#we could place them in the boutonniere

[isaut]

i am awake tonight thinking about how excited mondstadt's tailor is for you and diluc to get married

[descendantsramblings]

Hook and morgie Seperate x Fem!chubby reader who is insecure?

For the sake of this being easy to navigate by how I do my theme I’m doing this in two posts but I promise you, I am answering them both.

Find Morgie's half of this request here.

Red Dress

James Hook x Chubby!Reader

Pronouns used: she/her/hers

Summary: He just wanted to make sure that Castlecoming would be perfect, what would catch people's attention more than them perfectly matching? Who would have thought he'd upset her with his choice of dress?

Warnings: body image issues, Hook is a little possessive, Suggestive comments but they're meant to be playful and teasing not as something to take seriously, reader is implied to dress a touch alternative, she calls Hook baby + Hook canon pet names

Word Count: 1.7K

    “Just give me your size and I’ll buy your dress for castlecoming.” She should have known he’d do something like this. Hook wasn’t exactly blind when it came to fashion, the girl knew that. God knew he could spend just about as much as she could in a makeup store.  But he was also a man, even worse a teenage boy. She should have known letting him pick her dress would lead to her in something straight out of one of his fantasies. The silky maroon slip dress was exactly something he’d pick. Leaving the girl perfectly replicating the color of his signature jacket, knowing the pirate he’d held the fabrics up to his sleeve to get the best color match he could. He would eat it up, the dress being just another reminder to onlookers that she was spoken for. His, the lady of the Captain, not a treasure to be stolen. But the cowl neckline drew far too much attention to her chest, the silky fabric clinging far too closely to her stomach. She hated it, everything about the dress would bring your eyes to everywhere she didn’t want people looking with nothing to hide behind.

    The door behind her creaks open as she stares in the mirror, changing angles in hopes of finding a way to look at the thing that made her feel at least slightly presentable. “Alright, where’s my darling gi- Why aren’t you ready?” The boy cuts himself off, crossing his arms as he frowns. He looked near charming, decked out in a matching maroon blazer and a silky white button up. A black tie around his neck with red and white boutonniere pinned to the lapel of the jacket, fresh baby's breath and a carnation making up the little arrangement. She can see a clear plastic container in his hand holding a matching corsage that warms her heart a touch. With black slacks capped off by a pair of dress shoes instead of his normal boots. James Hook looked absolutely dashing tonight, and it only made her feel worse. “I can’t,” she nearly croaks, shaking her head as she gestures over herself. “You can’t what, Love? What’s wrong?” He places the container of flowers down on her desk walking over to rest a hand on her shoulder. 

    “James, look at me. I get your vision and maybe if I was smaller it would-” He puts a finger to her lips shaking his head, “Do not start with that. I don’t want to hear anything about you needing to be smaller. I picked that one because I knew you would look hot, and you do. The way that dress is hugging you makes me not want to take you somewhere some other bloke can see you. He’ll try to steal you right off of me.” He presses a kiss to her cheek, walking over to her closet, “Tell me what exactly is bothering you and we can find something to fix it.” “Hook we can’t fix all of me, the dance would be over by about two years if we did.” He turns, pointing the golden appendage at her, “Don’t call me that and stop talking badly about my lass. Now, chest, tummy, legs, what’s making us not like the super hot dress I picked out?” She huffs, crossing her arms over herself as she falls into her desk chair, spinning it ever so slightly with her foot. “My chest and stomach, this fabric clings to them in all the wrong ways.” 

     He nods, shuffling through the hangers in front of him as he searches for something, “I can help with that. Thank you for deciding to actually be helpful.” Her lips fall open and her eyebrows raise, “I can just stay here if you want to act like that.” Hook hums, pulling a hanger from the closet and setting something black out on her bed. “You will be staying here if you don’t start your hair and makeup. Now, chop chop, I want something pretty to mess up later.” He cuts his eyes to her as he says it, watching the way his lover’s face flushes at the filthy comment, her hands moving to slide open the drawer she keeps her makeup in. “You are vile, James Hook.” “Perhaps, but it got you to do what I wanted, did it not?” 

    As (Y/n) busies herself on her makeup, James continues to go through her closet, finding her signature black boots in the bottom of it and taking them over to where he’d laid her leather jacket, letting them fall to the floor beside the bed. Hook crosses the room swiftly, searching through her dresser drawers to find a pair of tights. He'd prefer those small hole fishnets that made it hard to keep his hands off her legs but he’d take what he could get. Something to make her look more her own style in the dress he oh so adored on her. He thought the way it hung on her made her otherworldly, but he needed her to feel beautiful in it. It doesn’t matter how he feels about the outfit if she hated it. After about ten minute of him searching through her sock drawer she speaks up, finished with her base by this point. “If you’re looking to steal panties, you’re in the wrong drawer.” His eyes roll, chuckling as he turns to her, “Where are those fishnets I like on you? The one with the little holes.” 

   “Top drawer, to the left of it. Black or red eyeshadow?” He moves to grab the handle, “Red, do eyeliner and a black lip with it though. And if you can add some white in there, do it.” He finally finds the stupid tights he’d spent so long searching for, throwing them over his arm as he slides the drawer closed. The little cherry wood jewelry box that sat on the girl’s dresser was overflowing, his own doing of course. Hook couldn’t help but bring her some sort of spoils every time that he came back from a voyage, the look in her eyes always seemed to be priceless, you couldn’t show him something better. He takes it over to her bed with him, falling onto the plush comforter and laying the tights on her jacket as he opens the box. He took a few ruby rings from the box, laying them with everything else he’d picked for her. A silver chain that hung close to her neck when it was on, a singular onyx stone embedded in it. A pair of silver hoop earrings join the ever growing pile he was building. And if he knew her, there would be a string of pearls in the second drawer, the one she considered her special section of the box. It was the first of many presents he’d given her, and by far the most expensive of them. She’d only worn it once, the first time he put it on her. 

     James smiles, getting up to stand behind her, necklace hanging from his hook. She was applying mascara, making a concentrated and wide mouthed expression in the mirror as he undoes the clasp of the necklace. “How are you doing your hair?” He drapes the delicate string around her neck, brushing her hair off her neck so he can clasp it. “Oh I don’t,” her hand comes up to brush over the pearls, black nails a stark contrast against them, “I’m not sure.” He hums, reaching for her lipstick as he kneels in front of her, “Well, I have everything else you need out, so how about you let me finish this for you while you start your hair?” She nods, mumbling a soft “please” as she moves her hands to mess with her hair. He can’t help the smile on his face as he looks at her, she’s gorgeous. 

                                 ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆˚୨୧⋆

      Hook sits in her desk chair, tapping his foot impatiently as she finishes getting dressed. He wanted to see her, knowing she looked good but not looking at her was driving him mad. “About done, Love?” She laughs, and he knows that she’s shaking her head at him. “You can turn around now.” (Y/n) was always stunning, but there decked out in his colors with that silk framing her just right, he was putty in her hands. “Have you seen how gorgeous you look yet?” He grabs the corsage from its packaging as he speaks, making his way up to his date. “I’m scared to look. What if I look silly?” James uses his hook to lift her hand, sliding the flowers around her left wrist with his good hand. “You, my love,” he kisses the back of her hand, keeping hold of it as he stands straight again, “Could never look silly. Now, turn around and look at my amazing handiwork so I can drag you out of this little room.” His hands spin her around as he speaks, the boy standing firmly behind her with his hands planted on her shoulders. 

     Her eyes flicker over her own reflection, looking herself up and down with a softly growing smile. “You know baby, I don’t actually think you should stay a pirate.” He hums, leaning over her shoulder to press a kiss to her cheek, “Is that so?” She nods, leaning back into the boy’s adoring touch. “I think you should definitely be a women’s stylist. Look at what you did.” “I have a perfect model,” he mumbles into her hair, letting his hand slide down her leather clad arm. The boy had perfectly managed to mask her insecurities. The jacket giving her a crutch to hide behind and shadow over her and her accessories made it feel more her. The string of pearls and onyx complimenting each other in such a way that you didn’t bother to look at the neckline of her dress, far too distracted by the jewels. It was a nearly perfect outfit. Who taught him that? She decided she probably didn’t want to know, that could be his secret. His lips move down to her ear, whispering, “Now, if you want anyone to actually see us, we have to go. I want to go wow the crowd.” She lets a giggle escape her lips, turning to kiss his cheek, smiling at the mark she leaves on it, “Thank you.” In response, he just smiles at her, grabbing her hand to drag her out of the room. She had been calmed down, now it was time for him to show his girl off- and he couldn’t wait.

[talkfastromance4]

Listen… I am obsessed, as I’ve said before, with Sugar Daddy!Jake and Sugar. And I’m a sucker for being taken care of so the blurb about the migraine and bad day was my jam but it got me thinking… Jake needs taken care of too sometimes, and I’m dying to know what that would like when he’s having a bad day and just needs a little tlc

Sure thing bby😊 prepare for extra soft!Jake

Lift Me Up–Jake Seresin (An Arrangement Series)

An Arrangement Masterlist

Follow here for all updates as I do not have a taglist

word count: 1.7k

Feedback, asks, comments/reblogs mean the world to me!

Enjoy!

You were just finishing up some boutonnieres and corsages for another wedding when your watch buzzed on your wrist. At a quick glance you saw Rooster’s name appear but you didn’t read the message yet because you had to finish wrapping twine around one more set of flowers. Your wrist buzzed again, and again but you were adamant on finishing this before being distracted.

Once it was wrapped and tightened, you scrolled through your notifications, messages equally from Rooster and Phoenix.

