#now we're planning to just go a few hours away to visit family

[sailoreuterpe]

So, in the last 24 hours:

our bathroom light started flickering our dog started limping and spasming our freezer started over-freezing our refrigerator died we found out that the muffler on our single vehicle is shot

I hate it here.

[spidybaby]

Omg can I please have some fluff like Kylian and reader visit his parents house for the weekend and it makes Ethan really happy to see reader because she’s his bestie, when they get there Ethan takes her away from Kylian and he gets jealous they spend over 3 hours together and then reader comes back to Kylian in his childhood bedroom where they watch movies and have cuddles💕

"Can you say it again?"

"Blueberry."

You laugh, making him repeat words in english. You love the way his accent sounds, loving the way he pronounces the words.

"I love it." You laugh, squishing his hand. "Don't forget to call your dad."

You were driving to his mother's house. He planned this weekend exclusively for his family and you two to be together.

Since the beginning of the season, he has had so much stress, making him crave some family time.

His mother and brother lived remotely close to his house. Sometimes, even spend nights with him.

But this season, everything changed, Ethan was practicing with the first team, but he was traveling with the second team a lot, and his mom was busy with his foundation. Making the time very much tighter for them.

Fayza went to Bondy. She wanted to get some paperwork and some things ready to sell the house. The thing that made Kylian sad.

His mother's house was the first thing he ever bought with his hard earned money. He wanted his parents to have their own home. So he gifted them the house.

His mom kept the house during the divorce, so it was hers now. Kylian didn't have a say because, as he says, it was theirs and not his.

Before the divorce of his parents, they all used to live there. Even their older brother and Melissa.

But when he moved from Monaco to Paris, Jires went to Turkey and Wilfried to another place closer to Paris. The house felt different.

Melissa and the kids stayed there with Ethan and Fayza. But to him, it was still weird not having his father with them.

"Oui, mon amour."

He was in charge of the music, being the passenger princess he was, refusing to only sit and relax. So he took the dj job.

The call was quick, Wilfried and him exchanged some words and then hang up.

"I want some waffles with whipped cream." He says, stomach roaring.

"Well, you could have had it, but you refused to eat."

"I wasn't hungry. You knew that."

"Maybe because you chose to wake up like ten minutes before leaving."

He pouts, not answering, but his facial expression was enough of an answer.

"We are almost there, bébé." You say pointing at the GPS. "And knowing your brother, he's probably waiting for us."

"Correction, he's waiting for you."

Ethan and you have an amazing relationship. He sees you as an older sister he can trust. Always stealing you and making you two do all sorts of things while visiting.

"He is." You sigh, turning your head to him quickly. "It's not my fault your family loves me more than you."

He scoffed, rolling his eyes. He knows you're joking. He actually loves how close you're with his family.

He never met someone who was so perfect with his parents, brothers, and even extended family.

The drive continues for another twenty minutes. Thankfully, the roads were pretty empty, making the drive a fast one.

"Look, we're here." You smile, squishing his arm. "Ready to have an amazing weekend?"

He nods, smiling like a kid on Christmas day. "Oui, I'm so happy."

He helped you with the bags, asking you to go onside and announce yourself, but two little laughs beat you at that.

"Y/n" Lana yells, she throw herself at you.

"Bonjour, mon petit fille." You spin her around. Kissing her cheeks.

You look for her brother, noticing he is in Kylian arms. He's welcoming his uncle. "Bonjour, Isayah."

You got closer to them, kissing his cheek just like you did with Lana. Making him laugh.

Fayza was standing at the front door. The scene was adorable to her. She can easily picture you and kylian in a few years with your own children.

Living in a house with a big garden, she thought about it maybe a little too much. But she can't be blamed. After all, Kylian was the one who described how he pictures your life together.

"Bonjour, my babies." She says, catching your attention. "Come here, let me help you."

She hugs you tightly, repeating the actions with her son. She took Isayah from Kylian arms, following you to the living room of the house.

"Melissa, hello." You say happily, she has become a close friend for you. Always counting on her for everything.

"We literally saw each other like three days ago." She laughs, hugging you.

"She's obsessed with you, that's why."

"You're just jealous, kyky."

He rolled his eyes for the second time, going upstairs to leave the bags and to wake Ethan up.

"How was your exams?" Fayza asks, curious about your life.

"It was good, I think I did a good job."

"You did, don't doubt about yourself." She says, kissing your cheek.

She was like a mom to you, always caring and loving you since you met her. She was extra special to you, knowing you were there to stay since the beginning.

You can hear kylian laughing from the second floor, probably doing something to Ethan or laughing at some joke.

"Boys." Fayza shakes her head. "Come help me, sweet. I can guess Kylian didn't eat breakfast."

"You know your son." You laugh, walking with her to the kitchen where she was cutting some fruits and making waffles.

You chat with her and Melissa, who joined you. Kylian and Ethan were in the living room chatting with their dad.

Wilfried and Kylian were messing with Ethan. He recently changed his style, so he felt a little more confident than usual, which Ky loved.

"Let's eat everybody." You call.

Wilfried shared some stories about his most recent trip, Melissa worked with Kylian, so her stories weren't new for the family.

Ky told them about the next matches, feeling like his stories were kind of repetitive, but you enjoyed them.

The way he was very into creating new ways and opportunities for him and the team to score and win.

"But the news here is, this mademoisell right here." He pats your knee. "Is going to be a valedictorian again."

They all got so excited at the news, Fayza and Wilfried telling you how proud they're of their "daughter."

As the day continues, you spend the rest of the morning helping Ky and Wilfried to prepare the meat and veggies for the barbecue.

It was Ethan the one with the idea of making a big family barbecue and everybody agreed with him.

"After this, you and I are going to play some fifa. This time, you're not beating me." Ethan lightly pushed you, making you laugh.

"Yes, and I want to know about that girl you texted me about." You whisper in his ear, making him blush at the thought of his crush.

"Deal, but first a fifa game."

After lunch, Lana and Isayah wanted you to join them on the pool. Wanting to play with you and their uncle like always.

"Oh, mon bébés." You say sadly, you wanted to swim with them but also you promised Ethan days before to have a chat with him. "As soon as I finish with Uncle Ethan, I'll be here, okay?"

Kylian pouts more than they do. You send him a kiss while you walk inside the house.

Ethan and you have an amazing relationship. He trusted you with his life. Sometimes, when Kylian was away and couldn't get a hold of him, you were there for him. Ready to help.

When it comes to girls, you're his go-to person. Maybe because he knows how much Kylian is a master with the football but not that much in the dating area.

"Okay, pause pause pause." You laugh at him, pushing you in order to make you lose the goal. "You, young man, own me a story."

"I own you anything, woman." He laughs, imitating your tone.

"C'mon, tell me, did she like the roses?"

"She did." He smiles. "Thank you so much for helping me. I don't know what I would do without you here."

"Probably be the best at fifa." You say, making both laugh at that. "But don't worry, E. I'm here for anything you need."

The fifa game took hours, hours Kylian didn't got to spend with you. Hours he was pouting like a child.

He's sitting on the couch hearing the laughs and screams you and Ethan are making. Feeling left out.

He knows feeling like this is dumb, but he's been so busy lately that even spending time with you was a bit difficult.

He helped his parents with picking up the plates, washing them and even helped Melissa with the kids.

And still not you.

"Bonjour, Monsieur Mbappe." You say in this funny accent. He was in his old childhood bed, a single one. He looked so big for the bed.

He turns to the wall, feeling left out and being jealous. "Go play fifa."

"Yeah, it was fun, I had to pick your player." You tease. "But maybe I should have picked Olivier. He's faster."

He turns back to you, eyes narrowed and pout. "Did you just call me slow?"

"You're such a baby, come here, mon amour." You throw yourself on top of him. He hugged you like a koala bear. "God, you're crushing me."

"Good, so you don't go."

"What if we moved and watch something?"

He thinks about it for a few seconds, making you squeak. "Can we watch that scary movie I like?"

"If I say yes, would you let me breathe?"

He laughs, softening the hug, making you sigh and breathe deeply. "Can you get some popcorn?"

You nod, getting up from the bed. But first, leaning down to kiss him on the cheek. "Some soda too?"

"You're making me break my diet." He laughs. Kissing your lips.

"Good, once in a while." You return the kiss.

Going down to the kitchen, you notice that Fayza is there, sitting at the kitchen island with a book in her hands.

"Hi, I thought you were asleep by now."

"No, Ky wants to see a movie, and he's kinda grumpy from all the attention everyone is getting from me. Everyone but him."

"Well, he's a man. They always want more but never know how to ask." She laughs, winking at you.

You laugh with her, making a little chat while the popcorn is getting ready at the microwave.

"I'm gonna miss this house. I feel like it was yesterday when Kylian brought me here to meet you."

"Oui, so many memories. But I think it is time for us to move on."

You nod, thinking about the amazing memories you shared with Kylian and his family there.

You place the popcorn in a bowl, grabbing two sodas and leaving Fayza and her book alone.

The movie was good, it has a scary factor. But your mind was still roaming through the memories.

You scratch lightly Kylian arms, something you do when you're cuddling while watching a move or a show.

He's focused on the movie and the popcorn. Not noticing how you're so lost into nothing.

"I wish we could stay longer. I know this is not my family home, but this place has something that I love."

"I get it, I feel like a part of me hurts from thinking about letting this go."

You stayed quiet for a while, trying to focus on a little bit of what's left from the movie. Kylian, on the other hand, got lost into his thoughts, he loved this place.

He wanted to make this a vacation home, to bring his kids to the place where he grew up, where the people supported him.

He wanted to save his childhood house. He wanted his, well, your kids to be able to hear the stories you created there, to be able to feel the magic you two feel there.

He takes the remote, turning the TV off, making you protest. "I have an idea."

"We're not pranking anyone, Ky."

"No, that's not it." He gets up. "Well, that's a good idea, you can't deny."

"No." You laugh.

His hands found yours, intertwining them and looking at you in the eyes. "Let's buy the house."

"What?" You say, taken aback by the sudden proposition.

"Oui, we can use the house for weekend getaways, we can use it for vacations. For special occasions."

"But I thought."

"I know what I said." He interrupts you. "But I can't deny that there's a special something, and in the near future, I want to create more memories with you here. I can't wait for our kids to enjoy this place like we did."

