#athena's tea party

[rainachaeri]

A Little Sweetness in The Anti-Void

A One-shot featuring Athena (udbh) & Error Sans. Purely platonic because I think they're cute as besties :D

This is also not canon to the main udbh fic until further notice.

1,600+ words

“Error!” Athena called out over the whiteness with her hands cupped over her mouth. “Are you there?”

At her call, several blue strings appeared from above, followed by the skeleton himself. He stood several feet away from her, his body surrounded in glitches and errors, hence his moniker, and so was his voice, but when he spoke, she could hear him loud and clear.

“You again? What do you want?” he huffed out.

“I came back as promised! For the tea party!” she replied. She put the basket down on what should be the floor, then she materialized a teapot and two tea cups in her hands. “Well, Minus the tea, I suppose, since we both happen to like chocolate more.”

“What?!” he exclaimed, hands flailing in the air. “I don't remember agreeing to this? I never agreed to this!”

“Oh.” Athena's face fell. “You… you don't want the chocolate?”

Error stopped flailing his hands. He gave another huff, then stomped his foot on the floor. “I–I never said that either! Give it here!”

One of his blue strings sprouted out of his hands and slithered towards Athena, aiming for the teapot itself. He must've known it had the chocolatey goodness inside, but this wasn't how it should go! They didn't even have a table yet!

“Now, wait a second!” she said as she bloomed her own string from her hands and stopped Error's from its tracks. “We must do this the right way!”

Not one to give up, more of Error's strings rushed their way to Athena, and she blocked them with her own strings in turn. Then, she turned to the teapot and tea cups', lowering their gravity and leaving them floating in the air. With her hands empty, she grabbed the basket again full of chocolate and cookie goodies and set it on a table that she summoned before her.

After that, and Error had yet to notice it, Athena also made another table appear next to him. She returned to the basket and opened it, pulling out four bowls. Two of them contained chocolate bars, left untouched for its consumer to break or crush, while the other two had chocolate chip cookies. She took one bowl of chocolate bars and one bowl of cookies and levitated it over to Error’s table, followed by the other empty tea cup.

It was a wonder Error still failed to notice it, but one glance at him and Athena found he was more focused on fighting off her own strings than taking the teapot from her anymore.

“Error, please stop spawning more strings. Your share of the tea party—er, chocolate party treats are already over there at your table.”

He heard her, thankfully, for he stopped the very second he heard the word chocolate. The blue strings disappeared—and so did Athena's—as he looked down at the table next to him bearing the bowls of chocolate bars, cookies, and the tea cup.

At his findings, Error crossed his arms with another huff. “What the hell. No chairs?”

“Oh! I apologize.” Athena clapped her hands twice. “There. It's behind you now.”

And when he turned around, his chair was indeed there already. Its seat and back was cushioned for his utmost comfort.

He stared down at it for a moment before sitting down, albeit reluctantly, and while he adjusted in his seat the teapot flew over to him and tipped itself over, pouring him a cup of chocolate.

“Would you rather it be hot or cold?” Athena asked.

“Hot.”

“Alright! There!”

The chocolate bubbled inside the teacup, then smoke appeared from above.

The teapot then flew over to Athena next, and it filled her cup as well while she sat down herself. She took a cookie from her bowl and bit into it, humming while she munched away. Afterwards, the teapot returned over to Error again.

With Athena chewing, a momentary lull passed them. She glanced over at him, but he was merely looking down at his table, sockets wide in disbelief, as though he couldn't fathom what was in front of him. Had he never been to a chocolate party before?

Then again, this was Athena’s first chocolate party too.

“How do you like the taste?” she asked, prompting him to move.

Error jumped, his entire body glitching out, shifting in black then white and back, and their gazes met for the first time since Athena arrived, but he looked away in not even more than a second to glance down at the food in front of him. A beat later, he reached his hand out and grabbed the cup by its handle then lifted it up to his teeth.

He was about to tip the cup over, when he turned his head at the last second to look at Athena, and she smiled back at him in what she hoped was a look of encouragement.

He returned it with a scowl. “What are you looking at, you freak?”

The smile was wiped off Athena's face, and she looked away, the corners of her lips curving further downwards while she lifted her own cup, but she couldn't bring herself to drink from it.

Error looked angry, so angry.

“I–I’m sorry,” she squeaked out, and her arms started to shake. “I didn't know staring upsetted you too. I simply wanted to know if you liked the chocolate. I'll… I won't look in your direction anymore.”

And so she didn't. With quivering lips and a lump lodged in her throat, she tried her best to still enjoy the chocolate and cookies. Her fingers trembled while she broke the chocolate bars into tiny pieces, then popped them in her mouth.

At least chocolate retained its tastiness despite the somber mood.

The two bowls were almost empty, and Athena dreaded how to end such a party. Was it even a party at this point? No one was celebrating.

It was only when Athena ate the last piece of her cookies that the silence was broken.

“It's good.”

Athena almost turned her head towards his direction, but she caught herself in time, and she slapped her hands on either side of her face to prevent her head from moving.

“I–I’m sorry?” she stuttered out.

“I said it's good! Ugh, are you deaf?” Error snarled.

His outburst almost scared her again, almost, but when it dawned on her that he complimented the chocolate drink—maybe even the treats itself too—what little fright that bubbled in her chest melted away, and in its stead was a steady warmth that spread throughout her body, causing a full blown smile to bloom in her lips.

“I–I'm very glad you liked it, Error!” she said. Her hands were still on her face to ensure she wouldn't accidentally look at him. “It means a lot that you do!”

An exasperated sigh came from Error's direction. “Look, you don't have to not look. It was just annoying earlier, okay?”

Athena blinked. “Oh! So… I can look at you?”

Error scoffed. “Yeah, whatever. Not like I'll crumble just ‘cause some weirdo’s staring at me. I'm not weak.”

“Good to know!” she replied. This time, she finally looked at him, then at his table, only to find that his own bowls and teacup were already empty.

“Oh! You already ate them all.”

“Yeah, I did. Got a problem with that?”

“Not at all! I'm glad actually! Because that meant you liked them!”

Error huffed. “Whuh! It wasn't that good. Don't get so full of yourself.”

“I won’t. I worked hard on making the cookies and preparing the drink, and I even made the chocolate bars myself! I’m simply happy for a job well done!”

“Huh? You made them?”

“Yes! It was really fun, I must admit. It did take a lot of time for them to harden, but I could make more if you want?”

“What, you mean another tea party?”

“Chocolate party,” Athena corrected, “and, sure! Why not? Uhm! O–Only if you want to, of course! If you do not wish for me to come back here again, then that's… also okay. I understand I might've overstayed my welcome here. I suppose I was simply excited to have met yet another chocolate enjoyer.”

“Chocolate enjoyer, huh?”

“Yes! I've met many others, and I think it would be fun if we could have some sort of gathering to celebrate our appreciation for chocolate together! Almost like a party of some sorts! But with more people!”

“No.”

Athena stopped. “No?”

“A party of two can work already, right?”

“Well, yes, but—”

“Then I don't see why we have to add more!” he exclaimed, suddenly, and for a miniscule second his entire body was riddled with errors and glitches, so much that you couldn't even see him, then they subsided in a blink.

“But… why not?”

“Because you being here is enough already!”

“Oh. It is?”

“Yeah, in fact it's too—”

Athena beamed at him. “That's so nice of you to say, Error!”

Error stiffened. “What?”

“I do admit, even if it is just the two of us here, I still managed to find it very enjoyable! Er, as unenjoyable as some parts of it were, but, nevertheless! It was still fun!”

“What?”

“On our next chocolate party, is there something you'd like me to bring? Any requests?”

“Uh. A bear?”

“What kind of bear? Like, alive or—Oh! Did you mean a stuffed bear?”

“It’s not what you think, okay?! I just—”

“Okay! I'll bring one next time. Would you like me to knit one?”

“—need something to beat up because I'm—Wait, you can knit?”

Athena nodded. “Yes! I like knitting!”

“Oh.”

“Do you?”

“I… That's none of your business!”

Athena flinched. “I'm sorry. I won't push.”

Error's scowl faded, and then he sighed, scratching his skull.

“Just give a warning next time before you come back, alright? And bring more chocolate.”

Like lightning, Athena's face brightened in a flash. “I will!”

fin.

So there's a story here, somewhere. I wrote this in one sitting back in January apparently according to the doc's date of creation, and I have so many questions to past me like how did this even happen in the first place, or how did ath even make it to the anti void somehow, but I guess I'll never know with how terrible my memory is.

I may (or may not) continue/expand it as a spin off or like its own story or something. Probably post it on ao3 if it becomes a long fic, but for now, until the council (my brain) decides on its fate, I'm leaving it here.

[girlkisser13]

hecate cabin headcanons

a/n: hey!!! daughter of hecate here. can you guys tell that i grew up reading pjo and harry potter? 😭

children of hecate

• their grades in school usually aren't always the best, but they constantly surprise (annoy) their teachers by knowing the most random facts because their mother is the goddess of trivia.

• naturally, they love fantasy novels.

• a lot of them are triplets, or have two other siblings, since three is a very sacred number (not just in greek mythology, but since hecate has three technical personas).

• when claimed, hecate gifts them with a familiar that is tied to the demigod's life and goes on quests with them. the familiar strengthens their magic and they share a strong psychic bond.

• many of them have their own personal grimoires and journals.

• they often watch witch movies and television shows and laugh at the inaccuracies (but they all secretly jot down spells for inspiration).

• despite their slightly mysterious and creepy appearances, they actually are really nice.

• at the end of summer, they put on a magic show for the little campers.

• they love teaching their new siblings magic and watching them freak out when they turned everything into pineapples and watching over them as they’re levitating in their sleep before they learn to control it.

• they have a side hustle of tarot card readings, palm readings, tea leaves and miscellaneous spells.

• they can all see through the mist and control it with ease, making it hard for the hermes cabin to prank them.

• they all have their own deck of tarot cards and there’s crystals everywhere.

• they all strongly believe in astrology.

• they’re all naturally skilled in the use of daggers.

• although their mother is sometimes depicted as a maiden goddess, none of them have ever explicitly stated if they are born the "traditional" way or if they are conceived in ways similar to children of athena.

cabin exterior

• the cabin's architecture is a blend of ancient and mystical styles, with elements of gothic and greco-roman designs.

• the walls have intricate carvings of magical symbols, runes, and mythical creatures.

• out in front of their cabin, they grow yew, nightlock, and many other herbs (to use in potions).

• they have a dedicated area behind the cabin for practicing spells and rituals, complete with a stone altar and circles of power. this area is also surrounded by protective wards.

cabin interior

• the runes and inscriptions in the stones they used to build their cabin don't only strengthen the walls of their cabin and lessen their unintended spell-casting, but also make it so their cabin is bigger on the inside.

• charms and talismans hang from the eaves and doorways, tinkling softly in the breeze and adding a layer of protection and enchantment.

• they have their own treasure room in which they keep objects their have collected on their quests.

• they only keep the magical or enchanted objects though and send everything else to the attic of the big house.

• they have a basement (like many of the other cabins) complete with a lily pond that includes a couple of frogs, the walls are lined with hundreds of magic books and it is where they spend hours on end learning from their siblings how to control the mist and cast spells.

cabin traditions

• everytime they get a new sibling, they have a moving in party.

• they make tons of broom shaped snacks, prepare a few spell books and potion brewing books. as soon as the sibling walks into the room they all yell. "YER A WIZARD" and the party begins.

