#took a sick day friday because I was just Fried

[nominalnebula]

it’s not that I’m counting down the hours until the boss is on vacation and then I’m off for 10 days but I’m counting down the hours because this is some Bullshit™

[incorrectbatfam]

Do the batfamily members ever get too into their undercover work? (Undercover in an office and theyre worried about spreadsheets, working in a warehouse and coming home complaining about missing parts)

Bruce: Status updates on your undercover missions. Dick, you first. What have you got down at the docks?

Dick: I haven't confirmed the Killer Croc sightings yet, but more importantly, our catch hasn't been measuring up to last year's. Tuna we're doing okay on, but the salmon population seems to be on the low end. I've contacted the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries but it'll be another 3-5 business days before they can come down and check it out.

Bruce: At least you're doing something to help. Jason?

Jason: Class was okay. I think the kids are warming up to me as their substitute while Mrs. Maloney is out on maternity leave. The average on the last vocabulary quiz was 83.53% so either I'm doing my job right or they need to be challenged. I'm worried about Tristan Lancy, though. He's normally a good student but his grades have been dropping recently and his parents don't seem like safe people to tell. I'll talk to him tomorrow and try to pair him up with a peer tutor if he needs it.

Bruce: Also see if he has any alternate contacts besides his parents. Tim, any updates at the chemical plant?

Tim: If by updates you mean OSHA violations, I could go on all week. We got a batch of new recruits today and they were just thrown into the work—no PPE, no safety training, nothing. This is what happens when you place production over employee well-being. I'm gonna file a complaint after this meeting. Also, I think the union will have something to say about the manager cutting people's lunch breaks short.

Bruce: I see. Damian? Please tell me you found something volunteering at the zoo.

Damian: Depends on how you define "found." While I have not obtained evidence of a mutant larvae black market, I did help some of the animals at the sanctuary make progress with their recovery. Bobo the monkey is healing from his broken arms and we're gradually getting him re-acclimated to climbing higher surfaces. Suzie the black bear was born a little prematurely but seems to be catching up to her peers in terms of growth. Lastly, we got a grant for additional wildcat research and enrichment. As an aside, we are having an educational seminar on European mountain goats this Friday at 3:30 and I expect all of you to be there.

Bruce: I'll put that on our calendars. Steph?

Steph: It's not really undercover work for me, just work. Anyway, yes the newest Batburger location is being used for money laundering. But I really need to vent about the customers for a sec. We don't open until 10 and at 9:30 this morning some moron was banging on our door demanding Jokerized cheese fries. Then right in the middle of the lunch rush, Janie got sick so I had to fill in as the cashier and it was hell. After that, I had to step in between a fight at the drive-thru because the customer claimed we only gave him nine pieces of his ten-piece Robin nuggets and tried to beat up the kid who took his order. And to top it all off, an entire high school hockey team came in five minutes before closing.

Bruce: Cass?

Cass, blowing balloons: Can't talk. Arranging bat mitzvah.

Bruce: Duke, you're my last hope.

Duke: Margie's bringing a peanut butter chocolate cake to the bake sale. I swiped her recipe and we can easily beat her. Her ganache is way too watery and just runs off the top of the cake, which isn't even leveled. She's also trying to do something with a raspberry filling that isn't working at all. It's like she couldn't decide on what to bring. The bake sale committee also asked if we can bring some apple pies because the original baker has to go out of town for a family emergency. I think we'll win if we bring them with some ice cream and a touch of caramel, even though this isn't a contest.

Bruce: Thank you. At least our most critical case has been taken care of.

Barbara: ...I'll save my book launch for later.

[just-dreaming-marvel]

The Sniffles

MAIN MASTERLIST / CHRONIC ILLNESS MASTERLIST

Tony Stark x Female!Reader

Word Count: 2,765ish

Summary: You get sick which causes your arthritis to flare up. Tony is there to help you.

Notes: I literally cried while writing this because I was immobile just a few days ago because of my arthritis and getting sick at the same time. I also cried because I long to find a love that could care for me through my chronic illness. Unfortunately, because it's not visible, people don't believe me or end up growing tired of the issues. I can only hope that anyone who feels alone in their issues, finds this fic and finds some solace.

You groaned as you began to wake for the day. You winced as you swallowed, noting that your throat felt a bit raw. Taking a quick body inventory, you noticed that you had a slight headache and that your joints had a slight ache. You rolled over onto your side but quickly realized that was a mistake and sat up. 

“Excuse me, Miss,” FRIDAY’s voice rang throughout your room. “But you have a mission briefing in ten.”

“Shit,” you muttered. “Thanks, FRI.”

“My sensors are picking up elevated internal levels from you, Miss. Are you alright?”

“I’m fine. I just need my arthritis meds and cold medicine.”

“Both can be found in the medicine cabinet in your bathroom.”

“Awesome,” you stretched as you stood up. 

You clenched your jaw as you slowly began to move through the pain. Once you got moving for a bit, you were able to handle it. You found the needed pills and took the water bottle from your bathroom counter to pour them down. 

As quickly as you could, you found an outfit for the day and headed to the conference room. You were the last one to arrive but you technically weren’t late. You found the empty seat towards the back, next to Tony. He shot you a smile with you returned it before the two of you focused on Steve.

The mission briefing wasn’t long as the Team was supposed to go on a routine mission later that day. Afterward, you all made your way to the common room. You began to make yourself a smoothie, hoping that you could stay clear of this cold before it got worse. As you worked, you coughed slightly and cleared your throat.

“Do you have the sniffles?” Tony asked, suddenly appearing beside you.

“Holy shit, Tony!” You exclaimed, having jumped.

“I don’t want to get sick.”

“I’m fine, other than you almost giving me a heart attack.” You coughed lightly into your sleeve. 

“I need you to wear a surgical mask until you’re feeling better. Is that okay?”

“Seriously Tony?”

He pulled his shirt over his nose and mouth, stepping closer to you. His hand lifted and he used the back of it to feel your face. “You feel—“

“Fine,” you pushed his hand away. “I feel fine.”

“A bit warm.”

“Maybe because I’m growing angry at you.”

He put both his hands up as he stepped back. “I’m just trying to help, sweetheart.”

You scoffed. “Then finish making my smoothie for me.”

“Oh, no. I will not be touching anything you’ve touched for a least a week. Speaking of which, I need to go sanitize.”

“Germophobe!” You shouted after him as he disappeared.

“You two are adorable,” Natasha commented from her spot on the kitchen island. You rolled your eyes. “Maybe you getting sick will finally cause him to make a move.” She smirked over her coffee. 

“That’s hilarious, Nat since he clearly can’t stand being around me with a barely there cough and a sore throat.”

“I’m just saying, maybe letting yourself get sick would be a good experiment.”

You sighed. Tony and you had been dancing around feelings for about a year now. The two of you were publicly flirtatious and often shared loving looks and touches. Neither of you were brave enough to fully act on anything though, leaving you both in this weird limbo.

“You’re forgetting, Nat, me getting sick is not a good experiment. My arthritis wouldn’t like that.”

“Yes, but then you’d get a chance to see if Tony would step in and take care of you.”

“Yeah, well, not a chance I’m willing to take.”

~~~

The mission was routine with a few Hydra thugs causing a bit of a problem. You tried to bite back the limp that your right hip and knee so badly wanted to show as you entered the quinjet. You practically collapsed into one of the bench seats. Tony entered, still in full Iron Man suit, and quickly came to your side.

“Are you alright?” He asked. “Are you hurt?”

“I’m—“ you cut yourself off with a cough “—fine.”

“FRIDAY, give me a reading.”

“It seems like Agent Y/N is showing signs of a strong cold,” the AI responded.

“See? I told you that you were sick.”

“I’m fine,” you repeated. “The mission wore me out. My arthritis is acting up.”

“You didn’t think to tell anyone about your arthritis acting up?”

“Tony, I just need sleep.” 

Even with his face hidden behind the mask, you knew that Tony’s mouth was set in a thin line and that his jaw was clenched. He moved so that he was sitting beside you and pulled you into him.

“It’s a bit of a flight home,” he told you. “Rest and then we can fight about this more.”

You moved so that your head was resting on his armored thigh. With a closed-mouth cough, you shut your eyes and fell asleep. Tony kept a hand on your arm and gently on your head to keep you in place. He kept his eyes on the monitors in his mask, where FRIDAY was constantly updating him on your stats. He was growing angry at himself for not having you sit out on the mission and for not noticing that your arthritis was flaring up.

When the quinjet landed, you were still completely passed out and Tony didn’t want to chance your arthritis making walking difficult. As carefully as he could while still in the Iron Man suit, he lifted you into his arms and headed for your room. Natasha smirked as she watched from where she and Steve were sitting in the quinjet.

“And so the experiment begins.”

~~~

There was a sob already in your throat the moment you woke. You could barely let it out as your throat was so incredibly sore. Tears slipped through your closed eyes as it set in on how on fire your joints were. You were in so much pain that you wouldn’t dare try to move, which was saying something since you often fought through the joint pain.

“Agent Y/N,” FRIDAY softly broke through your room. “Do you need help?”

“Yes,” you replied before you could even think about it. “Please.”

The quick footsteps you heard down the hall singled to you who was on their way. Your door swung open and Tony was quickly at your side.

“FRIDAY said you needed help,” he said. “What can I do?”

“It hurts,” you cried. “Everything hurts.” You coughed, the tears falling harder at the movements.

“I’ll call a med team. We’ll have you moved—“

“No! No movements. Please… I can’t handle it.”

Tony looked you over. There was sweat forming on various parts of your body, mixing in with your tears. Your muscles were tense and your eyes clenched shut. Tony had seen you during an arthritic flare-up, but this was something else.

“FRIDAY? I need a diagnosis and what to do,” Tony demanded.

“It seems that Y/N has the flu with an arthritic flare-up on top of it,” the AI responded. “I have ordered an IV to be brought up with the needed medications and liquids.”

“Okay… Okay… Y/N, sweetheart, what can I do?”

“I don’t know,” you cried. “It just hurts.”

“I know, I know, sweetheart. FRIDAY is sending stuff up. It’ll be here soon.” 

Tony’s heart was breaking at the pain you were in. His hands hovered over you, hating that they couldn’t be of use. Tony knew from previous experience that physical touch could make your flare-up worse and he didn’t want to chance that.

“FRIDAY had me bring these up,” Bruce stated as he came into the room with a bin of items. “Hey, Y/N,” he greeted softly once he reached you. “I’m going to put an IV in so that we can get some medicine and liquids in you.”

“No,” you whimpered. “Please, no… it’ll hurt…”

“Only for a second. I promise.”

“No… No… No—“

“I’ll be right here,” Tony said, one of his hands quickly taking yours. His other hand resting on your head, his thumb rubbing against your forehead. “I’m right here.”

“Tony…”

“Sshhh… It’s okay.”

