#tomorrow is the day I've scheduled for this and I'm getting ready for bed so that's why it's on my mind

[sapphicautistic]

Repeatedly chanting "I don't want to, but I can, and I'm going to."

[shankss-magnificent-ass]

Imagine inconveniencing Sir Crocodile with your fucked up sleep schedule

Early morning

Crocodile: [finds you in the kitchen procuring a beverage for yourself] I'm surprised you're up so early.

You: I haven't gone to bed yet, but I'm just about to head off. Night. [starts the trek -+

Crocodile: [follows you] It's six in the morning, just stay up and go to bed at a normal time tonight.

You: mmm, no, I'm sleepy, and I get nauseous when I stay awake for too long.

Crocodile: I need you to help to review all the accounts, if I did it by myself I'd take two days.

You: [enters your room and gets into bed] Do what you can, I'll come to help you around noon when I wake up.

Crocodile: That's not long enough, you need eight hours to be at the top of your game.

You: since you insist, then I shall see you around midafternoon.

Crocodile: seriously, you need to fix your shitty sleeping habits.

You: [cocoons yourself in your blankets and nuzzles your pillow to get comfortable] I'm gonna do a wrap-around.

Crocodile: [cocks an eyebrow at you] the fuck does that mean?

You: I'm going to sleep later and later, and eventually it'll be normal.

Crocodile: you're a ridiculous creature if you genuinely believe that will work.

You: I meant it as a joke, I'm actually going to bed earlier than usual.

Crocodile: this is early for you? [sits on the edge of your bed]

You: I usually go to bed around eight in the morning.

Crocodile: You need more structure in your life from an outside source... [reaches over and strokes your hair] I've clearly been too lenient with you, so starting tomorrow, you must be in my office and ready to work by noon. You also have to wear people clothes, no pajamas or sports wear. I'll gradually have you come in earlier and earlier until you have some semblance of a normal sleep schedule.

You: [whines].... fine, now shoo, I need to sleep, also I'll be billing you for the clothing I have to buy because I don't own many 'people clothes' as you put it.

Crocodile: [rolls his eyes, and ruffles your hair] Try to keep it under fifty thousand berry, please. I'm not made of money.

You: no, you're made of sand, which you're getting in my bed.

Crocodile: [snorts, and flicks some sand at you] Sleep well, brat.

You: thank you, I will.

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[russellsppttemplates]

Papa bear mode (Mick Schumacher)

Mick is in full papa bear mode and his baby girl hasn't arrived yet

Note: english is not my first language. this is another long piece that I hope you enjoy (I love how we all just love dad!Mick and I'm here for it)!

Thank you so much to everyone who likes and reblogs, your feedback is appreciated 🤍 and I'm taking requests so if you have any ideas or concepts you want to share, feel free to do so as I'll try to get to them the best I can!

my masterlist

Tw: pregnancy and postpartum

"Can we go tomorrow, then? I already said that I'd be taking the day off", you said to Mick, passing him the last piece of cutlery so he could put it on the drawer after you dried it, "the meeting was the only thing that I had scheduled and since that is cancelled, I have a free day for that, yes", he smiled, settling his hand around your lower back as he guided you to the living room, sitting on the sofa so you could sit next to him, his iPad on his hand so you could both look at it.

"I think I finally found the buggy for us", he announced, tapping the wide screen and opening the shared document you had created so you could have a set list of what you needed for your baby girl's arrival. Mick wanted to be involved in everything as much as he could, and when you suggested that you'd split the list of items so both of you would have less things to look up and search for, it went down as a good idea.

"This one has an adaptable pushing bit, you can regulate according to the height of the person pushing it so it's comfortable, comes with this thing where you put the nappy bag, and I've checked on your list here", he motioned, splitting the screen so both lists would be showing, "and it fits the bag we have already", he smiled, happy with his finding. You tapped the screen to see all the different pictures and features of the equipment, nodding when it seemed good, "yes, I think this is a good choice. It's good that it's adjustable, means you won't hurt your back because it's to small for you or that I will be uncomfortable because it's too tall for me", you smiled, looking up at him and stealing a kiss, "yes, and it looks sturdy enough to venture out for our walks, too", you mentioned, watching a video where the brand tested how the buggy behaved in different types of ground. You were hoping that once things settled down and you felt comfortable enough, you'd join Mick and Angie for walks as a family of four.

"I also found this crib", you mentioned, tapping the link you had pasted on the document earlier on in the day, "it looks pretty and practical, too", you noted, "she won't sleep on it for a while, I guess, because I've heard everyone say how they just sleep in the cot you put next to the bed for first few weeks", you shrugged your arms, "but at least it will be done and out of the way, and the nursery will be ready", you explained your point of you, earning a nod of agreement from your husband, "seems good to me too. We make a fine team, don't we?", he asked, cuddling you into his chest while you looked at the rest of the items you wanted to get.

The next morning, you both woke up and got ready to move your bodies. While you weren't an athete like your husband, you tried your best to engage in some form of exercise to keep active, usually some stretches and lighter movements now that you were pregnant. And because of that, you had built a nice routine to exercise while Mick did his workout in the morning.

You were tidying up, throwing your towell on the basket so you could later take it to the laundry room and then rolling up your yoga matt, walking to the place where you stored it when you nearly tripped in one of weight machines, "Y/N!", Mick said, approaching you to check how you were, "everything good?", he looked you up and down, Angie following suit as she looked up at you, "I'm fine, just didn't see the corner of it", you smiled, craddling his cheek, "no need to go all papa bear mode, at least not now", you reasoned, "yes, you're right. But maybe we should get those lock things, so baby girl doesn't walk in here and hurts herself, there are some heavy things here", he looked around, "and upstairs too, for that matter", he continued his ramble of everything he thought would be heavy and dangerous in the house, "I'll get to it once we get home from the shop", he finished.

Chuckling, you grabbed Mick's hand and laced it in yours, "there's still a lot of time until those are a concern, my love", you tried to pull him back to reality, "I know, but better be safe than sorry. And don't be so certain than I'm thinking she'll be the one to accidentally hit things, by the looks of it, you'll be too", he teased you, kissing your forehead as you made your way upstairs for a shower before leaving for the baby shopping afternoon.

Arriving at the store, you greeted the older sales assistant, showing her your list of items you wanted to get and following her as she also offered her opinions and views, "yes, I always recommend these cots where little one is right next to you in bed, they're like an extension of your own bed and they can be near the parent for feeds and changes during the night, and especially when the mother is the one getting to them in the night and she's still recovering, it's a lot easier to just roll and have the baby right there", she supported your decision, marking down on her notepad the exact model that would fit your bed, "and can we move it around? Say I want it on my side of the bed instead of hers", Mick asked, "yes, it's fairly easy to move around. This model has wheels that lock into place once you're happy with where it is", she showed the detail on the model they had on display.

After discussing all the furniture, you moved into the aisle concerning the mothers rather than the babies' sections, "again, we can never know for sure how the birth is going to go, but from my own experience and from what the clients tell me, it's better to be prepared for everything rather than run around in the newborn stage trying to buy something", she smiled softly, "we have this kit here, and it comes with nipple cream, which I would recommend you start applying a few days before the birth, a lot of new mothers swear by this trick", she winked, making you look at the product while Mick listened intently.

"Also these witch hazel pads also work wonders, if you lay them on your maternity pads or underwear, they really help cool down the area and make things a little bit less uncomfortable", she continued explaining what all the products did and how to use them to get the most benefits.

By the time you were home, sorting everything took even longer since Mick would not let you carry the bigger boxes, only allowing you to carry some baby clothes, hygiene products and a lamp to the nursery and your shared bedroom, and you couldn't help but notice his tense stance. His shoulders were stiff, he only spoke when you talked to him and the crease on his forehead was prominent. "Hey", you nudged him with your foot under the dinner table, "are you okay? Do you need something?", he asked worriedly, earning a no from you, "I should be the one asking you that. You are awfully quiet since we got home from the store. What happened? Was it something I said or did?", you wondered, receiving a chuckle on his end.

Frowning, you waited for his answer, "sorry, liebling, I don't want to offend you. And no, it's not your fault. I mean, it kind of is because yiu are the one carrying our baby, my baby", he brushed, "you and your body are doing this wonderful thing, like, you're growing organs and bones for our baby girl, you are her home", he smiled, tears filling his eyes before be frowned a bit, "but you're also the one enduring the pains, the discomfort that it is sometimes. You'll have to deal with so many things even after our baby girl is out here with us", he stretched his arm so he could hold your hand in his, his thumb rubbing your knuckles, "it's not fair, and I don't know how to make up to you", he explained.

"What made you feel like this? Was it just today?", you questioned, wanting to know where this whole thing came from, "It's just, today, at the store", he gulped, "the lady kept saying that the things we were getting were because things would be bad, like nipple cream because you'd have cracked skin there, or the witchhazel pads because you would be sore, and the band because sometimes everything would feel off on your body", he said, "and I'll be here for you as much as I can, I'll do anything and I'd do anything to take any of that discomfort away from you, but, it's bothering me, I think that's what it is", he confessed, opening up to you.

Smiling at his thoughtfulness, you tutted so he would look at you, "Mick, my love, it's all part of this. And while maybe, yes, if this was some sort of video game where I could transfer the pain of childbirth to you", you giggled, helping him relax a little bit more, "I'm sure I'll be just fine because I have you by my side, through all of it.

"So, please, stop feeling like you're not doing enough because you are. You're taking care of us, making sure I'm doing everything okay. And I have no doubt that the minute this one is her with us", you brought your laced hands to touch your bump, feeling your daughter kick, "you'll be even more wonderful. Parenthood is not measured by who does more of what, but rather how we handle it all together for the best of our family", you smiled, kissing your husband's lips as you finalised your attempt to make him feel better.

.

"Do we have to do this now?", you asked your husband, walking inside the home office to see his opening storage boxes, "you're not doing anything, but I need to get these away from here", he pointed to his trophies. His successful career was the first things that came to mind whenever you saw the wall, and now he wanted to store them away, "one day, Rora might think it is a good idea to touch these and what if they fall on her? They're really heavy and they can hurt her", he reasoned as he saw you sat down on the spinning chair, and if your stomach hadn't fluttered as he mentioned your daughter's nickname, your response would be quicker, "those are really high up, Mick, I don't think I can even reach them, let alone a baby or a toddler that, may I remind you, is still some time away from doing that", you noted, only hearing him mumbling something, "and I plan on dedicating every win to you and our little one, so these will soon be filled with new trophies", he smiled charmingly.

"You, little lady", you talked to your bump, "have a very worried and forward thinking papa, and while he can sometimes be a pain in our behind, he only does it because he loves us so much", you tapped the skin, "but we love him even more, so we are all lucky to have eachother, I guess".

.

"So, I hold her like this?", your husband asked the instructor, earning a pleased nod from her, "very well, Mick, exactly like that!".

You and Mick were at a baby class, and today you were covering the birth and what positions would be helpful whenever the pain of contractions was too great to handle and how you could deal with them, "Am I hurting you, liebling?", he asked, "no, on the contrary. This is actually really nice, I think I should walk around everyday with you like this until she's born", you chuckled, feeling how rhe pressure on your hips subsided, "you know I wouldn't mind being with you all day, you know? It would help me to keep an eye on you at all times an-", you interrupted him, "Papa bear mode is activated", you chuckled, kissing his jaw, "you're lucky I think you're insanely hot when you do that".

[lynnbanks]

Jet lag and brunch

(Would like to add this before you read that y/n (ivy) has Pernicious anemia and you will probably more about it in later stories. I would also like to add I'm not completely sure what this is just wanted to get it out there if there are any mistakes let me know hope you enjoy)

Our first morning/afternoon back at the lake house and if we don't hurry we will be late to brunch with luke parents and jack

Luke is still pretty jet-lagged so he is struggling to get up. “ lukey it is time to get up,” I say while rubbing his bare back long forgotten where his shirt and pants were the second we got to our room at the lake house before crashing onto the bed taking me with him.

“Lay with me for a second please.” we don't have time but I indulge already having myself ready knowing he would likely brush his teeth put on anything he can find at the top of his unpacked suitcase with a hat and be out the door.

“ ok sleepy butt we have 20 minutes to be out the door so in five minutes you need to be up and getting ready” he dismissed me by pulling me into bed with him and onto his chest mumbling “You smell good baby” voice still deep and gravely from sleeping 10 hours straight “ hmm thank you” while I run my fingers through his unruly curls “you ready to eat” I ask in a whisper as to not disturb the calm air around us seeing as we haven’t had a lot of alone time in awhile with all the crazy schedules “mmh yes very ready” “ok then let’s get this show on the road.”

Jack meets us downstairs and we all loaded up into the car, Quinn won’t be in till next week and we will probably do a fancy dinner to celebrate all of us being together and all the boys have accomplished this year.

When we get to the restaurant we meet up with Jim and Ellen in the parking lot, before we go in give a hug to both me and Luke after not seeing us for a while, we walk in and the conversation starts flowing.

Luke has his hand running up and down my leg, with the occasional squeeze, we talk about what we want to eat and enjoy each other's company, our server comes and takes our order not without giving Jack a few long stares and some flirty giggles, while we wait for our food I scoot closer to Luke and lay my head on his shoulder while he wraps his arm around me and kisses my head

“ y/n when are you free next maybe we can go get our nails done for the start of summer” “ I am free Sunday I was also thinking of getting my hair cut and finding a new swimsuit along with the other things we will need for the house we could make a day of it” luke perks up “ you have infusions tomorrow baby you should probably take it slow; don't worry about the other stuff I've got the rest.”

