#gorgeous but i didn’t buy because it was 400$

[ladybird2003]

Reformation try-on

[ultimateaclrecovery]

Japan day 4! More Kyoto!

Started with a photo op of the yasaka pagado part of the hokan-ji temple. And then we were off to the kiyomizu-dear temple known for its city views. It was a little cloudy but we still got some great views!

From there went the silver pagado temple and then down the philosophers path. It was raining but the path was very peaceful as we walked along the river. It ended at the Eikan-do temple. Eiakan-do had a really cool art exhibit inside and then the gardens were full of fall colors.

We then went to our tea ceremony experience. It was very curated for tourists but felt very respectful and informative. It took a lot more whisking to get the tea right than I thought, but it was all very delicious. And I got to wear a purple kimono so I obviously had a good time.

Overly long travel diary

Anthony 400 yen first temple kitomizu dera

Emma 500 yen each second temple, silver temple

Anthony 1000 yen each eikan do

We start the day at kiyomizu temple, stopping on the way to take pictures of a pagado. The view from the temple is really nice even if it is a bit cloudy. The temple itself is also a really pretty red.

We then walk for a bit and find a dog park to have breakfast in.

We take a bus over to the philosophers path. The bus is super crowded buy we survived.

We then decide to walk up to the silver pavilion the counter part to the gold pavilion we saw yesterday. Because sulver tarnishes more quickly it’s not as shiny but the grounds are still lovely. Sadly they don’t have a silver temple key chain to match my one from yesterday.

After we head back down to the philosophers path which runs along the river. Some of the leaves are really pretty colors but a lot have fallen already. The philosophers path was so full of cute bridges. It was pretty rainy but it kind of added to it in a way. There are also people with signs at various crossroads of the philosophers path to help direct tourists. There are also various public maps with the major tourist sites on them.

The philosophers path ends very near to our next temple so we head in. The ticket is more than a lot of them but we quickly see that it’s because they also have an art exhibit in the temple. They give you a little plastic bag to carry your shoes in while you walk through the temple and see the art. It’s pretty cold today so my feet are cold and the wooden floor feels extra cold.

Eikan do had lots of art and explanations about the pure land where you go when you reach enlightenment. The monk who more or less founded the temple thinks that anyone can reach enlightenment and you don’t have to spend endless hours in mediation. The temple also is one of the few or maybe only places where the two competing art schools of the day would have their art side by side.

The fall foliage around the temple is really gorgeous and their are some adorable bridges. I try to get a picture with a bridge from on another bridge but didn’t get the angles right so you can’t really see the bridge. But there’s still pretty colors and a pond. We also walk up to the pagado at the top and take in the views of the cities. I love how all the temples are nestled into the mountains/hillsides so you can get pretty views from them.

There are other temples nearby but we’re feeling pretty templed out and will see more temples tomorrow so decide to just head back to the area out hotel is in and get lunch.

Twntenyu for lunch ramen. Anthony paid 2180 for both. They had up little dividers between all the seats. It was in a big building full of mostly offices with stores on the bottom floor. Most of the other people seemed to be business people on their lunch break. I got ramen and gyoza and it was delicious but the gyoza burned the roof of my mouth a little. The warm ramen tho really hit the spot on a cold and dreary day.

We head back to the hotel to regroup. We end up taking a nap (and having some quality time)due to not finding anything else to see that we are willing to walk to. And I’m tired.

After we head out to go to a tea ceremony I booked online previously. We start with getting dressed in kimonos. They braid my hair and pin it up into a bun. I am allowed to picked my own kimono and I find a dark purple one with pink flowers. Putting it on is an experience. There are two ladies working together wrapping you all up and tying you in. There are a lot more little skinny ties than I would’ve expected. And then there’s a hard thing for your middle for the shape and then finally the big sash that goes around the middle and ties into a bow. It’s a little constricting but not too bad. I wouldn’t want to have run or need to do any deep breathing in it but fine for standing around and sitting.

They give you a pretty bag so you can take your phone and whatever with you (they know people want to take pictures in the kimonos)and then a big numbered bag to leave the rest of your stuff in. They also give you little toe socks to wear with the shoes.

We head back to the waiting room and take a couple pictures. My boyfriend tolerates the pictures. There’s a lovely women from Portugal on her honeymoon who takes a couple for us and gets one of my hair and the bow in the back

We head into the room where they show us how we can sit and how to arrange the kimono. She tells us to stay comfortable. I do not succeed in the little sweeping motion she showed to get the kimono to look pretty while sitting and it keeps gaping funny at the bottom but it’s fine.

She starts with a detailed explanation of what tea ceremony is. It’s all about the one moment and one time we have here together. And being full of respect harmony tranquilly and balance(?). She then shows us how to make the tea. There’s a lot of cleaning and the tools and doing everything deliberately and respectfully.

We start by eating the little sweets. One is hard like a smartie and has a swan on it and the other is rice paper wrapped around red bean paste. She has cut the pastry in half with a toothpick and it’s surprisingly difficult. She then shows us how we are supposed to whisk the tea.

I thought i whisked mine enough but when she comes around she says I need to do it a lot more.

The tea ceremony involves a lot more whisking than I tried to do at first, but it’s fun. The sweets before it our lovely.

We take a couple more pictures after in the pretty tea room. There’s art in the panels. The lighting isn’t great for my face (I think my head blocked a can light or something but otherwise the pictures are great.

It’s very much an experience curated for tourists and a bit of a sampler or intro to traditional Japanese cultur but it felt respectful and not gimmicky. Our tea group was all couples from different countries and about half were on their honeymoon.

We then walk through nishiki market and buy chopsticks. I buy some pretty purple ones. 6100 yen. I get three, two lavender and one sparkly. I realize too late that I probably could’ve gotten another of the sparkly and gotten a set of four but it’s fine. I also get three chopstick rests that are some sort of adorable sea slugs (I get three, one purple, but there was a fourth design but it was orange and I didn’t love it. The other two were blue and polka dot.

Apparently the yen hit its lowest in 30 years relative to the dollar.

Dinner is at a sort of americaish small plate place after we can’t get into the restaurant my uncle recommended. I try brown sugar shochu it is good but not as sweet as I wanted. We get garlic bread (with pesto), gapao rice, pork loin, and fried chicken. We then get a Dutch baby with gelato for dessert that they unexpectedly add fruit to. I hate when desserts do that because I don’t like fruits and then it can kind of ruin the taste of whatever it’s on with its sauce or whatever. And with dessert if it’s not delicious I don’t really want it. I eat the edges of my half of the pancake and then have my boyfriend finish the parts that got soaked with fruit juice

[ejzah]

A/N: Once again, thanks for all your lovely comments and support for this story!

***

In Miss Blye’s Class, Part 13

Like any good best friend, Nell had dropped everything to assist Kensi in her time of need. Especially since it held the promise of Kensi actually going out on a date for once.

She was positively giddy as Kensi tried on a staggering number of dresses Saturday morning, unabashedly vetoing anything she didn’t like. Kensi appreciated it, because she was quite honestly a little terrified. The last time she bought an honest to goodness evening gown was for a formal dance her junior year of college.

After several hours, they dragged everything back to Kensi’s apartment. Nell arranged her hair in loose curls and insisted on handling her makeup too. Once she was satisfied with her creation, she left Kensi to change. Drawing in a long, deep breath, Kensi slipped into the dress, and turned to face the wall length mirror across from the bathroom door.

She’d chosen a deep azure that brought out the color of her skin. Lace overlaid the Grecian bodice, which cinched in at the waist before flowing down into a slightly looser skirt that touched the floor.

As she glanced at her reflection in the mirror, nearly backed against the wall in her relatively small bathroom, she wondered if it was too much. Deeks had told her they’d be attending a gala, but he probably hadn’t expected her to go out and buy an evening gown just for the occasion.

Taking another steadying breath, Kensi spun around and walked out of the bathroom, stopping in her bedroom to grab the rest of her outfit, and then down the short hallway that led to the small front room. Nell sat on Kensi’s couch, a mug cradled in between her knees while she flipped through a book Kensi had left on the coffee table.

Hands folded around the small purse Nell insisted she buy, Kensi spun in a small circle, skirt slightly swirling around her legs.

“Well, what do you think?”

“Oh my god, you look absolutely gorgeous!” Nell exclaimed. “Marty Deeks is going be out of his mind when he sees you.”

“Well he better be,” Kensi said a little darkly, setting the purse on the coffee table. “This whole ensemble cost more than my first apartment.”

“Hey, you can’t put a price on true love.”

“Nell.” Kensi sighed, and Nell just grinned at her. “This is not a date, so no more talk about love.”

Nell said something that sounded like “$400 dress” under the guise of a fake cough, eyeing Kensi pointedly.

“Seriously though, you don’t think it’s too much?” Kensi asked, smoothing her hands over the silky material.

“Uh, definitely not,” Nell said immediately. She stood up, inspecting Kensi with a practiced eye. She rearranged a curl on her shoulder, and straightened her necklace with a satisfied nod. “You are absolutely perfect, and it’s just enough. Everyone at this gala is going to wonder who that gorgeous brunette is. Oh, what I wouldn’t give to be a fly on that wall.”

“I thought you didn’t like events like this,” Kensi said distractedly.

“I do. As much as I like dressing up and socializing with strangers, I prefer to do it in 18th century finery and with a nice glass of spiced rum.”

The doorbell rang before Kensi could comment on Nell’s favored pastimes.

“That must be your Prince Charming!” Nell whisper shouted, instantly grabbing her purse, drink, and the book as she made a dash for the hallway. Take lots of pictures and have fun. I was never here!”

Shaking her head at her friend’s antics, Kensi flipped her hair over her shoulder, and went to answer the door.

Deeks stood on the other side, one hand behind his back. He smiled brightly when he saw her.

“Hey,” he said, eyes widening as they drifted over her. Kensi decided that the dress was worth every penny for the look on his face.

“Hey.”

“You look amazing,” he added, grinning crookedly.

“Thank you. I guess you’ll do too,” she teased. In truth, he looked better than ever in a tailored black suit with the palest of blue shirts, and a dark blue tie.

Deeks chuckled, not taking offense.

“Gee, thanks. I, uh, got you a little something.” Pulling his hand from behind his back, he offered her a small box of chocolates.

“Oh, I love these,” Kensi gasped. “I’m definitely saving these for a rough day at work. How did you know?”

“Well, I was going to bring you a corsage, but decided that seemed a little too high school prom. And I didn’t know what your favorite flowers are.” He shrugged. “So chocolates it is. Caleb helped pick them out.”

“I appreciate it. Much better than flowers.” Setting them to the side, Kensi grabbed her purse, and looped her arm through his. “Now I think you promised me a celebrity experience, Mr. Deeks.”

***

The gala was hosted at an upscale restaurant that offered a gorgeous view of the ocean from its many balconies. There were waiters wandering the main room with trays of food and drinks, soft music playing in the background. A few couples were dancing in the center of floor while most of the guests stood in groups of 2-3 or at the small tables that lined the perimeter of the room.

Kensi was a little thunderstruck by the sheer extravagance of it all, and clung to Deeks’ arm as he led her around the banquet room, introducing her to his associates as well as some of his clients.

“Deeks, why didn’t you tell me you were so popular?” Kensi whispered as she handed an empty champagne glass to a passing waiter. They’d just finished chatting with his boss, who spent the entire time raving about Deeks.

“It’s just because I’m new,” Deeks said humbly. “And I’m one of the few lawyers here who has recent court experience. It kind of gives me an edge.”

“Mm-hmm.”

“It’s the—”

“Marty, I was hoping you’d be here tonight,” a woman’s voice interrupted. Kensi turned to see an attractive blonde in a red mermaid style dress. She walked right up to Deeks and kissed him on either cheek.

“Sheila,” Deeks said with a smile that was just an edge to bright. “Good to see you too. This is my date, Kensi. Kensi, Sheila McIntyre.”

“Nice to meet you,” Kensi said, offering a smile which Sheila acknowledged with a twitch of her red lips.

“I was just telling Cameron that we never see you at these events,” Sheila said, laying a hand on Deeks’ arm. At the same time, Deeks linked the fingers of his other hands with Kensi’s, drawing her closer. Kensi was surprised but didn’t resist.

“Yeah, you know how it is. I’ve got a little guy at home who needs me.”

“Well, I’m glad you finally escaped.” Sheila laughed knowingly, and Kensi noticed a muscle in Deeks’ jaw twitch. “And now that you’re here, you owe me a dance.”

“Oh, I’d love to, Sheila, but I just promised Kensi the next one. Maybe later,” Deeks said apologetically. Sheila’s face fell slightly at his refusal, but she recovered quickly, flashing him a flirtatious look.

“I’ll hold you to that,” she murmured.

Nodding noncommittally, Deeks drew Kensi towards the dance floor.

“Marty Deeks, did you just use me as a shield?” Kensi asked as he settled his left hand at her mid-back, setting a steady rhythm.

“Hey, the people here are rabid. You’ve seen the way some of these men are looking at you,” he defended himself.

“Complimented accepted. Back to the question at hand, did you bring me with to ward off interested women?”

“No, I invited you because there’s no else I wanted to bring. But not being hounded is a really nice perk.”

“Shameless,” Kensi teased. “Just for that, you owe me at least three dances. And a plate of those mini quiches.”

“You have yourself a deal, ma’am,” Deeks told her with a wide grin.

As promised Deeks danced with her for the next several dances, each fending off interested men and women for the other. It was actually kind of fun. Plus, she didn’t mind the added excuse to touch Deeks, or the way his hand drifted lower down her back with each dance.

They stopped after half an hour, to grab some appetizers for Kensi. She hadn’t really eaten lunch or dinner and was starving. Deeks retrieved a small plate of food for her, leading her to an empty table. As he he pulled out a chair for her, he suddenly look beyond her at someone across the room.

“Hey, I’ll be back in a minute,” he told her, squeezing her shoulder before he set off across the room, weaving in between people.

Kensi watched him walk up to a guy with dark hair, though she couldn’t tell more at the moment. They talked for a couple minutes, shaking hands before Deeks headed towards a small cluster of people. After a minute, he emerged with yet another gorgeous woman by his side.

Kensi sat a little straighter, noticing that Deeks didn’t seem uncomfortable in this woman’s presence. In fact, he was smiling as he reached Kensi again.

Up close, the woman was even prettier with color a similar shade to Kensi’s, and a tight black dress that featured a plunging neckline.

“Kensi, this is my colleague, Talia Del Campo. Talia, this is Kensi,” he introduced them. Talia’s face lit up as soon as she heard Kensi’s name.

“Oh, so you’re the girl who makes Deeks smile like an idiot. I’ve been dying to meet you,” she exclaimed, pulling out a chair and sitting down across from Kensi.

“Uh, yeah, I guess so,” Kensi agreed, flashing Deeks a questioning look, but he just shrugged. She tucked the “smiling like an idiot” comment away to examine later.

“So, how did you two meet? I want to hear all about it.”

“Um, well,” Kensi managed, flustered by Talia’s assertive approach.

“Oh, I don’t think we have time for all that,” Deeks spoke up. “You’re going to be too busy.”

Talia narrowed her eyes at him in obvious confusion just as the man he talked to earlier approached them.

“Deeks, what did you do?” she demanded dangerously.

“Hey, last week you were complaining that you couldn’t find any nice men. I’ve handed one to you on a platter.” Grinning, Deeks grabbed Kensi’s hand, tugging her out of her seat.

“You did not. Don’t you dare leave!” Talia hissed.

“Oh by the way, his name’s Sabatino,” Deeks added. “Have fun!” Then without another word, he make a quick exit, taking Kensi with him.

“Oh my god, Deeks, what was that?” Kensi gasped, caught between horror and amusement.

“That is called payback. She’s the one who was trying to set me up with someone for this thing.” He shook his head. “Don’t worry. Sabatino’s fine. And believe me, if she really wants too, she’ll have no problem getting rid of him. Talia has no qualms about hurting people’s feelings.”

“I’m more worried about what she’d going to do once she tracks you down.”

“Eh, I’m not too worried. You’ll protect me, right?” Deeks asked with the very definition of a cheeky smile.

“That all depends?”

“On what?”

“If you can get me one of those cheesecakes.”

***

Kensi and Deeks left the party around 10, after he made another round with his clients, and boss. As Deeks had predicted, his friend and Talia had hit off. Kensi saw them dancing at one point and, though the lights had been turned low at this point, headed for one of the private balconies. So, no self-defense on Deeks’ behalf had been necessary.

Which was a good thing since Kensi’s feet were aching and she was ever so slightly tipsy.

When they reached her apartment, Deeks walked her up to the door, offering a firm arm as she managed the uneven walkway in the dark.

“I had fun tonight,” Kensi said, leaning against the railing framing the right side of the stairs.

“Good. Thanks for being my shield. You saved me from a lot of uncomfortable conversations,” Deeks told her.

His hair had grown a little more unruly over the evening, his tie loosened at the neck. In a way, Kensi thought she liked it even more than when he was fully put together.

“You sure now how to compliment a lady, Deeks.”

“You know that’s not what I meant.”

He dipped his head so a stray curl fell into his eyes, and without thinking, Kensi reached up and brushed it back. Her mind caught up with her actions as she swept her fingers down his cheek. She noticed his skin was soft beneath his beard, which was slightly shorter than normal. Ignoring the voice telling her to stop touching him, she slid her hand into his hair.

Deeks looked up, eyes searching her face, dropping to her mouth. Kensi hesitated, and then she moved towards him as he leaned closer, their lips meeting. He made a soft noise, deepening the kiss, and Kensi pulled him closer. Deeks spun her around, nearly lifting her off the ground, an into the door.

Kensi gasped, grasping the back of his head to get even closer. It felt as though someone had set fire to the attraction that had been simmering between them for weeks. His lips were firm, yet tender against hers, the warmth of his hands seeping through the material of her dress at her back and hip.

She slid her hands down Deeks’ neck, over the surface of his chest, and beneath his suit jacket. Deeks whispered something unintelligible in between one kiss and the next, his hands finally drifting lower.

A loud buzzing made Kensi jerk backward, her head hitting the door as she broke their kiss.

Deeks was breathing unevenly, expression slightly dumbfounded. He patted his suit pockets until he found his cell and pulled it out.

“Caleb’s babysitter has a family emergency,” he sighed, resting his forehead against Kensi’s. “I have to go. I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s ok. I understand,” Kensi assured him, trying to control her racing pulse. It didn’t help that Deeks was still so close. Seeming to come to the same conclusion, he leaned back, quickly straightening his clothes, and running his hand through his hair.

