#i was housesitting at the time i think it was spring break | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

littlewinter1917 · 4 years ago

Text

𝔏𝔦𝔨𝔢 ℜ𝔢𝔞𝔩 𝔓𝔢𝔬𝔭𝔩𝔢 𝔇𝔬

𝔓𝔞𝔯𝔱 𝔒𝔫𝔢

My blog is 18+ only. Minors DNI. 🔞 Don’t repost my work anywhere.

Series Masterlist

Words: 5.9k

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Fem!Reader

Summary: It’s Halloween, and you’re housesitting for a good friend of yours. But what initially started out as a relaxed movie night quickly turns into something more frightening, as a strange man shows up on your doorstep, and he’s not who you think he is. Mysteries, misunderstandings, an unsolved murder, and a man without his memory all lead you to an intrigue whose solution turns out to be more difficult and dangerous than you could have ever anticipated.

Warnings: Brief mentions of blood and injuries. Swearing. Tensions.

If there are any warnings, that you think are missing, please don‘t hesitate to reach out and tell me, so I can add them accordingly.

A/N: This is my first time writing a series so I'm a bit nervous about sharing this, lol. Also, I know Bucky makes his first appearance a bit belated in this chapter, but please bear with me, I promise he will be a more prominent part of the story in the upcoming chapters!

If you’re reading this, I hope you enjoy!

“God, this weekend is going to be so much fun!” your friend, Lara exclaims while eagerly dragging you along down the street.

“And you’re going to love the café I told you about,” she adds, “we’re almost there anyway.”

Before you even get the chance to respond, she continues with her chatter.

“I’ve just found it a couple of weeks ago, and I swear to God they make the best pastries in all of Cold Springs.”

“Well, that certainly sounds promising.” you admit, smiling brightly at her.

If you’re being really honest, as enticing as the claim sounds, you are actually way more excited about finally being able to catch up with your friend whom you haven’t seen in quite some time.

Lara has been one of your closest friends for a while now, yet unfortunately, you don’t get to see each other as often as you’d both like. It’s mainly due to the fact that you two live in different states and finding the time and a date that aligns with both of your schedules is actually not an easy endeavor.

But somehow you two managed to do the seemingly impossible, although it did come with a bit of a twist.

Lara had needed someone to housesit and look after her two cats while she was out of town for a book convention in Boston, and it coincidentally aligned exactly with your semester break.

Naturally, you had offered your help and Lara gratefully took you up on your offer, even though she had been a little bit hesitant at first saying that she couldn’t possibly ask you to do that.

But you brushed her off, emphasizing that it really wasn’t that big of a deal. Besides, it wasn’t like she wouldn’t do the same thing for you if the roles were reversed.

She had already helped you countless of times in the past, especially in regard to your academic adventures since Lara mainly works is as an archivist, apart from her involvement with some independent book organizations.

Because of her job in the archive, she often provides you with sources that are rather hard to come by. Despite her busyness, she would always make time and exceptions for you and go out of her way to find the best resources available to support you in your research and writing.

So if anything, helping her with some housesitting was the least you could do. After all, you only had some writing assignments due, and you would be able to work on those from her house just as well as from your apartment.

It was agreed upon that you would come visit her for a total of 10 days. You’d arrived earlier this morning, and Lara had excitedly picked you up from the airport.

After a brief stop at her house to drop off your luggage, you two walked down into the towns center with the intention of going for a belated breakfast in one of Lara’s favorite cafés.

“Here we are!” Lara announces, eyes bright and smiling.

She had stopped in front of a brick red building with big, framed windows and a wooden sign that declares in cursive letters: Patty’s Pastries – Best Pastries in all of New York.

“That’s a bold claim.” you note.

“Yeah, but I promise they deliver! You won’t be disappointed.” Lara insists while opening the door and you follow after her, laughing.

The interior of the café can be summarized into two simple words: Campfire-cozy.

The color palette consists mostly of deep and rusty browns and red tones, with big wooden tables and old, leathery seats.

The counter is illuminated by a warm orange light and there’s a fireplace burning at the back of the room, giving its surroundings a golden glow.

Despite the large windows on one side of the room, the place still manages to appear somewhat dim, adding to the cozy feeling of it all.

“Hey Patty!” Lara greets the woman behind the counter, who acknowledges the two of you with a kind smile.

“Hey Lara. It’s nice to see you again.”

“Likewise, Patty. Is the corner booth at the back taken yet?”

“No, I saved it for you, honey. It’s all yours.”

Lara beams at that.

“Patty, you truly are an angel sent from the heavens above. Thank you!” she declares, which only makes Patty laugh and shake her head.

“Follow me!” Lara beckons you while walking through the small café into the back of the room, her excitement almost outshining the sparkling fireplace.

The booth Lara picked out truly is a fortification of coziness.

It’s close enough to the fireplace that you can hear its faint crackling sound and feel some of its warmth, but not too close where the heat gets daunting.

The view from the window is nice and features the showcase of a small antique shop that’s situated across the small street, and the leathery seats are just the right amount of soft and comfy, which leaves you wondering how a place this perfect can actually exists.

Your thoughts are interrupted when Lara draws your attention to the small menu cards in front of you. One being their regular menu and the other one seems to be a Halloween special.

“They didn’t have this one last time I was here.” Lara observes while pointing at the Halloween one, which reads: Haunting Special – Two spooky treats for the price of one.

“Well, when was the last time that you were here?” you ask curiously, and Lara starts squirming in her seat for a moment.

“Uhm, will you think I’m crazy if I say yesterday?”

You can’t help but laugh at that.

“This really is starting to be your second home, huh? Are the pastries really that good?”

“Oh, you’ll understand why in just a moment.” Lara concludes, the determination clear in her eyes, before adding: “So, what would you like to drink?”

🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃

“God, these really are the most delicious pastries I’ve ever had!” you exclaim, before taking another bite from your éclair, leaning back into your seat, savoring the moment.

Lara just gives you a proud look that says, I told you so! Ere she continues eating her pain au chocolate.

“I wish they had those Halloween specials on more days than just Halloween,” she mumbles between bites, “those cute decorations are to die for!”

You smile in agreement.

There are little chocolate bats drawn on your éclair, and Lara’s pain au chocolate features the face of Adam, Frankenstein’s monster. The small pumpkin pie that’s shared between the two of you also looks a bit like a mummy and the chocolate brownie next to it features a cute marshmallow ghost. Even the red velvet cupcakes have a haunting look, with small bloody knives stuck in its cream frostings.

You’re not entirely sure how the two of you will be able to eat all of that, but Lara had insisted on wanting to give you the best pastry experience possible, and who are you disagree.

🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃

While eating your plenty pastries, the two of you talk about everything and anything. You two share laughter, memories, and pastries, and it really is the best time possible.

Since your housesitting would only start next week – from Monday till Friday – you and Lara still have this weekend, as well as the weekend of next week, to catch up and spend some time together.

And of course, you also have today: Friday, the 31st of October – better known as good old Halloween.

“Okay, so let me fill you in on tonight’s plan.” Lara gushes, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“I already told you about this dinner party tonight, right? But I don’t think I told you the details. The dinner party is hosted by two friends of mine, Grant Stevens and his wife, Marilyn Stevens. He’s an investigative journalist, she’s a rather famous archaeologist, and every year they host this murder-mystery party. It always has the theme of a decade – last year it was the 80s, and this year it’s the 1920s again.”

“Oh, so that’s why you asked me to bring my pearl necklaces.” you interject.

“Exactly! There’s this vintage clothing shop down the street with an array of tasseled dresses that we can try on and choose from, and they will go perfectly with your jewelry.” she asserts.

“Lara!” you exclaim baffled. “You’re telling me that we’re going dress shopping after I’ve just eaten a month worth of pastries?”

Lara can’t help but laugh at that, the sound of it as sweet, and joyful as the treats in front of you.

“Hey! You and me both sister!” she defends herself. “You and me both.”

After finishing all of your pastries and drinks, you two make your way down the street to the vintage clothing store when Lara’s phone starts ringing, making the two of you come to a sudden halt.

