#one of my mom's closest friends came to visit us one day

[000marie198]

Mangey and Silver both bond over the shared trauma of how Amy's shampoo doesn't taste as good as it smells

Oh my gosh the poor boys

Oh no. I can picture this happening so clearly poor Silver. Poor Mangey. He would eat a soap bar if it's fruit scented and eat hand wash if it's chocolate scented my baby boy my son

I can just tell his brothers would be freaking out fussing over him. let me take you to Vanilla, sweetie, she might know something to make you feel better

[sawtastic-sideblog]

Specs x Reader Gender Neutral Reader TW: violence, blood, mentions of death and school shooters, there may be more I have forgotten to mention so just a general proceed with caution.

"I'm looking for Sebastian Parker. Sebastian are you with us?" The psychic, Elise, calls to the room. You roll your eyes, not so subtly, and catch the eye of the bearded camera man, Tucker. He shakes his head and looks back at his screen as he continues to walk around the group of six gathered in a circle in your dining room.

Your older brother, Sebastian, died two years ago and your mom, Alice, hasn't been the same since. None of you have, but your mom seemed to be taking it the hardest. Sebastian was thirteen years older than you and from a previous relationship your mom had. Your dad, Patrick, always said Sebastian was his son. They were close. The year Sebastian turned eighteen, he went to your dad and asked him to be adopted. Your dad agreed, enthusiastically and cried hugging Sebastian and just repeating 'my son' over and over again. The night Sebastian died, your dad stood in his hospital room, stroking his head, repeating those words over and over again.

Your little sister, Olivia, sat across from you. She and Sebastian also had a good relationship. With a twenty one year gap between the two, Livvy and Sebastian were the closest. You alway envied their relationship. Sebastian was smart and loved to help Livvy with her homework. He was an English teacher at the local high school. Livvy would visit him in his class and would help him with presentations and fun stuff he'd do with his classes. You would help with costumes and behind the scenes stuff. Livvy and Sebastian belonged on stage together. Since his death, Livvy hasn't been as involved with the school's theater program, but still auditions and does the plays. "For Sebby," she says.

You and Sebastian were close, but only after he moved out. When you were born, he was a stubborn teenager who didn't want the attention of his mother and the only stable father figure he'd ever known taken away from him. He didn't want his weekends taken by some brat he'd have to watch, which was seldom if at all. After he moved out, you got sick with pneumonia and almost died in the hospital. He realized how much he cared for you and drove eighteen hours back from college to be with you. He transferred closer to be with the family and would let you stay at his apartment when your mom had bad days. Her pregnancy with Olivia was not an easy one. You and Sebastian grew close and went to all thr new movies, sport games, and community events together and with his friends. You were even the flower girl at Sebastian's best friend's wedding when you were twelve.

Your mom has Sebastian at fifteen and was a single mom until she met your dad. She struggled to get by and from a young age, Sebastian realized that they didn't have much and he would do odd jobs for people of the community. When your dad came to town, wanting a fresh start away from toxic parents and a crazy ex, Sebastian askedif he needed ay help with boxes "for a price." Your dad agreed and later met your mom. Your dad would always ask Sebastian to "help" with leaky faucets, painting walls, and working on cars. His job was to sit and make sure your dad was doing everything safely. Eventually your parents started dating and got married two years later. Your dad helped put her through nursing school and she has loved every second of her job. After being a single mom and her child, relying on each other, and practically growing up together, your mom and Sebastian were best friends. Losing him broke her. She stayed in bed for months. One day she was back to her normal self, making pancakes for everyone.

"What's this, honey? It's after ten at night?" Your dad asked, putting his keys in thr bowl by the door as you and Livvy put your coats on h hooks.

"Is it? Oh, well, I've been so busy. I guess I lost track of time," she replied with a smile on her face.

"What have you been doing?"

"I cleaned the whole house. Where have you been?"

"Work, school, dinner, and Livvy's play. Why are you cleaning the whole house? We did that this past weekend."

"Sebastian's coming home."

With that statement, all three hearts broke.

"Hey mom, it's late, let's get you to bed," you say and try to lead your mom to her room. After a little resistance you an your father manager to get your mom into bed. After that your mom kept insisting Sebastian would be coming home and recently she's started trying to contact him. Weird things started happening andit scared Olivia to the point she was always over at your apartment.

Last week, your dad woke up with scratches down his back. You immediately started looking for help and tracked down Elise. You arranged to meet at your parent's house tonight and Elise decided a seance would be the best course of action. You, being a skeptic, scoffed at her.

"There's no such things as ghosts."

"Ghosts, spirits, demons, they all exist, (Y/N), and we're the ones who are going to help you rid yourselves of them."

"No offense, Elise, but this is crazy."

"Sometimes crazy works."

So, now, you're in the dining room of your childhood home, having a seance to contact your dead brother. Still convinced that this is crazy, you look around the circle. You can't read your dad's face, but your mom has a look of hope, Livvy looks scared, Elise has a look of intense concentration, and her assistant, Spec, is writing at lightning speed as Elie speaks.

"Sebatian Parker. Follow the sound of my voice."

You scoff and try to coverit with a cough, but Tucker and Specs both give you looks. You put your gaze forward and close your eyes just as something grabs your chair and pulls it backwards. You let out a startled scream. You're lifted off the ground and feel your throat burn as if someone is choking you, but there is nobody there. You cough, gag, and sputter as Livvy watches in frozen horror, your mom stands with her hands over her mouth.

"Patrick, do something," she calls as she grips Livvy's arm tight. He leaps into action and tries to pull you off the wall. He's thrown across the room into Tucker and they both go down. Specs leaps from his seat and starts to rush toward you, but is thrown back into the China cabinet. The glass shatters and rains down around Spec's limp body. You try to scream, but nothing comes out.

Tucker sits up slowly. Once he's checked back into what's happening, he grabs his camera and springs to his feet, pointing the camera around the room.

"I command you to leave this family alone!"

You fall to the floor and take in a big gulp of air. Elise and her entire chair are tipped backwards and an invisible force starts to choke her. You mother and sister scream in terror and run to the corner and huddle together. Your dad sits up and watches, beary eyes and confused. You realize the danger Elise is in, so you run to the kitchen for salt and then the living room for an iron fire poking stick.

Hoping for the best, you swing the stick above Elise and she takes in a breath. You make a big circle out of the salt.

"Everyone in the ring! Don't mess it up!" You shout. Everyone does as they're told, except for Specs, who is still out.

"Steven! Steven, please, wake up!" Elise pleads. Specs' limp, bloody, body is dragged across the floor, up the wall, and is pinned to the ceiling. You all start shouting for him to wake up. He does and immediately starts to panic. He's thrown against the far wall and falls to the floor.

With every ounce of courage you have, you jump the salt line and swing the poking stick wildly as you run to Specs. You try to help him up, but you can't swing and lift at the same time. Luckily, Tucker followed you and lifts his friend up and over his shoulder. The three of you make your way back to the circle where Tucker sets Specs down. The China cabinet shakes and the broken glass rattles.

"Leave them alone!" Elise yells. A chair raises behind Elise. It charged forward and you shove her out of the way just in time for it to hit you in the face.

You open your eyes and it's the dining room, but darker. You look around and see misty figures. It's your parents, sister, Elise, and her two assistants.

"(Y/N)!" A voice calls, far in the distance. You stand up and walk through the house. The voice continues to call for you. You climb the stairs and walk to Sebastian's room. You open the door to be met with a lady in a black wedding dress. Her hands reach for your throat, but something shoves her aside. Sebastian stands in her place and grabs your hand. Together, you two run down the stairs and out of the house.

"The garage," you say as the two of you reach the lawn. The lady in black appears in the doorway of the house. Sebastian looks for the spare key and fumbles it into the lock.

"What now?" Sebastian asks as he locks the door behind him.

"Remember when I was a kid and you were in college you showed me how to make a flame thrower?"

"With the aerosol spray can and a lighter? Yeah, but what are you going to do?"

"Burn her," you say with determination as you grab cans of spray paint off a shelf. Sebastian grabs the lighters from a drawer and tosses you one. Sebatian unlocks the door as you hide. As the lady enters, Sebastian sends flames in her direction. She tries to back up, but you step out of your hiding spot and spark up your makeshift flamethrower. She vanishes and you both put out your flames. You look at each other and laugh. Sebastian holds his arms out for a hug, which you gladly accept.

"We miss you, you know?"

"I know. I've been watching. Mom kept talking to me. I heard her, but the lady in black wouldn't let me communicate."

"Well, now you can."

"No, Cesario, I don't think I can."

You smile almost melancholic at the nickname. You read Twelfth Night when you were in your first semester of college and hated it. You can't understand Shakespeare to save your life. You decided to watch it instead and you developed a crush on Johnny Young, the guy that was playing Viola/Cesario in the production. Since then, Sebastian has called you Cesario as a joke. You miss that.

Elise smiles warmly as you come into view, holding Sebastian close to your side. You look down to where your father is holding your head in his lap, your mom is crying into your chest, and your sister is staring at you, fear etched on her delicate features.

"Hello, Sebastian. (Y/N)," Elise greets. Everyone looks to the direction Elise is looking.

"Where are we?" You ask.

"I call it The Further."

"Is it the afterlife?"

"Something like that, I suppose. I know seeing your brother again has been good for you, but you need to get back into your body," Elise says. You nod in understanding as dark figures shift in the shadows. You turn towards Sebastian and grab his hands.

"I love you, Seb. I miss you every single day. Nothing will ever change that. I wish I was there to stop the shooter from getting to you, but you were a hero. All the kids were fine. Physically anyway. Emotionally they're all traumatized," you say, tears cascading down your cheeks. Sebastian chuckles at your last statement and wipes the tears away.

"I'm glad they're relatively okay. I love you, too. Make sure mom, dad, and Liv know I love them as well?" Sebastian asks. You nod and give him one last hug before walking to your body. There's a flash of light that engulfs you.

Your eyes flutter open to see your family hovering over you. You sit up an hug your mom.

"He loves you guys," you say into your mom's shoulder. "He saved me too. He pushed the woman in black away and he taught me how to make a flamethrower."

"You did that when you were little. You burned down my rose bush," your dad says through his tears.

"We used them on the lady in black."

"Makes sense to me," Olivia says hugging you.

"My son," your dad whispers as his arms wrap around you.

A little while later, you walk into th bathroom to find a shirtless Specs picking glass from his back. Ot at last attempting to.

"Need some help?" You ask. The man jumps and turns to you. He sheepishly nods ans his cheeks turn red. You take the tweezers from him and start pulling small glass shards from his back. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," he says with a laugh, "I've had worse. Actually, no, not really, this is probably the worst."

"Well, a ghost threw you into a China cabinet, so I'm not surprised."

"Still a skeptic?"

"No, but I know not to mess with that stuff."

"Smart cookie, you are. Ow."

"Sorry," you say before chuckling. "I don't think I've ever hears a more pitiful 'ow' in my life."

"I don't see a point in screaming. It won't do any good."

"Could be quite pleasurable. Let me know I'm doing a good job," you joke. Specs turns around to face you.

"Is that an invitation, (Y/N)?" He asks quietly. He moves to your ear and whispers "because I may have to take you up on that."

Your breath catches for a moment before you make Specs turn back around. Your cheeks heat up as you start pulling glass from the taller man's shoulder blade.

"In your dreams."

"I can't wait."

You take the next twenty minutes or so to pull glass from his back. When you're certain you got it all, you leave Specs to clean up. Your mom provided towels and your father and sister ran down to the twenty four hour gas station to get bandages and pain killers. Tuck walks over with an ice pack wrapped in a towel and presses it gently to your head.

"He likes you. He's been talking about you since we met last week. He wanted to ask you on a date, but doesn't know how to ask. Or when to ask. Obviously, he couldn't during all of this mess," Tucker gestures vaguely around at the mess of shatter glass, a splintered chair, and blood.

"Well, he was right in that aspect," you say.

"You should've heard him the day we met," He says before pitching his voice up to mimic his friend. "Tuck, did you see (Y/N)? Do you think they'd say yes if I asked them out? They had th prettiest eyes I've-"

Tucker is cut off by the bathroom door opening and Specs walking out. Shock, hurt, and embarrassment on his. He opens his mouth to say something before shoving past you and Tucker.

"I think you messed up, there, buddy," you say as Tucker just nods and walks into the bathroom with the towels your mom gave him and his spare clothes.

"He'll get over it," he called as he closed the door. Feeling bad for Specs, you go to look for him and find him on the back porch steps. You grab a blanket from thr back of the couch and walk outside. You wrap the blanket around his shoulders. He flinched from the sudden coverage on his back.

"It's too cold for you to be out here shirtless and with wet hair."

"So?"

"So? So, you'll get sick and miss our date."

He turns his head so fast he almost gives himself whiplash. You give him a soft smile and he smiles back. His face turns serious as he looks back across the yard at the old swing and play fort. He stands and hold out his hand. You take it and you both walk across the yard. Specs climbs into the fort and turns back to you with a goofy smile. You follow him up and you both sit facing the house where you see your mom and Elise talking.

"How did your brother die?"

"Some kid decided that if he couldn't have his ex girlfriend, nobody could. She was in Sebastian's class and one of the other teachers warned him and told him who it was. His class hid the girl behind a bookshelf and when the kid tried to come in and found the door locked, he shot through the doorknob and walked in. Seb stood up for the class. He blocked the kid from them. The kid kept threatening him, but Seb held his ground. The police came in at about that time and it scared the kid and he pulled the trigger. He claimed it was an accident. He went in with thr intention to kill someone. There was no accident. Seb was rushed to the hospital and died three days later. He was a hero. At graduation that year, all the students gave my mom a single red rose. The ones in his class that day gave my mom these folders full of letters written from themselves, their friends, and their families. They gave us some good memories to look back on and kind words of support and encouragement. It was sweet."

