#laura creamer

[frogshunnedshadows]

Holy shit, fellow oldtaku, I just stumbled across this and I had no idea it existed – 1986 behind the scenes video & photos from the vocal recording sessions for Project A-ko!

[icarusredwings]

What things smell like according to Logan Howlett/ The Wolverine. A series of smell based headcanons. Do with these whatever you want :)

People:

Ororo: burnt marshmellows, rain, chunky chocolate chip cookies, protien shakes, spansih rice, chillies, and cocoa butter. She always smells great.

Scott: cucumber shampoo, the remaints of a bonfire the next day, fresh dry cleaning, axe shower gel, lavender sheets

Jean: caramel latte, lavender sheets, vanilla spiced chai, books, mint ice cream, fruit smoothies, stinky hair product, lemon poppy seed muffins, sassafras

Hank: Books, sanatizer, various chemicals, a very specifc fur dander, kinda musky but in a 'im covered in fur and sweaty' kind of way.

Rouge: "Dolly Parton", brick and concrete dust, cherry blossoms body spray, freshly engraved wood, strawberries and milk conditioner, spicy gaucamole and freshly sizzled sausages.

Gambit: tv static, a fresh deck of cards at the casino, spicy jumbo, gin, lime jello, hair gel, "suprisingly good actually"

Kurt: brimstone, smoke from franckinsense, myrrh, a less smelling dander then hank, Holy chrism oil (olive oil and Balsam made by catholic priests), metal, and blue raspberry. Fur/ beard pomade sometimes for special ocassions.

Morph: even when changed he can smell is sandlewood shampoo, he smells like how "Jack Outta smell", latex, pine and cedar, clear nail polish, "that ugly quilt that your grandma kept on the back of her couch that was the warmest, softest thing you've ever slept with."

Charles: Old man fart, metal, chalk, shoe polish, nutmeg, wool, "a trusting hug", books, mahogany, expensive champagne.

Laura: "teen spirit", a shitty cheap "girl power" deodorant that doesn't do well hiding the sweat, apples and peaches, kinda woodsy.

Wade: Cancer, gun smoke, citrus dish soap, blood, oranges, taco sauce, infected skin once in awhile, red dye 40, slight over cooked and crispy apple pie, sugary cereal

Puppins: wet dog, dog dander, oatmeal senstive skin puppy shampoo, chicken, "the dirtest trash she can find to roll in on her walk"

Althea: Old lady, way too strong perfumes, butter biscuits, tea, peppermint candies, more cocaine, "baby powder", lanvender linens, cotton and daisy's Landry detergent.

Feelings/emotions:

Big/serious lies: smell like Gasoline and salty sand near the sea.

Small fibs/playful/ teasing lies: smell like Anise

Lies with decent intentions/are bent truths: smell like honey

Those two are easily mixed up.

Innocent (the person truly believes it. Ex. A child saying dinos are real) truth: smells like thick vanilla creamer.

Filling, whole truths (the person knows for a fact its a truth) smells: like fresh baked rolls/buns

Cancer smells vary like: urine, nail polish remover, some people have a pungent semi sweet smell like rotting fruit, and tar is another smell, depending on which part of the body. If already in late stages, one can smell like cadavers. Even spicy almost.

Pregnant people vary in scent but he can smell the rise of different hormones: Some hormones sweeter then other. If you asked him he would say cinnamon or dying roses. If you're later in your term the scents are more soft like lotion or custard. Lemon ussually.

Serotonin; cheese, lemon cakes, fruity, a bit light, and flakey like a pastry. Marshmellow fluff.

Dopamine; sweet fresh coffee, doritos(?), cocaine. Don't ask why he knows what cocaine smells like. He was alive during coke cocaine.

Endorphins; Sweaty Sex, mint, dark chocolate, violets, chemicals, varies by persons pheromones

Oxytocin; "playful cherries", freshly washed cotton pillows, the warmth of a bath, skin on skin hugs, strawberries

Joy/relaxation/relief: Jasmine, vanilla sugar cookies, fresh soup.

Anger/disapproval/hurt: smoke, the back end of a cigarette, spicy curry, iron, blood, "spoiled raw chicken left out too long"

Fear/excitment/anxiousness: Adrenaline smells like oil, paint, salty pretzels almost.

Tears: Oceans, lillies, fresh water lakes

[jay-arts-t]

October slide is up on us chronically ill individuals so here are some Logan, Laura and Wade headcanons.

I'd like to think Logan experiences pretty similar symptoms to EDS (So more like HSD since they may not experience all related symptoms) since his joints have to hold together adamantium bones. He gets that deep aching twang in his knees, his back hurts more no matter what position he sleeps in.

Wade jokes that he's going into hibernation because Logan starts to struggle with getting up in the morning - not because he's a lazy lump, he just can't bring himself to get out of the warm little pile they've got going on. But once Wade realizes it's because Logan gets chronic pain as well he's investing in an electric blanket to keep them all warm. Logan lives in that blanket now. Their electric bill is through the roof.

I imagine whenever something dislocates or drifts he just casually shoves it back in place as best he can, unless it's his ribs. There isn't much he can do about it. The first time he mentioned that his ribs drift Wade went, "I'm sorry your WHAT?? Put them back???" while Laura just nodded in understanding

Laura experiences pretty similarly to Logan since they have the same conditions. Well, at least in the movie franchise they both have fully adamantium skeletons. I think in the comics they surgically removed her claws, coated them in adamantium and re-implanted them. Pretty sure they did the same thing with Daken with the muramasa blade- but that's a whole can of worms for another time.

I think Laura gets a lot more of the internal issues rather than a lot of joint pain. Yes it's still there, but she has a harder time with stomach pain, her periods are more painful because even internal tissue is affected by EDS. So essentially if she's having a Not Fun Time™ she's crawling over to Logan and using him as a heating pad. Which Logan doesn't mind because 1 Yippie Daughter Time, 2 Yippie Affection, and 3 the pressure feels good on his joints and they both end up falling asleep for the lovable 3pm 6-hour nap.

Laura 🤝 Wade - silly patterned compression socks. You will never see that woman not wearing them. She gets Logan Garfield ones and he wears holes into them.

Once the first leaf falls from the trees Wade is BUNDLED. Warm hat? Check. 3 shirts, 2 hoodies, 2 pants plus compression leggings, 3 socks, and a big ol' winter coat. Logan calls him ridiculous and reminds him that winter and autumn aren't as consistent as they used to be, and they'll probably be back in the 80s the next day. But Wade isn't hearing any of it. He's staying vigilant. He knows his body. It doesn't matter if it's hot or cold, as soon as fall hits his body is like, "hey you know that healing factor you have? Damn where'd it go???"

