#i was visiting my cousins and my aunt got me the book and i was up all night reading it

[canirove]

The invinsible princess | Chapter 2

“A very chocolatey Christmas”

Chapter 1 | Chapter 3

Masterlist

A few months later...

“You know, I was kind of surprised when I got your text.”

“Why?”

“Because I usually am the one who goes visit you in Madrid and not the other way around” my cousin Irene says. 

“Then it was time I came to visit you in Barcelona” I smile.

“Yeah… But why?” she says, giving me a suspicious look.

“Why what?”

“Why have you come to visit me now?”

“I was home alone and bored" I shrug. "My parents are on their annual solo trip before the holidays and Leonor still is at the academy, so I thought… Why don't I go pay my dearest cousin a visit? And I haven't seen Aunt Cristina and your brothers in ages.”

“But we are a few days away from Christmas, and we are spending them all together with grandma. It doesn't make any sense to come now. What are you hiding, Sofía?”

“Me? Nothing”

“Liar.”

“What?”

“You are lying” Irene says. “Who is he?”

“Who is who?”

“The guy you've come to see here in Barcelona.”

“I've come to see you, not a guy” I chuckle.

“You are such a bad liar, Sofía” she laughs. “C'mon, spill the beans. Who is he? When and where did you meet? Is there a Tinder for royals or something?”

“What?”

“I don't know, could be a thing” she shrugs. “Anyway, who is he?”

“He… Ok, fine” I sigh, giving up. Since we were little Irene has always read me like an open book, and it can be so annoying. “There is a guy.”

“I knew it!” she smiles. “Now tell me all the details. When did you meet?”

“This summer.”

“Oh, so this is new! Was it during your holidays in Mallorca?”

“No. It was before that.”

“In Madrid?”

“Kind of.”

“Kind of? What do you mean?” she asks with a confused look.

“First Berlin and then Madrid.”

“First Ber… No!” she gasps. “During the Euros?”

“Yep” I nod.

“Is he a football player?”

“Could be.”

“Could be? Oh… my God, Sofía. Oh, my God! The princess is a wag?” she laughs.

“I'm not a wag.”

“But you may end up being one” she smirks.

“Maybe… I don't know. Everything still is too new and we are just getting to know each other.”

“But wait. Wait, wait, wait. If you've come to Barcelona… Does it mean that he plays for Barça? Is he… Oh my God, is he Gavi? Did you steal your sister's crush?” Irene laughs again. “She's gonna be so pissed when she finds out…”

“It's not Gavi.”

“Then… That new guy? Fermín? He's cute.”

“I don't like them blonde, Irene.”

“Then… umm… No! Ferran? He is like the hottest! You are such a lucky bitch!” she says, hitting my arm.

“Ouch, that hurt!” 

“I can't believe you are seeing Ferran. Like… Woah” she chuckles. “And then you go around saying you are invisible to everyone and that no one pays you attention. You are seeing one of the hottest Spanish players!”

“I'm not seeing Ferran either, Irene.”

“You… what? Then who…”

“Pedri.”

“Pedri? The Pedri?”

“Yes, Pedri. Why that face?”

“I don't know, I just… He doesn't seem your type.”

“Doesn't he? Have you looked at him?” I laugh.

“I… Not really, no.”

“Then you can properly look at him tomorrow, because you are coming with me to watch him play” I smile.

“What?”

“I got tickets. Well, Pedri got them for us.”

“So this is why you've come to see me? To have me third wheeling?”

“I've come to visit you and your family, and then to ask you to accompany me to the game. If someone spots me with you it'll be less suspicious than if I am on my own.”

“Aren't you the invisible princess like you say all the time? You don't need me” Irene says, crossing her arms over her chest.

“That's what I thought too. But Pedri has shown me that that isn't the case. That to him, I've never been invisible.”

“Did he tell you that?” she chuckles.

“He did, yes. And stop laughing, it was quite romantic.”

“If you say so…”

“It was” I say, now being the one who hits her arm. “So, are you coming to the game with me or not? I haven't gotten to see him play with Barça yet, this is the first time.”

“Really? Haven't you known each other for a few months already?”

“We have, yes. But he's been recovering from his injury and we've only managed to meet in person once since the Euros.”

“Just once?” Irene says.

“Yes, for his birthday.”

“And how did you celebrate?” she asks, moving her eyebrows up and down.

“You are the worst” I reply, rolling my eyes. “But yes.”

“Yes what, dear cousin?” she smirks.

“Yes, we had sex to celebrate his birthday. Now, are you coming to the game with me or not?”

“Don't change the topic of conversation just yet. Was it good?” 

“Irene…” I sigh.

“I know it wasn't your first time, Sofía. But what about him?”

“It wasn't either.”

“Interesting… Very very interesting. If you are so eager to see him again, it's because it was good. Is he an expert on anything in particular?”

“Irene, I'm not going to tell you anything else.”

“But you will in the future.”

“Urgh” I groan.

“May I ask you something else?”

“I'm not going to tell you how big he is, Irene.”

“I wasn't going to ask you that, Sofía” she says, rolling her eyes. “Though now I'm curious… Anyway” she says. “What excuse did you use to come see him that day?”

“I told everyone I was going to visit Leonor at the academy” I shrug.

“Wait, she knows?”

“Yes, she does. And before you ask, she approves, so… Are you coming to the game with me or not?” I ask her again. 

“You know football isn't my thing, Sofía. Footballers, yes. But watching them run around for 90 minutes?”

“C'mon, Irene. Say yes. Carlos will be there too, you can talk to him if you get bored” I smirk. 

“I don't know why that should interest me” she says, trying to look unbothered. She's always had a bit of a crush on him even if she denies it. “But I don't know… What does he think about this? Does he agree?”

“Is that important?”

“Well, yes. He's your bodyguard.”

“He doesn't approve because he doesn't like that Pedri is a football player. But I don't give a shit about his opinion on this. He is no one to tell me who I can or cannot date. So, Irene. Will you come with me? Please” I pout. “Please, please, please. I'll tell Pedri to introduce you to Ferran.”

“Ok, fine. I'll go with you” she sighs.

“Oh, thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you” I say, hugging her.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah” she says, patting my arm. “But I'm only doing it because you seem to really like this guy and I've never seen you this excited about anyone before. And maybe a bit too because I want to see if Ferran is as hot in person as on tv.”

“Thank you” I smile. 

“Though now you owe me one.”

“And I won't forget about it. Thank you, Irene” I say before hugging her again.

“You're welcome” she replies, hugging me back. 

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

“I like your cousin.”

“Even if you only talked to her for five seconds before she only had eyes for Ferran?” I chuckle.

“Even so” Pedri smiles. “But I don't blame her. He is a really handsome guy.”

“And so are you.”

“Thank you” he says, kissing my cheek. “But have you seen his abs? You can grate cheese on them.”

“Meh. I can't eat too much cheese, it doesn't sit well with my stomach. That wouldn't be useful to me.”

“What?” he laughs.

“Yeah” I shrug. “And I've seen your abs, and they are perfect. You have nothing to envy him.”

“I think you are a bit biased here, my lady” he says with a teasing smile.

“Maybe” I reply with a matching one.

“Ehem” someone says behind us as we are about to kiss. Carlos, my bodyguard.

“Sorry” Pedri says as we keep walking.

After the game we decided to visit the Christmas market and maybe grab something to eat before going back home, both of us wearing a hat and a scarf to kind of hide our faces and not get recognized. And so far it has been working and no one has looked at us, though maybe the fact that the market is packed with people is helping us too.

“You seriously chose the coldest day of the year to come visit me, Sofía” Pedri says, the arm he has around my waist hugging me a bit tighter.

“What? This isn't cold, stop complaining” I laugh.

“It is to me, ok? I'm from the Canary Islands in case you've forgotten. I'm not used to it.”

“Then I guess I won't be able to take you skiing with my family. It is a tradition that has been done for generations.”

“I'm not allowed to ski, so” he shrugs. 

“Then you can stay with my grandma in the lodge and play cards with her. She can't ski anymore.” 

“With your grandma… as in the previous queen?”

“The very same” I smile. “Does she also intimidate you like my mum does?” 

“She seems nice. Though I think she can be quite scary when she gets mad.”

“You have no idea” I chuckle. “And she doesn't like the cold either, so now you have two things in common.”

“Which basically makes us bffs. Cool” he says, making us both laugh. 

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

“You have… Pedri…”

“Uh?” . 

“Your face.”

“What about it?” he asks before taking another ship from his hot chocolate.

“Oh my God” I laugh.

“What? What is so funny?” 

“Your face” I say again.

“What is wrong with it? I thought you liked it.”

“And I do. I like it very much. But…” I say before I burst out laughing.

“Sofía, are we sure you are drinking chocolate and that it didn't get swapped for alcohol?”

“I'm sorry, I'm sorry. It's just… Don't move” I say, putting my drink down and holding his face with one hand, using the other to deal with what had made me laugh. “Look. This was on your nose.”

“Is that… chocolate?” he says, looking at my finger. “There was chocolate on my super attractive nose?”

“There was, yes” I chuckle before sucking it. 

“Fuck” Pedri whispers, his eyes fixed on my mouth.

“What? Am I the one covered in chocolate now?”

“No.”

“Then?”

“That was so hot.”

“What?” 

“What you did with your finger, Sofía. That was… wow.”

“Oh… I see” I smirk. “Did it make you think of something we could do?” I say, closing the space between us.

“It made me think of something you could do, my lady.”

“To you?”

“To me” Pedri says. “Let's go back to my place.”

“Already?”

“Yes” he nods.

“But we haven't finished our hot chocolates yet.”

“I am too hot right now to drink that.”

“Well, you are wearing the thickest coat ever, that's normal” I say, wrapping my arms around his neck.

“Don't tease me, Sofía.”

“Or what? What will you do if I don't stop teasing you?” I say, brushing my nose against his.

“It's more about what I would not do to you once we are at my place.” 

“Ehem” Carlos says next to us, completely ruining the mood.

“Urgh” I groan, resting my head on Pedri's shoulder. 

“Now going back to my place doesn't sound like such a bad idea, uh?” he chuckles. “C'mon” he says, moving my arms from around his neck. “I'll make you a hot chocolate myself if you are still in the mood for it once we are done with… you know.”

“Do you know how to make hot chocolate?” I ask him, arching an eyebrow.

“It's not that difficult, and I'm a man of many talents, my lady.”

“Are you?” I smirk.

“I am. And we better go, because if we keep insinuating things, Carlos’ face is gonna turn so red his head may explode” he laughs.

