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pbandjesse · 1 year ago

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I just told James I was going to come and lay in the empty bathtub to write my post like I did the other night because I can't get distracted as much in here. And they were like oh. I just thought you were going to the bathroom for a half hour!! I have never in my life! Slander!

Today wasn't a bad day but man am I annoyed with some of the in training counselors. Like I get that it's the end. But they are just slacking and making my life difficult but also just making me annoyed. Thankfully most of the day went fine. I was just having an annoyed time.

I slept alright last night. When I woke up I was annoyed because my phone didn't get plugged in right and was at 20% and that made me snippy with James. And then they were making me uneasy staring at me while I was laying there. But I would get over it and get dressed and things would be okay.

James left for work and I took a few more minutes to get ready. But was pretty quickly out the door.

The new cord worked great in the car. And I enjoyed my podcast on the drive in. I've saved a ton of episodes of "behind the bastards" so I'm thrillrd to get caught up. Love learning history stuff. And I got to camp at 8.

It was chilly this morning which was really nice. I threw on a sweatshirt and got everything set up.

I would have Anton come to help today. And we would have the donors for the program he's a part of come by. I tried to make sure he was busy but he also kept wearing both his airpods which made me really annoyed. Like wear one, fine, but both? Really? I was literally calling for him and he wasn't answering. Thankfully he is good at helping the kids and he helped do some moving and organizing. And I think he made a good impression on the donor.

The kids were fun this morning though. I enjoyed seeing their work and there were fun chats. I got some knitting done and it was a beautiful day.

During my second hour Anton and me would go down to homestead to collect the materials Ty had packed up. Anton was a huge help there because everything was heavy. And I got tired pulling the cart back so I appreciated when he took over.

He would take the wagon to make a second trip while I sorted everything to go away into storage. I was given three Rubbermaid totes but because they just need to be better organized everything fit in two milk crates and two small plastic boxes. So there is souch space in the cabinets still. I'm really pleased.

The boxes had cinnamon oil in it and made things smell like Christmas. Which will hopefully improve the smell in the cabinets which just smell like mouse pee right now.

All of a sudden there were air horns. It was a drill. And we all had to go to the field. I would throw that in the group chat in case the other specialties didn't hear the horns. And grabbed my sunglasses before I went to the feild.

It was very hot and bright but it was nice seeing everyone. And after we did the camp check in Alexi asked us all to come to the front to talk to us. She told us to keep doing our best and to not let everything fall apart on the last couple days. To interact with the kids. She was very encouraging. But also you could tell she was saying it because it needed to be said. People have been mentally checking out. It was a good reminder about the impact we have. I wish we had more little check ins like that but I know that would be hard to coordinate.

When it was finally lunch I would go to the office to use the microwave. Which gets way to hot but at least it's fast.

I ate on the porch. Sofie said it smelled to good (it was leftover Mac and cheese and tomato soup) and so she couldn't sit with me anymore which I thought was very funny.

And then I was chatting with Alexi and she made a big fuss about how the chat wasn't about me and how I'm great and it was nice to hear. I volunteered to help her collect going home info for all of staff. Which I have had mixed results on but I'm working on it. It was nice to be able to be helpful.

My afternoon groups were late, not surprised, my morning groups was also late. They made fun work but complained they didn't have time to finish. You would have if you were on time. And the one counselor was very annoyed with me for not just remaking a piece that was an example. Because her camper didn't do the work but wanted it. I don't know how many times I can say I don't make people's art. I won't draw your art. I will help. I will give instructions. I'll help clean up lines or cut things out. But I will not make your art. That is also the problem with having good examples. The kids will want to copy them and then get frustrated when it doesn't look as good. And all I can tell them is I want to see your art, not my art or whoever made that examples art. Yours. So having a councilor making a kids art and then getting upset when I wouldnt take over or just give her the example was very disheartening. Made me very annoyed.

Thankfully I had some good interactions with councilors too. I really enjoyed stockade's company today. They were very funny. I met two Russian boys and learned a third spoke Russian and they all talked so fast!! It was a pleasure to listen to. And they were very sweet to me. Even when I yelled at them all at first for not going to wash their hands and just getting in the hammocks. I have to act a little crazy at first but then I am calm and nice and they can just know I can be insane and mean so they are good. That's how you do it right?

They were fun though and I got to vent to their counselor about stuff I was frustrated about. And they echoed it so at least I didn't feel like I was in the wrong. I also spent a lot of the hour sorting rainbow loom rubber bands that all got mixed up. The box is almost perfect again. I am very pleased.

And then I finished the day with a very good day camp group. Who did lose one of my tools but it's fine. Their councilor Jamie was fun to talk to and it was a nice way to end the day.

I finished cleaning up. And got my stuff together. And then I headed home.

I felt bad when half way home Alexi texted me about a camper coming up to arts but I wasn't there but also I didn't have a group so she couldn't anyway. I hope they aren't upset with me. The child that is.

But I was glad to be home. I wanted to tell James all the things that annoyed me today. They were making me a feta salad. Which I liked at first but then I started to feel weird about it. I'll have the leftovers tomorrow probably. They made me a pb and j instead.

And then I worked on my lesson plans for the next couple hours. And this was the most frustrating one.

Not because it was hard to write but because almost all of the original lesson plan was wrong. Like flat out wrong. Bordering on a lie. And then I discovered that the chickee, the Native American building we have and utilize on camp, is not traditional. It's from the 1830s. And was built because the Seminole people were being hunted by us soldiers. And they needed to make houses quickly and on the go. And then I learned that they have only existed as a people since there 1700s. And that Seminole means outcast. And they are actually a bunch of small groups who intermarried and became a new people because of us. And I was just so sad. I'm not going to leave this out. We're going to make this known in my program. The kids should know this. Everyone should know this.

So is pent two hours making my program work with what I have. And I hope that the parents really get it in the end. I have to hope.

After I finished that I went to lay in the AC. And that's where I was for a long time. James joined me. But I had to leave the ac to come do my post. Which went quicker then it has lately so that's nice.

Now though I want to sleep. I plan on staying at camp tomorrow since it's the last night. I hope you all sleep well and have a fun day tomorrow. Goodnight everyone. Until next time!

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krikku · 7 days ago

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Fandom: Black Clover - Tabata Yuki (Anime & Manga)

Relationships: Rill Boismortier x Charmy Pappitson, Vanessa Enoteca x Finral Roulacase

Characters:Charmy Pappitson, Rill Boismortier, Vanessa Enoteca, Finral Roulacase

Words: 1,869

Happy birthday!!

She would walk around the shops to buy the ingredients she needed to make a recipe she made a few years ago, this recipe was something special, even if it was very simple...

The main ingredient in this recipe was chicken, but unfortunately, despite the fact that I trucked and searched all the stores, I only found one stall where they sold it at a very expensive price. I was hesitating whether to buy it, but if I did, it would be a waste. ..

I search but not finding any other store, I decide to buy the secondary ingredients first, vegetables, curry, rice, wine, and beer, all were easy ingredients to find except for the chicken, he only needed Finral and Vanessa to get him the fruits that she needed to make a delicious dessert of strawberries with cream, and to see if they could get her more strawberries to put on the cake and have it perfect

He was able to find all the secondary ingredients pretty quickly, practically, they were in all the stores, he thought about going to check his restaurant with Vanessa to see if there was any chicken, but he remembered that it was spent just a week ago and they would get more next week, I couldn't wait that long.

What a rage, she told herself, she wanted the day to be perfect, she already had the cake made, the decorations prepared, the room, the utensils, she even made sure Rill didn't enter the house, who was being entertained by Vanessa and Finral for the whole day, until she could have time to prepare everything.

_____

Hey? -Rill looked at the couple and asked- why are they so interested in us going to the Heart Kingdom?

Because we have a mission -said Finral almost instantly- to help plant some things, we thought you would like to draw something here and we brought you

Is it for my birthday? -asked Rill- although I would have preferred to draw Charmy or spend all day with her, I had several plans for tonight, I think I'd better go.

Wait -Vanessa tried to think of something quickly- it was charming!

That?

It was Charmy who told us to bring you so you can draw yourself and have fun, this is his gift -he left quickly without even stuttering, Rill's eyes shone, his Charmy had done all this for him, he was very happy and excited, It was the first birthday he was celebrating with Charmy as his wife, suddenly he grabbed the couple and dragged them to a nice place to draw-

While she was drawing, Finral decided to go find the fruits and strawberries that Charmy had asked for.

_________

Meanwhile, Charmy thought about seeing if there was already chicken in the house, unfortunately she couldn't find it, and in the end she decided to go buy the chicken from the only store she could find, she would regret it later, but today was too special a day not to do the most special dish for a super special person, by the way I also buy chicken breasts and thighs to make it better.

And finally, she returned to the kitchen, her plan was to prepare curried rice with chicken, in this case the thighs and breasts, and the chicken stewed in beer that she would go with a little potatoes.

To make the chicken stewed in beer with potatoes, the following ingredients are needed

8 chicken thighs (or 1 small chicken, chopped)

2 garlic cloves

1 small onion

4 carrots

1 small red bell pepper

1 small green bell pepper

1 bay leaf

330 ml beer (1 can)

1 tbsp flour

Olive oil

Salt

Pepper

1 chilli (optional)

1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

450 ml homemade chicken broth

2 large potatoes

I already had most of the ingredients, and what I didn't have I bought this morning.

First you had to Peel and chop the onion and garlic. Clean the carrots and cut into slices.

Then Clean the peppers, remove the seeds and cut into small cubes.

Peel the potatoes and cut into large cubes (about 2 cm approx.).

Season the chicken to taste.

Heat a saucepan with a drizzle of olive oil and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes. Withdraw and reserve.

Add a little more oil and brown the potatoes for 10 minutes. Remove them from the saucepan and reserve.

In the same saucepan, poach the vegetables over low heat for 15 minutes. Season to taste. Add a tablespoon of flour and stir a few times.

Add the beer, the bay leaf, the chilli without the seeds and let it boil for 2 minutes to reduce the alcohol.

Add the broth, chicken and potatoes. Stir and cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally

And finally Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top and serve.

Charmy was excited, it was a recipe she hadn't made in a while, and she wanted to see how much her cooking skills had improved.

Suddenly, a portal opened, it was Finral who was bringing the fruits that she asked for.

How is everything going? -asked this with a subtle smile-

Quite well, but it will take me a while to finish cooking this -he pointed to the chicken and returned the smile, from the portal it was possible to distinguish the voice of hishusband-

Who are you talking to -Rill asked- from the other side of the portal, Charmy hurried to hide the ingredients by putting a cloth on top of tins. His eyes began to shine and he ran to hug her gently-

How are you, Miss Boismortier, I've missed you," Rill said as he snuggled into her chest.

What happens, if you saw me this morning -Charmy didn't show it, but deep down she had also missed her incredible stupid husband, the truth was that she knew that Rill was very clueless, and somehow she liked that a lot, although You should stop calling her "Miss Boismortier."

Rill we have to go -Vanessa came out of the portal and when she saw Charmy and Rill she gave her friend a mischievous look causing her to roll her eyes and make a face, Vanessa grabbed Finral's arm and approached him-

W-what's wrong -Finral looked at her confused-

Esque, I feel a little jealous...- she said as she moved her hands to her husband's chin and then gave her a good juicy kiss-

Charmy...- Rill looked at her- look -he gave her a painting in her hands- w-well see you later! -she said this to run away dragging the couple who were kissing-

Charmy looked at the painting, it was a painting of fire and hearts around it, Charmy quickly discovered what it meant, she quickly blushed, it looked like a tomato, obviously Rill was the only person who could think of asking for something she wanted with drawings, well That's how he was, words weren't his thing...

Well it was time to make the food, and incidentally the dessert and detailing the cake, I had a long day ahead of me and I had to finish as soon as possible

She was in the kitchen for about 4 hours, she wanted everything to be perfect so she spent as much time as possible

It took her a while to realize that she was a mess, well, she had everything ready, and it's about 2 hours before Rill gets back, so she'll be okay with taking a shower

In the shower she began to think about whether to wear something nice or wear simple pajamas, she preferred pajamas, because Rill really liked that she was in pajamas, and with a bow (sometimes loose) according to him it made her look very pretty, although for him, she was the most beautiful woman on any occasion..

It was almost time for the hour, she began to leave the bathroom to go change, dry her hair, tie it up and finally wait for him to come...

She was nervous and couldn't keep calm, her heart was just a thousand i, a portal opened, Finral came out of it

My goodness, you've really made an effort, I hope Vanessa does something like that to me on my birthday, but that she has a sexy outfit -he said looking at his wife-

Shut up for God's sake -she laughed- of course I'll make you something special -I look at Charmy- luck, although you don't need it precious, now we bring it to you -Charmy smiled at her, what would she do without Vanessa and Finral...- See you on Monday first thing in the restaurant -said Vanessa before leaving with Finral-

W-why are you pushing me? -Rill burst out of the portal, turning around the first thing he could see was a large decoration and his wife sitting next to a large banquet, while she turned her face to avoid eye contact with her red cheeks-

Happy birthday -she told him with a low voice and washing her hands- surprise! -this time I turn my head to smile warmly-

Rill stared in shock and in a flash he lunged at his wife, looking like he wanted to cry.

Charmy you didn't have it because -she said without detaching from this- I love you, I love you, I love you very much -she grabbed her cheeks in a hasty movement and kissed her, it was a very, very warm kiss, when she parted her lips, Charmy gave her another to return it .

Don't kiss me without warning...- she told him, tapping him on the head-

Neither do you... -he said jokingly- I'm excited, I don't know if I told you that I love you, no, I love you -Rill turned his head without even detaching himself from his wife who was now surrounded with his arms and legs, his sight trusts the rice with curry chicken and the beer chicken with potatoes- that's it... -his eyes lit up, he was like a little boy who had just been given a toy- Honey, give me your eat

You're a child? -he joked laughing- just this once -he grabbed a spoon and grabbed some rice with chicken and curry and put it in his mouth-

It's very good... -I look at her affectionately- practically everything you do is a work of art...

Speaking of art...-Charmy looked at Rill who was still enjoying the food- the painting you gave me -Rill almost spit out the food when he heard that and covered his face-

Forgiveness seriously! -said this-

Because? -Charmy asked while he uncovered his face- it seems good to me

Yeah? -Rill looked at her again, this time more blushing- I thought it had been something vulgar to tell you with such an ugly drawing...

Ugly? -Charmy asked herself, in any case, she wanted to enjoy the night-

whyand we don't eat -he said- I've done many things to you -smile- besides, I'm hungry

Strawberry cake, he's my favorite, did you remember -Rill got more and more excited, it was strange how he could get excited over such small things...-

Rill, we've been married for almost a year, how can I not know...

