#i've never used box braids before but i really really want to try it at least once

[moonchild-in-blue]

Why are box braids so damn hard to do it yourself. I have a renewed and greater respect for my DIY people 💙

[mccookiemonster]

No Ordinary Love Story

Chapter 2

A few weeks have passed since the whole incident and a lot has happened. Louie was accused of killing Claudia and taken into police custody, Franklin is doing business with Manboy, and Franklin spent a couple of days out of town with Avi. While all of that was happening Andre was working to build a police team to help take down Franklin and his family to stop him from destroying the community even more than he has all already done. Franklin did try to reach out to you but you ignored all his calls, pages and his knocks on your bedroom window, but of course when you weren’t home he snuck into your room with the help of your grandma and left flowers, a card, and some money to let you know how sorry he is. You of course threw away the cards and flowers and kept the money, with the money you got your hair done, nails, and got yourself a new outfit for the skating rink that you were going to the Shon-shon and her friends.

Right now you just finished getting your hair done at your cousin’s house. You got some classic box braids.

“Ooo girl you always get me right!!” I said while checking my hair in the mirror.

“Girl I will always do y-STOP ALL THAT ROUND AROUND MY HOUSE THIS AINT NO DAMN ZOO!!!” she yelled at her kids running around screaming like headless chickens.

“Smh, please never have kids” she said with an eye roll.

“Trust me I won’t, I don’t want them to end you like yours”.

“Watch yourself now my kids ain't that bad”.

“Surrrre, well I see you later thx boo” I said kissing the side of the chick before walking out the door. As I was walking out there was a group of guys sitting on the porch next door smoking, drinking, talking. As i'm walking to my car they started whistling trying to get my attention.

“AYE SHAWTY WIT THE FAT ASS” one yelled.

“DAMN YOU LOOK GOOD”

“COME OVER HERE A GIVE DADDY A RIDE” he said while grabbing his meat.

I walked around to the drivers side of the and gave them the middle figure with a sarcastic smile. One had enough courage to come up to my car and open the door for me. He was tall, nice smile, waves, and was walking like he had a big dick and knew how to use it.

“Wassup ma” he licked his lips and smiled.

“Nothing, just trying to go home” I got in the car and closed the door. He bends down and puts his face through the window.

“What's your name”

“You first”

“They call me manboy”

“HAHAHA-im sorry-it’s just manboy really” said while giggling. He smirked ��wanna find out why they call me manboy”

I started my car up “Boy bye. Look I got to go”.

“Ok here’s my number” I took the paper and put it in my purse and I began to drive off.

“CALL ME” he yelled as I got farther away.

I arrived home shortly and saw my grandma sitting in front of the tv watching The Cosby Show while folding laundry. I greeted her and made my way to my room to take a nap. I woke up and saw that it was 7:20. I had to be out of the house by at least 8 to drop my nana off at bingo then make it to the skating rink by 9. I got up and made my way to the bathroom to shower. After I finished I lotioned up and put some jean shorts and a plain white cropped top on. I walked over to my vanity and put on some bracelets and necklaces and sprayed some perfume.

“Nana are you already!” I yelled

“Girl, I've been ready for the past 20 minutes. I'm just waiting on your slow ass. Making me late for bingo and shit. She yelled back, mumbling the last part.

“Ok I’m ready lets go” I said walking out of my room into the living room grabbing my keys and purse. We walked out of the house to the car and started making our way to the community center where bingo was going to be at. After a few minutes we finally made it and the community center was filled with old people. “Will you need a ride back?” I said while pulling up to the front.

“No baby, I'm staying the night with Earl” she said, pulling out her mirror and applying lipstick.

“Ewwwww gross nana” I said, making a disgusted face.

“ Oh hush just because I look old don’t mean I-”

“Ok I don't want to hear anything else please.”

“Hello ladies,” Earl said, walking up to the car and opening the door for nana.

“Hi Earl” my nana said in a flirtatious tone.

“Hi Earl” I said while rolling my eyes in a playful tone.

“Have fun but not two much fun you two”. They just laughed and waved me off as they made their way in. I drove off and made my way to the skating rink where everyone was already waiting for me. I pulled into the parking lot and found a parking spot. I got out, locking the door and making my way in. As I went in and grabbed a pair of skates. I looked around for my friends and finally saw them sitting at a booth talking. I made my way over and Shon Shon was the first to notice me.

“HEYYY GIRL,” she yelled. Everyone turned to see me walking over. I laughed and waved.

“Hey guys” Everyone greeted me even Melody’s fake ass but she only didn’t so I can see her clinging onto Franklin to let me know that she’s here with him. At that I rolled my eyes.

“ Come on guys, are we just going to sit and look stupid or are we going to go out there and skate?

“We was waiting for your slow as.” Leon said

“Well I’m here now so lets gooooo.”

･ﾟ:* :･ﾟ･ﾟ: :･ﾟ･ﾟ: :･ﾟ･ﾟ: :･ﾟ･ﾟ: :･ﾟ･ﾟ: :･ﾟ･ﾟ: :･ﾟ･ﾟ: :･ﾟ･ﾟ: :･ﾟ･ﾟ: :･ﾟ･ﾟ: :･ﾟ

Hey guys I'm sorry I haven't updated in a while I've just been busy with school but i'll try and update as often as I can!!

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter even though it was kind of a filler and I was just trying to get something out for you guys

Please excuse spelling and grammar mistakes.

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[rikamae]

He Would Not Fucking Say That: Jesus Edition

Jesus would not support a genocide

Jesus would not support the Nakba

Jesus would not support attacking hospitals, schools, and homes

Jesus would not support the open air prisons, the occupied state, the giant walls around the west bank

Jesus would stand with Palestinians, not as their prophet, but as a fellow man

And to the Christains that keep quoting the Bible and saying that God and Jesus would support this massacre, shame on you. Shame on you for missing Jesus's teaching. Shame on you for misrepresenting the son of God in such a heinous and evil way. Shame on you for the hate that has settled so deep in your heart, a perfect throne for Satan.

Shame on you for trying to guilt other Christians into hating a people who are fighting for freedom from their oppressor. Tell me, do you really believe your own lies? As if Jesus wouldn't meticulously braid his own whip to run you off your soap box for claiming that your hatred is in the name of his father!

Jesus would say that he loves his Jewish siblings, just as he loved everyone regardless of their faith. For those who are lost it is not their fault, they know not what they do, father please forgive them. He was the kindest, most forgiving man, loving even Judas to his final breath and resurrection. He would not call for hate on the Jewish people. But he would not claim they are justified, he would not stand on their side.

He would be among the wreckage, saving lives, cleaning the wounded. He was a natural leader, whose men would follow him everywhere just to see what he would do next, and they would follow him into the rubble without question.

Stop using your faith to manipulate people towards hatred. This isn't about antisemitism, it's not even about the Bible and whatever it says. It's not even about Jesus!

This is about the genocides happening right now. If you have not seen the destruction and carnage happening to the Palestinian people, then you are only seeing propaganda. You are only seeing what you want to see. And then you twist your faith to agree with you, so you don't have to feel bad about it.

I've seen it all before. I'm American after all. Every time people use their faith to excuse horrors. Every time they strip away rights in the name of religious freedom (for Christains) I'm sick and tired of it. Because I grew up knowing Jesus, and he would never say it's justified.

Shame on you.

[born-to-lose]

can u go thru when i dont have u line by line please ... so interested 2 hear the choices behind each bit

Full heartbreaking analysis under the cut

What will I do

When your scent on your shirt disappears

For Valentine's Day, my love gave me a sleeveless shirt he's had for years so it smells like him a lot. It feels like home and good memories because the sheets of the holiday home where I spent my summers at the North Sea as a child smelled the same. Since I got it, I've been smelling it every night before going to sleep in an attempt to memorize the scent and when it's not too cold, I sleep in it. But I've also been worried about the scent fading over time and about me forgetting how he smelled at some point.

When your lipstick's all used up

For my birthday, he gave me a dark pink/red lipstick, which has sort of become my signature shade when I go out. I can't get this brand and exact lipstick in my country, so I would have to get it imported from the UK when it's used up (it also accidentally melted a bit and broke off after a while ago and I somehow fixed it but the cute little pattern isn't there anymore). Even if I did get a new lipstick in that shade, it would still not be the same as applying the one that was hand-picked by the love of my life.

When I want new pictures of you

Because I've looked at the old ones a million times

I still keep a framed photo of him on my bedside table because I can't bring myself to put it away in a box or even just my desk or shelf. In addition to that, my usual way of coping with missing him was (and still is) looking at the pictures I have of him on my phone, but after a while you want new ones because you just miss their face so much, you know?

What will I do

When I don't have you anymore

The main question of this whole poem, and also of this whole week. Actually, what will I do now? I'm still trying to figure that out.

When I can't call you every week

We used to have weekly video calls and every week without a date (because one of us was busy or didn't feel well) was rough for me and the thought of them never happening at all kills me.

When I can't hear you laugh and sing

I'm absolutely in love with his singing voice. He used to sing a few songs on request for me and even recorded some so I can listen to them whenever I want. His laugh is my favourite sound in the world and I was always so happy when I could make him laugh.

When we don't stay up late talking about everything

Especially in the first months and on weekends, we stayed up really late on some nights to talk about all kinds of things and I enjoyed those conversations more than I can say.

What will I do

When you're not in my arms

Sadly, I never got the chance to have him in my arms, but I literally dreamed of that and still crave it so much. If I could hold him just for a moment, I would never let go.

When I miss your face next to mine

As we were long distance, I didn't actually have his face next to mine, but sometimes when we nearly fell asleep on video call, both of us wrapped in blankets, it just felt so nice and cozy.

When I don't feel your hands on me

Again, I never really did and this is too intimate to discuss, but a single touch from him, no matter in what context and with what intention, would make me melt.

When I can't play with your hair as you lay on my chest

Another thing I really wish I could do. He has beautiful hair and I've always wanted to play with it or braid it while we're cuddling.

What will I do

When your tapes are worn out

He made two mixtapes for me, which I think is the most romantic thing ever, especially because he used actual cassettes and didn't just create a playlist (although he also did that and it's almost 9 hours long). The parts where he talks in between the songs to explain why he added them or what we were talking about at the moment always make me smile, and I keep rewinding to the parts where he sings along so they're ingrained in my mind forever. He told me several times not to wear them out, but I'm afraid they will be eventually, so I'll need to get them digitalized just in case.

When the ink on your letters fades

We wrote each other letters and cards and I love rereading the ones he sent me. They still have their place in a letter rack on my desk and at some point in the future I'll put them in a box and keep them until I die, hoping they'll still be legible decades from now.

When your scented candle stops burning

For Christmas, he gave me a white pear and patchouli scented candle. Sometimes I light it so my room smells like him and it always makes me feel better when I do. It's a jar candle and I really hope it will last for a long time because like with the shirt, I have a thing for scents and associating them with people I love and if there's nothing like that left of him, I'll be devastated.

When the blood in your vial necklace turns brown

He made a blood vial necklace for me and I tried to make one too, but I couldn't get enough blood out without actually relapsing into cutting. I never leave the house without it because I want to carry part of him with me at all times and show him off a bit. The fact that it's his own blood and that we had a thing for blood and talked about literally giving each other our hearts makes it even deeper and more intimate to me. When it arrived by mail, the blood had already clotted a little and by now it's turned into a very dark, almost black, shade of red, which looks really pretty in sunlight.

What will I do

When you're gone and all I have

Even if for now, he isn't actually gone and still in my life, and most importantly not dead, it's still hard to shift from the blissful life together I've gotten so used to in the last 7 months to the situation I'm in now.

Are the things you've sent me

I'm scared of the day when he's not with me in any way and literally all I have are his gifts he sent me.

Your soft voice and pretty face in my head

As mentioned above, I adore his voice and he's the most gorgeous man I've ever seen. I'll never get that out of my head; even when I'm old and can't remember anything about myself, I hope he will always be in my memory.

And the memory of you and our time together

Over the course of our relationship, we made quite a few amazing memories (as far as possible when you live two countries apart) that I'll never forget, even if we had so many more plans for the future. Our time together was the best time of my life and he's by far my most important relationship I've ever had and ever will have. I'm pretty sure he's the love of my life and I will never be able or want to call anybody else than him "my love" because he will always be that to me. Honestly, I don't think I could ever love as deeply again as I love him.

[fandom-venturer]

thoughts on c!tommy having a loom bands phase.

YES!

I've had this headcanon for a while but just on the corner of my mind. I was thinking about it since people headcanon him with devoloping sewing or knitting as a habit because of the motion and stuff.

I imagine this could've been something c!tommy had taken a liking to before the smp.

At first he thinks it's one of those bands used for hair or braids until one kid was bragging about the loom band kit they aquired and teaches the others how to use it and gives it away too. It's not something he could afford much mainly because he doesn't really know where to get them so I guess he somehow acquired some bands from other people who was showing off their sets- so basically he'd just have bands and a hook and he'd have to taken turns with the others in using the kit which results in him only knowing how to do the bracelets AND having no pattern in colors while making it cuz he wants to have every color.

He puts little trinkets he finds on the streets along with his loom bands for design and even pick up some stray loom bands he finds and try to make a makeshift hook or kit. Sometimes he tries replicating it with rubber bands because those are easier to find but it doesn't have the same effect. He still wears them though! He does. Proudly. In every wear he goes, his arms are filled with chaos of colors and patterns.

