#ok i'll stop now. i'm going to go to the grocery store. maybe going outside will fix me

[mildmayfoxe]

i just wanna make enough money to be able to live in this stupid world. what does that feel so fucking impossible

[bisluthq]

When you quit drinking, did you replace that with something else? Like for me, I realized on the weekends if I have something planned, even as late as 3-4 PM, I won't drink that day cuz it's like I know later I need to drive to this thing and go interact with people and be normal. But if I don't have any concrete plans, if it's just like "I need to go to the grocery store at some point today, and then clean my bathroom" then I'm like "why shouldn't I have mimosas at 9 AM?" and then I end up getting completely smashed and can't go to the store later and can't effectively do any chores. I realized that about myself so now I schedule things with friends during the weekends, preferably earlier in the day, so then when I get home I'm like "now it's time to meal prep and clean, and maybe I'll have a glass of wine in a few hours with dinner". Idk I've gotten a lot better at cutting down alcohol, but those wide-open days for me just inevitably lead to me drinking early, even if I've said and committed that I don't want to. It's only when other people are involved in the plans ("I have to meet them here at 1" or whatever, vs "I should go to the store at 11") that I can stop myself drinking. So it's annoying, because I KNOW I can, I just don't have the discipline or willpower to do it if I'm not gonna be directly letting someone down. I don't have anywhere to be til 8 PM tonight lol so even though I was like "it'll be a sober Monday! I'm gonna clean my bathroom and declutter my closer" I still ended up drinking 2 beers and a glass of wine while doing that

ok so this was a lot of how my drinking went dude. Your story is FUCK relatable to me. Except for in the pandemic where I literally wasn’t leaving my house for obvious reasons and then my bed for depression reasons that I do think were interrelated to the drinking (although I’ve been feeling very down the last few days but I’m powering through with no alcohol), I was not a daily drinker and I never got drunk like before important activities or things that I was looking forward to (a few times I did get drunk before social things I was dreading but that’s a separate thing). But if I was just chilling at home, either on weekends as you say or late at night, I would often wind up drinking.

I haven’t replaced it with anything like in terms of substances. I do see myself as California sober not sober sober so I’m open to edibles and shrooms but the thing with me is I’ve never been someone who overindulges in that. It’s something I only do like when I’m with friends who are into that or just with my boyfriend and we want a trippy night. I *have* replaced it with actively getting into other hobbies again and I have a habit tracker where I’ve put in all the things I like to do and if I’m bored I go into the app and look at what I could do today. So personally I’ve got running, yoga, gym class, drawing, Duolingo, reading, this blog, journaling, writing fiction, whatever DIY project I’m busy with in terms of my little furniture stuff, meditation, etc and I track how many minutes and hours a day I spend on all that stuff outside of work which I obviously don’t count in my fun little app. I also try call friends or text with friends if I’m feeling bored like that. And then I’ve been making more complicated food instead of just popping shit in the air fryer or ordering takeout. I have a guitar that I haven’t played in like 10 years that I’m considering starting to play again.

But also it’s just a habit right (well obviously not with people who have physical addictions and there you need to be careful how you come off it) so just… break the habit. Again, I found quit lit really helpful and enjoyed the following books a lot: This Naked Mind, Not Drinking Tonight (it’s a bit heavy in psych babble so not for everyone but was really cool for me), Alcohol Lied To Me, Alcohol Explained, Soberful and maybe ESPECIALLY Sober Curious. There are a couple other really great ones but those stuck out to me. Also reading quit lit just helped me a lot because I was just like constantly drumming it into my head that I don’t need to/want to drink and that it’s the stuff that powers fucking rocket engines right like they use ethanol in rocket fuel lmao idk that I want to put that in my body (but I like Sober Curious in that maybe one day I might idk I don’t know that I want to say “I never ever will” or “I’m powerless over alcohol” because I’m def not lol - the problem is me not alcohol and not me in the sense that I’m like “broken” or whatever). So now I quite genuinely - for right now - don’t want to drink. I’m not holding myself back from it, I’m not counting days until I can again, I am not imposing moderation rules for me, I’m not looking for loopholes and I’m not promising lifelong abstinence. But I just don’t want to right now. We aren’t an alcohol free house - we’ve got fucktons of booze around - and my bf is still having his wine with dinner and beer when he does yard work and actually he even had a screwdriver for breakfast after he joined me for a run this past weekend because that’s what he wanted and I made him run pretty far. I’ve got it available. He is very proud of me and supportive of me not drinking but he also won’t like break up with me if I decide to start up again. I just… don’t want to. It’s better for me. I’m happier without… rocket fuel inside my body lmao because I’m a person and not a rocket ykwim?

This was very rambling but this topic makes me like that. My feeling is if you’re thinking about when you can and can’t drink, your relationship with alcohol isn’t healthy. Again to go back to my edibles thing, which I would have again quite easily, I’ve never in my life had more edibles than I intended to (I’ve had a max of two when my goal was to get fuck stoned and that’s what I did) and I also can’t tell you when I last had one or when I next will (I’ve got a bag of them in my desk but it’s sealed and it doesn’t tempt me). With alcohol I absolutely was counting sober days versus drinking days and how many drinks I had on a drinking day and whether or not a few glasses of wine “even counted” yk? And it was occupying a lot of time and space in my head, even when I wasn’t drinking. So that wasn’t like… healthy. Just removing it has given me a lot of energy and genuine desire to do a lot more hobbies that I like to do.

I also find I do a lot more chores lmao like I’ve always done my chores because I’m not a complete cunt but I often procrastinated with them and I get a lot of the regular ones I do done quicker and more frequently (like cleaning the kitchen), I do a lot more annoying ones more regularly (like taking stuff to the dry cleaners’ which I hated to do because I never drunk drove and like having out and about chores meant I can’t drink and if I did drink then I couldn’t take my stuff in lol so also getting my car washed was one of those too and also like washing my couches which I was doing maybe every two to three months but do every month since I quit drinking and that’s not about driving but it’s about not being able to sit on the couch when I undress it to wash it because obviously I sat on the couch drinking lol) and am more proactive with my DIY projects.

and in terms of what I’ve replaced it in terms of drinks, I’ve been making a lot of mixed drinks (so diet tonic, soda water, with a splash of cranberry juice and a splash of lime has been my favorite but I make other ones too), I drink Corona Zeros if we have people round, I’ve been making a lot more tea and coffee, and I’ve been drinking Diet Red Bull if I want “a buzz” lol. Also just sparkling water. And flavored sparkling water. Idk it’s been really easy once I decided on it and it keeps getting easier tbh not harder - like the first weekend I’d quit, we were sitting waiting for a takeaway and they didn’t have any AF beers on the menu and they advertised lassis but were out of them and I just didn’t order anything and felt a bit annoyed with my bf drinking his beer but that hasn’t happened again and idk I’ve been out and about and I’ve entertained at home and like I say it’s not that I don’t have it in the house or that I can’t say “cool look I did it for over 2 months so now I’m done like clearly I can stop whenever I want and now I want to start again” but I really just… don’t want to start again at this point.

