#soda and a tuna sandwich... nice

[amerhauser]

Always in foreign territory, there was the menu that Mizi offered for her, knowing that being a survivor has a ravaging appetite. Beatrix forgot what she had said earlier as the other told to take her time and she will due to unfamiliarity of language and its heaviest barrier that offered.

Seems that he was looking for a translator app, like others do.

"Ich nehme das hier..." Pointed at a tuna sandwich. "Und etwas Cola. Das ist alles." And everyone's favorite beverage after a meal.

She was aware that they don't serve German or Japanese meals, so gotta pick what's available.

@amerhauser

"Er...sorry? Could you say that again?" Mizi was trying his best to accommodate this girl because of the language barrier between them. However, the language also sounded familiar to his ears.

"You can just point to the menu and tell me what you want..." He tapped on the menu, which was taped to the glass counter. "It's alright, take your time. ...Um..I’m gonna just….check something." He grabbed his phone from his back pocket, then he began to quickly search around for some kind of translator app.

[soup4supper]

cw; tummy noises, shitty mic

tummy mulching up lots of liquid and some remnants of lunch, more info below!

hii this is the first time i've done smth like this, so pls b nice 😭 i wouldn't say this is a soda bloat, more like a masochistic concoction of different foods n drinks to make my belly stir up a fuss, and oh boy it surely did... i had-

🧃liquids;

three cans of pepsi (more like two cans + 2/3)

two cups of milk

1/2 cup of strawberry lemonade

🫛 foods;

tuna sandwich w/sourdough bread

2 handfuls of dried cherries

i felt so big and tight after the first chug of milk and soda, i was so nauseous i couldn't work for a solid 10 minutes,, but i was so desperate to get something out of this bc of how much effort i put into straining my stomach, so i kept drinking and ate a handful of dried cherries to mimic a prune-juice effect and lemme tell you... it works. ive been gassy since and im trying to refrain from letting anything out to build up my tummy's resilience, i'd be the worst feedee ever 💀

anyways, hope you enjoy despite how muffled everything is lol,, new mic is coming in (hopefully in a week) so stay tuned 💚

[honeymochibubbletea]

Hello my Tumblettes!

Everything alright with you? I hope you’re having a wonderful marvelous day~!

Here’s a post about Lena! Another Telltown Oc that i have shown you all before! :D

Hope you all enjoy~

Lena is an Telltown Oc.

Lena pronouns are She/her//They/them//he/him.

She’s 17 years old.

Their sexuality: Pansexual.

She’s almost the same height as Emilly, another Telltown Oc of mine! (When she’s standing with help of her supporters/canes)

He is also Brazilian! :3 (his family: 1° mother is also Brazilian; father is Russian; 2° mother is South-Korean and 1° mother’s mother is Brazilian)

Her comfort zone: her own home or Nykui’s hideout (when she’s feeling all stressed and/or angry, she meets Nykui on his little hideout on his treehouse to calm herself down… she likes nature and her new feline friend!)

(Btw, Nykui is another Telltown Oc of mine! You can find him on my latest posts or simply writing his name on the magnifying glass)

(Ps: Nykui tied a rope around the treehouse’s most thick and strong branch to let Lena climb it using her hands and arms… just so she would be able to also enter the treehouse :3) (another Ps: she always wear gloves when she climbs and when she comes down to not hurt her hands); her comfort food: instant noodles (her two mothers don’t let her eat too much of it because it’s unhealthy… but when her second mother notices when she’s blue, she always buys her favorite: spicy instant noodles ‘:3) or crispy tempura shrimp; her comfort objects: her ballerina shoes and her basketball; her comfort characters: any characters that are wheelchair users and hearing aid users like her or also strong women!; her comfort drink: Green grape tea soda and her comfort dessert: petit gateau of pistachio.

Lena is very strong thanks for the constant exercise on her arms (her legs is a different story though…) (btw: she was born without the capacity of moving her legs or the ability to walk, i mean, she can move her legs to a certain degree thanks to her supporters but that’s all she’ll ever manage to “walk”).

Lena is a newbie in Telltown: which means she moved in to the little town with her family: her two mothers, her dad, her robot nanny and one of her mother’s mother/her grandma basically (btw, i’m still thinking about names… i accept suggestions, lol). She is very excited to finally move in to a small town and meet new people! :D

Lena is very energetic, kind and intelligent: her favorite activities are ballet and basketball!

Her main goal is… to make new friends and live independently! (As soon as she turns 20, she wishes to live with her robot nanny alone in a different house from hers right now! Not that she has any problems with her family: she loves them greatly… she just… wants to have an independent life of her own! Of course she would still visit her family every now and then).

Here’s some fun facts about Lena:

Lena absolutely HATES when people pity her…

Since she is new in town, she is still learning about the town and its history! (She’s being herself: kind and nice with everyone! Some folks are already starting to like her :3)

Lena and Nykui have met each other when Nykui was on his mission of cutting some people hair strands and she almost had hers cut… until (Sizza) her robot nanny spotted the little neko boy and set off a loud alarm to warn everyone… this scared Nykui and made him run off… Lena felt bad for the boy (at first she thought Nykui was a girl because of his hairstyle) and thought that her robot nanny over exaggerated with the alarm… So, she decided to ask some townsfolk about the little neko “girl” but they all were confused: who was she talking about? Then, Lena would describe the neko’s appearance and- Ohhh! The few townsfolk she talked to told her that the little neko “girl” is actually a boy and he lived in the woods of the town.

Okay, Lena now knew almost where the little rascal lived… she then made a cucumber and raw tuna sandwich for the boy… when she was moving her wheelchair to the woods, Sizza and her first mother stopped her on her tracks:

1° mother: Lena… where do you think you are going now? We are still moving in and you want to befriend a little hooligan? He could had hurt you with that scissor!

Lena: but moooooom! I just want to apologize for scaring him!… although… Siza should be the one who should be apologizing…

Sizza: hmmpf… a “thank you” would be more welcome… you know me, your two mothers, your father and your grandmother just want the best for you…

2° mother: but that alarm was kind of unnecessary… don’t you think so honey? You could’ve installed some more subtle and quiet on Siza… could you have not?

1° mother: oh come on! Give me some backup here!

1° mother’s mother: oooh are we going to a camping trip? :)

Father: no mother-in-law, everyone is discussing if Lena should or shouldn’t apologize to the little neko boy we saw earlier in front of the market…

1° mother: and you’re on my and Sizza’s side… right?

Father: …Lena’s actually.

1° mother: . . .You two are the worst…

1° mother’s mother: oooh! A kitty cat boy? How lovely: i remember when i became friends with Carl-

1° mother: mom… not right now- WHERE DID SHE GO?!

Father and 2° mother: she went to the back door.

Sizza: *sighs*… don’t worry… i’ll go after her…

Lena then moved her wheelchair towards the woods… yada, yada, yada: some stuff happened (i intend to write a more in depth fanfic on how they met and how was Lena’s first day at Telltown) and she and Nykui became friends after she offered her cucumtuna sandwiches to her new feline friend! :D

One of Lena’s mothers has a prosthetic arm and hand she (Lena’s mother) created herself! (She was also the one who made Sizza and designed ‘n built Lena’s wheelchair)

Lena’s father is a composer and musician: he looks like he doesn’t care most of the time but he deeply loves his family and passion! He is just a little on his own little world sometimes… he looks scary and cold but is really a sweetheart and nice man when you know him better… (although even though to the ones he is very close with he looks scary and menacing… but he is trying to change his expressionless personality)

Lena’s other mother is a club singer: she and 1° mother have met when she was performing one of her songs at a club, 1° mother was so in love with 2° mother that she asked her in marriage right there, in front of everyone… Lena’s 2° mother laughed and said she would only marry Lena’s 1° mother if she beaten every guy at the club in an arm wrestling contest… and she had to use her weakest arm… not her prosthetic one because that would be some sort of cheat…

Needless to say: 1° Lena’s have beaten every. Single. Guy…

Of course, a lot more stuff happened but then: the two mothers got married! :D

And where does the father enters in the story? I’ll gladly answer you :)

Lena’s father was a random sperm donator and when he said, shyly, that he also wanted to be part of the child’s life… the two women agreed and the three of them married each other! Hurray! Second marriage! :D

The only person who went to the second marriage though… was Lena’s 1° mother’s mother… the other family members didn’t agreed to the “polygamous” relationship the three had: the other family members of the three of them (with the exception of 1° mother’s mother) had no problem with who they married with… as long as it was monogamous…

So they were dishonored and cut off from the rest family… the three of them decided to start anew in a small town named “Telltown”…

Lena’s 1° mother’s mother asked if she could live with them and they all agreed: after all, she was the only person who showed support towards their polygamous relationship.

Lena’s 1° mother also wanted to move in to Telltown because she got a “job opportunity” on there… little did she or the rest of them knew they almost were about to fall in a trap set up by the town’s villain… Dr. Phantasmo… (but little did HE knew that they were also going to give him a lot of trouble! Hahaha! >:D)

[exanimateisacomic]

When Eliza met Luis

The stale circulated air seemingly dripped with misery and anguish. The yellowish haze from the fluorescent lights filled the space with a static buzz and was the cause of many migraines.

She hated it here, even without all these ailments, she truly hated this office deep down in her core. If she could remember who she was in life, she might’ve found the strength to flee this land of paperclips and grey carpets. But she doesn’t so she hasn’t and suffering she continues.

She made her way through the crowd that was ever present within these drywall enclosures. Everyone had desks that they could be sitting at, tolling away at their never-ending tasks given to them and yet here they were, stepping over each other and squishing past one another. And the shouting…

“Get that file to him!”

“That has to be duplicated and sent to her”

“That needs signatures and faxed to the northern offices.”

The words seem to drone on, pounding her temples and adding to her inner distress. She thought to herself ‘At least one’s said-‘

“Hey look out! Extra large Eliza is coming through!” Someone shouted over the chaos. Even though business needed to be done, it didn't stop many eyes from prying away from their work to look at the large demon just trying to get to her desk for her lunch break. There were a few chortles and some repeats of that nickname. Eliza pushed her glasses up her blunt hooked nose and used her hand to cover her face in shame until she was able to duck into an unused conference room. She couldn’t make it to her desk, not with the mob out there.

Luckily she had been clutching onto her meal from the cafeteria, a sad tuna salad sandwich, low-sodium chips, and a diet soda. Somehow it cost a whole day and a half of pay.

She pulled out one of the office chairs and sat at the conference table, setting out her food and getting ready to eat. On the wall opposite her was a TV that was muted, playing the headline that had been running for a few weeks now. About some rouge demon soldier who deserted from the army mid-mission and ran off with a ton of money and there’s a reward out for his death.

‘That would be nice, a big payout for some loser. It would be enough for me to get out of this dump’ she thought as he bitterly took a bite of the surprisingly bland sandwich.

They flashed his name once more as the talking head rambled on about this fiend. “Luis Lynch, such a crude name.” she muttered.

She took another bite just as thunder boomed outside, her attention was now drawn to the window where she could see the pain pounding at smudged glass.

"At least I'm inside."

————————-

His feet smacked the pavement hard, causing splashes to kick up and soak his faded slacks. He ducked into the alleyway and pressed himself against the wall behind the dumpster. His heart was in his stomach as he caught his breath.

His drenched green raincoat was the only thing keeping his rail-thin body dry and warm. all he could grab to put on was a faded yellow shirt, the slacks, and his boots. the shirt had the graphic text "FACK" plaster in a chunky font, distressed and falling apart.

‘How the fuck did they find me? I should’ve had another day at least.’ He thought to himself. He grasped tightly at the straps of the two duffle bags he had over his shoulder. Gripping on to all he could grab before the chase began. Raising his head to peek over the lip of the dumpster to see if his assailants were after him still. He caught sight of some fuck in uniform

‘Shit’ he reflexively reached for his service revolver from his shoulder holster and gripped the walnut grip tightly, thumb resting on the hammer. His mind was now a roulette wheel, spinning between fight or flight. He was never one for direct one-on-one conflicts and there were eyes all over looking for him, taking out this uniform would spell disaster. Glancing around him, he happens to catch sight of an ajar door leading into the unsuspecting building he was crouching near.

Flight it is.

Glancing over once more at the busy street, he saw the uniform's head face the other way. He eased out of his squat and slinked over and into the door. Direct conflict wasn’t Luis’ cup of tea, stealth was.

————————-

Eliza crumpled up her empty bag of chips, grabbed the rest of her meal rubbish, and walked over to the open bin that was over by the corner of the room. As the trash hit the bottom, the door swung open, slamming into the wall with a thunderous BOOM. eliza immediately dived to the ground, the conference table providing cover for her.

Luis looked around the empty room, seeing nothing but a long table in the middle of the room, a few chairs lining the sides of it, a counter with a TV, and a trash can in the far left corner.

‘Safe’ he thought as he tossed the bags onto the table, his gun slipping from his grip and landing with a THUNK and sliding onto the table, settling towards the edge but not quite toppling over. he didn't even notice as he was busy trying to calm himself down after the flurry of rushing through the door and slinking into this unused room.

Eliza flinched at the sound of the gun hitting the table and glanced up just in time to see it stopping just shy of the edge. The dark wood of the grip seemingly enticed her. She crawled over and slowly peered over the table to see the goddam fugitive from the news pacing around the opposite end of the room. He hadn’t noticed her, something she was just a bit surprised by, given how often he was singled out by her co-workers. Her stare shot back to the gun.

An idea popped into her head. She often had ideas like this but there was never any reason to act on them... until today.

Luis paced back and forth in a small spot, his hands running through his wet and greasy hair. He stopped and stared at the floor, rain dripping from his coat. He reached into his interior breast pocket for his smokes as he plotted his next move.

Taking a bent-up cigarette from the crumpled soft pack, he popped it into his mouth and snapped his fingers, the friction from his index and thumb acting like a flint as his thumb caught on fire and settled into a small flame similar to a lighter. As he raised his thumb to the loosely packed cigarette he heard the hammer on his gun cock back.

“There’s n-no smoking here sir…” a mature-sounding voice sad from the opposite end. “No, sorry. I meant Luis.”