Pulling the phone out of her trench coat pocket, Lara briefly looks at its screen before taking the call.

The conversation is rather short yet judging purely by the look on Lara’s face, the news aren’t anything good. At the end of it, a pained expression is clearly written on her face.

“I understand,” she says, voice muted, “I’ll be there.”

Once Lara has stored her phone back in her pocket, she lets out a long sigh, before filling you in on the bad news.

The call had been from the management of the book convention that she helped organize. Because of some unexpected changes, they wanted her to fly out to Boston earlier than initially planed.

They wanted her to fly out tonight instead of Monday morning.

“It seems urgent.” Lara concludes apologetically. “They’re having troubles with some vendors, and they want me to take care of it.”

The previous excitement has vanished from her eyes and is instead replaced by a sorrowful look. It’s clear that she feels guilty about having to cancel your shared Halloween- and weekend plans.

“Did they give you an exact time where you need to leave?” you ask carefully.

“No, but they did say that they plan on booking me a flight for the evening.” Lara answers, the disappointment still apparent in both her voice and on her face.

“Okay, so we should probably get home then. You will need to pack your luggage and whatnot.”

“Yeah,” Lara agrees, halfheartedly, “I guess we should do that.”

Once you’re back at Lara’s place, you help her with gathering all of the stuff she needs for the weeklong convention.

Luckily, she had already started packing some essentials before you arrived, which made the whole ordeal both easier and quicker.

After taking care of the luggage, you both had enough time to sit down in the living room and talk some things through. You’d visited Lara enough times already to know your way around her house, but she still covered some of the basics.

In addition, Lara had written you some notes with instructions about how to feed her two cats, Milky Way and Soda Pop, as well as which plants you had to water in the time of her absence.

“On the fridge door are some take-away menus. I can especially recommend the Italian place, Little Steve’s. The content of the fridge is obviously also all yours. I got you some of those cold brew teas you really like, so you’ll find them there.” She tells you and you thank her for that.

“I’m still really sorry about ruining our Halloween plans.” Lara mumbles and your heart twists at the guilt in her voice.

“It’s alright! Don’t worry about it, I’ll be just fine.” you try reassuring her.

“I’ll be cuddling up on this couch here and watch some spooky movies,” you explain, “after all, you still have your amazing noir movie collection, right?”

“Oh, yes! And believe it or not, but I managed to expand the collection even more, so you should find another good treat or two.” Lara agrees, a small smile adorning her face again.

“I’m sure I will. And on top of that, I also get to spend some time with Milky Way and my beloved Godson Soda Pop. I’m sure they’ll want to catch up too.”

Lara chuckles softly at that. “Yeah, at least they get to enjoy your company. Didn’t think I would get jealous of my cats, but here we are.”

“Oh, don’t be! We still have the weekend after your trip, and we’ll certainly make the most of that.”

“Thank you for taking all of this so well.” Lara gratefully states, and you just give her a look that says it’s seriously fine, stop bringing this up.

“I think I told you everything you need to know, and – Oh! I almost forgot!” she exclaims. “A friend and ex-roommate of mine, Jake, was supposed to come pick up a custom-build book tonight. I’d told him he could just come by since he still has his keys and we were supposed to be out on that dinner party tonight, but now ….” Lara doesn’t finish the sentence and looks at you instead.

“Are you okay with him coming over? I can still text him and call of the plan if you’re not.”

You ponder her question for a moment. “He’s a good friend of yours?”

“Yeah. I promise he’s a sweetheart. A bit shy, and awkward, the quiet type, you know, but he’s alright! He used to live with me here for a couple of months before he found a small, affordable apartment, closer to the theater he works at. That’s what he needs the book for, too. It’s a prop for a new theater play starting on Monday. I’ve just finished making it yesterday.” Lara explains.

“I think you’ve briefly mentioned Jake before in the past. Is he the guy whose parents cut him off when he came out as bi?”

“Yes! Yes, it’s part of the reason why he ended up living with me for a while. I swear he wouldn’t be able to hurt a fly!”

“Alright, I’ll take your word for it.” you joke.

“So, you’re okay with him coming over? I promise it will be quick. He’ll just come through the backdoor, grab the book I left for him on the dining table, and then he’ll leave again.”

You furrow your brows in confusion. “Did you just say he’ll come through the backdoor?” you question puzzled.

“Oh, right. I should probably explain this. Back when Jake used to live here, the next-door neighbor was this really hot biker guy who would always flirt with him. Jake had the biggest crush on him, too, it was rather cute. But he’d always get so flustered and speechless in that guy’s presence that he often tried avoiding him by sneaking through the backdoor instead. Even though the door is a pain in the butt to open, that habit has kind of stuck with Jake till now.”

“Oh,” you say, “and they’ve never gone out on a date?”

“No, I don’t think they have. The biker guy has moved out a while ago.”

“Huh, that’s kind of sad.”

“Yeah.” Lara agrees. “Wait, I’ll text him to let him know that you’ll be here so there aren’t any bad surprises.” Lara proposes as she quickly types away on her phone.

A few minutes later, she chimes in again. “He says it’s alright, but he’ll probably be wearing a Halloween costume just so you know.”

“Alright, noted. I’ll keep that in mind for when a Freddy Krueger type figure shows up at the backdoor.”

“Don’t forget, he’s a theater kid at heart, so he’ll probably go all out.” Lara warns you jokingly, and you both laugh.

A few hours and a lot of talking later, a notification appears on Lara’s phone letting her know that her taxi for the airport will arrive in about 5 minutes.

“Alright,” she sighs, “time to say goodbye.”

She plants a soft kiss on the top of each of her cats’ heads before moving on to you, engulfing you in a big and hearty hug. “Thank you for taking care of all of this.” she says, her voice muffled by your shoulder.

“Thank you for already making this day worthwhile with your company and all of those pastries.” you whisper back.

“Oh yeah? Bet you’ll be visiting that place as frequently as I do.”

“I sure will, and I’ll write you a check for it since you’re responsible for my newfound addiction.” you joke before adding: “Please text me once you’ve arrived safe and sound in Boston.”

“I will.” Lara promises. “And you’ll let me know how the movie night with the kittens goes.”

“At least they don’t talk during the film.” you tease.

Lara laughs and swats your shoulder.

“You’re a meanie.”

“No, I’m not.”

“Yes, you are.” Lara playfully counters, before pointedly looking down at the cats at her feet.

“Kittens, be well-behaved and nice to our guest. I’ll be back in a week, and I expect to hear nothing but good things about your manners.”

With that, the two of you make your way to the entrance, getting her luggage and sharing one last hug before opening the door.

You stay in the doorway as Lara makes her way down the stairs, through the small garden path towards the car parked on the sidewalk.

“Take care!” you shout while waving one more goodbye.

“You too!” Lara mirrors you, before getting her luggage and herself into the car. One more look, a wave through the window and off she goes.

🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃

“It’s just us three now.” you say to the two cats that nestle around your legs once you’ve closed the door.

Milky Way, Lara’s first cat looks up at you with wide, questioning eyes, almost as if he’s expecting you to continue talking.

He’s a black cat, with the exception of a white swirl on his tummy and seemingly matching white socks. The unusual galaxy-like swirl is also where he got his name from.

Soda Pop, on the other hand, is the younger one of the two, although only by a couple of months, since Lara got him shortly after getting Milky Way, once she realized that he craved a companion.

His looks can be described as a gloomy, fluffy gray with piercing blue eyes. Unlike Milky Way, his names origin is not as clear-cut.

You were there the day Lara got Soda Pop from the rescue shelter, when he was mere a clumsy and scared little kitten with big blue eyes.

“You can easily get lost in them.” you had joked. “His eyes are almost as piercing as Rob Lowe’s when he played that hot guy in the Outsiders. Wasn’t he called Sodapop, or something crazy like that?” you asked.

“I don’t know what you’re trying to imply here, but we are not naming my cat Sodapop.” Lara had said, laughing.

“I wasn’t implying anything – wait, that’s actually not a bad idea.”

“Oh, absolutely not!”

“Come on! I’m his supposed godmother, remember. Doesn’t that count for something?”