“It might, yeah” I chuckle.

“Shall we, my lady?” Pedri says, offering me his arm.

“Sir” I giggle before taking it, Carlos sighing behind us and probably rolling his eyes too.

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

“Your hot chocolate, my lady.”

“Thank you” I smile, taking the mug Pedri is giving me before he gets in bed next to me.

“Be careful, tho. It is…”

“Bloody hell!” 

“Hot” Pedri sighs. “Are you ok?”

“Yeah, yeah. I think I won't be feeling my tongue for a couple of days, but I'm fine. And I managed to not spill it all over your sheets.”

“You also… umm…”

“What?” 

“You have chocolate on you.”

“On me?”

“Yes. Let me…”

“Fuck” I gasp when his finger suddenly touches me between my boobs and moves up. How had the chocolate ended up there without me not noticing, when it had burnt my tongue? I don't know. But holy shit.

“Done” Pedri smiles after sucking his finger. “Sofía, are you ok?”

“I think you just unlocked a new thing that turns me on.”

“What?” he laughs. 

“The chocolate… the finger… Wait.”

“Sofía, what… What are you doing? You are going to burn yourself again and… Is that a P?”

“A chocolate P, yes.”

“From Pedri?” he chuckles.

“Exactly. Now lick it.”

“What?” he says, his eyes going wide. 

“I want you to lick the chocolate from my chest, Pedri. And if you do it following the shape of the letter, even better. C'mon” I say, laying down. 

“As my lady commands” he says before moving to be on top of me, his elbows resting next to my waist, his eyes focused on mine as he licks the chocolate.

“Bloody hell” I gasp. 

“Those words didn't sound very princess like, my lady. Again” he smirks. “Did you like what I did, tho?”

“Very much.”

“Should we do it again?” 

“Please.”

“Give me the mug” he says, nodding towards the bedside table as he sats up, straddling me. “What should I write now? An S for Sofía?” he says.

“For example.”

“Ok” he says, dipping his finger on the hot chocolate before touching me, the feeling making me gasp again. “Perfect. But I think we could do more. Maybe… a heart?”

“S heart P?” I chuckle. 

“Actually… You've given me an idea. Hold this” Pedri says, giving me the mug. “Try not to let it fall, I'm very fond of these sheets” he smirks.

“I can't promise anything” I smirk back, biting my lip when I feel his tongue on my stomach, trying to focus on the mug in my hand and not on what he is doing to me.

“You taste so good, my lady” he says when he's done.

“Me or the chocolate?”

“I’ve tasted you in other places. It's you” he winks, making me laugh. “Ok, give me the mug back. Time to watch the artist work.”

“The what?” I laugh again.

“I should probably take a photo once I'm done. They could frame it and put it in the Reina Sofía museum.”

“Of course. Let's put a photo of me topless and covered in chocolate in the museum named after my grandmother. I'm sure she would love it. And my mum too. Especially her.”

“Yeah… Umm… Maybe it isn't such a good idea.”

“Still scared of my mum, Pedro?” I ask him with a teasing smile. “I think she liked you when you met her after the Euros.”

“She actually was really nice with me, asking me about the injury and all that. But if she knew the things I've done with her youngest daughter… well. And I have to focus on this, so silence, my lady” he says, dipping his finger on the chocolate again.

“My lips are sealed” I reply. 

Though they don't stay sealed for too long, because the moment his finger starts touching me, I hear myself gasping. First he draws an S over one of my boobs, then a heart between them, and then a P on the other. It is so stupid but so… hot.

“Urgh. Perfect” Pedri says when he's done, sucking his finger and putting the mug done. “Am I allowed to take a photo or will the secret service come after me?” 

“As long as you don't show my face… I don't think they could recognize me because of my boobs.”

“I could” he says, moving from the bed to grab his phone.

“What?” I laugh.

“You have a mole on the left one and another tiny one under the right one” he shrugs.

“Oh my God” I laugh again. “How have you had time to notice all that? We've slept together like twice.”

“Wrong.”

“Uh?”

“We slept together twice on my birthday. Earlier today was the third time. What we are doing will probably lead us to the fourth. And tomorrow I'm not letting you go back to Madrid without doing it one last time, so that would be five. Maybe six. And, like I already told you…” he says, coming back to the bed. “I am a man of many talents, my lady. And the mole on the left is visible when you wear something with a bit of cleavage.”

“Is it?”

“It is. And like I've also told you many times, you've never been invisible to me, Sofía” he smiles.

“Yeah” I reply, feeling my cheeks getting warm. This is what makes me blush. Him being cute, not having him licking chocolate from my stomach.

“Now, stay still. I want this photo to be museum worth it even if it will never be at one” he says, sticking out his tongue as he focuses to take the photo. “Beautiful. I'm such an artist!”

“Of course you are, Pedri” I chuckle. 

“Don't make fun of me, Sofía.”

“Or what?” I ask, arching an eyebrow.

“Or all that chocolate will stay there until tomorrow.”

“As if you weren't looking forward to licking it” I laugh.

“I actually am, yes” he smirks. “So, without further ado…” he says as he goes back to laying on top of me, my body tensing in anticipation. 

“Well?” I ask him when he does nothing, just look at me while resting his chin on my stomach.

“I'm admiring the view” he smiles.

“Admiring the… fuck” I gasp when I finally feel his tongue on my nipple. He had drawn the beginning of the S as close to it as he was able to and… Bloody hell. Again.

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

“I think I've packed it all” I say, looking around Pedri's room. “But urgh, I don't want to leave” I pout, wrapping my arms around his neck. “We aren't seeing each other until next year.”

“Sofía!” he laughs.

“It is a really bad joke, isn't it? Though accurate.”

“And bad" he chuckles. "But think it'll be just a couple of weeks before you come back. And this time for more than just two days and a half.”

“Yeah” I smile. Because with the help of my cousin Irene, we've come up with this excuse about us missing each other so much, that I've decided to spend a month in Barcelona with her and her family since I don't have anything important to do. Perks of being the second in line.

“But before you go…” Pedri says. “I have something for you.”

“For me?”

“For you. Wait here” he says, letting go of me and opening the drawer of one of his bedside tables. “You don't know for how long I've been debating if I should give you this or not since all this between us is still new and you may think it is too soon for gifts. And maybe you won't like it, or think it is a stupid gift, or feel like you now need to give me something in return when there is no need to, or…”

“Pedri. Pedri, hey” I say, taking his free hand and giving it a little squeeze when he walks back to where I am standing, the other holding a small box. “You are rambling.”

“Yes, sorry” he chuckles. “I just… ummm… Merry Christmas, Sofía” he smiles, giving me the box.

“Merry Christmas, Pedri” I smile back, taking it and slowly opening it.

“It's ok if you don't like it, it's something silly. But I saw it while looking for something for my mum and thought it was cute and…”

“Aww, Pedri!” 

“Is that a good aww? Do you… do you like it?”

“I love it!” I say before hugging him. 

“Really?”

“Really.”

“Thank God” he sighs, making us both laugh.

“Will you help me put it on?”

“Of course” he says. He has gotten me a necklace with a little banana charm and a letter S hanging next to it, and it is the cutest thing ever. “There. How does it feel?”

“Perfect” I say, touching it. “I love it, Pedri. I seriously do.”

“Don't you find it stupid? When I told Ferran he laughed at me.”

“Ferran knows nothing” I reply, rolling my eyes. “This is perfect. It is you and I, but no one knows. Only us” I smile.

“Only us” Pedri smiles back, neither of us saying anything else for a while. We are just smiling at each other like two idiots. “That must be Carlos” he sighs when someone rings the bell.

“Yeah…”

“Two weeks, Sofía” he says, cupping my face and resting his forehead on mine. “Just two weeks and we will be back together.”

“Two weeks” I reply, focusing really hard on not starting to cry and on not paying too much attention to the way saying goodbye to him is making me feel and at how badly I don't want to do it, all while trying to also ignore the little voice inside my head that keeps saying the same thing over and over again: you are falling in love with him, Sofía.

[samgirl98]

Mending a Family 18/?

Prev | Next

Happy belated birthday to the GOAT Alfred Pennyworth and my little meow meow Jason Peter Todd-Wayne

“So, Ellie isn’t your cousin; she’s your sister even though you’re pretending she’s your cousin.”

“Yep,” Danny said while popping the ‘p.’

It was his dad’s birthday. Auntie Raven and Uncle Roy had visited to celebrate. Right now, Danny was trying to explain his family dynamic to Lian.

“And Auntie Jazz is pretending to be your aunt, but she’s really your older sister.”

“Uh-huh.”

“I’m so confused.”

“The only thing you have to know is that you’re my only cousin.”

Lian was still confused but nodded, happy. She didn’t bring up Mar’i again. The last time she had, the whole mood had gone sad. She didn’t want Uncle Jay to be sad again.

“What’d you bring, daddy,” Danny asked, changing the subject. His family tree was weird, and he didn’t want to think about it anymore.

“I made him a bracelet!”

“That’s so cool! I asked Jazz to take me to a used bookstore and bought him a few books I think he might like.”

Lian giggled, “He’ll love it. Uncle Jay is a bookworm.”

Danny and Lian fell into laughing fits. The two fathers found their respective children playing and giggling amongst themselves. It warmed Roy’s and Jason’s hearts.

“Hey, munchkins, Jay is about to cut the cake. Are you guys coming?”

The two children looked at each other and ran out, their fathers following them.

 Danny and Lian ran outside to a table Jazz, and Raven had put out. Balloons and banners were decorating the table with presents in the middle.

Raven brought out the cake and set it on the table.

Jason couldn’t help but revel in the joy and contentment permeating the air.  

He felt peaceful as his little family sang the birthday song, and if he wished for his happiness to last forever, well, no one would have to know.

____

Alfred couldn’t help but feel the loss of his missing grandson as his family sang Happy Birthday.

Still, he smiled as his remaining grandchildren, son, and great-grandchild wished him a happy birthday. And when he blew out the candle wishing for his family to be complete once more, well, he was allowed to think selfishly on his special day.

They ate the chocolate cake, and he was about to open birthday presents when the doorbell rang. Alfred’s heart skipped a beat. Could it be…?

No, better not to get his hopes high.

“I’ll get it,” Bruce said.

The family continued celebrating.

Bruce came back with a package, his eyes misting a little.

“It’s for you, Alfred. It’s from Jason.”

The room got quiet. Alfred got the package with shaking hands and opened it. Everyone in the room waited with bated breath. Here was the proof that Jason was alive.

