#rinse and repeat for Wednesday

[neenaatyvm]

Lol I just saw some fans making plans to just stroll to the theatre for fun and make a day of it since it's good weather and brighter nights, is it true the guards enforce that only ticket holders can stand outside?

Because that's only fair to the audience, and I see more and more fans just going there for funzies like they do when there is a set filming and stuff.

Hey, so bare in mind I was there day 1 so not sure if they’ve changed up the procedure, but essentially they were only letting those with tickets to stand either side of the barrier of the stage door. Now how effectively they can check when that queue is literally 8/9 or more people deep and there’s only really 2/3 guards manning the actual crowds 🤷🏽‍♀️ but they would deffo be checking anyone at the front of the barriers for tickets. (That being said, there were random stragglers walking past that would slip into the queue behind the barrier, sometimes they were caught out but some of them got away with it because of how many people there were if they came once the crowd had already built up.)

The opposite side of the street was a free for all. I ended up standing there at the front because the crowd near the stage door was so big by the time I exited the theatre, there was pretty much more people on this side of the street so it was busy and of course the cast were doing the balcony shout outs so prime view of that.

For what I experienced I would say 90%+ were theatre goers so very few stans or randomers. I think security can definitely manage any strays who are there before curtain call because they wouldn’t/shouldn’t be allowed near the barriers, and the initial outpour from the theatre but like 5 mins in, yeah - it’ll be what it is.

The other thing to add and to be frank, stans or not, a lot of the people watching this play are primary there because they’re casual or otherwise fans of Tom. (There’s a level of commitment to being in 60k+ queue to get those tickets ngl.) When you walk out and see that crowd building, it becomes part of the experience to stay the extra 5/10 mins to try and catch a glimpse of the person you’ve essentially come to see which is why I don’t see the crowds really dissipating all that much throughout the run as the overwhelming majority are likely to be those people who’ve just spent the last 2.5 hr watching him on stage rofl.

Thankfully a lot of this crowd disappeared as soon as Tom was away in his swanky Merc, so anyone there to meet the rest of the cast could have a bit more of a chilled out experience.

[juhbebbie]

Moon Knight (2021) #26

[darkluminosity]

HALLELUJAH it's the weekend!! 🙌🏻 I survived what I call a "dodgeball day" of work... where out of nowhere, everyone and everything just seems to want your attention at the SAME TIME 🤣😭

Now if this vog could stop trying to kill my sinuses... (which explains why I've had a pounding headache for the past two days) 🫠🤕 then perhaps I can have a nice last weekend of 2024 🙏🏼

[cookiieduh]

ʙᴏʏꜰɪᴇ!ꜱᴀᴛᴏʀᴜ ༉ 𝓒𝓦: ꜰʟᴜꜰꜰ, ꜱᴍᴜᴛ, ʜᴇ’ꜱ ʀᴇᴀʟʟʏ ᴀɴɴᴏʏɪɴɢ, ꜰ!ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ, ᴍᴇᴀɴ ʙꜰ ᴀʟᴇʀᴛ, 𐙚 ‧₊˚ ⋅ ᴀ ʜɪɴᴛ ᴏꜰ ᴅᴀᴄʀʏᴘʜɪʟɪᴀ ᴘᴇʀʜᴀᴘꜱ.

BF.ᐟsatoru who always finds a way to tease you, even if it's just a little. Seemingly subtle, inconspicuous little comments about how your hair’s a mess or how the clothes you chose to wear that day don’t match, always spoken so smoothly you barely notice. Seconds pass, you realise what he’s said, and by the time you’re snapping your head up to glare, he’s already smirking.

BF.ᐟsatoru who intentionally acts dumb whenever you try to confront him, to get under you’re skin at the very least. The leftovers you were saving? What leftovers? He swears he doesn’t know what you’re talking about, and he’ll gaslight you into thinking you’re crazy. Over the stupidest shit, too. Who left the TV remote where, if the toothpaste is actually finished, if it's Tuesday or Wednesday... He takes great delight in making you feel like you're losing it.

BF.ᐟsatoru who locks in when watching movies and psychoanalyses them to the point of exhaustion straight after. Want to ask him something while the film is playing? Fat chance. He’ll nod subtly with his eyes glued to the screen, barely pretending to listen—but as soon as the credits roll, he’ll turn to you and begin with a “so…” marking the start of whatever pseudo-analytical torture your boyfriend is about to subject you to.

BF.ᐟsatoru whose favourite pastime is scaring you half to death. Trust that he’s going to abuse his teleportation technique to get a quick laugh from how badly it makes you jump. You’re convinced his antics are going to drive you straight into a coffin far quicker than any high-calibre mission you’d ever faced.

BF.ᐟsatoru who swears he doesn't get jealous or possessive when he catches people staring, but will pull out the classic 'waist-grab' move to guide you away from shameless ogling and prying eyes while glaring back at whoever was leering. It's rinse and repeat whenever he notices you're getting a little too much attention for his liking.

BF.ᐟsatoru who secretly adores the quiet moments when you don't realise he's looking. He uses the chance to take everything in; the way you pout slightly when scrolling on your phone, the way you sway your hips and bounce your shoulders when you've got your headphones on. Lord knows he's memorising every detail, storing it deep inside his heart, where he'll keep it there forever.

BF.ᐟsatoru who loves overstimulating you to the point of tears, drilling you into the mattress with no tap-outs, no reprieve. He'd change his rhythm each time you were about to come, going from hard and fast thrusts to slow and deep strokes. When he finally lets you reach the pinnacle of pleasure, the relief you feel is short-lived when you realise it's far from over. Satoru's relentless, plunging in and out of your velvet heat, taking a special kind of joy in the way your mouth hangs open when the sensations become too much.

BF.ᐟsatoru who presses kisses against each droplet that rolls down your cheeks, hushing you with patronising coos of, "isn't this what you, hah, wanted baby? you were just begging me to let you come, and now you're giving out on me?" he'd pout down at you, arms braced around your head while fighting to keep his composure as he taunts you. "C'mon, sweetheart. I know you can be a big girl and give me just one more."

[mariasont]

1 year + 4k celebration event

when: march 30 – april 5, 2025 tags: #mariasspringbreakgetaway #mariaversegetaway

text message thread - penelope's invite - main event post

daily extras

☀️ sunday (day 1) -> maria's beach playlist - what's in everyone's bags? - bau arrival texts - airbnb listing

☀️ monday (day 2) -> bau fit check texts - beach fashion inspo magazine

☀️ tuesday (day 3) -> bau drink texts - bau drink menu

☀️ wednesday (day 4) -> bau secret admirers text - find out who your secret admirer is

☀️ thursday (day 5) -> bau social media texts - readers instagram pages

☀️ friday (day 6) -> bau texts - unsent messages

☀️ saturday (day 7) -> bau packing up texts - 1 year report

drabbles:

aaron hotchner:

♡ public swimwear to private entertainment bimbo!reader models swimwear for aaron before the trip

♡ dangerous currents sharing a wall with hotch means resorting to a midnight swim, you weren't expecting him to join you

✧ risk factors seeing you in a bikini all day drive hotch right over the edge, tempting him to ruing you even at the risk of discovery

♡ not exactly vacation material hotch reluctantly admits he doesn't know how to vacation, and you're determined to help.

