#three seater waiting chair

[d-maxhealthcare1]

Three seater waiting chair with cushion

description

Metal Waiting Chairs are perfect for Indoor Use.

Our Metal Waiting Room Chairs have Three Perforated Seats on Abeam.

Use of Latest Technology to Make the Seat Radian 17.45

Degrees to Make the Seating Comfortable for the User.

Rust and Water Resistant.

Chrome Plated Handles and Legs & Powder Coated Seat.

https://dmaxhealthcare.com/product/three-seater-waiting-chair-with-cushion/

[letthewordsoverflow]

So I saw Anora two days ago and can't get this epilogue out of my head so just imagine this, directly following the end of the movie....

So Igor holds Anora in the car until she stops crying

then finally she gets up and then gets out of the car with a flippant joke about him zipping his dick back in "pervert"

then she takes a few steps back towards the house and then turns back and goes "well? Are you coming?"

So he goes from scrambling to zip up his pants to scrambling out of the car and following her inside

and then they go into the living room and her sister is there w her boyfriend sitting on the couch and shes just like "hey there's some lasagna in the kitchen"

so he follows anora into the kitchen (he'd follow her anywhere) and they get lasagna and they go to join her sister and her bf in the living room to watch the movie and they're cuddled on one side of the 3 seater and anora sits against the other arms so there's space in between but it'd be tight so he sits in the arm chair next to the couch

and they eat their food and are watching and he's super aware of her but definitely NOT looking at her (okay but only from the corner of his eye and she DEFINITELY cannot tell)

at some point she lets out a frustrated sigh and stands up and comes to sit in his lap and cuddles into him

eventually she falls asleep there, with her head curled under his chin, and she stays like that for a long time

he considers asking her sister for a throw blanket but then they get up and go into one of the two bedrooms down the hall

He waits a while longer, just holding her. Shes safe. And she's in his arms.

If you had asked him what he expected from being 30 three days ago, it definitely would not be this. But this, this is so much better.

He stands up and takes her to her room and sets her down in her bed and he moves her hair out of her face and just gazes at her for a second

He moves to leave but she groggily reaches out her arm and says "stay"

so he kicks off his shoes, climbs into bed, and just holds her while they sleep.

and she actually sleeps through the night instead of getting up to work (at some point he woke up to piss and he gently pushed her to ask and she was not pleased about the disruption because she "needs some fuckin rest after the last 48hours")

they wake up the next day at like noon (early for her, late for him)

So they wake up and just look at each other for a moment and then he asks "may I kiss you?" And she says "but I have morning breath" and he says "may I kiss you?" And she says "you have morning breath" and he says "may I kiss you?" And she nods, not breaking eye contact but clearly a little bashful at the vulnerability

and theyre kissing and then they're making out and at some point he pulls away and moves to just hold her and shes like "do you...not want to?"

And he goes "I want to, we just don't have to. I'm happy like this." and he cuddles her closer

and she smiles to herself and hides he face into his chest for a moment

but then she moves to straddle him and goes "what if I want to?" And he goes "whatever you want" in the tone that says 'you can have whatever you want and we never have to do anything you don't want' and seeing the sentiment echoed in his eyes has her kissing him with all she's worth (which a lot in his estimation)

and then theyre getting all hot and heavy and she takes off his shirt and moves to take off his pants

when she realizes he's still wearing his jeans so of course she gives him shit for that (but he wasn't going to climb into her bed in his underwear without her go ahead so he just takes her teasing)

and they laugh together as they keep making out and shedding clothes and then she moves to touch him (like she did in the car, but this time it was about him)

He stops her and he asks if he can do something

and she says sure

so he flips them so she's on her back (she knew he was strong, he threw her around a whole bunch not two days ago, but it was different to have him move her like that....it did it for her honestly)

he moves to go eat her out and she starts to stammer that he doesn't need to do that and he says "what if I want to"

like she said before

and then he goes at it for a nice long time

And he makes her cum

like HARD

and so shes like "I finished," meaning to say 'okay cool now im taken care of so over to fucking so you can get off' (that's just how sex works, right) and hes like "who said i am?"

And then keeps at it, making her orgasm a few more times before he even lets her touch his dick

(she can't even recall the last time a guy she was with got her off)

so she's like on cloud nine when she's finally like "stop stop"

he pulls back IMMEDIATELY and asks if she's okay and if he did something wrong

she says no, she's just over sensitive and then next time she cums she would really like if he was inside her

so then he smiles and moves up her body, kissing her along the way, to get into position

and he kisses her (she loves the taste of herself on him) and then asks if she has a condom

she says she does "but....also....we don't need to use one of you don't want to"

hes very confused

so she gets nervous and starts to ramble about how she always ALWAYS uses protection w clients and she gets tested all the time and knows shes clean (to which he says "me too") and she has an iud but its also totally cool if he wants one because she has been w a lot of partners (bc she assumes he doesn't bc of a judgement for her profession)

meanwhile hes just confused bc it didnt even ocurr to him she may want that

so he asks what she wants and she says no condom (which is kinda the biggest display of trust and intimacy she has bc she is METICULOUS about protection) (even w Ivan who, she was seeing exclusively for what is a long time in her book, she always made him use a condom)

so then they have sex

and he hits a smooth slow wave of a rhythm that really works for her

and he uses one hand to support himself over her and his other to rub her clit

and he just keeps looking at her

and the eye contact and the intimacy are too much and she cums

She cums a lot

and only then does he finally start to lose his rhythm until he's moaning into her neck as he cums

And then he rolls off her and she must be the sappiest bitch in Brooklyn because she misses having him inside her

And then he is just lying next to her breathing heavily for a moment before he quickly gets up and puts on his pants and walks out

and she feels like she must have whiplash bc they were just so intimate (more intimate than she's been with a guy in.... god she doesn't want to think of how long it's been like this)

and he's just gone

like every other guy

maybe this was all just a good fuck to him

Maybe he saw the opportunity to fuck the sex worker, knew it'd be a good time, and now he was done

she's working herself up, even though a whispering voice in the back of her mind kept saying he couldn't have gone far without shoes....or a shirt....or his phone and car keya....

by the time he comes back and shes convinced herself that he was using her and she shouldn't have let him in or trusted him or slept in his arms all night

So she starts to yell at him, which she certainly has a talent for

At first he's confused but he slowly approaches her and sits on the edge of the bed

and he looks down at his hand and then at her, asking for permission

and only then she realizes he came back with a glass of water and a warm damp towel - to clean her up, she realizes as he gently and methodically starts to clean her thighs

she sips at the cool water he handed her as she watches him slowly tend to her

then he sets the towel and glass down (after taking a sip himself... somehow his swallow was a turn on? What is happening to her?)

and he takes is jeans back off and climbs back into the bed and pulls the covers up over them and pulls her to his chest until they both fall back to asleep.

Later he drives her to work at the strip club, kisses her goodbye, and says he'll pick her up later.

As he watches her walk into HQ he can't help but think how much his grandmother is going to love her.

[velaryqns]

Please write being Gregory house wife, pregnant with your second child and just domestic life with house, toddler and baby on the way

Peaceful Evenings

Pairing: dad & husband!gregory house x wife, mom, & pregnant! reader

summary: It's late in the evening when Greg gets home from work...

warnings: fluff, pregnancy, I just threw out a random name for the kid when I started writing...so

You looked at the time as you scrolled through the website you were shopping on. You and Greg had recently discussed the need for a new dining room table. The two seater wasn’t going to work much longer, Parker needed to start using a booster and the baby was due in two months. Plus, you’d be able to get James to help set one up if you needed it. None of the tables had grabbed your attention, and you rubbed a hand over your stomach and hummed, “We might have to convince daddy to go to an actual furniture store.”

The baby seemed to kick in response, and you chuckled and closed the laptop. You sat forward more and stretched your back out, then kicked your legs over the bed to go check on your son in his room. Parker was nearly three, but you still frequently worried about him. Greg had tried to calm your nerves about him, as your son wasn’t a restless sleeper, and was usually good about sleeping through the night after settling into a nice routine.

Sure enough, your son was sound asleep in his bed when you peaked in. Across the hall from his room was the nursery, neutral colors with pops of all colors of the rainbow for your new baby. You continued down the hall, one hand against the wall, to the kitchen. You’d spent most of the evening trying to keep Parker entertained and make sure everything was clean after your day at the hospital.

Thankfully, being a nurse didn’t keep you away from your life at home as frequently as House being the Head of Diagnostics did to him. You couldn’t blame him, and knew he didn’t like when he had to call you and say that something was running behind. It wasn’t frequent, as rare cases were called rare for a reason.

He had called ahead of dinner and you told him to get home safe. But now, he should be home any minute. You turned on the kitchen light, adjusting to the brightness as you got a glass of water, as well as made yourself a cup of tea. As you waited for your tea to be done, you sat at the table. You looked around the living room.

Parker had a few toys still lying around that you’d forgotten to pick up, but you couldn’t be bothered to pick them up this late into the evening. Your eyes were taken from the toys when the sound of keys at the door could be heard. You looked over, smiling at your husband as the door was pushed open.

He had a tired look on his face, but was able to offer you a smile as he set his keys and bag aside. He limped into the kitchen, leaning down to press his lips to yours. You hummed, feeling his hand land on your shoulder and squeeze it gently. He pulled away and grabbed the other chair to sit closer to you, “Hi.”

“Hi,” you smiled at him, cupping your chin with one hand, “Dinner is in fridge if you’re hungry.”

He nodded, patting his hands against the table and rising to his feet. He limped over to the fridge and you turned to watch as he moved around the kitchen, grabbing a mug and pouring your tea for you before he brought it over, “You didn’t have to stay up.”

“Don’t just blame me,” you chuckled and patted your stomach, where the baby had finally stilled for the evening as you took the mug from your husband, “I’m hoping some tea will help me sleep though.”

There was silence as his food reheated and you took a sip of your tea, before you hummed with a small smile, "And maybe with you here tonight."

Your husband let out a small chuckle as the microwave went off and he joined you at the table, sitting in the other chair and taking a bite of his food. You sat back in your chair slightly, wrapping your hands around the ceramic mug as you watched your husband eat. There were a few minutes of silence before you heard the unmistakable sound of Parker in his room. Your eyes darted toward the clock above the stove, a slight frown forming before you pushed yourself to your feet.

You squeezed a hand on your husband's shoulder, squeezing lightly before you wandered down the hall and into Parker's room. You stepped inside to see him sitting up in bed, a new small one that you'd bribed James into helping House bring into the apartment and set up. You smiled at your son, helping him out of the bed and holding his hand as he walked down the hall.

The toddler's sleepy face instantly lit up when he spotted his father sitting at the dining room table. You let his hand go and allowed him to rush into his father's arms. Parker settled on Greg's lap as you sat back in the chair, stretching your back as you and Greg locked eyes, a small smile on your husband's face while Parker began rattling off, with whatever words he knew how to use, about his day after Greg had left.