Alfred took out a first-edition Dracula signed by Bram Stroker.

His grandson hadn’t forgotten him. He sent Alfred a birthday present that was special between the two of them.

Alfred couldn’t send him a present.

The older man couldn’t help but cry.

Have some fluff; have some angst

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[kernyen-xo]

Long time!

Firstly, how y’all been? I’ve been wandering in from time to time and reading some of your posts. I just haven’t felt like posting myself until now.

Here we go.

What In the World: I walked out of Daiso and almost gave this woman a heart attack trying to get into my parked vehicle. My first thought was why in the world was this lady sitting in my vehicle, and why in the world the driver’s seat of all things?! I mean, why not the passenger side or the backseat?? And, why won’t my key unlock the door!? And then, almost immediately, after trying to open the door a second time, I was like, “Hold on now.. Uh oh. Oh no, this isn’t my vehicle!” Holy hot pockets! I immediately backed away, put up my hands, and told her, “I’m sorry,” several times, and then said, “My mistake, wrong car.” She just stared at me through the closed window, scared shitless. In case she didn’t understand what I said, I stepped back and gave her a respectful bow, and then hurriedly got into my car, which was parked in the next row. I hoped that when she saw me drive away, she was able to put 2+2 together because we had the same vehicle (same make, model, and color). Needless to say the humiliation of it all stuck with me the remainder of the day. I am such a dweeb.

Houston, We have a Problem: Went to Houston last month for my niece’s wedding. I just want to say that I don’t get why Houston is the 4th most populous city in our nation. I mean, the weather. It is pretty miserable. It was super humid and most of us were bitten by these mutant mosquitoes! Every wedding event my niece had was outdoors or it didn’t have A/C. Like the inside pickleball courts. She had a farewell outdoor crawdad boil for her guests, and the wedding and reception were also outdoors. All the events were pretty much held in the Heights area, which despite the weather is a nice historical area. But, you know what? I was glad that I went to Houston because my niece had a great wedding. I loved catching up with my nieces and nephews! I loved the serve yourself margaritas machines! Great people and great food and drinks! The kid and I went to Tenfold, a popular coffee place where I had my first cold brew with lemonade. It was was delicious and refreshing. On another day, the kid and I walked to have breakfast at this cafe with a great vibe. Attached to it was an antique shop, which we perused after we ate. We also did some shopping at Rice Village. We wanted to visit San Antonio but our schedule couldn’t spare the time.

The Kid Jr: My granddaughter graduated from the 8th grade last week! I’m so proud of her. I gave her a Kindle, which I was pretty excited about because she’s starting to enjoy reading, something she didn’t like before.

Saying Good-bye: I also attended my aunt’s funeral last week. Out of 8 kids, it’s just my mom and Uncle Junior that remains. It seems like yesterday when my generation of cousins were kids and our parents were still young and getting into their own shenanigans. It was a sad and bittersweet day. There were a lot of relatives that I didn’t even know, all of them cousins.

Books: I splurged. I decided I needed to start building up my personal library. It’s been a while since I’ve bought an actual book. I have been reading on my kindle or listening to audiobooks from the library app, Libby. It was time to start reading from actual books and adding to my home library. I used to have over 1,000 books but I got rid of most of them because it was becoming too much to pack and move them - especially when I was moving about 3 times a year. But now I have my own home and I’m not planning to move - at least for 5 years.

So, let the book buying begin!

The current book:

If you love birds, you’ll enjoy this book. Amy Tan’s backyard is a bird’s paradise. In this world of birds, you’ll learn about their habits, heartbreak, wonderful curiosities about the whys and why nots of birds’ actions. A lot of times unexplained, but if you are an avid bird watcher like Amy, her reasonings as to why the out of ordinary behaviors were interesting and entertaining. You will enjoy her drawings too.

The Kid and Me: Here’s what we did at the wedding 😆

The beautiful bride and her groom:

(Houston, The Heights May 2024)

How can they look so good in the sticky weather?

The Kid takes a picture of Yours Truly: (Grass Valley, May 2024)

My Loves:

(Sac-Town May 2024)

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[bitchesgetriches]

I Have Become the Rich Relative I Always Wanted

When I was but a wee baby bitch, penniless and loaded down with student loans, I used to wish I had some rich relative to swoop in and solve all my money problems.

I’m not sure where I got the yearning for a rich relative. I could blame books like Little Women for putting the hope of discovering an Old Mister Laurence into my preadolescent head. (Or even an Aunt March! I’d settle for an Aunt March!) Mr. Brewer in The Babysitter’s Club was not only an engaged and loving father-figure to Kristy, but a walking plot device to ensure all the Babysitters could go on bookworthy adventures together.

Pop culture told me that a rich relative was my birthright, as a bossy yet pure-hearted tomboy. And as I got older, I saw for myself that this character was anything but fictional.

I went to an expensive private college. (It was the style at the time.) Many students came from modest middle-class backgrounds, like myself. But some came from, shall we say, means. They’d casually reveal that their car was a graduation present from an aunt, or that their student loans were “handled” by their grandfather.

One of my college friends was invited to join a chill vacation to a cousin’s cabin in Montana. Wanting to visit a western state, and enthusiastically prepared to rough it, she agreed. She was picked up at the airport by a helicopter. As the helicopter skated over clouded hilltops, pine forests, and clear blue lakes, my friend asked when they would reach the fabled cousin’s place. “Oh, this is it,” her host said, casually waving her hand over the entirety of the Bob Ross painting below them. The “cousin’s cabin” turned out to be a private hunting lodge of unparalleled luxury, situated on hundreds of acres of pristine wilderness, with full-time staff. She spent the week in a very comfortable class daze, like a romance novel heroine.

So I knew that these people were not only theoretically possible. They walked among us! And what I wanted from mine felt so much more reasonable than a palatial lodge with a private staff.

Keep reading.

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[swordmaid]

literally been having the same thoughts…my brother got engaged at my age and i barely can connect with other humans lmao

I visited my relatives a month ago and my cousins who are a few years younger than me all have partners and kids and my aunts are just like when are you gonna get married!! and I’m just like damn idk im over here making two blonde bitches from a book series that updated 10 yrs ago kiss what do u want from me 🧍‍♀️

[from-the-coffee-shop-in-edoras]

I'm back to talk a bit more about Teddy! (I love that you call him that, lol. Also, thank you for answering my questions!) Since I haven't read UT yet, and there's isn't much about Theodred's character in LOTR books, would you happen to know (or maybe even share some of your own headcanons) what kind of person he was? Passionate and somewhat hotheaded like Eomer? A bit more levelheaded? Really tall, or a bit on a shorter side? I know he was a strong and skilled warrior, but apart from that, I know almost nothing and I'd very much like to 😀 Thank you so much!

UT is definitely the best source for everything we know about Théodred as a person, so let’s start there and work our way forward!

What’s straight-up stated in UT: Théodred was a “vigorous” man, “devoted to the king” and “high in his affections.” He “remained steadfast” in his loyalties to Théoden and Éomer despite Gríma’s best efforts to turn them against each other.

What we can infer from UT: He was an excellent leader – his men are “well trained” and execute maneuvers in “good order.” He was INCREDIBLY brave – even after realizing that Saruman’s forces at the Fords were coming for him personally, he stood his motherfucking ground and went down fighting. He was beloved – Grimbold and Elfhelm nearly died rather than allow Saruman’s forces to carry his body away. He was strong – he took a fatal wound (likely from an axe) but hung on long enough to give last words to his men at the end of the battle. And he had an amazing sense of duty and love for his family – those last words were a request to be left at the Fords long enough to see his cherished cousin Éomer arrive and take up the defense of Rohan in his place.

What I believe to be true of him (i.e., my HC):

–Growing up in a house without other kids and with a busy father, he spent a lot of his early years alone or with his Aunt Théodwyn. He gravitated to solitary activities as a result. He liked reading, for example (Rohan’s royal family was literate!), and he got a love of plants from his aunt. He thought using the sun, some water and his own hands to bring beautiful flowers to life was the closest thing to magic that he’d ever experience.

–His best friend was Boromir, who he met on visits to his grandmother’s family in Gondor. They bonded over the shared pressures of being an heir and the shared loss of a mom, and they remained friends their whole lives, which ended within 24 hours of each other 😭. (I love a good Borodred romance fic as well, though that’s not my personal HC!)

–He was unafraid to challenge tradition. He accepted duty that was for the good of Rohan, but resisted anything that only worked to control him as a person. That’s why he was still unmarried in his 40s. He wouldn’t marry for expediency or for an heir; he held out for love and was just as happy for the crown to pass to Éomer’s line after his own death. He also tried to advocate for others in the royal family (*cough* Éowyn) who felt constrained by tradition.

–He was much calmer and more measured than Éomer. Part of that is age (Éomer was 13 years younger), and part of it was in their natures. Théodred was born a little introspective and thoughtful, whereas Éomer has canonical hotheads (i.e. Éomund) in his genes.

–It’s v. important to me that Théodred had joy in his life since otherwise it’s pretty tragic. I gave him a fiancee, Eadlin, who loved him FIERCELY and made him very happy, and I also gave him a dog – the kind that looks huge and scary but is actually a big goofball – because dogs are the absolute best and all my faves have them.

Now I risk blabbering on at even further length, so I’ll stop there. But thank you for asking about him! ♥️♥️♥️ Teddy is one of my absolute FAVORITES, and I love to both talk and hear about him!

[goldentriowins]

Philosopher's Stone Reread: Meeting Harry (Part 1)

Being the first book in the series, we get to meet Harry for the first time and get a really strong idea of his background with the Dursleys, his priorities, and where he is headed as a character. I want to break down some of the things I've noticed during this reading with quotes and additional thoughts.

Introduction:

When we first meet Harry, his parents have just died after being murdered and he is now an orphaned child quite literally being left on the Dursleys doorstep with nothing but a blanket and a letter written by Dumbledore. Fast forward ten years and we see him as a 10 year old being abused by his aunt and uncle and bullied by his cousin (and his cousin's gang).

A summary of the abuse we see depicted in this book (I will definitely make a longer post dedicated to the Dursleys) is:

Physical neglect

"Harry was used to spiders, because the cupboard under the stairs was full of them, and that was where he slept (pg. 19)."

Emotional neglect

"He lay and watched his birthday tick nearer, wondering if the Dursleys would remember at all, wondering where the letter writer was now (pg. 45)."