"Oh, bébé." You let his hands go to press your palms to his cheeks, kissing him slowly. Feeling all the emotions. "We have to talk to your mom about it."

"Can you believe that? If she says yes, this will be our first house together."

"This will be your house, Kyky." You laugh, even tho he always told you that what was his was yours, this was different from a t-shirt, this is a whole house.

"No, bébé. This will be ours."

[kanpaeki]

acai bowl - dominic fike x reader

gif belongs to @catrawrites, i believe! thank you. this was requested. 846 words, we're slowly gettin' up there. this was not proofread, my bad. just wanna get this out. love y'all <3333

warnings: slightly nsfw.

x

being with dominic from the beginning wasn't easy. there was always someone in your ear telling you that he was always going to end up back in jail and that he was no good; that moving on was the best option for you. but you were stubborn, you couldn't find it in yourself to give up on him. on your relationship. he'd done too much for you with what little he had at the time. visits as often as you could, putting money on the phone when you could, you stuck it out with him. for him. you couldn't imagine leaving him when he needed you most.

and those 'friends' that tried to tell you to leave him, boy were they embarrassed now. not that you bragged about it, but when he got you those prada shoes you'd been eyeing, you couldn't help but wear them any opportunity that people would see them. you couldn't help it. you were proud. he worked so hard. he was handed so many bad cards but he was determined to get a full house and he was successful. he promised you this, promised his family this, promised himself this. he deserved every good thing headed his way.

waking up with him was so sweet. the way the sun peeked through the shades, just enough to have sunbeams hitting his tan skin that you fawned over. tattooed beautifully with things that meant the most to him. his lanky self tangled with you, limbs absolutely everywhere. he took up all the space in the bed damn near, but you didn't care.

you'd spent the last night on a flight to florence, italy to be with him. things weren't good when he left and he spent most of his travelling trying to make things right, texting and calling whenever he had signal or wifi. it wasn't a big issue but you know he felt bad and was just trying to make sure you were okay. so when he offered to fly you out, you took the next few days off of work using your pto to go spend time with him. as soon as you touched down, he was there to hug you and take you all in as if he hadn't seen you in days. you'd worn his favorite sundress on you. it was comfortable enough for the plane so you figured why not.

"i packed two of your favorite wines. did you make any plans?" you had grinned up at the boy, who just nodded his head. his eyes were shimmering with happiness and he buried himself in you, wrapping his long arms around you. in your skin, he muttered a soft 'yeah,' to which you responded, "look at you thinking ahead."

just eight hours ago, he whisked you away to the rental car and drove through the streets of florence, holding your hand every moment he could. eventually, he decided to park and walked you through the stores and gift shops he wanted you to see, treating you to everything you didn't have the heart to ask for. but he knew you well, watching for your eyes to widen at a bag or a pair of shoes. you got matching italian charm bracelets and dined at the best pizzeria you think you've ever been to before you made it back to the villa he was staying in, your feet so sore.

you were tired last night but you knew the last bit of energy would be spent in the bed with dominic. he undressed quickly but he took his time with you, kissing the skin as he gently pulled you free from your sundress and undergarments. he treated you first, going down on you with very clear intentions. he apologized again and again as he made you writhe underneath him, making you forget you had ever fought with him before the trip. ending the night with him inside you was the best part of it all, no matter what he had bought you hours before. looking into those brown eyes while you both used each other, bodies as close as possible. even once you had both reached your highs, he stayed inside you and you fell asleep that way.

hair a mess on the pillow, you brushed your face free of the strands, blinking your eyes and looking over at dom, gently patting his arm to wake him up. he blinked and buried himself in you further, making you chuckle and manuever yourself so you were facing him. kissing his shoulder down to his collarbone, nipping at the tender skin with your teeth, he groaned at your touch.

"thank you," was all you muttered, hands running down his side, across his waist and resting on his back. he kissed into your neck, humming softly before his breath slowly evened out and you knew he was asleep again. he made sure you were taken care of, even when you didn't ask for it and you made sure he knew you appreciated it. he was yours, no which way about it.

[hexpea]

Ch. 2 - Expected

"It was arranged," Seiko's jaw nearly fell to the floor as you finished explaining the circumstances of your first marriage. 

You nodded in confirmation. "Unfortunately," you sighed. "I certainly didn't ask for it. But at this point, it seems like I'm going to need to head back to Tokyo to get Gojo to sign the damn thing...again."

Your partner sat back in their seat in thought, waves of understanding flooding their mind. They felt bad for causing such a fuss about it earlier though it was entirely warranted.

"Y/N?" Their voice was soft, their hand reaching forward to touch yours that you had resting on your knee. "What if we made it a thing? We're due for a vacation. I'll come with and we'll enjoy the sights of Tokyo. The whole divorce thing can be just a small part of the trip, no need to over-worry ourselves. We'll get it taken care of." 

You thought about it for a moment, searching your mind for any downsides. A few began to populate in your mind, but Seiko was quick to interrupt. "We're getting married this time. Let's take some time to celebrate ourselves, eh?"

"You just want to go to Tokyo, don't you?" You looked at him slyly, a crooked smile on your face. Seiko had be raving about it for the past few months; you had originally (and hesitantly) been planning to have your honeymoon there.

"I do," they admitted, their smile matching yours but their gaze looking away as if they had been 'caught.' They had rarely left the small town you lived in. Seeing Tokyo in real life sounded like a dream to them.

You took a deep breath and let out a sigh. "Alright," you agreed, "let's make it a thing."

The next thing you knew, you found yourself boarding a bullet train. It was a four and half hour ride to Tokyo from Hokkaido. Unfortunately for you, this meant you had plenty of time to ruminate on your past -- the whole reason for this visit. 

The train itself had faded, patterned seats, well worn from years of use. The car was quiet as passengers filed on in order and silently began putting away their luggage. The air itself smelled stale, like any other form of public transport. It was the last place you thought you'd be at that moment.

"Here are our seats," Seiko smiled at you eagerly, tugging along a suitcase. 

They stuffed their suitcase in the overhead bin and helped you in getting yours up there as well. With a wordless smile, they offered you the window seat to which you obliged. 

"Besides settling into our hotel, what's the first thing you want to do when we get there?" Seiko asked as the two of you now sat in the faded, plush seats of the shinkansen. 

You gave them a funny look. Seiko was never one to be overly eager about going anywhere let alone planning activities. "I don't know," you answered as if each word was its own sentence, a funny yet suspicious tone in your voice. "Do you have anything in mind?"

"Nothing in particular," they shrugged, causing you to furrow your brow even further. Why bring it up then?! 

You shook your head and ignored your surroundings, opting to put some headphones in and stare out the window as Seiko began scrolling through their phone. Just as expected, with divorce on the brain, your mind went to that place and your heart already...ached. 

The divorce was amicable. It was honestly something that had been a long time coming, almost expected, as Gojo found himself alone in his clan. He didn't seem remarkably upset about being the last of his name, his parents now both passed on -- mother preceding father. The lack of emotion had concerned you but you let it go. 

Saying that your marriage didn't have love...that would be a lie and you knew it. The two of you had been childhood friends, closer than anyone could get without being family or, well, being in love. Admitting it was a different story.

Things between you two had begun to distance when Geto entered the picture as soon as you reached high school age. That, and Gojo had started taking on missions with Geto as well -- tough missions that you couldn't be a part of. You found yourself linking up with Shoko Ieiri who also mostly stayed behind, being helpful with her reversed cursed technique. 

At the time, you were honestly happy about his absence. With adolescence, his personality had developed beyond repair of arrogant confidence to which he didn't hesitate to irritate you with to no end. He honestly irritated everybody one way or another, and took pleasure in it.

But there was unspoken love that grew during your time as husband and wife. The conflict had once pulled on the strings of your heart, telling you everything you needed to know of your feelings toward the Limitless sorcerer even as he asked for the divorce. But those feelings were a distant memory.

It was August, a warm, summer evening five years into your facade of a marriage. You found yourself enjoying the nightly air, the distant sound of fireworks from the summer festival humming through your ears. 

You were dressed comfortably, getting ready for bed and having a cup of tea to relax. The stars were remarkably bright that night, twinkling in nearly every direction. It was in that moment you were thankful that the Gojo estate was just outside of Tokyo, no bright buildings to prevent such a beautiful sight. 

Satoru had just returned from a mission, still dressed in his jujutsu uniform and dark blindfold covering his eyes. You heard him approach from the opening of the shoji screen behind you. You could hear his footsteps approach behind you as you looked up into the cosmos. 

"Hey there," he purred, his voice dripping with a teasing tone as it always had as he joined you on the porch. He couldn't resist making light of the situation, even when his emotions were in a flood of conflict. You knew him well enough to expect his cocky demeanor.

You sat cross-legged while he let his legs dangle off the side, using his hands to prop himself up. He looked up with you as he greeted.

"Hi," you answered, your voice quiet after taking a sip from your tea. "How was the mission?" You asked while trying to maintain your composure in the face of his playful attitude. 

"Mission? Oh, piece of cake," he said with a smug grin, leaning in closer to you. "But, you know, I'd much rather be dealing with you, Y/N. You're the real challenge." He winked, emphasizing the double meaning of his words. 

There was a moment of awkward silence as he lingered longer than he usually would. He took a deep breath in preparation for his next words. 

"Y/N..." you looked over at him, your wide, interested gaze causing him to rethink his decision for a split second. He tried to hide the smile that was growing from seeing your doe-eyed face. He decided he needed to hold firm; he had promised himself he'd stop postponing and tell you. "I think that we should...file for divorce."

There it was, the words you were, honestly, waiting to hear. The conflict brewing in your head made your chest hurt. The marriage was a sham. It was to produce an heir, something the two of you never did, for the Gojo clan who was now a team of one. You had to and did accept the fact that this marriage was holding both of you back.

Your silence was irking Satoru as you continued to sip from your tea. He fidgeted eagerly for your response. It was then that you realized he was waiting for something out of you.

"Okay," you responded calmly, holding back the emotions that were threatening to bust forth. "It's not like we love each other." 

Satoru, though cocky and confident on the surface, felt a pang of turmoil deep within. He knew what he felt for you, even if he was hesitant to admit it to himself.  The two of you were completely ignorant to one another and beyond saving. This time it was his silence that got you going. You could clearly see he was trying to read your plain expression.

"What? It doesn't have to be that sad," you added, trying to maintain some levity despite the heavy situation.

