#plus one pair of actual pants i got from a thrift store that are like wayyyy too big for me but super soft and has a belt part to tie so its

[evandore]

my shirt to pants pajama ratio is horrendous how have i never seen this...

[ruvi-muffin]

Tbh thrifting would be a lot more fun if skinny ppl weren't already insentivised to buy and throw away clothes willy nilly

Bc i promisse that there is not a single piece of clothing that will fit me at a thrift shop

Everything stops at a size xl if im lucky. Mostly it's all size small or medium.

[thenerdysewist]

Making My Morgana Cosplay

I watched Merlin for the first time in 2015/2016, and was immediately obsessed with Morgana's Season 4 Coat.

At the time, I hadn't really gotten into sewing yet. I knew how to sew, but I'd only made one project bigger than a pair of pajama pants. But then the pandemic hit, and I was stuck inside with too much time on my hands. I rewatched Merlin (and have multiple times since 2020), and realized that I likely had the skills to make that coat so it became my pandemic project.

Materials:

My first concern was the materials. The coat is full length, with full sleeves and a train. That would require a lot of specialty (expensive) material, and I was pretty broke considering I had been laid off. Plus, new fabric is also pretty bad for the environment. So my goal was to thrift any and all material I could. I got lucky.

I found a king size comforter set at the thrift store for $10, and that meant I got both the specialty material and the lining in one

I found a lace skirt at a different thrift store for the sleeves of the under-dress, and a green prom dress to modify.

After much digging and swearing I found left over fabric from another cosplay to use as the green fabric in the hood and sleeves

A friend was moving and cleaning out her closet, meaning I was able to thrift the belt buckle from a belt she was going to donate

The only material I purchased new was the trim I used for the belt.

Process:

The first step was picking apart the comforter set. I probably could have just cut it open in order to render it into two flat pieces of usable material, but I knew the yardage would be a tight fit, so I used a seam ripper to separate the three layers of fabric from the layer of batting. (I think while I introduced a friend to Merlin).

I used a combination of patterns from my stash to get the pieces I needed. I used the hood from Simplicity 1771A, and the sleeves and skirt from Simplicity 8013. Looking back I likely could have used the bodice as well, but I felt the angle of the neckline was wrong, so I drafted my own bodice pattern using a t-shirt and the angle from the neckline of McCalls M7502.

I decided to make a mock up first. I only had the fabric from the comforter to set to work with, and there wasn't a lot. I didn't want to risk cutting into it, and then realizing it didn't fit. So I used an old white sheet to make the first draft.

Initially I thought the coat was a coat-dress, but noticed the detail that when Morgana walked, you could see the lining flash at the front. So I cut the bodice on the fold, and turned the skirt backwards. The front was meant to go on the fold and the back was two pieces to accommodate for a zipper. However, knowing I needed a train, I added a train to the front panel and made that the back, and then made the two back panels the front panels. I sewed them part of the way down to give it a skirt look, but left the bottom open so that the lining would flash when I walked. It ended up looking like this.

As you can tell from my face, I didn't like how it was laying. It didn't have the same shape as her coat, at which point I realized the front should be separate to make it close like a coat would, rather than a dress would. So I seam ripped the front skirt panels apart and cut the bodice front up the middle. I tried it back on and it looked like this:

(You can also tell by image quality that my old phone gave up the ghost and I had to get a new one, which had a much better camera)

I liked this a lot better, but there were still more adjustments I needed to make. I didn't like the angle of the neckline, and I felt like the train was too long. So I made those adjustments to the pattern, and made a second mock up out of a sheet set that my mom had cannibalized for her own sewing project.

With all the adjustments, the second mock up ended up looking like this.

I was now happy with the angle of the neckline and the length of the train, and felt ready to move onto working with the actual materials I bought.

I cut out all the pieces twice; once from the specialty material and once from the black backing material from the comforter set I used for the lining. I also cut additional lining for the hood and sleeves out of the green fabric since Morgana's coat has that contrast lining. I started by stitching the specialty fabric together.

Once that was done, I stitched all the lining pieces together. Then I pinned the specialty fabric to the lining with the hood in between the two layers so that it when I turned everything inside out, the hood would be on the outside.

I ended up not liking how the hood looked.

It came from too far back on the neckline. and that meant I had to pick apart the shoulder and neck seams and redo it. I redid this step probably four times because the fabric was thick, heavy, and slippery. It refused to stay in place, and I was constantly catching parts of the fabric I shouldn't.

Next was the sleeves. Which literally made me cry from frustration. Sleeves are my kryptonite at the best of times, but I was also working with fabric that was heavy, slippery, and thick, in a narrow arm hole. After several screaming matches with my sewing machine, and a stress and frustration induced break down, my mom ended up inserting the sleeves for me. (Thank you, Mom!)

Then I finally got to see the fully assembled garment and I was thrilled! It really looked like it was shaping up to look like Morgana's coat.

I completed the hem on both the lining and specialty material and the bulk of the garment was complete! But I still needed her belt, and I wanted to make have an under-dress since you can see a flash of the skirt under the coat while Morgana walks. For that, I just adjusted a prom dress that I found at the thriftstore. I shortened it, moved the skirt to be right under the bust, and added straps. I didn't think to get photos of that process since it was mostly pinning and cutting.

I did however, have to make my own lace sleeves for the dress since you can see lace sleeves under Morgana's coat. For this I traced the sleeve of a shirt I already owned.

Then I made a mock up which was way too tight. I added a little extra width, and made another mock up which fit. So then I was able to cut the sleeves out of the lace I removed from the skirt, and I stitched it into the armhole created by adding straps to the modified dress.

As you can see it wasn't the neatest job, but I didn't care since it was going to be covered by the coat anyway. If I wanted to submit this for a contest or anything, I'd probably go through the trouble of making her under-dress too, but this works.

All that was left was her belt. For that, I had ordered a precut YaYa Hahn pleather trim and that gave me the width of my belt. It also gave me the length since there was just enough there to wrap around my waist with some overlap. I cut a strip from the green fabric I used for the sleeves and hood, and black fabric for the belt lining since I was out of the green fabric.

Stitched those together, and flipped it right side out. I left one end open so I could insert two loops to attach the belt buckle to the belt. Then I pinned the trim to the belt and ironed it on. It was iron on trim so I didn't have to sew it.

I inserted the loops through the belt buckle, then tucked the ends into the belt and stitched it closed.

Reveal:

Final Thoughts:

Overall, I am jazzed by how this turned out. I think it looks so much like Morgana. I might need to fix the hem since the first time I wore it, twigs started getting caught in the hem, but that is an issue for future me. My issues are actually more with my makeup. I tried to learn contouring for this. I literally haven't worn makeup since 2019 and I only did basics then. So if anyone wants to let me know tips and tricks, my ask box is open. I also still don't know how for photos.

This project took well over a year to complete. Part of it was the amount of mock ups I did, but part of it was the process of tracking down materials. It took weeks for me to find the right green fabric and I actually bought multiple other fabrics that I returned because they weren't right for it. That it was in my own stash was such a relief while simultaneously the most annoying thing ever. The second snag was finding the belt buckle. I had to get one in the right dimensions to fit the trim for the belt, and apparently belt buckles are impossible to find in a size bigger than an inch. It was complete luck that my friend found something in her closet while she was moving. (If you have buckle resources, please hit me up. I need buckles for another project I'm working on now, and can't find buckles small enough.)

This is the biggest project I've done so far, and I am so proud of myself for it.

[heich0e]

I very much want to hear about the insane thrift haul!

omg OK so for context i love thrifting but i own wayyyy too many clothes so i have been good lately and have NOT been thrifting. however!!! the weekend before last i ruined my fav jeans (not thrifted) and rly needed to replace them because i wore them constantlyyyyy. so i went to my fav thrift store (which i frequent so often i know the staff by name L M A O) and my expectations were honestly low—

because these were like the PERFECT jeans. ankle length, baggy, high waist, ACTUAL denim w no stretch, in a nice light wash. they were expensive when i bought them—but they lasted me FOREVER and i wore the HELL out of them—and i knew i could get another pair but thought i'd tryyyy to find them thrifted just on the off chance.

i like to thrift jeans in the men's section as they are often better quality, actual denim, and vintage, plus they're usually priced more reasonably than women's clothes. and as soon as i stepped up to the rack i found basically. an EXACT REPLICA. of my favourite jeans. EXCEPT!!! THEY ARE ACTUAL VINTAGE!! in perfect condition. the thrift store doesn't have fitting rooms so i had to take a gamble on them but when i got them home and tried them on they were a PERFECT fit too. they're probably from the 80s/early 90s based on the brand and tag and i swear to god they fit like they were MADE for me. and i paid less than the price of a 6-inch subway sandwich for em.

i was riding a real high after finding these, so then i braved the women's section where i found:

a GORGEOUS midi dress. it's not vintage but it's from a nice brand WITH THE ORIGINAL TAGS STILL ON IT?? it has with short sleeves, a tie-belted waist, a pleated skirt, and it's a light cornflower blue with a pretty floral pattern!!

THEN!! i found an absolutely unreallllllll vintage, faux-suede-ish 2-piece co-ord set in a rly rly nice camel-y toffee colour. it has a pair of high waist, wide leg trousers + a button-down overshirt kind of top (it also had shoulder pads and beading all along the collar and pockets of the shirt, but i have since removed those lmaooooo.) it is a little bit yee haw but i'm SOOOOOOOO into it and it fits me PERFECTLY.

then i was getting rly bold so i was like ok lets check the ladies pants section just to see what's up. i found a nice (non-vintage) ecru coloured pair of jeans: high waist, wide leg, good quality denim. they didn't look worn at all. i didn't quite recognize the brand enough to say whether or not they were actually ""good"" but i was like fuck it we ball and got them too. i get them home, look up the brand. these jeans... are basically brand new..... still available on the manufacturer's website........ for $118 United States of American dollars.

i also got a little wicker basket for my board games if that is of interest to u... but that one is not as exciting hehe.

END OF THRIFT HAUL if u made it this far i LOVE U

[eldritchmochi]

I love when you talk about clothes. How do you shop?

