#so anyway! today i went to a new bookstore in my area and it was GREAT and i added a Ton of books to my list (the classics section!!!)

[a-passing-storm]

I have forgotten that it is actually kind of Therapy Homework for me to post things online!

[benkyoutobentou]

31 Days of Productivity Reading もう一回！: Days 26-27

Day 26: So I started my next book, 本を守ろうとする猫の話 , but I did not read my 25 pages yesterday. I only read the first prologue chapter, which was fourteen pages, but I was kind of like okay, no big deal, since there are six chapters altogether. I was just so preoccupied with other things that I couldn't focus on reading for long.

Day 27: I'll see how I feel tomorrow, but honestly I'm thinking about calling this challenge a win and stopping early. I've been reading so much that I'm feeling burnt out. I only read my 25 pages today and I don't want to read anymore. I want to watch a movie, I want to crochet, I want to sit and stare at a wall. I've learned so many new words, I've been seeing so many words being used across novels and remembering the readings and meanings (hi 襖 ) and I consider that a major win. I just want a break. Especially with other things happening in my life right now (one thing exciting but I won't share until its set in stone, and then the rest irrelevant), I just haven't been wanting to read books. Sorry for a bit of a depressing update, but just know that I'm personally happy with how this challenge went if I do decide to end it here! Maybe I'll shift to watching Japanese movies and keep updating you all on what I'm watching and how I'm enjoying them.

But here's a short synopsis of 本を守ろうとする猫の話 before I tell you about random stuff. Where I've currently read to, this book is about a high school boy named Rintarou whose grandfather passes away right before the start of the novel. Since he lived alone with his grandfather, he must close up the family bookstore for good before moving away to live with an aunt he's never met. While closing the shop one day, a cat speaks to him and asks for his help in saving books.

Anyways, let's talk about less bookish stuff. I've been playing in a community college orchestra since graduating university since they don't have oboe students there and rehearsals started up again today! Even though the quality is a bit less than what I'm used to, having a degree in music performance, I still enjoy getting to play in an orchestra again EXCEPT the fact that the drive to the college is atrocious! So I always go super early in the day and just hang out at a nearby cafe to read or study until rehearsal starts. But today the cafe closed at two pm. I got there at 2:07, rehearsal starts at 6. I got a smoothie and some avocado toast at the place next door, but it was a health food place so it was extremely overpriced and twice what I usually pay at the cafe. Sob. I read outside for a while until I moved to my car, then it was too hot there, so I just ended up sitting at the cafe's outdoor seating area (even though I felt bad about it) because there were other people hanging out there too. I saw so many people walk up to the cafe door and walk away. Unfortunately I didn't have anywhere else to go. So the moral of the story is don't close your cafe early. Thank you.

[sebastianinjapan]

June 9 - From Tokyo to Kyoto

Today we traveled from Tokyo to Kyoto via the Shinkansen (Bullet Train). The trip was 2 hours and 30 minutes but went by incredibly fast, although the entire time I was playing the new Legend of Zelda game which is so much fun. The train did go incredibly fast and at times you could feel the pressure on your chest as it pushed you back into the chair. I don’t have much to report on the train itself but I got a cream bread from a bakery at the station and it is probably the best bread I’ve ever eaten. Bread here is significantly better, it’s fluffier and just tastes better. Once we got here, some of my peers didn’t realize that the train doesn’t wait for anyone and we’re to slow to get off. We had to wait for them to come back but thankfully our check in wasn’t for another 2 hours anyways so it was fine. Kyoto itself is gorgeous. The city is quite smaller, but it’s just as lively. The buildings are much smaller so it’s more akin to DC, and the temples that are scattered throughout the city wear a beautiful age. I didn’t do much this afternoon except go to a used bookstore which had almost every manga series imaginable. It was very nice since most of the books were not wrapped (as they are at most bookstores) so I was able to look at the art.

Japanese curry continues to by my favorite meal here.

Academic Reflection

For our reading today we read about the Shinkansen, and the broader implications of its existence throughout Japan. Reading it reminded me quite a bit of what I learned from the metro system in DC with issues such as gerrymandering persisting in Japan as they did in DC. The prosperity it can bring to a city is quite shocking as populations increase, aswell as the number of businesses in areas that have a stop in them. However, after being on it this makes sense as the connectivity it provides throughout the country (and the speed at which it provides that connection) is unparalleled by any other train travel (I’d argue ALL travel) in the world. The amount of people serviced is quite staggering as the train station had the same foot traffic any major airport would have. The Shinkansen is truly a modern wonder of our world.

While eminent domain exists in the United States I was for some reason surprised to find out it also existed here. Interestingly the practice itself, and the responses to said practice are similar as the government tries to acquire land for as cheap as possible while residents will try to squeeze as much money out as they can (which they should). While land in the US is quite expensive, it is even more expensive here so the bill for public transit can get quite large. I wish we had the same willingness to pay for such things in the US as I see no reason a bullet train doesn’t connect the major East Coast cities. Technologies like this should be propagated especially as we continue to enter a worsening climate as the amount of short range flights something like a East Coast bullet train would replace would likely be large.

[the-screwfly-solution]

10.4.2024

Dear Katya,

It is so rainy here. As I sit on my bed typing this letter, I think about how much Kuska would hate it. That said, there are lots of other dogs here, so maybe I am wrong. Maybe she would make so many friends that she would love it in spite of the weather. Or maybe she would like it anyway if she discovered arepas. 

Anyway, it is a nice city. Actually, nice isn't the word. Cool is a better one. It is cool here. Literally, the temperatures haven't gotten higher than the 70s or dipped below the 60s. But also in the sense of the mist, the incredible green that is everywhere like a jungle canopy inside the concrete, and the way crossing the street isn't quite a free-for-all, but it isn't exactly not that either (for me, this is great). There are restaurants roughly every two feet, and the intervening feet are occupied by carts selling arepas, or skewers (I think) or candy, or fruits and juices, or whatever else. There were also, in the more central area I went to today, lots of llamas that people had taken there so they could charge tourists to take photos with them. Business seemed brisk. 

Today, I decided I wanted to talk to people more than I had (the last two days were my arrival and lots of work on Thursday). So when I left my apartment and walked toward the climbing gym I had decided to try, I stopped by a bookshop. After I had been nosing around for a few minutes, one of the bookstore employees, an older and slightly intense looking man with light gray hair, recommended me a book that, based on what I told him I was comfortable reading in Spanish, he thought was a good fit. Then I decided, since I had already talked to someone, I might as well talk more. I asked the other people in the bookshop, who all seemed to either work there or be friends with someone who worked there, what they would recommend I do in Bogotá. They were very friendly. One of them, a boy a bit younger than me, showed me an Instagram page for events in the city. Another, a girl this time about the same age as the boy,  listened to my museum plans, approved, and recommended an additional museum. A third, a handsome man in his thirties who looked like, if he was not a writer, he might be the captain of a ship, recommended me some contemporary Colombian literature. All in all, I left pleased with myself and more optimistic about the city. 

I then walked to the climbing gym. This took me about 40 minutes. Or maybe an hour, actually, because I stopped for coffee and a donut. As I walked into the neighborhood I would soon learn was Teusaquillo, the city became greener, if that was possible. I felt I was in an anime city – that is how dreamily green it was. I kept looking for the sort of warehouse structure that usually signals a climbing gym, but I couldn't find it. After some detouring, I realized this warehouse did not exist, and the climbing gym was in more of a normal building. I signed up for a day pass, for which I needed my passport number, and got to work. It is always disconcerting to go to a new gym. You recognize everything, but it is all a little off – the setting is different, maybe the grading is different, maybe the scale is even different, or the type of holds used. Here, it was all of that and a bit more. After an hour, I had not grasped the grading system. There were reds and yellows (I cannot remember which of these should have been harder than the other) that were extremely difficult, and there were others that should have fallen in the "Bebé" range they listed in their rating scale (an American gym would never risk offending like this – I loved it!). The last interesting thing I'll say about the routes, setting and those nerdy things is that, to compensate for the relative shortness of the walls, many of the climbs went diagonally – I enjoyed this. 

I did not only go to the gym to climb, though. I also went there to meet people. And I think I found a good place to do this – the people seemed like the kind of nice young people I want to get to know during my stay here. I was especially interested by the girl at the front desk. She had an exceptionally calm, cool, and collected air to her – her eyes, especially, were calm. She also wore a sick purple jacket. On my way out, I asked her if she had any recommendations for me, any bars or places I should go to see music. She did, so I plan to see a show tonight. 

As I was walking to the Botero museum, it started to rain. This began with a drizzle. But then the rain was coming down in buckets. I huddled under some sort of bizarre metal canopy structure associated with Bancocolombia, but which also had a supermarket and lots of blue-uniformed security guards who would not crack a smile. I delved into the books I had bought at a different bookstore, one on my way from the climbing gym. These were a promising anthology of contemporary Colombian writers, a book of drawings of important sites in Bogotá (it could make a good gift), and a cyberpunk short story collection, which seemed kind of cheesy. 

Then the rain vanished as quickly as it had appeared. After a stopover that lasted far too long at the Claro store to get myself a SIM card, and following an excellent lunch of soup, I made it to the Botero Museum. With the limited time I had before my student, I soaked in Botero's paintings of georgeously, extravagantly fat figures, his luscious still lives, and his sculptures of yet more fat figures, which were sometimes erotic (my favorite: a fat woman fucking a swan). 

Then, after a winding, dizzying Uber home, I sat down to tutor. 

How are YOU?

Much love,

David

[into-the-center-of-things]

day five: looking at local chicago southside sights part TWO!!!

After we left the co-op bookstore we went to Powell's, which is a used bookstore off of 54th Street. It has the same name as the one in Portland, Oregon, but apparently there is no relation between the two of them.

It was a lot bigger on the inside than I suspected. I ducked into the second room in the back and that was where I found the poems! Not as much variety as the co-op but I saw Harryette Mullen's newest book there, so that's cool. They also had The Cow by Ariana Reines which I did end up buying, because it was cheap and I really liked how bizarre it was. Not to mention the purple typeface on the inside.

We walked back to the apartment and @germfreeadulthood made me a little immunity drink (using the immune suport stuff and ginger powder), and then took a shower. I drank it while looking through the Chicago Reader—I don't really look at newspapers so it was cute to see some passionate write ups about new and well known underground heavy music (since I guess The Rumble is coming up, so the were writing about bands particpating or bands in similar genres)...suuuuuper cool, will be looking into the band Torture when I have time.

I accidentally fell asleep for a good 30-40 minutes—I guess I was a lot more tired than I thought, but maybe that means I needed the rest? Was I just feeling weak from that damn train ride still? Is the way back gonna knock me on my ass too? Argh.

We walked to "The Point" afterwards, which is I believe Promotory Point, where Chicago kisses the edge of Lake Michigan. We had to walk through this tunnel beneath the road to get there and people had done a mural of "things they want to do before they die", which was cool, ad well as different encouraging phrases or things they liked about Chicago. Someone wrote something about not liking the cicadas which was funny.

Honestly I actually I kind of love cicadas, I think they are cute and I like the droning noise they make. I am going to try to catch it on video tomorrow or something so I can listen to it when I am home. I would prefer that sound over the clanging of trash trucks or construction any day. We saw a dead cicada earlier today and I wish I had like, been able to keep it and take it home with me. I wonder if its possible to preserve it if I grab one and put it in a Ziploc baggy. I would worry about it getting squished in my luggage though.

Anyways. Lake Michigan is fucking huge.

You can see as far as Indiana from the coast—super fucking cool! There were some sandy beachy areas and some rocky areas, the latter was where @germfreeadulthood and I sat. We put our feet in the water and the water actually felt really good. I wish we bad gone swimming but we didn't have our swimsuits and the sun was setting so it probably wasn't going to be a good idea to get totally drenched when the sun wouldn't be out long enough to dry us. We'll probably come back again before I leave for a proper swim.

There were also some seagulls circling fhis kid throwing crackers at them—they like totally came to him as if summoned and then all perched at his feet. It was lowkey kind of magical and I wish I had taken a picture..

I walked closer to the sand to get a better scope of the area. The beach area was crowded with families and there even was what I think was a wedding happening? They were moving to a dance between the daughter/bride and the father and he got all weepy and I felt weird watching so I left.

After that we took the bus to Saucy Porka, which is like an Asian Latin fusion sort of food place, for dinner. We both got a banh mi and shared sweet potato fries.

The banh mi was kind of meh honestly but the sweet potato fries were absolutely delicious. I had a teeny little cup of Cherry Pepsi because I never drink soda and wanted to try it and it tasted good, but I know it has caffeine in it so I am hoping it doesn't keep me up too late.

We walked back and I showered and I think tomorrow we are going to go to the Art Institute of Chicago!!! Yippee!!

[echantedtoon]

Kiddo Week Day 1 Prelude/Crash

(Hat Kid's journal entries before, during, and after landing on the planet explaining my headcannon backstory for her. Warning: Character death implied.)

"Day 1...

Hello new journal! I'm not sure what else to write in this since this is my first time writing in this. Mother's bookstore friend gave it to me while I'm staying with her to pass the time away while Mother's being taken care of at the weird white building. She says I shouldn't worry as the Doctor's making sure everything goes alright. I hope Mother returns soon, I don't really like all the green looking veggies Mother's friend makes me eat. But the doctor said she's sick so it'll take a while for her to get better."

'Day 2...