Physical abuse & bullying

"Dudley's favorite punching bag was Harry, but he couldn't often catch him." "He wore round glasses held together with a lot of Scotch tape because of all the times Dudley had punched him on the nose." (both pg. 20)

Emotional & verbal abuse

"The Dursleys often spoke about Harry like this, as though he wasn't there-- or rather, as though he was something very nasty that couldn't understand them, like a slug (pg. 22)."

Safe to say that, as far as Harry can remember, he has never experienced love or unconditional kindness-- at least, not from anyone close to him or at school.

Loneliness, Escapism, & Need For Connection:

Alongside his mistreatment from the Dursleys, Harry has no friends at school or outside support system that can give him the kind of connection he needs.

"At school, Harry had no one. Everybody knew that Dudley's gang hated that odd Harry Potter in his baggy old clothes and broken glasses, and nobody liked to disagree with Dudley's gang (pg 30)."

He dislikes summer vacation even before having to return to the Dursleys from Hogwarts, because Dudley's gang visited the house everyday and liked to beat the shit out of him (they even had a name for it-- "Harry Hunting").

Harry has such a need for connection or some form of escape that he dreamt of someone coming to take him away from there when he was much younger. Hagrid taking him away from the house on the rock was literally a dream scenario that he struggles to believe is real. In fact, Harry is disbelieving in most situations where he is shown that he is cared for or is exceptional in some way.

When he first receives his Hogwarts letter:

"Harry picked it up and stared at it, his heart twanging like a giant elastic band. No one, ever, in his whole life, had written to him. Who would? He had no friends, no other relatives..." "Turning the envelope over, his hand trembling..." "Harry went back to the kitchen, still staring at his letter." All pg 34.

When Hagrid gives him a birthday cake:

"Harry opened it with trembling fingers (pg. 48)."

Waking up the next morning after meeting Hagrid:

"It was a dream," he told himself firmly. "I dreamed a giant called Hagrid came to tell me I was going to a school for wizards. When I open my eyes I'll be home in my cupboard." (Pg. 61).

(Relatedly, I find it interesting that he assumes he'll wake up back in the cupboard instead of the bedroom he got a few days prior. It seems like even that much good fortune is more than he could expect, given everything...)

There's definitely more examples. The last one I'll bring up that is both heartbreaking and really cute is when he wakes up Christmas morning:

"On Christmas Eve, Harry went to bed looking forward to the next day for the food and the fun, but not expecting any presents at all. When he woke early in the morning, however, the first thing he saw was a small pile of packages at the foot of his bed" "Will you look at this? I've got some presents!" Pg 200.

He seems notably very curious about the Weasleys when he first meets them. I think it's a combination of things. He is seeing a wizard family for the first time, but he is also seeing what a (mostly) functional and loving family look like. I think the way he watches them shows more than just interest but also a kind of hunger, a want to have a connection like theirs. Consider these descriptions...

"Harry sat down next to the window where, half hidden, he could watch the red-haired family on the platform and hear what they were saying." "Harry leaned back quickly so they couldn't see him looking." "Harry watched the girl and her mother disappear as the train rounded the corner." (Pgs 95-98)

... in conjunction with what Harry sees in the Mirror of Erised:

"Harry was so close to the mirror now that his nose was nearly touching that of his reflection. "Mum?" he whispered. "Dad?" ... ..."The Potters smiled and waved at Harry and he stared hungrily back at them, his hands pressed flat against the glass as though he was hoping to fall right through it and reach them. He had a powerful kind of ache inside him, half joy, half terrible sadness."

(Side note, but if you consider that everyone he is seeing in the mirror is dead, it almost reads to me like the 2nd brother with the resurrection stone who kills himself so he can join his love. I don't think Harry is considering that here, but I think this could be our first hint at his passive suicidal ideation we see come up a lot more in later books. He IS the one of the trio who choses the stone, after all...)

He is so enthralled by the Mirror that Ron notices that he's acting oddly. Ron tries to encourage him to eat or do something fun, but Harry is just too preoccupied. Interestingly, what Harry sees in the Mirror seems to affect him a LOT more than Ron and what he sees.

In general though, Harry clearly desires the connection of family-- not just his parents, but his entire family. He also is immediately attached to Ron and the moment they and Hermione share a traumatic event (the troll attack) they become nearly inseparable. In later books there will actually be a lot to say about him having/developing abandonment issues, although I'm only focusing on one book at a time for these. Here's another quote, though:

"Go on, have a pasty," said Harry, who had never had anything to share before or, indeed, anyone to share it with. It was a nice feeling, sitting there with Ron, eating there way through Harry's pasties, cakes, and candies..."

Will update this again soon! I have a lot more to say about Harry before getting to Ron and Hermione.

[buckets-and-trees]

What inspired you to start writing🤔🥹

Thank you for sending the ask, Ray!

My parents are from two different states, and before my dad passed away, we lived in Texas near my dad's family. They were in Houston and we were in Dallas, but we saw each other very often, and we were on the phone with them a lot. My dad's family were all HUGE storytellers! Every time we'd get together, they'd be laughing and telling stories about the fam - immediate and extended family, depending on who was visiting.

We moved when I was eight (that was when my dad passed) to be closer to my mom's family with all my aunts, uncles, and cousins and my other grandparents so that there'd be a lot more people to help my mom and help raise me. After school, me and my cousins played a lot of make-believe games, and those would get thoroughly more intricate each day, basically turning into elaborate plays that would go on for weeks in a particular AU until we landed on some new idea or other.

Then, when I was in eighth grade, my English teacher had us write a story in class in one day - we weren't supposed to be stressed, just have fun and practice typing/learn how to be comfortable formatting in Word during our computer lab hour. I wrote a little mystery thing, and when I got it back from my teacher, she wrote a lot of notes on how good it was and encouraged me to write more.

That summer, we moved again, and because I was starting over with no friends, I was reading a ton and started writing my own version of the next Harry Potter book because I'd read and reread HP a lot and was desperately thinking about what would for sure happen next but also what COULD happen next if there were a girl character like me. It wasn't x reader fic at that point, it was a Mary Sue OC, but it got me through the summer. The next year, I had a summer sleepover with some of the cousins I'd done those elaborate plays with when we were 8 and 9, and we got high on the nostalgia and made up a new one - a royal story with all of us as princesses. I also had showed them my HP story, and they said I should actually write. So I started writing down our royal kingdom story.

Since then it's been in and out of fanfic and original fiction. There's a little more that I've shared in my Field Guide to the Forest about the college years, the fandoms I've written in, and the hiatuses I've taken, but between that and this, that's my writing journey!

[prismaticpichu]

🛼 🪐 🍬 🔪 🏜️🍦, please!

Wooooo! A whole vending machine of emojis! You got it, friendo! 💞

~

🛼 ~ describe your latest wip with five emojis

🐶 🐈‍⬛ 🧑‍🍳 😭 🫂

🪐 ~ name three good things going on in your life right now

1. This community/you fantastic folks! <3

2. Finally got the guts to ask two of my teachers for college recs; they both said yes! <333

3. Going to visit my grandma, aunt, and cousin over the weekend!! 💕 (+ missing two days of class xD)

🍬 ~ post an unpopular opinion about a popular fandom character

Zack Fair looks so much better with adorable, flopping puppy bangs and I will not apologize shshshshhsjs (though I totally understand why people prefer his og/mature style)!

🔪 ~ what's the weirdest topic you researched for a writing project?

“Google, what do books smell like?”

🏜️ ~ what's your favourite type of comment to receive on your work?

Heck, I know it’s cliche, but the answer to that is any comment at all!! Knowing people read/took the time to share their thoughts on my work means more to me than I’ll ever be able to express!

Although I do love when folks also catch the little detials I love to lace into my fics as well! Gold stars for you!!!

🍦 ~ name three good things about a character you hate

“Hate” is a VERY strong word for my feeling towards canonical Angeal lmao, but ofc he has some silver lining!!

1. Name is extraordinarily funny for my phone to autocorrect

2. Had lots of fun with his boss fight in Modeoheim!

3. Fandom does an absolutely fantastic job giving this character love and life!!! Fandom Angeal for the win!! ✨

[fxirybun]

hi fxiry, i’m curious about how you started getting into tarot? do you have any tips for learning and getting better at reading the cards? also what are some of your favorite decks that you own? (hope you don’t mind me asking so many questions hehe ☆彡)

i feel honored to be asked about this one hhh so this is going to be a lengthy one (๑•̀ᴗ-) though i wouldn't be able to cover all of it !

ෆ⸒⸒ how it all started

before tarot , i started with the chinese zodiac back when i was in my elementary days (can't remember the specific age TT) because , in my country , we celebrate the lunar new year annually. during those times there would be a couple of books or magazines that discuss about the fortune of a person's animal sign that is based on his / her birth year.

i was a curious kid back then so whilst i was at my grandparents' house i would scan through my grandfather's desk drawer and that's when i discovered this booklet that talks about the chinese zodiac. it got me hooked so i decided to use the booklet as a way to discuss my grandparents' fortune with them.

when i went home , i decided to scan through (i'm so nosy omg-) my mother's cabinet in search of magazines that contain topics about the chinese zodiac. after a while , i use the knowledge that i gathered from reading to discuss fortunes , facts , etc. with my parents , my aunts , my cousins-- or simply the entire household lmao 😆

it wasn't enough for me because i had this craving within me to discover more so for the following months i decided to look up the internet about it. this is where i started to discover astrology. i would jump into websites and i remembered this particular section wherein you get to do a compatible test with someone.

just like what every child does , i decided to enter me and my crush's birth year. besides that , i would try to find out about my friends' birthdays to know more about them and such. following months had passed , i'm starting to feel bored and the craving doesn't stop. so whilst searching on the internet that's when i find a tarot website that generates free readings.

i got hooked on it so i would engage the website and ask bizarre questions if my crush likes me or what 😭💀 like girl stop it already-- over time i became serious with my studies so i didn't pay attention to any forms of divination , not until high school.

but before that , i do remember my mother wanting to bring us with her to visit this fortune teller , she knows this old lady personally. i was young so my memories were fuzzy. all i could recall is her wearing dangled gold pieces of jewelry , a blue (?) rounded table , and a rider-waite smith deck.

she was a really good fortune teller because she predicted all the things that were going to happen to my relatives , problems within the family , etc. (i don't want to disclose the details for privacy reasons).

for this reason , i became aware of the existence of tarot but i didn't pay any attention to it because i was a child.

