#it’s just annoying how short staffed we are

[deus-ex-mona]

it’s ✨okay✨, right~?

[angesaurus]

Once I got to school, I felt better. My mom is retired and is always willing to help even though she is a little far. So I’m glad I reached out. She’s actually staying over (at the hotel she likes LOL) so in case we need her tomorrow. I am thinking we will, I hate to send a semi ok kid to school and then ruin the whole weekend!!!!). We are so short staffed at work, so I really am not trying to take off 😩 I know I can but I feel like this is not that intense of a sickness (and it could have been) and I’ll need my sick days for more crazy days.

But since I’ve been home:

I went to get non sick kid off the bus. I brought an umbrella because it was spitting. My mom said “maybe you should take your car” and I was like nah it’s fine. It started pouring while I was waiting 😂 so we got pretty wet even with my umbrella.

My mom accidentally knocked over my Diet Coke into my dinner (it was fine once we cleaned it up just my side of bread was soggy and the meatballs were a bit wet 😂)

My mom accidentally knocked over all my Lego flowers (kind of annoying because now I have to fix them!!!! But it’s fine).

I dropped Cecilia’s detangler spray in her room and the spray nozzle came off and flew into the hallway and somehow landed on my bedroom floor. The cap also landed on my bed. I have no idea how the physics of this even occurred but lolololol

Then I slammed my hip into the tv tray I had out for sick kid.

I also discovered non sick kid - who was very helpful in just picking out their clothes without me asking 5 times and got ready this morning and came out and said “I’m ready for school!” And I said GREAT!!!! - forgot to put on underwear and went commando to school 😂 also they had a HUGE hole in their pants 😂 oh and when I discovered it they said “oh I forgot but I really liked how it felt” 😂😂😂😂😂

My mom cleaned basically my whole house today (she gets bored easily 😅) and it was really nice and means less for me to do this weekend. She also cooked dinner. I hope she has an exceptional night at the hotel in peace and her pillow stays cool.

[trueshellz]

A/N: This is based on something I did today, thankfully my mum had my spare keys to the back patio door so I could climb over.

"Nooooooooooooo."

Leaning your head against the door with a sound of frustration as your front door slammed behind you. The mocking sound of keys jangling inside still in the lock where you left them, somehow you had forgotten that your door can't open without the stupid keys. And now you were stood on your doorstep in a pair of shorts and a t-shirt with your hair in a messy bun.

Another groan of frustration when you tried to stick your hand through the letterbox, if you could just... nope. Your hand did not fit and now you had a ring of red from the action. Stomping your feet you glanced around quickly and smiled awkwardly at a passerby who was walking with her son. She had a look of confusion on her face which quickly turned into shock as she saw your lack of clothing.

Oh great.

Sighing, you pulled your phone out of your bra where you had shoved it earlier and dialled a locksmith... who unhelpfully told you that they would be there in an hour as they were short-staffed. Next was your landlord, who was also unable to come out as he was out the city visiting family. And of course, since lady luck was not shining down on you at all, your mother and sister were both unable to come out for at least 2 hours since they were getting their nails done.

Which left you with one option... something you really didn't want to do, but honestly, sitting outside in your loungewear was really not it. Dialling the number for the police, you quickly explained the situation and apologised for the silly reason for calling.

"We actually have some pro-heroes patrolling the area near you so we'll ask them to stop and help you out. Just sit tight for now."

Murmured thanks as you planted your butt on the ground next to the door, keeping an eye and ear out for the pro-hero in question when suddenly a bunch of cursing and loud words caught your attention.

"-is that? I mean, who manages to lock themselves out nowadays? And why call the police? A locksmith would have been better. Do we look like Inspector Gadget?"

Oh great.

Dynamight.

A thud of boots as he neared you, suddenly you could hear Red Riot reprimanding him and a slap followed by a loud 'ow' from him. And them two pairs of boots in front of you where your chin was rested on your arms over your knees. Looking up, you could see Dynamight's frowning face and Red Riot's friendly smile and wave.

Katsuki was pissed.

Not only had he been called away from patrol to sort out whatever the hell this was, but to make it worse his dick suddenly perked up with interest at the most annoying time. Seeing you say on the floor, the way your shorts rode up your thick thighs, the poor excuse for a shirt stretched across your heavy tits almost made his jaw drop to the floor.

"The hell happened?" Instead came out of his mouth.

Fucking perfect.

"Got locked out."

"No shit?"

"No shit."

Reaching over and trying the door once, he heard your snort before turning around to glare at you but somehow seeing your arms crossed over your chest made him stumble. Closing his mouth quickly, he tried again but this time barged his shoulder into it until it popped open with a loud 'thunk' onto the wall.

Smiling politely, you quickly ran in and pulled in your hoodie, suddenly very aware of the size of the two of them and how very underdressed you were as they stood in your doorway.

"-ID?

"Huh?"

"Have you got ID showing you live here, sweetheart?" Red Riot's face was friendly, Dynamight was outside on his device mumbling to himself.

Nodding quickly you grabbed your drivers license and a bill that had come recently before handing them over to him to check. A look up and down, between you and the papers as he grinned again and handed them back.

"I'm sorry about him. He's been on patrol for almost the whole day and he's a little hangry. Have a good evening

Nodding again, you watched as they both left after handing their business cards to you. Just in case they said, flipping them over in your fingers you frowned when you saw dark writing on the back of Dynamight's, his number and a short message in neat handwriting.

Next time you're stuck, call me.

[yellowwithalisp]

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐬 - 𝐉𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐱 𝐅𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐦𝐮𝐭

Another James smut! This time with no (Y/N) in it! No proofread- This was gonna be first-person POV but I got annoyed and changed it halfway through! Part one!

"Please, just let me check it."

James said as she wrapped the towel around her and glanced back at him. "You wanna look at it? Why? Is it bleeding again?"

"N-No just... Worried."

He said as he the bed his head and looked away. Fidging with his fingers. She signed as she walked over to their bed. Telling the whole fall to the flood. James's head quickly turns to look away. Blushing at the sight still. I slowly climbed onto the bed and pulled up his green jacket that was sitting on the bed to cover her front side.

"How does it look?"

She asked as she felt James gently touching some of the healing cuts on her back she had gotten from Silent Hill.

"It's healing up well..."

James mumbled as his finger gently traced my back. The frown on his face grew slightly as his hand ghostly moved over to her sides. There were a few slashes on her side that we did not want to heal quickly. James closed his eyes as she breathed out of his nose and slowly took his hand away. She smiled as she held his green jacket up to my chest and looked at him.

"Hey, it's gonna be ok."

"It should have finished healing by now..."

He mumbled as she watched him take another deep breath as she turned to face him. Gently placing a hand over his. "Hey, it's gonna be ok."

His eyes glanced up at her with a hazed look in his eyes. She knew that he was thinking back to his time in the military. And with the things he'd seen during his time in serves. She placed his jacket over her so it was hiding her nipple, but still showing off her chest.

"Come on, dinners gonna get cold."

She said as her bare feet walked across the wooden floor. James was spacing out before he snapped back and looked up at her. His eyes widened slightly as he looked her up and down. His eyes took in the sight of her in his jacket. With the shorts she had on. The jacket covered them just enough to make it look like she was just wearing his coat and nothing else.

He stared at her. Taking in every detail of her body. Make a shiver run down her spine. Her long legs. Her waist and breasts were hidden under his jacket. His gaze lingered on where her nipples were hidden under his jacket. for a moment before moving down to her thighs. They seemed so smooth from what little he saw. His mind wandered again.

She chuckled as she watched him stare at her. He took the sight of her in hardly anything but his green jacket.

"James?"

A small smile appeared on her face as she saw a bulge started to appear in his sweatpants.

"James? Hello? Earth to James~"

He blinked several times. Trying to clear his head. When finally did he realize what he was doing? That he was staring. Thinking about how cute she was when she laughed. How soft her voice sounded... Images of the last time we were alone like this fluttered into his mind. How he took care of his throbbing cock in the hotel shower just thinking about feeling her finger all over his skin. Her touch lingered still as he remembered the night again. It made him feel warm inside. Made his heart beat faster. His covk staffing awake slowly.

She smiled as she walked back over to our bed. She reached out and gently placed her hand on his cheek. Glancing down at the bulge growing in his sweat pants.

"You alright love?"

He felt like a teenage boy again. Blushing slightly he grabbed her hand. Pulling her onto his lap, on top of his growing bulge. She chuckled softly as she felt his bulge pushing up against her. "James~ Talk to me, love."

He blushed even harder as he leaned forward and kissed her. Deeply kissing her. His tongue darted into her mouth. His arms wrapped around her tightly. He feels himself get lost in the kiss before pulling away.

He could barely breathe. As he pulled away from the kiss. Looking deep into your eyes. "Sorry, I... I-I can't help it... You tease like warm honey..."

James mumbled as he rested his forehead against hers. She smiled.

"I'm... No complaint at all..."