“You know, this isn’t what I—”

“Deeks, don’t even think of apologizing.” He stopped speaking immediately at her firm tone. She tugged him forward by his tie, pressing a light kiss that sharply contrasted with their desperation just moments ago. “I enjoyed every second of tonight. Especially the last five.”

He grinned, softly this time, gently brushing his thumb over her cheek.

“Me too.” He kissed her a last time, pushing off the door. “I’ll call you.”

“You better,” she called after him. Kensi let herself in, immediately kicking off her heels, and resting her against the closed door once more. Then she smiled, feeling lighter and happier than she had felt in a very long time.

[unforth]

May Trope Mayhem Fill Day 1: Friends to Lovers

Fandom: Tian Guan Ci Fu/Heaven Official’s Blessing

Ship: Xie Lian/Hua Cheng

Rating: Gen

Tags: modern au, tooth-rotting fluff, 520 day, florist Xie Lian

Word count: 2,492

Cross-posted to AO3

@duckprintspress​

The bell over the door rang and Xie Lian turned from the bouquet he was arranging, forcing his expression into a tired smile as he prepared to greet yet another customer. 520 was an auspicious day for love, and a great day for Xie Lian’s shop, but it was exhausting. His smile widened and became more genuine, though, when he saw his customer: Hua Cheng, one of the few regulars that Xie Lian knew well enough to consider a friend. 

Not that they’d ever met any place outside of “Buds to Blooms.”

Not that they’d ever spent much time together.

Not that they talked about anything other than flowers, at least not most of the time.

Not that they had really any relationship at all, no matter how much Xie Lian might want one.

Hua Cheng looked especially dapper for the holiday, tall, slim form clothed in black slacks, a red button up shirt, and a black suit jacket. Silver jewelry adorned his neck, an intricate filigree in the shape of butterfly nestled between the open buttons of the top of his shirt. His fingers were beringed, one looped with a red string that seemed oddly familiar, and sparkling chains were threaded through his long hair. Tiny chimes sounded every time he moved his head. As if his attire wasn’t enough to demonstrate that he had a date for the evening, his eye patch, usually plain, today was decorated with a red felt heart that Xie Lian suspected had been sewn on by hand.

He was gorgeous.

(read more!)

Something unpleasantly like jealousy curdled in Xie Lian’s stomach. If only he were the one that Hua Cheng got dressed up for...if only he were the one Hua Cheng wanted...if only--

“Xie Lian?” Hua Cheng asked.

Blinking, Xie Lian flushed. He’d been staring, a white rose stem still clutched in one hand, his trimmers in the other. With a shake of his head, he shoved the blossom into the arrangement he’d been working on, set the clippers down, and wiped his hands on his apron as he stepped out from behind the counter. 

“Good evening, Hua Cheng,” he said brightly. Being jealous of the man, woman, or genderqueer individual privileged to spend the evening with Hua Cheng was absurd. “You’ve got perfect timing, I was just about to close up for the night.” Xie Lian was under no delusions of what his actual relationship with Hua Cheng was - customer and businessman, with a splash of friendship. “Indeed...I’d probably be closed already, except I wanted to get a head start on tomorrow.”

“I know,” said Hua Cheng with a toothy grin. “I got tired of waiting.” Confused, Xie Lian tilted his head to one side. Stopping in the middle of the open store floor, Hua Cheng turned a slow circle, eye searching the decimated shelves and coolers. “Wow, you musta been busy.” Xie Lian usually prided himself on the profusion and variety of flowers he kept in stock, but closing time on the busiest day of the year saw him nearly cleaned out. 

“I’m exhausted,” Xie Lian confessed. With any normal customer, he’d never have admitted it - always have to be bright and perky and indefatigable for the clientele! - but Hua Cheng wasn’t a normal customer. “But 520 day alone pays my rent for most of the year, so it’s worth it.”

“I’m sure it is,” Hua Cheng murmured. “And I’m sure you need a break, so…” A decisive nod set of a cascade of beautiful music as Hua Cheng strode to one of the coolers and pulled it open. A few bedraggled bouquets and a single bucket full of stalks of cape jasmine were all that remained within. Every year, Xie Lian stocked up on the cape jasmine, tiny white blossoms nestled in profusion amidst evergreen leaves, and every year hardly anyone bought any. Xie Lian didn’t care. They were his favorite flower, and a small indulgence, and when no one bought them, he got to take them home and put them on his dining room table and imagine impossible things while he ate dinner for one on the most romantic night of the year.

Except apparently not this year, because Hua Cheng ignored the arrangements and grabbed the entire plastic vase of jasmine.

“How much for all of these?” Hua Cheng asked, hefting the container and letting the cooler door slide shut behind him.

Could he be any more perfect?

“Oh...uh…” Catching his lip between his teeth, Xie Lian looked at the flowers, looked at Hua Cheng, looked at the darkness outside his shop window, and sighed. “...just take them. You’re a loyal customer, and it’s not like I was going to sell them to anyone else tonight. They’ll be past selling by tomorrow, so…”

“No,” replied Hua Cheng firmly. Xie Lian frowned, confusion intensifying. “Name a price.”

“But--”

“Look. There’s this person. I’ve tried everything I can think of to let them know how I feel, and nothing has worked. And I have a suspicion or three about why they won’t listen, so tonight is the night. They’re worth it, and I need them to know they’re worth it, and so I’m paying, and then I’m taking these flowers to them, and then - unless I’m devastatingly wrong about their opinion of me - we’re spending the evening together, and I’m getting them dinner, and maybe giving them a foot massage. So. Tell me how much I owe you, Xie Lian.”

No, seriously - could he be any more perfect?

Yes, he could...if I was the person he was doing all those nice things for.

Xie Lian heaved a sigh. “250 yuan,” he said. Hua Cheng lifted a suspicious eyebrow. Yeah, Xie Lian might have low-balled that number a little...a lot… “...okay, more like 400.”

“Perfect,” Hua Cheng announced. Setting the container down at his feet, he reached into a pocket, withdrew a billfold, and deliberately counted out 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 100 renminbi bills.

“Hua Ch--”

“Zip it,” Hua Cheng said, setting the money down on the counter just behind Xie Lian. Because Xie Lian was still just standing there. With his hands at his sides. Staring. And feeling sorry for himself. “I’m taking the container too.”

“That still doesn’t cost--”

Oh, but he was so tired.

“This person is worth it.”

Xie Lian struggled to keep his exhale from leaving as a forlorn sigh; it whispered from him, leaving his shoulders slumped, his mind fogged, and his chest hollow. “Alright. Have a nice night, Hua Cheng.”

“I will.” There was an inexplicable intensity to Hua Cheng’s voice, but Xie Lian didn’t want to try to understand. What he already knew hurt enough, and he knew he was being absurd. Dwelling on it would only intensify his sadness. Hua Cheng lifted the bucket of jasmine again, hugged it close with apparent indifference to the damage it might do to his expensive suit, and walked to the door. “I’ll see you soon, okay?”

“Yeah, of course,” said Xie Lian, his voice empty, his heart empty, his store empty, his life...he shook his head and followed Hua Cheng to the door. Given Hua Cheng’s burdens, Xie Lian hustled and stepped before him, opening the door so he could leave without even more difficulty. “Thanks as always for your business.”

“My business…” Hua Cheng echoed. “Is that what this is?”

Xie Lian had no idea what Hua Cheng meant.

Xie Lian refused to think about what Hua Cheng meant, as Hua Cheng stepped out of the store, and Xie Lian closed and locked the door behind him, and Xie Lian turned and stared at his barren shelves, cast in deep shadow in the low evening light.

Tomorrow, he’d be up bright and early to receive his shipments, make the day’s deliveries, run the business, do all the work of owning a florist shop himself.

Tomorrow, he’d be collected, and calm, and professional.

Today…

A single teardrop made a wet, cool line down his cheek.

...today, he was being ridiculous.

Shaking off his melancholy, Xie Lian set about shutting down. There were cases to refill, vases to wash, coolers to clean. There was work to do, so much work to do, and he lost himself in the rhythm of it, in the simple joy it brought him. Minutes passed, the evening stretching later. Outside, he could hear as celebrators walked by. There was so much joy and jollity in their voices, and brought him a sense of pride to reflect and think - he helped make the day better for many people. His flowers brought happiness to dozens, hundreds, of people.

It was enough.

His flowers brought happiness to Hua Cheng.

It was almost enough.

It was--

A knock-knock-knock startled Xie Lian as he carefully swept bits of leaf and petal into his palm after wiping the cooler interior. Tumbling to his bottom, scattering flower bits over his lap, he sat there blinking. It was probably just some doomed boyfriend or husband realizing they’d forgotten to buy their love a gift. It was probably...but he glanced toward the exterior door, and there was no one there.

Knock, knock, knock.

Uncertain, Xie Lian rose and walked toward the back of the store. The knocking grew louder the closer he drew to the receiving door, and finally, baffled, Xie Lian went to it and peered through the peekhole.

Hua Cheng stood outside, smile suave, arms embracing the container of cape jasmine branches.

Xie Lian hesitantly unlocked the door and pulled it open. “Apologies, was there something wrong with…?”

“Oh, never,” replied Hua Cheng brightly. “I just got tired of waiting. Again.”

“I don’t…um...?”

“I told you, I have someone very important I want to see tonight, and they deserve to know how much I value them.”

Hearing it again stung. Did Hua Cheng really have to rub in how special this person was to him? What did any of it have to do with Xie Lian? Why was Hua Cheng here, instead of with them? None of it made any sense, and Xie Lian didn’t want to think about it, except how could he not think, and wonder, and mourn, with Hua Cheng standing in front of him once more?

“I’m sorry...I don’t…”

Hua Cheng rolled his eye. “Unfortunately, he’s not always the most observant individual, but I forgive him for that. To tell you the truth,” Hua Cheng whispered, leaning forward conspiratorially, “I’d forgive him anything.”

Wait.

Was Hua Cheng implying…

Don’t think about it.

“Huh?” asked Xie Lian.

...but it almost sounds like...

With a hearty, gorgeous laugh that set flower bucket water sloshing to the ground, Hua Cheng threw his head back. “They’re for you, Xie Lian,” he managed between gales. “They’re your favorite, right?” 

Oh.

Oh...oh, wow.

No...it couldn’t be.

“Huh?!”

Setting the container of flowers down beside the door, Hua Cheng withdrew one stalk, length heavily bowed with tiny white blossoms, and held it out for Xie Lian to take. Too tired, too bemused, too drunk on nascent hope to decline, Xie Lian took it. 

“I couldn’t exactly ask you out while you were on the clock,” Hua Cheng explained. “For a long time, I thought I’d been so clear about my interest, and that surely you’d pick up on it and, if you were interested, respond in kind. But even though you flirted back, you never, ever did, and I started to wonder...I was pretty depressed about it for a while there…”

“...you stopped coming for a few months…” murmured Xie Lian.

“Yup, exactly - then. But I couldn’t stay away, and when I returned you were so happy to see me, and I couldn’t believe I’d misread your mutual interest so completely. And then it occurred to me...what if it wasn’t your interest I’d misread, but...you?”

“Me?”

“You’re so quiet.” Hua Cheng’s voice was fond, his expression gentle, and he reached out with a hand to cup Xie Lian’s chin. “You’re so kind.” The red string tied around Hua Cheng’s finger brushed Xie Lian’s cheek. “You’re so self-effacing.” The feel of it was familiar, and Xie Lian finally recognized it - it was one of his strings, from the store, the ones he used to tie bouquets. “You would never presume that I’d be more interested in you than in the flowers you sold.” Hua Cheng was wearing it like jewelry. “Not that I don’t love flowers - I do, truly.” That was so… “Almost as much as I love you.”

...so…

...wait, what?

“Hua Cheng,” Xie Lian breathed, heart in his throat, tears in his eyes. 

“Will you go out with me tonight, A-Lian?” asked Hua Cheng, deep and rich and gloriously sincere.

Xie Lian opened his mouth, closed it, opened it, closed it, blinked away tears, and then smiled. “I guess it depends,” he said with a grin.

It was gratifying to see Hua Cheng look a fraction as confused as Xie Lian had felt most of the evening. “On what?”

“...did you mean what you said earlier?”

“Every word.”

“Even the part about the foot massage?”

“Especially the part about the foot massage!” said Hua Cheng. “When was the last time you sat down?”

“I don’t even remember,” Xie Lian admitted. “It’s been a long day.”

“I know, A-Lian.” Sliding a hand down Xie Lian’s neck, along his shoulder, and down his arm, Hua Cheng took Xie Lian’s hand in his own, clasped both their fingers around the jasmine stem, raised it to his lips, and gave it a gentle kiss. Jasmine petals rained down between them like spring rain. “So I hope you’ll forgive me for making it even longer.”

“Oh, Hua Cheng…” Joy bursting through his heart, Xie Lian allowed Hua Cheng to gently tug him out the back and pull the door closed behind them. “...A-Cheng…” The soothing scent of jasmine flowers filled the alley. “I’d forgive you anything.”

“Anything, anything?”

“Anything, anything,” Xie Lian confirmed. “Though--”

“Knew there’d be a catch.”

“--I’d appreciate if I could go home and change before dinner?”

“...that’s fair. Should I wait for you here?” asked Hua Cheng with a gesture to the narrow, dirty alley.

“Why don’t you walk me back?” Xie Lian suggested.

“Not nervous about inviting a strange man back to your place?” Hua Cheng teased.

“I think only a strange man would want to come back to my place…”

“As I suspected - you sell yourself far too short.”

“Then aren’t I lucky to have you to tell me your worth?” 

I do have you, right? You really think…

“You are,” Hua Cheng replied, unhesitating and firm. “And I will.”

...you really do.

“Wow.”

I was right.

“You’re worth everything to me, A-Lian.”

He really is so perfect...

“And you, to me.”

...we’re really perfect.

And, hand-in-hand, in a cloud of cape jasmine blossoms and a choir of chimes, they walked toward Xie Lian’s apartment.

Together.

[dearhummingbird]

too easily influenced! I’ve been doing alot of reading and now I want to buy a bajillion books — my Bookshop cart was at $400+! — I feel guilty only because I’ve got so many on my shelves that I’ve not touched! ughh. I don’t know to amend my bookbuying habits other than by staving myself off from bookbuying completely, which is what I’ve done the past year or so. I know I’d feel a lot better if I donated what I didn’t want to thrift stores I just haven’t prioritised it but now it feels real, it feels serious. also it feels like I’m in that place again where I only read books to learn or gain something, or to find a certain kind of answer that will comfort me; nothing necessarily wrong but, I’m older now, you know? I want things to be different, expansive, more so than before. I probably don’t make sense to you and sound pedantic but I understand what I’m talking what. anyway not trying to be dramatic and never want to create or recreate a space of shame when it comes to books anymore, so here’s a list of things I’d love to buy:

Miriam Toews’ Women Talking

Robert Alter’s The Art of Biblical Narrative

Shahida Bari’s Dressed: A Philosophy of Clothes

James Wood’s How Fiction Works

Paisley Rekdal’s Appropriate: A Provocation

Herman Melville’s Moby Dick

these are kinda up there; Miriam Toew’s because she seems funny and manages humour without detracting from the weight of what she’s talking about, i also love the premise of her books; Alter because of Jennifer from Insert Literary Pun Here, she mentions how Alter consolidates what everyone assumes to be narrative contradictions in the Bible to be instead narrative strategies, and that’s something I’m really really interested in because every time there’s a contradiction of some sort I, small-mindedly, doubt the writer and their capabilities, instead of giving them some kind of chance or thinking hey maybe this was an intellectual choice. I’ve realised this and that makes me wonder why I’m such a skeptic reader, why am I this distrustful? so easily put off, so quick to judge.. anyway I think the Bibles very interesting too so I really want it; I want Dressed because I’m starting to sew and I just want to read about fashion through a literary lens, and this looks like it; I want to read Wood because I don’t want to immediately invest in Serious Noticing; I want Appropriate because of @dorothea-rising who has very clearly had a lot of influence on this list! Moby Dick too and because I want to read Gilead, not that I need the former to read the latter but I kind of want to. 

if you really really want my full list I’m going to put it here(also because I want to!!) 

George Saunder’s A Swim in A Pond in the Rain

Craft in the Real World by Matthew Salesses

Luster by Raven Leilani(people either loved this or thought it was meh so I wanna see how I feel about it!)

Savage Conversations by Leanne Howe(because of Claire Reads! <3)

A Brightness Long Ago by Guy Gavriel Kay

Ametora: How Japan Saved American Style by W. David Marx

Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters(because of that interview about something like how straight people are increasingly seeing the world through a trans lens)

Changing My Mind by Zadie Smith

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer(duh!)

Lynn Nottage’s Intimate Apparel

All of It Singing by Linda Gregg

The Great Fires by Jack Gilbert 

Lauren Berlant’s Cruel Optimism

Infinitely Full of Hope: Fatherhood and the Future in an Age of Crisis and Disaster by Tom Whyman

Advice for Future Corpses (and Those Who Love Them): A Practical Perspective on Death and Dying by Sallie Tisdale

The Alleluia Files by Sharon Shinn(which I think is out of print which makes me very! upset! I put off buying this one for so long and now I got hunt it down and it’s my fault)

Sleeveless: Fashion, Image, Media, New York 2011-2019 by Natasha Stagg

The Art of Repair by Molly Martin

Notes From An Apocalypse by Mark O’Connell(because of Rosianna Halse Rojas + Parul Sehgal!!)

as you can see I’m kinda lusting for criticism + fashion, and btw I won Ocean Vuong’s On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous in a book giveaway(that came with a shampoo that’s locally and sustainably made! <3) which I don’t regret choosing because I’ve wanted it for months but Detransition, Baby was another option of three that I could’ve gotten! see, every book I have is influenced by one person or another and I always question whether I have any kind of readerly instinct because I always just read based on people’s recommendations.. it’s perfectly harmless but idk! Do you do the same?

currently from the library I’ve got The Essex Serpent, Uprooted, Rules for Visiting, The Gatekeeper by Nuraliah Norasid, When A Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare, Love Medicine, Homeland by Barbara Kingsolver + A Cheater’s Guide to Love. 