Luke gave me a soft squeeze on the arm to let me know he was still there with me, and all I can think now as I look up at him and smile is I love him. The rest of lunch goes pretty well me and Ellen walk out arm and arm talking about the rest of the details for our “girls’ day”. Me and Ellen have always been very close so I am looking forward to it

when I get to my car Luke is holding the door open and before I get in he pulls me into his body and gives me a soft kiss on the lips his constant need to touch me has always been something I love about him my little luv bug; instead of pulling away fully I lay my head on his chest and look up at him “Hmm I love you” he smiled “ oh really well I am IN love with you so” I laugh “ stop being so competitive Warren”

Back at the house Luke and I decide a nap would be how we spend the rest of the afternoon, so we make our way to one of the larger hammocks we had put in last year for this exact reason.

As I lay with half of my body on top of Luke he plays with the fingers on the hand that isn't playing with his curls we talk about nothing and everything; conversation had always been so easy for us never seeming to get tired of what the other has to say.

“I have missed this with you,” Luke says softly almost like he is saying it to himself; still very tired from the time change and travel that comes with the job on top of all the physical parts of the game.

I just want to rap him up and keep him in my pocket “Well you are about to see a whole lot more of me so be prepared to get sick of me” I say with a slight chuckle “ I don't think I will ever get tired of you” he says with a smile in his voice “ glad to hear it warren”

[starlight-writer]

Randomly Cuddling Them

A/n: Hahaha hiiii (⁠；⁠^⁠ω⁠^⁠）it's meeeee I'm baaaaack In all seriousness, I've been dealing with a shit ton of stuff and summer depression is kicking my ass. I'm sorry I haven't posted in ages even when I promised I would, I just haven't been able to motivate myself to write. I won't promise you guys a schedule or another fic anytime soon, but I will say that I have no intentions of deleting this blog or stopping writing all together. Just be patient with me and to those who have requested things, I'm sorry I haven't answered them. They'll all come in due time :) In the meantime, have some fluff to make you forget about your depression.

Warnings: none, fluff, slight angst(?)

Gn Reader Masterlist

Steven

Welcomes the cuddle with open arms

He'll ask if you’re ok a few times, just wanting to make sure his darling is feeling well

He'll pet your hair and start talking about his day or a new book he's read to fill the silence

"You wouldn't believe the ending though! The main character has to sacrifice his "

Just sort of talks about anything to fill the comfortable silence, hoping it'll distract you from anything that's stressing you out

Definitely playfully brags to Jake and Marc in the headspace during and after the cuddles

"They wanted to cuddle with me :D"

Once you're ready to pull away, he'll give you a kiss on the forehead and continue reading or whatever it was before, but keeps an eye on you

He isn't sure what brought on the cuddles, and while he loves them, he wants to make sure you're ok

If you start looking upset or frustrated with a task, he'll gently pull you away from whatever you're doing and sit you on the couch

"Lovey, you can finish it later, just sit with me for a bit yeah?"

He'll pull you into his chest and read aloud from his book or ramble about something to distract you

He'll play with your fingers, interlacing them and kissing your finger tips before holding your hand to his face

"Love you, darling"

He'll say in the sweetest voice, you'll forget all about the stresses of the day or the stresses of tomorrow

Mission accomplished

Marc

He's a little caught off guard, but pulls you into his arms eagerly

He'll never turn down cuddles (cough touch starved cough)

He'll run his fingers through your hair or rub his hand up and down your back

He'll ask if you're ok, but won't push past that

He'll stay silent unless you ask him to talk

"Uh... I saw a lizard earlier today. It reminded me of you cause it was cute :)"

He's trying his best

If you stay in his arms for a long period of time, he'll start to think something might be wrong so he'll start making really really bad jokes

"I went to the deli earlier and the sausage they gave me was the wurst :D"

He won't stop until you laugh and he's not above tickling you until you pee your pants

It's like he unlocks a little box inside his head of terrible jokes and playfulness just for the purpose of seeing you smile

After the cuddles session, he'll watch over you carefully

If you start looking stressed or tired or anything but relaxed, he'll pop off with another joke

"Ya know, babe, I used to hate facial hair. But then it grew on me."

Is that a frown on your perfect lips? Not on his watch

"I don't think I told you this before, but I used to be able to play piano by ear. Now I have to play it with my hands."

Eventually, if you start looking too stressed, he'll just pull you into another cuddle session

"Can't have my baby getting stressed."

He'll explain, kissing you on the forehead and shushing you if you try to leave

He'll carry you to bed or the couch, locking you underneath him with his head on your chest

"So comfy, might just fall asleep here."

He snores loudly, trying to coax a giggle or two out of you

And when you fall asleep from the warmth he gives off, he'll watch you with love in his eyes

"Goodnight, babe. I love you."

Jake

There're two ways this could go depending on how he feels

He could be very smug about it, hold you tightly to his chest, mutter things like 'poor bebito/a, so needy for their Papi~' and make sexual or teasing jokes to lighten the mood

Or he could hold you securely in his arms, run his fingers across your back, occasionally kiss your head, and ask in a hushed voice 'what's wrong, mi amor?'

He thrives on physical affection, so either way he's incredibly happy to give it to you

Whether it be a quick kiss, setting his hand on the small of your back as he walks by, resting his hand on your thigh as he drives, or just touching your knee with his in a crowded space, he loves all of it

And depending on why you suddenly held onto him, he'll be very attentive

If he's making jokes when you just want to be held, he'll pick up in it right away and mutter a small apology with a kiss

He'll hum a song he heard on the radio, he'll keep his breathing long and slow to help calm you down if needed, he'll even read you one of Steven's 'boring' books

He's like Marc in a way, they'll both do absolutely everything in their power to make you smile or laugh if the situation calls for it

If you've gotten your fill of cuddles and start to pull away, he'll pout and pull you back down, muttering something about feeling cold without you on top of him

Which is a lie, they run extremely hot which has cancelled many cuddle sessions in the summer because 'It's too hot, Jake! And don't give me those puppy eyes!'

He refuses to let you go until you explicitly tell him you want him to

He'll act all sad, but he lets you go after a passionate kiss

Openly watches you closely afterwards, determined to see any slip of annoyance or frustration so he can whisk you away to your shared room and cuddle the stress away

And the second your brow twitches in frustration, he's coming up behind you and hugging you

"Bebito/a, dance with me."

He'll say, already swaying to the music playing in his head

He'll spin you around and subtly drag you away from the chore or work you were doing with a charming smile and his swaying hips

When you've rested your head on his chest and sigh softly, following the shuffling of his feet and sway of his hips, he knows he's succeeded in calming you down

[clarkeyhill]

☁️Break the distance| Arthur Hill

[ You and Arthur are a long distance relationship, he lives in London and you live 6 hours away, although you FaceTime you just haven't been able to see each other face to face yet, until you surprise him at one of his tour dates ]

It was the last stretch of his tour and the last stop was London, he's FaceTimed you after every show and told you how excited he was for the final one, all of his friends are going to be there and it's a big venue. You had an idea to surprise him, Arthur calls you at 11pm just after his second to last show.

You: "hey! How was it?" You ask

Arthur "I've loved it! The crowd was insane and the energy was just unmatched, I'm so excited for London tomorrow" he says a little sweaty and out of breath

You: "I'm glad it was a good one! I saw some videos and the crowd did seem insane! You really have some amazing fans" you say smiling back at him

Arthur "I wish you were here, I'd love to just hug you after every show and celebrate with you, you've been my rock" he says a little saddened

You "I know, me too but it won't be long when tours over we can schedule some time for me to come over to London and you can tell me all about it again" you say

You carry on the conversation before you let him hang up, you both needed your sleep seen as you were both going to have a big day tomorrow. Your alarm rings at 6am, an early start to the day you creep out of bed, your bags were already packed so the finishing items were just left to grab. You're due to arrive in London for 2pm and Arthur's show is at 7pm, so you had a small amount of time to check in to your hotel and get prepared. You send his manager a message to let her know you're on the way and should arrive by 2pm, she aims to send someone from the crew with a lanyard gaining you access without drawing attention to yourself and spoiling it.

After a 6hr train journey you arrive in London just a little before 2, pulling your suitcase along the platform your belly fills with butterflies, nervous to see him but also nervous to meet his friends. You send another text to his manager texting her the location of your hotel so you could grab the lanyard, you get to your hotel at 2:30pm after grabbing an Uber, the receptionist mentions someone left a parcel for you. As you grab your door card you haul your case with the package on top, wrapped in a a gift bag it has a little bit of weight to it, you were excited to see what was inside.

You unlock your door and walk your way in, dumping your suitcase by the door you sit on your bed and open the bag, in it revealed your "vip" lanyard aswell as all kill hill tour tee & hoodie. A note left read "we think these would make you blend in a little more, can't wait to see you x" you smile at the card as you place it back in the bag. You decide to grab a bite to eat before getting ready as you order room service, waiting for it to arrive you jump in a quick shower.

After eating the time is now 4:30pm and you have atleast 1hr half left to get ready before needing to set off to the venue. You add minimal makeup, a touch of foundation, you gel your brows brushing a minor touch of pomade through them, adding on some subtle false lashes. You've noted the face that Arthur loves your hair half up half down in light curls so you opt for that hair style, you slide on your flared jeans and kill hill top as you opt for cowboy boots and cowboy hat to fit the tour theme. It's now 6:15 and you need to grab an Uber to get there to merge into the crowd, his manager let you know there was a meet and greet at 5:30 so you would blend in afterwards with a little bit of the crowd.

You arrive at bang on 7pm, you shoot his manager a text as you know his support act is just starting giving you time to sneak unnoticed, you end up in the middle of the pit, your stomach turning as his support act comes to an end, the anticipation kills you just waiting to see your boyfriend. Just then the lights go down and his song "John Wayne" starts to play, your heart beats as girls next to you ask if you've been to a show before and you smile and say "no, this is my first, but not my last" as you dance with them, still undercover Arthur announces he will be singing a new song he's not yet released called "Lily" the song he wrote for you, even though it wasn't your name it was your favourite flower. This was the time you needed to make your self known.

He asked the crowd "is anyone here called Lily?" He scans around the room as girls scream, just then the lights go out and Arthur thinks something's wrong, everyone looks confused and starts to mumble, just as Arthur was about to go see someone about the lights, a spotlight lights up your presence. You glow in the light with a bright white smile, his production team had planned all this and told nobody a shockwave ripples through the room as Arthur stares at you "no fucking way" he says speechless everyone turns to look at you as the room falls silent "hi Artie" you say tearing up. "Guys I'm sorry if you're just as confused as I am, but that's my long distance girlfriend y/n in the crowd and I had no idea she would be here, this is who the song is about" he says giggling in shock as you blow him a kiss. He begins the song and his eyes cannot move away from you still in shock. The song finishes as you merge your way through the crowd, girls trying to get pictures of you as his manager stands at the end to guide you into backstage. You decide to sit in the back and wait for him to perform his last song, anxiously waiting for him to come out.

The music stops and the lights come back on, signalling he was done and he was on his way you belly flutters "he's coming" his crew say looking at you, just then Arthur bursts through the stage curtains and runs up to embrace you in a hug, he spins you around as he smiles into your shoulder.

"I can't believe you're here!" He says putting you down as you plant a kiss on his lips. "Me and your manager had a little plan of our own" you say smiling at him as he turns to her "thankyou" he says hugging her, your eyes well up as you're finally seeing him in the flesh. Your stomach fills with butterflies as he walks back over to you, scooping you up in his arms as you look down at him.

"Thankyou for coming, I'm so glad you got to experience me doing the things I love, even more so you just being here"

-

🫶🏻

[bbrissonn]

can I get a request where kylian is always being dramatic or protective whenever the reader is out partying with friends without him cause he have away games. He always say “where are you” or “who are you with” and cannot control himself from worrying and sometimes think the reader is with a guy if she doesn’t pick up his call immediately.. 🥺🥺

under the cut !

also, im sorry i haven't written in a long time, i've just been very busy with work and school :))

also i didn't do the full request, just mainly the part of kylian always wanting to know where the ready is. hope you enjoy !

warnings: not proofread

your eyes rolled the back of your head as you felt your phone buzz in your pocket once again. this was probably the fifth time in the last minute it had done so, meaning Kylian finished watching his movie at home.

ky💕 : chérie where are youuuuu

ky💕 : the beds cold without you :(

ky💕 : you should leave your friends right now and come cuddle with me

ky💕 : pretty please

ky💕 : bébéééééé répond moi :((( [answer me]

instead of answering any of his messages, you decided on just calling him instead, hoping it'd be a better way of having him leave you alone.

"mon amour! thank god you called me! do you need me to come pick you up?" kylian asked as soon as he answered the phone, making you roll your eyes once again. you had barely been gone for two hours and he was already freaking out.

"kyky, love, you can't drive, and even if you could drive, i'm not leaving until tomorrow mor--"

"what!" he exclaimed loudly, making you quickly pull your phone away from your ear. you sent a look to your friends before stepping outside of your friend's house.

"kylian, i told you i'd be spending the night here like 2 weeks ago. and i reminded you before i left."

"i thought you were just joking with me." he said in a sad tone, making your heart ache a little. the two of you didn't get to spend much time together because of your busy schedules, but you had planned this night with your girls almost a full month ago, long before you knew if kylian was going to have a day off or not.

"i'm sorry, ky. but i promised the girls i'd be here." you whispered softly into the phone, your eyes looking at the city in front of you.

"it's okay, chérie. have fun, je t'aime."

"je t'aime."

~

a groan slipped past your lips as you slowly opened your eyes, the sound of your phone buzzing under the pillow waking you up. another groan was heard once you realized it was kylian texting you again.

ky💕: y/nnnnn

ky💕: i cant sleep chérie

ky💕: why did you have to leave me :(

ky💕: i feel so small in this giant bed

you rolled your eyes as another groan left your mouths before your fingers flew over your keyboard, quickly sending him a message before turning off your phone and putting in silent mode.

my y/n/n🤍 : kylian for the love of god, go to sleep it's 3 am !!

to no one's surprised you were met with almost 50 texts and missed calls from your boyfriend the next morning, something your friends were quick to tease you about.