You were initially kidding, but now that you thought about it, Soda Pop wasn’t the worst name for a cat.

Or maybe it was and that’s why you liked it. Either way, Soda Pop should become the name of the cat, you silently decided.

But Lara had been as set in her ways against it as you were in your support of it.

“The cat deserves a normal name!” she argued.

“Right, like Milky Way.” you countered.

The two of you had been sitting on the kitchen floor, watching the kittens slowly get adjusted to one another while the talk about the best possible name continued.

You were both drinking some organic sparkling lemonade, which you’d bought in cans earlier, and while your can was safely placed on the kitchen counter, Lara had positioned hers next to herself on the ground.

You two were still absorbed in your naming debate when not-yet-named Soda Pop suddenly came running towards Lara and in the blink of an eye, knocked over the soda can.

“Oh shit!” you both exclaimed when the sparkling liquid formed a puddle on the kitchen floor, and Soda Pop took a dive right into it.

“Oh my God, that’s a sign!” You exclaimed while quickly fishing the small kitten out of its little, bubbly pond.

“I told you we should ask the cat. And now look at his answer!” You proudly stated while gently holding up the dripping kitten.

It took Lara a moment before she started laughing.

“Damn you and your godson of a cat.”

“I mean, he took a bath right in it. What more of a sign could you want? We can see it as his baptism and call it a day!”

“Alright, I concede. Soda Pop it is, but don’t you dare tell people it’s because of Rob Lowe’s Character.”

“Okay, fair enough.” You agreed. “It can stay a secret between the four of us, but right now we should probably go and clean little Soda Pop up!”

“God, I hate you. And I hate how the cat seems to be already as stuck in his way as you usually are in yours.” Lara teased.

You just laughed and blew her a kiss before walking towards the bathroom.

“Did you hear her? You really come after your godmother, you sticky little bastard!” you lovingly told the kitten, proudly looking down at his small form in the palms of your hands.

“Oh, Soda Pop, I really missed you!” you tell the cat, who’s comfortably laying in your lap while you’re stroking his fluffy fur.

“I still sometimes think about the day we brought you home and named you. Although getting that sticky drink out of your fur was a pain in the –“

your monologue is interrupted by a small meow.

“Exactly! That’s what I was about to say!” you agree, smiling down at the cat. “But it’s getting dark. Come on, time to get this spooky movie night started!”

You softly move Soda Pop down from your lap and onto the couch before making your way over to Lara’s DVD collection.

Pretty much every wall in the living room is covered in nothing but tall shelves, all filled to the brim with books except for one.

That’s where Lara keeps her collection of vintage films. Old movies were something you two bonded over early in your friendship, and it still is something you two unapologetically adore.

Brushing your hands softly over the DVD’s backs, you carefully read through the visible titles. Lara was right – she had grown her collection since your last time here.

“Hm, They Made Me a Killer is certainly a new addition,” you mumble to yourself, “but I think the quality is supposed to be rather grainy.” You still pull the movie out while you keep reading through the countless titles in front of you.

“Ghosts on the Loose. Never heard of it, but the name sounds promising, as does Phantom Killer.” You grab both movies before continuing on your search journey.

“Oh!” A small happy squeal escapes your lips. “Private Buckaroo! I can’t believe she got her hands on that edition!” Without really thinking, you grab the movie, and add it to the growing stack in your hand.

“Spellbound. A classic, but a good one. The amnesia-thing really drives the story home.” Just like before, the film finds Its way onto your little pile.

You’re about to turn away from the shelf when your eyes land on a movie a couple of rows down: Rebel Without a Cause. It’s one of your all-time favorites, even though it’s not a noir movie, and you pick it up as well.

Satisfied with your selection, you make your way back to the couch. After setting the movies down on the coffee table, you walk into the kitchen with the mission of gathering all of the snacks you could possibly need – and eat.

“Alright. Let the party begin!” you excitedly chime as you finally manage to sit down on the couch, wrapped up in a fluffy blanket and your PJs. You had decided to change into them after you had fed the cats, who are now softly snoring away on the couch next to you.

The cozy room is illuminated by nothing but the blue light of the TV screen and the orange hue of the small fireplace, which you somehow managed to get started. Its gentle crackling sound fills the air and it soft light leaves a warm, golden glow on your skin.

After grabbing the remote control, you sink even further into the comfort of the couch, cuddling up between the two sleeping cats and some cushions.

The proof of your successful snack hunt is captured in a wild array of treats, which you have carefully arranged in small, colorful bowls on the coffee table, right next to your selected pile of DVD’s.

You had even compiled one extra bowl of candy for the neighborhood kids, in case any of them come knocking. Although you highly doubt that, since you’ve turned off every light in the house, leaving it completely dark in order to add to the spooky feeling while watching the movies.

Letting out a satisfied little sigh, you rearrange the blanket around your shoulders and start the first film.

Just an hour later, the Movie Phantom Killer comes to an end.

Somewhere in the middle of it, you’d gotten a text from Lara letting you know that she arrived in Boston a while ago but only recently managed to check into her hotel room.

She’d also asked you how you were doing, and you’d sent her some pictures of the sleeping cats and the fireplace, along with the list of movies you planned on watching.

Phantom Killer, however, turned out to be a bit of a disappointment. It wasn’t as spooky or as gripping as you would’ve liked, and the ending was certainly predictable, leaving you feeling a little bit underwhelmed.

“I guess we should just move on to the next one.” you say, flipping through the rest of your selected DVD’s. “Let’s continue with Ghosts on the Loose. If this one fails my expectations, too, I’ll just go with a trusted favorite, like Spellbound or Rebel Without a Cause.”

Getting the pile back in order you quickly organize them by their release date, with Rebel Without a Cause right on top.

“Any objections or counter-offers to my proposal?” you ask, turning to the two cats who are still lazily lounging on the couch, looking blankly up at you.

“I’ll take that as a no.” you conclude cheerfully, before setting up the next film.

🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃

You’re about ten minutes into the movie, with your hand buried in a bowl of popcorn, when you hear a weird scratching noise coming from the dining room behind you.

Muting the volume of the TV, you pause for a moment, anticipating another sound, but everything just stays dead quiet.

You’re about to blame it all on your vivid imagination when you suddenly hear it again. This time it’s louder - more desperate.

Without really thinking, you park the popcorn bowl back on the coffee table before standing up, your blanket still securely wrapped around you.

Your feet carefully carry you towards the wooden sliding door that separates the dining from the living room. Taking a deep breath, you slide it open just a bit at first.

You’re not sure what you initially expected, but you’re greeted with nothing but darkness until your eyes adjust, and the faint outline of the wooden dining table and its matching chairs come into view.

You’re almost ready to turn around again when you catch the quick moment of a figure outside the window, right by the backdoor.

The uneasiness you feel instantly evaporates once you realize that this must be Jake, who’s trying to get in.

I should probably help him with it, you think, moving towards the door and pulling it open.

“Hey Jake!” you greet the tall figure before you, shifting to the side so he can step in. “Come on in. Lara told me you would be coming by.”

The guy in front of you looks at you wide-eyed, completely caught off guard.

Weird, you think. I thought Lara told him about my stay.

You don’t dwell on that too much though, as Jake hesitantly enters the room.

“Careful where you step, it’s really dark – wait, let me quickly turn on some lights!“ you shut the door behind him before stumbling over your blanket on your way towards the light switch.

Thank God it’s still dark, you think to yourself, hoping that your new guest didn’t just bear witness to that.

Once you flipped the switch, the dining room is filled with a warm, yellow glow, and you finally get a better look of Jake.

Jesus Christ, you think. Lara wasn’t lying, he certainly went all out with his costume.

The man before you is dressed all black, and he’s nothing like you imagined.

He’s tall, with broad shoulders and messy, dark hair. And as if that’s not intimidating enough already, he’s also wearing what looks like military tactical gear.

Is he going as a soldier? A spy? Maybe a phantom killer? You don’t want to hurt his feelings by not recognizing who he’s dressed as, so you swallow your question.