Every day is so boooooring! There's nothing to do around Mother's bookstore! She's had it forever and always works here with her friends. Mother's friend suggested I read a whole bunch of picture books but all of them are boring too! It's a lot more fun swinging on the chandeliers with the umbrella Grandpa Tim made me but Mother's friend only scolded me and took it so 'I wouldn't break anything'! This stinks worse than the green veggies!!"

"Day 3...

Today I found the old Blueprints I made with Grandpa Tim a loooong time ago! He said he would make me a spaceship just for me and one day I could go traveling the solar system like he did! I miss him he was really cool! He ran this BIG company and everyone called him the 'CEO of Time' or 'Third Eye' because of his extra eye. Some kids think he's weird but he's really smart and cool! Mother and him don't get along too much. They had a big fight when he said when his time went it would be my time to handle our family's treasured 'pieces'. This part is in qoutes because he made it sound like that. Mother made me leave when they argue but since I'm sneaky I listened anyways. She doesn't want me to travel space or take over Grandpa Tim's 'treasure pieces' and said I should have a normal life like she chose too. Which isn't fair and BBBBBOOOOORRRRING!! I don't wanna become a cranky old librarian. Traveling through space with treasure sounds much more exciting....I wonder if I can find where he hid the treasure if I follow the map on the back of the blueprints?? I haven't seen Grandpa Tim in a long time. One day Mother had her friend 'babysit' while she went out to see him in a weird black dress. (I can take care of myself!) She says she'll tell me when 'I'm Older'. What does that even mean? Anyways, I'll hide the map for now. I finally have an adventure! But first I have to get my umbrella back from the 'your grounded' area."

"Day 4...

I know this says 'Day 4' but I really haven't been writing in this journal too often. Too busy planning on busting out and seeing where this mysterious map leads too, and waiting for Mother to come back to get me. Which is why I'm writing now. Mother's Friend said that I'm going to be staying with her for a while now. Is Mother missing? I asked but she told me she'd tell me 'When I'm Older.' What is with THAT?! Also something weirder happened. These weird guys from Grandpa Tim's old company came to Mother's Bookstore to talk to me. They were looking for something Grandpa had called 'time pieces'. The heck was that? I don't know but something is telling me to follow that map soon. I've located where my umbrella and hat are. It's only a matter of time before I go see what's at the end of the map. I can't take any more broccoli."

"Day 5...

It's been almost three days since I snuck out. My umbrella and hat were easy to get since Mother's friend hit them on top of the fridge. As if that'll stop me! And I finally found out where the map leads! MY SHIP!! At first I thought it was just gonna be some dumb boring old stuff like checkers or something. But the map lead me to this old shed looking place outside town and there it was inside! As I'm writing this I'm inside the ship's control room. And I think I found out what these 'time piece' things are. There was this BIG vault and I was sure the treasure would be in there and these was hundreds of these shiny hourglasses inside. It must've been the 'treasure' Grandpa Tim always told me about. But why did he put them inside my ship?? Was he trying to give them to me without Mother knowing?? I found out they are called time pieces because that's what the computer calls them so it must be true! And that means the pretty things are mine!...But they're kinda weird too?? But in a familiar way?? When I held one it was like holding a piece of me...If that makes sense. I can't write it down because I don't like writing a lot, and because it's hard to describe. But I just...KNOW they're meant to be mine. Like they're connected to me somehow. Anyways, there's a whole lot of buttons on the control panel. I wonder what would happen if I press the launch button?"

"Day 6..

I think I messed up...I ended up pressing the button ON ACCIDENT and suddenly the entire ship launched into space. And...I think I'm lost. I fell asleep when the ship shook really badly and now I'm awake. And now I can't figure out where I am.....BUT THIS IS ALSO GREAT!! I'M FINALLY ON AN ADVENTURE LIKE I WANTED!! SPACE IS SO PRETTY!!....But I think I better go home first and tell Mother. If I don't she's going to worry when I'm gone, and I don't like it when she's upset. I found a Guide Manual so maybe this'll help me. I really don't like reading, but I think I don't have any other choice."

"Day 7...

That was easier than I expected! Grandpa Tim must've made this computer operating thing easy for me! I'll thank him when I get back too! According to my computer it's gonna take a long time to get back. In the mean time I'm gonna start exploring the ship! There's so many rooms and stuff to see! Did Grandpa Tim leave all this stuff for me??? Oh well. It's mine now."

"Day 8???

It's been really nice! I put question marks because I don't know how many days I've been gone now, but my computer says I'm almost half way there so it's ok! I made a pillow fort in the giant pillow mountain to hide in. And I looked more at those shiny time pieces, but something weird happened. I accidentally broke it but it was NOT my fault! How was I supposed to know it was breakable?! ...But I know how to fix them and use them too. It's funny because I've only had them for a little while but it feels like they've always been a part of my life and I know exactly how to use them! Crazy right? I must be a magic genius or something. There's also this nagging feeling telling me things. I think Mother said it's called your conscious when it tells you something's bad or good? Or maybe it's my gut feelings? I don't know, but it says I need to keep these things safe now. Which I'm gonna do anyways because these are MINE now after all."

"Day 8.5???

I found a weird robot building kit in the attic and decided to build him. It's gonna be cool having a cool robot pet! I think I'll call him Rumbi. The picture of him on the box is cute. I wonder if he'll be just as cute after I build him?"

"Day 9???

Well this is just great! I get half way there and now Im stuck on a random planet because some dumb guy broke my ship's door! And now all my time pieces are gone! I need them to magically?? power my ship or else I'll never get home! ...But I've never been on another planet before. This might be fun to explore! I'm gonna use another journal I found to write about what I find. Why? Because I can!"

"Day 10???

I met someone while in Mafia Town again! And not like that double crosser Mustache Girl. Her name's Bow and she's really fun to hang out with! She was being held hostage by these dumb Mafia so I beat them away with my umbrella! I think she's the only person I've met so far who hasn't double crossed me yet. She says she's from somewhere called Nyakuza Metro?? Sounds fancy. Anyways, I don't think she has anyone here to help her. In that case she can come with me and I'll keep her safe. I think I saw an extra umbrella in my spaceship too. I can show her how to use it!....This might be the first friend I ever had!"

"Day 11???

Bow gets along great with Mr. Grooves. I think he's really nice too! She's almost as good as I am when I use my umbrella. She told me more about her old home. She ran away too to find adventure but she used to love in something called an "Orphaned Kitten Home"?? I guess that means she doesn't have any Mother or Grandpa Tim of her own, but that's ok! She's my friend now so she can have my Mother and Grandpa Tim as well. I'm sure they won't mind!"

"Day 12???

Today we met some weird people. Really nice but really weird. That bell took us to some real weird place filled with ghosts and we met a new friend! His name's Timmy! And he can do magic like some wizard! And there was this witch! A REAL WITCH! ...But she didn't have green skin or black cats. What gives? Maybe witches are different on this planet. There was a time piece here too, a ghost gave it too us! He looked really scary but he was a lot nicer than that Jerk Snatcher. The Witch even teleported us back to the mountains. She's the nicest witch I ever met."

"Day 13???

I know it was a long time since I wrote something but I finally did it! All the time pieces are recovered and my ship's at full power! I can finally go home! And Bow's excited too! It's gonna be cool to have someone to hang out with! ....But it's gonna be sad to not see anyone again. I tried taking off but the emergency break stopped us because something was outside the ship causing a disturbance. And everyone was hanging on asking me to stay...I didn't want to do it, but I pushed them off. I'm sure they're ok...But I gotta go home. Mother and Grandpa Tim are waiting for me. And I promised Bow she could meet them! We're almost there anyways! Maybe one day Ill come back and see everyone again."

"Day Unknown???

I don't know what to do anymore. Something really bad happened when we got home. I should've been happy but I wasn't I was...Scared. I didn't know why until we tried landing. Something was telling me not to land but I did anyways. I should've listened to my gut. Someone tried to get into my ship! There was guys from Grandpa Tim's old time company and demanding I hand over the time pieces! NO WAY!! Not after I worked so hard to get them back! It was like Mustache Girl all over again but more scarier. Bow was scared too. I ended up pressing the launch button again and knocking them off the ship. I don't know what to do now or where to go, but my gut is telling me to stay away from the planet. I guess I don't have a home there anymore...And I have a feeling Grandpa Tim and Mother are gone too. At least I have Bow and my trusty ship and Rumbi! And the time pieces are all safe! I'll write again when I feel like it. For now we're gonna see if my TV works."

"Day Unknown???

We're doing ok..Better than I thought. I was showing Bow my cool collection of Rift Books! Apparently they appear where ever a time rift appears and depending on the surroundings makes a cool picture book about it's past! Pretty neat! Some are sad but most of them are really cool to look at. Snatcher's is really really sad though."

"Day Unknown???

How could I not notice before?! I thought I got all my time pieces but according to my log book there was more missing! I must've not gotten them all from the planet when that mafia guy and Mustache Girl made them all fall from my ship! ...TWICE!! I'm installing a giant new security lock on my vault and heading back to get them! ....I wonder if they'll still be happy to see me again? I might visit them again. After I get those time pieces."

"Day Unknown???

Today I found this hourglass in the attic. It's not a time piece but it's not just a regular hourglass either. According to the instructions this is a memory replaying device of some kind. COOL!! I'm still deciding what to do with it....But I have an idea."

"Day 14?.....Im just gonna say 14 and start from here.

A lot has happened since we got back. I found out Conductor has grandkids and they're all cute and very fuzzy with their feathers! ...But I still wonder what kind of bird they are if they are birds? And I got all my time pieces back! I had to sink a ship and visit the metro to get them though. YIKES!! Now I know why Bow left! They're all thieves and crooks! And that Empress is scary as PECK! But on the bright side now I can explore more of the planet and visit everyone! I can't wait to see Cookie and Mr. Grooves and Timmy again! I just hope I don't run into Mustache Girl. Speaking of seeing people, Bow said Snatcher tried to haunt my ship. I wonder where he was on the cruise?? I didn't see him on the boat, and I tried to visit him but every time I went to his woods he wasn't there?? Like whaaaat? Ghosts can turn invisible so was he invisible? Is he playing a game of hide and seek? I thought he wanted to see us? Oh well. We're gonna see Mr. Grooves tomorrow anyways! He says he wants to show us Cookie's new movie! I'm so excited!"

[vagabondreamer]

Home

Pairing: Lucifer x MC, Mammon X MC, Levi x MC, Satan x MC, Asmo x MC, Beel x MC, Belphie x MC

Summary: MC's final day in Devildom before returning to the human realm.

Word Count: 1.3k

Author's Note: This is my first 'fanfic'! Feel free to request in the inbox!

***

365 days had passed quickly.

It was the last day of the student exchange program, and Lord Diavolo decided to throw a grand going away party. You had spent nearly all day with Asmo, he insisted on finding the perfect outfit for tonight and wanted to have one last spa day with you.

“MC, isn’t this just great? I could stay in here forever.” He sinks deeper into the flower bath, cucumbers sitting perfectly on his eyes.

“I have to admit, this is pretty relaxing,” you giggle. “Especially with all of the running around we’ve been doing.” You had already eaten your cucumber slices - no doubt a bad habit picked up from Beel. You took a deep breath in, letting the floral scent intoxicate your lungs, trying to forget that tonight would be the end.

And just like that, all relaxation was gone. A commotion could be heard from outside the room.

“Huh, I wonder what’s going on,” you ponder.

“Sir, you can’t go in there -” an employee says.

“Asmo, you son of a bitch!” Satan barges in.

“Dear brother ~ Do you want to take a dip too?” Asmo taunts as he pulls the cucumber slices off.

“I can’t believe you stole MC away! They’ve been gone nearly all day!”

“We were shopping, you’ll see them at the party.”

“No, come on MC, I want to spend time with you too.” The look on Satan’s face was nearly heartbreaking. You didn’t like goodbyes, maybe subconsciously you had been avoiding everyone so it would never happen.

“Okay, just wait outside while I get dressed.” You look at Asmo. “No peeking.”

He covered his eyes, and you quickly got dressed.

“I’ll see you at home?”

“Of course ~”

***

You and Satan went to a bookstore, there was a small bakery attached to it. The smell of freshly baked goods and the serenity of the air was comforting - being around Satan was comforting.

“So, how did you know where to find me?”

“Asmo posted pictures on devilgram. That’s his favorite bath-house, so of course he’d take you there today.”

You hummed in agreement, your fingers tracing the spine of books as you two walked past the shelves.

“Is this your favorite bookstore?” A small blush creeps onto his face.

“One of my favorites, yes.”

“Any last recommendations?”

Satan grins taking your hand to lead you to a more obscure area of the bookstore. The books become more odd looking, and the mood shifts ominously. He grabs a small book, the title reads, Death of the Three Worlds.

“It’s fictional, but has an abundance of historical accuracies about all three worlds. It’s a good read, I’ll buy it for you to take...home.” He hesitates. You look up at him and smile.

“I’d love that. Thank you.”

Side by side, you both walk towards the cashier; you decide to check out the bakery before leaving. There, you spot a familiar ginger and his twin.

You rush over to them in excitement.

“Hey guys!”

“MC!” Beel exclaims with a stuffed face.

“Hey MC,” Belphie says less enthusiastically but with a smile on his face nevertheless. “What are you doing here?”

“Oh, I’m here with Satan. He’s buying a book for me, I just wanted to check this bakery out real quick.”

“Here.” Beel holds up a puff pastry filled with jam, nearly jamming it in your face. You open your mouth up slightly.