[cljordan-imperium]

I FINALLY POSTED

*sighs*

Okay, I've scheduled the last chapter of each storyline except @theimperiumchronicles to post about every two hours for the next day or so. Just so everyone can get caught up.

I posted the newest chapter of @whileyouwait-dm TODAY.

Tomorrow I'm going to post something from @theimperiumchronicles. I'm not sure if it's going to be from @amayadartan or @graeadalicia. It will most likely be one of those two, although I have a chapter for Amon visiting Abriella and one for Jasper almost ready as well. I may have to create new side blogs for them as well. *gets out the flowcharts and spreadsheets cuz...*

I have been writing while feeling like crap, just being online required too many spoons. After a couple of infusions and some steroids, and treatments, I am doing better. Thank you for those who have checked on me and supported. It means more than you know. *huggles*

Stories coming...and...I have a new story coming...I know...I know...shut up...This is what happens when I'm bed bound...

@pheita @writingmaidenwarrior @dreaminggoblin @watermeezer

@saltysupercomputer @toribookworm22 @frostedlemonwriter @mama-ivy

@crowandmoonwriting @jadeglas @blind-the-winds @abalonetea

[snifflesandsnzes]

Can you please do Taesan from Boynextdoor? Like he has a really bad cold but try’s to hide the fact he’s sick. All Boynextdoor has to make a collective effort to get him to rest.

Hi! Thank you so much for requesting! I hope you enjoy this! Also, I'm back to posting fics now! YAY! I've been really busy with work lately but I have a lot more time now to actually post. So you can look forward to more updates from me now! Enough on that now, I hope you enjoy the fic~

You Can Trust Us, Alright?

Dongmin was pulled out of his “producing daze” when his phone rang loudly, breaking the silence of the studio. Dongmin sighed softly before reaching over and checking his phone. It was Jaehyun. 

���Dongmin-ah, why aren't you back yet? You can continue with your songwriting tomorrow, just come back to the dorms.” Dongmin sighed again as this was exactly why he was feeling reluctant to pick up Jaehyun's call. “Hyung, I haven't finished what I wanted to do for today. I'll be back in a while, don't worry about me.” Jaehyun let out a whine on the other side of the line and Dongmin had to hold back a smile. “Dongmin-ah, we miss you! Just come back already!” Dongmin sighed but knew it would be useless to argue with his leader. “Alright, hyung. I'm coming back.” Jaehyun didn't say anything after that but Dongmin knew he would have a huge smile on his face. As he packed up for the day, he felt a twinge of guilt for not finishing what he came to do in the first place. As BoyNextDoor's first full album was right around the corner, Dongmin's stress levels were at an all time high. And even though Dongmin prided himself in being a very calm person, the pressure of giving OneDoors their best was a lot, even for him. At times like this though, he was very grateful to his members who made sure to check up on him whenever he had his “stressful phases”. 

When Dongmin finally made his way back to the dorm, he found all the members in the living room on the lower floor of their dorm. Sungho gave him a stern look as soon as he took a seat on the couch and buried his head in his hands. “Min-ah, do you know how long you've been cooped up in your studio? You need to rest too, you know. You can't expect yourself to work all the time and not have any repercussions.” Dongmin groaned before meeting his hyung’s eyes. “Got it, hyung. I'll be careful next time. But now that we're done here, can I go to bed? I'm exhausted.” All of the members laughed at that and Donghyun patted his back. “Sure, Min-ah. Good night!” Dongmin nodded tiredly at him before dragging himself to his room and all but collapsing on his bed.

When Dongmin woke up the next day, he immediately knew he was screwed. His head felt like it was stuffed with cotton and his eyes felt watery and irritated. And that's not even the worst part. His throat felt scratchy and he couldn't breathe through his nose at all. To make things even worse, there was a sharp tickle in the back of his sinuses. Dongmin groaned as he sat up in his bed and looked around. It looked like Woonhak had already woken up and that meant that he was really late. Dongmin quickly got ready for whatever schedule he had that day and walked out of his room. As soon as he walked out of his room, he was handed a cup of tea by Sanghyeok. He took it gratefully and as soon as he took a sip, he sighed deeply, the warm tea doing wonders for his irritated throat. “You okay, Dongmin hyung?” Woonhak asked him as they all took a seat at the table. Even though Dongmin felt bad about lying to the maknae, he didn't want him or any of the members to worry. So of course he lied. “I'm fine, Woonhak-ah. Just tired.” He said after a pause and Woonhak probably took the bait but Sanghyeok gave him a disbelieving look. But thankfully, he didn't say anything else. 

The members soon finished eating breakfast and met up to go to their company in their shared van. Dongmin took a seat at the back next to Jaehyun. Jaehyun gave him a look as he entered the van but when he met Dongmin's eyes, he didn't say anything. The van ride to the company was mostly silent at the back because all the loud members (minus Jaehyun) were at the front. Jaehyun seemed to be staying quiet because of Dongmin's headache and he felt a twinge of guilt for not being able to successfully hide his cold from the members. When the van crossed a tunnel and drove into the bright sunlight, Dongmin swore silently. The bright light did nothing for the tickle at the back of his sinuses, instead making it worse. Knowing he needed to sneeze, Dongmin cupped both his hands in front of his face as he gasped softly. “hh'HNgT-Chuh!-” Dongmin sniffled wetly after the sneeze, rubbing at his nose harshly. Jaehyun gave him a concerned look. “Bless you, Min-ah. You okay?” Dongmin nodded immediately. “I'm okay, hyung. You don't need to worry.” Jaehyun (like Sanghyeok earlier) didn't look convinced but he didn't say anything else. 

Soon enough, their van was parking into their company garage. As all the members poured out of the van, Dongmin internally dreaded the day ahead. Today was supposed to be the day when Jaehyun, Woonhak and Dongmin go through what songs each of them had written to finalize a tracklist to then send to the company. It was a day that was much anticipated by all of them. The minor inconvenience was that Dongmin's cold was getting worse by the second. After his first sneeze, it was getting increasingly difficult not to sneeze again. And he knew the members were worried already so he didn't want to worry them more. This was his problem and he's gonna be the one to deal with it.

“Okay, so who wants to go first?” Jaehyun asked Woonhak and Dongmin. Woonhak gave Dongmin a quick look before saying that he would start first. Dongmin gave Woonhak a grateful look. While Jaehyun was busy with Woonhak, Dongmin tried to control the irritating tickle in his sinuses. He tried blowing his nose with some tissues he found in the studio but that just made the tickle worse. Knowing he'd have to sneeze soon, Dongmin grabbed another tissue and held it to his sinuses, taking in a shuddering breath. “hh'Ikt-ChuhH!- hh'ItkShuhH!-” Dongmin sniffled wetly after the sneezes, blinking the irritated tears out of his eyes. Jaehyun and Woonhak both stop what they were doing and turn to him. “Are you sure you're okay, Min-ah? Because that really doesn't look okay to me.” Jaehyun said and Woonhak nodded immediately at his hyung’s words. Dongmin rolled his eyes before glaring at Jaehyun. “I think I can tell whether I'm okay or not, hyung. I said I'm fine because I am fine! End of discussion.” Jaehyun sighed deeply but knowing Dongmin for as long as he did, he knew that arguing with him was point-blank useless. Dongmin was one of the most stubborn members when it came to things like this. 

The rest of their meeting passed by in a blur with Dongmin just trying his best to keep his cold under control. Of course, Jaehyun and Woonhak still noticed but they didn't say anything, knowing how irritated Dongmin got last time. Instead, what Jaehyun did was send a message to Sungho who was in the practice room with the rest of the members. He told the oldest member to bring all the others to the studio so that they all could try to get Dongmin to rest. And of course, Sungho agreed immediately. Turning to the members in front of him, Jaehyun cleared his throat. “Guys, what if we bring all the other members to the studio and ask them to listen to our songs. Maybe they have some good ideas!” Woonhak and Dongmin looked at each other and nodded. While Dongmin got back to work, Woonhak gave Jaehyun a look. “You're doing this because you want all the hyungs to tell Dongmin hyung to rest, right?” Jaehyun smiled at Woonhak. “Always so smart, my Woonagie. And yeah, that's what I want to do. Hopefully it works.” Soon enough, all the other members of BoyNextDoor were piling into the studio

Jaehyun quickly met Sungho's eyes when he entered the room and the other seemed to catch on immediately. Woonhak played the songs for the other members but no one was paying attention to the music at the moment, anyway. Dongmin had turned away from everyone and cupped his hands over his nose and mouth, breath hitching desperately. “hh'NgT-ChihH!- hh'IktShuHh!- Hh…hh'Ikt-ChihHh!-” He sniffled wetly and turned back to the others only for them to be looking at him already. Dongmin rolled his eyes, knowing exactly where the conversation was going to go now. “Don't you think you should admit you're sick now?” Donghyun asked him and Sanghyeok nodded at his words. “Dongmin-ah, we've all caught on, okay? There's no point in hiding now.” Dongmin just shook his head and turned away from the others. “If I didn't hide that I was sick, you wouldn't have let me work! Do you know how close the comeback is? Do you know how much it means to me?!” Jaehyun reached out and gently made Dongmin face him. “Taking a break for a few days isn't gonna affect the comeback, Min-ah. We have 6 members, you know? We should rely on them sometimes. Woonhak and I will manage the songwriting till you come back, I promise.” Dongmin looked conflicted, like he didn't know whether he should admit defeat or not. But eventually he sighed and nodded his head at Jaehyun. “Fine, hyung. I am sick. I've had this cold since this morning and it's annoying the hell out of me.” Sungho laughed at that. “Let's get you home, Min-ah. You can trust us to manage just as fine without you, right?” Dongmin turned to Sungho and smiled brightly, making the others smile as well. “Yes, hyung. I trust you.”

I hope you liked this!

[missvelvetsstuff]

Just a Number

Bucky Barnes x Reader

Summary: Reader meets Bucky at a party and the attraction is more than either one of them wants to resist.

Reader is 47 and has adult kids who aren't sure about her new beau.

Chapter 8

Notes: it feels like it's been forever but I'm still alive. The holidays were rough, we were all sick and broke but my family is together and that's what's important. The husband and oldest are both working full time now and it's gonna take some time but life is heading back towards our normal level of broke.

My muse is very slowly waking up and I'm hoping to find the inspiration to get back to work on my other wip's and even have an idea or two for new stories.

I just realized that I've gone over 1000 followers and can only offer my shock and gratitude to y'all.

Hope this is worth the wait.

Warnings: swearing, angst

Y/N was too busy for the next few days to do more than work and sleep. Contract disputes arose in Malaysia which meant 3 nights away from home. It wasn't so bad, Pepper always had the best of everything and wasn't stingy.

She struggled to sleep with the time changes and late night meetings, only wishing she could go home to her own bed and sleep for at least a day straight.

That might not help her dreams. They started sweet before turning sexy and she never had the chance to get any release when they went bad. In one dream she let Bucky tie her up and he quickly went from teasing to torturing. If she was lucky she woke up screaming but sometimes she couldn't wake herself up and was trapped by the Winter Soldier, who then morphed into John, until something woke her up.

The first night home from Malaysia she woke up crying and went down to the kitchen for some tea, only to find Dawn waiting with her mug and the tea kettle whistling.

Dawn spoke softly.

"Come have a cuppa and talk to me Sissy. I feel like I haven't seen you in ages"

Y/N scoffed softly "Don't be so melodramatic I've only been gone for a few days."

Dawn shrugged "It's not the same here when you're gone. Maybe I'll get a dog."

Y/N smirked "Fine, as long as it's not some yappy purse dog. Pits and Shepherds are good."

Dawn's smile grew "You said fine, I'm getting a puppy next Saturday. You want to come to the shelter with me?"

Y/N smiled and nodded "I'm in."

Dawn poured hot water in their mugs "Now that's been settled. What's going on? I heard crying."

Y/N shook her head "Nothing. I'm just severely jet-lagged and can't sleep. My schedule is all fucked up. I'll be alright, just need some sleep. Luckily, Pepper gave me tomorrow off."

Dawn looked at her pointedly "None of that equals crying so tell me."

Y/N shrugged "Weird dreams involving James and John, I don't know how to sort them out. I miss James, was looking forward to seeing him and now I don't know when that will be. I don't miss Johnny but do hope he's alright."

Dawn nodded "Some sleep will help. And a puppy. Definitely need a puppy."

Y/N chuckled "So we can fight over who he sleeps with?"

Dawn smirked "So we'll get two puppies."

Y/N rolled her eyes at her sister and drank her tea before Dawn gave her a hug and she went back to her room to try and get some sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On the other side of the world things weren't going much better. John hadn't stopped complaining since he saw Bucky that first day. Bucky had been getting some amusement over Johns whining but was ready to put him down after the three of them got into it with some small time organized criminals who accused them of dealing on their turf.

Or that's what they thought until Sam realized one of them was enhanced.

Instead of focusing on taking the men down, John spent most of that fight trying to get the shield from Sam who ended up hurt pretty badly over it.

Bucky had enough and was giving John a piece of his mind when John tried to sucker punch him.

Unfortunately for John, he was still adjusting to his enhancement from the serum, while Bucky had been fighting with the serum for decades and caught John's fist with his vibranium hand.

He glared at John but couldn't help smirking when John realized he was caught.

Bucky squeezed John's hand "You gonna stop acting like a bitch or do I have to break your fucking hand?"

John whined "No, you can't you'll lose your pardon. I'll say you started it."

