#i got the other pins and bracelets from my sister on christmas

[vergol]

my entire (on going) collection 👁️👁️

the keychains are from augichart on etsy!

[preciadosbass]

10/8/24 [draft from saturday, key & significant photo/s at end]

woke up at 9 and said goodmorning to boris via the camera i have on him when i’m away. unlike me, i actually got dressed quickly [saw shirt, black ripped skinny jeans, the same studded belts as yesterday, knee high converse, and the same band bracelets as yesterday because i forgot to pack more] upon realising i might actually get a chance to look in those charity shops that were closed yesterday. hearing myself after the concert was really weird, my voice was messed upp. after having something to drink i noticed something on my sisters bed and a fucking baby stick insect from home decided to come away with us 😭. we had to put it in a food pot and hope for the best because we obviously weren’t prepared for that.

we got out of the hotel at 10 and went charity shopping [thrifting]. on the way to our last shop we came across a cat cafe so i obviously watched them for a while. there was a guy outside and his mum and she was saying how they go there everyday and know all of the cats names and things. i took a picture of one of them because it was sleeping with its tongue out and i thought it looked silly. afterwards me and the rest of my family went into our last charity shop and i got an american idiot [green day] cd! i’ve actually seen that cd a ton in shops but never got round to getting it for some reason.

i did previously find like 3 cds in a shop that looked really cool, one had deer skulls on the cover but i looked the music up and wasn’t keen on any of them. they all tended to be too relaxed and country-like for me to enjoy them. on the way back to the hotel/carpark we came across this market stand. most of the stuff being sold there was pokémon and anime, so not my kinda thing — but i found a few pins that caught my eye. i looked at the nightmare before christmas/beetlejuice/metal band/shark pins while my sister eyed up some pokémon figures dressed as people from demon slayer. neither of us could decide if we wanted anything so mum and dad got something to eat and we followed so we could procrastinate.

we both ended up wanting to pick something out so we went back to the stall and my sister got a deal of three figures + an extra pin so it worked out perfectly. she let me have the pin and i chose out a shark with legs because it kinda looked like a cat hybrid and i happen to love both animals. we went back to hotel to pick up some food left in a freezer and i took a few leaflets to make a collage when i get home. we set off on our way back at 1:20 and i slept almost the whole drive. i tried my best to stay awake so i could listen to fall out boy’s american beauty/american psycho but i was shattered. we got home at 3 and i fussed boris while watching even more of ‘danger days gerard -- best moments’ in youtube.

while i was outside with boris i noticed that my neighbours were being extra noisy and heard what sounded like people my age so i went for a walk round the back of the woods to decide whether i’d be too scared to see what was going on. afterwards i decided that i want to go so i asked my mum to ask about me joining in although she’d already reassured me my neighbour says i can always join in with whatever’s being hosted there. once my mum had confirmed me going wasnt a problem, i touched up my outfit and straightened my hair [it thankfully worked this time]. i somehow convinced my sister to go after telling her about what i’d seen so i said goodbye to boris and went next doors.

turned out it was some christian camp thing. ive never been religious and if anything, i concider myself a buddhist/pagan/taoist — but i do find other religions interesting and as we all know now, im desperate to meet people my age. we got there while a service was on so i politely mooched around to see what i could do. i got excited when i saw someone my age, or so i thought — she was actually even younger than my sister lmaoo

my sister met someone she used to see regularly at skating lessons, but i didn’t know her as i’ve always used roller blades and none of the tricks there could be done on those types. the atmosphere was kind chaotic, there was a ton of toddlers just wandering around, but it was somewhat exciting to be socialising like this as i haven’t in at least 2 years. there was a bouncy castle, various log cabins, singers, etc. id only ever been in my neighbours garden 3 years ago when he and his family had a bonfire night so i didn’t know my way around. with that, i just sat on the bouncy castle with my sister and waited for somebody to ask where on earth we’d come from.

eventually somebody did and we started talking. he was really fascinated with the way i dress and kept on asking why i wear the clothes i do. a few other kids also asked where i’d gotten my band bracelets from but i think they were just making small talk. the same boy they spoke to me originally just sort of joked about the others around us with me and i had to awkwardly laugh. after being there for over an hour, i decided to go back home and check on boris. my sister went with me and we stayed there for about half an hour. when we got back all of the other kids were playing football and im terrified of being booted with it so i sat on one of the many seats facing the singers.

my neighbour [i think, i honestly don’t remember what he looks like] handed me leaflets to put onto each chair and once my job was done, a service started. like i said earlier, im not anywhere near a christian so i didn’t really know what to do with myself. i just looked around. while doing so i saw a group of adults go round the back where the bouncy castle and things are so i very discreetly followed. i sat around over there for 20-30 minutes until i went back to see boris, this time alone. my sister wanted me to bring snacks back so i packed my pin-covered bag and also took my camera as word had spread that there was going to be a bonfire.

when id gotten back to the kids area i couldn’t find my sister so i searched a few of the log cabins. i ended up finding her in a huge, comfy cabin with a film playing inside. id watched that building be built not long ago, it was weird finding out what was actually inside. the film playing was ‘yes day’ and i really didn’t like it so i just sat on my phone. my mum randomly teleported out of nowhere to give my sister a jumper and then walked off into the abyss. i think she sat with the other parents. i got bored of doing nothing and after some time the film ended so me and my sister went back outside. at this point in time it was almost pitch black so i took my camera out.

that boy noticed and started playing around with it. it was awkward because he kept on grabbing the lens and trying to show me how to use my own camera lmaoo and this was when he made it even more apparent that he had a crush on me. it’s quite hard to explain how you know someone’s into you through writing but it was painfully obvious. and obviously awkward because i had absolutely no idea how old he was and he at least acted very young. i watched the bonfire for a while while he spoke to me and then got told about going into the woods to hear ‘scary stories.’ i thought it’d be like paranormal stories so i obviously came.

all 54+ of us went down into the woods and it was kinda funny because it’s the woods right behind our house and we knew where we were going but everyone kept on getting lost. we couldn’t guide anyone though, because we were decently far back in the queue [i was no30.] we ended up walking to where my mum suspected, the big oak. we all gathered around this large oak tree and then this dude came out of nowhere wearing an old man mask and a fake beard. he started telling this made up story that made absolutely no sense whatsoever. all i remember from it was that he ‘fell in a grave’ and nobody helped him out. at some point ‘i got you [i feel good]’ started playing and then an ad came on and everyone went silent.

after that happened, the ‘old’ guy started speaking about a ‘scary’ scarecrow. then we all waited in painful stillness for something to happen. then this halloween scarecrow was hoisted up from a rope around the tree. and then fell to the ground. it was hilarious because all of this happened in silence and it was obvious that wasn’t supposed to happen. after his story was over, we walked back to the campsite. we arrived back at 11 and i watched the bonfire for a little bit while that boy spoke to me. on the way to the big oak, he was asking about me having snapchat and whatsapp but stopped because my sister was teasing him. so because we were alone, he started asking me again. i didn’t say yes to anything and just said that i might be back tomorrow before everyone leaves.

when we got back home, i noticed archie [our dog] had been dropped back off to our house by my grandad. i tried having a 10 minute nap once getting into my room but i’m pretty sure it didn’t even last 5 minutes before i got called up to ask my parents questions about boris. i cant exactly recall if it was easily or arguable this particular night, but i got downstairs and ready to say goodnight to boris at 2:30. while i was saying goodnight to him, he was sleeping on my collage journal. i love it when he lays on things of mine. i don’t know whether he does it because he knows it’s mine, or because he obviously can’t move it himself, but he dosent like being on things generally so i like to think it’s option one. i went to sleep at 4.

have a good day/night O_o

🗝️ — boris/my cat

[tinawriting]

Meeting the family (F.W)

Requested: Yes/No

Pairing: Fred Weasley x fem!reader

Navigation

Summary: Fred takes Y/n to celebrate Christmas with his family. Even though he assures her that everyone it’s going to love her, he isn’t quite right.

Warnings: my english

A/N: Flashbacks are in italics!

Word count: 1.6k

“Stop that.”

"Stop what?" She said looking at her boyfriend.

"Stop biting your nails." He said batting her hand away from her mouth. "They're going to love you."

They were sitting together in Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour in Diagon Alley. Fred had taken Y/n there before they had to go to The Burrow.

After being together for almost two years they decided it was time to meet each other's parents.

"Spend Christmas with me."

"What?" She said. "I'm spending Christmas with my family, you know that."

They were in The Three Broomsticks catching up. After Fred and George left the year before they hadn't had much time together, with him being the owner of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes and her on her last year and the N.E.W.T.S coming up. But he always tried to meet her on Hogsmeade, and she would always find time to see him.

"Yes," said Fred. "I know. But come and stay just a few days with me. Just this time. I- I want to introduce you to my parents."

"Wha- Really?" She asked wide-eyed. 

"Of course," He said smiling at her. "I want them to meet one of the few people that make me want to behave."

She felt her heat swell in her chest and reached out to take the hand he had on the table, she turned it upwards and intertwined their fingers. "You still don't behave, darling."

"I said that I wanted to, though," he said chucking. "Give me some credit."

It was the first time Y/n would meet Fred's family, and she couldn't avoid thinking that she would be imposing in their Christmas celebration -even if Fred said it was okay- and they would absolutely hate her.

"How are you so sure?" She said wiping chocolate ice cream from Fred's chin.

"Because I love you." He said holding her cheek across the table, noticing how she had eat her ice cream in five seconds, she must be really nervous. He sighed. "Everything will be okay," he said. "You know half the family already."

"I know," she said, leaning into his touch. "It's your parents I'm worried about."

"Don't be," he said kissing her softly on the corner of her mouth, and it made her cheeks warm. "You're fantastic, they will love you."

When they Appareated in front of The Burrow she felt the air leave her lungs. The house was fantastic. It was weird and it looked like it would fall if it wasn't supported with magic. It reminded her of a fairytale story house.

She felt Fred's hand reaching for hers and she intertwined their fingers. Fred squeezed her hand a little tighter and she just knew that this was his way of showing her confort.

When they entered the house a fruity smell engulfed them, and for a moment all she sensed was quietness and tranquility. She should have known that those two adjectives were the exact opposite of the Weasleys.

"Ronald Weasley!" Said a high pitched voice. "Leave your sister alone!"

"That would be mum." Whispered Fred in Y/n's ear. She didn't get to say anything because her train of thought was interrupted by a loud explosion coming from another part of the house. "And that would be dad." She could only nod in response.

"We are here!" Screamed Fred. She could hear a lot of footsteps coming down the stairs, soon enough the owners of them revealing themselves. Ginny, Ron, Harry and George. No 'mum' then.

When George and Y/n locked eyes, his face broke into a big smile and he opened his arms for her to step on. She smiled as big as him and ran up to him, her arms around his waist and his arms on her back. "I haven't seen you in ages! How are you Y/n?" He said squeezing her a little tighter.

Since the twins left the school, George and Y/n had seen each other a lot less they would've liked it. They were really close when they were still at Hogwarts, and they really missed each other, they always said they were platonic soulmates.

"I'm fine, nervous, but fine," she said into his chest. "How are you?" She looked up at him and held him by the shoulders at an arm-length distance. "I'm fine," he said smiling. "Now better that you're here."

At that, Fred came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Enough," he said glaring at his twin, but the three of them knew it was without venom. "Stop flirting with my girl."

Y/n then went and said hi to Ginny, Harry and Ron. They were talking about Fred and George's shop when another loud explosion could be heard. Then, a tall, thin ginger man entered the house, his face a little dark with what Y/n were ashes.

"Hello boys!" He locked eyes with a very nervous Y/n. "You must be Y/n! How are you?" He said extending a hand for Y/n to shake. In his face a warm smile.

"Hello sir," she felt her cheeks burn when her voice faltered a little. "Nice to meet you."

"Oh!" Y/n spun around to see Mrs Weasley standing at the foot of the stairs. "Hello dear." She said a little stiffly, Y/n noticed how her eyes wandered to the Slytherin pin she had on her bracelet. Y/n lifted a hand in her direction. "It's really nice to meet you Mrs Weasley," she said smiling what she hoped was a relaxed and friendly smile. "Thank you for having me here."

Dinner had been good. Mr Weasley was very enthusiastic about the fact that Y/n's dad was a muggle, he asked her how a microwave worked, and if she could turn on the one he had. She promised to try.

But Mrs Weasley was a whole other story. She asked her about her family and how did she and Fred meet. But there was something off. Y/n felt Mrs Weasley fixing her with a pointed look every time she said something.

Mrs Weasley had made her a bed in Ginny's room, even if Fred had begged his mum to letting her stay in his room.

"I don't think your mom likes me," she said looking up at Ginny. "I think your dad liked me enough," she sighed. "What do I do? Do you think it's because I'm a Slytherin?"

"I don't know," Ginny said. "Maybe. I mean, we've been called ‘blood traitors’ by a lot of Slytherins."

Y/n sighed. She did that a lot that day. "I'm getting a glass of water," she said to Ginny. "I'll be right back."

She got out of the room as quietly as possible, not wanting to wake up anybody. Descending the stair she heard whispering voices.

"Please be nice to her," said a voice she recognised as Fred's. "She is different, and she's... she's everything to me mum. Everything. It's not just a fling. I'm marrying her one day. I love her. So please, please take it easy on her."

Y/n felt her heart swell in her chest. The fact that Fred noticed that she felt uncomfortable and did something about it without her finding out. Just because he loved her. He wasn't even close to her but she felt as if he was there, holding her close to him.

"Oh Freddie," said Mrs Weasley. "I'm just looking out for you."

"I can look out for myself," Fred snapped. "I'm an adult, and she is too."

"Don't talk to me like that Fred Weasley." She said with the same voice she chastised her other children.

"Look mum," Fred said softly. "This is it, I'm not begging you to treat my girlfriend right. If this attitude doesn't change tomorrow we're going to her family's house for Christmas Eve. This is not a decision you can make for me."

At hearing some footsteps, she ran to Ginny's room, water forgotten. Entering the room, she saw that Ginny was already asleep. She laid down and repeated the conversation she heard downstairs until she finally fell asleep too.

Breakfast was going good. Mr Weasley and Y/n were having a conversation about muggle sports and Mrs Weasley hadn’t say anything terrible at Y/n, so she counted that as a win. That was until they finished eating and Mrs Weasley with a flick of her wand made all the plates levitate to the kitchen.

“Y/n, dear,” Mrs Weasley said. “Would you help me?”

“Of course.” She said calmly getting up, even if she was screaming inside. Walking to the kitchen with sweaty palms and shaky legs she saw Mrs Weasley turning around and meeting her eyes, kindness all over them.

“I’m sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable Y/n,” she said. “You see, that there is my boy. My very irresponsible and problematic boy. It’s not that I don’t trust him to make any good decisions. But it’s hard to letting him go.” She finished smiling sheepishly.

“Mrs Weasley I’m not stealing him from you,” Y/n said stepping closer to her. “He will always be your irresponsible and problematic boy. And you will always be his mum. These thing don’t change just because he’s in a relationship. He values his family so much, I can tell. He talks a lot about you.”

“He talks a lot about you,” Mrs Weasley said. “Can you forgive darling? I shouldn’t have made assumptions about you. You’re a lovely girl. And I know you two love each other.”

