#shop our funny designed drinking cup collection

[grannyandgrandpascreations]

Biden Picker Upper Beverage Tumbler

Shop 20-Ounce “Biden Picker Upper” beverage Tumbler. This makes a great gift for Christmas, birthday gift and is perfect for your drink! It is made of stainless steel and is double-wall insulated to keep your beverages hot or cold for hours! Nice slim style fits nicely in your hand and is the perfect size for your car cupholder. It comes with a straw and a spill-proof lid. This is a great gift for a great price!

Care instructions: Hand wash and air dry or hand dry

Due to different picture lighting settings the actual color might vary a bit from the pictures.

After a package leaves my hands with the post office, Granny & Grandpa's Custom Creations is not held responsible. Current Turnaround Time due to upcoming Holidays - 1-5 Business Days. While we always use priority shipping options, once shipped we cannot guarantee delivery due to the backlog current being experienced USPS/UPS/FedEx. If you have a strict deadline, please message me when ordering so that I can note any rush requests. Ownership of packages turned over to USPS transfers to the Buyer. We are not responsible for lost, held, damaged packages or delayed packages, once your package(s) leaves our Shop it is completely out of our control. Thank you for understanding!

Thank you for visiting Granny & Grandpa's Custom Creations, we truly appreciate your support of small businesses. We also personalize our products, please reach out to us with any personalizing any of our products, additional fee's may apply

Please visit www.grannygrandpascustomcreations.com to view more products. 

© 2018 All photography is intellectual property of Granny and Grandpa's Custom Creations © and may not be used without express written permission from Granny and Grandpa's Custom Creations.

LET’S GET SOCIAL & BE FRIENDS! Like, Tag & Follow us for Our new Creations, Inspiration & Giveaways!

website/ www.grannygrandpascustomcreations.com/shop                                                   facebook.com/ https://www.facebook.com/GrandpaHandmadecreations/                               instagram.com/ https://www.instagram.com/grannyandgrandpacustomcreation/

#grannygrandpascustomcreations #tumblers #beverage #granny #supportsmallbusiness #shopsmallbusiness

Shop 20-Ounce “Biden Picker Upper” beverage Tumbler. This makes a great gift for Christmas, birthday gift and is perfect for your drink! It is made of stainless steel and is double-wall insulated to keep your beverages hot or cold for hours! Nice slim style fits nicely in your hand and is the perfect size for your car cupholder. It comes with a straw and a spill-proof lid. This is a great gift for a great price!

Care instructions: Hand wash and air dry or hand dry

Due to different picture lighting settings the actual color might vary a bit from the pictures.

After a package leaves my hands with the post office, Granny & Grandpa's Custom Creations is not held responsible. Current Turnaround Time due to upcoming Holidays - 1-5 Business Days. While we always use priority shipping options, once shipped we cannot guarantee delivery due to the backlog current being experienced USPS/UPS/FedEx. If you have a strict deadline, please message me when ordering so that I can note any rush requests. Ownership of packages turned over to USPS transfers to the Buyer. We are not responsible for lost, held, damaged packages or delayed packages, once your package(s) leaves our Shop it is completely out of our control. Thank you for understanding!

Thank you for visiting Granny & Grandpa's Custom Creations, we truly appreciate your support of small businesses. We also personalize our products, please reach out to us with any personalizing any of our products, additional fee's may apply

Please visit www.grannygrandpascustomcreations.com to view more products. 

© 2018 All photography is intellectual property of Granny and Grandpa's Custom Creations © and may not be used without express written permission from Granny and Grandpa's Custom Creations.

LET’S GET SOCIAL & BE FRIENDS! Like, Tag & Follow us for Our new Creations, Inspiration & Giveaways!

website/ www.grannygrandpascustomcreations.com/shop                                                   facebook.com/ https://www.facebook.com/GrandpaHandmadecreations/                               instagram.com/ https://www.instagram.com/grannyandgrandpacustomcreation/

#grannygrandpascustomcreations #tumblers #beverage #granny #supportsmallbusiness #shopsmallbusiness

[holyarbitermaker]

Morning Elegance: Start Your Day with Personalized Coffee Mugs

In the fast-paced world we live in, mornings are the foundation upon which the rest of the day is built. What better way to infuse a touch of elegance into these precious moments than by embracing the age-old ritual of sipping your favorite beverage from a personalized coffee mug? Promotions 247 Bottles brings you a remarkable assortment of Personalized Coffee Mugs that not only promise to enhance your morning routine but also add a unique flair to your collection.

A Sip of Personalization

There's something magical about holding a mug that reflects your personality. With Promotions 247 Bottles, you have the opportunity to start your day with a sip of personalization. Choose from an array of designs, colors, and sizes to find the perfect coffee mug that resonates with your style. Whether it's a witty quote that tickles your funny bone, a serene landscape that transports you to distant places, or a motivational phrase that ignites your determination – our mugs can be personalized to encapsulate your individuality.

Unbeatable Deals Await You

At Promotions 247 Bottles, we understand the importance of a great deal. Our unbeatable promotions ensure that you not only receive a personalized coffee mug that speaks to your heart but also a wallet-friendly offer that brings a smile to your face. We believe that elegance shouldn't come at an exorbitant cost, and our diverse collection of coffee mugs is a testament to that commitment.

Brewing Elegance in Every Sip

Imagine holding a perfectly brewed cup of your favorite beverage in a mug that exudes elegance. It's more than just a morning routine; it's an experience. Each sip becomes a journey, and every moment becomes an opportunity to savor the refined essence of life. Promotions 247 Bottles' coffee mugs are designed to elevate your coffee-drinking experience, turning it into a daily indulgence that you eagerly anticipate.

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While ourPromotional Coffee Mugs With Logo are the epitome of morning elegance, their versatility extends far beyond the dawn hours. These mugs effortlessly complement your day – from holding your mid-afternoon pick-me-up to becoming your evening companion during moments of relaxation. Their aesthetic appeal and personalized touch make them a statement piece that effortlessly blends into your lifestyle.

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A Collection to Suit Every Taste

Our extensive collection caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Whether you're an admirer of minimalist designs that radiate sophistication or a fan of vibrant, eye-catching patterns, we have a coffee mug that's destined to become an extension of your style. With Promotions 247 Bottles, you're not just selecting a mug; you're curating an experience.

Shop the Elegance Today

Don't let your mornings be mundane when they can be a canvas of elegance and individuality. Explore the world of Promotional Coffee Mugs with Promotions 247 Bottles and discover the art of savoring life's moments. Unveil unbeatable deals, quality craftsmanship, and a collection that resonates with your soul. Elevate your mornings, one sip at a time, and let your coffee mug tell your unique story – a story of morning elegance redefined.

[pawableltd]

Pet-Lovers' Paradise: Buy Pet-Themed Mugs to Celebrate Your Furry Friends

For pet owners, there's nothing quite like the joy and companionship that our beloved furry friends bring to our lives. Whether you're a proud cat person, a doting dog lover, or a devoted fan of any other four-legged companion, celebrating your pet's presence is a must! One delightful way to do so is by owning pet-themed mugs that bring a smile to your face every time you enjoy your favorite beverage. In this article, we'll explore the charm and variety of pet-themed mugs available, from humorous designs to heartwarming tributes. So, grab your coffee, tea, or hot cocoa, and let's embark on a journey to find the perfect mugs to honor your cherished pets.

Express Your Pet's Personality Pet-themed mugs come in an array of designs that showcase the unique personalities of different pets. Whether you have a sassy Siamese cat or a playful Golden Retriever, there's a mug that perfectly captures their essence. From comical caricatures to artistic illustrations, these mugs let you proudly display your pet's one-of-a-kind personality.

A Daily Reminder of Love Start your day with a warm cup of coffee and a loving reminder of your pet's unconditional love. Pet-themed mugs with heartwarming messages like "My Dog is My Heart" or "Cat Mom/Dad" make for a heart-touching addition to your morning routine. These mugs not only lift your spirits but also celebrate the bond you share with your furry companion.

Personalized Pet Mugs Take the celebration of your pet's presence to the next level with personalized pet mugs. Many online retailers offer the option to customize mugs with your pet's name and even their adorable picture. It's a fantastic way to immortalize your furry friend's cuteness and create a treasured keepsake.

Humorous Pet-Themed Mugs Inject some laughter into your daily routine with humorous pet-themed mugs. These mugs feature witty quotes and funny illustrations that are sure to tickle your funny bone. From phrases like "I work hard so my dog can have a better life" to "Crazy Cat Lady," these mugs show that pet ownership can be both endearing and entertaining.

Pet Puns and Wordplay If you love wordplay, there are plenty of pet-themed mugs that will leave you giggling. Puns like "Pug Life" or "Whiskers and Wine" combine clever wordplay with your affection for your pet, creating a delightful addition to your mug collection.

Celebrating Special Occasions Pet-themed mugs also make fantastic gifts for special occasions. Whether it's a birthday, Gotcha Day, or a holiday celebration, these mugs add a personal touch to the gifting experience. Consider a mug that says "World's Best Dog Mom/Dad" or "Happy Meow-lloween" to make your loved ones' special moments even more memorable.

Pet-Themed Mug Sets Why settle for just one pet-themed mug when you can have a whole set? Many retailers offer collections of mugs featuring different pet breeds, allowing you to showcase your love for various animals. You can choose a set of mugs with different cat breeds, dog breeds, or even a mix of both!

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Options For environmentally-conscious pet lovers, there are eco-friendly and sustainable pet-themed mugs available. Look for mugs made from biodegradable materials or recycled materials to reduce your ecological footprint while enjoying your favorite drink.

Supporting Animal Welfare Causes Some pet-themed mugs are affiliated with animal welfare organizations, and a portion of the proceeds from each sale goes to support animal shelters and rescue groups. By purchasing these mugs, you not only celebrate your pet but also contribute to the well-being of other animals in need.

For More Info:-

Buy pet-themed mugs online UK

Budget-friendly dog t-shirts UK

Buy Embroidered Dog Hoodies USA

shop unisex short sleeve tee for dogs

[whynotwinnie]

Tímida: Roger Taylor x OC series

sorry guys i’ve been m.i.a. with second semester starting i’ve been stressing with class and all that but i had this chapter for awhile now and i decided to finish it. also i’m trying to work on “wounded” the kylo ren series but i fell into a bit of a writers block for that one. .-. i’ll work on it soon. but here is this roger taylor fic you can use ben hardy’s version of roger if you would like. :) thanks for reading.

 MICKEY

Waking up groggy you checked your alarm clock, 12:00 in the afternoon you have definitely seen worse you groaned as you got up from your bed. 

You had always followed a very specific routine in all honestly it just made sense living on your own had definitely impacted you and your mental health so sticking to a routine made it feel like your life was always on track, when it certainly was not. 

The first thing on your non-existent schedule was coffee, no matter the time you always needed some sort of caffeine when you are tight on cash it was tea at home, but when you were able and that was most of the time you went to a small coffee shop that was about a fifteen-minute walk from your studio apartment. 

After doing the basic self-hygiene you grabbed your tote bag filled with your work stuff and started walking to the directions to Beachwood Cafe.

The walk is always quiet and calm, but it always gave you little bits and pieces into other people’s lives. Like the old lady watering her plants or the way, the housewife takes her toddler for a walk in his stroller. The sense of familiarity comforted you. 

“Hello there.” 

You whipped your head toward the direction of the voice, this was not part of the routine you had never seen this man before, his shoulder-length blonde hair and ridiculously blue eyes were unfamiliar yet comforting. He was confident yet nonchalant with his greeting.

“Hello,” you said with a small smile he looked down at you smiling.

You continued to walk seeing Beachwood in the distance.

“Were you going to get a cuppa?” you nodded your head “That is so crazy because so was I.” he picked up his pace so he can open the door for you. 

You muttered a small thank you and walked in, Beachwood was a small but very popular coffeeshop the owner Dayla has became a very good friend of yours and always brightened up your day with a joke or two.

“Mimi, how are you love?” she asked from behind the counter.

“I’m good Day how are you?”

“Can’t complain if I say so myself.” she said grinning “Let me guess Caffe Latte and a pastry?”

“Yes ma’am, it’s late in the day you didn’t run out of the pastries yet?”

“I just took out a fresh batch right now, I knew you were going to have a late start today.”  God, you loved this woman.

You stepped aside to get your wallet from your bag 

“What would you like young man?” Dayla asked the man who walked in with you.

“I’ll just get a cup of tea please, Oh! I’ll get her order as well” he said as he saw you handing money to Dayla.

“That’s okay!” you said feeling the heat rise to your cheeks.

“Please I insist.” He said practically throwing the money to pay for your order at Dayla.

“Please let me-”

“Mimi! he said he insists go sit down,” Dayla said looking at you wide-eyed.

You looked at both of them and walked to the seat you usually sat at and what a surprise the man came with you.

“Do you mind if I sit here?” he said motioning to the seat across from you.

“Go ahead,” you said

He sat down looking out the window and then back at you. “I’m sorry I realized I never introduced myself I’m Roger Taylor.” he said extending his hand out to you, you grabbed it.

“I’m Mickey… well it’s not really Mickey but it’s just easier to pronounce.” Stupid you should’ve just said Mickey.

“May I ask what your real name is?” Roger said still holding your hand

“It’s Mikaela but Mickey is fine.”

“Can you say it one more time, I want to make sure I got it right.” he rubbed his thumb across your knuckles.

“Umm… yeah it’s pronounced Me as in me and you, Ki like eye but with a K in front of it and Yella like yell with an A after… That sounded really complicated actually you don’t have to-”

“Mikaela?” he said slowly looking up at you for confirmation. 

“Yeah!” your heart skipped a beat it is so nice hearing your name.

“Nice to meet you Mikaela” he said as he brought your hand up to his mouth and pressed a soft kiss on your knuckles.

Fuck.

Of course, at the exact same time as that happened, Dayla came with your drinks. She set your drink down smirking and left without saying another word.

“Is it safe to assume that you are not from here?” He asked while blowing on his tea before taking a small sip.

“Yeah, you can say that. What gave it away.” You said smiling from your coffee cup

“You’re just different from everyone not in a bad way either I like it. Where are you from.”

Oh god, I can die happy right now.

“Well, it's a bit of a long story.”

“I don't have anywhere to be.” He said his blues eyes burning into yours

Oh wow, he's so hot

“Oh in that case. I was born in a small town in Spain. Spanish was my first language so that’s why I talk funny.”

“I like the way you talk.”

He did not. Your face was definitely red.

“How does a girl from Spain come to London?”

“Ummm sheer luck I suppose.”

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Sure”

“Was it hard learning another language?”

“Learning English was super difficult sometimes I feel like I dont know what I’m saying, but English is my third language my second was Italian.”

“Italian? Where do you find the time to learn two extra languages?” He was genuinely in disbelief

“Well my mom was from Spain and my dad was from Italy so I just needed to know both and they’re pretty similar to each other so it wasn’t that hard.

“What do you do for fun?”

“What do I do for fun?” I repeated thinking hard

“Yes, you obviously must have loads of friends.”

“Well… I do have friends, I just can’t think of one at this second.”

This is embarrassing now he thinks I’m a loser

“Don’t worry I don’t have many friends either but consider me as your friend Mickey.”

“What about you? What do you do for fun?” I need to change the subject oh my god.

“Well, I’m in a rock band.”

“A rock band?!” You said a little too loudly

“What about me isn’t rock and roll Mickey?” he said laughing

“Not in a bad way of course you don’t seem like the type to be singing in front of a crowd,” I said shaking my head 

“Well, I suppose you got that right I’m on the drums in the back so the audience can’t really see me anyways.”

“I’m sorry I’m not trying to make fun of you I just got caught off guard, does your band have a name?”

“Sm- Queen,” he said shaking his head.

“I like the name Queen, are you playing soon I would like to see what I’m missing out on.”

“We’re actually recording our first album right now, the recording place is not too far from here about a block or two further down. So we’re going on a small break until we’re done with the album but I believe the next one is in three weeks.”

“I’ll keep an eye out for it then.” You said sipping your coffee

“Actually I was hoping to see you earlier than that.”

You immediately choked on your coffee, making a scene by coughing into your napkin.

“That wasn’t the response I had hoped for,” he said passing you his napkin so you can wipe your tears with.

“Oh, I’m so sorry I wasn’t trying to be mean I just- well I would like to see you again as well.”

“Really?,” He said smiling, and you swear you could melt from his smile alone.

“Yes, of course.” You smiled back.

He then prompted to drink his cup of tea until it was finished and left money on the table.

“Great then I’m going to leave before I can mess up this perfect first moment. By any chance do you have a pen on you?”

You shook your head yes and looked through your bag handing it to him.

“This is my number, we’re recording until 6 today so anytime after that call me and I’d love to talk to you more.”

You felt your head spinning with how fast he was talking and moving.

He plucked your hand up and gave you a small kiss on it again, he then walked to the door before saying.

“Promise me you’ll call me,” he told you while he grabbed the door handle.

“I promise I’ll call you,” you said softly

“Perfect,” he said while he winked at you and then left.

He gave you one last look through the window and then left, once he was out of view Dayla came to the table.

“Who was that?” she said, collecting her tip that Roger left her.

“His name is Roger. I met him today.”

“Today! You’re joking.”

“I swear Dayla I met him minutes before coming here?”

“He can be a psychopath! And here you are chatting with him after knowing him for 30 minutes.”

That stopped you.

“He is not a psycho he was so nice and funny, and did you see how hot he is Day?”

“Yeah well murderers can be funny and hot.”

“Do you really think he’s a murderer?” you asked in a exsperated way.

“No, I was just kidding he is really hot and besides who would want to murder you?” Dayla said as she wiggled her eyebrows.

“Wow that doesn’t really make me feel better.”

She stood up grabbing Roger’s empty cup “Girl you know I was just playing I say go for it and have fun, anyone would be lucky to have you.” she bumped your shoulder with her hip and left.

Your mind felt overwhelmed with all the excitement from today you even almost forgot that you had some work orders to do you tried to push Roger from your mind as you grabbed your journal and sketchbook from your bag. You looked back at your notes reading on what your client wanted: a floor-length gown but not something too flashy something to show off their arms and their cleavage. Perfect. You spent your time designing the gown having fun with it since you probably wouldn’t have another gown piece for months. After finishing you went on to your smaller orders feeling yourself getting into the groove of things.

Looking up from your sketch you noticed how dark it got outside and how empty it now was in the cafe. You decided to call it a day, well that was until you go home, and then you would start making the gown. You noticed the clock when you were telling Dayla good night. 6:58 Damn time really flew by and then you remembered the number you had in your bag.

The walk home went by to fast your thoughts about what you would say to Roger once you called made you nervous to the point that your keys kept slipping from your hands as you were trying to open the door to your apartment. 

You purposely threw your jacket on the phone hook so you didn’t have to see it and went to the bathroom you looked at your appearance baggy jeans, an oversize t-shirt that you also slept in, hair a mess, and no makeup. You shook your head, no way Roger was being serious about you calling him he was so much more put together and out of your league completely. You could just imagine all the beautiful women that he has been with, no way you could compare. You sighed walking out the bathroom ready to get started on your order. You grabbed the different fabrics you needed for making the gown and when you went to grab your sketchbook Roger’s number fell and slowly fluttered down to the floor like it was taunting you. You stared at the paper hard groaning when you opened it reading that he wrote “Roger <3��� following his number. You did promise him you would call…

Your heartbeat picked up when you approached the phone dialing each number slowly wishing a catastrophic event would happen and end the world so you didn’t have to finish dialing. It didn’t happen. You put the phone to your ear and hear the first ring, and then the second. This was stupid calling him in the first place you removed the phone from your ear and were half a second away from hanging up when you heard “Hello?”

Shit.

You couldn’t just hang up now. 

“Hello, is this Roger?”

“It took you long enough.”

[thepointoftheneedle]

BUGHEAD APPRECIATION WEEK: day three - favourite trope

I am a very simple creature so my favourite trope is the coffee shop AU.  I’ve written the little thing below the cut to celebrate it and as a thank you to the kind folks who have mentioned one of my stories this week. It honestly means such a lot! 