Notes:

Thanks again to Acacia_may for the inspiration and I hope above all that you liked it, even though to be honest I'm bad at writing in English, and surely you have encountered spelling mistakes, again I'm sorry about that

I hope it was to your liking

Thanks for reading to the end!

#black clover #finral x vanessa #rill x charmy #rillmy #vanessa x finral #charmy x rill

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shadows-starlight · 4 months ago

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Shadows and Starlight

Book 19: The Stew's the Thing

One chilly autumn evening, Malakar decided on the perfect dish to make for tonight's supper.

The lair was filled with the smells of simmering beef, fresh canola oil, fresh beef broth, and fresh vegetables that had been harvested in his garden earlier in the day.

The flickering light from the hearth cast a warm glow over the kitchen as Malakar bustled about. His baby daughter, Aurora, was securely nestled in her high chair, her dark olive eyes wide with curiosity as she watched her father move around the kitchen.

Malakar tied his apron around his waist and carefully stirred a large pot filled with chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions. He hummed softly, the melody a soothing contrast to the clattering of pots and pans.

Aurora giggled occasionally, reaching out with tiny hands to grasp at the colorful array of vegetables and utensils laid out on the kitchen counter.

"Now, my little star," said Malakar with a gentle smile, "today, we are making something special for our supper tonight: a hearty beef stew with potatoes. It will taste even better with the loaf of bread we made the other day as well."

Aurora clapped her little hands, excitedly.

Malakar picked up a potato, peeling it with expert ease. He showed Aurora the peeled potato, holding it up for her to see.

"This, Aurora," said Malakar, "is a potato. It’s one of the key ingredients in our stew. Potatoes add a nice, creamy texture and a bit of heartiness to the dish.”

Aurora watched intently as Malakar chopped and peeled the potato into chunks, his movements precise and deliberate. He placed the potato pieces into the pot with the beef, the sound of them hitting the simmering liquid producing a soft, satisfying sizzle.

Then, he moved to the celery, carrots, and onions, explaining, "These vegetables will add heartiness and flavor to the stew. Cooking is all about mixing different ingredients to make something wonderful, almost like the magic I do."

As Malakar added the vegetables to the pot, he glanced at Aurora. "Soon, you will be by my side and helping me cook dishes like this. However, for now, you are doing an excellent job at watching. Watching is a very good way to learn."

Aurora gurgled in response, her eyes sparkling as she watched the stew bubble away. Malakar stirred the pot. He added one final ingredient; a pinch of fresh salt from the sea.

Soon, the stew was ready. Malakar took out a few bowls and served the soup for himself, Aurora, his henchmen, Grimble, Flord, and Tibber, and his pet raven, Corvus.

He moved Aurora's highchair to the table where a loaf of freshly baked bread, some homemade butter, and a pitcher of iced tea was set nicely.

With a wave of his hand, Malakar set the bowls of stew neatly on the table and placed Aurora's little bowl on the table of her high chair. He cut some slices of bread and placed them on plates right beside the stew and with some of his magic, he placed an even amount of butter on each slice.

He cut up Aurora's slice of buttered bread and served it alongside her bowl of stew and her sippy cup of iced tea.

Her eyes lit up as she saw the steaming, savory stew in front of her.

“Here we go,” Malakar said, placing a tiny spoon in her hand and guiding it gently. “This is our special creation. It’s special because we made it together. Grimble, Flord, Tibber, Corvus! Supper's ready!"

The henchmen rushed to the table with Corvus flying behind him.

Together, they enjoyed the delicious and hearty meal that father and daughter have created together.

The combination of the stew and the fresh bread was perfect, a comforting meal that warmed all of their hearts amidst the chilly, autumn evening.

#family #father and daughter #original characters #shadows and starlight #sliceoflife

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lemonflowercat · 9 months ago

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75 soft: day 2

[x] morning walk/run/yoga x6/w

20m full body yoga

i've been negotiating with myself to get out of walks for almost 3 weeks now.

[x] meditate every afternoon for at least 15m

[] evening wxo x6/w

had to skip for plans w friends

[x]study 28h this week: 2h 12m 4h 12m down

I have a very weird headache today that seems to intensify when I study?

[x] [x] [x] raw veg/fruit for 3 meals/d

- spinach banana smoothie w my very loaded mushroom omelet for breakkie

- i'd meal prepped a salad the other day: cukes + tomato + jalapeños + green grapes w a sunflower oil + honey + lime + splash of vinegar + chilli flakes dressing; I made a wrap-which-doesn't-wrap with said salad, cowpea hummus and pan fried tofu

- handful of green grapes and 2 cherries for mid-study munchies

[] 1400cal x6d/w

social night, drank lots of urrak and couldn't stick to this! i really want to figure out a way to maintain my calorie limits while eating out and a very sad realisation is that it will definitely involve choosing b/w food & alcohol. i'm not big on getting drunk, but i love Goan feni and urrak (like literally how they taste) and i will miss it so much T-T

[x] 3L water/d [x] progress picture/d

[x] brush before bed

[x] no media consumption on PMS/freeze days

i had a ball of a day! a friend was conducting a cyanotype workshop which i was super excited about!!!! printing looks like SO much fun. i've been meaning to dabble in some cyanotype and linocut for ages, but i just can't get my you-should-be-studying-self to get on any big projects rn. this little workshop was perfect! i went there with another friend - she overslept and was late to pick me up, then we got lost on the way and finally arrived with 10min left to the workshop, just when they were putting their prints out in the sun |:

but we did get a run through of the process! ugh i can't wait for my exams to end so i can do the 101 things on my list T-T

the workshop was part of this queer community mixer. after the workshop they screened five short films, curated under the Five Films for Freedom program. all the films were really cute - i don't have a lot of close friends who are queer, so it was really nice to get this little peek into what their world is like. Ili-ili made me cry and Compton's 22 had me in sheer awe of the beauty and power these queens possess.

after the screening, there was a panel discussion featuring prominent queer artists/storytellers that mainly centered around authentic uncensored queer expression in media. what struck me the most was that the younger people on the panel were leaning towards putting their queerness out there for the world to see - in terms of how unique they are, their struggles, their stories - vs the older people who seemed to be more like, paraphrasing] 'my queerness isn't what defines me. i'm just human too, and i want my art to underscore that. i want it to be about the little moments of mundane life that you and i feel, queer or not.'

this was followed by a whole bunch of us ending up at a homely Goan bar called "XL Bar" haha and 10/10 urrak, pork and all the fish you can think of! //for the 100th time, worships Goan food//

v fun night, so grateful to have shared an evening with such a cute community (':

#75 soft #day 2

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traditionalproduct · 1 year ago

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Embracing Tradition: The Classic Charm of Cast Iron and Copper Cookware

The right tools can make all the difference for food lovers, beginner chefs, and expert cooks. In this case, the timeless beauty and obvious usefulness of old cookware come into play. With the attractiveness of cast iron cookware, the tactile magic of marble mortar and pestle, and the beauty of copper pots and pans, these tools are important for more than just cooking. They are a reminder of time-honored culinary practices. Cast iron cookware looks nice because it can spread heat evenly, making sure that every meal is cooked perfectly. This old range has things like the Dutch oven, grills, and skillets that are known for being long-lasting and effective. They were once thought to be the king of the kitchen. The patina they get from being used for a long time can also give food a unique taste, which is another reason why they are so popular. However, these tools need to be carefully maintained in order to be used. Cast iron pieces need to be seasoned with oil every so often to keep their surface in good shape and make them last longer. This keeps them from sticking and rusting. Cast iron cookware has been used for generations because it is both useful and rustic, which is why it is so popular on websites that sell antique cookware. Copper pots and pans shine, which goes well with the durability of cast iron. They are praised for distributing heat quickly and evenly, and they also cool down quickly, making them perfect for controlling temperatures. Because of this, copper is the best metal for precise cooking, especially when making toffee or sauces that are very thin. In addition to being useful, these things look good too. They have a bright sheen that makes a kitchen look better. Pots and pans made of shiny copper that hang from the ceiling not only look classy, but they also make a statement in terms of interior design. Still, because copper is reactive, these tools usually have tin or stainless steel on the inside to make them safe for cooking. The marble mortar and pestle is one of the most popular hand-held cooking tools. Not only is it a reminder from the past, but it also works as a tribute to the basic steps of cooking. Electric grinders can make ingredients hot, which can destroy their flavors. The marble mortar and pestle, on the other hand, doesn't do that, so the results are always original and fragrant. Herbs and spices are ground in them, but they are also very important for making salads, sauces, marinades, and pastes. This classic tool has made it possible for cooks to do amazing things in the kitchen, like making pesto with hard, ground basil or sambal with garlic and chilly that go well together. To put it simply, the real appeal of old cookware lies in its classic style, practicality, and emotional link to the old ways of cooking. Copper pots and pans, cast iron cookware, and the marble mortar and pestle are all important parts of culinary history. They represent a mindset of simplicity and functionality that seems more important than ever today. As with old recipes, these cooking tools have stories to tell about custom and skill, which makes us appreciate the cooks who came before us. It makes sense that old cookware will always be appealing: it combines beauty, custom, and unmatched usefulness in a way that never goes out of style.

#cast iron cookware #copper pots and pans #marble mortar and pestle

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heejojo · 3 years ago

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normal people

summary: You knew that dating an idol would be hard but you hadn’t expected it to be this hard. All the cancelled plans and full schedules made things tiring and only led to your boyfriend, Yang Jungwon wishing he was a normal person so you both would have experiences like every other couple.

genre: fluff, bit of angst, idol au

pairing: yang jungwon x reader

warning: none

word count: 1.5k

a/n: we're almost at the end of this series, thank you to everyone that has read them so far. feedback is always appreciated and I hope you're all doing okay.

taglist (open): @enhyphun @jungwoniics @penny-quinn @ncthpen @fylithia @taecup-ontrack @renee1414 @studioreader @01718 @rae-blogging @baekhyunstruly

Yang Jungwon knew he had messed up. Big time. Making it up to you was now what the issue was. Promising to make it up to you, he had no idea how exactly he was going to do so.

Currently picking at his nails, something he did when he was nervous during the interview with Buzzfeed instead of answering questions. Internally reprimanding himself for being so unprofessional, he sits up and forces himself to engage in the conversation. He can’t help but feel guilty for leaving you again. He knows that he was grateful for ending up with someone as understanding as you who put his schedule into consideration when planning dates.

After the interview ended, he immediately fishes out his phone to call you. You pick up on the third ring and before he has any time to apologize you stop him.

“Did work come up?”

“I am so sorry Y/N, we just finished having an interview. It slipped my mind completely”

“It’s okay, we can always celebrate my birthday during the weekend or next year”

He felt like a complete jerk for having you feel that way. Even if you wouldn’t want to tell him out of fear that he would beat himself up more, he knew that you were down about it.

“No, I’m coming today. I should do something” he said, determined.

“I said it’s okay. Take a break instead, we can spend the weekend together”

Yang Jungwon felt even worse when his members told him to wish you a happy birthday. They could tell their leader was upset about not getting to spend the day with you. They wouldn’t want to miss days that were important to their significant others either.

That night, you both went to bed feeling heavy. Your co-workers and neighbours got you a cake and forced you to take pictures with it for memories sake and your parents called you to wish you a happy birthday.

The weekend came sooner than expected for you but for Jungwon, the days seemed to drag on. He had notified his manager that he was going to be away for the weekend before time so he was let off easily.

Waking up groggily, you pull yourself up and silently curse at the person that is currently ruining your sleeping time. Opening the door, you’re surprised to see your boyfriend standing with an apologetic look. Only then does the sleep vanish from your eyes as you now realize that it’s cold outside and he had quite a handful of things.

Quickly ushering him in, you take some of the things and set them down. Damn, the air in your apartment was chilly. He was wearing a padded jacket while you on the other hand were in your pyjamas.

“Did I wake you?” he asks and you nod telling him you want to go shower.

You return dressed in fresh clothes and go to get some fruit to eat before Jungwon stops you.

“Let’s go out to eat breakfast. I haven’t had mine yet and I wanted to eat with you”

“What if one of your fans see you?” you ask him and watch as his face falls a little.

It was the reality of dating an idol, he had to be more conscious about how he did things and who he did them with. Especially if it was with you, his partner.

“We can always make breakfast here!” you tell him, attempting to lift his spirits.

You had made a mistake cooking with Jungwon. Deciding to cook pancakes and eggs as neither of you were skilful cooks, Jungwon was in charge of whisking the eggs and you made the pancakes. At first, there were more shells than eggs so you had to separate that one before giving it to him to whisk. Then, egg batter spilt and the oil he wanted to pour into the pan splashed all over the floor. You shooed him away and made everything yourself and told him to clean up the plates because the chef never cleaned up.

After eating, you both laid down before you got another one of your brilliant ideas. Jumping up, you pull him up with you and have him put on his shoes. The weather had become warmer and your body was loving it.

“I have a place where I go to when I need to be alone,” you say

“Nobody knows about it and since we want to go on a date away from here, it should be the perfect place to be!” you finish.

“Why am I just hearing about it now?”

“It never came up,” you say and put on your shoes, ready to leave.

The path to your hideout was a safe but deserted one and you had managed to mark a few places so you wouldn’t forget it again. Relishing in the comfort of your safe place, you turn to see Jungwon in awe of the scenery. He looks so beautiful, I wish I could show him off

There was a little lake and the duck that was usually there had some company. Cute, she had little baby ducks. The nature that surrounded you both was very refreshing. Nudging Jungwon who currently had his mouth slightly open, you signal to him to dip his feet in the water.

“Don’t worry, the fishes will only bite your toes a little?” you say, not turning around because you could already see the terror on his face.

Legs trembling, Jungwon sits next to you and places his left foot first in water and waits in case any fish decided to bite his toe-off. Seeing that none did and coming to a conclusion that you only said that because you wanted him to be scared, he places his other foot in water and relaxes.

“This feels good,” he says

“It’s because you’re here” you confess. It was the first time you were coming here with someone you cared about and truth be told, it felt really nice.

Feet still in water, you both start catching up. Sure, video calls were still a thing but being here, in his presence and having the access to hold his hand was incomparable.