In the period where loom bands loose popularity- he finds an abandoned set for loom bands. Complete with a kit and two bags of the bands, in a box, feels like a gold mine. (There's even an instruction too for different types of things you can do! He was very proud with making the ring ones but he makes the bracelets more because they're easier to wear.)

By the time he got to the smp, there are only few people whom he had given loom bands and even seen him wear it. One of them was c!Wilbur, but he hadn't thought much about it since he didn't know the kid that much when he received it.

The first revolution happens and he never touched it again.

During pogtopia, c!Wilbur sometimes thinks about what happened to the loombands, even the one he had. (It's tucked away in his orange jacket, the one he wore when he first got in the smp) c!Tubbo wore his before the 16th happened. (He figured he better hide it after the incident he had in the podium.) c!Fundy vaguely remembers being given one, he doesn't know whom it's from but it was a ring. He's pretty sure he's hidden it with his old stuff. (Similarly with cNikki, cEret, cJack)

In exile, cTommy picks up knitting and even puts little trinkets he found on the beach with it. (It's familiar, he doesn't know why.)

His arms covered with once bright, but dulled overtime, blue wool of the cardigan. (It feels familiar, he doesn't know why.)

The kit picks up dust deep down the enderchest, just below the bedrock he matches with Techno.

In Utah, cWilbur in his orange jacket, while trying to pick up his lighter in his pockets, instead pulled a loom band. His mind goes back to the boy who's arms were covered in blue wool when he got revived. (It's familiar, he now knows why.)

[aimedigital]

Sooo...

I have a friend. A best friend. And I care about her more than anything- she's amazing, she's sweet, she's kind, we have a lot of the same interests. Love her very much.

So, her birthday's in mid-November and I was planning on making her tons of special things. Such as a cute bracelet, a drawing, and an short animatic.

Now, my problem lies with the animatic.

First off I've never made one before. But I am capable of doing so, I started making one not long ago and it's pretty decent! The song I'm using is , 'Enchanted,' by Taylor Swift. So my app that I use for all digital drawing and the animatics crashed. Like literally crashed. I click in, it loads, and it's stuck on the one drawing and the only buttons I can use it the redo and undo. And the canvas is blank. Again, crashed. No matter what I do, it won't fix. Because of this delay, I don't know if I'll have enough time to make the gift.

Which is where you all come in! I'd super-duper appreciate any support until I get get the app up and running again. By support I just mean any motivation. OR: I'd really love any simple doodles you can make. If the animatic plan doesn't work, I'll make a compilation of drawings for her.

These drawings are just maybe ones of me and her. Maybe as some of our different personas too. I dunno. The message I'm trying to get to her is, 'I was enchanted to meet you'.

As our 'sonas', my friend typically has braids, medium dirty blonde hair, and light skin in drawings. I have a random piece of hair sticking out, long brown hair, and light skin as well.

Anyhow! Any little art projects you can scribble, even if it's a small doodle, is much appricitated. I just want to show my friend I love and care about her much.

Below are the doodle-sonas/Hazbin-sona's examples.

Left is her, right is me. Left is calm and sweet, right is chaotic and loud.

And if it helps, once you submit your doodle to me (either tag me or send thru ask box), you get a free drawing request to cash in at any time. :)

-Thanks, and much appriciated: Aime

[shearah]

Gosh, that's kind of a hard one for me, I've been living on barely enough to cover bills for so long I don't even remember the last time I thought about vacations...

I did get to plan a vacation when I was 17, and being autistic-and-bad-with-change as I am, I opted for a resort in Majorca my family has been to before (we used to go on holidays ~once a year until I was about...13?), that was also run by the same company as *another* resort in Majorca we went to (I promise we didn't always go to Majorca).

It was a veeeery large hotel made up of essentially several different hotels on a huge campus with multiple pools and activity areas scattered throughout (I didn't really go to any of the activities - tried archery when I visited with my family and the facilities were kinda rubbish, but considering we we part of an archery club back home and both me and my dad are trained archery coaches we were probably expecting a bit much) but all the different pools meant I could wander off and find a quieter one if I wanted to. There was a river right down the middle of the campus with some really pretty bridges, I remember getting some lovely (but incredibly amature) photos of the lights reflecting off of the water at night.

It was all inclusive with a buffet style restaurant (the serve yourself kind, so I didn't even have to talk to anyone, yay!) and while the food certainly wasn't the best out there, it was nice enough and had a decent variety. While I can really struggle to eat different things, I do like getting to try new foods, and buffet style means I can put a tiny bit on my plate and if I like it, come back for more. I usually ended up sticking to the same few things in the end, but the stimulation of something new is nice :) they'd bring out huge trays of fresh croissants for breakfast and the desert counter always had trays of sheet cake and pastries cut into these adorably tiny little squares that I just loved. Not to mention, unlimited ice cream! Poolside too!

It was about a 15m walk from the beach - a nice sandy one, not like the cold pebble beach near my dad's place. Not only that, but ever half hour there was a little skiff that went down the river to the beach and back, so you didn't have to walk either. Set off from right outside the restaurant. Plenty of lovely souvenier shops (and some delightful smelling restaurants, but we never tried any since we were already paying for food back at the hotel). I bought a new little braided bracelet/anklet every day with tiny shells and little bells on them so I jingled when I walked... they all gradually fell apart, but I still have one stashed away in my jewellery box. :)

It was during school term time so it was cheaper, but that also meant it wasn't as warm - I can't stand being sweaty. It was late september I think? So still warm, but not too hot for my miserable british soul. I basically spent the week reading in the sun, swimming in the pool, eating nice food and playing pool against my brother (and winning ;D)

I think if I had to choose a vacation again, I would probably go to the same place. The only thing that could make it more appealing to me would be if my international friends could be there too, and if I could bring my PC with me :)

Realistically though. I think an ideal "vacation" for me that I could actually afford would have to be a week at home with no migraines, headaches or back pain, all my raid groups taking a break (maybe one or two can stay, the ones where there's nobody in the group I want to strangle all the time) and I get to spend the week not stressing about comms or work at all, I just get to do my own thing, my own art and mods. Oh, and bao. lots and lots of bao.

:) @bearbaitmegs

[wildestdreamcatcher]

Diamond Rings

Summary: Jude proposes to Summer on the road trip but it doesn't go well

I love everything about Summer. I love the way she laughs, how she’s so kind to everyone she meets, how creative she is, the way she dresses, I just love everything. We’ve only been together for a year but I already know I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. I was so happy with her and this road trip had made me fall in love with her more. My dad always said that when he looked at my mom, he knew what love was and I finally understood what he meant. That’s the way I felt about Summer. 

The streets were busy in Albuquerque but Kai and I decided to stop at a jewelry store here while everyone else was at the hotel. It all felt so right when I saw the ring. The shine of the gold band and the diamond caught my eye. I knew what I wanted to do. 

“I think I’m going to propose to Summer!” I said to Kai, holding up the ring in the light. 

“Are you sure, Jude? We just graduated high school and you’ve only been dating for a year.”

“My dad knew he wanted to marry my mom after a year.” 

“But didn’t you say they got married when you were like, seven?” 

“I don’t know how to explain it, Kai, but being with her just makes me feel so happy. When we’re together, it’s like nothing else matters. I’ve never had this love with anyone else. I think that she’s the one, dude!”

Kai sighed: “If it’s what you want, go for it. You both seem so happy. I’m just worried it could be too soon”. He always tried to reason with me, even if I didn’t want to hear it. 

I knew Jude was planning something. I always knew when he was planning something, he seemed happier than usual and he was so giggly about it. I always noticed little things about him: like the way his smile got bigger when he talked about something he was excited about it, the way he played with my rings when he was nervous, I noticed so much about him, and in the year we’ve been together: I've never been happier. 

He took me out to dinner tonight, he said it was a part of the surprise. He looked so good tonight: he was dressed nicely, he got his hair braided right before we left for Albuquerque, he was wearing his best cologne. He just looked so nice tonight, it was insane. He took me back to the hotel room and he must have gotten it decorated while we were gone. He had rose petals leading to the bed with LED candles illuminating the path. He sat me on the bed and that’s when it happened.

Jude pulled out a diamond ring on the bed. 

“Summer, this past year with you has been the best year of my life. When I think about love, I think about us. I love everything about you. You’re everything I’ve always wanted and more. I guess, what I’m trying to say is… will you marry me?” His speech was sweet but everything caught me off guard. I wasn’t expecting this, it was all so soon. I love him, I really did but we’ve only been together for a year and we just graduated high school.

“Jude, I”, I paused for a second. I didn’t want to ruin things but I don’t know how else to reject his proposal. 

“Jude, I love you so much. I’ve been so happy with you but I can’t accept this yet. We’re only 18, we just graduated high school, and I honestly don’t know if I’m ready yet. I want to marry you in a few years, but I can’t right now. 

He looked crushed, and I felt so guilty for saying no. I wanted to marry him so badly, I’ve thought about it a million times over but I just can’t do it right now, I just can’t. Jude didn’t say anything for a while, he just laid beside me on the bed. 

“Say something, please. I’m sorry, J, I really am!” I wondered if I sounded stupid, pleading for him like that. 

“It’s ok, Summer. I understand. Maybe in a few years, we can try this again?” He smiled at me sadly. 

After awhile, tthe room just got so silent. I could see the ring box lying on the nightstand as we both fell asleep. I looked at Jude, he was still laying on my chest. He mumbled, “I love you, Summer” before falling asleep.

I hoped I didn’t fuck this up for us. 

@sadlonelyyogurt @blowflygrls @vommitgirl

[kweenkay19]

Helping Hand

Happy Black History Month (stay Black and stay safe my friends😜✌🏾❤)

Mitsuya x Black Reader

Tokyo Revengers

Warning: None

"DAMMIT!" You screamed out, in frustration

You have been sitting in the bathroom, in your room for the last hour taking out the boxes braids. Your arms were cramping and it was taking up most of the time.

You still have so much to do with your hair and the day was slipping away.

"You ok?"

You are startled when your boyfriend suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

"Mitsuya? When did you get here?"

"Just a few minutes ago, your roommate let me in"

"What made you stop by"

"I come to check on you, silly"

You hummed in response. You went to cut a few more boxes braids, when Mitsuya gasp.

"What are you doing? Why are you cutting you hair"

You looked at him confused "I'm taking my hair out"

"Wait! That's not your real hair?" He questioned

He didn't see the other side of your already taken down hair from where he was standing in the doorway.

You guys relationship was fairly new. There was a lots of things still to know and learn about each other; but you didn't realize he had never seen your real hair.

"Yes it is cuz I bought it but no it's not"

He was even more confused "But why did you tell me you weren't feeling well?"

You felt even more bad. "Sit down, I'll explain"

He sits down on the bed. You put my bonnet on and walked out of the bathroom and sit in your desk chair and turned to him.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to lie. My job wants me to take my hair down because they don't think it looks professional enough" You take a deep breath "I said I wasn't feeling well because it takes so long to do my hair I have to take it down, wash it, moisturize it, let it sit and then style it. I usually wear braids so I don't have to do all that but I need this job."

You look up at him, he was still processing everything you had to said. He then broke the silence

"Teach me?"

"What?"

He stood up and walked over to you. He got eye level and placed his hand on your thigh rubbing little circles on the side of your exposed legs

"Teach me how to do all of that. I want to help."

"Really?" You felt yourself tearing up

"Yes, I'll be honest I don't know the first thing to do but if you teach me then I'll get the hang of it, plus if I'm going to be in the fashion industry I need to know about all types of hair too."

"What about your sister's?"

"Mom is off for the today"

"Ok! Let's get started then."

》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》

A few hours past and you finally got all the box braids out. You are currently washing your hair in the shower while Mitsuya was in your room chilling.

You finally got all the grease and oil and dirt out of your hair. You turned off the shower and looked in the mirror. You pulled at your curly afro to see the new growth, you were proud. You took a deep breath before going out into the room. You would be lying if you said you are nervous.

But you reassured yourself like the bad bitch you are and walked out.

When Mitsuya got first glance of you, he eyes widen. He lifted himself off the bed and made is way over to you.

Your face heated up from him staring at you "You don't have to stare." You looked at the ground trying to avoid eye contacts.

"My bad, it's just I've never seen your hair like this" He reached out and pulled at one of your wet curly coils "It's beautiful" He looked at you "You are beautiful, I think I like this a lot more"

In that moment you fell more in love then ever before, if that was even possible.

"You know, I would have beat somebody's ass if they would have touched my hair but because it's you, you have a pass"

He laughed "Thanks baby, I'll ask next time. Promise"

You walked over to the mirror in your room and sat down with your moisturizers and hair pudding.

"Now for the fun part" you said sarcastically

"Can I do it?"

"Be my guest"

He stood behind you and you handed him the hair products.

"Use this on first and then detangle it"

"Got it"

He started at the base and made his way down. He massaged your scalp and got the product in really well and then started detangling it you help twisted up to keep the Moisturizer in. He was a natural at this, of course he has two little sisters he takes care of on the daily. He was such a fast learner.

Another 30 minutes pass by and you guys were finally done. Luckily the hair mask with the leave in but you have to let it sit for 2 hours or longer before doing anything.

The two of you did face masks together and watch a movie while waiting; it was perfect.