Specs' thumb wipes a tear from your cheek. He pulls you into his side for a hug, which you gratefully accept and return. The sliding glass door opens.

"Hey, we got stuff for Specs," Livvy's voice carries through the night. Specs let's you go and turns to slide down the slide. You follow him again and you walk to the house. Specs takes a seat backwards in a chair. He winces as your mom takes the blanket off his shoulders, the fibers from the fluffy blanket sticking to the fluid oozing from the wounds.

"You okay?" You ask, concerned. Specs nods and rests his forehead on the back of the chair. Livvy pulls you to the side to start cleaning up. Tucker and your dad pick up thr cabinet as you sweep the glass and Livvy picks up the broken chair.

"Can't belive (Y/N) broke this with their head," Livvy laughs.

"Yeah, and they've got a pretty good bruise to show for it," your dad replies.

"It's not that bad is it?" You ask as you sweep the glass into the dustpan.

"Well, it's not great," Livvy says. You set the broom and dustpan aside and make your way to the bathroom. You're looking at your forehead when the door opens.

"We've got to stop meeting like this," Specs jokes. You smile as you make eye contact in the mirror.

"You alright?"

"Are you? You have a bruise on your head. You should be checked for a concussion," he says. You turn toward him and he grabs both sides of your head. He places a gentle kiss on your forehead.

"I like your shirt," you say, pulling at his Star Wars t-shirt.

"Star Wars fan?"

"Nope. Never seen a single movie."

"Okay, well, that's what we will be doing for our date."

"Watching Star Wars?"

"Yes."

"Okay."

Specs leans closer to you and you loom up at him. Your eyes flutter closed. You can feel his breath fan over your face. A knock sounds at the door, breaking you two apart.

"(Y/N), you in there?" Your mom's voice calls. "I want to look at your head, darling."

"Yeah, mom. I'm in here," you answer. You barely open the door and slip through. Your mom checks you over and you agree to go to the hospital.

You and your dad walk out with Elise, Tucker, and Specs. You manage to pull Specs behind a tree as your dad and Elise talk and Tucker loads the van.

"Give me your phone," you say, holding out your hand. He does so and you put your number in. You two talk a few more minutes.

"Specs, let's go," Tucker yells at the tree. You bid him goodbye and he starts to walk away. You and your father walk to the car. Before Tucker can drive away the side door of the van opens. Specs jogs across the yard to you, spins you around, and crashes his lips into yours. You kiss him back just as he pulls away.

"See you Saturday," he smiles and pecks your lips one more time before running back to the van. You watch the van drive down the street as the sun begins to rise.

"Got yourself a boyfriend, huh, (Y/N)," your dad teases.

"Shut up," you say as you get into the car.

[juanarc-thethird]

Team JNPR meets Team RWBY's mothers (besides Summer for obvious reasons) and things go well. That is until Jaune is asked FMK between Willow and Kali and Raven. Maybe it was Ruby or Nora or even the daughters themselves. Either way good luck to Jaune in answering this.

Thanks for answering my previous FMK ask!

No problem. I hope you like this one as well.

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

Today is a great day, Blake, Weiss, and Yang's moms for some reason came to visit their daughters and meet their friends. They are all in the living room sitting around talking a bit.

Kali: It's nice to meet my daughter's friends.

Willow: I feel the same way, I'm glad to know that my daughter has all of you for support.

Raven: Support? I would call them weakness.

Unfortunately, there is always a person who kills the fun. Just with that comment Raven made, everyone in the room became uncomfortable.

Jaune: (My God, read the room)

Kali: Why don't we play a game to break the ice.

Willow: Oh I love the idea.

Raven: *rolled her eyes* Whatever.

Kali: What can we play?

Nora: Oh! I know a game!

Kali: Great, least hear it.

Nora: Hey Jaune!

Jaune: What?

Nora: Between these three mommies.

Jaune: Nora, don't do it.

Nora: Who would you fuck...

Jaune: Don't you dare.

Nora: ....marry,...

Jaune: I am being serious! Don't say it!

Nora:...or kill?

Jaune: God dammit Nora!

Raven: Well, this got interesting.

Willow: *Concern* What kind of game is this?

Nora: It's just a game we use to annoy Jaune.

Kali: Sounds like fun.

Jaune: Is not fun. Is embarrassing.

Nora: Come on Jaune, you know the rules. Answer the question.

Raven: *Teasing* Yes Jaune, which of us do you want to fuck, marry or kill?

Jaune: Maybe we should play another game.

Raven pulls out a knife out of nowhere and plunges it into the chair she's sitting on.

Raven: Answer now!

Jaune: *Scared* Yes Ma'am!... So... I will fuck Mrs, Belladonna...

Kali: *Blushing* Oh my~

Jaune: ...Marry Mrs. Schnee...

Willow: I didn't expect that.

Jaune: ...and-

Raven: *Angry* Kill me?!

Jaune: It would be an honorary warrior's death of course! Because you are a warrior, and that is the best to go out. I didn't chose you to be kill because you're a bad mom or something like that.

Raven: *Calms down* Your are right. That's the best way to die. I like that

Yang: *Whispers to Jaune* Nice save

Jaune: *Whispers back* Thanks

Kali: So Jaune, why would you fuck me?~

Blake: Mom, don't ask that!

Kali: Don't worry sweetheart, it's just for fun.

Jaune: Well Mrs. Belladonna. With all due respect, and I say it again, with all due respect… I wanna clap does ass cheeks, Respectfully, of course.

Blake: JAUNE!

Kali: *giggles* I like you Jaune, Please continue to be my daughter's friend.

Jaune: Of course.

Willow: And what about me? Why would you marry me?

Jaune: I don't want to poke my nose into matters that are none of my business. But Weiss told us about your situation at home.

Willow: Oh... I see...

Weiss: I'm sorry mom.

Willow: It's ok Weiss, I think you need to talk to someone about it in order to grow into the wonderful woman you are becoming.

Jaune: I also want to apologize for that. Because of it I thought that if I chose you to marry, I would try my best to give you the closest to a happy life. Make you live a more loving marriage.

Willow: *Smiles* How thoughtful of you. Thank you Jaune.

Jaune: Sure.

Willow: By the way, are you single?

Weiss: MOM?!

Pyrrha: *Hugs his arm* Don't even think about it, ma'am!

Willow: *Chuckles* I see someone already beat me to it.

[thewritingsofamadwomen]

I Hope You Don't Mind

                              

Mia Walker didn't know what was the next step in her life but it for sure wasn't any of this. Her complete life plan was changed around with a simple sorry and yet somehow she didn't find herself minding all that much. Well too much anyways. Paul Lahote X OFC

Previous Chapters

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Chapter 7: Secrets out

Mia sat down on the porch in front of everyone as the group pulled up chairs around her waiting for her to speak. Her hands twisting in her lap while she watched everyone get settled. Alex was still missing and Brady, Celeb and Colin were out as wolves checking the perimeter but everyone else seemed to be there waiting for her to tell her story. The idea was so strange to her, that the people she had been hanging out with for weeks just magically turned into wolves. Or some sort of genetic thing but Mia liked the idea of magic instead.

“Why don’t you explain now that we are all here.” Sam directed towards her; his arms crossed while his face remained calm. Paul reached over and held her hand while he stared at her also, everyone else’s attention turned solely on her. Her nerves were getting the better of her but at least Paul helped and wasn’t pulling away yet.

“The reason you guys have…smelt me? Or the vampire on me because Callie is a vampire. And she came to visit yesterday.” Mia started giving them some time to accept that information, Paul’s hand twitched in hers like he wanted to pull away from her but luckily he didn’t.

“We lived in a small town in New York before I came here. And there was a venue for parties and one of our friends had their sweet sixteen there. When it was over and Callie mom was running late, we told her we would met her at the gas station down the road. The town was super safe, Callie used to walk around all the time and never had any issues till then. We got a snack and sat over by some picnic tables and were waiting when this guy showed up. He was.. creepy. I was closest to him and Callie grabbed me and pushed me behind her and he for some reason became amused by her doing that. He was talking about wanting her to join him and of course we didn’t know what that meant at the time.” Paul’s hand tightened his grip on her hand, squeezing it a little too tightly as the rest of the group let out small gasp but remained silent to listen to her story.

“He moved so fast.. the next second she was on the ground screaming. I.. I didn’t know what was happening and then he was just gone. And then I saw her mom and she just stopped acting like she was in pain. So I thought she was fine but when we got back to her house… She didn’t want her mom to know what had happened and nothing seemed wrong, so I just went with it. I thought everything was okay.” Mia could remember how scared she was, she spent the day wondering if she should tell Callie’s mom but she begged her not to. She knew that something was going on with Callie the next day she stayed in bed, barely moving. But she wasn’t screaming and Mia wondered if maybe she had just made the man up or it was just some dream. Maybe Callie was just sick. Anything to try explain the strangeness they went though.

“Callie changed. She got prettier and colder. After the weekend was up she finally opened her eyes and they were this bright red like the mans. I don’t know what happened but she moved fast when she threw me against the wall, she went to bite me. I know that now the smelled my blood and I think she realized what she was going to do.  So she stopped and just flung herself back onto the bed and sat there for half an hour. When she opened her eyes, she was so terrified. We didn’t know what was going on and she didn’t try to bite me again so we let it go? We went out that day and tried to find the man, Callie didn’t want to me to go with her but I wasn’t leaving her alone. And as you guys know.. Callie glittered in the sunlight so we had to wait till night but we found him. He looked so… proud. He said what a good job he did. He explained everything and said that they could share me.” Mia shuttered at the memory; Paul’s hand tightened around hers as he glared at the nonexistent man. Quickly kissing his knuckles as she gave him a small smile to let him know it was okay. It was the most comfort she could give him when trying to finish the story without freaking out.

“She pulled us away after he said that and it confused him. He explained how she shouldn’t have been able to stand near me. He expected her to kill me as her first meal. He went to attack and she… Well she ripped him apart. Turns out they don’t die that way. After she ripped him apart we buried the pieces. Well she did but still. We thought it was fine and just kinda freaked out together. Two days later I was getting ready to go home and he appeared at her living room window fully intact. They fought again and part of him fell into the fireplace. So after she finished him off, we got all the pieces and burned him.” Mia told them, that was a memory she could never forget. Callie looked like she was sobbing but no tears would come out, her body shook while they tried to put the house back together, luckily most of the fighting was done in the backyard. Once everything was done Callie and Mia just sat on the living room couch both crying until her mom came to pick her up a blamed it on some movie they watched.

 “That’s why I said she wasn’t a threat because we realized little bit later that she could get rid of senses. It was what she did when she went to attack me. She has been able to redo it since, every couples month she has to but it last longer now. She makes sure the desire doesn’t ever come back and just drinks rejected blood.”

Mia stared at everyone when she finished her story, waiting for someone to respond but they all seemed to be thinking it over everything she had told them. She knew it had to be a lot to take in, sure supernatural was normal to them but from this random person dating their friend she doubted anyone would expect that. Specially from what Callie and Mia found out they weren’t very common. What were the chances.

“Why doesn’t she smell like the others? You can tell you were around one but it’s off. Normal ones smell sweet and burns our nose. She’s just a mild inconvenience type of way.” Jared said leaning forward on his knees while he stared at her.

“I don’t know. I never heard anything about the smell and I don’t notice it.” Mia said shrugging, Callie smelled the same as anyone else she didn’t notice any difference. She didn’t even think there was a change between human Callie and vampire Callie.

“I would like to meet her then. See how well this resist to blood is. But we don’t usually allow vampires onto our land.” Sam spoke up towards her unsure how to go about this new information.

“Oh! She would love to meet you.” Mia chuckled. She could imagine Callie excitement meeting actually werewolves, lots of dog jokes. “I was in a car accident after she changed and there was a lot of blood. Callie was the one that found me and she was fine. Pulled me out and saved me. And she wears contacts now. They are brown which is odd but they hide the red well. She’s really not a threat but if needed I can move out of your area. From the stories you guys don’t get along.” Mia told them, biting her lower lip while she looked around. She didn’t want to leave all of them but she was friends with Callie and one of the last remaining two friends she had from before. She couldn’t just leave her.

“You are not moving further away already. We have so little time left with you around here as it is.” Paul said rolling his eyes unsure how he felt about everything but he knew that she couldn’t just leave. They would have to make something work without losing her.

“You normally would be the one fighting to get her away from them and all of sudden you are okay with it?” Quil turned to Paul. Paul let out a sort of growl as he glared at the younger boy.

“If she trusts her, I give her some trust. Sam will check her out and so will I.” Paul growled out towards him. Mia eyes widened slightly at the dark tone of his voice; she had never heard Paul sound so scary.

“I’m just saying. You hated vampires more than most of us and now you are just all okay with a random one. You barely tolerated the Cullens.” Quil pointed out, his arms crossed while he stared at Paul. Mia didn’t know who the Cullens were but something must have happened with them, she would have to ask about it later.

“Times have changed. And I’m not just for it. I don’t have much control over it and if Mia telling the truth then she isn’t a danger. Even less then the Cullens and you got along with them just fine.” Paul said rolling his eyes.  

Mia shook her head at them trying to defuse the tension. “You know nothing you will say will change my mind but you guys have the right to decide obviously.”

The group were still giving her mixed reactions, some chuckled and others were glaring at her. It was making her uncomfortable. She didn’t want the group to be mad at her but she also didn’t want to lose Callie over this. She sort of already planned around Paul in her life and she didn’t really think it would all fall apart so soon.

