#my boss has a presentation today but she canceled it because she made a doctor's appt

[monstermoviedean]

day 1 of trying to let things go and be more chill. Not going great

[evien-stark]

✧I Need You✧ Chapter 85

Not even the third week into April (and after anxiously cancelling your first actual supposed session with Doctor Deja), Nick Fury allowed himself into your office. There was no point in angrily asking how he’d gotten there, or who had let him in, or even punishing anyone responsible for letting him in. Why get worked up over it. This was how he operated. He’d long since shown you that. Nick did what he wanted when he wanted, and you just had to live with that. 

So, finishing a flourish of a heavy signature on a document, you closed the folder it was in and sighed, looking up at him as he came to a stop in front of your desk. “...what.” 

In his usual stance, he pushed the edges of his black trench coat back, settling his hands on his hips. “You know, I really don’t appreciate having my staff stolen from me.” 

“Your staff aren’t goods to be taken. They’re people. And if they’re leaving to go elsewhere, maybe you should investigate why that is.” 

“Why am I here?” His brow lift, a little incline of his head. When you didn’t give in, he sat down, linking his hands together in his lap. “I would have gladly allowed a transfer, if you’d just asked.” 

You set your own hands atop your desk in a mirror move. “You understand why I have trouble believing that, don’t you?” 

It was his turn to sigh. “Look. I don’t know what else I can say to impart to you that we are working on a team effort here. And- I’m not really sure I’m comfortable with you assuming duties for the Avenger like your its-” 

“Director?” Eying him rather pointedly. “Maybe I wouldn’t have to, if someone else put in the work.” When you sensed the flare of annoyance and he opened his mouth to argue, you shut it down. “Who’s giving them housing? Who’s looking after them? Who’s giving them funding to live their lives? Or you want Steve working sweeping up his own exhibit at the museum? Or maybe you’d prefer we just all debase ourselves until the next mission comes along.” 

“That’s not what I’d prefer.” Just short of growling at you.

“Stark Industries is funding a lot of relief efforts- not because someone asked us to, but because that’s what’s right. And we’re funding the Avengers now, too. Because that’s what’s right.” 

At this a twitch of a smile appeared on his lips and he sat back. “You’re putting yourself on a very high pedestal. You might wanna be careful you don’t fall off.” 

“Are you threatening me?” 

“You should know me better by now. I’m making a point. The Avengers as a team are run under a wing of SHIELD. Stark Industries should have no involvement with that.” 

“You gave me no choice. And because you didn’t, it’s not really your business-” 

“Think about this very carefully.” He stopped you cold as he focused his gaze hard on you, sitting just a little more forward. “What happens next time this little team blows up a building they don’t mean to? Or kills a bunch of civilians in the name of the greater good? Stark Industries backing that initiative means that collateral damage falls on you. You prepared for that?” 

“I’ve been catching heat all my life for Stark Industries’ mistakes. Backing the Avengers is not one of them.” 

His eye closed for just a few seconds, shaking his head with a small smile. “All your life, huh? You been with Stark all your life? Or does it just feel that way?” 

For one reason or another, this stopped you dead in your tracks. Your distrustfulness of Fury was one thing, and it colored a lot of your interactions with him. The way you saw him. The way you heard him. And that sounded an awful lot like he was trying to get at something. “Why are you pretending like you care?” 

“I do care.” Tone firm then, smile gone. “SHIELD has resources to clean up messes the likes of which the Avengers will no doubt create in time. No offense, but money isn’t everything. Doesn’t always cure what ails you. You can throw a lot of money at a problem, doesn’t always make it go away. You of all people must understand that.” 

Falling quiet, you stared at him. Probably for too long a time. Silence meant he was winning. ...if this was a fight. Now you weren’t so sure. “If that’s how you really feel, then you have to understand, Nick.” Trying your best to be amenable. Even if he didn’t always deserve it. “There are people underneath those suits. My teammates. Who need to be cared for. In every capacity possible. SHIELD isn’t providing a salary, you know, for defeating aliens- or whatever else it’s gonna be next time. Someone has to.” 

“So that’s you. Why’s that?” 

“Because I care about them.” 

“You say it like I don’t.” 

“I haven’t seen you at a team dinner. Or an outing. Or-”

“When was I ever invited to any?” That really did curb you. Was Nick… hurt? Feeling excluded? No. That couldn’t be right. ...could it? “I get it. I’m the boss. No one likes hanging out with their boss. But that doesn’t mean I’m not part of this team, or that I don’t care about the people on it.” He took your continued silence as an avenue to stand, and keep talking. “Take Dr. Linit- not that you hadn’t already. I hope she does you a world of good.” 

This interaction had been strange. And left you feeling… how did you feel? Strange. Weird. ...sad? “Nick-” Calling to him just as he opened your office door. “Tony’s birthday is next month. We’re having a party.” 

Another shake of his head as he set his hand on the door, wearing half a grin. “I’ll see if I can pencil it in.”

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

It was only at the request of Tony himself that you were planning a party for him in the first place. As of more recent years he seemed to be in less and less of his previous partying moods. You’d chalked it up to him getting more comfortable with his current company and not needing to immerse and hide in crowds that only cared about him for one reason. Still… he was eccentric and playful and extroverted at heart. At times, anyway. And if he wanted a party… 

A party is what he would have. 

His birthday landed in the middle of the week, so you planned it for that Friday, on the 31st. An even better way to handle the day, as the two of you spent it mysteriously disappeared. Doing work, probably. Certainly. And not just lazing about in the penthouse all day basking in each other’s intimate attentions. Because��� well. If that’s what he wanted for a present, you were only too happy to oblige that, too. 

Starting early that morning, with the rise of the sun, as he turned over in bed and murmured something warm and sweet in your ear. Before sliding a hand down over your hip, and waited for your invitation. Something given wholeheartedly after just another second- barely able to wait that long. It continued in the shower, your hands in his hair, his cradling your face, lost in a kiss as hot water poured down over the both of you. 

Then the bed again- then maybe one more time as you were trying to get dressed. And then breakfast, of course. Followed by a helpful lift of his hands on your thighs, boosting you onto the counter after you’d finished with the dishes. Your legs locked around his waist and welcomed him closer after that. The attentions followed into your office, where you met him in a similar position on your desk. 

And then a slightly dissimilar one, as he whispered words of questing approval, and then turned you around. Papers went everywhere- so did your laptop, fast to the floor with a quick couple of thrusts that absolutely shook the desk. But it was very worth it. 

The two of you ventured out for coffee after that, and after catching a car back with Happy, the divider rolled up, he pulled you into his lap as the car circled Central Park. And you enjoyed far more than the tinted scenery. Back to the Tower after that, people parting a path as they usually did when they two of you entered side by side. The private elevator was headed up to the penthouse-

At least until he hit the button for it to stop, and gave you one of those arched brows and devilishly handsome grin. And… well… it was his birthday. You just also happened to be in the right mood to keep saying yes, yes yes... as his hand went in to the back of your hair, the other assisting the lift of your thigh as he backed you against the wall. Thank god you’d gone for a flowy dress for the day. A real assist as he hiked it up and took you again. 

You were practically weak-kneed as you finally made it back up to your penthouse, and giggled as he, stronger than you, scooped you up into his arms. A real gentleman, obviously. He came to a stop on the couch, lying you down, crawling atop you, both his hands at the sides of your head as he gazed at you, easing in to brush his nose against yours. More giggles just leaked out of you. Reaching up, you brushed the tips of his fingers along the lines of his jaw, and brought him closer down for a quiet kiss. Only after, “...you’re very insatiable today…” 

“Correction- I’m always insatiable. You’re just always busy.” 

“So are you.”

“So am I.” Agreeing before kissing you again. “But today, we’re not…” 

“Today we’re not.” Agreeing before kissing him again. “Happy birthday. I love you…” 

“Happy birthday to me. I love you more.” He grinned against your lips.

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

And it wasn’t too long after that that you two met intimately yet again. And about several times more before the evening was complete.

While Wednesday had been wonderful, it left Thursday in a hazy mess. Your body was tired and worn out, even though in the good sort of way. Meetings passed by you without much of your focus, and your phone was buzzing off the hook with party planning details that you weren’t paying enough attention to. Which led to disaster come Friday night. 

No one was scheduled to check in guests, which had to be rectified immediately. Catering had been late. The DJs had come with the wrong music. It seemed like everything that could go wrong, did. And you immediately knew you had no one to blame but yourself. Tony had wanted a party and you’d practically ruined everything. 

So in your sparkly dress you ran this way and that, up and down the stairs to avoid being in the elevators with guests coming up and down. Took phone call after phone call until you were breathless. Ironing everything out. Shooing off press that managed to sneak in. Making sure after that to get a few more security guards in place. And while the word ruined was buzzing about angrily in your head, when you came back up to the main event floor, everyone seemed to be having a good time. 

Including Tony, who was yucking it up with Rhodey- 

And someone you’d never seen before. 

But as Tony looked up upon your approach, his eyes brightened in that way they always did, and he waved you over. So you tried to smooth out your hair and dress and approach amicably. His arm came around your waist once you were close enough. “Honey, meet Rhodey’s plus-one.” 

Rhodey held a hand up. “I honestly was gonna come alone, but we bumped into each other last week. This is Ren.” Gesturing to a fairly handsome man. Dark blond hair in a sharp cut, striking green eyes. Freckles dappling across his high cheekbones and the bridge of his nose. Smartly dressed in a dark blue tux. 

You reached out to give his hand a shake. “Hi. Nice to meet you. How do you and Rhodey know each other?” 

“We all know each other, actually. From MIT.” There was a soft lilt of some Eastern European accent. You weren’t sure exactly where. And had no time to pretend to care to investigate. Something else struck him about this man, then. And it was the lust leaking off him as he looked at Tony for approval of that statement. 

“Yeah. Good uh… study buddies.” 

Not just that- it was intimately familiar lust. The same kind you felt. 

Ah, well… that was a world away, wasn’t it? Another lifetime ago… 

Still. You couldn’t help but plaster a smile over your face. “Oh. That’s nice. Tony was fourteen, if I remember correctly, when he went to MIT.” Perhaps not being entirely subtle about the intent of your statement here. 

It colored everyone a little embarrassed. Anxious. Ren reached up to nervously shift back his hair. “Yes, quite a genius, our Tony Stark. We didn’t start study-buddying until junior year, I think.”

Tony nodded. “Junior year. Yeah.”

“Oh.” Smiling at him still. “What year were you in?” Saving you from making any more of a mess of this situation, your phone started ringing. And if that was happening now, with everyone you cared about in this room, that meant something else was going awry. You gave a small wave. “Sorry. I have to handle something.” 

You heard Tony push a breath out, and watched him stick his hands in his pockets before you turned and walked away. Why had you done that? What was the point? Maybe you were just that frazzled. Tony’s dating life before you was none of your business- but… come on. Some nineteen-something guy was hitting on a fourteen or fifteen year old? Gross. Disgusting. Nothing to be proud of. 

It took you too long to answer the call, and you saw no voicemail left. But a text came shortly after: 

Last person of the night bailed. Can’t make the delivery :( Can you send someone to come get it? 

Coming from your contact at the bakery just around the corner. Because of course it would. Of course that would happen to you. Looking up, you spied Pepper shyly chatting up some handsome man, and looking the other way, you saw Happy surrounded by a group of Stark employees all actually laughing at a joke he’d told. You could really pick anyone to go get it but… 

After the scene you’d caused, maybe it was better served that you pay your penance and take a walk. Tony seemed re-wrapped up in his little study group, so you excused yourself quietly and went back to the elevator. The bakery wasn’t far, and this cake was a special order. Something small for just you and Tony. His favorite kind with a loving message. Just something for after the party. For the two of you to share and enjoy and laugh over and… 

You barely remembered picking it up. Or rounding the corner as your phone buzzed again. Boxed cake in one hand, you shuffled awkwardly to pull your phone from your purse. Rhodey had texted you. 

Was that too much? Where’d you go? 

You thought to call him but realized he probably wouldn’t be able to hear you above all the noise. But before you could text you heard the telltale click of a camera shutter. So you made a sharp turn to cut between the alleyways between the building. On the other side you could cross the street and just dart into Stark Industries. But a man was following you. Calling your name. Incessantly. 

-and narrating to his tape recorder. “-and now I’m following her as she resists all questioning- hey! Do you have any comments about Christine Everhart’s newest evidence that Stark Industries is misappropriating funds meant for the disaster relief?” 

Was that still a story Christine was pursuing? Worse yet, pursuing now in the form of hiring paparazzi to follow you. It boiled your blood. So much so that you did the stupid thing. You turned. He stopped. And you cast an angry glare up his way. “Excuse me?” 

“Oh- good- hey- I’m just following the leads here- and it seems pretty obvious to me-” 

“Don’t you feel ashamed?” Now was not the time for this. Really. But after everything else… what harm could it do? If it could make your and Tony’s lives just even one percent easier… “Don’t you feel embarrassed? You went to college- I assume- for four years- for investigative journalism- and now you’re chasing tabloid stories? Don’t you just feel mortified?” 

He stared at you blankly for a long few moments before blinking, shaking his head. “God… you’re right… I don’t… I don’t know what I’m doing…” 

You held your hand out. “Give me that tape recorder.” Without thinking, since he was too far under the influence, he did so, and you immediately dropped it to the ground and stomped on it. “Go away now. Go home and think long and hard about your life.” 

You waited. Watching him turn around, mindlessly, and then walk away towards the other end of the alley. Back the way the two of you had came. It wasn’t until he turned and disappeared that you turned- just as the sound of a single pair of hands applauding startled you hard enough to drop the cake- the only reason you’d come out here. 

