#my cashier job made me come in on my day off (I did clock in) to get criticized

[deathsmallcaps]

I swear. I comprehend I’m not the best teaching intern in the world. I also was not the best camp counselor, cashier, and so on. But if my observer gives me so much criticism that I cry again I’m going to be so motherfucking pissed.

Especially since she’s asking me to stay late just to review me. While I have family visiting. And I’m gone for most of the day. And my commute is over half an hour. Which isn’t bad around here but still.

[nausicaamusiclover20]

A romantic dinner...with "some" unexpected events

You and Lars go at dinner but some unexsptected happen...

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I checked my clock for the fifth in the last ten minutes. He still not arrived. Seriously? He was late. Again. I glanced at the door of the restaurant, my fingers tapping against the table in mild irritation. The flickering candle on the table did little to soothe my mood. Just as I was about to stand up, I saw him rushing through the entrance. "Hey, sorry, babe!" He said, hurrying over to our table, looking slightly out of breath. "Traffic was insane." I raised an eyebrow. "You said that last time too." "I mean it this time," he grinned sheepishly, and gives me a quick kiss and then sat across from me. "By the way, you look amazing." I couldn't help but smile at his charm though I rolled my eyes playfully. "You're lucky you're cute."

We chatted for a while, laughing about our day, and just as things were settling into a nice rhythm, the waiter appeared. Tall, with a slick smile that I didn't like from the get-go. He glances at me first- no, stared and flashed a grin that felt just too friendly. "Well, good evening," he said, his voice smooth. "I must say, ma'am, you're looking absolutely stunning tonight." I blinked, caught off guard. "Uh, thank you." From across the table, I say Lars'eyes narrow. He leaned forward slightly, clearing his throat.

 "Yeah, she does. Thanks. We're ready to order." The waiter didn't seem to get the hint. Instead, he continued smiling at me, barely acknowledging my boyfriend. "So, what can I get for you, miss?" I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, glancing at Lars, whose jaw was clenched just a bit too tight. "I'll have the salmon," I said quickly. "And for you, sir?" The waiter asked, almost as an afterthought. "Spaghetti," my boyfriend said, shooting the waiter a glance. "Thanks." The waiter finally left, and I could feel the tension ease a little. "You okay?" I asked, holding back a laugh.

"Oh, I'm fine," he replied, the sarcasm dripping from his tone. "Not like I exist or anything." I laughed softly. "Come on, don't be jealous of a waiter." "I'm not jealous, " he muttered. "He's just...doing his job too enthusiastically." When our food arrived, things were quiet for a moment. That was, until Lars started his spaghetti. I cringed as the slurping noises echoed through the restaurant. People wee turning their heads, and I could feel my face heating up. I kicked his leg under the table. "Stop it!" He gave me an innocent look.

 "What?" "You're being loud," I hissed. "I'm just enjoying my food." "Yeah, I know you're enjoying your food a little bit too much" I whispered, but I couldn't help the smile tugging at my lips. He grinned mischievously, slurping the next bite even louder. I shot him a glare, but inside I was laughing. By the time we finished, we were heading to the checkout. I reached for my bag, and that's when he froze, eyes widening in panic. "What's happened?" I asked. "I...I forgot my wallet." I blinked at him.

"You're joking, right?" "I'm not," he whispered, rubbing his forehead. "I swear I brought it, but I must've left it at home." I sighed, laughing under my breath. "It's fine, I'll pay." As we made our way to the cashier, he looked embarrassed, standing behind me sheepishly while I pulled out my card. The woman at the counter, though, didn't seem to mind. In fact, she was suddenly all smiles, her eyes gleaming as she rang up our bill. "No worries at all," she said, batting her lashes at him.

 "It happens to the best of us. You're lucky to have such a beautiful woman with you." I felt the sharp sting of jealousy rise in my chest. The audacity. As she handed him the receipt, her fingers lightly brushed his hand. That was it. I stepped forward, my smile as sharp as a knife. "Thanks" I said coolly, taking the receipt from her before she could flirt anymore. "I've gog him covered." The cashier blinked at me, her smile faltering just slightly. Good. I linked my arm through his and pulled him toward the door. Outside, the cool night air hit us, and I sighed in relief. "That was...eventful." He groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. "I can't believe I forgot my wallet. I'm so sorry.

I wanted to treat you tonight." "Hey, it's fine," I smiled at him. "I don't mind. You don't always have to pay." He suddenly brightened. "Wait here, I'll run home and grab it. If I don't pay you for dinner, the least I can do is buy you an ice cream." Before I could protest, he sprinted off. I shook my head, laughing at how ridiculous the night had turned out.

 But, true to his word, he came back minutes later, wallet in hand. We walked down the street, sharing an ice cream and laughing about the dinner incident. As we reached the park, the mood shifted. The soft glow of the streetlights, the gentle rustle of the leaves, the quiet of the night, it was perfect. He turned to me, his smile softer now. "Thanks for putting up with me tonight." I raised an eyebrow. "I don't know why I do." "Because you love me," he teased, leaning closer. "Maybe." He tilted his head, his gaze locking with mine.

"Just maybe?". I laughed, but before I could respond, he leaned in and kissed me softly. The world seemed to pause for a moment, and all the chaos from the night melted away. It was just us, standing in the middle of the park, under the stars. When we pulled away, he grinned. "You know, this is the best part of the night." I smiled, resting my head on his shoulder. "Yeah, it is." 

[wheezyseeker99]

I Can See You

Warnings: smut aka oral (male and female receiving), swearing, teasing, and unprotected sex (fm)

18+, MDNI

Summary: Cam and reader work together at a marina. When it’s closing time, things get heated. It’s alternate universe even though the man loves to fish. That’s all I’ll say 🫡

I have a feeling that for the majority of this shift at the marina, Cam knew I was reading something not so work appropriate on my kindle. Our jobs here are different as I’m a cashier in the bait shop and he’s a dock attendant.

So many times today I counted him coming inside the store. More than usual today I think. Cam even sat behind the counter for me when I called over the radio that I had to clean the bathrooms. He was the first one to come in and take over. When I came back, he was sitting back in my chair with his hat off and my cardigan splayed over him, resting like it was the best part of his day. I made note of the freckles on his arms standing out just like the main guy character of my book. I shook out the thought because I didn’t need to attach him to the character, but then I did. I couldn’t help it. He embodied the character too well.

Just a couple hours ago he came in and laid over the counter, resting his body on the cool granite. I tried not to pay him much attention because I was reading a particular scene that almost made my body shiver with need, but by that point, I couldn’t help it. I wanted him to be the character in the book, doing these things to me. I wanted him.

There was so many other things he could’ve been doing like cleaning boats, or making sure the life jackets were on the racks and not on the floor of the shed. Instead he’s in my mind and in front of me more than he should be. Every time he came in, I thought he was lost in thought like he does sometimes so I left him be. I didn’t ask questions since he was typically the guy that made sure everything was done by the end of the day. I didn’t think anything of it. Although, I know for some amount of time his gaze was on me. Maybe it was the way I was biting my cardigan sleeve when I was reading that caught his eye. Or maybe he picked up my kindle when I wasn’t looking. I don’t know, but I felt his eyes on me a lot today and I think he knew that.

Now it’s past 9 pm and everyone is either gone or leaving. Our manager left hours ago. She told me to lock up and make sure everyone clocked out at the right time. All of the other dock and gas attendants left at 9 on the dot.

To my benefit, if I lock up, Cam stays to walk me to my car. It’s always nice of him to do because sometimes there’s usually weirdos from the restaurant attached to the marina in the parking lot.

All I know is after I locked the door, I could see him leaning on the counter, waiting for me to finish with my nightly tasks. He opened his mouth for the first time in a while, startling me because I almost forgot he was there.

“Is there anything you want me to do?” At that point I wasn’t thinking about things he could help me do to close up the shop quicker. I was thinking about the scene that happened in my book right before closing time hit.

How good his hands would feel on me.

How his mouth could screw up my life forever if it touched my skin.

I said nothing, shaking my head, and kept my eyes away from his piercing gaze so that I wouldn’t get sucked into it.

Before I knew what was happening, Cam walked up behind me when I was in the office as I was putting away the deposit in the safe. He placed a hand on my hip and squeezed it softly, saying my name in my ear. I felt goosebumps shiver right through me. I gulped as I closed the safe and locked it. My ability to breathe went out the window. I almost leaned back into his touch. His hands set my body on fire when he turned me around to face him.

“What were you reading? You blacked out for a while when the other guys were waiting to clock out.” he said, staring into my eyes.

“Do you want the honest answer or the smart answer?” I said while breathing shallowly, trying to avoid his gaze and failing.

“Be honest.”

I sighed and looked down. His fingers gripped my chin, lifting it so I had no choice but to look into his eyes. His eyes are shining bright even though it’s dark in here. I swallowed again before saying, “I was reading something I wanted to do with you.”

“Really?” He smirked, “Tell me more.”

“It wouldn’t be appropriate.”

Cam’s eyes had a fire inside of them. He moved his hand from my chin to my neck, taking hold and slightly grasping it.

“Let me be the judge of that pretty girl.”

Cam pulled me into a searing kiss. His other hand roamed around my body, setting my skin on fire in its path. He pulled away and looked around for any onlookers. He was satisfied to see that we were the only two people left in the building before bringing his face back to mine.

“Is this okay?” he whispered against my lips.

I nodded and then he took my hand, tugging me with him. When we got the door that leads upstairs to the break room, Cam opened the door and motioned for me to go in before him. We barely got through the door when he pushed me against the wall, lifting my legs to wrap around his waist. His mouth claimed mine haphazardly for a few moments, then I pulled away and whispered in his ear, “if you wanted to kiss me that bad you could’ve just said so.”

I tossed off his hat and ran my hands through his hair, lowering my lips to his jaw.

Cam let out a dry laugh and gripped my ass with his hands, “I can do more than kiss you sweetheart.”

“Take me upstairs.”

Cam obliged to my request while I continued kissing down his neck until I smash my lips back to his. He sat us down on one of the couches, leaving me to place my knees on either side of his hips. He breaks the kiss, his hands go to my hips to move them slowly against him.

“Humor me babe. Close your eyes.”

I obeyed him, shutting my eyes. I bite my lip and continue softly grind my hips into his. I feel his stiff length rub against my clothed core and I want more. My labored breathing isn’t helping anything right now. I feel his breath against my ear.

“Good girl. Now tell me what you see us doing up here.”

“I can see me getting down on my knees for you,” I gasped for air, pausing for a moment. “I can see you railing me on this couch.”

He groaned softly into my ear, “open your eyes.”

I whimper, opening my eyes. Cam’s looking at me in a way that I’ve never seen before. Like I just said something amazing. His adams apple bobbed.

“Time to get on your knees, sweetheart.”

I climbed off his lap and sank to my knees in front of him. My hands come to his belt the same time as his do and he chuckles, “eager much?”

I nod my head and continue to undo his work pants. He lifts his hips and slides them down with his boxers. I’m face to face with the thing I’ve been thinking about since chapter 23 of my book. Cam takes off his shirt and tosses it down to be with the rest of his clothes. He looks like a Greek god laid out in front of me. I take his length in my hand and give it a long stroke.

“You know, I’ve been very patient today,” he tilts his head back and moans as I lick up the base. I take him in my mouth and suck gently. “My patience is hanging by a thread.”

He ran his fingers through my hair. I looked up at his blissed out expression when he thrust into my mouth.

“Yeah baby, just like that,” he groaned out, “I’ve wanted this all fucking day.”

After a few thrusts I placed both of my hands on his hips to settle him. I dragged my tongue from the base to the tip, fisting him in my hand when I pull my mouth away. His body shudders and he tries to thrust his hips up again but my hand holds him down. I take the tip of his cock into my mouth, sucking on it until his legs shake.

“Fuck yes baby. Oh god, fuck. I’m going to cum.”

I take my mouth off him with a pop, a string of saliva still connecting me to his tip. I place open mouthed kisses on the base while I stroke him. I take him back into my mouth, sucking until I gain my reward. I capture every drop that Cam gives me. I lick over the slit to make sure of that.

Cam’s hands take mine and drags my body on top of him. He pulls me into a sweet kiss, his mouth smiling against mine. I feel his hands tugging at my shirt, pulling it over my head as we break our kiss. His eyes meet my chest around the same time his mouth does. He nips at the skin as his hands come to my bra, tossing it as soon as it was unclasped. Next his hands went to my work shorts, tugging them down with my panties and discarded to the floor.

He exhales deeply against me when his hands come to my bare skin. Lips trailed wet kisses to my ear and he whispered, “there’s one thing you didn’t mention earlier.”

My brain is overwhelmed but I look at him with a questioning look. “What did I miss?”

“You didn’t say that you could see me feasting on you.” His hands gripped my thighs and lifted me higher until my core was in front of his face, “but I can see you moaning my name. I need to taste your pretty pussy.”

My eyes follow his movements. Cam hums in approval when he sees the wetness dripping down my thighs. He dives in, taking time to lap my clit with his tongue. His hands take ahold on my hips and pushes me further into his greedy mouth, moaning into me like I’m the best thing he’s ever tasted. I grip the top of the couch while whining out his name.

Cam savors me like I’m his last meal. I never imagined that I could feel this good at the hands of a man. I brush his hair back away from his face and his eyes meet mine. He stares up at me like I’m a masterpiece. What he probably doesn’t realize is that he’s the one that’s making me into a masterpiece, using his tongue to stroke my core in a way that’s sending me into sensations I’ve never felt before. I sigh, grinding against Cam’s face blissfully. His nose nudges my clit and I let out a yelp. I’m on the verge of begging for release.

“Fuck! Please Cam, I need to-“

He sucks my clit back into his mouth and the sensations overtake me. My legs shake with release. Cam continues to lick my center until he’s satisfied with the job he’s done. He kisses up my body while placing my back onto the couch cushions.

“So sweet. I always knew you’d be sweet,” he says and kisses me. I taste myself on his tongue and moan into his mouth. “Ready for me to make you mine pretty girl?”

“Think you’ve already done that.” I sigh. His fingers tapped against my thigh, spreading them apart so he could settle between them.

“Have I?” He hummed while biting gently on my collarbone, “I think I can do one better.”

A feral gleam flickered in his eyes as he ran his length between my legs. My head fell back against the couch.

“Please Cam.” I close my eyes and attempt to grind against him further. I sank my hand into his hair, tangling my fingers into the strands as I tugged him in closer.

“Fuck me please.”

Cam cupped my breasts in the warmth of his hands, rubbing my nipples with his thumbs. He claims one in his mouth while his hand guides his length into me.

I tilted my head back and groaned. He settled his mouth against my throat, nuzzling the heated flesh while my hands tugged at his hair. Cam thrust hard, his movements jolting into me.

“Who do you belong to?” He rasps out, pushing into me harder with every word.

“You,” I whimpered softly. I can feel him growl against my throat.

“Louder baby.”

“You,” I managed to moan out louder for him but it was still shaky, “fuck Cam.”

“That’s right,” he nips at my throat. “You’re mine.”

I gasped and moved a hand to his back, pushing him deeper into me. I feel his back muscles flex under my fingertips. Cam cupped my jaw, forcing his eyes to look in mine. His hand reached between us to my clit, rubbing softly. Pleasure rushed through me and my back arched until I pressed my body into his. I let out a scream as my vision clouded over.

“That’s it. Let me have it sweetheart.”

I came instantly, clutching my hands onto him. My fingernails bit into his flesh as my orgasm ripped through me. Cam grunted against my skin and slammed into me while riding out my release. I held on tightly while he came hard. His head fell to my shoulder when he stilled his hips, trying to catch his breath.

“You almost killed me,” he gasped. “Can hardly breathe.”

I tilted my head to look at his face and raked my fingers through his hair.

This is everything.

We laid there skin to skin for a while, listening to the crickets chirping outside. His heart beats at a steady rhythm against mine.

“Cam?”

He hummed back in response, nose nudging my neck. He placed a kiss to the base of my throat before locking his eyes with mine.

“You know you’re still inside me, right?”

He laughed, “I knew you’d mention it eventually.”