[thegame-r-boy]

A New World Awaits: A Short Review Of The Commercial Success, Called PlayStation Virtual Reality (or PSVR)

As many as you know, Virtual Reality (or VR in short) had it’s hayday in the middle of the 90’s of the previous century. It was tried out by many companies, but it failed very miserable - I’m talking about you, Virtual Boy! It gave you serious headaches and nausea when you were using your VR for a longer time. Hence, therefore came the saying “Don’t play too long or you will strain your eyes!” Yeah, right ...

It took us almost more than two decades to wait before companies tried it for a second time with VR. Occulus, Microsoft and Sony. These three companies are the first that come to my mind when I’m talking about something that is not real. The Sony PS VR came out in 2016 and was sold for about 400 $. It wasn’t cheap for the time, nor it is today, in 2021, but in the store where I got mine (it’s the same store I’ve got my Nintendo Switch in 2017!) it was selled for roughly 300 €. That’s almost as much as my PS4 Pro costed me in 2020. I’m going to tell you how I got this device and review it for you, so you get a feeling of if it’s worth it or not.

So on Saturday, the 24th of April 2021, my and my GF @aquamoon33 went from here living place in southern part of Slovenia to our capital, Ljubljana or specifacally the industrial zone, near BTC. First, we went to IKEA, were there was a lot of things to see, and then we went further to the Big Bang store.

We first got our eyes on the new PlayStation 5. It looked absolutely massive! But unfortunately, we had no clue on how to use this kind of device. We were playing the new Astro Robot game on it, and after almost 10 minutes found out, that you have use your motion skills to actually move your character! Can you believe it?! I felt so ashamed, almost like a boomer or such. But after that, we went further to the PS4 stand, where there was a VR machine on it.

My gf was brave enough to use it first. There was a game, called Drive Club VR and the game was quite fast. You have to make fast turns from left to right. Before there was a huge right turn, she did not only used here hands, BUT also her body, which would’ve meant she would have to fall directly down, on the floor - if it wasn’t for me, who stood directly by her side, so I could block her fall before she even touched the ground.

She looks like a movie prop from a music spot, where Daft Punk is playing xD

After she was finished, I’ve put the glasses on. And OH MY GOD - WHAT A RELIEF! First, I was a bit “woody” while playing Drive Club VR, but after a while, when I got the hang of it, I was quite good. Indeed good! Okay, I wasn’t first, but still, I felt WIDELY awake from that moment on. In contrast to my girlfriend @aquamoon33 , I had no headaches, nausea or other akward feelings. Keep in mind that a night before our trip, I had a hard time falling asleep, just because the matress had a big hole in it (her brother, who was quite fat for thath time period, made it’s tool I guess). Because of that sensation, I was immidiately so impressed, that I just had to buy it! I know, It was an impulse buy, which doesn’t happen often in my life, but still, it was definetely worth it!

Fast forward to two/three days later, and I’m telling you, how this system looks like. I’ve bought it in separated cash, costed me almost as much as my PS4 Pro, but still, every cent was definitely worth it. When I got home at the end of the weekend, I wanted to connect it to my PS4 Pro and TV. And that was the time I wasn’t thinking so much about. There are exactly 12 cables around my devices. That’s is A LOT! But on the other hand you have to understand that this device was made in 2016, when cables were something more common than by todays standards. Here’s what I got:

The whole package

Picture taken from top (it was from a dusty warehouse, therefor don’t mind the scuffs and dust)

What the headset looked like

And how it looked like from the front.

This is how I managed to stick that little device for the VR set onto my PS4 Pro. Great, isn’t it?

And this is the bill I had to make - luckily I’ve bought it in times of Spring Sale - in order to get the 6 games for this device (Superhot VR, Gran Turismo VR, Dirt Rally VR, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, Tetris Effect and Job Simulator). I’ve also got a PlayStation VR Worlds digital bundle included, but apart from the game London Heist, there is really nothing special to it. That’s how less of a price I’ve paid:

This is all I had to pay. Quite cheap, ain’t it?

The first game I started on my PS4 Pro was Farpoint, which I got for free on a Playstation Now subscription service and - OH MY GOD, IT BLEW ME AWAY!! It didn’t take that long, but after about 5 minutes while I was playing, my hands started to sweat. Really sweat! Now I know exactly how @aquamoon33 must’ve felt when she’s nervous while gaming. The graphics are really impressive. And the planet you are onto is just gorgeous!

In fact, I got a bit carried away - and inspectively ANALysed too much! xD

But when it came to combat, there was no time for having fun! In fact, I shrieked a bit when the first “headcrab” got onto me! :S

And then I’ve played some London Heist and had some fun with my brothers, who are not gay or they just don’t like my cigarrette! xD

I’ve also played with some Dirt Rally VR, which is BY MY FAVOURITE GAME OF THIS YEAR SO FAR!

Here is a glimpse of my second, more serious playthrough:

Overall, I’m quite happy with the PS VR that I’ve bought. Nevertheless, the PS4 (Pro’s) aren’t current gen anymore, so to find peripherals that’s aren’t as common as they were in the time when this system was current gen (this is the PS5 by now). I was literally over-the-roof- excited to try this thing out. And my expectations were met. Some, at least. Okay, the graphics aren’s as sharp as they are with the Occulus Rift, there are quite a bit of cables laying around, the headset could be tirring at time. But the fact that you feel like you are directly in the game, the quite reasonable price and the ammount of fun you get by playing a huge selection of games you have on offer (they’re still making games for this system, today!) are worth IMO.

Virtual Reality is a good thing to get to know better. It’s a gateway of finding your true inner feelings and conceptions. And for a long time, I’m just really greatful to be a part of it.

9.0 / 10

The Good:

- Reasonable price

- A huge selection of games to play

- Some exclusives (Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, Astro Bot, etc.)

- If you are like me and don’t feel any nausea, headaches, etc.

- A new way of playing your favourite games

- A good device to expand and forfill your driving skills

The Bad:

- Quite a lot (twelve, to be exactly!) of cables laying around your PS4 (Pro)

- Isn’t that cheap as it could be

- Not so great graphics

- Get’s kind of sweaty after some playing time

[gordvendomewhore]

BULLY OC MEME [HOLLIS FRENCH]

yo yo yo i meant to post this literal months ago but. yeah i didn’t AKNZKAKS

so i have two bully ocs, chris kato and hollis french! they’re girlfriends!!! they’re actually from my original story but i transferred them on over to bully for fun lmao

have fun reading!! and feel free to ask any questions about hollis if there are any lmao

[INFO]

Name: Hollis French

Gender: Female

Pronouns: She/Her

Sexuality: Lesbian

Clique: Preps

Personality: Persuasive, stubborn, two-faced, analytical.

Weapon/fighting style of choice:

- Hollis will avoid fighting if possible, since she isn’t strong enough to win against anyone outside of the Nerds and Non-Cliques.

- She’ll usually just sic Chris on anyone who bothers her.

- Her fighting dialogue mainly revolves around taunts, warnings to back off, and hints that she’s actually, well, scared.

- In a fight, Hollis prefers to use a wooden paddle.

[DIALOGUE]

Greetings:

- James, it’s lovely seeing you.

- Hello!

- Hopkins! Care to spare a minute of your day to talk?

Saying Goodbye:

- I’d love to talk longer, but my girlfriend is waiting for me. Toodles!

- I must bid you adieu, Hopkins.

- My presence is needed at the Harrington House, but hopefully we can talk at a later time?

Chasing:

- Don’t try to escape me, Hopkins!

- I don’t have time for games of cat and mouse!

- I thought you would be brave enough to face me!

Out of Breath:

- I’ll...have you whimpering...like a suckling puppy...once I catch you!

- ..Oh, heavens, this is what sweat is?

- I’ll just...ask Christine to hunt him down later...

Walking around talking to themselves:

- I wonder when Daddy will import me more paint.

- Men are disgusting, but Christine’s boyish charm is incredibly endearing....

- One day, Bullworth will have an entire museum dedicated to my work.

- [Under her breath] She’s lucky I can pay for all her pyromaniac madness.

- Perhaps staying in an airtight room with pernicious oil paints for several hours isn’t such a good idea...

- Another day of being absolutely gorgeous.

- Van Gogh wishes he could have my talent.

Conversing:

- Daddy says that I’m set to take over the company, and I’m not even the eldest child!

- Derby doesn’t seem at all interested in Pinky, don’t you think?

- I feel bad for Hopkins; Getting himself involved with that Garfield kid was a dreadful mistake on his behalf.

- Anyone willing to model for my next piece? [Response if someone agrees] No, no...not you.

- That Hopkins seems to be stirring up quite the ruckus.

- Does your girlfriend win you meretricious, polyester carnival prizes? [Silence] Hmph, I thought so.

- Do my glasses make me look like a nerd? God knows I don’t want be be associated with those scum.

Conversation Response:

- Disgusting.

- Okay? And what do you expect me to do about it?

- Mm, yes, that does sound delightful.

- God, no, never.

- Of course!

- How dreadful.

Complaining:

- I wish Christine would stop smoking. My pretty pink lungs could do without the second hand smoke.

- Derby‘s just fussy because I’m a natural blond and he has to rely on the bottle!

- What was Aquaberry thinking with a collection dedicated to polka dots of all things?!

- The paints Daddy got me were worth $300 by the tube instead of $400!

- Where’s Christine? I need attention!

- This wretched place is draining me of my talent.

Unknown/Cut Dialogue:

- It’s bad for my complexion to be around people so...poor. [Shudders]

- My life is going to be reduced to nothing but day drinking and a cubicle desk! I’ll be nothing but a younger, cuter Galloway! [Sobbing]

- Retribution has never been so sweet.

- My little firebug!

Starting fight with Cliques:

[Bullies]

- Step away, you lowlife!

- If you allowed me to break your nose, it’d open up the wonderful opportunity for a little work to be done!

- Don’t you have better things to do?

- Is this some perverted fantasy of yours?

- Pervert!

[Greasers]

- Aw, you’re just upset that my socks cost more than your shack.

- I hope you have health insurance!

- You bitch, did you just get your grease on my Aquaberry?!

- Touch me and that’s a lawsuit!

- Did that grease in your hair finally leak into your brain?

[Nerds]

- It’s adorable how absolutely unfair this fight is!

- I’ll make sure to donate some money for your hospital bills.

- Are you even trying?

- I’ll pay you to break your own leg.

- Aren’t there books on how to fight properly?

[Jocks]

- D-Don’t you think it’s a bit immoral to hit a girl?

- Lay a single finger on me, and my girlfriend will break all ten!

- ..Please avoid the face.

- If you break my limbs, could you at least avoid my left arm?

- [Nervous laughter] Oh, no...

[Townies]

- Keep your hands off me, trailer trash!

- Go back to the dumpster you belong to!

- You filthy bitch!

- Just take my Aquaberry; You’ve already contaminated it.

- Aw, do you need directions to the animal shelter? I hate to see malnourished strays moping around the streets.

Requesting an errand:

- You’ll do me a favor, won’t you, Hopkins?

- James! Mind running a quick errand? And don’t even try humoring me by pretending to decline my offer.

- Ah, Hopkins, what a pleasant day to help your favorite girl in need.

Friendly Comments:

- I see you’ve finally learned how to dress yourself, James.

- Ah, Hopkins, you look worthy of my respect today!

- You look amazing! Derby would be jealous.

- Ooh, you seem richer today, James! Did you rob a bank?

Unfriendly Comments:

- Your daddy forget to wear a condom?

- Your mommy forget her birth control?

- I’ll be happy to provide you a map of directions to the local orphanage.

- Just looking at you is lowering my IQ.

[EXTRA]

Demanding flowers:

- A pretty girl deserves pretty things, doesn’t she?

- My love isn’t a charity, James.

- There comes a time where you realize that my love, like all things in life, is not free.

- I’ll tell you a little secret: You can buy love!

After receiving flowers:

- Aw, my girlfriend doesn’t usually take interest in cutesy things, but she’ll love these!

- Oh...Hopkins, you shouldn’t have. No, really, you shouldn’t have.

- You need more practice with your floral arrangements.

- Thank you, James, the Harrington House was in desperate need for a pop of color.

Before kissing:

(No matter what, Jimmy can’t actually kiss Hollis)

- My heart belongs to another, James.

- O-Oh, Jimmy, you’re so...handsome! Yeah, no, I can’t even fake it.

- What do you take me for, some measly escort?

- Don’t you think I’m a bit, well, out of your price range?

@video-space the second half of my lesbians.....4 you.

[shannygoatgruff]

Grown & SeXY - Chapter 2

Header made by the talented @flowers-in-your-hayr​

For @youbloodymadgenius​​ for your 400 Followers Writing Challenge.  Congrats on your success!

Genre:  Romance/Comedy

Pairing:  Modern Ivar x Mature OC

Warning: Language/mild angst/Sexual content

Rating: M

Summary: A relationship between Generations X & Y will help this XX & XY learn a lot about themselves, each other, and love.  Cougar/cub relationships aren’t always just about a midlife crisis and arm candy.

A/N:  I got the concept for this story from a conversation I was having with @youbloodymadgenius​​.  I hope I do it justice.  This story is for you!

Chapter 2

Biiiiiitch!  Where have you been?  I’ve been IMing you but you been ducking me like I’m the IRS. Shit, I’m surprised we talking now - you mad at me or something?  Did somebody tell you that they heard some shit about you from me?  Because they were fucking lying. I wouldn’t do that. You know I don’t like all that gossip shit and I'm not one to put all people's business out on Front Street, like that.

So, girl, I need to holler at you about something right quick. What the hell is up with the non-disclosure agreement I sent you? Cause I damn sure didn’t get a signed copy back in my mailbox. Now, maybe I’m the slow bitch in the class, but it seems to me that there are a few more people in on our private meeting than just us, like we had previously discussed. 

Now, I’m not saying that you said something, but I know I sure as hell didn’t. So, if I was over here keeping my sexy ass mouth shut  (cause that how a bitch do) and you haven't said shit either, then who the fuck else is talking? You know, I bet it was probably those same bitches that were running around saying that they heard that I was talking shit about you. I tell you, people today ain't about shit. Well, fuck them.

Just so you know, I didn't call you to try to check you or anything. I called to try to catch you up on this grown and sexy shit cause bitch you are hella behind. Okay...I told you about how Marisol was at the club and met this fine ass little young boy at the bar, who turned out to be her high school BFF’s little brother, right? Did I tell you about how Marisol’s son and King Ding-A-Ling hate each other or how they met up at a party at his daddy’s house? Shit bitch, what do you know? I feel like I’m starting this shit all over at the beginning, again! Seriously hooker, keep up because before I can get into this shit, I have to set the scene. 

So, you need all the dirt on Ivar’s family so moving forward you know what the fuck I’m talking about when I just start dropping shit on you like Pearl Harbor.  Believe me, hon-ty when I tell you, these motherfuckers got some Telenovela, Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal type shit with them. 

Alright now, let me start with his parents. You ever see a really attractive man and you figure, his daddy must have been cute when he was younger? Well, that’s Ivar’s daddy, Mr. Ragnar Lothbrok – or as I like to call him, Dick Daddy Yo.  

Now, child, Dick Daddy is fine as a motherfucker. And, I’m not talking regular run-of-the-mill attractive for a man in his late 50s – early 60s, who was probably knocking down everything back in the day, type of fine, either. No Queen - I’m talking, this motherfucker could get it TODAY, immediately, right now, if he asked for it. Shit, bitch, quiet as kept, he wouldn’t even have to ask. All he would have to do is set those baby blue eyes in my direction, and I would hand him the drawers.

So, back in the day, when they still lived in Norway, Dick Daddy married this total dime piece named Lagertha. When I tell you she was a bad bitch, I mean she was a Bad Bitch!  Shit, she still bad to this day thirty-some years later.  She was built, blond and beautiful, plus that bitch could box. I don’t know what kind of thug shit they taught her over there in the old country where they came from, but this broad was like Ronda Rousey out there in those Kattegat streets.  

Anyhoo, when Lagertha and Ragnar got married, she found out that Ragnar had that Super D and she knew she wasn't going to be able to keep all that good dick to herself because he liked to sling it all over town. So she told him to go do his dirt, but he better brings his fine ass home to her every night. Of course, he was all like, cool, he could have a dime piece at home and get cutty on the side…alright, bet!  

Well, honey, next thing you know, he gets hooked up with this fatal attraction type, funny looking broad named, Aslaug. Girl, Aslaug gets dickmatized and follows Ragnar around like a puppy, and the next thing you know he had to figure out how to bring a whole ass side-chick home to his dime piece wife. He must of came back with some shit like, “Baby, you know that girl Aslaug can cook and she’ll do that thing that you don’t like to do…you know cause she a freak…so really, it’s a win-win for us both.”  

So, I figure dude’s dick must have been dipped in platinum, because Lagertha was like, “Whatever, Dick Daddy,” cause the next thing you know all three of them are living together and these two bitches were sister-wives.  

Chile! But, here’s where the shit gets juicy!  Ooh, girl! The whole time Ragnar was out there in them streets, Lagertha’s sexy ass was knocking over his brother, Rollo, and word around the campfire is, one of them kids ain’t really Ragnar’s…biiiiiitttttttch! I can't make this shit up!

So anyway, by the time all those damn babies came all 50/11 of them moved here to that big blue house at the end of Greenwich, you know the one with the big ass fence front and the nice pool? The one that the young people always have all the parties at...yeah, that one well, that’s where they still live.  

Now onto the kids. Honey, Ragnar has five maybe six kids that he’s claiming. I'm sure it's more out there, but I'm telling you about the ones I know about. First, you got the two he has with Lagertha; that’s Bjorn, and Gyda (that’s if don’t think Bjorn is Rollo’s son).  But what the hell, I’ll take “Let’s Pretend That Bjorn Is Ragnar’s Kid” for $200, Alex…  

So, Bjorn is the oldest of all of the kids. And what can I say about BJ?  BJ is fucking…girl, he’s just fucking. He’s fucking any and everything. That man. Jesus jumped up.  He’s about 6’3”, 250lbs, muscular, blond, these piercing blue eyes. This smile…strong jawline. He has these hands, right? These hands that you know could just grip you right up under your ass cheeks and hold you up against a wall, and these arms…gurl, make me want to faint like a white woman! Hmm.  

BJ reminds me of Ragnar. Hell, all those kids remind me of him in some way, but Bjorn oozes sex like Ragnar. I don’t know what it is, but watch your uterus around him. If you stand too close to BJ, your pussy is liable to jump in his back pocket and you won’t even notice that it’s gone.  