OH MAN valda my dude you have opened such a can of worms

so the tldr of it is: all over. it really depends on what specifically i'm looking for and like.... the size i need, etc. i get a god awful number of *really on point* fb ads for small clothing brands, plus i try and pick up shirts and such from indie artists where i can, plus a variety of fast/er fashion alternative brands, and thrifting. so much thrifting

however, i do have some pretty strict guidelines for what i will buy. ymmv on a lot of my specifics because a solid chunk of it is based off of how i like my clothes specifically to fit and everyone has their own jam, but the key things i think everyone should pay attention to are:

sizing/fit: do not compromise. there is some flexibility depending on the item and how willing you are to alter a thing, but it should always ALWAYS fit the way u like, or otherwise be comfortably tolerable in the ways it doesnt (sleeve length almost always gets me because i have very long arms, but i generally push my sleeves up anyway so its not a deal breaker, BUT the rise of my pants will absolute result in me never wearing them if it's not Right, hence ymmv)

everything you buy should either be immediately wearable in at least 3 full outfits from things you already own OR be a staple piece to build a new branch of outfit options off of that otherwise works with at least one key item already owned, like shoes

other things i really look at are under the cut cos it got long lmao

colour pallet (i own almost no bright colours; if there's colour, it is 80% of the time going to be pastel pink or lavender, though I've been branching out into brights and primary tones a little. i also own precisely Four brown items: two are CR merch, one is my vintage cat vest, and the fourth is a pair of absolutely gorgeous vintage boots that i got for hella cheap as a bootblacking restoration project)

cut/fit (depending on where i wanna present of the masc >< femme spectrum in that outfit; i like all my bottoms to sit on my (very high and narrow) waist, with skirts generally hitting at or below my knee and either very flared (circle or swing) or pleated. box cut "unisex" shirts should hit where the ball of my hips sit in my pelvis but femme cut shirts dont have to be that long they will be tucked in. i almost never wear something sleeveless, or if i do i wear a shirt under it, and the closest i get to a low cut shirt is shirts with keyholes, otherwise nothing lower than maybe an inch or two under my collarbone. my shoes are also generally high tops or boots and often have either a thick sole or a full out platform)

theme (this is how i wear really weird shit in very cohesive ways lmao; my tshirts are all generally ominous goth graphics OR cutesy kawaii vomit (or both lmao), patterns on my blouses and skirts (or pants, on the few patterned pants i have) are in similar veins (lotta halloween themes, lotta hearts) OR theyre very basic stripes/tartan that i mix and match with graphic shirts)

i also pay attention to quality as much as i can, and will absolutely not shop directly from the really aggressively fast fashion brands like shein, h&m, romwe, etc. they're always cut and made like shit and basically never look good on an actual person, but every now and then i'll find something cute in a thrift store that i can physically check for quality. vintage also tends to be better quality in general, especially if youre looking for natural fibers (the number of vintage silk dad shirts i own for summer is A Lot lmao), but can be cost and size prohibitive

aannnddddd some shops that i either routinely buy from or have been planning to buy from, for reference

"big" brands:

killstar, blackcraft clothing (generally traditional goth, better for straight sizes, decent quality for the price)

unique vintage, modcloth (vintage repro, both stockists for other vintage repro brands on top of selling their own things, generally pretty good quality across stocked and in house brands, most skirts and dresses have POCKETS, lotta killer sales, good size range)

smaller brands:

myviolet and foxblood (sibling companies run by the same people, myviolet is pastel kawaii stuff while foxblood is goth; they do sometimes carry the same cuts of things in different pallets. generally pretty good quality, does a lot of stuff in cotton or modal but not everything. size range is pretty stellar tho especially for a small brand)

disturbia clothing, straight to hell apparel (disturbia is more corporate goth leaning with a lot of business type wear in goth colors and patterns, straight to hell is very rockabilly leaning. both are pricey but their quality seems very sound (i have not bought from them though))

wicked clothing (sarcastic goth), two crow collective (chronically ill), thentvs (native american streetwear) (mostly tshirts, but really off beat ones. only bought from wicked clothing so far, just tryna decide how many more tshirts i need)

sleepy peach (retro repro but make it weird, lotta weird mens cardigans)

kei collective (stockist of a lot of indie designers in the western kawaii streetfashion scene, a wide variety of very cute to VERY WEIRD apparel and accessories)

die with your boots on (stockist, carries foxblood and a lot of other straight black goth basics. quality is on par with foxblood, size range can vary depending on brand, great place to peek for things like strangecvlt shoes or foxblood items that are out of stock on the main site)

art brands:

morning witchy (lot of botanical all over patterns on button up dad shirts, skirts, joggers, shorts, tshirts, and so on, with absolutely banger size range. gorgeous quality and absolutely beautiful designs. i want so many of their sweaters so bad)

stablercake (not specifically apparel focused but they do pretty frequent tshirt designs and theyre all great, ESPECIALLY if youre a furry. quality is always top tier unless its a bs manu error, in which case they typically offer a replacement or coupon when they find out something is fading weird, etc)

crescent creepers (weird goofy goth all over patterns, like 80s style cartoon bugs or deep sea creatures. sizing isnt great but if you're thinner, they have a lot of really fun overalls/shorteralls and button ups)

vetiver fox (very pretty goth patterns, has a lot of gorgeous swoopy skirts (with fuck off huge pockets) and some cool tank tops, is planning on maybe doing a run of regular tshirts too)

s2heart bunny (kawaii anime girl art shirts except soft and pretty and often sad or, as is the case with the ones i have, kawaii bunnies with nail bats and middle finger flags lmao)

egglien creations (weird bright very clowncore apparel, i have the cardigan from their collab with lulu van hoagland, who also does gorgeous work, just usually not apparel)

also a lot of the times, artists (especially tattoo artists) you follow will do tshirts and the like, which is where i get a lot of my really weird things

uuuuh yep thats it

[polyamorouspunk]

Little bit of a different post:

So, I've gotten an ask while my anon is off, and they asked to remain anonymous, so I'm going to answer here and then send it to them, but I think it's a good post to make, and I would love to hear any input anyone else like @safety-pin-punk has.

Hey so like, I never got to look the way I wanted when I was younger in terms of fashion, and in the past few years that's been changing and I'm coming into my own but something I've noticed is that it's really hard finding alternative fashion for larger men. I'm ~250 lbs and 5'6", and it's pretty discouraging that the only punk fashion I tend to see of guys my body shape is the bear community which I totally love but don't myself identify with. I've never been good at sewing and leather working skills, I'm much better at cooking, carpentry, and computers, so I was wondering if you or your many followers had any resources for guys like me? Etsy shops or something. I don't know, I feel like I can't be the only big guy who wants to look punk in addition to being punk.

There definitely is a skinny white majority you see in the punk scene along with honestly, I feel, like any other scene.

The bear community is great! But it's also just that- a community. And with any community that means that a lot of people are looking/dressing/acting very similar, so if you don't really relate to that then you don't relate to it.

But, a big part of the punk movement is also thrifting! There's this post I remember seeing on here that was criticizing a TikTok of someone being like "I bought these ugly giant pants at a thrift store and tailored them to look cute!" and they took like 3XL jeans to fit them (skinny). But that's what you can do! Go to a thrift store, get a pair of jeans that fits you, and start just making patches for them or whatever. Throw on some safety pins. Etc. My battle jacket is actually a 3XL biker jacket I got from the thrift store. I took some of the patches off and I painted over them to make my own. It was actually really easy to find that biker jacket, I'm really lucky, but I mean even just sweatshirts and sweatpants can be altered easily! That's what the whole punk movement is about! I have a shirt I found that was exactly what I was looking for at the thrift store my grandma works at to make a cryptid patch shirt for.

Etsy shops are great for getting the additions you need, like spikes or if you want someone else's patches, or if you want some button pins that aren't from Hot Topic, etc. Etsy is great for when you want to support independent, often minority creators with accessories for your own clothes, but thrifting is a great way to get plus-sized cheap clothing.

I feel like I myself even don't fit into "punk" the way I really want to. Not so much from my size but just how I really don't feel like I even come close to passing as a guy. I'm also very isolated (rural North Carolina) but I work in the city, but like even in my store I definitely don't fit in. I don't know anyone else punk geographically close to me except one trans guy in my art class who ended up dropping out. And he like. Passed way better than me and was way hotter than me. Does that matter? Literally no but I understand not feeling like you fit in both with "normal" people and with other "punk" people because I just don't feel... attractive enough? Like trust me I KNOW how stupid that sounds but especially in a gender sense when I look at punk guys I'm like damn I wish I looked like a dude but oh well.

Anyway I hope some of this was helpful and I'm sure Key will have something a lot more insightful to add. And I'll be sending you this post as well.

[dragonflavoredcake]

So about basic tailoring... This might be an easy to answer and dumb question but I feel slightly overwhelmed when I go to google this myself.. where do you start learning? Ideally for as little money as possible. Clothes are difficult to fit to my body type and I have some items I would like to repair so i really need this.

Don't apologize, I'm always happy to get asks! Number 1 piece of advice: don't be afraid to be dumb. I've only been sewing for two years; I had to Google how to thread a needle and it took me three days to learn how to thread a bobbin on a machine.

This got very long so the rest is below the cut

In my experience, a good-sized spool of machine thread usually costs about three dollars. If your local grocery store sells general merchandise, they might have some common colors in a "sewing center" section, which will almost definitely be cheaper than if you go to a dedicated sewing shop. They might even sell sewing kits with basic supplies. Hand sewing thread tends to be cheaper than machine thread. You can use machine thread for hand sewing, but you can’t use hand-sewing thread on a machine. If your hands tremble a lot or you're not confident, some places sell pre-threaded needles.

There are a lot of sewing supplies available, but you really don't need much to get started:

thread that's roughly the same color as your fabric

some pins

sharp needle that's big enough for you to comfortably thread and small enough to not poke way bigger holes in the fabric than the thread warrants

a pair of scissors. They don't even need to be fabric scissors! I used regular craft scissors for a year and a half until I found some fabric scissors on clearance. You're not going to be cutting fabric as a beginner anyway, just thread.

One rule for baby’s first repair/tailoring job: make it reversible. You’re going to make mistakes. You’re not going to start out knowing everything there is to know. You can always cut threads or take off buttons, but you can’t un-cut fabric or magically reverse huge holes.