You’ve heard that comic books are currently all the rage again, so maybe he’s dressed as one of those cartoonish heroes you know nothing about.

The outfit really is quite something though, you think. And is that a fake metal arm?

You thought the fake bruises and blood on his knuckles were already elaborate details, but this? It must have taken a lot of effort because it certainly looks real.

“Uhm, I like your outfit.” you compliment, trying to acknowledge the apparent complexity of his creation, but Jake just gives you a blank stare.

“Right, moving on.” you quietly mumble to yourself, turning towards the dining table and quickly grabbing the book that’s planted on top of it.

You turn back to Jake and gently trust it into his hands. Eying the fake bloody cuts on his fingers, you’re not sure if him holding it is actually a good idea, but he also didn’t bring anything else you could put it in.

Jake’s eyes just wander from the item in his hands back to you, and then back to the item again. He looks at it somewhat puzzled.

Does he not like it? You silently question. But that’s not really your problem, and by now you kind of want to get back to your film.

“Anyway! You’ll probably want to get to that Halloween party of yours, or whatever plans you have in that outfit.” you suggest, looking expectantly at Jake, but he’s just staring at you wide-eyed.

Shocked.

A confused frown appears between your brows as you try to figure out why he’s looking at you like that - when it hits you.

He’s not looking at you wide eyed.

He’s looking at the TV screen behind you, wide eyed.

Although that still doesn’t quite explain why he seems to be in such a shock about it.

“Have you seen that movie?” you ask. “It’s from 1943, I think.” you tentatively add, but Jake’s eyes are just thoroughly glued to the film that silently plays out in front of you.

Watching him quietly for a moment, you swear you see something like recognition flash before his eyes when Ava Gardner, the main actress of the movie, shows up on-screen.

You don’t know what it is about the movie that has him so consumed, but you can’t really blame him; Old noir movies usually conjure a similar fascination in you.

And so, you do the only thing you can think of: You offer him to stay so he can continue watching the movie that he’s so obviously encaptured by.

When you tell Jake about your offer, his wide-eyed gaze turns to you, and then a small miracle happens as he gives you the hint of a little nod.

That’s some progress right there, you think.

Lara definitely didn’t exaggerate when she said that Jake was a quiet and socially awkward guy, but you think you can work with that.

“Alright, I’ll rewind the movie, and you can get comfy on the couch,” you offer.

Jake hesitantly looks at you, and you give him a reassuring smile. “Of course, you don’t have to if you don’t want to.” you try to clarify, but he’s already cautiously following behind you.

Luckily, the L-shaped couch is big enough that you can sit both next to each other, while still keeping a comfortable distance.

You quickly introduce him to the two cats, who don’t even bother looking up at the tall man as he carefully plants himself next to them.

He’s still holding the book that you gave him earlier tightly pressed to his chest, and something about that makes your heart ache, but you can’t really say why.

Before getting back to the movie, you offer Jake his own fluffy blanket, which he timidly takes.

At first, he just holds it tightly next to the book in his arm, but then, as your focus shifts from him to the screen in front of you, he tentatively unfolds the blanket, wrapping it around his shoulders - mirroring you.

While watching the film, you almost forget he is there. He’s that quiet.

You can’t help but glance in his direction every now and then, making sure he’s still there and didn’t dissolve into thin air while you weren’t looking. But every time you do, there he is, watching the movie and being completely captured by it.

As time moves on, you carefully plant the bowl of popcorn he’s been continuously eyeing into his lap, and when you hear the telltale soft munching sound coming from the man next to you, your heart fills with a small sense of joy.

But there’s still something off about him.

You didn’t really notice it earlier, or maybe you did, but you didn’t really pay much attention to it, but now you do.

You’re barely focused on the film. Instead, you’re reflecting on your previous interactions. If you didn’t know any better, you’d say that he looked scared.

Not scared of you, ‘cause that’d be silly, but scared of something.

It’s weird and you’re probably wrong because he’s dressed in that bloody outfit, and has the statue of a bodybuilder, but there was something in his eyes earlier that made him seem like he was thoroughly lost.

You're overthinking this, the voice in your head tells you, while you’re nibbling on some pistachios. He’s just a shy and quiet guy. Sure, maybe he has some serious social anxiety issues, but who are you to judge?

You try to focus back on the movie when suddenly your phone next to you lights up. A message from Lara appears on the small screen, quickly followed by another one.

Hey, hope the current movie isn’t a dud.

The first message reads, followed by:

Jake just messaged me.

You furrow your brows in confusion. When did he manage do that? You think to yourself. How had you not noticed that? After all, you’re sitting right next to him.

A third message from Lara appears. And this one makes your heart drop and fill with nothing but dread.

He told me that he won’t be able to make it tonight. He’ll probably come by tomorrow instead. Hope that’s okay.

Despite your close proximity to the fireplace, an icy shiver runs down your spine as an awful assumption takes form in your head.

If that’s not Jake sitting right next to you on the couch, you think, then who is?

And just that very thought makes your blood run cold.

Next Chapter

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

And that's it! Thank you so much for reading!

#bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x y/n #bucky barnes x you #bucky barnes fanfiction #bucky barnes fluff #bucky barnes angst #bucky barnes

25 notes · View notes

lyssismagical · 5 years ago

Text

Boy, I'm so happy, we have been heaven-blessed

Parkner Week Day Eight: “Get some rest tall child” / cuddling / movie nights

“Babe, babe, babe, babe-”

“Oh my god, what do you want?” Peter says. He sounds annoyed, but Harley knows better. “I’m trying to work, believe it or not.”

“I believe it. You don’t have to convince me on that.” Harley sits up on Peter’s bed, rolling his eyes for the thousandth time since he’d gotten to Peter’s dorm room. “Why am I here when you’re not even paying attention to me? You’re not even looking at me.”

“I don’t have to see you to know you’re pouting like a baby,” Peter mutters, scribbling some more words down into his notebook with his pen. He shoves the pen between his teeth so he could flip through his heavy textbook and try to find a page in the stack next to him.

Harley sighs dramatically. “But I’m your baby, aren’t I? Doesn’t that mean I’m allowed to pout?”

“Stop pouting and stop whining. I’m trying to work, Harls.”

“How do you know I’m pouting if you won’t even look at me?” Harley exclaims, throwing his arms up in frustration. It started out as a game, but now he’s starting to feel a little bit cast aside.

“Are you pouting?”

“…Maybe.”

Peter finally sets down his pen and turns to Harley from his desk, a smile gracing his lips. He looks pretty as always, but Harley can’t help but notice how tired he looks.

“Ned said he was going to move out if he found us in the same bed again,” Peter says instead of acknowledging their entire conversation. “I think he was serious. MJ’s roommate doesn’t live with her anymore.”

Harley rolls his eyes and dramatically flops back onto the bed. “When was the last time we went on an actual date?”

“We went out last weekend, Harley.” Peter’s still smiling, but there’s insecurity shining in his eyes, eyebrows creasing a little more than Harley would like.

“I just miss you.”

“You miss me?” Peter repeats. “Yet you’ve been literally lying a few feet away from me for the past two hours. I’m right here, Harley.”

Harley tips his head to the side, breathing in the soft scent of Peter on the pillow. “But I should be your number one priority.”

“Number one?”

“Mmhm, you’ll never get a catch like me ever again. I’m one of a kind, baby.”

Peter finally gives in and crawls into the bed beside Harley, unceremoniously dropping half onto Harley’s chest. Harley immediately wraps his arms around Peter’s waist, making sure Peter couldn’t leave even if he wanted to. Harley’s getting cuddles for as long as he wants them.

“You have no idea,” Peter mumbles, words muffled by Harley’s sweater.

Harley grins and presses a kiss to Peter’s hair. “I love you.”

“Love you too. Now, get some rest, tall child.”

“You know, I thought you were going to murder me when we first met,” Harley says, out of the blue on the next morning. They’re still in bed despite it being way past the appropriate time for sleeping in, even for a weekend. “I literally thought you were going to poison my food or something.”

“What?” Peter says, stifling his laughter. “Why?”

“I don’t know. I thought you’d be as jealous as I was, I just figured you’d act on that jealousy and murder me so you’d be Tony’s only intern.”