Buckys grin grew as John fell to his knees "You're on thin ice with the govt already, sure you want to take that chance?"

John cried out "Fine! Fine. Shit!!" and clutched his right hand to his chest when Bucky released it.

Bucky offered a hand up which John slapped away, making Bucky laugh out loud before he went to check on Sam. They took a day to let Sam rest and recover.

By the end of the week looking for the power broker, nerves were frayed. Sam was ready to let Bucky have at John and just turn his head.

Friday night found the three men and Sharon drinking mini bar shots in a hotel suite in Croatia.

Sharon was all over Bucky even after he repeatedly and politely asked her to stop.

Sam was practically passed out on one of the chairs, mumbling out comments at the game of Cards Against Humanity they had been playing for 4 hours.

John was a little better off than Sam but likely only because of the serum.

Sharon had been going in and out for at least an hour but her occasional snores made John and Bucky giggle.

Bucky downed 3 tequila shots in quick succession, wishing for even a slight buzz for his efforts, before elbowing John in the ribs.

It didn't occur to him that he was inebriated and spoke in a slurring stage whisper "Hey" he tapped John's shoulder "Hey!" John mumbled then snored so Bucky slapped him across the face, 'gently' with his flesh hand "JOHNNY!!"

John sat up abruptly "What? Goddammit Olivia why are you waking me up. Stupid bitch."

He looked around for a moment before realizing where he was when he saw Bucky staring at him. John scoffed "What the buck do you want Fucky? Keep bugging me and I'll make sure you never get near my sister again."

John looked around some more until he saw Sharon "Sharon!!" When she groaned and rolled over he mumbled again. "Fucking cunt better wake up so we can....."

Bucky listened to his mumbling, trying to figure out what John was doing with Sharon. He couldn't understand why he felt drunk all of a sudden but blacked out before he could figure it out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The rest of the week flew by and on Sunday Y/N was preparing tacos for dinner with her kids.

Jessie arrived early and helped while discussing work and a guy she met on her lunch break.

Michael showed up late and Y/N could smell the alcohol on his breath. She wasn't pleased with that but knew it would make it easier to get his secrets out of him.

Y/N heard her phone dinging in her bedroom and left Jessie to watch the meat.

When she looked at the text there was no number listed and a bunch of dark pics with a nude couple, obviously mid coitus. She gasped when she saw the glint of gold on Bucky's left arm and her stomach fell when she saw the woman on top of him had long blonde hair that was definitely not hers. Her eyes filled with tears and she quickly shuffled to the bathroom to splash some water on her face and put her phone away to be dealt with later.

Jessie scoffed at her brother "What is wrong with you Mikey?"

Michael smirked at her "Just celebrating, my dear sister. Getting rid of some dead weight." He laughed at his comments and Jessie growled at her brother.

She grabbed his collar "You better not be screwing with mom or Sargent Barnes." She stood on her tiptoes and looked him in the eyes "I will fuck you up if you hurt her, Mikey. I'm not playing."

Michael scoffed "A little heartbreak today will spare her from much worse later on. Now can we eat yet?"

Y/N overheard Michael but couldn't understand half of his words. She shook her head, knowing he was up to something because he almost never drank, and walked up to her kids.

"Michael, can you set the table please. Auntie is out so it's just the three of us."

Michael scoffed "She's gonna end up with AIDS or something, as much as she whores around."

Y/N bristled and tapped him upside his head "MICHAEL DAVID! What the Hell is wrong with you? You will not speak of your aunt like that."

He rolled his eyes "You talk about uncle Johnny like that all the time. What's the difference?"

She sighed "Jessie, can you make some coffee for your brother?" Then turned on her son "The difference is that Dawn helped raise you and has always been there for all of us while Johnny disrespected me and your father every chance he got. Or did you drink so much you forgot about that? I don't know what's going on but you better think real hard about the next thing you say to me."

Michael looked in her eyes and spat "If you cared so much about dad then why are you disrespecting him by fucking a war criminal?"

His head was turned before he realized she had slapped him. His hand flew up to his cheek and he looked at her in shock.

"You know I loved your father and more importantly he knew but he has been gone for over 5 years. Do you expect me to live alone for the rest of my life? I'm almost 50, not almost dead and I deserve to be loved, dammit."

She paused to take a sip of her wine "And James is a good man who was forced into fucked up circumstances. The government has pardoned him and you don't need to make his life any more difficult than it already is." She shook her head "I don't know how you ended up such a selfish and judgemental prick but your father would be ashamed. Now help your sister bring the food in."

Michael just stared at his mother before walking away muttering "That assholes life will be real simple when he's locked up on the Raft."

He pulled his phone out and didn't realize Jessie was listening until he ran into her "What have you done, Michael? I can't believe you would sabotage Moms happiness."

He scoffed "She'll get over it. Be easy for a slut like her to find another guy."

Jessie punched him in the stomach and took his phone away when he doubled over. Her eyes grew wide when she saw the messages from their uncle and she shoved Michael to the floor before hurrying to the dining room

"MOM!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Early morning that same day, Bucky woke up feeling hungover, in a strange bed. It took a few minutes for him to sit up and remember where he was. He held his head and groaned, jumping when he heard a moan right next to him. He looked over and practically fell out of bed trying to get away from his bed mate. When he hit the floor he realized that he was naked. Grabbing the blanket he stood up awkwardly trying to cover his nudity. As he pulled on it he saw it sliding off of the person in his bed, who he definitely didn't want to uncover.

She groaned "Jimmy, baby what's wrong?"

Bucky shook his head "Sharon? What the fuck are you doing in here? I told you to leave me alone."

Sharon giggled "Yeah you started that way but as the night went on you got much friendlier. Come back and I'll show you." She invited as she uncovered herself.

Bucky closed his eyes and shook his head "Nononono, Sharon you need to go. I don't want this, I don't want you. This didn't happen."

Sharon pouted "It definitely happened. Wanna see the pictures?"

"What? Pictures? What did you do to me Sharon? I remember drinking, playing some crazy card game and waking up just now." Bucky felt his heart speeding up and felt light headed "No, this didn't happen. You and John did something to me. You drugged me."

Sharon smiled wickedly "Aawww, how could little ol me do anything to a big bad super soldier? I think you wanted me and took what you wanted. Nothing wrong with that." She shrugged. "I definitely enjoyed it and the evidence says you did too."

Bucky could feel a panic attack coming on and felt his knees buckle before he dropped to the floor, his head fell into his hands "No. This can't be real. Please God don't let this be real."

Chapter 9

@supraveng @cjand10 @440mxs-wife @kandis-mom @dtba-grey81 @calwitch @ozwriterchick

[jr-acrux101]

Rebirth - Ch. 6 :

Avoidance

Jasper Cullen × OC 《- Chapters

Word Count: 1.7k

Summary: Unfortunate events and avoiding are in pursuit.

The weekend passed, and the girls stayed inside, Bella stayed mostly at Aurora's just watching scary movies, doing homework-Aurora writing down her answers since it was her right hand that took the injury- and Bella learning how to cook. Charlie stayed there for a few hours of the day when he wasn't at work or headed to sleep. Amora and him scheduled their next date for Wednesday. They were both liking each other's presence at home.

Sunday night, Bella and Aurora were in her bed after Bella got back from her and Charlie’s Sunday night dinner at her dad’s favorite diner.The girls were lying down, looking at Aurora's light up stars. Bella, facing Aurora, spoke hesitantly, "Why hasn't Jasper showed up?"

Aurora froze, that question had plagued her mind since she was in the hospital.

"I have no idea."

"Do you really like him?"

"I think so."

"Love him?"

Aurora giggled, "I don't know about love. It's only been a week, Bella."

Bella chuckled, "Okay. Okay. Do you think you can love him?"

She smiled softly, "I think so. I've never been in love before, but I'm sure it first feels like this." Bella nodded, the duo nodding off to sleep. Neither of the girls noticed the two pairs of yellow eyes in the tree line

The girls got up in the morning and slowly started to get dressed. They headed down stairs where Amora and Charlie, for some “unknown” reason, he stayed the night this night, were waiting, breakfast ready.

"Good morning girls, who would you rather have to take to work?"

The teenagers shared a glance,"Which one do you think is the least embarrassing?"

"Oh I don't know, I think they tie." Aurora nodded to Bella's statement.

Amora took a mock offense, "Why I never."

Bella shrugged, "Honestly either or is fine."

"Yeah it doesn't matter."

"Okay, I'll take you guys. You just have to leave a bit earlier, and Charlie will take you home since I have to get out later. A faculty meeting." Everyone nodded. Amora finished the coffee, made a new one, and put a cigarette next to it.

Everyone headed out the front door saying bye to Jacinda, who just woke up from her nap. The girls headed to the jeep and got in, "Oh todays the field trip, right? You're going?"

Aurora nodded, a little excited, "Yeah, honors chem is tagging along, I think the teacher just wants a break and will somehow incorporate it into tomorrow's lesson."

They arrived at school just in time, the bell rang, and the girls headed to the front where the teachers said to meet. Amora gave Aurora a kiss on the head and a smile and waved to Bella and headed off inside. The front started to get packed. Bella was whisked away by Tyler, Aurora followed a bit after noticing the older girl was missing.

"Yes, actually Aurora's coming with me to Phoenix during that time."

Aurora glanced at her and nodded. "Oh yeah, nonrefundable tickets. Sorry."

Tyler nodded and left. The girl shared a look and held back laughter. After almost accidentally killing them, he was asking Bella out to prom? The teacher called for them to hurry and get on the bus. Aurora sat with Jasper and Bella with Edward.

Their eyes met, and she gave a small smile. He returned with a curt nod. The two sat in silence, with Jasper not wanting to talk and Aurora not knowing what to say.

They slowly walked through the green house, Jasper glancing at Aurora's shoulder every so often. "So how was your weekend?" Aurora tried to break the silence.

"It was fine."

Aurora furrowed her eyebrows, "That's good."

He gave another curt nod, and they continued their walk. Aurora saw Edward storm off and Bella behind him. She hurried her pace and heard the two last lines.

"No, our bus is full!" Edward said harshly. Edward was about to bump into Bella's broken wrist when Aurora pulled her towards her.

"Watch it asshat!"

Edward's head snapped, and Alice and Jasper's eyes widened. "In case you didn't see when you saved us with your inhuman speed, Bella's wrist is broken, and I'm sure a shove from you won't make it better. I'm sure you also have some weirdly inhuman strength too." Aurora grumbled the last sentence to herself. She tugged Bella along to the other bus and flipped Edward off as they left.

"Dick face." Jasper huffed out a laugh.

The two rushed into the bus, towards the back. "Did you have to call him an asshat?"

"If he didn't want to be called that, he shouldn't be acting like that."

Bella shrugged. She had a point. The field trip took up the school day. The girls got off the bus and listened to their respective teachers. Aurora and Jasper stood next to each other, not talking. Once he dismissed them, Aurora walked to Bella without sparing a glance to Jasper. Fine, if he wanted to be hot one day and cold then the next, Aurora won't even acknowledge him.

Now, don't get Jasper wrong. He wanted to go and talk to Aurora and visit her in the hospital and at her house, but the problem was Edward. He was too wishy washy with his feelings. Jasper knew Aurora was it for him, and well, he assumed it could be the same for Edward. He had more of a problem sorting and figuring out what to do. Plus, in all honesty, he had to control his blood lust. Yes, the scent of her blood was intoxicating, but he had to cease his growing appetite.

Jasper walked towards Edward. 'Asshat.' Edward looked over to him.

"What the fuck did you just think."

"You read my thoughts." 'Asshat.'

Alice laughed, she knew what Jasper said, 'Asshat.' Edward snapped his head over to her and groaned. Of course, Jasper would pick a feisty one.

"Can you guys stop?"

'Asshat.' 'Asshat.' He groaned again.

Bella and Aurora waited at the steps waiting for Charlie to get them.

"So you like him huh?"

"Who?" Aurora gave her a look.

"Mister asshat over there."

Bella chuckled and shrugged, "Yeah, maybe if he stops being an asshat."

Aurora laughed,"There you go! Finally admitting it huh?"

"What about you? What's going on with blondy?"

"Um, I have no idea. Oh, can you believe he still has my sketchbook and hasn't returned it yet. Could've this weekend or even today or all the other days of him teasing me, but no."

"Double asshat?"

"Double asshat," Aurora nodded solemnly. They sighed and saw the Cullens drive off. Charlie pulled in about 10 minutes later.

He got out of the car and opened it up for the girls. "Alright, come on in, I'll drop you guys off home and go back to work."

He pulled up in front of Aurora’s house and opened the doors for them, Jacinda was waiting with some chicken soup and rice. The girls ate, as Jacinda practically forced them, and went to Aurora’s room.

The girls laid on the floor and listened to Aurora's playlist. After listening to music, doing some homework, and eating dinner all together, Charlie and Bella finally head to their house to change, freshen up, and sleep. They all agreed to stay with Amora, taking them to school and Charlie picking them up until Bella's hand healed.

Aurora and Bella got to school the next morning, tired. The duo waved goodbye and headed to their classes. Aurora sat next to Jasper, neither of them acknowledging the other's presence. Each period, and day after day till the next Thursday came. After lunch in their class together, Aurora finally spoke.

"You still have my sketchbook, I'd like it back by tomorrow."

Jasper looked over at her, her hair and slightly got longer by a centimeter, her eyes still pools of honey brown, and her adorable cheeks still had the same freckles and blush.

"Okay." Aurora nodded, as did Jasper.

Lunch came, and Bella pulled Aurora to the side. "He spoke to me, like full-on conversation, and dodged my questions." Aurora was a little envious, seeing as Jasper still didn't talk to her.

"What did you ask?"

"How did he and Jasper manage to make that run?" Aurora nodded along it was fucking strange and strange that no one batted an eyelash.