Laura gets him a portable heating pad.

Vanessa helps Logan learn about what foods are easy on Wade's stomach and which ones to avoid making so he's not in more pain than he already is.

Once winter hits Logan is happy because he's lone wolf cringe and likes the silence and solidarity of winter. Baby you're not getting that in the inner city parts of New York. You're getting slush in the sidewalks and the distinct smell of artificial salt and probably most definitely sewage.

On the other hand, Laura and Wade are miserable. They miss summer. Everything was better when it was hot. Their only reprieve is that it's soup season and also hot beverages are more available (besides coffee, though Laura is a big coffee person. Logan hates it, she calls him a pussy. Wade also hates it unless it's iced with 800 pumps of vanilla and caramel and creamer (real)). I think Wade would be a big eggnog lover but it destroys his stomach. Logan has caught him chugging the carton in the middle of the night. It was disgusting. Logan does the same thing with apple cider.

That's all I got for now

[hoffstrap-yuri]

A Small Observation

ao3 // masterlist

*Summary: A warm cup of coffee, a quiet rain, a person's life in her hands. Amanda was John's apprentice after all.

*Rating: E for Everyone

*Content/Tags: Gasshipping (Laura Hunter/Amanda Young), Pre Saw II, WLW Amanda Young, WLW Laura Hunter, Lesbian Amanda Young, Jigsaw Apprentice Amanda Young, Character Study

*Status: Drabble/Complete

Author's Note: A small request for an anon on tumblr looking for sapphic content. While there's not much there, I wanted something that hinted at Amanda pulling the strings earlier on in the game than the movie suggests so here we are! Also I liked finding out that Laura's actress was involved in making her more nuanced behind the scenes. So yeah, enjoy!

“And I will always love you.” The jukebox in the corner of the restaurant croaked out. There was a couple at a booth, and a few people sprawled across the counter seats. The song transitioned to something different and a bit more upbeat when the blonde approached the woman who was sitting alone.

“Anything I can get for you?” She asked with a smile. She flipped to the next page of tabs in her pocket book. The woman hardly looked up from the menu before replying,

“Just a black coffee.”

“I’ll be right back, just let me know if you want anything else.” She hooked the papers back into her apron and walked over to the coffee machine. The brown haired woman at the booth’s eyes shifted focus between the waitress and the raindrops that slid down the glass outside of the restaurant as she waited for her drink. Her head bobbed to the side as she saw a coworker of her waitress place his hand on the small of her back, only to have her squirm away from his touch. She didn’t really listen to what they were talking about, but he walked back to the kitchen soon after that. She came back, carrying a bowl over with creamer in it and dropped the cup off in front of the woman, “I know you said black, but just in case you changed your mind.”

“Thank you.” Her lip curled up at one end and brought the cup up to her face. The waitress turned back around, walking over to the other side of the counter to take another customer’s order. She shook her hand off from the heat under the table and looked at the cup for a second. It gave her mind something to focus on that wasn’t another game to set up, a trap to fix after Mark manhandled it… And her thoughts were drifting again. She took a deep breath and brought the cup back up to her lips when she knew the coffee would still be warm but not scalding. Nothing to write home about, standard restaurant coffee, but it was what she needed. She put one foot on the leather seat and rested against it before flipping through the laminated pieces of the menu for something. She raised a hand in an attempt to garner the blonde’s attention and the waitress walked back over to her.

“Changed your mind?” She smiled at Amanda

“Yeah, I’ll just take a plate of fries. And can I get a new ketchup bottle?”

“Sure, I’ll be back.”

“Thanks…” Amanda’s words trailed off as she realized it didn’t really matter what she said, the other woman was halfway to the expo window. She gazed as the girl talked up another co-worker of hers while waiting for Amanda’s food. Amanda absentmindedly bit her lip as she cocked her head to the side looking over her as she reached up and over the counter. A petite thing like her didn’t belong here. Neither did she deserve the ire of the Jigsaw Killer, watching over her like the grim reaper. Amanda whispered to herself, “Maybe… John was wr…” She couldn’t bare to finish the thought. It would destroy her. He couldn’t be wrong. Jigsaw doesn’t make mistakes. Amanda doesn’t make mistakes. No, underneath that bubbly exterior and smiles there must be something there that John knew she had done to deserve the test to come. He wouldn’t put an innocent into a game. Xavier was a drug dealer, Addison was a prostitute… surely she must have done something. The woman waved a hand at her co-worker and turned around to face the dining area. Amanda’s head moved slowly to face towards the entrance so as to not make it obvious she was surveying. When she thought no one’s eyes were on her, the blonde reached into the tip jar at the counter and plucked a twenty a customer had thrown in there about an hour earlier. Not daring to get greedy, she tucked it in her back pocket before turning to face the kitchen once more as the cook announced that the fries were up. She brought the plate over to Amanda with a smile, tucking her hair behind her ear after placing the food in front of her customer.

“Anything else for you right away?”

“Just some more coffee.” Amanda slid the cup towards her and with a nod she ran back to the machine. Amanda started to pick at the fries so as to give the illusion of eating. Another pass was made at the tip jar, this time pulling a five from the mix before finding its way back onto her person. In another life Amanda could have used someone as skilled in slight of hand as her. Someone that could’ve walked into Homeward Bound without so much as a trace and gotten the methadone for her. Just someone that cared about her and didn't see her as an item like Cecil had… but it was pointless for Amanda to think about now. She knew in her heart that John was right. That she belonged in the next game. She dropped the coffee off and asked about the fries,

“Everything okay?” Amanda nodded before replying,

“Yes.”

“Awesome, just let me know if there’s anything else I can get you” and she left like that. Amanda finished her things and went to the register to pay for her food. The blonde punched a couple buttons on the antiquated register before giving her a total. Amanda pulls out a couple bucks and a few coins before telling her to keep anything extra. “Have a good night!” Her hand brushed along Amanda’s for the briefest of moments as Amanda’s hand slid back into her coat pocket and Amanda’s face turned a soft red, turning away from the other woman. She walked around the block and hopped into her car before driving back to the warehouse. The flood lights were still on, John must be there. She walked in and stood before the man and told him,

“She needs to be tested.”