God damn it. God damn it. God damn every single person. 

Just a few feet away from you on the sidewalk you’d been headed towards, a smartly dressed man was still clapping his hands. The woman he was with was just standing there. Looking at him. That was until he flicked her hand at her. “Go away from me. Leave.” And then. She did. ...just like that. He stuck his hands in his pockets, aiming a very toothy smile your way. He was a little hard to see in the low light. “That’s a very neat trick, isn’t it. Quite the show. I’ve never seen anyone else pull one off like that before.” His accent was assuredly British. Chipper. Upbeat. Excitement was practically dripping off him.

You squared up, sensing only the most obvious of danger, the way he was approaching you. Something was off. “Get out of my way.” 

He stopped, just a bare two feet away from you, eyes watching yours. His large and brown and- “Ah-hah.” His smile grew even wider, and you were unnerved by everything about it. “You’re a babe. A… pup. You don’t know how to use that, do you?” He tipped his head up, smile disappearing underneath a self-questioning look. “Or maybe it doesn’t work- … do we cancel each other out?” Turning to look at you again with an inquisitive tip of his head, a little curl of the tip of his tongue at his teeth before he spoke again. “Come here. Come closer.” 

He hadn’t spoken it differently than he’d said anything else- except he had. And all of a sudden the heavy weight of those words bore down on you. Your feet lifted from underneath you. And control took over. 

Was this how you made people feel…? 

He was smiling again as you stopped right in front of him. “That answers that. ...oh- you’re- I can’t believe this-” Bending in closer to you, he examined your face. “I’m sorry, I didn’t recognize you- that makes more sense.” 

“Get away from me. Leave me alone.” No- that wasn’t going to work. So instead you raised your hand- Heart Reactor resting just underneath your jacket. 

But he now knew who you were. “Ah- stop that. Put your hand down.” And again, it was like those words wrapped tight around your wrist. Stopped you. And forced your hand away to your side. “Good pup. You know, I quite like puppies. Moldable.” Reaching out, he shifted back your hair from your shoulder and then touched your face. “Yes, quite like a puppy. With those big wet eyes of yours.”

You inched back, disgust coursing through you. So you threw it at him. “Don’t you feel revolted by your actions? Cornering a woman in an alleyway?” 

His brows lifted then, and he turned his head, hand covering his mouth. He seemed like he might really break if you just forced it a little more, but then his hand shot out, pushing you back against the wall. “That’s it, isn’t it. I mess with heads, you mess with hearts. Isn’t that something? Don’t move.” Silencing your struggles at once. “You’re a very interesting woman. I’d like to get to know you better, if you don’t mind. Say you don’t mind.” 

“I don’t mind.” It ejected out of you whether you wanted it to or not. 

He grinned. “Good pup. This is a good thing. Smile for me. Show me you’re happy we’ve met.” But this command was different. He was asking you to-... be happy. And as your eyes fogged over you saw the words of this order tangle around you and then shatter like glass. Because you would not be told to feel. 

You wouldn’t- you-

You stayed firm. Staring at him with only the most hate you could muster. Just the black pit in your heart. Reserved for this strange man. This strange man who was about to ruin your life. You were sure of it. Free of his control you dropped into the bright space. And saw him standing there atop the water. Unaware. So you ran, hands outstretched. Aiming to wrap them around his throat-

“Interesting.” He seemed truly puzzled, yet delighted. In some twisted way. “Very interesting. But that’s what puppies are good for. Breaking in.” You had to fight this. “Take your cell phone out.” Fight. FIGHT. But you were fighting something you could not see- wires. Puppet strings- something deep inside your veins. A purple wall sprung up between the two of you in that space. And then fell over you, boxing you in- shrinking- growing smaller and smaller and-

And back at the surface you tried to fight, even as he narrowed his eyes at your struggles- and struggle you did- shaking hard as your arm fought back against you. Like his own hand was wrapped around your wrist, forcing your hand into your bag, and bringing it forward. 

“I can’t have people looking for you. You’re a little more high profile than I like… but that’s easily remedied. Men like Tony Stark. They’re weak. And they don’t understand- not like I do. I think we’ll get along perfect. Tell me you agree.” 

Your mouth opened, but you forced it shut, teeth crunching together. Shivering. His hand came underneath your chin just as you’d thrown your head down just to get out of the line of his gaze. 

“Don’t fight me, pup.” That snapped your tethers, and you allowed your chin to be tilted up. “That’s a good puppy.” Patting you on the head. “Now, call Stark. Tell him- oh, I don’t know. Not a breakup- that’s too obvious- but tell him you need time to yourself. That usually works. Can’t have him come looking for you. Make it convincing.” 

The words penetrated your eardrums. Soaked into your brain. But tears started. Because like always, you just weren’t strong enough… and Tony was going to pay the price… 

Shaking, still- still trying to fight, as you pulled up his text chat and pushed through to call. It rang, and rang, and rang, and blissfully he didn’t answer. You thought that might be the end of it. But this man- 

“Leave a voicemail. Like I said, something convincing.” 

Your tears had turned to quiet sobbing. Which probably made it all the more convincing. And once it was over, that man took the phone from your hand and gave you another pat on the head. “There there, pup. It’s all over now. Give me your bag. And that- thingy too-” You let him take the bag off your shoulder, but were able to fully resist an order that made no sense. “Oh I’ll do it myself.” He reached into your jacket, through your dress, and pulled the Heart Reactor off your chest. Then he deposited both into your purse and looked around- 

Spotting a kid walking by the sidewalk, he called out. “Boy- come here.” So the kid did, walking up in a daze. “Drop that outside Stark Industries’ lobbies. If anyone asks what you’re doing, tell them she told you to bring it back for her. You don't know any more than that. Go.” 

Just as the kid turned to leave, you brought your knee up, straight into his gut. And as he keeled over, you slid away from him and tried to bolt. 

“Stop!” And you felt the command weigh your legs down, like you were running in quicksand. Trying to fight it. But that only made it worse. Standing now with your back to him. Still as you heard his footsteps draw closer and closer. Until you felt his fingers in the back of your hair. Squeezing. “You’re a very bad puppy. But that’s alright.” He came around, still holding you. Smiling. “I forgive you. Now come along. Put your arm in mine and let’s go.” 

Just as he held it out, it was like yours was instantly magnetized to his, sliding in. Stepping to his side as the two of you walked off into the night. “You’re going to regret this.” You promised. “I’m going to make you regret this.” 

For a brief moment he faltered. But then after a few seconds he barked a laugh into the air and tugged you. “You’ll have to teach me that. I quite like it. Much more effective. We’ll talk shop, pup. I can teach you a lot, too, you know. Seems like you could use the help. You’ll thank me, when it’s over.” 

I’m sorry, Tony. I’m sorry… I’m sorry… That’s all you ever were. And it had stopped being enough a long time ago.

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

The night drew on until the laughter died. Tony had stopped being entertained by the endless parade of guests about an hour ago. It was just inner circle now, and even though couldn’t hold his attention- especially when he realized- 

Where was she? He asked Steve- no idea. Nat- didn’t know. 

Rhodey? 

“I saw her slip out after the whole… thing.” 

She’d left? Over that? Seemed a silly thing to leave over. She hadn’t been that ruffled by it, right? It would have been surprising, to say the lease. But… she had seemed a little more harried than usual… maybe it just wasn’t the right time… 

“I texted her but… she never answered me. Probably mad.” Rhodey shrugged. 

Tony found himself shaking his head. “No-... that’s not like her.” Something about this was wrong. She’d been missing for hours he realized- ...only just now had he realized. He’d been too caught up in self aggrandizing bullshit to notice that she’d left- 

Pulling his phone out of his jacket pocket, he saw one single notification. From her. A voicemail. 

Fury- which, who had even invited him anyway, called out to him, but Tony held out a hand to silence him as he held his phone up. 

“Tony-” The sound of her crying immediately stole the strength from him, so much so that his knees went weak, sending him to a heavy sit on the couch. All eyes directed his way then. His hand was shaking so hard he couldn’t trust to hold the weight of his phone. So he put it on speaker. “Tony I’m sorry. I’m sorry about this… I’m so sorry… I’ve just been thinking and I… I just need some time. To think. To figure things out- I’m sorry… please understand… I- I love you… I do… and I’m sorry. I need you to keep an eye on LUNA for me. While I’m gone.” 

Everyone had gathered. 

Rhodey had a hand over his mouth. “Tones…” 

The phone dropped out of his hand. He was staring off somewhere far into the distance. Steve put a hand on his shoulder from behind. “Tony… she’ll come back.” 

“She was taken.” Someone came and snatched her up. Right off the street. 

Nat sat down across from him. “What do you mean? How could you know that?” 

Fury rounded the table. “Let’s not jump to conclusions.” 

“She was taken.” Someone had taken her off the god damn street. And he’d been boozing and laughing all evening. When even more voices of dissent rained on him, he got to his feet, pacing. “LUNA, what is Ms. INY’s last known location?” 

 I need you to keep an eye on LUNA for me. Good job, honey. However she’d been threatened into making that call, she’d left him a clue. She was so fucking smart. He would get her back. Just hold on for me, honey. Please…

LUNA’s voice lit up the room. “Ms. INY’s belongings are down in the lobby. Last known location before that was across the street.” So. The criminals were not completely inept. They’d made her dump her things. Not destroy. But dump. To try and make it less obvious. 

But it was obvious. 

“Tony, it seems like she dropped her stuff and took off.” 

“That’s not like her, don’t you get it?” Whirling around on this mountain of naysayers. Everything had been fine, hadn’t it…? Nothing had prompted this. They’d been happy just a day ago- ...hadn’t they? “That’s not like her. She wouldn’t just leave. JARVIS get me all surveillance footage from five blocks out.” She’d been across the fucking street when someone had taken her. 

That was a clear cut sign someone was trying to fuck with him. Someone had the guts to take her right across from where they lived- 

“All police records for that area from seven PM this evening to just an hour ago have been erased, sir.” 

All eyes were on him. Finally in his corner. He shouldn’t have had to convince them at all. Didn’t they know her better than that? Bruce touched his arm. “...where should we start?” 

Where to start? Where to start? A good question. Someone with high level authority- or access- had dumped police footage. His list of enemies was way too long- 

Fury took command. “Alright. Listen up Avengers. Someone just came into your house and stole one of your teammates off the god damn street. What are you gonna do about it?” 

Wait for me, honey. Hang in there. I’m coming. 

Tony only knew one answer. “I’m gonna end them.” 

[clockworkmoose]

The saga of this past week:

So a day or two after I put in my two-weeks notice in January (which turned into not-quitting-but-stepping-down-into-a-roll-where-I-only-work-when-I-choose-to-teaching-classes-and-nothing-else-if-I-don’t-want-to) Chaos employee got written up by my manager for unprofessional-ism and tardiness, and in retaliation/reaction, Chaos submitted an ADA request form along with a deposition from a court case that basically read that she was “average” in all tested mental aspects. Chaos felt this was sufficient proof to get an ADA accommodation to arrive late to her shifts and badmouth me, her manager, to customers and other employees.

HR disagreed. 

HR put her on a week of leave to get the ACTUAL forms and doctor notes she needed for an ADA accommodation and to figure out what sort of accommodation she WOULD be getting (I had been giving her a 15 minute window to arrive late for 2 years, I was giving her a schedule a minimum of 4 weeks out in written, texted, and verbal format for 2 years... I don’t know what reasonable accommodation can be made for telling customers that your boss isn’t doing her job properly and that Chaos should be the boss instead.....)

Chaos decided that being asked to provide the legally required documents constituted discrimination and harassment, and quit (Dec. 20th or thereabouts). Put in her 2 weeks, HR said “no that’s okay, don’t come back to the store ever.”

For the rest of the week and a half of my time as manager, I had to pull up records (I keep VERY good records, I like paperwork, I am very good at paperwork is something I learned from this job) basically defending myself from accusations and lies that Chaos kept telling HR. We’re talking she sent 30 emails in 3 days level of crazy. Saying things like that I was stealing money from the customers. I was stealing commissions from my employees. I was favoring one employee over her in terms of scheduling (this was the exact opposite! I was favoring CHAOS LADY because she gave me no choice of when to schedule her except the exact timeblocks she picked, so everyone else had to get slotted around her!)

One of the last emails she sent on Friday (Dec. 31) was the one where she informed HR that I had been changing commission credit from other people to myself, stealing money from Chaos’s paycheck. I wasn’t supposed to see this email, but it was forwarded from HR to my manager, who showed me in a fit of “Oh my god, can you believe this? There is a VISIBLE TO ALL EMPLOYEES record of every change made in the commission report! She could check and see this isn’t true!”

In this email, Chaos strongly suggested to HR that I ought to be fired.

Side note: I never told Chaos that I put in my 2 weeks because she had her meltdown before I had a chance and frankly I didn’t want to at that point.

Saturday, I send out an email to our entire customer base (Chaos included) saying that the store is hiring for a new manager position.

I get a text from Chaos on Sunday morning all full of fake concern that I’ve been fired, saying that she did her best to go to bat for me, say that I was a good manager, and that I was the best for the job. I don’t reply.

On Monday she calls the store and is surprised I answer. I tell her that no, I’m not fired, I quit on my own terms, and am leaving on a good footing. Chaos is surprised, but says she’s happy I wasn’t fired. She sounds the opposite of happy. Later that day is when manager finalized the plan of me not quitting outright, but to work on my own terms. I keep my employee discount, I keep teaching classes I love, win win.