Y/n felt as if a weight has been lifted off her shoulders. She let out a sight of relief and move forward into the open arms of Mrs Weasley.

“Of course I forgive you.”

“Thank you dear,” she said. “Welcome to the family.”

[writingblackpink]

Home for the Holidays

genre: so much fluff

word count: 3.5k

pairing: jisoo x reader

you bring Jisoo home for the holidays for the first time.

A/N: there’s so much fluff I think I got a cavity writing this idk....anyway, like always, let me know what you think! Enjoy :)

-

Snow settled against your windshield silently before melting away as you drove through the streets. There was just enough snow on the ground to cover the grass, making for a perfect white Christmas. Christmas music played softly from the radio as you passed house after house dressed up in twinkling lights and holiday displays. 

You always loved being home for the holidays. When you were younger, that meant helping your parents with the party set-up and welcoming family from all over to stay for the week, making your home and your heart feel full and warm. Hearing laughter and happy conversation through the halls made your heart feel so full that sometimes you thought it would burst. In the best way, of course. 

As you grew older and went off to college, coming home for the holidays was a respite from your “new” life. You loved all of the new experiences you were encountering and you cherished all you learned during your time away, but there was something in the familiarity of being back home that gave you a chance to rest and recharge with those you loved the most. 

For the last few years, it’s just been you. You’ve been ok with coming back home alone, but you always knew something was missing. Getting older alongside your relatives and seeing them bring people that were special to them made you long for that same feeling. You wanted to feel as strongly for someone else as you perceived they had also felt.

You had felt that emptiness until now, Jisoo in the passenger seat of your car, heading home for the holidays to meet your family for the very first time. Your family was very open and you knew they would love her just as much as you did, but Jisoo had expressed her nervousness for the holidays in the weeks prior to this day. You had assured her that there was nothing to be worried about and that your family would love her, but you knew there wasn’t much else you could do to quell her lingering fears about the week. 

And now, sitting in the passenger seat of your car, you could sense that nervousness in the way she fidgeted a bit in her seat, in the way she nervously played with your fingers where your hands were intertwined over the center console. 

“Jisoo, are you okay?” you asked, concern in your voice. 

“Mhmm”, she affirmed, nodding slightly. 

In her answer, you knew that she was swimming in her own thoughts and you just wanted to take the pressure off of the situation as best as you could. 

“Jisoo, if you’re not ready for this, we can go somewhere else. Anywhere. I don’t want to force you to do anything you’re not ready for.”  

“No,” she took a deep breath as she looked over at you, your eyes glued to the road, “I’m ready for this. It’s just a little nerves, I’ll survive.” 

And she squeezed your hand where it sat to reassure you that everything was okay and she would be fine. You squeezed back in acknowledgement. 

A half an hour later, you were pulling into the driveway of your childhood home. You made many memories in this house, even in this driveway. As you looked out the window at the snow-covered yard, you thought back to every winter when the neighbor kids would come over to sled down the hill in your front yard, or all of the impromptu snowball fights your family had in this very spot. These memories were burned into your brain like a novel you read over and over, but it was time for a new chapter with a new person. 

Clearing your throat, you brought yourself back to your present, with Jisoo waiting patiently in her seat for your next move. 

“Welcome home.” rang out softly from your lips as you gently leaned over and placed the softest kiss against her lips. While it wasn’t your current home, you hoped that Jisoo could see it as much of a second home, at the very least, as you have.

Jisoo smiled back at you while you reached for one of your bags, rummaging through to find what you were looking for. 

“Ah, here they are. Since it’s Christmas Eve I packed us some Christmas cheer!” You said as you enthusiastically pulled out two nips of Fireball. Neither of you were really fond of the liquor, but you hoped that this would at least help calm some of Jisoo’s nerves. 

“I know you’re nervous, so before we go in I thought we could have a little something that could help take the edge off?” You handed her a tiny bottle, and she grabbed it quickly, screwing off the lid and promptly downing the shot before you could even get yours out of your bag. 

Following her lead, you downed yours quickly, feeling the alcohol burn all the way down your chest, warming you up in the car that was getting increasingly colder ever since you cut the engine just minutes ago. You coughed, trying to rid yourself of the urge to gag.

“How many of those did you bring?” Jisoo questioned, attempting to peer over to catch a glimpse into your bag. 

“Uh, well I have a few more, but let’s get inside before we get too crazy. You haven’t even met the family yet.” She rolled her eyes at you and you chuckled. 

You ran around the car to open the door for Jisoo before moving to grab your bags out of the back of the car. Walking hand in hand to the front door, you gave hers another squeeze and a reassuring smile. 

Stopping before ringing the doorbell, you looked over one last time at Jisoo, silently asking if she was still alright. With a silent smile and nod, you dropped a bag so your free hand could ring the doorbell while your other hand remained locked with Jisoo’s. 

You took a deep breath as you heard someone shifting the locks around on the other side of the door. As the door swung open, you were slightly relieved to see your little brother greet you first. 

“Y/N! Welcome back home!” He exclaimed as he stepped forward and took you in his arms, wrapping you up tightly like you had just returned from war. He seemed stronger than you remember. You made a mental note to ask him about his lifting regimen these days. Stepping back, you straightened out your sweater as you reclaimed your spot next to Jisoo. 

“Daniel, this is Jisoo, my girlfriend.” 

And to your surprise, and Jisoo’s as well, he moved forward to give her a suffocating hug too. 

“Ah, yes, Jisoo!” He exclaimed. “I’ve heard so much about you!” 

He lowered his voice just so Jisoo could hear, “It’s an honor to meet the woman who makes my sister so happy.” 

And he left it at that as he pulled away before she had a chance to respond, telling you that your parents were making one last grocery run before the party was set to start in an hour. Jisoo’s expression looked a little surprised, but you didn’t know if it was from the hug or something else your brother said, and you didn’t ask. At that, you took Jisoo’s hand and dragged her up to your old room to drop off your bags and get settled in for the next few days. 

Opening the door sent you back in time a few years. Everything in your room was exactly as you left it years ago, your parents not moving anything as they hoped you would be back. The posters from your favorite bands as a child still hung along the walls, and the polaroids you took with your friends throughout the years sat pinned to a bulletin board. 

“Woooow,” Jisoo said, pulling out the syllable, “your room is like a time capsule.” 

You watched from your sitting position on your bed as she walked along the length of your dresser, looking at some of the photos in frames scattered across the top and brushing her fingers over some trinkets you had from when you were younger. 

“Yeah, I guess my parents never really needed the extra space when I left so they just left everything as-is.” 

“Your childhood room looks exactly how I imagined how it would look.” 

Your eyebrows raised at that comment. 

“Oh really? And how’s that?”

Jisoo paused, still looking through the photos on your dresser while responding. She hummed. 

“You were into boy bands and friendship bracelets. You probably were friends with all the popular people, but had no interest in being one of them. Vanilla.”

Jisoo turned and walked over to you slowly, moving to straddle you at your position on the bed. 

Although she was right, you to be shocked and gasped. 

“Jisoo, did you just call me a vanilla?” Jisoo’s gaze zeroed in on your lips. 

“Maybe, but I love it.” 

“And I love you.”

Wrapping her arms around you, she leaned in for a deep kiss, which led to another kiss which led to another and soon you lost track of time in her lips, only briefly opening your eyes to steal a glance at the clock on the wall to see that there was only fifteen minutes before guests would be arriving. 

“Jisoo….we have to…..get ready…..to go back….downstairs,” you managed to push out against her lips in between kisses, although you were reluctant to stop. 

She gave you one last peck before pulling away and whispering an almost silent “I love you” before jumping off your lap and moving to get her bags settled as you headed to the bathroom to freshen up. 

Walking back into the room, you were met with Jisoo in the middle of downing another shot she had stolen from your bag. 

“Jisoo!” 

She whipped around, empty bottle in her hand, and face plastered with faux guilt, cheeks warm and red and not just from the alcohol. 

“Sorry?” She shrugged her shoulders, and when she saw you weren’t convinced, she continued. 

“Listen, I’m fine. I’m more than fine.” She walked forward to take your hands in hers, moving in closely. You could still smell the alcohol on her breath as she spoke. 

“I feel great. I’m with you. Everything is going to be okay.” 

“Jisoo, shouldn’t I be the one reassuring you right now?” 

In lieu of an answer, she wrapped her arms around your waist, resting her head just below your chin and swaying slightly. If what she wanted was a moment of calm before the party, you were more than happy to give it to her, folding in to her every want. 

“You are. More than you know,” she said against your chest, pausing before adding, “the liquid courage is also helping.”

Before you knew it, you had lost track of time again, only being brought back when your brother sent a soft knock ringing through your room, letting you know that guests were arriving downstairs. 

Giving Jisoo one last look over, you took her hand in yours, giving it one last squeeze. You couldn’t help but notice how each strand of her hair flowed down past her shoulders, perfectly in place. You smiled at her rosy cheeks. You don’t think you’d ever get tired of this sight.

“Alright, showtime.” you mumbled and turned to head downstairs. 

You introduced Jisoo to your parents first and both of you were received with warm hugs and excited voices, happy to have the house full this holiday, and happy that you had a smile on your face. Your mom offered Jisoo a glass of wine, and she accepted while you declined, citing not “being a wine person” and instead mixing yourself a cocktail at the makeshift bar. 

An hour later, too much food had been had, you and jisoo had made your rounds with the family, and you two were settled on the couch, snuggled closely and watching everyone around you. 

“How are you doing?” 

“Me?” She paused, droopy eyes shifting to meet yours. You could tell that she had slipped in a few more drinks throughout the night. “I’m...great. Your family is….so cool,” she added with a slow blink and you hugged her closer. Just as you had settled in together on the couch, your moment was interrupted by one of your younger cousins, except they weren’t interested in talking to you. 

“Jisoo!” she squealed, both of you shooting to sit upright. The way Jisoo leaned a little too far to the right made you giggle a little, knowing she was feeling really good. 

“Ye-yeah?” 

“Jisoo come here I want to show you this game we’re playing.” 

And with that, your cousin took your girlfriend’s hand, pulling her off the couch and to the other room where the kids were playing games. You waited a few moments before following, standing in the doorway, leaning against the doorframe and watching Jisoo melt right in with your family. 

You made eye contact from across the room, and she gave you a wink before she put on an exaggerated expression to act interested in whatever the kids were trying to show her. You chuckled at the sight, inevitably thinking of your future with her. Sure you had only been together for just shy of a year, but you could see it all with her; getting married, moving in together, having kids, getting old, and every moment, good or bad, in between. 

A hand on your shoulder brought you out of your daze, and you glanced over your shoulder to find your mother smiling with her gaze fixed on the scene in front of you two. 

Keeping her eyes in that direction, she finally spoke up. 

“Jisoo seems to be fitting in.” 

“Yeah, she seems to be pretty popular with the kids.” you looked back at Jisoo, deeply focused on the game in front of her. Your mom broke her gaze and took in your expression as you smiled in Jisoo’s direction. 

“I mean, she seems to be fitting in here, with us. All of us.” your mom added, and you were slightly stunned that one evening with Jisoo had led to your family’s immediate approval. You don’t know what you had expected, but you definitely thought it would take a little longer for your family to warm up to Jisoo. On the other hand, you weren’t surprised. You knew Jisoo and you knew she could charm anyone she met. Although you did appreciate the validation.

“R-really?” You stuttered out, clearly still surprised at your mother’s words. 

“Yeah, everyone has been singing her praises all night. ‘That Jisoo girl seems nice’, ‘Your daughter looks good with Jisoo’. You know, things of that nature. I’d have to agree.” You both smiled as she paused. 

“You love her, don’t you?”

And you didn’t even have to think before responding. 

“Yeah, I really do.” 

Your mother gestured for you to follow her in response, and you obediently did as she led you to her room where she pulled out a large jewelry box you had never seen before. 

“I was going to wait to give you this until you had found your person,” and your eyes widened as her back was turned to you, still searching through the box. 

“But it seems like you might have already done that so-” she turned around with a smaller box, opening it up to show you the beautiful ring that sat inside. 

You didn’t think it was possible, but your eyes widened exponentially as you realized the implications of this interaction. 

“This was your grandmother’s wedding ring. She wanted you to have it; to be able to give it to whoever you felt was worthy of your love; whoever made you happiest.” She extended her arm to hand you the box. Your eyes felt a little misty, and you knew your voice would crack if you tried to speak, so you settled for stepping in for a warm hug, letting her know wordlessly that you appreciated it more than she knew. 

Pulling away, your mother spoke again. 

“I’m proud of you, you know? Now, let’s get back to the party before people start looking for you.” you laughed and stuffed the small box in your pocket, heading to find Jisoo. 

Except she wasn’t with the kids anymore, and when you asked them where she was they didn’t know, only half paying attention to you and half to the game they were immersed in. So, you weaved your way around the rooms, occasionally being stopped along the way to be asked about life from an aunt or an uncle or cousin. It took almost another twenty minutes to find Jisoo in the party, finding her where you should have checked first: the bar. She seemed immersed in conversation with a relative and you waited for them to part before making your way over to your girlfriend. 

She leaned heavily into your side as you made it over to her. She had a cup in her hand and you could smell the peppermint alcohol on her breath. While still only tipsy, you couldn’t help but think that Jisoo was going to have one killer hangover tomorrow with all of the alcohol mixing she was doing tonight. 

“Hey baby.” She whispered seductively into your ear, giving it a subtle swipe with her tongue, while moving her free hand to grope your ass.

Ok, so you’re not only dealing with tipsy Jisoo, but tipsy and frisky Jisoo. What a combination. 

“OH!” you exclaimed while jumping back and taking her hand on your backside and moving it to your side as you whispered back. 

“Jisoo, we have to keep it PG...children are here.” 

You thought she was adorable when she pouted, so you laughed even though Jisoo did not think not being able to touch you was funny at all. 

“Here, come here.” 

You settled for a compromise, bringing her back to the couch you were settled on earlier, bringing her in close to you. So close that she was almost sitting on you, but at least you knew you could control what she was doing with her hands a little better from this spot. 

It wasn’t long before people started leaving, and you felt Jisoo starting to drift off against your shoulder. You waited for the house to clear out before moving, gently waking Jisoo and wiping the drool off of your shoulder. In her dazed state, she kept her eyes closed as she leaned into you as you walked back to your room. Hitting the stairs seemed to be a problem, as a result of both the alcohol and exhaustion.

“Jisoo, can you walk yourself up the stairs?”

“...Can’t. Too tired. Carry me.” and with that she threw her arms around you. After some maneuvering Jisoo was on your back as you grunted your way up the stairs. You gently placed her on her feet as you entered the room, turning to face her. 

“Jisoo! What the hell?” 

Jisoo seemed to have gained a second wind and had shed her sweater on the way up the stairs. Ignoring you, she tossed it to the side and noticed a silver case in the corner of your room, heading straight for it. 

“Ooooh, what’s this?” She asked excitedly, looking up at you as she opened the case to reveal an old trumpet you used to play. 

“Uh, I used to be in the band…”

She laughed obnoxiously loudly. 

“Of course you were!”

She took it out and tried to blow some notes, failing miserably. You couldn’t help but laugh yourself as you took in Jisoo, shirtless, trying to play Christmas tunes on your old trumpet. 

