#my so got an espresso machine for his birthday

[todaysromano]

08.21.2024

Today, Romano watched a beautiful sunset.

Arab.com link

[crackedpumpkin]

𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 | 𝟎𝟓 |

a/n: okok im sorry this series is lowkey super slow i promise it gets better without compromising on the soulmate stuff aight <3

[ 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 ] | [ 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 ] | [ 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 ]

“Should I grapes?” 

Your dad blinks. “I beg your pardon?” Squinting at the bunch of grapes in your hand, your foggy mind tries to comprehend what you are trying to ask. Eventually, you get there, the lost words finding their way back to you.

“Should I eat grapes?”

“If you want, just be sure not to be late for school.” He shrugs, taking a sip of coffee. He holds it out, offering some to you. Shaking your head dismissively, you tiptoe and grab the container of ground coffee, placing it down on the counter. “Order up,” He jokes, watching you prep the coffee for the espresso machine.

You’d gotten it as a gift on your nineteenth birthday, having picked it out yourself online before heading down to the store with your dad to buy it. It’s your baby, your pride and joy, and you’d use it to its fullest potential each time. 

There’s even a dedicated rack of syrups and other things you’d purchased online, but you always made an iced latte in the mornings. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have the strength to get through the day. 

“I’ve got my first session today with Master Wu, so I’ll probably be back late.” You inform him, sitting down at the table after making yourself a vanilla latte. Emily's already made a plate of French toast that he’s munching on, having saved two slices for you.

You eat it regardless, choosing not to acknowledge this fact. A glance at the clock tells you that you’ve got plenty of time to finish up and make your way over to the university. You mentally tick off the checklist in your head, assured that you’ve completed most of, if not all, your work and assignments. 

Although, that wouldn’t stay true for very long. The professor in your third lesson would probably give you yet another essay. At least you get off school early, which means that you’d have plenty of time before your lessons with Master Wu would start. 

“Have you made any new friends yet?” 

The remains of toast in your hands halt halfway to your mouth, eyes flitting from it to your dad’s inquisitive gaze. Slowly, you bring it to your mouth and bite off a piece, averting your gaze and chewing slowly.

He sets down his phone, the morning news displayed on the bright screen. Clearing his throat, he takes another swig of coffee before massaging the area between his eyes. “Did you get into a fight? At least tell me you won.”

“I did not get into a fight,” you say with mild outrage, offended he’d even consider the option. “And for your information, I have made two new friends.” you point the crust of the french toast at him with a frown. 

He leans back in his chair with a raised brow. “What are their names?”

Crap.

“For your information, they prefer to not have their names disclosed. Confidentiality reasons.” To be fair, you aren’t exactly lying, per se. It’s somewhat true. The ninja are technically your new friends now, right? And you can’t just reveal their names, it’d destroy the whole point of a secret identity.

You nod absentmindedly, your thoughts making perfect logical sense in your head. The coffee is almost gone from your cup, and you peek at the espresso machine that’s practically calling your name. Surely there’s time for another cup, right?

“Sometimes I wonder if I dropped you on the head as a baby.” He mumbles with a tilt of his head, though the corners of his mouth hint at an amused smile. “Even if I did, I’m pretty sure I’d have taken you to the doctor’s. I think.” 

Casting him an odd look, you shrug and quickly do the dishes. Realising there isn’t enough time to make another cup of coffee, you decide to head out to your first few classes of the day. 

“Be back by 8!” You call out at the doorway, slipping a finger into the back of your sneakers to help shove them over your heel. The tote bag almost hits you in the face as you lean down, narrowly avoiding it and swinging open the door.

Warm sunlight greets your skin, happiness rushing through your veins as you pop in your earbuds and make your way to the university. Each step has a slight spring to it, and the colours all around are surprisingly more vibrant than usual. Delicious scents warm the air as you pass by Chinatown, mentally marking it down to visit another day.

With your entire being brimming with joy, there’s surely nothing that can go wrong, right?

— — — — — 

Wrong. 

This is all very wrong. 

“And I was telling her all about how the professor is a total quack! Right?” Your body tilts to the side as someone shoves it teasingly, almost falling off the chair then and there. Mustering all the energy you have left, you lift your head and take a deep breath, plastering on the brightest smile you can muster. 

Abby sits next to you, the table crowded with students. “Anyway, did you know she’s taking lessons from Master Wu??” The entire table gasps in shock, you included (sarcastically, of course. But it went unnoticed, unfortunately). 

She gives you an odd look, tossing your response aside in favour of talking excitedly about how one time one of the ninjas saved her from a falling building or something of the like - you weren’t paying attention. 

Instead, you’re busy planning for a way to escape from the group. You’re not even sure how you ended up here in the first place. One moment, you got paired up for an assignment with Abby, and the next, you’re sitting down in one of the food courts around campus after she found out you had lessons with Master Wu after school.

In hindsight, it was stupid of you to reveal that. Back home, no one cared if you had connections to a celebrity, unless they actually showed up. You’d subconsciously let down your guard, and now everyone’s bombarding you with questions about the ninja.

“So, is it true that Kai uses hairspray and not gel?”

“Does Zane eat?”

“Can you help me get Nya’s shirt??”

That was probably the final straw. You clear your throat and instantly everyone quiets down, waiting with bated breath for your reply. Pausing for a moment, you smile as you part your lips to speak.

“I’m gonna be late for class.” 

Taking advantage of the silence that follows while they process your short reply, you grab your bag and run, leaving them behind. It’s not long before chagrined voices start to complain, feeling only slightly guilty for Abby who’s left behind to salvage the social situation.

That wouldn’t be hard for her though, you suspect. She seems to be a social butterfly, which works out great, but also horrible, considering that she pretty much dragged you there. Wanting to make friends is a goal you want to cross off, but not this way.

The rest of the morning passes by fast, but your mental stamina starts to drain more and more with each passing hour. Finally, the professor releases you for the day, with the bright and cheery smile she gets from seeing her students suffer, like all professors do.

The classroom fills with chatter as the students all leave until you’re the only one left trying to stuff the laptop into your tote bag. A sudden tap on your shoulder makes you flinch, turning in surprise to see a brunette standing behind you.

She fiddles with something in her hands, eyes darting everywhere but at you. “Can I help you?” The moment you speak, she flinches a little, taking a visible breath before pressing her lips together determinedly.

“Hi, I’m Holly. You left this behind in the food court earlier…I was sitting at another table.”

“Oh, thanks,” you say with mild surprise, taking the student pass she holds out with a grateful smile. “I wouldn’t be able to get in the classrooms tomorrow if not for you,” you joke, waving it at her with a wink.

She seems to ease up, shoulders visibly relaxing as she laughs. “How’d you get into the classroom today then?” You shrug.

“I was behind someone else who was headed in the same direction and got too lazy to pull out the card, so I asked them to open it for me. Luckily, he was in the same class.”

“That’s so fair,” She replies with a wise nod. “Anyway, it’s nice to meet you. I’m in this class too. It’d be great if you could consider me as a project partner sometime!” 

Humming, you thoughtfully mull the idea over before nodding. “Sounds good to me. I gotta head off now though. I’ll see you around Holly.”

“See you!” She waves you off as you rush out the door, an odd warmth in your chest. Thinking back to your interaction with her makes you smile. She hadn’t asked about Master Wu or the ninja…

Maybe she might just be your first friend.

— — — — — 

The climb up the steep steps of the mountain is the usual, though this time you’re supercharged by the thought of having potentially met your very first friend in school. Even your loud knock on the monastery doors sounds cheery.

Zane opens the door, surprise written on his face at your bright smile, though maybe your flushed cheeks and beads of sweat rolling down your face don’t help convey it. “Hey there buddy,” you greet.

“Hello there friend! You arrived early today. Do you need a shower?”

You shake your head, walking inside and instantly being greeted by the regulated cooling system that keeps everything at the ideal temperature they decided. “I’ll just sweat it all out. Hey, is Cole around? I gotta return something to him.” 

“He’ll be back soon from patrol. In the meantime, why don’t you come and grab a drink?” Zane offers, leading the way at your eager nod. The moment you walk to the doorway leading inside, Zane pauses, turning to stare at you.

“...Can I help you?” 

He tilts his head slightly, eyes narrowing as if contemplating what to say. “I do not mean to offend you, but I strongly advise taking a shower. It is not that you smell bad, but you will need it, based on my personal experience.”

Crossing your arms, you raise a brow at him. "Are you saying I smell like a gym sock?"

He hesitates. "...No. I'm just saying that most people who climb up the mountain end up smelling like a gym sock and usually shower afterwards."

Flinching slightly, you press your lips together into a thin line. "Touché, ninja. Touché."

You take the lead, your body vaguely remembering where the bathroom is from your last visit. The shower is a separate room inside the bathroom, ensuring the utmost privacy for whoever uses it. 

“Here, you can change into these after.” Zane hands a set of clothes toward you from a drawer. Accepting them gladly, you head to the bathroom and lock the door. Taking a quick shower, your body welcomes the lukewarm water that flows down your skin, dripping off your fingertips. 

Upon changing into the loose black shirt and training pants, you secure the latter by pulling the strings and tying them tightly so they won’t fall. Zane nods in approval once you step out more refreshed than before, tossing the towel in the laundry basket off to the side. 

“Thanks, I’ll be sure to wash and return these.” Lifting your arms and swinging them back and forth a little creates a slight gust of wind that cools down your armpits wonderfully. That, combined with the sunny weather outside, is a picturesque scene for training. 

He shakes his head with a smile. “There is no need. Feel free to keep them. We have too many clothes here, and it’s better to give them freely.” 

Slightly odd response, but who are you to question their recycling decisions? Choosing to take it as is, you grin and continue the walk to the dojo. Zane waves goodbye to you, sliding the door shut. 

Master Wu sits in the middle of the room with a cup of tea, sipping away in peace and calm. Approaching him, you automatically bow a full ninety degrees. The practice was drilled into you until it was almost instinct, especially if you were indirectly rude. Sometimes, you can still feel the screaming pain of your thighs crying out for mercy, forced to remain in a training position as punishment.

Rising from the bow, you hesitate slightly, waiting for Master Wu to acknowledge your presence. His eyes remain closed, his breathing deep and steady, embodying the very essence of tranquillity. After what feels like an eternity, he opens his eyes and meets your gaze with a serene smile.

“Sit,” he says softly, gesturing to the mat across from him. You comply, folding your legs underneath you and trying to mirror his calm.

“You have come far in your journey,” Master Wu begins, setting down his cup. “But there is always more to learn. You are skilled with the blade, but true mastery requires understanding beyond the sword.”

He rises gracefully. “Today, we will focus on adaptability,” Master Wu explains, “Kendo teaches you to be direct and powerful, but sometimes, you must flow like water.” He walks over to the empty wall and presses a hidden button.

A section of the wall moves, smoothly rotating to reveal a wall or neatly displayed weapons on the other side. He grabs two wooden swords, throwing one at you. Your hands reach out to grab it as you stand, shifting into your stance.

“Now, we shall spar.”

What?

Before you can blink, a sharp pain blooms on the side of your torso. Stumbling back a few steps, you gulp in a mouthful of air as you process what’s just happened. Master Wu is only a few steps away from you, the sword in his hand no longer there for a light demonstration. 

You ready yourself, thankful he’s given you a few moments to breathe. The pain still throbs, ignoring it to focus on him. The blade stills in your vision, fingers tightly gripping the handle. It’s barely another second before you swing the blade, charging toward his nonchalant figure.

With a swift, fluid motion, Master Wu deflects your strike effortlessly, redirecting your momentum and causing you to stumble past him. His movements are smooth and unhurried, a stark contrast to your forceful approach.

"Adapt," he advises calmly, "Use your opponent's energy against them."

You turn quickly, regaining your balance and taking a deep breath. This time, you focus on the flow of his movements, watching for an opening. He remains relaxed, his stance fluid and ready. You feint to the right, then pivot to the left, aiming a strike at his side.