He looked down flustered. But seeing that he had gotten very hard. He quickly tried to hide it by pulling his sweatshirt down, but it wasn't working. I chuckled softly as she gently placed a hand over his, making him stop. "James... I don't mind."

He looked up at her slightly nervous. "You don't mind?" He asked, his voice sounding more breathless than usual. She shook my head. "No, do you mind me poetically in nothing but your jacket?"

James felt himself blush even harder. "No, not really." He said quietly.

She smiled. "Then I don't mind-" I placed my hand over his hard bulge.

He inhaled sharply through his nose, trying desperately to control himself. But it was too late. He felt himself getting harder and harder as my hand sat on their bed.

"-This..."

She said as she glanced up at him. They did fuck one time before. The very night we both got out of Silent Hill alive in the hotel room. "James I... We have been lining up together. Be through so much. I... Want to be something more."

She said as she looked at him. "I want to be with you. Permanently. I love you, James."

"I love you too..."

He whispered back. He didn't know what else to say. All these feelings were rushing through him. It took everything within him to keep them under control. Everything except for his dick which grew bigger. Harder. More erect. He couldn't believe this was happening again.

She kissed him. Closing her eyes as she leaned in. The jacket rolled back exposing her bare shoulder and chest to him.

He kissed back, but more tentatively at first. He was still trying to control himself and not make a scene. But his need was too strong. He pressed himself against her, feeling his body against her.

His mouth opened slightly as he stared into her eyes. His eyes darted around mine as he spoke.

"Y-you feel amazing."

He stuttered. A shiver ran through him when he saw the bare skin. His heart was beating faster now. And his cock was throbbing. He wanted to touch her To hold her

Her hand slowly moved around the bulge in his sweatpants. She feels it throb and pulse in her hand.

His breath hitched when he felt her hand move around his bulge. He closed his eyes tightly as he tried to hold back from moaning loudly. He wanted to save that noise for later. He groaned loudly into her mouth. His hips bucked forward instinctively.

"Does... That feel good?"

She asked as her eyes shifted down to his throbbing bulge, then back up to him.

"Yeah."

He rasped out. "It feels so damn good." He gently took your hand in his, guiding it to the end of his sweatpants. He knew what he wanted her to do. But he didn't know if she would be willing.

She let him guide her hand to the end of his sweatpants. She looked up at him. "Are you sure?"

"Yes," he breathed. "Please don't stop now." He pulled down his sweatpants enough to reveal his thick 9-inch cock. It twitched slightly in anticipation. "Just touch me please." He begged softly. He had never been this needy before. Never needed anyone like this before.

She blushed as she glanced down at his cock twitching. She blushed as she watched it for a moment.

She didn't get to take a good look at it back in the hotel room. It all happened so fast. But seeing it now... She felt like it was bigger than she remembered.

His breathing became heavier as she stared at his cock. The fact that she was staring made him even harder. If anything, it made him want her more. The thoughts made him blush even harder. He loved how nervous she was. He wasn't used to being so forward. He just hoped that he wouldn't scare her away.

She blushed as she looked up at him. Crawling up a bit to sit right in front of him. Feeling his cock throb and hit her stomach with each throb. "James... Are you sure about this?"

He looked into her eyes, his heart racing. He knew what he wanted. He knew what he needed. And that was you. He cupped the back of her neck, pulling her closer to his face. "I'm not sure about anything," he whispered. "Except that I'm never letting you go. And I need you to touch me. Please."

Taking her hand in his, he guided it to his cock. He wrapped his other hand around her wrist, holding her hand steady under his jacket. He wanted her to touch him. He wanted to feel her touch on his cock. He had been without it for too long.

"....." she looked back at my hand wrapped around his cock. Slowly taking her hand off of it.

"Don't tease me anymore..." He groaned quietly. He closed his eyes tightly as he peeked one open. She leaned forward and opened her mouth just above the tip of his cock. Letting out warm breath on it as it throbbed.

He exhaled softly as he felt the warm breath on his cock. His hips bucked. A small drop of precum leaked from the tip of his cock.

"Look at you... I don't even think you were this hard back in the hotel room."

She teased.

He chuckled slightly. "It's been a while..." He admitted quietly. "But I've been thinking about you..." He trailed off, not sure how to explain it. He just knew that he wanted her more than anything right now.

She kissed the tip of his cock gently as she looked into his eyes. His hips jerk upwards towards you as if trying to meet your mouth. "Don't tease me... Please.." He begged, unable to keep up the charade any longer.

"Oh, did you want me to take this cock into my mouth?"

She teased him. He nodded eagerly. "Yes! Please do!" He begged her. The thought of having his entire length buried deep inside her throat made him feel lightheaded. But he knew that if he didn't ask now then later would come another day where he wouldn't get what he wanted so badly right now.

"Mmh... Beg a bit more."

He groaned loudly. "...Please let me fuck your pretty little mouth..." He pleaded again. This time louder than before. As if begging some higher power to grant him whatever wish he asked for.

"A little more begging James."

"P-please..." He stuttered out. "Let me... Let me put it in your mouth..." He panted heavily. His cock twitched in anticipation. The only thing on his mind was wanting to shove his entire length into her mouth. To taste her hot saliva coating his cock.

"Bit more..." she smirked as she breathed on his twitching cock.

"Mmhm..." He moaned softly. The heat from her breath against his cock sending shivers down his spine. His hips jerked slightly as he anticipated what was about to happen next. "Please..." He whimpered out. "I'm begging you... P-please..." He repeated, his voice cracking. His hips bucked up into the air as he pleaded with you for what he wanted. "Let me put it in your mouth..." He whispered.

She smirked as she only put just the tip of his cock into her mouth and sucked on it a tiny bit.

His breath caught sharply when she did this. A low moan escaped his lips as he felt himself being teased by her. Her tongue swirling around the head of his shaft making sure not to touch any sensitive areas yet still giving him enough stimulation to keep him going crazy. "Aahhh...." He moaned softly. She moaned softly as her eyes looked up into his. Looking into his eye as his cock twitched in her mouth.

His body tensed up at the sound of your soft moaning. Feeling himself getting closer and closer to climaxing. His grip tightened around the sheets beneath him as he tried desperately to hold back from cumming too soon. "Mmf.. Mmmm..." He whimpered quietly. She gently took his cock slowly out of her mouth. Sticking out her tongue to let him see the pre cum on her tongue.

He watched intently as her pulled away from his throbbing member. Seeing the glistening trail left behind where she had been licking it off. It made him even hornier knowing that there was something else waiting for him inside her pretty pink mouth. "Please..." He begged again. Something about how much control she had over him that made him feel weak and helpless. As if all he could do was lay there and take everything she gave him without question or complaint.

"Oh, sorry. Did you want more? I thought you asked me to stop?"

She said teasing him. He shook his head quickly. No no! That wasn't what he meant! What he meant was... He blushed deeply. His cock twitched at the sound of her teasing voice. "N-no. Please don't stop..!" He begged.

She smirked. "So... You want this?"

His breath hitched at the feeling of your tongue. "Y-yes... God, yes.." He moaned softly. She slowly ran her tongue under his shaft.

She pulled back with a smirk as she looked up at him. Slowly reaching out a hand and wrapping it around his twitching cock. "But what if I... Did this?"

His breath hit sharply when she wrapped her fingers around his throbbing member. His eyes widened as he felt her hand slowly wrap around his cock. The sensation sent waves of pleasure through his entire being. A low moan escaped his lips as he felt her touch.

"P-please.." He begged. It wasn't so much a request anymore, more of a plea for mercy. As if he couldn't handle any more pleasure or tease without bursting right then and there. She smirked as she looked up at him. Moving her hand painfully slow. "Yes?"

"I-I... I don't know if I'll be able to handle it.." He whimpered, barely able to keep himself from tearing his eyes away from her. He was so close to cumming already, and yet he felt like she was torturing him with every tiny touch and tease.

"Oh-" She smirked. "I think you can."

She said as her hand moved slowly.

"N-no.. I.. Can't. Please, I.." He choked out, his cock twitching and his body shaking violently. It was like he knew he was about to cum, and he had no control over himself. He groaned loudly as he felt her fingers move against his sensitive skin. The sensation alone sent waves of ecstasy through his entire being. All thoughts left his mind except one; how badly he needed to release all those pent-up feelings inside of him. He was going crazy trying to hold off. She keeps moving her hand slowly.

His cock twitched and shook as he felt the pleasure slowly building up. It was like he was being teased like she knew he couldn't handle any more pleasure. If she kept going, he'd burst right then and there. It was like she had all the control in the world, and he was just along for the ride.

"That's it... Good boy."

She mumbled as her hand moved just a bit faster as she felt him rest his head into the crook of her neck.

"B-but..." He whined softly as he leaned against her. The pleasure was almost too much now. All he could do was lay here helplessly as she continued to tease him. Her touch was driving him insane, but somehow still keeping him under control.

"But? Is something wrong~"

She asked as her hand slowed down painfully slow again. He groaned softly. "N-no...I-It's just... Ugh..." He whined out, trying to fight his body's desire to cum. His entire body tensed once more.