By the end of the night your hair was finally done and you couldn't have done it without, Mitsuya's help.

》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》》

After that night you decided to wear your hair more natural.

For also call Mitsuya to help you with your hair from time to time, it's your favorite quality time with him and his as well.

You even quit that job cuz you realized you don't deserve that type of treatment.

Mitsuya was so supportive of your decision, he was actually the one that suggested it in the first place.

His willingness to learn always intrigued you. Even before the two of you we're together

You tried to push him away but he was so interested in you.

You liked him too but you were scared, dating someone of a different races is hard but Mitsuya didn't care.

He didn't see your skin color he saw you for you.

But he was very aware and understood that there were challenges you face being a person of color.

And that right there is what you made you fall head over heels for, Takashi Mitsuya.

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

I hope you enjoyed this I've had this story idea in my draft for the longest I just didn't know who to use. Mitsuya has a special place in my heart. I'm in the Fashion World myself and he was the first character I knew about in Tokyo Revengers. Hope you all have a great day.

Request: Open

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@icythottiesworld @imatrisk @gxthchxrry @aiyaaayei @luxiaory @rinluvsyouwu @chrollohearttags @chickenwingsandfries3425 @angwritez @demeto-anima @luffysthickwaifu @bimborova @38riku @syruponsausage @freak-cardkind @hellavile @hawkshoney @gabbywasfound7ater @mynameiscas-liketheangel @mikaedyllle @keizos @kuromi-kouhai @xngelsau

[purple-babygirl]

of course you do

Pairing: (Roommate!)Bucky Barnes x reader

Word Count: 3,884

Warnings: slight smut in the middle containing oral (f receiving) and p in v; the rest is fluff.

Summary: The one where reader braids Bucky's hair.

A/N: so I'm kinda terrible at summaries.. and plotting. I saw the art and I did what any person with a heart would, I kept picturing situations where Bucky gets his hair braided. This is bad but Please enjoy:' xx.

Beautiful Bucky art is by the amazing @yourecutejeans thank you so much for letting me use your drawing 💜

Bucky smiled lovingly as he sat down on the chair before the mirror, his eyes and hers meeting before she smiled back. He was so handsome and he was all hers. They stayed like that for a second, her fingers just playing with his loose hair and they knew they were both thinking of the same days and the same moments.

Bucky was a great roommate. Her great roommate. He was respectful, never a pervert, cleaned up after himself and his cat. He would even pick up his cat's white hairs one by one whenever they stuck to her part of the couch. He was never noisy, never came home with a girl, and never invaded her privacy in any way. He'd even put in his headphones when she'd go to the bathroom for number 2 because she told him once she couldn't really go if she kept thinking someone could possibly hear her. Her previous roommates could care less about her weird pooping anxiety, but not Bucky. Bucky was perfect.

Accordingly, it took her a short time to befriend and bond with the shy man and his cat; took even shorter for her to develop feelings for him. She would turn down fun outings and blind dates to stay in with Bucky and quietly watch some rom-com he's never seen before just to gauge his reaction when her favourite scenes came on.

“Hey, Buck," she called one day with a mischievous smile on her lips, shifting on her feet as she stood by the doorframe of her bedroom.

"Hmm," Bucky replied without looking up from his phone.

"Aaaare you busy right now?" She asked, swinging her feet.

"No?" Bucky looked at her and raised an eyebrow. And oh boy, he knew that smile.

"Can you help me with something?" She bit her lip.

"I have a feeling I'm not gonna like this." He shook his head when he saw her smile get bigger.

"Maybe not." She tilted her head, keeping her smile.

"Then no."

"But Buuuuck. Remember when you were out of town and I was on a date and instead of having a good time you called and sent me home to feed Alpine?" She whined.

"You didn't even like that guy I basically saved you! And you love Alpine." Bucky argued, pointing his finger to the white feline licking up its leg.

"Still. Who left their date and came back home?" She pouted.

"Fine, what do you want?"

"Wantyoutoletmebraidyourhair." Words flew out of her mouth as she failed to control her enthusiasm.

"Try slower."

"Can I please braid your hair?"

"What! No!"

"But Buuuuck-" she whined, almost stomping her feet.

"No! Don't Buck me. I am not letting you braid my hair," Bucky told her with a firm face before looking back at his phone, not wanting to see her pouty lips.

"But Buuuck-" She started again but was quickly stopped by his glare.

"I promise I won't mess it up. I've watched the video like a hundred times," she begged and he gazed up again.

She smiled and crossed her heart, making Bucky sigh.

"Fine, come here. Let's get this over with." He agreed and then winced at the squeal she gave in celebration.

"I'll be right back." She ran back into her room to get her special brushes and the box of clear, tiny elastics along with that of the poppy pins.

Bucky chuckled at her behavior, his heartbeats speeding up when he realized he'd just agreed to at least 30 minutes of her brushing, touching, and braiding his hair.

Just how long would he have to go on without telling her how he felt? He could never do it. She was too good for him, too bright, too lively for a hundred+ year old grump like himself. She would never feel the same about him.

On the other side of the wall, she stood before her dresser, smiling to herself in the mirror like an idiot as she tried to regulate her own hammering heartbeats.

~

After setting the needed tools beside her on the couch, she made Bucky sit on the floor between her legs with his back to the couch. Jesus Christ was he handsome; even the back of his head did things to her. Everything about the man was beautiful.

She ran her fingers through Bucky's hair and it was soft. She almost melted at the feel of it. Oh, how she would love to pull on that hair while Bucky railed her-

"What are you waiting for?"

"Nothing, just trying to choose a brush."

She started by dividing Bucky's hair into two sections. She bit her lip before picking up her favourite brush and started gently combing his hair, walking the brush through the brown locks from the tips up to loosen any knots here or there.

Bucky's hair was so smooth and it smelled of the coconut oil she bought him - and basically forced him to use - a couple of months ago. It took her everything not to drop her head forward and bury her nose in his hair or kiss the top of his head.

She pretended she was checking for knots and kept carding her fingers through Bucky's hair over and over, barely restraining herself from scratching his scalp.

And Bucky was just trying not to lean into her touch; not to let himself moan or purr at how tenderly she was handling his hair.

Bucky trusted her to know what she was doing and went back to staring at his phone for a better distraction. Much to her discontent, he was checking his Tinder account.

"Stop moving so much!" Her nimble fingers tightly grabbed on the strands between them, not wanting to lose track of the French braid she'd diagonally started on the right side of the top of Bucky's head.

"Ow! Don't pull!" He whined when his head was yanked back.

"Sorry, just stop shaking your head in shock over Tinder texts every five seconds." She chuckled, trying to mask any jealousy that might be apparent in her tone.

Who did these girls think they were sending her Bucky such sinful messages? And who did she think she was to call him her Bucky, even in her head?

"Hey! You aren't supposed to look at my phone!" Bucky tried to turn to her, but her big toe poked his side in warning for him not to do so.

"I'm not." She shrugged, carefully adding a small section of hair to one strand before crossing it over the strand in the middle and repeating with the further and third strand.

"You were though," Bucky mumbled, scrolling down his messages, trying to find a normal, decent one.

"Why do you even have the app if you don't ever use it!" She asked in frustration, going back with the strand between her fingers because she almost messed up.

"Maybe I'll use it tonight. She looks cute," Bucky muttered, holding up the phone for her to see the smiling selfie of a brunette.

"Nah." She denied, trying to focus on correctly crossing each strand over the other.

"Blue is definitely her colour," Bucky mumbled while checking out another photo of his Tinder match in blue bikinis, earning himself another hair pull.

"Ow!"

"Sorry." She smirked, shrugging in fake apology.

"Are you jealous, doll?" Bucky smirked.

"Excuse you?" She laughed, hoping he couldn't hear how loud her heart was beating behind his head. She was jealous and she couldn't get caught being jealous.

"I'm just saying, someone seems bitter because they haven't gotten any in a while." Bucky shrugged jokingly.

"And whose fault is that?" She grinned in relief.

"Don't you dare say Alpine's."

"I was gonna say yours actually."

"Yeah, okay, blame it on me." Bucky teased, not noticing her face scrunching up in a frown as she watched his thumbs hovering over the keyboard, contemplating whether or not to message the blue bikini girl back, or the smile that replaced that frown when he decided not to and closed the app.

"Do you wanna watch a movie tonight? I think 27 Dresses is next on the list." He suggested instead, carefully throwing his head back on one of her thighs, soft, blue eyes awaiting her response.

Nearing the end of the braid, she let him lean back and let herself look into his beautiful eyes for a second.

"But I thought blue was her colour." She bit back a smile, fingers still tangled in his hair.

"And annoying is yours." Bucky huffed, turning his head back, crossing his muscular arms over his chest like a big baby.

"You love me." She didn't care how evident her smile was in her voice as she fetched a clear elastic from the box to secure the end of the braid.

"I do." Bucky sighed, wishing she knew the actual amount of truth those two words carried.

"Of course you do; I'm awesome." She threw back playfully, gathering his hair in her hands to roll it before twisting it into a bun.

Bucky chuckled at her response, moving his head from side to side.

"Stop shaking your head!" She tsked and Bucky stilled in place, letting her continue to handle his hair.

She held the low bun in place before slipping three poppy pins in Bucky's hair, fixing it in.

"Okay okay, I'm done. Turn around." Bucky twisted his body and turned to see her proud smile and couldn't help but smile back.

She was so cute when she was excited. He'd let her braid his hair every day forever if it meant he could see that smile.

"How does it look?" He wondered, one hand resting on her knee.

"Beautiful! It looks so good!" She said, happiness flooding her senses as she took in the beautiful man before her, holding up her square mirror for him to take a look.

Bucky stared at his reflection, lost in thought as his eyes fixated on the braid adorning the side of his head without really seeing it.

"You don't like it." Her smile dropped and her hands dropped the mirror, her thumbnail starting to pick on the tips of her fingers.

Bucky snapped out of his head when the mirror shifted from its place and he could no longer look at himself.

"What? No, no, doll, I like it. It looks perfect."

"You're just saying that." She pouted, putting the mirror beside her, and retracted her legs from around him, bringing them up to cross on the couch.

Her thumb scratched harder on the tips of her fingers as all excitement left her.

"No, doll, for real. I love it." Bucky reassured her, getting up on his knees, his hands taking hold of hers and stopping her nervous habit.

"Thank you." He surprised her and himself when he bowed forward, pressing his lips to the palms of her hands.

A big smile, accompanied by faint redness came back to her cheeks before her hand came up to pull out a few strands to frame Bucky's face, "you do?"

"I do." Bucky smiled back, internally content he could bring that smile back to her face.

"Of course you do; I'm awesome." She teased, her hand slapping his sassily as he laughed.

"Do the one you did the first time you braided my hair," Bucky said when he saw her struggling to decide on a way to do his hair.

"You sure? I learned a lot more complicated ones after. I had a great volunteer to practice on." She smiled warmly, her hand squeezing his shoulder.

"I'm sure. I want the one that started it all." Bucky nodded, returning her smile, tilting his head to kiss her hand on his shoulder.

~

From that day on, she became Bucky's free, personal hair braider (if that was a thing). Bucky let her do his hair whenever she wanted, even asking her on his own a few times too.

One of those times was before a date he was set up to go on. She didn't know how to say no to him or what her reason would be when refusing, but she wasn't just about to braid Bucky for him to go impress another girl either.

"What are you doing?!" Bucky asked when he saw her collection of nail polish sprawled on the mattress of her bed as she sat there cross-legged with one bottle in her hand.

"Painting my nails?"

"Why would you do that now! The date is in 30 minutes and I was counting on you to do my hair!"

"I'm sorry, Buck. I guess I forgot. Looks good though." She gave an apologetic smile and Bucky huffed before pulling his hair in a messy bun and leaving the house.

"I didn't forget," she said, keeping her eyes on the developing braid in her hands.

"What?" Bucky raised an eyebrow at her in the mirror.

"That time you needed me to braid your hair and I started putting nail polish on and said I forgot. I didn't."

Warmth flooded Bucky's heart at her admission and he smiled, waiting for her to continue.

"I didn't want you to go on that date." She confessed, crossing strands over one another with professionalism.

"I didn't."

"What?!" She laughed, finally meeting his eyes in the mirror.

"I took it as a bad sign that you couldn't braid my hair that day and decided not to go."

"What did you do instead? You came home at like 11 that night!"

"Hung out with Sam." He shrugged sheepishly.

"You were head over heels for me long before you told me, weren't you?" Bucky teased.

"Shut up. I still am."

~

"Bucky." He heard her call, her voice choked with tears, and his heart dropped.

"Doll, are you okay?" Bucky asked her, pulling her to his chest the second she entered his room.

"No." She cried, her hands clutching his shirt as she wrapped her arms around him.

"What is it, doll? Who do I need to punch?" Bucky rubbed her back and she laughed.

"My uterus." She sniffed, burying her face further in his chest.

"Aw, I'm sorry, doll. Do you need me to get you some painkillers?" Bucky asked, his large hand rubbing up and down her lower back, knowing it aches with the rest of her body during this time of the month.

"No." He felt her shake her head, sighing into his shirt, "already took them."

"Anything I can do?"

"Let me braid your hair?" Teary eyes gazed up at him and he let his thumb touch her warm cheek.

"Anything for you, doll." Bucky smiled, patting her back gently when she hugged him again.

"Really?" Her muffled voice asked.