Hope this helped a bit and just so you know your “boozestory” (as Ruby Warrington of Sober Curious calls it) is completely normal.

[davecortel]

ECQ

“Good afternoon, sir.” A smiling lady in a white shirt greeted me as soon as I entered this cozy and appealing bookshop. I just stared at the lady for three seconds before greeting her back a good afternoon as I was still stunned that I had actually reached this place. But what's good about this afternoon, when I found myself back at a bookstore where I'm sure I'll spend half of my monthly income again?

As I walked into this particular bookstore, I felt a mixture of feelings. My heart felt so light as I saw the books heaped up shelf by shelf and genre by genre, but my feet were heavy, as if the thought of coming to such a place was a bad omen (maybe they were just concerned about my wallet because I'll be robbing it of its flesh again).

Biblio Bookstore, yup, that's the name, is a lovely and homely books-slash-stationery store that I'd been wishing to visit ever since I saw it in a facebook group for bookworms. I couldn't stop my eyes from turning into whole letters O as I walked along the shelves, still in awe of this amazing artwork. Because my province lacks bookstores and Manila feels like a foreign country during this pandemic, I must make the most of my limited time here by romanticizing every book, sniffing its natural scent, and moaning while stroking the covers till I orgasm.

But advertising Biblio isn't the point of this. I wrote this nonsensical piece of writing to express how impulse buying can really damage your sanity. The reason why I visited this in abrupt was because of the announcement of the Enhanced Community Quarantine which was to be effective from August 6 to 20, 2021. I came to Manila to visit my cousins, little did I know would NCR be placed on ECQ for the third time and presto! I got stranded.

So, how did I land myself half-conscious in this bookstore, as if dragged by some evil gravitational pull? Let's go back in time to one hour before this puzzling occurrence. I was woken up by a phone ring that kept bombarding my eardrums. “goddamnit!” I yelled with so much irritation for I could feel the eye-boogers still glued my eyes and getting up was so much a hassle for a 23-year-old lad who has symptoms of arthritis.

With my eyes partly open, I frantically searched for the ringing phone. I followed the sound to where it was coming from and pressed the answer button as soon as I had a firm grip on it. “Yes?” I said. “It’s confirmed! Manila will be placed on ECQ again, as if it’s a big help to stop this pandemic.” Said the voice on the other line. It was my cousin, Danica who in that time was on a duty, she’s working in a pancake house. Because of surprise, my eyes widened, breaking the jammed dirty eye-boogers.

“What the heck?!” I exclaimed. “What about now? Sure my flight going home will be cancelled, won’t it?”

“Of course not, moron. The ECQ will only last until August 20 and your flight is on 27.”

“What if they will extend it?”

“They won’t extend such a stupid idea unless the administration is 100% run by morons.”

She had a point. “Ok, so why did you call in the middle of my sleep paralysis particularly in the middle of my kissing scene with Calum Scott?” I asked.

“You delusional dumbass. It’s hard lockdown next week, aren’t you worried we might run out of food during the lockdown?”

“So what do you suggest am I going to do?”

I heard a heavy sigh on the other line “Go outside, pretend to be a beggar, beg for money. Of course go buy some grocery!”

[paradoxesofgalaxies]

Ughhhh. I overdid it yesterday bc I was feeling ok and had a lot of chores to get done. And today I had to do laundry bc I was out of clothes. Normally I'd ask my husband to help me get stuff to the laundry room (a couple building a couple half flights of stairs away) but he threw out his back the other night bending down to pet a dog (a real we're getting old moment) and he can't even stand up without his cane so I just had to do it myself.

Well both my shoulders went out and something went wrong in one of my hips and lower back (I think I bumped into something. At least, it feels that way. But I don't remember much of actually doing laundry so ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯). And I still need to go out to pick up meds, get laundry put away, and make dinner. I should probably put off folding laundry...

I can't wait until we move in November and I'll have a washer and dryer off of my bedroom. It will make doing laundry far less injury inducing.

[seoups]

REQUESTS ARE OPEN

contents: you go grocery shopping with Tsukki while you have a side bet with your best friend. warnings: Fluff !! mostly unedited !! word count: 1362

“Whatcha doing?” You asked your boyfriend as you entered his dorm room. “Studying for finals,” he said. “Isn’t finals 3 weeks away?” you asked. “I’m just doing a basic review so I can make sure I didn’t forget everything I learned this year,” Tsukki said. “Oh, ok,” you said. “Did you need something?” he asked as he turned to you. “Oh, I was just gonna ask if you wanted to go out later today?” you said. “Sure. I need a break anyways,” he sighed, standing up from his desk. “Awesome!” you smiled. “Are you free now?” “Yep. Where do you want to go?” “I was thinking that we could just go around and walk? There’s a grocery store nearby and I think both of us need food for our rooms.” “Works for me,” he said.

The two of you walked on the path as you made your way to the store you talked about. You got a call from your best friend as you were walking there.

“Oh, sorry, this might be important, F/n never calls me. Can you give me like 5 minutes?” you asked. “Sure, I’ll wait here,” he said, leaning on the nearest tree.

You walked across the path before answering the call.

“Hello? F/n? Is everything ok?” you asked. “Ok so. I was thinking, right, and I think it’s so bullshit that you and Tsukishima never hold hands. Like even when I’m looking out from my dorm and see you guys walking, you guys are never holding hands or hugging or anything,” she said. “Is this really what you called me about? I’m literally out with him right now, F/n. He’s just not a touchy person, I don’t know,” you sighed. “Because you don’t initiate anything! I bet if you were to hold his hand right now, he’d probably fucking combust,” she laughed. “F/n…” “I’m not even joking! Test it out, be touchy. I bet you $20.” “That'll be the easiest $20 I’ve ever gotten,” you smiled. “Sure. We can go with that. NOW GO TEST IT OUT,” she said, hanging up.