You knew then that your husband would take the responsibility of tucking the little boy back into bed, and that you'd join each other in the comfort of your large bed and blankets.

This was nice.

[cas-kingdom]

NCIS gang with your OC, watching a horror movie for Abby's bday? <3

It was Abby’s idea, of course. No one else would have opted for a horror movie marathon the moment the sky got dark – in fact, Ducky had requested they change it to an ‘80s English comedy night – but it was Abby’s birthday, and so it was Abby’s choice. Horror movie marathon, it was.

Gibbs had offered to host the little party – Emmie said it was for the sole purpose that he could run down to his basement if he got too scared, to which he’d aimed a light head slap, and she’d ducked expertly out of the way.

So, four NCIS agents, two medical examiners, a forensic specialist, and a teenage girl sat, cramped but cosy, in Gibbs’s living room, surrounded by about twenty blankets and pillows, at least three bowls of popcorn (one of which Tony was keeping safely guarded in his arms), closed curtains plunging them into utter darkness, and a flashlight on the floor in suspiciously close grabbing distance from Gibbs, who had, as expected, protested very audibly against the turning off of all lights.

There weren’t enough seats for everyone, but Tony and McGee didn’t care about the bean bags they’d been assigned. Emmie was squished between a practically bouncing Abby, and Ziva, who, after about twenty minutes into the movie, fell promptly asleep against the side of the sofa. Ducky and Palmer were on the two-seater, while Gibbs sat rigidly in his armchair.

The movie was The Blair Witch Project. Abby was ecstatic, reciting lines the moment the movie started and tugging at Emmie’s arm when a ‘good bit’ was about to come up, which usually meant she needed to cover her eyes. Tony and McGee were fixed on the screen, the former giggling like he was watching a romcom while the latter seeming interested solely in the particulars of the film’s special effects. Ducky occasionally spouted the odd horror movie fact, and Palmer…well. He was just happy to be there.

And Ziva was asleep, so Ziva didn’t care what was going on.

Emmie rarely watched horrors. There was the odd time Abby managed to rope her into one on one of their routine sleepovers, but they tended to be more…placid. Ones she could cope better with, at least. Gibbs, meanwhile, rarely watched movies, let alone horrors, and every time Emmie glanced over, just to see if there was anyone else in the room who was actually as terrified as her, he looked about ready to bolt.

“Oooh, Em, this is a good bit!” Abby said for the tenth time, shaking Emmie’s arm.

Emmie promptly pulled the blanket up to her chin.

“Ha, McGee, that’s you after a night out,” Tony quipped with an immature giggle, pointing a finger at the screen.

“Hilarious, Tony.”

“I do believe that the director of an ‘80’s horror was once charged with murder because one particular scene was so well—"

Even Ducky stopped mid-sentence as the room filled with the eerie sound of kids’ voices coming from the TV.

“Oh…” Tony shuffled backwards on his beanbag. “Oh, God…”

Abby grinned in pure excitement, her eyes fixed on the screen.

McGee’s face contorted into something almost painful.

Palmer was looking anywhere but the screen.

Gibbs pressed himself further back into his chair, hand mere inches away from covering his eyes.

Ziva snored.

And Emmie…

The moment the kids’ voices got louder, she let loose an adamant “nope” and shook herself free of Abby to execute her escape. Clambering ungracefully over Ziva, who somehow stayed asleep, she jumped none-too-gently from her sofa to her dad’s. Gibbs, in need of support as much as his daughter, didn’t spout much more than an oof at the sudden weight before wrapping Emmie in his arms and conveniently hiding his face behind hers.

“Good lord,” Ducky said as the scene continued.

“Uh, I need the restroom.” And that was McGee gone.

“Wait for me!” Palmer quickly followed.

Abby rolled her eyes. “You’re all a bunch of babies.”

Ziva blearily cracked her eyes open. “Babies? How—lovely,” she slurred before promptly returning to sleep.

NCIS Masterpost

[garagesesh]

when we are together

pairing(s): obi wan kenobi x (f!) reader

summary: a glimpse in the life of anakin’s best friends three years after mustafar

warning(s): angst lol

a/n: this is kind of a part two to my anakin story. i have been absent apologies i started school again and a part time job :,) plus the holidays was a horror. idk if this is good or not it’s just been on my mind. title is from the 1975. 

␛ to masterlist

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

Tatooine

16 ABY

The binoculars clicked as you scanned the barren wastelands of Tatooine. The binary suns already beginning to dip beyond the horizon and the desert chill billowed through your sand colored robes.

Where was he?

You couldn’t help the overwhelming feeling that he had been found.

By him.

By Vader.

Goosebumps spread across your skin, your hair standing at attention in fear. This couldn’t be the end, you wanted to reach for the force, for comfort, for calm.

Three standard years had passed somewhat quietly and without much incident. The child was doing well, growing steadily in the peaceful home just over the mountains.

The anticipation of danger without knowing where Obi-Wan was and the looming threat of him and his Empire had washed any sort of safety.

Through the binoculars, a spot that was moving at rapid pace rose just above the horizon

A speeder, not of your own came across the desolate sand and rock.

Faster and faster it sped towards you. Glimpsing one last time into the binoculars before completely discarding them in your robes, your breathing hitched and your hand reached for the blaster hidden in your belt.

You didn’t raise to aim but you waited with a finger on the trigger. The speeder got louder and closer. Barreling towards you at unprecedented speed.

A figure with a dark hood and a heavy pack was now identifiable. Sighing you slipped the blaster back into the hidden holster, crossing your arms over your chest. Waiting.

“You scared the living stars out of me!” You huffed. “You know that?!” 

Obi-Wan Kenobi didn’t say anything as he powered the speeder down.

“You could’ve commed!” Your hands found your hips. Disappointed and mostly anxious. “Where were you and what is this?”

“Mos Eisley.” Obi-Wan sighed as he gracefully slid off the speeder. He nodded towards the faded-brown speeder. It wasn’t by any means a brand new speeder, it had blaster marks and sand erosion but it was nicer than the old piece of junk you two had salvaged from the Jundland wastes.

“We had a perfectly good one.”

“This one is faster and actually a two seater.” He countered

“We don’t have the credits Obi-Wan!”

“I’ll pick up a second job.”

Always the negotiator.

Huffing you left the older man with the speeder, vanishing into the hut to continue the dinner that was boiling on the stove. Rations again.

Stirring the pot of rice, you lost yourself into the swirls of brown and white. Letting the steam envelope your fear. Only did a warm hand on your waist, trying to squeeze by in the small surroundings pull you out.

“Excuse me.” You hummed as his hand dragged off your waist.

The hut was small, enough space for the two of you but none for a third. The entrance of the home opened to the living room, where in one corner was a makeshift bedroom that was concealed by a blanket you had found. You shared the bed. He had tried for the first cycle on Tatooine to sleep on the small, uncomfortable couch before you finally offered the other side of the bed.

The other corner was a small dining table with two chairs. The kitchen was a step up and had a window into the living space and only one bathroom that was old and needed work.

But it was home.

You ate in silence, feeling guilty of your outburst from earlier.

“I’m sorry for my reaction earlier. I was harsh.”

“It’s alright.” He gracefully spooned the soup into his mouth without another word. Obi-Wan cleared the plates and cleaned the dishes, humming a soft tune.

It wasn’t until you had both showered, hair still damp and covered in the blankets of your shared bed, you finally broke the silence.

“I checked on him while you were gone.” Your finger delicately traced the small constellations of freckles on his warm shoulder. “I wasn’t sure if you had or not.”

Obi-Wan shifted. “Thank you.”

“He’s so big now.”

“Yes, he is.”

“I can feel him in the force.” You could feel the buzz of the young boys force. Powerful and strong. You didn’t have to reach in to feel him.

“He’s very strong.” Obi-Wan shifted once more, his entire body now facing your own. His large, calloused hand reached into your hair, his thumb wiping away tears you hadn’t know had fallen.

“You feel it too?” You whispered.

“Yes.” He smiled bitterly. “I can feel his presence even now. I’m worried about his strength and what would happen if…”

Obi-Wan trailed off, unable to say the name out loud. Afraid to bring forth the man in existence right then and there in your shared bed.

“Vader.” You whispered for him.

He nodded, his hand still entwined.

Silence enveloped you once more. The blue light of the moon shining through the slotted windows and onto your faces.

“I’m scared.” You admitted, holding his gaze. “Lonely.”

He said nothing in return. His deep blue eyes scanned your face.

After three years, you had shared a last name. Paraded as a married couple to neighbors. Held hands through the market. Light touches as he brushed by. Held you sometimes at night.

But nothing more.

Obi-Wan’s hand untangled from your hair and down the slope of your neck. His thumb caressing the contour of your collarbone.

You thought he was going to kiss you. Finally slot his lips onto your own and maybe even take you right then.

But his hand completely withdrew from you, leaving the warm skin now bitter cold.

“Goodnight, y/n.” He turned over, his bare back now facing you.

“Goodnight, Ben.”

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

␛ to masterlist | can I interest you in pt. 2?

[sardonic-courtney]

Scarf.

Spencer Reid x Reader.

Words: 1182

Warnings: Suggestive. Mentions of Sugar daddy. OOC Reid.

Summary: The team decided to go to Spencer's for take away and find out about his girlfriend.

»»———-　　———-««

The BAU had finished for the week, which means…yep a long Friday full of paperwork from the usual case they had finished yesterday. A normal case, well as normal as a murder case could be. Relatively smooth and simple, bodies in different doll outfits lead to a woman who had a a bad childhood and was using the victims as dolls. So everyone was tired, even Rossi looking worn out.

Spencer Reid, wearing a light grey shirt, top button undone, a black tie with a little embroidery that seemed to be his new favourite and some trousers, grabbing his dark grey jumper was just ready and excited to go home to see her. She was not a secret, but Spencer had also failed to mention his girlfriend of a year and a half..to anyone. He had no reason to. He was ready to leave until Derek came up to him.

“Take away at your house today wonder boy” Derek states, not a question but also not a demand…and as usual Spencer is too awkward to say no, especially when the team seems to perk up at the idea and is excited about it.

Penelope squeals, “Yes! Oh, we haven't been to Spencer’s in aaggeeees. Brilliant idea Chocolate Thunder”.

"I could definitely go for a Chinese," Emily states nodding.

"Wills got the kids so I'm happy to come," JJ adds already grabbing her coat.