For tailoring: find a piece of clothing you like. I recommend starting with a no-frills sleeveless shirt with non-adjustable straps. Buy it to fit the biggest/widest part of your body. The looser it fits, the more room you have for adjustments.

Put it on inside-out, figure out where it’s too big, fold the fabric in, and pin it in place. Carefully take the shirt off, lay it out flat, thread your needle, consult a video tutorial on how to prepare the needle and thread for sewing (never forget that double knot), make the first stitch where the knot of thread won’t irritate your skin, and sew the fold in place.

When in doubt, leave more room than expected, because your body is constantly changing to accommodate your organs’ various activities; something that barely fits you when you first wake up is going to be causing actual pain by midday.

Small jobs that are low-risk and can help boost your confidence: shortening tank top straps (fold fabric over and sew in place), reinforcing or re-attaching buttons, and doing simple hems (cuff fabric, fold over twice, and sew in place) on pajama pants. Fuzzy fabrics tend to be very forgiving and naturally hide messy stitches.

If you need fabric, do not automatically head to the fabric store. Yes, they’ll have a huge variety, but it’ll be sold at a premium and you’ll have to machine-wash your fabric before using it to remove the shrinking (an additive that helps the fabric lay flat on the bolt). Look in thrift stores and garage sales. 

You can get a lot of mileage out of a men’s extra-large T-shirt. If you need more fabric than that, look for secondhand sheet sets. They’re the closest thing you can get to straight-off-the-bolt fabric that isn’t sold as an expensive hobby product, plus there’s some elastic in the fitted sheet. I’m currently in the process of making a dress with a circle skirt using fabric from a 4-piece twin sheet set I thrifted for sixteen bucks. Buying that much fabric at a fabric store would’ve cost several times more.

If you’re still worried, take a breath. Whatever you don’t know, you will learn. Google is a powerful tool and YouTube has heaps of tutorials. The worst that can happen is that you make a mistake. Mistakes can be fixed. Mistakes are how you learn. The worst mistakes often make great stories.

TL;DR: you only need four things, buy clothing to fit the largest part of your body, get cheap fabric from thrift stores, and don’t be afraid to make stupid mistakes!

[ere-the-sun-rises]

I have some tips!

There's nothing wrong with discount meat in grocery stores. If it has a discount tag, buy it!

Costco has very, very cheap rotisserie chicken ($8 CAD). Buy two, use one for dinner and strip the other one down. You can fry it later (margarine and garlic plus are my preferred method, but bbq sauce works well too) and use it in a salad/pasta/whatever.

There's almost always a solution you can find for home issues in Home Hardware (if you're Canadian).

For the love of god, invest in a really good plunger. It'll save your ass and they never, ever break.

Vim and Windex can be used to clean just about everything that isn't dishes or clothes. That includes cooktops and non-porcelain tubs.

Dollar stores are a godsend. Lots of them have cheap breads and tools (think pliers and paintbrushes), as well as kitchen wares (I cannot recommend Betty Crocker kitchen stuff enough).

If you can't afford a vacuum but your place is cold, buy bathmats. They're usually plush, affordable and washing machine safe.

Invest in good towels. They should be thick, wide and soft. Trust me, good towels wash better and never need to be replaced.

Thrift stores are denim gold mines. Spend the time to thrift for jeans - you won't regret it.

There is very little clothing that can't be fixed with an embroidery hoop, a needle, some thread and time. Darning is easy to do, if a little time consuming, and can save a pair of pants (especially if you get holes in the inner thigh like I do).

Keep unsavable denim clothing - they make great patches, especially if you don't have the time to darn.

Burning cheap candles that smell good can be a lifesaver for morale. Everyone likes their place to smell good, and candle scents tend to linger unlike airfresheners or plug ins.

Wool socks can save your feet in the winter, even with shitty boots/shoes.

Don't cheap out on extension cords or power bars. They will cause fires.

Frozen vegetable mixes are the best. They often have otherwise expensive foods like brocolli or cauliflower in them, and they're super cheap.

As a former cashier, your groceries do not get judged. Don't be afraid to buy what you need or what's at a really good price.

Crockpots are the ultimate soup machines, and soup is such a wonderful and easy thing to make.

CABBAGE. Cheaper than other greens (mostly) and very versatile. Eastern European recipes make a lot of solid use from it.

Speaking of, soup mixes and boullion cubes. They are cheap, easy to use and work wonders flavouring a soup or rice.

Freeze as much as you can, especially meat. Pork and beef can be cooked from frozen, as well as some pre-prepared fish.

Check if your grocery store does bagged value stuff. In mine, they have $10 bags of breaded fish, breakfast sausage and hotdogs (good, big ones too). These are generally stagnant prices, so they're good reliable items.

Frozen pierogi are really good and usually pretty cheap if you don't buy a name brand (look for them in a bag rather than a box). You can fry them in oil (or bacon grease if you're feeling bougie) to crispen the shells. Don't buy the ones with bacon inside, though - they're disgusting. Cheese and potato or potato and spinach are the best.

Vinegar is an effective (if mildly unpleasant) cleaner. Use it to disinfect stuff like door handles, countertops or even floors (though it doesn't clean as well as an actual floor cleaner).

Try and keep a plant in each room. You'd be surprised how much your new little buddy will improve your mood.

Duvets are superior bed clothes if you live anywhere cold.

Bed-in-a-bag are really, really helpful. They usually contain a comforter, fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillow shams (2 or 4 depending on whether it's a twin or higher). While not as warm as duvets, they're well worth the money.

If you've got long hair, there are little mesh caps you can buy to place in your drains. This will catch the hair and cut down on Draino costs/usage.

Nice laminate tiles are available - you don't have to completely tear up your floor to update your place.

Mattress toppers can save your bed for you. Aim for 3", though - it's the most comfortable.

Throw blankets are great for a cheap way to pad your bedding or keep you warm around the house. You can even use them in place of carpets (though i'd recommend only in bedrooms - they move too much for high-traffic areas like living rooms).

Polyester traps heat better than cotton and is more resilient. Polyester/cotton/raylon blends are the best fabric to balance durability with comfort.

Polyester-filled pillows can be machine washed/dried and indeed should be. It prolongs and preserves their lifespan.

Pillows are a good insulator if your bed is against an external wall.

Some tips on eating as a poor person that aren't "live on dry beans and rice that take time and effort to make"

Food Banks Exist For YOU!! I don't need one anymore but am so thankful for them. You may hesitate to go to them bc you don't think you need it as badly as others... but from someone who spent years with their dad going to several, the food is there and they want to help. It isn't embarrassing; the people who volunteer are doing it for a reason, and ime treat you as a shopper, not a charity case. There are sites to find food banks. If you go to one, they usually have pamphlets for all the ones in the area. We never had to prove income or anything like that. They want to help, I promise.

If there's a local farmer's market, check to see if they have a subsidy program for people on food stamps. Another thing my dad and I used. At two separate markets 5 hrs apart, both had a program where you could DOUBLE your food stamp money in farmer's market coupons. Healthy, fresh, local, ethically raised food for less than the grocery store

If you go to a store more than once in a blue moon get the discount/membership/whatever card. It's usually super easy and almost always saves you a LOT of money

When in a supermarket, look at price per ounce if comparing items. Do not look at total price vs visual package size. Companies are experts at packing less and less food into larger packages. Grocery stores with a price per oz on the tags are so so helpful, but if they don't, sometimes it honestly makes a difference to use your phone calculator

CHECK IF YOU HAVE AN ALDI IN YOUR AREA. They sell actual seriously good, usually healthy food way cheaper than crappy stuff at other stores. This is for a lot of reasons I won't get into. But, it's also just a more ethical system for their workers, who make well above minimum wage. Aldi is Life. Tip: if you don't have reusable bags, keep an eye out for empty boxes as you shop. They don't bag anything for you.

BIG LOTS or other similar clearance/discount stores. They get an ever-changing stock of things at deep discounts. Lots of nice luxury and/or healthy groceries at half price as well as your normal staples. Also my go-to for home items and pet supplies

Shop Sales. This one is obvious to some but others just aren't in the habit. I almost exclusively buy things on sales where I save at least 1/3, usually 1/2. You can have a fully stocked pantry and freezer and spend half as much as if you only buy things when you want to eat that particular thing. It does mean less fresh food, but y'know. Just develop a laser eye for a sale tag and know where the clearance section is. Second nature to people who grew up poor but I was amazed shopping with college friends who bought full price name brand food and had trouble paying rent

I haven't done this but my brother swears by it. He went in with a few friends on a communal Costco membership. Could also do this with Sam's Club. They shop together, and then split bulk items if there's a great deal on something one person couldn't eat on their own. Bulk is the way to go if you can find a way to have the up-front cash. Impossible for many which is why the communal thing is so genius!

If this helps even one person it was worth writing out! I've realized last year, I learned a Lot growing up under the poverty line. It doesn't just appear in your brain when you're 22 and can't pay your bills for the first time.

Please feel free to add other tips if you have them. Just don't shame people for eating what they choose to eat like those "vegan dollar cookbooks" or whatever.

[arosebyname]

So target released a dup pair of Frye boots and someone on tiktok was complaining about trend culture and you should really just save up the money to buy the name brand boots because they're better quality and will last you longer, and a lot of people are responding to it and I have thoughts.

I agree with the op in that trend culture is a problem for several reasons (it's unsustainable, it encourages excessive spending, it creates cliquishness). I also theoretically agree with the advice of saving up money for the better quality thing that will last you longer. This however comes from a low income person who is not fashionable nor cares about being fashionable. I can't really assert my views onto everyone else. A mid income person who has a passion in fashion should absolutely take that advice if they collect or regularly style high end items. But if I were to spend $500 or a bag or a pair of boots that would absolutely be a waste of money. I'm not spending that kind of cash on something I'll maybe use twice a year.

I've got maybe half a dozen nice outfits in my closet (dresses and skirt/blouses and some nice slacks) and when I see some shoes or a belt that looks like it might go well with one or some of my outfits, if money isn't particularly tight, I might get it. My everyday heavy use items are jeans, tshirts, and either canvas sneakers or my doc's for work. The thing that consistently gives out first are my sneakers and that's usually every year or two and they're like $60 to replace. I could probably find more sustainable shoes that will last for 10+ years but I'm just not gonna do that. I like my sneakers and two years for canvas and rubber is a totally fine timeline for everyday wear shoes to last. But if I was a person in the same situation I'm in now but I liked dressing more stylish, I'd probably still follow the same model; buy what you can that you will use consistently and at a quality you find manageable.

