#i was in the middle of serving a customer go upstairs to get stuff for them

[killa-trav]

where were you when sebastian vettel posted on instagram for the first time

[kairiscorner]

Hello and goodevening po!! Can I ask for a Miles x Gn!Filipino!Reader where the two have been bsfs since like middle school and they've just started dating and one day reader's family invites him over for dinner where they serve adobo and pork sinigang, and him and the parents are just casually talking while the little siblings are being complete chismosas abt y'all and stuff and when your finally only with him in your room and everything is romantic your brothers are lit just stalking y'all and suddenly teasing you and your just chasing them out embarassed 😭

(Aaah i'm really writing this in the notes app for practice bcs this is my first request but i just can't get this out of my head 😭😭😭, also pls take your time on this time, don't need to rush and gl on that miguel fanfic!! <33)

AH HI !! DWDW, thank you btw <:DD (mgee it's just sitting in my gdocs collecting dust LOL) BUT GOOD LUCK WITH WRITING THAT TOO ON YOUR END, I HOPE YOU LIKE WHAT I MADE <333

(reblogs are greatly appreciated, it helps get my content out there! if you guys like what you see, please reblog it too <:D)

gonna admit it? miles x gn!filipino!reader

summary: you and miles are just really good friends, but your family wishes you two were a little more than that–and your siblings are eager to witness how in love you both are with each other. word count: 1,184

you invited miles over for dinner, which was common practice in your family's household. he wasn't any stranger to this custom, in fact, he treated your family as if they were his own. he got along with your parents quite well, calling them 'tio' and 'tia' and extending his hand out to them to receive their blessing. he was who your parents wanted for you, a decent guy who was respectful, cheerful, helpful and loving–but you and miles swore there was nothing going on between you two.

"i just really care about them a lot, tio, tia." he said as he got himself another bowl of adobo. you pretended to gag as you got yourself a pork sinigang, which miles rolled his eyes and smirked at. you two had this silly little rivalry between you two where all friendships would be forgotten when adobo and sinigang were on the table; he always chose adobo, and you always chose sinigang–never the other way around. your parents chuckled to each other and shot a devious look at you and asked you if you and miles weren't lying, to which you chortled out your response. "siyempre naman po, i'd never pick a boy who'd choose adobo over sinigang, no..." you muttered as miles made a yapping motion with his hand that mocked your expression as you spoke, eliciting laughter from your younger siblings as he laughed along silently with them.

you shot them an intimidating look and kicked miles lightly in the shin to get him to stop being so smug as your parents smiled to themselves, finishing their meals as you and miles still bickered in a friendly way on how adobo and sinigang are better than the other. you loved miles, apart from his–what you believed–very twisted way on taking the adobo versus sinigang debate, and was extremely happy to be his friend. you have known miles ever since middle school, and since then, you two have never been anywhere without the other. most of your friends had shipped you and him together, going on and on about how cute of a couple you two would be.

your family was obviously no stranger to this incessant pairing between you two, and you were relieved they liked miles enough to treat him like he was family, but you absolutely hated how annoying they got whenever you mentioned him or they saw your posts on instagram with him in the pictures. like tonight, your parents kept asking you subtly (and not so subtly) for hints between you two, if you two changed your minds and were secretly dating now, or...? well, you didn't have to think about your answer too much, because the answer was the same as always: siyempre, hindi.

your parents pretended to believe you as you and miles were going to head upstairs to your room to just hang out, your dad stopped miles on the way and reminded him not to do anything stupid with you, and shot you a look of warning, as well, as your mother chimed in and told you the living room was a better option to 'hang out'. you tried telling your parents nothing weird or dangerous would happen anyway, while miles poked fun at you from behind to entertain your little siblings–making silly faces behind your back as you spoke.

you turned around quickly as soon as your parents finally let you and miles go, smiling a little at miles' funny faces. you rolled your eyes at him as you took him by the hand and dragged him up along the stairs. your little siblings followed you two up without you knowing, and they were giggling to themselves as they snooped around and watched you two, hoping you two would finally kiss.

you and miles just sat on tour bed together, not really doing much but just teasing each other. miles really refuses to let go on his love for adobo, and you refuse to let down your stance that sinigang is superior. amid your friendly argument, you started to tickle miles to get him to let up his side. miles cried out for you to stop tickling him through peals of laughter as you laughed alongside him and tickled him even more. your siblings were watching you both by the door and squealing in delight to themselves as they took out their phones to film and capture this moment, while also debating on which ship name would be better for you two.

your tickle fight with miles wasn't one-sided, as miles tickled you back with full force, causing you to squeal out in laughter as you tried to subdue him. your siblings watched the whole scene unfold, and their hopes that you two would get closer was fulfilled when miles accidentally got on top of you as his tickling got a little out of hand. you both quit tickling each other and laughing as you were both now face-to-face with each other so up close. "i... i can, um, sorry. i-i'll get off now." miles stuttered in embarrassment as he tried to get off you, but you held him by the shoulders and gently pulled him back down closer to you. "huwag, ah... please stay." you pleaded with him as your face felt hotter as you pulled him closer.

miles smiled as he got more flustered in the face and did as you asked him to. "alright, but you'll admit adobo is better, right?" he asked you in a teasing voice as you cursed him out playfully and smacked him lightly on the arm. your siblings couldn't handle it anymore and squealed loudly as you two got closer. they screamed in utter delight at how adorable you two looked, and as you heard them, you momentarily got off from under miles and creaked the door open slowly as your siblings celebrated your admission of feelings towards him--well, almost admission of feelings, at least.

you coughed loudly, which made your siblings turn to face you slowly, as a raging fire was kindled up in your eyes, you screamed at them and told them to hand you their phones and never to speak of what they witnessed to any living soul, ever. "SINASABI KO SA INYO, MUMULTUHIN KO KAYO, KAHIT PAG PATAY NA AKO, 'PAG PINAKITA NINYO SA KAHIT SINO YAN, HUMANDA KAYO SAKIN!" you exclaimed as your siblings ran away from you, with miles poking his head out the door as he watched you hunt down your siblings and see them begging for mercy from you as you waved your slippers around to scare them even more. he chuckled as he leaned against the door frame, calling out to them, "hey, send me the videos and pics! i gotta have a copy of them!"

you berated miles from a distance as you kept threatening your siblings never to tell your parents or anyone about what they saw. though miles doesn't mind if anyone else knew about you two like that... he'd like to know from you yourself how much further this 'friendship' between you two will go.

[piastrinorris]

An Unambiguous Love [6/10]: The Next Day

1 :: 2 :: 3 :: 4 :: 5 :: 6 :: 7 :: 8 :: 9 :: 10 ::

alternate AO3 link

Pairing: Steve Harrington x Eddie Munson x f!Reader

Genre: fluff

Summary: Your favourite customers really make it easier returning to the town you never went to school in. If only your friends at work would stop trying to play matchmaker between you.

Chapter 6 word count: 3416

A/N: Can y'all guess one of my all-time favourite franchises based on this chapter? Betcha can't!

You wake up somewhere between Steve and Eddie, cramped up on the same couch, but covered in a blanket that you don't recognise. Your head feels as though it's vibrating, though. Nothing painful, just… Really uncomfortably annoying.

You're grateful that Eddie had insisted on being in the middle, as they're still snoozing away. You hear whisperings in the kitchen, so you gently slide out of Steve and Eddie's arms and tuck the blanket back over them before you head over to join Johnathan and Nancy. “Good morning, sleepyhead! How are you holding up?”

You rub your eyes and yawn, “Head feels… Gross. But other than that I’m not so bad. Been worse. Sorry that I crashed here on the first night I met all of you,” you mutter, but Nancy simply smiles warmly back at you.

“That’s totally fine! That was gonna be the plan if we all ended up being in the condition we all got into, anyway. The kids are all still down in the basement, and Robin’s in Mike’s room, Any sign of life from the boys?”

“Other than their snoring, they’re out of it,” you explain with a soft laugh, leaning against a counter. 

Johnathan hands you some pain relief and some water, which you take gratefully. “I’m making eggs. And - and bacon, if you like any of that stuff.”

You smile, “Either, either’s fine. Thank you.”

“Both it is,” Johnathan nods back, throwing a towel over his shoulder and picking up a pan.

Robin’s next to join you all. She takes her place next to you, leaning against your arm. “Congrats on surviving your first party with us. Welcome to it being exactly the same, every single time, with the same hangover, every single time.”

You smile between them all, “Sorry, again, that I kind of just stuck with -” you start, but Robin swats at your hand lightly.

“Stop that, I told you last night, it’s totally fine. We knew you already knew those two so we assumed you’d be more comfortable with them anyway.”

“Hopefully we’ve made our case now too, though,” Johnathan pipes up, before asking you how you prefer your eggs.

“Totally! Do you know your phone number? I can add it into my diary!” Nancy holds a finger up and then goes rushing upstairs to her room.

As she returns, and you’ve been handed your breakfast, you hear a voice behind you, “Uh, hey, what’s a pig’s favourite duet?”

You look over at Steve, “Why would a pig have a fav-”

“Don’t Go Bacon My Heart,” he grins, taking a streak of bacon from your plate, waving it in the air in front of you and chomping on it, still smiling as he chews.

“Jerk!” you frown and he laughs.

“You can just take some of mine,” he shrugs.

Johnathan scoffs, “And what makes you think you’re getting any?”

“How else is poor Y/N going to recover from the starvation she’s been subjected to now?” Steve chuckles with his mouth full of food, standing next to you and winking.

Nancy rolls her eyes, “Just do it,” she tells Johnathan, kissing his cheek.

“Any sign of life from Eddie yet?” you ask.

“Took me a good minute or so to get away,” Steve explains. “But he didn’t wake up.”

You frown. “I hope he’s okay.”

Robin cocks her head. “I’m sure he’s fine, I just don’t think he’s much of a morning person. I’m lucky to get eye contact if I see him before school starts,” she explains.

“Got it,” you nod slowly, finishing up your food. Johnathan serves up another plate, feigns giving it to Steve and actually presents it to you. With a laugh, you take great delight in choosing just the right streak to take, as Steve looks on in defeat.

As you finish the last bite of it, you go over to check on Eddie. The way he’s fallen back onto the couch after Steve broke free, his hair sprawls across his face. You gently move it out and he snuffles, stirring ever so slightly. You laugh, “So Steve basically wrestling you wasn’t enough to wake you, but that was?”

Eddie makes a grunting noise that you’re fairly sure you’ve never heard any other human make before. He rubs his eyes open to look at a clock on the wall and immediately shoves his face back into the couch cushions. “I don’t even wake up at this time sober,” he wails into the seat, and you laugh.

“Well, I’ve gotta head off soon, so I just wanted to make sure you weren’t, y’know, dead or whatever,” you shrug.

He moves his head round to face you, with a soft smirk. “Your level of concern is astounding.” You giggle, and he pushes himself up a little before giving up and laying back down again. “Are you really leaving?” he asks with a frown.

“Well, yeah.My family aren’t home for a while, so I have to make sure Marvin’s still got food and water to last him,” you explain.

“Marvin?” Eddie asks.

“Yeah! My cat,” you grin, and Eddie sits upright as though a bolt of lightning has passed through his body.

“You have a cat?! Can I meet him?” His face looks bright, eager; as though he wasn’t just fighting a losing battle with his own exhaustion.

You laugh, “Get some breakfast first.” Eddie groans and flops back in the seat. You try and grab his arm to pull him up, but he deliberately resists, giving you a very smug smile as he remains sitting.

“Steve!” you call out. “Help me drag Eddie into reality, please!”

“’m schtill ea’hing!” Steve calls back, clearly with a mouthful of food. You soon hear the clatter of a plate being put down, though, and he approaches you both.

Eddie makes grabbing motions with both his hands in Steve’s direction. “You gonna carry me, Stevie?”

Steve gives you a deflated look and turns on his heel, but you grab the back of his shirt and pull him back. “No, no, we’re doing it together, c’mon, take one arm.” You and Steve manage to pull Eddie to standing, at last.

Eddie steadies himself, then turns to Steve and holds his face. Steve looks perplexed until Eddie quietly drawls, “You know, it’s not very polite to talk with your mouth full, Harrington,” and gently slaps Steve’s cheek twice before stepping away and continuing in a normal volume, “At least, not while there’s ladies present. Now, where do I find this breakfast I’m supposed to eat?”

You and Steve point him in the direction of everyone else, then Steve turns to you. “Uh, so, what are you… How are you getting home?”

“Well, I was just saying to Eddie, I’ll have to go soon, but I think Eddie wants to meet Marvin, so I guess if you want to as well, you can!” Steve nods. You ponder for a moment, scrunching your face in various ways. “I’d invite the others, too, but -”

“Nah, it’ll be fine,” Steve waves you off. “Nancy and Johnathan like to do their own thing anyway, and Robin has to work this afternoon.”

You frown, “Does that mean you have to, also?”

With another shake of the head, Steve chuckles, “The manager tried so hard to get us to not work together, but we just kept changing shifts around with the others to do it as much as possible. Didn’t work out 100%, though.”

“Got it,” you nod, before both of you rejoin the group. “Sorry you have to work today,” you tell Robin, and she smiles at you.

“That’s so nice! See, not everyone has to wish that I have nothing but sweaty mouth-breathers the whole time,” she pulls a face at Steve.

“Well, that’s what you get for not securing that last part of the weekend and abandoning your best friend in his hour of need,” he crosses his arms, feigning annoyance.

“At least now you’ve got two new best friends to babysit you,” she smiles sarcastically, gesturing to you and Eddie, who is scarfing down eggs like he’s not eaten for weeks.

“I am the babysitter, not the babysittee, thank you,” Steve replies in a tone heavy with sass.

“I don’t think that’s a word, Harrington,” Eddie explains.

“I - You’re not a word,” he mumbles, walking away.

Laughing, you turn to Eddie. “Hey, did you drive here?”

He shakes his head. “I got my uncle to drive me here in my van. Figured it wouldn’t help if word got out that our school paper’s greatest editor has had the school freak’s van parked outside all night.”

Nancy proudly tucks her hair behind her ear. “Thank you, Eddie. Sweet of you to say.” He swings back and forth on the balls of his feet with a small, proud smile on his face.

“So Steve can take us both, right? Robin, too?” You look at Steve who has begrudgingly returned, but Robin interjects.

“It’s fine!” she exclaims hurriedly. “I’m not - I’ve - I’m meeting some friends before my shift starts, anyway. Nancy said she’s happy to drive me.” Both Robin and Nancy nod in unison. It’s too creepy for you to ask further.

Steve, however, looks confused. “Friends? I thought all yours were in this room.”

“Hey!” you frown, swatting at his arm.

Robin laughs, “As sweet as it is of you to come to my defence, he’s mostly right. But yeah, now I meet up with a few other people now and again either before or after work, it’s just a little thing.”

“Well… As long as you’re safe, that parking lot gets pretty sketchy,” you warn.

“Again, appreciate it, but I am a big girl. I can take care of myself once in a while,” Robin nods.

You make sure your sketchbook, pencil and now almost-empty whiskey bottle are back in your bag and hug your new friends goodbye. Nancy once again promises to call you very soon.

You tell Eddie you’d rather keep talking to a minimum so that Steve can focus on directions, which Eddie appreciates as he basically falls asleep again in the back seat, though you frown as Steve hits his turn signal on a road you know you should drive straight ahead onto. “Uhh, hey, you can go straight on from here, it’s faster,” you advise.

“Hmm?” Steve asks, clearly being taken out of his own train of thought. “Oh… Right.” A light blush dusts his cheeks. “I… had kind of plotted the route from my house to yours on my map, I was going to see how well I’d memorised it. But you’re right, this gets you home quicker.”

“Could I get that address from you sometime? I oughta do the same,” Eddie asks sleepily, his eyes still closed.

“Yeah, for sure, I’ll show you it later,” Steve glances into the rearview mirror to look at Eddie, though obviously does not make eye contact with him, slumped over in his seat with his arms folded, head resting on the window.

Still Eddie smiles softly and quietly drawls, “That’s a good boy, Stevie.” Steve’s cheeks tint a darker pink. It makes him look quite cute, actually.

You direct Steve back to your house, and breathe a sigh of relief to see that the family car is not parked up outside. “Okay, we’re safe from any immediate ambush,” you nod.

Steve looks at you, confused. “But didn’t Eddie want to meet someone?”

“Oh yeah, Marvin will still be in, he’s no trouble,” you explain as you get out of the car. You notice that Eddie still hasn’t noticed you’re getting out, and deduce that he must have genuinely fallen asleep. With a semi-malicious grin, Steve opens Eddie’s door from the outside, causing him to fall far enough to wake him up, and fast enough to trigger the safety belt’s stopping mechanism, jolting Eddie’s body. He looks up and flips you both off as you laugh.

You open your front door, make sure the boys shut it behind them, and start calling after Marvin, stepping through the hallway and looking around. You hear a familiar mewl and turn round to see your most favourite being, adorned with markings that never exactly fit together but also somehow did, which is what caused you to name him after your favourite character from your favourite book.

You run back over to pick him up with a laugh. “Are you scolding me, Marvin? Asking me just where I’ve been all night, huh? Who are these strange men I’ve brought home?”

Eddie jokingly bows in front of Marvin and holds out his hand with an exaggerated, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir, you keep a wonderful home.” Marvin simply looks up at Eddie, who then can’t help but bend over him and start stroking him. You gently point out Marvin’s favourite scratch spots, and just how much pressure to apply to each one, and then look over and see Steve, standing several feet away, eyes wide and hands firmly behind his back. 

“Is everything okay, Steve?” you ask. “You’re not allergic, are you?”

He swallows hard, his eyes unblinking and unmoving from the creature in your arms. “So Marvin’s… not your brother? It’s a cat?”

Eddie grins mischievously, taking Marvin from you. “Don’t tell me the great Steve Harrington, the King of Hawkins High himself, is scared of this little guy?!”

“I am not scared!” Steve’s voice raises in volume, but not pitch, and you and Eddie both lean against each other laughing. “It’s just… Cats don’t like me, and I respect their decision by staying away.”

“Steve, you can’t say all cats don’t like you,” you say, but Steve shakes his head.

“Enough have hated me right off the bat that I’m not willing to risk upsetting any more,” he replies, and you giggle. “Whatever it is that I’ve done to offend them all, it’s clearly unforgivable.”

“Alright, let’s not let Big Scary Marv upset Steve any more,” you take Marvin back from Eddie and put him down on the ground. “His food is in a bucket in the kitchen, and the bowls are out there too, would you guys mind, while I grab some things from my room?” You gesture to the door that leads to your kitchen.

“Yeah, c’mon Stevie, let’s go get you on ol’ Marv’s good side,” Eddie grabs him by the back of his sweater and frog-marches him through to the other room. You laugh as you run upstairs.

Gently putting your whiskey back in its usual hiding spot, and your sketchbook back on your desk, you start hunting for what you’re looking for: your map of Hawkins, which you find easy enough; your coloured pencils, which you gather from various spots around your room; and your box full of VHS tapes that you don’t want your brother to find, from under your bed.

You’re perusing what to potentially bring downstairs to watch with the boys when they turn up in the doorway. “So… This is where the magic happens, huh,” Eddie looks around incredulously as he steps in slowly. 

“It’s nothing, really,” you wave off. “Did you find everything okay?”

“Yeah, he’s eating good down there. Stevie even made contact,” Eddie grins.

“Hardly,” Steve replies stoically, as you beam back up at them.

“Oh come on, he was rubbing himself up on your leg!” Eddie replies.

“That means he wants to be your friend!” you gasp, smiling warmly at Steve.

Steve pulls a face. “Nuh-uh. False sense of security? Please, I’m smarter than that,” he taps his head, and you roll your eyes.

“Ooh, is this a journal?” Eddie asks, pulling out a book you’d forgotten to hide.

You cringe, “You’re not allowed to read it!”

“I won’t, I won’t,” he raises his free hand as he studies the cover of the book with the other, twisting it around to look at the whole thing. His brow furrows, “Why write the words ‘Don’t Panic’ on here so big?”

This time it’s your turn to look incredulous. “Are you serious?!” Eddie looks confused. You continue, “Same reason Marvin’s named why he is? The paranoid android? The Hitch-Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy?!” Eddie shakes his head, and you laugh, “Damn, and you call yourself a nerd.” Steve snorts with laughter in the background.