Rooster: are you coming to the hard deck by chance?

Phoenix: are you busy tonight? Please say no, Bagman is extra sour

Rooster: we’re all begging. Hangman’s in a terrible mood.

Rooster: WE ALL NEED YOU

Phoenix: please babe, he’s bad

“What in the world?” you mutter as you read through the frantic texts. 

It’s only a little after five, what could Jake possibly be doing that both Rooster and Phoenix are reaching out to you? You place your finished flowers in the boxes and set them on the shelf in the fridge and gather your things. Reynolds is waiting for you in his usual parking spot, his smile turns into a frown at your own troubled expression.

“Is something wrong?”

“Can we go to The Hard Deck? Something’s wrong with Jake…”

“Really? He didn’t text me…” Reynolds scratches his chin as he opens your door. “But we’ll stop by and see what’s going on.”

“Thank you.”

The bar isn’t that far from your shop and for a Thursday night, it’s pretty packed with cars and pilots loitering onto the sand. 

“Should I come in with you?” Reynolds asks.

“No, I’ll be okay. Maybe wait for a bit in case we need to drive him home,” you say and get out. 

Some of the other pilots say hello to you as you pass them but you barely smile because you’re growing concerned for Jake. Is he drunk and he’s acting belligerent? Is he sick and refusing to go home?

You weave through the crowd finding Rooster near the back by the jukebox and pool tables. There’s a loud crack! followed by a collective groan and someone cursing Jake’s name. 

“Penny’s gonna ban you from ever entering her bar again,” Rooster shakes his head and moves out of your way.

You see Jake holding a splintered cue stick, one half of it is on the pool table and his face is hard, stony. His brows are furrowed in a permanent scowl as he tosses the broken stick on the table.

“I’ll replace it. Give me another one,” Jake snaps his fingers but no one moves. He turns around snatching one from the holders and you push yourself in front of Rooster.

“Thank God you’re here,” he mutters. “Hangman, time to go home.”

“No, I’m not ready to go home, Rooster. Not until I win a game of pool and–Sugar,” he stops himself short when he turns around and sees you. He drops the new stick in his hand as if he’s caught with his hand in the cookie jar. “What are you doing here?”

“We called her to come get you,” Phoenix says. “It’s been a long day. Go home.”

“I thought you were working late,” Jake says, ignoring the others completely. 

“I got caught up,” you walk towards him, hand reaching for his cheek. When you’re close enough his cheek falls into your palm effortlessly. You can feel the tension in his jaw. “You had a bad day?”

“Wasn’t the best, no,” he murmurs as you bring your other hand to his other cheek. You rub at the circles under his eyes, noting how they’re bloodshot. 

“Let’s go home.”

“Okay.”

He follows you willingly, walking past his friends who stare at your retreating backs dumbfounded. They insisted he should go home hours ago but he refused and then you come in saying only a few words and he follows you not a problem. 

When the two of you get back outside you let Reynolds know he can go home. Jake says he’s fine to drive and you want to ask him what happened but his body language is screaming annoyance. He keeps one hand on your knee and you trace your finger over the grooves of his knuckles, circling over the back of his palm. 

His silence is so loud when you’re finally home and he slams his door when he gets out. He opens yours more gently, his hand held out to you, his gaze soft as he looks at you. You take his hand and close your door behind you, following him closely into the house.

“Can I make you anything?” you ask quietly. 

“Do we have tomato soup?”

“I’m sure Rhea keeps it on hand,” you smile, continuing to stroke his hand with your thumb. “Do you want grilled cheese with it?”

“That sounds good,” he nods.

“Okay. Why don’t you go take a hot shower, the food will be ready when you’re done.”

You squeeze his hand, debating on kissing him but he turns away and heads towards the stairs. You skip to the kitchen grabbing the necessary things to make the soup. Of course Rhea bought the best type of canned tomato soup and you took two out since you hadn’t eaten yet either. While the soup is heating up in the pot you begin on the grilled cheese using the panini maker. 

You’re humming ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’ as you look in the freezer for dessert. Jake loves sundaes with chocolate syrup and sprinkles. You stir the soup, make another grilled cheese and then Jake struts in. You were hoping he’d take a longer shower, letting the hot water worry away his tight muscles. 

“Hey,” you smile loving how fluffy his hair is looking already. He has on your favorite shirt, the NAVY one and a pair of plaid pajama pants. “That was a quick shower.”

He moves past you and turns the soup down on low so it simmers. Then he places the grilled cheese on a hot plate and covers it up.

“The soup is just about done. Aren’t you–ahh!” you squeal when he lifts you up onto the counter. You open your legs and he slots between them, his arms moving behind your lower back. 

“Wanted to be with you,” he mumbles.

“Jake…what happened today?” you ask resting your arms on his shoulders.

“I couldn’t beat my times today and in the meetings following, I was used as the example of what not to do. I don’t know what happened, I couldn’t accelerate fast enough. So I wanted to blow off steam at the bar, prove to everyone I can do it all.”

“I’m sorry you had a bad day. It’s okay if you can’t do it all, you know, I think you’re pretty perfect already,” you encourage. “You’ll beat your times, just keep practicing and you’ll get there. Want me to come yell at your officers for singling you out?”

“No, that’s okay,” he chuckles slipping his fingers under your shirt. He draws circles on your skin. “It wouldn’t do much, you’re too adorable.”

“I can be feisty if I need to,” you put on a tough face, “I can scream and shout about how you are the best pilot there is.”

“Thanks Sugar,” he smiles. He turns his head so he can kiss the inside of your forearm then sighs. He keeps kissing up your arm until he’s by your shoulder and you turn his head so you can press your lips to his. 

Your arms tighten around each other, and your legs hook around his hips. His kiss is hurried and hot, his fingers hot on your bare skin as he shifts them up under your shirt. One hand moves to your stomach, his lips feverish as they transition to your jaw and neck. You toss your head back gasping, his fingers graze the side of your breast as he sucks on your neck. 

Your hips involuntarily rut against his, fingers tangling in his hair. Your body is electric from his touch and kiss. His hand on your lower back rocks you forward, his lips moving to your collarbones and in between your breasts. 

“Jake,” you whimper enjoying the sensations but then he stops. 

He removes his lips from your breasts, his breath hot and wanton on your skin as he recollects himself and pulls you back up in a sitting position. You stare at him quizzically.

“Sorry, I got a little carried away,” he exhales.

“I wasn’t telling you to stop,” you shake your head suddenly feeling ashamed. 

“I know. But I don’t want to rush anything, wanna take my time and give you the proper attention you deserve,” he says pulling your shirt back down. “And not when I’m upset about work.”

“But–”

He shushes you with a soft kiss. 

“Don’t forget how much you tempt me on the daily, Sugar,” he says on your lips. “You made me my favorite comfort food, so let’s enjoy that okay?”

You nod and hop down the counter, your legs a little shaky from that quick but intense makeout. You ladled the soup while he gathered plates and silverware. Still feeling a little dejected, you sat on one of the stools and began to eat slowly. When Jake joined you, he dragged you closer to him, the stool grating against the floor. Then he lifted your legs onto his lap and smiled.

“Want you as close as possible,” he says then starts to eat. You smile into your spoon.

When you’re finished eating, you move into the living room climbing onto his large couch. 

“Pick your favorite movie,” you tell him. He decides on 10 Things I Hate About You and when he turns around, you pat your chest as a place for him to lay. 

He jumps onto the couch cuddling onto your chest, basically laying on top of you with his arms and legs wrapped tightly around you. His overexcitement makes you laugh and you start to play with his hair. That calms him down fairly quickly and you scratch at his neck.

“You’ve no idea how good that feels,” he groans. 

“Oh I know, it’s my specialty, remember?” you tease and kiss the top of his head. You move your hands down his back, scratching it lightly and he groans again. 

“Don’t ever stop,” he sighs.

You remain that way for the whole movie, one hand scratching at his back and the other petting his hair thinking the whole time how you never want to stop.

[97-liners]

sugar and you, except with flowers and jihoon

cranky wedding planner woozi x florist reader

words: 2.1k

just a silly little thing i wrote this afternoon! spinoff of sugar and you (mingyu)

(May)

Jihoon is ill-tempered, foul-mouthed, and prickly. Whenever he’s distracted, lost somewhere in his thoughts, his face naturally settles into a scowl. His glowers could melt sand into glass. And so, it’s a measure of his competency, brutal efficiency, and eye for design, that he’s the most sought-after wedding planner in the city.

The first time Chan meets Jihoon, he’s nearly brought to tears. You’re in the back room, elbow deep in a sink full of camellia branches and pungent water, when you hear your teenaged part-timer calling for you in an anxious voice.

“Boss?”

You know he’s in trouble, because you’ve never heard Chan calling you ‘boss’ in the month that he’s worked here. “Coming,” you call out, drying your hands on the front of your apron. The camellias can wait. “What is it?”

You step out from behind the curtain separating the back room from the shop and come face to face with a very disgruntled looking Jihoon. Blinking at him, you slow to a stop, damp fingers still twisted in the fabric of your apron. “Jihoon? I thought you weren’t picking up your order until next Wednesday.”

“There’s been a change of plans,” Jihoon sighs. “The flowers for the venue can stay the same, but the bouquets need to be blue.”

You raise your eyebrow. “All of them?”

“And the boutonnieres too,” he says. “I know it’s short notice, I’m sorry,” he sighs, running his fingers through his already-tousled hair. He looks like he hasn’t slept in two days. 