“Ahh - mm. It’s good.” Some jam dirties the corner of your mouth, you go to wipe it off but Beel cuts you off, licking it instead. Your face turns beet red.

“You can’t just do that in public, Beel!”

Belphie nods in agreement.

“Ah - sorry, I couldn’t help it.”

“Anyway, I should buy a treat for Satan. What do you think he’d like?”

“Cupcakes, cheesecake, danish, doughnuts -”

“Beel, that’s what you like,” sighs Belphie. “Nothing too sweet. He doesn’t care for it.”

You nod in consideration and buy him a croissant. By the time you walk back to the table, Satan is sitting there patiently for you. You hand him the croissant, and he hands you the bag with the book in it.

“Thanks, MC.”

***

By the time you got back to the House of Lamentation there were only a few hours before the party would start. You knew Asmo would want to start getting ready soon. Racing to the stairs and looking through your phone, you bump into Levi - who was also not paying attention. You fall flat on your back, Levi hovering over you with both hands beside your head and one knee in between your legs. He would’ve been mad had it been anyone else, but seeing it was you he began blabbering.

“THIS IS JUST LIKE THAT ONE ANIME, I WASN’T PAYING ATTENTION AND NEITHER WAS MY CRUSH AND WE RAN INTO EACH OTHER NOW I’M ON TOP OF THEM IN AN INTIMATE POSITION.”

“Oh really? I haven’t seen that one yet.” You smile, while gently pushing him into a sitting position.

“It’s okay, a little too predictable to me.”

“Predictable? I thought you didn’t like surprises, Levi?”

“Well - yeah - not in real life, but in anime I don’t want to guess what’s going to happen!” He huffs and looks to the side. “So when are we going to watch that new anime? I mean - I know you leave tonight but you said you wanted to see it…”

“I do want to see it! But...I’m running out of time. I’m sorry, I just don’t have time tonight.”

“Yeah, sure.” He slumps his shoulders, hands in pockets, and heads back upstairs to his room.

You sigh, hoping to make it up to him somehow.

***

Due to Asmo, you were late to the party. He called it fashionably late - you called it rude. You would have to apologize profusely to Lucifer once you saw him. But instead, you saw a rambunctious demon coming towards you - your first man.

“MC! I haven’t seen you all day!” He pouts; he looks you up and down. “You look a-amazing.”

“Thank you. I’m sorry, Mammon. I’ve just been busy trying to spend time with everyone.”

“You’re telling me I’m the last person?!”

“Well, technically no, I haven’t seen Lucifer - but, let’s not focus on that. I just want to have fun with you tonight!”

“Of course you do, I’m the Great Mammon! C’mon, let’s dance!”

You spent the night dancing and laughing with Mammon - occasionally his other brothers would steal you away for dances, but he always found you and stole you back. The night was coming to an end, you could feel it in your soul that it was almost times up.

“Mammon - I’m having so much fun.”

“I am too!” He twirled you in his arms.

“I have to find Lucifer.” Slowly you both stop dancing, and he stares deep into your eyes.

“Okay, just come back to me?” He questions rather than states. You nod your head.

***

It shouldn’t have been too hard to find Lucifer, you figured wherever Lord Diavolo was he would be. But that wasn’t the case.

“Lord Diavolo, have you seen Lucifer?” You ask desperately.

“He went outside, he said he needed to breathe.” He eyes you carefully. “I haven’t seen him this distraught in a long time.”

You thank him and rush outside, you could suddenly feel how suffocating the ballroom was, packed with demons dancing. You see his silhouette, he’s looking away. Suddenly all of the emotions of the day rush to you; everything that you had been holding in wanted to come out.

“Lucifer!” You cry out, tears streaming down your face. He turns at the mention of his name. You rush to him, arms extended - he opens his, and engulfs you in his embrace.

“MC...Why are you crying?” You look away in embarrassment, but he holds your face gently in his hands wiping away the tears with his thumbs.

“I-I don’t want to go. This is my home. Your brothers. You - you’re my home.” A small smile is placed on his face.

“MC, you’re my home, too.”

[abloomntime]

Kiddo Week Day 1 Prelude/Crash

Prompts by @snatchersnatched and @kinglieste

Prompts found here

https://at.tumblr.com/abloomntime/kinglieste-kinglieste-a-hat-in-time/gfyc7trjfxj4

(Hat Kid's journal entries before, during, and after landing on the planet explaining my headcannon backstory for her. Warning: Character death implied.)

************************************************************

"Day 1...

Hello new journal! I'm not sure what else to write in this since this is my first time writing in this. Mother's bookstore friend gave it to me while I'm staying with her to pass the time away while Mother's being taken care of at the weird white building. She says I shouldn't worry as the Doctor's making sure everything goes alright. I hope Mother returns soon, I don't really like all the green looking veggies Mother's friend makes me eat. But the doctor said she's sick so it'll take a while for her to get better."

'Day 2...

Every day is so boooooring! There's nothing to do around Mother's bookstore! She's had it forever and always works here with her friends. Mother's friend suggested I read a whole bunch of picture books but all of them are boring too! It's a lot more fun swinging on the chandeliers with the umbrella Grandpa Tim made me but Mother's friend only scolded me and took it so 'I wouldn't break anything'! This stinks worse than the green veggies!!"

"Day 3...

Today I found the old Blueprints I made with Grandpa Tim a loooong time ago! He said he would make me a spaceship just for me and one day I could go traveling the solar system like he did! I miss him he was really cool! He ran this BIG company and everyone called him the 'CEO of Time' or 'Third Eye' because of his extra eye. Some kids think he's weird but he's really smart and cool! Mother and him don't get along too much. They had a big fight when he said when his time went it would be my time to handle our family's treasured 'pieces'. This part is in qoutes because he made it sound like that. Mother made me leave when they argue but since I'm sneaky I listened anyways. She doesn't want me to travel space or take over Grandpa Tim's 'treasure pieces' and said I should have a normal life like she chose too. Which isn't fair and BBBBBOOOOORRRRING!! I don't wanna become a cranky old librarian. Traveling through space with treasure sounds much more exciting....I wonder if I can find where he hid the treasure if I follow the map on the back of the blueprints?? I haven't seen Grandpa Tim in a long time. One day Mother had her friend 'babysit' while she went out to see him in a weird black dress. (I can take care of myself!) She says she'll tell me when 'I'm Older'. What does that even mean? Anyways, I'll hide the map for now. I finally have an adventure! But first I have to get my umbrella back from the 'your grounded' area."

"Day 4...

I know this says 'Day 4' but I really haven't been writing in this journal too often. Too busy planning on busting out and seeing where this mysterious map leads too, and waiting for Mother to come back to get me. Which is why I'm writing now. Mother's Friend said that I'm going to be staying with her for a while now. Is Mother missing? I asked but she told me she'd tell me 'When I'm Older.' What is with THAT?! Also something weirder happened. These weird guys from Grandpa Tim's old company came to Mother's Bookstore to talk to me. They were looking for something Grandpa had called 'time pieces'. The heck was that? I don't know but something is telling me to follow that map soon. I've located where my umbrella and hat are. It's only a matter of time before I go see what's at the end of the map. I can't take any more broccoli."

"Day 5...

It's been almost three days since I snuck out. My umbrella and hat were easy to get since Mother's friend hit them on top of the fridge. As if that'll stop me! And I finally found out where the map leads! MY SHIP!! At first I thought it was just gonna be some dumb boring old stuff like checkers or something. But the map lead me to this old shed looking place outside town and there it was inside! As I'm writing this I'm inside the ship's control room. And I think I found out what these 'time piece' things are. There was this BIG vault and I was sure the treasure would be in there and these was hundreds of these shiny hourglasses inside. It must've been the 'treasure' Grandpa Tim always told me about. But why did he put them inside my ship?? Was he trying to give them to me without Mother knowing?? I found out they are called time pieces because that's what the computer calls them so it must be true! And that means the pretty things are mine!...But they're kinda weird too?? But in a familiar way?? When I held one it was like holding a piece of me...If that makes sense. I can't write it down because I don't like writing a lot, and because it's hard to describe. But I just...KNOW they're meant to be mine. Like they're connected to me somehow. Anyways, there's a whole lot of buttons on the control panel. I wonder what would happen if I press the launch button?"

"Day 6..

I think I messed up...I ended up pressing the button ON ACCIDENT and suddenly the entire ship launched into space. And...I think I'm lost. I fell asleep when the ship shook really badly and now I'm awake. And now I can't figure out where I am.....BUT THIS IS ALSO GREAT!! I'M FINALLY ON AN ADVENTURE LIKE I WANTED!! SPACE IS SO PRETTY!!....But I think I better go home first and tell Mother. If I don't she's going to worry when I'm gone, and I don't like it when she's upset. I found a Guide Manual so maybe this'll help me. I really don't like reading, but I think I don't have any other choice."

"Day 7...

That was easier than I expected! Grandpa Tim must've made this computer operating thing easy for me! I'll thank him when I get back too! According to my computer it's gonna take a long time to get back. In the mean time I'm gonna start exploring the ship! There's so many rooms and stuff to see! Did Grandpa Tim leave all this stuff for me??? Oh well. It's mine now."

"Day 8???

It's been really nice! I put question marks because I don't know how many days I've been gone now, but my computer says I'm almost half way there so it's ok! I made a pillow fort in the giant pillow mountain to hide in. And I looked more at those shiny time pieces, but something weird happened. I accidentally broke it but it was NOT my fault! How was I supposed to know it was breakable?! ...But I know how to fix them and use them too. It's funny because I've only had them for a little while but it feels like they've always been a part of my life and I know exactly how to use them! Crazy right? I must be a magic genius or something. There's also this nagging feeling telling me things. I think Mother said it's called your conscious when it tells you something's bad or good? Or maybe it's my gut feelings? I don't know, but it says I need to keep these things safe now. Which I'm gonna do anyways because these are MINE now after all."

"Day 8.5???

I found a weird robot building kit in the attic and decided to build him. It's gonna be cool having a cool robot pet! I think I'll call him Rumbi. The picture of him on the box is cute. I wonder if he'll be just as cute after I build him?"

"Day 9???

Well this is just great! I get half way there and now Im stuck on a random planet because some dumb guy broke my ship's door! And now all my time pieces are gone! I need them to magically?? power my ship or else I'll never get home! ...But I've never been on another planet before. This might be fun to explore! I'm gonna use another journal I found to write about what I find. Why? Because I can!"

"Day 10???

I met someone while in Mafia Town again! And not like that double crosser Mustache Girl. Her name's Bow and she's really fun to hang out with! She was being held hostage by these dumb Mafia so I beat them away with my umbrella! I think she's the only person I've met so far who hasn't double crossed me yet. She says she's from somewhere called Nyakuza Metro?? Sounds fancy. Anyways, I don't think she has anyone here to help her. In that case she can come with me and I'll keep her safe. I think I saw an extra umbrella in my spaceship too. I can show her how to use it!....This might be the first friend I ever had!"

"Day 11???

Bow gets along great with Mr. Grooves. I think he's really nice too! She's almost as good as I am when I use my umbrella. She told me more about her old home. She ran away too to find adventure but she used to love in something called an "Orphaned Kitten Home"?? I guess that means she doesn't have any Mother or Grandpa Tim of her own, but that's ok! She's my friend now so she can have my Mother and Grandpa Tim as well. I'm sure they won't mind!"

"Day 12???

Today we met some weird people. Really nice but really weird. That bell took us to some real weird place filled with ghosts and we met a new friend! His name's Timmy! And he can do magic like some wizard! And there was this witch! A REAL WITCH! ...But she didn't have green skin or black cats. What gives? Maybe witches are different on this planet. There was a time piece here too, a ghost gave it too us! He looked really scary but he was a lot nicer than that Jerk Snatcher. The Witch even teleported us back to the mountains. She's the nicest witch I ever met."

"Day 13???

I know it was a long time since I wrote something but I finally did it! All the time pieces are recovered and my ship's at full power! I can finally go home! And Bow's excited too! It's gonna be cool to have someone to hang out with! ....But it's gonna be sad to not see anyone again. I tried taking off but the emergency break stopped us because something was outside the ship causing a disturbance. And everyone was hanging on asking me to stay...I didn't want to do it, but I pushed them off. I'm sure they're ok...But I gotta go home. Mother and Grandpa Tim are waiting for me. And I promised Bow she could meet them! We're almost there anyways! Maybe one day Ill come back and see everyone again."

"Day Unknown???

I don't know what to do anymore. Something really bad happened when we got home. I should've been happy but I wasn't I was...Scared. I didn't know why until we tried landing. Something was telling me not to land but I did anyways. I should've listened to my gut. Someone tried to get into my ship! There was guys from Grandpa Tim's old time company and demanding I hand over the time pieces! NO WAY!! Not after I worked so hard to get them back! It was like Mustache Girl all over again but more scarier. Bow was scared too. I ended up pressing the launch button again and knocking them off the ship. I don't know what to do now or where to go, but my gut is telling me to stay away from the planet. I guess I don't have a home there anymore...And I have a feeling Grandpa Tim and Mother are gone too. At least I have Bow and my trusty ship and Rumbi! And the time pieces are all safe! I'll write again when I feel like it. For now we're gonna see if my TV works."

"Day Unknown???

We're doing ok..Better than I thought. I was showing Bow my cool collection of Rift Books! Apparently they appear where ever a time rift appears and depending on the surroundings makes a cool picture book about it's past! Pretty neat! Some are sad but most of them are really cool to look at. Snatcher's is really really sad though."

