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fbfh · 4 years ago

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I think you've horribly misread the situation [shitty roommate pt 2] - leo x reader

wc: 2.3k

genre: contemporary drama, you're definitly going to get second hand embarrassment, cozy fluff

pairing: leo x reader, attempted isabella x leo

reader: gender neutral, they/them

requested: hell yeah

warnings: mild swearing, roommate tries to steal your man once again, mentions of various mainstream vampire media (twilight, the vampire diaries etc.), brief mention of castlevania (even though i haven't seen it yet lol), breif mention of videogames and assassins creed, very mild delusion (roommate is secretly convinced leo is a vampire that's in love with her), attempted age gap relationship (she's 17 and leo's 19, he shuts that down real fast), very bad poetry

summary: You and Leo are both looking foward to spending a long weekend together, and Leo is determined not to let anything interrupt it, even if it means turning down your roommate's attempts to seduce him in the kitchen.

a/n: absolutley no hate or shade or judgement to anyone who has the same or similar traits as isabella!!!!!! at her core she's annoying because she's the antagonist, not bc of any isolated trait or traits

also she's shitty cause she keeps trying to steal your boyfriend?????

Edit: I forgot to mention before, but this is a college au where you're both still demigods, so you went to camp and on quests and stuff together

This weekend is going to be all about recharging. Recharging from the ridiculous back to back closing and opening shifts at work, recharging from having to redo that stupid project twice because your professor couldn’t decide on a clear way to define the criteria, and recharging from Isabella having her townie friend Regan over almost non stop to “completely shake up her look” as she put it.

Between the constant presence of someone you’d barely consider an acquaintance and Big Time Rush’s self titled album blasting on repeat out of her giant airpod shaped speaker, it’s been harder than usual to get in some effective self care. You have no idea how many more times you can hear the phrase “I’m going for Jade West meets Elena Gilbert, with just a little Buffy Summers” before you lose your fucking mind.

Thankfully, the hard part is almost over. There’s some minor holiday tomorrow on friday, so you and Leo both have a three day weekend ahead of you, which you intend to spend entirely together. You planned ahead, frontloading homework, chores, errands, and everything you could think of to remove anything that isn’t cuddling or playing video games and watching netflix together from your horizon.

This includes going straight from work to the grocery store to stock the fridge and get any snacks you and Leo want. You had texted him a while ago asking for anything he was craving, and head into the store with a concrete list. After a while, you circle around some aisles, avoiding the check out.

“I feel like I’m forgetting something,” you muse, knowing it’s untrue, but hoping to trigger a memory anyway. You can’t put it off any longer, finally checking out and heading back to your apartment. You’d be lying if you said you weren’t avoiding Isabella just a little.

You know bringing in all these groceries would be way easier with Isabella and possibly Regan’s help, but you just don’t have the social energy to talk to anyone, much less her, right now. By some miracle, you bring everything in yourself, and hope to get it put away before you see Isabella.

You turn to the freezer, putting away the ice cream. When you turn back around, you’re suddenly met face to face with Isabella, who has opened one of the boxes and is picking at a pastry.

“Hey girlie,” she says, elongating the hey.

“Hey,” you reply lethargically, putting the last of the groceries away. She looks at the pastry in her hand like she’s just noticing it.

“Sorry, I can’t help it, I’m italian.” She smiles, endeared by her own behavior. You have no idea what being italian has to do with asking before you open a box of your roommate’s food, but this really isn’t out of character for her. She brings up the fact that she’s half italian more than Lele Pons blames her behavior on being latina.

She’s wearing sweatpants that say chaser on the leg in red and gold varsity font, and a tight tee shirt that says “it’s okay to love them both” with silhouettes of the male love interests from one of the vampire shows she always watches. You collect the plastic bags to put in recycling, and see a piece of paper on the counter.

It reads as follows:

Drowning in my mind

No one hears me cry

Who was I before society

Before society put me in a pink dress

And handed me blonde hair dye

And told me to lose ten pounds or be labeled a freak?

The happiest people cry the most

Let the lyrics be your story

But I’m not like the other skinny blonde pretty girls

I’m

Different

-b.g. xox

You hold back a sigh.

“I think this is yours.” you say, handing it to her.

“Oh, it’s just some of my poetry I left lying around, that’s so embarrassing.”

I know, you think, you do that all the time.

“Did you read it?” She asks, hopefully.

“Nope.”

“Thank god, that would have been so embarrassing. My poetry is something really… deep, and personal to me.”

“Uh huh. Hey, I’m going to be doing a lot of self care this weekend, so-”

“Oh!” she interjects, eerily similar to Phoebe Buffay - you guess she’s been watching friends again - “I wanted to ask… is Leo coming over later?” Her voice is riddled with subtext, the expression on her face a little too invested in your answer.

“Uh, yeah. I told you the other day we’re spending the weekend together…”

She cuts you off again, a sudden, intense look on her face.

“When will he be here?”

You check your phone, scrolling through your recent texts.

“By 7 at the latest.” It’s around 6:40 now.

“Oh my god, I have to change,” she rushes back to her room, presumably digging through her recent additions to her closet.

You’re frozen for a minute after the interaction, left with a furrowed brow and the beginnings of a headache. You blink, then choose to reschedule processing why she feels the need to change for your boyfriend to a more convenient time. That’s enough of that for today. You don’t care what else happens, you’re not talking to anyone besides Leo for at least the rest of the day. You retreat to your room to finally shower and change into something comfy. As you pass by Isabella’s room, you hear her talking to Regan.

“...There’s something almost… supernatural about him.”

You bite back a laugh.

“Do you think he’s a…” Regan begins, ending the sentence with something too quiet to hear, but you’d bet almost any organ she said vampire.

So close. So, so close, and yet… here you are.

Not much later, Leo texts you to let you know he’s here. You read his text, and run out to hug him in the living room before even typing a reply. He picks you up, and spins you around. The embrace is warm and fulfilling and familiar, and you wish it would last forever.

“Hi, Sparky.” you murmur into his neck.

“Estrella…” he says, rocking you back and forth gently and pressing a kiss into your jawline, “I missed you so much.” He punctuates the sentence with another kiss, this one to your lips, and you smile more genuinely than you have all day. You’re about to agree when you remember the good news you’ve been saving to tell him in person.

“Guess what I got on sale for like, half off,” you start, excitedly, continuing at his invested expression, “the Assassin’s Creed bundle I showed you!”

“No way,” he starts, and you nod.

“I’ll go get everything set up, drinks are in the kitchen!” He watches you retreat into your room, disbelieving how he could possibly get someone as perfect as you to fall for him. He’s not going to question his luck. He grabs a couple caffeinated sparkling ices, and meets you in your room, setting down his bag and grabbing some comfy clothes to change into.

As you both get settled in, you fill each other in on all the ridiculous shit you’ve been through this week. You finally conclude the bizarre - yet somehow standard - Isabella escapades.

“So I will be avoiding all contact as much as possible,” you laugh.

“Yeah, no shit,” he agrees, “Consider me your human buffer.” You thank him, hugging him again and pressing a kiss to his lips.

The next couple hours are spent cuddling and finishing season 4 of Castlevania. Both reeling from the season finale, you agree this is a good place to take a break, get some food, and decide what game you should start with. It’s already 10pm, which most people would consider too late for dinner, but you have all weekend to fuck up your sleep schedules.

“Let’s review,” Isabella says, holding up two red lipsticks. She turns to Regan. “Which one?”

“That one,” Regan says, pointing to the one on the left, then turns to her list, and continues. “Here’s what we know; we’ve never seen him eat, and he never seems tired. He’s really smart-”

“Almost too smart,” Isabella adds, selecting black rose dangle earrings from her jewelry. Regan agrees, and continues.

“He’s almost hypnotically attractive, and his smile is a little too dazzling.”

“There’s something… supernatural about him. Like he’s not… all human.”

Regan writes this down.

“Plus he’s always wearing black and red, and those flowy button up shirts? It’s all adding up, Ree. That dream that someone was outside my window, the ring, everything…” She says, referencing the black and red cocktail ring she’d found with her stuff when she’d first moved, “I’m not saying it’s definite, just that… there’s a chance.”

“What about…” Regan says hesitantly, nodding toward your room.

“Please,” she scoffs, “he’s only with them to get close to me, like Damon and Caroline. Edward couldn’t have just approached Bella out of the blue, he had to infiltrate her friend group first, to seem less suspicious. Not to sound mean or anything, but they really don’t seem like the type someone… like him… would choose.” her voice gets dreamy when she mentions him.

In spite of having seen most mainstream vampire media almost as many times as Isabella, Regan still considers her the expert on these things, and decides not to point out that Edward didn’t infiltrate Bella’s friend group. Maybe it comes up in one of the retellings she hasn’t read yet.

“So, what now?”

Isabella sets down her lipstick, and turns to her friend.

“I tell him.”

Regan’s eyes widen.

“You’re going to tell him you know?”

“No… not yet. It’s too soon, we don’t have enough evidence. I’m going to tell him I know he’s in love with me, then once he’s secure in our relationship... we’ll see where it goes.”

She stands up, assessing herself in the mirror. She chose her outfit carefully; short red dress with black roses and black mesh collar, black rose bracelet to match her earrings, snug faux leather jacket, and black stiletto ankle booties with a very skinny heel, the zipper on the outside gold, not silver. She fluffs her wavy hair and turns towards the door. She looks back one more time, holding onto the doorway.

“Wish me luck.”

Leo enters the kitchen, seeing Isabella already there, leaning against the counter seductively. She’s wearing an outfit and jewelry this late at night that makes Leo wonder if she’s going to an emo tea party. He puts the takeout in the microwave. She’s still staring at him.

“Uh… hey.”

She lets out a dainty giggle, looking him up and down.

“... Hi.”

At a loss for words, and really wanting the awkward silence to be over, he continues, “Did you need something?”

“What I need,” she walks closer to him, tracing her finger over his collar, “is you.”

What the fuck?

His brain seems to stall for a moment, and she uses this opportunity to continue.

“I know why you’re here. I know that you’re only using them to get closer to me. I know-”

“Woah-”

“That you’re in love with me.”

Okay, double what the fuck.

She takes his stunned silence as shyness, and steps closer, putting her arms around his shoulders.

“You don’t need to play so coy, I-”

This time she’s the one that gets cut off. He grabs her arms and gently steps away, trying to make it abundantly clear that he’s not into this.

“Woah, okay, slow down. First of all, you’re 17 and I’m turning 20 in a couple months, so that’s a hard no. Second, I don’t know where you got this idea, but I am not dating them to get closer to you. We’ve known each other since we were like, 15, and have been through everything together. I’ve only known you for a couple months. I love them. Probably more than I’ve loved anything ever. I thought that was pretty obvious.”

He doesn’t want to be mean, he really doesn’t, but he can tell from the look on her face that she still thinks this is all part of some game.

“So why don’t I ever see you eat? Why are you so smart, and always up at night? I know what you are.”

He has to physically hold back a laugh. He takes a step back, and places his hands on the counter.

“Isabella, I have adhd. And I’m literally an engineering student. Why wouldn’t I be smart and have a shitty sleep schedule?”

She starts to protest, and he pulls out the reheated take out from the microwave.

“And for the record, I do eat.”

Exiting the kitchen quickly and retreating back to your room, he hands you your food.

“I got the game set up!” you say excitedly.

“Nice!”

You take one look at his face and can tell something happened. He sees this, and continues.

“I just had a very… interesting interaction with Isabella,” before he finishes the sentence, your head is already in your hands. You let out a groan.

“What did she do?” you mutter from behind your hands.

He pulls you into his lap, rubbing your back.

“I’m not totally sure,” you laugh, “but I think she thinks I’m secretly in love with her…” you’re both laughing before he can even finish the sentence.

“No…” you laugh, “no fucking way…”

“Believe me, I put an end to that as soon as it started.”

“Oh, I do.”

He runs his hand over your back, and you’re quiet for a moment.

“You know,” he continues, “I think getting our own place has definitely moved up the priority list.”

You couldn’t agree more.

#leo valdez x reader #leo x reader #leo valdez #leo valdez imagine #heroes of olympus #heroes of olympus x reader

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wigwurq · 4 years ago

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WIG REVIEW: WONDER WOMAN 1984

You guys! Now that the holidaze are over, I finally got around to watching the #1 most hated movie of the holiday season: Wonder Woman 1984! People have so many opinions about this movie AND NOW I DO TOO! I even have some thoughts on the wigs! Let’s discuss.

We begin in Themyscira, land of Amazons, fishtail braidology, Robin Wright, NO EFFING MEN, and also this weird Amazon gladiator gauntlet that is mainly brought to you by lots of computers. Baby Gal Gadot (nee Wonder Woman) is allowed to compete in this CGI decathalon despite being 1/3 the size and age of the other competitors and almost wins the damn thing but Auntie Robin Wright disqualifies her for trying to cheat to win. About 4 hours later, toward the end of this movie, Wonder Woman also tries to “cheat” at something so this is kinda sorta foreshadowing if you believe that the writers of this screenplay even had that forethought!

Moving ahead to 1984, this movie just gets SO 1984. Or really “1984″ in the Stranger Things sense, in that they even used the damn mall that that show takes place in and some dumb criminals steal some jewelry and Wonder Woman saves the day and also comically saves some kids who could have been hurt. I am still bitterly injured by Gal Gadot’s wig, which is not so bent and tangled as the first Wonder Woman movie. Still, the general texture and quality leave something to be desired AS DOES THIS WHOLE MOVIE BUT I AM GETTING AHEAD OF MYSELF!! Anyway, other than foiling crimes at malls, Gal Gadot mainly lives a sad single life in DC where she pines away for Chris Pine in her fabulous apartment, surrounded by an astonishing amount of photographs of her late boyfriend, given the fact that the pictures she has of him are from the 1910s when not everyone had a damn photo printer. Absent of course, is the photograph of her and her ragtag WWI buddies which is delivered to her at the end of the first Wonder Woman movie in the present day and therefore hasn’t happened yet and here begins and ends all logic in this movie.

Anyway! Gal Gadot works with Kristen Wiig, who does her fabulously awkward Kirsten Wiig thing as a nerdy scientist who is largely overlooked by all of society and who wears upsetting culottes and oversized sweatshirts and drinks Bartles and Jaymes (THIS MOVIE MISSES NO OPPORTUNITIES TO #80s). Her wig, as all wigs worn by Kristen Wiig in movies, is a horrible mess of bad texture and general bentness. Also, together she and Gal Gadot are sifting through the jewelry stolen by those thieves at the mall and there is one particular giant crystal or whatever that seems to possess magical properties. Yes, like the Infinity Stones that came (and then kept coming!) AND YES I REALIZE THAT THAT IS MCU AND THIS IS DC BUT IT DOESN’T MATTER: EVERY GODDAMNED SUPERHERO MOVIE IS SOMEHOW ABOUT HAUNTED JEWELRY.

Enter Pedro Pascal in the most outrageous 80s wig in honestly the most outrageous 80s role. He essentially plays Donald Trump - a start-up conning people out of money who is also a terrible dad and has terrible hair. I really wondered for much of this movie if this wig was supposed to be a wig, because it looks as fake and wig-like as Trump’s hair, but no - I think this is supposed to be real hair! Truly truly truly outrageous. Anyway, dude basically doesn’t want to work hard to get rich (again, much like Trump!) and instead wants to just wish his way into success via this dream crystal that Gal Gadot and Kristen Wiig have.

OH AND THEY ALREADY WISHED ON THE CRYSTAL! Kristen Wiig wishes to be like Gal Gadot (not realizing that she’s actually wishing to be Wonder Woman) and gets the most outrageous makeover into this bleached blonde nightmare. AND EVERYONE IS JUST LIKE WOW YOU’RE NOT WEARING CULOTTES ANYMORE I GUESS THIS IS NORMAL FOR YOU TO SUDDENLY LOOK THIS WAY AND FOR YOUR HAIR TO INEXPLICABLY BE INCHES LONGER IN THE COURSE OF AN AFTERNOON. Also! Although this bleached blonde wig is maybe an upgrade from her mousy wig from before, that really means nothing as both wigs are garbage.

Gal Gadot’s wish, of course, was for her ain’ true love, Chris Pine, to come back. AND THEN HE DOES! SORTA! Despite being definitely exploded in a plane in 1918 (in the first movie - spoiler?), he just kinda walks into this fancy party like “hey what’s up?” OH EXCEPT FOR ONE SMALL THING.

HE LOOKS LIKE THIS DUDE TO EVERYONE ELSE EXCEPT GAL GADOT. Ok? I guess because Chris Pine’s actual physical body was destroyed in 1918, he has to inhabit the body of this random man credited only as ‘Handsome Man’ in 1984 which really begs the question - what then happens to this handsome dude while Chris Pine shapeshifts into him and does anyone care? ALSO! Plot-wise, this is just the tip of the iceberg in crystal wishes - basically everyone on earth gets a wish before film’s end and all are fulfilled no matter how ludicrous - and yet no other wish seem to have these sort of strings attached EXCEPT FOR WONDER WOMAN! WHY DOES ONLY WONDER WOMAN GET THE PET SEMATARY OF WISHES?!?!?!

Anyway! Lucky for us all, ‘Handsome Man’ has the most 80s closet ever! As we all know, movies set in the 80s are contractually obligated to provide us with a very 80s fashion montage and this one is ALL ABOUT CHRIS PINE. Somehow, ‘Handsome Man’ owns like 10 different fanny packs?!?! Every single 80s menswear disaster is covered here at least three times you guys.

About 3 hours later, he settles on this outfit! Mazel! I’d like to pause this review to now give my definitive breakdown of CHRIS rankings (limited only to the 4 young-ish, blonde-ish Chris actors who appear in superhero movies) so that I might now abbreviate Chris Pine to #2 Chris WHICH HE IS. Ahem:

- BEST CHRIS is obviously CHRIS EVANS. This is because he gets into Twitter wars with racists, he offered his arm of support to Regina King when she stumbled getting her Oscar, and he wears the shit out of a sweater. There are many other reasons also but no other Chris can compare - HE IS BEST CHRIS.

- WORST CHRIS is obviously CHRIS PRATT. This is because he is super Jesusy evangelical and also anti-LGBTQ and married a Schwarzenegger (tho Arnold wishes he was Evans too!). There are many other reasons why but those are the most important reasons. WORST CHRIS.

- #2 CHRIS is a constant battle between CHRIS HEMSWORTH AND CHRIS PINE. Hemsworth is very funny in the lady Ghostbusters, was once on Dancing With The Stars in Australia, and can really commit to a fatsuit. Pine is great at singing on a Wet Hot American Summer roof OR a river, loves caftans, and is loved by the one and only Wonder Woman. It’s an infinity tie between these two and therefore #2 Chris is in the eye of the beholder during whatever you are beholding, and currently we’re beholding Pine. #2 CHRIS!

Yes, this lengthy roundup was definitely worth it so that I can abbreviate Chris Pine to #2 Chris now. Moving on!

So Gal Gadot and #2 Chris walk through a very 80s DC while #2 Chris’s mind gets blown by all the stuff that is different in the 70s years he’s been dead. No 80s movie would be complete without of course covering PUNKS!!! This is where this movie definitely lost my husband because one of these punks is wearing a Cro-Mags shirt from an album THAT CAME OUT IN 1986. This offends me, also, not because I care about that band but because this is lazy costuming! Apparently, my husband was not the only one to notice this and become deeply offended - and Cro-Mags cofounder even chimed in to say that this is all ok because they released a demo for the ‘86 album in 1984 (AND WE ALL KNOW EVERYONE DEFINITELY MAKES SHIRTS BASED ON DEMO ALBUMS?) I still find this lazy and stupid costuming and remain annoyed! ANYWAY!

Back to the “plot”...Kristen Wiig and Pedro Pascal’s confederacy of bad wigs kinda sorta hook up at this dumb party so that Pedro Pascal can steal that very important wishing crystal! AND THEN HE WISHES ON THE CRYSTAL THAT HE CAN BE THE CRYSTAL. Haunted jewelry plots have never been so dumb as this you guys! AND ALL OF THE INFINITY STONES MOVIES WERE INFINITELY STUPID SO THIS IS REALLY SAYING SOMETHING.

So basically, after 70 years apart, Gal Gadot and #2 Chris have no more time to waste on fanny pack fashion shows or questionable metro punks and have to follow Pedro Pascal to Egypt, where he has gone to demand some oil from Egypt now that he is the physical manifestation of a wishing crystal. In order to get to Egypt themselves, Gal and #2 Chris steal a plane from the Smithsonian (which apparently just has some jets laying around some random tarmac) and then Gal WISHES THE JET INTO BEING INVISIBLE! This is obviously to fuel Wonder Woman invisible jet nostalgia and also to waste about 45 minutes on shots of them invisibly flying through fireworks. BECAUSE IT’S THE 4TH OF JULY WAIT HOW DID THEY VISIT ANY MUSEUMS OR DO ANYTHING ON A NATIONAL HOLIDAY EARLIER THAT DAY OH RIGHT THERE IS NO LOGIC IN THIS MOVIE. Over in Egypt, the wishing crystal Pedro Pascal hisself somehow creates a water shortage and refugee crisis in Egypt and Gal has to Wonder Woman some kids to safety, but mainly she wears this amazing jumpsuit and is able to find a working payphone to call Kristen Wiig and ask if she has any intel on that damn wishing crystal.

Kristen Wiig is somehow EVEN MORE BLONDE AND WEARING THIS DAMN COAT. I mean...you guys. WHAT. Like any good 80s thriller, Kristen Wiig researched the wishing crystal on microfiche which leads her to a random record store where she meets up with Gal and #2 Chris who I guess flew the invisijet back to DC from Egypt in a few minutes or something. Anyway, rando dude at the record store takes out some musty old book that has all the wishing crystal information everyone needed and basically warns that it can destroy society AND ALSO it can take things away from the wisher like a damn monkey’s paw. SPEAKING OF MONKEYS THAT COAT THE END.

But Kristen Wiig’s makeover is far from over! She finally appears as Cheetah herself at the damn White House, where the wishing crystal Pedro Pascal is asking a fake Ronald Reagan (?) if he can please satellite everyone on the earth so he can grow stronger as a crystal person OR SOMETHING? Anyway, Kristen’s lewk is very “punk” but not in a Cro-Mag way, but more in a Meryl Streep in Ricki and the Flash way? It’s a battle of not great wigs, at any rate. Kristen doesn’t want anyone harming her wishing crystal Pedro since that’s what made her Cheetah so there is this huge dumb fight where Pedro and Kristen just kinda glide away (not unlike actual Trump and his idiots last week and omg did this movie foretell that) and then Gal realizes that she has to denounce her wish because the monkey paw’s clause of it all is making her not powerful enough to fight anymore. So #2 Chris is like: I should just be dead anyway and my whole existence is very Pet Sematary and everyone kind of cries in an alley and #2 Chris dies again (?) Also! I think this is supposed to have been foretold by that earlier scene with baby Gal Gadot trying to cheat at that decathalon or whatever because you can’t cheat....death??? Regardless, Gal jumps into the sky and somehow is ABLE TO FLY BASED ON AERODYNAMIC FACTS #2 CHRIS GAVE HER WHILE FLYING AN INVISIJET? SURE!