There's also the reality that a lot of clothing items are being made by impoverished people under hazardous conditions, but both luxury brands and off brand companies are guilty of this. Companies that use sustainable labor and materials are, unsurprisingly, unaffordable to the average person who isn't fashion oriented. (This is the big reason why I'm against buying trends, all of the reasons to indulge are strictly personal and don't consider the well-being of the people making those garments or the planet)

It's super easy to just say thrift it, but even I at my favorite thrift store have trouble finding clothing that I wouldn't consider a waste of money (it's like $5 for a pair of used pants but if I'm never gonna wear them then what's the point), and my style is the most easy to shop for. You have to count on someone else donating something you would also wear in your size, which makes it harder for plus size people to go shopping (I give grace to plus size people who shop fast fashion companies bc I legit get it, it's hard to be ridiculed for your body and also never wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable, but even then I think there should be some self awareness of trends and overspending)

Anyway, everyone is a little bit right and everything can be true at once actually

[asktherejectsau]

🍊🎱 Exclusive interview with co-producer and songwriter of The Rejects, and former Gorillaz lead singer — Stuart “2-D” Pot 🎱🍊

Interviewer: Hi, 2-D. How‘ve you been holding up?

2-D: Mmm, alright now I think.

I: Oh, did something happen earlier?

2-D: Yeah, I was feeling a little peeved today since I spilled some raspberry tea on my good pair of pants this morning. They were pretty fancy too. Wish you could’ve seen ’em. They had these little hearts and stuff on ’em and they were really cute.

I: Oh. Well, uh, I’m sorry that happened—

2-D: I managed to throw ’em in the wash today. Hopefully, it’ll come out. But then I remembered my second best pair of pants, so I’m feeling pretty swell now. Plus I got some new tea to replace the one that was in my last cup. [sips from new coffee cup and sighs happily] This one’s jasmine tea. It’s really good. You wanna try some?

I: I-I’m good, thank you. Anyway, shall we—?

2-D: Oh, almost forgot. These are my new baggy flannel pants. I got ’em from a thrift store out in Holland one time and—

I: [clears throat]

2-D: O-Oh, right. The interview. [hums awkwardly while twiddling his thumbs] Sorry, I haven’t done one of these in a while.

I: It’s okay. We just need to get a move on. So, 2-D, aside from today, how have things been? You’ve been awfully quiet over the past few months since your departure from Gorillaz.

2-D: Yeah… I’ve been trying to avoid talking on social media for a while since I’ve left. Although, I dunno if I’d call it leaving but more, like, taking a break. I’ve just been trying to find out who I really am, yeah? I realized through working on The Now Now that I want to do something more than just Gorillaz my whole life. I wanna grow and change and develop something for myself. Like the potato that’s currently sprouting on my windowsill at the moment. His name is George. Him aside, I feel like I’ve been stuck in one place for while. Just stagnant, unmoving. That’s why I stopped using social media all together and so far it’s been such a weight off my mind. Same thing with Gorillaz. It’s not that I’m unhappy from all my time with Gorillaz, their like… my blood, ya know? My family. But… I dunno. It’s… [fidgets in seat] It’s like when you eat the same meal everyday for a few months and then you start thinking, “This isn’t really working for me like it used to. It still tastes good but now I want something different.” I think me being with The Rejects is what’s gonna help me find, err… well… “me” right now. I’m not gonna be gone from Gorillaz forever but I just need something different, keep things fresh.

(Picture of 2-D with Gorillaz in late 2018)

I: Hmm… I see. Speaking of your former bandmates, do you still keep in touch with them even with your hiatus?

2-D: Oh yeah, loads. I try to talk with ‘em every chance I get. Just last week, Noodle and I FaceTimed each other and she showed me Katsu patting Russel’s stomach with her paws, like she was making a loaf of bread off of him for ten minutes while he laid asleep on the couch. It was amusing for the first five minutes, then it became a betting match to see how long she’d do that before he woke up.

I: What about Murdoc? Any updates from him?

2-D: [taps his coffee cup uncomfortably] He’s fine, p-probably… Um, what’s the next question?

I: Oh, sorry. Err… How did you first meet the Rejects?

2-D: Well, I already knew most of them from the get go. That being Ace and Cyb — I mean, Cynthia. Still gotta get used to that… Uh, the only person I hadn’t met before was Lenny. All I can really say about him is that he’s a really chill guy. Very sociable and surprisingly, a lot younger than I was expecting. He like Phil Collins and the Blue Men Group into one, he’s pretty great. As for how we all came together, it wasn’t too long after I began my hiatus actually. I think it was like, I dunno, two weeks after I took off? I stayed at a Marriott in LA for a bit and one day I came into this gas station to grab a couple snacks for the ride out to Ottawa ‘til I heard somebody shout out my name. I got kinda scared at first ‘cause, well, [runs a hand through his hair] the reason why I got this shaved cut was so I couldn’t be recognized as easily. Besides, last time I visited LA, I blended in pretty well. Well as long as you looked at me from behind, that is. [humming laughter] But then I saw it was Ace calling out for me. I was so stoked to see him again. We talked for a bit, hung out at his place, had a few drinks, I tried weed brownies for the first time and uh… I ended up spending the night with him. Then I found out that Cynthia was his roommate after she hit me head with one of her cables to wake me up from the floor. I was quite surprised to see her, I mean, by what Murdoc told me, I thought she was gone. Like poof! Gone like my socks in the dryer. But, y’know… I was happy to see her. Really, I was. That might sound weird to you, and… I-I’m assuming you already know what happened to me on that beach. [laughs awkwardly] But I was real worried ‘bout what could’ve happened to her. I know she wasn’t like the original Noods and she went kind of coocoo after getting that bullet through the head, but I don’t think what happened to me was her fault. I think we’re both victims really and it wouldn’t have been right for me to hold any ill will towards now her when… i-it wasn’t her choice to do the things she did. At least, I don’t think it was. But, um, anyway… I ended up crashing at Ace’s place for longer than I would’ve liked but after a bit, me and Cynthia reconciled, she introduced me to her band and the new stuff she was working on and from there I’ve been hooked.

I: Wow, that’s… oddly very touching. Thank you for sharing something so personal with us.

2-D: Um yeah. I dunno what I did but, no problem?

I: That being said, when talking about self-discovery, I also I hear you talking about Ace a lot. Some fans are wondering, are the two of you perhaps “involved?”

2-D: What do you mean?

I: Are you dating?

2-D: Oh! Y-Yeah, you can say that… [giggles]

I: Oh wow! Good for you. How long have you guys been together?

2-D: I’d say… four? I: Four what? 2-D: Yes. I: No, uh… have you two been together for four days? Months? 2-D: No, I’d say we’ve been dating for five months now.

I: I… Okay, how or when did you both decide to—?

2-D: It was a bit spontaneous. Well, kind of… [hums softly] See, we really hit it off when he joined Gorillaz back in 2018 but I was still figuring myself out back then so I waited until I was sure and now… uh, we decided that now it was probably the right time. [chuckles] It’s funny, yeah? I’ve never felt so happy before. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever fallen this hard for someone in a really long time. Well, except for that one lady that turned out to be a coat rack, but I think I just really needed new contacts. I used to be so scared of what would happen to me once I came out but y’know, I’m glad that I get to live in a time where people can feel free to love who they want without fear. Only determination to love and be themselves with their whole chest. There’s still a whole lot of work to do but I say it’s better for everyone if we keep moving forward. Going backwards doesn’t help anyone improve. Anyway, I also got to say, it’s very refreshing to have someone that truly loves and respects you for the way you are; all flaws included, no strings attached… [sighs] I think it’s safe to say I’m in complete bliss.

(Picture of 2-D and Ace in Little Tokyo, Townsville)

I: How would you describe Ace as a partner?

2-D: Umm… not much has changed between us since we’ve started dating actually. He’s a bit more clingy than he used to be, but I mean that in a good way. Anytime I’m sitting down doing something, he’ll wrap his arms around me and ask what I’m doing, or he’ll give me a peck on the head whenever he brings me a cup of tea… He’s a teddy bear, really. Very physically affectionate, always gentle with his movements, and has surprisingly soft, supple hands. Oh, oh! [moves in his seat excitedly] I found out he likes doing this thing whenever we’re out in public. Recently we’ve been doing these little play fights. Usually he’ll make this little karate chop motion against my neck or my arms, and then I push it away and soon we’ll start this war with our arms, hands, and sometimes feet just blocking each other’s moves while making our own sound effects like it’s our own kind of action movie. That happened one time while we were ordering food at the plaza last week and this time I won by grabbing his wrists and pulling him towards me so I could kiss his forehead and oh my god, he was such a mess! [laughs] H-He wouldn’t even look at me without acting like he was gonna melt. [snorts] Ugh, you should’ve seen him! It was so adorable. Almost acted like a toddler, all giggly and following me about whenever I moved. He practically clung onto me the entire night afterwards.

I: Ah, the honeymoon phase… Well, we could go on about your relationship with Ace but we need to get back on track. Tell us, what’s it like not being the lead vocalist for once?

2-D: Again, pretty refreshing. I get to work more on my skills as a producer and making music that I’m proud of. I feel like a little kid playing keyboards with my dad again with all this new equipment we’ve got now. Been working on some pretty banger stuff with the band so far and I can’t wait for people to hear it some time soon.

I: What are you most excited for people to listen to?

2-D: Well we are coming out with an EP at some point this year but before that comes out, we did put out a single. It’s one of the first songs I worked on with the Rejects and it’s called “LOVEBUG!!” It’s definitely more of an experimental track, especially compared to both me and the band’s past work, but I loved messing around with all of the soft synths and 808s in this one. Lenny absolutely crushed it with the drums and I think it suits Cynthia’s voice really well! Although, the more I think about it, I sometimes think she sounds a lot like someone else I’ve heard lately. Well, either way, I just hope people end up liking the song just as much as I did making it. [hums happily]

(LOVEBUG!! Promo Cover)

I: Good to know. How would you describe your experience working with the Rejects so far?