"What will you do?" Satoru asked you, his future path already decided and very clear.

You thought to yourself for a moment, ignoring the knot that had begun to form in your throat. "Hmm..." you hummed, tilting your head up and away from him to hide your dampened eyes. It was just now settling in that the arrangement was coming to a close. "I wonder what the beach looks like in the snow."

Satoru smiled at you, a mixture of relief and turmoil in his eyes, knowing that he had to let you go. "Ah, Hokkaido," he nodded. "Yeah, it's beautiful."

The two of you sat in continued silence for a few more moments. The booming of the fireworks had long stopped since his arrival. The complete silence a bit jarring from your conversation.

After a while, Satoru leaned over and pressed a lingering kiss to your cheek -- the only 'affection' the two of you allowed yourselves besides in public when necessary. The only time you had ever been intimate with him outside of the occasional kiss was your wedding night, never once doing it again.

Talk about mixed signals, you thought to yourself. 

He came to a stand and you looked up at him with a gentle smile before he departed. "I'll be there, any time you need me. You know that, right?"

"Yeah," you nodded once, voice breaking slightly, causing your cheeks to turn red in the dark. 

As Satoru left you alone on the porch, your emotions swirled like a turbulent sea. The tears that had begun as a mixture of sorrow and relief now took on a new dimension. There was a sense of betrayal that began to seep into your heart, though you couldn't quite pinpoint its source. You stared out into the night sky, the stars still shining brightly above. The sound of cicadas filled the air, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves of nearby trees. The beauty of the night was a stark contrast to the turmoil inside you.

The divorce had been inevitable, and you had known that a long time. Yet, hearing those words from Satoru still stung. It was a reminder of just how far the two of you had drifted apart over the years. As you continued to sit there, sipping your tea and gazing at the stars, you couldn't help but wonder what the future held for you. The prospect of being alone was both daunting and liberating. You had spent so long in a marriage of convenience and now you had the opportunity to rediscover yourself. 

Your train pulled into Tokyo station in what felt like the blink of an eye. You were so lost in your thoughts that Seiko had to squeeze your hand to snap you out of your trance. 

The bustling station presented a crowd of noise, announcements over the intercom for arrivals and departures, and the feeling of people rushing around you served as a reminder that you were back in the heart of the city where you had grown up. 

"Wow," Seiko admired the large station as the two of you guided yourselves off of the train. "Are you ready for this?"

You nodded, your resolve firming up as the two of you began your walk out of the station. The memories of your past with Gojo had left a bitter taste in your mouth, but you were determined to close that chapter of your life for good. The strange sense of betrayal you had felt after that fateful conversation with Gojo had lingered, but it was time to move forward.

As you navigated your way through the station, you couldn't shake the anticipation of seeing your parents again. It had been far too long since you had been home and you knew that your reunion would be emotional. But duty called, and you had brought the divorce papers with you, determined to get Gojo's signature. 

The Tokyo streets outside the station were familiar yet different, a testament to the passage of time. Seiko walked beside you, 'oooing' and 'ahhing' at all of the sights. Their presence provided you a bit of stability that grounded you in the present moment. As you hailed a taxi to take you to your hotel, you couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions -- fear, anticipation, and a newfound determination to finally put an end to the chapter of your life that had been marked by a love that had never fully bloomed.

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

AITA for not wanting my partner to spend the holidays with his family?

So trigger warning for death/grief. I'm not sure if this is extremely straightforward in who is in the wrong here, it at least doesn't feel obvious to me.

My (24NB) mother (55F) passed away last week. She had struggled previously with cancer and liver failure but was seemingly doing well until a blood infection caused her to be hospitalized. She was expected to recover, but passed rather suddenly after a week in hospital.

She and I were incredibly close. We talked on the phone most days. The passing has been very difficult for me. Especially with it being so close to Christmas, I'm dreading the holidays. My mom was always the one who made Christmas special for my family.

Now, my partner (23M) loves Christmas and comes from a big family that is very close-knit. We've been together for a little over a year, and currently live together. Neither of us drive, but most of his family live 45 minutes from us. This makes visiting with them difficult as we're dependent on who can drive us and that usually means we have to stay much longer than we would with my family. As a result, he spent Thanksgiving with my family (Canadian Thanksgiving happening prior to my mom passing). This caused a total meltdown from his family, who saw this as me asking him to disrespect them. He ended up having to lie about being sick and missing both Thanksgivings.

Now that Christmas is approaching, I had already asked that we spend Christmas morning with my family if his family planned on being out of town just for ease. He agreed that would be easier, and the following year we could go with his family. This of course changed when my mom passed. Instead, my family planned on having a quiet Christmas together. I expected that he would still attend, especially since I'm expecting it to be hard on me.

His cousin (30sF) phoned the other day. They first talked about the hospital my mom passed in and how they had lost some of my moms belongings (the cousin works at the hospital and wanted to help us). I listened in to provide additional info for him to relay. At the end of that conversation, she brought up Christmas and said the plan was for herself and a few others to spend the entirety of Christmas Eve out of town with his family, and then leave Christmas morning following presents. He didn't argue, just gave a vague response along the lines of 'we'll see' which led to his cousin telling him it would be 'very unfair' of me to prevent him from spending Christmas with his family because I see him all the time and "it's only 24 hours". At the end, she added a quick "Your mom would really appreciate it!" Which hurt my feelings to hear, but I knew it wasn't intended that way.

The whole talk made me really upset, and I had to excuse myself to cry. After talking it through with a close friend, they suggested I bring it up to my partner just so he could understand that its difficult for me to think about Christmas for the time being. I did exactly that, and my partner got very upset with me. He told me that his cousin didn't intend it that way. He also told me that it was unfair that I already expected him to spend Christmas with my family, and that I was 'forcing' him to be a part of my family and taking him from his own.

It was never my intention to make him feel as though he couldn't spend time with his family, and I don't think I've ever said anything like that but I don't know how my words and actions have come across. I want him around for support during this first year without my mom, but I don't want him to feel that I'm forcing him into missing his own holidays. AITA?

What are these acronyms?

[bropunzeling]

marriage bets mattdrai number 9?

a kiss in public

Matthew is a grown-up. He has a mortgage. Eighty-two nights a year, he gets onto the ice ready to get his shit wrecked by someone his size or bigger. Not much scares him.

Spending a week and a half with his in-laws -- technically; they don't even know they're his in-laws -- for the first time does.

"You're doing fine," Leon says. They've just finished dinner -- early in deference to Leon's niece, eighteen months old and only interested in running around the table, tugging Bowie's ears, and clearing her plate one single pea at a time -- and are taking bedtime as an opportunity for a break from the familial togetherness. "They like you."

"You say that," Matthew grouses. Leon wasn't the one getting a shovel talk from Kim half an hour ago. Glaring while holding a babbling toddler should not be all that intimidating, and yet.

"Trust me," Leon says. As they walk, their steps start to sync up, their arms swinging in rhythm. Leon's hand taps Matthew's, then grabs it. "They do."

Matthew chews on his lip. Maybe if things had gone to plan last year, this wouldn't feel so -- he doesn't know. They were supposed to go to Germany mid-summer, finally meet Peter and Sandra and Kim not through the medium of FaceTime. Then he and Leon were supposed to peel off to somewhere warm and sunny for a few days. Spain, reprised.

It's amazing how a broken sternum can fuck up one's plans.

So they put off the visit for another twelve months. Matthew's still only talked to his in-laws -- technically -- over the phone. He doesn't know them well enough to know what they make of it, this. Him and Leon. He can't tell how he measures up, if they even like him, if this is how they would treat anyone Leon wanted them to meet. When he's asked, all Leon's said is he hasn't had many opportunities to bring anyone home.

"I just," Matthew says as they continue on their way to the river. The Rhine in the evening is dark and glittering, the reflections of street lights and windows refracting on the surface. "It would really suck if they didn't like me."

Leon squeezes his hand. His shoulder bumps Matthew's. "Well, they do like you," he says, pulling them to a stop by the riverbank. "Just because my family isn't as obnoxious as yours -- "

"We're not obnoxious," Matthew cuts in. "Enthusiastic."

"Uh-huh," Leon says pointedly. "My point is, they're just quieter about things."

Matthew knows that. But -- "They're not just being polite?"

Leon shakes his head, letting go of Matthew's hand to slide his arm around Matthew's waist and tug him in. Matthew's own arm falls naturally to find Leon's back, linking them together. An easy gesture they have so few opportunities to practice.

"They like you," Leon repeats again, quietly. "You're easy to like."

If they were at home -- in Matthew's house, horsing around in the pool; at Leon's, watching Bowie run around the yard; on the ice, chatting before it was time to split up for the faceoff -- Matthew might make a joke about that. How there was a time there when Leon didn't. How it took getting married for Leon to admit that Matthew might not be the worst.

Not here, though. Not now. Now, Matthew leans in, until they're pressed together all along their sides. Relishing the anonymity of Leon's hometown, of being somewhere no one can recognize them. Where they could be any other couple out for an evening stroll, spending time in each other's company.

"Hey," Matthew says, getting Leon's attention. When Leon turns his head, he ducks in, kissing Leon once, fast. When he pulls away, Leon chases his mouth. Once, slow.

They break apart again. Matthew digs his chin into Leon's shoulder. "I'm glad I'm here."

Leon pulls him in closer. No separation. "I'm glad you're here, too."

[thestupidhelmet]

If the original writers had stuck around for the eighth season and we'd gotten a Jackie/Hyde endgame possibly ending with their wedding, do you think the writers of the reboot would have destroyed that in favor of pairing Jackie with Kelso the way they broke up Jackie and Fez? Or do you think there's a chance their endgame would have been preserved? For some reason, I feel like J/H shippers would have been screwed no matter what due to real life stuff.

Many of the original writers stayed, and some of them wrote great J/H episodes before season 8. The show runners changed from the J/H-loving Filgos to the J/H hating duo who took the job afterward.

If season 7 hadn't been decided to be last season and originally written as the end of the show, the Filgos likely would've stuck around to finish out the series (if it was just one more season). As far as everyone on T7S was concerned, S7 was it, and people started looking for new gigs, including the Filgos.

The writers take story direction from he showrunners. If the Filgos had stayed for S8, they would've had to deal with Eric's absence and Kelso's mostly absence. I'd like to believe they would've made sure both characters were still part of the show even if offscreen.