You walked back to Tsukki.

“Everything good with F/n?” he asked. “Yep,” you said. “She was just stressed about a test she had coming up. I just had to reassure her that she’d do great like usual.”

For someone who didn’t lie often, you were fucking good at it.

“That’s good,” he said. “We should start heading to the store.” “Right, we should!”

The two of you continued on your way to the store. As you walked, you had the idea to test what F/n told you. You slipped your hand into his.

“Y/n, what are you doing?” he blushed. “What do you mean?” you asked, pretending to be confused.

Damn, F/n was right.

“Whatever,” he said, looking forward and gripping your hand more than he had prior.

He had weirdly soft hands. They felt really nice to hold and warm. They compensated for your extremely cold hands.

“Your hands are fucking freezing. Did you stick your hands in a bucket of ice water or something?” he asked. “Your hands are just warm. Did you put them in fire or something?” you asked. “It’s better to hold hands with someone with warm hands than someone’s who’s feel like your holding an iceberg,” he smirked. “Are you saying that you don’t like holding hands with me?” you asked. “That’s not what I meant and you know it,” he glared at you. “I’m just teasing, honey,” you chuckled. “Whatever,” he rolled his eyes.

The two of you arrived at the store. You grabbed a basket while still holding your boyfriend’s hand.

“Should I get ramen or just go out and eat it in restaurants?” you asked. “Ramen in restaurants is expensive but ramen in packs are cheap though restaurant ramen tastes better,” he said. “So, make your choice.” “Hmm, I might as well get it in packs,” you answered, putting the packs in your basket. “Oh! Right! This shop has a bakery here with the best shortcake ever! We should get a slice and eat it in one of our dorms!” “Ooh, good idea,” he said, remembering his love for strawberry shortcake.

The two of you purchased items you needed for your dorms before heading to the bakery.

“You pick which one,” you asked, gesturing to the different types of shortcake.

He picked out the graham cracker strawberry one and the lady boxed it up for you two.

You both left the store, taking your bags back. You had used self-checkout so you separated your groceries into bags for either of you though your boyfriend insisted on carrying some of your bags. It’s safe to say you wouldn’t let him.

Once you two arrived at the dorms, you split to your separate dorms to leave your groceries.

“So? How’d it go?” F/n asked you.

Without saying anything, you handed her a $20.

“I KNEW IT!!” “OH SHUT UP!”

She was cackling as she realized she was right.

“Whatever, i have to go to Tsukki’s dorm,” you said, grabbing your keys. “Oh? for what?” she smirked. “Oh my god, we’re just sharing a slice of cake,” you said. “That’s a weird name for sex,” she said. “You’re lucky i’m running late,” you said, running out the door.

Unfortunately for the two of you, your dorms were on separate floors. His being the one above yours.

You knocked on the door of his dorm. He let you in, already having the cake and cutlery on the table. The two of you sat at the table, starting to eat the cake.

“You were right. That place is good,” he said. “I’m usually right,” you stated. “I’m not so sure about that. But you got this one right,” he chuckled. “Oh fuck you,” you said, flipping him off with both of you hands. “You love me,” he laughed. “Shut up,” you said, shoveling a bite of cake into your mouth.

He leaned in and kissed you quickly, getting frosting from the cake on his lips and face.

You chuckled before wiping the frosting off his face.

Soon, the two of you finished the slice of cake and started talking before Tsukki’s roommate came home.

“Oh hi, Y/n!” he said, entering the dorm. “Hey Tadashi!” you exclaimed. “Did you guys go out on a date or something?” “We went to the store,” Tsukki said. “Yep! I was running out of food for me and F/n so i had to grab some,” you smiled. “Speaking of F/n, i should head back to my dorm.” “I’ll walk you there,” Tsukki stood up. “Bye, Tadashi. See you later!” you exclaimed, standing up. “Bye, Y/n!”

You and Tsukki left the dorm, heading to yours.

The two of you stood outside the door, saying your goodbyes.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” you smiled. “See you then,” he said, leaning down to kiss you. “We can go on a proper date tomorrow.” “Sounds good,” you smiled. "Oh, by the way, you want 20 dollars to compensate for the 20 you lost?" he smirked. "WHAT? YOU KNEW?" you screamed. "First off, stop screaming. Second off, you talk really loud when you're on the phone, of course, I heard you," he chuckled. "Oh my god, I hate you," you scoffed. "Were you pretending the whole time?" "Duh. You losing 20 dollars was fucking hilarious," he laughed. "But actually, you should do that shit more often. It's cute. Maybe I should start holding YOUR hand out of nowhere." "I'm gonna kill you," you said. "I love you too," he chuckled, leaning down and kissing you. "I'm gonna head out. Hang out tomorrow too?" "Yeah. Can we go to a restaurant tomorrow?" you asked. "Sure. I'll see you then," he said.

You pulled him into a hug.

"Ok, bye," you said softly. "Bye, Y/n," he said.

You entered your dorm smiling, happy with your time with your boyfriend today.

“I’m sorry but you really look like you just had sex,” F/n laughed.

You scoffed and then threw your shoe at her.

“I’m sorry, but you really do,” she laughed. “I hate you,” you chuckled. “Love you too,” she smiled, blowing a kiss at you.

[mimisempai]

Wait for me on the other side 2/8

Chapter Summary:

The mystery becomes clearer... or thicker... in any case a strange correspondence is born...

3888 words

https://archiveofourown.org/works/32948254/chapters/81944953

Alone, in the teacher's lounge, Loki poured himself a cup of coffee. His hands were shaking. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself.

He didn't hear the principal come in and jumped at the sound of her voice.

"I know about the accident in Vanaheim Square.  Carol and I had to get there because there were students from the school on the bus. Fortunately none of them were hurt. The paramedics who knew you were a teacher here, told us you put up a good fight for that man."

Loki sighed, "But it wasn't enough. I may know first aid perfectly, but it wasn't enough." He paused, his throat tight before continuing, "I have to get back to class."