"Really. I like it when you do my hair." Bucky rubbed her back.

"You do?" She smiled, sniffing again.

"I do." Bucky smiled back, swiping his thumb above her lips.

"Of course you do; I'm awesome," she replied, hugging Bucky tighter, feeling his chest shake with a laugh.

Having her braid his hair was their routine now. It was grounding to him and calming to her and connecting to both of them.

"How do I look?" Bucky asked her when she was done turning around.

"You look amazing because I did your hair." She tapped his nose, closing her eyes in fake arrogance.

"Yeah, yeah, okay." He chuckled, ready to get up from the floor.

"Wait though, lemme just…" She caught him when he was still on his knees to pull out the little hairs she pulls to frame his face.

The heat of Bucky's stare as he watched her play with the strands had her lower her hands silently and just stare back. Warm, cerulean eyes were pouring love into hers and she couldn't stop herself from dropping her gaze to Bucky's pink lips.

Bucky was so beautiful, and she'd waited for so long that she hadn't one single ounce of rationality to hold her back. Her period and hormones weren't helping either. Her hand cupped Bucky's cheek before she could think too much and she pressed her lips to his.

Bucky's body tensed for a short second but soon his eyes were closing and his mouth was moving against hers like her lips were made just to be kissed by his. It was soft and intimate and real. When she pulled away to breathe Bucky pulled her back to him by her chin, tasting her lips one more time to make sure it was actually happening before he let her have her oxygen.

"I've been waiting so long to do that." She breathed, smiling shyly.

"Me too." Bucky blushed.

"Really? You- You feel the same way?" Both her eyes and smile widened.

"I do." He nodded, his hand cupping her cheek, bringing his mouth closer to his.

"Of course you do; I'm awesome." She sighed on his lips and Bucky laughed, throwing his head back. She pulled him to her by his dog tags, kissing him deeply.

She wished she'd kissed him sooner because now she couldn't stop. She wasn't going to stop, and neither was Bucky. They had a lot to make up for.

~

"What's going on with you today?"

Bucky was nervous. They've been dating for two years; living together for three and a half and Bucky was ready to have a lifetime with her. She was his everything. He wanted exactly what they had now but wanted it all to be official.

Bucky cleared his throat. "Nothing.”

"What did you do, Buck? " She asked with a kind smile.

"I didn’t do anything," Bucky lied.

She raised an eyebrow, her knowing stare telling him to 'out with it'.

He sighed, slipping the cap off his head, “I tried braiding my hair and messed up.” He bit down.

“That’s okay. I can fix it. Come here.” She made grabby hands at his larger frame.

Bucky got on his knees before where she sat on the couch to let her have a look at his hair. A poorly braided braid existed across the back of his head. She smiled at her man’s lack of talent before letting her fingers slip through the braid to uncross the strands. When she was untangling the last bit of the braid, she noticed something shiny wrapped in the hairs. Did Bucky try using hairpins too? He was adorab- wait a minute.

That was no hairpin she was looking at.

“Buck?” Her voice shook as she glided the most beautiful ring she’s ever laid eyes on down the hair strand.

“Is that why you were so nervous to ask me to redo the braid?” She asked, trying to tease the man but her eyes were already welling up.

Bucky nodded. "Because I wanna ask you to do it forever," he said, turning around to meet her with a nervous smile, slipping his hair behind his ear.

"Bucky," she was crying; she couldn't be happier that the only man she'd wholeheartedly chosen was now choosing her too, for life.

"I thought I was done living... Before I met you, I thought it was no use looking for love or waiting for it to find me. I didn't believe it was still possible for someone like me to have or deserve it. I thought my life was over years ago and that there was no use trying. But then I moved in with you, doll. You made me want to wake up every morning. You brought the light with you every time you smiled at me whenever I walked through that door. You were the sun that kept lighting up my moon. You are my world, baby. You mean everything to me. I knew love and remembered life with you, doll. So…"

Bucky looked down at the ring nestled in the open palm of her right hand, then back up at her eyes.

"Will you do me the honor of braiding my hair till I no longer have any? Will you marry me, doll?" Bucky finally asked the question.

"Yes, Bucky, yes. A million times yes!" She nodded, crying in her hand before Bucky took it gently and slipped the elegant, diamond ring on her finger.

"I love you so much," Bucky said, wiping his own tears, kissing her hand.

"Of course you do; I'm awesome." She cried harder, still emotional, making Bucky laugh and hold her to his chest.

"I love you too, I love you so much," she mumbled, tracing his jaw.

"I know, doll." Bucky wiped her tears away, tenderly kissing her lips.

~

"I gotta go get ready," she said after pinning the last bobby pin in Bucky's bun, kissing his head.

"I can't wait to marry you." He held her hand and stood up before she could leave for the door.

"Just let me go throw on my white dress real quick and you won't have to wait anymore." She smiled, the pads of her fingers tracing his black bow tie.

He grinned to himself in the mirror after she left, trying to wrap his mind around how lucky he was as he remembered sweet moments of his own.

~

"Bucky!" She moaned aloud, probably waking up Alpine as well as a few neighbours with her constant shouting.

She was on the verge of her third orgasm and Bucky wasn't letting up. What could he do? He just loved pleasuring his girl.

"Right there," she whined, arching her back to press her mound more to his lips, her hands buried in his hair, ruining the fine work she'd done on it earlier, "please."

"Cum for me, doll. Let me feel this pussy quiver on my tongue."

Bucky's words were enough to have her pussy doing just that. She cried out his name as her fingers harshly grabbed his hair. Bucky kept licking, moaning at the taste of all that she gave him until her legs stopped shaking.

She closed her eyes as she took her breath. She was exhausted and it was late.

"Don't you fall asleep on me now, doll. I need to be inside you." Bucky pumped his length and kneeled closer.

"You do?" She grinned sleepily, but opened her legs further for him to slot his body between.

"I do." Bucky nodded, guiding his tip to her entrance.

"Of course you do; I'm aweso-OOH GOD BUCKY YES!" She mewled when his cock thrust into her, pushing her chest to his, and Bucky laughed like always before setting a pace to show her how awesome he really thought she was.

"Holy fuck! Bucky!" She screamed for him, the pleasure too much but too good.

"You ruined my braid, doll. It's only fair that I ruin your pussy in return."

~

"I do," she said with a sure smile, her eyes sparkling as she took in her man.

"And do you, James Buchanan Barnes, take-"

"I do." Bucky instantly nodded, sliding his hands around her waist and she stepped closer.

"You do?" She gave a lop-sided grin as he pulled her nearer to his chest, her fingers playing with the collar of his dark suit.

"Of course I do; you're awesome," Bucky whispered against her grinning lips before capturing them in a passionate kiss, sealing their fate together forever, till death dares do them apart.

[heresathreebee]

That G-D Ring of Yours

High Fidelity’s Robyn Brooks X Female reader

Summary: You seek comfort from your neighbor Rob

Masterlist

There's probably gonna be a part 2

Word count: 2.5k words

Warning(s): +15 | implied cheating, internalized homophobia, heterosexism, author and Rob swearing, no hate to polyamorists but major hate to bad faith players, shameless self insert, no beta, barely edited, long as fuck I'm so sorry

Author's note: I'm having anxiety for no discernable reason and my brain has decided this is ideal fuel for a fic, so please enjoy. EDIT: ha ha yeah still anxious but we're doing stuff about it

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

"-- And she just touched my hand by accident and I just felt this–  this spark between us…" 

It was so sweet how he was talking about it. Or at least it would be were this not your fiancé explaining how he had been seeing another person behind your back. Had you rushed into things with him? Gotten hitched after three months because of familial pressure to settle down and start your family? Quite possibly.

But it didn't make that stabbing in your gut hurt any less. 

You had been a little gung-ho from date number 1, but he had been right there with you the whole time. Date number 2 happened the following weekend and then you just kept seeing each other more and more until before you knew it you had been introduced to each other's extended families and announced your engagement on Valentine's Day. 

You started to suspect something was amiss on Sunday, when you were braiding your hair on the bed and he had gone to take a shower. He accidentally set his phone screen aside with a text chat still open. Thinking nothing of it (he had already told you he was talking to Mark about getting drinks tonight), you looked at the name and saw it belonged to a woman you had never heard of before. Your immediate reaction was 'she must be a new coworker or a cousin,' but then you glanced again and saw the text conversation mirrored the same kind of ‘sentiments’ he texts you. 

The dirt burned into your brain for eternity: 

You had looked away then. You were actually not going to say anything at all to him that night– had planned to bring it up after Tuesday dinner with your auntie's family, but something came up. It turns out that Jessabelle also frequented the same Starbucks as you (and she's your age, not a teen like you worried). You can't even find it in you to be mad at her since it seemed like she had no idea who you were when she showed you the picture of her date at a baseball game. You tried not to puke as you asked for her number and to send her that picture "for her contact profile." 

You hadn't heard a word your fiance had said since the beginning of the phone call and you cut him off with some excuse you barely remember. You tossed your phone carelessly onto the couch and laid back on the cushions in defeat. What now? 

You weren't really a drinker or a smoker, and you didn't exactly have friends who would be supportive right now. You could hear them now, your family too– asking you what you did wrong, telling you to just forgive him or how to get even, or simply saying 'well what do you expect? Boys will be boys.' 

Maybe… no, you definitely need to get this off your chest before you do something stupid like pretend to forget about it. You had a bad habit of that because you tend to fall fast and hard. Perhaps your neighbor could give you some advice. 

Thank the Lord for fire escapes. Rob lived on the floor beneath you, always playing something good from her huge collection of vinyl records. You've told her at least a hundred times before if she played nothing but Phil Collins for the rest of eternity, you could die happy. You crossed your fingers and hoped you weren't being weird or invading her privacy. 

Thankfully, she seemed to be expecting you. She even motioned that the latch was undone and waved you inside. Ok the second wine glass made your face grow hot. 

"I'm not interrupting am I?" 

Rob gave you a warm smile. "I could hear you pacing around your kitchen for about an hour. Was about to come and get you actually." 

She pressed the glass into your hand and you made an effort not to grimace. Rob liked her drinks cheap and strong and she never held back. You tried a sip just to be polite, and she snorted at the face you pulled. 

"That's right, you like that sweet stuff. What's it called again?" 

"Stella Rosa," you mumbled, grateful when she takes the glass back and hands you a water to replace it. 

"Favorite flavor," she asked looking at her phone. 

"Uh… the peach and the rosé. They're all pretty good, not gonna lie." 

"OK, take this, grab a blanket from the hall closet, and tell me what's going on." 

You curled up on Rob's couch and put your feet up. There were piles of records all over the place, empty beer cans and a pizza box or two on the coffee table. Your neighbor tapped away at her phone screen before silencing it and slipping it in her back pocket. She gave you a minute or two to speak up, sipping her drink like you two had all night. Which actually you did as you did not want to see your fiancé right now. 

You felt two fingers gently tap your forehead. "Come on, dreamer, tell me what's going on in that head of yours." 

You swallow the lump in your throat. "I feel a little over dramatic saying my life is about to fall apart." 

Rob raised her eyebrows at you. "Damn, OK." 

You rush to correct yourself– explain your weird sentiment in more detail but you end up just vomiting words until your voice is hoarse. 

"I mean– like– like it's not falling apart per say or whatever– I… the rest of my life is fine its just my relationship that's screwed. Which I guess I'm more worried about because it's gonna screw up all my other relationships for a while too– dang it, let me start over–" 

"Babe! Slow down. Breathe." Rob switched drinks with you and against your better judgement you took a sip. Oddly enough it did calm you down. "So… it's your fiancé, right? What did he do?" 

You stared at her trying to unscramble your thoughts. "He… I found out he was kind of... dating another person. After I found out, he tried to explain that he didn't think I would mind–" 

Rob barked, "let me guess: he didn't think you were exclusive? Pull the Main Chick, Side Chick schtick? Tried to claim 'polyamory' after he got caught?" 

Two and two clicked together at last. "Yeah… yeah, he did!," you scoffed, "and it's not like it didn't ever come up in conversation: we spent our third date talking out our, like, sexualities and fantasies and fetishes and shit. If he was polyamorous, wh- why wouldn't he have brought it up then?" 

"That is so fucked." 

You took a deeper draft of her wine, coughing before setting it aside. Up until now, you've been numb. Now there's this wave of anger boiling up to the surface and you hear yourself getting louder. Rob doesn't flinch but she does give you this look of empathy unlike anything you've seen before. 

"If he– if he would have just asked me, I would have told him it was fine. My family does shit like that all the time: nobody bats an eye! If he really thought I wouldn't mind, he wouldn't have been so freaking sneaky about it. He literally lied, Robyn!" 

You whipped around and for a brief moment you knew you looked crazy. "He said he was going out for drinks with his guy friend, but he was making plans to go to a baseball game with a girl I've never heard of! If he really thought I wouldn't mind, or if he 'thought I would understand,' then why would go out of his way to lie about who he was with?" 

Someone buzzed Rob's door and she left you on the couch momentarily, coming back quickly with two bottles of your favorite wine. "Damn girl, these are kinda bougie: Peach or Rosé?" 

"I--"you choked, "Robyn you didn't have to–" 

"Peach it is!" She unscrewed the caps and handed you the whole freaking bottle of white, downing the last of her merlot and getting a fresh glass for you. 