Aurora and Bella headed to Jessica and Angela. "So we're going to La Push you guys in?"

"Um."

"Am I supposed to know what that means?"

"It's the beach on the reservation."

Aurora nodded as did Bella. An idea popped up, and she went towards Edward in the lunch line. Aurora rolled her eyes at the apple trick, cliché. She looked towards her right, and Jasper was looking at her. She blushed and turned away. He had no right to look at her or make her blush, 'Jerk.'

The bell rang, and Aurora headed to Ap Art. Alice smiled at her at least, and she smiled back. Aurora sat at the end of the big table and Alice on the corner right.

It was uneventful. Alice didn't speak to her either, which made her even sadder. Once the bell rang, she shot out of class. As she turned the hallway corner, she bumped into longer blonde hair. It was Rosalie. Great.

"Oh shit sorry."

"It's fine. Accidents happen." Aurora wanted to cry; it was too much for her.

She blinked back the tears and nodded. "Well, excuse me."

Rosalie grabbed her right hand. "Wait."

Aurora looked at her, eyes still a little teary and a little red now. "I'm sorry."

Aurora tilted her head, "For what?"

"For my brother, and well, other brother. I thought you guys were a good match, and I kinda liked you."

Aurora wanted to cry even more. "Yeah, well, your brothers didn't think so. Thank you, though." Aurora pulled her hand away and went towards the building's exit. Jasper stood with Alice, who watched the whole thing. Rosalie glared at them and walked away to find Emmett.

Aurora got home and closed the door. She played her music and laid next to Bella. The tears started to fall, and Bella noticed. Silently, Bella grabbed Aurora's right hand and gave a gentle squeeze. Aurora gave a squeeze back

Hello!! I passed my exam yall so a celebratory chapter to post lol, hope yall enjoy <3

[ros3ybabe]

Daily Check-in: October 12th, 2023 🎀

Today has been a lazy yet somewhat decent day? There's not much to complain about. Besides the fact that I didn't do a single homework assignment, I'm exhausted, so that's alright. I did do a decent amount of Japanese studying today though I didn't open up my Genki Textbook like I had wanted to but oh well, there's always tomorrow!

🩷 What I Ate Today -

Brunch - Spaghetti with ground Turkey and meat sauce

Dinner - Taco bowl with ground beef, black beans, shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, sour cream, a small dollop of avocado, and red salsa with 1.5 low carb tortillas

Snack - bunny tracks ice cream, 16oz bottle of Dr pepper

Extra - 4? cups of coffee (or 5, I can't remember)

I was not very productive today in terms of academic progress, but I still feel like I did what I could given my energy levels. (and caffiene intake). Did not eat the healthiest, but I listened to my body, and honestly, not every day will be perfect, and that's okay!

🩷 Personal Achievements, Oct 12th -

cooked ground beef (leftovers woooo!!)

washed dirty laundry

put away all clean clothes

did my therapy phone call

video called my boyfriend

morning + night skincare

completed 2 duolingo lessons

completed 1 busuu lesson

completed 3 kanji lessons

typed up one draft for upcoming blog post

I had heard about an app called Kanji that teaches you kanji based on JLPT Levels, and I actually really like it, so I bought access to all levels for 11$ USD!! feel like that's a fair price for over 2000 kanji, and I'm excited to start expanding my Japanese knowledge. Also, I am trying out the LingQ app. It's pretty interesting and seems useful for reading practice! I don't know why I got such a kick to study japanese but I am not complaining!!

No Academic Achievements for Today

🩷 Personal ToDo, Oct 13th -

Review previous 3 kanji lessons

Complete 1 duolingo lesson

Complete 1 busuu lesson

Continue Genki I Lesson one (?)

morning + night skincare

morning + night journal

morning workout (at home)

make bed

read 1 chapter of atomic habits or other self help book

🩷 Academic ToDo, Oct 13th -

Culinary Chapter 10 Quiz

Consumer Debt Inventory Assignment

Chapter 9 Notes Psyc

Chapter 9 Quiz Psyc

Attend Psyc Lab

Attend Anatomy Lab

Using Credit Personal Finance assignment

module notes fitness health and sport

module quiz fitness health and sport

work on component 2 for psyc paper

Giving myself a lot of school work to complete tomorrow but that's okay because I have the day off from work so I know I'll be able to get a lot of it done, if not all of it! I'm hoping I sleep decently tonight so I can wake up ready to rule the world tomorrow. My goal is to wake up early, workout, shower, do some makeup and get ready, and be on campus early to get back into the school mindset because I know I've been slacking these last two days. I work a double shift on Saturday, so tomorrow is really the ideal time to finish everything as much as possible.

🩷 Song of the Day: Fearless, Jp Version - Le Sserafim

This has been my anthem lately. It's catchy, and I kind of prefer this to the original version in Korean, but that's a bit biased on my end as I am studying Japanese at the moment.

🩷 Tomorrow Morning Workout - Pilates

Even if I only finish the first video, I will be proud of myself. It's the effort that counts, and it's definitely gonna be a start! I will be posting an updated current workout schedule with routines soon!!

That's all for now! I will update tomorrow night!

Til next time, lovelies 🩷

[onyourstageleft]

today has been a day

1a) woke up early as hell to be productive before work

1b) still can't shake a sinus infection so I've been snuffling and miserable through the whole day

2) worked a whole 8 hour day in the baby room at the daycare

3) got a "wanna have sex" text on my way to my car (I did want to) however...

4) get home to my partners mad as hell bc our management company had to kill the vibe and announce our lot rent raise (another $55/month starting in July) so didn't actually get to have sex

5a) started planning to move out by July of next year so we looked at places for sale out of curiosity

5b) found a place we actually really like that is feasible right now

5c) called and left a voicemail for our financial advisor about it and also called an agent and scheduled a tour of the place for tomorrow

6a) as we're discussing what questions we have about the house to ask tomorrow my MIL calls bc...

6b) my husband's aunt just passed last week and they're dealing with funeral planning but deceased aunt's kids are being shitty (stealing her stuff from the house that she lived in with my MIL to sell/pawn)

6c) so husband is talking her down from a breakdown while also telling her to report the Aunt's car stolen bc it's technically held in probate but her son with a very storied criminal past took it from the house earlier today to "keep it safe"

7a) while that call is going on my mom texts me to tell me to approve an Amazon login which (long story short) is fraudulent so

7b) I have to completely reset my Amazon account and tell Mom how to actually deal with the recurring scam charge on my grandmother's credit card

8) finally get to finish making (and eat) the slow cooker dinner I started on before work today

oh and like twice through all of this phlem gets caught in my throat so badly that I have to go to the bathroom to deal with the threat of throwing up mucus. so that's been my day

I'm ready to go to bed

[jerzwriter]

A New Chapter

Book: Open Heart (Book 2)

Characters: Tobias Carrick, Casey MacTavish (F!MC)

Rating: Teen

Warnings: Very minor talk of hospitals, serious illness

Words: 1,500

Summary: They met. They fell hard. He screwed it up. But when a crisis hit, he rose to the occasion; but where does that leave them? When the doctor goes to visit his patient, he finds out.

A/N: This is technically the first part of the "From Here to There" anthology I'm working on to bridge how Tobias & Casey went from broken up to friends to so much more. I've told you guys the future, but I've never shown you how. This is me fixing that. :)

Tobias shifted uncomfortably, mumbling something about the chairs being far more comfortable at Kenmore. He arrived at Edenbrook a little over an hour via the staff entrance. And why wouldn’t he? He wasn’t a visitor but a doctor there in an official capacity. At least that’s what he told himself and anyone else, regardless of whether they asked. Just checking in on a patient he helped save two days before. The excuse was so flimsy he didn’t even believe it himself. And if the stuffed animal under his arm didn’t give him away, the fact that he had no interest in seeing Raf, the other person he helped save two days ago, made Tobias’s intentions pretty clear.  

A couple of nurses stopped in, Ethan and Sienna, too. All offered to tell Casey he passed by and, in their own way, encouraged him to go home and rest. But his schedule was clear, and his mind made. He was staying until she woke. As the clock ticked away, he wondered if this was selfish. Sure, they shared some kind words during that dreadful ordeal, and she had thanked him profusely after an antidote was found. Still, given their history, he knew he might be the last person she wanted to see. 

That’s why he stayed away until now. Casey had family and friends who had far more right to be at her side. He’d only be in her way. A reminder of things she’d rather forget. Perhaps she’d even blame him for everything that occurred. Heaven knows he did as he lay awake in bed since the night of the attack. But after two days, he couldn’t stay away any longer. This woman had consumed his mind and soul from the day they met. Bewitched, that’s what he thought it was; no one ever had that effect on him before. But with everything he was forced to face this week, he had to admit it to himself. His mind and soul weren’t the only things she had stolen. She also had his heart.

Still, he was there without expectations. He only wanted to talk to her, to reassure himself that she was all right. If she woke up and ordered him out, he promised himself he’d leave without incident and never bother her again. But how he hoped it wouldn’t go that way.

He sat at attention, perched on the end of that damn chair, when Casey began to stir. That’s when it dawned on him... he had no idea what he was going to say. So he waited patiently until she opened her eyes. 

“To.. Tobias?” she asked groggily, flinching with discomfort as she tried to sit up.

“Yes,” he jumped to his feet. “Don’t get up; you can stay lying down.”  

“No,” she insisted. “I want to sit up for a bit... I didn’t fight to stay alive to lay on my back and sleep all day.”

He helped adjust her bed into an upright position and got an extra pillow from the closet to help support her head.

“There,” she sighed with relief. “That’s perfect.”

“How are you feeling? I looked over your chart... are you still getting headaches?”

“It’s never gone away, but it’s getting better every day.”

“Good,” he replied nervously. “I.. I also looked at your bloodwork. It’s unbelievable, really... better than any of us anticipated....”

“I know. They may even kick me out of this joint tomorrow.”

“How do you feel about that?”

She shrugged her shoulders, face devoid of expression. “I don’t know. But if I say I’m not ready, Ethan will move heaven and earth to make sure I stay.”

He knew it was foolish to feel a twinge of jealousy when Casey said Ethan’s name. He was in her past as much as Tobias himself. And the two rivals had buried the hatchet the other night. But Tobias knew he might not be the only fool who had come to his senses when faced with the prospect of losing her. Perhaps they...

“So he’s taking good care of you, then?” The words escaped without permission.

“He is. Him and everyone else. It’s amazing, but if you nearly die, suddenly everyone gives you the royal treatment,” she half smiled. “Is that why you’re here, too?”

“No..” he stuttered. “I..uh.. uh... I came to check on you... you know, in a medical capacity, because...” he stopped when he caught her grinning at him. “What?”

“Do you always carry a neon dinosaur under your arm when you’re visiting patients... in a professional capacity?”

He was caught.

“Sure,” he smirked. “It’s kind of my thing. I’m known for it.”

He pulled his chair slightly closer and handed the stuffed animal to Casey.

“But, I think he’s a little offended because he’s a rhinoceros, not a dinosaur.”

“A rhinoceros?” she chuckled.

“Yeah, the Edenbrook gift shop is seriously lacking. I was hoping for something cuter... but my choices were the rhino or a stingray... I thought the rhino was better, given my options.”

“Well, I think he’s plenty cute,” Casey replied as she played with her gift. “I’ve always wanted a neon purple rhinoceros.”

“Oh, really?”

“Really,” she grinned with a tiny wince. “It’s been on my Christmas list for years.”

“Well, maybe Santa dropped a clue. We’re tight, you know.”

“Of course you are! He has to consult with you to see who’s been naughty in the greater Boston area. At least that’s the rumor.”

“Yeah,” Tobias replied, his enthusiasm diminished. “That is what most people think of me.”

Casey was about to reply when a nurse entered the room. After taking her vitals, she asked if she’d like assistance taking a shower.

“Oh, I would love that!” Casey enthused. “Could you come back in maybe fifteen minutes?”

“Of course,” the nurse smiled, flashing Tobias a sharp look. He looked down at the floor, wondering how much his reputation preceded him.

“Well, I won’t keep you,” he mumbled. “But, since the rhino blew my cover... I didn’t come here professionally.”

“No kidding?” Casey smirked.

“I just... I needed to see you were doing better with my own eyes. And I wanted to tell you again how sorry I am for everything. So, I really appreciate that you didn’t call security the second you opened your eyes.”

“Well, that would be mighty rude of me, considering Raf and I might not be here right now if not for you.”

Tobias smiled tenderly and quickly fought the visceral reflex to take her hand in his.

“I would have helped anyone, Casey. But I worked extra hard because it was you.”

Casey looked down at the rhinoceros sitting on her lap, anxiously twirling his purple fur between her fingers. Tobias spoke quickly in an attempt to put her at ease.

“Now, don’t feel like you’re obligated. I know you didn’t exactly want me around before this all happened, and, well... I know that may not have changed. I just want you to know I’m happy you’re doing better... I'm so happy you're here. I’m going to head out, but if you ever want to report anyone to Santa, you know who to call.”

“Tobias, wait...” Casey called after him, patting a spot beside her on the bed. “That sounded like a goodbye, and after all I’ve been through the past couple of days, I realize just how much I don’t want any more of those. I’m not saying you and I... that we...” she motioned between them, unsure of exactly what to say.

“Casey,” Tobias smiled. “I never expected that we’d...” he said, copying her actions.

“I’m not in a place to deal with anything like that... not with you or anyone else. But I wouldn’t mind if you checked in on me every now and then. And if it’s OK with you, maybe I could bug you sometimes.”

“You would never bug me.”

“I’ll remind you of that,” she grinned.

“Casey MacTavish, are we becoming friends?”

“Yeah,” she smiled, taking his hand. “I guess we are.”