#enhypen #enhypenwriters #enhypennetwork #enhypen fluff #enhypen scenarios #enhypen x reader #enhypen imagines #enhypen reactions #enhypen fanfics #enhypen angst #enhypen jungwon #yang jungwon #jungwon x reader

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radio-charlie · 2 years ago

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Didnt make the gulai pisang (how on earth to translate gulai. dish with gravy feels so awkward, stew isn't it. curry isn't either) ikan masin today. after lunch was too lazy to go get the ingredients and also felt bad abt spending more. warnings about very lean times are all around and i was stupid with my wallet yday. so i made some fried noodles from the stuff in my fridge, it was alright. heres what it was:

5 cloves garlic, minced 1 small red onion, minced the sambal i made that day from roasted birds eye chilies, cherry tomatoes and garlic fish sauce kicap manis petai padi (rice-paddy stinkbeans, sounds terrible but they are very nice) two 'cakes' of beehoon, aka rice vermicelli

Heat peanut oil in wok to medium-low

Put vermicelli cakes in bowl of room temperature or cool water to soak so they soften

Sauté garlic and red onion until aromatic

Add sambal, stirfry on medium heat until aromas have blended together

Add kicap manis and fish sauce, stirfry until aromas have blended together and everything is caramelising a bit, then turn heat back to medium-low

Quickly drain the water from the vermicelli bowl, squeeze out moisture, add vermicelli to wok, stirfry on high heat. If some of it chars, its alright. as long as all ur noodles and aromatics are not burnt, the char adds nice flavor and texture (the noodles crisp up there)

Add the stinkbeans, lower ur heat to medium, keep stirring to make sure the beans are cooked nicely (won't take long as they're tiny) and the noodles are evenly coated with sauce

Serve with some washed raw veg on the side. this time mine were: cilantro, garlic cloves, birds eye chillies. raw sprouts and cucumber would be nice with this too

#i wouldn't call it the most amazing noodles i've made. but tasted ok and was healthy and filling

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nicknellie · 4 years ago

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@theanarik requested: a willex alive au, friends pining so much for each other to lovers, in which Alex maybe gets flirted at and he tries to downplay it but Willie gets jealous (or vice versa) and they end up fighting about it but then realize they are in love with each other BUT THEN THEY DON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. And then they kith out of nowhere????

I love this prompt so much, I’m always here for friends to lovers and pining! Thank you so much for suggesting it! I’m going to be honest, most of this was written between midnight and half past one in the morning, but that’s when I do my best work so I honestly think this might be one of my favourite and best things I’ve written.

Delicately Deliberate

It was a typical Saturday. Though the day was bleak and chilly, the sun shone brightly, illuminating the otherwise washed-out early spring streets and the bustling people going about their business, heads bowed against the biting breeze. Alex stood outside the museum doors like every Saturday, wrapped up warm in two hoodies but relishing the feeling of the sun on his face – he could bear the cold if only for the promise of brighter, happier days. He was waiting for Willie; they met at the museum every Saturday because entry was half price and they both enjoyed visiting. Luke called these meet-ups dates, Reggie called them cute, and Julie called them domestic, but Alex simply called them friendship.

But there were times he had to remind even himself that that was all there was between him and Willie, a friendship. A very close friendship, but a friendship nonetheless. So what if they held hands more often than not? Sometimes holding hands with friends was comforting. So what if when they met up at the museum they talked about their days, shared secrets and gossip, stared at each other more than they did the artwork? Sometimes it was nice to catch up with a friend. So what if Alex’s heart skipped a beat every time Willie laughed? Sometimes it was nice to see a friend be happy.

Although he could admit that maybe he was lying to himself with that one. Every time Willie flipped his hair, smiled that cheeky smile, playfully nudged Alex’s arm, discreetly slipped his hand into Alex’s, or truth be told did anything at all, Alex melted. If Willie smiled, Alex smiled; if Willie laughed, Alex laughed; if Willie was sad, Alex was too. He knew that his feelings for Willie ran deeper than just friendship, but what they had – this friendship of theirs – it was good, it was silly and fun and he didn’t want to do anything to ruin it.

So he took those silent confessions to himself, every thought about the crinkle of Willie’s eyes as he smiled or his endearingly scuffed shoes or his legs that were covered in plasters more often than not, and he locked them far away. Besides – he loved being friends with Willie.

“Hey, hotdog,” Willie said, sliding up to Alex with a smile brighter than the sun, hopping off his skateboard and tucking it under his arm. “Sorry I took so long. Traffic was hell.”

As Willie took off his helmet and shook his hair free, Alex wanted to tell him that the way the sun glinted off his hair made him look like an angel on Earth, and the way it caught in his eyes made them shine brighter than any star. He wanted to say that when the streaky sunlight broke through the clouds it was as if it sought Willie out specifically to shine on him, to show him off to the world, to make him glow.

Instead of saying any of that, Alex pointed out, “You don’t drive.”

“I skated directly into someone,” Willie admitted with a shrug. “They threatened to sue me but I’m pretty sure they were joking. I don’t know, I skated away before they could say anything else.”

Alex wasn’t the least bit surprised. Willie was amazing on a skateboard but he had the unfortunate tendency of getting lost in his own thoughts which led to a worrying amount of accidents. Once Alex had pulled him out of the way of an oncoming car just moments before disaster would have struck – when he had asked Willie what he had been thinking about that had distracted him so much, he hadn’t been given an answer.

“Well, I say we get inside before whoever you ran over finds you and seeks their revenge,” Alex said, gesturing to the museum behind him. Willie beamed and took Alex’s hand, leading him inside.

They had a very comfortable Saturday routine. They met at the museum at ten o’clock and whoever arrived first (usually Alex because he hated being late) would wait for the other. They would go in, pay their entry fees, alternating each week between who paid, and they would wander around. They wouldn’t pay much attention to the exhibits unless there was something new or a temporary instalment to check out – mostly they just talked to each other, enjoying one another’s company. In a completely friendly way, Alex had to remind himself on occasion.

Their schedule didn’t waver, and neither did the museum’s, so every time they came it was the same guy on reception. As a result, they’d become sort of friendly with him, enough to be on a first name basis. His name was Todd, a lanky redhead with kind eyes and a permanent smile. He was a charming boy about Alex and Willie’s age who had a weekend job at the museum. He was always pleased to see them, and chatting to him was a nice part of their weekly routine, Alex thought.

Willie had never seemed keen on Todd. Alex had never figured out why and Willie was unwilling to tell him.

“Like clockwork,” Todd said as they approached the front desk. He was grinning from ear to ear, enthusiastic as always. Alex smiled back at him. “The usual? Two tickets coming right up. Which one of you is paying today?”

“I think that’s me,” Alex said, reaching into his pocket to dig out his wallet. He handed over the cash and Todd, if possible, smiled even wider.

“Look at you, always the gentleman,” he said, laughing too loudly. Alex smiled awkwardly. “You should really let someone be a gentleman for you once in a while.”

Alex wasn’t sure what he was getting at. Todd knew that he and Willie took turns paying, it happened every week, surely it was obvious that Willie was just as gentlemanly as he was.

“Well, Willie does it quite a lot,” he pointed out. Willie smiled gently at him, playfully nudging him in a way that sent his heart into overdrive. Todd just tittered.

“Yes, well,” he said dismissively. “If you’d let me then I could show you just how much of a gentleman I can be. I know I’m at work so I shouldn’t really be asking, but would you mind if I got your number?”

Oh. Oh. That’s what this was. Todd was flirting. Probably – people usually only asked for other people’s numbers when they wanted to go on a date, right? And Todd had said he wanted to prove he could be a gentleman. Surely that meant he was planning on asking Alex out?

Alex suddenly had no idea what to do. If he was reading this right, and he was fairly certain he was, then he and Todd were on completely different pages. Alex saw Todd as an acquaintance and that was how he wanted to stay, he didn’t want it to be anything more. There was only one person he wanted anything more with, and that boy was currently stood beside him, stiff as a plank, face eerily devoid of emotion, toying with a wheel on his skateboard. But he couldn’t just tell Todd that he couldn’t have his number, that would be awkward on a thousand levels – equally he couldn’t say yes because it would be unfair to lead Todd on.

He did a quick toss-up between his two options and made his decision purely on what would embarrass him less.

“Sure,” he said quickly. Grinning, Todd handed him a post-it note and a pen and Alex scribbled down his phone number, handing it back to him. He gave a tight smile, then turned on his heel. “Okay. Come on, Willie, let’s go.”

Willie didn’t say anything, but Alex felt him fall into step beside him. Well, if it could be called ‘beside’ – Willie was arms’ length away, so far that Alex couldn’t have touched him if he reached out as far as he could. It was strange – usually they would walk so close that they bumped shoulders and almost always ended up hand in hand – but Alex shrugged it off and just walked himself closer to Willie. It only registered that something definitely wasn’t right when he saw Willie’s shoulders tense, and he ducked his head when Alex looked in his direction.

“Hey,” he said gently, slowing his steps and placing a soft hand at Willie’s elbow, stopping him too. “You okay?”

Willie avoided eye contact like it would kill him which was how Alex knew he was lying when he said, “I’m fine. Come on, let’s just get this over with.”

They walked through the museum, stood as close as they normally would, but this time it felt uncomfortable and invasive somehow. Alex couldn’t pinpoint when, but Willie’s chipper mood had dulled and he had turned sullen and sulky. He made several attempts to start a conversation, asking Willie about his day and the rest of his week, telling him his own stories, but he was met either with a disinterested hum or cold silence.

It felt so wrong. Where had Willie’s heart-stopping smile gone? His bright, unrestrained giggles? The spark in his eyes that glowed especially brightly here, in the museum? Where was he?

It went on for twenty minutes until Alex finally grew tired of it. When they were alone in a deserted room which housed only a picturesque oil painting, he stepped right in front of Willie so he had no choice but to look at him.

“What’s going on with you?” he said, trying not to let his frustration show. It ebbed away just slightly when he saw the stung expression on Willie’s face. “When we got here you were happy and excited like normal, what’s changed since we came in?”

“It’s nothing,” Willie insisted. “It doesn’t matter.”

“It clearly does or you wouldn’t be this upset.”

“I’m not upset,” Willie protested, clearly lying, the waver in his voice betraying him.

“You are,” Alex said, taking a risk and planting his hands on Willie’s shoulders. “I know you, Willie, and this isn’t you.”

“You clearly don’t know me,” Willie snapped.

Alex’s hands dropped from Willie’s shoulders without him meaning to let go. Hurt, he took a step back. There was anger on Willie’s face now but Alex had no idea where it was coming from. Maybe Willie was right – this certainly wasn’t the version of him Alex knew.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” he asked, weak.

Willie’s face worked for a moment and Alex could see the cogs in his head turning as he desperately searched for the right words to explain himself.

He gave a haggard sigh and said, “That guy was flirting with you, Alex! He has been for the past three months, as long as we’ve been coming here together!”

Alex didn’t see what that had to do with anything. Why would Todd flirting with him mean anything? But that was the path Willie had chosen to stray down, so Alex followed him.

“I’m sure he was just being friendly.”

Willie laughed mirthlessly. “Sure. Friendly. He’s been more than friendly with you ever since he first saw you.”

Alex shuffled uneasily. Maybe he hadn’t noticed at the time, but after Todd’s little display earlier a lot of his previous behaviour had made a lot more sense. Like the time he’d called Alex ‘possibly the most attractive guy I have ever seen’. Alex wasn’t sure now how he had dismissed that as friendly chitchat.

“Okay, fine, maybe he was flirting with me. So what?”

“You gave him your number!”

“Do you have a problem with that?”

“Yes,” Willie exclaimed.

Alex raised an eyebrow. He suddenly didn’t like where this conversation was going. “So I’m not allowed to have people flirt with me?”

Eyes widening, Willie seemed to realise how Alex had taken it and immediately started to backtrack. “No, that’s not– that came out wrong, I mean–”

“You know, at least he’s taking an interest in me,” Alex sneered. He still couldn’t understand where Willie’s initial burst of anger had come from, but now that he was riding high on his own he didn’t care to find out. “It’s more than you’ve done today, ignoring me like I’m some stranger to you. Go on then, if the problem isn’t that he was flirting with me then what is it? Are you angry because he wasn’t flirting with you? Do you like Todd?”

“No,” Willie groaned exasperatedly. He took a desperate step towards Alex, but he instinctively stepped back. He half regretted it when he saw Willie flinch at it, but the other half of him felt some sick satisfaction. “That’s not it. I don’t like Todd. It’s just— God, Alex, how can you tell when I’m upset and when Todd’s flirting with you but you can’t tell...”

Willie seemed to lose momentum, run out of battery. He wilted, looking down to the ground, and Alex had enough.

“What is your problem?” he yelled. He hadn’t meant to. In the empty room, his voice bounced off the walls, echoing around the pair of them. He heard the scorn in his own words and shattered. He sounded hateful – he never wanted to sound like that to Willie.

Willie stood there, silent, motionless. He looked like he would break if anything touched him, even as lightly as a butterfly. But then he swallowed thickly, blinked a few times (Alex prayed he wasn’t blinking tears from his eyes) and looked at Alex dead on.

“I’m going home,” he said, voice heavy. “I’m sorry.”

And without another word, he hurried out of the room, leaving a wide berth as he swerved around Alex and passed through the large double doors, out of sight.

That night, Alex lay in bed, unable to sleep. His mind, which usually wandered at night like it was out for a pleasant stroll, was stuck in one place like a broken record. All he could hear was his furious voice ricocheting off the museum’s walls, all he could see was Willie’s broken expression, all he felt was his own private kind of heartbreak.

He picked up his phone and opened up his chat with Willie. There was a long message that he’d written out waiting for him, he just hadn’t hit send. The words hadn’t felt right as he wrote them and they felt even worse as he read through them for what must have been the hundredth time. He erased the entire thing, left himself with a blank slate, but couldn’t find the words to fill it.

Instead of wasting time trying to locate words that didn’t want to be found, he turned his attention to Willie in another way. He opened up his camera roll and scrolled mindlessly through his photos. Some of them were photos of him, Julie, Reggie, and Luke. A lot of them were strange photos of things that Luke had sent to him, always captioned ‘this is you’. But a good third of all his photos were of him and Willie, or simply Willie by himself.

Him and Willie at the beach. Him and Willie on their trip to the farm. Him and Willie dressed up as an angel and devil on Halloween. Willie wearing a full suit of armour (Alex still didn’t know how Willie had got his hands on that). Willie behind Alex’s drums when Alex had unsuccessfully tried to teach him how to play. A selfie Willie had sent to him from A&E six months ago, his arm in a cast - it had been captioned ‘you can be the first to sign it’.

Their argument baffled Alex. He had no idea where any of it had come from. Until he came across one particular photo.

It wasn’t even of Alex and Willie, not really. It was focused on Reggie posing beside a statue like it was a real person. It had been taken when Alex, Willie, Reggie, Luke, and Julie had all spent a day in Hollywood as if they were tourists, trying to see everything for the first time, experiencing it all like it was brand new to them. There was a detail in the background however that caught Alex’s eye.