His eyes widened in shock as he snapped his head over to see who had gotten the better of him.. and locked eyes with the stunning beaut of a demon. If it weren’t for the drab office outfit, he could’ve sworn she was an angel or actress. even though he'd been with plenty of women before, and yet she made him feel different.

“Oh wow, you're beautiful.” He muttered aloud as he snuffed out his thumb and raised his hands up in compliance.

Eliza froze for a minute, taken aback by the man’s comment. “You can't woo me that easily, Lynch!” she said, trying to hide her bashful expression.

Luis nodded “I wasn't trying to but good to know.” He was able to tell that his comment affected her a bit. he glanced over at the TV and saw the headlines about his desertion and subsequent chase. they flashed his bounty once more “Wait, that’s my bounty?”

Eliza flicked her eyes over to the screen and then quickly back to Luis “Y-yes, it is." She said. Suddenly feeling more confident, she continued “And in-in my opinion, I think they’re offering too much for a degenerate like you.“

Luis was taken aback by the woman's words, he hadn't said anything yet to upset her. This was hate that came from deep within her. He lowered his hand out in front of him “no, I mean that I stole way more than-“ He said

Eliza stepped forward, thrusting the gun towards him “No, no you don't get to interrupt me! I spent a lot of time in this shit hole either getting ignored for my contributions or getting harassed like all the other girls in this god-forsaken place and now you- you slinky, waterlogged creep! You listen to me! The way I see it I can shoot your sorry ass and drag you to the cops and get that reward, maybe then I'll-" The frenzy had begun to dull in her eyes. "I’ll… uh…” As she became lost in thought, she straightened her back, revealing her true stature of seven feet.

Luis looked up at her, a mix of fear and arousal running through his body, as she was looking for a conclusion. “Oh my, you're quite tall…" he muttered

Eliza didn't seem to hear him, her focus was on getting her thoughts together. “Damn, I had more I wanted to say but now it’s not there." she shook her head and brought her focus back to Luis.

"Regardless, I’m in control here and I want out of this goddamn life and you're gonna be the ticket to that!"

Luis nodded “Sounds reasonable."

Eliza couldn't hide her shock. "eh?" the way he just casually agreed with her really was out of left field

Luis slowly brought his hands down and picked the cigarette out of his mouth, the filter was now frayed and smushed from being in his mouth. "I mean, I get it. why else do you think I'd do something like abandon mid-mission, take an obscene amount of money from the army, and flee?"

She stared him down, her face turning into a scowl in thought. "I dunno, because you're weird?"

Luis shrugged "I mean, I am. but that isn't why." he pointed to his head "It's because I remembered." he said, grinning smugly.

She let out a gasp.

————————-

“I remembered who I was in my human life. They said it wasn’t possible for demons.” His smarmy smile with a missing front tooth was all she could focus on.

"You..." she shook her head "Liar, I'm calling bullshit!" she said, white-knuckling the pistol in her hand and now actively sticking the barrel in Luis' face.

He continued to smile as he spoke.

"I was quite the character in life. all I did was drugs, booze, and women. My parents all but wrote me off if it weren't for the support of my kid brother." he said calmly. "he'd always stick his neck out for me and believed I could be better. I really looked up to him. and he-"

Suddenly his smile faded and his eyes went misty.

"He was the target of the damnation mission I was on not too long ago."

Eliza slowly pulled the gun away from his face. She'd heard of these missions, hell she even had to file some of the processing files once or twice.

Demon soldiers go to the surface and cause the deaths of humans to harvest their souls to be used in places like her office.

"He was a sentimental guy. had a Polaroid of us framed in his house. I passed away not long after this was taken." he reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a photo with one of the edges slightly burnt. he held it up to her.

She squinted at the photo, she then took off her large glasses so she could see better.

Luis was shocked once more at her beauty, being able to see her orange marmalade eyes.

Eliza’s vision finally came into focus, a shot of two young men in some living room. One was a nerdy type of guy with glasses that had thick lenses and the other was a strung-out beanpole of a guy, cigarette hanging off his lips, and a beer in his hand. her eyes looked over to Luis and back to the Beanpole drunk in the photo.

"Holy shit... so it is possible..." She muttered. Her grip relaxed as she let her arm fall to her side.

"By the time I remembered everything, it was too late for him. now he's somewhere in this realm of existence because of me. I couldn't continue my services knowing what I did. so...I ran."

As Luis looked back at the tv, that’s when Eliza grasped his jacket lapel and brought him closer to her, practically lifting him up in the air.

“Okay Luis, you’ve proved your point. But what’s gonna stop me from killing you?” She said.

“Uh-how about a date?” He said with a smile and a light chuckle

[verypsbfan019]

I've got a question for the engine drivers 1-12:

What are you favorite food and drink?

(Hope you have a nice day)

1. Thomas: Cheese and cherry soda at 3 am!

2. Edward: I love tomato soup! I usually drink water because sweet drinks makes me... hyperactive. Ask Henry and Toby if you don't believe me...

3. Henry: I love noodles and orange juice! I have been always told that I am a picky eater but they don't understand that it's difficult for me to deal with certain food textures like the texture of meat or the smell of boiled milk.

4. Gordon: I don't have time to cook homemade food so I share food with James! He usually brings Caesar salad... I also drink mainly water because several members of my family are diabetic and I am trying to take care of my health.

5. James: I looooooooooove a good Caesar salad but lately the cheese has been disappearing from the refrigerator... And for a drink? I like peach juice.

6. Percy: Cheese at 3 am with energy drinks!

7. Toby: Henrietta and I love to cook together! Our best recipe is the Apple pie and strawberry juice.

8. Duck: Oh, I haven't thought about a favorite food... Probably... Mashed potatoes. For drinking? May I say orange juice? I heard Henry just said it but we have a lot in common, you know... Sometimes I drink tea with the twins.

9. Donald: I miss eating haggis, I should get some if I go to Scotland on holidays! And I like to drink Earl grey tea... Yeah, nobody expects that from me.

10. Douglas: I like homemade chicken pie but I tend to... mess up with the oven so I make the pie and Emily takes charge of baking it. Just like Donnie, I love Earl grey tea! We usually drink together at the morning before work.

11. Oliver: Soy burgers and pineapple juice!

12. Emily: A good tuna sandwich with sprite! I love fish although it leaves a bad breath. Douglas and I love to compete who has the worst bad breath after eating it hahaha

[1010ll]

do you have any new recipes that you've learned recently? i remember you wrote something a while ago about carbonara and i tried it out for myself it was really fun!!

i love this 😭 im gonna write way too much idec! something that has changed since that post: my kitchen is worse. i have a horrible combi oven which has resulted in me accidentally eating raw chicken, because it had been in there for more than 2 hours at supposedly 230 °C and i was really hungry and thought it HAD to be done by then. also i have less time and less money lol. it has made me a bit sad, and less motivated to cook nice things but i also love food! which means these tips/recipes are gonna reflect that and might seem a bit dull but probably also relatable for a lot of people.   i’ve definitely made spaghetti carbonara a bit too much because it’s simple and require few ingredients! will still vouch for that one tip about substituting the bacon with roasted veggies and other types of meat.

last week i made risotto for the very first time, i think? which means i might be assuming a bit too much, but i think it’s a great dish that you can almost make with whatever you have in your fridge. i made it with roasted beetroot(needs A LOT of time to soften, lesson learned), carrots and parsley root or parsnip(idk the difference), dried rosemary and thyme, garlic and onion. i had some leftover sushi rice, which is great for risotto apparently(love versatile ingredients), roasted them in some oil and then added white wine and chicken stock and actually added a leftover parmesan rind i had in the fridge to give the ‘stock’ some flavour, a bit of nutmeg and then in the end some shredded gouda lol… it was surprisingly delicious and i didn’t even really care to cook the rice perfectly. it also tasted delicious 3 days later, which was a nice surprise. i bet there are tons of risotto recipes online, but as long as you have rice, some kind of flavoured water, i guess you could kind of add whatever you want of veggies and top with whatever herb you have around.

another type of porridge i consume a lot these days is hot oat porridge, which i’ve eaten since i was little and it was the first ‘dish’ i learnt to make myself and it’s cheap. some people really dislike the consistency and look but i don’t. it’s also very easy to customise. i put in whatever nuts and seeds(which are often cheaper than nuts) i have around: flaxseed, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chopped almonds and sometimes a dollop of peanut butter. i let them simmer along with the oats. i like adding those elements because it gives it some texture and it keeps me more full throughout the day. it’s very important to me because i hate spending money i don’t have on fast-food when i’m not home and i hate being hungry. dried raisins, cranberries for a bit of sweetness and if i’m treating myself i’ll add some fresh apples cut into small pieces or some homemade berry compote(i use frozen) or brown sugar. if i had more money i’d use maple syrup but i don’t at the moment. i also add a bit of cinnamon and cardamom, dried ginger etc, whatever you feel like. some people also add milk afterwards but i’d rather spend my milk on my coffee.

a small tip: making chili flake / garlic oil. it’s really delicious, you could put it straight on pasta with some parmesan and pepper and it would be a filling meal. either chop the garlic really fine, grate it, microplane it, smash it to pieces. heat some olive oil until it’s quite hot, then remove from heat and add the chili flakes and garlic. if the oil isn’t hot enough you can just put the pan or pot back on the heat but be careful you don’t burn the chili flakes or garlic, as it will make it bitter. the longer it will toast, the less pronounced the raw garlic flavour will be, so when it smells toasted enough for your taste, take it off. i store it in a tiny glass jar and add it in stews, sauces, toasts, pizza, sandwiches etc. the flavour is very strong imo and everything it touches will smell like it. something to drink: i like strong foods and i like sour foods, which is why i like lemon/ginger based drinks. to make it even more winter friendly and easy to make, i like to grate unpeeled ginger(i hate slices of ginger, they do nothing for me and seems like a waste of ginger), lemon zest, lemon juice and mix it or blend it with some water/apple juice and honey and strain it afterwards. if you have a really nice blender you can just add all of it together with some ice. i’m basically making a large amount of ginger shot mixture. then when i feel like it, i can take some of the mixture and either drink it as it is, add more apple juice if i need a refreshing beverage or add hot water and more honey for when im cold. you could also add turmeric, chili, use less sweetener and other sorts of healthy stuff but i honestly do it for the taste so i don’t care about that that much.

something sweet: i posted earlier about cakes and someone mentioned swedish kladdkaka, which is a super delicious, cheap, brownie-like chocolate cake that is easily customized and hard to fuck up which is why i’ve made it since i was very young and is a go-to and i didn’t even know it was a swedish thing. if you like airy, light cakes this is not for your. this is sticky, sweet and almost like confection. you can add nuts, swirls of peanutbutter, tahini, actual pieces of chocolate, replace the white sugar with brown sugar, the butter with oil(you can be fancy and use a bit of olive oil) or use a mixture, brown the butter, you name it. the recipe i use is this: melt 100 g butter and let cool. mix 2 eggs + 3 dl sugar in a bowl until fluffy in one bowl. mix 1.5 dl flour, 4 tbs cocoa, 1 pinch of salt in another. mix the dry with the wet mixture and add the cooled, melted butter. this is the point where you’d add chopped nuts, chocolate etc. pour the batter into a cake tin lined with parchment (i use one that is 16 cm in diameters i think). bake the cake for around 30 mins at 150°C - 175°C degrees. check on the cake using a cake tester or a a knife. if the knife is clean after … stabbing it, it’s done! the cake will change it’s texture after cooling. this is a cheap cake, and if you like cake dough you might want to give it less time in the oven for a more fudgey texture. make it your own! there are no rules. last time i made this, i left it in for too long in my opinion but it was still delicious. also i literally have a shit oven with a round oven rack that goes in circles no matter what due to the microwave function, and the only ‘mixing’ equipment i have is a whisk and a spatula. no need for kitchen aids or  even electrical hand mixers.

something else i’ve been eating a lot for lunch is simple open faced sandwiches, and something that can really elevate those is: making your own mayonnaise(and toasting the bread). it can be challenging, but it’s really worth it imo and i can’t remember the last time i bought it in a store. i have a small plastic bowl, whisk and 1 egg yolk. something i can really recommend is buying pour snouts for bottles. i transfer my oils from their plastic bottles to smaller, old soda bottles because im cheesy like that and it’s really handy especially when making mayo. constantly whisking the egg yolk by hand and then adding the NEUTRAL oil ever so slowly. don’t be fancy and use cold pressed stuff or extra virgin olive oil because it will taste weird. i only ever fail when i try to use immersion blenders for some weird reason but i find it rewarding to do by hand anyways and i think it might be easier to make smaller portions that way. mayo needs acid and you can get it by adding regular vinegar, apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, lime juice, pickle juice, citric acid dissolved in water etc. it’s really easy to customise! when im making banh mi, i add some sesame oil, soy sauce for saltiness and use lime as the acidic element. for more regular use i add a bit of mustard(also helps with the emulsion), for fries, i like adding some fresh garlic. something as simple as mayo, tomatoes, flaky salt and pepper topped with chives is really nice. i also really like using slices of boiled potatoes or boiled eggs(idk if that’s only a thing where i’m from), mayo and the chili garlic oil. it’s also great for making tuna salad. yesterday i made a really simple sandwich with a very simple tuna salad(tuna, mayo, yoghurt, lemon and pepper), arugula, basil, the garlic/chili oil, cream cheese, pickled jalapeños and onions, green peber, cucumber and tomatoes. you could leave out everything but the tuna salad and it would still be a great little meal.

another nice condiment that beats the supermarket stuff by far is homemade ‘pesto’. when i buy parsley from my local grocery store, it’s a gigantic amount that i in no way can consume in a week. first of all when buying fresh herbs i really recommend washing them, wrapping them in a damp towel and keeping them in a closed container. it will prolong their lifetime from lasting a day to a week(change the towel if it seems too wet). i once had some cilantro in my fridge for several weeks and still be fresh. anyways, when i buy that much parsley, i like to remove the tougher parts of the stem(which i use in stews/sauces! chop it up and sautee it along with garlic and onion), add literally just olive oil, water, pepper, garlic, and a bit of acid and then blend away! it keeps for a long time in the fridge and is also delicious beneath tomatoes/potatoes/cheese on open-faced sandwiches. if you want to be fancy you can of course add some type of hard cheese, nuts, seeds, dried tomatoes, whatever.

i know this is the longest text post ever, but as a last reminder, i really recommend watching pasta grannies on youtube. really simple recipes with focus on few, good ingredients that just takes some time and love.