He counters with ease, the wooden swords clacking together sharply. Instead of resisting, you let the force of his parry guide your movements, spinning around and striking from a different angle. His eyes light up with approval as he blocks again, your movements starting to resemble a dance more than a duel.

"Good," he says, his voice steady. "Feel the flow. Do not fight it."

You continue sparring, each strike and block becoming more instinctive. He still lands more than his fair share of hits, while your wooden blade barely brushes against the fabric of his robes. Gritting your teeth at the sharp blow dealt to your leg, you tense every muscle in your body and continue to spar.

The sounds of your wooden blades clashing fill the air, your heavy breathing included. The fluidity and grace in his motions piss you off, a stark contrast to the rigid discipline of Kendo. 

Why won’t he let me hithimgodfuckingdamnit-

A slight bonk on the side of your head snaps you out of your thoughts, skidding back and breathing heavily as you process it. “...Did you just hit my head?”  

Master Wu blinks. “Yes.” 

Then he strikes again, this time a slightly gentler hit on your calf, compared to the previous ones. You’re not sure whether to be thankful or frustrated - he’d just shown you how severely lacking you are, after all. 

“We shall take a break,” he announces. It’s only then when you lower your sword that you notice the abundance of sweat dripping down your face, your back completely soaked. You collapse to the ground, legs sprawled out as you finally get the chance to catch your breath.

As you continue to practically gulp in mouthfuls of air, you turn to look at Master Wu who’s sitting down with another cup of tea. “I have a question.” He hums curiously, raising a brow. “Why’re you teaching me this and not Kendo?” 

Hell yeah, drop that old man wisdom on me.

“The strikes and stances of kendo are ingrained in your muscles,” He explains, “but it does not mean you are invincible. Kendo has its strengths, but it also has its weaknesses. By learning to be fluid with your movements, you will become a better fighter than before.”

He tilts the teapot, pouring tea into a separate cup which he then holds out to you. Summoning all the strength in your body to crawl (yes, crawl. It’s embarrassing, but you’re truly too tired to care) to the small table, you pull yourself up and sit opposite him. 

Without thinking twice, you tilt the cup back and down it in a single gulp, exhaling happily as it goes down your throat and warms your body.

Opening your eyes, you spot Master Wu’s bemused gaze, freezing momentarily before offering him the empty cup with a sheepish smile.

He fills it up at your silent request, letting it pass. “Your body is that of a cup. It can only hold so much, but once you break past your limits, you can expand its capacity.”

You nod slowly, the warmth of the tea seeping into your bones, easing the aches from your recent sparring. "So, I need to break my limbs?" That’s probably not what he's trying to get at, from the way his eyes widen at your response.

“Not at all,” he chuckles, “challenge yourself. Learn as much as you can. Then, make it your own. That is why I am teaching you. Not just because of your stepmother, and not just in the name of self-defence. You enjoy it, don’t you?”

Pursing your lips, you choose to sip quietly. He’d seen through you as easily as glass. You wouldn’t easily admit it to anyone, but you missed the intense training and the time spent sparring with your previous master. 

The blood rushing through your veins and the sweat dripping down your brow every time gave you a rush of adrenaline you’d grown addicted to.

Now, it’s hard to refrain from. That’s not to say you’d do it every day of the week of course, but at its core, you found it fun.

“Ah, Cole.” He greets, raising his cup. You tense, turning back to see the Earth Ninja all dressed up in his gi. He takes off the hood, mirroring the baffled expression on your face. “Just in time.”

Cole approaches the both of you, bowing to Master Wu and sitting beside you. He looks over, eyes filled with surprise at your presence. Lifting your cup, you offer it to him in a show of good relations. “Tea?”

He shakes his head in refusal. Shrugging, you retract your offer and sip away.

Only to choke when you see him take out a cup of his own. Master Wu seems unfazed, pouring the tea into his cup as if it were the norm to carry it around. “Dude, do you keep that on you?” 

He raises a brow at the pure amusement in your voice. “You got a problem with that?” 

“No, not at all.” You reply, pressing your lips together to hide the growing smile on your face. “I’m sure you’ve good reason to do so. Like urgent tea sessions or when the kitchen doesn’t have any more vessels for beverages.” You add with a solemn nod.

First Papa’s, now this? What next, an emergency blanket?

“Okay, snob. I bet you don’t have your own cup, anyway.” He retorts with a huff, rolling his eyes.

“For your information, I happen to have the best mug in the world. It was a birthday gift, not sure if you’ve ever had one though.” 

“A mug? As a birthday gift? What are you, lame?” He snorts, shaking his head in amusement.

“Where the hell do you keep it anyway? Won’t it get crushed because of all the fighting and stuff?” You ask, choosing to change the topic. He goes along with it (thank god), taking a sip before explaining that he puts it in a pouch that’s designed to turn stiff when pressure is placed on it.

Master Wu interrupts your discussion by clearing his throat and peeking an eye open. Cole Instantly straightens his back, delivering his report on the day’s patrol. “Anyway, I’ll get going now.” He starts to get up, only to pause when Master Wu puts forth a suggestion.

“Why don’t you stay and have a spar with her?”

“Me? Spar with her?” He looks you up and down, taking in your flushed cheeks and sweat-ridden body. “Won’t she collapse?”

Your lips part in a silent gasp, offended by his tone. “Excuse me,” you haul yourself off the floor with a grunt, taking a step forward and jabbing a finger into his chest. “I’ll have you know that I can beat your ass any day.”

He smirks, pushing aside your arm and taking a step forward, leaving barely any space between your bodies. “I’d like to see you try.” Your eyes narrow into a glare, infuriated by the smugness in his eyes. 

Another cough interrupts you both, breaking your gaze and turning to see Master Wu’s raised brows as he stares at the both of you. You hastily take a step back, pushing him away in the process. 

He lifts a hand and brushes off the imaginary dust left by your finger. You glare at him, grabbing the sword that lies at Master Wu’s side. You toss it to him, frowning when he catches it with ease without being caught off guard by the sudden toss.

Walking over to an empty spot in the dojo, you breathe in slowly, sucking in the cool air through your teeth. “Remember, true strength lies not just in power, but in the ability to adapt and flow,” Master Wu advises from the side, using his cane as a division between you both.

Your form is almost perfect, every muscle tense as you grip the handle of your sword with determination. You would not let this bastard get the upper hand on you. Even if he is a ninja, he can’t always be on his toes the whole time.

“Begin.” 

In the split moment that Master Wu’s command rings through the air, you lift the sword and strike. Cole manages to barely dodge it, the gust of wind generated by the powerful blow moving a few strands of his hair across his face.

He does a backflip, landing perfectly on his feet and holding the sword out in defence. He chuckles wryly. “Not bad for a musketeer.” Your cheeks warm at the reference, recalling the night he’d found you in that hole not too long ago caused by the very thief who snuck into the fundraiser. 

“Very funny, Earth Ninja. Am I supposed to applaud?” You ask sarcastically, lunging forward and striking once more. He parries easily, only for you to use the momentum to aim a kick at the back of his legs.

He stumbles to the ground, landing on his knees before bolting back up again with a glint in his eyes. “Fair point. I guess we’ll be doing this seriously after all. Don’t chicken out.” 

“Are you sure you should be saying that?” You fake a sympathetic pout, tilting your head in pity. “Don’t you need ointment for those bruises first?”

The ghost of an amused smile flickers across his face, holding his sword up and moving toward you once more. The blades clash with a resounding knock, the vibrations travelling through the wood and into your hands. They tremble slightly, neither of you willing to give way to the other. 

“Wanna make a bet?” He suggests through gritted teeth, though you can tell he probably isn’t using his full strength. You’d heard about his supposed ‘super-strength’ through Melody’s rambles, and you’d rather die than admit that you’re grateful he isn’t using it.

Contemplating it through heavy breaths and aching muscles, you decide to accept. Not readily though, of course. “What’re the stakes?” You ask, before using his weight against him and side-stepping out of the way to nail a punch at his side.

He dodges it easily, leaving you to groan in frustration before putting some distance between you both. Barely a second later, your swords clash again, this time with an emotion resembling that of humour behind either of your intentions. 

“Loser buys dinner.” 

Deeming it an acceptable bet with a nod, your mind races with ways that you could potentially win. Drop the sword and surprise him with a punch? Try to kick his feet? Deal more strikes, but swifter and faster than before?

Unfortunately, fate is unkind to you as always. Before you can react fast enough, he twists his body sideways, bending low and using the blunt of the blade to deal a sharp hit to your abdomen. 

It knocks the wind out of you. You’re barely able to defend yourself before he sweeps his leg, knocking yours from under you and making you land on your back. Your body erupts with coughs as you try to catch your breath, your chest heaving.

“Looks like I’ve won.” He shrugs, nonchalant words accompanied by the smug grin on his face you wish you could wipe off.

With the tip of the blade pointed at your throat, you raise your hands in surrender, rolling your eyes in the process. “Motherfucker,” you mumble under your breath, accepting the hand he holds out to you regardless. 

He helps you up, ignoring the way you purposely put more weight behind your grip in an attempt to drag him to the ground. Giving up, you stand of your own accord, hissing in pain at the way your chest stings from that last blow dealt.

“Well done, both of you. Your lesson is now over. I will see you again next week. Perhaps Cole too, if he wishes to join” Master Wu states with a knowing smile, exiting through another door and leaving the both of you behind.

You share a look, staring at the door he’s just left through. 

“You don’t think…” 

“Nah,” you shake your head with a nervous laugh. “There’s no way he knows. You didn’t tell him, right?”

“No way,” Cole denies instantly, shaking his head aggressively.

“Okay, damn. Don’t gotta be so strung up about it…” You grumble, crossing your arms. A twinge of hurt blooms in the pit of your stomach, but you choose to push it away, focusing on putting the weapons back onto the wall. Fumbling around for the hidden switch, you’re interrupted by a familiar hand pressing its exact spot, the wall rotating back to hide them once more.

He turns back to you with an expectant look. Tensing, you can already hear the money in your bank account beginning to fly away. Releasing a breath, you pinch the space between your brows. “Where to?” You ask in defeat.

“I’ll tell you that after you shower.” Looking up to see Cole’s wrinkled nose, you spot him subtly fanning the air. “You’re stinkin’ up the place right now.”

That’s it. I’m gonna punch him, ninja or not.

— — — — — 

Taglist: @candyquokka @mattchka @em-100 @cursedreader @alicesmile1 @alexa24 @raegreenie4 @burdeningbitch @viennasthings @cadencannot @ml3czqo @nanasemo @certified-cole-simp @beescomet @theblindhag @mitbin24 @sweetlittlebumblebree @brooklyniswriting @cantbecreative @something-else3 @iinlovewithfictionalppl @itz-moonlight

[weirdosinthestereo]

At Home Barista (Jake Seresin x F!Reader)

Author's note: Hello again! This is just a short story I thought would be cute. Gotta give all of Glen’s characters some love right? Here's a fluffy Jake Seresin drabble.

Warnings: None! Just fluff!

Jake was nervous as he set up everything. He hoped he had gotten everything she needed. “Calm down, she's going to love it!” Rooster said as he put ice in a cooler. They were celebrating your birthday today. It was the first one since you and Jake had gotten together a year ago. In that time, Jake had noticed just how much you loved coffee. Espresso, drip coffee, instant coffee, all of it! Jake had also watched you scrolling TikTok trying to find the best home espresso machine for months. Using people's opinions and videos to make a decision. Jake took matters into his own hands by buying you the machine you had been eyeing, the Breville Barista Express. The rest of the Dagger squad helped Jake get the rest of the pieces by buying something he had assigned to them. Now, Jake stood in front of the small coffee nook he had made in your shared kitchen. He had set up all your syrups, sauces, and other nick nacks in this dedicated area. It was perfect. Now, they just had to wait for you to get home.

“Hangman! Bring the burgers out here and quit rearranging that thing!” Coyote calls from the backyard. Jake huffs through nose and grabs the marinated burgers from the fridge.