Now, Chaos’s stepmom is a customer with us. And Chaos must’ve told Stepmom that I’ve quit, because stepmom calls the store a little later on concerned that the class she signed up for will be canceled. I reassure her, no, I’m not quitting, I will still be teaching her class. 

On Tuesday, New manager is in the store, her first day fully taking over the manager role. Phone rings, New manager answers it. Chaos is on the line, confused about her stepmom telling her I was still teaching. Didn’t I quit? New manager has been warned that Chaos is not to be calling the store, as per HR, she has to go through them. New manager DOES say that she can’t share information on any employees, past or present, and then that no, she can not tell Chaos when I am working next to schedule a conversation with me (something we do for customers) because I am not on the schedule for that.

On Wednesday, stepmom calls back again, worried AGAIN that I’ve been fired, having heard that I’m not on the schedule from Chaos. I reassure her that technically, I am not on the schedule, because I am not available to be scheduled for a “customer callback” with Chaos. I will be coming in, teaching my entire shift, and then leaving. No time for phone calls. I am still teaching her class, no worries, I have not been fired.

On Sunday, I go in, teach the class with Stepmom. Tell employee/coworker that I will see him on Monday (yesterday). Stepmom must have told Chaos I was going to be working on Monday. What I meant was “I will bring in these teddy bear googly eyes for you on Monday and then go shopping in a different town.” Coworker knew this as per prior conversations.

So Chaos went in to the store yesterday to see me. And was told that I “wasn’t working, was just dropping off some things for the store before I left town.”

So she called the store today, complaining that we were all lying to her about me being fired and skipping town in disgrace. To which new manager was like, what are you talking about, she’s still here, she’s still teaching classes every week this month???

And at this point, Chaos has literally no idea what my status is at the store, we are all accidentally unintentionally contradicting each other and also her own assumptions, and completely fucking with her without meaning to.

And I could call/text her and clear everything up, and when I heard that today it happened YET AGAIN I felt bad...

but after like 30 seconds the feeling passed and I did a nasty mean little giggle and went on with my day. 

[aneverlandboi]

A Belated Birthday

From: Ned [0.01am]

happy birthday dude!!

From: Ned [0.23am]

I can’t believe ur asleep!

From: MJ [2.35am]

Happy birthday, dork. I’ll give you your present tomorrow x

From: MJ [2.35am]

well, today x

From: MJ [2.37am]

I guess you’re asleep. Night xx

From: Ned [8.43am]

hey where r u?

From: Ned [8.49am]

ur going to be late on ur birthday?

From: MJ [8.50am]

Let me guess. Missed the bus? Let me know when you’ll be here x

From: MJ [9.00am]

When you can. Don’t text and swing!

From: Ned [9.00am]

dude, we’re waiting for you??

From: MJ [9.01am]

Also try not to get hit by a car x

Missed Call From: Ned [9.10am]

Missed Call From: MJ [9.11am]

From: MJ [9.20am]

Okay, you’re officially late. Not that Harrington is surprised.

From: MJ [9.20am]

That felt harsh, esp considering its your birthday. Sorry xx

From: MJ [9.22am]

Are you okay?x

From: MJ [9.46am]

If you don’t message one of us soon, we’ll contact May!

From: Ned [9.52am]

are you okay??? has something happened????? pls message me!!

From: MJ [10.34am]

Not that you can’t take care of yourself, but you’re not answering and I’m getting concerned. Gonna get Ned to check w May if ur okay. Don’t blame me if she spills some embarrassing secretxx

Peter scrolled through the stream of messages on his phone, mood souring with every passing second. The nurses at the hospital hadn’t been willing to let him even look at his phone for hours after he’d been brought in, even with it buzzing almost incessantly. Luckily, with a police escort and a couple of agents from SHIELD, he’d skipped the queue, and after a few pointed comments, the doctors had managed to patch him up without removing his mask, although Peter guessed they now knew he was white and skinny, and that they could probably figure out his rough age from, like, body proportions and stuff. Although ‘Spider-Man is young white man’ probably wouldn’t be the biggest reveal in the world. That was only, like, one in six million people, or something.

His phone buzzed again. A news report.

Because you follow ‘Spider-Man’ in the News:

The Daily Bugle: Spider-Man hospitalised after brawl with crime boss Kingpin.

Well, it wasn’t a surprise that the news had gotten out. Plenty of people had seen him get thrown out of a twenty-third-story window, and then there were the kind bystanders who called an ambulance when he’d crashed onto the pavement from about the tenth floor when his webbing snapped. Then there were the medics, and everyone at the hospital who had seen him come in with police and SHIELD escorts, who weren’t exactly subtle, even if his suit had been covered up. It was a miracle it had taken this long for the news to be released!

Incoming Call From: MJ

Peter hit answer and held the phone against his head with his shoulder.

“Peter?!” MJ asked as soon as the call connected, “Are you okay?”

Peter thought for a moment and swallowed. The drugs were already wearing off, but his tongue still felt a bit heavy.

“I’m okay, I suppose,” he answered vaguely, trying not to worry her, “Just had a bit of trouble on patrol.”

“You got thrown out of a window, dude!” Ned’s voice was slightly muffled. It took Peter a moment to realise he was on speakerphone.

“Where are you guys?” he asked nervously. He didn’t want to accidentally mention Spider-Man if they were sat in the middle of the cafeteria.

“We’re bunking off school to come see you,” Ned said lightly, “We’re in the park a block from school waiting for a bus to Manhattan.”

Peter sighed, then realised he was chewing on his lip.

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea, guys,” Peter said uncertainly, “There’s a lot of news cameras outside the door, so you guys wouldn’t be able to get in without being seen, and then everyone would be harassing you guys to see if you know who I am.”

“We could climb in the window,” MJ said suddenly. Peter wasn’t entirely sure if she was joking. “You could lower some webbing, and we could climb up it. Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your webbing.”

Peter laughed at that, then, pulling his mask down over his face, leant to look out the window. He couldn’t see much – he could only lean so far without risking pulling over the heart-monitor he was attached to – but he could definitely see some figures camping outside, cameras aimed at the window. He considered waving to them, or maybe flipping them off, but the part of him that had actually paid attention during the super-hero PR crash course with Miss Potts made him reconsider.

“Unfortunately, I’ve got some creeps aiming cameras at my window, so you’d be spotted anyway.”

He heard MJ sigh in irritation and found himself smiling slightly, in spite of himself. It was good to feel wanted.

“Well, this isn’t exactly the birthday celebration I had planned.”

Peter sat back, making sure he was clear of the window before pulling his mask up and replying.

“You had something planned?” Peter asked, feeling a flash of guilt. If he’d managed to beat Kingpin, or even if he’d just been more cautious and fled when the flash-bangs went off, none of this would have happened.

“No,”MJ said hurriedly. Peter grinned. “Quick, Ned, cancel the marching band!”

Again, Peter found himself laughing, clutching his side to avoid splitting the stitching. He could only thank God for his enhanced regeneration. He’d probably end up getting out of hospital by tomorrow, assuming the doctors didn’t try and cut him up to figure out how he worked. Not that he was paranoid about men in white coats – and women, for that matter, since MJ would kill him if he even internally implied that women couldn’t be doctors, and they were just as scary when they were dissecting you. But again, not that he was paranoid, just… sensibly wary.

“But seriously, guys. I’m already getting better. I’ll probably be out of here first thing tomorrow, if I can get through the crowd of reporters.”

“You could always climb out the window,” MJ pointed out, “Though if you were going to do that, you don’t need to wait to get discharged. You could just sneak out at night and go home.”

Peter’s mind immediately came up with an alternative arrangement – more of a daydream, really – which had him sneaking out, turning up at MJ’s window at night and… well, staying the night was a pretty good euphemism. Before he could get properly distracted by the idea, a knock at the door startled him.

“I’ve got to go,” Peter said hurriedly, already pulling his mask down, “I’ll see you guys tomorrow!”

“Okay, b–” Ned’s goodbye became distant as MJ turned off speakerphone.

“See you tomorrow, dork. Try not to break any more bones.”

Peter grinned.

“I’ll try. Love you.”

He hit the button to end the call, took a breath, then called out to whoever was stood outside. The door opened and Happy walked in alongside the doctor that had been treating Peter.

“Hey, Happy. Doc,” Peter said in greeting, nodding to the two of them.

“How are you feeling, uh, Spider-Man?” Happy asked. Peter shrugged.

“Like I got thrown out of a twenty-third-story window last night.”

“I must say,” the doctor said, looking over Peter’s medical chart with a raised eyebrow, “You’ve recuperated a lot quicker than I’d have expected. Even simply surviving fall like that is impressive, but you’re already healing up quite nicely.”

Peter nodded.

“Yeah, uh, enhanced regeneration,” he said wryly, “I heal up really quickly.”

The doctor raised his other eyebrow, then nodded. Peter supposed that when you were dealing with super-heroes, doctors just got used to hearing things like that.

“So,” Peter said, glancing between the two of them, “gimme the verdict, doc. When do you think I’ll be out of here?”

On the plus side, the doctors did not, in fact, cut Peter up and figure out how he worked. On the downside, he was kept for a lot longer than he’d intended. Peter supposed it was something about the idea that “this person just got thrown out of a twenty-third story window” that made doctors less willing to release said person, even if the person was actually medically fit to be discharged. So it was already 11pm the day after his birthday before Peter was officially discharged, herded past the throng of reporters and down a corridor by SHIELD agents, plunked inside the oh-so-subtle posh black sedans with heavily tinted window that government agents seemed to use, and driven through numerous back-alleys in a convoy of identical cars. SHIELD, and Fury in particular, seemed very determined to prevent any possibility of Peter’s identity being leaked.

Speaking of Fury…

“So, Parker.”

“Mister Fury.”

There was a moment’s silence as Peter tried to decide where to look on Fury’s face. It was a question he still hadn’t properly answered, even after a number of meetings with the director. His working eye? Or did that make a thing out of his missing eye? His nose? Or was that weird? Staring at his lips was definitelyweird. It was one advantage of the mask, that Fury didn’t know Peter was testing out looking at different parts of his face.

“What happened with Kingpin?” Fury asked, looking at Peter with what the boy assumed was his version of disappointment. It didn’t look particularly different to his usual expression.

“His people had a lot more weapons than I’d expected,” Peter admitted, “The flash-bangs took me by surprise.”

Fury frowned.

“And the machine-gun turrets hidden in the ceiling were a nice touch,” Peter added, a little defensively.

“Stark tech?” Fury guessed. Peter shrugged.

“I didn’t pay that much attention to the branding while they were shooting at me, but I’d say so.”

“How the hell did Kingpin get his hands on Stark tech?”

Peter was about to answer when he realised it was probably a rhetorical question.

“I’ll ask him next time I – ”

“No,” Fury said firmly, “Keep out of Kingpin’s way.”

Peter blinked in surprise.

“We’ll put eyes on him and wait until he gets more tech. Then we can find out where he gets it from…”

“And cut off a source of heavy weaponry,” Peter finished, nodding. “Smart plan.”

“I know,” Fury said flatly, “That’s why I came up with it.”

Peter shut his mouth.

“And if by some miracle it’s not Beck’s people, the source might be able to get into contact with them.”

Peter nodded, biting his tongue from saying something else obvious.

The car stopped suddenly.

“This is your stop.”

Peter leant over to look out the window.

“This is Brooklyn,” Peter corrected, “I’m over in Queens.”

He turned back to see Fury looking at him, expression blank.

“Get out the car, Parker.”

Peter got out the car.

It wasn’t that Peter had been planning on going to MJ’s house that evening, but since Fury had dropped him off in Brooklyn, and her house was pretty much on the way to his if you were heading into Queens from that direction, it kind of ended up with Peter perched on a lamppost opposite her house anyway. He could pop in, say hi, then head back and get a stern talking-to from May about the importance of not being thrown out of windows. Or, Peter realised with a flash of inspiration, he could put off the lecture for a little longer and stay the night at MJ’s… Share a bed with his girlfriend, or get shouted at by his aunt. It was a really tough decision to make. Honestly, he was torn.

The light in MJ’s room flickered on, and Peter saw her silhouette appear at the window. Then the window slid open. The decision had really been made for him, in that case, because it would just be ungentlemanly to leave a lady at her window in the cold night.

Sure, Peter had been perched outside her window for a good half an hour waiting for just that excuse, and then – because his legs were aching and he was quickly getting bored of waiting – he’d texted her to get her to come to the window, but that was all really neither here nor there, and he could just not mention that bit to May when he saw her in the morning. Or he could just head straight to school and put the lecture off for another day! That was much better.

[behindheremeraldeyes]

Title: Whatever Happened to Christmas . Summary: It’s been some long, and exhausting months for Sakura, and Christmas didn’t seem to be helping her in any way. Her friends are worried about her, but she wouldn’t let them help her. Therefore, there was only one person who could, truly, help her. . A/N: It’s finally here, everyone!! God, I can’t tell you how excited I am for this! I’ve finally had time to let it all out in a SS fanfic, and you guys really can’t imagine how relieved I felt after this fic! This one, particularly, has become quite special for me, especially after everything that happened last year. It became my escape fic, and god, there’s so many personal things in this fic that I kinda feel exposed XD Still, I owed you that much after all your patience with me. This is my come back fic, and it’s christmas themed! I hope you guys enjoy it, and please, tell me your opinion! It’s really important! . . . The clock was almost hitting 11:50pm when she finally realized it was time to head home. She had already changed into her winter clothes, her lab coat already left in her office and her heels already clicking their way towards the exit of the hospital. Her chakra reservations were quite low after a 36 hours shift, and yet, there was a sad scowl plastered on her lips at the idea of leaving so soon. Exhaustion creeped under her skin, for sure, but nothing a cup of coffee and some minutes with her eyes closed wouldn’t fix.

