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vidalinav · 3 years ago

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Stu(died)-Chapter 3

Summary: Cassian takes care of a sick Nesta

Nessian Modern AU-university setting.

Masterlist, Stu(died) Chapter List

(Rolls eyes hardcore) I am continuing this fic for literally five people. Smh.

Nesta comes to their tutoring session late and that’s the first thing that tips him off. Already his phone is in his hand ready to call 911. He has Nesta’s number in his phone saved. The first person listed in his text log under Nerd. He can always text or call her. He belongs to The Rat Pack in Nesta’s Snap Chat group, and he knows he can always contact Emerie or Gwyn if something is truly wrong. Yet he dials in 911 and his thumb hovers over the call button.

If she doesn’t show up in fifteen minutes, Cassian swears he’ll call.

Nesta’s never late. In fact, she’s annoyingly early. She practically has a stop watch in her hand at all times, counting every minute she waits. When Cassian comes running in five minutes later, as he so often does, panting with some excuse, Nesta doesn’t even bother looking up from her textbook. She merely gestures to the seat, a heavy sigh on her lips, like she’s running out of time to bore him death even as she fascinates him to pieces.

Her books should already be splayed onto the table, her pencils straight and neatly lined up. Today, the table is empty.

He’ll give it fifteen minutes and then he’s calling.

But Nesta shows up before another minute ticks by. She steps out of the elevator wearing that grey polo he’s seen on her a million times. She lugs her way to him, dragging her feet with the weight of those textbooks he’s sure are in her bag.

She’s wearing a mask, today, and that’s another thing that sends his brain screeching somethings not right here! It covers half of her face, and her eyes look tired from where they peak above the fabric. Cassian doesn’t even bother waiting for her to settle. Already he’s crossing his arms, his brows crinkling with concern and something like irritation.

How dare she think studying is more important than her health.

“Go home,” he says as she nears. Nesta only blinks as if as not understanding his words. The fact that she doesn’t immediately argue is enough for him to start gathering his things.

“What are you doing?” She says as he stuffs his notebook in his bag, “You have an exam in two weeks.” Nesta sets down her own, it slaps at the table with a heavy thump. Cassian can hear the zipper unzipping but not as well as the cough that roars out of her mouth.

It’s loud and wet, and Nesta pauses as if to get her bearings, covering her mouth with her arm. She coughs and coughs and Cassian lays a hand to his own chest. He can almost feel how much it hurts, how she gasps.

Cassian shakes his head, “No, I’m taking you home.”

Nesta’s brows furrow and she gets that look in her eyes. He just knows she’s going to fight him on this. “I--”

Cassian cuts her off, “please, save your breath. You’re going to make everyone sick.”

“I’m wearing a mask!” Nesta argues.

“It’s almost midterms.” Cassian gestures to the other occupants in the library. He sees one person with their hoodie pulled up over their head, clearly sleeping... and moves on to someone else. A group in the corner who’s standing by a whiteboard. “You want to take your chances with sleep deprived students?”

Nesta seems to think about that. While she does, Cassian zips up her bag and throws it over his shoulder. It’s as heavy as he thought it might be. Briefly, he thinks of making a joke about how she must have stuffed a body in here, but he doesn’t think she’d appreciate it, given how quiet she is.

Mentally, he starts making a list of everything she needs. Medicine? He’ll get the pills and the syrup, never mind if she scrunches her nose at the taste. He’ll get her soup. Not the canned. Cassian will buy the ingredients. He’s sure he can make something appeasing. Vaguely, he can remember his mom’s recipe. Beef broth and cabbage and squash. Hopefully she can stomach it. Never mind, the salt will be good for her.

“Hey,” she whines, blinking up at him slowly, “give me my bag.”

“Have you not heard me? You need to be home lying down. Not here, helping me study. Why on earth did you think this was a good idea? I’m taking you home.”

Nesta crosses her arms and the intimidation tactic seems ridiculous with her face half covered and her endless sniffling. “You can try, but I’ll just refuse to tell you my apartment number.”

Cassian scoffs, “I know where you live. I can see your room from the house when you study at night.”

“Who says that out loud?” Nesta shouts.

She must be terribly ill if she’s yelling in a library. That’s all he can think as he gestures to the elevator, bags in hand.

“Never mind that. Let’s go,” Cassian says, walking ahead without her.

He can’t hear her shuffling though, so he turns back to find Nesta leaning on a chair, holding her stomach. He can already feel himself sighing.

Cassian rushes back just in time for Nesta to rip off her mask, and move to the closest trashcan. It’s situated under one of the bulletin boards and as Cassian sidles up to her, rubbing at her back and pulling her hair away, he looks to the papers tacked to the board.

Join the rowing team. Looking for tutors. Research participants wanted.

He can hear the retching and Cassian reads on.

Babysitter wanted for professor, transportation needed.

“I haven’t thrown up since middle school,” Nesta says pathetically. She frowns as he hands her his bottle of water. Her nose and cheeks are red and for some reason he thinks of Rudolph, lighting the way for Santa through the storm.

He feels bad for little Rudolph...

“Now will you let me take you home,” Cassian sighs. He hopes it doesn’t sound like an ‘I told you so’ but she should really be lying down. He lays a hand to her forehead, but she brushes him off, moving towards the bathrooms.

“I’ll wait right here,” he says, but Nesta moves ahead as if she doesn’t hear him at all. Cassian can’t find it in himself to mind. A sick Nesta is guaranteed to be a stubborn Nesta, he just knows.

When she gets out, she looks surprised to see him and that’s another look that just proves how sick she must be. It’s a fairly obvious prediction that he’s going to wait next to the girl's bathroom, counting ceiling tiles. It’s a perfectly ‘Cassian with Nesta’ thing to do.

“You’re skipping class?”

Nesta coughs again, and she looks perfectly pitiful as she blinks her tired eyes. Cassian can feel his lips frown, and he shifts her bag more securely on his shoulder if only to keep himself from reaching out for her. Already he can feel his hands bunch into fists because he wants to grab her own and squeeze it until she's reassured. He wants to hug her until she feels better.

But he can’t.

Cassian lists every action he wants to do. Kiss her forehead where Nesta rubs her hand, because she must have a headache from how sick she is. Put on her favorite movie, so she can fall asleep to its sound. Run to every store, raiding every Walgreens and CVS until he comes back with a pharmacy.

What might she allow now that she’s sick? Will she let him fuss like he wants to?

But Nesta rolls her eyes in that haughty way of hers. “You can’t do that.”

“I can’t do what?” Cassian asks and he wonders if she can read his thoughts. If she studies him so well, reads him like one of her textbooks, memorizing facts and facial features.

“You can’t skip class,” she argues. “Why am I tutoring you if you’re going to skip class?”

At the words, all Cassian wants to do is sigh. She’s thinking about attendance at a time like this...

“Nesta, there is no class more important than you.”

Her brows crinkle at the center like she’s going to start arguing, but Cassian allows himself one touch. He places his thumb there, between her brows, smoothing out the lines. Nesta rips away, blinking up dazed and all too confused. Cassian would laugh at the look, if he didn’t need the distraction.

He juts his head to the elevator quickly. “Let’s go. We can walk slow, so don’t overexert yourself.”

Nesta scrunches up her nose, so cute and red, but she follows him anyway albeit a little petulantly. She holds her hand out for her bag, but Cassian turns toward the doors, pretending not to see.

“How does me being sick make you bossy?”

Cassian doesn’t dare to respond. He doesn’t know whether he’ll admit that he wants to take care of her, that’s he’s so worried a knot twists in his stomach, or if he’ll make some joke, he knows will make her mad. Maybe that’s the better option, he thinks. He can handle a mad Nesta. He likes a mad Nesta, but a Nesta who so easily rejects him?

Cassian doesn’t know about that.

“You don’t have any classes left this week, right?”

Nesta coughs into her sleeve before answering. Though she means to sound queenly, she only sounds sick, “you know where I live, and you also know my class schedule... seems suspicious if you ask me.”

“I’ve known you for two years.”

“And murder victims are three times more likely to be killed by someone they know."

Cassian huffs out a laugh, shaking his head, “Do you still go to sleep watching SVU? Or have you switched to Lifetime movies where the babysitters always try to kill the wife?”

“People should be wary about the people they know,” Nesta shrugs as if that’s answer enough.

Cassian snorts, “well you don’t have to be wary of me.”

As the elevator doors open, Cassian gestures for her to go first and Nesta does, but not before crossing her arms.

“That’s just what a murderer would want me to think.” She squints as if dissecting him, limb by limb. “You kill me, and I’ll haunt you. You won’t be able to sleep at night without thinking of me.”

Too late, Cassian thinks.

It’s much too late for that.

Rudolph has the patience of a five-year-old when she’s sick. Cassian learns this fairly quickly when he runs inside a Walgreens on their way to Nesta’s apartment.

There’s a bench that she can sit on, where she can wait if she feels tired, but no. Nesta decides she needs to run errands. She has an entire basket filled by the time he finds her again. She’s by the greeting cards, holding three open at a time. Cassian huffs with a receipt and medicine in hand.

“Here,” he says, giving her the cough medicine. “Take some of this.”

Nesta doesn’t even bother with pouring. He watches as she rips the cap away, taking a swig right out of the bottle, gulping it down.

“That’s way more than the suggested amount,” he cries, “you can get drunk on this stuff!”

“Good, maybe I’ll forget this day ever happened.”

Cassian sighs... it seems all he does is sigh when she’s like this. A sick Nesta is a petulant, irritated Nesta with a permanent furrow between her brows.

“I know you feel sick,” he tries to placate, “but I bet you’d feel a whole lot better if we get you home as soon as we can... so you can lie down and sleep.”

Nesta only picks up another Halloween card. She ignores his suggestion, laughing under her breath as she reads whatever inane joke is written there. Soon, she’s coughing though, and Cassian reaches for the basket just to stop himself from rubbing a hand down her back, combing his fingers through her hair.

Stubborn, stubborn, stubborn, his thoughts scream.

Cassian looks to the contents to distract himself from her watery eyes, and that’s when he notices what she’s grabbed. It seems that while he was in the cold and flu aisle, Nesta was raiding the snacks.

“What is this?” He gestures to the basket. Two boxes of cereal. Caramel corn. Baked Lay’s and cans of Arizona tea. Cassian takes one and holds it up. “Really Nesta?”

“What it’s green tea!” she argues, shoving another card back in its slot.

“This is all... junk,” he tries to explain, but Nesta’s already glowering.

“Look I don’t question your decisions. You don’t question mine.”

Cassian gives her a bland look. “You question my decisions all the time. Before we came in here, you literally said ‘why are we going in here, Cassian? Weren’t you supposed to take me home.’ You said that.”

Nesta simply raises her chin, pulling out another card. “I recall no such thing.”

“Fine,” Cassian grumbles, “if you want to eat yourself to an early grave and ignore everything that could potentially make you feel better than that’s just fine with me.”

“Good,” she says, putting back the other cards. Nesta settles for a pop-up that sings Monster Mash when she opens it. She sets it in the basket he holds, walking ahead without even looking back. “I’m ready to check out.”

“Really?” Cassian jokes, mockingly. “Are you sure you raided the candy aisle?”

Nesta stops in her tracks, peering through the section with printer ink and paper as if she can see the other side. He swears he’d facepalm if he wasn’t carrying all this stuff.

“You’re right,” she says, nodding.

“Wait!” Cassian calls. “Where are you going? Nesta!”

Too late. He can already hear crunching bags.

The variety packs.

Cassian sighs, lugging their things to the aisle next door.