As she focused on that, you waved her off and headed back downstairs to get some water and ibuprofen for the headache you knew Jisoo would have in the morning. All of the lights were off in the house, everyone seemingly had retreated to their rooms for the night. You couldn’t help but take a moment and glance out the window, snow still falling steadily, silently against the glass. Even more snow sat on the ground now, and it shimmered a bit under the moonlight. 

Thinking back on the night, you couldn’t think of any way it could have gone better. Although Jisoo was nervous, your family embraced her, and her them. You were brought out of your thoughts at the sound of a sharp note coming from your trumpet, opting to quickly gather what you came here for before heading back to your room, hoping no one was startled awake. 

And you couldn’t believe it. It couldn’t have been more than thirty seconds since you heard the trumpet and Jisoo was already passed out on the bed, in nothing but her jeans and a bra. The trumpet in her hands. You placed the glass and the pills on the nightstand, and placed the trumpet back in its case before walking back to the bags and finding an oversized shirt to put Jisoo in, helping her out of her pants. Soon, you crawled into bed, making sure the covers covered both of you, bringing Jisoo closer to your chest. You touched your lips to her hair, murmuring an “I love you” you knew she wouldn’t remember in the morning. This chapter was off to a great start.

[writer1]

A 501st Christmas

Chapter 5

Thanks to @captainrexisboo for helping me figure out some of the gifts for the clones, you were a big help! I'm not gonna lie, I teared up a little writing one part of this.

You and Padme rush around the store, searching for presents for the boys. They are back at the base, making ornaments for the tree with Gida.

You both have already found a few things for Fives, Jesse and Kix, and Padme's already got something for Anakin and Obi Wan but you're still trying to find some things for the others. You at this particular moment are trying to find something for Rex. You have no idea what to get him, when you asked he told you that he doesn't need anything.

You want to get him something special, something that will be meaningful to him. But you have no idea what it should be.

You let out a deep, frustrated sigh, and decide to take a break from looking for Rex's present. You search the isles of the store, now you are trying to figure out what to get for Dogma.

You've already gotten Jesse a joke book, you and Anakin brainstormed together and decided to give Kix a day off, and Fives is getting a cookbook since he loves cooking and a mini comb for his goatee.

You notice that the shelve nexts to you has a stack of mini journals on it and you smile, you search through it and find the perfect 501st blue one.

It's perfect for Dogma to make bullet lists and notes in, it also might do him some good to write his feelings down in it, since he's so quiet. You decide to grab a second one for him, and make a note to buy him another two once these run out, whenever that is.

You're also helping Boil make a scrap book for Waxer, it's going to have all their pictures of Numa and their brothers in it.

You keep looking around, you end up finding some hair products for Tup. Mostly hair ties, scrunchies and Bobby pins, you also find some really nice conditioner for long, curly hair. You think that he'll love it.

You find a little bracelet for Gida, it has a little heart as the charm on it. You hope that she'll love it, Rex is also getting his own gift for her that he's going to pick out himself.

You grab a travel mug for Boil since he loves his caf. You decide to finish up and carry your stuff to the register, on your way you meet up with Padme and that's when you see the perfect present for Stutter.

It's an art set that comes with everything, paints, pastels, crayons, pencil's, pencil crayons and flimsy. It also comes with erasers and sharpeners for them, you smile and grab it. Stutter loves drawing and coloring, he's going to be so happy to get it.

"You grabbed a lot of stuff y/n, the men are going to be so happy. Did you find anything for Rex." You smile but a frown takes your face as soon as she talks about Rex's gift, you still have no idea what to get him.

"I have no idea what to get him, Padme, this is our first Christmas together. It needs to be something special." Padme nods, and thinks for a moment, she wants to help you.

"I don't know, y/n. But I'm sure that you'll think of something." Padme's kind words cheer you up a little, but you still feel upset. You hope to figure it out soon.

"Okay, let's head back to my place and hide these presents." You smile at Padme's enthusiasm, you both pay for your things and take them to Padme's apartment. You collapse on the couch afterwards, completely spent.

"That was fun Padme, thanks." She nods and sits down beside you after hiding the presents.

"Now I just have to figure out what to get for Rex."

"What about Cody?" Padme asks you, noticing that you didn't pick anything up for him.

"Rex and I already got something for Cody, it's a strip of leather for Cody's belt. So that he can wear Obi Wan's lightsaber instead of carrying it around when he loses it." Padme chuckles at that, she's heard from Anakin how much Obi Wan loses his lightsaber.

"That's a great gift, Cody has to get tired of carrying that damn lightsaber all the time." You laugh at that, it was all Rex's idea to get it for his brother. It's even in 212th orange.

"I'm sorry to say that I have to head back Padme, I'll be back to help wrap the gifts soon." You stand up and Padme pulls you into a hug.

"It was great spending the time with you today y/n, make sure to come back soon." You smile and pull away, heading to her elevator to leave. As you start your walk back to base you try to figure out what to get Rex, when you glance over at a speeder you get an idea.

You decide to make Rex's present, it's going to be a locket of some sort. A locket that you'll put a picture of the two of you in, you're positive that Rex will love it. You'll also make it so that it can extend, then Rex can wear it even when he's in his Werewolf form.

You'll make it out of parts from some of the ships, there are ones that are too broken to fix so you'll use parts from those. Another thing you'll add is a piece of armor from both your's and Rex's, you can't wait to start making it.

You finally make it too the base, walking in and seeing that everyones still here. Cody, Waxer, Boil are all here, so are Gida, Obi Wan and Anakin. Then there's Rex, Fives, Tup, Dogma, and Stutter.

"Hey Cyare!" Rex calls, walking over to you and giving you a peck on the lips. You pull away and look around, noticing that Jesse and Kix aren't here.

"Where's Jesse and Kix?"

"Kix is in the medbay fixing up some shinies that got in a fight, and Jesse is there keeping him company." You nod, of course some shinies got into a fight.

"So, where are the gifts, y/n." Fives asks with a sly smile, and you scoff.

"Like I'm going to tell you, they're hidden." Fives laughs at that, he should have known that you wouldn't bring them here.

"We're all ready to decorate the tree, Cyare. We were just waiting for you." Rex pulls you over to everyone else who's getting the decorations that they made ready, you see quite a few little troopers that will hang on the tree and you laugh.

They all look like one of the boys in the 501st and 212th, you even see one that looks like Rex, it even has a little pair of Jag eyes on the helmet.

"Y/n!" Gida hurtles towards you, almost knocking you over when she hits. You kneel down and wrap your arms around her.

"Hey, Gida. Did you have fun with the boys today?" She nods quickly.

"Yeah, we did a bunch of crafts. It was so much fun come on, come on." You chuckle as she pulls you towards the tree, you notice that the garland and lights are already hung up.

You and the boys start decorating, Stutter hangs up some of his own homemade decorations, they look amazing. So do the others, even the Jedi made some decorations. You grab the candy canes, handing some too Gida as you both start hanging them everywhere.

After that you grab Gida, handing her your star and Rex picks her up. She places the star on the tree and you all stand back to admire your work, the tree is covered in decorations. Way too many actually, and many different colors but you don't care.

The tree is perfect, it shows how different your family is. You may have only been with Rex for eight months, but you didn't only get Rex as a boyfriend, you got a whole family to go with him. All the boys think of you as their sister, and you think of them as your brothers.

Taglist: @captainrexisboo @tobitofunction @pentaghasm @ohmsjedi @pro-fangirls-unsocial-life @ellie1366 @marine-captain-deku @reimet @commanderrivercc-3628 @ahsokatano-thetogruta

[itsjustmyfantasyroom]

First Christmas

Just fluff. This was inspired by one of Raul's SVU master interview he did and he was wearing a bracelet. 

Warning: slight language.

Enjoy x

"Do you have to go out dressed like that when I'm not there? I'm tempted not to let you go and keep you all to myself”

Rafael had his arms wrapped around your waist while you were trying to finish getting ready to go out. It was your first squad Christmas party, the first work thing without Nick and your first Christmas with Rafael.

Your lease was ending in your apartment after the New Year, so you started to move your stuff in slowly and mix your things in with his.

You guys had a small Christmas tree up and a beautiful big wreath on the door. Your Mum was coming to the city for Christmas and Boxing Day, staying at your apartment during her time here. This was the first time Lucia and her would be meeting. You and Sonny were having Christmas off, but you were both working over the New Year’s.

"I'll only be a few hours Rafi, then I'll be home and all yours" you spun around in his arms and kissed his nose.

"Well don't drink too much, and if you need me to come and get you just call"

He started to run his hand up your thigh along your stockings up under your dress, while he was kissing your neck.

"Rafi-I have-to-finish-oh Raf." You moaned as he kissed your neck and cupped your core through your stockings and panties.

You had black stockings on with a red long sleeved dress that came to your mid thighs, with a scoop neck and an elastic waist, black ballet flats, your hair was down curled with a piece of holly pinned in it. He kissed his way up your neck to your ear,

"Sure I can't make you change your mind and stay? You’re like a present that needs to be unwrapped" he whispered in your ear and you bit your bottom lip. Before you had a chance to answer, your phone rang, it was Amanda,

"Hey Amanda"

"Hey Y/N, I'm down stairs"

"Ok be right there" you smiled at Rafael, he rolled his eyes taking his hands away from you while you hung up.

"She sure knows how to cock block me doesn't she" you laughed cupping his cheek.

"Don't be like that Rafi, we will continue this when I get home" you winked at him.

Liv had booked a table at one of the best Italian restaurant in the area and then you guys were going to go out drinking and dancing. No one had to work the next day, but you were all on call just in case. To add a little bit of fun because it was Christmas, you all decided to dress in red or green. You all looked so festive.

You and Amanda got to the restaurant first and waited for everyone to come. Once you guys were shown to your seats, you all seen the table was set for 6. You were sitting next to Sonny, Amanda was across from you between Liv and Fin, with a spare seat next to you placed.

“Are we expecting someone else?" Amanda asked.

"Yes, me" you knew that voice anywhere

"Rafi" you smiled as you looked up.

He was dressed in a black suit with a white button down, with a red scarf and his brown over coat. You got up from your seat and pretty much jumped into his arms. He wrapped his arms around your waist and yours around his neck and you kissed him hello.

"Hey Hermosa" and he kissed you again.

Rafael said hello to everyone and took his seat on the other side of you.

"Glad you made it Barba, Your just as much part of the team as the rest of us" Liv smiled and Rafael looked at you with a wink and a smirk.

You guys all ordered entries and dinner. And your drinks arrived.

"I want to do a toast" Liv started "I think of all my years at SVU this one has to have been one of my favourite. We had two new squad members join us and it was like they had always been here. We had some tough stuff happen, we lost someone we all loved very much. But we also had a lot of good stuff happen. I wouldn't want to be walking through tough stuff or the good stuff without you all by my side. Cheers" you all clinked your glasses.

Dinner was amazing and you all decided to go to a night club one block down. Excitement filled you when you saw what club it was. It was a retro club that mostly played 80's music. You had been wanting to check it out with Rafael but something always came up the nights you wanted to go. Little did you know, he actually suggested to Liv that you guys should all go there tonight after dinner because it was so close.

It was cold outside, so you guys walked quickly to get to where you needed to go to get back inside. Rafael had his arm wrapped around your shoulders as you guys were walking behind the others.

"Rafi?"

"Yes Hermosa?"

"How long ago did Liv invite you to tonight?" He laughed

"About 2 weeks ago. I wanted to leave it as a surprise" you giggled

"What if I had turned around earlier and said I would have stayed home with you?"

He lent close to your ear

"I would have made it worth your while. But now you will have to wait till we get home" he gave you a cheeky smile.

****

The lead up to Christmas went fairly quick and was there before you knew it. Nothing major had come in by Christmas Eve so Liv gave you all the nod to leave early, which worked in your favour. Sonny offered to go with you to the grocery store to pick up some last minute stuff for Christmas day.

Your Mum would be in New York late that night, but would be at yours and Rafael’s in the morning. You and Rafael had promised to go to Lucia’s for Christmas Eve dinner, then midnight mass, then she would be at your guys place for Christmas lunch. You had all decided no presents this year, you all just wanted to spend time together. But you did organise a couple of small things for Rafael that he didn't know about.

"So Y/N, your Mum's are meeting uh? Are ya nervous?"

"Not really Sonny, I think they will get along. It's just a big step you know. Moving in together and then mothers meeting during Christmas"

Sonny patted you in the back, "It will be fine."

Sonny drove you back and helped you take the shopping up and you turned on the jug to make him a coffee. Sonny was no Nick, but you had a cute little brother sister bond thing going on. You made the coffee and you both moved to the dining table.

"Ya know- I'm no Nick. They are big shoes to fill you guys were tight. He was your best friend. But I'm glad I was partnered with you. Not that there is anything wrong with Fin or Rollins. But we make a good team" you giggled.

"Sonny I'm glad you’re my partner, you’re a great person and you are one of my best friends, I trust you with my life." you smiled at him. A big smile came to his face.

"Same Y/N"

****

2am you and Rafael finally made it home. Dinner as amazing at Lucia's and midnight mass was beautiful. You both made your way to bed, knowing you had to be up early to start cooking for lunch.

Your Mum came early and helped you guys. You went into the bathroom to shower and get dressed. As you walked out, you could hear your mum and Rafael talking in the kitchen,

"Well you have my blessing Rafael, when the time is right you do did. I think what you have planned she is going to love it. I couldn't have picked anyone better than you if I tried"

Butterflies filled your tummy and a smiled pulled to your face, but you were pulled out of the feeling when there was a knock on the door.

Christmas lunch couldn't have gone any better. The mum's got along amazing, and Lucia had invited you all over the next day for Boxing Day for a Cuban meal. Lucia offered to drive your mum home and they left around 10. Everything had been cleaned and Rafael poured two glasses of wine.

"Hermosa, the wine is ready"

"Coming" you walked out of the bed room with two gifts and you sat next to Rafael, he looked at the presents in your lap.

"Hermosa, what did we say about presents this year?"

"I know, but they are just something small and it's our first Christmas together"

You handed them over to him.

"Open the rectangle one first" you smiled at him.

He ripped the paper off and a huge smile pulled to his face. It was a framed photo of you and him from your first date. It was a selfie you had taken. His arms were around your waist, you had one arm around his neck. You were cheek to cheek smiling hard. He looked up at so happy.

"You don't have many photos here, so I thought since I'm moving in we needed a photo of us around"

"I love it Hermosa, thank you"

"Don't thank me yet, you have another one to open"

He put the photo on the coffee table and started to unwrap the smaller square box. His eyes filled with tears when he seen the gold ID bracelet sitting inside. He pulled it off the pillow, looking at it closely. On the top of the bar it had 'Rafael' engraved on it, he turned it over and on the back 'I love you always'

He lent over and kissed you light on the lips.

"Here, I'll put it on for you" he looked at it shinning on his arm once you clipped it up.

"Well I'm glad I got you something as well" you both laughed.

He pulled out a small green velvet box from his pocket. Your tummy filled with butterflies. He turned his body towards you.

"Mi Hermosa, I have never been as happy as I have been the last few months. You’re the love of my life and I want to grow old with you. In this box is something very special. It was Abuela’s and I want you to have it as my commitment to you" he paused "This is a commitment ring. I'm committing to you that one day I'm going to marry you and have a family"

Your eyes were filled with tears as he opened the box, it was a sliver band with a blue square cut diamond with two small white square stones on either side. He pulled the ring out of the box and handed it to you.