Sakura didn’t want to leave, for sure. She didn’t want to leave the safety of her work place, to an empty house where she would have to worry about dinner for one, and do nothing productive for the rest of the evening. The pinkette wanted to stay and help her colleagues during one of the busiest nights of the year, and more than anything, she wanted to help people go home safely to their families.

She’s a doctor, and that’s her job. That was what she was trained to do.

But ironically, the same woman who trained her was the one sending her home that night. And all because, apparently, she was too young to be spending yet another holiday inside that hospital.

A sigh escaped her lips as she tried her best to think back to all the previous holidays, as if to mentally try to prove her master wrong. Sakura knew she had been spending a little longer at the hospital than most of her colleagues, but it was not like she considered it to be harming in any way. She’s a medic, after all. She’s used to the sleepless nights and the canceled plans, and more than anyone, the Godaime should understand those circumstances.

Through the years, Sakura has come to understand that there is no such thing as peaceful times in the hospital. Even if the war was just a ghost from the past now, and even if the Shinobi Alliance had, indeed, lowered the mortality numbers, they still lived under the ninja system, where battles happened constantly and wounds could be as fatal as ever if not treated quickly.

They were still humans, by the end of the day. They could still bleed to death because of a kunai wound, and they could still die because of stupid things such as getting wasted during the holidays.

War or no war, medic ninjas were needed around the village. However, according to her master, medical ninjas also needed a break during some time of the year to celebrate life and eat a bunch of junk food to fill their energy tanks. And if she was not going to realize that by herself, then Tsunade would use all her power and her loud threats to make sure her dear pupil would spend Christmas away from those white, sterilized hallways.

And so, after weeks of direct confrontations around the hallways and weeks of constant changes on the names of the doctors that would be spending Christmas on duty, the Godaime ended up using her last resort on her wisest student. By orders from the head medic in Konoha’s hospital, Haruno Sakura was forbidden to be anywhere near that building during December 25th, unless she was actually dying and in need of medical help. Her schedules were erased, other medics had promptly taken over her work, and even Shizune would be there to help cover for all the pinkette’s surgeries.

Spending such busy day without her around would be hard, but that was how things were going to be. Sakura was going to enjoy a holiday break, even if they had to force her to do so.

She was not going to waste another chance of celebrating her youth because of her workaholic tendencies.

Or at least that was what Tsunade thought before her tricky apprentice found a way to twist her master’s words.

Sakura was not, indeed, spending the 25th at the hospital, no. Tsunade had been clear about that, and she was not going to disrespect the Godaime’s orders in front of everyone else. She would be spending Christmas home, just like her master told her to.

But she didn't say anything about Christmas eve.

And even if it wasn’t what she wanted, leaving a bit before midnight would have to be enough for that year.

When she finally arrived at the hospital’s lobby, her eyes didn’t miss all the elegant clothes people were wearing while waiting for whoever was in need of medical help. All the decorations also helped create the whole christmasy atmosphere around the hospital, and if Sakura were to be honest, those lights and stars would be the closest thing of a place to celebrate she would get that night. No matter how many times her best friend had invited her over, the pinkette just didn’t feel like listening to Ino rambling about how she was missing the chances of hooking up with a hot guy during the holidays.

Honestly, Sakura was just tired of people telling her how to live her life. Of course, she was going to obey Tsunade because she is her boss, but that didn’t mean she would be going out to party and do stuff such as going out to bars or having fancy, family dinners. Her master had the power to end her working schedule, but she certainly couldn’t force her to behave like a normal person.

And that was going to have to be her win for the night.

Another defeated sight escaped her lips, as she ran her fingers through her pink locks. It was probably time for her to go home, she knew, but leaving was a lot harder than she had expected. She turned her emeralds around for one, final look and was surprised by the sight of the one who was probably designated to take care of her patients for the night.

Apparently, she was the only apprentice who had been forced to leave.

“ Shouldn’t you be out by now?” Shizune said, stopping in front of her with a pile of papers in hands. “ If she finds you here, well… I bet you know what will happen, Sakura.”

“ Yeah, yeah… I know.” She smiled, her eyes curiously trying to read whatever was written on those papers. “ She wasn’t happy when she saw my name on today’s shifts, so I probably shouldn’t be giving her more reasons to actually fire me.”

“ Oh, she wouldn’t do that… But I can assure you that it would be quite painful.” Both of the girls chuckled, even if they were really aware of what their master was capable of. “ Still, don’t be too hard on her. She just wants you to have fun.”

“ Well, I certainly will.” Sakura started, taking a look at the clock hanging near the reception’s desk. It was certainly time for her to leave, and Shizune had no time to waste that night. “ There are tons of medical articles waiting for me at home. It’s going to be insane.”

“ I bet it will. Have a good night, Sakura.”

“ You too, Shizune-senpai. And Merry Christmas.”

And with a small, kind nod, the two medics parted ways. While she was heading towards the monotony of her home, Shizune was about to spend her holidays tending the wounded and discussing cases with their master during the coffee break.

Life certainly wasn’t fair.

The winter breeze welcomed her small form as soon as she exited the building. Instinctively, the Haruno girl brought her coat closer in order to shield herself from the cold, and as she made her way towards her apartment, it was impossible not to allow her mind to drift back in time, to a past when everything was simpler and she would still have that same, bubbly energy to celebrate christmas with the people she loves.

So much has changed, she thought.

Back then, she would spend the night with her parents and early in the morning, after opening her presents, Sakura would rush through the streets of Konoha so she could meet her boys and wish them a merry christmas. They would all exchange presents while drinking a hot chocolate, and they would end up spending the entire day together, enjoying the free time offered to the genin teams during the holidays.

Those were good times, for sure. Those were happy times, when the future still promised better days for the four of them.

A future that promised to keep them all together.

Oh, what a delightful future that was. None of them could’ve ever predicted how different things would be in less than 10 years.

In less than 10 years, the members of the team 7 literally went to war and back. Hearts were broken, bonds damaged, and even if, eventually, they found their happy ending, some things just couldn’t be fixed anymore. The boys weren’t just boys anymore, and she certainly wasn’t a little girl anymore. They were all forced to grow up faster than normal people should, and even if Naruto was able to hold onto his dream, Sakura couldn’t say she had the same luck. Deep inside, perhaps, there was still something left from her younger version, but most of it— most of her was already long gone.

She no longer neglected her physical practice. Her social life was quickly replaced by her job and her love— oh, that beautiful and pure love she has always nourished for that raven haired boy… It was still there, for sure, but it certainly wasn’t the same. It was stronger, now. More responsible and concealed, especially since her emotional expectations in life were close to zero now. She no longer expected him to proclaim his undying love for her, in the same way she no longer expected to be one of the reasons for him to finally settle in the village.

Sakura was no longer a child, and she knew better than to raise her expectations just to see them all crumbling down around her. He wasn’t coming back anytime soon, and even when he did, there was no use in getting all excited since it wouldn’t take long before he left again. It was a harsh way of thinking, and many were the times when Naruto scolded her for that, but it was the only way she knew that would keep her heart from breaking after every damn goodbye.

And so, Haruno Sakura, the girl who used to spread joy and laughter around the village and who used to love everything about christmas, turned into a skeptical workaholic at the age of 18. While all of her friends were out having fun, there she was, walking around the lonely, illuminated streets of the village, protecting herself from the shivering breeze as she tried to get home to her hot tea and the paperwork she had managed to take from the hospital.

Growing up really sucks.

By the time she finally got home, the clock was already marking 18 minutes past midnight. It was officially christmas, and as she had expected— or not expected at all— Sakura feels nothing different. She left her purse on her dinner table and headed straight to the bathroom so she could take a nice, warm bath. The hot water ran down her muscles, soaking her pink hair and allowing her to finally let out a deep breath she didn’t know she had been holding. Sleep was far away from her thoughts even if she had just returned from a long shift, and at that moment, she decided she deserved to spend a little longer under the running waters.

It had been a while since she had last had those minutes to relax, and even if most times she didn’t really have time to miss them, not even the pinkette would be stupid enough not to enjoy those limited moments that had to be forced into her life by the people she loves. Her eyes closed at the warm sensation of the water running down her cheeks, and she didn’t know something as simple as water could leave her skin so sensitive, to the point it tickled.

It felt good and warm, and by the time she was finished with her bath, it was almost 1am. Sakura put on some comfortable, flannel pajamas, and even if it was cold outside, she didn’t bother drying up her short hair. The silence of her apartment and the few lights she had left on reminded her of the years neither Naruto nor Sasuke were around, and much like back then, the pinkette decided to take her mind away from that reality and focus on her responsibilities and a relaxing cup of tea. A chamomile one, her favorite.

With her bare feet against the wooden floor, the medic nin walked towards her small kitchen and started to boil some water that would be enough to fill at least three small cups. She rested one hand on the counter next to the oven, and scratched the back of her neck with the other, massaging the area near the junction with her shoulders. Sakura closed her eyes, and her mind started to wander through her memories again, but that time, she focused on the present instead of the past.

The images of a smiling Naruto filled her mind, as she tried to imagine how happy he probably was at that moment. That was the first time he was spending Christmas away from Konoha, and even if he had sent her a letter complaining about the heat wave of the desert, she knew he was having fun. That knucklehead accepted the Kazekage��s invitation to spend the holidays at Sunagakure, and he was complaining about the weather and the sand.

That idiot, she thought.

Still, it was not like she wasn’t happy for him. Gaara’s friendship is really important for the blonde, and having a chance to deepen that bond was something Naruto was really looking forward to.

He was certainly going to enjoy his holidays. And at that moment, she could only hope the third, original member of their team was also having a good time.

As it was expected from the Uchiha, no one knew where he was or what he was up to. It had been weeks since his last letter arrived for her, and apart from the usual ‘I'm alive, therefore I’m writing you a letter’ thing, the raven haired boy didn’t really disclose much information. Perhaps, she thought, as a smile decorated her face; that he wouldn’t tell her such things so she wouldn’t go after him.

Her smile quickly changed into a smirk, and she couldn’t help but mentally call him a bastard. It was not like she would simply abandon her life and go after him. Not anymore, at least.

A sigh escaped her throat at the thought. “ Sasuke-kun…”

The memories of the Uchiha have always been the ones to bring her more emotions. All the time they’ve spent together and all the things they’ve been through were enough to make her worry about him even if he’s one of the best ninjas the world has ever met. Especially during the holidays, she wonders how he’s doing or if he’s cold. She wonders if he found a place to stay, and if this place has people who are treating him well.

She wonders if, perhaps, he has found someone worthy of his heart. And if so, she wonders if he will be spending christmas with her.

It’s a stupid thought, for sure. She has no right to be jealous over him, and if anything, she should only be happy for the man who has always meant so much for her. His happiness is the most important thing, and more than anything, Sakura wished him a merry christmas, wherever and with whomever he was.

Unlike her, she just hoped Sasuke wouldn’t miss the chance of spending the holidays with his significant others.

And indeed, he wasn’t.

A knock on the door surprised her by the time boiling water was acting on the plants. At first, she thought she had heard things. Who on earth would be knocking on people’s doors at such wee hours of the dawn?

Her brows arched in confusion, and it wasn’t only until there was another knock that she decided to move. She checked the clock just to make sure she wasn’t insane or anything, and when she realized it was almost 1:30 in the morning, Sakura concluded that the person at her door was either from the hospital due to an emergency, or Ino trying to drag her towards her christmas party. If it was the later, then, perhaps, she could return to the hospital under Tsunade’s exception.

If not for her low levels of chakra, the Haruno girl would’ve sensed the enormous power coming from the other side of the door, and perhaps, her reaction would’ve been different by the time she opened the door. Her eyes widened, her lips parted, and she had to lean against the doorframe in order not to fall. She could barely feel her nose due to the cold breeze hitting her face, but at that moment, all she could think of was how much she had missed those deep, dark eyes of the raven haired boy.

That was certainly a christmas miracle.

“ Sasuke-kun… You’re back.”

“ Aah.” He nodded, his expression as peaceful as ever. His eyes roamed around her in the same way hers were memorizing all the changes he had suffered since the last time they met. He was still wearing that same black cloak, and his hair was still as spiked as ever, but the lines of his face were stronger and a lot more mature than before. His chin had more angles now, and his lips seemed softer as his face displayed a soft expression.

Uchiha Sasuke looked good as ever, and she wasn’t surprised by that at all.

Though, believing in Santa would've been a lot easier than believing he was actually standing there on her doorstep. And judging by the color of his nose, it was also possible to say he was cold.

“ D-Don’t just stay out there! Come on in! It’s freezing out here.” She said, stepping aside and giving him space to pass.

“ Thanks.” He muttered, entering her apartment and promptly removing his cloak. For many were the times he had been there to pay her a visit, some formalities were already left behind, and he certainly didn’t need an invitation to walk around and feel at home.

They both headed towards her living room, and he was the first to settle down on her couch. His eyes didn’t miss the mess of papers spread on her center table, and he would be lying if he said all that mess didn’t bother him. Not because of his cleaning mania, no, but mainly because of the time of the year.

Maybe, the info he had gotten wasn’t an overreaction, after all.

“ Tea?” She came from behind him, offering him a cup he promptly accepted. She didn’t add any sugar, for she knew his preferences, and even if he didn’t like chamomile, he could stand the taste of it if not sweetened like the way she drinks it.

Sakura, then, sat on the chair across from him, bringing her legs up so she sat with them crossed instead of how normal people should sit. An awkward silence settled in between them while they sipped their tea, and she patiently observed him with those big, emerald eyes of hers. As always, the Uchiha was a master with words.