“Are we done?” Paul questioned, looking at Sam for an answer. Sam nodded his head saying for now. Paul got up and his hand still wrapped around hers pulled her up with Mia following him through the path that led to the beach. Neither said anything to each other while Mia focused on the uneven ground, with Paul helping her out. When they got to the beach it was empty. It was still too early in the morning and it looked like it was going to rain for people to show up. The sky was covered in dark gray clouds, through the hoodie she felt the breeze cause a shiver through her.

“If it wasn’t for me, back then you would be on the side to kill her?” Mia spoke up first keeping her eyes on her feet unable to look up at him unsure how she felt about it.

“Yeah, I would have been.” Paul told her honestly.

“Why would you be on my side now?” Mia wondered, if he believed in it then why would he change his mind now just for her.

“Because I’m falling in love with you. And you don’t seem like you would risk your life for someone that’s dangerous. I can’t promise I’ll agree completely but I can give it a shot for you at the least.”

“And if that puts you at odds with your family though… I don’t want to be the cause of that.” Mia expressed shaking her head, Paul had such a wonderful life with everyone around him. She wished she could have what he had, sure she had Callie and some other friends and family but most were conditional.  Paul didn’t have that. They all loved each other and would stand by each other if needed. She couldn’t come between that.

“You won’t be. They’ll understand where I’m coming from.”

“How?” Mia questioned raising an eyebrow at him but Paul looked uncomfortable at the question.  Paul stopped walking a little further up and sat down on a large piece of driftwood. Running his hand through his hair, shaking his head while he looked up at Mia.

“Theres something else. It’s part of the wolf thing, I didn’t think I would have to tell you so soon but I feel like you need to know.” Paul told her sighing as watched the waves crash over the shoreline. Mia looked at him quizzly but stayed silent while she waited for him to find the words to explain whatever he needed to.

“Theres this thing.. After you turn, it supposed to be rare but were not so sure about that. It happens way too much. But when you meet a person and they are basically your soulmate, the wolves have a way to just let you know. But it becomes more than that. It’s a love at first but so much more. Your whole live changes, the universe doesn’t hold you to it but the person does. Being whoever your person needs is who you become. We call it imprinting.” Paul explained to Mia.

Mia stood in silence, her eyes watching the waves soak the sand while her eyes burned. She knew it was too good to be true. She knew Paul was too good be true. “You are forced to want to be with me.” Mia spoke up after a bit her voice cracking while she tried to push back the tears. “It’s not you it’s just some sort of magic or science or whatever.”

“No!” Paul yelled jumping from up from the log, taking Mia face in his hands gently forcing her to look up at him. His thumbs wiping away the tears that slipped down her face. “No.” He said more calmly. “It points us in the right direction. Life is messy and it’s so easy to just let people slip out of it, it’s just a helpful thing to direct you. I think if I wasn’t a wolf and I met you, we would connect, of course, but it wouldn’t be the same. You would travel back to New York and I would be here. Never giving us a chance to figure out how much we care for each other but it just stopped that. Just a jump start at a connection.” Paul tried to explain to her how he saw the imprinting, he was never sure if he wanted to imprint it was a mixed thing. No one seemed unhappy being imprinted but he was happy that it made it so Mia stayed with him instead of going home so fast. He would never know how much he cared for her.

“So the feelings.. they are real?” Mia asked softly trying to stop the tears.

“Yes, yes very real. It’s not like our relationship is going to be perfect and nothing goes wrong. We’ll fight and get on each other nerves. I will defiantly get on yours all the time. And I didn’t love you right away that just comes with knowing what an amazing person you are.”

“But they said how you changed? I don’t want to change you or for you to be less... you just because of me.”

“Didn’t you change while growing up? If we had met a few years ago, I don’t think anything you could have said would have changed my mind. But we have been through some things, I can explain some another time but I’m not the angry hot head that I once was.. well as much.” Paul smirked at her.  “Not everything is the same and the world isn’t good guys and bad guys. I would rather have no vampires that is pretty much true but some are decent. And you said she doesn’t have the desire to kill which is also a huge help. I’m not saying I’m completely cool with it but I can’t control you.” Paul said taking her hands in his pulling her close to him as Mia still looked worryingly into his eyes.

“I’m here because I want too. If this is too much and you want to leave, I understand that too.” Paul told her wanting to make sure she had an out. But Mia didn’t need one, the world of magic was nothing new to her and what was one more magical creature in her life. Wasn’t it a reader’s dream to fall into the world in the books you read. And here she was living in that world. Vampires and werewolves and falling for a man who loves her and living out all her dreams. Mia had a hard time being anything but happy right now.

Reaching up she placed both hands on the side of Paul’s face pulling him towards her to kiss him, she could feel the physical release of Paul’s body when she did as he wrapped his arms around her waist. Mia didn’t know how long they stood on the beach but the cold raindrops cut them off. Wrapping her hand into Paul’s as they ran back to Sam’s and Emily’s house to try getting out of the rain.

But when they showed up they were soaked, their clothes dripping over the covered porch as they laughed looking at each other.  Mia opened up the front door but made sure to stay outside not wanting to soak Emily’s floors. Quil, Sam and Embry were sitting at the small dining room table talking over what Mia told them. She was embarrassed but she figured she would be a topic of conversation for a little bit at least.

“Erm.. Can I have my keys? I would get it but bit wet.” Mia said gesturing to her dripping clothes.

Quil got up from his spot to hand her the keys from where she had left on the counter closet to him.

“I want to say sorry. I shouldn’t have said what I said.” Quil told her and looking over her shoulder at Paul mainly but gave her a small embarrassed smile.

“Don’t worry about it. I get it.” Paul said forgiving him already, he understood where Quil was coming from, even if it pissed him off when he said it Quil was only pointing it out.

Quill face broke out in a huge smile, removing any sort of tension left behind. “So I take it you guys are good? No freak out?” He asked looking back at Mia who just shook her head at Quil.

“Not today.”

“Good. Paul would not be fun if you did. Though you did have a cheat to the freaky.”

“Don’t make me regret forgiving you.” Paul growled in a joking tone at him, Mia just rolled her eyes at the two of them.

“Well I’m going to the hotel to get dry clothes since day plans changed. Paul wanna come watch a movie? I think I have your bag in my car with clothes in it too.” Mia said turning back to Paul slightly shivering as a gust a wind blew across the yard. She needed to get out of these clothes before she ended up sick.

“Sounds great. Bye guys!” Paul yelled slightly into the house but Paul and Mia ran towards her car in the rain trying to climb in as fast as possible before they answered back. Mia quickly turned the car on and blasted the heat causing Paul to groan but still sat close to Mia to warm her up.

Mia was quiet on the way to the hotel, just going over everything Paul had told her today. It wasn’t everyday your boyfriend tells you he can turn into a giant wolf and all of his friends do too. Mia wondered what other creatures were actually real and people just didn’t know about them.

“Are you really okay with it?” Paul questioned nervous when they pulled into the parking lot, Mia was able to look at him giving him a small comforting smile.

“I have a vampire best friend. Who only by chance doesn’t kill. This is nothing. You are simply more special now. Now let’s get soaked again. Don’t forget your bag!” She called out before flinging open the door and quickly running to her hotel door with Paul trailing after her.

Paul quickly ran to the bathroom when they entered as Mia stayed in the main room to get out of the clothes. Once she was dressed in a pair of leggings and a hoodie Paul brought over last time he was here for a movie night, which she was pretty sure he brought over for her to keep since he never seemed to need it… which was probably a wolf thing now that she thought about it. But she made her way over to the closed bathroom door giving it a small knock.

“All clear!” She called out to him giving him a grin when Paul made his way out of the bathroom in a pair of shorts and a tank top. Mia jumped on the bed as Paul curled up next to her, causally throwing his arm over her shoulder and kissing her temple.

Flicking through Netflix to find some sort of movie to watch, when Mia grinned at Paul and turned on the Teen Wolf movie. Paul just groaned at her and pulled her back against himself giving her a grin. “Sooo what are wolf things? Clearly turning into wolves and super smell.” Mia questioned him not really paying attention to the movie.

“We are fast. Faster than blood suckers. Sorry” Paul said at Mia wince at the word. “Vampires. We have really good hearing and eyesight. We stop aging while we are changing. So when we first start the process we age to where we are now and just kind of hit pause for a while.”

“You don’t age?! Why does no one in my life age but me! I mean sure I don’t want to be a teen forever but jez.” Mia said rolling her eyes at another person in her life just frozen in time, she almost felt bad for them unable to fully live a life normally.

“I’m sorry.” Paul said laughing. “I will age with you. I just need to stop becoming a wolf and I’m not sure I’m ready for that yet.”

“Understandable. So this super warm thing, werewolf?” Mia said running her hand down Paul’s arm feeling the heat radiate off of him.

“Yupp.” Paul confirmed intertwining their hands together and kissing her knuckles softly. “I don’t understand that part. It’s just a thing that happens.”

“Odd. What else?”  Mia questioned, looking up at Paul wanting to know everything about him. Mia was fascinated just as she was when they figured out Callie was a vampire. The two spent hours researching and testing the limits of what Callie could do.

“We heal faster, skin is tougher both to fight vampires. Oh! When we are in wolf form we can hear each other’s thoughts. Every little one, even the ones we don’t want to.”  Paull added on like it was no big deal.

Mia raised an eyebrow at the idea of someone in her head, she would hate everyone hearing the strange thoughts that pop in but it would explain why everyone is so close. They had no choice but to be. It was a good thing they all got along or it seems like it would be awful thing to deal with.

“Sounds..I dunno. I’m not sure I would like that.” Mia told him.

“It has good and bad. You learn to somewhat control your thoughts. Kind of embarrassing when you are remembering kissing a pretty girl and everyone sees it.” Paul chuckled shaking his head.

“How many pretty girls did you kiss before?” Mia asked teasingly.

“Hmmm none as pretty as you precious. And I rather not share my memories of you to them. I want to keep them and you all to myself.” Paul said running his large hand up her arm and placed a hand on her cheek tilting her face up so he could kiss her. Mia rolled her eyes at the response but gladly reacted to Paul.

Mia smiled into the kiss pulling her body close to his as possible, Paul’s hand gripping her sides as she deepened the kiss, throwing her leg over Paul’s so she could straddle him. She could feel Paul’s heat surround her as his mouth moved down to Mia’s neck as she let out a soft moan. They found themselves in this position quite a bit in the last couple weeks but something seemed different. Maybe it was because there were no more secrets between them or maybe it was just the act of getting to know Paul but she wanted more. She wanted him. Taking a deep breath, she pulled back from Paul slightly, grabbing the of the bottom of the hoodie she pulled it off her feeling the cold air against her skin.

Smiling as Paul’s eyes roamed over her body, taking encouragement from it she leaned back forward to kiss him once again, his hands running up her back playing with the back of her bra.

“Go ahead.” She whispered, feeling her cheeks turn a bright shade of red but tried to appear confident. Yes, she was sure she wanted Paul but it didn’t help her awkwardness or shyness any. But Paul loved her and she loved him, she just needed to focus on that and maybe his lips trailing across her chest. It was a good distraction to get out of her own head.

“You sure you want to?” Paul asked seriously, pausing his movement to make sure Mia was fully looking at him and paying attention.

“I’m sure.” Mia confirmed, giving him a smile letting Paul take over control.

♡•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•♡

[mama-qwerty]

for the wip ask game I am quite curious about “Chasing the sun”

Chasing the Sun is basically my Eclipse origin story for my verse. At the moment Callie has just rescued him from dying from an infected injury on his arm, and he's thinking he'll simply play the secret agent to get the goods on humans for his father. (Even though he's not quite sure why he's on Earth to begin with.)

Got a bit of the next chapter started.

“Mom?” Silver’s voice wavered a bit as he called her, and she turned to find him peeking out the front window closest to the door. Callie moved closer, giving his bristling forehead fan a quick brush flat. “What’s up, Bug?” A quick check made her frown. The Pearl Clutchers were here. A group of xenophobes who had paid her a visit after she’d taken in Silver, touting the utter tripe of “Earth for humans!” and generally making it very clear that the alien children who’ve come to call Green Hills home were decidedly and completely unwelcome. She uttered a soft grunt, before looking down at the hedgehog with a little smile. “Why don’t you head into the kitchen for a snack, huh?” she said, giving him a little stroke on the muzzle. His eyes flicked to the window. He wasn’t stupid—he knew these people. And he knew why they were here. “Go in the kitchen, Silver,” Callie said, her voice a little quieter and more serious. She didn’t want him anywhere near these people, or overhearing anything they had to say. “Take your friend with you. Go on.” The boy hesitated for a moment, before nodding and heading back. With a breath to calm herself, Callie opened the door and offered the group on her porch a tight lipped stare. “I was expecting you people at some point. I imagine you’ve got a book burning to get to later, so let’s get this over with.” Her comment was met with disgusted noises, and a few of them exchanged glances. There were six total, and while she recognized them from around town, none were any she would call friends. Or even acquaintances, really. One of the group stepped forward. Callie couldn't immediately place her name, but had seen her and her twin around town. Had a run in with them, in fact, as she and Silver had been shopping one day. They were both in their late 60s, at least, and wore identical frowns, their mouths pulled down and deepening the lines at the edges. “We understand you’re keeping a dangerous creature in there.” Callie cocked an eyebrow. “That’s an odd way to say ‘a hurt and lost child’, but in the interest of moving this along and getting you people the hell off my porch, let’s cut to the chase, shall we?” That drew another few glances, when a younger lady spoke next. “Is he in there or not?” Her brows furrowed, a look of annoyance on her face. “I think we have a right to know when there’s a monster in town.” Callie turned and pegged her with a cold stare. “He’s a child, and if you must know, yes, I’m looking after him. I fail to see why that’s any concern of yours.” “The safety of our children is our concern,” she replied, her eyes flicking down to the bandage on Callie’s arm. “He injured you. What’s to stop him from going after any of us? Our children?” “He bit me because he was delirious with fever and an infection that nearly cost him his life,” Callie said, and kept from speaking through gritted teeth by sheer will. These people really got her ire up. “He has done nothing threatening since.” “He’s a danger!” the woman said, and Callie finally placed her as the mother to one of the brats who came to the library every week. “He should be muzzled, at the very least! For all our safety!” There was a murmur of agreement behind her, and Callie took a small step forward, ready to bite steel and spit nails. “Your precious little Jacob bit me three times last month,” she said, her voice tight and sharp. “I assume his muzzle is on order?”