“I like that,” he whispered. “So as your newest friend... remember, I’m a phone call away if you need me. Even if it’s just to help name your new purple rhino.”

“Well, I’m sure I’ll need help with that. Thank you, Tobias, for everything.”

“You got it, kid,” he smiled, exiting her room as the nurse returned.

Thoughts raced in his mind as he approached the elevator; still, he hadn’t felt this at peace in some time. Casey MacTavish was now his friend. Although she meant much more to him, he had no illusions... But she didn’t toss him away; he’d still get to care for her, to hear her laugh, and his name would be on her lips without a curse preceding it. Casey was his friend. The elevator door opened, and he stepped inside with a smile. Life doesn’t always have perfect endings, but sometimes, they're good enough. And right now, he was grateful for the new chapter that was beginning.

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics @choicesmonthlychallenge - National Friendship Day - let's go with that :)

[lumine-no-hikari]

Dear Sephiroth: (a letter to a fictional character, because why not) #376

I am feeling 98% back to normal, and it is good. My nose is still overproducing mucus a little, but there's no coughing unless I laugh a little too much.

Tomorrow, I'm gonna go to work so I can get my schedule! I had a little app on my old phone that was supposed to tell me my schedule. I have it on my new phone, but it needs credentials that I don't know offhand, so I gotta go get 'em. I'm looking forward to seeing whomever is there; I've missed them quite a bit.

...I can't shake the feeling like something bad has happened, though. Like I'm gonna go into work and everyone is gonna hate me. I'm not sure why I have this feeling. It's probably just my anxious brain being not very nice to me, as per usual.

Either way, I guess I find out tomorrow.

I had planned on working on the music box, but instead I got too absorbed in leisure writing. I'm not too sad about this, but it does tell me that my brain must be dreading working on the music box for some reason. I guess... I think it's just that I'm afraid that the ending won't turn out well, or that... maybe folks won't like it regardless of how it turns out.

I'm not sure why that matters to me. Hm.

J came home for his break today, and that was really nice. We sat next to each other on the couch for a while and watched M play Hades, and that was very delightful. M is playing Hades in the more typical fashion, because he's not masochistic enough to subject himself to crazy and wildly impractical challenges for no logical reason like I do, and that is a good thing.

After that, J and I went to Eggcellent for bubble tea, because it has been a little bit since last we were there. They have a few new things now:

On the left, we have a green grape lemon tea. In the middle is a panna cotta. And on the right is a coconut water jasmine green tea, with barley bits and matcha foam. And all of it was absolutely delightful!

...I wonder what things you might like best from this shop; I'm sure there's at least one thing you might be able to enjoy. I wish I could bring you so that you can find out...

M, J, and I played more Betrayal Legacy today. I was a little sad that I ended up being the Traitor again (I was the Traitor last time, and I got my butt handed to me). This time, though, I was able to summon a horde of cultists. I won, not because of the cultists, but because the Heroes killed the wrong Inhabitant.

...The rules are convoluted. You'd have to pop by and play with us to understand.

I guess for all intents and purposes, I did mostly relax today. And that's probably good. I did feel somewhat guilty about not being productive, but I tried hard to remind myself that fallow time is good and necessary. There's a part of me that wants to work on the music box after I'm finished writing this letter, but... a larger part of me wants to go to bed (relatively) on time (as compared to my usual two or three hours later than I should).

...The goal is to be sleeping at 11:00pm. That... hasn't happened in a very long time. It is 12:35am right now. Lately I've been going to sleep between 1:00am and 3:00am, only to wake up at around 8:00am. It's... definitely not ideal.

...Today's letter is short, but... I think I'm gonna try to go to bed not quite as late as I have been lately. Wish me luck, yeah? Especially since I still gotta get ready and all that...

I love you a whole lot, even on days when I feel fallow and empty-headed. So please do your best to stay safe out there in the world. You can count on me to write again soon.

Your friend, Lumine

[whispersafterdusk]

Heart of Stone - ch 17

Unsuur had to admit, it was a really gorgeous horse.

Its mane was pure glossy black and the rest of its fur was black speckled with tiny spots of gray and white, with a oval-shaped white mark over its left eye and around the ear. Dawn had named her Midnight; it was a fitting name since the horse did look like a star-filled night sky, and she was rather cuddly for a horse too - the whole time they had been standing here talking to Elsie Midnight had been all but begging for attention and affection from all three of them.

(And maybe some treats too, but he wasn't carrying any right now and Dawn apparently didn't have any secret horse treats on her either). ((Continued below cut))

"Well, she's all yours," Elsie said as Midnight pushed her nose into Dawn's hair again. "Let me know if you want any advanced riding lessons or something, but I think you know enough to handle what you've gotta handle."

"Thanks Elsie, I appreciate it." Dawn reached up to pat the inquisitive nose with a smile. "I'll be starting patrols tomorrow afternoon now that I've got Midnight here."

"How's the water tower coming along?"

"Right on schedule - in the morning I'll set everything up to make the last set of plates for the water tank, then I'll haul the finished frame over to the base and get it put together so I can put the tank and filtration system in place when they're done. Mi-an also needs the frame up so she can get the pump installed."

Midnight took that moment to nudge Unsuur with her nose, and he stroked her cheeks and neck. "If you're starting patrols tomorrow does that mean you're done training with Pen?"

"Yeah, he thinks I'm as ready as I can be," Dawn answered with a snort. "I think he got bored with the training."

"That doesn't really sound like Pen. He loves fighting."

She smiled at him - there was an underlying something to it, he thought it was maybe annoyance or exasperation. "He loves fighting, not so much teaching. There was a lot of showing off being done along with giving instructions."

"Ah."

Dawn took the lead from Elsie and took a few steps away, Midnight following along happily. "Thanks again. I'll eventually have time to have dinner with you and Mi-an."

"Yeah, yeah. You need to learn how to take a break," Elsie grumbled. "I keep telling you builders and you never listen."

With a quiet laugh and a shake of her head Dawn headed off with Unsuur hurrying to catch up and walk alongside her. "Did you have any plans for later?"

"Just an early night. I'll be getting up super early to get that frame in place." She looked over her shoulder at Midnight. "I'll get this girl settled in, get a few things ready for the morning, then head to bed."

Unsuur nodded. "All right. I'm sure Justice already knows but I'll tell him that you're ready for patrols, so we definitely shift to the new schedule tomorrow." He paused, tilting his head to get a good look at her face. "Are you sure you still want to do this?"

She turned her head to smile at him. "I am. Don't worry about me."

"Will I get in trouble if I say I won't worry and worry quietly instead?"

Laughing she gently elbowed him and kept going. "C'mon - you can at least get a look at my new stable before I have to crawl into bed."

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

When Dawn and Mi-an stepped away from the final adjustments to the tower's base there was a loud roar of applause and cheers - it was done. The tower was done and with two days to spare before the next water shipment came in so the entire town could breathe a little easier and relax their water rationing just a tiny bit.

And, with Dawn helping out with patrols now, both he and Justice were getting a midday nap in (staggered, of course - couldn't have both of them asleep at the same time) and Unsuur could honestly say he felt more human and less like a wrung out and worn out sock. As Dawn threaded her way through the crowd to come tightly hug herself against him he could tell she was feeling great too - she didn't even seem to mind it when Pen gave her a congratulatory (if a bit rough) pat on the back as she went passed.

Unsuur rested his chin on top of her head and let out a relieved sigh. Sandrock was back to normal again. Hopefully it would stay this way for awhile.

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

Every so often Dawn woke up right before the alarm went off so sometimes Unsuur would wake up to a muffled clang-click noise. This was another of those mornings though it was less the sound rousing him and more Dawn having to lean away from him to reach it; as she rolled back onto her back beside him and went to stretch Unsuur scooted down in the bed and put his head on her chest, slipping his arms around her again.

She giggled softly and patted the top of his head. "Good morning. Sleep all right?"

Unsuur let out a contented hum and inhaled deep; she still smelled like the soap she'd used in the shower last night, along with a touch of clean linen from the sheets.

"I'll take that as a yes. I think I want eggs with my toast this morning - would you also like a few?"

He let out another little hum that he hoped sounded affirmative enough and felt his hair rustle as Dawn nodded (at least that's what he thought she did - he wasn't looking up at her) and went to sit up but Unsuur remained in place on top of her, getting a small laugh in response. "We do have to get up, Unsuur."

"Not yet." He could hear her heartbeat loud and clear, laying like this.

She laughed again. "You're going to be late for your patrols."

"Nah," he said, pressing a kiss between her breasts. "A few minutes to enjoy the morning won't hurt." A shiver went down his spine and spread a pleasant tingle down his legs as Dawn's hand shifted to lightly scratch his back - now he understood why Captain loved having his back scratched (he would not be sticking his backside in the air, though).

"Oh all right, fine."

There was a pretend annoyance in the words; Unsuur looked up to see her smiling at him.

"Are you having dinner with Mi-an and Elsie tonight?"

"That's tomorrow night."

"Why don't I make dinner tonight then?" he asked, rolling onto his elbow to let her sit up. She slid her legs from under the light cover and over the edge of the bed; her shirt had ridden up in her sleep and Unsuur reached over to tug the hem back down, resisting the urge to run his fingers along her side. "I feel guilty that I haven't gotten as many chances to cook for you as you have for me lately."

"It's not a competition, I just like cooking for you," she said, moving to retrieve a clean shirt out of her dresser.

He allowed himself a moment to admire her bare legs while ignoring how sore his own felt as he finally got up from the bed. "I know. I still feel guilty though."

"Says the man who insists on doing the dishes," Dawn retorted, sticking her tongue out at him. "Even if he's dead on his feet."

"It's not so bad now. You taking on the patrols here in town has really helped -- even Captain is getting a cat nap in the afternoon." Unsuur carefully straightened the pillows and cover as Dawn ambled passed him. "Though, I might need to get some heavier curtains to block out more of the sunlight coming in through the windows."

Dawn paused at the door into the bathroom. "I could make you some canvas screens to hang in the windows? You could pull them up and down like a set of blinds, just without any gaps to let light inside."

Unsuur thought about that for a moment, then nodded. "I think that would work better than curtains."

"I can get the canvas started right away, at least. Do you mind if I stop by later to get measurements for the frames?" she asked as she stepped into the bathroom - she left the door open a gap, waiting for his answer.

"I don't mind. In fact, I don't mind if you stop by for any reason - and if I'm not there, you have my full permission to go inside anyway. Wilson likes having company over."

There was a quiet giggle and the gentle click of the door latching as she pulled it closed. Unsuur got dressed and headed into the kitchen to get a pot of coffee going; as Dawn came into the room there was a timid knock at the door - he was just as surprised and curious as she was, because who would need to show up here before 7am? Dawn hurriedly tucked her shirt in and went to open the door, and peering over her shoulder Unsuur was surprised to spot Mayor Trudy. When was the last time he'd seen her? It'd been...months, easily.

"Hello there, Dawn! I've heard all about you - so glad to finally meet you face to face! I'm Trudy, the mayor of Sandrock."

"Oh, hello! Nice to meet you too," Dawn replied, pulling the door further open. "Would you like to come in for some coffee?"

Trudy waved her hands, looking a bit flustered at the offer. "Oh, no no, that's fine. I just wanted to come by and introduce myself since I just got back in town. We don't get a lot of new folks so I'm mighty glad you're here! I'd also like to extend an invitation to the next Fireside on Sunday - we've got a lot to talk about. No doubt you've heard about what Logan's done..." she sighed.

"Yeah, most of it...and fixed the latest problems too," Dawn said, echoing Trudy's sigh. "Rest assured I'm intending to stick around."

"That's good to hear, and we're happy to have you!" Trudy smiled and went to leave, but turned back after only a single step. "Oh, erm...actually, there is one small thing I could use help with. Although, I'm sure you're very busy..."

"Not as busy as I was building the new water tower - what do you need?"

"You don't need to trouble yourself too much with this but... I do need a new desk at City Hall. It seems Matilda took a liking to my old one and made off with it, ahah!"

Dawn straightened where she stood, briefly looking back at Unsuur questioningly; Unsuur shrugged - this was the first he was hearing of desk theft. "Uh...she just...took your desk?"

Again Trudy waved her hands. "I'm sure she'd give it back if I asked but...perhaps it would just be easier if we both had nice desks, don't you think? So if you do get time, it would be quite nice of you to help me with this minor thing."

"Uh, sure. A desk isn't that hard to make, even a fancy one. Do you want a matching chair?"

"If it's not too much trouble..."

"Nah, no trouble at all. I'll get to work on it later this evening."

"Thank you! And, eh, well, so long!"

This time Trudy did actually leave; Dawn silently shut the door behind her, turning around and again looking to Unsuur with a bewildered look on her face. "Who the heck just steals a desk?"

"No idea, but I'll check with Justice to see if we should do anything about it."

With another sigh Dawn walked over to get the mugs out for the coffee. "Guess I know what I'll be piecing together after I get your screens done."

After they'd each had their coffee, toast, and eggs they walked hand in hand toward the gate where they met Jasmine coming toward them waving a letter in her hand.

"Good morning, Dawn! Got a letter for you today! Did you get to talk to my ma?"

"I did! Thank you," Dawn giggled as she took the envelope from her and waved as the girl hurried off. "Oh, it's from Nia," she said after a pause, looking the front of the letter over.

"You sound surprised."

"Not entirely - she WAS writing pretty frequently for awhile, but I know this semester's mid-term exam period just finished so she was probably just busy studying." Dawn pulled her hand from his to slip a finger under the flap and pop the glue loose to get at the paper inside; Unsuur needed to get going so he bent to kiss her temple but paused when she hissed a quiet 'shit' as she looked the letter over.

"...something the matter?" he asked, blinking at her before standing up straight again.