[riceccakes]

1 & catradora :)

trope writing prompts: send a number and a pairing :)

hi anon, you didn’t pick a category so i’m choosing my favorite out of the three, hope thats okay !!

“What, you’ve never thought about us?”

-

Adora was leaving. She was brought into Hordak’s office and left with a bittersweet smile. Catra didn’t need to even ask; Adora got the promotion. This would’ve been something to celebrate, had the promotion not meant moving across the country to the sister company, Dryl Inc.

“Hey, this doesn’t mean I’m gonna fall off the face of Etheria,” Adora said as Catra helped her clean her desk. “I’ll still call and I’ll visit every now and then.”

Catra kept her mouth shut, biting her tongue. It was too much at that moment, to try and even put into words what she was feeling. Instead, she hastily scanned Adora’s file cabinet of folders and tossed whatever the woman wouldn’t need.

Adora was Catra’s first friend at Prime Co. The desk job was going to be temporary, answering phone calls and trying to sell merchandise to make money while she looked for something more permanent. But, her and Adora started on the same day, were in the same training session, even were in the same group for “Team Building Exercises.” When the scheduled lunch time came around, Adora sat down at Catra’s empty table with a smile.

“Do you like tuna?” she asked. She stopped, shaking her head, “Was that stereotypical? I’m sorry, I should’ve worded this better.”

Catra kept a close eye on her, not responding as Adora pulled out three sandwiches, four bags of chips, two large cookies, and four juice boxes.

“I saw you weren’t eating so I thought I might offer one of my sandwiches,” Adora started, holding two of the three up, “I have two roast beef and one tuna, but I should’ve worded this all better.”

She began muttering to herself, fiddling with the plastic wrapped sandwiches and Catra finally reacted. She laughed, taking the tuna out of her hand and opening it.

“You’re fine, dummy. I like tuna.” She bit into it, glancing up to see Adora’s pink cheeks trying to hide.

They’d been at the company together for almost two years and while Catra was still coasting along, sure she’d stay until she found a more suitable career, Adora was excelling like no other coworker. Their boss, Hordak, had been giving her a bit of extra treatment, at least Catra noticed. She was sure Adora would be chosen for the new promotion Hordak announced a few months ago and wasn’t surprised today when Hordak called out from his office for Adora to see him.

When the last bit of Adora’s desk was in the box issued by Hordak, the picture frame of the two girls from the holiday party on top, Catra sighed.

“How long until you have to leave?”

“About a week,” Adora answered, lugging the box towards the elevator. “I have to pack my apartment too and everything.”

“Right,” Catra looked at the floor, wrapping her tail around herself. She stayed a few feet from Adora, wishing the elevator door wouldn’t open. She hissed at the sound when it did.

Adora stepped in, calling out Catra’s name. “Help me move out?”

Catra rolled her eyes, “Of course, idiot.”

When Catra clocked out, she drove to Adora’s almost too quickly. She hadn’t realized how much she dreaded that office; without Adora, her deskmates were bland and boring, lunch was a drag, and the empty space next to her hurt her heart more than she wanted to admit. 

Catra called out over the next few days, opting to help Adora move rather than endure more nine hour shifts in her newfound hell. She was silent for almost all of the packing sessions, still too upset to see Adora go. (Deep down in her heart, Catra hoped Adora would say no to the promotion. She hoped Adora would want to stay with her and not leave and keep working together and play pranks on Kyle until they retired. She hoped she wouldn’t have to ask Adora this, she hoped Adora would just know.) 

Catra knew Adora was talking, but the sentences never stuck in her mind. She was too busy wrapping dinner plates in old newspaper and bubblewrap and trying her hardest to stop her shaking hands from dropping any.

When she placed the last one in the box (all of them in tact, a feat in itself) she heard Adora say, “Let’s get drinks.”

It’d be only one more day before Adora had to leave. Catra placed the last box in the moving truck and nodded. Her tail wrapped around her again and she felt her ears drop. Adora placed her hand on Catra’s shoulder and she shuddered, quickly pulling away. Another time she’d deal with all the thoughts in her head, all the words she was screaming in her throat, all the “Please don’t go.” “You don’t need a new job.” “I’ll just make Hordak give you a raise, that’ll be enough right?” “Who am I supposed to make fun of Kyle with? Lonnie? She’s all talk and no bite, she’s always eating lunch with him and Rogelio.” Another time she’d deal with all of those thoughts, that’s what Catra told herself.

At the bar, Catra and Adora found a booth in the back. It was closed off from the rest of the patrons, perhaps for the better because Catra didn’t want anyone else to see her cry. (She wasn’t banking on it happening but she’d been close to doing so the past few nights, maybe this night would be what broke her.)

“Oh, come on, Catra,” Adora kicked her leg under the table. “Lighten up, I told you this isn’t goodbye.”

She sulked in her seat, swishing the vodka soda in her cup.

“You know, I asked Hordak if I could bring you.”

Catra froze, “What?”

“I’m supposed to be some department head when I get to Dryl Inc. I asked if I’d need an assistant or something but Hordak wouldn’t budge.”

“Assistant, really?”

Adora raised an eyebrow, “Oh, so you’d rather I just go and not make an effort to try and bring you?”

Catra’s eyes widened, Adora’s tone sounded insulted. She shook her head, “Wait, that’s not what I--”

Adora laughed, kicking her leg again, “I was just joking, Catra.”

Catra’s ears fidgeted, her mind trying to understand why Adora tried to get Hordak to let her leave too. “Why’d you ask him?”

Adora gulped, taking a long sip from her beer, “Well, I just. You know, it’s always been you and me at the company and well. I don’t know, I just thought,” she paused, finishing her drink. “What, you’ve never thought about us?”

The emphasis on the word scared Catra, much deeper and closer to her core than the thought of Adora leaving at all. Of course she’d thought about them, the two of them as more than friends. All the movie nights in Adora’s apartment after a long day at work, all the fast food deliveries to the office when Catra would reluctantly stay overtime since Adora was. All the times Adora’s blue eyes sparkled in the dingy office lighting (seriously, how did her eyes do that?) and all the times Adora’s laughter perked her tail in delight. She thought about all the company parties they attended, about Adora dressed up in a long dress with her hair pulled back and her neck exposed and that stupid perfume that made Catra’s hands twitch because she just wanted to grab Adora’s waist and kiss her. Of course she thought about it all.

And even while she wanted to say all of it then, her throat closed up and Catra just stared at Adora.

“Oh.” Adora reached for her beer again and brought it to her lips, eyes widening at the clear bottom. She placed it down with a blush, looking down at the table. She whispered, “Well, I have, a lot. I’ve always been too scared to try anything, for example, right now, because clearly you haven’t and I’ve made this weird.”

Catra desperately wanted to correct her, wanted to reach across the table and yank her shirt to pull her into a kiss. But she was stuck in her spot, staring at Adora who still looked gorgeous even when she was sad.

“I just like having you around and you’re really soft and you’re always nice to me,” Adora continued. Her voice was barely audible but Catra made it her mission to hear every last word. “I’m just really gonna miss you.”

Catra heard the sentence, felt her heart jump out of her chest at the notion of Adora missing her at all. She internally slapped herself across the face and finally forced her body to move. She jolted up, slamming her knees on the underside of the table as she grabbed Adora by the collar and kissed her.

Their teeth crashed and Catra knew her knees would turn into a bluish, purple color but she didn’t care. Adora’s lips were soft and tender and that stupid perfume she wore made her quietly moan as she pulled away for air. Adora pulled her back in, placing a few more gentle kisses, more successful ones at that, and let out a shaky breath.

“What the hell was that, Catra?”

With her heart rate settling, Catra kept her eyes shut. She didn’t want to sound stupid, didn’t want Adora to know just yet she was melting like putty, so she forced her brain to regain consciousness.

“If you wanted me to come with you, you should’ve just said so,” she breathed. Adora kissed her cheek and she cursed under her breath, “You’re packing up all my shit, though.”

[inkmemes]

sky high ( 2005 )  sentence  starters ↪  from  the disney movie that was ahead of its time.  alter  as  you  see  fit

“that’s me in the middle.”

“all i see is my dad wearing tights.”

“i just have one small problem.”

“i can feel the sand in my toes already.”

“maybe the next time i punch a meteor hurtling toward earth, i’ll be the one who shatters into a million pieces.”

“looking forward to it.”

“i noticed you had recyclables in the trash; i took the liberty of moving them for you.”

“apparently animals don’t like being eaten.”

“seems like yesterday you two were swimming naked in the kiddie pool.”

“i remember his first day of preschool. he wouldn't let go of my leg.”

“how does it feel to save the world again?”

“i just feel really good about this year.”

“she's just my friend.”

“hey, how you doin'?”

“to be honest, it was tough, man. T- U-P-H.”

“you have to wait and see like everybody else.”

“you ever running late, running early, or you just want to talk ... give me a call.”

“as representatives of the [school] welcoming committee ...we'd be happy to collect that new student fee.”

*’true’ by spandau ballet starts playing*

“sounds fascist.”

“for now, good deeds and good luck. let the adventure begin.”

“so let's get one thing straight. my word is law. my judgment is final, so there will be no whiner babies. are we clear?”

“what's humiliating him going to prove? this is so unfair.”

“if life were to suddenly get fair, i doubt it would happen in high school..”

“any day now, superstar.”

“this is the situation, and i'm demanding it.”

“you got a problem with me?”

“you're not supposed to use your powers outside of the school gym!”

“am i crazy, or is that guy really looking at me?”

“my first day of [school], and i already have an archenemy.”

“i thought you said he wasn't looking.”

“i don't think she really liked my skirt.”

“well, nothing seems to be broken.”

“the three of us, fighting crime together, side by side ... by side.”

“i'm gonna kick your butt at pool!”

“hey, he's got the ego the size of a giant robot.”

“so where were you after school? i was worried.”

“everybody expects greatness from me.”

“i can't make lemons. i don't know what it is.”

“i'm not into labels.”

“i'll get the nurse ... unless she's injured.”

“by the way, [name], you can't kill a zombie. you can only re-kill him.”

“i make a mean tuna fish salad sandwich.”

“hey, hand me that mayonnaise there.”

“i'm calling the school. the tuition we pay them!”

“uh, so i, uh, think we pretty much covered the undead. what's next?”

“hey, where's your hat?”

“hey, race you up the steps.”

“nobody talks about my father.”

“what if i said it's not just her twin? it's her evil twin.”

“i didn't do anything, though. he started it.”

“try to keep that in mind the next time you're about to do something stupid.”

“i say if you ever cross me again, i'll roast you alive.”

“okay. look, it's not ... it's not as bad as it sounds.”

“when the time is right, we'll have our revenge.”

“you know, time would move a lot faster if we had an xbox.”

“from now on, people mess with us at their own peril.”

“okay, i have no idea what i'm doing.”

“show me the justice in that.”

“once they start handing out grades for destruction of school property, i'll be in good shape.”

“man aims high. gotta give him that.”

“hey, you smell nice.”

“i feel bad, so let me make it up to you.”

“but you hate chinese food.”

“watch it, [name]. that big mouth is gonna get you in trouble.”

“i didn't say anything.”

“sorry. not helping.”

“hey! get your head in the game!”

“watch it, hothead!”

“and you topped mom's best score on the pinball machine? get outta here!”

“i'm sorry to barge in like this.”

“you want me to heat that up for you?”

“i was just gonna stick it in the microwave.”

“you want to sit down?”

“i think i can spare a minute.”

“others say she was smoking in the girls' room.”

“you have to stop caring about that.”

“and falling for him, was that before or after the lima beans?”

“he likes somebody else, and she's perfect.”

“wow. that is really deep.”

“see you around, hippie.”

“you don't have a date for homecoming?”

“your loyalties are clear when it comes to friends.”

“oh, god. oh. oh, i totally spaced.”

“i'm sorry. i know you must want to kill me.”

“when did you even start hanging out?”

“did i do or say anything last night to make you think this is okay?”

“i don't remember that being the plan.”

“hey. you did the history homework?”

“no one sits here but me.”

“i feel extremely dangerous.”

“does anyone else need a date for homecoming?”

“hey there, cutie. i was just thinking about you.”

“never call me cutie.”

“i'm not supposed to have anyone here.”

“how am i gonna get this place cleaned up in time?”

“i wish there was somewhere we could go to be alone.”

“could you go get me a diet caffeine-free orange soda?”

“have fun with [name]. you two deserve each other.”

“why would you do that? [name]’s been my best friend since first grade.”

“you're dumped!”

“i don't want to talk about it.”

“we're only going together to make you jealous.”

“dude, you're so stupid. she's totally into you.”

“you must have been a real jerk. because no matter what i do, i can't get 'em to stop talking to me.”

“you look like you could use a drink.”

“cheese cube?”

“you ever feel like you messed something up so bad that you'll never be able to fix it?”

“if someone is a true friend, you'd be surprised at how understanding they can be.”

“just because you have powers, that doesn't make you a hero. sometimes it just makes you a jerk.”

“oh, my god. i made out with an old lady.”

“look at those cute little legs.”

“i just want to say sorry because this whole thing was my fault.”

“i can't do anything more to help you. i'm not wonder woman, you know.”

“i went through puberty twice ... for this?”

“this is so sweet, i could hurl.”

[softboywriting]

Holding Fire | Shawn Mendes | Firefighter AU

Summary: Shawn is the newest member of Fire Station 15′s crew and he’s a hot one. It’s not long before you and Shawn hit it off and start an amazing new relationship. Will it last or go up in flames? [firefighter au] [slight angst] [fluff] 

Word Count: 18k

|Masterlist In Bio|

When you were ten years old you watched your father’s bakery burn to the ground. When you were sixteen years old you watched your house burn to the ground. Now at twenty two you work at the deli across the street from the fire station that responded to both of those fires and saved you and your families lives. Two of the older firefighters and your father's ex coworkers, Mike and Jack, both stayed in contact with you and became like family to you and your sister after your father died when you were nineteen.