• every year, on halloween, they choose a city to go to and use the mist to confuse the mortals.

divider by @anqlicrosie

[apiswitchcraft]

altars for greek gods (pt.2)

this post includes zeus, hera, poseidon, hestia, hephaestus, dionysus, ares, demeter, and athena. for part 1 including hades, persephone, artemis, apollo, aphrodite, hermes, and hekate click here, for the titans and protogenoi click here.

keep in mind that this is largely UPG, new age stuff, and historically accurate offerings to the gods include meat, wine, grain (specifically barley), honey, and incense (myrrh and frankincense).

colors can be used for candles, banners, decor, whatever you want

ZEUS

Colors: white, blue, and grey for association with the heavens, yellow and black for association with storms. gold because he's the King of the Gods

Offerings: rain water, oak, olives/olive branches/olive leaves, vervain, cinnamon, laurel. images of himself or lightning bolts are particularly recommended for Zeus

Crystals: diamonds, gold (i think pyrite, aka fool's gold, would be offensive), turquoise, lapis lazuli, celestite, iron/steel, any quartz

Animals: eagle, bull

POSEIDON

Colors: blue and white for association with the seas, gray for association with storms, brown for association with the earth/earthquakes

Offerings: coffee, mint, ocean water, salt, seashells

Crystals: coral, petoskey stone, abalone, opal (especially water opal), blue calcite, aquamarine

Animals: horse, bull, dolphin, hippocampus

HERA

Colors: red, pink and white for association with love and marriage. gold because she's the Queen of the Gods.

Offerings: iris, rose, patchouli, coconut, cypress, maple, peacock feathers, pomegranate

Crystals: pearls, garnet, citrine, diamonds, lapis lazuli, topaz, opal, moonstone, rose quartz

Animals: peacock, cuckoo, cow

HESTIA

Colors: red, orange, and yellow for association with fire, brown or white for the hearth/home.

Offerings: tea/coffee (especially if you drink it with her), pine, bread, cider, apples, anything on fire, cinnamon

Crystals: amber, jade, garnet, ruby, carnelian, sunstone, amethyst, honey calcite

Animals: donkey, pig, crane

HEPHAESTUS

Colors: red, orange, and yellow for association with fire, metallics for association with metalworking.

Offerings: spicy things, hot beverages, handmade things, dragon's blood incense, seashells, anything on fire

Crystals: metals, fire opal, honey calcite, obsidian, hematite, carnelian

Animals: donkey, dog, crane

DIONYSUS

Colors: purple and green for association with grapes/wine, leopard/tiger print for his holy animals

Offerings: grapes (or any derivative), alcohol, cinnamon, ivy, pinecones. there's a particular emphasis on non-physical offerings with dionysus, like playing music, partying or sex/masturbation

Crystals: grape agate, leopard jasper, crazy lace agate, tiger's eye, garnet, rose or rutilated quartz, amethyst, jade

Animals: panther/leopard, tiger, bull, serpent, dolphin

ARES

Colors: red and purple for association with war

Offerings: spicy things, yarrow, chocolate, basil, cinnamon

Crystals: bloodstone, garnet, red jasper, smokey quartz, black tourmaline, hematite, metals, obsidian, carnelian

Animals: eagle owl, barn owl, poisonous snakes, boar, vulture

DEMETER

Colors: green, brown, and yellow for association with the earth/harvest. black for her ruthlessness

Offerings: oats and grain, anything baked, flowers, spices (like cinnamon or cloves, allspice is good too), leaves that have begun to change colors for fall, mint, poppy

Crystals: jade, tree/moss agate, carnelian, amber, aventurine, rutilated quartz

Animals: serpent, farm animals (especially pig), gecko, turtle-dove

ATHENA

Colors: white and grey/silver for association with wisdom. red for association with war

Offerings: anything handmade, olives/olive oil/olive branches/olive leaves, snake shed, cedar, cypress, cinnamon

Crystals: metals, celestite, fluorite, lapis lazuli, bloodstone, obsidian, iolite

Animals: snakes and owls

[nyx-is-missing]

Could u write one for clarisse where she's impressed with femR bc of how good she is at fighting and all and clarisse finds her incredibly attractive bc no one has challenged her the way R does?

And like a bit of pining until the two confess

Thank you!!

Breathtaking or taken

Clarisse la rue x fem!reader

Summary: when Clarisse finds a opponent worth of her, she is breathtaken.

Warnings: none really, just fluff, not a descriptive fight scene on sight cause mama dont know how to write that, so just fluff fluff, and mutual pining fluff

(Do i need to say its not proofread? No? Thank you)

Here is one of the main benefits of being a daughter of Athena, you'll know.

DIfferent from other gods, Athena will let your parent know it is her who they are talking to.

And if letting them know beforehand isnt enough, she will let them know when the baby is brought to them, and if your parent is smart enough to live up to her choice, you'll have time to learn a thing or two before being thrown into this world.

If your parent cares enough about you, you'll have time.

And sure as hell my mom cared.

Always the intelectual woman, historian, researcher, writter, my mom knew many things about ancient greece, she knew all the stories by heart, and she, of all people, knew what she needed to do, to preserve her only daughter, her sacred gift.

She teached me all i needed to learn without compromising myself, stories, languages, art...and fight.

Little girls my age were doing dance classes, were trying to be good enough for drama club, were playing tea party with their dolls or making a mess with their mom's make up.

Well...i.. i was doing martial arts, i was fencing, i had my face in a book every free time i got.

I always asked her about it, why was she so strict about never missing a fight leasson, her answer always made sense, there and now.

"The world is cruel, especially for little girls, someday i might not be all the time with you, someday, you'll fight your own battles, you need to be ready"

Every word, every single word is true.

And that is how i ended up here, in a arena of camp half blood, sparring with Clarisse, and winnig, by two points, yes, but winning.

It is clear nobody expected that from me, neither did she actually, i can see in her eyes.

Understandable, they expect Athena kids to be calm, find a solution, not fight her way out.

Honestly their looks dont bother me, i dont even think much of it, but Clarisse's looks, they got something more to them, like a kid who finally got the dog she really wanted.

"Aaand break time Clarrise, we'll continue this tomorrow, id like to enjoy the rest of my afternoon thank you"

I dropped the sword down and started to undo my armor while walking close to the exit.

"Wait wait wait, now? Already? C'mon i didnt even had time to figure out how do you do that... all of that"

She stood next to me, still holding her sword and honestly.. she was beautiful, yes she was sweaty now and yes she was mean to everyone but.. now...right now, she was beautiful, shining, in her element really, flushed cheeks and a smile she only had when with a sword in hand.

"I practice, ever since i was a kid, everyday, well expect in weekends but yeah, almost everyday... how do you do all that? You are good...-want some water?"

I offered her my bottle also motioning for her to walk with me, both wich she gladly accepted.

"I practice too...and i never said this to anyone but, you are good, great even, and look breathtaking"

We stop walking, we stop all actually.

"I look what, Clarisse?"

"Breathtaken- you look out of breath, do you want the water back?"

Ah.

Weeks later i found myself in the same scenario, sparring with Clarisse again, actually that is all i do when it comes to training, be with Clarisse

"C'mon curls, thats the best you've got? No need to go easy on me"

"Im not going easy, i already told you, you caught me distracted thats all- GIRL WIll YOU SUSH?"

She tried to block you with her sword, thankfully for her, a succeded attempt.

"How could i? You're so fun to mess with, gets all red n all"

"Oh you want to talk about getting red?"

In a moment i was on the floor, Clarisse on top of me, and i couldnt speak, all i could do was stare into her big brown eyes, who looked right into my soul.

"Cant speak anymore huh? Oh if you could see the red im seeing-"

Now this my ladies and gentlemen, this is what i call a shot of faith.

I raised my head a little and just..i kissed her, it was quick but I did it, and her face went blank.

"Now you are breathtaken Curls, how about that?"

"And you are still breathtaking"

Still?

Oh

Oh.

"You...like me Clarisse?"

"You didnt knew?"

Oh.

"....no..?"

"Would you walk away if i kissed you this time?"

"....no."

[jynxedshapeshifter]

I'd love to know the full details on what Athena and Simon's dynamic was like pre-UR-1. It is so funny to imagine 20 year old Simon Blackquill genuinely and eagerly participating in a tea party a 10 year old Athena Cykes decided to host in the robotics lab. Bonus if Metis and Aura were also included because it's incredibly funny to imagine the Blackquills participating in a 10 year old's tea party in the robotics lab

[mushysquashythingamajig]

First Line Tag Games

{Share the first lines of your top ten most recent fics (or upto if you have less)}

Tagged by the awesome @s3tm3onfir3

Okie Dokie then

1. Animal Headbands, Plushies and A Kiss On the Top of the World

"No way. A fair? In LA? How could they even afford that?"

His friends' voice temporarily distracted Buck from the chicken frying in the pan.

"What fair?" Buck asked.

2. For you, forever

"Evan? EVAN." Tommy burst into the loft, just as the nature documentary had ended. Buck almost flinched out of his skin. Tommy never slammed the door, hell he had only just started letting himself in without Evan's permission. Something about being a gentleman. Poser.

"EVAN." Tommy was full on shouting, which was making Buck queasy. Tommy never shouted either.

3. Strong Man

"You think you can pick me up?" Buck asked, raising an eyebrow in challenge.

"Yeah, easily." Tommy crossed him arms, accepting the challenge.

4. Homecoming

"A housewarming party?"

"Yes, Chim. Athena and I wanted to do something since the house is completed, and what better way to celebrate our new home than with our family?" Bobby smiled. Clearly the man was really excited about his new house.

"Will there be alcohol?" Eddie chimed in.

"Yes. Which we'll drink responsibly because we're not 20 year olds anymore." Bobby's voice was stern. Buck was a little bit intimidated to be honest.

5. Stupid Little Game

The music in the club blared, louder than probably anyone was comfortable with but everyone was too drunk to care. That's gonna bite some of them in the ass in the morning. The light in the club was giving Buck a small headache too, but it was making the neon colours pop beautifully. Buck didn't know whose idea it was, but several people were sporting smears of neon across their faces, chests and abdomens. Never mind the dancing, Buck needed a drink. Bad.

6. Fixer Uppers and Renovated Kitchens

Why was the orange juice was bitter? It was fresh as far as he knew. He checked the expiry date several times. Huh. Tommy Kinard watched the orange juice circle down into the drain. He spaced out a bit before shaking his head and rinsing out the sink. Evan said he looked like a dog whenever he did that. Thinking of Evan made him feel sad. But the days of him burying his emotions inside his chest were long over.

7. Pierce my heart, I refuse to die

6 months. That's exactly how long Tommy and Buck had been dating. Half a year and Buck thought he had found his forever. His happily ever after. He was very wrong.

8. Third Time's the Charm

The light was gently filtering through the curtains, illuminating the room with a gentle glow. A subtle sound of his own heartbeat was thumping in his ear, but all Evan Buckley could feel was pain. Pain from the break up, pain from being left behind again and most obviously, pain from the hangover.

9. Off Days

Everybody has one of those days when everything feels off, when your coffee or tea is just a tad bit too hot, your shower just a too cold. When your day logically should be perfect, but it isn't. Yeah this was certainly one of those days for Evan.. One of those days where waking up wrapped in his boyfriend's embrace didn't bring him the same amount of comfort it usually did. The unease surrounding Buck unnerved him. And Tommy was lost.

10. Rhythm of the EKG Machine

Buck loved his job. He loved it even though it landed him in the hospital most of the time. And even killed him once (only for three minutes and 17 seconds but still). But despite all of this, he wouldn't do anything to change his life. 

Tagging @atevanfool @disaster-j @rcmclachlan and everyone who sees this fucking post. Yes im talking to you 🫵🫵

[sxvual]

Felicity • s i x

a/n: sorry you guys didn’t get yesterdays chapter but surprise!! double update tonight because you guys are great, i love you all 🤍. sorry this one is pretty short but it’s a filler. Surprise though next chapter xx

DMs always open 💌 !

cw: none

word count: 3.3k

Late in the afternoon, Roman collapsed onto the nearest couch, freshly showered but far from rested. His mind wandered, reflecting on recent choices as he sat there, feeling the weight of them.