“Can you take me to the bathroom please?” I ask shyly, breaking eye contact. He pressed a kiss to my cheek and grabbed my thighs, wrapping them around his hips.

“I’ve got you.”

Cam walks us into the employee bathroom and sits me down on the counter. I feel our arousal run down my thighs when he slips out of me. I whimper at the loss. I liked fullness of him inside me. I wrapped my arms around him and pressed my face into his chest, not wanting to let go.

He smiles and chuckles, “we need to clean you up baby. Then I can take you home with me. Can have a bath in the morning. How does that sound?”

I nod and kiss his chest before letting go. His eyes trail over my bare skin as he cleaned my core with toilet paper. I sent him out to get our clothes so I could use the bathroom.

We dressed together in silence, and he took my hand before I walked to the door.

“Humor me again baby,” his lopsided grin appears while he looks down at me, “close your eyes and tell me what you see.”

I obey once again, smiling back at him. I close my eyes, “I can just see you.”

“That’s what I thought,” he pressed a chaste kiss to my lips, “because I can only see you too.”

[cryptidsurveys]

Monday, November 11th, 2024.

How many bedrooms does your home have? Three, but one of them is currently being used as a junk room.

What kind of phone do you have? A Samsung Galaxy something or another. I think I got it around 2016? It's a fossil.

Have you ever been assaulted? No.

What was the last thing that made you feel fortunate? Receiving another free hoodie from the animal shelter after today's mandatory meeting. The way my dad waits for me on the porch to greet me when I come home from work. Being able to talk to my dad about basically anything. And my sweet little Karenna kitty - she's always so happy to see me. She's currently wandering around on my desk and purring up a storm. I'm trying to get her to settle down on my lap.

Can you hear a lot of traffic noise from your house? Nothing intense. It's not like living by a busy freeway, but depending on the time of day, a vehicle passes by every few seconds or so.

Are there any good Thai restaurants where you live? There might be. I haven't been to a Thai restaurant in ages.

Have you ever drawn or painted a self-portrait? Yeah.

What was the last red thing you ate? There were a couple of strawberries in the fruit mix I added to my oatmeal this morning.

Do you know anyone in a relationship with someone who’s old enough to be their parent? I don't. But on the subject of age gaps, the other day, a cashier asked my dad if I was his grandchild, and he said nope, that's my child. She gave us a weird look and he asked, do I really look that old? And I was like, hey wait a minute, maybe I look that young! And she said, you do… I didn't tell her my age, but other people have been very surprised to find out I'm actually 35.

Have you ever found something really interesting at an antique store? Just the usual interesting old stuff, but nothing really interesting. Then again, I don't have the eye for that sort of thing so…who knows. Maybe I was staring straight at a rare item and didn't even realize it.

What brand of laundry detergent do you use? I honestly don't pay attention.

Have you ever driven a Mini Cooper? No.

Who was your last voicemail from? Probably my therapist's office.

Do you have any Italian heritage? I don't.

Did your longest relationship make it past the 5 year mark? No.

What time do you usually eat dinner? On full workdays, sometime between 5:30-6:00pm. On half/off days, typically around 4:00pm. I know that's freakishly early for some people, but I also go to bed freakishly early, so…!

Would you ever want a career in the performing arts? No.

Do you know any narcissists? I don't think I've ever encountered a true clinical narcissist. People with narcissistic traits, sure, but that's it.

What has been your favorite job you’ve ever had? My current one. I know I'm technically a volunteer, but I'm also "basically staff." Pretty much the only thing I don't do compared to actual employees is…clock in…get a paycheck…lmao.

When was the last time you had a power outage from a storm? There was a partial power outage at the animal shelter during that one storm over the summer, but as for an outage at home, I'm not sure. We've had random ones not linked to the weather, though.

Have you ever been falsely accused of something serious? No.

Do you ever Skype/Facetime your friends and family? No.

What did you think of the last movie you saw in theaters? Loved it.

Did you ever set up a lemonade stand when you were a kid? Yeah.

When was the last time you spoke to someone in a different language? I'm not sure.

[ressjeon]

movie date(s): jeon jungkook

genre(s): pragma; ludus

row and seat(s): row 2; seat 7

menu order(s): soda; nachos; hot dog

my first ever drabble request to ANY author! i’m so excited and happy that you are doing this <3

pairing: tearista!jungkook x cashier!reader

summary: you don’t know what his reasons are for pestering you on a daily basis but you sure know why you continue to tolerate him, even when you’re near your limit.

rating: 18+

genre/au: smut, angst?, fluff, bubble tea shop, coworkers, enemies to lovers

word count: 2.9k

warnings/content: sexual tension, nipple play, dick slapping ig, food play?

a/n: it’s an honour to be the first author that you ever requested a drabble to and thank you! i’m glad that you’re excited & happy, enjoy the film!

☞ part of @btsgoldnetwork’s two hearts, one love valentine’s day event  🎞💓

🍿 bangtan theatre presents: annoying

🍿 if you would like to order, please purchase your movie tickets and snacks here!

THIS WILL BE RE-WRITTEN AS A ONESHOT

If you didn't have to work part-time because of your decreasing budget, you never would’ve worked here in the first place.

You watch him at the cash register, smiling at the customers who are mostly women and you know that it’s his way of flirting to gain more tips. The bubble tea shop has been earning more customers and new regulars now that Jungkook started working here. You know why but you don’t say anything because your manager’s loving the booming of his boba business.

Though both you and Jungkook applied for the same position, somehow you get assigned to the cashier part more than him and that annoyed you because you love making drinks than talking to customers. Now you're currently fuming because he just made you finish the drink that he started so he could take over your task for today.

.

“is he on shift?”

“is who?” you didn't mean to sound rude but it’s the same girl that's been coming here for weeks now so you obviously know who she’s talking about.

“sorry i’m not sure who you are referring to?” you try again with your customer service voice in case she actually complains to your manager about your attitude.

“the cute barista” the girl fusses and you almost breathe out fire then and there but before you can even reply, you hear Jungkook’s saccharine voice from behind you make your jaw clench.

“hi, can i take your order?”

“jeon, what the-”

“y/n, would you kindly finish the drink i started? its customer is waiting already” the fake polite smile he’s giving you made you smile curtly back at him before taking a deep breath and pretending that he just didn’t take over without giving you a chance to protest.

Customer where? You’ve been yelling the order number and waiting for a while until the customer finally showed up to take it. You look up to the clock to see how much time you have left until your break because you need a damn drink to clear your head.

You're used to girls flocking him since you were in elementary and yet seeing it affects you till this day. He's not at fault since it's just you who have these stupid feelings for him and that’s what irked you more.

How you’re still somehow hoping that he’ll like you back even when he’s never looked at you like how you do at him.

.

You’re refilling the powders in the jars since it's usually the first task that you do after clocking in when you just noticed the change of the shop’s interior. 

“how is it?” a whisper comes beside you and you almost scream of surprise.

“did you fucking add these designs on the wall?”

Your eyebrows are scrunched together while reading the letter bulb lights that says “don’t yell at me” on the wall in front of you.

“you like it?”

“does it look like i LIKE it?”

“well you yell at me all the time and our manager asked me to redesign some stuff, i’m just doing my job” he replies, his hand quoting in the air that pissed you off even more.

“YOU’RE SO FUCKING ANNOYING” you turn to hit him but the motherfucker backs away too fast and proceeds to re-arrange the chairs and tables.

Of course, your manager would let him whatever the fuck he wants. It's obvious that Jungkook's your manager’s favourite employee that's why you do your best to take as many shifts as you can, volunteering to cover other shifts before Jungkook can since the manager always gives him more hours.

And he always competes to get extra shifts for no reason.

You wonder if it’s just his nature or he just does it to piss you off. When you saw him during the interview, you were nervous because you really thought that you wouldn’t get hired with Jungkook as your rival for the position. Thankfully, the manager hired both of you but that doesn’t mean that you can’t compete for any promotion that Jungkook might want.

“i love you though, what are you gonna do about it”

His voice broke you out of your trance and your eyes widen at what he just said. How did he find out?

“funny”

“i know you never take me seriously but do you wanna go out later after your shift?” he scratches the back of his head as he nears the counter, looking anywhere but you while he refills the straws. You don’t even know why he’s here helping you when today’s his day off so he must be serious..

“wait, you deadass like me?”

“well, you're my cup of tea so?”

You fight the snort that’s coming out from your mouth and instead give him an endearing smile because of how adorable he looks right now. That line might be cheesy but it did make your heart flutter.

“try again jeon” you tease as you scrunch your nose at him, shaking your head playfully when you see his face getting red from embarrassment.

“that line always works!” he protests and you can see the slight panic in his eyes since you haven’t answered him yet.

“whatever Kook see you at 3” you reply as you turn away to make more drinks.

Jungkook's shocked that you said yes because he didn't think that you would especially after the embarrassing corny line that he just said. It's the only reason why he came here early, help you a bit so you’d be in a good mood when it’s time for him to ask you out.

.

To say you're nervous is an understatement. You could've gone straight to the date after your shift but after looking up the place that Jungkook sent, you want to look good even if dressing fancy isn’t needed. He asked you out after all though you still can’t believe that he did so you’re going to make sure that you’re more than ready for this date.

He arrived at the same time as you and something inside you warm at how you're both always syncs with each other even outside work. The both of you enter the bistro and settle on your seats while waiting for the server to take your orders. It's a bit awkward since none of you has said anything so far, just smiling curtly at each other when your eyes meet and you’re getting antsy.

“okay so-”

“this isn’t going to-”

“to what?”

Jungkook asks you and you’re not sure what to respond. You were going to respond but the server just arrived and you immediately ordered quite a lot because you were very hungry since you didn’t eat lunch yet after your shift. Jungkook was surprised as well though he’s planning to pay for everything for this date, it’s cute to see you not holding back on what you eat.

“you didn’t answer me by the way” he starts and you almost choked on your pasta with how Jungkook is looking at you.

“um..uh..” you clear your throat and grabbed the iced tea in front of you to calm you down but he really looks good with his outfit tonight. A dark denim jacket with a plain shirt underneath but of course since it’s Jungkook, it looks hot on him.

What happened next is something that you didn’t expect to happen,

You spilling your iced tea on Jungkook’s very white shirt. His body jerks at the cold liquid and he almost curses before he remembers that it was you who spilled this on him.

“i’m so sorry i didn’t mean to” you whisper in regret but he just glares at you.

“you really hate me that much? you never should’ve said yes to this date” he huffs as he stands up to the counter to pay for the meal since he’s done anyway, leaving you frozen on your seat because you’re still processing what just happened.

Your mind’s formulating on the best way to apologize to Jungkook when your phone rings from the table. It’s your manager and you already know why he’s calling.

The bistro is a bit loud so you decide to put your phone on speaker and you immediately hear your manager asking you to cover the night shift for today because your other coworker can’t. You agreed of course since it’s more hours for you and also because of how disastrous this date is thanks to your clumsiness, you’d have a perfect excuse to escape.

“i paid already” you hear Jungkook mutter so you look up to see his hardened face.

“he called in, so uh”

“i’ll drop you off” he cuts you off and your eyes widen in surprise.

You want to complain and tell him to just go home so he can change but he’s already leaving the table so you had no other choice but to follow him. Jungkook approaches a motorbike that you haven’t seen before and you wonder if he newly bought this one. You didn’t ask of course especially when he silently hands you the extra helmet that he has before gesturing you to climb on. You wordlessly follow him and you were hesitating on where to hold until he grabs your arms to wrap around his waist.

His damn tiny and firm waist.

You immediately clutched on him as soon as he starts the engine, making you hug him fully and you feel him tense. You were about to loosen your hold on him until he gears the bike even more so you had no choice but to put your arms back around him.

Jungkook smells nice, you’re not sure if it’s the perfume or if it’s his natural sce-

“we’re here”

You see your manager coming out from the door as you’re coming off the bike and he comes to tell thank you before leaving for the day because apparently his wife just had an emergency at home. Jungkook smiles at your manager and he smiled even bigger after seeing him, probably thinking how polite Jungkook is for dropping you off.

Or because he thought that Jungkook will be working with you as well because he gives him a sign before he enters his car.

You expected Jungkook to leave right after but instead, he entered the shop with you and grabs the apron from one of the drawers. Before you can ask him, he takes off the jacket that he has and now you can see clearly the stain on his white shirt from the iced tea earlier. The guilt that was creeping out from you instantly vanished when he starts lifting up his shirt so you turn around immediately because damn, you just touched those abs earlier.

Unbeknownst to you, Jungkook actually notices your ogling at him earlier and he smirks a little at seeing you flustered. He wasn’t mad at you per se but he was just a little bit upset from what happened earlier. He’s not upset about you accidentally spilling a drink on him but more so with how you were acting around him. Was the date really that bad? He prepared a lot for this one but alas he already fucked up from the start it seems.

Confusion strikes you when he actually puts the apron on and starts gathering the ingredients from the working station to make a new drink. So he’s actually going to work despite his supposed day off, how very Jungkook of him.

He still hasn’t spoken to you and it’s been driving you crazy. You know he’s still mad but it would’ve been better if he just yells at you instead of giving you the silent treatment because you’re currently walking eggshells around him. He just gets out of your way when you want to do the drink that the customer asks and takes over the cash register without a word.

This is very strange so you need to talk to him after the closing shift.

.

You did not expect to say sorry this way.

At first, you tried cornering him when there weren't that many customers anymore but he never spared you a glance so you waited till closing, surely you both have to talk. You want to settle this now before your manager starts questioning what's going on between you and his favourite employee.

“Jungkook” you’re drinking your brown sugar milktea as you approach him and you’re hoping that he’ll finally talk to you now that the shop is closed. He has his back on you the whole time and when he turns around, you’re momentarily stunned with how he’s looking at you. He doesn’t look like he’s mad but his heated stares are warming up your cheeks that you stepped back a little.

You take a huge gulp of milktea to calm yourself down and almost choke on the boba when Jungkook comes forward and bends his head down to take a sip of your drink.

All while staring right through your eyes.

And you’ve had enough. You placed the drink on the top behind you before grabbing Jungkook’s face though you paused because of the sudden nerves that replaced your brief confidence.

He just laughs before leaning in to kiss you and you instantly melted around him. Jungkook’s hands are immediately roaming around your body before coming up on your shoulders to tug off the straps of your dress to pull it down along with your bra, revealing your breasts to his hungry eyes.

“knew you had a thing for me”

“shut up”

Jungkook’s kisses descend from your jaw to your neck, and you moan when you taste the brown sugar milktea on his mouth when he returns his lips to yours. His hands come up and start massaging your breasts before pinching your nipples. Jungkook beams at your reaction to his touches, he knows that it’s your favourite flavour because you always make one to drink during your break time. Sometimes, he makes drinks that he thinks you might like though when he found out that taro and matcha aren’t your faves, he pretends that some customer made the wrong order so you wouldn’t find out that he’s the one who paid for them.

“..Jeon..” you whine when his mouth leaves you and you raise your brows in confusion when you see a small bag of chocolate powder in his hands. You didn’t even notice how he managed to take it from the cabinets but maybe he already did earlier when you were busy cleaning up the tables because he stayed behind the counter and insisted on cleaning the workstations so you just opted on doing the rest.

Jungkook smirks at you before moving his head down to take each of your tits to his mouth, his tongue wrapping around your pebbled nipples, wetting them before grabbing the choco power bag and starting pouring its contents to your breasts.

His saliva on your tits allowed the powder to stick into your skin, making you look like a dessert for him. Jungkook’s thinking of teasing you further while he takes off his clothes, not forgetting to fish out the condom from his pocket. He tears the packet off at once before putting it on and starts stroking himself while he watches your hungry expression, the way you bite your lip as you eye his cock is making him even harder as he approaches you.

He’s excited with how your hands eagerly wrapped around his shoulders while he parts your thighs apart, positioning himself between your legs. The sight of your wet pussy because of him is making him want to abandon his plan on teasing you and just fuck you stupid.

“want me to ruin your pussy?”