While Coyote and Bob cooked, the rest of the group had some drinks and enjoyed the setting sun. “Who knew that Hangman of all people would be nervous about the gift he got his girl?” Phoenix jokes as she notices Jake constantly checking his phone to see if you're home. “This is serious! This is one of her favorite hobbies.. or obsession? Whichever makes more sense.” Jake jumps up, nearly spilling his beer when he hears a car door shut. “She's here!” He calls while running for the front door. The rest of your small group of friends huddle in the kitchen while they wait for you to come in.

“Jake? I thought we were getting together tomorrow?” You ask as he opens the front door. Jake smiles as he watches you come up the stairs. “Well, today is your actual birthday. We wanted to celebrate today!” Jake said as he got behind you and covered your eyes. “Jake Seresin! What have you done?” You asked playfully as you smiled and let Jake lead you around. Jake smirked as he led you to the kitchen, “Me? You know I'm the perfect little angel.”

Rooster scoffs at Jake's words, but smiles as he covers it with a cough when Jake glared at him. “Surprise!!” Everyone yells when Jake has you standing in front of the coffee nook. You stared shocked for a moment and then realized what they had all done. “Jake? Is this..? It is! You bought me that espresso machine I wanted?!” You asked excitedly as you looked at everything. Jake smirks as he nods, “Sure did baby girl. Everyone else bought other pieces to complete your little barista station. Now, you can practice all those recipes you've been looking at online.”

You turn and look at Jake with eyes full of love. Jake smiles cockily and opens his arms for you. He knew that look and laughed as you jumped on him and hugged him tightly. “Thank you! Thank you thank you thank you! I love it so much!” Jake couldn't help the small chuckles he let out as you pepper his face with kisses. You jump down and then hug everyone else on the Dagger squad for your gifts. Thanking them multiple times. You felt like they were your chosen family and it made your heart swell that they cared so much for you.

“Alright! Let's eat!” Jake said as he ushered everyone to the dining room where they had made a small buffet to make the burgers and hotdogs.

-_-_-Two Days Later-_-_-

“You okay there Hangman??” Bob asks as he watches Jake excitedly do his work. Jake had been rushing around all day and sporadically doing things.

“Yes!! Yes yes yes. I'm great! Never better! Hey! Don't mess up my clean floor!” Jake yells as he sees a rookie going to walk where he had just cleaned. Jake then decided the best course of action was to chase them down.

“He said he had a quad shot latte this morning and he usually doesn't drink a lot of coffee. Y/N has been feeding him coffee ever since the party to see if she is making it right.” Rooster explains with a shake of his head.

“He's not even assigned to clean the floors…” Bob says, confused as he watched Jake irritably clean the floor again where the rookie had been walking.

[unholyhelbig]

Would love some Kate Bishop angst

Title: Past Tense

Ship: Female!Reader x Kate Bishop

Wordcount: 4027

Summary: Kate Bishop returns to her hometown unexpectedly following some bad news. She's shocked when she runs into you and struggles to grapple with her past choices.

Warnings: Funerals, hurt/comfort, drinking, work injury/ burns, spelling mistakes and grammar issues (I'm sure)

[A/n: Hello! Just a little disclaimer, this is probably going to be the last thing I can publish for the rest of the month. I've got a massive work project, I move this coming weekend, and it's my birthday at the end of the month so my time is quite limited. But things will pick up again next month]

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Day had barely broken over the horizon, but the world around you was impossible to ignore. There had been snow the night before, something that everyone believed was too cold to be possible. A thin layer of ice had encrusted each car before the soft, powdery type had built up on windshields and culminated under tires.

Large, wet flakes swirled around you and despite the gloves that clung to your skin, they didn’t do much for the numbness in your fingers as you fumbled with the keys to the coffee shop. Moisture had wicked through the fabric, and you hastily took them off before flicking on the house lights.

It was just past 5am and the usual crowd of early risers were soon to arrive. You made quick work of starting all the machines, the cooling cases and the manual grinder. Your baker had been in earlier, filling the displays with various muffins, baked goods, and sweets. A smooth cinnamon scent filled the air and warmed you all over.

“Son of a bitch!” the muffled exclamation formed a smile against your lips.

MJ was bundled up in a sweatshirt, a flannel, and a heavy winter coat over that. Her boots were caked in dry snow. There was a deep red blush against her nose and her cheeks that accompanied her scowl.

“Language, there are children present.”

“We’re the same age!” Peter protested as he pulled himself through the back door. He was dressed in less layers but sported the same winter complexion. He shook the large flakes of snow from his sweater, mumbling “Son of a bitch.”

It was cold enough to warrant you closing the shop. Most of the schools and the businesses in town had called for a snow day, something that didn’t happen often in Connecticut. Frigid temperatures were expected. Below freezing was a way of life and the world didn’t stop craving warm coffee to thaw them out.

This fact was proven when you flipped the open sign and the typical crowd of tired eyes started to line up at the counter. Peter typically had too much energy, so MJ took up the register while her counterpart flitted around and filled the orders. Most were to-go.

You’d known these people for years. They’d come in with a habit that was unmatched by the weather and the any other obstacles thrown at them. Before you opened up ‘The Grindhouse’ you’d gone to high school with them.

Through all the proms, and the homecomings, and the house parties that left you vomiting in the yard amongst their parents’ flowerbeds. Since then, you’d grown up and couldn’t stomach more than a few shots or two glasses of wine, tops.

They’d grown up too, those who had stuck around town. They had families and businesses much like yours. You had homeroom with the accountant that had helped you hedge your money in the correct places, and you made the same bacon, egg, and cheese English muffin for the star football player that blew out his knee senior year.

“Welcome to Grindhouse,” you said distractedly at the sound of the bell above the door, working on clearing the fallen grounds from under the espresso machine. The rag was damp and the floor was already coated in little brown specs that needed to be swept up during a lull.

“What can I get started for you?” MJ asked in her usual cadence.

“Just a plain black coffee, please.”

Your body froze at the sound of the voice, hair falling into the gaze that you refused to lift. There was a strange mix of emotions in the pit of your stomach. That voice, with it’s familiar rasp was one you hadn’t heard for years. Nearly a decade. But it couldn’t be her, could it?

She’d left for New York right after high school. The last you heard, she’d become a doctor. An unrivaled cardiothoracic surgeon that flitted around the world wherever she was needed. There was no reason for her to be back in this small, freezing, end-of-the-earth town.

“That’ll be 2.25, we have cream and sugar on the far wall, but if you need anything don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Thank you.”

It was her. It was most definitely her. There was a crispness to her voice that you’d recognize anywhere. The last you remembered; it was whispered with a quickness that rivaled her hands. Her hands were everywhere. They were warm and calloused and gentle.

There was a sudden bubbling heat against the side of your hand. You hissed through your teeth and pulled back from the espresso machine. There was a large bubbling welt on your skin and a string of curses ready at your lips.

“Jesus, y/n are you alright?” Peter was at your side in a moment with a wet, clean cloth that he had run under cold water. “Do you need the burn kit?”

“No, no. I’ll be alright. Thanks Pete”

He was so attentive and clocked you with a worried stare but you reassured him with the squeeze of his shoulder with your good hand. If you were going to fly under the radar before, it would be impossible now.

You glanced over the counter, pressing the cloth even closer. Your suspicions had been confirmed by the tepid gray stare that met yours. Shock simmered behind Kate Bishops gaze, a steaming cup of coffee in her hand.

Suddenly, you felt dizzy. She looked a bit older in the face, more experienced. There was life there, a form of living that had lowered her shoulders and sealed her lips. The Kate you knew was a bumbling mess- but med school had effectively changed that.

“y/n,” She regarded you.

“Hi, Katie.”

That lopsided, sloppy grin was still the same. It reached her eyes and brightened them. You cradled your hand and reveled in the silence. Peter and MJ had frozen in place, flicking their eyes from you and then back to her.

“Want me to take a look at that hand?”

“What are you doing back in town?”

The two of you spoke at the same time and dissolved into nervous laughter. You shook your head. “I thought you were a surgeon?”

“I know how to treat a burn, y/n, don’t insult me.”

You often prided yourself on your strong will. If you had a weak one, it would have been impossible to build this coffee shop up from the rubble that it once was. Kate Bishop, Doctor Kate Bishop, had a way of melting your resolve.

Peter shoved the small plastic first aide kit into your hands and shoved you forward. There was no choice to hide your stumble other than a confident stride towards her. She led you to one of the tables that spanned the windows at the storefront. They were lined with frost, a biting cold fighting to get its way in.

Kate had about a half-inch on you and radiated a type of warmth that was unmatched. When she grabbed your sleeve and dragged you to a sitting position right across from her, you were practically putty in her hands.

“I’ve been keeping tabs on you.” She spoke without looking at you, unlatching the kit and pulling on the blue latex gloves with practiced ease. She couldn’t see the look of shock on your face. “This place is beautiful. I remember when it was that pizza place.”

“Ah, pizzapocalypse. Who would have thought that a combination shooting range and Italian restaurant would fail?”

Kate chuckled and tenderly pulled your hand closer. Her touch was barely a whisper against your skin, strands of black hair falling into her eyes. She examined the angry red mark. It had already started to blister. The espresso machine was kept at unbelievable levels of heat.

She grabbed one of the wrapped applicators, using her teeth to tear away at the wax paper. Kate squeezed a small dollop of burn cream onto the end. You hated the cloudy clearness of the substance.

“I’ve been keeping tabs on you too, you know?”

“Have you? This might sting a little bit. Do you want a countdown?”

“No, just do it I’m a brave- Fuck!” She’d already started, and you gave her a vicious glare. She shrugged with that infuriatingly perfect grin of hers. “I thought you were in New Zealand for some medical internship.”

“New Hampshire, actually. Not as exciting, I know. It was going well, but Eleanor died.”

There was a tightness to her voice. Typically, you looked away from anything involving wound care. If you were to get a shot, you’d stare at a small spot on the wall that interested you. Drawing blood was more of the same, it was just harder to ignore the needle in your arm.

Kate was working hard at the bandage in her hand and finally pulled it apart. Despite the frustration etched into her features, she applied it with a certain level of care. You didn’t’ say anything. Your hand was throbbing uncomfortably.

“She was old, we knew it was coming and pancreatic cancer, well, it’s a bitch by the end and Susan asked me to fly in for the funeral. How could I say no to that? Flying in for my mothers funeral when I was too busy working to witness her descent?”

“Katie,” You breathed out.

“That should be healed up in a few days. Make sure you change out the bandage.”

You couldn’t’ get a word in edgewise before she started to shove the contents of the case back into their proper places. The chair made a horrible scraping sound that you felt in your teeth. Kate grasped her coffee, colder than it was a few moments ago.

“Thank you for… this. I’m sure it’s delicious.” She had her hand on the door. Her quickness was unmatched. Both in and out of the OR, from what you had read. But she paused, looking at you for a moment. “I’m proud of you, y/n. This place is great. Really.”

Kate had vanished into the whiteness of the blistering day. You watched her navigate the snow with ease. Eleanor had died. How could you live in such a small town and not have heard about the woman’s passing?

The Bishop family was always a private bunch, and with Kate moving right after high school graduation, you hadn’t any reason to go past those wrought iron gates. Kate’s older sister would stop by for a hot drink once every other month or so, but you saw her coming from a mile away and selfishly hid in the back.

Eleanor had died.

There was a softness to her that you remembered fondly, a memory of Kate and you as children in the heat of summer. You’d been stung by a wasp and cried and cried until Eleanor rushed into the yard and scooped you into her arms.

Much like Kate had just done with her soft ministrations, she fixed you right up by applying a mix of warm water and baking soda. An old family remedy, she said. The venom had stopped screaming and the tears eventually stopped for both you and Kate.

Eleanor was a kind, if not private, woman. One that you thought of daily when you clocked the photo of High School Graduation on the dusty bookshelves in your living room. Your own mother hadn’t attended, but Eleanor was right there. She was right there.