You felt a little guilty she had spent money on you. But then again it had been her choice. If she didn't want you there, Rob wouldn't have let you in in the first place. Maybe you were just a tinsy bit worried you shouldn't be here. 

You and Rob took a break from talking to put on music and get a little tipsy. It came much easier with the help of the Stella Rosa, though Rob initially complained it was 5.5%, she did get accustomed to the sweetness pretty fast, and after consuming half the bottle, realized it was a little easier to get carried away with a drink like this. She admitted it was her first time trying rosé and now she was hooked. Eventually you started talking again, just spilling your guts out with no filter anymore. 

"I really think I just hate myself," you said cuddling the cool glassware. "When I found out, I wasn't even thinking of it as a betrayal of my trust– it felt like I was trying to come to terms with it so I could continue with the relationship. Not because it would make me happy but because… I don't know… it's what everybody else wants me to do. They don't even know about it and I was fully prepared not to tell them even though they'd want me to marry him whether they knew or not." 

Rob barked a laugh of surprise. "Doh-K!" 

"What?" 

"Nothing, nothing…" she said, "keep going." 

You stared off into the middle distance and leaned into her side. She was a tiny bit warm despite her lithe figure. Made you want to throw your blanket over her shoulders and share your greater warmth. 

So you did (you're not great at acting out your desires but this is nice!)

"It's just easier," the words left your mouth unbidden, "I don't even know what that means, but it's true. I don't want to marry him anymore but I don't want to break it off. Not marrying Fiancé means disappointing my family. It means having to find an entire new man to marry sooner rather than later because I'm already 'behind' and lowering my already low expectations. 

"It's not gonna make me happy, but I just think it's easier to keep this wedding going because at least I won't have to find somebody new who might not be as good for me just because I didn't want him. Another man won't make me happy so there's no reason to drop him... except that I don't want him." 

Rob's brow furrowed. "Are you saying it's easier for you to please your family than it is to be happy?" 

"Yes? I– no, I– … I don't know," you sigh. "I guess you could say my priorities are a little… mismanaged." 

"Sure, you could say that." Rob wrapped her arms around your shoulders and you inhaled the scent of her soap and cigarettes. "What if you tried… like… not doing that anymore...? You just said you do whatever your family wants you to do. So, just like do what makes you happy for a change." 

It really does sound so simple the way she puts it, doesn't it? Why are you doing this to yourself? You're not dependent on them for money or security or happiness for that matter. So... why has your whole life been centered around pleasing them? 

"I think… I think I've never really sat down and thought about what makes me happy," you admitted. "I think it's just been that way forever and I might have been too scared to try anything else." 

Rob hummed. "Are you still scared now?" 

Are you? You look into her eyes and ask yourself a question that has never crossed your mind with such depth. You used to be scared– but what is it about your happiness that you are so afraid of? OK, let’s start a little simpler: what are things that make you happy? 

“I like…” you swallowed, trying to break down the barriers you’ve built years and years ago. “I like… coffee. I like… short skirts. I like… girls– I like… my job. I like… music. I think I’d enjoy camping, you know, some day…” 

Your words… these things seemed so arbitrary and trivial. But in your house, these things cause dissent. “My family has an opinion about everything. There’s no right way to live in all of their eyes, but I think I figured out a way to get past it. Keep my head down and do what’s expected of me. Graduate college, get a respectable job, find a man to marry, drop the job and become a mother. Just… don’t make waves. It seemed better because the cousins who didn’t or couldn’t… well they became the butt of every joke at the family dinner. Lisa had one miscarriage so she was a ‘failure’ and Don never dated girls so he was gay and that was ‘bad,’ but grandma Zelda did everything a good Christian woman could do and they still gossiped about her behind her back�� 

“And I just… I just let their ignorance control me for my entire life.” God, you could cry right now, but somehow it just felt too good to say it outloud. “That.. that is so fucked.” 

Robyn snorted, and you turned to her as if you’d forgotten she was there. There it was again, that sympathy. Not pity, she did not burden you with tears of her own or try to be angry for you. She just listened and understood. You twisted the diamond encrusted ring on your finger and stared at her. You felt it, that feeling in your heart. No one else had given you that look, like she could really see you. 

“You’re not going back to Fiancé, are you?” Her question was equal parts worrisome and hopeful and you already knew the answer in your heart. 

“No.”

And that was it. Decision made. Actually easier than you'd thought. Maybe not down the road but it felt good for now. There's the telling your fiancé it's over, the moving out, the public announcement, the inevitable feeling of failure, your family, god, his family too. Untangling your lives would be long and hard. You're not sure if you have that level of commitment and motivation in you but fuck it. Problems for tomorrow.

You rest your head on Rob's shoulder and hope your not pushing any boundaries. She doesn't stop you though, in fact she snuggles you deeper into her. You get the feeling she's been here before though your not sure which side or how bad it was for her.

"I like you way more in the few times I've met you than any man I've ever dated," you heard yourself say. "I'm sure that means something but I'm too tired to decide anymore. No tonight at least."

Rob chuckled. "I like you too, sugar."

If you made it this far, hi 💛 appreciate you, leave me a comment! Or just comment "💛"

[wendystales]

Memories - lrh (Chapter Seven)

Memories (also on Wattpad)

Chapter Six ※※※※※ Chapter Eight

The sun and heat were plaguing Los Angeles today. Even in the shade, there was no truce. Despite the unbearable heat, I didn't want to miss a beautiful day locked inside the house, so I decided to accompany my best friend in a photoshoot today.

We parked in front of a one floor house, in fact, it looked more like a shed with a very simple appearance. We entered through the next door, avoiding the reception. As soon as we enter, I see a huge space with several colorful panels scattered, in addition to other objects of scenery and lighting.

When Noah closes the door, a round of applause begins, who are applauding? I see a team of about twenty people lined up and among them, the only one I recognize is Kyleen, who wore a belt with several makeup brushes.

Without understanding, I start to applaud everyone, including the twins. Is it their birthday? Everyone is staring at us, so I approach Leah slowly.

“Who are we applauding?” I ask confused.

“You, duh!” she smile.

I look at everyone, confused. Why are you applauding me? My cheeks start to heat up and I don't know what to do.

In a few seconds, the noise stops and I feel compelled to say something. I get closer to the team, noticing the smile that everyone had on their faces.

“Uh, I don't even know what to say. Everyone should already know about amnesia, however, I would like to say that regardless of my memory, I am very grateful to all of you for all the assistance. If I really am that amazing model that I've been seeing, it's definitely due to you. Thank you so much, for everything and for now, for this reception and all the affection.” I bow a little, ending this speech project, awkwardly.

One by one, everyone comes to hug me. It is so strange. I, the ‘invisible’, not popular, who always stayed in my corner, had become a famous model. Today several people wanted to meet me, say hello or just say ‘hi’. It is strange, but it is good.

After all the reception, I follow Leah and Kyleen into the dressing room, watching my friend prepare for another photoshoot while Noah heads for a meeting.

Because of my condition, all the rehearsals and campaigns that I would do were passed on to Leah, so this month she had a very busy schedule. I make a face when I watch her trying to get into a rubber-like jumpsuit. Her hair was well armed and her makeup was loaded, her eyes were full of gloss. And I like this?

“You are very lucky that I love you and you are in this condition. Because I hate these revolutionary photoshoots.” she snorts, trying to go to the table and put on the huge pearl earrings.

“And I like?” I still question without accepting.

“No, but you always do. God knows why.” she stands upright, taking a little walk, looking at herself in the mirror. “Shit, the panties are on my ass.” she complains, leaving the dressing room and trying to get her panties out of the way.

“My God, Leah!” Kyleen scolds, trying not to laugh.

In the studio, I sit next to Kiki, who between one photo and another was going to touch up Leah's makeup. I am amazed to see my friend shine through the flashes. She makes it look so easy, stopping in several different poses, staring at the camera without laughing, with those big models faces.

“She is amazing.” I comment with the owner of the colored hair beside me, who agrees with me.

After several photos, again I go to the dressing room watching my friend now exchange the jumpsuit for a loose dress. As soon as the new makeup was done, Kiki stops behind me, pasting her face to mine.

“What do you think about doing makeup?” the sparkle in her eyes and Leah's smile in the chair next to me, show me how much they want it.

“Promise you won't make that eye full of gloss?” I ask smiling weakly, noticing the brightness in her eyes grow as she promises.

I lay my head on the back and close my eyes at the command of my friend. The whole process is fast and Kyleen does a very light and simple makeup, just hiding some scratches that I still have on my face and neck. In the eyes, a pink tone makes only the contrast deepening my concave and a beautiful eyeliner, which I would never be able to do.

Taking advantage of the fact that I was still in her hands, Kiki takes advantage and braids the top of my head, leaving the rest loose, making me feel like a princess.

“You are amazing.” I compliment her, giving a long kiss on her cheek in thanks.

I hold her hand, heading back to the studio to follow the rest of Leah's photos.

“So, Marnie, what do you think of some pictures?” Brandon, the photographer, comes towards me. I look at him, scared and saying nothing.

I seek help from my friends and even from other people on the team, but no one helps me. In fact, everyone motivates me.

“I don't know, I'm not dressed up and I'm all hurt yet.” I try to hold on to excuses.

“It does not need to be tidy and we will not publish anything, it is just for you to see yourself and maybe adapt again.” he offers the idea.

I face everyone again, not finding help. I close my eyes, giving up. I reach out to Brandon who lets out a loud celebration and takes me over to the square box Leah used to occupy.

Brandon guides me through the poses and looks. I feel my cheeks warm and I'm sure I'm looking like a tomato. I try to release myself with each photo and command they give me, even release a song to try to relax me, but in the end I start laughing.

In the back of my mind, I hear Ashton's voice, giving Brandon one of my orders as "more cheeky", "more mysterious" and even snarling, which only disturbs me. As I walk my eyes through the lights and camera, in my mind another memory comes back.

I can see Ashton sitting on the chairs with Kyleen, "trying" to help me. I just watched Brandon waiting for him to tell the Australian boy to shut up, but he just smiled. I continue my hard work of ignoring my friend, but it comes to a point where he is snarling and scratching the air, which breaks my concentration and makes me laugh.

I end up smiling with the memory still running through my head. In the end, the photos were beautiful, mostly I left laughing, a spontaneous and contagious laugh. My laughter closes when I see Luke's tall figure enter the studio.

I hold my breath with each step he takes, approaching us. He pulls up his sunglasses, showing his pale blue eyes.

“What are you doing here?” Leah asks while getting stuffed with Cheetos.

“I came to pick up Marnie.” he turns to me, giving a closed smile. I widen and run my eyes over to my friends, not knowing what to do.

“Me?” I question after a bug time.

“Ah yes! Your mother called me saying she was stuck at work. She wanted to know if there would be any problems if I took you to the doctor. I said no.” he shrugs.

Once again, I look back at Leah and Kiki, who are just as stuck as I am. Before I open my mouth, Luke's focus turns to the screen next to me, looking at the pictures I just took. I watch your eyes smile.

“They were beautiful.” I smile to him, when he looks back at me.

“Thanks.” I let out the air again. “Well, if I don't get in the way, that's fine. We can go.” Kyleen brings my bag, handing it to Luke. I say goodbye to everyone, I thank Brandon for the photos and slowly leave with him.

I hold my breath again when he closes the door next to me. What am I doing? Getting stuck in a car with Luke days after we broke up? What's my problem? I embrace my broken arm, closing myself.

The drive way to the hospital couldn't have been worse, or whatever. We were quiet all the time. In fact, I stayed. Luke even tried to pull something up, but I couldn't follow, I just crashed. When we arrived, I almost jumped out of the car and followed as fast as I could inside, leaving him almost alone.

What am I doing? What am I doing?

I notice from the corner of my eye, he is approaching while I check in.

“Are you okay?” I look confused at him when we sit down. “The doctor, are you feeling well?” he points to my leg and arm.

“Ah yes! He asked me to come back just to confirm.” I smile to ease my behavior so far. “I just hope he doesn't order a blood test.” I whisper, already feeling a cold wave run down my spine.

My body freezes even more when I see Luke's hand cover mine and give it a little squeeze. I open my eyes wide and Luke realizes by quickly letting go of my hand, apologizing.

“You have been facing a tsunami of confusion and you are doing well, a needle is nothing close to this.” he jokes in an attempt to relax me and break the strange climate.

“ I'd much rather have my amnesia and all that mess than the damn needle.” out of the corner of my eye I notice Luke trying not to laugh and I end up smiling. I take a deep breath, grabbing his hand, as I look across the hall, falsely interested in the ceiling lighting.

During the fifteen minutes we sat there, he did not let go of my hand. I was rambling about that scene and about us. Not remembering him was killing me. Every day I had at least two to three memories, not to mention the things I read, which leads me to stay with the imagination. However, Luke was still the only person I still couldn't remember and probably the most important.

Even with the diary, videos on social medias and photos. It only sank my hopes of going back. I mean, I know I can let my guard down and try to fall in love with him again, but that alternative is not yet an option and it scares me because it has no attraction.

“May I ask you a question?” I begin, in an attempt to break that unbearable silence between us.

“Sure, as many as you want.” Luke answers, super willing.

“What's the nickname? Why does everyone call me M&Ms?” Luke opens a smile, trying not to get a laugh.