He zoomed in to see him and Willie sat together on a bench. Alex himself was looking at Reggie, laughing at his antics. He remembered it, specifically hoping that Julie wouldn’t accidentally get him in the photo when she took it. But next to Alex, Willie wasn’t looking at Reggie. His eyes were focused solely on Alex and on his face was the softest, most genuine smile he could have ever imagined. It was a smile he knew very well.

It was the same smile he wore himself whenever he was with Willie.

At that point, Alex realised two things. The first thing was that he was so completely and utterly in love with Willie that if he wasn’t careful it might actually have killed him and he had no idea how he hadn’t realised the extent of his feelings before. The second and more exciting thing was that if Alex’s suspicions were right then there was a chance Willie felt the same way. It was a terrifying thought, but the more he considered it the more sense it made.

That had been why Willie was so angry at Alex giving Todd his number. He didn’t dislike people flirting with Alex, and he didn’t like Todd and envy Alex for it. No, nothing of the sort. Willie was angry because he liked Alex.

Alex prayed he wasn’t misreading the situation. God only knew he was oblivious when it came to matters like this. Still, even though he had worked out what was going on, it left him wondering where he was supposed to go from here. What was he supposed to do? He still wanted to text Willie, reach out to him at long last, but their argument was still fresh in his mind and he wasn’t sure Willie would want to be contacted by him. Besides, he still had no idea what to say.

So he did nothing but lie in wait and eventually he fell into a fitful sleep.

Willie and Alex had a routine for Sundays as well. At midday, they would meet in the sand beneath the pier and simply be with each other. Sometimes they would just sit there and talk or rest in comfortable silence, sometimes they would stroll up and down the sand clasping each other’s hands, sometimes they’d chase each other across the beach and howl like excited children. Like the museum, Luke called these meet-ups dates, Reggie called them cute, Julie called them domestic, and now Alex could admit that maybe that’s what they were.

All he could do was hope that Willie would show up. They hadn’t spoken since the day before and Alex couldn’t be certain Willie would still want to see him today. Now he sat in the sand in the shade underneath the pier, watching the sea breathe as the waves rose and fell, swelling and drooping like a lazy heartbeat. The day was much warmer than the day before, the sun even brighter too.

He felt Willie drop into the sand beside him. Neither of them said a word. The only sounds were the crashing of the waves and footsteps above them from people walking up and down the pier.

“I wasn’t sure if you’d still come,” Alex ventured. It sounded lame. He wished he could have said something a little bit… more.

Willie shrugged. “It’s you. I’ll always come for you.”

It was such a typical thing for Willie to say, and so telling. Alex huffed a laugh, shaking his head fondly. He had no idea how he hadn’t clocked onto Willie’s feelings long before.

“What’s so funny?” Willie asked. There was a hint of a smile tugging at his lips.

“I’m an idiot,” Alex replied.

Another silence fell between them, lighter than before. Alex kept watching the sea, but found that his eyes kept straying in Willie’s direction. Willie was glancing around, watching gulls swoop through the sky, gazing at a dog that ran through the shallow water not far away, looking above at the wood of the pier above them. Alex watched as Willie’s fingers traced lazy, thoughtless patterns in the sand. The sand wasn’t wet so the patterns didn’t hold, grains cascading as soon as Willie’s fingers moved on, blurring whatever lines he made.

Alex didn’t think. He just took Willie’s hand. Willie, without so much as looking, linked their fingers together.

A beat passed. And another. The world faded to a haze of faded colours and dim white noise. Alex looked at Willie and Willie looked at Alex, and Alex couldn’t tell who moved first but a moment later they were kissing.

It was gentle but full of surety and care. Delicately deliberate. And it couldn’t have lasted more than five seconds before both pulled away. There was the tiniest of pauses and in unison both descended into giggles, clutching each other’s hands, foreheads pressed together.

It was everything Alex had ever imagined and so much more.

He couldn’t tell how long it was before they calmed down. Naturally, like it was all he was built to do, Willie leaned against Alex, his head on his shoulder, and took a deep, calm breath.

“I’m sorry about yesterday,” Alex said quietly. “I should have realised so much sooner.”

Willie laughed, merry but subdued. His long fingers started toying with the sand again – this time Alex was fairly sure that one of the patterns he drew was a heart. “Don’t apologise. It was both of us. We got there eventually, right?”

Alex chuckled, linking his fingers through Willie’s again. “Right. We got there in the end.”

And then, for no other reason than the fact that he could, he pressed a kiss to the top of Willie’s head.

“You missed,” Willie said, turning around. His eyes were glinting with something like mirth. Alex raised an eyebrow.

“I did?”

Willie nodded, placed a sand-covered hand on Alex’s cheek, and pulled him in for another kiss. Alex melted, his heart skipping a dozen beats at once, and realised once and for all that this thing he had with Willie definitely wasn’t just a friendship.

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duchesschameleon · 4 years ago

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light the candles

summary: a little Jewish education, some Hanukkah decorations, and warmth provided by candlelight (aka an extremely self-indulgent and slightly cathartic fic)

pairing: Aaron Hotchner x GN Jewish Reader words: 2.5k title from: candlelight by the maccabeats

You look at the little snow-covered tree JJ and Morgan insisted you decorate your desk with earlier and sigh. It’s late, you’re still at the office working on consults and a report from your latest case, and the tree is another thing that’s adding to your mounting headache. It’s such a little thing, you shouldn’t feel guilty over it and it shouldn’t bother you this much. But it does for some reason, and you can’t shake it. You let out a sigh and rub your eyes, trying to get yourself to refocus on the paperwork in front of you. It’s a tree, it’s not the end of the world. It’s a snow-covered tree, it won’t hurt you, you tell yourself. And it works for a bit. You feel yourself sink into the rhythm of paperwork, blocking out the world around you.

Its Aaron’s hand on your shoulder that pulls you from your trance and you startle as you look up at him.

“Sorry, I tried calling your name,” he starts, clearing his throat as his eyes dart around your desk, “why are you still here? Go home, paperwork will be here in the morning.”

“Seemed better to get it done now,” you shrug, “Anyway, there’s not much for me at home. I do live alone.”

Aaron huffs out a laugh in acknowledgement. “But it’s the holidays. Shouldn’t you be decorating or getting gifts or just, I don’t know reveling in the holiday spirit?” His hands are firmly placed in his pockets, making him appear almost awkward and nervous, but you ignore it. There’s no reason for Aaron Hotchner to be awkward and nervous around you.

Your face sours a bit, and you lean back in your chair, “you mean get into the Christmas spirit?” you scoff.

“No,” Aaron frowns, “I mean the holiday spirit. Hanukkah starts soon, doesn’t it?”

Your speechless for a moment, shocked that he remembered. You don’t talk about being Jewish a lot, just little things here and there about getting challah for shabbat, lighting your candles when you can, or wearing your Chai pendant. It’s small things and details that are easy to forget or slip out of people’s minds. “Uhm, yeah, it starts in a week or so,” you stammer out. “But there’s not much to prepare? My gifts to my family have already been sent and I don’t decorate much. Doesn’t make sense when we’re probably going to get a case and be traveling. Anyway, it’s importance always gets blown out of proportion because of its proximity to Christmas.

Aaron nods and lets out a little huff of air. “Got it.” He checks his watch and sighs, noting the time. He rubs his forehead, contemplating something. “Well, if you won’t go home to your place then come on over to mine. I, uh, may have bought some Hanukkah decorations for Jack and I to put up and we could use your help.” Aaron’s neck flushes and he looks down at his feet. Suddenly, his nervousness makes sense, and you feel your own cheeks heat up. “I understand if you don’t want to, or it’s overstepping but I still –”

“No, no I’d – I’d really like that,” you interrupt. A small smile spreads across your face and you look up at Aaron. “You know I’ll never turn down time with Jack and I guess I can help decorate.”

Aaron flashes you one of his blinding smiles, small enough to not look totally out of place on his face but still full of joy. “Good, because I probably won’t be able to answer most of his questions about Hanukkah. Figured I’d go straight to the expert for that.”

You laugh as you start to clean up your desk, organizing files so that you can pick right up when you get into the office tomorrow. Aaron runs back to his office to grab his keys and coat, a small smile gracing his face. When he comes back to your desk, you’re standing waiting for him.

“I took the metro in today, mind giving me a lift to your place?”

“Not at all.”

The ride is quiet, comfortable. The silences that fall over you two usually are comfortable, a by-product of working together for so many years and spending those years in close contact. It’s hard to be a part of the BAU for so long and not be comfortable around each other.

And while you might be comfortable, Aaron is trying to hide how tense he is in the driver’s seat. Getting you to his apartment, to spend time alone with him (and Jack) outside of a work setting is something he’s been trying to do for a long time. It took some courage, and a good excuse, but he did it and now he’s nervous all over again about what it’ll be like to have you in his space. At work, there’s a clearly defined line of professionalism he cannot cross. But in his apartment, his home, and with his son he’s not sure he’ll be able to stop the feelings he’s harbored for you for a while.

The drive to Aaron’s isn’t very long and soon he’s putting the car and park and jogging to try and open your door for you. When he realizes you’d already opened it, he offers you his hand instead and you roll your eyes as you take it.

“Always the gentleman, huh Hotchner?” He flashes you a smirk in return and you chuckle as he leads you to the elevator of the parking garage, still holding your hand. It’s nice, his large hand enveloping yours and providing warmth to your chilly fingers. You certainly aren’t complaining and wouldn’t want him to drop your hand.

Jack’s running to the door as you enter the apartment and immediately wraps his arms around Aaron for a hug. “Aunt Jess let me stay up late ‘cause you said we were gonna decorate tonight!” Jack exclaims, excited for an extended bedtime on a school night.

“Yeah buddy! I brought over a friend too, to help us with those new decorations I got, remember?” Aaron asked, leaning down to hug Jack and press a kiss to his hair.

Jack nods before looking around Aaron to wave at you and say hi. You wave back at him before unwinding your scarf and unbuttoning your coat. Aaron’s behind you to help take your coat off and hang it up and you’re startled by his closeness. He was close enough for you to get a whiff of his cologne, something subtle but spicy. It sends a shiver down your spine, being that close to him.

You shake it off though as he moves into the apartment to grab the decorations he’d purchased. You follow and sit on the couch as Aaron places the bags on the coffee table. Jack hops up next to you and reaches into the bag, pulling something out.

You see the item and gasp, looking at Aaron over Jack’s head. “Really?”

“I overhead JJ and Morgan talking about wanting to decorate the office and I know they tend to be well, one track minded. I wanted to make sure all bases were covered.” Aaron shrugs, and you see that his neck is turning red again.

“This is, incredible,” you breathe as you help Jack paw through the bag. There isn’t much, but it’s something and it means so much to you. Dreidels, strands of blue lights, a plush menorah for Jack to fill at home, an electric one for you to plug in at your desk, and gelt. Bags and bags of gelt. As you open the items, you explain what they are to Jack. That dreidels are both the spinning top itself and a game you play, that you play with gelt and then you can eat it because it’s a chocolate coin, and the menorah. You save it for last, telling him the abridged story of the Maccabees and how they fought and then discovered the oil left in the temple should only last one night but miraculously gave them light for 8 nights.

You keep it short, mindful of the time and Jack’s drooping eyes. He is excited about everything and demands you come over another time to play dreidel with him and to bring latkes, he said they sounded yummy and wanted to try some. You promise him that you will and give him a hug goodnight as Aaron makes sure he gets tucked into bed.

Most of the decorations are still spread on the coffee table in front of you, a few of the light strands hung up at Jack’s insistence. You’re still shocked that Aaron went through the trouble to find all of this and even more surprised he’d wanted some of it for his home, not just for the office. You flip through one of the children’s books Aaron had bought to help Jack understand the Hanukkah story and smile at the illustrations. You’re so engrossed in it that you don’t hear him return and get startled at him sinking into the couch next to you.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you,” Aaron says. He clears his throat and twists to look at you, “Thank you for doing this. For explaining Hanukkah to Jack and indulging him. And me too, I guess.”

You smile warmly at him, “Of course, it’s nice to know that people do want to learn. And you know I can never say no to Jack,” you laugh.

“Oh yes, there is a track record of that,” Aaron jokes. As you laugh you notice how close he’s sitting to you and your filled with warmth, though a little confused as to why he’s so close. It’s closer than he ever sits next to you, including on the jet. You settle into it, but his nerves from earlier seem to have transferred to you. You’re hyper-aware of Aaron’s presence and it puts you on edge. You know that you’ve been ignoring and pushing down the attraction you feel to him, the way you gravitate towards him. You know that you ignore it in the name of professionalism, of not crossing a line. But there’s also part of you that’s scared to put yourself and your heart on the line by giving in to your feelings. Aaron is your friend, your boss, someone who’s been a part of your life for years. To ruin that, to lose that would be devastating. So, you’ve continued on as if there are no romantic inclinations.

Besides, you’ve convinced yourself there’s no way Aaron reciprocates your feelings. He’d been so in love with Haley and hadn’t made any steps towards moving on or starting another relationship for so long. There’s no way that he’s taken a romantic interest in you, not now.

“You still here with me?” Aaron says, pulling you from your thoughts.

“Huh? Oh, yeah. Just…thinking.”

“About what?”

You swallow, trying to figure out the best way to answer. Obviously, something is different about tonight. Aaron’s been hovering all evening, close to you and holding your hand and you’re sure he rested his hand on your arm or shoulder while you explained Hanukkah to Jack. He’s tactile, in a way he’s never been before. Now that Jack has gone to bed and you two are alone, you’re forced to really confront what it could mean.

“Did I lose you again?”

You shake your head and shoot him an apologetic smile, “I’m a little distracted, sorry.” You take a breath, determined and turn to face Aaron, “There’s something, different tonight isn’t there? You held my hand on the way here and you’ve been hovering close all night. It’s different than when we’re at work and it’s just…it’s distracting,” you blurt.

Aaron’s eyes meet yours and he takes your hand again, “It is different. You’re here at my apartment, and you’re so good with Jack and I just, I wanted it to be a little different, if that’s okay with you?”

“Are we going to keep dodging around it? Because this is, it’s a lot Aaron. It’s something I haven’t dared hope for, and I don’t want to mess anything up between us. You mean a lot to me. As a friend, a coworker, and as someone who’s been in my life for years at this point. I can’t lose that, not now.”

“Hey, hey,” Aaron’s hand comes up to rest on your jaw and he makes you meet his eyes, “none of that talk. Nothing is going to ruin what we have. You aren’t losing me.” The conviction in his voice helps calm your nerves, but there’s still so much left unsaid.