He headed for the door.

"Loki?"

Loki stopped and turned around, Natasha put her hand on his shoulder and said gently, "Do me a favor. On your day off, get as far away from here as you can. Okay? Go somewhere you feel... somewhere that brings you peace."

Loki nodded his head before going on his way.

**********

Mobius left the house and headed for the pickup. Before entering, he slipped a letter into the box and raised the flag, then set off for his work.

**********

At the same time Loki decided to follow Natasha's advice and headed for New Asgard. He drove north of the small village.

The day was clear and bright, with a slight breeze.

He stopped at the small local grocery store where he knew the owners well, to buy his lunch.

He greeted them as they entered the store, "Hi Laura, hi Clint!"

"Hey Loki! Haven't seen you in a while. How are things in the Big Apple?"

Loki shrugged and replied, "Good. I'm getting my bearings little by little"

Clint asked, curious, "What are you doing here?"

"I just needed to get out of the city. Needed the fresh air, and I missed the peaceful life here."

"I hear you, I wouldn't want to come back to the city for anything in the world." replied Laura while bending down.

"What's the matter, honey?"

She stood up straight, a little girl in her arms.

"Hey Lila, how big you've gotten!" exclaimed Loki. "How old are you now?"

"Two." replied Laura. "Say hello to Loki, Lila, you like him don't you?"

"Hi Woki!" chirped the little girl and held out his arms. Loki took her in his arms and pressed a kiss on her forehead. She giggled.

They talked for a few more moments and then Loki headed for the house on the cliff.

Once there, checking first that no one was there, Loki got out of the car and walked through the forest just behind and then went for a long time to admire the lake below the cliff, the wind blowing his long black hair. As the sun began to set on the horizon, he thought it was time to go home, but didn't hurry either.

Just as he was about to get into the car, he noticed the flag raised from the mailbox. Acting on an impulse, he opened it. Inside, there was a single envelope. To his surprise, it was addressed to him.

Loki sat down in the car parked in front of the house, and began to read the letter.

I got your letter. Is this supposed to be some kind of joke?

Because, if so, I don't understand.

Loki frowned as he continued to read.

I am not the "next tenant".

There was no previous tenant.

The house has been uninhabited for over twenty years.

At first I thought maybe you had the wrong place.

But how did you know about the paw prints?

Lok was confused. He pondered for a moment, then reached into his bag to find a pen and paper.

**********

Mobius pulled up in his pickup truck, happy to have finally finished his workday. The flag on the mailbox was up. He opened the box. A letter inside, he recognized Loki's handwriting. He looked at it as he walked along the path to the house. It was from the same address Loki had given him to forward his letter, 105 MacDougal Street - Greenwich Village.

Once inside, Mobius was startled to feel something crawl between his legs. It was the alligator that had left the pawprints. Apparently it had chosen to live here and had figured out how to get in.

Perfect! Now he would have to find out what an alligator might need.

He opened Loki's letter and began to read.

**********

A few hours later, Mobius was waiting in front of the huge building exuding opulence and majesty, overhung by the two familiar letters, TK, Time Keepers.

He smiled as a short, dark-haired man, looking a little younger than him, stepped out.

Mobius shouted, "Casey!"

The younger man, seeing him, exclaimed, "Mobius! What the hell are you doing here? You're supposed to be busy in your little store."

Mobius replied with a smile, "I'll never be too busy to seek out an old friend and buy him a drink."

Casey answered softly, "I'm really touched."

Then Mobius added sheepishly, "I had to do something in town actually."

Casey laughed and retorted, "It's good to see you." before giving him a hug.

Over his shoulder Mobius saw a woman walk out.

Their eyes met and Mobius whispered, "Ravonna." The woman froze before continuing with a quick step. Mobius watched her go.

"Come on Casey, let's get out of here."

A little later, at a bar in Manhattan, Mobius and Casey are sitting at a table with burgers and beers.

Casey asked him, "So, how's life in your little store?"

Mobius smiled before answering, "Well, it was a challenge starting out on my own, sometimes it's frustrating depending on the clientele, but basically I..."

Casey finished his sentence, "Say no more, you're enjoying yourself."

Mobius nodded, "That's right, I'm also my own master and all in all it works out pretty well."

Casey toasted with his drink can, "I'm happy for you."

"Mind you, I bought a house.."

Casey's eyes widened, "So your business is actually doing really well."

Mobius chuckled, "I mortgaged up my underwear. But I don't regret it."

Casey took a sip of beer and asked him, "You never regretted leaving TK?"

Mobius shook his head, "Even though I know you like working there, this big conglomerate was not for me. When we wanted to create it, it was to give everyone access to quality watches at a fair price, but Ravonna got lost in the process. Does she ever ask about me?"

Casey shook his head, "She's too busy making money, and I don't think she likes me, I thought she was going to fire me today, because I didn't sell enough watches."

"Don't worry, you know her tantrums, she'll be like she used to be tomorrow."

They continued the evening, chatting happily.

Mobius offered to drop Casey off at his house before heading home.

"If you don't mind, I'd just like to mail a letter before I leave."

He parked his pickup around the street corner and walked, looking for an address.

He said aloud, "105 MacDougal Street - Greenwich Village."

Casey, who had followed him, asked, "What is it?"

Mobius looked around, puzzled, and replied, "I'm not sure."

"Who lives there?" inquired Casey, curious.

"I don't really know."

Mobius checked three times, but he was in the right place. Except there was only a recently dug foundation, no habitable building.

He took the piece of paper out of his pocket. The last letter from Loki. The return address was correct: 105 MacDougal Street - Greenwich Village

Mobius stared at the letter because he noticed something odd. It was dated March 31, 2021.

**********

Loki walked through the hallways of the school, examining the new letter from Mobius.

There must be a mistake, I tried to mail the letter in person, but there is no habitation at this address, it's just a foundation.

And the date is wrong too.

Loki, annoyed, scribbled a note and as soon as class was over, he went to put the letter in the box.

**********

In the house on the cliff, Mobius was reading the last letter received in his kitchen, leaning against the counter.

I received your last letter.

I don't know if you will get the answer, but I want to get to the bottom of it.

By the way, for some reason the mail is not getting through to me. I still have to drive here to get it.

Anyway, all this to say that I didn't make a mistake with the address.