“Alright, Y/N, I’m going to put in the IV needle,” Bruce stated.

You began crying harder, which triggered your coughing. Tony tried to soothe you through it while Bruce waited. You were still crying as the cough died.

“I’m right here,” Tony whispered, lips brushing against your forehead. He pressed kisses through the whispers. “I’ve got you… I know it hurts…” 

You whined as Bruce pressed the needle into your arm. “It hurts… stop…”

“I know, I know, honey.” He continued to whisper against your forehead.

Bruce worked as quickly as he could, getting the IV in you and injecting the medication. “Okay, I’m done,” he stated.

“He’s done, sweetheart. You did so good.” Tony turned to the man. “Thank you.”

Bruce nodded. “Let me know if I can get you anything else.” Then he left.

“The medicine shouldn’t take long to work,” Tony told you. “Don’t fight it and get some rest.”

“Please don’t leave…” you whined.

“I’m not planning on it.”

~~~

Tony kept his hands on you until he knew you were sound asleep. He then washed up and grabbed a damp cloth. He carefully wiped off any of your sweaty skin he could see.

“FRIDAY?” He quietly called when he returned to the bathroom. “Where does Y/N keep that arthritis cream?”

“Top drawer on your left,” replied the AI.

Tony followed the directions and opened the cream container. “FRIDAY, order two more cases of this. She’s almost out.”

“On it, Boss.”

He went back into the bedroom and sat on the bed beside you. Dipping his fingers into the cream, he began to slowly rub it on your joints. Tony began with your hands, making sure to massage each finger, before working up your arms to your shoulders and neck. He carefully did your toes, ankles, and knees. He wished that he could help you with your back and hips, but he felt like those spots would wake you due to the intrusion. 

After he made sure your joints had cream on them, Tony sat on the bed next to you, working on a tablet. He needed to keep his mind busy from worrying too much. Tony couldn’t stand a problem he couldn’t solve and your arthritis was one of those. He knew that the flu you had was making it worse. He could help calm the flu, but that didn’t mean your arthritis would react the same. So Tony had to distract his mind with things he could do about it.

In your time asleep, Tony designed a special med-pack for you. This med-pack would be placed in every quinjet, med-bay room, and Compound room that you used. He designed a new bed, that would better relieve the joint pain. Tony redesigned your bathroom, with your arthritis in mind, and would begin renovations himself as soon as you felt better. He did all of this with a back thought of hope, going to redesign his own bed and bathroom for you as well. That maybe, one day, you would require it in there as well.

You moaned and shifted, causing Tony to put the tablet down.

“Tony…” you rasped.

“I’m right here, honey,” he said.

You finally blinked your eyes open to look at him. “You stayed.”

“Of course I did.”

“I just thought… with me being sick and all…”

Tony laughed. “Yeah, well, it’s hard to stay away from you, sweetheart. Sickness or not.”

“Thank you… for being here.”

Tony smiled down at you, leaning in to press a kiss to your forehead. “Always… How are you feeling?”

“Still like hell, but better. Did you… did you put cream on my joints?”

“The just ones I could reach.”

“You didn’t have to.”

“I had to do something, you know me. My hands have to stay busy. Are you hungry? Can I get you something?”

You swallowed, wincing at its soreness. “Um… soup.”

“Soup, coming right up.” He tapped his tablet a few times. “FRIDAY ordered soup from your favorite place and Happy is on his way to pick it up.”

“My favorite place, huh? And you know that how…?”

“It hurts that you don’t think I know you by now.”

You couldn’t help but note the emotions swirling in his big brown eyes. “I know,” you breathed out. “I know you know me…” 

You grimaced as you moved your arm up so that your hand was closer to Tony’s. He quickly got the hint and gently took your hand. The two of you stayed like that in silence until the soup had arrived. You thanked Happy before he left and then tried to sit up. You cried out and Tony was quickly there, helping you. He grabbed the extra pillows, putting them behind your back to stabilize you. 

“Is that okay?” He asked, already making a plan to dash for pillows if needed.

“It’s great,” you said, settling in. 

Tony out up and readied the soup. When he came back over, you grimaced as you lifted your hand to take the bowl.

“Nu-uh,” Tony shook his head. “You need to relax. I can handle this.”

“I’m not a baby, Tony.”

“I know, but you’re sick. Let me take care of you.”

“Alright, but you owe me. Next time I insist on taking care of you, you can’t fight me.”

He laughed. “Fine. It’s a deal.”

The first few spoonfuls of soup were tough to swallow. But Tony was patient with you and waited until you were ready before he fed you anymore. By the time you were done with the soup, you were worn out. Tony helped you lay back down before he injected the next round of meds and ate some soup himself.

“Tony,” you softly called.

“Yes, dear?” He responded.

“I’m glad you know things about me. It makes me feel safe… feel seen.”

“Y/N…” His fingers gently brushed down your face. “You are the only person I truly see. You are my light in the dark world. The reason why I continue to fight. The little things you do for me like making sure my coffee never runs out or the notes you leave around, make me feel seen and safe… Sweetheart, I love you.”

“You do?” Tears were welling up in your eyes.

“Yes, of course I do.”

“I love you, too.”

“God, you have no idea how long I’ve waited to hear you say those words.” He leaned his forehead against yours, making sure your noses were touching. “I would totally kiss you right now if you didn’t have the sniffles.”

You couldn’t help but burst into a fit of laughter. Tony quickly pulled away as your laughter turned into coughs. 

“You okay?” Tony wondered.

“Yeah,” you asked. “Just don’t make me laugh right now. It hurts too much.”

“Can do.” He kissed your forehead. “Do you need anything right now?”

“Sleep. Can you… can you hold my hand?”

“It’s the least I can do.” He went around the bed to sit down. Grabbing one of your hands, he pulled it up to kiss the back of it. “Get some rest.”

~~~

It took you forty-eight hours to start feeling okay again. Thankfully, Tony was there the whole time. Even when you needed to use the bathroom, Tony was there to help you. The first few times, you cried about how embarrassing it was, but he just kissed your tears away and told you that it was life.

When you started to feel better, Tony was there making sure you didn’t overdo it. You were grateful that he cared and didn’t fight it. Tony continued to stay in your room, sleeping beside you on the bed. The morning you woke feeling completely better, Tony was holding you close to his chest. This was the closest the two of you had gotten—physically—in ever. Carefully, you turned around in his arms and looked at him. You noticed some beads of sweat along his hairline.

“Tony?” You gently called. He groaned, burying his head into your neck. You couldn’t help but laugh. “Tony, how are you feeling?”

“I think I caught your sniffles,” his voice was hoarse and you knew exactly why.

“Yes, I think you did, babe.” Your hands raked through his hair. “But I’ve got you. I’ll take care of you the whole time.” You kissed his head. “I love you.”

“I wove you too…”

[moyokeansimblr]

Moyo life update

Hey friends so yeah uhm... Well after our old man kitty Zook passed on the 4th my dad decided pretty much immediately that we'd be getting kittens because he thought we needed kitten therapy. Initially the plan was only to get 1-2 because we do still have Sophie (Zook's sister) and while she adores the pants off me she's admittedly a grouchy old lady towards everyone else so we weren't sure how she'd do with a kitten. She's also 15.5 so that's why my dad wanted more than one kitten because Sophie doesn't play much.

My brother's girlfriend knew a family that had a litter of 4 kittens and the plan was for us to take 2 so as to not overwhelm Soph. But get this: on the 4th while my mom and brother were saying goodbye to Zook at our vet... a 12 week old kitten just waltzes up to the door! One of the vet techs grabbed him and was like omg he's here for them! But the other tech wouldn't let her interrupt my mom & brother so she took him home with the plan to tell us about him when we were slightly less sad. When my mom called the vet Friday morning to settle our account she told us about him and he was ours an hour later. My brother named him Waffle (short for wunderwaffe dg2, idk spelling I don't play cod).

But we still wanted Waffle to have someone who wasn't 15 years older than him so Saturday morning we went to meet the litter of 4 kittens my brother's girlfriend's mom's friend had. It was pretty easy, two of them clearly liked us most right away. So by mid day Saturday had two more kittens. They're 8 weeks, and named Pez and Cooper. Cooper is the runt and the first thing my brother's girlfriend said when she saw him was oh my god he's so derpy. �� But my dad said he thinks Pez knows Cooper is a little behind and looks out for him.

So far they're all separate. Waffle has his space, Pez and Cooper have a space, and then Sophie has reign of the house. They've had a few supervised meetings that have gone well. Sophie's gave her warning hisses if they've gotten too close but otherwise has just watched them. Pez and Cooper aren't scared at all because they came from a house full of other animals but Waffle is pretty scared. He gets all poofy and growls both at Sophie and the other kittens but we don't think he's had experience with other cats since nobody knows where he came from. So we're working on him so he'll be less scared.

ANYWAYS, because I work part time and from home I am the primary cat carer. Between all the cleaning/kitten proofing, giving Sophie ample attention, and acclimating all three kittens I'm utterly brain fried. I've been trying to work on some CC but I've not been able to sit down and actually play sims at all in weeks what with how sick Zook was and now kittens. I did have a sims 2 birthday gift planned but there's no way I'll get to finish it or any of the other CC I've got in progress by that date. I really just want to play but I'm in cat mode so it's what it is. But in the meantime while I can't play I've been watching a lot of sims YouTube content instead (like sammy sundog's service area videos) so that I can still get my sims fix until whenever I get to play again.

I'll end this post with a pic of my good old girl Sophie because she's handling all of these changes pretty damn great so far. But yeah long story short basically I don't have anything sims to contribute to Tumblr right now. Hopefully soon.

[autumnhobbit]

I haven’t said anything about this but I’ve exhausted the list of people irl I care to tell about it and I figure I should commemorate it somewhere so I don’t forget it;

So for the last 10 months I’ve been working full-time at this monument company. This is what I would have called my dream job if I called anything that. I had applied for it before years ago but had no work experience to speak of so I must not have impressed much at the time, and as it turned out I instead went to the factory where I met Zach.

I went back to work for personal/mental reasons that, to be frank, I didn’t fully think through. Taking the job meant that I was working Mon-Fri and didn’t qualify for any vacation time until September. Zach works Fri-Sun, 12 hour days, gets paid for 40 hours, and has the other four days off, and still gets the same amount of vacation time. This is an insane and difficult to replicate scenario, as I’m sure you all can tell. The result of me going back to work, however, was that we never had any leisure time together anymore. We never had a common day off except for holidays. The early days of this were absolutely miserable. Like, I’m not kidding you I was physically sick from how miserable I was. I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much in my life, and he took it worse than I did. We’re not one of those couples that can never see each other and be content. This situation took its toll on our relationship and just seemed to get worse and worse. The way I am, I’m loathe to change any situation for fear of inconveniencing people or changing their opinion of me. I felt in decent standings at work, my boss and coworkers seem to like me, but making a stand and a statement of my needs is always stressful and uncomfortable for me. But finally it got to a point even I had to admit a change had to happen or we weren’t gonna make it, and/or I decided I didn’t want to spend another year like this one. But I was still nervous about it and waiting for the right moment.