♡ rinse and repeat your beach day meltdown gets hotch out of his chair and throwing you over his shoulder

♡ friendly fire when you get tipsy, hotch struggles with an overwhelming need to protect you

♡ relaxing (with conditions) you struggle to relax during a bau beach day, so hotch decides to personally enforce it.

♡ dinner can wait the team waits downstairs as aaron discovers — yet again — that kissing you is more enticing than punctuality.

✧ blame it on the sunrise aaron willingly sacrifices sleep (and dignity) for the irresistible pleasure of waking up tangled in you every sunrise.

♡ beach volleyball hotch notices you struggling through volleyball matches and intervenes

spencer reid:

♡ heatstroke shy!reader is flustered around spencer. he mistakes it for a heatstroke

♡ privacy, interrupted waking up next to spencer on vacation is the perfect morning, until rossi walks in without knocking

♡ lace and lime you feel insecure in your sundress, spencer makes you feel the opposite

♡ pearls and other happy accidents spencer spends the afternoon holding shells and enduring your sweet torture

♡ moose and meese spencer discovers plural nouns aren't nearly as complicated as your swimwear

♡ indirect sunlight you hate being in the sun for too long, spencer is more than happy to keep you company indoors

♡ not-so-secret alignment as spencer unsuccessfully tries to enjoy his beach day, morgan's flirtatious teasing finally prompts a subtle confirmation that you belong together

♡ mermaids and mule-drunk jealously fueled by a mild buzz and subtle possessiveness, spencer interrupts an unwanted flirtation at the beach bar

♡ side effects of garcia's advice spencer tries to hide his panic when you debut a swimsuit garcia assured was perfect

♡ fool's folklore you invent a romantic myth purely to flirt with spencer. he easily calls you out on it.

dave rossi:

♡ indecent incentives dining oceanside with dave rossi means designer dresses, seductive teasing, and dessert options that definitely aren't listed on any menu

♡ theory and practice a teasing conversation ensues when you boldly suggest becoming rossi’s fourth wife.

♡ when in doubt, sinatra tired by your coworkers' relentless activities, rossi shows you how vacationing should be enjoyed.

[firenati0n]

wip wednesday <3 :)

hello friends :) last time i did one of these was november oops so I'm happy to get to share some words :) i have been through some SHIT the last few months, but slowly making my way back into my body. thanks for your patience! <3

here's a snip from my upcoming multichap, two years from tomorrow! it is an au of the sandra bullock x keanu reeves early 2000s romantic drama The Lake House. if you have never seen it and want to read this, DON'T GOOGLE IT JADSFJLASDF stay ignorant! if you HAVE seen it, don't worry—i have made some changes. :) my second multichap just HAD to be another sandra movie...except this time, unlike ice queen henry in the proposal au, sandra is ALEX. because everyone deserves to be sandra bullock at least once.

been a HOT MINUTE since i wrote a multichap BUT i am going to fully write before i post. i promise.

here's a split pov taken from diff points in the chapter...roommates with a twist...

january, alex:

Alex Claremont-Diaz deserves some fucking peace and quiet and rest, and this lake house is moving him one step closer to outrunning law-related burnout of epic proportions. Or at least, that’s what he hopes; he’s not quite sure yet what this house will hold for him. Year after year of relentless caseloads and emotionally draining yet fulfilling clients will do that to a person—fills them up, but at a steep personal cost. And Alex’s wellbeing is here to fucking collect. Luna was pretty clear about the whole thing: “A three month sabbatical, kid. No arguments. Better not see your ass darkening Luna & Associates’ fuckin’ doors until April.” So. Lake it is. Peace and quiet. No stress. His lease was up anyway, so he crashed at June’s and diligently searched for housing near but not in Chicago. He’s going for serene, here. Goodbye, high rises and pavement. Hello, waterfront views and enlightenment. 

january, henry:

Henry Fox-Mountchristen is bloody terrified of moving into this place, with its memories and sadness and joy attached, and this lake house is forcing him one step closer to confronting a final piece of the grief puzzle he’s been avoiding for years.   Or at least, that’s what he’s afraid of; he’s not quite sure yet what this house will hold for him.  The past was full of laughter echoing in the halls, late night sketching at the threadbare dinner table, secrets and fears whispered into the nooks and crannies. The present, however, is full of running. From his fears, from his demons, from laughter and sketching and secrets.  But Henry’s tired. Year after year of agonizing pain and subsequent expensive therapy will do that to a person—drains them, builds them up, then drains them again. Rinse and repeat, hope eternally on the horizon, fears loitering on his doorstep. And those aforementioned demons have finally caught up and are knocking rather insistently. 

xoxo roop

+ open tag and tagging back folks who got me over the last few months! thank you so much <3

@sherryvalli @cha-melodius @run-for-chamo-miles @porcelainmortal @suseagull5914

@anincompletelist @wordsofhoneydew @caterpills @onthewaytosomewhere @orchidscript

@14carrotghoul @alasse9 @thighzp @zwiazdziarka @miharaikko

@tailsbeth-writes @kiwiana-writes @stereopticons @getmehighonmagic @clockwrkpendrxgon

@sophie1973 @eusuntgratie @rmd-writes @dumbpeachjuice @blueeyedgrlwrites

@fairflowered @theprinceandagcd @incalamity @rockyroadkylers @saturntheday

@judasofsuburbia @onward--upward @saguaroblossom @anchoredarchangel @myheartalivewrites

@seths-rogens @indestructibleheart @everwitch-magiks @clottedcreamfudge @tintagel-or-cockleshells

@celeritas2997 @cricketnationrise @smc-27 @cheesecurdsgravyandfries @leaves-of-laurelin

@welcometololaland @ninzied @freneticfloetry @smugvillanelle @springrainbloom

[missidk1121]

Prologue: Late Nights and Blooming Dreams

Pairing: Dino x Fem!Reader

Story tags: Barista!Chan, Software Engineer!Reader, Best Friends to Lovers, fluff, humor, one-sided pining(?) to mutual pining, very light on angst, OT13, other members as helpful (and unhelpful) side characters

Content Warnings: None

Word Count: 1.8K

Author's Note: My first fic on here, and my first Seventeen fanfic ever 😶 Please be kind, but also feedback is welcome and appreciated! Also, this is the prologue to a multi-chapter fic that I have currently in the works, so I hope you'll look forward to it 😊

🎧 Music playing at The Cozy Bloom

Series masterlist | Read on AO3 | Next

7 years ago

Every day was bleeding into the next. Wake up, go to class, study, eat somewhere in between, sleep, rinse and repeat. It was getting tiring. But it was finals week. You couldn’t stop now, and so you packed your belongings, heading back to your current favorite café, holding on tightly to your dreams even as they were slipping away alongside your sanity.

“Hi again, what can I get for you?”

In the months since this place opened up you’ve seen four people, including the manager, working here every day, and to be honest this guy was your favorite.

You couldn’t fully explain why. He just had a charming air about him. From his casual smile which naturally drew the attention of any customer he spoke with, to the moments when you could hear him laugh, a full and bright sound that seemed unique to him. He just had this presence that stood out in a pleasant way. Plus he was cute.

“I’d like a pourover, please,” you said.

It occurred to you that you didn’t even know his name. You took a quick glance at his name tag.

“Okay, I’ll have that out for you here in a few minutes,” said Chan.