I know where I live thanks!  Ok, it's ugly, but it's not a foundation either.

And I'm not stupid either, it's 2021.

Mobius laughed at what seemed to him to be a foolish joke and continued reading.

Just out of curiosity: what year do you think it is?

**********

On his couch with a glass of wine in hand, Loki studies Mobius' latest note.

It's 2019

SO PLEASE STOP BULLSHITTING ME.

Loki laughed, incredulous. Croki looked at him.

He patted his head while thinking, before getting up and walking over to his dresser and from a drawer he pulled out a shoebox full of pictures.

He began to rummage through the photos. He came across a photo he had forgotten about, him as a younger man with his then girlfriend, Sigyn. They were in each other's arms, laughing, in love.

He looked at it for a second, then put it away and continued searching.

He finally found the photo he was looking for. It showed Loki and others, outside at night, wearing T-shirts and jeans, with snow falling around them.

He turned it over. On the back is a date printed by the developer: APRIL 3, 2019.

**********

The wind was blowing hard when Mobius arrived home to find the flag on the mailbox raised. Inside was a new letter from Loki. He picked it up and ran across the road, because the sky was really starting to darken.

While preparing his meal, he read the letter.

Since you don't believe me, I'll give you a little warning.

There was a bad flu in the spring of 2019.

I remember it because it snowed suddenly in early April and for a long time.

After that, everyone got sick.

Mobius rolled his eyes and looked at the calendar, today was April 2.

He continued to read.

So, my mysterious pen pal, if you really are where... or when... you say you are...

I hope you are getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of herbal tea and eating fruit to store vitamins.

Warm milk with honey is also effective. And above all, cover yourself well.

Mobius chuckled, "Snow, right."

He crumpled up the letter and went to throw it away.

As he opened the trash can, he suddenly began to sneeze.

After a few seconds, the realization fell on him and he turned back to the bay window.

A magnificent sight was displayed before his eyes, although the beauty left him indifferent, so shocked was he by the implication of what he saw.

It was snowing heavily.

Stunned by both the cold that was coming on and what had just happened, he went to bed and slept like a log.

The next morning, he went to the snow-covered mailbox, and after struggling with the flap, he quickly slipped in a letter and closed the box, almost as if he was afraid it would bite him. He pulled up the red flag.

**********

Same day - 2021

Loki opened the box, took out the letter from Mobius and then lowered the flag.

He pulled out the letter, which had only one line.

CAN THIS BE HAPPENING?

Loki, with trembling hands, took a pen and answered, then put the letter in the box and raised the flag.

Same day, same place - 2019

Mobius stared at the snow-covered box whose flag had just been lowered and it began to scare him a little. Shaken by a sneeze he rolled into a ball and when he raised his head he saw that the flag was up again. He took a step backwards but after a few moments, curiosity being the strongest, he opened the mailbox with great hesitation and took out... his note. The same as the one he had just put there. Slightly disappointed, but also reassured, he sighed and relaxed.

But when he opened the note, he gasped.

CAN THIS BE HAPPENING?

YES.

**********

April 5, 2021

Loki returned home, a little dazed.

Sensing that something was wrong with his owner, Croki followed him into the living room.

Loki took him in his arms and placed him next to him on the sofa. Croki put his head on Loki's knee and Loki patted his head absentmindedly.

Then Loki took a paper and began to write.

April 5, 2019

Mobius was on his bed, surrounded by used handkerchiefs and still having trouble believing the letter from Loki that had just arrived in the box.

The alligator, that had really taken up residence in his house, was lying at the foot of his bed.

I don't know about you, but I don't even know the right questions to ask. Can you tell me something that might shed some light?

Mobius wandered around the house, thinking, trying to find a connection, when he arrived at the front door and saw the alligator's tracks in front of the door.

He grabbed a piece of paper from the phone and scribbled quickly.

I think we have the same pet.

Let's do a little test, so that we don't always have to wait for the other to answer, let's meet on April 7th at 10am in front of the mailbox.

He went to put the letter in the mailbox. He raised the flag and went home to crawl under his comforter, exhausted by his cold and the emotions.

April 6, 2021

Loki got up early to drive to the house on the cliff, hoping that his mysterious pen pal had answered him.

His heart pounding, he saw the flag raised and ran to the box, opened it and grasped the small piece of paper with trembling fingers.

He answered and put the note in the mailbox.

Is it a dwarf alligator?

See you tomorrow then ;-)

April 7, 2019/2021 - 10:00 am

This is how, two years apart, an extraordinary letter exchange began, punctuated by the movement of a small flag on a mailbox.

M: Hello and yes it is an alligator.

L: Does it rub against your legs as soon as you come in and follow you around until it gets fed.

M: Yes.

L: I named him Croki.

Mobius looked at Croki at his feet and said, "Nice to meet you, Croki."

The little alligator rubbed at his feet as if it understood.

L: Perhaps we could introduce ourselves properly.

I'm Loki, you know that, and I've just arrived as a literature teacher in an institute for extraordinary students.

M: My name is Mobius. I make and repair antique watches. I have a little store called Miss Minute. This is the mascot of my store.

Loki giggled when he read the name of the store and saw the little drawing next to it. A small watch straight out of a 1950s design. It was actually kind of cute.

He took on a serious look as he read the following words.

M: Okay. I'm still trying to figure that out. If two years from now you're living in a building at 105 MacDougal Street - Greenwich Village... that doesn't exist yet... where are you, uh, "now" in 2019?

L: I'm studying for my PhD in literature at the Brooklyn College of the Arts.

Loki stopped writing and looked around before continuing.

L: And now I'm corresponding in an extremely weird way with someone I've never met. Too, too , too weird!!!

M: What's it like in 2021?

L: It's great. Everyone is driving around in flying cars. We all wear metal colored suits and we all have super powers.

Mobius smiled at the joke before continuing to read.

L: Actually nothing has really changed. No. We're moving to 5G and Samsung and Apple are still competing as much as ever.

I'm going to have to leave, I have class this afternoon. I won't be able to make it for three days, my next day off.

But... one thing worries me. What if, by sending these letters, by communicating in this way, we are accidentally altering the course of time itself, thus changing human history forever?

Mobius reflected for a moment before answering.

M: You're right, let's not do that.