Well, my boss actually brought up a subject I could easily segue into my situation. He assured me he understood my position and told me he absolutely didn’t want to lose me as an employee and we could work something out. It turned out he basically told me to pitch what schedule I would like to work to him and we’d do that. So I pitched I work Mon-Wed-Friday and he immediately accepted it. I’ll have 2 days off with Zach a week without having to give up my weekends to myself and I can still make a little money and have something to do. And I even got a raise, too. I didn’t ask or pray for this because it was too close to me but it worked out anyway, and I frankly feel no amount of thanks to God would be enough.

[umichenginabroad]

Week 6: The Setting Sun

Howdy y'all, it me Connor back after the final week of navigating around Nagoya!

This is going to be a mostly writing focused blog as I do not have a ton of photos as this week was cut short as I had a flight to catch back to the good ole US of A.

First up, I passed all my finals, I think.

I got a perfect score on my speaking section on the speaking section of my Japanese final and I passed the written portion. So yeah I'm basically fluent. Learning the language was definitely way tougher than I thought it would be, but it gave me confidence to at least try and continue learning it in the future.

In addition my engineering final presentation went so well that my group won overall best presentation. We won a set of diecast Honda NSXs which is a car I have fawned over in previous blogs. I was super happy with my research surrounding modern plastic alternatives used in dashboards and the real cost of fabric vs. leather car seats. This program has given me a refreshed sense of enthusiasm in regards to the automotive industry. I have experienced the industry in a way completely unique to Japan and have now seen aspects of automotive culture inaccessible anywhere else.

Sadly though the time has come for me to leave the country. I still have quite a sizable lab report I have yet to really dive into so my studies have yet to stop but I no longer will be able to experience the wonders of Japan. But here are the last couple photos of my shortened week.

This is me standing in front of the Nagoya University sign (Holding up the classic UMich M, GO BLUE!). It is in front of the main yard where we often saw students throwing balls, sunbathing, and just generally having a good time.

This selfie was taken on the way to the farewell party hosted by the NUSIP program. You can see most of my roommates pictured. These guys really made my time in Japan special and I cannot thank them enough. The farewell party was super sweet and everyone was super sad to leave.

A photo of my room taken on the day of my departure. You all would not believe how long it took me to clean it up. It felt just like yesterday that I walked into this room exactly how I saw it leaving. I almost cried as I had my bags packed and was walking out the door.

After a couple hours of traveling, and one too many trains, I took this photo at the airport right before going through security. Although I was smiling that was only because I took the wrong train and still made it to the airport on time. But oh boy did I have a massive journey ahead of me. My parents were worried sick because of the windows outage causing may flights to be cancelled. Luckily all of my planes arrived and I only suffered an hour delay.

I landed at Boston Logan Airport quite late Friday night after almost 30 hours of traveling. The one thing I was looking forwards to coming back for was that my family was about to take a nice long beach vacation in Cape Cod. I was so happy to see them, and even better I got possibly the greatest welcome back breakfast in the world. Nothing could stop me from demolishing these biscuits and home fries topped with sausage gravy, because you could never find something that good in Japan.

Until next time, さようなら, また 来週

Connor Gilfillan

Mechanical Engineering

NUSIP Automotive Engineering in Nagoya, Japan

[rekishi-aka]

Still sick. But at least this doesn't seem to turn into the same ordeal as this spring (fingers still crossed). We're actually progressing through symptoms, and I guess starting early on corticosteroids made a bit of a difference here (though how significant I don't know).

I took a brief stroll to the pharmacy today and picked up some bread and that was okay. Wasn't completely wiped out, which is good.

Still spent a lot of time in bed reading (reading works! whooo! though not serious stuff yet like meta).

Starting medication regime and stuff by 8 pm and then going to bed around 9-ish with an episode of something short or a fic is surprisingly helpful, even though spending so much time in bed in general is detrimental to my sleep (which is okay-ish, I rest most of the day amyway).

Not sure whether I'll go back to see a doctor on Thursday. Not just because it fucks with my actual vacation plans, but the office is closed this week and going to see the sister-office required a half hour bus ride and standing/walking around in the cold and sitting in the waiting room who knows how long. My guess is I'm better off not doing that and 'sacrificing' one or two vacation days.

Regarding my trip ehhh idk yet. I'm still planning to go (but might go on Friday rather than on Thursday, I made additional hotel reservations...actually I cancelled my initial booking already on Monday since that was the latest date and then made new reservations Thu-Sun, Fri-Sun), but we'll see how that works out and how I'm feeling.

I have also opted against using my antibiotic. I did get it from the pharmacy because of how crap I was feeling on Saturday - because I didn't want to have to figure out Sunday who was on duty and then maybe have to travel far on foot - but didn't end up taking it. The problem is, I have none of the 'typical' symptoms that you'd look at, mine are always subtle and mostly end up being "feeling like crap", "exhaustion", very maybe shortness of breath, and otherwise my inflammation blood values are through the roof. I didn't - although I should have - monitored my blood oxygen, but I wasn't feeling off in the same way as I did in spring when the levels were getting somewhat dangerously low (that was one factor that put me in the hospital for a pneumonia check), so I think it's fine. I probably should start doing that properly, though.

All in all I do think I'm on the upswing or at least on the "3 days it stays" (that would be day 3 today). With some exciting new symptoms as well (sort of, different ear is affected this time for instance).

So we'll see. I haven't been much active online except to scroll through tumblr when I'm lying with a hot water bottle on my chest (surprisingly nice, btw) and intermittently watching Staged, Ted Lasso, and Buffy which I'm aware is a somewhat weird combination.

[fizzingwizard]

life stuff

I did so many dumb things yesterday. Can't even remember them all now, but for one, I went to the wrong floor when I got home and even tried the key before I realized. I also went to a sushi place where you have color-coded plates, and I took a plate that wasn't my color. I have been going there for years and I've never not once done that before. Also at work I was just a basketcase who couldn't commit to anything.

Then today I made oatmeal, but apparently never turned the kettle on?? So I just poured ice cold water on my oats and uh yeah not appetizing. I just decided to starve until dinner 9_9

I'm a little perplexed by so many senior moments, but I think it just means I'm a lot more tired than I realized. It was a tough week. Many teachers were out sick. Including a teacher who quit for (highly legitimate) personal reasons just last week, we were missing four to five teachers nearly every day. We didn't have one day with a full staff. It's also conference season so I had a ton going on, and my kids were unusually difficult. I think it's a combo of them all being sick but not sick enough to stay home, and my challenging students just having some extra challenges, and everything happening at the same time. I've also been under the weather in a weird nebulous way: various symptoms, overall fatigue, no fever, but lasting weeks and weeks. Can't call out for it as much as I want to. Wednesday was alright but every other day was like wow, welcome to hell. Though I shouldn't say that because hell would be a kid getting hurt. No injuries, no disasters, just a very tired and frustrated teacher.

Because of all the teacher absences, those of us who were here every day got slapped with a lot more on-duty time and just stints of break here and there. We couldn't even get what's in our contracts a couple days, which always pisses me off because I'm literally not getting paid for one hour that I'm at work. And the company doesn't want us to do overtime of course bc they have to pay us for it. (They are known for "forgetting" to account for overtime hours as well so everyone double checks their paychecks). Yet we've been understaffed all year, so in order to not pay for overtime, they just send teachers from another nearby school to ours to help. One of my coworkers always insists on apologizing to them. I'm not apologizing. I didn't do it. Let the company apologize. I'll thank the other school for helping (not that they have a choice) but tbh it'd be better if they said it was impossible, then the company might actually hire a full time teacher. Oh btw last year when several of us were helping the other school when their teacher left on paternity leave for the rest of the year, no one thanked us. In face they mostly just forgot about us and looked surprised every time we turned up (biweekly! for months!) to do the job they told us they needed us to do

Anyway I told the manager that as much as I understand why break/prep time is limited when there are many teacher absences, it looked as though time had been redistributed without any thought about equality. Wed's hours were a mess, but I let it slide because I thought I could fix it to be okay for Friday. Well, someone else was out on Fri, and the time was redistributed again and I had less for the whole week than everyone else. Now there are a few factors: some teachers work longer hours than others but make "the same" pay (I put it in quotes because some of the contracts are a little different and I don't know the details, but it's roughly similar anyway). A teacher who is at the school for 7 hours has gets the same off-duty time as ones who are there for 8 or 9. But if it's okay to give more off-duty time to 9 hr teachers than 7 hr ones, that's never been expressed. And because 7 hr teachers go home before the least staffed period of the day, it's the 8 hr teacher who end up with less off-duty time because there are fewer opportunities to take it. The ones that come earlier than 4 pm have to go to the 7 hr teacher first. The ones that come after 5 pm are only available to the 9hr (which sucks for them because who wants to not have a break till after 5? they do usually get some break earlier as well but it's shorter).

Overall the distribution is unfair and dumb even when it's done according to the books. We used to have a couple leaders who would point out when things were too tight or not fair to whoever, but they both quit in the mass exodus of last year. I thought I could point it out and the manager would say "oh sorry, I'll keep an eye on that for the future." I didn't expect my schedule to be changed, just that promise. Instead the manager first said it was fine that I had less off-duty time than everyone else because I had conferences (??? our contracts don't change when there are conferences - or do they? lol well if they do it was never a problem any other year before now...). So I was like not really, and she proceeded to give me a bit of someone else's prep, the teacher who had the most for the week, only I found out later that that teacher wasn't feeling well that day. She may have been given the extra time due to her condition, and because I brought it up, she lost it. But I had no idea she wasn't feeling well. When I found out, I tried to trade with her, but she refused every time. It's just 15 min we're talking about. What does it say to you when teachers feel guilty all day long for having 15 min of prep time that could have been someone else's? fuck everything

Also only found out later that another coworker spent all of her prep time onboarding a new teacher. New teacher, hurrah, whatever, it's fucking January already but sure. Well, that coworker could have used a little extra off-duty time as well. But nobody bothers to tell Fizz. I would have happily traded off-duty time with her as well but I'm not pyschic my dude. I'm just not.