BJ has a shit-ton of kids though and has been married like 150 times. I don’t know what it is, but he finds these blonde women, fucks them, marries them, has 20 babies with, and then gets divorced. He’s a shitty husband, but I bet you he’s a fire ass lay. 

Then there’s Gyda, we call her Da-Da. She’s just beautiful. Whew. She got those looks from both of her parents.  It is honestly painful to look at her. She’s the charming side of Ragnar. The side that’ll have you naked and buying her ass a house and a car before the waiter finishes taking your order on the first date.  It’s a good thing she’s a nice person because if she was an evil bitch, there’s no telling what she would be up to. She’s another tall one, with blonde hair and blue eyes. But, she’s built like her mother. This bitch looks like she needs to be holding a fundraiser where she’s wearing clear heels, in a strip club, called Twerking For Jesus or some shit.

Now, if those two gorgeous kids weren’t enough to make everyone else in the world jealous of how good the D and the seed were from Ragnar, he had to go and spread it around some more with that weird bitch, Aslaug. They have four boys; Ubbe, Hvitserk, Sigurd, and Ivar. I don’t know how those boys ended up being so fine because Aslaug’s ass is not what I would call attractive. But, they got Ragnar’s genes and miracles never cease to amaze me.  

All, but one, of them can get it any day.    

Let’s start with Ubbe. It’s a long story, I don’t remember the particulars, but he’s known around the way as, Weebae. I can’t remember if it’s because he was small when as a baby, or because he used to cry all the damn time.  But, whatever the case, if you hear a motherfucker asking for Weebae, they talking about Ubbe. Anyway, Wee is Ragnar’s twin. That child looks like Ragnar just spit him out on the street, only I don’t know where in the fuck he got his personality, cause Ragnar ain’t that fucking nice and Aslaug is a fucking cunt.  

Have you ever met somebody that’s so damn nice, that they seem like a bitch ass?  Like they are just softer than a motherfucker? Somebody that constantly lets people run over the top of him all the damn time and you just want to be like, yo you’s a giant whore! Well, that’s Wee. If he wasn’t so damn sexy, I would be like you soft, brah…get your punk ass away from me. But seeing as how fine he is, I’m like…bring your sensitive ass over here and let me make it all better, with your sexy self. Cause, you know, Mama loves the sensitive ones.

Who’s next? Oh, yeah, the next one is Hvitserk. I know it’s a fucked up name, but no one calls him that. They call him Boobie. Why do you ask? Because Boobie loves titties. I swear that boy was trying to get everybody to breastfeed him since he was born. The bigger a woman's boobs, the more Boobie is into her. But he's such a freaking cutie pie! He doesn’t look like Ragnar to me, but he reminds me of him in that way where as long as he can fuck and eat, he doesn’t give a fuck about much else. He’s the type that never has the same job or girlfriend for too long. He just goes with the flow and stays around until he gets bored.  

Now Boobie favors Ragnar but not as much as some of the other kids.  He’s got this cute baby face, with this sandy blonde hair and these pretty green eyes, like Aslaug.  When you see him, you just want to pinch his cheeks on his face and his ass.  And because he seems like such a little lost puppy, you just want to take him home, and take care of him…maybe tie him up to your bed and ride his ass like he’s Budweiser Clysdale in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, too.     

Then there’s Sigurd…oh, Siggy. I call him, Brother Useless. He got all of Aslaug’s genes. It must be hard to look like Sigurd when you are born into that family. To be below average looking when you have extraordinarily attractive siblings, how does one go one with life?  By being a giant dick, that’s how.  Siggy fucking sucks donkey balls. He irks my fucking life. Siggy and I have history, outside of this little tale, and believe me he’s a dick in those stories, too.  

Anyway, he looks just like his mama with facial hair.  It’s really quite unfortunate. He reminds me of one of those Muppets off of the Dark Crystal. When I first found out that he was one of Ragnar’s sons, my first response was, I know you fucking lying! They should have just thrown the whole damn child away. See, Ragnar, that’s what happens when you go slumming with a funny looking chick…you get a funny looking kid with a fucked up personality.  God don't like ugly...

But He redeemed your good name with Lil' Man. Oh, my sweet Ivar.  This boy looks nothing like either of his parents but is the total embodiment of his father. Ivar is sexy. No, let me rephrase that for the bitches in the back...I said, IVAR IS SEXY. Bitch, I don’t know if there is even a word to describe the level of attractiveness this little bastard has. I don’t know if it’s that life-altering smile, or the dark hair and pale blue eyes. Shit, it could be that intense stare he has or those arms…or it could be that chest or maybe it’s that ass that you just want to bite and those lips that make you just want to sit on his face. Whatever it is about him, that boy makes you tingle in the most unladylike of places.  

Now, when Ivar was born, something was wrong with him and he needed an operation. He was fine afterward, but Aslaug’s dramatical ass was acting like he was on his damn death bed and treated him like he was Samuel L. Jackson in Unbreakable. So, naturally, he grew up spoiled as shit. So now, this child don’t know how to do shit. He thinks everybody supposed to hand him everything, just because he’s cute.  

Honey, short of my number and panties, he gonna have to work for everything else like everybody else.  But see, you can’t tell fine, muscular, spoiled ass, motherfuckers, with beautiful eyes, killer smiles, nice hair, and that smell good all the fucking time that they’re not special. Oh, no, because they will try to prove you wrong. At least he finished college and doesn’t have any kids. But if his ass would get a job…Sorry, I’m skipping ahead.  

Okay, so you have the background on the family.  Now check out how this shit went down...

Being in the Lothbrok house brought back a ton of memories for Soli. She had spent a good part of her adolescence there with her best friend, Gyda.  The two of them had countless sleepovers, movie marathons, and of course their love of all the teenage heartthrobs of the 80s and 90s. Teen Bop, Tiger Beat, and 17 Magazines fed their obsessions for Kirk Cameron, Corey Haim, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, and Mario Lopez. I was always a Joey Lawerence girl myself, but that’s neither here nor there.

That was until that one time the two of them got into this huge fight over who was going to marry Justin Timberlake. But then Bjorn told them that he thought Ryan Philippe was the same person and the girls realized that they did look a lot alike. So, Soli took JT and Gyda took Ryan, and they all lived happily ever after.  

As she accepted the glass of champagne from the tray, Soli looked around the hallway leading out to the patio. It was amazing how different the house looked now. Since the remodel nothing was where she had remembered. The living room used to be to the left of the hallway, and there had been a large formal dining room to the right. They also used to have a huge kitchen right behind the dining room and then the family room sat just behind there, with the entrance to the back yard. It was always a good-sized house, but the way it was cut up, with these weird doorways and walls in the most awkward of places, it always felt cramped, especially with so many people living there.  

But this? The open concept floor plan, no walls to obstruct the view...spacious, huge windows, lots of sunlight...it was gorgeous! Lothbrok Designs, LLC did one hell of a job. Everything from the floor plan to the decor was beautiful. Maybe Soli could get them to hook her up discount and do some work around her house.

“Hey there! I thought I saw you,” Gyda smiled walking over to Marisol with her arms out. “Oh Sonni, you look so good! I still can’t get over how you haven’t aged a bit. And girl, that body!”  

Soli spun around in a circle to give her friend the full view. Even she had to admit, the off the shoulder, floral printed, Boho, maxi-dress looked damn good on her. Especially the way the soft pink color played with the beautiful warm tones in her toffee-colored skin. And honey, she was rocking this split that came all the up the front of the dress to the bodice, that would have been showing all of the church's business if it wasn't for that little white chiffon underdress thing. Honey...forty where? She was a banger and she knew it. “Well, you know forty is new twenty. I didn’t get to do my twenties right because I had Mani, but now I'm single and I'm ready to mingle! And you, Diva…”

“Well, thanks. You know...I get it from my Mama." Gyda did a little shimmy and laughed. "Thank you so much for coming. It’s so good to have you back in town. I know my parents are excited to see you again.” She looked around the room and waved at a guest who was walking by, “Everyone was excited that you said you were coming.”  

Everyone? Why did Gyda say it like that? Soli was excited to catch up with the family, too, but damn. Soli knew that little cutie Ivar was going to be there, but that was nothing. A little innocent eye flirting at the bar a couple of weeks ago didn't mean anything. She hadn't seen or thought of that boy since. And she wasn't thinking about him today...well, not that much, anyway.

“Da-Da,” A gorgeous older blond man came up to Gyda and placed a soft kiss on the side of her head, before turning his attention to Soli. “No, you can’t be…Marisol Peña? The young lady I saw as much as my daughter growing up?” Ragnar walked over to Soli and wrapped her in a warm hug.

Soli chuckled and shook her head when she felt his hands linger at her waist a second longer than they should have. “Oh, Mr. Lothbrok,” Soli she patted him lightly on the chest taking a half step back to take in that beautiful smile, “Oh, it’s been too long. You still look good.” She smiled, feeling his hands slowly move down her side to now rest on her hips.

“And you still are as beautiful as ever,” he said leaning in toward her to talk to her. He had always had this strange way articulating certain words and sometimes he would get uncomfortably close when he would talk to people. Gyda used to get embarrassed because her father would get all up on her friends when he spoke to them, but Marisol always thought it was kind of sexy the way he would breathe on her when he talked.  

She felt herself being hypnotized momentarily by all that sexy, but she quickly regained her senses. “Mr. Lothbrok,” she tutted keeping a careful eye on him as he slowly walked around her in a circle with a sly grin on his face, “I see you're still as smooth as ever.” 

It was fluid the way Ragnar brushed his face next to Soli’s ear to whisper in his sexy accent, making the tendrils of hair tickle her neck, “Ragnar.”  

"Ragnar," she giggled. He was still a DILF, even after all these years.

“Ragnar?”  A feminine voice called causing everyone to turn toward a tall strawberry-blonde in flowing green empire dress standing at the patio door, “Come, lunch is ready and we will have cake.” For as tall and thin as she was the dress did nothing for her. A hottie like Lagertha could have pulled it off, but not her. Although, the navy blue and dark green embroidery did accentuate the red in her hair and her green eyes.    

Soli’s eyes widened as she turned to Gyda, devastated. “Is that Aslaug?” she whispered.  As they all began walking through the house toward the backyard she found herself laughing at the expression on Gyda's face. “Bitch, shut up.” Oh, they had so much to catch up on. 

Judging by how good Aslaug looked, she had had some work done. She was still funny looking, but she looked a whole hell of a lot better than she did when Soli knew her.  

Time seemed to fly by for Soli as she sat in backyard eating, laughing, and drinking with her childhood friend. She had forgotten how much she missed Gyda. But being with her and the family, it felt like they never missed a beat.  She even sat at the table reserved for Ragnar's kids and had no problem catching up with each one of them. Oh, the gossip she found out about sitting there.

For example, Weebae was married to BJ's ex-wife, Torvi, who left BJ with four children and is now having a baby with Bae. And you know the crazy thing is all of them are still talking like nothing ever happened? Or how about this, apparently something happened between Siggy and Ivar - no one is talking about what it is yet, but the two of them don't talk. They can be sitting at the same table and won't utter two words to each other. And did you know that none of the brothers knew why Soli and Gyda fell out all those years ago? I know, but that ain’t my place to say, so done tucked that one way down deep in my bra, honey. All I know is I could write a whole other story about this damn family’s shenanigans alone!  

“Man, I wish I could remember that!” Siggy laughed throwing his napkin on his plate.  “I would have loved to see the look on Bae’s face!” He gently nudged his brother’s arm as he continued to make fun of him.  

Ubbe shook his head and lowered his eyes as the stain of blush colored his cheeks, “I can’t believe that was you,” he said to Soli, “I remember running through the house naked, but I never remembered why.”  

Soli smiled around her glass of wine, trying her best to ignore the incredibly attractive younger man sitting next to her. "I remember why. I remember that little birthmark on your ass, too."

Gyda laughed putting the last of her spoonful of cake in her mouth. “Oooh, Beege, do you remember that time we were playing Van Damme and you ended up in the emergency room?” 

Bjorn rolled his eyes and tried to cover his brow with his hand, “Of course I remember!  How could I forget?” He started rubbing his inner thigh at the memory.  He looked around the table at all of his brothers’ faces who were rapted with excitement, smiles already plastered on their faces, dying to hear the story.  “So, I might have been about 13, Da-Da and Soli might have been around 11 or so. Anyway, we used to always watch Daddy's Jean-Claude Van Damme movies. I was obsessed - he was a total bad-ass to me. We had no business watching them because they were rated R and too violent for us to be watching, but we didn't care. And after the movies, we always would play Van Damme and act out our own scenes but do all the karate moves we just saw.”

“But, he always thought he automatically got to be Van Damme because he was a boy, and he always tried to make me the stupid female sidekick. I wanted to be the badass female Van Damme, ya know?" Soli said rolling her eyes.

“Wait, where was Da-Da?”  Ubbe asked.

“I always wanted to be the bad guy,” Gyda shrugged, “What? It was fun.”  

"Yeah, we used to whip her ass, "Soli laughed, “So, this one day BJ and I got in this big argument about who should get to be Van Damme in our reenactment. Of course, he thought he should be because he’s a boy, and I said that I should be because I could do the split. You remember the splits he used to do, right?” She looked around the table and watched everyone nod.

That is, all except one, “No…he’s the guy with that show on HULU now, right?” Ivar asked, turning in his chair so that his outstretch leg brushed Soli’s shin under the table. “He used to do action movies?”

Rolling her eyes at the absurdity of the question, Soli reached into her small clutch bag and pulled out her phone. “I keep forgetting you’re a child. Of course, you don’t know anything about Jean-Claude Van Damme.  When were you born, like 6 months ago?” She quickly found a picture of the Van Damme split online and handed her phone to Ivar. 

“So, in the movie Double Impact, he did the split when he had his legs on these chairs and his pelvis was suspended between them…I knew I could do it. I had been taking gymnastics since I was six. But BJ, thought because he was a boy he was naturally superior.”

“Oh God, Beege…what happened?” Hvitserk asked popping open another beer.

“The chairs moved, man.” Bjorn said sadly, “Daddy had to take me to the hospital.  My nuts twisted; sprained my dick.” He tried to hold back his laugh but listening to how funny his brothers found his childhood misfortune made Bjorn laugh, too. “Never played Van Damme again.”

“And you never bet against me again, that’s for sure.” Soli felt Ivar’s hand brush against the side of hers and when she turned to face him he was handing back her phone. She noticed that when he leaned over toward her that the first two buttons of his classic white button-down shirt were undone, exposing his thick neck, and collarbone to her. Would it be rude if she tried to get a peek down his shirt? She didn't think so. What was rude was him smelling like a clean ocean breeze or wearing that damn white shirt against his tanned skin. 

Ivar put the phone in her open palm and closed his hand around hers. The hint of a smile started with one corner of his mouth and as his tongue darted out of his mouth and started worrying the bottom corner of the lip. 

“So, um…you can do that split, huh?” There it was. That come sit on my face smile. She had to watch out for this little bastard.

“Yep and  I can do it on a handstand,” she whispered back, and winked at him, pursing her lips to keep herself from smiling. God, this kid was so damn cute, but she shouldn't be flirting with him, even if it was who she was by nature. He was too young. It was too wrong. He was too sexy. She hadn’t had sex in a very long time.  This was tricky. She knew the family.  He had muscles. “Close your mouth there, Baby Ivey.” She patted his shoulder feeling the striations under her fingertips. That was another thing, she had to stop touching him!

“Hey Mom,” Soli’s son, Mani walked over to the table she was sitting at wearing a nice pair of jeans and a white t-shirt. She had made him promise to drop by for a minute, just to say hi to some of her childhood friends before he went to a party of his own. The things he did for that woman.  

“There’s my Baby Boy!” Soli said, standing up. “Mani, I want you to meet my second family when I was growing up. This was my best friend, Gyda, and her brothers Bjorn, Ubbe, Hvitserk, Sigurd, and Ivar.” She gestured her hand to each person as she said their names. “Everyone, this is my son, Miguel.”  

Ivar smiled and stood up, offering his hand to shake, “I remember you from school. Cartoon Boy, right?”

Mani’s posture stiffened and his warm brown eyes hardened almost instantly, “I don’t remember Jock Strap.” Mani had hated Ivar since they were in high school. Even as a teenager he thought Ivar Raganarsson was a dick. He was an entitled asshole who thought the world owed him something. He had walked around that school like he was the shit and because Mani was younger, smaller and didn’t play sports, Ivar just fucking sucked toward him. He never bullied him, but he always acted like Mani was beneath him.  

Well, fuck Ivar and his big ass beaver teeth smile…got on his fucking nerves. Mani turned his attention to the rest of the table. “It was nice to meet all of you, but I have another engagement. I just stopped by to drop something off to my mom.” 

“Excuse me,” Soli said getting up from the table. She was ready to punch Mani in the throat. She had specifically told him that when he came to the house not to say anything insulting to Ivar. And if she had to listen to one more minute of how much Mani hated Ivar she was going to scream. Since she told him about that first time seeing him at the bar all she had heard was how much of an asshole Ivar had been in high school and how he stole the lead in the school play Mani’s sophomore year. Did she care? Not at all. Mani was 22 years old now and he was still holding a grudge about something that happened when he was 15.  

She walked back into the house with her son following him to the front door. The fake she was forcing was hurting her face. “What the fuck was that, Mani?”

“You see him with that Fuck Boy Ricky hairstyle? I swear Mom, he’s a total Dickbag.” Mani rolled his eyes and crossed his arms, “And you're friends with his people? That's a whole new level of douchery, even for you, Mom.”  

“Oh my, God…I’m not. Not right now.” She got on her tiptoes to kiss her son on the cheek. “Have fun tonight. I love you.”

“I’m telling you, watch that fucktard.”

"Get out," Soli pushed her son out of the door and sighed. This was reason number 4,037 why she never dated. Mani hated and had something to say about everyone. Not saying that she wanted to date Ivar or anything, but just saying that Mani had a problem with every male that she was even friendly with. It was hopeless. Her ex-husband was going to be the last man she’d ever have sex with.  Oh, the humanity of it all...

Soli walked back to the family table with a fresh glass of wine and sat back with a smile as she watched the siblings pose for their family photos.  The pictures were going to be gorgeous - they were a beautiful family. There were so many photos being taken, too. There were poses of Ragnar, both his wives, all of his children, and grandchildren. Even the photos of the divisions of the families were beautiful. But the most captivating thing to Soli was that Ivar was the photographer.  