[youngerdrgrey]

all the pieces aren't even in the box // the morning show, bradley/laura, chapter two

about: Bradley and Laura's last few months in Montana and how the world reacts along the way (and maybe how they find their way back to each other) ~ read chapter one chapter two summary: in mid-July 2020, the gulf between Bradley and Laura widens as Sandy's funeral approaches. Laura's well-meaning ideas could change their relationship forever.

notes: my friends have requested/actively campaigned that this is not solely a break-up story. (they're anti-break up in general. we'll see, but either way, there will be joy as well.) it's not long after chapter one. Here's Bradley Jackson to kick us off before Laura takes the reins again. (read chapter one on AO3)

mid J U L Y (2020)

Somehow Sandy Jackson’s funeral becomes the hottest ticket in West Virginia.

It’s not like Bradley can go either way, but suddenly everybody she’s ever known wants to go and pay their respects. And fucking Hal — bless him — he’s never made an e-vite in his life. Bradley’s the one who types up the information and sends him the template. All he has to do is input the emails and paste it on Facebook.

But when Hal finally fucking posts it, he’s taken out the note about masks and social distancing. Bradley calls him up immediately, but he screens her call. Of course she leaves a voicemail.

“Hal! Don’t make me call you again. I haven’t asked for much, but you’d think since our mom died of fucking Covid that you would keep the mask mandate at her funeral. Or do you wanna die too?”

Bradley winces as soon as the words leave her mouth.

It’s just the kind of shit her mom used to say. She can’t fucking put that on Hal. She doesn’t think he’s suicidal. He’s just…. He doesn’t use his head right. He doesn’t want to be uncomfortable because once he gets uncomfortable, he starts thinking about what makes him actually comfortable, and he’s not supposed to be doing any of that anymore. He’s managed to stay sober since Mom died. She can’t fucking push him to the edge now.

So she hits the button to re-record and snaps, “Don’t screen my calls. Call me back. I don’t want Mom’s funeral to be a superspreader. Just put the masks as optional if you have to.”

She hangs up so that version of the voicemail will go through. Huffs as her phone buzzes with another dozen RSVPs. Fucking Harvard boy Alan from South East News Network clicked maybe. He’d never even met her mom.

Who would’ve thought when you cussed out those coal protestors that you’d end up anchoring at UBA? Let me know if you’re coming back for the funeral. We should get coffee.

How in the fuck did he even see this?

.

.

Bradley spends the rest of the day on a warpath. She stomps ahead of Laura on their afternoon walk. She turns on a movie even though she knows Laura would rather watch another episode of SVU. She even finishes the coffee creamer and puts it back in the fridge instead of chucking it into the trash.

It’s not like it matters. She’s the one who has to take it out anyway. She’s the only one who ever leaves the house for real. She can go to the grocery store, but she can’t go say goodbye to the woman who raised her. She can talk to the whole country every morning, but talking to the rest of her family? Giving some emotional eulogy about who they lost, or why they have to fucking wear masks even though some random coworker on Facebook who hasn’t washed his hands in three years claims to be an expert on disease.

At least Laura takes it in stride. She pulls up a separate blanket for herself on the couch without comment. She pours her wine a little heavier and gives Bradley a wide berth for their unintended movie night. She’s more patient than Bradley deserves. More patient than Bradley would be in reverse. 

Bradley would’ve started emptying other things just to make the point of how fucking frustrating it is to have empty containers in the fridge. But Bradley’s a mess, and Laura is not. Laura has an entire ranch with horse stables and an in-home studio. A bookcase in her sitting room with her Emmy awards and her Pulitzer. A real life with real people who come over when she’s lonely and play charades in her backyard.

What does Bradley have? What has she ever had in this shitty world she’s trapped in?

Hal finally calls Bradley back an hour into the movie. Bradley waves Laura off before Laura even reaches for the remote.

“You can keep watching,” Bradley says as she gets up off the couch. 

She heads out the french doors to the backyard. Figures that way if she starts yelling at her brother Laura won’t freak out too much. Bradley’s gotta stop bringing chaos into Laura’s house. Wasn’t that what Laura said back in Nevada? No chaos. That’s why she cut off Alex. That and the outing, but it’s not like Bradley can out Laura a third time.

Hal launches into a speech the moment Bradley answers. He says, “I’ll have a box of masks there, but if I put that in the invite, that’s it. All they’ll talk about is masks and how vaccines won’t work once they’re ready. It’s a funeral, Bradley, not one of your debates.”

Bradley bites on her tongue so hard it stings. It’s not a debate either way, Hal. It’s basic science. 

She grinds out, “Fine. But where’s the Zoom link?”

“Come on, Brad.”

Her eyes flash. “Don’t ‘come on.’ There has to be a Zoom, or I won’t see it at all.”

“That’s not fair. I’m the one setting all this up.”

“And I’m the one paying for it! I’ve been making all the calls—“

“And I’m just the screw up who puts the tables out, huh?”

It’s a trap, but Bradley’s not letting it go. “You said it not me.”

“Yeah, I said it. You can make all the calls you want from your little girlfriend’s cabin, but I’m the one actually sitting in this shit.” Hal’s voice shakes. Like roof tiles in a thunderstorm. Garage doors on the way down. “You want to deal with all the fucking food in the deep freezer? All these shitty ass casseroles? You know the fridge couldn’t even close the other day? We should’ve had a death as kids. That would’ve filled it up.”

“Don’t say that.”

He’s not listening. He sounds manic. Not at full tilt, but ramping up. “Everybody’s got something to say. They miss her. They loved her. They’re full of shit. You know how many people called when she had Covid? Guess. Guess how many, Brad.”

Saddest fucking guessing game of her life. 

“I don’t know, four.” That’s Roberta from the church, Mary Anne from their old park, and Lewis from the senior center. He was sweet on their mom last Bradley heard. Better to her than their no good father ever could’ve been. Mom’s words.

“One. You.”

A chill rolls down her spine. Only one.

She averts her eyes out to Laura’s yard. Technically she’d been looking out that way before, but she wasn’t looking at first. It was just something to glare towards since she couldn’t glare at Hal. 

But there’s a squirrel picking at the open table fire pit. There’s probably some marshmallow if it digs deep enough. Laura dropped half of hers the other night. The s’mores were meant to be a pick-me-up for Bradley. They hadn’t been able to do them when Emma and Sam were over. Sandy’s death put a damper on their gay double date.

Sandy Jackson, for all her faults, didn’t deserve to die alone. A whole life, and the only people who checked on her were the kids who had to. Hal couldn’t avoid it. He lived there. And Bradley….

Maybe Hal was wrong. Maybe he missed the calls or the texts.

Bradley asks, “You sure? Nobody from the church?”

Hal sniffles. “Not until after she died. Then it was flowers by the screen door. Casseroles and all them knocking whenever they saw Ma’s car in the driveway. I put it in the garage. Turned off the lights so they’d leave me alone.”