“Can I use these vegetables?” Cassian asks, as Nesta shoves open the door to her room. He’s surprised she’s not still by the freezer. When they first get back to her place, she sticks her head in there and he wonders if he should suggest taking her temperature, or if she’s doing it just to show him she’s annoyed.

Perhaps her ears bleed from the sound of his voice.

That seems like something Nesta would say.

“They’re Emerie’s. Why?”

“To make soup,” Cassian explains, rifling through the contents. There’s zucchini and summer squash. Onion, fresh parsley and carrots. Cabbage and lettuce. Fresh fruit. He can make a nice stew out of this.

Nesta scoffs, “I don’t need soup.”

She enters her room, shoving the door back behind her until it leaves only a crack.

“You can leave now,” she yells. “I’m home like you wanted.”

“Are you lying down?” He asks, crossing his arms sternly though she can’t see him.

Nesta sighs loudly, “you’re annoying!”

“Maybe if you got some rest, I’d be less annoying,” Cassian sings brightly.

He can hear the soft sound of her voice. “Doubt.”

Cassian shakes his head with a smirk. He opens his snapchat where The Rat Pack is the first on the list, but the group name has changed... to People I Tolerate.

That’s got to be Nesta.

Cassian laughs under his breath and types. Can I use your vegetables? Making Nesta soup.

Emerie’s bitmoji pops up at the bottom, but the person who texts back first is not Emerie, but Gwyn.

You’re at our house?

Cassian can almost hear her voice. Stern and cautious. He’s almost certain she doesn’t like him. Gwyn looks at him with even more disdain than Nesta when he's around. That stay away from my friend look.

He sighs. Yes, Nesta’s sick.

Gwyn’s quick to respond. I can come home early. I need to drop off a paper, but I can be there in 30.

Cassian rolls his eyes and types, I’m perfectly capable of taking care of her.

Nesta’s face pops up. I can take care of myself.

“No, you can’t!” Cassian yells.

“Yes, I can!” Nesta yells back, but then she starts coughing again and he can hear her groan in the other room. Cassian raises a brow at her door.

I’m going to make soup. I’ll make enough for all of you, but can I use stuff from the fridge? I’ll replace it all.

Emerie’s face pops up and then disappears quickly. He’s about ready to go to the store himself or at least next door to the House, but Emerie’s text appears.

I have no objections to this.

Cassian smiles in relief, and he’s about to set down his phone when another notification appears. It’s Emerie again.

And if you make good soup, you can stay indefinitely.

Cassian sends a winking emoji. Nesta sends back the emoji with the straight mouth and eyes. Before he can frown at what that means, Cassian sees that the group name has changed... to Three’s Company.

That’s got to be Gwyn.

Stone cold, Emerie texts back.

Cassian decides he’s going to ignore that for the moment and focus on the objective at hand.

Soup.

Cassian pulls out the vegetables and looks through the cupboards. Emerie, it seems, has all the good spices. He finds the broth packets stored in the back, and he pulls out some beef from the freezer. It’ll need to defrost but he can start the broth now, get the vegetables soft, and brown the beef later. It’ll take a couple of hours anyway.

Occasionally, he hears a cough as he works. Then a sweet laugh... followed by a cough and a groan. Cassian feels bad for her he does, but he can’t help but find the whole situation amusing. She should be resting and yet she seems to be wide awake.

Nesta doesn’t come out of her room though. It’s as if he’s not even there, and he takes that time to look over her shared apartment. There are three doors, each with a letter at the front. The N is blue, the E, green, and the G, pink. He doesn’t know how it’s possible to have a living room that looks like all three, but somehow it works. It’s studious and bright. Colorful, but subdued. There are way too many throw pillows and books scattered everywhere, but there’s also a TV with a fireplace under it. He can just imagine Nesta laughing at scary movies. Some slasher fic she’ll watch like she’s taking notes.

He can imagine Nesta everywhere, in fact.

This is where she eats. Where she sits. Where she studies. This is where she trips over shoes if they’re not neatly lined up and where she complains about dirty dishes. This is where she cooks... if she does cook. Cassian doesn’t know.

Maybe he’ll get to find out one day.

Once the water starts boiling and the meat is in the microwave to defrost, Cassian goes to check how Rudolph is doing.

He knocks on her door lightly, pushing it open. “Nesta?”

Cassian’s never seen her room before, say for when she sits by the window with her curtains wide open, and just like then, it seems like an invasion of privacy to do so now. But Nesta’s plopped on top of her bed, tucked beneath her blue comforter, and she sets down her phone when he appears at the door.

Her whole room is filled with blues and creams, and it looks exactly what he imagines Nesta’s room to look like. The large calendar, an agenda on the desk, bookshelf after bookshelf lining her walls. There are also things he doesn’t know of her yet. Pictures and posters and a.... stuffed lobster? Cassian holds it up.

“Would you stop looking around?” Nesta groans. She has her arm resting over her eyes, and he wonders if it’s because she doesn’t want to see him looking or if she feels that bad that the light is bothering her.

She should be getting some rest, he thinks.

“Where did you get a stuffed lobster?”

Nesta coughs out her response.

The sound makes Cassian grimace, his chest ache with need, but he doesn’t rush over like he wants to. This is her house, her room... and this is Nesta who doesn’t like to be coddled by anyone.

“It’s a heat pack,” she says at last, after she catches her breath.

“A heat pack?” Cassian looks to the soft red claws that dangle. He’s never seen anything so soft be a heat pack.

“For cramps,” she says as if it’s obvious. Nesta must take his silence to mean ignorance for she lifts onto her elbows, raising a judgmental brow. “Please tell me you know what periods are or am I am going to have to go back to teaching you biology?”

“No,” Cassian draws out, “I know what periods are.”

Nesta mumbles a thank god and Cassian watches as she shifts under the covers, pulling them up until they hover just beneath her mouth.

“Are you cold?” Cassian asks, looking around her room. He spots his burgundy hoodie neatly folded and nearly yanks it from her desk. “Here. Wear my sweatshirt.”

“I just washed it,” Nesta whines, “I was going to give it back to you.”

Cassian’s confused by the words, but he merely gestures for her to budge up. He’s thankful when she doesn’t argue. He rolls the sweatshirt over her head and Nesta fits her arms through the sleeves.

“You didn’t have to wash it,” he says, watching as she pats down her hair. If only he could pull it up for her, comb his fingers through it. She could use his scrunchie too, if she wanted.

Nesta rolls her eyes, and he can only imagine what she thinks. He can practically hear the words. Of course, you wouldn’t care about clean clothes.

Her expressions practically give her away--everything she feels and thinks. Cassian wonders if he knows how open she is to the rest of the world. He wonders if she’d hate him if he told her this.

“It was going to smell like me,” she frowns.

Cassian wants to huff out a laugh. That is perfectly fine by him.

“Stop laughing,” she whines, “I’m being serious.”

“Yes, you’re being very serious.” He can’t help his smirk as he gazes up at her. He doesn’t even realize he’s on her bed, sitting to the side of her all bunched up in red. Her nose to the fabric. He almost wants to say she looks cute in his hoodie, all sick like that, but he knows she’ll only bite at him, remarking about how he has some weird fetish for sick girls.

Cassian holds back a laugh as he hears the microwave ding. He needs to turn the meat around, so it doesn’t cook through, but Nesta grips his arm. His head whips towards her and... Nesta’s gazing up at him. Her eyes are a soft blue. Just like her room.

“You’re warm,” she says. To explain herself, he thinks, and why she holds him as if she doesn't want him to move.

Cassian’s lips raise lightly, and he places the back of his hand on her forehead. “You must be worse than you’re letting on if you're okay with me being in your bed.”

Nesta scoffs, “you’re on it. Not in it. I’ll make that distinction very clear.”

“You can’t be that sick then,” Cassian shrugs, smiling. “If you’re making everything sound like a tutoring session.”

Her cheeks flush a bright pink and Cassian thinks she must have a fever. He wonders if he should search for an ice pack or make one, so she doesn’t get too hot.

“Are you tired?” He asks, noting how slowly she blinks. “You did drink a lot of cough syrup.”

“I also took a NyQuil,” she says, closing her eyes.

Cassian huffs, “remind me to teach you how read warning labels when your fully coherent.”

He can hear the microwave ding again, and it reminds him of an alarm. Wake up! It seems to say. Being in Nesta’s room does feels like falling asleep. Rather dream-like and hazy. The microwave dings incessantly, but Cassian doesn’t want to wake up just yet.

Her hand is still on his arm. It’s so much smaller than his and he wants to trace the skin there and see if it’s as soft as it looks. Cassian doesn’t dare look at her, in case she doesn’t just bang together two loud cymbals and tell him to get up and out and away.

Cassian looks ahead instead, fixing his gaze on the stuffed lobster on her desk.

“Nesta,” he starts and then swallows. He feels nervous, his hands clammy. “Nesta, I really think you and I... we’d be good together.”

Cassian takes a breath, and he stares at the lobster as if it’s her face. “We’ve known each other for a long time now and I... I haven’t hid how I feel about you.” His heart is beating way too fast, and he doesn’t feel any freer from speaking the words, but Cassian decides it’s time to rip the Band-Aid off. “I thought maybe... we could try it out. See if you might be comfortable with it. If you might like me... too?”

He doesn’t know why he words that like a question, but Nesta doesn’t say a word. Cassian looks back, hoping there’s no disgust in baby blue. He doesn’t know what he’d do if she just outright says he’s trash and she’ll never like him.

But Nesta’s fast asleep.

Cassian doesn’t bother sighing as he grips her limp hand, setting it on the blanket. He doesn’t bother being disappointed when he tucks the comforter around her. Her cheeks are a lobster-red and he rubs a thumb lightly there, wondering what it would be like to hold her face in his palm and kiss at her nose. Would she complain as he pecked her lips? You’ll get sick Cassian.

Then we can stay in bed together, Nesta.

No. Cassian’s not disappointed at all.

He’ll tuck away his dreams where tomorrow lives.

Today, he’ll stick to what he’s good at, so Cassian heads to the kitchen to make soup.

~ ~

Mwahahahaahah

In case you missed, here’s the stuffed lobster in the flesh.

Tagged:

@arinbelle @my-fan-side @sophilightwood @nestaarcher0n @duskandstarlight @soitsgorgeous @swankii-art-teacher @lordof-bloodshed @thewhelk @daisy-in-danger @highqueenevankhell @lovelynesta @sirendeepity @champanheandluxxury @ladynestaarcheron @moodymelanist @teagoddess99 @spoilersteph @angelic-voice-1997 @bo0kmaster69 @drielecarla @generalnesta @cozycomfyliving08 @confusedfandomslut @dread3r @sv0430

"Why am I still writing this fic?" I say angrily, as I angrily type it in my angry word document.

#nesta archeron #cassian #nessian #nessian fanfiction #vidalinav writes #Stu(died)

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themonotonysyndrome · 3 years ago

Text

REDACTED verse - Another day in Dahlia

Summary: When worlds collide, Aaron and Smartass has the ‘old, married couple’ moment when a wolf is loose in a hypermarket.

Dahlia is lively today, the afternoon sunlight dazzling upon the city. Familiar faces, familiar sights and familiar roads are everywhere.

And yet, the man who couldn’t stop bickering with his lover since the two of them stepped out of IKEA is a changing man living in this familiar city.

Aaron likes to think that he retains his best qualities despite the passing of time. Firm, true and level-headed - traits that have served him well both in his personal and work life. Traits that have earned him recognition, achievements and praises. However, against a fiery soul housed within an infuriating yet gorgeous body, Aaron has never felt so breathless and helpless.

And most importantly, lovestruck.