Jackie and Hyde would've been engaged (as in the originally-written S7/series finale). A lot of humor could've been derived from that. Red/Kitty and Jackie/Hyde likely would've had a lot of stories together, comparing and contrasting a long-married couple to a newly-engaged one (which isn't the direction taken during E/D's engagement arc).

W.B. would've been utilized more, hopefully with his character (and relationship with Hyde) fleshed out instead of just punchlines.

Fez would grieve over Kelso, a storyline of its own. He and Donna could bond over their mutual losses. At some point, Fez might misinterpret his new friendship-closeness as romantic, and Donna would have to shut him down. She's still in love with Eric, and she's waiting for him. Ez would think about this a moment and say, "And I will wait for Kelso, too."

Donna: But Kelso's not coming back. He's living with Brooke and their baby in Chicago.

Fez: Then I will go to him.

Donna: And do what?

Fez (emotional): Tell him I love him!

Donna: Okay, when you say *love* ...

Fez: Love, woman! Can't one man love another man in this country without everyone else being weird about it?!

Donna: I suppose father and sons, brothers --

Fez: And best friends. Now good day.

Donna: Fez, we're in my house.

Fez: I said good day!

Out of this we get an episode where Fez visits Kelso in Chicago. Unfortunately the actress who played Brooke didn't love being on the show, but maybe she'd do one guest spot like she did in S7.

What I would love is if Fez runs into Rhonda in Chicago, and the second half of season 8 for Fez is about them reconciling.

Jackie and Donna s storylines have a lot of potential, too. Jackie might say she understands what Donna's going through with having a long-distance relationship.

Donna: Oh? Do tell.

Jackie: Steven has to go to Milwaukee every few weeks for work. That's, like, an hour away, and sometimes he's there the whole weekend to spend time with family.

Donna: Jackie, Eric is across the ocean on another continent. I get letters from him twice a week. I haven't heard his voice in months. Hyde going to Milwaukee for a weekend doesn't compare -- and you go with him for a lot of the overnights.

Jackie: Well, fine. If you don't want my sympathy, you don't have to have it.

Donna and Jackie reconcile sooner than later, though, and Jackie helps Donna come up with the best care package for Eric ever, which Kitty gets nosy about. She tries to slip in a few items her own, and Red catches her. This leads to their story in that episode.

We also have Bob, whom might not have planned to move to Florida but started to date another woman, played by a famous actress (as T7S is wont to do). Maybe someone totally inappropriate for him or insane, which gives him a story arc with all the main characters who have to deal with this new presence and her weird effect on Bob. Not a Caroline/Fez rehash, though.

All in all, I hope the Filgos would feel free to let humor and plot rise organically from characterization. No more alcoholism for Kitty and no put-upon cliche TV husband for Red. R/K would get their due with their characters, evolving as the circumstances around them have changed (e.g., no Eric, J/H engaged, an ever-present Fez and Donna, etc.)

[omarandjohnny]

hi! I hope this is ok to ask and please of course feel free to not answer if it's too personal. I look up to your perpetual halloween lifestyle, and i'm also immunocompromised now because of covid. I was wondering if you had any tips or plans for how to celebrate spooky season safely at home, since.. well... it just doesn't seem like going out to a halloween show or something is worth dying, you know? :\ I thought if anyone would know how to halloween party it up at home it would be you.

First off, ALL THE HUGS <33333333333333333333333333

The Plaguetimes have certainly thrown a wrench in the spoopy season for us, that's for sure.

2020 was obviously the most difficult, but my brother and I celebrated by resurrecting an old favorite October activity: Every Saturday is Halloween! We dressed up in themed costumes every Saturday of the month, got together (safely), took pics, and then watched that week's film.

2021 we only dressed up on the day, but still kept the celebration here at home- made a big dinner so it felt like A Real Holiday, and then watched a movie.

2022 we ventured out on a day trip on the 30th, but kept it safe by visiting outdoor locations (we hit up Delavan, WI to take some pics with circus themed statues, we walked through a quiet park to get some autumnal vibes, we did our usual slow drive through a graveyard, and then ate dinner in the car outside a building that looks like a castle)

2023 is going to be more of the same- if it's not raining on the 31st, we're going to get our costumes on and go take some pics outside our local courthouse (they've got decorated pumpkins on the front lawn from a recent fall festival) and then we're gonna try to hit up an location about an hour away to take a few more outdoor shots. If there's too many folks around we'll stay in the car, but if there's little to no foot traffic then I'm gonna try to get my pic taken next to one of these fellas:

As for celebrations entirely at home, having a themed movie night really does make it feel like An Event- we dressed up as aliens for Spaced Invaders night, as Adam and Delia for Beetlejuice night, as Tangina and Kane for Poltergeist night, Fester and Pugsley for Addams Family night.

Even when I've celebrated solo (back when Joelie was younger and more out and about) I've done a themed night. Costume, snacks, some cheap decorations that all fit with the movie- it's simple but it really does bring out the Forever Halloween Kid in me 🎃🖤

If you do end up having a Themed Halloween, I wanna hear all about it! <333333333333

[secretsideblogshhhh]

I know I'm probably going to end up visiting family for Thanksgiving, and I'm debating so much.

I want to wear a pin or two with my pronouns on them

I want to bring my partner with me

But I don't want to start arguements

I want to be able to call my parents out or confront them but I don't at the same time

I'm scared of being hurt, or accused of things, or disowned

I want to be myself, but my family has been such an unsafe environment for that my whole life

What I can and can't do always changes, especially around extended family

I want to cut them off and forget about them

I always have

But now that I'm nearing the point where I can do that.. I'm scared

I've always been alone, but making it so official is so terrifying

Giving them a reason to cut me off first is terrifying.

Rolling over and just pretending for a few hours is terrifying, I finally got away from having to do that and now I have to debate doing it again?

I just... I wish I could've had a family that was accepting. Things would be easier then. But instead I have to debate if I want to bring the person I plan to marry to thanksgiving dinner, because I'm worried it could end in genuine violence

It's not fair. And I know that sounds so whiney, but my younger sister, who's barely 16, can bring the boy she started dating a week ago to thanksgiving dinner, and I'm still not sure if I'm even allowed to bring the person I've been dating for 3 years just because we're a queer relationship

Even if I go alone, I'm subjecting myself to hours of being miserable. Or I wear a pin, declaring that I'm transgender, and setting myself up for "it's just a phase" "don't shove it down our throats" "back in MY day.."

Despite that I've known I was trans since I was 12. Despite the fact that I just want to be treated with basic respect.

I have to worry, that being myself, around the people who are supposed to care for me unconditionally and love me ways the rest of the world can't, that I could end up as a statistic, or be cut off or belittled to the point of dehumanization.

And it's just not fair. I'm so tired of it. I wish this was easier

[random2908]

Today is my brother's first birthday since his death. I don't want it to go unremarked. We are working toward some approximation of justice for him, as best we can, but we don't know how much we're going to get.

I know I haven't been around on tumblr much. I already wasn't around much leading up to it--because a month before he died, I had my big African safari trip (the last time I saw him!); and right before that a friend was visiting from out of town for over a week; and the month before that I was moving into a new house; and the two months before that I was selling my old apartment and buying my new house; and the two months before that I was settling into a new job; and the month before that I was moving cross-country out of the apartment I'd lived in for 17 years; and the two months before that I was doing job interviews and traveling to visit my brother and my parents; and the month before that I was quitting my awful job; and the month before that I was... idk, kinda in an emotional limbo of planning to quit but not having done it yet; and the month before that I was on my walking trip in England; and the month before that I was being driven to quit my awful job, including being forced to work for 22 hours straight on a weekend, and a screaming match with my boss in the hallway. So that was a huge 13 months with very little down-time.

While I was at my awful job I certainly did spend a lot of time on tumblr--as well as immediately prior to that, 8-10 years ago, when I was unemployed. (I've had this tumblr for, I guess, 10 1/2 years now, since way back when I was originally giving up on working and sliding into unemployment due to a mix of burn-out and immune diseases.)

But my brother's death shifted a lot of things for me, just in terms of where I was spending my leisure time, and maybe those shifts are permanent. Or maybe they'd already been coming for a year before that.

And I've been so, so busy at work, since then. Mostly because of good things! I'm the second senior-most scientist on a very successful project, and the senior-most scientist on my project can't do any work travel during the school year due to his family situation (he has a small kid, and his wife is a professor). So for 9 months out of the year, I'm the one being sent to do customer installations, and to lead off-site field testing. And I'm being fairly good about not working long hours... But even working 40 hours a week is exhausting when some of those hours are overnight tests, and sometimes I'm away from home on field-testing trips for up to two weeks at a time. The company springs for decent mid-range hotels--not luxurious by any means, but I'm not camped out in a scary motel or anything (except maybe at one point while road-tripping my equipment to a test site). But even so, just being away from home so much is hard.

Out of the past 3 months I've spent 4 weeks away from home for a total of 3 business trips, plus nearly a week on a couple short family trips (eclipse and Passover). It's just... a lot. So yeah, my leisure time and activities are just that much more constrained, just because my attention, even more than my time, is so constrained.

Anyway. I'm still here, occasionally. I still enjoy the time I spend here, but I'm spending 15-30 minutes here twice a week now. So I'm not seeing most of the stuff, and I have close to no interest in any of the more serious posts because my life is so serious. Maybe in the next few months things will calm down and I'll be back more. Maybe things will calm down and I'll pick up a new hobby instead. Maybe things won't calm down, idk.

But I just wanted to say, my life is a soap opera right now, almost entirely in ways I can't talk about here, but not everything is bad. And the reasons I'm not around are most immediately because of good things in my life, even if the whole evolving situation with my brother's death is weighing on me in the background. And I'm still around tumblr occasionally, I'm still seeing like 5% of the jokes on my dash, and I appreciate that they're there when I'm in the mood for them.

[bad0mens]

So there's things going on in my life and I feel like I cannot catch a break.

My father is currently undergoing radiation for three brain tumors discovered back in March/April (I am unsure exactly when because everything happened so fast and it hasn't stopped). Last night, I drove three hours from home, across the state, to stay overnight with my sister and see him today. He was too unwell for us to go out to lunch like we planned, so we picked him up something and took it to where he's staying. I have scheduled this trip for two weeks.

I am three hours from home when my closer at work calls out. Again. It's not just this particular employee, there's another who calls out pretty often too. They all know where I am and why. It's not a secret. I told them. I told them specifically that I will be visiting my father who is ill.