Bradley’s heart aches. He used to do that as a boy. Sit in the dark during fights and try to see how quiet he could be. Like he could make himself small enough to just disappear. He should’ve grown out of that by now. He shouldn’t still be so damn afraid of being alive.

“What about Sheryl?” That’s Hal’s girlfriend. “Why don’t you go to her place? Hide out over there.”

“Like you and Laura?” Hal huffs. “I’m fine here.”

“You’re not fine. You’re —“

“I’m fine. Sitting in the dark’s a lot better than getting high. You want something to fix? Help me keep Dad from showing up.”

Bradley freezes. She hasn’t heard from their dad since she started on TMS. He’d called her out of the blue, and she’d told him never to talk to her again. Was he still talking to Hal? She can’t stop that. She can’t let him back into her life.

She must take too long to say something because Hal huffs a second time.

He says, “Didn’t think so. Forget it. You want a Zoom, then send a link. I don’t have the fancy one. Mine’ll cut off after an hour.”

“Alright.” Her voice sounds too soft. Quiet. Weak. She repeats herself with force behind it. “Alright, I’ll send you a link. Add it into the invite. Tell everybody they can log in if they don’t want to go in person.”

She knows as she says it that he won’t do that. He’ll add the link, but he won’t make the suggestion. He wants all those people there. He wants the strangers and the church fellowship and the fans who only go to see if Bradley will show up. He wants a village. And she can’t give him that.

“I gotta go, Brad.”

“Yeah, me too. Laura’s… watching a movie.” Bradley can’t remember which one now. “Call me if something else comes up.”

“Yeah, sure.” He hesitates, but he clicks off without saying that he loves her. 

“Love you too,” she says to nobody.

.

.

Laura isn’t watching the movie when Bradley walks back in. It’s paused on nearly the same screen Bradley left it on. An immature part of Laura had wanted to change the channel while Bradley was gone. They were meant to watch SVU tonight. Bradley knew that, but the blonde’s been lashing out in little ways.

She lets the trash overflow before taking it out. She makes her own coffee while Laura’s in the shower and stews in the studio until show time. She stops calling Laura babe.

But Bradley is allowed to be upset that her mom died. Bradley gets to react to that. Would Laura like if the reaction didn’t feel targeted at her? Of course. That does not change the fact that this is how Bradley needs to grieve. Laura can give her that. Until after the funeral at least.

So Laura finishes her first glass of wine and pours a second. Picks up the book on attachment styles that she’s only partially reading out of passive aggression. And she waits for her girlfriend to come back. And if it feels like she’s still waiting, even as Bradley returns and settles back onto the couch beside her, well, that’s between Laura and her next therapy appointment.

“How’s Hal?” Laura asks. 

Bradley circles her jaw, but she doesn’t make a sound. Not the worst call then. “He invited half of West Virginia to Mom’s funeral. Everybody will be there.” Except her. “Except me.”

Laura closes her book to reach for her wine. Says without thinking, “You’re welcome to go. You’d just—“

“Quarantine when I got back, I know,” Bradley finishes. Laura’s jaw ticks. Another little rebellion. Bradley’s eyes flash with recognition. “I cut you off.”

“You were right this time.” Not to do it, but about what Laura would have said.

If Bradley goes to the funeral, then they won’t see each other for nearly three weeks. There’s the nearly two thousand miles from Montana to the other side of country. The day for the ceremony and another to help Hal clean up before Bradley turns around to drive all two thousand miles again. Then two weeks of quarantining. That’s only if Bradley doesn’t catch Covid from anyone out there.

“Three weeks,” Bradley voices. “It’s not forever. You know Emma and Sam could come over. Have some s’mores. Talk all about me when I’m not inside cutting the strawberries.” She says it like it’s an actual possibility. Like it could be a change of pace and not the first step in their death march.

What if Bradley gets sick? What if she can’t leave West Virginia again? What if her case is serious, and Laura can’t get to her without it literally killing them both?

But if Laura doesn’t let Bradley go, isn’t that another end in and of itself? They’ve barely been dating five months. Four if they count from when they became official instead of when they kissed in Iowa. And again in New York. In Bradley’s hotel.

Five months is too soon to restrict somebody’s movements. Not quite restrict; it’s not an act of control. It’s an act of consideration. A relationship is compromise and partnership. Five months is too short a time to ask for this kind of sacrifice. If Laura even asks, she’ll sound unreasonable. Desperate and delusional. What kind of partner would Laura be to ask Bradley to miss her own mother’s funeral?

So Laura takes a heavier sip from her wine. Drinks until she can’t breathe and the only thing on her tongue is the black cherry notes in her cabernet sauvignon.

Bradley looks mildly concerned, but below that, underneath the fire that she barely tamps down, she looks hopeful. Laura can’t snuff that out.

Her mouth’s dry as she tries not to croak, “It’s not forever.”

Bradley almost squeals. She flips her phone over instantly. “I’ll message Gayle. She can coordinate with Stella and Mia. I won’t tell Hal until it’s official. Don’t want to get his hopes up if I can’t get another day off. D'you think Alison will do it, or do we need to see who else is available?”

She talks without looking at Laura. It’s for the best. Laura keeps a smile on her face, and she nods along, but all she really hears is three weeks. You’re welcome to go. And Bradley’s squeal at the thought of leaving Laura here alone.

.

.

read chapter three

[thebandcampdiaries]

Happy Curmudgeons unveiled 3 new singles from the band’s upcoming album, “2nd Chances.”

As a band, Happy Curmudgeons set out to develop a truly diverse and expressive sound that continually welcomes new influences with every release. The music of the group knows no boundaries in terms of stylistic definitions and genres. They have been consistently exploring new ideas and new aesthetics with every release. Yet they still love to remember the 60s and 70s, and they have been influenced by the timeless sound of artists such as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Willie Nelson, Cream, The Grateful Dead, Fleetwood Mac, and many more.

Happy Curmudgeons has recently signed with Spectra Music Group. The band is getting ready to release not one, but 3 new songs, which will be featured on their most recent full-length album, "2nd Chances," set to be released on July 26th, 2024. The singles are titled "Reluctant Prophets," "2nd Chances," and "Be Kind."

The Happy Curmudgeons have been working for a few years on their new album, "2nd Chances," and it's clear they're putting so much effort into making this the best album it could possibly be. The new songs blend different music genres and feature some amazing guest musicians, including Billy Cox (Band of Gypsys), Bobby Balderrama (? & The Mysterians), Jim Moose Brown (Bob Seger Band), Dave McMurray (Blue Note Records), Pepe Espinosa, and Vaughn Mortimer.  The album almost feels like a collection of true music legends! The guest musicians bring their unique influences, creating a vibrant backdrop for the main songwriting components to unfold. There's also room for some amazing additional instruments, including strings and horns on some of the tracks.