“Who’s the girl?” MJ drawled out, leaning heavily on her hands, a goofy look on her face. Peter was next to her, doing the same, both eyebrows raised.

“Kate… She” You picked up the plastic first aide kit. The two of you had a habit of not sitting still and it was better to move to replace the supplies then let them sit out here. Besides, a customer could walk in at any moment. “We were engaged.”

Peter shot up “What?”

“It was a long time ago, it’s not important.”

“You were engaged, I think that’s important. How old are you?”

“First, rude, second; old enough. And really, guys it’s not a big deal. Both of us moved on. Life happened.”

They exchanged a look that, in the past, had never meant anything good. MJ had her arms crossed over her chest and Peter leaned heavily on a broom he had grabbed, hugging it lose to his chest. You rolled your eyes, attempting to ignore them both was impossible in a place this retrospectively small.

“I don’t know, boss. The way she was looking at you… maybe neither of you really moved on.”

“I write your paychecks; you understand that right?” You turned to face them. “Kate and I are done. We have been for a long time. She made that very clear when she gave the ring back and I refuse to push the matter.”

It was collecting dust on your bookshelf next to the photo of your graduation. It was a small emerald, green box that you hadn’t opened since you resituated the diamond ring. It had been stupid to propose, a last-ditch effort to get Kate to stay. She’d said yes. And then she said no.

The baker’s old Subaru wouldn’t start because of the bitter cold. It sounded like an old wife’s tale that made you chuckle to yourself while reading the text that popped across your screen.

Before you had hired him for the long nights, you’d done the baking yourself and it wasn’t a horrible chore. You’d just have to down some caffeine and slam it out; trays filled with mini cakes, with quiches, donuts and cheese tarts. It was like a methodical science project with the bonus of eating the food that didn’t look edible.

It was midnight by the time you’d pulled the first couple trays from the large industrial oven and exhaustion was starting to bay its head. You weighed the option of going home and just spreading out the pastries in the case.

All thoughts of sleep left your mind when a rapid banging filled the store. The front glass doors were being tugged upon. And while you were more than willing to die in this coffee shop, being robbed was not the way you wanted to go. There was less than three hundred dollars in the register.

You grasped at the broom, your hands covered in flower and caked on the bandage that was applied earlier. Another round of bangs as you tried to stay low and reach for the cordless phone. There was a silhouette outlined by the gray white of the snow.

Doctor Kate Bishop.

She’d given up on her breaking and entering and pressed her forehead against the glass, her breath fogging it up. It was hard to tell, but you were sure her eyes were clenched shut. There was a brown paper bag in one hand that looked suspiciously like a large bottle of alcohol.

Your grip was tight on the broom, even as you felt confident, and a little sad, about opening the door. Kate fell forward and a blast of cold enveloped you. She made a small noise at the back of her throat, regaining her posture.

“Were you going to sweep me to death?” Kate asked, “I brought whiskey.”

“Here I thought you weren’t going to come back here with the way you ran out earlier, and now you arrive with gifts?”

It was a low blow, but she had shrugged her shoulders with her goofy grin and snow in her messy hair. “Come drink with me, just for a little bit in our old spot. Don’t make me play the dead mom card.”

Saying no to Kate had always been hard for you. It had been hard when you were children and she dared you to jump from high places, always stopping you by the collar of your shirt before either of you got hurt. And it was especially hard to say no to Kate in your teens when she would kiss hot trails against your throat, marking them with bruises. Not that you were rushing to deny her.

“Really?” You asked, “Aren’t we a little old to be caught sneaking booze in the gym?”

Both of you knew for a fact that the side doors leading into the school would always be open. There were no alarms, or flood lights, because it was a small town and nothing bad ever happens in a small town.

She jutted out her bottom lip into a pout “Y/n, my mom died.”

“Okay, alright. Let me lock up.”

Kate stayed quiet on the three-block walk to the school. It was shrouded in darkness, an inky black despite the swirling gray of the night sky. Your high school had been the largest in the county; two floors filled with classrooms. You’d stuck to the same ones and Kate was the life of the party wherever she went, the bright spot in an otherwise dingy room.

The bottle of alcohol dangled by her side as your footfalls crunched over ice and an ugly brown slush of snow. It felt normal, almost, walking with her. Being with her. Staying in town was a brave choice after being dumped and equivocally left at the alter. You had powered through the looks and the whispered accusations. But some part of you was relieved she’d chosen this interaction to take place in the middle of the night.

When you’d gotten to the double doors of the large gymnasium, Kate’s boot slipped on a particularly nasty spot of ice. Instinctively you grasped her arm and righted her. She thanked you silently before pushing into the warmth of the space. The motion censor lights flicked on and you squinted against them.

“They built a new one, you know? A gym. I think they still use this for craft fairs. Fundraisers. But all the big stuff is off site in this state-of-the-art center.”

Kate blew out a breath, shaking her head. “Remember when Tommy Shepard broke your nose with a basketball?”

“Yeah, I do. I also remember sneezing right after and spraying him in blood. Everyone else was grossed out except for you.”

Kate dropped onto the large eagle in the center of the floor. Her legs were stretched out in front of her, and the bottle was idling between them. You let out a small groan as you joined her. Neither of you had ever been bold enough to inebriate yourselves in the crest. Instead, you’d hide behind the fold-out bleachers that were pushed against the walls, but this would do.

“That stupid EMT wouldn’t let me get on the ambulance with you.” The seal on the bottle cracked viciously, much like your nose, as she unscrewed the cap.

“And I told you I didn’t need to go the hospital. I think I was a liability, though.”

Kate laughed, taking a deep gulp from the bottle. It hit the back of her throat and she hissed in response before thrusting the whiskey your way. You took a smaller sip, let it coat your tongue and burn your stomach.

The mood had stilled, and she took another swallow before setting the bottle between the both of you like a vice or a buffer. You couldn’t decide what.

“Eleanor had very specific instructions in her will. She… shit, she planned her whole funeral out before she died in her morbid meticulousness. She picked white lilies, and a beautiful black casket. She already had a plot of land picked out in her family plot. Music picked out. A fucking guest list.”

You fought the urge to reach out and comfort her. So, you grabbed the bottle instead and gulped down a bigger heaping than before. The amber liquid was dipping down behind the black wrapper.

“The only thing she didn’t do was write her eulogy. No, she left that up to me as one last fuck you because that’s how she operates. She didn’t’ ask Susan to write it, or my dad. She asked me because I’m the one that left home. I’m the one that left her.”

The worst thing you could do was agree with Kate Bishops dead mother. And you didn’t, really. You’d always been happy for Kate. This town was too small for her and the lives that she saved were plentiful. But some selfish part of you understood where Eleanor was coming from.

You were possibly the worst person she could go to with this issue and by the frown on her face, she knew it too. For the longest time, you were there for each other. And if Kate had called out of the blue and asked you to go to New Zealand or New Hampshire, or whatever; you would go.

She’d do the same, you were sure. One call, one letter and she’d be here. But neither of you were brave enough to reach out and heal the wound that festered between you. You pulled your knees up to your chest, rested your chin against them with a quiet breath.

“Maybe you don’t need to write anything. Maybe you can just… say how you feel.”

“Yes, because that has worked out so well for me in the past.”

“Fair point, but she was your mother, not a fling. Even if you don’t have a script planned out, it’s worth just feeling the moment. No matter how shitty that moment is.”

Kate inhaled and held that breath in her chest for a few seconds before pushing it out. Her eyes searched you in a probing way that made your skin prickle. Blush started to claw its way up your throat. You’d blame that on the alcohol, you always were a light weight and it showed in your complexion.

“Is that what you think you were?” her voice was a low and raspy whisper “a fling?”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“You never say anything you don’t mean. All you’ve ever done is calculated and well thought out. You’ve always had a plan.” She looked down at the frayed edges of her jeans, playing with the strings to avoid looking at you. “You were my everything.”  

Your voice was a quiet murmur. “Katie,”

She reached out, her warm hand wrapped around your wrist in a tender display of affection. Her eyes met yours and it was the longest the two of you had stared at one another without breaking eye contact. Your stomach was a pit of nerves and heat.

“That scared me when we were young. It fucking scared me out of my mind how content I was with you. I was ready to risk everything, to settle down in a small house and wake up every single morning next to you.” She drew in a sharp and shuddering breath “But we were young, and I hadn’t lived life and that scared me even more.”

“I know, Kate, I know. I shouldn’t have proposed, and I certainly shouldn’t have put either of us in that position. You were right to turn me down. You were right to move on and fight for the future that you deserve.”

Kate sniffed, using her free hand to wipe away the few crystalline tears that dripped across her cheeks. You found yourself pulling her close, letting her sob into the crook of your neck as you held her, your arm wrapped around her center to stabilize her.

Things were boiling over and the tension that had been weighing on her shoulders since she’d first shown up in town started to slowly drain. She missed her mother, she missed you, and that wasn’t something you were willing to process on the crest of the school’s gymnasium.

Kate’s fingers were curled into the fabric of your shirt, and eventually, she settled. Her nose was cold against your pulse point and the bottle of whiskey had been long forgotten. As self-centered as it was, you wished you could hold her forever. Feel her touch on yours for something other than a reminisced sadness.

“If you asked again,” Kate mumbled into the collar of your shirt “If you asked me again, I would say yes.”

“I know, Katie. I know.”

[okayyeros]

Todays my 21st birthday and my birthday is always rough for me because something ALWAYS ends up happening and I almost always end up crying. My literal only goal for the day was to NOT cry, and it was looking ok! I got a cool espresso machine and my dad let me stay home.

Like an hour ago we found out my dad is bringing his cousins over (who I don’t know and I really don’t have the bandwidth to socialize) so my mom and I have been frantically cleaning the house, both of us insanely pissed off. When I get frustrated I always start crying. So I’m by the window downstairs and I’m trying not to cry while I finish cleaning and all of a sudden a fucking hawk swoops past the window. There are rarely hawks or similar birds in my area. We have a flock of mourning doves but those look distinctly different.

Hawks are associated with Apollo in some myths. I’d like to think that it was His way of checking in on me :,)) I luv Apollo <33

[joe9cool]

Collide-Justin Herbert-40 The End

A/N: This is fanfiction, I do not know or own the Chargers. Also you do not have my permission to post my stories. 

June 29th, 2023

Sara woke up to a cold, empty bed. Well, not really empty. Eugene was right above her head, while Nova liked to be at her feet. She looked over at the time 7:30am. She just had just got in a a couple nights ago from filming in North Carolina, as much as she loved the show and her castmates, it was exhausting filming overnights and taking three hours for one scene, only for the writers to tweak something.

She had a few days off, then another week of filming, and then two weeks for pre press for the film. Her phone was already loaded with social media shoutouts and texts, all wishing her a happy 27th Birthday. She smiled as she looked at all of the funny birthday tributes that her friends from Pittsburgh and LA posted. Sara's heart melted as she got a long written message from Holly saying how glad she was to have her in Justin's life.

Speaking of him, he was probably at the training center getting his therapy in. He told her he wanted to take her to dinner but she kept refusing, as she got older she didn't care about the fancy parties or the lavish gifts, she just wanted a cozy night in with the man she loved.

Sara laid there for a few more minutes before her mini tigers let out their cries for food. Her stomach was sending out the signal as well, so she got up and padded to the kitchen. When she walked into the open room she didn't expect to see a bunch of roses and balloons, with big silver balloons in the number 27. She looked around in shock. On the counter, there were three wrapped boxes, with a plate of chocolate chip pancakes. Approaching the counter, she saw the note

Happy Birthday my love! I'll see you in a few hours!

-Justin.

She smiled, before smelling the pink roses. Looking at the cats she smiled. "Your father is the sweetest." They mowed as to say 'yeah but our breakfast'

She scratched their heads. "Okay I'll feed you guys first then I'll open the gifts." She got out all of their raw ingredients that she picked up from Erewhon. (she spent a fortune and Justin made fun of her) While they were chowing down their bowls of food she opened the gifts. The first was an all inclusive spa package, the next was a Burberry purse that she had bookmarked on her laptop. She laughed, she knew he was snooping. Then there was the brand new espresso machine that was set up. Sara squealed, Justin wasn't much of a coffee drinker, but hopefully she could make some drinks he would like.