The owner of the deli is Mike, now an ex firefighter, and he hired you just after your dad passed away. The deli is nice and small, you have a few tables for eat in guests and you serve sandwiches and breakfast made to order on Saturday and Sunday mornings. It’s a local hang out for a lot of the town’s police officers and firefighters and it really feels like home. You have gotten to know everybody by name, you’ve memorized their orders and you even keep up with their personal lives as they come in and talk about their day while you make their lunches. Nothing ever changed much in your little town, not until you watched Shawn walk through the doors of the deli one day, Fire and Safety Station 15 shirt tight across his chest. That day...well...it was something.

______________

“Has lover boy stopped in yet today?” Mariel, your best friend and colleague asks from where she is wiping down the cutting boards after slicing up some lettuce for the upcoming lunch rush. “I heard he couldn’t stop staring at you the other day.”

“Mariel! That is not true! Who told you that?” you laugh and she just zips her lips. “Oh you’re the worst. But no, he hasn’t come in today. It’s not even lunchtime yet, he’s probably out working.”

“Oh yes, out saving kittens from trees and kissing babies!” Mariel cackles as she heads to the back room to grab some bread to put in the oven. “Oh Shawn, please, come rescue me!”

You turn scarlet and throw a towel at her. “Stop it! You’re so mean!”

“You’re so single. Get his number, or I will.”

“Mariel you wouldn’t.” She raises her eyebrows as if to challenge your statement. “Mare, you better not. You know I like him and that would be-”

Someone clears their throat at the order counter behind you and you turn around to see Shawn standing there with a flushed face and mess of wet curls on his head. “Could I order?” he smiles, biting his lip.

“H-how long have you been standing there?” you splutter, grabbing your order pad and a pen out of your pocket.

“Long enough to know you were arguing about a guy?” Shawn laughs and you let out a sigh. He hadn’t heard his name. Thank god.

You put your pen and pad on the counter and start scribbling down the orders Shawn gives you for the guys at the station. “And what would you like?” you ask, looking up to see he is smiling at you.

“Actually, I’d like you to make me something today. Your favorite?”

“Yeah?” you giggle and he crosses his arms, making that oh so fitted tee pull across his chest. “You think you can handle my favorite?”

Shawn bites his lip and chuckles. “I think I can handle it, just no tuna please. I’m not wild on tuna salad sandwiches.”

“Damn, my favorite is the tuna.”

“Really?”

You laugh and shake your head. “No! No really. Tuna is gross. Alright, one special of the day.” You scribble it down on your order pad and clip it up on the sandwich station. Mariel comes over and helps you to prepare meats on the slicer for the sandwiches while Shawn leans with his arms folded against the high counter where the toppings are all displayed for easy choosing.

“He’s staring at you,” Mariel whispers and you clench your jaw. “I think he is looking at your ass.”

“Mariel, I’m going to slice my hand if you don’t stop distracting me.”

“I’m just saying, he’s staring right over the counter like a love sick puppy dog.”

You turn around to grab a new ham from the cold case under the topping station and you’re met with Shawn staring, just like Mariel said. “Was there something else you needed?” you ask and Shawn shakes his head. “Just curious?”

“Very curious.”

Mariel turns around and grins. “Curious enough to ask for her number?”

Shawn turns bright red and looks between the two of you. “Well I-I really meant I was curious about what kind of sandwich she's making me.”

“It's a special. Don't worry about it,” you smile teasingly and Shawn drops his head against the top of the case. “I know what you like.”

“Damn girl,” Mariel clucks, elbowing your side. “He's gonna turn into a tomato if you keep up that flirting.”

From the counter behind you, you hear a mumbled “too late” and you know it's Shawn still hiding his face in his arms. He was so cute, a grown man but still somehow boyishly cute. Ugh. Perfect.

You prepare Shawn's sandwich the way you like yours on your lunch break. A classic Italian with extra pepperoni, olive moufletta and spicy brown mustard, toasted. You're sure he will love it. He always got the Italian cold or the French dipped roast beef with extra onion and pepper relish. You had to admit, the guy had good taste in sandwiches. Unlike some guys who came in and they looked cute but their plain turkey with American cheese and mayo turned you way off. Bland eats what bland is.

Mariel helps you sack up the sandwiches and label them according to the list Shawn gave you. She spares you any further embarrassment or attempts at flirting and rings him up while you clean up the slicer and building station. That doesn't stop Shawn from saying goodbye, smiling and tucking a ten dollar bill into the tip jar on his way out.

“You gotta get that man tied down,” Mariel says as she watches him jog across the street. “He's too fine to be the one that got away.”

You wipe your hands on your apron and shrug. “Well...I dunno. I'm just a little wary about him. Like where did he come from? We know everyone in town and this mysterious stranger just appears and has an interest in me? I dunno.”

Mariel rolls her eyes. “You're such a weirdo. If you need to know his whole life story why don't you ask him out?”

“I can't! I mean look at him!”

“Look at you! Damn he thinks you're the best thing since sliced bread! Come on girl read the signals, they're saying, date me date me in big flashing red letters!” Mariel flashes her hands out in front of you for emphasis. “Don't. Let. Him. Slip. Away.”

“Okay! Fine. This weekend is the annual firehouse block party. I'll try to talk to him then.”

“You better or else I'm going to find some way to trap you in a room with him so you have no choice.”

“I will. I promise.”

__________________

Station 15’s annual block party was the event of the summer. It was held at the end of August every year rain or shine and always included live music, barbecue, dancing, games, you name it. Ever since you were little you could remember going to it. The real fun started after the kids went home and it was just the adults in the firehouse drinking and shooting the shit with each other. You remember how your dad would always talk for hours with Mike and Jack, sending you and your sister home with the babysitter for the night. It wasn't until you were eighteen that you were allowed to stay, and even then it was mostly older towns people who stuck around.

These days there was a lot more of a younger crowd, people in their twenties like you are. All your friends having come back from college or having already graduated. The party is bigger now, with families growing every year it seemed. You love it, seeing everyone so happy and together. Usually you'd end up playing games with the young kids because they always looped you into their shenanigans, but this year you had a different agenda. One with Shawn written all over it.

“Can I get a whiskey ginger?” You call out to the guy with his back to you at the bar that is set up inside the firehouse garage. He turns and you find it's none other than Shawn.

“Hey,” he beams, smile going ear to ear. “I didn't know if I'd see you tonight.”

“Ah yeah, I come every year. What about you? Why are you bartending?”

Shawn grabs a bottle of whiskey and starts preparing your drink. “Well I volunteered while the actual bartender stepped out to get some more ice. He should be back soon.”

“Do you know what you're doing?” You chuckle as he accidentally pours the soda all over the little wooden countertop.

“Shit,” he mumbles, wiping it up quick. “I do know what I'm doing surprisingly. Bar tending put me through college,” he chuckles, passing you your drink in it's red solo cup.

You raise your eyebrows. A firefighter who was a bartender who possibly has a degree. What kind of dream boat were you dealing with. “That's interesting, what'd you go to college for?”

“Nothing really, I ended up just going to a community college in Ashland for two years before I decided I hated it. A friend of mine got me into the fire academy and here I am.”

“Wow, you like it though? Firefighting?”

Shawn makes himself a whiskey ginger as well and places it next to yours on the counter top. “It has its days but it's generally very rewarding.”

The bartender returns with a bag of ice that he pours into a cooler. You recognize him to be a guy you went to high school with that you're pretty sure your sister dated. You don't want to hash that past out so you grab your drink and lead Shawn over to a couple of lawn chairs set up for the fireworks show.

“How bout you? College?” Shawn asks as he sinks into the chair beside you. He takes a sip and smiles expectantly.

You shake your head. “College wasn't really on the table for me when I graduated. My sister and I had a hard time after our house burnt down when I was in high school. Then not too long after I graduated my dad died so, it just...it was hell for a few years there.”

“Oh, wow. I didn't realize that I had brought up such a sore subject I'm so sorry.”

You take a sip and lean back in your chair. Your dad's passing still hurt, even three years later and it still felt like just a few months ago. You missed him, especially during things like this, things he helped set up in the community. “No, it's fine. It's been three years now. Cait and I are surviving, I've got the deli and my side business. She got married last year and has a kid on the way.”

“Side business?”

“Yeah, I bake. My dad was a great baker, he started late in life after an accident as a firefighter messed up his leg, had his own place and everything. It burned down, but he reopened a year later. When he passed I couldn't run it alone and Cait had already moved out of town and was starting her own life. We closed up and I started work at the deli while baking on the side, mostly catering small events.”

Shawn crosses his arms and just looks at you. In awe of you it would seem. “You've survived two fires? Damn. My story isn't half as interesting.”

“Oh yeah? Spill your guts.”

“Well, I graduated and had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. So I took a few classes at the community college just to get some credits out of the way y’know. I picked up bartending with a friend at a bar in downtown Ashland for some extra cash. I did that for about two years before realizing I hated everything about college and the stress caused me ulcers. Another friend of mine had just joined the fire academy and I figured why not? Turned out I was pretty good at saving people.”

“So you never dreamed of being a firefighter? Like as a kid?”

“Nah, never. I wanted to be a doctor but I couldn't commit. Too much responsibility and too many years of school. I guess I just wanted to help people, and this job is just as rewarding and important as being a doctor.”

You glance over and he has his head back, watching the stars appear in the darkening sky overhead. His profile is amazing, strong jaw, perfectly shaped nose and soft lips. He was living art and you're not drunk enough to be admiring him this way. “That's pretty deep,” you say over a sip of your drink. “Do you always pour your heart out to women you like?”

Shawn chuckles as his smile grows wide, a flush on his cheeks. “I don't but I guess you're easy to talk to.”

“Yeah? You're easy to talk to too.”

A loud noise from your left makes you jump and you see a big glowing ball shoot into the air. It's the first firework and it pops, showering the sky with purple and blue light. Shawn downs the rest of his drink and stands, moving his chair right beside you instead of a foot or two away. You don't say anything about the boldness but you like it. He was definitely one worth pursuing.

______________

Sunday. You're still feeling the effects of the block party as you walk to work. You rarely drank enough to get drunk but when you did, whew, you sure did. You and Shawn had ended up meeting up with a couple of the other firefighters and staying up until well after midnight drinking and chatting. It was the most fun you've had in ages and the residual gross body and headache was well worth it.

“So you and hot stuff get together?” Mariel asks as you slip your apron over your head to start the day. “I saw you two in the firehouse drinking and giggling.”

“No,” you chuckle, grabbing some sausage from the fridge to get it started for breakfast. “Shawn walked me home and we parted ways at my doorstep. Like a gentleman.”

“Right but did he kiss you?”

“Mariel, come on! He didn't kiss me. He just said goodnight and went home.”

Mariel snorts. “Do you think he's...”

You sigh and send her a look that could cut glass. “No. I don't think he is gay. He was plenty interested in me and it is not like the time that I read everything completely wrong with William Hannover.” You flip your sausage patty angrily, hitting the flattop with a little more force than necessary with your spatula. Just the idea of going through the embarrassment like you did with William was enough to piss you off. “God, just because he didn't kiss me after one night doesn't mean he's gay. I'll have you know he was-”

Mariel eyes go wide and she mouths “Shawn” and points to the front counter. You turn slowly and Shawn is standing there. He looks like he's just gotten out of the shower, cheeks rosy and hair a little damp and wildly curly on top. His shirt is threatening to rip over his biceps as he puts his arms up on the counter. That must be some damn good cotton stretch fabric. He raises his eyebrows at you. God only knows how long he was standing there but clearly heard you going off.

“Good morning,” he says softly. “And for the record, I am not gay.”

“Oh my God.” You feel like you could just die. Just shrivel up and blow away like a tumbleweed. “I don't think- I mean Mariel just said that because you didn't kiss me...not that you needed to because...fuck.” You put your hand over your flushed face. What a complete ass you've made of yourself. “I've just had a misunderstanding in the past and it's really stupid and-”

“It's okay. I'm not offended or something. I just didn't kiss you because we were drunk, and I don't think anyone should do anything if they're not fully aware and consenting.” Shawn brings his hand up to prop up his chin as he stares at you, smiling around his words. “I actually came by to see if you'd like to go on a date.”

Mariel steps in and grabs the spatula from you. She pushes you toward Shawn with a “I'll worry about the food, go talk to him.”

You walk up to the counter and bite your lip. A date huh? Were you up for that? Maybe. “What kind of date?”

“Dinner? Walk on the beach? Matching tattoos?” He smirks at the last one and you narrow your eyes.

“Dinner is fine. Casual or fancy?”

“Is casual okay? Your choice of restaurant.”

You take a deep breath and smile. “Okay, casual it is. Meet me at The Crab Shack?”

“Tonight or this weekend?”

“This weekend is good. Saturday around six?”

“Perfect. Now, can I get some breakfast or...”

“Oh shit,” you feel around your apron for your order pad. “Yeah. Sorry.”

Shawn laughs. “Take your time, it's a big order. All the guys want something.”

_____________________

Wednesday. You wake up and you just know it's going to be a shitty day. When you look at the calendar and see the date, you know exactly why. It's been a year since you broke up with your ex, Brodie Douglas. Six months you dated him and it seemed serious, you were sure he was gonna be the one you settled down with. Until you caught him in your bed with another girl. It was disgusting. You actually took your mattress to the dump after that and used your savings to buy a new one.

You hadn't seen Brodie since then. The day he left your house he was gone for good. He didn't live in town, he lived closer to Ashland about an hour away. It hurt, still sort of hurt to be honest and every guy since him had been a real flop too. Until Shawn. He actually seemed to have some respect for women and other human beings in general.

You push your thoughts aside, putting the past in the past where it belongs. You had work to do, people to see, a life to live. A life without any assholes in it.