Unstable and uncharacteristically hesitant, the pieces of himself that are held together with patience have been pulled apart by its seams. But they weren’t destroyed; no, they rearrange themselves into an amazing new form. Aaron isn’t quite yet certain what that new form brings, but already, he could feel himself grow into a man that wholly compliments his lover.

Like a planet revolving around a beautiful, bright star. He can’t help but be drawn by the star’s gravity.

There’s balance between them, despite their strong-willed personalities. They sooth the other when one burns too brightly, they offer guidance when the other is unsure. Balanced and happy, that’s what they are.

There’s never emptiness when silence envelops them. Isn’t there a saying that whenever you’re with your loved one, silence is never oppressive?

Although, to be fair, silence doesn’t last long whenever they’re together. Not when there’s always something to bicker, something to discuss and something to tease about.

Case in point, the ugly as fuck lamp that Aaron fought tooth and nail to convince his partner not to buy.

“Look, it’s not even your money; I was going to use mine for it!”

“It’s not about the money, Smartass.” Aaron replies back with a roll of his eyes. They’re at the parking lot getting ready to head off to the hypermarket next. The two of them had spent four hours of furniture shopping at IKEA after his Smartass made an offhand comment last week about his couch being way too old and lumpy for gaming nights and movie marathons.

But before either of them realise it, what was supposed to be a simple couch purchase turned into perusal of dining tables, desks and floor lamps. Aaron got them back on track when you excitedly pulled him towards that last part.

Aaron had never before questioned your taste in furniture before but at that point, he starts to draw the line at a red, human shaped floor lamp. It bows slightly with the most creepy smile he had ever seen on a statue before.

“I just don’t want to have a heart attack everytime I wake up, alright? You wanted it in our bedroom, beside our bed and it’s creepy beyond all reason.”

“It’s functional though.”

“So were the other floor lamps.” Aaron easily pointed out. He opened the car door and waited, unamused, for you to get in. Unfortunately, judging by how your arms folded across your chest in a stubborn pose, his spitfire didn’t want to drop their conversation.

“What if I put it in the living room?” You suggest instead, the familiar defiant spark made itself known.

Aaron held himself back from groaning in despair. Why are you so hung up about that lamp!? “I don’t think it’ll fit with the… aesthetic of our house, OK?” He tried the tactical approach first, knowing that a straight up no would not pacify his partner at all. “How about this; we’ll go with your couch and desk and my preference for the dining table. There. Is that good enough for you, Your Highness?”

You purse your lips, but the both of you know that you’re not so hung up about the floor lamp to drag this argument any further. Aaron wisely chooses not to comment how your lips slowly curve into a smile.

“Fine. I’ll let you win this round - ”

“Oh my god - ”

“But in return, I’ll be taking over for lunch later.”

Aaron immediately shut his mouth, surprise and secretly a little giddy that his Smartass had taken the initiative of making a meal for them. That lasted for about a split second before something dawn onto him.

“You want free reign at the hypermarket later, right?”

This time, you beam happily but say nothing as you finally slip inside of the Mercedes. And as usual, silence spoke louder than words. Aaron exhales loudly, not knowing whether to laugh or mutter a curse. Trust in his lover to have the final say, ultimately.

But that’s one of the many reasons why he fell so hopelessly in love with you.

The hypermarket is busy for a Saturday. Smartass pointed at the sales and promotions board display in big letters and numbers when the two of you entered the building, hand in hand. Ah, that makes sense. Children run about clutching snacks in their little hands to convince their exasperated parents into buying, worned out staff restock empty shelves and the scent of fresh produce and floor detergents clings in the air. A familiar sight.

“How do you feel about crabs?” Smartass begins the conversation. Aaron doesn’t understand why you bother asking him when you’re already dragging him towards the cold, seafood area. Aisles of fresh fish of all kinds are clearly displayed for visitors, the more expensive kind are packaged and a few men are working behind the butcher service counter.

“I can go for some crabs. It’s been a while anyway.” Aaron answered, grabbing a nearby stack of baskets for their grocery. He tried to recall the last time they had any seafood and his mind helpfully supplied a restaurant where they went to for dinner in March.

He lets you gather your thoughts as you stare at the frozen crabs critically as if they were spreadsheets. “I’m thinking of rice with a side of buttery crab meats, Salmon sashimi, Shiitake soup and lotus root salad. Sounds good?”

As soon as he invited his Smartass to permanently move in with him, you had totally taken over the kitchen. Apparently you weren’t terribly amused when he admitted that he’s not much of a cook but hey, he never once complained when you served the best homemade vegan burgers with a glare and a silent, “Go ahead. I dare you to say that they taste like shit. Make my day, Aaron.”

So instead, after he cleaned their dishes, Aaron proceeded to throw his lover on their bed to thoroughly thank you for the meal.

Four hours later, the flushed and surprised expression on your face was so worth it.

But we’re getting off tangents here.

“Sounds absolutely delicious.” Aaron replied and startled his Smartass with a sudden kiss on your cheek. “Now stop glaring at the crabs and pick some already. We have half of the ingredients back home and I’d rather not spend the rest of our remaining Saturday in the hypermarket. So let’s get to it.”

Smartass hum in agreement and grab your own basket. Together, they made quick work of what they needed to buy. Not just for lunch, but for the upcoming weeks too. Crabs, Salmons, some meat and later pea sprouts, red cabbages and lotus root - the both of them are more inclined to healthy meals rather than take outs and it really helps that Smartass suggest preparing ingredients that they could cook for the rest of the week, given their busy work lives. Vegetable dishes are flexible and easy enough to cook into anything anyway.

They moved on from the frozen, seafood aisles and the produce section to where the personal care products are. Aaron holds up his phone in between them so Smartass could check what’s next on the list.

“Oh shit. I totally forgot that my shampoo and conditioners just ran out.” Smartass blurted. “Thanks for adding that into our grocery list.”

Aaron scoffs. “You mentioned it twice during dinner last night - in between debating whether or not Game of Thrones is better than Lord of the Rings, mind you - so I can understand why you forgot” Colourful rows of shampoo bottles greeted them when they walk past a couple who’s pushing their trolley carts away from the shelves. He grabs your favourite brand and places them in his basket. “You’re brilliant, Smartass, but I can’t help pity that poor hamster living in your brain for having to run in its ball all day long.”

You gasp, affronted, while Aaron laughs at the look on your face. Even smacking his arm did nothing to stop his laughter. “You’re too easy to rile up sometimes, you know that Smartass?” He smirks and grabs a toothpaste next. They’re running low on that too. In retaliation for his remark, Smartass sneakily pulled that toothpaste out when Aaron was checking his phone and chose the one with the strawberry flavour instead.

When Aaron shot you an inquisitive look, you just smiled innocently and quickly distracted him by insisting that they need to get some snacks.

“That reminds me, it’s not on the list but we have to buy ramune soda. Oh, and some potato chips too.” You pointed out as the two of you rounded away from a large family who stopped in between the body wash shelves and hair serums. “Have you noticed that we go through ramune sodas like crazy lately?”

The snacks and beverage section is one of the highlights of this hypermarket, in Aaron’s humble opinion. Not only do they have an abundance of the local goods, they also have a wide selection of some really good imported snacks or as Aaon like to call it, your ultimate weakness.

“Yeah but be honest, are you really going to stop your addiction anytime soon?”

“What is this? Bully me day?”

“Hey, you’re the one who said it, not me, Smartass.” Aaron is quick to quip back and this time, you roll your eyes. Even if it’s true, it doesn’t mean that you have to like it.

But that’s Aaron - his words always serve a meaning and come straight from the heart when it’s for the things that truly matter. It’s annoying and yet, it’s one of his best qualities.

However, just as you were about to rebuke him, the two of you heard a passing conversation nearby the soda shelves.

“ - not going to play bartender at home again, Angel. Why not? Alright then; let me jog your memory, hmm? The last time I left you alone in the kitchen for more than 3 hours, you came out carrying a tray with the embodiment of everything unholy on this planet separated into three shot glasses.”

“It was just ramune soda mixed with rose syrup, grass jelly and vinegar!”

“Asher had a stomach ache for a week, Angel.”

“But Davey, how do you expect me to get better at it if you don’t let me practice? See? There’s a flaw in your plan!”

“I’d rather we go to a bar the next time you’re in the mood to poison the both of us.”

You didn’t mean to eavesdrop on their conversation but you couldn’t help snicker at the stranger’s very much put out and deadpan tone. It gives an implication that this isn’t the first time this ‘Angel’ did something as crazy as mix sodas with vinegar. Hell, even the man’s comment earned a soft chuckle from Aaron.

“Sounds like he got quite a handful lover over there. Remind you of someone?” Aaron whispered. They couldn’t properly see the couple due to a stack of Dorito boxes in between them but you could spot a tall man wearing a pretty nice looking leather jacket and his partner beside him.

“If you’re implying that I’m unreasonably difficult - ”

“No, no. Just… hmm, passionately stubborn, I suppose.” Aaron nonchalantly replies with a smirk. He guffaws when you poke at his sides and spin around to the rows of ramune with a dramatic huff. Aaron easily follows suit with a fond smile.

This section of the aisle is quiet unlike the previous ones that’ve been, Aaron noticed. The humming of the air conditioner above them and the crinkling of a plastic bag of chips in Smartass’ hand were the only sounds that broke the comfortable silence. Even the murmurs from the other couple melts into background noises the further Aaron and his walk away.

That is, until a hair-raising snarl shattered the quietness.

What’s worse, it sounded like a wolf.

Aaron reacted instinctively. He opted for the defense - grabbing his Smartass’ free hand, pulling you close to him. His searching eyes are frantic while his mind is trying to make sense that a wolf is somehow in this hypermarket. Full of people. What the fuck!?

Smartass, however, opted for the offense. You grab the nearest glass bottle by the neck and were about to smash it against the metal shelf if it weren’t for Aaron’s quick thinking. He immediately grabs your wrist and shoots you an incredulous look. Silently judging your choices in life.

‘You have a better idea on how to deal with a fucking wolf!?’ Smartass demanded in silence. Your expression is bewildered; as if you couldn’t believe that Aaron wouldn’t let you shank an unknown threat just around the corner.

In return, Aaron pulls you closer to his body and glares out, ‘I’m not letting you throw yourself in front of a wolf!’

‘I’m protecting us!’ Smartass countered back, glaring just as heatedly.

A sweet giggle suddenly interrupted their mental argument. Their hearts skip a beat in fear at the unknown.

“Ok, ok. How about this, Davey: I'll let you dress me up when we go to the bar tomorrow. How’s that? Does that make my Wolf not jealous anymore?” The same voice they accidentally eavesdropped previously bargained in a teasing tone.

Smartass and Aaron exchange a bewildered and confused glance. What the fuck did they just said? My Wolf? Was the realistic animal snarl came from the boyfriend!? He must’ve some serious vocal cords and throat to be able to make that sound!

Aaron exhales loudly while Smartass allows him to grab the glass bottle that you were still holding to put it back on the shelf.

“I think I just lost five years of my life.” Aaron complains.

Smartass said nothing. Without even saying anything, you march to where the couple are. Aaron curses under his breath and quickly chases after you.

The man in the black leather jacket and his partner glanced at his Smartass when you approached them with a practised smile. One that Aaron knew meant trouble. How could he not when he’s the receiving end of that smile more than he could count.

When Smartass wants answers, you’ll do everything in your power to get it and Aaron is really not looking forward to wrangling his partner from starting a brawl in the middle of a damn hypermarket.

“Hi there.” His Smartass began, your body language deceptively open and friendly. “Are you two alright?”

“Eh?” The one standing beside the tall, frowning man replies with a blink. Upon closer inspection, Aaron realises that he and what looks to be the leader of a local gang are similar in built.