“ So…” She started, sighing and deciding it was already too late for any small talk. “ What are you doing here, Sasuke? You don’t really want me to believe you’re here just because you’ve missed me.”

A smirk crossed his lips, as he was impressed by how direct his teammate has become. His eyes shifted from the papers to her green orbs, and she felt himself relax at the sight of the pink haired girl confidently looking at him. “ Hn, you don’t waste time, do you?”

“ Not when your teammate shows up at your apartment at 1am.”

“ Fair enough.”

“ Though I can start asking you about your journey and tell you all about Naruto’s newest attempt on learning fire ninjutsus.”

“ Tch, that Dobe…” He sighed, trying not to judge his best friend’s weird ideas. The Uchiha remembered the blonde writing something about that in one of his letters, but he never thought he would actually try something so stupid.

What a great Hokage he was going to be in the future.

But at that moment, the future of Konoha didn’t seem important. When he looked back at her, he realized her judging stare was still on him, and Sakura was still waiting for her answer. And by the look in her eyes, she wouldn’t simply accept a half lie such as his needs to refill his supplies.

She wanted the truth. And that was exactly what he was going to give her.

A sigh escaped his lips as his hand slowly moved to his pocket before fishing out a couple of crumpled papers and leaving them on her center table. He watched as her eyes widened in curiosity, and once she reached out and started reading whatever was written there, the Uchiha decided he could finally start talking now that he had given her the evidences that would prove the veracity of his words. “ You see, apparently, you’ve been doing some things that are leaving all these people worried, Sakura. I’ve received letters from your parents, Naruto, Ino, Kakashi and even from the Godaime.”

“ Are you serious? Why would they even do that?”

“ Hn, they are worried about you. ”

“ Why would they be? I’m fine. Just because I’m taking some extra-shifts at the hospital every now and then it doesn’t mean there’s actually something wrong.”

“ Are you sure about that? According to the letters, your extra shifts seem to be something important.”

“ Oh, not you too, Sasuke-kun! It’s just my job!”

“ I know… But by the way they all described it, you are not okay, Sakura. It seemed like you needed help."

“ Help?” She lifted an eyebrow in confusion while reading the words the Yamanaka girl had written him. Apart from the lack of formality, the blonde had written things such as ‘workaholic’, ‘exhausted' and ‘get back home and use your Uchiha magic on her’. Even if her friend, indeed, seemed to be concerned, Sakura couldn’t help but feel annoyed at all those overreacted assumptions. “ What the hell, that pig actually told you I’m suffering from Christmas Depression-shannarou!”

An uncomfortable silence settled around them after her words, and it was as if he was holding back  something that was killing him inside. It’s true that by the way those people had described Sakura’s current situation, Sasuke expected things to be a lot worse than what they actually seemed to be. During his travels, he has seen people who are going through depression crises, and fortunately, the pinkette didn’t look like them at all.

Even if she did seem tired and she had certainly lost some weight, the Haruno girl, indeed, looked fine, and that was why the Uchiha pondered whether or not he should say what was on his mind. Maybe those people were overreacting. Maybe they were just plotting to bring him home so they could try to set them up. Maybe she didn’t really need him and anything he could do or say would be useless.

Still, as he kept looking at her house and the lack of Christmas decorations, Sasuke decided that perhaps there was more than his eyes could tell. And so, when she was trying to read Naruto’s messy handwriting, the Uchiha cleared his throat and took a deep breath. If there was really something wrong with her, he was going to find out. “ … Are you, Sakura?”

“ Uh?” She lifted her head, connecting their eyes as she looked at him with a confused expression. “ Am I what, Sasuke-kun?”

“ Are you suffering from Christmas Depression?”

Her eyes widened, her lips parted, and soon, her confused expression changed into an angry one. Her brows knitted downwards, and she glared at him after abandoning the papers back on the center table. “ Are you seriously asking me that, Sasuke?”

He felt shivers running down his spine, still, he didn’t back off. He simply nodded, not taking his eyes away from hers. “Aah.”

“ Of course not, Sasuke! Damn it, why can’t people just leave me alone?!”

“ Alone? What do you mean?”

“ Tch… I’m just trying to do my things, you know? But apparently, just because what I want to do isn’t considered to be normal for a girl of my age, then there’s something wrong with me!"

“ It’s not like that, Sakura.”

“ Yes, it is! Just because I didn’t want to go to Ino’s party or because I took some extra shifts at the hospital; people think there’s something wrong! Even you decided to come all the way back to the village during Christmas just to make sure I wasn’t going crazy! Gosh, this is so… This is so annoying!”

Her hands curled into fists, and perhaps, were her chakra reserves a little higher, her couch would have been destroyed by her irritation. Sakura was mad and tired, and apparently, not even she was aware of whatever was happening with her. It was evident that the pinkette was under a lot of stress and she was trying to cope it with more work and even a certain isolation he understood very well. She could not be aware of that, but she was avoiding her family, friends and even herself, seeking comfort in her professional obligations and not allowing herself time to realize how lonely she actually was, let alone decorate her apartment for the holidays.

Haruno Sakura was, indeed, lonely. And loneliness didn’t suit her at all.

Especially not during Christmas. Especially not when he was around.

His expression softened at the sight of the girl in front of him, and promptly, Sasuke started to think about something that could help her feel better. His mind took him back to their younger days, when the pinkette was nothing but a bubble of happiness around that time of the year. Sakura used to be the personification of Christmas itself. She would invite the whole team for the dinner her mother would prepare, and he remembered how her eyes would shine every time she would take her time watching the tree and all its ornaments.

Oh, yes… The Christmas Tree.

The most significant and beautiful thing about Christmas, or at least that was what he thought. He didn’t know exactly why, but Sasuke has always been fond of all that beautiful mess of ornaments and lights displayed around the green branches of the tree. Maybe it had something to do with Itachi and his own family celebrations, he didn’t really know. Still, every time his eyes saw that colorful mess, it was like a nostalgic and comfortable flutter took over his chest and made his lips curl up in something that could be considered a smile.

And perhaps that was what she needed, he thought.

Perhaps Sakura needed that one, simple moment of joy to remember how Christmas should feel, in the same it felt when she was a child.

She needed that, more than anyone at that moment. And the Uchiha— well— he needed a tree.

“ Sakura.” He started, firmly, and slowly, her eyes met his. She was paying attention, curiosity spread around her face at such sudden, confident tone. “ We need a Christmas Tree.”

Her expression turned blank after she listened to his words, and she didn't know for how long she was left spacing out, just trying to understand what he was talking about. “ What?”

“ A Christmas Tree.” He repeated, standing up and looking around her apartment. “ Do you have one?”

“…. Why would you need a Christmas Tree now, Sasuke?”

“ You didn’t decorate one this year. We’re doing it together now.”

The pinkette opened her mouth a couple of times as she tried her best to form the correct phrase for this situation. She blinked a couple of times more than necessary, and it wasn’t until she crossed her arms over her chest and leaned back on the couch that she could finally come up with something. “ Are you high?”

“ What?”

“ Seriously… Did you eat some kind of mushroom around the woods lately that just left you… high?”

“ No… Why are you even asking me that?”

“ Because…” She stood up, placing both hands on her waist. “ I’m not sure you’re aware that you’re suggesting for us to find a Christmas tree and decorate it at 3 freaking am of Christmas day.”

“… So what? It’s not my fault you didn’t do it earlier.”

“ You… How dare yo—“

“ Do you have it or not, Sakura?”

His eyes were strongly connected to hers, and at that moment, she saw no sign of joke or opium intoxication in him. He meant every single word of his crazy idea, and he was not going to give up on that so easily. Of all the things the Uchiha has done in his life, showing up at her apartment and demanding to decorate a christmas tree was by far the most illogical one. It just didn’t make sense, and were Naruto telling her this story, she wouldn’t have believed a single word of it.

Uchiha Sasuke had certainly gone crazy. Or maybe it was all an illusion created by her own mind. Either way, Sakura was too tired to argue at that moment.

If he wanted a Christmas tree, she would give him one.

A defeated sigh escaped her lips, and after massaging the bridge between her eyes, the pinkette started to walk towards her front door. His eyes were glued on her, and she could feel as he observed as she left her apartment, her bare feet touching the cold floor outside. She disappeared from his sight, and after a couple of minutes, when Sasuke thought she had run away, the Haruno girl came back, a considerably big tree hanging on her shoulder, as she walked through her living room. She looked different now, as she easily placed that tree on the floor. It was as if a new fire had been lit inside her, and perhaps, that was a good start for the night.

That, or maybe she had really snapped after his great idea.

“ Why are you just standing there, Sasuke? You can bet your ass you’re gonna help me with this tree, and I don’t care if you have only one arm-shannarou!”

“ Hn.” He smirked at her glare, deciding not to push her any further after she actually showed up with a Christmas tree. He approached her, and watched as she tried to get rid of the small bushes that had gotten stuck on her clothes. “ So you did have a Christmas Tree.”

“ Tsunade-sama gave it to me the other day. I left it downstairs to see if anyone would take it, but apparently, no one even touched it.”

“ I really can’t imagine why.”

“ Tch, I can’t believe you’ve convinced me to do this…” She looked at his tall figure towering over her, suddenly feeling overwhelmed by his presence.

“ It will be fun, you’ll see.”

“ You better be right, Uchiha Sasuke.” She smirked at him, unconsciously licking her lips as if to plan her next steps. “ I’ll go get the ornaments and the lights. Make us some decent coffee because it will be a long, christmas night.”

“ Hn. It’s not like you have anything better to do.”

“ Fair enough.”

By the time the tree was fully decorated, the sun was starting to creep out from behind the Hokages’ monument. With the help of some shadow clones, both of them were able to finish everything without many problems. There was a comfortable silence around her living room, the lights of the tree being the only source of light in her apartment.

It was way too late to even check the clock, and even if normally they would try to keep some sort of decency around each other, neither of them seemed to care about that anymore, as Sakura was lazily laying on her couch, her forearms resting over her eyes, while Sasuke sat on the floor, with his back pressed against the front of the same couch and his arm resting over his knee. They were breathing in a peaceful rhythm, and due to the close distance they were from each other, it was possible for them to hear — and for the Uchiha to even feel— the air leaving the other’s lungs.

In the same way her breath tickled the back of his neck, his strong, musky scent invaded her nostrils, and even if normally that would leave them both a bit bothered, that kind of intimacy felt unusually comfortable at that moment.

And for being Haruno Sakura, intimacy usually came with words.

“ Sasuke-kun…” She started, laying over her right elbow so she could face the back of his head. Her hair was falling over her forehead, covering the yin seal, as her eyes softly observed the man in front of her. At some point during their Christmas activities, Sakura finally realized that she was actually spending some good, harmless time with him, and that was certainly enough to warm her heart. “ How was it like before the whole thing? Christmas at your place, I mean…”

His answer wasn’t immediate, as he brought back the memories of his childish days. There were really good ones that featured the brightest smiles of his family, and he didn’t need a lot of time to come up with the words they were both expecting to hear. “ Hn, it was great. My best family memories must be from Christmas, when I would help Itachi with all the decorations and we would fool around all day.”

A smile made its way to her lips at the image of a small Sasuke running around with his big brother, She didn’t know him well back then, but from the pictures she has seen around, it was easy to tell  he had had a happy childhood while it lasted. “ And what about your parents? Did they like Christmas?”

“ My mother liked it a lot. She was the one to start all the decorations and prepare the banquet for us. She was always smiling during that time of the year, and I can’t recall a single Christmas without her cinnamon cookies.” He smiled at the memory of that delightful taste, and enjoyed the relaxing feeling that talking about his deceased family brought to his heart. Even if there was a time he couldn’t share a single memory without feeling the anger taking over his senses, now, the Uchiha felt good while sharing the simple things from his childhood. He liked to talk about them, but it was not like he would share such things with anyone, no.

It had to be someone special. Someone like Haruno Sakura.

“ And what about your dad? Not a fan of the holidays?”

“ My father was different… He liked Christmas, but he never really voiced his thoughts.”

“ Really can’t imagine anyone like that.” She teased, and she could see the smirk that grew on his lips.

“ Every year, he would spend time with us while we decorated the tree, then, eventually, he would tell my mom how everything was beautiful.” He turned his head to face her, his expression now changed in a certain curiosity as he somehow tried to solve a mystery from his past. “ By the end of the night, right after my mother sent us off to bed, I remember seeing my father joining her at the living room. He would sit on the couch next to her, but I never found out what they would do after that. Itachi would always pull me away before I could see anything.”

“ Oh, come on, Sasuke-kun. They were just trying to have a romantic time together. It’s Christmas, after all. It’s a good time for couples.” She chuckled at him, curling up closer to the edge of the couch. Her eyes were on him now, and she hadn’t noticed how close their faces were until she caught herself looking straight at his long eyelashes. His scent was still messing with her senses, and she suddenly felt her heart beating faster.

What on earth was going on? Could it be…

“ Aah… You’re probably right.” His eyes were on hers now, and at that moment, he saw how bright they were as they reflected the christmas lights from the tree. She smelled like soap, and for the first time that night, Sasuke managed to see a kind and loving expression on her face. It was similar to the one she used to wear when she was younger, but this time, it was deeper and more mature. It was possible to see the traces of the hardships she had to go through during her life, and if anything, all those stories hidden behind her exterior just made the pinkette a lot more captivating.

It made her even more beautiful.

And— oh, he really couldn’t hold back anymore.

“ Yeah… I am.”