"Good," she said before her hand's movement quickened faster. "Don't cum just yet James."

He whimpered quietly. "W-why?" His voice cracked slightly from how close he was getting. "I... I-I can't..." He whispered back, trying to sound confident despite how shaky his legs were becoming. He could feel his orgasm approaching quickly. It was getting harder and harder to hold back.

"Please," he choked out. "Please let me cum." He couldn't hold it in any longer. His body was shaking intensely now. He needed to release so badly. "I-I've been good-" he begged desperately. His voice cracked slightly from how desperate he sounded. He could barely breathe anymore either. "I-I've been g-good! Haven't I-I?" James let out a groan of frustration, feeling his heart race. "Please let me cum," he begged once more, trying to hold back.

"You've been so good, James... Just a little bit longer." She said as she looked down at his head placed in the crook of her neck. His body twitched and trembled with each stroke. His cock was constantly throbbing in her hand. Begging her to let him cum.

"I'll be good..." He groaned, his breathing ragged. His heart was beating rapidly and his whole body was quivering. "Just let me... Please..." He was practically mumbling by now. His words merge tougher.

She could feel him humping his hips against her hand. "Go ahead love." she kissed the side of his head his sins in the side of her neck.

James jolted at her touch before feeling his orgasm hit him like a freight train. He screamed her name in ecstasy while his body trembled violently. He felt so weak afterward. Like his entire body had been drained of everything he had. "Mmmph," he managed to mumble out. He felt so content right now.

"That's is... You did so well..."She mumbled as her finger ran through his hair.

"Thank you... Thank you... So much..." He breathed deeply, still trembling from the sensations running through his body.

"Shh..." She whispered as she stroked his hair. "It's over... It's all done," she said as she let go of his cock.

He let out a soft sigh of relief. He hadn't realized how tense he had been until now. He shifted slightly on the bed, trying to find a more comfortable position now that he could move. He looked up at her as she lay down next to her. "Sorry... I didn't mean to go so far-" She starts. "N-no..." He mumbled as she looked up at him. "I-I liked it..."

He said as she blushed. Glancing away flustered. James weakly reached out and pulled her closer to him. She felt James kiss her and she smiled... But his trail of kisses leads further and further down... "J-James-" she whispered as she felt him kiss her pussy lisp. "j-James-"

He could hear her say his name and it drove him wild. He loved hearing her say it... He loved hearing anything she said. He loved her. He was smiling "I can't help it. I need to taste you. You're just too delicious..." He whispered against her wetness. He moved his face up and down her pussy, licking and kissing her sensitive areas. He felt completely lost in the moment, unable to stop himself from giving her everything he had to offer.

Her legs trembled with every lick. "but... Haa... Aren't you... Tired?" He didn't know if he was tired or not, but he knew he needed her. He needed her touch. He needed her love. He needed her more than anything else in the world. He knew he could never get enough of her. "I don't care, I need you..." he whispered against her thighs. before continuing his assault on her pussy. His fingers were wrapped around her thighs tightly as he continued to lick her. "Your taste... So sweet..." He groaned loudly as he ate her out hungrily.

Her body trembled. He could see just how badly he was breaking her. "Mmf... Mmmm.." He couldn't help himself anymore. The sight of her shaking from pleasure made him even harder than ever before. He moved one hand away from her thigh and placed it between them, rubbing against her clit gently. "Fuck... Fuck me... Please fuck me... Make me cum for you again..."

Hearing him beg like this sent shivers down her spine. He whimpered before pulling back and climbing off the bed. He walked over to the side of the bed and grabbed a condom from the nightstand. He quickly tore open the wrapper and rolled it onto his shaft. He turned back towards her and crawled onto the bed.

"N... No..." she mumbled as she pushed herself up a bit. "With... Out it... Without the condom James.."

He slowly looked up at her. climbed back onto the bed beside her. "I'm... Not going to be able to do anything about protection if we keep having unprotected sex." He mumbled as his eyes darted to her, then over to the trashcan in the room. I got off the bed and tossed the condom tossed it aside.

"I... Don't mind if. Us having sex leads to me getting... Pregnant..." He stared at her in shock. "You want to have my child?" He asked quietly. She nods. "I do..."

He took a deep breath and nodded. "Alright then..." he mumbled and gently lifted her legs up and around his waist. He moved forward until he was pressed against her core. "Are you ready for this love?"

She nodded as she looked at him. "I'm really.."

He nods "I'll try to make it so it won't hurt too much." He began thrusting into her steadily. His grip tightened around her thighs as he increased speed slightly. "Just breathe... A-and relax, okay?" He whispered soothingly as he continued to move within her body. "Th-there..."

Her legs wrapped around him as her body trembled. "James... Mmf..." He groaned loudly. "You feel amazing..!" He increased his pace slightly. The sound of their bodies slapping together filled the room along with the wet noises coming from between them.

He held onto her hips tightly and kept thrusting into her faster. His eyes were locked onto hers as he pleasured her with his body. He continued thrusting inside her harder and faster. His entire body shook with every movement. "Mmm... Fuck- you feel good. You're sucking me in..!" He mumbled as he tried to keep his eyes open. "You're... So warm and-"

He shivered as his eyes closed tightly and he felt her walls tighten around him.

His hand gripped tightly onto her hip. "To... Too good-" He increased his movements even more until he was pounding against her. The sound of their bodies slapping together fills the room.

"James- I'm gonna-" Her grip on the bed tightened as she trembled. James nods his head as he ruthlessly pounded into her. He continued thrusting inside her harder and faster. His entire body shaking with every movement before he claimed into her and climaxed. She felt that she was about the cum as he claimed into her.

He whimpered as she let out a loud cry of pleasure. Pulling out of her, he rolled over onto his back. He slowly reached out and placed a hand on her cheek as she lay down next to him.

[thehighpriestess1]

The Gojo fic mentioned here that I wrote the first chapter for but never finished 🥲🥲

I don't know what triggers warnings to add so proceed with caution regardless.

Gojo rubbed his forehead as his blind date complained about the food for the fourth time. He regretted agreeing to get into this and was mentally killing his best friend for the 10th time since the date started. He looked up and saw her giving him the doe eyes. The ones that say Why did you bring me to this crappy diner when we could have gone to a Michelin star hotel. Gojo chuckled lightly.

This was his trick to get out of bad dates. He would pick up the girl from her door and based on what he thinks of her in the first five minutes of the car ride he would either take her to his favorite restaurant or the first off beat diner he saw. Rose, his date started talking about how excited she was to dine with him and how all her friends were going to oh so jealous of her. Gojo looked at her poke her food with the fork and almost felt bad for her....almost.

"Excuse me". He raised his hand to call for the waitress who served them. The girl came and stood next to their table with a sigh. He noticed her sprained left hand and made a mental note to tip her well for putting up with this in that condition.

"Is there a problem?".

"This food is disgusting!". Rose spat sliding her fork on the plate.

"You ordered it". Her deadbeat attitude intrigued Gojo. He noticed that she was pretty and tough looking. Loose strands of her bun fell on her face and her eyes..her eyes were filled with sadness. "I'm sorry but can we get it replaced ?". Gojo said politely snapping out of his inspection.

"Sure but you'll have to pay for this one and the next one might taste the same".

"just do as you're told! Do you not know how to treat customer? And why should we pay when the food is shit!". Rose quipped crossing her hand over her chest.

"because you ordered it and it seems like you ate some of it". Rose scoffed and bit the inside of her cheeks. "I'd like to speak to your manager! Once he knows who we are he will teach you some manners". Before Gojo could step in to diffuse the situation the waitress smiled and rested her right palm flat on the table as she bent towards Rose who was now leaning away from the girl. "I am the manager. We are short staffed. Now..is.there.anything.else.i.can.get.you?".

Rose gulped and looked at Gojo who was amused by this situation looked up at her and smirked at her gloating face. "We'll get the check". He said smiling at the waitress.

"Check it is then".

-X-

You walked back to the desk huffing at this couple. "What happened?". Your friend Jaz was in-charge of billing today. "Just some rich bitch got mad at me and said she wanted to speak to the manager". You said sliding their bill to her.

"Shit. What did you say?". You gave her a toothy smile. "I told her I am the manager".

"Y/n! I told you to stop doing that! You can get fired!". You sighed as you leaned against nthe counter.

"Big fucking deal. This isn't the only place in town looking for cheap labour".

"She's got nice tits though". Jaz said looking at the annoyed Rose.You followed her gaze to Rose and smirked. "Yeah. You think they're real?".

"Seems so. What about the guy? He hot?". You looked at the back of the white haired man. "He rich". You said as your grabbed the bill and placed it between the torn leather folder.

-X-

"Here you go. I hope you had a pleasant time. Please leave a review for the restaurant as it would help us grow". You chanted the rehearsed greeting and bowed. Gojo chuckled as he placed some cash in the folder and slid it towards you. "What's your name?". He asked, pulling back the case just as you were about to reach for it. "I hope you had a pleasant time". You said again. You were used to random men asking for name and number and were in no mood to interact with the couple anymore than you already had.