“I am a nerd for fantasy, alright,” Eddie explains. “These superhero comics, this sci-fi stuff, it- it’s nothing like the classics, you know?”

“Oh, so I’m wrong for liking what I like now?!” you fold your arms, watching with glee as Eddie tries to backtrack. As he stammers, you grin, “Come on, if I were anyone else, you’d be ripping me to shreds now, right?”

“Not to break up the Geek Civil War over here,” Steve interrupts, sitting on the floor next to you, “but I gotta know. Why is there a map here, and why is it all… Colourful like this?”

“It’s… A map I photocopied in black and white so I could colour in all the routes I need. Blue is my way to work, green is to the hospital if I ever need it, orange is to the arcade since my brother loves to go there, pink is to the library in case my brother needs to go there for his classes,” you explain.

“Classes?” Eddie asks, putting your journal back and also joining you both on the floor. “He doesn’t go to school?”

You shake your head. “That’s why nobody’s home, they’re taking him on a “field trip” for the day. He, uh, doesn’t exactly thrive in a classroom environment.”

“I know how that feels,” Eddie blows air up into his bangs.

You rub Eddie’s arm sympathetically. “So yeah, they take him out to places a lot to show him how stuff works instead, it’s way better for him. They’re going out of town in a few weeks for a big one.”

“So you don’t see much of them?” Steve asks sympathetically, and you shake your head. “Probably for the better. Parents can be major assholes.”

“Amen to that!” Eddie concurs, before looking at your map. “So, uh, you got this out because…?”

“Because! I wanted to add wherever you guys’ houses are to the map. And if you could add Nancy’s too…”

“Sure thing! Do we get to pick our own colou- now, why would you pick yellow?” Steve asks as Eddie plucks a pencil out from the box.

Eddie narrows his eyes, “Because I’m a ray of fucking sunshine, Harrington. Why have you picked red, huh?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Steve asks with a smirk, before using the pencil to point at himself. “It symbolises my role here, as the rose between two thorns.”

Eddie pulls a horrified expression, “Not 30 minutes ago, I was a seatbelt away from landing on my face because of you two!” to a chorus of laughter from you and Steve.

The two of them have made themselves very comfortable on your floor, in ways that are just very… Them. Steve is sprawled out on his side, propped up on one elbow as he slides his fingers across the spines of your VHS cassette boxes, giving his sass-filled commentary on all of your titles; Eddie is laid on his front, legs bent at the knee and kicking up in the air as he fills in the roads on your map a vibrant yellow, with his tongue poking out in concentration and moving direction based on the direction he’s colouring.

Once Steve finally picks out a few of his “personal highlights” from your collection, you all head back downstairs to watch them. You sit in the middle of the two this time, just each of you sitting as you would on the couch at first. Then heads start to rest on shoulders. Then arms start to move for comfort. Before long, Eddie’s head is more or less on your chest, one arm draped over your stomach, while Steve is nestled between your jaw and your shoulder, with his arm snaked around your back to rest on your hips. You, yourself, have resorted to having an arm around each boy, so that they don’t go numb from being pinned in between anyone else. 

You sit, you watch, you commentate, you laugh. You and Eddie cheer when Marvin decides to fall asleep on Steve’s knees, and it’s not long before, for the second time in 24 hours, you too fall asleep on a couch nestled amongst your new best friends.

[nataliedanovelist]

GF & MvsM - Wanna Talk About Dinos?

This crossover was inevitable. It just works too well. Maybe one day i’ll write a fic about how the folks at Gravity Falls handled the robot-apocalypse. Probably shrugged it off. “Eh. We’ve had worse.” Haha! What if Stan and Ford, cuz they were out sailing, had no clue what happened and when they came back they were like, “Wait, what?”

For now, please enjoy this fic of Aaron making a new friend...

(credit goes to @stephreynaart for her OC Jacob) ~~~~~~~~~~ “Hi, would you like to talk to me about dinosaurs?”

Aaron asked this question more times than he could keep track of, but that wasn’t going to stop him from asking it. It started as a dare from his big sister two years ago, but now it’s a fun hobby. When fifth grade isn’t overwhelming him, scaring him with mountains of homework and horror stories about how hard middle school is going to be, and when he’s run out of YouTube videos to catch up on, he is on the hunt for fellow giant-lizard-lovers like a hungry Ceratosaurus.

“No, okay bye.” But it did get a little tiring to always cross out names and phone-numbers on the phone book with red ink. Hey, a dinosaur of a way to find phone-numbers was appropriate. He read the next number, dialed it, and after a ring or two he asked, “How would you like to talk with me about dinosaurs? No, okay thank you.”

Aaron crossed out another name and sighed, taking a break since he reached the end of a line of numbers. Maybe he should just be grateful for Abbey and accept that no one else wants to talk about the Jurassic Period. Or the Cretaceous Period. Or the Triassic Period. But then a big, old, gray-tinted ad distracted him. He grinned, thinking it would at least be fun to give them a call, and he dialed the number.

Private home phone-numbers were fun, but businesses were also fun! Poor, bored workers would gladly talk to him rather than crabby Karens, and they got paid for it! So Aaron smiled as the phone rang, and he grinned when someone picked up.

“Thanks for calling the Mystery Shack, you’re talking to Mr. Mystery himself! How may I befuddle or bewilder you?”

“Hi! How would you like to talk with me about dinosaurs?”

“Oh, dude! I’d love to, but I’m scheduled for a tour of the Oddity Museum in three minutes.” The man said, and Aaron grinned continuously, because it sounded like Mr. Mystery really wanted to talk with him about dinosaurs. “But hey! Can you hold on for one minute, I think I know a guy!”

“Yeah, sure mister!” And Aaron was greeted by the sound of a catchy jingle about buying t-shirts and mugs and snowglobes. He smiled and wiggled his feet along to the music as he looked outside at the beautiful late-fall afternoon, entertained while he waited.

~~~~~~~~~~

Soos was on the hunt. He planned out the house in his head. Abuelita was taking a nap upstairs, Melody was organizing the upcoming tour, and Stan took Jacob out for ice cream, so he might be…

The owner of the Shack grinned when he stopped at the doorway and saw the man he was looking for, sitting in Stan’s chair, reading a book.

“Uncle Ford!”

The old sailor smiled up at the young man. “Yes, wh-...”

“Do you think you could answer the phone for me? I have a tour and I think this customer’s request is right up your alley.”

“Uh… sure, but w-...”

“Thanks, you’re the best!” And Soos was gone before he could address Ford’s confusion.

Ford was a bit lost, having little to no business with business, but he had learned at this point to trust Soos, so he picked up the phone beside him and was immediately greeted with a sweet, “How would you like to talk with me about dinosaurs?”

Ford grinned and closed his book. “I would love to! All three periods are equally as fascinating to study, but the Triassic contains some of my favorite dinosaurs!”

A young voice gasped on the other line. “Mine, too! Everyone thinks the Jurassic period is so great, and it’s pretty cool, but the Triassic gave us Plateosaurus and the Brachiosaurus!”

“That’s very true! You know, it’s very interesting, maybe depictions don’t include feathers at all, which is a bit frustrating, but perhaps after the news has spread they will incorporate more feathers on merchandise and textbooks.”

“YES! That’s what I wanna do when I grow up, help draw better-accurate dinosaurs!”

~~~~~~~~~~

The phone rang on Sunday. The Shack was closed today, so Stan lazily answered it and was greeted with, “Wanna talk about dinosaurs?”

“Sixer, phone for you!”

Ford ran into the living room, elbowed his twin out of the chair, and took the phone. “Hello again, Aaron! Now, where were we? Right, so Australopithecus. … No, I don’t think… Oh! No, homo habilis was erect, Australopithecus was never fully erect.”

“Maybe he was nervous.” Stan groaned, getting to his feet.