Over in another plane, Pedro and Kristen are on their way to some satellite island to broadcast to the world about crystal wishes and dude is not looking so great because wishing that you are a crystal is a terrible idea. This is the point at which I realized that this wig was supposed to be real hair because it looks so sweaty and shitty but has consistently looked like a shitty wig through this entire “plot.” Anyway! He asks Kristen Wiig if she wants another wish which....huh? Somehow Gal Gadot’s wish ended up a Pet Sematary nightmare of possessed handsome man bodies that she had to renounce but Kristen Wiig gets two wishes? SURE! AND KRISTEN WIIG WISHES THAT SHE BECOME THE “ULTIMATE PREDATOR” WHAT ON EARTH IS THIS MOVIE Y’ALL.

APPARENTLY THIS IS WHAT AN ULTIMATE PREDATOR LOOKS LIKE?!?!?! YOU GUYS. In order to literally become a Cheetah, they gave Kristen Wiig a CGI body and....kabuki makeup? This lewk absolutely looks like a mashup between two dueling community theater productions of Cats and Pacific Overtures and I can’t stop laughing.

Meanwhile, Gal finally gets to rock this lewk which was earlier described as the battle armor of the goddess, Asteria, who was the one chick NOT invited to Themyscira for Amazonian fishtail braidology times, and had to stay behind to FIGHT EVERY MAN ON EARTH but did get this sweet armor out of it?!?! Regardless, despite withstanding all men ever, Cheetah somehow effs up this armor in a matter of seconds, but Gal is still able to defeat her through underwater electrocution (which somehow avoids Gal herself even though SHE’S WEARING AN ENTIRE SUIT OF METAL).

Anyway, in the end, the entire world is on the brink of collapse and eveyone is looking at old dumb 80s tv screens because of all the dumb wishes everyone made and I guess I appreciate the fact that this entire movie is about dumb 80s wish fulfillment but also there are so many plotholes that I can’t even, you guys. Gal somehow lassoes Pedro Pascal into remembering his shitty dad and realizes that he is now a shitty dad and everyone somehow renounces their wishes and Pedor Pascal just kind of WALKS OFF AN ISLAND INTO THE DEBRIS OF DC AND FINDS HIS CHILD BY THE SIDE OF THE ROAD?!?!?!?! It’s really annoying that this movie somehow rewards this shitty dad but also doesn’t let a woman (specifically WONDER WOMAN) have both a love life and her own damn job and I’m not alone in being annoyed by that. ANYWAY, days or weeks after the entire world almost ended, there is somehow a cute Christmas carnival that was definitely a stolen set from Dolly Parton’s Christmas in the Square where Gal Gadot is reunited with ‘Handsome Man’ who has no knowledge of previously being possessed by #2 Chris and is still rocking ALL THIS 80s FASHION and then a star shaped balloon is released into the sky and I wonder if this entire movie has been a Macy’s ad.

BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE! In a mid-credits scene which is also maybe the only watchable part of this movie, the goddess Asteria (and OG owner of that gold body armor) is revealed to be alive and well and played by OG Wonder Woman, LYNDA EFFING CARTER!! She is definitely an actual goddess who never ages and whose hair is way better than any wigs on display at any point in this movie and is also the only part of the movie you should watch. THE END.

VERDICT: DOESN’T WURQ

#wonderwoman84 #ww84 #wigwurq #galgadot #chrispine #2chris #chrisrankings #kirstenwiig #cheetah #punks #THE80S #contractualfashionmontages #pedropascal #hauntedjewelry #lyndacarter

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asexual-hugger · 4 years ago

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Christmas is approaching in the small village that Allison McQueen grew up in. She recognizes the decorated trees lining the snow-covered ground instantly, along with the giant Christmas tree erected in the middle of the square. Every year, she and her family join in caroling around this tree as a tradition to bring in the holidays and as part of the annual tree-lighting celebration. This year, however, Allison hopes to include a very special guest in the family village tradition: her big-city boss from London, Detective Ernest Sinclaire.

She steps out of the carriage that she took into town, breathing in the all-too-familiar scents of pine, spice and peppermint. Ahhh, Christmas. Her favorite holiday of the year. Her parents were overly thrilled that she was coming home to spend the holiday with them, and even more so when she told them that Detective Sinclaire would be joining her. Lord Sebastian and Lady Eleanor had remembered the handsome young private investigator very fondly, and Lady Eleanor, along with the youngest member of the McQueen clan, Allison’s brother Kade, had secretly hoped they would set eyes on him again. This time, it would be the full family under one roof, since the two oldest brothers, Dominic and Harry, would be taking time off work to celebrate with their loved ones.

Allison had not seen either of her two oldest brothers in months. She felt excited, but also nervous. How would Dom and Harry respond to seeing a private detective bunking in with them? Allison had mentioned to them via group text that one Detective Ernest Sinclaire was going to visit this year for Christmas and that he was her boss at work, but the most she could receive as a response was “OK,” from both of them. They were either too busy to give a full response or they just decided to run with it for now.

I’m sure I’ll get the stranger danger lecture from both of them once I get home, she thinks. Dom and Harry were notorious like that: anyone they didn’t know that their little sister got involved with or brought home with her immediately caused Older Brother High Protective Gear mode. They loved Allison dearly, and the last thing they wanted was to see someone hurt her.

They don’t know Detective Sinclaire like I do, Allison continues silently. He’s my boss. Our relationship is purely platonic and professional. He wouldn’t hurt me. Ever.

Still, she plans out what she’s going to tell her brothers the moment they begin to blab.

She walks into the town square to admire the giant tree and the colorful display of Christmas lights lining the shops and bushes all around. Everything is alive and cheery for the season. Families are laughing and walking around, Christmas music playing through speakers and causing some people to sing. Not being able to control her Christmas spirit, Allison starts to sing the lyrics to the instrumental We Wish You a Merry Christmas filtering out from the entrance to a jewelry store. Her breath comes out in white steam before her, catching under the colored glow of the flashing red and green lights lining the windows. Soft snow has started to fall, making the moment even more magical.

“Wow! You have an amazing voice!” Allison jolts when she feels someone come up next to her, and she stops singing for a moment to find the man himself, Detective Ernest Sinclaire, brushing her shoulder. His cheeks are pink from the cold, he wears a black top hat and a scarf around his neck, and he’s staring at her with astonishment. His breath is ragged as if he’d been running, the white puffs of steam more noticeable than hers. “Oh, don’t stop on my account. Keep going. I was enjoying it immensely!”

“Detective, when did you get here?” Allison asks in surprise, looking around outside the square for any sign of his black patrol car.

“About a half hour before you,” Sinclaire responds. “And I didn’t drive this time. I took a bus. It dropped me off right at the edge of the village. I’ve been in the jewelry store looking for something to give my mum for Christmas. It’s nice and warm in there if you want to get out of this cold. I saw you standing outside and I came right out.” He fiddles with his thick jacket a bit nervously, his already-pink cheeks looking a bit more flushed. He flashes his million-megawatt smile at her. “I remember you told me you sang in the shower all the time, but I never knew you could SING! Your voice is incredible, Miss McQueen. How come you never sang for me?”

“Er, because it never seemed appropriate.” Allison flushes. “I mean: yes, I can sing, but I usually do it in the privacy of my apartment, in my shower or whenever I’m in the mood. Sure; I’ve sang in front of people before, but it was a long time ago. I haven’t had many opportunities recently. The closest I’ve gotten to performing is during the annual tree-lighting ceremony that we have here every year to bring in the holiday season. Our family has never missed a year. The town lights the big Christmas tree over there and everyone gathers around it and sings Christmas carols. I was hoping you’d join us this year since you’re considered a guest of our family.”

“Erggg.” Sinclaire grimaces, sucking in a breath through his teeth. “I’m not exactly the best singer. That was one gene that skipped over me when I was born. I tried when I was young, but I could never get these vocal cords to cooperate. Perhaps I could just stand next to you while they light the tree, and I can just listen to you singing. Your voice has more Christmas cheer than anyone’s out here. Do I HAVE to sing? Because if it’s a tradition in your family to participate, I can at least try, for your sake. You might want to bring earmuffs if you have any, because my voice sounds like squeaky pipes.”

Allison stifles a giggle as she forms a mental image in her mind of Detective Sinclaire trying to sing. “You don’t HAVE to sing,” she assures him. “It’s completely optional. We have plenty of people in the group that come to watch the tree light up and they just stand next to their friends and family while the others sing. Christmas isn’t about caroling or having the talent. It’s about the experience and spreading cheer with your loved ones. It’s about family, both blood and not. You being here is enough to celebrate Christmas. I get to spend the holidays with someone I care about. Dominic and Harry are going to be home, so you’ll have the chance to meet my whole family this time. Mum and Dad and Kade really liked you when you came with me to help on the farm last summer. They couldn’t stop talking about what a gentleman you were. Even Dad was impressed by you, and strangers RARELY impress him.”

“Well. I am quite pleased that I was able to make a positive impression,” Sinclaire says, feeling proud. “And I definitely cannot wait to meet your older brothers. I’m sure they are just as pleasant as the rest of your family.”

“Pleasant, and VERY protective,” Allison says. “In fact, I was just going over in my head what I was going to tell them when I arrived at the house. I sent a text message to each of them to tell them I was bringing you, so they’re probably going to start lecturing me the moment they see me.”

Sinclaire frowns. “Lecture you? Why?”

“That’s just how they are.” Allison shrugs. “Any man their little sister brings home has to get the Older Brother Seal of Approval. Because they’ve never met you, you’re considered Stranger Danger. I have to make sure you stay out of the Stranger Danger zone and inside the Welcome Zone. Luckily my parents and Kade can back you up. Dom and Harry don’t want to see me get hurt.”

“You know? I get it,” Sinclaire states. “I do, Miss McQueen. I know exactly what you’re saying. Protective older siblings are all too common in this world. I’m actually glad they’re so protective of you. If I had a younger sibling, I’d probably be protective of them, too. If you need help convincing your brothers that I’m worth their Seal of Approval, I’m willing to support that. I’ll even do the talking. Anything to make sure I’m not labeled as Stranger Danger. You do know that I’d never touch a hair on your head without your consent, I hope. I wouldn’t even DREAM of hurting you in ANY way, and if anyone out there DOES try to lay a finger on you, they’ll be staring down the barrel of my pistol in a flash.” He sweeps the right side of his long jacket aside, and Allison sees a flash of metal against his hip. “I never go anywhere without it. Holstered and secure, unless I have a reason to use it.” He gazes at her for a moment protectively.

Allison pulls out her phone. “I should probably get home,” she says. “I just wanted to see the town decorated before I went. Mum and everyone is probably wondering if I’m ever going to show up. I’m guessing everyone else is already there.”

“Well, then, allow me to walk you there.” Sinclaire looks at her hopefully, offering her his arm. “We are both going to the same place, after all. It’s pretty cold out, and I’m not letting you freeze.”

“Me? Well, what about you?” Allison asks, taking his arm. “You’re only human, Detective. You look pretty flushed yourself.”

“I was inside for the most part,” Sinclaire argues. “You look colder than I do, Miss McQueen. I think I should walk you home so you can get warm. We’re both freezing our toes off standing out here.”

#choices stories you play #desire and decorum #pixelberry #detective story #fanfic #tv show idea #choices game #play choices

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thatmultifandomhoe · 6 years ago

Text

Strawberry Cream and BBQ - 21

Pairing: Hybrid Hoseok and Human Reader

Overview: Your best friend knows she can count on you for anything, so when she asks you to watch her hybrid while she’s gone for a study abroad trip for four months, you can’t say no. But when these four months are over, things have changed in a way no one expected.

Word Count: 6,421

Genre: Hybrid AU, Fluff, Future smut, Angst, Best friends to Lovers

Warning: Angst and Fluff

Master List

Sneak Peak - Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6 - Part 7 - Part 8 - Part 9 - Part 10 - Part 11 - Part 12 - Part 13 - Part 14 - Part 15 - Part 16 - Part 17 - Part 18 - Part 19 - Part 20 - Part 21 - Part 22 - Part 23 - Part 24 - Part 25 (Final) - Move in Day: A SC&BBQ Drabble

©thatmultifandomhoe Do not repost, translate, or use my stories without permission.

Smoothing out your leggings, you took an easy breath in and counted to ten before releasing it. The rest of your day had been a domino effect after Hoseok left, leaving you exhausted, confused, and frustrated by the time you got home. Professors were changing the syllabuses, the work load was increasing, and you were getting the late shifts at the store – which meant you were closing up more and more often – something you weren’t personally all that found of to begin with.

The only saving grace had been a single phone call from Hoseok during a short break you had. He wanted to remind you to eat lunch at some point since you had a habit of forgetting to do so, as well as to let you know that he couldn’t wait for tonight. There had been no mention of Sue, and you didn’t have the heart to tell him about this morning. You couldn’t hide it from him for long. If he mentioned anything then you would tell him, especially since it appeared that she was going to try and come back even earlier.

But now…now it was nearing seven – ten minutes to spare actually – and Hoseok hadn’t shown up yet. In that time, you had curled your hair, done your makeup, and managed to pick out an outfit that coordinated with everything. Black leggings paired with a cream-colored sweater that was soft to the touch, and a thin cranberry infinity scarf loosely looped around your neck twice. To pull it all together, you had your own well loved and worn leather jacket on, and black knee-high boots with a two-inch heel and some silver jewelry for the final touch.

The only thing missing, was Hoseok himself.

You shut the bedroom light off as you walked out of the room, the strap of your purse on your shoulder. It must be later than he thinks, you thought, settling on the couch with your phone in hand. He’s probably just busy with practice. It wouldn’t be surprising if that was the case, and the with show happening in May, he was planning on adding in extra hours at the Dance Studio for practice.

Out of habit, you opened up the last message that Sue had sent. She had yet to give an update on the finer details of her return home, but that was fine with you. In fact, you wished she hadn’t lied to her professor and would just finish the study abroad program. She was only leaving a month early after all. Yes, it was terrible what Colin did, and your heart went out to Sue, but was it really a good enough reason to come back home from a once in a lifetime chance?

Sighing, you dropped your phone into the purse, focusing on the TV. Entertainment Tonight was going through the most newsworthy events that happened to the celebrities in Hollywood. Someone got engaged, The Brady Brunch’s house was getting built, and like always, actresses and actors were walking on red carpets for movie premiers. Absolutely newsworthy…for the upper class.

It had your attention for the next ten minutes, and when it was seven o’clock on the dot, there was a sudden knock at the door. Jumping in your seat, you glanced around as if there was someone else in your apartment who was expecting company.

“Coming,” you called out, pressing one hand against your chest.

Opening the door, you spotted the pair of black dress shoes first. Then as your eyes trailed up, a white button dress shirt tucked into fitted black slack that were cinched with a black leather belt.

“A little birdy told me,” Hoseok smiled as he moved his arm out from behind his back, revealing a bouquet of carnations and lilies in red paper. “That someone’s taking you out on a date tonight.”

You were absolutely speechless.

His grinned widened as you silently accepted the bouquet of flowers. He had spent the last ten minutes deciding on which ones to bring, only making it back to the apartment in the nick of time. Leaning against the door frame, he pulled his right hand out of his pocket to reveal his watch. “Seven, right?”

“And you’re late,” you finally spoke, smiling as you looked up at Hoseok. Taking a step back into the apartment, he followed you inside as you went to go get a vase from one of the cabinets.

“No, I am on time,” Hobi playfully argued. His gaze softened as he watched you trim the flowers, carefully putting them in the water as if they were glass. Roses, as beautiful as they are, weren’t your favorite flowers. They were too expensive, overused for the holiday season, and personally, you didn’t think they lasted very long. “I was here exactly at seven.”

You set the vase in the center of the island with a roll of your eyes, taking a short step back towards Hobi to admire them. “They’re beautiful. Thank you.”

Hoseok simply wrapped his arms around your waist, resting his chin on your shoulder. Without speaking, he kissed your shoulder once and slowly swayed the two of you back and forth. “I know things haven’t been smooth sailing so far,” he murmured, his arms only tightening the slightest. “But they will be one day. One day, all of this will be behind us, and it’ll just be the two of us.”

As he spoke, your eyes watered up. Some days were just really hard – the two of you hadn’t even been able to spend his heat together in peace – and it made you wonder if it would ever get better. Would it, when Sue came home? Or will that be another battle on top of everything else?

At the end of the day though, it was Hoseok who made it all better, who made it worth everything. Turning your head, you leaned your forehead against his, taking the moment to collect yourself and to push back those unwanted tears.

“I know something happened today,” he gently added, watching as your face fell. He didn’t take any comfort in knowing that you had been hiding this all day today. It wasn’t that he was upset that you never said anything – he had mulled it over and came to the conclusion that he would have done the same thing – it was the fact that you kept it to yourself. That you hid how you really felt behind a mask. That’s what hurt him the most. “Sue sent me a text today; she’s coming home early. And from your reaction, you already knew that.”

“I planned on telling you, I just…I just wanted us to have one day. One day where it didn’t involve us worrying…”

For the first time in your friendship with Sue, you were tired of her and the drama. Maybe it was because the day hadn’t been great, but you hated the fact that Hoseok and you seemed to be tip toeing around her. You understood wanting to tell her that the two of you were mates when she came back. That wasn’t exactly something you could explain over the phone to someone, especially when they’re the owner of the hybrid. But she was taking her own hurt and anger from Colin out on the two of you and it wasn’t fair.

“I know baby, I know,” Hoseok softly cooed. His shoes clicked against the tile floor as he moved in front of you, pressing his finger against your chin until you were looking up at him. His heart immediately clenched at the sight of the tears swimming in your eyes, seconds away from falling down. The hybrid side of him wanted to growl in frustration and comfort you at the same time. But he was forced to push instincts aside, focusing solely on your scent to calm himself and finish his sentence instead of carrying you to the bedroom and cuddling you.

He promised you a date and dammit, he was taking you out. “I’m frustrated with this too. I believe that you were going to tell me and I know that none of this has been easy. But we’re going to figure this out, I know we will. It’s going to be okay. Which is why tonight…tonight, we’re not focusing on any of that. We’re not going to talk about Sue or Colin, or anyone who’s been giving us hell. You, my beautiful mate got all dressed up and I’m taking you out on a date tonight, because you’re the only woman I want to spend my time with.”

Stopping to catch his breath, he smiled when he saw your lips twitch in a smile. “Tonight, it’s just you, and me. Even when we come home, it’ll just be the two of us. We can worry about everything else in the morning. So, if we get a call or text from Sue, we’re ignoring it. What do you say baby? Does that sound okay?”

God, you wanted to cry.

You had no idea what you did, be it in some previous life or the one you were currently living in, but you must have done something pretty damn special to end up with a mate like Hoseok. Wordlessly, you nodded. His offer was exactly what you had been trying to do since you got Sue’s text. He just managed to word it better.

Taking a shaky breath, you rapidly blinked back your eyes to get rid of the tears.

Watching you do this, Hoseok quietly walked back around you and hugged you from behind, kissing where he had marked you. There was nothing except love flowing from each kiss. With his gentle touches, your tears were gone in a matter of minutes, leaving you calm once more.

“Feel better?” Hoseok murmured, kissing your mark one last time before lifting his head.

“Yeah, yeah I’m good.” Releasing one last shaky breath, you covered his hand with yours, easily lacing your fingers together. “So, where are you planning on taking me?” It was all you could say to put you back on track for the night. You wanted this night to be about the two of you and no one else, just like he promised.

He straightened up and led you out of the kitchen, gently squeezing your hand as he handed you your purse. “Now that would just ruin the surprise. I guess you’ll just have to wait and find out when we get there.” He shot you a smile, and like he had hoped, it made you giggle. Your giggle alone made him feel like he was doing something right.

“Is this how all our dates are going to be?” You teased, following him out the door. “You surprising me?”

Even though you had already told him that you understood the significance of the mate mark, that it was what you wanted, it still sent a thrill to his heart whenever you mentioned the future, bluntly or casually, like how you just asked about future dates. It meant the world to him.

As the elevator doors closed, he slipped his arm around your waist, resting his palm on your hip. “No. I know for a fact you’re going to end up surprising me.”

“Hoseok,” you whined. “Can I open my eyes yet?”

Glancing at your face, Hoseok shook his head. He should have brought a bandana to cover your eyes, but it had slipped his mind and didn’t return until the two of you were down the street from Kim Seokjin’s Cafe.

“Just a little further Strawberry,” he promised, feeling your grip on his hand tighten when your foot wobbled for a second. But he quickly placed his free hand on your waist to support you. At least he had enough memory to walk behind you to make sure you didn’t fall and get hurt. “I got you baby. A little trust would be nice.”

“So wouldn’t sight,” you joked, smiling as you blindly walked forward.

“Touché Strawberry, touché.”

You didn’t say anything else though, simply listening to water tinkling down the manholes and cars driving by as Hoseok guided you to, well, wherever he was taking you to.

According to the calendar, Spring was to be here in two weeks, but apparently mother nature had other plans. The weather had been shooting up to the fifties and even, dare you say, the low sixties for some reason. Snow had been melting left and right and with the warm temperatures, you secretly wished for an early Spring, that way summer would get here quicker. But at seven at night, there was still a light breeze in the air that reminded that it was winter for a little while longer.

Hoseok’s hands gently squeezed you, signaling you to stop. His shoes scuffed against the sidewalk as he moved behind you once again, his hands slowly running up your sides until they settled on your shoulders.

You were hyper aware of his touch, your breath catching as you felt his chest press against your back, or how his thumbs couldn’t seem to remain still and were rubbing circles into your shoulders. When he lowered his mouth to your ear, it was like the breeze disappeared altogether and it was suddenly summer.

“Open your eyes Strawberry,” He whispered, pecking the side of your head. “We’re here.”

There was no hesitation. It did however, take you a few minutes to process where you were. At first, you didn’t understand where he had taken you. You didn’t recognize the high tables against the floor to ceiling windows or the cream couch and matching armchairs on the left side of the building, or even the fancy coffee machines that were placed behind the counter. Since it was late out, the lights weren’t as bright but on the dimmer side to set the mood, emphasizing the wooden furniture that was a variety of shade of brown.

It clicked however, when you saw a familiar face walk out from a room behind the kitchen. His lips pulled in a smile as his wind shield wiper laughter was heard even outside.

“Oh my god,” you whispered, your hands coming up to cover your mouth. “You…remembered?”

A sense of pride filled Hoseok’s chest. “Of course I did.” Nuzzling the side of your face, he kissed your cheek just as his smile split into a grin that he couldn’t contain any longer. “Now, are we just going to stand out here, or are we actually going in?”

You giggled like a school girl, unable to help it. Hoseok led you to the entrance, only letting you go to open the door, his hand settling on the small of your back as he led you to a high table near the window on the right side of the room.

It was actually busy for seven at night, but it wasn’t overly crowded so as Hoseok asked if the table he chose was alright, you heard him just fine. Even then his gentleman manners didn’t stop at the door, pulling the chair out for you and helping you on to it.

