#yesterday i tidied the whole house

[friendlyloner]

Current "laid off due to strikes" aesthetic

meeee

[iiping]

kaveh snapping at alhaitham for buying another ugly wood carving… except he forgot it was his birthday 👀

read my short fic on twitter here or see more below! 🫶

—

“This looks absolutely nothing like me!” Kaveh snaps at the rough-out Aranara carving that suddenly shows up one morning, looking so blonde and angry.

Alhaitham comes out of his room at this moment and walks over to their common shelf where the architect stands.

Kaveh has a meeting with a particularly frustrating client today and he’s feeling so anxious that he cannot help but snaps at Alhaitham too, “How many times do I have to tell you not to bring ugly wood carvings into our home!?”

Alhaitham looks at Kaveh, his lips tightens. Something unfathomable flashes across his eyes and disappears just as suddenly.

“Do whatever you want with it then,” Alhaitham says finally after an awkward silence. Then he grabs his key from the shelf and turns his back to walk towards the front door without saying another word.

Kaveh looks at him leaving the house in puzzlement. It is not a rare occasion to see the Scribe not bothering to argue with him but Alhaitham never walks away after saying only one sentence before. He looks as if he’s angry or even…pouting? Kaveh is not sure if that word can describe Alhaitham.

Maybe Kaveh did something wrong? He gasps at the thought.

Is it because the smell of the cream soup he made yesterday was too strong? Or maybe it was the fact that the house is now so messy because he’s in the middle of tidying up things? Or maybe he moved or touched some books he wasn’t supposed to?

Kaveh ends up thinking for the whole day. He even spaces out during the client’s meeting and almost drops the model when he tries to present his plan.

He thinks and thinks but nothing comes to his mind. They have been on unusually pretty good terms lately, so he cannot think of something recent that might have made Alhaitham upset.

Kaveh is so deep in thought he almost bumps into Collei on the way home.

“Ah! Sorry!” Kaveh exclaims then realizes who it is, “Collei! I didn’t know you were in town today!”

Somehow, the trainee Forest Ranger looks shocked to see him. She quickly picks up something that fell to the ground when they bumped into each other earlier. Kaveh catches a glimpse of a small green box with yellow ribbon before Collei swiftly hides it behind her back.

“It’s so good to see you! Wanna grab something to eat?” Kaveh asks, ignoring her suspicious behavior. He’s not ready to go home just yet, not when he still hasn’t figured out what he did wrong.

“Uh, sorry I have somewhere to be today,” Collei replies nervously, avoiding to meeting his eyes, “If you will excuse me, I really need to get going.”

Then she takes off before he can say another word.

Kaveh ruffles his hair in confusion. What is going on today?

After wandering around aimlessly for a while, he decides that he has no other place to go except the good old Lambad’s Tavern.

He sits down at a table and orders a drink even though it’s merely 5PM.

“Hey, Kaveh!” Lambad shouts his name from behind the counter, “That one’s on the house! Happy Birthday!”

Oh. Shit.

A realization strikes him like a bolt of lightning.

“How could I forget!” he cries, standing up abruptly, “It is my birthday!”

He tells Lambad that he’ll take a raincheck on that glass of wine before leaving the tavern. Kaveh rushes home as fast as he can and finds Alhaitham standing in front of the shelf with the Aranara carving on one hand and a bag on another.

Alhaitham raises his eyebrows when he sees Kaveh practically flying from the front door.

“No, wait—-“ Kaveh tries to catch his breath, “D-don’t throw that away!”

“Oh?” Alhaitham puts down the Aranara and turns to face the architect. “Seems like you finally remember something.”

“Sorry for what I said this morning,” Kaveh blurts out, “I know it sounds like an excuse but that client’s project kept me frustrated all night and I shouldn’t have taken it on you.”

Alhaitham looks at him silently.

“Alright, alright,” Kaveh puts two hands in the air, “I apologize for calling it ugly.”

The Scribe lets out a chuckle right this second. It is clear that he does not intend put up any fights with Kaveh on his birthday.

Alhaitham hands him the Aranara in question and asks, “Will you also stop calling my other wood carvings ugly?”

“Well, I wouldn’t go that far,” Kaveh replies with a beaming smile. His eyes light up as he takes the wooden figure in his hands.

Alhaitham gives him birthday presents every year but they are usually books or drafting tools. This is the first time Kaveh has received something custom-made. Well, from anyone, really.

“I don’t know what’s gotten into me this morning,” he mumbles, feeling the rough wood under his fingers. “Sure, it looks a bit cruder than that one in your bedroom which I kind of like, but the more you look at it, the mor—- Hey!”

“I changed my mind,” Alhaitham announces with a straight face, the Aranara is now back to his hand. “I’m taking it back.”

Kaveh blinks.

“What did you just say!?” he raises his voice.

“I don’t see any reasons why it should be in the possession of someone who doesn’t appreciate it,” he replies simply while putting the wooden figure in the bag, then starts to walk to the entrance hall.

“How do you know I don’t appreciate it!?” Kaveh follows him, trying so hard not to yell at his back, “This is ridiculous! You just gave it to me literally a second ago!”

That does not make Alhaitham slow down one bit. In the heat of the moment, Kaveh charges at him without thinking.

Next thing he knows, they are both on the floor with Alhaitham being beneath him. He quickly snatches the bag from the Scribe’s hand and sits up.

“Ha!” Kaveh exclaims, raising it in the air in victory. “You cannot walk away from me this time! Don’t you know that it’s rude to take back what you have given!?”

When there isn’t any response, Kaveh glances down, only to see that Alhaitham is covering his face laughing.

Kaveh looks at this scene in disbelief.

“Were you just teasing me!?” he asks with a high-pitched voice, “Oh my god, who are you? What have you done to my Alhaitham?”

“I couldn’t help,” he is still laughing, “You should’ve seen your face.”

It’s extremely rare for Kaveh to see a silly side of Alhaitham, let alone seeing him laughing like this. Kaveh stares dazedly at him, completely forgetting why he was mad in the first place.

“You can have the Aranara,” Alhaitham says with a smile, “Will you get off me now? Although I don’t really mind—-”

Kaveh interrupts this sentence with a cough, just realizing what a dangerous position they are in. He shifts to move out of the way, but at this moment, a small piece of paper falls of the bag and lands on Alhaitham’s chest.

The Scribe’s eyes widen as he moves to reach for it, but Kaveh is quicker.

Seeing what’s on there, he is speechless.

Alhaitham covers his face again, but his ears are turning visibly red. The worse thing is, Kaveh can also feel his face burning too.

“You carved this,” he asks softly, “for me?”

After a while, Alhaitham admits with a sigh, “Yes.”

Kaveh is dumbfounded. He assumed that it was merely a commission. Never has he ever thought Alhaitham would go that far to do something like this for him.

“That’s why you’ve been coming home late for the past week!” Kaveh just remembers how unusual it was when he said that he needed to work overtime.

“You knowing this wasn’t part of the plan, I was too careless.” he says flatly and decides to pull himself up, unintentionally getting closer to Kaveh. “Now it’s good time for you to forget you have seen that workshop receipt.”

“Nuh-uh,” Kaveh pokes his chest, “This Aranara is now worth a million mora to me.”

“You have just burdened yourself with a new enormous debt then” Alhaitham teases.

“Hey!”

“I think wood craving has grown on me.” Alhaitham smiles, “So I’m afraid you’ll have to put up with these ugly figurines for now.”

“Come on, they are not that ugly,” Kaveh chuckles, “But we do need to set up a proper corner for them so they don’t disrupt the current aesthetic.”

The Scribe can’t help but roll his eyes at this comment.

“Seriously though, thank you” Kaveh softly touches his shoulder and looks directly into his eyes, “It’s the first time someone did something so special for me. I will always treasure it.”

The Scribe stares back at him and without a warning, Alhaitham pulls him into his arms and whispers to his hair, “Happy Birthday, Kaveh.”

After that, Collei, along with Cyno and Tighnari, burst open their front door right when they are still hugging in the hallway. Kaveh’s face turns as red as a tomato as Alhaitham helps him up on his feet.

The night cannot be more perfect. The house is filled with the smell of good food, laughers and joy. His most favorite dishes are laid out on the table and the gifts are waiting for him to open. Wine never tastes better and even Cyno’s jokes are funnier than usual.

Kaveh watches as everyone starts to eat and cheerfully discuss about what games they are going to play tonight. His heart aches a bit thinking of how much he does not want to ever lose this; his friends, his happiness, his home.

And when his eyes accidentally meet with Alhaitham’s, he cannot help but wonder, would things turn out differently if he hadn’t met the Scribe at the tavern that night where he had taken Kaveh in?

He tries harder now to stay happy, to actually listen to some of Alhaitham’s advice, the sensible ones at least.

“Don’t burden yourself with something unnecessary from the past and from the future”, he would say.

So instead of dwelling on the past regrets and unknown future, Kaveh thinks he is ready now to find comfort in the present happiness.

(END)

[starstruckgrrl]

♡﹒"make me behave like an animal !! " ~ tamaki amajiki

┆︎ ☆ synopsis: tamaki was never really known for confidence, so his love life was barren compared to all the other big shot heroes. so when you come along, he's addicted. ₊˚๑ warnings: virgin fetish, smut, sub!tamaki, overstimulation, dacryphilia, loss of virginity, dom!reader, afab reader, reader is wearing a skirt, praise fetish, oral (m receiving), consent is sexy. cum swallowing, a whole lot basically a/n: pls request sum stuff!! i looveee to write for y'all >;3

tamaki is dressed up in a suit that is tailored perfectly to him, showing off the toned body he's spent years creating. he doesn't feel good though, as he just left the bi-annual ranking ceremony of the top heroes. those things always make him anxious. reporters sticking microphones in his face, expectations placed upon him... even thinking back to what he said makes him want to curl up into a ball. now, he's sitting in a little ... coffee shop? bar? he doesn't know what it actually is, but he's got privacy in his booth and that's all he needs right now. until you walk over to him, outfitted in your waitress uniform your boss required of you to work there. the hem of the dress barely covered the plush of your thighs, and tamaki caught himself gawking for a moment before he turned away, flushed. you stop in front of his table and flash him a smile, setting his green tea down. he nervously smiles back and thanks you, and you straighten up and saunter away, almost teasingly.

it takes him a moment to recover as drinks his tea and takes deep breaths to calm down from that, and the anxiety-inducing day he's had in general. he can’t focus on anything that happened earlier in his day though, still thinking about the pretty smile you gave him and the way your legs moved as you walked away from him. a whole lot of murmuring to himself and semi-perverted thoughts later, he’s ready to pay and head home to rest.

it’s just you and one other co-worker on the job tonight, so you’re working the register as he pays. you hand him his cash back, along with a napkin with some writing on it.

“thank you !” he stammers out

you smirk at him and reply, “you’re welcome, suneater.”

~

a few days later, the hero is nervously fidgeting with the napkin that had your number and name written on it back at his pent house.

he had called you the day after you had given him your number, and you had been texting each other since then. you boldly initiated most, if not all, conversations between the two of you. it’s not that tamaki was dry, he was just so nervous.

yesterday, you asked him if you could come over and check out his beautiful house his hero money could afford him. he, of course, said yes excitably.

he thinks you’re perfect. you’re confident, intelligent, and hardworking. even if you aren’t working a high-end job, you still put in effort to make the best out of it. even through texts, your personality shines and your ambitions are clear. how could he possibly say no to you?

tamaki starts to get ready, putting on a button up shirt and pants that seem a little too formal for just a friend coming over to hang out, but he wants to make a good impression. he’s excited to see you.

after he’s finished tidying up his living room, his doorbell rings. he opens his door to find you, standing there in a skirt even shorter than the one that was apart of your uniform and a cute tank top that accentuates your tits.

he noticeably gapes for a moment before welcoming you inside, blushing intensely. you giggle a little at his cute mannerisms and he offers you some tea and a little tour, which you accept.

he shows you around the house, telling you the stories of all the little heirlooms he has around, and the two of you end up bonding over similar interests. you notice the way he looks away nervously when your eyes meet, and you can’t help but think he is adorable.

tamaki is just too sweet to resist.

one minute, he’s sitting you down in his living room, on the couch, offering to watch a movie or a tv show, the next, your face is a few inches from his.

“you’re really too cute, suneater.” you tell him, looking up at him with wide eyes.

“th.. thank you, i think you’re cute too, not in like a weird way but like…” he mutters out, shocked by your sudden closeness.

you cut off his stammering and embarrassment by kissing him softly, only for a few moments. you pull back from him, and even after one kiss he's left breathless. "do you want to go further?" you ask him before you try anything else. he quickly nods, and you know you've got him in the palm of your hand. you kiss him again, but deeper and slowly. tamaki starts to breathe heavily through his nose, leaning into the kiss intensely. he's sloppy and uncoordinated, practically screaming "virgin", so you had to ask. "are you a virgin, tamaki?" his face heated up, and even though you probably knew the answer by the look on his face, he still nodded. "aww, sweet boy," you cooed, "don't be embarrassed, i can lead you through it." you pushed him to lay on his back on the leather of the couch and he looked up at you with nervous doe eyes. he watched you closely as you pulled your shirt up and over your head, his adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed. you sat on his lap and slowly rode him, your clothed cunt becoming wet with slick that was seeping onto his pants. you gave tamaki a show as your ground on him and unhooked your bra, tossing it to the side. you were left in just your skirt and underwear, and not even that for long. tamaki's heart was pounding through his chest when you put your hand on his shoulder to encourage to sit up and put his face into your tits. "they're for you, baby" you reassured him. experimentally, he put his mouth around one of your nipples and put his hand on your free breast, toying with it. he moaned softly when you put your hand in his hair. you let him have his fun for a few moments before pulling back and assisting him with removing his shirt. he already looked flushed out. "too much?" you asked, patting him softly. "n-no, i'm okay." "okay, pretty boy." you continued and helped him remove his pants. hooking a finger in the waistband of his boxers and pulling, his cock sprung out, leaking with pre. "you have such a cute cock, tama." you preened he smiled softly and thanked you. tamaki was sitting up, while you were in between his legs as you began to give little kisses to the tip of his dick. he made small whimpering noises. you licked a long stripe from the base all the way up to the head, and he gasped. you started to play with his balls softly in one hand while jerking him off with the other hand. your hand paid attention to the base as you used your mouth to suck on the tip. "ha, hah~" he moaned out. taking his moans of satisfaction as motivation, you began to pick up the pace. he started to get louder and louder and you knew he was going to cum soon. he called out your name and said, "i-i'm gonna-" "cum for me baby, c'mon, don't be shy" with a throaty moan, he came, and you stuck out your tongue to catch every drop and swallowed it, looking into his eyes to tease him further. he shyly covered his face with his hand in attempt to avert his eyes, but you stopped him and put his arm back by his thigh. "don't hide sweetheart~" you cooed "y-you look so pretty, i can't handle it." "you can do it for me, cutie pie." you took off your remaining clothes and climbed onto his lap, your pussy sitting atop his cock. "are you ready, baby?" you asked "yes, i-i am." you sat up on your knees, slowly pushing yourself down on his cock as it pushed you open. tamaki was whimpering slightly, feeling overstimulated already.

you moaned in comfort once he was fully in, and he smiled knowing he made you feel good. you began to slowly bounce up and down, and tamaki had no problems with the pace, as it felt more sensual to him and better for his first time. "you're doing so good" you told him as you brushed back some of his hair. the two of you were chest to chest, and he nuzzled into your neck to stifle whimpers. you sped up your pace, and he was quickly becoming unable to handle the way your pussy clenched at him and hugged his cock.

tamaki groaned out, and suddenly you felt his warm cum being pushed into your cervix. his eyes got heavy and his breathing was slowing.

“you did such a good job cumming for me, sweet boy,” you praised, “but i haven’t finished yet. be a good boy and help me feel good, okay?”

his eyes were brimming with tears from the overstimulation, as you hadn’t stopped riding him. he nodded and said, “i’ll be g-good for you!”

you smiled at him, slowly getting off him. you turned around and bent yourself over and arched your back, presenting your wet pussy to him.

for a few moments, he was mesmerized. he sat up and took his finger to your slit, playing with it and massaging your clit. you praised him with your moans and “good boy, tamaki”s.

he lined up with your cunt and pushed in, relishing in the way you squeezed him. he started out very slow.