That's how the whole BAU team ended up on the sofa and chairs in Spencer's apartment. Hotch and Rossi instantly took the two-seater undoing some shirt buttons to relax. Derek, Penelope and Luke on the three-seater. JJ and Emily sit on the armchairs all chatting and making themselves at home. Spencer stands in the half-joint kitchen, shirt sleeves rolled up and he turns to the cupboard about to get drinks for them as they wait for the takeaway…

But the front door opens, and Y/n walks in from her classes, tired but happy to be home. She takes her shoes off at the door and places her bag on the kitchen counter not looking towards the couches or chairs that joins the kitchen she walks up towards Spencer, oblivious. The now silent BAU team looked confused, Derek slightly amused. 

“You” Y/n starts walking towards Spencer with a big grin, “Are a genius”. Her smile is infectious and one Spencer loves. Spencer's focus is on her now and only her as he chuckles slightly, the team are surprised by the look on Spencer's face, affectionate caring and amused. She gains all of his attention, but he forgets to mention they’re not alone as Y/N wraps her wool scarf around his neck.

“Honestly, a Genius,” she smiles, emphasizing the word whilst admiring him.

“I am aware of that, but do care to elaborate love?” Spencer asks amused, his eyes flick down to the scarf about to comment but Y/n does before he can.

“What? I think it suits you” She bites her lip. “Well, okay,  maybe not like this… But if it was in a more Sherlock way…”

She adjusts the scarf, folding it in half then wrapping it around his neck and threading the end through the loop, nodding at her handiwork, proud of herself clearly the two are comfortable around each other it wouldn't take a profiler to notice.

“That's not what I was going to say, '' Spencer commented looking at her, his brain noting her cute expressions.

“Oh right…Well, I got my test results back.”

“Really?” his face lights up, curious, “What did you get?” 

Y/n pulls herself up and sits on the kitchen counter, her back facing the on-looking strangers. “On what?” she asks with a teasing smirk.

“Results Y/n, what are your results,”

“Oh see that depends on what you are asking about” 

He shakes his head, and a little stern he says “All of them princess”.

With a faint blushing on her cheeks, she pretends to think, “Hmmm let’s see… Practical assessment Distinction, Witten assessment pass, pregnancy negative and the Oral assessment distinction”.

Spencer gives her a look.

“What you said is all of my results, that's all of them.” she chuckles.

“Well good job I'm very proud of you” he says, chuckling, shaking his head a little but is cut off by her stomach growling. His face fills with concern “Did you buy food today?”

“With what money? I'm on my apprenticeship wage, I looked in my account today and I have £32.48. I'm two days away from standing on the corner of my street”

Spence rolls his eyes at her dramatic comments.

“You know what I need..” she asks eyes lighting up a little.

“What?” Spencer asks seriously, missing the playfulness in her tone, removing the scarf from his neck, gently and neatly folding the scarf in his large hands and placing it on the counter by Y/n’s legs.

“A sugar daddy” Her face is relaxed and serious even though she's joking, and she gives a small grin.

He shakes his head chuckling again to himself “You do not need a sugar daddy”

“Oh right because I've already got one” Y/n nods smiling as if it's obvious.

“Hmm, you do, do you?” He raises an eyebrow crossing his arms in front of his chest, his work shirt tightening his body.

“Yeah you,” she states with an unspoken, duh. 

Derek has to fight a laugh.

“I'm not your sugar daddy” The sternness in his voice and the towering position over Y/n isn’t supporting his statement.

“Hmmm, are you sure about that?” Y/n has a bratty smile on her face.

“Definitely,” Spencer replies, his tone not showing any amusement.

“Spence, define sugar daddy.”

“Well the Oxford dictionary defines it as a well-to-do usually older man who supports or spends lavishly on a mistress girlfriend or boyfriend,” he states factually not clocking her plan. 

Smlining as her plans works, “Exactly, you are even a little older than me”

“I don’t…” Spencer starts but is cut off by the look on Y/n’s face.

“Well technically”

Reid blushes

She giggled as she looked past him to the side, “Oh you got me more sodas?”

“Sure did, oh by the way” he goes to his coat that's hanging on the hook getting a small box from the pocket and tosses it her way. “It's a well done for all your studying and tests and passing your apprenticeship, I saw it and thought you would like it.”

Opening it she sees it's a beautiful ring, her favourite metal and in a tiara shape.

“Spencer, oh wow, I love it…you shouldn't have you are the reason I passed. All those study sessions and notes and prepping”

“I wanted to” he walked over, taking the ring out of the box and sliding it on her pointer finger, perfect fit. “And I knew you would like it”

“Not a sugar daddy my arse” she mumbles.

“Quiet,” he says a little dominance coming out as he kisses her lips, deepening until a certain Aaron Hotchner clears his throat, causing her to freeze and Spencer to pull back, “Oh right, we have guests”

Knowing who it would be she hides her bright red face into Spencer's chest.

[dbgdbw]

494.So Then, You Assholes Hand It Over (1)

그러니 댁들이 내놔 (1)

The main hall was considerably vast, dotted with rounded tables that seated four people each sprawled about in deliberately spaced intervals. Many of them congregating in one place was sure to invite a fight breaking out, and there were individuals with sour relations who would end up bristling simply from a chance encounter with the other as well. As a result, each table held what had been deemed to be relatively harmonious pairings, as far as seating was concerned. While there wasn’t a rule that mandated they stay tethered to their assigned seat, per se, having a designation saying this is your spot, here would at least subconsciously encourage a passive inclination to stay put. 

“Though Section Chief Song-nim being seated at Sung Hyunjae’s side is, of course, to be expected–why’ve I been thrown in with this lot too, huh.”

Moon Hyuna groused lightly. The table was another four-seater, but there were only three names written: ‘Sung Hyunjae’, ‘Song Taewon’, and ‘Moon Hyuna’. Pulling out a chair for Sung Hyunjae, Moon Hyuna dropped into a polite bow from her waist.

“Please–do take a seat, Princess-nim.”

“How so very chivalric of you. Will the Breaker Guild Leader be stepping into the role of my Prince, today.”

“Nowadays, the trend is for princess-nims to be self-sufficient, if you didn’t know. Now–for our hardworking second-in-line Princess-nim too.”

As Moon Hyuna spoke, taking the initiative pulling out the chair for him as well, Song Taewon hung back, struggling to articulate a response. Even having spent several years fraternizing with the two already, he still found it difficult to play along with their strange jokes. In particular–as he was unable to simply ignore her outright the way he could with Sung Hyunjae, he found dealing with her to be especially precarious. 

“...I appreciate the offer, however, remaining standing will enable myself to carry out a more thorough surveillance of the hall.”

“This is all the Firstborn’s fault, you know. Because the Firstborn’s so willful, the Second’s even more uptight.”

“What an outrageous accusation. When I love and cherish the Secondborn Princess-nim so dearly.”

“Your glib tongue hasn’t gone anywhere, I see. Section Chief Song-nim, fancy another drink?”

“I’m afraid I will have to decline.”

“Aw, don’t be like that, why don’t you have another glass. Honestly, Section Chief Song-nim, you should be getting appropriately plastered on occasion. So long as you remain sober as usual, you’ll be unable to call forth those things you keep inside, right.”

Saying that, while excessive drinking might be harmful, people needed to let loose at least once or so, Moon Hyuna poured out a full glass of wine. That leaving things to just fester, would only cause regular functioning to deteriorate into a toxic state.

“...for today, I will have to decline.”

“One of these days, I’m going to arrange a night with something especially potent brewed up in store.”

“That being said, just where might our youngest Princess-nim be.”

Sung Hyunjae asked idly, flicking his name card with the tip of a finger. Picking up her glass, Moon Hyuna took a brief sip to moisten her lips before answering.

“Now, the Seseung Guild Leader-nim should hardly be concerning himself with such matters. No matter how adorable you might find our youngest Princess-nim. Kindly butt out of it.”

“Isn’t it only natural, that the Firstborn should love the Youngest so.”

“...don’t say that kind of shit, you’ll put me off my wine. ‘Love’, what a farce. Though, if Director Han-nim was my dongsaeng, he might seem pretty cute, I admit. No, wait–if he really were my dongsaeng, then most likely he’d probably earn himself a slap on the back at least once or twice a day.”

Moon Hyuna grimaced, backtracking quickly. Swiveling her head, she scanned her eyes around the hall. 

“It looks like our Yerimie is quite popular.”

Just as Moon Hyuna had said, there were numerous Hunters indicating interest in Bak Yerim. The clip of a young, recently-Awakened Hunter easily rebuffing a vastly more experienced S-rank Hunter had already made the rounds worldwide, by that point. In addition, Bak Yerim was also the first S-rank Hunter to be affiliated with a private guild, rather than a corporate entity holding some special purpose. Due to that arrangement, certain individuals were jockeying to win her over with the promise of more favorable conditions.

“Ah, I don’t really know English very well~.”

Of course, Bak Yerim brushed off every single one of their attempts with nary a flinch.

“We would provide you with an Interpretation Item, of course.”

“But that wouldn’t work with written text, right, sir. Feel free to give me a call once you’ve changed your national language over to Korean, then, please. I only know how to write in Korean.”

Saying that she had no plans to learn English going forward either, she shook her head in dissent. As she took off far up into the air to make an exit from the conversation, numerous sets of eyes followed Bak Yerim. Counted among them were ones who were simply watching her with a purely doting gaze, too. Though most high-ranked Hunters–and S-rank Hunters in particular–tended to be on the younger side, typically their twenties, the ones in their teens were rare, after all. And among the S-rank Hunters, Bak Yerim was the youngest as well.

“The Blacksmith won’t be attending, then?”

“Since he might be a high-ranking Hunter, but he’s not a combat type. If only because the situation might turn risky, they wouldn’t send him here.”

“But the Rearing Facility Director’s Stats are low, too.”

There were some who were looking for Yoo Myungwoo, too. Though countless Hunters had sent their regards after he’d managed to produce an S-rank weapon, he tended to avoid accepting commissions that originated from overseas. And as he only created equipment when the urge struck him when it came to domestic Hunters as well, there were throngs of individuals looking to forge some sort of connection with him, in any way possible. 

It wasn’t that there wasn’t dissatisfaction around Yoo Myungwoo’s attitude, but it was true that any outcome would’ve still fallen short of expectations regardless. As a result, even when confronted by a cold reception, it would be hand-waved away as eccentric conduct that was par for the course for a master craftsman.

However, as the Rearing Facility Director was the host of the gathering taking place that day, there were many who were waiting on Han Yoojin’s entrance as well. This was primarily because rumor had already spread among the Hunters that there was a method to raise a high-rank mount, without any specialized Skill involved. Thanks to that, the already exorbitant price baby monsters had fetched had taken another steep increase. In fact, there had even been Hunter teams formed with the sole purpose of capturing baby monsters as of late.

“Shouldn’t he’ve shown his face by now.”

“He might not end up dropping in at all, honestly. His Stats are F-rank, right.”