You nod vigorously, your pleading eyes begging for him to do so and he smiles before lining himself up. Jungkook’s blown-out pupils stare right through yours and you can feel the head of his cock on your entrance but to your surprise, he doesn’t push in. A grin slowly forms on his gorgeous lips and you can see the mischief now in his eyes as he grabs his dick to slap it against your swollen clit.

Another moan comes out of you when Jungkook drops his head to take one of your tits back in his mouth, his eyes solely on you as he starts sucking them alternately that you can’t stop yourself from moaning louder anymore because fuck he’s damn good at this.

“y-you’re so fucking annoying..ahh” you whine when he continues to tease you, running the tip of his cock through your wet folds to coat it even more before he dips it in and pulls back out while he continues to suck on your tits. He does this for a while, finishing off the remaining crust of chocolate around your nipples before sucking them again and you’re gripping his hair hard to urge him to go all-in but he just smiles against your skin.

You yelp when Jungkook suddenly flips you around, bending you on the counter before placing himself behind you, chuckling at your shocked reaction.

“now y/n, let’s hear how you’ll say sorry hmm?”

e/n: don’t do funny business at your workplace or you’ll get fired ok. lordt this was a struggle lmao i almost forgot that you didn’t request eros so i had to delete some scenes bye i got carried away as always 😝

we kinda rusty here but i really might turn this into a oneshot 👀

feedback or donation (ko-fi) is greatly appreciated! thank you &lt;3

[fuck-customers]

This is a fuck coworkers.

I work overnight at a convenience store. In recent weeks, we've lost a lot of our staff for various reasons. One person's out on medical leave, our old assistant manager found a new job and quit, and a third person was fired for giving out free cigarettes. A fourth person is transferring pretty soon, and our part timer who works in the early mornings has a history of flakiness, which just leaves me, the store manager, and the new assistant manager who's being trained from scratch. We're all overworked and we're all fucking sick of it. Which is why I was totally okay with my manager taking a weekend to himself after working nearly 3 weeks straight with no days off.

We knew about this long beforehand. There were no surprises. We had a plan: since I know bits and pieces of the manager's duties, I was going to help our assistant while bossman was out of town. He gets his weekend, and I get to actually go home before the sun comes up for once, which has been a struggle ever since the clocks changed. Win win. But THEN, the day before my manager leaves, our assistant manager calls off due to COVID. Now, the veracity of her claim is up in the air. My boss thinks the timing was no coincidence, and that she's probably a bit nervous about having to do his duties while he's away, but she presented proof of a positive test, so the higher ups have to give her PTO just in case. Bossman's obviously disappointed, but not discouraged. He puts together a last minute plan in which the part timer comes in to relieve me at 7 am, and leaves me to do the manager's stuff all by myself. I'd just have to call someone from a different store to help me with the paperwork. No biggie. One small problem: remember how I said our part timer has a history of flakiness? Yeah. I wasn't having that.

I've been flaked on by her many, many times in the past, and I wasn't about to wait until lunchtime to get off work (leaving a store that's supposed to be open 24/7/365 unattended would get me fired, so I'm stuck there until someone comes to relieve me). So I call the district supervisor and I ask her to send someone to help me with the paperwork that morning. However, she tells me that my manager will be there that morning, when I know FOR A FACT that he won't. He told me himself, but he DID NOT tell HIS boss, which is inarguably more important. So now, I was backed into a corner, and I spilled the beans and told her what his plan was. I emphasized that I was worried that I wouldn't get off till much later, because, you know, flakes, and told her if nobody came to relieve me before 7 am, I wouldn't be able to work the following night because I'd need to waste a whole day catching up on sleep. Perfectly reasonable thing to be concerned about, right?

She understands, but now my manager's upset with me because she's blowing up his phone, because he failed to tell her he'd be taking that extra day off. Now, I know district managers are typically harder on store managers than us regular cashiers, but requesting two days is perfectly reasonable and he had a backup plan. There was no reason not to at least TELL her, and she would have found out regardless.

Anyway, she agrees to come in and help me with the paperwork, so I still get to go home at a reasonable time like I planned, but I still feel bad, so I put in a good word for my manager in an attempt to save his ass. I tell her it's just a stroke of bad luck that his store is in such disrepair, which, yeah, honestly it is. Losing half your employees in 2 weeks is bad luck, plain and simple, and while I agreed that my manager needed his days off, it really feels like I'm left to clean up everyone else's mess. And now I feel like a pariah at work because I was never made aware that he didn't tell his boss the truth, and that I wasn't about to rely on someone I knew I couldn't solely on her word. But whatever. I'm not gonna be at this job forever, at least.

[bokutosworld]

convenience store stranger | suna rintarou

pairing: suna x f!reader  word count, genre: 2.1k words, college au. fluff. another meet cute story lol.  warning: none  summary: in which your late shifts become less boring and more interesting when a cute stranger stumbles in at 2 AM.  a/n: my first time writing for suna god im scared but i really liked how this turned out!! 

The first time he meets you happens on one of his late night convenience store runs. It was exams season and Suna’s been pulling all-nighter after all-nighter. To say he was exhausted would’ve been an understatement. 

He’s barely making it through on the third night and if he didn’t take a break soon, he was sure he’d have passed out on his desk. With his mind hazy from reading too many words and trying to understand a semester’s worth of lessons in one night, he decides to stand up and get some fresh air. 

Which is how he found himself currently standing at aisle four of the only convenience store that was still open near his apartment. He scans the rack for something that can wake him and his brain up. He doesn’t know how long he’s been standing but he could definitely feel eyes burning holes in the back of his head. 

He settles on a pack of jelly sticks and a cup of spicy instant noodles and heads towards the counter. You mutter a greeting when he reaches the cashier and begin scanning his items. 

When he hands over the cash for payment, your fingers brush with his cold ones, making you recoil harshly as if he was repulsing.

“Something wrong?” He laughs when he sees your reaction. “I know I look like a mess now but I won’t bite you.” He bends his knees slightly, tilting his head to get a look at your embarrassed face.

“No, I’m sorry.” You avoid his intense gaze, continuing to pack his purchase. When you look at him, he’s still staring with his piercing eyes that it almost takes your breath away. 

Shaking your head to bring yourself to reality, you give him his items. “Your hands felt cold and I was just shocked.” You feel that same electricity sparking between you again when he takes the bag from you. “I.. well.. thank you. Have a great evening.”

“It’s 2 AM,” Suna chuckles and you sigh before correcting yourself and bowing to him in goodbye. “See you around,” he shouts over his back as he walks out the door. It was the first time he saw you in that store and he was sure it wasn’t going to be the last. 

The second time he’d actually planned it according to your shift. If his past trips to the store were anything to go by, he’d learned that you always took the evening shift. It was something he discovered after being called out by your co-worker on the third time that he restlessly looked around the store during a visit. 

He should be on his bed, phone in his hand as he mindlessly scrolled until he fell asleep. But with the memory of his interaction with you lingering on his mind, he wanted to see you.

“Hey, got time for a customer?” He greets the moment he steps inside the empty convenience store. You look up from the book that you were reading and quickly stand to welcome him. “What are you reading?” 

Hiding the book from his view, you retort, “Aren’t you going to buy something?” 

He grins, taking in your tired disposition and the bags that had formed under your eyes before retreating to the shelves. When he returns, he slides over a can of energy drink, iced coffee, and a large bag of chips. 

You assume he’d leave immediately once he’s paid for everything. You certainly didn’t expect him to take out the coffee and give it to you. 

“This is for you.” He opens his own drink and leans by the counter. “Doesn’t it ever get boring here? I mean it’s midnight and you’re alone. I’m betting not many people even drop by at this time.” He faces the door, crossing his arms around his chest and staring at both of your reflections at the glass. 

Worn out from your classes in the day, you take his coffee offering, instantly feeling the rush of caffeine flow through your veins and waking you up. “The job pays relatively well. Besides I can’t really work in the mornings, I have uni.”

“So you’re a college student too.” He turns around and extends a hand out to you. “I’m Suna Rintarou.”

You introduce yourself as you shake hands with him. And as soon as pleasantries were exchanged, he immediately launched into a story about how his earlier day went. He was a natural conversationalist and despite this being your first time talking with him, you didn’t feel an ounce of awkwardness. You didn’t know what it was about him but his presence made you feel comfortable. 

You learned about what he was studying (to your surprise, Psychology), how he spends his weekends playing volleyball (he was a middle blocker and an excellent one at that, he boasted), and how he ended up here during the night he first saw you (the all-nighter went well and he passed all his exams). 

He rips open the chips he bought and offers you some as you lay your story before him. He munches as he listened to you rant about how you loathed your course (Business Management) and the many case studies and papers you had to do each day. He nods his head in understanding as you explain why you needed this part-time job (to pay for apartment fees). 

You were having so much fun in his company that you didn’t notice the time pass by. (He arrived to the store at 12:32 AM. The clock on the wall now reads 2:32 AM). And for the duration of his stay, you were surprised that no one ever came by. He only ever left your side when a taxi driver walked in. 

Suna steered clear from the counter and kept his distance as you did your job. From your peripheral, you could see that he watched you like a hawk from the side and it made you somehow conscious. When the customer exited, you playfully threw a tissue at him, 

“I couldn’t concentrate when you were standing there and looking at me like that!” 

He went back to his position but this time, he leaned close with his hands on the counter. “Like what?"  

Well how could you say to him that you thought he looked effortlessly hot in his sweatshirt and track pants? And was that an adorably messy bedhead? How could you say that you liked the teasing smile that he’d been giving you throughout the night?  

You chuckle and shake your head, “Nothing.” You reach for the book you were reading prior his arrival and took your seat. “Don’t you have classes tomorrow? You should go back.”

“Do you not want me around anymore?” 

“It’s not that, I…”

He cuts you off, “Good, then it’s settled. I’m not going anywhere. I like talking with you too much to go back home. Let me entertain you some more.” He sits down at the chair on one of the tables near the counter and then goes back to chatting with you. 

Since that night, Suna had been scheduling more trips to the convenience store. Sometimes, he’d really only visit to bother you. At times, he’d bring his books and laptop with him so he could work on a paper while you restocked the shelves and cleaned around. On rare occasions, he’d help you out on a business plan and the customers who’d enter the store would be amused at the sight of you and him huddled behind the counter with your serious thinking faces on. 

He’d become a part of your life that it felt unnerving not to have him around on your shifts. And it certainly showed on your face how disappointed and heartbroken you were when consecutive nights passed without his visits. Your co-worker even called you out on it. 

“So where’s the cutie been?” She asked one time when the two of you were at the back lounge while you logged in for your shift. You groan at the nickname she gave him and she laughs at you.

“How would I know?” 

“Don’t you guys talk almost every day and night?”

“Only on nights that he visits me.” You pause, thinking about the possibilities why he could’ve stopped coming. And before you knew it, you were ranting. “God, are we even friends? I don’t know his number. Did he ghost me? Is this considered ghosting? It’s been a week. I’m scared I did or said something.” 

She’s watching you pace around the room. “Maybe he got bored of me. Or maybe he realized I’m not really worth his time and dipped. Sleeping is much better than hanging out with me at 1 AM anyway.”

You’re stopped in your tracks when she suddenly grabs your shoulders. “Overthinking is not a good look on you.” She makes you take deep breaths to calm down. “I’m sure he’s just busy right now. He’ll visit again soon.” 

“I don’t know why I’m being like this.” 

The look she gives you is incredulous, her mouth gaping wide at your statement. “Are you serious?” 

“What?” You ask, not anticipating the next words that would come from her. 

“It’s obvious that you like him.” 

The next time you see him was on campus. You don’t know how long it’s been since he last spent time with you on your shift. (Though if you were counting, you were definitely sure that it’s been two weeks and three days since then.) 

You tried not to think too much about what his absence could mean but the pang in your heart never left. Those two weeks that he didn’t show up allowed you some time to think about your conversation with your friend. You like him. 

Back then, you were too quick to shut down the idea. Denying any ounce of feeling for the boy as you saw him as no more than someone who had too much time on his hands to bother you on your shifts. A good friend is what you specifically used to defend your relationship with him. 

So then why was it that your heart was beating so rapidly as Suna waved at you from across the cafeteria? Why couldn’t you stop smiling as you watched him make his way to your table and sit down beside you?

“Hey there.” He slings his arms around and pulls you for a side hug. “Long time no see.” 

You almost couldn’t hear him over the loud thumping of your heart in your ears. He’s still smiling and waiting for you to reply. “Yeah, been a while. I’ve gotten the peace and quiet back in my shifts.” 

He breaks out in laughter while opening a snack bar. “I’m sorry I haven’t been able to stop by. I just came out from a major presentation that I’ve been preparing for during the past weeks. And guess what?” 

You perk your eyebrows at his question. “What?” 

“Our group did great.” He raises a hand for a high-five and you indulge him. “The teacher liked our slides and our analysis of the topic. Ah, I feel so good right now!” He leans back with his hands behind his head, but he suddenly jerks. 

“We should go out!” Suna grabs your hands and looks at you expectantly. “You’re free the whole day tomorrow right? You’re not working the shift? Let’s celebrate. It’s my treat!” 

Feeling overwhelmed by his invitation and his overall excitedness, you laugh and pull back. “Calm down, Suna. I don’t know about tomorrow.” 

“Why? Are you busy?”

“Not really but..” 

“Then it shouldn’t be a problem.” He tucks a loose hair behind your ear, leaning close with his voice barely over a whisper, “It’s perfect. I’ve wanted to take you on a date for a long time now.” 

“What?” You stare at him wide-eyed. 

“Come on, you’ve never thought about us?” He finds the situation entertaining. Your flustered reaction reminds him of the night that he met you. 

“Why do you think I’ve been coming to the convenience store when I could be sleeping at that time? I like being around you. My day doesn’t feel complete if I don’t at least see you or tell you about my day or listen to you rant about the latest episode of your favorite series.”

You like him. 

“Go out with me.” He kisses the back of your hand. “Please?” 

The corners of your lips unconsciously curves up and Suna sends your heart doing somersaults when he says something about how he’s finally got to see the beautiful smile he’s been wanting to see for weeks. 

Your friend was right. You do like him.  

[impablohurtado]

Why did I move?

People move for all kinds of reasons; work, school, sometimes they are running away from something or someone, sometimes they just need a fresh start. The last one sums up my reason the best. It wasn’t the easiest decision to make, but it was the one that made the most sense for me.

I’ve always been the narrator of my own life to a detriment. I attribute that in part to growing up loving film and having seen Goodfellas or Stand by Me too many times as a kid. From as early as I can remember I was in my head playing through the motions of whatever was going to happen in my day to day. Maybe part of it comes from trying to figure out who the hell I was all my life. As a kid I didn’t connect with other children and didn’t make friends until middle school when I realized being a class clown and funny person would get people to like me.

In my head I've always been hyper focused on what I was doing, what I was wearing, how I was coming across to others. Whether it was kids on a schoolyard, students in another classroom, or coworkers on the clock, I could not help but worry about other’s perception of me. I was always wholeheartedly me, I never shied away from being my own person, to the point where I'd spend days on the playground talking to a school administrator of upcoming movies knowing full well it ostracized me further. Still, I always was conscience of potentially being disliked, scoffed at, or laughed at, the second I walked away. I got in enough fights as a kid to show that it regularly got to me.

For whatever decision I was going make I was always already three steps ahead in my mind, thinking of what that decision would result in. For me jumping to the worst conclusion possible was always my initial route. By doing this I could hopefully prepare for disaster or to be let down. To me it was better to be realistic and realistic meant an unhappy outcome. It was safer to not have high hopes, better to not be let down in the future. As an adult I’d learn about my anxiety disorder and ways to live with it.

After high school I was mostly just going with the flow of life with no clear destination in mind for my future. There was nothing I was aiming to do besides sustain a relationship on its last leg and weather the tough times that had hit my family. Time passed and that turned into trying to make ends-meet with my brother. Moving out on our own and working different jobs while trying to get through college. I turned 30 in July and those carefree years of my early 20’s seem so far away now.