2-D: Quite tame. We all tend to be quite amicable with one another and we don’t fight as much compared to when I would record back at Kong. We really let our ideas bounce off each other like ping pong balls and when one of us comes up with a good line or segment, we all get excited. I haven’t felt like that before. That’s not to say I didn’t have that same feeling with Gorillaz before I took a break but the energy between us and the energy I get when working with the Rejects isn’t really up for comparison, y’know what I mean? Gorillaz is, uh… more of a family dynamic. A chaotic one but a found family, right? Whereas with the Rejects, we don’t see each other as collaborators but as a group of friends and I think that’s a neat little thing we made for ourselves. When dealing with the high that comes from being famous, everything around you just happens all at once and soon you forget what it’s like to breathe. I’ve been stuck in that world for 22 years, but after taking this break and later joining the Rejects, I’ve learned how to appreciate the little things again and I’m excited to see what life has to offer me.

I: How would you describe your current bandmates?

2-D: Cynthia is quite the natural born leader and she seems to really know her stuff. She can be a bit stubborn at times whenever we start composing things but she hasn’t done anything too extreme. I think that just shows more of her fiery personality. Not too surprising, given who made her but already I can tell you, she’s much better than that old sod. At least she actually treats me like a person and doesn’t try to… S-Sorry, I’m going too off topic, aren’t I? [clears throat] Um… Where was I again? Ah, right. Bandmates, yeah... Cynthia, to me is, uh, very determined and always willing to tackle a lots of ideas at once. She’s a perfectionist for sure but sometimes, I worry about her short circuiting with how much time she spends writing one song. You already know how I feel about Ace but Lenny on the other hand is quite the interesting guy. Reminds me of Russel in some ways but I wish I could understand him more. I don’t know sign language so we just write and text stuff to one another. Apparently he likes painting and sculpting things out of clay so one time I tried to make him something but I think I ended up making a creature that looks like it wants to die but Lenny still keeps it on his shelf so I guess it’s not too bad.

I: Alright, I think that’s all the time we have for today. Do you have anything else to say before we go?

2-D: Um, yeah, uh… do you know where the nearest toilet is? I’ve been holding it in since I got here.

I: I… [sighs] It should be on the 2nd floor to your right.

2-D: Cool, thanks. [gets up to leave before nearly tripping over his untied shoelaces]

I: Your shoes are untied.

2-D: [in the distance] I don’t know how to tie them!

I: Err… Well, stay tuned until next time where we interview the Rejects’ bassist, Ace D. Copular and talk about his journey from reality TV actor to aspiring musician.

[oodlefurb]

This is happening with other stuff too, it's just harder to catch. But it pisses me off so I'm gonna name names to hopefully warn people away from products that have burned me

I've been buying the same style of converse shoe since highschool. They slip on, but have fake laces to look like a tennis shoe. With the latest pair, the laces have been made so thin the knot no longer stays in the eyelet, and since they're a special length of laces I can't just go get some replacements somewhere else. They've effectively ruined their own product to save a penny or two in materials. I'm no longer going to be purchasing these shoes, if anyone knows of any other brands that produce a similar style let me know.

I recently ordered two pairs of these Levi jeggings. However they are not the same pants. On one, the elastic is worse and doesn't stay up and the material for the pockets is rougher and less comfortable. They also changed the logo, so I was able to figure which was the current one; surprise surprise it's the worst one. I will probably try to find a pair or two of the old style on Poshmark since I know they fit me well but it sucks to know that even if I wanted to order more new pairs I can't.

Yes I know it's petty to complain about my new brand name clothes not living up to expectations. I'm lucky that I can afford to buy these things in the first place.

But it's so frustrating not being able to trust anything anymore. If they online reviews are even true in the first place, they may be for a totally different product than the thing you actually receive. Brands you used to be able to trust to deliver a baseline level of quality are now just as bad as the no-name drop shipped crap. Shopping in person can sometimes be better (though tbh when basically every brand is making their stuff worse it doesn't help much). But it also takes a lot more time and energy and assumes you have stores nearby that sell whatever you need (ie jeggings are some of the only pants I can comfortably wear right now due to my body shape and weight fluctuations but since they're not "fashionable" anymore a lot of stores don't sell them). And none of this shields you from issues that only show up after a little bit of wear or the first washing.

What can an individual even do? I try to thrift what I can (though once again that takes a lot of time and energy, plus can be difficult if you have a nonstandard body shape or don't stay a consistent size). But like, I need clothes. I don't have the time to figure out which brands haven't yet crappified their stuff. So I just end up buying shit that I know sucks because I need pants that fit me now and these mostly do the job. And inside I quietly rage because even if I'm willing to spend the money, the option to buy a better quality thing no longer exists.

I highlighted clothes here but it's literally everything. My thrifted IKEA Kallax shelf is noticeably better than the brand new one I bought new. The "crappy" screwdriver I got gifted from my dad when I moved out is better than the one I bought new. The quality of materials used on the vintage beanie babies I like collect is so much nicer than on the new ones you can buy in the store. Anywhere you can find a direct comparison to be made, the new one will almost always be worse.

I don't want to live in a cheap, disposable world. I try to take care of the things I have. I patch holes and mend seams and wash gently. But the corporations that run the world are giving us no choice.

companies are delusional if they think consumers don't notice shrinkflation. less food in the package, less medicine in the jar, less whatever in the wherever, it doesn't matter where and it's almost always noticeable. like i just finished one box of medicine and we opened another allegedly identical one that we just bought and lo and behold, the four middle medicine segments were gone from the package. they took out four pills from the same sized box and sold it at the same price without any indication on the box other than the small number in the corner. ridiculous

[shemarmooresfedora]

Rebuilding Family

Summary: Y/N and Spencer were college sweethearts at Cal-Tech but once Spencer got accepted to the FBI Academy, he ended things deciding it was not fair to make Y/N wait for him. When they meet again years later, he discovers something unexpected.

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Fem! Reader

Masterlist

Chapter 9

“Dinner at my house at 7. Be there,” Rossi announced to everyone in the bullpen.

Everyone nodded, accepting the invitation.

“Sorry, I can’t. I have Jo tonight,” Spencer declined.

“Bring her with you. The more, the merrier! Her mom is welcome too, I would use her name but I’m still in the dark about that one,” Rossi said.

“Well, I, for one, would love to meet the lady that Pretty Boy is throwing punches for,” Morgan smirked.

“Henry will be there, Spence,” JJ informed Spencer, trying to convince him to bring Jo.

“Alright, Jo and I will be there. I will ask Y/N and yes, that’s her name if she decides to come,” Spencer gave in.

-

“I don’t know, Spencer...can’t just you and Jo go?” you asked.

“Yes, we could. I don’t want to pressure you but I think it would be fun if you went too. Plus, Rossi’s pasta is phenomenal,” Spencer stated.

“I don’t want to intrude...and I’m horrible at small talk,” you added.

“Rossi specifically invited you so you’re not intruding. Will and JJ will be there, who you already know, and I promise I won’t leave your side until you’re comfortable,” he assured you.

“Fine, I need to take a shower and get ready then. How formal is this thing?” you asked.

“Most people either stay in their clothes from work or go home and change into casual clothes,” Spencer shrugged.

You nodded and headed up the stairs.

A half hour later, you came down in a cream colored midi sundress with a floral pattern and a slit down the side.

Spencer’s breath hitched in his throat.

“How’s this?” you asked, giving him a little spin.

“Y-Yes that’s f-fine,” Spencer choked out.

“You don’t like it?” you frowned, “They’re gonna hate it...and me.”

You started walking back up the stairs to change when you felt someone grab your wrist gently.

“I was having trouble speaking because you look absolutely radiant,” Spencer spoke softly.

“Not too bad yourself, Doctor,” you smiled.

Spencer had lost his sweater vest and tie from the work day, leaving him in just his pale blue dress shirt with a few of the top buttons undone.

“Jo, come on! I’ve got to do your hair before we go,” you called out, pulling out one of the kitchen table chairs.

Jo came running down the stairs in a light pink sweater and overalls.

“What do you want?” you asked, using a spray bottle to wet her hair slightly and then brushing it out.

“Two braids please, Mommy.”

You parted her hair and began working on the first braid, feeling Spencer’s eyes watching curiously from beside you.

Once you finished the first one, you turned to looked at him.

“Do you want to do the other side?” you asked.

“I was observing your movements but I’m not sure if I can replicate them with the same speed and accuracy,” Spencer stated as you pushed him forward.

“I’ll be your instructor then. You’re going to need to learn how to do this. Jo doesn’t like to have her hair in her face so she likes to have it styled back somehow,” you said.

Spencer brushed the hair on Jo’s left side once more and then sectioned out three even pieces from the front.

“So basically you just keep crossing the side strands over into the middle and adding more hair to the side strands each time,” you explained as Spencer slowly started to braid Jo’s hair.

By the time he got to the end, it was a little bumpy and a small chunk of hair had been left out of the braid and was hanging astray.

“Okay okay, not bad for a first attempt,” you encouraged him.

“I think I’ve got it this time,” Spencer released the braid from its elastic and combed Jo’s hair out again.

Spencer’s confidence definitely increased this time through, he was going much faster, almost as fast as you. His tongue was poking out the side of his mouth in concentration. You had to admit that he looked absolutely adorable.

“Much better,” you smiled as he tied off the braid with the elastic.

“If you can do a braid, pigtails and ponytails will be a piece of cake,” you informed him.

“I think my fingers are cramping,” he chuckled, admiring his handiwork.

-

“Spencer, what if they hate me?” you nervously asked as you walked up Rossi’s driveway.

“They are not going to hate you,” Spencer assured you as he carried Jo on his hip, “See, JJ and Will’s car is already here so there’s two people who already know and like you.”

Spencer rang the doorbell. You heard laughing and lots of conversation inside. You were nervously playing with your hands until Spencer reached over and grabbed one, squeezing it a little before letting go again. The simple gesture soothed you tremendously.

The front opened, revealing an older man with black hair and a goatee.

“You must be Y/N,” he smiled.

“Yes, that’s me,” you shakily returned the smile.