My girl has no time or patience for this bullshit.

[eventinelysplayground]

A Birthday Drink.

It's May 1st which means it's Theo's Birthday! Happy Birthday to that handsome man that at least I adore. I had a different fic planned out originally but with the visit from my Mom there was no way I could devote any attention to it so went with this instead. It was an idea I had awhile back that I figured would come together quickly with minimal modifactions and it did. This fic jumps ahead in time to when the twins are grown up. Arthur and Theo are at a bar having a drink when a case of mistaken identity interrupts them. Just pure fun WC approx 1034.

The bar was different but the drinks were the same as two old friends sat talking at a table.

“Now that your visit is almost over I dare say I'm going to miss seeing Mitsuki every day. Perhaps I could convince her to stay here with me instead.”

“That won't happen.”

“Oh I don't know, it's been long enough she could be bored of you by now. Perfect time to swoop in and encourage her to try something and someone new.”

“Is your mind ever not in the gutter?”

“Only occasionally.”

Theo groaned at Arthur's smirk before taking a sip of his whiskey.

“This is why we put Comte in charge of the boys while they're at university.”

Arthur scoffed and put his hands over his heart dramatically.

“You wound me Theo.”

“Knock it off y-”

Theo stopped talking as he noticed two young women staring at them from the corner of his eye.

“Friends of yours?”

“No but I certainly wouldn't mind becoming friends with them.”

Arthur leaned back in his chair and Theo shook his head.

“Well well looks like they're coming over.”

Theo took a quick glance and sure enough the two young ladies were moving in their direction and the expressions on their faces were not happy.

“You sure you don't know them, they look pretty annoyed.”

Arthur didn't have time for a retort before the ladies were almost at their table.

“Why hello lovelies to what-”

Arthur's greeting went unacknowledged as the two ladies came to a stop beside Theo and crossed their arms over their chests.

“What do you think Claudette, does this look like a family dinner to you?”

“Not in the least.”

“I can't believe you lied to us!”

“Huh?”

Theo looked up at the women confused.

“Don't try playing dumb with us!”

“It's bad enough you can't decide between us but now you're lying to us.”

“I honestly don't know what you're talking about.”

The women were glaring at Theo and Arthur started laughing so hard he nearly fell over in his chair.

“Ladies, ladies please. My friend here truly isn't playing dumb, I'm afraid you've mistaken him.”

“Pardon me? I think I would recognize my own boyfriend.”

“So would I.”

“Boyfriend? Dat kleine boefje, I'm not Vincent!”

“Oh really?”

“Just how dumb do you think we are?”

“I'm not, I'm his…cousin.”

“Cousin?”

Both ladies repeated Theo's declaration back at him skeptically making him sigh and look to Arthur for help. Arthur as usual was quick on the uptake and reached out, taking the hand of the closest young lady in his own.

“I assure you my friend is telling the truth. This is Vincent and Arthur's cousin Theo.”

“Just like Vincent's father.”

“Of course! They're related on their father's side after all.”

Theo glared at Arthur.

“I don't know…”

“How can we be sure you aren't lying to us to try and help get him out of trouble?”

“Lie to two such lovely birds as yourselves? On my word I would never do such a thing, perhaps my friend here can prove it to you somehow?”

The ladies looked at each other and then one leaned in to briefly whisper in the other's ear before they turned their attention to Theo.

“Alright prove that you aren't Vincent.”

“Yes, prove it.”

Theo put his drink down on the table and turned in his chair to face the young women.

“You said you're both Vincent's girlfriends right?”

The ladies nodded in agreement. Theo then took off his coat and began rolling up his right sleeve.

“Here then, take a look.”

Theo held out his forearm to the young ladies one of whom grabbed it while the other ran her fingers over it.

“There's no scar?”

“But that's impossible!”

“Unless what we’ve told you is the truth and he isn't Vincent.”

The ladies withdrew their hands from Theo and he rolled his sleeve back down. He never would have thought there would be a day he'd be happy about Vincent's old fencing scar and yet here he was. The ladies exchanged glances and then clasped their hands together.

“We’re so sorry!”

“You both just look so much alike, like twins!”

“Yes! You look more like Vincent's twin than Arthur does.”

“Don't worry about it, we've heard it before.”

“You know though…if you're that identical, then maybe we wouldn't need to fight over Vincent.”

“Oh!”

The ladies were now smiling at Theo while looking him up and down.

“I'm afraid you're too late ladies.”

Arthur rose from his chair and slipped an arm around each of the women's waists.

“Theo here is a married man.”

“Oh.”

“That's too bad.”

“Now now ladies don't pout, you're far too lovely for that. If you'd like I'll gladly keep you both company tonight and I promise I'll make it a night you won't forget.”

Arthur gave the young women his familiar charming smile while caressing their waists and they both blushed slightly before nodding in agreement.

“Excellent, I'll join you at your table in just a moment.”

Arthur and Theo watched the ladies return to their table across the room. Theo picked up his drink and took a big swing of it while Arthur fished out his wallet.

“As much as I'd like to spend the evening with you-”

“Go on, but I think they're going to be disappointed with you.”

Theo smirked at Arthur but he just shrugged his shoulders.

“Experience and charm will always win out Theo.”

Arthur set down some money in front of Theo for their drinks and then he smiled at him devilishly.

“Though maybe not always, that would explain nicely why Mitsuki fell for you instead of me.”

“Klootzak.”

Theo took another sip of his whiskey through a wry smile and Arthur placed a hand on Theo's shoulder.

“Don't stay too much longer or you'll be late.”

Arthur headed towards the young ladies’ table but he turned back around after only a few steps.

“Oh and Theo, Happy Birthday old chap. I hope you have as much fun tonight as I plan on having.”

With a wink Arthur turned back around and walked off while Theo chuckled to himself before downing the last of his whiskey.

[idontplaytrack]

An Angel

College!Amber Appleton x fem!reader(platonic)

warnings: fluff, coarse language, mentions/description of depression & anxiety, mentions of losing a parent

In which, Amber Appleton calls reader an angel and causes her to get flustered

Amber was your roommate at Carnegie Mellon, she was shy, but when you needed help with anything, she’d never say no to you. She was now a good friend of yours- one of your closest friends in college. Not to mention, she was practically the perfect roommate: always cleans up after herself, helps keep the place clean even when it was supposedly your turn (your classes seem to be more hectic than hers). And she understood it. You thought it was fair to make it up to her if she took your turn doing chores- usually you’d get her a drink or dessert of some sort, on your way back to campus after visiting family.

When you left the dorm on Friday afternoon, she’d just gotten back from her last class of the day. And she did not look good- she seemed so pale, you were terrified that she’d pass out without anyone around. And despite your protests, she insisted you went home for the weekend to see your family, knowing how much it meant to you. That was Amber for you- always putting others first. You knew about her losing her father to an undiagnosed heart condition, then her mother to a car accident, maybe that was why she was so insistent of you going to see your own family every chance you got. Amber’a told you that to her, family was everything. Until it wasn’t, because she didn’t have anyone anymore. Well, she said she had her friends in high school, but now, everyone lost contact with the exception of two friends. But even then, they barely ever talked.

Anyway, you were now in your car, driving back to the campus- well, the dorm. Your Mom made you some extra soup for Amber after hearing you mention that she was ill. Also, you’d made Amber text you periodically. Because…let’s face it. You were deathly worried about that girl. She doesn’t like asking for help. She fears it, almost. And that absolutely ticks you off. Why was she like that? I mean, you knew why. But still, ugh.

Oh, and her last text?

————

“Amber?” You called out.

“My gosh, why are you back early?”

“Told you I’d see for myself, didn’t I? My family sees enough of me.” You laugh, “My little siblings are asking why I’m always home. I dunno what to tell them.”

She cracked a smile.

“Did you eat?” You asked.

“What? Of course I have been eating.” She sat up.

“Good.” You nodded, “Okay, my Mom gave us extra food and soup - so you’d better eat up later.”

“Alright.” She sighs softly, a chuckle escapes her lips, “Tell your Mom I said thank you.”

“I will.” You assured, putting down the plastic bag containing the Tupperwares. “Did the fever break?”

“Came back this morning.” She mumbled.

“Are you sure this is just a cold?”

“Yes. I’m not throwing up, so it’s not the flu or a stomach bug. Nothing else hurts other than my head.” She listed.

“Okay, okay.” You laughed lightly, throwing her hands up in mock defeat, “I’m gonna take a shower real quick, you…don’t try and do anything to make yourself pass out.”

She laughs heartily, “I’m just gonna be sitting here or walking to the kitchen to refill my water bottle. Promise.”

“Okay, Amber.” You let out another laugh before disappearing into the bathroom with a fresh change of clothes and your towel.

Okay, at least she was fine when you were done with your shower- she’d dozed off while watching some random movie on her laptop. You paused the video, put her laptop on her desk then draped the blanket over her properly. Last thing you did, was to feel her forehead with the back of your hand: she was a little warm, but you figured you could probably let her sweat it out with this nap first instead of waking her up to take a dose of fever reducer. It was really quiet, so you thought she’d actually passed out. Meanwhile, you located your own laptop and resumed working on a paper you’d pressed pause on- you were fresh out of the shower, your mug filled with your favourite coffee, your headphones were on as your favourite songs played through them. It was the perfect scenario for productivity.

After a little over an hour, you decided you were done. Saving the document, you yawned, a little tired. But, you were satisfied you completed the work- though, you still needed to proofread it and make edits after this. Your gaze lands on Amber who was beginning to stir in her sleep. Removing your headphones, you hear the girl let out a groan as she moved around in her slumber. Your ears perked up in concern as you approached her sleeping figure - watching her like a hawk to decide your next move. Within seconds, though, she was awake. You ask if she was okay. “I’m uh, gonna need that fever medicine.”

“As you wish.” You shrugged, walking back to the cabinet above the bathroom sink to retrieve the bottle. You hand it to her as she took a sip of water to hydrate, making her dry throat feel better. “Your head really hurts, doesn’t it?” You questioned knowingly. She admitted it with a nod of her head as she tilted it up to aid the swallowing of the pill. “I was supposed to take another dose anyway - so, right on time. Thanks.”

“I think you’d better eat a little bit, y’know. It’s not good to take that on an empty stomach.” You took out the Tupperwares from its bag, then going to grab a bowl and set of cutlery.

“Okay.” She doesn’t protest, “You should eat some too if you haven’t. It’s been awhile since you first got back.”

“I will,” You flashed her a smile as you filled the bowl with the sopita your Mom cooked.

“Thank you.” She says while stirring the food with her spoon, she watches the pieces float around in the bowl.

“What? What for?”

“For taking care of me. For caring.” Amber purses her lips together, “It’s been pretty hard for me to make friends that even make it out of the lecture halls. Barely anyone ever reaches out to me again, and it’s just something that I’ve gotten used to, I guess. Why are you so nice to me?”

“Of course I am. You’ve been a great friend- always nice to me, happy to help. If you’re nice to me, you’ll know. However of course, if you aren’t, you’ll also know because I’ll tell you like it is.”

“You’re an angel.” She remarked, you nearly choked on your mouthful of noodles and veggies. She watched you, alarmed, then quickly patted your back.

“I’m fine.” You chuckled awkwardly.

“I mean it, though. This is really nice of you. You didn’t have to do that for me.”

“Amber, listen to me. You’re my friend and I care about you, just like you do for me.” You inevitably let a sigh escape.

“I’m just…not used to it, accepting help.” She finally admitted.

“Yeah.”

“I know, I have been going to therapy but I still have a lot of work to do.”

“All progress is progress.” You smiled.

[acourtofthought]

I’m prolly biased about this bc I love the Valkyries but I realllyyyy despise when people say the Valkyries are immature ya-type and they’re not a fan. Like?? Not really? No one bat’s an eye (pun intended) when the bat boys act cutesy and have annual snowball fights !! These are all just characters who have a lot going on their lives so when they’re with their closest friends they let loose and just have a good time! That. Is. All.