Different jobs came and went. From a cashier to a scrapyard worker, operating industrial balers and cranes that would crush sheet metal like it was styrofoam. Later I went from cleaning office buildings, schools, banks, and mechanic shops with my brother, to driving for the Amish, doing concrete work, and our final job together drilling holes in semi hoods at fiberglass factory. From appliance sales, to pawnbroker, to debt collector; one-year jobs turned into three-year jobs that turned into jobs I needed to force my way out of or get stuck at forever.

These experiences allowed me to see into the lives of people who struggled the most, those on their last legs. From coworkers struggling with bills to people pawning their tv’s and jewelry to have money for groceries, to people drowning in medical debt they could not find a way out from. Often it was the generational struggles that I saw the most, young adults pawning items their parents or grandparents had previously done. It used to remind me of hard times my family fell on, from avoiding answering the door as children to debt collectors, to water or electricity being shut off at different times over the years.

Through my work I got an idea of what I wanted to do with my life. Of the many things my parents taught me, having a strong work ethic was one of them. Because of my father I worked nonstop through years of trying to get through college, doing the same hard labor I saw him doing growing up. My mother’s background in social work guided me and influenced my want to help others, the way she did.

Then a man ran for office and a part of his campaign was calling Mexicans rapists. In the news Black men and women were being murdered by police. An older man decided to run against him, and he lit a fire under everyone. He sparked a movement. I got involved in the community and when that happened it was like everything clicked. At that moment it was as though every decision that I made suddenly had to be a grand one. Not necessarily for me, but for the end goal. What could I do that would make the most impact, what would help the most?

It started with organizing protests. My first protest during Trump’s presidential confirmation in 2016. Silence is Violence. Then more protests came, through which I met incredible people who wanted to change the world for the better starting with our very own city. It was like every other week there was a group meeting. New anti-racism groups, feminist groups, environmental groups, too many groups to keep track of. So many that came and went, events that spurred others into action.

Then came the elections, the caucus, the party, everything else I spent 4 years working towards. To the point where it consumed all my future goals. Thankfully I had siblings by my side working towards the same goals. Still, I felt a weight behind everything I did. There was a worry that every misstep I took would leave me both judged harshly by my peers and be harmful to the work we were trying to do.

Through all this time I made it a conscience effort to not discuss my personal life in political or social work. Outside of a long running blog that close friends and family knew of and close online circle of friends built over the years.

I’ve been alone for the better part of the last decade. Being in a relationship that was both emotionally and physically abusive as a man was a hard reality to live with when I was 21 still working in a scrapyard with men in their 40's and 50's. I couldn’t talk about it to anyone and growing up knowing sometimes the people you love hurt you, at the time I rationalized it all as part of a relationship. Machismo is so engrained in not only my culture, but the culture I saw at my job, it was embrassing to even put a name to what it was.

I never saw that in my own parents, but I know she had, so I knew it was learned and she didn’t mean it. I’d take punches and kicks and just leave to another room. Restrain, leave, then accept apologies through tears and become the one who made her feel better. To be in front of friends while it all happened and sit in awkward silence while I said nothing, then later be asked why I don’t say anything was often the worst. I never knew what to say. Over three years together and a decade later it’s still weird to say her name.

Since then, as far a public perception goes it’s always been just me and my dogs. I’m not too open about my life as far as dating goes. I’ve met more women on dating apps than I can remember. Relationships that came and went like a car circling a racetrack, were never anyone’s business but my own. You can only match, talk, date, and repeat so many times before it becomes unreal. It's like one of those photo toys we played with as kids, clicking through the photos one after another. It turned into a conversation I had with myself repeatedly. When it would get more serious I'd find a way to end it, whether it was stop talking entirely or find a reason, life was too busy, no time.

A question often on my mind was; why do I sabotage the relationships that might work… that maybe could turn into something real, on the off chance sporadic nights become less-so? I would hope, that maybe they'd become permanent. Planned dates would get cancelled when last minute texts arrived asking to hang out. I’m not saying it was right for me to do, but it’s what I did.

Living with that does something to you. To feel something you can’t share openly, spend time with people you can’t really talk about… because there’s not really anything to talk about. It kills you inside little by little. To be good enough for a moment, but not good enough for others to know. It persists and persists to the point where it’s difficult to imagine living any other way. If this is how it must be, then this is how it is.

It gets to you though, not knowing if your worth more than just an evening. To do the song and dance and then get ignored until it was time to do it again. Sometimes it'd be months on end with nobody else that felt like a leaf had turned and it was finally happening. Then a drop off would come until the next time came around. Years and years of this that I would never take away because if I’m being honest, the company in those times is when I was often the happiest in my life.

Basing your worth off how much someone else wants you in their life is the easiest way to develop a hate for yourself. When it happens with one person it’s unfortunate, but when it happens with two you question yourself. Why do people come back, but never stay long? I couldn’t even be upset or show contempt, I just took it because I’d take any happiness I could get, even if it was momentary. My idea of happiness developed to be this way, so I'd get worried whenever I would get there, knowing full well it'd tail off sooner than later.

Nobody is at fault. We're all learning as we grow. We all make mistakes, even if I'd never categorize it that way or do it differently. Sometimes two people liking one another, even loving one another, is not enough to keep those people together. Life is more complicated than I love you's making everything all better. Living like that made it easy to invest everything into one path. It was easier than trying to sit back and figure out why I was stuck in the place I was in alone. It took me years of therapy to figure out answers I could never find on my own.

Then I ran for office. It became an opportunity to do something real. A culmination of everything we’d all worked towards. A few months later the pandemic hit. Then I lost someone close to me because I couldn’t cope with everything happening in my life and then my mother died.

All of this happened as I was in the twilight of my twenties, and it was the perfect storm of reasons to just stop. Quit. I’ve lived with depression long enough, openly enough, that people would understand. Anyone else would do the same. But I had to push through and keep fighting. Not only for my mother, but for me. I had to give myself a reason to live.

Protests happened and our community got teargassed with no recourse for those who initiated the violence. People ran screaming and I remember grabbing a friend’s hand as she fell over, pulling her up to run with others trying to get away. I brought milk for people to wash their eyes with an hour later and I stood with everyone again the following day as police draped in armor stood in front of the courthouse ready to terrorize everyone again, which they did. In the aftermath a Mayor I had spent months canvassing and campaigning for refused to condemn police and instead targeted the very people who elected him. 

A sideshow of a march happened. A publicity stunt for the mayor to appear like good guy and to show that police and protestors were united. The real people on the ground, the ones who really care know that we never were united with the city. I didn’t attend the media show. That week gave me a reason to keep on pushing forward.

And so, I ran… for 7 months through face masks and screens I talked to people. I learned the stories of those who lived in my community. The teachers and automotive workers, single mothers and college students, everyone who answered a door, even those who showed me contempt or anger, I tried my hardest to listen. The platform I ran on was what I believed in. I wouldn’t concede and run on the best alternative, support a position that was most realistic. I was running on odds stacked entirely in my opponent’s favor, the only thing I had to lose was my integrity and my word. So, we knocked 7000 doors fighting for what I felt was real.

During that time, I shared about the racism I received levied at me. People who called me slurs or told me to go back to Mexico when I’d knock on their doors. Text after text of things I’d heard before in my life. You develop thick skin for this growing up, so it was easy to roll off and keep moving. Still, I received no post of support from a party I ran under. No condemnation after sharing my stories online. I didn’t expect one, but you shouldn’t have to expect those kinds of things. We persisted through it all and hit goals we set. Then the months dwindled down until election day arrived.

I didn’t win. Even though it was likely to happen, it didn’t make it hurt any less. I felt like I had let my community down. I felt like I had let my family down. I felt like I had let my mom down.

In December, a few weeks after the election ended, I made a post on the caucus page about regrouping and continuing the fight. We’d spent years knocking doors and pushing for change, a loss wouldn’t stop that.

Two months into the new year with 8 days left in February, my best friend, my dog Gizmo passed away. I’ve written ad-nauseum about grief and loss. Stories and poems available other places. I’ve interviewed others about their loss and what it means to try and try and keep living, all the while remembering those we’ve lost. I don’t want to write about that much more right now. What I will say is that it took a lot out of me.

I constantly think about a speech I gave when I ran. In front of the courthouse I said, “Other candidates have run and when they lose, they are nowhere to be seen. No matter what happens I’ll be here… fighting for the community.” I meant it wholeheartedly when I said it. I knew what the odds were, but it wasn’t about me, not the election, not the campaign. One that was never mine to begin with, it was a community campaign, one built on positions those in my district could stand behind.

I never cared to have my name out there and had meetings with elected officials worried my running would somehow hurt other campaigns because of my family history. I didn’t want press or do to interviews, I only wanted to do everything in my power to help those struggling in the district I lived in.

Now here I am.

252 miles away from the city I grew up in. Away from my sisters and my dad. Away from the community of people I really do love.

I wonder if people think I’m phony. I wonder if people think less of me. He ran and then he left.

I left because it was too much. The expectation to keep going. I knew too many people. I felt too much, more than I could handle. A weight that made me not want to be here anymore. No matter how many meetings I attended and spoke at, saying we are stronger together. I just didn’t feel strong enough to do it.

I used to always say, “I’m better at looking out for others than I am for myself”.

I want to look out for myself. I don’t want to work to live. I just want to live. For a long time that was a statement I couldn’t bring myself to make.

I don’t know what I’ll find in this new city. I don’t know what I’m looking for. The one thing I do know is that I wasn’t going to find it in Fort Wayne.

That is why I moved.

[sh1tbird-shantytown]

Harringrove Week Day One

prompt uses: Hellraiser and I Wanna Dance with Somebody (title)

read on ao3 - Clock Strikes Upon the Hour

Billy closed the door of the car and set to buckle up just as he noticed Steve still standing outside. He dunked his head and waved a hand out to catch his attention.

“Harrington?” he sung sarcastically, “Come on, man, I gotta check on Max by eight.” Steve released his gaze from the movie theater they had just exited and physically shook whatever it was that distracted him out of his head.

“Sorry, I was just thinking,” he clicked his seatbelt into place and settled his hands in his lap as Billy turned the key and and put the Camaro into reverse.

“Well, that’s concerning, you okay?” he draped his arm over the back of Steve’s seat and looked back as he exited the spot and continued on. Opting to rest his right hand on the center console instead.

Steve laughed sarcastically and looked out the window, “You’re real funny, you know that? Absolutely hilarious. I wouldn’t have agreed to this if you were planning on making fun of me.”

Billy rolled his eyes as he took his turn out into the street, “Everyone makes fun of you, Harrington. It’s why everyone likes you so much, you’ve got layers.”

Steves scoffed and crossed his arms, “Not my point, but whatever.”

Silence passed after that until Billy got bored, “Were you checking out a girl?”

Steve jumped a little in his seat, “What? No! I don’t do that.” It was Billy’s turn to scoff. Steve glowered, “Why do you care anyway? You literally came out to me a month ago, you don’t have to keep pretending you care.”

He shrugged, “Maybe I do care.”

Steve rolled his eyes, “Yeah, okay.” A strange expression became apparent on his face, but he turned away before Billy could read too far into it.

They were about to pass Fair Mart until Steve sat up straight and pointed rapidly, “Pull in!”

Billy sighed even as he turned his turn signals on, “Harrington, I swear to God.”

“I’m thirsty.”

“We’ll be at the trailer in ten minutes!”

Steve crossed his arms and stared directing in his face, “I need to piss.”

“Gross.”

Billy parked and turned the car off, humidity immediately filling out the cabin. Steve opened the door as soon as the doors could be unlocked and ran inside the run down store. Billy groaned up at the ceiling before trudging out and dragging his boots along the gravel.

The bell chimed, “Harrington!” he called. The cashier’s head turned up at his loud yell and her eyes went a little wide as he waved offhandedly before traveling deeper into the short aisles. “Steve, where the Hell did you go?”

Steve’s head popped up just under one of the cooler doors along the walls, eyes immediately on Billy as he wandered over, “Watch your mouth in public.”

Billy sighed at the floor, “Yeah, alright. But, remember what I said about being back to my place by eight? Susan’s back at nine and I still have to make sure Max is where she’s supposed to be and the dishes are done.”

Steve furrowed his brows and began walking over to the nosey cashier, can of Pepsi in his hand, “I thought you asked Max to do the dishes.”

“I did,” he crossed his arms and watched as Steve handed over a wrinkled dollar, “But, Max is a child and can’t be trusted to do simple tasks. Susan can’t take the extra stress right now with all the more people out in the summer.” She’d taken Joyce Byers’s old job, and a bunch of people in town had some kind of problem with it, for some reason.

Steve smiled to the girl as he took the receipt and then at Billy before shrugging in feigning nonchalance, “Trust her just this once?”

Billy glared, “Why? What are you doing?”

Steve opened the can and took a swig, headed back to the doors, “Let’s go.”

“Harrington!” Billy called, only to be ignored. He grumbled useless threats as he made for the glass doors. The girl coughed and he looked at her impatiently mid-step.

“Can I have your number, by chance?”

He rolled his eyes, uncaring as her face mushed together in a rejected puddle before he’d even answered, “Don’t have one for you.”

He stomped out of the chilly store and aggressively kicked at the loose stones littered all over the parking lot. His jeans were going to get dusty around the cuffs, but all he could focus on was how Steve waited so patiently leaned against the hood of the Camaro with the soda can against his cheek. Eyes on the dimming sun.

Once they were back in the shrouded safety of the Camaro, Steve decided to finally open his damned mouth.

“I didn’t like the ending of the movie.” He didn’t add anything, he didn’t explain what he meant. Which meant it was about to be a long ass drive and a waste of gas because Steve Harrington wanted to talk and Billy would sacrifice anything to keep hearing his voice. So, the blinker directed to the opposite direction of Forest Hills. He turned left.

“You didn’t like the ending? Or was it the whole movie? I’m surprised you even agreed to watch it, doesn’t seem like your kind of film.”

Steve shrugged and kept his eyes trained on the dashboard, “I’m not a big movie person in general. But, it was mainly just the ending. I didn’t like it.”

Billy bit his lip and let the quiet mingle for a moment, “Alright, why didn’t you like the ending, Harrington?”

Steve pressed his lips together, as if he were trying not to cry, “Because the ending made it seem like there was no point.”

Billy pondered it, kept driving straight, “Because the cycle continued? Because it made it seem like it was going to happen all over again?”

Steve nodded, eyes a little too wide, “Yeah! Like, all that pain and suffering. All that betrayal, all that sacrifice and courage for what? Another group to suffer through the same?”

Billy tapped his fingers against the wheel, “Well, maybe the next guy’s brother’s wife didn’t cheat. So he won’t have help then.”

Steve noticeably chewed on the inside of his cheek, “But, that’s not the point. The point is that, it wasn’t worth it.”

“What wasn’t worth it?” Billy looked over at the other boy with a creased brow. “You don’t think the fight was worth it in the end?”

Steve rubbed his eyes, “Yes? No? I don’t know.”

Billy pursed his lips and laid his head back against the headrest, “I think it was.” He felt Steve’s eyes bore into his skull like lasers. “Because at least the good guys are alive.” He looked back over, “Right?” Steve nodded and he looked away.

But then, “The bad guys still got away though.”

He shrugged, “It’s not their problem anymore though. The bad people got what they deserved. The mortals anyway.” Steve was quiet for so long after that, Billy thought the conversation was actually over.

“You think the wife deserved what she got after cheating?”

“She helped him kill innocent people, Steve, it was a little more than just having an affair after that.”

“Yeah,” Steve nodded, “I still didn’t like the ending though.”

Billy scratched a blunt nail on the wheel, “I didn’t either, but it was still a good movie.”

Steve shifted in his seat, knees closer together and shoulders more hunched, “I didn’t think you liked it.”

Billy’s eyes widened in surprise and he chuckled unsurely, “What makes you say that?”

Steve’s eyes shifted back and forth between Billy and the road, “You were mad at most of the parts.”

“Sometimes that’s a reaction to horror.”

“You cried.”

Billy hadn’t thought Steve had looked at him at all during the film, “What?”

Steve’s eyes were brimmed with a weird sort of concern, “You cried when it was reveled Julia was cheating with her husband’s brother. You cried when Kirsty and Steve reunited at the end. So, I don’t think you liked it.”