While I'm complaining let me sandwich in another annoyance. The other class decided they wanted to do a certain project. They began work on the project, but then got told by the manager that they had to include my class, because what they were doing was big enough to be unfair if only one class got to participate. Since they had already begun work, it was taken for granted that my class would just be doing the project as well now. No one asked if that was alright with me. No one asked if I wanted to edit or add anything. Actually, no one even TOLD ME WHAT WE WERE DOING. The other class teacher told my co-teacher the project was happening, but not the details. I waited two weeks, nothing, so finally I had to go ask them what the heck this was about, and they then told ME what to do. Absolutely no interest in what I might think about it at all. They decided, so I just have to do it. I could argue, of course! But like every time I have the audacity to disagree with Things That Someone Has Decided, I'd just be seen as making trouble for no reason. The project is good for the kids, so it's not easy to be against it. And I'm not against it. But I do feel disrespected. Like did it occur to no one that I, also a classroom teacher, might already have my own project in mind for my class??? If this had happened in reverse, then as soon as I knew my project was going to be expected of another class as well, I would have gone and talked to that class's teachers. I would have asked for their input and changes and I would have been fully prepared, no matter how unlikely it was, for the possibility that they just wouldn't want to do it at all. Because it's their class and i don't make decisions about their class. "But it's a cute project for little kids" blah blah everything we do is a cute project for little kids. IT'S STILL WORK FOR TEACHERS. Kill me for preferring the projects I chose and put effort into instead of projects someone else picked out without even asking my opinion. And I'm still doing it! I haven't made a scene! But was it really too much to expect at least "sorry about this" or "do you want to change anything"?? I really saw red for a while.

I'm fed up with my job in a lot of ways and I want to switch. But I don't know where to go. Finding somewhere new will mean starting over from base salary which is even lower than what I make now. The more tiring and demanding the work becomes, the less the pay makes it feel worth it. No one becomes a pre-k teacher to get rich. We like little kids. But there sure are a lot of expectations of teacher's the schools are basically throwing peanuts at. The perk, yeah, is the time off. But since it's only during cold months I never really do anything with it. It was nice to go home over the holidays, but I couldn't afford to do it every year whether I had the time off or not lol.

I honestly don't know what to do right now and it's making me extra anxious. Just hoping something will fall into my lap hahaha great strategy there. Glassdoor sends me useless spam every day :) Even got one saying I'd be a "perfect fit" to teach Christian ed to the kids of a traveling circus x'D

[littlemissagrafina]

"Is it really cheating if it's rigged?"

@comfortember Day 9. Day Out + ALT Prompt 4. Plushies

Summary: "Alright, alright. You guys can go." Tony said, handing them their candyfloss.

"Hold your horses!" Pepper stopped them just as they were about to run off. "You have to stay together, and be careful. And have fun ! Go explore the enjoy yourself, your dad and I will catch up with you later." 

With chorus of "thank you's" and "we promise's" they were gone, hands clasped between them as they darted between the various crowds and people.

Read on AO3

"Okay," Tony leant across the table, confiscating the two massive sticks of candyfloss from Peter just as he and Morgan sat down. He ignored the betrayed look that spread across his kids' faces, spreading a few napkins on the picnic table and putting the mounds of spun sugar down on it.

"You guys can have these back once you've eaten some actual food. You know, the loaded fries that you both asked me to get specifically?" Tony raised a brow at them as they looked longingly at their confiscated treats.

"Your dad's right, you two. Normal food first, sugary stuff later. You don't want to get sick from eating only sweets and miss out on all the games and rides, do you?" Pepper dipped her plain fried in some ketchup, smiling when Peter and Morgan reluctantly nodded and started eating their cheesy fries.

Sharing a fond look with his wife, Tony bit into his hotdog, already counting down to see how fast Peter and Morgan finished their food just so they could have their sweets in drag him and Pepper off to all the things that they wanted to do.

As it turns out, it took them a whole five minutes faster than he had been expecting, but Tony wasn't too surprised. They were excited after all, it wasn't too often that they got to go out to such public places as a family, but thanks to a few nano masks that Tony had "borrowed" from Fury (they were his design, anyway) and Friday's constant surveillance, they had decided to take Morgan to her first fair. 

Luckily, the fair was being held near enough to the lake house, meaning it was more secluded and far less busy than if they had gone to Coney Island or at any of the smaller pop up fairs. Although that wasn't to say it wasn't still bustling, because it was. There were plenty of people doing everything from hotdog eating contests, to ring toss, to hitching a ride on the ferris wheel or bumper cars.

As Tony and Pepper finished their food, Tony could see the way that Peter and Morgan both visibly got more and more antsy, but they stayed sitting on the bench, waiting as patiently as they could.

"Alright, alright. You guys can go." Tony said, handing them their candyfloss.

"Hold your horses!" Pepper stopped them just as they were about to run off. "You have to stay together, and be careful. And have fun! Go explore the enjoy yourself, your dad and I will catch up with you later." 

With chorus of "thank you's" and "we promise's" they were gone, hands clasped between them as they darted between the various crowds and people.

"They'll be okay, right?" Tony stared after them, and Pepper rolled her eyes, smiling fondly at her husband.

"Tony," She grabbed his hand, pulling him away from the table and off towards the one drinks stand where they were selling fresh lemonade. "They'll be just fine. Friday has an eye on them and Peter is Spider-Man. You know he would never let anything happen."

Tony smiled ruefully, handing over a couple bills and taking the two cups the stall owner handed them, intertwining his free hand with Pepper's as they walked along in the direction the kids had disappeared in. 

"Logically, I know that, but I just don't want them to get hurt or anything bad to happen."

"I know, I don't either, Tones. But they still need to enjoy life and have fun. We can't shelter them and keep them away from anything just because we worry. Besides, they have the most advanced AI on earth monitor them and we're both here and more than capable of doing some ass kicking if we need to. It will all be okay."

"Now c'mon. Let's see what shenanigans they're getting up to."

-

"Look! Look!" Morgan yelled excitedly, running up to them and proudly holding up a stuffed Hulk plushie that was at least half the size of her. "Look what I got! Petey won him for me! I couldn't get all the rings in and the man was getting grumpy when i wanted to keep trying so Peter tried and he got them all the first time and got me my Brucey plush!" 

She almost dropped the plush "Brucey" from her excited bouncing but Peter grabbed it just before it could tumble fr its perch in her arms.

Tony chuckled. "He did, did he?"

Peter just grinned, shrugging sheepishly while Pepper took Brucey from him.

"I did. We all know they're rigged, so is it really cheating if they're already the ones cheating? Besides, Morgs really wanted it."

"Oh, Peter. Never change." Pepper laughed quietly, sharing a soft smile with Tony and watching as Peter got distracted by Morgan tugging him off towards another very much rigged game.

There was no doubt in either of their minds that Morgan would be coming back, arms full with another prize.

[pbandjesse]

I only cried a little today. Today did not go to plan. I did not wake up feeling better. I woke up feeling weak and coughing. I had a low grade fever and a lot of pain. James had woken up early and made me eggs and hash browns and was going to drive me to the nursery. But when I stood up and went to brush my teeth I was like. This isn't safe. I shouldn't go. So I told James. I finished brushing my teeth. I texted Francine at the nursery. I felt so supremely guilty. She hoped I would feel better soon but emotionally I was really sad.

I also rescheduled the interview. And then had to do some schedule shuffling for puhtok in March. I told Elizabeth how I was sick and she told me to take care of me. But I told her that I know I'm being like. Entitled. Acting like me taking time off to be sick is going to make the whole world fall apart. But she understood what I meant.

I got really upset around 10. I was so tired but I couldn't get comfortable enough to sleep. But I was so weak I still couldn't do anything. This was for the best. I tried to do to much yesterday. I had eaten the omelette James made me. I requested McDonald's fries when they started serving lunch. But then asked if I could just take a NyQuil.

So I did. And I fell asleep hard.

James says when they brought me fries I just said. Awake no. And fell back asleep. I ended up sleeping for 4 hours. And because James is the best they would go out again and get me fries that weren't cold.

It took me a while to get myself up though. I had kicked all the pillows off the bed. And I had had James open the back door to freshen up the air. But it had gotten very cold in here. So while James was gone I got a sweater on and put the bed back together.

The fries were nice and made me feel a little better. And I do feel better since waking up. I still feel weak. And my chest hurts. But I do think I'm okay. I can't take another day off. Three was bad enough.

I took a bath because that's the energy level I had. And got in bed in clean jammies. James joined me and has actually been asleep for a while. They haven't been sleeping well so I'm glad they can get some rest without being in pain or getting startled by me coughing. They go back to work tomorrow but only for 2 days. Because on Friday we are still going camping. Because I always get sick before we go camping. So I have two days to feel better all the way. But tomorrow I am determined to go to work. And feel normal. So wish me luck. Take care of yourself. Don't get sick. Because it sucks.

[yooglefics]

The casual type: 03 . The past

Pairing: Min Yoongi x fem!reader  Wordcount: 2,993 words Genre ( for the whole series ): AU. College!verse. Strangers to friends with benefits to ?????. Eventual smut. Hurt / comfort at times. Fluff for cute friends. Summary:  ( Ep. 03 ) • Is finally time to talk about how you got here. And of course, you aren't the only one with a past. Warnings under read more.

Includes ( this episode ): There's flirting and progress is made. The squad is cute. Mentions of cheating in the past ( not from main characters ), bad relationship dynamics, fuckboy shenanigans ( say no to fuckboys ), and broken hearts. Author's note: I have a question for you guys: should I start adding the pet names in the warning? Because my thing is that Yoongi has been using them in context of what is happening, like in a banter kind of way, but… should that be a warning in itself? As always, hope you like this one, remember to leave a comment, reblog, send an ask, follow or whatnot. Thank you for reading <3

The motorcycle ride wasn't as scary as you thought it'd be. In fact, it was kind of calming. The streets were mostly empty and Yoongi drove at a decent speed, mainly of course, because you told him you'd kill him if he didn't. But it was nice, a good distraction and an interesting way to end a hectic night.

Monday morning comes around and your stomach hurts with anxiety at the thought of the inevitable. Is even worse than when you have to give a class presentation, at least in those cases your life isn't the subject. And your only hope to get you throughout the day is that everything would feel better after talking with the guys.

“Are you not finishing those?” Jungkook points at the fries on your plate after a while of sitting in the cafeteria. Your group has assigned this time as lunch hour since everyone is free while some of them wait for their next class.

“You can have them if you want.” Everyone's eyes turn to you as if a second head has grown, “I'm not hungry.”

“But… is fries?” Says the soccer player and to his credit, is true that turning down fries is a sign you may be sick, and honestly, it feels a little bit like you are and that's what finally makes you decide is time. 

“Let's talk. Outside.”

You can't bear the awkwardness. They tip-toeing around, putting too much thought on your actions. It can't go any longer, but you still take a few minutes to walk them outside the cafeteria and to the back of the building. Away from the protagonist of your story.

“Oh… hi.” Greets Yoongi, his arm mid air as he stops the action of putting a cigarette between his lips. “Walking all together like that, you guys do look like a gang,” he jokes after you and your friends say hello.

“Says the guy smoking,” Jimin’s answer, gaining some laughs.

“Sorry,” he really seems remorseful, “I'll go somewhere else.”

“Actually,” grabbing his forearm, you stop him from leaving. “Can you stay? I think I do need moral support.” 