“Aaron, we have to be on the same page. This isn’t a one-time thing for me. I like you. As more than a friend. As someone I want to have in my life for a long time. For forever, really. I can’t say I love you right now because I’ve spent so long pushing all this down but it’s a real possibility. I can see a life with you, and I know that I could love you. If we do this, Aaron I’m pretty much all in.” You’ve laid your cards on the table, put it all out there. Aaron squeezes the hand he’s still holding and grips your jaw a little tighter, making sure you don’t turn away from him. He sees you, and you can’t hide.

“We’re on the same page. You just spent an evening with Jack and I teaching us about a holiday we don’t celebrate. I don’t think I can say it anymore plainly that this isn’t a one-time deal. I know I’m falling in love with you. Have been for a while,” he huffs out a laugh, “I see that life with you, and I want it. I know it won’t be easy with work, but we can figure that out and deal with the paperwork, I just know that I want you in my life, in Jack’s life, and I can’t lose you either. I want more time with you than we spend together in the office and I just, didn’t know how to tell you. But I want this. I want you.”

You’re verklempt, a mist clouding your vision. You smile and Aaron and he returns it. You both lean in and then he’s kissing you, his lips moving over yours and oh this is something you can get used to. Kissing Aaron Hotchner is something you could easily do for the rest of your life. When you separate for a breath you tell him that and it draws a chuckle from both of you.

The details will come later, telling Jack and the team and Strauss but for now, you’ll sit on his couch and kiss him. There’s some lost time to make up for anyway.

And if you’re over for dinner a few days later, well that’s just fine. Aaron greets you at the door with a kiss and takes the bags out of your hands and into the kitchen. It’s the first night of Hanukkah and you’ve brought latke supplies to fulfill your promise to Jack. And when you light the first candle in your menorah, Aaron wraps his arms around your waist and you settle into him, content.

tag: @qvid-pro-qvo (if you want to be tagged in future fics - when I write them oops - let me know!)

#my writing #criminal minds #aaron hotchner #aaron hotchner x reader #criminal minds fanfic #hotch x reader #also pls be kind this is my first x reader fic #and i believe i kept it gn #any mistakes are my own #also let me know if you have questions about hanukkah or anything #fic stuff

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boxoftheskyking · 4 years ago

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Something Good, Part Twelve

I decided to end the chapter here for the moment because it got kind of long

Also there are only like 3 sets in this piece because we are on a BUDGET so everything happens in the laundry yard. Sorry take it up with the finance department

In which there is a Party (Also self-worth doesn’t come from rich people)

Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, Part Six, Part Seven, Part Eight, Part Nine, Part Ten, Part Eleven

Engagement celebrations are not traditional in Gusu, but they are in Qishan, and the husband’s family are responsible.

“So, basically, His Excellency is demanding the Lan Sect throw him a party,” Wei Wuxian says. “That sounds like Wen Ruohan.”

“Oh, yes, Wei Ying,” Wang Xiaolu teases, flicking water at him from where she’s kneeling on the paving stones. “You know everything about the noble houses! You are so worldly!”

“Aiyah, Lulu!” Wei Wuxian starts chasing after her with his broom.

“Children!” Madam Xiao shouts, wagging a gnarled finger at them. “You will have plenty of time for nonsense once the celebration has come and gone. I may not know everything about the noble houses, but I will not be the housekeeper that lets dust collect on His Excellency’s hem.”

All of the disciples are practicing a demonstration for the honored guests, so their lessons stretch late into the evening. The little ones seem delighted to be in classes with their older cousins and siblings, taking their roles very seriously even though they’re mainly tasked with holding supplies and staying out of the way.

Wei Wuxian tries to steal time here and there to watch them practice, giving them giant smiles and exuberant applause for every skill performed. Lan Wangji stands next to him, and Wei Wuxian could swear he sees the corner of his mouth twitch. Every time it happens he cheers louder.

But the result of all the cleaning, cooking, and other preparations is that Wei Wuxian barely has any time with the children. He makes sure they’re fed, washed, and in bed by nine, but there’s very little play time.

He’s hemming some new robes for the Sect Leader—he’s still quite proud of his new sewing skills, so he’d begged Lan Biming for the job—when Lan Wangji stops by the laundry yard.

“Wei Wuxian.”

“Hey, Master Lan! Check out these stitches. Have you seen anything straighter?”

Lan Wangji actually comes over to crouch next to Wei Wuxian where he’s spread out on the ground, carefully lifting the fabric and looking intently at the fresh hem.

“It is very fine work.”

“Thank you!”

Lan Wangji stays crouched next to him for a moment, saying nothing. Wei Wuxian carefully ties off his thread and folds up the robes before turning to him.

“Well?”

“Are you just visiting the laundry yard to get away from the preparations? I imagine Lan Qiren is as demanding as ever.”

“Uncle is— This is the first major event held at the Cloud Recesses since the ambush. The first under Lan Xichen’s leadership. Everyone is taking it very seriously.”

Wei Wuxian salutes him, the effect somewhat ruined by the way his trousers are riding up on his legs, his knobby knees sticking out.

“I wonder, if you have time, if you could take the junior disciples to the back hill for a while this afternoon.”

“To see the bunnies? Of course! Are they finished with rehearsal?”

“Uncle would like to continue working with everyone, but I think it would be best if the younger ones departed for a short while.”

“They need a break, huh?”

Lan Wangji nods.

“I’d be delighted! Just let me get these robes to Master Lin and I’ll be over.”

Lan Wangji is, as usual, correct. As soon as they leave the main compound, half of the kids go absolutely wild, running and screaming and rolling down the hill.

“Hey, watch it! You’re not wearing your play clothes today, and the Grandmaster will have all the hair off my head if you get grass stains on your nice robes!”

Lan Ting flops down into the grass. “Wei-qianbei, will you please cover me with rabbits? I am so tired and my brain is so confused, I just need to be covered with rabbits.”

Wei Wuxian laughs and straightens the boy’s robes over his legs. “Feifei, Yixian, come help me catch some rabbits to bury your cousin.”

He sits down in the midst of them all and lets himself enjoy the shift in energy. He likes the other servants quite a bit, and they like him more than they used to, but it’s nothing like being in this crowd of wild, chubby-cheeked troublemakers.

Lan Jingyi comes up behind him and leans against his shoulder. “I miss you, Wei-qianbei,” he says and he tucks his arms around Wei Wuxian’s neck.

“Ah, Jingyi, I still see you every day.”

“But not all of the day.”

“No, because I have work to do. Don’t you want to be proud of the Cloud Recesses when all the other clans come to visit? It must be sparkling clean! It should be as shining in the sun as if a fresh layer of snow has fallen over the whole mountain!”

“But you’re my Wei-qianbei, and I need you to play with me.”

Wei Wuxian hauls him over into his lap. “How about a nice cuddle now instead?”

“Okay. Can you cuddle me and I cuddle a rabbit?”

“Yes, of course.”

All in all, it’s the nicest day he’s had all week.

The day before the other sects are to arrive, Lan Wangji comes back to find him in the laundry yard where he’s wolfing down dinner, grateful for ten minutes of quiet. It’s going to rain, which makes him rather resent the time he’d spent mopping down the entry stairs. Half of his hair is falling out of his topknot and whipping around his face, getting into his bowl, striping chilli oil across his cheek.

It seems unreal that the day is almost upon them. He has been carefully not thinking about what will happen when the sects begin arriving, trying to keep his thoughts blank and focus on cleaning this stone, chopping this turnip, carrying this child. Nothing beyond.

“Wei Wuxian.”

“There’s no one else here,” he says, with his mouth full.

“Wei Ying.”

“Lan Zhan.”

Surprisingly, Lan Wangji comes over and sits next to him on the bench. He’s warm, noticeably so in the chill. On a normal day, he thinks that would hold his attention; he’d be hyper aware of the solidness of Lan Wangji’s shoulder, how he warms Wei Wuxian’s arm down to the elbow. But today his mind is empty, wind whistling through.

“Wei Ying. Tomorrow the sects arrive. It will not be the largest gathering, but all of the leaders will attend. That means Wen Ruohan. And also Jiang Wanyin.”

Wei Wuxian shoves in another mouthful, nodding.

“Are you—” Lan Wangji sighs, frustrated. Wei Wuxian chews and lets him think.

“Is there an assignment,” Lan Wangji says, slowly, “that would make the next few days easier for you?”

Wei Wuxian swallows, wipes his mouth. “How do you mean?”

Lan Wangji glares, slightly. “It will be best for everyone if you are out of the way of Wen Ruohan, to avoid any unnecessary disruption. But if you’d like to see Jiang Wanyin, you could—I don’t know—tidy the guest rooms where he is staying.”

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?”

“If I want to see him. If I can see him.” Wei Wuxian puts down his bowl. “Is— Do you know if my sister . . .”

“I don’t. I haven’t heard who is attending.”

Wei Wuxian nods, looks up at the sky. It starts to rain, spitting down on him.

“I will instruct Lin Biming to assign you wherever is easiest,” Lan Wangji says.

“Probably best if I keep out of the way, don’t you think?” Wei Wuxian closes his eyes against the rain. When he opens them, Lan Wangji is gone.

---

He ends up on dish duty, which is fine. He’s only crossed paths with visiting servants so far, and most of them don’t give him a second glance.

He’s clearing the tea service from a private meeting room when he sees Jiang Cheng. Wei Wuxian is inside, and his brother walks by the open door. He’s in his customary purple, but with a golden sash which seems to pay homage to Lanling Jin. Wei Wuxian sets his tray down silently and moves to the door, watching him as he turns into another pavilion.

He seems thinner than Wei Wuxian remembers, his jaw possibly sharper. My, Jiang Cheng, is Shijie not feeding you?

When he’s out of sight, Wei Wuxian sinks down onto his heels, leaning against the wall with his arms wrapped around his knees. I thought I’d feel it, he thinks to himself, trying to drown out the buzzing in his ears. Shouldn’t I be able to feel it when he’s near? Shouldn’t he feel me?

But he doesn’t rise, chase after him, call his name. He breathes until his hands quit shaking, then he gathers up the tea tray and goes back to the kitchens.

He manages to stay safely out of the way for the first two days, but on the third he decides to risk discovery to watch the children perform their demonstration. He sneaks in the back of the crowd, head tucked down and hands occupied with the small kettle of tea that is his excuse for being there in the first place. He can’t quite relax without being in danger of burning himself, but it’s helpful to remain alert.

Wen Qing is seated near Wen Ruohan, shimmering gold headpiece and even more intricately embroidered robes than usual. Jiang Cheng is at the side of the room farthest away from the door, seated with Jin Zixuan and Jin Guangshan. Jin Guangshan leans over and says something to him, and a polite smile flashes across his face. It looks unnatural. Wei Wuxian shifts so that he’s blocked by another servant. Yanli is not there.

Wen Qing looks around as the disciples enter and catches his eye. She’s made up in a way he’s never seen before, looking more like a delicate flower than the solid oak he knows her to be. She gives him a little smile before turning back to watch the children.

Wei Wuxian doesn’t honestly pay a lot of attention to the demonstration. It’s not that it hurts, he tells himself, to watch young people reveling in their spiritual power, tossing it around like it’s nothing, like it’s never-ending. It’s just that he’d rather watch his children, see who stands properly still, who’s fidgeting, who misses their cue and has to scramble across the stage. Normally he’d cheer and whoop and shout out each name, but he just claps politely and grins at the ones who spot him.

After the demonstration, it’s time to serve more tea. He tries to be clever and serve some low ranking member of a minor sect who may not recognize him, but he gets turned around in the shuffle and ends up standing beside Wen Chao. After the first pour he doesn’t look up, but Wei Wuxian feels himself begin to sweat, like an animal stuck inside a trap in the moment before the net pulls tight. They’ll need to pour at least three more cups to cover all of the toasts.

The first toast, proposed by Wen Ruohan, is dedicated to the hosts in Gusu Lan. The second—Wei Wuxian’s hands only shake a bit as he pours—goes to the happy couple, Lan Wangji and Wen Qing. Lan Wangji has taken his place with the other members of his sect following the demonstration, so all eyes scan across the room between him and Wen Qing. Wei Wuxian braces himself, but their gazes just slide over him.

For the next toast, Jin Guangshan speaks up.

“Honored sects, it is Lanling Jin’s great happiness to announce the engagement of my son and heir, Jin Zixuan, and the sister of our loyal ally, Jiang Wanyin. The wedding will take place in one year, and will bind Lanling Jin and Yunmeng Jiang together in the bonds of family.”

He nods to Jiang Cheng, who straightens. “Yunmeng Jiang is honored to join with Lanling Jin, and my sister is blessed with a fine husband-to-be.” He looks around, awkwardly, then finishes with “We are very happy.” He even smiles.

The handle of the kettle creaks in Wei Wuxian’s grip. How dare he, he thinks. They won’t even say her name, like she’s just an object, or an animal changing ownership. Like she’s a treaty to be signed.

He pours the last cup, and his hands shake, sloshing tea over the side.

“Aiyah, you fool!” Wen Chao yells. He yanks back his sleeve and glares up at him. So does everyone else.

Wei Wuxian freezes and stares down at the ground, hoping they just see the grey uniform and topknot, no one worth noticing.

“Wei Wuxian,” Wen Chao says at top volume, anger transforming into delight in an instant. “Of course it would be you. Look, this demon tried to burn me.”

The room explodes into noise, murmurs and scoffs and whispers and even a few bursts of laughter. Wei Wuxian can’t help himself, he looks up directly at Jiang Cheng. His brother’s eyes are fiery, jaw clenched and hand on the hilt of his sword. For a moment the rest of the room fades away and Wei Wuxian almost speaks, almost says his name. Jiang Cheng looks away.

Wei Wuxian feels an insistent hand on his elbow and lets himself be tugged backward.

“Come on, Wei Ying,” Lin Biming says in his ear. “Give the kettle to Xiaolu and go.”

The kettle is gone—he doesn’t notice it happening, just the sudden absence of weight, and then suddenly he is outside under grey sky with his hands pressed hard against his middle. He doesn’t realize he’s not alone until he feels hands on his shoulders.

“That’s it, breathe. You’re all right, boy, just breathe.” Lin Biming tugs him gently down the walkway until the uproar from inside fades into nothing more than rising and falling tones.

“Sorry,” Wei Wuxian forces out, all air.

“No, don’t worry. It’s all right.”

“I just wanted to see . . . I wanted to . . .”

“I know, it’s all right. I should have protected you.”

Wei Wuxian looks up, startled. Lin Biming’s red face is all concern, and though his features aren’t the same, he looks so much like Uncle Jiang it’s difficult not to lean in and rest his cheek against the man’s shoulder.