And so you returned to your corner, sitting by the front window, the light above your table for two waning, calling you to come quietly observe the restless city hustling even past sundown. However, before you even had the chance to fade along with it, the code editor on your laptop had loaded, and it was time for you to get hustling as well.

This place had become a bit of a cult favorite, especially among students. Chan always saw a select few on a near daily basis, some of which he knew well enough, or had gotten to know well enough, to know that they went to the same school that he did, what they were studying, and at least a little of their personalities.

There was Jun, a foreign exchange student in musical theatre whom he met at a dance class. An actor and dancer well-liked by everyone at school for his talent, kindness, and effortless sense of humor.

Vernon and Seungkwan, his friends and roommates, one of whom studied computer science while the other majored in communications. Lately Chan had been trying to get them to apply for the job openings here, promising he’d train them and get them hooked on the vast world of making coffee in no time.

There was also Jihoon, a music production student. He once gave Chan a very detailed critique of his pour over technique that forever changed the way Chan viewed coffee. That’s as far as their interactions went, though.

And then there was you. He didn’t even know your name. He had only ever caught glimpses of you on campus. He always saw you coding while you were here, so he asked Vernon about you one time, but all he said was “Why? You interested?” Apparently he had never really spoken to you either, despite being in some classes together.

You came in and did the same things as always: ordered your usual, sat at that table in the corner, and started coding. And until recently, you always came in during the morning three days a week, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The last few days, however, you’ve been coming in every evening.

It was much less busy this time of day, of course. Maybe Chan would talk to you today.

On second thought: no, he shouldn’t bother you. It’s finals week, so you must’ve been really busy to come in this late.

And so he simply made your coffee and brought it to you, exchanging nothing but polite pleasantries as per usual.

The next hour passed by slowly. There were hardly any customers. One or two enjoyed a late evening drink and meal, while others needed a boost to push through their neverending workload. It was closing time, and almost everyone, the quiet diners and the caffeine-boosted workaholics alike, called it quits for the night.

“I finished all the dishes. Well, most of them,” said Mingyu, then he nodded in your direction. “I’ve gotta hurry home. My baby’s been sick. Can you take care of the rest?”

Chan looked at you. At some point, you had laid your head down on the table and dozed off, your coffee half-finished and your laptop asleep alongside you.

“Go take care of your dog. I’ll make sure to wake her and close up shop,” he said.

“You’re the best!” said Mingyu before hurrying out.

The café was quiet. Just the two of you. He felt kinda bad about waking you, but he needed to finish cleaning and lock up the shop. And so he approached you, hoping you would just wake up on your own, but you didn’t.

“Excuse me,” he said softly, and just as he was about to tap your shoulder your phone buzzed.

Hey. Did you finish writing the requirements doc? Sorry I couldn’t get my share done. Exams have been a real bitch these last few days. Appreciate it

Buzz. Then another one.

Have you fixed that bug yet? I couldn’t figure out what I did to cause it :/ If anyone can fix it it’s u!! ♡ Lmk what you find!

Chan rolled his eyes.

He felt bad about seeing your texts, but good grief. Why are these people bothering you about their problems? And can’t they see it’s half past 10:00?

Surprisingly, you didn’t wake up. You didn’t even move a muscle.

Chan let out a quiet sigh. Now he really felt bad about waking you.

He then left you for a minute, grabbing his jacket, and when he returned by your side he bent down and gently draped it over you, feeling a brief jolt in his fingers as they accidentally grazed over your soft hair. After adjusting it to make sure it covered you well enough, you began to move slightly, causing him to startle a bit, but it was just a subtle stir as you inhaled and exhaled deeply, burrowing yourself a little more under his jacket, your nose ghosting over the collar while a contented smile peeked out from underneath.

His heart sped up, and he quietly raced to do anything other than watch you sleep.

A warm, earthy aroma entwined with the invigorating smell of hot coffee filled the air. You struggled to get your eyes open for what felt like minutes before finally you noticed the bright red and blue pens stacked on top of a notebook open to a page full of chicken scratches, your reflection in the black screen of your laptop staring back at you as you realized that you had fallen asleep at the café. As if that wasn’t enough to startle you awake, that musky scent you were relishing in was coming from some jacket draped over your back. Whose jacket was this?

CRASH!

“AH!”

“Woah!”

The sound of glass shattering right behind you made you jump from your seat, the nice-smelling jacket dropping from your shoulders to be forgotten on the floor.

You turned around, finding that barista from earlier — Chan, you remember — startled as he glanced between you and the fragments of glass scattered across the floor, just a bit of coffee trickling toward both your feet.

The room dropped to silence as you both simply stared at each other and the broken glass in shock.

He was the first to speak, clearing his throat before saying, “You’re awake.”

“Obviously,” you retorted, immediately regretting it as soon as you heard yourself.

Here was this sweet barista who had kindly lent you his jacket in your sleep and you just had to be a smart ass.

Instead of looking at you funny or being startled by your rudeness, Chan merely laughed. And laughed in the way you had only heard from afar in your little nook, except now it was crystal-clear, a mere table away from you, tickling your ears with its brilliance.

“I was drinking some coffee while I was waiting for you to wake up, but I kinda dozed off and knocked it over. I am so sorry that I woke you up.” He bowed politely, but then his cheeks flushed as he quietly added, “Er, maybe you would’ve preferred I woke you up at closing time so that you didn’t have to, y’know, sleep at a table with some stranger’s jacket covering you. I’m sorry.”

His words always seemed to come out so confidently, so seeing him become shy all of a sudden got a soft chuckle out of you.

“It’s fine,” you said. “I’m the one who should apologize for falling asleep when you should be home by now.”

“To be honest, you seemed like you really needed the rest,” he admitted sheepishly. Then his bashfulness faded as he held out his hand.

“I’m Chan.”

“I already read your name ta–” you stopped yourself. “I’m Y/N,” you corrected yourself, shaking his hand.

God, you were such a recluse. When was the last time you physically spoke to a human being?

Chan laughed, and suddenly you felt like less of an asshole again.

“Well, Y/N. I’m glad to have finally met you properly,” he said. Then he walked around the mess he made and behind the front counter, heading toward what seemed to be a supply closet, smiling at you as he said, “I’ve gotta clean that mess and close up. We’ll have to talk some more next time. You’re pretty funny.”

Your brain lit up at the possibility of there being a “next time.” You found him to be rather interesting himself. However, instead of admitting that you meekly nodded and let out a little “Yeah.”

He reached for the doorknob of the closet, but before doing so stopped and turned to you, just as you were about to check your phone for any messages you might’ve missed, his expression soft with worry.

“By the way,” he said, “I hope this doesn’t sound weird or anything, but… I hope you take care of yourself.”

You tilted your head curiously.

“I just mean,” he paused. “Try not to pass out again, okay? You’re always working really hard, so… just ask for help sometimes, you know? I don’t really know much about coding — though I have a friend who does — but anyway…”

“I’ll be careful,” you said, touched by his concern. “Thank you.”

“Of course,” he replied, smiling gently.

You said your goodbyes, packed your things, and left, even putting your phone in your backpack too. There was no need to think about coding, or the piling messages from your group project members to wile away the hours of your insomnia. Your mind was going to be dreaming about tonight’s events until sunrise, when you had to get up and do it all over again, except now you had something to look forward to in the evening.

[the-midnight-post]

“…Ren.” The sound of his name, short and sweet, felt strange but not unwelcome in his mouth. “I don’t care to play nice, especially with the Phantom Thieves. They’re your friends and I will respect that. But that still doesn’t make them mine.”