On friday night he told you asking Mai to be there when talking about everything could be a good idea, and with a shake of your head against his back you answered you didn't want to bother her, already feeling bad about worrying her that night. So, he said he would do it. If you needed support he would be there as a payment for saving him at the club the night you met and that you only needed to ask.

Even so, it is surprising to you when he just nods and goes back to his position against the wall. You stay in front of him and your friends gather at your sides in a circle, ready to listen.

“Okay. Well,” you take a deep breath, “first you have to promise to not do anything. Not threatening, not breaking noses. Nothing. You promise?”

They do, with only a “But if it is really bad can I scream at them?” from Jungkook.

“No. I don't want more drama.”

And they nod once more, and again, you breathe.

“So, there's this guy, he is from the basketball team,” Hobi got that right, but it wasn’t surprising after you took a liking for going to the games and then stopped just as suddenly even if Jungkook was still part of the team. “We were talking for a couple months. You know, messaging and… just flirting I guess.” 

“You guess?” Taehyun asks to clarify.

“Yes? I… I don't know. Sometimes it would be more obvious than others and we would talk about what we wanted in a relationship as if we were talking about our relationship.” In the moment you thought it was obvious, you were flirting and planning the future; both of you mentioned wanting something beautiful and long lasting. But after everything, you wonder how truthful everything really was. “We even went on a few dates and on Valentine's he got me a necklace and a cute cart saying how much I meant to him.”

“And you didn't tell me?” Jimin argues. The only one that says something even when all your friends at surprised at that. 

“I’m sorry. I wanted to, I swear, but I also wanted to enjoy it just myself for a little bit.”

“And what happened? Why did it end?” Tae wonders impatiently.

“Well,” the phantom pain from that day is back on your chest, “sometime at the beginning of April he canceled a date and because I already had told you guys I was staying on campus to study, I ended up going to the movies by myself and…” 

“He was there?” You nod. “With… someone… else?” 

All your friends react at Tae's guess and you only nod again. Your eyes are fixed on Yoongi, on the half burnt cigarette still in his hand that is now off, to avoid looking at them and the sadness on their faces. You can't handle that. Even when you tell yourself you're over everything, finally telling them about it and knowing how it makes them feel revives how you hurt back then. In a certain way, it gives you the validation you didn't have at the time, and that you didn't know you needed.

Is healing, and you wish a little bit you had told them sooner.

“I bumped into her and at first I didn't see him.” You continue narrating, “Her drink spilled and I was helping dry her hand when I noticed the little smiley on her bracelet and it was the same as mine.”

There are reactions all around the circle once more, Yoongi's “how original” comment makes your lips curve slightly. And it’s surprising, but you’re glad to be able to find the fun in it now.

“I didn't think anything about it, you know, just like, cool, we have the same cute pendant, but then I heard his voice and well… It wasn't cute anymore.”

You remember how shocked you were in the moment and his face as he realized it was you in front of them.

“What did you do?” asks Hobi.

“At least tell us you spilled the drink on him next.” Adds Jungkook.

“I didn't do anything,” and there's a part of you that regrets it. “I was so surprised and confused. I thought that maybe I'd made it all up in my head, that maybe he didn't mean the things he said like that. Because there was no way he could just turn around and be official with another girl by next monday, right?” You pause for a second to take some air, trying to calm down since the tears would be threatening to fall anytime soon. “But he did. And when I texted him and asked to meet up to talk, he replied with just a «thanks for these few months».” A dry laugh leaves your throat, every time you think about that text you find it stupider. “And just like that it was over. And I felt so dumb for letting it happen.”

“Don't say that. Is not on you,” says Hobi immediately.

“He played you. He is an asshole.” Jungkook continues, “C'mon here, so I don't run back in and punch his stupid face,” he says bringing you into a hug. 

“So,” Yoongi starts after a few minutes of sitting in silence on the bench outside the cafeteria. Your appetite has come back and your friends are busy with their next class, one you don't share even with the ones in your major since you have stuck to an all-morning schedule, so you're left to share a bag of chips with him. “Can I ask something?”

“Can I refuse to answer?”

“I hope you don't,” that makes you laugh, “because I'm really curious now.”

“Okay, shoot.” 

“What happened seems like the perfect reason to avoid casual things, but that's not what I got from our date.”

“That's not a question, Yoongi,” you remark playfully when he doesn't continue, turning to him, bending your leg on the bench. “You want to know why I didn't run the moment you told me you didn't want a relationship?”

“Yes,” he nods, “that's what I meant. What I want to know.”

“Well, because you were honest about it.” Is as simple as that, but he still looks unsure. “I’m pretty sure that Chr– that guy,” remembering Yoongi is trying for the team you decide is best to not give out names to him either, “wasn't looking for something serious when we were talking, but he played into it because I said I was. He built my hopes up of something more and in the end he kind of just admitted that I was someone he was just spending time with. He didn't want something serious with me but he wasn't honest about it.”

“Would you have had something with him if he had been honest? If he asked to be friends with benefits or whatever?”

You chew a chip while thinking, taking some time.

“I don't know,” is your final answer, “I know it hasn't even been a year, but I was different back then, had other expectations and such. But what I'm sure of is that I'd have loved to be able to decide for myself, you know?”

“Of course. Is different when you are the one deciding to put your heart at potential risk.” he steals a chip from your bag, and silence falls once again.

So far Yoongi has proven to be a good person to talk to and to just be around in general, maybe Mai and Hobi were right about you guys being similar and setting up the date last week. Thinking about that and the phrase he just said reminds you of something and is your turn to wonder.

“Did she break your heart?”

“Who?”

“The redhead from the club.”

His expression changes a little bit, but you're getting better at noticing, so you catch it. “Thought you had forgotten about that.”

“Almost did, but you know, I'm curious too.”

“Curiosity killed the cat.”

“But satisfaction brought it back,” you complete the idiom, smiling proudly.

“Touché.”

“I'm a smart cat, what can I say.”

That gets you a smile from Yoongi and he changes position, reclining his back against the bench and looking straight ahead he commences. “We met at the beginning of university, had a few classes together and started hanging out, became friends, and then started dating at the start of our second semester. Everything was easy and calm, the change from friends to more didn't even register to me, I… I don't know if it makes sense.”

“Sounds lovely,” you point out.

“It was. I thought it was perfect. And perhaps it was for a while, but after dating for about nine months something changed.” A little wrinkle appears on his forehead as he thinks, “I couldn't point it out and sometimes it felt like it was all in my head. And that made me more nervous because I didn't want to self-sabotage, you know.” You nod, fully facing his side now, sitting indian style and bag of chips on your lap. Paying attention as he did before for you.

“She wasn't big on PDA and I respected that, but when I told Mai we were together and she got mad I kind of realized that we had been secretly dating for almost a year. None of hers, and ours, closest friends knew about us and it felt… it hurt.” He pauses for a moment, bringing his hands to his jacket’s pockets. “So, I wanted to talk to her about it. To try and find a solution, to tell her I was sorry for telling Mai but I wanted to talk to my best friend about my girlfriend and how much I…” another pause, breathing in. “But when I went to her dorm, it was Jay who opened the door.” 

You gasp unintentionally, covering your mouth right away. “Where they…?” You don't know what to say. And you don't really need to say anything, everything is pretty clear.

“Turns out they had been together for about three months at that point.”

You gasp again, shocked.

“In and out, kitten, don't die.” He manages to joke and that makes you feel worse about your response.

“Sorry. Is just…”

“A lot?”

“Yeah. And… crazy. How could she cheat on you? I mean, in general, I don't get why people do it, but… on you?”

“I’m going to take that as a compliment.” He chuckles a bit.

“I mean because your relationship sounded lovely. Dating your friend? That's the goal, isn't it?” You correct, “But also, yes. You're good looking and your kissing game is not bad.” 

“You're not bad yourself.”

Looking at each other, you both laugh. 

“I'm sorry that happened to you,” you offer sincerely on a more serious note, “you know it is not on you, right?”

“I know,” he sighs, Mai had made sure to repeat it to him countless times back when everything happened and the couple months after until he truly believed it, “thank you.”

“And I know is scary and I'm not one to say it but… don't let what happened make you run away from the opportunity of something great.”

Yoongi smiles softly without really reaching his eyes and you completely understand when instead of keeping the conversation serious, he asks “Are you flirting with me?”

“You turned me down, remember? I'm not doing that again,” you answer only half joking.

“C’mon, I told you why I did it”

“You were deciding for me.” He opens and closes his mouth, shaking his head and before he can apologize again, you clarify, “I'm just joking.”

“You're mean. But I forgive because you're cute.”

“Are you flirting with me?”

“Yes.” He answers without a beat.

“Shut up.”

“Make me.”

A pause, contemplating.

“You wish.”

He smirks, “I do.” 

And you do too. But your bravery from the other night is not here today and you wonder if it's because you're at the University campus or because all you have done today is talk about your bad luck in relationships and the fear of it all.

What if your friends see?

What if anyone else who knows them sees and tells them?

But what if it is the last chance you get to kiss Yoongi again?

Why are you overthinking it? Wasn't your plan to just go with the flow or whatever cheesy quote you chose?

“Was that too much?” Yoongi asks. The wind has blown a strain of hair into your face and he pulls it back in place behind your ear. “I don't have a problem being the one flirting, but if you really don't want me to do it again I'd completely stop. I promise.”

“Is not that,” you quickly answer. “I–I like it, is just…” some people walk out of the cafeteria, and you follow them with your gaze, is hard for him not to notice. 

“Come with me?” Standing up after him, you follow Yoongi across campus and behind the auditorium. He has only been here about a week, that's why you're surprised when he announced not a lot of people come here confidentiality.

“The ones still on campus are busy, either in normal classes or in extracurriculars.”

“You aren't on any extracurriculars?”

A shake of your head, “I live through Jungkook, that kid does everything.” 

Yoongi laughs. “That's why everyone knows him?”

“That and those Bambi's eyes,” you nod, laughing with him.

You are calmer now and guess that was Yoongi’s plan for bringing you here. So, when he doesn't say anything else, you decide to continue the other conversation.

“I guess that's why it’s kind of scary to flirt so openly with you. Especially now after finding out about the whole thing with Hobi and the basketball team,” you sigh.

“Do you think someone is going to tell him if they see us?”

“Probably?”

“So are you telling me to stop flirting?” 

“No.” You answer too fast and he smirks, making you feel a bit shy, but yet, you continue. “I’m just not sure how they'd take the whole «hey, I'm flirting and kissing this guy. Is nothing serious we are just messing around».”

“«Messing around»? Are you fifty?” Yoongi laughs.

“They are! When is about me they act like everything is so extreme,” you pout a little.

“Poor baby,” he mirrors your pout, hands on your shoulders rubbing them softly.

“And I'm scared they would make everything so dramatic, you know? Like, if we want to kiss or whatever without being so serious about it, then what’s the issue?”