You get in the shower, hot steam filling the bathroom. Your favorite body wash is almost out and you sigh, filling it halfway with hot water and shaking up the remains. That sucked. You definitely didn't want to make a trip into Ashland just to go to the bath and body works. The cab fare alone would dig into your savings. Regular drugstore body wash it would be then.

Midway through soaping up your hair you hear a knock on your front door. You figure if you ignore them they'll probably go away. Besides if it was someone you know then they could text or call you before coming over. You continue washing and the knocking returns.

“Okay fucking really,” you mutter, snatching your towel off the rack and going to the front door. Your hair is dripping wet and there is soap in your left eye. This person better really need something. “Hello?” You ask sharply as you pull open your front door to the cold morning air.

The person on your porch turns and your stomach drops. It's Brodie. His hair has grown out, he looks like he's gained a few pounds and by Gods he's so ugly. Why the fuck were you ever with him? Did he always look like this? Fucking hell.

“Hey, long time no see,” he smiles weakly.

“Goodbye.” You slam the door in his face and flip the lock. This was a joke right? He was going to show up a year later on the day you kicked him out? This had to be some sick joke. What kind of psychopath was he?

“Wait! I need to talk to you!” Brodie yells through the door and you turn to go back to your shower. If he thought you wanted to hear a single word out of his mouth then he was gravely mistaken. “God you're such a bitch!”

You take your time getting ready for work, blow drying your hair and putting on your lotion far slower than you ever would regularly. You want to make sure he is gone before you leave the house. At a quarter till 7 you peek out your front curtains. His car is still parked across the street. The same piece of shit Honda he had before. Great.

You leave the house out the back and jump your neighbors fence to cut across the yards to the intersecting street that lead to the deli. You're sure Brodie is going to notice you haven't left the house and he'll come searching for you eventually, figuring out you snuck out the back. You'd deal with that when you came to it.

Surprisingly work goes smoothly for the most of the morning. You don't mention Brodie to Mariel because you know she will hunt him down and probably knife him. She was there for you after the break up and dealt with the fallout with you. She hated Brodie about as much as you did. It's not until lunch that shit hits the fan.

You're in the middle of making an order for the station that Jeremy called in a little after noon when Brodie appears. You've just finished an italian sub and you look up the see Brodie standing there at the counter.

“Hey, come on, hand me the...” Mariel trails off as she turns to see what was taking you so long. “What the fuck do you want?” She sneers, eyes boring a hole through Brodie and into the back wall.

“I need to talk to you,” Brodie says completely disregarding Mariel's existence. “I wanted to talk about-”

“Yeah I really wanna talk to you after you called me a bitch this morning.”

Mariel steps around in front of you and grabs the lettuce knife out of it's holder on the counter. She rests her arm casually up on the top of the countertop window, knife dangling oh so threateningly. “Listen buddy. If she wanted to talk to you, she'd give you a call. You fucked up, you don't get a second chance.”

“Please I just want to apologise. It wasn't me, I wasn't myself back then or at the house today,” he says, leaning to look past Mariel to where you've turned your back to him.

“Fuck off,” Mariel growls. “Or you're going to be the special of the day.”

“I'm not talking to you bitch,” Brodie sneers at her and pushes off the counter, knocking the tip jar to the ground where it shatters. “I'll see you later then,” he says and he slams the door behind him, the bell chiming harshly throughout the deli.

Marel drops the knife in it's holder and puts her arm around you. “Hey, you okay?”

“Yeah,” you whisper, tears in your eyes. “Thanks. He showed up at the house this morning but I shut the door on him. I knew he'd be back but I just...I just wasn't ready.”

“No no, it's okay. I got your back.”

“Thanks Mare. I hope he gets the hint y'know?”

“Yeah or else.”

_____________

Brodie doesn't get the hint because he's about as thick as an oak door when it comes to reading situations. It's 3pm and you're heading home, watching for Brodie's car as you exit the deli, hand on the pepper spray in your pocket. Not that you think Brodie would try anything but you never know. You're crossing the street toward the fire station when you see him. He's heading toward you on foot as if he had been waiting at the park catty corner to the deli.

You know exactly where to go. The firehouse. All the guys knew you, it would be safer than walking alone with Brodie following you. You keep your eyes locked on the side door to the garage where the trucks are kept. It was always unlocked while the guys were in house. You had delivered sandwiches a few times. You can hear Brodie getting closer, his boots scraping on the pavement behind you.

The door opens just as you get to it and you push past Jeremy, the current station manager. Jeremy mumbles a quiet “What the hell?” But you don't waste time explaining.

Shawn is sitting on one of the old sofas in the living area that is open to the garage and he looks up as you make a bee line for him. He was safe. He would keep Brodie out. You know it. “Hey, what's going on,” he asks and stands up, circling the sofa to meet you.

“I...can you take me home?”

“Yeah, you okay?” Shawn lays his hand on your arm and rubs up to your shoulder. “You look pretty shaken.”

“Was that guy bothering you?” Jeremy asks as he walks into the living area. “I saw him following you and then turn away when you came in.”

You glance over at Jeremy and shake your head. “Yeah, he's nobody. It's fine. I just need a ride.”

“No, was he bothering you?” Shawn asks, stepping past you and heading to the door. “I can go talk to him. No, y'know what, I'm gonna.”

“Shawn don't.” You follow after him but his stride is longer and he is already opening the door. It's half closed by the time you get to it and when you go out you can see Shawn walking across the driveway towards Brodie who's heading back to the park. “Shawn! Stop!”

You jog over just as Shawn reaches Brodie. “Hey, you,” Shawn barks and Brodie turns around.

You grab Shawn's arm and pull him but it's no use. He's far bigger than you in every way. There is no way you can hold him back, he's over six feet of basically pure muscle. His arm flexes under your grip and you can't help but squeeze tighter. “Shawn, please.”

“The fuck do you want dude?” Brodie asks, eyes going to you and then to your hands around Shawn's arm, and finally to Shawn's face.

“You better leave her alone, and stop following girls home.”

Brodie scoffs. “I wasn't following her home. I just need to discuss some private business with her.”

“Yeah, that seems like it would have been a very one sided conversation if she came to the firehouse to get away from you.”

“Who the fuck are you anyway? Her fuckin body guard?”

“Brodie, just go away. I don't want to talk to you. I don't want to hear anything you have to say. We're done, it's over. It's been a year, move on dude. I have.” You step back so you're more behind Shawn. For some reason you're very uncomfortable with Brodie. Something about him wasn't right.

Brodie clicks his tongue and lets out a dark chuckle. “Oh I see what this is. He's your boyfriend right? Got yourself a firefighter in case your house burns down again?”

That hurt. Like a punch to the gut. You don't have time to snap back at him because Shawn's arm is pulling away from yours and colliding with his face. The sound is sickening and you're sure Brodie's nose is broken. He drops like a sack of potatoes, crumpling to his knees on the pavement holding his face.

“Let's go,” Shawn says, shaking his hand out and putting his arm around you to walk you away. “I'll drive you home.”

“You hit him, Shawn, you just punched him!”

“Yeah because he was being an asshole. Don't act like you didn't think about doing it yourself.”

You try to look back, not out of concern, but out of curiosity. Shawn turns your head back forwards and keeps walking you toward his truck parked in the stations lot. “Is he going to be okay?”

Shawn shrugs. “Listen,” he stops with you by the passenger side of the truck. “If you wanna go back and see if he's okay, be my guest. Somehow I really don't think you're going to though. Now can you get in the truck so I can take you home?”

You look back and Brodie is still on the ground. Fuck no you weren't going to go over there. He was an asshole and frankly Shawn was right. You had thought about punching him in his stupid face since the day you found him cheating. Yeah your punch probably would not have done nearly as much damage and you'd be lying if you said it wasn't just as gratifying to have Shawn punch him for you. Maybe he'd get the hint now.

Shawn clicks to unlock his truck on his key fob and you open the door to climb up and in. It's really nice, clean inside like it was new and big. Fitting for a guys Shawn's size. Somehow you don't think it's an overcompensation thing. Shawn gets in and starts it up, pulling out of the lot and passing Brodie who is now up and heading toward the park again. You get just barely a glimpse but you could tell his face is a gruesome scene. Suits him. The ugly prick.

Shawn drops you off, walking you up to your door and making sure you get inside okay. You highly doubt that Brodie would come after you for any reason but honestly you couldn't be one hundred percent sure. He seemed to have snapped and lost his mind in the last year.

“You sure you're gonna be okay? I can stay a while just in case,” Shawn says leaning against the doorway. “I don't mind.”

“No, it's fine. I don't think he's going to bother me anymore. If he shows up I'll call the cops.”

“Yeah, good idea. But just in case I'll give you my number.”

You raise your eyebrows. He was slick. Just working that number exchange right in there like that. “Alright, okay,” you smile, shaking your head as you pull out your phone and he tells you his number. “I'll text you if I need you.”

“What's your number?” He asks, pulling his own phone out of his cargo pocket.

You shake your head. “I'll text you if I need you. Then you'll get my number.”

Shawn smiles, chuckling just a little. He thought he was slick, well, you were slicker. “Alright then. I see how it is. Well, have a good night. Be safe.”

“Yes sir,” you murmur with a little salute as you grab the door and close it with a goodnight. Letting him in was tempting but you think maybe you oughta have a first date before he gets to see the inside of your place. You'd learned your lesson about diving head first into relationships already.

___________________

Saturday. You're sitting on a bench outside the crab shack waiting for Shawn to show up. It's a calm night, breezy and a little chilly. Enough to warrant a light jacket. You mentally note to ask for a inside table and not one on the deck. The restaurant is fairly busy, Saturday night being a popular date and family night apparently. You're not too surprised though. You used to work weekends bussing tables here in high school for about a year before things went to shit with your house and your dad falling ill.

You sigh, looking up at the big decorative crab that held onto the sign over the front doors. As a kid you always begged your dad to lift you up to touch it. It wasn't until you were eight that you ever actually reached it. How satisfying that day was.

“Hey.”

You turn and look to see who's calling out and you see Shawn walking up in a pair of jeans and a nice sweater. “Oh, hey, you made it.”

“Of course I did. Whatcha looking at?” He asks, nodding toward the sign.

“Oh nothing. Just the crab. I used to beg my dad to lift me up to touch it.” You chuckle at how ridiculous that sounds now. “Come on, let's go inside.”

Shawn lets you lead the way along the sidewalk and up to the doors. As you approach the doors a pair of hands wrap around your waist and suddenly you're being lifted up. You let out a shriek and you hear Shawn laughing.

“Touch the crab!” He says, hardly audible through his laughter.

You reach out and touch the lowest dangling leg and he brings you down quickly. “You scared the shit out of me!”

“Oh you know you wanted to touch the crab.”

You smack his chest and he giggles, jumping back to avoid further assault. “Okay, okay I'll warn you next time.”

“Oh so you think there's gonna be a next time?”

“A guy can hope right?”

“Right,” you roll your eyes and walk into the restaurant, Shawn hot on your heels.

The two of you are seated right away in a booth that had a window out to the deck. You chat a little bit about how the firehouse is pretty slow and Shawn mostly naps all day or works out. The waiter comes and takes your orders. You get a burger with a side salad and Shawn gets the shrimp linguine. He makes fun of you for not getting seafood at the seafood restaurant but it's all in good fun. You both know the burgers are just as killer as the seafood and he really can't blame you.

“So, how'd you end up here?” You ask, sipping on your strawberry lemonade.

“The firehouse was looking to hire on a few guys and I was looking to get a job.”

“So you grew up in Ashland?”

Shawn shakes his head. “No, I grew up in Benton. I just went to the community college in Ashland.”

“Benton? The farm town?”

“Yeah, my parents are soybean farmers. I am a farm kid,” he chuckles, looking out the window. “What a shocker I know.”

“Not really. You definitely aren't like any of the guys from the city I've ever known. I guess you were probably raised better than a lot of them though.”

“I dunno. I mean my parents instilled a lot of values into me as a kid, but I got into my fair share of trouble and I had my less than graceful moments growing up.”

You shrug. “I think we all have had our moments in our youth, it's whether or not you learn from them and grow up that matters.”

“You're right, that's a good way of putting it. Damn did I learn some hard lessons though. What about you? Are you from here?”

“Yep. Born and raised here. My parents were both bakers, my mom passed away shortly after I was born so I never really knew her.”

“I'm so sorry.”

“No, no it's fine,” you pause, stirring your lemonade. “Cait, my sister, was like a mom to me growing up. Well, as motherly as she could be. She's only five years older.”

“You said your parents were bakers, that's what you like to do too right?”

“Yeah. I have all my dad's recipes and I'd love to have my own place one day but that's a far off dream. For now I just cater small events and I have a Facebook page.”

The food arrives and your conversation slows as you eat but quickly picks back up as you start discussing the food and trying each other's meals. Shawn tells you about the first time he came to the crab shack with the guys from the station. They ordered two crab boils and ate out on the deck on the long party tables. You'd done it once before for Mike’s birthday a few years back.

The night dwindles down and your pack up what's left of your burger and a few of Shawn's shrimps that he saved for you. He pays, refusing to show you the bill and saying don't worry about it even though you insisted on splitting the cost.

Shawn drives you home, walking you to your door like he had done each time he had taken you home before. This time though you don't go inside right away, you linger on the porch.

“Thanks for dinner.”

“You're welcome, I hope you had fun. I know I did.”

“It was great. And thanks again, y'know for the other day with Brodie.”

Shawn crosses his arms and chuckles, looking down as he kicks the toes of his boots against your doormat. “Of course. Anytime. I don't mind punching a douchebag.”

“Fuck, oh my god no!” You laugh, pushing his shoulder. “I meant thank you for being there for me in general. I don't want you punching people.”

“Right, right. But you kinda liked it, I know you did because you had a little triumphant smile on your face the whole way home afterwards.” He reaches out and pinches your cheek. “Just a cute little smirk right here.”

“Quit it!” You giggle, batting at his arm.

He flattens his hand and cups your jaw, instantly changing the whole mood from playful to intimate. His fingers brush against the nape of your neck, thumb smoothing over the little chicken pox scar on your cheek from when you were very little. “You look beautiful tonight,” he says quietly, stepping closer so there's but a few inches between you.