This week’s word is…

✨ MINE ✨

Find the word in any WIP and share the sentence containing it! Reply, reblog, stick it in the tags, tag us in a new post, or keep it private. All fandoms, all ships, all writers welcome.

[thequeenofthewinter]

Work-in-Progress Wednesday

Last week I had a bad case of the "mehs", so I didn't have anything to share. However, I am back and plugging away at my Veilguard fic. <3

Tagging: @dirty-bosmer @sylvienerevarine @firefly-factory @the-bear-and-his-sunbird @skyrim-forever @theyearningghoul @caughtnyact @pocket-vvardvark @moriche @draco-illius-noctis @redheadsramblings @inkysqueed @throughtrialbyfire

Also tagging @starfleetteddybear and @holdingontojupiter (who have also seen most of this already but I want to tag anyway because they're such a dear and I WANT TO SEE WHAT YOU HAVE) <3

The rest of the week passes quickly for Iris. Dinner, studying, lesson plans—lather, rinse, repeat. There is a comfort she finds soon in the routine not unlike what she had previously at the Lighthouse. Wake up early, see Emmrich for morning classes, spend the afternoons in the library. The distraction is exactly what she needed even if she hates to admit it. Even the nightmares have seemingly ceased, leaving her nights blissfully silent. Perhaps, too quiet for her personal liking if she is entirely honest, but she’ll take anything at this point in time. At least she is sleeping. Everything has its balance, and maybe it is that she has finally found hers.

Emmrich was right all along in more ways than he could know. Ever since their talk on the lifts, she hasn’t been able to get him off her mind. While they have fallen back into some semblance of their prior friendship, things are still strained between them—a thread pulled taut and waiting for the last fiber to break. What it is that will come apart between them, she has no idea.

At least once this week he has looked at her differently, a flicker of something in his eyes she can’t identify which warms her insides and causes her to push the budding feelings she has from him even lower. Banish them far away, Iris. Certainly, it is just the candlelight. Dispel it from you mind, Iris. It is wishful thinking, and he has never shown an iota of interest in you before. Why would he start now? 

It becomes increasingly difficult over the days as most afternoons he invites her to help him plan his lessons and even has the audacity to praise her for her new, innovative ideas. Brilliant, a fresh breath of air, he tells her as she brings life to the dusted, yellowed tomes of past scholars far out of touch with their current understanding of what it means to be a mortalitasi. 

But how can she breathe life into anything when Iris finds she can barely draw air into her own lungs as she works beside him? Eleanore is right. It is only a matter of time before the wisps find her.

[death-ofpeace-ofmind]

Noah Sebastian x Reader

Burial Plot: Finale

TW: Self blaming, blood mentioned, alcohol and drug abuse

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Banner: @xmads-omensx

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Tags: @klutzy-kay24 @alwaysfightforwhoyouare @lacy1986 @saythatuwill @shayeanna-ashlie @supersquirrel1996 @dontwantthemoney @xmads-omensx @heyyoplayer @renegadebirch @miwomens @astronoids @blade-dressed-in-red @lil-garbitch @chey-h @follow-me-down-to-wonderland @collidewiththesav

Author’s Note: I wasn’t going to post this part today, but the voices started telling me to post and I was too excited, I couldn’t wait to finish my first mini series

Y/N

*Flashback*

Noah was coming home tomorrow, but I wouldn’t be here. I had to do what was best for me. I couldn’t do the constant fighting, I couldn’t let this cycle keep going. It was a wash, rinse, and repeat. It had to be broken, no matter what it took. I packed my things, almost everything, the pictures on the wall got packed up within my things, except for one. To remind him that he did this. I didn’t do this. I slid my engagement ring off my finger and placed it on the picture frame on his side of the bed. It took me too long to see this wasn’t the relationship for me. Who I was got buried beneath it.*

*End of flashback*

I opened the door after hearing a knock on a random Wednesday afternoon. I opened it seeing the last person I ever expected to see.

“N-Noah.?” I asked, my heart racing, everything coming back to me, good and bad. I felt like I relived it all in two seconds.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to just show up like this, I just needed to see you.” He said softly, his eyes red and puffy, his hand covered in dried blood. “I don’t even know why I came here”

I knew I shouldn’t let him in.

“Come in, let me look at your hand” I said, the shakiness in my voice betraying me. I stepped off to the side to let him in, closing the door behind him, he walked into my kitchen and sat at the table.

I grabbed the first aid kit I kept in my medicine cabinet.

“What did you do?” I asked him, starting to clean his hand.

“I really don’t remember.” Noah says, sounding defeated. He hesitated for a moment before speaking up again. “Why.. Why did you leave like that?” He asked

“Noah, please don’t act like you don’t know why.” I tell him, my breathing getting uneasy.

“No, Y/N, I need to hear it from you.” He tells me.

“Because it was what was best for us both. Noah, you destroyed everything about me.” I said, tears starting to pool up in my own eyes thinking back to everything between us. I looked at his dark brown eyes, it was like I was looking into a broken dream. He looked so broken. No, Y/N, you can’t hold sympathy for him, not after everything.

“I don’t remember what I did.” He said again, “You don’t remember because you were so fucked up you barely remembered your own name.” I told him, attempting to stand my ground.

“I’m so sorry, Y/N. You didn’t deserve any of it.” Noah said. “No, Noah, I didn’t.” I said. “I didn’t deserve a fucking thing, I know that now. You put the drugs, the alcohol, you put everything over me, when I put you put you above everything else.”

“Y/N, quit being stubborn for a second, please and listen,” He said, that pissed me off a little bit, “Stubborn? No, I am stating the facts. Where was your explanation when you had me pinned against walls, nose to nose with me, screaming at me that I was never going to amount to anything, when was I ever enough for you, Noah?!” I snapped, while bandaging his hand. “I never was.” I said while taking a deep breath.

“Y/N, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that, I wish there was something I could do to take it all back. It feels like I’m digging in the dirt, finding every way to hurt instead of finding ways to make it better for myself. Instead of finding ways to move on and let you go. I can’t find any light, it’s just dark.” Noah admitted. I could see the pain in his face. “It’s a big burial plot that I’m digging.”

“Noah.. I need you to, I need you to let it go and move on.” I told him. “But I can’t, I can’t knowing that it was my fault, I’m willing to give you whatever you need, whatever it takes to be able to keep you, Angel. I don’t know who I am without you.” He said with tears running down his own face now

“Noah, I have heard that over, and over, and over again. Nothing ever changes.” I took a deep breath. “It never fucking changes.”

“I know, I know in the past I’ve given you nothing but empty promises, but please, let me show you that this time will be different.” He practically begged.

Noah

I begged and begged for a second chance, she wouldn’t let me. I unlocked and walked through the door of my apartment, the same silence I’ve heard for months greeting me again. I threw my keys onto my table before walking over to the liquor cabinet. I truly had nothing else to lose. She was gone. My future was gone. Every dream I had of marrying her, having kids with her, everything was left in pieces within the fallout. As I crack the bottle open, my phone rings for what seems to be the thousandth time today, but again, I ignored it and turned the bottle up.