Betty tied the apron and stood attentively behind her shift manager, Kevin, as he showed her the idiosyncrasies and foibles of the huge Fracino espresso machine.  She was pleased to have got the job and wanted to present herself as an uncomplicatedly good hire.  The coffee shop was a five minute walk from her apartment and she liked the ambiance.  She’d been a regular since she began her research degree, stopping in often on her way to class in the morning.  It would give her a break from the solitude and intensity of her thesis and it would force her to interact with people, she needed the human contact.   After her initiation into the sacred rites of the machine Kevin gave her a laminated recipe card, took a seat on the other side of the counter and called out orders to her as she practiced. 

“Tall latte, three shots,” presented no problem and she even managed the leaf design in the foam with a reasonable degree of skill.  Kevin had clearly given his own order as a first trial because he took the drink from her hand and sipped it as he continued to put her through her paces.

“Medium cap, extra wet, rice,” was next, followed by “Flat white with legs.”  She turned out the orders competently although the difference between them was negligible. He tested her listening skills and her ability not to laugh at an order with the "Grande, bone dry, five-shot ristretto, extra-whip, two-raw-sugars cappuccino” and the "Trenti iced coffee, 12 pumps vanilla, 12 pumps hazelnut, 12 pumps caramel, 5 pumps skinny mocha, a splash of soy, ice, double-blended.” When he asked what she would suggest to up sell that customer she suggested a shot of insulin, which made the only client in the place bark out a laugh.  Kevin raised an eyebrow and she pointed at the millionaire shortcake instead and he nodded his approval.

“Ok, now for the real caffeine heads you need to get the serious drinks just right every time.” He had her draw a straight doppio, a ristretto, a lungo, a red eye and a black eye and lined them up along the counter.  As she served the last Kevin looked over his shoulder at the lone customer.  “You want any of these before they go down the drain, Hemingway?”

The guy looked up from his laptop and nodded, shuffling over and gathering up all of them in two journeys and returning them to his booth like a squirrel gathering acorns to tide him through winter.  “Thanks Kevin,” he muttered as he secured the last of his spoils.

“Don’t thank me, Betty here made them. I only worry that all that caffeine will stop your heart. An ambulance outside will do nothing for our reputation,” Kevin replied.

“I have a high tolerance.  For caffeine if nothing else.  And thanks Betty.  Nice to meet you.” He looked at her as he spoke and she was surprised by his eyes.  They were a striking blue green, not the brown she would have expected with his dark hair.  His eyelashes were unexpectedly long too, sweeping almost up to his brow line.  Now that he wasn’t hunched over the keyboard she saw that he was handsome in a poetic, sensitive, romantic kind of way.  He looked out of his time somehow, more suited to doublet and hose and rhyming couplets or drinking absinthe with Rimbaud.  But here he was, drinking free, cold coffee in Greenwich Village.  

“He’s a fixture and fitting, aren’t you Jones?”

“You’re my Café de Flore Kevin.  I’ll dedicate the book to your hospitality,” he smiled.  Betty liked the smile.

Over the next few weeks she exchanged a nod of greeting with Jones almost every day.  He was generally in his booth when she arrived at four and left around seven, gathering up his laptop and a tall Americano to go, as if he hadn’t already risked his sanity with the amount of caffeine he’d consumed.  “That’s quite a coffee habit,” she observed as he ordered another cup of drip coffee one afternoon.  

“I’m a machine for turning coffee into prose, got to fuel the engine,” he quipped with a smirk. It was clearly a line he used a lot.

The next day as he collected his to-go brew she asked him if it stopped him from sleeping and he explained that he worked nights.  “This’ll keep me going til four tomorrow morning.  It’s good to be able to hate your job with the required degree of enthusiasm.” He was funny in a dry, self deprecating way that she enjoyed.

She started to try to sneak him extras with his coffee, offering cookies and chocolate stirrers. He turned them down.  “I just like coffee with my coffee.”

“If you drink anymore you’ll start twitching.”

“No, I know my limit.  I stop when I start being able to see noises and hear smells.”

She began to tease him about the consistency of his ordering.  “Hey Jones, give me a challenge.  Order something milky with complicated syrups and whipped cream.”

“Coffee should be black as hell, strong as death and sweet as love,” he replied.  “That’s not mine by the way.  It’s a proverb from Turkey or somewhere.”

“But you don’t use sugar.”

“No, I replace the love with bitterness,” he laughed, returning to his seat with his usual drip coffee.

The next day she suggested a cortado.  “Come on Jones, let a little light into that darkness.”  He grinned and accepted a macchiato.  “Today a dab of foamed milk, tomorrow a vanilla latte with whipped cream.  You’ll find you can live without pure intravenous caffeine.”

“I can live without it but all the folks who remain unharmed because I am well caffeinated really don’t want me to skimp.  Anyway if you wean me off caffeine you’ll slash the profit margin of this place,” he smiled. “Not that I’m here solely for the coffee.”

She began to look forward to the jokes, to his familiar presence, to looking over at his long fingers dancing over the keys as he typed.  There were moments when she found herself imagining them moving over her skin that way, flushing and tightening her ponytail in confusion as if he’d be able to read her thoughts.

One afternoon she found him slumped in the booth, his head against the seat back, snoring softly.  She let him sleep until ten to seven before holding his Americano under his nose.  He blinked his magnificent eyes as he awakened and then shook his head to disperse the sleep.  She’d like to see that a lot more often, preferably from the adjacent pillow. “Thanks Betty, not enough coffee today and Jones without coffee is like… something without something…sorry, too sleepy for bon mots.”

 Betty learned that he was doing his MFA at the New School, supporting himself by working nights as a porter at Bellevue.  “Takes too long to travel all the way back to Yonkers between class and work so I hide out here and write.  Besides I live with a singer/songwriter so it gets sort of noisy at home.” Betty hid her disappointment.  Of course he had a girlfriend.  

“A musician.  Would I know her work?” she asked, twisting the knife masochistically.

“Him.  No, I doubt it.” He paused and then looked at her a little shyly through his untidy, dark curls.   “He’s playing downtown at the weekend and I’ve got a night off. You should come.” Betty reproached herself for her heteronormativity and smiled weakly.  She really didn’t want to see Jones and his boyfriend together.

“Oh I’ve got … stuff this weekend.  But thanks though.  I’m sure he’ll be great.”  

Jones flushed and looked at his feet. “I’m sorry if that was inappropriate.  You don’t come to work to get hit on.  Sorry,”

“Oh, no I didn’t think you were asking me on a date.  To your boyfriend’s gig?  That’d be weird.  Oh unless…Oh, I mean, weird was rude.  It’s totally your business but I’m not…like, I’m pretty strait-laced I guess.  But you do you…or whoever.  Sorry.”  Jones was actually laughing now.

“Archie’s my roommate not my boyfriend.  I wasn’t inviting you to a threesome.  I was asking you on a date.  If you’re busy or you’d rather I got lost just say so.”

The gig was the most fun she’d had since she moved to the city.  When he leaned in for a kiss her heart thumped like she’d just drunk ten shots of espresso. After the encore she put her hand on Jughead’s arm and looked into his eyes.  “Would you like to come to my place… for coffee?”

[simple-heroics]

Class 1-A Girls as Roommates

Oh, my god, they were roommates

Momo Yaoyorozu

First of all, you lucky bastard I hate you. Secondly, I’d like to make the point that Momo is wealthy af and has no financial need of a roommate. So, if you two are living, you’re probably already great friends with her or more. 

Momo loves to share. She is an extremely generous person, so she'll totally offer you some of her food when she cooks and even some of her shower products. 

Totally lets you borrow her clothes. Different sizes? She's gotchoo! Can and will create the best clothes for you. This is especially helpful if you have a date.

Speaking of her Quirk, its usefulness becomes really apparent when you two first move in and are still figuring out where things are or what you still need for the house. Bought that knife set but somehow forgot a can opener? Momo’s gotchoo again. 

A great communicator and takes the initiative to make sure you guys are on the same page about chores. Despite her busy hero career, Momo still does a great job keeping up with her fair share.

Please sit and drink tea with her. She'd love it. Probably the best thing about being Momo's roommate is coming home at the end of the day to this beautiful woman omg are you're okay with just being roommates and catching up over cups of freshly brewed tea. 

If something happens and you’re unable to pa your rent one month, Momo can cover it. Will not guilt or shame you over this. No matter what kind of petty roommate argument you two might have, she will never hold that over your head. Ever. Things happen, and Momo understands that.

The not so great...

Yaomomo is such a sweetie but...she's also a rich girl who is used to a lot space. Her furniture will fill up the whole apartment. An entire kitchen cabinet is stuffed to the brim with her teas, so you'd have to find some other space to shove your cereal.

Nonetheless, she tries very hard to be a good roommate - especially if it's her first place after moving out of her parents' house/school dorms - and this sometimes leads to her being overly accommodating. That and the above can lead to some tension between you two. 

Momo has such long, beautiful hair...and it absolutely gets clogged in y'all's shower. Good luck.

Mina Ashido

Mina is the fun roommate! I’m talking late nights spent goofing off, playing video games and watching movies or even just talking if you want. If you two weren’t best friends before moving in together, guess what?

You’re best friends now. or more?

Alien Queen is also Snack Queen. Our pink homegirl buys lots of snacks and is more than happy to share.

Um, garbage? What garbage? Her Quirk dissolves it and that’s one utility y’all are saving money on now to get Kaminari to help with the electricity

No matter how bad your day was, how shitty your boss, how long your commute, Mina can always make you laugh. Which is a nice way to end an otherwise completely shit day.

Actually pretty good about keeping the apartment tidy! Living in the UA dorm taught her a lot about being considerate of shared spaces and she’s always out and about anyway. So almost no worries about messes 

Because she’s either out and about or doing patrols, you actually get the apartment to yourself quite a bit?? Ummm, SCORE! Until you start missing your pink roomie/bestie

That is, if she’s not inviting/dragging you out to do stuff with her! If you’re someone who needs a bit of prompting to get out of the house, Mina is great for that!

Also...the roommate who is constantly trying to hook you up with her friends. Like, I’m serious. If you’re not already seeing anyone, this die hard romantic will constantly try to set you up with people hey, roomie, pls introduce me to Kirishima. You won’t need a dating app ‘cause Mina Ashido is your roommate and girl knows everybody.

The not so great...

If you're pretty introverted or just really prefer quiet at home, being roommates with Mina can be hard. Mina is a social butterfly - loud and bubbly and all these other wonderful qualities that simultaneously don't mesh well with most introverts.

Speaking of social butterfly, she invites her friends over. A lot. And y’all know that the Bakusquad spells c h a o s

It would also not surprise me if Mina had a number of...ahem, overnight guests. So prepare for extra (awkward) company at breakfast.

Sometimes gets so caught up in her social life, all those hobbies, and hero work that...she forgets that rent or utilities are due. Whoops. You’ll have to remind her sometimes. 😬

Good luck if you have wooden floorboards. Mina loves to dance and this means a lot of scuff marks.

Ochaco Uraraka

This cutie! 12/10 would room with her if I could

When she first started UA, Ochaco had to move to Musutafu and live on her on which I'm sure was a little scary for a 15-year-old girl and definitely lonely. She wasn't looking forward to being alone again after graduation but wait! She has you!

Really appreciates your presence in your shared home and will undoubtedly cherish you, even treating you like family. It makes her so happy when she comes home after a long day of patrols and having someone respond when she says, "I'm home!" Ochaco, lemme be your housewife

Video game nights with Dekusquad? Video game nights with Dekusquad! 

Pretty clean and always does her dishes which automatically puts her the top tier of roommate categories, let’s be real. 

She knows where all the deals are, when certain sales are happening, and where to go for the best discounts. And she shares all this hard-earned knowledge with her precious roomie (that's you, boo). Grocery shopping with her is intense because she gets super competitive about getting those deals before everyone else but it's also so much fun.

Master couponer. You knows those ladies that clip so many coupons that they sort them into little bags and actually sell them in bundles? That's Ochaco. She's even part of some online couponing groups. 

But she always hands you the coupons for your favorite snacks.

The not so great..

Ochaco works really, really hard and takes on a lot of missions. So, when she gets home, the usually upbeat hero can be a little...grouchy. By grouchy, I mean snappy and sulky and -- who is this woman and what did she do to your sweet, adorable roommate? 

Seriously, just don’t talk to her or make a lot of noise until she sleeps for 10+ hours and eats or she might send you floating to your shared ceiling.

That roommate who will get on you if you leave any of the lights on or stay in the shower for too long. She is NOT shelling out extra cash on utilities next month because of you!! honestly same

Toru Hagakure

Another fun roommate! 

We’ve seen her room, and we can tell by looking at it that she loves to decorate. If you (probably) have different tastes than hers, Toru will find ways to compromise and combine both your preferences to decorate your shared apartment! You know what that means?

Ikea trips. Toru’s enthusiasm alone makes it so much fun but it’s not as fun when you inevitably lose her in that Swedish labyrinth. (Hint: Check the various kids’ sections. She got distracted by the cute plushies.) 

If you two are not constantly updating your interior design, you’re at least adding to it. it makes the space just uniquely yours and feel so homey.

Toru has some real 👌👌 taste in movies. Her movie collection makes for some awesome movie nights. Bring all the blankets, plushies, and the like and you’re in for a chill night.

Out of everyone on this list, I feel like she’ll be the easiest to convince to get a pet. She skips the “well, who is gonna pay for food?” talk and doesn’t spend any too much time deliberating over her busy hero schedule - just jumps right on in to the nearest adoption agency.

Congrats, you’re now parents of an adorable, slightly grumpy rescue cat. Which - bonus - actually makes it so much easier keeping track of Toru because it’s almost always brushing against her legs or on her lap.

The not so great...

Definitely the nosy roommates. She wants to know all the details about your life and is the type to peak into your room because she's curious. Her Quirk only makes all the easier for her.

She likes to leave cute or funny messages on the fogged up bathroom mirror or with magnets on the fridge which is cute but...unnerving when an invisible being sends you random messages in your apartment.

....and according to the wiki, she loves hidden-camera prank shows? Welcome to Jackass, roomie. You’re gonna get pranked.

Also because of her Quirk, she often has to remove her clothes to make full use of her invisibility but this has also lead to a bad habit of leaving articles of clothing throughout the apartment. You often find random socks and gloves and even shirts out throughout the apartment.

Tsuyu Asui

A+ roomie. Seriously, give this girl all a gold star.

Super tidy, super considerate, and super stoked to live with you. She’s used to a full house and honestly wasn’t so sure about living on her own straight after graduation. Then came you!

Tsuyu looooves to cook with you. If your cooking skills need work, she’ll happily teach you. Out of everyone else on this list, you share the most meals together. 

Soooo many blankets and pillows in your apartment! Tsu needs the extra layers during winter and honestly, just build a blanket fort for you two. It’s great. just roommates huh?

Absolutely will text you just to check in if she makes it home before you and has no problem either waiting up for you or even walking to meet if it’s dark. And honestly, what’s better than 

Being super straightforward, Tsuyu always lets you know if there’s something up with the apartment or just if she’d like you to be a little quieter coming home. Also an observant person and checks in on your needs/preferences as well. Y’all rarely have any typical roommate spats because she’s direct and makes sure to communicate.

We stan a sweet, considerate frog roommate in this household.

The not so great...

Because she grew up taking care of two younger siblings and then lived with the entire 1-A class (19 teenagers in one building -- that's insane) in the dorms, Tsuyu actually has little tolerance for messes in common spaces. 

Tsuya Asui ain’t your momma. You're both adults and you both pay rent, so she expects you clean up after yourself and will call you out if you don't.

Especially about those dishes left in the sink. You can say that you just left the pots in there "to soak", but Tsuyu ain't buying it. And she tells you as much.

Not above shaming your messes on her Snap story i’m that petty roommate or bringing up that you forgot to take out the trash in front of other people.

Kyouka Jirou

She's the cool roommate. By that, I mean the one you’re lowkey bragging about when you describe her to your friends. Girl is a hero, plays pretty much every instrument, and is just a cool person in general. It’s hard not to brag.

Seriously, just her mere presence alone makes your place at least 70% cooler than it would have been if you lived by yourself. That’s how cool she is.

Super respectful of your privacy. Like, she won’t even know what your room actually looks like unless you actually invite her in.

Great roommate banter. Kyouka has a great dry sense of humor and likes to tease people, so you two can go back and forth all day.

Great texter. She always gives you a heads up when people are over or if you guys need anything for the apartment. Bonus: lots of hilarious pics of Bakusquad being idiots.

Don't tell her that you can hear her when she sings in the shower; it'd just fluster her and make her self-conscious. But being able to listen to that amazing voice in your own home?👌👌👌

If you're someone who doesn't necessarily need or even want a tight knit relationship with a roommate, Kyouka is your best bet. She's generally really chill and won't get hyped over being best friends. 

That said, she’s a pretty empathetic person and easy to talk to. She’ll absolutely stay up late with you just to talk if you need it. Gives great advice.

The not so great...

You will lose track over how many times you ask her to turn the music down. 

Like Mina, Kyouka comes as a package deal with the Bakusquad. Kyouka doesn’t invite them over often because even she doesn’t want that chaos in her home but sometimes it’s inevitable.

She’s not much of a cook. Plus she’s pretty busy keeping up with her hero career, music, and group of friends, so she doesn’t have much free time anyway. This means she orders out - a lot. Good news? Hardly any friction over cleaning dishes. Bad news? Her take out boxes leave little room in the fridge for your food.

BONUS: Regardless of who you room with, you’ll hardly ever worry about a break-in or any crime in your neighborhood because your roommate is a professional hero and will kick any home intruder stupid enough to try anything.

[tbzhours]

a total hot mess

hyunjae x you, college au, tattoo artist au, fluff 

[summary] who would have thought the hot tattoo artist was your old high school crush  [words] 3.4k  [warning] mentions of alcohol and needles  [a/n] hello lovely @atrabiliousse​! i’m your theb anon uwu it’s been so fun messaging you and getting to know more about you despite it being so short. i hope we’ll continue to talk and maybe talk about our fics too! you’re so cute and sweet,,, it was so fun seeing how you’d see hyunjae as a tattoo artist, so i hope you’ll like this fic i wrote for you too! love you ♡  -paney (tbzhours) 

It felt refreshing to be out of school for the summer as you and your friend were at a cafe, sharing things that happened after a few weeks into your summer break. You were glad your conversations weren't about school work. You didn't want to worry about it yet after having them set already at the end of last semester, so you wanted to enjoy the break as much as possible, even if that meant doing the craziest things. 

Your fingers slipped over your opened notebook where you had been drawing whatever came to your mind, but your index finger tapped on a certain design that you've been wanting to make something out of: an azalea and daffodil with a little crescent moon next to it. That design held meaning to you, especially if you had a friend who helped you create it. You guessed you just wanted something special for yourself when designing it. A necklace, bracelet and a tattoo made been ideas that you have discussed with your friend before that could follow up from it, but you hadn't made a decision yet. 

As you sip your drink from those thoughts, you friend looked across the street. You followed them, seeing the tattoo shop on the other end. Your friend sighed in awe. 

"I heard about him." 

"Who?" You asked, trying to find whoever they were looking at. The sun had been low that evening where the orange rays painted the streets. There weren’t a lot of people out as your eyes found the person your friend was talking about. 

"That hot tattoo guy from that parlor." 

Of course, every one knew who he was. You knew too but you didn't know his name or how he actually looks like; you only peeked quick glances when you walk pass by there. You thought you didn't have a reason to enter that place anyway, until your friend made music on their cup, tapping a fork on the side a few times. You turned to them, eyes slightly widening. 

"I know, I know. You've fallen for him too." Their voice was flattered, knowing how you feel by the look on your face. 

"Say what?" Your voice almost squealed after they caught you staring over longer than them. You slightly smiled, stunned at their assertion. 

Your friend’s lips creased into a teasing smile before they pointed their chin at your finger that was resting over your overdrawn design. They have seen so many times, adored too, that they knew how special the piece was for you. Suggesting again, they sneered across the table. “You don’t want that on your body… Unless you mean him.” 