“Can we help you?” The gang leader interjects. He’s frowning but he doesn’t appear angry. Just confused like his partner. Though he nodded in greeting when Aaron slid up beside Smartass.

“Didn’t you hear that noise just now?” Smartass plays shock. “It sounded like someone released a wolf in the hypermarket!”

The man in the leather jacket suddenly looked like he just sucked a lemon; his eyes are comically wide. Meanwhile, his partner’s eyes are equally as wide. Aaron detects a hint of realisation glint in their eyes. Now isn’t that interesting?

Well, Smartass thought so too. You pressed on. “You heard it too right? Damn near give me a heart attack! I wonder if the nearby staff also heard it - ”

“It’s probably the ventilation system or something.” The gang leader quickly replied, his expression oddly shifted to neutral. Beside him, his partner opens their mouth to say something but he quickly presses his palm over it. They throw a pointed look at him but he resolutely ignores it. “Anyway, good luck with your grocery shopping.”

Aaron watches him grab his partner by the hand and gently drag them away. It was only when they’re out of sight that they started furiously chatting.

“Wow, Davey, your slip up was even worse than Asher’s!”

“We’re so not telling him about this, Angel.”

“...Does this mean I can tell Babe instead?”

“Wha - No, that wasn’t an invitation to tell his Mate!”

Aaron turns to Smartass who just shrugs. Neither of them could figure out what just happened. He’s just glad that you let them escape.

“Maybe they have some really kinky roleplaying thing going on.” Smartass guessed, wiggling your eyebrows suggestively.

Aaron runs his palm down his face in exasperation. “I don’t give a shit, Smartass. Can we please just finish up our grocery shopping already? I’m starting to get hungry.”

“Alright, alright. We just have to grab a few more things and then we can pay.” Smartass assured him and off they continued on their way.

Though neither of them still couldn’t help but wonder how the hell that man managed to sound like a wolf so accurately.

Kinky roleplay or not.

I’m tentatively planning to make this into a mini series including the rest of the non-empowered characters with their lovers. I’m already writing for Oliver and Baby so we’ll see how that goes!

#redacted asmr #fanfic #second pov #they/them pronouns #gender neutral s/o #smartass (listener)#Aaron #david shaw #angel (listener)

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xiaomoxu · 4 years ago

Text

MLQC CN Lucien (Xu Mo) Nostalgia Date

SPOILER AHEAD!!

PART 1

MC: Sweet and sour short ribs, black pepper beef tenderloin, boiled cabbage soup are also cooked, complete!

I checked the recipes in the phone while checking the dishes in the bento box.

Recently, Xu Mo's research institute was working on a new project, and he stayed in the research institute for several days and did not go home.

I studied several new dishes in my spare time, but I never had the opportunity to try it with him.

So I took advantage of the rest day to cook and made a bento. Of course, I was able to see him out of selfishness.

I happily took a few certified photos of Bento, and marked “Professor Xu’s Love Bento” on the photos in a beloved font.

When I was about to go out, I received a text message. When I opened it, I saw that Xu Mo had sent it to an unfamiliar address.

MC: ?

Was it the wrong message? I dialed Xu Mo's phone with doubts.

Xu Mo: Did you receive the address?

MC: Yes. Where is this?

Xu Mo: This is where I am now.

Xu Mo: I guess you will come to me for lunch.

MC: ?

MC: How did you know?

Xu Mo: Because...

Xu Mo: Black pepper beef tenderloin, sweet and sour short ribs, boiled cabbage heart.

MC: ...Xu Mo! Are you working on a mind reading project?

His light laughter came from the other side.

Xu Mo: This project sounds very interesting, but you seem to forget my research field is brain science.

Xu Mo: If you want to know the answer, you can open the photo album now.

When I hung up the phone, I opened the phone album in a busy time, and a buffering icon appeared in the middle of the screen.

After a few seconds, my album was automatically updated with a photo I had never seen before.

The photo shows an exclusive courtyard with wooden log door frames and a red brick wall. At the foot of the wall, a row of old-fashioned labor tools are displayed.

In the middle of the yard is parked a 28-brand bicycle, and the simple wind of the 1970s blows across.

Under the noon sunlight, a person's shadow was reflected on the wall. I almost recognized it at a glance. It was Xu Mo.

"Ding", the phone received another text message.

Xu Mo: Do you know the answer now?

PART 2

After Xu Mo's reminder, I finally realized that there was a problem with my mobile phone last week, and I needed to verify with another cloud account.

So I temporarily borrowed Xu Mo's account. After the account was restored, I forgot to log out.

In other words, during this period, our mobile phone uses the same cloud account, and the album is also in a shared state.

MC: Isn't it...

On the way to the exclusive courtyard with my lunch box, I asked myself for my carelessness in my heart, and repeatedly checked the "stock" in the album.

Xu Mo must have seen the recipe that I kept in the photo album, and the certified lunch photos taken before the release were not spared.

I sighed, tapped my brain a little, and suddenly reacted.

If our mobile phones have been shared for more than a week, does that mean that all the photos I took this week

I quickly sent a text message to Xu Mo.

MC: Xu Mo, have you seen any other photos in the album?

Xu Mo: For example?

MC: For example, something that impresses you...

Xu Mo: Are you saying that the subject is my photo?

My fingers flicked subconsciously, and Xu Mo's new reply popped up on the screen.

Xu Mo: I forgot to say that next time you can take the photo openly, so that I can take more poses with you.

really!!

I usually secretly took photos of him reading books and doing experiments, and he saw them all!

This crafty man!

When I arrived at the alley where the small courtyard was located, I saw Xu Mo standing at the door of the courtyard waiting for me from a distance. I quickly waved to him.

MC: Xu Mo, is this research difficult? Did you not eat well again?

Xu Mo took the bento in my hand and looked at me with a concerned look, and his narrow eyes were bent.

Xu Mo: It won't be difficult.

Xu Mo: As for whether to eat well...

Xu Mo: If the standard is this bento, then I really can't claim to have a good meal.

He took my hand and led me through the door.

When I stood in the courtyard, the sense of precipitation of the years became stronger.

MC: By the way, Xu Mo, why are you in this place? Is it related to research?

Xu Mo: Well, this research project will be clinical trial here.

MC: This is actually a new research base?

Xu Mo: To be precise, it is a temporary research base.

MC: What about the others in the institute?

Xu Mo: The study will officially start tomorrow, and today we will give them a day off.

MC: It turned out to be so, but how could the research base be chosen in such a yard with a sense of age?

Xu Mo did not answer. He took me to sit down at the square table in the courtyard.

Xu Mo: Based on my understanding of you, after I answer your question, your curiosity will raise more questions.

Xu Mo: So before this heart-filled bento cools down, let's eat first.

Xu Mo: After this, I will show you a good tour.

PART 3

After supervising Xu Mo ate the lunch, he took my hand and walked into the second floor of the courtyard.

The style of the building is consistent with that of the courtyard, and it is even more difficult to tell what era I am in now.

The green leather wall is painted with "work hard" with four big red characters, and the dark gray fur has a light cement smell.

The three classic furniture pieces restore the old texture and the rest of the daily necessities also exude a strong sense of age.

Xu Mo: how do you feel?

MC: Although I haven't experienced that era, it seems to have really gone back to the past.

Xu Mo: The research institute spent a lot of time restoring this place to what it looked like in the 70s.

MC: What you said is even more curious to me. What kind of research is it that you need to construct a venue like this?

Xu Mo: It is a study on the healthy brain of the elderly. For the elderly who suffer from Alzheimer's disease, or who have hidden risks of the disease, perform clinical observations.

MC: I heard that there is no effective medicine and treatment for this disease, is it true?

Xu Mo: Well, Alzheimer's disease can be said to be a serious challenge facing modern brain science research.

Xu Mo: Even this research can only focus on early intervention before the disease, while observing the quantity and quality of brain cells.

MC: So why do you want to restore this place to the 70s?

Xu Mo: If the brain of the elderly is often stagnant, the brain will easily degenerate.

Xu Mo: Recalling the deep things in your own impression can stimulate the vitality of your brain.

Xu Mo: The most impressive experiences of the elderly who will be staying here are concentrated in the 70s, which is the most meaningful time in their lives.

Xu Mo: It is the basis of this research project to stimulate their brains in a familiar environment.

MC: Use memories to wake up the brain and prevent them from getting sick... That's it.

MC: It would be great if more people could know this method.

I looked around and suddenly a flash of inspiration.

MC: Xu Mo! Can I use the lens to record this research?

MC: This can attract more resources to invest in.

Xu Mo didn't speak, and there was a little smile in his eyes when he looked at me.

Realizing that my request was a bit abrupt, I quickly changed the subject.

MC: It doesn't matter if it can't, after all, it involves the confidentiality of research.

MC: But our memories can be recorded with the lens. In this way, when we are old, we have more memory material.

He is still silent, but the smile on his face is deeper,

MC: What's wrong? Did I say something wrong?

Xu Mo: No. If you want to shoot, I can ask the patient's family for their opinions.

Xu Mo: I think they will agree, because what you want to do is also very meaningful.

MC: I thought you would think that my ideas are too bad.

Xu Mo: I'm just happy.

Xu Mo: It turns out that you have planned so far for our future.

After visiting the entire two-story building, Xu Mo took me to the backyard again. In the middle of the backyard was a dense wisteria frame.

There was a breeze in the early autumn afternoon, and the sun overhead was also swept away most of the hot temperature.

The backyard shrouded by wisteria is concealed in a shade of shady vines swaying leisurely in the air, making it particularly cozy.

Obviously this is my first time here, but I inexplicably feel a sense of familiarity (deja vu)

Xu Mo: What are you thinking?

MC: ....It’s weird to say it, but for a moment I felt that this scene seemed familiar.

Xu Mo followed my line of sight and looked at the piece of Wisteria.

Xu Mo: On the scientific level, you have a visual experience.

Xu Mo: But I have a more romantic explanation here--maybe our soul ran out in a dream, and then we met in a yard in the 70s.

He turned his head to look at me, a deep pool of water hidden in his dark eyes.

Xu Mo: Maybe they were there and spent a peaceful life.

His tone was calm and determined, and his words fell in my heart.

MC: Xu, Xu Mo, you lied to me seriously again...

Xu Mo didn't seem to care about my dismantling, there was still light in his eyes.

Xu Mo: If you doesn't believe it, would you like to try it?

MC: try what?

Xu Mo: Had a peaceful dream in the yard of the 70s.

MC: Like our souls, spend a lifetime in a dream?

As expected, I subconsciously believed Xu Mo's words, but the instigator smiled and nodded.

Xu Mo: "Life" is a subjective term. How long a life is is up to you to feel and decide.

Xu Mo: So as long as you want, we can spend our "life" here.

Perhaps I was moved by Xu Mo's romantic theory, or because I hadn't seen him for a long time, I eagerly agreed with this proposal.

MC: Now that you are going to live a slow life in the 70s, let's be more involved!

I took out the headphones and mobile phone and placed them on the stone table in the backyard.

MC: Ask Professor Xu to confiscate these modern contraband.

Xu Mo nodded clearly, and took out the phone as I did.

Xu Mo: It seems we have to find something to seal them in the "future".

He said that he found a wooden box and put all our electronic products in it. Then turned around and reached out to me.

Xu Mo: Welcome to the seventies, little girl.

PART 4

After autumn, the weak and feeble sunlight shone into the window crookedly, like a silhouette painting for us.

And we don't have the mind to appreciate it carefully, we are devoted to the time being slowed down.

Xu Mo seemed to be prepared, and the activities proposed were endless.