“You don’t have to—”

“That’s my job, to protect you all.”

Wei Wuxian gives in and hugs him, earning a small grunt of surprise. It’s like hugging a tree trunk, but eventually he feels a gentle pat in the center of his back. Despite everything, it does actually make him feel better.

Lin Biming leaves, flustered, and Wei Wuxian wanders somewhat aimlessly back to the kitchen. He feels naked, like he’s been stripped in the middle of Caiyi Town, left standing on his own with nothing between him and the wind.

Time passes, somehow. People move around him, shifting him gently into a corner so they can clean the dishes, start preparing dinner. A few folks pat his cheek, tuck a strand of hair behind his ear, squeeze his shoulder. Part of him—most of him—feels it like embers inside him, like something that will become a warm and comforting fire when he can pull the lid off and expose it to air.

Dinner is served without him. He stays in the laundry yard, grateful to find a torn bedsheet on the line that’s been left for later. He stitches as the sun goes down, slow, deliberate, each stitch exact in length and straightness. It’s almost becoming hard to see when Wen Qing finds him.

“Jiang Wanyin asked me if I knew where you were,” she says, evenly.

Wei Wuxian tucks the needle into the fabric and joins her where she’s leaning against the stone wall.

“To make sure I stay out of sight, I suppose. Out of trouble.”

“He wants to see you.”

“What are you doing, talking to strange men at your own engagement party? Have some shame, Lady Wen.”

“Wei Ying.”

He turns and rests his forehead on her shoulder. “I can’t. I can’t see him. I can’t.”

“How long has it been?”

“He was at the trial. I can’t face him after that. You don’t know what it’s like, watching him just sit there—”

“Watching the people who are supposed to be my family sit in silence while Wen Ruohan decides my future for me, separates me from my brother and everyone I know to fill a role I never wanted and don’t belong in? Clearly I have no idea what that is like.”

Wei Wuxian groans. “I know. I know. I just can’t. The way he sat there and talked about Shijie, like she’s nothing. I expect it from Wen Ruohan, not from Jiang Cheng. Before— When we were together he hated Jin Zixuan as much as I did. Now, he announces their engagement and he smiles? Truly, anyone can be bought.”

“He does what he has to do.”

“So do you, but you don’t smile about it.”

Wen Qing shoves him off her shoulder. “I’m clearly not performing as well as I thought. Wei Ying, you have to understand. Wanyin and Yanli had nothing when the Jins took them in. Jiang Wanyin approves of Jin Zixuan because he protects her.”

“He doesn’t protect her. Jin Guangshan and his money protect her.”

“He protects her from Jin Guangshan.”

It takes a moment to hit him, then he hits the wall. He doesn’t notice he’s done it until the skin on his knuckle splits.

“Fuck!” he punches again, smearing a line of blood across the stone. “Fuck, fuck, fuck!” As he strikes again and again, a thin stream of black smoke emerges from between his fingers.

Wen Qing grabs his arms. “Stop it!”

“Fuck!” he shouts again, fighting her. But he’s not strong enough; he couldn’t overpower her if he wanted to. Not without Chenqing, not without summoning more than he can handle. “Fucking useless,” he breathes, dropping his forehead against the wall, hard.

“It’s all right. She’s under Jin Zixuan’s protection, no one will touch her.”

He whirls on her. “What about those that aren’t? Would I be protected in Lanling? Someone like me?”

“You’re not really Jin Guangshan’s taste.”

“Wen Qing.”

“There’s nothing to be done. Someday Jin Zixuan will take over and things will be better.”

“That’s not good enough. I hate this. I hate this. I didn’t know it would be like this. I never thought the power mattered, but to just sit and watch— ”

“I know.”

“You don’t.”

“Wei Ying, what’s my fucking name? Of course I know what it’s like to be powerless, to sit and watch. But we don’t sacrifice ourselves if there’s no chance of success. We don’t waste our lives on battles we can’t win.”

“Fuck.”

“Calm down, all right? Sit down, come on.”

Wei Wuxian leans against her side and breathes, eyes closed. Lifts one hand on an inhale, breathes out, pushing away. I am glad for . . . I am grateful for . . . I have . . . I . . .

It takes a few minutes, but his heart rate slows, the red recedes from the corners of his vision. His hands are clear, no black smoke.

“It’s not fair.”

“I know.”

“She shouldn’t have to marry him just for that. That shouldn’t be enough.”

“Everyone pays for protection, Wei Ying. Even you.”

“You mean serving the Lans? That’s not payment.”

“Not people. Are you saying there wasn’t a cost? For feeling powerful again, feeling whole?”

Wei Wuxian nods. “It never felt whole. It just wasn’t empty.”

Wen Qing pulls a jar of salve and roll of bandages out of her bag and starts treating his hand.

“Even in your engagement robes, you’re always ready.”

“Wen Ruohan can make me what he wants on the outside, he has no power over anything else.”

Wei Wuxian grins at her, then hisses at the sting. “Ah, Wen Qing, it may not be your first choice, but I am so glad you are here. And that if you have to marry someone you don’t want to, it’s someone in Cloud Recesses.”

Wen Qing ties off the bandage but keeps a hold of his hand. “It could be worse.”

Wei Wuxian gasps in mock indignation. “You’re marrying Lan Wangji, and that’s the best you’ve got? It could be worse?”

Wen Qing rolls her eyes, but stays with him and watches the shadows lengthen.

“I need to go back,” she says finally, rising and brushing off her robes. “Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen will be playing music tonight. You’ll be able to hear from outside. It may do you some good.”

“I do miss music,” he says, walking her to the entryway. “I really could play. Remember? Those weeks we were together, you’d work and I would play?”

“You’ll play again.” She gives him half a smile and leaves.

He goes back to his torn sheet, folding it neatly until he begins to hear a guqin—faint, but pure, calling him out of the yard, pulling him along like a tide.

Part Thirteen

#assorted writings #something good #the untamed #cql #mo dao zu shi #some people have asked #rightfully so #when the rest of the cultivation world will appreciate wei ying #but that is not the Point

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willow-salix · 4 years ago

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(Fluffember Prompt : Picnic)

Day 5 of Isolation on Tracy Island 2.0

“Are you going to eat all that yourself?” Gordon asked as he sidled up to me in the kitchen. I was making noodles, nice, simple, stir fried noodles, a little bit of chicken, some veg and a sweet and sour dippy sauce. Lush.

“No,” I answered. There was clearly far too much for me to eat alone, I had a Space Hubby around here somewhere… or possibly up there somewhere, it was hard to tell.

“Oh, cool, can I ha-”

“No.”

Cue the pout, the epic Gordo pout. I am immune. I never thought I would ever be able to say that, but I’ve grown stronger, more able to resist the bottom lip of doom. Just about. I remember that I tried that once with John, and his exact words had been “Don’t even try, that won’t work on me, I’m immune, I have two younger brothers.” I’d thought his confident speech had been all bravado and false hope, but he might have actually been telling the truth, my pouts rarely worked on him and the ones that the terrible two dished out never did. Was my man secretly a god? I mean, I thought so, I’d seen him with his top off, but maybe, just maybe he had hidden talents. Hmmm…

“You’ve got that look on your face again.”

“What look?” I asked, needing to clarify his meaning so I could decide if I needed to be insulted or not.

“The one you get when you’re staring at John or that guy from that old TV show, the Scottish one with the time travel.”

“Jamie Fraser is the most perfect of men, he is the ultimate in husband goals, he is…” I trailed off and shrugged. “I obviously have a thing for hot redheaded men.”

“Urghh,” he made a face similar to the one that Scott made when Alan shoved his shoe under his nose last week. Like he wanted to throw up but wasn’t sure which way to aim.

“Why are you in here anyway?” I asked. “Was it just so you could bug me and judge me? I’m busy here, I’m trying to cook.”

He snorted, a scoffing little noise that was quite rude.

“What now?” I sighed.

“Cooking isn’t that hard.”

“Oh really? Then why is it that barely anyone in this house seems to be capable of it? It’s not just a case of grabbing some random ingredients, tossing them in a pot with a prayer for luck and you’re good to go.”

He declined to comment and wandered off without another word. I should have been terrified, but my bean sprouts were trying to burn so I pushed it aside to worry about later. That was my first dumb move.

My second dumb move was to actually leave the comfort of the couch and John’s recently vacated warm spot.

“What the everloving crap was that?” I yelped when a loud crash sounded from the kitchen below us. I poked John gently when he failed to react. “Did you hear that?”

“Since I’m not deaf, it would have been impossible for me not to,” he casually swiped something away on his tablet and started reading again.

“What did they do?”

“And since I do not, in fact, have the ability to see through walls, I don’t know.”

“Go and find out.”

You’d have thought I was asking him to go shopping with me again.

“I don’t think so, you go.”

“They’re your brothers.”

“You’re the one that cares.”

“They’re your brothers,” I repeated.

He gave me that look of his that promises retribution as I rolled sideways to let him get up, rolling back to steal his spot the second he moved. I dragged his blanket over my knees (I’m feeling chilly today) and stole his tablet to watch videos on as he walked away.

I got so engrossed, having fallen down a hole of cute hamster videos, that I didn’t realise for a full twenty minutes that John had failed to return. I had sudden and very detailed visions of my poor boy hogtied and left baking in the sun or some such nonsense. I unwrapped myself from my blanket burrito and started my very slow and reluctant walk towards the kitchen.

“What are you doing?” I yelled the second I rounded the corner, entered the room and saw the scene before me. They all froze guiltily, including John, who was at that very second groping blindly around in the pantry. And when I say blindly, I mean it literally, he was wearing a blindfold that by the looks of it, had been made by them tying my shawl around his head. I don’t know what they were thinking, if anything I’m a little surprised that I’ve never seen smoke coming out of their ears when their two remaining brain cells rub together to give them an idea.

The other idiots were all standing around in various places, standing guard over small piles of produce like dragons over their gold.

“What the hell is going on in here? And how the hell have you roped him in?”

“Hang on, he’s got twenty more seconds yet,” Alan told me, clicking a button on his comm again. “Go!”

John resumed his digging around, knocking over two jars of mustard and an open packet of pasta which poured out like a carby waterfall. He ignored it.

“Gordon?” I turned to the likely culprit.

“Why are you picking on me?” he asked innocently. "Why do you always assume it's my doing?"

“Are you honestly trying to tell me that you had nothing to do with this? Whatever this actually is.”

“We’re having a picnic,” Virgil told me.

“It’s blindfolded kitchen shopping,” Kayo elaborated. I switched my glare to her, she was involved, I could tell, mostly because she still had one of her workout head wraps around her neck and had her own pile of goodies on the counter in front of her.

“It was Scott’s idea,” Alan piped up, throwing his brother under the bus. “Time!”

John dropped the item in his left hand, retaining the one in his right and backed out of the pantry. He pulled off his blindfold and gathered up his treasures, a bag of donuts, a can of whipped cream and in his hand a tin of spaghetti hoops.

“What was Scott’s idea?”

“Well, when you told me that cooking was easy-”

“I said no such thing. I told you that it wasn’t as simple as just bunging some ingredients in a…” I trailed off, I could already see where this was going and I wasn’t impressed.

“Exactly, throw some ingredients together and make food. Easy.”

“Not easy,” I insisted.

“So I happened to mention it to Scott, who said that he agreed, you can make anything if you’re creative enough-”

“You should not be learning from the Grandma Tracy school of cookery!”

“The rules are simple,” Gordon continued as if I had never spoken. “One minute to select three ingredients, all of which must be used in the finished dish. You’re allowed to add two more ingredients to aid the construction but that’s all. You can do whatever you want with what you have, be as elaborate or as simple as you like. You must taste your own dish, as does everyone else when everything will be shared as a picnic.”

He looked so damned proud of himself, the little snot.

“How did the rest of you numpties get involved in this?” I sighed, knowing I was beaten. No one answered me. Giving up, my blanket nest calling me, I retreated towards the door.

“Do you want to join in?” Virgil asked innocently.

“No, I really don’t.”

“Do you not have as much faith in your cooking skills as we do in ours?” Alan teased.

I paused in the doorway.

“Dare you, unless you’re scared,” Kayo threw in, just to stir the pot.

“Dammit!” She knew exactly what she was doing, I can NEVER resist a dare.

“Gimme a blindfold.”

Alan tossed me his, which I think was a football sock, but I didn’t want to look at it too closely, I just prayed it was clean. I tied it around my head and Scott checked to make sure I couldn’t see anything. I don’t know what he did, because obviously I couldn’t see anything, but it made a few of them snigger, so I’m obviously suspicious.

Alan started the timer and I groped my way around the table to the fridge.

“Forty-five seconds!”

Crap! This was actually pretty stressful. How did you pick something without seeing it? I decided to stick to one place and hope for the best, open the fridge, feel around, grab some bits, done! Right?

Easier said than done when you have recently gone shopping, the fridge is packed to bursting and you can’t tell what anything is.

“John! Grab this!” I demanded as Alan happily started counting down from twenty as my time ticked away. I grabbed something small and weird, no idea what it was and tossed it over my shoulder in what I guessed was his general direction, hoping he caught it.

I fumbled around and selected something round and cold, that I hoped might be a tomato and held that out too, then in desperation I yanked out a random box just as Alan called time.

I pulled off my blindfold and looked at the things John was holding for me, which turned out to be an apple and a tiny radish. I was holding a carton of eggs. Could have been worse.

“Let the food prep begin,” Gordon declared. “No helping each other.”

Sighing I got to work. Obviously, eggs would be my main ingredient, I cracked four into a bowl and whisked them together.

“Do we have to use all of the ingredients we picked out?” I asked.

“Yes, every one.”

“No, I meant do I have to use the entire apple or the entire box of eggs,” I clarified.

“Oh, no you don’t, it just has to have them in there.”

“Cool, OK, and we get two extra ingredients of our choice?”

“Yep.”

“Cool.” That was me sorted then. I grabbed a grater and shredded a quarter of the apple and less than an eighth of the tiny radish. I wasn’t a big fan of those spicy little buggers, I don’t like pepper and they definitely have a peppery quality to them, but I was hoping the sweetness of the apple would balance it out.

I opened the fridge again and selected some cheese which I shredded and some ham, chopping it up quite fine. That would do.

I set a pan on the stove top and waited for it to heat up.

“Do I get to use any kind of oil or something to stop my food sticking?” I asked.

The ringleaders, Gordon and Scott, looked at each other, obviously indulging in some kind of non-verbal conversation I wasn't privy to before making their decision.

“Yes you can,” Scott graciously allowed.