“c’mon baby, harder for me.” you asked

tamaki whispered out, “i-i don’t know if i can take it…”

“i know you can, for me.”

he sped up his pace, quickly moving to please you. his normally quiet apartment was filled with the noise of his skin colliding with yours. tamaki whined, his recently virgin cock overstimulated by the pure feeling of the way your pussy clenched on him and pulled him in. you heard sniffles behind you and craned your head around to see tamaki pouring silent tears. noticing your concern, he managed out, "feels s' good!" you smiled wide at him, "you're so pretty when you cry, tama." the sight of tamaki sent you over the edge, and you climaxed on his dick and moaned out. he fucked you through the aftershocks of your orgasm, and then pulled out slowly and gently. you turned around and nearly collapsed on him, pushing him to lay back down on his couch, arm hooked around you. you both laid there, breathing deep, for a moment. "how was your first time?" you asked, placing your hand on his chest and gliding your fingers on his skin. "it was amazing, and i had it with the perfect person." ~

[deerlysacred]

↬ cedar closets ⧼ young!dean winchester x witch fem!reader ⧽

𐂂 𝄢 { the day after your dad's funeral, someone knocks at your door... }

𖣂 𝄢 angsty, reader's dad was emotionally absent, reader has daddy issues, some insensitive dark jokes between dean and reader with the shock and the awkwardness of the situation. dean and reader are at least 18 years old.

♪ inspired by the song 'peter' by taylor swift.

‼️ 𝄢 i do not own supernatural or any of its characters; all rights belong to their respective creators. this is purely a work of fan fiction for entertainment purposes only, with no intention of profit.

The warm water ran scalding hot, but you didn't flinch. It poured over your hands like punishment, reddening skin already raw from too much scrubbing, too much soap, too much cold in the middle of the freezing February, too much time spent trying to wash away thoughts that wouldn't rinse clean, now stuck to you like a birth mark. The sink was filled with cloudy water and bubbles, tiny remains of vegetables and meat flushing away, some of them sticking to your fingers, finishing the last of the dishes from the funeral luncheon yesterday. The gray daylight were lightening your palms where you were gripping the sponge too tightly. If you pressed any harder, you could have break the plate between your fingers.

You wished you would. At least that would break the sickening silence.

The funeral ended yesterday, but the house still smelled like wilted flowers and too-sweet perfume scent lingering from the guests. The whole place smelled and looked like a hospital basically, soulless and unsettling. It felt like a hospital room too. You looked at the pale white lilies that sat on the kitchen counter, their scent thick enough to choke on. You didn't remember who brought them. You didn't remember much about the service, actually— just the tightness in your throat, the ache in your chest (that still lingered), the weight of eyes on you, and the priest's hollow words, the words you were pretty sure he recycled from the last funeral he went to.

"Good man. Brave. Family meant everything to him."

Family.

Your grip tightened around the chipped plate in your hands, and for a moment, you thought about hurling it against the wall just to hear something shatter. But you didn't. You never do, actually. Instead, you scrubbed harder, scraping at the dried remnants of some casserole an aunt or cousin left behind, making the cracks on your knuckles bleed ever so slightly.

He was a good man. And that was the worst part, right? He meant well. Loved you, in his own way. But love doesn't hold much meaning when it mostly involves never-kept-promises and just a kiss on the forehead, does it?

"We'll go fishing this summer, kid. Just you and me." Never happened. "I'll be there for your graduation this time." Missed it again. "I love you more than anything, sweetheart." Maybe true, but love was a quiet thing with him, stretched thin like old elastic— ready to snap if you pulled too hard.

The plate slipped from your numb fingers and hit the floor with a sharp crack. You flinched, your heart thudding like you've been caught doing something wrong. But there was no one here to notice. No one ever really was, was there?

Well, Dad. Guess I learned how to clean up the messes all by myself.

You dropped the shards into the trash and turned back to the sink. There was still a little more dishes.

You were just about to open the faucet back when the sudden knock knock knock at the door made you jump. Your heart stuttered, you weren't expecting anyone. Your family knew you'd come by later, it couldn't be any of the relatives since they were all at your aunt's house right now. Your mom had nearly collapsed this morning, grief catching up to her all at once, and all of the relatives took her with them to your aunt's house. You had stayed there too until your mother was stable, then slipped back home with the excuse of tidying up. But really, you just needed the quiet.

You eventually moved towards the front door, Dear God, please— don't let it be another person coming to say how sorry they are. You hesitated just long enough for another knock to come, firmer this time. You pulled it open, and the first thing you saw was a brown leather jacket.

Then green eyes.

Then flowers?

Your brain took an extra second to catch up, cataloging the details— the boy in front of you had a little dishevelled yet charmingly styled dirty blond hair, his jawline was sharp, the brown leather jacket on him (though it looked a little oversized) suited him, there were freckles dusting under his eyes and on his nose, he held himself there like he wasn't used to standing still for too long. He was around your age, maybe a little older, and something about his face was… guarded. Like he wasn't sure how to do this either.

"Uh, hey. Y/N, I suppose?" His voice came rough, then he cleared his throat, shifting on his boots. "I'm Dean. My dad —John Winchester— he, uh, couldn't make it. Sent me instead. Hope that's alright."

Your fingers curled into the doorframe, grounding yourself against the swirl of emotions in your chest. Winchester. John Winchester. You knew the name. You'd heard your father say it before, in passing, in stories about hunts and after-hunt celebrations they drank and hung out. You knew about his sons, how John basically drags them all over the country trying to find the demon that killed his wife and the mother of Dean and Sam.

Your gaze flickered to the white roses he held, then back to him.

He was fidgeting now a little, rubbing at the back of his neck with one hand, like the silence between you was stretching a little too long for his liking, where it just became awkward at some point. His expression shifted to something more shy, something uncertain pulling at the corners of his mouth.

Oh God, say something.

Your throat felt tight when you finally spoke quietly. "I… um. Yeah. That's fine."

You cleared your throat, stepping back just enough to let him in. "You —uh, you can come in, if you want." Your voice was still quieter than you wanted it to be. You should sound normal. Like a person who knows how to talk to other people.

Dean hesitated, then stepped inside. He glanced around, taking in the neatness, the dim yellow glow of the lamps against the cold gray light from the window. He didn't say anything about the smell of lemon cleaner or the way everything looked like someone had been moving just to keep from thinking. But it was the nose thing you notice. He barely crossed the threshold before his face pinched, and he wiped at his nose with the side of his hand, trying to be subtle about it.

Oh my God. Did I actually clean so hard I fumigated the house?

Your cheeks heated up. You'd been too focused on cleaning non-stop to not think about your dad to realize the lemon cleaner was practically radiating off the walls. It was not just 'clean' in here; it was chemical warfare.

He held out the bouquet, a little stiffly. "Uh, these are for you. Or your mom. Or— y'know. Whoever needs 'em."

You blinked at the flowers, then up at him.

For a guy who looked like he'd rather be anywhere else, he was trying. Really trying.

Your fingers brushed against his when you took them, the touch brief, but enough to send a tiny jolt of awareness through you. You ignored it. Not the time, brain. Not the time.

"Thanks," you murmured, voice softer now. The weight of the moment pressed in again, the reminder of why he was here, why any of this was happening at all. You swallowed, hugging the bouquet against your chest for a second before nodding towards the living room. "You can, um. Sit in there. If you want. My mom's not home."

Dean hesitated again, then followed your lead, stepping carefully into the quiet space you had just been cleaning. And there it was again— that almost imperceptible twitch of his nose. He rubbed at it with the side of his hand, trying to be cool about it.

You bit your bottom lip, fighting the urge to shrink into yourself, embarassed. "Uh," you blurted, shifting the bouquet awkwardly in your arms. "Sorry if it smells like a citrus crime scene in here. Got a little… carried away earlier."

Dean snorted, the corner of his mouth tugging up like he hadn't meant to find that funny. "Yeah, I was startin' to wonder if someone died from lemon poisoning."

You blinked when you heard that. He froze, looking like he mentally slapped himself.

"Shit, I didn't mean—" he muttered, eyes widening like he wanted to take the words back and swallow them whole.

"No, no, it's fine." You cut him off quickly, you laughed weakly to not make it weird (which made it even weirder now that you actually laughed at his kinda dark joke), your voice cracking a little. "Accidentally making insensitive jokes at wrong times, happens to best of us. I actually even came to the brink of laughing during the funeral — not that any of it was funny… It just feels annoying and absurd when you see your cousins fighting for the last meatball on the plate while you try not to throw up thinking about your dad's death."

Well, that definitely didn't make it any weirder. Good job.

The (even darker) joke hung awkwardly for a second, both of you standing there like badly programmed NPCs who glitched mid-conversation. Dean nodded and tried to smile, shifting his weight.

"Right, still. Sorry."

You nodded, looking down at the roses— too perfect, too bright against the dull ache of the house. You moved towards the side table near the hallway, where an old ceramic pitcher sat empty, setting the bouquet down. "Umm… I'll just… put these here." you mumbled.

The silence crept back in, thick and suffocating. Dean settled awkwardly onto the couch, his fingers tapping against his knee. You could tell he wasn't sure what to do with himself, just sitting there with all the heavy silence pressing in, eyes flicking from the flowers to you and back again. The awkwardness made you fidget and stall a little.

"Okay," you said, this time too loud, too sudden. "Window. Gonna open a window. Before you suffocate and add another funeral to the roster."

Dean huffed a laugh, shaking his head. "Appreciate that. Didn't really plan on goin' out via lemon-scented asphyxiation."

God, it's a contest for who makes more insensitive and unfunny jokes at this point.

You darted towards the nearest window, flipping the latch with more force than necessary. The cold air hit you like a sharp slap, slowly clearing out the smell. You cleared your throat as you turned to him, glancing down at your hands, then back at him. "Uh, do you want something? To drink, I mean. Water? Tea? Coffee?"

Dean perked up a little, nodding, he spoke with a gentle tpne. "Coffee'd be great, actually."

You nodded back and turned towards the near kitchen, grateful for the excuse to move. The whole situation felt surreal— this random boy sitting on your couch, his presence both unfamiliar yet strangely comforting in a way you couldn't quite place. Handling grown adults were fine, there was supposed to be a respectful and distant dynamic naturally. But people your age? And to top it all, a boy? That was a whole other deal, you hated this. You absolutely hated having to keep conversation while there was no one else, especially when you were grieving like now.

As you poured the coffee, you could hear him shifting on the couch, clearing his throat like he was gearing up to say something. "So, uh… you're a witch, huh?"

Your hands paused over the cups for half a second before you forced yourself to keep moving. Of course, he'd bring that up.

"Yeah," glancing at him over your shoulder. "My mom's the witch, my mom's bloodline. My dad wasn't."

Dean nodded slowly, like he was treading carefully. "Right. Gotcha." He hesitated, then leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees. "Not gonna lie, that's… kinda new for me. Usually, when I hear 'witch,' it's not in a good way."

You smirked a little, walking back to the living room and setting his cup down on the coffe table in front of him. "Well, I promise I didn't put any weird potions in it."

Dean huffed a quiet laugh, and the tension in the room lightened just a little. He took the coffee with a murmured thanks, blowing on it before taking a sip. Then, after a moment, he set it back down and cleared his throat again.

"You need help with anything?" he asked, glancing around the too-clean house.

You shook your head quickly, you said "No." quickly. Too quickly. Too defensive. Dean raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. His green eyes sizing you up as he tilted his head like a confused puppy.

"C'mon, there’s gotta be something. I mean, you've been running around cleaning for so long, obviously. I'm sure there's lots of work to be done, I can't just sit here."

You hesitated, gripping your own cup a little tighter as you spoke quietly, admitting. "I… I was gonna sort through some of my dad's stuff. In the attic. But I can do it later."

Dean nodded, thoughtful. "Or, we could do it now. Y'know… together."

You bit your lip, looking down at the steam curling from your cup. You wanted to say no. You should've said no. But the idea of going up there alone, of shifting through your dad's things with nothing but silence around— it felt unbearable.

"…Okay," you finally said, barely above a whisper. "Yeah. Alright."

Dean stood up with a small, relaxed smile. "Lead the way."

You two climbed up carefully, the attic ladder creaked under your weight as you climbed up first, carefully pulling yourself onto the wooden floorboards. The air was thick with dust and the faint scent of aged wood, the gray light was shining through a small window. Dean followed close behind, his boots thudding against the rickety steps.

"Woah, there's a lot of stuff here.” he muttered, brushing cobwebs off his sleeve as he straightened up. His eyes flicked around the attic, taking in the assortment of stacked boxes, old furniture covered in sheets, some closets and a few worn-out hunting tools shoved in the corners.

You hugged your arms around yourself, exhaling. "Yeah… My dad never threw anything away. Said everything had a memory attached to it. My mom hated this habit of his, lots of stuff and junk led to a mess naturally."

Dean laughed quietly. "Sounds like my dad, except replace 'memories' with 'potentially useful crap'. Old man still keeps a damn broken tape and unnecessary maps of the forests located at the other side of the world."

That pulled a small smile from you. Dean kicked at the dust on the floor, then turned his attention to the boxes. "So, what are we lookin' for? Just… anything?"

You nodded, kneeling beside one of the boxes. "My mom will eventually donate some of these stuff, I'm sure of it. I just want to go through around here, see what's worth keeping. At least, for me to keep for myself."

Dean crouched down beside you, resting his forearms on his knees. "Yeah. I get that."

You glanced at him, hesitating. "Did you ever keep anything of your mom's?"

Dean was quiet for a second before he shifted, lifting his right hand. You saw a silver ring on his ring finger, he rubbed the ring with his thumb.

"This was hers," he said, voice softer than usual. "My dad said she'd used to wear it all the time. When she… y'know… my dad kept it. Didn't let me have it for years. Guess he thought I was too young or somethin'. But I wanted it. Needed it. It was all I had of her."

You watched the way his thumb brushed over the ring's surface, like it was instinct— like it was second nature to hold onto it, to make sure it was still there.

You spoke softly. "That's nice, having something to keep with you."

Dean nodded. "Yeah. It helps."

You swallowed hard, turning back to the boxes. You opened one, sifting through old books, worn-out leather wallets, and a few faded polaroids. But it wasn't until you reached into the bottom of another box that you felt something cool and metallic against your fingertips.

You pulled it out slowly, dusting off the grime to reveal an old, bronze necklace. The chain was simple, but the pendant—a small, circular sun shape with an engraved design— felt significant.

Dean leaned in, eyes narrowing. "That your dad's?"

You nodded, running your thumb over the pendant. "I think so. He never really wore jewelry, but I remember seeing this in old pictures. Probably from when he was younger."

Dean studied it for a moment, then exhaled through his nose, a small smile tugging at his lips. "You should keep it."

You hesitated, gripping the necklace a little tighter. "I don't know… it feels weird. Like it's not really mine."

Dean huffed, reaching out and plucking it from your hands before you could protest. "Well, it is yours now," he said simply, unclasping the chain. "C'mon, turn around."

You blinked up at him, your cheeks warming up. "What?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Turn around."

You hesitated before turning your back to him. The air felt heavier, your skin prickling as his fingers brushed against the nape of your neck. His touch was gentle, almost hesitant, as he fastened the clasp. The cool weight of the pendant settled against your collarbone.

"There," he murmured, his voice close— too close that you could feel the warmth of his breath, it tingled your insides. "Looks good on you."

You swallowed, suddenly hyper-aware of how warm the attic felt. You turned back around, fingers instinctively tracing over the necklace.

"Thanks." you said quietly, smiling.

Dean shrugged like it was nothing, but there was a softness in his expression, something almost shy. "Yeah. Anytime. Uh… Shall we?" He pointed to a nearby closet. You nodded, keep searching without really knowing what you were looking for. You focused on the closet, pulling out an old leather jacket that still smelled faintly of your dad's cologne. The scent hit you like an old memory, catching you off guard, but you swallowed it down and carefully wore the jacket, deciding to keep it for yourself.

"Hey." Dean muttered, catching your attention.

You turned your head to see him pull a slightly crumpled piece of paper from a folder. The edges were yellowed with time, and there was a faint smudge of ink where someone —probably you— had pressed too hard with a pen. That was a child's drawing— your drawing.