"That's a weird name".

"Thank you for choosing to dine with us". You said taking back the bill and cash as the couple began to leave. "Excuse me, here's your change". You couldn't believe that someone would leave 500$ for a 80$ bill. "That's your tip".

"That's a lot of tip". You quipped still holding the spare in your hand. "I liked your service". He said winking at you. Rose huffed and walked out stomping her YSL heels. Gojo smiled and swung his jacked over his shoulder as he left you standing.

-X-

Gojo Satoru was an unforgiving man. His word was the law and no one in the city dared challenge his orders. He was cruel in the cruelest sense and had no regard for feelings But Gojo Satoru couldn't get you out of his head for the entire week and on a Wednesday afternoon he decided he needed to at least get your name.

He walked into the diner and looked around for you but you were nowhere to be seen. "Right! She's the manager!". He went to the counter and saw a man in glasses standing there. "Hi".

"Hello Sir, welcome to goldleaf diner. How may I serve you today".

"I want to speak with the Manager".

"I am the manager. My name is hiroki muka-"

"No. Not you. The other manager".

"I am the only Manager here". Gojo ran his hand through his hair and took a deep breath. "The ... The woman. She was the manager a week ago? She had a sprained arm?".

The man raised both his arms in the air and turned halfway around to giggling waitress behind him. "Not again!".

"Excuse me?". Gojo asked tilting his head to the side. "My apology. She is not a Manager. She is a menace. Which is why she was fired three days ago". Gojo let out a groan. "Can I get her name or number?".

"I'm sorry sir I can't do that". Gojo gave him a pressed smile and gently placed a wad of cash on the counter. "Her name".

"Miyoko. But unfortunately I don't have her contact number".The man said slowly sliding the cash in his pocket. Gojo sighed and shook his head. "Is there anyway I can reach her?".

"Girls like her don't stay in one place for long". The man said. Something about his tone made Gojo angry but he calmed himself and returned a pressed smile.

"Miyoko...". He whispered the name as he gave orders to his men to find every girl named miyoko in that area. It was just a name but somehow he felt closer to you. He didn't understand why did he want to know your name. He didn't understand why did he want to find you. He felt like a teenager trying to stalk his crush.

-X-

It took about two days for his men to find out every information about every Miyoko in that area. Gojo sat at the edge of his desk frantically flipping through the pages containing photo and data looking for the familiar face. He tossed the first file on the floor as desperation rose inside him. He tossed the second file to the floor as well as his men gulped at the sudden shift of the atmosphere. He closed the last file and swung it across the room in anger. "She's not here! Are you sure you got each one of them?".

"Yes sir". Gojo groaned in frustration. Geto walked in the room and saw the stiffened men and tossed files. "Didn't find her?". He amused at the the desperate state of his friend.

"Shut up. I don't know what to do!".

"Give up? She's just a waitress you'll find another one". He sat opposite to Gojo and lit his cigarette. "You don't understand. I have to find her". Geto hummed as he let out a puff of smoke. "Did it occur to you that she probably gave a fake name?". Gojo looked up at this smirking friend. "Fuck. I didn't think of that".

Geto laughed as he reached out his hand and ashed the cigarette in the ashtray. "Now to the serious stuff. The deal with Gyizo gang is tonight and you are going instead of me".

"Why do I have to go?".

"Cause you owe me one and I have a date".

-X-

Gojo sat in the backseat as he watched the city lights flicker. He checked his watch 1:00AM. They were well into the heart of the city now after getting the work done. The whole deal had out him in a bad mood. First he couldn't find a fucking girl next his best friend trapped him into attending a shitty deal.He needed a break. "Stop at the convince store". He ordered his driver who obliged.

Gojo walked through the door without looking at the cashier and went to the racks of ramen before finally picking out his favourite one. He walked over to the counter with his eyes fixed on his wallet. "That would be 2.50 would you like a carry bag?". Gojo's hand froze on his wallet. He looked up slowly to see you standing behind the counter. "Hi". He smiled widely like a child who found the last piece of the puzzle.

"Hi. Would you like a carry bag?". He looked at you arm and felt relieved when he saw it was fine now. Next his eyes travelled to your name tag. "So your name is Kiki?". You squinted your eyes at him, "Would you like a carry bag?".

"No. What's your name?".

"That would be 2.50$". Gojo chuckled and looked around. "Look I'm not a weirdo okay? You have no idea how long I have been looking for you". You tool a step away from the counter. Gojo read the fear on your face and raised his hand by his side signalling that he wasn't going to harm you. "You don't remember me? We met at the diner? You had a sprained arm ..?". Then it clicked. He was the guy who gave you the biggest tip of your life. Your shoulders dropped in relief.

"Look man of you're here for your money then I don't have it".

"I don't want my money".

"Then what do you want?".

"I...". Gojo fumbled with his words as his brain tried to think of what did want? "Your name". You looked outside to three Balck range rovers parked in a semi circle. You didn't know what he was upto but you knew you didn't want to be a part of it. "That would be 2.50$".

Gojo sighed and looked at the ramen and cold coffee he picked up. He went back and got another set and placed it on the counter. "That would be 5$". You said scanning the items. Gojo handed you his black card and you inspected it in your hand. "Is this real?". You raised an eyebrow at him. You have had your fair share of people trying to buy with fake or stolen cards, sometimes even with fake money. "I wouldn't use a fake card for 5$ meal". Gojo said chocking his head to a side. "People don't use a black card for a 5$ meal".

Gojo chuckled, "It's the only thing I have on me right now".You shrugged your shoulders and billed him for the items.

"Have dinner with me". Gojo said as you handed him the card.

"I am working". You said trying your best to look busy in the empty store. "There is no other customer and I don't like eating alone". As if in cue his stomach grumbled and heat rose to his cheeks. Your looked at him and let out a giggle. "You seem to be really hungry".

"I am, so please eat with me. I will compensate you for your time". He said holding the items in his hand. You shook your head and smiled. Gojo saw you smiled like that for the first time and his heart skipped a beat. "Alright then but if I get in trouble then it's on you!". Gojo nodded and followed you to the seating area next to a glass wall. Gojo goy the ramen ready as you poured the coffee from the bottle into two glasses with ice.

Gojo rolled the sleeves of his Balck shirt and placed his jacket on the stool next to him. You both sat next to eachother looking at the street outside. "So what's your name?". He asked taking slurping his noodles. "Kiki". You said, avoiding eye contact.

"Is that your real name?".

"For today it is".

"What will it be tomorrow?".

"Beyonce". Gojo choked on his noodles and you smiled amusingly to yourself. "Who are you?". He asked leaning on his one arm and looking at you. You shrugged your shoulders and continued to eat.

"If I come here tomorrow would you still be here?". You stopped your chopsticks mid air."Maybe". Gojo frowned as he straightened up. You shrugged again. He bit the inside of his cheeks as he tried to come with something.

"Why were you looking for me?". It was your turn to ask questions now. Gojo's eyes widened. "I..I wanted to apologise for the way my friend behaved". He looked away cringing at his bleak excuse.

"After a whole week?".

"Yes. I found out that you were not the manager". You let out a chuckle but Gojo saw something that made his stomach churn. He saw a black-blue bruise along your neck which seemed to be spread on your shoulder too. He wanted to ask but he knew you would either won't answer him or give a false story. He saw your arms where your sleeves were rolled up and saw hints of dark red marks.

"You alright?". You were done with your food and Gojo was barely halfway through. "Yeah. Lost my appetite". He said sternly as he picked up both the boxes and went to discard them. You saw his retreating figure and wondered what could have caused the sudden shift. Wiping your mouth and hands you returned behind the counter. Gojo came upto you once again but this time he looked like he knew what he wanted. "When does your shift get over?".

"what do you want from me?". Your asked as you lifted a crate of soda to restock the fridge. Gojo took it from your hand and followed you to the fridge. "I just want to get to know you".

"Why?". You quipped arranging the cans in a line.

"I want to be your friend".

"Why?".

"I think you're... intresting". He said cluelessly. You chuckled and asked. "Who are you?".

"I am Gojo Satoru". You looked up at him and for a second you were lost in his cerulean eyes. You had never seen eyes like these. "You have beautiful eyes Gojo Satoru".

Gojo had been complimented on his eyes since he was a kid then why was he shying away now? Why did it hurt him seeing the pain in your eyes. He had never noticed someone's eyes before but yours, yours took his breath away.

"Hello?". You were snapped out of your daze when you saw your coworker enter. You sighed and took off your vest. "I'm off work now. You can leave". You walked back to the changing broom and removed your blue vest.

You pressed your hand over your chest to calm the insistent beating of your heart. You looked up in the mirror on the locker and chuckled. You looked like shit. Before your could leave your phone buzzed in your pocket.

I'm coming to pick you up. The text had your stomach churning and you understood that it was going to be along night.