She let out a low growl and crunched the letter in her hand. "At least she warned me ahead of time instead of just showing up on my doorstep..."

"What's wrong?"

Dawn closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "-did I ever tell you about Emile?"

Emile... That sounded familiar. When had he heard-- Oh. "That was the person who brought you postcards from the...observatory, right?"

"That's the guy. He's my ex-boyfriend."

Unsuur nodded slowly; he didn't quite understand where this was going just yet.

After another breath Dawn opened her eyes, frowning. "Nia did visit me a few times in Atara, and met him through me. When I broke things off with him he and Nia eventually gravitated toward each other - which I was fine with," she added in a hurry. "If they make one another happy it's fine, whatever, not my business. The problem is Nia plans to come visit, and Emile will be coming with her."

"...oh," Unsuur replied softly. Immediately a war broke out in his head between feelings of suspicion and worry. "That's...bad."

"It is, and it isn't," Dawn said, pressing the heels of her palms to her forehead (the letter still clenched in her hand left a smear of ink behind thanks to the sheen of sweat on her face - there was no escaping it, not even this early in the morning). "I'm over him. Fully over him. I just don't know if he's over me. If he IS, then great! No issue! We can double date when they get here and have a good time! If he's not, I...really don't want to cause any friction between him and Nia, and I REALLY do not need another person chasing after me when I'm happily taken."

"Do I need to do anything? Do you want me to do anything?" The worry and suspicion were still there but not directed at her of course, and it seemed like she had the same feelings as he did about this sudden surprise visit (it also felt a little rude to invite themselves here without checking if that was ok first).

After a pause she shook her head and thumped her forehead into his chest as she let her hands drop to her sides. "No. There's really not much you COULD do in this situation. Just know I have zero interest in Emile and I will knock his nose off center if he even hints at wanting me back. Arvio's lucky he's stayed out of arm's reach since his last stupid scheme."

Unsuur blew out a breath. "-you sure do joke about assaulting people a lot."

She laughed, looking up at him. "I'm tiny and full of rage? But in all seriousness, this sort of thing does get really annoying - no means no, dang it."

He smiled after a moment and used his thumb to wipe the ink off her skin. "Just as long as you don't actually follow through, unless you absolutely have to."

"Griping about it is catharsis enough and if I do get to a point where I feel threatened enough to hit someone it wouldn't be just me at fault anyway."

"That's true. Though, if you do, I'll be sure to place you under house arrest, so you don't have to share a cell with whoever you beat up."

She giggled and shook her head. "And then what, stand guard so I don't sneak off to do my builder things?"

"Sounds like I'd have to, if you're already planning on breaking out of...uh...your house, I guess. I'll make sure I'm there the whole time keeping an eye on you so you complete your punishment."

Blushing lightly she nudged him toward the tracks. "I don't need a criminal record to want to stay home all day with you, you know... G-get to work before you're late."

"It'll be ok. I'll help rehabilitate your criminal ways."

"Shooooo," she groaned, trailing off into laughter.

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

"How's your wrist?"

Unsuur didn't look up from the wanted poster in front of him - he was on the eyes now, and those were tricky. "It's not hurting. The stretches really help."

"That's good to hear. Just don't forget to do the cool down ones too."

A sandstorm had hit yesterday and blown all the posters away. Again. Justice had given him a day off to get at least 20 more drawn (Unsuur was confident he could get 30 done if he really pushed himself - Dawn had shot that down though). He'd spent all day cooped up in his house drawing and was going a bit stir crazy but then Dawn had come by with the canvas screens; there was still an insistent need to go outside and stretch his legs but with her to talk to now it was easier to ignore.

As she finished with the last screen there was a very obvious difference to the lighting in the room when Dawn hopped off her step ladder and pulled the screen down, and then again as she moved over to the other windows and pulled those down too. This was about as bright as it was at night with only the lamps on (which, thankfully, he had a lamp on the table next to him to avoid any eyestrain while he drew these things so the room wasn't completely dark). "Wow. Napping is going to be way easier."

"They should help muffle outside noise too," Dawn said, brushing her hands off.

"But not too much, right? I want to be able to hear if there's trouble." Unsuur sat his pen down and stood up to stretch before heading over to examine the screen. There was a little brass knob set into a hollow metal dowel where the bottom edge of the canvas was secured. As he watched Dawn twisted the knob gently and the screen began to slowly glide upwards, guided by metal tracks on either side and the roll of canvas was then hidden at the top behind a metal cover that she'd painted to match his window frames.

"If someone is shouting or exploding you'll hear it but people walking by talking normally should be less noticeable. Now, how these work is you use this knob here to lock the screen into place - it's all springs and tension, you can lower it all the way or stop at any point along the tracks. Just tug it down-" she pulled it down about halfway and twisted the knob, and Unsuur heard a soft click, "-and twist, and it'll stay."

It did in fact stay in place when she took her hand away. Unsuur reached over and tested the knob; she'd turned it to the right and it wouldn't go any further that way so he turned it left. There was another click and he immediately felt a bit of tension against his hand as whatever it was that would roll the screen up was no longer being held back. He let go and watched as it smoothly wound itself back up until the dowel was flush with the bottom of the case at the top. "Pretty neat. Thank you so much."

"You're welcome." She rose up on her toes to kiss his cheek then went to gather up the few tools she'd brought.

Unsuur pulled the screens back up and as she walked by him to pick up a screwdriver he grabbed her waist and pulled her in for a quick kiss. "-are you ready for tomorrow?"

The smile prompted by the kiss faltered some. "I... Kind of. It'll be nice to see Nia again but I'm still on the fence on seeing Emile."

"It's only a few days, at least."

"Yeah, true. And they'll be staying at the saloon so if all else fails I'll just avoid the place until they're gone."

Unsuur returned to the table and sat back down, picking his pen up and starting to add in the eyelashes. "I'll bring you dinner if you want to hide in your house until they leave."

Laughing she headed for the door. "I am not going to let them run me out of my home, whether that's Sandrock itself or my own house."

"But they can have the saloon for a few days?"

With a snort she tugged the door open. "Unless Owen chucks them out and they have to sleep in the train station. Knowing how Nia can get that might be a possibility."

Unsuur looked over toward the door at that, intending to ask what she meant, but she was already out and the door was closing. From what he'd heard about Nia he didn't think she was a troublemaker -- she couldn't be THAT bad or else Dawn wouldn't be friends with her...right? Or, how desperate had Dawn been back then to get away from her mother? Maybe it was some combination of Nia plus this Emile guy that caused some...bad behavior? Weird behavior? Annoying behavior? Some clarification was going to be needed but first he had to get these wanted posters done. He turned back to the poster in front of him and started shading in the collar; this set of them wouldn't be as detailed as the last set since he was limited on time but he was still pleased with how they were coming out, and the more he drew the quicker he was getting at it. At this rate he'd know Logan's face better than Logan himself would.

...actually, no, that was weird.

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

Unsuur waited calmly beside Dawn as the train chugged into the station; the number of people getting off was barely more than a trickle (the sand sledding thing really hadn't recovered from the water tower attack... Tourism levels hadn't budged much since then) so it wasn't long before a short blonde woman accompanied by a tall dark haired man exited the train car and the girl rushed over to throw arms around Dawn's shoulders.

"Look who it is! I've really missed you, Dawn!"

"Hey!" Dawn laughed, hugging the other woman tightly for a moment before pulling back, hands on her shoulders as she leaned side to side, looking her hair over. "It looks even better in person!"

Nia did similar, looking Dawn up and down. "Thanks! Let me see...alright, you seem fine so that's a start. Have the sand bandits been caught yet? Were you scared back then? I mean, I think I would have been."

Dawn huffed out a breath. "No, they haven't, and yes I was. Just a fence between me and their leader, but he just warned me not to get involved and left."

"Well you'd better listen then!" Nia replied, propping her hands on her hips. "And what's taking them so long? Is this Logan guy really as nefarious and cunning as the papers say?"

"It's just a lot of desert to search, Nia," was Dawn's answer. She took a step back from her and put her hand on Unsuur's arm. "So, this is Unsuur. Unsuur, this is Nia and Emile."

This entire time the man had been standing several feet back from the little reunion, smiling a bit but also acting like he was trying to not look in their direction - either out of respect for letting the two girls have a moment or out of awkwardness, Unsuur couldn't tell.

At mention of his name Emile turned his attention fully to the gathering and offered a hesitant smile. "Er, hello."

"Hi," Unsuur said. Emile was the tallest of the group but very thin; he had pale green eyes and was wearing a button up short sleeved shirt of almost the same shade. "Nice to meet you."

"Likewise."

They all paused as Jensen sat a pair of suitcases down beside Nia and Emile, grunting with effort on one of them. "There you go! Enjoy Sandrock!"

Nia reached down and grabbed the lighter one. "I brought you a whole bunch of stuff! But! For now, I'll let you and Emile catch up and Unsuur here can show me to the Blue Moon. Bye!"

"Wait, Nia-"

And with that Unsuur found himself yanked toward the stairs by her arm suddenly looped through his; he stumbled and nearly fell down the steps before managing to get his feet under him, and tried to dig his heels in a bit against Nia's insistent pulling.

"Wait a moment-"

"Oh don't worry about those two - Emile needs to get a very long overdue apology out of his system. In the meantime we can drop this suitcase off at the saloon and then you and I can have a talk."

She emphasized 'talk' in a way that made him worry this was going to be a long conversation, and Justice had only given him an hour this morning to be there at the station with Dawn. "The saloon is...over there, in front of us. And now I have to get back on patrol."

"You can spare a few minutes, surely. I need to make sure you're good enough for my best friend."

She had an iron grip on his arm and dragged him along into the saloon. Inside Owen looked up to greet them and paused, mouth slightly open and confusion apparent on his face; Nia finally let him go and Unsuur stood just inside the doorway awkwardly as she skipped up to the bar.

"Morning! I'm Nia - I telegraphed ahead to reserve a room?"

Owen quickly recovered and offered her his usual smile. "Ah, of course! I've got your key right here - room number three, just up the stairs."

"Thanks! I'll be right back," she said, directing the last half at Unsuur as she hurried by.

Once she was gone Unsuur glanced back to Owen. "...how do I politely escape?"

Owen let out a chuckle - he still looked a bit confused as he glanced briefly up at the ceiling (where the rooms were, approximately) before looking back to Unsuur. "Want me to run interference?"

"Please?"

He gestured for Unsuur to run out the door and Unsuur quickly retreated outside, pausing to take a deep breath and then hurrying off for the start of his first patrol of the day; since it started at Hammer Time he took a moment to gaze across the tracks and could see Dawn and Emile standing in Dawn's yard. Emile had the other suitcase with him and there was a healthy bit of distance between the two; he couldn't clearly make out either of their expressions from here but as he watched he could see Emile sigh deeply and rub a hand against the back of his neck. Whatever apology the man had to give it seemed like he was getting it out of the way immediately.

Unsuur tensed when he heard the saloon's door open and then spun on his heel, speed-walking up the hill and into the tunnel.

Even if he wasn't short on time her declaration of needing to make sure he was good enough for Dawn was reason enough for him to not want to talk to her if he could help it. She might be Dawn's best friend but this first impression wasn't...great? What would she even do if she decided Unsuur wasn't up to her standards? HER standards didn't matter - he wasn't dating her, he was dating Dawn. Would she encourage Dawn to break up with him if she found him lacking?

Dawn hadn't been looking forward to this visit because Emile would be there but now having met Nia Unsuur was kind of hoping they'd leave early.

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

Nia was... She just was. Energetic, authoritative, and if Unsuur was being honest, pretty full of herself too. These last two days had been planned out by her and if any of them had any other suggestions on what to do, what to eat, how to spend their time, she sort of rolled over it and kept going. There were times where Unsuur looked to Dawn to both check how she seemed to be feeling and also try to glean how he should react or what to say and she seemed exasperated at times but otherwise just let Nia do her thing.

Emile on the other hand was a total blank slate; he didn't talk much unless someone spoke directly to him, he did what Nia told him to do, and if he was enjoying himself he was giving off no hints of it. Unsuur actually felt a little bad for him -- not only was he not dating Dawn anymore but he'd chosen someone like Nia to replace her.

...that was a bit unfair. All Unsuur knew of Nia was what she was choosing to show him now. She and Dawn had grown up together, there had to be more to her than this.

And, admittedly, he wasn't spending too much time with her, and he didn't think Dawn was getting to spend that much time either. They both had their patrols along with Dawn still having her builder stuff she had to do, and from what he'd gathered from the chatter when they all sat down to dinner the last two nights was Nia was spending most of her time at the Moisture Farm -- she was a botany student so...he guessed she was getting some lessons from Zeke? Or something. He wasn't really sure.

Tonight was their last night here in Sandrock and they'd be catching the train back to Highwind tomorrow; this time they were having dinner at Dawn's place, and both women had shooed him and Emile out of the kitchen so he'd found himself sitting awkwardly on the opposite end of the couch from the man who did not seem inclined at all to talk to him. If it had been anyone else other than Dawn's ex-boyfriend Unsuur would have been fine with the silence (he liked sitting silently and did it pretty often on his own) but he had the slightest nagging feeling that Emile (obviously) didn't like him along with a hint that the man didn't feel welcome here either. Unsuur couldn't do anything about the former but he could try to do something about the latter.

"Did you enjoy Sandrock?" he asked quietly. Behind them the girls burst into laughter over something or another and Unsuur wondered if Emile even heard him as he didn't really react at first.

Finally Emile took a deep breath and turned his head just enough to look over at him. "Yes, I did. The landscapes here are rather awe-inspiring, and I was surprised to find a fellow architect here in town. She was good company and has a sharp mind for design."

Guess that explained what he'd been doing to pass the time. "Yeah, Heidi is pretty smart and good at designing things. She writes for our newspaper too."