This time, Peter does laugh, hiding his flushed face in Harley’s shoulder. “You thought I would get so jealous, I would poison your food? You know how crazy that sounds, right?”

“I thought about killing you. I just knew it was an irrational idea, I didn’t know if you’d think it was irrational too.”

Peter bites on his bottom lip, trying to quiet his laughter. It makes his cheeks puff up a little bit like chipmunks, face rosy and eyes sparkling.

“I can’t believe you thought, even for a moment, that killing me was the appropriate reaction to being jealous.”

“I’m from Tennessee, Peter. Anything goes.”

Peter ducks his head again, muffling his laughter in Harley’s sweater. “That’s- I can’t believe you.”

“Tony thought so too!” Harley exclaims. Peter doesn’t have to see to know Harley’s rolling his eyes. “Maybe not that we’d kill each other, but he thought we’d hate each other.”

“No,” Peter says, voice dropping to a little more serious. “I knew from that first moment I saw you that this was going to be something special.”

Harley smiles, going all soft and mushy in a heartbeat. “I love you like an insane amount. Like I don’t think there’s anything I wouldn’t do if you asked. I’ve never felt like this before, and if I’m being honest, it really scares me sometimes.”

The younger of the two leans up to press a kiss to the older’s jaw. “You don’t have to be scared. I feel the same way, there’s no way I’m breaking your heart. It’s safe with me.”

“I know. Your heart’s safe with me too.”

“Good. Now that we’ve napped and talked, do you think you could let me get back to my homework now? I never got to finish it yesterday thanks to you.”

Harley laughs, relinquishing his grip on his boyfriend’s waist. “I should probably get going anyways. I’ve got a study group in a bit and then I’ve got a few errands to run in the city. Oh, and I think my sister’s calling to make spring break plans this afternoon.”

“You’re spending spring break with your sister?”

“I don’t know if you’ve forgotten but Abbie’s going to UCLA. Her roommate’s boyfriend’s parents are super rich salespeople who are taking the roommate and boyfriend to Europe with them while they’re there for business. Abbie volunteered to housesit and pet-sit. Meaning…”

“Meaning she’s got a huge house to herself in California all week?”

Harley grins. “Precisely. If you want, I was thinking the two of us could crash with her all week. Morgan’s on her break too, and she’s offered to pay to fly us all out.”

“Morgan and Abbie in the same house for a whole week?” Peter repeats, rolling his eyes but the smile doesn’t even falter.

Laughing, Harley finally pulls away from Peter, stretching his arms. “Yeah, it’ll be interesting, for sure… I’ll let you get back to your homework. You want me to swing by again tonight?”

“Please?”

The one thing that’s been weird since they started school is that they have separate rooms. Harley lives on the other side of campus, closer to his own classes, so it’s normally easier for them to spend nights in their own rooms, despite being used to the opposite. Back in high school, May’s apartment was closer to Midtown than the Tower, so Harley would stay with Peter for conveniences sake, and weekends they spent together at the Tower.

Today’s a Saturday, though, so neither of them have obligations tomorrow.

Harley grins, leaning back to press a kiss to Peter’s forehead before he’s tugging on his shoes.

“I’ll stop at mine and grab some clothes and things, and I’ll be over this evening. Six?”

“Sounds good. Movie night?”

Opening up the door, Harley shoots a final smile over his shoulder. “I’ll bring snacks! I love you. See you tonight.”

“I love you too.”

The door shuts behind Harley and Peter falls back into his bed, breathing in the soft smell of Harley, boyish with a hint of the Tennessee smoke that he carries with him, and a bit of the cinnamon body wash he uses. He smiles up at the ceiling, feeling so warm with love and happiness.

* Late that evening, after Peter’s finished his homework from the week and cleaned his room and finished some laundry, after Harley showed up in a flurry of excitement and lit up joy, carrying a shopping bag of snacks for the night along with a few selections from his DVD collection, after they’ve made it through way too many snacks and a few movies, they’re curled up, trying not to fall asleep.

“I wanna marry you one day,” Harley blurts and then he laughs, no awkwardness or worry to it.

“Really?”

“Yeah. I wanna do one of those fancy weddings with all the components like the big, tiered cake, and the expensive suits, and the cute RSVP cards in the mail. Abbie and Morgan could be the flower girls or the ring bearers. Ned and Harry could be our best men and Cassie, MJ, and Gwen could all be our bridesmaids or whatever they’d be. We’d do one of those over-the-top bachelor parties, except we’d do it together because it wouldn’t be as fun to party without you. Tony would have to walk one of us down the aisle because May and Mom would want to do it. Or maybe Tony could officiate. And then we’d get on a plane the next morning for a crazy honeymoon.”

Peter smiles fondly, snuggling closer to his boyfriend and nearly knocking the laptop off their legs. “You’ve really thought about this, huh? Is this your way of proposing?”

“No,” Harley laughs. “I don’t have a ring and I’m going to do it right, when I do. The whole shebang. The expensive dinner, the dramatic speech, maybe I’ll do the stupid ring in the wine or something.”

He shakes his head against Harley’s chest. “I’d accidentally drink it. Don’t do that.”

Harley laughs again, peppering kisses over Peter’s face. “I just really want you to know that this is a forever thing, for me, you know? I want us to be forever. I want us to get engaged, to move in together, to get married, maybe we could think about kids. I’d even go for the white picket fence future if that’s what you wanted.”

“You’re such a sap,” Peter teases before he kisses Harley. “I want that too. Trust me, that’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

Taglist: @littlemissagrafina @spidey-reids-2003 @romeoandjulietyouwish @c-artara @shadedrose01 @likeaphoenix13 @pj-hermes-tonystark-obsessed @you-get-killed-walk-it-off @kitkatwinchester @emo-girl10 @justme--emily @hold-our-destiny @imalivebecauseirondad @spiderman-peterman @dykeragee @maryserrao @heeeyitskay @parknerandirondad @lilacsandlilies4 {Let me know if you wanna be added or removed}

#lyss writes #parkner week 2020 #parkner #peter parker #harley keener #parkner fic

87 notes · View notes

kateemmerson · 7 years ago

Text

Confessions of a location free maverick - it's over!

Confessions of a location free maverick – it’s over! How the Pretend Cat and the Pet Rock are changing the landscape of my life. I find it deeply ironic and bizarre how I can go from travelling the world with ridiculously minimal belongings (even minimal for miss LIVE LIGHT, LIVE LARGE over here) and living mostly out of a suitcase for the past 2.5 years … to buying Tupperware, water containers, dishcloths, coffee plunger, bins and gasp of all gasps, kitty food – because I suddenly find myself with a “pretend” cat and a huge pet rock! Neither of which will fit in my suitcase, which can mean only one thing – a little home again.

Chances are you might have some insight into my motto, my life work and how I have been gallivanting around the world to speak, run writing retreats, masterminds and work with the YPO? And laze on beaches of course! Yet with this lifestyle comes the highest of global highs and the lowest of lonely lows.

Every decision we make has consequences on all sides. There is really no such thing as a decision that doesn’t have pro’s and con’s. That’s delusional. It’s just about choosing the ones that you most prefer, that bring you more joy and meaning, isn’t it? It’s not that any decision is better than any other one. And decisions are never usually forever are they? We get to choose and re-decide further down the line, whether about how we think or what we own, to what we do in the world and where we live.

I have been living with the consequence of choosing to have no home for the recent past. It’s a feeling of deliriousness combined with displacement. Sometimes it is truly a joyful experience, easy to broadcast on Instagram pics, carefully curated into an authentic feed, or a hopefully motivational post and pics of exotic food whilst lounging by the sea. New spaces, places and delights at every corner. Yet it’s not ALL wild, laugh-inducing adventures and Pollyanna playtime.

It’s also the polar opposite – sometimes a scary, wide open world knowing no one, needing to constantly be wondering where the next pit stop is, can I convert enough ZAR into USD to survive a northern currency, where will my work call me to (from Lagos, to Dubai to San Francisco), other people’s reactions to being “homeless” when I say I am #locationfree. Yes, but where is your home, Kate?