The thing about the constant call outs, they almost exclusively fall on a day where I have important plans (like this!) or am out of town and I have to scramble to rearrange plans for coverage. This happens every time. I cannot have a weekend off or make plans without something happening that results in me going to work.

At this point, I'm livid. I'm sitting with my father who may only have a few months left to live at this point, and I cannot spend a single uninterrupted afternoon with him without something going wrong at work. I understand things happen, but the employee in question had a headache. I am dealing with my potentially dying father!

I am tethered to that job for now. Other prospects have been nil. I cannot quit because I need the money even though it is very clearly scraping away my sanity and peace at every turn.

Hell, I cannot make the three hours drive home without a call about some stupid shit that I've trained them on needing to be repeated. These are adults. I have trained them. Do I not deserve the time off? A moments peace? Should I not be able to see my dying father and spend a single uninterrupted afternoon with him? Why the fuck is that so difficult?

And this is where things are going to get rambly.

I'm taking my father being this ill hard. I've always been sensitive. I've long ago come to terms with the fact that he's not really the man I loved as a kid and never was, and we have wildly different opinions and he's never been a very good father, but that's okay. I've given up on all that. but it still hurts. It hurts that I won't have time to try and find some real common ground with him. He wasnt good, but he tried. It's fucked me and my siblings op but we've all learned to cope. I won't got into details because they're really not pretty, but it wasn't particularly extreme or anything. But the shadows of it still linger over all of us.

And I cannot have even a moments peace to do this. I am already mourning the relationship we'll never get to have. I love him but it's complicated. I love what he could have been, what he tried and failed to be. We're all flawed.

I cried the whole three hour drive home between texts and calls from work and family when all I wanted was a little bit of quiet and calm to reflect.

But I can't have that. I can't have anything.

[inwintersolitude]

- February 26th 2024 -

How long ago did you wake up? About 2 hours ago.

With a fried egg, do you prefer the yolk runny or set? Runny.

Would you ever want to visit Thailand? Maybe.  It's not near the top of my list of places I'd like to visit.

Do you like Marvel movies? Do you have a favourite? There are a few that I thought were alright, but overall I'm not really into them.

Have you ever planned a wedding? Yep.

How far away from home is the place you work or study? (or spend the most amount of time outside of home) Hard to say where I spend the most time away from home.  It's probably my brother/sister-in-law's house (5 minutes away), my favorite local hiking trail (10 minutes away), or the grocery store I shop at most often (12-ish minutes away).

Do you have any pimples right now? Nope.

What member of your family are you most similar to? In which ways? My husband, he and I have almost identical interests/hobbies/passions.  I'm also a lot like my brother, we're both very calm and analytical and we both have a quirky/goofy sense of humor.

How do you listen to music? Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, something else? Apple Music, and occasionally Youtube Music.

Do you think everyone should vote, even if it's not mandatory? I don't really have a strong opinion either way.  I see voting as part of being an engaged citizen, but I also understand why people wouldn't be politically-opinionated enough to do it if they don't want to.

Have you ever painted a rock? Yep, when I was around 6 or 7 I painted a rock for my dad for Father's Day for him to use as a paperweight on his desk, and I wrote "#1 Dad" on it.  He actually still has it on his desk to this day haha.

If you could have any animal as a pet, what would you have? Budgies are the only animals I'd want as pets and I already have two.  I love all kinds of parrots but I don't think I could handle having larger birds.

Do you ever shop at Aldi? Do you even have one nearby? There's one in town, but I've only been there a few times.

How old were you at your first concert? I've never been to one.  Well, not like a rock/pop concert.  I've been to see the Cleveland Orchestra multiple times, and the first time was for my 16th birthday.

What are some of your favourite snacks? Hummus with pita chips and veggies, chips and queso, cheese and crackers.

Are you religious or spiritual in any way? I'm an atheist, but I still have a few beliefs that could be vaguely spiritual.  I believe that we have souls and that our consciousness lives on after bodily death, in some other plane of existence.  However I believe that his (along with everything else in existence) can be explained by science - even if it's an area of science that has not been discovered yet.

Do you know how to change the oil in a car? Yep, my husband and I used to do our own oil changes.  We don't bother with doing it ourselves now, though.  We just take the cars to the dealership - way easier.

Has it rained or snowed today? Nope.  There's rain and snow in the forecast for later this week, though.

Did you go to school with anyone named Levi? If so, what were they like? Nope.

What's on your shopping list at the moment? Not much at the moment.  Just cucumbers, spaghetti sauce, and milk.

[purplesurveys]

1878

How long ago did you wake up? A few minutes before 9 AM, so that was around 6 hours ago.

With a fried egg, do you prefer the yolk runny or set? Runny! Always runny. I like the texture and find that it's more flavorful that way as well.

Would you ever want to visit Thailand? I've been, loved it save for the humidity and would 100% go back. Our itinerary was insanely packed since we went mainly for a concert, so I would love a second trip that's a lot more loose. But speaking for the time I was there, I enjoyed it a lot �� it's like a more vibrant and more alive Philippines except with more night markets and street food stalls and just general cool shit to do.

Do you like Marvel movies? Do you have a favourite? I'm not into Marvel stuff and superheroes in general.

Have you ever planned a wedding? No.

How far away from home is the place you work or study? (or spend the most amount of time outside of home) My office is a 20-50 minute drive away, depending on the traffic.

Do you have any pimples right now? Yeah, one between my eyes and another on my right cheek. It's been a while since I've had more than one pimple so I'm kinda bothered at the moment lmao but I'll just wait for them to go away as usual.

What member of your family are you most similar to? In which ways? My dad and I are both laidback yet terrible with pressure. We watch the same sort of documentaries, series, and movies; and we also have more modern ways of thinking, I would say.

How do you listen to music? Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, something else? Spotify.

Do you think everyone should vote, even if it's not mandatory? I don't think it should be mandatory, as those who don't have much candidate knowledge or don't feel too confident or simply aren't up to voting shouldn't be forced to do so. It should be a right that's accessible to everyone, though.

Have you ever painted a rock? Never. I did paint an egg once for Easter lol but that's that.

If you could have any animal as a pet, what would you have? I already love having dogs.

Do you ever shop at Aldi? Do you even have one nearby? No, not familiar.

How old were you at your first concert? I was 15 when I went to my first concert; I saw Paramore.

What are some of your favourite snacks? Pizza, mozzarella bites or sticks, dynamite (local street food), spicy chicken wings, arancini...tbh anything deep fried.

Are you religious or spiritual in any way? No, atheist.

Do you know how to change the oil in a car? Nope.

Has it rained or snowed today? It's drizzled a little bit but the most notable thing is the fog. Tagaytay fogs up like fucking CRAZY. We're supposed to have a view of the Taal volcano from our hotel room but there's zero visibility. It's like I'm entering the gates of heaven hahahaha

Did you go to school with anyone named Levi? If so, what were they like? Nope.

What's on your shopping list at the moment? More milk for my coffee.

[daydreamgoddess14]

My bad habits lead to you pt. 2

MASTERLIST

Sequel to We lie awake in love and fear

From a prompt by @lilacmermaid25:

5 times Ted returns from Kansas for a wedding, one time he returns 'just because'.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Nate and Jade - April 2024

Nate had insisted on a small, intimate wedding with only their closest friends and family. They decided on the registry office on Wandsworth high street followed by a reception at Le Gothique. Jade's family had travelled from Poland for the occasion and everyone was in high spirits. Rebecca was grateful to be able to get ready in her own home. She'd opened the house up to the Higgins', Trent, Beard, Jane and baby Teddy, Roy and Keeley to meet up for brunch before making the journey into South London. Ted was booked in at Mae’s b&b and was also planning to join them and she'd extended the invitation to any of the team and staff. She’d arranged catering from the little bakery in paved court - bagels, smoked salmon, pastries, fruit platters. She made bucks fizz and alperol spritz en mass, happily pottering around in a simple spring dress. Her dress for the wedding itself hung on the back of the bathroom door, but everyone else had arrived dressed up and ready to go. It was mornings like this which had her questioning how she'd allowed Rupert to ever turn her into such a cold, anti social, heartless woman. She hadn't been like that before him, and she was definitely glad to be rid of those traits now she was rid of him. From the depths of the fridge (looking for avocados), she heard a happy cheer go up in her sitting room. Ted. She guessed with a happy smile. As nice as he was,  Matt didn't invoke that reaction from any of the group. 

"Hey Rebecca! What did the mayo say when you opened the fridge?"

"Close the door, I'm dressing." Came the distant reply. 

"God, I wish you were."

"That's not the punchline, Ted." She emerged successfully. 

"You're never the punchline, beautiful."

"You should stop flirting."

"Why, your boyfriend around?"

"Not today, he's in Amsterdam for a few days."

"Well then consider me flirtin' with you for the rest of the day then. Maybe tomorrow as well. Actually, heck just whenever we're alone. And sometimes when we're not."

"At this rate Ted you'll be flirting 24/7."

"How 'bout a blanket 'whenever I'm in the UK'?" She shook her head, throwing an indulgent smile his way. 

"It's lovely to see you. You're looking very handsome." She moved away from the fridge to step into his arms. He held her tightly.

"You look gorgeous."

"Thank you. I'm just going to have a snuggle with baby Teddy and then I'm going to get changed for the wedding."

"I'm sure there's a dirty joke there but I'm not gonna take the bait."

"Wise move, Lasso."

"Ohh. You last naming me now?"

"I seem to recall you doing the same thing a couple of times."

"Slightly different circumstances."

"Just very slightly." She said with a knowing grin, leaving him to pick some brunch. When he joined her a few minutes later with a plate, he perched on the arm of the sofa next to Leslie. Rebecca had squeezed in next to Keeley to cuddle Teddy. 

3 months old and all cheeks, he was a calm and placid baby. It had been the hardest task, welcoming a baby into her life. She hadn't been close to a baby since Nora, she met Phoebe, Henry and Jelka as precocious pre-teens. She'd had the occasional coffee with Bex, who usually brought Diane, but Teddy was the first baby. Babies were harder for her, she'd realised quite quickly. The smell and weight of them in her arms had moved her more than she expected. She'd cut her first visit short, unable to maintain her facade for long. She'd spent many late nights on the phone to Ted, taking a while to open up about the full reason for the calls but once she'd come clean he'd spend hours helping her unpick how she felt and things she should do to open up a corner of her heart for Teddy. She hadn't considered how freeing it would be to let him in on her hardest secret. How much it would help. He watched her so intently as she balanced little Teddy on her knees, giving him wide smiles and making patterns in the air with her fingers for him to marvel at. He knew how she struggled with missing out on having a baby of her own, but he was also mesmerised with the way she managed those feelings and allowed herself to love her friends children. 