Perhaps he would simply appear via recording or livestream to communicate with them, a few Hunters murmured amongst themselves. Though he might be surrounded by numerous S-rank Hunters, it would still be a difficult feat for an F-rank to appear before a crowd of unfamiliar high-ranked Awakened. For lower-ranked Awakened and un-Awakened, the fear they felt towards a high-ranked Hunter could be largely dispelled through prolonged and repeated exposure to the individual. This meant, however, that an unfamiliar high-ranked Hunter would inevitably bypass whatever immunity had been built up till that point. Since, even if you feel unafraid of your own family’s large-breed dog–who could only ever be adorable in your eyes–it didn’t mean that you’d feel the same when confronted with an unfamiliar large dog growling in your direction. Consequently, it wouldn’t have been undue to expect to see him show a cowed appearance, or to forgo making an appearance altogether.

As the mutterings prevailed, discontent gradually started to pervade their words. If it hadn’t been for the detour necessary at the wharf, there probably would’ve been open callouts of how they’d been made to wait long enough already being issued forth. 

As the atmosphere began to buzz with a restless quality, 끼이이익. A door slowly creaked open. It was the door at the top of the twin staircases that split to ascend down from either side in a steep curve, to the center of the hall. As the ornate door–perfectly positioned to draw the viewers’ eyes–swung wide open, a figure walked out. 

스르륵– The fluttering tip of a long veil trailed down, grazing against the floor. A black veil, about three to four meters long and decorated with white roses, and a white mask that covered the bottom half of their face. A black suit, accompanied by a white jabot. A crimson flower was nestled in the breast pocket, and branches of ferns dangled from their white glove-clad hands.

For the majority, ‘what a peculiar getup’ was the extent of their interest in the matter. Yet, here and there, there were responses from a few that differed starkly.

“It’s not a bad choice to’ve elected to conceal his expression, but.”

“What’s with the veil.”

The Hunters who were clueless regarding the ensemble’s significance murmured amongst themselves. The general consensus seemed to be that, while it was an appearance that belied expectations, it wasn’t one that was viewed as being too outlandish a choice. Particularly since Hunters who followed a set ‘concept’(1) weren’t too far in between, and there were cases where one’s signature weapon made one stand out, despite wishing for a mundane life, after all. 

“Hyung-nim was real embarrassed about that, y’know?”

Moon Hyuna whispered in a faint voice. At her query on whether it didn’t suit him better than you’d expect, Song Taewon nodded accommodatingly, replying yes, it seems so; yet, his expression hard, Sung Hyunjae gave no response. 

Chatterbox.

Why Han Yoojin might have shown up while wearing Chatterbox’s appearance–that much was easy enough to ascertain. It would’ve been to root out those individuals who were acquainted with that appearance. If someone bearing the same appearance as Chatterbox were to suddenly appear, then even unconsciously, one would be likely to betray a reaction different from the others around them.

But even as he knew that, it didn’t lessen the summoned feeling of loathing. 

“...hardly, in my eyes.”

“How unexpected, you rating hyung-nim so low. Or is it that the Seseung Guild Leader’s preference actually lies with hot pink yarn?”

Wouldn’t it be funny, if that really got spread around and some people actually started showing up dressed up in hot pink, snickered Moon Hyuna, grinning; but unlike his usual self, Sung Hyunjae didn’t provide any retort. And then, the subject of his revulsion.

“How do you do, everyone.”

The mask fell away, and Han Yoojin’s face was revealed. From the tips of the fingertips the mask dangled from, to the bow his head dipped into as the mask was taken away. Every little movement was imbued with an elegant quality that departed from his normal conduct. A smile drew across the even paler visage revealed behind the white mask. 

“First, I’d like to convey my thanks that you’d come all the way out here.”

Moving towards the staircase with leisurely steps, Han Yoojin hooked a finger under the jabot. 툭, the large flower-like tie was discarded by his feet, and the buttons along the collar of his shirt was loosened one by one. 탁, 탁. Undone with unerring precision to the time of his steps, he came to a stop at the top of the landing; a gloved hand stroked up the column of his throat. 

After a gentle press under the lobes of his ears, his fingers swept back down. Simultaneously–사르륵, a crimson pattern thrummed into view. The stark lines that appeared, extending down below his nape, commanded the absolute attention of everyone in the room. 

The high-ranked Hunters–particularly the S-rank Hunters–watched Han Yoojin unblinkingly, transfixed as though they’d even forgotten to breathe. All of them felt the same unnerving sensation of dread. It was akin to the experience of having come face-to-face with a powerful monster–but at the same time, not. There was the anticipation that wracked the body, and the goosebumps that followed; but unlike a monster, it didn’t feel like they could lift a finger against the one before them. 

It was the sensation of being a mouse that had known nothing but the turning of the wheel in its cage, one day becoming conscious of the giant eye peering down in observation. 

And the disgust Sung Hyunjae felt.

“.......”

Reached its pinnacle. Unlike the other Hunters, what grated at him wasn’t merely the energy emitted by that particular mark. No; it carried its own loathsome feeling, but among those assembled there, Sung Hyunjae alone was aware of its significance–what that crimson mark meant.

This knowledge was something that didn’t exist in his–Sung Hyunjae’s–memories. But for some reason, he was able to comprehend it. The mark that was carved onto Han Yoojin.

The Sorcerer’s Sacrifice(2).

The moment he realized, his insides began to burn. He drew a hand over his mouth to cover the sneering expression that rose, spurred by both from the disgust evoked by a memory that didn’t exist, as well as the situation at hand. The heat in his chest felt far away, as though it was happening to a stranger.

“...the hell’s with that.”

Moon Hyuna mumbled, unable to tear her eyes away from Han Yoojin. Her brows had drawn taut in a dark scowl as well. Song Taewon, too, was focused on Han Yoojin–to such an extent, that he’d yet to take note of Sung Hyunjae’s condition. Song Taewon’s hand, resting on the top of the table, had clenched into a tight fist at some point. His lips were pressed grimly together, the faint grinding of teeth audible. 

The two had already been informed of everything in advance. And yet, it remained a struggle to restrain themselves, still.

Under that heavy atmosphere, Sung Hyunjae let out a shallow breath. Unbidden, Hwanglim’s words rose to the fore of his mind. Sung Hyunjae’s lips twisted in a crooked smile. 

‘I’d also been quite excessively…….’

Indolent. Though it may have been absent from his memories, the existence called Sung Hyunjae could, in a way, be said to have been continually robbed. Of everything.

He had no memories. His Skills and Titles, because of recursion, would be taken away, leaving behind only a scant few. The chain that wove around his person, too, was something that had been bequeathed from that pilferer. 

And even now. His life and death in the present had already been lost to him once, before being returned. 

The crooked slant of his lips transitioned into an easy smile. With what might be construed as a gentle look in his eyes, Sung Hyunjae gazed up at Han Yoojin.

* * *

‘Seems real effective.’

Despite being an incredibly humiliating and mortifying ordeal, that was to say. Chatterbox, you bastard, that it was formal wear was fine. A frilly necktie, well, it might be overbearing, but since it was formal wear after all. The mask, well… But even if I was able to get past that hurdle, what was with the fucking veil, huh, the veil. And on top of that, it was a rose-patterned veil. I’d never imagined that I’d ever come into the possession of a rose veil, much less be settling it over my own head, not even in my wildest dreams. Goddamn Chatterbox asshole, why were his preferences like this?

It hadn’t been my intention to go undercover as Chatterbox myself, at the beginning. I’d planned on using a doll, or a substitute instead. Since, when it came to myself, there was my height to consider, and even if there was a corset involved, my body was hardly skeletal enough to be comparable anyway. But with the Mark that Chatterbox had left taken into account, it had worked out so that the plan would prove most effective with me being the one going undercover. 

‘That should’ve rooted most of them out.’

Maintaining a smile on my face, I looked down upon the crowd, beyond the balcony rails. All around the hall, cameras had been installed to face in every orientation. Once that footage had been combed through, it would be a simple matter to pinpoint the ones that had been approached by Chatterbox. 

Firstly, the ones who had shown a reaction just upon sighting Chatterbox’s apparel would be the ones who had met with him in person. Then, the ones who responded to the Mark would be the ones who had received an invitation, and then contracted with him. Even from my current position overlooking the room, it was easy to spy a few attendees who were reacting differently from those around them.

‘...though I might’ve gone a bit overboard, emphasizing the Mark with Chatterbox’s power like that.’

I’d repressed as much of my magical energy as possible around the area of the Mark and, with Noah-ssi’s help, amplified the traces of Chatterbox’s presence that had been left behind. Noah-ssi had regarded me with a dubious expression as he’d retreated from me, and the other Hunters were also showing reactions that went beyond my expectations.

Because it seemed like the atmosphere was beginning to flow in a direction that might end up with a few people even drawing weapons out against me, I swiftly called forth my own magical power. The moment Chatterbox’s Mark was blotted out, the tension in the air immediately released. Surveying the Hunters below, who appeared faintly apprehensive yet, I breathed ou…– ugh, my waist felt way too tight. Letting out a breath, I resumed my footsteps, advancing alongside the railing. 

“It appears I’ve managed to startle everyone somewhat. Of course–this much is probably nothing for high-ranked Awakened, such as yourselves.”

Like Chatterbox would be the only one. Outside, it was teeming with all sorts of Transcendents. It was just that Chatterbox happened to be the one that pissed me off the most, out of the handful I had met. There was a subtly off-putting quality about him that rankled at my subconscious. 

Before I stepped onto the first stair, I discarded the veil. That very moment, with a flourish of viridian willow leaves, Yoohyunie lept into the air; and with light steps, landed beyond the railings, at my back. Catching the discarded veil as it fluttered down and utilizing the window of opportunity afforded under its cover, he used the brief moment the fabric hid us from sight to discreetly slip a hand inside my clothes from behind, slitting my corset open. As I felt the corset loosen, instantly, its presence disappeared without a trace. Irin had stolen inside as well, to swallow it whole. 

I could finally feel comfortable. Well, then. Who among those assembled here, might be our invitation holders. 

- - - - -

(1)

(2)

mha → shj, stw | informal casual

shj → mha | informal casual

stw → mha | polite formal (respectful)

yj → crowd | polite formal

history of feminism radicalization in Korea

the real reason south koreans aren't having babies

why so many South Korean women are refusing to date, marry or have kids

young South Korean man arrested after assaulting a female clerk. he regarded her as a feminist because of her short haircut (Nov 2023)

Shillim park attack (Aug 2023)

Gangnam murder (2016)

justice for the Miryang victims? (June 2008)

South Korea currently abuzz over the 'Miryang Sexual Assault Case' from 20 years ago after a 'cyber wrecker' YouTuber begins exposing the identities of the 44 assailants (June 2024)

largest mukbang streamer (10M) Tzuyang abused, exploited, blackmailed, forced to create YT videos (July 2024)

the connotation 'corset' carries as symbolism seems to be pretty mainstream, enough so that it's even utilized in ITZY's song RINGO (lyric vid linked in title for the usual easter egg), despite being a jp release (or maybe because it's a non-domestic market, where the reference wouldn't be picked up as easily..):

‘Parasite’ Star Lee Sun-kyun Removed From Upcoming Movie ‘No Way Out’ Amid Police Probe Over Suspected Drug Use

Is it better to feign not being able to speak Korean? If so, when? If not, when?