The tension with Tianna still lingered, but it was overshadowed by how quickly he’d managed to get her out of his life, his baby now in his arms. She’d tried to argue, but Roman shut her down swiftly, slipping a thick wad of cash into her hand. Her words died instantly. Roman knew the money was just another way to keep her quiet, another spark to fan the flames. But if it bought him a little more peace—and kept her away from Gianna for a while—it was worth it. He had his baby, and for now, that was enough.

Gianna, meanwhile, was in her room, happily setting up a grand tea party for the two of them.

But no matter how content he tried to feel, there was one thing he couldn’t shake. A single, uncontrollable night of passion—a night that should have faded with the sunrise—had turned into something more. Something that now threatened to throw his meticulously curated life off balance.

Was it naive to have thought he could just chalk it up as another conquest? A fleeting thrill to stamp out by morning? Instead, he found himself replaying the flirtatious glances, the lingering touches. His initial infatuation had grown, deepened, and before he knew it, it had transformed into an obsession—one he couldn't ignore, one he couldn’t abandon.

His phone buzzed, pulling him from his thoughts. A text from his assistant—the only one he hadn’t let go—outlined the appointments and meetings he’d canceled to spend quality time with Gianna. But even as he scanned the bullet points, his thoughts remained elsewhere.

He couldn’t help but picture Athena’s eyes. Those eyes—steady, challenging, and undeniably beautiful—had been imprinted in his mind. He remembered the way she’d barely concealed her panic after their night together, her insistence on keeping things strictly professional. And yet, that very distance only fueled his desire to prove himself to her.

He couldn’t shake the ache—part desire, part determination. Pulling his phone from his pocket, he quickly typed out a message to Athena.

“Roman here—can we schedule a brief meeting today? I’d like to discuss a few items regarding our strategy.”

He hesitated before hitting send, silently daring her to respond, to show even the smallest hint of interest beyond her professional demeanor.

Minutes later, a reply came—but not from Athena.

Roman leaned back in the chair, his fingers drumming against the armrest as he read the email from Athena’s assistant—some girl named Natalie.

“Mr. Reigns, Athena James has requested that all briefings regarding your PR strategy and media relationships be handled by me moving forward. Please expect a call at your earliest convenience to discuss next steps. Best, Natalie Reynolds, Executive Assistant, James & St. Clare Public Relations.”

Roman exhaled slowly, his irritation simmering as he smirked to himself. So, Athena was really trying to create distance. Cute.

He’d known their last encounter had shaken her, the way she’d all but kicked him out of her apartment, treating him like a regrettable one-night stand instead of the man she clearly had feelings for. But this? This was her weak attempt at permanent avoidance.

Roman’s lips curved into a wry smile. Athena was clearly trying to regain control of her professional domain, but he wasn’t going to let that stop him. He was already planning to send her a series of extravagant wildflower bouquets—flirty little reminders that he wasn’t someone she could forget that easily.

If she still tried to push him away, he was prepared to keep pursuing her until she realized that what they had was worth exploring.

At least she hadn’t completely dropped him as a client. She could’ve easily washed her hands of him, and while he’d never let her do that without a fight, he appreciated that she hadn’t tried.

But that didn’t mean he was going to let her keep him at arm’s length.

Roman exhaled through his nose, scrolling through his contacts until he found her office number—the work line, since she wasn’t answering her personal cell phone.

Athena sighed, rubbing her temples as she stared at the ridiculous number of floral arrangements taking over half of her office.

Peonies. Tiger lilies. Bellflowers. Daisies. Wildflowers in every color of the rainbow.

Her favorites.

She didn’t even need to check the card to know who had sent them.

Amina, her twin sister, stood beside her with an amused look. “So, we’re pretending your very famous, very attractive client didn’t just send you these ridiculously extravagant bouquets, huh? My clients suck,” Amina pouted playfully.

Athena exhaled sharply, plucking the small envelope from the bouquet and flipping it open.

Babygirl, thought I’d start making myself harder to ignore. Enjoy the flowers. -Roman

Athena groaned, and Amina snatched the card out of her hand. “He calls you babygirl?” she asked, her voice dripping with amusement.

“Don’t start,” Athena muttered, dropping the card on her desk and turning toward the window.

Amina smirked. “No wonder you barked at me at the gala... I thought maybe I could tap that, but my baby sister was already on it.”

Athena rolled her eyes but didn’t respond. Amina was just being Amina, but Athena should’ve known better. Roman wouldn’t take the hint.

She’d been clear about wanting space, about keeping things strictly professional. But, of course, he’d gone ahead and sent her these ridiculously expensive flowers, just to remind her of his persistence.

As if that wasn’t enough, her phone rang. She glanced at the screen. Of course, it was him.

Amina raised an eyebrow, her teasing smirk widening. “Speak of the devil… a sexy devil at that.”

Athena shot her a glare. “Shut up,” she hissed, earning a loud laugh from her sister.

She answered the call, her tone clipped. “What do you need, Roman?”

His low chuckle made her stomach flutter. “You sound stressed, babygirl.” There it was again, that nickname. She hated it. And yet, she couldn’t ignore the way her body responded to it.

There was a pause before Athena’s voice came through, tight with irritation. “Stop calling me that.”

Roman’s voice softened, teasing but genuine. “Can’t help it. It suits you.”

She rolled her eyes, though she couldn’t shake the strange warmth creeping up her neck. “Roman, what do you want?”

“I just wanted to remind you that you’re not allowed to forget about me,” he said smoothly. “I know you're busy, but I’ve been thinking about you.”

She could almost hear the grin in his voice.

Athena sighed, the silence thick between them. After a long beat, she spoke again, her tone more guarded. “We have business to handle, remember?”

Roman chuckled again, as if her resistance only fueled him. “Relax, baby girl. I haven’t forgotten. I’m calling because I have a proposition. It’s about that business.”

Before Athena could respond, a soft, tiny voice interrupted from the background.

“Daddy! You’re late for the tea party!”

Roman’s voice softened immediately, the affection clear. “Baby, I told you—give Daddy just two minutes, okay?”

Athena blinked. It was his daughter. She hadn’t even realized a smile had crept onto her face until she felt it. Roman sighed again, his voice still warm, but this time there was a tenderness in it she hadn’t heard before. “Sorry, that was Gianna.”

Athena hummed. “Gigi?”

“My baby, yeah,” Roman replied, his voice full of pride. “She’s currently very upset I’m on the phone instead of sitting down for imaginary tea and biscuits with her.”

Athena smiled. “That sounds serious. Better get her some real tea then.”

“She hates tea!” he chuckled, the sound warm and genuine.

Athena smiled to herself, feeling a strange tug in her chest. “That’s adorable.”

“Yeah, that and a handful. But I wouldn’t change a thing.”

There was a pause as they both took in the moment, a strange sense of vulnerability settling between them. Athena cleared her throat, her voice softer now.

“Look, Roman,” she began, “I know you're trying to prove something—”

He cut her off with a quiet laugh. “Athena, I get it. I know you’re trying to keep things professional. But I’m not going anywhere. I’m more determined than ever to show you that I’m worth keeping around.”

A long silence followed, heavy with unspoken thoughts. Athena finally spoke, her tone wavered between frustration and something else. “Roman, I—”

He interrupted, his voice gentler than before. “Just think about it, okay? Smackdown’s taping live in Indianapolis this Friday. I want you to come see me in action. I promise you, once you see it, you’ll understand why I’m so passionate about what I do. I want you to see what I’m building. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll see it in a different light.”

Athena’s reply was quiet, hesitant. “I don’t know... I’m not sure if that’s a good idea.”

Roman’s voice softened, the teasing edge gone. “Babygirl, I know you’re still spooked. But I’m not going anywhere. I promise this isn’t just about a one-night stand to me. I’m not some client who got lucky. I want to prove that what we had is worth another chance. Trust me, Athena, I’m worth it.”

She sighed, the weight of her words hanging in the air. “Roman. I can’t keep doing this... I have too much at stake. I can’t mess this up with you.”

Roman was quiet for a long moment, his words thick with quiet resolve. “I understand,” he said finally. “But know this—I’m not giving up. I’m going to show you that I can make this work. In the ring, on the stage, and in life. And if I have to prove myself to you at every turn, then so be it.”

Before she could respond, the sound of a child’s voice rang out in the background once more. “Alright, Gigi, Daddy’s coming. Don’t start without me!”

Athena’s chest tightened as she imagined the scene—this fierce, larger-than-life WWE star, softened by his daughter. It struck her in a way she hadn’t expected.

Roman’s voice returned, low and reassuring. “So, Athena... I’ll see you Friday in Indianapolis. I promise you won’t regret it.”

Silence lingered between them before Athena murmured, “I’ll think about it.”

And with that, the call ended. Athena moved to her office chair and plopped down, still staring blankly at the now black screen of her phone. Roman’s words echoed in her mind, the words burned into her thoughts no matter how many times she told herself she wasn’t affected. 

Friday Night Smackdown.

The nerve of him, the absolute, infuriating nerve. 

She should have just ignored him, blocked his number even and acted like he didn’t exist. But instead here she was dissecting every single world like it was some kind of coded message.

“Yes.” 

Her sister, who she forgot was even still in the room, snapped her out of her trance. 

“Amina, do not.” 

Her sister's Cheshire grin was as unmoving and fitted as her perfectly pressed navy pantsuit. 

“You’re going.” 

Athena moved to rise to her feet but her twin was quick on her heels, “Oh, don’t get up.” Amina teased, as she moved behind her easing her sister back into her seat. “I am not.” 

Athena gave her a scolding glance, but her sisters didn’t pay her any mind. 

Amina decided to pull a chair around to her sister's side of the desk, boxing Athena in so she couldn’t escape her grasp. Her head tilted, dark curls bouncing slightly as she studied her. “Natalie told me you’ve been on edge all morning. That, the flowers, and plus that call from the man himself…: 

Athena immediately tensed. “Natalie needs to learn some damn loyalty, or she won’t have a damn job..” she muttered in her usual clipping tone, bitter and hoarse. 

“She’s loyal to me, obviously,” 

“And she’s my assistant, obviously” The younger twin mimicked her sister's playful tone. 

“and we basically got the same face… so same thing.” 

Athena shook her head, while subtly attempting to back her chair away from her sister. However she couldn’t escape her sister's quick wittedness and Amina pulled her back into their little bubble with a quickness. 

“No, bitch. Twin time, but more importantly—spill. What did he want? Because I know it wasn’t about work.” 

Athena groaned, leaning back in her chair. “He invited me to his Smackdown show on Friday,” 

The twin with the soft brown eyes, sparked with abject excitement. “I heard. And like I said, you’re going. You’ll love it, and he has a match on tv this week.”

Athena's well arched brows raised, “And you know this how?” 

The COO shifted in her seat, feigning sheepishness. “I watch WWE from time to time, they are fine girl!” 

If the younger twin's eyes rolled anymore they might get stuck. “Don’t worry I’m not talking about ya man girl.” Athena;s rebuttal was quick, “That is not my man.” But Amina remained unconvinced. 

“So you’re really not going?” she was beyond intrigued at this point. 

“Of course not.” Athena scoffed. “That would only encourage him…and this little infatuation he has.” 

Her sister locked her into a stare down before she knew it. She attempted to read her and like an open book she did. “You are so transparent.” Amina burst out laughing, unrestrained gaffs bouncing off the soundproof office walls. 

“How am I transparent?” Athena sucked her teeth in annoyance. 

Amina leaned forward, resting her elbows childishly on her sister's covered knees.

“Because if you really didn’t care, you wouldn’t even be going back and forth with me right now.” 