"Reluctant Prophets" features a guest appearance by Vaughn Mortimer from The Outfit and Big Donut, which brought a truly unique feel to the mix. For the title track, "2nd Chances," the group also opted to include a string section, which gave the track a truly emotional and airy quality, making it stand out.  The immersive and thought-provoking listening experience has something special to offer. This song is loaded with meaning while also being very engaging and entertaining.

It is not surprising that this is actually the title track itself! Mark Byerly arranged the string section. This song features Amy Dixon-Lavery on vocals, Dave Hamilton on acoustic guitar, Jeff Warner on electric guitar, Jim Moose Brown (from Bob Seger Band and Trisha Yearwood) on Hammond B3, Takashi Iio on bass, Rick Beamon on drums. In addition, the song features Laura Creamer, Cat Wiley, and Barbara Payton on backing vocals.

"Be Kind" has a unique horns section instead. The song also features  Dave McMurray (from Was Not Was, Bobby Weir, and the Rolling Stones) on saxophone and Mark Byerly on trumpet, who helped create some amazing additional layers to the music. This remarkably produced single is a perfect introduction to what people can expect from the aesthetics of this record.

The unique appeal of these songs lies in the band's skillful blending of timeless musical elements with modern influences. You can expect the clarity and punch of a modern recording, but without the sterile overproduction that plagues so much contemporary music. Instead, Happy Curmudgeons really managed to capture the timeless warmth of records the way it used to be made, where the personal interaction between musicians really matters And still does.

Overall, this full-length stands out as a truly ambitious project, and it heralds a new era for the band. Fresh off a label signing and a lot of fruitful recording sessions, they're about to release some of their best songs yet. The quality of the previously released singles speaks for itself, and if these songs are any indication, the album is surely going to be a treat for all fans of alt-country, indie-folk, rock, and more. The sheer variety on tap is impressive, and the band's ability to retain a flexible lineup with every song, as well as including many guest musicians, makes for an even more lively and unpredictably diverse sound. Ultimately, "2nd Chances" feels like a truly genuine depiction of the band's genuine passion for trying to bring a touch of authenticity and depth to their audience with every song on the album. It is easier said than done, but this one-of-a-kind band is certainly showing people the way.

The album is actually also available physically on vinyl. The Happy Curmudgeons teamed up with Jack White's Third Man Records to press a limited edition of 500 copies on red vinyl, which comes at $25 per copy. Incidentally, the band also worked with Third Man Records for the album mastering, which was done by Bill Skibbe.

Contact the band directly at happycurmudgeonsband@gmail.com to get your copy now! 

Find out more about Happy Curmudgeons, and do not miss out on the band's latest album, "2nd Chances," which will be available on July 26th through Spectra Music Group.

www.happycurmudgeonsband.com

[musicarenagh]

‎Rediscovering Love With Happy Curmudgeons’ 2nd ChancesHey there, music fans! We’ve got something truly special to talk about today – the Happy Curmudgeons and their latest song. Picture this: the voice you hear is super calming and hooks you right away. It goes together really well with the music in the song. You can’t help but feel a strong connection to the music – it kind of tugs at your heart. Now, what’s this song all about? Well, it’s like a story about getting another chance in love and life. We all mess up sometimes, right? But what comes after that is what counts – how we pick ourselves up and move forward. Let’s break down the people behind the magic. You’ve got Amy Dixon-Lavery singing the main part, and her voice sounds really honest and real. Then you’ve got Dave Hamilton on the acoustic guitar and Jeff Warner playing the electric guitar. Their instruments mix together in a really cool way. Jim Moose Brown adds this neat organ sound, and Takashi Iio makes sure the music stays steady with the bass. But wait, there’s more! The song gets an extra boost with Laura Creamer, Barbara Payton, and Cathleen Wiley doing background vocals. Their voices blend together and make the music feel even more special. And don’t forget the violin by David Patton and the cello by Chaz Owsley – they add a fancy touch that makes everything sound even better. https://www.musicarenagh.com/captivating-nostalgia-with-happy-curmudgeons-rustic-glory/ What’s cool is that Dave Hamilton started the music with a catchy acoustic guitar part, and Amy Dixon-Lavery wrote the words that go along with it. It’s like a team effort that turned into something really amazing. When you listen to this song, it’s like stepping into a world of emotions. The music and the words fit together perfectly, like pieces of a puzzle. It’s not too loud or too quiet – everything works together just right. The song gives you a warm feeling, like you’re wrapped up in a cozy blanket. So, if you’re into music that feels good and tells a story, this one’s for you. The Happy Curmudgeons really nailed it with this song. It’s like a trip through time, from way back when to now. Give it a listen and let yourself be carried away by the sounds of this fantastic tune. Listen to 2nd Chances below Follow Happy Curmudgeons on Facebook Twitter Spotify Youtube Instagram  

[badvintagecooking]

Avocado Soup

“More Mortardboard Menus” Sweet Briar College, compiled by Mary Ann Lee and Laura Buckham, 1972.

Image Description:

[Avocado Soup

2 large avocados

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup non-dairy creamer

1 teaspoon lemon juice

¾ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Pepper

Parsley

Combine avocado and 2 cups of the broth in a blender until smooth. Combine with remaining ingredients in saucepan, beat with wire whisk to blend. Bring to a boil stirring constantly. Garnish with slices of avocado and parsley. Serves 6.

Elizabeth Carr]

[shoegasams]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Vintage Vickie Hanson Pedestal Gandmug Stoneware Coffee Tea Mug Dainty Flowers.