What is dating like today for females in their late 20's to 30's?

Project Moon's answers to the brought up issues by the KR community and the notice on firing the concerned illustrator

Press conference article from the Gyeonggi Youth Union on the PM situation

ZEROBASEONE’s Kim Gyu Vin Apologizes For His Choice Of Words In Recent Posts

Is there a term/phrase that's similar to "crazy cat lady" in Korean?

South Korea population decline.

Girls starting school early could boost fertility rate: state-backed agency report

+

‘Absurd how Korea treats its people’: English signage fad alienates older Koreans

Korean language states the obvious?

I’m confused with Korean titles so I have a question (호칭)

[sugoi-and-spice]

Like my work? Please consider commissioning me or contributing to my Ko-Fi!

Chapter Twenty-Three - I’m Not Okay (I Promise)

Summary: Tomura Shigaraki was her dad’s boss’s son. He was the creep that stole girls’ underwear and tried to grope her in his room. But it’s not like he could get her Dad fired just because she wouldn’t sleep with him, right? …right?

CW: Quirkless!AU, Explicit Smut, Dub-Con, Coercion, Blackmail, Cheating, Sexual Guilt, Humiliation, Unhealthy Relationships, Virginity Kink, Groping, Power Play, Hate to Love, Emotional Manipulation, Emotional/Psychological Abuse, Self-Harm, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Implied/Referenced Animal Death, Slow Burn, Misogyny

Read Full Chapter on AO3

[excerpt]

Even for a Friday afternoon the arcade was way more crowded than she had expected. The group had originally planned on grabbing a bite at the attached restaurant before gaming, but their new addition had created a bit of a logistical problem.

“I’m so sorry,” the Hostess bowed repeatedly and apologetically, “All of our larger party tables are booked for at least another hour. The most we could fit is a chair on the end of a four person booth.”

“Awww, really? I mean how small are the booths? We’re all friends, we can squeeze!” Nejire insisted, pulling Amajiki into a tight hug at the waist to prove her point, much to the quickly reddening boy’s chagrin.

“That’s against our fire code,” she bowed again, “I’m really so sorry.”

Yuyu, ever the pragmatic one, turned to suggest, “I guess we’re gonna have to split up?”

Nejire pouted, “That’s not really festive.”

Mirio, more than happy to put on a show to either sacrifice one of his friends to table with Shigaraki, or make show of how much he didn’t belong there at the moment, put a hand on Nejire’s shoulder, “Hey, we gotta do what we gotta do, right?”

Shigaraki was feeling itchier and pricklier by the second. He didn’t particularly enjoy being the center of gawking attention even under the best of circumstances. And this moment — standing awkwardly to the side as a group of kids already way cooler than he could ever hope to be were actively discussing the logistics as to why he was a complete inconvenience to all of them — was far from the best of circumstances.

He leaned into his one spider’s thread of a tie to it all, whispering nervously, “I’ll just go, this is stupid…”

Mirio, somehow hearing him, as if he’d been waiting for those words frowned “sympathetically” at him, “Awww? Are you sure?”

“Uh, y-yeah…” Shigaraki said, even he was a bit taken aback by how quick Mr. ‘Let’s Make Everyone Smile At All Times” was willing to kick him to the curb, “I-I’m making this weird anyway, right?”

Nobody really wanted to answer. That’s what the group of friends did think, after all.

But then she put a hand, a perfectly manicured lifeline, on his shoulder.

“Don’t be silly,” she pointed out, “Look, there’s a two seater right by that booth. Shigaraki and I will take that and then we won’t have to squeeze anywhere.”

The group all looked about each other, shrugging and mumbling positively. That really did seem like the best option. The group that needed to be altogether — the friends since elementary school — were indeed, altogether, and Shigaraki was neither ostracized nor isolated with people he didn’t know. It was a perfectly fine solution for all.

All except Mirio.

“H-Hey, those big party tables aren’t reserved for the night or anything right?” Mirio asked the hostess, and upon a confirming nod, he offered back to the group, “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m not starving or anything — why don’t we just put our name down and play some games in the meantime? Then nobody has to squeeze or split, you know?” 

Another chorus of shrugs and “Yeah, that’s work”’s — and Mirio had his, admittedly, small victory over the situation. 

Though it’s not like it lasted long.

Continue on AO3

[mcshizzle-the-fire-boy]

Mack, hello I’m now one of your mutuals. I’m not always very active but pls know I’m existing and my name is Lana. I wanted to just yap about my teacher literally yelling at me for bleeding in class. I had felt my period start and then I raise my hand and ask if I can use the washroom. He says no. I tell him it’s an emergency. He still says I can wait. By that point a few of my friends know I’m about to start bleeding through because I never use the washroom in the middle of class u usually wait until lunch. I groan and the rest of my class realizes that I’m about to start bleeding onto my chair. Keep in mind this teacher is in his late 50s. I start bleeding onto my chair and bro asks me why I didn’t ask to leave the classroom. I was so close to smacking him but the I just got up, put my seater around my waist and left the class. I called my brother and explained what happened and asked him to pick me up. Then the next day, my teacher apologized and Rhe principal said that if we have to use the washroom, we just sign out on a piece of paper. But in what world does a teacher have the right to deny washroom access. Anyway, French immersion sucks(I’m in Canada) and Rhe teachers are actually assholes. Sorry for the long yap.

Wait I’m im french emersion in canda too the teachers are assholes

That is absolutely insane what the fuck

Like that one time we had double blocks so I was in my french for three hours and she didn’t let me pee the entire time even though it was an emergency

[mrsrookhunt]

Second one I've done today so MASSIVE thank you to @nvllxiety

For the requests bc I'm such a hoe for ango and I won't write for someone unless the people want them, against my own wishes ahahaha feel free to request lovecraft haaaah Have a lovely night everyone

Drop Me Off Here

Ango Sakaguchi X Reader

Ignoring the suppressed snickers of the few remaining of Ango's 'dear' coworkers at the sight of you in baggy clothes at 2 am, you headed straight down the hall to look your lover in the eye and bring him home to detox from coffee and exhaustion.

However, that's easier said than done. Ango takes one look at you, sighs, and tells you that if you'd like to spend time with him, the couch on the other side of his office is open for you to sleep on.

You are definitely too tall to sprawl out and over that two seater. And besides, that's not what you're here for anyway

"Ango," You plead with him, begging him to take his eyes off his computer.

"Let's go home--"

"Not now," He mumbles, eyes lidded with sleep and head bobbing. "Need a trace on a line and I'm waiting for someone to pick up on the... the.... haah.... What was I talking about?"

"Ango, we're going home."

"No!" He snaps, looking up at you with some renewed passion spewing from the last fumes of energy he's running on.

You sigh and push his wonky-wheeled office chair out of the way.

"Wait.. what are ya doing.... y/n.." The moment his face turns away from the screen, he's already slipping into dreamland.

He isn't even awake long enough in between his forced departure from the desk and the millisecond it takes to swiftly close his tabs and shut down his computer, which stops its incessant groan of data overload the moment you hit the off button on the moniter.

It's quite the same for Ango, who looks blissed out in his chair.

However, you know that if you let him sleep a minute longer you won't be able to wake him up again.

You tap him on the shoulder until he cracks open eyes so bloodshot you're concerned he may need medical treatment, to look at you.

You don't speak, but put one arm under him and hoist his practically limp body out of his office chair. He stumbles a bit, finding purchase against your neck with mumbles and groans.

You drag him out of the office, leaning on your arm, past his jeering coworkers, and past the building doors, which he vaguely gestures back towards when you pass them.

Outside, a light rain sprinkles onto his face. You laugh, knowing he probably hasn't checked the radar to notice the downpour coming in tonight.

You gently put him into the backseat of your car, sprawled across the back row, and throw an old jacket of yours on him. It's a decent drive home, but you'll make it before three am.

He makes incoherent noises the entire time, a few complaints on needing to get more work done and desperate groans about his coworkers. Even in his sleep, Ango is ever-vigilant.

When you get home, you do the same thing, dragging him out of the car and into the contrastingly warm house he bought for the two of you, though these days he rarely graces the home with his presence.

You already have the fireplace crackling, the heat cranked up, and soothing music on. You help him take his shoes and coat off, and dump him right into bed.

Ango moans restlessly. You don't know if he just wants you to let him sleep, or take him back to the office.

Turning off the last lights in the house, you curl up behind him and wrap your arms around him, letting him dive deeper into the blankets and get tangled up in your arms. You move one hand to soothe him, brushing soft, short tufts of his hair out of his face.

"Mm...ahh... y/n..., iloveya...." it's all jumbled, but you know what he said.

"I love you too, my Mango."

He puffs out a small chuckle, hand coming up to squeeze the one repetively brushing hair from his face.

Kissing him on the forehead, you send him off to sleep with gentle touches and the sound of pattering rain.

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

Writing this one felt like free therapy. Thanks again for the ask ♡

-Kaori

May 20th, 2023

[d-maxhealthcare1]

#hospital_furniture

#medical_equipments

#derma_chair

[sheerfreesia007]

Stupid Cupid #13

Title: Stupid Cupid #13

Fandom: Top Gun Maverick

Pairing: Mickey ‘Fanboy’ Garcia x Reader

Author: @sheerfreesia007​

Words: 1,668

Warnings: Fluff

Permanent Tag List: @paintballkid711, @fioccodineveautunnale, @phoenixhalliwell, @linkpk88, @weirdowithnobeardo, @athalien

Prompt: Texting

Author Notes: 

Gif Credit: @notyoursbutlewis

The soft ding of his cellphone pulled Mickey out of his study session as he looked up from his handbook over to the phone laying face down on his desk. He put a bookmark in the handbook before getting up from his spot on his bed. Walking over to the desk he grabbed the phone and turned it over to see who had texted him. He smiled when he saw that it was from her.

Hey Handsome! Don’t forget to drink and take breaks while studying! Can’t wait to see you this weekend. <3

Mickey grinned as he read the words quickly before he caught himself reaching for the large steel water bottle that he had filled up earlier. He rolled his eyes at himself as he realized that all she had to do was send him a simple text and he was already doing whatever it was she wanted him to do. But then Mickey’s mind turned to the free weekend he had coming up and how he had plans to spend all of it with her.

Just then there was a knock at the door and Mickey looked up from his phone to see Payback holding onto the door as he peeked into the room. Payback’s eyes were on Mickey’s phone that he was still holding in his hand before he huffed out a breath at his back seater.