“You're not too bad yourself.”

“Can I kiss you goodnight?” Shawn asks, eyes heavy on your lips.

You give a little nod and he leans in. His lips are soft against yours and he caresses the back of your head. It's easily the tenderest kiss you've ever received and it leaves you a little speechless.

“Goodnight, I'll see you tomorrow.”

You nod numbly, the feeling of his lips lingering as he steps off the porch. He crosses the yard and gets into his truck. You're left there, nerves memorizing the feel of his hand in your hair, his palm on your cheek, his lips on your lips. You never want to snap out of it, you want to stay like this forever.

______________________

For the next few days Shawn stops in for meals for the firehouse. He always chats a bit, making you giggle and flush. Mariel loves to tease you endlessly when he leaves but you can't care because he makes you so happy. Shawn hasn't mentioned a second date yet and you don't want to bring it up in case he doesn't want to, though you're sure he does. You suspect he may be giving you space after the Brodie incident.

You have an event to cater on Thursday. A baby shower in town for your ex coworker Cara. She has asked for three dozen baby boot shaped cookies in blue icing and a small cake with blue iced middle an a white outside. A classic gender reveal cake. You start work on Tuesday so you can be ready to go on Wednesday evening. It's a fairly simple order.

Thursday after work you head to the party, driving Mariel's car to transport the baked goods safely. You arrive and the mother to be, Cara, is elated with the cookies and cake. She helps you set up the cake on a stand and get the cookies into a little box she had on hand to keep them a secret until the reveal.

You're on the deck outback talking to an old friend from high school when you hear a familiar voice. Shawn. You turn and look through a small crowd of people and see him, towering over everyone by the sliding glass doors. He is hugging Cara, and holds up a little bag with a bow on it. So he knows Cara, small world.

“Hey you,” Shawn grins, catching your eye and walking over after greeting Cara. “What're you doing here?”

“I could ask the same.”

“Cara is my cousin.”

“Ohh. I know her because she used to work at the deli. Wow such a small world.”

Shawn chuckles. “Very small. Can I get you a drink?”

“I'm good. Thanks though. How's work been? I know you said you had a call on Monday and that's why you didn't come in for lunch.”

“Yeah, it wasn't much. Just some punk kids setting fire in a trash can at the high school. Everything was fine.” Shawn follows you as you walk into the house because Cara is gathering everyone around for cake and cookies before starting the baby shower games. “How bout you?”

“Usual, work and then going home.”

“No word from Brodie?”

You shake your head. “Nothing. I think he got the message to leave me alone.” You take a seat on a stool in the kitchen while everyone gathers around Cara at the table in the attached dining area. “Have you been keeping your distance because of Brodie?”

Shawn raises his eyebrows. “I've been keeping my distance?”

You shrug.

“Is this because I haven't asked you out again? Because Brodie has nothing to do with that. I promise I want to go out again but I've been covering Ryan's over nights at the station. His wife is sick and I volunteered to help him out.”

“You've been working twenty four hours?”

“More like seventy two hours almost. I got this evening off since Ryan wasn't scheduled.”

“You are gonna crash. I know you can take naps at the station but still, it's not good sleep.” You lay your hand on his arm. “Promise me you'll get some rest tonight?”

“I promise I will. Are you free Friday night?”

“Mmhmm.”

“Meet me at the station around eight?”

You raise your eyebrows and he looks away as the group around the table cheer in congratulations for Cara. James, Cara's husband, calls Shawn over and he walks away to give Cara a hug and congratulate her as well. You watch as he snags a cookie from the box on the table and grins at you, holding it up before taking big bite while James talks to him about something. You roll your eyes. You were definitely going to go on the date with him, even if it was just hanging out at the firehouse. You liked Shawn that much, you could just watch TV with him. Damn. He was getting to you.

_____________

Friday night. You have no idea what to expect as you walk up to the firehouse. Shawn's truck is in the lot and so is Jeremy and Max's. Three meant that was the whole overnight crew. Had Shawn forgotten about your date? You open the side door of the firehouse and walk into the darkened garage toward the living area. It's quiet, no one around and you can feel your heart sink.

“Hey, you're early,” Shawn says, appearing from a doorway to your right. “I was just coming to meet you outside.”

“Oh, are we leaving? Aren't you on the night shift?”

Shawn chuckles and rubs the back of his neck. His shirt strains across his chest and you can't help but bite your lip. “I am on the night shift. I hoped we could stay in and have our date here?”

“Here? But aren't the guys here?”

“They're asleep in the bunks upstairs. I promise we won't be bothered.”

“And what are we doing?”

“Well,” Shawn steps back through the doorway and you follow him. He leads you into the small station kitchen and you can see all the basics for baking laid out on the counter tops. “I thought maybe we could bake together. Or more of you teach me how to bake.”

You grin. A baking date might just be the best thing you'd ever heard of. Shawn was truly a man after your heart. You circle around the center island and touch the bag of flour, chocolate chips, sugar and mini cupcake liners. “So do you want cupcakes or muffins?”

Shawn walks around to meet you and he's holding two aprons in his hand. “Muffins. They're my favorite cheat day food.”

You slide the apron on over your head and look down. It has a little muffin picture glued on to a felt heart. It's cute and you're pretty sure it's hand made. “Did you make this?” You giggle, smoothing your hand over the front of yourself.

“I did. I thought it was cute and you'd like it.” Shawn puts his apron on and his has a matching design. “Now, how bout those muffins?”

Shawn doesn't pay attention to half of what you say as you make the muffins. He tries so hard, he really does and you can tell. His focus is mostly on you, telling you how cute you are and how you're so good at this because you can do it without a recipe.

Every time you ask for him to measure something for you he asks what cup that is. You're pretty sure he has never baked a day in his life let alone used a measuring cup or measuring spoons. How he survived this long you'll never know.

“Shawn, have you not cooked before?” You ask with a giggle as you swat his hand away from the chocolate chips you're measuring.

“I cook all the time. I just don't bake. I don't measure anything other than rice or like liquids.” He leans against your back and tries to sneak his hand around to steal chips. He thinks he's slick. “Let me have some!”

“No!” You giggle and jerk the cup of chips away from his hand. You end up spilling them mostly in the bowl. “Oh you better stop.”

“Or what?” He asks against your ear. His voice sends shivers down your spine. “Are you gonna do something about it?”

“I won't make your muffins.”

Shawn's hands slide around your front and up your stomach. “Just one chocolate chip. Just a little tiny one.”

“Fine.” You grab exactly one chocolate chip and hold it up.

He leans over, pressing you into the counter with his chest and waist slotted firmly against your back. He closes his mouth around your fingers and takes the chip. “Thank you,” he murmurs against your ear, kissing it tenderly.

“You're welcome,” you whisper though you're very much alone in the kitchen with him.

Shawn pulls away, turning to grab the muffin tins off the island counter and the tension is broken just like that. He oils the pans just like you reminded him to earlier because the liners he bought were for a mini pan and he had a regular size pan. You can't help but watch as he carefully wipes each cup with an oiled paper towel, deliberately coating every inch of the metal. Something about him being so focused, so interested in baking, makes your heart flutter.

You turn your focus back to the batter. There was no time to be getting caught up in your feelings yet. This was only the second date. “Are you ready for the batter?”

“Yes ma'am,” Shawn grins, holding up his oiled pan. “Are you sure this is going to work?”

“Yes,” you chuckle. “I promise I won't make you eat muffins that are scraped out of the tin.”

“I mean I'd still enjoy them, but yeah it's a little easier when they're whole.”

“Okay, put them in the oven for twenty minutes and then we'll be set.”

Shawn carries the pan to the preheated oven and puts it in. “So, what do we want to do while these cook?” He grabs a handful of chocolate chips off the bowl on the counter and shoves it in his mouth. “We have movies.”

“You don't have a plan?”

“Well...ah...” He rubs his neck. “I suck at planning?”

“Obviously.” You walk towards him, hand raised to wipe a smear of chocolate chip on his lip. “You got some chocolate. Hold still.” You wipe it with your thumb but it just smears it. You can't help but stare at his soft pink plush looking lips. They're so kissable, so not chapped and ready for you to lean in and taste.

“Did you get it?”

“Quit talking.” You try again and it almost all comes off. “Hold still there's a little bit left.”

Shawn raises his arm and wipes it on his hand. “Better?”

“Worse!” You let out a laugh and he looks helpless. “I think you had some on your hand!”

“You're gonna have to lick it off.”

“Oh no I'm not.”

“Oh?” He steps closer, backing you against the island. “So you don't want to kiss me? That's not why you were staring at my lips, mouth parting, tongue peaking out to wet them...”

“Shut up.” You lean up and kiss him, licking the chocolate off his lip and smiling in the process. His lips were just as sweet and soft as you imagined.

Shawn brings his hand up to cup your cheek. “Knew you wanted to.”

“You talk too much.”

Shawn grins and presses his lips to yours once more. The kiss grows heated and intense. His hand find your hips, yours find his hair and back. You lick into his mouth and he responds just as eagerly.

You're so lost in each other that you don't hear someone walk in. You don't even know they're there until you hear, “In the kitchen? Come on.”

Shawn turns his head, eyeing the intruder. You look too, cheeks hot with embarrassment. In the doorway is Jeremy.

“I don't want to know. I just want a water bottle and one of whatever you're making when they're done.”

“Of course, yeah,” you say with a nervous little laugh.

Jeremy grabs his water and mutters something about damn kids these days. As soon as he's out of sight you raise your eyebrows at Shawn.

“They were asleep, I promise.” Shawn pleads. “I'm sorry I embarrassed you.”

“It's okay, I'm not that embarrassed. We were just kissing. But since he is up now, maybe we should keep it a little more low key?”

“Yeah,” Shawn chuckles. “I'll grab some cards if you're up for a few games?”

“Sure.”  

The rest of the night you and Shawn play cards in the kitchen, eat muffins and just talk about all sorts of stuff. He asks about Brodie but you're not too keen on rehashing that past quite yet. You ask him about his parents and what they think of him becoming a firefighter and not taking over the farm. They're actually very proud of him and never expected him to work the farm if he wasn't interested. They were very supportive of him. The night winds down and you're stuffed with enough muffins and decaf coffee to gain a few pounds. Shawn offers to take you home and you accept, taking one last muffin for the road.

________________

“So what's new?” You ask Cait as you walk around your room looking for something to wear on another date with Shawn this coming weekend. He had stopped by the deli on Monday and asked you to go to the beach with him.

“Oh not much, just bedridden and seriously fat,” Cait laughs.

“Oh quit it. You're not fat. The baby is probably fat.”

“You're right on that one. Adam is a big guy, I'd be shocked if this baby was less than seven or eight pounds.”

“So you're due any day huh?”

Cait shuffles around and you're pretty sure she drop the phone for a second. “Any day now. I insisted on not being admitted early because of the bills. I'm beginning to regret that though. This little bugger is killing my back.”

“I bet. Have you picked a name yet?”

“Not yet. We're torn between Nathaniel and Andrew.”

You put your phone on speaker and grab a dress out of your closet. It's a nice simple black A-line. Maybe not too beachy. “Why not use one as a middle name?”

“I'm using dad's name for his middle name. Besides, I'm partial on Nathaniel. It works best with dad's name.”

“You're right. Definitely go with Nathaniel.”

“Duely noted. What about you? How has things been with the firefighter guy?”

You smile to yourself. Was perfect enough of a descriptor? An absolute dream? No. You sound crazy. Shawn was nice and good but he wasn't quite prince charming. Yet. “It's going really well. We have another date this weekend.”

“I Facebook stalked him, he seems like a real genuine guy. What does he like?”

“He likes books and food. I know he likes working out and he definitely has a soft spot for dogs I think. Every time Mr. Peter's walks his dog by the deli, Shawn stares like he wants to pet him so badly.”

Cait laughs. “If he pets that dog he will lose a hand! Remember when it chased us home from the park one time?”

“Oh my God I forgot about that. Damn that dog is old as hell.”

“Probably a real hellhound if you ask me.”

“Cait! Be nice.”

Cait scoffs. You can practically hear her rolling her eyes. “Anyway, Shawn sounds like a good guy. I hope he works out for you, God knows you need it.”

“Are you saying I'm hopeless?”

“Your usual taste in men could be better.”

You roll your eyes as you reach for your next dress in the closet. Too fancy for the beach. Jeans and a tee were looking to be the best option right now.

“Are you still planning on coming to the hospital with me?” Cait asks after a few seconds of silence.

“Of course. Mike knows when I get the text from you that I need to go.”

“Awesome. I can't wait to see you. I'm gonna hang up now though, I have to pee and I think I need a snack. Talk to you later, love you.”

“Love you too sis. Bye.”

_________________

It's just before midnight when you wake up to the smell of smoke. It's all too familiar and strikes a deep fear into you immediately. You jump out of bed and look around, there is no smoke in the house. For a split second you think it must be a nightmare, your brain playing tricks on you. Wouldn't be the first time.

You circle your house, taking a walk from your bedroom to the living room and ending in the kitchen. That's when you smell it again. The unmistakable smell of burning. It's coming from the open window in the kitchen. You turn and look to the front door, sure enough there are lights flashing, blurry from your curtains. The sound of sirens suddenly blaring in your ears.

You grab your robe and pull it on, heading for the front door to see what is on fire and where. The moment you step outside it's apparent where the smoke is coming from. One house down in your row of houses, there is black clouds billowing from the front window. The other neighbors are all in their front yards too and four of the firefighters are approaching the house.

One of the crew pulls away and starts jogging across the yards toward you. He pulls his helmet off and you see it's Shawn. In seconds he wraps his arms around you, the bulky gear rough against your exposed skin.

“Oh thank God it's not you.” He says desperately as he squeezes you tighter, face in your hair.  

“What's going on? Of course I'm okay.”

“I saw the address and my stomach sank. I thought you were in danger, I thought I was going to lose you.” He pulls back and cups your face with his gloved hands. “But you're okay.”

You hold his arms and lean up on your tiptoes to kiss his cheek. “Yes I'm fine. Go do your job.”