I think it's ok if it's not someone's cup of tea, maybe they really can't imagine acting that way with their own friends because they share a different sort of friendship with them. Personally, I always struggled with letting my guard down to be super silly. I'm not sure if that's because I had to grow up a bit faster due to my childhood or if it's just my personality to be a bit more serious but I don't know that I could imagine myself having a Valkyrie-like slumber party. I think the closest I came to it was when one of my best friends and I got into her moms jacuzzi together and did a "love spell". I don't think we thought anything would come of it but strangely enough I met my husband one month later and she ended up marrying the guy she had met in France 1 month prior while she was on vacation (they Skyped back and forth for a few months, he came to visit her in the US then they got married at the end of his 90 days). Multiple horses, goats, chickens, dogs, cats, 3 children and 13 years later, they're still together. My life is a bit less whirlwind with the two dogs and the two children we've had but my chance meeting with my husband on New Years Eve in Manhattan turned out to stick 13 years later as well. But back to your question. Regardless of how others feel about the Valkyrie's bonding time, I think they need to worry less about what they'd do with their friends and focus on the story the author is telling us. It doesn't matter whether or not they find it childish because that's not how SJM wants anyone to view it. I realize people can't help their feelings but when they go around making fun of it, they're making fun of the author herself. This is such a problem with these books. So many readers say, "I would never fall in love with someone like that!" or, "This characters behavior is problematic!" or "I would never be ok with what they do!", etc. To really immerse yourself into the story, you have to check your own opinions at the door a bit. When they author says "this characters behavior is a problem" then as a reader we're supposed to go along with that. It doesn't matter if we agree or not, that's the story she wants to tell (sort of like the Tamlin / Rhys debate, at the end of the day it doesn't matter if Rhys did questionable things because SJM made him the MMC of the original trilogy whose actions were forgiven because the FMC understood the "why" and really, that's all we need to worry about There's no point in debating who did worse because the author is telling us who did worse). And when she says, "this is friendship bonding at it's finest!" readers just need to accept that for this specific story, it's supposed to be wonderful and amazing and special. It really doesn't matter what anyone else does with their friends in real life because this isn't a story about them and their friends.

[taliah-tezel]

Location: Taliah's Home. Mentions/Tags: Kaan (her father), Ayda ( her mom), Lousie (her father's girlfriend), Serkan (her Uncle), @colemonroe, @emiri-tezel, the club in general. Triggers: talks about death, grief, trauma. Summary: Taliah's father finally returns 'home' from business after months. He hasn't been home in almost an entire year and so, they have a lot to catch up on. Fatherly concern, decade-old confessions, emotional speeches and hope for the future.

"Well, better late than never." Taliah shrugs from her seat on the couch, staring at the presents now placed on the coffee table. They were supposed to be exchanged at Christmas, but at the last minute, her father had cancelled his trip and had only just gotten around to visiting. Still, it was a happy occasion, she loved to catch up whenever he came back and this time, she felt as though she had so much that was positive to tell him.

At least half an hour had gone by, she'd told him all about how her new role at the fire station was going, everything about July 4th, right down to running in and saving her friend's child. That earned a solid look of concern that was completely warranted, but she wouldn't let it take away from the fact she got lucky and actually saved a child's life. Taliah spared her father the details of her breakdown and chose to only tell him that she had been attending therapy sessions for a while now. She wasn't ashamed by it, why should she be? It takes strength to admit when you need help. That much she knew was true.

"That's all wonderful, kızım," [my daughter,] "I can see the difference in you. You look happier." Kaan nods, smiling warmly over at her. "I am happier." Taliah agrees, able to feel the difference in how she was just a few months ago. She hadn't got around to talking to him about Cole yet, saving that for last only because she knew she'd talk the most about that topic. "How long are you staying? I have the day off on Thursday. I can cook dinner, you me and Cole? It'll be nice." At least, it sounded nice in her imagination. "And Louise?" He says, causing Taliah to shuffle her shoulders in mild discomfort. "I didn't know you brought her with you." An honest comment and one that actually tracked because when he did come back here, she usually stayed in whatever luxurious all inclusive resort they'd been residing in. "She's my partner, Tali, I'd really like you two to share more than a couple of words. So, sure, I think dinner together sounds like a wonderful idea, give us all a chance to chat. You'd like her if you just give her a real chance." He speaks convincingly, and all Taliah can do is respond with a tight smile and enough grace to say "okay." Even if she didn't believe it for a second.

"It's long overdue, and I would like to catch up, especially since I haven't had the chance since you and Cole became an item." Nodding, he tried his best to smile but Taliah knew him well enough to see that something was off. "... Yeah," she mumbled. Before she could ask, he was already making an additional comment that had her mouth popping open. "I lost the bet," sighing, he leans forward to place his cup down. "Serkan and I, outside of the clubs bet, we had a foolish one between the two of us that we shook on maybe 5 or so years ago now. He bet $100 that you and Cole would get together in the next ten years. I bet that you wouldn't, I thought the two of you would just remain friends." Chuckling slightly, Taliah couldn't help but crinkle her nose a little, though she wasn't surprised there was yet another bet that happened in regards to them.

"Um, well yeah, we were friends. You know he's always been my closest friend, that hasn't changed." Even now they were in a relationship, it hadn't changed the fact that Cole was still her best friend, he always would be. "I'm a little surprised, actually, you're the first person to say they didn't see it coming a mile away." She comments, watching curiously as he shakes his head as if to suggest she's wrong. "I could see what everyone else did, I just never thought you'd act on it. The years had gone by and I guess I just assumed you were looking for someone... you know, different." Still with a polite smile, he hadn't meant any offence, but Taliah couldn't help but feel like he wasn't as happy for her as everyone else was.

"Different?" Scratching a little at her head, she shrugs her shoulders. "To be factual, I wasn't looking for anyone, period. If I was, maybe I'd have noticed what everyone else did a lot sooner, but, different?" Frowning, she shakes her head firmly. "No. He's always been everything I needed, you know how he treats me, you have seen how he cares." The way Taliah had always turned to Cole first, above everyone, her father knew the pair of them were bonded from the first time they met. "Oh, I know that, Taliah. I don't mean it the wrong way, Cole is a great man." Kaan nods, knowing it to be true, at least regarding his daughter. How could he ever forget how he sacrificed his freedom to protect her?

"He is a great man. So why is your face doing that thing it does when you're not being honest." Taliah folded her arms, finding herself just a little defensive and confused. "If you have something to say, dad, just say it." Adapting a firmer tone, she couldn't stand people who beat around the bush - whatever he was thinking? She wanted him to spit it out. Kaan sighed, knowing that tone all too well, remembering how his wife, her mother, had the exact same one whenever she got irate. "My sweet girl, I'm not saying I'm not happy for you, I am. But... As a father, I think there's a part of me that hoped that if you found someone to share your life with, it would be someone... Normal." His eyes partially squeezed shut as soon as the words came out, knowing that he hadn't really explained that the way he intended.

"Normal?" Taliah was taken aback by everything he said, but nothing stuck out to her more than that word. "Normal..." she repeated, leaning back in the chair. She knew what he meant by it, he was inadvertently saying that he wasn't thrilled that she'd chosen to share her life with someone belonging to the club. "Normal doesn't equal safe." Tilting her head to the side, a look of distant thought there in her eyes. "I thought Callum was normal. Look where that got me." Brown eyes watch as her father practically grimaces at the spoken name. "I understand why you would have your reservations as a father, but I think you're out of line. Cole, the club as a whole... They took us in like family, you know them. You know what they'd do to protect those they care about."

"I know, I know... It's just a worry, the things they do, the dangers, I can't handle the thought of you getting wrapped up in something because of how they live their lives. That's not me judging any of them, sweetheart, it's just my instinct to be concerned for you." Grappling with his own thoughts, he was trying his best to articulate exactly what he wanted to say, but he could see from the look on her face she was far from impressed. "Bullshit." Taliah scoffs. "I'm a grown woman now, I don't need your concern. Where were these instincts when I was 16? You moved us here to be with Serkan, you knew that meant the club too. You can't...." Pausing, she can't help but blow out a half breath, half laugh of pure disbelief. "You can't decide to be worried now, when that worry wasn't enough then to keep us at home and a world away from them all." Home being Turkey, that was. "What absolute bullshit, honestly." Pressing a thumb and finger over her eyes, she needed to take a minute, a breath. How could her father rain on her parade this way? Why couldn't he just be as happy for her as everyone else who loved her was?

"That's not fair, Taliah." Grumbling at her sees to her hand moving away from her face, eyes widened with surprise. "Oh, it's not fair, well fuck me, guess I didn't realise it wasn't fair. Must run in the family." Biting at him before she could even keep up with what was coming out her mouth, she would be lying if she didn't regret it. Not that it showed on her stubborn features and folded arms. "Meaning?" He asks, and she knew to expect that he would. "Meaning," a pause, a deep breath as she makes some attempt to form the words and do so carefully. Her intention was not to hurt him, but she felt so defensive right now that it was difficult to really articulate. "Was it fair for me when you uprooted us from home and brought us here? You needed your brother, don't think I don't understand that. It was just hard for me, I don't think you ever really thought about that." A slow shrug, she can see the wheels of confusion turning inside his head. "I wanted a new start for us, I..." He stops, not even knowing how to proceed, but luckily, she did. "You wanted to run away from your pain. Like I said, I understand. I never protested, but that doesn't mean I wanted the same. I just kept quiet because I knew it was what you needed, and I thought if it helped you, then it was worth it." Taliah admits. "But I was so... Isolated. We left behind everything. Everyone. All my friends, all the things that I was using to help me, it was gone, and we were here. Strange town, full of people who talked so fast I couldn't keep up. Because maybe you forgot, but I didn't have the world experience you did, nor the ability to be as fluent in this language as you were. Emiri tried her best, Serkan too, and so did Cole, but it didn't change the fact that for a long time, I didn't want to be here, I wanted to go home, and you didn't see me enough to notice."

"You never said..." His voice was quiet and his face, a vision of guilt he had never registered before. "You never asked." Taliah says, pulling in another deep breath. "Me, Serkan, the club, we made sure you kept your head above water because that's what you needed. It was Cole who did that for me, he didn't talk at me, he talked to me, with patience and kindness that helped me feel like I wasn't so alone. That's what helped me see that the entire club was doing their best to invite us into their world, into their family." Sitting forward, Taliah holds his gaze just so she can be sure he's listening. "I'm not trying to make you feel guilty... And I don't blame you, not for any of it. I just don't think you've ever let yourself think about how your decisions impacted me. The club saved your life and they certainly saved mine. So you can take your normal, and shove it. I don't need normal. I need them. I need Cole. They're my family."

"I know they are. Taliah! You've misunderstood what I was trying to say." Frustrated, he drags a hand over his face and lowers his head. Everything she'd just let spill out needed time to process. The fact she was right about it all only made him feel more ashamed than he already did. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I did that to you. I... had no idea you felt so unhappy about the move. I thought it was what we both wanted. I didn't want to be there without..." He stops, even now, finding difficulty in talking about her mom. "And I just assumed you felt the same." His eyes are stung with tears, and Taliah can't help but feel bad about the way this all came tumbling out. "Dad, I don't need you to be sorry, I never did. I'm just trying to explain, because I think you need the reminder that the people you're worried about me being around are the same people you propelled me into as a teenager. The same people who helped us when they didn't have to. The dangers now were the same then, the only difference is I'm an adult now. I can decide for myself whether they're risks I want to take, and much like you, I've chosen to take them, with the knowledge that they're completely worth it. They're built differently, you know they are. Every one of those men would shield you from harm, every one of them, I could leave my drink with and know I'm not going to get spiked. They are good men at their core and I know now that being here, with them, with Cole, it's where I belong. So you can give your blessing or refuse it, your opinion really doesn't influence how I feel." Nodding her head firmly, she has to swallow the lump in her throat that threatens to show how shaken she is by her confessions. She doesn't want to crumble, she needs to be strong because this was the truth; it was her truth.

Her dad was silent for what felt like minutes, in reality, it was probably just a few seconds. "Serkan was the best man I ever knew, and back then, I didn't know what it meant for him to be a Son's founder. I knew a little, and suspected a lot, but what I knew in my heart was that he was a good man. It didn't take me long to see that the people he was surrounded by were just as good. So yes, Taliah, you have my blessing, of course you do. Maybe you forget that I too, have watched Cole grow up. And what he did for you back then, with no thought for his own consequences, it gets my highest respect. Anyone who would give up their freedom to protect my daughter is worthy of my daughter. I don't need you to tell me he's good at his heart, I can see it." Kaan breathes out slowly, keeping his eyes on his intertwined hands. "I've let you down more than I realised... And Cole never has. That's what you're telling me, isn't it?" He glances his eyes up at her with a gentle, sad yet knowing smile. "Not in such a black and white way, but yeah, I guess that's what I'm saying." Taliah whispers, not feeling great about knowing she's basically pushed her father down and gave him a kick for good measure. "You weren't the same after mom, but you did your best. You did what you had to, to survive. That's why I don't need you to be sorry. No regrets now, it worked out. I love this town now and I couldn't see myself anywhere else. The decision you made back then gave me everything I have now." Offering a smile, she feels a lot calmer now, but also incredibly sad.

"I'm still your father, I'll worry about your safety even if you were in an empty room. I really wish I could have been better for you, Tali. I'll be eternally sorry that I wasn't. More sorry for all the misery I caused you without noticing. I'm... glad you had people to help you when I couldn't." He nods, shifting in his seat. "I guess I've never shown it the way you needed me to, but you are my entire world, my child, and I'm so proud of you. I love you, Taliah, and I'm very pleased to hear that you're happier than you've been in a long time. That's all I've ever wanted for you, is for you to be happy." He stands up, gesturing for her to do the same, and she does. "I'm in town for another couple of weeks. I'd like to spend most of it with you, if that's okay? Cole too." Opening his arms out, Taliah nods silently and walks in for a hug, finally choking on the breath she was trying to steady. "I'd like that." She mumbles, for all the raw truth that had been voiced, she also felt like this was something that needed to happen, perhaps now, they could understand each other better. "I'll see when Cole is free for dinner here one night. You... can bring Louise. I don't like her, dad, but I'll be civil, only because you clearly do." Even though Taliah thought Louise only wanted him for his money, she could try to be nice. "Well, don't strain yourself too hard," he jokes, leaning in to kiss her forehead. "I do appreciate the effort to be civil. Now, can I just clarify that you mean you'll be civil in the universal sense, or civil in Taliah sense?" He teases, already to Taliah's huffy annoyance as she gives him a shove. "Be grateful I'm even using the word civil!" Frowning, they held eye contact for a couple of seconds before bursting into a laugh that felt a lot like healing. Maybe, just maybe, they were going to be just fine now.