“I’m going back and forth with you because you’re insufferable.” 

“And you love it. And let’s be honest if that's your client, you should go. You need to understand how his world works, how he operated, what makes him the brand he is. It’s just good business.” 

Athena opened her mouth to argue, but then hesitated. Damn it. 

She hated when Amina made sense. When her older sister schooled her like the little girl she still felt like sometimes. Her unyielding smile widened, “See? You know I’m right.” 

Athena sighed deeply. “I get that, and under normal circumstances, I would attend. But this…it’s complicated.” 

Amina tapped her manicured nails against the desk, looking unbothered. “Complicated how? He likes you so what? Athena you're a hot girl, Roman’s not the first and he won’t be the last to have a little crush..” 

Athena swallowed, suddenly feeling like a scolded child about to admit to breaking rules. She always looked up to Amina—her twin, her other half, but also the one who had always just been..better. Amina was easygoing, a little more daring. This company wouldn’t be what it was without Amina. Athena sat at the helm, yes, but Amina had a certain charisma, an ability to take risks and laugh in the face of failure she could only dream of. 

And yet, Athena had no idea how she’d react to what she was about to say. 

“Immunity necklace.” And now Amina really tuned in. See, it sounded stupid but the silly phrase meant a ton to the sisters, since childhood it was how they divulge their deepest darkest secrets to one another. Some twins had secret languages; this was their version. When they were young they even went as far as swapping the necklace, a pretty, but cheap necklace that Amina had swiped out of a store when they were kids. And whoever had the necklace on could say whatever and it wouldn’t be told to anyone. Not their parents, other siblings, or even friends. 

“Bitch what did you do?” 

“I-” Athena paused, suddenly feeling incredibly vulnerable. “I…made a mistake.” 

Amina’s teasing expression softened into something more nurturing and concerned. “Athena,” she said gently, “what did you do babe?” 

Athena looked away, feeling the weight of her sister, her best friend's gaze. “I slept with him,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. 

Silence. 

Athena’s heart pounded as she braced for judgement, for disapproval. Amina was the only person whose opinion mattered to her. She didn’t care about her employees who saw her as a stone cold bitch, her lack of friends, her piece of shit ex-husbands. Even her family, that saw her as an uppity diva. None of them mattered to Athena. 

But Amina. She meant the world. And if she thought she crossed a line, if she thought it was unprofessional, distasteful, or wrong. She wasn’t sure she could handle it. 

Then to her complete shock…and relief? Amina laughed. 

Not just a little chuckle. A full, genuine, amused laugh. 

Athena gawked at her. “You think this is funny?” 

Amina wiped an imaginary tear from the corner of her eye. “Oh, absolutely. I mean, out of all the men in the world—Roman Reigns? Good job baby sister. This is hilarious!” 

Athena scowled. “Amina! This is serious.” 

“So am I! That man flirts like it's his full time job, I can’t believe he got you!” Amina shot back at her, still grinning. “Athena, you have been so buttoned up your entire life. You never break rules. You never mix business with pleasure. And yet, here you are, falling into bed with a literal wrestling god. I mean, I’m just so proud of you.” 

Athena groaned in distress, burying her face in her hands. 

“This is not a joke, Amina. It’s messy. It’s unprofessional. And worse of all, he’s relentless. He keeps pushing, keeps insisting that it was more than just…I don’t even know what he thinks!” 

Sensing her sister's true distress Amina’s laughter faded into something softer, more thoughtful. “Okay, but…is he wrong?”

Athena froze. “What? I barely know that man!”

“And yet you screwed him,” she shrugged. “ Athena, I know you. You’re not the kind of woman who just sleeps around. And you definitely wouldn’t just sleep with a client…unless there was maybe something else was there.” Her look was knowing and sly. 

“So was it a mistake? Or is there more to it, like he’s so relentlessly insisting.” 

Athena bit her lip, unwilling to answer. 

Amina reached for her sister's hands, gripping them tightly in hers. The warmth of her grasp grounding Athena before she descended into another nervous panic. 

“Athena, honey,” she said gently, “you have been through so much, you work so hard, and you’ve been in control for so long. But that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to feel something.” 

Athena looked down at her lap, conflicted. “I do feel something. Roman’s not the kind of guy you don’t feel something for..” she admitted softly, and it was like a literal weight began to ease itself off her chest. 

“But it doesn’t matter. This could ruin my professional reputation, Amina. What if people think I’m just some woman who couldn’t keep her legs closed, I can’t have that. No man is worth that.” 

Amina squeezed her hand, listening to every word, and understanding but she still found herself subtly disagreeing. “Screw what people think. I know you. You’re brilliant, disciplined, and if you feel anything for Roman, it’s because there’s a chance at something with you two. I’m not saying throw your career in the trash, you don’t have too. But I think you’re scared, and that's okay too. But don’t ignore your gut..”

Athena took a swift inhale, absorbing her sister's words. “I don’t know if I can do that.”

Amina smirked. “Then let’s compromise. You go to Smackdown. See his world for yourself. But,” she held up a finger, “if you go, you go looking like the woman who owns the damn arena.” 

Athena frowned. “Girl what the hell does that mean?” 

Amina stood up, already pulling out her phone. “It means I’m calling T.” Our stylist. “You need something sexy and professional—something that says I’m in charge while also making Roman sweat.” 

Athena rolled her eyes, but a small smile played on her lips. “You’re impossible, like actually.” 

Amina bubbled in excitement, “and you love me for it.” As Athena watched her sister start making arrangements, a strange sense of peace settled over her. She still wasn’t fully ready to confront whatever this was with Roman. But at least, for now, she wasn’t running away completely.

tags 🏷️: @trippinsorrows @southerngirl41 @lilucey @alichesmi @skyesthebomb @jazzyboo123-blog1 @reginawhorge01 @overrboarrd @heerah34 @whowrotethenote @sharmelasworld @purplementalitybluebird

lmk if you wanna be added to the tag list 💌

[saras-almanac]

911 Season 8 Rewrite - title tbd (nothing sounds or feels right but this if I'm honest...) I wrote these all this weekend and wanted to put them out before starting on the rest of the fic and the chapters. These are all little vignettes of where each character is sort of at and hopefully throwing a few of them forwards to know what we might be covering. Some things are going to just expanding on canon and some is just adding more stuff to it or stuff they could have (should have) explored more. Not sure how I'm going to organize each chapter cause they're likely going to be long, so it's either they're just written like fiction or I try to group things together to feel like an actual episode with calls and things. I'm not sure and I think that's something I'll have to figure out in the writing. Once I figure out a title, I'll post this to ao3. So for now, enjoy it on tumblr!

ATHENA

Athena stared at the computer screen in front of her, her mind both blank and whirling 100 miles an hour. She was technically off shift—had been for the last 48 minutes, but she didn’t want to go home. Mostly because it wasn’t home she was going back to. Not anymore.

The fire had burned nearly everything up. There were some things that survived, but most of those were so badly damaged they weren’t worth keeping. There were the stones from the patio littered around and some burnt wood pieces and Athena couldn’t bring herself to get rid of them because then it’d be really over, her home—the home she raised her children in, the only real home she’s had that felt hers—would really and truly be gone.

They were still waiting on their insurance money and the settlement to be paid out before they could start figuring out what they wanted to do, where they wanted to live. They’d spent a little time in a hotel room before taking Michael and David up on their offer of coming to stay with them for a bit in Florida. They had lasted only two weeks before they had to come back—both for testing that Bobby had to do for his heart (though David had been very focused on doing his own tests on Bobby) and because both Bobby and Athena wanted to get back to work. May was trying to convince them to stay with her for a couple weeks, but Athena hadn’t been able to take her up on it for more than a weekend. While it was sweet and gracious and Athena loved being able to be in the same place as her daughter, it hadn’t sit right with her. She was the mother—she was supposed to take care of her children, not the other way around.

Hen and Karen offered to house them for a bit while they figured out a rental or an apartment situation. But with everything going on with them and their fight to get Mara back, it was just a little too much, so they only stayed a few days. Now they’re staying with Chimney and Maddie and it’s nice, but it’s just not home. But Bobby seems to enjoy being around Chimney since they’re no longer working together, so Athena’s going to just suck it up and be happy to have a place to stay that’s not a sterile-but-not-sterile hotel room.

“Athena, you’re still here?” Ransone stopped by her desk.

“Uh, yeah,” she said. “Just packing up to head out. You need something?”

“Maybe,” he said. “I got a case and if you’ve got a minute, maybe I could run it by you, talk it over?”

Athena smiled at him. “I’ve got time. Let me grab a coffee and I’ll meet you in your office.” Sometimes staying late does pay off, but not in the ways you expected.

MADDIE

“And then Mara said the cutest thing to Jee last night when she didn’t want to go to bed,” Maddie said to Linda and Josh as they made their coffee in the breakroom. “She told Jee that the sooner she went to sleep, the sooner it’d be morning and they could have a tea party when she got back from school.”

“That is adorable,” Josh said.

“They’re both getting along?” Linda asked.

“Amazingly,” Maddie said. “I was a bit worried how Jee would take to having another kid at the house when she’s so used to be an only child, but she loves it.”

“And Mara’s settling in okay?” Linda asked. “I know it was tough on her to be taken away from the Wilsons.”

Maddie nodded. “I think she’s doing as best as can be expected. She misses her moms a lot, and Denny, but I think it’s weirdly helping her to have Jee to take care of? I know she had a younger brother so I think that protective part of her is giving her something else to focus on.”

Maddie sighed. “It’s just so hard because I don’t know how to assure her that she’s going to go back to her home because we all just don’t know when that’ll happen.”

“Or if,” Josh said. “I mean, they’re up against some big odds.”

“They’re been up against worse. I have to have hope that they’ll all be reunited because the alternative breaks my heart,” Maddie said.

“Have you and Chimney talked about what you might do if they can’t get Mara back?” Josh asked her.

Maddie hesitated. “No. Not really.”

Was that something they should have been talking about? Probably, but they were just so focused on making sure that Mara was safe and okay and that Hen and Karen and Denny knew that Mara was safe for the time being—the idea that Hen and Karen would never get Mara back never even crossed their minds.

“I’m sure it’ll all work out,” Linda said gently. “But having a conversation might be best, just to make sure you’re both on the same page on what the future holds.”

“No. Yeah,” Maddie said. “You’re right. I guess we just were so focused on the positive outcome we didn’t stop to consider anything else.”

“Does it change anything for you?” Josh asked.

“No, of course not. Mara’s welcome with us for as long as she wants,” Maddie said. “it’s more about what that might do to Hen and Karen that I’m worried about.”

“Hey,” Josh said, gently squeezing her arm. “I didn’t mean to bring anything down. It’s just, in our line of work, we know that we should be prepared for any potential or possibility.”

BOBBY

Bobby stepped out of the elevator and walked toward the receptionist. “Bobby Nash. Here for a meeting with Chief Simpson.”

The man clicked on his computer and then glanced up, gesturing to the seats. “If you want to have a seat, he should be ready for you shortly, Captain Nash.”

“Thanks.” Bobby sat in the chair, his heels clicking together as he straightened. He let out a long breath, trying to ease his nerves.

Bobby had been out on medical leave for the past few weeks—mostly due to an abundance of caution for Athena’s sake. He took it easy and didn’t press to be released from the hospital too quickly. When he’d woken up, seen everyone waiting around, he could tell that this hospital visit had been different, more intense.

It wasn’t until later that he convinced Chimney to tell him everything—that he’d been clinically dead for almost the entire drive to the hospital and that it was a long shot he’d even wake up again. And Athena had sat there, wondering if he’d wake up, the position he’d been in back in Minnesota. So he’d stayed at the hospital, listened to all the advice, and actually took days off to really focus on resting and healing up. He’d even let David and Micheal take them in for a week or two before Bobby had to get back to work.