“Well, on the serious side of it.” I wrinkle my forehead. Is there a serious side to this? “It's your initials. Marnie Elizabeth McGonagall, M - & - M.” it’s strange how good it’s to hear my name in his mouth.

“And the less serious side?” I have my suspicions, but I want to confirm.

“That you know! You are crazy about M&Ms. I remember countless discussions we had and then you forgave me because I gave you M&Ms.” my cheeks heat up in shame. Damn obsession with chocolate.

“That's why I wasn't surprised with that thing that separates them by colors in my kitchen.” Luke gives a laugh.

“I don't think I've ever seen you so happy to buy something so useless.” I look at the blonde, totally offended.

“It is not useless, it is for them to stay organized and none feel bad that I am eating one color more than another.” I defend my point, facing the hallway again. I strange the silence and look at Luke. “What?”

He keeps his lips tightly pressed. He wants to laugh. Your eyes carry an amused glow. Maybe he was just teasing me, because he would know that I would say something like that. After all, he knows me better than anyone.

I ignore him again. Still holding hands, we waited for the doctor to call me. Every second that passes makes me more anxious. I start hitting my leg on the floor and I want to poke my nails, but a hand is caught between his fingers and I don't want to disturb him.

For a few seconds, I look at Luke. His head against the wall and his eyes closed, make me more relaxed to analyze it without shame. I admire his long hair falling in several curls, finding himself with a very short beard, but that looks great on him.

I lower my gaze to a stop on his neck. Did we… already have sex? I look at his chest with more concentration, wondering how many times I must have passed my hands over there. I take a deep breath and risk lowering my gaze. Oh my God, did I already suc…

“Do you want to ask anything more?” I jump in the chair, startling me with his voice. Luke carries a mischievous smile as he looks at me.

Oh my God, he saw me looking at him and at him. Oh my God. Is it possible to die for being more ashamed!?

“No, I'm fine.” I turn my face to him. “I am fine!” I say softly. I hear your little laugh and I want to bury myself on the floor.

For my total bad luck, it takes the doctor a few more minutes to call me. And during this long and endless wait, I decide not to ask Luke any more questions. In fact, I decide not to look him in the face, just in case.

Seriously Marnie, did you let him catch you drooling on him!?

“Do you want me to come with you?” he offers himself, when the doctor finally calls me.

“No! It´s okay. I believe it is quick.”

“Good afternoon, Miss McGonagall, how are we?” the doctor gives a friendly smile.

Bad.

I take a deep breath, ignoring my mind, no matter how much we're here for it. I follow the consultation by answering the questions he asks. According to him, I seem to be reacting very well, which makes him believe that my amnesia is only temporary.

The doctor asks me to sit on the stretcher and look at my foot. The first time I saw my foot, it looked like a baby watermelon of so swollen it was. But in the last few days, it had improved a lot, since I was following the recommendation to always let it rest and on ice a few times.

“Are you still in pain?” he questions looking carefully.

“No. Will I be able to take it out?” I question hopefully.

“I think so! Let's do a test, you can come back without the boot, but if you feel pain or any discomfort, put it on immediately and return here, okay?”

“All right!” Unfortunately I would have to come back with the boot, because I didn't bring another shoe.

“I will order some tests too and as soon as they are ready, you can return for us to analyze.” I quietly watch him take the orders, feeling my stomach churn when I see the word blood. Shit.

I try to distract myself and turn my head to whoever is outside. Luke. I look quickly at the door, as if I can see him through the wood. I let out the air, still not knowing what to do about it.

I wish I could snap my fingers and see everything magically resolve, or just sleep and wake up when everything is in place.

"Would you like to ask something, Miss McGonagall?" the doctor leans on his desk looking at me attentively.

My face heats up and I smile nervously. I don't know if that would be something that my doctor could help me with, but it costs nothing.

“Is it possible to forget someone forever? I mean, I've had memories with basically everyone who lives with me, except one person. Would it be possible for my brain to delete it?” he scratches his chin surprised by my question.

“Well, first of all, do you want to remember this person?” I positively nod. “Do you really want to or try to convince yourself that you want to, but, deep down, you are not ready for that yet?” he raises an eyebrow. I open my mouth but nothing comes out.

I want to remember Luke and everything we live in, however, I am also afraid that even with the memories back, things will not be as they were before. I already screwed things up with Luke once, I don't want to screw it up again.

This is too horrible, because he is sweet and I do not believe that I would act like him if the situation was the other way around.

“Miss McGonagall, the brain is still a new field for medicine. It behaves in different ways for the same problem, so everything that involves it is studied and closely monitored. There is nothing to prevent this ‘block’ on a certain person from being created by you. Even if you say out loud that you want to remember, your body knows what you really want, because, even involuntarily, you transmit signals to your brain, maintaining the block.” it makes sense.

“I believe that I am only afraid, as much as I want, fear prevents me.” I say low.

“Can I offer you some advice?” I look at him in surprise, before agreeing. “Talk to that person. Be clear and sincere. Say you are afraid, but despite them, you want to remember everything. Help comes from those we least expect.” again, he gives a sympathetic and compassionate smile.

“Thank you very much, doctor.” I thank before I leave the office.

I approach Luke slowly, who gets up with a smile.

“All very well?”

“Yes, I finally got rid of the boot.”

“And why do you look like that?” he looks at me suspiciously.

“We need to talk.” I announcement tense. I see him frown, confused. “I'm going to need your help with something.”

“Marnie, you're making me worried, is everything okay? Did something happen?”

“Everything is fine.” I assure him. “It's about amnesia. It's about us.”

[that-crazy-five-foot-two-chick]

I've been so excited to write for the Mystic Messenger Reverse Big Bang 2021 (go check out other amazing fics and art in the collection at @mysme-rbb), and it's the first fanfic/art event I've participated in! @madiebelleadventures and I teamed up to brainstorm this beast, so her art is at the very end (because I ain't spoilin nothin)!

-

Rating: T

Word Count: 5.1k

Summary: One day after the end of a work week, Vanderwood surprises MC with some husband-wife baking time—with a twist. Inspired by his agent training, he suggests that they bake as a team but have MC blindfolded. In order to make a cake that's actually edible, she must follow his directions to the letter. All that's left after that is chaos, banter, and spouse-flustering. And figuring out how to actually make a cake.

A/N: Fyi MC is definitely more of her own character than a reader-insert on this one. Also as per usual with me, I headcanon Vanderwood as British, so I tried heavily to align his phrasing accordingly, despite being an American myself. Enjoy seeing exactly how much fluff I can possibly cram into 5k words!

MC sighed happily at the feeling of the wind in her hair as she drove home from work one Friday evening. Windows down, jacket off, music blasting—the air itself felt like freedom. She had nothing against her job—in fact, she enjoyed it for the most part. She prided herself in a job well done, she liked being able to manage a team of her own, and the paycheck and benefits were good. Nothing extravagant, of course, but enough to comfortably support a couple newlyweds.

And that was the real reason MC nearly jumped out the door every day when everything wrapped up at the office. Who wouldn't, with a husband as unfairly hot as Vanderwood? Completely unfair how he could make leopard print and what was practically a mullet actually look attractive. Thank goodness his fashion sense had mellowed out over time, if only a little bit. With Vanderwood's past being what it was, they had mutually come to the conclusion that it would be best for their well-being if he stayed at their apartment during the day to keep the household running. He was very particular about how he cooked, cleaned, and did the laundry, and he handled their finances conscientiously and precisely. Admittedly, she did have to occasionally remind him that as sleek as that new top-of-the-line taser was, there was no real need for it, but that was just part of her husband's charm.

And boy, was he charming.

She truly couldn't wait to get home, past this rush hour traffic. She'd get home and be pulled in for a deep kiss moments after walking in the door. Maybe he'd slip a gentle but insistent hand into her hair. Maybe they'd take it a little further. Or a lot further.

"HOLY FUDGE NUGGETS ON BACON ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME???"

MC swerved to avoid a collision and waited for her heartbeat to settle down again. There was no freaking way she was going to die in some stupid car wreck before their date tonight. A surprise, he'd said. No matter how hard she'd tried to weasel more out of him, he wouldn’t bend. Darn agent training. Good thing it wouldn't be a surprise for much longer. Within minutes, the streets got smaller and quieter as she neared her apartment building. Another minute, and she flung open the apartment door and leapt on her husband.

MC's fantasies were soon replaced by an even better reality when Vanderwood's lips landed on hers. Kissing back enthusiastically, MC wrapped her arms around his middle so tight that a less sturdy man would be coughing for air. Vanderwood snatched her keys and purse and hung them by the doorway, never breaking his focus for a second. His kisses grew slower, but no less fervent, as he smoothed her wind-strewn hair. Eventually, their lips reluctantly parted, and MC broke the silence.

"How did I manage to snag the best kisser on earth on top of marrying the most insanely attractive man on earth?"

Vanderwood smirked. "Good taste, I guess." He kissed her once more soundly for good measure.

"Maybe. Will my insanely attractive husband tell me what our surprise date is now?"

"Perhaps."

"No perhapses! I've been dying waiting!"

"Very well. Start by changing your clothes, because I am not scrubbing stains out of your good work clothes."

"Do I otherwise have to wear anything in particular? That's not a lot to go off of."

"Doesn't matter to me. Now go change before I do the job myself."

"I wouldn't complain."

"This is not that kind of date! Go!"

"Fine, Sir Panties-in-a-bunch."

MC went to the bedroom and took stock of her clothing options. She had to choose something practical that could be easily washed, but she still wanted to look a little cute. After all, it was a date. It was a tough balance to strike. Eh, she could always stick an apron or an old shirt over it. She grabbed her oversized paint shirt just in case before snagging a light pink shirt. Now for the bottoms. She debated on a simple skirt, but decided to go for it. After all, if it didn't fit with Vanderwood's plans, he would tell her. MC changed quickly and weaved her hair into a side braid, slipping a tendril out on each side to frame her face. Mirror-MC nodded in approval. Time to see what on earth her husband had been planning.

She cracked open the door and peeked through before skipping over to Vanderwood, who had made himself comfortable on the couch. His amber eyes widened in interest.

"You have no business looking this pretty for a baking date."

MC grinned. "Ha! I did get it out of you! A baking date sounds cute. What made you think of that? Are you just really getting into the whole house husband gig?"

"It was my agent training, actually." Seeing the puzzled look on his wife's face, Vanderwood continued, "There's a bit of a twist to it, you see. I will hardly be doing any of the actual baking. You, my dear, on the other hand, will be completely blindfolded. You will have to follow my instructions explicitly, or else the result will be completely inedible."

"I still fail to see how the setup doesn't sound like 'that kind of date', but it sounds like fun! What does this have to do with your agent training, though?"

"Various exercises used similar techniques. Many times in the field, we had to follow orders to the letter with no questions asked if we wanted to make it out in one piece. We also did training to be able to operate blindly or in the dark if our vision was compromised. But none of it was as enjoyable as watching a beautiful woman bake a cake by pure trust."

"You're such a flatterer. Keep it coming," MC smirked.

"At least get into the kitchen first," Vanderwood said, handing her a blindfold that looked suspiciously like his nap mask.

"Okay, but if you don't want me in the kitchen until I'm blindfolded, you're gonna have to get my apron yourself."

"I thought I was the one giving out orders tonight?"

"A girl's gotta get her kicks somewhere."

"Such a docile wife I have. Never difficult, never demanding."

"You think it's sexy. Don't even try to deny it."

"I would have filed for immediate divorce if the description 'docile' actually fit you." He stepped into the kitchen and emerged a moment later with the apron. MC slipped it on and, after ducking briefly into the bathroom to wash her hands, covered her eyes with the blindfold.

"I'm at your mercy now. Don't abuse that privilege."

He materialized behind her, winding his arms around her waist. "I wouldn't dream of it," he murmured into her ear before attacking her stomach. MC burst into uncontrollable giggles.

"I swear—!" she giggled "—I swear I'm going to punch the living daylights out of you!"

"You're certainly welcome to try. You know I wouldn't even feel it."

"But I could try. How am I supposed to trust you to give me decent directions to bake whatever the heck we're making if I can't even trust you not to tickle me?"

"You don't. That's the thrill of it."

"You'd better have me make something actually edible for all our trouble."

"That all depends on how well you follow my instructions."

"And how decent your instructions are. Let's not forget that tiny detail," she reminded.

"Hmm, we'll see," The smile was evident in his voice. "Now if we're going to start, we need to go ahead and do it."

"Probably."

He guided MC by her upper arms into the narrow kitchen.

"Fortunately," he said, halting and holding her in place, "we're only baking a cake and not an entire meal, so it won't take an eternity."

"I sure hope not! It's pizza night and I'm already a little hungry!"

He wound his hands around his wife's waist, lightly patting her stomach. "Well, the faster we start, the faster we can eat. I've already laid everything out for you as best I can, so you just have to follow my directions, all right, love?"

"Got it."

"All right, can you feel the worktop?" A nod. "Raise your right hand just a bit...and over…now grab the box with the cake mix, because heaven knows neither of us knows or cares enough to make it from scratch. Got it? Now open it up. The mixing bowl is straight to the left. Go ahead and pour it in."

"Just so you know, if I spill anything, you're the one taking responsibility."

"And why is that, darling?" Vanderwood asked, feigning shock.

"Because you're the one who had this idea in the first place! Not to mention if I make a mess it’s because of your faulty directions."