After her whispered words, a new silence took over the apartment. Neither of them really knew who was the first to do it, but before any of them could tell, their lips were already pressed against each other in a soft, chaste kiss. It tasted like coffee and the sugar from the Christmas cookies she had gotten from her patients; and it felt warm like a fireplace. His back still remained pressed against the couch, and her elbows were holding her in place, as they didn’t feel like parting their loving connection.

Neither of them knew how long it had passed until they slowly broke away. Their faces remained just a couple of inches apart, and as their hot breath tickled their warm lips, both Sasuke and Sakura allowed a soft smile to take over their expressions.

That kiss felt indescribably good. It felt relieving, as if it was something that should’ve happened a long time before. Their hearts were beating as one at that moment, and for sure, the pinkette could feel the tension disappearing with every breath she took.

God— how good that felt. After months of complete, emotional stagnation, Sakura could finally feel something. Tears threatened to stream down her face at that moment, as she felt her cheeks growing even warmer than before at the simple thought of a simple kiss bringing back a rush of emotions to her heart. She had been feeling so lonely lately that she had feared she would never feel things the way she used to feel.

Even if she had repeatedly told everyone she was fine, the pinkette, more than anyone, knew that wasn't completely true. She didn’t know exactly what was happening to her, but there was something that wasn’t right, and it weighed like a heavy rock. She had managed to put it aside for a while, but when Christmas came, she saw herself all alone and with nothing left of the girl who used to love that time of the year so much.

She hated feeling like that. She hated feeling nothing, and she feared never feeling anything again.

Perhaps, she really was going through Christmas Depression, as Ino had said. Perhaps, she really needed help.

And at that moment, he was giving her everything she needed.

He was giving her the best Christmas present she could’ve asked for.

“ Thank you, Sasuke-kun…” She said, biting her lower lips as she held back her tears. She was looking deep into her eyes, and felt her heart skipping a beat when she found the softest expression taking over his dark irises. He knew exactly what she meant with those words, and more than anything, he was happy to have been able to help.

Yes, Uchiha Sasuke was happy. Happy to have helped her, happy to be home and certainly happy to have kissed her lips. Not ignoring those letters had been a great decision, and now, more than ever, he was happy to be home, with her.

It felt comfortable and even relaxing after spending the whole Christmas night decorating a tree.

It felt familiar, even if neither of them had ever shared a moment like that before. Sure, it brought back memories and made them think about the infinite ‘what if’s of their lives, but it certainly didn’t feel regretful or depressing at all. It was a different kind of Christmas for the ninjas, and not even during their innocent days had they felt so at peace during the holidays.

That was definitely a different and nostalgic Christmas for both of them. A really good one, nonetheless.

“ Aah… Merry Christmas, Sakura.”

“ Yeah… Merry Christmas, Sasuke-kun.”

[tatooedlaura-blog]

Warped Cosmology

the series read as follows:

Superman … Monday … Cheezy Pouffs … Bacon … Stumbling … Trail Mix …  Punch … Friday … Preparation … Uncle Mudler … Normal … Backseat … Mudler-sense … The FBI … Unthinkable … Patience … Elephant Jokes … Cooking … Rickety Tables … Mr. Skimmer … Bert and Ernie … Midnight Confessions … The Moon … Bright Sunshine … Graying Skies … Darkened Night … Possibilities … A Thing with You ... Humming and Thrumming

@today-in-fic​

____________

He let her sleep, disappearing at dawn for a run, then sneaking quietly about the apartment, showering, eating, dressing, leaving again, this time with a note stating he’d be back by noon or before or after, depending on sun angles and Sno-Cone sale prices.

She found said note around 8:45am and promptly returned to bed, amused by how amused she was in her present situation. She’d never woken up in his bed, alone, with his note stating where he was and she’s sure as hell never crawled back into his bed to stretch luxuriously, surrounded by Mulderness and wrinkled sheets. Head nested perfectly in the pillow, she studied his ceiling, then his walls, the windows, curtains, blinds, dresser, mirror, shelves, shoes and map.

She was also naked.

That was possibly the best part.

She was naked and warm and cozy and had absolutely nowhere to go and nothing to do.

And she was in Mulder’s bed.

It was enough to send her rolling to her side, grinning into dented pillow like a college girl who’d just spent her first night in her boyfriend’s apartment. She was too damn old for that feeling but there it was, fluttering her chest, quaking her insides, wondering when he’d return and if he’d jump back in beside her.

Shutting her eyes, she pictured him sliding towards her, naked thighs pressing into hers, chest to back, lips to neck, hand to clit, face buried in the pillow for very different, sound-deadening reasons.

Yeah, she wasn’t waiting for him to get back to take care of a few things.

And she discovered that most of her recent nosebleeds came a few minutes after she did.

&&&&&&&&&

Showered, dressed, bed made, apartment cleaned, lunch debated, trash out, doctor appointment set, she settled down to check her work email, allowing one little slice of reality to intrude into an otherwise self-contained perfection. She was not pleased with the amount in her inbox and setting about deleting crap after crap, she only stopped when she heard the front door open.

Turning in the office chair, which creaked with every degree, she saw his solemn face, any hint of mirth wiped clean, “what happened?”

“Skinner called.”

She dropped him at the airport an hour later, her ticket not until the following evening, after her appointment, “no, you are not canceling, I don’t care how much you fight me, you are not canceling.”

Relenting quickly, not wanting to forgo her appointment any more than he did, “I will fly out tomorrow evening, okay?”

And she kissed him goodbye, apartment to airplane service, “I’ll let you know when I land.”

Tugging on his ear lightly, “you better.”

Once he disappeared into the bowels of the airport, she drove off, oddly empty inside at the unexpected parting and equally unexpected free afternoon and evening. Heavy debate happened between returning to Mulder’s apartment, going to Maggie’s to collect their things, going to work or going to her own apartment, a place she’d barely seen in a good month or so.

Cleaning orgy at her apartment won out, the dust a fine layer, the sense of abandonment acute … the reeking nightmare of rotting hell from the garbage grinder heavy in its revulsion. She’d stopped or had Mulder stop, to get her mail but never needing to get beyond the mailbox in the lobby, neither had smelled, once she’d inspected with flashlight and hesitating fingers, the small chunk of chicken skin wedged to the side of the disposal. Face wrinkled in disgust, she retrieved it, bagged it, washed her hands, emptied the fridge and immediately took out the trash. Next, windows opened, baking soda poured and grinder run, she moved on to the rest of the apartment, half wondering why, every time Mulder went somewhere without her, she cleaned.

It took a few hours to work through things, dinner break included but soon enough, her apartment was spotless, empty and just a tad lonely. She’d been surrounded by children, Mulder, mother and colleagues for weeks now and the stilled silence made her restless for contact, conversation, rescue from her own twisting thoughts.

Maggie for the win as she could hear Mulder saying in her head.

Arriving unannounced at her mother’s, she found several cars in and around the driveway. Making her way in, wondering if she ought to have called first, “Mom?”

Her mother’s voice drifted from the kitchen, “honey, we’re back here.”

She found her way to the kitchen, dropping off shoes and bag on the way, spying Frohike first, then Jake and Charlie, the biggest surprise being Skinner, in t-shirt and jeans, drinking a beer and in deep discussion with Byers. It was enough to stop her in her tracks and honest to God, shake her head in confusion. Delaying her ‘hello’ a moment, she finally returned to the warped cosmology of present day kitchen, “hi. What’s … what’s going on?”

Smiling as her daughter attempted a smooth entrance, “Melvin had some things he promised to show Jake so he and John came by for dinner along with your brother and nephew.” She saw Scully’s eye flit momentarily to Skinner and she continued, “and Walter needed another home cooked meal so I decided to feed them all. I would have called but I didn’t know when Fox was flying out.”

For no real good reason, she blushed, the discussion of her and Mulder floating out there, common and every day at the dinner table with friends and family carrying on their business without even a hiccup in the conversation. Wondering what the hell had happened to her world, she pulled up a chair, joining the fray, spending the next two hours in familial familiarity.

Eventually hugging her brother and her nephew goodbye, then, more awkwardly, Frohike and Byers, she was left with her mother and Skinner. She watched them both standing at the front door, waiting for the Gunmen to pull away from the curb. They were an awkwardly tall and small pair, her mother still balancing on crutches and boots, her boss with his hand friendly on her elbow, keeping her upright, the set looking, somehow, in some parallel universe … like they were supposed to be there, doing that exact thing, at that exact time … all the time.

She stared for too long apparently, because suddenly, there they were, looking at her, Maggie smiling, Skinner wondering, Scully dismissing outlandish ideas and poppycock notions as her grandmother used to say, “honey?”

Scully gave her standard, ‘I’m good’ smile, “yeah, sorry, just … lost track of time for a minute.” Turning on her heel, “I’ll go start the dishes.”

Maggie clumped after her, Skinner following behind, “you don’t have to do that. I can get them tomorrow.”

Hand already on faucet, “I don’t mind.” Calling to her boss, “Walter, grab a towel.”

“Back to Walter, I see,” as he retrieved the dish towel to begin drying.

“Dry them well, Walter or mom will make you wash them again.”

“Running a tight ship there, Maggie?”

Settling at the counter on a stool, Maggie reached for a stray cookie, “with four kids, it was tight ship or no ship and no ship meant chaos.” The silence hung only for a minute before Maggie broke it again, “Dana, what doctor’s appointment do you have tomorrow?”

Sidelong look at Skinner, who trained his gaze out the window, holding onto a shred of innocence, however falsely, given he knew she knew he spilled the beans about why she hadn’t gone with her partner. Had he been Mulder, she would have swung her leg up and kicked him in the rear end, “now, just promise not to get nervous, please, all right?”

“Dana, that is the silliest thing to tell someone and you know it. Now talk.”

“My nose has bled a few more times and Mulder made me promise to go back to the doctor. I made the appointment before Skinner … Walter …” glancing at him, “it really is awkward not to know which to call you now,” looking back at her mother, she continued, “called Mulder so Mulder told me to stay and fly out tomorrow after the appointment. Luckily he knows the sheriff and such out in Phoenix so he’ll have help until I get there.”

“Mulder told you to do something?” Skinner looked quite surprised, figuring Mulder would be dead if he ever told her to do anything.

“I know. I’m shocked I didn’t kill him on the spot.” Bouncing half a smile from Skinner to her mother, “things will be fine but I’d like to get to the bottom of this. I have a few ideas what it might be and I’ll take a look at the MRI myself as well.”

Maggie kept her motherly panic and clenched muscles to herself, exuding calm where no calm existed at present, “would you like company? You can pick me up and I can go with you.”

Knowing her mother and knowing the panic therein, nodded, “I’d like that. Thanks. I have the scan at 7am but I’ll come by and pick you up for the appointment around 3.”

“It’s nearly nine now. You should go home and get to bed if you want to be on-time.”

Once a mom, always a mom, regardless of age, stature and profession of children and she adored it, “I’ll head out in a few minutes. Just want to finish this and get some of my stuff from upstairs.”

Skinner finished his chore a moment after Scully, then, “I should be going as well.” Looking at Scully, “you’re not the only one who has somewhere to be at 7am tomorrow.”

Naturally, Maggie asked where and un-naturally, Skinner answered, an oddness in his voice conveying the nature of his life, a life where no one asked anything because there was no one to do the asking. Scully recognizing the familiar tone as well, having heard it from Mulder for the first year of their partnership, when she would inquire about his weekend or the new pile of books that appeared on the corner of his desk, the rustiness of voice, the stilted words trying to form a proper, conversational sentence.

She hugged him when she left, leaving him to put on his shoes while she headed out into the night.

[lostinamazon]