"Day Unknown???

How could I not notice before?! I thought I got all my time pieces but according to my log book there was more missing! I must've not gotten them all from the planet when that mafia guy and Mustache Girl made them all fall from my ship! ...TWICE!! I'm installing a giant new security lock on my vault and heading back to get them! ....I wonder if they'll still be happy to see me again? I might visit them again. After I get those time pieces."

"Day Unknown???

Today I found this hourglass in the attic. It's not a time piece but it's not just a regular hourglass either. According to the instructions this is a memory replaying device of some kind. COOL!! I'm still deciding what to do with it....But I have an idea."

"Day 14?.....Im just gonna say 14 and start from here.

A lot has happened since we got back. I found out Conductor has grandkids and they're all cute and very fuzzy with their feathers! ...But I still wonder what kind of bird they are if they are birds? And I got all my time pieces back! I had to sink a ship and visit the metro to get them though. YIKES!! Now I know why Bow left! They're all thieves and crooks! And that Empress is scary as PECK! But on the bright side now I can explore more of the planet and visit everyone! I can't wait to see Cookie and Mr. Grooves and Timmy again! I just hope I don't run into Mustache Girl. Speaking of seeing people, Bow said Snatcher tried to haunt my ship. I wonder where he was on the cruise?? I didn't see him on the boat, and I tried to visit him but every time I went to his woods he wasn't there?? Like whaaaat? Ghosts can turn invisible so was he invisible? Is he playing a game of hide and seek? I thought he wanted to see us? Oh well. We're gonna see Mr. Grooves tomorrow anyways! He says he wants to show us Cookie's new movie! I'm so excited!"

[headinthestaticsky]

The Dusk Calls for me, Jasper Hale x Fleur Swan: Chapter 8

AUTHORS NOTES: None of the characters in Twilight belong to me. All rights go to Stephenie Meyer.

“It's started taking its toll on me now 

It comes back to you 

The lights are on but the bulbs have blown out

It comes back for you.”

Test and Recognize by Seekae

Driving down to La Push brought back fond memories. I remember always hanging around Sam and Leah when I was younger. The walks around the beach were my favorite, even if I did get pushed into the water. I was the youngest after all even if it was only a year... it was a big difference to them. I haven’t seen them in years, I hope they’re both doing well. I parked next to Tyler and got out, immediately shivering at the cold wind.

“You guys are really gonna surf out here? It’s freezing.” I said. Angela grabbed a blanket from Tyler's van and handed it me. I took a seat next to Bella and stole a Twizzler.

“I mean we drove all the out here, we gotta do something.” Jessica replied.

“I don’t think I should go out there.” Eric said.

“You know, I keep thinking Eric’s going to ask me out to the prom but, he just doesn’t.”

“You should ask him.” I suggested. Bella nodded in agreement with me.

“Really?”

“Yeah.” I said.

“Yes you should, you’re a strong, independent woman.” Bella said.

“Thanks you two.”

“Bella.” I heard a familiar voice say.

“Hey Jacob.”

I looked up seeing Jacob and Sam, a smile made it’s way onto my face. Sam’s hair only got longer.

“Hey Sammy, been a while hasn’t it?”

He smiled at me before speaking.

“Yeah it has, you still haven’t gotten rid of that god awful nickname.”

“I never will.” I said in defiance.

“So, you guys surfing?” Jacob inquired.

“No.”

“No, absolutely not.” Bella said.

“Bella would drown the second she got on a board.” I joked. Bella nudged me in the ribs and laughed.

“She’s not wrong.” Bella said.

“You guys should keep her company, her date ditched her.” Jessica said.

“Note to self, never tell Jessica anything. She has a big mouth.” I thought to myself.

“What?”

“What date?” Eric asked.

Jessica giggled before continuing. 

“She invited Edward.”

“She was just being nice Jess.” I said.

“I think it’s nice she invited him, no one ever does.” Angela defended. 

“Yeah because the Cullens are freaks.” Mike said.

“You got that right.” Sam said.

“They are not, I am dating one of those “freaks” you know.”

Sam looked at me shocked, I thought I could see a hint of anger. Before I could ask what was wrong he asked me to come with him. I obliged and followed him I could hear Bella ask if Jacob and Quill knew him and all she got in response was... 

“The Cullens don’t come here.”

I knew that would drive her suspicion of them even more, and I couldn’t do a thing about it.

“What’s wrong Sam?”

“Are you really dating one of them?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Which one?”

“Jasper.”

“Oh this is great, just great.”

“What is the problem with that!?” I asked getting agitated.  

“Did you not listen to our tribe story at all?”

“It’s just a story... isn’t it? They aren’t really a enemy of yours right? Is there something you’re not telling me!?”

Sam just looked at me and then looked down again. He didn’t know what else to do. He grabbed me a few moments later though my the arms and pulled me closer. His grip felt bruising on my pale skin.

“You need to stay away from them.” 

“Sam get off of me.”

“You need to listen to me Fleur.”

“You’re hurting me Sam.”

“FLEUR!”

“I said GET OFF!” 

I pushed him back and looked at my arms, bruised in the shape of hands made it’s way onto my skin. Sam’s eyes soften after he saw the bruises, he muttered a apology and then left before I could get another word in. I stood there confused, my mind couldn’t process it all. He had never acted like that toward me before. 

“Hey Fleur!” I heard Bella call for me.

I turned around and slipped on my sweater hiding the marks Sam left on me.

“Are you okay?” She asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine. What did you need?”

“I just heard this crazy story about Jacobs tribe... have you heard of it?”

“I remember Sam telling me about when I was younger.”

“Do you think it holds any truth?”

“I’m not sure.” I answered half truthfully.

“Oh...”

“Why did you want to know?”

“I just thought... never mind, it’s silly.”

“Okay, let’s go home, I’m freezing.”

“Yeah let’s go.”

By the time we had arrived back home the air had somehow gotten even colder. My breath could be seen in the cold, fridge air. We both rushed inside, dad was out so I made dinner for all 3 of us. I left his food in the fridge for him to heat up late. As soon as I made it up to my room my phone rang. I picked it up not seeing who it was.

“Hello?”

“Hey Darlin.”

“Jazz hey.”

“Did everything go alright down at the reservation?” 

“Yeah, everything we fine.” I lied... he couldn’t know what happened today. He tried to kill someone.

“Well, there is something that happened with Bella...”

“Yes?” He asked waiting for me to continue.

“She heard the tribes story on you guys and well... it got her suspicious about you guys again. I think she knows what you guys are, or is about to figure it out.”

“It was bound to happen, Edwards too enamored with her to stay away from her.”

“I figured he had a thing for her.”

“Anyway, I was mainly calling to tell you I can’t come tonight and we won’t be in school tomorrow.”

“Is the sun finally gonna come out?”

“Yes, and we all need to go on a hunting trip. I’ll see you later tomorrow night”

“Well okay, stay safe tomorrow.”

“I will, love you.”

“Love you too.” He hung up a few seconds afterward.

I plugged my phone in and went to bed soon after.

Sure enough, the sun was out the next morning. It burned my face as I raised myself up. I picked out slightly cooler clothes today, thinking the sun would the area up a bit today. The drive to school was nice the air coming through my windows woke me up faster. The music was another plus, it was good again today.

Oh joy's arise The sun has come again to hold you Sailing out the doldrums of the whole week The polyphonic prairies here, it's all around you It's all around you, out here

And if the whole world is crashing down Fall through space out of mind again Where the emptiness we leave behind on warm air rising Blows all the shadows far away

Empire Ants, By the Gorillaz.

Classes were quite boring without Jasper there and they seemed to drone on longer than usual. But, I soon made it to lunch. I was sitting outdoors today with Bella, Jessica, and Angela. Bella was looking around, her eyes scanning to find the Cullens. Jessica noticed this and decided to help Bella with her curiosity.

“They’re not here today. The Cullens are never in when the suns out.”

“Do they just ditch?” Bella asked.

“No, Dr. and Mrs. Cullen pull them out for hiking and stuff.” I explained.

“Oh my gosh guys I did, I asked Eric out to the prom, I took control. He said yes.” Angela stated excitingly.

“See we told you that would happen.” I said.

“Are you sure you have to leave town Bella?”

“Yeah, it’s a family thing.”

“Why doesn’t Fleur have to go?” Jessica asked.

“I’ve never really been close with mom, besides I’m going with Jasper to prom anyway.”

“Oh.”

“We better go to Port Angeles before all the dresses get cleared out.”

“Port Angeles?” You mind if I come with you guys?” Bella asked.

“Yeah, I need your opinion. Are you going to come too Fleur?” Angela asked.

“Yeah sure. I’ll go.”

Time skip to Port Angeles.

“I like this one.” Angela said.

“Yeah I really like the beading.” Jessica added.

“That one is nice but, I think Lavender is more your color.” I said to Angela.

“Yeah me too.”

“I like this dusty rose one too but I think this one is better.” Jessica said.

I heard a knock on the window that made me jump. A group of men started cat calling us. I rolled my eyes and flipped them off, kicked the window slightly in the process.

“What do you think Bella?” Angela asked.

“You guys look good.”

“You’ve said that about the last 5 dresses though.” Jessica replied.

“I thought they were all pretty good.”

“This isn’t really your thing is it?” Angela asked.

“No, not really... I planned on going to this bookstore. I’ll meet you guys at the restaurant.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah absolutely. Hey Fleur I know you were looking for some new books to read. Why don’t you come me?” Bella asked.

“Sure, I’ll go.”

We both left the store, I followed Bella since I didn’t know where she was taking me.

“I’m not going to lie... I’m trying to find this book about that story Jacob told me about.”

“Why?”

“I just have a gut feeling there is something more to the Cullens. I feel bad prying into there business but, if you don’t even know... I feel the need to find out.”

“Are you sure you want to do this?”

“Yes, I do.”

I knew I couldn’t change her mind, she is just as stubborn as me. It was dark by the time we left the bookstore. I didn’t have a good feeling in my stomach, I felt like something bad would happen. I soon saw those group of men that cat called us in the dress store. We turned to the side trying to get away from them but, the cornered us.

“Hey, it’s my girls from the dress store.”

“Where are you two going, why don’t you hang out with us.”

They got closer, we both started to get uncomfortable.

“Don’t touch me.”

“Get away from me.”

“Oh c’mon don’t play hard to get.”

“I said don’t touch me.” I demanded I then kneed one of the men in the groin. He bowed down in pain. Another man had pushed me onto the ground.

Edwards volvo then screeched into view, it parked soon after. Edward and Jasper came shooting out of the car. A deadly look was marked on there faces. If looks could kill, all five men would be dead. Jasper ran toward me at normal human speed and help me up. He help me against his chest and walked me toward the car.

“Get in.” I heard Edward say.

We were all in the car, Edward was driving recklessly. The tension was uncomfortable but at the same time, I felt safe.

Who knew shopping for dresses would’ve led to this?

[dreamingaboutreid]

Hospital Bed Confessions: Chapter 6

*Continuation*

It had been 2 months since you had joined. It was just you and Spencer in the office late at night, which seemed quite normal for the both of you.

Spencer had grown to appreciate that he was never the last to leave or the first to come in.

In fact, you would arrive earlier than he did. He was always curious to what time you really came in, or if you were pulling an all-nighter every day. He would always see you in your office when he came in, and by the time he had gotten his coffee and came back to his seat, you would be back at your desk right in front of him.

You had insisted that you worked alongside the team out in the pit. You explained that you liked the vibrancy in the pit and felt isolated in the office. He noted that you only went in there to look for cases or when everyone left the office and you stayed back. You soon took the once empty desk that had been luckily placed in front of his desk.

Whenever he stayed late, there was a sense of calm in him knowing that you would be right there, with your lights on and your intense scribbling. Sometimes, he would stay late just to read another book or play a game of chess. And whenever he did, he knew you would ask about what he was reading and bring in the same book the next week to read or join him in a few rounds of speed chess.

Today was a particularly long day after an intense case. Everyone left early, eager to take a shower and reunite with their families or with their beds. But like always, you stayed late to get a head start on other cases. Even Spencer was tired and ready to go home. Despite wanting to stay longer and finish his book, he started to pack up.

“Do you want a ride home?” You said while still looking at a file.

He looked up quickly, quite surprised that you noticed and by the sudden question.

“Oh, I don’t want to impose,” he replied even though he finally had an excuse to spend a bit more time with you.

“It’s no trouble. I was going to head home now anyways,” you said as you stood up to pack as well.

“Besides, I don’t think I’d be able to sleep if I didn’t know you got home safely. It’s a bit dangerous to ride the metro this time of night,” you said.

He smiled, appreciating that you were not only considerate but was worried about him.

“If it’ll make you sleep better than I suppose I’ll take you up on it. Thanks,” he said as you both put on your bags and headed out the door together.

The car ride was comfortable as you and Spencer talked about your favorite bookstores in the area. It didn’t take too long after you joined the team for Spencer to realize that it was always comfortable with you.

“Capitol Hill Books has a better selection, but Solid State definitely has a better atmosphere,” you said.

Spencer nodded in agreement and couldn’t hide his grin.

“Have you ever been to Bridge Street? They’re very selective with the books they sell, and they have a great array of poetry authors too,” he replied.

“No, I’ve never been but I’ll definitely check it out now,” you said.

“I can take you sometime,” he said with a lot more confidence than he thought he could manage.