Ford shot him a look as thankfully the young boy on the other end didn’t catch that and happily shared some more fun-facts about homo habilis.

~~~~~~~~~~

While most college students were excited for Spring Break so they could get drunk or lose their virginity, Katie was excited because her family had planned a special secret roadtrip. She was careful to keep up with her family and talk to her parents and brother frequently, but Aaron had a hobby he wasn’t talking about that his parents found out and were thrilled about. Aaron had made another friend.

Rick and Katie did some research and the tourist attraction sounded right up their alley! In the middle of the woods, tons of weird stuff, and a fun roadtrip filled with diners and attractions. They decided to surprise Aaron, and they made up a lie that they would spend Spring Break in California with Katie so she could show her family around San Francisco, when in actuality they would be traveling up the state to the Redwood Highway and see the oddity place, and maybe even allow Aaron to meet his new pen-pal. Or, um, phone-pal.

So after bombarding Katie with hugs the Mitchells threw her luggage into the car and drove off. Aaron turned to Katie and excitingly asked, “So where are we going first? Can we go fix the Golden Gate bridge by painting it gold?”

Katie laughed and ruffled his hair. “Maybe later, right now I wanna show you guys this fun store right outside of town. Here, check out the videos I made for my classes!” And she pulled out some airpods and gave one to Aaron.

“Cool!”

Rick and Linda smirked at each other as they drove north. By the time they reached a little diner in Redding, CA, it was very clear to Aaron that they weren’t in San Francisco anymore. “Come on, just tell me where we’re going!” The boy begged as he fed Monchi a fry.

“The best kind of prizes are the surprises.” Linda quoted.

“Eric, Deborahbot5000, where are we going?”

“Sorry, Aaron, we cannot give that information.” Eric said, he and the other robot sitting politely in their seats, happy to be a part of the social interaction.

“Yes, Mother will bury us if we disobey.” Deborahbot said matter-of-factly.

“What?! No I won’t, sweeties.”

“Won’t you ground us?”

The family laughed and Aaron let the topic go; if he was honest, he loved a good surprise. The big family stopped in a motel just at the California-Oregon border, and the next morning after muffins and coffee and orange juice they were on the road again, passing dozens of trees that made Rick feel at home. Katie happily recorded the trip, trusted to be the documenter for another fun roadtrip, with hopefully not as much mortal peril.

Aaron watched as they left the highway for a simple road, and they passed a big sign. The boy gasped and caught what was happening. “No WAY! Really?!”

“You know, I hear this Mystery Shack even has a Sasquatch.” Rick commented while Linda pulled out a pamphlet from the glove box.

“It says here it’s full of odd things you’ll never see anywhere else, even a dinosaur footprint…”

“Wasn’t there a rumor of there being a Bottomless Pit?” Katie asked, pointing her camera at Aaron to get his reaction.

“Thank you thank you THANK YOU!!!” Aaron cheered, hugging his Dad’s neck and kissing his Mom’s cheek.

“Hey, no worries, buddy.” Rick eased, fixing his shewed glasses. “We wanted to see this place, too!”

“Why don’t we eat a quick lunch and then we’ll take the backroad for the attraction? There’s a coupon in here for a diner made from a giant log!”

And so after being served by a pretty blonde teenager at Greasy’s, they drove through town to get to the backroad. Signs made them confident that they were going the correct way, as well as Eric and Deborahbot5000’s GPS. Then as they turned a corner, a big triangle-shaped building came into view. Aaron grinned at the giant sign with a missing letter. People were already leaving, arms full of souvenirs and one or two already wearing their new hats or t-shirts. Once Rick parked in the Free Parking Lot, Aaron spilled out of the car and ran for the shack, but he stopped.

Katie caught up to him and patted his back. “You cool, man?”

Aaron shrugged, holding his hands in front of him and his shoulders up to hide his face a bit. “I-I dunno… What if… What if he doesn’t like me?”

“Hey, I get it.” Katie admitted. “When I first met my friends I was really nervous. I had talked to them online for weeks and I was worried it wasn’t gonna be what it was all cracked up to be, but it was. Your system worked! You found another dino-lover! You earned this moment. Just take in a deep breath and be yourself, cuz you’re a pretty cool dude.”

Aaron smiled up at his big sister. “Thanks.”

Trusting Eric and Deborahbot5000 to watch Monchi and make sure he used the bathroom, the Mitchells went inside the shack. On the porch there was an ice cooler, a sign reading schedule times for tours of the Oddity Museum, a Help Wanted sign, and two rocking chairs with a game of checkers between them.

Inside the store a few customers filled up the gift shop, alongside t-shirts, snowglobes, a vending machine, a door beside ti that read Employees Only, a bookshelf full of comic on one side and old newspapers claiming alien sightings on the other, a fish tank holding a monkey-mermaid, and barrels full of spaceship keychains and dino claws. A new section called Camping Stuff caught Rick’s eye, selling backpacks, lanterns, flashlights, batteries, canteens, and compasses. Katie opened a comic called Lil’Stanley and laughed at the swears, taking a pic and sending it to her friends’ group chat. Linda looked into the barrel full of patches and grinned at all the fun designs, while Aaron stared happily at the mer-monkey.

The Employees Only door opened and closed and Rick watched as a man in a suit, fez, and eyepatch walked up to the lady at the register and kissed her cheek. The woman smiled lovingly and left while the guy who resembled a gopher checked a customer out. Rick waited until the buyer left to approach the register, leaning an arm on the counter.

“Welcome to the Mystery Shack, dude!”

“Thanks! So, this is gonna sound weird, but my son Aaron talks to a guy here about dinosaurs…”

“No way!” The owner interrupted excitedly. “Good to see you, dudes! I’m Mr. Mystery! Wow, you guys came a long way, huh?”

“Nah, only from California. My daughter is attending art school there.”

While the men chit-chatted and Linda joined them, Katie noticed a guy walking up to Aaron and looking at the mer-monkey. She smiled and tried to read the comic without being too nosy, but she kept her senses on her brother.

“Hm, quite fascinating, isn’t it?” The man in the blue hoodie said. “But I think my favorite is the fossilized footprint. Could be Nanuqsaurus hoglundi.”

“The Polar Bear Lizard?” Aaron clarified, touching his chin as he looked at the dino-print, his back to the man he was talking to. “Maybe, but they’re from Alaska. It’s possible plate tectonics did cause some fossils to be relocated here, but it could also be a Nanotyrannosaurus lancensis footprint.”

“The Dwarf Tyrant? Could very well be. Would you like to talk about dinosaurs after your tour?”

Aaron’s eyes widened as the voice was finally familiar to him. He turned and looked up to find an old man smiling up at him. He had fluffy gray hair with a white stripe running around his scalp, wrinkles by his eyes due to smiling, a cleft chin, glasses, and wore a blue hoodie with a maroon sweater underneath. His hands were behind his back and he smiled down at Aaron warmly, while the boy was jittery and overly-excited. He took in a sharp breath and had to fight every muscle to keep from leaping through the screen door. 

“H-H-Hi…” He peeped. He cleared his throat and tried again. “Y-Yeah, sure! I’d love to! I’m Aaron! Er, wait, you already knew that.” And he held out a hand to shake.

His phone-pal, Ford, chuckled and got on one knee to be eye-level. “Greeting, Aaron! It’s nice to formally meet you.”

Aaron shook his hand and noticed something. He had six fingers on his right hand. A quick glance told Aaron he also had six fingers on his left hand. Aaron grinned with sparkling eyes at his new friend, while the old sailor smiled warmly at the boy that reminds him of his niece and nephew when they were young.

[jobean12-blog]

Top Shelf: Chapter 14- On the same Page

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x reader (bookshop/bartender/baking AU)

Word Count: 2,215

Summary: You two do your best to recover after your meeting with Tony and decide it’s finally time to talk to Grandma Betty. 

Author’s Note: Thank you for sticking with me through this story, it means everything. And I know I say it every chapter but I can’t thank you enough. I hope you enjoy this one and again, thank you all, so very much for reading! I LOVE YOU ALL ALWAYS ❤❤❤

Warnings: slight angst in the beginning, sweet and soft fluff, alcohol consumption, light smut smattering here and there :)

Previous Chapters 

Chapter 1: Enchantment

Chapter 2: Cookie Crumble

Chapter 3: Sweet Anticipation

Chapter 4: Read Between the Limes

Chapter 5: Secrets on the Shelf

Chapter 6: Love Between the Covers *

Chapter 7: Love Lines & Soul Finds

Chapter 8: Drunk in Love *

Chapter 9: Pour it onto the Page 

Chapter 10: Recipe for Love *

Chapter 11: The Pages in Between 

Chapter 12: Bookaholics 

Chapter 13: For the Love of Books

You left the meeting with the full support of Tony and the opportunity for a strong foundation to build your dream, but you were both shaken to your core. Neither of you had said much on the walk home and instead of being consumed with excitement everything seemed to be shrouded in uncertainty. Bucky’s hand is warm over yours and his grip tight, almost as if you might run away from him at any moment.

Instead, you pull him closer, wrapping your arms around his waist and squeezing tight. He returns the gesture, stopping you in the middle of the sidewalk and crushing you to his chest. “I love you,” he whispers into your hair, holding in a breath while he waits for your response. “Bucky. I love you. So much.”

He deflates like a popped balloon and drops his head to your neck, running his nose along the delicate column of skin while he whispers, “I love you.” You start walking again, this time wrapped in each other’s arms and without a word head toward the bookstore. He unlocks the door and you walk in, turning on the small light by the counter.

Leaving your jackets in the back room you head upstairs; the only sounds are of the city outside and the beginnings of an evening thunderstorm. Once you’re in the secret library you grab your overnight bag that you keep for moments like this, filled with some clean clothes and toiletries and change. Bucky strips down to his boxers and a tee shirt before fixing the blankets and pillows.

He lays down and holds the blanket up for you to crawl under. When you do, he gently rests it on your shoulder and snakes his arm around your waist to pull you close. You’re not sure how long you lay there face to face, just tracing over his jaw and lips while his fingertips sweep over your shoulder. Opening his mouth to speak he thinks better of it and kisses you instead, his warm lips gentle as they move over your own.

The thunderstorm outside rages, the loud claps of thunder rattling the skylight while the heavy rain beats against it. Every touch from his hands is just the opposite, a delicate dance that’s both controlled and desperate, taking you apart piece by piece. Even as the storm calms your love erupts, swallowing you both in a sea without end and it’s in the soft light of early morning that you know exactly what your heart wants.

“Bucky. Bucky! Hey Buck. Wake up!” He groans and rolls over to snuggle into your shoulder. “Mornin’,” he mumbles. “Morning baby,” you giggle, poking his side until he looks up at you. “You look happy for 6 am,” he teases, his eyes soft. “I am happy.” He sits up, suddenly feeling more awake and asks, “you are? I thought after what Tony said…” He doesn’t finish the sentence and just frowns looking to you to say more.

“I want to do this,” you say confidently. “It’s just like the first day I met you. I had a feeling. Something I couldn’t really describe if anyone had asked but I felt it just the same.” He takes your hands in his, rubbing small circles over your knuckles and taking a moment to think on his next words. “There is nothing I want more than you, for you to be happy. But this isn’t going to be easy. I think the excitement of a possible fix was overshadowing some of the real big questions. Like the one Tony brought up.”

Moving closer to him you sit between his legs as your fingers smooth down his chest. “I know. You’re right. This will be hard and scary and at times I’m sure it will put a strain on our relationship. But Bucky. If we don’t do this, then we have to live with that choice.” He nods in understanding and rests his head atop yours. “Can you just promise me one thing?”

You slip out from under him, looking him straight in the eyes when you ask, “and what’s that?” His eyes search yours before he speaks, his voice barely above a whisper, “this is me and you. No matter what happens, we’re a team, we’re in this together. Me and you.” Resting your forehead to his you kiss him softly before replying with, “me and you, baby.”

The rest of your Friday moves agonizingly slow at work and all you want to do is hide away in the secret space of the bookshop with Bucky. When the day ends you head back to your apartment, showering and making some food while you wait for him to come by. He has to work at the bar tonight but is stopping by beforehand.

“I want to call Tony so badly, but I know we need to run this by grandma before we take this big step.” Bucky’s eyes are focused on you as he speaks, a slight twinge of worry to his voice. “Yes, definitely. Did you ask her if she wanted to have dinner Sunday?” He nods, pulling out his phone and reading her message. ‘I can’t wait to see you kids. Tell y/n to bring more of that chocolate pie and something new for me to taste test.’

Trying to stifle a smile you tap your finger against your chin, contemplating what to make next. “Hmm, I’ll check my Pinterest. I found some good recipes last weekend. I was also thinking of making an Instagram for my baking, I just can’t think of a clever name for it!” Bucky’s eyebrows draw together as he thinks and his nose scrunches up. “Oh my god you’re so cute.” His surprised look makes you laugh harder. “When you think really hard your nose gets all scrunched up cute and you’re so cute.”

“That’s a lot of cute,” he beams, now scrunching up his nose on purpose. “Ok, calm down, now you look like you’ve got something stuck up there.” The two of you really get going, throwing playful insults back and forth while trying to come up with a catchy name. “What about something like ‘Bookshop Baker’ since you’ll eventually be selling your stuff at the bookshop.” You stand up with a squeal, high fiving Bucky and grabbing your phone. “It’s available! YAY! Thanks baby.”

Saturday night you’re back at the bar with Nat after spending the afternoon together shopping and catching up. Peter waves hi from the other end of the bar but doesn’t approach you and you throw Bucky a glare while he serves another customer. Sam saunters over wearing the grin he reserves only for Nat, but she isn’t having any of it. “You know. If you didn’t scare the shit out of Peter, we would already have drinks. But now, we have to wait because Bucky is busy.”

Sam rests his forearms along the bar and purses his lips. “Well. You know you could also ask your boyfriend and the owner of the bar to get you your drinks.”  Nat’s eyes soften and she whispers something in his ear and Sam walks off with a satisfied smile. “Do I wanna know?” She responds with nothing more than a wink and you know better than to push for more.

Peggy and Steve join you an hour later and you’re so happy that everyone was able to meet up on the same night. The conversation is flowing and even more so the alcohol and before you know it you find yourself pressed against the door of the supply room with Bucky’s hands under your dress. “You shouldn’t be teasin’ me so much baby doll.” His voice is low and husky, and you can’t help the way your body reacts. “What? A girl can’t enjoy watching her man at work.” You know you’re tipsy but you’re having way too much fun and from the feel of it, Bucky has zero complaints.

Your movements are frantic as you palm him through his jeans. “Bucky,” you whine, your lips in a pout when he pulls away. His forehead rests against yours as he catches his breath. “Listen, I want nothing more than to fuck you right here and right now but it’s really busy out there and…” “BARNES! Did you get that Tequila yet? What the hell happened?” Bucky’s hand covers your mouth, his own turned up into a devious grin. “We’ll never hear the end of this if you don’t keep quiet.” Slowly nodding you press your lips together and hold Bucky’s heated gaze as he yells, “Yep, be right out Sam!” You listen as his footsteps fall away and hand Bucky the bottle. “Don’t forget this,” you giggle, turning on your heel and sashaying out the door.

You spend the rest of the night continuing to tease Bucky’s every time you get a chance, loving how clearly hot and bothered he is. It isn’t until you’re in the cab ride home that he acts on it, carefully resting his hand on your thigh and lightly squeezing while he discreetly inches his fingers higher. Your expression goes from shocked to blissful the moment his finger brushes over your underwear and you’re biting your bottom lip to stop from moaning out loud.

Not a moment later he takes his hand away and the cab comes to a stop in front of your apartment. He gets out, a smug look on his face as he holds his hand out to help you. You scoot over the seat and take it, smiling sweetly at him on the way out. You barely make it through the door of your apartment before he pulls the dress over your head and throws it across the room. “This is all I’ve been thinking about,” he growls, lifting you to wrap your legs around is waist.

Sunday morning arrives in a tangle of sheets and naked skin with Bucky’s arms curled around your middle. You start to stretch and wiggle, somehow maneuvering out from his hold without waking him. Once you’re washed up and settled in the kitchen you begin to work your magic. You’re concentrating so hard you don’t hear Bucky come in and ask if you want coffee. It isn’t until he lightly kisses your shoulder that you’re aware of his presence, accidentally slapping him with the spatula in your surprise.

“Oops. Mornin’ Buck.” You smile warily and wait for his reaction. His tongue darts out to lick his lips and he hums at the taste. “Wow, what is that?!” Hopping up and down with the spatula you tell him, “it’s pastry cream for my cream puffs!” He grabs the spatula and brings it to his lips, going in for another taste. “Oh, I don’t think so, you can wait,” you scold before pulling it away.

Later that day you arrive at grandma’s, chocolate pie and cream puffs in hand and your heart in your throat. “Hello kids! Well, don’t these look divine y/n! And there’s that chocolate pie! I might just put this aside for myself and the girls when we play mahjong tomorrow.”  She says it with a wink before pulling you into a tight hug, ushering you both inside.

You and Bucky help set the table and make sure she doesn’t need you to do anything else before taking a seat. She mixes the pasta on the stove and levels you with a stern look. “Ok you two. You better start talking,” she demands, pointing the wooden spoon at you both. Bucky’s eyebrows shoot up and you suck your teeth, giving far too much away.

“Don’t make me withhold the food.” Bucky grumbles, quickly cracking under the pressure and giving you a look. “We might as well talk now doll.” You slowly nod your head and look at Betty, letting out a breath you didn’t know you were holding. “Well, it’s about the bookshop.” She continues stirring the pasta. “I know.” Giving Bucky a sideways glance of confusion you continue, “and we had an idea about adding some things to help business, you know get more customers in.”

Still stirring the pasta, she adds in, “right. Because nowadays everyone is reading e-books and all that nonsense. The charm of an old bookshop just isn’t enough anymore.” Both you and Bucky are shaking your heads in astonished agreement but not speaking and finally Betty’s bright laugh snaps you out of it. “You’re…you’re not upset?” Bucky asks cautiously, gripping your hand tightly under the table.

“Upset? Upset that my wonderful grandson and the love of his life want to help keep the dream of mine and your grandpa’s bookshop alive?” She strains the pasta and brings the bowl to the table. “No. I’m not upset. I knew this day would come and I’m so thankful that you kids are here to do something about it.”

You can feel the tears start to well up, but you try your best to hold them back. It’s Bucky’s reaction that makes it too difficult. He stands and rushes around the table, taking Betty in his arms and hugging her, his quiet, “I love you, grandma,” sending you over the edge. “I love you too, James. Now sit down and eat, you have to tell me all the details.”

@flyawaybay @throwmyheartawayagain @amandatar-06 @nd1998sc @captainchrisstan @vherriepie @godofplumsandthunder @when-the-hell-is-bucky @fire-flv @jamesbarnesappreciationclub​ @irishflutiegirl​ @rinthehufflepuff​ @moonybarnes​ @nordlysinthewoods​ @scarletsoldierrr​ @inflxmes @lauratang​ @my-favorite-fics-and-imagines​ @buchanansebba​ @curlyred2020 @addikted-2-dopamine​ @lady-pswrld​ @buckys-henley​ @emilylyoness​ @lookiamtrying​ @pinkdiamond1016​ @aesthetical-bucky​ @auro-ora​ @bugsbucky​ @buckys-minty-breath​ @bucky-on-my-mind​ @book-dragon-13​ @breezy1415​ @buckys-broody-muffin​ @eurynome827​ @hiddles-rose​ @hailmary-yramliah​ @hawksmagnolia​ @imgaril-lindru​ @itsunclebucky​ @ikaris-whore​ @jhangelface0523​ @jewels2876​ @kaosera​ @loricameback​ @lorilane33​ @littledarlinhavefaithinme​ @littleredstarfish​ @marvelandotherfandomimagines​ @marvelgirl7​ @mushyjellybeans​ @nano--raptor​ @randomfandompenguin​ @sallycanwait68​ @softpeachbarnes​ @the-wayward-robot​ @tuiccim​ @yansi1923​ 

[jungnoir]

hello!! truth be told, i am not entirely certain if your requests are open and stuff, if they aren't, please forgive me, it's honestly my first time requesting so i'm really worried that i am gonna mess up, please don't hate me :((( do you think there's a chance that you'll write some youngk or wonpil fluff (or rival!au,,, or anything would be great,,, honestly) any time soon? if not, that's totally okay, i hope i didn't bother you, thank you regardless and have a great day!!

anatomically correct heart-shaped pretzel;

kim wonpil | food service is way more competitive and romantic than you’d think, believe it or not. rival!au. mall!au. | 1.6k words. | fluff, humor.

a/n: ahhh you’re okay!!! thank you for being so polite. I’m not officially accepting requests as I’m sort of just writing whenever I want to and dropping in. usually, I will announce that I’m writing requests on my blog and leave it open for a certain amount of time. however, I’m being pretty casual with things so I totally don’t mind this request at all! here’s rival kiosk workers at the mall with wonpil

“He’s at it again. Look at him; he’s got an evil look in those puppy dog eyes, that dead customer service smile, that high-pitched “have a good day!” pep in his step. I want to wring his neck like a Shake Weight.”

Your coworker, Dowoon, pauses in the middle of refilling the fruity pebbles toppings to give you a disturbed look, “Okay, Jesus. What is wrong with you?”

You glare right back, “It’s fucking pretzel boy Wonpil showing off again.”

“You mean doing his job?”

Grumbling a “showing off” under your breath, you turn around again to continue your angry brooding when you happen to catch Wonpil’s eyes between serving customers. His friendly smile quickly turns malicious, the boy having the audacity to drop his eyelid down in a wink before going about his business again, annoyingly unbothered by your seething not 20 feet away.

Dowoon was convinced that you were paranoid. Ever since that new pretzel kiosk popped up next to your once very thriving frozen yogurt shop, you’d been noticing business trailing elsewhere. People were trading gummy bears for salty bread and Wonpil’s “personable” attitude, something that you couldn’t quite get over. He wasn’t personable at all. You knew the real truth and yet no one believed you.

It had all started two months back when they’d first opened. You had thought Wonpil to look actually pleasant to talk to, deciding to befriend your new competition to be friendly which, unfortunately, massively backfired. Perhaps you were too bubbly, too optimistic on the first go, because Wonpil seemed to immediately bristle upon greeting. That was your first sign that things were going steadily downhill.

Your next sign was how aware you were that you were dominating the conversation. It seemed like no matter how much you tried to fish out of Wonpil, he wouldn’t budge. His answers were short, blunt, and disconcerting to say the least. After a few failed attempts, you’d promptly agreed with yourself that perhaps Wonpil was just one of those people who went to work, did their job, and left it at that. But then the customers came rolling in.