"We should think about getting over to Wandsworth." Leslie said, checking his watch. 

"I need to change, and Ted needs to meet Teddy." Rebecca shared a look with Jane who seemed quite happy to have the use of both of her hands for a change and nodded for Rebecca to pass Teddy to his uncle Ted. Rebecca moved away quite quickly, she knew she couldn't avoid it forever but she also wasn't ready to see Ted holding a tiny baby. He watched her hurry upstairs, desperate to follow and check in with her, but equally desperate to love his new nephew-of-sorts. In the scrimmage of getting coats, shoes, finishing drinks etc, Teddy took the time to initiate his uncle Teddy by spitting up on the shoulder of his shirt. Ted gratefully let Keeley clean it up as much as she could, thankfully his suit jacket hid the worst of it. 

"I'll go see if Rebecca is ready to go." He volunteered, handing Teddy over to Beard. He took the stairs two at a time, reminded of the layout from his previous visit. The room he'd stayed in had been decorated with rainbow colours he noted on his way past. Jelka, he reasoned. They didn't talk much about Matt and Jelka, preferring to exist in a bubble which consisted of their shared found family only. Ted didn't want to consider a time when that found family might have to extend. "Hey Becca, you ready?" He knocked softly at her door, she was across the room putting in earrings and trying to step into her shoes at the same time. "You could do one thing at a time?"

"I don't want to be late, are we still OK for time?"

"We got plenty, don't worry. You ok?"

"Yeah, how was Teddy?"

"Threw up on me."

"Badge of honour. Also, you probably deserved it."

"I'm hurt, how'd you figure that?"

"Because a little birdy tells me that you're dating someone in Kansas." 

"Ah."

"Hmm. You weren't going to tell me?"

"I was, I just wasn't sure when. Or how. And there's something I needed to do first." He crowded her in her bedroom doorway as she went to leave, the bustle and laughter from downstairs filtering up to them. 

"What's that then?" She queried, feeling her chest tighten at his sudden proximity. His hand moved to the hip of her wrap dress, where the split skirt opened up. He flicked his wrist to get underneath the fold of the skirt, catching her eye for the briefest second to seek permission. She nodded, putting a hand on his shoulder to steady herself just in time - his fingers slipped her underwear to one side and he pushed two inside her, curling them just so. She gasped and he leaned in to kiss her. 

"Shhh baby, don't want the rabble to hear ya. You gonna keep quiet for me?" She nodded, resting her head in the crook of his neck. His hand rocked against her clit, his fingers fucking her as she moaned quietly into his collar. 

"Fuck, Ted I-"

"I know baby, I've got you. I needed to see you like this again, I always need to see you like this. Sometimes, thinking of you like this is the only thing that gets me through the day." 

"Come on, you two!" Keeley's voice shouted out. Rebecca froze, but Ted didn't stop. He pressed his palm harder into her clit and kept his fingers moving inside her.

"Just coming Keeley, Rebecca had to switch shoes." Rebecca was just coming, she wobbled against him, moaning into his ear. He held her hip a little tighter, "Come on, baby, you got it."

"She's got too many pairs! If only I didn't have such teeny feet!" 

"She's chosen some now, it's like Sarah Jessica Parker's closet up here!" He called out with a smile as Rebecca came down from her earth shattering high. She hit his bicep, barely any true strength behind it. He took his hand away, going to lick his fingers, but she grabbed his wrist and licked them herself while holding his gaze. She straightened her dress and steadied herself in her shoes. 

"Do I look OK?" She asked, concerned that she'd be caught out as soon as she got downstairs. He reached out to brush her hair from her forehead and placed a warm kiss on her lips."You look beautiful." She breezed down the stairs, sweeping her coat from the coatstand as she hustled her gathered friends through the front door to the waiting selection of cars. If Leslie noticed her hands shaking in the car, he didn't say anything. She was grateful when Ted jumped in the car behind with Keeley and Roy. 

Nate's family were incredibly warm and welcoming considering they received three cars and ten people all at once. Once they made it through to the ceremony room, the reason became clear - they'd just received 22 footballers, their plus ones and a selection of support staff. A group of ten was nothing. At the front of the room, Nate stood alongside Will. Keeley and Rebecca blew him kisses as they made their way down the aisle to their seats. They exchanged hushed greetings with the team and all sat, except Ted, who went to shake Nate’s hand warmly. They shared a quick moment before Ted was encouraged into the empty seat next to Rebecca just in time for the ceremony. Rebecca brushed a stray tear or two from her face as the couple exchanged rings, Ted squeezed her hand. The functional service was short, and they were soon driving ten minutes down the road to the reception venue. 

"I want to hear about her you know?" Rebecca told him once they were settled with a drink in the spring sunshine. 

"Who?"

"Who," she scoffed, "your mystery woman. I cannot believe you didn't tell me. I had to find out from Keeley. You can’t distract me here, so you might as well tell me."

"I'm sorry 'bout that, I really am."

"The distraction? Don't be."

"Oh no, I'm never gonna be sorry for that. I'm sorry I didn't tell you. We don't talk about Matt, and that's fine - I don't really want to, I wasn't sure if you'd feel the same way. I know you've struggled with what happened between us the last time I was here, and I've probably made it worse with what happened earlier-"

"I know it's… wrong. I do. And I care very much for Matt, I just can’t help but think of the night before your last match. I can't help it." She stole a glance around the gardens, hoping they weren't being overheard. "I feel so guilty, but then when you're here, I just feel relief. I'm not sure how long I can carry the guilt around with me." 

"Do you love him?"

"You're really asking me that?"

"No. I don't want to know the answer." She rolled her eyes. 

"And yet here's me, asking to hear about the woman you're dating."

"Her name is Marie. She works in Sports Science."

"Where did you meet?"

"At one of Hen's matches. She's a parent of one of the other kids in the team."

"Is she nice to you?"

"She is. She's fun, smart."

"Pretty?" Rebecca chanced.

"Very."

"Do you love her?".

"It's early days." Rebecca stared at him. 

"So earlier was…? For old times sake? You ask if I love Matt, but you're awfully cagey when I ask the same question."

"No, no, I wanted you, Rebecca."

"Wanted? Hmm. I think I've heard enough. I'm going to find Keeley." Rebecca turned to leave.

"Now hold on, you can't get mad that I'm dating. You've been with Matt for nearly a year. You're not mad at me, you're mad at yourself for cheating on him."

"Don't tell me what you think you know about me, Ted. This isn't biscuits with the fucking boss anymore." She looked away, too angry to look directly at him. "You know exactly what you do to me, exactly what effect you have on me. This isn't a game, I'm fed up of you fucking me one day and being over 4000 miles away the next. One night, I said. A weird parting gift for myself, so I'd always know how you'd feel against me, inside me. One night and then never again." She shook her head. "I mean it this time, never again."

She spent the rest of the night ignoring him as much as possible. She danced with Keeley for the majority of the night, some of the players too, Roy - as usual. Despite the angry words with Ted, she did have a good night. Nate and Jade were gloriously happy, Trent kept her topped up with gin as if he knew she was trying to keep her thoughts at bay. She hadn't felt this grateful for her family since Ted had left them nearly a year before, when they'd rallied around each other and pulled each other along until they could all stand upright again. 

"He has no idea what he's doing to us all, coming back and reminding us all of how much we love him and then he leaves again like it's nothing! Like we don't even fucking matter to him!" She said to Trent, beginning to regret the last drink she knocked back. 

"Do you want me to get him, so you can talk?"

"Absolutely not, I've had far too much to drink. I think I need to go home, Trent. Thank you."

"Anytime. Come, I'll walk you out, have you called your driver?"

"Yes, he should be here. I just need to say goodbye to Nate and Jade." Rebecca gratefully took Trent’s arm, she wasn't embarrassingly drunk, but she felt ever so slightly beyond her limit given that she was a fairly prominent public figure. The last thing she needed now was photos of 'Wrecked Rebecca' splashed across the front pages. She put on her game face and let Trent escort her around the room, saying her goodbyes to the team and their partners, who all stopped whatever they were doing to sling an arm around her, or offer her a kiss. She spent slightly longer with Colin and Michael and Sam and Simi, she was enveloped in a group hug by Keeley, Roy and Jamie. Keeley had made plans with Simi for a team meal after the match on Sunday while they had Ted visiting. From the edge of it all, with baby Teddy asleep on his shoulder, Ted watched as the team surrounded their 'soccer mom' with love. The very reason she could never leave, the very reason he'd never ask her to. Richmond had gained reputation as a team who (after the Jamie Tartt to Man City and Zava debacles) seldom moved players on without good reason, a team where players were vocal about not wanting to leave. They weren't a pitstop team, they valued consistency and loyalty, and the loyalty went both ways. He loved watching her like this, her guard down as she made sure her boys were all ok, had they organised cars home? Had they got house keys? Had they eaten? Forever taking care of everyone else ahead of herself. He watched as she made her way to the new Mr & Mrs Shelley, complimenting Nate on his wonderful bride who suited him so brilliantly. She came over to say goodbye to Beard and Jane, gently stroking Teddy's head where it rested on Ted’s shoulder. She murmured a quiet goodnight in his direction and left. Trent returned moments later.

"How is she?" Ted asked, warily. 

"She finds it difficult to see you. We all do, Ted. Events like this, where you're here, remind us of the missing piece in our day to day lives. When you're here, it's like we're a complete unit again. By Monday morning, we'll all be one card short of a full deck again."

"Come on now Trent, I already told you - it was never about me."

"And that may well be true, it's about everyone. Everyone, including you."

"He's right, Coach." Beard offered. "You're the Yorkshire pudding to our roast dinner, the lime slice in our gin, the salt to our tequila. It all works fine without you, but it's a lot better with you."

"I miss you guys too. There's a lot more of you, feels like I'm missing more pieces if I'm honest. It's like I've got a person for every situation here. Back in Kansas, it's just not the same."