Their smirk appeared afterwards with a wiggle on the eyebrow as your eyes grew. Your lips twisted in astound when you yelled at them. "HEY!" 

“I’m just kidding!” Your ears were filled with their laugh while your face had turned bright red. You hated being clowned for something you didn’t actually do. You shook your head when they continued. “Why don’t we get one together?” 

“What?” 

“We talked about this before, right? We need something deeper for our friendship. What do you say?” They giggled excitedly but you covered your face, hiding them in your palms when your friend stood up from their seat. “I’ve seen on few of your designs. Come on.” 

You collected your things as your friend helped you get yourself together. Maybe they’re right. Getting a tattoo together would be fun and sure, memorable. As long as you both had this trust, then you’d be fine with it. 

As you both left the place, heading toward the tattoo parlor, your friend whispered excitedly again, hugging your arm though you’d rather call it a drag. “One thing off your life’s bucket list, am I right?” 

When you both entered the tattoo parlor, your friend went up to the front. You let them do all of the work since they knew so much about tattoos. While they talked, you looked around behind them, admiring the small but crowded room. It was crowded because of all of the equipment and perhaps unnecessary artsy things put around the room. You liked them though, it made the place look very intimidating but that’s just a style. 

As you were looking around, Hyunjae noticed you there while he was working with another customer, who just asked for a break. Hyunjae allowed and set the needle aside before pushed his chair back with his body, lazily sitting there. He almost squinted at you, maybe recognizing you until you caught his eyes. You smiled at him, unfamiliar that he was the Hyunjae your friend had been screaming about. You noticed his perfect features, a quick thought that it could be why people wanted to come here, before your friend called you over. 

Your friend made sure to schedule a time with Hyunjae. They were so mad when none of the times worked for you to be with them because they wanted to do it with you. They would get to do theirs first before you since on that day, you had other plans. You joked that at least you won’t get to hear them squeal when they talk to Hyunjae because they use that voice (unintentionally) when flirting. It’s understandable though but you hoped you wouldn’t do the same. 

Your friend got theirs done a week after the scheduling and yours was a few hours after theirs. They sent you a picture and you were amazed. It was exactly how you wanted. It was simply inked in thin black lines and to see your design on your friend’s skin, you thought it was the best decision ever because that friend was going to be your bff for life. 

You showed up on time to your schedule with Hyunjae. He was in the middle of cleaning up some of the equipment used for the previous customer. You were probably the last customer for today, seeing that there were only two staffs around and no other customers. When you checked in at the front desk, Hyunjae’s ears popping up when he heard your name. 

He greeted you when you turned around, heading over to him. “Welcome, I’m Hyunjae. I’ll be the one to tattoo your design on you.” 

You introduced yourself too, his eyes smiling at you though you didn’t know why. He opened the chair for you to sit on. The chair had a long back part where you could lean onto it. When you sat normally, he almost chuckled and hid his lips behind his hand that was. 

“It must be your first time here.” He spinned a finger, his posture a little funny. “It’s the other way around.” 

“Oh.” You quickly sat the opposite way so you could lean your chest onto the back chair. Your cheeks turned red, he could see them as he pulled your files and designs, going over the details and process. 

“I’m always so curious about the meaning behind designs. What’s yours about?” He asked so cooly, you thought you might have fallen off your chair. 

You shrugged, peeking back to meet his eyes. He was smiling, your lips automatically following. “I’ve been designing this with my friend because we wanted something to represent our friendship. Didn’t my friend tell you?” 

“They did. I just wanted to see if you’d have the same reason, in case you might regret getting a permanent mark on you.” Hyunjae smirked and set files away as he prepared the needles and equipments out. 

The next half hour, he blattered a ton about drill cares, what not to eat or drink for the next few days and things to avoid while your tattoo heals up. All of your answers were short as you simply complied, completely hearing enough that you could memorize the manual sheet that he’d give out later. 

As you looked at him through the mirror, there was something about him that you thought you’ve seen him before. He was focused, checking the design here and there even though he had already drawn an outline on your skin. Rather than trying to figure out who he was, you were distracted by the way the rings on his fingers pressing against your back as each buzz sound tapped through your skin. Was he allowed to have them on while he worked on you? Oh well, he actually looked quite hot, though you didn’t want to say it. 

As for the needles, it wasn’t as painful as you thought; it was bearable. You sighed, looking at yourself on the mirror. He heard it, glancing at the mirror where your eyes met again. 

“Something wrong?” 

“No.” You smiled, assuring him. “It’s just that you look familiar.” 

“I know, I know. You probably have seen me in your friends’ phones.” His voice was full of confidence that he looked back at your tattoo, continuing his work. You almost rolled your eyes and tried to joke around. 

“I mean, maybe we went to high school together or something. You seriously look familiar.” 

“Really?” He smirked, eyes laid still on your back. “Guess it’s gonna take a while before you’ll recognize me.” 

“So you know me?” Your eyes widened. You couldn’t believe it as you tried to recall anything about Hyunjae, whether that was from your previous jobs or schools and- Oh my god. You turned around quickly as he almost tapped the needle in the wrong place. He glared at you but you gasped. “We went to high school together? You’re Lee Hyunjae, that popular kid in student council?” 

He rolled his eyes, a hand at his hip. “Yes, (Y/N). It took you awhile.” 

Oh yes, it did. He was one of your crushes in high school. You would have face-palmed yourself but you couldn’t because he pushed you back onto the chair so he could continue. 

“And I’m not a kid anymore. We’re adults now, okay?” He rolled his eyes with his complaining perky lips. 

“You still look like a kid, a bad one.” You whispered underneath your breath as he didn’t hear. 

“Anyway, you don’t need to tell me anything about your college life. Your friend already did.” 

“What?!” You shouted, making him jump again about ruining your design. 

“You better stop moving or you’ll regret this mistake I just made.” He pointed a finger at you through the mirror, almost shouting as if he was scolding you. 

“You did?!” You eyes widened at him as he snapped his lips, setting a hand at his hip again. 

“It’s a joke, but if I did, then that’s your own fault.” 

“Okay, sorry.” You quieted down as he got back to work, outlining the ink through your skin. It was almost finished as you heard his focused sigh. You sighed too, reminiscing all of the memories you could recall about Hyunjae. 

He was a good kid back then, always tutoring others and being one of the high ranks of your class each semester. He was pretty cool, being part of some clubs and sports teams that he had always seemed busy. 

You wanted to know what he was up to lately and what he’s been doing since graduating high school. Maybe asking for his number later would be good. 

About thirty minutes later, you finally get to get off the chair. You stretched a bit as your conversations about life still lingered in your mind. You felt that there was still more things to catch up on that you turned to him quickly, but he was faster at words. 

“By the way, one of my friends is having a party soon. There might be some old friends coming that you miss.” Hyunjae smiled as he wrote some notes down onto your file, making check marks and such. 

“Wouldn’t that mess up the color of my tattoo?” You asked while your fingers continued to button up your shirt. 

His eyes wandered at your fingers before they looked at your eyes. “Why’s that?” 

You shrugged, crossing your arms after you were done. “I don’t know. You said something about not drinking alcohol for a few days just now.” 

“So you were listening.” His lips beamed again then he turned back to papers. “I mean, it’s a party but you don’t have to drink. They got other drinks too, like fruit punch which is probably your liking.” 

“Okay then. We’ll see.” 

Hyunjae nodded as he finished the paperwork for you. He’d repeat the tattoo care for you again, just in case, and asked to contact him if you have a question when he handed you his business card. 

“Then I’ll see you tomorrow?” You took his card as you asked. 

“We’re meeting tomorrow?” One of his eyebrows furrowed, a smirk appearing in a tease. It must be his trademark. You shouldn’t fall for it. 

“Is it not tomorrow?” Your cheeks turned bright red as you set the business card into your pocket, your shy hand hiding with it. 

He was humming, thinking a bit as his eyes looked to the side. He rested a folded arm over the counter by the front door when he smiled at you. “We could hang out though, to catch up.” 

So that’s how a few dates hangouts happened. He would show up at your place a few times and you both would go to some nearby cafes or restaurants to talk about your lives after high school. Many of them were funny and some were crazy, as you began to understand his life in terms of doing what he wanted. It was very different from the way he was back in high school but as he told his stories about how he was led to being a tattoo artist, you were awed. Well, you were doing something you liked too, but hearing it from a different person, it felt like this was what life’s all about. Your eyes kept sparkling up at him as you wondered if your crush on him was coming back to life. 

You told your friend about Hyunjae but they only told you that this was your chance to snatch a lover. 

“Well, I did have a crush on him back in the days.” You confessed when they had come over for a little dinner hangout. You were sitting on the floor with them with a box of pizza on the table. The TV was on, one of your favorite shows playing when you shyly smiled. Your friend wrinkled their nose at you, a tease at the sound of their voice. 

“I better see you in his bed as soon as tomorrow night then.” 

“What the fuck!” You found a pillow on your couch behind you and hit them, messing their hair up. 

“Hey!” They had an offended look on their face with a hand at the place you hit before they tackled you to the ground, trying to kiss your cheek after their lips curved. “Can I go too?” 

“No. You can’t drink.” You laughed at the snuggle, reminding them about being cautious after getting your twinning tattoos. 

“Who said I was going to?” 

They got up, sticking a tongue out at you before you chased them around the room, sharing laughs as you told them again, “You’re not going!” 

Your friend came with you to the party, wanting to mingle with people though you knew it meant something else. You were annoyed at how they kept pushing you until you told them to find some people to talk to, hence their reason for being here. 

“Maybe you might get laid too.” You joked but you looked out for them, reminding them to “Just be careful, and don’t drink.” 

As they walked away, you looked around to find Hyunjae talking to some people, friends you didn’t recognize. You did talked to a few old friends who showed up but that was it. There wasn’t anything more than that so you were starting to get bored. Your cup was empty when you checked so you made your way to the drinks table as you promised yourself, it’d be your last before you leave. 

There were a few people giving you drinks when you went to get more punch, which you hated because of the pressure it came with. It didn’t help with you having to stay longer after you refused. That was when Hyunjae came by. 

“If someone says no, then no. Don’t you get it?” 

They acted like they were joking before they walked away. Hyunjae sighed, watching them go before he checked up on you. His head was hanging a bit, eyes filled with worry, perhaps despair when he asked, “Are you okay?” 

“Yeah, thanks.” You tried to smile as you set your cup down, not planning to fill it up anymore. You sighed before you looked up at him, hoping he’d be okay with your request. “I want to get out of here.” 

Knowing how you were feeling, Hyunjae left with you as he apologized for inviting you there. You told him it wasn’t his fault as you forgot about your friend who was still there. 

To cheer you up, he thought taking you back to tattoo shop would ease your mind. It was empty and quiet. Maybe it could calm you down before you head back to your place even though he offered his place for you to stay if you needed to, which was above the shop. Besides, he still had some things to clean for the next day’s schedules. It wouldn’t hurt to stay over a bit when you realized how far your house was now that it’s past midnight. 

While Hyunjae was washing some things away, wearing an apron and a pair of washing gloves, you want to thank him for today. Instead of words, you walked up to him and pressed a long peck on his cheek. He was caught off-guard, almost letting an astonished chuckle out when you moved back. 

“Do you do this to other people you find hot?” 

“Why?” Your lips beamed, suddenly full of tease as you moved an inch closer to him. All of that solo time with him really calmed your mind but not your body. 

Hyunjae played along, moving his face closer to you too, until you could see the colors of his true eyes under the dimmed lights with his head tilting. “I’m actually quite popular around here. I don’t know if you can handle me like that.” 

“Did my friend say stuff to you again?” Your smile disappeared as your eyes widened, flinching back at his attack. 

“No.” He chuckled, hiding his laugh at his closed lips. He turned off the running water, focusing back at you as he continued. “But I do find you cute when you fluster.” 

“And yes, I do find you kinda hot too, staring at me like that.” Your face flushed in red though it was hard to tell. You felt fearless saying all of that, words that you never knew you would say when you’re attracted to someone like him. 

“You’re really something.” He took off his gloves and apron, slowly walking up to you with your feet shuffling backwards until you were stopped upon a chair where the customers would sit. As he gazed into your eyes, leaning close to your face, you could feel his breath brushing at your lips. You held onto your breath, ears now turning red when he smirked. “Are you here for another tattoo? Because that would be very bold of you.” He tilted his head again, this time, in a tease. “There couldn’t be any other reason, right?” 

“Maybe.” You tried to play along but it was too hard. It might be the sound of his voice that you were falling into. It couldn’t be helped.

Hyunjae smirked as you placed your hand at his neck, your lips colliding together. You stood up as his arms wrapped around your waist until your bodies lashed together. You arms curled behind him when he pulled you up with your legs wrapped around him as he turned around, trying to find a counter to place you over. His lips could taste the fruit punch flavor that you had not too long ago when he took your tongue, taking one of your cheek at a time. He pushed you against a wall instead, devouring your lips once more before he moved back, bodies still connected in that dimmed room. 

Your breaths danced together, calming slowly as you got lost into his eyes. Hyunjae smirked, never knowing that it would lead to this when you were becoming a hot mess for him. Before he led you to his place, he insisted with such a soothing voice that you’d faint if you hear it again. “Let’s get out of here.” 

[meetmeinthematinee]

Torn Ch 4 --- John Wick x OC fic

A/N: Remember my long neglected John Wick x OC fic? No? Well, finally got around to another chapter. Need a refresh? 

Ch 1 --- Ch2 --- Ch 3 

“Hmm. I’m really not sure! I’m leaning towards the textured blush paper with gold envelopes but I---I really don’t know.” The indecisive bride-to-be ran her hands over the paper options laid out before her on the large wooden table. She fixed her eyes on Kristen with a look that spoke volumes of just how overwhelmed she was. “What do you think?” She asked hesitantly. Kristen smiled warmly and set down her pen. “Personally, I really like the combination of the sage green envelope lined with gold and the blush pink paper for the card. It works all of your colours into it and I think it will look soft and elegant---but it’s really all up to you. Trust your taste!” The woman across from her lit up with excitement. “Oh my gosh! I love that idea SO MUCH! Yes. You know what? Let’s do that.” She said. “Ok, sage green, gold and pink it is! I’ll need a list of full names and addresses to do the hand lettering---as soon as you can get them to me.” Kristen said. “Of course! We just finalized the guestlist so I can have that to you by the end of the week.” She let out a sigh and visibly relaxed. “Thank you so much for everything Kristen. You’re a dream to work with!” 

Kristen smiled widely and gathered up the requested items and tucked them into a thin box. “That’s so kind. I’m happy to be a small part of your big day.” She said. “We just got in some really gorgeous planners if you need one to keep track of everything.” She said as she gestured to the display at the front of the shop. “Actually, I could use one---planning this wedding is a beast of a task. I mean, I’m excited and all---but it’s a lot!” Kristen smiled knowingly. “It is---but you’ll get it done. Just make sure to take some time to yourselves and recharge too. Thanks again for trusting me with your invites. If you have any questions about planners Steph can help you.” Kristen said, gesturing towards Steph behind the counter before heading to her office. She loved these client meetings but always needed a few moments to herself afterwards. Weddings were the bread and butter of her business---so she always put so much pressure on herself. She sank into her office chair and sighed, closing her eyes for a moment. 

The gentle knock on the door startled her. “Boss?” Steph asked as she peeked into the office. “Someone is asking about a supply order.” “Oh. Thanks Steph. I’ll be right there.” Kristen sighed again and stood up. Drumming her fingertips on the smooth surface of her desk. Collecting her thoughts. She checked her appearance in the mirror by the door and tucked an errant strand of hair behind her ear before striding to the shop counter. “Hello madam. You must be Kristen, yes?” She was taken aback at the formality of the persons speech. “Yes, that’s me. How can I help you?” “Pleased to meet you Kristen, I’m James. I’ve been sent on behalf of my employer---we’re looking for a supplier of fine paper goods for our boutique hotel.” “You’d be my first corporate client---I’ve never done wholesale before.” “We’ve heard good things about you---and we always deal locally when we can.” He said. “Well, shall we get started?” She asked. “Yes, please. Thank you for accommodating me, it’s most appreciated---and apologies for not setting up an advance appointment.” “There’s no need for apologies.” She said with a warm smile. “So you’re a new boutique hotel in town?” “We’ve been in Buffalo for a long time but the city has changed so much. We feel it’s the right time to reopen.” James said. “We do value discretion. The plans haven’t been announced yet.” He added pointedly. “Understood.” She said with a sly smile. “Your secret is safe with me.” They worked together to put together the initial order for the hotel. Planners, stationary, pens, pencils. Plain black leather bound notebooks. “Do you need the name of a printer to have the items branded with your logo? I have a great one I work with.” “No, thank you. We like to keep things very minimal. Exclusive.” He said. That struck Kristen as odd. What kind of hotel didn’t want or need branded stationary? It must be a very expensive hotel---but in Buffalo? How would that work out she wondered. They worked together efficiently to get everything sorted. James followed her to the register. “Do you accept coin or shall I pay by card?” “Coin?” She asked with a small polite laugh. James immediately brought out his black company card and left the gold coins in his pocket. “Card is fine.” She said as she rang up the order. “Here’s my business card. Please do call when everything arrives. It’s been a real pleasure, Kristen.” “Likewise. Thank you for coming in. I’ll be in touch when everything is ready.” She said, taking his very elegant business card from him. “Have a pleasant evening.” He said as he left the store. “You too.” She called out distractedly as she examined the exquisitely designed business card. The Continental. Buffalo, New York. It read in elegant gold script. She recognized the address. It was a beautiful old building downtown. It had been empty for decades and she always hoped it would be saved from the wrecking ball. “What what that guy’s deal?” Steph asked loudly, causing Kristen to jump. She looked out the door and then at Steph with a puzzled look on her face. “I honestly have no idea. He was kind of...odd. Wasn’t he?” Steph laughed. “He’s definitely not from here. I know that for sure. He seemed, British?” Kristen hummed in agreement. 

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John was at the kitchen island with the crossword and a cup of coffee, his pen in hand, brows furrowed, when she came in with the groceries. Kristen put the bags down in front of the fridge before she wrapped her arms around his waist and placed a kiss on his temple. “Crossword, huh?” She said as she peered over his shoulder. “Mmm.” “You know I have many comfortable chairs to sit on, right?” She said with a laugh. He turned to meet her eyes and smirked. “I like your kitchen. It’s comfortable. It’s better with you here, though.” Kristen’s face scrunched up as a blush crept across her cheeks. “You absolute sap.” She said as she swatted his shoulder playfully. He smiled and shrugged. “Oh---I read that there’s a meteor shower tonight. I was thinking we could drive out somewhere near my place and see what we can spot?” He said. She smiled and shook her head. 

It was one of those moments where what he had done for a living and who he really was stood in such contrast that she couldn’t help but laugh. “What?” He asked as he bumped his shoulder against hers. “You got a date idea from an actual newspaper. It's funny---and very sweet and sounds like fun.” She playfully pushed him off of her and crossed her arms. A small smirk on her lips. “Yeah, yeah I’m an old man.” He said with a laugh as Kristen turned and started putting the groceries away. “I’d help you but -- my aching bones and all.” He shot her a pointed look before he turned back to the crossword with a huge grin on his face. 

He lasted all of 30 seconds before he was at her side helping put things away. “How did your bridal consult go?” He asked, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her in against his chest. She felt herself relax, letting go of tension she didn’t even know she was carrying. “It went really well.” She said. “No bridezilla action? I don’t have to get involved?” He teased. “No, she was great actually---just the usual deer-in-the-headlights look that most people who plan their own wedding have.” He squeezed her a bit tighter in his arms and kissed her forehead. He thought about his own wedding. It seemed so long ago now but not nearly long enough to stop his heart from feeling that familiar tug of grief. The edges of it had dulled a bit---and even more since he’d finally been able to open up to Kristen about it. His very next thought was of her. What she’d look like walking towards him. Toward a life together. “John, you’re squishing me.” She said, snapping him out of his thoughts. He loosed his grip on her and ran his hands down her arms. Taking her hands in his. “I’m in love with you, Kristen.” He said quietly. Almost to himself. “I love you.” He said loudly, his eyes filled with warmth and hope as he gazed down at her, a smile playing on the edges of his lips. Her breath hitched in her throat. John watched her expression carefully. Taking in how her lips parted and her eyes went wide as she registered what he’d said. She squeezed his hands tightly. “I love you too. So much.” She looked radiant. Her smile crinkling the corners of her eyes softly. He leaned down and kissed her, one hand splayed on her lower back as he slid the other into her hair. He leaned back against the kitchen island and pulled her tighter against him. He hadn’t meant to blurt out his feelings for her like this---but it felt right. This moment. In her kitchen. She was his home---and maybe he could be hers. 