It was shaky, the proportions all wrong in the way kids never quite get right. A stick-figure version of your dad stood tall, with big hands and a lopsided smile. Next to him, a smaller figure —your younger self— clutched onto his hand. Above, a huge sun and some cloud figures, a couple of trees and flowers were there too. Above the drawing, in messy, unsteady handwriting, were the words: 'Me and Daddy!!!' with some heart drawings.

Dean chuckled softly, looking at you. "This yours?"

Your heart ached. Your fingers moved before you could stop them, reaching out and taking the paper from his hands. Not in an unkind manner but sudden, instinctive.

Dean blinked, clearly catching the movement, but he didn't say anything at first. He just watched as you stared at the drawing, your grip careful but firm, like you weren't sure whether you wanted to protect it or crumple it up entirely. After a short minute, Dean spoke, voice softer than before. "Your dad must've been a real good father."

A sharp exhale left your lips. You swallowed, blinking a few times, but your throat still felt tight.

The words should've been easy to agree with. He was your dad. You should be able to nod and say yeah, he was great, and let the conversation move on.

"He tried," you murmured, voice unsteady. "He wasn't… bad or anything. He just— he was never really there. Not in the way that mattered."

You wet your lips, fingers tightening around the drawing as you kept speaking. "He loved me, I know that. But he was always… distant. Like, he'd be in the same room, but it was like he wasn't really there. Always thinking about something else. Work, hunts, whatever it was that kept him busy." Your voice wavered, but you pushed forward. "He sometimes showed up for things —birthdays, school stuff— but never in the way I needed him to. I could feel him not really wanting to be there, he would just want to get over with it and move on as soon as that event passed. He never showed effort in a way that felt… enough."

Dean's jaw tensed, his gaze flickering over your face. He nodded, almost to himself, like he understood that very well. "Yeah, I get that."

You looked up at him, your chest feeling tight. "You do?"

Dean let out a small breath, running a hand through his hair. "My dad, he… he was there, technically. Raised me and Sam. Taught me everything I know. But mostly, it was about hunting. Orders. What we had to do. Didn't get a whole lot of time for… y'know. Other stuff." He glanced at you, a flicker of something unreadable in his expression. "Guess I always told myself that's just the way things had to be after mom's death. We could never have a normal life, I accepted that since I was a kid. That's just… how my dad was supposed to be. He was a man grieving. He was a guy who was angry all the time. A guy who didn't really see me unless it had somethin' to do with a hunt. I used to think if I did everything right— like listened to him, followed orders, never messed up, hunted a freakin' werewolf on my own— he'd actually look at me, y'know?"

You nodded, your grip on the drawing tightening. "Yeah, I know. I used to leave drawings on the fridge. Every time he came home, I thought —maybe this time, he'd look at them. Maybe this time, he'd say something about them. But he never did. Same thing with gifts, I never actually saw him use the cups I bought for him, or wear the clothes I chose for him. Hell, I even ditched school and didn't study for my grades just so he could scold me, even if that was a bad light he saw me in. He would say something, do something that would show he actually cared for me. "

You swallowed hard, staring down at the drawing, the drawing that the child in you reflecting and cheering the perfect dad she had. "At some point… I just stopped fighting for his attention, I stopped believing him."

Dean's brows furrowed slightly, his gaze sharpening. He didn't say anything, just let you keep talking.

"He always had these big promises," you murmured, voice cracking even more. "He'd say we'd go on a trip, or that he'd teach me how to do something— fix a car, go fishing, just… normal things. Things dads are supposed to do. And I believed him. Every time. Even when he forgot. Even when he didn't show up. But after a while, I just… stopped." you admitted, feeling something in your chest twist painfully, you were full of anger for that naive child in you, full of grief for her too. "Stopped believing it. Stopped waiting for him to keep his word. I didn't even ask anymore. I just knew— whatever he was doing was always going to be more important than me. There was always going to be a last-minute excuse, another 'I'll make up for it later' thrown into the broken promises jar. And now there's no way or time to make up for it, he's fucking dead. And I feel absolutely horrible complaining about this right now, I hate how I feel like I'm being a brat about his memory. Because at least he was there, I had my dad, showing me his effort or not. I had him, fuck, I miss him… Now it's too late, I can't even stay mad at him for not keeping his promises or not remembering things."

Dean's jaw ticked, and his hands flexed on his sides like he wanted to say something but was holding back.

You inhaled, pushing past the lump in your throat. "And when he did remember? When he actually showed up and acted like he cared?" You let out a small, humorless laugh. "I didn't even know how to react. It felt weird. Uncomfortable. Like— like he wasn't supposed to do that, y'know? I'd spent so long without it that when he actually tried to be affectionate, it just felt… wrong."

Dean finally spoke, his voice quiet. "Like a stranger tryin' to play house for a day."

You nodded slowly, putting the drawing away. "Yeah. Exactly like that."

A heavy silence stretched between you two, but it wasn't awkward this time. It was something else. Something real, something common you both felt.

Dean exhaled through his nose, looking down at his hands. "I, uh… I know the feeling. My dad, he—" He hesitated, then huffed a quiet laugh. "Man, I used to fight so hard for his attention. Always did what he wanted. Always tried to be what he needed me to be. Thought maybe if I did everything right, he'd—" Dean's jaw clenched for a second before he shook his head, clearly struggling to talk about his emotions. "Didn't work. Nothin' did. I stopped fighting for it too. Didn't mean I stopped wanting it, though."

Your chest ached at that.

Dean sighed, leaning back against one of the old trunks. "Guess we both know what it’s like to be second place."

You swallowed thickly, looking back down at the unstable lines, the little girl with the lopsided smile. You whispered, wiping the tears that you didn't realize have fallen. "Yeah, guess we do."

You weren't used to crying in front of people. You weren't used to people seeing you like this. And Dean— he was still sitting there, watching you with a worried expression, his brows slightly furrowed, his lips parted like he wanted to say something but couldn't find the words. His hands clenching like was turning something over in his head.

Then he seemed determined, like he finally decided. He took a step forward, slow and careful. He hesitated for a second— just a second, like he wasn't sure if he should, then he reached for you. Before you could even think, his arms were around you. The scent of leather and faded cologne curled around you as he pulled you in, his grip strong but not suffocating. One arm around your back, caressing your hair; the other around your shoulders, anchoring you to him. His chin rested lightly on top of your head, and for a moment, you forgot how to breathe.

He pulled you even closer if that was possible, like he could feel the way you slowly, finally let yourself melt into it. Relax in his hold, his arms.

"You're good," he muttered against your hair. "Just breathe."

You did. You didn't even realize you'd been holding it.

Your nose ached with the sudden sob you barely held back. "Promise?"

Dean patted your back, that gesture alone was enough to make you free that sob, letting him in. "Promise."

[atimeofyourlife]

A family Thanksgiving

This was supposed to be up yesterday, but it took on a mind of its own and instead of the few hundred words it was supposed to be, its nearly 3k. Happy belated Thanksgiving to anyone who celebrates! rated: t | wc: 2847 | cw: period typical homophobia, Steve's asshole parents

The offers from everyone to have him over for Thanksgiving had been great, any other year he would have loved such a choice, but for the first time in a long time, he was spending the day with family.

"But you hate your family." Dustin pointed out when Steve had told everyone about his holiday plans.

"No, I hate my parents. It's my grandma that asked me to go, and I want to see her and my cousins that I haven't seen in like five years. I'm driving myself to Chicago, so I won't be stuck in a car with my parents for hours on end." Steve explained.

"But you're working a late the day before, and I'm not going to cover you so you can drive up early" Robin replied.

"I'm planning on leaving by six on Thanksgiving morning. It's less than four hours to drive, so I'll be there before ten, well nine because of the timezone change. I took the late shift the day before so I had an excuse to drive myself, and my parents wouldn't have any reason to come by Hawkins before. And I drive home either the Friday or the Saturday, ready for our Sunday shift."

Come Thanksgiving day, Steve was somewhat regretting his decision. It had been nearly midnight before he'd gotten home, after a number of people came in just before closing insistent on needing a selection of movies ready for the next day. Then hadn't been happy when the movies they wanted weren't in stock, so they left the place a total mess, causing Steve to stay late to tidy up ready for the opener the next day. Then having to get up around five, so he could get ready and be on track to leave as planned. In an attempt to wake up, he was mostly surviving on a large cup of incredibly strong coffee. He was just counting down the minutes until he could get there.

When he walked in the door, he was immediately wrapped up in a hug from his grandma. "Stevie, it's so good to see you."

"It's great to see you too, Grandma." He returned the hug, melting into it a little. Exactly what he needed after the year it had been.

"Let me take a look at you." She stepped back slightly, giving him a once over. Her hand came up to trace the scar still on his neck from where he had been strangled by the bats and vines. "What happened here?"

"I. It's nothing. It looks a lot worse than it is." Steve replied, trying to get out of the awkwardness of the conversation.

"Oh, if you're sure. If you want to help with dinner, you can join us in the kitchen. But if you just want to rest, anyone who's watching football is in the living room, and the Macy's parade is on in the den."

"It's been a long drive, and I had a late finish last night, so I think I'm going to take a bit of a break. I might come out and help a bit later." He offered.

"Oh, honey. If you don't feel up to it, you don't need to help at all. Take it easy, and we'll call you once everything is ready." She kissed Steve on the cheek, before going back to the kitchen.

Steve made his way through the house, glancing into the living room as he passed. He could see his dad in one of the recliners, and decided against joining them. Wanting to delay the inevitable "you're a disappointment" lecture. He knew his mom would likely be in the kitchen, not actually helping, just drinking wine and gossiping. He moved on to the den, where most of his cousins were. He hovered in the doorway for a second, unsure what to say. So much had changed since the last time he had seen any of them.

"Wait, Stevie?" One of them, Lizzie, said as she looked up to see him.

"Uh, hey?" Steve replied, a little unsure, before he was being swamped in a group hug.

"Jesus Christ, when did this happen? Last time I saw you, you were like a little kid. Now you're a whole grown adult." Another, Mark, said.

After a long catch up, bringing Steve up to date on everyone else's lives, and him giving an abridged highlights of his last few years, they then got into more serious topics.

"Was everything okay after the earthquakes? I tried calling a few times, but I don't know if I had the wrong number because it never went through." Alice, the oldest of his cousins, asked.

"The phones were down across the whole town for a while after, then it was patchy for weeks after that. It was hard to get five or ten minutes without it dropping out. It took me like two weeks before I was able to get hold of mom and dad to let them know that the house was still standing, and that I was still alive." Steve explained.

"Wait, they weren't in Hawkins for the earthquakes?" Harry cut in.

"No, they've not been in Hawkins since February? Like over a month before it happened."

"Oh. They were telling us last night about how awful and hard it had been during the earthquakes, and how they were scared for their lives." Alice replied.

"That's such bullshit. They weren't in the country when it happened, they were in London. They didn't even know that it was Hawkins that was affected until I called them, because all they'd seen on the news was a freak earthquake hitting the Midwest. It hadn't even specified the state. And then they didn't care how I was, if I was hurt or anything, all they were interested in was if there was damage to the house, and how the earthquake could affect the resale value."

"Okay, I call dibs about bringing that up over dinner. I just want to see what shade of purple Uncle Dick can turn." Becca, the closest cousin to Steve in age, piped up. "But were you hurt?"

"Uh, minor injuries. Nothing serious." Steve lied, not wanting to worry anyone. "I was able to start volunteering within a couple of days. You know, helping out at the relief center, helping search for missing people. And when everything calmed down I was helping rebuild and stuff. Just trying to do my bit. But I'm fine now."

"That's good. But thinking of Uncle Dick turning purple, who gets to bring up Fuck Reagan?" Mark asked.

"Stevie's been through the most, I think he should get the chance." Alice replied.

"Uh, I think that would go down about as well as if I told him that my best friend is a dyke and I've spent most of my free time in the last six months sucking off the local drug dealer, who was accused of being a cult leader and murdering three people." Steve said quickly, unsure if he wanted anyone else to pick up what he'd said.

"Was that for drugs, or for fun, or what? Like a hook up?" Harry asked.

"He's my boyfriend. I mean, it helps that I get free weed out of him, but I'd do it anyway." Steve admitted.

"That is something you missed out of your round up. But I love that all of us are some variation of queer."

Dinner was...interesting, to say the least. After saying Grace, they went round the table to say what they were thankful for that year. Steve had to bite his lip to keep himself from laughing as his parents waxed on and on about how they were thankful for their lives and being able to escape the earthquake unscathed. He couldn't keep from laughing when Becca spoke up against them.

"Really? Because Alice asked Steve how he found it after the earthquakes, and he said that he couldn't reach you for two weeks after it happened because the phones were down and you were in London. And you didn't even know that it had hit Hawkins until he called you."

"Steven, why are you telling lies about us?" His mother demanded.

"I wasn't? You weren't in Hawkins when the earthquake hit. You've not been there since February. When I was finally able to call you, you only cared about how the house was, not if I was hurt. And you were pissed that I hadn't called you sooner, despite the fact the phone lines were down for the whole town. I could have died or been injured in hospital, and you wouldn't have known."

"How dare-" His father started, only to be cut off by Steve's grandmother.

"Settle down. There's no need for arguing. I am inclined to believe Steve, because I do remember you telling me that you were going to be spending a few months in Europe at the start of this year."

Both of Steve's parents were visibly unhappy, but they didn't push it any further, allowing the rest of the family to talk about what they were thankful for.

Many small conversations broke out over the table, Steve loving the feeling of being surrounded by family for the first time in a long time. He got pulled into talking to different people, but he did his best to avoid his parents' eye. Not wanting to get trapped by them telling him all the ways he had bothered them since he'd last seen them. But he knew they were up to something, when his father got up before dessert was served.

"Before we have anything else, we do have a big announcement about the future of our family." He said, using the voice he always used when talking to the most important clients.

"You've sucked enough political dick to get what ever tax exemption you were after?" Lizzie asked, before anyone could take it too seriously.

Steve's dad just spluttered in anger as a call of "Elizabeth." Came from at least four different people around the table.

"Ignoring that horrible interruption. What I was going to tell everyone is about Steven's imminent engagement. He is going to be proposing to Melissa Downey, the daughter of my business partner, at Christmas, they've been seeing each other for nearly eighteen months now, and it is going to mean big things for our family."

Steve couldn't respond, processing what had just been said, as everyone started speaking, some offering congratulations, others in confusion.

"That's news to me." Steve said loudly, to get over everyone's voices, once he could form the words. "I'm not planning on proposing to anyone."

"Well, Arthur and I have been discussing it, and it is the only thing that makes sense now, the two of you have been together for long enough, the logical next step is engagement."

"I'm not dating Melissa. We went on one date over a year ago, just after I graduated. It was awful, all she was interested in was if I made enough money to bankroll her spending addiction. I made up a fake emergency to get out of it, and I would rather stick forks in my eyes than suffer through that again." Steve got to his feet, bracing his hands on the table. Knowing he'd been right not to be optimistic that the holiday could pass without incident.

"You will if you know what's good for you. If you don't, it could destroy our business. You wouldn't want to be the reason we go broke, would you? You could end up homeless. Where would you live?"

"First, I have plenty of friends who would be happy to take me in if I had nowhere else to go. It's something we talked about after the earthquake, because some people I know did have damage caused to their homes and I let them stay with me until they could move back in. Second, I don't really care about whether or not you go broke. You don't provide any money to me. You haven't since I started working at Scoops. I pay for all my food, gas, clothes. If you go broke, my financial position won't change at all. And third, I can't propose to her. I'm in a relationship, and we're both very happy."

"Is it that Buckley girl? Or did you somehow manage to convince that Wheeler girl that you're actually worth something? Because I can tell you now, you are going to break up with whatever little slut-"

"His name is Eddie." Steve shouted before he could think it through, and a silence fell across the room. "That's right. Your son is one of those awful queers that you keep campaigning against, to keep them illegal and get them locked up. And you know what? He's easily the best sex I've ever had. Especially when we get high first."

"Why you-" His father roared, his face turning a dark red in anger. "How dare you do this to us? After everything we have done for you. You'd better hope that those friends of yours would be willing to take you in, because you are not living under my roof any longer. You will have until the end of the weekend to collect your belongings, anything left will be burned."