“No, I can do it,” you smile at him. “I’ll come in this weekend to work on them. Chan,” you turn toward the boy, “can you go back and finish stripping the camellias?”

“O-oh, sure,” he responds, glancing briefly toward Jihoon before slinking past you and disappearing behind the curtain.

“Here, Jihoon,” you turn toward the wall of humming refrigerators along the back of the shop, “let’s see what we can do.”

Jihoon follows you, watching silently as you deftly pick out your selections. 

“What’s the vibe?” You pick out a small cluster of periwinkle-colored hydrangeas.

“Something with texture,” he responds. “Modern, not traditional, but not minimalist.”

“Some sage,” you pluck out the greenery and tuck it in with the quickly growing bundle in your arms. “These silver-dollar eucalyptus sprigs would be good too. As for the statement blooms, I’m thinking these delphiniums would do well. I have some dried blue thistles in the back as well. Some queen anne’s lace for extra texture. Um.” You look down at the mess of flowers and greenery in your hands. It’s a mess, completely unarranged, but you can already see the colors coming together.

Chewing on your lip, you shift some of the stems around, then you look up at Jihoon. “What do you think?”

Jihoon looks down at the flowers, then up at you. He might be looking at you more than the flowers, in fact. “I think,” he says, "you’re a genius.”

From behind a curtain of leaves and tightly-shut buds, you beam at him.

(Later, over steaming bowls of instant ramen and scattered thistle stems, Chan asks you how you know Jihoon.

It takes you longer than you’d like to answer that question, but you settle with what Jihoon would say if he was here: “we work together frequently.”)

.

.

.

(August)

By the time Jihoon comes around, iced coffees in tow, it’s pouring rain outside. The perfect Sunday morning of just a few hours ago is now gone, replaced with low-hanging gray clouds and relentless sheets of stinging rain. It’s so humid, the large glass walls of the greenhouse are covered in a dense layer of condensation.

You, too, are covered in a sheen of sweat as you twist green florist’s wire around stems of sunflower and seeded eucalyptus into a wreath. 

“It’s terrible in here,” Jihoon groans as he takes his place on the stool next to you. “It feels like I’m inhaling water.”

Laughing, you glanced over at him. “Jihoon, it’s a greenhouse. What did you think it was gonna be like?” 

Jihoon ignores your question, instead choosing to ask a question of his own. “Aren’t you hot? Look, you’re sweating. Here.” He holds out an iced coffee at you.

You take the cup from his hand and relish the feeling of ice-cold condensation on your skin. “Thank you, Jihoon,” you tell him, watching as his ears instantly flush red, “you’re too nice to me.”

“I’m not,” he says automatically. “You work too hard.”

“Aren’t you being a bit of a hypocrite?”

“Yes,” he answers easily. “And here.” He reaches into his bag and pulls out a small earthenware vase with streaks of blue-green glaze. “Saw this at a gallery last night. It made me think of you, so I bought it for you.”

“Oh, Jihoon,” you smile fondly. He places the vase on your work table, and then he rotates it slightly so the most interesting glaze pattern is facing you. “I love it, Jihoon. Thank you for thinking of me.” In your little office in the shop, you have a bookshelf filled with trinkets and knick knacks. There’s a school art project that Chan had gifted to you, various books on horticulture and the Victorian language of flowers, dozens of your own notebooks detailing watering orders and deliveries and watering schedules and soil formulas, and a small smattering of little glass vases and earthenware pots that Jihoon has collected for you over the years. Every week, you dust them all and wipe them down with a damp cloth so that they shine in the afternoon sun.

(A week from today when Jihoon visits and drops by your office to pick up an invoice, he stops dead in his tracks when he spots the newest vase on your desk placed between your monitor and printer. It’s prime desk real estate, dedicated just to his vase and the small arrangement of wildflowers that you’ve placed in it.)

It’s the weekend, but Jihoon is restless and itching for some work to do, so you give him a plastic tub full of loose ribbon and twine and set him to the task of spooling and organizing everything. He puts his laptop on the work table, right between your side and his side, and the two of you watch anime quietly while working. At the end of the afternoon, you have a dozen bright sunflower wreaths, and he has a full rack of spooled ribbon. 

When he helps you put everything away, back in the fridges and cabinets where they all belong, he accidentally brushes against you. For a moment, you’re so close to Jihoon, you can smell the coffee on his breath, and you wonder would it would be like to kiss him.

.

.

.

(December)

“Sorry,” Jihoon says, looking genuinely apologetic under the rising and falling waves of light coming from the passing streetlights. He’s driving, and you’re pleasantly tipsy, leaning your head against the cold window and watching him.

“It’s okay, I’m not cold.” The heating is wonky in his car, and he’s bundled up in a big puffy coat with his pressed white cuffs peeking out from under his sleeves every time he moves his hands on the steering wheel. His suit jacket had been given up for you to put over your legs like a blanket, despite your protests that you would wrinkle it. It’s okay, Jihoon had shrugged, ears red, I gotta bring it to the dry cleaners anyway.

“Oh, good,” Jihoon says. He pauses and laughs. “That’s not what I was apologizing for, but I’m sorry about the heating too.”

You frown. “What are you sorry for?”

Jihoon shrugs, and for a second, he doesn’t say anything. It’s just the sound of the highway and the soft music from the radio that filters over the noise. Then, Jihoon tells you, “sorry for dragging you to a wedding and making you sit in a corner all night.”

“Oh.” You blink at him, and then you laugh. “Jihoon, you didn’t drag me to a wedding. You invited me to be your plus one, and I accepted. And you didn’t make me sit in a corner all night, we sat at a table and spent all night talking and eating.” Feeling very sleepy and warm, you grin dopily at him.  “And, for the record, I had a lot of fun.”

Jihoon doesn’t respond again for a few seconds, and you almost doze off before he speaks again. “Thanks. I, um, also had a lot of fun.”

“Thanks, Jihoon-ah,” you mumble. “Wake me up when we get to my place, yeah?”

“Yeah,” he whispers. “Sweet dreams.” 

(Later on, when he parks and stops the engine, he waits for a while first. You’re already awake, of course— you had woken when he turned off the highway and onto the quieter streets of your neighborhood— but you sit with your head leaned against the window and eyes closed, breathing quiet and even, and you let him have this moment. Here, in his parked car, where it’s dark and quiet, you let him watch you and chew on the inside of his cheek, hand balled up in a fist in his lap, clenching and unclenching as he struggles over whatever internal turmoil he’s working through. 

You decide to save him from his struggle and shift slightly, putting on a show of blinking awake, all dazed and bleary. 

“Cute,” Jihoon mumbles quietly.

You look up at him, wincing at your sore neck. “Huh?”

His eyes widen. You have an inkling that he didn’t mean for you to actually hear that, but he just flushes and pulls his lips into a thin line. “Did you have a nice nap?”

You smile at him and nod. “Thanks for driving, Jihoon. And thanks for inviting me to come with you.”

Jihoon nods, cheeks pink, and accepts his crumpled jacket when you hand it back to him. “Um,” he starts, looking at your right ear, “I had a really good time. With you.”

“Me too,” you grin, leaning forward. He leans back for a moment, and then he seems to recollect himself and he straightens his spine again so that the two of you are just inches apart. 

“And, I think it would be nice if we could do this again,” he finishes his statement. 

He’s so cute and flustered, you can’t help but to tease him a little. “What, go to other weddings? As guests? Just how packed is your social calendar?”

“I mean, not weddings, necessarily,” he rushes to clarify, “but, like, other things. The two of us.”

Your heart feels so full, you’re afraid it’ll bubble over. Jihoon reminds you of the gardenia plant you keep in your kitchen. You had rescued it from a hardware store, purchased at a discount when it was sickly and yellow, and you spent months and months caring for it– running a humidifier next to it, timing the amount of sun it was getting and supplementing with grow lights, testing the moisture of the soil every week, and after half a year, your little gardenia shrub produced just one large, beautiful, white blossom. Gardenias are sensitive– they like sun, but only a little bit; they like humidity, but water on the leaves will cause spots; and they won’t tolerate being moved around. You had originally planned on moving the gardenia to the shop eventually, but you ended up keeping it for yourself, this fragile little resident of your kitchen counter. 

You decide to take mercy on Jihoon. “I like you,” you smile, unable to suppress the fond way you melt at him. “We don’t have to go on dates if you don’t want to.”

“No, no, I do want to go on dates! I just…” he huffs out a quick bark of laughter and pushes his hand through his hair, messing up his perfectly styled hairdo. “I like you too.”

“That’s perfect, then.” You lean forward, even closer. “Jihoon, can I kiss you?”

“I–I,” he stammers, flushing even harder, “yeah. Yeah.”)

.

.

.

(May, again)

“Hi, boss,” Chan pokes his head through the curtain separating the shop from the greenhouse. It’s his last summer before he goes off to college, so you’re having him train his younger brother before he leaves town. You’ll miss Chan, that’s for sure, but Geon is a sweet boy. “Your scary boyfriend is here again.”

You frown. “Don’t call him that.”

Chan shrugs. “I think Geon is gonna cry if you don’t come out.”

Shaking your head, you grin and take off your gardening gloves. The roses can wait. You have a grumpy boyfriend to take care of first. 

[velvetfoxgames]

Only if it’s not too much trouble- would it be possible to know what the Halloween emails said? Looking forward to the game!

The photo edits of their costumes are a little too cursed to share, but here's the emails in the order they were sent:

BROOKLYN

Greetings.