Mobius posted the letter and went into the house, Croki as usual rubbed at his feet and started following him around.

"Croki! That's enough!"

He took the alligator in his arms and placed it next to where it used to eat. "You wait here and stop following me."

For three days he repeated the same trick several times until Croki quietly waited actually near his bowl. He gave him a small piece of fresh fish to congratulate him, "Good boy.

Despite what they seemed to have decided, he then wrote a small note and went to put it in the mailbox, which he raised the flag. He just hoped that Loki would still come and check.

April 10, 2021

Loki read the letter again as he entered his apartment, having understood absolutely nothing.

Sorry, I did change one little thing.

Loki closed the door and while he expected to be almost knocked over by Croki who always came to slip between his legs, nothing.

He went to the kitchen and was surprised to see Croki waiting for him next to his eating place.

No need to thank me.

Loki laughed out loud in a way he hadn't in a long time.

**********

The next day, sitting in class waiting for the next students, he was still wondering how he could thank Mobius.

When suddenly appeared shyly on the doorstep, Kamala.

Which was strange, because the bubbly girl was anything but shy, and especially not with him.

Surprisingly, since she knew that he specialized in Norse mythology, she had become attached to him and it was not uncommon for her to linger at the end of a class to discuss with him some point of her reading on the subject.

Natasha and Loki's colleagues had told him that this was the first time since Kamala had arrived that someone had managed to channel her energy.

"Ahem Professor... Loki?" she wore her strange oversized red scarf as always.

"Loki will be enough as always, Kamala." replied Loki softly to her.

"Come in."

She walked over and put something on his desk.

"Um... I wanted to thank you, because you always take the time to answer me no matter when I come and no matter what my question is, so I made you this little something myself."

Loki, touched, unwrapped the small package, he took out a green scarf, obviously hand-knitted, whose workmanship looked a bit like the one the girl was wearing all the time.

He looked up and said in a soft voice tightened by emotion, "Thank you Kamala, that's very thoughtful of you."

"You're welcome! See you later." She left as always with her bouncy step.

Loki contemplated the scarf for long minutes, it had been a long time since anyone had had such a thoughtful gesture for him, and especially for something he had done.

"Congratulations professor."

He looked up at the owner of the voice that had pulled him out of his thoughts.

It was the gym teacher, Thor.

"What?"

"You are one of the chosen few who have the privilege of being among the people Kamala respects the most. She only gives this kind of personal gift to people she holds in high regard."

"Oh..."

Thor leaned against the doorframe.

"I came to invite you for tonight. We're having a movie night with colleagues, the ones you know, at the Bi-frost. Interested?"

A while ago, Loki would have refused, but tonight, perhaps because of Mobius or thanks to him, he decided to accept.

"I'll come, thanks for having thought of me. What movie?"

"You've got mail. After class we'll meet at the door and go together."

A few hours later, they were discussing the movie over beers and burgers. There was Heimdall, Thor, Bruce, Carol and even Natasha the principal.

Carol laughed at the main characters, "Honestly, it's really stupid this match,

falling in love over words, I'd go to her as soon as I knew who she was."

Loki squeezed Mobius' last letter into his pocket before speaking, "I find there is something pure about it. A correspondence, free from social barriers, appearances, free from the past...no need to worry about details. There's something exciting about it."

Loki didn't realize that they were all looking at him, surprised to see him showing so much passion.

Thor elbowed him, "Do you have someone in your life Lokes?"

"Hm?"

Natasha looked at him knowingly, "It's hard not to notice that you're writing or reading letters all the time."

Loki blushed slightly, "It's not that kind of relationship, although it's true I've never met him."

"Why?" asked Carol, curious.

"Let's just say it's... complicated."

Seeing that Loki didn't feel like talking about it, the others changed the subject and they continued to have a pleasant evening.

As he left for home later, Loki felt a pleasant warmth. For the first time in a long time, he no longer felt lonely.

He pulled Kamala's scarf tighter around his neck in the cool spring evening. Suddenly he knew how to do something for Mobius.

The next morning, he went to clothing stores in search of what he had in mind.

Three hours later, at the house on the cliff, he put a letter in the mailbox with a small package. He raised the little flag and headed back to town.

April 12, 2021

Mobius had just gotten up, and like every morning since the beginning of this strange correspondence, he went to check for mail and was pleasantly surprised to see the little flag up.

He returned a little later with a letter and a small package.

He opened the package and took out a black scarf adorned with small silver watches. He put it around his neck and sat down with a coffee in his armchair and started to read the letter.

Thank you for educating my little Croki. Here is a little gift to thank you.

Put this on and don't take it off for the rest of the month. It will be cold until the end of April.

Mobius tightened the scarf around his neck and smiled softly.

Mobius, I don't know if what we're doing will change the course of time, but what I am sure of is that it is affecting my life in a positive way, so I don't want to stop.

This connection I have with you has allowed me to reach out to others and for the first time since I left home, I don't feel lonely anymore.

I don't want to stop.

But if you want to, I will, all you have to to is to let me know about it.

In 3 days at 7am I'll come for your answer.

Yours, Loki.

_______

What will Mobius answer? Is he ready to continue this strange long-distance relationship... or rather long-term...? Answer in the chapter 3

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5 - Chapter 6 - Chapter 7 - Chapter 8 (End)

As always, bear with me as it is not beta'd and english is not my native language I hope you enjoyed it nonetheless🥰

[emeraldwhump]

I posted 614 times in 2021

137 posts created (22%)

477 posts reblogged (78%)

For every post I created, I reblogged 3.5 posts.

I added 173 tags in 2021

#whump - 38 posts

#whump prompt - 25 posts

#whumpblr - 20 posts

#whump scenario - 19 posts

#whump trope - 17 posts

#whump community - 13 posts

#whumpee - 11 posts

#whumptober2021 - 10 posts

#whump prompts - 10 posts

#whump oc - 10 posts

Longest Tag: 138 characters

#basically what i siad was as soon as i'm getting new ink in my printer (well ok as soon as i'm getting someone to pay for it) i'm printing

My Top Posts in 2021

#5

Whump Prompt #3

When Whumpee wakes up and sees that Caretaker has an injury, (nothing serious but visible like twisted ankle and a cane to help them move around etc) and they start to panic and fuss over caretaker despite them being in much worse state.