He was a totally different guy, the bastard.

Everything. From the way he lit up to the way his voice rose several octaves to the way he laughed out loud at every terrible customer joke. It was a pang to your admittedly offended heart. Was there something wrong with you? Did you smell? Was he just having a bad day earlier? It had thrown you pretty off for the rest of your shift, even catching the attention of one of your other usually aloof co-workers: Sungjin.

You just couldn’t place it. You obviously didn’t want to think he simply disliked you and only you, but it was all you had to go on. Why was he so averse to you when you’d done nothing to him? ...as far as you knew, anyway.

He was even nice to Dowoon! What did Dowoon have that you didn’t?!

And then, then, Wonpil started to notice you, but for all the wrong reasons.

It was through knowing smirks and condescending winks that you began to kindle your delicate hatred-baby for Wonpil. He knew he was peeving you off. He knew that when you’d watch him with that barely veiled look of yearning in your eyes for acceptance that he could simply look your way and you’d fluster. He wasn’t kind. He was a jerk. Wonpil was an absolute asshole and no one seemed to think so except you.

Your co-workers called it a friendly rivalry. You called it war.

He was super keen on stealing your customers too, drawing them in from your shop to get them to buy those damn pretzels, just to see you squirm and fumble to turn their attention back. When he’d win, he’d get this smug look on his face and gnaw his bottom lip with a hooded gaze cast your way, practically relishing in your anger and humiliation. You’d dreamt of all the ways you could make that little pipsqueak sing for mercy-

“Hey! Can you do your job or do I need to stand you on the other side of the counter as a cardboard cutout?” Dowoon’s annoyance is not easy to ignore even in the midst of your daydream, and unfortunately, that meant that you would have to come back to your reality. Your cold, Wonpilly reality.

With a lack of vigor that could rival a pubescent boy in band practice, you continue your shift in a disgruntled haze. You don’t want to think you’re being childish about it, but you can often feel Wonpil’s eyes on you while you work, and it’s enough to make you rightfully paranoid. You know the minute you look up that he’s going to have some patronizing expression on his face and, honestly, you wouldn’t be able to hold yourself back from punching it clean off. Only fifteen more minutes, you think to yourself, counting down til the end of your shift. Fifteen more minutes and then I’m out of here.

Dowoon eventually leaves early, mentioning he has a date tonight and that he doesn’t want to be late, and you mumble an affirmative to clean and lock up for him. You’ve got no such plans for the evening, instead planning to relax and enjoy the weekend Wonpil-free. As customers slow to almost nothing, you decide it’s a good time to start closing up.

As you’re sweeping away the debris on the floor, you hear the sound of a fist knocking against glass and decide to look up, ready to shoo away a customer who came too late. Instead of a customer, it’s something much worse.

“Hey,” Wonpil says, one hand in his puffy jacket pocket, the other holding a small take-away bag from the pretzel place, “heading out tonight?”

You’re so stunned by his attempt at casual conversation that you forget to be mean, staring at him in confusion, “Uh... no. Why?”

Wonpil looks both relieved and surprised, clutching the bag a little closer to himself, “Oh... uh, well it’s just that... you know, it’s Valentine’s day. I assumed you had a date.”

Your brain is a Windows blue screen right now. Was it... oh, fuck, how could you have missed it? Today was February the 14th. You flush soon after. No, you had no date. “Nope... but I bet you do. If you came here to gloat about it, don’t even bother. I’m too tired to deal with you right now.”

A look of hurt flashes across Wonpil’s visage, “I didn’t... that’s not why I came over.”

“Then why?” You can’t hide the tired exasperation in your voice, “You closed up already, didn’t you? Just go home. I’m not in the mood.”

That same hurt flashes again and part of you almost wants to feel bad about it. 

Wonpil reaches into the bag with a trembly bottom lip, “I-I came over to apologize. And to give you this.”

In his hand now is a heart shaped pretzel, but not just the traditional heart shape. No, it was anatomically correct. Scarily so. It was also piping hot and looked rather tasty after a long day of work. You rarely indulged yourself in the enemy’s goods, but... “What do you mean, apologize?”

“I uh... I kinda totally screwed up. The thing is, I don’t hate you like you think I do. I actually really like you. I know that I don’t show it and it’s not much of an excuse, but it’s just... when I first met you, I was really, really nervous. You were so kind and funny and attractive... I froze up,” your eyes begin to bulge as he holds the pretzel out to you, “and I couldn’t act normally around you. Then people started saying we were rivals so I ran with it. Anything to get you to look at me.”

You check Wonpil’s face to see if he’s lying. He’s not, as far as you can tell, but you’d been a bad judge of his character before, “That’s really stupid, Wonpil.”

Instead of looking upset however, he laughs lightheartedly... like you’d kinda hoped he would laugh around you all along. It’s a sweet sound. You don’t even want to wring his neck right now. “I know. I don’t expect that to fix anything, but I still wanted to give you something. You can stomp it or throw it in the trash or feed it to the raccoon couple near Macy’s, I don’t mind. I just wanted you to know that I’m a really stupid guy who has a kind of embarrassingly huge crush on you. Happy Valentine’s day, (Name). I hope... I hope that we can at least be friends. Or enemies with a truce.”

Sincere. He was actually being sincere right now.

You drop the dustpan and push the swinging half-door open to leave your little kiosk, watching Wonpil as he turns to face you, pretzel still outstretched. You take it form his hands and watch his shoulders deflate in relief. A little overwhelmed with the fact that he’d just confessed to you, you test the waters, “So uh... you busy, Wonpil?”

The boy blinks rapidly, “N-No. Why?”

You take a bite from the warm pretzel and almost let out a humiliating moan in content. Goddamn, this boy made some mean pretzels. How could you ever turn that down? “There’s a movie playing in the theater upstairs in an hour. You know, that really bad remake? You wanna catch it together?”

Wonpil lets out an immediate “Yes. But... what do you wanna do until then?”

For the first time in two months, you allow Wonpil one real, warm smile once more, “You can start by finally answering all those questions I asked about you two months ago, for a start. I’d like to get to know my rival a little better.”

[canid-slashclaw]

The Outliers - A Guildwars Love Story

Chapter 3

Echos of laughter and revelry were thick in the smoke-filled tavern known as the Jotun's Corpse.  Ulfgar Svaldmere had opened the establishment just outside of Claypool some thirty years ago.  He gave up his life as a hunter and trapper after his beloved wife, Glorina, had succumbed to an unknown illness.  

Behind his massive eight-foot plus tall frame, were eyes that had witnessed many triumphs and tragedies.  He had encountered so many people of different races in his lifetime that he sometimes got their names and faces mixed up.  However, he did know the names and faces of practically every patron who frequented his establishment.  And because of that fact, his regular customers treated him with a great deal of respect.  Some of them trusted him even more than they did their own kin.  

Kaleb and his lifelong friend, Brad Pendragon, muscled their way through the drunken crowds until they found a couple of empty barstools near where Ulfgar was serving drinks.  

"It's about time you two laggards showed up.  Whaddlit be?  I just got some Elonian bourbon in last week if any of yous are interested," the massive norn said with a smile.  

"The stronger the better.  This cupcake's training starts tomorrow," Brad said as he jokingly punched Kaleb's shoulder.   "Ow! Was that a hit or was that a hit!"  Kaleb said as he returned the favor to Brad's left shoulder.   "You wince like a sissy.  I'm hedging my bet that you won't even last a week in basic," Brad sniped with a grin.   Kaleb held up his hand making a v-sign with his fingers.  "Two lagers for two losers, Ulfgar."  The norn nodded as he leaned over to fill their steins.  "Who are you calling a loser? Loser. Aren't you still living with your mamma and daddy?" "Hey. It takes one to know one right?  After all - yer the one who's been dumb enough to be hanging out with me all these years,"  Kaleb replied with a laugh.

Suddenly, both men nearly jumped from their seats when they heard a feminine voice coming from behind. 

"So who here is the loser and who's the sissy?" Brad immediately slid off his stool nearly falling over as he made a very rapid attempt at performing a military salute.  "Two losers reporting in, sir!" Cynthia Waterstone returned the salute as she promptly commandeered Brad's now-empty stool.  "At ease, soldier.  Just a half pint of ale for me, Ulfgar." "Commin' up."  The norn snatched a smaller stein from the bottom of the bar as he began to pass out the already-filled drinks to the two men. "Come tomorrow, I'm going to be expecting you to do the same thing Kaleb," Cynthia said as she pulled back a stray lock of auburn hair that had dangled over her face. 

"Tomorrow is the operative word.  Tonight, I'm still citizen Kaleb - royal subject of the Queen," he said as he scarfed down a drought of the deep amber liquid. Brad chimed in and raised his glass.  "And basement rat to your parents abode." "Get your facts straight, skritt-face.  My dwelling place is in the attic." 

The lively banter between the two young men went on for the next fifteen minutes as Cynthia offered Brad his seat.  After each of them had a couple of lagers in their bellies, Kaleb turned to his best friend and began a new conversation on a much more serious note.   "I'm supposed to be reporting at a garrison base somewhere in Kessex Hills.  I didn't catch the name, but I do know it's near a battlefront.  I guess they want to throw us to the wolves as soon as possible." "Don't stress over it too much, Kal. Both you fellas will be under my command and I'll do everything to ensure you get the best training possible," Cynthia said with a smile.  "So what's it like in the Seraph?  I heard you guys have been slugging it out with the centaurs for the past two years." "Their attacks have gotten bolder in recent months.  I'm not going to lie to either of you - it's a messy business out there and taking prisoners is rarely the standard protocol for either side."

Brad let out a sigh.  "At least I'll have the benefit of being past basic.  Once you are through with that, I'll have your back one hundred percent, bro." "I'd expect no less.  In fact, I need to get out there on the battlefield as soon as possible because I doubt anyone else would be willing to save your sorry ass," Kaleb replied with grin. 

"Yeah. Speaking of asses... when was the last time you seen Trish?" "Not since last week."  Kaleb gestured for another round.  Cynthia butted in.  "So, did you get any... ass?" Kaleb looked down into his drink.  "Well.  She and I haven't... you know, for quite some time." "For what it's worth, I'm single and if you need any, you know, I am available," Cynthia winked.   "That would feel like incest. We've known each other since we were pups.  That would just feel weird."   She then gave a wide-eyed smile and replied.  "What made you assume that I was talking to you?" "Woah now!  Isn't fraternization with a commanding officer a floggin' offense?"   Brad said with trepidation.  "Oh.  Lighten up you two.  I was just trying to get in a few jabs before the serious stuff begins," Cynthia replied as she took a few sips from her stein of ale. "Speaking of... what's the deal, Kal?  You're normally the life of the party.  What's gotten you all down?" Brad queried.  Kaleb turned to his best friend and replied.  "Yanno.  The pappa thing.  Father's been pestering me about taking over the family business.  He's afraid that I'm going to get wounded or killed fighting in some far off godsforsaken land. The thing is, I really have no desire to be a fifth generation wagon maker." "Have you given marriage a thought?  I know you and Trish don't see each other that much, but the two of you make a really cute couple.  Besides, rumor has it that her family's loaded.  Hitch up with her and you won't have to worry about lifting so much as a shovel," Cynthia asked curiously.   "I dunno.  She's a fine looking girl, but our personalities are so far apart.  It's hard for her and I to relate to each other sometimes." Brad thrust his fingers into Kaleb's rib cage as he pointed towards a slender blond-haired blue-eyed girl. "Speak of the devil!  Your lady-in-waiting is here." "Great. She'll be really pissed if I don't get to say goodbye to her directly," Kaleb said with a heavy sigh.  "I suppose I'll give her a farewell hug." Standing just inside the main entryway, Patricia Fairweather gazed around hoping to catch a glimpse of her boyfriend, Kaleb.  At just under five feet, the petite blonde had trouble seeing over some of the taller patrons in the tavern.   Kaleb whistled as he beckoned to Patricia. "Hey, Trish.  Over here." She stomped over in his direction then chided him in a harsh tone.  "Next time, please don't whistle at me like I'm some damn dog.   I have a name in case you had forgotten." "My, my.  So touchy tonight, aren't you?  Were you slurping down some of your mamma's cough syrup before getting here?  Your breath smells like overpriced whiskey." Patricia glared at him angrily. "Ugh!   Do you not know when to shut it?  I came all the way down here in the middle of the night just to see you.  You ought to be grateful." Kaleb began to stagger around as he smiled at her with a glassy-eyed stare.  "Oh, but I am... grateful that is.  I'm also four sheets into the wind so try not to be too offended if I should say something that may come across as being crass." "Oh gods.  You are even more shit-faced than me," she said while pulling out a small flask that she had kept discreetly tucked away under her garter.  She uncapped the bottle then proceeded to take a long drought.  "Yeah. I'm feelin' those lagers now.  Ya wanna dance?"  He asked her.

"No babe, I wanna screw!  You and I haven't done it in so long and I'm really feeling lonely right now," Patricia replied as she clamored all over Kaleb. "You are also feeling really drunk right now as well.  What is that crap you've been hiding up your skirt anyway?" "Mmm.  Let's go to someplace private and find out," Patricia smiled as she planted her beet-red face into his broad muscular chest. 

Like blind folk attempting to lead each other around an open pit, the inebriated pair navigated their way towards Ulfgar's bar. 

"Hey Ulf.  Where are Brad and Cynth?' The old norn looked at him and replied with a grin.  "They are currently committing a floggin' offense together." "Sluts, both of them!"  Kaleb commented.

"Hey! Weren't you going to ask him if we could get a room?"  Kaleb's girlfriend chided mockingly.  "Sorry, lass.  Rooms are full at the moment."  Ulfgar said with an apologetic tone. "That's okay.  I'm really not in the mood anyway. Ulf - can I get another round?"   By this time, Patricia's anger had boiled over.  "If you have no interest in screwing me, fine!  But don't think I'll feel bad if anything happens to you on the battlefield.  I'm outta here!" With that comment, Kaleb's girlfriend spun a one-eighty on her left heel then promptly staggered towards the egress.  The inebriated young man stared briefly at the door before turning his gaze towards the old norn.  "Yup.  She's pissed.  I really went and done it, haven't I Ulf?" "She just wants a shiny piece of metal on her finger, boy.  Are you sure that's something you're even cut out for?" "Marriage?  Oh gods no.  I mean sure, yeah... maybe... sometime in the far future.  But right now, I'm not even sure what I want in my life let alone anyone else's."  Kaleb could feel a massive headache coming on as he tried to fight the force of gravity that was pulling on his unsteady body. 

"Listen pup.  Yer way too strung out to be going home to your folks.  If yer pappy saw you in your current intoxicated condition, he would tan my hide.  Tell ya what - I'll let ya stay the night in that extra spare room upstairs," Ulfgar said as he let out a call for last rounds.  "Thanks, Ulf.  You've been a good friend to me and my family." "Yer pappy and I go way back. It would be ashamed for his only son to come home on the day he's to join the army still plaster-faced from the night before.  Don't worry, I've got an old norn recipe that will have you fit as a fiddle by morning," Ulfgar said with a wink.

[missguomeiyun]

☕ in Korea #4 - Coffee Hanyakbang

This post will seem like a photography post bcos I took a lot of photos at this cafe (you’ll see why!). The aesthetics of the place was amazing & unique.

Very unassuming “entrance”. Underneath the white-blue-white banner, there is a narrow alley with a width that spans approx. 1.5m.

Yeah. .. it’s tight.

After some twists & turns, you’ll find yourself in a very narrow alley that is like ~1m in width. The above is the entrance to the cafe, called Coffee HanYakBang.

You’ll see the door opening up to a space on the right, & a steep staircase that leads to the upper level.

What can you tell me / what are your thoughts on this coffeeshop based on its entrance?

Very vintage-vibes, right? It looks very “worn”, & almost as if you’re entering a film set or you traveled back in time to the modernization era of Korea.

Interior.

The design of this place, along with the owner’s attitude towards coffee, is what makes this place worth a visit.

What is “hanyakbang”? “HanYakBang” is a Korean term for “traditional Korean herbal medicine shop”- in other words, kind of like an olden day pharmacy, where the doctor/herbalist grinds natural ingredients to make something healing out of it, thereby allowing customers to “get better”. The owner of this coffeeshop believes coffee serves the same purpose - what you do with the beans -----> what the final product turns out to be .. the goal is to achieve a *healing* cup of coffee.

He is serious.

As such, the layout & interior design of this place, esp this main level/store front, was made to look like an old pharmacy. Besides the decor, equipment they use here also appear to be very used & worn. It really looks.. . complete.

Love the water thermos’, the ratio, & the light.

This should not be an unfamiliar piece of furniture if you’ve watched Asian dramas haha this cabinet is an olden day herb storage cabinet.

Scissors, abacus, notebooks. ..

Taking a step back to admire the aesthetics.

Even the paper they use is off-white & slightly crinkled.

The ceiling.

The main floor was full of customers, but right after I finished paying, the table that a couple occupied cleared out, & so I got a seat by the window. To my right/behind me, I have this view.

To my immediate left, I can see the narrow alleyway, & more seating space (that belongs to the same coffeeshop).

I came here pretty late in the evening... like almost 9pm. I felt like a dessert, so I ordered an affogato.

Just the right amount of both components~

For those who don’t know me, I’m saying it now: I don’t like vanilla ice cream! It’s so plain.. . & some vanilla ice creams I’ve had in the past were sooo sOO sOOOOoooO sweet! I can’t not agree to the fact that it’s a classic, but it’s a classic I don’t particularly enjoy. When it’s with other things, maybe. It’s tolerable lol.

Anyway, Coffee HanYakBang didn’t have any other dessert options, & I wanted coffee but didn’t want the usual Americano, so I got had a compromise for myself: espresso & vanilla ice cream = affogato.

I ended up liking it a lot! The espresso was super strong. Loved it! The espresso hits you really hard but then the ice cream starts to melt & the sweetness diffuses across your palette, & altogether, it had a healing effect.

Now let’s explore the other parts of the cafe~ (this is literally what I did that evening haha I finished my affogato, & just wandered around)

To begin, the coffeeshop is divided into 2 spaces that are entirely separated. The “entrances” of both spaces are located on ground level, & face other. Both spaces occupy 3 levels of the building that its in. All the floors have diff layouts & furniture, but the vibes are similar. In the above photo, majority of tables are old-school desks.

Got a large group? This place has you covered! They have a handful of long tables/bench seating.

Each floor has a small self-serve area (some stationed in the corner; others stationed in the middle), where you can get some water, napkins, & there’s separate compartments for garbage (plastics, paper, trays that belong to coffeeshop/to-stay mugs, etc).

Vintage-style office chairs & a fish tank.

Gangster movie vibes haha

Super steep stairs.

I don’t know how to describe the place- it’s like very old-looking but it’s well-kept & tidy everywhere. Even though there are self-serve stations, & ppl leave their trays & stuff, ppl are very considerate & well-mannered. There’s no staff on each level or in each building (that I’ve seen) who does rounds & cleans up. It’s all customers!

Actually, that’s what I’ve experienced everywhere in Korea- the locals are mindful & show respect. Rarely do you see ppl just getting up & going at a cafe, leaving their mess behind. They don’t do a thorough wipe-down, of course, but ppl ... know. Simple as that!

Heading down now. This these last few photos (after the affogato) were from the other building, not the side I was in. Now let’s head “upstairs” from where I was.

The area on this side of the coffeeshop was smaller; probably half the size of the other side.

But again, you still get that film set vibe haha so unbelievable this is a coffeeshop.

Windows.

The interior design, though!

The door. (The 3rd floor of this side is staff-only so the door was locked)

Looking up from the alley. The windows in the center of the photo on the 2nd floor were the white ones 3 photos above.

Waiting area outside.

Thank you for the wonderful & memorable experience! It’s like one of those places where it’d make you pick up a brush, dip it in some ink, & start writing a letter to your lover haha or calligraphy of heartbreaking poetry.

[imjustthemechanic]

Natalie Jones and the Golden Ship

Part 1/? - A Meeting at the Palace Part 2/? - Curry Talk Part 3/? - Princess Sitamun Part 4/? - Not At Rest Part 5/? - Dead Men Tell no Tales Part 6/? - Sitamun Rises Again Part 7/? - The Curse of Madame Desrosiers Part 8/? - Sabotage at Guedelon Part 9/? - A Miracle Part 10/? - Desrosiers’ Elixir Part 11/? - Athens in October Part 12/? - The Man in Black

Somebody’s following them.  Somebody curiously familiar.

In the morning they took advantage of the hotel’s free breakfast – which consisted mostly of hard-boiled eggs and ham sandwiches – and then set out for the area where the desk clerk told them they were likely to find Frenchmen.  It was on the other side of the Acropolis, which meant either a long walk or a long bus ride.  Since it was still early they chose to walk, but they quickly regretted it.  Even at nine in the morning the Greek sun was already blazing, and sweat was soon running down Natasha’s back.  The Acropolis itself loomed over the city, tall and bald and with the ruined temples protruding from its top like the bones of some enormous dead animals.  The giant flag at the south end was entirely still. There was not a breath of wind to carry the perspiration away.

Allen, who was overweight, was fanning himself with a tourist information pamphlet as they climbed a hill.  “How did all those old Greeks do it?” he panted.  “Didn’t they all wear wool?”

Nat tried to imagine standing on top of the Acropolis, in full sun with no breeze, draped in what was effectively a blanket.  It made her feel slightly nauseous.  “The ancient Greeks did a lot of opium,” she said.

“That actually kind of makes sense,” said Allen.

“It’s no wonder they were so into sports,” Sam said.  “You need to be in Olympics shape just to walk around the damn city.”

In the Keramikos, they started to find businesses with signs in French to cater to the expat community.  There they split up, pretending to be poking around in souvenir shops or asking for directions while they scanned the faces in shops and restaurants for Madame Desrosiers. In this manner they made their way a couple of blocks up the street, until Nat found her way into a little café that served French pastries.  She took a look around, then went up to speak to the clerk.

“Can I help you?” the man asked, in English.

“I’m looking for a friend,” Nat replied, in French.  “She told me she’d be in Athens this fall, and I was hoping I’d run into her.”