Shawn looks back and two of the guys are walking out of the house carrying fire extinguishers. The owner, an elderly lady, is sitting in her lawn chair just shaking her head. “I think they've got it handled.”

You cup Shawn's cheek and he looks back to you. “Go. I'm fine.”

“Yeah...you're right. You're sure though? Are you feeling okay? I know the fire probably stresses you out.”

“I'm fine. The panic has passed. As much as I'd love to keep you as my emotional support firefighter, I'm sure Jeremy probably wants you with them.”

Shawn chuckles and kisses your cheek. “Tell your neighbors not to scare me half to death again. I dunno if my heart can take it.”

“I'll be sure to do that. Go on,” you shoo him away and he walks backwards, hand in yours until your arm is stretched out to just your fingertips touching.

“Good night,” Shawn says and you let your fingertips slip from his glove.

“Good night Shawn.” You grin and wrap your robe tight around yourself as you head inside to get some sleep.

________________

“Order up!” Mariel yells, passing you a sandwich to ring up.

You punch in the cost and turn to grab a bag of chips from the rack behind you. Your phone buzzes on the shelf under the counter and you spare a glance, obviously too busy to pick it up. It was probably just a telemarketer anyway. Or maybe Shawn making plans since your date the weekend before was amazing. You had taken him for sushi in Ashland and he loved it.

“Alright, that's ten dollars. Would like to add any extras today? A cookie or a drink?” you ask and the customer shakes his head and slides his card.

Your phone buzzes again and this time Mariel steps in and says you should answer it. You grab it and walk over to the side counter. The screen shows an unknown number and you roll your eyes before clicking answer. “Hello?”

“Oh thank God, it's Adam. I'm at the hospital with Cait. Something happened and I can't explain. She's okay but we need you here. She is freaking out.”

“Adam what happened? Is she in labor? What's going on?” You ask frantically, already pulling your apron off as you head for the front door. You glance back at Mariel and she just waves you off. “Adam, what is going on?”

“Cait fell, I don't know how. She called she was taken in an ambulance. They said she is okay but they're doing an ultrasound now. I have to hurry up, I'm using a pay phone outside and I'm out of change. We're at Berkin Ho-” The phone cuts off and the line beeps.

Your stomach churns. You have no idea how you're going to get to Berkin hospital. It's over half an hour drive and you're not really up for trying to find a car and drive there. You pull up the cab services number and as you hit dial, you see Shawn walk out of the firehouse and unlock his truck.

“Shawn,” you mutter desperately. You jog across the street and he looks up with a smile when he sees you. “Shawn, can you take me to Berkin Hospital? Please I'll give you anything you want, I'll owe you a thousand muffins. Please.”

“Whoa hey are you okay?” He asks, circling the front of the truck to hold your arms, eyes scanning you for injury. “What happened?”

“It's not me. It's my sister. She's pregnant...she fell or something I don't know,” you're sobbing, body shaking like a leaf. “Her husband called from a pay phone and he sounded scared and he said Cait is freaking out.”

Shawn pulls you into a quick hug. “Let's go, you need to be there.”

________________

By the time you get to the hospital Cait has just been taken in for a C-section. Adam is in the hall beyond the emergency waiting area and he comes out to explain what happened. He says that Cait said she was going to the kitchen for water when Boo, their cat, got under her feet and she fell backwards onto her butt. Her water broke and she called emergency services, and then him in the ambulance. The doctor recommended a C-section because he is afraid of something having happened in the fall, the baby getting jarred a little harshly, and he doesn't want to wait until Cait is fully dilated in the event there is injury. Cait agreed and decided to have a C-section now, but they're in prep and waiting for her doctor to show up.

You turn to Shawn as Adam walks back through the door to the emergency wing, intending for you to follow him. “You can go home. I'm okay, thanks for bringing me.”

“Can I stay? I really don't have anything going on at home and you look like you could use some company.”

“Uh yeah, sure. Come on.” You lead Shawn through the doors and into the small room where Adam is sitting. “Hey, Adam. Do you mind if Shawn stays?”

Adam looks up from his phone. His eyes are red, he's been crying and you can just now see it in the bright lights of the sterile room. “No, that's fine. He's your boyfriend right? Cait told me you were seeing someone.”

“Ah, yeah. He's my,” you glance over to Shawn and he's trying to hide a smile but failing. “He's my friend. We've gone out a few times. It's whatever.”

Adam looks between the two of you with a half smile. “Me and Cait were just friends too.”

“Shut up,” you murmur, shoving Adam. “Hey, I thought your phone was dead.”

Adam holds it up on a bright purple cord that attached to a wall charger. “One of the nurses got a cord from a lady up in the ICU for me.”

“Oh, that's good.” You look around the small room and lean against the wall awkwardly. There was only one guest chair and Adam was sitting in it.

Shawn picks up on the situation and clears his throat. “Anyone want some food? I can swing by the cafeteria while we wait.”

“No thanks man. I'm not hungry, too nervous,” Adam says and turns back to his phone.

You nod, knowing Shawn probably hasn't eaten in a while. “Yeah, I should eat something. I don't feel like it really but I haven't eaten since breakfast.”

Shawn puts his arm around you and leads you into the hall. “I know my way around here pretty well, and I have a discount at the cafeteria.”

“Yeah? Work brings you here?”

“Not always,” Shawn chuckles. “Not always.”

________________

Shawn tells you to get whatever you want as he stands in line at the hot bar. You look around at the selection on the soup and salad bar and decide to just get a small salad and crackers. You meet up with Shawn at the register and he has a tray loaded with food. He shows some sort of ID badge and the cashier scans it before he pays.

“So firefighters get a discount here?” You ask as you dress your salad. “Or are you just special?”

Shawn chuckles. “All emergency service personnel gets a discount here. But I am special too.”

You roll your eyes. “Special huh?”

“Yeah, I was admitted here as a kid. I spent like three weeks in the ICU while they figured out what was wrong with me. Turned out my appendix had attached itself to my muscle tissue and was inflamed to nearly ten times it's size.”

“Holy shit, are you okay?”

Shawn chuckles over a bite of his chicken sandwich. “Yeah of course. The appendix is pointless anyway, but it was hell for the doctors to get it off the muscle wall without it bursting. I've got a scar now but it's not too bad.”

“Damn. You're lucky then I guess.”

“Very lucky. Wanna see the scar?” Shawn stands up and tugs his shirt up for you to see. It's pale pink, about the length of your index finger and right along the V of his hip to his lower stomach. “It's faded a lot now.”

“That's big. Did they take any of the muscle with it?”

Shawn plops back down and sticks some fries in his mouth, shaking his head. “Nah. The doctor was really good. But anyway, how about you? Any crazy medical stories?”

“No,” you laugh softly. “I was a healthy non reckless kid.”

“That's no fun. No broken bones? Toys stuck where they shouldn't be?”

“No, oh my God. My dad kept an eye on me and so did Cait.” You push your salad around on the plate, momentarily lost in thought. “Cait is gonna be a good mom.”

“Yeah?”

You nod. “Mmhmm. I'm glad her and Adam finally got pregnant. They've been trying for ages. She deserves it y'know? After all we've been through, she deserves a happy ending.”

Shawn bumps his water bottle against yours and you look up from where you've spaced out, staring into the depths of your salad bowl. “You deserve it too. Don't forget that.”

“Yeah,” you chuckle. “Yeah I guess so.”

________________

You and Shawn talk a little longer, mostly about family stuff and some crazy childhood stories. Most of his make you wonder how he's even alive still, but you conclude he must just be extremely lucky. Adam texts you and says the doctors are taking Cait to a room to recover and he gives you the floor and room number. You and Shawn wrap up and head for the elevators to get upstairs. Cait would want to see you no doubt.

“So do they know what the gender is yet?” Shawn asks as he leans forward, holding the door open for a nurse who was jogging to catch it.

“Yeah, it's a boy. I just hope they settled on a name.”

“Shawn?” The nurse asks as the doors close softly.

“Uh yeah?” Shawn tilts his head, looking her over as if trying to figure out how she knew his name.

“Darcy, from the emergency responders luncheon two years ago?” The nurse says, grinning.

Shawn shakes his head. “I'm sorry, I don't recall. Did we sit together or...”

“Oh. Uh, yeah. Sort of.”

You give Shawn a look and he just kinda deadpans.

“I'm really sorry. I must have been out of it.”

Darcy scoffs, rolling her eyes. “Yeah obviously. You'd had a few but I didn't think you were smashed enough to forget me.”

Shawn turns scarlet. His eyes go wide and you have a feeling he remembers exactly who Darcy is now. He remains silent until her floor dings and she gets off, leaving you with Shawn alone in an awkward silence.

“She sounded upset. What was that about?”

“Listen, I was a jerk a few years ago. Brand new firefighter with cockiness to spare. Believe me. I was a douchebag. She probably should have slapped me.”

You let out a low whistle as the doors open on your floor and the two of you step out. “So I should be careful huh?”

“I grew up. I promise.”

“Mmhmm.”

You get to Cait's room and she is overjoyed to see you. The baby is sleeping on her chest, so small and fragile, only five pounds she says. His name is Nathaniel. You introduce Shawn and explain that he brought you to the hospital, and he's the one that you'd told her about on the phone. Cait plays it off like she didn't recognize him immediately from her Facebook creeping. After a while of visiting you get to hold the baby while Cait rests.

Shawn looks like he's going to die when you glance over to where he's sitting in one of the guest chairs. He just stares at you while you're cuddling this little tiny bundle of baby and blankets in your arms.

“Do you want to hold him?” You grin and he looks terrified.

���I don't know. I probably shouldn't.”

You stand and walk over to where Shawn is sitting and you carefully pass Nathaniel to him. He cuddles him against his chest awkwardly, arms huge in comparison. “It's not too hard. See, he fits right in your arm there.”

“He's so small.” Shawn boops the baby's nose. “I always wanted kids one day. But when they're this tiny I'm nervous I'll break them.”

“They're more resilient than you might think.”

Shawn pets back Nathaniel's little bit of sparse dark hair. He looks so soft, so natural holding a baby like this. It makes you smile, and gives you a strange butterfly like feeling in your stomach. Shawn with kids is a little too much for you to dream of but you'd be damned if you weren't.

“You're still here?” Cait asks sleepily from the bed.

“Yeah, Adam is on his way back now. I figured we would stay until he got here.”

As if on cue, Adam walks in with Cait's over night bag. You help Shawn put Nathaniel into his bassinet and give Cait a hug. You say your goodbyes and promise to visit as soon as she's is home and feeling up to visitors. Shawn drives you home, leaving you with a chaste kiss and plans to meet up after work tomorrow evening.

________________

It is just after four in the afternoon a week later and you sit outside the deli waiting for Shawn to get off work. You check your phone, scrolling through social media and chatting with some people who messaged you. Before you know it half an hour has passed and still Shawn hasn't come out of the firehouse. You don't want to seem like that annoying girl but he made plans and wasn't even replying to your texts.

You cross the street and knock on the door. No answer. You try the handle and it's locked. They must be out on a call. You feel kinda bad now, not even thinking about the possibility of him actually working late. You had just gotten used to them not getting called out very much recently.

You decide to walk home, maybe stop by the minimart on the way to grab some snacks. There was no telling when Shawn would be available or if he would even feel like hanging out after a call. It's fine, you would just talk to him tomorrow.

The minimart bell dings and you raise a hand in greeting to Mae, the old woman behind the counter. She greets you with a smile. You grab a few things, a small pint of chocolate ice cream, a Snickers bar and a bag of chips.

“Bad day?” Mae asks, ringing up your purchases.

“No, just wanted a few snacks.” You glance over at her little tv that is showing a newscast from a reporter in a field. There is a massive blaze behind him and he keeps glancing back warily.

“That's sad isn't it?” Mae asks, looking back at the TV. “They said the drivers of both vehicles are dead and the explosion hurt some of the emergency responders trying to get them out.”

Your stomach sinks. Shawn was probably out there. “Oh my God. What happened? Where is it at?”

“Tanker truck hit an SUV I think. It's just off route 45 to Benton I think. Probably a truck coming to fill up the tanks at the Phillips station.”

“I-I have to go.” You leave your items on the counter and take off running for the deli.

The door clatters loudly as you rush in the deli and up to the counter. The few people in the dining area give you worried looks as you lean over the counter.

Mariel comes out of the back area and sees you, her face falling immediately. “What's wrong? What happened?”

“There's an explosion and a crash on 45. I need your keys I need to get there now. Shawn could be there.”

Mariel digs in her apron pocket and hands you her keys. “Be careful.”

Ten agonizing minutes later and you pull Mariel's little blue car over off the side of the highway and leave it in favor of walking the last few hundred feet. The tanker is still on fire, both fire engines are parked off to the side, no hydrants are available for water this far out on the highway. You look around for any of the firefighters, desperate to find out if Shawn is there.

“Ma'am, you can't be here!” An officer yells as you walk past the news crews who are waiting for more details.

You ignore him, your sights set on a group of firemen standing by an ambulance. Your heart is pounding, none of them look tall enough to be Shawn.

Another officer cuts you of, holding up their hand to stop you from getting at closer. “Ma'am you need to go back to your car. No bystanders are allowed near the wreck.”

“I'm not going to the wreck I'm going to the ambulance over there,” you say, pointing to the ambulance that's getting ready to leave.

“No you're not. You need to leave.”

“Sir you don't understand, I need to-”

The officer steps forward as you start to try and pass him. “Ma'am, I'm not going to tell you again. Go back to you vehicle and leave.”

“Jeremy! Ryan!” You shout and the officer says something but you can't hear him. He grabs your arm and starts dragging you away. “JEREMY! JEREMY!”

Jeremy turns around and sees you being pulled away by the officer. He comes walking over, calling the officer off as he approaches. “What are you doing here? This is a dangerous situation.”

“Where is Shawn? Is he here? I saw on the news that some people got hurt trying to rescue the drivers.”

“Shawn will be okay. I need you to leave. I'll call you as soon as I can with more information.”

“Oh my God,” you start trembling, stomach churning. “Ohmygod he's in the ambulance isn't he?”