The next was one of sentimental value, it was a book that contained all of their photos together. They were some goofy ones, ones that Holly took of them in the hottub from their quick trip to Eugene last month. There were two of them caught by photographers. One of them leaving the sushi restaurant and another one of them walking the cats around her place. Sara laughed at that one. Then there were the photos of them at Bella's birthday party at Jerry's. She made a note to go back there again.

The last pages had her tearing up. It was a professional photos of them at Joe's wedding. One of them was a group shot of them standing with others. Next one was a candid of them talking at the bar, she didn't even know there were photos of that.

There was a note written in Justin’s neat handwriting that she envied.

July 16th 2022

I laid eyes on you for the first time

I'll never forget that night.

The very last page

27 things I love about you.

Your love for animals (particularly our cats)

Your passion for what's right.

How you know what and when to say the right things

The love you have for your friends and family

You never give up

Your emotional strength

It kept going, some were sweet, some were funny, and some were dirty and referred to her skills in the bedroom. Overall it was the sweetest gift any partner had given her and topped all of the other gifts.

She was finishing her breakfast and rereading Justin's letter. She asked Heidi to take care of social media on her bday. This way it was stress free for her.

AnnSophie and Samira walked in, leaving Sara confused. "Not that I'm not glad to see you guys. But how did you get in?"

"Well first of all, happy birthday, second Justin said we could kidnap you for the full spa day thing." AnnSophie spoke as she pet Nova. "I'm not going to say no to a spa."

Samira laughed. "Also we got to get you ready for tonight's-" Annie cut in. "For dinner, Justin wanted to take you somewhere nice."

Sara shrugged, "I mean I'd be happy ordering Indian and having a movie night with the cats but." She put the dishes in the sink. "Where's Lexi?"

"Joseph is watching her." Both her and Samira looked at AnnSophie. "What?"

"Wasn't aware you trusted Joey Like that." Sara shook her head. "He's great with her for your information. It's nice to have a friend. Now excuse me, I have to go to the bathroom." AnnSophie walked, more like limping to the bathroom, and the other girls looked at each other. Once they heard the door closed they began giggling.

"Yeah he's a friend alright."

"Looking a little too relaxed"

—------------------------------------------------------------

"That is the sweetest thing!" The girls cooed over Sara's telling of the birthday photo album Justin gave her. She had messaged him saying thank you. He hadn't responded, but she didn't expect him to.

They were having lunch at her favorite spot in the center of Calabasas after the spa. A few paps spotted them and began taking pictures, wishing her a happy birthday, and asking about her plans later.

While she was getting her pedicure she made a call to the poverty stricken areas of Pittsburgh and Los Angeles. Each grocery store she donated $27,000 to cover low income shoppers groceries. She didn't want any fuss or announcement, but of course the company put out a massive thank you that got to the public. Sara didn't want to make a massive deal out of it.

She had responded to friends and family and thought it was weird that her sisters hadn't called her. It was a usual tradition that she had gotten calls from everyone. Including Aunt Willa, well that wouldn't happen since the order of protection was put in place.

As they enjoyed their lunch, Sara got another call from Bella who she put on speaker. "Hey babes."

"Happy Birthday baby!" Her friend sang and Sara laughed. "What are you doing on this fine day?"

"I'm having lunch with Annie and Samira right now?"

"At the hotspot?" Sara was confused. "Am I that predictable?" She felt a presence behind her and assumed it was a waiter. "I'm right behind you." She whipped her head around to see Bella on her phone.

"Bitch! Everyone squealed. Causing the other people to look. She wrapped the supermodel in a tight hug. "What are you doing here?"

"I've missed the last one, I'm not missing this one." Bella exchanged hugs with the other girls and sat down.

This was already shaping up to be the best birthday

—------------------------------------------------------------

"Sara.. god. . Please." Justin whimpered as she kept her pace on top of him.

He was not even home for ten minutes before his girlfriend was on him practically jumping him. "Thank you so much!" She spoke between kisses. "I am missing one thing."

He furrowed his eyebrows "what?"

"Birthday sex, birthday sex." She sang as her hands went to his shorts. He laughed. "Babe, I got to shower, I came straight from practice."

"Well we will just shower together then." Immediately stepping out of her summer dress and sandals. "We sat outside and it's hot." That was one of the downsides of her birthday being June. It was always going to be a scorcher no matter where she was. Maybe they should go to Iceland next year.

Once their clothes were off, Justin carried her into the bathroom. The water was cooler than what she was used to, but she knew her and Justin were going to be busy.

"You know it's your birthday right?" He breathed as she kissed down his stomach and got to her knees. She gripped his erection and began placing kisses on it to which Justin had an immediate reaction. "It's my birthday, and I want to suck your dick. I want your cum on my face. Will you give me that for my birthday?"

Justin moaned as she took him back into her mouth. "I can't say no to the birthday girl can I?" He fell back against the shower wall as Sara worked her magic with her mouth. He put his hands on the sides of her face and guided her, gagging when he reached the back of her throat. "Sara." He moaned as he reached go grab and handful of her breast. "I'm gonna cum." Quickly, she pulled off and pumped him until he finished all over her face.

Once they finished their shower Justin thought that would be the end of it until after his final surprise. However he didn't get a chance to dry off before she was on him riding him.

"Oh Justin!" She squealed as he began thrusting upwards. As much as he was enjoying the amazing view they had to get ready for their dinner plans. Finally she reached her climax and dragged him along. Sara collapsed on top of him and they had a few minutes to catch their breath before he made them get up and get ready. "It's my birthday and I want to stay in." She pouted. Justin laughed. "I promise I'll make it worth it."  She put her mascara tube on the counter and walked up to him hugging him. "You have already done enough today." He bent down and kissed her, getting the sticky lip gloss on his lips. "You deserve it."

They managed to make it to their reservation on time. Learning from the last time they went to dinner, Justin reserved a private room. Justin made Sara enter the room first.

"SURPRISE!!" She was Startled when she turned the lights on and saw the faces of friends and family. There were her parents, her sisters, nieces and nephew's, including her brand new niece Ameilia.  Mark and Holly were there as well as their kids and family. Plus she saw her hometown friends. She turned around and lightly smacked Justin. "You planned this?" She said in disbelief. He nodded. She turned around and was met with the arms of all fifty guests. Even some of the Chargers were there. Joey was holding Lexi, looking like a natural family man next to AnnSophie. Sara's eyebrows raised at that.

As she mingled, Justin was never too far away from her. If she moved too far away he would find her. When he was next to her he had to touch her. Whether it was his arm around her or holding her hand as she led him to the food table.

He got a little uncomfortable as people congratulated him on his new contract. It guaranteed him and Sara to be in Los Angeles for at least five years. It was one of the things they discussed as a couple.

—-----------------------------------------------------------------

"Justin, this is your contract. Not mine." She laid in her trailer. It was late, but Justin had called her, updating her on the offer the Chargers gave him and his agent. It was five years and it would put him at one of the highest paid quarterbacks. Hell, he'd be making more money than her.

"And I've told you, this contract affects the both of us." He didn't want to say it over the phone, but his future plans involved her. Heck, when he and his agent sat down at the table with Tom and Dean he called Sara his future wife, raising eyebrows.

"Justin, it's sorta a no Brainer. Our careers are here, you love it here, your family is close."

"What about you? Wouldn't you like to be closer to your family? I could take a short deal-"

"Justin Patrick. Stop it. I love it here, and you do what's best for you."

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

"Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday Dear Sara! Happy Birthday to you!" The crowd sang and Sara blew out the 2 and 7 candle on the green cake Justin was holding. Once she blew it out, she pulled Justin down for a quick kiss. Friends who videoed it posted it on social media, which circled all around social media.

Once the cake was cut  and served, desserts were eaten, photos were posted and an impromptu dance party went down, the party dwindled down to just Justin and Sara and  their immediate family. They watched as the parents were talking. "I was nervous they weren't going to get along." Justin admitted as they gathered all of the leftover food and gifts. (Justin told them to donate to charity in lieu of a gift.)

Sara laughed. "I bet my dad's setting a time for golf tomorrow." He laughed and truth be told she did worry about that a bit. She was glad when the Herbert brothers were joking and laughing with her sisters. She felt herself get misty eyed as she thought of Justin putting this together. "Baby what's wrong?" Justin looked at her with concern. She shook her head. "Nothings wrong. Everything is perfect."

And for the first time, it truly was. The whole night she was back and forth wrestling with her mind. It was something she should have done earlier. Justin was right, and with this party, all that he's done for her. This move seemed right, and natural.

"Justin?" He looked up from his task. "Yes?"

"Let's move in together."

She had never seen him smile so big.

—-------------------------------------------------------------

"Didn't expect to see you here." Joe laughed as he greeted Justin. He had just gotten out of video and workout, and he decided to bring Sara food while she was on set filming.

He always wondered what a professional set would be like. Granted, he filmed commercials, but this was an actual Hollywood set.

He hugged Joe. "Hey man, I thought I would surprise Sara. Sorry you got to spend your first anniversary on set."

Joe shrugged. "It's okay. Alicia is in Montana filming, so we will just celebrate next week. Come on, Sara is just finishing up a scene." He led Justin past the trailers and behind the director, where everyone else was watching. The scene took Justin by surprise.

Sara was laying in a puddle of red, which was definitely fake blood. She had a fake gunshot in her side, and she was gasping for breath. Then she coughed, and phony blood came spilling out of her mouth.

It looked so real, and if Justin didn't know any better it would have freaked him out. In the distance, someone he didn't recognize came running up to Sara's character. "I got you, I'm gonna call 911."

"CUT!" the director yelled, and Sara was helped up by the extra. They spoke for a few minutes, then walked over to the director. She smiled as she spotted Justin. Once everyone was done and they called break she went over to him. "Hi baby, I'd hug you but."

He laughed. "It's okay I get it." She nodded. "Come on, I got an hour before I got to be in hair and makeup for the next scene. He followed her to her trailer and went inside. It was a decent size, it had Sara's decorating all over it. It made him wonder how she would decorate his… well their house. "The movers came today, got most of the stuff." The main things, like her piano were coming, plus her music collection and the painting that Ben made for her were there. Most of her clothes were in his closet.

They had had a little argument about space, and Justin brought up maybe buying a house together. "I think we should look at some houses." He told her as he got out their lunch he picked up. Sara sighed. "I know, I love your house though."

"So I do, but we have to think long term." Sara raised her eyebrow and Justin laughed. "Come on, don't act like you haven't thought of the future." She got up from her vanity and straddled him on his chair. "I have, but I'm curious. What does the future look like for you Mr. Herbert?"

He smiled. "Well it would involve a bigger house, with some kids, and a dog."

"How many kids?" He shrugged. "I would like three. But it's up to you."

With a serious face she spoke. "I want as many kids as God blesses me with." His eyes widened. "Uh.."  She burst out laughing. "Jeez Justin, do you not hear my commentary watching those old Duggar shows?"

"I mean yeah, but still." She giggled. "I always said three or four like my own family. But who knows? I think three is a good number."

He smiled. "Three sounds good."

She got off his lap to eat as the time was going by fast. "I can call my realtor and we can start looking. Personally I'd like to stay in Irvine." She nodded. "I like it there too. I think I'll sell my house."

Justin's eyes widened in surprise. That was her first home she purchased. It was important to her. "Are you sure?"

She nodded. "Yes, I mean it does hold sentimental value. But it is small, and I'm ready to move on."

"Maybe I should keep my house?" Justin wondered out loud. She laughed. "I mean we don't have to decide anything yet. Looking for a house takes time."

They were interrupted by a knock at the trailer, and the door opened to see Sara's costar Jesse Lee Soffer come in police gear. "They are getting ready for the next scene." He looked at Justin and stuck his hand. "Hello, I'm Jesse." As she shook the older man's hand. Sara cut in. "He is the new guy on set. He actually is my love interest."