“They worry about you and want to protect you. Don't blame them too much.”

“Don't be on their side,” you shove him a little, “I'm trying to kiss you.”

He laughs, “Sorry. I'm on your side.” Pulling you closer and wrapping his arms around your middle. 

“While we both are on the same page about what we want, it shouldn't be an issue. Don't you agree?”

“Totally.” 

“So,” you look up at him, “what do you want?”

“I want to kiss you.”

You blush at how direct he is. “Not what I meant.”

“Well, like I said, I'm not really looking for a relationship right now. I don't think I'm ready to put myself at that emotional risk again yet. But I didn’t mind you kissing me, and wouldn't complain if you want to do it again,” he says honestly. “What about you?”

“Also not really looking for a serious relationship. I think I just want to explore life a little, whatever that means. I want to have fun and not get hurt.”

“I'll never hurt you.”

“I'll never hurt you, either,” you promise looking into chocolate eyes, getting on the tip of your toes to peck his lips, sealing it.

A/N: alright, this is officially a friends with benefits fic now, who is excited? asdfg Check this post for the calendar and pinterest board and more yapping that tumblr doesn't let me add here :/

➪01 | ➪ 02 | ➪ Tag for TCT verse | ♡ Tag list info ➪Main masterlist. | ➪ Pinned | ➪ Ko-fi

[iwannaban0nym0us]

time for a ramblely post about my life because i'm actually really happy rn

so my partner holy shit they're so amazing i don't even know how to explain it but everything they do just proves how incredible they are,, like we haven't said "i love you" to each other but i feel 100x more loved by them they i ever did by my ex who must have told me they loved me at least 100 times

ok btw i have no idea where this post is gonna go it's probably just gonna be a bunch of random thoughts all lumped together

so uh the reason i've been fairly inactive lately is because it's robotics comp season! Our first comp was last weekend meaning that the week leading up to it I was super busy trying to help get all the things to work (they still didn't lol) friday and saturday were insanely long days that were fun but also so tiring

we barely got things working in time on friday to clear inspection and make it to one practice match and then on saturday we had the worst possible schedule (first match of the day, a random match, last match before lunch, then 2 10min turn arounds, and then last match of the day) the most stressful part of the day was when in the last match before lunch we overextended our arm, pulled out all of the electronics, broke the extension spool, and got 25 penalty points. we spent lunch trying to fix all of that and also change out wheels (we didn't have a chance before because of our shit schedule) and also someone thought it would be a good idea to swap intakes but then we had to unswap intakes because the new one was too big and then the two very fast turn arounds after that were hella stressful

we actually ended up wining our last match of the day tho and i'm very proud of that since i took lead on the strategy talk before the match

then sunday we had a better match schedule and won one lost one so we ended quals 39/42 and therefore didn't go to playoffs, and me being the so so smart person that I am decided that since the other goalie was out sick it would be a great idea to go to my soccer game that afternoon (after 2.5 long tiring days of robotics)

And so I did and by the end of the game i felt like i was gonna fall asleep and i don't know how i managed to make several good saves and we only lost 5-0 (2 of their goals were super lucky tho) I am really glad i went since i got to see an ex-teammate and teammate who might quit the team soon for running and i hadn't seen either of them since last season

this week i've had a bit more time and monday i was so so so tired that during my freeblock which i usually use for hw since i have no free time i just hung out w/ my partner and was like half asleep the whole time, me and my partner also skipped an assembly on burnout because we were both too tired (they had a vaulting comp at the same time as my robotics comp) also tuesday i skipped soccer because of the weather so i got a whole afternoon off

over the next 2 weeks i'm only gonna have 5 days of school because we get next wed-fri off for conferences and then i'm at robotics the following thurs-sat which i think is kinda funny

uh anyway shifting gears,,, thursday i had my gender and sexuality class w/ my ex and since the teacher was out we spent the whole time in small groups talking about quotes from our hw reading and I ended up w/ a friend and my ex and ofc my ex felt the need to read out each of the quotes which normally would be like whatever but for some reason that day i just could not deal w/ their voice or their strong opinions on stupid things

there was one point where their voice had gotten to me so much that i just kinda zoned out and then they had the audacity to ask me if I was ok and that threw me for a fucking loop because when we were dating the only time they would notice something was off was when i was tired not when something was actually going on, like the day where they caused me to have a mental breakdown i was very clearly not ok that afternoon and they didn't say a single thing despite us having class together and so for them to say something now despite me having made it clear we're not friends ??????????

also i was in this state where I was torn between why does their voice still hurt me so fucking much and why don't i hate them more they did some really shitty things to me and i'm just so confused how i can feel both of those things about them and aaaa i just want them to go away

ok this has gotten long enough and i have some things i need to do so i'll probably reblog this later to talk about yesterday :)

[stayathomesurveys]

154.

Is it currently raining where you are? Nope.  

What’s something that you have been wanting to say to someone? Nothing really. What’s your favorite thing to do at the end of the day? Go to sleep? When did you last use a lighter or matches? A week or so ago. Do you or anyone you know have covid or the flu? No.

Do you have a hard time letting things go? Yes, sometimes. What did you last have to eat? Half of a turkey BLT wrap. Are you allergic to anything that is unusual? No. When did you last feel fear? I am a little scared of getting this cyst or boil or whatever it is checked out today because it will most likely get drained and that grosses me out :( I’m a big baby when it comes to skin infections omg.

What did you last drop? A hair treatment bottle. Have you ever been to a Halloween themed amusement park? I went to Six Flags Fiesta Texas during Halloween when it was like decorated and they had Halloween events. But I’ve never even heard of a theme park specifically themed for Halloween year round. What’s something about your health that you would like to change? A lot. When did you last look on the mirror? Like 30 mins ago. When did you last have to go to the doctor? I have to go today for this cyst or whatever. Before that, I had to go to a Rheumatologist to follow up on abnormal labs and get checked out and get more labs done. What color is your favorite shirt? I don’t really have a favorite. What last made you smile? :) Have you ever walked through a sunflower field? Yes. How often do you listen to music? Pretty much daily. Are you a fan of Taylor Swift? What’s your favorite song from her? Yes. Would you be happy if you got a lifetime supply of the last thing you purchased? Uhhhh. The last thing I purchased was my food last night which was a turkey blt wrap w/ old bay fries, and a chocolate lava cake w/ vanilla ice cream. So, I guess... but also I would get so sick of eating that everyday lmao. What’s something great that has happened to you recently? Hmmmm. How old were you when you had your first best friend? 1.5 lmao. We are still friends :) Do you believe that anything is infinite? Hmmm. Not sure. What did you last order from a fast food restaurant? I don’t remember. How often do you have to purchase shampoo and conditioner? Not super often because I pretty much keep a stock of shampoo, conditoner, body was, face wash, etc. What was the last pain you’ve had on your body? This fucking cyst or whatever oh my god. I woke up this morning and cried. It’s on my inner thigh and I have fat ass thighs that rub together so I have to waddle around to avoid friction AND it felt so full of pressure and like it was going to explode.  Is there anything currently bothering you? ^ Would you ever paint your bedroom bright blue? No. What’s your favorite way to eat rice? I like certain types of rice with certain things. I love rice in general :) Usually I just eat it steamed with whatever I’m having w/ it. Do you currently have a window open? No. What kind of jacket do you like wearing most? I love wearing big winter jackets lmao. Do you own a sherpa blanket? Yes. Are you currently wearing something green? No. Have you recently lost something? No. What’s something that has really impacted your life? Ugh. Idk. What scents can you currently smell? I don’t really smell anything rn. What did you last have as a snack? Girl Scout cookies. Are you currently listening to music? No. Would you say you’re a strong person? Sometimes. What’s something you miss from the past? No responsibilities. When did you last rush for something? Friday. Do you require a lot of personal space or do you enjoy being around people often? I like my space. Have you drank enough water today? No. Do you like lima beans? No. What was the last lie you told? Idk. What did you last plug into an outlet? Hair dryer. Do you have anything due soon? Bills. How many bottles do you see from where you’re sitting? None. What was the last thing you took a picture of? My kittyyyyy.

[livingwithlosingyou]

Living with Losing You - 11/28/2022

I have the Flu. Flu A. 

I know what you (the reader) are thinking, I really can’t catch a break. And the answer to your statement is yes, you’re correct. Since Jake died, I have been through it. As if that in itself wasn't already horrific enough. 

I barely slept last night, and spent most of it either shivering or sweating profusely. I took my temperature a few times, but unfortunately I realized that my thermometer was broken. It wasn’t until I picked up a new one (when I went to go get DayQuil and NyQuil) that I realized I had a 100.5 then a 102 eventually. I knew that Tylenol wasn’t working, and I knew I felt like complete shit. It was recommended that I go and get tested just in case. Well, it was a good thing I did since I do in fact have it. 

Today was also the day that OE was supposed to end for my company, but with everything going on, we decided to extend it luckily. I was working today while trying to get some answers at urgent care. It took me about 4 hours total. Lots of people. They said that this flu is going around right now. Also - you know you are a dedicated worker when you join a meeting from the urgent care room. The amount of times I have done that. And if you (the reader) are curious, yes, I opted for the highest FSA amount possible because I am such a health case. 

I am glad that the DayQuil somewhat worked. I am really hoping that this slowly starts to feel better. I have the NYC trip on Friday, and I can’t miss this trip. The doctor said she thinks I will be fine, but we will see what happens. I am canceling everything to try and rest / get better. Ugh, this sucks. 

James, I get a little frustrated. Amongst the promises that you made me, one of them was that you'd always be here to take care of me when I got sick. It’s really been fucked up how sick I have been since you’ve died. It also sucks that I do not just have you to help tell me what to take, etc. I miss that so much. We would always make jokes that you were my personal doctor and I was your “medical anomaly”. Which, is not incorrect. I get a little scared that I won’t find someone who has the patience that you did with all of my random illnesses and ailments. I’m sure I will, I guess I am just being Sadison. 

It was funny though cause they made me wait in the car instead of the lobby, so I went and got pho since I had a couple of hours. Yes, I sanitized and masked / ate it in my car. It kind of made the time go by faster. Working also helped make the time go by. Pros and cons to it. It was stressing me out though. 

I went home right after urgent care since I was gone for so long so I could take Sadie out / take my next dose of DayQuil. Then, I went to go grab my meds. I guess I was out of the window for the Tamiflu, so they gave me a cough suppressant instead. I think I may start with the NyQuil only, and then see how I feel. Once I got back to the house I ordered Chick-Fil-A DoorDash and ate like half of the fries and half of the sando. I really don’t have much of an apatite. I ordered some bland crackers on Amazon trough Whole Foods, it’s all supposed to be delivered tomorrow. That was my first time ever utilizing the grocery delivery service, so we will see how it goes. 

I spent the rest of the evening watching “Nailed it”, and now I am in bed typing this blog. 