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

They leaned back against the bumper of the car, watching the meteors track across the sky. Steam rose from their thermoses of hot chocolate, dissipating into the cold autumn night as Dog and Gremlin sat at their feet. They’d become fast friends---much to the relief and delight of John and Kristen. Dog never minded when Gremlin would lean on or even sleep on him. He’d give the occasional sigh of resignation and that would be it. “It’s beautiful out here. How’d you find this place?” She asked. John shifted and pulled her in closer to his side. “When I first moved here I was alone a lot. Restless. I think I took Dog to every park, every hiking trail all around the area.” He said. “Oh! That reminds me---there may be a new place we can explore together soon.” She said. “Where’s that?” He asked before taking a sip of his drink and staring up into the sky. “A new boutique hotel is opening up---or supposedly, reopening downtown. They came to my shop for a huge stationary supply order---but here’s the thing, the guy was really kind of weird. So...formal? I’m not sure how well it’s going to go over here.” “You said reopening?” John asked. Dread crystalizing in the pit of his stomach. “Steph thought it was weird too. I mean, he asked if he could pay by coin or card. What a dad joke.” She said. “What did you just say?” He asked. Kristen noticed that John’s whole demeanor had suddenly changed. “Coin or card.” She repeated. John pulled away from her. “It wasn’t a joke, Kristen.” John said harshly. “Why didn’t you tell me about this sooner. You have NO IDEA what you’ve gotten yourself into.” “John---I was about to tell you when I got home but then the conversation we were having seemed more important. Kristen, I love you. That’s nice but this weird guy came into the shop today. Would have been better for you?” She said, throwing her hands up, her lips drawn into a hard line. John exhaled and shut his eyes, taking a minute to calm down. “No, you’re right. You had no idea that this meant anything and I’m sorry. Did he tell you what the name of the hotel was?” He asked. “Shit, I think it started with a C. The Centennial? No. That’s not right.” She said. “The Continental?” John asked flatly. “Yeah, that’s it. How did you know?” “It means they know about us.” “Who’s they?” She asked “The High Table. The people I used to...work for.”

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[avengerscompound]

When She’s Away

When She’s Away:  A Black Widow Fanfic

Buy me a ☕ Character Pairing:  Natasha Romanoff x F!Reader

Word Count:  2364

Warnings:  Smut (F|F, oral, vibrator and strap on use)

Synopsis:  Natasha is away a lot.  The two of you hate the time apart.  That is until Nat finds a way to keep you entertained when she’s not there.

When She’s Away

Being the partner of an avenger could be trying.  It meant getting left at home a lot worrying they wouldn’t come back.  It meant pretending that you hadn’t been worrying when they got home.  It meant them pretending they were in no real danger all along, to keep your mind at ease.  It meant pretending they didn’t know that you knew they were lying.

It meant that you bonded with everyone else that had to stay behind too.  It helped to have people to talk to.  People who got it.  No one got it as well as Pepper Potts.  She had become like the group mom of anyone who dated an Avenger.  Whether the relationship lasted a few weeks or the years you had been with Natasha.  The thing that helped her cope, was making sure everyone else was.  Which was a lot to take on considering she was also running Stark Industries.  Where she got the energy from you’ll never know.

So when she asked you to be a bridesmaid at her and Tony’s wedding, of course, you said yes.  She deserved to have people help her out when she’d done so much to help others.  You were looking forward to being in the line up beside her.  Getting to dress up.  At least for something that didn’t end in your girlfriend busting the place up.

You had been meeting with a designer, florists, and bakers with her along with her wedding planner.  Not that you were a lot of help, but her closest friends and family lived on the other side of the country and while maybe her friendship with Natasha had been going for longer than the one with you, you weren’t always dragged away on missions.  You didn’t mind, even though half the time you felt like decoration.  Sometimes just having someone there to ask their opinion when you weren’t sure, who had your back, helped.  So you didn’t mind being that person.

It kept you busy while Natasha was out of town in any case.  Looking at flowers and tasting cakes and nodding and agreeing about dress designs you had no idea about distracted you from the fact that Natasha had been completely radio silent for two weeks now.

It turned out, she had been busy too.  She appeared completely unannounced with a present for you.

“It’s got both clitoral and G-spot stimulation.  You can wear it while I do other things to you the way we do with the bullets only twice the stimulation.  I can set each side to vibrate at different intensities,”  She explained as you pulled the vibrator out of its sleek box.  It was small, purple and ‘U’ shaped with two ridged bulbous ends.  It came with a large white charging station that it fit snugly into.  “It’s actually what they call a couples vibrator.  When they say couple they aren’t speaking about our more sapphic kind obviously, but if you were interested I could fuck you with a strap on while that toy was inside you.”

You turned it over in your hand and ran your fingers over the silicone.  It looked like a good toy but not any better or worse than any of the almost countless others the two of you owned.

“You know what the best part is?”  She asked, quirking an eyebrow at you.

“No, what?”

She smirked and came closer running a finger from your stomach down to your cunt.  “It’s small enough and snug enough to wear around during the day and it comes with an app that works from the other side of the world.”

Your eyes lit up and you gave her a little shove.  “You dirty girl.”

She chuckled and pulled you back close against her.  “Oh, I plan to be.  Can you imagine?  I’m out of town.  You have it here.  We can facetime and I can watch as I get you off from the other side of the planet.  Or, even better,”  She gripped your ass and ghosted her lips over your neck.  “You’re at work and I switch it on just when I get the urge and you have to pretend you’re not about to come in your panties.”

You squirmed where you stood just thinking about all the things she could do to you.  “Fuck.  I’m wet just thinking about it.”

“Really?”  She asked and pushed her hand down into your shorts.  Her fingers slid up your folds, collecting up your wet.

“Tasha!”  You yelped pushing her.

She grabbed her wrist and pinned it behind your back as she continued to move her fingers up and down your pussy.  “We should give it a try.”

“It has to charge first.”  You whined.

“So go and charge it then,”  She teased pulling her hand out of your pants and slapping your ass.  “I’ll make us something to eat.”

You giggled and risked giving her ass a playful smack before running down to the bedroom with the toy.  You cleaned it off and set it up to charge near the bed.  You decided to set up a few other things too, to save Natasha the trouble.  You got out the harness and a red pyrex dildo and a water-based lube and lined them up next to it.

When you returned to the kitchen, she had made a salad and heated up a pirog that you had in the freezer.  She served them at the kitchen table with two iced teas you were already sure she’d spiked with vodka.

"How was the trip? Just spend it sex toy shopping?" You asked sitting down in her lap.  Even with her slight frame, you weren’t worried about her taking your weight easily.  She was much, much stronger than the average person.

She wrapped her arm around your waist and took a drink from her iced tea.  “It was fine.  I can’t really tell you much, but it was me and Clint and you know what he’s like.”

“He lets you boss him around.”  You said.

“Mm… that he does.”

“Who would have thought you like being in control.  What a revelation.”  You teased.

She pinched your thigh and laughed to herself.  “Such a smart ass, mishka.”  She teased.  You snuggled down against her.  Happy she was back and you got to be in her arms again.  “What about you, my darling?  How have you been?”

“Good, work’s been fine.  Same as always.  Being Pepper’s bridesmaid is… interesting.  I have no idea what I’m doing half the time.  Tony has a scary amount of money.  Like too much.”  You said.

“You’re telling me.”  She joked.

“At least I don’t think I’ll be wearing pink or tonnes of frills.  I think she wants us to wear white too.  Which… is weird right?”  You asked.

She shrugged.  “She has style.  Trust it.”

You finished your food and got up and stacked the dishwasher and returned to her lap.  You nuzzled into your neck and sighed contentedly.  “You’re being very affectionate,”  She said, running her fingers down the side of your neck.

“That’s because I love you,”  you replied leaning back and kissing her.  She slipped her hand back into your pants and lazily started to finger you as you kissed.  When she finally pulled back she pushed you to standing, pulled your pants and underwear off in one go and then turned you and sat you on the kitchen table.  You spread your legs wide for her as she guided you so you were lying back over it.

She nuzzled at your pussy for a moment, placing small kisses along the inside of your thighs.  You hummed and relaxed, letting her take her time, enjoying that she actually was for a change.  When her tongue finally swiped up your folds it startled you a little and you moaned arching your back and pushing your hips up, chasing after her mouth.

She grabbed your hips and held them down as she started to lap wide over your pussy.  She sucked at your folds and placed large open mouth kisses over them.  Your hand went to her hair and you pulled on it.  It seemed to focus her.  She made a soft growl sound and sucked your clit into her mouth.  Her tongue flicked back and forth over it sending a shiver from your cunt right up your spine.   You moaned and rolled your hips up against her face.

Pleased little sounds were coming from her as she used her mouth on you.  Soft hums and moans.  She was enjoying eating you out as much as you enjoyed her doing it.  Her pleasure seemed to add to you.  You relaxed more, not worrying about anything except how good it was to have her mouth on you.

She stood suddenly and picked you up, wrapping your legs around her tiny waist.  You thought for a moment how funny you must look, but you didn’t care.  You loved how easily Natasha could carry you.  You tangled your fingers in her hair and kissed her as she carried you down to the bedroom.

When she got there she dropped you down on the mattress and pulled her shirt off.  You scrambled to remove the rest of your clothes as she undressed in no particular hurry to take off the rest of hers.  She picked the vibrator up from the charging dock and started to apply lube to it as she turned it over in her hand.  You crawled up after her and pulled her close, placing a large kiss on her pussy and swirling your tongue around.  She moaned as the salty/sweet flavor of her fluids filled your mouth.

She let you kiss and suck at her pussy for a moment, moaning in pleasure as you used your mouth on her.  After a little while, she cupped your jaw and tilted your head up and kissed you deeply as she pushed you back on the bed.  You spread your legs and she eased the vibrator into your cunt, getting it into position so that it sat snuggly against your clit and pushed against your g-spot.

She stood back and looked down at you and picked up the remote.  “How does that feel?”

“Good.  Feels good.”  You said.

She turned the remote on and a slow mellow buzz started up against your clit.  You moaned and pushed your ass up off the bed like you were trying to chase the feeling it was giving you.  She started fingering herself as she changed the intensity, it went from slow and mellow to fast and intense and anything in between.

Natasha watched your reactions closely as she slowly rolled her finger over her clit, her devious little half smile playing over her lips.  You moaned and bucked and writhed in front of her.  When you reacted the way she seemed to like best, she put the control down and put on her harness.  It had a toy on the inside too, and she lubed it up and slid it inside of herself and added a bullet vibe against her clit.  She then lubed up the dildo she planned to use on you.

She pounced on you and you wrapped your legs around her and she slid the toy in.  It stretched you out and filled you more, but was in no way uncomfortable.  The addition of the dildo pushed the vibrator harder against your g-spot.  You groaned loudly as it sent a current of pleasure through you.  She started to slowly roll her hips against you.   Each roll added pressure to the part of the vibrator resting against your clit and increased the intensity of the buzz against it.  The buzz traveled out from your cunt through the rest of you.  As the dildo moved inside of you the vibrator would press hard against your g-spot.  Press and release press and release.

You started to pant.  Natasha cradled your head with her arm and looked right into your eyes.  Her mouth hovered over yours, her breath coming in hot and shallow.

“How’s it feel?”  She asked, her green eyes blown out with lust.

You leaned up and bunched your hand in her hair.  She captured your lips with her and you kissed her desperately, pulling her hair and dancing your tongues together.

“Fuck.  Fuck, Tasha!  Fuck!”  You cursed as she broke the kiss.

“Me too, mishka,”  She growled.

An orgasm took hold of you.  It crashed down making you cry out.  She kissed you through it as you clung to her, your fingers digging into her back.

She started to thrust harder, panting as her own orgasm neared.  Each thrust made the vibrate dig against your g-spot.  Your whole body seized up and you came again, gushing around the toys.

“Fuck,”  She groaned and came, her head falling back in pleasure and her body stilling.

You both lay there panting for a moment as the vibrator still buzzed against your swollen and sensitive clit.  “Okay, okay, need it to stop.”  You said pushing her off you.

You both removed the toys you were wearing and turned them off, tossing them haphazardly onto the bed as you curled up in each other's arms and let yourselves enjoy the endorphin highs you were riding.

“That one's a keeper,” you hummed.

She smiled and kissed your neck.  “Yes, I think it will do quite nicely.”

You walked your fingers up her side and trailed it under her breasts.  “Having this makes the idea of you going away again a little more exciting than I usually find it.”

She hummed and your whole body seemed to just relax.  “That’s what I had hoped.  I do very much like the idea of getting you off from a whole other country.”

You leaned in and brushed your lips over hers before nuzzling into her neck.  “Can we get you one too?”  You asked.

She chuckled softly.  “I don’t think a mid-mission orgasm would be wise.”

“No, but when we skype.  And maybe, when you’re having meetings with Steve.”  You said.

She laughed a little louder and kissed your cheek.  “The thought of him hearing is very good, but we shall see.  I’ll think about it.”

// NEXT

[ivyveil]

Love is the Punchline 2

the one where you are drunk and want pizza, but your fingers call Harry instead

A Continuation of LITP (masterlist here)

Your heartbeat demanded to be felt through the entire body, your attention memorized by the motion of right to left from your chest to your fingertips.

They were tapping irregularly on the dining table, as if they instinctively knew the beat of your heart breaking. As it had been all week, truthfully, but since work had ended for the week, your thoughts were dominated by the shadows you had hoped left. Liquor didn’t help, particularly the cup in front of you that sullenly watched you make an idiot of yourself in front of your potted plants.

“The cactus doesn’t care, Mr. Grey Goose,” you reasoned, leaning back on your chair slightly to point at the plant, who seemed generally unimpressed by your antics. “He’s a prick anyways. You care too much what others think, just be you.” You blinked, soulfully, at the cup, trying to mentally send it the emotional strength you were lacking.

The cup said nothing, but you felt the stare go from critical to one of pity, the exact emotion you were drinking alone to avoid. Company would just feel sorry for you, and you didn’t know if you could handle the atmosphere of sympathy. It was your fault, anyway.

If anything, you deserved the harsh disapproval of alcohol. Perhaps you even deserved his silence, though it felt incredibly wrong. You traced a line of dew down the side of a water glass, which hadn’t been depleted after an hour of your Official Weekend Breakdown. It had swooped on you quickly. Your morning had been normal, and at work you even managed to forget about the situation for a few hours. When you got back to your home, you had decided to undergo a quick cleaning.

Your closet was under siege, shoes littering the floor from when you kicked them off without bothering to check they went into proper storage. The Questions You Didn’t Like To Ask had been lurking in the corners of your mind, but you managed to set them off for the most part. Who had the strength to go through all that mental analysis, when the answers couldn’t be properly found? You didn’t know what Harry was feeling, because he didn’t tell you. Nothing more to it.

Then, you saw them. A few shirts folded up in the corner, stacked high and surrounded by a fancy ass designer cologne you had never bought before. You still recognized it, and the bitter pain flooded your senses again. The loopy writing of ‘Styles’ on the pocket confirmed it (as if you need confirmation that the silk Gucci shirts weren’t yours, being stuck in the midst of random 5k shirts you had collected over the years).

The entire situation still confused you, whether it was a proper fall-out or just a miscommunication. How to go about solving it was a mind fuckery, leading down roads of self-criticism you couldn’t deal with at the moment.

Your head swam a bit above the current of drunkness to realize the idea of ordering pizza was remarkably brilliant. However, there were a few flaws that kept you from going straight to your phone.

It involved sitting upright, getting out of your chair, and moving to the front door to then converse with the pizza man, collect the pizza box, hand over the money (which then meant you would need to go get money before reaching the door) before coming back safely inside. Which was a problem, because the ceiling kept becoming the floor, and the floor itself kept swaying.

Your body felt smooth, in a numb, little-bit-over tipsy sort of way. Your day had started the same as they had been for the past week, without any texts from him. It wasn’t entirely unusual for Harry to go a few days without contact, his job being fairly demanding, but the situation at hand made you feel as though it was something more. Something more than not having the time to send a quick text.

Not that you had sent one, either. You had written plenty, enough to possibly draft a book called Regrets and Texts, an Autobiography. But none had made it through the consideration pile to be properly sent.

Sometimes there simply weren’t words to explain yourself. (Which might have been a lie, because you had three perfectly good words, but they did a lousy job at making up for your actions). You groaned, loudly, like an injured cow. Unattractive, and somewhat cathartic, because after you got it out of your system you were able to take another sip from your drink. Your eyes squished together as you got it down, your tongue sticking out in half-disgust and half-instinct.

“Why does it hurt so good?” you groaned, keeping your eyes closed. Your cactus mumbled, “What a mess.” You agreed. Everything echoed of repetition; your daily life was holed by what was missing. You didn’t know what could fill it, you were frustrated by the isolation you had trapped yourself in and the physical borders that kept you from where you wanted to be.

Harry wasn’t everything in your life, not even close. You had a multitude of friends, a caring family, those people at work you talk but never tell anything personal to, and you had a lot of hobbies that typically kept you busy around town. You loved Harry, but you weren’t usually constantly consumed by the thought of him.

Harry wasn’t your air, he never was, but for the past few days you couldn’t fucking breathe.

Essentially, you had only begun to realize that you had collaborated with your demons, your own fears, to keep you away from the possibility of happiness. All for what? The fear of being vulnerable, the fear of opening up and saying, “Come take me as you can find me, Harry, this is all I am and I hope to God it’s enough.”

Instead, all you had to say for yourself was, “Don’t.” All you had to text was, “No.”

All he had to say was that he loved you, and put himself out there. Twice. Which you knew, from having plenty of romance-oriented conversations with him in the past, was a big deal. He wasn’t the type to make a huge move, too wrapped up in having to know it would go perfectly before he even considered making a tiny move. He knew he was phenomenal on stage and with his words, but sometimes as a person, there were doubts.

You shifted in your seat and regretted it immediately. Perhaps it was all in your imagination (who knew, at this point), but the sloshing around in your stomach was enough convincing to make you dead-set on finding some starch to consume, and fast. And honestly, fuck the saltines in your pantry – you needed some good, gooey, cheesy pizza to get through tonight.

Your hands, finally, made their way towards your phone, and you opened up the dial app, your fingers clicking on their own accord.

Sometimes our bodies know how to fix our lives better than we do. After all, that’s how you ended up hanging over the toilet at your senior prom, vomiting for 30 minutes. It had meant you lost your chance at hooking up with the cute guy from your physics course, but later in the year you found out he had been sneaking shady stuff in the boys’ drinks to try and up his chances with some of the girls.

If it hadn’t been for your inability to hold a proper amount of drink, you would’ve most likely victim to that type of absolute, unforgivable douche-baggery. Your body was looking out for you, you reckoned.

Now was a similar moment, it seemed. Your body had leaped at the chance, saw your incapable state and just went with pure instinct to try and straighten out your course.

So, instead of the friendly, middle-aged woman named Andrea at your local pizza shop (who you occasionally went to Thursday Knitting Club with, and who knew more about your emotional life than perhaps even you did) it was a deep, slow, masculine voice.

You froze in your chair, feeling aggressively more sober than moments before.

“Hi, this is Harry. Leave meh a message, I’ll get back to yeh when I can.”

Beep.