The man smiled.  “I’m happy to help!  We all know each other here.  What’s her name?”

“Helene Desrosiers,” said Nat.

The smile vanished, and the clerk shook his head.  “I don’t know the name.”

“She doesn’t spend a lot of time here, just occasional visits,” Nat said – if all the French expats knew each other and yet they didn’t know Desrosiers, that seemed a reasonable conclusion.  “She’s East Asian by ancestry, but grew up around Paris.”

“No,” said the clerk, sounding worried now.  “No, that doesn’t sound familiar.”

Liar, though Nat.  They would have to keep an eye on this place.  “Thank you anyway,” she said, and switched to English.  “While I’m here, I wouldn’t mind a cup of coffee.”

“Of course, Mademoiselle,” said the clerk, relieved.

He was not just a liar, Natasha thought as he brewed some French press coffee for her, he was a bad one. He’d probably already talked to Desrosiers and would talk to her again, as soon as he thought Natasha was gone. What would she do when she learned that they’d followed her.

Something caught her eye, and she glanced over her shoulder.  The café was similar to many in Mediterranean countries, a long thin room behind a narrow storefront with a few tiny tables and chairs crammed down one side with the counter on the other.  People were sitting and chatting in French, English, and Greek while enjoying their drinks and snacks.  Tourists were going through the rack of postcards on the sidewalk outside.  And a man with longish brown hair, wearing distressed jeans and a black t-shirt, was loitering next to the rack, hands in his pockets, trying to look casual.  Nat couldn’t see his face, but something about his build was familiar.  Was that another Barnes?

“Your coffee, Mademoiselle,” said the clerk.

Nat smiled and accepted it.  “Merci beaucoup,” she said.

“Enjoy your time in Athens,” the man told her with a return smile.

When Nat turned back to the entrance, the man in the black shirt was gone.

For a moment she was torn.  Part of her wanted to go out and see if she could find him –  if he was another Barnes, then he might lead them right to Desrosiers or her mysterious Athenian friend.  If he wasn’t, however, she’d be wasting her time, and she needed to sneak around the back and eavesdrop on the phone call the clerk was doubtless about to make.  She couldn’t do both, but then, she reminded herself, she didn’t have to.  She had friends who’d be willing to help.

She dashed to the door – the man in the black t-shirt was now across the street, trying to avoid a peddler who was determined to sell him a hat.  Nat took a quick picture of it and sent it to Sharon.

I think it’s another Barnes, she texted. Can you keep an eye on him?  I’ve got another lead to follow.

She then bought a big scarf and a pair of sunglasses from the tourist shop next door.  With those for a disguise, she slipped back into the café and sat down at the back table with her laptop, pretending to work on something while keeping her eyes and ears on the clerk.  He kept serving customers, and while he did take a couple of phone calls, they were business-related.  Nat perked up a little when he made a call, but judging by what he said, he was talking to his mother.  It seemed highly unlikely that was Madame Desrosiers.

By the middle of the afternoon, the heat and humidity were becoming unbearable. It was cooler in the café, but not by much, and the need to wear the scarf as a disguise wasn’t helping at all. Nat could feel sweat soaking right through the thin fabric.  The clerk didn’t seem to have recognized her, and Sharon and the others hadn’t been able to find the possible Barnes or any sign of Madame Desrosiers.

It was time to give up for the day.  They chose the Acropolis Museum as a place where they could do a little sightseeing without being boiled alive, and there Natasha made good on her promise to tell Sir Stephen about the Elgin marbles.

“The originals are in the British Museum,” she said, as they wandered through a gallery where the plaster replicas were on display in the same configuration as they would have been on the temple itself, “and the Greeks have been angry about it for two hundred years.”

“How did they get there?” asked Sir Stephen.

“Lord Elgin stole them,” said Sam.

“So I gathered,” Sir Stephen said, “but there must be more of a story to it than that.”

Everybody looked at Natasha, and she shrugged.  “There are a couple of versions of the story, but what seems to have happened is that he got a license from the government to take casts of them for preservation, then instead he bribed the port authorities to let him ship the originals back to Britain.  Ostensibly his excuse was that he didn’t want them to be broken up for lime by the Turkish army, which was occupying Athens at the time.  He originally intended to use them to decorate his new house, but he ran out of money and ended up selling them to the British government.”

“Stole them,” Sam repeated with a nod.

“Just like Nicolas Desrosiers stole Princess Sitamun,” Nat agreed.

“And they tried to give the princess back to the Egyptians, but only so that Madame Desrosiers could not have her,” Sir Stephen observed.  “Whereas this marble they’re determined to keep?”

“Yep,” said Nat.  “Apparently they’re ‘part of the cultural history of all western nations’ or something.”

Sir Stephen nodded thoughtfully.  “This man Elgin – would you call him an archaeologist?”

“Absolutely not,” said Nat.

“Is that not what archaeologists do?” he insisted.  “Take the treasures of the past and put them in museums, far away from the people who made them?”

“Elgin didn’t consider himself an archaeologist, he considered himself an art conservator,” said Nat.  “People used to do a lot of that stuff but they don’t anymore, at least mostly not.” There were always exceptions, unfortunately.  “Nowadays we know that when you take stuff away from where you found it, you lose most of the information that comes with it.”

“Though you condemn the wrongs of the past, you don’t see fit to right them,” Sir Stephen noted.

“Wait until returning the marbles will piss somebody off,” said Nat.  “Then they’ll get right on with it.”

They headed downstairs to look at the Caryatids, the six statues that had supported the porch roof of the Erectheon, when Natasha noticed a familiar figure among the crowd.  Behind the Caryatids was a balcony that looked down to the floor below, where there were glass panels over an archaeological excavation directly underneath the museum building.  And standing next to that, trying to pretend he wasn’t looking at them, was the man in the black t-shirt.

This time Natasha could see his face – and she recognized it at once.

When he realized she was looking at him, the man in black quickly turned his head. Natasha kept her eyes on him as she walked around to the other side of the statues.  The figures had elaborate hairstyles which were visible only from behind, and Sharon and Sir Stephen were looking at them.  Nat touched Sir Stephen’s arm, and he looked over his shoulder at her.

“What is it?” he asked.

“The man with the long hair, in the black t-shirt,” she muttered.  “That’s the guy I saw at the café.  Look familiar?”

Sir Stephen turned around.  “He is facing away,” he said.  “Is he another Buckeye?”

Nat glanced back – the man in black had indeed turned around.  “Yes, definitely,” he said.  “And I’m pretty sure he’s watching us on purpose.”  She licked her lips.  “Let’s go back upstairs.”  The museum had a recommended walkthrough route that most visitors followed – going back up to the Parthenon level would be moving against the flow. If the man in the black t-shirt turned up there, too, it would be a strong indication that he was following them.

They found Sam and Allen, who had wandered off following Clint – he was insisting that somewhere in the museum was the world’s oldest computer.  Natasha calmly informed him that the Antikythera Mechanism was in the National Archaeological Museum, about four kilometres away.  She escorted him back up to the top floor, where they all sat down on the benches in the north gallery.  From there they had a stunning view of the Acropolis itself, now shimmering in the full afternoon sun.  In spite of that and the fact that there was still no wind, the whole hilltop was crawling with tourists.

Natasha decided to pretend she was giving a tour, herself.  “Those arches there,” she said, pointing to a feature visible at the foot of the hill, “are part of the Odeon of Herodas, where they still hold performances and cultural events.  On the right you can see a sort of dish-shaped slope, which is the remains of the Theatre of Dionysus…”

Her companions were not listening to her.  They were all looking to the right – and there was the man in the black t-shirt, contemplating one of the carvings of Lapiths and centaurs.  Sir Stephen stood up.

“Sir Steve…” Nat began.  The marbles were replicas but there were other artifacts in here that were genuinely ancient and priceless.  The museum was not a place to start a fight.

“I’m sorry, Natalie,” he said.  “But I simply must know.”

[pikespendragon67]

Moon Tide: Leblanc

The first date!

Iwai mostly texted Tae updates on how Kaoru was doing, recommended doses for the prescriptions, etc. But along the way, the two mildly conversed. Then, Tae texted first with:

My office doesn’t open until 9, unless there’s an emergency. Wanna have that first date? ;)

Iwai was slightly bewildered. He didn’t forget that the good doctor asked him out a week or so ago, but she wanted their first date to be in the morning? Huh.

This was also a rather spontaneous request, as it was now 6:50 that very same morning.

“Dad?” Kaoru asked.

“Hm?” Iwai turned to his son, realizing he stared at his screen for over two minutes. “Oh, uh, you feeling good enough for school?”

“Yep, I’ve been resting a lot and I’ve been taking the medicine.”

“Okay, but make sure you don’t over exert yourself.”

Kaoru nodded confidently as he made himself breakfast on the go.

“Stay out of trouble!” Iwai smiled as he sent his son off.

Now back to the matter at hand. Iwai didn’t really have customers until the afternoon, and it wasn’t any time near an important event, so opening up shop too late wasn’t that big of a worry.

Leblanc, right?

Iwai decided to freshen up a bit while he waited for Tae to respond. As he was brushing his teeth, she texted a picture of her in front of the small café. The caption below: Don’t keep me waiting too long.

Bold one. Not bad.

One quick Google search revealed that Leblanc was just down the street from Tae’s clinic. Ah, she must be a frequent customer there in that case. That explains it.

…Hm, since it’s the first date, Iwai should put in some effort to look good. And probably bring Tae flowers or something.

Be there in 20.

He decided not to be too frugal (mostly to show he wasn’t some desperate idiot that demanded affection) and get a single flower instead of a bouquet. The flower shop owner noted that a rose would be a bit much on the first date, especially for one so early in the morning.

“How about this other red one?” He asked.

“Oh, that’s a sorrel. It means affection. But usually women are the ones that give hibiscus flowers like these. How about a sunflower? They mean adoration.”

Seemed a bit too cheery for Tae, in Iwai’s book.

“Then these blue ones?”

“Oh, bluebells! Those mean humility or gratitude. And I’ve made sure these ones aren’t poisonous, so you don’t need to worry about that, either.”

Perfect.

With a polite nod after payment, Iwai set off with a bluebell in hand.

Thankfully, Iwai didn’t have to sprain a lung to get to his destination. Or break a sweat. That would be unpleasant to deal with.

Stopping for a moment, he noticed Tae on her phone and in her work clothes. Now that he got a good look at her, she was prettier than he remembered. …Maybe that was because he was too concerned about Kaoru’s health when they first met.

Tae noticed him, and walked toward him. He met halfway.

“Got this for you,” he said a bit too quickly as he held out the bluebell.

She seemed a bit taken aback at first, but then smiled.

“How thoughtful,” she replied. “I’ll forgive you for being a few minutes.”

Nailed it. …Wait, he was late? Iwai checked his phone to realize it was now 7:14.

“I’m only teasing,” Tae snickered. “Come on, the coffee should be brewed fresh now.”

“Oh, uh, right.”

Tae silently remarked about how cute Iwai was being as Iwai opened the door for her. Good thing he had manners even at such an early hour.

“Mornin’, Boss,” Tae announced nonchalantly. She confidently strutted toward a small bar seat.

“Mornin’, Doc,” the middle-aged man behind the counter replied without lifting his head up. He did, however, when he heard the other set of footsteps. “Oh? Haven’t seen you here before.”

“Make sure you don’t schmooze him too much.”

“I’m not that desperate for customers, you know.” He turned to Iwai. “How do you take your coffee?”

“Black, please,” Iwai replied.

“Usual latte for you, Doc?”

“If you’d be so kind.” She patted the seat next to her. Iwai then decided to stop being awkward and joined her. “Boss here makes some of the best coffee I’ve had.”

“Well, considering this is a café, I would hope he does,” Iwai chuckled.

Boss let out a small snort. He then placed a small vase in front of him, allowing Tae to place the bluebell in it.

“But do you work here part time or something?”

“Had I the time and culinary skills, probably. But, in case you’re wondering, everyone here calls him Boss.”

“Ah.”

“Real name’s Sakura Sojiro, just make sure not to use that when filing taxes.”

“Damn, and here I thought I could get away with it,” Iwai grinned before he introduced himself.

Sojiro placed the cups in front of the two, and the two thanked him.

“Ah, this is the good stuff,” Iwai sighed after taking a sip.

“Your fears of mediocrity have been officially diminished,” Tae smiled. “We should celebrate with curry.”

Sojiro amusedly rolled his eyes as he started making preparations.

“Before you ask, Iwai is the owner of the airsoft store in town,” Tae spoke before she drank her latte.

“Not bad,” Sojiro responded. “Must’ve been difficult to get the work space.”

“Yeah, I had to go in an alley so little kids wouldn’t stop by frequently,” Iwai said. “It’s always about location.”

Sojiro gave a sympathetic hum.

Footsteps could be heard from above, slowly descending until a familiar face appeared from the side. Iwai did a double check only to realize that this was in fact the kid he sold the model gun to. Akira seemed just as surprised.

“Yo,” Tae greeted.

“Uh, hey,” Akira waved. He nodded at Iwai, and Iwai nodded back.

“On your way to school?”

Akira nodded and passed the two.

“Hang on, I have some leftover curry you can take with you,” Sojiro spoke as Akira opened the front door. He finished packing it in a small bento box and placed it on the counter. “Make sure you’re not late.”

“Thank you,” Akira bowed.

Does he live here or something…? Iwai thought to himself.

“You’ve been making sure he eats enough, right, Boss?” Tae asked. “Last thing I want as a doctor is to hear that he’s malnourished.”

“He’s been getting better, thankfully,” Sojiro sighed. “Kid’s not used to eating a lot, though, so it’s been a gradual process.”

“And Futaba?”

“She’s been taking her vitamins, last time I checked. Still need to find a way to get her to exercise, though. I want her to be comfortable, but I don’t want her holed up in her room where she’s on the computer all day.”

…She doesn’t live upstairs, too, does she? Iwai once again thought to himself. Place doesn’t really seem suited to raise two kids, unless there’s an apartment upstairs.

“Thankfully you seem to have the patience,” Iwai said. “I have a son named Kaoru, and back in the day I’d have to count in my head so I wouldn’t end up throwing a tantrum along with him.”

“That right?”

“Yep, it’s actually how I met him,” Tae replied.

“How cute.” Sojiro then served fresh mild-flavored curry. The two thanked him for the meal before they cooled their first bites.

“Okay, I need the recipe for this,” Iwai said.

“And here you thought I would be schmoozing him too much,” Sojiro chuckled.

Tae rolled her eyes with a grin.

“You wanna go Dutch?” Iwai asked. “I don’t mind paying, but I don’t want you to think you can never pay for anything ever.”

“Yes, please. Boss deserves some of my hard-earned medical treatment money.”

“Only some, how unfortunate,” Sojiro sighed with an overdramatic tone. “You kids keep your noses clean, flu season’s approaching sooner than I’d like.”

“You too, Boss, don’t want there to be an epidemic just because you were too stubborn to rest,” Tae waved as Iwai held the door open for her again.

Sojiro turned his attention to Iwai and grinned, “Feel free to bring Kaoru over when you have the time. Maybe one of these days he can talk with Futaba and Akira.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Iwai smiled.

Tae and Iwai decided to keep up the friendly chats as they strolled toward Tae’s clinic.

“Boss seems to have taken a liking to you,” Tae said. “And he tends to give out pretty good assessments of others.”

“Thank God,” Iwai breathed. “Can’t believe you took me to see your folks on the first date. Could’ve given me a warning beforehand.”

“What, and risk you stuttering to try and impress him?”

“…Shit, you got me there.”

That earned a laugh out of the two of them.

“Be thankful I didn’t take you to my actual parents, though. My mom would still be on my ass about not being a housewife or whatever, and with Dad gone, it’s harder to get her to change subjects.”

“You don’t have to worry about my folks, either. Dad left when I was a kid and my mom flat out doesn’t care about me.”

Thank God I’m not in the yakuza anymore, Iwai thought. Last thing I want is for her to get involved, or for my former brothers to try and do something.

At last, they arrived to the front steps of Tae’s clinic.

“Oh, that reminds me,” Tae spoke. “That bluebell you got me was beautiful, hope you don’t mind me giving it to Boss.”

“Not at all, I’m just glad you liked it,” Iwai responded with a grin. “It was…kind of a last minute decision, if I’ll be honest.”

“Well, considering bluebells can be bad luck, I could tell.”

“Yea-wait, what?”

“Old superstition that hearing them ring would mean someone close to you died.”

“I…the flower shop owner said it meant gratitude or whatever, though.”

Tae chuckled to herself for a bit.

“Ah, don’t worry. It has good meanings, too. Like other flowers, it can be used for medical treatments.”

She then placed her hand on his cheek and pressed a small kiss on it.

“It also means everlasting love.”

[sanma-tetsurou]

lyricist! mark lee minhyung!

you can find the other dreamies at #worker au!!

===

•mark here is kind of self proclaimed 'amateur' lyricist and he's too humble everytime with 'i'm just writing what came to my mind and it wasn't that good' and he says that with awards lined up in a shelf at his room

•he's collaborated with a few world renowned artists and the songs were bighits (lol)

•mark's inspiration comes at weird times like maybe in the middle of the night he's sleeping and he wakes up suddenly and begins writing some lyrics in his third trusty notebook right beside his bed on the table

•he'd be wearing a pair of round glasses whenever he's working or meeting with the artists or their manager and they all be like look at this cutie but when the final product comes out they're like a bad-ass/tasteful cutie your skills are above our level take us as students - most probably gonna happen lol

•his hyung taeyong who works as a lyricist as well still treats him like a kid bc the boy doesn't know how to take care of himself

•like during a time where he had no inspiration and the idol wanted to see a draft of his lyrics he stayed up the whole day thinking and not eating or drinking anything so taeyong had to force hi mouth open and shove food into his system

•taeyong - "i don't need to find you passed out or rotting at your house so eat up mark"

•mark's just a boy who wants to do every one of his job properly so people don't get disappointed and make sure everyone loves the song

•so you work at a 24hr coffeeshop that owns the third floor and the roof just maybe a block away from where mark lives

•one thing you like about your job is that when you work late night shifts you get to go up to the roof to stare at the sky filled with countless of stars sparkling in their own way

•it just makes you take your mind off of things, making you forget things like you expensive af rent and the lady screaming about her chocolate being not sweet enough

•you happened to notice that a boy always comes into the cafe from somewhere around the evening and leaves at around 2-4am??

•he always go up to the roof and when you had to serve his coffee a few times you found him standing by the railing and stares at the sky

•each time he enters the place you notice his features one at a time bc you don't hv enough time to stare at him or needing him to see your obvious staring lol (you put together each of the parts and you can imagine him being cute than handsome and maybe you have a little something for him?)

•all you knew was his name, mark

•one day your friend had you stand in for her night to dawn shift which she promised you a week's lunch if not you would've been hone under the covers watching some show with popcorn

•it was abt one smth in the morning and there's nobody but you and your coworker renjun trying to stay awake and it made you giggle at his attempt not to fall onto the table while wiping it

•the bell at the door then tinkled, the soft sound echoing through the shop and you and renjun looked over to see mark again

•renjun excited walked over to him and had a bro hug moment so you made a small reminder to ask renjun how he knew the cute boy

•the boy then walked over to the counter and ordered his favourite drink while you tried to keep your eyes off of his face

•you quickly tapped on the register and he paid, the cashier let out a ring after then you had to wave renjun over to make the drink

•while you stood by the counter, mark was still standing in front of the counter kind of staring at nothing in particular

•you - "are you.. okay?" you waved your hand in front of his face and for a moment he was startled

•mark - "yeah. im fine just a little out" he let out an awkward laugh and headed upstairs again

•you took the moment to go to your coworker and interrogated him subtly asking him more about mark through the small talk you started as he continued making the drink

•for the first time you are willing to serve the ordered items to the customers and renjun's like are u sick lmao

•you picked up the tray and walked up the stairs thinking of striking up a convo with him

•mark was standing at the balcony his back facing you and staring at the stars where it was so tumblr aesthetic you couldn't help but snap a pic

•curse your camera snap sound you thought as he turned around and looked at you

•you - "sorry, you were just so tumblr i couldn't help it... i brought your order?"

•you didn't notice mark blushing slightly as you set down the tray and began walking away

•mark - "wait.." he called out to you "do you want to.. share that cake with me?"

•boii that made your heart jump and you hesitantly walk over and this time his blush was more evident

•soon the cake was finished in a matter of minutes that silently passed by bc both of you are chickens that didn't dare to say anything

•you - "why do you always come late at night?" you finally spoke up to him

•mark - "i like to look at the stars at night. it makes me feel calm"

•you - "really? me too"

•mark - "but there's something i like to see the most when i come here, you"

kinda left off hanging, sorry. i started writing this for about a month ago and it didn't turn out as good as i thought and i didn't really put in the lyricist stuff but i hope you enjoyed it!!

[elasianstar]

R #13 Accidental anger (Angst fic)

“I think I want to try for a degree in physics and mechanical engineering, oh but chemistry….”

“I can get you all the necessary paperwork Don, it'll be pushing it but we might be able to even get you in for the fall semester. You just have to decide on a major.”

“But there are so many choices! Physics, mathematics, engineering, psychology, chemistry… I can't choose!”

“Well can you narrow it down to your top 3? A double major and a minor is doable in 5-6 years if they're all in similar disciplines.”

“Ok, I think I'll stick with physics and engineering…. And a minor in inorganic chemistry.”

“Are you sure?”

“mmmmmmm! Yeah just put it down before I change my mind again. I can't believe you got me in, I'm going to be an actual college student!”

“Yep, as soon as we send these enrollment papers in and get your classes finalized you will be an official Columbia college Cougar.”

From where I stood in the tunnel outside the lab I heard it all.

I couldn't believe it, Donnie was going off to college with Elasia in the fall…

That evening Elasia’s POV