ෆ⸒⸒ the turning point

when i was in 6th grade (?) , i'm starting to get vivid dreams about something that would end up happening irl. the example of it is having an image of a girl and how it didn't leave my mind because i had this feeling that there's something "important" about that girl. one year has passed , and i felt tingles from my skin when i met the exact same girl in my dreams who became my classmate and my high school friend.

i would even experience the feeling of deja vu , making me question about the way this world works. again , i kept on ignoring it because i tend to be someone who has a practical approach. yet , it seems that the universe or a some type of higher being really wants me to awaken this "ability" that i have.

so boom ! i met some random guy and how i've been getting tons of synchronicities and signs from him 😀 it's like we have this telepathic connection 'cause he's experiencing it too. as always: didn't work > me cried and acted dramatic > 1 year later , me over 🙂‍↔️

i did my research and that's when i stumbled on the "twin flame" concept though i don't seem to buy the whole idea of it :/ the good news ? that was my icebreaker to buy a tarot deck as i get to learn more about sprituality and divination.

what's worse is how i've been getting this eerie feeling that someone in my family is going to pass away. i didn't want to tell to my mother because she'll think that i'm paranoid. months later , my aunt was the one who would leave us too soon.

when i decided to tell my mother about it , she didn't believe me at first but suddenly she decided to tell me about my other aunt who used to be a tarot reader. she thinks that it runs in the family for someone to have this "ability" and how we share some similarities.

ෆ⸒⸒ my abilities

that's how i realized that i may be a "psychic" though i don't want to label myself as one because i'm not confident with my abilities.

all i could say is:

i get information or words / phrases / sentences in my mind each time i do a reading for someone.

i get vivid dreams that would manifest itself.

i can feel the energy and every time i'm outside i can immediately distinguish a person's personality based on what they're showing me. a lie detector test in simple words and how my intuition never fails me , which made me hard to trust people these days.

i would witness a supernatural occurrence. an example would be inside the house which usually happens at midnight. the lights in the living room would blink uncontrollably.

i would hear a "ringing" sound or even faint voices in my ear and how the sound that surrounds me became quiet , hinting that there was an energy of something within the house.

recently , this "energy" made it clear that they were here by trying to make this loud scratching + banging sound from a door across the hallway. i checked to see but there was no one there and it's raining very hard outside so it was impossible.

few days before that: when i was about to sleep , i heard a gliding thud from the window beside me. still , no sight of the person doing it and the window isn't close to a tree , don't own any domestic animals , or anything that can produce that kind of sound.

i would also see a flying orb-like light coming from outside whilst i'm studying. that was few months ago i believe..

there's more but i don't want to turn this post into horror or scary-related TT

ෆ⸒⸒ tips for those starting with tarot [ incomplete guide ]

the following sections doesn't include the use of intuition and more ! only the basics.

as cliche as it may sound , you need to understand and apply the meanings of the cards first. you can start practicing by performing a reading to your family or friends. mistakes are made along the way and you shouldn't feel discouraged by it. try to enjoy the process of learning ^^ and take those mistakes as a lesson 'cause i've been there too lmao.

start with a one-card spread first ! try not to jump on doing three-cards , six-cards , celtic cross , or any tarot spreads that are deemed as complicated for you. i made this mistake and how it made me feel so confused and lost ｡°(°.◜ᯅ◝°)°｡ through this you get the idea of what the card is all about.

don't do reversals just yet ! take note that a tarot deck contains 78 cards: major arcana , minor arcana , and the court cards. which means you need to be familiar with 78 meanings and that's a lot for a beginner. so take this one as you're starting point. once you're confident about knowing the upright meanings , that's when you start incorporating the reversals ^^

ෆ⸒⸒ read the spread like a storybook

let's say that you've already mastered all of the list i mentioned above and you want to add more cards to make an in-depth reading. you decided to do a three-card spread and suddenly , you encountered a problem wherein you couldn't seem to connect the three cards' interpretation due to their different meanings and how it doesn't seem to fit the said question.

01 understanding the question that is being asked.

try to identify if the question is related to love , career , a person , etc. that way you get a better idea as to what this reading is going to be all about. the question needs to be specific ! having a broad question is hard to discern.

example : "who is my future spouse ?" ✘

alternative : "what is my future spouse's personality ?" ✓

02 cut the cards meaning into pieces

try to write down notes about the meanings or words of the three cards that corresponds to it.

labyrinthos interpretation:

king of cups = wise, diplomatic, balance between head and heart, devoted, advisor, counsellor

the world = completion, achievement, fulfilment, sense of belonging, wholeness, harmony

nine of cups rx = unhappiness, lack of fulfilment, disappointment, underachievement, arrogance, snobbery

03 connect the meanings , reading from left to right

after you list down the meanings / words , this is when you're going to apply those to a context. you should start from left to right , just like how a storybook is being read.

example :

the personality of your future spouse is someone who knows how to regulate their emotions well and is in touch with their feelings. you could always rely on them in times of stressful situations because your future spouse would do the means to reassure and comfort you , letting you know that you're being understood by them. they may also have achieved greater heights in their life such as being able to get a proper education , getting what they want , and a stable career. even so , it seems that something is missing from your future spouse. no matter how many times they've received the sweetest and most memorable moments in their life , there's a void that's coming from within. perhaps the missing piece that they're longing for could be you , the one who can make them feel complete or whole again.

ෆ⸒⸒ my fave tarot decks at the moment

01 rider-waite smith tarot : i find it funny how i used to not like the imagery of the cards due to how "old-fashioned" the drawings were. i bought a knock-off version of it for practice reasons. as i tried to bond with this deck i ended up finding myself in tune with the readings i made. the images of the cards are easy to interpret ! hopefully , i get to purchase the authentic version of it. i get to do riffle shuffling with this deck too ^_^

02 tarot of the divine : every beginner tarot reader's first love ! 😆 this was my first deck and has been with me through thick and thin lol (the appearance says otherwise). due to the bond i had with this deck , its answers became very straightforward ! what i love about this deck is the cardstock quality. very easy to shuffle because of how smooth it glides even though it leans on the thicker side ;; i also love seeing the tales of each country.

03 the light seer's tarot : what i love about this deck is the diversity of each card ! the imagery is modernized , making it easy to feel relatable with the deck and how you get to easily interpret the meaning of every card. the guidebook is thick-yet-informative lol. i also find it easy to shuffle the cards with my hands. the deck is a lil bit thicker so it may be hard to perform a riffle shuffle ʕ •̥ ˕ ก ʔ

04 ethereal visions illuminated tarot deck : the good thing about this deck is even though it is a bit bigger than the standard rider-waite smith size , its cards are thin which makes it easier for me to shuffle. i love how soft , earthy , and pastel-yet-creamy (?) the cards and the drawings were made. it reminded me of one of those greek paintings and statues for sure. it comes with two different cards and you can find its meanings from the guidebook itself.

[exhuastedpigeon]

I am the oldest cousin (31). My youngest cousin is 18 years younger than me and is starting high school in the fall. According to my aunt, said cousin reminds her of me and has since she was really young. This was kind of scary to hear at first, but then I realized it was actually a gift.

The kid is anxious and depressed and also so full of joy and I can see why my aunt thinks we're so similar. I remember being 13 and terrified for reasons I didn't understand yet - I remember being 13 an understanding the world a little too well.

So this summer my cousin is going to visit me and we're going to go to art museums and to a pottery making class. We're going to go to my favourite bakery that happens to double as a beautiful safe space for queer people. We're going to explore my city so my cousin can see how big the world is outside of their small town.

And I hope they see that even if you're 13 and scared, there are adults who love you and don't treat you like a kid. I hope they see that there isn't anything wrong with them for being a little different. And even if they don't leave feeling fully comfortable in their skin, I hope they leave knowing that one day they might be.

(I also introduced them to The Raven Boys book when I saw them at the funeral this weekend and I got a text this morning telling me they finished the first one already and had plans to get the second from the library this week. That isn't important to the story but it's important to me)

[ratsoh-writes]

"Ohooo, you wanna know where we keep our books-? No, no it's not that~"

"Oscar. If you don't stop trying to read my mind, I will curse you so that each step you take feels like walking on needles."

"But it's been so fun trying~ not everyone that isn't a flayer got so good at blocking their thoughts. Let me try one more time- Aaahhhh! B*tch!"

"I warned you, idiot."

Sea was 37 now. And very busy. Years of training and being molded by her parents turned her into the perfect attack dog. Merciless, fearless, unmovable. She was the go to when someone in her family needed to curse or blackmail someone.

She made a name for herself inside the walls of the house. Her father was proud of what he had turned her into, her mother felt a little sad knowing that Sea didn't need training from her anymore. What a shame, they grow up so fast.

.

While Empress had Wine to do her biding inside the mountain. Sea's family had her. And she made sure to become an indispensable individual for them. Little by little, she was making her family believe that she had grown out of her rebellious phase, that she was ready to pour her life into making the family be on top of it all in Ebott.

She needed their thrust for what will come next.

"He will notice"

"No he won't. He is too busy teaching my new cousins how to curse a doll, he won't know."

"... Sea..."

"He. Won't. Know. If I say it then it will be true."

"Right... if you say it..."

Herald's flames looked duller each passing day. Sea was sure that he was at least in his 600's hundreds, but it was hard to know for sure the exact age.

After her daily visit to her grandpa, she sneaked into her father's study, deactivating every security seal or electronic that she had previously studied. All of that to look for a certain book.

After years of preparation, tired nights of planning and spying, long weeks of mentally preparing herself, it was time. Time to get out of this place, and the book containing the ritual for the small barrier that kept the monsters looked in the basement was the first step.

She had previously found, and subsequently finished, an incomplete spell that allowed the caster to copy on paper anything they read. She got rid of any notes containing the spell after she memorized it though, for security reasons.

After copying the ritual, she promptly began practicing it. It took a considerable amount of energy, far too much than she anticipated, but she refused to let her tired body give in. Even if it meant getting a tad sloppy in whatever tasks the family gave her. It was for the better.

Alongside all of that, she began spying on the others. Any gripe, fight, disagreement she caught on, she made sure to write it down. No matter how small or insignificant, she could make most of her family believe that a grain of sand was a mountain if she played her cards right.

.

A year. That's what it took to master that ritual -and some other spells and curses-, and on a rainy night, she went down the basement, like she always did. But this time, she did not come for a chitchat, or to give him food.

"Is this far enough? If I step back more I will get plastered to the wall"

"Yeah, that's far enough. Now close your eyes."

In a flash, the barrier that held Herald inside the small cell, broke in shards. And when he opened his eyes, the smell of... of everything entered his nostrils. The basement, the metal bars... her smell. She smelled like him, just a little, but it was there.