"I want you to read what's engraved on the inside"

You moved the ring to the light 'Only You' was on the inside of the band. Tears fell down your cheeks, he took the ring off you, grabbed your right hand and slid the ring onto your ring finger.

"I'll never take it off Rafi"

[mixedsnape]

Snapemas day 3: Smiles

In December, on the half day just before Christmas break, they were making presents for their parents in class. Most kids made glittery picture frames or salt dough ornaments, felt stockings or construction paper snowflakes. He didn’t know what to make, so he sat in the corner and pushed around the wooden beads on his desk.

[owo I only finished this at like 4 in the morning so its. late. also uh Tobias is here, but theres no like. Abusive stuff going on.]

@deepperplexity

3. Smiles 

Severus' dad was scary. He never knew when his dad would be mean or nice, if he would come home with a big frown and start yelling and throwing things or if he would come with a grin and a gift from work. He liked when his dad was happy, he could deal with his dad being mad, but he never knew what to do when he was quiet. 

He knew when winter was coming, not just because he had to bundle up in his mums old coats to go to school, but because his dad would start getting quiet. He stopped being angry and happy and sometimes wouldn’t even talk to him. He would come home and lock himself in his room. He didn’t even come down for dinner sometimes. 

His mum told him once that dad was like a bear. When winter came, he just got tired is all and they had to do a little more around the house so he could rest. So Severus made sure to be extra quiet around the house and to pay attention in school and help his mum make dinner at night, so that when his dad got home, maybe he could be happy. 

But winter came every year, and his dad went quiet anyways, taking his bottles up to his room at night and gone before he woke up in the morning. Some days, he didn’t leave his bed. And Severus couldn’t do anything about it. 

In December, on the half day just before Christmas break, they were making presents for their parents in class. Most kids made glittery picture frames or salt dough ornaments, felt stockings or construction paper snowflakes. He didn’t know what to make, so he sat in the corner and pushed around the wooden beads on his desk. 

“Severus?” his teacher, Sister Catherine, came up to his desk, kneeling down to see what he was doing, “Have you decided what to make?”

He shrugged, hoping she would move on, but she didn’t seem to take the hint. “Well, you could use those beads to make a bracelet for your mummy? Or you could come make an ornament?”

“It's fine,” he really didn’t want to go over to make something with the other kids. Most of them didn’t like him. 

“Well you can’t just make nothing,” She picked him up out of his desk, ignoring his little yelp, “Find something!”

Severus nodded, mostly because he knew he didn’t have a choice.

He looked around the class for something easy, something he didn’t have to try on.  He didn’t want to even touch the salt dough, he didn’t like the sound of the construction paper being cut, the glitter-

The glitter? He went over to the bottles of glitter, sparkling in the dull classroom light, beside the pompoms and sequins and pipe cleaners. He picked one up and shook it, watching the light catch on the different little pieces as they moved. It made him smile, just a little, and he had an idea of what to make. 

He scrambled across the table to grab the big, nearly empty sequin jar and dumps a whole pile of glitter into it. Then, he grabs another colour of glitter and dumps that in too. He shakes the jar around to mix everything up and he thinks it looks amazing. 

Severus looks around for something else to put in, to make it even better. He grabs the wooden beads from off his desk, a few of the mismatch coloured legos from the play area, and a few of the colourful push pins off the teacher's desk (when she wasn't watching). He puts them all together in the jar until it’s half full with colours and sparkles and it makes a loud clinging noise whenever he moves it. He’s too caught up in watching everything move together to realize Sister Catherine is coming up behind him.

“What have you made, Severus?” She asks, placing a hand on his shoulder. 

“Its um,” He looks at it and bites his lip, “It’s a pretty jar. For my dad.”

“It’s pretty!” Sister Catherine grabs for the jar and Severus can’t do anything to stop her. She holds it up to the light to see the glitter and tries not to frown when she sees the thumbtacks. She shakes the jar and hears it jingle, “this is so nice, Severus! But you know what would be nice? If we could make it a little bit quieter.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I think it looks really nice, but maybe your dad would appreciate a little quiet?” She holds his hand and brings him away from the desk and to the classroom sink, “If we fill it with water, we can watch the glitter and the... colours fall without it being so loud.”

Severus nods, and she helps him lift the jar up into the sink basin and fill it up. Once it’s full, it’s too heavy and slippery to lift it out, so she has to help him again to carry it over to his desk and he really hopes he doesn’t look as embarrassed as he feels. 

Sister Catherine tells him they’re going to start cleaning up to finish off the day, and Severus spends the rest of the day staring at the glitter and wanting to hurry up and go home.

At the end of the day, he puts on his coat and shoes and promises his teacher he doesn’t need any help carrying the jar and he sets off.

He knows the way home, he’s walked home every day since he was old enough to know how, and he goes a good few streets without slowing down, but now he’s being weighed down by the heavy jar and the cold. He can tell that he’s moving slower than normal and it only makes him want to move faster so he can get home already!

He doesn’t want to stop for anything but halfway home, he can feel himself slowing to a crawl and the jar is getting colder and colder in his hands, freezing his fingers. He stops for a moment to check on his jar and can see the glass fogging from the inside, the water beginning to freeze.

Something flips in his brain and he panics, trying to think of a way to stop it from freezing. Without really thinking, Severus lifted up his jacket and slid the cold glass jar up to his belly, holding it through the fabric and getting back up to speed. He clutched the jar tight, mind racing as kids' minds are wont to do, trying his best to keep it warm in the freezing cold. If it froze, he couldn't give it to his dad, couldn’t show him how pretty it was, how hard he worked on it, and then how was he supposed to cheer him up? How was he supposed to help? 

Severus squeezed the jar until his arms hurt, from the weight and the pressure and the cold, until his chest stung from the glass pressing up against it and he could feel his body heat warming it. He just kept thinking, what if he could make his dad smile? If he could make him happy again? If he could be the one to make things better?

He's almost home, he swears almost there and the jar is finally warm and it's getting warmer and warmer until it’s hot and he’s holding it to stave off the cold from himself (and doesn’t see the slowly spreading glow coming off of it). The heat gives him that little push he needs to turn the corner onto his street, skidding on the frozen street and huffing up to his door, panting and knocking real loud so his mum can let him in.

“Severus?” the door swings open and his mum is standing over him, tired and smiling and worried all in one, “Were you supposed to get out early today?”

He nods, still gulping air and he’s so thankful when his mum pulls him inside and out of the cold. He toes off his shoes and carefully peels off his jacket, making sure not to drop the jar and turned to his mum, "Is dad home?"

She nods and he doesn't say anything about how that means his dad didn't go to work that day, instead asking, "Can I see him?"

"I suppose so, just behave yourself," His mum looked him over, eyeing the jar in his hands, "What is that?"

"I made dad a present in class today," he lifted it to show her, “I wanted to give it to him."

She looked between him, the jar and the stairs for a minute, then sighed, telling him to go ahead. 

Severus tried not to run up the stairs, but he wanted to see his dad now and having to run everywhere was so slow! So he bounced up the stairs and into his parents room, completely forgetting to knock until the door was already swung open and he was staring into the dark room, the only light coming in from the open door. 

He could hear his own breathing and the creak of the floor when he walked over to his parent’s bedside, to his dad, curled up under the blanket and facing away from him. 

“Dad?” He nudged his shoulder, “Are you awake?”

He moved, shrugging off Severus’ hand, but didn’t answer.

“Dad,” he tried a little bit louder, “Daaad.”

“What, boy?” his dad grumbled, turning his head just slightly. He couldn’t see Severus, but it was at least a sign he was listening to him.

“I- well,” He lifted the jar up a little higher, steeling himself, “I made you something in class. I wanted to give it to you.”

His dad was quiet for a long moment, but sighed, picking himself up a little bit and turning to face him, to see what he’d brought. He looked at Severus, eyes squinting in the dark, and then to the jar, face twisting. “What is that?”

“It’s a... jar.” He held it up to the light and shook it so his dad could see all the glitter and sequins and blocks and beads he had put inside and he swore it didn’t shine like that at school, but maybe it was just the hallway light going through it, “I thought it looked nice and maybe it would help cheer you up!” His dad sat up fully, so he held the jar out for his dad to take. As soon as the jar was out of his hands, he felt how cold the room was and wondered just how hot the jar actually was. “I hugged it the whole way hope to make sure it didn’t freeze!”

The jar looked a lot smaller in his dad’s hands, but he was staring at it, watching the beads and glitter fall through the water. Severus couldn’t help the pride he felt when his dad’s lip twitched just a little in the corner. His dad, even if he was still quiet and tired, smiled at him and Severus beamed. 

“It’s great, Sev. Thanks.”

[ener-chi]

TL;DR suffering and change, and astral mishaps

There’s been a bit of turmoil in my household lately. This weekend, we are supposed to drive over the mountains to visit my sister and her bf for a couple of days, since they aren’t coming up for Christmas. Well... Monday I was feeling kind of ill, and Tuesday I found out that my bff’s father was running a fever and having flu symptoms. It could just be the flu, or it could be The Other Thing. 

This led to a couple of days of panic from my family. Suddenly, our weekend plans were on hold, and potentially our Christmas plans as well. Everyone was getting worked up and emotional, and I while I was picking up a little bit of their emotions, I just kind of sat through it all, watching.

There is so much suffering caused by change. More specifically, we are averse to change - we hate it - and have attachments to the familiar. Aversion to discomfort and inconvenience, attachment to comfort. How much of our stress and worry is related to change in something in our lives? Change of job, change of career, change of relationships; everything is change.

But the reality of it is... Change is the nature of the Universe; everything changes. Trying to fight against it is pointless - trying to control things is pointless. Life is a stream, and it is better to float along with it, rather than trying to swim against the current; you’ll tire yourself out, and still end up going down the stream. 

Anyways... I ended up testing negative for Covid (got my results incredibly fast) and things should be okay. But it was an interesting experience, for sure.

In other news... I visited the astral today, and as I was leaving, I felt myself getting tugged back into the astral. I decided to go with it. I found myself in this like little cavern. There was a pedestal with a book on it, and light was shining from the ceiling onto this book. There was some figure reading the book; they noticed me, and then stepped back and gestured me towards it. Cautiously, I moved forward to inspect the book.

As I began to look at it, I felt a sharp pain as I was stabbed in the back, and I immediately flew back and pinned the figure to the wall. They tried to stab me again, but I didn’t let them. I held them to the wall, stunned, and banished them, saying “Leave this place now, and never return.” They disappeared. 

I took a moment to catch my breath. That was unexpected. I was about to leave, but I decided that I wanted to take another peek at the book; my curiosity was piqued. This proved to be a mistake. 

You know anglerfish? And how they have a bioluminescent light that’s attached to their head, to attract unsuspecting fish before completely swallowing them? Yeahppp well. I looked at the book for a couple of moments. I couldn’t discern anything from it, and then suddenly the book and the room transformed, and suddenly I was trying to be swallowed by some gigantic creature. 

I kind of armored up - BUT I didn’t put on my enchanted charms before going to the astral, so they were lacking power and energy. I tried to fight it for a bit, but quickly realized that this was going to be a losing battle. They were tough, and I didn’t have my full armor... I panicked for a moment, but formed a game plan. I ended up like... freezing them in this giant stasis-web, and then doing a big banishment, before fuckin running for my life.

Soo I haven’t heard from my spirit guides in a while. I have three that I work with currently; but they’ve gone silent. I call out to them, but it’s just radio silence on the other end. I haven’t been bothered by it, really. Sometimes spirits need their space, and sometimes your guides will do it to let you experience some stuff on your own, to grow.

Well, I saw one of my guides today, after the fight. I stumbled back into my astral keep, kind of a mess. Gentle Giant appeared, and started tending to my wounds. He extracted some nasty parasitic gunk - and then pulled out this fucking superrr longgg parasite, and got rid of it. Then he healed and sewed me up. The healing session took quite a while. Then he chastised me for not wearing my charms lol

I think that the big nasties were attracted to me because of all the negative energy and stress that has been around me recently. That, plus the fact that I am a big source of energy - probably made me a beacon, a bright light attracting moths. 

Anyways. Moral of the story is make sure that you have all of your protections, and to be careful. That reminds me - I have a new bracelet that I need to enchant.

Anyways, that’s it for now. I hope that everyone has a wonderful night!

Blessings!

[fair-dinkum-mechanic]

Second Broken Heart

I met someone incredible in October. I wasn’t looking for it, it just happened. We just got talking. 

We planned to meet up and go bowling. It was sort of as friends but it was also sort of a date, but neither of us expected it to go any further. 

Minute I saw him I thought he was so cute. His eyes just... twinkled and it was so, so beautiful. 

We had such a great time bowling, he was much better than I was. We walked around the arcade for a bit afterward, and had some lunch together at the alley. Then we decided to go and hang out by the water, right near the river where we both lived. We sat on the wharf and we chatted for almost 4 hours about our pasts, our lives. He’d come from a very different place than I had, but there were so many similarities. I think we both felt something starting to grow in us. 

Only that night we messaged again, and he told me how cute I was and how nice my butt was. The conversation got a little suggestive but still innocent and cute at its core. He decided he’d like to see me again the next day, so I invited him over. 

It didn’t take long and I made a move on him, and he smiled so warmly when I did because he’d been waiting for it. He stopped the story he was telling and we just kissed and cuddled for so long. It was amazing, and it felt so right from the start. 

He’d message me in the mornings when we were both working, he’d ask if I wanted to catch up for lunch, or go to the markets with him. 

“Thinking of you <3″ he’d send out of nowhere in the mornings. 

I invited him to a Halloween Fair, and he said he was very keen to go and would ask his friends. One of them was another boy. Someone he was good friends with. A friend with benefits. An American guy who had for some reason come to Australia and got stuck here since covid. This guy had an apartment in Berlin, he is very independent, he is everything I am not. And I mean that. I came to learn he is selfish, he is addictive, he is cruel. He was the only other one of his friends that came that night. We had dinner together, me, his friend, and one of my best friends. The American guy came off as charming and charismatic, and while I was sad there was more chemistry and history between him and the other guy than me, I couldn’t be upset. It hurt that night though, as the two of them split off and did their own thing together, leaving me and my friends lost and aimless. Then they left to go and drink as they said they did every single night. 

I spent a night at his house at his invite, he said he wanted me to, he wanted to spend the night watching Schitt’s Creek with me. We watched Cabin in the Woods, we had a few drinks, I had cooked him dinner at my place. It was just such a perfect night. In the morning we got up and he took me to get breakfast at a little deli near his house and took me back home. 

Before that night he had asked the American guy if he wanted to be his boyfriend, becasue his feelings for me were starting to get very intense. The other guy laughed and said no not really. 

We continued seeing each other, doing things, being cute and making memories. Eventually as he was leaving my place one night I ask if he wanted to come to my work dinner with me. He said of course he would, he said he would really like that. The day came and I asked if we should go back to his place after the dinner or what. He said “the thing is, the other guy is staying here with me for a few days. He lost his palce and he needed somewhere to stay. I’m so sorry. Neither of us have an issue sharing a bed with a third though.” 