Stupefied, you pulled your hand back and looked at the screen. The photo you took of him at a carnival was shining back at you, his face painted like a tiger. It had been a fun few days, especially since a family member of his needed a quick babysitter. Walking around with Harry and a tiny child clasped between the both of you had sent your emotions all over for the next month and a half. You’re pretty sure your friends who had kinda picked up on your thing for Haz had been truly tested by your maternally-driven rants for that portion of your life.

“Noooo,” you groaned, putting your phone back down and propping your elbows on the table. You put your head in your hands, mumbling several profanities. The tiny voice in your mind wondered, simultaneously, why you hadn’t hung up yet. You told the voice to mind its own damn business.

“I’m sorry, Haz, I meant to order Andrea. Or the pizza, not the lady. Like, human trafficking is fucked,” you began, squishing your cheeks between your hands and looking at your fridge. His face was too much to look at, it would be too real. Although his cheeks didn’t have pink, sparkly whiskers in real life, the idea was still prevalent.

You fell silent, toying with various words in your mouth and wondering if you would be able to properly speak this time.

“I’ve been thinking, a lot. Questions I don’t want to ask, about myself. They’re conversations with myself I’ve tried to avoid, at all costs, for years now.” A pause. Then, furthered confession.

“I don’t imagine you’re super interested in them, I don’t think I would be if I were you. I think I just hope you hear this and regret not texting me back. Which sounds super elementary once I’ve said it out loud, I mean, I guess I could’ve texted too. But what was I gonna say?” you drawled, gesturing outwards with an open palm to signify that no, you had nothing to say.

Which was a lie, but you hadn’t had much success in telling the truth as of late.

“You wanna know what’s really funny, Haz?” you stared out into nothing, as if you were truly speaking to him and had a momentary revelation. Completely fabricated, but in the haze of your mind it felt like a brand new concept all over again.

Your cactus was suffering from very deep, very tragic second-hand embarrassment in the corner.

“I wanna capture all your words. They’re so beautiful, you’re like a masterpiece and I just want to be there all the time. I wanna see you at like, 1:42 pm and see how the light goes differently ‘cross your face, as the day goes on. Am I making sense? Like, I want to see your morning hair and your afternoon stubble and how quiet you get at night. I’ve gotten pieces of it, but not in full.”

A moment’s pause, a quiet reflection.

“But that’s not what’s funny,” you admitted, sullenly. Your nails grew more interesting as the confession grew deeper, and you picked at them as you spoke. Your apartment was starkly silent, compared to the rush of noise you felt in your head.

“It’s funny how much I love you, that I love you so much my heart hurts and my eyes can’t help but cry because it’s overwhelming.  I don’t think it’s strange, though, but it’s not like I’m well-equipped with this. So I end up pushing you away. That’s fucked up.”

You hiccuped, a sad smile pulling at the corners of your lips.

“Really fucked,” you agreed with yourself, your fingers twirling around a loose piece of your hair again and again. Your phone didn’t have much to say back, so you pushed onward.

“I love you, so I’m trying to let go. I truly am, Haz, swear it, for you and I guess a little for me? You don’t deserve this, you know,” you gestured at yourself, eyes widening to emphasize your point. 

You two had equally seen each other at some of the lowest times, in the worst situations. It was nothing new to have Harry see you breaking apart, and likewise vice versa. Yet, the idea of needing to be put-together in order to jump into something serious was engraved on your skull, the necessity of not needing someone else before having someone else.

“I can’t ignore my fear forever, that I have some secret I didn’t even know about. I don’t want to see the disappointment in your eyes, like I do in theirs. It would break me, Haz.

“It happens every time, I start off going steady with some guy and it’s great, I’m so happy. And I think maybe I’ve got it wrong, that love is possible for me. That it’s not just for our rom-coms and Ryan Goslings of the world.

“But then I start seeing it. And it’s the worst, you know? ‘Cause I can’t stop it, it’s just a byproduct of being with me. The disillusionment starts in their eyes, it’s when they find me. It’s like a curtain’s been lifted and the guy started tearing down my walls because he thought that’s what he was supposed to do.

“And it turned out, what was behind it wasn’t what he was looking for. Which has me freaked, because how is my true self different from what I’m aware of - I’m not projecting a false image of myself out there, right? I’m just altogether too much, and not enough. And I don’t know how to fix me.”

You traced the condensation of your water, tears glassing up your vision. This was a portion of insecurity you hadn’t fully shown Harry before, mostly because it felt like a massive pity-fest and you knew he would listen with large, puppy eyes and hold you until your chest didn’t feel so tight. Nothing would be solved, though, so it didn’t seem worth mentioning.

“And I don’t want that for us,” you confessed, choking back the urge to properly cry, “I like it when you look at me and I don’t notice any change in your eyes. It’s just you and it’s just me.”

You sniffled, the tears escaping nonetheless and rolling down your cheeks. You smudged them off with hurried hands before they went much further, wanting to fully focus on the task at hand.

“For me, I don’t know if I could’ve, if I could’ve survived seeing us break apart, like that. Dramatic, yeah, but I’m just tryin’ to be honest,” you took a deep breath.

“Yeah, honest. But I suppose we have, now, haven’t we? Because I couldn’t say the right words when it mattered.”

You laughed, a feeling of foolishness washing over your soul and delighting you in the most tragic of ways. How sad, drunkenly calling the boy you loved when you had told him, only a week ago, that he wasn’t worth the risk of going for it? A mess of hypocrisy, you knew you had called your friends’ exes horrible names for doing a lot less.

What was most frustrating, was you clearly could see how unproductive your mind-set was. You knew the proper tips and training for taking care of yourself (the amount of bubbles that had been born in your bathroom the past two days alone could fill the entire sky, you swear) and you recognized your self-worth. It wasn’t a situation of having a devastating wreckage of insecurity to battle, but more like when it was called into question, your ego hesitated a bit too much to claim the title as Worthy.

Letting out a bitter sigh, you put your head on the counter, next to the phone that was recording one of your lowest lows and transferring it in waves to the man who used to help you back up. And all he would do is realize how fortunate he was, to have escaped the mess you felt colliding against your rib cage and into your throat.

Kissing him had felt like you had never kissed anyone, before. He felt assured, comfortable. It had taken a lot to help ease you into ‘romantic’ situations before, but with Haz it felt more like an expression than a deed. More like a physical manifestation of how he made you feel, how you wanted to share that love through your lips. How you wanted to draw his feelings out from his. It was a symphony of simplicity, which was mind-blowing because you had never imagined it could be that good without the nervous laughter and self-conscious puddle of anxiety beforehand.

“I heard you crying,” you murmured, half-unaware you were speaking out loud.

“I heard it, and I didn’t know what to do. And that scared me, maybe even more than how I feel for you in general. Because I always thought I would be able to go and fix things, situations, people...but all I did was listen. All I did was listen,” a lump in your throat began to obstruct the passage of your voice, you knew he could hear the tears coming now, faster “and I hate myself for that. I hate that I couldn’t have been there for you, when I’m trying do to right for the both of us. I just can’t tell anymore, where the lines are. Where I love you as a friend and love you as something more.”

Your voice cracked by the end, a breakage of both spirit and will. Your chest felt tight, your heart had given up long ago, sitting in its cage and chain-smoking until the doomsday. Nothing could be salvaged from this, speaking to him in that state would only prolong the suffering between you both.

“I gotta go, Haz,” you apologized softly. “I need my pizza, and you need to stop listening to me word-vomit everything when it’s frankly too late in the game.”

Your finger hesitated over the red ‘end’ button, unable to bring itself to do it before you could plead for a sober chance to discuss everything.

“Just text me, okay? I don’t want this to change things between us, I want us to look at each other.”

With that, a singular beep signaled the end of your Next Big Regret. Or what would be, when you remembered in the morning.

You groaned again, moving to properly call the pizza shop, being very conscious of the buttons you pressed along the way. Maybe you’d make it a deep crust, you deserved it.

“Thanks, have a nice night,” you grunted, accepting the box and handing over what was most likely an absurd tip for the 10-minutes-late delivery. You didn’t particularly care, half-hoping the karma would impact your life in the future and maybe you would win the lottery. There’s no harm in trying, after all.

When you shuffled back to your dining room, your phone screen had just turned to black again. Racing over, dumping the box on the table, you reached out and snatched up the device quickly, feeling your heart beat back to life and pittering up your throat.

When wouldn’t nerves be the absolute death of you?

One missed call from “H”.

You stared at the notification for a long time, allowing it to register in your psyche before unlocking your phone. Calling him back meant the continuation of a conversation you were, at the time, very pleased to be having one-sided. It took away the possibility of hearing his response in real life, in hearing his breath and knowing the thoughts in the intricate patterns of his sighs and groans.

The drunk part of you urged your fingers to hit ‘call back’ so that any fuck ups could be blamed on the vodka, as opposed to your sober self who would have no where to hide behind. It was quite the conundrum.

Another notification.

This time, Voice Mail from “H”.

You hit “Listen.”

He sounded tired. Really tired.

“Hey. I, I just got a message from yeh. Dunno if you’re awake still and just didn’t wanna answer. Or if yeh fell asleep. Or got pizza, I don’t know, fuck.”

Silence.

An exhausted laugh.

“I truly...God, Y/N, I truly don’t know what to say. Those men were properly insane, to not love every bit of you. I wish I could say y’ could have all of me, but I...”

A lump rose in your throat, eyes filling up quickly with tears. You sat down as he was speaking, covering your eyes with a hand and shaking your head. Hearing his voice again, was just too real. Everything felt overly saturated and dramatic, but that little voice in your head reminded you this was what love was, sometimes. Just on another level from all else, the craziness is just a slice of the experience.

“When you said we wouldn’t be worth it, that shattered me, love. Not love, sorry. Didn’t mean to, slipped.”

He groaned, and you could practically see him in a hotel room somewhere, sitting at the business desk over his phone, rubbing his hands down his face. The desk lamp would be glowing, the only light source in the room.

“Yeh can’t say we’re friends and just friends, and call me with this. Isn’t fair. Not when I’m tryin’ to...to get over you.”

You knew, you knew that. The guilt was already creeping up your lungs.

“I still love yeh. But I can’t love y’ouand know you love me, and not...it’s just….I can’t. ‘M sorry. I also don’t think it’s best we talk over phone, yeah? Just complicates things.”

The message ended.

Your apartment was cloaked in silence, a deep depression. Harry had been so rational, when you were the one fighting for the title. You were utterly confused as to what you were supposed to do now, after such emotional turmoil. Your drunken mind was bitter, mostly at yourself.

Why wasn’t Harry worth fighting for, to you? A day ago, you had realized how much you would’ve sacrificed for him, if given the proper chance, and then it had occurred to you that the chance had come and gone. And for some odd reason, you hadn’t recognized the flashing neon lights until it was too late.

“He still loves me,” you whispered, curling up in the seat and blinking at the wall.

You stayed like that for a few more minutes, mind racing a million miles a second. Eventually, an idea came to mind. One you felt would solve everything, would change the tragedy to something salvageable.

Maybe the flashing lights were still there, ‘late’ was better than ‘never.’ You had previously only wanted Harry to see you for your strengths, for him to see you in radiant light and want nothing but your positives. Perhaps to show more of your weaknesses, it could make the situation more fucking realistic. You huffed, silently telling yourself off for not registering how insufferable the idea of giving up loving Harry was. This was worth it, it moved your soul into something more aligned, closer to the emotion of feeling ‘okay.’ And maybe that’s all you could do, fight to feel more okay. Do the actions that made your heart feel lighter and true, and let the outcomes fall as they may.

The next morning, your bank account had a flight ticket to America charged. The price was an absolute joke, but if that’s what it took to get to Harry, love was going to be the punchline.

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

  A/N: Check the masterlist of LITP here, and let me know your thoughts if you would like!  

[artemisegeria]

Love by Design (Chapter 10/11)

Title: Love by Design (Chapter 10/11)

Rating: T

Word count: 3130

Warnings: None for this chapter.  

Summary: Vision makes elaborate foam art as a barista at the coffee shop that his brother owns. One day a new customer comes in, and he completely loses his cool. As she keeps coming back, they grow closer. A casual acquaintance becomes something much more.

Chapter Summary: Wanda and the others complete their surprise for Vision. Wanda plays in her recital.

AO3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/16272371

Chapter 1  | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 

“Wanda, Wanda.” A gentle shake of her shoulder brought her back to the present. She was in her own bed, an increasingly familiar warmth curved around her back. They had begun to stay together at least three to four nights a week. Despite the nightmare, she still thought it funny that they spent more time together now that Vision had his own place. His concerned face led her back to the moment. “You seemed to be having a nightmare.”

Wanda rolled over to face him as she nodded and shuddered slightly. Vision let his hand travel from her shoulder to her jaw. “Was I saying anything out loud? Pietro always says I talk in my sleep.”

“You were apologizing.”

“Oh.” She was tempted to leave it at that and change the subject, but looking at Vision’s sympathetic frown encouraged her to go on. He pulled her closer, placing a hand on her back and softly massaging her. “It was my parents and my brother. They were saying that it was my fault they got sick. I had cursed them, and that was why I was the only one who didn’t get sick.”

“I’m sure none of them ever thought that.” Vision continued to rub soothing patterns over her back, and she let herself sink into the comfort he was offering. “I’ve heard the stories you’ve told of your family and I saw the way you were with your brother. I cannot imagine that any of them would begrudge your not getting sick; they would be happy that you were spared that pain.”

She leaned into his shoulder. He wrapped one arm around her shoulder and he brought his other hand up to cup her cheek. He kissed her forehead while brushing away the remnants of her tears. She leaned into him further.

He kissed her gently, touching his lips to the corner of her mouth.

“It’s always worst when I’m worried about something.”

“Is it the recital?”

She nodded. “It’s been so long.”

“You’ve been practicing hard. You’ll be ready.”

“Thanks.” She was finally able to smile weakly at him. He brushed the remaining tears from her cheeks with his thumbs and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. “Can we stay like this for a while?”

“Yes, it’s early.”

Wanda relaxed further into his embrace, taking the opportunity to let her pain and worries float away.

***

On the morning of the last rehearsal, the day before the actual recital, Wanda was glad for an excuse to get out of the apartment. Vision had already left his place to go to the library for the day, according to his early morning text, and she had asked him to stay at hers that night to distract her from her nerves. It was true that she was nervous. Preserving the surprise they had planned was only a bonus.

They had already planned to have their friends come to Vision’s place after her recital. They had been urging him to give them the full tour. But as far as Vision knew, it was only a simple dinner together. She hoped he would appreciate the far more elaborate plans they had.

She walked around the corner to where Scott’s van was parked. Everyone else was already inside. She put on her seatbelt, and they drove to Vision’s apartment.

They tried to unload all the boxes as quickly as possible. Once they were done, they arranged everything. Wanda orchestrated the placement of all the items, glad that there was still an empty bookshelf against the wall of the main living room.

As a finishing touch, Wanda placed the model ship she had retrieved on top of the bookshelf. She truly hoped Vision would focus on more on the happy early memories he had of his brother, rather than recent events.

***

Vision arrived at the community center an hour early to save seats for all of his and Wanda’s friends. He needn’t have worried because there were only a scattering of people in the hall, but he wanted to be sure.

Natasha arrived first. She sat next to Vision with a smile. “Everyone else should be here in a bit. Nice flowers.” She gestured to the bouquet of peonies he was resting in his lap.

“Thank you. They’re her favorite.” He remembered the last time he gave Wanda flowers. Though there was still a bitter pit in his stomach about Ultron’s betrayal, he was relieved that he would not ruin this moment.

Vision watched the musicians set up. Wanda gave him a small wave. She looked calm and unruffled, much to his relief. She had only grown more nervous over the last week. Seeing her begin to warm up showed him that this was her natural element. It was different from the times she had casually played piano for him. Here, she was focused, intent, in control of every movement.

Vision tried not to stare to hard. Natasha’s gaze always seemed uncomfortably probing when he and Wanda were in the same room. They were both convinced that no one knew about their relationship, but Vision privately thought Natasha might suspect. So he turned his attention to the other audience members.

When Clint, Sam, Steve, Bucky, Tony, Scott, Hope, Mantis, and Nebula trickled in, he shared conversation about their preparations for the upcoming school year until an announcement was made that the recital would begin in five minutes. Wanda gave him one more glance, and he shot her a brief thumbs up. He fancied that she looked more comfortable when she turned back to the cello.

***

Wanda accepted his bouquet was huge smile on her face. It was so much better than the last time he had given her flowers, with no interruptions. She fought the urge to kiss him on the cheek in thanks. They had not yet discussed when and how they would reveal their relationship to the group.

So she settled for a simple “Thanks, Vizh.”

“You are very welcome.”

Everyone else clapped her on the back and offered congratulations. The recital had gone as well as she could have imagined.

Natasha shot her a glance when Vision was turned away from them, gathering up his things. When he turned back to her, Wanda sniffed the bouquet appreciatively. “Hey, Vizh, could you do me a huge favor and help us pick up?”

“I would be happy to.”

Natasha walked up between them. “I’ll take your keys if you don’t mind. We can set up the food and drinks while you’re helping Wanda.”

Vision pulled his keys out of his pocket. “Here you are, Natasha.”

She winked at Wanda as she ushered the others toward the doors. Wanda drew him toward the rest of the musicians, introducing him around. They cleaned up all the instruments. Vision carried her cello toward her car. She stalled for as long as was reasonable.

She leaned toward him over the center console. “So…What did you think, really?”

“I admit I don’t have much comparison, but I thought you all played wonderfully.”

“And you’re not just saying that to be nice?”

“Not at all. I love your music. It’s an integral part of you.”

“Thanks.” Wanda could feel herself blushing, but she pushed the butterflies aside. She moved closer to him, tugging on his lapel. She fluttered her eyelashes at him. Vision’s eyes darted around, but upon noticing that the parking lot was almost empty already, refocused on her. “Care to give me a kiss before we’re surrounded by nosey friends?”

“I would.” He reached up to cup her face in his hands. Wanda still wasn’t used to the feeling of his tender caresses. They filled her with joy. Vision pressed his lips against her and pulled back. Wanda leaned forward to close the gap. They took turns kissing each other until Vision finally straightened up with every appearance of reluctance. “Loath as I am to cut this short, should we not join our friends?”

“I guess.” She trusted she had given them enough time. She buckled her seatbelt and Vision followed suit. “Let’s go.”

It was a short drive to his apartment followed by a short walk up the stairs to his floor. Wanda stood directly behind Vision when he opened the door. “Surprise!” they all shouted in unison. Vision was absolutely frozen, his mouth open helplessly. A banner proclaiming, “Welcome Home!” hung above Vision’s kitchen table. Balloons were also scattered around. A cake decorated with a set of keys and a cello sat on the table, while packages were piled on a side table.

Vision’s eyes flickered all around the room, from his now full bookcase to his laptop sitting on his desk. Wanda was beginning to think he was upset when he did not smile, but when he finally turned to her there were tears in his eyes, but he did not look displeased. “How?” he asked simply, voice coming out as a bare whisper.

“Well, Scott and Natasha had the idea to liberate your things from Ultron’s buyers. Then, we all got together to collect it. That’s why I asked for a key, so we could bring your stuff here as a surprise. And before you argue, we didn’t touch a thing that wasn’t rightfully yours, and they won’t go after us.”

“I-I wasn’t going to argue.” Vision still seemed mystified. She noted his eyes land on the model ship before he turned back to her.

“Sorry about that. I know things with your brother are hard right now, but I thought-.”

Wanda could not finish her thought before Vision softly gripped her shoulders and his mouth descended upon hers. She could barely think as his lips roved over hers. She returned the kiss eagerly.

He pulled away abruptly. “Oh, I-I didn’t mean…” His eyes moved from Wanda to the friends who are were all grinning smugly at them.

Cheers broke the silence that had fallen around them. “Finally,” Natasha sighed.

“It was about time,” muttered Tony.

Wanda looked at them sharply. “You knew?”

“Of course. We all did. Didn’t you notice that we stopped trying to matchmake as much. We figured it would be redundant.”

Sam chimed in, “Don’t look so horrified, Wanda. We’re happy for you and Vision.”

“I’m not horrified. I just thought we were being careful.”