Halloween is just around the corner. I will be attending a Hallow's Eve ball. It will require masquerade attire, rather than costumes, which is a bit boring. But I’ve coordinated an outfit with a black, gold and white mask. It’s an authentic Italian mask I had delivered from Rome. Besides that, unfortunately I don’t think any of my associates will be dressing up this month for meetings. I’ve decided to wear Halloween-themed ties, and I’ve also designed a few boutonnieres that will use darker colored flowers from the garden. This way I’ll still be keeping with some of the Halloween spirit.

I hope you’ll be engaging in Halloween activities this year. If you’d ever like any costume advice, please feel free to message me. I can recommend some historical ideas. I’d imagine you’d look rather nice in a 1910s Victorian outfit.

Be well and enjoy this month’s festivities.

Yours truly, Brooklyn Hayes

MILO

Hi. It’s almost Halloween. People at my work are dressing up and having a work party. I’ll be wearing a plaid shirt and jeans. So I’ll be a lumberjack.

I’ve never done much on Halloween before. And I haven't been trick or treating. If there’s anything you think I should try to do this year…I might listen. You usually have good suggestions for things. And a corn maze or something wouldn’t be too bad.

At the very least, I hope you do something fun in place of me.

Talk to you later.

-Milo

RORY

Hi. Halloween is in a few days.

I don’t usually do much for it, but someone is making me go trick-or-treating with them at a mall, even though we’re way too old for that

-_-

I’m also being forced to dress up. So I’m going as Eddie Munson from Stranger Things. I even have a wig. But don’t expect any pictures, because I don’t want that immortalized.

If it was up to me, I’d go to this haunted house nearby. It’s supposed to be really good. I’m actually not sure if you like scary things…? I don’t know. But maybe someday…we could go.

Whatever you’re up to, hope you have fun. Be careful.

Rory

ALEXEI

Hello,

Halloween is only a few days away now. I was doing some research on it the other day. Did you know that Irish immigrants helped bring Halloween to the US? And that jack-o-lanterns were originally hollowed turnips with lights in them to ward off spirits? Halloween is a celebration with a very interesting history. I don’t usually do much for it, but someone I work with decided to get me a costume this year. He thought it would be funny if he dressed me up as Chucky from the movie. I’m not sure why he thinks it’s funny. I have not seen that movie. I know a wig will be required.

I’ll be working on Halloween, but maybe I’ll send you a picture of myself, otherwise I don’t think too many people will see me dressed up.

I hope you have a good Halloween and do a lot more than me. I’d maybe like to see a picture of your costume as well.

Talk to you later and take care, Alexei

TOBIAS

BOO!!!

Happy Halloween B)

Well almost Halloween

I’ll be heading out to one of those celebrity costume parties tomorrow. You’ll probably see what I’m dressing up as in the press but maybe I can tell ya now ;)

I’m goin as a cowboy C):)  and let’s just say the vest I’ll be wearing won’t have anything underneath. Are u picturing it? Good B)

I'd like to know what ur going to be. Bet it’s cute. If you were coming with me to the party we could dress in matching outfits. Don’t know if you’d have much fun tho. Those celebrity parties are actually kinda boring. I think Id rather join with whatever ur doing

Don’t get into too much trouble tomorrow. Message me later. If ya can

Adios partner B)

LEO

HAPPY HALLOWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 👻

Hey hey I hope you have a great day today!! Idk if you’re planning to go out or not but either way I hope you dress up or eat lots of candy or watch some scary movies!!! Do something fun because I want you to have the best day possible ^^

My friends and I are having a dnd night at one of their houses. Halloween campaign! We’re dressing up as video game characters lol I’m Link :D

Since we’ll be at a house we can hand out candy. Someday maybe next year I'd like to do something with you? We could go to a pumpkin patch or check out fall colors…just been thinking about it.

Anyway have a good Halloween!!!!!!!!!! Hope I can talk to you later ^^

-Link (Leoooo)

[rabbitcruiser]

Flower Day

Flower Day is celebrated annually on May 20. It makes a toast to the beauty of flowers and the ways they are useful to us. On the holiday, environmentalists and conservationists create awareness about flower conservation and what can be done to save endangered flower species.

History of Flower Day

We love flowers because of their awe-inspiring beauty and fragrance. They also play a significant role in romance, medicine, rituals, and religion. You can spot them at christenings, funerals, weddings, and parties, as corsages and boutonnieres at special occasions, and as home decorations and thoughtful gifts. They are also used at places of worship, especially by Hindus. It’s not uncommon to see religious shrines adorned with flowers.

There are also some flowers that regularly feature in our meals! Nutritious vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and artichoke are actually flowers. Similarly, some flowers are used as spices, such as crocus (or saffron), cloves, and capers. Hops are used in beer, and dandelion and elderflowers are used in wines and cocktails. Moreover, some flowers are used to make herbal teas, while others are used as metaphors. For example, red roses symbolize love, poppies of death, iris and lilies of burial, and daisies of innocence. Artists and poets have also sought flowers as muses.

However, caring for flowers is no mean feat! Flowers have their own unique requirements in terms of growth and health. Some flowers prefer to be in the shade, while others need sunlight. Still, others thrive in damp soil, while some require the soil to be on the drier side. Flowers are divas, but they’re divas that have held our hearts for centuries.

Flower Day timeline

2500 B.C.

The Egyptians

The ancient Egyptians become pros at flower arrangement.

776 B.C.

Flowers and the Ancient Olympics

Woven garlands and wreaths are awarded to victors during the Olympics.

1000 A.D.

Flower Arrangements in Europe

Churches and monasteries are adorned with flowers.

1400 A.D.

Renaissance Painting Feature Flowers

Flowers became a common motif in Renaissance art.

Flower Day FAQs

Why do we celebrate Flower Day?

Flower Day encourages us to show love and appreciation towards friends, family, and even strangers through the gift of flowers.

What is a signature rose?

A single perfect red rose clubbed with a baby’s breath flower is considered a signature rose. It is the most sought-after flower on Valentine’s Day.

On which holiday are the most flowers sent?

Christmas and Hanukkah account for the most flower gifts all year.

Flower Day Activities

Attend a flower arrangement event: Flower arrangement is an art that requires talent, patience, and hard work. So, celebrate Flower Day by attending a flower arrangement class.

Buy flowers: What’s a better way to celebrate Flower Day than by buying flowers? Gift flowers to yourself and your loved ones. You could even buy some flowers to decorate your house!

Plant flowers: Celebrate Flower Day by planting your very own flowers. Buy a couple of saplings of your favorite flowers and pot them around your house. Look up how to care for the flowers and watch them bloom!

5 Unique Facts About Flowers

Roses and apples: The rose flower is related to the apple and peach family.

Flowers could ward off evil spirits: In some cultures, aster leaves were burned to ward off evil spirits.

Tulip bulbs are versatile: They can be substituted for onions in recipes.

The oldest flower was discovered in China: The Archaefructus sinensis flower bloomed around 125 million years ago in what is now known as China.

Sunflowers follow the movement of the Sun: They move from east to west throughout the day.

Why We Love Flower Day

Flowers are beautiful: We love celebrating and cherishing all things beautiful. When we look at flowers, they brighten our day instantly. Flower Day is celebrated in honor of flowers, which fill us with hope and joy.

Flowers are muses: During the Renaissance, flowers became the muses of various artists and poets. Even today, paintings, dresses, aprons, and other art pieces feature flowers. It is remarkable how flowers have inspired us with their beauty.

Flowers are important to us: Flowers are not just objects of beauty; they are a source of nutrition and healing as well. So, on Flower Day, we can express our appreciation for flowers.

Source

[thestudiousstoner]

It's all in the details.

Now that Jake and I have married, I can finally share some of the details that I planned (and made). It was a lot of work, but so worth it.

First, we have our Save the Dates and invitations. I made all of our stationary in Canva (from scratch) except for a few signs I purchased off Etsy and edited on Templett.

We had a guestbook table with a polaroid station; I put toiletry baskets in each of the bathrooms for guests; we did not have favors, instead we made donations to a few organizations in honor of guests that could not attend our event; we also had a S'mores bar!

Our venue was a shelter pavilion in a state park. We kept the interior decor minimal because the structure is so beautiful.

Our bridesmaids and groomsmen wore a pastel rainbow. We got our dresses and ties from David's Bridal in the colors Chianti, Quartz, Dusty Sage, and Dusty Blue. Our suits matched, but I let my bridal party choose their own styles in their assigned color.

I also got my dress (in Blush) and jacket at David's Bridal.

My handsome husband wore a pink tie to match my dress, which had pink undertones, and we all wore matching checkered Vans in our respective colors.

I made the groomsmen boutonnieres and our centerpieces (I painted the pots green and we were supposed to have them placed on wooden slabs that Jake chopped for me. But we accidentally forgot those at home. Whoops!

I created our programs on Canva. On the front, it featured our timeline, wedding info, and important people. On the back, I mentioned our menu, vendors, and fun things to do after the reception.

Speaking of our timeline...when guests arrived, they would come across a pallet that Jake and I painted.

Then, a little further down the path, they could find our guestbook and card table where we displayed our signs and seating chart (not pictured due to full names being mentioned).

Next to the guestbook table was a flower archway where we encouraged guests to take selfies for our guestbook (and themselves). I made the arch by myself.

For entertainment, in addition to dancing and iSpy, we offered an assortment of yard games and card games.

I made Jake custom corn hole boards as a present that feature our last name and "2024" in roman numerals.

Jake helped me make a tray for a S'Mores bar and I made menu signs on Canva featuring our dessert options and variations of S'Mores.

We did not serve alcohol. Instead for refreshments, we had a lemonade bar and soft drinks.