Billy turned his blinker on again and pulled off to the side of the road. Steve didn’t look any sort of shocked.

“I’m allowed to feel emotions,” he told Steve.

“Yes you are,” he got back with a nod and proud eyes.

“I watch movies because I like feeling the refreshing emotion they give off. It’s how you can tell if it’s a good movie or not.”

Steve smiled and his fingers touched Billy’s forearm still up from his hands glued to the wheel, “So, you actually really liked the movie.” It was shaky, but Billy nodded in agreement. His hair grazing his shoulders. “Okay.” Like whiplash, Billy turned his head back at the windshield in a flash.

“You could’ve just asked if I liked it. Like a normal person.”

Steve smiled tightly, “I’m not normal.”

Billy hesitated, but he grinned back shyly, “Yeah, me neither.”

They sat there in even more quiet, not a single car in sight. And just when Billy began to turn the wheel back out, Steve touched his forearm again.

“I love you,” he grappled his dull nails into Billy, “You know that right?”

Immediate tears sprung to his eyes, “What?”

“I love you,” Steve nodded his head down, “And I wanted you to know. I needed you to know.”

Billy landed a steely gaze back on him, “Steve, what are you trying to do?”

No hesitation, none at all. “I’m telling you the truth before it’s too late.” He dug his thumb into the hem of his white shirt as Billy stared. “I have this feeling, like the last I’ve-Lost-Count amount of times, something bad is coming.” He looked up at the cloudy sky and Billy did the same before returning his eyes directly back to Steve. “I don’t have a good feeling. And I want to say what I need to before something irreversible happens.”

Billy bit his nail, not breaking it, “What are you feeling, Harrington?” Steve didn’t look back. “Steve.”

He sighed big and long before he responded, “I’ve been getting nose bleeds. And I’m starting to feel like I did after last year’s battle. After, when the bat bites kicked in. When….”

“We need to get you to a doctor, that’s what it sounds like.”

“Yes, but, they said, as long as there’s no connection open anymore between us and that world, technically those Demobats don’t exist anymore. If there’s no connection between our worlds, than there’s no way for them to effect me. And— And even if that wasn’t true, and it was just some bullshit speak from the government medics. Something they thought would calm me down before they injected me with another mystery serum, like I haven’t experienced that enough. Why now? Why, all of a sudden, a year later? I wake up in the night and it’s like my eyes think it’s day. And that movie made me think about it, after I’ve been putting it off. What’s the point, if it never ends?”

Billy took Steve’s left hand and intertwined their fingers together tight. “Who else have you told?”

“No one. I’m scared, Billy. And I’ve never been so scared for myself before as I am now. I don’t want to hurt anybody.”

“Don’t let a stupid movie get to your head, Pretty Boy.”

“It’s not stupid.” And Billy should be proud, because they had been working on getting Steve to stick up for himself when the others got a little too demeaning in their side-jokes. To not take it to hear. But, this made him sad and mad and…a lot of emotions really. For Steve Harrington who he never would have guessed would be here in his patchy car after a movie date-not-date. “It was like some sort of reality check. I’ve been in the Party for years now. Actual years. I’ve fought monsters every time. Every year I’ve almost died countless times, and yet,” he rubbed his whole face so the last part was muffled, “What’s the fucking point, Billy?”

“You don’t think I understand?” Billy pressed his lips in a thin, annoyed line.

“No, I know you understand. Better than anyone.” Steve’s hand was trembling and his other one stuffed itself under Steve’s thigh. “Other then than Will, but he’s still just a kid.”

“What are you trying to say, Stevie?” Billy watched as the walls crumbled off of Steve’s face. Inch by inch.

“I’m scared that this time I’ll be the bad guy. I’m terrified of it.“ Tears built up in Steve’s eyes and Billy realized he’d never seen Steve cry.

“Then we’ll make a plan, to keep us all safe. You’re not alone.” He leaned in over the console, just to catch Steve’s eyes again. A little shocked as he just noticed a reddish tint to the brown.

“It feels like I am. A lot. And I don’t want that to be my downfall. What if I need someone. Who would I choose? I’d like to think any one of them would take me down if it came down to that. That they’d know better, but I don’t think that’s the truth. They’d hesitate.” That was what made Billy snap a little. Because, Steve was an open book. He was emotional and honest, had his heart on his sleeve exposed to the world. But, even that right there was a terrible admittance.

“You don’t think I would too?”

Steve leaned his head down and rested his forehead against Billy’s shoulder, “I think you’d know what you’d have to do even if it meant the sacrifice of someone else. You know better than anyone that one sacrifice is worth less than all of those kids.””

And wasn’t that just the à la mode on the hot apple pie. Billy knew people viewed him as a walking corpse. And he knew he was held to a standard. People like the Wheeler’s would almost expect him to sacrifice himself for a second time around if it came down to it. Sure, there would be others to volunteer, but no one would let the kids get away with something like that. He’d set his bar. But Steve? No one would even think about hurting Steve. Not until it was too late. So, Billy had to admit that Harrington was right. Everyone else would hesitate and cost the lives of everyone else.

Steve needed someone strong and reliable. Someone he loved and trusted enough to rely on completely.

Billy brushed the hair out of Steve’s exposed eye and kissed his forehead, “I’ve got you, Steve. I’ve got you.”

[toosweetfiddlesticks]

Can you do Bakugou x soft (male or gn) reader meeting a Karen and go creative with it hope you have fun

Big Meanie

Paring: Barista!Bakugou x Soft!Gn!Cashier reader

Warning: Karen being a Karen, cussing, bakujealous, Bakugou calling you a big meanie, not proof read

Catoergy: Comedy

A/N: Thank you for the request!!

Summary: boom boom man gets upset because you didn’t let him be the Hero of the day.

—————————

As you unlocked the door, you huffed a breathe of anxiety out and tried to build up as much optimism you could for your first day. You felt a mixture of anxiousness and excitement boil in you.

With a smile full of courage, you stepped into the clean kitchen. The lights contrasted and dimmed the already dark morning sky as you felt a cool breeze from an opened window. The hall was a bit dimmer from the kitchen so you turned those lights on for the rest of the co-workers. An ash halons hair boy was currently wrapping the store’s iconic colored apron around his waist. He tighter his grip as he caught a glismp of you.

“Good morning!” You spoke softly, but cheerful. You flashed a small smile but his demeanor did change. He held his solemn look at you when blood red eyes. “So...how was your sleep?” Your excuse of small talk feel short the silence in the air seemed to be even more awkward between the two of you. He grunted and muttered something under his breathe before speaking.

“Don’t forget to clock in.” He ignored your question which honestly, did not bother you. You took his warning and walked out to the time clock, punching in your time. Silence swallowed you both while once again. Ok y/n, your co-worker may not be the most friendliest, but hey it’s only your first day, how bad can it be.

”Also,” You head shot up from the time clock. Your co-workers back facing you. “Don’t talk to me, you boring extra.”

——————————

You began to start your third day shift with a proud smile on your face. As you made your way to the time clock to punch in, greetings of waves goodbyes from other workers thats shifts just ended, you’ve met made your start of the day feel even better. Humbly, you waved the two men off.

“Bye Kiri, bye Denki!” Denki giggly waved his hand in the arm with excitement as he happily walked with Kirishima.

“Bye Y/N!” The sharp tooth man cheerfully sang his farewell. His arm hugging around the shoulders of his shorter blonde hair friend. But before the two could fully walk out, the red head immediately turns back around, as if something just came to mind. “Also” he added, “watch out for the Karen’s.” Your head titled with puzzlement.

“The Karen’s?” You kept your question in your head and before you knew it, the two was gone.

But you shrugged it off for the day and continued to go back to work.

——————————

“Hey move it extra!” Bakugou’s voice arose from behind you like a sound of a hurricane warning. You huffed a little and stepped aside from the time clock. Tiredly, you twisted your body around and leaned against the wall, facing him with crossed arms. Your eyes dropped a bit and your eyelids cried to close. But though you body was ready to sleep, you were wide awake..kinda. You manage trying to hide your weary face. Holding a hopeful smile and you greeted Bakugou.

“Morning Bakugou.” There was a small chance he would really greet you back with a morning salutation. Today was not the latter. He’s body seemed a bit stiff, he’s face looked alive and refreshed, but his body slouched a bit. Turning his head to you, an eyebrow raised at you.

You stiffened a bit, you leaned off the grey wall with a feeling of astonishment  , “Wow that’s new.” A notion you told yourself.

Still, he said nothing, leaving you two both in somewhat awkward silence. By the looks of it, he was staring with bit of puzzlement in his eyes. He’s red eyes sparks with a look of examination. As if he was searching for a look, or scanning your farcical features like a robot. He was just standing there, arms crossed, eyes stern, eyebrows furrowed. It seemed like forever before you two said anything.

“Are you tired?” Bakugou finally spoke that shock you. You were a bit taken a back at his response but nodded you head. He grumbled something under his breathe and signaled you to follow him. “Come here,” he sighed.

You’re eyes widened, but you obeyed and follow. As you walked, you could hear his small mutters and talks but couldn’t understood a thing he said. He walked a little slow than usual, like if he was trying to make sure he didn’t leave in you in the dust.

The walk was short and you made it to the destination in no time. He groaned as you got there, the kitchen area. Your eyebrows drew with concern.

Backing up a little, you spoke “Uhm, look if you’re gonna splash me with water-“

But your cautiousness was only mocked by small chuckles that bubbled up in Bakugou as he picked up a plastics cup.

“No I won’t, ya idiot.” He interjected, “What’s your type of coffee, you like Frappuccino or somethin’?”

——————————

“Hey, Cashier Extra!” Y/N nostrils flare with heavy air leaving them. For the past three months and a half, you’ve been having to deal with one of the biggest meanies they had ever known in their entire life. Originally, you thought you were confused at times by him.

Bakugou Katsuki was one of the hardest people work with sometimes. It was like he had a whole book of mean names and rude comments. Or looked up how to send the worlds most bone-chilling stare. And after a long tiring day of work, right as you’re are about to clock out, you hear the small words “bye extra” leave his grumpy little pie hole. You wondered why his rude one point, then nice another.

Y/N briskly huff, straightening out any wrinkles or creases in your pale button up shirt. “Yeah Bakugou?” Y/N tried to give Bakugou the most genuine confusion on your face. Though Y/N didn’t find a lot great characteristics of Bakugou, but they knew that Bakugou was a smart man. He quickly caught onto their small frown creasing at the sides of their mouth and y/n bothered eyes.

But unlike usually, Bakugou’s face didn’t seem to get annoyed at that. No, instead, how facial expressions seemed to go down a little. Bakugou’s eyebrows furrowed, from y/n couldn’t tell what was on Bakugou’s mind. He’s volcanic eyes seemed to be put out.

Y/N would almost say the usual solemn face of Bakugou Katsuki just broke away for a minute.

Bakugou caught himself, the dust of his volcanic chucked up as the lava came back into his eyes, keeping a stern look. Though Bakugou wouldn’t admit, Bakugou had definitely fallen for Y/N strong admiration for this job and their determination. He’d give them the compliment from time to time, but to wasn’t as much as he wanted to say.

“Just make sure you remember to clock in.” He mumbled softly, Y/N could barely even hear it. They nodded, a bit confused, but nodded and almost went on to work like usual. “Hey!” Bakugou stopped Y/N in their tracks, “Be cautious of Karens.”

The name still confused you to this day, but once again, you shrugged it off with a nod and carried on.

——————

This would have to one of the most crowded shift you’ve ever had, ever. If you were a customer, driving up into the driveway, you would’ve definitely drive straight out by the amount of people parked or in the driveway, getting their order taken their.

Bakugou, Denki and six others carefully rushed with the drinks, other orders holding up on the racks. Kirishima, Mina, and another worker kept up their the best they could, taking people’s orders from the drive through, then there was you and three other cashiers. You four had to take the orders as smooth and quick as possible, all of you praying that the customer will have a little bit of compassion and patience. Lines of people excitedly waiting to order the new drink the shop put out.

The Christmas Chocolate Winter Cream. Your new enemy, almost every single child, adult, teen, everyone was asking and wanting that “creamy delicious coffee”. Who even lets their child drink coffee! You didn’t want any part of it.

“Stupid coffee ice cream, its not even December yet!” You quickly grumbled under your breath.

”Uhm, excuse me?” You nearly forgot about the rush hour at work today. Hastily you straighten your spine. The customer was a lady, maybe in her late 50s. Her pale skin wore brightly colored pigment over its wrinkles and creases. Her hair was short but bumped up and curled.

“Oh I said, hi welcome to StaryBunkers,” You correct yourself quickly, trying to pass your entirely different words as the same, you grasp notepad and it’s thin paper in one hand, and a pencil in another. Forcibly, you gave the customer a fake smile that would impress the greatest actress. “What would you like for today. Behind your fake smile and your facial creases, you internally prayed with every god, deity, and goddess you know, hoping that they wouldn’t say..

“The Christmas Chocolate Winter Cream,” The older lady grasp her young daughter tightly that was so short, you just now noticed her. She seems to be up to her mother’s knees. “make that two please, today’s my girls big day!” The woman’s words didn’t invoke any feeling of excitement that usually does when some says big day to you.

“tHe cHirStmAs cHocOlatE wIntEr cReAm”

Your sighs of annoyance was held captive in the bars of your fake smile. “Of course!” Your forgery of cheerfulness impressed your cashier partners who’s fake smile was somewhat stiff and expressionless. “Birthday I presume?” You ask, the pencil’s tip close to the paper, ready to write.

“Yep!” The little girl chirped, her two brown pigtails swinging with you as she nodded her head. Ok you had to admit, the little girl was very sweet and cute. She single handedly made your stressful day a little bit better (ugh what a queen, we stan)

Your smile became more genuine, you heart even warmed a little.. “Coming right up, wait a moment please.” You paced hastily behind you, internally wishing you could spend you whole entire day in the back. You made your way quickly to the kitchen, hoping the customer were the patient type as you heard the shouts of anger coming from the drive through. You took a quick glance at the altercation.

“I SAID CHRISTMAS CHOCOLATE WINTER CREAM,” The customer aggressively yanked the the lid up. “THIS ISN’T ENOUGH CREAM!” The white and red haired boy calmly his hands out, trying to rationalize with the person.

“Sir, ” He spoke with dullness, “Thats how much cream comes with it.” But the customer only got even more hotheaded.

“NO IT ISN’T!”

“Yes it is.” Todoroki scrunched his face up, “You don’t even work here, how would you know?” Todoroki, unknowingly made the man even more upset which cause the drink from his hand to fly out towards him. You panic, rushing over there the close the door before it was too late. But, the man was quicker, and as the drink came rushing to a motionless Todoroki, a body came rushing in to take the hit, Kirishima.

“Brrooooooo” He said in slow motion. “Poor Kiri” you internally spoke with pity. And as the man ran away, kirishima’s stomach burned from the heat of the coffee. You cringed at the sound of his small whimpers of pain. “F in the chat.” You busy back to the kitchen.

The steam from the coffee makers brush against your skin, squeezing out a very thin layer of sweat on your cheeks. Quickly, you yelled.

“Two Today Specials for Cashier number UNO,” the Barista’s groaned, “AKA Y/N!” You yelled again for clarification. They, annoyedly, went back to work with the drinks again. The most pissed out of all them though was Bakugou. Not cause of the loaded day. But because everyone was going to “slow”. He huffed, panted, scream, yelled, intensely ordered and more,

The man was like lighting, filling up cup after cup after cup.

“Move your asses!” He sealed three cups and handed them to Mina, “Y/N stop wasting your time back here and work!” Your posture caved in, but you obey his command like a solider obeying their Sargent.

“Aye aye, Captain.” You sang jokingly. And while the others smirk and giggled amongst the stresss, Bakugou arch an eyebrow at your jokes and went back to work.

You happily went along to the front again to update the mother and the daughter about their meals. But as you approach them, you could hear the mother’s now bewildered voice. It was like cat nails to a chalkboard and her voice was crackly.