*Flashback*

“Noah, I can’t,” She said

“Please, just one more chance.” I begged

“No, Noah, you destroyed me, you treated me like I was nothing to you.” She said

*End of flashback*

Those words repeated in my mind, “I was nothing” but she wasn’t nothing. She was everything to me but I was just too blind to see it. I turned the bottle up again, this time washing the pills I had popped in my mouth down. After a few minutes, I was gone. I was numb again.

Matt

The boys and I went to look around for Noah. I finally caved and called Y/N.

“Hello?” She voice came through the speaker of my phone.

“Hey, I’m sorry to call you, even more sorry to ask this question, but, have you seen Noah? He walked out during recording and we haven’t seen or heard from him since and we can’t find him” I tell her.

“Yeah… He was here. But left about two hours or so ago” She said, really not sounding phased

“Oh shit, thank you anyways.” I tell her gratitude in my voice. “Bye, Y/N” I hung up the phone.

“He was at Y/N’s, but she said he left about two hours or so ago.” I tell them. “I’m going to check his apartment.”

I made the twenty minute drive over to Noah’s apartment, his car was at the studio still, so it wasn’t in the parking lot. Once I got up to his apartment, I knocked and got no answer. I let myself in with the spare key I had.

“Noah?” I called walking through the door, I didn’t see him. Something was telling me to check his bedroom so I did. Noah was sitting on his bed, clutching on to the photo frame, with her engagement ring on a chain around his neck, bottle in the other hand.

“Noah?” I asked stepping closer to the bed.

“I’ve lost her, she’s really gone, Matt..” Noah chokes out through sobs. “It’s truly over”

[biancasaidstfu]

Monday - Work Announcement Day

Tuesday - Throw Back Tuesday (WT and Polin)

Wednesday - Watch Out for Chaos

Thursday - Tussle/Fight Day

Friday - Champagne Day

Saturday - Hold Your Breath for Weekend Chaos

Sunday - Quiet (until rinse and repeat)

Y’all gonna have to tussle without me tomorrow.

[certifiedbisexualdisaster]

WIP Wednesday

...because I haven't written fanfiction in over a year and was struck by bucktommy's horny4horny dynamic

5 times Buck flirts with someone else in front of Tommy to be a brat, and 1 time Tommy turns the tables.

Rating: E Part 1, in which Buck flirts with a nameless Domme at their local kink club, hoping to inspire Tommy to make good on a promise.

Tags: kneeling, public punishment/humiliation, puppy play; will also include edging, ruined orgasms, bondage, Daddy kink

It’s dark, but not so dark that he can’t see the crowd forming around them. Whispers behind hands and snide little remarks reach his ears, making them burn a bright red. He squirms where he’s laid out, put on display on the ground in between Tommy’s denim-clad knees. He’s kneeling on this midnight black silk pillow that seemed to come from nowhere, except he knew exactly from whom it had appeared. It cushions his knees from the hard ground beneath them, cradles his feet to ease the burden on his ankles. It’s a little slippery, and every time he moves, Tommy’s hand tightens on the back of his neck. That hand doesn’t force him back into position-- even with all of Tommy’s strength, it’s physically not possible-- but damn if he doesn’t feel like a doll being plied into submission at his owner’s every whim.

“He’s so cute like that, trussed up at your feet,” says the woman standing next to Tommy, “Like an obedient little puppy.”

His cheeks flush a little darker at that. He squirms again, feels that hand tighten on the nape of his neck, lets the invisible strings connected to that hand move him back where he belongs. Tommy chuckles, a dark thing, at the coo the other woman lets out. Rinse and repeat.

“Not so obedient,” Tommy says lightly, “But definitely like a puppy.”

He whimpers, a needy and humiliating little thing, and he shifts again. A slip of the knee. Scrambling hands, allowed loose for the moment, catching on the floor. Big, strong hand on his neck. Claiming. Possessive. Invisible strings, tightening and pulling. 

“Well, he’s certainly a needy little thing,” the Domme says, “Maybe we should give him some attention.”

Tommy hums, considering. He wishes he could see him, instead of the crowd that grows ever larger around them. No one is really looking directly at him, so much as they are looking through him. They’re not whispering about him so much as they are whispering around him. The dichotomy of such a public scene without the weight of complete and utter attention leaves him feeling desperate and aching.

It’s exactly where Tommy wants him. It’s exactly where he wanted Tommy to want him.

“Can I pet him?” she asks. And, god, the way she sees it like he’s not even there, as if he’s a cute dog she passed on the street, as if Tommy owns him--

“Sure,” Tommy says, “I’ve been trying to socialize him better. I’ll never turn down a good training opportunity.”

--because he does. 

He moans outright as she sinks her hand in his hair. At first, she just smooths it down, like she’s trying to tame some unruly thing. Tommy hums encouragingly, and she takes the permission for what it is. She caresses him gently, tilting his head up to look at her. His mouth parts and his eyes glaze over as she plays with his hair, looking down at him oh so gently. Her black eyes glitter in the low lights of the dungeon. A red-lacquered nail catches his peripheral as she raises a second hand to scratch gently under his chin for a moment, encouraging him to tilt his chin up some more.

And then those red-lacquered nails scritch at his scalp, and he’s gone.

[l3xistentialism]

Chile if there was EVER a moon to do a spiritual bath under its this Cancer New moon on Wednesday.

CLEANSING. PROTECTION. RINSE & REPEAT.

[quintessenceofdust88]

Wip Wednesday

Omgg I was tagged by @bidisasterevankinard and I managed to publish it with ONE MINUTE of Wednesday to spare on my timezone hehe So here, have a little bit of a fluffy fix-it I'm working on, where Thomas needs some old lady wisdom to get his shit together. Also, it's a way for you to meet my most darling OC, Nonna Rosa. Hope you enjoy it!

--

A week after breaking up with Evan, Tommy is still feeling like shit. He can barely sleep, anything he tries to eat tastes like sawdust, and he feels like he’s living on autopilot. He goes to work, he comes back home, he tries to eat, he tries to sleep, rinse and repeat. Nothing else matters, there’s nothing else he feels like doing. He doesn’t answer Howie’s texts asking how he’s doing (he answered the first one, telling Howie not to worry about him, but can’t do more than that); he completely ignores Eddie’s invitation for Muay Thai and basketball, and he comes up with an excuse as to why he can’t make karaoke bar that Thursday. And yet, there’s one thing he can’t put off, as much as he wishes to: talking to his Nonna. 

Tommy calls his grandmother at least once a week; she still lives in Indiana, in the same house he spent most of his childhood in, and he knows his uncle Bart visits often. But he likes to hear from her himself. Visiting her is a rare occasion with his work schedule, and the last time he was able to was about four months ago. The minute he had stepped in, Nonna had asked him if he was ‘innamorato’, because he was looking so much happier than usual.

And he knows she’ll perceive his sadness just as quick, if not quicker. The woman has always been able to read him like an open book. She’s probably the only person alive who can; he’s always made sure to keep his layers hidden from everyone else, even from… 

Well. Doesn’t matter now, does it? 

Fact is, that if he misses his call with Nonna, it’ll be even worse. She’ll know something’s up, and he doesn’t put past her to fly across the country to check on him (he’s always been the favorite grandson and everyone knows it). So it’s best to get it over with. Gosh, Nonna’ll be unconsolable; she’s been pestering Tommy to introduce her to his ‘Evanino’ for ages now, and instead… With a heavy sigh, he sits down on his couch (and tries not to think about how empty it feels when it’s just him in there) and rings her up, bracing himself.