In my hair, I wore flower pins I made from paper roses and bobby pins. Super easy to make and so pretty.

It doesn't allow me to include more images, so I'll wrap this up. I made additional things like tie-dye shirts for the bridal party and custom bags for our apple cider donuts, but maybe I'll feature those in a different post about the wedding itself.

[found-objects-crwr]

dumpster treasures

Some things are irreplaceable. The day I found out she threw away my box, I knew I’ll never be able to replace it. Sure, I could probably find a similar box, if not the exact same: it was left after a popular style of hats, so I’d expect some of them to have survived. It is the content of the box that I’ll never find. Those were my treasures. 

Probably not the usual kind. Even I would have probably expected a “proper-looking girl” like myself to treasure stuff like a dried flower that used to be her date’s boutonniere, or a pearl necklace from her grandmother, or maybe an old lipstick that she bought in some vintage place where the price depends on the amount of dust the product has. I would expect these treasures to be representative of this girl. Her femininity and history. 

My treasures had very little connections to who I am. They were just everyday stuff you usually find in a trashcan. You couldn’t find me sorting through the junk that was filling my box, thinking of the good old days or wondering how to go back to where specific pieces of my collection were from. I, for the most part, didn’t even remember. One day (can’t tell you when) I just obtained them. 

One day, I assume it was a summer day, I was eating nectarines. Or peaches, maybe? They were a little unripe, just how I like them. This way they aren’t too juicy and are a little sour. Also, unripe fruits are easier to remove from the pit. I assume I had a couple of nectarines that day, because I never have just one, and was getting better at leaving no nectarine on the pit. So when I finally got a clean pit, I just put it in the pocket of my summer shorts and decided to keep it. It was pretty. 

One day, I assume it was a non-summer weekday, I was in school. I think I printed something out in the office, and talked to the secretary who helped me out. Printers always confuse me. We might have discussed the workflow in school right now, or the weather. Or maybe whatever I was printing. I don’t recall if it was worthy of discussing. Whatever we talked about, I changed the subject my asking for a paper clip, so she gave me one. It had stripes. I don’t even remember its colours. Maybe white and green, or red and blue? It doesn’t matter. I decided to keep it and asked for another one. 

One day, I assume it was during my gap year, I was at work. Probably tired, I was mostly tired at work. But maybe it was just a tough day. Although it could have just as well been a very easy, empty store kind of day. Whatever it was, I thought I’d buy some candy in the nearby store. I don’t think they had my favourite ones, because I chose an unknown brand of chocolates, just because the wrapper was pretty. It had a vintage feel to it, but not overly vintage, and it had a polar bear, I think? I can’t recall if the candy itself tasted good. But I decided to keep the wrapper.

I kept pretty things you’d find in a dumpster. And she took the trash out.

[madhuin]

Orchids and peonies for weddings

Flowers are a common choice for wedding décor because they enhance the ceremony and reception with beauty and elegance. They can be incorporated into a wide range of arrangements, including table centerpieces, bouquets, boutonnieres, wedding cakes, and more. The wedding’s theme and style can be reflected in the flowers and color scheme, which can also help to create a romantic and unforgettable mood.  There are a variety of flowers that can be used for decoration and among them, Orchids and Peonies are gorgeous flowers that are a symbol of a new start and fresh beginnings. They also symbolize love. Orchids and peonies are perfect for a wedding.

Due to their elegance and beauty, peonies and orchids are both common options for wedding bouquets. However, having natural ones could be an expensive affair as well as there is a disadvantage of fading too soon.  Therefore, National Traders, the leading wedding decoration suppliers offer you the feel of nature in their artificial flowers.

Here are some ideas for including them in the wedding decoration:

Wedding bouquets made of peonies and orchids are stunning. Depending on the style you want to achieve, you can use them both or separately. These bouquets can be decorated on the backdrop of the stage adding a fairy tale touch to the décor.

Arranged in a beautiful vase, Peonies and Orchids also make stunning table centerpieces for the reception tables. For a more dramatic look, use them in tall vases, and for a more intimate setting, use them in smaller groupings. You can find the best of these at National Traders, the leading wedding decoration supplier.

An arch decorated with Peonies and Orchids can be used as the perfect entry offering a pleasant feeling to your guests or a royal look when the seating area of the bride and groom would be adorned with these flowers.

Orchids and Peonies come in a wide range of colors, making it easy to match them to your wedding color scheme. Orchids are available in shades of white, pink, purple, and red, while peonies come in pink, white, red, and coral.

You can also use Orchids and Peonies to decorate your wedding cake. Place them around the base or use them to top off each tier for a stunning and elegant effect.

Conclusion

National Traders have made it easier to find the best artificial flowers for your wedding day with Orchids and Peonies for weddings! We know that every couple has different tastes, but we also know that many don’t have the budget to spend on expensive floral arrangements. That is why we provide the best wedding decoration at wholesale prices.

[zeenathinno]

Orchids and peonies for weddings

Flowers are a common choice for wedding décor because they enhance the ceremony and reception with beauty and elegance. They can be incorporated into a wide range of arrangements, including table centerpieces, bouquets, boutonnieres, wedding cakes, and more. The wedding’s theme and style can be reflected in the flowers and color scheme, which can also help to create a romantic and unforgettable mood.  There are a variety of flowers that can be used for decoration and among them, Orchids and Peonies are gorgeous flowers that are a symbol of a new start and fresh beginnings. They also symbolize love. Orchids and peonies are perfect for a wedding.

Due to their elegance and beauty, peonies and orchids are both common options for wedding bouquets. However, having natural ones could be an expensive affair as well as there is a disadvantage of fading too soon.  Therefore, National Traders, the leading wedding decoration suppliers offer you the feel of nature in their artificial flowers.

Here are some ideas for including them in the wedding decoration:

Wedding bouquets made of peonies and orchids are stunning. Depending on the style you want to achieve, you can use them both or separately. These bouquets can be decorated on the backdrop of the stage adding a fairy tale touch to the décor.

Arranged in a beautiful vase, Peonies and Orchids also make stunning table centerpieces for the reception tables. For a more dramatic look, use them in tall vases, and for a more intimate setting, use them in smaller groupings. You can find the best of these at National Traders, the leading wedding decoration supplier.

An arch decorated with Peonies and Orchids can be used as the perfect entry offering a pleasant feeling to your guests or a royal look when the seating area of the bride and groom would be adorned with these flowers.

Orchids and Peonies come in a wide range of colors, making it easy to match them to your wedding color scheme. Orchids are available in shades of white, pink, purple, and red, while peonies come in pink, white, red, and coral.

You can also use Orchids and Peonies to decorate your wedding cake. Place them around the base or use them to top off each tier for a stunning and elegant effect.

Conclusion

National Traders have made it easier to find the best artificial flowers for your wedding day with Orchids and Peonies for weddings! We know that every couple has different tastes, but we also know that many don’t have the budget to spend on expensive floral arrangements. That is why we provide the best wedding decoration at wholesale prices.

[mysterious-dark-shadow]

I sometimes re-read posts from "The Before Times": from before the Sewage Flood of '22, before we discovered the Slow Methane Leak that had been gassing the house for YEARS, before Felix was officially diagnosed with HOLE IN THE BRAIN.

This specific post was during a time when we were desperately trying to figure out why things were getting better in some ways and so much worse in others. Felix especially was dealing with mental and physical issues that should have gotten better after he quit his super stressful job.

The information we have now doesn't invalidate the conclusions Felix came to in the original post: his hormones were all over the place & his diet needed changing. And responding to those issues helped eliminate some symptoms that were specifically related to those problems. The changes helped him have a clearer head a year later when I ended up going crazy* from methane overexposure.

The fact that we had been working with doctors for several years actually helped us out a lot when it came to Felix's migraines. When we finally got to a neurologist, he could see that we weren't chasing painkillers. He ordered the MRI for Felix's head that we had been trying to get for soo long. And fought insurance to give us the prescription that actually made a difference in the severity of the migraines Felix suffers from.

And today we have a much better handle on our physical and mental health. We learned how to talk to each other about what's going on in our heads. We learned so much about how to help each other physically. We know what it looks like when one/both of us are suffering from methane exposure, and how to get the gas out of our living environment, so we can actually unpack boxes of stuff that we haven't touched since early 2022.

We are literally getting our past back. There are art projects that Felix was in the middle of that were boxed up alongside the reference books that were sitting on the same table. Trinkets and keepsakes that were on the shelves of bookcases and cabinets from our adventures, separately & together, are finding new spaces in our apartment. Our dried boutonnieres from our wedding day were briefly on display and then quickly put in a cabinet because our cats are rose-eating monsters.

Sometimes I wish I could reach back in time to 2020-2021 us, but I don't know what I'd say. What we went through in 2022 was horrific. We are still picking up the pieces. What kind of warning could prepare past-us for what was to come?

And then I remember a strange encounter we had early in 2021. We were in the beginning stages of our channeling experiments. I was the channeler for a specific entity that had previously given us advice that had turned out to be prophetic, so Felix at some point asked them, "What is the most important thing we should know for our future?" The entity made a painful grimace that made my face ache for a few hours afterwards, then said, "Keep going. No matter what happens, just... Keep. Going." They refused to elaborate, and Felix dismissed the entity soon afterwards. We were puzzled by the cryptic nature of the message and the swirling mass of negative emotions - anguish, fear, anger, regret - that my body felt at the moment the entity grimaced. But we followed the advice, reminding each other that we should "keep going" when times were difficult and situations seemed impossible to overcome.