Raph has been acting really strange today, I mean not entirely out of the ordinary, but I haven't seen the red banded brother this irritable in months. He was stalking around the lair and bouncing from thing to thing in an attempt to keep himself in check, beating the snot out of his training dummy, cleaning random spaces, he even started knitting after a bit but his restless mind wouldn't let him relax. I tried approaching him to see what was wrong but he just brushed me off without a glance.

“Don't worry, Raph just gets like this sometimes, let him work off the steam and he’ll be fine. This is nothing like the explosions we endured as kids, Raph was a real live wire back then. This is most likely nothing that won't blow over.”

“I don't know Leo, I've never seen him quite this steamed, not even at you. He's been so good at keeping himself in check recently, he's been so proud of his self control. This isn't normal, something is wrong and I know it.”

“Guys! Fajitas are ready!!!”

Mikey's voice brought us all running to the kitchen, the chaos of flying plates being caught and the chatter between the brothers feeling normal and comfortable compared to the funk of the rest of the night. Then Raph made it to the kitchen and the atmosphere chilled almost instantly as he roughly snagged a plate and plopped into his normal spot on the bench between me and Mikey. He didn't make eye contact or even spare a kind word just started serving his portion of food and eating in a fuming silence. The others acted like nothing was wrong and soon the usual chatter started back up.

“And I helped this old lady with eyes all over move a futon we found out at the dump into her apartment. I think her name was Sicily if I remember right, her son is coming home from serving with the coast guard soon and she needed to set up a place for him to stay until he could get situated. She was really nice, afterwards she brought out homemade cookies and showed me a few of their old photo albums.”

Mikey was chattering away, he's been so much happier since he started volunteering at the small mythic community. His eyes were brighter and he seemed more willing to express himself.

“The scrappers are treated like heroes over in the compound, I don't see why you guys don't stop in and help out some time.”

Leo smiled a bit between bites of the delicious roasted peppers the younger had prepared, gesturing with his fork as he talked.

“Things are going pretty good at the market actually, selling my extra fresh produce is working out. I even have a few return customers, there's this older guy with hooves, Devin, who comes up every week from new Jersey. He cleans me out of hot peppers every time I take some down. I can't believe we lived down here our whole lives and never knew they were over there. Feels good to actually help people who are like us, who can look at us without seeing a bunch of freaks.”

“Oh and Don, your gadgets are actually selling pretty well. The kids love your little tin toys. You could start up your own shop and do nicely, or I bet I could convince Tobias to set up a little section for your stuff at the toy counter in his shop.”

“I might actually consider that Leo, making them does give me a nice break from upgrading our stuff and my lab projects.”

“what's the point.”

Raph's comment was almost too quiet to hear as he shoved off from the table.

“What's that all about Raph?”

“I said what's the Damn Point! You'll just end up leaving and then what! You'll be too busy with your stupid degrees to do anything else!!!”

His plate went whizzing past Donnie’s head and crashed into jagged shards that littered the floor. Something broke in behind Donnie’s eyes and soon he was launching himself over the table to get in his larger brothers face. Bo staff caught between twin sai as they struggled against eachother.

“Well sorry if I want my chance to better myself! You know more than anybody that I've always wanted This, to actually have a chance to be a part of the scientific community!”

“Well whoop de fuckin do! Donnie’s the smart one, he's going to make something of himself!”

Raph managed to throw Don away, his sai still buried in Don’s staff. But his anger was growing, all his wards were down and his eyes glazed over white as he lost himself.

“IS WHAT WE DO NOT ENOUGH FOR YOU DONATELLO, HUH! IS PROTECTIN PEOPLE AND HELPIN PEOPLE TOO DEMEANIN FOR MR. EINSTEIN! YOU'VE GOTTA ABANDON YOUR BROTHERS TO BE HAPPY HUH!”

“Raph honey calm down no body is…”

“DON'T YOU OPEN YOUR SLY CONIVIN LITTLE MOUTH! YOU WERE FUCKIN IN ON IT! I HEARD YOU! IT WASN'T ENOUGH FOR YOU TO JUST LEAVE, YOU HAD TO TAKE MY BROTHER AWAY TOO! GET YOUR HANDS OFFA ME!”

“He flung me of of his arm like i weighed nothing, sending me flying across the kitchen to crash against the steel cabinet. I felt a sharp pain in my shoulder and warmth running down my chest from where the edge of the cabinet had bitten into my flesh. I couldn't process anything else in that moment, he actually hurt me.

“DON'T YOU DARE TREAT HER LIKE THAT!”

Mikey swung on his older brother, his smaller form not allowing him to do much more than further anger his behemoth of a sibling when his punch glanced off Raphael's jaw. A whirlwind picked up, grabbing heavy iron cookware and flinging it at Raph in an attempt to fight him off as the enraged turtle charged the perceived attacker. Mikey's arm was caught in the larger’s grasp and a harsh pop was heard as his shoulder was wrenched out of place and he was tossed to land beside me on the floor.

“RAPH COOL IT. YOU'RE HURTING YOUR FAMILY, IS THIS REALLY WORTH IT? WE CAN TALK THIS OUT!”

Raphael was past getting loud, his anger turning his voice to embers, a low crackle to match the fury in his eyes. He had his oldest brother pinned high up to the kitchen wall, trying to fight back would only lead to more injuries.

“You were in on it to werentcha Leo? Sendin MY brother away. you never thought Don was a good enough fighter, drove him to spendin all his time in that damn lab to try and earn your approval. Now you're sending him away and he's never gonna come back.”

Raph's scales were starting to glow with heat, the edges turning black as the air around him started to shimmer like the mirage over the highway in summer. Tongues of flame started to flick over his fingers, climbing the thick columns of his arms as he reached for his eldest brother's throat.

“ENOUGH!”

Donnie’s voice shook the lair like an earthquake, causing a shower of dust to overtake his brothers flame, and smother the oxygen from him. The sound of the two falling to the floor and Leo’s harsh coughing gasps signalling for Donnie to stop.

When the dust cleared, the level of chaos became extremely apparent. Mikey was trying to use the counter to push his shoulder back in, my own blood had stained the floor as more seeped from the deep gash in my shoulder and I was sure my collar bone was broken. Kitchen utensils were embedded in the wall and a thick layer of dust covered everything. Leo was regaining his breath in the corner, burns in the shape of Raph's hand and forearm across his chest and shoulder. In the middle of it all was Donnie, on his knees looking absolutely shell shocked. His glasses were missing and blood trickled from the side of his head where he had been struck as Raph charged Mikey. He had Raph’s head in his lap and he was wiping the dust off of his unconscious brother’s face as he checked to make sure he was breathing.

“this is all my fault…”

Stopping the flow of blood i hauled myself up off the floor with my left arm just as Mikey managed to snap his shoulder back in. A small whisper of pain the only sound in the room as he approached his brother with cold yet worried eyes.

“No Don, this is as much my fault as it is yours. But I don't understand what the problem was.”

By now Leo had gotten himself up off the floor and was helping Donnie haul Raphael's limp body to the needle room.

“Whatever it was I think the two of you owe us all an explanation. But after we get everyone patched up. Elasia, do you think you've got it in you to help out?”

My calm mask wasn't fooling anybody, my ankles were shaking and I was holding my arm funny to ward off the pain in my shoulder.

“Yeah but I'll need Mikey to go get one of the bags in my fridge upstairs. Do you think you can manage it MC?”

“Y-yeah, but why?”

“Don't question it, just go get it please.”

Donnie’s wounds were the most troubling so I tended to him first. Having Leo check to see if his skull was cracked from the blow while I checked his eyes for sign of concussion and readied the disinfectant.

“Here, I don't know why you needed this but…”

Biting into the bag I ripped off the corner and drained the entire contents in front of all of them, sighing when the quick release of energy flowed into my shoulder to repair the broken bone.

“Works faster than solids, I needed the energy to heal myself before I could help any of you. Couldn't wait the three days for the bone to re-fuse. Now Donnie hold still, this is going to sting like a big bitch but I have to clean the wound before it's healed.”

Pouring a thin stream of disinfectant over the wound to wash out any dirt Donnie just set there, staring at the turtle charm hanging around my neck as I dabbed clean gauze over the wound before sealing the flesh in gold light.

“Mikey are you ok?”

“Yeah, just a little sore but I think my arm is ok.”

“Could you try and find Donnie’s glasses? Come on Don let's get you laid down, try and close your eyes for a bit. Get calmed down.”

Mikey left to find Donnies specs as i moved on to help Leo. His burns weren't severe enough to warrant an emergency but he had to get cleaned up soon or risk infection. His plastron was discolored and he had several blisters along his shoulder and forearms.

“I have to wash the hide before I drain the pustules.”

“Just do it. I can handle a little pain Ane.”

The cleaning cloth accidentally popped one of the larger blisters while I was cleaning and Leo gripped my free arm to steady himself. His grip got stronger as I lanced each obtrusion to his hide and flushed the whole area with anesthetic. I would surely have a bruise for a few minutes, but what was another bruise. What was another scar.

Mikey returned with Donnie’s glasses, miraculously without damage and I had him help both of his brothers to their quarters to let their bodies continue healing on their own. Now to deal with Raph.

There were no burns to deal with, just a few superficial cuts to be cleaned. He was breathing fine and a dark bruise was forming on the side of his head where he had been struck with a chunk of concrete. I cleaned him up and left him there to heal. Keeping my emotions controlled and sterile until the boys had left the room.

I placed my hand over Raph's chest, feeling the familiar tug of our bond as I drew his energy from his body. As it coalesced into its solid form I cupped the softball sized soul in my hands. The surface of it blazed with fire but it did not burn me, it refused to hurt me. I felt my chest tighten and my throat swell as I dropped the thing back into his body and turned to face the mirror. The cracked glass obscured my figure somewhat but there was no missing the new scar slashed cleanly across my shoulder. The edges of the tight silver flesh were pink, signs of my body fighting an infection due to the wound being sealed uncleaned. My skin was covered in coagulated blood, flecks of gold making the macabre sight seem alien in the flickering fluorescent light. My eyes were blown out gold and my teeth were sharp, body wound tight and ready to fight. Though I had been unable to land one blow against him to protect my friends, he had flung me without a second thought

I leaned my forehead against the shattered mirror and just stared back into my own eyes for a while. I didn't move, I tried not to think, i just let my mind and my emotions run their course until I was too exhausted to hold back anymore. My eyes welled with tears and my knees gave out as I fell to the floor. For the second time in as many hours I couldn't move of my own volition, my body just sitting there, rocking back and forth as I was forced to stare at my pathetic self in the mirror.

“You call yourself a warrior, but you didn't even try and do anything. You could have shut it all down but you just sat there and watched. You're pathetic, you're weak and spineless, you don't deserve to carry their name. You aren't the Elasia, that mark on your arm holds as little value as you do. You're nothing but a coward, a guinea pig, a worthless animal. J.4.2.2. J.4.2.2 J.4.2.2. J.4.2.2.J.4.2.2.J.4.2.2.J.4.2.2.J.4.2.2.J.4.2.2J.4.2.2.J.4.2.2.J.4.2.2.J.4.2.2.J.4.2.2.J.4.2.2J.4.2.2.J.4.2.2.J.4.2.2.J.4.2.2.J.4.2.2.J.4.2.2

J.4.2.2.J.4.2.2.J.4.2.2.J.4.2.2.J.4.2.2.J.4.2.2J.4.2.2.J.4.2.2.J.4.2.2.J.4.2.2.J.4.2.2…..”

I didn't feel the hands on my shoulder, I heard voices, but they sounded far away, through deep water. In a different time, past heart rate monitors, past the whirring of drills and saws, past dripping IV’s that made my blood run thick in my veins and my lungs heavy with fluid.

“Elaaaaaa…...elasiiiiiii….Elasia!....JAZZ!”

J.4.2.2

I started breathing again, my eyes wide with panic as my body thrashed and clawed at my binds, thick leather wrapped tightly around my wrists and waist holding me in place. Unable to fight, unable to protect those who looked up at me through thick iron bars. Wide innocent child's eyes, bright blue…

I came around to bright blue eyes filled with tears, to a bear hug squeezing me tight.

“Come on Elasia, Jazz, wake up please. Come on..”

“lemme go.”

The words passed my lips as a hoarse whisper but they felt like panic. My body moving to scramble away from my binds despite the hurt look on my friend’s face.

My vision cleared as I allowed myself to breath, the smell of antiseptic fueling my fearful visions never leaving but being overtaken by visions of my friends as they watched over me from a short distance.

“What's happening, what's wrong jazzycakes?”

The green souled one put his hand on the blue eyed one’s shoulder.

“Panic attack Mikey, just let her breath.”

Mikey, Don, Leo, …., My friends, safety, home.

My heart rate slowed and I was able to get up off my knees and forearms to sit comfortably again. Mikey slowly got closer and I held out my arm for a hug. Safe, my friend, I was safe.

“Mikey….”

“Yeah Elasia, it's Mikey. I'm right here.”

“Donnie, Leo.”

They moved as if they had been holding their breath, moving closer to comfort me as well. One hand on each of my shoulders. I was crying again, little hiccup skene sounds bouncing out of my fluttering ribcage.

“I did nothing, i couldn't protect anyone. I, I, I…”

“You did nothing wrong, things just got out of control. It was all a massive misunderstanding. Donnie explained everything.”

“Leo?”

“Yeah?”

My face must have said what I meant because I couldn't find the word. I felt his hand tighten slightly around my shoulder for a moment, a small twinge in my collarbone helping bring me back to clarity.

“You're welcome. Sis.”

It was then that the sound of coughing from the cot across the room caught all of our attention. Donnie and Leo left to take care of the issue, leaving me with Mikey as he continued to stroke my wings to keep me calm and grounded.

“Raphael.”

“Yeah sounds like he's finally woke up, perfect timing as usual.”

Mikey sounded less than pleased as we listened to the conversation behind the curtain.

“How bad was it?”

“You dislocated Mikey’s shoulder, threw Elasia across the room, almost gave Don a concussion, and I'm wrapped up with 2nd degree burns. How bad do you think it was.”

“I'm sorry Leo, I don't know what came over me I just…”

“Its nothing we haven't gotten through before, wounds heal. No permanent damage was done.”

“You didn't tell me what happened to Elasia. Is she alright? I didn't hurt her did I?!”

“Raphael, sit down.”

“No I want to see her. I have to see her!”

“She is in no state of mind to see you.”

It got really quiet. Raph’s voice getting more dejected.

“What happened.”

“We think she had a panic attack, she wasn't breathing when we found her. When we got her around she kept mumbling a string of code on rapid repeat looking like she was lost in another world.”

“J.4.2.2.”

“Yes, what does it mean. We have to help her... without you.”

…

“It's her identification code, her name JAZZ, from when she was a child. She was kidnapped, taken to a lab. Held there for years, they did things to her. I'm not telling you any more without her, I promised.”

“We still need to know how to help her, Elasia is our friend too.”

“There's really nothing you can do, just don't leave her alone with her thoughts until she gets back to normal.”

“Hey, Leo.”

…

“How bad is she? I don't remember much past Don coming over the table at me.”

“You broke her collarbone and sliced her up pretty bad, but she's resilient. She patched us up, all of us.”

When they came back around the privacy curtains I was standing, my hair rebraided and my skin washed as well as I could manage in the needle room sink.

“How is he doing?”

“He’ll live. But for now I think it's best things stay a little distanced between you two. Go on with Mikey, He’ll help you get fixed up and help you keep your mind off things while Don and I straighten this out.”

Once we got most of the way down the hall I heard the fighting start, no screaming like last time but the tenor of their angry voices echoing down the corridor had me shaking slightly.

“Come on jazzycakes, let's finish getting you cleaned up. Then we can play some Spyro while you get back to normal.”

“Thanks Mikey.”

“Hey you did the same for me when that hurricane blew through the city. I've got your back girl.”

…

That night after I'd gotten tucked into bed I heard a light knock on the door.

“Come in.”

It took a minute but the door creaked open slow and Raph stepped through. His bandana was wrung between his hands and his eyes were on the floor. i could see the edge of Leo’s shell around the edge of the doorway. he was obviously behind Raph’s sudden burst of apologetic courage.

“I said come In Raphael.”

He just nodded, closing the door behind himself before sitting in the chair by the bed.

“Are you not going to look at me?”

“I don't want to see the damage I've caused.”

“Then leave, because living stuck in the past is no way to spend an eternity. We must all learn to move past our mistakes and better ourselves for the ones we love.”

He lifted his head and I could see that one of his eyes was nearly swelled shut. A big purple bruise taking up the entire side of his face from his temple to his jaw. His good eye was puffy from tears.

“Tell me Raphael, what damage do you see?”

“You've got a new scar.”

“Yes and on this body what is another scar.”

“You're favoring your left arm.”

“I am still sore, my collar bone was snapped. But it’s whole now, the pain will have completely faded by morning.”

“Your eyes are cold. I can feel mistrust like slime running under my shell. I hate it. I hate that i made you feel like this.”

“Then know it and just realize the consequences of your actions. Learn to talk to someone instead of stewing in your own mind and letting a situation spiral out of control. I don't believe Donatello enrolling in an online program with a few supplementary night courses demanded the events that transpired earlier today.”

“No it didn't, i’m sorry. I feel sick, I can't even bare to be alone with my own thoughts knowing I hurt you the way I did. If there's any way I can earn your forgiveness…”

“Raphael… Raph, baby. There is no forgiveness to be earned, it is already given. I know in your soul that you would have never intended to hurt me had you been in your right mind. Yes trust may become bruised, but it heals quite easily in the right circumstance.”

A choked sob broke from his throat as he reached for me, only to stop himself, harshly withdrawing in fear his advance would be unwelcome. 

“Raph, hun. set up here on the edge of the bed next to me.”

He moved like anything he touched could shatter in an instant, his hands still wringing the fabric of his bandana. I reached out and touched one of his hands, causing him to completely freeze. He hardly even breathed.    

Taking his hand in both of my own I moved it back and forth in my grasp, running my fingertips over the uniquely shaped bone structure and tracing the lines in his palm. I did this a lot when we were alone together and it helped soothe both of us. There were no blocks now, everything was shared between our bonded souls. When I was content I took his hand again and held it to the side of my face. it nearly enveloped my skull in its breadth and the hide was rough and battle worn, but it felt cool and safe against my skin. His eye shifted from his hand to my own face as we simply held eachothers gaze for a moment. From there i felt him trace over my new scar, fingertips grazing from the crest of my shoulder nearly to the upper swell of my breast and back. My own hand having slid down his arm to trace over his bruised face.

“Scars are nothing more than marks of trials you were stronger than.”

My hand grew warm as the energy flowed between our skin, restoring his eyesight on his right side but no more. After some time we both withdrew, hands tucked into laps and words left unsaid to hang in the mindspace unneeded. We knew what the other was thinking, the looks on our faces and the emotions flowing along our bond were more than enough.

“I had better let you get some sleep.”

“Yeah rest does sound pretty good after such a stressing day.”

He stood to leave but before he could turn the handle of the door I spoke.

“Did I say you could leave?”

“No ma’am.”

“Red….”

“Yeah?”

“Get your scaley ass in this bed before I have to get up and drag you over here myself.”

Without another word he climbed up into the bed, resting on his plastron as I tucked myself against his side to lie on my own stomach. The feeling of his arm draped over my lower back was safe, nothing could harm me like this and even our minds lay still. His breath slowed to the rhythm of sleep and I wiggled upward to be on the same level as his head. Gently pressing a kiss to his bruised temple I whispered in his ear before falling asleep.

“Even though I may leave your side, I'm never gone from you. I promise.”

[j-wonwootrash]

Joshua || It’s the Same Pt.2

Word count: 3.3k Genre: Prince!au, Romance, Slice of Life, Fluff, Drama, Classical!au A/N: Recently I watched Princess and the Frog and I got so inspired, so I decided to share this series with you. It’s a lil’ different but I hope you like it. Enjoy! 2nd part of the series.

“I was stating the fact.” ———

You felt Joshua’s grip tightened on the basket. You probably thought he’s just tired and hurrying to reach the castle. Without a response from the man in front of you, you decided to cut the silence. 

“Is something the matter, Prince Joshua?” You asked with concern. “If there are some more pastries you would like to have, I am honored to-” 

He gently touched your wrist with his hand, one carrying the basket. “It is a-alright. This basket is enough for the 4 of us.” He let out a heavy sigh before speaking again. “Nothing. Don’t worry about it.” He forced a smile.

Ah so princes do have this side of them? I thought they were all brats and cocky. Fairytales. 

You thought to yourself maybe he’s different. Maybe the books you’ve read as a child were not you think they were.

“Miss Y/N, I must take leave my leave. Goodnight.” He nodded with his aides and you responded with a bow. 

“Hey y/n! Why did you give the pastries that was supposed to be served tomorrow?” Yerin whined as she lightly slapped your shoulders. 

You never moved from the doorstep since the prince left. How is it easy to resist the charm of the prince? Gentleman smile, sparkling eyes that shone like stars and heck, his pearly whites. All his perfections sent you to wonderland. 

Yerin hit you with more pressure this time, and the pain shattered your 5-second dream world in an instant. “Ow.”

“Earth to Y/N? Gosh. Being all dreamy aren’t we?” She scoffed.

“Hm? They were for tomorrow?” You tried to sort things in your mind. Has the prince cast a spell on you that made you forget restaurant for a few seconds? 

“Huh? Ah we still have extras.” You washed your hands and wiped them with a towel.

“Those.. were the ones, y/n. The one you gave to His Highness.” Umji scratched her neck, trying not to whine like Yerin.

“No, I’m pretty sure I brought the extras from home. It’s in a basket.” Literally, your home is the restaurant itself, just two floors above you.

Yerin and Umji looked at each other and sighed at your response. “You gave the basket to His Highness.”

Upon realizing this, you try not to give any reactions. Crap, I should’ve brought one more basket. “Ah well, look who’s joining me for an all-nighter.” you joked as you pulled the girls’ arms upstairs.

“Y/N!”

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Joshua fiddled his papers that were stacked on the side of his desk. He lifted his pen and started to write reports from all over the country. Each and every time he blinked, images of the girl enters his mind. It’s been 2 weeks, Josh.

Taking a sip from his tea, he took a deep breath, later looking at the rose gold necklace displayed in a frame. He didn’t know why he still thinks of her. She’s just a girl he met in a restaurant downtown. He ruffled his hair as he grunted, throwing his papers to the floor.