“She’s texting you during study time?” He asked sounding disappointed.

“Only to remind me to drink water and take breaks.” Mickey defended and Payback looked taken aback for a moment. “She knows how serious this is for me. She’s not bothering me.” 

“Alright but make sure you get back to studying man. Can’t afford to mess this up.” Payback reminded him and Mickey nodded his head easily as he texted out a simple response to her before setting the phone back down on the desk.

*-*-*-*

The next time he got a text it was after his exam and he had just joined the squad at the hangar while they waited for the last of the squad to finish their exam. The little ding that alerted him to a text from her made him grin softly as he fished his phone out of his pocket. A soft scoff from his right made Mickey shake his head as he looked down at the phone screen.

How do you feel? I bet you aced that exam! I’m so proud of you. Only three more days until I get to see you! <3

“Look at this fool and that smile.” Payback teased him and Mickey grinned as he looked up at his friend.

“Whatever man, she’s just checking up on me.” Mickey said in defense of you as he typed out a response to you about the exam.

“Keep your head in the game though man. Don’t let her become a distraction.” Payback warned him softly and Mickey frowned at his words wondering if you were starting to become a distraction for him. “That’s all I’m saying man, don't let her pull you away from what you want out of the Navy.”

Mickey looked down at the phone at your text message and wondered if Payback was right. But then another text from you came in and he knew without a doubt that Payback had it all wrong.

I am so proud of you and know you’re going to get everything that you dream of.

*-*-*-*

The steady beeping of the vitals monitor set Payback’s nerves on edge. He knew he should’ve listened to Fanboy when they were in training today but for some reason he hadn’t and it had cost Fanboy a trip to the medical wing. The doctor had told him that he’d be fine but they needed to keep him for observation since he had hit his head pretty hard on the console when Payback had tried to evade Fritz’ plane.

Gritting his teeth Payback sat in the chair next to the hospital bed watching over Fanboy as he rested peacefully. Just then a soft ding was heard and Payback sighed softly as he reached over to the table and picked up Fanboy’s cell phone. He had already let Fanboy’s family know that he was in a minor accident but that he’d be alright so he wondered who it was that was texting him.

Hey Handsome! How was training? Did you make sure that Payback was alright during training? I know you said he was nervous for this training session did it all go alright?

Staring down at the phone Payback had completely forgotten about you and notifying you about the accident. Looking up at Fanboy he was still sleeping peacefully in the bed and Payback wasn’t sure if he should wake him to respond to your text. He quickly typed out a response letting you know who he was and that Fanboy would be okay but he was in the medical wing for observation. He was surprised by your response.

I’m sorry there was an accident! Are you alright too? I hope you’re okay, I’m sure you both did your best during training and things just happen. Thank goodness you’re both alright though. Can you ask Mickey to call me when he gets out of the medical wing? I’m gonna be a nervous wreck until I can hear his voice again.

Payback sat there rereading your text message as he sat there realizing that maybe he had been wrong about you and your relationship with Fanboy. He typed out a response that it’d be the first thing he did when Fanboy woke up, you thanked him and the conversation ended there making Payback realize that you were someone so much more than a fling for Fanboy. He sighed as he sat back in the chair after setting the phone down, he had a new understanding of you now that he’d talked with you.

*-*-*-*

Mickey is anxious to be released from duty on base, it was the weekend and he was just shy of being able to spend two whole days with you uninterrupted. Finally when Maverick gave the order that they were free he shot up from his chair wincing as it scraped loudly against the floor. Payback chuckled softly next to him and Mickey snapped his head towards him to look at him while Payback held his hands up in faux surrender. Just then a ping came from his phone and Mickey grinned as he fished his phone out of his pocket and saw your text message.

Hey Handsome. I’m here at the Hard Deck. Waitin’ on you aviator. <3

The grin that formed on his face was almost blinding as he rushed out of the hangar and back to his dorm room where he quickly grabbed his duffel bag. The squad were all heading to the Hard Deck for drinks and he was going to catch a ride with them, but they were moving so slow. 

Mickey tried to be patient as he waited for the squad to finally get back to the dorms and waited another few minutes for them to freshen up and get everything they needed for a night out. Payback chuckled as he walked out of his dorm to find Mickey practically dancing with excited energy in the hallway.

“Calm down man. She ain’t gonna leave ya. I’m pretty sure she’s more excited than you are.” Payback said reassuringly to try and calm Mickey down but it didn’t work.

“Like she could be more excited than me right now.” Mickey scoffed and Payback burst out in laughter as Bob came walking up to the two of them.

“You alright there Fanboy?” he asked and Mickey just nodded his head quickly as his eyes darted behind him trying to see who was coming out next.

“He’s going off base to spend the weekend with his girl.” Payback told Bob who grinned shyly at Mickey and nodded his head.

“Understandable.” Bob said easily and Mickey huffed softly before nearly bouncing in place when he saw Phoenix step out swinging her keys around her index finger. She smiled at him before rolling her eyes at his antics.

“Alright c’mon you goons. Let’s get this one to the bar so that he can see his girl.” She teased Fanboy as she wrapped an arm around his neck and began leading the three of them out of the dorms to her car. While he waits anxiously in the back seat of the car Mickey tries to keep himself calm as the others get into the car and Phoenix begins to drive. He looks down at his phone and quickly sends you a text saying that they were on their way to the bar.

It didn’t take very long for Phoenix to turn down the road and Mickey began to get more excited as he spotted your car parked in the parking lot. He grinned widely as he saw you leaning against the side of your car waiting for him. You were dressed in a pair of dark blue jeans and a light colored flowy blouse with big sleeves. You looked stunning as a breeze came off the ocean and blew through the parking lot making your sleeves flutter in the breeze.

He doesn’t wait until Phoenix completely parks the car before he’s hopping out and rushing towards you with his duffle bag in his hand. Payback can see from the front seat of Phoenix’s car the beaming smile on your face as Fanboy swoops you up into his arms and holds you tight. Your laughter dances through the air as the three aviators sit and watch Fanboy greet you with the happiest grin on his face.

“Oh boy.” Bob says softly from the back seat as they all watch Fanboy kiss you as if his life depended on it as he lifted you up into the air making you laugh brightly at his antics.

“Boy’s in love, man.” Payback says softly and laughs while shaking his head.

[undercoverbastard]

Double Cherries (and 'Extra' Hoodies)

“No, no - wait - don’t tell me,” Stiles suddenly said, leaning forward and grinning at the boy directly on his right, eyes gleaming with joy and mischief as he spoke. “You want… a salmon burger, swiss, with fruit, and a vanilla shake. Eh?”

Derek scowled, shoving his menu at Stiles as he slumped back. “No,” he said plainly. Stiles pouted.

“Too bad! That’s what I’m penning you in for, Eyebrows,” Stiles said, scribbling on his notepad as he stood and began to walk away. Derek huffed, opening his mouth to give Stiles his actual order, but the only word he got out was ‘I’ before Stiles waved him off without even looking back at Derek or down at the notepad, stride unbroken, as he recited:

“Double cheeseburger, half swiss, half cheddar, no pickles, curly fries, side honey mustard, strawberry milkshake, extra thick, double cherries.”

+.+.+ OR: alive hale family, alive claudia, and high school friends stiles/derek - all wrapped into one, based on a joke from a TV show i watched when i was 7, and then got wildly out of control!

Archive of Our Own Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/45190867

“Welcome in! You know where to go,” Stiles grinned and threw a nod to the back room area with several tables shoved together. The Hale family simply smiled in response, some waved as they walked by, and filed into the larger of the two side spaces off the main floor.

He was sure his mom had specifically set up that area for the Hale family. He’d only ever seen them sit there and on several - very few - occasions, large groups assembled for some birthday, reunion, or other such events that could only be accommodated by using the larger space. If they were super busy for whatever reason, sometimes his mom would break up the tables to accommodate additional, smaller groups. But the main setup, with the three tables all shoved together in the center of the room, stuffed with chairs running down each side of the long, conjoined table, and several smaller 2-4 seaters off in each corner? Yea, that was for the Hales. No one could convince Stiles otherwise.

They came in at least twice a month, the whole group, and had dinner. It was almost a daily thing to see at least one of them - picking up an on-the-go meal, grabbing extra pastries from the display case, or stopping for a fix of his mom’s homemade apple cider. But all of them together? That happened like clockwork every other week.

“Ready to order or do you guys need a few extra minutes to pretend to look over the menu and still order the same thing anyways?” Stiles grinned as he sauntered up to the table. He pulled out one of the only open seats left at the very end and flipped it around, sitting down and bracing his elbow on the back of the chair as he leaned his chin against his open palm. Half the table rolled their eyes, the other gave small huffs of laughter. They were all used to Stiles’s particular brand of humor.

Starting with the person to his left - Elaine - Stiles jotted down each person's order. Despite his joke, the Hales did like to spice up their orders even with their frequent attendance. Most of them had a few dishes they regularly liked to cycle through, some were always trying new things (Laura was the reason for the Weekly Specials, Stiles was sure of it, after she complained one too many times about how boring all the restaurants in town were for his mother's liking), and some were oddly picky (Jenna, the youngest Hale of the bunch, sometimes liked pickles but never when she liked tomatoes - and she always wanted ketchup with her meal but if she got curly fries then she’d also ask for ranch or blue cheese, Stiles couldn’t tell what determined the preference but it was always a toss up).

Out of all the Hales, though, one of them was without a doubt predictable without fail.

“No, no - wait - don’t tell me,” Stiles suddenly said, leaning forward and grinning at the boy directly on his right, eyes gleaming with joy and mischief as he spoke. “You want… a salmon burger, swiss, with fruit, and a vanilla shake. Eh?”

Derek scowled, shoving his menu at Stiles as he slumped back. “No,” he said plainly. Stiles pouted.

“Too bad! That’s what I’m penning you in for, Eyebrows,” Stiles said, scribbling on his notepad as he stood and began to walk away. Derek huffed, opening his mouth to give Stiles his actual order, but the only word he got out was ‘I’ before Stiles waved him off without even looking back at Derek or down at the notepad, stride unbroken, as he recited:

“Double cheeseburger, half swiss, half cheddar, no pickles, curly fries, side honey mustard, strawberry milkshake, extra thick, double cherries.”

Derek scrunched his eyebrows, glaring at the younger boy as he walked away, but the small uptick at the corner of his mouth wasn’t lost on his family. Laura laughed behind her hand, Cora smirked, Mark gave a long-suffering sigh, the younger kids already lost interest, and all the adults gave a roll of their eyes (Peter mumbled something about “stupid teenagers” but was quickly shut up when his wife Lila elbowed him sharply, earning a giggle from their son Austin).

“Three.”