Unfortunately, MC failed to prove her point, pouring the mix into the bowl and barely spilling a few crumbs.

"Looks like we may not have to worry about that," Vanderwood smirked.

"You have met me, right? You know something's going to get spilled, right?"

Ignoring her, he moved the empty box toward the back and continued, "The milk should be right around where the cake mix was, if you can remember where you just were. The measuring jug is right next to it. Do you think you can pour it in correctly?"

"We'll see, now won't we?"

"There you go. Just try to take it slowly, just in case, and stop when I say so."

MC obeyed, gradually tilting the milk jug until a thin stream hit the center of the measuring cup.

"Brilliant! Now careful, careful, slightly to the left...that's it! Now slow down...almost done...stop!" He kissed her cheek. "That was amazing. Now pour it into the bowl."

MC felt around for the mixing bowl again. She managed to find it and poured in the milk. "Where's the cap for the milk jug?"

"Hm...where did it go? Oh, there it is. Right by the sink."

She batted at the air around her right side to find the inside of the sink. Instead, her hand bumped the side of the milk jug. Vanderwood's hand shot out to catch it, but a small puddle had already sloshed onto the counter. MC's hand shot up to take off the blindfold, but Vanderwood caught her wrist first. She sighed.

"Vandy, give it to me straight. How bad is it?"

"Not bad at all. I caught it before much got out. Stay put for a moment while I wipe it up so it doesn't start to smell or dry up."

"Not to say I told you, but I definitely told you."

Her husband stuck out his tongue at her—one of the few ways he had begun to let himself be childish lately. Then the obvious dawned on him. "I'm sticking out my tongue. I thought you ought to know that."

"Crucial information. Are you done yet?"

"Yep. You ready to get your hands a little dirty?"

"Isn't that expected in all this?"

"That's probably a large part of why you demanded an apron first, yes."

"You would be right about that, also yes. And you're so dramatic. I did not demand."

"Up to interpretation. Reach up to the left of the mixing bowl and just grab it off the plate and toss it in."

As instructed, MC reached over and let out a tiny shriek when her hand came into contact with the soft butter. Vanderwood guffawed.

"I was waiting for that."

MC gasped. "You did this on purpose!" She flung the butter into the bowl with an extra dash of vindictiveness.

"Maybe so. I like hearing your reactions," he purred.

"Don't try to be all smooth when you're being a twit. It doesn't suit you," MC sniffed, then muttered under her breath, "actually it totally works for you but it doesn't make me less ticked at you."

"By the way, don't bother trying to wash your hands just yet. The next part is probably going to be the messiest. I'll go get the bin so it'll be close by for you."

"Appreciated. What's the next part?"

"Eggs."

"Yikes, okay. That's why I needed the trash can, then. And where are the eggs?"

"To your left. You're going to need four of them. I read somewhere that adding an extra egg makes it better, hypothetically."

"You're the one giving the instructions."

"Alright, the bin is to your left, whenever you're ready."

"I could hear the thunk when you set it down, but thank you," MC said wryly.

"I live to serve."

There was silence for a moment as MC cracked the first egg into the bowl, and a soft smile rose on her face like the dawn. "Not anymore, you don't. I thank God every day that you and Saeyoung were able to free yourselves from the agency. I never could have forgotten you even if you hadn't, but I never would have known the immense joy I've gotten to have by being your wife." She sniffed, then laughed. "Sorry for being so sentimental all of a sudden, I don't know what got into me. It's just that knowing how many things could have gotten between us makes me that much more grateful for what we have."

"Ah!" Vanderwood shot a hand out to correct the second egg's trajectory into the mixing bowl.

"Oops, thank you."

"No problem, love. We're a team." He settled against her back, rubbing her arms lightly and placing a tender kiss on her cheek. "And never feel sorry for your so-called sentimentality. In fact, I really think you hold back sometimes. You shouldn't. I know that I used to scoff at these things, but locking out your emotions for job after job really takes a toll on a man. The agency had no room for love of any sort, and I've long come to the realization that every person is hardwired to desire love of one kind or another. I know I'm still unlearning all of my coping mechanisms, and I know I'm still sharp with some people, but with you?" He smoothed a hair back from her face. "I'll take whatever love you can give me."

She cracked the third egg into the bowl and threw out the shell. "I always knew you could be a softie, very deep down. I'm just glad that I get to be the one to see it."

After the fourth egg was in the bowl, Vanderwood directed, "Okay, time to wash up. The next thing is mixing for two minutes. While I love you, I do not trust you to use an electric mixer while blindfolded, so you're going to use a whisk for that job."

"I suppose that's fair. Can you put away the trash can while I wash my hands?"

"Already on it."

"Where's the whisk, again?"

"I kind of put it toward the back, so either be careful or wait for me to move a few things."

"Oh, I've got it. Don't worry," MC waved a hand in dismissal and groped around for the whisk, but her arm was a bit too low, and she dipped her clothed elbow in the plate where the butter had been. She sighed. "What did I just decorate my elbow with?"

"Butter. Try it. It might be tasty," he teased.

"Come on, Vandy, this is not the time. Help me get it off before it soaks in too much."

"Alright, alright, I just had to pick on you a little bit for not listening to me." He carefully scooped off the top layer of the butter with a paper towel before trying to absorb the rest. "I'm going to roll up your sleeves a bit more so that this hopefully won't happen again."

"Well, not until I slosh half the cake out of this bowl trying and failing to mix it."

"You'll be fine. Just stick to mixing the center and bringing the outside of it toward the center so everything gets mixed. But mix it well and mix it fast. The timer starts...now!"

MC held the bowl against her stomach to steady it while she mixed the batter vigorously. "Easy for you to say. You're not the one trying to mix furiously while keeping it all in the bowl on top of being blindfolded!"

"Calm down, you're doing great. A couple drips, maybe, but it's staying in."

"So far, anyway. But that's good, I guess."

"No guessing. It's quite good." Vanderwood leaned against the counter. "We've got a minute and a half to kill. Should I spend it telling you how you look right now?"

"Oh gosh, do I even want to know?"

He shook his head in near disbelief, smiling. "Magnetic. Adorable. More delicious than the cake we're making."

MC cackled. "You cannot be serious. I've got to be a mess right now."

"You act as if that's a contradiction. It's the mess that makes you more beautiful. Is every single hair of yours in place? No. But they fall around your face in the most delicately beautiful way. Even the places where the ingredients got smudged on you somehow add to your charm." He leaned in so that his lips touched her ear, his voice lowering to a gravelly timbre. "Did you know that your cheeks are all rosy from the effort you're putting into stirring? It's unbelievably attractive. And the way your lips press together when you're concentrating? It makes me want to kiss them apart. In fact—"

"Vanderwood, how much time is left?" MC interrupted, suppressing a vivid blush and a shiver.

"Our entire lives," he said, happily ignoring the real question.

"The timer, Vanderwood. How much is left on the timer?"

The sound of the timer going off answered the question for him. "None," he grinned. "I'll go spray the cake pan while you rest for a moment. You've earned it."

She exhaled, set the mixing bowl aside, and stretched. Then a thought made her panic. "Vandy, we forgot to preheat the oven."

He held her face in his hands. "MC. Darling. Breathe. I set the oven when I grabbed the apron."

Her breathing gradually slowed. "Sorry, love. I'm just really hungry and kind of tired and I think not being able to see is doing weird things to my brain and you kind of flustered me a minute ago with what you were saying and I'm sorry, I—" her voice cracked, but Vanderwood cut her off and held her close.

"Hey...hey...you're alright. There's nothing to be sorry about. I kept you going after a long day of work without feeding you first. I should have known better." He smoothed her hair and tucked it into her braid. "I'll tell you what. How about we get this cake in the oven and then order some pizza and watch another episode of Cucumber Fish?"

MC sniffled and hummed in agreement. Vanderwood loosened his hold around her and gently brought her hands to the bowl again before grabbing the cake pan. "Okay, all you've got to do now is pour it into the pan that I've put just to the left of the bowl. Just take it nice and easy. There you go. Perfect. You're almost done. Now let me get a spatula to scoop the last of it out." After he finished, he slid the cake pan into the oven and started the timer. "There. All done." He slipped the mask off her eyes and gave her a peck on the lips as she blinked to adjust to the light. "I'll clean all this up, alright? Go ahead and relax on the sofa. You can order the pizza and get Cucumber Fish queued up while I finish up in here."

"Okay," she murmured. Another peck, and she curled up on the couch. She pulled out her phone to order the pizza and smiled at the notifications she'd gotten from the RFA chatroom. They were up to their normal antics again. Hopefully, Saeyoung wouldn't exasperate Saeran too much with his crazy propositions. But there was nothing she could do about that, and she was starving and in desperate need of pizza. Once it was ordered, she turned on the TV and selected the episode, making sure to let it run past the ads before pausing it.

After Vanderwood joined her on the couch, the next forty-five minutes was filled with lots of cuddling and pizza devouring, more kissing than watching the show, a few glances at the cake's progress, an agreement to actually watch the episode while they ate the cake, and several minutes of cooling time after the cake was removed from the oven. Vanderwood emerged from the kitchen after a few minutes of setting up to decorate.

"Are you sure you want to put on the mask again?" he asked. "I don't want it to mess with your head like it did last time."

"I'll be fine, babe. I'm pretty sure it was like that last time just because I was starving."

"Are you positive?"

"Yes."

"If you say so. Go ahead and get them on, then," he said, handing MC the apron and mask.

"Just make sure to lead me into the kitchen again."

"Hmm, we'll see."

"We'll see?" she repeated, but shrieked soon after when she no longer felt the ground beneath her feet. Vanderwood had scooped her up to carry her into the kitchen bridal-style and sank his lips against hers with intentionality. He bumped into the counter but managed to avoid any damage to his wife. He deposited one last kiss on her lips before setting her down.

"What have you done to me, woman? Years and years of agent skills, undone in a moment. If it were anything or anyone else, I never would have bumped into that worktop. But when it's you kissing me, you're the only thing that exists." He grinned. "It's a shame, really. I thought my dexterity was an impressive skill, but I don't even have that anymore, it seems."

"Shame indeed," MC parroted, trying to steal another kiss from his lips and stealing one from his nostrils instead. She made a face, causing Vanderwood to laugh.

"Well, at least I still have the ability to order you around." MC smacked him in response, and he continued, "Alright, alright, let's get to it then. This is where it'll get really interesting, since decorating requires more precision. Which, no offense, is a skill you don't have, since you're not exactly used to being blind."

"Now wait just a—okay, I can't argue that," MC sighed. He placed a spatula in one hand and a jar of frosting in her other.

"Turn around. Can you find where the cake is?"

"Ye—wait, Vandy! I thought you said you cleaned up!"

"I did…sort of." Before she could protest, he interjected, "I wiped the worktop! I just pushed all the dishes to one side so we could put all of it in the dishwasher at once when we were done!" He added with a mumble, "I just wanted to get back to you."

"You think you can charm your way out of anything," MC responded airily. "Well, you're right." She squared up as best she could with a frosting jar in hand. "I found the cake. I'll try to do my best."

"Well, in this part, I won't let you go completely solo. I can rotate the cake for you as you go, if you want."

"Please."

MC scooped a large helping of frosting from the jar and started spreading around the perimeter. Her spatula made a slight detour for a moment to donate some frosting to the top of the cake, and Vanderwood halted and reversed his rotation slightly to avoid confusion. A few seconds later, she went for another, slightly smaller, scoop to finish frosting the circumference of the cake. Another scoop, added to the deposit from the first, finished off the top.

"Is there a big corner around the top edge? Or any dry spots?" she asked.

"Just a slight corner. Grab a little bit more frosting to round it off a bit and thicken the top."

She did as directed while he helped rotate, and stepped back. "Better?"

"Much better. Maybe we can add a little artistic touch by making some...what do you call them? Swoops? Around the sides from the top?"

"Sounds great. You're definitely going to have to help me, though."

"Alright, I'll rotate again and stop you when you're done. Then you can smooth off the top edge again quick."

Six slightly lopsided arcs later, he stepped back for a moment, observing. "This is certainly not the prettiest cake I've seen, but it all adds to the fun, yeah?"

"I guess," she laughed.

"Now here's the part that'll really get a laugh when you take off the blindfold. I've got a bowl over here with some frosting for smaller decorating, and you get to pick the food coloring that goes in it."

"Oh no."

"Oh yes," he snickered while guiding her over to a trio of colored bottles that she couldn't discern. "Take your pick," he said cheerily. MC gingerly selected one, and he suppressed a snort poorly. "Excellent choice!"

MC groaned. "I'm going to regret all my life choices, aren't I?"

"Of course not! Only your decision to marry me."

"Hey." She squeezed his wrist. "I could never regret that."

"You might reevaluate that statement when you take off the blindfold and see the cake. Or at least my ugly mug."

"Vanderwood. Don't you even start with me. You're so hot that if we were working with chocolate instead of a cake, we wouldn't need the microwave to melt it."

"You're so hot that the beach would need sunblock instead of you."

"You're so hot that the sun goes to you when it needs to warm up."

They collapsed against each other, gasping for air. Vanderwood caught his breath first. "Let's get this food coloring in the bowl, shall we? The spoon and frosting are already in it. All you have to do is put a few drops in and stir until I say so. The bowl's on your left."

"As you wish," she said as she did so.