Her scream filled the whole place, putting a pause on the whole day. You internally panicked, not only can you feel the wrath of the woman from where you were standing, you could also feel the piercing and grim stare of Bakugou behind you. Once again, you we’re praying to gods, goddess, and deities. Praying that whatever is out there won’t eat you alive. Swallowing down your fear, you began to walk, with the feeling of it stuck down in your stomach.

Once you were in her eyesight, she swatted her daughters arms. And like a puppy, the girl immediately obeyed, handing her phone to her. The lady was obnoxiously grumbling words under breath as she pressed record. And with a large gulp she began her fit. You knew exactly what was gonna happen.

This..this must be the Karen they’ve talked about.

“SAY HELLO TO THE MEDIA!” Her voice sings with pride, “THIS PERSON MADE MY DAUGHTER WAIT ONE HOUR FOR HER DRINK-“ Your eyes grew with shock at the woman’s words. But before you could say anything, the cashier next to you, Deku interjected. His arm reached over to hover over your body as a means to protect you.

“Hang on now!” He argued. “You’ve only been here for three minutes!” You nodded in agreement. Pushing Deku’s arm up to cover your face from the camera.

“I’m sorry for the wait ma’am” you apologize, “But all you had to do was wait a couple of more minute-“

“DO YOU SEE THIS?” The woman ignored your remarks and claims, instead focusing on her own, “THEY ARE TRYING TO DISCREDIT ME AND MY NINE! YES NINE! YEAR OLD DAUGHTER!” She waved her phone in her daughters face like she was evidence. She waved, hopped, and dance around the counters and to other people’s table. “HOW CAN YOU PEOPLE DRINK HERE!” Her words and movements were melodramatic and over the top.

And after her little rant to the people, some of which left, she stomped her way back to you and Deku. This time, she had a nasty smirk on her face and a hot drink in her free hand she stolen from another customer.

“Ya know what!”

“Oh no not this again”

Hastily, you moved Deku and you away from the woman’s sight. You two ran into the back kitchen to Chef Ramsey Bakugou. Who was now even more pissed. Not only did Y/N make a Karen mad (ok he knew it impossible not to make them mad he’s just stressed). But no, instead of running to him, Y/N runs to Deku first?! Man’s got his priorities straight.

As Deku quickly runs over the back area to get his phone, you rush over to Bakugou and the others in panic. “Bakugou, call the police!” The others around quickly take of aprons and another things at the words of that. Police involved?? Yep they think a murder just went down. But Bakugou just grumbles and huffs.

“No.”

....

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN NO!?” Bakugou looks at you with bewilderment, this is his first time hearing you yell at him that way. But before he process the fact that a cinnamon bun is yelling at him, you began to grasp and shake at his shoulders. “THE LADY IS TRYING TO KILL ME!”

“WELL YOU SHOULD’VE CAME TO ME INSTEAD OF FUCKING DEKU FOR PROTECTION..” Bakugou fumbled and shouted through his words. “Y-YOU BIG MEANIE”

You two went silent after that,

Big

...

Big Meanie?

Deku came out from the back with his phone, “Shoto!” Todoroki’s head jerked towards his way. “Help me with the Karen!” Todoroki nodded.

————-

Finally, the situation was under control, the Karen was banned from the coffee shop, Mina and Denki gave Kirishima some aloe. And while things didn’t really calm down until the day was done, everyone seemed a bit less tense, expect you and Bakugou. For the rest of the day, he was knocking over cups, using wrong lids, and spilling coffee. Dude’s lucky that he wasn’t fire. He felt embarrassed by the way he reacted. Now Y/N probably saw him as some type of control freak. Tensions were high and he was stressful.

Bakugou quickly moved pass the others, trying to clock out early before Y/N sees him-

“Hey Bakugou” Bakugou internally groaned at the sound of your voice. Screw you plot device he said to himself. Bakugou turned his head to the side to face you. Yo he side view is lowkey cute you noted. “Could we talk outside, after I clock out?”

Oh how badly Bakugou wanted to say no. The pit in his stomach grew bigger as he nodded.

“Great, just give me a second” Bakugou nodded once again and quickly clocked out. He’s footsteps echoed in his head as he waited outside, leaning against the glass wall of the store.

He didn’t know what you were gonna say, but he had an idea of it. He annoyed you to no end, made things harder for you, and was never truly nice to you that often. How was he suppose to believe that you would like a guy like him in anyway? He internally frowned at his thoughts, the words eating him up and chewing him out only to get stepped on by the crushing feeling of doubt.

Once he saw the buildings door open with you coming out to join him, that crushing feeling of doubt covered and weighed down on him. This was it he thought. He shoved his hands into his pockets, readying himself for the painful impact of rejected.

“Bakugou..” you softly asked. Bakugou hmm’d at you with a feeling of shame boiling inside.. “Did you mean it when you said i was a big meanie?” Bakugou let out a sigh of pain.

He caught onto your words late, “Look I’m sorry for-what?”

“You called me a big meanie.” You mumbled, “and I was wondering if you were serious because one, you’re like 23.”

“I’m 16” he deadpanned  “Like you.” You ignored him though.

“and two, you’re the one who’s been acting like a big meanie.” You accused which wasn’t contradicted, “And all cause you like me huh” Bakugou opened his mouth to spew his defense, but nothing came out but a small “I”. He sighed defeatedly.

“Im sorry,” He spoke. “I just, didn’t know how to tell you or whatever.” He spoke so awkwardly and shy. “I’ll uh, I’ll leave you alone or whatever.”

You drew out a finger, objecting. “Hold on now,” you replied. “Who said I didn’t like you?” Bakugou’s heart sparked at those words, he lifted his head, red sparks in his eyes. “Hey what can I say? A big meanie like me likes big meanies too.”

[ushidoux]

Be My Last - Iwaizumi x  Reader (Pt. 4)

Summary: You have trouble getting over a past relationship and it’s preventing you from moving forward. (~1.7 words)

Warnings: questionable fidelity, angst, but otherwise tame

A/N: There isn’t a lot of action in this chapter but a whole lot of feelings.

Part 1|| Part 2 || Part 3 || Part 4 || Part 5

-

You awoke to the sound of Iwaizumi’s careful shuffles around your bedroom as he got dressed for the day. Rising slowly to a sitting position with a stretch and a yawn, you noticed he was a little more dressed up than usual, his usual polo shirt and khakis replaced with a pair of sharp trousers, a nicely pressed shirt and a tie.

“Good morning, baby,” you murmured, voice still heavy with slumber.

Iwaizumi’s eyes shifted from their focus adjusting the sleeves of his shirt and smiled as he watched you rub the sleep out of your eyes, walking around to your side of the bed to kiss you on the forehead - a soft brush of the lips.

“Good morning, love. Did you sleep well?”

The smell of a gentle cologne drove you forward, intending to lean your face against his chest, but he was already back to his side of the bed to gather his things before setting out for the morning.

“I did… I can make breakfast if you’re not in a hurry!” You offered, eyes following the young man as he quickly exited the room.

“I’m alright!” He called, voice distant now. You could tell he was already rummaging around in the kitchen, and the smell of freshly brewed coffee wafted in your nostrils in sharp contrast to the toothpaste you were using to rid yourself of morning breath once you trailed behind him.

You glanced at the time on the wall clock, leaning against a wall opposite the inlet to the kitchen. He wasn’t exactly late for work, but he was rushing out faster than usual. 

“Is everything okay?” Your voice was muffled between spittle and mild concern.

He glanced at you, hesitating for a split second before smiling. 

“I’ll see you tonight,” he replied without answering your question, and then the door closed behind him.

There was a subtle sense of your blood cooling very slightly, a tinge of worry settling in your chest. Venturing back into the bathroom, you finished brushing your teeth, paying exquisite attention to your tired eyes in the mirror as though your reflection was the issue. 

Maybe you were overreacting. Things had been a little tense since your argument, but it was nothing that couldn’t be smoothed over. 

It was only after you’d settled back onto your side of the bed with your open laptop and your screen flickered on to display your ex’s Instagram page that your heart started to race.

You closed it shut again, wincing.

He didn’t see it. He couldn’t have. He would have said something. The argument would have started right up again. It wouldn’t have ended until one of you was sleeping on the couch or you were sleeping in each other’s arms.

You let out a deep breath, taking a few moments to let your self-defensive thoughts sink into your skin. It was nothing serious after all.

Overreaction after overreaction. The only thing that mattered right now was that you opened your laptop and spent your Friday off of work on getting ahead.

---

As luck would have it, Iwaizumi was stuck in traffic.  Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise that he’d wanted to escape your apartment as soon as possible and make it out early. He’d actually intended to leave before you woke up. 

As much as he didn’t want to admit it, he was still angry. 

Not at you. Never at you. At himself.

He remembered the words he had said to you at the start of your relationship, what felt both like just yesterday and ages ago.

Use me if you need to.

He gripped the steering wheel and grit his teeth, trying to maintain composure despite the fact that he’d been in the same spot on the road for the past ten minutes and people were laying into their horns around him.

What kind of stupid shit was that?

It had sounded good to say it at the time, like most things a guy says to woo a pretty girl. Use him. You’d fall in love with him later, in due time. He believed it was true then.

He hated that he was starting to lose faith in that now.

He hated the idea that someone else, who really wasn’t doing anything but simply existing in proximity to you was doing such a number on him. He couldn’t fault him either. Ushijima had loved you first. 

Did it matter if Iwa loved you more?

---

You’d given yourself that you weren’t allowed to leave your apartment until you got your work done, lest you come up with another excuse not to finish, which meant by the time the clock neared six p.m., you had laid sprawled in nearly every corner of your apartment typing and by now were cross-legged on the kitchen counter, your laptop balanced on your knees.

But you were finally done.

You sighed with excitement. Now to put that behind you. 

Saving your work, you slipped off of the countertop and back into your pair of slippers, moving back to your bedroom to change into a just as comfortable but more presentable pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt.

You were running out of snacks, as evidenced by the frequent trips to the kitchen over the past eight hours. What better way to treat yourself for a job well done but with a walk down to the convenience store to stock up?

Maybe you’d grab Iwa a bag of his favorite chips as a peace offering on the way too. 

---

“We’re already out, young lady!” the cashier teased the moment you crossed the store entrance, setting off the bell. 

You pout but still glance over to the row of baked goods, where your precious melon bread is normally stacked neatly in clear packaging, waiting for you. It’s a little bit embarrassing that he knew you would never pass up on it, but you’d lived here long enough that it wasn’t inconceivable that it’d become your defining trait.

“I’m absolutely devastated, sir!” You called back dramatically, making your way to the back for ice cream instead. They had what your favorite in stock, plus a limited edition flavor so you had more than enough consolation.

Satisfied, you closed the freezer door after picking your selection only to meet eyes with Ushijima, whose hand closed tightly around the handle of a fridge door. He stood a good distance away, but his eyes had been on you and remained so; the very slight part of his lips betrayed the fact that he had been trying to come up with something to say for the past couple of minutes.

He did say your name, something like a greeting, out loud, and you reflexively looked away, heart pounding. Granted you didn’t own this corner of town, but what were the chances he’d only chosen to go here?

Quickly realizing you still weren’t interested in talking, Ushijima pulled out a large bottle of water and closed the fridge, deciding not to bother you further.

It was suddenly a good thing that a text message to you on his phone was in drafts only, him not having the heart to send it. It wasn’t for a lack of courage… it was more so due to shame. Even if he felt like he had to apologize, there wasn’t much he felt he could say that would make it better, not worse.

His shame and your discomfort only intensified as he ended up queueing up behind you. Timing was never on his or your side it seemed.

Ushijima watched you tense up ever so slightly, your shoulders hunched as your arms overflowed with snacks, including the freezing tub of ice cream. Normally he’d offer to help with your load, given that he wasn’t carrying much more than the water but again, boundaries.

He’d set that distance himself.

In reality, he probably should have chosen another running path to discharge energy after practice had ended early today. However, it had been long enough that alternative courses didn’t come immediately to memory and he’d been willing to take that chance.

And here you both were.

He hated this, the obvious residual feelings bubbling to the surface after having been repressed for so long, the fact that he couldn’t justify any of his actions, the fact that he hated older him.

The fact that you won’t even look at him. 

Just say something. Anything. 

Is closure every really needed, or is it just an excuse to refuse to move on?

He opened his mouth to speak, yet again, but you beat him to it.

You turned towards him, smiling, albeit a weak imitation of what you’d always offered him, back when you loved him recklessly, with your whole heart.

“I… um, don’t want it to be awkward,” you said in a small voice. The sound of your voice, directed finally to him, unprompted made his own beat speed up.

Was this an olive branch you were extending that he didn’t deserve? He pondered this, steeling himself for the worst.

You kept your friendly expression as steady as possible. You weren’t sure what you were trying to prove, to yourself and to Iwa.

You didn’t love him. And for that reason, you had no right to be bitter or cold. Right?

“It doesn’t have to be awkward,” you continued.

Ushijima was at a loss for words now, watching you carefully with his normally sharp, hawk-like eyes but now more like the hawk’s prey, assessing the threat before it. Could he get his hopes up? “We can be friends,” you decided.

It’ll only hurt for a short bit of time, you told yourself. And soon things will be back to normal. As they should be.

A part of Ushijima wanted to reply, I don’t want to be friends. He’d finally realized this, no matter how selfish of a thought it was. However, he was content to nod only and swallow that thought. 

“I’d appreciate it.”

He watched you pay for your items and leave, unsure of what friendship would entail.

---

As you dug into your tub of ice cream a couple hours later, you realized you weren’t so sure what that entailed either.

If only to make it worse, then came the buzz of your phone with a single message, I miss you.

[blueposthings]

Cinnamon Roll (Reader x Steve Rogers)

Warnings: Language

Word count: 1.5k+

Prompts: 68. The world is against us + 26. I care about you, dummy

You glanced at your phone to see the clock staring back at you.

8:02 PM

He’s late. Steve is never late. 

You knew he was bound to be one day, and it seems like that day was today, but you couldn’t help to grow concerned. He didn’t have any missions today, at least not that you knew of, so he shouldn’t be in any life threatening situation that would restrict him from texting you. He could’ve at least informed you of his whereabouts, he knew how much of a mother-hen you could be despite him being at least a few decades older than you. Well what could you say, you had been through some terrible losses in your life and now you probably had borderline separation anxiety. Especially when it comes to Steve; the man had been one of the only constant things in your life for quite a while and you couldn’t lose him too.

You nervously shifted on your feet, fidgeting with the device on your hands. Your teeth found their way to your lips, a bad habit you formed in your early childhood years. Eventually your fingers started to absentmindedly pick on the skin of your fingers -another nervous habit. 

You suddenly felt a hand on your shoulder and you jumped. Your instincts kicked in before you could think and you grabbed the stranger’s wrist, twisting it to an almost unnatural angle. 

“Ow! Ow! It’s me!” Suddenly the figure spoke.

“Shit!” You immediately let the hand go, almost dropping your phone in the process. “I’m sorry! I thought it was someone else!”

Steve breathed with an amused smile on his face, “Jesus, Y/N, I guess I did a pretty decent job in teaching you self defense.”

“Where were you?” You finally felt yourself release a breath you didn’t know you were holding. “I was worried.”

“I apologize.” He smiled sympathetically, rubbing the spot you previously held -he’s a superhero, he’ll manage. “Fury kept me in a bit longer than I thought he would.”

“You could’ve texted me.” You said with no room for argument.

“I know, I’m sorry.” He smiled sheepishly before he started to walk down the sidewalk and you followed closely. “I promise it will not happen again.”

“It better not, Rogers.” You pointed a finger at his face with a fake threatening scowl on your lips.

He turned his head slightly towards you as you lowered your finger. “So, where are we heading tonight?”

“I wanted to try out the new donut shop down on Mains.” Your head tilted slightly in thought. “I heard they have good cinnamon rolls too.”

“Of course they do,” Steve couldn’t help the teasing smile emerging on his face.

“Hey, come on,” you lightly slapped his side, “it’s basically tradition for us to have a cinnamon roll together at this point, we’ve been doing it for like a year.”