I now realize that I don't have to reach back in time to warn anyone. Someone else already did. And now I pass on that advice to you in hopes that it helps you as it has helped us so many times:

Keep going. No matter what happens, just... Keep. Going. _____________

*I'm not using that phrase lightly. I completely lost touch with reality and ended up in a hospital psych ward for 12 hours. The hospital didn't handle me well (symptoms hand-waved as "THC overdose" with no tests confirming that diagnosis...), but the event did shock me back into reconnecting with reality again.

Having Mental Illness

It’s hard to talk about my experience with mental illness sometimes because I’m not diagnosed by a professional for “everything I have.” For instance, in my household we all know that I have depression and anxiety, but it’s not really nailed down on my medical chart whether I have Generalized Anxiety or Major Depression. I’ve talked to my doctor about my anxiety, my “moods” as it is usually termed in the doctor’s office, and had my spouse at my side during the discussions, and been prescribed Zoloft for my symptoms even, and the takeaway has been:

My doctor doesn’t want to diagnose me with a mental illness, because no one wants to figure out what the insurance will do. Or what the protocols for it are. Or what the exact diagnosis should be. My therapist had further insight there: finding someone who can make the right diagnosis for me is one thing. But there could be several different diagnoses for what I could have, depending on what treatment plan they wanted to bill for, or what my insurance covers, WHICH CAN CHANGE.

And all this time, we’re just trying to live this and figure out how to do right by me and the body and brain I have.

It’s why I keep thinking I need to explain myself here. There’s no catch-all term for whatever it is that I have. There’s a lot of medical interactions between my hormones, my mood, my sleep cycle, and my information processing ability. Sometimes at 2AM I decide it’s time to read a paranormal encyclopedia, and that’s just because my body is not going to be good at doing anything else at that time, because that’s what the chemicals in my body say to do.

So, I mentioned my hormones–one reason I’ve been quiet is because I don’t want people to think that transitioning will cause you harm or that transitioning people are “crazy.” But I’ve had some severe mental health effects from my hormones being way off-balance at times, and I’m finally able to talk about it. One reason I’m able to talk about it again? I’m finally GETTING my hormones.

Last year when I switched to topical rub-on testosterone instead of intramuscular injection, it was because I was unable to do the shots anymore. My needle fears ramped up and I had to switch over. Well, turns out the absorption was never working right for me because I was getting allergy injections in the same area as I was rubbing the cream on, and apparently the testosterone got into my bloodstream instead of the lymph system, and made my levels seem incorrect? Gods it was nuts. Anyway my insurance cancelled rub-on hormones on January 1 with no warning anyway, so it’s a good thing I was planning to switch to subcutaneous injection. Which I did yesterday after being without my rub-on hormones for 3 days.

My body feels like a submarine that goes up to get air and down to dive below at times completely dependent on my hormone levels and nothing else, and my hormone levels basically all last year were bonkers. It destroyed my sense of time right as I and everyone else were all locked in our homes. My stress has ramped with the news cycles, making me unable to sleep some nights until my body finally exits hypervigilance.

There’s not a cure for this, or any single diagnosis, or a treatment other than to take care of myself and keep going.

I’ll keep going.

I want to open up more about my mental illness experience, and what it does and how I get through it, but I’m going to warn you that my mental illness doesn’t follow the discourse. It fucks the discourse. I’m a person who has decided to stop driving because I don’t like how I might react to the unexpected behind the wheel, and I still vote, I make big financial decisions, heck I make winning investment picks. Sometimes I can’t walk out my front door, and it’s not for any logical reason, and I even know logically with my brain at the time that nothing bad will happen if I go outside. Still, sometimes I can’t walk out my front door, and in those times I realize that I don’t actually have to. Because last year we as a household realized that I could no longer do the things I’d done all the previous years before, that something in my mind and body had drawn a line and said I couldn’t go ignore those boundaries anymore.

I can’t watch TV like a “normal person.” Ads really mess with me and so I often avoid commercial television, for instance. But I also have trouble sitting down and absorbing something on a screen, I’ll often have to walk around, or I’ll need to watch the show out of order, or see it “filtered” through commentary or memes, because that’s how my brain decided I was processing that day. But the conversation I have with my spouse about the subject at the end of the day is still rich and fulfilling, because I’m still having an experience of the subject, be it a show or a video game or a news event. I just take it in in a very particular way, and sometimes that way changes depending on my mood and a bunch of other factors.

Heck, my diet changes how much I can focus and think. We’re still figuring out what does what. There’s a lot of rabbit holes to chase down. At some point we discuss what’s worth putting up with versus what actually needs treatment, because when things aren’t very clear-cut you need to prioritize. Also, having a lot of different medical issues at once means that you sometimes get overwhelmed and don’t know what order to address it all in.

I communicate in GIF and youtube format on here sometimes because I don’t really have a way to articulate the feeling or thought I have other than to show something that seems to encompass it all in an abstract or more psyche-oriented way. I really enjoy being able to do that here, and to get out the things I really want to express in an environment where people let me experiment with communication. Thanks to all of you for that. Except the bots. You’re not sentient, and that’s kind of weird.

Oh yeah. Mental illness and its interaction with hormones. Are completely ruining my ability to plan things and have been for like half a year now. So thank. For your pati. Ence.

[fromasgardandback]

Promposal // Eddie Munson Headcanon

masterlist | oneshots

Eddie despised prom, homecoming, and any other school dance there were

why spend time with people you already hate at a place that resembles Satan's lair?

but you really wanted to go, and not for the reasons of friendship and laughter, but to make fun of prom and make sure Jason Carver had the worst night

you never told that to Eddie, wanting it to be a surprise, but you constantly insisted on going

“Why would you deprave yourself for such a “function” when we can just be at home?” Eddie whined.

“Because there are a couple of reasons I want to go.” I said, turning to him.

“Do tell me the reasons.” He rolled his eyes picking at his almonds.

“First, the dress. Second, being with you looking oh so handsome in your suit.” You pinched his cheek while he pretended to bite you. “And most importantly, being with our friends just chillin.” You smiled, batting my eyelashes.

on the outside Eddie hated prom, but on the inside, Eddie couldn’t wait to ask you to be his prom date

Eddie heard from Jeff and Gareth that they got dates and seeing Steve ask Nancy, this was a reminder to make this special for you

he asked you in the most romantic way he knows, playing one of his metal songs in the gym. like this man really hooked up his guitar to the amp and performed in front of everyone

“my love, my life, come to prom with me?” he said into the mic, and how could you say no

what made this day special besides all the ‘balls in laundry basket’ pranks, was that you got ready with the girls & Eddie got ready with the guys

Eddie was definitely nervous because he couldn’t afford much, but Wayne was so proud he rented Eds a suit and helped Eddie hot glue a hand-picked flower to a pin and hair tie

now that your families could check off taking photos upon photos, you could now play out all the pranks

first prank was stealing their boutonnieres and rubbing onions all over them. The guys wanted a photo together with jackets and without, so this was prime time to sit under the bleachers doing the deed

second prank was spraying their shoes with cooking oil secretively while they danced, which made them slip and fall constantly

third and last prank was spraying their cars with shaving cream, especially on the windows to make it impossibly hard to clean off

Eddie went along with you on each prank, mindlessly following you around trying to hide his laugh

“These were my real reasons, Eddie.” You giggled at his shocked face. “I wanted it to be a surprise for you. Something where we could both enjoy the night.”

“I can’t believe how diabolical my girlfriend can be. I’m impressed, sweet thing.” Eddie laughed with you

your prom with Eddie was undoubtedly going to be a rememberable

[mirobami]

Before this lovely event ends can I request Aoi again, cause that’s literally MY fiancé now (Sakura he’s not yours anymore) with spades bc Ik I would be greats friends with this man before we get married . I’d ask him to dance with me too 😍🫶🏽

↳ ruin our friendship

♠️ CHARACTER:  a. mibuomi

♠️ MATCH: Spades (Friends to Lovers)

♠️ NOTE: its the way we’re so down bad for him that we have shoved sakura aside but FR BECOME FRIENDS WITH THIS MAN AND THEN ASK HIM TO DANCE WITH YOU HE CAN’T SAY NO, this was so much longer than i expected, that’s why it came last

Being friends with Aoi Mibuomi meant so many things, but most of all, it meant that you were put in a place where you were not safe from his relentless teasing. You didn’t hesitate to tease him back. As his best friend, it was your job to do so. He trusted you and vice versa. It was a wonderful friendship that you would not have traded for anything.

However, the problem started when you realized that you had feelings for him. You tried to deny them but even your dreams were haunting you. The most recent one with him was one where he was singing a love song in a musical and you joined him. You even had to kiss him in front of an audience. When you woke up in a cold sweat, you checked your phone, seeing the multiple messages from him, all of them about some strange dream that he had. Except, unlike yours, his were normal, if you count mustard bottles performing the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy as normal.

The next strike was when you had dreamt of him at a wedding. The dream took place outside and for some reason, he was out there too. You couldn’t take it anymore and you left, going through a gazebo as he followed you, trying to talk to you. It was clear that it was your wedding and he didn’t want you to leave him. But you ended up running away from him. He was right behind you though, shouting your name, even as you hid from him, crashing through a forest. Once you found a hiding place, you could hear him calling for you. You woke up from that dream, trying to control your racing heart. It was probably just inspired by that stupid hike that Aoi convinced you to go on and you both got lost and separated from each other. But the wedding...

“Jesus, Y/N, have you been sleeping at all?” He tilted your chin up with his index finger, studying your face too closely for your own liking. “You look like you’re going to collapse.”