Which is why he’s here now, waiting to talk to the Chief.

“Captain Nash,” Chief Simpson greeted, reaching out a hand to shake Bobby’s. “How are you feeling?”

“Better,” Bobby said as he got up to follow the Chief into his office.

“It’s amazing how often the advice of rest actually ends up helping,” the Chief said with a chuckle. “And yet, it’s so hard to follow.”

“It’s why I’m eager to get back to work,” Bobby said.

“I can imagine so.” The Chief sat down at his desk. “I’m glad you changed your mind about retirement. The department would be sad to lose a man as capable as you.”

“Thank you, sir.” Bobby felt his nerves amping up for some reason. “So… how is that all looking? I believe you got my medical clearance?”

“Yes,” Chief Simpson said.

“And…?”

The Chief sighed. “Medically, you have been cleared for restricted duty.”

Bobby frowned. “Right. So I just won’t be leading the charge for calls, but it’s nothing I haven’t done before.”

“Before you were awarded the Medal of Valor,” the Chief said.

“I… don’t know what that has to do with anything.”

“For better or worse, you’re well-known now. More than before,” the Chief said. “And I’m not interested in having more attention on you, or on me, than necessary. So we’re going to keep you on light duty for a little longer, until you’re fully cleared to return to full duty. Think of it as an abundance of caution.”

“Caution.”

“Look, Bobby, I’ll level with you.” Chief Simpson leaned forward, and folded his hands on his desk. “You know I’m tentatively interested in throwing my hat into the ring for Mayor, so I have to be very careful how I proceed here, not just with you, or the entire Fire Department, but also the other potential candidates. I don’t want to give them any ammo against me or against anyone who’s working under me.”

“I see,” Bobby said.

“The 118 has a bit of a magnifying glass on it right now, with the medals and media attention and I don’t want to cause people to dig even more there when they don’t need to,” the Chief said. “So until you are fully cleared to return to full duty, I can’t let you back as Captain.”

“I understand,” Bobby said, though he didn’t really. “So am I on fire marshal duty?”

“I think you’re a bit above that,” Chief Simpson said. “I had another idea in mind for you. There’s a show that’s shooting in LA that has requested an advisor of sorts. I think you’d be perfect for it.”

“To work on TV?”

“To work for a TV show,” the Chief corrected. “Look, I know it’s not what you want, but I also know that you’ll be able to handle this and not let it lose sight of coming back into the fold. And who knows whether that might be to resume your Captain position or perhaps a higher title.”

“Thank you, sir.” Bobby wiped his hands on his knees, pushing himself up. “I will report to duty as an advisor then. And will let you know when I’m medically cleared.”

“I appreciate your understanding,” Chief Simpson said, standing up and reaching out his hand to shake. “I’ll send you the information and contact for the position. We’ll be in touch.”

EDDIE

It’s quiet now, more than he’d ever noticed before. His house was silent, not even a creaking or groaning of settling. Even the firehouse felt silent in a way. It felt like everything was frozen, including himself.

He’d spent so many years now being a dad that he didn’t know what to do now, now that that option was taken away from him. Now that Chris has left. And not just for the summer or a break, but indefinitely.

There’s a list that sits on his night stand now of all the things he wants to get done around the house now that Chris isn’t here, updates and repairs, little things he’d been putting off for ages. Things he knows will keep him occupied at home for the next few weeks—Buck and Tommy had both offered to help him with those projects if he wanted.

The problem was Eddie didn’t know what he wanted, besides Chris coming home. Would working around his house make him feel better and show that he’s learning to keep a handle on things when Chris wasn’t there to sort of force him to? Or would it be more like he’s making changes to adapt for the rest of his life to be without Chris? Would Chris feel like he couldn’t come back if Eddie did some projects, like Eddie was making his life better without Chris? And if he didn’t do anything, would it look like he’s just throwing a tantrum because Chris left while he didn’t do a single thing to change or make things better?

Eddie didn’t know. He didn’t know the right answer or the right decision—if this was even a decision at all to make. And it’s not like Chris was talking to him. He was barely replying to Eddie’s messages and calling him didn’t help because he was getting one-word answers. It was clear that Chris was only accepting his calls because he felt he had to because Eddie’s his dad or because his parents were forcing Chris to answer. Eddie wasn’t sure if he wanted to know the answer to that.

“Bobby should be back today,” Buck said as him and Chimney came into the locker room.

“I’ll be sure to tell Hen that you didn’t enjoy her leadership,” Chimney said, slapping Buck on the back.

Eddie smiled at their antics because he was supposed to.

“That’s not what I meant!” Buck protested. “Eddie, you’ll back me up, right?”

Eddie held his hands up. “I am pleading the fifth.”

“Even your bestie knows you’re wrong,” Chimney said.

“Whatever,” Buck said. “You talk to Chris yesterday?”

“Depends on your definition of talking,” Eddie said, closing his locker. “I got him on the phone, but he barely said anything. I think I got “Hi,” “I’m fine,” and “I gotta go.” So not much to go on.”

“That’s rough,” Chimney said.

“You just gotta give him some time,” Buck said. “I’m sure he’ll come around once he calms down more.”

“Yeah, maybe.”

Thankfully anything else they were about to say to cheer him up was interrupted by Hen coming in to gather them outside.

“We’re being called out for a meeting,” Hen said.

“A meeting?” Chimney asked. “Who called it?”

“The new Captain,” Hen said.

“New Captain?” Buck asked. “What about Bobby?”

Hen shrugged. “You know as much as I do.”

“Oh no,” Chimney said looking out passed Hen.

They all turned and saw Gerrard walking down the stairs, his uniform as crisp as his moustache.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Hen whispered.

“Are they really letting him take over for Bobby?” Buck asked.

“Gather up!” Gerrard shouted. “Time to inspect the way this station has been thrown to the wayside so we can course correct.”

“I guess so,” Eddie said, slamming his locker closed and walking out. As shitty as it was to not have Bobby back, having a new Captain might be just what Eddie needed to stay focused on his job and not have to think about his empty house all through his shift.

KAREN AND HEN

Hen slumped into the chair and leaned heavily onto the table.

“Denny all set for bed?” Karen asked, tidying up the papers in front of her.

“He’s not the only one,” Hen said.

“Long day?”

“Long year,” Hen said. “Gerrard back, Mara gone, it’s just… every day feels like a fight.”

Karen nodded. She felt the same and there wasn’t more they could really talk about regarding their feelings on it. It was bullshit and horrible and it broke her heart, but she was tired of talking about it without action. “How is it having Gerrard back. Like really?”

Hen sighed. “I don’t know. The same, but different? It’s hard to explain. It’s not like he’s suddenly become this beacon of humility and humanity but he’s also better? It’s hard to know if he’s better because I have so much else to worry about or if it’s because he’s not as overt in his sexism or maybe he’s chilled out and actually grown a bit in the last decade.”

“Well, I guess it could be any of those,” Karen said. “Or a combination.”

“Time will tell with him,” Hen said. “It’s not the worst I’ve experienced and not even the worst under him, so I’ll take whatever win I can get. What’s all this?”  

“I’ve been looking for a lawyer for us. One that will actually take our case and isn’t going to be scared away or disbelieving that we’re being targeting by a councilwoman,” Karen said. “So, I’ve been doing some research.”

“Of course you have, in between all your free time at the lab, I’m sure,” Hen said with a small laugh. “Job interviews without the interview?”

“There will be an interview,” Karen said. “Obviously we need to know how seriously they’ll take us but I need to know that they’re someone worth meeting with. It’s crazy to see how many attorney offices are linked with the politicians in this city. Just finding an office that didn’t have an overt connection to Ortiz or anyone connected to her was difficult.”

“People like that flock together,” Hen remarked. “Can I help with anything?”

“Well if you want to take a look at these people and give me your thoughts?” Karen suggested. “I want to see what your instincts say before I tell you what I’m thinking.”

“My instincts?” Hen said. “What if my instincts were to go run you a bath and get you to stop thinking about this and relax for at least an hour?”

Karen raised her eyebrows. “Only an hour?”

Hen laughed and got up, pulling Karen with her down the hall. “I guess I’ll have to show you more than hour.”

Karen smiled as she followed Hen down the hall, noticing that Hen grabbed the files as well.

CHIMNEY

Chimney slammed his locked closed, tightening his belt as he looked over at Hen lacing up her boots. “You ever think that maybe we’re in someone’s sick joke? Like someone’s own Truman Show?”

“You think we’re interesting enough for people to watch?” Hen scoffed. “I don’t think so.”

“Well that’s why they keep throwing stuff at us, keeping us interesting to the viewers.” Chimney turned to her. “Like Gerrard coming back to the 118 after all this time.”

“I’d rather be boring then,” Hen said. “Though him returning is the least of my worries right now.”

“How’s the lawyer process going?”

“Slow,” Hen said. “Karen’s been meticulously combing through every possible candidate. We’re just trying to make sure that whoever we hire will actually be on our side.”

“You’ll find someone,” Chimney said. “Especially if Karen’s on the research. I remember when she moved in across the hall—she came with a checklist for the property manager.”

“Sounds like my wife,” Hen said. The laughed quietly.

“You’ll get it sorted,” Chimney said. “I have faith in that. And until then, Mara’s safe and secure and just a short car ride away.”

“Yeah,” Hen said. “You’re right. Just have to focus on one step at a time.”

“Exactly!” Chimney came behind her to squeeze her shoulders as they walked out. “Like today and our bet of how many minutes into the shift before Buck starts complaining about Gerrard.”

Hen laughed, catching sight of Buck already in line up and waiting for their new Captain. “I’m gonna say he’s not even gonna make it through inspection today.”

“Five bucks says you’re wrong,” Chimney said.

“You’re on.”

BUCK

“He hates me,” Buck said. “No matter what I do, it’s wrong.”

“That’s just how he is,” Tommy soothed as he washed the dishes from their dinner. Buck was drying but it was hard to care about drying dishes when his boss was an asshole who seemed to have it out for him specifically.

“I don’t even know what I did wrong,” Buck said. “I’m trying to do everything the best way possible but he seems to only want things done his way, to hell with efficiency.”

“Hmm,” Tommy said, passing him a plate.

“And it’s not even like I’m jumping rank or anything on calls!” Buck angrily wiped at the plate. “Even when I’m trying to follow his order to the letter it’s still not enough for him. It’s like he lives to find fault in everything we do.”

“He just likes to be in charge and feels the best way to do that is to constantly correct everyone, even when there’s nothing to correct,” Tommy said. “Especially when there’s nothing to correct.”

“I don’t how everyone else is handling it,” Buck said. “

“Probably the same way you are,” Tommy said. “Anything to keep from boiling over on shift.”

“I have come so close to wanting to hit him so many times,” Buck admitted.

“Thank god you haven’t,” Tommy said.

“Because I’m above that,” Buck said. “Yeah, I know.”

“Because you’d look awful in that orange jumpsuit,” Tommy said. “You’re cute, but bright orange rarely works for anyone.”

“So you’re saying you’d dump me if I was arrested for hitting Gerrard?” Buck asked, setting the towel on the counter.

“Of course not,” Tommy said. “I’d cheer you on. It’s the orange jumpsuit that might make me call it quits.”

“I thought you said I was adorable,” Buck reminded him.

“You are,” Tommy said, smirking at him as he placed the sponge back on the holder in the sink. “But even your adorableness has its limits.”

Buck just grinned because how could he not? He had a partner, a boyfriend who seemed to genuinely like spending time with him in a way that Buck’s never had before. He didn’t feel like he had to try so hard—obviously he still did, but it was because he wanted to for Tommy, not to get him to stick around. After all, the man had seen him at his worst and most… dramatic and chose to kiss him and ask him out anyways.