“Pronto? Tommasino?” She answers the call, as always with the camera too close to her face, and that at least brings a smile to his face. -- Np tagging @typicalopposite @unhingedangstaddict @30somethingautisticteacher @actuallyitsellie

[ladykailitha]

Model Eddie please

WIP Wednesday! Make me write!

Other asks here, here, here, here, here.

See? Even he thinks fashion kitty is cute!

Snippet

“So I wanted to go over how the shoot will go,” Steve said, broad smile on his face. “We will start you off on the folding chair, completely clothed and in white, but the make up will be dark. Kind of like a devil’s face on angel kind of feel. Then with each change of outfit the clothes will get darker and sexier while the makeup gets lighter. About half way through the transformation we’ll move on to the lounge chair, to really highlight the changes you’re going through. Then the lightest makeup with be with the nudes. Partly to show off your body, and party so I can return those sheets and get my deposit back.”

Eddie burst out laughing himself. Not at the plan but the deposit joke. “Well if I ruin them, I’ll pay the rental fees.”

Steve grinned back. “Thanks. Also, usually I use an assistant but not on nude shoots. My models don’t need an extra pair of eyes ogling them. Ellie will lay out the outfit and then leave. You’ll get dressed and then knock twice on the door when you’re ready for hair and makeup. Then Max and Robin will come in. Max will do your hair and Robin will do your makeup. Then you’ll come out and bring that extra something that Ravenscroft hired you for and then rinse and repeat for the outfits until the nude shots.”

Eddie raised an eyebrow. It all sounded too good to be true. So it must be the nude shots that were the catch. “Yeah and what happens with those?” he asked jutting his chin up.

[idontplaytrack]

Wednesday Afternoon

Janis 'Imi'ike x fem! reader

Warnings: angst

Janis is five months pregnant. Turning 34 is a bittersweet occasion.

The sun’s barely risen that morning and you’d already rolled out of bed. After freshening up, you stopped by Kalia’s room to take a peek, it was a habit. She was still soundly asleep, just like you had expected. To no surprise, Akoni was also awake.

“Hey, good morning.” He smiled, looking at you for a beat while making a fresh pot of coffee. There was also a kettle of water boiling. “Boiling some water too so you can have your tea instead of coffee.”

You smiled back, “Thanks Dad.”

“No problem.” He pulled out your favourite mug for you from the cupboard before pouring himself a mug of coffee and sitting down at the table. “We have all of the stuff we need to make the Laulau.”

“Already? I thought you said we were going to have to buy a few ingredients.” You asked, shocked.

“Don’t have to, we’re all set.” He assured, “Let’s have some breakfast before we get started.”

You saw him take out a plate of manapua from the steamer. Eyes widening, “How early did you wake up?”

“Just twenty minutes ago.” He laughed lightly at your expression, “Here, let’s eat.”

“Thank you.”

“Kalia’s still doing that thing where she walks up to Jan and says a random name?”

“Been about a week, but yes she’s still going up to Janis, rubbing her stomach and saying ‘Hi’ along with a name.” You chuckled, taking a bite out of the steamed bun.

“Any shortlisted names yet?” He asked curiously.

“Actually last night, Kalia said the name ‘Emmy’. Janis really liked that— as a nickname. After Kalia got back to playing with her toys, we talked for a little bit. Settled on the name ‘Emelia. She wanted to honour Emily, and Kalia’s obviously going to be happy about it so…yeah.”

“‘Emelia?” Akoni repeated, “I think that’s perfect.”

You smiled, “Ah, you’ll like whatever names we picked, Dad. We know you.”

“Hey, you ladies know how to pick names, alright?”

“Middle name is between Mahina and Lani.”

“See? Great choices.”

After a brief breakfast, you and Akoni got started on preparations for the Laulau. “How ya doing over there?” He asked, looking to his left. You were helping him rinse the excess salt off the butterfish before seasoning the pork and chicken.

“I got it.” You told him, face nearly squirming up. You and the fishy smells were never a good mix. But for Janis, you gotta do what you gotta do.

The whole process to cook the laulau took about four hours, and you would not have been able to do that without his help. He was a pro at this, and just cooking in general. You technically didn’t have to be awake so early, but you wanted to time everything properly so that Janis could wake up to her favourite dish on her birthday for breakfast. She was turning 34, officially outliving her mother Emily today. You knew she was nervous more than anything, with Emmy being the second child, Janis was afraid…because of the association she had in her mind— Emily died while giving birth to Janis’ sister, the second child.

“I haven’t made this in ages.” Akoni said, “This does not compare to what Emily used to make, y/n.”

You flashed a crooked smile as your mind began to get flooded with fading memories of the said woman who was incredibly warm and kind, and beautiful. Janis held a striking resemblance to Emily, but had Akoni’s smile and attitude. “Oh, I was looking for you.” Janis’ voice snapped you out of it. “Good morning.” You went up to her, kissing her on the lips, “Happy birthday.”

She smiled softly, “Thank you. Morning, Dad.”

“Good morning.” Akoni gave her a hug from the side, “Breakfast is ready.”

Janis looked at the food on the table and gasped, “How on earth, did— oh my God, you woke up way too early for this, you guys.”

“It’s worth it.” You squeezed her shoulder and pulled a chair out for her to sit. She sat down, holding onto your hand, nudging you to sit down as well.

“That plate is yours.” Akoni pointed to the one right in front of Janis while looking at her. “y/n, this. Is for you. No fish, just chicken and pork.”

You looked at him, surprised, “What?”

“I made these for you. You need to eat too, silly girl.”

You exhaled shakily, how did you not notice?

“Thanks, eat too. You got up the earliest, Dad.”

“I know, I know. Eating now.” He laughed a little, ��Let’s eat, hm? Enjoy the little bit of quiet before the kid wakes up.” As soon as he said that, you heard Nemo walking out from yours and Janis’ room. His paws on the wooden floors, and the sound of his collar. “Hi, buddy.” You greeted him airily, he stood next to your chair, “Aaand, you’re just waiting for food. I’ll be right back.” You told Janis and Akoni, then went to the kitchen to quickly prep his food and give it to him. “I’m gonna go out for a bit after breakfast.”

“Where to?” You asked.

“I can give you a ride, Janis.” Akoni replied.

“I—” Janis’ voice got shaky, “I just— I want to go see Mama.”

“Yeah, we’ll go right after this. Okay?”

The silence that followed was tense, without acknowledgement. Still, everyone ate their food. No other words were exchanged until Janis got up to change her clothes. “I’ll just be a minute.”

“Sure, sweetie. Take your time.” Akoni answered, then noticed the look on your face, “Kalia’s still asleep, so just stay here with her first, okay? I’ll come back later to take you and her there if you want.” Still, you seemed tense. Anxious, even. “Everything’s fine.” Akoni assured, “Okay? She’s okay. I promise.”

You nodded, out of habit resting your arm across Nemo and fiddling with the tag on his collar. He stayed still, sensing your anxiety.

Janis and Akoni quietly left the house after he’d grabbed the keys and Janis pressed a kiss to your cheek. She doesn’t say anything, but Akoni told you that he’d be back soon. You watched them leave, as though frozen in your seat at the table. Nemo moved, resting his head on your lap.