I have personally found that whilst my senses are constantly being awoken and titivated, it’s simultaneously a tad grueling on my body and takes me longer to adjust to new surroundings to feel totally integrated. I have stayed in the best of 5* hotels, to revolting homes I housesat (that really should have been a three week, massively paid declutter job). I do find it easy to feel at home in someone else’s space, but have become way more susceptible to the energy of the house and how it impacts me. So it has been in short, the past 2.5 years have been a profoundly intriguing, enlightening time.

Being a #locationfree maverick naturally takes some toll on my committed relationship with ENP and yet also provides us both with space to really miss each other. Even when I do make Lesvos, the world renowned Lesbian pilgrimage island, (where the 10th muse and lyrical poetess Sappho was born), my destination of choice. He doesnt batt an eyelid- and that tells you everything about him! Friends delight in my pics, tales and gifts, but also beg to know when I’m coming “home” – I remind them I don’t call SA ‘HOME’ anymore. You know how when you speak to people in the UK (yes Mum, that’s you!) and they bleat on about the weather? Well, pretty much every time I speak to a dear friend they cannot help themselves but ask, “so when are you in SA again”? I have done my best to implore them to not say when are you coming “home”. Or even when are you BACK. Those words imply it will suck me back into its clutches, and SA honestly is no longer home. It’s a beautiful and complex place that for many decades was my home, where I still work and see ENP and my friends. I have awesome clients there and … it is simply no longer my home! I am being called north again, and have been for the past 4 years, ever since I first traveled to the USA. So, I typically say I am simply where I am right now and thank God for the likes of Skype, Whatsapp and Zoom.

At the start of this process of packing up my home in JHB, I always knew I would be location free for a year at least; then after a year had flown by I had no desire for it to be any different; my travel trajectory was as delicious and busy for the year ahead, so I just kept at it. Living with 90% of my belongings with me, three boxes in storage and traveling to places MOSTLY in summer or the shoulder spring and autumn to obliterate the need for huge bulky clothes.

But towards the end of last year, even though I am in a beautiful, committed relationship to a man who just adores and trusts me to live my life with no betrayal to us, and vice versa, I found myself feeling somewhat lonely (whilst meeting new people everyday), restless (whilst constantly moving), bored (even though I see and experience more in day that some do in a year) and just a tad unsettled (yet this was my very own choosing wasn’t it?)

The irony of this insight is never lost on me.

Enter a pretend cat and bit pet rock!

It is not about needing to be in ONE PLACE forever; I am not that type. I have gypsy energy in my very DNA, and love traveling just so much. But after not having anywhere other than my heart and body to call “home” for 2.5 years, I was starting to inch towards the idea of a little space I could “claim” as my own. ENP is unraveling his life in SA too, and these global swallows need a new nest/s.

I remember the day I was housesitting the most GLORIOUS home right on the San Francisco bay, in Pointe Richmond and having this feeling of being so blessed by the beautiful home I find myself in whilst I travel, but I suddenly had this overwhelming longing to have a space for me. A space where I might be able to leave a costume and a pen, maybe even my art. A space I could imprint myself on. It was a little bit of a surprise. It also took the natural transition of my 50th Birthday in April this year to shift me into this next phase. I needed to close out some big commitments before I had the space for this phase.

So the logical heartwarming place for my first little space in the northern hemisphere was Greece. I am even toying with the idea of buying a home, but am rather just putting my feelers out this year. Getting to understand the lay of the land. What is it like to have another little base and how does that impact my life and me again? And others around me? And so, in the gorgeous, remote and truly authentic Greek village called Skala Eressos that I have been visiting for the past 3 years (with writers on our retreats), a space where I have built a community and with one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Greece, I found myself negotiating a contract for a light airy apartment for a year. A year!

Confession #1: It IS totally glorious to say I have a place I can call home EVEN though I will also “rent” it out to visitors, friends and colleagues. I have the coolest pet rock (see below) – my nan used to paint rocks so this is highly divine for me – but yikes, it’s a biggun, and will never fit into a case, so I guess I am destined to stay a while. See pic of beautiful rock complete with my name! It all came about when I asked my landlady if she had any door stoppers, a huge grin erupted on her face and she said she had a rock half painted, and she would complete it for me. All my favourite colours, the coolest of flamingos and my names emblazoned across it, lest I forget where I am.

Confession #2: Having a kitty on my bed again makes me deeply joyful. When my beautiful landlady said yes I could claim her little apartment as mine, she said I was an angel for her, but the truth is she is an angel for me. Letting me love her kitty, bringing me oregano bouquets, painting me my very own pet rock as a doorstop so I don’t wake the whole village when I sneak out to write my morning pages on the verandah, lending me a bike, fixing stuff I ask to be fixed and just being delightful – along with FANTASTIC English.

Confession #3: I am startlingly amused by just how insanely fast I wanted to buy “STUFF” Not a lot of stuff, for sure, but it is still amusing. And I want my Nan’s hand-made patchwork quilt here on my bed – NEXT TRIP! Unless you are coming to visit and will bring it with? And how Mum gifted me the most exquisite handmade, olive wood TAVLI – Backgammon set! Oh, the joys of a little place for STUFF!

Confession #4: I am plotting my return here – my coming BACK HOME. I have already started inviting friends here, seeing as I never pulled it off for my 50th earlier this year– 51 seems just as fabulous a time to gather on an island! Perhaps I can also entice my Mum to visit a second time with the pretend promise to eat more meals at home to stretch the budget.

Confession #5: I fell off my bike and swore like a trooper – because my sundress was hitched around my thighs and I got stuck as I hurled myself towards the pavement. It was a “boy” bike with a big crossbar and so as my huge, white sun hat flew off my head when going down the hill, I panicked and tried to slam on breaks to run after my hat before it picked up pace across the fields, never to be seen again. I just couldn’t extrapolate my legs and dress in time and got caught up in a heap. Tears welled, words flowed and I cannot tell you the relief after I had embarrassing walked my bike home with a bleeding toe and bruised ego, grease filled legs and finally turned the corner and saw “My home”.

Confession #6: Kitty food is now on my shopping list again. And I have a pet brush. Everyone laughed at me when I said I wanted one, but I found it in the Euro shop, and this kitty just LOVES being fussed over! Every now and then it feels like a betrayal to my beloved Stripey, but Nikos is my “pretend cat”. He is not really mine; I know that – just that we get to love each other furiously when I am here. When I told Ms. S that I was letting Nikos, the #gingersnap cat sleep on my bed, she nearly fell off her own feet. You are crazy Kate Emmerson. And yes I am, but when I walked home last night after devouring the most delicious “orange pie” oozing with syrup and a creamy cappuccino to wash it down, my heart did a little skip when I saw Nikos waiting for me at the end of the road – a bit out of his usual comfort zone. My Greek is shocking, so I speak to him in English, (other than a strong reprimand of OCHE when he wants to get agro) and we ambled off down the road side-by–side, ready for a little cuddle.

Confession #7: Yes. I miss you, ENP. Every day! But you are in Russia at the world cup with all your Argentinian lads, doing what you love to do, and that makes me happy! Enough said we will entwine again in a few weeks when in the same country again.

Confession #8: I deeply love that my office of choice, Gialos on the platea, has exceptionally kind owners, friendly kitties and the most heavenly view on the planet! Along with great coffee, conversation and a way to observe this little village and all its folk – from Drug dealer, to prostitute to writers, foreigners who return year after year after and the locals getting ready for thier work day. A great place for writers to simply sit and observe…

With love from me, to you, from Skala Eressos and my new “home” – for now x

(And yes, I will be IN South Africa for August and September for work :) )

#gallery-1 { margin: auto; } #gallery-1 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-1 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-1 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Morning pages ….