“What kind of mate would I be if I didn’t help you?” He teased, settling in his seat across from you. You were only able to shake your head, but your smile and blushing cheeks said otherwise.

“You’d be a crappy mate, that’s for sure.” A sudden voice coming from behind you said, making you jump in your seat.

Turning, you relaxed when you saw that it was Jin. His dark brown cat ears twitching as he smiled at the two of you, a tray filled with empty plates and mugs balanced on his arm. “Hey Jin.”

He smiled, his free arm coming to pull you into a brief side hug. “Hi to you too. It’s about time you finally got around to coming here. I can’t chat for long, but I’ll be back with coffees for the both of you. When I return, there better be a decision on a dessert or my heart will be broken.”

And as quickly as he had appeared, Jin swiftly maneuvered back into the heart of his café, his sleek tail bobbing in the air as he disappeared behind the kitchen doors.

“Doesn’t he need to know what kind of coffees we want first?” You hesitantly asked, stealing a glance at the menu, written neatly in white chalk that hung above the coffee machines. There were at least three chalk board menus for all the different types of coffee that Jin made.

“He knows my usual,” Hoseok explained, reaching across the table to take your right hand to hold in both of his. “Since this is your first time however, he’s going to surprise you. But he’s dead serious about us knowing what we want for a dessert.”

Pressing your lips together, you nodded, going to look at the menu again when Hoseok gently squeezed your hand. You raised an eyebrow, your smile softening as he kissed your knuckles before speaking. “Trust me with dessert?”

“I trust you with everything,” you automatically answered. It was cheesy, but absolutely true, and even made Hoseok’s smile widen. Just like you had wondered how you got so lucky to have him, he was thanking the heavens for having a mate as sweet and perfect like you.

“Well I think that was even cheesier than my cheesecake and I’m king of dad jokes,” Jin pipped in, this time returning with two mugs of hot coffee. “One boring and plain dark roast for Hoseok, and for the lady, one hot Raspberry Love Potion. And for dessert?”

You were too focused on alternating your attention between the coffee and Jin, still trying to wrap your mind around the name of what he called it, that you missed what Hoseok said.

“Raspberry what?” You cleverly repeated, looking at Hoseok when Jin left.

Hobi simply chuckled as he released your hand to lean back in his seat. “Raspberry Love Potion,” he repeated for you. Glancing at the cuff of his shirt, he undid the buttons and started to roll the sleeve up to his elbow. “When Namjoon and I were here, he brought him a Devil’s Blueberry Chocolate Mocha. Give it a try, they always taste better than they sound.”

Licking your bottom lip, you glanced at his now exposed arms, giddily smiling as you wrapped both hands around the fairly large mug. The heat warmed your palms up immediately and spread up your body making you sigh in comfort. Taking a sip, you were pleasantly surprised that the coffee tasted like raspberries, the coffee beans offering a little bitterness to the sweetness of the fruit. Mixed together, your taste buds exploded as you took another drink, this one longer than the first.

“Told you,” Hoseok sang, watching the world breaking moment.

With a roll of your eyes, the name of the coffee became more fitting with each sip you took. Finally setting the glass mug on the table, you slid your fingers over Hoseok’s forearm now that his sleeves were at his elbows. His skin was soft as you lightly traced the veins, a habit you noticed yourself doing more and more often.

Hoseok simply smiled, watching you as his eyes softened at not only your touch, but because he could sense you relaxing. You were stressed. It was all piling up on you: school, work, Sue, and he was always able to sense it even when you were laughing. It never went away. But as your fingers grazed his tan skin, he could almost see the stress evaporating from you, your shoulders drooping as they relaxed.

“How are your classes going?” He softly questioned.

You shrugged, lifting your head to look at him as you scrunched your nose up. Uh oh. “It’s not bad, really it isn’t, but some of the authors we have to read for my American Literature class are annoying. We’re in the Transcendentalist period and I want to rip my hair out.”

“Ah, it can’t be that bad.” Turning his arm over so you could continue following the path, he shivered at your touch. It reminded him of those brief moments in-between his heat, when the two of you were trying to catch an hour or two of sleep and you would gently trace invisible shapes on his arm, your pace slowing as you finally fell asleep. It was relaxing and to him, it was precious. Precious because as fantastic as the sex was, those moments when you were wrapped in his arms were pure; a reminder that it wasn’t just about pure instinct, but love.

“My professor is amazing. He’s clearly passionate about the subject which makes it easier to understand, but I just don’t like the period. I love, absolutely love, the Romantic period.” Your fingers stopped as continued to explain, and unknown to you, Hoseok saw the way your eyes lit up with excitement and with his enhanced hearing, he heard the slight increase in pitch.

“Tell me,” he used his free hand to lift his mug, drinking his coffee. “Was it because of all the romance?”

But you shook your head, giggling because you knew why he asked that. “More like the lack of romance. The Romantic period was the time of Edgar Allan Poe, Nathanial Hawthorne’s Young Goodman Brown. It was split between the Dark and Light, and it’s absolutely beautiful. The language they used; it was haunting and filled with despair…” Licking your lips, you took your hand off his arm, using it to gesture as you spoke. “And if you didn’t like the Dark, you had Washington Irving and his story Rip Van Winkle, filled with magic and even humor. There’s just so much offered in that period, I could spend forever studying it.”

As you spoke, Hoseok found himself getting lost in each word you uttered. He hadn’t gone to college, if it weren’t for the help from the patient and kind people at the Homeless Center for Hybrids, he probably wouldn’t have been able to get his GED. It wasn’t that he didn’t understand, it was the fact that you were so passionate about this that it had him hooked. He wanted to hear every word, wanted to know which was your favorite and why you hated those Transcendentalist people.

Jin came by again, but seeing that you were talking, he simply placed the dessert on the table in the middle of you two with two forks and a smile. “Chocolate cheesecake with raspberries and strawberries on the side. Enjoy.”

Even though he had tried not to distract you from the conversation, your voice halted when he announced the dessert. Blinking, you stared at the plate holding the slice of cheesecake, large enough for three people, and the bowl of fruit.

“Usually, Jin puts the fruit on the cheesecake,” Hoseok explained, handing you a fork. “But I know you hate strawberries, so I had him put them on the side.”

You took the fork, the corners of your lips curling in smile. “And the cheesecake?” Teasing him, you leaned forward as you took a raspberry from the bowl, popping it into your mouth.

“That sweet tooth of yours is almost as big as Namjoon is tall. Plus, if my memory serves me right, when we first met you brought the dessert. A cheesecake platter that surprised everyone because, as you had apparently said multiple times before, ‘cheesecake is meant for special occasions.’ Am I right?”

He raised an eyebrow, happily taking a bite of the cake as he waited for your response. From the way that your eyes got a little glassy, suddenly blinking to gain control of your emotions, he knew he was hitting it spot on.

There wasn’t anything for you to say. This was by far, the most romantic date that you could remember going on. The fact that he remembered something that you said, something that you thought to be so small, meant the world to you. “You’ve cared since way back then?” You found yourself asking, your voice thick with emotion.

Hoseok lowered his fork, switching it to his left hand so that he could reach over and slip his hand into yours. “Of course, I’ve cared. I may not have known that you were my mate back then, but I’ve always cared about you.” Squeezing your hand, he glanced at the mate mark on your neck. It didn’t look as bad when he made it, the skin was no longer red but he knew it was still tender to the touch. Maybe in a few days it would be completely healed. “You were my best friend, and still are. Even though she’s my owner, I always paid attention to you and what you said, because you were just as important to me. Even more so now.”

The back of your eyes stung with unshed tears and as you blinked them away, you noticed a couple other female hybrids glancing in your direction, nodding with hopeful looks. Daydreaming of their own mates one day saying something as sweet as that to them.

“Hoseok,” you softly whispered.

His fork clinked against the plate as he leaned forward, cupping your cheek with his other hand to wipe away the few straggling tears that managed to slip out. He knew the other hybrids would be able to sense the emotions coming from you, overwhelming them with the love and awe you were wrapped up with. But he didn’t care, his sole focus was set on you. That love was for him and if it was possible for him to get drunk off it, he’d gladly drink all that you were willing to give. “I know Strawberry, I know.”

Gently leaning your forehead against his, you covered his hand with yours as you softly smiled. He returned the gesture, including a sweet kiss to your lips before pulling back so the two of you could continue eating.

From that point on, everything that had occurred prior to leaving the apartment vanished from thought, completely forgotten about as the next several hours were spent in the café. It was like the two of you hadn’t been living together since January. From talking about how the weather man had lied about today reaching a grand seventy degrees when it only touched the mid-fifties, all the way to stories that Hoseok had from the Dance Studio.

It didn’t last an hour or two. No. You were so wrapped up in Hoseok; the way his fingers fit perfectly with yours, how he laughed with his whole body, the way he insisted on feeding you a raspberry because it was, ‘a romantic gesture,’ that you missed the sky darkening despite sitting next to the floor to ceiling windows. It went unnoticed that people were leaving more than they were entering the café as the hours went by.

Hoseok was the one to realize that the couch was free. A simple glance around the coffeeshop when you slipped off to use the restroom, stretching backwards against the chair when he saw that more than half the patrons were gone. With a smile, he slipped your purse over his shoulder and carried your coffee to the couch, setting the mug on the coffee table first before going back for his stuff.

By the time you emerged from the restroom, your smile faltered when you didn’t see him at the table, all of your things missing. You could have sworn that the two of you were sitting at the table by the window. As you scanned the room, you were shocked to find that café was a little less than half occupied. The waiters and waitresses weren’t rushing, but leisurely making their rounds to the tables that still had customers at them. It was then that you saw a familiar person sitting on the couch. His arm resting on the back, the spot to the left of him empty and as you made your way over, you could see him scrolling through his phone.

You leaned over him to wrap your arms across his chest, pouting when he didn’t look surprised, only mildly amused as he raised an eyebrow. “Enhanced hearing means I heard you walking from the bathroom.”

Rolling your eyes, you leaned up to kiss him. He immediately placed his hand on the back of your head, keeping you in place. You didn’t want to stop, but your smile was threatening to break the kiss anyway, so you moved despite his whines. They came to a stop as you settled next to him though, his arm settling around your shoulders and bringing you close. So close, that your legs were pressed against each other and you had room to bring them up onto the couch, his tail thumping against the cushion the entire time.

“You know,” he gently spoke, kissing your forehead. “I used to be so miserable, that I had wished my mate would never meet me. Because I didn’t think it was possible for anyone to love someone as battered as me.”

“Hoseok,” you whispered. He had never mentioned not wanting to meet his mate before. It was something that he never spoke of, but you had always assumed otherwise. You always thought that hybrids wanted to find their mates. The idea of not hoping to not meet them, it seemed unthinkable.

He sadly smiled as he brought his hand up, his fingers running through your hair. “What would I have been able to offer you Strawberry? I had been homeless, with no job, sometimes going days without food. I would have been embarrassed if you came into my life back then, not because of you, but because you’d be stuck with a sorry ass mate who could barely take care of himself.”

Tears came to your eyes as you shook your head, but Hoseok leaned his forehead against yours and kissed you again. Short, sweet, and a little apologetic.

“I love you,” you finally told him. Looking into his brown eyes, you saw them slightly widen. It was the first time that you’ve said those words after that first kissed. You had always loved him and you had said it before plenty of times, but that was back then, back when it was only friendly.

Shifting so that you were sitting up, you blinked back the tears. “Those times are behind you Hoseok, but if I had met you back then, I would have done everything possible to give you a home and helped you to find a job. I would have cooked whatever you wanted and made sure there were enough snacks to last you months. Because you weren’t ever a sorry ass, not then and not now. You just had some rotten luck and needed a helping hand. And I would have loved you back then too.”

His eyes had watered during your little speech, unable to hold his emotions back. For a brief second, his gazed wandered to the window, catching his reflection. Three years ago, he only had a handful of clothes to pick and choose from and slept on a cot in a room with other hybrids wondering if they’d ever be able to leave the Homeless Center. He never thought that one day he’d be wearing a button up dress shirt and able to afford multiple cups of coffee and desserts, with an angel sitting right next to him telling him that she loved him.

Wiping under his eyes, he took his time in kissing you. No rush, nothing but passion and love. Your fingers gently touched his cheek as you kissed. It was like the two of you were in your own bubble, neither caring who saw or heard what either of you said.

After a while, Hoseok finally pulled back, his free hand resting on your waist as he placed one last kiss on your lips. “I love you too Strawberry. I love you so much.”

You softly smiled up at him, murmuring the words back to him once more. Since his arm was on the back of the couch, you rested your head on his bicep as he leaned down, lips gently kissing the side of your neck that was unmarked.

Time once again passed by much faster than you realized. If it hadn’t been for Jin kicking Hoseok and you out of the café because it was five minutes to closing, you easily could picture spending several more hours there. It had been a shock to realize that Jin already had chairs turned upside down on the tables and the machines wiped down, simply waiting on you two to leave to finish cleaning and locking up.

With his arm wrapped around your waist, Hoseok safely walked you back to the apartment. The starry midnight sky, and the clicking of your heels and his dress shoes against the sidewalk as you took your time getting back home was the perfect way to end the night.

A comfortable silence wrapped around you like a soft blanket, the entire night replaying in your mind as he opened the door for you, letting you enter first. Kicking off your heels, you turned around to face Hobi, softly smiling when he raised an eyebrow at you in curiosity when you gently tugged on his tie to pull him closer.

You didn’t speak as you glanced over your shoulder, carefully walking backwards as Hoseok followed you with stars in his eyes and a grin. It wasn’t until the back of your legs touched the mattress that you stood on your toes and kissed him again. He was smiling in the kisses as his arms held you against his body before oh so gently lowering you against the blankets, his lips responding to the pace that you had set.

Maybe it was because of his revelation of how he had once hoped he’d never find his mate, but you just wanted to give him all your love until he never doubted his worth ever again. Fingers trailing against your stomach, your body quivered at his touch, but you broke the kiss by leaning your head back.

“I love you,” you softly whispered once seeing the confusion in his eyes. Carefully sitting up, you cupped Hoseok’s jaw as he sat next to you on the bed. “I love you now and I’m going to love you forever when we have grey hair, but Hoseok, I would have loved you if we met all those years ago.”

Hoseok’s eyes watered up as he silently listened, his heart feeling like it was going to burst from your words.

Shifting so that he was the one with his back against the headboard, you straddled his lap as you ran your fingers through his hair. “So please, let me love you tonight.”

Wordlessly, he watched you in awe. He never thought he’d end up with someone who wanted to ensure that he knew that they loved him, past and present versions of himself. Nodding once, he comfortably situated his tail, before you kissed him again, completely distracting him while your fingers took their time in unbuttoning his dress shirt. It wasn’t until your lips trailed down his neck that he removed the tie for you, his head leaning back as his chest softly rumbled with a content growl when you slid the shirt off his shoulders.

“I love you,” he softly murmured when you leaned back to toss your sweater and scarf to the floor, not caring where they landed. He saw the sparkle in your eyes at those words, and when you again repeated them back to him, he eagerly kissed your sweet lips before letting you have control of the reigns.

He never thought he’d say those words, but now he couldn’t get over saying them to you. And finally hearing you say them back to him; it sent his stomach twirling with butterflies and made him want to cry out of happiness.

Many hours later, when sleep finally claimed you, Hoseok gently pulled your naked body firmly against his chest under the many blankets you slept under. You shifted and he thought he woke you up, but you simply adjusted your head against the pillow before settling back down again.

It was while you slept, that he brushed your hair back to reveal the mate mark, a sight that he would never get tired of seeing. His bottom lip trembled as his eyes burned with tears. Pressing his lips together so as to not wake you, his arm that was wrapped around your stomach tightened just a little as he buried his face in your hair, letting the tears silently fall for the last time.

Too many times he cried in his sleep over the fear of spending his life alone and stuck on the street. He lost track of all the efforts he had once made to try and avoid finding his mate, not wanting to burden someone with lowering themselves because they were stuck with loving him.

He was done crying, because he wasn’t that scared boy who’d been left at the adoption center all those years ago by his owners. He was no longer the scared and hurt young adult who hid his tail and ears as a means to survive. Like you had proven to him, he was a man who had a mate who was in love with everything about him, and you were here to stay until the end of time.

Sniffling, Hoseok kissed the back of your head, then your mate mark and your shoulder before settling on the pillow. His eyes were heavy but his heart was the lightest it’s ever been, especially with everything that’s been happening with Sue lately. He didn’t know what was going to happen when she got back, but he believed in the love and the mate bond to keep the two of you together.

“I love you Strawberry,” he whispered, one last time, despite knowing that you were too far into dreamland to hear him. Closing his eyes, he felt himself drift off, slipping into his own dreams when he heard it.

“I love you Hobi,” you sleepily spoke, your voice so soft that a normal human being wouldn’t be able to hear it. But he was a hybrid, and when his hearing picked up on the words, he fell asleep with a smile.

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dossypet · 5 years ago

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Memories at Christmas - Lucifer Fanfic Secret Santa Gift

My Secret Santa was @unicorn-vibes-99 ! I hope you like it! :)

Lucifer was so over Christmas. Don’t get him wrong, he loved the idea of gifts and spending time with people he actually liked, he just hated that whole all about DAD part. I mean the man already had his followers worshiping him year round, did he really need a whole season? Besides His actual birthday would be about July 17th on the Earth calendar. So that is why, when asked what fun things he would be doing for Christmas by one favorite, female detective, Lucifer’s reply was, “Bah Humbug I say. Who needs that silly old holiday? Now Valentine’s day is really where it’s at!”

Chloe shook her head. Of course the man who had “God” Dad issues would take offence to the happy season. “Oh come on Lucifer, it’s not that bad! There’s parties with friends, giving the people you love gifts, being cozy around the fire?” She gave him a half grin, “But before we can properly celebrate we have to finish this case.” She grabbed her coat and as they walked out to the car Chloe filled Lucifer in on the case.

Unknown to Chloe as they were walking away, Lucifer wasn’t listening to a single thing she said. His mind was stuck on something she had said way before. “Giving the people you can actually stand gifts, wild parties, and cuddling by a fire.” Well maybe not her exact words but most of the main idea was there. If he got the detective a gift she liked, well then clearly that would mean actually fun, Adult, partying ending in a night of bliss. Lucifer was over the moon. Was his Detective finally opening up for him? Letting loose? Well he was not going to let this chance pass him. Determined, Lucifer mind raced with ideas as they finally arrived at the crime scene.

As they passed the police line, Ella greeted them with a smile. “Merry Christmas guys! Well, maybe not so merry for this poor guys.” She grimaced with a chuckle. “Meet Jacob Marley. A wealthy business partner to Accounting Credit Firm. Sign show foul play. Strangled to death by this Christmas decoration chain.

She was cut off by Lucifer, “AHA! Christmas! See Detective? If this poor man had not celebrated Christmas, he would probably still be alive.”

Chloe rolled her eyes and waved her hand dismissively. “Any Witnesses or suspects yet?”

Ella gave a quick nod, “A couple people saw him last night, we found them from the security cameras and called them in. A couple of people asking for charity donations, Jacob’s nephew, and his business partner John Albert. They’re all over there if you want to question them.” Chloe nodded her thanks and started heading over when Lucifer called out to her.

“Ah- I’ll be there in just a second detective! I just need to uh ask Miss Lopez over here a quick… hmm private! Yes. Private question.” Both girls gave Lucifer a weird look but used to his antics, Chloe rolled her eyes and walked on. Now that the Detective was gone Lucifer grinned. “SO! Miss Lopez you know female things, mostly and you’re rather close to the Detective yes?”

Ella Smirked at him, “yes? I like to think Chloe and I are close, why?”

Lucifer checked to make sure they were out of earshot before asking, “I’m rather stuck on what to get the detective for the holidays. Do you have any clues on something she would love? Normally I would just ask what she desires but that doesn’t work on her. Maybe some expensive jewelry, or a car?”

Ella raised an eyebrow at him, “Oh come on Lucifer, as much as Chloe would like those things, Christmas is about giving from the heart! She doesn’t care about how much money a gift costs, she cares about the thought behind it. Hey! An experience is always a fun gift and it can come from the heart! What about volunteering together at a soup kitchen?”

Lucifer wrinkled his nose in disgust. “If I wanted to bring the Detective somewhere with less class than she deserves, then I would bring her to Detective douchebag's house. You’re no help.” With that he walked after the detective who was currently interviewing the deceased man’s nephew.

“I just popped over to invite him to our family dinner. I mean he never comes, but he was family so even if he stood us up every single year, no one deserves to be alone on Christmas.” The nephew, Fred Clifford seemed distraught as he mournfully informed Chloe on why he was there the day before.

“Inviting the old man even after he turned you down over and over again? That must have really hurt, unless it was something else you were after hm?” Lucifer grinned popping in, “Your uncle over there was a very wealthy man and after all Christmas is a very expensive time of year, so tell me, what was it that you truly desired?”

“I… I..” Fred studdered then finished suddenly, “I wanted us to be a family again.” Suddenly snapping out of Lucifer’s gaze. “I just wanted us to be together again and for him to be happy.” Fred mumbled lowering his gaze.

Lucifer and Chloe shared a look. The nephew was clearly not busy plotting murder for the holidays. Chloe nodded her head and replied, “I’m sorry for your loss, thank you for your time and we’ll be in contact if we have any further questions.

“Well that was a waste of time.” Lucifer grumbled as they headed over to their final witness, the victim’s business partner John Albert.

“Well at least we know it’s not him. They donation collectors just said the victim wrote him a check for zero dollars, laughed, then slammed the door shut. After insulting the victim more the collector told me he went to the next house and the neighbors confirmed this with a different officer.”

“Hmm, might be an easy case then with only one visitor left.” Lucifer commented. He grinned. Perfect. Solve the case quickly and he could start looking for gifts for the Detective. Everything would work out perfectly. He grinned as they reached their final witness

“Hell-” Chloe tried to say before being rudely cut off.

“I’m not saying a THING until my lawyer gets here.” John Albert grumbled looking snidely at the pair.

Lucifer rolled his eyes. “Well that’s not reason to be so cross.” He humphed.

The old man laughed crossly and waggled his finger at Lucifer, “Christmas is a bunch of nonsense. All people do is spend money they don’t have to get more things they don’t need. It’s a bunch of greedy nonsense if you ask me!”

“AH! Now that IS something we can agree on! But besides that we can agree that you murdered your partner. Case closed let’s go Detective.”

“You have no proof.” John argued looking smug. “You can’t pin anything on me! I know how this works! Christmas is a big joke just like you two!”

Chloe held up a hand as Lucifer was about to argue back, “What were you doing here last night? The cameras pin you here within the time of the murder.”

“Working a deal of course! Jacob had some nonsense in his head about selling his part of the business and giving it to his nephew. I talked him out of that nonsense and left! Now I won’t say anything else until my lawyer gets here!”

Chloe pulled Lucifer aside. “Maybe John didn’t like the thought of possibly losing money to Jacob’s nephew so he killed him so he could keep the entire business?” Lucifer nodded. Seemed simple enough. “I’ll go get a warrant to look at his records.” Meet back at the station in an hour?” Lucifer nodded and they split ways.