128 notes • Posted 2021-09-14 05:49:02 GMT

#4

Whumptober #7

Caretaker hated seeing Whumpee like this, pale slumped over couch, finally asleep but still moving and occasionally groaning in pain. So small.... so.... helpless. "Whumpee" and "helpless" this two words seemed wrong together.

Wrong, so wrong... this was the breaking point for Caretaker, as the numbness they were feeling started to fade away, they could feel the soft veil slowly lifting up, feelings they turned off to be able to help patch Whumpee up, coming back.

And coming back with full force at that, Caretaker realized as the blind rage they started to feel almost threw them off their feet.

"sleep now, you're safe here, I'll be right back but for now I have something to take care of" They kissed Whumpee forehead, and walked towards the door.

132 notes • Posted 2021-10-07 07:03:16 GMT

#3

Caretaker who's maybe a villain or something like that and just generally does "bad" things and doesn't care for anyone... expect whumpee, be it their partner, sibling, friend etc.

One day whumpee gets captured, and oh my god poor whumper because caretaker may only care for that one person but they sure fucking care as hell.

142 notes • Posted 2021-09-12 10:11:41 GMT

#2

Very Specific Whump Prompt

Villain with a really bad reputation is standing outside of their office being informed that someone is waiting for them there, the person came in unannounced and asked to see them, Villain bursts in there, their team mates/hanchmen fully expecting them to at least beat the shit out of the person and their jaws dropping to the floor when the first thing Villain does is immediately grab the person into a tight hug, searching for any injuries.

158 notes • Posted 2021-11-07 09:51:24 GMT

#1

I think we are sleeping on a whump scenery potential that gass stations has:

Listen I live next to "last gas station in the country (or first)" on the highway and it's big, it has Macdonalds, grocery store, parking for huge trucks , some showers and a bar. So like whump there has so many possibilities : in a car that's parked there, getting blood off in those showers, Whumpee trying to stop shaking in a Macdonalds booth as downing their third coffee, watching people come and go, maybe a fight in a parking lot, sleeping in your car there, and all that under a fluorescent lights and a vague feeling of unreality

220 notes • Posted 2021-11-04 16:27:48 GMT

Get your Tumblr 2021 Year in Review →

[savoies]

It Just Can’t Wait - Matthew Tkachuk.

Matthew Tkachuk x Reader.

Summary: Matthew has been planning to ask you to marry him and he isn't going to let quarantine ruin his plans.

Word Count: 1.6k

Warning: none that I know of.

“Brady what am I supposed to do now, we can’t even go out of the house and we don’t even know how long quarantine is gonna last.” Matthew expressed to his brother about his current dilemma. 

“I don’t know dude, you’ll figure it out or at least she’ll understand.” Brady said not being much help. Matthew hung up and decided to sort out his thoughts by himself since his younger brother wasn't much help. 

Matt had planned to propose to you next weekend but the world was just put on quarantine so the idea of proposing where he had planned was crossed off the list. He had the grand idea of proposing where you met and then going to celebrate with your guys family, something simple since you didn't really like being the center of attention. Now he had to come up with something quick because he wanted to be engaged to you as soon as possible. You and Matthew had been dating for a few years and he thought it seemed right. Him having a steady playing career in the NHL and you just finishing college. You guys lived and did mostly everything together so it was already like both of you guys were married. All that was left were the rings on the left fingers. 

Earlier in the month you and Matthew had walked into a jewelry store not even to look for rings but you spotted one and fell in love with it and Matt took that as a hint that maybe it was time to get engaged since before that, wedding rings had never caught your attention.

During the week he had been planning everything from talking to your family members to his trying to make it the best home proposal possible. You noticed that he did seem a bit not himself so you decided to confront him, “Hey Matty baby you ok, you just seem kind of off.“

“ Yeah I'm good babe, just quarantine is getting to my head,” he said chuckling nervously hoping you wouldn't catch him under his lie. He was really nervous, this was a big step in your guys relationship. A bunch of thoughts entered his mind. What if you didn't want to get married to him? What about if as soon as he proposed you would say no and leave? You guys had never talked about marriage, you had talked about kids a couple of months earlier but did that mean you wanted to get married? 

Matthew knew that he needed to clear his head soon or else he might blurt something out. During quarantine you were the only one he could talk to and of course he couldn't talk to you.  Something that always seemed to cheer him up no matter what, was playing street hockey with you. Now you weren't the best but he just liked having you try and be with him.

“Hey babe wanna head outside for a one on one game?” Matt raised his eyebrows quizzically at you. You noticed that he seemed stressed the last couple of days so you agreed because you knew this would help him clear his head. 

After a fun and somewhat challenging game that of course Matthew won, you guys headed inside and just relaxed cuddled up to each other.

Matt thought maybe that this was the perfect time to ask you some questions so his brain could relax and get some reassurance.

“Y/n, do you love me” as soon as the question left his lips he knew it was a dumb question. But he couldn't take it back so he nervously stared into your beautiful eyes for a response. 

“Matthew Tkachuk where is this coming from, of course i love you, you big doofus. How could I not with your big cocky attitude that is sometimes annoying but super hot and the fact that you are super clingy and affectionate when your friends are not around. Plus you are everything I've ever wanted in a man. And I mean everything. So stop doubting yourself and kiss me.” you said smacking him in the back of the head.

“Gosh you are absolutely perfect you know that and I am not clingy” Matt said huffing like a little kid then proceeded to kiss you lips, in that moment that's all the reassurance Matthew needed to know that you were really the one he wanted to be with for the rest of his life.

Saturday was grocery day for you and Matthew. Usually you guys would go in the evening around six or seven after dinner. But today Matt had to get you out of the house early. How? He didn't exactly know yet, but he had to come up with something soon. He couldn't really sleep all night so when you started to stir slowly waking  up, he was kind of relieved and glad that you had interrupted his thinking. 

You guys headed down stairs and started making pancakes. You thought that this was probably your favorite part of your guys' morning. When both of you were still in pjs and making kind of mess but most importantly breakfast. You couldn't wait to have some Tkachuk kids running around the house. After making breakfast, and cleaning up, Matthew knew that he needed to get you out of the house soon. 