Shutting the locker and entering your card in the machine to clock out you walked out the store in your free hoodie with your good pulled up. You thought he had left but you saw him leaning against his car smiling at you. He looked handsome. His tall and broad frame made him looked like a model. The Balck shirt only brought out the white of his hair and his eyes glowed in the florescent light of the store.

"Have a good night". You said hastily and turned away to walk in the other direction but he grabbed your wrist just in time making fall back and collide with his chest. You turned around to look up at him and felt the intensity of his gaze.

"Can I see you again? Tomorrow?".

"I gues I'll be here".

"Promise me you'll be here. Please". Gojo pleaded with his grip on your wrist tightening.

You bit your lip and looked around hoping that no one was watching you but to your dismay you saw your partner standing in an alley way looking at you. "Sure I promise. Tomorrow. I gotta go. Bye". You said and hurriedly walked towards your partner with your head hung low. Gojo watched you leave with a frown. Something seemed off. But he will get to the end of it tomorrow.

Just like he promised Gojo showed up to the same convience store in evening but just like last time you weren't there. He asked the cashier and he told him that you quit your job that morning. Gojo asked for your number but he didn't have it and just like last time you had given a fake name and just like last time Gojo felt hope leave his body. But this time Gojo was adamant on seeing you again.

[britt-kageryuu]

Mikey is messing around with the AR cooking area again. He's in a full chef uniform, and mixing some batter for some sweet treats. A sign reading 'River is on a mission!' Is propped up on the counter.

Chat has asked for some work stories.

"Okay, as much as I love the Restuarant, customers can be such a mixed bag of crazy!" Mikey says waving his mixing spoon for emphasis. He's pacing around while making sure not to over mix the batter.

"Like the other day I go to take the order of a guy sitting solo. I start the whole 'Welcome to Run of the Mill Restaurant!' Greetings, but instead of 'what can I get you today?' I said 'how are you doing today?' and the guy starts to vent to me!" He lightly shouts in exasperation. He puts the bowl down, and leans on the counter.

"He complains about how he misses the old days when his department had more people, but how the company kept subtly downsizing between people quitting and new hires coming in. Then apparently the higher ups want them to keep up a certain quota of activities while short staffed. And when asking for more time, or people they were told 'We can't give you more hours, and if we give you more people you would need to give them some of your hours instead!'...."

Mikey is staring straight at the camera with a flat kinda annoyed look on his face.

"I just stood there, and once he stopped I go, 'Sir, I may be studying for a degree in psychology and counseling, but this is a restaurant... And Unless you want to tip me very generously, please just tell me your order!'"

Mikey takes a minute to calm down before pouring the batter into some molds, and popping them in the oven.

"I sometimes wonder what kinds of customers are worse?" He says while setting a timer, and taking a seat.

Right as he's about to continue Donnie is heard screaming and dashes through the area like his tail is on fire. Followed by fast moving Roomba with a cackling River on top holding a tablet.

Mikey watches in concerned confusion, when Shelldon floats into frame.

"What's going on with them" Mikey asks pointing out the chaos that just passed.

"Dee made copies of us with cameras to check some place you guys can't fit, and River2 found something that freaked Dad out. So River who is transferring the video feed is chasing him with the tablet." Shelldon replies.

"Is the modified Roomba because she can't run after him fast enough?"

"Totally! This is the most awesome thing to happen in awhile Dude." Shelldon does a couple of flips and spins in joy.

"Huh, we sorry for the interruption chat, but it's not everyday we can scare the heck out of Dee." Mikey says his eyes following the chaos continuing behind the camera with faint screams and laughter being picked up by the camera. An oddly timed donation notification goes off with a graphic of River running with a piggy bank and a banner reading "Thank for the $20 MixMasterChefTurtleFan'

"That's quite the name, but thank you!" Mikey shouts, before checking the timer, and making sure his treats aren't burning because of an error in how he followed the recipe.

The stream continues with a couple stories of coworker shenanigans, and decorating the treats. Donnie and River only slightly forgotten, with many questions from chat on what might be scaring Dee.

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

Masterpost

[hitlikehammers]

For @embersonfiredeux, who wanted a little coffee shop AU.

Steddie 🦇 Modern Coffee Shop!AU ☕️

✨🦇✨☕️✨

It was actually almost the reason he lost a shot at the job in the first place.

(‘We almost lost a shot at the job, Dingus,’ as Robin never fails to remind him, and while he appreciates the fact of it—they’re a package deal, ride or die, hell or high water—he still believes he’s in the right.)

Know why he’s in the right?

Because he fucking counted, took over Robin’s not-so-secret mini whiteboard swiped when they left the ice cream place years ago, that last summer of high school, and made fucking notes, and he can say with absolute certainty: 9 out of 10 customers, whether grabbing a seat or hitting the drive-thru, get their coffee orders in to-go cups. Disposable, reusable: doesn’t matter. Either way, they’ve got a goddamn lid on them.

So: you know what’s entirely superfluous?

Latte art.

Because you can’t fucking see latte art under a goddamn lid. Flat out idiocy. And hell, since they’re cogs in the capitalist monstrosity: it’s also inefficient, which is probably the greater sin.

Also, if they’re driving? Not contributing to a distraction which requires dismantling a hot beverage and operating a motor vehicle at the same time is a goddamn public service and Steve should honestly be commended, gold star, at least employee of the month for like three consecutive months on that account.

Definitely should not have almost been told to hang up his apron in the first week when he refused to learn how to make the foam just right, to dribble it onto the espresso in the shape of a wobbly looking leaf.

They’re desperate though, and short staffed with the start of a new semester at the university he and Robin are both slogging through grad programs at, so where Robs makes flawless hearts for all the pretty girls, Steve gets the stink eye from his manager for three whole weeks before it’s largely forgotten.

And honestly, that’s the only thing he sees anyone use the fucking skillset for. Showing off—with varied levels of success—in the interest of flirting.

Steve doesn’t need milk drawings to help him fucking flirt Jesus.

And he still does not need little lactose doodles on his side to let someone know he’s interested, thanks very much; he just…starts to consider the benefits of it, when the hot fucking mess of chains and ink with the wild curls and dimples starts showing up.

First, Steve thinks the guys might be the bane of his existence. He comes in every morning—mid-morning, doesn’t seem like a morning person and orders something different every day, and does it in the most annoying fucking way: a flat black with milk foam; a flat white with extra milk and ‘superfluous levels of foam on top, if you’d be so kind’; a latte, ‘please, but if the amounts of milk and foam and foam could be, like, measured totally equal that’d be swell’.

Steve’s tempted to fuck up his latest request on purpose—‘just a macchiato but can you add some chocolate, maybe, and like a little extra foam?’—when Robin elbows him in the ribs and almost makes him spill what was gonna be a plain fucking americano, not ‘hey, would it be possible to make an americano but like almost no extra water and whipped cream on top?’, no matter how big this douchecanoe stretches his eyes all wide and pleading and shit, but then Robin’s hissing at him:

‘He’s trying to flirt with your dumb ass, open your eyes to the doe ones staring at your every goddamn move!’

Steve stills. Chances a glance out the corner of his eye and: oh.

Oh, douchecanoe is staring. Like, staring staring.

And Steve…feels. A way. About it.

Because douchecanoe is…watching—staring—like he’s trying a little bit, but not too hard, to be surreptitious about the whole affair and it’s overcast, probably like mid-60s outside; no reason for the little flush under the fluorescents save for…what he’s not being particularly surreptitious about.

So Steve changes tactics.

Turns out the inventive ways of ordering that had been driving Steve nuts for weeks were attempts he was too oblivious to notice at creating extra moments for chit-chat. And now that Steve’s paying attention? When they’re slammed and the guy comes in, he orders like a normal person. Quick, painless, sits in the same corner by the window and scribbles for a couple hours.

Huh.

But when it’s dead in the store, the guy makes small talk, and Steve learns he’s in the band who plays Fridays at the bar Steve likes just off-campus, too far for most undergrads and enough of a vibe that Steve’s willing to branch out in his musical repertoire as a trade off—he wishes he’d been paying attention to the metal gig he and Robin always talked over to decompress their weeks, to see if the guitarist’s dimples were visible from the shitty little stage set up every week.

Steve’s definitely going to look this Friday. Start paying attention.

But by day, when he comes here to caffeinate, and before and after too, the guy’s doing his own grad work in composition—Steve sometimes forgets their school has a conservatory—but for all the guy looks a little too into wearing a lot of metal and black everything to fit the mold? He talks about mastering the ‘totality of his field so he can shatter the rules with both expertise and total glee’.

Steve grins and makes an intentional note of the actual name on the order: Eddie.

Eddie’s…endearing. Whip-smart, in weird little ways. Funny. Cute as fuck. More than cute, really. Kinda…like…

Okay, when he comes in early enough, which is rare but: when he comes in when the sun’s behind him? Guy goddamn glows.

Sue Steve for being kinda blindsided now that he’s paying fucking attention.