“I’d like that,” you replied fondly, and Spencer couldn’t help but feel a slight jolt in his stomach. A feeling he hadn’t felt in a long time but was starting to feel familiar with whenever he was around you.

This feeling quickly faded when he caught a glimpse of a picture hanging in a small circle frame on the rearview mirror. It was of you and a man, cheek to cheek, displaying wide smiles.

He didn’t know why the picture caught his attention now. He had been in the car for 15 minutes, but he was so engrossed in the conversation that his acute observational skills were momentarily hampered while he was talking to you.

You seemed catch his eyes staring at the dangling picture.

“His name is Terry,” you said, somehow telepathically answering the question he had asked in his head.

He simply nodded at this new information, not sure how to ask if Terry was your boyfriend.

“He’s not my boyfriend. Or at least, he’s not my boyfriend anymore,” you replied, again reading his mind.

He wasn’t exactly satisfied with the answer. He shouldn’t have been surprised that you have, or had, a boyfriend. You were beautifully smart and physically beautiful. Even without his 187 IQ, he’d know that any guy would be lucky to have you has their girlfriend.

“He was my first boyfriend. We met in high school and were together until our second year in college,” you said.

“Why did you guys break up?” he asked, questioning why his picture was still in your car despite not being together anymore.

“Well, we went to different colleges, so we were long-distance for a while. One day during winter break, he was coming back home to meet me. On his way there, he was hit by a drunk driver and his car skid across ice on the road. He passed away on impact,” you said quietly.

“There’s always a part of me that feels guilty thinking that he died because of me. If only he wasn’t visiting me that day or we decided to meet another time, maybe he wouldn’t have been in the accident. Anyways, I never got around to taking the picture down, and it’s kind of become a reminder that keeps him in my memories and to always stay safe behind the wheels,” you finished.

No matter how fast his brain was moving,

“Oh,” was all he could answer.

Your sudden revelation caught him by surprise. Not by your past, but how much alike you two were.

You had talked to Spencer quite a lot over the past 2 months, but you had never disclosed much about yourself.

Sure, he knew how you took your coffee or what your favorite book genre was, but you seemed to veer away from topics talking about your time in high school or college or the military. He had always just assumed that you were like him, where you felt out of place growing up and finally found your spot in the FBI.

But, at that moment, he realized exactly how much you were alike to him. You had both lost someone you loved.

Not wanting you to feel exposed after sharing something so private and also feeling safe to share his own personal story, he finally said,

“Me too.”

You looked, for a quick second, at him as if to encourage him to continue talking.

“I mean, I didn’t lose a boyfriend. I lost my girlfriend. Her name was Maeve,” he said.

And he told you everything, not forgetting any details. How he first met her as a geneticist. How they had weekly calls on the pay phone. How he felt to almost meeting her for the first time and then actually meeting her to only lose her on the same day. How he dealt with her death and how he’s been handling it ever since.

It was the first time where he could get everything off his chest and didn’t feel guilty about it.

By the time he had finished his story, you had already parked in front of his apartment building.

“Thanks for listening to all of that,” Spencer said.

“Thanks for telling me. And thanks for listening to me too,” you said.

There was a feeling of consolation and intimacy he couldn’t quite describe into words.

“Does it ever get easier?” he asked.

“ ‘What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us’,” you quoted.

Like always, it seemed like you knew exactly what to say.

“Helen Keller,” Spencer replied softly.

In that moment, he didn’t know what came over him, but it only felt right to lean over and give you a hug. You quickly reciprocated his embrace and tightened your arms around him.

After the affectionate gesture, he collected his bag and stepped out of the car.

You gave a smile and wave as you rode away from his apartment building.

He walked into his home, feeling a bit lighter and a bit brighter. As if your radiance rubbed off on him.

[dajaregambler]

HeliosR - Wondrous Tea Party On A Bitter Afternoon - Chapter 19

Translation of chapter 19 of the event ‘Wondrous Tea Party On A Bitter Afternoon’ from ‘Helios Rising Heroes’.

Marion: (...Ren and Gast are continuing to help out at the bookstore, and I even said that I’ll be helping out…)

Marion: (I don’t want to withdraw, and if I decided to help out I’ll go in with everything I have. But…)

Victor: While it’s more calm compared to the other day, the sound is quite chaotic.

Marion: ….Is saying that all you came here for?

Victor: No, I’ve simply returned from taking a shower. West’s Faith had been affected by substance thus Nova and I are currently in the process of making a specific medicine for it. 

Marion: Huuuh…

Victor: Has any trouble arisen on your end?

Marion: Nothing in particular…

Marion: ………

Marion: ….I personally went to confront Ren and Gast about the book store

Victor: Aah, that reminds me how today was the day of the reading. I wonder if it went well

Marion: It was a success. However they haven’t reached their goal yet. Both of them will have their hands full with that place for at least two months.

Marion: They’re keeping Valentine’s in mind but… I’ll have to handle it on my own this time

Victor: …….

Marion: What’re you looking like that for

Victor: My apologies. Your decision making is not what I expected if I had to be honest.

Marion: Wha-....

Victor: I was fully convinced that you would prioritize the sector ranking.

Marion: What else is there to do. Make them handle too much at once and it’ll be clear as day that things will only end up half-assed. 

Victor: Fufu, you’ve changed, Marion

Marion: S-shut up….! Don’t talk as if you know me

Marion: Anyway, leaving the LOM aside, we’re still looking for a method to gather points efficiently, you better get on it too.

Victor: Very well. Although I have to make my way back to the lab since Nova is waiting for me.

Victor: While it might not be the most ideal, I will try to think of something. I’ll be going now

Marion: (....He said something I didn’t expect from him. Although I don’t have high hopes here…)

-

---The next day

Gast: Amazin’.... The crowd is huge in here…

Ren: Is this because of  “Alice in Wonderland”? Would make sense since the owner’s collection is full with rare finds.

Marion: Still, the fact that it suddenly became this crowded is way beyond my expectations….

Marion: (If we take advantage of this and can do something more exciting, won’t this bookstore’s popularity increase and then attract even more people to it...?)

Brad: Hm, it’s quite lively.

Marion: Brad…! What are you…

Brad: I have some time left till the next meeting, and I had the chance to drop by due to being on patrol-

Female customer A: Aah! Aren’t they the ones from that one video on Milliontube?

Female customer B: It’s them! And the Queen too~!

Marion: Queen….?

Ren: Video?

Gast: Uwah, look at this! It’s recorded from the point Marion ordered us to go paint the balloons red…!

Ren: When… when did this…

Gast: The amount of views is already amazing, but the comment’s where stuff gets damn crazy…

Gast: “The Queen ordering these tough guys around made me laugh so hard I couldn’t stop” “IRL card soldiers” “Seeing those delinquents hold heart-shaped balloons is strangely cute for some reason”

Gast: I mean, yeah, kinda get where they’re comin’ from…

Ren: “I had gone to this reading the other day, but that Alice kid went way too hard, it was priceless.” “An Alice of the new era.” “This” “Like seriously” ….

Ren: What do they mean…

Brad: I had seen the video and also made my way over here. You have my gratitude for supporting an area outside of your own jurisdiction.

Marion: …It’s not like you needed to give your thanks or anything. Besides, it wasn’t me but the rookies who pitched in for help.

Brad: The rookies?

Gast: My lil bro’s dad owns this store.

Ren: I knew about this place since I was a child…

Brad: That’s why…

Brad: Then what do you intend to do for Valentine’s, Marion

[nerdygirl8203]

Old Money, New Feelings- Chapter 8

Warnings: angst, this is set a few months after chapter 7, drinking, sleeping around, mentions of smut

This chapter includes One More Drink by Gjan

Summary: the reader (y/n) finds out what this has been and why Ransom was being so nice to you.

Pairing: Ransom x fem!reader

(Sorry, I couldn’t add a continue reading since I’m writing this on my phone)

For months Ransom has been so sweet and kind. It’s like he looked in the mirror and saw his flaws. He is caring and shows his emotions more. Everything is great. Well, everything was great. Past tense.

I ran upstairs knowing his office is upstairs and I thought he would be excited to see me. I come into his office where I knew he would be since he’s always there when he and I aren’t together. I hear moaning. Female moaning.

“What about that girl? The one you’re always with.” The girls voice says. It’s muffled due to the door between us.

“She’s just some nice arm candy and a decent hole to fill.” Ransom’s voice rings clear even through the door. I back up stumbling a little. I hope he doesn’t hear me as I run down the stairs failing to hold in tears. I run to my car and that’s when I realized he did hear me.

I get in my car and I shut and lock my doors quickly. I try to stop crying before I drive. I don’t want to be in danger of crashing my car or hurting anyone. I see him run out in just some sweatpants. I turn on my car as he runs to my car door and starts screaming “Y/N open your door!” I look at him and I scream back “Back up. I don’t want to run you over while trying to get away but I will!” I need to get out and far away. God it hurts. I was an idiot for falling for this dick.

He doesn’t back up but I scare him by doing something he didn’t think I would. I start backing up my car and he moves away quickly. I drive off no longer caring.

I can’t go back to the stupid apartment that douche got me. I call my best friend over the car phone. I told her about this from the beginning and she even thought he changed from the playboy he was. I sob as I ask if I can stay with her till I find a new place that won’t have traces of him everywhere. She would never say no and she tells me that.

I’m at her place less than 30 minutes later. She holds me while I sob out and tell her what happened. After a week of blocking his calls and making sure my find my friend is off so he can’t find me. After one particular night of drinking my pain away she and I come up with an amazing idea to make him jealous.

In the last few months I wrote and released a song that blew up on Tiktok. I’ve written and sang a lot of songs now and Ransom hated it. He always did. My followers have skyrocketed on everything which would mean that Ransom would be watching anything I post like a hawk. He can’t have me saying anything wrong or even remotely bad about him.

We decide to have me sing One More Drink. As I sang to the music I feel the pain of everything wash over me. I end the song with me burning a cute letter he wrote to me. It’s just bullshit anyways. It all is. Every stupid word he uttered.

“I found out today that he’s a liar. Room full of him the smell of sorrow!” I still remember what it was like when he held me. I felt safe. “I don’t want to know if she’s like me. Or how much she loves the way you speak!” He had texted me trying to explain. “I found out today that you’re a liar, ah.” It brings me back to that day. “And I say I got stuck into you and I can’t believe it, oh, I’m on fire.” I’m an idiot. “Friends told me what to do. But I don’t believe it, oh, I’m on fire.”

I get into it feeling the pain and anger come over me “Ah, ah, one more drink tonight!” I repeat that with emotion three more times then follow it with a tonight. “Both said we’ll build our own empire, ah.” Lies. He lied about what he wanted. “How dare you say you didn’t try? Oh.” I keep singing

“It wasn’t like that. It just happened!” I could hear him saying it.

“I woke up at 4 stuck in a loop. I gotta confess it’s not my room.” I knew that would kill him. I hope it does. I hope he feels half of my pain. “You once said we’ll build our own empire. Ah.” I then keep singing and I end up finishing the song. I burn the letter hoping it would help me feel better.

We stop filming and I fall to the ground sobbing. My best friend edits it and post it for me. I can’t. I can’t keep thinking about him.

It’s another week till I even go out of my friends house. I just need to see life again. See things other than my pain and ransom. I go to the coffee shop but I quickly leave after seeing the cute couples who seem to be rubbing their happiness in my face.

I go to the bookstore I love. The place that makes me feel content and at peace. I stay in the back reading a horror story. I can’t help but understand why the girlfriend killed her cheating boyfriend. Though, I guess he wasn’t my boyfriend. I’m such and idiot.

I don’t even notice how late it’s gotten until one of the employees comes over to me to tell me they are closing. “I’m sorry ma’am but we are closing.” I look up at her. “Thank you. I’m so sorry for staying so late!” I get up quickly and since I already bought the book I leave immediately. I keep walking until I see a familiar car.

‘No. It can’t be him. It wouldn’t be him. Why would he even come this way. This is a crappy area in his words.’ I keep walking at my normal pace after haven slowed for a moment. I keep walking just wanting to lay down in a bed and sleep away that pain I feel deep in my chest.

“Y/N.” I hear a familiar voice say. It can’t be him. I’m going crazy. I keep my walking feeling my heart pounding. Part of me wants it to be him but it won’t be. It can’t be.

I believe that until I feel what is undeniably Ransom’s hand grabbing my wrist. I whip around and I glare at him “Hello Hugh.” I say coldly.

“Dont do that sweet heart. Please don’t do that. I understand you hating me or being pissed but don’t do that.” His face is softer than expected and his voice is sweet and calm.

“Don’t do what? I just said hello Hugh. I thought I was being polite. Isn’t Hugh your name?” I glare pissed. “I get why you’re mad but please listen to me. I just... I need to talk to you.” His eyes are red.

Maybe that’s why I said we could talk. Maybe it was his puffy eyes or how you could see how pained he is in his face. I hate what he did but I still don’t hate him. I can’t hate him no matter how much I’ve tried. “Come with me, we can go somewhere more private.” He says softly. I let him show me the way to a small cafe with no one in it, he undoubtedly rented it so no one would be here. I can’t help but hate that it makes me feel special, I want it to make my blood boil. I don’t want to feel especially loved when he does this. I want to be mad at how cocky he was to just assume I’d come with him. I walk in and he holds the door for me, I have to stop myself from saying thank you to him. I don’t want to be nice to him at all. I want him to be mad. I walk to the booth that is in the corner and I sit down. I sigh softly and when he tries to hold my hand I move it away even though I long to hold his hand.