Lena didn’t believe in destiny. She didn’t believe in fate. But if she had to choose a moment for where she started to believe that maybe there was something out there that connected people’s lives together, invisible strings bringing them closer, and then closer until they didn’t know where one ended and the other started, her mind would always wander to that sunny day. The day that she made a few small and casual decisions that lead her to find something very close to fate. Because he was hers, and she was his the moment the invisible strings changed their lives forever. • Lena felt the headache coming from miles away. And she had just started her day at the office. Projects and labs to supervise, new investors to meet, board members to overpower, interviews to give. She thought starting the day even earlier than usual would help her keep her schedule on time for once, but clearly the lack of sleep didn’t seem like the brightest idea right now. And she skipped breakfast, something Lena promised Kara she wouldn’t do anymore. Now her system craved breakfast. Feeling defeated and slightly guilty for not following her friend’s requests, Lena stood up, grabbing her light coat and black purse, walking out of the office, stopping by Jess’s desk to inform her secretary she would eat something at the small Café down the street. It was a sunny day in late July but not too warm, just perfect. She walked inside the Café and not surprisingly, one of the waitresses quickly ran to her, scribbling down her order and running back behind the counter to prepare her soy latte, toast and bagels – damn Kara for that. As she waited, Lena observed the park across the street through the glass windows. A couple of people were running, a man was playing with his dog with a frisbee, and a few kids threw bread crumbs to the ducks in the small pond as they followed their parents to school probably. Once the waitress came back with her order and giving the young girl a fifty dollar bill telling her to keep the change, Lena decided to enjoy her breakfast in one of the park’s benches. She sat there in silence for a few minutes, sipping her latte and chewing her amazing bagel, when someone sat on the other end of the bench. Lena didn’t notice them at first, just watching the ducks inside the small lake and enjoyig her breakfast, headache forgotten, but then she heard some fumbling and whining. A young blonde woman was sitting there trying to soothe a not very happy baby in her arms. “Having some trouble there?” Lena asked. The girl looked up and only then Lena noticed the blonde was so much younger than she first had thought. She couldn’t be older than seventeen. She was wearing worn out clothes, both she and the baby looked like they could use a bath and judging by the stains on the girl’s cheeks, she too had been crying. The girl looked Lena up and down carefully, as if deciding if she was worth her time, but then she looked down at the baby who started to whine again. “No, he’s just... hungry.” The girl grabbed a small bottle with milk from the bag she had left on the ground, and offered it to the baby, who sucked the bottle's nipple hungrily. Lena frowned, and she couldn’t help but keep watching he girl feed the baby, who was now kicking his legs with satisfaction. Lena has seen homeless people before, she donated hundreds of dollars for shelters, she wasn’t dumb. The more she observed the two of them, the more she realized the girl probably had been wandering around for God knows how long. The girl sniffed, crying quietly, and Lena saw the baby kicking his legs so much that one of his dirty socks slipped off of his small foot. Lena grabbed the sock and sat a little closer to them. “Here...” she slipped the sock back on, before asking, “how old is him?” The girl placed the now empty bottle inside the bag and adjusted the baby in her arms, “Seven months...” she said quietly, eyes never meeting Lena’s. “Right...” Lena bit her bottom lip, as the girl kept trying to make the baby burp. “Look, maybe I could help you? I have money and you look li-“ “I know I'm fucked up, okay? I don’t need a snob rich lady to remind me!” the girl said angrily. “No! I’m only trying to-” “To remind me that I ruined my life!” The girl interrupted Lena again. The baby started crying again. “I already carry a seven month reminder, thank you! I made a mistake... he was a mistake... I didn’t want any of this. I don’t want any of this...” the girl was crying harder now, and the baby kept screeching loudly, and before they knew it, he burped, spitting vomit on the girl’s jacket. “Fuck...” She looked down at the mess on her jacket and shirt, swearing under her breath and trying to not drop the baby. Lena sighed, “Let... let me hold him.” The girl didn’t seem too pleased to accept Lena’s help, but ended up handling the baby to Lena to wipe the vomit off of her clothes. Lena actually never had a baby in her arms in entire life. And it’s not that she didn’t like kids, she found them... interesting to say the least, but it was never an experience she had approached before. She held him by the armpits, his legs kicking the air, and Lena found surprisingly dark green eyes looking back at her with curiosity. “Dammit... l-look I’ll... I-I need to... clean this mess. I’ll use the Café’s restroom... can you...c-can you keep na eye on him?” Lena nodded, still looking right at the baby’s eyes. She didn’t want to push her luck and be the next vomit target. She was wearing a three hundred dollars shirt. The girl walked away then, and if Lena had been paying attention, she would’ve seen the young girl looking at them one last time, before walking the opposite direction of the Café. Lena sat there for ten minutes. Then twenty. She started to panic with half an hour. When Jessica called her, worried about her boss an hour later, Lena only mumbled, “Jess, I'm in big trouble.” Lena sat there, waiting for her driver to come pick her up, looking down at the sleepy baby in her arms, his small hand found a lock of her hair and held it firmly as he drifted off to sleep. “Well, shit.” • Lena was in panic. Once her driver finally found her, Lena carried the sleeping baby and his bag to the car, telling John to take her back to her apartment.  She quickly dialed Jessica's number again, glancing at the baby sprawled on the back seat every now and then.  "Miss Luthor? Your eight o'clock is already here. He's been waiting for almost half an hour." Jess sounded desperate, but clearly Lena didn't have time for that. "Jess, cancel everything I have for today! I need you to meet me at my apartment in ten minutes." Lena saw the baby starting to move as he opened his eyes, chin already trembling. "Actually, bring all of my PA team! I need you all there! A-And maybe a doctor... a pediatrician! See you soon!" As she picked the baby boy up again, Lena though the unpteeth time why did she have to decide to start her day earlier, or go to that damn Café, or enjoy her fucking breakfast on that stupid bench. She had no idea how to look after a baby. She used to skip breakfast until Kara threatened her for Christ's sake! She was in so much trouble.  A couple of hours after meeting her team of personal assistants - and a pediatrician - in her apartment, Lena thought she might had the situation under control.  She had set up a small computer network in her office, where Jessica, Pam and Alana had been researching how to take care of a seven month old baby or any traces of his mother, and listened carefully to the doctor's instructions after a quick exam: the baby was mild dehydrated, but other than that he was fine, she just had to keep offering him water and juices in small doses or else he could end up throwing up again. The four of them managed to give him a bath (it was very messy, and the baby didn't seem to like when Alana touched him), change his dirty clothes for clean ones (since Alana had to stay away from him, Lena asked her to buy a list of things babies might need), Lena finally placed the boy inside the brand new playpen in her living room with brand new appropriate toys for seven month old babies (they really did their research). She only had him for three hours and Lena was already exhausted. How did normal people manage to raise more than one of those for years? Closing her eyes for a moment, Lena almost groaned when Jess approached her. "What, now?" "Miss Danvers is downstairs, ma'am. She said you were supposed to have lunch together and you weren't picking up your phone. She was worried." Jess said all that blushing for some reason. Lena sighed, feeling like slapping herself. After everything that happened she had forgotten about lunch with Kara completely.  "Send her in." Lena said, before walking towards the bathroom to make sure she looked at least a little bit presentable for Kara.  Not for Kara, of course! Just... for the visit. Once she walked back to the living room, Jess was already greeting Kara in the hall. Lena felt something funny in her belly as she saw Kara smiling at her secretary, before their eyes met over Jessica's shoulder.  Lena approached them, smiling. "Hey, Kara, I'm so sorry about our lunch!"  "Forget about lunch," Kara wrapped her arms tightly around Lena, and the CEO couldn't help but hug her friend back. "I was worried sick about you! I went to the office and you weren't there or any of your army of secretaries and absolutely no one knew what was happening! You can't do that ever again!" When they pulled away Kara moved her hands to her waist with an angry pout. It was adorable but Lena wouldn't say that out loud. Lena was about to respond when she noticed Jess was still there, looking back and forth between her boss and the reporter with dreamy smile in her lips. Lena cleared her throat, "So, Jess... you can keep working in the office." "I already made a list of the best formulas to buy, ma'am." Jess said quickly. "Jess..." Lena glared at her secretary, who finally snapped out of it. "Oh! Right! I'll... go... keep working in the office. Excuse me." Then she walked away. Kara smiled even thought she had that crinkle between her eyebrows.  "Sorry about that." Lena mumbled, blushing a little. "And if you keep doing that Supergirl pose, more people will find out who you are." "Oh..." Kara looked down at her hands, "Damn it. Anyway... what happened?" Lena hummed. How could she explain a teen mom had abandoned her baby in a park with Lena and that she had absolutely no idea how to deal with the situation she had in hands? Lena looked over her shoulders towards the living room, where the baby was still in his playpen. She could hear him playing with those noisy toys Alana bought.  Kara followed her gaze, x-raying the wall probably since she gasped loudly. "Is that a...?" "I can explain." "Lena, you have a baby in your living room!"  Kara quickly walked over to the living room, and Lena couldn't help but find extremely funny how Kara opened her mouth to say something but then closed it again, trying to keep the smile off of her face.  The baby, feeling he had company, quickly forgot his stuffed octopus (one of the many stuffed animals Alana bought), and turned to look at the new visit. Lena noticed his eyes twinkle in recognition for a moment when he saw Kara, but too soon he realized she wasn't who was expecting and started to cry loudly, pushing the stuffed animal away in frustration.  "Oh, no, did I upset him?" Kara asked, approaching him slowly and picking him up from the playpen, wrapping her arms securely around his small body and holding the baby close to her chest. Lena placed her hand in her belly for a moment, feeling something very weird and unknown in her chest as she observed Kara with a blond baby boy in her arms, cooing him softly.  Alarmed by the baby's cries, Pam came running from the kitchen with an already warm bottle of milk in hand, offering it to her boss. "Here it is, ma'am!" "Thanks, Pam."  When Lena’s secretary disappeared back inside, Kara looked at the brunette with raised eyebrows.  "So, what happened?" Lena sighed and started to tell Kara everything that had happened that morning, and how she ended up with a baby she knew nothing about but her his age in her arms. “I can’t believe you made a task force to take care of a baby!” Kara chuckled, sitting on the couch with the blond boy in her arms, making silly faces as she fed him his beloved bottle of milk.  "I know nothing about looking after a baby!" Lena defended herself. "It's not that hard, you know. Alex and I used to babysit for extra money to buy junk food and punk rock CD's and we were only teenagers!" Kara mocked Lena, handling the now empty bottle to the CEO, who only rolled her eyes at her friend. Kara made him stand up on her thighs, and Lena couldn���t help but find the two of them adorable together. He touched Kara's nose softly, then poked her cheeks before moving to her mouth, doing a curious examination of her face, before laughing when Kara pretended to bite his small fingers.  It was the first time Lena saw him smiling, and the weird feeling in her stomach came back with full force. "Oh, so he's not completely toothless." Lena said, sliding closer to the blondes, trying to give a better look at the set of four teeth he had.  "Stop sciencing him!"  "Sciencing? Is that even a word?" Lena smirked at Kara, but the blonde only shoved her away with her shoulder playfully. "You're treating him like he is one of your work projects! He's a baby, for Rao's sake! You're making your secretaries do researches on how many calories babies should eat a day, how to he should sleep, even how to hold a baby properly. It's not how it works. He's not some empirical phase you have to deal with before writing a theses." Lena frowned at Kara, "And how would you know that?" Kara bit her bottom lip, adjusting the boy in her arms, letting him play with her phone for a moment, since he seemed to like the moving colors of the screen lock. "Back on Krypton, we knew the planet was dying, and my parents knew I'd have to follow Kal-El here. I did... some kind of training. I was so young and I'd be responsible for a baby in a strange place. Of course it didn't work, but even back on Krypton my mother said I just had to learn to follow my instincts sometimes. I'm not saying every woman has maternal instincts, I'm saying everyone has survival instincts, and babies need us to follow it sometimes. They don't need it to be too calculated, they just need to feel protected." Lena looked down at the boy in Kara's arms, trying to catch the moving colors in her phone with his fingers. She couldn't imagine the heavy burden of the massive responsability on her shoulders until now. Just like the girl in the park she didn't ask for any of this. How could she do it? "I... I don't know if I can do it, Kara." She said quietly, still looking at the baby. Kara gently turned to Lena to give her one of those soft and intense looks Lena loved so much.  "So, what else can you do?" Lena tough for a second, "I was thinking about... finding his mother... and if I don't... then... I... don't know." She felt like a failure right now. Lena had a pretty good photographic memory, so she had her security team looking around for the blonde girl, but it's been hours and nothing. She was left with a seven month old baby boy and she had absolutely no idea what she could do about that.  "I don't even know his name." She mumbled. Kara sighed, wrapping one of her arms arms around Lena's shoulders, still holding the baby with the other. She felt the blonde pressing a kiss against her temple, before saying, "Look, remember what I told you about my family motto?" "El mayarah." Lena said with a smile. She loved how kryptonese rolled off of her tongue easily now after a couple of fun classes from Kara. "Stronger together, yes." Kara smiled. "No matter what you decide to do, I'll be by your side. I'll help you look after his mother, even. But if you decide to keep him around, you won't do it alone, Lena. I'll help you all the way, and I'll protect your both, always. El mayarah.  • If taking care of a baby for almost four hours was exhausting for Lena, two whole weeks was pure torture. It's been two weeks since she last stepped inside L-Corp, having been working from her home office this entire time since she was left with a seven month old human being who's sole purpose in life was eat, cry and poop.  And how did he poop.  She still had Jess around to help her with work related stuff, but also to have an extra pair of hands in case the baby decided to throw a fit in Lena's arms after waking up from his is midday nap time in a grumpy mood, or if he decided to not try the mashed avocados Lena offered him, spitting everything out right on the very expensive carpet.  She couldn't understand that. She loved avocados! And she hasn't slept in just as long, even though he slept through the night, Lena still woke up to feed him or change his diapers. And he was a little kicker and a blanket stealer! Since she still didn't have time to buy a crib (something she wanted to do herself), the baby had been sleeping with Lena in her king sized bed. She placed him right in the middle, surrounded by pillows and blankets, but somehow, he would always roll up to her side of the bed, kicking her in the ribs or right in the face, she even woke up with him right in top of her chest once.  And okay, she didn't get upset that one time, it was funny actually, how he always found a way snuggle up to her in the middle of the night.  But people were starting to wonder, specially people that worked with Lena. Jess told her the board was going insane, everyone wondering what was happening and creating theories.  "Miss Luthor. The PR team is on the line. Again." Jess said nervously, moving to pick the baby up and feed him herself as she gave the phone to Lena. The baby grumbled unhappy, but didn't make anyother sound after being offered the bottle's nipple again. Lena noticed he looked... chubby-er. Lena took a deep breath, before answering the call. "Yes, Mark?" "Lena, I'm sorry to interrupt you again, but we need to give something to the press. And to the board members. There are all kinds of rumours spreading around. The board think you're partying out in Ibiza or something, the employees think you have cancer, and somehow the press is talking about the baby." As she listened to the head of her PR team, Lena saw Kara walking inside her apartment (she had free access now). They smiled at each other, before Kara took the now excited boy from Jess's arms, softly rubbing his back to make him burp and talking quietly but animated to him. Lena felt her lips turning upwards at the sight, because for two weeks now Kara was determined to help him say his first words , even though Lena explained babies only started to form some words from nine to fourteen months. "Lena?" "Oh, sorry, Mark. Look, I'm really sorry to put you in this position. I'll have something for you by the end of the day, okay?" She heard him sigh on the line, but she couldn't do much else.  "Okay. Bye." Lena ended the call and approached Kara and the baby. "Hey, you." She greeted her friend. "Hey, yourself." Kara offered her cheek for Lena to kiss and honestly, if Kara Danvers offered you her cheek for a kiss you just kissed her damn cheek.  So Lena did. When she pulled away the baby was smiling all bashful like at them.  "Oh, I think he wants a kiss, too!" Kara turned to him. "Don't you, little one? Do you want to be lucky enough to get a kiss from that beautiful woman right there?" She pretended to listen to him. "Oh, he told me he totally wants you to kiss him, too!" Lena laughed at Kara's silly act, the familiar warmth in her chest whenever the reporter was around or said something like 'beautiful woman' to Lena, making itself known again. Lena shook her head. "I'm not kissing this little poop machine." Kara gasped. "He is not! As if Lena Luthor doesn't poop! She totally does, little one!"  "I don't make people wipe my butt!" "Stop embarrassing him and kiss him!" Kara pushed the baby in her direction and Lena pretended she didn't want to kiss him once more, before finally giving up, wrapping her arms around Kara and by extension, the baby, kissing his blonde head with affection.  She really loved the little poop machine. She pretended she didn't, but it was so hard to not love him and the way he only fell asleep in her arms, a lock of her hair wrapped around his chubby fist. Or how he smiled at her silly faces as she fed him, or how he looked at new things with such an interest and curiosity she was almost certain he was the next genius in the world.  "It wasn't so hard, was it? This little man deserves all the love in the world! All the love. You deserve everything that's good out there." Kara said quietly, holding him even closer, and Lena noticed the reporter was teary-eyed.  "Kara... what's wrong?" The blonde sniffed, and Lena guided lead them to her bedroom for privacy. Once they were there, she sat next to Kara on her bed. Kara was silent for a moment, before she said quietly, "I found his mother." Lena gasped. She knew Kara was looking around for the girl, but Lena was almost giving up by now.  "How? W-When?" "I used that digital image you made of her." Kara said. "She wasn't in National City anymore. She's in Gotham." Lena frowned, "And? Did she say something about getting back?'" Kara looked right into Lena's eyes, and for the first time since they met, Lena saw Kara angry, her voice trembling. "She's not coming back. And I don't want her near him!"  "What happened?" "She's a drug addicted. When I tried to convince her to come back for him, she said he's lucky she didn't thew him in a trash can like she felt like doing so many times. She said she trated his formula for drugs once and he kept crying all night! She said he ruined her life! She doesn't want him and she doesn't deserve him!"  Lena was breathing heavily now, hands clenched in fists as she thought about everything Kara just told her. How could someone say all that about its own child? She felt like her jaw might break from how hard she was clenching and unclenching it. "That fucking bitch." She seethed.  Lena looked at the baby, chewing his thumb as he looked up at them innocently, before smiling. And that's when she knew.  "So... he's mine?" Kara chuckled through her tears, smiling and nodding happily. "He's yours. He's always been yours." Lena picked him from Kara's arms carefully. She was much better in holding him now, and she made him face her, kissing his forehead softly. "Did she at least say his name?" "She said you can name him whatever the hell you want." Lena scoffed, "Of course." They stared at him for a while in silence, until Kara asked, "If you ever had a baby, what would you name him?" Lena thought for a second, before smiling.  "Lucas." "What is it you Luthors have with L names?" Kara chuckled, wiping away the tears on her cheeks. "But, he has a Lucas face, I guess." "Lucas Luthor." Lena tested, looking at Kara. "Sounds good?" "Sounds amazing! We can call him Luke." Then she frowned, "Wait... you're not doing this to possibly name a future daughter Leia right?" "Would you mind?" Lena asked with a smirk and an raised eyebrow.  Kara laughed, wrapping her arms both of them. "Probably not." ▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪ Here I am writing SuperCorp AGAIN!!!! I love the idea of Lena with a baby, sue me. BUT this is the first of a three pieces work, so, if you enjoyed this first chapter, follow the story on AO3 because there's more coming! THANK YOU :D