Lucifer took a cab to a high end mall. As he walked the stores he frowned thinking of what Miss Lopez had said and shook his head. If The Detective didn’t want an expensive gift, and he refused to make her do some lowly servitude job, what could he get her? Lucifer paused as he looked into a music shop. He froze when his eyes landed on a small children’s piano as memories flooded back to him.

It was back when he was but a fledgling of an angle, long before humanity was created. Dad had picked him up told him he had a surprise for him. It had been his first piano about the size of the one he saw in the shop. Lucifer had played that piano until he had gotten an adult one. But that was all back before Dad had betrayed him and everything had fallen apart.

Lucifer blinked several times coming out of that memory. He hummed in thought. He had almost forgotten that memory of happier, joyful times. He then thought back to the third witness from their case. Lucifer’s frown deepened. Just because he didn’t want to celebrate his father did not mean he had to become a self centered curmudgeon like John Albert. With a nod and his determination renewed, Lucifer prowled the storefronts for the perfect gift.

Finally he decided on two gifts. The first was clearly the favorite. It was a Glass centerpiece that was lavashed in jewels and gold, something one might find in a millionaire's house. The second, Lucifer got only because of Ella’s words about coming from “the heart” It was a small framed photo of Lucifer, Chloe, and Trixie from their game night. Lucifer secretly smiled every time he saw it and embarrassed wondered if he should even bother giving it. The frame wasn’t flashy or big. The photo wasn’t classy nor eye catching. Nevertheless, Lucifer dutifully wrapped it along with the centerpiece and was about to head to the station when his phone buzzed. Chloe had texted him stating, “Forget about the warrant, found DNA on Victim belonging to John Albert, plus destroyed camera in neighbor’s trash that Ella found that has video of the murder. Meet at John’s house for arrest. 5847 Sunride AVE. NW”

With a chuckle Lucifer headed out holding onto his two gifts for Chloe. He arrived late as Chloe’s car was already there. Lucifer shrugged and started to head in when suddenly -

B A N G!

“WAIT NO-!”

CRASH!

The door Lucifer was about to go through had slammed open and John Albert himself was trying to escape. Unfortunately, He had slammed right into Lucifer making him drop and break the expensive centerpiece. With a rage, Lucifer grabbed the man and picked him up.

“You owe me several hundred dollars and the perfect Christmas gift!” Lucifer growled

“Lucifer! You got him! Easy. I’ll cuff him.” Chloe grinned putting her gun away and grabbing the cuffs. She quickly put him in the back of her car while Lucifer glumly threw the broken present away. “Ready to go?” She asked him confused as he looked miserably as a small square package.

“Er… I wanted to give this to you Detective.. Sorry I know it’s not a very good gift..” He frowned and held out the teal package. Curiously, Chloe took it and slowly opened it.

“Oh Lucifer!” He looked up and instead of disappointment on her face she glowed with a huge smile on her face, “I love it! Thank you!”

“You… you love it?” Lucifer asked incredulously.

“Yes!” Chloe laughed, “And I’m sure Trixie will too! Why don’t you come over tonight and join us for some hot coco and Christmas movies?” She asked

“Well… It’s not the adult party I was hoping for…” Lucifer grinned, “But It’ll have to do. Come on Detective! This murderer isn’t going to bring himself to jail! We have hot coco to drink!” With that he hurried into the car. Maybe this whole Christmas thing wouldn’t be so bad after all.

(Merry Christmas! Hope you liked it!) :)

#Lucifer #chloe decker #Christmas #dekerstar #lucifer morningstar #lucifer secret santa #dossy speaks #dossy writes #fanfic #fanfiction #lucifer fanfiction

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matrixaffiliate · 5 years ago

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Seasonal

New Story! FFN and AO3

Christmas always comes early to the Potter home, but will Lily be able to love it as much as James does? ~~~Marauders One-shot. Christmas Jily Fluff.~~~

More stories from my life. ;) My mom puts up six trees, not ten, and I have two. Yes, I'm in the process of setting up right now, I should be done by Sunday. Then my kids and husband and I, along with the rest of the family, are helping my parents set up all next week. You don't have to like it, but there is something so very magical about turning a home into a Christmas wonderland and I love it!

Seasonal

James had never thought much about it. As a child, he figured it was just a part of what his family did. As a teenager, he never thought of it until Sirius moved in, but when Sirius came home with him for Christmas he loved it and James didn't think on it again.

Until today.

You see, Mia Potter loved Christmas. She loved Christmas more than any other holiday in the calendar year. And she loved Christmas decorations, Christmas trees most of all.

Mia Potter put up ten Christmas trees - every year.

And as she explained to the neighbors, when you put up and decorate ten trees along with dozens of individual decor pieces around the big house, you start early, November 1st early.

Every year prior to this, James didn't worry about it. As a kid, he loved helping clean up the few items of cutesy Halloween decor and then his mum always had some amazing story to tell him as they cleaned together or a fun reward for helping her deep clean the house over the first few days of November. Once the house was clean, all the boxes of Christmas decorations could be brought down from the attic and the trees could be purchased. James used to live for picking their trees with his parents, finding all the right sizes for each area, and he knew the spells to keep the trees fresh for more than two months at the ripe age of seven.

The excitement of preparing for Christmas was one of the biggest things he missed while at Hogwarts.

But this year, James was done with Hogwarts, and this year, Lily was practically living with them. And well, Lily had opinions.

As James understood it, Muggle stores put up Christmas decor to sell "far too soon," and Lily was not a fan of the Christmas decorations being ready for purchase before the Halloween decorations had even been marked down.

So this year, rather than the excitement he normally felt on November 1st, James found himself incredibly nervous.

"Good morning dear," his mum came swooping into the kitchen, her working clothes on and her long hair tied back in a kerchief. "Are you ready? I've missed having you around to help."

James felt that childhood excitement fighting with his anxiety over what Lily may think of the transformation that was about to take place in the Potter home.

"I am," he finally smiled, "It'll go faster this year since I can use magic."

"Is Lily coming over today?"

James swallowed and nodded, "She should be here in about thirty minutes."

"I'm so excited to bring her into our traditions!" His mum pulled him into a hug.

"Mum," James felt his face grow hot, and he moved to the bread box, cutting a thick slice, "We haven't made any decisions like that."

His mum raised her eyebrows at him, "Your father told me how you lingered at the jewelry store windows while the two of you were out last week."

"Er, well, I, we haven't, I mean…"

"Don't worry dear," his mum laughed at him, "I won't say a word."

James didn't believe that for one second but chose to eat his breakfast rather than comment on it.

Mia put him to work in the sitting room, mostly so he could be at the front door when Lily arrived, and James was quite pleased with how quickly cleaning went with magic. He had completely finished the sitting room and the kitchen when Lily arrived.

"Did you do something to be punished for?" Lily giggled as James sent the cleaning cloths back into their bucket.

James chuckled, "No, just helping Mum with some late Autumn cleaning. Would you be inclined to lend your wand?"

Lily grinned and James tried to make himself feel better by telling himself again and again that every word he said had been completely true.

With Sirius and Marlene on assignment, it left just Mia, Monty, Lily, and James to clean the whole house, but with four wands to help, they had the big house sparkling by lunchtime.

"Do you always clean in late Autumn?" Lily asked as the four sat down to lunch.

"Of course dear, it makes no sense to put everything out for Christmas if I'm not putting it up in a clean house."

Lily paused, "For Christmas?"

James held his breath.

"Oh yes," Mia pulled her drink to her lips, "Ten trees and the rest of this house take a couple of weeks to decorate."

"So," Lily spoke slowly, still looking at James, "you'll have all of your decorations up by the second week of November?"

"Probably sooner this year," Monty smiled. "You two made the cleaning go much faster than it normally does. I don't think we've ever been able to go pick up the trees on the first day of November before."

"We're buying ten trees today?" Lily's wide eyes were still looking right at James and he swallowed before straining for a smile.

"I meant it to be a surprise."

"James loves all this," Mia grinned, "He wrote me every week his first year of Hogwarts asking for updates about what we'd managed to get done."

James almost groaned but he caught Lily's eye and saw her fight a smile.

That smile gave him a bit of hope.

"Hal's tree farm only opens early for Mum," he gave Lily a grin, "Everyone else has to wait till mid-November to get their trees."

"Hal badgers me about it every year too," Mia laughed as she began clearing the table, "Tells me he's going to add twenty percent to the price. Hasn't yet, but I think he's just doing it for show, make it look like I'm forcing his hand."

Mia winked at Lily before speaking in a faux whisper, "I really am, but I'm too short and too sweet looking for him to realize it."

Lily laughed and James felt the anxiety easing away. He'd probably just caught Lily on a bad day when she went on a tirade about Christmas decorations before December.

"Alright kids," Monty stood and summoned his coat, "let's head up to Hal's farm and get these trees here. I'd like to at least get lights on them all before bed tonight."

James had the momentary thought of tracking down a horse-drawn sleigh and a horse and a warm blanket and taking Lily up to Hal's in wintery splendor, but then he remembered that it was November 1st and to simply be grateful it wasn't raining.

James side-long Apparated Lily to the tree farm and smiled as she took a deep breath in before sighing happily.

"This is lovely!"

"Yes," James kissed the back of her hand, "you are."

Lily blushed but his mum laughed.

"Monty he's your spitting image."

His dad chuckled before grabbing Mia's hand and pulling her into him. "It's a requirement to teach our posterity how to surround themselves with the best people."

Mia beamed.

"You've got to be kidding me!"

James looked up to see old Hal walking down from his porch.

"There's no way, Euphemia! There's absolutely no way you're ready for your trees today!"

"Oh, Hal," Mia laughed and gestured to James and Lily, "Of course there is. I had extra help this year. James and his girlfriend, Lily, have been at it with Monty and I all morning and I'm here for my trees."

Hal groaned, "I'm not open yet."

"Don't be like that Hal," Mia patted Hal's arm and James bit his cheek to keep from reciting this exchange from memory.

"I'm going to add twenty percent to the price," Hal objected again.

Mia smiled and nodded, "You always say that Hal, but even if you do, I'll still bring you your box of my homemade caramels." Her smile went sly, "But I can't start on those until the house is done."

"Fine," Hal grumbled, "pick your ten hundred trees."

Mia patted his cheek, "See, this is why you get a big box."

Lily stifled her laugh behind her coat collar and grinned up at James.

It took the better part of two hours for Mia to find exactly what she wanted and as James helped his dad translocate them all home, he couldn't help but feel excited.

"The one thing I wish I could figure out is how to get the lights on the trees without so much fuss." Monty chuckled.

"It's easier with magic," James furrowed his brow, "right?"

"Oh heavens yes," Monty nodded, "but it's still a hassle. I'll teach you how to do it this year."

Once home, James was feeling confident that everything was fine. Lily was laughing with his mum as they levitated boxes from the attic and Mia told stories while Christmas carols played on the phonograph.

"Always make the men work on the lights," Mia directed the boxes of decorations to their different locations around the house.

"I do the lights because you don't have the patience for it," Monty called back from behind the tree he was stringing lights around.

"That tree spontaneously combusted!" Mia glared, "I did not set it on fire!"

James smirked. His mum definitely set it on fire.

"James, why don't you take the big tree to the sitting room and start stringing it." Monty winked at James. "Take Lily with you and get her started on the Christmas village."

James nodded, his emotions swinging between being grossed out by the way his dad was looking at his mum, and being very glad to have an excuse to be alone with Lily. Especially now that she seemed quite pleased to be in the swing of Christmas decorating.

"I'm so glad you're having fun," James kissed Lily's cheek as they got settled into their decorating assignments.

"It's definitely something," Lily chuckled as she pulled another building out of the box.

"I think I'll only do two trees for the first bit when I move out." James commented absently as he worked to get the lights perfectly arranged on the twelve-foot tall tree, "A regular size one and then a small one.

"You want to do this sort of thing?" Lily's voice was cautious, and James looked up to see her very carefully turning the little Santa's Workshop around and around in her hands.

"Is everything alright?" James frowned.

"I, I guess, I thought, James it's November 1st…" She sighed and went back to setting up the Christmas village.

"I thought you were enjoying this," he fisted a hand in his hair as he berated himself for misreading the situation.

"I am, it's just, do you really want to do this?" She gestured around them at the boxes and boxes of Christmas decorations.

James moved to her, gently pulling the Christmas village piece from her hands and setting it down.

"Tell me you don't feel the magic," he moved his hands to her waist. "Set aside your cynicism and your misgivings about what the date is and tell me truly you don't feel it, and if you don't feel it I'll drop it and we don't have to do anything like this."

Lily stared up at him and her eyes went wide.

"We?"

James felt his heart drop to his shoes, "Er…"

"Honey, I'm home!" Sirius called out as he and Marlene walked in the front door. "Has Dad started on the outside lights, James?"

James blinked before shaking his head at his brother. "He's still stringing trees."

"Good," Marlene grinned, "because we want to set up the house lights. Sirius and I came up with something we think your mum is going to love."

"How was the assignment?" Lily asked as she stepped back from James.

"Boring," Sirius grinned, "good and boring."

"Those are the best," Lily smiled and picked up another piece of the ceramic village.

Sirius and Marlene went to retrieve the exterior lights and James was left to stare dumbly at Lily's back.

He'd meant it, what he said. He meant "we" even if it scared him to say it out loud. But it occurred to James that if he didn't clarify that now, it would most definitely come back to haunt him.

"We."

That was what he managed to blurt out, but his voice was sure, calm even.

Lily stopped setting up the Christmas village but didn't turn towards him. So James pushed his hand into his hair and pressed on.

"When we have our own place, I think I'd like two trees. I don't really care for the Christmas village. I love the exterior lights, though, so I'd like to have some sort of display."

He moved closer, placing a tentative hand on the small of her back. "What do you want, Lil's, when it's our place?"

"When, when we have our own place?" Her voice shook with the question.

"We," James said again.

"I want mistletoe in our home," she was quiet, "Petunia always complained about having mistletoe up so my parents have stopped using it."

James felt relief wash over him like floodwaters. He slipped his wand from his pocket and transfigured one of the pieces of crumpled newspaper from the Christmas village packing into a ball of mistletoe with a red ribbon. Then he levitated it above their heads.

"How's that?"

Finally, Lily turned towards him, her smile bright and there were unshed tears standing in her eyes.

"It's perfect."

And she kissed him.

James pulled her close, pressing her against him, deepening the kiss and grinning when he heard Lily's breath catch.

"You have work to do!" Sirius yelled as Marlene laughed and they moved to the front door, boxes of exterior lights trailing along behind them.

James shook his head as Lily pulled back to laugh.

"I hate you, Sirius," he flipped off his brother.

"You love me and you know it!" Sirius' shout drifted back in mixed with Marlene's laughter.

Lily let her fingers start to play with the hair at the nape of his neck as she looked up at him.

"James, how attached are you to decorating on the day after Halloween?"

"I rather like the idea of having everything ready mid-November." James smiled down at her. "We don't need to start on November 1st to make that happen. I don't want ten trees."

"I can live with that," Lily smiled, "I rather like the idea of being able to pull you under the mistletoe for half of November and all of December."

"Let's not waste time then," James chuckled before bringing this lips back to hers.

It was at the end of the day when James walked Lily outside to Apparate home and Lily paused to look at the exterior lights Sirius and Marlene spent the better part of the day and evening putting up.

"You're right," she smiled up at him, "there is something magical about all this."

James pulled her close as he looked at the home he'd grown up in. The lights seemed to pull every good memory forward, not just the Christmas ones, but all the good memories, including the ones with Lily.

"A lot of that magic comes from surrounding yourself with the best people." He brushed her hair behind her ear.

Lily pushed up and kissed him.

"I am the best," she whispered against him with a smirk.

"Cocky much?" James chuckled as he moved to kiss her neck.

"I learned for the best."

Lily's voice was full of teasing and James responded by moving his lips to kiss just behind her ear, smirking at the moan he pulled from her lips.

She did call him the best, after all, he might as well live up to the title.

#Seasonal #jily #jily fanfiction #james x lily #james potter x lily evans #Christmas fic #Christmas jily fic #Christmas jily #romance #fluff #marauders era #marauders fic #marauders #harry potter fanfiction #sirius x marlene #euphemia potter x fleamont potter

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fantasiesandbooks · 5 years ago

Text

Tenerife Sea ix

I don’t own any of the photos.

Prologue Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15

Soundtrack

It was Friday and you were excited for it. Finally you could have some rest from all the tiring week you have had due to some projects you had to finished at work. Your plan for the rest of the day was staying at home and eat a lot of junk food while watching Netflix. You were waiting for the clock to announce the end of the day at work when your phone lighted up and the screen showed Chanyeol’s name.

“Hi Yeol! What’s up?” You said, scribbling at your notebook just to entertain yourself.

“Hi y/n! Are you busy?” He asked.

“Nope. I’m just waiting to get out of work which is in about 3 minutes” you chuckled.

“Oh! And do you have any plans after that?” He said quizzically.

“Not really. I was planning to head home and stay the rest of the night watching movies. Why?” you said nonchalantly.

“I was wondering if you could help me with something. I’m planning on giving little presents to the fans that are attending my birthday party on Tuesday but I don’t know yet what would be good.” He explained.

“Well it has to be something that both men and women can have, right?” You asked thoughtfully.

“Yes. Usually most of them are girls but I want something more “neutral” in case there would be boys too” Chanyeol said.

“Mmm... you could give them scarfs or gloves. They could be useful as the winter is approaching” you suggested although you were not 100% sure about it but that was the first idea that came up to your mind.

“Yeah! That could be an option” he said hesitantly.

“You didn’t like the idea. I can tell by the way you said it” you sneered and he laughed.

“To be honest not much” he admitted shyly. “The thing is I was thinking on giving something handmade. You know like a bracelet or something like that”.

“Oh! That could be good too.” You agreed. “But how many do you have to make?”.

“Around 100” he said, concern clearly on his voice. “And I need to have them done by Monday so that’s why I’m desperate and calling you. To see if your kind soul could help me with that”.

“Yeol! Why did you wait until now to make them?” You scolded him.

“I know but I was so busy getting the venue for the event and other stuff and now the group has practice everyday” he explained miserably.

You released a heavy sigh. You really were hoping to get cozy and take a good nap once you have gotten home but after hearing him in despair you knew Chanyeol was having a really hard time thinking about this situation. Meanwhile you gathered your things and walked out of the office. The noice from the streets were starting to get louder as you approached the avenue.

“Fine! I’ll help you. When are we going to make them?” You asked defeated.

“Thank you thank you thank you” he said relieved. “I’m free today so I can pick you up right now. We will go and get the material for the bracelets and we can go to your place to make them there” he suggested.

“Ok. I’ll wait for you at the bus stop near my workplace. I’m sending you my location” you said as you were typing fast and sending the information to Chanyeol’s phone.

“Got it. See you in 15 minutes” he said.

“Ok, bye.” You said and hung up.

While sitting on the bus stop you were looking at your surroundings. A lot of people walking around as most of them were getting out from work and others were already packing the bars and restaurants near. A van parked in front of you and you recognized it it immediately. It was Chanyeol’s. You took your belongings, walked to the vehicle and opened the door.

“Hey!” He said when you entered and closed the door.

You turned to look at him and greeted him back. “Hi!” You said as your were putting your stuff on the back seat.

“So where are we going?” You asked.

“I found a store where we can find the material. It’s at the new mall.” He said, his eyes focused on the road.

“Very well then” you said and turned to look at the window.

“How was your day?” He asked.

“Tiring. I had to finish several projects and I have some unfinished too. You know as the holiday season is around the corner everyone is getting frantic about it” you explained.

“How about yours?” You asked and turned to look at him.

“Same but for other reasons. You know our comeback is on Wednesday and we have to prepare for the live shows so we are practicing like crazy” he said with tiredness on his voice.

“Oh yeah! I can’t wait for it. I’ve seen the teasers and it looks good” you said. “So who am I talking to now. Is it the real Chanyeol or the fake one?” You joked and he snorted.

“You are going to come at us with it too?” He asked rhetorically.

“Sorry. It just that it’s very funny all the things your fans do regarding that topic. Like memes and such” you said amusingly.

“I haven’t seen much but I can imagine.” He said and shook his head slightly.

“Hey! Didn’t you take a class every Friday at this hour?” Chanyeol asked curiously and turned to look at you briefly. “Not every Friday, only when Jackson and I can go but he’s overseas now because he has to attend to a fashion show on Sunday and I feel so tired for it” you said.

“I see....” Chanyeol said. With Jackson being away Chanyeol saw that as his window to get to spend more time with you. Maybe if he takes too long in coming back I could speak with y/n about my feelings for her. He thought to himself.

“When does he come back?” He asked and you gave him a quizzical look.

“On Monday” you simply said and just as fast as his hope had risen it fell. He didn’t feel today was a good day for talking about it and the next days he would be busy with rehearsals, his fan event and the comeback promotion.

“Oh...” was all he said.

“So what about you and Sojin, did you two make up already?” You asked. It wasn’t something you wanted to talked about but you thought you needed to show a little bit of interest in that part of Chanyeol’s life as he was doing it with yours and Jackson.

“Yeah. I saw her yesterday at the studio and she apologized” he said calmly. It was true what he said. The two of them talked briefly yesterday and Sojin had told him she was out of line at the dinner. Chanyeol on the other hand, not feeling the rage he was feeling the night before, forgave her. Nevertheless that couldn’t make up the fact that he wasn’t happy with her so he decided that after the comeback promotion he would talked to her and end things up.

“Cool” you said trying to sound as if that didn’t affect you. You yawned and closed your eyes for a moment.

“Don’t tell me you’re sleepy already. It’s 7:00 pm” Chanyeol whined.

“Don’t bother me. I could use a nap right now” you said tiredly.

“You can’t sleep now grandma, we have things to do.” He complained jokingly.

“Hey!” You smacked his arm playfully. “I’m not the one who’s turning 27 next week” you

pointed out.

“There’s no much left for your birthday either.” He huffed.

“There’s still a month left for that” you said smugly.

“By the way, the boys and I are throwing a party for the album’s releasing and my birthday next Friday. You should come.” He said nonchalantly hoping you would say yes.

“Sure! I’ll be there after work” you said cheerfully “Can Jackson come with me?”.

Chanyeol kept quiet for a moment. Hell no! He thought annoyed.

“Yeah...” he said hesitantly and cleared his throat “I don’t see a problem with that” he said trying to sound more secure.

“Cool, thanks Yeol.” You said and smiled at him.

“We are here” he announced as the van was entering the parking lot.

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You two got out of the car and started heading towards the stores. You were looking excitedly at the Christmas decorations. This was your favorite time of the year and you were always looking forward to decorating your house and the Christmas tree. Chanyeol, next to you, was looking at you amused. He had always said you were like an excited kid during that time. Wanting to buy everything related to Christmas that you could find and finding joy in the simplest thing as wrapping presents. He hadn’t gone to your home in the last week but he’d supposed that it was already in the process of becoming winterland. Although he liked the holidays too he wasn’t as jolly as you, maybe it was because during the last years he and boys had to work during that time and they couldn’t quite feel the holiday spirit. You would tell him every year how badly you missed spending the holidays with your family at home and he and boys would always visit you on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve depending on their schedule. You couldn’t believe most of the people here have to work all the day during that time as in your country in most of the jobs they would go only half time or skip the day. You felt joyous yeah but at the same time a little bit sad and nostalgic.