And also, screw Robin for choke-laughing at him when she catches him taking longer on all his orders the next morning, and comes over to investigate.

‘What are you trying to make?’ she points at the latte he’s trying to draw a little shape on top of.

‘Clouds,’ which isn’t what he was trying for but it’s the closest thing he can think of on the fly that looks like he didn’t fuck it up.

‘They’ll look like better clouds by accident, like, without you trying to help,’ Robin deadpans but doesn’t push; doesn’t have to. She see through the lie, just doesn’t know the specific truth.

Fucking…latte art.

But Steve…Steve likes Eddie. He really likes Eddie, from his smile to his snide humor to the way he talks about the real rock opera he’s writing, gonna send everywhere and anywhere when he’s got his degree in hand as clout, the concentration on his face when he bites his tongue and scribbles notes from his booth by the window.

But then, when he asks about Steve. How he slept, how he’s doing like he cares to hear the answer Steve gives because he always follows up. Compliments Steve’s shirt, or almost seems like he tries to make Steve laugh for how he lights up when he succeeds and…

‘You could just write your number on his cup,’ Robin points out, but Steve scoffs immediately.

‘That’s skeevy as shit.’

‘It absolutely is not.’

‘Trite. Unimaginative.’

‘Ah,’ Robin smirks, a little smug; ‘you really like him.’

Steve feels himself flush and glances at the door; too early for the root cause of her words actually having any effect.

Small mercies.

Because Steve’s…making progress.

But they still get hidden under the lids of the cups.

So what if he writes a little neater, with a little bit of flourish when he labels Eddie’s cup, in the meantime. So what.

Eddie’s the only person who even looks, like he’s enjoys seeing Steve’s handwriting just because, and if Steve’s just projecting on that point?

Fuck you.

It’s end of October, which means he’s only just shy of losing the shred of thematic excuse for the whole thing but honestly? It’s a paper thin excuse.

Much like ‘Oh shit, out of lids, just a second’ when he goes to cap Eddie’s order—when Steve specifically moved them an hour ago—so that the drink is left open-topped while he grabs the strategically-displaced stack of lids and when he returns he’s not sure Eddie will even have thought about looking at the—

‘Is this a bat?’

Eddie’s bent down level to the counter, head tipped and breath held, studying the…shit, probably a total mess of an attempt at a shape that was maybe a bat, probably more like a vaguely grinning fanged blob, definitely wanted to be a bat though, and Steve can feel his cheeks heating up before Eddie’s eyes flick away from the coffee cup for first time—

To lock onto Steve’s.

‘It tried to be,’ Steve sighs, accepting failure at both the art—which is neither all that important or at all surprising, he’s shit at art; it’s the failure at trying to, who knows, maybe woo, the pretty nerdy boy who makes his pulse tick up just walking through the door? That part’s the failure he’s gonna mourn.

‘But y’know. Like your,’ and Steve gestures at Eddie’s ink peeking from his shirt sleeves, because that was what initially sparked the idea, then he clocks his betrayer-mouth and tries to save the confession, knowing it’s useless: ‘and then it’s October so—‘ he starts to shrug, to hide his hands in his apron pocket and stare meaningfully at the tile floor, probably needs mopping, but then—

‘It’s amazing,’ Eddie says, a little breathless, and Steve looks up immediately to catch the awe in his tiny grin, the kind Steve’s never seen on him before, so soft it makes Steve’s pulse jump a little into the hug of his collar

‘I didn’t know you could do that. Have you been putting them under,’ Eddie’s face turns mildly horrified as he gestures to the cup, and the lid in Steve’s hand—which is honestly kinda adorable; ‘all this time and I missed it?’

‘God no,’ Steve snorts, reassures; ‘I actually almost lost my job because I thought it was dumb to put all the work in just to cover it up.’

And Eddie’s grin comes back, with an added bite of his top teeth against his bottom lip, and a length of his curls dragged to try—and fail—to hide it.

‘I’m really glad you didn’t lose your job,’ he says quietly, and Steve’s chest feels warmer than a fresh fucking shot of espresso.

Which reminds him:

‘It’s gonna get cold,’ Steve holds out the lid and nods at the slowly-melting bat-blob, and Eddie takes it but doesn’t put it on, still chewing at his bottom lip before he raises those big dark eyes Steve’s way again and confesses, sounding a little lost, maybe just shy of heartbroken:

‘I don’t wanna ruin it.’

And Steve’s heart doesn’t break for any of it; fucking swells and soars and hopes because this man is…he’s…

Steve grabs the lid back, lets his fingers brush with intent against Eddie’s and tells himself he knows he reads the almost inaudible—but only almost—gasp from Eddie at the contact right before he gets to work on the same drink with a normal, boring non-flourish on the top, though he does add the caramel sprinkles he knows Eddie likes even if they don’t match the standard recipe, before popping the lid on this cup and sliding it next to the now-unrecognizable bat.

‘On the house,’ Steve says softly, and he thinks it might be too much to wink but Eddie lights up like a Christmas tree and so he gives it a shot, and then Eddie’s just looks giddy as he tries to balance the two cups on his way to his normal seat.

Steve’s gonna fucking write his number on the cup tomorrow.

(In the end, though: he doesn’t get a chance.

He walks in, second shift, and he’s barely apron’d up before Robin, who opened hours ago, slides him a large to-go cup with a pointed ‘Might want to open the lid, it got too hot’ before slipping away.

And Steve’s not a moron, so he opens the lid.

It’s a pile of foam and maybe whipped cream with a cocoa-and-possibly-chocolate-sprinkle heart drawn on top, and Steve’s almost too charmed by it to notice what else is waiting under the lid.

But like, under the lid, in the tiniest possible letters:

‘I had to make a stencil out of a postcard to try and do this at home so I’m sorry if this is the actual worst. But I’d really like to take you out for something you don’t make for yourself all day. I have some ideas, but I’d meet you wherever. Text me, or even call—I swear I’d make a point to answer if it’s you.’

And the biggest thing written, and traced over to be BOLD, is a phone number.

But then, more teeny tiny words:

‘Also: please DO NOT drink this—I just wanted it to look decent, not taste good. Plus the main flavor profile might be sharpie by now, anyway.’

And Steve snorts to himself, sniffs the drink and oh, yeah. Yeah, that’s an aroma of permanent-marker, for sure.

‘Though the lid is clean, I didn’t reuse an old one,’ the note goes on: ‘though maybe, if you text (or call!), we’ll end the evening where swapping spit’s kind of the point ~’

There’s a little heart that barely fits but is as recognizable as the one on the undrinkable-drink and Steve barely feel Robin’s hand push his shoulder toward the back corner by the window where a certain curly-haired composer’s leg is bouncing fast enough to hear against the floor on approach, Reeboks squeaking against the tile; where a man’s sitting who Steve would really like to close the week out—or even the day, if he’s real lucky—as being able to just call ‘boyfriend’, instead of anything else.

✨🦇✨☕️✨

Originally from Twitter, where you can totally ask for a fic-me-up when you’re having A DAY, too;

Also on Ao3.

[taxi-cab-to-slowtown]

Core Disaster Week-- Day 4

Mission Report: May 24, 20XX

Timothy Jackson Drake-Wayne, Robin

Mission Completed: Meet the Batfamily

Summary: Yes, I’m writing a report for this, because you’re all fucking assholes and I hate your fucking guts. I hope that Dick turns into a vampire and murders you all like that weird dream I had. (Also, I would totally not be that easy to kill? Seriously? Just curb-stomp my head? Didn’t even ask if I wanted to join your vampire regime, but Jason, Jason got asked before you killed him? Seriously? Asshole). 

Notes: I promise you, I swear on the souls of all of those who have fallen on Gotham’s streets, I will have my revenge, and it will be sweet and swift, and you will all fear the name Timothy Drake-Wayne till the ends of time. You will wish the Dick turned into a vampire and killed or turned you all. (Seriously, it was a weird dream and I have no idea where it came from. No, Bart, it wasn’t the LSD, now be quiet). 

Notes For B: I apologise in advance for the fact that you will be short-staffed for the next couple weeks. I hope you understand though, the whole “I am Vengeance” and all that shit. 

Report: I had not actually told anyone in the family about my new relationship. It wasn’t secret per se, but I also didn’t want to have to deal with Dick’s insufferable attitude, or Wally giving me a shovel-talk about dating his first-cousin-once-removed, or Jason making fun of me for not realising that my two best friends were my soulmates. 

Thing was, I hadn’t told Bart or Kon this, so when we had a job helping out Dick’s team this morning and Dick and Wally started doing their obnoxious PDA thing, they decided it would be fun to get them back. Kon and Bart started laying it on thick, flirting with me instead of actually paying attention to the fight. This was annoying for two reasons. One– these two idiots were paying as much attention to my order as they were at one-upping my brother and his boyfriend– and two– my brother caught on pretty fast that we were soulmates after that. 