“Listen, I didn’t want to hurt you. I never wanted to hurt you.” He says then I scoff “Bull shit! You fucked a girl when you were pretending to care about me. I should have known better. I should have known you were just messing with me to get what you wanted.” I huff. “She was just some girl from a bar I went to when you said you couldn’t come over.” “I had work! You know, the thing people do when they need money! Oh wait, no you don’t know that, everything you’ve ever wanted was handed to you on a silver platter.” I spit word venom at him angrily. “That’s not true! I worked to keep you didn’t I?” My jaw actually drops. How in gods name could he do that to me and then say he worked for it! “Bull shit! I’m just a hole that you used to wet your cock. “You know what, just fuck off. You and I would never work anyways. Maybe when you grow up like a big boy and get a real job I’ll reconsider your bull!” I scream at him and I get up off the seat quickly. I leave the cafe not looking back no matter how desperate he sounded.

[nerdgirljen]

This is for @aperrywilliams as part of @imagining-in-the-margins’s Secret-Fic-Swap 2020. I do not own the characters of Criminal Minds, but I do wish for a Spencer Reid of my very own.

-----------

An Autumn Meet Cute by @nerdgirljen

The coffee shop was buzzing and the smell of fresh coffee and pastries filled the air in the small cafe in Virginia. Fall had finally returned to Prince William County, and with it hordes of color chasers to the woods of Northern Virginia. Vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows painted the trees in glorious splendor, a sight that I love so much, but the foot traffic it brought with it was not.

The crowds that milled around the small towns each weekend was both a blessing and a curse. The blessing was that the small towns were given a few last weeks of good tourism and business, but the negative was that I could never make it anywhere on time normally, so it was almost impossible with the additional bodies crowding the sidewalks and streets.

Running early to open my bookshop for the first time in a long time, I decided to stop into the cafe across the street and get my favorite Autumn beverage before what I hoped to be a busy and successful day.

“Large caramel apple chai latte?” a barista called out before sitting the cup down on the counter. I began walking to the bar that held my sweet nectar, but was met with another hand reaching for my drink at the same time.

“Oh! I am so sorry!”

“Sorry -”

We spoke simultaneously and my gaze followed the line from hand and wrist, to arm and bicep, and finally I looked at the face of the owner of the hand I was still inexplicably touching. A small smirk graced his lips, and his hazel eyes shone with humor as he looked back at me and then at our hands.

He was handsome, no doubt about that, with a delicate sloped nose and a sharp jaw and high cheekbones. His hair was a bit longer, and the type of shaggy that either meant he never combed it or he spent a ridiculously long time styling it so - I suspect the former more so the later. He looked to be around my age, give or take a few years. And although I did not know his name, yet, I could tell he was someone I wanted to know better. He was wearing tan corduroy trousers, and a beige sweater that probably felt as soft as it looked. Peeking under the collar was the collar from a blue button up, as well as a brown tie whose knot sat just at the base of his slender neck.

“Did you know the number of pathogens passed by hands touching is staggering. It’s really safer to kiss,” he stated, almost mechanically. I quickly pulled my hand away from his and whispered an apologetic murmur. He blushed and bowed his head in embarrassment before pulling his own hand back and gesturing to me to take the drink.

“I guess we have similar tastes then?” I asked, trying to pull him into conversation and not knowing how to start. I grabbed the drink and stepped back from the counter. He stepped back from the counter and towards me to allow the next in line to access their order.

“It’s entirely possible. Humans have a myriad of different interests, so the chance of having some overlapping tastes in things is quite high,” he intoned factually looking back up at me, and I couldn’t help but giggle at his misunderstanding.

“No. I, uh, I meant about the drink,” I explained, and his eyes grew in recognition of what I was indeed asking about. “It’s one of my favorites this time of year. They’ve offered to make it for me during the rest of the year, but I fear that it will lose all appeal it holds for me.”

“No, this is my first time here,” he said. “I actually moved into an apartment close by and am checking out the area. I thought that since I’m going to need a new coffee shop anyway, I may as well try a new drink as well, and I will admit that I’ve already had too much coffee today as it is so I opted for something else.”

“In that case, welcome to our little haven,” I declared. “I’m Y/N Y/L/N. And I would shake your hand, but apparently it’s more hygienic to kiss than shake hands and I don’t have a habit of kissing men I just met.” I grinned at him, and his cheeks flamed again.

“No, I am sure you aren’t,” he stated, flatly. “I’m Spencer Reid. You wouldn’t know when the bookstore across the way opens, do you? I either lost some books in the move, or my mother took them to her new home, so I need replacements.”

“As a matter of fact, I do. It opens at 10:00. I’m actually heading there now,” I said, slyly, knowing he doesn’t know that I own the shop in question. I took a sip of my drink, just as good as ever, and stated, “Talk to the owner and ask for the ‘New Neighbor' discount. I’m sure she’ll hook you up.” I winked at him, and I could feel my own cheeks heating at my wreckless flirting attempt.

“Oh wow, that’s great. I surely will. I will definitely be a frequent shopper there; the consequences of reading twenty-thousand words a minute is constantly being in need of reading material.” The barista called his drink at that point, and he took the steps needed to reach the bar for his drink. He turned back at me, and opened his mouth to say something before closing it again. Knowing what he was trying to say, I took the first step to end the meeting and let him get on with his day.

“Well, Spencer, it was nice meeting you. I hope to see you soon!” I quickly turned from him and bolted out the door and onto the sidewalk. I didn’t dare look back to see him, so I carefully looked both ways before crossing the street towards my store. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think about Spencer Reid as I began the routine of opening the shop for the day, and cursed at myself for taking off so quickly. Spencer seemed so interesting, and I’d not mind getting a bit more acquainted with him.

For a few hours, though, my mind didn’t have time to think of the handsome stranger I met that morning because the additional foot traffic in town meant that tourists kept a constant stream of business going for the stores and restaurants leading to the town square. Before long, a lull in customers meant I could do some additional tasks I’d been avoiding so far that day like straighten up some children’s books and restock some shelves.

The time was now after two in the afternoon, and I had almost forgotten about the encounter entirely as I was restocking some local history books. Then all of a sudden, a hand with a coffee cup in it passed in front of my face. I let out a small “eek” of alarm as I turned to see who the hand belonged to, and was pleasantly surprised when I saw that it was Spencer.

“You left before I could say good-bye earlier, so I thought I would make up for that by bringing you another drink. Before you rushed off, I was going to see if you would like to go out sometime. I don’t know why because we just met, and I don’t even know if you are seeing anyone or not, and you just seem interesting and I’d like to get to know you better. And you’re not saying anything, so I’m just going to stop talking now.” He bowed his head so as to not look at me, but I could see the tips of his ears turning red from embarrassment, and I smiled at his rambling straightforwardness.

“Spencer Reid,” I said, and he looked at me, his eyes hopefully but wary. “I would love to go out with you.” I grinned at him, and his eyes lit up bright, and I knew that was something I wanted to see happen every day for the rest of my life.

Spencer and I had an amazing first date, which was followed by many more after that. I soon met his mother and he met mine. Our friends became friends through dinners and game nights we hosted. He eventually moved into my house with me where it became our home.

And it was a couple years later - on an Autumn day just like the one I met him on - that we went back to our favorite cafe, ordered our customary drink, and that he asked me to marry him. With no hesitation on my part, I said yes, and within a month we became Dr. and Mrs. Spencer Reid at the county courthouse.

It’s strange how life works. The day I met Spencer, I left my house and had no idea that I would be meeting a person who would become such an integral part of myself. But it happened right there on a brisk fall day in the middle of a small town in Virginia, and I’ve never been happier.

————-

And that’s it. Sorry it’s so short, I have no been in a writing mood as of late, and I’ve just not had the inspiration for much. I’m blaming the doldrums of the pandemic.

[bigheartedsky]

Next Life

Pairings: idol!Yoongi x fan!Reader

Genre: Angst, Fluff; one shot

Word Count: 5.6k+

Warnings: none that I can think of..?

Summary: When a stranger in a bookstore starts talking to you about book recommendations and slips you his number, you finally feel like you found the one. Even though you could only see his eyes, the rest of his face covered by a cap and mask, it was like lightning went through your body. But will it really work out or does your little love story have more surprises for you than you thought?

a/n: this is one story I had in my head for years actually since I’ve always wondered what it would be like to meet them randomly. I’m a realist so in my eyes it wouldn’t go that smoothly so here you have a very angsty, but also fluffy story~ thanks to my lovely beta reader @yeontanismypresident​ for proof reading again! You’re a huge help since English isn’t my first language and I’m always glad to hear feedback!! 

Masterlist

“We still have an hour before boarding starts.” Your best friend checked her watch while you came to a halt in the middle of the waiting area.

“Do you want to grab something to eat or drink? I’m actually really craving a coffee.” She added while looking around, but your focus was already on a quite different place that had nothing to do with food. Alex followed your eyes before sighing and chuckling. The chuckle brought your attention to her and you remembered that she had just asked you something.

“Sorry. Food sounds good. Would you mind if I-“

“Went to the bookstore before?” your friend grinned, finishing your sentence and you gave her a sheepish smile, apologizing with your eyes. “Sure, go ahead. I’ll save you a place at the Starbucks over there. I know you can’t keep away from books anyways so no surprise there. No wonder you work at a bookstore.”

You followed with your eyes where she was pointing at before nodding and smiling. That same smile on your lips, you entered the bookstore, taking in the familiar smell of new books and magazines.

Which one of you should I add to my collection this time…? I need something to read on the flight anyways.

You let your fingers gently stroke the top of the books while walking past them until one of them caught your interest. Reading through the description on the back, you didn’t notice how someone was slowly approaching you.

“That one is boring.” A male voice said right next to you - although it seemed more like he mumbled it to himself rather than actually directing it at you. You looked around confused, making sure you were the one he meant. He stood right next to you, skimming the books you both were standing in front of, and grabbing one of them to check it before laying it back on the pile.

“Excuse me?” he looked at you for a second, eyes meeting yours, and you felt for a second as if the whole world stood still. It was like a lightning that went through your whole body to find home right where your heart is. You never felt like this before in your life.

Is that what love at first sight feels like? you wondered while still staring at him. You’ve always been a romantic, but very realistic person, which made you like that thought, but at the same time shake it off immediately.

This was so weird.

He held your gaze for a second, before looking back to the book in your hands and tapping on it. He was wearing all black and his face was barely visible due to a cap and mask – both black as well. His hands were really pretty, you noticed while he tapped the book in your hands for a moment, with slender, long fingers, making you wonder what it would feel like to hold them.

What the hell is happening to me? I haven’t said three words to him yet I’m fantasising about holding his hands?? I need to read less romantic novels.

“This one is boring.” His words pulled you back into reality.

“It’s well written but the plot is not well thought out and the ending is very unsatisfying. The character development is underwhelming as well. There are better things to choose.” He explained in such a nonchalant way, it almost made you smile. Cocking your head to the side curiously, you stared at him for a second before putting the book back.

“Okay. Suggest one to me then.” His eyes met yours again after saying that. He looked surprised but it only lasted a second before he started looking around.

Somehow, I feel really comfortable with him. He seems so familiar the way he’s speaking. As if I’ve known him for years.

You got pulled back into reality when he suddenly started walking towards one of the shelfs, taking one book and reaching it out to give to you without a word. Looking down you read the title out loud.

“The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I’m impressed.” You looked up at him grinning. “That’s a really good choice. A classic and to your luck I haven’t read this one yet.”

Was that a smile coming up to his eyes? It’s hard to see through the mask, but I think it was. Cute…

He cleared his throat before looking around again and then back at you.

“What about you?” he suddenly asked, ears glowing red. You looked at him confused for a moment until he added almost impatiently. “A book you would recommend me.”

“Oh! Uhm… let me think.” Your eyes start roaming all the books in the store. It was your job but still, sometimes it took quite some time for you to recommend books to people you just met. But then one book caught your eye that never failed to make you smile. You weren’t sure if it was his style, but because your own experience reading it was so special, you chose to recommend it anyways.

“Here, Into the Magic Shop by Dr. James Doty. I don’t know if this is the kind you like to read, but personally it helped me a lot when I was feeling down so… yea.” You slowly felt yourself blush and grow nervous the more you tried to explain to him why you recommend it.

“Someone once recommended it to me telling me that it holds the key to creating your life the way you want it to be without dying due to stress or overthinking. It made me change my perspective on work and life itself and rethink my life choices a lot.” He looked at the book nodding. His eyes widened in surprise when he saw you chose this one at first but when you finished explaining he forgot all his worries and just accepted the offer. His eyes darted to the price tags of both books you had chosen for each other and after a moment of thought he gave you “Into the Magic Shop”.

“Pay this for me.” He said shortly before turning to go to the register to pay for the book he had chosen for you. You stood there dumbfounded for a second before quickly following him to pay too. After he finished paying, he stood at the other end of the register and did something you couldn’t quite see with the book while waiting for you to finish too. After you finished, he held out the book for you with one hand, and his free hand to receive the one for himself. You traded the books and you couldn’t help the smile on your face, especially as his fingers lingered on yours for the briefest moment while trading them, electricity and warmth running through your body and making you blush. You hoped with everything in you that he felt the same things you did.

“Thank you.” You said smiling from ear to ear. Your heart was beating a little faster and you felt like a teenager crushing hard on a stranger right now. The smile was tugging on his eyes again and you could see that he was fighting it a little.