“Y/n” Chanyeol called you and distracted you from your train of thoughts. You turned to look at him.

“There’s the store” he said and grabbed your arm to guide you to it. Once on the store you two grabbed all the things that you needed to make the bracelets. It was kind of easy since you picked all the beads and charms for the girls and he did the same for the boys. After that you two were walking between the stores and something caught your attention.

“Yeol, I want to see something here. You want to come with me or you wait outside?. It’s only going to take me a minute.” You said, pointing at the jewelry shop.

“I’ll go” he said and walked behind you.

The inside of the store was pretty and in it there were a couple of people looking around and the store sellers. Chanyeol stood next to the counter, also looking around in case he could see something for his sister and mom.

“Good evening miss. Can I help you?” A cheerful lady told you.

“Good night. I was wondering if you have the new Disney charms.” You said politely. “Ah yes! They’re this way” the lady said and motioned you to follow her.

“I’ll be right back.” You said at Chanyeol and he nodded at you. He was so focused on looking at the bracelets and rings that he got startled when an old lady on the other side of the counter appeared in front him.

“Good evening young man! How can I help you?” The old lady said friendly.

“Good evening” Chanyeol said kindly. “I’m looking for a present”.

“Oh! Is it for your girlfriend?”. She asked and gestured at you.

“Oh no, she’s not my… girlfriend. She is my friend” he said a little bit uncomfortable.

“I apologized.” The woman said quickly.

“It’s ok.” Chanyeol said nonchalantly.

“She’s very beautiful and she seems lovely too” the old lady pointed out. Chanyeol turned to look at you. You were so focus at what the other lady was telling you when a side smile crept up in Chanyeol’s lips “Yes... she is” he trailed off and she gave him a knowing smile at him. Chanyeol blushed at the look the lady had given him as if he had been caught.

“So who’s the present for?” The lady asked.

“It’s for my mom and sister” he said. Turning to look at the counter again.

“I see, Do you have anything in mind? Would you like to give them bracelets, necklaces, earrings maybe?” She asked curiously.

“Can you show me the earrings and bracelets please?” He asked.

“Of course! Be right back...” she said and walked to the other side of the counter. You approached Chanyeol excitedly and opened the little box with your bracelet in it.

“Yeol look. It’s so pretty” you said excitedly as you were waving the little box. He laughed at how child-like you could be sometimes.

“I couldn’t buy all of the charms that I wanted because the ran out of them” you pouted.

“But the lady told me they would arrived sometime between the next week or the one after that so I’m totally coming back for them”.

“What are the charms that you want?” Chanyeol asked you.

“The ones from the Harry Potter’s and Frozen’s collections” you said.

He shook his head at you “ You’re like a kid sometimes”.

You glared at him “says the man who has a Zootopia blanket on his bed”.

He raised up his hands as a way of surrender “ok ok. We are both like kids” You nodded. “What were you doing? Are you going to buy something?”

“Yes, a present for mom and Yoora” he said. In that moment the old lady came back with the jewelry and smiled at you.

“Good evening!” You said and smiled at the woman.

“Good evening, young lady” she said politely.

“Here they are boy. Take your time looking at them and I’ll come back after” she said and left you two alone to speak to other customers. Chanyeol and you leaned over the counter to get a better look at them.

“Uh they’re all so pretty” you said quietly.

“Oh! this would be perfect for Yoora” you said pointing at a gold bracelet that had a charm

with a boy and girl together engraved on it. He nodded enthusiastically since it represented the unity he had with his sister.

“Now for your mom I’ll say you should go with the earrings that have yellow stones” you suggested.

“I liked those but I also liked these 2 for her” he said pointing at them “I’m doubtful about which ones I should choose”.

Out of a sudden your eyes got wide open as you remembered something. “Oh god! I totally had forgotten about this other thing I need to buy” you facepalmed yourself. “What is it?” He said quizzically.

“A... set of pajamas” you answered. “Can you catch up with me at the lingerie department?. Otherwise it would be closed by the time we got out of here.”

“Sure, I’ll see you there.” He said and you turned to headed out of the store. After 10 minutes he choosed the jewelry and the seller came back.

“So that are the ones you are buying?” The old lady said.

“Yes” he said pleased with his choice.

“A very good choice boy. Let we wrapped them up for you” she said happily.

“Thank you!” He said and smiled at her.

While she was doing so Chanyeol noticed the old lady was wearing a beautiful ring with a deep blue diamond in it- It already looked old but still in good conditions. It had a beautiful engraved around it and in the middle of it was the big blue stone- and his mind went straight to you. He thought maybe he could give you a bracelet or earrings with the same stone for your birthday.

“That’s a beautiful ring Mrs. May I ask where did you buy it?” He said politely and the lady smiled.

“Thank you. It was a wedding gift from my husband” she admitted.

“Oh...” Chanyeol said. “But do you happen to have something with the same diamond here? You see my friend really loves blue color and her birthday is coming. I thought about it now and It would be a nice present, wouldn’t it?“

“Of course but you see blue diamonds are very rare and hard to find. At the moment we don’t have any piece of jewelry with this kind of stone but I’ll tell you what, we have a design class in which you can make any piece of jewelry. I could order the beads and you could make the bracelet. What do you think about it?”. She asked. Chanyeol thought about it for a moment. He thought it could be a wonderful idea as the bracelet and its design would be one of a kind. “That would be awesome, thank you” Chanyeol said cheerfully.

“Just leave me your phone number and I’ll call you back when they arrived”. The old lady said and gave him a notebook for him to write his contact info. She also gave him a business card with her name on it. Chanyeol looked at it and smiled.

“Ok then. I guess I’ll see you next time Mrs. Minerva” he said kindly.

“See you Mr. Park. Have a good night” Minerva said and smiled at him.

Chanyeol turned around to exit the store. As he was walking to meet you he was feeling excited at the thought of his new project. Your bracelet. He thought that in his free time he will have to look for designs since he wanted for it to be perfect.

You were at the lingerie department choosing a pajama and a pair of underwear and bras that you would needed for a couple of garments as their colors were lighter and you could noticed your dark color underwear beneath it. At your job they had the great idea of going dressed as something related to Christmas starting from the first week on December. The problem was that you would be packed with work all the next week and you would have the boys party also so that would left you with no time for going shopping and you’ll have to improvise with your clothes at home.

I could be a Snowman that week you thought while trying on the pieces of underwear.

Once you finished you looked yourself at the mirror and sighed. To be honest you weren’t keen of this activity since you tend to criticized your body. There were days in which you would feel better about it and sexy and saying to yourself yaaaaas girl! for how good you saw yourself, and others, which were most of them, in which you were so concerned about the way your thighs looked, the stretch marks that although they were already white and fading, you could see them so clearly that you felt insecure about them. You also hated the little bra bulge that it has always appeared and that no matter how hard you were trying to make it gone it seemed impossible. Yes you had body issues and you knew you had to work on them but right now it was hard to do so due to your schedule. You have decided that after all your deadlines at work you will look for some help. It was kind of ironic how could you felt love for other people such as your friends or family and not feeling it for yourself first. I hope it comes the day where I don’t care about this anymore and love myself you thought and started to put your clothes back on.

Chanyeol arrived at the department store. He was looking for you, walking around through all the underwear and felt uncomfortable about it. That’s why I’ve never came here when my exes asked me to come with them He thought. Although he was feeling that way he saw some things that caught his eyes.

“Hey! Can I help you with something?” A young woman approached him.

“Hey! Mmm... no thank you. I’m waiting for someone” he said nervously.

“Your girlfriend?” The lady asked. Clearly, she was eyeing Chanyeol from head to toe to which he felt even more uncomfortable. Y/n where are you?! He thought. Scanning the store frantically until he saw you at the register.

“Ah, she’s over there” he pointed at you. “Good night.” He said and walked hurriedly to where you were.

You turned to look at the person who had arrived next to you. It was Chanyeol. He let out a relief sigh and you frowned at him.

“Are you ok?” You asked him.

“No. Don’t look but the other lady over there was trying to flirt with me” he said quietly. You turned slightly to look at said lady. Clearly she was still looking at him. You try to suppressed a laugh. Chanyeol looked at you annoyed.

“It’s not funny” he said.

“Do you want me to punch her or should I let Sojin know about it so she can do it?” You asked him sarcastically.

“I... ahg never mind” he rolled his eyes “can we go now?”.

“In a minute. The cashier went to get my change” you explained.

Chanyeol was looking around that part of the store until a set of lingerie caught his attention more than the rest of the other underwear. It was a dark green lace bra and matching panties. The thought of how would you look like wearing it appeared in his mind but he cleared it away rapidly.

I can’t think about that he mentally scolded himself.

You were looking at your phone and gave him a quick glance when you noticed a piece on lingerie caught Chanyeol’s attention. Would he liked that for Sojin? You thought sadly. Luckily for both of you, the cashier came back with your stuff and change in that moment and you could leave the store.

“So do you want to get dinner here or we have takeout food?” Chanyeol asked you in order to leave the awkward situation behind.

“We can buy something at the fast food and take it it home. Do you agree?” you suggested.

“Yeah. Also, I could use a coffee” he said. Tiredness evident on his face. “Make them two” you said and both headed towards the fast food.

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Once in your house you and Chanyeol were sitting on your living room floor. Food and coffee were scattered around you since your table was occupied with beads and threads and all the other stuff you two were using to make the bracelets. At first you have thought this would be easy but after seeing that you two could only have made 30 bracelets in 3 hours you rethought that. It was almost 12 am and you were beginning to felt sleepy.

“I can’t believe we barely have 30 bracelets and that there’s 70 to be done” you said tiredly. “Neither can I. I have thought it would be easier” Chanyeol sighed. You got up to get more coffee from the kitchen.

“ Do you want another cup of coffee?” You asked him.

“Yes please.” He said and handled you his mug. Chanyeol was feeling sleepy too. He thought about taking a nap but knowing himself he knew once his eyes closed he would sleep until next morning. “Here you go” you said and gave him his mug. After thanking you both took a sip and you looked around all the mess.

“Do you have practice tomorrow?” You asked him.

“Yep. But is at night” he answered without looking at you.

“You can stay over if you want” you said nonchalantly. At hearing that Chanyeol missed inserting the bead in the thread. Although he had stayed over before, now that he had acknowledged his feelings for some reason he felt anxious at the thought of it. “Thanks but are you sure?. I don’t want to be a nuisance” He said hesitantly. “Not at all. Tomorrow is my Cinderella day remember?” You joked. -That was what you have said every time people asked you when was your cleaning and doing the chores day.- “Ah yeah! That reminds me I need to throw away some stuff too.” He said resigned.

“Some?! You need to throw away half of your room. Seriously Chan, there are even empty boxes there” you said while frowning at him.

“They’re not empty” he retorted. “I keep all my action figures there. The ones that didn’t have a place on my shelf” “I’m gonna get you and organizer” you said determined and thought about what kind of furniture would be perfect to match his room.

“Come on. Let’s finish this first and then you can think in redecorate my room” he urged you and brought your attention back to the bracelets.

Two hours later you already had 50 bracelets completed. Despite all the cups of coffee you and Chanyeol were yawning more frecuently, the energy leaving your bodies at a rapid pace. There came a point in which the room went quiet as the two of you were totally focused on finishing them. You didn’t noticed when Chanyeol fell asleep on the carpet until you heard him snoring. You suppressed a laugh and rubbed your eyes to take a look at him. He was in a fetus position trying to warm himself up. You stood up and went to your room for a couple of blankets and a pillow for you and him. When you returned you shook his arm slightly and whispered “Yeol” but the boy didn’t move not a bit. Chanyeol was a heavy sleeper which you envied as you were a light one an even a small sound could wake you up. You decided to let him slept there since he was too heavy for you to move him. You put the blanket over him and tried to moved his head gently to put a pillow under it. “Gosh! You have a heavy head dude” you murmured. You placed his head on it and removed a strand of hair from his forehead. He must be really tired you thought as you kept contemplating him. The frown on his forehead softened when you caress it with your finger. Is he having a bad dream? You thought to yourself. He moved a little and you knew that was you cue for leaving him alone and get back to work. It was 3 am when you have decided to take a nap after the bracelet 75 so you set up your alarm to wake you up at 7 am, grabbed a couple of blankets and went to your couch to lay on it. It didn’t took more than 30 seconds for you to get lost in dreamland.

Chanyeol woke up after feeling uncomfortable with the position in which had been sleeping. He sat on the floor and turned to looked at his phone.

06:55 am could be read on the screen. He didn’t know the exact moment in which he fell asleep. The last thing he remembered was lying on the floor and closing his eyes because he wanted to rest for a minute. He noticed the blankets over him and the pillow. She care for me he thought and looked around the room searching for you. He noticed you were sleeping on the couch and a little smile showed on his lips. He got up from the floor and walked towards you. You looked so peaceful; your features soft, you chest rising and falling so slowly that sometimes he wondered if you were breathing at all. You hands above your chest. You two always mocked each other about your sleeping habits. On one side, Chanyeol always moved and sprawled all across the bed as in most of them his feet would always ended up loose and hanging at the edges. You on the other side, kept your body on one side of the bed and slept with the same position you were having at the moment most of times, occasionally twisting from one side to another. He would have always tell you you looked either as a princess like Sleeping Beauty or Snowhite or like a dead person. However, you being the first thing he sees in the morning, would be a sight with which he would like to wake up forever. He was fighting the urge to kiss your forehead as he knew you could wake up so easily due to your light sleep and after thinking about it for a minute he decided to do it. Maybe if I do it softly she wouldn’t wake up he thought. He was bending over to reach your forehead when your alarm set off. In that moment you lifted your head from the pillow and it collided with Chanyeol’s.

“Auch!” You exclaimed while rubbing your forehead, still disoriented from sleeping.

“What were you doing?”. Chanyeol also rubbing this mouth and nose answered “You had something stuck in your forehead. I wanted to see if it was a mosquito but It was just a blanket’s fluff”.

“Oh, Sorry for hitting you” You said.

“I think you loosen up my tooth” He said and you laughed out loud.

“I’m serious. I feel it weird” he said. You stood up from the couch and went over to him.

“Let me see” you said. He opened his mouth and you stood on your tiptoes to take a better look at it.

“I don’t see blood or something out of place” you pointed out.

“Your teeth are as perfect as always. Stop whining” you said and Chanyeol pouted at you. You smiled at him and he laughed. You averted your gaze from his face and said “So there are still 25 bracelets left. I’m gonna go and prepare more coffee and breakfast.”

“Ok. I’m going to try and finished the rest of them” Chanyeol said and went to sit over near the table.

You started walking towards the kitchen “I’ll let you know when everything if ready” you yelled from the other room. A fluff?! Who gets so near to a person to see if they have a fluff stick to their forehead? You thought weirded out.

“Yeah” he yelled back.

Man that was so embarrassing he covered his face with both hands. Although not as much as if she would have caught me kissing her forehead he comforted himself. He shook his thoughts away and returned his focus on the bracelets.

30 minutes passed and you called for him to have breakfast at the kitchen island with you. You had prepared scrambled eggs, cut some fruits into slices and made a couple of french toasts. There was coffee, milk and fresh orange juice on the table too.

“It’s a lot of food” Chanyeol said surprised, looking at all the food that was in there.

“I thought you guys always have the table full with food” you said.

“Yeah but usually by the time I wake up on weekends most of it is gone and I’m stuck with the leftovers” Chanyeol said and you shook your head at his answer.

“Well most of these is for you so go ahead” you gestured him to grab anything he wanted and sat next to him.

After breakfast both of you went to finished the rest of the bracelets. It was 11:30 am when you put the last one of them in the box Chanyeol had brought with him.

“That was the last one” you sighed relieved and leaned on your couch. Chanyeol, next to you, also gave a sigh “I can’t believe we made them in one night”.

“I know. Next time you come up with this kind of ideas please start it them a month earlier”.

He laughed at your request “Definitely”.

“Thank you so so so much” he said turning to look at you.

“It’s nothing. Although you could repay me with helping me to decorate the place” you suggested and he smiled. “Deal” he stretched his hand for you to shake and sealed the deal. “But after that you will have to help me with decorating mine”.

“See I don’t think you understand how this works” you said sarcastically. He laughed at your comment “Of course I understand but if you do it... I don’t know, Santa might be a little bit more generous with you this year”. He shrugged and you sneered.

“Fine, just let me know when can I go to leave my letter inside the stoking” you smiled mischievously at him.

Chanyeol’s phone rang indicating a text message had arrived.

He released your hand and grabbed the phone to look at it. “I have to go now. Sehun texted me that our choreographer changed the hour of our practice and he have to be there in 3 hours”.

“Oh... don’t worry about it” you said calmly.

He stood up and gathered all his stuff. You walked him to the door and Chanyeol said “Seriously thank you so much y/n. I don’t know what would I do without you”. You smiled fondly at him “It’s nothing Chan. I’ll see you next time”. He smiled at you “Yeah, see you” he turned and headed to the elevator. You stood there in the door threshold until we was gone. When you closed the door you let your back slide on it. Little by little you have been learning how to control your emotions and also allowing yourself to feel them. Been occupied with things you actually loved had made you not to think too much on Chanyeol and your feelings for him but still most of the time you spent with him your heart ached. Should I just tell him how I feel without giving a damn about his relationship with Sojin? It was a question that although it wasn’t in your mind constantly as before it still lingered in it, specially after spending time with him.

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Chanyeol was at his room putting some clothes on. -When he arrived at the dorms everything was quiet so he assumed most of the boys were sleeping or some of them weren’t there. He went to his room and took a shower so he could feel recharged- He was carrying still the tiredness from the week but mostly he felt happy because he got to spend the night with you. He smiled at the thought of that when Baekhyun entered yelling.

“Hellooooooo” his friend sang like an opera singer.

“Morning Baek” Chanyeol said while putting a hoodie on. The pinkish haired boy threw himself on the bed and asked “Where were you last night? Were you with Sojin?”.

Chanyeol was putting on his rings when he answered “No. I was with y/n”. At the sound of your name Baekhyun opened his eyes widely.

“What?! Did you spend the night with her?” He asked shocked.

“Yes” Chanyeol said nonchalantly.

“Really?!” Baekhyun got up from the bed and was looking at Chanyeol with an excited face.

“Yes, I slept at her house. Now, if you’re asking if we had sex then it’s a no” Chanyeol explained. “Oh” his friend said a little bit disappointed. Chanyeol grabbed a ball he had from Toben’s toys and threw it at Baekhyun. The pinkish haired boy grimaced and faked to be hurt.

“Ouch! What was that for?” He said and threw the ball at Chanyeol. The tall boy barely dodged it and said “You’re such a pervert”.

“I’m not” Baekhyun huffed. “I’m disappointed because I thought you finally had broken up with Sojin”.

“Woah! You really must hated her” Chanyeol snorted.

“Mmm...I dislike her not hate her.” Baekhyun pointed out. “But yeah I do prefer y/n over her a million times” he added. “Well maybe you won’t have to dislike Sojin more” Chanyeol said and turned around to look for his watch.

“Yeah, why’s that?” Baekhyun asked curiously.

“Because I’m going to break up with her” The tall boy answered.

“Woo...” Baekhyun cheered and Chanyeol gave him a pointed look. “Ooo... why?” He asked trying to contain his excitement.

“I’m glad you found all of this amusing” Chanyeol said sarcastically.

“Sorry, you know I’m not very good at hiding my feelings” Baekhyun said awkwardly. Chanyeol sat on his desk chair “Anyway. I want to break up with her because I’m not happy. I have thought It would be good giving it a chance. That me and her would work together as we had a lot of things in common, musically speaking, but as time passes by I realize we are so different” he explained. Baekhyun approached him and padded his back “I’m sorry your relationship didn’t work out mate but if I’m honest with you, I’m glad you finally see things clearly”. Chanyeol nooded and a side-smile appeared on his lips “yeah, I guess me too”. Outside in the hall Suho yelled for all the boys to gathered in the living room since it was time for them to leave for practice. Chanyeol stood up from his chair and grabbed his backpack. “I have to get mine. See you outside” Baekhyun said and walked to opened the door. Chanyeol nodded in agreement and was checking if he had everything he needed in the bag.

Ok, so finally we have Chanyeol free to get him together with y/n Baekhyun thought excitedly.

“I need to tell Sehun about this” he murmured for himself. We are back on the game he thought and a mischievous face -like the one the Grinch had when he was planning to stole Christmas- appeared on his face.

Thank you for the support and the love. I hope you like the series and enjoy this chapter. I’ll try to come up with the next one during the weekend. Are you starting to feel the holiday spirit? If so let me know. Also I wanted to ask you for some feedback regarding the series. I think it would help me a lot.^^

#chanyeol #exo au #park chanyeol #exo #chanyeol au #pcy #chanyeol fanfic #chanyeol series #exo fanfic #fic #exo scenario #chanyeol scenario

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suckitsurveys · 5 years ago

Text

What would you call your body type? Fat.

Are you a morning person? Eh. I have to be.

Have you ever been to Target? Countless times. I miss Target :(

Do you like iced tea? Yes. I should make some.

When is the next time you’ll be at work? I’m technically at work right now.

Do you have a savings account? Yes.

Has anyone ever hacked your accounts before? Yes.

What color bedsheets are currently on your bed? Light blue.

Have you ever been to Disney World? If so, how many times have you been? Nope.

Does grammar and capitalization mean anything to you? Yes.

Are you good at wrapping gifts for others? Yes.

Do you have a dirty clothes hamper in your room? Yes.

What would you say is your favorite television show? BoJack Horseman.

Do you enjoy big holiday dinners? Yes. I’m so upset that we might not get to do that this year because of covid. Is your vision good? With my glasses on, yeah. ha.

Is there any piece of jewelry you’re constantly wearing? Earrings and my nose stud.

What is one thing you desire as of now? For this covid shit to fucking end. And justice for Breonna Taylor. And actual equality.

What kind of phone do you have? Galaxy S10.

If you could move anywhere, where would you choose? On a lake in the woods.

Do you blog a lot, if at all? This I guess.

Is your present hair color, natural? My roots sure as fuck are.

What makes you the most angry when it comes to people? IGNORANCE. I cannot wrap my head around people who don’t fucking give a shit about other people.

Describe your current outfit? I’m in PJs.

What was the last thing you ordered online? A couple of outfits fro my nieces for the 4th of July per their request.

Have you ever felt as though you were drifting apart from a best friend? Yeah, and I did.

What color are your eyes? Green.

Have you ever worn color contacts? Nope.

What’s the best thing about a hug? Comfort.

Biggest fear? Having my fears used against me.

If you have a significant other, how long have you been together? 9 years.

Do you know any genuinely friendly people? Yes.