[adeptcharisma]

@fervorofjoy

[I couldn't help but to smile when I heard Jo share the story of how she came to adopt her daughter. I could see her face light up each time she talked about Luna. It actually reminded me of Laura because her face lit up about the same way each time we'd go for a sonogram or one of her baby doctor appointments. I guess that's the "glow" i've heard people talk about when it comes to women and babies. I thought to myself with a lingering smile as we reached the cafeteria. It was fairly quiet at the moment, so we'd basically have the place to ourselves] Your face lights up when you talk about her the same ways Laura's always did whenever she'd see her baby on the sonogram and such. [I said with another smile before adding] Luna is really lucky to have you. I'm happy for you, Jo. [I shared honestly as we walked over to the coffee station near the drink center of the cafeteria. Grabbing two empty styrofoam cups before handing one to Jo to take] The coffee as well as anything else you might want from here is on me. [I pointed out in a reminder. Figuring it's the least I could do since Jo provided the chips. I thought with lingering amusement as I poured some coffee into my empty styrofoam cup and then added a bit of the vanilla flavored creamer. Oh yeah, I definitely wasn't one of those black with no flavor coffee drinking guys. Sure, some women might deem me as a wimp because I liked flavor in my coffee, but that's a risk I was willing to take. I thought with a lingering look of amusement on my face as I grabbed a stirring straw so I could stir the flavoring into my coffee; ultimately putting a lid on it once it was made to my satisfaction] Are you hungry? Want a sandwich or anything to go with the chips? [I asked with a smile. Willing to get Jo anything you wanted now]

Continued

@adeptcharisma

Letting someone as nice as Todd down easily. Jo didn’t know how to feel. She on one hand did feel she needed to put herself out there. Especially considering Alex was probably out on the farm playing house with that woman. I knew i was only guarding my heart. I was only protecting myself. Todd was the opposite of the guys I dated. Making the list, overly confident, broody, tended to be blended from the same cloth as me. I just didn’t want to hurt him, but seeing his face fall it had kept reappearing in my the next few days. 

I tried to be nice, I was caring especially towards my parents. And with being a new mother to Luna, I was harboring the care of my newly fixed heart after the way my husband left me. I just didn’t feel like it was okay yet to step out into the dating world. Of course it didn’t stop Link from asking the night before when I was holding a glass of wine in hand after tucking Luna into bed about the guy with the soft eyes at the hospital. I had waved my hand off as a brush off. “ I shut it down.” In response I felt Link’s eyes on me. 

“ You’re afraid of putting yourself out there. I get it. After Amelia I felt like I couldn’t date. But not every guy is gonna turn out like Karev, You deserve to be happy Jo.” Karev; the name I had despised with my whole body; but I had brushed it off. I had turned my glaze to my best friend as I pressed play on the rerun of a rom-com The wedding planner, it was a cute watch. “ Thanks Link, I’m just protecting the guy. I’m a cruse okay. I’m incapable of having that lasting love.” A saying I stood by. After that Link had shut up but I felt his hand around my shoulder. We barely spoke this morning before I was due at the hospital. I had dropped Luna at the daycare; before I had met with Carina; we had shared a coffee; as I filled her in on Laura’s case. The peacemaker option, the baby’s heartbeat that I did the few days before. 

Carina nodded as she made a comment; after. “ Good plan Wilson, it’s probably her best option with her record. We want to seek out the best living outcome for her and the baby.” Swallowing my thought I had tossed my empty coffee in the trash as I followed her lead into the room; where Laura was laid in her bed. I noticed the absence of Todd; I was kinda sadden to see he wasn’t joining us. He was easy on the eyes; I kept that note to myself as I held the chart to my chest. Eyes focused on the patient; of course my eyes did snap up when I heard him; the feet belonging to Todd; I felt a twitch of a smile hit against bare lips, My eyes met his for a second before I aimed my glaze to his sister. 

I had to hold my tongue at Laura who had to mention her overbearing brother; Carina had mentioned she had one of those. “ It’s okay, they mean well. Overall this is the best option, I know it’s soon but we want to keep the baby in until it’s fully cooked.” The humor; the saying with the baby in the oven,  “ So we advise to do the peacemaker before the baby is born, there’ a good success rate, if you want Dr. Wilson can get you the papers to prove it. But I promise you’re in the best care possible.” At that for some reason I aimed my gaze over to Todd I could see he was a little nervous when it came to his sister, I wanted to reassure him. With a smile. I just hoped it didn’t give him the wrong impression.

[rainingmusic]

Thomas Dolby - Hot Sauce

[go3dprinting]

Laura Creamer - Bonny Portmore

[tw-fno]

“dOnT dRiNk YoUr CaLoRiEs”

kiss my a s s

[rainforest-daisies]

dark red

Character: Kate bishop x GN! Reader

Synopsis: y/n gets injured during a mission.

TW: slight gore? Angst, fluff.

Word count: 889

A/N: This oneshot is based off of dark red by Steve lacy! Also unedited bc I was in a rushhhhh-

“Something bad is ‘bout to happen to me”

“Shit! Y/n! Duck!” Kate said as she kicked down one of the tracksuits, her bow thrown across the rooftop. Her voice brings you out of your original position. You try to duck down, hoping you won’t get hit on your way down, but to your luck, you felt a harsh smack to the right of your head, and then began to get dizzy. The pain practically Keeps you on the ground, making you have trouble standing. You tried to fight back, but your injuries kept you from doing so. Then, everything went black.

Someone had shot you with one of Kate’s arrows.

“Might be so sad, might leave my nose running”

“Clint! What the hell was that!?”  Kate yelled as she stole one of the tracksuits guns, and launched it off the cliff of the building.

“I’m saving your ass!” Clint exclaimed in a strident tone.

“That was y/n!” Kate responded, feeling tears prick her brown eyes.

“What?! Why are they here!? Weren’t they supposed to be on watch Out?!”

Thank god all of the tracksuits were injured or unconscious, damn.. seeing the person you love the most get hurt…really brings out your fighting abilities.

Kate rushed over to you, sniffling, and Clint followed closely behind.

“They're bleeding...Clint, we need to get them to a hospital-“ Kate said softly, gently shaking you to see if you were still conscious.

“Yeah..i’ll call an ambulance-“ Clint rushed to get his phone from his pocket.

“I just hope she don’t wanna leave me”

It had been 1 day and 3 hours. 27 hours. 1620 minutes passed. 97,000 ticks on the clock that hung on the wall near your hospital bed that Kate had sat next to, tears streaming down, wondering if her last words to you would be from something she caused.

Maybe it was her fault. She was the one who needed help when she could have eventually done it herself. Or maybe it was Clint’s fault. He was the one who shot you. No. No, it was her fault because she left her bow in easy acce-

A benign knock on the door behind her brought her out of her train of thought.

“I uh..I got you some coffee…from the cafeteria. They only had half and half creamer so I just brought you a few packets of them.” Clint gently slid the door open, making sure not to be too loud to where he would startle Kate.

“ thanks…means a lot,” Kate mumbled while sniffling, grabbing the warm drinks with her shaking hands. She takes a sip, and looks back at you. Your shoulder is almost completely covered in bandage, the small bruising on your lip, and the big strip of gauze covering where your forehead starts, all the way past your hairline.

“Y’know…they always liked sugar in their coffee…so much it could probably kill an elephant..” Kate said in a joking tone, chuckling at the last bit, and Clint let out a sigh-like laugh.