The hangovers were fortunately in short supply the next morning. It was a short training day - a Saturday before a Sunday lunchtime match kick off. Ted was staying until the Monday morning flight out of Heathrow. He'd planned to spend the Saturday watching training and then with whoever else had made plans to pull him into their busy Saturday. In this instance, it was Roy, Keeley and Jamie who'd insisted that he join them at Phoebe's school fayre for the afternoon. 

"Bring your wallet, the school will fuckin' rinse you for every penny." Roy suggested.

"I tell you what, two quid on the bouncy castle, a fiver for a hotdog, ice creams, tombolas, hook a duck… I spent £50 last time! I'm sure between us we paid for that new school library!" Keeley laughed with him in the stands while the lads ran drills on the pitch. "Roy donated three signed footballs to the raffle, and I'm sure he bunged them a couple of grand as well."

"He's a good benefactor for them."

"It's a lovely afternoon, Rebecca said she might join us for an ice cream as well. Phoebe's properly taken a shine to her recently. I think as she's getting older, seeing her mum, me and Rebecca being boss ass bitches is really helping her find her place in the world."

"Well that's great news, it's good for kids to have such strong role models."

"And Henry, he's got you. And he's got all of us here."

"Not sure I'm the best role model for him right now, but thanks Keels."

"You're one of the best men I know, Ted. I mean, you do make some odd decisions but then so do those lot." She shrugged, pointing down to the pitch. 

The school playground was packed, there was no shade and it was a hot day. There were craft stalls, cakes, sweets, a dance troop, and a community band. Ted walked with Jamie a few steps behind Roy and Keeley, with Phoebe leading them all though the maze of people, occasionally sticking her hand out for more cash. They were stood in the longest line for the ice cream van when the crowd seemed to part like the red sea for Rebecca who breezed through in a beautiful sundress, wide brimmed hat and large glasses. Keeley whistled at the sight. 

"Holy shi-..rts Rebecca!"

"Afternoon all. Are you in the queue?"

"Yeah, what do you want?"

"99 please, Roy. Here, I'll get these. I bet Phoebe's fleeced you already." She handed him some cash and leaned down to look at the glittery face paint Phoebe had chosen which was rapidly sweating off her face. "You look like a mermaid! It's beautiful!"

"You should have yours done too!"

"Maybe next time. Have you been on the trampolines yet?" Phoebe shook her head. "Hmm, maybe a bit later. You both having fun?" She asked Ted and Jamie. 

"Yeah, they've roped me into doing a penalty shootout later." Jamie faux complained. 

"Ya didn't seem too put out by that, Jamie. Mind those kids don't beat you though, you might get bumped from the team." Ted teased. He handed Rebecca her ice cream and gestured towards a space which had opened up in the shade of the building. She led Phoebe to claim the spot and the others followed. They enjoyed the sun all afternoon before decamping to the Crown and Anchor for the evening. Keeley in particular, it seemed, was out to remind Ted of what he was missing out on. 

"Where are you watching the match tomorrow, Ted? You're coming up to the box aren't you? You've never sat with us for a game."

"Was thinking I might sit in the stands."

"You can't do that! You're a super special guest, you should have the best seat in the house. Isn't that right, Rebecca?" Rebecca felt a sharp jab to her ribs, 

"Ouch, fuck, Keeley! Of course Ted can sit with us, he can sit wherever he likes! I'm the owner, I can sit wherever I like."

"Ohhh I know where you'd like to sit." Keeley replied under her breath. She didn't think the rest of the table had heard the sunstruck, slightly drunk Keeley, until Ted spluttered into his pint. 

The next day dawned cooler, thankfully. Nelson Road was in good spirits, the team were 5th in the table with 4 games still to go so another chance in the Champions League was looking within grasp. It was the oddest feeling sitting with Ted next to her. They hadn't spoken alone since Nate's wedding reception, Rebecca reverting back to her default protection method of keeping a buffer person around them at all times. She, Keeley and Leslie were their usual boisterous selves during the game, jumping up and screaming bloody murder when Colin had a shot on target which was saved by the keeper. When Richmond were awarded a penalty late in the game, she found herself holding Ted's hands in hers while Keeley buried her face into Leslie’s shoulder. Jamie passed the ball to Dani to take the shot. When the goal went in, the roof nearly came off the stadium. Rebecca was on her feet instantly  throwing her arms around Ted's neck. 

The win meant a  jubilant atmosphere at Ola's that evening. Simi had outdone herself, the food and wine were perfect. Rebecca smiled fondly as Simi put Sam to work, he looked so enamoured with the young chef. Across the room, Keeley and Roy were talking privately, heads together. Rebecca could see that Ted was on the phone. 

"Yeah OK, we'll catch up when I get back in a few days. OK, you take care. Bye." He hung up as she took the seat next to him at the huge table set out for everyone. 

"The wonderful Marie?"

"Just checking in with her. I missed her call earlier."

"Sounds pretty serious between you both."

"Says you coming up on nearly a year with Matt." Rebecca tapped the stem of her wine glass.

"I wouldn't place bets on my meeting any upcoming milestones."

"That so?" She didn't reply. 

"I'd get another flight booked soon if I were you." She said instead. Ted looked confused, she nodded towards Roy and Keeley. "That'll be the next one."

"You think?" 

"Just a feeling. I could be wrong."

"Not in my lifetime." 

"Oh, I don't know. I've made some terrible mistakes."

"So you've said."

"None of them involving you, though."

"Not even everything we talked about on Friday?"

"Nothing about you - hiring you, sleeping with you, loving you, none of it will ever be a mistake." This time, he didn't reply. "I hope she knows how lucky she is, this Marie. I hope she loves you for exactly who you are. I hope she's worthy of you. Because I'm yet to find anyone who is." She smiled softly at him and walked away to catch up with Julie Higgins. They had a wonderful night, they always did when everyone was together. Late into the evening,  Keeley and Roy pulled Rebecca to one side. 

"Can you keep a straight face?" Roy demanded. 

"I was married to Rupert. Of course I can. What's happened?"

"Nothing bad," Keeley started, "Roy and I have decided to get married." Rebecca squealed quietly but kept a total poker face. "In 10 weeks."

"Why the rush?"

"We wanted to have a surprise wedding in the summer break before the new season starts. We're going to get everyone there by disguising it as Roy's 40th."

"So why do I have to know?"

"Because neither of us can keep a secret from you! Also, we want you to officiate?"

"You want what?!" Rebecca shouted, eyes swiveled to see what the fuss was. She smiled and waved their looks away, "Sorry, Roy wants us to ermm… do a ermmm…"

"Nude charity calendar for next year! All of you and Rebecca as well." Keeley supplied. Rebecca agreed with a tight smile. 

"Yep. Yep, that's it." A handful of cheers and whoops went up around the room and everyone went back to business. Ted raised his eyebrows and went back to talking to Leslie. "You want me to do what?" She hissed. 

"You wouldn't be a maid of honour, you'll tell me you're too old."

"You won't be my best woman, you'll fob me off with one of these knobs instead."

"So we wanted a role for you which shows exactly what you mean to us. We want you to marry us. Also we want you to sing our wedding dance song, but I felt like I should lead with the legal bit. You have to apply for the license so we needed to tell you straight away." Keeley beamed adoringly at her best friend. 

"Will you do it, blondie?" She sighed.

"Of course I will you fucking idiots. I'd be honoured." Her bottom lip wobbled slightly. 

"Keep it together, big secret remember." Roy hugged her gratefully. She nodded. 

"I guess I'll see you in my office in the morning?" Keeley nodded,

"Oh, looks like Ted is off." He made his way over, poised for a goodbye. "Time to go already, Ted?"

"Sure is. At least I got to see y'all for a bit longer this time."

"You'll be back again before you know it." Keeley said with a twinkle.

"I'm sure I will. Bye guys, you take care." He made his way round with hugs and kisses, reaching Rebecca last. "See you soon," he started before holding her tightly and whispering into her ear, "I swear it gets harder to leave you. Goodnight Becca." He kissed under her earlobe, warmth spread through her body like wildfire and before he could move away, he heard her wimper. He gave her a last look before calling out and waving to everyone else. 

She lasted 10 minutes before she left as we'll, passing it off as being a late night and expecting a busy Monday. She caught Mae just as the front of the pub was getting locked up. 

"You can go up through the bar, love. He's not long got back. You'll have to leave out the back though - that's the out of hours b&b door. Room 6."

"Thanks, Mae."

"Good result today."

"It was indeed. Shame you can't come to a match, you'll have to leave this place in safe hands and come spend a day in the owners box with me."

"I'd love to darlin', but I don't trust none of those wankers with my pub on match day!" The elder woman replied with a laugh. Rebecca crept upstairs, not wanting to disturb other guests. If he was surprised to see her, he didn't show it. He just held the door open and stepped behind her to close it quietly again. She pushed him back against the door, pressing her body against him. 

"I thought you said-" she silenced him with a kiss, biting his bottom lip, requesting access. He granted it, letting her deepen the kiss as her hands trailed to the bottom of his t-shirt. She slipped her hands underneath and tickled her fingertips across his stomach. 

"If you don't want this, say so now and I'll leave." She could feel him hardening against her and palmed him over his khakis, making him groan into her mouth. "This ok?" She asked, pulling back a little. He nodded and she raised an eyebrow. 

"Yes, don't stop." He understood the silent request. She pulled his t-shirt off first before moving to undo his belt. She got to her knees in front of him, pulling the khakis and his boxers down as she went. She took his hard length in hand, running her thumb over the tip. He bucked against her and she grinned up at him. "Jesus, fuck Rebecca."

"Something wrong?" She stroked him slowly, taking her time. 

"Seeing you like this, I ain't gonna last long baby-"  She ignored him and carried on before running her tongue along the underside of his cock. His head fell back against the door, hands clenched at his sides. Once she'd taken him fully into her mouth and found her rhythm, she moved her hands from the front of his thighs to hold his hands, unclenching the fists and giving him a reassuring squeeze. She guided his hands to her head, moaning around him in response to his pleasure. It didn't take long for him to run a hand through her hair and give it a gentle pull. She pulled off, the sound an obscene pop. "Please, Becca, I want you." He offered her a hand so she could get up. He went to undo the buttons of her dress but she batted his hands away, shaking her head. Instead she guided him to the sofa and pushed him to sit down. She took a step back and unhooked the buttons herself, pulling the dress over her head and leaving her only in lingerie before him. She straddled his lap, moving her underwear to one side. 