Confessions of a location free maverick – it’s over! was originally published on Kate Emmerson - The Quick Shift Deva

#changes #location free #new era #transformation

1 note · View note

sociallyawkward--fics · 7 years ago

Note

I'm really sorry that everything isn't going well, but take all of the time you need. As I said before your health is more important than a story, and we'll all love it whenever you do write it. Everyone needs time to get things sorted, and I'm really glad that you're taking the time to do that for yourself. You are a wonderful person, and I'll love you no matter what! ~S ❤️💛💚💙💜

I got my friend to read WWF, and she thinks that you write really well!! (I mean me too, but…) (I hope you’re doing alright) ~S

Okay, now she’s saying it’s freaking amazing! (You’re wonderful!!) ~S

Omg you guys are so sweet! Tell your friend thank you for me lol, I’m really glad she (and you) enjoy it! You’re all wonderful!

Yay! You’re back! Anyway, how’s it going? ~S

I’m back!! Things aren’t amazing, but hopefully they’ll get better soon. And I’m housesitting for most of my spring break so I don’t even have to be at home! I can chill in my friend’s house with the house all to myself lol. How are you doing? What’s been going on in the life of S in the past two-ish weeks?

#ask #anon #S anon

4 notes · View notes

girlwithalessonplan · 8 years ago

Note

Hello! Long time follower, first time ask. You mentioned going to DC not long ago, and that's a trip I've been meaning to take for the longest time. What advice to you have for going to DC?

I go to Washington DC almost every year for the Daughters of the American Revolution called convention. To me, DC is one of those towns that I can see something new every time I go and I still haven't seen everything. If you're wanting to see some of the traditional popular spots, like the Library of Congress, the capital, or even tour the White House you need to contact your state representative or your Senators office and they can get you passes or tickets. You may need to do this months in advance. This Missoni an African-American history Museum is so popular right now I cannot get tickets for it back in March, I'm going in two weeks. My shot to call my Senators office personally to see if there's a chance. I don't have a lot of experience with the metro, and I only use it if I'm going on really long jaunts. I bring a lot of ones and fives and take taxis, or Uber. I think this year I'm going to try Lyft for the first time. Only go in early spring if you definitely want to see the Cherry blossoms, otherwise it's deeply touristy. I did it on accident one year when I was housesitting for someone on spring break, and it wasn't that bad because it was still early in blossom season. But the summer is also peak tourism, and it can get very hot and muggy. Washington DC has a homeless population, and it can be jarring to see them sleeping on sidewalks or parks if you aren't used to that, but I've never had an issue with panhandling or anything like that. They always tell us DAR ladies to not go out after dark, but the few times I've gone out in the company of other women, and populated areas, we've not had any issues. I'm not a big foodie, and usually when I go for this convention I'm too busy to have a lot of sitdown meals, But I've never had a food truck or hotdog cart I didn't like In DC. ;)

12 notes · View notes

raecrossman · 8 years ago

Text

The Snowbird Lifestyle: Healthy Anti-Aging Solution or Horrifying Misadventure?

photo: wikimedia

By Crabby McSlacker So what's a snowbird? (Besides, apparently, a ski resort in Utah?) I'll offer one definition of a snowbird: a species of silver-crested North American, usually of advancing years, that migrates annually for the winter from colder northern climates to warmer southern ones. Best known for upsetting local ecosystems and annoying year-round inhabitants. Regular readers may be aware that my wife (aka "The Lobster") and I are a couple of those dreaded snowbirds. Yet: we are not all that old. Nor, we hope, are we all that annoying. And it's not just us: Snowbirds seem to be getting younger. Maybe it's because more jobs are going virtual and it's not just for retirement anymore? Or it might be because new options that didn't exist 10 or 20 years ago can make it way more affordable and practical than it used to be. (Note: I'm talking about "snowbirding" because that's what people google the most common sort of seasonal migration. But this applies to other extended getaways too, like fleeing a torrid climate during summers, or spending months abroad every year in a country that's cheap and culturally enriching, or whatever.) So if you're curious about the Snowbird lifestyle, either because it sounds vaguely appealing, or alternatively, because it sounds so hideously disruptive that reveling in the details will make you smugly grateful that you live only in one place like a normal person--some thoughts below.

Our Snowbirding experience? We flee wintertime in Provincetown Massachusetts every year, and have had a blast living part time in San Diego for seven years. But now we're selling our condo this spring, because we want to mix it up a little more. We did a trial run last winter, renting out our SD digs and spending it Austin Texas instead. Way fun!

(And hell, since I have some left-over photos from then that I never blogged about, I'm going to go ahead and use 'em to break up the text so I don't have to write a whole ridiculously belated "healthy travels in Austin" post.)

Next winter, we're renting a place in St. Petersburg Florida. And the year after that... hmm. Mexico? Hawaii? New Zealand? Costa Rica? Who knows? Can you see how that sort of decision might be kinda fun to make?

But let's deal with the bad news first.

Hassles and Painful Realities: Not Everyone Can or Should be a Snowbird.

For one thing, plenty of people are quite happy where they are whatever the season! And so why mess with a good thing? Other folks who might enjoy snowbirding eventually can't even think about it now because of work, family obligations or financial constraints. I'm guessing, for example, most second grade teachers wouldn't take kindly to a parental note saying: "please excuse Tiffany's absence during December, January, February and March. She was busy learning to boogie-board in Daytona Beach." Nor for that matter would many bosses. But even those who are ready, willing and able to migrate will have to deal with quite a few costs, chores, and hassles:

Finding a place to rent or buy and Making Arrangements. (Extra difficult if you have pets, peculiarities, or Strong Opinions).

The cost of said place, whether rented or owned.

If it's not an easy driving destination, then transportation to and fro and a means to get around once there.

Enlisting someone to rent (if you're lucky) or housesit or check on your home while you're away.

Winterizing if it freezes where you live.

Packing Angst, plus shipping costs if you send boxes back and forth.

Mail forwarding (which, btw, the post office sucks at) and bill paying and possibly tax season, which becomes more complicated when things keep getting lost in the mail.

Schlepping or rebuying Things You Can Not Live Without.

If you own, then duplicate utilities, taxes, insurance, association fees plus a twin set of "what happens while we're gone" questions.

However, it all gets way easier as you get the hang of it.

So, anyone still game or did I scare y'all off?

Winter? What winter?

Different Approaches to Snowbirding

A "second home" doesn't have to mean a huge new mortgage payment or a boring gated community full of eighty year olds riding around in golf carts. You can choose any sort of neighborhood that appeals!

In our Austin 'hood

Here are a few possibilities to think about, not all mutually exclusive:

Downsize your primary residence to something more economical to extract some extra cash to flee for part of the year.

Rent seasonally through VRBO or AirBnb or similar.

Buy a used RV and find a cheap warm place to park it.

If you live in a desirable urban area or an all-season destination (say, for example, you hail from NYC, San Diego, Boulder, DC, SF etc), consider renting out your own place while you're gone for a few months, or doing a house swap for free rent elsewhere.

Travel to countries where rents or second homes are cheaper.

Get together with friends or relatives and split a second home.

Buy a second place in a year-round rental area and rent it out monthly or weekly when you're not using it.

It helps to start fantasizing about what you might do years ahead of time, and making vacation visits and collecting data about neighborhoods, prices, cost of living, etc. A cross country road trip, if you can squeeze in the vacation time, is a great way to check out a bunch of options all at once.

Prefer a Second Home, or a Seasonal Adventure?

We know many people whose "second homes" are as every bit as integral to their lives as their primary residences. They build friendships and community over the years, and they establish routines and traditions that result in a sense of feeling truly "home" all year long, even as the settings change.

Alternatively, it's a big world! Keeping it flexible and mixing it up every year, exploring different cities or countries, gives an incredible sense of freedom and adventure.

Whether your intention is to settle somewhere for the long haul or not, you may want to consider renting a season before buying. Though hell, if you really know what you want, and see a screaming deal, then a quick decision can work too. But caution is advised.

Is Snowbirding Good for Your Health?