"My stars... kid... you... you really... You really need to take a shower- ehehehe"

Sea had thrown a pencil at him, and got huffy at his comment. Still, she bit her tongue, because this was a big moment for him, and if he wanted to ruin it then so be it. She gave him a small marble ball with a teleportation spell imbued.

"You have half an hour, then you just break this to get back. Don't go outside, don't open any close doors, and for the love of God don't think of burning my aunt's carpet."

.

After that, she freed him every other week, giving him marbles to teleport him back in an instant. She knew that it was a matter of time before he grew bored of the house and decided to step outside, but she had grown to trust him. She put enough faith in him to not step outside when she wasn't looking.

Herald was the first person Sea truly trusted, and appreciated a little. He was like the father that she wished she had, but she wasn't going to tell him that.

And as time passed, her folder collection on blackmail grew, as well as her secret spell collection. Another thing that also grew more was her hatred towards her parents, especially her mother. It was like she always wanted to find a reason to spend time with her, reminiscing about the old days when she was a kid... when she was dragged to the ground like a plastic doll. When she had nightmares about all those videos of torture that her mother showed her. When she witnessed her little sister's eye pop out of her head-

"Could you just shut up? I have no interest in spending time with you now that there is no reason to. It's sad, really. You don't have anything better to do than to make me lose my time. So, please, mother, for your peace of mind, go find a hobby to turn your attention to."

(5/5... well, this became longer 5/6)

His name was herald😭😭😭 herald we love you!!!

He sounds like he was a cheeky fellow

[stiles-banshees]

Good Things Come in Threes: Chapter Two

Summary: Growing up on the East Coast her whole life, Summer Hastings always longed for more. The niece of Penny Benjamin would often fly out to the West Coast every summer to visit her aunt and cousin. Summer didn't realize how much her life would change that night she called her aunt to book her plane ticket when she was 18 years old when a certain Jake Seresin answered the phone.

Series Masterlist

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Warnings: 18+, swearing

Word Count: 3k

The young women walked to the lounge in the middle of the compound carrying bagfuls of snacks and wet hair from their showers. The pair wore similar outfits since Summer was wearing Natasha’s clothes. They sported oversized navy tees (Nat in black, Summer in dark blue) and gray cotton shorts. The walk to the lounge had been relatively quiet, the only noise coming from the light chatter of the girls. The lounge is empty when the girls walk in, and Summer relaxes.

“Wanna watch the Outsiders?” Nat asked.

Summer hummed as she spread their snacks across the table in front of the couch. Nat took her time queuing the film. Summer sat on the couch and curled into herself when she felt a little chill.

“Blankets?” She asked.

“I’ll grab some from the drawer,” Nat pointed to a dresser set up in the corner. “Grab the headbands and facemasks?”

Summer fished their skincare essentials out of Nat’s bag, smiling when she realized Nat got her favorite brand. Nat threw a blanket to Summer before plopping herself down on the couch, putting a headband on, and then laying her head down in Summer’s lap. Summer carefully squeezed a bit of the facemask onto Nat’s forehead before using a brush to spread the product around.

“I missed this,” Nat sighed, closing her eyes while relaxing.

“You always loved being pampered,” Summer laughed, smearing some of the mask on her friend’s cheek.

“And now I have to deal with all those men.” Nat wrinkled her nose, causing Summer to lightly smack her arm.

“Bradley and Bob aren’t that bad.” Summer whispered, grinning as she thought of her other friends.

“No, but Hangman and Coyote are,” Nat assured.

“I thought you liked Javy?” Summer asked.

“He’s bearable when the blond idiot isn’t around,” Nat answered.

Natasha’s facemask has been fully applied, and Summer tapped her shoulder as a sign to sit up. Summer places her headband on her forehead before switching positions with her friend. She jumped when she felt the cool mask on her cheek.

“I’m definitely with you no matter what since you’re my friend and all, but why don’t you like Jake?” Summer asked her friend quietly.

“He’s just…not a good guy. I’m sure he has potential super deep down, but I don’t see it happening anytime soon, and that kind of scares me considering I might go on a mission with him.” Nat laughed uncomfortably.

“Is there any way I can help? Even if it’s just being there if you need me? I know I can’t come on the mission, but maybe I can help you feel less freaked out.” Summer offered.

“You’ve been a great help, actually. Hangman’s a bit more bearable this time around since he’s distracted by you.” Nat laughed again, and the discomfort disappeared as she smeared some facemask on Summer’s chin.

“Oh, just doing my civic duty.” Summer joked.

The girl’s laughter gets cut short when the door to the lounge opens, allowing Javy and Jake to walk in. The two were wearing sweatpants and their own Navy shirts.

“You gotta be shitting me,” Nat grumbled as she finished applying the pink paste to her friend’s forehead.

“Oh my god, are those Oreos?” Javy asked, snatching the package off the table.

Summer got up from Nat’s lap, pulling her legs under her.

“Coyote, Hangman, out,” Nat said as she snatched the pack of cookies from the intruders.

“The lounge is a common space, Phoenix.” Jake gave her a smug look.

“Fine,” The raven-haired woman groaned. “Just one rule; don’t eat all of our snacks. Ask first.” She said, looking directly at Javy.

“Yes, ma’am,” Jake replied as Javy nodded.

The two men got comfortable on the floor in front of the couch. Javy sat in front of Nat while Jake was in front of Summer.

“I have two rules of my own if that’s okay?” Summer grinned, knowing her friend would love the second one.

“Whatcha got, sweetheart?” Jake asked as he turned to face the girl.

“Tonight, you’re all civilians. No callsigns; we’re using everyone’s names.” Summer eyed them all, knowing the importance of their callsigns in their work. 

“Easy,” Jake nodded to himself.

“Simple,” Nat agreed.

“Why?” Javy asked, regretting his question immediately when he saw his two coworkers glaring at him.

“And you guys have to participate in our girl’s night since you crashed. Facemasks and all,” She beamed at her friend.

Nat’s sour look twisted into an excited smile, “Yes!”

“Only if Summer helps me because I wouldn’t be surprised if you decide it’ll be fun if you shave one of my eyebrows off.” Jake glared at her.

“What makes you think I won’t?” Summer asked him.

“I’m hoping you’re in a good mood right now.” He said.

“As long as Jake’s the only one losing an eyebrow tonight. I don’t care.” Javy sighed, handing Nat a clean brush when she motioned for it.

Summer moved to the floor, motioning for Jake to move away from the coffee table as she grabbed another clean brush and her latte from her trip home. Jake followed and sat opposite her with his legs crossed. Summer watched as Javy moved to the couch to rest his head on Nat’s lap, and she smiled softly. Confused, Jake followed her gaze to the two pilots.

“Why are you staring at them?” Jake leaned in to whisper.

“They look cute.” Summer whispered back, still staring at the two.

Jake hummed, turning back to Summer and watching her dip the brush in the jar of pink gunk.

“What’s that supposed to do?” He asked as she painted a streak across his cheekbone.

“Well, it’s not gonna do much in one use, but it’s supposed to help your skin retain moisture. Considering this is probably the only time you’ll use this, it’ll make you smell like me a little until you shower tomorrow.” She said.

Good to know.

“So, is this why you always smell like roses?” He asked, eyeing the jar between their legs.

“That and my shampoo, body wash, and perfume. I like the scent if you couldn’t tell.” Summer laughed.

Jake kept his eyes trained on her face while she spread the paste around. He noticed the freckles peeking from under the mask, the small scar on her lip from biting it too much, and the little gold flecks in her brown eyes. Sure, Jake always thought Summer was pretty, but that was before she became a tangible thing in his life. He didn’t know it was possible, but Summer Hastings was somehow prettier in person.

“All done.” Summer smiled, cocking her head to the side while twisting the cap back onto the jar. “Why are you staring at me?”

“I thought Nat missed a spot. She didn’t.” The man lied, hoping the girl didn’t realize he was daydreaming about them together.

“Uh huh,” She said, unconvinced. “Nat, what’s next?” She turned to see her friend and Javy staring at them the same way she’d been staring at them.

“I would say we could talk about boys, but-” She started, but Javy interrupted her.

“I’m nosy. We’re dishing.” He said seriously.

Summer laughed at his outburst, and the duo made their way over to where she and Jake were sitting. Javy made sure to bring the Oreo’s and Nat brought over the two ice cream pints with spoons the girls had gotten a few hours ago. Summer popped the lid off hers and immediately dug her spoon into the peanut buttercup dessert.

“Well, we know there aren’t any guys for me right now.” Nat shrugged, eating a spoonful of her own ice cream.

“Right, totally.” Summer rolled her eyes at her friend.

Jake laughed at Summer’s pointed hint and positioned himself closer to her.

“What about you, Sum? Any cute aviators or civvies?” Nat teased.

Jake perked up a bit, hoping he was the only guy on Summer’s radar since she’s been in Miramar.

“Are there cute guys? Yes. Have I thought about approaching them? Of course. Will I do it? Absolutely not.” She said, taking a bite of ice cream.

“Why not?” Javy asked with a mouthful of Oreo.

“Cute guys freak me out.” She shrugged.

“Don’t kill me for exposing you, but you basically begged me to introduce you to Jake.” Nat reminded her.

“What?” Jake asked, and Javy started dying of laughter.

“Hey! That was when Jake and Hangman were two different people in my mind. Don’t hold that against me.” Summer whined.

“If you want anything, all you have to do is ask, baby.” Jake nudged her shoulder with his.

“You’re one of the girls tonight. Shut up.” Summer covered his mouth with her hand.

“Look, they’re fighting like a married couple already.” Javy cooed.

“Summer can do better than Jake, don’t make her settle.” Nat shook her head.

Summer dropped her hand from Jake’s mouth and grabbed Nat’s forearm instead.

“Calm down. Nothing’s happened.” Summer assured her friend.

“Yet,” Jake added, and the three others stared at him.

“What’s the deal between you two anyway?” Javy asked as he looked between them.

“What do you mean?” Jake asked his friend.

“You guys haven’t talked about it?” Nat asked as she ate another spoonful.

“You guys have a mission coming up. I didn’t think now was the right time to rehash old feelings.” Summer said awkwardly.

“Aren’t you scared?” Nat asked her quietly.

“Aren’t you against this?” Summer retorted.

“Oh, absolutely. I just feel like you guys should have the conversation.” Nat shrugged.

“Look at you, being all mature.” Jake grinned.

“Dude, it’s almost like you don’t want her blessing.” Javy cringed.