He taught me how to light a kerosene lamp and took me to try an old-fashioned sewing machine.

We played the fans leisurely together and listened to the squeaking and squeaking of Suzhou Pingtan on the radio.

Time seems to have really slowed down for us, obviously we have done a lot of things, but the sun outside the window is still mild and bright

After listening to a pingtan, I eagerly looked at Xu Mo

MC: Xu Mo, what shall we do next?

Xu Mo: Is there anything you want to do?

MC: May I decide?

Xu Mo: Yep.I also want to know what you think of a slow life.

MC: um, I...Can't think of it for a while.

Xu Mo: It’s okay, just let it go. Rather than using your brain to think about what to do, it’s better to leave your feelings to your heart.

Xu Mo: The deliberate content does not necessarily conform to the meaning of slow life, the current feeling is the most important.

MC: Then sit on a recliner to enjoy the sun? But is it too plain?

Xu Mo: I think this is a good idea.

After getting Xu Mo's affirmative answer, I also fantasize about me and Xu Mo persevered in the sun together.

But soon my illusion was disillusioned, because we searched the entire yard and found that there was only one recliner.

Xu Mo and I stood under the wisteria frame in the backyard, looking at the narrow lounge chair in front of us.

MC: So... why don't you lie down for a while? Let's take a turns?

The moment I blurted it out, I felt like I had said something silly. I blushed and was about to fight for myself, but he reached out and pulled me into his arms.

Before I knew what he was going to do, Xu Mo grabbed my back waist and gently closed it, and the warm breath of each other instantly intertwined.

Before I could speak with his deep eyes, the center of gravity suddenly fell into a soft embrace.

My gaze moved down slightly, and I found that we were sitting on the recliner at this time, and my legs encircled his body without knowing when.

The large motion shook the recliner, and he shook it slightly. I couldn't find the center of gravity for a while, and subconsciously hooked Xu Mo's neck.

MC: Xu... Xu Mo?!

I struggled to stand up, but Xu Mo released the hands that were fixed to my waist, and I had to tighten the hands around his neck.

There was a warm breath between the bodies close to each other, and the scorching sensation reminded me of the hydrogen above the asphalt road in summer.

Xu Mo: It's boring to be alone in the sun, I think two people will be better.

MC: There is nothing boring in the sun...

Fearing that it would make him uncomfortable, I held on to myself, not to let myself collapse on him.

Xu Mo: You can relax a little. This chair is enough to carry the weight of the two of us.

MC: I, I am very relaxed.

Xu Mo: Is it...

I heard his low and dull noise in my ears, and I hung my head even more flushed.

He stretched out his hand, pressed the knuckles of his right hand against my chin and gently lifted it up,

The next second, a soft and light kiss fell on my lips

I instinctively closed my eyes, and in the sweet silence, I could only hear the buzzing tinnitus in my head.

Although it was only a soft kiss like a dragonfly, time seemed to slow down for this kiss. When we were separated again, it seemed that we had really spent a lifetime.

Xu Mo: I can be sure that you are really relaxed now.

When I blushed and didn't know how to react, Xu Mo's cell phone rang in the wooden box.

As if I had caught a life-saving straw, a carp stood up and rushed into the room, and his laughter came from behind.

MC: Answer the phone quickly! I'll go to the bathroom!

Xu Mo: I know, I'll go back soon.

When I came out of the bathroom, Xu Mo's call was just ended. He saw me coming and waved his mobile phone apologetically at me.

Xu Mo: Sorry. There was a problem with the preparation of the institute, and I needed to return to the institute to discuss it together.

MC: It's okay, you have been with me all afternoon. I'm already very satisfied.

After returning everything in the yard to its original position, I reluctantly took Xu Mo's arm and prepared to leave with him from here.

After spending a day with Xu Mo in the exclusive courtyard, I even felt a little bit reluctant for this place.

Perhaps after seeing through my mood, Xu Mo stopped walking.

Xu Mo: Maybe we can slow down our departure.

Following his gaze, my gaze fell on the 28 bicycle in the middle of the yard.

MC: You mean, can we ride this?

Xu is: It doesn't matter, I can find someone to send it back tomorrow.

Xu Mo stepped forward and patted the horizontal bar in front of the bicycle.

Xu Mo: But this time I still have to feel wronged by you sitting here

I couldn't help but think of our experience of cycling in Canada. At that time, I was anxious to ride the bike firmly, but my hands and feet were frizzy.

Xu Mo: Want to revisit it?

Xu Mo supported the handlebars and the body, his slender and powerful arms supported the bicycle steadily.

I nodded, holding his arm firmly into the "seat"

MC: I won't be as anxious today as I was that time.

After confirming that I was sitting firmly, Xu Mo also stepped on it. He held up his hand and wrapped me in his arms, and there was a reassuring warmth from my back.

MC: Because... I hope this road can be longer.

The white crescent moon took over the setting sun early, and the sunset was like peach-flavored soft candy.

In a busy city, Xu Mo and I were riding a two-eight bicycle that was out of place. The diagonal red stretched our shadows very long.

Accompanied by the two shadows, they swayed towards the next tomorrow.

#mlqc translation #mlqc xu mo #mlqc lucien #mlqc spoilers #cn server #nostalgia date #Lucien #xu mo

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theoddcatlady · 6 years ago

Text

Granny

My granny was a terrible person.

A crotchety old woman that was hardly over one hundred pounds soaking wet, she would sit in her rocking chair all day long and scowl while watching her TV game shows. She looked like a skeleton with cracked leather clinging to her bones and wisps of colorless hair sticking out from a mostly bald scalp. And she was mean. If I tried to play Legos in the living room?

“You better clean those up, boy, or you’ll regret the day you were born!”

If I laughed too loudly at whatever TV program was on?

“Stop that racket! That junk will rot your brain!”

If I so much as walked too fast?

“Quit rough housing or else!”

And that ‘or else’ wasn’t an empty threat. Granny had a big cane she carried, a dark redwood one with a raven’s head for the handle. I’m pretty sure she could’ve just used a walker to get around the house, she just liked the impression the big ole cane gave off. When she walked about, she’d smack it down with each step, hard enough to make the floor shake. If she wanted to be sneaky though she’d not made a peep until she was right behind you. Then, with her acidic voice and stale breath, she’d whisper into your ear,

“And just what do you think you’re doing?”

I wasn’t a bad child. Not really. I didn’t get a chance to be. But Granny made me so nervous I’d often forget to do things, like pick up my toys or not run indoors. And when Granny caught me, oh I’d really would regret the day I was born.

Granny didn’t just spank you with her hand. She used that cane, and she’d take it across your back and your butt with all the strength in her shriveled body. It only took one whack to make you never want to sit again, and she usually brought it down three or four times. Never while mom or dad was around though. Nope. They never got to see the spankings. Granny was too clever, I suppose she knew they wouldn’t stand for that.

I hated my grandmother. From a young age I knew I hated her. She wasn’t ever involved in my life except to cause me pain and humiliation. Invitations to school recitals and plays were met with scoffs. I actually tried a few times to have her come, maybe getting out of the damn house would make her lighten up a bit.

Nope. She would laugh and say, “I’d rather jab my ears out with an ice pick than hear you screech on stage while calling it music, Alan.”

She wasn’t quite so cruel when mom was in hearing distance, but she still wasn’t kind about it. It was a nightmare. I’d go to bed crying and I’d never have friends over. I was too ashamed and I had no doubt that in one way or another Granny would drive them away.

I only had the courage to bring over a friend one time. Kendra Reilly.

She was a fun girl, with red pigtails tied with neon green scrunchies and glasses with round lenses and cheetah print frames. She was amazing. We both liked to sit on the swings and sing during recess. We’d hold little concerts. Kendra, being the goofball she was, would ask for tips afterwards in the form of desserts or crackers. Shockingly that sometimes worked, but she always made sure to split them evenly with me. It was half my work after all, according to Kendra.

I thought maybe it’d be okay to invite her over just once. Granny was laid up in bed more often than not at the time and I figured, why not?

I walked in and was immediately met with Granny’s loud screeching voice, “Wipe off your feet on the mat or else!”

Kendra’s eyes went wide and my heart sank. “Let’s just go play in my room,” I whispered before taking her hand and sneaking past Granny. She didn’t seem to notice that there were two pairs of soft footsteps going up the stairs, she was too focused on Family Feud.

Once we were away from Granny things got better again. I turned on my Disney music and we sang along, Kendra talked about a funny dream she had last night, when it was just us it was fun.

Then my door slammed open and there was my Granny. She took one look at Kendra and her face went red as tomato sauce.

“Why is there a girl in your room?!” She shrieked before slapping me across the face, hard enough to leave a handprint.

I was only nine years old at the time. I immediately burst into tears. “I’m sorry Granny! We just… just wanted to play…”

My sniffles went unheard as Granny grabbed Kendra by the ear and started yanking her out the door. “Come here, you little hussy! Going into boy’s rooms at your age, you’re going to end up barefoot and pregnant before you’re sixteen!” Kendra started to scream and tried to pull away but Granny was unrelenting.

I think I finally snapped. I was so tired of the years of torment, all the times I felt ashamed of having such a cruel grandmother, and seeing her attack one of my only friends just pushed me over my limit.

I didn’t shove her hard, just rough enough so she’d let go. Granny fell back on her butt with a yelp and then she clutched her chest.

“Oh! My heart! My heart!”

At first I thought she was being overdramatic, that she was trying to make me seem like some sort of monster child so my parents would ground me. But she wasn’t. Her face went gray before her eyes rolled back and she passed out.

Granny survived two days in the hospital before finally passing away.

I was torn between the feeling of finally being free and the grief that I was the one who caused her heart attack. Kendra and I lied, saying that Granny just marched upstairs, started shouting, and then she had the heart attack. Nothing about me shoving her.

My parents were quiet during the funeral. I somehow fell asleep to the minister’s monotone voice. Had horrible nightmares in which Granny burst from the coffin and wrung my neck screaming about how I murdered her. I woke up and had to excuse myself to the restroom, I’d wet myself in fear.

The next week was quiet. I was so used to Granny watching game shows or her shouting at me for something I had done. It was almost relaxing.

I should’ve known the peace was at an end when I came home to find my mother sobbing at the kitchen table while my father was resting a hand on her back. I heard her say, “I thought she was gone this time!” before I finally looked at the stove.

A woman with dark hair in a tight bun and wearing a long black dress with a high neck was stirring some sort of soup. Judging by the smell it was cabbage. She turned to me, her eyes fastened on me like a hawk on its prey.

“Alan, you’re late for dinner. I expect you to be home at five PM every week day. Where’s your homework?”

My mother wailed before burying her face in her hands. I looked beside the woman at the stove, where something was resting against the counter.

A cane with a raven’s head for the handle.

And suddenly I recognized the woman standing there at the stove cooking dinner.

That night ‘Granny’ came into my room. I was numb with shock. I didn’t understand. Was this really Granny? Was it a clone? Or was this some warped dream?

The door creaked open and I nearly hid under my bed as the dark haired woman walked into my room, her head held high. I pulled the blankets over me as I shook. I thought I was going to die.

When I looked into her eyes, I knew she was truly Granny. Gray like cement and colder than dry ice. Granny glided across the room before she sat at the foot of my bed. She rested her chin on her cane, seemingly lost in thought for several minutes before she chuckled.

“You’re a lot like your mother you know. She actually put rat poison in my breakfast. She wanted me gone too.”

I didn’t say anything.

Granny’s gaze rested on me again and her mouth was twisted in a morbid smirk.

“I only want what’s best for you, Alan. When you listen to me, things will go according to plan. I suppose I just have to be stricter with you. Now, I expect you to be home by five every day. Call me Nanny now, your mother hired me to take care of you because of what happened to your poor grandmother. Start bringing Kendra with you- are you listening or are you nodding off?”