Clint laughed. “Yeah, staring at each other and fighting not to cuddle every time you sat next to each other during game night was real subtle.” Wanda glared at him, but her eyes shifted to Vision. He had remained quiet throughout all this. He was still looking guilty and downtrodden, though their friends had clearly known for a long time before his public kiss.

She slid her arm around his waist. His lips began to form a smile in response. He put an arm around her shoulder.

They were interrupted again when Tony said, “Okay, okay, we really are happy for you guys, but I think we’ve seen enough PDA for the day. Let’s get this party started.” Wanda stuck her tongue out at him, but she accepted a plate from him.

It was nice not to having to hide from her friends any longer. Despite Tony’s complaint, she took full advantage of the revelation to stay by Vision’s side all night. They sat close together, holding hands or giving each other small pecks when their friends’ attention was elsewhere.

When Vision began opening his housewarming gifts, he thanked everyone profusely. Wanda was glad she was able to help everyone choose the items he really needed. Most of the gifts were décor that would liven up his apartment and turn it into a true home. Wanda made sure he saved the best for last, which they had all contributed to. Vision gave everyone a full-bodied grin when he opened the fancy coffee maker that rivaled any professional set up. “I cannot thank you all enough.”

Scott patted him on the back. “That’s what friends are for.” Their friends all murmured agreement, and Wanda squeezed his hand.

The rest of the night passed in laughter and fun, with games and copious amounts of teasing.

***

Vision woke up before Wanda on her first day of teaching. He was glad that he had awoken first because he had grown so used to late mornings since he no longer had to open the coffeeshop. The freelance tutoring and editing he had taken up in recent weeks to make ends meet allowed him enough freedom in his schedule to let his day be overly unstructured.

He rose and gathered the ingredients to make Wanda a proper breakfast, as opposed to the single coffee drink she usually opted for. Wanda’s alarm blared at seven a.m. sharp. Vision waited five minutes, but the alarm was still playing and no other sounds could be heard from her room.

He found her, face down in the pillow, mouth open and still sound asleep. Vision grinned a bit. He hated to wake her because she so seldom found refuge in deep sleep, but she would not want to be late for her first day.

He turned off her alarm and gently shook her shoulder. “Wanda, it’s time to get up.”

He was met with only a groan. “I have breakfast ready for you.” She groaned again. “Your students will be waiting for you.” Wanda buried her head deeper in the pillows. Vision found his lips curving up unconsciously. He would always take this sort of reaction over the last time he had to wake her up after a nightmare.

He shifted to rub her neck. “Wanda, I apologize, but you must wake up. I will be forced to resort to drastic measures soon if you do not get out of bed.” This threat also brought no response. With a sigh, he pulled all the covers off her.

She sat upright instantly, glaring at him. He thought some of the emotion might even be genuine. “Was that really necessary?”

“I think so. You were not responding.”

“I would have gotten up in a minute.”

Vision couldn’t stop a dry remark. “Yes, you looked like you were ready to spring out of bed.”

She tossed a pillow at him, which he caught easily. “Fine, I’m up now.” Her expression softened. “Did I hear you say you made breakfast?” A pleading tone entered her sleep-roughened voice.

“Yes, it will be ready for you whenever you are.”

“Thank you.” She finally rose and kissed his cheek. “I’ll be out soon. I just need to take a quick shower.”

“I will see you then.”

As promised, it was only about ten minutes before she came out to her kitchen. They sat down together, passing easy chatter about their upcoming days back and forth. When it was time for Wanda to walk to school, Vision gave her a brief kiss on the lips and wished her well.

***

The first couple of weeks in the new school year passed in a blur. Vision was spending every spare moment preparing for his presentation and Wanda was staging try outs for the Fall musical.

The day for Vision to leave for his conference arrived with a last burst of summer heat. Wanda crept out of bed early, impressed that she had woken before Vision for once. The first thing she saw when she exited the bedroom was his bag laid neatly by the door. She grinned to herself, always prepared early.

She heard the shower begin running, so she started putting breakfast together. Vision was still the better cook, but she had learned a thing or two over the past months. He took such good care of her that making breakfast was the least she could do for him.

Vision’s smile fell on her like the sun when he eventually emerged in a suit and tie. “Good morning, Wanda.”

“Morning, Vizh.” She took a moment to straighten his tie unnecessarily and wipe nonexistent lint off his shoulders. “All ready, I see.”

“Yes. And thank you for breakfast. It smells wonderful.”

“You’re welcome. Eat up while I do the dishes. Then, we can get going.”

Vision ate his omelette quickly, fingers of one hand unconsciously tapping against his knee under the table. Wanda reached for his hand to still it. He looked up at her with wide eyes, and she smiled soothingly at him.

“You’ll be great.” He shook his head slightly, and she squeezed his hand. “I’m going to tell you what you told me last month. You’ve been getting ready for this for months. You’ve done the presentation for me multiple times. You’re prepared.”

“Thank you.”

Vision leaned his forehead against her shoulder, and she wrapped her arms around his torso.

“Of course. Now I’ll clean up while you take care of the final details.” Wanda shooed him away, smiling at the look of abject gratefulness he sent her. She would still have to work on that.

A few minutes later, Vision returned. Wanda had already set the dishes to soak and was standing in the middle of the room. He approached her, reaching for her hands. “Just let me put my shoes on.”

She went to the bedroom, slipping into her shoes and grabbing her bag. Once she came out, she pulled him with her down the stairs, straight to her car. The drive to the airport was pleasant and uneventful; very little traffic got in their way.

Wanda parked at the curb. She got out, but kept the car running, mindful of the glare of the attendant who was on alert for anyone who tried to park in the unloading zone. “Have a safe trip, Vizh.”

“I am certain it will be well. I will let you know when I land.”

“You better.” She leaned up to kiss him once more. It was not as satisfying a kiss as she might have wished, but she was still aware of the audience of travelers coming and going. Wanda brushed her lips over his one last time before pulling away.

Vision intertwined their fingers. “I will miss you, Wanda.”

“I’ll miss you, too. But we can talk or text whenever we want. Let me know if you need a little pep talk.” She reached into her bag to pull out the box she had hidden inside. “And open this before your talk.”

His eyes lit up with curiosity. “Thank you. I will. I am certain that I will need encouragement before the actual presentation.”

Wanda caught the eyes of the attendant again. “I have to go, but I’ll talk to you soon.”

“Goodbye, Wanda. Have a good day at school.”

He waved at her one last time as he walked through the automatic double doors. She watched him go wistfully before getting back in her car and driving away.

[fandomplethora]

(ummm, i’m not sure what inspired to make this post (besides the fact that i have been listening to this artist on a near constant basis now) but here we go anyways;;;)

MYSTIC MESSENGER CHARACTERS AS HOBO JOHNSON SONGS

Hyun (Zen) - 3% 

“you should go and quit your job and make all of those dreams come true. how is your self esteem? huh? that's important in what you're about to do. don't talk to your friends, their opinions hold so much weight. and that doesn't make sense. even your family, parents just don't understand. make the time. drop school, and people, and work to play music all night. you'll make a dollar an hour, at least you'll like your life. and roll with the punches even when it feels like you're getting fucking jumped but you're a real bad judge of it. hold on tight, boy. might be a fuckin', hell of a ride. but, but, but, they said it's a three-percent chance...that I'm gonna make it. that's a little bit less than what it is in my mind but it's ok, I think I can take it. they said it's a three-percent, my friends, that's what they said. and then I sat there and thought about it and almost believed it for a sec. but I think that they'll love me.”

Yoosung - Mario and Link

“mario's never getting some and link's never getting some, so why would princesses love me? i'm not really making moves, I'm just kinda breathing. i work at fucking pizza places just so I keep eating. (that's the type of shit)...thats the type of shit to make be buy a flask for 25 and fill it up with takka vodka only 4.99...yester-year yes-sir-please let me get the recipe, to not being broke. fuck I'd really love to be a king, but mario and link should've showed that perseverance is not the end all to everything. the princess in the hallway with a robe, I asked "do you for coffee and scones and she says "no!". but I just killed a fucking dragon though! with this sword that I made from the words of my soul. I just killed a fucking dragon though, I just killed a fucking dragon though. but its whatever I don't even care that much.”

Jaehee - Peach Scone

“...disregard every time I call you pretty. though it's meant sincerely it's just my imagination drifting...so I fall to ground, collect myself and get ready to take over your heart...or at least your spare time. and I love the thought of being with you. or maybe it's the thought of not being so alone. the second one's way sadder than the first one...we should go get a cup of coffee...I don't know what to tell you if I try to confess my love for- scones! i just wanna tell you real quick please, shh, I love- these scones! ...but she, you know, she is just so sweet and she cared about me a lot when no one else cared about me and I think that's really nice. really you know, she's just a, she's just a peach. she's a peach scone. and I love the thought of being with her, I just really hope that she doesn't get hurt.”

Jumin - Father

“my dad taught me 'bout the story 'bout the birds and the bees. when the bees turn into wasps and take half of everything. he sounded sure, that a bird doesn't need a full nest but a bed for our bird heads to rest...he told me son, beware, of the monsters that roam the depths of your head. sometimes they'll make you real sad or or real real mad, or real real jealous and that's real real bad. boy, breathe...my father's married to a shape shifting monster who can sometimes take the form of a really really really nice woman. and although it seems super fucking frightening, sometimes this scary monster makes a really really great vanilla pudding. he has courage but sometimes your courage isn't quite the kryptonite as the monster runs rampant through the house. sometimes your courage makes you feel strong but it seems as if the monster eats your muscles all along, fucking pickin' out your self-respect right out its scary teeth. her breath smells like pride of self and other men she used to meet. and the monster doesn't sleep - just schemes and fiends on the next tasty meal it gets to eat, it gets to eat.” 

Saeyoung (Luciel) (707) (Seven) - The Ending

“she said, "you're like the weird...guy...in all the movies, who turns into the hero at the end and gets the girl" and I was like, "shut your mouth". but I'm gonna take over...the world as soon as everybody dies. i'm gonna take over your heart as soon as I get the balls to try. Ima re-arrange the alphabet and then take "U" and "I" and put a bit of space between 'em and hope that nobody cries. ...Ima be a nice guy might fuck around, it make a difference. Ima hope for the best, but prepare for the worst...I hope that you don't fall into their schemes and what they say, when you look them in their eyes, that they don't choose to look away...I hope that you don't fall into my schemes or what I say. when you look me in the eye, I'll look you dead into the face 'cause you don't deserve to be fucked with unless you're a fucking asshole...yeah, I ain't shit I ain't shit compared to them, right? I ain't shit. and I know she wants a piece of this wit (no!) and I know she wants a piece of this wit. my wit, my wit, my wit...” 

Jihyun (V) - Romeo and Juliet

“we're just romeo & juliet but getting drunk and eating percocets. but just to ease the stress but soft what light, thru yonder window breaks it is the east - but juliet just puked off the balcony. how romantic. nothing like getting drunk and getting manic on a motherfucking monday, i brush the bangs behind her lovely little ear as she describes in detail how the end is truly near. wow, and I'm sure that we can do this for forever or until we drink the poison, 'cause she sees some cloudy weather. ...dear shakespeare, could you write a happy ending please? we just deserve a happy ending please, please. ...and every sting from every teardrop from every ring at every pawn shop. ...but dear mom, conversations from a couch haven't ever felt the same...my mom was made from adam's rib and the marriage went south...but dad loves to shout really loud. loud enough to knock the lamps and dressers to the ground. in my memory, i can hear chopin's nocturnes playing in the background, a slow trainwreck, you'll close your eyes, but forever hear the sound, and boy, it's tough. ‘cause that’s the sound of people falling out of love.” 

Saeran (Unknown) (Ray) - Jesus Christ

“jesus christ seems super nice, i wonder if he'd save me. i've been on the wrong side of a bunch of arguments lately. and jesus christ seems super nice, i wonder if he'd love me. how come I only wonder when I'm sad or really hungry? jesus christ, you're super nice but don't expect much from me. I would kneel down, but I'm afraid that I would just feel nothing. praise god and other things that don't make sense to puny minds, like ours, designing roller coasters that almost always seem to fall apart. ain't it fun, ain't it fun, ain't it fun knowing that. that one day, you know, I fly to the sky, to the sun? and jesus christ, you're super nice. so I'll write a song about it. or that no one ever knowing for always claiming they're about it. press "ignore" on both sides that always claim to know that they're so sure. or just not be a giant fucking prick and enjoy the show. I'll enjoy the show if I'm not a giant prick, does that just mean that I am saved? jesus christ, you're super nice, i'm sure that you could love me. even if I don't go to church every sunday. jesus christ, you're super nice, how could you let me burn? if I'm not murdering people, then smashing their fucking urn. but jesus christ, you're super nice, how could you let me burn? but if I go to hell, I'll grit my teeth and get to work.” 

? (Vanderwood) - Demarcus Cousins and Ashley *note: this one was more difficult because we are not shown much of vanderwood currently in the game though i do consider him a pivotal character - and one i want to get to know more as a player. we know vanderwood is a caring guy who can be rough around the edges - he’s also funny, awkward and, personally, charming. so, i look at this as him relating how he does care for those around him while comparing it to other shit he has seen. okay, analysis done. bye.

“I'm not a nice guy (he's not a nice guy). I go to jail sometimes (he goes to jail sometimes). but I am slowly getting better ever since a little lady wrote me such a lovely letter. I love breathing...I love drinking, but not enough to ever have to go to all those stupid meetings (let’s go)...I- I love you like the dog hates the leash and the leash loves the dog, like I love nothing else at all. love you like my dad loved my mom before they realized they don't love each other at all...I love you like bosses love to talk a lot of shit and like getting really mad when I quit, what? I love you like the bird hates november or just really really rainy windy weather. I love you like america loves to fuck things up and cops love to do things that are super unnecessary...and I love you like the stars love lonely eyes on seven consecutive friday nights.”

Mina (Rika) - Creve Coeur 1 

"hi," says the girl with the right eyes that pairs pretty well when she hits you with the soft smile. you can kinda tell that something's going on, but she's like a skrillex song that never drops, she'll never talk. she'll never talk about the feelings that she felt today. better kept inside of a fence, inside of a cage, inside of a safe. that's safe for her 'cause they just hurt. and she don't know why that god sauntered. I hope he's trying. she said, "I hope he's trying. do you think he's trying?" then I said, "I don't know" but I asked her, "what’s wrong?" she just nods her head. and then I asked her, "what's wrong?" and she said...hold me closely. I don't think you should love me. I always feel so lonely knowing that nothing will ever last forever. sorry, you're much too late, much too late. ("you are so late")...she holds her breath all day and fucking gasps for air at night. she promised she would love me but only 'til the morning time. sorry, you're, you're much too late. you're much too late, you're much too- sorry, you're much too late- much too..."

MC - ? (MC is more difficult...I almost can find lines from various songs but it came down to these two.)

#2 - Mover Awayer (and it’s mainly for this part only.)

“fear  the man who lives without love and  the lover who lives without fear. fear the man who always wants to fight, he's not a talker. fear  the talker who never wants to fight, he's got no guts. fear the man who knows he's gonna die so he cries every night and just denies his life's beauty. and  fear the man who has heaven in his plans, so he gets so complacent that he doesn't call his family. fear the man who doesn't understand that there's a million fish in the sea, but fear the girl who he really thinks is a different species, she'll rip your heart out. ...makes my Mondays feel like Fridays (give me a break)...makes my Ruby Tuesdays taste like Benihanas (give me a break) and all I've really wanted was for us to get along.”

#1 - Typical Story (I genuinely won’t even put the lyrics for this song because it is more about the theme and feel of the song itself - as MC is the only one “playing” and going through these character’s “stories”. Casual, Deep or Another. So, I will just recommend listening to it and reading the artist’s notes on it for why I picked it as number one for MC’s song.)

[neighbourart]

ZERGI BORBÁLA - fotós/photographer

Minden reggel egy bögre kávé várja az éjjeliszekrényén, egyszer összegyűjtött egy zacskóba egy csomó halott méhet, amik a tóba fulladtak, és utána a szobájában életre keltek, ami "elég para volt", annak ellenére, hogy rengeteget esett már vele, a rollere a kedvenc tágya, imádja az északi országokat és különösen Reykjavíkot, amúgy meg bögrék, macskák és az Atom.

Every morning a cup of coffee awaits her on her night drawer, once she collected a lot of dead bees that drowned in a lake in a plastic bag, later the bees came to life in her room which was “pretty freaky”, even though she has fallen with it a couple of time, her favorite object is her roller, she loves Northern countries, Reykjavik is her favorite city and besides these: mugs, cats, and the Atom.

Bori asztala/Bori’s table.

1. Milyen típusú emlékek inspirálnak jobban: jók vagy rosszak?/What kind of memories inspire you the most: good or bad ones? Korábban a rossz emlékek inspiráltak, imádtam az önsajnálatból, a szenvedésből meríteni. Viszont az utóbbi két három évben ez teljesen megváltozott, a pozitív történések indítják be az agyam. Eszembe jutnak vicces, szürreális gyerekkori emlékek csak úgy a semmiből, és ezek sokszor ösztönöznek az alkotásban, néha tudat alatt is. Persze a közelmúlt történései, a kapcsolatom időszakai, a környezetem pozitív változásai mind-mind inspirálnak és befolyásolnak.

Previously, the bad ones inspired me, I loved to get inspiration from self-sorrow and misery. Since the past two-three years, though, this has changed completely and the positive happenings turn my brain on. Funny and surreal childhood memories come to my mind out of nowhere and these often encourage me to create, sometimes unconsciously. Of course the happenings of the recent past, the stages of my relationship, the positive changes in my surrounding all influence and inspire me.

2. Hogyan lendülsz túl az időszakos alkotói válságon?/How do you come over a temporary artistic crisis? Hagyom, hogy elmúljon, kivárok. Ha elmúlik egy ilyen időszak, utána ömlenek belőlem az ötletek, lelkes vagyok, szinte már túlzottan ötletgazdag. Hirtelen mindent realizálni akarok, ami kipattan a fejemből. Aztán néhány hétig, hónapig megint semmi. Ilyenkor néha kétségbeesek, és azt kérdezem magamtól, hogy miért vagyok ennyire apatikus a világ dolgaira. Közben persze tudom, hogy ez időszakos, és várom a csodát, hogy újra működjek. A mindennapi munkámra ez nem igaz egyébként, csak a saját projektjeimre.

I let it pass, I wait. If such a period is over, ideas start to flow, I am excited, one could say maybe too rich ideas as well. Suddenly I want to realize everything that pops into my mind. And then for a few weeks, months, nothing. At times like these, I despair and I ask myself that why am I so apathetic towards the issues of the World. Meanwhile, I know that this is only temporary, and I wait for the miracle so that I can work again. This does not apply to my everyday work, only to my own projects.

3. Kinek mutatod meg először az új munkádat?/Who sees your work first? A páromnak (Atomnak) mutatok meg mindent elsőként. Ő is fotózással foglalkozik, ráadásul egymás mellett van a dolgozóasztalunk, fél szemmel mindig a másik munkájában kurkászunk. :)

My partner (Atom) sees everything I do first. He is also a photographer, plus our working tables are next to each other so we always keep one eye on each other’s work. :)

4. Gyűjtesz valamit?/Are you collecting something? Rengeteg bögrém van. Vizet, tejet, teát, szörpöt, bármit képes vagyok bögréből inni. És minden fajtából minimum kettő kell, hogy párban legyenek, és szépen mutassanak a bögretartón. Meg gyűjtök köveket is, abból nagyon sok van. Kisebbek, nagyobbak, mindenhonnan hozok magammal. Kisebb koromban lepkéket is gyűjtöttem, meg mindenféle halott bogarat, csigaházakat, csontokat. Emlékszem, egyszer összegyűjtöttem egy zacskóba csomó halott méhet, amik a tóba fulladtak, és utána a szobámban életre keltek. Elég para volt.

I have tons of mugs. I can drink anything out of mug: water, milk, tea, syrup, anything. And they all have to be in pairs, so they look good on the mug holder. I am also collecting stones, I have a lot of them. Smaller, bigger, I take some from everywhere I go. When I was little, I used to collect butterflies and all kinds of dead bugs, snail houses, bones. I remember once I collected dead bees that drowned in the lake into a plastic bag. Later on, they came to life in my room. That was pretty freaky.