It was around 4pm when Matt thought maybe it was time to send you away. “Hey babe how about you go grocery shopping right now, just you.” You were kind of confused on why he was sending you to the store alone since you guys always went together unless he had something important to do. He noticed that you looked confused so he added to his sentence from before.

“It's just that i want to make a chocolate cake for after dinner but I have a zoom meeting with the guys soon.” You thought cake sounded good and the guys were probably just going to mess around so you agreed.

You changed, kissed Matthew goodbye, grabbed your keys and headed out. Matt knew that he had to work quickly. So he grabbed some string lights and the picnic basket you guys had stored away in some closet. He headed to the kitchen to pack some stuff for a picnic.

You were at the store grabbing the last things and headed to the cake aisle. There didn't seem to be any chocolate cake so you just grabbed funfetti and hoped your boyfriend wouldn't mind too much.

Back at home Matt had changed from his pjs to something more presentable and grabbed the ring box. He headed downstairs and outside to take one last look outside to make sure everything was perfect. He heard the door open and you yell that you were back. He texted you to come outside and you stayed at the back door.

“What's this for.” you asked curious to why you guys were having a picnic in the middle of the evening.

“Well since we can not go outside to have a date night I decided to bring date night to us.” Matt said smiling sweetly at you. You approached him and sat down and he began taking everything out. 

“And you said you were not affectionate” you poked at you boyfriend. You guys just talked and enjoyed each other's company when Matt finally decided it was now or never.

“Can you close your eyes for a second baby, I know you don’t like surprises but I think you might like this one.” Matt said holding your hand reassuringly. He stood up and got up on one knee. “Ok keep them closed, this surprise I've had for a while but now that we are in quarantine it just can't wait anymore open them please.”

You saw Matthew standing on one knee and everything seemed to click in your head. From the way he sent you to the store, to him being nervous all week, and finally to him asking if you loved him. Tears welled up in your eyes.

“Y/n baby I know this isn't ideal since we are in quarantine but I just couldn't wait no more. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I love that when I'm with you I become clingy. I love that you try to play hockey with me even though you arent the best and you know that. I love that we make a mess making breakfast even though we are making the simplest thing ever. I love that we always have deep conversations. I love that you always let me rant to you about my problems even though you aren't feeling your best some days. But most importantly I love you for you and for loving me back. So will you marry me y/n” Matthew was tearing up at the end of his speech.

You were bawling your eyes out by the end of his speech and giggling at some of the remarks he made. “ Yes! I'll marry you Matthew Tkachuk. When you said yes Matt released a breath that he didn't even know he was holding in. He hugged you and you guys whispered I love you to each other. You stayed outside cuddled up next to each other while looking at the stars. Later you guys headed inside to call your family and share the big news. You were glad that you were in the next chapter in your relationship with Matt and couldn't wait for what adventures were gonna be happening in your guys lives from now on together.

im tagging people so it doesn't flop: @hartsyhart (thanks for the help) @patty-cake-nolan ( thanks for the title help) @mitch-slap @leafsxhockeywrxtes @mymanseguin and @ayohockeycheck (thank you for the string lights idea) also thank you for everyone who voted for matty.

[peachpitmp3]

the- the little einsteins theme song for half an hour?? are you good bestie? /lh

first: ssllleeeeeeeeepppppp and second: you're good! that wasn't incoherent at all! /gen those are very nice colorsssss and !! color puns <3

nxlkdfjsklmxcfl movie nights with friends are just,, so incredible and amazing and y eah, you described it perfectly :D

ooooh ok, i'm going to stick to irl people because if we open the field to fictional characters. that is. many decisions lmao. do i get to choose multiple? idk. i think i would spend the day with my close friends, and we would do all the things that we used to do in middle school. go get pizza and cram ourselves in the booth meant for four people, and then go get candy and for the rest of the day just consume sugar. and just walking around as the sun starts to set,, the nostalgia holy crap <333 and i think i'll steal your movie night thing, that sounds like it would be so wonderful.

what time would i wake up? probably pretty early, because it's one day and i can always make up sleep. i really like it when i wake up early so i can just vibe when nobody's awake, so probably 6 ish? and then i would not sleep (which yes, i know it's not healthy but if i had one free day to do all of it i would not want to waste any time sleeping).

if you could spend a day with your mutuals in-person, what would you do? activity wise, or any general plans - 🌵

yeah and then i stopped to do a game night with my friends and now i'm back to it :D

aslkdflsdf thats so valid yeah fictional characters is a whole new can of worms. okay seriously i love that so much. that entire description is giving me so much nostalgia and so much good vibes!!!

that's such a good point about waking up early and not sleeping sldkfjlskdfjs honestly mood. i'm not a morning person at all but there's just something about being awake when no one else is, and just being able to walk around the house or watch the sun rise or just know you have time before you have to actually start doing things.

if i could spend a day with my mutuals in person, i would probably uhhh. wake up early and meet up with them before it was too hot out, and we'd sit somewhere (the beach, maybe?) and watch the sun rise together and then we'd go eat breakfast at some diner and share a massive stack of waffles and debate how much syrup is too much. and then we'd just walk around for a while and talk and laugh and then maybe find an arcade (idk, this is a dream scenario lol) and be very competitive but also not, and spend too much money on tokens and claw machines. and then we'd go to the grocery store just for the vibes. and some of us would sit in the carts and some of us would push and we'd go down the snack aisles and see what we could grab while going fast. and then we'd eat the snacks while walking to the movie theater, and we'd choose the gayest movie and buy a huge thing of popcorn and drinks that stain our tongues red or blue or whatever flavor. and we'd watch the movie and we'd lean over to each other and whisper random commentary about how certain characters are obviously queer, and then we'd pile out of the theater in that post-movie daze where we adjust to the outside light and to reality. and we'd find the nearest place to eat dinner and just like you said, pile into a booth nowhere big enough for all of us, but we'd make it work. we'd steal fries off each others plates and talk endlessly about fandoms and just general stuff. and then once it was dark and getting a little bit chillier, we'd head back to the beach or to someone's backyard and we'd just look at the stars and fall asleep in a massive cuddle pile :)

that was. a lot. i'm tired and yearny.

i probably won't be super active tomorrow, but i loved talking to you today!! you are a lovely person and i adore hearing all of your thoughts :)

if you could take 5 polaroid photos of your life, what moments would you photograph? obviously you don't have to get too specific or anything if you don't want to!