“I’m Dave or Rossi whichever you prefer. Come inside! Dinner will be ready shortly!” he waved to Jo in Spencer’s arms.

You entered the kitchen to see a bunch of grinning faces, staring at you.

“Guys, this is Y/N and you all remember Jo,” he introduced you to the group.

You gave a small wave, “Hi! It’s nice to meet you all.”

A blonde woman was the first to get up off her seat at the kitchen counter and wrap you in a warm hug. You squeaked a little at first, not expecting it.

“Hi, I’m Penelope! Sorry, I’m an avid hugger,” she chirped.

“No worries,” you smiled back.

Another woman with long dark hair approached you next, “I’m Emily! I love your dress!”

“Thank you! I actually got it at a thrift store downtown,” you replied.

Next in line was a man still in his suit, smiling only slightly but you could tell he was trying his hardest.

“I’m Aaron but everyone calls me Hotch,” Hotch said as he shook your hand.

And finally, “Derek Morgan, at your service,” Derek grinned as kissed your hand.

Spencer narrowed his eyes at Derek.

“Ignore him,” he said to you.

“Jo, I’m loving the braids,” JJ said as Spencer set her down on the floor.

“Daddy did the left one,” she beamed.

“Did he now?” JJ looked up at you and Spencer incredulously.

“Yes, he did,” you confirmed.

“He is going to have to start braiding my hair,” Penelope chimed in.

Henry and Jack came running into the kitchen.

“Jo!” Henry exclaimed, “Me and Jack are playing tag. Wanna play?”

Jo nodded enthusiastically and Henry touched her quickly and began running away.

“You’re it!” he called out.

“Oh, that was a cheap shot, Henry,” Will chuckled as the kids all left the kitchen once again.

“Jack is Hotch’s kid,” Spencer explained to you.

“Y/N, do you want some wine?” Emily offered.

You looked up at Spencer and he nodded, mouthing “I’ll drive home”.

“Sure! Thank you,” you accepted the glass.

You were talking to JJ, Will, and Hotch when you heard a familiar crying coming from outside. You set your wine glass down and ran to the backyard.

Jo was on the ground, clutching her knee, and the boys were hunched over her.

“Oh no, Baby J, what happened?” you asked, kneeling down.

“I fell while running and my knee got a boo-boo,” she cried.

You picked her up in your arms, rubbing light circles on her back, as Spencer came running outside carrying a mini first aid kit.

He gently rolled up Jo’s pant leg to above her knee as she clung to your neck.

“Alright, Jo, I have to put on some ointment and a band-aid so the boo-boo doesn’t get infected,” he spoke softly, applying ointment to the little scratch.

After he smoothed the band-aid over it, he kissed her knee three times.

“All better?” he asked.

“Thank you, Daddy,” she sniffled, letting go of you.

“You’re welcome, Princess. How about we have some dinner now?” he asked, using his sleeve to wipe her tears and snot.

Jo nodded and you all got up from the ground, heading back inside.

The rest of the team scrambled away from the window to pretend they weren’t just watching a truly heartwarming co-parenting moment.

[bethanysnow]

“I didn’t give it” (A fic for @maneskinbrainrot​ )

Måneskin was invited to perform for New York Fashion week with Gucci. Paraded around by the luxury brand was not a exactly- fun - thing for them to experience, but it paid the bills. Their manager knew this about them, so it wasn’t a big surprise for her to get a text message from Thomas saying they were ‘escaping’ and would be back by dinner. They were in New York City after all! Play tourist for a while in a country they felt a little more safe not to be spotted in. Especially on fashion week where all the art hoes came out of the woodwork. A couple Italians were nothin! With some rudimentary googling Vic found a cafe and a thrift store to barricade themselves in for the next hour or so. The streets of New York were messy and smelled funny, but were alive. The ground hadn’t been smoothed flat with a millennia of people. The brick buildings rose into the sky and the skyscrapers tore holes into heaven. 

People around them didn’t give them the time of day. No one was shouting their name. No one knew who they were, and if they did no one gave a flying fuck by the looks of it. It really was heaven. They loved their job of course, music was their life. But fame was bitter, grainy and left something stuck in their teeth. Here it was like they were nobodies. Not that they minded of course. Vic led the way to the thrift store she had found online, under a block of apartments was the glass window front. A green awning with golden letters of the store. The neon open sign was lit up so the band walked in. A brown countertop near the front of the store was personless. Racks on racks of clothes covered the floor. 50s-60s ball gowns hung from the ceiling beams. The air was musty just in the way vintage thrift stores tended to be. History on all sides by the articles people have worn. Rock music left the speakers pinned to the walls, playing Arctic Monkeys, Queen, and others. 

The band split up to look for a clerk of some kind. A store wouldn’t just be open by itself- right? 

Damiano went down a long aisle of what looked to be 70s memorabilia by the avocado green and bright yellow clothes. A neon red glow caught his attention. Making his way to the back of the store the glow came from a neon sign bent to look like a naked lady. Strategically placed ribbon over certain areas. A paper taped to a hanger with ‘XXX Lingerie section’ printed on it piqued his interest. Even more so when he looked in to find a beautiful woman laying on the red shag carpet cuddling up to a nighty asleep. 

“‘Scusa- Miss? Are you- do you work here?” Damiano asked quietly. Her eyes shot open and looked at where the voice came from. She held a hand to her heart, taking a breath.

    “Sorry! No uh, my best friend works here. I am just visiting, but I can help I guess. Whatsup?” She said getting up. Brushing off imaginary dirt from her hands as she reached her full height. She was shorter than him, her hair was slightly a mess from an interrupted nap. She’s cute. Damiano was lost in admiring her beauty until he blinked and she was waving her hand in front of his face, unaware that he was staring. 

    “Earth to dude, you ok?” She chuckled though still slightly concerned for his wellbeing. 

“Sorry- I'm Damiano, I’m here with friends of mine and we were checking things out. What was your name? I didn't catch it.” 

    “Cuz I didn’t give it.” She winked and Damiano’s blood pressure went higher. Attractive and a flirt too??? Fuck! 

He grinned at her as she was about to put the nighty she was using as a pillow up back on the rack. Damiano took his shot. 

“You know, it might look good on me. What do you think?” Holding it up against his body, the white silk ending just above the waistline of his pants. Leaning on the clothing rack he tilted his head to catch her eyes looking at the garment. “Look better on you though-” Whispering as her face froze and flushed a bright red. Quickly grabbing it and putting it back where it belonged she cleared her throat. 

    “No- uh I don’t wear that kinda stuff. But on you sure. You looking for anything specific?” 

“Besides your number? ...I was looking for some shirts honestly” She nodded and pointedly ignored his previous comment. 

The rest of the band were busy debating on a pair of corduroy pants Ethan was wearing as Damiano showed up with another person in tow. Introductions were made of who they all were and the woman offered some suggestions to the debate going on. But Damiano couldn’t help himself. 

“So Bellissima we have a gig going on later tomorrow if you want to join. Be our plus one as it were-” Vic raised a brow at that. Asking some random girl to go with them to something was one thing, but to ask a random girl to a gig at fashion week was another. And to top it off, a runway of one of the most well known luxury brands in the world. Her concerns were met with their singer giving her a look that meant he knew what he was doing. Or at least he thought he did. 

To Damiano's surprise the woman in front of him shrugged, looked at her phone checking something and said sure. SHE SAID SURE! That was enough for him. Soon the whirlwind of the band and their new found friend were busy trying on clothes and dancing through the store. Thomas' foot got stuck in a platform boot as another person walked into the enclave that they had made that afternoon. The woman that they had met earlier smiled and introduced them as her best friend- I.E the one who actually worked at the store. Explaining what had gone on and the fun chaos that had happened since. 

The day started to wind down and the band had all gotten texts from their manager telling them to come back to the hotel. Picking out their favorite pieces, it all was thrown onto the counter. The woman placed everything in bags, handing it to them once finished. 

As Damiano was to leave the woman he had met stopped him. 

    “You forgot something-” 

“I did?” Checking for his phone or wallet or whatever he could have misplaced. 

    “Yea here- hold on” She ripped out some paper from behind the counter and wrote on it slipping it into his front pocket. With a wink they left. Getting back to the hotel he pulled it out finally after it was burning a hole in his brain.

it read-

‘###-###-#### y/n <3 P.S. Nice music btw. L’altra dimensione slaps.’

[etraytin]