“Thank you.” I dumped in a generous knob of butter. Quickly I sloshed the eggs into the pan, and fluffed them up a little with a fork before I turned the heat down a bit and let them sizzle.

I glanced over at Alan who was constructing something with jam and a pile of cookies. Scott was wrestling with a can of tuna and Gordon was opening a carton of custard.

I sprinkled a little of the apple on top of the egg, then a tiny dusting of radish, followed by a large handful of cheese and ham. I eased the sides of my omelette away from the pan, making sure it wasn’t sticking and checking it was cooking.

John, I noticed, was doing something weird with a lettuce leaf that he had procured from somewhere, it was not one of his blindfolded items so he must have gotten it after. He had the leaf stretched over a small bowl and was spooning a tiny amount of the tinned spaghetti into it. Sometimes I wonder why I agreed to marry into this family. I must have been drunk.

I carefully folded my omelette in half and turned the heat off, letting it rest and continue cooking a little.

“I’m done,” I declared, turning around to survey the chaos that had become our kitchen. Oh the humanity. I would NOT be cleaning this up.

Alan, it transpired, had blindly chosen cookies, cheese slices and curry sauce left over from some McDonald’s nuggets I got a few weeks ago, bringing them and other goodies with me in the space elevator. His extras appeared to involve pilfering a few of the McVities digestive biscuits that I’d brought from home the day I arrived that Kayo had chosen in her blind scrabble around the snack cupboard.

He’d proceeded to make a weird stacked thing he was calling a cookie burger which consisted of a cookie base, a layer of jam on top of that, the digestive and lastly a slice of cheese with a drizzle of curry sauce on top.

Gordon was constructing something very elaborate, involving a bowl and lots of layers. His random items appeared to be the custard, half a vanilla sponge cake and a tub of left over chili. My mind was boggling.

Scott was hacking at a rather stale looking half loaf of bread that John said he found in the rarely used bread bin, I don't know how he'd managed to open the bread bin without seeing it, but apparently he had. He'd also blindly chosen a can of Tuna and a packet of fruit gummies.

Virgil, the adorable chonk, had managed to choose a package of cocktail weenies, a tin of peaches and a few sticks of celery. He had stared at his bounty for a good few minutes, before giving up and wandering over to the pantry. He'd stared into that too, like he was looking into a black hole or contemplating the mysteries of the universe.

Eventually he'd chosen a pie crust from the baking shelf and had begun to assemble his creation. He tipped the peaches into the pie dish, chopped up the celery and cocktail sausages and dropped them in on top. He'd looked around, rather desperately I thought, and reached over to steal John's can of whipped cream, squirting a generous amount on top of his frankenpie and called it good.

Kayo appeared to have more sense than the others, she had been the one to find my stash of digestive biscuits and, after Alan had liberated a few, proceeded to crush them into crumbs which she lined the inside of a bowl with.

"What are you making?" I asked, because it didn't look too awful.

She continued to construct her…whatever it was…adding some cake pilfered from Gordon, some grated carrot mixed into cream cheese that was one of her chosen extras and topping it all with strawberries. It kinda…vaguely…could be a cheesecake, if you tipped your head to the side and squinted.

I turned to John, my man, the one that I was supposed to trust with all my heart and soul…he was…I don't know how to describe it. He'd taken the donut and hollowed out a little bit more from the middle hole, then he'd gathered up the sides of his lettuce leaf/ spaghetti hoops thing and had made it into a little parcel, twisting the end closed. He then popped that inside the hollowed out donut. I have no idea why. He'd finished by decorating the top with whipped cream and sprinkles. What was it with them all thinking that whipped cream was the answer to all their problems? Because three of them had done it so far.

Gordon had sprinkled in a handful of peas, actual peas, on top of his custard layer, then added cream on top. I honestly don't know.

Scott had moved on from his bread and taken some of John's lettuce, insisting it was his first, and put a leaf on the stale bread and topped that with Tuna and sweetcorn, which actually had the potential to taste OK. Time would tell. He'd used the fruit gummies to decorate the plate with, I'm not sure if that counted but since he and Gordon seemed to be in charge I assumed it was allowed.

I slid my omelette onto a plate and vaguely wondered if I should grab a few sick bags before the picnic portion of this weird event started.

They all looked incredibly proud of themselves, why I had no idea, no one should be proud of the mess they had made, this was not food, this was barely a step up from mud pies in the yard.

They all took their food offerings and trooped outside, setting up camp on one of the picnic benches near the edge of the beach and settled in.

One by one they presented their masterpieces. Here are the reactions.

SCOTT’S

“This bread’s hard, very hard,” Alan said.

“It’s very fishy,” Gordon said, although we don’t know if it was a bad thing or not.

“Not bad, I could eat it if I had to,” Virgil allowed.

“I don’t like the sweetcorn on it, it keeps rolling away,” John frowned. He was always a bit funny with tinned sweetcorn anyway, he prefers it on the cob.

“That isn’t just hard bread, that is rock bread,” Kayo complained.

“It’s edible, with fresh ingredients I’d eat it again,” I said, trying to be nice. Honestly it wasn’t that bad, I’d definitely eaten worse over the years.

“It’s almost exactly like the subs we made in college,” Scott said, popping the rest in his mouth and chewing happily. He’s weird, that one, he pretends he’s not, he offers the illusion of being the capable, responsible older brother, but it’s all an act.

ALAN’S

“Erm…” Scott hedged, spending at least a minute turning the thing in his hand looking for a way to attack it.

“I don’t know what to do with this, Al…” Virgil was even less sure.

“Give it here!” I had less issues and snatched it away from Scott. I ripped off a bit of the curry sauce topped cheese slice, licked the sauce off the cheese, popped the cheese in my mouth then took a bite of the sweet stuff. It was hard to get my teeth through all the layers of biscuit, but I managed it. It was actually OK, separating it was the way to go. “That’s actually quite nice.”

John copied me exactly, because I’m the sensible one although he’d never admit to that. “You’re right, it’s not bad.”

“Wimps,” Gordon bit straight through it, cheese, curry and all. Then he gagged.

Kayo took the cheese off her’s, ate the sweet stuff first then finished with the cheese, an unconventional method but it wasn’t like any of this was normal. She made a noise that could have been approval but could just as easily been a whimper of surrender.

Virgil took the whole thing apart and ate everything separately, one piece at a time, declaring it to be, “Not bad.”

Scott glanced at me with that look in his eye that said he was about to do something stupid… He reached for the curry sauce pot…

“Scott, no!” I warned him.

He ignored me to tip the rest of the curry sauce on top of the cheese and threw it in his mouth. Immediately he let out a noise that sounded like a mixture between a gag and a burp. He chewed frantically then swallowed. We waited to see what would happen. “Not deadly,” was his verdict.

VIRGIL’S

“I’m sorry, no, I’m not eating that,” I told them, flat out refusing. “I’m semi allergic to peaches, they give me migraine headaches and I’m not risking it. I’m out.”

“I’m excused because she can’t eat peaches and I won’t risk cross contamination,” John said, leaping on my statement as a way to get out of it.

“That’s a flimsy excuse!” Scott accused, he knew it, John knew it, we all knew it. John didn’t care.

“You’re just mad that you can’t use it,” John said, squeezing my leg under the table in thanks for my weird kinda-allergy. I patted his hand in solidarity.

“No one has to eat it, I did my best,” Virgil winced, knowing that his was likely to be the most disastrous yet.

“I’m in!” Gordon declared, picking out a cocktail weenie and dunking it in the cream before popping it in his mouth. He chewed frantically as he scooped up a spoonful of pie crust, peaches and a slice of celery and shoveled that in after the weenie. He kept chewing, his face registering at least six different emotions, none of them pleasant before he finally swallowed. “It could have been worse.”

Kayo copied Gordon and picked out a weenie which she ate first, on its own. That’s where she got smart, washing it down with a mouthful of water before continuing. She spooned up some pie, peach, celery and cream concoction and tasted it. “Not bad like this, the celery is a slightly weird addition, but it can be ignored.”

“I feel sick,” Alan said, having shoved a large mouthful in.

Scott, the brave boy that he is, shrugged and cut a whole slice, lifting it carefully to his mouth.

“He’s a madman…” Alan whispered in awe.

“A brave man…” Gordon added.

“A stupid man…” I sighed.

Scott bit into it, chewing slowly, rolling it around his mouth. “It’s fine.”

I stared at him in utter shock.

Virgil nibbled on a corner, made a face and pushed it away. “No.”

GORDON’S

“What the heck is this?” he of the iron stomach and nuclear powered taste buds asked.

“It’s that thing they did in that show,” Gordon answered, yet Scott still looked bemused, as did we all, blank faces all round.

“Which show, babe?” I felt the need to ask.

“The one with the friends in the coffee shop.”

“You mean ‘Friends’?”

“If that’s what it’s called,” he shrugged. “It’s a meat trifle.”

Cue horrified gasps all around.

“With a few modifications, obviously, since I had to use chili,” he hurried to explain, although it was anything but reassuring.

John pushed his fork into the center of the dish, looking more and more scared the deeper it sank.

“Don’t eat it and just say you did,” I side whispered to him, worried about his stomach since he usually lived on simple and non perishable food in Five.

“I heard that!” Gordon accused as he spoons up a big bite, determined to prove it was edible, and chowed down. “Huh…” he kept chewing, “not bad…”

“Not bad?” Scott goggled. “Are you serious?”

“The chili is good, the custard is good, the cream is nice, the peas are a bit weird but overall it's OK.”

Virgil was the next brave soul to scoop up a tiny forkful and I did the same getting the smallest amount I could onto my spoon, mostly trying to get just custard and cream, although I think I did spot a lurker pea in there.

Kayo and Alan both scooped up a spoonful and shoved it in their mouths, obviously figuring that getting it over with was the best way to tackle it. Kayo spat hers out instantly, Alan managed to chew and swallow his. Virgil got his down but there was a fair bit of gagging.

“It tastes like a foot,” Alan declared.

John took a small bite and reacted almost like a cat with a hairball, his body shuddering, neck stretching as he silently gagged. I handed him a tissue and he gratefully spat it out, sagging against me as if he was about to die.

I looked at Scott, who nodded in return and dug out his own small amount. “On three?”

Scott nodded and began the count. “One...two...three!” We both stuffed our spoons into our mouths. Scott made a face but managed to get it down, my plan had worked and, while the pea was indeed lurking and rather weird, it wasn't that bad a bite and I swallowed without issue, pleased to have survived.

MINE

“This doesn’t look too bad,” Scott said assessingly.

“How dare!” I gasped. “Cheek of it, it looks tasty.”

Virgil cut himself a small portion, being cautious, since everything else has been questionable at best, downright disgusting at worse.

Gordon cut himself an actual slice, a godsdamned slice of my omelette and lifted it up like he would a piece of pizza then wondered why we were all staring at him like he’d lost his mind.

“What?” he asked, genuinely confused. John just shook his head in utter despair at his dingus brothers and cut a more sensible sized bite.

“I’m sure it will be edible,” he says diplomatically, it’s never good to insult the wife’s cooking even when it is so obviously crap.

Alan, disaster child that he is, cut a bit with the side of his spoon like a damned savage and spooned it up.

Kayo helped herself to a small fork full and got ready.

I reached over and broke a piece off of Gordon’s mega slice.

“OK, good luck my friends,” I offered as I popped the eggy weirdness in my mouth… it was interesting. Nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be, the cheese and ham had mostly drowned out the spicy kick of the radish and the apple had added a weird sweetness to it, but at least it was edible if not to my tastes. I managed to chew it and swallow without choking.

“That’s oddly nice,” John said, chewing slowly, thoughtfully.

“Well, you are the person that likes baked apple pieces on your pizza,” I shuddered in revulsion at the memory of his birthday meal.

“What a man chooses to put on his pizza is his own business,” he told me.

“Not when it’s that weird.”

“It’s no weirder than pineapple on pizza.”

“He’s right,” Scott interrupted, “this is strangely OK.” He took another bite to make sure.

“I don’t like it, it’s too sweet,” Alan said, making a face. “ I like sweet, but not mixed with savoury like this.”

“I agree,” Virgil said, setting his aside, “it’s too sweet, but you did your best.”

Gordon didn’t say anything, but he was steadily munching through his piece, I watched him, oddly fascinated.

“It’s edible, that’s all I can say about it,” Kayo told me, which for her was a compliment.

“Well? Verdict?” I asked Gordon when he eventually finished.

“I don’t know. I don’t like it or dislike it, it just is.”

“You’re being philosophical over a weird omelette?” Scott laughed.

“Had to happen some time.”

“How? How did it have to happen?” John asked, utterly bemused, looking like his brain was going into a meltdown. “Who says to themselves ‘one day I will have to say something deep and meaningful about a randomly concocted omelette’? How do you even assume that?”

“I never say never,” Gordon shrugged, not caring to explain any further. Personally I don’t think he knew what he meant either but was just brazening it out by that point.

JOHN’S

I picked up his donut creation a little gingerly, because I saw what he’d done to it and I was wary. He obviously saw my hesitation because he lent closer to help.

“Just be careful with it and follow my instructions,” he whispered in my ear under the guise of being romantic.

One eyebrow rose in response...I mean, what do you say to that?

He continued, still whispering. “Bite down gently and try to avoid the sack,” he dropped a kiss on my neck before sitting back in his seat. Smooth, boy, very smooth. My other eyebrow lifted to join its sibling.

“I’m just trying to help,” he assured me.

“You’ve said that before.”

“And you listened then and look how well it turned out,” he said as if that was all the proof I needed.

I heard a snigger from Gordon who was obviously eavesdropping.

“I was referring to the fact that you often use the excuse of just trying to help,” I sniffed.

“Oh...well…” he tried to look innocent but failed, flashing me one of those devastating grins that just melted me on the spot. “Just taste my damn donut.”

I debated the wiseness of listening to him but decided that, as trust is supposed to be the cornerstone of any good relationship, I should probably pay attention.

“OK, here we go,” I bit down carefully, right at the edge, trying to measure the distance between where my teeth were and the no go zone. I think I brushed the edge of the lettuce leaf but managed to stick to just the donut which, though ever so slightly stale, was still good.

“That’s nice,” I allowed, trying to keep my cover as I passed the donut over to John who took a bite in exactly the same way and therefore stayed safe.

He passed it on to Kayo, who had been watching us intently, studying our moves with her usual mix of suspicion and calculated plotting.

“You’ve got some cream on your lip,” I was told and sat still while he wiped it away with his thumb.

“What do you think, Kay?” Scott asked.

Kayo, having executed a perfect bite from the other side of the donut nodded before passing judgement. “Edible.” She was now fully on board with our trickery and would never rat us out as she passed it innocently on to Alan.