“I know, I know.” Your companion put his hands up in surrender, his smile never leaving. “I just thought you would want to have something different by now, I thought you said you get bored easily.”

Your eyes drifted to the concrete below you as you muttered softly, “this is different.”

Sensing your change in mood, Steve brought his right arm up and across your smaller figure to pull you closer. He always noticed the slightest change of demeanor you had, even early in your friendship -it's one of the things you appreciated most of him. Another thing was that although you know he was curious and concerned, he never pressed too hard. He knew when to leave you alone and he trusted that you would tell him what you needed to tell him in your own time. 

On the rest of the walk there were a few small talks over your job or school and Steve’s petty complaints about his own job -yes, Steve Rogers does complain about being an Avenger sometimes, understandably so- but it was mostly spent in comforting silence of you and Steve just enjoying each other’s presence. Steve adjusted his pace for you, held you a little bit tighter to his side when a sudden breeze flowed by, glared at passersby whose eyes lingered a bit too long on you -the little things that made the walk shorter than it really was.

If it wasn’t for the most loved scent of coffee filling your nose when you walked in through the doorway of the shop, you would’ve dreaded reaching your destination. You excitedly rushed towards the glassed display filled with fluffy sweet treats. The colorful doughnuts and pastries alike lined up with a few blanks in random places due to how late in the day it was. 

“Hello there, welcome to Stan’s Sweets,” a cheerful voice chirped from behind the counter. “How can I help you?”

“Hi, I’d like one hot cappuccino please,” Steve ordered before you could reply. “What do you want, Y/N?”

“Uh…” You searched the menu hung above behind the cashier before finally turning to the girl before. “Can you maybe recommend me something?”

“Of course!” The teen squared up her shoulders in surprise and excitement. “What are you in the mood for?”

You thought for a quick second. “Something warm and sweet, but not too sweet- maybe a little bit of kick, you know what I mean?”

She nodded thoughtfully, “we have a chai latte, it’s actually one of our specialties.”

“That would be perfect, thanks-” you glanced at the name tag on her uniform, “Sarah.”

“My pleasure!” She typed in your order into the cashier machine. “That’s one cappuccino and one chai latte, anything else?”

“Yeah, I heard you have amazing cinnamon rolls, can we please get two of those?” You grinned excitedly and you could hear Steve chuckle at your antics.

But Sarah’s face fell into an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry I think we’ve run out for today.”

Your shoulders slumped and you turned your head to Steve who only gave you a sympathetic shrug. 

“Maybe you should order something else, Y/N, just this once.” He suggested.

“But we haven’t had one together in more than a month,” you whined. Okay maybe you were a little bit dramatic but you really wanted that roll.

“We’ll get one next time, doll.” Steve assured, shifting his figure closer to you.

“I’m so sorry, they do sell out quite quickly.” Sarah apologized once more.

“No, it’s okay.” You smiled weakly to the girl who seemed to appreciate the understanding a bit more than you’d expected. “I’ll just get a tiramisu cake then,”

“I can do that,” Sarah nodded, “and for you?”

“Oh, I’m good.” Steve dismissed kindly.

“Alright so that’s one cappuccino, one chai latte, and one tiramisu.” The young girl once again listed. “Your total is eleven dollars.”

Steve paid off the bill as he held your hand just a tad bit tighter so you couldn’t reach for your own wallet. After a promise of bringing your treats in a few minutes, you and Steve head deeper into the shop to search for a seat.

The shop wasn’t too crowded aside from a few students with their heads buried into their laptops and a few more couples scattered around. The two of you decided on the seat in the far corner and Steve sat against the wall with you across from him.

You sat with a sigh and a lingering pout which Steve noticed.

“You’re still upset about the cinnamon roll?” His head quirked to the side like a puppy.

“I’m not, I just-” you avoided his gaze, instead staring off outside the window far across the room. “We haven’t hung out in a long time and I know I’m overreacting but I just feel like the world is against us.”

Steve’s chest rumbles in a chuckle. “Well, this was supposed to be a surprise but I guess I can tell you now.”

This time it was you who appeared confused, “what surprise?”

Steve leaned in and rested his forearms on the table to get closer to you, a smile was adorning his face. “I might have had Buck teach me how to bake some cinnamon rolls.”

You gasped in delight. “You didn’t-”

“Of course I did.” Steve shrugged smugly, leaning back to his seat.

“You really did that?” Your eyes still held adoration and surprise. “For me?”

“Yes, Y/N, for you.” The blond nodded with a softer tone. 

“Why?”

Steve looked at you like you grew a new head. It took him a few seconds before he finally replied, “What do you mean ‘why’?”

“Well you don’t seem to like baking too much, I assume that’s why Bucky is the ‘baking half’ of your friendship,” you paused, “right?”

“I guess,” he nodded.

“So why did you do it?”

Steve once again smiled gently, his eyes kind. “Because I care about you, dummy.”

You froze. “Oh.”

“Yeah. Oh.” The man couldn’t help but laugh at your flustered state. 

Just then, Sarah came around with your cake and coffees but with a quick smile she left as fast as she came around. You were silent for a couple of minutes, playing with the spoon in your hand while Steve switched back and forth from watching you and watching the streets from the window.

“I- uh-” you started. Steve pulled his full attention towards you, his coffee almost half done. “Thank you, Steve.”

“Anytime, sweetheart.”

[brrrritscoldinhere]

The bunch of keys in Remus’ hands jingled as he unlocked the glass door, opening the doors to the big space of bookshelves filled to the brim with leather bound books. Turning around, he smiled serenely as he looked around. Sunlight filtered through the gaps of the curtains.

He opened them, light now illuminating the entire bookstore. He sighed as he turned on the air conditioning, letting a cool breeze sweep over the entire shop.

He loved his job. He was surrounded by things he loved and it was all so calm and peaceful. Everything was what it was supposed to be.

Remus went behind the counter, clearing up any dust that had been left behind the day before. He looked at the clock.

“Eight,” he murmured, smiling softly to himself. “Gives me an hour, then.”

He shrugged on his coat, fixed his hair a bit and headed out with his wallet and phone, locking the doors again.

He headed down the street to which he’d just moved into, admiring the cute houses and occasional shop. He smiled brightly when he walked up to the place he’d been coming to ever since he opened his store.

He pushed open the glass doors, the smell of baked goods and coffee making his stomach rumble.

He stepped up behind two people who were queuing, silently pulling out his phone to scroll through Instagram. He smiled at Lily’s selfie with Marlene and Mary in the background. He commented sarcastic eye roll emojis and hearts and put his phone in his pocket when it was his turn to order.

“The usual, Mr. Lupin?”

Remus smiled shyly and he nodded, looking up only to find his breath taken away, as always.

Because in front of him was the cafe cashier, Sirius Black, wearing a white apron and a black turtleneck underneath, hair tied up in a messy bun.

“Yeah,” Remus replied a little breathlessly. “The normal.”

“Iced latte and chocolate muffin!” Sirius yelled to the people manning the food and drinks a few meters behind him. He faced Remus again, shaking his head amusedly. “Don’t know why you still drink an iced latte in this cold ass weather.”

Remus let out a small laugh. “Don’t know either.”

Sirius perked up. “Almost forgot. Now, don’t tell anyone, but...”

Sirius slid a paper bag with two warn double chocolate chip cookies in it. Remus blinked and shook his head, trying to refuse but Sirius pushed him away as another customer entered the store. Remus sighed as he took the cookies and waited at the side of the store for his order. In less than ten minutes, his name got called and he collected his order, sending a fleeting smile towards Sirius and then rushing out of the cafe.

Every day it was like this. Head over to the cafe, buy breakfast, maybe flirt a little with Sirius, run out to tend to his bookshop and be busy for the rest of the day. Only talking to Sirius once every day, and then going to sleep thinking about his smile.

It could be better, but Remus wasn’t going to start complaining.

He sighed as he bit into the muffin, deciding to save the cookies for later.

𓅰𓅰𓅰

Remus woke up late on a Friday, because he’d been up late arranging and sorting out the new delivery of books that he’d ordered. He only collapsed on his bed at two in the morning, not even bothering to change his clothes.

He woke in a panic at fifty minutes past seven and hurriedly got ready and went down his bookstore. His apartment was situated a level above the bookshop, so it was much more convenient instead of having to wake up much earlier and then having to walk. Which meant that even if he woke up late, he wouldn’t be too late.

He managed to run down the stairs, nearly twisting his foot and unlocking the doors only eight minutes late. Thankfully, there weren’t any customers yet. People usually came in in the late afternoons or just before dinner, which gave Remus plenty of time to sort out orders and deliveries for books.

But only after a half an hour, people started coming in, streaming through the doors and browsing the shelves. Remus was surprised; usually only a few people came in once a day. Why so many now, and in such a short amount of time?

“Hey!”

Remus jerked, head looking up and eyes widening.

“Sirius?”

Sirius grinned, now wearing a leather jacket instead of his usual white apron. “Hey, stranger. Noticed how you didn’t come into the cafe today. Here.” He placed Remus’ order of iced latte and chocolate muffin — plus an extra two cookies — and leaned against the wooden counter.

“Nice thing you’ve got going on here,” Sirius commented lightly, smiling at the books. “It feels like it would be calm. Well, calm if there weren’t a crowd of people here right now.”

Remus laughed. “Yeah, sorry, don’t know why either. Usually it’s really quiet until later. And I didn’t head to the cafe because I woke up late. Been up all night sorting everything out.”

Sirius pursed his lips. “I... may know the reason why you’ve gotten a bunch of customers all of a sudden.”

Remus narrowed his eyes suspiciously. “Why?”

“I may have... promoted your bookstore a bit? Yesterday?”

Remus blinked. “What?”

Sirius scratched the back of his neck. “Yeah, I, uh, went onto my cafe’s social media platforms and uh, promoted your bookshop.”

Remus whipped out his phone and went to Twitter, searching the cafe Sirius worked at, and sure enough, a picture of his bookshop, taken while Remus wasn’t in. The light from the sun illuminated the inside through the windows, making the entire shop nearly glow. The caption above stated:

Mr. Lupin’s bookshop is a must to visit once you’ve bought from us! Books and cafe delights are something to bring peace to heart and mind. Check out Mr. Lupin’s bookshop and you won’t be disappointed, with your favorite titles about romance, adventure or fantasy at your fingertips with a cup of coffee right beside.

Remus’ eyes widened and he looked up at Sirius, who smiled sheepishly. Before he could say anything, though, a few customers started to line up. Sirius had to move to the side so Remus could help them.

Once that was tended to, Remus faced Sirius, who had sidled up next to him behind the counter. “You— you really did that.”

Sirius grinned. “I did.”

Remus smiled softly, blushing just a tiny bit. “Thanks. This... really means a lot to me.”

Sirius’ grin turned softer, quieter, more of an adoring look than a smile at that point. “You’re welcome. I’m glad it made you happy.”

An elderly woman came up to the desk, holding a copy of Anne Frank. “Hello dears, how much is this?”

Remus helped her with her payment, and when she had the paper bag in her arms securely, she asked sweetly, “You boys look very sweet together. Reminds me if my own grandson and his husband.”

Remus blushed and became flustered, trying to explain how he and Sirius weren’t together, but he was silenced when Sirius replied, “Thank you, ma’am. I like to think we look good together too.”

She smiled serenely and walked out of the store, leaving behind a stuttering Remus.

“You...”

“Go out on a date with me, Remus Lupin?” Sirius asked quietly, fiddling with his fingers. “I know— we don’t talk a lot, but I’m really smitten with you and I’m hoping—"

Remus cut him off with a chaste kiss, only pressing in a couple of seconds before parting.

“Yeah, I’ll go on a date with you,” Remus breathed. He jumped when a wolf whistle sounded through the shop, and everyone started applauding. Remus blushed furiously and shrunk back, glaring at Sirius who grinned at him and bowed as if he was part of a show that dramatically changed everyone’s lives.

𓅰𓅰𓅰

“So we’re having a coffee date right?”

“Would be wrong not to, to be honest.”

[1-800-imagines]

Summer Love |h.s|

no control part 1

tw: aggressive, douche bf (not harry)

Rowan was more excited for her second year of college at Dartmouth. She had a boyfriend and she was going to be a teaching assistant for English 1301. She had taken the course the year before and loved the professor. Dr. Montgomery had been impressed with Rowan that she had offered her a job for the next year and now Rowan basically was in charge of the class. She lectured, gave tests and quizzes, and graded papers. Dr. Montgomery was just there as a supervisor if Rowan had questions.

She was also excited for her classes because she was now able to take her major related courses. She adored English with her whole heart and now her schedule was full of English classes instead of just the basics. She had her classes that she was taking on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday's. And she taught two English 1301 classes on Tuesday and Thursday back to back.

Rowan was anxious about teaching. She was only 19. Her students would be the same age as her and might be in her other classes. It was the day before classes started and Rowan had moved into her apartment that day. It was a late start but her parents had wanted her home for as much as possible since she didn't come home much during the school year. Boston was only 2 hours away but Rowan didn't have a car.

Carter had helped Rowan move all her stuff in. Her parents had kissed her goodbye and left leaving the couple alone. Rowan flopped on her bed and laid back. She was exhausted from moving all the shit. She wanted a nap, but Carter was on her. "Not now, Cart," She mumbled with her eyes still closed.

"Come on, Ro. I helped you move all your heavy shit in and now you're gonna hold out on me," Carter said, his voice laced with guilt. Rowan sighed, but didn't move.

"No, I'm tired." She opened her eyes to look at him, "I'm sorry. Can't we nap and maybe after?" She asked him.

"God, you're such a bitch, Rowan." He snapped. His sweet attitude from earlier with his parents disappearing. He stood up from her bed and left with a huff, slamming the door. "Don't fucking text me." He yelled and the apartment door slammed again.

Rowan sighed again and shut her eyes. She honestly didn't care enough right now to deal with Carter and his antics. She was too tired. Their summer had been fun, but their relationship relied on sex and whenever Rowan didn't want to, he would get extremely mad and throw a fit. Rowan drifted into sleep without setting an alarm. It was only about 4:30.

——

When Rowan woke up, it was midnight. "Shit," She swore under her breath. She still had a LOT of stuff to do to prepare for classes and meeting with Dr. Montgomery tomorrow. On top of that, she probably wouldn't be able to sleep through the night. She sat up and looked around for her phone. When she turned it on she saw she had about 25 texts from Carter ranging from him being extremely angry to also saying he loved her and he was sorry. Rowan didn't want to deal with it. She plugged her phone into the charger and got up to finish dealing with her shit.

She was done prepping at 3am. And she had her first class at 9. She didn't have a car so she still had to walk to campus but she didn't live far. She was going to leave at 8 so she could pick up breakfast from the coffee stand. So in reality she needed to get up at 6:30 to shower. Rowan groaned thinking about everything and fell back in her bed. She set multiple alarms and fell back asleep.

At 6:30 sharp the alarm clock blared and she sprang out of bed, not wanting to be late. Her anxiety was always the worst on the first day. She actually had diagnosed anxiety and depression. She jumped into the shower to jolt herself awake. Mornings were always the hardest for Ro. She never wanted to get herself out of bed.

She let herself stay in the shower for 30 minutes and then get out and fully get ready. She dried her hair and put on some makeup. Her hair was generally pretty straight and currently was platinum blonde. She was a natural blonde but she liked it platinum best. She pulled on some ripped skinny jeans and a button up. It was 7:45 so she was good on time. She grabbed her vans and backpack and walked out the door, finally answering Carter. She simply just texted him, 'It's fine. See you after classes. R'

Before she shut the door, she yelled at her roommate, "Bye Ari!" Her best friend and roommate didn't have class till later but Rowan liked yelling at her start waking her up. Ari was even less of a morning person than Rowan.

Rowan made the trek to campus and to the coffee stand. She was in line, only kind of paying attention when it was her turn. "Hi, can I get a large double shot of espresso with cream and sugar? And then a bagel with butter?" The cashier nodded and she paid for her breakfast with her cash and change that was left from summer. She had a little bit of money from summer babysitting and knew she had to be careful about spending until the paychecks started rolling in.