Quarantine, Days 296-298

January 2-4 It is the night of the first day back to school and I have made the discovery that Husband can somehow hear my computer at 10% volume in another room through a closed door, so that is not wonderful. I am not feeling gracious about it, but I try to not be too much of an asshole when people are trying to sleep, so no more video or audio for me tonight, alas. But it does mean that I'm updating this journal, so I guess that is something? We have gotten out to do some shopping this past couple of days, because we were good for weeks based on the promise that we would do a little careful shopping after New Year. MIL and I went to William Sonoma and Soma and Talbot's because they were all next to each other in a great little upscale strip mall. They were almost empty, so that was nice. We got some new sweaters and a giant thing of peppermint bark, and arranged for knife sharpening, and I got a new bra. Well, ordered a new bra, because Soma did not have my size in the style I wanted. It turns out that Soma (a women's intimates store that is very unlike Victoria's Secret style stores in that it sells stuff you would actually want to wear) is using a touchless measuring system now. Instead of wrapping the tape measure around your boobs and abdomen and dividing by some arcane formula to get cup and size, now they give you an iddy-widdy sports bra with a battery pack on the back and sensors run through it and tell you to put it on over your bra. She handed me that thing and I, who am a sizable woman with an at-least proportionate kitten holding shelf, gave her a look that said I thought she was being way too optimistic. The lady insisted though, and by nearly dislocating both arms and discomfiting myself greatly, I did stuff myself into the thing. It got my correct measurements, as far as I can tell, but afterwards I didn't really feel like trying on bras. I just ordered a new copy of the one I already had. Anyway, we did that and then today we really took a wade into deep water and went to Target. Kiddo was desperately in need of pants that fit, and he is too old for the Oshkosh store. Plus the outlet mall would probably be even worse, because it is always crowded and the place is open air, which almost certainly means a bunch of plague rats not wearing masks "outside." At least in Target, we only saw one unmasked adult. Target's fitting rooms are still closed, so kiddo got three new pairs of pants in slightly different sizes, and my sister will help me get a hookup on whatever size works best for additional pants. He also got swim trunks, a new raincoat, a jacket-sweater, and a few new shirts, so he is very set! Nana is very good to him, and is where nearly all his new-new clothes come from. Luckily he is a guy comfortable with thrift store finds as well. On the way out, we even stopped by the Starbucks for frappucinos to drink in the car. We debated stopping by our favorite kitchen store, practically next door, but decided we'd pushed our luck enough. Shopping! So those were our big expeditions. Otherwise we have been staying pretty close to home for our last week here. trying to get things set up for MIL. I've looked up roofing companies for her and I'm trying to help straighten out the last financial stuff from summer. I tried to call an investment company today, first business day of the new year, which was a huge mistake. They are supposed to call me back first thing in the morning, after about an hour in total on hold. (And this was _after_ I did the whole callback number thing!) I am still trying to convince her to get a Life Alert style medical alert system, but it's not going well. She thinks her Apple Watch is enough, even though last time she fell, she wasn't even wearing the damn thing. I have even told her the story about my grandfather, who fell in his basement and fucking lay there for a whole night and didn't make it, a story I can barely stand to think about, much less tell, and it's not getting through. I just don't understand. Anyway, I have been keeping myself entertained here by watching Twitch streams and re-reading old stories from the gaming group I've belonged to for the past twelve years now. It's kind of funny because I realized that my first character for the site, who was a high schooler when I started playing her, will be thirty next year. (The game moves in real time, more or less.) I don't play her much anymore, but it's still pretty remarkable. It makes me want to start playing more than I have been lately, but the problem is that I need to come up with ideas for the characters I have now, not just revisit the ones I had then. I have also learned this past couple months that Twitch has a lot more on it than just gaming streams, so I've been listening to live music shows, watching comedy streams, and yes, even taking in some gaming. It's pretty cool. Tomorrow is grocery day and we are still not braving Walmart, so it's another pickup order! I came very, very close to forgetting to submit the big actual grocery list to supplement the tiny list I used to secure our time slot, and that would've been very bad. As it is, tomorrow afternoon is food day! It's the most wonderful time of the week.

[dlwritings]

Firecracker Soul | Dean Winchester

Chapter 20 - Bonnie and Clyde

pairing - mob!Dean x teacher!ofc

word count - 3,306

warnings - language, alcohol, fist fighting

additional notes at the end

(previous)

The next day, Alice and Christine met up for breakfast, as usual. Even though they were going to see each other in the evening at the party, they wanted to get breakfast anyway since they missed the week before. Plus, Alice wanted to prep Christine for meeting Dean, because even though she told Dean to be on his best behavior, it was Christine she was worried about.

"If I've said it once, I've said it a million times," Alice said, "Dean's really nice, so you have to be nice to him."

"I will, I will," she said with a roll of her eyes. "I'm just going to grill him on his intentions until he breaks."

"Christine," Alice whined.

"I'm joking, geez," Christine laughed. "I know he means a lot to you. I swear I'll play nice."

"And," Alice added, "don't talk about his job, okay? I'm pretty sure everyone who's there is going to be part of the family, but I don't want to take any chances. Plus, I don't even know if you're supposed to know about it."

"Well, you just eliminated my opening line," she said. "Hey Dean, you kill anyone lately?"

"Hilarious," Alice said.

"Does he have any cute workers?" she asked. "Any who are more around our age?"

"Mm, Jack probably won't be there," she said. "Kevin's kind of cute in like a nerdy-secretly-sexy way."

"I could be into that," she said.

"Is your only goal to get laid?" Alice asked.

Christine shrugged. "Not everyone has hot ass on tap."

After breakfast, Alice headed back home. She only had about an hour before she was going to go shopping with Hannah and Jess. She got a text from Jess that read, Making a Starbucks run. You want anything?

While she had just had coffee at breakfast with Christine, she couldn't turn down Starbucks. She told Jess what she wanted, thanked her, and in about a half hour, Jess texted that they had arrived. Christine headed down to the car, waving at the girls as soon as they could see her.

"Hey girlie," Jess said. "Your venti iced caramel macchiato."

"Thank you, thank you," she said, taking the drink. "So where are we shopping?"

"There's a designer dress shop about an hour away," Hannah explained. "You alright for a bit of a road trip?"

"Sure!" Alice said.

Their ride was filled with crowd pleasing classics -"Born in the USA", "Rocket Man", and the likes- and random chit chat about how everyone was doing. Jess didn't bring up the pregnancy -just as she said she wouldn't- but it was hard for Alice not to talk about it when it was the biggest event of her life at the present time.

When they got to the dress shop, Alice already saw dresses in the window that she liked. She was glad Dean offered to pay for whatever she got. Even though she didn't like him spending excessive amounts of money on her, she loved the idea of being able to dress up in something designer.

"How fancy is this event?" Alice asked, running her fingers over the fabric of the dresses. "Are we talking ball gowns?"

Jess chuckled. "Not that fancy. Maybe a-line? Trumpet? Column?"

"So floor length?" she clarified.

"You could do tea length," she said. "High-low."

"Got it," Alice said with a nod. "So lots of options."

"Exactly," Hannah said. "So let's get to it."

The shop may've been small, but it was chock full of dresses. They were there for at least an hour before they finally were all settled on what they were going to buy. Alice stood in front of the mirror in the dress and stared at her reflection. It was a high-low, asymmetrical dress with long sleeves and floral embroidery all across the torso and arms. She put her hands on her stomach and smoothed down the skirt.

"You look beautiful," Hannah said, her eyes meeting Alice's in the mirror. Jess was at the counter talking to the worker. Alice smiled.

"Thanks," she said. "Don't really feel like myself."

Hannah chuckled. "I didn't either the first time I got to dress like this."

"How long before you got used to it?" she asked.

"I'm still not sure I am," she said. Alice chuckled, then looked at her reflection again. "It suits you though," she added. Alice turned to face her.

"What does?" she asked.

"This life," Hannah said. "You take it all in stride. It's admirable. A lot of people can't handle it."

"How do you?" she asked. "Handle it, I mean."

While she loved talking to Jess, and she knew she once had experience as a mobster's wife, Hannah was in it then. Hannah thought for a moment. "It was hard for a while," she admitted, "mostly because of my job. I was already a councilwoman when I met Castiel. I felt like I was betraying everything I stood for if I was with him."

"But you don't feel that way anymore?"

Hannah shrugged. "I have lines I won't cross for him, and for the most part I just try to stay in the dark with what he does."

"And that works?" Alice asked.

Hannah nodded. "Yeah. We make it work. I decided that who Castiel is was more important to me than what he does for a living."

Alice nodded in understanding, then looked at her reflection one final time. "Yeah," she whispered. "I get that too."

-

Alice and Christine got ready for the party together at Alice's apartment. She told Dean she'd meet him there so that she could ride separately with Christine. Christine was going to the party dressed as a fortune teller. Her make-up and costume were both perfect and very much fit her aesthetic. Alice and Dean were going as Bonnie and Clyde, so Alice pretty much raided every thrift store in a 30 mile radius before she found all the right pieces.

Christine insisted on pregaming a bit before heading to the party, and Alice didn't care one way or another. She was posing as DD for the night, so she didn't need to come up with some bogus reason why she wasn't drinking. Christine was two jager shots in when she was finally ready to go. She was the perfect amount of tipsy to let go of her inhibitions for the start of the party.

When they got to Sam and Jess', it looked like everyone was already there from the amount of cars in the driveway. Alice was really excited. Halloween was a fun holiday, and any excuse to finally introduce Christine to Dean, she was game. She may've been nervous, but more than anything, she was ready. It was high time her boyfriend met her best friend.

Music was playing throughout the house when they walked inside, and Jess had really gone all out with decorations. "Alice!" She turned when she heard Jess' voice, then smiled as the girl jogged over to her. She was wearing black pants, a white button-up, a black bralette, and a jet-black, pixie cut wig. The trickle of fake blood on her nose made it clear that she was Mia Wallace from Pulp Fiction. She could only assume Sam was somewhere dressed as Vincent.

"Hey," Alice said, accepting the hug Jess was offering her. "Jess, this is my best friend, Christine."

"It's great to meet you," Christine said. Jess smiled and pulled her in for a hug too.

"You too," she said. "Your costume is great."

"Thanks," Christine said.

"Well, come on in," she said. "Alice, Dean is in the kitchen."

"Duh," she said. "Wherever the drinks are, Dean's not too far away."

The three of them walked through the house, and Alice could see Dean had her back to her -she'd recognize that perky butt anywhere- and she smiled to herself. She snuck up behind him and put her hands over his eyes. "There's no escaping now, Clyde," she said to him. Dean laughed and turned, holding Alice at arm's length.

"Well, don't you look beautiful, Bonnie," he said back. She stood on her tiptoes and placed a kiss to his lips. When they parted, Alice turned and looked at Christine again.

"Christine, this is Dean," she said. "Dean, this is Christine." Dean stuck his hand out to her.

"It's great to meet you," he said. "Alice has told me a lot about you."

"Same here," Christine said, taking his hand and shaking it. When they both dropped their hands, Dean wrapped his arm around Alice's waist. She leaned into him, resting her hand on his stomach.

"Where're Cas and Hannah?" she asked. "And Sam?"

"They're all around here somewhere," Dean said. "Might be playing games in the other room."

"You've got games?" Alice asked Jess.

"Duh," she said. "Grab your drinks, and I'll show you."

They had beer pong going outside on the patio, some people playing cards in the kitchen, and they even had a karaoke machine set up. Bobby and Rufus were singing a very drunken rendition of "The Gambler."

It looked like everyone -save Jack- from Dean's family was there, plus some people that must've worked with Jess and Sam that she didn't recognize. When Alice talked to Claire and Jody, she introduced her to her other adopted daughter-

"Alex?" Christine said with wide eyes.

"Oh my god," Alex said with a laugh. "Hey!"

"You guys know each other?" Jody asked.

"We work at the hospital together," Christine explained. Alice was thrilled that Christine knew -and clearly got along with- someone at the party, because it relieved some of the tension she had, worrying that Christine wouldn't have a good time or would need Alice to babysit her the whole night. Then again, Christine could make fun anywhere. Even if she hadn't known anyone, she would've made a friend eventually.