Do you buy your friends gifts? Yeah. What was the last thing you plugged in? The charger to this laptop.

How old are you? 30.

What color headphones do you own? They’re purple. I haven’t used them in a long time since I don’t go to an actual gym anymore.

Have you ever shopped at Urban Outfitters? Yeah, just a couple of times.

Where do you buy the majority of your clothing? Torrid and Target.

Would you rather wear necklaces or earrings? Earrings.

Do you consider yourself fortunate? I am in some ways.

Do you enjoy watching fights? Mark watches UFC and I occasionally catch myself getting into them.

Have you ever been in a physical fight? Not a real one.

Do you tend to talk badly about people? I tend to talk badly about idiotic people who don’t give a shit about other people.

Where are your parents as of now? My dad is at home most likely and my mother passed away in 2013.

Does your computer cooperate most of the time? I guess.

Does your family have any cheesy traditions? Yes.

When did you last go to a book store? It’s been a while.

What’s the closest book store where you live? I think there’s a local one not far from here. How much money do you have on you right now? Physical money? None.

Favorite personal feature? My eyes and my hair.

Are you wearing make up at the moment? Nope.

Favorite television channel? I don’t have regular TV. Do Netflix and Hulu count as channels?

Describe any piercings or tattoos you might have? I have 5 piercings and 9 tattoos but I don’t feel like explaining all of them.

Have you ever been fired from a job? No.

Are you currently losing a best friend? Eh.

Describe the worst day of your life: No.

Do you play any video games? Eh. Sometimes.

Would you say you hate anyone? Yes, my fucking brother in law.

Do you think freckles are cute? Sure.

Last time you went to the mall? Back in early March.

Name something that’s your favorite color: That’s in my favorite color? The LED lights above my couch. They’re currently purple.

Have you been to Red Lobster before? YES I miss it.

Do you judge by appearances? We all do to an extent. That’s what first impressions are.

Do you follow a certain religion? Nope.

Who is your role model, if you had to choose? My dad.

Would you rather have nice hair or lips? Hair.

What are you most self conscious about? My stomach.

Do you have any family members who live out of town? Yeah.

Do you consider yourself short? Yes.

What room are you in? The living room.

Hoodies or jackets? Hoodies.

Are you outside a lot? Yes.

Have you ever been dumped via text message? No.

Do you like dreamcatchers? They’re pretty but they’re a Native thing so I don’t use them.

What is your favorite letter of the alphabet? H

Do you hate repetitive people and things? Eh, depends.

Do you think autocorrect is a blessing or curse? It can helpful and annoying at times.

Do you believe in any particular curses? Sure.

Ever play a Ouija board? Yes.

What movie scares you the most? I don’t really like movies like that.

What was your bedtime as a child? I don’t remember.

Reason why your favorite holiday is your favorite: Halloween is just so spooky and creepy and the colorssssss and even more exciting when you have kids in your life. Trick or Treating is so fun.

Do you work with any close friends? Nah.

Do you consider yourself spoiled? In some ways, yes, but I’m not a brat. I am fortunate to have very loving and caring and giving family members, my husband included.

Do you listen to any country music? I don’t not listen to country music, but there isn’t a lot I voluntarily listen to.

Favorite high school teacher: Fuck all of high school.

Do you ever get drunk? Sure. I don’t really like to often but sometimes I get caught up in what I’m doing or who I am with and end up drinking a little more than planned. But it’s not something I actively plan to do.

Have you ever had highlights before? No

Favorite number: 24.

Do you still sleep with any stuffed animals? There used to be two that chilled on the bed but they haven’t in a while. What is your biggest regret in life? Regrets are dumb.

Would you say you think you have a mental disorder of some kind? Yes.

Are you normally an independent person? For the most part.

Do you have any paintings? I do.

What is one clothing fad you wish never existed? I don’t care.

Do you like to be organized? Yes.

Have you ever failed a class before? Uh huh.

Ever been judged because of your weight? Of course. What is your favorite breakfast cereal? Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

Ever had a wish come true? Eh.

Do you regret meeting any of your exes? No.

Do you own any coloring books? Yes.

What’s the meanest thing someone’s called you? My brother in law called me “coddled” once very shortly after my fucking mother died so, that. He was saying it because I stilled lived with my father at the time, so fuck him.

Have you ever bullied someone? Not intentionally.

Do you ever watch Lifetime? No.

Ever tried to intentionally sabotage someone’s grade? I don’t think so.

Do you own any brown clothing? Yes.

What color are your walls painted? Very very light blue

Last thing you drank: Water.

Have you ever seen a tornado in person? I’ve been very very close to one.

Do you have an inground pool at your house? I fucking wish.

What is the first digit of your phone number? 1. :P What’s the prettiest town you’ve been to? Boston.

Do you tend to sleep a lot? No.

Silver or gold jewelry? I like both.

Do you sometimes celebrate holidays early? Depends.

Have you ever been in love? Yes.

What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? My nieces.

When was the last time you showered? Yesterday.

Would you consider yourself attractive? Eh. Not conventionally, no.

Has anyone made you mad today? Yes.

Favorite smell: Gardenia.

Are you afraid of insects? Not afraid. More grossed out than anything.

Do you have any children? Nooo.

If so, what are their names? --

Would ever consider having children in the future? I don’t want to have children.

Have you ever lived on a farm? No.

Ever played any sports? Not on a team, no.

Do both of your parents have jobs? My father is retired and my mom was a stay at home mom when she was alive.

Where is the best place you’ve been on vacation to? Wilderness Resort in the Dells. GODDDDDDDD I WANNA GO.

Are you afraid people won’t accept you? Whatever.

Are you, for the most part, an honest person? Yes.

Did you make prank phone calls as a child? I did.

Do you like to make donations? Yeah.

What is your current ringtone? The Horsin Around theme song from BoJack in 8 bit. The same ringtone BoJack has in the first few seasons of the show.

Meet anyone from your past lately? How do you meet someone you already know?

Have you ever called a teen suicide line? No.

Have you ever caught something on fire? Yes.

Ever been obsessed with a show? Duh.

What type of perfume or cologne do you use? Differnt Bath and Body Works stuff.

What’s the last book you read? I’m currently kinda reading Someone Who Will Love You in All Your Damaged Glory by Raphael Bob-Waksberg.

Dream career: Event planner if we’re ever allowed to have events again.

Have you ever climbed a mountain before? Kinda.

At what age do you plan to get married? I got married when I was 27.

Ever been in a car accident? Yes.

#surveys #quarantine

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chasholidays · 6 years ago

Note

OKAY. I drove past a roadside fruit stand at the beach labeled "Bellamy Farms" last month and immediately thought of you. Would love a beach romance with hot farmer Bellamy and hippie artist Clarke (could be holiday themed, or not!) 5-10,000 words, obviously with a meet cute & falling in love over veg. Perhaps with some Kabby and Linctavia on the side if it pleases you. TY for this gift!

oops there’s not really a meet cute here sometimes that is how the cookie crumbles etc

When Clarke Griffin is nineteen, her father dies and she drops out of college to move to the beach and become an artist.

It’s not, admittedly, the best reaction, but it’s not as if most people have a good reaction to parental death. Clarke has always done everything right, had been so sure that if she was a good kid who followed rules her life would be good. And then her dad died anyway and college is just moreschool, except that she can’t fit art classes in with her premed course load, which she doesn’t even want, and her father is dead and her mother was somehow involved in his death.

So she packs all her stuff into her car and drives down the east coast with the windows rolled down and music blaring and squats in her dad’s empty beach house for a couple of weeks, drinking cheap booze and generally feeling sorry for herself.

And then, finally, she looks around.

The beach house had been a staple of childhood summers, but it’s late fall now, the off-season, and that’s a new experience for her. It has the feel of being in a mall after closing time, or at a big event doing set up. It’s a secret place, a dress rehearsal, and being a part of that sends a thrill through her.

This is where she wants to be. This is where she belongs.

Abby is frantic when she picks up the phone. “Clarke? Where are you? Where have you been?”

“I’m in South Carolina,” she says. “And I’m going to stay here.”

“What do you mean?”

Clarke leans back. “I want the beach house, and I want however much money Dad left me, and then I won’t tell anyone what I think you had to do with him dying.”

There’s a long pause. “Clarke, you don’t have to blackmail me. And it’s not what you think. What happened to your father was–”

“A tragic accident,” she supplies. Abby said it enough. “I know. I don’t care. I’m not going back to school, I’m not coming back home. I just want the beach house and my inheritance and I’ll be set.”

“Set at what?”

It’s a good question. “I’ll let you know when I figure it out.”

It’s not true, exactly; Clarke can’t imagine casually checking in with her mother for a long time. But Abby will probably call her back, and Clarke won’t lie to her if she’s got a plan.

All she needs is to get a plan.

The town of Arcadia, South Carolina is cute, like something out of a picture book. It’s not the actual beach town, but instead the closest inland town that people come to for non-beach reasons, and therefore the place Clarke might be able to find a job that doesn’t involve working at a restaurant, hotel, or tourist trap.

Granted, it mostly adds antique store, clothing boutique, and art gallery to her options, but all of those seem more in line with her skill set. She likes antiques and art, and she wears clothes.

She ends up getting hired at an upscale shop that sells a variety of goods made by local artists, from pottery to clothing to salvaged beach sculptures. It’s the kind of place that makes people think “this doesn’t look that hard” when they see the prices, and Clarke is no exception. She can’t sew and she doesn’t have access to clay, but she lives on the beach. She could definitely make weird seashell art.

But to her surprise, not only can she make weird seashell art, she likes it and is good at it. Commercial pieces are easy: charms to string on jewelry, small mosaics of sea creatures, just little things to remind tourists of their trips. But there are so many more things she can do, driftwood and sea glass twisting together into broad, conceptual pieces, the kind of stuff galleries might actually want someday.

It’s not a fast process, of course, but the years bleed by easily. The art community around Arcadia isn’t exactly thriving like it would be in a city, but it’s active and passionate, and Clarke slots in like she’s always been there. She dates Lincoln, the sculptor who looks like a bodybuilder, for about half a second before they decide to be friends, then Finn, an artist with a metalworker girlfriend who didn’t know he was seeing someone else, and then Lexa, who has dreams of moving to the city and making it big.

“Which city?” Clarke asks, amused.

“Does it matter? As long as I get out of here.”

The two of them stay together for a while after that, but that’s the moment Clarke knows they’re ultimately doomed. She’s twenty-four, years removes from the complete meltdown that had brought her to South Carolina in the first place, but she’s never had any desire to return to the life her mother had wanted for her. It’s a privilege, she knows, that she can afford to be out here, living in a beach-house year round, working as an artist who doesn’t actually make quite enough to support herself, but she has that privilege. She can afford to have the life she wants, and this is it.

She and Lexa make it another year, and then Lexa goes to Raleigh and Clarke makes a driftwood statue called “September Departure” in her honor.

After that, she can’t help feeling like maybe romance isn’t in the cards, like she might be out of options.

Both Lincoln and Raven tell her she’s being ridiculous.

“That’s the breakup talking,” Raven says. “It always feels like love is dead or some dramatic shit, but that doesn’t last forever.”

“I just feel like I’ve exhausted the local options,” Clarke says, with a sigh. “I’m running out of people to date.”

“And new people do move in,” Lincoln points out. “I know it doesn’t feel like it, but the population here isn’t static. Good things could be coming.”

It feels like a prophesy, and Clarke is all primed and ready for it to come true, for Lincoln to have set her up for a meet cute with some new residents some unknown good thing.

Which means, of course, that she completely misses the good thing when she nearly walks right into it.

It’s the first farmer’s market of the summer season and Clarke is setting up. She and Lincoln have a booth together, selling their various works of art, and this is always the most stressful week. It’s the week Clarke is convinced that somehow the tourists won’t come, or won’t like beach trinkets anymore, that something will go wrong and she’ll have to admit this isn’t a real life and go back to her mother. It’s not rational that she puts so much emphasis on the opening week, especially since tourist migrations tend to vary from year-to-year, but if it was rational, it wouldn’t be a superstition.

The Blake Farm booth catches her eye because, despite what Lincoln said, new booths really aren’t that common, and a new farm is noteworthy. Especially the name, Blake Farm, which nags at her brain hard enough she actually walks into Bellamy in her distraction.

“Jesus, princess, can’t you watch where you’re going?” he grumbles. He’s carrying a large basket full of produce, so she can’t really blame him for being annoyed, but she and Bellamy also snipe at each other basically every time they come into contact, so she doubts he’d be any less short if he was empty-handed.

Her brain snaps the pieces together a second after she sees him: Bellamy Blake. Blake Farm.

“Holy shit, did you finally get your own place?”

He ducks his head, not enough to hide the pleased smile on his face. Clarke doesn’t actually hate Bellamy, not really, but it feels as if they’re perpetually on the wrong foot, as if they’re always about to get into a fight whether they want to or not. Getting into fights is just how the two of them communicate.

“Did you not hear about that?”

“I was wondering why you dropped off the face of the earth, but I thought maybe wishes really did come true.”

He snorts. “Dream on, you’re never getting rid of me.”

“Seriously, when did this happen? What happened?”

“Come to the booth if you want me to talk to you, I need to set up.”

Clarke follows him, taking in the produce already on display with a more curious eye, now that she knows it’s Bellamy’s. He’s been a regular face at the farmer’s market for as long as Clarke’s been here, but always selling for Pike’s Produce, the farm where he’s worked for since it was legal for him to work. Clarke knew he wanted a place of his own, but he also knew that it was, in his words, a stupid dream. He was better off not owning, so long as Charles paid him a good wage.

“You remember Miller?”

“Your ex Miller?” she asks, frowning. Bellamy is a couple years older than she is, but still roughly in her demographic, and while he runs with a different crowd than she does, there are only so many places to hang out. When she goes out on Saturday night, she goes to the bar where his little sister works, and he’s usually there too. He’s unavoidable.

“Yeah. He moved to Charleston to start a restaurant with his internet boyfriend.”

“I did hear about that.”

Bellamy hefts a basket up onto the table and Clarke tries not to notice the flex of his muscles. He’s in good shape. That’s just an objective fact. “I was always worried that if I started my own place, I wouldn’t have enough of a customer base to stay open. Most of the local places already have their suppliers, and I didn’t know if I could do enough business on my own. But farm-to-table is really big right now, so Miller and I went in together. He tells me what he needs, I grow it. Charles is doing his meat and dairy too, so he’s not even mad at me for leaving. He always wanted me to be able to make it on my own.”

“That’s amazing,” says Clarke, meaning it. “So you’re selling what Miller doesn’t need?”

“Yeah. It could still blow up in our faces,” he adds, shrugging. “Maybe we’ve got enough dudes selling over-priced produce here, but I figure I might as well try. If I crash and burn, I’m pretty sure Charles will take me back.”

She has to smile. “You can be a little excited. It’s exciting. Don’t jump straight to what could go wrong.”

“Thats rich, coming from you. You’re convinced if you don’t sell enough dolphin moasiacs by noon your entire business is in jeopardy.”

He’s not wrong. “So I’m speaking from experience. Don’t be like me, Bellamy.”

“Trying not to be.”

She smiles; the retort is automatic, and it’s kind of cute. Just a little. “So, any recommendations?”

“For what, exactly?”

“Something I can buy from you that will taste good that doesn’t require cooking.”

“The cherry tomatoes are pretty good. Sweet. I just eat them like candy.”

Clarke examines the cartons, arranged in neat lines on the table and overflowing with bright red fruit. Bellamy picks up a tomato and offers it to her, and when she pops it into her mouth and bites down, it feels like sunshine exploding into her mouth.

“That’s amazing.”

He looks smug, but she can see the pride lurking behind his eyes. “I know.”

“I’ll take two cartons.”

“My first customer,” he says. “Thanks.”

“Definitely not your last.”

She takes the tomatoes back to her own table and finds a piece of paper, writes Try a Blake Farm tomato!! on it and tapes it to the front of the tablecloth, next to the display of rings.

Lincoln does a double take when he sees it, then shakes his head. “So, that’s still happening.”

“They’re good tomatoes.”

“I’m sure they are.”

“So, you like wood, right?”

Clarke blinks at Bellamy, who’s come to lean against the bar next to her. His sister, who’s behind the bar working on Clarke’s drink, doesn’t look any more impressed with the statement than Clarke is.

“Your pickup lines need some serious work, Bell.”

“It’s not a pickup line, O,” he shoots back, and then returns his attention to Clarke. “Do you know where the farm is?”

“Not really.” It’s been about a month since she found out Bellamy’s farm existed and she’s gotten almost no new information about it since then. “I tried googling you, but your web presence needs work.”

“I know, Miller’s boyfriend is working on it. It’s not like there’s much to see yet.” He clears his throat. “Anyway, I got the old Sinclair place, and they had some trees I needed to clear out. I know it’s not driftwood, but I thought you might want to take a look and see if you could use anything.”

The offer is both completely logical and totally unexpected, one of those things that’s good for both of them but still, well, Bellamy helping her out. That’s not how it’s supposed to work.

“I could definitely come look,” she says. “Lincoln might want some too.”

“Yeah, you can bring him,” Bellamy says, with a shrug. “Maybe when O is around.”

To Clarke’s surprise, Octavia goes beet red, the most embarrassed Clarke has ever seen her. She’s probably a bit young for Lincoln, in an absolute sense, but she’s twenty-three and more than capable of making her own choices, and the two of them might actually be good together. Lincoln’s been single for a while.

“Shut up, Bell.”

“Are you helping out on the farm, Octavia?” Clarke asks, mostly in the hopes that ignoring the Lincoln thing will put Octavia at ease and let her get more information about it later, when her guard is down. Or from Bellamy.

“I’m living there since Bell sold our old place, and he says I can either help out or pay rent, so I’m helping out.”

“Which is a way better deal for you than it is for me.”

“You say that now, but someday I’m going to move out and you’re going to be so sad you have to actually hire people.”

“I’m definitely going to be sad when I have to deal with staff, yeah. You don’t have to come look at the wood,” he adds, to Clarke. “I can just get rid of it. But I figured I’d check in with you first.”

“No, that would be great. I like doing beach stuff but I’ve been thinking of branching out, and this might be a good way to start.”

“No pun intended?” he teases, and at her blank look, elaborates, “Branching out? Because it’s a tree.”

Octavia groans. “Jesus, Bell.”

“Definitely no pun intended,” she says, trying and failing to not be endeared. Bellamy is not only really attractive, but he’s also got this aura of coolness, so it took Clarke to realize that, under all that, he’s a hopeless dork.

She likes him a lot better now that she knows that.

Bellamy rubs the back of his neck, which doesn’t help her situation. “Well, uh, do you have my number? Since our web presence sucks.”

“I don’t think I do.”

“Give me your phone and I’ll put it in for you.”

“If this was you picking her up it would be pretty smooth,” Octavia observes, probably vengeance for the Lincoln comment. Clarke can never decide if stuff like that makes her happy or sad to be an only child, but it definitely makes her aware of being an only child.

Of course, as soon as she tells Lincoln about this, he’s definitely going to start dropping hints that it Means Something, so maybe this isn’t an experience she’s totally missed out on. Friends can be nosy assholes too.

Still, it’s a good offer, and one she’s interested in, so she hands over her phone and lets Bellamy give her his number, texts him back so he has hers too.

After almost six years of knowing each other, they can finally get in touch if the need to. There’s a milestone.

“Bellamy has some lumber he thinks we might want,” she tells Lincoln, when she gets back to their table.

“Huh,” says Raven, “I thought he was just hitting on you.”

“Nope, definitely not.” It’s safe to say that now, when he can’t hear. “He just wanted to give us first dibs on supplies.”

“Which is lumber?”

“Yeah, whatever he cut down on the farm to make room for–whatever else he wants on the farm. I said we’d go out there some afternoon soon to check it out.”

“Sorry, you’re going to Bellamy’s farm to check out his wood?” Raven asks. “Just to summarize.”

“With Lincoln.”

“You act like that helps, but Lincoln’s bi too. You’re both into Bellamy’s wood.”

“We’re not sure we’re into Bellamy’s wood,” Lincoln corrects. “That’s why we’re going to the farm. To examine the wood and see if we want it.”

“I can’t wait until he starts growing carrots and cucumbers, this will never get old,” Clarke remarks, dry, but Raven actually looks at her hard.

“Seriously, how come you’ve never gone for Bellamy?”

“I didn’t want hooking up with guys you’ve already slept with to be a thing of mine.” It’s only half a joke. “Come on, half of our conversations end in fights, how would we date?”

“You seem to be getting along pretty well these days,” Lincoln says.

“That’s because he’s been busy with the farm he didn’t even tell me he bought.”

“He didn’t tell me either,” says Raven. “I just knew because Mr. Sinclair mentioned it last time I saw him. I didn’t know you guys didn’t know, I figured it was common knowledge.”

“Octavia told me, but she swore me to secrecy,” Lincoln puts in. “I think he was trying to keep it quiet in case something went wrong. Luna said the sign wasn’t even up until after he went to the farmer’s market.”

It makes Clarke feel a little better, which in turn makes her feel worse, because she doesn’t want to have any feelings about Bellamy, or his farm, or his life in general. She has no interest in justifying why she’s never dated him because the whole premise is flawed. She couldn’t date Bellamy even if she did want to. It’s not a thing.

“I just don’t think he’s my type,” she finally says. “Obviously he’s hot, don’t get me wrong. But that’s not enough. I dated Lincoln because he was hot and look how that turned out.”

“We broke up amicably and now we’re best friends,” Lincoln says, dry. “How awful.”

She has to smile. “You know what I mean.”

Neither of them agrees, but they shut up about it. She’ll take it.

Lincoln texts an hour before they’re supposed to go out to the farm to say something came up, so he’ll just go out on his own later. Clarke wants to call it out as the bullshit it so clearly is, but that’s not actually a productive use of her time. She still has to go see Bellamy, unless she cancels too, and then it’s a whole thing.

She can just go check out Bellamy’s wood on her own. No big deal.

Before this, Clarke had known that Mr. Sinclair had died and left the farm to his son–also Mr. Sinclair–who taught physics and autoshop at the high school, which was why he was friends with Raven, who was definitely the star pupil in both classes. Mr. Sinclair the younger had a house of his own and no desire to keep up a property the size of the family farm, even if it hadn’t been a working farm for many years. It’s not the largest property in the area, but it’s well located and well maintained, probably perfect for a young farmer just starting out.

It’s also not on any of Clarke’s regular routes, so she hasn’t seen it in a while. If anyone had asked her, she would have said it was still on the market, but it’s not like she was paying much attention. And even though she came here at nineteen, she’s aware of not being a native. She doesn’t have the complicated network of contacts most people do, especially since the beach house is kind of isolated, away from where most of the actual residents live. She’s alone a lot, and she doesn’t mind, but driving past the new Blake Farm, this place she didn’t even know about, she can’t help regretting it.

She doesn’t know what she would have done if she knew about this sooner, but she wishes she’d had the option to try doing it.

There’s no one in sight when she parks, so she just gets to wander around, looking at the barn, the house, the rows of crops. She wouldn’t have been able to describe what it looked like before, but she knows it looks better now, the fields full and green, the house repainted, everything bright and clean and new.