"Oh really?" Sara nodded, not paying attention to Justin's body demeanor. "Yeah he plays the detective on my case."

"So what exactly happened in that scene with you on the ground?" She laughed. "Oh so in that scene, I get robbed and when I try to chase the guy down, I get shot."

Jesse cut in. "I'm in the next scene with her and the main cast members. Speaking of, they want you to change into the next outfit." She nodded. "I have the hospital gown."

He nodded and left the trailer. Justin turned towards Sara. "Is this the guy you have sex scenes with?" She nodded."Just a few. Nothing too serious. We have an intimacy coordinator for that." He nodded and she laughed. "Are you jealous?"

"I mean a little." He admitted. "I know it's silly."

"Your feelings are validated. I promise, I've never caught feelings for any of my co stars. Sex scenes are uncomfortable to  know? Forty people are watching you and the director is all in your face saying you moved your head the wrong way." He laughed. "That is awkward."

She smiled. "Don't worry, I only want your dick." He laughed, then leaned closer to her. "Want to get some tonight?"

"I won't be home til the next day." He groaned and she laughed. "Sorry, we got one more late night scene and we are good for the week." She kissed him. "But I still have time, and we have this bed behind you." He turned around, not realizing there was in fact a bed in her trailer. He raised his eyebrow. "Oh?"

Once again, she straddled him. "I mean…. I've been really stressed." She began kissing his neck.

"Babe, as much as I am always down to have sex with you. I don't want prop blood on me." She looked down and huffed. "Right." They both began laughing as she got up.

"I have to go. I got therapy." He got up and gave Sara one last kiss. "I'll see you tomorrow night. I'll make sure the movers have the rest of the things."

She nodded. "Don't  forget to drop off the boxes in the corner. Those are all that I'm donating." He nodded. It was decided that Sara would donate all the stuff that Justin already had like utensils, plates, appliances. Things like that. She decided to donate it to the local shelters.

"Oh I can't wait to sleep in our bed." She moaned. Justin smiled, he loved the way it sounded. —-------------------------------------------------------------------

"This one has been on the market for about sixty days. It has six bedrooms and five and a half baths." Justin’s realtor, Seth looked down at his clipboard as Justin and Sara walked around what was supposed to be the living room. The house was gorgeous, but the downside was that there was no swimming pool.

As of right now, they were only looking. Justin was due to start training camp in a few weeks and Sara was wrapping up filming after zipping around the world promoting Oppenheimer and would be doing it again in a few months for Dune 2. It was probably the worst time to buy a house. But Justin and Sara's relationship was anything but typical.

The news broke that they were living together as soon as Sara listed her home for sale. In a surprising turn of events, AnnSophie decided to purchase it and turn it into a summer vacation home for her and Lexi when she was in Los Angeles filming. While it was emotional for Sara's, at least she could still come and see it whenever she liked, and she trusted the new owner to take care of her first big girl purchase.

The next step was to take Justin's house off of most public records. Her team took care of that, and for the most part there was no bothersome from neighbors or the community. Justin and Sara did have to deal with the occasional cameras when they were out and about together, but it didn't happen as often as Justin thought it would.

The start of living together was a little rocky at first. Sara was aware that Justin was neat and organized, but it was a different scenario living with him. He side eyed her for the littlest things. "Why don't you organize your products by your routine?" "Don't put food just anywhere, there is a system."

It was an adjustment, but it worked for them. Sara had him on a skincare routine. (Yes, that included sunscreen) and Justin had her eating healthy. He indulged in wine and some sweets. They both loved ice cream and made milkshakes. Sara worked out with Justin in his basement gym.

The results showed too, and people brought up her being on Ozempic to which Sara shut down when she had her interview with 'Elle' magazine.

"My boyfriend is an athlete, so I've joined him in the gym and changed my diet and I'm more consistent and it obviously shows. I always try to be open and honest with my fans, I promise I'm not taking anything for weight loss"

Any talk of the meds went out the window when the article hit stands. People were surprised that she brought up Justin, even though she didn't bring him up by name it was common knowledge who she was referring to.

The real test was them making an appearance together at Taylor Swift's closing show her Eras tour, there was also Justin's invitational. They discussed going together and being seen out in public and while they would never walk a red carpet together, they could be spotted out and about at high profile events

—----------------------------------------------------------------

Sara was talking with Holly, Carly, and Ashley as they waited for Justin to make his thank you speech. As he and his college buddies were golfing with teammates and pros she was helping out Holly making sure everything went off without a hitch.

It was important to her that she stayed out of the shine. It was about charity, and the kids that were in attendance.

Some people did speak with her, and their teens were big fans. She got to meet Justin's cousins, and they were so nice. One just had a baby, who had no issues passing him for her to hold and snuggle while the guys were talking

She noticed Justin staring at her.

Little did she know he was going crazy.

"Don't you get any ideas, Mitch told him as she caught his younger brother looking at his girlfriend kissing the baby. "Isabelle is already losing her mind. Had to remind her we needed to complete residency first."

Justin laughed. "No, I'm not thinking anything right now." That was a lie.

Mitch knew better. "But you know she's the one?"

Justin's smile said it all. —------------------------------------------------------------ "Oh darling, this dress would look gorgeous on you! And it's your color!" Pierpaolo Piccioli, the creative director of Valentino, was over their house with his team and racks of dresses and clothes. Sara had just signed on to be the face of the high end luxury brand, and in no time, Piccioli's team was over with Law with ready to wear pieces and drawings of custom designed handbags, couture items for Sara.

Justin was at meetings all afternoon, so he had no idea of the takeover when he walked into their house.There were clothes, shoes, makeup and handbags everywhere. It was his worst nightmare as a neat freak. A man he knew as Sara's stylist Law came up to him. "So sorry about this, but Pierpaolo insisted last minute his team come right now"

Justin must have looked confused, because Law laughed. "Men, he's the creative director of Valentino."

"Oh." All he knew was that it was expensive. Law grabbed his hand and Justin dropped his Nike bag. "Come, Sara will model the clothes for you and you can give your opinion." He allowed himself to be dragged into the open space where Sara was standing on a riser in front of large fold out mirrors, no doubt the Valentino team brought them. She turned towards him and smiled. "Hi baby! I'm sorry, we are almost done. How do I look?"

Justin smiled. She did look stunning, she was in a red ball gown. He walked over to her and kissed her. The writer smiled, talking notes for their design story. "You look beautiful." He admitted.

"Okay Sara! Me and Law have agreed on the last accessories for your shows! And -oh hello." A short slender man came into the room and stopped when he saw Justin. "And you must be Justin." He walked up to him and kissed both of his cheeks. "Ciao, Pierpaolo." Justin smiled nervously, he felt underdressed in his own house. "I'm Justin Herbert. Nice to meet you."

"I promise we are done, however." The man took a step back and walked around, studying Justin's height. "How tall are you?"

"6'6" He felt like he was being poked and prodded like it was the combine. "Do you know your measurements?"

"My what?" Sara giggled. "Paolo, he only wears Nike athletic clothes, owns two suits which he bought for college graduation"

The man tskked. "Simona. Get his measurements. Here- have Bendetta help Sara out of the dress and Justin you step on the platform."

Sara had to stifle a laugh as she stepped off.  Justin looked like a deer in headlights. "Uh I don't think that's necessary."

Paolo wasn't taking no for an answer. "I insist. You have the perfect body for fashion and you waste it." Hesitantly Justin stepped up, and Sara walked up to him. Despite high heels she looked like a child walking up to a monster. "Justin, you don't have to do this." She spoke softly. "Say the word, and I'll tell him to leave you alone."

He shrugged. "I mean, I don't want to insult him. Plus if I just do this. I'll get free clothes." Sara laughed. "Look at you thinking like a celebrity." She let herself be led away to change, while a woman began to measure his length and width on his body. "This isn't going to work, you need to be in your underwear." The woman spoke in a thick Italian accent.

"I beg your pardon?" She shook her head. "Do not worry, I've run plenty of men's fashion shows. I've seen more than surgeons." He laughed, and began taking off his clothes to only be in his boxers.

Paolo was taking down the measurements as Simona was rattling them off. He was asking Justin questions about his overall style which he was no help. He liked plain clothes. "Oh so we have a quiet luxury aesthetic. I love it. Oh I wish I had brought some men's pieces. Next time, but for now I'll send some ready to wear over."

"You don't have to, but I appreciate it." Sara came out of the room in her usual attire of sweats. "Can you get some custom tailored suits? Nothing fancy, just some casual and special occasion ones. "

"I'm on it." The gang packed up fast, and before Justin knew it, the team was out the door with one last kiss to Sara. He looked at her. "Wow." He admitted.

"It's something isn't it?" He nodded. "Sure you don't want to back out?" He laughed and kissed her.

"I'm not making that mistake again."

—---------------------------------------------------------------

"No nothing good starts in a getaway car."

Sara and Kristen screamed as they grasped onto each other as the intro for Getaway car played before Taylor began singing. They both couldn't believe it as she saved the best for last.

Behind them in the VIP booth Justin and David both looked at each other. Their girlfriends met last week, but they were already fast friends. Sara got last minute tickets to Taylor's Eras tour for them to join them.

Justin was a little uneasy, as he met the flashes of phone videos and cameras. They were watching every move that the couple made. Everyone commenting on the video of Sara going crazy to Cruel Summer and Style. There was a moment where Justin had Sara in his arms as she was singing 'Lover'

Ladies and Gentlemen will you please stand. With every guitar string star on my hand. I take this magnetic force of a man to be my lover.

As they jumped around and screamed the lyrics to getaway car Justin spoke with David as best as he could.

The song was over, and Justin handed Sara a bottle of water as she was sweating in the Los Angeles heat. "Thank you baby" she smiled.

Taylor spoke. "This song is for someone here tonight, who spoke into existence that one day she would experience this moment in this song. Well I hope this is it."

The song began playing, and Sara gasped.

I'm perfectly fine, I live on my own, I've made up my mind, I'm better off being alone.

Sara began singing the words she knew so well. She felt Justin come up behind her and wrap his arms around her. The bridge came on, which was her favorite, and then she turned around and looked into Justin's eyes

And all at once you are the one I have been waiting for King of my Heart Body and Soul

Justin smiled down at Sara and tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear. She smiled and turned back around to face the stage.

In a surprise, Justin spun her around, in a sea of 70,000 people he kissed her. He didn't care about the photos or the videos, the commentators or any of the articles that were going to come out that same night.

It was just them two.

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

The next morning Justin woke up to get ready for his day. He was excited about the season, camp, and just everything to come. He looked over at Sara sleeping peacefully with the cats and he smiled. He did his usual routine, making sure to have her coffee set up so all she had to do was press the start button.

He pulled out of the garage and began to play songs connected to his bluetooth to his car 

a song came on, it was his favorite and it put him back to July 16th 2022

The dawn is breaking The light is shining through You're barely waken And I'm tangled up in you.

A/N: Guys, I am emotional writing this. I cannot thank you enough for all of the support messages and likes. I started this story with no direction and not even sure I was going to finish this yet here I am. Just because this story is over, doesnt mean you cannot ask me questions about their canon, other things. Also give me a little time to crank out the epilogues. I love you all and thank you!

[ryctone]

Happy (late) birthday to Meringue Cookie who belongs to @minecraftninjerkid! The OC ever /pos. Didn't really know what to do so I drew her with her interdimensional half-brother (My beloved child Liege Waffle Cookie who I also put thru the horrors /j). I did the math and I realized that Liege Waffle would be older than Meri, that'd make for an interesting dynamic...

I also thought of a silly little alternate universe were they exist together, feel free to ignore tho 🥺.