Naturally, Dick approached me after the fight for interrogation, right when I was yelling at my two idiot boyfriends for flirting instead of fighting. He overheard and quickly figured out what was going on. He pulled me into a tight hug from behind, lifting me off my feet and squealing about how “baby bird found his soulmates” over and over again while spilling around with me in his arms. I smacked him over the head a couple times with my bo staff but he didn’t seem to care. 

As soon as he put me down, he called Alfred and told Bart and Kon that they were coming to a family dinner that night. He didn’t even ask them if they knew my identity and I didn’t get a chance to explain that they only knew me as Tim Drake and therefore were not aware of anyone else in the family’s identity. 

They came, of course. Kon almost fainted from shock when he revealed that Bruce Wayne was Batman, and also my father. Really, they could have just looked me up, but they didn’t. 

Then, came the stuff you assholes all know about, because you created it! Wally managed to corner me and give me a long, long shovel talk while the rest of you “tested to see if they were good enough for me.” I don’t know what all you did to them, but I’ve never seen Bart look as terrified of anyone as he did of Dick when he sat down at the table, or Kon as scared as he was of Jason. 

You’re all assholes and you better tell me what you did to my soulmates, or else I’m going to kill you all!!!*

*no, no actual killing, B. I would never actually kill anyone.

[dumplingsjinson]

Okay so rant ahead because I'm lowkey annoyed and stressed lmao.

So basically, I booked a holiday with my family earlier last month to Hong Kong and Japan from December to January.

I told my manager about it today via messages, this morning at 10am.

At 9:40pm, I get a message from the head pharmacist in the work group chat we have, saying something along the lines of "We can't let people take leave before Christmas because we're short staffed."

And now I'm out here wondering if they were talking to each other about it (they are pretty close and have worked together for a long time), and instead of reaching out to ME PERSONALLY, they fucking shade me in the group chat. I could be overthinking and that might not be the case but it sure feels like it.

And now I'm also worried they will fire me! But I also doubt they will due to how short staffed they are, and it wouldn't only just fuck me over but it would fuck them over if they fire me now. Especially since they take a LONG TIME to hire new staff (bitches out here taking a month to hire ONE PERSON, no wonder you're short fucking staffed).

But still, I'm worried lmfao.

I've talked to my friends about it and they were like "Yeah, they probably won't fire you due to how short staffed they are, and they can't NOT let you go on the holiday you've already booked."

I messaged my manager (again) right away, as well as the head pharmacist about it PRIVATELY because that's the professional fucking way to do things, and told them I already had the holidays booked well in advance and that I can't cancel things due to their own tardiness in hiring people (obviously I didn't say the whole tardiness part), and am waiting for a response. It's night time, so I don't expect a response right away (though my manager could have definitely reached out to me WHEN I SENT THAT MESSAGE THIS FUCKING MORNING), but if they don't respond then I'm going to sort it out when I get back to work on Tuesday.

And also, I didn't tell them right away last month when I booked in the holidays because I was thinking "If I tell them next month (which is now), they'd still have TWO MONTHS to sort their shit out and hire more people." In hindsight, I probably should have told them the moment I booked the holidays so I guess it's partially my fault. BUT AGAIN, two months fucking notice should be more than enough and the fact that I'm even giving them this long should show them I'm at least somewhat considerate of their staffing issues in which they created themselves.

Also, I'm a casual!! So I don't need to be giving them this long of a fucking notice, to be goddamn honest with you.

But of course they decide to throw that shit in my face and get annoyed for their own inadequacy in hiring people within a short time frame.

AnyWAY, yeah. I'm saur annoyed at their inadequacy to reach out to me for clarification or whatever, but if they need proof that I booked this shit in earlier on, than I have the receipts.

And also, I told them during the interview that I might be going on this trip so!! BITCH. I TOLD YOU. Don't turn this around on me and make it look like I'm the bad guy!

[loreaday-fr]

ESSENTIAL LINKS

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Welcome to Lore-a-Day!

Loreaday-fr is intended to be a community lore-building project for players of Flight Rising! Each day a question will be posted intended to help you think about possible lore connections, offer ideas for dragons and characters, and engage the FR Tumblr Community in embracing their creativity and talking about their lore, as well as Serve as a Repository for Players interested in reading Clan Lore created by other members of the community!

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More may be added in the future, but for now, Welcome to the Songbird Repository- We look forward to your participation... And we're going to need more parchment...

[187days]

Day One Hundred Five

Okay, well, I wrote on Friday that a teacher had resigned, and now I know why. I'm probably not supposed to know, but it's hardly the first time that's happened. Obviously, I'm not going to write all about it here, but it's bad. It'd be less bad if we could find a replacement quickly, but, of course, there's a nationwide teacher shortage, so that's unlikely. Rescheduling students is a nightmare that makes me very thankful I'm not a school counselor right how.

I also wrote a politely annoyed email to The Principal about something totally unrelated, but he probably won't have time to address it for a bit, which is... also annoying? There's nothing for it, though. Again, it's the joys of being short-staffed.

I sometimes wonder if it's clear to people in my life (or readers here) how hard it actually is. I mean, I don't want to dwell on it all the time in conversations I have in real life or in these blog entries because that's just depressing and unproductive, and my day to day teaching life is pretty good, for the most part.

Like, today was totally fine. I mean, it was a little bit rocky in APGOV because half my students were absent due to Covid, sports, or something else. But I still did test review as planned: the students who were there could ask me anything they wanted to. Once they had no more questions, I let them study on their own, or do whatever else they felt like doing (a couple girls started planning a "Galentines" party since their boyfriends won't be out of Covid quarantine in time for Valentine's Day). In Global Studies, my ninth graders shared what they'd learned about child soldiers from the research they'd done on Friday, and then we discussed the DDR process and how it works (because I want them to understand major world issues, but also the efforts to solve them). That discussion was particularly deep in the two afternoon sections; they really got into the level of global commitment it takes to make a difference.

So yeah, good stuff happened in my classroom today. It's the stuff that happens outside of it that is tough to deal with sometimes.

[moomoomooing]

spiraling down into your arms

a/n: i read a jeonghan/mingyu/wonwoo time loop fic and it put me into a mood okay. i also missed how nice it felt to write smth comforting for leona and kyuu. also i didnt edit or proof read any of this so sorry in advance

He was spiraling again, he knew that. He knew it was bad, he knew that he should probably find a way to snap himself out of it, he knows, painfully so, that he’s not okay. That doesn’t stop his thoughts though.

He walked himself through another day. Repeating the same false smiles, the kind that never quite reach the eyes, but just enough to assure someone you are fine (and they believe you). He tells the same lies over and over again, the “I’m fine’s,” the “It’s okay’s.” and the ever so agonizing “Are you ok?” Because he desperately wants someone to see through his facade, to ask that question in return again, and pick up on how his smile can never reach his eyes, and how his eye bags are showing through his concealer. But no one does, so at some point he stops saying “I’m fine,” and instead gives them a weak smile and asks back, “Why wouldn’t I be?”

He came out top of his class again, but he can’t tell if it was a mistake or not. He thinks that it’s best to pretend that he deserves it though, lest someone catches onto his pathetic attempts of pretending. He can’t even process Professor Trein’s praise, it only adds to the churning guilt in his gut. But he smiles, like always, and keeps whatever scraps of composure he had left.

He was avoiding Leona again, he knew how annoyed the lion would be, but he could barely convince himself to get out of bed again. Cater had only given confused looks at first, but now the same sad smile that Kyuu could only offer and return every few days. 

Maybe, he thinks, I’ve gotten too good at acting.

By the two-week mark, Ruggie’s been trying to catch him alone, to probably drag him off to confront the ever growing rift between his boyfriend and him, but he can only give weak excuses and murmur something about Rook or Floyd to get Ruggie to awkwardly shuffle away. The next time he tried that, Rook really was around, and he offered to talk. Kyuu tried to find the hidden mockery, the thinly veiled distaste, in his voice, but he was a little too good at acting as well. Kyuu only shrugged him off, saying he had extra paperwork from the Equestrian club he needed to finish. Just because he thought he wasn’t nearly competent enough to help run a club didn’t mean he didn’t still have those responsibilities. Seven’s be damned if he let himself fail something else, he didn’t think he could take another look of sheer disappointment.

He had work today, he had put in a notice that he would need to take a break to accommodate the new workload from the last few weeks, competitions, meets, school events; he didn’t even know why he was being asked to do so much. Surely there were better people right? Determined to not be late, he briskly walked down to the Great Hall and through the Octavinelle mirror, ignoring the ugly churn of bile in his stomach.

He passed someone in the hallways, but he kept his head down. A gruff voice called out, “Oi.” He knew exactly who it was and only uttered a pathetic, “I’m sorry,” barely loud enough to be heard before he scurried down the rest of the hall.

Azul only gave him concerned looks, was he doing worse at his job? He hoped he wouldn’t be fired in favor of someone better, Kyuu thinks he’s been too cold looking at customers recently. There would definitely be better waiters than him. The tweels left him alone for the most part too, he didn’t know if he appreciated the space or loathed it. Time to think and gather himself, time to lose himself to the onslaught of anxiety and fear. 