After a few moments, he spoke. "That's enough. Let me get you back over to the cake, and I'll get the frosting in the decorating bag. Which is really just an ordinary plastic bag, but I did pick up some cheap decorating tips when I got the ingredients."

"Splendid. How am I going to decorate, though? Even if I could see, I don't know the first thing about cake decorating. Oh yeah, and I can't see."

"Don't get your 'panties in a bunch,' as you like to tell me so often. I'll do it with you this time."

"But you don't know how to decorate cakes, either!"

"Ah-ah-ah!” he chided. “Do you trust me or not?"

"Not particularly."

"Hey!"

"But! We should just go ahead and do it anyway, because even though neither of us knows what we're doing, we're the only ones in this apartment who can. And the frosting smells too good not to eat soon."

"That's my girl." Vanderwood curled around her. He molded one hand around hers and slid the other over her stomach. As they formed a few swirls on the top, he murmured, "We did this whole thing together. How impressive is that? Was it as fun for you as it was for me?"

MC smiled. "Of course it was. I know I got a little hangry for a bit there, but I know how much thought you put into this. None of my old deadbeat ex-boyfriends ever would have cared so much, let alone shown it. These are the things that make me love you that much more."

"I never experienced any permanent love until you showed it to me. And it's been so...world-altering—that I've been trying to wrap my head around it ever since. I still can't. But I swear I'm going to spend the rest of my life trying to give you the same love you've given me. I certainly don't deserve it, after the things I've done. But you do. You deserve all the happiness a person can have."

MC paused and blushed slightly. "Vandy…" She exhaled. "We've gone over this whole 'not deserving it' thing. Whether you deserve it or not doesn't matter. To me, what matters is your heart. You have such a beautiful heart, Vandy. I love the kind of man you've become. I've seen you strive every day to be better than you were the day before, and that is so inspiring."

"Well, whether or not I deserve happiness, I would choose to be happy every day if my being happy made you happy." He squeezed her hip affectionately and pulled her in for a tender kiss.

"It would." She kissed him back. They added one last swirl and a border before they set down the bag of frosting. He uncurled her fingers and fiddled with her wedding ring.

"Are you ready to see it?"

"Sure."

He slipped off the blindfold, and she gasped.

"What have we done?" she exclaimed as her laughing grew louder by the second.

"Whatever do you mean, dear?" Vanderwood asked, feigning ignorance.

"The cake is bright flaming orange, Vandy!" She let out a snort, then covered her face. "Hey, wait! All the food coloring was the same color too, you little twit!"

He shrugged innocently. MC sputtered. "Nuh-uh. Don't you shrug at me, mister. Saeyoung has rubbed off on you way too much."

"Has not."

She crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow.

"Okay, maybe the tiniest bit."

"Uh huh, that's what I thought. Now are you as ready as I am to eat this cake and watch Cucumber Fish?"

"Let me take a picture first. And another one with you in it? You look so lovely, I can't not have one with you in it."

She tried desperately to keep a frown on her face as he snapped a picture but couldn't quite hold back the quirk at the corner of her mouth. He cut a slice for each of them and handed one to her. He curled the paper plate around his slice, and she did likewise. They looked each other in the eyes, both knowing exactly what would come next. Vanderwood solidified his stance. "Ready...steady...GO!" The couple raced to the living room and took a running jump onto the couch, ready for the wonderful night ahead.

[stacie-marie-bloom]

GLASS HEARTS: CHAPTER SIX Nestor Octeva Fanfiction Walking into the kitchen quietly Happy watched as his friend danced and sang along to whatever song was playing through her speakers as she cooked. It always amazed him how talented Ruby was but never did anything with it. Instead she stayed in her hometown for years working as a nanny even though she had a psychology degree and was extremely artistic. She gave it all up for her family

*Lucky for you, I got all these daddy issues

What can I do?

I'm going crazy when I'm with you

Forget all the therapy that I've been through* 

Ruby sang along with the song blasting through the speakers as she finished preparing breakfast. 

When she turned around to grab a couple plates, Ruby was startled to see Happy standing there. "Gosh, you're such a freaking creep Hap. How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough to know you've got 'daddy issues' little girl." Happy chuckled, before going over to Ruby and wrapping his arms around her, kissing her neck lightly. This simple gesture made Ruby lose her train of thought for a moment. Smelling the bacon seconds from burning though, she quickly moved away from the man holding her to grab the frying pan.

"So I talked to Nestor this morning," Ruby trailed off afraid of Happy's reaction. Though it would never show physically, Happy was actually nervous as to what was going to be said next. Especially after his conversation with the mercenary early that morning.

"They already found the kid? Damn, maybe they are better than us." Happy replied sarcastically, collecting flatware for the two to use for breakfast. Slightly frustrated by the jab her friend made, Ruby smacked his arm before responding.

"There's no need to be an ass Hap. Sadly, no they haven't found him yet but Nestor asked if I was still in town, then asked to meet up. So I was actually wondering if before you left to take care of business, I could get a ride to a coffee shop in town?" 

Rolling the toothpick from one side to the other taking his time before responding Happy finally spoke, "Fine but since I don't know how long I will be. So I'll need braids to bring you back here. You're supposed to be leaving to keep you safe that was his wish. If he thinks there is a threat out there that could hurt you then why is he trying to meet with you?" 

"Would you prefer he come here instead?" Ruby already knew the answer but asked to push that envelope. Happy wasn't the jealous type so for him to respond like he did shocked her.

Narrowing his eyes at her Happy responded, "No, I just don't understand what is so important that he couldn't have just asked over the phone or text?" 

Shrugging at her friend's question the small redhead responded, "Maybe he is worried whoever took Cristobal has tapped into their phones? I mean it is a lot simpler to bug these new smartphones compared to the dinosaurs we had when everyone was still around. Nestor won't let anything happen to me, okay?" 

    "Yeah, okay Little Girl. Can we eat now? We've still got to get ready for the day." Happy commented, aggravated by the conversation and ready to move on.

Unsettled by her friend's reaction, the redhead nodded before serving their breakfast.

    "Hap, I didn't mean to upset you. Once you're done with whatever it is you've got to do today I'll go back to Charming with you. I need you to trust Nestor though, he wants to keep me safe just as much as you. Okay?"

"You actually expect me to trust someone I don't know?" Happy quickly bit back. "You're right, silly me. I'm not hungry anymore so I'm going to get changed. If you could clean up when you're done that would be appreciated." Ruby quickly stood walking to the room, wiping the tears from her eyes as she went to change for the day.

   

Nestor pulled into the parking lot of the coffee shop on Main Street he and Ruby had agreed upon. Though he never took the time before now to appreciate the building before him, Nestor observed every detail in the rugged old house and it's fading green paint. As the mercenary looked over the building, his mind wandered to how the up and coming conversation with the bubbly redhead would go. Would she be pissed he looked into her? Will she be honest? All these questions were interrupted by the sound of a motorcycle parking a few spaces over. Looking away from the building to where the sound was coming from, Nestor watched as Ruby slid off the bike of the strange man. Watched as before she could walk away the man wrapped his arm around her waist pulling her into a kiss. Quickly Nestor looked back at the building before him, furious at how his friend seemed to be treated by the rough biker.

Pulling away from the kiss Ruby looked back at Nestor then at the man in front of her, "Happy, was that necessary?" 

"I have no clue what you're talking about Little Girl. Just remember to let me know when you leave here and you're back at the house. As soon as I'm done we're headed home." Happy smirked knowingly.

Rolling her eyes, Ruby replies, "I'll keep you in the loop okay?" Before she could hear her long time friend's response she walked over to Nestor who was waiting awkwardly and trying to hide his anger.

"Ruby, thank you for meeting me. I realized while waiting, I had never been here before. Do you come here often?" Nestor inquired as he pulled the door of the establishment open.

Giggling, Ruby whispered "Did you really just ask 'Do you come here often?' Well, to answer your question, yes I do come here often. It happens to be my go-to spot when I acquire free time." The two ascended up the staircase, the busyness of the coffee shop surrounded them. As the atmosphere buzzed, the air between Nestor and Ruby though was tense. 

Once seated with coffees in hand, Nestor cleared his throat prepared to open Pandora's box. "So, with all that has been happening recently Miguel ordered a thorough background check on everyone." He paused.

Lies.

"Some interesting information was brought to our attention from your background check." Nestor continued.

Ruby's heart rate picked up pace, she was sure the whole coffeehouse could hear it. She never meant for old life to be a secret, Ruby just needed to escape it and the best way was to never talk about it 

"Uhm...I." Ruby couldn't find the right words, as though the words were trapped, unable to escape. 

"By that reaction you already know what I am referring to? I just want to know how deep that connection still runs. Why did you hide that information from us?" Nestor asked.

"I wanted to forget, I needed to forget. Growing up in a toxic environment such as that.." Ruby took a deep breath before continuing. "My intent wasn't to hide my past from y'all. Honestly I assumed an intense background check had been done when I was first hired." The young red-head took a sip of her coffee and looked everywhere but at the man before her.

"Being born into that life, it's all I've ever known."

*Better late than never?*

[frogsandfries]

I need to order from Sophie&Toffee soooooooo baaaaaaaaddd!!

I'm feeling really motivated today. With any luck, I can finish building the frame--but that depends more on the drill than time or money or materials. Speaking of materials though, I have to make sure I have all of my materials before I try to start. My dad advised me from personal experience to get a thicker ply, so I'll probably cut this thinner ply down for walls and wheel boxes, and buy some thicker ply.

I'm thinking about letting my hair lock, but it's hard because I really love the sensation of brushing my hair, plus how it feels right after brushing. At the same time, I lost my brush, and after it broke so soon after buying it, I'm too salty to buy another. I just brought it this year and something like a hair brush I'll use almost till all the bristles fall out. Plus whatever I've been doing with my hair--not brushing or whatever shampoo or maybe keeping it tied up all the time so no one can tell it's not brushed--it feels the softest it's ever been. I think keeping it tied up for work though, is going to be the biggest hold up on my hair locking itself. But I could probably just work from the under layer up, a bit at a time, and speed up the process. And doing it by hand instead of waiting for nature would help me decide the size and regularity of my locks. I knew a guy in high school who let his hair just do whatever and it went from dreadlocks to just an awful mat. Plus if it's possible, I would like thinner dreadlocks--I know sister locks are braids, but something like that. This other guy I knew he had excellent dreadlocks, and he'd been growing them for ages and ages and his locks were down past his butt which I always thought was really cool.

Really though, before I order from Sophie&Toffee, I need to have my van ready so that I can comfortably work on projects. I actually have no idea how things are going to work outside of my head, what with the framework for the shell possibly needing so much space, and then sure, I can build the furnishings off the frame. At the back of my mind, I suppose I figured I wouldn't 'keep' the space that was hidden behind the paneling....I had started thinking I might with the insulation. I guess I should have figured. But at the same time, I want and need the space of the shell. I guess maybe I threw square footage out of my calculations of risk and reward when it came to having my sleeping and standing space--I suppose having standing space was more important to me than having a few more square feet of floor space. But since I'm mostly using the space for sleeping, studio work and cooking, I probably didn't fuck up my execution of decisions horribly. I mean, even if I had seating on the floor, other than my desk, I would probably only use it when I have guests, which might be never. Or when I feel like not eating at my desk, which might be a little more often. It would be less seating than storage. Maybe I'll build some shelves around a sitting space, or rig up a way for shelves to go away when maybe I have guests over.

Guns and atheist babies

So I had a thought last night while I was sleeping. I had my van parked near my dad's storage bin so I can theoretically work on my van. It ends up being a little more logistically complicated than that without plumbing.

Anyway, out there, I'm away from any general deterring chaos/hubbub. And I was thinking about how my reflex--whether it's because I can't just drive away or because I don't want to be caught in a space that's "not suitable" for habitation, or what, I don't know--maybe it's just to avoid confrontation--to hide when I hear people around my van. But I was also thinking about what a vulnerable situation I'm in. Anyone who knows what they're doing could bust into my van while I'm sleeping. And I figured if I point a gun in their face, most people will get the fuck out. The rest, hopefully I would have the guts to shoot before they could shoot me. Few people stupid enough to break into my van might suspect, if the van isn't registered as a camper, that I'm living in there. So I would have the edge in several degrees.

Atheist babies plus holidays. I'm so used to, by now, just blocking out the holiday noise, but for a child, it's all bright and high energy and excitement...... and something else that I've actually been blocking out for longer than the holiday craziness: The religious background undertone. I never even contemplated having to explain Christmas' religious connections and messages to a child. I grew up with family who seemed happy enough to attend church on a weekend when errands had been attended to. I have that whole religion-in-Christmas understanding thing. Even if I never really bought it. My child probably won't have that. I've considered reading them the Bible as a series of stories, and I still have time to consider it further, but I don't think I would know what to say if they wanted to try going to church. I really don't know what I would do if they enjoyed going to church. I think I would be disappointed. I tend to think of Christianity as being for the weak-minded. I feel like religion stunts people's curiosity and gives them placative answers to big questions in order to get them to stop asking hard questions. I would feel like I lost a part of myself if I did everything in my power to raise an intelligent, thoughtful child, and instead I raised a religious one.

But how would I explain the religion behind Christmas, or would I just explain Christmas as I perceive it as an atheist: A money grab for big corporations to end the calendar year on a fiscal high note. Luckily I have a long, long time to think about how to approach this interesting question.