"Ah? She didn't mention that."

Emile fell silent again and after it dragged on awhile Unsuur figured he wasn't going to add more to that part. "Did you two get to try sandrunning?"

After another long pause Emile shook his head. "No. If Nia wasn't with Dawn she was at the farm. I plan to visit again in the future so, perhaps then."

"Catori owns the sandrunning stuff and wants to make it a yearly thing, like a festival. You should try visiting then. It'll be fun."

Finally a faint smile from the man. "I don't intend to limit myself to festivals, but...it's a possibility."

"Dinner is done you two!" came Nia's singsong call then. Unsuur stood and as he went to step around the end of the couch to head to the kitchen Emile stood up far faster than Unsuur could have predicted and grabbed his sleeve, yanking him close.

"Don't screw this up. Regret is not something you get over quickly," was all he said, voice pitched low and then letting go of the sleeve just as quickly as he'd grabbed it.

Unsuur stared at him as the other man headed over to the kitchen with a totally normal expression on his face - like nothing had just happened. Don't screw this up. He assumed 'this' was his relationship with Dawn and of course he didn't plan to screw anything up -- this was probably the most thought-out thing he'd ever done in this life (if anything he was OVER thinking most things) and there was a comforting amount of confidence and relief in that. If he did mess something up it would never be on purpose...was it meant to be just a warning, or a hint that he'd actually done something wrong?

His sleeve was wrinkled and the rolled cuff had been uncomfortably pulled down his arm and Dawn gave him a curious glance as he came over to the table fiddling with it. He gave her a small shrug as he finally got it back in place and sat down; as usual Nia dominated the conversation, full of chatter on what she'd learned from Zeke and then how much she'd miss Dawn.

"You really should come visit Highwind again -- we've gotten some new cafes, a new library, and they finally redid that park near the shore."

Dawn shook her head, wrinkling her nose. "Absolutely not. I don't want to see my family. If they ever move away then I'll consider it."

Nia huffed and crossed her arms, pouting. "We can just ignore them if we run into them - I don't even think any of your brothers are living at home anymore so there's way less of your family hanging around."

"Doesn't matter. If they're there, I won't be. And besides, I'm not really interested in going on vacation any time soon."

"But that means I have to come all the way out here!"

Dawn shrugged. "Sorry, but I'm not budging on this one: I'm never going back to Highwind so long as my parents are still there."

"But-"

"No means no, Nia," Unsuur said then. Everyone looked to him in surprise - he was surprised he'd said it himself - and a breath or two later Dawn's expression melted into one of gratitude before she stood up and went to refill her glass from the pitcher of tea sitting on the counter (there hadn't been room on the table for it along with the dishes of food and their plates). Nia gave Unsuur a sour look but picked up her fork and began to dig into her dried sandberry-topped salad in silence. Dawn topped up Unsuur's glass of tea while she was at it then came back to the table to start on her own dinner; Emile, as usual, remained totally silent, but gave off the barest indication that he liked the saucy sandfish thing -- it was just on the side of too spicy for Unsuur's tastes so he mostly ate his salad and had a bit more rice porridge for dessert than he normally would have eaten.

Nia and Emile couldn't stay too late - early train to catch and all - so after Nia had helped Dawn with the dishes they both left, and Dawn let out a loud and long-winded sigh as she closed the door behind them.

"Whew. I should probably head to bed soon too so I can see them off tomorrow but first-"

She hurried over toward the couch and slid a box out from under the coffee table there; Unsuur hadn't noticed it when he'd been sitting there earlier with Emile, and based on how Dawn huffed as she picked it up it must have been heavy. As she sat it on the table Unsuur came over and rubbed a hand across her back.

"Nia brought some stuff for me and some of it I think you'll enjoy too," she said, pulling a small knife from a pocket to cut away the twine tied around the box (it had two latches on the lid as well so he wasn't sure why the twine was also there). Once she'd yanked all the twine free she clicked the latches open and lifted the lid to reveal dozens of small canvas sacks with tightly tied tops. "With everything calming down I'll be able to get set up to start blowing glass again so she brought me a lot of colored glass to use."

She plucked one of the bags up and plopped it into his palm; it was heavy and cool to the touch, and it felt like a small bag of sand as he gently squeezed it. When he got the knot loosened he carefully opened it to reveal brilliantly red glass shards. "How much glass do you need to make something? These bags don't hold a lot."

"I'll be mostly using these to add patterns to bigger pieces, which I'll show you how that's done when I'm finally all set up for it. She brought me every color imaginable so I'll really be able to do...pretty much whatever comes to mind," Dawn giggled. She started taking the bags out of the box and stacking them in a sloppy pyramid-shaped pile next to the box, steadily revealing what looked like fist-sized spherical rocks under it. "This is what I wanted to show you though."

Unsuur made sure the bag of shards was tied securely before setting it down and accepting one of the rocks and was intrigued by how light it felt; there was a rubbery band about an inch wide wrapped around its middle and with him holding the rock still Dawn popped it loose. Instantly the rock came apart in two pieces in his hands, surprising him to the point he nearly dropped one half, then found himself staring into a glittering dome of bright purple amethyst.

"Oh wow, it's a geode," he said softly, holding the halves up and slowly turning them back and forth in his hands so the craggy gemstones inside caught more of the kitchen light behind them and sparkled. "It takes thousands of years to make a geode. They're supposed to be more common in deserts but I've never actually found one myself. You can tell a rock might be a geode if it feels way too light compared to other rocks of the same material and size." Looking down into the box he counted five more sitting in there. "How did she get so many?"

"No idea," Dawn said, smiling at him as she picked up another. Inside that one was agate and it was a bit more compact than the amethyst one he was holding with only a thumb-sized hollow in it. "She said they were a late - or early, depending on how I wanted to read a calendar - birthday present and she didn't want to risk them getting lost in the mail."

With a permitting nod from Dawn he put the amethyst geode down and picked up another. "This one feels heavy." Tugging the halves apart he revealed a solid core of opal without any hint of a hollowed spot. "This is a thunder egg. Not technically a geode but since they're shaped like one and can be found in the same areas they get lumped in with them."

"I never knew there was a difference. They're really neat, aren't they? I've 'worked' with geodes before in that I leave them as is and just attach a base for display purposes but I've never had this many at a time," she said, setting the agate one down and opening the next to reveal lots of white quartz. "That's what I plan to do with these, though I'm thinking I'll build a shelf just for that." The rest of the geodes were also quartz, mostly white though one of them was full of almost clear crystals; Dawn moved the box aside and carefully arranged the halves in a line on the table. "Would you also like a shelf?"

"I do need more storage space for my rocks but you don't have to take on more work for that. I'm not in any hurry and it can be kind of fun to rearrange what I have on display every few weeks or so."

She laughed and picked up an amethyst half and put it back into his hands. "Sorry, I meant for these, silly."

"...but they aren't mine," he replied, glancing between the geode and her. "I don't need a shelf for something I don't own."

"You will if I give you some."

"Oh. You don't have to do that either."

"Too bad, I am," she giggled. "You can keep some halves and I'll keep the others, and we both have something pretty to look at later."

The amethyst glinted in his hand; he ran a thumb around the smooth cut edge and smiled. "All right. Though, you really don't have to."

Dawn gave him a quick kiss on the temple and started to pile the bags of glass shards back into the box at her feet. "I know, but I want to, so I am. So there. I'll just need to know what wall you want the shelves on."

"Ok. I'll decide on that after I've had some time to picture how I want it to look." He carefully sat the geode half down next to its pair and sat down on the couch, waiting for Dawn to finish with the glass before pulling her into his lap. "Did you at least enjoy their visit?"

"Mostly. Emile apologized for how things ended and while I wouldn't call us friends, exactly, he cleared his conscience and I don't have to worry about any trouble coming from him."

"He didn't talk much... He wasn't mad at me or anything, was he?"

She shook her head, settling into his lap and leaning her head back to rest it on his shoulder. "No, he's not the jealous type. He screwed up, he owned up to it and apologized, even if it was a bit late, so we're done and over with, and if he plans to come back to Sandrock to visit Heidi I'm fine with that."

To visit Heidi? "Why Heidi, specifically? Some architect thing?"

"Oh boy, no, it's more-" Dawn huffed, pressing her fingers to her temples and beginning to massage them. "Ok, so, I want to preface this with the fact I DID let Nia have it when she admitted to this, and gave Emile an earful too, but Emile was using Nia to get back in contact with me and Nia was using Emile as a doormat as some kind of punishment for how he treated me at the end."

As though how he felt about Nia couldn't get any more confusing. "...why? Why would they do that? It doesn't sound like fun for either of them."

"Yeah, you'd think that..." Dawn pinched the bridge of her nose, inhaling deeply. "Emile went to Highwind trying to get in contact with me, found Nia, thought he'd be slick by using her to find me. Nia caught on to what he was doing but was content to let him buy her dinners and do nice things for her as a sort of revenge in my name. Both of them are idiots and will be breaking up once they're both home."

"And...how does Heidi fit into that? Does Emile like Heidi?"

"Seems like it but it was Pablo who pulled me aside and asked about it. No damn clue when he noticed anything and I have no way to confirm it or anything but since he IS Heidi's close friend I guess if anyone would see something developing it'd be him. That and he's the town gossip. You can't fart without him taking notice."

He settled his arms around her waist, leaning his head against hers. "I didn't want to be rude but, I don't see how someone like Nia ended up being your best friend. Not based on how she acted and what you've just told me."

She laughed quietly and found his hand to tangle their fingers together. "To be honest... From her letters I could kind of tell she was changing, growing in a direction I wasn't entirely approving of. She's a warm and caring person, and was that way when we grew up together, but it seems like she's veered more into...'Nia knows best, because she cares.' I knew we were drifting some while I was off in Atara but I didn't notice it was THAT much since we were just writing letters. Having her around in person again was... It wasn't what it used to be? She definitely wasn't like this when we were together in Highwind."

Unsuur nodded - that made sense. People matured and changed as time went on so just because they'd been best friends before didn't mean they were best friends now.

"Emile didn't say something to you, did he? I saw you looked a little out of sorts earlier."

"Uh. Kind of." Her question drew him away from pondering about the fate of past friendships, and back to how Emile had warned him -- he wondered what Emile had done to Dawn to cause the break up. "He told me not to screw things up with you because regret is hard to get over."

Dawn rolled her eyes and gently pushed his hands away so she could stand up. "He always had his moments of the dramatic."

"What did he do? If you want to talk about it, that is. You don't have to."

"He turned into my mother, is what he did," Dawn replied, tone flat. "I do not want to be someone's trophy or pet wife. Wanting to be successful and take care of your partner is a noble goal but he wanted me to stay home and pop out kids while he was the sole provider - I warned him several times that's not what I wanted but he kept falling back into that line of thought until it turned into a big fight and things ended." She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, and glanced back to him. "I want to support and be supported in turn - a partner. If I ever get injured and disabled or too sick to work that's one thing, but expecting me to sit at home doing nothing with my life except raise kids is another."

Unsuur let that sink in for a few breaths, then stood up with a nod. "That seems like a really simple thing to not screw up, so I think I'll be ok."

Dawn started laughing, then shook her head. "I wasn't expecting you to do something like that." She went quiet, studying him for a moment. "What do YOU want out of a relationship?"

"I think I've already got it. I didn't ever see myself getting this far - I left my home village without a plan, after all. I do think..." He paused to make sure he was going to get the words in the right order. "...I do think that you're someone I can be with for a long time. Just standing by you. I've felt this way for awhile now. So long as I have you, I know I can become deputy, and keep protecting Sandrock, and have a good life here. No matter how many bridges or water towers get blown up. Which I guess that's on me to stop that from happening again but the sentiment still stands."

Slowly Dawn first pressed her palms flat against his chest then slid them up to lace her fingers together behind his neck and pull him down into a kiss. When she pulled away she smiled at him. "It might have been hell getting here, and it's probably not going to be an easy road going forward, but I'm glad I decided on Sandrock."

"Me too. Really glad." Unsuur smiled down at her for a second or two, then bent to sweep her up into his arms. "Time for bed. Or time to get ready for it - I won't make you go to bed without using the bathroom or getting to put pajamas on or something."

With a small chuckle she put her arms around his neck and let him carry her toward the bedroom. Unsuur put her feet back on the floor just in front of her dresser and unzipped his jacket as she went to retrieve the aforementioned pajamas, and was stripped down to his boxers and undershirt when she came back from the bathroom fully changed and with her hair let down.

He headed passed her for his turn in the bathroom and from behind him heard "you know, Pablo also tried convincing me to let him cut my hair."

Pausing in the doorway he glanced back to her. "Why? Well. I guess because he's a barber he has an interest in attracting business. But, why? I like your hair long."

"Me too, though I guess I could use a trim. My ends are getting a bit frazzled." She pinched some hair between her fingers, flicking the fingers of her other hand through the fringe-like gathering. "The idea IS tempting though. Cutting my hair was also something mom wouldn't let me do -- as in an actual cut and style, not getting a trim or whatever. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to at least hear him out on what he wants to do with it."

Unsuur finished up in the bathroom quickly and crawled into bed beside her, gently moving her hair aside so he wasn't laying on it, then clicked the lamp beside the bed off. "I know you'll look good with whatever you decide."

"That's the hope but at least it's just hair -- if I don't like the cut I can just wear a hat while it grows back."

She snuggled in against him and it didn't take long for her to fall asleep. Unsuur was just about to drift off when he remembered how Nia had wanted to make sure he was good enough for Dawn; she hadn't tried to corner him again so whether she approved or not was still a mystery, and also still none of her business. Dawn was the only person whose opinion on that mattered, and since he was the one laying here with her he was relatively certain he knew the answer anyway.