He was so patient and genuinely seemed to be having a good time doing it.  He was a natural. He laughed as he directed his family and smiled a huge, smile with every picture he took. He was engaging and extremely creative. Looking at him, she would have never have guessed he had an artistic side to him. When Soli realized that she had a full-blown smile on her face watching Ivar and not the family she shook her head and grabbed her phone for a distraction. 

Taking a sip of wine, she checked her text messages and almost choked. There as only one missed message and it was from a number that she didn't recognize. He must have called himself on her phone to get her number. 

She couldn't stop the big ass smile from spreading across her face as she read:

‘Splits and handstands?  I💓 gymnastics! ~ Baby Ivey’

So, girl, that’s what happened with that. Don’t worry, we are about to get into the good shit, I promise. I'm telling this story honey and bitch I'm building suspense.  

I'll talk to you later girl. And next time, I ping you, answer your girl. Don’t be screening me like I’m that dude at the club that you trying to get rid of.  

Chapter 1

Tags:  @youbloodymadgenius​​ @idea-garden @kol--mikaelson​​ @mooniemouse​​ @didiintheblog​​ @waiting4inspiration​​ @tempt-ress​ @where-beauty-goes-to-die @crazyaboutmotleycrue​​ @oddsnendsfanfics​​ @geekandbooknerd​​ @ivarthebloodyking​​ @honestsycrets​​   @xbellaxcarolinax​​  @zuxiezendler​​ @inforapound​​​  @a-mess-of-fandoms​​

[excusemekpop]

Dream come true - Part 1

Pairing: Song Mingi x reader 

Genre: fluff, crack

Word count: 400 

Summary: This is the first part of our Mingi-series. You were just chilling out, when Jisung, your best friend since High school needed your help desperately, because he just got broken up with. You take him to your comfort-place, but ... oh shit! Did you just splash your drink all over SONG MINGI ? 

It was a rainy Tuesday. You were sitting at home and were listening to some music. Suddenly your favourite song started playing. It was “Wave” by your favourite boyband “Ateez”. Your mood started changing when your bias started singing his part: HAKUNA MATATA YAH. However, you were cut off guard, when your door bell started ringing. Wondering who it could be, you opened the door… but there was nobody. “Hmmm weird…” You stepped outside to look around when you saw someone running down the stairs. It was your neighbour and best friend Han Jisung. “Hey Jisung! Stop running you idiot!” “Okay, okay”, he stopped right in front of the main door. “So what’s going on? Why are you running away like that? Did you pull another prank on Minho or something?”. I’m sorry Y/N ”, you could see  a tear running down his face, “ Minho broke up with me and I didn’t know what to do so I just ran away. I guess I will just stay at Chan’s place… “. “Hey you are my best friend, you can stay at my place! C’mon, let’s get something to eat and you tell me what exactly happened.”.

One hour later you were sitting in your favourite café, an empty hot chocolate in one hand, Jisungs Hand in the other. “Jisung I’m just gonna get us another hot chocolate, wait a sec.”, you said as you made your way to get more hot chocolate. On your way back you bumped into another customer. “ Omg I’m so sorry! Let me just clean everything. I can also buy you another cup of coffee, if you want… I’m so sorry.” You were trying to clean up the spilled drink, kneeing before whoever was sitting in the chair before you. Suddenly someone patted your shoulder and you got up to apologize again, as you looked up, you saw the most gorgeous eyes, you’ve ever seen in your whole life. No fricking way... Your eyes widened as they met with no other than Song Mingi. “ You don’t have to buy me a new one, it’s okay, everybody makes mistakes.”, He said with the most beautiful smile ever… he was looking just as pretty as in every music video. Slightly messy hair, sparkling eyes, smile as beautiful as ever, offering one hand for you to take. “Are you okay?”. Shit you stared at him way to long… “Yeah, yeah, fine ehm. I’m fine!”. His smile became even wider;” So what’s your name?”

xoxo

[bytheangell]

Let the Clichés Pour

(Read on AO3)  (Based off of This Tweet that everyone kept sending to me because I used to waitress at an Olive Garden, so of course I had to turn it into an entire fic)) -------------- “I was going to break up with you anyway, I guess you just sped up the process.”

God, Camille was a bitch. Her words replay in his head over and over as he drives, looking for the first place he can find that’ll serve alcohol. He’ll take a corner store just as quickly as a five-star restaurant at this point, but he absolutely needs a drink. He should’ve known better, should’ve seen it coming the way all of his friends did, warning him constantly that Camille was no good, that she didn’t love him the way he loved her. Magnus suspected that to an extent, but he didn’t think she didn’t care for him at all.

She said she was working late, that they’d celebrate another day over the weekend. Magnus - because he loved her, and what a goddamn fool he was for that - took the day off to go to her apartment while she was at work and cook her a full three-course meal from scratch to have waiting for her when she got back. As a surprise.

The surprise was his when he heard her key turn in the lock and she tumbled in through the doorway with another guy attached to her lips. And her hips. And her--

No, he is entirely too sober to relive that moment. As if on cue he spots the sign for an Olive Garden and pulls off the road towards it. He doesn’t want to be alone and he doesn’t want to tell Cat and Ragnor just yet; they have a night out of their own planned and he doesn’t want to ruin it. He knows they’ll want to know and that there’s no way they’d let him deal with this on his own which is exactly why he decides to wait until tomorrow to break the news. Just because his Valentine’s Day is ruined doesn’t mean everyone else’s has to be, too.

The restaurant is packed. Magnus doesn’t know why he’s so surprised by the number of people who wait cramped in the too-small lobby since the weather outside is far too cold to wait anywhere else. Thankfully the host with the glasses who looks two seconds away from having a breakdown finishes his by-the-book greeting by adding that the seats at the bar are first-come, first-serve.

There’s a single chair open at the end of the bar and Magnus takes it, praying no one he knows will be here to see him. He’s given a polite but short “be right with you” from the bartender that, judging by the length of the paper lined with drink orders coming out of the printer next to her, maybe a bit longer than she’d lead him to believe.

“I’m in no rush,” he assures her. He’s eager to get alcohol in himself but, honestly, the sad truth of the matter is that he has nowhere else to be. He just needs to kill enough time where he isn’t alone, and he doesn’t foresee himself bursting into tears at an Olive Garden bar over the woman who broke his heart so he thinks he’s safe here. Safer than he’d be drowning himself in wine and ice cream alone in his apartment if nothing else.

“Why are there so many people on the wait?” The exasperated voice of a waiter floats over to him, the words directed at the female bartender who only laughs and shakes her head.

“It’s like this every year, Alec. I don’t know why you keep acting surprised,” she points out.

“The surprise is that people aren’t even trying to up their standards from a $9.99 unlimited soup and salad deal for a romantic night out. If one more person tries to get 4 samples of wine out of me to avoid buying a glass I swear to God-”

“Deep breaths, Lightwood. Take your samples, bat your eyelashes, and do what you do best.”

The waiter - Alec - rolls his eyes, and Magnus is left with the distinct impression this cannot possibly be what he does best. The bartender makes a few more drinks before she sighs at the orders still remaining and decides they’ll just have to wait, turning back to Magnus to take his order.

“Sorry about the wait,” she says, and he’s surprised to see she actually does seem apologetic despite clearly being swamped. “I’m Maia, what can I get for you?”

“Whiskey, neat. Make it a double. Best you got.” Because fuck it, he has about $400 worth of jewelry to return the next day so why not splurge a little on overpriced drinks.

“Waiting for someone?” The bartender asks him, and then immediately regrets the question when Magnus opens and closes his mouth wordlessly, frowning. He realizes that he’s been operating in such a daze since he left Camille’s apartment, ordering his heartbreak drink on instinct, that now that it sits in front of him the reality of it all crashes down on him.

“No, but I’m afraid that’s for the best.” He’s quick to recover with a smile, albeit a sad smile. If this were another setting on another day he might actually be the cliche who spills his guts out to the bartender. Instead it’s Valentine’s Day in a busy chain restaurant and the poor girl in front of him doesn’t have time to play therapist. “Thanks,” he adds, taking a very long sip of the drink.

She takes the easy out and turns back to the couple next to Magnus, leaving and coming back with an appetizer for them to share. There’s another bartender on the other end of the bar, Magnus observes as he continues to make quick work of his whiskey, a blonde male who’s doing more winking and theatrical bottle flipping than actual drink making, not that his patrons seem to mind. At least not the women; Magnus imagines he might be making an enemy or two out of the dates they’re there with.

It is a nice distraction, Magnus thinks, being surrounded by people, even if most of those people are couples. The best distraction of all, however, is the frustrated waiter when he’s right back at the side station where the servers go to pick up their drinks from the bar. Magnus has a clear view of him from where he sits and for the first time allows his eyes to dwell on a tattoo barely covered by the collar of his shirt, the scar in his eyebrow, and the way his hazel eyes widen in surprise as he laughs at something the girl next to him says.

“Seriously? A second proposal?” Alec says, shaking his head. “I refuse to believe anyone would want to propose here. There are a million better places! Like literally any other restaurant, for starters.”

“You’re just bitter because you’re still single,” Maia offers.

“No, I just have standards,” Alec counters. “For all the training we get here, nothing could’ve prepared me for the number of guys who think it’s completely acceptable to propose to their girlfriends in Olive Garden on Valentine’s Day.”

Magnus should be offended for probably being roped in with the ‘people without standards’ for spending his own Valentine’s Day here, technically speaking, but that isn’t the part that sticks with him. Alec’s single, Magnus notes - that’s his takeaway. Not that there’s even a hint of the waiter not being straight... and not that Magnus is going to ask out the first attractive person he sees, especially not on Valentine’s Day.

At least not with just one drink in his system.

Magnus gets Maia to refill his whiskey once more with things slowing down just enough that Maia swings back around with a basket of bread despite the fact that he told her he wasn’t hungry. “You’ll thank me later,” she says, eyeing the whiskey pointedly. “The bread is fresh, and I threw in a dipping sauce on the house. Just don’t tell my manager.” She gives him a wink and he wonders how sad he must look for her to be throwing bread and alfredo sauce at him for free.

Magnus finishes the whiskey and, instead of leaving, decides to switch to something a little lighter. It’s with a large glass of sangria that’s more fruit juice than wine, he’s sure, that Alec is back by the bar.

“They’re sitting on the same side of the booth, Maia,” Alec grumbles. “They spent ten minutes making out instead of eating and then complained the food was cold. I swear to God I’m going to commit a felony before the night is over.”

“Tell me before you do!” the blonde bartender chimes in, coming up behind Maia. “I’ll record it and put it on the internet so we can go viral!”

“Thanks for the support, Jace,” Alec says and rolls his eyes again.

Maia turns around, spots Magnus staring, and winces apologetically. “He’s not really going to commit a felony,” she says a bit nervously.

Magnus only laughs. “I wouldn’t blame him if he did. There’s a special place in hell for couples who sit on the same side of a booth.” He intentionally speaks just loud enough for Alec to hear him, and makes eye contact when Alec looks over in his direction to see who said it. Magnus winks at Alec who flushes and turns quickly to leave… too quickly, it would seem, as he runs directly into another server.

Magnus cringes at the sight of spilling drinks followed by the sound of breaking glass, watching a nearby busser spring into action to clean up the mess almost immediately.

“Shit,” Alec curses, looking back over at Magnus with a mixture of shock and mortification before shifting to look apologetically at Maia instead. “Can you-”

“Already remaking them,” she reassures him. “Go clean up, they’ll be done when you get back.”

Alec vanishes from sight and Magnus wishes desperately that he could do the same. Instead, he drenches some bread in alfredo sauce and works on sobering himself up enough to leave before he can do any more damage.

--------------

Alec is drenched. The only plus side is that the black shirts they wear hide the stains of wine and margarita, but no matter how much he wrings it out into the sink the wet fabric clings to him now and he’s pretty sure he’s starting to get drunk off the smell of the alcohol on him.

“What the hell was that?” Jace’s voice sounds behind him.

“An accident, Jace. People make them. You should know, you make plenty.” Alec glares, hoping his tone is enough to convey that this conversation is absolutely over. As if the night hasn’t been stressful enough before he made an absolute fool out of himself in front of the gorgeous guy at the bar-

“I’ve never seen you drop so much as a single fork, let alone an entire tray of drinks,” Jace insists. “What’s wrong?”

And I’ve never seen someone as gorgeous as that guy at the bar, Alec thinks to himself, and feels the hint of a blush creep onto his cheeks remembering the fact that the very same man saw the entire disaster that Alec just became.

Jace peers closer at him. “Are you blushing?”

Alec pushes past him without a response and goes back out to the bar, praying that Maia has his drinks ready so he can take them and leave as quickly as possible. With any luck, the guy at the bar will be gone.

Of course, luck obviously isn’t in Alec’s favor tonight. Maia still has two drinks to finish and the guy at the bar is definitely still there. Alec looks everywhere but at him while he waits, praying the dim ‘mood lighting’ of the restaurant can keep his embarrassment mostly hidden.

Jace goes back behind the bar, eyes glued curiously on Alec, and it doesn’t take him long to realize exactly where Alec is very pointedly avoiding. Jace smirks and Alec feels the panic flare up in his chest, giving him a warning glare and shaking his head, silently pleading with Jace to not do anything with the dots he just connected.

Still waiting on one last drink Alec is forced to watch in silent horror as Jace leans over to Maia and whispers in her ear. Maia looks up at him in surprise at first but then smirks.

“I will tip you out an extra 10% tonight if the two of you mind your own business,” Alec begs.

“I’m offended,” Maia says as she places the last remake on his tray. “When have I ever done anything that wasn’t entirely in your best interest?”

“15%?” He counters, ignoring her question.

“Save that money and buy the poor heartbroken guy at the bar a drink,” Maia suggests quietly dropping her voice low enough that the guy at the bar won’t overhear.

“He’s- why is he heartbroken?” Alec asks immediately, feeling conflicted over the idea. Who cares if he’s single if he’s also way out of Alec’s league?

“I’ll find out,” Maia says, and before Alec can stop her and say he doesn’t actually care enough for her to pry she’s already too far away for him to get her attention without also drawing attention to himself.

Busying himself as much as he can with every other possible thing he has to do, Alec saves his next round of drinks for last. The guy is still there, talking to Maia, and Alec has never been more concerned over a conversation he isn’t part of in his entire life.

“Maia?” he calls from the side station, and both she and the guy at the bar look over at him. His eyes are gorgeous, lined with black and tinted with shadow, and--

--and Alec’s staring. Shit.

Thankfully Maia makes her way over to hand him the two beers he needs, giving him something else to focus on.

“His name is Magnus,” she whispers. “And some coldhearted bitch broke up with him today.”

An ex-girlfriend. Not a total rule out, but not exactly helpful, and- no. No, he’s definitely not considering trying to make a move on a guy who just got dumped. That has to go against, like, every rule in the book.

“Stop. Just… it’s not going to happen. Let the poor guy sulk in peace.” And without another word Alec turns and heads back to his section.

--------------

Magnus ends up ordering an appetizer and another drink. He doesn’t know why… or maybe he does. He didn’t intend on comforting himself with a surprisingly nice conversation with Maia and shameless eye candy in the form of a waiter, but it seems to be helping, so he decides to linger a little longer despite the fact that Alec refuses to look him in the eyes.

Until he does. Magnus doesn’t have to worry about embarrassing himself with staring because now it’s Alec’s turn to be caught surveying Magnus... until Alec realizes what he’s doing and goes back to complete avoidance. Magnus sighs and takes another sip of his drink.

When Maia turns back to Magnus she catches him watching Alec walk away and levels him with a knowing gaze.

“Can I help you?” Magnus asks her when she doesn’t turn away, only continues to watch him in silent consideration.

“Not me,” she says cryptically. “But perhaps there’s someone else…”

“I’m afraid I don’t know what you could possibly be referring to,” Magnus insists, because like hell he’s about to get thrown out of an Olive Garden, borderline drunk, for harassment.

Maia only hums and goes over to whisper something to the blonde - Jace, Alec had called him - before they both snuck a not-subtle look back at Magnus.

Perhaps he should stop lingering after all.

Except Alec is back a moment later with something new to complain about. It seems innocent enough except for the fact Magnus swears Alec keeps glancing over to see if Magnus is looking, or listening. And though he keeps his gaze very intently on his phone he’s definitely listening.

“Can you believe she had the audacity to say they were in a hurry to make an 8:00 movie and then try to order a well-done steak?” Magnus overhears and glances at the time at the top of his phone screen. It’s 7:12, the restaurant is packed, and though he’s never worked in a restaurant a day in his life even he knows that’s never going to happen.

“I suppose we can’t all be blessed with kind, patient… handsome guests,” Maia says, just loud enough for Magnus to overhear, but he keeps his gaze resolutely on his phone, even as he hears Alec’s frantic whisper of “Maia!” in warning before he’s gone again.

--------------

“Just admit you think he’s hot,” Maia says, cornering Alec by the soups in the kitchen. He’s waiting for a plate of lasagna to come up in the window and really can’t leave to avoid her, not if he wants the lady with the ‘I’d like to speak to your manager’ haircut out of here before she can actually ask to speak to the manager.

“If I do will you drop this? Because yes, Maia, I think he’s hot. And that’s the end of it. He’s going to pay, and leave, and I’m going to be stuck refilling soup for at least another two hours, and then we’re never going to see each other again,” Alec snaps. He’s stressed enough with his tables and embarrassed enough from spilling those drinks everywhere that he can’t even humor the idea of flirting just then.

“Not even if I caught him staring at your ass as you walked away?” Maia offers in a sing-song voice.

Alec nearly chokes on nothing but air. “Did he really- no. No, I see what you’re doing, and it doesn’t matter.”

The lasagna comes up and Alec grabs it with his towel, taking the plate into the dining room with a smile that’s a little less fake at the idea that the guy at the bar might actually be a little bit into him, too.

--------------

Magnus is mid-sip when Alec appears to his right again, frantically waving over Maia. He’s so wrapped up in whatever it is he has going on that, Magnus notices with a hint of disappointment he’ll never admit to, he isn’t even ignoring Magnus on purpose this time, he’s just ignoring him.

“This night is my own personal hell,” Alec says.

“What is it this-” “I need two glasses of champagne for, you guessed it, another proposal. This is the third one tonight and I swear I’d have to offer up a blood sacrifice to get someone through the door tonight with the decency to tip even half of what they should for how entitled they all-” but Alec stops abruptly, looking past Maia to where Magnus sits, listening in eagerly.