[missshezz]

Hey ;) How is life going for You ? I hope you're well and safe. Sending you hugs.

May I request a Malcolm Bright x Reader fic please ? Reader is Malcolm's closest friend so naturally he comes to visit her when she is sick so he can take care of her, just like she has been taking care of him through the hard times he has been going through.

You don't have to do it if you don't want to, really just do whatever makes you feel comfortable.

Please take care ;)

Hi there, anon! I am doing well .., survived Thanksgiving and Black Friday 🤣 sending you hugs, as well, and hoping you’re well!

I actually don’t normally do CC x Reader because of the complexity of the second person narrator POV. However, I had a thought for something while waiting for my brother to finish shopping. Hopefully, it fits what you wanted!

Title: The Air That You Breathe

Word Count: 750

Characters: Malcolm Bright and Reader

Tags: Sick!fic, friendship, Harvard years (pre-canon), humor, angst, fluff

…

It started out as the sniffles.

Nothing to worry about in your mind.

You had allergies. Sniffles tended to happen when they acted up. You had the other symptoms to further establish it was simply your allergies kicking you in the ass.

Then came the fever and chills.

A cough that left you short of breath.

“Bad cold,” your roommates said. “You’ll be fine in a few days.”

A bad cold became bronchopneumonia.

Landed you in the hospital three days before finals.

Definitely not how you wanted to finish the first half of your senior year but what could you do?

You tried to finish the mountain of papers and projects due but exhaustion dogged you at every turn.

Studying?

Yeah, there was a joke.

It took you four hours to read one page.

Even then you couldn’t remember one damn bit of what you read. After your twentieth attempt to read the page you tossed the offensive textbook across the room.

Luckily, it hit the wall and not the man who had slipped into your hospital room while you were arguing with said textbook.

“Uhm,” Malcolm said, instantly grabbing your attention. “I don’t think throwing your textbook is going to help the situation.”

“Like hell,” you wheezed as you shifted to look at him. “Throwing it made me feel better than I have in days.”

A nervous smile creased Malcolm’s lips. He ducked his head, strands of that gorgeous sable hair you longed to run your fingers through falling forward to conceal a face that should grace the covers of GQ, Esquire, and Men’s Vogue. You often wondered why he hid his smile like that that but you never asked him.

You weren’t one to pry and Malcolm Bright wasn’t one to cough up answers unless he chose to give them.

Not that it mattered really.

Everyone had their idiosyncrasies.

Malcolm’s were just a bit… odder than some.

They were what made him so adorkable.

“What’re you doing here?” you asked as you managed to finally catch your breath. “I figured you’d be up to your eyeballs with getting ready for finals.”

“I wanted to come see you,” he said. “Make sure you were getting better.”

“I’m getting better.” Much too slowly in your opinion. Not that you had any choice in the matter. Doctors and their medicine could only do so much. The rest was simply up to your body and whenever it decided to finally kick this shit. “Thanks for coming by,” you said. “Been hard being cooped up in here without my phone or computer.”

A frown creased Malcolm’s brow.

“I brought your phone and laptop when I brought your books.”

“And my mom confiscated them when she left.”

“Why?”

“Cause I’m here to get well.”

As if you couldn’t get better while using your phone and laptop.

Your mom was adamant, however.

No phone, no computer.

Not until you were released from the hospital. Blue-green eyes winked out from between the strands of hair begging you to brush them from his face.

“I’ve missed you.”

Your heart melted at his shyly uttered confession. That or the drugs they’ve got me on have made me loopy. Either way, those words filled you with the warm fuzzies.

You had had a crush on Malcolm since Freshman year but he seemed absolutely clueless to it.

Not much of a shock really.

Social situations weren’t Malcolm’s strong suit.

Making his missing you all the sweeter.

“Here.” Malcolm set a white paper bag on your hospital tray. “I brought you a container of minestrone and breadsticks from Luigi’s.” Another small smile curved his lips. “Figured it’d help you feel better.”

Like her Nonna’s chicken noodle soup made him feel better whenever his stomach was unable to keep anything but Twizzlers and sparkling water down.

You thought you were going to turn into a big pile of goo at his thoughtfulness.

He tended to do things like bringing you tea with lemon on a cold day or a blueberry bagel because you tended to forget to have breakfast.

And yeah he tended to always have an extra scantron because he knew you’d forget to pick up one before class.

Because Malcolm Bright sucked balls at reading social situations.

He was shit at expressing his feelings verbally.

And yeah, maybe he focused a bit too much on murder and murderers.

He was damn good at knowing just how to make a shitty day better.

That, in the end, was all that mattered.

[babykentthegent]

On Cloud Nine Months

The fact that Kent will be one-year-old in just three months seems impossible. My broken record statement is saying how fast time seems to be going by. All that to say, Kent is growing into such a fun, loving, and active little human. The last month has been about trying new things, learning new things, and going on new adventures!

When it comes to solids, Kent LOVES to eat. He is still warming up to certain foods, like berries or anything he deems too tart. He now has six visible teeth in the front which has somehow made his smile even more adorable. We just went to his 9-month checkup and learned he's as healthy as a horse. That's our #1 priority, so we're happy!

We broke out the hiking backpack for an afternoon walk with the dogs at the park. Don't let his tired look deceive you, he loved it! Overall, Kent is a happy baby. We get comments from friends and family all the time about how he doesn't cry, he's always smiling, and just what a good baby he is. We are here to inform everyone that he does in fact cry, but typically it's only when one of his core needs hasn't been met. I like to think that the book Happiest Baby on the Block really helped us, so highly recommend to new parents. Now 9-months in, we just try to do our best to predict his needs before he gets to that point. See exhibit A (above) of Kent with his friend Mina when he is super tired. He's also starting to notice when we leave him with the nanny or other people as he's more aware of what's going on.

One of the biggest highlights over the last month was our first ever family road trip to Cali. Being my family and I are originally from California, it was a family tradition growing up that Rob and I have vowed to do with Kent. Our first drive was to Chico/Oroville, which took us roughly 11 hours. There, we spent time with Kent's "Opa and Gigi". Even though my mom is no longer with us, the house felt warm, comforting, and I still felt her presence. Gina was kind enough to watch Kent one day so mom and dad could spend some time with my stepdad. It was a short, but nice visit.

Our second stop was Bakersfield to visit Kent's cousins and auntie. They LOVED Kent! Our niece, Olivia, was fortunate enough to have met Kent when he was a wee baby in WA, but this was Riley's first time meeting the baby. Seeing Kent with them really warmed our hearts. We were sad to only get to stay for a day, but were so glad we spent time together. The morning we were getting ready to leave, Riley was showing Kent how to crawl, after we shared with him that Kent was so close to crawling. Then, before our eyes, Kent mimicked his cousin and crawled for the first time! I could tell Riley felt special that he got to witness this and my mouth was hurting from grinning so much. What a wonderful way to give them our sendoff.

The final stop on our trip was in Long Beach to see my brother, sister-in-law, and more cousins of Kent's! The three kids were obsessed with Kent, which was fun to watch. The littlest, Kalei, kept showing Kent his toys, explaining things to Kent as if he understood, and dubbed him his buddy. With them being the closest in age out of all of Kent's cousins, I have a feeling they'll be fast friends. Even the two older kids, Kai, and Kamaile, showed a lot of interest in Kent. My sister also came over from Fullerton to spend time with us. The best way to describe it was happy chaos, which is honestly what I grew up with so it felt comforting and familiar.

We spent the days with my sister visiting the Long Beach aquarium and stopping by Laguna Beach. Kent really enjoyed the aquarium, admittedly more than I thought he would. At one point they had a star fish petting area, but Kent thought he could just play and splash in the water. Both embarrassing and hilarious. He loved the jelly fish the most. At the beach, it was Kent's first time seeing the ocean and touching sand. He was not a fan of the freezing cold water, but he did like the sand. He liked the sand so much that he took a giant handful and swiftly forced it in his mouth. I tried my best to get it out, but that's how kids learn I guess, haha!

This trip really filled our cups and reminded me how important it is to spend time with family. I didn't realize how much I needed that, but truly it just made us so happy to see Kent meet more of his family and making memories together, even if he doesn't remember. He was most certainly the star of the show! Kent also did surprisingly well in the car AND his favorite word on this trip was "mama" which has been music to my ears. We are hoping to make this an annual trip, either driving or flying to Cali. As for what we have to look forward to in the upcoming month:

Baby Proofing - Now that Kent is crawling, we need to further baby proof the whole house. We are in trouble!

Swim Lessons - Kent starts swim lessons on 3/9!

Hiking Trips - Now that Spring is around the corner and the weather is somewhat warming up, we hope to get out in nature more.

A huge thank you to our family for hosting us. We are beyond grateful to you and love you so much. Thanks for reading - until next time!

[cosplayinamerica]

Over the last decade Atlanta’s reputation as a hub for fandom and geek culture has grown.  Much of this growth is driven by the success of major conventions like DragonCon and MomoCon as well as the presence of major Hollywood film and television production teams around the city. Co-founders Tolden Williams, aka Troop Brand and his wife, Stephanie Lindo Williams, still felt like there was something missing, especially when it came to nightlife. So as the peak of the pandemic faded, they created Trap Sushi, an incredibly popular bimonthly celebration of anime, music, Japanese culture, food, and, of course, Atlanta itself.

“We used to always hang out up and down Edgewood Avenue in Atlanta, and visit the performance venues, clubs, and bars, but when Covid hit, all the places that we really enjoyed in Atlanta shut down,” said Stephanie, reflecting on the loss of major entertainment businesses and spaced during the pandemic. “We would just watch them topple one by one. So when everything started opening up, we knew there was a void now. So we were like, ‘Let’s throw something ourselves.’”

Stephanie and Tolden were particularly interested in establishing a space for fellow anime fans looking for fun activities to do year round.

Stephanie shared, “For anime, you do have MomoCon, Anime Weekend Atlanta, and other cons, but those are only once a year, unless you travel across the country to other conventions. We wanted something recurring here in Atlanta.”

Both Stephanie and Tolden had their own unique story of how they got into fandom, and how it’s impacted their lives. For Stephanie she grew up in Atlanta with friends who were already into anime and Japanese culture.

Thinking back on her youth, Stephanie said, “My best friends growing up are Vietnamese, and they were really into anime and manga. So that’s how I was exposed growing up, and I was watching a bunch of girly high school anime and reading Chobits and stuff like that. I’ve just kept at it over the years.”

Tolden’s environment in Mississippi was quite different from Stephanies coming from a smaller town.

Thinking back to his youth, Tolden said “My first introduction to anime was watching cartoons on Saturday morning. I later found out many were anime. I then went to a thrift shop with my mom, and something drew me to this VHS tape in the store. It turned out to be Akira, which is one of the first Japanese movies to break out in America.”

When asked if Tolden felt alone in his love of anime in his hometown, he replied “I definitely did until I came across other fans. It’s funny how your love for things will introduce you to others and create bonds. I found two other people who were into anime like I was, and they are still my closest friends to this day.”

This sense of community found through fandom, and especially anime conventions, was a key driver for Stephanie and Tolden in creating Trap Sushi.

Tolden recalled, “Stephanie took me to my first anime con Anime Weekend Atlanta. I’d never gone to an anime convention in my life, but I’ve been an avid reader of manga and watcher of anime for years. So at my first convention I’m mind blown. This is everything I love all in one place? How long has this been going on? It was very surprising. Then I’m like wait, this is only once a year? No this is not [often] enough.”

Now Trap Sushi welcomes hundreds of fellow anime fans to celebrate their love of all things anime and Japanese culture. In the process of hosting Trap Sushi events, Stephanie and Tolden recognized they were serving a major sub-community in fandom as well.

Stephanie noted “Trap Sushi is open to everybody. It’s all inclusive. But we have noticed that the community it really speaks to a lot is the black anime and cosplay community. That’s a whole sub-community to itself that kind of gets overlooked sometimes, and I know that group found a lot of solace in having a place where they can let go and be like ‘ok, here at Trap Sushi we can really get loose and be free.’”

Read full story https://cosplayinamerica.com/trap-sushi-atlanta-ga/.

Trap Sushi's next event is this Thursday 3/23/23 in Atlanta https://shor.by/doEW

Writer : Michael "Zippy" Miller for Cosplay in America

Photo: @jsncamera for Trap Sushi

Read full story https://cosplayinamerica.com/trap-sushi-atlanta-ga/.

Trap Sushi's next event is this Thursday 3/23/23 in Atlanta https://shor.by/doEW

Writer : Michael "Zippy" Miller for Cosplay in America

Photo: @jsncamera for Trap Sushi

[fight-the-corn]

TCFSV SBI x reader part 3

Seasons changed from Autumn to winter. Times has still been rough for me. I hadn't seen The Blade for about a month and a half. I was still bruised, still breaking, but I kept his words at heart. I knew he could take care of the people that had caused me so much pain, but I was scared. Scared of losing them-they were all I knew. Scared of the responsibility of living in my own at sixteen, scared I might be out into the foster system. There were too many things that scared me about the situation. I just didn't know what to do.

December 7th was when my world changed.