Rowan turned on her foot to go wait for her order when she bumped into a very tall man, "Oh shit, I'm sorry." She said, dropping all her money on the floor, "Fuck." She had a major problem with swearing.

The man chuckled and bent down to help her pick up the money, "Don't worry about it, love." He had a thick british accent. He handed her the money and her heart skipped a beat. She realized she was staring and got a hold of herself.

"Thank you! Sorry again." She smiled and went over to wait for her coffee, slightly mortified. Rowan took out her phone to look down and texted Ari. 'I'm the biggest dumbass. I ran into this gorgeous man and dropped my fucking CHANGE at his feet and he picked it up for me and now I'm standing here looking like a fucking DORK'

She knew Ari wouldn't be awake yet, but it was a relief to tell someone even if they wouldn't read it till later.

The mysterious man walked over to wait next to Rowan and Rowan's heart was beating incredibly fast. How did someone have this effect on her? Carter sure didn't. "Rowan!" It snapped her out of her trance. She grabbed her order and awkwardly smiled at the man.

"Have a good day," The man said and Rowan nearly tripped.

"You too!" She said and ran off to try to avoid further embarrassing herself. "Jesus christ, get yourself together Rowan." She swore at herself and went to sit outside her class to eat.

Her first 4 classes went by quickly. She had biology, fiction & poetry, creative writing, and history all back to back. Then she had a break which overlapped with Ari. The two talked about Rowan's embarrassment of the day and Rowan saluted her and went to the class she was most excited about: Shakespeare's Greatest Works. It was taught by a new Professor.

She walked into class before it started and sat in the second row. She took out her notebook for that class and waited for class to start. On the dot of the hour, the door opened and Rowan gasped.

"Oh fuck me." She said a little bit too loudly. It caught the professor's attention and he smirked at her, giving her a little grin. It was the man from earlier.

"Alright class, I'm Professor Styles. Nice to meet you all." Rowan's heart nearly fell out of her chest.

[lokis-army-77]

If You Please

Chapter Eighteen

Bucky Barnes x Reader

Word Count: 2195

This is technically a reader insert but without the (y/n) and all that. She also has no name mentioned so feel free to imagine as you please.

Follow the reader through the events of the Captain America movies and experience her love for Bucky Barnes.

Warnings: Bucky being sad

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Masterlist

I woke up that next morning with a crick in my neck and something weighing me down, along with something warm tickling the back of my neck. I slowly opened my eyes, not used to the bright morning sun, and looked around. I was on the ground, not my mattress. I tried to roll over but an arm was stopping me, Bucky's arm. I smiled to myself as his grip around my waist tightened a bit.

“Bucky,” I whispered, trying to turn myself around in his arms.

“Hum?” He hummed out.

“Can you loosen your arms? I’m trying to turn around.”

“Hum,” He hummed out again, this time without a questioning tone. His arms loosened thor grip around me and I was then allowed to turn to my other side. The new position gave me a perfect view of Bucky’s slumbering face. It was a lot more peaceful looking than it usually did when he was sleeping.

I only got one good look at his face before he started to nuzzle into my neck, pulling me closer to him. I lit out a soft giggle before looking over to the far wall at the clock. I had thought it was early morning but with one look at the time, I was proven wrong. The hands were pointing at fifteen past one in the afternoon. My heart jumped at that. We slept almost the whole day away.`

“Bucky sweetheart, we need to get up.” I cooed at him, trying to lift his arms away from me.

“No.” He finally spoke out in a gravelly voice.

“It’s way past lunch, Buck. We need to get up.” I tried lifting his arm off of me again, only to fail. “Bucky.” I started to poke him in the side firmly repeatedly. He quickly moved his arm from around my waist and reached between us to grab hold of my hand. I pushed away from him and rolled onto my stomach so I could drag myself up. I look over at him as he groans loudly.

“My head is killing me.” He mumbles out as he rubs the sleep from his eyes.

“I know,” I said as I stepped into the kitchen to fill up two glasses of water. When I walked back to where he was laying I held out the glass and placed it into his outstretched hand. “Here, this might help a bit.”

“Thank you.” he sat up then tipped his head back and gulped down the water like he hadn't had any in forever. After all the water was gone he gasped a bit for air.

“Do you feel better now?” I asked as I took sips of my own water.

“Yeah, I do.” We stayed quiet for a few minutes after that, just enjoying the company of one another.

“Well, we’ve slept almost the entire day away so what would you like to do with the few hours of sun we have left?” I asked, turning my head to look at him.

“Would you like to go for a walk? I think I remember us going for walks every Sunday afternoon.” He eyed me through his hair.

“I would love that, let me change and then we can go.” I quickly got up off the floor and grabbed a change of clothes before making my way into the bathroom to get ready.

Upon exiting the bathroom I spotted Bucky in the kitchen pouring something into a bowl. He turned around when I shut the door. “I fixed cereal,” He said as he put the milk back into the fridge and then picked up the two bowls in order to bring me mine.

“Thanks,” I took the bowl from his hands and sat cross-legged on the loveseat, Bucky sat across from me at the dining table. We ate in a comfortable silence until we had both finished and then we left.

We walked down the streets and a couple of small alleyways before we eventually made it to one of the parks a few blocks away from the apartment building. We strolled leisurely through the tree-covered area, stopping every once in a while to just take in what was around us. Thankfully there weren't many people in the area we were walking in. We were still a bit nervous about being recognized.

I watched as Bucky quickly strode in front of me towards something I could not see just off the pathway. He came to a stop and bent down, he was picking something up. Slowly he turned around as he stood back up and in his metal hand were three flowers. As he came closer to me I began to see the tiny bouquet. They were a soft lilac with three delicate petals that came to a point and three smaller petals directly in the center.

Bucky held them out to me and I took them gently from his hand, bringing them to my nose to smell their sweet scent. I sighed out and flicked my gaze up to his eyes. He was watching me constantly. I flashed a smile at him before taking a step forward so I could interlock my arm with his.

“These are beautiful.”

He gave a small laugh before running his metal fingers through his hair. “I know I used to get you flowers on our walks.” I just nodded at him. We started back to walking and eventually, we made it to the edge of a pond. The sound of the water was relaxing and in the distance, I could hear the faint sound of a piano. I liked it here, I had a feeling I never really wanted to leave. Just stay here, build a new life with Bucky. It sounded like a good idea.

“Hey, Buck?” I questioned.

“Yeah, Doll?” He said casually. I almost tripped over my own feet, if Bucky wasn’t holding onto my arm then I would have fallen face-first into the concrete. His saying the endearment was more shocking to me than when he said my actual name for the first time. I didn’t say anything about it though, instead, I just went along with what I was initially going to say.

“What do you think about settling down here? Save up some money, get a house and just live a simple life out in the Romanian countryside. We won’t have to worry about anything, no fighting, no HYDRA or SHIELD, just us two.”

He was quiet like he always was nowadays. Then he nodded. “That would be amazing and we could have that farm we talked about right after you graduated.” I smiled wide as he remembered something we had talked about years ago.

We continued our walk all the way around the park. It was almost five before we made it to the block our apartment was on and by that time the sun was beginning to get lower in the sky. At some point Bucky had unhooked our arms and was now holding onto my hand, our fingers interlaced.

“Why don’t we get takeout for dinner? I don’t feel like cooking today.” I suggest when I spot one of the small pizza places by the apartment.

“Yeah, I’ve got some money.” He tugs me into the restaurant and places an order. After sliding the cashier a few bills he walks back over to me so we can wait for our food.

Several weeks had now passed and it was nearing the beginning of September. After the walk, we had in July things changed, for the better of course. Bucky had found a second twin-sized mattress and we had pushed them together to make a king-sized bed on the floor. He began to hold me close to him when we slept, his head always buried in the back of my neck. His nightmares had almost come to a complete stop, he only had one once during August and that was it.

After our talk of getting a house, we both got some small, under-the-table jobs. Nothing dangerous, just something we didn’t have to provide identification papers for. It would take a while for us to create new identities here.

Today was an off day for me. Bucky had gone off to a job early this morning and I just stayed home relaxing and reading. There still really wasn't anything to do in our small apartment. When I inevitably got bored I started cleaning. You would think with this just being one tiny room and a bathroom, it wouldn't take long at all to clean, no it actually took almost all afternoon. By the time I was finished the place was practically shining.

Around five I started making some dinner, knowing that Bucky would be back soon. He ended up strolling through the door right after I put away the dishes I had dirtied up to fix food.

“Something smells good.” He started as he walked to stand by my side at the stove. He looked into the pot and smiled seeing the roast and potatoes. He reached out for the fork I was handing him. I sat a bowl down in front of him and another in front of myself.

“Dig in,” I said before pausing to look at him. “I think after we eat I need to cut your hair. It’s past your shoulders.”

He stopped, dropping the meat from his fork into the bowl. “No, you are going nowhere near my hair.”

“You at least need a trim, I won't chop it off if you don’t want me to.” I reasoned with him as I began to shovel meat from the pot into my bowl, along with a bit of the broth. Bucky eyed me suspiciously. “What? I mean it.”

“I don’t know, I seem to be remembering that the last time you said you were cutting someone's hair, Steve ended up with a stripe of hair missing.”

“That was not my fault,” I scoffed. “I told him to be still and he moved his head because you,” I poked him in the arm for emphasis, “decided to throw a ball at his head right as I put the clippers to him. So if you’re worried then you better not move your head.”

He said nothing as he continued to place more meat and potatoes in his bowl. I shook my head and went to sit down at the table, Bucky followed shortly after.

“Fine, just a trim.”

After dinner, Bucky cleaned up our dishes while I got the bathroom ready so I could cut his hair. I dug under the cabinet for a minute before finding the pair of scissors I bought a couple months back so I could trim my own hair.

Pretty soon Bucky made his way into the bathroom and I sat him down on the chair I had placed in front of the mirror.

“Okay, let's get started,” I said enthusiastically as I grabbed the spray bottle of water from the counter, as well as the comb. I wet his hair and gently combed through the knots, when his hair was nice and smooth I sat the spray bottle down and reached for the scissors. Placing my hands on his head I maneuvered him to where I needed. “Don’t move, or else.” I threatened.

He gave a short laugh before saying, “I won't.”

When I had finished cutting his hair, it was probably a little shorter than it was in January. I quickly dusted the hair from around his shoulders and sat the comb and scissors back down on the counter. “Okay, you’re done.”

He stood up from the chair and leaned forward to look in the mirror. “It looks great Doll, thank you.” He turned himself around in the tiny space, reached over the chair to me, and placed a small kiss on my cheek.

“Um- why don’t you go take a shower so you can get loose hair off,” I say as I grab the chair to drag it out of the bathroom. He nods at my suggestion and I slowly shut the door behind me as I walk out.

I scooted the chair back into its spot at the dining table and then went to lay down on the bed. I grabbed the book I had been reading so I can have something to do while I wait for him. Only about five minutes pass before Bucky is exiting the bathroom with damp hair and pajamas on. He comes and lays down next to me and grabs his book as well. He was still reading ‘The Hobbit’, I think this was his third time through it.

The longer I read the more tired I became until I eventually laid my book down and closed my eyes. I turned on my side so I could curl up next to Bucky's side. I felt him shuffle around to accommodate me before I heard him start to speak quietly. It took me a second to realize he was reading aloud to me. I smiled and sighed contently as I listened to him read something about trolls.

Tag List: @ginger-swag-rapunzel @underc0vercryptid-reads @geek-and-proud @intothesoul @leyannrae @starkleila @andy-is-gay

[fuck-customers]

i’ve been working at [NAME REDACTED] for about a month now. it’s my first “real” retail job and i knew before how bad retail is and how bad the customers are but you really can’t know until you’re in it. the store’s target demographic is karens (and they all look the same — if i get put on greeter i often struggle trying to tell if someone has been in here twice or not). a store full of average customers is bad enough but when they’re almost all karens? just awful. without further ado i will now complain about everything bad about working there.

-i consider myself lucky if a customer walks in wearing a mask properly

-the rest of them? under their noses, on their chins, or just none at all. it’s gotten to the point where the sight of an entire human face or even a nose gives me a physical reaction of disgust. i don’t know how i haven’t gotten covid yet

-customers coming to my register immediately when they see the customer before them leave, like motherfucker did you not hear all the cashiers calling the customers up when you were in line? i have to wipe down the counter for your nasty ass, give me time to do it

-the people who get pissy at me for advertising the rewards card. like sorry bruh if i don’t advertise it to you my manager will just get pissy at me instead. lose-lose. fuck the reward cards in general, i’m tired of trying to sell them just for management’s approval. also it’s very obviously a shit deal for the customer i don’t blame them for not wanting to sign up

-i am not allowed to go on break or clock out if there’s a line. sometimes there can be a line continuously for a looooong time. the other day i had to stay 30 minutes past when i was supposed to get off because the line didn’t die down. fuck customers get out of my store

-customers who come in with kids. i love kids and i think they’re adorable but i guess karen spawn are built different. they cry incessantly (not their fault, but goddamn if you as a parent don’t know how to get your baby to stop crying then you probably shouldn’t be a parent), they leave messes and spill shit everywhere, they don’t wear masks (even some of the older kids, like 10 year olds), they fuck up my display at the register, and also the baby clothes are a pain in the ass to bag because they’re always attached to the hangers and hangers don’t do well being bagged.

-customers who leave their carts in my line. the registers are all in one row along the back wall, if they leave a cart i have to walk all the way around the end to get it. and they always have to leave them when there’s a huge rush and i don’t have *time* to run and put it away.

-i’m actually not allowed to tell a customer to put on a mask, even though store policy says all customers have to wear one at all times (with the exception of people with medical conditions that necessitate not wearing a mask). the only thing i’m allowed to do is offer a mask, if they refuse i can’t tell them to put one on or else i’d get fired.

-starting pay is $10/hr and i probably will never get a raise

-seriously it is so disheartening to work an hour and only make ten dollars. actually less than that because of taxes

-there are no full-time entry level positions. the only people who get full time are management. i wanted a full time job originally but at my interview they told me that and i said “that’s fine as long as i can get around 30 hours a week” and they said “yeah you’ll probably get 25-30”. my average has been 20.

-i’m like 99% sure there are no full-time cashiers just so they don’t have to pay us benefits

-one of my supervisors is so overbearing and talks down to me and all the cashiers my age. she gets on my ass for taking too long to tidy up my register between customers, likes to just stand right behind me, is more strict about not letting me go on break when there’s a line, and is the one who gives me the most shit for not selling enough reward cards. when i do get a reward card she jumps in halfway through to “help” even though i don’t need it and then takes half the credit for my card that i sold. i mentioned it to another supervisor and she said “yeah i’ve been noticing that” but i know nothing is gonna change.

-customers who say “bless your heart”

-customers who need everything wrapped. it is so unnecessary, i can just bag the breakable stuff individually and you’ll be fine.

-relatedly, customers who need large bags for things. they’re on the bottom shelf of the counter and it takes more time to bend down, get however many bags, and open them all. the bags are harder to open than customers will ever know. you don’t need your lamp in a bag just carry it 50 feet to your car you lazy fuck

-markdown bitches (they always only get 10% off too, like did they really think they were gonna accomplish anything)

-i’m tired of walking by the security camera with a screen showing the feed and seeing how my entire body looks when i walk. not anybody’s fault but i just hate it

-being on greeter and having to wipe down everyone’s carts. i don’t hate the act itself of wiping the carts down but i do hate when customers touch and put back a cart that i just cleaned

-not something bad but i find it funny that since i’ve started working here, now whenever i’m the customer somewhere i do my customer service voice at whoever’s working

as much as everything sucks it could be much worse, i’ll probably work here for another several months. most of my coworkers are cool and make it bearable. working here has also made me feel bad whenever i enter a store and i always try to be a breath of fresh air for the people working there (in my experience it is so relieving to get a good customer and it’s usually people who also work in retail, i love being able to drop my customer service voice and talk to them like a normal person) but uhh yeah if anyone has any advice on how to be better when i’m the customer lmk

Submitted by @officialcooldyke edited because store name was too close to real name.

-Rodney