So, if my memory serves right; Meri was born back when the old Vanilla Kingdom was already a thing, and since Liege Waffle was born around the time Pure Vanilla obtained his Soul Jam—meaning WAY before he was even a king yet—that'd make Liege Waffle at LEAST an older teen/young adult when White Lily reunites with the other Ancient heroes and announces she had Meri. Liege Waffle's mom (Apricot Cookie) had already passed away years ago and while PV loved her dearly, has unearthed the feelings he once had for WL, so he accepts the child and WL into his family.

Now, since Liege Waffle already had a lot of self-esteem issues by this point, with his father busy running the kingdom to make time for him and Liege not really connecting with the other heirs of the Ancients (Dark Choco and Royalberry)... Now, he has to deal with his apparent 'half-sister' that appeared quite literally out of nowhere, he view Meri as his 'replacement' and absolutely hated her guts for just existing in his home— he felt more alone than ever.

He didn't attend the weeding.

Liege Waffle spends the next few years at the Wafflebot Hangar and/or his personal laboratory tending to his inventions like he had always done, refusing to acknowledge WL as his 'mom' or even Meri as his 'sister' for that matter; PV tried to tell him he was acting unreasonable rude and that all of them were family now, but Liege Waffle continued to disregard them, and continued inventing more Wafflebots.

One day, little Meri managed to sneak into Liege Waffle's personal laboratory and breaks a prototype he was creating by accident. That made Liege finally snap at her and basically yelled "We may have the same father, but you aren't my sister and never was!". Meri runs in tears and next thing he knew he was being scolded like a child by PV and WL.

Around this time he also takes in Strawberry Crepe as his apprentice and just so happens that Meri stopped trying to get close to the Wafflebot Hangar to actually meet them... Mmh...

Then, the first Sugar Flare happened.

For the first time in forever, Liege Waffle feels another emotion towards Meri that isn't hate or spitefulness... But pity.

He sees how everyone starts to hate her—or rather, FEAR her, because of something even she doesn't understand. Almost like... Him. Everyone only sees him as a Wafflebot creating machine rather than a prince, only a tool that creates weapons to defend their home.

She was like him.

However, he realizes that a bit too late, because the Dark Flour War took everything away.

He has the fight™ with PV and gets send away with some other Vanillians to be put '''safely''' in a cryogenic pot and Meri gets put in the Moonstone that sealed Dark Enchantress.

While Meri would later get freed by Gingerbrave and co. and then her adventures as Emissary of Earthbread would unfold, Liege Waffle would remain in his frozen state inside the cryogenic chamber for much longer.

By the time he got found by Black Raisin, Espresso and Strawberry Crepe (between the end of Cookie Odyssey and the beginning of Dragon Quest) Meri would be fully grown and no longer the child he despised so much.

Probably many other things happen, probably his grudge against her would grow because of how important she had become while he got buried into obscurity. But, in the end... I think they could reconcile.

They'll be fine.

[bobfloydsbabe]

Happy almost birthday my darling,

Here’s my idea for a hangman blurb…

Jake remembering Jas’ coffee order after hearing it once. Just stops off at a local coffee shop and immediately thinks of her and gets her exact order just to make her happy. It makes my heart swell thinking that he subconsciously just knows what to do to make her, her.

❤️ - Leah

Leah, hi! First, thank you for the birthday wish and for participating in blurb night. This prompt is perfect for Jas and Jake, and I sincerely hope you love it!

morning coffee

SUMMARY: Jake stops by Jas' office with coffee.

WARNINGS: None. It's pure fluff.

WORD COUNT: ~0.6k

It was the early morning hours before the Californian heat truly set in when Jake stepped into the small local coffee shop, hidden on a narrow side street away from the busy main road.

“Lieutenant Seresin,” Diane, the elderly owner who always smiled and wore bright pink lipstick, greeted when she saw him.

“It’s Jake to you, ma’am,” he replied, offering her his most dashing smile.

She laughed. “Such a charmer,” she commented, and took half a step through the doorway to the back to shout for her granddaughter to make coffee. Diane didn’t know how to work the espresso machine.

“Morning, Beth,” he said when the young woman came to the front, looking like she’d pulled three all-nighters in a row. She probably did.

She nodded in greeting. “Your usual?”

“Yes,” he said, glancing at the pastries lining the display. The entire shop smelt like melted butter, vanilla, and fresh coffee, making his mouth water. “Can I get a hazelnut cappuccino as well, please?”

Beth hummed her acknowledgement while Diane raised a brow. “For someone special?”

Jake laughed, his mind wandering back to the bed he’d left two hours earlier; a sea of unruly auburn hair splashed across the white sheets. “That’s one way to put it.”

Diane hummed, fixing him with a skeptical glance, but remained silent. She disappeared into the back at the sound of a timer, likely to take out a batch of croissants he would sometimes indulge in, but not today. He needed to go back to base.

Beth came to the counter with two to-go cups in her hands, one with HC on the side, so he knew which was which. “Here you go,” she said and handed them over. “Your girl has a great coffee order.”

Jake laughed again, placing a few bills on the counter before accepting the cups and taking a small sip of his. “She’s not my girl,” he protested. “But thank you. Keep the change and tell your Gran I said bye.”

“You got it.”

Jake arrived back on base, heading straight for the infirmary where he knew Jas was on her first hour of the day shift. He pushed the door open with his shoulder and immediately spotted Jas coming out of her office with her nose buried in a folder of hard-copy records. As he approached, the head nurse clocked him.

“Your boy toy’s here,” she said, accepting the folder from Jas whose brows furrowed. Jas turned her head and audibly groaned upon seeing him, eyes disappearing into the back of her head for a moment.

“Morning, Doc,” he greeted, then turned his attention to the head nurse, who leveled him with skeptical eyes. “Martha.”

She grumbled her reply before getting up and walking away, likely to check on patients or some other task he wasn’t privy to.

He turned his attention back to Jas, whose hair was tied in a tight Navy-standard bun at the nape of her neck, clad in dark blue scrubs, and her white lap coat with her name on it. Under the fluorescent lights, her blue eyes looked almost electric.

“What are you doing here, Seresin?”

“To give you this,” he said, offering the cup in his left hand.

She accepted it with narrowed eyes, but raised it to her lips and took a sip. He watched surprise and shock overtake her features as she lowered the cup and looked from it to him.

“How did you know my coffee order?”

He shrugged. “You told Bob a couple of weeks ago.”

Jas took another sip, still looking like she didn’t believe him. “And you remembered?”

Jake snorted and sipped his own coffee, offering Jas a wide grin. “It’s not a complicated order,” he said and tapped his cup against hers. “See you later, Doc.”

[oh-yeah-just-watch-me]

It was my boyfriend D’s birthday today so when I came over I made him a mocha honey cappuccino with the espresso machine I bought him for his birthday and topped it with whipped cream I whipped by hand (because I didn’t want to use the loud machine that might wake him up).

I worked out intensely for 30 minutes. Was dripping sweat all over the yoga man doing a 30 minute HIIT work out. I’ve been trying to push myself these last two days and I feel great. Maybe it’s because I allow myself to eat a little before I work out and I have been working my physical therapy exercises into my routine.

I went to work for 5 hours. During work I sent macarons to my boyfriend’s house because it’s his bday. He was so happy he came to work and shared them with me when I was able to take my 15 minute break. Came back home and went to my community meeting for an hour. There were ribs and chicken and pork chops. Got approval from the CEO to leave for a week for vacation in New York/Massachusetts for May 27-June 2.

When I came back to my boyfriend’s house I had the left over steak and Brussel sprouts and he had already booked every part of the vacation. The flights, the car, the hotels, the shows on broadway, everything. I really love him but I haven’t said those words yet to him. It’s been 4.5 months and I only just started kissing him 2 days ago…

I soaked in the bath with a lush bath bomb. Then We ordered in sushi (even though we’d been saying we’d cook more to gain control over the ingredients in our food, only because we agreed that we should because it was his birthday. Then I enrolled for my summer classes and he payed for them. 🩵

We haven’t figured out the FAFSA situation yet but I do know that I have to get some information about my 2021 W-2’s.

We will do that tomorrow. I wonder what else I will do, I have a 4 day weekend.

[babykentthegent]

High-Five Months Old

We're rapidly approaching Kent's first half year of life as he continues to grow faster than my morning race to the espresso machine. This last month has included a couple of firsts for little Kent, as his personality continues to blossom. He's truly one of the happiest little babies I've ever known, and that fact has yet to waiver as time marches on.

Kent had his 4-month check up in September where he got a whole cocktail of vaccines, and handled it like a champ. We have a great pediatrician which certainly makes things much easier. She advised that we wait to start feeding Kent solids until ~5 1/2 months. Hard to believe we're now only weeks away from this! When you become a new parent, you get a lot of unsolicited advice from people, so our mantra continues to be "we're just following what his doctor says". It's hard to argue with that.

Rob is now less than two weeks away from going back to work. We're a bit nervous since this means we'll a) be relying on others to care for him during the day and b) have to adjust to yet another major routine change. It's been so nice having them both home, especially since I work from home. Kent will be going to a nanny 3x per week and grandma/grandpa's house 2x per week. It's going to be so quiet here when this does finally happen. This'll be a big step for all of us!

October is one of my favorite months, for several reasons. It's my birthday, for one, but also because of all the fun Fall festivities. We took Kent to his very first pumpkin patch! I think he was more intrigued with the tractor than the pumpkins, but that's neither here nor there. We had fun as a family picking out the perfect pumpkins and the weather couldn't have been any better - a sunny, crisp, Fall day!

We had planned a trip down to my hometown to visit family and decided to make a stop at one of my favorite places - the cider mill. We got to drink fresh apple cider (blackberry apple cider to be exact), ate a fresh apple fritter, and got to show Kent several farm animals including goats, sheep, chickens, guinea pigs, and peacocks. He was extremely interested in the animals, which in turn brought me so much joy. Taking him on adventures, no matter how big or small, is by far one of our favorite things in the world.

While we were on our trip, Kent rolled over for the first time! I started crying, which in hindsight is hilarious. Never did I imagine myself sobbing over something like a baby rolling over, but I was just so grateful to be there to witness one of his firsts. It's been a big worry of mine since going back to work; that I'd miss out on all of his firsts. So this was an absolutely magical birthday gift he gave me.

Visiting with family was really nice. Kent got to see his grandpa, his great-grandma (GG), and his aunt and uncle. We even stopped to see his great aunt and uncle (not pictured) so we certainly got our fill of family time. It was such a nice way to spend my birthday and Kent did so good going along for the ride.

An additional bonus to our trip was visiting one of my dearest friends for her baby shower. Kent was the only boy at the party and boy was he popular! His face says it all...he likes the ladies! All the gals were passing him around the room and he had zero complaints. He never ceases to amaze me. A few days after our trip, Kent had another first and sadly not one we looked forward to. He got sick! Considering all the people we saw, I shouldn't be terribly surprised. I suppose on one hand, it's nice knowing his immune system is kicking into gear and his white blood cells are learning how to battle infections. We knew this day would come eventually and it's been tough to say the least. Seeing him sick is so heartbreaking, but we are managing the best we can and hoping to kick it soon. I type this as I take a sip of Theraflu. Yup - mama got it, too. All things considered, we have no regrets. It was bound to happen eventually.

We are about one week away from our final social worker visit and about one month away from the adoption being finalized. We felt like this day would never come and hope to have more to report in our next month's blog. Kent is by far our biggest joy in life. Being a parent is exhausting, and certainly not all rainbows and unicorns. All that to say, we wouldn't change it for the world! Our son is loved and has such a beautiful life ahead. We can't wait to see what kind of person he grows up to be. I'm betting he'll still be full of smiles 20 years from now and that he'll be a kind, loving, empathetic human. Stay tuned for next month's blog where we'll share our Halloween costumes, some more firsts, and hopefully more news on his adoption finalization. We're enjoying the parenthood ride so far, no matter how bumpy it gets. Happy October and thanks for reading!