"Except, it isn't your roof, is it Richard? If I remember correctly, I was the one who paid the mortgage. My name is the one on the deed to the property in Hawkins. I just allowed you to live there, rent-free might I add, because it made sense for you to live somewhere close to Indianapolis when your business was taking off. I had been planning to sell up. So I think maybe you should be the one to collect your belongings from that house, because I'm not sure if I want you living under my roof any longer. It sounds life you're almost never there, anyway." Steve's grandma replied.

"But, mother-" His father started.

"But nothing, Richard. I don't know where you learnt your hateful attitude, because I know I did not raise you to be the sort of man that would kick your own son out over something as minor as who he loves. I really thought you were a better man than that."

"It's disgusting." Steve's mother added. "So unnatural, and that disease."

"What is disgusting is your bigotry. I think I want you both out from under my roof, now. So, if you would both kindly leave. And I expect you to move your belongings from the house in Hawkins, as that is now Steve's house, not yours. And you better not touch anything that isn't yours, or cause any damage, because I will take legal advice." Steve's grandmother stood up, anger radiating from her tiny five foot frame. "And, unless you change and apologize for your outdated beliefs, you can forget any inheritance. I will not have any of my money going to support hatred."

"Mother,"

"Leave, Richard. Now. I'm not afraid to get the police involved here."

Steve's parents looked at him with their faces filled with utter disgust, before they turned and left. His grandmother escorting them off the property.

"Are you okay, Stevie?" His grandmother asked after the end of the meal.

"I. I think so. I think I need to make a couple of phone calls." He replied.

"Use any of the phones, dear. Maybe if you know someone who can keep an eye on the house."

"Yeah. I babysit for the chief of police sometimes, so I might call him. He'll make sure nothing happens."

"Good. And, if you're talking to that boy of yours, tell him that he's got to come up here for Christmas. I want to meet him, and make sure he's good enough for you."

"Grandma." Steve protested.

"I'm just saying." She replied before walking away.

Steve shut himself in one of the bedrooms, for a little privacy from the still crowded house while he made the calls. The call to Hopper was quick, just outlining what was going on, and Hopper agreed to keep a check on the house until Steve was back in Hawkins. Then it was the call to Eddie.

"Baby, I wasn't expecting you to call. How's your Thanksgiving?"

"Interesting. My parents decided to announce that I was going to propose to dad's business partner's daughter. They wouldn't accept that I wasn't interested in her so I accidentally came out."

"Shit, I hope that didn't go too bad?"

"Uh, it could have gone worse? Somehow me coming out got my parents removed from the will and kicked out of the house. Because my grandma wasn't happy with them being assholes about it."

"Oh, badass grandma. I kinda want to meet her now."

"I was hoping you would say something like that. Because she has told me that you have to come here for Christmas. She wants to make sure that you're good enough." Steve couldn't help smiling as he talked, somehow the day had gone so much better than he'd ever hoped.

[mrghostrat]

Big Name Feelings - 15/17

“Can I have a tour?” he asked. “You’re not busy, are you—?” “Of course not!” Aziraphale’s eyes brightened and he hoisted himself up to his feet, only taking a moment to straighten out his shirt before turning back to the camera with a proud, gleeful smile. “I cleaned the whole house yesterday, so the timing’s actually perfect. Let’s pretend it always looks this way.” “Oh, good.” Crowley cleared his throat and threw a glance over his shoulder. “Just don’t look behind me, and we’ll pretend mine’s just as tidy.”

[alltoolewis]

Timeless- Mason Mount

I'm finally off for the summer & finally back writing! This one is super special and is inspired by timeless by Taylor swift, if you haven't heard the vault track please listen to it while reading this! This has to be one of my favourite things I have ever wrote... Hope you all enjoy & I can't wait to write more! Hope this apologies for my absence Love you guys x

P.S I will not comment on him leaving to united btw... as Liverpool fan I am devasted 😒

Summary- When you and Mason are cleaning your nan's attic you discover a book of your grandparents love story... helping Mason think of the perfect anniversary present for you...

Words- 2.6k

"Mase please.." you squealed as he wrapped his arms around you from behind, taking you by surprise as you continued to search through the old dusty boxes "This really needs doing and I never would of agreed to let you help if I knew you'd be messing around like this!" You didn't realise that agreeing to clean you nan's old attic would result in your clingy boyfriend of almost 5 years joining you. What was suppose to be a solo task, turned into a duo one the minute his brown eyes grew wide at your claim that you were leaving him for a couple of hours alone.

"I didn't know showing my beautiful girlfriend of 5 years love was classed as messing around..." he pouted, loosening his grip of you but of course not fully as his arm still hovered your waist. "It's not 5 years yet loser" You smirked, throwing something you believed was an old sock that was hiding in the box at him "We're still 3 weeks of that title!"  You still couldn't believe that it had already been that long. It felt like just yesterday that he caught your attention in the dimmed lightened room, his laugh being the loudest noise as the speakers blaring out the music you had always hated silenced, allowing you to hear what has since been your favourite sound. Since that night you had been by each others side, through the ups and downs, the spot next to him was always yours and vice versa... there was no Mason without (y/n) and he prayed there'd never have to be!

Silence filled the room once more, however the smiles never faded as you sorted through all your nans precious things. Growing up you never thought of your nan as a hoarder, her house was also tidy barely anything on display except the odd pictures of core memories but little did she know that she kept the purest things locked up here. From her old ballet shoes to her old school books, her old prom dress to a rock she found on her secret dates with your late grandfather... she kept everything.

"What's this?" Mason asked curiously, lifting up a book covered in dust and cobwebs. Being nosy of his new finding, you quickly went to where he was sitting next to him on the old fragile footstool, floor creaking as you did so. Your eyes hovered over the brown book in his hands, that it was safe to say that  time has took its toll on. Crouching down in front of him, your hand swept across the front cover, tears immediately filling your eyes as you read the words...

'THE STORY OF ANNIE & JOHN'

The words were followed by a photo of them together, smiles brighter than the stars as the look of love was written in there eyes. You had already heard the story of your grandparents many times from your nan... but seeing it in hidden pictures made your whole world freeze.

Noticing the sudden emotion in your face, Mason sighed "You okay, darling?" wiping away the fallen tears as they fell down your cheek, letting his hand hover there as a guard. Nodding, you gulped "Yeah... yeah I'm good.." Smiling he patted his knee, silencing telling you to come over which of course you obeyed. 

Now the book was on your knee as Mase held you tightly on his lap, head leaning over your shoulder as he traced comforting shapes on your arm. "Are you going to have a look honey?" He could see your clear hesitation to open it, as your hands strummed over the outskirts of the pages. Apart of you wanted to open the book, see the love of your grandparents everybody talked so dearly about, the love that was always compared to yours and Masons, however the other part of you couldn't help but think you were invading the privacy... you knew there story like the back of your hand. A secret romance that was forbidden by there families, your grandmother being in a privileged family who had a tradition to pick other privileged people for there children to fall in love with. While your grandad was the son of the maid, 2 years older than her but fell head over the heels the second he caught eyes with in his word 'a princess' They hidden what they had for years, scared that there families would tear them apart... but faith took its role and 12 years later they were happily married as a runaway couple, ready to start there new lives together.

As your mind wondered away, you felt his hand lace over yours, squeezing it tightly "It's okay (y/nn)? She would want you to see this??" You knew he was right... she'd be screaming for you to open it if she was there. Listening to him, you squeezed his hand back before opening it up. 

The pages looked just as battered as the front cover, but the love was still clear as rain. The book had different chapters, just like a fairy tale. It began with there first year, where your pop's mum first got the job and he was allowed to be involved in the staff picture where your grandmother stood just 5 people away. 

"I didn't know your grandad was in the war.." Mason whispered, scared to ruin the moment as you were flicking through there years together. It was there 7th year 'together'... the year your dad got drafted to fight in the war. "He didn't want to go" You mumbled back, hand touching the envelopes your nan had clearly stuck in the book "He wanted to stay with her although no one knew about them... he wrote her love letters, signed them off as Dave so no one knew it was from him"

"Didn't she call him Dave all the time..." Mason chuckled, squeezing your hip gently. He only had a few years with your nan, while with your pops he only had 1 short one & for the longest time he was convinced he was called 'Dave' "Yep!" You giggled back "Even after all those years together she still called him it. It was there secret code word..."

For the next couple of hours you flipped through the rest of the book, pausing to read the letters, see the small details of the grainy images. From there wedding to the birth of your mum, from the day they ran away together to the day your grandad came back to find your nan had been set up to marry someone else... it had all be recorded in the book.

Your heart broke when you flipped to the last filled page in the book, your grandads order of service leaflet from his funeral. Your heart broke even more when it came clear that your nan had placed it in by herself... ending there story together...

Noticing the tears falling faster down your face, Mason closed the book placing it gently down as he wrapped his arms tighter than ever around you, allowing you to sob in his chest. He didn't say much as you cried, just rubbed your back and whispered a few words of comfort, knowing what you needed most was time to absorb what you just saw.

Once you calmed down, you lifted your head back up to look at his warm brown eyes, his hand instantly going to your cheek "They we're amazing (y/n).." He smiled, causing you to mirror it back "They would been so happy you got to witness it through there eyes..."

"They were timeless..." You breathed out, looking down to the book on the floor that was bound to come home with the two of you.

"Just like we will be.."

Your head shot up to look at him with blood shot eyes "You think?"

"Oh I know we will!" He smiled, causing you to cuddle deeper into him "I hope so Mase..."

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

3 weeks later.....

"Mase stop!" You laughed as he picked you as you went to put the key in your new shared home in manchester  "Please stop we need to get in before it rains... stop messing around!"

"I didn't know showing my girlfriend of 5 years of affection was classed as messing around..." He sulked as your laugh continued to echo around the house, taking the heels that had killed your feet all night "and before you start I can call you that now!!"

"I know..." You smiled, turning around to wrap your arms around his neck, pulling him in for a kiss, one of many that day "and I couldn't be prouder to now say it.." Mason returned the kiss as he muttered I love you, which of course you mumbled back. Somehow you two ended up in your bedroom, his jacket through on the floor as the zipper on your dress began to be pulled down.

Just as it was about to get even more heated, he pulled back causing you to sigh dramatically. "Don't be dramatic lovie, we have all night to do that.." He laughed, dragging you to the end of the bed "But first I want to give you your final present of the night.."

"but mase you've already given me loads today.." You groaned, hating how much he had already spoiled you today. Giving you far to many presents, making you bed in breakfast and then taking you to the fanciest restaurant in Manchester. You honestly didn't know how he'd make the day even better before he pulled out a box placing it gently on your knee... "Now this one is kind of for the both of us..." He smiled wrapping his arm around you "But I think you'll appreciate it.."

Carefully, you untied the little red bow on the box lifting the box up with the expectation of finding more personalised jewellery. However your heart dropped to the floor as you saw something you'd never thought you'd see...

A book... Similar to the one of your grandparents but instead of there names it read...

'THE STORY OF (Y/N) & MASON'

And just like the other one, a picture displayed below it. One of you and him at the champions league final, your smiles brighter than stars and the same look of love they had.

"Oh my god M-Mase..." You speechlessly gasped, covering your mouth as tears escaped your eyes "I c-can't believe it.."

His eyes mirrored yours with tears as he placed his hand on top of yours "Open it darling.." He whispered, voice full of love "Don't be scared to read this one... it's ours only"

Listening to him like always, you opened the book, smile immediately spreading across your face as you flipped through to see the many filled pages of your story so far.  The first day you met at that party, the first selfie you took together, your first chelsea game, the day you moved together... every memory shared together was captured in perfect unison to the orginal.

"I didn't even know this exsisted!" You laughed messily, as you looked at the picture of you drunkenly asleep on Mason's lap at his Chelsea leaving party. You couldn't remember much of that day, other than you drunk the night away in hope that it took the sting away from living the beloved club and city... 

"Ben took..." Mason smirked "He sent it me the next day along with the video of you doing my celebration on top of the table..."  "Please say that's a joke.." You muttered as you hid your head in embarrassment, hoping that he  was lying..

"Nope!" He chuckled "I'll show you that later darling, first you have to finish this book!"

So you did. There wasn't much after that, other than his first day at united and your new home in Manchester... little did you know there was one final page to your story you were yet to experience...

"What's this?" You questioned as you flipped the page to see a brown envelope stuck to the page, similar to love letters your grandad use to write. Unable to say much, Mason whispered "Open it and see..."

With shaking hands you pulled out letter which was folded in half, his scruffy handwriting evident. You shot him one last look, nervousness written all over his face as you began to read the love letter addressed to only you....

My dear (y/n),

I've never been good at doing speeches or expressing how I feel, but with you by my side I feel as though I can do anything, so here I am... Ever since I saw you my whole world changed for the better. You fixed the hole in my life like a puzzle piece and ever since then I knew I'd never want to lose you.

The other week when I held you in your nan's attic made me think of if we met in another life, would be the same as we are right now... and the truth is sweetheart we would of have! Even if we met on a crowded street in the 40's or if I was sent to war and you were forced to marry another man... my head would of still turned for you just like it did at that party...

you still would have been mine, I'd of make sure of it!

I'm going to love you for the rest of our lives, till we have grey hair, mini mounts running around the place, a cardboard box stored of memories we made, we'll have it all! 

Our story starts now Angel... 

we're going to be timeless...

look forward...

Mase x

Tears poured down your face as you followed the letters instructions, showing him down on one knee, a small box with the most gorgeous diamond ring displayed in it, one that coincidently resembled the one your nan had...

"Mase..."

"(y/n)... will you please make me the happies man alive & spend the rest of your life with me??"

Unable to speak you nodded your head, falling to your knees as you wrapped your arms around him. "I love you so much.." You sobbed into his neck.

"I love you so much more..." He cried back, pulling back from you for a brief second to slip the gorgeous ring on your finger "This is your nans ring" He smiled "I asked your parents if it was okay if I gave it you... I want us to be a timeless classic like your grandparents, I want to fill that book up with you till the day we are torn apart by fate..."

Once more you were speechless as his arm wrapped around you, your head lay on his chest listening to the heart which had loved you for 5 years... there was no (y/n) without Mason and you prayed every minute of the day that you'd be the couple your grandparents were. A love so strong it could be seen from miles away, a love everyone dreamed of but only a rare few could experience... one that even time couldn't forget... Your going to be... 

TIMELESS

[auraisereigh]

"Hello to you too, Star"

Chapter 7, Part I

Brennan Sorrengail x Riorson reader Blurb: On a free day Star decides to clear her mind. wc: 4.9k ☆ SPOILERS FOR THE EMPYREAN SERIES. Actually quite peaceful. Star's magic alert. Star's logic? Let me know if i missed something. Uses pronouns: she/her. i use Star as a nickname as y/n sounds weird, and i'm awful with names.

A/N: I loved writing this one so much that i had to divide it into two parts because i wrote so much for this chapter.

Star's masterlist main masterlist

I wake up completely sore and worn out. Seems like I had a whole war while I slept, why not?

It's been a month since the first Assembly meeting and we've fallen in a good routine. We've been having meetings almost daily, we've started rebuilding and we have one person working in the forge now, Mainly making daggers. Better than nothing.

Today was one of those rare days we didn't have a meeting planned. We covered what was needed yesterday. Viscount Tecarus has responded to my letter, though I have yet to read it as it arrived late last night.

If there's one thing that changed the most this month it's the mess in my room, I've left all the paperwork in my dad's office but that still leaves all the empty plates, discarded clothes, notebooks and pretty much anything else you can think of.

Problems for later.

Once I get dressed and tidy up just a little bit, I make my way to dad's office.

Lord. Another meal, another note. Brennan has been leaving me meals and notes all month, not that I've been bothered to check on him, I haven't seen him at all and I wanna keep it that way. It still stings, that I so easily trusted someone just because of a mutual friend.

Naolin. I finished his grave a week ago. It took a while to find the right flowers but with my magic they shouldn't wither.

It's a simple meal, some bread, cheese and ham, a glass of orange juice all neatly placed on the corner of my desk, the note also neatly placed next to it. Those notes get longer the longer he keeps going with this.

"Heard you have a free day. Take some time to rest, you've been busy. Maybe you could read? Naolin used to tell me that you love folklore. And tonight you could go star gazing. Maybe you'll see Naolin."

B.s

I sigh and put the note down. I open the drawer of the desk and take out the bottle of medicine the healers gave me after I got a reaction to some kind of food. I swallow it with the orange juice.