This kinda threw me off. I said I needed to protect my heart, and that I wasn’t as close with this other guy as I was with him. Eventually I said yeah you may as well come I’ve been looking forward to this and we may as well do it. 

Before we left we had a talk. He asked me if I wanted our relationship to go further. I said I had very strong feelings for him and yes I would but I’d like to take it slowly. He said he had very strong feelings for me too, but he also had feelings for the other guy and he had to choose. He said after the way we spoke he said “It’s you. I want to choose you.” 

The work dinner was one of the most magical and perfect nights of my life. We laughed and drank with my workmates, one of my good work friends drove us home and me and him held hands in the car the whole way home. We got back to his place but couldn’t go in bc the other guy was there, so we walked up to the park near his house. It was a warm night and we swung on the swings and kissed in the street. He walked me over to my friends house nearby and kissed me goodbye. 

A few days later he came over, and something was wrong. He sat down and said he needed to tell me he had spoken to all the people he needed to speak to and he had actually decided it was best for him to choose the other guy. We spoke and I cried. I told him it sucked but as long as he was happy. He told me how the other guy had said he will pay for his passport to move overseas, that he would take him all around Europe and see his smile and excitement seeing those places (covid was never mentioned which was telling). He didn’t say a word about how the other guy made him feel. It was all about the travel, all about the things he could give him. In fact, as we spoke I found out they had already been official for a day. 

I went off the rails after he left. I wasn’t well, I was absolutely shattered. 4 days it lasted, and I couldn’t function. I couldn’t go to work. It was triggering so much past trauma for me that I thought I had worked on. 

But one night, when my closest friends were with me for comfort, he messaged me. “Hey, do you think I could see you at some point?” 

I asked why, and what was up. He said it had been a rough week. He said him and the other guy weren’t working. He said that all he could think about was me, at any moment. He wanted his rock back. I allowed him to come and say what he had to say and I could see he was exhausted. 

He told me how the other guy had been understanding but seemed to be addicted to sex with him. He pinned him to the bed and asked if he loved him. He’d ask him for drugs all the time, he’d want to always get drunk and party. He said “I don’t like the person I am when I’m with him.” “I was with him for the wrong reasons.” “I spoke to my sister and she stopped me and said when you talk about Marc your face lights up, but when you talk about the other guy there’s nothing.” 

I took him back. We’d take it at my pace, but I did it. We’d cuddle, we’d watch things, and eventually one day when I had driven to his house and we went for a walk at that very same park from my work dinner, I said I thought I was ready. And it happened. He became my boyfriend. We were both over the moon, we were both so happy. 

He took me to the markets, we went shopping for tarot cards, we’d have lunch together. He took me to the central markets and we had lunch in a fancy food court and he made me dinner with the things he got there. We went to the beach, and he even took me with him all the way up to Renmark to meet his friends and see the river. He told some of his family about me, they said invite me over on christmas. He made me so happy. When we were in the car we couldn’t stop holding hands or touching legs. We’d talk so much and it was just so right. Everything lined up so perfectly. 

After we’d started dating the other guy got upset, of course. He turned up to his house unannounced and the first thing he said was “do you want drugs?” and told him “you’ve really fucked me over.” 

He said how shocked he was in his behaviour and that he’d dodged such a massive bullet. He said he’d made the right choice for sure in going with me. 

But eventually the other guy did message again. He’d taken himself out into the outback. Suddenly, when I picked him up one day, he said “i’ve been overthinking again. and I don’t know what I want.” 

We spoke about it for 7 hours. I cried. I could tell what was happening. I had only just got one of his christmas presents. A silver bracelet I got engraved. It had a bowling pin and our star signs on it, with the date we sat and spoke for hours at the wharf. I gave it to him and he did take it. 

Eventually it came to ahead that he would decide to not be in a relationship.  

He said “I need to choose between a person and a lifestyle” the person was me, and I can only assume the lifestyle was the other guy. He said if it was all stripped away and it was just between people it would be me. But he doesn’t like living here. He said “I’ll always love more than one person”. And he couldn’t tell me that he wouldn’t leave me to be with the other guy again. 

He said he needed a few days of space, but he would message me on Christmas to wish me a merry christmas. Christmas day arrived and there wa snothing. I sent a messgae just saying “Merry Christmas” and he opened it with no reply. Same on new year. 5 minutes after midnight I messaged “Happy new year!” he opened it and no reply.  I have been absolutely gutted by it for almost a month now. Every day has been hell. I messaged to ask waht was going on and he did respond. He said he couldn’t cope with hurting me anymore. He said no matter how hard he tried he would hurt me. He was trying to “protect” me from that. I responded, he opened it, and no response. 

I know he is back with the other guy again. And it makes me sick to my stomach. He said he loved me. He said “I want to build a future with you.” he said “I want to go to your dream places with you, I want to protect you, I want to have a life with you.” none of those things exaggerated. Those are exactly what he said to me. 

To give it away for someone who hassles him for drug contacts, who takes him to gamble, who uses him for sex even when he doesn’t feel like it, and who will influence him to drink almost every day. 

I love him, and despite what he has done and the choices he has made I still do. 

But I think he has made one of the biggest mistakes of his life. 

It’s so hard. My heart is so empty. 

[olliestcne]

TITLE: CALAMITOUS LOVE AND INSURMOUNTABLE GRIEF. SETTING: John and Sharon Stone’s residence aka Oliver’s childhood home. DATE: August 27th, 2020. PREMISE: John Stone has something important to tell his three children and his wife. TRIGGER WARNINGS: DEATH AND CANCER.

Death has never been a thing Oliver has fully comprehended. Everyone in his family was present and beaming, oozing a kind of everlasting life that most would beg for. Sure, his grandfather died when he was young, but that to him always seemed inevitable. When you’re old, you pass. You go somewhere nice as you’ve lived a full, happy existence. That’s as far as Oliver’s brain can manage the concept of death or loss. It was simple. Simple but naive.

He gets a text from his father early in the morning. Something about a family meeting. Urgent. Oliver takes it with a grain of salt, as do his siblings, as usually it’s about where they were going to go next as a family and what they were going to get mom for Christmas because she was a kind but picky woman.

Oliver shows up at around 5pm.

“I already got mom the little Pandora bracelet last year. I can get more charms. She likes those, right?” Oliver says upon arrival, plopping down onto the armchair in the living room. It smelled like his father and always has. This entire home smelled like his childhood. Like his mother’s favorite vanilla lotion, like the smell of popcorn on family movie nights. He would feel empty without this space, that much was certain.

Charlotte, John and Sharon’s youngest, barks out a laugh. “No way. We need to step it up this year. Maybe some diamond earrings.” Charlotte had just given birth three months ago, her husband was home with the baby. A new little bundle of joy welcomed into the Stone family. They couldn’t be happier. 

Thomas, John and Sharon’s oldest, arrives right after Oliver, tossing his coat on the back of the couch. He circles into the kitchen and grabs a water for himself before sitting down beside Charlotte. “Dad already got her diamond earrings for a birthday one year. That’s weak, Char.” He says, unscrewing the cap to his water and taking a generous sip.

“Where are they? Are they late to their own family meeting?” Oliver says, leaning over the arm of the chair into the hallway just behind him. “Hello! Your children are here!” Oliver, forever suffering from middle child syndrome, was always dramatic. Looking for attention. Hence the theatrics.

Sharon walks in nervously then, her expression fallen. This alone was jarring, especially since they were the most chipper family known to man. Yet, Oliver tries not to jump to conclusions. His mother was always the harder of the two, coming from a bad childhood and a family who basically disowned her. She was a survivor, a warrior. There was nothing to worry about.

But, then comes John, seeming tired and, of course, nervous. Just as Sharon. The living room goes a little silent, none of them expecting such a strange and unsettling entrance from their parents. Charlotte’s brows furrow, watching as her parents sit on the other couch located beside the fireplace. “What’s...going on?” She asks, knowing Oliver and Thomas were thinking the same thing.

Oliver suddenly feels the rhythm of his heart increase. He has to swallow hard to contain himself. He was already dealing with a plethora of problems within his marriage, he didn’t need more. What could this be? Were they just messing with them?

“You’re getting divorced, aren’t you? Is that it?” Oliver says on the brink of tears already, nervously balling his hands into fists. “Oh my God, you’re getting divorced. Oh my God...I guess one of you can stay with me and Eli for a while and I-” Always dramatic, this one. 

Sharon shakes her head, reaching her hands out, “No, baby, no.” She says, interrupting him before he falls into the deep end. “We’re not, never.”

Thomas, always the more noble of his siblings, sits back, preparing for what’s about to happen. They all know it’s not good but it’s as if Thomas was in the front of the trenches, protecting his siblings from impending doom. 

“Your father has something to tell us. I don’t even know, actually...” Sharon says, earning  a strange sound to come from Charlotte. It’s a noise of shock and confusion, all four of them now looking to John. 

A few moments pass. Nothing comes. Nothing comes until it does.

“I have lung cancer. Stage four.” John rips the bandage off and creates a new wound. The room goes so silent you could hear a pin drop. It earns a ringing to sound in Oliver’s ears. His eyes dart back and forth between his mother and his father. John’s expression remains still. Tired, sad. And Sharon looks shocked into silence, just as her children.

“You —” Thomas says, being the first one brave enough to break the silence that blankets them. “When did you —” He’s holding back, Oliver and Charlotte can tell. It was odd to see their older brother struck like this. Usually, he was their protector, someone they can go to when things were tough. But, they were all in this together now, sprung into a state of confusion and hurt.

It’s then Oliver realizes he’s started crying, hot tears silently streaming down his face. This can’t be happening, is the first thought that pops into his head, this can’t be fucking happening.

“We — Well, we have to get treatment. We have the money, we can —”

“No,” John says, interrupting his wife. Sharon is instantly taken back by this, eyebrows knitting together in a way Oliver has never, ever seen before. 

But then he registers what his father just said. No. No? He wasn’t getting treatment? This can’t fucking be happening.

“What do you mean no?” Oliver says, or perhaps spews, out. He doesn’t mean to sound harsh but it all comes spilling out of him. It doesn’t pair well with the state of his face, decorated with tears still streaming from his blue eyes. Charlotte’s begun to cry too, silently, just like Oliver. Her breath hitches for a moment before her face is buried in her hands. This was something she did even as a child, a way to calm herself when she became anxious. Their mother would usually rub her back then or sing to her when this happened. But, now, Sharon couldn’t do a damn thing but stare into the face of her husband. 

“I don’t want you guys to see me like that. Losing my hair, throwing up. I want to go as I am now. As a man who loves his family.” John, understandably, gets choked up as he speaks. John Stone doesn’t want to die, but he doesn’t want his dignity stripped from him either. Oliver wasn’t aware that his father was such a prideful man until now. Something about that earns pain to surge throughout his body. 

That same silence blankets them once more, each of them too rattled to say a damn thing. Oliver feels as though a scream is perched just under his chin, a combination of sorrow and anger beginning to brew inside his stomach. 

With that, something inside him swerves, like a car on ice. He loses track of his emotions and they go flying around his mind, everything all at once. “What the fuck?” He finally says, moving to stand, “You’re gonna just — you’re gonna just...die?” It’s not what he wants to say, not at all, but he can’t find the right words anymore. It earns a sob out of Charlotte, her head still in her hands. Thomas reaches over to touch her back. 

“Ollie, this is what I want. I know it’s hard, but...” John says, looking up at his son with glossy eyes. Oliver was still crying himself, his bottom lip quivering as he opens his mouth to speak. Nothing comes out, just a pathetic little breath. Sharon up and leaves the room and her children watch as she does so. Sharon Stone was not a crier. Never has been. She was the strongest and bravest woman Oliver has ever known. If anything was going to break her, it was this, and she still didn’t want the world to see her in that state. Oliver understood that.

Oliver looks to Thomas, who was also sporting glistening eyes, before allowing his gaze to land back on his father. “Can you say something, please? Our father’s lost his fucking mind.” Thomas sighs before speaking after Oliver, “You need to get treatment, dad. You can beat it.” Stage four was a hard thing to beat, they all knew that, but the Stone family has always been endlessly optimistic no matter what the circumstances were. 

John remains quiet.

Charlotte stands, grabbing her things and heading out the front door. It’s slammed behind her as she makes her way to her car, shaking as she shoves the keys into the ignition. Charlotte had never contemplated death either, that much was obvious. 

John’s head moves into his hands, rubbing over his tired face with his palms. Thomas looks down at the carpet, his body and face turning to marble. He was still, like a quiet sea. Meanwhile, Oliver was an ocean with violent waves. 

“I can’t believe this..” Oliver trails off, looking down at his shoes. Then to the carpet that was still the same from when he was a child. Everything was the same. Except for this. This feels like a nightmare in a perfect place that threatens to spoil everything. 

By a sudden stroke of impulse, Oliver inhales sharply and walks out too. He follows the same trail his sister left, slamming the front door behind him as he makes his way to his vehicle. He slams the car door too, looking out towards his childhood home one more time before pulling out of the driveway with tears in his eyes. In truth, he tries not to sob, though the lump in his throat was growing larger by the second. 

His hands tremble violently as they grip the steering wheel, eyes focused on the road as that sheltered sob finally rips through his throat. 

Oliver arrives him at 9pm. He had to stay late at work, he’ll say as an excuse. He kisses his daughter’s head, his son’s cheek, and his husband’s jaw as they sleep. He stays up for the rest of the evening into the morning, staring at the carpet in his living room. This wasn’t happening.