“Hey,” says Bellamy, jolting her attention from the rows of tomatoes. “Sorry, I heard you come in but I was in the barn.”

She turns and it actually takes her a second to recover from just seeing him. Bellamy is always attractive, obviously and easily, a fact of life. Bellamy looks good; that’s how it is. But he’s usually a kind of buttoned-up guy, especially for someone who ostensibly lives on the beach. He rocks this kind of nerdy professor look, and it’s jarring to see him in jeans and a tank top, a bandanna pushing his hair off his forehead. The only thing missing is his glasses, which would definitely complete the look for her, but she assumes they’re not practical.

And, honestly, she probably couldn’t deal with all of that. It’s just as well he doesn’t have the glasses on top of his huge arms and broad chest and freckles popping off of his skin.

She shakes herself out of it. “No problem. I was just looking around. Lincoln had to cancel,” she adds. “He got a lead on some material he wanted up in North Carolina. So it’s just me.”

“Cool. You want the tour?”

“Sure.”

He shrugs on a light flannel shirt, which pretty much confirms that he’s not going to get less hot during this visit. His shoulders are covered, but he looks like the cover of a romance novel with the unbuttoned flannel and glistening skin. “Okay, so–the barn. I don’t actually need the barn.”

“No?”

“No animals yet.”

“Right, you said Pike was doing the animal produce.”

He nods, holding the barn door open for her. “This is my office for now, until I figure out if I can afford to keep livestock. I just want to grab keys and my glasses, and then I’ll take you around the fields and to the lumber.”

Clarke doesn’t jump him when he finds the glasses, but it’s a close thing. She wouldn’t have said she was avoiding Bellamy, but she’s seen more of him in the last couple weeks since he got the farm than she probably has in the last year before this, and the high concentration of interaction is a lot. Especially since they’ve been getting along.

She should pick a fight, just to remind herself why a literal roll in the hay isn’t an option.

Instead, she just lets him drive her around the farm, explaining what he’s doing now and what he’s still planning to do, pointing out crops that are coming in, doing well, doing poorly, rattling off names of weird hipster vegetables Clarke’s never even heard of.

“You really love this, huh,” she observes.

He glances over at her. “And?”

“It’s just nice. I know a lot of people feel kind of stuck here, like Lexa did. I’m glad this is where you want to be.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, of course.”

“I didn’t think you’d mind if I left town.”

“It wouldn’t be the same without you.”

“You too.” He clears his throat. “I honestly never thought you’d stick around. I remember when you showed up and it just felt like–”

“Rich girl burnout?”

“No offense.”

“None taken. If I wasn’t a spoiled rich girl, I probably wouldn’t be here. I couldn’t have afforded to throw everything away. But–” She huffs. “This is going to make me sound like an asshole.”

“I already think you’re an asshole, so go ahead.”

His voice is warm, and she smiles. “I think I needed to be away from pressure. School was just–I was the top of my class, always, because if I wasn’t then I thought I was losing. And I think I would have burned myself out and made myself miserable. It was already starting to happen in college, when I wasn’t the biggest fish in the pond anymore. If I wasn’t the best, I didn’t know what to be.”

“So you’re the biggest fish out here?” He doesn’t sound offended.

“No, I got out of the pond. I’m a total failure judged by any of the standards I used to have, but I’m happy.”

He laughs. “Okay, yeah. I can see how that would make you sound like an asshole. But it’s nice having you here. And it’s not as if you’re not successful. Your art actually sells. I’m pretty sure Lexa’s going to be back with her tail between her legs in a couple years, but if you wanted to leave–”

“I don’t think I could make stuff like this if I left,” she admits. “I think I need to be out here.”

“Yeah. I’ve never seen anyone capture the ocean like you do, it’s amazing.” Before Clarke quite has time to process that–Bellamy has seen her art, Bellamy has opinions on her art, Bellamy thinks her art is amazing–he coughs, this awkward clearing of his throat like he realizes it’s kind of a lot too. “This place is clearly good for you.”

He’s not the first person to say it, or something like it. But it means something else, coming from him.

“Yeah,” she says. “I like to think so.”

Clarke doesn’t set out to make the branches she took from Bellamy into any kind of gesture or statement. She picked the pieces she liked, these gnarled branches she thinks she can work with, leaves she could preserve in some way, maybe. Bellamy hauled them into his truck, drove her back to her car, and helped her load them, and Clarke left feeling only a little at loose ends.

But as soon as she’s home and really looking at the pieces, all she can see is him. These aren’t old, dried out logs, carried to her by the sea from god knows where. These are Bellamy’s trees from Bellamy’s farm, and when she looks at them, she can’t imagine turning them into anything but what they already are: Blake Farm and Bellamy, his dream finally come true.

So she runs with it. It’s not as abstract as some of her pieces, but Clarke’s past the point in her life where she thinks inscrutability is artistically superior in and of itself. She makes the pieces she wants to make, and it’s easy to just fall into making this one. Clarke goes into a kind of trance when she’s inspired, really inspired; she can make a big, impressive piece more quickly than a bunch of her tourist souvenirs, for all they’re easier, just because she wants the real piece so much more.

She finishes off the Blake Farm piece the morning of the farmer’s market, which is kind of a mixed blessing. Because it is for Bellamy, wholly and undeniably. She couldn’t give it to the boutique to sell or try to get it put on display anywhere, but it feels just as impossible to go up to him and tell him she made him a gift. He’d given her the wood without any expectation of getting it back, and she doesn’t know how to tell him he inspired her without it being a big deal. Because it is a big deal, at least to her.

She’s definitely kind of in love with him. It’s probably been a long time coming.

Lincoln texts her to ask where she is while she’s loading the thing into her car, and she says she’s on her way, but he can take as much of the table as he wants. It’s probably going to be a couple minutes, one way or another.

Clarke usually visits Bellamy’s stall before the market has opened. She picks up some berries or tomatoes to put on her table, since free stuff gets people’s attention, and then she doesn’t see him again until the end of the market. It’s easier than leaving her stuff unattended and fighting her way through crowds, and it feels more causal too. She’s not going out of her way.

Which means this is her first time actually seeing him in action, Octavia at his side, one of her own mosaics on display on the corner of his table with a sign directing fans to her table.

Apparently they’ve got a weird thing going, and she didn’t even realize.

“I didn’t know you were doing advertising for me,” she tells Bellamy. He’s looking at his phone, so he missed her coming in, the ideal scenario. She should be able to get out what she wanted to say.

He startles but recovers, smiling a little. “You’re advertising for me, I figured I should return the favor.” He clears his throat. “I was worried you weren’t going to make it. Thought you might be sick.”

“I don’t think I’m selling. But I could use your help with something, if your sister can watch your booth for a minute.”

“Yeah, of course. O, I’ll be back.”

He probably won’t think it’s weird. They’re his branches, it only makes sense that his farm would inspire her. He might try to pay her. He might not even like it. But I made a mosaic of your farm with your branches as a frame isn’t really an unambiguous gesture, and if she plays it cool, he might not even realize it’s a thing. This is what artists do, right? Totally normal.

“I figured you’d want to see what I did with the stuff I got from you.”

He blinks, clearly taken aback. “You already used it?”

“I was inspired.” She opens up the back of the car, not letting herself ask him to close his eyes or making it a big presentation, but she doesn’t have to. Bellamy stops dead, staring, and Clarke tries to see it through his eyes, the sea glass and shells, the leaves coated to keep them fresh, the branches surrounding a scene of blues and greens and golds.

His farm, rendered in whatever made her think of him.

“Holy shit,” he breathes.

“I wasn’t sure if you wanted it, I thought I should give you first dibs, but–”

He kisses her, this quick shock of contact that just lasts a second before he seems to realize what he’s done and he pulls back, eyes wide behind his glasses. He really is, well–Bellamy. A constant background presence in her life that she wants to make much more prominent.

Someone she’s, somehow, very fond of.

“Sorry,” he says, searching her face like he’s trying to figure out if he should be saying that. “It seemed like the right response.”

Clarke winds her arms around his neck. “It was,” she says, and kisses him again.

They don’t make it back to their stalls for a long time.

When Clarke Griffin is twenty-six, her boyfriend proposes and she leaves her beach house to move to his farm instead. They convert the barn into a studio and she spends her mornings helping on the farms, her afternoons working on her art, and her nights with Bellamy, always with Bellamy.

It’s not the life she imagined, when she was young, or even when she came to Arcadia for the first time. But somehow, it’s exactly what she wanted.

#wildcard47

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everlarkchristmasgifts · 6 years ago

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Thanks to all the mods putting this Holiday prompt page together! Thank you for all your hard work and contributions to the Tumblr everlark family now and in the past.

A/N: This is part one of a hasty, four-day attempt to multi-part a drabble set for @everlarkchristmasgifts ‘s prompts. It may not get done on time, but they say it’s good to believe in miracles at Christmas, lol.

This part rated G

Thanks to @alliswell21 for giving it a beta read on quick notice.

And… *deep inhale, because why on earth am I trying to butcher one of my favorite stand alone drabbles with a sequel???**… this follows on the events of Pasty White Raisin.

________________________________________________

“Shopping…”

It was twelve days to Christmas. They’d missed Christmas last year. It could’ve been their first Christmas, but Peeta had been too stubborn to let a woman “waste her life” on a washed-up baker twelve years older than her.

She’d won, by the end of the Winter thaw. He’d already been in love, but he’d finally let himself love, and everything that had seemed to mean to him.

Well, everything within the parameters of being a gentleman.

He’d insisted on her making him work for her good favor, and at first it had been a funny game, his insistence that he court her, a delicious, slow romance of soft kisses and interwoven fingers and getting to know each other over conversations, dinners, or during walks. But the game had given him time to reconsider what he might be getting in to.

Which was robbing her of a future she deserved.

So ultimately, he’d come to use the game as a way to buy time to fortify the barriers so strongly she’d be forced to admit she should cut her losses.

And when she’d still refused, he’d cut her losses for her, before the summer heat had waned, with an “I’m sorry, Katniss, this isn’t working for me,” followed instantly by firing her from doing the bakery’s books, which she’d been doing part-time for the low cost wage of a half-dozen cheese buns a week, and refusing to respond to her texts or voicemails.

At Thanksgiving, she’d shown up at his door, asking if they could spend the evening together, talk. Consider reconsidering.

He’d shaken his head and closed the door on her, but not before his face had presented a few moments of unmasked regret and longing.

She’d almost gone to a hardware store for an ax to chop his door off its hinges.

When she’d called her uncle Haymitch in tears from her car, still sitting in the bakery’s parking lot, he’d agreed chopping down Peeta’s door was an acceptable strategy, except there wouldn’t be a hardware store open on Thanksgiving Day.

So this Christmas season— the Christmas that could have been their second Christmas, or at least their first— just a year after she’d chosen him, the rejection had left its mark on her. She couldn’t face flying out west to spend Christmas with her sister and mother. Would not be able to muster the emotional energy necessary to pretend she was okay for a whole evening spent with her friends, despite their invites.

No, she and Haymitch were going to spend it getting drunk on vodka, eating crock-pot roast and microwaved mashed potatoes, and watching either a marathon of The Profit, or Rocky, depending on which one of them won the coin toss.

So with twelve days to Christmas, Katniss Everdeen decided it was time to say goodbye once and for all.

Well, twelve times, for all.

Twelve ways to say she loved him.

Twelve ways to say goodbye.

Twelve ways to say both at the same time.

Twelve days, twelve gifts.

And it was going to start with a Thursday, lunch hour shopping trip.

“Kat, where you going?”

Odair was the afternoon manager for the restaurant side of the brewery operation where she was a bookeeper. He’d stepped so quickly in her way she almost couldn’t stop before walking into him.

His hands here clasped behind his back and he was grinning. His up-to-something look.

“Lunch,” she said, guarded.

“Right. It’s treason to buy lunch from somewhere other than here. And anyway, you eat lunch from a brown bag. Every day. You’re so frugal, you probably even reuse the same bag until it’s toast. No, Katniss Everdeen looks like a woman on a mission.”

She narrowed her eyes.

“Then it would make sense to get out of my way.”

He studied her as though he could read her secrets if he looked hard enough.

“You off to see that baker guy of yours? Because I would love one of his everything bagels, and Annie likes the peanut butter chip cookies.”

Katniss swallowed and fought off a wave of pain.

“No, I’m going to the mall to do some Christmas shopping.”

“Oh, perfect then,” like magic, his hand was suddenly in front of her face, waving a hundred dollar bill, as though he already knew where she was heading and was just enjoying teasing her about the other, “I need something pretty for Annie. I was thinking a necklace.”

Katniss felt an urge to punch him, but started to step around him instead. He stepped in her way again, grin back on his face.

“Come on, help a guy out. The last time I picked out jewelry for her, it was a total flop, and you remember it.”

“Finnick, the only reason it flopped, was because you thought it’d be funny to give her a used pendant with someone else’s initials on it.”

“I wasn’t trying to be funny. That thing was an antique. And it was beautiful, and I knew the emeralds would set off her eyes. And anyway, the first initial matched.”

Katniss just shook her head; his problems were his, thankfully.

“Have to go, bye.”

He snagged her hand, yanking her momentum to a stop and then slapping the bill into her palm.

“Just in case something jumps out at you.”

“You realize how terrible it is to ask another woman to shop for your girlfriend.”

Finnick shrugged. “You’re not another woman, you’re basically family. And anyway, I already have her other gifts bought. I just want a wildcard.”

Katniss scowled.

“Fine, but I’m taking two hours for lunch, without losing the extra hour of pay, and you have to cover in case someone needs a bank run.”

Odair winked, then walked off with a, “Thanks, Katniss. You’re the second-best.”

Katniss shoved the bill into her jean’s pocket, so it could help her debit card burn a hole into the denim.

___

She knew what the first gift for Peeta would be, so she parked near the entrance closest to the woolen shop. Unfortunately, that entrance was the least used, and its parking more like the back forty. With Winter being stubborn about providing snow for Christmas, and the mall neglecting to plow that section, by the time she was inside, her feet were wet and freezing from slogging through patches of standing slush. There was a small hunting shop just inside the entrance, one of her favorite stores, and the moment she saw a pair of boots she’d been drooling over for six months on sale for forty percent off, she decided that if she was going to loosen up on the financial reigns enough that week to buy herself a sense of closure about Peeta, she might as well give herself that one treat.

Fifteen minutes later, she was stalking to the sweater shop in knee-high, front lace brown leather boots with reinforced heels and toes, all weather tread, and Gortex lined. And to make it better, her toes were swaddled in thick, high-tech, sweat-wicking winter socks.

She was even smiling by the time she got to her intended destination.

But then as soon as she was inside, her heart sank.

Peeta’s first present was a sweater she’d been eying for him for almost a month, folded on a center display table just inside the entrance. Imported from Ireland, it was a heavy, rough-finish wool sweater, that had a faded quality to its blue. The first time she’d seen it, she’d wanted him in it. Wanted to see how it contrasted with his light hair, complimented his blue eyes, hugged his shoulders, and layered over the waist of his jeans. Back then, she had still be holding hope he’d snap out of it, that maybe Christmas morning they’d be opening presents together and she’d get to see him in it, run her hands along down his arms to sense the feel of it, rest her palms against the scratchy texture of the wool, but feel the warmth and firmness of his shoulders and chest beneath.

But now, she wouldn’t get that pleasure. He would have the sweater. Hopefully, he would wear it. But regardless, she’d never get to see it.

If things went according to plan, someone else would.

She looked through the stack, finding his size and then laying it out, unfolded, over the rest. Her fingers stroked along the back and inside of the collar, where a beautiful, muted orange line of silky fabric had been sewn in to help prevent the roughness of the wool from rubbing against the sensitive flesh of his neck. It was even almost Peeta’s favorite shade of orange.

A friendly young clerk came up, asking if she could be of help. Her bubbling mood was a knife-stab to Katniss’ heart, so Katniss told her she had other shopping to do and was in a hurry. The girl agreed to wrap it and have it waiting for Katniss to pay for and pick up on her way back out of the mall.

The next stop was Eddie Bauer, where she had a clerk box a wheat-colored Henley on a bed of black tissue, hand it over long enough for Katniss to finger press a dog ear into the collar where the top button would normally be, and then finish with the full-on Christmas wrapping treatment. Her first hour was almost up.

Neiman Marcus covered two more gifts, six depending on how one counted, and fortune favored her in a special find that saved her a side trip to Hot Topic. Plus, the clerks there were fast wrappers. She had thirty minutes left for this trip, and, for this trip, only two more items to go.

The most expensive.

A boutique, ultra-high end men’s store cost her savings account exactly eight hundred, forty-seven dollars and sixteen cents. The gift wrapping took absolutely forever. But everything about the work, from the paper, to the simple ribbon, to the ridiculously expensive, and large, carry out bag, was immaculate. It almost made her cry.

It did make her cry, actually. Because signing her name to a payment slip that size made it crystal clear just what she had committed herself to do, and that she would not be the one to see the end result.

But she made a quick stop at Zales, saw what she instantly knew was the right call. It was just shy of two hundred and fifty after tax, but today was her day to spend on others, and Annie and Finnick were good friends, so she pocketed the hundred for her piggy bank, and paid for it out of her checking.

_____

“You’re late. Nice boots.”

“What?”

Finnick rooted around in the Zales bag she handed him for the necklace box.

“You’re late. You said two hours. It’s been a hundred and twenty-seven minutes. Did you stop at the bakery and bring us the bagels?”

“I didn’t have time.” Thankfully.

“Then I’m docking you the seven minutes,” he said without missing a beat, and when he finally got the red velvet box open, his teasing fell away into a look of confusion, and then a threat of real emotion. “Katniss, how did you…” He shook his head and the red headed prankster looked like he might actually hug her.

“Call it fate,” she said, and then started walking back to her office. “And if you dock me those seven minutes, our next limited run is going to be called Odair Pale, ‘cause that’ll be the vat you’d drown in.”

_____

Katniss was out the brewery doors at 5:00pm sharp. She managed to stop by the barber shop and the youth initiative before they closed by six, and that left only one purchase to go.

First, a stop at the bank.

Then, her final stop at the pawn shop.

The old man who owned the shop had held the item for her, and all that remained was for her to bring in the cash for it.

He was sitting at the counter like he was waiting for her— a sale like that, she was probably the one single person he was waiting for that day— and produced the item immediately, including the silky box that went with it, dull and stained by time. She carefully counted out the money, and he carefully wrote her out a receipt in his shaky handwriting.

Pawn shops didn’t gift wrap, but since it was raining, he found a used plastic bag from the back and gave her that to carry it away in.

It felt heavy, the plastic in her fingers as she walked back to her car.

Heavy like an ending.

Heavy like time moving on without her.

_____

By seven, the drizzle was threatening to turn to sleet with the evening’s cooling temperature. Katniss shivered a little, trying to shrink further into her jacket, and was even more glad for her new boots, because the slush in the alley behind the bakery was even worse than it had been at the mall. The windows above her, on the bakery’s second floor were lit; Peeta was at home, no surprise. He’d be watching television, maybe. Or even finishing dinner. Within an hour, he’d start thinking about bed.

For the six or seven months he’d let her into his life, she’d learned his habits fast. They’d never shared a bed and never spent a night together, because he wouldn’t allow it— because he was going to ‘do things right’— but they’d spent plenty of time together. By the Summer, they’d been seeing each other every day. And she’d found so much joy in the not rushing it. It had given them time to fully appreciate the excitement of almost innocent kisses and the silly, mutual attempts to find opportunities for them to be less than strictly innocent, the almost stolen thrill of sitting just close enough knees might touch, or arms might press. The silences and times where they were just around each other, without having to feel pressure that being out on a date, or on a walk, or going to the bookstore together was somehow really only posturing for a race they were supposed to complete by end of the day.

She knew his hours.

Knew not to text him after seven thirty.

Knew he didn’t actually like texting at all, and preferred a phone call, if a personal visit wasn’t possible.

Knew which corner of his couch he liked to lean into when watching television. Knew where his mugs were, and his glasses. Knew which drawer had the silverware, which hall closet had the extra hand towels for the bathroom. Knew he recycled cans, but often forgot to recycle plastic. Knew which episodes of Big Bang Theory were his favorites.

Each step up the steel-grate steps up to Peeta’s second-floor entry, brought another ‘knew’ to her mind, digging the knife a little deeper.

But she kept going, careful to duck a little near the top in case he happened to be at the kitchen sink window, and then leaning the box with the wool sweater against his door, with a note taped to it.

—Don’t open until six on Christmas Eve—

Just as carefully, she crept back down and then took up a position in the blackness behind the dumpster. A pocketful of little garden stones served as her ammunition, and she chucked three at his door with perfect aim.

From the shadows, she watched Peeta’s face appear at the window, and then a moment later, light came flooding out from his doorway. He saw the present right away, but looked around first to see who was there.

He called her name out and for a second she thought maybe he was able to see her after all, but after a few seconds of him leaning out over the rail and looking both ways down the alley, it was clear he didn’t. He came back to the present, gave it a look over, and then went back inside.

She didn’t know whether to feel honored or sad that after a gift appeared for him, the only person he thought to call out in question to was her.

#everlark #everlarkchristmasgifts #day one: christmas shopping #by dandeliononfire #fan fic #2018 #submission

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purplesurveys · 6 years ago

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495

Do you like oatmeal raisin cookies? If I’m starving to death, I can eat them provided that I manually remove the raisins. But if there were other options I could leave it easily. Which smells better - Pez or Play-Doh? I’ve never come into contact with Pez, so Play-Doh is my pick by default. I don’t feel bad about it though cause their clay smells gooooooddddd. Does your hair reach your boobs? Surprisingly, no. It used to grow back really quick in the past, but right now it’s only up till my collarbone and I haven’t had a trim since almost a full year ago. When are you having spring break? Never? And how will you be spending that time? I won’t be?

Have you ever had a crush on celebrity no one knew about? HAH, yes. Wrestlers are technically celebrities and boy is my one guy crush all up in that alley. Do you have a Roku? No, we don’t...I don’t think that’s a thing here. What's something that fills you with anxiety? Pending meetings. Even though I’ve never had one bad meeting in my life, I always think that the next one is gonna go terribly. I never have gotten used to it. Do you like Anthony Green or Jack White? I have no idea who both of them are. I guess the Gen Z-ness is strong here hah. Do you think you're attractive? I know I look okay but like I’m not gonna voluntarily parade myself as ‘attractive.’ Do you drink coffee on a daily basis? No, not daily. Probably 1-3 times a week. I love coffee but I know how bad the effects can be sometimes, so I try not to rely on it for every situation. Do you have strict parents or are they more chill? They were strict when I was a kid, which I understand now because I was a PRETTY FUCKING DUMB KID. I could never clean my school backpack, I took 5 hours to finish meals, I lost every phone ever handed to me, I failed math exams, I lost activity sheets from school and missed assignments here and there, and I stopped playing with every toy I was bought mere days after it was bought for me. I was an absolute nightmare...then I kinda gave myself a huge kick in the ass when I started growing up for real and matured from there. My parents have seen the development through my teens so they've grown to be super chill these days. At what age did you move out of your parents? (or what age will you?) I don’t have a definite plan when it comes to age, but hopefully in the next couple of years.