Felix appears in the doorway. He leans against the doorframe and looks at me. He's taken it upon himself to look after me even though I insisted I didn't need that.

I hold up the note and raise a brow. I haven't told anyone about the notes and meals. It always happened when I was too tired. "Something I should know?" My voice still holds that hoarsness that comes with just waking up.

"Brennan has been released out of confinement. He's been questioned a few times and we don't see the harm, so we're giving him the benefit of the doubt." I raise a brow. What questions did they ask him? "Why wasn't I called in for the questioning?" I argue.

"You're too emotionally involved with him." He says calmly. "Oh really? I had every right to. This is my house, his mother killed my fathe-" he cuts me off. "And that's why we didn't come to you for the questioning. Trust me, I did the questioning too. He's harmless. He just wants to stay out of his mother's sight, he doesn't agree with what she's done and for all she knows her son is dead."

"It's her thinking that her son is dead that resulted in my city being burned down." I say back. "An action he did not have control over." He argues back, his voice saying that he will have the last word and that that was that last word.

He sighs deeply as he walks closer and stops next to me. He takes the note and reads it. "He's mourning the same person as you. He's a caring man. Just try to trust him, he's not his mother and you shouldn't judge him for his mother, he doesn't do that with you either. Nobody chooses their parents." He looks at me as if I'm the same. I frown at him but before I can say anything he talks. "You have a day off. Eat, rest, do something you enjoy, maybe get out of this fortress for a while. You've been cooked up in here for more than a month." He says gently before leaving me alone in my dad's office.

☆

I have to admit that meal was good, despite the person who brought it. I had been keeping all of the notes in a envelope that I shoved in the back of drawer. I'm still trying to figure out why I'm doing that.

I took Felix's advice to get out of the house. I glady took my bow with me outside to have some peace of mind. The chances of me actually killing something are pretty much zero but it's the idea that I have it say a certain someone would come looking for me again. I still hadn't figured out who that was but I also haven't told anyone, not even Brennan. But I have heard that voice before, you don't forget such a ruthless voice.

There's enough forest in Aretia for me to avoid the area where Brennan and I spend two weeks together.

Instead I take the route alongside the river that leads to a beautiful lake. There are still a lot of animals out, they dare more now that the woods don't get used as much. Despite all the chances I get I don't shoot or even try to shoot at an animal. There's no point, I've done it enough for a While. Truth is that I only took the bow with me to feel safe.

The walk to the lake is quiet, the kind of quiet I've needed for a while now. Just the sound of the water streaming pass by helps sooth all the emotions I've been feeling for a while now.

By midday I arrive by the lake. It's still as beautiful as the last time I saw it. The water is a deep blue that streams to the river. Here and there are rocks, and at the back of the lake is a giant mountain that creates a waterfall down the mountain. And all of it is pretty much covered up by forest so it gives that hidden, magical feeling. Not many people know this place exists and as there's a mountain most just assume it ends there.

I sit down by one of the larger rocks and lean against it. It's been a month since I've been able to just sit down and relax, to not have to think about anything. Where it's just me and my thoughts.

I have so many memories here, most with Naolin, some with my family. This lake holds so many emotional strings for me. And for once it doesn't feel necessarily bad, it feels.... Freeing. No one is here to watch me, I can just let go.

I watch as my magic swirls over the lake in red veins. Almost like they're part of the water, just in a different color.

I've always been both fascinated and scared of it. No one knows where my magic came from. According to dad it's not inherited from his side of the family. I've spent hours in the library to find something but I came up with nothing. As far as I know it's limitless, almost anything that I can think about is possible with it, it's just a matter of control.

I gaze over the lake, over the red swirls that trail over water and rock.

My mind Wanders to a memory.

☆

Its Almost sunset now. The sun has almost dipped behind the mountain creating a beautiful reflection from the mountain to the lake. I've been here for hours now. Practicing my magic by an old book that my dad had been given by Viscount Tecarus of Cordyn.

I hear a crunch behind me and my head snaps up but I calm down once I see the familiar face with the darkest brown eyes I've ever seen. A smile finds it way up my face as I stand up and run towards him. I jump in his arms and he catches me like it's no big deal. My arms wrap around his neck and he holds me tight.

"Hello to you too, Star." Naolin's familiar voice speaks up. It's been months since I've seen him. Now that he is officially a lieutenant and stationed on an outpost he barely has time to ask for leave.

"I didn't know you would be coming." I whisper. "Surprise." He says softly. He puts me down and his hands go to my cheeks. "I'm gone a few months and you grow up." He jokes which gets a small laugh out of me. He looks over to where I had been sitting. "Ah we're being obsessive again." He states, he eyes the old book.

His hand takes mine as we walk to my sitting spot. We sit down and he takes the book, going through what I've marked.

I stare at him. It's been months and he's here now.

"Anything useful?" He asks as he closes the book. Guess we're not practicing anymore. "Nothing that I didn't know yet." I respond while I stare at him.

His dark brown eyes, I swear they're so dark there almost black but you can see the brown in them. His dark waves of hair, messy from flight.

"You're doing that again." He laughs and I snap out of my haze. My brows furrow and confusion takes over my face. "What?" I ask confused. He laughs and flicks my nose. ow. "That face." He motions to mine with his hand. "That look on your face When I'm just back. Like I'm a ghost that you can suddenly see." He jokes and I can't help but crack a smile. "You can't blame me. I never see you anymore. Might as well be a ghost." I joke back but I know he knows I missed him. The letters I send to him say enough.

His smile goes from the joking one to the caring one. "Come here." He says softly, opening his arm to come closer. I don't hesitate, I've craved his touch for so long. To see my best friend for so long, when I didn't even know if I'd see him. He's on the front lines, for the same he dies.

His arms wrap around me and his head leans on mine. We stay like that for a long time, staring at the lake. Here and there we make a small conversation but I'm just happy that he's here.

☆

Taglist: @honethatty12 @smashee0789 @awkardnerd @randomperson1234sblog @bangtanxberm

[ahedderick]

A Monday-Tuesday

Merciful heavens. Yesterday was a day.

I woke up suddenly due to some tiny noise or other - 3:30 am. hurrah. Did not get back to sleep. Got up grumpily at daylight to take care of dogs, cats, feed the wood stove, make Hero's mash, and also the chicken-feed-mash that I've been making through the cold months. Soon time to stop that - but they LOVE it so much.

Scorched the chicken feed. (argh-whimper) It soaks up the water so quickly; I should just heat the water, dump the feed in, and take it off the heat instead of trying to cook the whole mess until it's hot. Took the lightly scorchy pot outside. The chickens won't actually care, but I won't enjoy scrubbing the mess.

Dragged my unwilling feet up to the barn (why must the dogs be so energetic??) to feed Hero and Leo. Took the large pruning shears over the section of fence-line I'm clearing out. I cut the brush there a few years back, so this was a smaller issue of removing small bushes trying to regrow. Thank heavens, I wouldn't be up to anything heavier today.

Back at the house I scrambled a bunch of eggs (we have a LOT right now) for my husband and myself, and some for pups. Next on the list was trying to figure out some chemistry questions for my daughter and doing a belated tidy-up in my room. The room is trying valiantly to multitask as bedroom, computer desk-office space, art studio (and cattery). Valiantly, but not successfully. Plus claen laundry scattered about. I took a dirty load downstairs to the washer, put on some classical music, and set-to.

I did not complete the task before I had to leave for town, but I made rather good progress. Gathered up a small mountain of tax paperwork to deliver to the accountant. I'm supposed to meet a fried in town (fortunately not far at all from the accountant's office) for lunch. I'm a little worried about that because she a Disaster Human, late to everything, but we shall see. I stood in the doorway double and triple checking myself, went to the car, then ran back in the house for one more thing. Yeah.

Tax paperwork - delivered. Now it's His Problem (before it comes back to be My Problem again.) Got across the train tracks (a hit-or-miss proposition in a railroad town) and parked near where I was supposed to meet Friend. Waited. Waited some more. She arrived about ten minutes late, which is actually not that bad at all for her. She wanted to choose from a small cluster of restaurants on a nearby street, so we strolled thataway. Found them to be closed (four of them!) on Tuesdays. We strolled to the next street. THIS guy's restaurant was open.

(this may be the best painting I ever did)

We had a nice lunch and caught up a little. Hear all about her latest Disaster. There always is one. Not that I should talk.

From there I went to see the Wonderful Massage Therapist. I've been trying to work on a series or exercises and stretches for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, and I'm cautiously optimistic that it's helping. She still beat me to a pulp trying to get frozen muscles to release, but it wasn't quite as bad as last time.

I went home looking forward to resting just a leeetle bit, but then my son called. Off I went down the road to look at organic chemistry lab for him. Not his fault that it's last minute; the teacher only sent out the IR spectroscopy results to the student on Monday evening, and the stupid lab report is due Tuesday evening. DRAT. He had meticulously done a distillation lab where the boiling point of the Unknown seemed to indicate Isopropyl acetate, while the IR data (which was rather painful to comb through, because they were never TAUGHT how to read it) looked more like ethanol.

While we worked on that I had meatloaf in his oven - mine is still out of order. Then, while he headed back to school to work in the climbing gym, I grabbed the hot meatloaf and drove back up the road. Made the mashed potatoes and gravy. Highly enjoyed the resulting dinner. Then evening barn chores. THEN sat down with K's chemistry problems, and did figure them out. Yay, me.

8:30 in the blessed evening. Back to Son's house. We did not end up resolving the unknown substance issue. The instructor refuses to answer questions (Figure It Out), his lab partner is just a lost as he is, and . . well, sheeeeit. He wrote the report describing conflicting results.

It was 10:00 when I staggered back home, to tend the fire one more time and let dogs out. I. I. *dramatic collapsing noises*

I don't feel very good today.

[writingprincessblog]

Hey, guys!! I'm back with another (attempted) comedy. I wrote it in a hurry, so I fear it might be a teeny weeny bit messy. A few of the events, I guess, are exaggerated too. Please share your thoughts on this story and suggest me ways to improve. I hope you all enjoy it, and please pardon any errors. Happy reading!

Ps. This post is extra special as I’m celebrating my survival for a year on Tumblr.

A Quest for a Midnight Snack (Anniversary Special)

“Mr. Evans, I swear I thought it was next Thurse-!”

I stopped midway through my apology speech for forgetting my history exam as I looked around to realise it was just another of my nightmare and I am safely in my room with the said exam being held next week.

Rubbing my still sleepy eyes, I looked over at the clock. It was already 1 am! BUT I still have a truck load of slides to gobble up. I wish there was something called waking pills too so that I could keep my damn eyelids open for a few more hours.

Closing the lecture I was watching prior to dozing off graciously over my desk, I walked into the washroom and stood before the mirror. Dark eye bags, pale and oily skin and messy bird nest hair. Wow! What a beauty I am! I let out a humourless laugh.

“Maybe I should ditch college and start making horror short films. I could even break the internet as the next Annabelle.,” I gasped dramatically. “Just imagine the money flowing  in then! I can be a millionaire!” I chuckled creepily.

After spending five minutes contemplating my current student life and imagining the things I should have done instead, I splashed my face with water, brushed my hair, and returned to my workspace. Books piled over at the study table while a whole bundle of loose sheets scattered over the bed along with a few of my electronics, pillows and plushies. 

“WoW!! Looks like a tornado passed through the room.” And with a sigh, I began to tidy up.

After a few minutes, I stretched my tired body. It was 2.30 already. I just want to dive into my bed. It has been one week since I slept peacefully. Leave sleeping, I can’t even remember the last time Jess and me met up for lunch! 

Work can wait, I desperately need a short nap for few hours. But then my stomach growled. Fine! Food first, sleep next. And I bet I would go unconscious once my head hits the pillow.

I ambled into the kitchen and searched for a packet of instant noodle. Suddenly I felt something moving at the far end of the counter. My ears perked up. I gazed at that shadowed corner. Ok, this was scaring me out. Just yesterday, I overheard those elder ladies next door gossip about some murder that took place in this house, years ago. Not that I believe such supernatural entities, but the eeriness and the stillness of the hour still gave me goosebumps.

Taking a pan as a weapon, I slowly moved towards that said corner. I lifted the utensil up above my head and hit the counter. The loud bang against the marble echoed all over the empty room which even scared me. And to add to my panic, a cockroach appeared from that exact spot and directly flew towards my face. I screamed at the sudden sight of the horrendous insect and walked back, not noticing the table behind me. As a result, I accidentally hit my toe at its sharp edge. Screaming with pain I fell down face down while the pan in my hand hit my shoulder blade. I laid there sprawled on the cold floor for sometime as silence eloped my abode once again. All I wanted was to eat…………

Eventually, I settled on the couch with a bowl of noodles, blissfully watching my favourite show. Moments like this were rare luxuries amidst my juggling of part-time jobs and endless assignments. Laughing once in a while at some of the scenes, I comfortably emptied my bowl,  even noisily drinking the soup. There, my poor tummy was at last satisfied.

Humming to myself, I washed the dish and was about to dash to the bedroom by turning off the lights in the kitchen, (am scared of the dark) when something caught my eyes. A shadow. A silhouette. At the glass window of the balcony. I gulped as I stood still for a few beats, thinking whether to counter the god-knows-what-it-is or  practice my national level racing skills and zap to my room. But wait….what if its a burgler? Or even a serial killer?

After contemplating for a minute, I took a smart decision by taking Mary, my roommate’s baseball bat and advancing towards the shadow. I tiptoed silently towards the glass door. Swinging it open with a jerk, I slashed the bat in the air like a sword letting out a war cry and hoping to catch the intruder with a surprise. But- there was no one there. A cool wind outside rustled the leaves of the nearby branch which reached the balcony. Goosebumps erupted,  both due to the chill of the night and fear. Trying to squint my eyes, I search in the dark night. Not a soul at sight. Guess, the roach incident left my indicator on for suspicious activities.

I let out a loud yawn. Yep, that’s the cue to fall on the bed. But wait-. Suddenly, as tried to retire into the house, someone caught a hold of my hoodie. No. Hell, no! I shall not die today. I still have ten dramas tο watch and twenty places to tour, plus am not married yet. Nope, there are hundred reasons for me not to die tonight. Without any second thoughts, I slide out of the cloth and dashed inside without a second glance.

Banging the door of the bedroom, I bounced onto the bed like a kangaroo and fanatically looked for my phone. I threw all the pillows all over the room and turned the sheets while all the plushies went flying in the air. Where is that dang thing when I need it? What if that man had already entered the house? What if he got hold of the kitchen knife or what if he already had a machete?

And hence, I took the second smart decision. LOCK THE DAMN DOOR! Scurrying towards the door which I left ajar, I didn’t notice the tangled bedsheets around my ankle and thus, with a loud thud, I elegantly landed on the floor, hitting my head. Yep, that did it, my eyelids drooped and I slowly slipped into the world of darkness.

A few hours later ~

The soft warmth of the sun tickle my skin as I slowly woke up. Wait, why am I cold? Scratching my head, I sit up on the floor and scanned the place. Why am I in a- Wait!!! Then, suddenly, my brain started functioning properly as I remembered the last night’s incidents. And instantly, I glanced at the door. It was still slightly open, just like I had left it in the fiasco. The gap wasn’t enough for anyone to enter. Deciding to investigate like a brave woman I am (not), I shakily advanced towards the door and outside.

Running my eyes all over my lonely abode, I can confirm that everything is normal. Too much normal. Innocently normal. As if nothing happened. I walked towards the balcony and gasped at the sight……. My favourite hoodie, gifted by my mom in my last birthday was hanging on the  extended branch….

“Wow!! At least I caught my assaulter, didn’t I, Mr. Branch?” I murmured sarcastically, as I snatched my precious hoodie. And just I was about to go back, my eyes fell on a sap green overcoat hanging on the clothesline against the glass door. Max’s. He must have forgotten it after the meeting yesterday. 

“And here is my intruder.” I announced, so done with the whole thing and cursing myself in 1042025 languages. After last night, I solemnly swear to never pull an all nighter. I had enough adrenaline rush. All just for a Quest for a Midnight Snack.

-Aurora

[arkhamsrevenge]

Season of the Witch 

Jason, with the whole Arkham Knight thing over is at the manor recovering from the torture and trauma. One day he meets someone that might understand him more than he could ever realize.