Seungcheol, Wonwoo and Jun were walking in the corridor where the prince’s room resides. They were teasing each other when they heard him, as well as flickers of papers. “Aghhh!” Joshua again grunted. The boys quickly rushed to the room. “Your Highness??”

“This’ll take a long time to sort out.” Wonwoo bent down to collect the papers that are scattered every where in the room.

Joshua had his head in his palms, breathing a bit heavily. Seungcheol ran to his side with much concern, rubbing his shoulders. “What is the matter, Josh?”

“I.. I don’t know.” Joshua whispered, only to be hit by Seungcheol on the nape of his neck.

“Stupid. Stop whining like it’s a big deal when there’s not even a reason to it anyway.” He hit Joshua again before helping Wonwoo with the papers.

Jun went to the prince’s side and gave a smirk to him. “There’s got to be a reason for it, Your Highness. Everything has a reason to happen.”

The prince lifted his head, fixing his desk. “I’m not even sure if the reason is reasonable.”

“Nonsense. C’mon, tell me.” Jun sat on the desk with his arm folded.

“It’s her.”

Jun chuckled as he heard the prince. “Her? The girl from the restaurant?”

“How’d you know the girl is her?”

“Because she’s only the girl you met of your age.” Jun got off the desk, walking around it as if he were to give a lecture.

He lifted a finger in the air. “Correction, the girl you had your eyes on. You see, us boys, when we have someone we like, we’re like predators eyeing on their prey. We’d follow their every step and-”

“Jun, please make your elaboration short before I ignore your babbling.” Joshua stood up and wore his coat.

“What I’m saying is..” Jun gestured the prince to lean closer, by which the prince did as he was told. “You’re lovesick.”

“Eyy. His Highness is in love.” Seungcheol teased, placing the papers on the desk. “Who’s the lady?”

“The girl from the restaurant downtown.” Jun smirked. “She’s so pretty he couldn’t keep his eyes off her. Better take her before I steal her away from you.”

“She’s not mine so don’t make up stories.” Joshua rolled his eyes.

“Not yet.” Jun laughed.

“Shut it Wen.”

Wonwoo tapped the prince on the shoulder. “Your Highness. There’s a letter from Sir Hwijae.”

Joshua took the letter and unrolled it.

Prince Joshua, it is the time of the year again. Please schedule the event mentioned below and provide its details and preparations. We look forward to your efforts and hard work. His Majesty and the Queen will be present for the event. Ensure everything will be ready a day prior.

Joshua sighed, slumping back to his seat frowning. “The event is sooner than I thought. Usually it’s a month notice but this is absurd.” 

Wonwoo raised his eyebrows, anticipating the next word the prince may say. “When is the event, Your Highness?” 

The prince stood up again and smiled like he always do. “It’s next week.” He looked at his aides in front, grinning as if he were to plan something the boys could never back out. 

Seungcheol and Jun avoided his gaze, looking elsewhere in the room. Wonwoo remained stoic and emotionless as usual. “Your Highness. What are you thinking right now?” 

“I’ll be needing your help big time.” Joshua smiled.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

“The breeze is more chilly than yesterday.” Yerin stood by the balcony of your bedroom. 

“You say that each time you come here.” You flicked your pen 360° several times as you update the restaurant’s finances. “And that is every day.”

“I wish my room is as cute as yours.” Umji twirled. “It’s so cute and very pastel.”

“Ah well, when you find cute stuff you gotta get them before they sold out.” You closed the book and handed two envelops to the girls. “Your salary came in early.” You winked at them. 

You were never good at math but holding a restaurant requires you to, and you had no choice. “By the way, Mr. Lee told us to open the shop 30 minutes before usual opening hour.”

“Why? Is there something going on?” Yerin entered the room as she closed the balcony glass door. 

“Not sure. We can ask him.” You fixed your bed and checked the clock on your desk. “Shucks, we better go down.”

The girls followed you from behind and went down the stairs. Once you reached cafe, immediately you wear the apron hanged on the sides of the counter.

Today seems different. Everyone’s hyped up this morning.

“Ah yes, they’re here.” Mr. Lee gestured you and the girls in front of counter. “Girls. Great news!” You looked at everyone, whose smiles are more visible and cheerful than any other day. 

“Will we get a week’s off??” Yerin butted in, only to be nudged by Umji. 

“Actually, you’ll get 2 months off.” Mr. Lee smiled. 

“Yes! Finally! I needed a break after five months!” Yerin flung her arms up high.

You weren’t really catching up. Mr. Lee’s sudden call, the staff’s hyped behavior, day offs, plus it’s two months? “Hold up, what’s going on? Something’s weird.”

“It’s not weird when we get to have two months off! C’mon y/n, we need this.”

“I know we do but I have to know why.” You walked pass the staff and called Mr. Lee. “Uncle, what are you doing? Two months off? We’re in the middle of spring season and you know we have a lot of customers during this time.” you hissed.

“Ah y/n.” he chuckled. “I signed your names down for an annual assessment for potential chefs who wants to continue pursuing culinary arts.” 

“Continue culinary arts? Haven’t I achieved that already, Uncle?” Raising your voice a little when the girls heard you.

“You may have succeeded in establishing a restaurant, but have you ever thought of expanding your horizon?” he smiled, offering you and girls to sit down. “The event is organized by the Royal Palace. Assessment will have rounds, though I’m not quite sure how many there will be. Anyone can join. So I decided to sign y'all up.“

“Without our consent?” you blurted out to your Uncle.

“Well it’s not really a problem for me and Umji so-” Yerin started.

“Without my consent??” you got up. “Uncle, the restaurant needs me.”

Not even a minute Yerin and Umji saw their bags already brought out by staff and ready to go. They pulled you out of the restaurant with giggles. “C'mon y/n!“ 

With so much in mind and trying to sort everything that had just happened, how late have you realized you’re in the carriage, leaving.

"Absolutely understand your worries but you’re still young and still learning! Have fun and enjoy youth! Leave the responsibility to me and trust your ol’ Uncle!” He shouted, laughed, waving at you.

You heard his voice and troubles started to haunt you, making your stomach churn that you couldn’t even handle the stress inflammation. Management, customers, sales, finance sorting, all those responsibilities are out of your hands for two months. What’s more the restaurant is out of your sight for two months.

“Two months." you mumbled as you sat down. The girls stared at each other before they decided to say something. But they were too late.

"Two! That’s two months I tell ya! 61 days, 1464 hours.. and, w-what if I don’t make enough money? What if I can’t give the staff their salary and they start resigning? Then there won’t be produce and sales and customers. The restaurant will probably be in debt and I won’t be able to pay it and end up homeless and and..”

“Sheesh calm down momma’. We’re just trying something new and here you are with so much worries.” Yerin threw a coin pouch at you.

“It’s the restaurant we’re talking about.” You shot back.

“Restaurant, money, customers blah blah. That’s all you think of. Could you like stop being like a matured middle-aged adult and start living like a normal adolescent woman? Can’t you just be like us for once?" 

"Expect me to be like you? I’ve got a restaurant to handle! I have no time to spend on something I don’t want to be!” you raised your tone, feeling your lungs grasping for air. 

“But we’re not in the restaurant now!” Yerin wiggled your shoulders. Her eyes so close to tearing up. Opposite you there sat Umji who has her hands up her face. You felt the atmosphere heavily changed after you yelled. “We.. we just want you to have fun with us y/n.” Yerin mumbled. 

Guilt heated your body from head to toe. Out of anger and worry, you threw your energy to the two girls who had nothing to do with your problems. You thought you acted like child. 

“I’m so sorry guys. I’m an empty pale.” You started, fiddling with your fingers. They looked at you as if you had more to say.

“What do you mean?” Umji asked. 

You chuckled, “It’s noisy when dropped, isn’t it? I complained and panicked without thinking straight."

Definitely like a child, you thought. Obviously you didn’t mean it. Yet when stress attacks you, you were gone gone. Never once you thought of giving time to yourself, let alone for Yerin and Umji. You were a busy person after all. You had no idea why you behaved like a child just now. They were right, you try so hard to grow up fast that you lose track of your age.

“And you both are pales filled with water.” You sighed.

Umji looked at Yerin. “I don’t understand her.”

“It means we are quiet and wise.” She whispered.

You looked out the carriage window, feeling the winds of cool morning air. Enjoy youth huh.. 

It takes at least a day to reach the palace. You wonder how this little adventure of yours will start, or how it’ll end. It’s an assessment by the Royal Palace, definitely there will be young people from all over the country joining this. Probably people who are even better than you.

Royal Palace..

You flinched as you remembered a memory that made your heart tingle. “We’re heading to the Palace aren’t we?”

“Oh look who’s back from the grave, you’ve been awfully silent.” Yerin rolled her eyes.

“It’s only been 5 minutes.” You threw her coin pouch. 

“Yeah, 5 minutes for you to realize your childish behavior,” Yerin scoffed. “We are heading to the Palace in case you didn’t hear your Uncle.”

You smiled so wide that you searched your bag for your diary. “I’ll probably see him again.”

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

“We are pleased to announce the next heir to the throne will be hosting the assessment. His Majesty, Her Majesty, and His Highness himself will be the judges for your talents and skills for creative culinary arts.” Sir Hwijae stated. 

In the audience you and the girls stood in the heat, glancing up to the royal family and aides as you listened to the next part of the speech.

“Please do keep in mind that you all are in the grounds of the Palace, and that your performance and behavior will be closely monitored. The Palace will have two courtyards of dorms, where males and females are separated. In those dorms you will be again separated into groups of your age. The Royal guards will now escort you to your respective rooms. We will make further announcement of the assessment.”

The introduction ended fast and all participants were taken to their rooms. “Do you think she’s here?” Jun whispered, fixing his headband.

“Didn’t see her, even if there are only 100 people.” Seungcheol put down his mini binoculars.

“A hundred people.. She could probably be here.” Wonwoo looked up from his book. “It’s not that many.”

“Stop it guys. You make this seem like I’m so desperate to find her.” Joshua stood up from his throne. 

“But you are, aren’t you?” Seungcheol chuckled. He nudged Jun to join forces with him so to tease the Prince. “We clearly all know you like her. Oh what’s her name?” The boys giggled as they stood up and ran quickly to the room to get away from the prince.

Joshua couldn’t take all the pressure and teasing put against him. He himself is confused with this new feeling he has been dealing with since he laid his eyes on the girl he met downtown. 

“If you say you don’t like her, why are you reacting so much? Only people with hearted-eyes will react that way.” Jun laughed.

“No, I would be reacting because I’m sick of your false assumptions!” Joshua hit the guy.

“You know I happen to know some people who has the list of names of participants.” Wonwoo blurted out, making the prince turn to the boy with spectacles. 

“You do??” Joshua asked, Wonwoo raised his brows. The prince coughed. “I- I mean.. Not you too! I thought you’re with me on this one.”

“I didn’t say I was taking sides. I was stating the fact.”

“What fact?” Joshua took the boy’s book.

“The fact you even forgot her name.”

Joshua stood still, flabbergasted. “Uh..” He gulped. I'm a busy person so I tend to forgets things. He excused. “I- I may have forgotten her name but not her beauty.” He shot back without thinking.

“Jackpot.” Jun smirked. “Honesty is the best! A man never forgets a woman’s beauty.” He ran around happily around the room.

“Y’all set me up. Get out my room before I even pull out my sword and kill you all.” Joshua raised his tone. 

“You’ll be thanking us soon enough, Your Highness!” Seungcheol yelled as they left the room. Joshua closed the door behind him and flopped to his bed. He wiped his face and felt his cheeks rushed with heat. Standing up from his bed, he went to the reflective glass so big it could picture his entire room. 

He knew it was a tease and it did not bother him too much, maybe a little, who knows? He tugged his outfit from the creases the boys did earlier. From the mirror he saw a scrolled paper tied with a paper attached. Joshua tilted his head as untied the string.

━━━ Thought you might be needing this, Your Highness. In case you forgot, I’m the person who has the list of names of participants. I separated the females’ names. Good luck finding her Josh. 

~ Wonwoo  ━━━

The prince scoffed in amusement. A lot thoughts entered his mind. Was he too transparent that his aides could see his feelings? Or do the boys really have so much experience of love that they throw every possible sign Joshua innocently act? He knew his heart was right. He’s not ready to court a girl. Not until he understands the needs of his people.

He looked at the list of names, hoping he’d find yours. Each time he try a faded cloud just appears in his eyes. He continued his work and reviewing the schedule for tomorrow’s assessment. Even during work he’d remember your beauty. He knew he’ll just have to wait until you appear before his eyes.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

You stood at the grand hall of the palace. All emotions you could think of entered your body. Sweat have built up your palms, the nape of your neck, the temples. You’ve never been this scared for something you completely love to do. A second you received a letter.The honey voice you’ve heard long ago rings to your ears. You thought you’d never hear him again. 

“The letter in your hands is what you will be doing for the next 2 months. I know this sounds crazy, being in the Palace for that long. But don’t you worry. You’re all in good hands.” Joshua read the script as he touched the mic. “The practice round will be at noon. It’s a qualification for the 3 rounds. I encourage you all to do your best.”

The grand hall quickly emptied. You went to your room and unfolded the letter.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ Read the following to have an idea of the assessment.

There will be a total of 3 rounds, (excluding the practice round).

Appetizer Main course Dessert Please think carefully what you will showcase to us. There will be elimination rounds, however, the name of participants will not be disclosed until the day of the finals’ results. Please do keep in mind that it is prohibited to use dishes from the Royal Kitchen. When discovered the dishes are of exact or similarity to the Royal Kitchen, you will be forced to withdraw from the assessment. I look forward to your performance.  ~Prince Joshua ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━     

Immediately your heart beat so fast you felt like it wants to come out. Seeing his name makes you want to see him again, although you have seen him earlier. Yet seeing him was already enough to brighten up your day. He’ll be the source of your encouragement. You sat by the window of your room, scribbling ideas and possible dishes the Royal Palace has yet to taste. Here you’ll find chance. Here you’ll find learning. Here you’ll experience anew.

Here you know you will have fun and enjoy youth. 

━━━

i.t.s masterlist

>> new beginnings, new encounters and new discoveries in a completely new world. you were suddenly signed up for a cuisine assessment for the royal family of the country. how will you do?

< prev. || part two || next >

[jobean12-blog]

Top Shelf: Chapter 11- The Pages in Between

Pairing: Bucky x reader (Bookshop/bartender AU)

Word Count: 1,637

Summary: You tell Bucky your idea on how to save the bookshop 

Author’s Note: Hey everyone, Happy Monday! I know I say it every time but I’m so thankful for those of you that have stuck with me through this story. It makes me so happy. I’m sure you all saw this coming and that’s ok. As I’ve said before this really is just a love story that hopefully makes you feel good and happy. Thank you again! Thank you all for reading! All my love always! ❤❤❤

Warnings: SUPER FLUFFY LOVE FLUFF, implied sexy times :)

Previous Chapters (* indicates smut)

Chapter 1: Enchantment

Chapter 2: Cookie Crumble

Chapter 3: Sweet Anticipation

Chapter 4: Read Between the Limes

Chapter 5: Secrets on the Shelf

Chapter 6: Love Between the Covers *

Chapter 7: Love Lines & Soul Finds

Chapter 8: Drunk in Love *

Chapter 9: Pour in onto the Page

Chapter 10: Recipe for Love *

His response is almost immediate, your phone lighting up as his message comes through. ‘Really baby?? I can’t wait to hear all about it! I’m not going to lie I’m pretty excited.’ You smile at your phone as your fingers fly over the keyboard. ‘I know, me too. I mean it’s just the beginning of an idea and of course we have to talk about a bunch of things but I’m eager to hear what you think.’

You sink further into the tub, a sigh of contentedness leaving your lips. Just as your eyes begin to close your phone buzzes again. You grab it and read the message. ‘Send me one more pic. I have another two hours before I can get home to you.’ Stifling a giggle, you snap a photo of your legs resting atop the edge of the tub and send it his way. ‘Longest two hours of my life,’ is his reply, followed by, ‘you better be awake when I get home…’

Deciding to leave him hanging you enjoy the rest of the warm water, allowing the bubble bath to do its magic. By the time you get out you’re softer than a baby’s bottom and very relaxed. You put on Bucky’s tee shirt and get into his bed, cuddling into his pillow so you’re enveloped in his smell.

He gets home around 2 am, quietly shuffling into his room to find you peacefully asleep in his bed. The blinds are still open, and the light of the moon reflects off your glowing skin. Bucky sits at the edge of the bed, delicately tracing his fingers over your bare shoulder. Brushing some hair from your face he leans down to kiss the corner of your mouth just as it curls up into a smile.

You roll onto your back and blink open your eyes, tugging on his arm so he lays down. “Hi beautiful,” he whispers as his hands smooth over your silky skin. “I’m sorry if I woke you. I was just…” You silence him with a kiss, any excitement over your idea momentarily forgotten.

For once Bucky sleeps later than you, his bare feet slapping against the floor and jolting you from your thoughts. “How long have you been up doll?” You run over to him and throw yourself into his arms. He easily catches you, peppering your face with kisses. “I made coffee. BUT IT’S SO BAD. So now you have to make coffee.” You give him a sorry look, pushing yourself up and onto the counter while he starts a new pot.

Minutes later he hands you a cup, the delicious, hot liquid warming you from head to toe. “Ok, now that we’ve both had a sip of edible coffee and I can concentrate on what you’re saying rather than trying to get you naked, let’s hear it!” You almost spit out your coffee at this last comment, shaking your head in amusement. “Ok, so. Eeeeeeeee, ok, this coffee isn’t helping, I’m practically buzzing!” you say before you jump down from the counter.

Pacing the floor, you chew your bottom lip as you try to get your thoughts in order. To Bucky’s credit he waits patiently, sipping his coffee quietly and letting you do your thing. “Alright. So, I hate to sound all about myself, but everyone really liked the pie last night, right?” Bucky agrees with no hesitation. “And grandma, you and Nat went nuts over my chocolate chip peanut butter cookies, yes?” Again, Bucky nods enthusiastically, smiling big. “And you and grandma really loved my chocolate pie and chocolate chip cookies?”

Bucky gently grabs your shoulders, bringing you into his chest and looking you straight in the eyes. “Yes, yes and more yes. Your baking is amazing and there is no doubt that everyone agrees.” You can feel the blush creep up your cheeks, your head dropping to hide in Bucky’s chest. Feeling the rumble of his laugh makes you smile, his finger hooking under your chin to bring your eyes to his. “I mean it.”

With a kiss you continue. “Thank you. So, if you guys like it there is no reason that other people wouldn’t like it. What if we added a café or bakery to the bookshop? Or both! I realize that it will cost money and right now that’s the problem. But I haven’t really thought all that through yet. However, I think if we add the baked goods and maybe even coffee and hot chocolate and stuff like that it could draw in more of a crowd. Also, you have a bartending license. Maybe we can do poetry slams and/or trivia nights. We can serve drinks and treats and charge at the door.”

Your hands are flying every which way and you’re talking a mile a minute, your enthusiasm warming Bucky’s heart and making him fall even more in love with you. It isn’t until you’re out of breath and he’s finished his coffee that you finally slow down. “Well?” He stares at you for what feels like forever before he puts down his cup and takes you in his arms.

“I love you. And I love your idea. I definitely think we have some things to figure out and a lot to go over but together I think we can make anything work.” You shake your head yes, too many emotions welling up inside you to speak. You simply press your lips to his and tell him everything he needs to know.

Later that morning you head home to do laundry and clean up, missing Bucky the moment you walk through your door. Luckily, he had the idea to stay over at the bookshop tonight and sleep up in the secret attic space. To say you were excited was an understatement.

You pack a light bag and head over to meet him, but not before grabbing the tin of chocolate chip peanut butter cookies you baked earlier as a surprise for him. The bookshop is closing just as you arrive, and you smile at the customer who is leaving. Bucky runs around the cashier counter and plants a firm kiss on your lips.

“Hi. Missed you.” You shove the tin into his hands and say, “I was just about to say the same thing. I made you something.” Bucky’s eyes widen as he starts to open the tin, bringing it up to his nose and inhaling the delicious peanut butter and chocolate smell. “You made me more?” he asks, face still half inside. “Yes, and you can eat as many as you want, as long as you share with me.”

Popping one into his mouth he gives you a thumbs up, placing the tin down and turning the sign to closed and locking the door. “The pizza just got here 5 minutes ago, and they gave us paper plates and everything.” Your mouth waters at the mention of food. “Ok, great. I’m starving. I have water and more snacks too. Are we eating upstairs?”

Bucky nods, taking the cookies and pizza and walking toward the back. When you get up the stairs and open the door you’re surprised to see that Bucky has hung a small string of star lights over the love seat and made a pile of blankets and pillows in the middle of the floor.

“Aw Buck, it looks so beautiful and cozy! This is going to be so fun.” The two of you settle on the floor surrounded by the pizza box and snacks, your feet touching while you dig into your first slice.  “You have some sauce right there,” Bucky says, leaning in to brush his thumb over your bottom lip. You take his thumb into your mouth and suck off the sauce, closing your eyes and letting out a moan.

When you open them again his lips are only inches from yours.  He carefully takes the pizza slice from your hands. “I was eating that,” you whisper, your eyes dropping to his mouth. “I have something better,” he teases, before pressing his lips to yours.

Laying on the floor amidst the soft blankets and pillows, cradled against Bucky’s chest you watch the rain drops pitter patter against the sky light above you, the lights from the city dancing along the dark walls. The low rumble of distant thunder echoes through the quiet space as you trace small patterns along his bare skin.

“I love summer thunderstorms.” Bucky hums in agreement, his eyes closed and his head resting against one arm while the other holds you close. “Do you think we should tell my grandma our idea?” Bucky’s question catches you off guard and for a second, you’re unsure of what to say. “Well. I think your idea of doing our research and talking to some friends, like Sam, is a good way to start. Maybe after we have a more solid plan we can sit down and show her everything.”