Eventually, you got moving too, doing chores. Nemo followed you around, but then he started playing with his toys in the living room while you occupied yourself with cleaning. An hour goes by, it was now ten in the morning and Kalia was now awake. “What do you want for breakfast?”

“Cereal. I want Fruit Loops.” She was already standing by the fridge, holding onto the handle.

“Sure, baby.”

“I’ll make it.” She beamed, “Did you eat your breakfast yet, mama?”

“I did.” You nodded, forcing a smile.

“Mama, watch TV with meeee.” Kalia tugged onto your arm, “C’mon Nemo, TV time.”

————

“I can’t sit on the ground right now, so I’m just going to be standing.” Janis laughed dryly. “Hi, mama.” Akoni stepped back, letting her have her own space. “I couldn’t sleep last night, I just kept thinking. About you, about Jenna, then about the baby…I just— it’s like a warzone in my head these days.”

The weather was nice and warm, probably what kept her focused on one thing in this moment instead of focusing on her racing thoughts. She looked directly at her mom’s headstone, picturing her just sitting there and actually responding. “I can’t help but feel so scared as I get closer and closer to my duedate. I keep thinking something bad’s going to happen, and I’d end up…” Janis swallowed the painful lump in her throat, “That I’d end up dead and giving everyone a whole other pain to deal with. I don’t want to think like that, but it’s happening no matter what I try to distract myself with. I cannot shake the image of the aftermath if my anxiety is right. I cannot have my wife become a widow, my kids cannot be without me. I cannot have dad lose another family member, another child.”

“Believe me, I talked to my therapist about this, she says it’s normal for the anxiety to be here but it is eating me alive. It’s pushing me away from my wife and she’s been so worried.”

Once she’s let that all out, Janis just stood there, swiping her tears away. Then, she shut her eyes and took deep breaths to calm herself down. She pictures Emily, standing right in front of her, holding her hands. That warmth that felt like such a distant memory all came rushing back to her. She smiled.

“Janis, you’ll be fine. Just like you are now. You’ll have to trust me, baby.”

Janis choked on a sob, letting out a shaky breath.

“I’m scared, mama.”

“I know, I know that, my love. I understand that, but you don’t have to be. I’ve been watching over you, over y/n, over Kalia and your dad…I would never let anything happen to you all. I may not be Earthside, but I’m still with you. You hear me? You’ll be okay.”

“You— I miss you so much, mama.”

Janis felt Emily caress her face and look at her with eyes so full of love and joy. Janis couldn’t help but smile too, but then cried even harder when all the moments of hardship throughout her life after Emily’s passing came to mind, more specifically those moments with you and Kalia.

You, miscarrying while Janis wasn’t home. But someone was home with you.

You, having hyperemesis gravidarum but never needing to be in the E.R. for fluids.

Kalia getting sick as an infant, but she got just the help she need because someone had heard you standing up for her.

You, having a tumor but it wasn’t malignant.

And herself, fainting due to low blood pressure but Regina just happened to be nearby.

That was all Emily.

“I’m always going to be your Mom.” Emily continued, “I say you’ll be okay, so you will. I ka olelo no ke ola, i ka 'olelo no ka make. You remember that?”

“Yeah.” Janis sniffled. “‘In speech is life, in speech is death.’”

Emily nodded, that same look still on her face, “What else?”

Janis took a second but said, “He kehau ho’oma’ema’e ke aloha.”

“Love is like a cleansing dew.” Emily repeated, “Trust in your village, they’ve got your back. Always. The people you have in your life right now, are your people. They’re in your life for a reason, just like you are in theirs. Love is a powerful thing, Janis.”

“I love you, always.” Janis hugged her, “Thank you.”

Once Janis opened her eyes, she was ready to leave. She was ready to go home. To you, to Kalia. To her people. Her own little village, who loves her so very much. Turning around, Janis tells Akoni she was ready to go home. He nodded, “y/n wants to come by, so I’ll drop you off at home, and take her here, okay?”

“Yeah.” Janis dried her tears with a tissue that Akoni gave her, “Okay. Don’t forget the flowers.”

Akoni sets down the bouquet of roses, marigolds and lilies. “I’ll be back with y/n.” He kissed his hand and touched the stone after, then got up and back to the car.

Kalia didn’t want to tag along, so Janis stayed home with her while you stepped out. You greeted her with a kiss, “Hi, I’ll see you in a bit, okay, honey?” Janis smiled and kissed you back before you’d put your shoes on. Behind her, Akoni was waiting. You got into the front seat with him, buckled up and he drove away from the house.He puts on your favourite playlist for the drive, the silence has now been comfortable.

“We already got flowers, so don’t worry about that.”

“Oh, okay.”

After approximately thirty minutes, you’d arrived at the place that you only saw about four or five times a year. Akoni walked with you to where Emily was rested, then stepped back again to let you have your space.

“Hi, Emily.” You seemed a little bit awkward, you always have.

You sighed, letting your mind run free. Like for Janis, Emily showed up in front of you.

“I always tell you to call me Mom but you never listen, honey. I’m not going to force you, though.” She chuckled. “How are you, sweetheart?”

“I’m…fine.” You answered, fiddling with your thumbs. She held onto your hands to stop it, catching your gaze. “I’m fine, the pain’s been manageable lately, but I’m worried about Jan. Because— she’s so scared about when the time comes to actually have the baby. She’s scared that what happened to you would happen to her. And I don’t know what else to do but assure her things would be okay.”

“I know, honey. I talked to her.” Emily hummed, her voice was as soothing as always. “And…you being by her side, letting her know things would be okay…is more than enough. It’s scary, unnerving, I know that. I see it all, but trust me, she will be okay. Emmy will be okay.”

You looked at her confused, almost.

Emily smiled, slightly amused by your expression, “I ka olelo no ke ola, i ka 'olelo no ka make. In speech is life, in speech is death. As long as you have me, as long as you believe…things will be fine. Just like they have been.”

You looked like you were about to burst into tears while you slowly got the same flashbacks as Janis. “It’s okay to be scared, that’s a part of life. But believing in the good things, in love, in your own village to always have your back. That’s an even bigger part of life, what makes it worth it.”

“Thank you.” You sniffled, “Mom, thank you for watching over us.”

She smiled brightly, wiping your tears away.

And with one last hug, your eyes opened up and she was gone with the wind.

You took one more look at the headstone, then turned on your heels to leave and let Akoni have his turn. “I’ll wait for you in the car, Dad.”

“Okay, honey. Watch your step. I won’t be long.”

You sat in the front seat once again, escaping the humidity briefly. Your playlist was still streaming softly through the speakers. You laid back and shut your eyes to rest, trying to digest everything you’d just heard. You weren’t sure how long it had been, but you woke up when Akoni got into the driver’s seat. “Alright, ready to go?”

“Yeah.” You nodded in agreement, and off he went.

————

On the way home, Akoni stopped at a bakery to pick up Janis’ birthday cake. And a shave ice from Lupe’s shop. Then, you guys were home. Nemo ran up to you two once the door opened, then Kalia and Janis came over too. “Hi.” Janis hugged Akoni then kissed you on the lips. “Brought a treat.” Akoni smiled, showing her the shave ice. “Ooh.” Janis gasped, “Thank you thank you, that’s amazing it’s so hot.”