He can’t help it. He’s just drawn to the sound of his voice, even if Alec is complaining just a tad too loudly about customers around, well, a customer - even though Magnus is certain he’s the only one paying him any attention. And he plans on tipping Maia very well for humoring him the past hour or so, so at least he knows he isn’t personally included in Alec’s rant.

Still, the moment Alec realizes Magnus heard all of that he falls abruptly silent.

“Anyway. Yeah. Two glasses with that stupid strawberry on it,” Alec mutters, suddenly very interested in the little order pad he holds in his hands. Magnus wonders if there’s a particular reason he seems to hate this job, or this holiday, or both, so much. He wants to ask, to get to know Alec a little better the way he had with Maia, and even Jace while the people lingering around the bar for drinks got tables and dispersed, leaving only Magnus lingering behind.

He wants to ask, but instead, he decides he should cut his losses before he gets shot down twice in one romantic holiday. Magnus isn’t sure he can handle that.

Plus, trying to flirt with someone who has to be nice to your face because they’re at work is just asking for trouble - the last thing he wants is to put the poor guy in a position where he feels like he has to act interested just to keep a customer happy. Magnus may crave some validation in his life right about then but he isn’t quite that desperate.

“I should take the check,” he says, loudly enough that Alec can rest assured Magnus will be on his way soon and no longer hovering about to distract him or eavesdrop on his conversations.

Maia nods, printing one out as she pours the champagne, dropping it in front of Magnus on her way past him to Alec. Alec takes a ring out of his pocket to put in one of the glasses and Magnus, against his better judgment, decides to grant himself one last longing glance before he leaves.

Alec decides to do the same, but even with Alec looking at him Magnus can’t help but let his gaze fall down to the ring in the glass, thinking of the ring he has waiting back in his own apartment, the one he was so sure he’d be using soon. He must look really fucking pathetic over those thoughts because the sudden look of sympathy Alec gives him is too much for Magnus to take. Yes, it’s definitely time for him to leave.

Except the moment he stands to leave he sways on his feet, entirely unaware of just how much he actually drank until he tries to move.

“Woah there,” Maia says, coming out from behind the bar to steady him. “Not to be that person, but, well-” it’s obvious she’s trying to find a nice way to say there’s no way she can legally let him go out to his car like this and Magnus spares her the trouble.

“No need. Sitting back down now,” he confirms, silently cursing himself. So much for getting out of their hair. Without another word Maia turns around to get him a water which he accepts gratefully.

There’s a high-pitched squeal of joy followed shortly by clapping. Magnus can almost picture the forced smile on Alec’s face and the exasperated eye-roll he’d seen countless times the moment his back turns to the happy couple. Then he feels a tap on his shoulder, which takes a moment for Magnus to register because he doesn’t know anyone on this side of town besides Camille, so he isn’t sure who he expects to see when he turns around.

....it certainly isn’t Alec.

--------------

Alec knows he crossed a line. Maybe two or three. Between the constant staring, the fact that he’s positive Maia and Jace have been trying to drop hints at Magnus about him all night or pry information out of him to give to Alec to use somehow, he’s positive there’s no way this ends well for him by the time Victor swings around to check in on how everything is going.

Or, worse, until Magnus takes the survey on those little table tablets and writes all about how his experience was tainted by the rude server who kept shit-talking every customer who came in through the doors. He thinks the guy is probably cool with it from some of his initial reactions but by the end of the night he seems less amused and suddenly Alec isn't so sure he can trust that gut instinct.

He has to fix this before it comes back to bite him - or worse, Maia or Jace - in the ass. Those reviews aren’t just for them, they go to corporate, and he’s seen people lose their jobs over less.

“Hey,” Alec starts, rubbing at the back of his neck. “Listen. I, uh, know you heard some of the stuff I was saying. I just wanted to say sorry. It was unprofessional, and I just- we have those stupid surveys and I’d really appreciate it if you didn’t say anything bad about Maia and the service because of me.”

This is, quite possibly, even more embarrassing than spilling an entire tray of drinks on himself, but he owes it to Maia even if she’s been annoying the entire night.

“I wasn’t even considering it,” Magnus says, and Alec’s shoulders slump in relief. “And don’t worry, I tipped your friend at least twice what my entitlement called for.”

Alec winces at the reference to his previous comment, but to his surprise Magnus is laughing. And, realizing he’s laughing, Magnus stops abruptly and looks twice as surprised as Alec.

“Sorry. I was just teasing. Honestly, I wouldn’t have the patience for a food service gig. If I were you I would’ve gotten fired around the second proposal.” Magnus pauses. “Actually, I was having a pretty shitty day and your running commentary made it a lot better. So thanks for that.”

“You’re, uh, you’re welcome,” Alec manages, because it isn’t at all how he anticipated this going. “Sorry you were having a bad day.”

“Thanks.” Magnus says. Alec knows he isn’t imagining the way Magnus’ eyes linger, the way he looks like he’s just on the brink of saying something else.

Alec wonders if he should say something else, anything else, to keep them talking. His voice sounds almost melodic and ALec never wants him to stop talking.

Unfortunately Simon comes running up to him at that exact moment. “Alec, table 34 is getting a dessert on the house and Victor has it waiting for you to take over. He’s been looking everywhere for you.”

“Better get back to the happy couple,” Magnus says instead of whatever else he may have been about to say a moment before. And just like that the moment’s gone, Magnus turns back around in his seat, and Alec is helpless to do anything other than force himself to walk back to the kitchen.

He drops the dessert off, gets coffee for another table, and tries to go about business as usual… but the entire time his mind keeps drifting back to the guy at the bar. He knows it’s stupid after making sure everything was fine to go back and risk crossing a line with a customer but he can’t help it. Alec turns and heads back out to the bar…

...only to find it empty.

Maia sees the disappointment on his face and shakes her head in disbelief. “Don’t tell me you finally decide to ask for his number after he leaves,” she says.

“No. Of course not. I was just… coming to check on you. And Jace,” Alec lies unconvincingly.

“Uh-huh,” Maia replies, sounding equally unconvinced. “So you wouldn’t be the slightest bit interested in the fact that he left his number on the back of the receipt?” Maia dangles a piece of paper up in the air expectantly, and Alec all but lunges for it. Scrawled above 10 beautiful digits is a note:

‘Hoped your friend might want this. If not, toss it and pretend this never happened for the sake of what little dignity I have left. -Magnus’

Alec beams at Maia. “I owe you!”

“After the tip he left? We’ll call it even.” Maia says with a wink.

Alec wastes no time pulling out his phone and pulling up his text messages.

A: Hey, it’s Alec. Your dignity is still very in tact.

M: Good to know.

A: Would it be too soon to ask if you’re free tomorrow tonight?

Alec hears his name being called but it only vaguely registers as he stares at the three little dots blinking at the bottom of the message in anticipation.

M: Unfortunately, I have a grand tour of ‘I-told-you-so’s tomorrow

Alec’s face falls. Maybe Magnus was just hoping for a booty call tonight, or-

M: But I can tell you all about it over coffee Sunday, if you’re free then?

Alec smiles through the breath of relief he lets out.

A: It’s a date.

[thurisazsalail]

Saving for a Weaving Loom

Since I am shutting down the shop (or rather, putting it on hiatus until Jan 2021) because there’s just... So Much, I don’t want to just stop doing things forever. I’ve wanted a spinning wheel since I first saw Disney’s Sleeping Beauty (yeah, most kids wanted to be a princess; I wanted to live in a small cottage and spin wool because I already lived in the woods so why not.)

And now, 25 years later, I STILL desperately want a weaving loom. It’s only gotten worse. I can crochet some techniques, but I’m not an expert. It just doesn’t hold me. I can embroider some. It’s fine. I do some basic quilting, and I can do plenty of fixes on clothing, altering my pants for work as I’m waiting to clock in and even making an entire dress from scratch, including the pattern, in less than 48 hours despite never having made a dress before for a cosplay convention from random materials my sister and I (mostly I, lol) already owned. I can do all that. I have roving and a drop spindle from @systlin​ which is gorgeous. I am going to try spinning with some of Alex’s fur. Why I didn’t do that a year ago? No idea. There’s SO MUCH of it...

but weaving is what I always come back to. I can listen to podcasts, watch documentaries, and do other things while weaving. 

Small frame looms can only make tiny samples. A foot or so at absolute most. What am I going to do with that much fabric? I can’t even separate the warp like I want to- I tend to use a dowel for it. A ruler makes the lines even and tight. I intend for this to be dense and to shrink a little when it’s done, even- and what will I do with it then? No, I need a real loom.

I’m having problems finding it now, but I once turned a folding cart (the kind with the wheels) into a makeshift loom frame and used a broken curtain rod for a winding bottom for finished fabric, a yardstick for getting lines straight, a comb to pull yarns where I needed them, and a shuttle made of cardboard. Bobbins of warp were also cardboard, and tension was kept by tying them at the top of the cart on the handle bar. Yep. I need a real loom.

But a 16″ loom (relatively small) with some basic accessories and NO stand or extra roller for longer fabrics costs... in the neighbourhood of $400. I’ve been checking sales and secondhand markets and even the secondhand ones have either needed repairs that would come out close to the same, they were difficult for a beginner to use, or with shipping I’m paying $300-350 anyways and still have to buy dents (a type of card-like thing that keeps yarns straight for the warp) and shuttles, etc.  None of this includes the actual yarn, most of which I intend to get secondhand. 

My goal is to break down fabrics from clothes that are too damaged to donate, but in too good of condition to throw away and reuse them for other projects. I will make useful items from these CLEAN, WASHED fabrics that others may enjoy by January 2021, when I can reopen my shop. 

BUT to do that, I need to raise some money for the equipment and starting materials! $0/$500 goal - $400 for loom and accessories, $100 for yarns, marketing, and eco-friendly shipping materials.

Paypal.me/PerthroSupplies

You can see my 5-star feedback on over 4000 sales on Etsy! perthrosupplies.etsy.com

[omg-snakes]

If someone was to purchase a male and female from you - from different clutches of course, would it be ok to breed them? Or not?

Yeah, of course! Unless noted otherwise, all of the snakes that I sell are suitable for breeding, though some are assuredly more suitable than others. In the past I have offered “pet only” snakes that have minor health issues and should not be bred, but none of the babies I hatched this year had any such health issues.

I have a couple of clutches with very similar genes (both Valentine and Ermengarde are Red Factor Strawberry Anery males and both sired clutches this year, ME19 and SV19) that would result in a high likelihood of less-common morphs without risk of inbreeding. In fact, just last week I was able to help a fellow breeder select a really stellar unrelated pair that will make gorgeous babies in 3-4 years.

Of course, it bears repeating that just because a snake is capable of breeding doesn’t necessarily mean they should be bred. Breeding is an expensive, time-consuming, and sometimes heartbreaking endeavor. I’ve had babies that didn’t sell right away and I ended up having to feed and house them for an entire year because I refused to let a wholesaler have them. I can’t really move out of the house I’m renting because it’s next to impossible to find a rental property that’s perfectly fine with dozens of snakes. I drop about $400 every 2-3 months on food for all of these little mouths, and that’s buying in bulk for discount pricing! I’ve had to make difficult decisions about babies that hatched horribly deformed and had no chance for a quality of life. I’ve invested weeks and months into trying to get a stubborn baby to thrive, only to have them give up on me just as they started to show progress. I’ve had to bury a sweet and beloved snake when she became eggbound and I didn’t get her to a vet in time. Nemesis would still be alive today if I hadn’t bred her. 

Make sure that before you jump headlong into breeding that you’ve seriously considered your reasons for wanting to do so and been realistic about your time and resources. I know it’s a bit heavy-handed but it’s really important that folks understand that it’s not all cute-cute pics and happy noodle stories.

[renegade-is-in-my-blood]

Being in the blogging business for around 8 years now I came to learn a lot. Let’s hear from the old bitter blogger about the difference between being an ambassador and being a customer. When you’re investing more than you’re gaining from the collaboration it’s not really a collaboration you’re looking for.

There is a new trend going around social media, especially Instagram. I’ve been getting collaboration offers on a daily basis even pre COVID times but now the amount of pseudo collaborations increased.

Hands down it is an incredible business strategy from the business point of view.

Everyone wants to be an ambassador.

Ambassador became an even more prestigious title than an influencer. Influencer posses some sort of responsibility for their actions whilst ambassador is just being paid for simply being.

Who wouldn’t want that?

Many brands use this knowledge to the fullest and offers these pseudo collaborations.

So what is a pseudo collaboration?

Well, it starts off by being contacted by a brand.

You’ll receive a ctrl+c ctrl+v message from a brand-name-scout. The message contains several cute emojis and addresses you as a gorgeous, pretty, cutie, love, honey, sweety, and if they really want to get you, even by your Instagram name.

It’s usually followed by a bunch of compliments about your fashion style, vibe, Instagram, or whatever. Then there is a lie about following or just generally noticing you for a while without ever seeing your insta story, like any of your posts, or even actually following you.

Now it’s time for an offer beneficial for you.

Usually, it’s free products, a way to earn a commission, or just the sheer option to be able to call yourself an ambassador. Every single brand out there offers a “support” like anyone really knows what’s that supposed to mean. I had several ones even offering me a travel trips, but never elaborated on it after my further questioning.

Now comes the hook with a “do you want to learn more?” question.

If you think I’m exaggeration for the story and I can’t be generalizing all of the collaborations offers into a simple standard form I wish you were right. Here are some of the screenshots of my current Instagram DMs:

You might think: “What’s wrong with that? They’re trying so don’t be mean. Just ignore them.” let me remind you how dumb Instagram algorithm is.

If your account is followed by bots, messaged by bots, liked by bots Instagram assumes you’re one of them or you got hacked by them. Sweet of them for trying to protect you thought, but holy hell did that made everything super complicated for me.

I got several messages from the brand scouts messaging me again because their previous account got deleted.

No shit Sherlock, it’s like you can’t keep creating accounts, following and messaging a bunch of people at once and ask for money anymore.

So now every time my account gets suspicious activity such as too many likes/follows/messages Instagram suspects my account got hacked. Each time they require I change my password and let me tell you I ran out of password ideas months ago.

That’s not the worst part though.

After each time I change my password I’m blocked for 7 days from liking, following, or adding tags to my posts and that sucks. Just to get a better picture of this issue I’m blocked approximately once sometimes twice per month.

The block comes hand in hand with a shadowban that lingers for god knows how long, meaning Instagram is not gonna support you in any way. That’s why I have around 40 likes on a posts with 47K followers most of which are bots anyway.

I loath Instagram app yet I spend hours a day on the hellish site and I’m not only one.

We spend so much time on Instagram anyway so when a chance to earn money form it comes along you’re tempted to take it. Brands know that.

Imagine you’re a small-town girl with around 400 followers on Instagram. You already feel pretty popular right?

Now imagine you get the messages I shared above but you get just one. Someone out there thinks you’re so popular they want you on their team, you are just like the big influencers, you get job offers for being an Instagram star. You’re the next Kardashian.

You can have all of the things they said to you BUT you need to do something for them first. You have to pay for it.

And here is the catch with all of the pseudo collaborations.

What they don’t say to you in their first message is what it’s gonna cost you.

Many offers you free stuff but you need to pay for the one-time shipping. Some brands offer you a unique discount of around 40-60% off so you’ll pay just a part of the price and you can call yourself an ambassador.

I don’t know about you, but I thought that was called the customer. You buy a product, you wear it and occasionally you take photo of it on your social media sites. The new term is an ambassador apparently.

I get why so many people agree to this kind of collaboration. It’s new for you. It makes you feel good and successful in your friend’s and families eyes. And there is that hopefully undertone of making money from it.

Aren’t the brands unprofitable when they give away discounts and free stuff?

In a theory, yes, but there is one thing all of the brands that messaged me had in common except for the audacity.

Overpriced products.

I got messaged by jewelry stores, fashion stores and gym equipment stores most of the time. I took the time and did my research on every one of them.

When a store sold jewelry, they had the same products as the rest of the jewelry stores I got contacted by. A small variety of around 8 products most of them sold out anyway. And let’s not forget the ridiculously high prices. You can’t charge a cheap Chinese necklace you can get on amazon or aliexpress for under a 1$ for 40$.

So even if you’re paying just around 30$ for your ambassador order they are still making a profit on your wannabe Instagramer need cuz they purchased said items for far less.

Well, I’m being a little miss know it all right?

How can I talk about pseudo collaboration like this when it’s all based on assumptions. Well you know me, I’m curious as hell and I actually went through 3 pseudo collaborations myself just to prove a point.

I literally spend money so I can tell you about it right now so here is how my 3 pseudo collaborations went like.

All of the ones I choose were jewelry based pseudo collaborations. With the corona times, post offices are overwhelmed with parcels. I ordered big parcels in recent times and they arrived with around a month delay. I figured smaller jewelry in an envelope form would be quicker to arrive and I was right.

Pseudo collaboration number one VONACHI:

A simple yet luxurious-looking website with very few decent pieces of jewelry, offered me 3 free pieces to take a photo in and promote. I would also get a 60% discount code and every time my code would be used I would receive 30% of the money amount. Incredibly overpriced amount in the first place.

Here is the list of all of the benefits they offered.

The scout that approached me was very eager. They kept insisting I place my order right away. No time to waste.

To make it clear I got a simple code to apply in a check out that subtracted the price and I got the pieces for free. All I had to do was pay a 20$ shipping fee what seems like nothing but for 3 small necklaces, it is way too much.

Another thing that was odd was that I was required to take a screenshot of my order and send it back to scout. I guess to prove I was legit.

After bunch of further compliments and claims how excited they are to be working with me we ended our conversation.

If you think I was being reckless to give my credit card and home address to such a questionable site don’t be.

Honestly, I trust zero people, sometimes I don’t even trust myself. I used a card I have no to very little money on and I got it shipped to a work address.

My parcel from china arrived in around a month and a half. I got one black box with one necklace and the other 2 necklaces were in small plastic bags. I received a note about welcoming me to the program and asking me to contact vonachi’s official Instagram account for setting up my discount code and that’s exactly what I did. The official page responded after longer time period with just a “this is your code” message. I took a photo, tagged vonachi as a business partner, and shared my code. I did my part and I was never contacted by them again.

My 60% code is VONAMBNAT and as you might have guessed no one used it so far.

Or at least no one told me it was used. If someone were to use my code I would be contacted by vonachi and here is the problem. I’m supposed to trust them with their credibility cuz there is no other way for me to check it for myself. This is what it’s missing from the old Time collaborations of mine. I would get a tracking code, an account login, graphs, statistics, and one on one communication with a brand in my previous collaborations. But you know Golden times for influencers are long gone.