5. Van-e napi rutinod?/Do you have a daily routine?  Minden reggel vár egy bögre kávé az éjjeliszekrényemen, amit az ágyban ülve iszom meg. Ezután a konyhában ténfergek egy darabig, nyitogatom a hűtőt, és végül nem veszek ki semmit. A nap többi része változó, általában valamit fotózok, vagy régebbi munkákat dolgozok fel, közben egyéb hétköznapi dolgokat csinálok, és még kétszer, háromszor kávézok. Szeretnék több rutint vinni az életembe, de egyelőre még az is nehezen megy, hogy ugyanabban az időpontban felkeljek.

Every morning a cup of coffee awaits on my night drawer which I drink while sitting in bed. After I go to the kitchen and open up the fridge a few times and I end of taking out nothing. The rest of day varies, mainly I make photos or I process some of my previous works. Meanwhile, I do some ordinary everyday things and I have coffee twice or three times. I would like to apply more routine in my life, but so far that also challenges me to wake up at a certain time each morning.

6. Kedvenc tárgyad?/Favorite object? A rollerem. Annak ellenére, hogy rengeteget estem már vele, szeretem.

My roller. Even though I have fallen with it a few times, I love it.

7. Sör vagy bor?/Beer or wine? Mindkettő. Egy beszélgetős, barátnős estén száraz fehérbor. Balatoni, lazulós nyári hétvégéken sör.

Both. On a chatty evening with my girlfriends, dry white wine. Chilling Balaton weekends, beer.

8. Kutya vagy macska?/Dog or cat? Macska! Mert a macska vicces, imádni való, dorombol, dörgölőzik, és kettő is van itthon. Amúgy kopasz malacot szeretnék, de szerintem a macskák megennék.

Cat! Because the cat is funny, adorable, it purrs, it rubs against you and we have two of them. How-ever, I would like to have a naked guinea-pig, but I am afraid the cats would eat it.

9. Milyen a stílusod?/What is your style like? Jelenleg nagyon egyszerű, letisztult és lényegre törő.

Currently, it is very simple, clean and to the pint.

10. Mi az, ami a leginkább feltölt?/What can recharge you the most? A kisebb, nagyobb utazások, séták. Amikor egész nap csak megyek, új helyeket fedezek fel, fotózok, és zabálom magamba az élményeket. Vagy csak simán felkelek reggel, rollerezek a napsütésben, és élvezem, hogy épp semmi dolgom. Ezek tudnak igazán feltölteni. Ja, meg a kávé.

Shorter, longer travels, walks. When I am on the way for the whole day, I explore new places, I take photographs and I breathe in experiences. Or I just wake up in the morning and I go on my roller in the sunshine and I enjoy that I have nothing to do. These things can recharge me the most. Oh, and coffee of course.

11. Kedvenc város?/Favorite city? Reykjavík. Mert észak mániás vagyok. Tetszik, hogy itt egy csomó utca szivárványszínűre van festve. Galambok helyett sirályok vannak, hideg van, és sok a skandináv stílusú lakberendezési üzlet.

Reykjavík. I am obsessed with the North. I like it that a lot of streets are colored in rainbow color, here. Instead of pidgeons, they have seagulls, it`s cold, and there are a lot of Scandinavian styles interior design shops.

12. Kedvenc étel?/Favorite food? Sushi. Mert szeretem a rizst, szeretem a lazacot, meg a szójaszószt, és ezek mind benne vannak a sushiban. Pálcikával enni pedig nagyon felemelő érzés, főleg akkor, ha végre rájössz, hogy hogyan nem esik ki az egész a kezedből. A wasabit viszont utálom.

Sushi. Because I like rice, salmon and soja sauce and these are all included in sushi. And to eat with chopsticks is an elevating feeling especially when you finally get know how the whole thing doesn't just fall out of your hands. By the way, I hate wasabi.

13. Mi a legrosszabb tulajdonságod?/What is your worst characteristic? Szerfelett lassú vagyok, ami néha már engem is zavar, nem beszélve a környezetemről. Erre a néhány kérdésre is napokba telt választ írni. Imádok az utolsó pillanatokig kivárni, húzni-halasztani mindent, irreálisan sokat ülök a projektjeimen. Emellett mindenhonnan kések, és rettentően feledékeny vagyok, tiszta borzalom.

I am unbelievably slow, which also bothers me sometimes, now imagine my surrounding. It took me days to answer these questions. I love to wait until the last moments and to postpone things, I spend an irrational amount of time with my projects. Besides these, I am always late and I tend to forget things. Awful.

14. Melyik korban élnél szívesen?/In which era would you prefer to live in? 70-es, 80-as évek. A menő ruhák és a király zenék miatt.

In the 70`s 80’s. Because of the awesome clothes and cool music.

15. Ha egyetlen tanácsot kellene adni más, esetleg még kezdő tehetségeknek, mi lenne az?/If you could give one piece of advice to someone else, maybe to a beginner talent, what would it be? Vállald fel önmagad, maradj alázatos.

That they should undertake themselves and stay humble.

--------------------------------------- NÉVJEGY - Zergi Borbála:

"Zergi Bori vagyok, 25 éves, fotográfus. Szombathely a bázisom. Leginkább az emberek, enteriőrök fotózása köt le. Imádom a nem optimális részleteket, a hibákat egy testen. Szeretem a szimpla csendéleteket, a nagy fehér falakat, a minimalista fotókat. Az egyszerűség és a realitás híve vagyok, ez gyakran visszatükröződik a munkáimban is. A puritán dolgokat tudom jól megragadni, lefotózni. Még nem érzem teljesen kiforrottnak a stílusom, de talán az elmúlt két évben kezdtem el azt a vonalat vinni, ami most vagyok. Szeretek előre tervezni, de akkor tudok a legkreatívabban fotózni, amikor rá vagyok utalva az "improvizálásra".  A saját projektjeim mellett dolgozom állandó fotósként egy magazinnál, fotózok kisebb márkáknak, bloggereknek, és alkalomadtán dolgozom más, helyi művészekkel együtt. Szeretek mindent becsomagolni, imádok pecsételni, gyakran váltogatom a hajszínem, és mindig van az asztalomon virág. Jelentős önálló kiállításom még nem volt, úgy érzem, ehhez még kell néhány év tapasztalat, kiforrottság. Kisebbek persze már voltak itt Szombathelyen (Lebegés, mint művészet, Izland, Magazinos portrék, és egy performanszra reflektáló fotó a Szavasz minifesztiválon), és Zalaszentgróton néhány alkalommal."

“My name is Zegri Borbála, I am 25 years old and I am a photographer. My base is Szombathely. I am mainly interested in photographing people and interiors. I love the non-optimal details, flaws on a body. I like simple still life, bog white walls, minimalist photos. I believe in keeping it simple and real, and this often reflects back in my works. I have a good eye for puritan things. I don’t feel that my style is completely mature yet, but I have been on this current path for the past two years. I like to plan ahead, but I am most creative in photography when I have. Besides my own jects I work as a photographer for a magazine, I do the photography for smaller brands, bloggers and occasionally I work together with local artists as well. I love to wrap everything and to stamp, I often change my hair color and I always have flowers on my desk. I did not have a significant exhibition on my own yet. I think to reach that, I need a few more years of experience and maturity. Of course, I had smaller ones here in Szombathely (Floating, as an art, Iceland, Magazine portraits and a photo that reflected a performance at the Szavasz festival), and I had small exhibitions on  few occasions in Zalaszentgrót."

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// BORI MUNKÁI ITT TEKINTHETŐK MEG/CHECK OUT BORI’S WORK HERE: http://www.borcsaphoto.com https://www.instagram.com/borcsaphoto/ https://www.facebook.com/borcsaphoto/

[lewishamledger]

The land of make believe

Marcus Halls Props has worked on all the major West End musicals from Hamilton and Tina to Bat Out of Hell and Kinky Boots. Chris Marcus and Jonathan Hall, who set up the company in 2006, show us behind the scenes at their new premises in Ladywell

Words Nikki Spencer; Photo by Paul Stafford

At the back of Supreme Animal Foods pet supplies in Ladywell lies a secret magical world of make believe, where cakes look delicious yet can’t be eaten, flowers bloom but have no smell and there’s an array of musical instruments that won’t play a single note.

Huge shelves are stacked to the rafters with chairs and coffee tables of every design and size, piles of empty suitcases, tea sets from all eras and a plentiful supply of trays.

“Nearly every show seems to need a butler’s tray so those get used again and again”, says Chris Marcus as he and Jonathan Hall embark on a guided tour of their veritable Aladdin’s Cave.

In the workshop area a team of props makers are busy making weird and wonderful creations for stages not just in the West End but for touring shows around the globe.

“We have an incredibly talented team who have previously worked at places such as Madame Tussaud’s and the Royal Opera House”, explains Chris as he picks up a cup of tea and turns it upside down with a smile.

“We create a lot of fake food and drink and tea is one of our specialities. A while ago we did all the cakes for the Calendar Girls Musical so we had trestle tables full of cakes. You knew they weren’t real but it did still make you hungry.”

By the large warehouse doors there are two huge piles of props all packaged up and ready to be shipped to Germany and the US for tours of Bat Out of Hell. “It’s an action-packed show and it’s been quite a challenge,” says Jonathan.

“There’s one scene where a large white table cloth is pulled away to reveal a car underneath. That was a headache to say the least. We had to find a way to disguise a four-metre car convincingly as a banquet table and then work out  how to remove the cloth in an instant. In the end we suspended the cloth with electro magnets which could be released at the press of a button.”

And that wasn’t the only conundrum.

“There’s lots of furniture and quite a bit of it is in perspective. We had to have bedspreads specially made at some very funny angles, it almost sent the bedding company over the edge.”

At one workbench a retro mixing desk is being built for Motown the Musical, while most of the team are busy working on rather macabre assortment of props for A Very, Very, Very Dark Matter a new play at The Bridge Theatre about Hans Christian Anderson which is set in the attic of a Copenhagen townhouse.

The attic is stuffed full of puppets and Chris and Jonathan and the team have been making 120 of them from hummingbirds to skeletons to horses, alongside other rather unusual items including a large bible filled with dolls heads.

“Luckily we found someone in Spitalfields who was selling off a load of old dolls heads so we now have a plentiful supply is we ever need them for anything else”, says Chris.

So how did they get into this business?

Jonathan grew up in Derbyshire, left school at 16 and worked as a touring puppeteer and puppet maker before training in Stage Management at London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama, while Chris, who was involved in amateur dramatics when he was growing up in Devon, studied Technical Theatre at Rose Bruford College in Sidcup.

“We met when we were both working as stage managers on the Lion King and became friends” explains Chris. “We went on holiday to New York and late one evening we got chatting about what we wanted to do in the future and we came up with the idea of setting up our own props company.”

Their services were immediately in demand and last year it became clear that they had outgrown their premises in Camberwell.

Both Jonathan and Chris live in Ladywell, and they came across their new building online, although it looked nothing like it does now.

“It used to be used by Acre Lifts and was the perfect size but when we saw it, it was just a large empty space and it was only after we moved in that we discovered there was only one plug socket in the corner, and a tap with a small dribble of water coming out,” recalls Chris.

“In January some friends came over from Spain for a week to help us sort it all out and they ended up staying until April!”

They got a mezzanine company to install an upper floor where they have their office. On the wall there’s a huge whiteboard with all their current projects mapped out. They never know what they will be asked to do next.

“We get requests for all sorts of random things. We had to make a body of Eva Peron for Evita and a whole lot of bodies wrapped in plastic for a show at the Donmar Warehouse”, recalls Chris.

“You just learn to just go along with it and do your best. They will want a table that is light enough that one person can lift on their finger but that 10 people can tap dance on,” Jonathan says wryly.

“Some set designers simply present us with a rough drawing while others give us beautiful intricately made 1:25 models of everything. We still have all the ones from Tina stored in a Quality Street tin.”

As well as making things in the workshop, they regularly trawl big antiques markets such as Ardingly, Newark, Lincoln and Kempton and closer to home, Greenwich Auctions, hunting for things that can be used as they are or adapted.

“We needed thousands of old books a while back and Greenwich was good for that”, says Chris adding that eBay is also a “ very valuable resource”.

Every show works differently but once everything has been made and sourced they then attend technical rehearsals at the theatre.

“Something that someone sat and wrote at a computer may not actually work on stage so things change all the time”, explains Jonathan.

“Strictly Ballroom Act 2 bears no resemblance to the original and Tina is the same. Bat Out of Hell on stage is poles apart from what it was at the beginning,” he says.

And with shows going all around the world that means they are often travelling.

“It’s been a crazy busy year, as on top of moving I have been and all over the place from Tokyo for Mary Poppins and Toronto and  Germany for Bat out of Hell to Newcastle for Benidorm Live!

“Jonathan has been mainly on our shows in London but has been in some glamorous locations like Northampton for Kinky Boots and Leeds for Calendar Girls,” says Chris.

Every day there’s a constant steam of vans arriving with deliveries and collections. “We know our postman very well and all the delivery company drivers too,” says Jonathan.

With so much coming and going the large warehouse doors are often open so people can see in as they walk to and from the pet shop car park at the rear of the building.

“Ricky, who has run the pet shop for over 25 years, is lovely to have as a neighbour but there have been a few odd moments for his customers since we moved in”, says Jonathan.

“We recently had to make a load of cut-up animal carcasses, and butchered pig’s heads out of polystyrene for a play in the West End. You could see people doing a double take as they walked past!”

[adventuresaroundasia]

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info. 

So many people skip over Osaka.

They plan a day or two in the city, using Osaka as a base for flights and day trips. Maybe they stop by Dontonburi or take a quick river cruise. But Osaka is so much more than a big city with an airport.

If you really want to enjoy Osaka, you’ll need to get off the beaten path and explore everything this incredible city has to offer.

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Many of my absolute favorite experiences from my two trips to Japan have been in Osaka. From the best cat cafe EVER to eating pufferfish and chicken sashimi to sampling butterbeer at USJ’s Harry Potter World: Osaka is worth a few days of exploring.

Find a hidden whiskey bar, attend Buddhist morning service, become a samurai, or learn how to cook sushi in a local home: here are the 20 best unique things to do in Osaka!

20 Things You Need to Do in Osaka

Sorihashi Bridge!

1. Take a Photo on the Red Bridge at Sumiyoshi Taisha

Sumiyoshi Taisha is one of my favorite Shinto shrines in all of Japan (which is saying a lot considering I did a 2-week Shinto Pilgrimage last year), and I can’t believe I missed it on my first trip to Osaka!

Founded in the year 211, Sumiyoshi Taisha used to be right on the ocean (before the land shifted), and sailors would come here to pray before embarking on the treacherous journey to China. This shrine also has examples of some of the oldest Shinto architecture in all of Japan!

But by far the best part of this shrine is the red Sorihashi bridge right at the entrance to the shrine. This bridge is deliberately built with an extremely high arch to remind worshipers of a rainbow. Seriously, you can’t come to Osaka without getting a photo of/on this bridge.

Don’t miss the cat shrine

Bonus: Find the Cat Shrine

If you’ve already heard of Sumiyoshi Taisha and the Sorihashi Bridge, I suggest getting a little off the beaten path and exploring the Sumiyoshi Taisha complex. Here you’ll find a CAT shrine, which is actually one of the coolest Shinto shrines I’ve ever seen. You can even collect small cat figurines to exchange for larger cat figurines (and so on). If you visit once a month to collect a cat, it will only take you… about four years to get a big one.

Grab this photo away from the crowds!

2.  Get the Best Photo of Osaka Castle From a Rooftop Restaurant

While everyone has probably heard of the famous Osaka Castle, there’s more to the area than meets the eye. Just around the corner from Osaka Castle, you’ll find Miraza Osaka-Jo, based out of an old military building. Here you’ll find restaurants, bars, cute souvenir shops, cafes, an illusion museum, and even a samurai experience! (More on that later).

While the building itself is great, I suggest heading up to Blue Birds Rooftop Terrace for some of the best photos of Osaka castle with no crowds! While you can pay for a full buffet lunch or dinner (which you’ll need to reserve in advance), I did a see a sign saying you could pay an entry fee of around $10 that came with a free drink.

This terrace is only open from March 1st – October 10th, from 11:00 am – 3:30 pm and 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Feel free to reserve a seat here. 

Looking amazing in our samurai garb

3. Become a Japanese Samurai

Have you ever wanted to learn how to fight like a real samurai? Just near Osaka Castle in Miraza Plaza, you can finally fulfill all your samurai dreams!

First, you’ll dress up like a real samurai (they even have beautiful samurai outfits for women!), and then you’ll get a full English lesson on how to handle your samurai sword. You’ll learn the proper stance, how to swing and retrieve your sword, and you’ll even learn a fight sequence complete with sound effects!

I really loved this class when I was in Osaka, and I definitely appreciated that the teacher was such a character!

While the website is only in Japanese, Google Chrome should be able to translate it into English for you automatically. If that’s not an option for you, just ask your hotel to book you a class! Just try to book a few days in advance.

Classes cost 6,000 yen ($53 USD) for adults and 4,000 yen ($35 USD) for those under the age of 10. 

Cooking my own sushi

4. Learn to Cook Sushi in a Local Home

I love taking cooking classes when I travel, and this sushi making class with Washoku home cooking was one of my favorites EVER. Firstly, you’ll arrive at the owner Machiko’s home, where she’ll greet you in a kimono. Here you’ll learn how to make sushi rolls, sashimi, and even a Japanese omelet!

After you’ve finished cooking, she’ll show you how to create a beautiful presentation with your creations, and you’ll sit down to a fantastic meal!

Not only was this cooking class experience incredible, but it was also one of the best things I did in Osaka. I can’t recommend Machiko enough!

Most of her cooking class options cost around 7,500 yen ($65 USD) and run for about 2-3 hours. You can book a cooking class directly on her English-language website!

OMG butterbeer!

5. Drink Butterbeer at Harry Potter World

While many people know that Japan has a Universal Studios, I was shocked to learn that USJ has a HARRY POTTER WORLD. Seriously, if you’ve never been, a quick trip to USJ is the perfect place to let all of your childhood fantasies come true.

Try an interactive ride inside Hogwarts Castle (I may or may not have actually cried on this), explore Hogsmeade and drink butterbeer while shopping in Honeydukes, or even purchase Harry or Hermionie’s wand to try your hand at some real-life magic!

In addition to Harry Potter World, USJ also has a really awesome Minion area your kids will be sure to love. Don’t forget to try the Fluffy hot chocolate or the Minion banana flavored popcorn!

Fun Fact: In the Japanese version of Despicable Me, Gru speaks in Osaka Dialect while the rest of the characters speak standard Japanese!

Enjoying my outdoor onsen!

6. Soak at a Traditional Onsen in Shinsekai

You can’t visit Japan without trying a traditional onsen! I particularly love the family-run Shinsekai Radium Onsen, which not only has amazing indoor and outdoor pools, it’s also tattoo friendly!

After a long red-eye flight from Australia, I wasn’t able to check in at my hotel, so I dropped off my bags and headed straight here. Best decision ever. I felt super refreshed after an hour-long soak, and I was able to explore Shinsekai and have a great lunch in the area afterward!

Just be aware that this is a traditional sauna where you bathe in the nude. The sauna is split into men’s and women’s sections, so if you’re there as a couple like I was, you’ll just have some relaxing alone time.

A soak here is only 500 yen ($4.50 USD) for entry and a set of towels! How amazing is that?

Prayer beads at the temple!

7. Join Moring Service at Aizendo BuddhistTemple

While I’ve been to a TON of Buddhist temples over the years, I’d never actually attended a full Buddhist service. Well, if you spend a night at Wa-Qoo Shitadermachi hotel, you’ll have the opportunity to attend a morning service at Aizendo Buddhist Temple!