“Shut up, I’ve been needing my beauty rest because at least one of us has to be the pretty best friend and it’s going to be me.” You omitted the part about you having strange dreams about him. How were you supposed to tell your best friend that you dreamt of kissing him and even marrying him?

He didn’t see anything different. He only walked beside you to class. “So the last dance...”

Ah. That was another variable you forgot about. The reason for the wedding could have also been because of that stupid dance. The place where everyone gets dressed up and usually, people ask others out and they become couples. This year, everyone was waiting to pounce on Aoi the second they heard you say the words that you weren’t going to be going with him. Everyone expected you to get together, although some secretly hoped it wouldn’t happen.

"We can talk later, this is my class." Quickly entering the classroom, you sat down, sighing as you tried to focus on the board. The letters became squiggles as you tried to take your mind off of Aoi. Your mind was definitely collapsing from the pressure of the last days of the year. But the thought of Aoi going with someone else...

You sat up, determined. At least platonically, you would take him. And so you did. He never asked you, so you asked him. He had asked, "Are you asking me out right now?"

"No, idiot, I'm asking you platonically. Just as friends."

"Yeah! I'd love to go with you."

So here you were, ready to go to the dance. You had bought the corsage and boutonniere for the both of you, against Aoi's complaints. However, knowing him full well, you did not give him the boutonniere because he would have lost it. You were waiting with Sachiko, who was thoroughly amused at this. "Waiting for Prince Charming?"

"What are you on about?"

"You look especially radiant tonight, it's a wonder if Aoi will be able to not be jealous. Oh, here he comes."

Fixing your hair, you stood up and saw him walking past the fountain, looking lost. You called for him and he brightened at seeing you. You marched over to him and pinned the boutonniere to his coat pocket. "You look decent."

"Aww, is that your way of telling me I look incredible?" Aoi hummed, tilting his face towards yours.

"Get over yourself. Are you waiting for your other friends?"

"Yeah, told them I'd see them. See you inside?"

You walked away with Sachiko. You couldn't be mad. You were here as friends and nothing more. Even at the table, you had not been seated together since he was forced to sit with his friends. He told you he wanted to sit with you badly, but his friends practically threatened him. You had to remind him you were going platonically so it was fine. The atmosphere was calm at first and you grabbed food, but the second an upbeat song came on, you dragged Sachiko on the dance floor to dance with you.

It was an incredible time. You were having the time of your life dancing with your friends and even becoming temporary friends with those you didn't know. You all were screaming the lyrics to songs and bouncing around just like the rest of the crowd. You hadn't even seen Aoi at all, but he had been watching you with a soft smile on his face.

Finally, a love song came on and you and your friend had jokingly partnered up to start dancing. The others had left since this was a couples' dance (or so it seemed), but you two were too carried away to care.

From afar, one of Aoi's friends said, "That's your date, right?" He was nodding at you.

Aoi took a swig of his drink. "Yeah, why?"

"Are you actually stupid? Put the pieces together! A love song, your date is currently with someone else, what do you do?"

He could've laughed, before taking a deep breath. He had to do it. It was only a dance, right? Nothing more. Hopefully, you wouldn't hear his heart pounding.

You hadn't even noticed him arriving until he tapped your friend's shoulder and asked, "Hey, can I steal them from you?"

Your friend eagerly let go, winking at you as she joined the rest of your giggling friends, who were now cooing at you with Aoi. He had grabbed your waist and your hand and was now slow dancing with you. You were stunned but with a weak attempt at calming the situation, you told him, "Your hand is gonna fall off of my waist and you're gonna look stupid."

"And just when I thought we were having a moment."

You were staring at his shoulder the whole time, rocking with him since neither of you knew how to do a waltz. That would be out of place here anyways. But you were having a conversation too, mixed in between him cheesily singing along with the singer, his voice going into falsetto at the high notes. You were both laughing and when the second love song came on, you two could not stop staring at each other. Aoi spoke first, "I guess I have to confess first, huh?"

"Sorry?"

"I have a massive crush on you. I didn't even realize it until later. I'm glad you asked me because remember the weird dreams I told you about? I kind of...excluded some details."

You let out a soft laugh. "I haven't been sleeping because of my dreams, Aoi. They've included you."

"Oh?"

"Not in that way, dumbass. But I'll explain them later if you want."

"No, tell me now."

"Fine. I kissed you in one and I ran away from our wedding in the other."

He was stunned before a slow smile crept upon his face. "I can make one of those come true." His lips were right near yours, giving you the option to pull away if you wanted. You hadn't pulled away and instead leaned in. It was almost like a dream how you fell for your best friend, the guy everyone wanted and he fell for you too. The small moment between you two felt as though the world stopped and only the both of you existed. His touch was warm and everything slammed back to reality when he pulled away, a lovesick grin on his face. "I don't think you know how long I've been wanting to do that."

"Stop, I can hear my friends giggling." You buried your face in his neck, shifting your hands to wrap your arms around him instead, him also moving to hold you closer.

"But I can, if you want, make the other dream come true, just without you running." He whispered.

"Aoi, do me a favor."

"What?"

"Let me enjoy the moment."

He could've laughed but instead, he was fist pumping the air. He finally got the person he loved the most, his own best friend. Marriage was not on his mind until now and he realized that he would have you explain every detail later since you were the only one he could picture the rest of his life with. But, that was in the future.

He still couldn't wait for that day.

[escape-the-real]

Since all my thoughts and every decision started to revolve around you (Kirishima x reader)

Synopsis: After being strung along and rejected by your childhood crush, maybe it’s time to let someone else in your life

Drabble

Word count: 1,627

Key: (y/n)- your name, (f/c)- favourite colour, (e/c)- eye colour

Warnings: Fluff

You looked at the mirror and tilted your head, while staring aimlessly at the reflection before you. It was UA's prom night, and you had gone for a f/c formal outfit. It fitted you in all the right places, and yet a sigh seemed to escapes your lips. ''This is stupid...I'm going to prom without a date!'' You say, shaking your head.

 Indeed, you didn't have a date, not like you would say yes to just anyone. Not unless it was Izuku Midoriya, your childhood best friend and crush. But he strung you along, rejected your feelings. And to top it off, he was taking Uraraka instead. It broke your heart when he told you how he asked her to be his date, but you forced a smile to congratulate him through gritted teeth. It was ironic that you had fallen in love with your childhood best friend.The sudden knock at your dorm door startles you. You turned, your eyes meeting with a smiling and dressed-up Kirishima leaning against the doorframe.

 ''Kiri, you scared me!’’

Kirishima pushed himself off the door frame and walked over to you. ''Sorry, wasn't my intention to scare you...that wasn't very manly of me!’’ He says, rubbing the back of his neck.

''It's fine. May I ask what I did to deserve your presence? Don't you have to go get your date?'' You question him looking back in the mirror, trying to hide the hurt you get knowing that you're going alone.

''I...uh...I actually came here to ask you to be my date Y/n.'' You stare at his reflection in the mirror, shocked.

 ''Listen...You're my friend. I could see how upset you were about Midoriya stringing you along and rejecting your feelings. It was really unmanly of him to toy with your feeling like that. I thought why don't we go together, as friends if that makes you feel better. A-and show him what he's missing out on.'' You turn fully to look at him.

''Y-you'd do that for me?''

''Of course, I would. I don't like seeing you upset Y/n, your smile brings m- uh, everyone joy. Now milady.'' He bows dramatically before coming back up to offer his hand. ''Shall we?'' You smile at his toothy grin before clasping his hand in yours.

 ''We shall good sir."

Kirishima walked you out of your dorm and towards the school's gym. The walk over was peaceful, and you noted that he never let go of your hand, stroking his thumb over your knuckles affectionately.

''Hey y/n?'' Kirishima asks, slowing down before the doors of the gym.

''Yes?''

‘’I uh...Heh, I got a corsage/boutonniere for you.'' He then let go of your hand to pat down every pocket on his suit.

''Ok, so this is super embarrassing, but I forgot it in my dorm room. I was going to put it in my pocket, but explosion boy yelled at me because it would get crushed. So, while I was rushing over because I didn't want to miss you... Ok, a long story short, I kinda maybe left it on my desk.’’ You start laughing at how cute and flustered he is. His face turning the same shade as his dyed hair.

''Aw thank you Eijiro, that's very sweet of you! It's alright that you forgot it, people usually say it's the thought counts anyway.''

‘'No, no! Tonight needs to be perfect for you, I'll quickly run back to my dorm room and grab it!!'’

'’I-it's alright!'' you try to say, but your words have fallen on deaf ears as he sprints away. You smile to yourself before closing your eyes, leaning against the cool wall, and listening to the music blasting through the gym doors.

 ''Y/n!! Aren't you coming in?" asks Hagakure, who is a floating dress with heels next to Ojiro. They were both heading towards the gym doors.You smile sweetly at them.

 '' Hey guys, I'll be heading inside in just a moment... Waiting for my date.''

''Aw, how sweet! Guess we'll see you in there!’’ And with that Hagakure pulls Ojiro into the gym. As the doors are closing you lock eyes with a familiar pair of green ones.

 ''Crap!'' You mutter under your breathe, looking elsewhere. In a few seconds, a head of green curls bounces out the door.

''Hey Y/n.... what are you doing out here all by yourself? It’s kinda sad.''

''Oh...Hey Izuku, I'm not by myself. I-''

''Hey! Sorry about that, I finally got it.'' You turn thankful to see Kirishima walking up to you now. He pulls you into a side hug before handing you the corsage/boutonniere.