"I thought of you when I brought this set." She admitted, sliding down onto him. He held her hips, letting her set the pace. "Everytime I come, I think about you." She ground her hips down, moaning with the relief of finally having him inside her again. His hands roamed her back, unclipping her bra and then pulling her closer. Her hands dragged up his chest, winding around his neck and up to pull his hair. "I thought I had my feelings for you locked away enough so that they'd never get out." He couldn't take his eyes off her as she rocked down into him, inviting him deeper and deeper. "You've fucking wrecked me, Ted-" she continued with a groan "I just need you. I only ever need you."

"You got me baby, fuck Becca you feel so good." He bit into the soft flesh of her shoulder and roughly palmed her nipple as she increased her pace but held him tighter, the friction and angle turning her confessions into babbling expletives until his name over and over was the only coherent sound. 

"Ted-" she whined frantically, begging him to save her, release her. 

"Come on now sweetheart, come for me." He caught her mouth in a filthy kiss, wrapped an arm around her waist and met her thrusts, holding her in place and helping her stuttering hips get her through to her peak. She came with a sob, returning his kiss and continued riding his cock until he came into her moments later. She came to a gradual stop and fell against him. They sat still for a few minutes, her forehead on his shoulder, breathing steadying. She felt him soften inside her and brought herself up onto her knees to move off the sofa. He held her hands until she settled on her shaky legs. "Will you stay?" He asked quietly. 

"No, Ted. Not this time." She cleared up quickly and left him at the top of the stairs, "I'll see you in a few months." He looked confused, "Roy and Keeley are getting married. Don't tell anyone. I'm not supposed to tell anyone but apparently I can't keep secrets from you any more." She rolled her eyes and snuck out the back as Mae had requested. 

Ted didn't sleep before his 6am flight back to Kansas.

[flowerygoblincroissant]

I actually didn't mind marrying the princess, she was pretty sweet and a close friend of mine, the only reason she got cursed was because a wizard fell in love with her and was mad she politely declined because he was "such a nice guy" to her. I had been friends with the royal family for thousands of years, visiting every 100, so when I heard they needed me to be a scapegoat for her curse, I immediately obliged. I was a kind of dare devil and a buddy to death, since my immortality only gets stronger each time I'd have to spend an hour with death to recover, so these "horrific" deaths were nothing new to me and Death and I always joked about it. With my first "death" as her husband, we were legally separated and she married the man she loved, a genuinely kind knight with some experience as a mage, and I was there to cheer her on. The wizard inevitably found out and tried to undo my power or to maneuver the curse to reach her new husband, but neither worked because I was blessed by the gods to be immortal so that they and death could hang out after a party I accidentally crashed centuries ago and he made his curse on her set in stone and unmoving because he thought she would instantly marry him when her first husband passed. I stayed around for a few years when the wizard tried to take the husband out in horrible ways, a plan I cooked up because I knew it would backfire and hit me instead, it was hilarious to watch him run away with his tail between his legs each time the guards spotted him. Then one day, one of the gods I was closest with, Dionysus, came to visit around the time of the wizard's next attack, the only thing changing is that he was slowly catching onto how long it took me to bounce back. The god smiled at me and patted my back, a bottle of his favorite wine gripped tightly in his other hand.

"Hey, Ithicus, we're having a party up on Olympus with some of the other pantheons joining us... they're bringing that one favored immortal you were chatting with last time, wanna join and finally make your move?" he teased.

"As much as I'd love to do that, I'm kinda stuck here at the castle and I don't know how long I'll have to be here." I replied.

"Are these mortals keeping you here, I'll take care of them-"

"NO- no, they're cool, they're Emma and Michael's descendants."

"OH, so what's the situation?"

As I was starting to explain it, I felt Death's icy grip on my shoulder as a poisoned spear peirced through my chest and I rolled my eyes.

"This is the 11th time since being married to Jessica and after the first time I died which was basically a divorce from her, I'm mostly here to protect her new husband, Daniel, from death at the hand of the wizard- no offense, Death."

"None taken, I honestly don't want to take him yet either, he's supposed to reach old age, that asshole is just making more work." Death said.

"So what I'm hearing is a wizard can't take a hint, so he cursed a princess who is friends with a blessed immortal, tried to undo the blessing I and other gods gave you because you did that princess a favor, and now YOU'RE paying for the fact that guy doesn't understand 'no' because you're a cool dude?" Dionysus asked.

"Thanks, but yeah, that's the jist... that and I'm pretty sure the curse will follow me after I leave, I don't know if that'll dampen the party." I replied.

The wizard passed by us as he was running from the guards who caught on, the bottle Dionysus carried being dented by his hand as it all happened, which was almost as terrifying as the look on his face. I had only seen the party god get angry a few times before, but it was never a good idea to make him that mad... ever. Suddenly, the wizard was frozen and Death had let me go after he and Dion gave each other nods, Death fading into the shadows with a friendly wave. The gods didn't usually show themselves to mortals without immortality, but it was either a really good thing or a really bad one considering the God's mood, so the wizard's look of horror on his face was very well deserved.

"So, you're the little asshole preventing the only dude to get close to MY level of fun at parties that I've met in a LONG time because of your little curse on a Princess because you thought she'd run to you after seeing the curse was real? You weren't even her 5TH pick, asshole, take a fucking 'no' and don't make other's pay for the fact you're a little bitch, ESPECIALLY not my buddy!" Dionysus went off.

The wizard only let out a cowardly whimper before the god turned back to me, a wicked smirk on his face like he just got an idea.

"Dude, wanna fuck with this guy for the rest of eternity?" He asked.

"What do you have in mind?" I asked.

"Well, first off, we're taking that curse off you and that princess, that shit is no fun at parties and would throw the vibes all the way the fuck off, and it looks like it's strong by mortal standards, but weak as hell by God standards"

"Nice, it was getting kinda annoying."

"Right, then we can make him reincarnate and tie his fate to meet you and have you rock his shit or ruin any of his big plans for however long as he thinks it's ok to be a creep and hurt people when being a creep doesn't get him what he wants, trick is, he won't know until he catches a glimpse at you, which will be his cosmic warning, if he continues, you'd rock his shit, if he backs off and becomes chill, his soul could finally rest!"

I couldn’t help but laugh at the genius of his curse, it sounded like something I would totally be down for because of how irritating it was to constantly be dying due to the wizard's nonsense.

"Dude, make it to where I rock his shit in different and fun ways each time and you've got yourself a deal, we can call it the 'fuck around and find out' curse!" I mused.

"Oh, you know that one was a given, this is gonna be fun, now let's go tell your princess and prince buddies that the curse will no longer bother you, send this asshole down to Tartarus for a couple decades to start the practice, then go party, Aphrodite has been DYING to set you up with that blessed immortal from Egypt and would have my head on a stick if I didn’t bring you up so she can play matchmaker!"

I chuckled as he sent the wizard down to Tartarus, kicking and screaming, then alerting all the royals to the change in their cursed status, to which they cried and thanked us for the help. After we got everything settled there, we went up to the party, where I did get with the blessed immortal from Egypt, a beautiful and smart woman named Femi. It has been centuries and I still see that wizard's reincarnations, rocking his shit with stuff from beating him for a job he wanted to literally getting him sent to prison to making him lose his powers for that life. It's sad that he still hasn't changed, but I think he's getting close to it and the plethora of things he's done is what usually leads to the terrible outcomes he doesn't want, so I can only really sit back and live my own life. I'm still close to that royal family, Jessica and Daniel being long gone after living a long and happy life together, though the family peacefully gave up their rolls as rulers to become mostly figure heads once the citizens asked for democracy. Immortal life was pretty good, and I got to enjoy it without a curse because of gods who just wanted me to come to a party.

The princess was given a curse where her first husband would die a horrible death. In order to avoid this fate, the royal family used you as scapegoat and married you to the princess, but because of your immortality you have now died over 10 times and still continue to come back to life.

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

Would I be the Asshole for not going to my sibling's house?

I have a sibling who I don't see very often because they live halfway across the country.

The rest of our shared family is planning on visiting them for the holidays and me, my partner, and our kid are definitely going. But here's the thing: We're all sharing an airbnb so that we can host the big holiday dinner instead of doing it at Sibling's house. Why? Because, supposedly, Sibling's house is near hoarder-levels of mess.

First let me be clear: I understand that this is a side-effect of mental illness, I have some of those tendencies myself that I actively work against. I'm not judging Sibling or their partner for it. It honestly wouldn't even be a question, except that my partner and I have a toddler. We've been lucky to have avoided anything more serious than some bad diaper rash and seasonal allergies. But being in an environment like that can be a vector for illness, and Toddler's at that age where they will happily grab anything in grabbing distance and stick it in their mouth. So that's my concern.

Now let me address that "supposedly". I haven't been to their house since well before covid. It was, at that point, what I would call pretty messy, but in a way that could be explained as just exhausted new parents who haven't had the free time to tidy up in a while and the mess had gotten away from them. However, our parent and other sibling has been there a couple of times since and the last we talked about it, they told me that it's gotten a lot worse. Bordering on hoarder-worse.

On the one hand, Parent has a tendency to catastrophize. They can see something they think is wrong and exaggerate it into its worst possible explanation, turning even a legitimate issue into something much more severe or dramatic than it actually is. And they've been doing this a lot with Sibling because of how little they actually get to see and talk to them. On the other hand, when Parent was describing the state the house was in, Other Sibling, who is more than willing to call Parent out for exaggerating, backed them up about how bad it was.

On the other other hand, Sibling has since mentioned they've been doing a lot of cleaning. How much? I don't know. Is the house in a significantly better state? I have no idea.

But we're going to be there for a few days, and it's highly likely they'll invite all of us over at some point. Not only that we were all solidifying plans recently and when the possibility was mentioned that we might arrive before the person who made the airbnb reservation, Sibling mentioned that we could just go over to their house to hang out while we wait. And while I had some hope that Parent would understand and back me up and not actively put me in a position where I would have to be the one to say no, when Sibling said that, Parent agreed!

So now I'm worried about pissing everyone off/hurting their feelings during a huge, logistic-heavy family trip over a major holiday.

Would I be justified in putting my foot down and not bringing Toddler over to a potentially hoarder-messy house? Would I just be the asshole for not sucking it up for what would probably end up only being a few hours?

What are these acronyms?