He’s quiet for a few moments, the sound of his breathing and the city below all you hear now that the rain has stopped. “That seems smart. Sam will probably be a big help since he opened the bar at the beginning of the year. And I know he has some other friends in the restaurant business too.” You prop your head up on your elbow and he turns to face you. “Good idea! I like it,” you say, tracing over the stubble on his jaw.

Grabbing your waist, he rolls over and sits you on top of him, the blanket falling from your shoulders. “You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” You gently roll your hips against him, smiling softly. “Oh Bucky.” The words fall from your lips with a quiet tenderness and the world falls away with every brush of his fingertips.

@aesthetical-bucky @auro-ora @azurika-writes @bugsbucky @buckys-broody-muffin @bucky-on-my-mind @book-dragon-13 @devynsdiary @eurynome827 @hiddles-rose @hailmary-yramliah @emilylyoness @hawksmagnolia @ikaris-whore @itsunclebucky @imgaril-lindru @jhangelface0523 @jewels2876 @loricameback @littledarlinhavefaithinme @littleredstarfish @mushyjellybeans @marvelandotherfandomimagines @marvelgirl7 @nano--raptor @randomfandompenguin @sallycanwait68 @softpeachbarnes @scarletsoldierrr @the-wayward-robot @when-the-hell-is-bucky @throwmyheartawayagain @flyawaybay @amandatar-06 @nd1998sc @captainchrisstan @vherriepie @godofplumsandthunder​ @fire-flv @jamesbarnesappreciationclub @irishflutiegirl​ @rinthehufflepuff​ @moonybarnes​ @nordlysinthewoods​ @inflxmes @lauratang​ @my-favorite-fics-and-imagines​ @buchanansebba​ @addikted-2-dopamine​

[radarbrow2-blog]

Where to Eat Hoagies in Philadelphia: The Ultimate Guide

Guides

Our city runs on hoagies. Here’s where to get the best.

Devoted foodies and restaurant newbies love Foobooz. Sign-up now for our twice weekly newsletter.

Primo Hoagies | Facebook

Sure, the cheesesteak is the sandwich most closely associated with Philly. And everyone knows that the roast pork has always been our unacknowledged, locals-only secret weapon in the sandwich culture wars.

But the hoagie? The hoagie is how Philly eats lunch. The hoagie is our everyday sandwich. It’s how we celebrate and how we get by. It’s what we eat when we can’t think of what we really want. Eating hoagies in Philly is like breathing. We do it without even thinking.

And what’s remarkable is that while hoagies only rank third among our city’s sandwich obsessions, our hoagies are still awesome. They are the Reuleaux triangle at the center of a Venn diagram of what Philly’s does well — Bread, Italian Deli Meats, and Stuff You Eat With Your Hands. You wanna bet me? Put Philly’s best hoagie up against the best sandwich iteration done in any other city (grinders in New England, New Orleans’s po’boys, the Gerber in St. Louis) and I will take your money.

The Hoagies You Must Try First

Paesano’s | Facebook

Paesano’s, Fishtown Paesano’s makes dream hoagies, the kind you imagine in your most fevered sandwich fantasies. Roasted suckling pig, brisket with horseradish mayo and a fried egg, another with fig jam, provolone, arugula and sharp provolone. But the hoagiest of them all is the Daddy Wad, a basic Italian jumped up with an oregano vinaigrette and sweet and hot peppers. 148 West Girard Avenue

Carmen’s Famous Italian Hoagies and Cheesesteaks, Market East A meatball sandwich doesn’t really count as a hoagie, but Carmen’s in Reading Terminal Market does a mean meatball sandwich. They’re on this list because they also sling a killer Italian, loaded with meat and served right across the counter.

Primo Hoagies, Multiple locations Primo has about a billion locations at this point. Second only to Wawa in convenience and availability, no serious hoagie list would be complete without them. And not for nothing: despite their explosive growth and fast food-y counter service model, they still put out some damn fine hoagies. Plus, you’ve just gotta trust any joint that has five versions of an Italian available — one for every kind of mood, from spicy to mellow.

Koch’s Deli, West Philly People stand in line for an hour at this place just for a sandwich, and the wait is totally worth it. Shredded lettuce, loads of meat, good, soft bread that soaks up flavors like a sponge. Go for the Jewish Hoagie if you’re feeling adventurous (corned beef, pastrami, kosher salami, and spicy roast beef), but even the simplest ham hoagie here is a work of art. 4309 Locust Street

Di Bruno Bros., Multiple locations Among foodies, Di Bruno Bros. is kinda like that one really high-rent drug dealer you know. Not the guy you go to when you need a dime bag, but the one that you save for special occasions. Their stores are full of some of the best, most delicious ingredients on earth. And guess what they use to make their hoagies with?

The Best Hoagies in Center City, Old City and Washington Square West

Campo’s Deli | Facebook

Campo’s Deli They’re famous for their cheesesteaks, sure. But the special Italian hoagie here is a wonder stacked with salami, three kinds of ham (including prosciutto), pepperoni, and provolone. 214 Market Street

Giuseppe & Sons The brand-new spot from Michael Schulson’s team and the Termini family is an ode to old school, Italian-American red gravy dining — in the basement, anyway. Upstairs at street-level, it’s an enormous luncheonette (and bar) that knocks out sandwiches from a big list that includes an admirable prosciutto/sopresatta/mortadella Italian hoagie on bread from Formica Bros. Bakery in Atlantic City. 1523 Sansom Street

Matt & Marie’s There are at least three hoagies on this menu deserving of mention, but I’m just gonna talk about one: the Italian Stallion. It has everything I love in a sandwich, including salami, more salami, coppa (which is kind of like salami), plus a pepperoncini aioli that would improve almost any sandwich. 100 North 18th Street

Foodery The Foodery has four locations now, but I like the Center City one because it has the two thing I need most when I’m in the city: beer and sandwiches. A sixer of something local and an Italian hoagie with prosciutto and sharp provolone on a French baguette? That sounds like a perfect lunch to bring back to the desk. Or a nice gift to bring along to a party, because who doesn’t love it when someone gives them a sandwich? 1710 Sansom Street

Middle Child The So Long Sal deserves a Nobel Prize for Sandwiches. And if there isn’t a Nobel Prize for Sandwiches, then someone needs to talk to one of those Nobel people immediately and get that shit fixed. 248 South 11th Street

Woodrow’s Sandwich Shop Most of what Woodrow’s does are sandwiches, not hoagies. But the Italian is absolutely a hoagie — and though it might be a bit fancy for your tastes (with its fennel salami, truffled mortadella, herb mayo, oil, and vinegar), Woodrow’s knows its customers, and the kitchen is aiming for something a little more highbrow than your average neighborhood shop. 630 South Street

The Best Hoagies in Fishtown, Kensington and Port Richmond

Martha | Facebook

Martha They serve three hoagies. They all come on Philly Bread rolls. One of them is vegetarian. All of them belong in some kind of hoagie hall of fame. 2113 East York Street

Marinucci’s Deli The half here is a foot long. The half. Order a full-size and you’ll basically be getting two excellent hoagies stuffed with good meat, shredded lettuce, fresh veggies, and whatever else you ask for, all on a thick, spongy white roll. The location in the Northeast is the original, but for the past couple years, the good people of Port Richmond have been going bonkers over this place, so that’s why I’m putting it here. 3122 Richmond Street

Castellino’s It’s basically a little Italian market in Fishtown that does bread, sliced meats, pastries, jam, dry goods, flour, beard oil — all the usual Fishtown necessities. But the place also bangs out some nice sandwiches, among them a solid Italian-style hoagie, a beloved caprese, and the NEPA (Northeast PA), which is basically just made of magic. 1255 East Palmer Street

The Best Hoagies in South Philly and the Italian Market

Mike & Matt’s Italian Market | Facebook

Mike & Matt’s Italian Market Classic neighborhood Italian market with over-the-counter hoagies. The neighbors love this place, so if you happen to be in the area (and in need of a hoagie), you should definitely check it out. 1206 Mifflin Street

Pastificio There are two things I love about this place. One is the Parma, which is basically an all-prosciutto hoagie. And the other is the fact that this is one of the very few spots I can think of  that has two different all-cheese hoagies. Not vegetarian on purpose, just proper hoagies made with nothing but cheese (plus lettuce, tomatoes, onion and sandwich oil, natch). 1528 Packer Avenue

Cosmi’s Yeah, you know Cosmi’s for their cheesesteaks. But they also do a laudable hoagie here — nicely balanced, full of Italian meats, and served on a seeded roll (if you ask for it). 1501 South 8th Street

Dew’s Deli This old-school spot serves a deep list of hoagies and triple-decker club sandwiches, but their signature, the Old World Italian, is the move here. It’s loaded with  Italian deli meats — prosciutto, Di Lusso salami, capicola, and coteghino, a Freda specialty made with pork and beef — plus roasted red peppers, served (of course) on an Aversa roll. 1710 South 10th Street

Red’s Hoagies & Groceries A traditional corner hoagie shop can be one of three things: fast, cheap, or good. The ones that last can consistently be two of those things at once. The legends? They do all three. And that’s what Red’s is: a beloved, often overlooked shop that’s been serving hoagies to its neighbors in South Philly since the 1940s. 1900 South 9th Street

Antonio’s Deli Antonio’s opened in the former Chickie’s Deli space. Chickie’s would’ve absolutely had a spot on this list, but it’s gone now. Thankfully, Antonio’s is an admirable replacement, with a dozen-odd different hoagies on Sarcone’s rolls. They’ve got all the basics, and plus an anchovy hoagie (if that’s your thing), Italian tuna with prosciutto (which sounds delicious), and fried tomato with turkey and bacon which, even though it isn’t technically a hoagie, still should be mentioned. Because seriously, why didn’t I have that for lunch today? 1014 Federal Street

Ricci’s The meats are shaved thin to order, the bread is seeded (as it ought to be), the dressing is light, and the provolone has a bite. Building a quality hoagie takes years of experience, and Ricci’s — around since the 1920s — has had plenty of practice. 1165 South 11th Street

Gooey Looie’s There is nothing fancy at all about this place. The name explains the entire experience. We’re talking giant sandwiches, stuffed with meat and toppings and dripping with oil. It takes two hands to eat one of these, which is exactly as it should be. This is South Philly. Leave the finger sandwiches for Rittenhouse Square. 231 McClellan Street

Vincenzo’s This place has been a neighborhood hangout for decades. A straight-up luncheonette with Italian deli aspirations, it does breakfast plates, egg sandwiches on long rolls with anything from scrapple to asparagus and cherry peppers, makes all its hoagies with Carangi Bakery bread, and cuts everything fresh. Bonus: you can get a prosciutto and sharp provolone hoagie here for $7.50, which might be one of the best deals in town. 1626 South 9th Street

The Best Hoagies in West Philly, Northeast Philly, Manayunk and Beyond

Fu-Wah Mini Market | Facebook

Saad’s Halal Yeah. An all-Halal Middle Eastern restaurant that serves some of the best tuna or chicken salad hoagies you’ll find anywhere. This is why I fucking love Philly. 4500 Walnut Street

Fu-Wah Mini Market This Cedar Park sandwich spot and mini-grocer from the family behind Vietnam Restaurand and Vietnam Cafe is a beloved neighborhood institution. They’re famous for the tofu hoagie, a vegan take on banh mi — but their classic hoagies are the best in the neighborhood, with extra care taken to source great bread, fresh romaine (instead of iceberg), and the best hot peppers I’ve had on a hoagie outside of South Philly. 810 South 47th Street

Dattilo’s As if the Dattilo’s Main Event — a loaded Italian with roasted peppers and marinated artichoke hearts — and the special sandwich dressing that took 15 years to get right weren’t enough, Dattilo’s also has a roast pork hoagie. Yeah, you read that right. Roast. Pork. Hoagie. It’s amazing. 8000 Horrocks Street

Lennie’s Hoagies Lennie’s has like a million different kinds of hoagies, scattered across a variety of menus, all named after movies or songs or neighborhoods or countries or former employees or songs or inside jokes. The place is just nine different kinds of bonkers, but a lot of the hoagies are really excellent. Just take your time, find the one that speaks to you, and go for it. 6141 Ridge Avenue

Dalessandro’s Everyone knows this place has the best cheesesteaks around, right? Well, they also do some of the best hoagies in town, prepared with the same amount of care and served with the same kind of weighty, messy goodness. Just know what you’re doing before you walk in: step up to the counter, order, step aside to wait, and pick up your sandwiches at the other end. If everyone could manage that, the line would move a lot faster and I would get my hoagies that much quicker. Thanks. 600 Wendover Street

Barry’s Steaks There are so many things I love about this place: shredded lettuce, thick stacks of meat on the hoagies, lots of sandwich oil, Amoroso’s rolls, a cooler full of really good homemade sodas. Honestly, it’s the kind of place that should be used as the model for neighborhood hoagie shops everywhere. If I lived next door, I would weigh 400 pounds and be so happy about it. So next time the line is too long at Dalessandro’s, go here. There’s a pretty good chance you’ll never go anywhere else again. 471 Leverington Avenue

Lorenzo’s Steaks and Hoagies Another neighborhood joint that everyone knows for their cheesesteaks. But honestly, the hoagies are far superior — loaded, heavy, and handled with care. They come in three sizes (the large weighs something like four pounds), and the waits can get long during rushes. Just be patient and understand that good work takes time. 216 East Market Street, West Chester

Source: https://www.phillymag.com/foobooz/2018/11/29/best-hoagies-sandwiches-philadelphia/

[onlyonewoman]

Worst Da Ever

Another ficlet I may use later in my ace lowbones verse. In this one, Ned is dealing with the couples fifteen-year-old girl, Roisin, who wants to get on a date Ned has some unusual - and usual - objections to. ***                   ”Da…” ”Yes, Rose? ”Can I ask you something?” ”If it’s ’bout the tattoo t’is still a no and if ye do it anyways ye’re grounded until ye turn eighteen.” ”Jesus… No, it’s not the tattoo. Unless you’ve change…?” ”Fat chance, kiddo-no-kid. What is it?” ”Well…” Roisin leaned in the doorway and Ned put his calculations down. His daughter had the ”I really want this and you have to say yes or I’ll die” expression in her face. Which meant it was probably not very serious. ”There’s this guy, Tom Dawson...” ”The lad with the hockey trunk ye’re walking home with?” ”I… How did you know?” ”Ye’re passing me job on yer way home, Rose.” ”Oh…” Roisin bit her lip and Ned smiled. ”Ye’ve planned on asking him out, or what? Or he asked ye?” ”Look, it’s just this game on Saturday and I was thinking about going.” ”The hockey rink isn’t exactly a club, Rose. Of course ye can go.” ”Yeah, but…” ”But what?” ”It’s in… uhm, London.” ”London? Ye’re goin’ to a hockey game in London for a Saturday night?” Ned had to make an effort not to roll his eyes. Fifteen and in love meant one did a lot of silly things and it was very obvious why Roisin had chosen to ask him instead of Billy, thinking her da would be easier to convince. Not on this one. Ned folded his arms. ”Since when did ye start liking hockey, by the way? Thought ye were a football and dance girl.” ”Da…” ”No.” ”No?” ”No as in ye can’t go.” ”Why?” ”Cause ye’re fifteen, he’s sixteen and yer daddies will not let ye spend a Saturday night in London on yer own.” ”But it’s just hockey!” ”Even worse. Ye don’t even like hockey.” ”I do!” ”Oh, yeah? And what does that bloke like that ye do, huh? He’s asked to come with ye to a dance show?” ”He doesn’t like dancing.” ”Football?” ”No.” ”What about concerts?” ”He only listens to radio stuff.” Ned shook his head in disappointment. ”God have mercy… Books?” ”Doesn’t read.” ”Goat sacrifices?” ”Da, ye’re such a dork.” ”And ye’re not going to a hockey game in London with a lad who wont give any of yer hobbies a chance, Rose. At least not until ye’re older. Then ye may throw away yer money and time on stuff ye don’t like to be around a boy who’s boring the hell out of ye, but not now.” ”You’re so unfair!” Roisin turned around and went to her room. ”You don’t let me do anything! You suck!” Ned just rolled his eyes and scratched Gwin’s head. They both jumped a little as the door upstairs slammed and Ned sighed. ”Never seem to get used to that fucking door slamming, boy. Ye’re lucky, not having to be the worst da ever at least three times a week.” Roisin was difficult and although Ned knew being fifteen was a rough age, he freely admitted there were times when he had no idea how to handle her – and times when he could’ve been more strict. And if he’d allowed Roisin to go to that game, Billy would’ve been furious. Ned looked at his dog on the floor. ”I’m fiftytwo, Gwin, and I feel damn useless. Ye have any advice?” Gwin just yawned and Ned shook his head. ”Sleep on it, ye say? Don’t think that’ll help with this one.” He spent the rest of the afternoon with his calculations and foregone asking Roisin to help out with dinner, since having a grumpy teen walking around like a raincloud didn’t make a very good company. Around half past five, when Ned was putting the salmon stew aside to cool off while enjoying Celtic Frost’s To Mega Therion, Billy came home from work, as always greeting his husband with a kiss in the hallway. Billy smelled from autumn and rain, fabric softener and weak cologne. ”How was your day, hon?” ”Good. Yers?” ”Some whiny customers and a cranky boss, otherwise fine. Close your eyes.” ”What are ye up to?” ”Just close your eyes.” Ned sighed but did as asked and heard the sound of wrapping tissue and something that probably was a small box falling to the floor. ”Oh, crap…” ”Can I look now?” ”Not yet.” His husband’s hands were gently removing his earring, tucking his long hair away and Ned smiled as a new jewellery took its place. He opened his eyes and turned to the old mirror above the dresser. The earring was in silver, just a little thicker than his old, with a black stripe in the middle. ”You like it?” ”Very much.” Ned turned around and gave his husband a long, soft kiss before looking at him with a slightly teasing eye. ”What’s the occasion?” ”Nothing, really. Just that I saw this downtown and came to think of you and since I love you so much… well I couldn’t resist buying it.” Billy blushed a little and Ned smiled, the feeling of being a useless da temporarily forgotten. ”Ye’re so sweet I’ll get cavities. Thanks, Billy, I love it.” A loud thump could be heard from upstairs and Ned rolled his eyes. ”And there’s one who doesn’t love me very much right now.” ”What did you do? Ask her to take the trash out or something else equal to slave labour?” Ned chuckled. ”Worse. I told her she couldn’t go to a late hockey game in London on Saturday, so apparently I suck.” ”She actually thought you’d agree with that? And she hates hockey.” ”But not one of the bucks who’re playing.” Billy snorted. ”Even better reason for her not to go. Wasting a whole night watching a game she hates just to look at a guy who probably can’t put three interesting sentences together without help.” ”Glad we’re on the same side, hon. Damn, I forgot the fish!” Ned hurried back to the kitchen, saving the stew from being burned. Billy lowered the volume on the stereo at the table and Ned stirred in the food. ”Don’t gimme me that look, Billy.” ”What look?” ”The one I know ye’re giving me back now. Celtic Frost is pure fucking quality.” ”It’s a bunch of depressed blokes in need of cough drops and hugs.” ”This is a groundbreaking Swiss classic, thank ye very much.” ”You’d let Rose go if this crap was playing, right?” Ned turned around, ladle risen and pointed at his husband. ”If this was playing in London, then I’d become fucking religious and camp outside their hotel, ’cause they quit in 2008 and I’ll always regret I never went to see them. Could ye be an angel and tell our daughter dinner’s ready?” Two minutes later, as Ned and Billy already sat down and Gwin had gotten a small piece of salmon as a treat, a very grumpy Roisin came down, sighing as she sat on her place. Billy rose his eyebrows. ”Hello, daddy. Hello, Roisin. How was school? It was good, I got a really good result on that history test.” Roisin suddenly looked nervous and bit her lip. Ned served her rice. ”Yeah, I forgot to ask ’bout that, sweetheart. But I assume, just as yer daddy, that ye studied hard as ye promised.” ”Yeah…” ”And? How did it go?” ”Uhm…” Roisin picked at her salmon, not meeting her daddies eyes and Billy cleared his throat. ”You’re not going to that hockey game no matter how that test went, just to make it clear.” ”You’re always agreeing with da.” Billy exchanged a look with his husband and Ned shrugged. ”Not on everything. For example, he doesn’t like Celtic Frost’s masterpiece from -85.” ”True. But you’re still not going to London on your own, Rose, and that’s final.” ”I’m not gonna be on my own!” Ned cleared his throat. ”How did that history test go?” ”Alright.” ”B plus, then?” ”Uhm…C…” ”C?” ”Minus…” Billy and Ned looked at each other and Ned sighed. ”Roisin Nour Haley, exactly how stupid do ye think yer parents are?” Billy poured himself more water. ”I’d say you’re grounded for at least two weeks.” ”Two weeks?! Da?” Ned just shook his head. ”Don’t look to me for support, kiddo. One more complain and I’ll make it three. Eat yer dinner and then ye’re getting started with homeworks. If ye want to go anywhere except school before Christmas, I suggest ye make some improvement in history class. Okay?” Roisin sighed, defeated. When Ned used that voice it was final and she knew it. ”Okay, da.” ”Good. Now, eat. I wanna have a look at that test later. And ye could just as well gimme yer phone right away.” Their daughter reluctantly handed over the phone and Ned locked it inside the medicine cupboard and put the key in his pocket. Roisin picked at her food, only to get a look from her da saying this was a really bad time to keep being rude and she finished quickly, asking to leave the table and Ned happily let her. Once she’d disappeared to her room, Ned shut his eyes and leaned back. ”Why does it feel like ye just sentenced us to two weeks of hell?” ”Because I did, and you agreed.” ”I did. And how are we to control that when we’re working?” Billy shrugged. ”I guess she has to come to your work.” ”Are ye fucking kidding me?” ”It’s a library. Can’t think of any other place better suited for studies.” ”So I’m gonna babysit our fifteen-year-old at work, take her home and then spend the whole evening watching her as well? Sorry, hon, but this seems like a punishment for me.” ”Not if I take the evening shift.” Ned folded his arms. ”Go on.” His husband scraped his plate clean and refilled his water glass. ”I’ll be at home every evening too, so you can have some time on your own. You’ve not been out much lately, hon, and you should take the opportunity to go to the cinemas or something. See friends.” Ned’s one seeing eye suddenly became very soft and he smiled. ”Ye’re willing to stay at home, forcing Roisin to learn years, wars and rulers every evening for two weeks and hear her complain so I can get an out of jail card?” Billy shrugged, suddenly blushing a little and he rose from the table to put his plate in the dishwasher. ”If anyone deserves it, it’s you. And if our daughter is smart, she realises sleeping in history class isn’t worth the trouble in the future. Besides, I really think you deserve some time on your own.” He folded his big arms around his husband, nuzzling the still sore neck and the earlobe where the new earring was attached. Ned leaned into the touch, suddenly realising how tired he was. After the assault, his body had never really learned to reckognize it’s signals like before and the collected pain and weariness usually struck when he relaxed enough to truly feel his body. It happened with irregular intervals so it was tricky to foresee it, which was one of the reasons he still needed a service dog. Billy nibbled for the earring once again and Ned smiled. ”No occasion, really? Ye just happened to see it?” ”Only reason I need to bring you a gift, is that I love you and you’re making me so happy by simply being you. You’re the best husband ever.” Ned hummed, the day’s tension bleeding off a little as he rested his head against Billy’s frame and he chuckled as Gwin came to nudge his calf. ”Best husband and worst da ever… Thank God, Gwin doesn’t speak English.”