I ordered your parents each a Christmas memorial lantern to honor you, and to remind them that you are with us this holiday season. I have been really struggling with that myself. I hate that you’re not here. I hate it. I miss you a lot James. 

I am going to drink my tea, take my NyQuil, and try to get some sleep. Fingers crossed I can, because I am WIPED from today. 

I could use a little strength. I love you. 

Rest in Peace, James Burton Nichols

10/1/1993 - 7/16/2022

PS - Here is your boy in his Chrimahhh collar, and then me hating my life lol

[abouttheateam]

This Week with Aric Adulting with Autism

Wednesday morning, dad woke me up at 7 am. I ate breakfast. Guess what it was? That’s right…2 slices of leftover pizza and cranberry pomegranate juice. I got ready for work. Kelly picked me up and of we went to the campground. There was a lot of dishes waiting for me. I started working and Kelly said I did a great job today. For lunch, we went to Chick-A-Fila. I ate my usual grilled chicken sandwich, waffles fries, and fruit punch. Then it was off to the community center for some basketball. We ended the day at the library. Kelly dropped me off at home around 4 pm. For dinner, we went to Primanti Bros. I ordered my usual hamburger, fries, and lemonade. the waitress asked if we wanted any dessert. I told her “cookies at home.”

Thursday morning, dad got a text from Kelly. She is sick and not picking me up today. I slept until 8:30 because dad didn’t wake me up. I decided to print Thomas and Friends DVD covers and directions for a school today and hang them on my bedroom wall. I printed a lot of pictures. The collage took me most of the day. Also, I watched some movies on my iPad. Tonight, was buy one pizza get one free at Primanti Bros. That’s where we went for dinner. It was just Dad and me. Mom had an appointment to get a tattoo. After dinner, we went home for my 2 chocolate chip cookies. I spent the rest of the evening watching movies on my iPad.

Friday morning, Kelly was going to pick me up and make up her missed hours. She was still sick and sent dad a text saying she is staying home again. I hope she gets better soon, and I don’t get sick. I had more pictures to add to my wall. I spent most of the printing more pictures and cutting them out. Dad had to fix my printer a few times. For dinner, we went to Primanti Bros. and I ordered my usual burger, fries, and lemonade. Dad has a 5-mile race Saturday morning. So, he ate a salad with grilled chicken. Mom ordered their egg sandwich. We went home and I had 2 cookies for dessert. We are out of Costco cookies. Lately, I’ve settled for cookies from Giant.

Saturday morning, I slept in. It’s mom’s birthday today. She turns 51. In the morning, dad ran a 5-mile race in Lebanon. Mom had an early lunch scheduled with her parents. I got to spend some time alone. After dad got home from his race, we got mom’s gift and cards ready. We got her a 4 pack of apple airtags. They are cool. You attach them to things you want to find quickly or always know where something is. For example, your keys or purse. Mom said she loved it. Also, we bought her favorite ice cream, Haagen Dazs dulce de leche. It’s caramel ice cream with caramel ribbons. We took her out for dinner. First, we went to Hidden Stills. they told us the wait was “at least an hour.” We put our name on the list and headed downtown. We stopped at the Chocolate Ave Grill. The wait was only 10 minutes. We decided to stay and eat. We had a table in about 5 minutes. right after we were seated, dad received a text from Hidden Stills letting us know our table was ready. What happened to at least an hour? Funny how that happens. After dinner, dad talked to me to trying a chocolate chip cookie from #taylorchipcookies at the Hershey Fresh Market. It was a big cookie. It was delicious and one of the best I have ever eaten. Then we headed home. I watched movies on my ipad. Also, I downloaded a bowling app on my iPad. I have been playing that a lot lately. I went to bed around 11 pm.

Sunday morning, I woke up around 8 am. I ate 2 slices of leftover pizza for breakfast and washed it down with some cranberry pomegranate juice. I showered and got dressed. Mom and dad told me that we are going to church this morning. They went last week without me. They found a church that’s a good fit for our family and my needs. It’s the Life Church of Hershey. We were running a little late, but we made it. First there was live music. I loved the music. They have really great singers. Then we listened to today’s message. Mom and dad said I did a great job. After church, there was food. It was called pies and sides. We stayed and ate. I didn’t have any pie, but I indulged in the sides. If you know me then you know how I like my sides. I didn’t eat pie. There weren’t any chocolate chip cookies. Bummer. I did find some Hershey chocolate to have for dessert. It was fun. We got home around 1:30 pm. I watched some movies and played my bowling app. We made a trip to Costco. I needed a new winter jacket. Also, I had to buy some chocolate chip cookies. Costco’s chocolate chip cookies are still my favorite. We kind skipped dinner because we had a big lunch. I did eat some leftover cold pizza. Also, I can’t skip dessert. 2 chocolate chip cookies and a cup of milk. I spent the rest of the evening watching movies and printing more pictures. Now you know.

[brattyfics]

Like That

Pairing: Rio x Black!Reader

Summary: You and Rio get to know each other better. Loosely based on ‘Like That’ by Doja Cat. 

Warnings: Smut.

Word Count: 3.5K

Installments: Say So | Like That | Talk Dirty

And baby, I want it, and I'll just be honest 'Cause I just can't front when I look at you

About six weeks have passed since Rio declared himself your man, and you quickly learned he took the title very seriously.

He was busier than usual with ‘flipping his game,’ and you were busy preparing to transition your shop, but you saw each other often despite time constraints. You agreed date nights at least once a week were a must, but when you couldn’t see each other, Rio made sure to end nights with a phone call. Virtually falling asleep next to him gave you butterflies, reminding you just how exciting new relationships could be. It took prodding, but he told you made-up bedtime stories and the boring details of his day. In return, you shared things about yourself— childhood memories, the crazy things your mom did to embarrass you. He was sweet and attentive, and you found it refreshing to be with someone who was just as infatuated with you.

On your second date, he took you to his favorite restaurant, a fancy sushi place with expensive rolls. He taught you to hold chopsticks the wrong way the way he did and even fed you across the small table, a couple of unfortunate rolls falling apart due to his prodding. You tried your best to hide your amusement at the pensive look on his face. For whatever reason, Rio thought of himself as a sushi connoisseur, but it was clear to you that he was still learning.

“You’re no better than me!” He admonished when he noticed the way you held your chopsticks. Like his technique, it was incorrect, but it worked for you— sort of. “I never said I was.” You couldn’t keep the amusement off your face any longer. “You’re the one who comes here weekly. I thought you were a professional, and we’re in the same boat.” He folded his arms on top of the table as he insisted you were wrong, but secretly he found your teasing endearing. Later that night, he called and gave you a cheesy line about loving to see you smile.

The following week, you had lunch at a mom-and-pop soul food restaurant that served the best cornbread and peach cobbler in the city. The owners, an adorable older couple, Donna and Gene, and servers alike stopped by your table to meet Rio. Donna gushed over Rio, showering him with compliments and extra cornbread. “Girl, he is cute!” She told you, failing miserably at whispering. He smirked as you rolled your eyes, but he handled the attention well, being friendly and personable even when Gene kept going on and on about changes to the menu, one chef to another.

A few days later, he called you up randomly and asked you to get ready and ride with him somewhere. “What should I wear?” You asked, hoping for a hint. You could hear him smile as he said, “It doesn’t even matter, ma. You always look good.” The occasion had turned out to be ‘Foodtruck Friday.’ Barbecue, kebab, taco, ice cream, and other miscellaneous food trucks were parked in a spacious lot in Downtown Detroit. You settled at a picnic table and shared several plates of food as you discussed the possibility of your own mobile ‘Mad Batter’ shop somewhere down the line. It got you thinking about the future.

“Where do you see yourself in five years?” You asked the dreaded question in between bites of a colorful Korean fusion taco. He stiffened as he considered the answer. “What is this, a job interview?” Sometimes you saw peeks of bossman Rio rather than the Christopher Castillo you were getting to know. It happened seemingly out of nowhere when you asked questions he felt were invasive.

You looked up from the panko-fried shrimp, red cabbage, shredded carrots, and tasty orange sauce wrapped up in a flour tortilla with a frown. You had two choices: respond in the way he had or make light of the situation. So, you said, “Kinda. You’re auditioning for a spot on my roster, so...”

He stopped chewing the half-eaten dumpling and swallowed hard. “That’s not funny.”

“You better start taking the interviewing part of the audition more seriously then.” You wiped your fingers on a napkin, and he gathered your hand in his own, wearing a look you couldn’t decipher. “You got it, ma.”

You played a game of mini-golf at the local arcade. Rio stood tall behind you, holding you by your hips as he corrected your stance. You purposefully arched your back, brushing against him just slightly. “Like this?” You looked over your shoulder with the most innocent look you could muster, but his eyes were glued to your ass. “Yeah, just like that.” He answered in a low tone without looking up. You giggled as you took your swing, adding a wiggle for his benefit. You pretended to care about the ball as it glided across the bright green tarp towards the hole. “How was that?” You chirped, looking down the lane.

“I can’t even lie. I don’t care about the game right now. I just wanna watch you.” Your aim was terrible, and the ball never went in the hole without several attempts, but he insisted you finish playing the course. You teased him about it for days after despite his claim that he actually enjoyed the game because it was one of Marcus’ favorites.

“Stop lying! You just wanted an excuse to openly watch my ass.”

“Why you always gotta call me out?”

You shopped a cozy health and wellness store with hundreds of cool little trinkets for sale. Neither of you had been there before, so you took your time exploring, stealing unexpected kisses from the other. Rio took full advantage of the size of the store, pulling you by the hand and holding you close to his side.

He frowned at the large collection of shiny crystals. “A rock, really? What does anybody need with a rock?”

“It’s not a rock!” You hissed, head whipping around as you hoped the owner didn’t hear him.

“What is it then? It looks like a rock to me.” He picked one up, turning it over in his hands.

“It’s a crystal!”

“What’s the difference?”

“It has healing properties...” Rio snorted but strung his arm across your shoulder and listened intently as you read the info cards to him. When it was all said and done, he bought an aventurine stone to apologize to the owner for prosperity, well-being, and good luck.

The next day, he disappeared with no warning. You had been worried sick until Mick let you know he was busy handling something. It would have only taken a minute to tell you that, so you were (understandably) pissed. He showed up at the shop several days later like nothing had ever happened. “What’s up, mama?” The greeting that usually melted you grated on your nerves. All of your feelings about the situation bubbled up to the surface. It was hard to find the right words— you were still getting to know each other, so how mad could you be? At the same time, how little did he think of you to not say anything? Finally, you settled on, “I can’t do the disappearing act.”

Rio wasn’t used to answering to anyone, not even his child’s mother, about his whereabouts, but he put his palms up in surrender when he saw the serious expression you wore.

“You’re right, mama. That’s my bad. It won’t happen again.”

And it hadn’t.