Should I ask for his number? I don’t think I can live without seeing him again. I would definitely regret it. Okay here I go!

But just as you were about to ask him for his contacts, his voice cut off your attempt before it even began.

“Keep it safe for me, okay? See you.” And with that he turned and walked out of your view before you could say anything further. At first you felt regret but then another feeling spread throughout your body instead - confusion and hope.

See you?

Somehow the promise of these two words made you smile even more. You looked down at the book, noticing now that this one was way more expensive than the one you paid. Your eyes darted to the place you had last seen him but he was already gone.

He took the more expensive one on purpose... You started feeling all warm and fuzzy thinking about this small gesture.

Packing the book in a safe spot in your bag, you started making your way to the Starbucks. Of course, Alex started complaining a little about you taking way longer than normal, but that made her have an excuse to get another one of her favorite Frappuccino’s, which she definitely wasn’t angry about. You still don’t know why but you didn’t immediately start telling her about the handsome bookstore stranger. Well, you thought he was handsome due to his eyes being on show – and very pretty – but you weren’t really sure what he looked like. You didn’t even know his name and still here you were daydreaming about that moment over and over again while somewhat listening to your best friend talking about her favorite TV show at the moment.

“Good afternoon passengers. This is the pre-boarding announcement for flight 713B to London. We are now inviting those passengers with small children, and any passengers requiring special assistance, to begin boarding at this time. Please have your boarding pass and identification ready. Regular boarding will begin in approximately ten minutes time. Thank you.”

Hearing the announcement, you slowly started packing up your stuff to leave for your gate, knowing it is still quite a walk.

“Wouldn’t it be crazy to meet one of the BTS members randomly at the airport today?”

“It would be. But it would also be highly unlikely.” You laughed at your friend’s enthusiasm for that imagine.

“I mean, it’s not that unlikely! Think about it. They had concerts here on Monday and Tuesday. Today is Friday and tomorrow will be their concert in London.” Alex paused for a second to calm herself down from knowing she would see them live in less than 48 hours from now. “It’s not that unlikely for them to fly to London today!”

“But it’s unlikely for them to wait here with all the normal passengers for their private jet.” You scoffed but still you found yourself wondering what it would be like to actually run into them.

I just hope I would treat them normally. Best thing would be if I don’t even recognize it’s them until later. Don’t wanna scare them away...

You laughed a little at your own thought while taking out your boarding pass and passport.

You waited for the plane to be all the way up in traveling height before you took out the book the stranger bought you. You couldn’t help the smile on your face while looking at it, thanking god for distracting your friend with the on-board movie program so she didn’t notice. Opening it you flicked through it with your finger sliding over the side of the pages. You loved the feeling and sound it made when you flicked through all the pages of a book. Used to seeing the photobooks of K-pop albums stop at a specific page, with a photocard in between, you weren’t surprised at first when it happened with this book too, but when it hit you that this shouldn’t happen with a normal book your heart rate immediately picked up. You took out the piece of paper stuck between the pages to unfold it.

[When I saw you today, I felt like I walked into my Magic Shop. Tell me if you like the book.

+82 36 XXXX YYYY

-       Min]

So, his name was Min?

You smiled to yourself when suddenly your best friend exclaimed.

“Someone snuck you their number????” you blushed and shushed her, looking around apologetically to the people around you. Sometime while you were reading the message, she must’ve looked at you and seen the message. Not being able to hide anything anymore, you start telling her about everything that happened, and even though you were the one with a huge crush, she seemed more excited than you. You had to promise her to message him right after you guys landed, which you didn’t mind since the relief you felt knowing you can contact him anytime now made you all giddy and impatient for the plane to finally arrive at its destination.

“Who knows where this guy is from! You said he had a Korean accent, but does he really live in Korea? You never know where people live even if they have an accent. Our world is so globalized that you can basically live in Italy as a Chinese person and have half Swedish parents! Anything is possible.” Alex was at this since you finished telling her the story.

“I don’t know. But I hope I’ll find out.” You simply said before you started to dive into the world of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

[12:56 AM – Y/N]

[Hey Min! This is the girl from the Bookstore. I started reading The Alchemist on my flight to London and so far, I really like it. Thank you for the recommendation.]

[01:34 PM – Min]

[I’m glad you like it. How was your flight? And I need your name so that I can save you.]

[01:35PM – Y/N]

[My name is Y/N and my flight was good. How was yours? Or are you still waiting for the boarding?]

[01:36PM - Min]

[We arrived a few minutes ago, too. Your book is not bad as well, btw.]

[…]

“Are you still texting with Min?” Alex asked grabbing herself a plate at the breakfast buffet of your hotel.

“Yea. We’ve been talking all night about music and books and somehow lost track of time. We have a lot in common and I honestly feel good about this. Everything is so easy and just falls into place.” You blush, telling your friend about the things you talked about.

“And you won’t believe it, but he’s actually in London as well. Says he has some work to do here before flying somewhere else. And he asked if I want to meet up the day after tomorrow with him.”

“But our flight back leaves tomorrow.” Alex frowns at you, unhappy with how your love story isn’t exactly like the fairytales, where everything turns out perfectly.

“I know. I told him that as well so he asked me to meet tonight after he’s done working…”

“Oh my god!! You have to go! Please tell me you’re going.” You sighed.

“Honestly, I really really want to. But our plane leaves so early we have to get back to the hotel immediately after the concert to start packing and leave for the airport. You know that our schedule is too tight for extra trips.”

Your friend was suddenly very quiet, making you look up from the buffet in front of you and at her. She looked deep in thought, looking at the eggs as if her life depended on the decision between boiled or scrambled egg. Then all of a sudden Alex exclaimed, making you almost drop your plate in surprise.

“How about we pack everything now and I’ll ask the taxi driver to pick you up at the spot where your lover boy wants to meet you! You could spend some time with him then and I’ll get our luggage and pick you up with the taxi later. It’s perfect! You just have to pick a spot that’s not too far away from Wembley.” You thought about her words for a long time, running the numbers if it was really possible to do or not.

“Okay. I’ll ask where he wants to meet.” You started smiling while typing the question in your message bar.

The BTS concert that evening was far more than just amazing. It was wonderful. You were absolutely stunned with how good they actually were live, having only seen them on screens or listen to their songs digitally. You were so excited and talkative after the concert that you almost forgot your date with Min for a second. You quickly made your way to the bathrooms, changing into something that wasn’t drenched in sweat and putting your other clothes in a bag for Alex to take with her. You checked yourself in the mirror one last time before jogging out to Alex.

“If we hurry up, we can see them leave the hall before you have your date. I heard that they leave while everyone is busy looking at the fireworks and my friend – who works here – told me where the exit for the stars is.”

You didn’t really want to be one of the fans who stalked their idols but you thought that just watching them leave the building from far away wouldn’t hurt, since many fans did this. And just as you wondered if others knew about the exit too, you were greeted by a crowd of people on the stairs in front of you. They were all waiting for someone coming out of the one exit in view to say a final goodbye. Instead of squeezing yourself on the stairs with the others, Alex pulled you over to the other side where a small balcony-like structure, that was somewhat hidden if you looked in its direction from the stairs, had an even better view on the exit.

And then they came out. You could see them all clearly, being not too far away but also not too close to them. Two huge black vans pulled over for the members to get in. You were excited to see them one last time until one person came into view.

All in black with a black cap and a black mask, holding a book in his hand that you could even identify from where you were standing at. Your thoughts were racing.

Min…? Min… No way…

You pulled out your phone as quickly as you could, dialing his number with shaking hands and waiting for him to pick up. You prayed it wasn’t the man in front of your eyes, knowing exactly what that would mean for your growing relationship with him. But there he was, pulling out his phone and greeting you while making his way to the car, about to get in.

“Sorry, I’m running a little late. Are you already there-?” he stopped when he heard your quiet and breathy response.

“Min…Yoongi…?” his head shot up, meeting your eyes immediately. Tears were swelling in your eyes.

No… why… why does it have to be you?

You turned and just ran, ending the call - a faint call of your name ringing in your ear - and putting it back in your bag. Alex needed a second before she realized what was happening. She waited until Yoongi got in the car – hesitating and staring after you for quite a while – before she tried to catch up with you. Which she did since Alex has always been the sporty one while you were the bookworm in your friendship.

“Y/N! Whoa whoa whoa, stop!!” your friend ran around you, making you stop by standing right in front of you and grabbing your arms gently. “What just happened there?”

“It’s him! M-Min is- He is-“

“Min Yoongi…? Wow, didn’t see that one coming.” Alex replied quietly, almost to herself.

“But what the hell are you doing, running away instead of going to the place you guys are supposed to meet??” she stared at you intently trying to get some sense into you.

“He’s an idol, Alex! And I’m his fan. This can’t work out. The entertainment, the fans, the members… they won’t just sit there and watch us become a couple.” you were panicking completely.

“Okay you have a point there, but you still have to talk to him about this. You can’t just run away from this without giving him a chance at all. Please, Y/N. Go to your meeting spot.” You looked into the eyes of your best friend, unsure of what to do. You felt insecure. Every single flaw that you saw in yourself was suddenly even more obvious than before.

“What if he doesn’t show up?” you asked timidly.

“Then he’s an asshole that doesn’t deserve you.” You smiled a little at that, especially since you knew he was Alex’s bias and she would never actually think of him as an asshole.

You weren’t far away from the bridge he wanted to meet on. With every step you took, your heart started beating faster and louder. Your whole body was shaking, wondering if he was going to show up or not. You turned around the corner, the bridge coming into view, slowly making your way on top of it. It was a bridge only for pedestrians and it wasn’t surprising to see it almost empty due to it being past midnight. As soon as you arrived the beginning of the bridge on your side of the small river, you could make out a person standing in the middle of it, leaning on the railing with his head resting in his hands. He looked distressed.

Your heart was beating like crazy and when you were just a few steps away he suddenly looked at you. You both paused and your rapid heartbeat slowed down immediately. His presence had a calming effect on you, which you would have never expected in this situation. He was still wearing his cap but he took off the mask, holding it tightly in his fist.

Silence.

You stared at each other both weighing what would be the best thing to say. You could see his struggle with the right words so instead of letting him suffer more, you started.

“Sorry for calling you with such a bad timing.” You smiled sadly, walking up to him and joining him in leaning your hands on the railing too. You left a small space in between just to make sure he wasn’t getting uncomfortable.

“So, you’re an ARMY?” he asked simply, not letting any emotions show.

“Yea, I am.” You could see him nod.

“Did you know it was me?” his jaw clenched at the thought of you maybe knowing and not telling him.

“Do you really think I would’ve reacted this way today if I knew?” you looked at him questioning if he even thought about his words before asking this. It made you angry that he actually thought you could do something like this. But then again you knew each other for a little more than a day so you couldn’t really judge him for it.

“I had to ask.”

“Sorry. Of course, you would be leery of someone you barely know.” You apologized after considering his point of view.

Silence again.

A shiver was running down your body. It got really cold now compared to the warm weather during daytime and you wished you had kept on your BTS jacket instead of giving it to Alex to take to the hotel with her. A shirt and skirt really weren’t appropriate for weather like this. You suddenly felt something heavy on your shoulders and immediately warmth spread throughout your body. You grabbed at the fabric of the long black coat Yoongi was just wearing seconds ago, that was now placed on your shoulders to warm you instead.

“Won’t you feel cold? If you get sick everyone will be sad.” You quickly told him wanting to give the jacket back.

“I rarely get sick and was feeling warm anyways. Also…” he pauses to look at you for a moment before looking in the distance again. “if you get sick, I’ll be sad.”

You blushing would be an understatement. You were completely speechless just simply staring at his side profile. He was avoiding to look at you at any cost.

“I mean, you are our fan after all. And ARMYs are everything to us.”

“Ah… right.” A bittersweet feeling spread in you. You were glad he was kind to you, but sad because he was now only seeing you as a fan and not as a woman anymore. Biting your lower lip, you assembled all your confidence to finally say the words tormenting you.

“If it’s uncomfortable for you we can stop talking. I’m not gonna stalk you or spread your number. If you want, I’ll delete everything and throw away the note right here.”

Please say no please say no please say no

“I think that’s the best for both of us.” A sharp pain hit your heart right when you heard him say those words. You just nod and take out your phone with shaking hands. Tears gather in your eyes and you can’t see anything on your screen, nor can you type anything. His hand suddenly wraps around yours, phone still inside. You look up at him and – are those tears in his eyes?

“But I don’t want to do it.” He added to his last statement.

“Yoongi…” you turn to face him. “Just think about it. This can’t work. You work in Korea as an idol and I’m a simple bookshop worker here. You’re on watch 24/7 and I don’t want to be the cause of your first scandal. I don’t want to be the reason you get a bad image and have to struggle with bad comments. I don’t want you to get hurt because of –“

He pulled you to his chest, not caring that his coat fell off your shoulders in the process and just held you there.

“Me too.” he whispered into your shoulder. “I don’t want you to get hurt.”

Wrapping your hands around him you cried into his chest, knowing that the guy you felt like could finally be the one, is the only one you could actually never call your own.

You stayed like this until you calmed down and after a long time of talking you both decided that, if you want the other to stay safe, the best thing would be to stop this before it even begins. You deleted his number in front of his eyes, including all messages and took out the piece of paper that started all of this.

“I can’t throw this out. Can you please just take it with you? It’s too precious to me.” You put it in his hand, closing it around the piece of paper. He nodded and you smiled sadly while a taxi pulled up at the end of the bridge honking. You both looked at the cab in question.