Seeming to be the perfect timing, Clint’s phone started buzzing, a light cheery jingle playing right after the first buzz. It was Laura. As he stepped out into the hallway, Kate gently held y/n’s hand.

“God damnit….I’m so sorry…this is all my fault...I should have just listened to Clint and made you stay at the window-“ she let out a small sob at the end of her sentence.

She rambled for a few minutes until another small knock was tapped onto the door. The nurse walked in, adjusting the fluids bag, and scribbling around on her chart.

No one knows how long Kate stayed next to you, nor how many times Clint came to visit. Days blurred together for Kate, getting minimal sleep, and practically starving. God, she was so scared for you.

Finally, a call from her mother came. It had been almost 4 days. 4 days of Pure torture, hearing the soft beep coming from the monitor just put her more on edge. Hearing the sound of clear worry from her mother's tone, just made her feel Worse.

Then she heard a shuffle. So light..so barely noticeable, that even the nurses couldn’t hear.  Her mind automatically went to you. Y/n. Her lover. The one that kept her sane, but crazy as well. She ended the call with her mother as quickly as possible, rushing to your room.

There you were, your bloodshot eyes sore from being closed for so long. The sun feels as if it's never been brighter.

Kate rushed to you once again, kneeling on the floor so you would be at eye level.   Tears quickly sprung in her eyes,  happy to see you're actually alive.

She hurried to call for a nurse, almost tripping on her way.

Some Time had passed since you first awoke, beginning to understand your surroundings, and becoming less confused.

“Oh you must be thirsty- here let me go get you some water-“Kate said as she rushed around, grabbing her bag to get to the cafeteria in the downstairs.

“No..” you croaked, barely able to speak properly, “please…please stay with me?”

With a sigh, kate walked over to you, holding your hand, and giving it a gentle kiss.

“Anything for you….only you…my girl”

[bebepac]

Encounters

I am participating in @wackydrabbles​​ prompt # 141 “Tell me you changed your mind”  will appear in bold.   

This is also the maiden voyage of The Blue Honey Cafe, which I have no idea where it’s going none whatsoever but we’ll just freaking see. Okay!

The Book:  TRR Pairings:  None Word Count:  1154 Warnings and Ratings:  None there’s not even a curse word in this! This one is for ERrry body!

Summary:  Riley has breakfast at the Blue Honey Cafe and meets Liam Ryerson for the first time. 

Original Post: 04/09/22 at 2:50PM  EST.

A/N:  It’s funny because when I started this around six months ago, I knew then, I wasn’t going to use my OG Riley for it.  Maybe it was something in my spirit then trying to tell me something, so I’m using a new Riley for this series.

A/N2:  FYI There is a Star Trek The Next Generation joke here.  Captain Jean Luc Picard is a fan of Earl Grey Tea, and any time he orders it he always says, “Earl Grey Tea, Hot.”  You will see Liam make this reference in the this chapter.

A/N3: I have to say this has been a WIP in my google docs for over six months.  I shared it with @dcbbw​​​ when it was a paragraph, or two and she put her special brand of top shelf liquor writing wizardry on it, giving me a little direction in the start, which I really appreciate.  I really look up to you friend.  You have an amazing talent, and you are so humble about it.  Thank you for being my friend. 

The Blue Honey Café was the best-kept secret in Charlotte, NC’s downtown business district. 

It was a modest, unassuming storefront known only to locals, and a select few at that. Their menu was unpretentious, the food served one of two ways: fried or deep fried, with tea so sweet, it would lock your jaw.

It was the south, after all.

The coffee was a strong, dark roast with no syrups or espresso shots although management had finally caved and offered flavored creamers, and multiple forms of artificial sweeteners.

Heated tea was a possibility but there were only three types: Lipton, green, and Earl Grey.

It was open Monday-Saturday, 7am-7pm, making it perfect for breakfast, lunch, and happy hours during the work week. Breakfast was offered all day on Saturday.

Their motto was simple: Good food, good people. 

Mason, 

who worked the counter and register, knew all the customers by name. He knew about their significant others, their promotions, who wanted to leave their jobs, wives, husbands. Orders tended to be placed in between brief conversations.

Mason knew what his customers would order, and always asked, “The usual?” Laura over at Bank of America always wanted pancakes with extra crispy bacon.

Without fail, Phil would order the daily specials for breakfast and lunch; he was especially fond of Fish Fridays. Mason wasn’t sure if it was the fish or the fact it was Friday. His best guess is it was Friday as Phil always seemed to be living for the weekend.

And then there was her.

 She had no usual and every time she frequented the establishment, she would always look over the menu. With an embarrassed smile, she explained that everything sounded so good.

She was new to the Blue Honey Cafe, with a bright smile and still wore her Hartfeld Heels lanyard around her neck. She was fresh out of college, eagerly looking to take on the next step in her journey, adult life.

"Well no rush, when you're ready, you know where I'll be."  Mason smiled at the beautiful young woman.

“I’m Riley.  You seem to know everyone by name.”

“Okay Riley. Now that I know your name, I won't forget it.”  How could he forget the name of someone as beautiful as her?

Riley side-stepped out of the line to continue  looking at the menu.   She was interrupted a few minutes later while she was still perusing the menu, still undecided by a handsome stranger.

“Excuse me miss, are you in line?”

“No, still trying to figure out what I want, apparently not doing a good job at it.”  

“Mason should recommend something for you, everything is great here.”  

“Liam, tell me you've changed your mind?!?!? Are you back here to stay?"

“Yep, you can take the boy out of the country, not the country out of the boy. Honestly Mason, California really wasn’t for me.”  

“What was wrong with California?”  Riley inquired. “I’ve always wanted to go to California, and see the sights I’ve only seen in movies and on television.”

“I totally get that part of California, and honestly nothing is wrong with it, but I’m a southern boy.  You just can’t get decent sweet tea in California or grits.  I saw someone put sugar in their grits Mason.”

Mason chuckled loudly.  “Yeah, we don’t serve our grits here with sugar. Our sugar is for our coffee and tea here, not our grits.”

“The food you eat out is keeping you from staying in a beautiful place like California?”

Mason picked up immediately the sound of disappointment in Riley’s voice.

He smiled at her because he had just figured her out.  Mason understood exactly who Riley was.  She was living in the south, but the south, southern living did not have her complete buy-in, at least not yet.  

“What you’ve got to understand about the south and from the sound of your accent Riley, I can tell you’re a transplant, probably from New York, or Jersey, food is life here.  Food is the way a lot of our people bond, we show each other how much we love each other, and even support them in the tough times.  And I have to agree with Liam, if I can’t go somewhere and get my belly and soul filled, I don’t care how beautiful it is, it’s not the place for me.  Good food feeds your soul too, Riley.”  