It was a relatively normal day for me so far. I got out of bed, went to school, came home. It had been snowing for the past few days. The roads were banked with at least a foot. It was cold, very cold. The weather app would say something like 15 degrees, but it felt like hell had frozen over. For me, maybe it had. Maybe I was trapped in with the creatures of the night.

I got home to yelling. Again, nothing unusual. Slipped up to my room. Did my homework. By the time I finished, it was about 6pm? 7pm? I don't remember. I went downstairs to get some food. That's where I went wrong.

My mom was standing in the kitchen. I greeted her quietly, eyes down. She didn't respond.

"May I have some food, mother?"

She looked up. Her eyes were rimmed red. She was clearly high at the moment.

"You-you fuck... Fucking whore!" She slurred. She grabbed my wrist. This itself wasn't where I had an issue. I was used to this behavior.

"Mother, do you need something? Can I help you with anything?"

" get out of my house. We have friends over tonight. They'll be using your room. "

"What? Mother, it's freezing outside! I can't spend the night out there!"

"You can and you will. You sure as hell won't be in this house tonight. "

She threw a coat at me. "Out!"

She shoved me towards the door. I stumbled, still in shock. "you're kicking me out? It's 15 degrees!"

She didn't respond, just walked to the door in front of me and opened it.

"If you don't leave right now, it'll be worse. And if you hang around here, I'm calling the cops. Now fuck off."

---

Techno wasn't worried about her. He didn't think about her. He didn't think about the fear in her eyes of the bruises on her face. If Wilbur or Tommy teased him, he'd say he just didn't want to owe anyone anything. Phil would look at him smiling. One time he tried to lecture Techno on emotions and how they were important and totally fine. He didn't stand for that. He was not attached to the girl. It's not like he was ready to take out the pair of assholes who called themselves parents at any second, as soon as she gave the okay. Totally not. He just didn't like that she had to live a life like that. so he gave her the Syndicate number.

Now, the Syndicate number is somewhat of a business number. Phil had the phone that it called, but he usually left it in the kitchen, so if it rang, whoever was closest would pick it up. Usually, the Syndicate used it for buisness, tip offs, and favors. It rarely rang.

So Techno stepped back. Didn't visit again. Tried to leave it be until she decided what she wanted. It wasn't until December 7th, at around 10 pm, did the Syndicate phone go off.

---

It was getting late. It had been dark for at least 4 hours. It had felt like the temperature was continually dropping for the first three hours. Now, it just hurt. Everything hurt. I was shaking but I wasn't cold. I sat down against a wall for a minute, then decided I needed to keep moving. When I tried to stand, I couldn't move my muscles. My fingers were starting to turn blue. It hit me then, if I stayed out, I wouldn't survive the night. I wanted to cry. I was scared. Lonely. Cold. I had no plan. I didn't know what to do.

Then, I remembered the favor.

---

It just so happened that Wilbur wanted some hot chocolate. He was hearing up milk when the Syndicate phone rang. Not startled, but slightly surprised, he went to answer it. They weren't awaiting any calls. What surprised him even more was the voice on the other end after he spoke.

"Hello, may I ask who's calling?"

"Can I please speak to Blade?"

It must be the girl that Techno had given a favor to. He hadn't said much about her, just that he owed her a favor and she was under his protection. She sounded young. And cold. He could hear her teeth chattering on the other end of the line.

"May I ask who's calling?"

"I'm Olivia."

" Alright, give me one sec. "

Wilbur went to walk up the stairs. Techno was in his room. Wilbur knocked on the door, and smugly looked at Techno.

"You have a call."

" What? "

"A certain girl called asking for you. You may want to get it?"

Techno stood and quickly walked down stairs. Wilbur followed, wanting to see if unfold.

"Hello? "

Techno spoke into the phone. Wilbur could hear her voice through the phone.

"Is this Blade?"

"Yes. What do you need."

"Um, can I call in my favor? "

" I don't know, can you?"

"is that a yes or a no? If it's a no, um, that's ok, I'm sorry I bothered-"

"Its a yes. What do you need."

"Oh. Um, can I ask for you to set me up with a warm place for the night? Or is that too much?"

Wilbur stopped smirking. A warm place? Really? She had access to all the Syndicate resources and she asked for one night somewhere warm? What was this?

"Nah, that's not too much. We can do that. What are you thinking? Hotel?"

" Um, I'm not particular. I don't want to trouble you. Just somewhere to go where my fingers won't be blue anymore. "

She sounded like she was trying to make a joke, but even through the phone Wilbur could hear the fearful undertones. Wilbur froze. He saw Techno did too. Was she outside? In this weather? With the wind and the snow?

"Can I ask where you are right now, Olivia?" Techno speaks into the phone, voice more urgent.

"I'm on Logsteadshire road. "

" Outside? "

"Yeah"

"And how long have you been there?"

"About 2 hours? Maybe 3?"

Wilbur spoke up now, whispering to Techno. "i'll get a guest room ready. Bring her here. "

Techno nods.

"I'm coming to get you. I need you to walk around, don't stop until I get to you, okay?"

" I can't stand up though. I'm too cold. "

Techno swears under his breath, rushing to the car. "Ok. Can you try?"

" it's ok, I'm sleepy. I'll just take a nap until you get here. "

"No, Olivia, I need you to try to stand, okay? At least keep talking to me."

" Ok. Actually, I changed my mind. You don't need to come get me. "

Technoblade was already speeding towards where you were, but he asks why to try to keep you talking. "Why is that?"

" I'm not even that cold anymore. "

This makes him press the gas harder.

"Then can you try to stand up?"

" Mmmmhmmm. "

It was quiet for a second.

"My legs aren't working. I can't feel them."

"That's ok, I'm almost to you. Then, we'll get you to a nice warm fire, and you'll have lots of blankets, okay?"

"Mkay. That sounds nice."

He turns the corner on to Logsteadshire Road, slowing his speed to look for you. You come into view, huddled in the snow. He jumps out of the car, quickly walking over to you. He reached down, picking you up. God, you're freezing. He sets you in the passenger seat, then goes around and gets himself in. You're still talking into the phone, so he reached over and buckled you up, then took the phone gently out of your hand.

"Hi Olivia. I'm here."

"Blade! I didn't know if you were going to come!"

"I owed you a favor, of course I came. We have a good place for you, we'll be there soon. You're gonna be okay."

"Thank you. Thank you so much for doing this, I'm sorry for bothering you. "

"It's fine. Just rest, you're safe."

Soon, he looks over, and she's asleep in the passenger seat. Quietly, under his breath, he mutters, " I'm glad you did call. "

[nsk96]

Personal rant; please ignore this one it’s an unorganized mess and I’m only recording it here for future therapy because I don’t want to record it on my computer that I use for school

I’m tired of having emotional breakdowns that are caused by my mom, having to deal with mom’s lack of emotional intelligence (verbally blowing up at me just because something someone else did made her mad, or blowing up at me for the littlest things I forgot to do despite knowing I have memory issues (which she has done nothing to help with btw and also has discouraged me from seeing a professional about 3 times when I brought it up) and me having an emotional breakdown as a result. About 80% of my emotional breakdowns are caused by her) and unnecessary meaningless sarcastic criticism (which seems to have gotten worse this year (sept-oct). Example: doctor asked me if I gained weight in past couple months. I said no because I actually lost weight. In response to my no, mom blurted “really” sarcastically.

There was another instance at the same doctor visit pertaining to how often I get headaches. Then at a follow up at the same doctor she couldn’t stop picking on me for rubbing my finger nails even though I told her that the stickers are coming off anyway because I had this nail polish on for 3 weeks. I continued rubbing my nails (because it’s just hard for me stop fidgeting and it’s things like this that I seem to help with anxiety) and she said sarcastically “and you’re still rubbing them” as if what she said about the nail polish coming off was some sort of insightful advice. Like what part of “I had this on for 3 weeks have to do my nails soon” did she not understand?

Then last week and this week today I had to skip prayers (prayer ritual we have every Friday) because of school assignments. Today she was like, “you’re skipping prayers these days? (Sarcastically)” I replied I have assignments due today. She said, “other people get it done.” I reiterated for the third time today, “they’re due tonight”. This assignment is due by tonight, the information needed to complete it was literally given today, and it takes a long fucking time to complete because some of the source information is an EHR in the form of a PowerPoint that takes up the whole screen to simulate a “real-life” EHR. There’s no switching between apps nor minimizing the window. If I want to I put information into my assignment, I have to exit this PowerPoint, type the info to my worksheet, and then open the PowerPoint again to collect the next bit of information. Over and over again. Mom refuses to understand that some of these professors deliberately make shit harder than it has to be no matter how many times I explain this fact to her complete with examples. She still finds it necessary to compare me to other people and criticize me? Despite knowing I’m dealing with concentration and memory issues that is very likely ADHD (I meet all the criteria and have met them since 4 years old) and despite her knowing these “other people” are getting the answers to exams, quizzes, and assignments (my friends, who are not getting this stuff, have spent the whole day like I have). Maybe I should sleep around with the upperclassman like the “others” do to get this stuff so I don’t have to hear her say this bullshit. The funny thing is that the classes that came before us, shared everything amongst their whole class. My class? We got a couple of snitches so the people getting the answers have to go the extra mile to obtain them and are only sharing with their closest friends (so if you didn’t befriend them before P2 year you’re not getting anything from them).

When I brought up what she said at the appointment about my weight three weeks later, she finally said she shouldn’t have said that and she realized that after she said it. So…she couldn’t apologize in the car after the appointment? She knew what she said was wrong and hurtful but had to wait until I called her out on it 3 weeks later to finally apologize? I don’t even remember if she said sorry. Now it makes sense why I’m terrible at apologizing. I grew up with parents who didn’t apologize or take accountability when they did something wrong. Whenever something they said or did was emotionally hurtful, and I started crying and told them how hurt I was, they’d deny or deflect implying that I deserved it for doing xyz (stupid little things that got a disproportionately severe punishment or got me blown up at).

Not too long, mom blew up at me for something I forgot to do. But I wasn’t crying because of her yelling, I was crying because of what she said. She really hit below the belt for no reason. There was so reason to insult me like that, and then when I tried to talk to her about it she literally said I deserved it before I could explain how what she said hurt me. This was around 2020-ish.

It’s strange how now that I’m trying to dig deep and figure out why I am the way I am (because it’s affecting my relationships/friendships, school and job performance), the more I realize what’s been going on, the things I’ve accepted as normal that are not normal at all.

I “deserved” it…..must be why I always blamed myself first when romantic relationships failed. I blamed myself for boyfriends ignoring me, talking down to me, pestering me for nudes, ghosting me, etc. Same for friendships when friends decided to not reply or decided not to initiate conversations with me.

Update 10/25/23: so i was in a bad mood today and my mom asked me what's wrong. I replied nothing, just the usual stress. She kept trying to probe and I told her that I need to study and that I lost too much time already and I tried to get my stuff so that I can get to my room as soon as I can. She was like "you've been acting different the past few weeks and it's getting worse"...Wow, she's now noticing that my mental health is getting worse after we had this mental health conversation how many times? Maybe I should try to bottle it all up again since it's such an inconvenience to her. I didn't do or say anything offensive to her but yet she's acting like my mood is such an offensive thing to her? Just now she was like, "you're acting depressed like your father. Am I going to find you outside lying down on the ground like him too?" (context: my narc dad was throwing a tamper tantrum a while back and he went outside and lied down on the concrete). "Acting depressed"...did it ever occur to her that maybe I'm not "acting"? I've been feeling this way for years but now it's getting to the point that I can't hold it in nor pretend to be bubbly and preppy all the time. Just yesterday, we had a home inspector come and check the house for the insurance. He went to the bathroom to check the pipes and stuff. When he was gone my mom had an issue with what I threw in the trash...the plastic wrapper for my period pad. Not even the pad (which I wrap up in toilet paper and toss in the trash and looks like the other paper garbage in there). She was like "isn't that your pad in there? It looks like there's blood." The wrapper is purple and pink and it's rolled up and crinkled. I told her this and confirmed that my pad is not wrapped up in it. She was like "you need to be conscious about how it looks. No wonder the guy was so quick through the house." Okay, what? The bathroom was the second to last thing he saw. He was almost done before he would have seen it. I said while walking away, "Oh, a grown man can't handle the sight of a pad wrapper. Nice." I'm tired of living my life in ways to please other people. So I need to be ashamed of my own bodily function in my home now? Maybe I should skip the iron pills of the BC I'm taking to treat my endo. Maybe then I don't have to worry about my period being such and inconvenience to other people who come visit my own home. Or maybe this place was never my home. I just live here I guess.

Another thing, honestly, I usually showered everyday but for a year now, it's been getting difficult to keep up. It started with skipping showers and dinner to gain extra study time. Now it's just difficult to stop skipping and I've been going anywhere between 1-4 days without showering. Such an event happened this week. I went 4 days, (thankfully this time, days 3 & 4 were due to unforseen circumstances) and on day 4, my parents came home from a family gathering late in the night and my dad said he was gonna go in the shower. Context: I didn't want to be in the shower while being home alone in the evening because of our area. I told them that I wanted to go in the shower first and said that I can't skip another day. My mom in the other room jokingly said, "I don't know what's been going on with you." As if she doesn't know that I've skipped showers to study or do group assignments (because the group has to meet at a time that is "convenient" for everyone). But now it is hardly because of that and I found out that this is a symptom of depression.