Firstly, the hotel is fantastic. If you’re looking to stay at a ryokan-style hotel with tatami mat floors and beds on the ground, you’ll love this place. Each room also comes with pamphlets and books on Buddhism! This hotel has many different cultural experiences you can try for a small fee. The most famous of which is the morning temple service!

The morning temple service is also a great chance to learn more about Buddhism. Meet downstairs bright and early (we’re talking 6 am), for a quick lesson on how to worship at the temple. You’ll be given Buddhist prayer beads, along with a mantra to recite and instructions on how to pray. Thankfully, there’s actually a young Chinese monk who speaks great English, so you won’t have to worry about not understanding the service!

After the morning service, you’ll be given a tour of the historic temple, and then you’ll be treated to a vegetarian porridge breakfast. While it wasn’t my favorite breakfast in the world, it was at least an interesting experience.

If you’d like to experience the morning temple service, just book a stay with Waqoo and let them know you’d like to join.

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Enjoying the Umeda Sky Building

Umeda Sky Building at night

8. Take a Private Tour of the Umeda Sky Building

Looking for a great view from the top of an architectural masterpiece? Visit the Umeda Sky Building, where you can head up to the rooftop garden for some of the best views in Osaka!

Designed by Hiroshi Hara, the 173 meter tall Umeda Sky building consists of two separate towers which are joined at the top by a ring-like observation deck. These towers are built with reflective glass windows to make it look like the observation deck is actually floating!

The floating garden observatory is one of the best spots for a view in all of Osaka. Just one floor down you can also enjoy the view with a cup of coffee, or sample a few of their bottles of craft beer from around the world.

Architecture enthusiasts may also be interested in a private tour of the Umeda Sky Buiding. On this tour, you’ll be led around the entire building (including an awesome outdoor spot for great photos!) while learning about the architecture and history. This is the ONLY way you can cross the sky bridge in the middle of the two buildings.

On this tour, you’ll also get to visit the Machine Zoo, which houses all of the machines that power the building. The whole basement is painted with bright jungle colors, and each of the machines have funny animal names.

While I enjoyed the hour-long tour of the building and I learned a lot, my favorite part was just enjoying the view from the top!

Wow! Chicken Sashimi

9. Eat Pufferfish and Chicken Sashimi

One of my FAVORITE things I did in all of Japan was the Inside Osaka food tour I did with the incredible Yuki. Seriously, if you head to Osaka you HAVE to sign up for this tour.

Not only do you get to try pufferfish and chicken sashimi (both of which are perfectly safe at the restaurants he takes you to), you’ll also get to eat incredible takoyaki, stroll down the longest shopping street in Japan, sip on sake at a lively bar, visit a local market AND a discount grocery store, and learn about the unique brand of Osaka culture.

Seriously, if you do one thing in Osaka it should be this! Just read his reviews on Trip Advisor.

As for the fugu (pufferfish), it’s perfectly safe in Japan as long as the chef has a license to cook it. However, when it comes to chicken sashimi, you need to go to a restaurant that specializes in chicken. The chickens must be killed that morning, and are raised separately from other non-sashimi chickens.

You’ll also never guess what chicken sashimi tastes like: TUNA! That’s right, everything tastes like chicken except chicken sashimi, which tastes like fish. Go figure.

Grabbing Takoyaki on the longest walking street in Japan!

10. Stroll Down Japan’s Longest Shopping Street

Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping street is the longest shopping street in all of Japan, at an astonishing 2.6 kilometers. If you walk without stopping it will take you a solid 40 minutes!

If you want an afternoon or evening of food, shopping, and peeking through windows, this is definitely the place for you! Here you’ll find everything from old-fashioned diners, to specialized knife shops, kimono stores, and even a tea shop that opened in 1868!

If you decide to embark on Yuki’s Inside Osaka Tour, you’ll actually have a stroll down part of this street. But you definitely don’t need a tour to go and see it. I spent over an hour here before the tour started!

I’ve never been so happy…

11. Snuggle with Kitties in the Best Cat Cafe EVER.

I’m a huge fan of cat cafes, and I’ve visited a fair few all over Asia. While I do love my regular cat cafe in Beijing (before it got demolished by the government!), I have to say, Save Cat Cafe is the BEST cat cafe I’ve ever been to.

Why? What makes Save Cat Cafe so special?

WELL… Firstly, all of the cats here are rescues, hence the name. Secondly, Save Cat Cafe has a specialized cat room where you remove your shoes and sit on the floor with the cats. Everyone is given a fuzzy blanket, along with a cat toy.

I don’t know what they do to those blankets (soak them in catnip?) but the cats LOVE them. Seriously, at one point I had FIVE cats on me. FIVE CATS.

If you love cats, definitely fit a couple hours into your itinerary and you won’t regret it. I only had time for 30-minutes there, and I’m still upset about it.

Billiken!

12. Tickle Billiken’s Feet in Tsutenkaku Tower

The first time I visited Osaka, I headed over to Shimbashi in the evening to see the Tsutenkaku tower all lit up. Unfortunately, the tower was closed when arrived, so on my second trip, I headed over during the daytime for a ride up to the top!

While I knew the Tsutenkaku Tower was great for getting a nice view, what I DIDN’T know was that it’s also home to Billiken, the small golden baby-esque statue you’ll see all over Osaka.

When you visit Tsutenkaku Tower, you’ll need to make your way to Billiken and tickle his feet for good luck and happiness. Tee hee.

Don’t miss out on okonomiyaki

13. Cook Your Own Okonomiyaki

Osaka is known for having some of the best food in all of Japan, and is especially famous for their Okonomiyaki, a giant savory cabbage pancake! While many Osaka restaurants will cook okonomiyaki right in front of you, Hatsuse restaurant in Dontonburi actually lets you cook your own Okonomiyaki!

I purchased a package that let me choose my own protein ingredient (I chose shrimp, Chris chose squid), and came with unlimited drinks. Bring on the chuhai and plum sake!

Chris and I laughed at our failure to properly flip our okonomiyaki without ruining it, but despite its less-than-perfect appearance, it still tasted amazing! They also provide English instructions if you don’t have a Japanese friend to teach you how to make it.

Grocery store amazingness

14. Explore an Osaka Discount Grocery Store

Osaka residents are famous for a few things: comedians, big personalities, bold fashion choices, and a love of discount shopping. Seriously, even Osaka’s grocery stories are plastered with discount posters and promotions!

While I always recommend a quick trip to Don Quijote and Daiso (especially in Osaka), you’ll also want to wander into one of Osaka’s many discount grocery stories. Have a look at the bright colored advertisements and an insane amount of discount promotions.

While it’s fun to wander around by yourself, I definitely recommend bringing a local with you to explain Osaka discount culture. The best way to do this is to take Yuki’s Inside Osaka Tour, where he’ll bring you inside a local discount grocery store and fill you in on everything!

Source.

18. Explore Hozenji Yokocho Alley

Want a bit of hidden history in modern Osaka? Hozenji Yokocho Alley is a narrow stone-paved alley with traditional historical buildings, just outside Dontonburi. Lined with small food shops and cafes, this alley is famous for its moss-covered Fudo-myo Buddhist statue.

The statue is commonly called “Mizukake-fudo”. Mizu means water in Japanese and kaku means splash. They call him this because those who wish to pray will pour a ladle of water over him. This is why he’s covered in moss!

While the area during the daytime is beautiful, be sure to visit at night to see all of the lanterns lit up!

Stopping for drinks at a hidden bar

15. Discover a Hidden Whiskey Bar

While wandering around Dontonburi towards Hozenji Yokocho Alley, I stumbled on the coolest little whiskey cocktail bar! The place looked like a train car and served up some amazing drinks. However, despite WAAAY too much time spent googling, I can’t seem to find this place anywhere!

Thankfully, there are a ton of other really cool whiskey bars in the Dontonburi area. From the Misono bar complex to this tiny whiskey bar gem there’s plenty to choose from!

Fancy Takoyaki!

16. Taste Michelin Listed Takoyaki

Everyone knows you can’t visit Osaka without trying takoyaki. These little doughy octopus balls literally melt in your mouth, and are the perfect street food! While you can pick them up all over Dontonburi, the quality is a bit lacking due to all the tourists in the area.

If you really want some good takoyaki, head to the Michelin listed Takoriki! These refined octopus balls can even be paired with a glass of champagne. Despite the fancy drinks, takoyaki here still starts from 350 yen (around $3 USD!).

If you’re on Yuki’s Inside Osaka tour, you’ll be stopping by another takoyaki place that’s well worth a visit. This stall has been open for generations, and you can definitely taste the difference!

17. Buy Crazy Osaka Obachaaan Swag

Osaka is pretty famous for having a very unique brand of fashion, especially among the older ladies. Osaka is also pretty famous for being the birthplace of most of Japan’s comedians. There’s an idea among most Japanese that people from Osaka are just naturally funny.

Well… Osaka went ahead and combined its famous old ladies and comedy skills into the music group Obachaaan. Obachaaan is a group of women who sing typical j-pop songs you might find from AKB48… except all of the singers are middle-aged ladies.

Consisting of 47 obachan (middle aged ladies), this group is loud, aggressive, and always wears fashionable animal-print clothing. While groups like AKB48 allow you to meet them, the Obachaaan come to you… with candy!

This comedic song group is actually amazing, and you can find some really awesome Obachaaan swag in Osaka. For example, I found fantastic Obachaaan lady socks at Don Quijote in Osaka. Yes, I do wear them on the regular.

Source.

19. Ride the Don Quijote Ferris Wheel

Dontonburi is home to an incredible Don Quijote with a bright yellow Ferris wheel. While the Ferris wheel itself isn’t super remarkable aside from its bright yellow color and oval shape, did you know that you can ride the Ferris wheel FOR FREE if you buy ANY item from this Don Quijote shop? WHAAAAT?

Seriously, most people pay a solid 600-1,200 yen for this ride, but if you run in and buy something you can ride for FREE. Yeah, pick up your Obachaaan socks here.

Just be aware that the seats flip around at the top of the wheel, so be sure to watch out for your bags!

The famous mechanical crab!

20. Find Each of the Major Osaka Characters

When I think of Osaka, one of the first things that comes to mind are the giant mechanical characters in Dontronburi, along with the shops and souvenir stalls featuring a clown, Billiken, and a few other popular figures. But what are all these characters and where do you find them?

Rather than wander Dontonburi aimlessly wondering about what you’re looking at, why not learn about and track down all these famous characters on your trip?!

Here’s a quick list of everything you need to find:

Giant mechanical crab (Dontonburi)

The Glico Running Man Signboard (Dontonburi)

Giant inflatable fugu Pufferfish (Dontonburi and Shinsekai)

Billiken in Tsutenkaku Tower (Shinsekai)

Kuidaore Taro Clown (Dontonburi)

Daruma the Kushikatsu chef (Shinsekai)

Kukuru Octopus (Dontonburi)

Any I missed? Let me know in a comment and I’ll add it!

Making Japanese sweets in Sakai!

What About all the Osaka Day Trips?

Of course, Osaka also has some incredible day trips too: from the popular excursions like Himeiji, Hiroshima, Miyajima, and Kyoto (although Kyoto deserves at least a few days), to the less well-known places like Kobe, Sakai, and Koyasan.

To be honest, there are just too many awesome Osaka day trips to fit into this post! Thankfully, my fiance, Chris has you covered with his 10 Unmissable Osaka Day Trips!

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Let’s Hear From you!

Have you checked any of these off your list? Which one are you most excited to try? Any amazing off the beaten path adventures I’ve left out? Be sure to let me know in a comment!

If you have any questions or concerns about travel in Osaka, be sure to leave a comment below. I’m always checking back for new comments, so I’ll be sure to get back to you ASAP!

Osaka Off the Beaten Path: 20 Unique Things to do in Osaka! This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.  So many people skip over Osaka.

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Home Designing Holiday Gift Guide 2017

It’s that time of year again – and the clock is ticking. Signs scream Christmas deals, tinsel covers everything, and Mariah Carey and Jingle Bells are belting on the radio. There’s so much noise but – if you could stop and think – you know you’d find all your friends and family’s favourite pressies. We’ve put a together a list of our top – and often most unusual – picks for gifts we’ve featured, for perusal during your downtime. Whether you’re buying for an architect, a germophobe, a fitness freak or all three, there’s a bit of Christmas cheer for everyone in our list.

$295BUY IT Copper Pipe Desk Lamp: Give the gift of a copper desk lamp no one else has. Wound intricately in triangles around an idea lightbulb, the contours of this fixture keep everyone guessing.

$190BUY IT Peacock Wall Sconce: Have a friend that likes to show off? Celebrate their inner peacock, with this muted aluminium piece that soon shows its glowing feathers.

$140BUY IT Levitating Light: Know someone close that’s wrapt by magic? A levitating lightbulb will have them entertained for hours. Using magnetic force and power induction, this bulb hovers off its board cable and battery-free.

$30BUY IT Paper Light Boxes: For a magical look that’s not based on science, these paper light boxes paint a picture. Depicting the streets of Venice or mermaids rising to the moon, these dimmable finds help make kids’ bedrooms look pretty.

$142BUY IT Modern Menorah: Hold Jewish heritage? Make your Christmas traditional and modern at the same time, with these handmade wooden menorahs boasting nine candle holders.

$154BUY IT Octopus Lantern: What better surprise at Christmas than an iron octopus? Made from a compound with aluminium and bronze, this eight-legged creature lights up three lanterns.

$50BUY IT Tabletop Zen Garden: Love someone with a hectic workplace? Gift them a way to calm down, with this table-top zen garden. The secrets of the Japanese can help rake their worries away.

$65BUY IT Levitating Air Bonsai Pot: Combine levitation and nature in one stylish piece. Connected to a power source, this magnetic wooden base and pot lift your plants to new dimensions.

$35BUY IT Artistically Hand-Sculptured Candles: Looking for more cool candles than the shops can supply? These decorative finds, handmade in Israel, come in a variety of colours and festive themes. Get yours engraved with names or special Christmas cheer.

$7BUY IT Rocket Lemon Squeezer: Tight on budget? This cute lemon squeezer made from solid beech wood is a great gift for new friends.

From $40BUY IT Damascus Steel Knives: For the friend or family member who loves all things cowboy, these Damascus knives are hard to pass up. Crafted in steel with engraved patterns down their sides, they fold back into pouches for your cowboy’s holster.

From $69BUY IT Evercut Furtif Knives: Have a budding chef with a set of blunt knives? Sharpen up their cooking time, with this set of five unique knife gifts in black.

$76BUY IT Cutting Board With Storage: Tired of onion and garlic taking up your whole board? Secret them in drawers underneath, with this bamboo design more cutting boards should emulate.

$250BUY IT Peacock Teapot: Know someone just crazy about peacock home decor? Add to their collection with this hand-painted teapot, a dazzling blue and floral find crafted in porcelain.

$45BUY IT Handmade Sculptural Yixing Teapot: For the teapot lover in your life, this Chinese stone find is the height of exotica. Handmade with a mineral deposit rock found near Yixing, Jiangsu, these special tippers make your tea sweeter and sweeter with every cup, as its natural deposits inject flavour over time. Check out our website for more teapot-related gifts.

$25BUY IT Superhero Shelves: Books really can save the day. Find your gifts for book lovers with these superhero shelves, a visual wonder on your wall in painted black metal.

$25BUY IT Mermaid Cups: Have a daughter that loves things under the sea? Buy her mermaid gifts she can enjoy all year round, with these decorated cups in a variety of poses.

$145BUY IT Smart Tea Coffee Mug: For the person who has everything, unique coffee mugs are the way to go. This ceramic mug is remotely-controlled, keeping your coffee or tea at just the temperature you like it. Pre-set different drinks to different temperatures, or different lights to different drinks, to keep your morning beverage exciting.

$112BUY IT Smart Wifi-Controlled Coffee Maker With Amazon Alexa: In love with a coffee addict? Make creating their brew deliciously easy. Controllable from an app on your phone, you can pre-set coffee temperatures, order beans, keep the coffee hot for hours and even order a brew – with your voice only – using Amazon’s Alexa.

$30BUY IT Contemporary Double-Walled Champagne Flutes: Don’t want the standard flutes at your Christmas table? Buy these double-walled creations, for a conversation piece that’s hard to knock over.

$15BUY IT BenShot Shot Glass: Worried Christmas conversations might get heated? Keep your drinks bullet-protected, with these American-made shot glasses.

$80BUY IT Magnetic Travel Globe: Can’t find good gifts for travellers? This magnetic globe could end your mall trips. Available in tan or traditional blue finishes, its thirty magnetic markers keep track of where they’ve travelled– without the map holes or rips to ruin it.

$39BUY IT Dragon Claw Goblet: Looking for Game of Thrones gifts instead? This replica of the chalice Measter Cressen and Melisandre drank from can make your home the new Dragonstone.

$90BUY IT Architect Wine Holder: New gifts for architects are not always easy to come by. This recycled steel and copper holder provides a warm welcome after a hard day’s work.

$36BUY IT Funny Doormat: Break the ice with some funny door mats. An introverted friend or colleague could receive this coco palm fibre find under their tree.

$232BUY IT Reclaimed Wooden Wall Art: Buy wooden wall decor for your daughter or son’s new home. These reclaimed pieces, each made in the States, add patterning and Christmas cheer to undecorated walls.

$135BUY IT Lawa 3D Wooden Wall Clock: Is your kitchen wall clock looking a bit tired? Some wooden wall clocks could appear under your tree. Designed by famed Danish architects Ewa Bryzek and Allen Shakir, they’re available in black, white or solid oak.

$130BUY IT Amazon Echo Spot Clock: Married to someone who never likes to leave the bed? This smart clock has everything they need, at the push of a button. Call anyone hands-free, browse and listen to audiobooks, stream music from Pandora and Spotify, and control all your smart household appliances with this alarm clock disguise.

$800BUY IT Roomba 890: Love someone who loves to clean? Get them a robot they can control from their smartphone. This nifty little piece dodges tangling, navigates corners and automatically recharges to keep their home spick and span.

$273BUY IT Apple Watch Series 3: For the family member always tracking their fitness, this Apple watch is the next step. Its built-in GPS system is water-resistant and features a heart-rate sensor, altimeter, dual-core processor and microphone.

$148BUY IT Fitbit Alta: Don’t have an iPhone? This Android option is one of the most stylish bands on the market. Dodging the clunkier look of smart watch rivals, it can measure your quality of sleep, continuously track your heart rate and operate at 30,000 feet.

$50BUY IT Microbot Push: Help your tech-head make their appliances smarter. This white gadget presses buttons and switches and manages their timers, remotely controlling everything from their garage door to air conditioner.

$549BUY IT DJI Smart Drone Camera: Never take a bad photo again. This drone camera captures the sights your adventurous partner is always angling to see.

$60BUY IT Motion-Activated LED Lights: Always waking for trips to the bathroom or pantry? Gift your partner better sleep, with a motion-activated light that glows the darkened floor. With a shut-off light timer and two separate sensors, there’s no need to wake them up again.

$40BUY IT Voice-Activated Owl Night Lamp: Gift your child a more comforting bedtime. This voice-activated night lamp turns on only when they speak, and shuts off only when they’re silent.

$150BUY IT Huzi Cosmos Collection: Have a little one intrigued by outer space? This solid beech wood toy set with magnets built-in constructs a planet, lander, satellite, rocket and shuttle.

$100BUY IT Ring Video Doorbell: Want to see who’s coming to dinner? See them from the comfort of your smartphone, tablet or PC, where a HD video shows their face. A two-way audio system and instant doorbell alerts provide added protection.

$160BUY IT Petzi Treat Cam: Love someone who loves their pet even more? Connect them to their pet anywhere and anytime, with this video camera that dispenses treats.

$73BUY IT Cat Caves: Looking for something a bit less spendy? These cat caves can surprise and delight the most discerning of cat owners. Get their felt forms in a variety of colours.

$1,298BUY IT Samsung Frame TV: Buy a Christmas gift for all the family. This beautiful TV offers high-definition viewing when it’s on, a gallery of curated art pieces when it’s off. Choose from a wood, black, white or metal frame for your latest feature – or look at a Meural TV if you need a cheaper option.

Recommended Reading: The Ultimate Gift Guide For Architects

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