This is at least theoretically a health blog, so let's take a look at the healthy lifestyle angle. Did you know research proves that people who shift their primary residence between two or more places become physically and psychologically healthier as they age, and live much longer lives than their stationary peers? Really? Because I just made that up. I don't think there is any such research. (Though I did find an abstract for one Nordic study on second homes and health that basically seemed to say: we should study this). I don't actually think we should throw precious research money at this one. Not unless you have a ginormous grant that could randomly put people in groups and subsidize half of them, forcing them to move somewhere far away from bad weather whether they want to or not. Otherwise, how would you ever control for the probable fact that people drawn to snowbirding are a different sort of species of human to start with? People who might be more risk-tolerant, adventurous, financially secure, and in better health or they wouldn't consider taking it on? But common sense (and a little research) points to a few very likely health benefits for snowbirds. Physical: It's easier for most people to and get outdoors and exercise in a mild climate. Or, to get outdoors at all for that matter. (But stay tuned, we have a guest post coming up soon on winter exercise!) A research review appears to confirm this: physical activity tends to decline in winter. And the same goes for hot humid summers. An excerpt (citations omitted, boldface mine):

The data show that both men and women are more physically active during leisure time in the summer than in the winter. Moreover, it provides an analysis of the types of activities adopted by season. A 2–3-fold greater volume of walking for pleasure, the most prevalent type of activity for both men and women, was reported in spring-summer-fall seasons, compared with winter. In addition, outdoor activities such as gardening and lawn-mowing tended to replace indoor pastimes such as home exercise and bowling. Data from the Canadian Community Health Survey, Cycle 2.2 of more than 20,000 Canadians collected in 2004 revealed that the number of inactive respondents increased from 49% in summer to 64% in winter. Smaller studies, as well as those from other countries, and those concentrating on adolescents or children, tend to replicate these findings, with some exceptions. In areas of the United States with hot, humid summer weather, physical activity of children was in fact lower in summer than winter; a small study in the United Arab Emirates also suggested that extremely hot weather would decrease physical activity.

Dietary: I'm thinking warmer climates are more likely to have fresher, locally grown produce. At least that's been our experience. Also, it's a chance to get out of any dietary ruts you may have fallen into, shopping in different stores, trying new kinds of foods, exploring new takeout and restaurant options, which could in turn lead to new recipes. Many things I eat routinely now I sampled first Somewhere Else.

Psychological: Here is where I think there are the most benefits, at least for my strange little brain: Growth Mindset: There are a couple different ways to handle the aging process. Have you noticed that some people seem to get more open and adventurous as the decades pass? They become more broad-minded and adaptable, gain confidence, and become more willing to challenge themselves and less stressed when encountering the unexpected. The alternative approach? Retreat more and more to the familiar, the comfortable. Allow your world to keep getting smaller, you habits and opinions more entrenched. Find ways to avoid change whenever possible. I argue that as strategies for happiness, meaning, and life satisfaction the first approach rocks, and the second approach sucks. But "growing" instead of "shrinking" is not necessarily natural, at least for some of us anxious types. We have to actively work to stay in category One rather than get sucked into category Two. There are a multitude of ways to challenge yourself that are far less of a pain in the ass than packing up your life twice a year. Taking classes, volunteering, doing meet-ups, signing up for marathons, etc. But... having different worlds with different neighborhoods, resources, routines, possibilities, and adventures throws a whole lot of novelty in one package. And it's a package wrapped up with a pretty bow of lovely anti-depressing sunny weather! Snowbirding also requires some scheming and troubleshooting, which while not always fun, keeps those brain cells firing and beats the pants off sudoku or solitaire. Simplifying: As discussed above, snowbirding adds some complications to life. Yet counter-intuitively, it can lead to a Zen sort of reckoning about what's truly important to you, and how much less you need in your life than you thought you did. Most people we know who migrate like we do have, just like us, downsized in all sorts of ways. Not only in terms of real estate, but also personal possessions, financial entanglements, even relationships that no longer feel right, and other various commitments that seemed to be "costing" more than they were worth. Fresh eyes, with no need for an optometrist: A lesser known snowbird bonus: When you go back to your old home and neighborhood, one where you may have lived for decades, you see and appreciate all sorts of things you never noticed. It's like falling in love all over again!

And speaking of which: Relationship Enhancer: If you have a cherished spouse or life partner, sharing adventures adds a whole new dimension of bonding. Different settings bring out all kinds of new ways to appreciate their awesomeness!

The always awesome Lobster

On the other hand, if you accidentally married a whiner, a loser, a blowhard, a creep, a psycho, or a dickhead, and divorce isn't practical, you'll appreciate not being trapped in the same house with them during winter months. You can head outside and take up a new sport or simply walk as far, far away from them as you possibly can.

Health Challenges

OK, to be fair, there are some of these as well. Moving is considered a major stressor. And even if you're not starting from scratch every year, or are renting furnished places, there are still tons of little details and things that can go wrong. Along with the excitement of change comes uncertainty and a need for flexibility. Exposing yourself to this can either be a "growth opportunity" or a pain-in-the-ass source of stress, depending on your circumstances and mindset. (But consider: I'm more than a bit of a worrywart, and I cope just fine, and find it well worth the tradeoffs.) I'll repeat too: it gets way easier over time. Another consideration: if you have chronic health conditions that require doctors visits and prescription refills, you have to make sure you are going somewhere you can take care of these things, particularly if you are considering international destinations. Wishful thinking and denial are not good replacements for regular medical care. (But snowbirding, unlike snowboarding, is far less likely to send you to the emergency room.)

photo: yashima

Snowbirding Resources

Perhaps someday, if there is any interest I can get more into the nitty gritty with concrete suggestions for how to make this happen in your future, or if you're already going to make the leap, how to make it far more pleasant and less painful. I'm not sure if any regular visitors are game, but, lurkers? Googlers? If you want to know more, please let me know in the comments and I'll consider a future post. In the meantime, here are some links that are probably more informative than I am anyway: Tips on snowbird lifestyle from U.S. News

Retirement Guide to Achieving Snowbird Lifestyle (Canadian, yay!) Economical Snowbirding (Also Canadian) 30 Things you probably didn't know about snowbirds Joan Lunden on Joys of Snowbirding HuffPo on Life as a Snowbird Best Places for Snowbirds to Retire How about you guys, any of you think you might someday be interested? Or, No Way in Hell? The Snowbird Lifestyle: Healthy Anti-Aging Solution or Horrifying Misadventure? posted first on your-t1-blog-url

0 notes

liberallifeblog · 8 years ago

Text

The Snowbird Lifestyle: Healthy Anti-Aging Solution or Horrifying Misadventure?

photo: wikimedia

But let's deal with the bad news first.

Hassles and Painful Realities: Not Everyone Can or Should be a Snowbird.

Finding a place to rent or buy and Making Arrangements. (Extra difficult if you have pets, peculiarities, or Strong Opinions).

The cost of said place, whether rented or owned.

If it's not an easy driving destination, then transportation to and fro and a means to get around once there.

Enlisting someone to rent (if you're lucky) or housesit or check on your home while you're away.

Winterizing if it freezes where you live.

Packing Angst, plus shipping costs if you send boxes back and forth.

Mail forwarding (which, btw, the post office sucks at) and bill paying and possibly tax season, which becomes more complicated when things keep getting lost in the mail.

Schlepping or rebuying Things You Can Not Live Without.

If you own, then duplicate utilities, taxes, insurance, association fees plus a twin set of "what happens while we're gone" questions.

However, it all gets way easier as you get the hang of it.

So, anyone still game or did I scare y'all off?

Winter? What winter?

Different Approaches to Snowbirding

In our Austin 'hood

Here are a few possibilities to think about, not all mutually exclusive:

Downsize your primary residence to something more economical to extract some extra cash to flee for part of the year.

Rent seasonally through VRBO or AirBnb or similar.

Buy a used RV and find a cheap warm place to park it.

Travel to countries where rents or second homes are cheaper.

Get together with friends or relatives and split a second home.

Buy a second place in a year-round rental area and rent it out monthly or weekly when you're not using it.

Prefer a Second Home, or a Seasonal Adventure?

Alternatively, it's a big world! Keeping it flexible and mixing it up every year, exploring different cities or countries, gives an incredible sense of freedom and adventure.

Is Snowbirding Good for Your Health?

The always awesome Lobster

Health Challenges

photo: yashima

Snowbirding Resources

0 notes