, I wanted to know how long the hall was on this floor, so I pulled blueprints, but it wasn’t listed. A little grade school math, and boom!” You made a little explosion gesture with your hand. “Now I have my answer.”

Scotty leaned over your shoulder rubbing his hands on a rag, a strangely enticing scent of pineapple, diesel fuel and something that you hadn’t yet been able to identify filling your senses. He pointed his elbow at the top answer on the chain of equations. “What’s that, love?”

“That’s the external circumference of the Enterprise,” you offered. “It all started because I wanted to know how far I ran this morning. Deck 14 is mostly cargo, so it’s not terribly busy. That’s the second number, the internal circumference of the exterior hall on Deck 14. Then I realized the shape of the saucer means that this Deck is actually wider than 14 because it’s nearer the middle of the saucer. So I was curious about how far I walked in an average shift because I’ve been getting some restless legs at night, and oh god, I’m babbling, aren’t I?”

“I’m reasonably sure those measurements are on the blueprints, lass.” Scotty picked up the PADD that had the blueprints on it, and flicked through a few screens. “All the important measurements are there.”

“The circumference of the internal halls wouldn’t be something that was considered a priority, as it doesn’t affect the function of the ship. If absolutely affects the way the crew interacts with the ship, but not the overall function of the ship,” you countered.

“Interesting. Forward me your calculations when you’re finished? I’ll update the blueprints on our server to save future keen ensigns all this extra work,” he smirked.

“For sure, Mr. Scott,” you replied.

“I don’t want to tell you again, lass, my friends call me Scotty,” he chastised you with a wink.

“Well, my friends don’t call me Ensign Y/L/N. They tend to call me Y/N,” you countered.

“I’m glad we’re clear on that, Y/N.”

“You’re telling me you don’t find it the least bit weird that she can quote the specs on this ship, chapter and verse?” The voice belonged to the ensign with the eyelashes from your orientation. You suspected she’d been mocking you behind your back. Overhearing her conversation just confirmed it.

“It’s a peculiarity, for certain.” Scotty’s voice responded, and you felt sick. You wanted to run away, but were rooted to the spot, unable to escape whatever damning commentary was coming. It didn’t help that you were essentially trapped in a Jefferies tube, unable to come out without it being obvious that you had overheard every word. “But you’d do well to learn from her example, lass. If every engineer loved their ship like she does, the fleet would be much safer.” You relaxed. Scotty didn’t think you were weird. Well, he thought you were weird, but it was a praiseworthy weird. You could live with praiseworthy weird. Scotty had quickly become not just your mentor, but the kind of officer you aspired to becoming. And he was kind of cute, with his heavy Scottish accent and quick brain. You waited until you heard them walk away, speaking of something else, and descended from your spot in the tube, heading off to the water reclamation centre to repair a leak that was causing water to drip into Lt. Sulu’s quarters. You were finishing up when Scotty found you.     

“Ah, there you are. I’ve been informed I’m supposed to give all you new crew members a probationary review after six weeks. I’ve no real concerns about your work,” he began. You sat up and started collecting your tools and cleaning up.

“Thanks, Scotty,” you replied. “So when do you want to do this, then?”

“That’s really it, Y/N,” he shrugged. “No concerns about your work, no concerns about your knowledge. You’re a bloody encyclopedia.”

You flushed a little, uncertain if it was a compliment or not. “Uh, thanks?”

“I mean that in the kindest way, lass. I was still trying to figure out where that leak was when you accepted the assignment,” he continued. “I’m guessing you knew just by seeing the maintenance request?”

“Well, yeah.” You probably sounded a little more defensive than you needed to. “I knew the leak would be somewhere in the reclamation pipes in this quadrant because that -” You paused and knocked on the metal wall beside you - “is Sulu’s quarters.”

“You understand that even I don’t know the ship quite this well?” Scotty broached. You laughed.

“You know it better, Scotty,” you denied. “You might not realize it, but you do.”

“Come along,” he prompted, changing the subject. “Let’s get some lunch.”

“So if you were going to take a girl on a date, Mr. Scott, where would you take her?” You were beginning to think Ensign Eyelashes was destined to be your nemesis. So far, you had yet to see her do anything remotely close to looking like work. And she was constantly flirting with Scotty. You noticed that he didn’t offer his nickname to her though. She’d seen the two of you sitting in the mess and decided to invite herself to lunch. Scotty looked nearly as irritated as you felt.