I couldn’t have fallen asleep even if I tried, I bobbed my head up and down frantically.

“Good boy. Start bringing Kendra here. Not to your room. Girls that want to be in boy’s rooms by that age are no good. Don’t give her any ideas but keep her around. Keep your grades above a B or you’ll be punished. Your room must be clean before you leave the house. When you start going out on the weekends, you must give me a week’s notice and perform extra well in your chores. And don’t you try to get rid of me. You won’t like it when I come back. Is that clear, Alan?”

I opened my mouth but what came out was, “What will happen if I don’t listen to you?”

Granny laughed. A creepy, flat sound that scratched my ears and made the hair stand up on my neck.

“You’ll lose your privileges. Your mother used to be able to have a job, go out on Saturday nights, be married so someone she loved… be allowed two children. She lost those privileges. As long as you listen, Alan, you won’t ever have to fear losing your privileges.”

I’m now eighteen. Nanny has ordered me to propose to Kendra tonight. We’re only kids. We’re in love. But we’re not ready.

But I don’t want to lose any more of my privileges.

#horror stories #scary stories #creepypasta #writers on tumblr #creative writing #my stories

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pinnjazworld · 4 years ago

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Thoughts about diets and what I ate today

The world is full of a variety of diets. I’ve never really been a friend of strict quick diets. I'm just too lazy to count calories and less than after a day of trying, I decided that I did not even try to count them.

This january I really far followed the vegan diet and it has been surprisingly easy. Currently, the demand for vegan products is really strong and the supply of various vegan options is really well (and nowadays even low price) available.

I am actively this year held a variety of YouTube's Weight Management / sports / reaction videos and there is thrown a lot of the concept of "intuitive eating" (especially between body positivity women and channels).

I seriously believed, without further ado, that intuitive eating is about listening to the body about what should be eaten. I do this a lot myself, sometimes when I crave green vegetables (broccoli, spinach, etc.) I think it’s because my body suffers low from some of the vitamins or other nutrients in those vegetables. Once I crazy coveted onions. I pushed quite shocking amounts of onions into every food and when I started thinking about what vitamin deficiency my body was suffering low from at the moment and started googling it, it turned out that onions are a super good help in various inflammatory conditions of the body. I was that Wow! Unbelievable! Because when I had my onion cravings, I suffered from a mild flu.

Another such example was when I was dating a man and his cousin drank insane amounts of Coca-Cola. The same cousin also occasionally got “scenes” where he could drink lemon juice concentrate straight from the bottle because he coveted it so much. This, I think, was just a way for the body to try to balance that shocking amount of Cola with citric acid.

So because of these examples, I believed that intuitive eating is something completely different than what these YouTubers meant. After watching the Chikara Transformations video on the subject ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Av98I63uyqU ) I was confused. That's not intuitive eating! That's just an excuse to keep eating everything unhealthy!

Chikara's video on the subject is good and worth watching!

My own eating has been relatively light at the moment and I can clearly see that my stomach has shrunk a lot compared to before. I will fill up much faster. The vegan diet provides energy well, and I haven’t felt particularly tired even though I do a lot of sports now compared to before.

Here’s one day of my meals:

Breakfast: Smoothie (overnight soaked in multigrain oats, icy blueberries, ½ banana). Multigrain bread with spinach, vegan cheese with a slice, avocado and cucumber.

I have to admit, for a long time I shy away from the idea of that type of smoothie, or basically putting any multigrain flakes in a delicious and fresh smoothie. After tasting that, I was surprised at how delicious it was and goes especially well with breakfast smoothies!

Lunch: Spinach, carrots, cucumbers, avocado and boiled pasta, broccoli and onions.

I now always when I'm eating small plates, and looks like a large dose because a small platter, tricking it comfortably in my brain that I've eaten a huge amount!

Dinner: Cabbage-spinach soup.

This is all illegally good! Calories are kept to a minimum and you can eat that with a good conscience no matter how much.

Evening meal: Fresh smoothie. In the smoothie, I used clementine, pineapple, pear and mint. As a liquid, I only add water to each smoothie in addition to the ice cubes.

For a drink in between: water or lightly acidified water with lime, grapefruit with slices and ice! Quite heavenly good and I find myself drinking a lot more water just because of the good taste that citrus fruits bring. In addition, citrus fruits boost the body's function while cleansing it!

I haven’t really counted calories, but I can tell you that with this kind of food, for example, at no point in the day did I feel particularly hungry or tired, on the contrary! My energy level was at its peak all day and I always felt fit after food.

Do you follow a particular diet?

Awesome start to the week for everyone!

#weight weightloss newlifestyle

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tinyshe · 5 years ago

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Garden Report 20.02.08

Two words, no three words of advise:

always wear your garden gloves especially when pruning roses;

always pin up your hair or braid it tight (unless you have short hair! that might hurt!) because tucking under your cap/hat won’t work for long;

always wear your wellies or hose-able shoes.

So I started the day running up to the farmer’s market to drop off some stuff for a friend -- she forgot to tell me they are still on winter market time so I am there and hour and a half early. So I am sitting in the truck with nothing but my rosary, time well spent!

Back to the house but have to take the long way to avoid the traffic snarl the road crews are creating then another detour so I don’t go by the rose society who is hosting a free pruning seminar (they give away their clippings and I have too many roses in pots begging for real earth!). I have no self control with plants so this is the best choice but it also then takes me past my favourite chocolatier who I am trying to avoid for health reasons and practicing for Lent. Temptations at every turn! So I finally get home and decide I need to have another cuppa. And then a look at seed catalogues … lost online dreaming (no, we still haven’t found my seed box). And then I realize the sun is shining and its blustery as *put your favourite explicative language here* so I jump up, grap my middle child’s musseling hat and my anvil sheers and hit the door running. No boots. Tennis shoes. Hair flying under a child’s hat. Not the best laid plan … truthfully, no plan at all. I thought briefly about the worm bin and potting up flats for seeds as I past the lean-to but they flew out of my head the minute the wind hit me as I rounded the corner. I hate blustery days. This was a knock down, bitter cold one. I can so commiserate with Piglet!

I can not belief how a couple of days can make! I had waved off the Donald because it was too wet to dig on Thursday but here it is … not so! Every body is leafing out! Even the branches and clippings from last month are budding up! So I am whacking and trying to evaluate on the fly realizing I may just be late (again). I don’t know why I was thinking that the garden would go in slow mo … wasn’t I just complaining about this last week and here I am bemoaning the same?! Either I am more than daft or I think I have more control than I do!

Elderberry, half way pruned, need ladder.

Quince, quarter pruned, need ladder.

Currants, not quite ready for cuttings to root but definitely need pruning.

Gooseberries, if I have any this year, I will be delighted. I mainly pruned to thin but they are quite unruly at this point (still).

Three roses, removed dead wood.

Trimmed up artichokes. Look for aphids and other pest.

Pulled mustard and lame cabbages (stunted by root mites which makes me mad; these were nursery starts and now my bed is infected).

Did search and rescue of gnomes. I was happy the Wolff pot survived as did my St Bridget plaque. We still have some of the larger gnomes to fish out of the rose hedge but that is going to take a hands and knee crawl under the Spanish Daggers (plants), to reach and I am clueless to where the helmet hard hat, safety goggles and knee pads are. Last time I got stabbed in the scalp so I did learn something when I was last trimming them up. I am a slow learner, or forgetful or both! And then some!

By this time it was in great need of another cup of tea -- back inside away from that wind. I dislike the wind as the day is long! Yes, Still waiting for the samovar! Any day it should arrive! I am so eager to get this new ‘garden tool’!!

But I am having a bit of a day:

‘I don’t feel very much like Pooh today,’ said Pooh. ‘There there,’ said Piglet. ‘I’ll bring you tea and honey until you do.’

~ A. A. Milne Winnie-the-Pooh ~

Yes, I am having a Pooh Day, or is it a Piglet Day … think, think, think, oh bother! Engage the brain, Mr. Conductor! Darn that’s another program all together.

Once I recover from the wind, the pointed, scrapes, rips and tears to my skin and clothing, I may make another foray out to the garden. I would love to work on the side garden out of the wind but my dove friends are nesting! Huzzah! I hope they stay! The female has tried three years (this being the third) so I hope they stay but she has been known to even leave a clutch of eggs. They say three times a charm … I would love to have little dove chicks in the garden. Technically called squab but squab reminds me of pie and I so don’t want to eat these little dears. The only problem I have is that they are over my nettle patch which will soon be ready for the first harvest of Spring. Hmmm: Babies; Nettles; Baby doves; Nettle soup... You know, my nettles have a long harvest season so baby doves win hands down!

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foolsiwillshowthemall · 8 years ago

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Farm Report: Cabbages for the Luau

Thursday the 11th of summer. Today is the day of the Summer Luau. It is also the day that my crop of red cabbages are ready. This is both good timing, and bad timing. Red cabbages are one of the most valuable unprocessed farm crops, but this being a holiday will also be a nuisance.

Evelyn has somehow sent me a whole chocolate cake in the mail. I'm impressed, and most pleased. I can't possibly eat a whole cake by myself, of course.

Harvesting the cabbages. They're single-harvest crops, so I'll have to re-seed these spots promptly.

44 red cabbages, some coffee, hops, eggs, and wine. This will be a profitable day. Now, to head into town.

Dammit! Pierre's shop is closed because of the holiday. I won't be able to put down seed for a second crop today. I should still be able to get a second cabbage crop in during the season. If I had been smart, I would have bought more cabbage seeds yesterday.

Time for the Luau. Just like last year, there's a big potluck soup which everyone brings ingredients for. The Governor is here, and our Mayor wants to impress him with the quality of this valley's produce.

Last year, I brought a giant melon to add to the soup. It was a hit, but I think I can do better. A gold star quality red cabbage is one of the best possible produce items you can bring.

Dancing a bit with Emily while I wait for the soup to be done. Actually, I'm not sure Emily even knew I was there. She just zones out when she's dancing.

You could go dance with Emily ... nah, you'd never actually have the courage to do that.

I'm glad to see that Kent is slowly re-adjusting to civilian life. Jodi's cool, I haven't seen much of her since Kent came back. I hope she's not having too rough a time helping him get re-adjusted.

You could rub some on mine, if you're not too busy...

Alright. Soup is ready. Let's see how the Governor likes it.

He likes it quite a bit! Can't stop eating it, in fact.

Success. Getting this best-possible result from the luau gives me a significant friendship bonus to everyone in the town. More than if I has just given each villager their most favorite gift, though not as much as doing so on their birthday.

That night I sell the rest of the cabbages, and the other miscellaneous farm products. That's over 14K gold from cabbage alone. They're a high-value crop, yet still one I sell directly rather than pickle or ferment.

Friday the 12th. Some of the spots where cabbages were have turned into bare soil. I'll have to fix that today, after I buy new seeds. Quite a few things to get done. I have money, and there are several things I need to get started now. Summer is nearly half over. I'll be chugging coffee all day today.

Putting down a tile floor that will surround the next building to be placed. It's not necessary, but I like to outline buildings in floor like this before placing them.

The Traveling Wagon has a Sandfish! This is great, it's needed for a community center bundle, and I won't normally be able to catch it until I gain access to an entirely new map region. Getting it now shaves off a lot of time towards completing the community center.

Next stop is Robin's. Robin, I have a lot of work coming up for you. Say goodbye to your family, you won't see them for a while.

A Shed is a building that doesn't technically do anything, but has a lot of interior space as compared to the exterior. I'm going to move all the food storage and processing equipment into it, to get it out of the kitchen.