“I’m sure if Summer wanted to be with me, she’d disregard Nat’s perception of me.” Jake turned to see the girl next to him shaking her head.

“That’s not how this works.” Summer said.

“You’d sacrifice our happiness-your happiness for her?” Jake asked, completely taken aback.

“Jake, the thing is that I’m always going to be her maid of honor. And there are only so many ways when that can exist with you being the groom.” Nat explained.

“They’re right. That’s a thing in the girl world.” Javy nodded.

“So, if I have this right, you need her to like me so you can like me?” Jake asked.

“Yeah, exactly.” Summer nodded.

“Now, what if Bradshaw doesn’t like me?” He asked.

“See, that kinda makes it more fun,” Nat said.

“It makes it hotter.” Summer agreed.

“Well, how do you feel about me now?” He asked the two women.

“I still despise you.” Nat hummed.

“I’m actually kinda into you, but her hating you trumps that.” Summer shrugged.

“Goddamn it, Trace. You’re cockblocking me.” Jake groaned.

A laugh is shared between the other three.

“Nat, are you sure there’s no one you’re into?” Javy randomly asked.

“Oh, we’re doing this now?” Jake asked him.

“We’re figuring out your shit, might as well figure out mine.” He shrugged.

“Oh my god,” Summer gasped when she realized what was happening.

“Oh god, here we go,” Jake muttered.

“What’s going on?” Nat asked cluelessly.

“You’re not actually this dense, are you?” Jake eyed her.

“Keep this up, and you’ll never get to kiss Summer.” Nat threatened.

Jake nodded and motioned as if he was locking his mouth and throwing away a key. Summer watched in amusement, her cheeks turning pink underneath the mask.

“I think Jake and I are good to wash our faces, so we’ll be back in a few minutes.” She said. 

Summer pulled the aviator off the floor to follow her out of the lounge and to the communal bathroom.

“You just couldn’t wait to get me alone.” Jake’s chuckle echoed in the room as they passed the showers and to the sinks.

“Yeah, I brought you to the bathroom to make out.” She snorted as she rinsed off her facemask.

Jake followed her lead, rinsing his off as well.

“You don’t wanna make out with me in a bathroom? I’d make out with you anywhere if I’m being honest.” He said while accepting one of the washcloths she had snatched from the table before they left to dry his face.

“Pat dry, Jake.” She reminded him.

“You didn’t answer my question.” He retorted.

Summer pulled her headband off once her face was dry and ran her fingers through her hair to make it a little more presentable. Her freckles were now on full display, and Jake absolutely adored them. Jake balled the cloth up in his hand once his face was dry to stop himself from reaching out to her.

“Not while Nat still hates you.” Summer whispered, giving him a sad smile.

“Not even a pity peck?” He took a small step toward her, and now he could feel the heat radiating from her.

“Close your eyes,” Summer whispered again as her cheeks burned bright.

Jake does as he’s told for the first time ever. He felt Summer grab his hand that doesn’t have the washcloth. Jake felt the way her fingers anxiously slotted their way between his. He waited to feel pressure on his lips, but it didn’t come. Instead, Jake felt Summer press a kiss to his cheekbone. He opened his eyes when he heard her laugh.

“I’ll take what I can get,” The blond huffed.

“What about me?” Summer pouted.

“Summer, the first time I kiss you, I’m going for your mouth, not your cheek.” Jake laughed, pulling the short girl into a hug.

“This sucks.” She pulled him as close as possible, burying her head in his chest.

“You know, we could always kiss and not tell Trace.” He suggested.

“Or, if it gets super annoying, we could stage kiss.” She said, sounding muffled from his shirt.

“Gonna be honest, sweetheart, I have no idea what that is.” He laughed again, trying to pull her closer.

“Come on, Hangman. It’s when you put your thumbs on the other person’s mouth, and then you kiss your thumbs. You’re not that stupid, are you?” Bradley’s voice scared the both of them, and they jumped apart.

“Dammit, Bradshaw. We were having a moment.” Jake groaned.

“In the bathroom of a naval base. Classy.” Bradley joked.

“B, can you just leave? This is embarrassing enough.” Summer whined.

“I came in here to shower; you guys leave.” He pointed at the door.

“Gladly,” Jake said before pulling Summer out into the hallway.

The two awkwardly walk back to the lounge, only to find it empty besides the snacks from earlier and a little note on the table that reads Don’t wait up :).

“How is this fair? Trace can get some ass, but I can’t?” Jake groaned again as he plopped himself down on the couch.

Summer placed her melting ice cream back in the freezer before joining him, practically sitting on his lap.

“Hastings, what are you doing?” Jake asked.

“Can we cuddle? She didn’t say anything about touching.” Summer asked, anxiously biting her lip.

“Absolutely. Smart girl found a loophole.” Jake grinned, pressing his lips to her forehead.

The two settle on the couch. Jake’s lying on his back, and Summer’s on her stomach on top of him.

“What movie were you guys gonna watch?” He asked as he played with her hair.

“The Outsiders, I think, but it’s okay. I get to talk to you now.” She smiled.

“Maybe we can figure out our shit together without the peanut gallery.” He said raspily, and Summer really liked its raspiness.

“Alright,” She laughed. “What do you want, Seresin?” 

“Besides being together in general? I would love for us to be exclusive. We’d go out on dates and dread my inevitable deployments, but I’d always come back home to you. We’d get a dog, so you’re not alone while I’m gone. Getting married could be cool too, eventually, at least, and if you want to. Same with kids. I think it’d be fun to have a few minis of us. Nothing too major, just the fairytale thing most people dream about,” He shrugged.

“Do you have our entire lives planned out?” Summer stared at him with wide eyes.

“No. I’m just saying if I could choose how my life goes, that’s what I’d want.” He explained.

“You want a serious and monogamous relationship with me. And you want us to get married someday, and you want to get me pregnant?” She clarified.

“When you say it like that, I sound like a lunatic.” Jake squeezed his eyes shut.

“It’s a bit crazy, but I get it. I used to have this whole vision about how we’d meet in person for the first time. It’s so embarrassing now, but it just felt right.” She said.

“Your turn to get mushy. Spill,” Jake squeezed her, urging her to go on.

“I would’ve loved to meet in person sooner, but now’s a good time too. I always imagined us having a little cat-and-mouse thing for a few months. Like, just enough tension for other people to notice, but not so much they’d say anything. Penny would lose her mind because I’m her only niece. Nat would act like she is now, but Bradley would be a little more skeptical since you’re older than me. You’d be obsessed with me, though. Not in a creepy way or anything, but anytime someone would think, ‘oh, where’s Jake?’ and someone else would say, ‘he’s probably with Summer.’” She placed her chin on his chest, locking eyes with the blond, and suddenly felt embarrassed.

“I know, it’s so bad.” She cringed.

“I think we can make that happen,” Jake suggested.

“Are you insane?” Summer’s eyes widened.

“The uranium mission’s in a few weeks, so we’ll have to speed up the process a bit, but I think we can make it work.” He nodded to himself as he crunched the numbers in his head.

“How much free time do you think you’ll have?” She laughed.

“I’ll make time if I have to,” Jake said. “We might have to start tomorrow afternoon, though. I think Javy and Nat are in her room tonight.”

“Dammit, now I have to sleep in here.” Summer pouted.

“Not necessarily,” Jake smirked.

-

Here is a link to my masterlist if you'd like to read any of my other writings or if you would like to send requests :)

[invisibleraven]

[ COAT ] for Luke/anyone because he has that comfy-ass looking giant flannel thing.

Luke grinned as he penned the last notes to the song he had been struggling with all day. He hummed the melody to himself, only to be interrupted when his phone rang. He scowled, but when he saw Reggie's number he picked up.

"Hey Reg, how's Georgia?"

"Luke..."

Luke sat up, hearing the tears in Reggie's voice, the beep of machines in the background. "What's going on babe?"

"MeeMaw... she had a stroke. It's touch and go right now. I-I already called my folks, but they're not able to get a flight until tomorrow afternoon," Reggie said, breaking down in a sob.

"So you're at the hospital alone?' Luke asked.

"For now," Reggie replied. "My uncle was here, but he went home, be with my aunt and cousins. I stayed. I... I don't want her to be alone."

"I'm so sorry Reg. Anything you want me to do?" Luke asked.

"No, I'll be alright. Just needed to hear a friendly voice right about now," Reggie said. "Drowns out all the machines here."

"She'll be okay Reg, I know she will be," Luke assured him, even if he knew the words were empty. "You call me the second anything changes, okay?"

"Sure," Reggie replied, though his voice sounded hallow. "Thanks Luke."

"Any time babe."

The call ended, and Luke worried his bottom lip. He hated the thought of Reggie sitting alone in the hospital, next to his ailing grandmother and dispassionate doctors. Sure his uncle would be back in the morning, but Luke also knew that Reggie wasn't close to the man, and he had never been a fan of Reggie's old man. Join the club really, but he doubted he was going to be much comfort.

It was only mid afternoon in LA, and Luke glanced around his room. Grabbed a few things to shove into his backpack and started heading downtown. He'd left a note for his mom, but he knew she'd understand, she loved Reggie like her own, and the last thing Emily Patterson would want was Reggie spending the night alone in the hospital.

Sure, by the time the bus got to Georgia, half the night would be gone, but dammit if Luke wasn't gonna be there for Reggie when he needed him.

He spent the ride writing; song after song, munching on snacks and reading the novel they were supposed to have done for summer reading. Luke wasn't the biggest book guy; his dyslexia saw to that. He much preffered having Reggie read him the books; he did the best voices. But Reggie was spending the summer with MeeMaw, so Luke was left on his own. Even if Reggie read it aloud to him over the phone as much as he could before the long distance charges would start to hurt.

Luke fielded a call from his mom who chided him for running off, but he could hear the fond smile in her voice when he told her why, promised to put some money in his account for a flight back, and told him to hug Reggie extra tight for her. For all the fights him and his mom got into about his grades, the band, and music in general, Luke would never deny how much his mom loved him or his friends.

When the bus finally stopped in Georgia, it was late, Luke was stiff and tired, but he kept going. Found a cab who would get him to the hospital, and the fee was a joke compared to LA cabs, so Luke willingly paid it. Even if it meant putting off buying new guitar strings or street dogs for awhile, Reggie was worth it.

He shivered as he got out of the cab, remembering Reggie mentioning that Georgia was going through an unseasonal cold snap right now, so he pulled on his warm flannel. Went into the hospital and froze. He had no idea where to go. He was overwhelmed by the sound of machines, the smell of antiseptic, the people bustling here and there, even as it was after midnight. He cautiously approached the check in desk.