Alan, trusting baby that he is, bit blindly into the donut, hitting the lettuce sack which exploded, squirting spaghetti hoop juice into his mouth.

“GAAAH what the…” he yelped, gasping in shock, dropping the demon donut with its hidden core of evil.

Scott picked up the donut, the spaghetti sauce now leaking out freely and soaking into the dough. Uncaring he takes a bite. “Not gonna lie,” he mumbles around his mouthful, “it's not great.”

Virgil relieved him of the donut and studied it from all sides. The artist in him wants everything to look appetizing and pleasant the whole time, this did not. “This looks hideous.” He nibbled a corner. “Disgusting,” he declared, offering it to Gordon.

Gordon reluctantly accepted it and bit down carefully. He chewed, swallowed and shook his head. “Nope, gross.”

KAYO'S

Kayo pushed her bowl over quite proudly. “Dig in.”

It didn’t look that bad, and since I’d seen a lot of what she used I knew the ingredients wouldn’t be that bad when mixed. Hopefully it wouldn't be the obnoxious assault to the tastebuds that some of them had been.

I slammed my spoon confidently into it and scooped out a mouthful, popping it in my mouth before I could back out.

“Humm…” I chewed thoughtfully, what did I actually think of it? I couldn’t decide so I just spoke my thoughts as I so often do. “It's quite nice. I mean, biscuit, cake and cream cheese is nice, I don't really like the carrot mixed in but it doesn't ruin it to the point of being disgusting. I like the strawberries, so I guess it’s a win.”

John followed my lead, digging his spoon in. “That's pretty good.”

“I really like that,” Scott dipped his spoon in for some more. “The carrot is different enough to not bore me but the rest is normal enough to make it nice.”

“It's too sweet for me,” Virgil said, putting his spoon down after his first taste.

“I'm not liking the carrot but the rest is good, I could eat it,” Alan said, his usual aversion to vegetables or anything healthy rearing its ugly head.

“It's all good. I don't mind the carrot either,” Gordon said, agreeing with Scott.

Kayo, obviously emboldened after using us as test subjects, risked tasting it herself. “Not bad.”

Well, we've tasted everything,” I said, glugging down some of John’s water in an attempt to cleanse my tongue a little. “Was there an actual point to all of this?”

Scott and Gordon both shrugged, not that I was that surprised, there is never much point to anything that any of these idiots do when bored.

“Not really,” Scott admitted.

“I wanted to prove you wrong,” Gordon told me, “and I think we did.”

“How? How did you? Some of this was disgusting, it clearly didn't work. How can you honestly think that you proved my wrong in any way, shape or form?” Seriously, the mind boggles with these guys.

“It showed that it can be done,” Gordon insisted.

“It shows nothing!”

“Just let it go, love,” John soothed, obviously trying to save what little sanity I have left.

“You joined in!”

“So did you,” he countered.

“I give up!” I yelled, throwing my hands up in frustration. “It’s like talking to monkeys, you’re all mental.” I climbed awkwardly off the bench and headed back to the house.

“So, did I win?” I heard Kayo ask as I rounded the corner, leaving them alone.

Stupid competitive Tracys! I should never have left the sofa, hell, I should never have left England. I knew this would be a mistake. I’d be insane by the end of it.

I stopped off in the kitchen to make myself a coffee, hoping it would take some of the taste away. I grabbed a few abandoned cookies and a non Johned donut and retreated to the sanctuary that was the couch and my blankets, which would be lonely without me.

I settled down, retrieved my book (I’m re-reading Outlander, which might be contributing to my Jamie Fraser love right now, all the best husbands have J names, fact) and got comfy, might as well make the most of what little peace I’d get before the chaos found me.

“Move over.”

I stayed where I was, maybe if I ignored him he would go away.

John, being John and refusing to be either insulted or put off by my rejection, simply lifted my legs and settled in their spot, dropping them back down over his lap.

I looked over my book at him as he reached for my coffee cup and gulped down half its contents. He offered me the mug and I put my book down to take it.

“Thanks,” I said because what else could I do? I sipped the coffee then put the mug down on the little table next to the couch and picked up my book again.

John took that as a sign that he was welcome to stay and started making himself at home, stealing some of the blanket and shifting to stretch out beside me. I moved over to make room, letting him settle his head on my chest as he found his tablet among the cushions.

OK, maybe there were a few good reasons to be here instead of alone at home, but I’ll never admit it outloud.

#Isolation Island #Thunderbirds in isolation #fluffember #thunderbirds #thunderbirds are go #thunderbirds fanfiction #thunderbirds 2015

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zombiiesque · 3 years ago

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Nocturne Alchemy Halloween 2019 - Part Two

Originally published 10/10/2019

Hey y'all! Gonna dive right into these scents, today I'm reviewing the Resurgence scents that I have from the Nocturne Alchemy Halloween LC release. If you'd like to read my reviews of the new releases I chose, you can click here. NAlloween has always, and likely always will, be my favorite Limited Collection they do! I have so many treasures in my Halloween box.

Scarlet Bat - Red Sugar, Crimson Musk, Black Tea Leaves, Neroli-sugar, and NA Black Patchouli Absolute. Okay, my friend Heather picked this one up before I did last year, and she fell head over heels for it. I was already eying it, because I had two previous Vampire Patchouli Bats that I loved, and it had Crimson in it. It had to be a gimme. Like this year's Vampire Bourbon Patchouli Bat, it was a stunner right out of the mail - and it's only gotten better as it ages. Seriously, it's utterly fabulous. Slinky and sexy, and I think even if you ordinarily don't like patchouli, you might find yourself surprised by this one. Put simply, this is sugared red musk and patchouli. Crimson is a softer red musk than Kashmir, but there's almost a spiciness to it. This just warms up on the skin and reaches out, pulls you in. I crave this one when I haven't worn it in a while. For me, my two favorites of the Vampire Patchouli Bats are the Bourbon, and Scarlet. Neither is to be missed. And I don't find it to be like anything I have in my collection, either.

V by Thoth - Incense, Sweetened spices of Cardamom, Cinnamon, Allspice and clove swirled with Vanilla pods, Ghost Musk and Copal Resin. V was a fan favorite last year - and for good reason. It's part of a set of 7 perfumes, each one designed by a House of NA perfumer. I remembered that I have another favorite Halloween perfume that Thoth did: Frank's Monster. I love that one, so I was pretty excited when I saw V was done by Thoth, too. Y'all, I have a lot of incense perfumes. They're something I just can't resist. Okay, confession time: I did love this one, I thought it was a beautiful perfume, but I didn't really get it until I pulled it back out after aging it over the year. I thought I perhaps had similar perfumes...well. I was wrong. I tried it again a few weeks ago, when the weather started to cool down here in Florida, and it absolutely floored me. It was like I was experiencing a whole new perfume - this is positively SPECTACULAR. Very, very different from my other incense perfumes, and it might just be my favorite yet. I don't know what Ghost Musk is, but if it's that beautiful musk I'm smelling here, I could go for a full 10ml bottle of it. It reminds me a bit of Egyptian Musk, but not quite as sweet - very clean, and very appealing - floaty. I think that's it, and if so....Y'ALL, PLEASE MAKE THIS I WANT IT! Hahaha. I think I might like Ghost Musk better than Cemetery Musk, and I love that one too. Anyway - I'm dwelling. This is balanced against a light incense, and the spices are very much in the background, just a nice warm hum of support. But the copallll. I'm sure everyone knows copal rules my world, when we discuss favorite notes. It adds a lovely smoky, slightly sweet depth to this. I'm fully mesmerized. Thoth has outdone himself. I think this is backup worthy. So, a lesson to be had here, and one I realize quite often - if you don't really love something, put it aside for a while, and see what happens when you return to it. And I want to reiterate, I really did like this - but I didn't see, last year, what I was supposed to see with it - aging it and trying it when the weather was a little cooler and dryer really changed my perspective of it, and now it's become an obsession and a Halloween favorite. If you were looking at this one and wondering if you need it - let me ask, do you like musk and incense? If so, you'd better run and get this before it goes away.

The Mummy Returns - Patchouli, Vetiver, Australian Sandalwood, Cardamom, Frankincense, Myrrh, Rock Rose, Labdanum, Siam Benzoin and Tonka Bean. I made a little mistake, and it's the first time I've ever done this. I usually have a solid idea of what I have in my boxes, particularly my Halloween box, but I ordered The Mummy Returns this year thinking I missed it last year, but after my order came in, I was digging into my Halloween box and pulled out....an aged bottle of The Mummy Returns. Yep. So I'll be putting up my new one for swap. At any rate, it just really proved to me about the differences aging makes in Nocturne Alchemy's perfumes, so I kind of enjoyed realizing the contrasts! The Mummy Returns is a resin lover's dream. It's a deep, dark, witchy scent. I love the balance between the sweeter notes, like the myrrh and cardamom, and the woods. I'm writing this based on my aged bottle, and it's just so....well, at the risk of sounding dramatic, it's deep and mystical, and I'll probably be using this for my rituals, I feel such a connection to it. I couldn't tell you how, but it's something I've smelled before - there's some memory I haven't tapped into yet. I find it to be comfortingly familiar, but at the same time, it feels solemn and sacred. If you are nervous of vetiver, as I am sometimes, it's not a note that stands out a lot here, I can barely discern it when I'm huffing at my wrists. So yes, The Mummy Returns is quite an intense experience for me, but I definitely would recommend this in a heartbeat if you, too, love resinous, woody scents with a little sweetness to them. It's a beautiful perfume. It lasts quite a long time on the skin, too - more than eight hours, and I would say it's on the stronger side, so try it sparingly at first, unless you love to slather like I do.

A Change of Heart – Copal Resin, Shiraz Wine accord, Kashmir Absolute, Indian Oudh, Leather accord and burning embers. This bottle actually was gifted to me by my friend Heather. When I first got it, the leather seemed a little loud on my skin - and that made me nervous, because I was thinking it would be more like Hokum, which is a snuggly, sueded leather. But I figured I'd put it away, and let it age - and it would probably balance itself out. Well, that's exactly what happened. This is one of those scents that you can identify the various notes, if you're familiar enough with them - but they compliment each other so well, they're seamless together. It's definitely a chilly day scent, I did try to wear it in the summer and I don't recommend that - it just doesn't do well in the humidity of Florida. But it's great throughout fall and winter - like the leather in Hokum, this is a snuggly, easy to wear leather, and the copal, wine, and red musk of Kashmir just meld together so well. The wine is sweet, and a nice foil - definitely not a sharp note. I do love the way NA does their wine notes. I'm actually kind of wanting to pick up She Could Raise The Dead, which also features a wine and leather combination - reviews are really intriguing for that, too. And I have totally fallen for both Hokum and A Change Of Heart, so I think I might need it! The copal is of course my favorite note ever - it's a little sweet, sticky, and resinous - and also a bit smoky. This really accentuates the smoky oudh when it starts to shine in long drydown. I'm not sure I am doing this one justice - it really is unusual, and striking. Leather was a death note for me previous to NA - I simply could not wear it. If I tried to put on a perfume that had leather as a note, it would take over on my skin - and I couldn't get away from it. But these soft leathers (vegan, by the way!) that Nocturne Alchemy uses are very wearable for me, and I really am enjoying being able to wear it!

Pirate Rum - Bay Rum and a Chypre of Lavender, Chamomile, Pirate Ship Cedarwood and Siberian Fir Needle with a touch of French Vanilla and Oak. I got this one for my fiance, as the notes reminded me a bit of his beloved Ghost Ship. I can only give you a brief impression of this as to how it smells on him, but I thought someone might be interested in hearing that, so I'm including it! So on him, the bay rum is a nice, round spicy scent. If you're thinking Old Spice, push that right out of your head - this is dark and sexy, and nothing like that old standby. Much more complex and well done. The woods in this are the perfect balance against the bay rum, and the chypre is clean, but not at all feminine, so don't let that lavender scare you. I love this on him. Long drydown is a deep, warm spice against weathered, well aged wood. Very appealing! I tried a drop on me, and it's very different with my skinistry. I get a lot more of the chypre and chamomile, the spice of the bay rum is sedated a bit. I think it might come out more with age, if you wanted to wear it as a unisex scent, though. It is there, it's just not as evident as it was on him. The wood notes are gorgeous - I loooove that fir and cedarwood against the slightly herbal chypre on me. I will say, I much prefer this on him right now.

And a bonus - Halloween 2020, which was given out as a sample with orders for this release. It's also available in the All Hallows' Eve section as part of the Permanent Collection, so if you love this, you can even get a big 10ml bottle! Notes: A special All Hallows’ Eve blend of 7 Sandalwoods (Hawaiian, Indian, Australian, New Caledonia, Indian Santalum Album, Karnataka Sandalwood, African Sandalwood (Baphia Nitida), Cardamom essential oil, Clove essential oil, Bourbon Vanille Absolute, Bastet Amber Absolute, smoked sandalwood infused with oak and pine smoke in the NA Studio. There was also a beautiful frosted black bottle, a special edition, along with Halloween 2018 and Halloween 2019, in frosted red and orange bottles, in the Halloween LCs this year. I had a feeling I was going to love this one right away - and I do. SEVEN. SANDALWOODS. 7, y'all! Now this will likely change and get even better with age, but my first impression of this? It is like a sister scent to Bastet Halloween 2016, which is one of my favorite PC scents. The spices in that definitely have a similar feel to the cardamom and clove in Halloween 2020, and of course the presence of Bastet Amber, one of my soul scents, is a star here, too. But those sandalwoods. So smooth. I'm making my way through that 2ml sample alarmingly quickly. Right now I'm not getting much of the smoke on my skin, but the clove starts out a little strongly when it's first applied. Once it warms up and sinks into my skin though, the other notes come out to play, and the clove sinks into the background to add a little spicy kick with the warmth of the cardamom. Beautiful for fall, truly. Brings to mind blue, blue skies, bright leaves, wispy white clouds. A fluffy scarf wrapped around your neck as you explore a farmer's market. That's the picture I have in my head when I huff at my wrist. I'll be reaching for this frequently. I can't really differentiate all the sandalwoods, but the blending of them reminds me just a bit of my beloved Pyramid Santalum. I think if you wanted more smoke, you could layer this with Titanosaurus - or if you wanted to really play up the sandalwoods, you could add even more Santalum or Pyramid Santalum, or Pteranodon. Hey, never enough sandalwood, am I right?

And that wraps up the second half of my NAlloween choices. Did you read the first half? What perfumes did you choose from this release? What are your favorites? I'm thinking about going back for one or two more, there are so many that caught my eye!

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