“I guess we’ll have to do some experiments then,” Buck said, grabbing his phone off the counter and pulling up some shopping sites. “See how much bright orange I have to wear before you don’t want me anymore.”

[poppypickle]

The Real Thing: Chapter 13

🌹 a.k.a. The Buddie Bachelor AU 🌹

Eddie gets some much-needed advice from the 118 Fire Fam before the Bachelor crew embarks on Hometown Dates.

When Eddie turns back around to look at Hen, he’s suddenly faced with a whole gaggle of people standing across from him on the other side of the living room. Karen, Chim, Bobby, and Athena, to be exact. Eddie blinks warily at all the familiar faces. “Um, hi… Did I miss a party invite?” Hen’s eyes dart to Chim, whose eyes dart to Karen, whose eyes dart to Bobby and Athena in rapid succession. But no one speaks for a few moments. Finally, Bobby sighs and says, “Hi, Eddie.” He, at least, has the decency to look a little sheepish about whatever the hell is happening right now. Eddie looks around the room slowly, taking everyone in one by one. Chim’s pulling a piece of gum from his back pocket and nervously shoving it into his mouth, while Karen is pretending to be very interested in brushing some imaginary crumbs off the front of her dress. Athena, meanwhile, is clasping a steaming cup of tea in both hands and looking at Hen expectantly, like she’s waiting for something. For her part, Hen’s mouth is twisted in an uncertain half-grimace, as if she doesn’t quite know what to do now that she’s completed her job of luring him into the house. Eddie frowns. “Is this, like…an intervention?” “No–” Hen starts to say, just as Chim chimes in, “Yes.”

read on ao3

[dollypopup]

Hello!! I was just wondering if you had / knew of any Colin headcannons that aren’t pen centric (I love that girl but 😭😭 idk ppl write / view Colin like he just exists for pen and it’s so mf tiring)

!!!!! OH BOY DO I!!!!! (I love this ask, thank you so much, I am VIBRATING with excitement)

+The first horse Colin learned to ride on was named by him and he called him Blot. (shoutout to @waterfireflyer2 for this one!!!!) He had initially meant to name him BOLT, as in he's so fast like a bolt of lightning, but he misspoke and he was Blot forevermore.

+Colin was the shortest of his siblings, including Daphne AND Eloise up until he was about 14. Year after year, he went off to Eton, a scrappy, scrawny little thing and came back equally as tiny. Then, one year, he outgrew approximately 6 pairs of pants in one summer and showed back up to Aubrey Hall with his ankles and wrists bare out too small clothes, taller than even Anthony

+His sisters LOVED giving him makeovers when they were growing up. He was a consistent companion at tea parties. They'd have to put him in Fran's dresses because he was too small for Daphne's or El's

+Colin had a stuffed animal that he carried with him EVERYWHERE as a child. Wherever Colin was, so was King Arthur, his little teddy bear. He spent a lot of time looking for the PERFECT stick sword for him to hold and insisted on making little paper crowns for him to wear

+Colin's favorite brother is Benedict. He was the one who used to pick Colin up and put him on his shoulders so Colin would feel tall

+Anthony taught Colin how to box

+Once, Colin almost broke his arm trying to save the family dog, Biscuit, when he scrambled into a really small hole under a tree and couldn't get out. Turns out, if the dog is too big, so is Colin. He was stuck for like five hours and wriggled wrong. Ended up spraining his shoulder, but Biscuit and he both got tons of extra treats and attention, so it was worth it

+Colin used to sneak into the kitchen to swipe food for Violet when she was going through grief to try to cheer her up. He made an altar of uneaten snacks and rough drawings and flower bracelets for her in his attempts. The staff all knew, but they didn't give him a hard time about it

+Colin was very, very adept at disappearing. Most of the time, people didn't come looking for him (too many kids in the house to always worry, besides). Longest he was missing was three days and they found him in the barn with his favorite cow, Petunia, and a tummy ache from living off of sweets

+Colin taught Daphne how to throw a punch and Daphne taught Colin sarcasm

+He learned how to cuss at Eton

+He and Fran used to duet together. She'd play piano and he'd sit next to her. They would take turns pushing the pedals (@orangepeelshortbreadcookies is the mastermind for this one!) and come up with nonsense songs to sing together. Their hits include 'Catch and Toast' (of course) but also 'Biscuit ate the Butter' and 'Mud Bugs in our Rugs'

+Greg thinks Colin is the coolest brother

+Colin's favorite Greek god is Athena

+Colin always had a hard time making friends. People tend to LIKE him, he's a nice person, but anything beyond the surface level is difficult for him to maintain. He compartmentalizes a lot of his negative feelings or prefers to deal with them on his own. It makes confiding in people really difficult for him

+Colin once tried to learn how to play the violin. It. . .didn't go well

+When Hy was first born, Colin would sneak into the nursery to sing her lullabies

+Colin had a hard time sleeping on his travels. Seasick on the boat and then wary on land, he became an increasingly light sleeper. Most of his journal entries were written at night

+Colin is naturally left handed, but learned to write and fence and do most things with right as well because of the society they live in. He writes his journal and important letters with his left, however. You can only tell because the handwriting looks different

+Colin really enjoys arithmetic. HATED his religion courses, though. He found it hard to read through a lot of the verses, especially aloud

+The family member who responded to most of his letters was Hyacinth. She wanted to hear about the different foods and animals he saw, so he tailored his letters to fit her interests. Her letters back were pages on pages long and he kept every single one

+France, in particular, was lonely for Colin.

+Colin's favorite Family Member in Law is Kate. Hands down. Kate's favorite Family Member in Law is Eloise, but Colin's a very close second.

+Colin learned to sew when he was traveling

+Colin didn't get to spend a lot of time with his Dad when he was still alive. As a result, he mostly gravitated to Violet and had a bit more of an arm's length relationship with his father.

+After Colin was horsewhipped by his dad in the stables (canon according to book lore), he never used a flogger with a horse again

+Colin knew about Eloise's dealings at the printer shop and he supported her

+Colin visits Edmund's grave the least out of all his siblings

+Colin's middle name is Christopher

+Of all the siblings, Colin has the best spice tolerance

+Colin lost a baby tooth in a fist fight with another boy at Eton whilst he was going through grief over losing his father. Anthony had to pay extra to keep Colin at the school

+Fran once cut his hair so unevenly in a makeover that they had to concoct a plot of how he got tree sap in it to keep her out of trouble

+Colin used to help Violet make the paper birthday crowns and was very adept at folding. Colin would also help her when they were spinning thread and yarn from sheering the sheep. He spent a lot of time with his hands out for Violet to wrap skeins around. He always had the softest hands because of the lanolin and got made fun of for it by some of the boys at Eton

+Colin's favorite flower is a morning glory. he likes how they look like colorful little trumpets

+After his growth spurt, when he got into an argument with Anthony, he said 'Are you just mad because I have the high ground?' and got an earful about being disrespectful

+Colin was a particularly surly teenager from the ages of 16 to 17 in particular

+Colin's favorite passtime he spent with his dad was feeding ducks at the pond at Aubrey Hall. He named every single one of them

+Colin hates shooting and hunting, and frankly, he's not very good at it

+Colin's unconventional talents include: whistling whole songs, picking the best blackberries in the summer, and somehow having every single cat ever adore him despite the fact that he's very much allergic

+Colin is ticklish

+Colin is a gold medal hair braider and was in high demand amongst his sisters for night time hair styles when their governess and nanny would wind them too tight

[best-dressed-on-mt-olympus]

Circe (the lesbian queen) is always hesitant to let Hermes in, but is the one listening to his stories and spreading the most gossip she's heard from the other gods that come around

Ody made a shrine for Hermes when he got home

Ody calls for Hermes sometimes to just talk to them

Penelope forces Hermes to participate in family game night and dinners every now and then

Apollo and Athena are closest to Hermes compared to the rest of their siblings

Apollo is the calmest when he, Hermes, and Athena are hanging out

Aeolus and Hermes have tea parties and movie nights together

Let me know if you want more

ooc:

the fact I agree with all of these-

and Penelope making Hermes hang with them is so cute, he would act like it's whatever but be crying inside because they care about him :']

I'd love more if you're willing too!!!

[the-twilight-sword]

Nicole, the Hexenzirkel, and the Gaze That Petrified Fontaine

This post is causatum of my previous post.

I believe the individual "third-party observer from the north" who saved Diluc from death at the hands of the Harbingers was his own ancestor- possibly mother, Nicole Reeyn of the Hexenzirkel. You've no doubt seen that the tea set in the Dawn Winery is the same as the one at the mages' tea party, and bears the same pattern as the one on Diluc's coat and hearth.

And, of course, the teacup appears in in Archon Quest Hunters, Prophets in Chapter IV: Act V - Masquerade of the Guilty when Mage N. is speaking.

But Nicole isn't the only Hexenzirkel witch connected to the teaset. This is a representation of the office of Anya M. Andersdotter as seen in Simulanka. The teaset is there next to her storybook.

I propose the two had a sort of student-teacher relationship. The Little Witch and the Undying Fire, written for Andersdotter around the time of her death, referenced a school that was "a direct successor of these Western witches"( perhaps the Universitas Magistrorum?). Either way, upon her death, Nicole's addition to the book was only this

A familiar face surfaced in the crystal ball. "This is your magic teacher speaking. The trial is over. You were unable to obtain your witch license."

And Nicole's farewell letter to Andersdotter implies she watched over her in life.

There's not much to worry about here with you — so why don't you watch over me instead?

But all-in-all, we don't know who the Little Witch is meant to represent allegorically.

Now, many have theorised that Nicole is Diluc's mother. While possible, I don't think it's likely given her inspirations.

Nicole's Inspirations

The two chief inspirations for Nicole seem to be Athena and Nicole-Reine Lepaut.

In the original Chinese, her name is 尼可 Níkě possibly a variant of the name of the Greek goddess Nike (Chinese: 尼刻) and the name 'Nicole' itself also derives from the Greek word νίκη nikē meaning victory. This could allude to Nike as an aspect of Athena, for Athena was worshipped as Athena Nike when the two goddesses were conflated.

Athena is known for speaking in the minds of heroes so as to guide them, as in the case of Odysseus, and our Nicole does the same thing.

Athena invented a form of prophecy, and Nicole is a prophetess. Through the Dawn Winery, and in ways I'll elaborate on further, Nicole is associated with owls- famously symbolic of Athena.

Finally, when Alice speaks of "the nations going to war" during Windblume's Breath, the camera pans to Nicole's seat.

☽ Kaj's Note ☾ The 'blue-eyed spear witch' might also reference Athena. She is frequently depicted carrying a spear, and In Homer's epic works, Athena's most common epithet is Glaukopis (γλαυκῶπις) meaning "bright-eyed". Glaukós (γλαυκός) itself is translated as "gleaming, silvery", and later, "bluish-green". The blue-eyed spear witch's spear, Crescent Pike is described as being designed by someone who is "able to visualize the fatal flaws in life itself", and that by "some mystical power, the pike would fly from her hand toward her opponents' fatal flaws." which sounds like accounts of heroes Athena has aided.

As for Nicole-Reine Lepaut (b.1723), the French astronomer, we can see where the 'Reeyn' surname comes from. She is known for calculating the return of Halley's Comet, and made advancements in the mathematics of clockmaking. Alice tells us that Nicole has "made this world's direction and order her subject of study", and I think that the cyclical world of Teyvat, with its clock allegory, might be relevant here.

But as promised- the reason I don't think Nicole is likely Diluc's literal mother; that neither Athena or Nicole-Reine Lepaut had children. Athena was, in fact, famously a virgin.

The Gaze That Petrified Fontaine

Petrifying Gaze was a quest in the 3.8 Veluriyam Mirage summer event. As we well know, the summer events usually foreshadow what will happen in the next nation. You'll have to read or watch the quest to understand what I'm cooking here.