“I’m not quite sure, ensign,” he shrugged, turning back to his chicken sandwich.

“How does the artificial atmo hold up in the bowling alley?” You asked. Scotty smirked.

“It’s terrible. I always manage to gutter my ball,” he replied.

“Is that because of the atmo, or is it because you suck at bowling?” You countered. He laughed.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” He waggled his eyebrows at you.

“Actually, I’d like to know what it’s like to be in the pool during a zero grav drill,” you laughed, and he wrinkled his forehead before cracking up.

“Wet,” he concluded. “Everywhere, I’d imagine. Might be difficult to breathe.” You started laughing again and Ensign Eyelashes sighed heavily.

“Is there anything you don’t know about this ship, Y/L/N?” She scowled. The first thing you thought was exceptionally catty, so you bit your tongue.

“No?” It was the best you could do.

“Maximum speed of the Enterprise?” Scotty asked.

“Warp 8.” You raised an eyebrow. It wasn’t even a hard question.

“How about you, Ensign Appleton? What are the main armaments of the ship?” Scotty challenged her.

“Photon torpedoes,” she replied. “And, uh, phasers.”

“Propulsion, Y/N?” Scotty turned back to you.

“Really? I helped repair the damn impulse engines today because the warp drive was also malfunctioning,” you scoffed. He smiled.

“I thought you were doing something in water?” Appleton asked.

“I fixed a small leak in the water reclamation centre just before lunch. But this morning I was up a Jefferies tube working on the circuitry of the impulse engines. That weird storm outside Faynos fried a bunch of the microprocessors,” you replied, wondering what her assignment had been that she thought you’d done so much.

“Well, since you’re so far ahead, maybe you could help me with the console in the teleporter after lunch?” Appleton asked. You glanced at Scotty for approval and he nodded, tucking back into his sandwich.

“Sure. We can go now?” You suggested. She nodded, and you allowed her to lead you to the transporter room, explaining her assignment as you walked.

“I know you’ll be able to figure this out. When the transporter room crew attempt to access the transporter using the LCARS, they are getting no response. I’ve run a bunch of tests, but so far haven’t been able to pinpoint where the connection is faulting,” she explained as you walked into the transporter room. She’d left her tools all over the floor in front of the console when she left for lunch. You knelt and moved them back into her toolkit before pulling yourself under the console. You scooted over enough that there was space for her.

“Come on under, I’ll teach you a song,” you offered. She crawled under the console and eased herself down on to her back, giving you a suspicious look.

“A song?”

“Yeah, it’s basic alternating current circuitry under here. Old as time really, and hasn’t changed in hundreds of years,” you started.

“That’s reassuring,” she retorted. You smothered a giggle.

“I know you know this stuff, Appleton, you’re an engineer. Let’s review. Direct current is the constant flow of electrons in one direction. Alternating current allows for electrons to flow in one direction for a while, then switch and flow the other direction. The circuitry under here controls not only the flow of information, but the flow of electricity,” you explained and cleared your throat, singing the simple song your Dad had taught you as a child about how electricity worked. Appleton’s hand flew up to her mouth as she smothered a giggle.

“I’m sorry, Y/L/N.” The words were muffled by the giggling and her hand. “You’re just so perfect and geeky. And now you know a song about the flow of electricity? The tune is catchy. The material? Not so much.”

“The tune is Skye Boat Song.” Scotty’s voice came across the communicator. You blanched and reached under you, grabbing your communicator from where it had been broadcasting the conversation to Scotty. “Go ahead and finish, Y/N.”

“Uh, sure,” you replied, and closed the communicator, effectively ending Scotty’s opportunity to listen. “So the second verse goes a little like this.” You continued on the song, emphasizing the connections between the current and voltage and flow and switches. As you came back to the chorus, you heard a baritone voice join your own. Appleton scrambled out from under the console and you followed, stopping the song quickly. Scotty was squatting beside where you’d been tucked under, and finished the song.

“Jesus, Scotty, you scared the life out of me!” You exclaimed.

“I couldn’t miss the end of my favourite song,” he winked at you. You blushed and shook your head.

“When I was at the Academy I wrote one about the Enterprise, you know. To the anatomy song,” you admitted.

“I believe I’d like to hear that. Over dinner and an evening of bowling, perhaps?” He asked.

“Sounds like a date,” you nodded and then clamped your mouth shut, flushing again. He offered his hand to pull you to your feet.

“Aye, lass. It does,” he smiled.