“Where is it?” A young woman appeared in the middle of the Batcave. Bruce, still in his cowl, turned to you. “Where is my limited edition signed copy of Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein in mint condition?” He knew this would be a gamble. This woman is a witch of the most dangerous sort. Dark longhorns protruded out of your pale forehead. She was seething.  Her eyes started to glow green. “I will destroy this place. Where do you get off stealing from-”

“Here.” A quiet voice from behind you calls your attention away from the Batman. A VERY large man stood behind her offering the book to you. “I wondered where he got this.” The woman became calmer once seeing her book was safe. Your eyes stopped glowing as you approached the person holding your book out to you. The man holding your book was handsome, but scarred. Not just physically but mentally as well, you felt turmoil and pain in his presents. She takes the book and nods her head. “Thank you.” He nods and shrinks back into the shadows then listens as his footsteps leave the cave and enter the manner. 

“That’s my son Jason.” You turned back to Bruce now showing his face. 

“Cool. Take my shit again and I’ll destroy this place. Got it?” Her eyes turned green again with warning. 

And with that you vanished. 

A couple days later Dick found himself walking into a small fabric store in downtown Gotham. It was run by no one other than the witch, who isn’t happy with his adopted father at the moment. Jason actually agreed to leave the house and tag along with him. 

“Hey Little Wing, I’m going to check in on a friend. She runs a fabric stop downtown. Wanna come?” Jason looked up from his Jane Austin book and originally shook his head. Jason had been locked away and cut off since he abandoned the Arkham Knight persona and moved back into the manor. Dick remembers Bruce bringing him home. At first Dick didn't recognize Jason until Bruce told him. He and Alfred stayed awake for days looking after Jason. It took 4 months for Jason to look at Dick and Bruce.  It took at least another 3 months before Jason started to speak in general. He still doesn’t speak all that much but at least he’s willing to leave the mansion sometimes when prompted.  Dick told Jason that the witch he met yesterday would be there as she owns the shop. It took a little more convincing before Jason said yes to coming with him. 

“Spooky I’m back!” Jason’s eyes almost popped out of his head as the witch he saw yesterday but you didn’t look like yourself. You had no horns. He felt disappointed as he liked your horns. In Jason’s eyes you shouldn’t have to hide yourself but know why you did. 

“Uh Grayson, go away I’m busy this week and don't have time to- oh, Jason hello.” Jason nodded again at the women in front of him. “Grayson piss off.” She growls. “I don’t have time to “whip up” something for you because you and whoever are in an argument or you forgot a birthday or anniversary gift for someone. I have too many customers for that this week.” The witch said tidying up your shop. “Aw come on Spooks, don’t be like that! I always pay well.” Jason elbowed his older brother for being dense. 

“That’s not the point dickhead.” He mumbled. 

“You just want someone to talk to about books. Bruce told me he heard you talking to Alfred about how impressed you were with the quality of her mint condition-”

“Can it!” Jason growled. 

“Huh…. well as of right now you, Dick, and Bruce are now allowed in or around my shop. He took my shit and you only come in when you need something and it pisses me off.” Grayson’s cheek got red as he realized what he had done to his friend. “But Jason?” She called turning back to the brothers. “You can come in anytime. I would love to talk about literature with you.” 

“What’s your name?” Jason asked flat toned. 

“Y/N L/N.” You answer. Jason nods again. “If you’d like to meet me at the bookshop across the way tomorrow, I’ll show you some of my favorite books.” Jason again nods and leaves with Grayson. Back at the manor, Dick enthusiastically told Bruce what had happened. 

“You were right. They took to each other immediately. But we aren’t welcome back for a while.” Bruce only chuckled. 

“I figured.”

Jason woke up that morning and actually wanted to get up out of bed. He took a shower, brushed his teeth and headed downstairs feeling proud that he was able to complete those tasks. Some days he doesn't want to get out of bed, some days he doesn’t want to leave his room but today was different. 

“WOW! UP BEFORE 12!?! AMAZING!” Dick teased. Jason felt annoyance flare up inside him. 

“Master Grayson!” Alfred scolded. “Master Todd is excited about his day and you will do well to support him today.” Dick pouted like a three year old and muttered an apology. Jason nodded to Alfred then headed out the door. Jason was surprised to see that you were already waiting for him at the book shop. You had two cups in your hand. Panic started to bubble up in Jason, he hoped you weren’t a coffee drinker. Caffeine does not mesh well with his anxiety. 

“Good Morning Jason, I got you some herbal tea. Got one for myself too.” She said in a monotone voice. “If you don’t want it, just say so, no feelings will be hurt. I’ll drink both.” Jason started to calm.  He nodded and reached for the tea. He wanted to thank her but words fought him. She didn’t take a second thought and led him inside. 

“Hello Felix, hello Sasha.” She greeted the people behind the counter. “Hello Darling!” Sasha said excitedly, hugging you. “How are you? Who is this?” Jason swallowed and opened his mouth.

“This is Jason. He and I are going to be here for a bit.” Sasha blinked and smiled.

“I’ll close! This way you can be yourself.”Sasha gasped and looked at Jason. “I-uh.” 

“He knows Sash. Don’t worry.” Jason breathed in and out. You were taking care of everything and didn’t even know it. Jason started to feel weirdly safe until he realized Felix was staring daggers into him. 

“Felix?” Sasha called. The man broke eye contact with Jason and turned to Sasha. “Come on love! Say hello!” Jason was very good at reading people and he could tell right away that Felix had a thing for you but for some reason he is with Sasha. Felix put on a good face and stretched out his hand to Jason when he caught s glimpse of the scarred up skin on Jason’s hand. 

“Dude…was your hand ran through a shre-”

“Finish that sentence and I’ll make you eat your tongue.” You sneer, eyes starting to glow. Felix dropped back. Sasha turned to her boyfriend and scolded him then closed the blinds.  Once they signaled that they were good, you turned back into the horned witch Jason met two days earlier.  “The horns scare the locals. One time a mob wanted to burn me alive cause they thought I was the devil.” Jason nodded his head. You saw his eyes become soft as if he wanted to apologize for others behavior.  You waved him off and took his hand. Jason was about to pull back as he didn’t want you to feel his rough hands. Immediately you dropped his hand. “Sorry, I should have asked first. Is it OK if I take your hand?” Jason nodded but still felt uncomfortable. “No it’s not. That’s OK. Come, I want to show you something.” Jason didn’t know how she was guessing his emotions and feelings then realized, you're a witch. Duh. Wait. You can feel it, feel everything he’s feeling. The pain, panic, rage…calm.  Felix then put a hand on your shoulder to which you jumped back and hissed in pain. 

“Felix!” Sasha gasped. “Your ring is made of iron! That burns her remember?” Felix looked like he was the one who got hurt and stepped back. You look at your shoulder, a burn mark has formed but quickly healed up. Jason’s eyes caught yours. 

"Sorry." Felix mumbled then went back behind the register.

“I’m good.” You reassure him. “ Come on.” Jason nodded and followed you to the back of the library. You looked back and relieved a glass case that had an original Jane Austin manuscript.  Jason’s eyes lit up. You felt yourself smile a little, seeing him excited over something you feel light. Jason looked at the manuscript in aw. “Do you wanna look at it closer?” Jason’s head snapped to you. His heart started to race. With a lift of her hand, you made the book float out of the case and hover in front of Jason. “I can flip through it if you want. Obviously, I can’t let you hold it.” Jason watched as the pages flipped, seeing Jane Austin’s notes and thought about her story. Once the book was placed back in its case Jason and Y/N spent the day looking through books and giving their opinions on them. 

Jason was in a good mood when he returned to the manner. He didn’t feel like souring his good mood so he tried to sneak back up to his room. Once he closed the door and turned around the light clicked on. Dick had been waiting for him.

“You spent all day with Spooks and you thought I was gonna let that go?” Jason rolled his eyes. 

“Come on. Come ON! Tell me what happened!” Dick sounded like a teenage boy who's never been around a woman before trying to get this brother who is a stud to tell him the mysteries of the women. Jason shook his head and grabbed his book. “We went to the bookstore.” He said casually. 

“For 8 hours?!” Dick asked. Jason flinched at Dick’s loudness. You had been soft spoken when talking to him, so accommodating but that’s because you are a witch. You feel things very deeply than most. Jason smiled as he felt something in him start to heal, slightly. All he knew was, you were going to pick him up tomorrow after your shop closed and take him to an apothecary. Whatever that was, Jason was just happy he found someone like him but instead of causing destruction, heals. Suddenly dread started to bubble in him, he destroyed almost everything he touches…what if.

“Don’t.” Dick’s voice broke through Jason’s thoughts. “Don’t get in your head. Remember the feeling she gave you.” Jason’s eyes squinted, not happy that Dick was able to read his mind so well. “Look, I've known Spooks for a long time. When we first met, she lost control of her power because someone close to her cut her wings off and did other harmful things. Jason felt like cold water was poured on him. “She…never really recovered from that. For years, she went around killing a lot of uh...people…who....” Jason knew what Dick was doing. He was trying to censor things so Jason wouldn’t get triggered. “It’s not your story to tell, so don’t tell it. Dick nodded then patted Jason’s leg leaving him with his thoughts.  

It was a bad day. Jason couldn’t move and everything hurt. His body ached as the weather changed and hurt his joints. His head was foggy and pounding, yet he wanted to get up and see you. Would you hate him if he cancelled? Jason couldn’t even focus on one thing before slipping unconscious. He didn’t know how long he had been asleep but while later his scenes came back, his body wasn’t aching as much, his head was less foggy and a dull headache was all that remained. Jason opened his eyes to see candles around his room, the smell of lilac and vanilla was faint but comforting. He started to sit up when he caught someone walking in with a metal tray. He knew it was tea as Alfred often carried tea in for Jason on his bad days. Which is why his breath stopped when the person who walked in spoke. 

“Oh good you’re up.” Jason snapped his head to the voice. It was you, horns and all. You’re here? Why? He tried to speak but still didn’t have the strength. “Don’t even try. You’ve been out for most of the day. Your body is still not 100%. I made tea though, it should help with the pain.” Jason’s brow furrowed as you helped him sit up. Once the pillow was propped against Jason’s back, you brought the tea over. “It’s a compilation of Vervain, turmeric and honey.” Jason blinked. Where the hell do you get your tea. “You should feel special. I don’t make tea from scratch for just anyone.” Surprisingly he huffed a small laugh out. 

“You…made…” You nodded. “Sure did. Vervain is to help you sleep and the turmeric is for the pain. Honestly, I don't like prescription grade stuff honestly.” You say handing him the cup only to see his hands shaking. “Are you strong enough to hold it?” Jason nodded, not wanting to feel weak. He took the tea from you and got as far as his chin before his hands gave out, yet no pain came. Instead Jason opened his eyes to see the cup and tea surrounded in a green light. The cup turned upright and the tea placed itself back in. Jason turned to you, your hand was up controlling the cup. “It was a good effort.” You say matter-of-factually. The cup set itself down on the bedside table. Though his joints creaked, his heart started to warm him.

“Thanks.” Jason finally got out. You waved him off. 

“I wanted to show you my apothecary didn’t I? All the herbs that’s in your tea I got.” Jason nodded. A question still lingered. He didn’t ask but wanted to know so bad. 

“Did you…make me feel better?” He asked. “No.” You said flatly. “I don’t use magic on unconscious people unless I 1. Know them well or 2 life threatening.” Jason tried to hide the relief on his face. “I’m not going to make you uncomfortable.” You say in a soft voice. Dick’s voice entered Jason’s head and he found himself wanting to ask you about your past. But for today, he just wanted to be in your company.

It took three days for Jason to fully recover from his episode but after a couple weeks he was with you at your sewing shop helping you restock. 

“You have a lot of fabric that you sold.” He said, picking up tons of boxes with ease. 

“Prom season is upon us.” You say. “A lot of rich parents want a one of a kind dress for their spoiled brats.” Jason laughs. You’re funny, you make him laugh and he feels safe with you. He hopes you feel the same with him as these past few weeks. You’re a nice friend for him to have and you seem to be liking him too since Dick and Bruce were still not allowed in or around the shop. “Ah.” The rest of the day went off without a hitch. You had ordered Belly Burgers for delivery as you both don't like socializing. Unsurprisingly, you knew his order for Belly Burger. Jason went home that  day with a weird feeling in his stomach. He noticed it when you offered to drive him home. 

We can take my bike.” You had said. Jason half expected an actual bike instead of a badass motorcycle. Jason then showed you his bike and proposed a race jokingly but instead ended up racing with you through the streets of Gotham. When he got back to the manor, Jason felt happy for the first time in a long time. You had made him feel like a person again and he actually enjoyed himself with another person. Jason made his way up to his room and opened the door. He made his way to his bed, put his things down and made his way to the bathroom to get ready for bed. 

“How’d your date go?” Jason rolled his eyes and turned to his other brother, Tim who was dating Barbra. “What? I can’t ask?” 

“It wasn’t a date.” Jason mumbled brushing his teeth. Tim smirked in the door frame. 

“Then why aren’t you calling me names right now?” Tim said, leaning against the frame. 

“Because he’s in a good mood.” Barbra chimed in, standing by Tim. “Why doesn’t everyone cram into the bathroom?” Jason grumbled, spitting out this toothpaste. Tim and Barbra laughed. “It’s nice to see you happy Jason.” Jason whipped his mouth and faced the two not knowing what to say to that so he just nodded. With that, Tim and Barbra left so Jason could head to sleep. He didn’t know what he’d see you next but couldn’t wait till he could. 

The Joker had escaped from Arkham again and to top it all off, he went on a rampage blowing up buildings and yours was caught in the crossfire. No one could get a hold of you. Jason couldn’t get a hold of you. Panic was rising in him quickly as he watched the news report in the Batcave. No one had been found in the wreckage yet. 

“Any sign of her?” Dick asked. Bruce shook his head. Jason felt his temper rising. 

“After everything he did to me,” Jason growled. “You let him live and look at what he’s done yet again.” Jason’s voice started to rise. Tim and Barbra looked at each other while Dick stood between Jason and Bruce. 

“Jason I-” Bruce didn’t have time to finish. A portal opened up in the Batcave and a body dropped out. It was you but you were moving very slowly as if you were hurt. Jason raced over to you. 

“Where have you been? You weren’t answering your phone I thought…” He trailed off. 

“Sorry.” You sounded in pain. “I was busy getting shot.” You revealed a bullet hole in your shoulder, a bullet was still in. “Felix decided to confess, broke up with Sasha,” You took a breath and continued while Alfred started to sit down and prepare to get the bullet out. “I rejected him and he got mad.” Jason pulled you up carefully, holding you so your back was against his front. Helping Alfred get a better angle of the bullet. Meanwhile, Jason was thinking of eight ways to kill Felix. “He’s dead.” You assured Jason. Bruce’s head snapped towards you. “Relax Holier than Thou, he died when my shop collapsed.” 

“I don’t understand.” Dick started crouching down to your level. “Why aren’t you healing instantly?” You didn’t really feel like talking anymore. Your head was swimming and you were getting weaker. 

“Iron bullet.” Jason guessed. You nodded. Finally, Alfred got the bullet out and your skin pulled itself together. You exhaled fully and focused on getting your breathing back to normal. 

“Thank you.” You breathed looking at Alfred. 

“Of course miss.” Jason shifted behind you, thinking he was going to help you up, you started to move until he stopped you. 

“Hold on.” You then felt one of his arms under your legs while the other supported your back. You wrapped your arms around his neck, a little uncomfortable with the closeness but that was because you were weak and couldn’t defend yourself at a moment's notice. “Relax. I’m just taking you upstairs. You’re gonna need a couple hours to recover.” Dick’s mouth dropped. This witch, the same witch that threatened Batman a couple months ago, wasn't protesting when Jason was holding her. Carrying her. He couldn’t believe it.  Jason made his way to him room, carrying you up many grand staircases. 

“Ya know I could have walked up myself if you just waited 30 minutes.” You muttered trying not to blush. 

“Yeah but you look like you were going to pass out, so I figured you could pass out on a comfortable bed.” Jason answered. You hummed. “You’ll be sleeping in my room, I wanna keep an eye on you for the next couple hours.” Your head snapped toward Jason who laughed at your reaction. “Do you think I’m the type to take advantage of someone weaker?” You rolled your eyes. 

“That’s not why I reacted that way, you moron.” You mumbled. “This is just weird for me.” “What? Someone carrying you?” 