[purplesurveys]

374

have you ever had a conversation with a cab driver? Yeah some of them have tried to talk to me, but I’m really shy so I keep my answers short most of the time and I let them know that I’d rather be quiet. Although there was one time that I got paired with an Uber driver who made it his job to defend Duterte throughout my ride, and it took everything in me not to snap back at him lmao. do you have any shirts from vacation/tourist locations? I don’t really do that haha. I’d rather save photos and bracelets. what is one place you would like to go back and revisit? SAGADA. I went there when I had my heart broken and was in a different place in life, and I was scared and reeling from a lot of things and figuring out what I wanted. Now that I’m a little older, I’d love to go back since the trip helped me out a lot. which would you prefer: a homemade gift, or a store-bought one? A gift is a gift and I’d appreciate either. have you ever hugged a complete stranger? I...don’t think so? We may have been tasked to do it in school, but I’m not entirely sure.

when was the last time you were "under the influence?" Exactly 7 days ago. God don’t remind me hahaha I said some embarrassing stuff in front of my aunts and uncles. how regular of an occurrence is this? Not too often, since I’m really busy with school at the moment. I would most likely drink out after I’ve finished a test that I dreaded or passed a difficult paper. what random acts of kindness have you engaged in lately? I wrote Laurice a two-page, handwritten letter thanking her for making my 2018 better. I mean we were required to write letters for our Santa babies, but I’d classify this as an ~act of kindness~ since I knew everyone would opt to write short letters on a small post-it or print out their letters, so I gave her something she probably wasn’t expecting from me. do you know anyone who has never read the HP books? who? I don’t think so. I read up until the blue book, but I got so bored and I never read the whole thing again. have you ever had a relationship last for a year or longer? You’re looking at three years, my dude. what ended it, or are you still involved? Still involved. what kind of scented lotion is your favorite? I like anything that smells chocolate-y tbh. where's the weirdest place you've stuck your used gum? ??? The only place I’ve put my gum in is in wrapped paper and subsequently thrown in the trash. what's the best time you've had at a high school sports game? Basketball finals are always a hit, whether my batch is playing or not. if you're out late, where are you likely to be? Either Katip because that’s where my school is, or in Ortigas since that’s where Gab’s school is. do you ever visit your mall's arcade (if it has one)? Gabie will never let herself slip by an arcade, so yeah we almost always pass by. when was the last time you had hot chocolate? Months ago...I don’t like hot drinks. shirts with sarcastic sayings: yay, or boo? I’d go for boo for any shirt with any saying on it, but I wouldn’t judge anyone who likes wearing them. if “yay,” do you have a favorite? if you lost the use of your limbs, would you still want to live? This is so insulting to those who miss an arm or a leg lmfaoooooo what's your absolute favorite topic to discuss? Pro wrestling, world history, the royal family, Friends, The Walking Dead before it went south, wedding/family prospects, and idk maybe gossip? HAHAHA I deserve hell. what is your least favorite topic to discuss? Religion. Not even theories or scandals can lure me in. when was the last time you played hide-and-go-seek? I was 10 maybe. where was your favorite place to hide? My parents’ closet, because my sister never checked it out. what is your opinion on psychics? real, or fake? Fake. have you ever watched “are you smarter than a fifth grader?” Yeah there was a Philippine version that aired for a while. how would you rank your "class participation" in school? I’d say it’s pretty good. I never recite but I make up for it by rarely cutting class and always passing stuff and looking like I’m really interested in the lecture, which most times I am anyway. have you ever cut your own hair? how about anyone else's? Never for both. I cut my sister’s hair once but I was 4 and she was 2 so that doesn’t count. what is your favorite holiday treat? Our Christmas tradition is my grandmother making us steaks instead of the traditional hamon and queso de bola, so that has to be my favorite. how many people have you emotionally hurt? ...I wouldn’t know. Seems like a really intrusive/insensitive question there. how many people have you physically hurt? My siblings and cousins hit each other a lot as kids so it’s probably just them? I never hit anyone outside of that circle. were these times intentional, or were they accidents/mistakes? For the physical one it’s for sure intentional, because we wrestled a lot. Plus my sister and I were the only girls, so conflicts were always fixed by smacking each other hahaha. what is the last thing you asked your parents to purchase for you? Potato chips. do you have any buttons or pins on your backpack? Sure. The buttons are there to secure the bag when I close it. if yes, what do they say? Ohhhhh you mean the other type of button HAHAHAHA. No I don’t have that kind of button/pin. what is your favorite kind of lunch meat? I had to look up what this referred to since we don’t eat that here. I don’t have a favorite. do you know anyone who is truly obsessive compulsive? My mom is probably the closest case I could give you. She’ll know if something has been rearranged in the house by a mere inch, and whenever she leaves the house she will check if the front door is locked three times. have you ever been confined to a wheelchair? I’ve never even sat in one. how many “top friends” do you have on myspace? do you like oatmeal? I hate it. My grandma made me eat it for breakfast 2-3 times a week and it felt like eating a dirty rag. I’ve never eaten a bowl of oatmeal since. how many people are on your bzoink friends list? do you enjoy mainstream music, or prefer underground bands? I listen to whatever my ears feel like listening to...I don’t think I’ve ever paid attention to whether they were mainstream or not. how many bands are you “friends” with on myspace? are you friends with more bands than individual people? do you have a library card? do you use it? I haven’t used one since 2005. do you cuddle with your pet (if you have one)? Yes, if he’s not so stinky. do you have any candy left over from halloween? Halloween was nearly three months ago sis. have you heard of paula godspeed? Never heard of her. have you ever made a bzoink friend test? who has the best score on it? do you think that you work better under pressure? I can, depending on the work. or, do you ONLY work under pressure? Sometimes. I dunno for sure, I don’t have one sole routine when it comes to working, and the way I act is always different for every case. what college did you want to attend as a kid? When I was young and delusional I wanted to go to Ateneo (yuck), but over the years I shifted my sights to UP Diliman. My first choice was always journalism. was that still your choice when you grew up? Yes. I still love UP, but now I ask myself why I decided to pursue journ at all.  what sports star or athlete did you aspire to be like as a kid? I didn’t aspire to be like him but I definitely looked up to Shawn Michaels. what has happened to all your old toys? My mom would throw them out after a few months or years, depending on how attached I was to them. when was the last time you shopped at a garage sale? Yeeeeears ago. I don’t drop by those anymore. have you ever thrown popcorn at anyone? Never.

[coll2mitts]

#92 Labyrinth (1986)

Right out of the Muppets and into the Labyrinth...  I am very glad I watched this movie before I dug into that project, because I think I would have rage quit this whole thing.  This list has a Jim Henson bias, which is semi-understandable, but like... 8 movies?  Out of 100?  There aren’t better musical movies than these?

Family Video rents most old movies for like .50, but because of the world slowly ending, the one by my house was closed and I was forced to pay $3.99 to stream Labyrinth.  It was about $3.49 too much.  I don’t understand how Jim Henson, George Lucas, Terry Jones, and David Bowie could get together and make such a mediocre film.  Like, honestly, the entire time I just wanted the movie to end so I could watch Flight of the Conchords and laugh at some truly ridiculous Bowie-related content.

A self-involved teenage girl named Sarah is politely asked by her stepmother to babysit her little brother.  Sarah decides to take her angst out on a literal infant by offering him up to a goblin king, freeing up her time so she can wander the streets reciting dialogue from a play to herself, which is super important, guys, there’s no way she could have done that in her own home.

Jareth, the Goblin King, who is also David Bowie, is in love (!?) with 15-year-old Jennifer Connelly, and shows up to steal her little brother, leaving a glitter trail behind him.  Sarah decides suddenly she wants the burden of being an older sister, and follows him to the Goblin City to get the kid back.

She is immediately greeted by Hoggle, a puppet that simultaneously looks like the animatronic tree trolls in Maelstrom and Mel Brooks dressed up like Yogurt.

He tells her the only way she can get to the castle of the Goblin King is to first make her way through the Labyrinth.  In an effort to save money on sets, they have Sarah run the same glitter herpes infected stretch of it for 5 minutes, complaining it goes on forever, without having the thought she could use any of the trees to climb up the wall and jump over it.  An actual adorable worm takes pity on her and tells her to walk through the wall, because he’s sick of seeing her pace back and forth.  Sarah learns that everything in the Labyrinth is not as it seems.

David Bowie, observing how slowly Sarah is making her way through the maze, does a preemptive “I’ve stolen a child to raise for nefarious purposes and there’s no way she’s going to get him back” celebration dance.

I discovered Sting was Jim Henson’s first pick for Jareth (presumably because he saw how excellent his acting was in Dune) but his son talked him into approaching David Bowie for the project.  I would give anything to know what that conversation was like.

“Now, picture this... you are a goblin king, and you’re going to steal a kid.  The great majority of the movie you’ll either be trying to entertain an infant, lust after a teenager, or dance with creepy fucking puppets.  Also, we need you to write all the songs.  We cool?”

I should probably take this moment to mention that I’m not a huge David Bowie fan (I know, I know... it’s terrible), so it’s hard for me to consider how appealing these songs are to those who like his type of synth-pop.  They fit the mood of the film, but I don’t feel like they add anything particularly special to the narrative.  Labyrinth easily could have not been a musical and nothing would have been lost.

Anyway, Sarah continues to truck her way though the maze and runs into Alice in Wonderland-style talking playing cards that ask her to pick a door, and then assist her in falling through a rabbit hole.  She is accosted by nightmare-fuel hand faces that ask if she wants to be molested up out of the pit, or down into it.  

She decides to go farther down into hell, where she runs into Hoggle and convinces him to help her get through the maze in exchange for a fancy plastic bracelet.  It’s about around this time where Jareth intervenes to grab some constructive criticism about her experience.

Not very much, David.  Not very much.

Being frustrated with her answer, he sicks the cleaners on Sarah and Hoggle, which is a drill driven by two guys on a bicycle.  After avoiding certain death, they are greeted by a series of verbally abusive rock faces, who apologize for just doing their job.

Here’s the thing about this movie - The sets and the puppets are awesome (although super fucking creepy), and they are used for some really great visual gags.  But all the craftsmanship is crushed under the weight of a truly unremarkable, low-stakes story.  I tried to write this summary for over a week, and every time I tied, I got bogged down trying to come up with what the fuck I’m going to say.  The plot is like if Monty Python and the Holy Grail and every Disney movie fairy tale cliche had a puppet baby, and I’m just bored.  Let’s fast forward through the rest of the Labyrinth, shall we?

Hoggle and Sarah run into a large dog-looking thing named Ludo (not Pluto), who is being attacked by a bunch of things that look like the naked mole rat anti-christ from South Park’s Woodland Critter Christmas.  They save him, work their way through another set of doors, listen to a musical number by a group of demonic Crash Bandicoots, and trudge through a bad smelling swamp.  They are then introduced to the only cute thing in the entire movie, a fox-looking puss-in-boots that pulls a Gandalf and a black knight.

Sarah convinces Sir Didymus and his big Hammerlock energy to help them reach the castle, and he joins their group.  She then gets poisoned and trapped in a dream bubble, where she wears a gown that looks like it would melt if exposed to an open flame and lusts after a grown-ass man who yanked her brother out the window like the Lindbergh baby.

She escapes from the dream, reunites with her party, and storms the castle.  They are immediately confronted by the coolest monster ever to be made out of a door, and Hoggle Shinji’s his way into the mecha and takes it down from the inside.

Seriously, this, and the battle that ensues afterward, is peak Jim Henson.  From Ludo opening up the wall to enter the house, to the exploding cannon, to the goblins going down like bowling pins... I was increasingly impressed by the work and care that clearly went into creating these scenes.  If only the rest of the movie were this captivating.

Sarah finally confronts Jareth in the castle, and the big climax of the movie is... David Bowie whining that Sarah is ungrateful that he stole and babysat her brother for a few hours, while she runs through an M.C. Escher painting to grab Toby.  No, seriously.

Sarah jumps out of the rabbit hole and returns back to her house to find Toby in his crib.  She celebrates by throwing a party with all the puppets in her bedroom, while Jareth turns into an owl and buggers off to make some other teenager walk through a maze for 2 hours.

Now to prepare myself for some 1950s Baltimore camp, because Cry-Baby is next.

[sordidpassionsandlockedemotions]

~Tis the season for winter fics~

(Teenage-Mundane au first Christmas together)

"Do you want to fuck!?” That was both way too loud and not what he had meant to say so among the music he had playing while baking a little. Mostly at his siblings protest that’s when Magnus had come into the kitchen probably after a glass of water. Hanging around with Izzy who had destroyed half the tree’s decorations accidentally so they were fixing the tree back up.  

His boyfriend paused meanwhile Alec’s face quickly made it’s way into a hand the other pointing gesturing to not say a word. This didn’t stop the laughter or his boyfriend’s grin when he looked back up red in the face at least no way his sister heard that really dumb change of statements. “Later but sure I’ll take some fudge.” Moving close reaching behind grabbing a couple pieces. “So Alexander tree’s all fixed and no presents were crushed when is your siblings,brother arriving?” 

Alec grabbed his nearby phone checking it nope no new messages. “Tonight eventually you’re still staying the night right?” Maybe it was he figured Magnus would have other things come up what with his father’s job,or his amounts of friends but that was fine either way have fun together for the night. “And swear if you make that into a story I’ll take your favorite ear cuff.” Leaning against the counter watching as Magnus got himself a glass of water. 

“Of course;you’re no fun Alexander but fine won’t tell a soul except maybe Chairman Meow.” Technicalities he shook his head listening to the blaring music not exactly the most traditional holiday music but if he heard one more repeat of the same 5 songs might actually break something. “So you,Isabelle,Max,myself,and your parents should be interesting.” Drinking his water before setting the glass down. 

“Or a disaster-joking hey it’ll be fine besides I did get you a gift which you’ll hopefully like so there’s that.” Izzy came into the kitchen right then coated in tinsel making Alec roll his eyes. “You’re ridiculous Iz.” Suppose this now meant couldn’t say much more about what he accidentally said to Magnus. 

It was relatively tame you know once you got past Max trying to claim all the sugar possible,and greeting Magnus with the words ‘Did you get me a gift’ answer being yes but yeah no subtle nature to it. Hanging around next to the fireplace Alec felt a bit on edge sure they’d warmed up to the relationship but unsure just how much. But eventually wound up wrapped in a blanket sitting there cross legged leaning into his boyfriend’s side mostly conversation was all Max though was that small amount of ‘Yeah Magnus and I have some extra time off so might take a road trip or something with his friends’. 

Eventually there was a bit of present unwrapping mainly in Max’s case just some comics,an new pair of boots to replace the last pair he’d ruined earlier that week,and a hat. Along with a small toy gun that fired some pretty painful darts noting to never allow Magnus to get his little brother a projectile weapon ever again as he was subject to a few stray misfires. Izzy got some rare book,bracelet,and from Alec a makeup set she’d been begging him to buy her. Apparently she and Magnus already had gotten each other gifts so that really left few to be passed out. Alec got an pack of arrows from Izzy for his bow,Max gave him a book series,and from his boyfriend out came an new leather jacket. 

Any possible hesitation wasn’t there tugging it on before kissing Magnus much to both their surprise then Magnus got a interesting pin from Max and Alec gave him a necklace he’d made himself nothing worth much or really spectacular but he got a hug for it. Maybe both figuring had been slightly weird that brief kiss so that was the next best option. 

Eventually his parents decided to call curfew as the three of them were jet lagged then going to be leaving again the next day probably. That being said Alec scooped his little brother who protested his bed time,and being picked up even half asleep. Maybe a bit too old but otherwise he wasn’t going to be moved with any luck. Soon enough not even much a story later out cold in bed as Alec slipped out the room nearly bumping into Magnus. 

“Thought you were in my room?” 

Magnus gave a shrug,”I was but then realized forgot my stuff downstairs and then well decided to wait here for you Alexander.” Right okay he just tugged him towards his room once the door was shut behind them pulled Magnus into a long delayed kiss for the gift,and just in general. Winding up curled up in his bed close together a brief conversation fading away when eyes grew heavy falling asleep as the snow fell outside the nearest window.

[rosalynbair]

Clockwork

Summary: Armitage Hux runs the family business of making clocks. He’s strict and to the point, until someone comes into his shop.

Warning: cheating, smut, oral, unprotected sex, mentions of war

A/N: Okay so I was watching Disney short films the other day and I came across Tick Tock Tale (it’s on Netflix in the Disney collection) and the shop owner remined me so much of Hux that I just needed to write this. This does take place in the past a bit (maybe 1940’s?)