What age do you think is too old to still live with your parents? Probably like 30. Filipino family culture works a little differently, and parents don’t mind if their kids live with them a little longer. Do you think Clinton Kelly looks like a less scruffy Bradley Cooper? Ok I had to look up this dude so I know what you’re talking about...and hey you know what you’re kinda right! Just in some angles though. Do you always download the free songs on iTunes? I never did this. Have you ever loved a boy who was dating some other girl? Welp, I’ve never loved a boy, period. Is your hair all the same color? Yes. It’s all black, never been touched other than the yearly haircut. Have you ever tie dyed anything? We had to tie-dye a shirt for home econ in Grade 6. Do you know anyone who says 'wow' a lot? That would be me. I can always find a way to use it regardless of how I’m feeling lmfao. Have you ever watched Bob's Burgers? Nope. How many cardigans do you own? One. It used to be Gabie’s but she gave it to me because she says it’s too small for her.

Denim, leather or varsity jacket? Denim! Goes with everything, except denim jeans. Has a teacher ever caught and read a note you were passing in class? No, not like that exactly. But I was once reprimanded because I was the one caught with a note that was being passed around in class that whole time. Like out of everyone in that class, that teacher - who obviously hated me - chose to pick me as her target for that day. I hated the kid who started that note for the rest of the year. Do you know anyone who is afraid of horses? I don’t think so. Do you clean things that are already clean when you're bored? Nope. I like cleaning, but it is NOT one of the things I do when I’m bored. How did you spend Valentine's Day? I don’t even remember...malls don’t take bookings on Valentine’s, so Gab and I had to go to like three different restaurants before we were able to settle in Barcino, which I didn’t even enjoy 100% because it was at that moment that I found out I don’t really like Spanish cuisine. Do you get President's Day off at your school? No. We don’t have that ~holiday~ and UP would NEVER take part in it if we did. Would you rather live in a tropical or arctic climate? I’ve lived in tropical climate my whole life and I could do with some change. What is the last thing you took that wasn't yours? My dad’s car keys. Do you have an older brother? Not biologically, but I’m very close with my eldest cousin and he’s pretty much a big brother to me. What do you do when someone overweight complains about being overweight? My girlfriend does this and what I do is to find something really pretty about her for that day, let her know about it, and keep repeating it so that she feels less shitty. Is there any Irish, Scottish, or Danish in your heritage? None at all. Do you find Asians attractive? That’s my race, so sure? Is it racist to ask if a specific race is attractive or not to someone? Yes. Have either of your parents ever been to jail? They haven’t. Have you ever been to jail? I have a very vague memory of my parents making a stopover to a prison once, and I still have no clue why they did it.

Do you think Urban Outfitters is overpriced? I haven’t been to their store. Are your collarbones prominent? Yesss, I love my collarbones. Have you heard about the Alyssa Bustamante case? No. Bustamante is like insanely a Filipino surname though and I hope she’s just part Spanish or something? Have you ever in your life worn overalls? Yep. How did you react when you heard Whitney Houston had died? I was a little sad because it happened at a time when I was obsessed with Beyonce (and Whitney was one of her idols), but I didn’t know a lot of her songs so I forgot about it pretty quickly. Do you love yourself? What is the brand of desktop/laptop you're on right now? Apple. Are there any words you don't usually pronounce correctly? I’ve never figured out how to pronounce ‘innovative,’ for one. Do you think Helena Bonham Carter is attractive? Y E S. Would you rather listen to Dolly Parton or Dusty Springfield? Dolly Parton, but really, neither. Are you watching The Walking Dead this season? Ooh, I stopped watching 4-5 seasons ago. It sucks now. What TV shows do you keep up with? Queer Eye and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Are you a light sleeper? When I have to sleep lightly, yes. Have you ever forgiven a cheater? I’ve never been cheated on. Would you consider cuddling cheating? Of course. What does the purse/bag you last used look like? It used to be a white tote bag, but now it’s dirty white with a coffee stain at the back lmao. It has a cute doodle of a whale shark for its design. Would you wear heeled/wedged oxfords? I wouldn’t be opposed to those. Go for it. Do you own a blazer? I do. Gunmetal, cooper, silver, or gold? Silver, if we’re talking about jewelry. When's the last time it snowed where you live? Literally never in the entire history of the planet and the universe and time. Can you make a clover with your tongue? I haven’t tried. What's your favorite coffee brand/flavor? Starbucks, caramel macchiato. Have you ever made out with a firecrotch? With a who now????? Do you listen to The Story So Far or Balance and Composure? Neither. Is your belly button pierced? It isn’t.

#survey #surveys

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rebellingstagnationblog · 6 years ago

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I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - The Jackson Five

This song was the only Christmas one I could think of where a kid was freaking out over something, so I snagged it. Even though there’s minimal kissing. And none of it for Santa.

Goofy unloaded a few boxes from the trunk, slipping and sliding his way up the drive to the front door. Gosalyn and Max climbed out of the car, intent on helping when two familiar figures caught Max's eye.

"Hey, Peej! Bobby." He closed the car door and went to greet his friends.

"Merry Christmas, man!" PJ said, the two performing the handshake they'd invented back in high school.

"Christmas was yesterday," said Bobby, lumbering up and resolutely keeping his hands in his pockets. "Isn't that, like, against the rules to wish a Merry Christmas when it isn't Christmas?"

"Well, then Happy belated Christmas," said Max, grinning.

"Nah," said Bobby, waving it away. "That sounds fake."

PJ glanced at Max, a confused look on his face. "I think it's Boxing Day in England."

Bobby considered for a moment. "I will accept Boxing Day."

"Happy Boxing Day, Bobby," said Max.

"Same to you, man."

"Hiya boys." Gosalyn took up her position beside Max, resting one arm on his shoulder and propping her other hand on her hip. "Season's Greetings and all that."

Max wrapped an arm around her waist and sent her a smile.

"Hi, Gosalyn," greeted PJ with a smile.

Bobby gestured at the two. "You two spent Christmas together." It wasn't a question.

Gosalyn nodded, likely hearing the missing question mark; she was very good at reading someone's intent. "Sure did. Had the whole family in a mountain cabin and everything."

"Sounds like an awesome Christmas," said PJ.

Max's smile grew when Gosalyn glanced up at him. "It was. We got to ski, ice skate, build snowmen, had a few snowball fights, the works."

He turned back to his friends, ready to ask how they'd spent their holiday, when Bobby looked at him over his glasses. "When are we gonna have Christmas together?"

"I have your gifts," Max said, gesturing back to his house. "I'm free the next few days, so I'm game for anything."

"Same," said PJ.

"Nah, I meant, like, in the future, man. We've already established that late Christmas isn't really Christmas. We can celebrate Boxing Day this year, but what about next year?"

Max's brow furrowed. "Bobby, we've never spent Christmas Day together."

"But we've always gone and, like, done something Christmasy before the actual day."

"What did you guys do?" Gosalyn asked.

Bobby grinned. "It was rad. We three would practice skating in the ice rink then hit up the diner after. Then, we'd end the day wandering through the city looking at all the decorations." Bobby glanced in between PJ and Max. "What happened to that?"

"We grew up," suggested PJ with a shrug.

"Growing up's a weak excuse." Bobby sighed.

"I mean, sure, but it's the truth," Max said. "It's hard to do all of that now that we're adults."

"We should still try to do stuff, though. Just us three," said Bobby.

Max eyed him. It wasn't like Bobby to be so passive aggressive. Okay, passive, yes. Aggressive? Never. "What's this about, Bob?"

Bobby sighed again, his shoulders heaving up and down dramatically. "PJ is engaged. And you two are practically engaged," he pointed to Max and Gosalyn while shaking his head. "Things are just changing so fast!"

Max's stomach dropped at the mention of engagement. That was… that was out of the blue. Wasn't it? Yeah, he and Gosalyn were in a good place and had been dating for a few years. Maybe Max had decided that he didn't want to date anyone else and, after living with her for a few months, was pretty interested in settling down with Gosalyn more permanently.

One day.

Not tomorrow.

He ignored his nerves and flashed PJ a grin, stepping forward to hug him. "Congrats, man! When did you do it?"

"Christmas Eve. We spent it just the two of us and it seemed like the right time."

Gosalyn hugged PJ as well. "Congratulations! When do I meet her?"

"New Year's Day?" PJ suggested. "We're gonna go see all the food stalls downtown before they leave for the year."

Gosalyn glanced at Max, who grinned and nodded. "Sounds good."

"We'll meet you there."

"This is what I mean!" Bobby lamented, tossing his hands up. "You guys are gonna do couple things together."

Oh.

That's why Bobby was being so weird.

He was afraid of being left out.

"You can come, too, dude," said PJ.

"The more the merrier," agreed Max.

"But that's, like, weird, right? To keep inviting your one sad single friend along?"

"It's only weird if you make it weird," said Gosalyn.

Bobby shrugged. "I guess. Just… I like things when it's us three. Now there are five."

"Look," said Max. "It's gonna be that way from now on. The five of us. And sometimes Gos and I will go do stuff alone and other timed Peej and his fiancé will go do stuff alone. Things are changing, sure, but we'll still be friends. And the three of us will still go hang out, just the guys."

Bobby studied Max and PJ for a few moments. "You promise?"

"Of course, dude," said PJ, slapping Bobby on the back.

Gosalyn's phone rang and she dug it out, stepping away to answer it, as Goofy loped back down the driveway.

"Merry day-after-Christmas, boys!" said Goofy, grinning.

"Merry Christmas, Mr. G," said PJ.

"Happy Boxing Day, Mr. Goof," said Bobby.

"Maxie, help me take in the rest of these decorations then ya can do whatever ya want with your friends."

"Sure, Dad."

"Sorry, Mr. Goof, I have to go," said Gosalyn, hanging up. "Needed elsewhere."

"You need me to drive you?" Max asked.

"Nah, I already called a cab." She waved her phone.

Goofy scooped her up into a hug before she bid PJ and Bobby farewell. She briefly kissed Max and he whispered, "What's happening?"

"Papa Wolf wants me to visit. I think this is our gift exchange? I never know. I just have to be ready."

Max smiled. This was their gift exchange. When Negaduck unveiled his gift for Gosalyn that was so big he needed her to stay away from the Negaverse until it was ready.

Max had hoped bringing her to Spoonerville would help in keeping her distracted, and it seemed to have worked. And just long enough.

"Text me later." He wanted to hear what Negaduck had been keeping under lock and key.

Her car pulled up to the curb and she smiled. "Sure thing. Congratulations again, PJ. Bobby, don't make it weird."

They laughed and waved her off.

It had been awkward, mentioning that Gosalyn and Max were so close to getting engaged. But would it hurt anyone if Max casually walked into a jewelry store? Just to look? Get an idea?

Probably not.

#darkwing duck #geronimo series #season of light #25 days of ficmas #max goof #pete jr #pj #bobby zimmeruski

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wrkmhy · 2 years ago

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5 Jewelry Wholesale Strategies You Never Thought Of

In order for the 5 wholesale strategies to work for you, it is best to have these things already in place:

Wholesale Pricing

Cohesive Collection(s)

Know your Dream Client (this makes finding your Dream Stores easier)

Wholesale Terms & Conditions

Line Sheets

Production Systems

Now, let’s dive into the 5 jewelry wholesale strategies -

#1 Communication:

Selling jewelry wholesale is all about creating and building a relationship with the store. Communication is something you do — right? Now take it further by researching, asking questions, and being proactive.

Research. The goal is to have a great partnership with the store so do your research. Check out their website, read their Yelp reviews, physically go into the store (if possible), check out their social media (follow them) and Google them. The more you know about them the easier it will be to approach them. When you approach them, do so with sincere interest and a desire to get to know them. It is about them and how you can help them. Keep in mind they need products for their store, and you can help them!

Ask questions. Get to know the buyer by asking questions and listening. Questions like: What do you love about your business? When do you do your store buys? What trade shows do you attend? What is your magic price point? The more you get to know the buyer the better partnership you will have.

Be proactive. Make it very clear that you will be following up with them. Ask how they would like for you to stay in touch — by email, phone, snail mail, text, or in person.

Keep in mind that buyers are busy, and they will not always respond. Even when you are in the final stages of closing a sale, the buyer may not return your calls for weeks. Do not make yourself crazy by assuming the worst or trying to figure out what happened. Keep on it and continue to reach out and follow up.

Send postcards. Want a guarantee that a buyer will see your work? Send a postcard. Emails can be missed or looked over and calls can go to voicemail, but people will always go through their mail. I recommend sending postcards a minimum of twice a year. The best times are early January and early August.

#2 Sales/Make it easy for them:

Store buyers are busy, so the easier you make it for them the better. Here are a few things you can do.

Create pre-packaged offerings: By offering a package you are helping a buyer take out the guesswork. A few different packages you can create are — a best seller package, a new collection package, an all sterling silver package, all gold package, a mixture of silver and gold package, and/or a special holiday assortment package. Don’t go overboard with packages, 1–3 is great!

Take pictures (nicely merchandised) of the different packages so you can show the buyer. Great pictures can make an impression and a sale!

Create an order for the store: For your existing wholesale accounts ask the store buyer for their current sales reports plus review what they have ordered in the past. Take that information and create an order for them. Send it to the buyer to review, letting them know that they can make any changes.

Make 1 order into 2: When working with the store buyer on an order, suggest putting together a 2nd order to ship a few months later. Let the buyer know that they can make adjustments to the second order by a certain date then call them a week before that date to confirm the order. This is especially great for the holiday season.

#3 Building the Experience:

We are living in the experience economy, and what better way to bring your brand to a store than offering to do a trunk show… with a twist?

The twist could be a talk on the properties of gemstones, maybe partner with a local stylist and have them style the customers with your jewelry or you could bring in your tools and do a demonstration. Get creative with what you do.

Trunk shows are a wonderful way to test your product at a new account or strengthen your relationship with an existing account! They are also a great way to get to know and educate the store associates on your brand. The more they know about you and your jewelry, the better they can sell it! By creating an experience for the customers, you provide something truly memorable.

A great example of this is when a designer did a trunk show where she offered a mother-daughter bracelet-making class for the first 20 people who RSVP. She used materials that were no longer part of her line and the class was only 30 minutes. The event was a big success!

It is important to note that videos are the “it” marketing tool right now and they are a fantastic way to share your story. Other ways to use video is to show the making of a piece of jewelry, share customer testimonials, provide the meaning of different stones, etc. These are also awesome to post on social media.

#4 Networking:

Don’t hide behind your bench or your computer, get out there and make connections. Networking is one of the most powerful things you can do for your business. The goal is to expand your existing reach. Actively network by attending one to two networking events a month. I suggest one business event and one fun event. For example, a chamber of commerce meeting and a gallery opening. Wear your jewelry to the event, bring business cards with you, and always ask for business cards. Add them to your CRM (customer relationship management) system and follow up with everyone you meet.

Networking is not just about growing your business. It is also about you giving back to your community and helping others to grow their businesses. Even if the people you meet don’t need your services, chances are they know others who do — and will happily recommend you!

#5 Personal Touch:

Don’t just meet expectations, exceed them by surprising and delighting your buyers!

A simple gesture can go a long way toward gaining customer loyalty in this competitive marketplace. Handwritten notes, a quick phone call, sending a birthday or anniversary card, or sending flowers or homemade cookies can do more to earn your buyers’ long-term trust than any discount or special price. Being kind and considerate is also important. We are living in a fast-paced world and these personal touches will make the buyer feel appreciated. People want to work with people they like and trust. Be personable and present yourself in a way that best represents your brand and your vision.

If you are serious about wholesaling your jewelry, these strategies will help to build relationships with prospective and existing accounts, keep your business top of mind, and ensure that they won’t forget about you!

As the first company to propose pricing by weight (Kg), jewelrykg has a more obvious sales advantage in the market because they are the first to propose a new model of wholesale jewelry and put it into practice:

1. The product line is affluent, and the product styles per kilogram are diversified and suitable for personal use or wholesale sales.

2. All the products sold by kilograms have independent packaging, not bulk jewelry on the market, and do not have independent packaging. They are all defective products. It will not affect the customer’s secondary sales or gift giving.

3. The quality of the products is good. The products sold by kilograms come from jewelry factories, which are packaged and sold at low prices for the rapid return of cash, or some products that have broken contracts. So the product is by no means inferior, and every product has integrity.

4. Complete after-sales system.

5. The products sold by kilograms are sent in random styles, and every purchase is full of surprises. The buyer can even make a wish to get her specified product included in the package sold by the pound.

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sueboohscorner · 6 years ago

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#Bull Season 2 Recap

Bull comes back next week, so I’m here to give y’all a refresher. Season 2 was a bit hit or miss, so I’m going to tell you what to watch and what to skip.

School for Scandal: Watch. Diana Lindsey is back and she’s defending a woman (Minka Kelly) who claims she killed her husband in self-defense. She didn’t. She shot him because he refused to change their prenup. Chunk decides to go to law school.

Already Gone: Skip. Bull defends a kid who killed his girlfriend because she asked him to. Bull gets him off.

A Business of Favors: Watch. Judge Abernathy asks Bull to help with a case her son is working. It’s a fraternity hazing case, and the boys get off so easy it made me want to scream, but Bull does his job. Marisa starts dating Kyle.

The Illusion of Control: Watch. Bull is sued by a famous actress for giving bad advice. Bull hires Ron Getman (Brad Garrett) to represent him. Marisa gets subpoenaed as a witness, and Bull cares more about her than himself. There are some plot holes, but it’s a great character episode for Marisa and Bull.

Play the Hand You’re Dealt: Watch. Bull’s old college roommate is a dick, but he didn’t kill anyone. Tribal court has a whole new set of rules, which are fascinating to watch. What makes this episode though, is Bull’s inner monologue when he meets Kyle. It’s hilarious, and he ends up being right.

The Exception to the Rule: Watch. A lawyer who I am still convinced is Bull’s kid asks Bull to help his mom, who just happens to be Bull’s high school sweetheart. This is a really sweet episode, and it shows Bull with the fakest mustache ever.

No Good Deed: Skip. A group of teachers changed students’ test scores. Bull defends one of them, claiming that she isn’t as guilty because she only changed one student’s test. Bull loses the case, but there are no actual consequences. Marisa catches Kyle going through her stuff, but he convinces her not to worry.

The Devil, The Detail: Skip. Bull goes up against another trial scientist in a drug trial. This episode isn’t necessarily bad, it’s a good Cable episode, but it’s really choppy. The parents take a settlement that they said they didn’t want, a guy doesn’t get punished for perjury, and Bull’s a huge jerk for most of it.

Thanksgiving: Watch. A boxer doesn’t throw a fight that he’s supposed to throw and gets set up for murder. There are actual consequences in this case, which is good. There are some great character moments in this episode too. Benny meets a girl, Chunk has a kid, Cable realizes how great parents are, and Kyle steals all of Marisa’s money.

Home for the Holidays: Watch. A little girl wants to get emancipated from her parents. Bull helps, but it backfires when he finds out that her mom died and that’s why her dad has been struggling. It’s completely adorable once everything is all sorted out. Bull even pretends to be Santa. Marisa also gets help from the rest of the team on the Kyle front and she catches him. Merry Christmas!

Survival Instincts: Skip. A sixteen-year-old girl is catfished, held against her will, and forced to rob a jewelry store by an older man. It’s intense and not one I would watch again, especially because of the ending. She gets back on her computer and the cycle might start again.

Grey Areas: Watch. This is possibly the best episode Bull’s ever done. Donovan is Moriarty to Bull’s Sherlock and the conflict is fabulous. We also finally get a client who is guilty.

Kill Shot: Watch. Bull has to defend a rich lady whose husband was shot. It turns out that they aren’t rich, and he had himself shot so that his family would get the payout from his life insurance. Unfortunately, once she proves her innocence, they don’t get the money. Bull has to get help from a tabloid reporter. I loved the legal point that just because someone famous is accused of something, it doesn’t make them guilty. This is also the first appearance of Chunk’s jerk professor.

Keep Your Friends Close: Watch. An assistant U.S. attorney comes to Marisa with a case. A guy hacked into Air Traffic Control. Said hacker’s pregnant girlfriend was Cable’s old roommate and completely screws her over. Cable ends up going to prison. It all works out in the end, but Bull fires her. This was a good decision, and now that the actress is gone, one that probably should have stuck.

Witness for the Prosecution: Watch. A DA needs Bull to convict Hazel Diaz, a crime boss that feigns schizophrenia every time she’s in court. Bull beats her by playing chicken with schizophrenia medicine. She caves before they give it to her.

Absolution: Watch. A man was convicted of murdering a woman her barely knew because of a coerced confession, DNA, and bitemark evidence. Bite mark evidence has gone out of style. It was one of Bull’s first cases and he retries it. Turns out, one of his coworkers killed the girl. What you can skip is Chunk’s strange dream sequence about his daughter.

Gag Order: Watch. Chunk’s daughter comes for college visits. One of her prospective professors has just been arrested for breaking into the headquarters of a dating app. She was set up, and the company was legitimately sketchy, so she wins and gets to publish her article. By the end of the episode, Chunk and his daughter are kinda good. Cable gets her job back.

Bad Medicine: Skip. Bull defends a drug dealer and gets her off.

A Redemption: Skip. This one is so weird. A guy robs a bank and his brother inadvertently becomes his getaway driver. Even though the brother has done nothing wrong, he runs away and changes his name. He gets called in 18 years later. He should theoretically have some consequence for running from the law for 18 years, but nothing.

Justified: Skip. An abused pregnant woman shoots her husband in his sleep. Bull also had a sister that was abused. Chunk’s professor fails him. Skip because of heaviness of content, not because it’s bad.

Reckless: Watch. Benny is dating the girl from the Thanksgiving episode. He tells Bull that Isabella is getting remarried. Bull drinks excessively and is put in the drunk tank with a mute guy who is kind to him. Marisa bails Bull out and gives him a stern talking to. Bull finds out that the mute guy is on trial for arson, rape, and murder. The rest of the team is not happy about him taking this case, especially Benny. He doesn’t like death penalty cases. Marisa is in therapy. Bull apologizes to Isabella. At the end of the episode, he leaves court to get a drink.

Death Sentence: Watch. Bull dreams of Isabella taking him back, and then is woken by Marisa. He fell asleep drunk in his office. The verdict is guilty. One week later, Marisa tells her therapist that her and Bull might have a codependent relationship. The prosecutor brings Bull a possible souvenir from who he thinks is an accomplice. Bull thinks it’s a souvenir from the real killer. Chunk gets his professor to profile both the killer and the accused on the stand. They make up, and the professor asks Chunk to lecture on trial science. Marisa quits via a letter that she puts in Bull’s desk. She later rips it up. Wayne Norton is the actual killer, and once the FBI realizes this, they set aside the verdict. Bull then promptly goes outside and has a heart attack.

#Bull #CBS Bull #Dr. Jason Bull

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