“Someone caring.” Jason stopped and looked into your eyes. Once again words escaped him so he continued to carry on to his bedroom. Once he got in, he placed you on the bed and closed the bedroom door.

“I like my privacy.” He said turning to you. You were looking at his book collection. “Which one are you looking at?” 

“The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” You say. Jason pulled the book off the shelf and made his way over to you. 

“Get comfortable.” Jason said. You raised an eyebrow. “Just…do it.” You got comfortable on Jason’s bed. He sits next to you and opens the book. 

“You’re going to read to me?” You ask. Jason nodded. “Why?” You ask looking down. Jason swallowed. 

“I care.” You look back at him, but he was already flipping to the first chapter. Jason doesn’t know what chapter you fell asleep on, but he woke up the next morning cuddling you. His arms were around your waist keeping you close. Jason smiled to himself, but then remembered who he was and shot up in bed startling you. 

“What?!” You asked. Jason shook his head. “Nothing…bad dream.” You nodded. 

“Do you-?

“Want breakfast?” He interrupted scrambling out of bed. “Uh sure.” With that Jason was out the door leaving you very confused. 

You teleported down to the kitchen, already changed in new clothes. 

“Good morning Spooks! You staying over again tonight?” You opened your mouth to answer but Jason again interrupted you. 

“No. She’s leaving after breakfast.” Dick looked between the two of you looking just as confused as you are. “Oh uh…where are you going to stay?” Tim asks. 

“At my apartment.” You answer. Barbra gasps. “YOU HAVE AN APARTMENT?” You nod. 

“Did you think I lived at my shop?” Tim nodded. 

Breakfast was silent and odd as no one could understand why Jason was acting so distant now. You had your suspicions but didn't say anything.  When it was time to leave you said thank you to Alfred and Bruce again for helping you. Alfred then gave you tubs of some easy reheat meals for you to take home. Knowing better, you didn’t refuse. You sent them back to your house via magic of course, as Jason walked you outside. Once you crossed the threshold to the outside, your horns disappeared not wanting to draw too much attention. 

“I’ll drive you home.” Jason said, throwing you a helmet.  You caught it then, got on Jason’s motorcycle. You wrap your arms around his waist, noticing he was pulling away slightly, still you didn’t say anything. It was a long awkward drive to your apartment and it didn’t get better when you got off the bike. You open your mouth to say goodbye when Jason speaks first.

“I don’t think we should see each other for a while.” You hum. “OK.” You answer turning away and making your way up the stairs that lead to your porch. Jason grabbed your arm. 

“OK? That's all you have to say? You’re not mad?” You sighed and turned back to Jason who was the confused one. “I told you. I’m not going to make you uncomfortable.” Jason let go of your arm and watched you as you disappeared into your apartment. What he didn’t  see were the tears running down your face when you closed the door. He cares, huh? You swallow the lump in your throat and the tears fall rapidly. 

“Y/N?” Jason didn’t even try to cover the worry in his voice from the other side of the door. “I know what I said last time hurt you but Dick’s been freaking you cause you haven't been answering him.” No answer again. It’s a lie. Dick wasn’t worried, Jason was. You hadn’t contacted him since he dropped you off at your apartment. It had been a month and Jason just wanted to give you space hoping you’d reach out. He couldn’t bring himself to do it, pride was always going to be his downfall. He started going out with Dick and Bruce on patrol again, even took up a vigilante name, Red Hood. Jason did try to track you down when he was on patrol but only found your shop, now rebuilt (Bruce had a hand in that), closed for the day. It’s like you were actively hiding from him. And actually you were not, until now. You had walked into your apartment building about 5 minutes after Jason arrived, you were currently hiding in the stairwell, waiting for him to leave. You were hurt and still wanted to keep your distance. Dick had actually contacted you for a case a couple weeks ago yet never mentioned if he told Jason or not. From what Jason said, he didn’t. You closed your eyes and when you opened you were back in your apartment when you heard Jason knock again 

“If you’re there please open up.” You considered but stayed in your spot not wanting to move in case he heard. You hadn’t spoken to Sasha, who was taking the news of Felix’s betrayal hard. She didn’t want to be around you or anyone at the moment which you understood otherwise you would have asked her to come out of her apartment and tell Jason to go. Somehow, she must have gotten your silent message because you heard the door across the hall open. 

“She’s not home.” Sasha’s voice rang out.

“Do you know where she is?” Jason asked. 

“No. And even if I did, I wouldn’t tell you.” Yikes. Easy Sasha. 

“She told you what happened?” Jason sounded pissed. 

“No. But I’ve been listening to you for the past half hour and putting the pieces together. You won’t see her. She won’t make herself known to you if you have hurt her. I haven't seen her either. I said some things I regret.” You just smiled. I already forgave you Sasha. “She told me about Felix…and how he died. I just can’t believe she left him there though.” Your breath hitched. You didn’t tell Sasha that Felix had shot you because she started screaming at you and then slammed the door in your face.

“That’s because he fucking shot her.” Jason growled. Sasha gasped. 

“He-what? Shot her? What-I-she didn’t-” Sasha babbled. “Now I feel even more like a jackass. If you do find her, tell her to come see me…tell her I’ll listen and that I’m sorry.” You swallowed roughly. 

“If I ever find her.” Jason mumbled and seemingly walked away. You waited for the apartment building door to open and close then for the sound of his bike driving away. You then went over Sasha's wanting to patch things up. 

About 10pm, you were designing a wedding dress for Barbra, who called your store yesterday to ask you to design and create her wedding dress. You accepted. 

“Oh and Jason won’t know I called. We are all letting him sweat it out.” You didn’t know how to respond to that. 

“That isn’t necessary but I will have the designs ready for Thursday when you come in.” Barbra thanked you then hung up.  You were almost done picking out the fabric when you heard the window to your living room open. Boots touched the ground and a voice cut through the silence. 

“Y/N?” Your jaw dropped, there is no way he broke in. You stepped out of your room to come face to face with the Red Hood. You folded your arms. 

“Seriously.” 

“You weren’t answering my calls.” 

“You said we shouldn’t see each other for a while. I wasn’t going to pick up and have you say you changed your mind only to have you change it again and say you don’t want to see me. I don’t play those games.” You say flatly. Jason takes off his mask. 

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.” You blink. 

“OK.” 

“OK? That’s all you have to say?” You shrug. “I came all this way for an ‘OK’?” You scoffed. 

“What did you expect? That I fell into your arms crying and saying how miserable it was without you? I know you're a romantic but books don’t portray real life well.” You knew you were being cold but that’s what happened when your heart gets broken, the cold numb feeling comes back. Jason could feel it and knew he wasn’t going to get a breakthrough while you were like this. 

“Look…I came to say I was sorry and I said it. I mean it too. I was just scared of feeling close to someone again and I made a rash decision. When…when you want to talk, I’ll listen.” And with that he was back out the window. You closed it and went back to picking out fabric.  

You had been so busy making Barbra’s dress that you almost missed the bell going off at the front door. 

“Y/N!” Barbra shouted. You turned to her only to meet the eyes so Jason, not that you were surprised. He’s been watching you from the rooftops every night, well the Red Hood has. It seems that with the gain of this guardian angel, many have ventured to your shop more and more as they feel safer with the Red Hood watching over this part of Gotham. “IT LOOKS AMAZING! But..why aren’t you using magic?” 

“Because I like everything done by my hand.” You answer plainly going back to pinning the dress. The base of it was done with a satin white train. Flowers and lace were scattered about the border of the gown. 

“It’s far from done, but I need to make sure it fits you right.” Barbra nodded excitedly and took the dress into the changing room. Jason stood next to you, surprisingly the silence was not uncomfortable…for you at least. You spoke first. 

“The Red Hood?” Jason chuckled. 

“I needed something to do.” You hummed and finally looked at him. His eyes were brighter and clear. And OH MY he was huge! I mean he was big compared to anyone before but he put on a ton of muscle. “You seem good and the shop has been busier.” You smile slightly. 

“So you stalking me isn’t just a nightly activity?” You ask, thinking he was going to blush but he didn’t, but he did smirk. “Gotta make sure you don’t come crashing into the cave again. Though I have no problem carrying you like a princess if you need me to.” Jason’s smile widened as you blushed, not expecting him to be so…cocky. 

“Well?” You both turned to see Barbra in the dress you made. You looked over the dress, of course it looked beautiful on her but something was missing. THE VEIL! You turned to pick up a manikin head that was holding the veil you made. You brought it to Barbra and placed it on her head. You then pinned some places that you wanted to fix, not noticing how intensely Jason was watching you until you heard. “Jason she’s not gonna catch fire if you blink.” Barbra snickered. You didn’t look back at Jason, only shook your head. “There. Carefully take off the dress and I’ll make the adjustments for you.” Barbra nodded and went back into the dressing room. 

“You made that?” Jason asked. 

“I don’t get good business cause I’m pretty.” You retort, making Jason laugh. 

“Fair enough.” Jason said. “Ouch!” You turned back to Jason who was holding his hand, he then pulled out a pin. “Fuck.” He hissed. “Note to self, don’t touch any projects that are half done.” You made your way over to him and held his hand in yours. A nettle prick was leaking blood, you looked up at him to ask for permission. “Go ahead.” He whispered. With that, your fingers started to glow and Jason’s skin started to pull itself back together. “Thought you were supposed to be a deadly witch.” His voice was low, just enjoying being close to you. 

“I am.” You answer. “So don’t go around announcing I healed you. I’ll lose my reputation for being ruthless.” 

“Should I leave you two alone?” Your head snapped to Barbra who was holding the dress and smiling widely. You let go of Jason’s hand and took the dress from Barbra. 

“I’ll finish the alterations then send it to you.” You say setting up the dress to start the altercations. 

“Thank you Y/N. Truly, it’s so magical.” You laugh. 

“I’m glad you like it.” Barbra then jumped on you, giving you a big hug. “Oh.” You say hugging her back. She let go and handed you an invitation. 

“Please come. You are hand making my dress. Please.” You smile and accept the invitation. 

“Of course.” You say, not really wanting to come to a social event. On this side of town they don’t care that you’re a witch if you hide the horns but the socialites of Gotham don’t like you at all. Thinking you are in service to the devil. With that Jason and Barbra left the shop leaving you to get back to the dress. 

Finally, the wedding was upon us. You ended up making Dick, Jason, and Tim custom suits. During that time, Jason made sure to come to every appointment even ones that weren’t his. You two had been patching things over, him flirting with you every chance he gets and your witty responses always making him want to mess with you more. But now, you want to run and hide. The people in the room with you started pointed and whispered about you. You can hear them. 

“It’s her.” “The one with the horns? I don’t think so, I don’t see them.” You just wanted to say congratulations to Tim and Barbra then leave. You felt like you were crawling in your skin. 

“She’s pretty though…probably how she seduces her victims.” Your heart felt like it was shaking your body.  Trying to calm yourself down you went to look for a drink when you almost ran into Jason. “Oh! My gosh, I am so-” You started. When he handed you a drink. 

“Gin?” You laughed out a breath and took the drink thanking him. 

“That man really shouldn’t bother with a creature like that.” You took a sip trying to ignore it. 

“Say that again and see what happens.” Jason sneers. The man and women stutter excuses trying to make it seem they weren’t talking about you. “Piss off.” And they did. Jason looked back to you and offered his arm. You raised an eyebrow. “What? This is the only time I’ll be polite like this. Take advantage of it.” You took his arm and he led you to the rest of the Wayne Family. When Barbra saw you, her and Tim almost tackled you, thanking you over and over again for the clothes you made. “It was nothing really.” You try to brush off but of course they didn’t let you. 

“We also told all the press that it was here where we got our wedding attire from.” Barbra said excitedly. “You might need to hire more help.” You shook your head. 

“I’m magic, remember?” Barbra’s brow furrowed. 

“But you said…oh.” She breathed. “The ones you do yourself…you do for people that mean a lot to you.” You nod and see Dick start to tear up. 

“Don’t make it weird Dick.” You say finishing your drink. Jason takes it and places it on the bar. Bruce then made his way over to you guys. 

“Tim, Barbra? Congratulations. Y/N, a word?” He asks, offering his arm. You nod and take it. Once you were far enough away from the group Bruce spoke. 

“I must apologize for stealing your book a year a ago.” You smile and look back at Jason, who of course was looking back at you. Making sure you were alright. “I’m glad you did.” You answer. Bruce nods and gestures to Jason to take you back. He’s by your side in seconds and offers his hand. “Dance with me?” You smile. 

“Thought you’d never ask.”

By the end of the night, you and Jason had run off into the many gardens of the Manor where the wedding was held.  You took off your heels as you both walked and talked for hours. Jason notices how the plants would perk up more when you pass, how dead leaves came back to life and how wounded trees repaired themselves. A deadly witch? You couldn’t be. Not to him. 

“You can wear your horns ya know.” He said. You chuckle and show them. “I like them.” Jason says, touching them fondly.

“I noticed.” You say. “You're the first to not be uncomfortable with them.”  Jason hummed. 

“I’m never uncomfortable with you. Just..stupid sometimes.” 

“So am I.” You whisper looking at the flowers. Jason’s hand came on your cheek. He turned your head back to face him. He takes both hands to the side of your face and kisses you. You kiss back and laugh as you pull away. 

“What?” Jason asks, smiling. 

“You kissed me underneath the moonlight in the rose garden. Can you be any more sappy?” Jason laughed then dipped you, making you gasp.

“Don’t challenge me.” With that he went in for another kiss.  

[tipsypixel-sims]

At first Riley was thrilled at the prospect of having the whole house for herself. But she soon discovered it was actually quite boring. So boring that she started tidying up and even cleaned the kitchen.

When the phone rang she expected it to be her aunt, but instead she heard a male voice on the other side:

Hey! It's Mickey! Mickey Smith, I came over yesterday with Agora and Fiona...? Of course! Mickey! Hi! What's up?

Riley tried to sound as nonchalant as possible, but inside... I was just calling to ask how you're doing. Is your aunt back yet? No, she's apparently helping a friend with something. So I'm going to have the house to myself for a couple of days. That's nice! Yeah, that's what I thought too... at first. But I'm already bored being here on my own. Well if you'd like I could come over. Might help with the whole boredom thing. I'd love that!

Now she just had to get ready - and fast!

[gemstonegirlies]

1 My life at Phoenix drop High

At the Bottom

Content Warning: Attempted SA

The morning light shone through the window as you stirred in your bed. You walk over to your balcony and push your windows out. The cute boy next to you is already outside mowing the lawn in just a tank top and sweatpants. You waved to him a in silk cami top and long matching pants.

"Hey! You just moved huh?" He called out to me.

"Yeah! I'm assuming you go to phoenix drop too?"

"I do!"

"Maybe we could walk together and you could show me around school!" You attempted to flirt.

"Sure!"

You sat up and went downstairs to clean yourself up. After showering and brushing your teeth you get all tidy up in your school uniform and eat a lovely breakfast of hash browns and bacon your wonderful mother made for you. You then grabbed your backpack and started to run out the door. "Thanks mom! Have a great day! I love you!

"You too sweetheart! I love you too!”

You walked out the door and grabbed your neighbor by his arm. "Let's get going! Wow! You're so strong! You must be really popular huh?"

"I guess? I play soccer but I'm more of an artist. I like sketching things I see in abstract ways. I feel like it captures the soul more than a picture ever could. And it's still a portrait of someone if you think about it." He walked, letting you cling to his arm. Muscles slightly tense.

"Wow. That's so deep. An athlete and a sensitive soul. All the girls must be breaking down the door to be with you." You slowly trailed your fingers down his arm.

"Maybe. But there's really only one girl I want." He looked away blushing slightly.

You scoffed. "Oh? Who?" 'Whoever this girl is you'll just have to sabotage this budding relationship to get back to the top-'

"That girl with the pink highlights who came over to your house yesterday." He confessed hesitantly. You let go of him immediately.

"5'7 light brown hair green eyes?" You asked for more clarification even though Laylani is the only one who dyes her hair.

"Yeah... She's just really pretty." He practically swooned.

"You have a thing for Laylani?" You asked in surprise considering that you don't think the two have ever spoken.

"Even her name's pretty." He confirmed your suspicion. "She's your friend right? Could you help set us up?" He begged.

"Do you like Body Horror?" You quirked an eye brow.