Putting it right there in the space I outlined, next to the blueberries and chicken yard.

Sandfish goes to the specialty fish bundle. The only one I have left to catch for this bundle is the Pufferfish.

Next stop is the general store to visit my best girl. She's not in her room. I decide to check in her parent's bedroom, remembering the time I saw her and her mother hiding people in there. She's not there either, but I spot something behind the bookcase...

Pierre's Secret Stash? I'm not sure what I'm looking at, but I'm sure I shouldn't be seeing it, and nobody else should too.

Pierre doesn't think I should see it either.

Uh, whatever, dude. I really don't care what you get into that you need to hide from everyone. I'm going to try and forget I even saw this. Do you sell brain bleach, or do I need to go to JojaMart for that?

Hey, in about a month, that room next door will be unoccupied. Just saying.

Ok. Now to do what I've came for, as Abigail has appeared. I can't possibly eat this entire chocolate cake by myself. I'm sharing it with Abby.

Anything for you, babe.

Now I need to buy the seeds to plant the second harvest of cabbages. While I'm here, I'll buy seeds for plantings later in the season, planning ahead so I don't have to miss a day of growth if harvest comes on a day that Pierre is closed.

Back to the farm. The bare spots have been hoed, fertilized, and watered, and all the cabbages have been planted for the second harvest.

Still not done for the day. Another coffee, and then it's time to chop trees.

Nearly midnight, and over 300 units of wood harvested. That makes back the wood it took to order the shed.

Saturday the 13th. It is raining heavily, and the melons are ready for harvest. Hops and some other crops are too, but the melons are the most important part.

Robin is hard at work in the rain, making my shed. This is not even the worst weather I've seen her build in. Amazingly dedicated to her job as usual. Also, I can see that some of the blueberries are ready.

Because I was only able to cover part of the blueberry patch with rapid-gro, I get two different out-of-sync harvests out of the patch. Part of the patch produces berries more often than the others, but the less frequently producing plants will produce higher quality since I used normal fertilizer for them. Not the most efficient setup, but it's still going to be wildly profitable.

Today's harvest: 75 melons, 17 hops, 10 tomatoes, 8 red peppers, 4 eggs, some peaches and oranges, and an amazing 274 blueberries. The blueberries will be sold straight away for a massive immediate profit. The melons and the hops will be reserved for making into melon wine and pale ale.

That's 30 kegs making melon wine. In a week those will be ready, and I'll be able to sell the wine for over 1000 gold each, and then put another 30 melons right in for the next batch. In total I should make over a quarter million off this season's melons alone.

And yet, I want to increase the production rate, which means I need more kegs. To build more kegs, I need more coal, iron and copper ore. Which means another trip to the mines. The spirits don't want me to go, but I'm going anyway.

First, I do a run from levels 30-40 for copper ore. True to the fortune teller's words, they are full of monsters. But, this is easy early levels to me now. With my new sword, nearly everything here dies with one hit. I murder the golems, slimes, and bats, and collect copper ore.

I also do a run through levels 55-60. The spirits throw lots of soot sprites at me. I murder them with my sword and gather the coal.

Late at night, I return to the farm. Robin is still hard at work, unperturbed by the repeated lightning strikes on the lightning rods in the nearby chicken yard.

That's 16K just from blueberries today. It's a lot, but that's all going to go right into building construction and upgrades.

Sunday the 14th, and the shed is done! This building only takes 1 day to build, unlike 2 days for some of the others.

There's a lot of room inside - a lot more than you'd think from looking at it from the outside. Apparently Robin has access to timelord technology. I'll be moving all my kegs into here, although I have to wait for the current melon wine batch to be done. You can't move a keg while it's in use.

Today, the traveling wagon has a duck egg! That's also another required item for the community center. Although I might get ducks anyway, I like ducks.

Back at Robin's again. She just finished that shed, but I have another job for her now.

Building a barn will be next, and I'll be placing it right next to the coop. Cleared out the space where it will go, and then built a walkway so I can get to the front of both the barn and the coop easily without having to wade through tall grass. The lightning rods also have their own harvest of batteries ready for me to gather.

Duck Egg placed in the Animal Bundle. To finish this one, I will need one more item - either a Large Milk, or a Large Goat Milk. I'm hoping to score them off the traveling wagon, but I'm building the barn in case I don't. The real challenge will be getting a Truffle. I might get one from the wagon, but if I don't, I need to raise pigs and then hope they find one. You need the highest level Barn upgrade to have pigs, they're expensive, you need to raise them to adulthood before they can find truffles, and they can't find them during the winter. It's a huge nuisance. I really hope the wagon comes though for me.

Starting to fill the shed. Moved the preserves jars and some of the miscellaneous kitchen stuff here, and built four more kegs. I'll move the other kegs when they finish the current melon wine batch.

Coffee has been drunk, and now it's time for more late-night lumber harvesting. I still need a lot more wood for building upgrades and kegs.

#Stardew Valley #drew plays video games #robin #abigail #pierre #the luau

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spoonfulofsexy · 8 years ago

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Frozen Over

Bucky x Reader

Chapter (11/?)

Masterlist (x)

Warnings: none

AN: Hello friends! thank you for all the positive feedback!! I’m really excited about this story now!! I hope i can always have enough time to write chapters!! Let me know what you think about Frozen Over!

You traveled down the tall hill that the base was settled on. Even though it was transitioning into spring there was still a layer of snow on the ground. Spring never stopped mother nature in Russia from making it snow. Your black boots crunched the fluffy, white snow, leaving your tracks behind.

You played with the money in your jacket pocket. Zola had left behind a large amount of money when he left. They were funds for weapons and research, but only you knew about it, so you used it for food. So every once in awhile you would travel to the little village at the bottom of the hill and buy some fruits and bread. Neither you nor Winter were a good cook, it was always a struggle to make actual meals. Sometimes you could get food from the babushka that you had befriended.

When you met her it was a really snowy day and you came to the village to stock up on food. The elderly woman was having trouble carrying her goods and you hated to watch her struggle. You offered to carry her bags and walk her back to her house. She thanked you with home made soup and pastries that you ended bringing back to Winter. It was probably the best food you two had eaten in years.

She went to the market every Saturday morning, so you went to help her carry food and she could repay you with cooked meals. You called her babushka Marina. She was such a loving lady, which made her very easy to talk to. Although you never told her about who you really were. In all honesty you weren’t exactly sure who you were besides Frostbite, Agent 0, one of Hydra’s powerful assets.

You told her your name was Liliya and your boyfriend’s name was Bucky. You always had the urge to call Winter Bucky, so when you had the chance to rename him, you went with instincts.

You would like to believe that maybe you and Winter could be in a relationship. After years of having to repress feelings and emotions towards him, you could finally let it all out.

That’s why you enjoyed going to the market so much. It was a chance to socialize with people other than Winter. Even if you didn’t get the chance to talk to anyone, it was still nice to be in an environment with other people.

The market came into view as the tall bare trees began to clear. You could hear all the chattering of people exchanging food and talking about each other’s lives. You let out a sigh of contentedness as you finally entered the village. Recently you’ve been very aware that you didn’t dress like the other young women from here. They all wore pretty patterned dresses with furry coats, they looked delicate. Insecurity wasn’t what you felt but more like worry. You didn’t want attention towards you, because maybe Hydra could find you again.

As you were lost in thought looking at all the women you felt a soft grip on your arm. You were surprised, so instinctively you quickly pulled your arm away and turned ready to fight.

When you realized who it was you instantly dropped your arms and untensed.

“My is that any way to greet me”, said Babushka Marina.

“I’m sorry, I was just wasn’t expecting it”, you said ashamed for acting that way in public.

“It’s alright, fluturaș.” She gave your arm a comforting rub. Her face contorted when her finger ran over a whole on your sleeve. “I see you’re dressed in you best today”, she smirked sarcastically.

You looked down at your jacket and realized how beat up it actually was. There were cuts and distressed marks all over the thing. You thought it had character but to other “normal” people it was trash. “Uh yeah, I don’t really have anything better to wear.”

“Your man let you go out like that?”, she asked while looking through some pears.

You scratched the back of your head in confusion as you followed behind her. “Is that a rule?”

She picked up a pear and gave it a light squeeze then gave it to you. “Well it is the 60’s, but no it isn’t a rule. I was just wondering.”

You let out a relieved laugh, “Oh that’s good.” You paid for the pears and then turned to Babushka. “Are there any houses for sale here?”

She gave you a surprised look, “You’re looking to move?”

“Uh well, I don’t know. It would be nice to live here”, you shrugged your shoulders.

“Well I’m not too sure, but I’m bound to leave sometime”, she said as she winced to pick up her basket of fruit.

You rushed to pick it up before her. You tsked at her comment, “Oh you stop that, you’ll live for hundreds of years.” You gave a little chuckle to lighten the mood.

“If only”, she laughed. “Alright come with me back home and we can continue talking. My legs are getting tired.”

You carried her things as she told you some old stories when she was young. You always loved her stories, they made time pass by so fast. Before you even realized it, it was already dark.

“Thank you for your stories and food, but I need to go home”, you got up off the couch and put down your empty tea cup.

“Oh I didn’t realize it was late out already. Silly me filling your head with old memories”, she scolded herself.

You hugged her, “It’s okay, because I don’t have my own.” She didn’t ask you about it, but she gave you an extra long hug before letting you leave.

“I’ll see you soon, right fluturaș?”, she asked.

You paused, you didn’t like making promises you couldn’t keep but you didn’t want to let her down. “Yeah, I’ll see you next week.”

With that you closed door and you trudged up the snowy hill with a bag of food. The woods seemed extra quiet tonight. Every time something actually did make a noise you moved into a fighting position. It was unnerving and it felt like your every move was being watched, like you were prey. When you finally reached the base you opened the door quickly and looked outside as you closed it.

Since you were walking in backwards you felt your back bump into something. Suddenly arms wrapped around your torso.

You were about to go into Frostbite mode until you heard, “You’re back!” Hearing the familiar voice instantly made you relax.

“Geez Wint, you really scared me there.” You sighed, but you could still feel your heart beating against your chest.

“Why are you so jumpy?”, he nuzzled his nose into your neck.

You tried to wiggle out of the embrace but it wasn’t happening, so you had to waddle to the eating area with him clinging to you. “I don’t know. It felt like someone was watching me.” You placed your bags on the table and turned around so you could finally hug Winter back.

He placed his metal hand on the back of your head to pull you closer to him. “It’s okay, no one is watching you.” For some reason you weren’t convinced this was true, but you tried to push that feeling away. Winter could tell you were still tense so he tried to change the subject. “So what does babushka have for us this week?”

He let you go and you went to the bags on the table. You started to dig through them and put the containers on the table. “We’ve got some soup, cabbage rolls, some potatoes, sweet bread, and I bought some fruit and milk.”

He hummed in joy at all the food. “Sounds great! Thank you for getting the food!” He came over and kissed the side of your head.

When he did that, a question you have been wondering for awhile resurfaced in your brain. You bit your lip to try to keep yourself from asking, but you couldn’t hold it back any longer.

“Hey Wint?”, you asked hesitantly.

Winter stopped what he was doing and turned to look at you, “Yeah Frost?”

You looked down at the ground and rubbed your arm. “Umm, well I don’t know how to ask this.”

Winter scrunched his eyebrows in confusion, “What?”

“Are we….” you paused with anxiety building in your chest, but you took a deep breath, “Are we in a relationship?”

“A relationship?... Frost”, he ran a hand through his hair.