[nohoney]

k i get so dreamy about c&c touya

☆～（ゝ。∂）

you and me both bb (╯✧▽✧)╯literally he’s been rotting my brain the last two weeks

he smells like tom ford’s tobacco vanille. he likes his doc martens for his fits but loves his birkenstocks for quick runs to the store. he was touched when he received an small espresso machine as a gift from the reader for his birthday. he was an okay cook before but got better when he moved out of his family’s home. he loves the shit out of his duvet when it’s wintertime so that he’s warmer as he sleeps. he’s learned to squeeze the toothpaste bottle at the end instead of in the middle since moving in with the reader. he likes using the reader’s skincare products for himself too.

[nel-world]

hi- Free Coffee Day!free giveaways or promotional events,

Today, my friends, is no ordinary day. Today is Free Coffee Day!

Yes, you heard me right! Free. Coffee. Day. A day where the coffee flows like water.

Now, I know what you're thinking: "Is this some kind of cruel joke? Did I stumble into a parallel universe where coffee rains from the sky and espresso machines never run dry?"

No hidden fees, no secret agendas.

So grab your favorite mug, dust off your loyalty card, and raise your cups high, my friends. Toast to Free Coffee Day! May your coffee be strong, your barista be swift, and your Monday be infinitely better than you ever imagined.

It’s Pretzel Day. I like Pretzel Day.

MICHAEL (to the camera) Pretzel Day is the best day of the year. We get free pretzels. And there’s nothing better than free pretzels.

At the pretzel cart, a CHEF serves up various toppings.

CHEF What can I get for you today?

STANLEY I’ll have the works. Extra everything.

CHEF Coming right up!

Michael cuts in line, prompting groans from the employees.

DWIGHT Michael, you can’t cut in line.

MICHAEL I’m the boss. I make the rules.

//

OLD WOMAN Wait! I was going to buy that!

JERRY Sorry, lady, I got here first.

OLD WOMAN But it's for my sister's birthday!

JERRY Well, it’s for a very important dinner party. I need it.

As Jerry walks away with the bread, the old woman follows him.

OLD WOMAN Young man, could you please find it in your heart to give me that bread?

JERRY No way! You don’t understand what I’ve been through to get this!

[tabernaclehearts]

April Flowers

Hey Hi How Are You ?? It is April 1st and I'm thinking of you as I roast my third coffee of the morning (it just hit noon) and I was stalking your Instagram and forgot to turn off the espresso machine so it is sad and watery and the price for that is newly acquired info on your current life and current happenings and I'm thinking about how you came and went out of my life (just like I did in yours) and we were once 13 and sharing cups of hot chocolate at the pier one summer night and splitting a bucket of sour straws at a pumpkin patch after many hours at Dave & Buster's and the days I spent braiding your hair and the days I came over and cleaned your room for you because I knew that you were too tired to do it yourself.

And now we are turning 22 and you have a long-distance boyfriend who drives a Geico-themed car and apparently he looks nice with his hair up when he goes down on you and that information surprised me and I didn't really know what to say except "congratulations" and "I'm glad he looks nice with a ponytail." I must admit, I felt jealous when you said that he would brave the across-country flights for you—do all that just to spend a weekend together in your cramped college dorm. It made me pucker in sadness but also I was genuinely happy that you have someone who would do that for you.

April 1st always makes me think of you because you told me that your cat died in sixth grade and I wasn't sure if it was an April Fool's joke or not so I awkwardly chuckled and you refused to talk to me for a week. Remember that? Now, April Fool's Day always gives me a slight sense of guilt for hurting your feelings way back then, even though we had smiled and talked about it in later years. I want to say that I'm sorry, I know how much Wonder meant to you.

And I still miss you and the things we used to have and I know your favorite color is a powder blue and you didn't know that your pet gecko was a girl until she laid eggs and your first run-in with alcohol was when you chugged half a bottle of vodka in 10th grade by yourself in bed and woke up covered in vomit. I remember that I was the first person you texted when you woke up, hung over and dazed. You got me that comically stupid belt from Hot Topic with the huge Legend of Zelda buckle, I still have it in my closet. I have all the birthday cards you gave me, all written in the secret language we created in middle school. And I loved you and you loved me, that's what friends are for—wiping each other's tears and simultaneously laughing hysterically over everything that went well and wrong with our lives and it's crazy how at the time, it was hard to imagine my life without you, and yet here I am and I haven't talked to you in months and I miss you dearly and hope that you are doing well, you and your boyfriend whom I have never met but hope to meet one day, if our paths align again.

[bishiglomper]

We went out of town to take mom out for a birthday dinner.

But first we stopped at a furniture centric thriftstore to look for an espresso maker

The one I had (found at a church sale for $3) was a delonghi which apparently is a decent espresso brand I guess. Dad said we should try to get it fixed. That if we held onto it to fix or until we could bring it to him, he would even pay or reimburse us. We cant find anyone close to us who will work on it though..

But anywho the delonghi retails for somewhere around $100.

We found a new in box espresso machine at the thrift store for $50. It's a cuisin... something. Cuisinart? I forget. But that one retails for $200...

The water reservoire is still only half the size of my other one but I can't find any with one as big. 👀 my delonghi does like 4 cups. Apparently 2c is large, so..

But it's gt a milk steamer. To make a large mug in one sitting and get steamed milk, those are my only requirements lol

I'm surprised dad is so into keeping my espresso machine working. When I first told him about it he sent me descaler solution for it. Wouldn't get me a milk cup tho... so I didn't think we should ask for help in Saving it. But I guess I was wrong.

It's all his fault I got on anyway, I got spoiled on that $1000 one he has. 👀 the man is big on coffee

[tiredsalaryman]

11/26 (Sun) TS blog #5

Good afternoon. 🌧

This is Tired Salaryman Tim. 🙆‍♂️

Getting to do the things I really want to do. Cleaning, laundry, grocery, cooking, all on a Sunday afternoon.

Today's rank: 6

Today's fortune is likely in consequence of the night I had. I was playing FFXIV when my best friend called me to catch up on shop talk and other things. It lasted for 6 hours according to the log lol. This is quite typical of us, although not as of late.

I mentioned before that my best friend was on a romantic manifestation kick. After being rejected by me, they went in pursuit of one of their peer acquaintances who could have been my twin brother but were also rejected by them. Now they have sworn off romance until they are around 30 so they can focus on their career first. Life is never boring for them, at least.

We spent some time analyzing my fortune and I think we were too hasty in deciding things. They purchased for us a Babbel lifetime subscription which was on my wishlist for a while. The Babbel site is known for its orange theme. But after sleeping on it, maybe it wasn't that. Maybe it was the orange gapp called Wegmans where I did my online grocery shopping.

They urged me to use this time in my life to learn the languages that I wanted since I have so much free time now. I know I will use it, I'm just a little regretful at the consumer pricing although it is a fair amount for a lifetime service. I hope my Italian will get better so I can impress the coffee shop owner down the block. He is an old man whose espresso machine is half my body and thrice my weight. I want to one day be able to say more than just "Buongiorno signore, un cafe, per favore. Grazie."

A little more about this old man. I don't know his name. I only went to his cafe once because I was never on time for him to open shop. He opens his shop later in the day and I am likely sleeping at that hour. It is really only a 5-minute walk.

The shop is decorated with Marylin Monroe paraphernalia. The food display is empty and full of junk. The only people who frequent it are Italian senior citizens and middle-aged relatives or coworkers. There is a backroom full of people just playing cards. You cannot do take out. He does not accept cards or anything fancier than cash. There are only 3 things on the menu:

Cafe - $2.00 Latte - $3.00 Cappuccino - $3.00

You get what you get and it is delicious. I'm starting to regret giving away my espresso machine. I need good coffee if I want to live long and don't become dumb.

Thinking about all this, I need to cook the potatoes. It's unrelated, but I just remembered. I also forgot to buy milk. Ah.

Another thing that was orange was a bento full of leftovers I cooked last week. Caramelized bell peppers with Italian sausages from Gianelli's. I wasn't too impressed with the sausages, but that's likely my fault for getting the Mild spicy instead of Really spicy. I will try to get that next time.

I made blueberry lavender tea for myself and Roommate N. The container of Manuka honey I used was orange. The Republic of Tea and Wedderspoon are the brands for this.

When I videocalled my stepmother, she was telling me about all the goodies she got at the grocery store ie. Chocolates and other snackings. Then she yelled at me to stop touching the knives I was sharpening with my fingers. She was scared for me and her blood pressure went up lol. I said, "Yes ok sorry I am just used to using my fingers to test sharpness." I did have a sheet of paper next to me to test it properly, and I showed it to her.

My stepmother is looking forward to me visiting in January since it is her birthday. And because I missed coming to this year's holiday events at home, I promised to visit them again at the end of next year once I have more days off saved up. I just couldn't do it this year because of my new job. I'm glad my nieces and nephews asked for me. I did miss them, and I felt a little nostalgic at the group photos my stepmother sent me.

In other news, a new photo released by NASA with the James Webb Space Telescope: Sagittarius C (NIRCam)

The star-forming region was revealed about 300 light-years from the Milky Way’s central supermassive black hole, Sagittarius A.

Highlighted in blue, our astronomers are still theorizing the process and cause/effect of these particular protostar gas emissions. This begs the question of whether clustered galaxies like these are likely to form within the center of the Milky Way or in the fringes of its spiral arms? The answer yet revealed will be another step in understanding the origin of our universe.

Article Source: Link

[pluvio-et-luna]

so i don't forget

072323

was woken up by my brother around 3am-ish because he needed some gcash money. was so out of it but i made it to opening the app then handed it to my brother so he could do it himself. fell asleep again as soon as i gave it to him.

woke up again at around 8:30 in the morning, this time with a throbbing headache. became paranoid as i thought it was a sign of tetanus. (i forgot that i drank a whole glass of calpis sour the night before and wasn't able to drink loads of water when i got home)

messaged wellpoint dasma to ask if they have an anti-tetanus vaccine. they do.

took a bath and went to sm dasma for it only for the receptionist to tell me that there isn't one readily available and that i need to make an appointment for that. besides that, the consultation prior to the shot plus the shot isn't covered by the HMO.

went to eat at OMG, a new greek resto place which i have been wanting to try since a few weeks ago. got calamari with rice, lamb kofta wrap, and hot chips. mmm i think it's a 7/10 for me. there was nothing special about the hot chips and the serving size was so small. calamari with rice is okay, just wish they'd given more sauce. lamb kofta wrap was good. it's lamb that's why i'd understand why it was priced more expensive than the others. again, more sauce. would try more of the food next time. but for now i would say that it isn't something i would crave after a long day at work.

went to withdraw money at a bdo atm machine. money in the bank is at 800+ php na lang. i need to cut off grab expenses na and not indulge myself lagi with food even tho it's one of the only things that make me happy.

went to krispy kreme to buy the barbie donuts. only bought one of each to try then we'll buy half a dozen next time na lang.

went to auntie anne's because i was craving something oily for the hangover headache and aura. i also bought their iced americano and agreed with sugar when they offered if i would want some milk and sugar with it. oily food plus coffee was the cure for today's hangover. could never go wrong with their pepperoni nuggets. the coffee was good initially but then the ice watered it down too much. maybe i could request another espresso shot with it the next time i buy one.

went to kipling to check out the bags. planning to save up for a bag to buy for mom's bday or as a christmas present. there's another bag there which i think is sulit for it's price. there's another one which i fancied hehe.

went back to wellpoint to follow-up with the vaccine. receptionist told me that it would be available next week but the doctor said that i could buy one at the drugstore then they'll be the one to inject it na lang. i had one more inquiry but it was taking so long so i just left my number for the receptionist to contact me. (received a message past 6pm na)

almost forgot to buy clifford's birthday cake otw home so i had my sister park again while i went back to buy his cake.

went home and chilled.

played a bit of minecraft. i was thinking of making an automatic tree cutter as cutting down cherry blossom trees over and over again was getting tiring. need to go mining for some redstone next time.

a notif popped on my screen for a vtuber graduation and i was sad to see that it was mysta. it's hurts but i am at peace with it knowing how much he has achieved for himself and for his mom. i'm so proud of him. thank you mysta.