Now I’m left to just simply trust them.

Why would they ever confess someone used my code? If a customer gets 60% off and I’m getting 30% from already discounted item there is just a very little left for vonachi. They don’t say anything and get to keep my 30% share.

They didn’t put much effort into tracking system cuz they are not expecting their ambassadors/customers to make any sales anyway.

The products were not that bad. They came in a bit rusty and tangled but I was excepting much worse.

Hell, I was not expecting them to legitimately arrive.

Pseudo collaboration number 2: ENGELSINN

I initiated this pseudo collaboration myself. Engelsinn paid a significant amount of money to Instagram promoted post and that’s where I found out they are looking for ambassadors.

I filled out an application form.

This one felt more legit cuz they actually asked for followers count and all of the communication occurred via email. Automated emails but still it reminded me of good old days.

I was given a 40% discount code to use on my first order. The shipping was free but it still cost me another 20$ to get the product. Since placing my first order I got a 20% discount code “nat7x20” for my followers to get 20% off their engelsinn order.

When my code is redeemed 2 times I get one jewelry of my choice for free.

Do I even need to mention that I didn’t get any email since?

Well, that’s not exactly true I got 2 more emails each with another discount code I could use for 24 hours and buy more of their stuff. But none about redeemed code.

Engelsinn is a german based brand and living so close I got my parcel in around a week. I got myself a rose gold knot bracelet and I feel like a hypocrite but I actually really love this one and wear it every day. I know I wouldn’t get it if it wasn’t for the research but I’m glad I did.

Btw the ad about engelsinn looking for ambassador is still up there and it still says they have only a few places left. It’s been 2 months.

Pseudo collaboration number 3: CUZETTE

I got messaged by them on my Instagram and their offer was super confusing. They promised it all. 3 free stuff now, free stuff every month, paid trip to several destinations, and even 50$ voucher. The scout called me sweety exactly 9 times during our conversations. It was super annoying.

So I choose another 3 free items and paid another 20$ for shipping. When I asked about the 50$ voucher I was told I would need to refer 5 friends who would also become cuzette ambassador or delegate as they named it, to get the 50$. No info about the travel trips though.

I was told to contact the official page for more info but it took days for them to finally reply with nothing new just more compliments and excitement about the future. It’s been 2 months and I still haven’t received my order just as I was expecting.

Later on, I endorsed in conversation with several other brands asking for more info, looking for something different than standard copy and paste form. Unsuccessful.

Every time I asked how many ambassadors they have in their program the answer was always “around 3000“. Once again, you have 3000 customers and not 3000 ambassadors. If the only people who buy from you are people you ask to buy from you, you’re doing something wrong.

But your business plan is on point.

When I asked about who and where makes their products I was either met with a silence or a sweet talk about a responsible brand.

These brands are providing people with content. You get to take photos of the items you ordered and you get to be as creative as you want. In these COVID times so many brands had to cancel or postpone their collaborations with bloggers or Instagrammers. I saw huge travel/luxurious instagramers switch form hotel and travel collaborations to promoting kitchen wipes. Times are tough and you got to do what you got to do.

Yet these small businesses with hight prices are thriving?

You know it’s not about the product but about the potential.

Profiting on greediness.

So smart.

To prove my point even further I got to confess one more thing. I mentioned before that I manage Instagram accounts for different brands and among them is one fashion store. I was not only at the ambassadors’ side but on the scouting side as well.

All I had to do was search for people who looked like they would be willing to become an ambassador for our store and had decent amount of followers. I had saved message form and all I did was try to guess peoples names so the message seemed more personal. Once they agreed to a discussion I let my boss take the lead.

So yeah, try to really think about the offers you get.

Look at it from all points of view and ask yourself if it’s profitable for anyone else but the brand.

If you want to have offers pouring your way try adding #ad #spon #collab to your next Instagram posts. That’s how they look for their next ambassador.

Everyone wants to be an ambassador. 

Pseudo Collaborations- Everyone wants to be an Ambassador Being in the blogging business for around 8 years now I came to learn a lot. Let's hear from the old bitter blogger about the difference between being an ambassador and being a customer.

[mysticalenergy]

24 HOURS WITH MR H

24 hours with Tom Hiddleston Written by Sharon Lane and posted in the facebook group The Amazing Tom Hiddleston This isn’t your typical fanfic so please don’t expect it to be.  The idea of the story came to me one night when I was posting my last pic of the day in the group and it happened to be one of Tom laying down.  One of the lovely ladies, Barbara, said goodnight and wished Tom and I a good night.  The idea grew from there so, thank you Barbara, without you I wouldn’t have written this. The story is a glimpse of a fictional day where I put myself in a relationship with the lovely Mr.H and runs from midnight to midnight. Don’t take it too seriously, it’s just meant to be a bit of fun.

I picked the photos then wrote the story around them.

PLEASE NOTE:  I do not own any of the pictures used in this story.

He's just called out to me and told me to haul my butt into bed so I'll bid you all goodnight and we'll see you in the morning.

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Good morning everyone. It's very cold here this morning so we've decided to stay in bed and snuggle for a while.

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‘Much as I would love to stay and snuggle, the day awaits...and I need coffee. ‘Come on you gorgeous man, time to get up and go about our day.’ I told him as I rolled out of bed. ‘Mmmmm, no.  Just let me stay here,’ he pleaded. ‘Nope, sorry babe.’  I said as I leaned over and kissed him, ‘Come on, let’s go.  I’ll put coffee on, see you in the kitchen.’

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'Darling put some music on,' he called out from the bedroom.  Walking over to my phone, I scrolled through the music and found what I was looking for.  He came into the kitchen, walked over to my phone and held it out to me. ‘This is your idea of breakfast music?’ he asked. Smiling, I nodded, ‘Sure is.  Helps get me moving.’ I said as I started headbanging around the kitchen.

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It's quite cool this morning (2°C or about 35°f) so he suggested a run to warm us up...fine for him but I've got a torn meniscus so it hurts. ‘Come on darling,’ he called out with a sly grin, ‘Keep up.’ ‘Yeah right, very funny.’  I sulked, ‘You know how much I miss running with you.’ ‘I’m sorry,’ he said, ‘once you get your knee fixed you can join me again.  Should I just walk with you?’ ‘No, you run, I know you love it.  I’ll just walk for a bit.’

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'Oh come on love, join me for a quick shower', he pleaded. 'Much as I would love to, I have a feeling it won't be very quick if I join you.' I answered. He smiled that lovely smile of his then I got this look as I went to back out of the room. 'Oh I don't think so' he said, 'I want you here. Now.' At the risk of breaking the internet I'll put the phone down now just in case I accidentally take a pic of what's below. See you soon....maybe.

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As predicted by me, it wasn't a quick shower however, we're finally ready to start getting some errands done. He's just realised how cold it is out so is now telling me I need to get a coat and to hurry up as it's getting late.  I've just reminded him it's his fault because of the shower. ‘Come on darling, get a wriggle on, it’s getting late,’ he said. ‘Well, if you had just let me get dressed instead of insisting I have a shower with you, we would have been ready and on our way but no, you had to have me in the shower.’ I answered. ‘...and on the sink, and in the bedroom.’ he smirked as I smacked his wandering hands. ‘Stop it,’ I giggled, ‘we’ll be late.’ Anyway, we're off. See you soon.

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Yelling at me because I'm taking pics instead of sitting having brunch with him. He's so sweet. ‘Can you get yourself over here and join me?  Why this incessant need to take photos of me darling?  You’re a funny one.’  He said as he beckoned me over.  ‘Show me.’ I showed him the photo and he chuckled, ‘oh that’s just delightful.’ ‘Well you shouldn’t yell at me when I’m trying to take photos,’ I said as I elbowed him in the ribs. ‘Point taken.  Now, what do you want to eat?’

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Babe, where'd you go?' I called out. He answered, 'I'm out the back love, just charging my phone. Did you need something?' 'Only you my love, always just you.' I said. 'Well you have me darling, always and forever.' He smiled

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He wanted to know why I kept stopping to post things on Facebook so I told him... 'I'm giving everyone in my favourite group a run down of our day.' He looked a little quizzical, 'Why would you do that? I'm sure no one really cares what we do.' I laughed at him and assured him people are interested in him. 'So when did you start your little jottings darling?' 'Late last night when we went to bed.' I answered, 'and I've been posting what we've been doing.' 'All of it?' he asked. I nodded, 'yep, all of it.' 'Even the shower?' he questioned. 'Of course' I answered, 'I told you, all of it.' 'Oh God' he said covering his eyes and putting his head down.

I'll let him sweat for a bit then let him know I didn't give details

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I took pity on him and told him I didn't spill details about the shower then I disappeared into another room. I heard him get the guitar out. He loses himself in the music when he plays, then I had a wicked thought. I've seen women doing the naked challenge with their significant other and some of the reactions have been hilarious. I thought to myself, 'why not give it a go?' So, I stripped off and went padding out to the living room stark naked....

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So, it got a little steamy after my last post. If this were my fanfic I'd kiss and tell but as it's a group post I'll just leave this pic and leave it up to your imagination for the rest...

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We managed to make it out the door again....just, which was a good thing as Tom was lucky enough to be invited to read from Shakespeare’s first folio, a 400 year old book,  I don’t think the smile left his face the whole time he had it.   We came back home and he continued reading from my Shakespeare book which is only a baby at 94 years old.

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'Hey Tom?' 'Yes darling, what is it?' he asked. 'What was it like touching a book that's 400 years old?' I queried as I touched the hands that held the book. 'It felt wonderful, like I could almost hear the voices of those who held it before me.' he enthused, 'an unforgettable experience.' I looked at his boyish face so full of enthusiasm and couldn't help myself. I turned to him and uttered the words, 'Shakespeare sucks' then ran as fast as I could when I saw this look on his face. It took me a full 5 minutes to calm him down and reassure him that Shakespeare doesn't suck and, is indeed, the greatest playwright ever...or maybe Marlowe. He's still sulking a bit

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He's still a little upset with me over my Shakespeare comment. 'But I was only joking.' I assured him. 'You shouldn't joke about that darling. You know how I feel about Shakespeare.' he sulked. I apologised as I hugged him, 'I'm sorry, you know I love his plays and you know I adore listening to you read his poetry to me. Forgive me?' He sighed deeply, 'darling of course I forgive you. I can't stay mad at you but please, don't say it again.' I assured him I wouldn't. 'I won't babe, I promise. Now, how about I buy you a coffee?'

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“Tom, should we take the dogs for quick walk?  We’re heading out to dinner tonight remember so a walk might tire them out a bit.’ ‘Bobby just heard you say the ‘W’ word darling, we have no choice now.  Look how excited he is.’ “You’re such a softy when it comes to Bobby, just look at your face when you watch him.’ I told him. “Yes I know love but you’re exactly the same with your boy Paddy,’ he chuckled. Grabbing the leashes and, Tom with Bobby and me with Paddy, headed out for a quick walk. Back soon...

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'Babe, have you seen my....' I stopped dead in my tracks...'laptop'. There he was, sitting at the table with my laptop, totally focused on what he was reading. Suddenly feeling very nervous I asked, 'um, what are reading babe?' He didn't answer. Thinking to myself, 'please, please, please, don't let him be reading my fanfic,' I approached the table and touched his shoulder. 'Babe?' I softly said as I looked at the screen. 'Oh no' I thought to myself. There, on the screen, was one of my fanfics about Loki. And, it was the darkest, most erotic one I'd written. He looked up, expressionless, 'Did you write this?' he asked. Nodding, swallowing nervously, I said, 'Yes. I'm sorry.' 'Why are you sorry?' he asked me. 'Because it paints Loki in a dark light and I know that upsets you.' I replied. He was silent then as his eyes raced across the screen finishing the story. 'Don't apologise darling. If you enjoy it, you should keep doing it. Have you written more?' Again, I nodded then showed him the files. He read them, then gave me a kiss and told me I should keep writing because he wants to read more.

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'Darling, it's time to get ready.' he called out. 'Ok, won't be a minute.' I answered. I finished feeding Bobby and Paddy then put food out for the cats, Ruby and Jagger, and rinsed a couple of glasses on the sink. Looking at the time I headed into the bedroom to gather my clothes and get ready for a shower. As I entered the room this is the view that met me. Would you understand if I said I suddenly didn't want to go out?

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'Busted Mr H. Get your fingers out of your mouth and stop stealing the food.' I laughed.

'But darling, I'm starving. Do you think they could hurry it up a bit?' he moaned.

'You'll be fine my love, you won't starve I promise.' I assured him.

He pulled me close, 'but I am starving darling, I'm starving for you. Let's just skip out, go home and order pizza. I want you all to myself.'

'Sounds like a plan. Let's go.'

Giggling like a couple of school kids, we made our escape and are currently headed back home.

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He was very reserved on the way home and behaved like a perfect gentleman, so I got a huge shock when we'd no sooner got through the door, and he grabbed me, pinning me against the wall. To be continued....

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He's gone for a shower while we wait for the pizza and I picked his phone up looking for a pic he'd taken earlier when we took the dogs for a walk and found this. Master of the selfie and donut lover.... I wonder if we've been missed at the dinner yet?

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What are you thinking about my love?' I asked him, 'you're looking very pensive.' 'You have the most beautiful eyes darling,' he replied. 'They're breathtaking.' 'You're making me blush,' I responded as I leaned forward and rested my head under his chin. Wrapping his arms around me and pulling me close he whispered, 'I wish we could stay like this forever.' 'Mmmm, it would be lovely but all too soon you'll be called away again.' I murmured. 'Shhhh love, let's not think about it. I want to be selfish and think only of us for a while.'

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Are you not so hangry now?' I asked him. 'Feeling better with a full stomach?' 'Definitely feeling better now.' he smiled looking up as I walked back into the room with a cup of tea and his beloved chocolate hobnobs. 'Babe, would you read to me. Please?' I asked as I snuggled up beside him on the couch. 'Of course darling. What should I read?' 'Anything really. You pick.' https://youtu.be/FRtG0h7gxsI

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'Darling? Um, hello. Darling, can you hear me?' he called. I jumped when he touched my arm, 'sorry babe, what did you say?' 'What has you so engrossed?' he asked then laughed as he tapped my arm again trying to get my attention. 'Shhhh,' I scolded then giggled, 'I'm watching you go to war.' 'Darling, how many times have you watched this?' he asked. I shrugged, 'lost count now shhh.' He leaned over and kissed me then settled down to read as I focused my attention back on Henry V.

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I paused The Hollow Crown to make a coffee and turned to see Tom on his knees, hands together in front of him.. Feeling slightly puzzled I looked at him and quietly asked, 'What are you praying for?' He smirked a little and quietly kept mumbling so I went to turn away. 'I'm praying that you'll see reason and come with me when I have to go back to work. I don't want to be separated from you.' I sighed, 'we've been over this.' He stood and walked over to me, ' I know we have. Let's not get into it tonight ok. I just want you with me.' I smiled and reached up, cupping his cheek with my hand, 'I know,' and kissing him lightly on the cheek said, 'I'm making coffee then watching the rest of Henry V. Do you want coffee?' 'No thanks love. I'll come sit with you soon though.'

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Walking in he found me on the couch sobbing while the end credits for The Hollow Crown rolled on the TV. With a slightly bemused look on his face he came over to me and gathered me in his arms. 'Darling, why are you crying?' he asked gently as he wiped the tears from my eyes, 'you know what's coming yet everytime you watch it, this happens.' 'But you died,' I sobbed. Giving a quiet chuckle he shushed me, 'I'm here love, it's OK. I'll never understand why you put yourself through this.' he said as he held me. 'Because it's wonderful,' I sniffed through my tears.

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I finished sobbing much to his relief. He said I'm not allowed to watch The Hollow Crown for a while because he hates seeing me upset but thinks it's funny too. That only serves to make me a bit snarly then he gets that sassy look, then I get sassy and well...i won't be watching for a while. He gave me this look and I bounced off the couch to the DVD collection. 'What are you doing?' he asked. 'Well clearly you can see what I'm doing. I'm getting a movie to watch.' 'What movie?' he questioned, 'no more movies that make you cry. I forbid it.' 'Oh you do, do you?' I replied, arms folded. 'Yes!' he growled. I laughed, 'Tom, your Loki's showing.' And I pulled out The Avengers at which point we both burst out laughing.

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'Don't give me that look,' I said. 'It's your turn.' 'I swear I did it last time,' he replied. 'Nope, I did.' I assured him, 'your turn, off you go.' 'But, it's too cold,' he grumbled. 'Oh for goodness sake, stop being a princess,' I told him. 'It only takes 2 minutes.' Sighing deeply and wiggling his way forward on the couch, he slowly stood and stretched. 'Bobby, Paddy' he called, ‘come on, toilet time.’ And with that he disappeared with the 2 dogs running behind.  2 minutes later he was back and put his hands under my shirt. I squealed at how cold they were. 'Payback's a bitch,' he smirked.

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'Please babe, just one more pic? I promise it's the last one for the night.' 'No darling. It's time to put the camera away and settle down for the night.' he told me. 'But I said I wanted to do a day in our lives. That's 24 hours, not 23.5.' I complained. 'You don't have to do anything, just sit there and let me take your pic.' 'And you promise this is the last one?' he asked. 'I promise it's the last one you have to sit for,' I said. 'But that's not what I agreed to,' he stated. 'Is this the last one?' I grinned, 'technically no because I want to get to 24 hrs but I promise it's the last one you need to sit for ok?' He considered it for a moment and, as I was about to take the pic, he closed his eyes and put his hands up. 'Still using it,' I laughed as he grabbed me.

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'Come on love, time for bed.' he called out. 'I won't be a minute, just finishing up here.' I told him. 'No more pics now my love. It's time to put all that away and give yourself to me. 100% of yourself to me and in turn I give you 100% of me.' 'I'm just posting the last one babe. The 24 hours is up.' 'Tell them all I said goodnight.' he said 'I will. Now, open your book and get ready to read to me.' Heading into the bedroom I pushed the 'post' button, put my phone down on the bedside table, climbed into bed and lay with my head on his chest as he started to read to me.

And on that note, I bid you all a goodnight from my love and me.

The End.

[antman-56]

The Long Night Pt. 18

Night was now upon us.