I'm quite sure the Lonely Hydro Eidolon is meant to be Focalors, and the two sages are Nicole and Vedrfolnir. The Key to the Castle's Secret Chamber seems to be the Gnosis, and the Ancient Hex-Cleansing Remedy possibly the power of the sovereign. With the petrifying gaze of the wraiths, we have the watchful eye of the Heavenly Principles. The language used is similar to Fischl-related lore and in The Pale Princess and the Six Pymies.

☽ Kaj's Note ☾ A major symbol of Athena are the Gorgoneion, the sisters whose gaze can turn a person to stone.

Egeria is only rumoured to have created the prophecy, while it seems likely Vedrfolnir placed the tablets that foretell it. I think it's entirely possible Nicole was also involved, given her association with the prophecy. During Hunters, Prophets, in Masquerade of the Guilty, she advises us on the prophecy, and mirrors the language Dainsleif uses in Travail.

"Just as prophecies are usually only the future as seen from the perspectives of the gods, could things be happening in hidden corners where the gods' gaze does not fall?"

When she first speaks with us during Inversion of Genesis, she says this, which could be something she learned from experience.

"Unfortunately, the fate of Teyvat cannot easily be changed. Perhaps a god may have a slim chance, but for anyone else... who can say."

There are two tracks-"Voyage of the Black Crystal" and "The Owls' Nocturne"- that play only during Daiya's Three-Day Reverie quests, Petrifying Gaze being one of them. This could represent Vedrfolnir and Nicole.

They'd also make an interesting duo, from a storytelling perspective. Nicole is mute, and Vedrfolnir is blind. I've long theorised he might be blind, and the Wings of Fate's Course Intertwined confirm that bit at least. If you read my theory, you'll see why "Hunters, Prophets" describes the two perfectly.

Finally, after completing the Daiya's Three-Day Reverie quests, you can open the chest containing the Wind-Up Great Owl Spirit Mechanism furnishing, apparently a prop from Petrifying Gaze.

Loose Connections

In Simulanka, there is a story called Owl Musician, a story we never get to read but is referenced. In the combat event based on the story, the player "must swing their blade to a specific rhythm", a major point in the story. Any Diluc player will tell you that his skill, Searing Onslaught, must be "cast in rhythm" to do substantial damage. You can read about the story itself here, and you'll see how it calls Diluc to mind. An owl-shaped furnishing called Fairytale Figurine: Night's Nemesis references Owl Musician:

An exquisite clockwork owl model that can be placed on a "Good Shelf" for display. This model is said to derive from a story about an "Owl Musician." In this tale, owls who could see through the dark became the eyes of soldiers trapped in the "night," guiding them to victory. As such, the owls gained the title "Night's Nemeses."

This same furnishing is perched atop the grandfather clock in Andersdotter's study.

Another connection we have between Diluc and witches is his birthday- April 30th, Walpurgisnacht. This night of witches is relevant to Genshin in that there are many references to German witch folklore, as well as a possible mention of the Walpurgisnacht itself.

The Haar Islands (name for the Golden Apple Archipelago), once the tops of Mondstadtian mountains, may allude to the Harz Mountains in Germany. During Walpurgisnacht, a coven of witches is said to meet at the Brocken- the highest point of the Harz mountains. What Alice said matches this, "From then on, the mages would only ever convene in the woods, in the skies, or on the edges of cliffs", meeting as they do on an island floating above a cliff. More than just Alice met on the Golden Apple Archipelago; the Temple of the Star Latitudes domain is found atop the Minacious Isle.

☽ Kaj's Note ☾ The word "Haar" refers to a type of cold and dense sea fog. The Brocken Spectre is an illusion often seen on the misty Harz Mountains, which are covered in fog up to 300 days of the year.

The Little Witch and the Undying Fire also goes into depth about a "Night Carnival" attended by witches, which might be our Walpurgisnacht.

By the way, the Night Carnival is an ancient, taboo ceremony. Legend has it that at such times, the witches' magical powers are at their apex. They hold rituals in secret, offering sacrifices and keeping the bonfires burning through the night. This tradition had been forgotten in the westernmost parts of the magical continent but, for some reason, it had been revived within the deep woods. Normally, this was an event that only great witches or figures greater still could be invited to, or invite others to attend. In practice, though, participation in a Carnival had a direct relation with a witch's romantic or marital status.

x

There also remains the connection between brewery as a trade and witches. The symbols of the witches hat, cauldron, and broomstick all seem to originate for the mediaeval practice of women brewing ale.

All in all, I wanted to get this out before the 30th. I'd like to see my Hexenzirkel theories proven or disproven. I just know something will happen- it's Windblume season again, Nod-Krai is coming out soon, and war seems to be brewing.

[ya-boi-haru]

You know what, I like you, let me share my headcannons/thoughts on an AU I recently mentioned...

Fable smp Coffee Shop AU...

• Sherb runs a 24/hr (or late opened) Cafe, The Alchemist Brew. They specialise is mixing different coffee flavours to create a new taste and can even create one for a persons specific need or even mood.

The people that have often come in say it was exactly what they needed; students coming in to study found they work best with Icarus' creations - jokes that they put a focusing chemical drug in it. People on first dates say they added an ingredient that was a big ice breaker for them to bond over. A few cases come in home sick and the drinks taste like home somehow.

• Rae runs another cafe in a different part of town. It's a more traditional place, more old fashioned, rustic aesthetic.

Rae got to take over this place a lot sooner than he thought.

His mother went missing when he was young and his step-dad, Fable, left a few years ago. Icarus' was supposed to take over the buisness but they wanted to do their own thing, especially since Rae and Icarus had different ideas on how they should run the place.

So Rae runs the Gilded Cafe. While keeping the more traditional things on the menu, Rae also explores the history with Coffee. Makes ones how they would make it 30, 50, 100 years ago and happily, shares it with their customers.

• Athena is learning how to open their own bakery (Flour Garden) with Jamie. They offer their goods as a trial to both Gilded and Alchemist Brew Cafe. This way they get to try new foods and have people taste test them and both Cafes get a unique item on their menus each week. The feedback from customers is always appreciated and it sparks new ideas for foods and types of foods.

• Momboo runs a flower and tea shop, The Pink Tulip, both as a seperate transaction but has a talent for getting sweet tastes out of nature's prettiest petals

• Which is a dramatic comparison to her sister, Ocie/Kai, who runs a bar, Sea Dragon, iconicly known for its underwater sailor/pirate aesthetic and strong drinks to match

• Wolf is a business analyst and has helped with the businesses as well as a few others around town

• His partner, Centross, helps manage the Sea Dragon. A couple years ago, he tried to start a buisness with Icarus and Easton (who is a real estate agent), but it crashed and burned real quick. Wolf talked to Kai and she was generous enough to help Centross get back on his feet and they ended up working really well together.

• Aax works in the Gilded Cafe with Rae. He came to Rae looking for work - one in a new town with no connection to the Telchin company. They were awful, treated their employees terribly, and they would use special artificial chemicals in their drinks to make it taste like flavours (Hazlenut, vanilla etc), never the real thing, even their machines were designed to cut corners with brewing.

• Ulysses is still with Telchin, casual, but is still in the town with his Partner. He used to be able to do beautiful coffee powder art, but since the accident in the shop he can't even hold a cup steady.

• Will runs little a Cafe - The Traveller - based on flavours around the world, some places he's been lucky to actually travel to. Seven helps him run the place and really good with machines so they never have to worry about things breaking.

• Now all these businesses have their challenges, but Icarus feels they have an extra one...

A night club across the street 2 doors down, "The World Port". It's an exclusive place and Icarus had heard a few things about it.

It's a jack of all trades types of place, has accommodation for any events, Bachelor party's, birthdays, buisness meetings, heck even wakes.

Icarus' problem is that - for some reason - the owner recommendeds The Alchemist Brew to their customers as a place to sober up. Which would be fine if that didn't mean nights of drunks coming in, making a mess and passing out. They somehow get their mail mixed up as well, and The World Port is loud and makes it hard to focus on work.

• The World Ports concept is to be a place for everyone. It's main area is a bar with a dance floor and great music. They have sectioned off rooms, identified by colour, each room can accommodate for certain events. You could hold 3 different events in once.

• Smaller Headcannons/Notes:

• Caspian comes into the Gilded Cafe as a place to write his stories. He started going there for the nice coffee and cozy vibes, but the manager seems really nice and passionate about his work, so he kept coming in and is now a regular. And the Barista working there is cute nice to talk to as well

• Rae grew to appreciate the small talks with Capsian while on shift. He's even made it into a few pages of Raes sketch book - that will never see the light of day - but that has nothing to do with anything! Rae always draws random customers for practice! Despite Aax pointing out that he draws Caspian more.

• Aax and Rae are dating and are peeking interest in Caspian.

• Wolf and Centross are dating, though Centross is showing interest in Kai. He would deny it to hell and back even though everyone can see it.

• Icarus gets new ingredients/inspiration from their friends. Athena and Jamie's creations, Momboos flowers etc

• During the business Icarus, Centross and Easton tried to run, Icarus made a purple drink that turned out to have an addicting side effect. Part of the reason thee business failed.

• Since the World Port is exclusive, Icarus can't get in to talk to the owner. However, there have been times when they've come into the Alchemist Brew, and Icarus has just not been in there at the right time to see them.

• If they don't want to deal with maintenance companies, the other owners ask Seven to come over and fix their equipment, especially if it should be a simple fix.

• Galahad works at The Traveller and suggested their own mix of a spicier blend

Feel free to add onto or suggest things!

[asficdiary]

⋆｡ the drivers seat \\ fernando alonso \\ Chapter seven ｡⋆

When I got home from the team dinner Kayla was Fast asleep. It was almost midnight by the time I climbed into bed. I couldn’t get the image of Fernando out of my head, The way you could see the cracks in his armor. I wasn’t afraid to admit that growing up, he was my hero. While others were supporting Schumacher and Vettel, Even Hamilton, I was supporting the Spaniard. I always chalked it up to being because he was my dads friend and he’d often tell stories about the racer.

But that didn’t stop me from painting him in a light no one could touch. It had died down as I got older, and saw him more because of the Academy, but I still saw him in a light very few could meet. But the cracks I saw tonight. That broken down look in his eye. How he said “Always” with that pained smile, after asking if he was okay. I wished I could do something for him, but I didn’t know why he was upset, so I had no way of figuring it out. I sometimes cursed myself for how much I felt I needed to fix people.

I had eventually fallen asleep, and when I woke up this morning I felt like I could just stay in bed. I eventually hauled myself out of bed and down stairs to the hotel's gym.

When I walked in, it was deserted. I smiled and put my headphones on. I often watched old races while I trained, on race weekends. I started last year's race, won my Hamilton and his onboard, before I started working out. I studied his racing lines and his car placement.

I am on the last five laps, a half hour into the stair master, when I feet a presence in front of me. I pause and look up to see a smiling Liam. “Hey beautiful” He smiles and I roll my eyes. “You didn’t let me know you got home safe last night” He says.

“Sorry Dad," I say sarcastically. “It was fun, got home late, crashed. Didn’t think of you” I shrug

“Way to boost a man's Ego” He laughs. “I wanted to know if you wanna do something tonight? The guys cancelled on me last night. If Kaylas available as well” He asks and I nod.

“Yea, it should be good. Maybe we should go out and do something?” I tell him and he smirks. “Not drinking” I scowl and his smile drops.

“Fiiiiiiine, I’ll see what I can find” He tells me and I nod. I look down at my watch.

I turn down the machine and jump off. “I gotta go, but message me if you find something, yea?” I ask and he nods. “Alright, see you later” I tell him and walk out the gym as Alex Albon and George Russel walk towards it. I greet them as I pass and they greet me back telling me good luck for today.