“Enjoy.” He handed her the cup, laughing then turned to Kalia, “Didn’t forget about you, sweetie. There are ice pops in the fridge or you can have some of these cookies and brownies I just got.” Kalia’s playful sulk disappeared, she grinned now, “The purple brownies?!” Ube. Ube brownies. Half the box was that, and the other half was macadamia and guava cookies.

“Yep.” Akoni confirmed.

Kalia squealed, “Thank youuuu. I can take one now?” She seemed to have realised that these treats were only purchased on special occasions.

“Of course you can.” Akoni said to her, “Be careful. Here you go.” Kalia took the box excitedly and walked over to the kitchen island to set it down. In the meantime, Akoni took Nemo out for a walk after putting the cake in the fridge. You and Janis joined Kalia in front of the TV, watching an old Disney sitcom that she’s picked out. Kalia was snuggled in between you and Janis, and then she held out her plate of goodies offering them to you. “It’s okay, you eat them. I’ll get some later.”

“Eat one. There’s a lot.” She insisted, squinting at you.

“Okay.” You gave in, not wanting her to question anything. Even though you simply didn’t feel like having it now, no other reason. You grabbed a brownie and took a bite out of it, this bakery never disappoints. The sweets were always delicious.

Suddenly, Janis gasped and you whipped your head towards her direction so quickly. “What?”

“She kicked.” Janis was literally grinning from ear to ear, “Emmy kicked.”

Your eyes went wide, “Really?” She just grabbed your hand and placed it on her bump. True enough, you felt it. Kalia did too, “So cool.”

“Yeah.” Janis agreed, pressing a kiss to the kid’s head. “Wait, you and mama decided on a name already?” Kalia then looked between you and Janis. “Yep. Thanks to your suggestion.” Janis confirmed after sharing a look with you, “Officially, she’s ‘Emelia, but you get to call her Emmy.”

“Good.” The kid beamed, feeling Janis’ bump again, “I like that name.”

“We do too, my love. It’s a great one.” You quipped. About an hour later, Akoni returned home with Nemo, Regina, Cady and their kids. Soon, Aaron showed up too. “Okay— why is literally everyone we know here?”

“It’s your birthday, dummy.” Damian remarked.

Janis rolled her eyes, Kalia laughed and jumped out of her seat to give her aunts a hug. “Hi, Jeanie.” Regina and Cady greeted her, both of them engulfing her in a hug together.

Then they got to decorating the dining room with some decorations while Aaron and Damian helped Akoni with dinner— and ate the leftover Laulau from the morning.

“I’m gonna go take a shower.” Janis decided, “I’ll be right back, honey.���

“Okay, Jan. Be careful.”

“I will.” She smacked a kiss to your cheek, then laughed, “They definitely want pictures to be taken since they’re putting decorations up. And I feel sweaty and gross so— yeah.”

Kalia snuggled up against your side to finish the rest of the movie while Janis was in the shower. You let them work, content to be spending some relaxing time with your daughter. Pretty soon, Regina and Jace joined you both on the couch. Cady was sitting at the dining table feeding Marlowe. “You wanna pick something to watch?” Kalia handed the remote over to Jace. “Ooh, sure.” He agreed immediately. “I’m gonna go check on mommy. One sec.” You slid out from her arms and padded into the bedroom, “Start without me, okay?”

“Jan?” You knocked on the door.

“Yeah?”

“You okay?” You peeked in the door.

“Yep. Why?” She asked. You stepped into the bathroom entirely. “Oh, you wanna join me.” She chuckled, “Come on in, then.”

You put your hair up in a messy bun and got undressed, then stepped inside the shower. She couldn’t resist and kissed your shoulder almost immediately. “A little warning, this girl’s very active today— constantly kicking my bladder. So if I pee? It’s Emmy’s fault.”

“Ugh, I know.” You laughed, lathering some body wash on your palm to wash yourself. “I know how that is.”

Not even a minute later, you felt exactly that happening. “Did you just pee?”

“Meh, I warned you.” Janis shrugged, “Not my fault she’s kicking me like she’s trying to get out of me and play with water.”

“It happens.” You regained your composure quickly. “With Kalia, I could barely get enough sleep.”

“I know.” She recalled, “I got lucky.”

You got out of the shower first, rejoining Kalia on the couch. Janis exited a few minutes later, dressed in pastel yellow and blue striped button down shirt and her favourite pair of comfy sweatpants. Smart. The photos would only show what shirt she was wearing, not her pants.

Soon, dinner was laid on the kitchen island and the cake? It took the place in the middle of the dining table. Akoni asked Janis to sit down so he could get a photo of her with the cake alone. Then, he got you to join, then Kalia, then Kalia asked to take a photo with Janis alone. Of course he obliged. At last, he took a photo of everyone with her. “Dad, I want a photo with you. Just you, come on. I won’t forget.” Janis glared at him playfully. He obliged, joining in next to her while you took a few pictures.

Then the birthday song was sung to Janis. She liked it, but only because it was just the family present. With any other people around, she would’ve said no to it right away. Janis cut the cake, leaving the first slice untouched on the table. The next one to her Dad, then to you. She however didn’t eat her cake until she had given out a slice to everyone. “How good is this?” Damian remarked.

“Oh, you’ll be in for a lot of good stuff, dude. We get a cake from this bakery for every birthday.”

“Lucky me.” He said, words garbled because of the cake in his mouth.

You took occasional glances at Janis while eating your slice of cake, trying to not-do-subtly check if she was doing okay. But you couldn’t tell, exactly. “I’m okay, honey.” She answered, that was all you needed to hear. It was the way she said it, that had you believe that she was truly fine. A lovely conversation followed throughout dinner, reminding you all of old times. While Janis was recounting a particular memory from the ‘run away from June’ trip to New York, the doorbell rang. Janis took this chance to get up and stretch, she answered the door. “Gretchen! Karen, oh, Gosh. Hey, guys.”

“Happy birthday, honey.” Gretchen gave her a careful hug, “Sorry we’re late. Our plane landing was delayed.”

“It’s alright, I’m glad to see you guys. Come on in, it’s been forever.” Janis pushed the door open wider for them to walk into the house. ”There’s some cake at the table— really good. Dinner’s on the island. Help yourselves, join us in the gabsesh.”

“Ooh, thanks.” Gretchen took Karen by the hand and led her to the table first for cake. Then, the pair joined the whole group to chat. “How’s everything?”

“Um, today was a little rough but I’m alright, baby’s alright too, so, that’s what matters. Whatever it is, she’s my priority right now.” They seemed to understand pretty quickly what she meant by rough. They knew what had happened to Emily at this age. Not always, but they found out eventually. In fact, other than your sister, you were the next to be told about Janis’ Mom and younger sister.

The evening proceeded in a blur for most, but was vivid to Janis. She looked around, taking in every smile, every cheer at a winning round of a board game, every laughter, every squeal from reacting to a movie they’d decided to watch. These little…moments that most took for granted? She’s been paying attention to them a lot after the morning. It was because of these little moments that made life worth living. Because she had good people around her who loved her, home and home away from home. These little moments, they weren’t that little. They meant the world to her that they even thought of her on her birthday, but that wasn’t all. Because they made the effort and took the time and planned to come here, to be with her. At the end of the day, nothing mattered but her family. This bunch. And only this bunch, no one else mattered, no matter how hard they try to bring any of you down.

“Thank you.” Said Janis as she looked up from ger phone, you turned to look at her and set your phone down. She held your face and crashed her lips onto yours.

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