Talia raised an eyebrow, turning to see Claudia now standing just behind her chair and to the side, arms crossed and an amused look on her face as her eyes focused on Derek. She must have slipped in during everyone placing their orders, though how much of the interaction she saw Talia was unsure.

Humming to herself, Talia watched as Stiles finally made it to the kitchen, only part of his upper body visible through the open doorway as he leaned against the window to pin up his order and call out something to the cooks, a wide grin painted on his lips. He laughed with his whole body, leaning heavily against the window as he talked with whoever was in the kitchen, tapping at the ticket he just put up with a playful grin.

“Really? I saw six,” Talia smoothly responded, leaning further back into her chair. She cast a mischievous glance up toward Claudia, who gave her a smirk in response.

“Six?” Nick asked, looking between his wife and Claudia. “Three? What? Six and three what?”

“They’re betting on how long it’ll take those two to get a clue,” Lila offered, rolling her eyes at the other man. Her husband snorted beside her, earning him yet another jab to the ribs.

“Still! Three and six what? Days? Weeks? Months? Years?!” Nick cried. No one answered him, causing him to pout and wildly look between the two women (one of which was his wife) in his life who always seemed to be up to something or another.

It was silent for a beat, before Peter - who was still rubbing at his ribs, obviously overplaying the jab from his wife - piped up, “I vote four.”

“Four WHAT?!”

+.+.+

It didn’t go unnoticed that when Stiles brought their food out, Derek’s burger had more tomatoes than anyone else’s just how he liked, even though extra tomatoes were never mentioned.

It also didn’t escape their notice that Stiles stole the first fry from Derek's plate and only got a roll of the eyes, while Cora got a smack to the hand and a glare that could start WWIII when she only attempted to take a fry.

+.+.+

“That’s not what I ordered,” Dereked huffed, though Stiles would say it sounded more like a whine. The darker-haired boy pouted and shoved the glass back across the counter, leaning back on his barstool as if the drink personally offended him.

“It’s not,” Stiles easily agreed, “it’s better.” He pushed the glass back toward Derek with a single finger. Derek’s glare became poutier and Stiles's grin became more of a smirk.

Claudia watched from the other end of the counter, counting out the till. She’d have to recount - she lost track two minutes ago when Stiles first began teasing Derek while they waited for his milkshake to be finished.

“Stiles.”

“Derek.”

“Stiles.”

“Derek. ”

“Please,” Derek said softly, a genuine frown now making its way onto his face. His shoulders slumped slightly, eyes darting to the side as he seemed to slowly lose his ability to keep up with Stiles’s usual banter. Claudia cocked her head, immediately noticing the change. She had the urge to ask what was wrong, a protectiveness she often forgot she had for the Hale children rearing its head inside her. But her own son seemed to beat her to it.

“Woah, hey, no of course. I’m sorry,” Stiles quickly corrected, pulling the glass back and moving to grab a second glass from the counter just behind him. He slid the second glass, filled to the brim with a thick, viscous pink liquid, in front of Derek slowly, his posture opening up slowly as he leaned against the opposite side of the counter and looked at Derek with a single raised eyebrow.

Neither said anything else for a minute, and Claudia was sure the interaction was over, but Stiles still had his head tilted ever so slightly, his body open and pointed towards Derek, an inquisitive expression aimed at the other. It was odd - seeing her son be so quiet. But he didn’t break, he remained steadfastly quiet, the only hint of conversation from him being the questioning look he directed at his friend.

Derek finally looked up and made eye contact after taking several slow, long sips of his shake (strawberry - as usual).

“I’m benched from the next game,” he said softly, almost so quietly Claudia didn’t hear. Stiles simply tilted his head more, chin dipping down as if to encourage Derek to keep going, but Stiles himself never spoke a word. “I’m two points away from failing math. Coach thought it would… encourage me to do better. But I just don’t get it, and basketball helps when I can’t focus and…”

Derek fell silent again, frowning as he fiddled with his straw, unable to meet Stiles’s eye.

Claudia watched, jaw dropped, as Stiles turned and walked away without a word. She felt her blood boil, ready to whack her own flesh and blood ten ways to Sunday with the nearest object and bundle Derek up in her arms and apologize for her stupid offspring, but just as quickly as the red rage filled her vision, Stiles was back.

Stiles plopped the previous milkshake on the counter across from Derek, but closer to himself, and placed a plate between them. It had two forks, what looked like a brownie that was cut to be the size of three regular brownies put together, and a large mound of whipped cream.

Taking one of the forks, Stiles cut a piece of brownie off and moved it toward his mouth before pausing. He locked eyes with Derek.

“I don’t work on Mondays, we should hang out. Go over homework together. I’m pretty good at math, might need some help with history though,” he said casually, popping the bite into his mouth, “I can barely remember one old white dude from the next.” Claudia raised an eyebrow. Her son had a 97% in history - she knew because his teacher called to discuss a recent essay regarding male circumcision and Claudia promptly ended the call once the teacher confirmed his grade in the class (he could write about the mating habits of mosquitos in history class for all she cared with those grades).

Derek gave a roll of his eyes and a half-smile. “I like history,” is all he said, before taking a bite of the brownie himself. Derek also knew Stiles's claim for needing help was far-fetched; he did, however, know Stiles didn't like history.

“I know.”

Claudia watched, a bit awed and with a dopey smile only a mother could pull off, as the two boys shared the brownie and sipped their milkshakes. Stiles began rambling about Scott’s newest girlfriend and also complaining about a weird sound the Jeep is making. Derek nodded along, mostly silent, communicating in some weird fashion with his eyebrows and various smirks.

Claudia gave up on the till and took the next two tables that came in, letting her son enjoy his moment in the bubble he’d created with Derek. She’d get onto him about socializing while on the clock and make him do the trash run later. For now, Derek seemed like the more important task.

+.+.+

Claudia paused between orders to watch as Derek walked out after throwing several bills on the counter (of which, she noted, could pay for his tab nearly three times over - even if Stiles charged him for the monstrosity of a brownie he brought out and therefore shouldn’t be charging Derek for anyways). And she was immediately thankful for her pause, as she got to witness Stiles pausing as he went to clear the dishes, only to stop when he saw Derek’s extra cherry from his shake carefully balanced on the top of his straw.

Stiles popped the red fruit into his mouth, stem sticking out, and smiled softly to himself as he went about clearing the counter and clearing out Derek’s order.

+.+.+

“Why you little-” Talia let out a low growl of frustration as she smacked her hand against the half-opened entryway door, watching as the two boys ran out and down the street before she could even get a good look at their faces. She had just come in with Laura and Derek to get a couple of Claudia’s pies for dinner that night. Grades had just come out the day before and she wanted to celebrate her children all having passing grades by getting their favorite desserts. 

While waiting at the counter, Talia watched as two teenage boys smacked the large tray Stiles was carrying from the back out of his hands, causing food to fly all over the place and make a mess over the poor boy. Shouts and jeers were heard as they darted out, Talia hot on their tail to try and get names and faces but to no avail.

Turning around, Talia watched as Stiles knelt on the ground, head bowed, trying to clean up the spilled food. He was drenched in various drinks and covered in a mess of food. Laura and Derek were both crouched down trying to help clean up as well.

Before Talia could ask if Stiles knew who those boys were, she paused. Stiles’s hands were shaking, progressively getting worse, and he seemed half frozen to the spot aside from the tremors running up from his hands. Derek immediately dropped the stack of dishes he had been collecting and shuffled to sit right in front of Stiles on his knees, taking both of the boy’s hands in his own.

“Stiles,” Derek said softly, “breath. Come on, with me. In… One, two, three… out… good, again…”

Talia watched as her son gently coaxed Stiles into a familiar pattern, staving off what looked to be a panic attack. She watched silently as they went through the motions several times until Stiles’s hands shook less, only slight jumps of movement instead of literal tremors.

“Come on, let’s get you cleaned up. I have a spare shirt in my bag from practice.”

Derek easily pulled Stiles up from the ground and grabbed his discarded backpack at the same time. He wound an arm around the smaller boy’s body and steered him to the back, not even bothering to look at Laura or his mom as he did so. When she met her daughter’s eyes, Talia just got a shrug and Laura motioned for her to help with the scattered dishes. It wasn’t long until another server was coming out from the back with rags and a bucket, insisting they could get the rest.

By the time the pies came out, Derek and Stiles still hadn’t come back out. The waitress who cleaned up the mess gave them one of the pies for free and apologized profusely before Laura waved them off. They did however confirm that Claudia was out for the day but that they’d see about having her pull video footage from when the incident occurred, jotting down the time and making a note for when Claudia came back in the next day.

Laura had already headed out to the car, telling her mom she’d get it started and warmed up. Talia was just about to leave and wait Derek out in the car after five more minutes had passed, hand on the door, when the two boys came back.

Stiles was in clean clothes, face red and eyes puffy, and a bag clutched in his hand along with his keys. Derek had a grip on the back of his neck, not saying anything, but helping to keep the other grounded with the touch as they walked.

Before reaching the door, Stiles stopped, gave Derek a weak smile, and leaned in for a hug. They hugged one another tight and quick, then let go. Stiles turned immediately, head ducked low as he moved towards the kitchens. Talia vaguely heard something mumbled about ‘clock out’ and ‘Jeep’, so she assumed Stiles was clocking out and then heading out to his car that was parked out back. 

Derek watched after the other until he couldn’t see him through the kitchen entryway anymore. Then, he simply turned back towards his mom and walked out the door Talia held open for him. Neither of them said anything, but she did give her son a gentle squeeze on his shoulder and a soft smile. Derek simply nodded in response.

+.+.+

Talia wasn’t willing to comment on it, but she was sure she wasn’t the only one to notice Derek’s own change of clothes. The maroon hoodie he walked in wearing was missing, in its place was a plain t-shirt Talia was sure he wore earlier that week.

Conveniently, Talia also noticed that alongside a pair of BHHS branded basketball shorts, Stiles walked away in a maroon hoodie that looked to be a size too big, hanging from his frame like a blanket rather than a jacket. She stayed quiet about it. Just like she stayed quiet about the extra pie Derek had carried out to the car in one hand (peach cobbler - his favorite).

+.+.+

“What about Thursday? Nick’s making lasagna, Peter, Lila, and their kids will be out camping until the weekend, Cora and Eric will be doing a sleepaway for Adventure Scouts, and Laura is staying at a friend’s. It’ll just be Derek at the house and you know how he is,” Talia urged.

Claudia grinned widely, leaning against the counter. They hadn’t had a chance to have dinner together in ages, even with the whole family, but with just the four of them? Claudia was willing to bet it had been years (“Three months, Claude,” Talia corrected with a huff). Noah had Thursday and Friday off this week, a rare ‘proper’ weekend, and Claudia could escape the diner for the night.

“Stiles doesn’t work that night - we could bring him along or have Derek hang at our house for the night,” Claudia innocently offered. Talia scowled.