But knowing ahead of time only made it a tiny bit easier, especially when he didn’t have a set return date. You were going on day seven (the longest you had gone without seeing him since you started dating) when he called to say he made it home and wanted to see you. Your heavy heart swelled with relief. You missed him way more than you probably should have, so you insisted on a night in at your place, wanting him to feel relaxed and at home instead of on guard somewhere public.

It had been a long six weeks without sex while he romanced you with delicious food and beautiful words. It wasn’t an easy task, but you knew as soon as sex was thrown in the mix, you would be done for, either destined to be his or ruined by him. It was a scary thought, but distance had indeed made the heart grow fonder, and you cared about him enough to take a chance.

He was set to arrive within the hour, but you were still unsure of what to wear, frantically rummaging through the dresser for something cute and comfortable. You let out a frustrated groan when your phone started to ring, thinking Rio might have come early, but when you look down at your phone, you see your best friend’s name and face. You swipe quickly, accepting the FaceTime call. “Hey, girl!”

“Hey, stranger!” You pick up the phone, so you can look at her. “Really?”

“Yes, really.” She replies with just as much sass. “I haven’t talked to you in what— two weeks?”

“We talk—“

“—text.”

“Okay, fine. Text. We text every day. What are you talking about?”

“That’s not the same.” She insists even as you remind her of the ridiculous amount of time you spend trading memes and food pictures with her.

“Anyway, what are you doing?”

“I’m trying to decide what I’m going to wear between this, this, or this.” You move the camera around, showing her the different options. A black-and-white tank and short set with ‘Being cute is not a crime’ in a cute font. A fuzzy grey sweatsuit set with hearts, or a simple cream hoodie with matching shorts.

“Um, what’s the occasion?” You giggle at the look on her face, knowing she thinks none of the above are appropriate for wearing outside of the house.

“Movie night in.”

“You need help picking an outfit for movie night with yourself?” Her face scrunches up in confusion. “Wait, is it movie night with yourself?” You try to be casual about it, shrugging your shoulders in response. As usual, she sees through your bullshit and goes straight into an interrogation. “Oh, bitch. You been holding out on me!” She asks you five questions in a row without stopping to breathe before settling on one. “Who?”

You gnaw on your bottom lip. “...Rio.”

“Rio?” She frowns. “Like the guy we work for, Rio? With the eyebrows and the neck tattoo, Rio?”

“Yes, that Rio.”

“Wow.” You wince but decide it’s best to get it over with. “What? I know you, so I know there’s more where that came from.”

“I don’t know what to say! From what I can tell, he’s a decent dude, I guess, but you know what he does. You definitely know what we do for him! You don’t think that could be a problem?”

“It’s messy, for sure, and I can admit that, but I’ve been thinking about getting out anyway...” She nods. “Then, I guess there’s nothing else for me to say about that. You’re both grown, and you know what you’re doing.” She was your best friend, which meant she’d always give her honest opinion, but wouldn’t berate you about your choices. Just like that, you return to your regular discussion topics, everything from warehouse gossip (yes, even in the business of crime, there’s a rumor mill) to new music releases. Before you knew it, forty minutes had passed, and Rio was calling your phone. You promised to call her more often before hanging up.

You sing your ‘hello’ into the phone, hoping Rio can’t detect the shakiness in your voice as you clumsily pull on your bottoms.

“Hey, mama. You about ready? I know you’re sensitive about your space and all that.” He was referring to the fact that he had never been past the doorway of your home. Your home was your sacred place, so you were extra careful about who came in and what energy they brought. It was always nerve-wracking to let somebody into the space that you cherished so much.

“Yeah.” He picks up on the hesitancy in your voice. “Are you sure?” You nod your head as if he can see you before telling him yes with a giggle. “Alright, well, I’m outside. Can I come in?” You bite your lip, butterflies fluttering in your tummy. “Yeah, I’ll come unlock the door.” He whispers his thanks, and you take a moment to force yourself to relax. When you meet him at the door, you do so with an open mind and heart, taking in his appearance with a goofy grin on your face. As usual, he’s dressed in all black, wearing a well-fitted t-shirt and sweatpants. He’s casual but still so high quality and attractive.

“Hi.” You breathe out like a dork when you realize you’re staring. It helps that he seems just as mesmerized, stepping forward to envelop you in a tight, warm hug. He sways you from side to side before pulling back, his hands resting heavily on the top of your ass. He settles for a quick peck on the lips because he has something to say. “You’re as pretty as ever, darlin’.” He says earnestly, shaking his head as he steps back to look you over once more.

“Kiss me again.” His hands cup your ass as you devour each other in the open doorway. You forget your surroundings. “Damn, ma. Can I at least get inside before you jump my bones? I don’t mind giving your neighbors a show if that’s your thing, but…” You turn to hide your embarrassment, leaving him to close the door behind you as you gesture around the room as if you’re in an episode of MTV Cribs. “... here’s the living room. The kitchen’s through the arch. The bathroom’s over there...” He follows you with his red as you point.

“And the bedroom?”

You snort. “The tour stops here for now. Sit down.” Your tone leaves no room for argument. He settles into the soft couch while you grab the snack tray from the kitchen. Homemade popcorn, chocolate-covered pretzels, and dried fruit gummies are on the menu.

“All this for me?” His arms snake around your waist so that you can curl up into his side. “What we watching?” You grab the remote. “I saw a trailer this week that caught my attention. I’ll play it for you.” He didn’t care what you watched as long as he got to be close to you, so it didn’t take long for you to get the movie started. He stole glances at you when his knuckles brushed against your bare knees under the blanket. You’re embarrassed at how wet the small action makes you, so you stretch out across the couch and place your bare feet in his lap, silently planning your revenge. The movie may as well not be playing because you couldn’t be less interested in the plot as you lightly stroke him through his sweatpants with the balls of your feet.

“Ma...” He warns, watching you in the low lighting. He’s come to learn you like to tease, but he doesn’t think he can take it, not tonight. “Hmm?” You hum innocently, loving the strained look on your face. He doesn’t move even as you sit up on your haunches and kiss him. It’s slow and long in the best way. He pulls you to sit in his lap. His hands roam your body as you grind down onto him, relishing in the feeling of the soft skin on your tummy. He sighs into your mouth as one hand finds your bare breasts.

He pulls away to talk shit. “No bra? You just knew I was gonna put out, huh?” He pushes the cotton material up so he can see you properly. “Perfect.” He murmurs into your skin. You let him kiss and lick and suck on your nipples until the pressure you feel below is too much to handle. You’re a quivering mess when he finally helps you pull the cotton material up and over your head. It lands on top of the television behind you, but neither of you notice.

You nudge him until he removes his own shirt, and then he lifts his hips to help you when you begin tugging on his sweats. They puddle at his feet while you spread your legs wide, desperate to get your hands on him. “I could cry right now.” You admit honestly when you finally see him, biting your lip. He arches a brow. “Is that a good thing or a bad thing, darlin’?” His hips jerk when you take him into your hands, the cold temperature surprising him.

“It’s definitely a good thing.” You whisper excitedly, staring with wonder as he hardens in your hands. He barks out a laugh, stunned by your ability to make him laugh, even with his dick in your hands. “That’s really nice, ma. I feel real special.” Your eyes meet, and silent promises of all the filthy things you’re going to do to each other are exchanged. “You should. I’m about to change your life.” He throbs in your hands, loving that you find small ways to challenge him.

“Come on. Let’s go to bed.” He wraps his arms around you in preparation to get up, but you stop him with a shake of your head. “I don’t wanna.”

“No? What you wanna do then?”

You answer him by slipping to your knees. You spit on his dick, stroking him up and down slowly. He watches you closely as you lower your mouth, wrapping your lips around the tip. It takes a lot of restraint, but he lets you do your thing, slowly working him deeper into your throat. He closes his eyes as he concentrates on lasting, but he can’t turn his ears off, the obscene smacks painting a vivid picture for him. When you swipe your tongue across his balls, he moves to stop you, grabbing your shoulders. Fire dances in your eyes as you realize you got him where you want him. “I don’t wanna.” You repeat.

“You are a brat.”

You release him with a pop. “The biggest.” You admit, swallowing him once more. He groans, thinking he can’t believe you’re the same sweet girl who bakes in a frilly pink apron and begs him to tell her bedtime stories.

“I want you to fuck me now.” He stops you before you can bend over the couch. “Slow down. I want you on your back, darlin.”

You throw his earlier words back at him. “That’s nice. I feel really special.”

“You should.” He mocks you, instructing you to hold your legs wide. He wastes no time licking and sucking you as enthusiastically as you had done him. “You’re so pretty. I could eat this pretty pussy forever.” He compliments as you squirm in his hold. “You’d let me, huh?” You shake your head frantically. “No! You’d drive..me crazy!” Payback is a mother, especially when Rio’s the one dishing it out. “Wait, wait—“You whimper, clawing at his shoulders.

“What?” He cajoles. He almost wants to laugh at the distressed look on your face. “I want you.” You pout, trying to sweet-talk him.

“You have me.”

“Not like this. Inside.”

“Yeah? You sure?”

“Mhm.” You swallow, watching as he fumbles around with his pants searching for a condom. He opens the golden foil packet with expert fingers, positioning himself in between your spread legs. “You don’t have any pointers for me now?” He drags his tip up and down your slit, slowly pushing his way further. Teasing. You shake your head. “No. Just fuck me.”

“That ain’t polite. You gotta say please, mama.” You scowled, but he didn’t budge. “Please.” You pleaded with the sweetest tone you could muster, sighing as he gave in. You cursed at the stretch, him at the way you squeezed him. “You feel…” He couldn’t find the words, so he buried his face in your neck, trying to gain some composure. You caressed the back of his neck sweetly. “You feel good too, baby.”

His hips stuttered forward, and you gasped as he worked himself deeper. You grasp his shoulders tightly, your nails embedding themselves into the soft skin.

“Yes!” You squeal.

“Like that?” He grits out, struggling to keep his rhythm.

“Yes, just like that!” You cry, moaning as he pounds up into you. His lips find yours again, and it’s bliss. Then before you can stop yourself, you’re calling him Daddy like it’s his given name. He groans into your sweaty neck like he’s in pain.

“You’re so nasty.” Overwhelmed and breathless, you whine your protest, “You’re nasty. Look at what you’re doing to me.” His eyes shift to where you’re connected. You’re creaming all over him and leaking down onto the couch, but you can’t bring yourself to care about anything other than coming. You do just that, mewling as you make an even bigger mess between your legs. He whispers filthy things into your ear as he finishes, grunting at the way you seem to be sucking him in even deeper.

“That was—“

“—unreal.”

“Yeah.”

Neither of you can bring yourself to move. Your sweat-covered skin sticks together. You swipe your hand against your forehead while he pants.

“I wanted to ride you at least once tonight, but after that, I’ll be lucky to make it to bed.”

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