Untill Jade tapped his shoulder. “We seem to be short staffed in the back. I would appreciate someone skilled to aid me with orders.” Not knowing what else to do, he nodded and followed the eel into the back, only dimly aware of the other twin taking his place. The rest of his shift was nice, listening to Jade fill the numbing void his mind imposed on him was nice. He thinks that going back to work was good.

Closing the Lounge and leaving through the doors, strong hands grasp his arm and yanks him toward the mirror. Kyuu can’t even resist, he was tired, and he knew this would have to happen eventually. Maybe he had finally done it, chased the person that made his chest feel warm away again. He was on the verge of tears when they finally made it to Leona’s door.

Before it was pushed open, Ruggie pulled him into a hug, tighter than his usual ones. Kyuu was thankful he stayed silent though, any words might have broken him before he could even face the lion waiting on him. With a final, albeit hesitant, pat, the hyena pushed the door open and Kyuu stepped through to face what he felt was the end of the world.

Instead, he let out a soft “oomph” as his face hit a solid chest. Next, warm arms circled around him and hefted him up. He didn’t even know he was cold. He was brought to the lions luxuriously large bed, being uncharacteristically set down gently instead of the usually playful toss.

“I would’ve helped, you know,” Leona finally says. His voice is quiet, an attempt to not sound like he’s demanding anything. This has happened before, and it clenches his heart painfully to see Kyuu in such an unresponsive state. “...A lot of people would’ve helped.”

He knew he wouldn’t get a response though, and only clung on tighter. Bringing his hand to cup the back of Kyuu’s head, waiting until he heard choked sobs wreck Kyuu’s chest. Strangled “I know’s,” and muffled apologies leave his mouth as he buries his face even deeper into the crook of Leona’s neck. Kyuu forgot how much he missed this, his self-imposed isolation convinced himself he never needed it in the first place. Soft kisses on the top of Kyuu’s head ground him, the gentle circles Leona’s thumbs rubbed into his back and head. Soft assurances left Leona’s mouth, and for the first time in three weeks, Kyuu felt just a little bit better.

The next day he felt only barely more energized, but it was something. There had been a silent agreement to skip classes today, a decision Leona made with minimal protest from Kyuu. A long stretch of his arms made him aware of the tension and soreness he had been ignoring from hours of hunching over work. He thinks a break would be nice. Right now, he didn’t want to look at his phone, but maybe later today, when Leona wakes up.

  Maybe, he thinks, I’m not as good at acting as I thought. And he smiled.

[frengerino]

work-related rant under the cut enter at your own risk

After I graduated last month my stress was eased so much that I started my period again. I feel physically healthier than I have in years. Mentally too. But no one else seems to be seeing that.

At work I'm constantly asked if I'm ok, if I'm stressed, I feel like people are walking on eggshells around me, why is my serenity not shining through? Do they see something I don't? Am I overcompensating like I always do, and this is all going to manifest in a physical health crash again? Am I the freak who swears they're SOOO MENTALLY NORMAL but you can tell they're falling apart?

I just want everyone in my daily life at work to understand that I'm not stressed or worried or upset. Never in any meaningful way. It's so frustrating to be perceived as someone who's about to snap when I'm actually completely fine, that I'm afraid I'm actually GOING to snap because I'm so fucking annoyed.

[coworker] says nothing I do goes unnoticed but I don't even notice what I'm doing anymore. I'm not a very good team lead and I never really was. I feel like I'm not really cut out for my own job, and now we're so short staffed that I have even more jobs. I wish I could just be a surgery tech like the ones I met in Nashville, just same thing day in day out, barely talking to clients, never really seeing the floor. That clinic felt chaotic but it was so easy to just work without being responsible for everyone.

I guess I have to reach out to the people who keep asking me if I'm okay and ask them what they're seeing. Or are they just predicting my reactions based on how I've been in the past? Why are other people allowed to be shitty and have bad moods and I'm not? Why are other people allowed to say things that don't conform to the culture and I'm not? Am I imposing rules on myself or is it true that I'm held to a different standard?

I should probably back up and think about all the things I do right and that I do well. Like, I obviously don't actually suck at my job. I have things I need to work on but who doesn't. We have a new hire starting next week and I really like her and I don't want her to see me as some terrible reactive person because APPARENTLY that's what other people are seeing??? Or am I misunderstanding everything and they're asking because they care, not because they're afraid of me?

[imtherain]

The only times I've been aware of shoplifting that I can recall both happened when I was working 32 hrs a week at a grocery store.

One was a mother feeding her tiny child grapes (yeah officially that's shoplifting cuz they're sold by the pound) and when she kinda went "oh, sorry," I actually just shrugged and said "I didn't see anything" and then I miss weighed all her produce in her favor anyway (which I did to most people, bare minimum I used the heaviest tare weight on everything no matter how it was packaged)

The other one, which to this day still flabbergasts me at the audacity.

Picture a 12 lane grocery store. Lanes 1-5ish are the ones used every day. The other lanes open occasionally and lanes 9-12 are basically storage except for Big Days when there are sales or holidays that drew a ton of people. I was working lane 10 and I hadn't been able to do anything but scan and bag groceries for probably 4 hours straight. Every single lane had 3 or 4 customers in it and we were fully staffed, so everyone had a bagger even (the store was one where we bagged everything for you but the cashier did it when there weren't any baggers available). Most customers were hitting the sales and had full carts and everything blurs together as you scan and punch in numbers as fast as humanly possiblity in the hopes that if you get through enough people you'll finally get a long enough lull that you can go to the bathroom finally. When all of a sudden between all these fully loaded carts and crabby grandmas complaining about prices, a man and his girlfriend (I assumed anyway based on their behavior) come through. They each have a single 20oz soda and like one of the cheapest deli sandwiches. Cool they stopped for lunch, happens a lot cuz food stamps don't buy hot deli food but they do buy sandwiches (we had a ton of college kids that did stuff like that so we recognized the trend).

The woman goes first, pays in cash, but it's clear the wad of singles and handful of change is all she has. She gets maybe a nickle back in change but hey she had lunch.

It's the guys turn next and he has a similar order , sandwich and a soda. He pulls out his money and finds he's short, he's digging around in his pockets and acting like if he looks hard enough he'll find the money he's short. Normally I'd be annoyed but this is the closest to a break I've had all day and I was making like 8 bucks an hour. Happy hunting sir.

He comes up empty so he decides to take the soda off the bill and just get the sandwich. I take the soda and set it in my "to return" section even tho it's cold and technically should have gone back in a cooler. But whatever. I'm two customers down the line and I hear someone behind me going "ma'am! Ma'am!" And I'm not used to being called ma'am but my bagger points out it's me he wants and I turn and it's the guy, looking happy. He says something like "can I still get that soda?" And I'm thinking cool, dude found some more change. He motions to the self checkout area which will indeed be less of a wait than getting back in line, so I grab the soda and hand it to him.

This guy takes it from me, says thank you ma'am, and then walks straight out the front doors.

My manager was the one bagging for me at that point and honestly I don't think either of us believed what we just saw. I asked her later if I'd get in trouble for that since I handed him the soda he stole and she basic said "nah, not worth the paperwork and it wasn't your fault"

I still think about him and wonder what it's like to have that much audacity

"if you see someone shoplifting, no you didn't" no but like. i really didn't. i have never in my life seen someone shoplifting because i'm not watching anyone else in the grocery store..? how are y'all noticing things like that. my only goals are enter the store, survive, exit the store

[mrbohemian-malek]

Watching this really got to me especially as a Mexican and as a daughter of an immigrant. I remember my dad telling me just two years ago, it was my birthday and we went to dinner and he told a story of how after he moved to America and to the state we still (sadly live in) he was at his job he was a fish washer at a restaurant. Well one day they were short staffed and his boss wanted him to go over to take a customers order and with their being a language barrier my dad had a hard time and the customer told him that he needed to speak and learn English in an angry and annoyed tone. And I remember it was also that same job that someone called him a racial slur. I will never understand and I will never understand the hate in peoples hearts.

[kh3finalmix]

man ill be honest i dont even know what to do anymore this week has been so shitty and work has sucked even more than usual because my managers suck and the only reason i go to work is because we're short staffed this week and anyway i need to afford bills and stuff, despite how busy we've been it's looking like we won't be getting the 6 month bonuses. my roommate who i thought we were close with is pretty much just ignoring us and it fucking hurts to know that im not even on the list of people who get updates about her life anymore, i feel like ive tried so hard especially with what she said she was annoyed with before but now its like ??? we don't fucking matter to her anymore. ive also been thinking about how all my parents fucking suck and i feel like i can't rely on any of them for anything because i just do chores when im at my mom's and im not part of my dad's family unit anymore. idk i just wonder how i have 4 parents and literally none of them seem to like each other or be a decent example of a functional couple. everything's fucked. and i don't see my therapist until the 16th. lol