“That’s cheating!” she huffed. “But Stiles is welcome to come, of course.”

“Actually, maybe it’s not cheating,” Claudia suddenly said, eyes focused to the side of where the two of them sat, where the counter stood near the front of the diner. Talia scrunched her eyebrows before turning to focus where her friend was already looking. They were sat at an empty booth, not too far away but just far enough to the side that neither of the boys seemed to notice either of their mothers’ presences. Thank god, Talia thought.

“Oh come on! You always get the same thing,” Stiles whined, pouting at Derek. “At least try a different shake! I promise the peanut butter banana is awesome, Der, swear it.”

Rolling his eyes, Derek smirked at his friend and leaned further against the counter as if in a challenge. “I order the same thing because I always go to the same place,” he said airily, “take me somewhere different and I’ll change it up.”

Stiles paused, eyes narrowing slightly. He cocked his head to the side a bit, leaning onto his hands across from Derek and letting his eyes scan over the other boy slowly as if analyzing the person in front of him to ensure it was indeed Derek Hale.

“Somewhere different?” Stiles confirmed. Derek gave a soft hum, his lips tilting up at the sides slightly. “Somewhere different… for dinner?” Derek rolled his eyes but the smile finally cracked across his lips and he gave a slow nod.

Stiles, in turn, pursed his lips, obviously biting back on a grin of his own. “You tryin’ to get me to ask you on a date, Hale?” he finally asked, unable to bite back on the wide grin that finally took over his face.

“Depends,” Derek drawled, “you actually gonna ask?”

“You know, you could ask me yourself,” Stiles challenged. Derek gave a small bark of laughter.

“I could,” he agreed, “but you asking is more fun.”

“Yea?” Stiles laughed, then rolled his eyes. He leaned fully onto the counter, bracing himself on his elbows. Derek moved in to mirror his position, putting them just a few inches in front of one another. “Alright. Will you go on a date with me, Derek Hale?”

Derek cracked a grin. “It would be my pleasure, Stiles Stilinski.”

Talia and Claudia watched as their sons stood, staring at one another with too wide of grins, acting like stupidly lovestruck teenagers without a care in the world. They watched as they made plans about where to go, when to go, and argued over who would drive. 

“So I guess it’s just us on Thursday, then,” Claudia mused, turning back to give her friend a half-smirk.

“Guess so,” Talia chuckled, then groaned almost immediately after. Claudia raised an eyebrow in question. “Peter won the bet,” she amended glumly.

“Really? It’s already been four months?” Claudia moaned, slumping in her chair. “That bastard’s going to be so smug…”

+.+.+

Years later, Derek would ask Stiles if he ever figured out why Derek insisted Stiles ask him out on their first date instead of the other way around. When Stiles had no answer, Derek would kneel down and tell him he wanted to be the one to ask the next big question. 

Stiles would then roll his eyes as he retold the story at their wedding, causing everyone to aww and coo. And when Peter (once again) told everyone about how he predicted the union of the two from the start, everyone would laugh (except for Claudia and Talia).

[bobbinacrossafricatake2]

Namibia - On the Move

May 19, 2024

Seb got up at 5:00 AM to visit Bruce again at the solar observatory. He was perched on a bench (asleep?) but seemingly happy to have company. His most powerful telescope was misbehaving, so we first looked through the other two. He tried to convince Sarah that she could simply look at his insta site, but it’s not the same, so he kept at it until the good one found Saturn and focused. Pretty dang cool to see the ring(s), and also a glimpse of an unfocused red Mars. Bruce muttered on about galaxies and nebulas and a bunch of stuff that Sarah frankly didn’t understand,but without the moon, she enjoyed the spectacular sky, complete with two shooting stars, the Milky Way, Sagittarius and a few other things she could marginally appreciate! Back at the room, Jill’s alarm had just gone off, so Sarah convinced her to turn off all the lights and look at the sky out by the pool. The Milky Way visible to the naked eye.

We finished packing and headed to breakfast in the lounge. Yum - a seemingly wholesome bowl, kombucha concoction (for gut health, as if that’s a priority here), cappuccino, coffee, and other treats. As usual, different light on the horizon for a new and wonderful look at the same view. We saw Ty and Idea one last time, said farewell to our hosts and jumped into a vehicle with Lance and Rebecca. The airports in Namibia are basically a few tents for shelter while waiting, a loo, and an area to keep fuel for the planes - not fancy! Our ginormous plane (ha - seats twelve, plus pilot and co-pilot, which is not part of the team) was there; we waited for a few other passengers and headed northwest. The views were amazing. First, the red dunes as far as one could see. Then a river bed that delineated where the dunes changed from red sand to white (well, tan). The textures and subtle color changes were only outdone by the change from dunes to flat(ish) sand to rough, sandy areas to mountains that were almost black. Our first pilot had made a comment that Namibia has many “table mountains” and true to her word, we passed over an area that was all about flat-topped mountains.

Our first flight had a stopover in Swalopmund where we swapped out a few passengers and refueled, then onto Doro Nawas. It was totally fun, when we landed to see our first Namibia pilot who remembered our names. (Ah, it’s the little things that make an impression). Most passengers boarded vehicles, but we had our third flight of the day to the camp’s airstrip. This flight was on a miniature (4-6 seater) Cessna. Max, our guide for the three days we’re at the Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, met us as we got off the flight, collected our bags, and drove us the 25 min or so to our new home. The terrain here is still desert, but oh so different from Soussusvlei. It’s scruffier, rougher, with small, rocky hills dotting the landscape.

We arrived at camp to the staff singing a welcome song. They greeted us with the traditional cold, wet towels and fresh drink (lemonade in this case). We went in, met a bunch of staff, and got the overview of the lodge. It’s seriously hot here, reportedly 97 degrees today. But in WDC, it would be unbearable, here it’s simply hot. It’s a tented camp, not even close to the opulence of the &Beyond lodge, but really charming. We are admittedly a bit concerned that there’s no A/C - will see how that works out. We’re told that the winds usually come from the west (Atlantic) but for the last five days and at least the next few, they’re from the east, bringing hot air. Oh well, Mother Nature (and maybe climate change?) at work. We opted for lunch before going to our room. Yummy.

Our room/tent here is the closest one on one side of the lodge. It’s super nice, albeit more simple than the last place. But it’s well designed, with a nice view toward the watering hole for local creatures, good storage for two, plugs and WiFi (again only in the room, not in the common areas), a patio with lounge chairs and table, and a good bathroom with double sinks. Can’t really ask for more! We settled in quickly and then each took naps, it having been a short night. Tea at 4:30 PM (or “sweet and savory” as they dubbed it) was nice with more lemonade and we met our vehicle companions for the next few days, Robert and Jo. They’re super nice, which bodes well for a good time with Max. Off we went for our first game ride. Driving out of camp each of us admitted later that we had the lowest expectations ever for a game drive. We’re in the desert, with almost nothing green, loads of sand and rock, and not a creature in sight (except the flies and moths at lunch). Hurrah for being wrong!! Our first sighting was a baby giraffe. Sooooooooooo adorable. He was alone, very much blended into the background with very pale markings, and well, we all swooned. On we went and saw oryxes and springboks (hanging together), a few interesting birds, another large giraffe, and some baboons. The highlight was when we found Charlie leading Obi back toward camp. There are four lions on this private concession,3 sisters (Alpha, Beta and Charlie) and Obi, a male who was causing trouble in another area and re-located before locals took matters into their own hands, which would not be a good outcome for Obi. Now, he now has the choice of three girls. Not bad. Charlie is his favorite - for now. Charlie in the lead, we tracked them for a while. Stunning creatures, both; they’re hungry and on the hunt (watch out baby giraffe!). Such majestic presence. Max was great tracking, explaining, finding us good photo and viewing opportunities, and generally making sure our experience was fab. Indeed it was.

Back at camp, we were greated with our drink of choice (called in by Max as we approached camp) and enjoyed it at the firepit. There are only eight guests in camp today, and the staff moved the tables to the lounge area patio. It had cooled just enough to make dining al fresco very comfortable. Dinner, of course, was delicious: broccoli tempura as appetizer and a pork dish for the main course. The staff is quite attentive to Jill’s dairy limitation, and offered alternatives as needed. Mango sorbet was a perfect replacement on this warm night.

[kyemeruthie]

A long layover

12 hours. Arriving during the wee hours of the morning. From a delayed flight. Good decision to get a room at the airport's capsule hotel.

I realized a number of things.

One, that I'm willing to spend extra bucks for comfort.

Five years ago, at the same airport, I lugged it out at the benches and public restroom, if only to save at least a thousand pesos or so for renting an overnight room. I was so exhausted that time, but hey, that's part of the backpacking charm.

Fast forward today, I thought about staying at the carpeted free lounge areas. But I'd arrive at three in the morning and I'd need to wait until three in the afternoon before I go to my end destination. So before leaving Manila, I booked that last capsule room.

The flight was delayed, but I am so happy to sleep with fluffy pillows. No hassle to hug my essentials because I am in a private room. It was small for sure, something you'd expect in a capsule. I get to shower nicely come sunrise. This is good.

Two, why can't we have a nice airport in Manila?

I've been at KLIA2 a number of times now, majority of which have been for transit. It never disappointed me -- lounges are spacious, you'd still be dignified to sleep or stay for some time because there are different kinds of chair to sit on, a working charging station, and clean restrooms with shower options. The duty free shops are a bonus, the food choices are good. Wifi is 24hrs! Wow. The longest I'd get in Manila is three hours, if it's a good time; an hour if we're at peak periods.

I'd know that it's also commuter-friendly because the airport trains are connected to the city. There's also a shuttle that would take you to the other terminal. You would never mind walking because the walkalators are working and the pathways could accommodate a large number of pedestrians.

In general, NAIA is definitely lagging behind its SEA counterparts. We need to seriously work on how we'd boost ground support and better airport service. Gahdd, we even had the audacity to say "we give the world our best," but the very gateway to our country does not live up to the hero it was named after. And all we're thinking about is changing it's name.

Three, aisle seats are equally good.

As a forever window seater because of the view and isolation from the larger crowd, I have a renewed appreciation for aisle seats. It's roomier, easier to stretch for a rather long flight, and faster to receive food service + retrieving bags. The mask makes it ok for me to sleep because I won't worry too much about my mouth agape. Hahaha! It could also be that the people sitting near me are not as nosy as the previous ones I experienced. No middle seat still. I don't know anyone who likes middle seats.

Logging these thoughts for now. I'd be on a long journey for almost a month. This should be fun, especially because I'm out of loop from work most of the time. Excited for this coming week's conference and then that long vacation in Down Under with my parents. Tomorrow, I'm off to visit the highest mountain in Thailand. I hope my legs won't fail me. Hahaha!

Until the next post from somewhere! :)

[dezignlover11]

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