''Thanks, Eijiro!'' You say, taking the corsage/boutonniere and leaning into his side for comfort.

''O-oh hey Kirishima! I didn't know you had asked Y/n out as your prom date.'' Izuku stutters out.

''Yup! Pretty lucky too, look how amazing and manly Y/n looks! You glance at Kirishima, and he is looking at you like you are his everything. A blush creeps up on your face. Before Izuku could respond, Kirishima interrupted him.

''Well, I need to show Y/n off to the entire world! Would you care to dance?’’ He asks, detaching from the side hug to offer you his arm.

''Gladly!'' Hooking your arm through his and not paying any attention to the freckled boy, you enter the gym. The gym was all decked out with streamers, twinkling lights, balloons, and a disco ball hanging in the middle of the room. You spotted Sensei Aizawa laying on the bleachers in his usual yellow sleeping bag. All Might at the banquet table. And not too far away, you spotted Ms. Midnight dragging away a squirming Present Mic from harassing the young Dj. You wave to your friends, and out of your peripherals, you are pretty sure you saw Kirishima flex to the Bakusquad. Soon the both of you joined other students on the dance floor.

''I thought you were joking about dancing!'' You yell above the music so he can hear you.

''Why would I be joking?'' He yells back, a look of confusion.

''I-I can't dance!''

''What?''

''I said I can't dance Kiri!" You yell, looking awkwardly around at others dancing flawlessly. Well...everyone except Denki, who is trying to attempt the worm and failing miserably.

''Thank God because neither can I!'' He laughs out. You end up laughing with him, a lightness filling your chest. The two of you soon got into the rhythm of the dance in no time. You were actually having fun, but you could feel eyes burning into the back of your head. Weird enough, whenever you looked around there was no one looking at you. A slow song began to play, and Kirishima softly smiled before placing his right hand on your waist while offering you his left. You place your right hand on his shoulder and take his other hand with your left, swaying gently to the music. After a while, he breaks the silence.

''Y/n?''

''Hmm?'' You hum out, swaying with your eyes closed.

''You know how people fall in love without reason, without even wanting to? How you can't predict it?''

You open your eyes and realize just how close you are to him. So close that you can smell his cologne, see the tiny scar above his right eye, and feel how fast his heart is racing. You swallow before answering him. 

''That's how love works, I guess.''

'' I-'' Kirishima stopped talking and glared at someone farther behind you. You looked behind you and see that he was glaring at Izuku, who looked rather annoyed.

''Why is he staring at us?" You ask, turning back to Kirishima.

''I think he might be annoyed.'' He says, glaring at Izuku but eyes softening when looking back at you.

''Annoyed? Come on Kiri, what does he have to be annoyed about...hmm?''

''I'll explain better, somewhere quieter though. Wanna get out of here?'' You nod before absentmindedly taking his hand, letting him lead you off the dance floor and out of the school. The cool night air was refreshing, you sigh deeply.

 ''Ok Kiri, can you explain why he's annoyed please.’’

''I think he's annoyed because, for most of the night, you weren't trailing him with those beautiful e/c eyes of yours. You weren't fake laughing next to him to keep him happy. You aren't appearing heartbroken in the slightest, especially for someone who was rejected.''

He was right...Kirishima was right, Izuku hadn't crossed your mind all night.

''If I...'' Kirishima trailed off with a sigh. ''If I told you...that I discovered that I love you...What would you say?'' Your eyes widen in surprise.

 '' I-I would ask when did you discover this.''

Kirishima moved closer to you with a smile, pulling off his tux jacket and draping it on your shoulders while he simply whispered to you.

''Since all my thoughts and every decision started to revolve around you.’’

The memory of how you were being strung along and rejected by Izuku was soon fading into the beautiful night Kirishima provided you with. Your body moved before your brain could comprehend. You cupped his face, and your lips brushed against his softly. He tilted his head, nose brushing against your cheek, and carefully kissed back. Everything about Kirishima is warm and comforting to you. You both end up resting your foreheads together after having to part for breath.

''Go out with me y/n...go out with me and forget completely about Midoriya.'' You pecked his lips.

‘’I think that will suffice as my answer...Walk me home Red Riot?’’ 

Kirishima smiled brightly before taking your hand in his. The walk back to your dorm room was peaceful, and when you kissed him goodnight, he vowed to always tressure you... Annnnnd rub the fact that you're his in Izuku's face.

Hey y’all, Just wanted to say thanks for reading...Hope you enjoyed it!

[nagaficat]

Before he had met Deirdre, Sigurd had little appreciation for flowers. They were an easy gift, a sometimes message, but fleeting, easy to overlook in the wild fields of Chalphy where they bloomed so readily – but his home had never been lush with them, merely the spartan halls of his hold, traditional paintings, carpets that were older than his father. 

But then they had met by chance, first in Marpha, and then again in her Spirit Forest, and suddenly his ascetic military life had been filled with green and breath and all things alive. She seemed to cultivate a relationship with everything she touched, and so too did that life move into him and find root in his heart, sprouting under her care just as the vases and urns she decorated their halls with thereafter. 

And now, now that he had felt her absence so keenly, felt her wrested from his arms and his soul torn from it, he felt that he could cherish her all the more appropriately – his light, his life, the moonflower that bloomed under his touch and filled his heart with joy. They had scarcely been separated since he had sought her out, and though Sigurd could not be accused of being a man of thinking, he learned from his mistakes. 

When she turned to him in the market, such expectation on her face, he melted, every line of his face soft when he smiled at her. In another life, he would have bought out the stall for her, bought out the market, but if all she wanted was a simple bouquet, to build a corsage and boutonniere for the upcoming ball, then it truly was the least he could do. 

"It would do my heart the greatest good to be among these blooms with you, my love," he said to her, and the attendants of the cart simpered and swooned, so taken in by their love for one another. 

They were guided to a station nearby the cart bedecked with so many blooms and fillers that Sigurd's head spun, and he had to laugh. "I fear I am not so educated on this," he said, threading his fingers with Deirdre's for a quick peck to the back of her hand, "I hope you will guide me well." 

Even though she knew he would be agreeable, it still fills Deirdre’s heart to the brim with joy to hear her husband acquiesce to her request.  He has always been quick to give in to her wishes and indulge in her whims.  Even something like this which requires patience and a delicate hand, she knows he would participate in simply because it is with her.

There has only ever been one time where he denied her.  When she was left behind in Augusty to nurse and care for their infant son as he marched ahead to Madino. 

“Do not worry!  Together we can accomplish anything!”  Even if she ends up doing most of the work herself, it will not matter.  He is here and he is with her.

Deirdre takes a seat on the bench provided next to him.  She does not bother giving him space, sitting where they are still touching.  Even sitting across from him where their elbows would not bump into each other would feel like worlds away.  

She reaches for a sprig of blue forget-me-nots and places them softly in his hand.  Eyes full of stars, she looks up at him.  “Do you remember our wedding, my lord?  I wore them in my hair.  I would like to wear them for you again.”

[kellanswritingblog]

I wrote two pieces for @jonsimsandcats day and here’s the first!  Set Somewhere Else.

It was a perfect day for a wedding.

Of course, none of it was how Jon had imagined, so long ago. It wasn’t even the same reality as he used to inhabit, but this Somewhere Else had provided him and Martin more opportunities than he could have predicted.  And now, they were getting married.

Jon walked down the aisle, a handful of new friends smiling as he moved past them, until he met Martin at the front of the venue.  He could barely even hear the words being spoken, lost as he was in the glow of Martin’s smile and the joyful tears that hovered at the corners of his eyes.

That is, until he heard a meow.

“Lieutenant, not yet.” Jon shushed the cat that sat on a stool behind him.

“Meow.”

Jon turned back to Martin, who was chuckling to himself. He had been surprisingly acquiescent when Jon suggested having their cat play the role of ring bearer, and even more accommodating when Jon decided to dress the Lieutenant up in a tiny suit, complete with miniature boutonniere.

The Lieutenant remained silent, tail swishing as he perched on the stool until it was his time to shine.

“Thank goodness you haven’t lost them,” Jon murmured to the cat as he removed the rings from the small pouch on his back.  The first attempts at fitting the Lieutenant into the suit and keeping the rings in the pouch had been disastrous, until Jon added a sturdy fastener and a heaping of Velcro to make sure neither cat nor jewelry escaped.

He offered another “Meow” as Jon grabbed the rings and gave him an appreciative scritch between the ears.

Jon and Martin put their wedding bands on the other and then they kissed to close out the ceremony.  Both were lost in the bliss of the moment, the peace and surety that they had survived unbearable odds, and they had survived together.

Martin was fully weeping now, and Jon wiped the tears from his face before a weight thudded on his shoulder, claws sinking through his tux to get a good grip.

“Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten you,” Martin said, laughing.

Jon grabbed the Lieutenant off his shoulder and cupped him gently in one arm, giving him a quick kiss, before lacing his other arm through Martin’s so that they could exit back down the aisle.  They wouldn’t stop grinning for days.

Meanwhile, the Lieutenant watched the afterparty play out, and enjoyed the fine cushion someone had placed for him and the hors d’oeuvres that the waiters kept bringing him.  It was adorable that his people thought this ceremony was for them. Clearly, the Lieutenant had received a promotion, if only for the night.  Why else would Jon have put him in this ridiculous outfit?

Watching his people dance, the Lieutenant settled in on the cushion.  Perhaps it was time for a nap?  After all, it was his party – he could do what he wanted, and they would gather him up when it was time to leave.  Until then, he would sit back, relax, snack, and enjoy the show.