[twoguystrybbq-blog]

Danny Edwards BLVD BBQ

Leo:

It was hot in Kansas City.  A hangover had me in its grips.  It was more of an old-age hangover then an “I had a lot to drink the night before” hangover.  So, I was reluctant to go get lunch with my friend Ben (we’d already cancelled breakfast because of the hangovers, you see).  The previous week, we set a goal to eat at all of the BBQ restaurants in Kansas City.  There are something like 120.  I was really excited about the idea at first, but as I sat in my cool house, nursing a headache, I kind of just wanted to relegate this goal to the pile of other good ideas that I’d come up with over the years, but never took any action on.  And I desperately need to lose weight!  Eating BBQ every weekend for two years isn’t exactly going to be great for my flabby-abbies.  

I looked up, though, and it was already 12:45pm and we’d set to meet at Danny Edwards at 1:00pm.  It was too late to cancel.  So, onward with our goal we would go.  I stood up, my head swimming a bit and my tummy protesting, I grabbed my wallet, keys, and sunglasses and headed out into the muggy Kansas City summer.  

“Boooooo,” I thought as I approached my car.  I thought that I had parked it where it would be in the shade, but it was in full sun light.  It was the type of oven-hot that a car gets where everything you touch burns, even the seat.  I grimaced, got in my car (her name is Isabella), and started to Danny Edwards.

I had eaten Danny Edwards’ barbeque before, but never at the physical location.  At my office, when it is your birthday, you get to pick where the office has lunch.  My boss’ pick was usually Danny Edwards.  I thought I knew what I was getting myself into.

There wasn’t a huge crowd for a Saturday and there was plenty of parking (though I knew some of the spots were going to be a test to get out of).  I walked into the neat, red-brick building and into the wonderful smell of barbeque.  As I waited for Ben, I decided to look around (eating somewhere and knowing I was going to write about it made me kind of nervous).  Across the counter was a man preparing the barbeque platters and I was capture by how intentionally and purposefully he drizzled the Danny Edwards’ sauce over the meat.  You could tell presentation was important, but that consideration for each plate demonstrated to me that each customer was important, too, that each customer deserved the best, whether eating there for the first time or the hundredth.  

Ben arrived and we both decided what we were going to get.  I was going to get something light (they have a low-carb plate), but I went with my gut (figuratively and literally, I was quite hungry) and got the combo plate: brisket, burnt ends, and spare ribs.  For my side I chose baked mac & cheese.  And a cool Bud Light (nothing like the hair of the dog that bit you, right?).  

As we sat down, we were greeted and made welcome by one of the kindest waitresses that I’ve met.  She continuously checked on how we were doing.  The service was so good that I got self-conscious that they knew we were going to write a blog about them!  But then I saw how they treated their other customers the same and I was impressed.  Everyone was so happy and smiling.  It was a really great environment.

I’d only had a few sips of beer (the waitress brought me an extra half-a-glass because the first glass of the day is kind of foamy) when the food arrived.  Ben and I ended our conversation about the last night’s activities and immediately dug in.  It was great.  As I stuffed my face with delicious barbeque, I realized we had a fundamental problem: how on earth were we going to compare great barbeque places in Kansas City?  It was all going to be delicious, right?  I broached this topic with Ben and we talked about it for a bit before coming up with a scale: “Must Go,” “Should Go,” and “Don’t Have to Go” (I don’t think anyone is going to get that last one).  “Must Go” means if you live in Kansas City and haven’t had the barbeque yet, what are you doing?!?  Unless you’re vegan, you must go.  “Should Go” is a little less strong.  Maybe put it on your list of places to visit, but if someone is coming into town for some good-ol’ KC BBQ, go to a “Must Go” instead.  And “Don’t Have to Go” is self-explanatory.

  After deciding on this, I started to think about what I was eating instead of just shoveling it down as quickly as I could.  The mac & cheese was good, creamy, and buttery.  The brisket was a tad dry for my taste, but all the better to soak up the Danny Edwards sauce.  The sauce was almost a perfect blend of spicy and sweet, not too tangy, but also not too sugary.  My favorite part about the burnt ends was the portion size.  As a big man, I hate it when I spend good money on barbeque (especially a delicacy like burnt ends) and walk away hungry.  This would not be a problem today, as I had trouble finishing the veritable mountain of burnt ends.  

But, the thing I would (and actually will) write home about are the ribs.  Whoo!  After tasting one, I immediately sawed one off and handed it to Ben, “You have to try this.”  “Mmmm,” he said nodding, “yeah, that is really good.”  They just fell off the bone and melted in your mouth.  Characteristic of good meat, they tasted good with sauce or without.  I couldn’t get enough.  When I eat, I taste a bit of everything and then save the best for last, but not with these ribs.  I ate them as quickly as I could while still savoring every bite.  

I was full (no easy accomplishment!), but Ben got some bread pudding for dessert.  I managed a spoonful and it, like everything else, tasted great.  Ben and I shared our mutual thoughts about the barbeque (he was as impressed with what he had, but I’ll leave that for him to share) and headed back out into the heat.  Danny Edwards’ seating area is small enough that everyone, including the managers, said thanks to us as we left, which again made me feel special as a customer, like I was a regular.

From that moment until I sat down to write, I’ve been excited to share my experience with you.  Maybe a little bit because I love writing, but also because I love good barbeque.  Ben and I haven’t talked much about the purpose of this blog, but like I said earlier, you don’t need us to tell you that Kansas City barbeque is good.  But maybe it will give guidance to some out of town visitors and convince them to come try out our BBQ.  Or maybe it will encourage some KC natives to try something new.  Or maybe you’ll just enjoy the stories!

Whatever the outcome, I hope that you’re hungry!  And if you haven’t been to Danny Edwards, why not go today?

Verdict: Must Go!

Ben:

The day we went to Danny Edwards BLVD BBQ was a near-perfect Kansas City summer day. Birds chirping, sun shining, but just enough breeze to keep a pool of sweat from forming on the small of back.

But after one too many obnoxiously overpriced and unnecessarily large light beers the night before, I woke that morning struggling to enjoy said perfect day. Why are the birds so loud? Why is that sun so bright? Turn it down a little bit.

Worry not, though, because I knew barbecue was on the horizon. So other than a handful of grapes (because I care about nutrition, obviously) and a few desperate glasses of water, I bypassed breakfast, knowing my hangover sweats would turn to meat sweats in a few short hours.

We met at Danny Edwards a little after the weekend lunch rush; thank God there was no line because my morning diet of water and regret wasn't cutting it much longer. Danny Edwards is a traditional barbecue joint: counter service, red checkered nylon table cloths, and that ever-intoxicating smell of smoked meats. Think nicer than a food truck, but more casual than a typical restaurant.

Leo ordered first and -- to my surprise -- brought back some unpleasant and all-too-recent memories by ordering a beer. No thanks.

In terms of meats, the menu at Danny Edwards is standard: brisket, ham, turkey, pork, ribs and burnt ends. The side game, though, is something special. Of course, there's baked beans, slaw and fries, but also spicy jumbalaya, baked mac and cheese, sweet potato fries, and a handful of other sides I was in too much of a hurry to take note of. After perusing the Danny Edwards website to jog my memory, it's clear that these sides are rotating and made fresh. And that points to one major takeaway from Danny Edwards: nothing feels mass-produced; everything feels uniquely prepared with care.

I went with the "Southern" sandwich (pulled pork and coleslaw), a side of mac and cheese, and of course, a large water. While we waited, someone bussing tables offered us some pickles. Yes, please. This highlights another big takeaway about Danny Edwards: the service here, top to bottom, is everything I could want. You get the sense these people are genuinely interested in my experience at the restaurant, and they are pumped to see me enjoy their food.

The food arrives and the portions are... not light. My "sandwich" was essentially a plate of meat with a bun and a scoop of coleslaw in the middle. Not that I'm complaining, just take note and plan accordingly if you're doing some sort of barbecue tour. The pulled pork was extra smokey, if not a little bit on the dry side, but just a little bit of sauce does the trick. The sauce isn't the star here, and it's typical Kansas City style -- a little on the sweet side. Overall the sandwich was excellent (and for my hangover, what the doctor ordered): warm, smokey, and plentiful. The mac and cheese equally delivered; it tasted homemade and freshly made.

Then, something happened that's a sure sign of an excellent meal. Leo tasted something so good that he absolutely had to, at that very moment, share with someone else. "Try this rib." Sure, I'll see what another part of this pig has to offer.

I'm not religious, but I think the rib I ate at Danny Edwards brought me a religious experience. Like the pulled pork, it was smokey. Slathered in sweet sauce. Literally fall off the bone. It was one of those barbecue reactions where you struggle to understand what makes this meat so incredibly tasty. Trying to describe that indescribable sensation to a vegetarian must be like a true believer describing faith.

On account of my hangover and skipped breakfast, I now found myself about 90% full, and any red-blooded American knows it's best to eat until disgustingly stuffed. Is there dessert? Oh boy, is there. The lady at the counter let me know they have fresh bread pudding, and the guy further behind the counter (the chef, I assume), assured me it's worth a try. It's made with wheat, white, and rye bread, and he loves to take home any extra they don't sell. I take them up on the offer of a sample and the first bite isn't down my gullet before I've decided I need to buy a pint of this stuff. Sweet, cinnamony, gooey, and most of all, made with care.

Put a bow on me; I'm done. Satisfied fully, hangover a distant memory, Danny Edwards did the job.

The food at Danny Edwards is excellent. The ribs alone make it worth a trip if you're anywhere within 50 miles. But what sets this place apart is the genuine devotion to the craft of barbecue and care for the customer experience. Trying that bread pudding in front of the chef felt like trying a close friend's food; he seemed to find legitimate satisfaction seeing me enjoy his creation. If you want some truly outstanding barbecue alongside that feeling that your food was carefully prepared just for you, Danny Edwards is your spot.

Verdict: Must Go!