"Oh no, not particularly." He confessed hoping this wouldn't ruin his chance with her.

You smiled slightly. "Then I'll introduce you to her myself." You tell him you're name and extend a hand to him.

"Darius." He shook your hand as if he'd just been given the opportunity of a life. 

'I suppose he has.' You thought. "A few quick words of advice. If you're going to date her you're going to be a part of my squad. And I don't like kiss asses so just be yourself. And start thinking up a poem for her. She likes artsy types."

"I'm surprised that you're being so cool about this considering you were flirting with me a few seconds ago."

You check your manicure. "It's lonely at the top. If I can get my squad to rise through the ranks with me that would be the best option for me. And you could very well be a back door to get us started."

"And what if they can't?"

"I'll make sure whatever heathen is standing in the way of what we deserve is cut down and made miserable." You smirked.

"You are truly evil." He looked at you and shivered.

"Maybe so. But Laylani is a whole other level of good person. My squad is innocent for the most part but there are certain luxuries that come with being pretty and popular." You smiled slyly.

"You scare me a bit." He looked at you in concern.

Your eyes grew colder as if the warmth was fleeing from your soul.  "Why shouldn't they be spoiled and pampered? They're just so sweet that it's hard not to step on others shoulders to boost them up so they can reach for their ambrosia."

"At least you're loyal." He shrugged.

You two get to school and you walk over to your friends. "Everyone, this is my neighbor Darius. Darius, this is Parsley with the ebony hair, Laylani's twin identical twin Dallie (you tell them apart by the hair), and we've already spoken about Laylani. You girls take care of him yeah? I have to go meet with the student counsel president for a tour of the school."

You start to walk away and up the stairs as you see a guy bump into a smaller girl. You rush up behind her to make sure she doesn't fall down the stairs. "You okay small fry?"

"Ugh! My first day here and I'm already getting pushed around and called names!" She had tan skin and ember eyes so stark under her Black hair. Her presence felt comforting for some reason.

"Sorry. I just think your size is cute! It's not often I get to find someone so small." You smiled at her, trying to ease the tension.

"Maybe it's not that I'm small! Maybe you're just freakishly tall!" She pointed a finger in your face.

"No." You giggled. "But cute rhyme though." You tell her your name.

"I'm Aphmau. So are we... friends?" She asked hopefully.

"That sounds nice. The more people I know the easier it will be to feel more comfortable here."

"Cool! I gotta go now so goodbye new friend!" She ran into the school as fast as her 5 foot frame could carry her.

You walk around a bit trying to find the student counsel president. You stumble behind the school and find three kids tagging the bleachers. Now you could do a few things. Option A: Ignore it, a janitor will probably have to clean it up later but you won't get in trouble on your first day. Option B: Snitch, the teachers would give you praise and might be a bit more lenient on you but you'd probably get a reputation as a kiss ass snitch. Option C: Try to stop them yourself, if it works you could be a hero but if not you'll get in trouble and paint a target on your back.

Option C it is. "HEY!! STOP THAT YOU THREE!!" You yelled running over.

"Who invited the toddler?" A tall boy with black hair rolled his cyan eyes at you.

"Don't look at me." A boy with brown hair and maroon eyes throws his hands up defensively.

"You know me better than that Gene." A pale girl with white hair, amethyst eyes, and black lipstick put her hand on her hip, looking at the black haired boy.

You walk over to them. "Look I may not be as big or as old as you guys but I still know that you can't treat lower middle class people like shit! So get out of here before I scrub the bleachers with your faces!" You gave them an empty threat.

"You a freshman?" 'Gene' asked.

"So what if I am?" You crossed your arms.

Gene smirked menacingly and pulled you closer to him before he pinned you to the bleachers. "So I'm assuming you're a virgin?"

Your face lit up red. "HUH?!" You asked offended.

"Gene what are you doing! You could get in a lot of trouble for this!" The brown haired boy shook Gene in panic.

"Relax Zenix. I'm still seventeen for a few more weeks. And princess here isn't going to tell anybody about this are you?"

"You're disgusting. Typically men." The white haired girl went back to her phone.

"Shut up Sasha." Gene said and Sasha turned to glare at him angrily. Gene started to unbutton your uniform.

"Sto-mph!" Zenix covered you mouth.

"There, she can't say no now!" He laughed. "I get to squeeze her tits though after your done Gene."

Your eyes pricked in tears. "Fine fine. Now freshman... are you ready to get F-"

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU THREE DOING?!" A voice from the side called.

"Great..." Gene muttered. He put on a faux smile and dropped me. "Madam student counsel president! So glad to see you."

"You two better let her go immediately!" The girl yelled at him.

"We're just having a little fun Teony!"

"She's 14! If you do anything to her I'll have you suspended!"

"...Zenix let her go."

"But-"

Gene cut him off. "Let. Her. Go." You button up your uniform and before you could get a good look at Teony he grabbed you and kissed you. "Something to remember me by." He smirked.

Teony wrapped her arm around me and brought me back into the building. "Sorry he took your first kiss..."

"I've had a boyfriend before. Gene certainly wasn't my first kiss."

"I'm Teony." You finally got a good look at her as she introduced herself. She was very beautiful. She had dark skin and brown eyes. Her lashes fluttered as she waited for you to respond, her matching curls bouncing in amusement.

"I might be bisexual..." You mumbled. She burst out laughing.

"Thank you. I've never actually had someone tell me I was their gay awakening."

"Sorry. You're just... really pretty." You flushed.

"Here. Your dad already called in and asked me to pick these up for you." She handed you a booklet, a schedule, and an ID. "The school can be pretty intimidating when you don't know your way around. I hope you don't mind but I already took a peak at your schedule and saw that we have the same lunch period. I also saw you have your last period off. So when you're free come find me and I'll take you on a tour of the school." She escorts me to class and I take a seat in the back.

The teacher starts to take attendance and eventually once I'm called people turn to look at me. "Present."

After a while Aphmau came in and the teacher reprimanded her for being late. She blurts out to everyone in the room that she was homeschooled. 'Rookie mistake. That's prime territory for gossip and bullying.' 

After a while the teacher takes us to the gym and lets us loose on the club fair.

[whentherewerebicycles]

slept 10 hours and woke up feeling like I’d been hit by a truck. would love to feel rested someday! but I am extremely grateful he slept through the night despite yesterday’s weird and challenging schedule. he was in a great mood and went down easy for his first nap so I could tutor. I am not sure I did my best work tutoring this morning sigh but I am going to cut myself some slack. my moms’ group is meeting at a brewery this afternoon and I also have a little more student work to do but other than that we can use the day to rest and recuperate. my mom is staying with us starting tomorrow which will be good… nice to see her and also nice to have some flexibility so I can go to some appts and get this medical stuff sorted out. I really do not feel like myself and the fatigue is getting noticeably worse not better :-/ I’m lying in bed right now and I’m so tired I have this feeling almost of vertigo like my body is so heavy it’s sinking/falling through the bed. blah ok. good news is the baby woke up from his nap and then just… put himself back down to continue the nap? so I can lie in bed and try to marshal my strength for a bit longer.

things I should do today:

write coaching note

shower by 11:30

EDIT EP ESSAYS

2-4ish moms’ group meetup

do a quick tidy of the whole house

do laundry x 2??

finish the king must die

start a new novel (I might be ready to go on a Renault kick)

crash early

[nancypullen]

Merry Everything and a Happy Whatever

Well, I cam back from Florida with just a couple of days to prepare for the onslaught of Christmas and promptly got sick. The virus that my sister had, some respiratory thing, definitely not a common cold, took me out at the knees. I slogged through the grocery store with my long list (I wore a mask!) and hauled home enough to feed an army. Everyone arrived on the 22nd and I made a dinner of pork carnitas, tortillas, and all the toppings. Rice and beans rounded out the meal and the whole gang was satisfied. The next night was a rotini and meatball bake, extra cheesy. And so it went. I was Typhoid Mary in the kitchen, coughing up a lung, and you'd think spreading disease. Would you believe that not a single person caught it? I'm just now feeling human again and no one else is even sniffling. I have to admit that the Christmas dinner was not my best. I kept forgetting to set timers. The turkey was dry (and I pride myself on juicy roasted birds!), the sweet potato casserole was not quite set, and I left the rolls in too long. I felt like a failure, but everyone ate and no one died.

Christmas was merry, Santa was sure good to all of us - especially a certain little girl. My boys spoil me absolutely rotten, to the point of making me feel guilty. I always cry and act like a doofus because I still see those sweet little boys of mine, and I want them to save their money for themselves. I should be proud that they're both doing so well and are so kind, but I just feel guilt. I'm not worthy! I'm sure a psychologist could have a field day with my thoughts. Anywayyyy, even though I was sick as a dog, it was wonderful to have everyone together. I felt like apologizing for not being more fun. I hate it that Matt flew all the way home and we didn't even play our usual rounds of Song Quiz or go on an adventure. In summary, Christmas was wonderful because my family is wonderful. The Edgewater parents had to go back to work, so we kept Little Miss for a three extra days since she's out of school. She helped me take all of the decorations off the tree (I knew she was dying to get her hands on those ornaments) and we collected all of the Santas, deer, and holiday knick-knacks from around the house. Between the two of us we got Christmas packed away and everything tidied up. Turns out child labor is beneficial. We took her to see Migration and she giggled all the way through. She dressed herself for the movie and I didn't fight it. Better to be overdressed than underdressed, right?

We handed her over yesterday afternoon and I came home and told Mickey that I was takin' to the bed. I don't think I moved for twelve hours. I didn't do much today either. I need to rest up for our big New Year's Eve festivities.

Yeah, I can't say that with a straight face. We have NO plans. I wouldn't go if we did. I don't even have a dinner planned for us. Usually Matt gets to stay through New Year's Eve and I do a buffet of appetizers. We may be eating tuna sandwiches on paper plates. Sounds like I've given up, doesn't it? Lawdy, I'm just tiiired.

Anywho, I survived and thankfully the family seems to have missed my contagious stage. I'd feel really awful if they'd all taken this nasty virus home. Glad it ended with me, good riddance to it. I'm thinking about what my word for 2024 will be and I'm just not sure. Last year I chose the word flourish. I chose it because I was so unhappy here, couldn't seem to make a friend, etc. I was determined to take control and make this my home. I should have chosen a different word. I tried, good grief how I tried. I'm an Army brat, I'm not shy about meeting people or being in new places. I've taken classes, gone to functions, reached out to others, even gone out a couple of times with some local ladies. Apparently I'm still undesirable. I did apply for and finally get a job at the library, so maybe that will help. If nothing else I'll make a little money while the local population rejects me.

Might as well make the best of it. Maybe my word for the new year will be acceptance. It is what it is. I'd rather my word be winner, as in lottery. Did you see that Powerball jackpot? Whew! I'd be outta' here so fast. With that kind of cash I could still see Little Miss every week. Fancy Grancy could jet in for gymnastics practice and dinner. Crossing all my fingers. I'll save one for Denton though.

Maybe that's the cold meds talking. Or not. I've whined my way through this blog post, so I'll end this little pity party. Just wanted to get you all caught up before we hang a new calendar. I'll think about my word for 2024 and get back to you. Anyone else choosing one? I've seen folks opting for simplify, balance, courage, gratitude...in what direction are you hoping to steer your next 365 days? We've passed the winter solstice and we're gaining sunlight every day, let's walk into the sunshine and choose happiness this year. I've always found happiness in small things - a pretty sunset, bird song, little green shoots in the spring. Tomorrow I'm going to get a whole bunch of tulip bulbs (a gift!!) in the ground. I'm planting hope. There's always hope, right? Alright, I'm off to soak in a bubble bath and read the latest Lisa Jewell book. I was on a library waitlist for months and so far it's been worth it. I downloaded it on my new Christmas KIndle. The Pullen men hate it that I'll use the same technology for a decade (my old Kindle worked fine, just didn't hold a charge like it used to). There you have it. It's over. Ladies, we decorated, shopped, wrapped, cooked, and spread joy like chicken pox. The lull between Christmas and the new year celebrations is a welcome relief. Rest if you can, recharge. You've earned it. Sending out loads of love tonight. Stay safe, stay well. XOXO, Nancy

[theretirementstory]

Greetings from a cloudy Troyes in the Aube département of France. It’s 7c, raining and I think we are due 11c and a drier day. Not that it matters to me I am still ensconced in my hospital room 13 days after arriving.

The arrival of my eldest son may well give them the impetus to send me home, as there will be someone with me 24/7, for a few days.

When I came into hospital I brought my usual notebook, pen in bag etc, well the pen only ran out the first Thursday I was here (wish I could have joined it 😂). Now, a week later I asked for a pen and was given a whole brand new one to keep ……. the notebook is filling up nicely now with diary notes, questions etc.

Today is Mother’s Day in the UK, a big greeting to all of the mothers being feted by sons and daughters throughout the Kingdom.

I am going to introduce the music section, this was prompted by a telephone call before I was admitted to hospital. I was talking to a friend in North East England about “back in the day”, as they say, and talking of artists, she recalled going to see the amazing Sylvester in a night club in MIDDLESBROUGH! Yes they brought Soul artists from the States and they performed amongst the Steel workers, dockers etc of the grimy north east. So with this in mind here are two records I love . The first is back to 1974, ( I remember it well 😂) it’s the Isley Brothers with “Summer Breeze”. The second one is from three years earlier 🙈, 1971, and it’s The Four Tops with “Simple Game”. Enjoy, oldies but classics.

Now let’s concentrate on me! I was so “out of it” a couple of days last week, I remembered dreaming of speaking French and then there I was telling myself the phrase isn’t correct! Well I must admit that dream really did do something because I am now speaking more French to the nurses, taxi driver, Uncle Tom Cobley and all. I have even been (dare I utter it) reading the booklet on the next stage of treatment which is all in French, wow, I understand so very much, there are jottings in the margins now in case I lose this new talent!

I had a bit of bad news in the early part of the week. I heard of four people who had passed away! One was Marie-Therese who I visited London with a couple of years ago. Her son rang me and I really had to give in to tears. However, she had had a good life, she would have been 88 years old on the 6 March! A couple were relatives of friends and my kind next door neighbour and another a man I knew from when we were all in our 20’s.

I received a telephone call giving me the date of the next PET scan, 20 March, let’s hope I am at home for a break before then 🤣. Then, I got the appointment at the hospital in Paris, for the consultation on the next steps in my treatment, that was on Friday. Fortunately the doctor spoke excellent English and I had quite pertinent questions to ask. All being well, I will go there for harvesting of leucocytes towards the end of March. After that I think I should be called “The Combined Harvester” as I will have had stem cells and leucocytes harvested 😂.

As I have said my eldest son “The Photographer” is coming to see me. If I ever get out of here, we will do a lot of the jobs I need to be done (mainly computer work) and tidy things up there.

It’s the weekend before “The Reconnect Navigator’s” birthday so celebrations are taking place. A nice evening out last evening, wonderful!

“The Trainee Solicitor” has lots on his mind as in pricing up for new items in the house. It’s not that they are just cosmetic they are actually needed. So investing now could see benefits later.

I had a video call with my gorgeous grandchildren yesterday. My grandson was a bit confused he thought I was taking a bath when in fact I was laid in the hospital bed. Well he is only a young boy so that’s fine.

Now to the newest member of the “clan”, “The Jetsetter”. I am not quite sure of the schedule of “turnarounds” she will be doing over the next few months but after arriving back from Norway, I guess washing is all done and a change of clothes for the change of temperatures. Plus am sure it is going to be warmer in Italy. Not too sure of the region but have a wonderful time indeed.

Well guess you can’t always guarantee good weather, as I had a holiday in the Alto Adige region of Italy (a long time ago). It was August and in Trafoi where I stayed it was rather pleasant weather. Friends and I caught the bus to the top of the Stelvio Pass only to find it snowing and a nice cover there was too (especially for someone wearing sandals 🙈). The bus had to put snow chains on to come back down the hairpin bends. What an adventure that was!

It looks as if we have caught up with all of my news. The beauty of the two hour drive to Paris and back is that being in the Saint-Antoine district there are wonderful sites to see. Last year it was the Gare du Lyon, this time it was “The Bastille”. I was lucky to catch the couple enjoying a stroll and looking towards the monument then further along, on the bridge over the Seine, where we were fortunate to be stuck in traffic for another view.

I wish you all a good week until next week.