PART TWO 

 Armitage Hux was a man of routine. Ever since he had graduated university, he had the same routine every day. He would be up every morning at five and have his cup of coffee. He would dress and prepare himself for the day. At seven in the morning, he would turn on the lights to the shop and unlock the front door. For the rest of the day, he would design and work on new pieces, helping customers occasionally or taking custom orders. At six in the evening, he would lock the door once more and return to the apartment above his shop to have dinner and read the paper. There was never any stray from his strict routine, he set out a specific day each week to get groceries or other supplies, and on Sunday, he would go out for a stroll in the nearby park. Armitage had had a rough upbringing. He always had what he needed to survive, nice food, good clothes, a very nice house in which he lived with his father, step mother, and the nanny. Back then, his father had run the shop, that was long before the upstairs was converted into a bachelor apartment. He had never been able to make his father, the ever so strict Brendol Hux, proud. He did not love his father, but he did not hate him. His father had taught him the values that he now held in his every day life. He taught him the value of having structure and routine. He was an only child, but he was not doted on. He was expected to be independent. Even though he had a nanny, he was required to spend time on his studies, learning mathematics and different languages. Armitage was an illegitimate child. He was the mistake that came from his father whoring around. He had never met his mother, and he never let it affect him. His stepmother was a kind lady, but she lived and breathed for her husband. He never had any affection from anyone as a child. His father knew he needed to let Armitage take over the shop, but he waited until it was absolutely necessary to do so. The shop was left to Armitage in his father’s will. Brendol Hux died while his son was away at university. The shop was closed until Armitage decided to come home. But even then, he did not return to the lavish house where his stepmother resided. He hadn’t spoken to her in years prior to his father’s death. He refused to return to the house he grew up in. So he lived above the shop, finding solace there. It had been mostly used for storage before he took over, but now it was a small apartment with an orange cat roaming around. Armitage never thought of love, or marriage. To be quite honest, he didn’t believe in them. He did not mind that the business would end with him, and he did not care that he was the last with the Hux name. He was the only one who could carry it on to an heir. But he never thought of children, messy little things they were. He never thought of romance, until he met you. You came into his shop on a dreary Wednesday morning. It was late autumn, the view from his downtown shop covered in bright oranges and yellows. The sky outside was cloudy, overcast from the previous nights rain. You walked in, head ducked as you stepped over the threshold. He looked up when the small bell rang, you were in a light beige dress that went just below your knees, flowing around your legs delicately as you moved. You wore short heels, comfortable enough to walk in, but nice enough to be seen as professional. You had on a tan coat, the hem falling to right above your knees, the buttons closed and the belt tied. Your hair was pinned into victory curls, a small hat adorning the top of your head. You looked up, making sure the door was closed. Your face had very minimal makeup on it, something that Armitage admired, many young women were rebelling against their mothers and wearing far too much. “Good morning” Armitage said, looking up from a clock with stuck gears, a small tool in his nimble hands. “Oh, good morning” You reply, a slight blush raising to your cheeks. “Can I help you with anything?” He asked, and you look around, slightly flustered. “Oh, well, yes. Um.” You say, your cheeks growing redder “I, I’m looking- well. My father, he is a tall man, very slender for his age. He has dark hair and tan skin.” “I apologize miss, I have not seen anyone of that sort” Armitage told you, picking his small screwdriver up once more. “No! I mean. I’m sorry.” You tell him “I’m looking for a gift for him. He collects watches, you see. And I am not at all familiar with this type of thing. His birthday is soon, and I have left his gift to the last minute. Do you have anything that might help?” Armitage sets the screwdriver down, standing up and adjusting his dark green sweater. He walks over to a small counter display, facing her from the opposite side of the counter. “He collects watches you say?” He asks, seeing you nod, he gives a professional smile. “I would ask for more details, for example, what brands he has, mass produced or custom pieces. But you say you do not know much of the sort.” “That’s right. My brother understands watches and clocks more than I do. My father and him bonded over them. But my father has a particular eye for orange-brown leather…what do you call them? The bracelet part?” “Straps” Armitage replied. “Yes! Straps, and he enjoys simple things, all of his watches have clean…faces, yes?” You asked, hoping you got the term correct. “Yes, faces. I might have a few watches that will fit that bill” He tells you, turning away from you and pulling out a few boxes from the grid shelf behind him. You admired him, his tall and slender frame, the fiery hair and the pale skin. He was well dressed as well, which was something you enjoyed. And he was polite. It wasn’t often that you could go into a shop without the male owner flirting endlessly with you. “Here, I don’t have any light tan strapped watches at the current moment, I am waiting for a new shipment of leather. But I do believe these options might be alright.” He told you, opening the three boxes. “The first, this one is a bit older, burnt orange straps, a black face and gold hands. The second is a watch with beach wood brown straps, a white face, and black hands. This style is the most popular this season. And this last one, all black. Black straps and a black face with silver hands. Do any stand out to you?” You examine them, Armitage handing you them to examine. Although you were just trying to look like you knew what you were trying to do. They all looked lovely to you. “If it were my choice, I would pick the second, but as I am not the one to be wearing it…I do believe papa would love the first one. It’s very sleek” You say, smiling at the man in front of you. He nods, placing the watches back into the boxes. “Alright, would you like me to wrap it for you?” He asks, putting the two away and taking the one you had chosen to the register. “Oh yes please, I’m horrid with small details like that” You tell him “I would lose my head if it weren’t attached to my shoulders.” Hux nods, unable to help but smile at you. You were an interesting young lady, and you captivated him. He grabbed some thick brown paper, folding it over the small box carefully. He had never felt nervous of his work in front of someone before. “Oh, is that your cat?” You ask, noticing the orange tabby resting on his seat. “Yes, that is Millicent. She’s friendly if you would like to pet her” He tells you, glancing up. You smile, coaxing the cat over to you. You pick her up, scratching behind her ears gently. “Hello sweet kitty” You cooed, watching her eyes close and the loud purring begin. “My sister is allergic to animals, I’ve always wanted a kitten.” “She’s always here if you’d like to visit her. She’s often roaming the shop during open hours” He says, finishing wrapping the watch for you. You set Millicent down, smiling and handing him some money you had pulled out of your small purse. “Thank you sir, I apologize, I didn’t catch your name” You say. “I never gave it.” He says, debating on whether or not to actually give it. With a small twitch of his cheek, he opens his mouth. “My name is Armitage Hux.” “I am Y/N Y/L/N. It was a pleasure to meet you Armitage Hux” You tell him “Thank you very much for your help. I fear if it were not for you, I would be giving my father a badly made birthday card.” Armitage chuckles, watching you turn away and walk towards the door. “Have a pleasant day Miss. Y/L/N” He tells you as you open the door. “And the same to you Mr. Hux” You reply, walking out of the shop and down the street.. Millicent whines at Armitage, and he scratches her head gently. “Yes Millicent, she was a very pretty girl” He tells her, returning to his seat and the broken clock. His mind never strayed too far from your smile. ~ It was just over a year before he saw you once more. The beginning of the war had wracked the city.  It was nearing Christmas time, and service had dwindled since the men were away fighting. He stayed to help with the war effort, supplying many objects for care packages for the soldiers. You came in the door, looking much as you had before, yet this time, there was a sullenness to your face. Your smile didn’t show as you entered his shop. “Good evening Miss. Y/L/N.” He says to you, wiping his hands free of some oil he used for a clock. “I fear that I am a Mrs. Now” You say quietly. “Congratulations” He tells you, searching your face for some form of understanding. You have never strayed from his mind all year. “yes, thank you” You say, but it was clearly strained. “What can I help you with today?” He asked, trying to change the subject. “I wish to order a custom watch” You tell him, walking closer to the counter. Armitage grabs his notepad and a pencil, standing from his stool. “What did you have in mind?” He asked you. “It is a gift” You tell him “I wish for a dark leather strap, and a white face, with black hands. Could you include a moon chart as well?” “Of course” He says, writing down your request in neat handwriting. “When would you like it by?” “My husband is being shipped off in two months, I would like it by that time.” You say, watching the man in front of you nod. Your life had changed drastically in the past year. You weren’t expecting to be married, it had been thrust upon you by your mother. She wanted you to have a good husband before the war started, to secure your position in society. He was practically a stranger that you shared a home with. You knew nothing about him, other than that you did not, and could not love him. “If you would like to return in a few days to look at the designs that I will prepare” Armitage pulls you out of your thoughts. “Yes, of course. I can come back on Friday if that is alright?” You ask, Armitage nods, bidding you a gentle goodbye. When you left, he let out a sigh, his frustration of wanting to know more of you growing. ~ You returned that Friday, examining the sketches carefully. As much as you did not like your husband, It was expected to gift him something nice before his departure. “I like this one. He’s a burly man. It would suit him” You say, pointing to one of the designs. “Alright. I will begin work on it tomorrow morning for you.” He tells you. “Thank you” You say, leaning over the counter and placing a small kiss onto his cheek, petting Millicent before you left. ~ You came back to the shop two weeks later, an early Monday evening, the sun beginning to set. “Hello Mr. Hux” You call, walking into the shop, kicking the snow off your shoes. “Ah, hello Mrs. Y/L/N, what can I do for you?” He asked, coming out from a small room behind the counter. “I was wondering if I could see the watch.” You say, trying to hide that you had only come to see him. “Of course, it’s just back here.” He replies. You go around the counter, following him into the small room, sitting down on a stool, crossing your legs at the knee. The watch was far from complete, he was working on stitching the leather straps based on the measurements you had given to him. “That’s a lovely colour” You say, smiling, watching as he sits down in his chair. “Thank you” Armitage says, a rosiness peaking up above the collar of his shirt. You started to ask him about the watch, maybe to distract from the unhappiness of your life, or maybe just because you wished to learn more about this man. The time passed, you and Armitage had grown close. If you weren’t married, you’d ask him to court you. You hadn’t been courted by your husband, everything had been far too rushed. You genuinely enjoyed Armitage’s company. He was a very straight forward person, and you loved the heated debates that you could get into, or the calm conversations about your day. You wished this could never end. Even after the watch was done, you didn’t want it to be. Roger was being shipped out the day after it was done, and you were trying to find an excuse to stay around Armitage. But there was none. You held the small box holding the watch, staring at Armitage. It was silent for a moment before you set the box down on the counter, stepping forward, your cheeks blazing with the thought of what you were about to do. You go up on your toes, pressing your lips to his. Armitage was firmly shocked, he had had growing feelings for you since you returned and requested a watch for your husband. He knew he shouldn’t, oh he knew he shouldn’t encourage this type of behaviour. But you tasted too good to give up. He grabbed your hips, pulling you firmly against him, allowing him to deepen the kiss to the point you thought your lips would be bruised. “I wish it were you” You whispered once you pulled away. “What?” Armitage asked, dazed. “I wish you were my husband” You tell him, kissing his cheek “I wish we had had the chance” “We may one day. Now run along Y/N, it is growing dark out.” He whispers to you, pushing a strand of hair behind your ear. You left, walking home quietly, your lips tingling from the kiss you had just shared. This must be what love feels like. It wasn’t spectacular, but it felt so comfortable. Like sitting in front of fire with a hot cup of tea and a nice book. You arrived home, removing your shoes and jacket. “Y/N?” Roger called from the parlor. “Yes dear, I apologize for being so late. I had to go into town to get something” You say, walking to where your husband sat. He was an attractive man, tall, dark, handsome. But he was not your type. “I got you a gift” “Oh?” Roger asks, standing and taking the box from your hands, he opens it, staring at the watch “This is lovely.” “Do you like it? I had it custom made for you” You say, smiling weakly. Roger puts it on, grabbing your waist and kissing you. It was subpar. Compared to the one you had just shared with another man. “I am to be shipped out tomorrow” Roger says. “I know” You tell him. “I know you are not particular to it, but I wish to bed you my dear” Roger tells you, a grin on his face, seeing you nod, he takes you up to bed. Sex with Roger was nothing. He came within minutes, he never gave you pleasure. In fact, you were confused on why women would prostitute themselves for something so horrible and boring. ~ Roger had been dispatched for a month before you could no longer control yourself. You walked into the small clockwork shop, passing the counter and going to the back room, not seeing Armitage, your brows furrowed, your heart beating quickly. You go down a small hall, leading to some stairs. You had never been upstairs. But you needed to see him. You start up the stairs, your heels tapping the stairs, leaving a loud echo. “Armitage?” You called as you entered the apartment, seeing Millicent dart to you. The man you were looking for was leaning against the counter in the kitchen, drinking a cup of coffee. He looks up to you, eyes wide. “Y/N? What are you doing here?” He asks, setting his mug down. “You… weren’t down stairs” You say, stepping towards him “I needed to see you.” His eyes travel you, landing on your left hand, seeing your finger void of the wedding ring you always wore. “Do you have another order to ask of me?” He asks. “In a way” You say, walking to him, your arms going around his neck. “Armitage… Armitage, I love you” You whisper, your forehead resting on his shoulder. “Y/N… You’re married” He whispered, his voice strained, as were his pants. He didn’t have sexual desires often, but you drove him mad. “I don’t care. I don’t love him. I love you.” You tell him, looking up at his blue eyes. His eyes flutter closed, and he leans down, bringing you in for a kiss. Revelling in the gentle moan you let out at the contact. “I love you, sweet Y/N, my darling” He says quietly, holding you close to him. “I want to be with you” You tell him. “I know, right now, we can be together” He says, kissing you once more. You whine, trying to get closer to him. You hear his chuckle, lifting you up onto the counter in front of him, deepening the kiss. His hands trailed up your sides, and then back down, he grips the skirt of your dress, pushing it up your thighs. “Darling, you’re beautiful” He grumbles, his lips trailing down to your throat. “Tell me, has your husband ever pleasured you?” “No?” You whisper, breath hitching as he reaches around you to undo your dress, letting it fall off your shoulders, revealing your breasts in the small brassiere. “May I pleasure you dearest?” He asks, looking at you with a look you’d never seen before. “Do as you will” You whisper, leaning in and kissing him roughly, yelping when he pulled you off the counter, your dress falling and pooling around your ankles. You watch as he kneels, sliding your cotton panties down your legs, helping you out of them. He looks up at you, his fingers trailing between your legs, the unusual wetness startling you. His fingers brush your clit, his lips curling upwards as you shiver, bracing yourself against the counter, gripping the edges. “Armitage? What are you- Oh!” You gasp, his mouth attaching to your clit, his hand guiding your leg over his shoulder so he could access you better “Oh… Oh that feels… marvelous” Armitage chuckled from beneath you, feeling your quivering pussy against his tongue. He knew very well that you had never been taken like this. He was fairly sure you had never even been wet before. His fingers trail up your inner thigh, ending to your entrance, and he slides a finger in, feeling you clench around him. “Oh Armitage” You gasp, leaning backwards against the counter. You hear him chuckle from between your legs, the vibrations causing you to let out a loud moan. You clench your muscles, trying to fend off whatever feeling was building in your stomach. You weren’t sure what it was, it was something you had never experienced before. But, with a few more flicks of his tongue, and a curl of his finger against a spot that sent you reeling, you let out a small scream, almost collapsing. Your thighs tightening around his head, your body curling over him as whatever he was doing to you became more intense. “Armitage… O- Armitage. Please. Please” You beg, gripping his hair between your fingers. He pulls away, a smirk on his lips as he stands up, holding your hips as you trembled. “What… What was that” You asked, gasping. “My dearest, that was an orgasm, something I plan on giving you many of” He whispers, lifting you up and taking you to the couch, too impatient to go to the bedroom. You watch as he removes his sweater, pulling his button up shirt out of the waist of his pants, he unbuttoned it painfully slow, and you watch eagerly as he removes his belt, undoing the button that held the fabric together. You shiver when he releases himself, his hard dick hitting his stomach as he kicks away his trousers. Armitage crawls onto the couch, nestling between your legs, chuckling as he kisses you. “I love you dearest” He whispers to you as he slides himself into you, hearing your whimper as he pushes all the way to the end, his hips against your thighs. “How do you make this feel so good?” You ask, your fingers on his back, nails digging in as he starts to snap his hips. “I know what you like” He mutters, letting out a shaky breath as he starts up a decent pace, your breasts bouncing with each inward thrust. “Armitage!” You gasp as he changes the angle of his hips, hitting that sweet spot his finger had gotten to earlier. “God my name sounds good on your tongue” He moans, working his body against yours “You’re such a good girl for me” His dominant nature was coming out, his perfect act coming undone at the seams as he pounded into you. You had expected this to be done as quickly as Roger, but lord you were glad that it kept going, the tightening returning to your stomach. “’Tij,” You whisper, clenching around him “It’s happening again” “Cum my sweet darling. Cum for me” He growls, snapping his hips harder as your nails rake down his back. “Oh!” You scream, your legs wrapping around his waist, his hips kept moving through your orgasm, and you felt the familiar feeling of him becoming sloppy, like all men. His movements were jagged, and he was gasping your name before he pressed his lips to yours roughly, stilling as he felt himself cum, his stream shooting into you. You squirm, giggling, breathless as you pepper his jaw and neck with kisses. “You’re wonderful” He breathes out, removing himself from you as he stands, lifting you up in his arms, kissing you gently. “I’m never letting you go” You whisper, kissing him once more.