There was an impressed glint, in her eye, as she stared at Mason.

“Well what I think is feeding my soul as you so eloquently put it, is the ‘You’re Bacon Me Crazy’ platter today, with an earl grey tea.”  

Liam nodded.

“Good choice Riley, but you know I’ll never learn your order, if you keep picking different ones every time.”  

“How do you know I’m not doing that on purpose Mason?  Somebody here needs to keep you on your toes. Maybe unpredictability is my superpower.”

Mason raised his eyebrow in interest.  “Noted.”  

“Make it two, her meal is on me.”  Liam stepped up to her holding out his card to Mason.

“Her meal is on her. She has her own money. Thanks, but no thanks.”

Mason tried to keep his face expressionless as Riley politely cut Liam down to size.  But in his spirit.....

Mason instead took Riley’s card to ring up her meal.  “The lady has spoken.  Your food will be up in a few Riley.”  

“Thank you Mason.”  She gave Liam a matter of fact nod.

Riley flashed Mason a smile before she walked away.  

The only thing predictable about Riley thus far, Mason had noticed, was where she sat.  She always picked the small table by the window to people watch and ate silently.  

“Wow, she sure is something isn’t she?”  Liam glanced in her direction.

“Riley is quite the force of nature.” 

"Do you know if she is single?" Liam inquired.

"I mean…. She just moved to the area not long ago, and she hasn't ever brought anyone in here before. She's also not wearing an engagement ring."

"So that means you looked, Mason?"

"She hands me her card every day. I just happened to notice."

"Are you interested in her?"

"Who wouldn't be?"

Liam nodded. Both stared at each other in silence. She was fair game.

Here's your coffee."

"Thanks Mason. Is that Riley’s tea? I'll take it to her."

Before  Mason could refuse, another regular customer came up calling him by name. Liam quickly grabbed the tea.

"I appreciate it," Mason grumbled under his breath as he watched Liam walk over to Riley. 

Riley had refused to let Liam pay for her breakfast; maybe she would also refuse to let him sit with her Mason had thought to himself.

"Riley, Mason was tied up with another customer, so I brought you your Earl Grey tea. You did forget something though."

“What’s that?” 

“You didn’t order it hot.” 

Riley chuckled softly.

"I noticed your Starfleet cadet key chain. May I sit with you?” 

"Sure."

"So you're a trekkie too Liam?"

"My mom used to watch the original Star Trek,  and The Next Generation, and Voyager."

"Mine too."

Mason watched Liam and Riley laughing from a distance as they talked.

"Game on Liam. Game on."

[lovesomehate]

I'm back and relaxed, so let's do this! (Also I narrowed down Laura's career to movie star.)

MovieStar-Laura & Bodyguard Travis pt1

✨The first meeting is awful. Laura wasn't sure about a bodyguard to begin with but her manager insisted that she get one. So when she meets Travis she's overdoing everything. She's exaggerating her judgment of him and putting on a super bratty performance. Travis's lips can't purse any further and annoyance is seeping into Travis's professional posture. He really didn't want the job, but its been too long since his last job and he has bills to pay.

****** ✨Given their circumstances, Travis has to move in with her but insists on checking every room for dangers and problems. Laura is irritated with him searching everything and the moment he's through she tries to push past him into her room. Travis firmly grabs her by the elbow and pulls her to the front room and she is pissed, he's not supposed to do that.

"What the fuck are you doing?" She snatches her arm away.

"I want to go ahead and get some ground rules laid out."

"What rules, I do what I want, you creepily follow me and make sure nothing bad happens to me."

He smiles tightly.

"Well I wish it was that picture book simple. But I'm talking about things like curfews, how you're supposed to let me take charge and basic rules of the apartment."

"Let you take charge?"

"Trying to keep you alive remember? You don't get to be completely in control for the time being" He smirks.

******

✨The first few days are purposefully hectic, Laura's trying to annoy him in revenge or cause she's mad at the moment.

"For the last time Ms. Kearney I'm your bodyguard not your maid or cook. You can get up and make your own damn coffee."

"You're already at the coffee pot. Besides what if I stub my toe and the bone breaks? Aren't you supposed to make sure I don't get hurt?" Sing song voice followed by a satisfied smirk when she hears Travis grumble.

"Lots of creamer and sugar please."

******

✨Their first official contract outing as client and bodyguard was to an interview for an upcoming romance movie. He stood on the side and watched closely and rolls his eyes at the trite and stupid Q & A session. Laura is extra fidgety during the interview, she's not used to Travis just watching her and she glances over at him occasionally.

******

✨During the drive to another venue Laura asks if Travis is even familiar with her work. He admits he's only seen maybe about 4 of her movies thanks to his niece.

******

✨He takes her to meet her friends at a cafe. He stands by and has to bear topics that don't interest him, but also ones that are personally insulting him.

Laura feels a little bad about it and on the way to another interview she asks why he didn't tell them off. Travis just says that its etiquette and it's things he hears a lot. That just makes Laura feels worse.

******

✨They get home and they're about to wind down. It's only been a few days together, but Laura is still not too comfortable with having a 56-year-old guy living with her and she feels bad about the conversation.

"Hey Travis?"

"Yes, Ms. Kearney?"

"Three things. One, are you ever going to stop calling me Ms. Kearney I'm more comfortable with Laura. Two, is it okay with my bodyguard if I order pizza. Three, you're going to eat with me."

"One, I won't. Two, as long I check everything out its fine. Three, I'm not doing that."

"Why not? I'm going to have a whole ass pizza you might as well help me eat some of it."

"I don't really think that's a good idea."

"Not part of your diet?"

"Not appropriate."

"It's inappropriate to eat?"

By the time the pizza comes and Travis has made sure everything was okay, he has acquiesced to eating with her. The casual conversation is a bit hard to get into, but its still a pretty nice meal

________________________________________________________

There's going to be follow up parts to this, but essentially this is just the meeting/starting point.

Sorry would have had more off the back, but all my thoughts came at work and I wasn't able to write them down

No no no this is good don’t worry!

Laura starting to see him as a human during her outing with her friends is just A+ 👀

And then ordering pizza for the both of them? Fuck yes.

It would take them a while really to like each other but we both know that that’s the hardest part, after that they would fall so fast 😏😏😏

Gods I just love this idea. One of the first action films with romance I ever watched as a kid was The Bodyguard so you can imagine how excited I am for this au 😂😂😂