“That’s me.” You looked back at him taking off his coat, that was wrapped around your shoulders again and put it around his’ instead. You gave him a shy kiss on his cheek while you leaned in looking at him sadly one last time.

“Maybe if we’ll meet again in our next life it will work out… us meeting as equals.”  he held your hand tightly while you said that. He didn’t want to let you go and he was wishing right then and there that you could just come with him and be his little secret. But he knew that it was selfish so instead he did the only thing that made him feel somewhat better about everything.

You heard another honk from the taxi, followed by your friend calling your name because the time was running out.

“I have to go.” You told him wanting to let go of his hand but he held you in place now fiddling with one of his silver bracelets he was wearing. It was a simple bracelet on the chunkier side, more of a design made for male customers. He put it on your wrist quickly as if it was a promise.

“Until next life.” He said to underline the wordless promise he just gave to you. You started tearing up again before finally making your way to the cab quickly. You practically ran to prevent losing yourself in your feelings completely.

As soon as you got in the car it started driving. You stared out the window, vaguely able to make out Yoongis form as he put the silver ring you always wore on his pinky finger. You slipped it into his hand as soon as he finished putting the bracelet on your wrist. As his figure became blurred with increasing distance, your heart started aching more and more. By the time you arrived at the airport you were breaking apart – your friend’s arms were the only thing holding you together.

The last months were pure torture. You never experienced such a bad heartbreak before, and you didn’t even understand why you felt such a deep connection with someone you actually only talked to for roughly two days. He was the one, and you knew you wouldn’t find anyone that could take his place. He was perfect for you, but you let him go. It was better that way. At least that’s what you were trying to tell yourself.

“Y/N!!!!” you jumped, almost falling down the stairs of the small staircase you used to reach the higher shelves. Alex came storming into the bookstore you worked at with her phone in her hand, something playing on the screen. You’ve been daydreaming a lot ever since you came back from London, making you jump way more than usual when your best friend came in, yelling like this.

“What’s wrong, Alex?? Is someone hurt?” you looked at her in worry since normally she would never barge into your workplace like this.

“No one is hurt. Or actually I think someone is very badly hurt. Look.” She shoved her phone in your hand, and you couldn’t help the pain you felt when you saw what was playing on the screen. It was a live stream on Vapp and greeting you there was none other than Yoongi.

He looks so tired… Does he sleep well?

“Why are you showing this to me?” you asked her, feeling the sharp pain in your heart again.

“Listen to what he’s saying! I’m not sure if I understood everything correctly but I think he’s talking about you!”

You looked around unsure of what to do before you took the headphone from your best friend and started listening intently to what he was saying in korean. Your Korean was actually quite good, having spent way too much time to learn more of it as a distraction over the last 2 months.

“…yes, so as said that person, I met her at the airport and she recommended this book to me. She told me it helped her a lot with stressing less in life and made her rethink her choices in life. And, well, it honestly has the same effect on me now. I’ve been wondering what is the most important thing in my life right now and I’m thankful to her for giving me such a good life lesson.” He started playing with a silver ring on his pinky.

My ring… Your hand went to the bracelet around your wrist immediately.

“I came to the conclusion that if I keep pushing things that I want to do to a different time, it’s no good. And damn, ‘next life’ is so far away.”

Your heart rate picked up immediately. You couldn’t believe what you heard. Everyone was confused to what he exactly meant by that statement but he didn’t answer any of the questions. Instead he just stared blankly, thinking hard, for a moment.

“Sorry for this abrupt ending but I’m going to end the vlive here. I have something to do. Don’t skip your meals, it can weaken your immune system. Don’t catch a cold. Thank you, everyone and see you later.” And with that the vlive suddenly ended.

“What happened?” your best friend asked when you gave her the phone back.

“He said he had something to do and suddenly ended the live. But before that he said that I quote: ‘next life is so far away’” you looked at Alex with big eyes. Having explained to her what went down on the bridge two months ago, she immediately knew what that meant.

“You don’t think he meant-“ She stopped talking as soon as you both heard your phone start ringing. Your heart was beating like crazy and even though you tried to tell yourself not to get excited or have any expectations, you did either way. Looking at your mobile phone screen you saw a number that wasn’t saved in your phone. A Korean mobile phone number.

You answered the phone with a simple greeting because you knew immediately who was on the other end.

“I can’t wait until fucking next life.”

His voice was calm but you could hear the desperation and pure exhaustion in it. Tears started gathering in your eyes, not even sparing a second before rolling down your face. You couldn’t help the sob that left your mouth.

“You were supposed to delete my number! Calls from overseas are expensive!” you sobbed into your phone.

“I don’t care. I’m going to pay the bill for you. Just tell me – honestly – if you feel the same way.” You sobbed again. Alex looked at you with a compassionate smile, knowing exactly why you reacted the way you did. It pained him to hear you cry so much, and it made him tear up himself. Even if he wasn’t the type to cry easily, hearing you cry just had that effect on him.

“Please, don’t cry, Y/N. I’m not going to call again, just please stop crying.”

“N-NO! I’m so glad you called… I-I’m sorry for crying. I’m just s-so happy…” you tried sounding as normal as possible, but you just couldn’t avoid the hiccups here and there. “I was hoping every day that you would call. I was so stupid back then. Please forgive me, I can’t wait until next life either!”

The next things you hear are just a big exhale, a chuckle and sniffles.

Is he crying, too? You wondered, hearing him speak a second later.

“Okay, now that that’s settled. Who is going to visit who first?”

Masterlist

a/n: I hope you enjoyed reading!! If you liked this story don’t be shy and just tell me! If you guys liked it I would be willing to write a second part. But only if you insist... (jk I would be thrilled if you wanted a second part). You can also check out my other stories if you like~

[bug13underscore]

Bookstore!au with trope exes and prompt “sometimes, i sit in bed and wonder what would happen if things were different.” For Alex/Wille

Not sure if you wanted them to get a happy ending, but that’s what I went with. 

Did I want to push my own bookstore-cafe-barista experience into this? Absolutely. Did I know how I wanted to go about that at first? Absolutely not, but I managed it. <3 I hope you enjoy this Anon!! <3 

“Hi! Welcome to Narne and Bobles, is there anything we can help you find today?” Willie’s voice drifted to the café from where he stood greeting people from his position in the front of the store, and Alex resisted everything in him that urged him to look across the floor, instead focusing on pressing the right buttons on the espresso machine. 

Forcing himself to focus on the three drinks to make in front of him, rather than relying on his muscle memory as usual, was harder today. It also didn’t help that he knew he was due for a break soon and would have to leave the sanctity of his café counter. He passed the three vanilla lattes over the counter to their recipients, just as his café counterpart came back from her break. 

“Hey, Jules.” He smiled as she pulled open the door to their kitchen. “Hair looks a little out of place, wanna pull it back again?” He teased, watching as she pulled her black apron over her head and yellow sweater. 

“Oh my god.” The girl groaned, quickly pulling her scrunchie out of her hair and adjusting it. “Remind me to kill Luke later, yeah?” 

“Tsk, tsk, Molina, kissing and murder on the job?” He gave a sharp laugh, beginning to make a drink for himself. 

“Shut up!” Julie bristled, picking up the nearest sharpie and tossing it at him. “Go on your break and leave me to complain.” 

“Yeah, yeah, I’m going.” He huffed, dipping over to their bake case and grabbing a croissant, drink already in hand. “I’ll pay for this after my shift, promise.” 

“Sure, sure.” She gave him a wink as he finally pulled off his apron, giving her a final wave before making his way through the store to clock out before heading to their break room. 

After entering the code to get into the back, he gave his (favorite but don’t tell the others) manager, Ray, a slight wave before he went back to their cluster of fold-out tables. Alex usually spent his breaks zoned out, allowing himself to process his day up to that point and he was beginning to do just that, when he’s sadly interrupted by another person coming onto break. 

The last person he wanted to see, to be honest. 

“Hey, Alex.” The other boy offered him a nervous smile, taking a seat at the opposite end of the table. 

“Hey, Willie.” He replied with an awkward smile, quickly taking a bite of his croissant. 

They say in the silent room for a while, he thinks, though when Alex checks the time on his phone it’s barely been five minutes. He has to hold back a groan, knowing that the next twenty-so minutes would be worse. 

Alex uses the knowledge that Ray is within earshot to comfort him. He wouldn’t know why he’d need Ray if anything did happen, but just knowing he was there was a comfort. 

Until he hears the telltale sound of the door to their employees-only area slams shut and no one new comes back here. Meaning that Ray left and it truly was just Alex and Willie back here. 

Fuck. 

“Can I be honest?” Willie’s voice is quiet, which almost feels like a punch in Alex’s gut, as he’d only known the boy to be so loud, volume wise and by personality. 

“About what?” Alex’s voice came out just as quiet, it felt like they were sharing secrets or talking after lights-out at that weird summer camp he used to go to. 

“Everything,” He paused, only continuing when Alex gave a curt nod. “Sometimes, I just sit in bed and wonder, y’know, what would happen if things were different.” 

Alex sits for a moment, processing the words that Willie said. ‘What would happen if things were different.’

It wasn’t as if he hadn’t thought those same words, some nights not sleeping because his brain was too busy coming up with alternate outcomes. 

“Me too.” He swallows, lunch long forgotten. “But things aren’t different, so we have to deal with them how they are now.” 

“What if we made them different?” Willie offered, his stare earnest and solid, voice more confident than it had been since this conversation started. 

Alex felt like he’d been thrown into a completely different world, with the option to change things being placed in front of him. He blinked a couple times, mind reeling. The feeling of anxiety in his stomach wasn’t new, it had been living with him near constantly his whole life, but with it came a sense of warmth, of excitement. 

“Yeah.” He heard himself say, although his voice sounded foreign in his ears. “How do we start?” 

“You’re off tonight?” Willie’s grin is blinding, his question is empty though. Alex knows that he knows he’s off tonight, neither of them usually worked Thursday evenings, but he nods anyway. “I’ll meet you here after your shift then, yeah?” Alex gives another nod before checking his phone. 

“Well, I better clock back in. I’ll see you later?” Alex feels giddy all of a sudden as he collects his stuff and cleans up. 

“I’ll see you later.” Willie looks as giddy as he feels, which comforts him a bit. He gives a wave and goes to clock back in before rejoining Julie in the cafe. 

“Hey, Jules.” Alex smiles, pulling his apron over his head. 

“Someone seems happy.” She walks past him with a couple dirty plates, hip-bumping him as she heads to their dish-pit. 

“I am.” He laughs, occupying himself with checking their ice station. “We talked.” 

“Oh, yeah?” Her voice was higher and Alex knew without looking at her that her eyebrows were cinched together and full of her usual sisterly concern. 

“Yeah.” He grinned, angling his body towards her. “I think we’re gonna be okay.” 

“That's good.” Julie laughed, coming to draw him into a hug. “I won’t have to have my dad fire him now.” 

“Jules, we talked about this, you can’t have him fire people just because they upset one of us.” 

“Okay, but to be fair, Mikey totally deserved it.” 

“Amendment, you can’t have Ray fire people for upsetting me or Luke. If they upset Reggie, it’s fair game.” 

“I think I like this amendment, this amendment is good. Speaking of which, I think Rodney from receiving is giving him shit again.” 

“Jesus fucking Christ, that guy again?” 

As they raddled into their usual work gossip for the next couple hours, Alex felt more at ease than he had in awhile. If he happens to grin across the store at Willie anytime they lock eyes and Julie notices, she doesn’t mention it. She certainly doesn’t mention it when Willie comes up and joins in their gossip for the first time in weeks and Alex can’t be more overjoyed at how the day had turned out.

[samkat10423]

Today I went back into that 1st set of shops that I showed you at the beginning of this whole renovation. Specifically the rear shops – although, I did end up changing the others too. Anyway, now that I have a new salon/spa, I had space for a new shop where my old spa was. (The shop on the right). So, I got rid of all the crap I had placed there, reconfigured the spot a bit, and made myself a bookstore. Easy-peasy!

As I said in my 1st post, this build came with one shop already furnished. It’s the one on the left-hand corner of this picture. Although, as I always do, I replaced most of the furnishings with newer stuff. A lot of these lots that I find were made back in 2009-10, before we had nice stuff. So, most of it had to go. Plus, I wanted to give it a bit of a nerdy vibe, hence the choice in pictures.

Anyway, this is my new bookstore. The rabbithole rug is in that little black room behind it. Nothing fancy, because I hate getting all those routing messages when I use too much clutter. Stupid Sims. 

And this is the new 2nd level. In the original lot, the furnished part ended where the black bricks end. It seemed silly to have such a cramped space, when that whole other side was being wasted. So, I decided to open up the entire space. Now there’s lots of room – even space for a tiny dance floor. (That bare area has that invisible dance floor laid there).

Then, I went back to the other end of the lot. Since my bookstore doesn’t take up as much space as the spa did, I was able to enlarge my ice cream shop a bit. I also remembered that I had that cute little cup sign by @hydrangeachainsaw​. It looks awesome at night – so THANK YOU!

And here’s the inside. I usually do these shops in shades of pink - don’t know why - but today I decided to use some TS1 stuff that I have. So, new colors for me. It’s not much, as shops go, but Sims do love their sweets and this place is always crowded.

After I got done here – although I just realized that I still need to go back in and change out the sign over my bookstore, since the one up is from my spa – I hopped over to my townhouse. Which I will show you in the next post.