"I'm looking for a room number for Chavalah Cassidy?" he asked politely.

"Sorry sweetie, visiting hours are over, family only," the receptionist said.

"I'm looking for her family actually," Luke responded. "Her grandson Reggie is my boyfriend. I came all the way from LA so he wouldn't be alone. Please."

"Look hun, I sympathise, I do. But I could get in real trouble if I told you she was in room 225." The woman winked at him and he gave her a grateful smile, heading down the hallway.

Thankfully this place wasn't a maze like the County General in LA, but Luke still got turned around once or twice, finally ending up on the right floor and headed towards the right room. Which had no Reggie.

Luke hoped against hope that he was just getting a snack and not gone back to the big empty farmhouse for the night. He looked down at MeeMaw and sucked in a breath. She looked so small. He had met her a couple times when she visited LA, seen her on a handful of video calls when Reggie visited in the past. She had ben a bright, vivacious woman, and Luke suspected it was her that Reggie took after rather than any other relative.

"Luke?"

He turned, and there was Reggie, looking tired and pale, on the verge of tears. Luke opened up the panels of his coat, and Reggie rushed in, hugging him tight around his waist. Luke hugged him back, rubbing over the cool skin of his arms, wondering idly where Reggie's own beloved flannel or leather jacket were.

"You're here," Reggie whispered.

"Of course I am babe," Luke said, pressing a kiss to his temple. "Couldn't let you be here alone."

"Thank you," Reggie breathed out. "I spoke to the doctors a while ago, she's doing better. Waiting for her to wake up to see how bad it is."

"And we'll be here when she does," Luke assured him. Held up the book they were assigned. "You wanna pick up where we left off to pass the time?"

Reggie let out a wet little giggle. "Sure. Chapter five?"

Luke nodded and pulled him down onto his lap in one of the terrible hospital chairs. And with Reggie's soft voice narrating the book, the sounds of the hospital disappeared around them. And when Chavalah woke up, she joined in reading. Her voice was a little slurred, her movements slow, but the doctors were hopeful she would make a full recovery, given time.

"Thanks for coming," Reggie said around a yawn as they laid in his bed back at the farmhouse later that day.

"How could I not?" Luke whispered back, running his fingers through Reggie's hair.

"Love you," Reggie slurred, falling to sleep soon after. Luke grinned, resolving to return the sentiment when they woke up before heading back to the hospital.

And maybe tell his mom to hold off booking him a ticket home, because right now he was right where he needed to be.

[inkycherie]

I have had the most amazing summer. In July, my best friend came to visit. I brought her to Paris (her first time), showed her around my town and other neighbouring cities around Geneva, and we drove to the south of France. I made different meals for everyone to enjoy, danced to the loveliest music, and drank the best wine(s).

The third week of August, I went back to the Philippines. We had a long overdue family reunion. Our uncle from Canada also came to visit with his family, and my cousin who works for months at a cruise ship extended his vacation.

We all flew to Zamboanga del Sur to surprise my grandma and our extended family whom we haven't seen in 13 years ! We spent a week there living the simple life, eating pandesal for breakfast, and singing karaoke kahit brownout.

The first few days of September, I spent back in my hometown. I saw Bowie again. I didn't let any minute pass without cuddling him. Whenever I'm in the PH and everyone else is back home, my sisters and I stay in one bedroom with our parents (and Bowie), chatting away until we all fall asleep. These nights were even more special because we were all cooped up in one room while there was a storm outside. Felt just like the good old days when my sisters and I would spend nights holed up in our parents room trying to pass the time until electricity was back on.

I was also sooo happy to walk around the malls with Christmas music already playing in the background ! We bought surprise presents for our parents. My sisters and I chipped in to buy papa his dream TV, and mama a new iPhone. The rest of my money I spent on groceries, more presents for the fam, pasalubongs for Jon, books, Cheetos, Spicy Century Tuna, Vienna sausages, and Spam. lol

We spent my last week in Manila. Took mama, my sisters, and our aunt on a date - brunch in Wildflour and shopping at Rockwell, and then continued to shop in MOA. I wanted to make dinner for everyone, so I made sinigang na baboy which was perfect for the stormy weather. We had drinks with our cousins before bed (red horse, spicy Oishi, and isaw at bbq).

The next day, I brought my parents to IKEA so I can buy them stuff for the house. I could tell mama was so excited to drive back home so she can start using everything we got. Uncle flew back from Zamboanga later than everyone else so the day after he arrived, he went straight to the condo so we can spend more time with him. We asked him to make lola's bistek Tagalog as he is the only one who can make it exactly the way lola does. I am glad to report that I watched him closely as he was making it - even volunteered to be the sous chef - so I will make it for dinner tomorrow.

The day before my flight, the entire family celebrated my aunt and cousin's birthdays. I made some of my specialty meals, and we ordered a bunch of other food. Of course, there was cake.

I flew back to Switzerland on the 7th. I arrived on Friday at 8 in the morning, unpacked my stuff, ate pancit canton, and fell asleep at 16hr. I woke up at 3am still tired, but I managed to clean up and do all the laundry. I was hanging clothes at the balcony even before the sun was out. I found it hilarious. The rest of the day, I spent on the couch still feeling quite sluggish and brushing off the fact that I was having chills, and my nose wouldn't stop running.

Jon and I went on a quick café date and I couldn't taste the coffee nor the pastry I ordered which I found strange but thought nothing of. We did errands and bought groceries but I started feeling sicker as the hours passed. As soon as we got home, I checked to see if I had covid. The test came out positive. Dinner wasn't much fun. I was much sicker so I couldn't enjoy the food Jon prepared for me - he made me the perfect steak which I couldn't taste hahaha and some soup to make me feel better.

This morning, I woke up at 5am and called my family right away. The symptoms are getting worse, and now I have chills, body pains, and constant headache. I will rest more so I can feel better by tomorrow. I just find this to be a silly end to an incredible summer.

[litcest]

Infandous, by Elana K. Arnold

Before I even opened this book, I had to Google something. The meaning of infandous. For those who, like me, didn't know this word, it means something that brings a sense of terrible disgust and aversion.

But, more importantly, for us Infandous is the name of a 2015 contemporary novel by Elana K. Arnold. The book follows the life of Sephora Golding, a 16 years old girl who lives in her mother's shadow.

Sephora, nicknamed Seph, was named by her mom after the makeup store. That should tell you all the you need to know about her mom, the beautiful Rebecca. Rebecca had had a promising career in modeling until she got pregnant with Sephora at 17. Unable to work and kicked out of her parents house, Rebecca had no one to help her, specially since the baby's daddy had left, and raised Sephora by herself in Venice Beach (it's hard to not think of Lana every time I read these words).

It's summer. School is out and the air is hot in California. Seph spends her time in her studio making sculptures and hanging out with her best friend, Marissa.

Seph has a deep admiration for her mother's beauty, to the point that I had started wondering if the incest was between them (I knew this book was incestuous before picking it up - otherwise I wouldn't have bothered doing so - but I didn't knew exactly between whom the incest was) but, at the same time, she seems to resents Rebecca's superficiality and their terrible living conditions. She has never met her father nor knows anything about him, liking to live with just her mom.

The winter before, while on the beach, Seph meets Felix, a surfer on his thirties that was visiting Venice Beach. She decides she wants him and when he invites her to dinner, she agrees. Seph lies about herself, telling him she's 19 instead of 16 and that her name is Annie. After dinner, they kiss and have sex in Felix's hotel room. We don't know much about this event at this point, but Seph clearly doesn't want to talk about Felix to anyone.

Seph makes it clear to the reader that she's not the type to have sex with random man, but that there had been something about Felix that she couldn't turn away from. That something is GSA.

Rebecca's newest hookup, an younger guy named Jordan, gets Seph a job in a surfer shop, which she learns to like.

After calling her many times, Seph finally picks up the phone and answers Felix, who lets her know he is going back to California and wants to meet up with 'Annie' again. To put some extra distance between them, Seph goes to visit her aunt in Georgia.

And dude, this part is filled with incest potential. Seph cousins are 11 and 13 and "both the girls are a little obsessed with [Seph's] boobs". Which is treated as normal by the narrative.... I've a younger female cousin and she never ever started at my boobs in the intensive way that Seph describes her cousins doing. But okay...

No, actually, the whole book is filled with hits of incest. From Seph's constant babbling about her mother's beauty and sex life to Seph saying that Marissa is like a sister to her and that why she kisses her on the lips when Marissa asks.

Anyway, back to the plot. Seph returns to Venice Beach and Felix calls her again, begging her to at least tell him what he did wrong but she doesn't tells him anything.

Last winter, after her hookup with Felix, Seph was going through her mom's stuff when she found a photo of her mom with Felix, from eight before the time Rebecca got pregnant.

Back to the summer, Jordan tries to have Seph's art exposed at the store and in new board designs. At this point, the book explains the meaning of infandous so I guess I didn't have to look it up before reading.

Seph's design becomes famous in Virginia Beach, and every surfer wants a surf board with her art. It shouldn't be a surprise then when Felix comes to the store, looking to buy one for himself. At first, she considers continuing to pretend to be Annie, but quickly changes her mind and confesses being Sephora Golding, and that he knew her mother. Felix enters in shock, piecing it together. He leaves the shop in a hurry, unable to speak.

Seph's story is interwoven with chapters telling fairy-tales and myths revolving around rape. The last fairy tale is The Mermaid and the Wolf, which is the only tale that isn't real (it exists solely in this book). A mermaid is an image often associated with Rebecca, while Felix is connected to wolves. In the tale, a mermaid and a wolf have a child who is a seal, and that seal goes on to have sex with the wolf, making this tale basically a recap of the book.

"And when the wolf returned, the seal girl did not recognize him and he did not guess that she was of his flesh. So they fell together in the sand, and he knew her as he had known her mother."

Elana K. Arnold's prose is beautiful and introspective. That, coupled with the hot California air, reminded me a lot of Francesca Lia Block's Wasteland. Some people online consider that Felix raped Seph, but I disagree. The scene doesn't reads as a rape. He was older than her, but she lied her age, so it's not like he's a child predator either. Seph's regret comes from finding out he is her father, not from the sexual act itself.

I wish the book had been longer and showcased more of Felix and Seph. What happens after he left the store? Will he try to call her again to reconnect with his daughter? The good part of an open ending is that it allows you to make up whatever you want.