When you heard the tone in his voice, you instantly knew where this was going. You could feel the pain pressing on your chest as tears filled your eyes. You weren’t sure why you were getting so upset over this. “I get it…”, you squeaked out.

“No Frost don’t!”, he quickly walked to you. “I don’t even know what a relationship is!”

“Like we are boyfriend and girlfriend”, you laughed through a tear.

“Of course we are friends!”, Winter gave you a pained look.

“No, Wint”, you laughed as you wiped a few stray tears off your face. “Boyfriends and girlfriends are more than friends. Like.. they love each other.”

His eyes widened at the word love. It was something that was always forbidden to him but now he is face to face with it. “I do love you.” He said in a very serious voice.

You looked at him with wide eyes, “You do?!”

“I really do.” He closed his eyes tight thinking about the first time he has felt this way, and it was the day he first saw you. When you were brought into his life, you brought back humanity too. You gave him: emotions, feelings, hope, the sense of comfort, you were everything good in his life. Now he really understood how much you meant to him. Suddenly, he felt the most pure and passionate feeling his has ever felt before, love.

Without thinking he grabbed your face in both of his hands and pulled your face into his. His rough lips crashed against yours. You were shocked by his sudden actions but you couldn’t help but melt into the kiss. This was the feeling Babushka Marina was talking about. It felt like your heart was fluttering in your chest, like your legs had just become jelly and he was the only thing that could keep you standing. Your brain had an explosion of thoughts that made everything a blur. You were so absorbed into this kiss that when you both pulled away you realized you weren’t breathing the entire time.

“You take my breath away, Winter”, you smirked against his lips.

“You take my pain away”, you whispered. “I really do love you.”

You looked at him with happy tears this time. “I love you too. We’re in this together forever.”

“And always”, he finished.

tagged: @thedoctorlivesthroughbooks @dammit---hydra @chameerah @disgustingpatdstan

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moricatlibrary · 8 years ago

Text

Comfort

In which Armin and Ymir have another heart to heart after the events of Trost regarding his distress for Eren.

It’s EreminSeason so here’s a short sequel blurb to my previous Eremin week blurb “Hurt”, featuring some additional YumiHisu fluff ;3 For Day 2: Jail

I never get sick of writing Eremin and YumiHisu supporting each other, nor do I get sick of writing Ymir chatting with Armin, so here is this; Enjoy if you can!^^<3333

Armin sat at the table, staring at his tray of food that he couldn’t bring himself to swallow. With Eren in jail, and whole new fears in his brain, his appetite had finally disappeared completely…

“Armin, you have to eat, you know. Eren would want you to.” Mikasa’s sweet voice urged from the seat across from him.

“I know. I’m just… taking it slow.”

“Just finish the tray, please. You haven’t eaten in over a day… I know it’s hard to, but you have to keep your strength up for him.”

Armin nodded and raised his spoon over his soup bowl as Mikasa resumed eating in silence… She had been struggling to eat at first too, but with Armin’s gentle convincing, and time, she managed to down her meals. Armin stirred his broth in mutual silence, wishing he had the strength to practice what he preached…

It had been 3 days since the battle of Trost wherein Eren had become the symbol of freedom to the walled world, and taken away by the Military Police for it… Armin had essentially sold Eren’s soul to the government and was currently wallowing in worry over his dearest companion caged up in a dingy jail cell under the courthouse… He was certain that’s where he must’ve been hidden… Cold, dirty, hungry, dehumanized, confused, empty, and alone… until he could either be made useful by the Scouting Legion or turned into mince meat by the Military Police… A cattle’s fate that Eren didn’t deserve. A fate Armin sold him into. A fate he wished he could’ve been different… What if Eren was already being tortured?… And they didn’t even get a chance to talk after all they’d been through. There was so much on his mind Armin wanted to say, and so much he needed to hear…

“Oi, Nancy boy!” a boisterous voice rang out, suddenly breaking the wall of silence surrounding Armin and Mikasa.

Armin looked up and turned his head to the call while Mikasa grimaced at the sight of one of her least favorite trainees swaggering towards them…

Christa’s sweet preachy voice could be heard clearly from their table, scolding her companion. “Ymir, can’t you be polite for once? He’s been through a terrible battle!”

“Yeah, so surely he can handle a little honest conversation.” She argued, glaring briefly at her short muse.

Mikasa irritably spoke up. “Ymir, what do you want?”

“I wanna talk to goo-goo eyes, here, do you mind?” Came her sarcastic reply.

Mikasa’s lips formed a silent snarl at the rudeness of the frisky freckled girl and she turned to check Armin’s response.

“I-it’s alright, Mikasa.” Armin said with a meek smile. “Can you give us a moment?”

Reluctantly, Mikasa rose up, staring ferociously at Ymir as she walked away with her tray to finish eating outside.

Ymir dropped her own tray on the table and plopped down onto the bench where Mikasa had been sitting, joined by Christa. She smiled with satisfaction, staring intensely at Armin before her…

“…Is… is there something I can help you with, Ymir?” He inquired.

“I heard what happened… So… did you dry hump him awake, or what?”

“YMIR!” Christa shouted, offended and embarrassed on her behalf.

A bright red blush washed all over Armin’s face at such an ugly comment, while Ymir’s howling laughter echoed against the cafeteria walls.

Christa scrambled to apologize profusely. “I am so, so sorry, Armin, I think she might’ve broken into Commandant’s liquor cabinet!–”

“Haha- Oh, come off it, I’m as sober as you. Take a joke, Christa.” The crude girl snorted while her red faced blonde friend grumbled to herself in the loss of her sweet composure…

Armin cleared his throat still wondering how he was supposed to respond to that as Ymir’s indulgent chortling continued on…

Ymir sighed and finally found her serenity for conversation again. “Ahh… But seriously, congratulations on that. I’m glad you little throw pillows finally got some sense knocked into you.”

“Y-Ymir, I–” He paused to check his surroundings to make sure no one was listening, and leaned forward with a hushed tone. “I haven’t told him how I feel yet…”

“Hä?!” Her eyes shot wide open as her index finger flew to her forehead, wondering where the hell his brain was. Though still rude and frustratingly overt, Ymir did pay mind to her surroundings to ensure no one was listening in, earning Christa’s tolerance of the conversation. “That idiot died saving your ass, miraculously came back to life, and hauled a fuckin’ mountain for you, and you still didn’t tell him you’re hot for him? Forgive me if I’m stepping out of my boundaries here, but what the hell are you waiting for?!”

“I–”

“And don’t give me that ‘it’s too dangerous to confess it during a war’ crap, cuz guess what, everyone saw your gay asses saving the day through the power of your raging boners, so what gives, Arlert?”

“…Well, for one, I didn’t really get a chance before they took him away…” Armin informed her with somewhat furrowed brows. “He was falling unconscious when we had to hand him over…” His eyes relaxed and he quickly fell somber. “Now he’s in jail, all alone, caged, and chained up like a monster…”

Armin’s look of heartbreak for his missing companion surprisingly struck a chord with Ymir. “Damn… That really sucks, bunny boy… That really sucks…” She tsk’d, finally noticing Armin’s untouched lunch… and took a swig of her water.

“I’m so sorry, Armin… Really…” Christa lamented, genuinely empathizing with Armin’s pain herself. “I’m sure he misses you a lot.”

“Thanks.” He muttered through a solemn smile. He then began choking up a little… “I just hope he’s alright… He must be so confused…”

Ymir slammed her cup down onto her tray with a satisfactory sigh. “To say the least… But hey, look at it this way, he’s got plenty of time to himself to jerk it off to you in there.” she snorted.

“Ymir…” Christa growled.

Upset, Armin simply blushed again, finding it hard to feign politeness at this point, and gazed down at the table, eyes zoning out at the uneaten food.

“I mean he’s got nothin’ better to do than to think of you and your scrawny blond ass. It’s gotta be pretty boring: no battles to fight, no titans nipping at his heels, a bland as fuck meal to eat every day, and shitty MP guards cowering in fear of him. I mean, what else are you gonna do with your time?”

Armin’s gaze began to drift back up as something in Ymir’s raucous comments oddly managed to lift his spirits…

“He’s probably thinking of you right now. Saying ’damn this cabbage water tastes like shit, I’d much rather have a bite of that hot Arlert sausage.’ Ahaha!”

Christa’s face fell into her hands groaning in defeated embarrassment…

“Guess your fruity lil’ ass has a lot to look forward to then, eh? Or wait, never mind. I guess not if you haven’t even told him you’re into him yet… But it’s none of my business. Where you wanna shoot your load at night is up you…” She concluded with a shrug.

“Ughhh…” Christa’s fretful eyes peered up from her hands to look at Armin, whom, to her surprise, started swiftly eating everything on his tray…

“You gonna finish that?” Armin asked gently, gesturing to the bread on Ymir’s tray.

“Nope, nibble away there, hasenpfeffer.” She scoffed, shoving the bread towards his eager hand.

Christa looked at Ymir in awe…

Armin munched and chewed, as dignifiedly as he could in this sudden energy burst, and muttered muffled words through his busy lips in a friendly tone. “I woke him up by talking about the outside world.”

Christa cocked her head in curiosity. “Eh?”

“Tch, what could possibly be out there besides Titans and maybe some fresh dirt?” Ymir argued conclusively as she rose up and playfully shoved his head, ruffling his hair in the process. “They’re gonna burn you alive if you bring up that kinda talk. But, hey, whatever draws your swords, short stack.” She smirked.

Armin smirked in return, and thought for a second… Seeing as Christa was distracted staring by Ymir’s snarky smile, he proceeded to casually jerk his arm, smacking his cup of water and splashing its contents all over Ymir’s shirt…

“AGHHH, what the fuck, cornball?! That was my last clean shirt!”

Armin’s sweet voice sang a phony apology. “Oh, I’m so sorry, Ymir! But maybe once she dries you off, Christa could lend you one of her shirts?”

Ymir blushed with wide eyes…

Christa smiled in her usual honeyed way for her soggy friend. “Oh, certainly! Let’s go, Ymir. And hey, you can do your laundry with me later since you’re out of clean clothes! Have a good afternoon, Armin! I hope you feel better soon and that everything works out…”

As Christa began to lead her away, Ymir glanced back at Armin, who gave her a kind nod. She smiled at him graciously and then turned her sights to the impromptu “date” ahead of her, simpering to herself over all the possible outcomes for it…

Armin swallowed his bread, and stared at his nearly-empty bowl of soup, thinking about what Ymir said… Eren was safe. Maybe he was cold and uncomfortable in his hidden cell, but he was safe. And since the government would be too afraid of him to touch him, he’d be left alone to rest… And after what they just went through in Trost, of course Eren would be thinking about him… And in his state, probably missing him terribly indeed, especially with how confused he is… Maybe even… coming to terms with his feelings?… Thus Armin had a very healthy chance to tell him how he feels and began looking forward. His heart throbbed beneath his chest and shivery shirt buttons and a smile appeared over his lips for the first time since he last spoke with Eren in Trost…

He was able to eat without any problems for the rest of the month.

Somewhere underneath the courthouse in wall Sina, an empty Eren with dark circles under his eyes and longing in his heart, shifted over the jail cell bedsheets… He glanced up at the ceiling just wishing there were a window to the outside at least. Was it noon? He wasn’t sure what the time was at all anymore… He sure did miss the sunlight… With nothing worthwhile to look at, he closed his eyes, just as he’d been doing ever since the moment he’d woken up in that putrid cage, and pictured his favorite image: Armin’s sweet face and glimmering eyes.

#eremin #yumihisu #erearu #yumikuri #ereminseason #attack on titan #shingeki no kyojin #armin arlert #eren jaeger #Ymir #christa lenz #historia reiss #armin arlelt #eren yeager

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