Summer and Qrow were getting ready for their night to find Butch Falcone. Qrow was changing into his disguise which included him putting on colored hairspray give him chestnut tips and his main hair to be brown. He wore a black long sleeve flannel shirt with cogs on the shoulders edges, black jeans, and black vans. He finished and had his sister help him look for anything out of place.

Qrow : Sum, are you sure you want to come with me?

Summer : Yes, I am. Why are you so worried?

Qrow : Well . . .

Raven : Don’t mind him Sum, he just doesn't want you to see him looking like a human being instead of  the common dumpster fire he usually is.

Qrow began to curse at his sister and she cursed back.

Summer in question was in the girls bathroom. She was putting the final touches on herself for the mission. She and Raven went out to get clothes for her and Qrow for their mission tonight. They got him what he would like and spent hours looking for stuff for Summer.

Summer had gotten hair extensions to make herself a sexy ponytail. she had her hair pushed behind her ears to expose more of her face. She had gotten makeup to help bring out the features that usually didn’t get attention. Summer was cute but she wanted to be drop dead gorgeous and make up did just that. 

Summer wore a black and white skin tight noodle dress that showed off her back, shoulders, legs, and cleavage and wore black strap high heels.This was the outfit Raven wanted her to wear and it took a lot of convincing for her to try it and more to buy it. 

She did a spin in front of the mirror to see how the dress would look on all angles and liked how it looked.

She took a few deep breathes and reminded herself of what Raven told her when she was trying it on.

Summer (whispering) : I am smart, beautiful, funny, irresistible and more. 

Now was the moment of truth on how she looked. She opened the door, to get her answer.

Raven smiled when she saw the look on her brother’s face. He didn’t know how to comprehend how Summer looked. His mouth was open and couldn’t form words. He just couldn’t take his eyes off of her.

Summer looked at Raven for help and which resulted in her flicking her head to Qrow. 

Summer (internally) :Okay time to follow Raven’s plan.

Summer walked over to Qrow and grabbed one of his hands with both of hers. She lead it towards her chest, not close were he could grab but close enough that he was interested. She then made eye contact with him and smiled.

Summer : Qrow what do you think? 

Qrow found that his face was burning and it was getting hard to breath. He reached for his collar with his free hand and pulled out it. Was this the same Summer who was embarrassed at the outfit Raven made for their fight against Team BLAD? 

Summer : Does it not work? I am a mess in this?

She said it in a disappointed tone to get a response. Well, it worked because Qrow immediately replied.

Qrow : NO! No. You look a  . . . wow.

Raven snicked at her brothers antics. This was going to be a fun night for her.

Raven : You look amazing Sum. Now back to business, I will be outside the club giving you guys surveillance and maybe some help. I will bring the weapons in case shit hits the fan. Here are your guys coms and be ready for anything. We go into the belly of the beast.

Both of them nodded . It was time to get serious.

***The Club***

To say that the name was original would be the understatement of the decade. The bar was literally named “The Club” with a nine iron neon sign next to the entrance. It wasn’t as big as “Excalibur” with the light and foundation. In fact no music was escaping the building, it was deadly quiet.

Summer and Qrow walked into the club expecting the worse as soon as they entered. What meet them was a pure white room with a white desk, some potted plants and a small tree next to a pair of doors.

Receptionist : Hi, welcome to “The Club”! Together or separate.

Summer (smiling) : Together.

Receptionist : Alrighty then! OH, you two are in luck its couples night since the boss and his girl are here. So, 40 lien for entry.

Summer turned to Qrow who was looking through his pockets and finding them empty.

Qrow : Can you give me a second I think I left my wallet in my car.

The receptionist nodded and Qrow left. He was on his way to Raven when she met him halfway their. Raven gave him all the money she had went back to her position. He reentered, payed the entry fee and receptionist pressed a button to unlock the doors

Receptionist : Have fun you two! 

She handed them 2 headphones and motioned for them to go.

Summer stuck closer to Qrow when they began to walk through the doors. When they entered what they saw confused them. 

Everyone was dancing yet no music was being played. Summer put the headphones closer to her ears and heard dubstep being played.

Raven : Hey you guys, just so you know you owe me 400 lien. Also, act like a couple or else you’ll look suspicious. And since neither of you have ever been in a relationship i’ll guide you.

Both if them blushed from her sudden bluntness.

Raven : Qrow take the lead. Put your arm around Summer and relax if you tense up you’ll look like a virgin. Summer, sweetly grab the hand on your shoulder. Both of you smile. Now do you guys see an empty table or booth to sit in. Okay, walk towards it.  One seat table no problem. Qrow sit on the chair and Summer sit on his lap. Relax~ and do what I say. Look have I ever lead you guys astray. Recently.

Summer and Qrow were now being approached by a waitress.

Waitress : Hello. My names Cindi, i’ll be your waiter. You guys know what you want or do you still need time?

Summer : Can we get some water?

Cindi : Sure i’ll be back for your water and then i’ll take your order when your ready.

Raven : Alright you guys, now the fun part. 

Qrow : What do you mean?

Raven : Get ready to get touchy! Summer put the headphones on your ears and dance on Qrow’s lap. 

Qrow :What?

Raven : Qrow grab her waist so she doesn’t fall off and now look around for Butch. The both of you.

Well what Raven had hoped for happened. Summer had to suppress the blush forming on her face and try to ignore the “feeling”  and was still dancing on Qrow’s lap. Qrow was looking away in embarrassment, unable to look Summer in the eyes.

They got their water and gave their order. They were soon eating and looking for anyone that would look like Butch. 

Qrow tapped on Summer’s shoulder to get her attention. She stopped dancing and took off her headphones. She then reached for the nachos Qrow ordered.

Qrow : I found him.

Summer (eating) : Where?

Qrow pointed at a girl with red and white hair raising her rear to a blonde man with green eyes. He wore a green flannel shirt and black pants. 

Summer : How do you know its him?

Qrow : The girl that looks like a mint is Cherri and the only guy she would do that to would be her boyfriend, Falcone.

Summer : And whose Cherri?

Raven : A bitch.

Summer nodded to his conclusion.

Summer : So how do we get Butch alone.

Raven : Dance sexy next to him.

Qrow : Raven!

Summer : She’s right. We need to get him alone and how to do that with a sexy girl offering him something new!

Summer got up from his lap and walked into the dance.

Raven : Summer do you hear me.

Summer : Yeah, why did you give me a second channel.

Raven : To give you a pep talk. Remember you are smart, beautiful, amazing and strong. Show Qrow what your made of and watch him become pudding in your hands.

Summer : You really hate your brother don’t you.

Raven : Shut up and dance sister.

Raven switched it back to shared coms and began to talk to her brother.

Raven : Qrow -

Qrow (fustrated) : I know . . .

Raven smiled, her plan was working. if only she could see it.

Summer was now next to Butch and Cherri. She took a deep breath and danced. Raven showed her a few videos on how girls dance in a club when their alone, so she followed their example.

Butch looked up from his girlfriend when he saw Summer. Her back turned to them and shaking what her mama gave her. Butch leaned down to Cherri’s ear and whispered something. She straightener herself up and walked away, lost in the crowd.

Butch wasn’t the only one hypnotized by Summer. Qrow watched her with the eyes of a predator looking at its prey. He let out a low growl when Butch tapped her shoulder. She removed her headphones and turned around.

Butch : What’s a good looking thang like you doing in a place like this?

The way he smiled was unnerving. Summer gave him her signature smile in return.

Summer : Just having fun, let loose after a hard day.

Butch : Ah one of those huh. How about I help you out.

Summer : Please do.

She put out her hand for him to take and he lead her to the bar.

Butch : So whats your name?

Summer : Maeve Jennifer Reid at yourself service.

Butch : Butch Falcone, pleased to meet you. let me buy you a drink.

Qrow was watching them from the table. He had to hold himself in place when Butch put something in Summer’s drink.

Qrow : Don’t drink it.

Summer put her glass close to her lips without drinking it and continued her conversation with him.

He suddenly got up and gestured at something. Summer repeated what he wanted to do.

Raven : Play along, let him fell in control. Qrow -

Qrow (through gritted teeth) : I know.

Butch put his arm around Summer and lead her to the VIP area. The bouncers guarding it let him pass and resumed their post.

Raven : Summer keep talking. Don’t you dare stop! Qrow can you -

Qrow : Two guards at the entrance. I need -

??? : Help! Help! Some guy just stole my purse.

Receptionist : Please calm down miss. Jet, Droy can you guys come up here. 

The bouncers left their station swiftly and went up front.

Qrow took the opportunity and made it to the door.

The VIP area was a smaller version of outside. Their was a minibar on the right side, the place had various poles with a girl or guy on them, and no guards.

He spotted Summer and Butch in one of the booths. He was getting handsy with Summer who was politely moving his hands away. Qrow’s blood began to boil at that sight. 

Qrow : Summer i’m in the VIP area.

Summer understood what to do next. She began to act woozy, making Butch smile more. 

Butch : You don’t feel so good. Maybe you should follow me. This place has a room for you to relax.

He took her hand and lead her to the room. Qrow was behind them, trying to keep himself from jumping the guy when his hand reached behind Summer and gave a squeeze.

For Summer she had to restrained herself from breaking the guys wrist.

Butch opened the door and eagerly lead Summer inside. He closed the door, not even bothering to care if it closed fully. 

He pushed Summer on the bed and was taking off his pants.

Qrow (annoyed) : Ahem!!

Butch turned around to see Qrow in the room.

Butch (annoyed) : Who the fuc-

Qrow decked Butch before he could finish. Knocking out the bastard effectively.

Summer hurried off the bed to meet Qrow. Still shaking with anger of what she had to endure from that pig, she kicked him in the groin.

Qrow (smiling)  : Feel better?

Summer : I hate night clubs.

[sagittariuswritings]

smile. (1/?)

A/N: It’s kind of long for just an introduction to the series, but I enjoyed writing it.

Pairing: Steve Rogers x reader

Word count: 1.9k (This literally filled up like five pages on google docs and it felt like I was writing a chapter book but what do i knoW)

Warnings: None, really.

Steve had a whole list of books he planned on reading, and since he had a day off, he figured he might as well put that list to some good use. He had his little notebook full of things people had recommended to him. Things he should discover, since it had only been two years since he was unthawed. He still hadn’t got to listen to the full album that Sam had recommended to him. He only listened to about three songs when he was recovering in the hospital from the fall off of the helicarrier. As soon as he’d healed up, he went straight back to work. Which was not surprising for the people that knew him personally. If he wasn’t kept busy doing something, he might lose his mind. He was a good man who loved to work. It wasn’t like he could really help it.

He pushed open the door to a small local library, reaching into his back pocket and taking the small notebook out. Closing the door behind him, he opened the notebook, and flipped to a page with a list of books upon books. One of the books had been The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. Steve was intrigued. He was more of a history nerd, really, but the title of this book definitely intrigued him.

Not wanting to bother the librarian who seemed to be busy reading already, and hadn’t noticed Steve, he made his way to where the fictional books were. It had been so long since he walked around a library. He normally just went to a store and bought those small really thick books you’d find in a single aisle of a grocery store. “The ones for old people.”, Natasha would tell him. “Maybe you should get a pair of reading glasses while you’re at it, old man.” She’d even said.

After about ten or fifteen minutes of no luck, Steve grumbled something like “Gosh dang-it.” under his breath. He made his way to the front desk, and the librarian was still reading.

Her y/e/c eyes skimmed across the paper intensely, almost as if she was having a staring competition with the book itself. This can’t be happening, she thought, her eyes wide as the scene unfolded in front of her. Her favorite character got stabbed, and she let out an audible gasp. A loud “NO!” slipped passed her lips shamelessly, not caring that she was in the library she worked at. She grumbled some curse words under her breath that Steve couldn’t quite hear, it was so quiet, and she slammed the book shut, putting it on the desk.

Shutting the book seemed to have brought her back to reality, because she looked up, and another gasp passed her lips. “Oh my word, I’m so sorry, sir! My favorite character just died, and, well, you see, pretty much everyone refers to me as a geek or a nerd, so I guess you just witnessed my inner nerd or… geek… I don’t know-- I’m sorry, again--” She blabbered on, embarrassed now. “How can I help you?”

Steve suppressed his laugh that dared to break free from his lips, and cleared his throat before he spoke. “It’s quite okay, ma’am, really.” He offered her a little smile, his eyes glancing down to the name on the desk. It read Y/n Y/l/n, and he looked back over to her. “Y/n, is it?” She nodded. “Y/n-- Does this library happen to have The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien in stock?”

She looked at him blankly. He must not know anything about the series. “...Which one…? The Lord of the Rings is a trilogy, sir, the first book is The Fellowship of the Ring, the second book is The Two Towers, and the last book is The Return of the King.”

He looked at her, surprise written in his futures. “...All three, I suppose. Why not?” He shrugged with a small smile, uncertainty in his futures as well, though.

Y/n read the uncertainty in his futures, and offered him a soft smile. “I think that’s a great idea. Lucky for you, I just brought them back from my place. I’ve read them plenty of times before, but it’s nice working at a library. You don’t have to buy your own copies or pay rent.” She winked, still smiling. She stood up out of her chair, and walked into the backroom behind the giant desk she was originally sitting at.

She came out of the backroom with a frown on her face. “I’m afraid I forgot them… Here, how about this: I get off this shift in about two hours. Come back here at exactly 2pm, and I’ll grab the books from my place and give them to you, free of charge. You look like a busy man, and I don’t think you’ll be coming back for a while.”

It was one of her specialties. She was able to read people quite easy, almost like a detective. If she looked hard enough, she might be able to tell you what your job or hobby is. Her friends nicknamed her Sherlock, and so she of course nicknamed her bestest friend Watson.

“Uh… Yeah, actually… I’ve got a full schedule most of the time, this is my one in a million day off.” He answered, unsure. He didn’t know how Y/n didn’t recognize him. If anything, going into the library, he expected to be noticed upon first glance. He was so used to it, and honestly, it was a relief to not be asked for whatever a selfie was every second he walked down the sidewalk.

“What do you do?” Y/n curiously asked. When she saw he took a moment to reply, she spoke up before he could. “Sorry-- You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to, I’m just a curious person.” She sheepishly shrugged. “Gets boring here in the library when barely anyone comes in.”

“No no, you’re fine. I’m Steve Rogers. I worked with S.H.I.E.L.D. before it fell out. Now, I’m an avenger.”

Her jaw seemed to slacken when she heard who he was. “Steve Rogers? You mean Captain America?” She asked, dumbfounded.

He seemed to regret what he said as he nodded, but his regret disappeared when she said. “My sister is a huge fan. I’m not gonna be one of those annoying people that constantly ask for pictures or autographs. I wasn’t here during the attack on New York. I was in the Faroe Islands for a few months.” Y/n cut herself off, feeling herself about to explain in full detail of why she was there, how much fun she had, etc. It was a bad habit of hers. If she started speaking about her passions, it would be hard to make her stop.

A wave of relief washed over him when he heard she wasn’t about to ask for anything of him. “Faroe Islands? I’ve never heard of it…” Y/n’s eyes  seemed to light up when he said that, obviously excited. Not many people had heard of the Faroe Islands, and she was more than happy to explain it to people. But she didn’t want him to feel like he had to stay there.

“Since it’s your day off, I’m sure you’ve got plenty of things to do, so, how about when you come by here at 2, I’ll explain on the way to my apartment. Deal?” She offered him her hand to shake on it. Steve gladly shook it, his small charming smile gracing his lips. “Deal. See you at two, Y/n.”

“See you, Cap.” She grinned at him, watching him leave.

-------------------------

2pm came faster than Steve expected. He was in the middle of ordering a sandwich at Subway when he realized it was 1:45. Thankfully the sandwich-maker was quick and finished his sandwich within 2 minutes. Subway bag with sandwich inside in hand, Steve ran down the blocks to the library.

Y/n was on her way to the doors of the library when the doors burst open, and Steve ran into her. Y/n lost her balance and almost fell, but Steve’s strong arms wrapped around her waist to keep her standing.

“Are you okay? I’m sorry--” Steve quickly spoke, his eyes flickering over her face to make sure she was okay. It surprised Y/n so much, that it took quite some time for her to finally speak up.

She cleared her throat. “Uh, yeah, I’m fine.” She quickly nodded, offering a reassuring smile. “Promise.”

Steve got caught in her y/e/c eyes for a moment before he realized he was staring. He removed his arms from around her waist after making sure she could stand.

“Do you wanna get those books and get a history lesson on the Faroe Islands, Steve?” She asked with a small sheepish smile.

“I don’t see why not. I could use the information.” Steve smiled back at her. He turned and opened the door for her, letting her walk out.

Y/n locked the doors behind them before turning and starting to walk with him. “So, first things first, the Faroe Islands are off the coast of Denmark. It’s a total of 18 islands, and it’s absolutely gorgeous there. You get from island to island by either ferry or underwater tunnel. It’s actually really cool. It’s a lot like Iceland, which some people might mistake photos of the Faroe Islands for Iceland. My absolute favorite location on the Faroe Islands, was Lake Sørvágsvatn…”

As she went on and on, before they knew it, they were at her apartment. “You can come in, if you want.” She nodded to the inside of her apartment after she unlocked the door.

Steve walked in behind her, looking around. The first thing that caught his eye was a giant shelf with books on them, camera lenses, two camera bodies, and so much more. “You’re a photographer.” He noted.

“Very well, Sherlock!” She teased, shutting the door behind her. “That’s why I went to the Faroe Islands. Well, I’d always wanted to go there and photograph the landscape, but I was contacted by National Geographic, because I signed up for some sort of random pick thingy, I dunno, but I was chosen, and I had the time of my life there. I wish I could go back, but… Money’s short right now, and it sucks.” She sighed, walking over to the shelf.

After a couple moments, she let out an “Aha!” and pulled out three books off of the shelf. “Here you are, all three of the books.” She handed him the stack.

Steve took the stack, brows raised. “How long are these each?” He asked a little warily. “Well over 400 pages. Good luck, soldier.” She chuckled.

“Thank you, really. I’ll return them to the library as soon as I’m finished with them.” Steve smiled down at her.

“Anytime! Here,” She turned around and jogged to the dining room table, grabbing a notebook and ripping a paper out of it. She scribbled an assortment of numbers on it, and handed the paper to him. “If you have any questions or something about the books, just call me. I’ll probably always pick up.”

“Sounds like a plan, Y/n. I’ll see you around?”

“I’ll make sure of it.”

With a wave goodbye, Steve was out of her apartment, and Steve was left with a sudden interest to get to know her even more.