When I get back to my room I shower and look at my clothes. This weekend is predicted to be a wet and rainy one, meaning it would probably be cold. I settle on a pair of blue jeans, black Converse and one of the black special edition Aston T-shirts for the weekend. I walk out the bathroom and Kayla’s on the phone speaking to Sofia.

“You wanna say hello to Athena?” She asks her little girl before passing me the phone.

“Is that Sofie?” I say when I take the phone.

“Yes Aunty Athena!” she says her voice squeaky. “Mom’s mad at me” She tells me and I can imagine her pouting.

“Why’s mom mad at you angel?” I ask and I grab a green Aston Martin hoodie.

“She says I have to go to school. But you racing in F1 today, I can’t miss it. Mom and Grandpa are mad because I don’t want to go to school” She explains over dramatic on the phone. I chuckle.

“Sof, you have to go to school princess. And I’m not racing today, I’m practicing. Do you remember what I told you at our last tea party?” I ask and I start packing my bag for the day.

“Fiiiiiiiiiiiiine, I’ll go. But promise me you’ll get first place for me tomorrow” She responds.

“I can’t make any promises Princess, but I’ll try my best” I tell her and she sighs.

“Grandpa’s calling me, he says we have to leave, but Auntie Athena?”

“Yes, my love?”

“I’m wearing one of the Aston Martin caps for you today”

My heart bursts.

“Oh honey, I love you so much” I say and she says it back before the call ends. I hand back the phone to Kayla. “I miss that girl so much” I tell her and she smiles.

“She misses you too. Are you coming home for Summer break?” Kayla asks and I nod. “I think so”

I’m alone in my Driver’s room, getting ready for F1 practice. I take a deep breath and look at the bench where my race suit and fireproofs are laid. It sort of felt as though they were mocking me. My stomach turned and I wanted to run.

I swallow my anxieties and lock the door. I quickly change into the green race suit and look at myself in the mirror. I opened the door again so people would know they were welcome in.

I look at myself again in the mirror. I can’t believe I’m actually here. I feel like I’m an imposter. It felt like I was in a dream and I was going to open my eyes and suddenly be back in 2020. I shake the anxieties away and grab my phone to take a mirror selfie. I smile at the colorful background the South African Flag makes, a stark contrast to the primarily white room.

I’m about to press post on the picture for my instagram story when I see a face in the doorway of the room, through the picture. I turn around to see a smiling Fernando. “Hey Kid, hope I didn’t photobomb you” He says and I shake my head.

“You did but happy little accident” I say tagging him before posting the story. “What’s up?”

“Mind if I come in?” He asks and I signal for him to come in.

“I just wanted to say, I know there’s a lot of pressure on you this weekend” He smiles sitting down on my bench. “But I wanted to remind you to enjoy it. It’s nerve wracking obviously, but make sure you take some good moments from it. Because those are what you're going to remember when you look back.” He tells me and I smile.

“Words of Wisdom” I chuckle

“I try” He jokes. “How are you doing though? Your feelings about practice?” He asks sincerely.

I let out a nervous breath. “Nervous, Very nervous”

"That's normally how you kids feel on your first race weekend. But you're gonna do great. Although if you need something to calm those nerves, I've heard drivers say music does wonders. I'll admit it's been a while since I had my first practice but I used stretching to get those nerves out. Just shake them off and put your game face on. You're gonna do great, I promise" He tells me

I smile. “Thank you Fernando. Truely”

He stands and winks at me. “Anytime Kid” He pauses in the hallway and pulls his scooter out of his room. “Anyways, I’ll see you down there. Good luck!” He smiles jumping onto it.

“Yea, you too!” I say and he nods before kicking himself and riding away.

I let out a breath before pacing up and down my room for a moment. Nick, my new assistant, knocked at the door several minutes later and told me It was time to head to the garage. I followed him trying to focus on what I know. This circuit, I had raced here many times over the years in my own categories. It was familiar. Safe. And in a way calming, which I could use now.

When we got down I saw my dad talking to Fernando and Kayla looking like a kid in a candy store. I walk up to them as Fernando walks to his side of the garage. I get good luck hugs from the both of them and some words of encouragement from Kayla, before I turn to where my helmet is laid out for me.

I talk to my engineer as I put on the rest of my gear. I then move and look at the beautiful green Aston Martin car in front of me. My number 28 makes it all feel real. I'm signalled to get in the car and I do so. The rumble of the engine and the fit of the seat made me feel comforted. I watch as the mechanic diverts me out of the garage, and I drive out into pit lane.

It took me a few laps to get used to the track in a new car. I eventually find the right braking and accelerating lines and am starting to get the hang of this. "Anthena, this is good. Any input you'd like to add?" My engineer asks over the radio.

"No, all looks goo-" before I can even finish my sentence something bangs underneath me and I feel the power drain out of the car. "Where did the power go!?" I shout over the radio.

"There seems to be a problem with the battery, please box, we're retiring the car" My engineer says after a few moments of silence.

I don’t know why I thought the Aston Car would be any better than it has been this season. But it hurt. I pull into the pit box and I’m wheeled into the garage. I stand staring at it for a few seconds, my anger bubbling and subsiding.

My assistant comes over to me and tells me I need to do press. I sigh before nodding and taking off my gear. I follow Nick to the empty media pen before doing the longest interview of my life. Everyone says we need more females in motorsport and motorsport commentary but I would rather die than have to speak to Danica Patrick again. When I walk back to the garage Mike walks over to me

"You were doing well Athena, I'm sorry this happened" He says. I nod

"At Least I still have FP2 right?" I joke. He keeps quiet and I look at him. "I have FP2 right?" I question.

"We found a few more problems, we'd like to get ironed out. We'll have you back in the car tomorrow morning for FP3. I promise" He tells me. I nod trying not to cry.

"You're more than welcome to leave" Mike suggests.

"No it's fine, I'll stay and watch. Plus F2 Quali" I say before walking back to my drivers room and getting changed for Quali

I soon join my family in the garage and watch the rest of FP1 before I go to prepare for F2 Quali. It brought my spirits back up, with a Pole starting position for the Sprint race. FP3 is horrible for Fernando with a P19 on the board. When he gets out the car he’s pissed.

After everything is over we're walking out the paddock when Liam comes running up to us and wraps his arms around me. "You okay? That was awful" he tells me. I hugged him back. "It's life Liam. And Quali in F2 was amazing so it made up for a shitty F1 practice. I'll be back in the car tomorrow, don't worry." I say after I pull away.

“As long as you aren’t upset about it.” He tells me and I nod. “But are we still on for tonight?” He asks excitedly.

“What did you find?” I ask, smiling at his excitement.

“Open mic night at a restaurant near here. I made a reservation for five. Will you join us, Mr Alverez?” Liam asks my dad. He eyes Liam.

“Are you sure going out is a good Idea Athena?”

“We’ll be fine dad”

“You kids can go, I’m alright” My dad says and I nod.

“Okay, let's go” I say.

“Can we go in your car, I don’t wanna drive around in Liams Monster Truck” Kayla asks me and I laugh.

“Yes, Yes we can” I say.

“Okay, I’ll meet you guys in the Hotel at Six?” he asks and we nod before he disappears.

✩Authors Note✩ ↳ Hi loves! I am so sorry firstly because this is late, and secondly, because I haven't proof read this at all. There's probably a hundred and one mistakes, but I still wanted to post so, I hope you still enjoyed. Let's just say this last mid-year exam season hasn't even started and it's already killed me. Hope you're all doing well!! Love, -Lia ✩WORD COUNT✩ ↳ 1.8K ✩THE DRIVERS SEAT✩ ↳ MASTERLIST

[rowyndodendron]

Athena: "beside you (Diomedes) also I stand and ever watch over you."

Me: GIRL!? YOU WERE JUST UP HAVING A TEA PARTY IN YOUR FANCY DRESS!? HERA HAD TO SHOO U TO COME DOWN AND HELP AGAIN!?

[schrijverr]

Wake Me Up Before You Go 6

Chapter 6 out of 6

5 times Buck falls asleep on someone + 1 time he wakes up by himself

On AO3.

Ships: none

Warnings: none

~~~

+1. Maddie

Other than Eddie and Hen, no one pays specific attention to Buck and his sleeping habits – save that naps are frequent.

However, Eddie and Hen both note how Buck doesn’t fall asleep on people often, though it’s been happening more here and there. Sometimes he sleeps in the engine now or during long shifts. They don’t know why, but it doesn’t seem like a thing worth pointing out. It’s not as comfortable to sleep on someone as some make it out to be, Buck can just be prioritizing his own comfort. Though, that doesn’t seem very Buck like with how affectionate he is.

It’s not until the party they have to welcome Karen back to being healthy that it gets explained and others notice it too.

Buck is later, having stayed to work overtime during their latest shift after someone from the B shift had a last minute family emergency and couldn’t come till later. He is still making it to the celebration, but it’s later than the others and straight off a shift.

Despite his exhausting day, he arrives filled with smiles. He hugs everyone hello, stuffs his face as he compliments the food, then runs around with the kids. They can all see the rings under his eyes, but valiantly partakes in all the celebrations regardless.

It’s not until they kids have retreated inside to play video games and the evening is starting to wind down that he collapses on the garden seat next to Maddie. He dramatically drapes himself over her as he groans.

“Dramaqueen,” Maddie ribs him fondly, pushing him slightly, but not enough to actually move him.

Buck, like an adult, sticks his tongue out at her.

Maddie rolls her eyes in turn, but her fingers start carding through his hair as she resumes the conversation she was having with Athena. Soon the exhaustion finally claims him and Buck falls asleep.

As the evening winds down further, it gets colder and people start to move inside. None of them want to wake Buck, so Hen gets a blanket and Maddie maneuvers herself out from under him, before tucking him in, leaving him to sleep as she joins the others inside.

They’re all having a good time when the door swings open, revealing a sleep ruffled and slightly panicked Buck. Out of breath he says: “Maddie’s gone. She left.”

People are taken aback for a moment, unsure where this is coming from, figuring he probably had a nightmare of sorts. Chimney is about to tell him that Maddie has gone to the toilet, not up and left them, when Buck continues ranting.

“She was just there, I saw her. I- I never should’ve fallen asleep. God, I’m such an idiot. If I had just stayed awake-”

“Buck,” Bobby manages to cut him off, making a soothing calm down gesture with his hands.

“What!” Buck snaps.

“Maddie is fine, she’s in the bathroom. She isn’t gone,” Bobby tells him calmly and gently.

Immediately Buck deflates, face flushing as he realized what just happened. He sheepishly rubs the back of his head as says: “I’m sorry. Brain is still catching up. I just remember falling asleep on her, kinda freaked when she wasn’t there when I woke up. My bad.”

When he says that, the others remember the few times Buck fell asleep on him, the odd reaction to them being there when he woke up… as if he expected them to be gone, to have left him.

Now that they think back on his behavior, how careful he is not to fall asleep on anyone, they can guess it’s a fear he has, or something that leaves him anxious at least. Those times he did fall asleep on any of them both spoke to his exhaustion and his trust in them. It is an honor to be chosen by Buck like that and all are grateful for not leaving him in those moments.

However, this isn’t the moment to make a big deal out of it. Buck looks embarrassed and uncomfortable, wanting the whole thing to be over.

So, Athena gets up and says: “Well, let’s get you some tea so you can relax again. We’re discussing Karen’s new office in the redesign of the building.”

“Oeh,” Buck exclaims, gratefully grabbing the new topic of conversation, “are they letting you have a say in it?”

And with that they leave it behind them, but if after they tug Buck towards them when he’s sleepy and stay there the whole time, that’s no one’s business but their own. And when Buck starts falling asleep on them more and more, no one comments on it.