[coppolafrancis]

Beware the Evil Eye. Or Buy One, Just for Kicks

“From the disease of conceit/Give ya delusions of grandeur/And a evil eye...”

— Bob Dylan, “Disease of Conceit”(1989)

Search the phrase “evil eye jewelry” on Etsy, the e-commerce website for handmade and vintage items, and more than 71,000 items appear. It’s a staggering result, but not so surprising when you consider how many people, well, acknowledge the evil eye.

Throughout history, across cultures and religions around the world, people have feared the malevolent gaze of someone who envies another’s good fortune and wishes him harm.

Their defense? Charms like the evil-eye amulet, a bead or disc with a rendering of an eye — sometimes with a bright blue iris, sometimes with a black iris surrounded by circles of white and deep blue or aqua. Any visitor to the bazaars of Greece and Turkey or the shuks (covered markets) in Israel will be familiar with the myriad ways that those blue, white and black glass beads can be incorporated into necklaces, bracelets and other adornments.

So the allure goes way beyond high school backpack charms or something for Coachella.

In fact, when Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, was seen wearing an Alemdara evil-eye necklace and then a bracelet during her trip to Africa this fall — the latter (was it deliberate?) on the day when the public learned she had filed suit against a British newspaper for publishing a private letter — it became clear that the style had entered the fashion mainstream.

A Bit of History

The desire for protection against the evil eye is nothing new.

Amulets in the shape of idols with incised eyes made by the Mesopotamians were discovered during excavations in Syria and date to 3300 B.C. In “The Evil Eye: The Origins and Practices of Superstitions,” written in 1895, Frederick Elworthy said, “It is firmly believed by all ancients that some malignant influence darted from the eyes of envious or angry persons, and so infected the air as to penetrate and corrupt the bodies of both living creatures and inanimate objects.” (He also wrote of the ancient Egyptians and their use of the Eye of Osiris, one of their gods, in amulets to protect them against evil magic, both during life and in the afterlife.)

Belief in the evil eye is said to be strengthened among followers of Islam by verses 51 and 52 of the Al-Qalam Surah in the Quran: “And indeed, those who disbelieve would almost make you slip with their eyes when they hear the message, and they say: Indeed, he is mad. But it is not except a reminder to the worlds.”

And the Old Testament of the Bible refers to the evil eye in Proverbs 23:6, cautioning, “Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats.”

Glass beads appeared in the Mediterranean in about 1500 B.C., as glass production became more sophisticated, and evil-eye beads became popular among the Phoenicians, Assyrians, Greeks, Romans and Ottomans. Many historians have theorized that, as dark-eyed people were the norm in the region, those with blue eyes were considered most skilled at using the evil eye, likely leading to the prominent use of blue in protective amulets.

But the evil eye also appeared in both Celtic and Polish folklores. “There is nothing more dreaded by the people, nor considered more deadly in its effects, than the Evil Eye,” Lady Jane Francesca Wilde (the playwright’s mother) wrote in her 1887 book, “Ancient Legends, Mystic Charms and Superstitions of Ireland.”

And Today

There is no way to quantify how many evil-eye amulets there are in world, but it is hard to dispute their popularity.

During Mariella Tandy’s first pregnancy, her Turkish mother-in-law gave her what she described as a “beautiful, historic” evil-eye bracelet. It became the inspiration for Alemdara, her fine jewelry e-commerce business, and its Didem bracelet, (275 pounds, or $355) is a reproduction.

“My girlfriends all loved her bracelet and asked me to please get them one,” Ms. Tandy said. “I couldn’t find anything but very cheaply made items, but my friends were still interested, so I thought I’d create bracelets for them and the business grew from there.”

Her customers range from age 2 to 94. They include 20-somethings who buy the jewelry, made by skilled Turkish artisans, as bridesmaids gifts and older women who choose them for pregnant friends.

“They’re often given during a happy time in life for best wishes and good luck,” said Ms. Tandy, adding that once the duchess wore her jewelry, sales grew 25 times compared with the same period last year. “A lot is made of the negative aspect, but in my experience, it has always been a happiness thing and an insurance policy, just in case.”

In Africa, the duchess’s choices were a turquoise version of the Didem bracelet and the Altan necklace (£450), which has both a small diamond pavé Hand of Hamsa and an evil-eye charm on an 18-karat gold chain.

In Toronto, Jessica Handelman, owner of the online fine jewelry site Jessica Jewellery, echoed the idea that evil-eye jewelry purchases from her line are increasingly fashion statements rather than responses to superstition. “Even a few years ago, the evil eye was more of a religious symbol that people wore for protection,” Ms. Handelman said. But “in the last two or three years, it has become more of a trend and a fashion statement than a meaningful symbol for a lot of my clientele.”

“I think it appeals to people because it’s unique and a pop of color,” she said. “The designs these days vary a lot and there are so many different ways to present an evil eye: an eye, a circle, and with or without lashes.”

Most of the women who buy her evil-eye pieces are 20 to 35, said Ms. Handelman, who, in a nod to Jewish tradition, has pinned a blue bead to her infant daughter’s stroller for protection.

Even the Aga Khan Museum gift shop in Toronto sells both evil-eye jewelry and evil-eye objects for the home. Shoheb Gwaduri, the shop’s senior retail operations manager and product development specialist, said Western customers “want the typical evil eye that doesn’t cost much to put on their luggage or wear as a fun thing. People from the Eastern world want something more elaborate or intellectual that they can discreetly bring into their home.”

For instance, the shop carries limited edition jewelry by Nadia Dajani, who is of Palestinian descent, and her pieces always contain one turquoise bead symbolizing the evil eye. “People often ask if it’s a mistake,” Mr. Gwaduri said.

Tradition

Sabine Main, 46, a daughter of Lebanese emigrants to Canada, was given her first piece of evil-eye jewelry at her baptism. “It was a tradition in my family that when a child was baptized, she was given a gold necklace with charms and one was the evil eye,” she said. “They’re keepsakes and I’ll pass it along to my niece one day.”

She views them as symbols of religious belief and considers herself too pragmatic to wear an evil eye. But Ms. Main bought her sister what she described as a “super-trendy necklace with an evil eye” as a Christmas present recently because, she said, her sister is much more attached to tradition.

“I don’t truly believe an evil eye is going to protect me,” Ms Main said, “but when I see one, it definitely tugs on my heartstrings because it’s part of the culture.”

Helen Lasthiotakis, 57, is the daughter of Greek immigrants. Although she always knocks on wood when she praises someone, she said she had never worn an evil-eye ornament until last summer when her daughter, a graduate student, gave her a bracelet: “My daughter and I were each going through a rough patch, and she saw the bracelets on sale at the airport in Greece, so she got a couple and said we should each wear one.”

Ms. Lasthiotakis said she put the glass bead bracelet on her wrist and has not removed it.

“It’s not as if I’m an avid believer,” she said, displaying the bracelet. “It’s not something I would have bought for myself, but it’s protection channeled through my daughter’s love.”

It is not only women of a certain age who have evil-eye jewelry in their collections. Rachel Frydman, 29, received an evil-eye bracelet as a gift from a friend. The Toronto social worker, a grandchild of Holocaust survivors, said she is not superstitious about the piece, “but it is a very casual, noncommittal way to connect to Judaism and Jewish tradition.”

“I know that evil-eye jewelry is trendy and fashionable,” she said, “so I’m not surprised to hear that the Duchess of Sussex wears it.”

The 14 k white gold necklaces will make any outfit pop while reminding you to stay positive.

[justasipofpassion-blog]

Our First Con! | AnimeFest 2017

Hi! So, almost a month ago a really famous anime con called AnimeFest took place in Brno. It’s the biggest con of its kind in Czech Republic. My sister and I are into anime and series and films and games and this kind of stuff, and she even sews and is a real good crafty person, so we decided we’d make some cosplays and go for it.

I am so excited about this post, because I couldn’t wait to show you the photos and share the precious moments of this festival. Let’s get to it!

AnimeFest always lasts for three days (Friday to Sunday) and so there was a need for us to create three cosplays – I eventually decided to go only for two and spend the Sunday in my normal clothes. This is our cosplay plan:

FRIDAY Me: Viola from RPG indie game The Witch’s House Sis: Ellen from The Witch’s House as well

SATURDAY Me: Misa Amane from Death Note Sis: Junko from Danganronpa

SUNDAY Me: normal clothing (aka Fairy Tail fan No. 5, haha) Sis: Fuwa from Shimoneta

Visit my blog for the photos in full size! Click here.

Friday, 19th May

The first day of the con. One big advantage was that we could stay at the halls of residence of my university, otherwise we would have to look for some cheap accommodation elsewhere in Brno. Another, even bigger advantage of staying at the halls, was that my sister could arrive one day before the con started, and so we were able to pick up the AnimeFest visitor-bracelets in advance – when we arrived to the exhibition centre the next day, there was a queue for the bracelets even outside the building. We would have waited for one or two hours for sure…

We met up with our cousin Filip and some of his friends. Because this was our first festival of this kind, we were really shy and confused and overwhelmed (in a good way) at the same time. All the cosplayers were so cute and perfect! We spent all day by exploring the humongous area of the exhibition centre. There were a few buildings, where the lectures and workshops took place, then a large area for stands, where you could buy everything from pins, wigs and posters to kitten ears and Japanese snacks. Upstairs there was a gaming area, where you could try out Just Dance, all kinds of games with Oculus, or just borrow a board game and enjoy it with your friends.

I really loved the first day, even though it was a bit scary and full of unknown (and you know me and my fear of crowded areas), but it was very cool as well, because we were in euphoria of all those awesome cosplays we saw. We admired the “advanced” cosplayers, who clearly knew what they were doing when making their cosplay (unlike us, haha).

The guy in the photo is our cousin Filip. 😉

Wrong time period for these sunglasses, Ellen!

Me and Julie as Viola and Ellen from The Witch’s House Photo Credit: Cosplayer.sk

Saturday, 20th May

This day was a bit more planned – we already knew the area and were a bit confident about ourselves. This day I cosplayed Misa Amane and I’m sure you can imagine my excitement when I met people cosplaying other characters from Death Note. I felt like I was a part of something magical, if this makes sense.

Because Misa and Junko are well-known characters, we were stopped all the time by people who wanted a photo – both with us or of us. We felt like children on Christmas Day. It was our first con and our cosplays weren’t perfect, after all. And yet people thought we were kawaii and admired our work. (My sis posts our cosplay photos on Cosplay Amino and people are so lovely there – they all love our stuff.)

The buzzkill of this day was the fact that there was a concert of Kiss band right next to the exhibition centre. And so, Brno was full of the fans – mostly slimy men you’d want to avoid, unfortunately. We went outside of the exhibition centre to get some food and had to face the fact that every. Effin. One. Of these men was staring at our bums or boobs. Which would by quite fine if only they wouldn’t be so damn obvious about it. And in addition to all of this mess, they just wouldn’t shut up and had to comment what they saw. Of course I would normally say something back, but I was too afraid that they would “take action” and wouldn’t leave us alone. And having my sister with me, I just couldn’t afford this. Fortunately we went our separate ways, but let me tell you, I was SO ANGRY. There is no reason to stare and comment a woman’s (or even man’s!) body out loud when she can bloody hear you! I was in the mood to kick some ass in that moment… (Sorry for the language.)

On the happier note: I met the perfect Natsu Dragneel and Gray Fullbuster from Fairy Tail! Of course I had to take a photo of them – they even did the typical pose for me! I can’t describe my excitement with words, haha. Then I met even Juvia, Erza, Lucy, Happy, Wendy and MYSTOGAN! Eeeeeek! (I am obsessed with this anime.)

The thing I loved as well was the piano in the middle of the exhibition centre. Someone would always play it and cosplayers stopped to sing together. It created cosy atmosphere and we all felt like we knew each other for a long time, even though it was the first time we saw each other’s faces…

I met L and Light from Death Note!

Junko and Misa – possible BFFs? Junko doesn’t look too excited about it, though, haha.

I love this photo, their cosplays were too good! (Grell Sutcliff and Undertaker from Kuroshitsuji)

Photo Credit: Cosplayer.sk

Photo Credit: Petr Riedl FOTO

Photo Credit: Focus Felis

Photo Credit: Focus Felis

Sunday, 21st May

On the one hand I felt relieved I could wear “normal clothes” for once – I set a goal of taking photo with all of my favourite cosplayers, now that my appearance is all me. And so I did! The only one I couldn’t find that day was The Arrow. 😦

My sis was a little surprised she was recognised as Fuwa a few times, because the anime Shimoneta isn’t really well-known.

This day was also a day of free hugs (at least for my sister, I tried to hold back, but the huggers always got me anyway, haha). There was one guy dressed in black, having a black ski mask and holding a sign that sayed “SPIRIT OF METAL, FREE HUGS” and every time someone hugged him he screamed “METAL” really loud. It was precious, haha.

Being this the last day of AnimeFest, we did some shopping – I bought three Fairy Tail pins and a Fairy Tail necklace. My sis bought herself some pins as well, two Death the Kid rings and even three posters. The next thing we invested in was four wig caps – really useful and comfortable, which can’t be said about the swimming caps we used till that day… And we had to try Pocky and mochi, of course. (Delicious.)

We left the con at about three o’clock (it was about to end at four), exhausted because the lack of sleep, all the walking and hot weather, but happy. I can say that we are already working on our cosplays for the AnimeFest 2018, haha. (Our big dream is to visit some foreign con, in UK for example! But that’s a long way to go.)

I hope you liked the photos and the post itself! I’d like to thank all the professional photographers, who were so kind and took a few photos of us. I’ll leave their Facebook pages below.

Have a wonderful day! (I’m really happy I’m back to blogging again!)

…

Photo Credit:

Cosplayer.sk

Petr Riedl FOTO

Focus Felis