She said, "you're acting like you're angry at the world or at someone." So being expressionless and cutting conversation short, and wanting to be alone today is "angry"? Why every time I express behavior that she thinks is unpleasant that she has to compare me to my dad? Then she said that I don't need to act this way just because I'm stressed out. She then ended with "I'm stressed too" as if she doesn't take it out on us. So just because she can supposedly handle her stress, that means that I can handle my stress in exactly the same way? At least the way I'm handling my stress is not directed at her even though she's one of the main contributing factors to why I'm feeling this way. I still have yet to look up therapists for my mental health and psychiatrists for my inattention/spacing out/memory issues but haven't had the time because of school. It took a mental breakdown weeks ago for her to finally take my mental health seriously enough that she actually tried to help by speaking to our insurance company about coverage and options. But here she is a few weeks later, dismissing my mental health again. I don't get it...but then again she doesn't get me. She never has and never will. Throughout my life, I often heard her say "I don't understand you" whenever I did something that got me in trouble with her (things that are not bad but an inconvenience. Usually forgetting to do something) or did something "weird". She never tried to understand. I guess this is what happens when your parents are born into a culture/time period where mental health and neurodivergence "doesn't exist". The part that kills me is that she has the sources to look it up and learn about it but does not even try to.

And if I bring up the hurtful things she said these past couple of months, she'll just say that I'm misinterpreting her words like my dad does, or she'll say to ignore it (I know because I brought it up to her in the past, as well as when I spoke about what a friend was going through with her own mother. Her advice was for my friend to ignore it). How am I supposed to ignore something hurtful to me when it is out of the blue and sometimes comes disguised as advice? Am I just not supposed to listen to anything she says? Just because she doesn't mean it a certain way, doesn't mean that it doesn't come across that way. And most of the time, I'm pretty sure she means it that way because she doesn't actually apologize when I do bring it up. She either denies or tell me not to be upset about it. But if I accidentally say something hurtful, which is rare, she will hunt me down for an apology and blow up at me until I do apologize.

The funny thing is, back when I was in middle school, her reasoning for how she spoke to us was that she had to filter herself at work all day and that she didn't want to have to filter when at home. It's strange that as I'm writing this, I'm now recalling this memory from about 15 years ago. And it's even funnier to me that she expects me to filter myself at home. So I can't express myself anywhere? It's okay for her to do it, but not okay for me to? Oh right, this is her home, I just live here. She never outright said that, not that I recall yet, but that's how it always felt, ever since as a little kid. Back then, I was always scared to come home and wanted to stay at school in after-school care.

A few days ago, we randomly had a conversation about what would happen when she ages. Of course she doesn't want to be put in a nursing home (I don't either), but I'm a realist and mentioned that there could be a point at which I'd have to (Ex. in Alzheimer's when they no longer recognize you and the family and become a violence risk) but don't want to, or that I'd have to hire a caretaker. She guilt-tripped me into agreeing to not put her in a home saying "but how will you know that they won't mistreat me or r**pe me?" So I agreed and said that there's medication to help with aggressiveness anyway (they really don't help all that much and as the dementia progresses, the medication won't work anymore and at that point the only option is to keep them sedated apparently).

The good news is that, people are living longer and that means there will be a bigger emphasis on elderly care and hopefully stricter regulations that prevent abuse. However, I'm still baffled at the fact that she said she wanted to live with me and my future family even though I specifically stated that she can't if she gets violent. Like...she's okay with endangering me or her own grandkids? I don't think she's considering the reality of what caretakers of the elderly experience, but how can she? She wasn't her parents' caretaker because her marriage took her to another country. She was a hired caretaker of an old lady once, but quit because the old lady was racist and was doing nasty things to spite her, and supposedly took a knife to the guest bedroom door (where the caretaker stays). We're not sure about the knife part but there are scratches on the door that look like it was put there by a knife. After seeing a glimpse of that, is my mom really okay with putting me through the same? I'm her daughter, of course she wouldn't hurt me...yeah until she no longer recognizes who I am. Being in healthcare, I get to hear the reality straight from people who work in these settings and those who actually have experience with being caretakers of there own parents. The depression, having to leave your family for extended periods of time to take care of the parent, or not having a social life, your whole life revolving around your aging parent. It goes the same way almost every time. Honestly, I feel horrible saying this...after everything she put me through mentally/emotionally, I want to be as far away from her as I can get. At least for a few years until I've had enough space to become the person I want to be. I feel so trapped, claustrophobic, here. I noticed that my recent slow transition to goth fashion has clearly made her feel uncomfortable. She tried to hide it but I can tell. I used Halloween month as an excuse to start wearing goth jewelry and even get this cute black dress with lace sleeves. I haven't even started with the makeup yet. Oh boy, wait till she finds out that I'm still wearing this stuff after Halloween. I once told her recently that I always wanted to wear goth fashion ever since I was a kid between elementary school and middle school, it's not a phase. She said, "it is a phase. I bet you wanted to wear that because it is what was everyone was wearing then" 💀 Bruh goths were shunned where I went to school because we lived in the hood. People made fun of the goth and emo/scene kids. But that didn't stop me from relating to the goth kids and wanting to join them. I was already into some of the same things they were into and I loved the style.

Anyways, I don't plan on having grandkids. I'll have to be the one to take care of her no matter what. Why do I need to look for a husband to build a family to take care of, when I already have a family member to take care of? This is my curse as the youngest child. I'm glad my brother is getting to live out his life the way he wants at least. He didn't deserve what she and my dad put him through. He experienced parentification and was forced to grow up too soon. He had to sometimes be the one to shield me from certain things as kids. I'm proud of him for breaking the cycle with his own kids. His wife's kids though I'm not entirely sure from what I've heard, but I know he's trying his best.

[hannahz-scstudyabroad]

The Weekend Update: February Weekends!

The past few weekends have been really fun and exciting. I want to take you guys weekend by weekend to show how easy it is not only to travel around Europe, but also the benefits of staying in your home away from home for a weekend. 

2/6

My first weekend was actually a pretty unexpected travel weekend. I was in Prague for less than a week but remembered my mom was going to London on a work trip. I knew since we were so close, I had to visit! On Saturday morning I found a flight that would leave to London Sunday morning, with a return flight to Prague the following day (Monday) in the afternoon. Even though it was only 24 hours I was in London, we had an amazing time together and I would not trade the experience for the world. I have been to London once before with my family 7 years ago and being back made me realize how much I remembered from my previous trip. 

When I arrived in London, we went and grabbed some fish and chips, then went on our own walking tour of the classic London attractions: Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, and finished up at a Pub watching a football game, yes that’s soccer :) 

By the following morning, it was already time to go on the hour Uber ride to the airport. Even though it was for one real day, I would not want to change it for the world. Having my mom for a little bit, really helped me adjust completely to my abroad lifestyle and I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to see her so soon after going abroad. 

2/10-2/12

The following weekend was also a last minute type of trip. Ashley and I were looking at inexpensive locations near Prague for both travel and accommodations once arriving in the city. We realized that the best location would be in Berlin, Germany.

To preface, I was excited to see Berlin but also had an underlying eeriness to it since I am Jewish and Berlin was the center of the Nazi Party during WWII. Additionally, I was excited to go because when my grandfather was in the Soviet army, he was stationed throughout East Germany, specifically Berlin and Dresden, which was pretty much the exact bus route I took. 

Once arriving in Berlin, I already had unwritten “beef” with the city, but I tried not to let it influence my opinion of my trip there. We got to our hostel and ended up becoming good friends with our roommate, her name was Paula and from Argentina. She gave us recommendations throughout the city and we started exploring!

We got to see the Brandenburg Gate, the Jewish memorial in Berlin, as well as the main Cathedral.

I wish we could have gotten to see more (including the wall) but it was pouring rain the full day we had there and it was impossible to get around. Definitely have to go back for another trip.

Additionally, nightlife and techno is something that is a part of Berlin culture. We went to a bar and ended up also making friends with some girls from Berlin as well as Ukraine.  

Side note: in Prague too, there are a lot of Ukranians, it is absolutely horrific what is going on two countries away from me too. 

On our walk though, we passed by the Russian embassy in Berlin. They had a recreation of Alexi Navalny’s jail cell as well as a Ukrainian memorial. Walking around Berlin made me realize how close I am to the conflict and how some of the amazing people I am meeting are completely displaced from their homes with war terrorizing their homeland. 

2/17-2/20

This weekend was a really special weekend for me. One of my closest childhood friends, Gianna, was coming to visit! She is studying abroad in Edinburgh this semester and came to Prague for the weekend…. thus, tour guide Hannah came out!!!!

We went to Prague Castle, the top of the clock tower, and honestly I went to more tourist places during this weekend than before. We went to different markets and would not trade the experience.

I felt like walking around the city with Gianna helped me gain a new perspective of how amazing Prague really is. It is a truly hidden gem in Europe and everyday here I learn something new about the city and the Czech culture. 

Having her here was also like another piece of home was with me. Seeing how much she is thriving in Scotland prompted me to book a flight to visit her!!

2/24-2/25

Last weekend in February calls for the monthly CEA excursion, these excursions are included in our study abroad tuition which is really nice to have! This weekend we went to Cesky Krumlov, the whole town is a UNESCO World Heritage site! 

It is a two and a half hour bus ride and I got to be able to go with my entire program. It was a really nice way to get introduced to those in my program whom I do not have classes with. 

When arriving we went around the town to explore and then had tours of the castle tower and the theater there that is in complete Baroque style. 

At night, we went to a cafe and then a typical Czech restaurant, where I had the goulash :) 

The next day was really cool… we didn’t know the weekend that we were there, Cesky Krumlov had their annual pig slaughtering event. No pigs were harmed during the event but an entire street had tables and had a whole pig roast and the pig that was used was made into many different traditional Czech food items, my favorite being the pate given

 I felt really fortunate to be able to experience this cultural celebration and it was a great way to finish off the weekend!!

This next month is also filled with a lot of travel… Current travel plans for March include:

London again (for 12 hours this time!)

Lake Como and Venice, Italy

Dublin, Ireland

Salzburg and Hallstatt, Austria

Edinburgh, Scotland

See you in the next blog!

[purplesurveys]

1633

What color was the last nail varnish you wore? Can’t remember all that well as I rarely have my nails painted. It might have been purple, maybe? Purple with some glitters. I kind of remember getting that done a few months ago.

^ Do you own any shirts in that color? I don’t look too good in purple so I don’t have any clothes in that color.

What color was the last lipstick you wore? Burgundy.

^ Have you/would you ever dye your hair that color? Sure, why not? I’m open to any color as long as it isn’t a neon shade.

How long have you owned the mobile phone that you currently use? Just over a year.

How about your laptop? And what brand is it? This laptop has been going strong since 2017, man. Six whole years and counting. I made the most use out of it throughout college and in my first working year, but given that I only ever use it for doing surveys these days it’s enjoying a much longer lifespan than I expected it to have.

I got some nice new mugs recently. What does your favorite mug look like? It’s this one from Starbucks:

Do you own any mugs with a picture of an animal on them? Yeah I availed a fanmade kit from a local shop in celebration of BTS’ anniversary two years ago, and a mug was part of the inclusions. It has a number of the band’s symbols as designs, like stars and a whale.

Do you own any items that have your initial on them? No I’m not a fan of personalizing my things.

Do you own any items that have a Disney character on them? As far as I know, no.

When was the last time you had a box of chocolates? What kind were they? My mom’s godmother recently visited the country after 25+ years and she got a box of chocolates for us. I haven’t gotten to checking it out much as I’m not a super big fan of chocolate haha but it’s essentially different variations – there’s chocolate with coffee filling, another with caramel, another with coconut, etc.

How long have you had the headphones/earbuds that you currently use? It’s been at least a couple of months.

^What color are they? White.

The last time you checked the mail, was there anything for you? Nope.

Is there anyone you’ve had regular video calls with, during the pandemic? No, I hated video calls at the time. It’s only been recently when I started to be more comfortable with them.

Do you remember what you were doing at 8PM on Saturday? I was having dinner with my family.

Of all your relatives & close friends, whose birthday is closest to yours? Dev’s is just a day before mine.

Did you have a cake on your last birthday? What kind? Nope. I opted for ramen instead, haha.

What were some of your favorite foods/meals as a child? I couldn’t get enough of Pancit Canton as a kid that eventually my mom stopped getting it for a time because of how unhealthy it can be to be eaten regularly. 

What were some of your favorite drinks as a child? Eh, just water. I’m not so adventurous when it came to beverages.

Are there any foods/drinks that you loved as a child, but dislike now? For the most part it’s the opposite for me because I used to be a REALLY picky eater and now I’ve learned how to eat and love everything, hahaha. A favorite 180º change of mine would probably be curry; I used to dread it when I found out that’s what was for dinner, and now I could have it literally everyday.

Which of your physical features do you receive the most compliments on? My figure, hands, and eyelashes. What traits/qualities do you have, that you believe others appreciate? I’m good at reading people, so I go ahead of them in terms of things they might be needing help with but might be too shy to raise. It’s stuff like, “Do you need a ride home?” “Do you need me to pay for this first?” “Do you need me to go talk to her?” and the moment their eyes light up that make me think they do appreciate the initiative to an extent.

Do you have any friends that you communicate with every day, in some form? Angela is the person who best fits this. We do talk everyday these days.

When you woke up today, what kind of mood were you in? So groggy. I slept at around 3 AM, so when my mom woke me up to prepare for church I wasn’t exactly awake awake yet.

What was the last food or drink you had, that you hadn’t tried before? Wasabi powdered fries. Turned out really good and not spicy at all!

What was the last song you listened to, that you hadn’t heard before? Bittersweet by Seventeen’s Wonwoo and Mingyu, and LeeHi. Instant fan.

When do you next plan to eat something? Do you know what it will be? Probably in a couple of hours and most likely it’ll just be something light to pass the hunger.

So, to finish, what’s your favorite position to sleep in? On my side, clutching a pillow.