When Christine met Kevin, things seemed to actually spark between the two of them. Alice didn't know if he was her mister right or her mister right now, but regardless, Christine seemed happy, and that was all she wanted for her friend that night.

The party was a blast. Dean was the master at beer pong, though Alice stopped being his partner when she realized all she did was bring him down. With Sam, the duo was unstoppable. While it was fun to watch them, she did get sick of standing by and being his cheerleader. She walked over to him and placed a kiss to his cheek before he started another round. "I'm gonna go sit and talk to Charlie for a while," she said. "I'll cheer you on from over there."

"Okay," Dean said, flashing her a smile. He kissed her forehead, and she smiled back and headed over to join Charlie and Dorothy on the couch. Dorothy was -ironically- dressed as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz. Her great-great-grandfather was actually the author of the book. Charlie was dressed as, she assumed, the brainless scarecrow from the tale.

They talked for a while until Sam and Dean challenged Dorothy and Charlie to a round of beer pong. Alice rolled her eyes but waved them away with a laugh. She made her way to the kitchen to get herself another glass of water. Only one other person was in the kitchen, and she didn't recognize him. He was around Sam's age, and he was dressed in a basketball uniform. "Hey," he said with a smile. "You must be the Bonnie to Dean's Clyde."

"Yeah," she said with a laugh. "That'd be me. I'm Alice."

"Jaden," he said. They shook hands, and he picked up a cup. "Can I make you a drink?"

"Nah, I'm DD," she said. "I'm just grabbing some more water."

"Taking one for the team, yeah?" he said.

"Well, someone's gotta do it." He smiled, and she poured herself some more water. "You work with Sam and Jess?" she asked.

"Yeah," he said with a nod, pouring himself some of the punch that was in the bowl. "They're offering me a spot in their firm so I can get out of the biglaw."

"You gonna take it?" she asked.

"Probably," he said. "Pay won't be as good, but I am pretty sick of these corporate jagoffs." She laughed and leaned her back against the counter. "What do you do?" he asked.

"I'm a first grade teacher," she said. "I actually teach Sam and Jess' daughter."

"Lexi?" he said with a smile.

"Mhm," she hummed.

"She's a sweet kid," he replied.

"Yeah," she agreed. "She's great. Most of my kids are."

"Most?"

"Well," she laughed, "not every kid's an angel."

He laughed and nodded. "You got that right." She cocked her head to the side.

"You have any kids?" she asked.

"Not that I know of."

They both laughed, but Alice's was cut short when someone put their hand on her shoulder. She turned and saw Dean. She could tell by the tenseness in his jaw that he was pissed. "Hey, Dean," she said, giving him a smile in an attempt to get him to relax. It didn't work. What was he so angry about?

"Why don't you go make some friends somewhere else?" Dean said to Jaden.

"Dean," she said, furrowing her eyebrows at him.

"Can't you let your girlfriend speak for herself?" Jaden said, raising his eyebrows in slight amusement. "We were having nice conversations before you-"

"I'm only going to say this one more time," Dean said, his voice low. "Walk. Away."

"Dean," she said again, putting her hand on his arm and squeezing it. He ignored her.

"It's alright, Alice," Jaden said with a smile. "You don't have to act like you have a say in your relationship."

Without a beat, Dean punched Jaden in the jaw. "Dean!" Alice shouted. Dean ignored her as he shoved Jaden against the fridge. A few people who were standing around outside heard the commotion and ran into the house. Christine, Kevin, Bobby, and Jody were among them. Christine grabbed Alice's bicep and pulled her away from Dean as Bobby grabbed Dean and pulled him off of Jaden.

A lump grew in Alice's throat as she turned to look at Christine. "I want to leave," she whispered to her. Without question, Christine nodded and put her arm around Alice's waist, and the two of them pushed through the crowd of people and towards the front door.

"Alice, are you okay?" Christine said as they walked towards the car.

"I just want to leave," Alice said again. Christine nodded and hopped in the passenger side while Alice got behind the wheel. As she started the car, her phone started vibrating in her bra. She pulled it out and saw it was Dean, so she hung up and tossed it in the backseat. "Can we go to your house?" she asked.

"Yeah," Christine said. "Yeah, of course."

Most of the drive was quiet with the exception of Alice's phone vibrating continuously on the backseat. Alice could feel tears pooling in her eyes, but she refused to break. "Alice," Christine said. "Can you tell me what happened?" Alice scoffed as a single tear rolled down her cheek.

"He can be so frustrating!" she said. "I was just talking to this guy, and Dean came over and lost it. He's so possessive! I don't understand why he's like that!"

"Did he hit you?" she asked.

"No," she replied quickly. "He would never."

"Then why are we going to my house?" she asked.

"I just don't want to see him," she said. "And I know that he'll come to my house to talk to me." Christine nodded, and the rest of the ride was spent in silence.

-

When Bobby pulled Dean off Jaden, Jody grabbed Jaden and took him into another room. Dean's chest was heaving, and his jaw was still clenched. "What the hell is the matter with you?" Bobby said, giving Dean's shoulders a shake.

That was the thing with Bobby. Dean may've been his boss, but he did help raise the kid, so he was allowed to put him in his place like that.

That didn't mean Dean liked it.

"Get the hell off me!" he shouted, pushing Bobby's chest. He looked past the man, and his shoulders dropped. "Where'd Alice go?"

"Where the hell do you think?" he snapped. "She left, ya idjit."

"And no one stopped her?" he said.

"She's a grown woman, Dean!" Bobby said. "She can do what she wants. It's about time you wake up and realize that before she leaves your ass."

Dean let out a frustrated breath and pushed past Bobby, then ran out to the front of the house. Alice's car was already gone. He called her phone, praying she would pick up. It only rang a few times before she sent him to voicemail. "Dammit!" he shouted. He figured she wouldn't pick up, but he still tried again. And again. And again. When she didn't pick up the final time, he let out a frustrated shout and threw the phone across the yard. He sat on the ground and put his elbows on his knees, hanging his head in frustration.

Fine. If she wasn't going to pick up the phone, he had a car. He'd go right to the source.

He got in his car and drove off to Alice's apartment. It took him about half the time considering how fast he was driving. He wanted to beat her there, and when he arrived, he didn't see her Jeep, so he knew he had. He figured he'd wait in the parking lot for her.

After thirty minutes, he knew she wasn't coming. His next best guess was that she was at Christine's house, but he had no idea where that was. He had plenty of connections that could get him the address -Donna and Jody had legal access to databases, and Charlie could hack them- but he knew none of them would get the information without probable cause, no matter how hard he pushed it. Damn his soldiers for having consciences, and damn himself for not being more of a hardass. Sometimes he wished he was more like Crowley.

Sometimes.

Dean rested his head on his steering wheel and sighed. Alright. How was he going to make this one better? Maybe he needed to give her time and space, like she had given him when he was mad about Lisa. She couldn't be mad at him forever, right?

-

Alice stared at herself in Christine's bathroom mirror as she brushed her hair. Her eyes were blank, and she wasn't really seeing her own reflection. Her hands moved on their own accord as she thought about what happened at the party.

"You don't have to act like you have a say in your relationship."

The anger in Dean's eyes when he punched Jaden had legitimately scared her. She knew Dean could be violent. Hell, practically his entire job revolved around murdering people. She was just sick of him hurting people in her name. How long until he lost control and hurt her too?

The knock at the bathroom door made Alice jump. "You okay in there?" Christine asked. Alice cleared her throat and put the hairbrush down, then opened the door causing Christine to step back.

"I'm fine," Alice told her with a tight smile. "Just tired."

"Do you want to talk-"

"I want to go to bed," she said firmly. Christine pressed her lips into a line and nodded.

"Okay," she whispered.

The girls shared Christine's queen bed, just as they had during every sleepover when they were kids, and Alice pulled the covers over her shoulders. "Goodnight, Alice," Christine whispered.

"Night, Chris," Alice mumbled back.

She turned on her side, facing away from Christine, and allowed some silent tears to fall as she drifted off to sleep.

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

(next)

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[dogbearinggifts]

Would you mind sharing you Klaus costume? I’m working on a sort of cosplay thing and it’s gonna be big cold next month so I’m wondering how other people are dealing with this since Klaus doesn’t wear a whole lot of clothes.

Sure thing! I won’t be wearing the costume in the pictures because 1) I don’t have anyone to take pictures of me or a full length mirror at the moment and 2) I’d rather not post a picture of myself because I prefer to be formless, yet possessing whatever form your imagination bestows upon me.

Full outfit:

Details:

I bought the vest as a jacket at a thrift store, then cut off the sleeves. It had buttons and a zipper, so I cut out the zipper, removed the buttons, and stitched the buttonholes closed. The shirt is a play off the whole van thing—“Get out of the Van, Klaus! Well, welcome back TO the van!”—and also a joke from a podcast I listen to, True Crime Garage.

Since I’d be wearing the costume to work and in cold weather, I couldn’t get his actual leather pants. So I got some black skinny jeans off ThredUP, which are form-fitting enough to make Klaus proud and stretchy enough to be comfortable. They’re pretty warm, too. (Yes, the pockets zip closed. No, they’re not very deep. *grumbles about women’s clothing*)

Klaus wears black canvas Chuck Taylors in the show, but since they’d be a bit of a splurge for me I wanted to get a pair I could wear even in rain or snow. So I bought the leather shoes, which looked black on the site, turned out to be more of a dark brown, but work with either color. And they’ve kept my feet dry, so that’s a plus.

It’s been chilly in my office for the past few days, so I knew I’d need something to keep warm. I didn’t have a coat like the one he wears, and no one in my area is as much of a fashion icon as he is, so I couldn’t find it in any thrift stores. But I did have a lot of flannel shirts, so I grabbed a shirt from my closet and decided that if anyone asked, I’d tell them I borrowed it from Dave. (It’s easy for me to picture Dave wearing flannels. I do not know why.)

The dog tags I bought off Amazon for like $5, and I gave myself Hello/Goodbye tattoos with Sharpie.

So there you have it, nonnie. My DIY Klaus costume for an area that got snow in October. Hope that helps you with yours. :)