Jeremy puts his hand on your arm and you lean against him. He pulls you into a hug, hand on the back of your head as you let out a heavy sob. “He will be fine. He's strong, he knows the dangers of his job. Please, you need to go home. There is nothing here for you.”

You don't go home. You go to the hospital and wait in the ER lobby for two hours. Two agonizing hours. The receptionist won't tell you anything, she doesn't know anything actually. She says she will let you know when he is allowed visitors. You text Mariel that you have the car and you're at Birkin Hospital. She says she walked home and it's fine that she understands.

You're curled up across two hard seats, half asleep when the receptionist says that Shawn is allowed to have visitors. You grab your purse and push through the automatic doors as they open slowly to the ER rooms. You turn down the hall to room 042 and push the door open and your heart stops.

Shawn is asleep, chest rising and falling softly. He has an oxygen tube in his nose and he's hooked up two a few monitors and an IV drip. He's in a white hospital gown. His face is mostly clean, a few remnants of blood and what looks like mud on his chin. You just stare, tears burning your eyes and spilling over your cheeks. You take a shaky step forward and grab a couple paper towels and wet them in the small wash sink to the right of his bed.

“Jesus Christ what were they doing for two hours?” You wipe at his face, clearing off a smudge of blood from his cheek. It's then you notice his arm is in a white plaster cast and there is tape and gauze sticking out from under the collar of his gown.

The door opens and a nurse walks in. “Oh, hello. I'm Shona. I'm the nurse on rounds for tonight.”

You introduce yourself, lying that you're his fiance just in case she doesn't release any information to you.  You watch as she administers a syringe of something into his IV drip. “What is that?”

“Morphine. He's going to be hurting when he wakes up.”

“What happened? I mean, what took two hours? I know what happened, like the accident.”

Shona grabs a chart on the wall beside the bed and flips it up. “Fractured arm, multiple lacerations to the chest and stomach. Bruised ribs.” She scans down the chart. “Looks like he was on oxygen and being monitored for smoke inhalation and potential internal bleeding for a few hours. The bleeding was negative. That's what took so long it seems.”

“Jesus Christ Shawn.” You ball the paper towel up in your hand and take a seat in the guest chair.

“If you need anything or if he wakes up, let me know. Just press the nurse button and I'll come see how he's doing.”

You nod and Shona leaves the room. You don't care how long it is, you're going to stay until he wakes up.

Jeremy shows up a little while later. He talks to the nurse, getting a run down of Shawn's condition. The two of you talk briefly and and says to text him when Shawn wakes up. Let him know if he wants visitors or if he's going to be admitted. You promise that you'll keep him updated.

________________

“What're you doing here?”

You sit up from where you've passed out across the two hard plastic chairs. It's almost midnight according to the clock on the wall. On the bed Shawn is sitting up right, well, propped more upright with the help of the bed.

“You're awake!”

“Yeah. I just woke up, what happened? Why are you here?”

You stand and go over to the side of the bed. He grabs your hand and holds it in his. “I'm not entirely sure what happened. I think the tanker exploded and you must have been knocked back? You're pretty beat up.”

“Fuck.” Shawn closes his eyes and licks his lip. “I knew I shouldn't have gone into try and help the truck driver. He was already fucking gone.”

“Shawn, it's okay. You were doing your job.”

“I was being an idiot. I know better than to try and go into a situation like that. I could have died.”

You lay your hand on his cheek and turn his face to look at you. “You didn't die. You're fine, a little rough, but you're fine. Stop beating yourself up.”

“What are you doing here?” He asks, eyes tearing up. “You should be at home, sleeping and angry I stood you up. Why are you sitting in a crappy ER room with me?”  

“I'm here because I saw the news and I just knew something had happened. I don't know how, but I knew you were hurt and I had to get to you.” You wipe a tear away with your thumb. “I’ve been here since they brought you in. Jeremy came by but he didn't want to hang out too long. I gotta let him know you're awake.”

“How did you know they brought me here?”

“I followed the ambulance. Shawn, I drove to the accident because I was freaking out. I almost got arrested for resisting an officer just to get closer to find out where you were.”

Shawn's eyes widen. “You are the craziest woman I know.”

“Somehow I doubt that.”

“God I love you.”

“Shawn, you better just stop talking. It sounds like the morphine is making you a little loopy.” You grab the bed remote and press the nurse button. You pull your hand from Shawn's and he pouts, eyeing you from across the room as Shona comes in and starts taking vitals and asking how he feels.

You excuse yourself to the hall so you can call Jeremy. Really it's because Shawn's words just gave you a heart attack and you're pretty sure if he kept talking you'd go into cardiac arrest.

________________

Six hours later and Shawn is released. Jeremy had stopped by with a change of clothes for him from the firehouse. You had tried to get him to call his parents, to let them know what happened, but he said he wasn't ready. The doctor said he shouldn't be left alone, that it would be best if you or someone stayed with him over night just in case but all his vitals were normal and other than bruising and the broken arm, he was in amazing condition. He was lucky.

The drive home is quiet. You swing by the 24 hour pharmacy on the way out of town to get the pain medication that the doctor prescribed. Shawn waits in the car. You grab some snacks and a couple of reusable hot/cold compresses. You're sure he will need them.

You help Shawn into the house and he insists on sleeping on the couch but you know that is not what he needs. You don't mind taking the couch for a few days or even weeks. However long Shawn needed to stay with you was okay. It takes a lot of convincing but he eventually agrees to sleep in your bed propped up.  

“You don't have to do this,” he says for the dozenth time since you left the hospital. “I'll be alright.”

“Shawn, I'm not going to leave you at your place alone. The doctor said to monitor you and that's what I'm going to do.”

He's quiet, just like every time he tried to get you to leave him before. You don't know what he's getting at by telling you the same thing. You're also not sure, but it could be a side effect of the pain medicines making him a little loopy and forgetful. “You're amazing.”

You fluff a blanket out across his lap and shake your head. “You would do the same for me.”

“I would. A thousand times over I would.”

You lean forward to grab a pillow and he grabs your hand, stopping you halfway. You look down at his scraped up knuckles against your soft skin. “Yes?”

“Thank you.” He whispers, eyes finding yours. “I’m sorry I scared you and put you through this.”

You rub your thumb over the back of his hand. “You we're doing your job. I know what dangers come with being a fireman. I know what I signed up for.”

Shawn cracks a soft smile. His tired face looking far more gorgeous than it should right now. “You say that like we're a couple.” His eyes are glassy and you want to discuss relationships and feelings right now but somehow you know it's not going to do any good. His medicine was knocking him out and he was getting loose lipped. You don't feel right talking about something serious while he basically has no inhibitions.

“Get some rest,” you say, pulling your hand from his and cupping his cheek. “I'll be in the living room and you can just holler if you need anything.”

“Yes ma'am.” He hums and leans back against the pillows, eyes closed. You move around the room quietly, picking up a few things before leaving him be and by the time you finish he is passed out, soft snores filling the room. You give him one last look from the doorway and sigh softly. You were definitely gone for him and you don't mind one bit.

________________

The next few days Shawn's spends mostly in bed. He doesn't go out, just hangs out at your house while you go to work. The guys from the fire station stop by the deli and ask about him, you tell them he's doing alright. Which he is. He just seems a little shaken up still, like it's really hitting him that he could have died. Jeremy brought you his keys and spare clothes from the station to take home with you so he would have some things to wear.

It's Wednesday and you wake up stiff from sleeping on the couch again. It's your day off and you plan on trying to get Shawn to go visit the guys at the station. You sit up and Shawn is standing in the kitchen trying to break eggs into a bowl with one hand. He's getting visibly annoyed and you climb off the couch to go help.

“Shawn, let me do it,” you say softly as you approach him and see three shattered eggs in a bowl.

He sighs heavily, stepping aside to let you take over. “I hate this.”

“I know.” You fold the carton closed and turn the stove off. “We're going to go out for breakfast. You've been cooped up here for days, it's time to go out.”

Shawn grumbles. “I don't want to go out.”

“Too bad. You're becoming a grumpy old man. And you owe me a date.”

“I do,” he sighs softly. “Okay, you got me. I'll get dressed.”

Half an hour later and you are walking together along the beach and you're feeding him bites of a muffin. The two of you opted to get some blueberry muffins and coffee from the cafe to go.

“I'm really sorry,” he says as you head for the underside of the pier that was attached to the deck of the crab shack

“For what?”

“For putting you through this kind of stress. I was reckless and I got myself hurt.”

You finish off the bit of muffin in your hand and shake your head at him. “I mean, I know what risks a firefighter has to take. I know you're going to get hurt. I don't like it, and yeah, you were reckless and you could have died. But you didn't.”

“I don't even have anything to show for it. I didn't save the truck driver.”

“Hey,” you grab his hand and he threads his fingers through yours. “You have your life to show for it. I'm not angry at you, I'm not even disappointed. I'm glad you're alive and barely hurt.”

Shawn drops your hand and sits down in the sand. You sit beside him and the water washes up over your toes. “Why do you care so much about me?”

“Because I like you. You're an amazing guy and you're sweet. You're everything I've ever dreamed of in a guy. How could I not care?”

He shrugs. “I guess I've never felt that sort of thing from anyone I've dated. We hit it off so fast, I was actually really nervous I was going to fuck everything up.”

“Well you didn't.” You laugh and lay your head on his shoulder. “You actually did quite the opposite.”

“I did everything right?”

You nod.

He grabs your hand and plays with it. His knuckles are scrapped up, red and a little bruised. He measures your hand against his, palms together before bringing it up to kiss softly.

“Can I ask you something really cheesy?”

“Of course.”

“Do you believe in love at first sight?”

You laugh softly. Before you met him, you probably would have said no. But there was something about Shawn that changed everything for you. Something that made you feel like you couldn't get enough of him. Something that made you wanna go all in and not stop.

“I think I do.”

________________

Six months later

“Hey hot stuff,” Shawn purrs, hands on your waist pulling you back against him. “Is this my shirt?”

You let out a squeal and drop the spatula you are using to stir your scrambled eggs. “Yes it is. What are you doing scaring me like that?” You laugh, leaning your head back against him.

“Notice anything different?” He wiggles his fingers against your sides. You don't feel the familiar hard edge of his cast pushing against your skin.

“Your cast is gone!”

He turns you around and holds his hands up. The blue plaster cast is totally gone. You put your hand in his and he squeezes gently. “It's going to be weak for a while, but I have stretches and stuff to do to build the strength back up. The doc said my bones looks good and the muscles should bounce back in no time since I did the exercising with my fingers with the cast on.”

“I'm so happy. You'll be able to do more than just in house work at the station. I know between that and hanging around here you were getting a little stir crazy.”

Shawn grabs your hips and lifts you up on the counter top so you're just a hair taller than him. He steps between your legs and bumps his nose against yours. “The only thing that makes me crazy is you.”

“Mmm,” you lean in for a kiss and he kisses you slow and drawn out for just a lingering moment. “This is very sexy and all, but you probably shouldn't be lifting me quite yet.” You lay your hand over his forearm and he makes a noise of protest as he bumps his nose against yours for another kiss. “I'm serious Shawn.”

“I know.” He pulls back, looking at you softly. “I got excited. I haven't been able to do what I want for a while.” He grips the swells of your hips and grins. “Couldn’t hold you like I wanted to.”

“Shawn,” you flush and he gives you bedroom eyes. “Later.” You reach over and pull your pan off the burner so your eggs don't over cook any more.

Shawn looks over and steps back so you can get down and finish making your breakfast. “I'm just saying, my station tee would look really good on the floor of the bedroom right now.”

You turn and point your spatula at him. “And I'm just saying, it sounds like you need to take a cold shower and calm that fire in your pants, hot stuff.”

Shawn just groans and turns away, going to the bathroom. You hear the shower come on and you just laugh, sitting down to eat your breakfast.

________________

“Are you still interested in the old antique shop next to the deli?” Shawn asks one day over lunch. You're sat together in the station dining room while the other guys nap in the bunks upstairs.

“Yeah, but I'm a little over a thousand dollars short. I might take out a loan or something. I really want to open the bakery. I'm so close but it's still so far.”

Shawn twirls a stir stick between his fingers. “I uh...I have a couple grand in my savings.”

“No.”

“Honey, I'd be an investor. Hell, I don't even know if I'll be able to come back to firefighting full time with my arm the way it is. I've got permanent screws in it. If I can make your dream come true, and possibly be a part of it, then that's everything I could ever want.”

You lay your hand over the scars on the back of his forearm and sigh softly. “You're making great progress. The doctor said the screws shouldn't stop you from doing your job.”

Shawn sighs. “It's just...what if I get hurt again? What if it's worse?”

“Shawn.” You turn his face up to look at you across the table. “Why did you take this job? Remember what you told me when I asked why you became a firefighter?”

“Because I wanted to help people.”

“That's right. And you're going to do that. You're going to save so many lives Shawn. I know you're anxious about returning to the job completely, but don't get into the mindset that it's not going to work. You can do anything.”

“You're right. I can. So I'm going to be a firefighter and I'm also going to be an investor in your bakery.”

You shake your head as you let out a laugh. “Shawn, no! I can get a loan.”

“Listen,” he covers your hands with his and lifts them up. “I always wanted to help people, that was my dream, and I'm doing something I love no matter how anxious I am about returning to it. You want to bake, you deserve to have your dreams come true as well. Let me be part of it, please?” He kisses your fingers gently.

“Fine. Just the thousand, I'll pick up the rest. It'll be enough to get the lease on the shop, supplies and pay the first two months utilities. I have all of dad's equipment in storage so we just have to install everything.”

Shawn grins big. “I know a couple of strong guys who would love to help out in exchange for some baked goods.” You giggle and he leans over the table to kiss you.

__________________

“The place is all set up with fairly new electrical and plumbing, everything is up to code for a food business or retail. What was it you wanted to put in here?” The realtor asks as she walks you and Shawn around the empty shop.

“A bakery.” You stand by a counter that could use some love but would work for the time being.

“Oh! Well the building was actually a bakery at one time so the outlets should definitely be up to code for food equipment.”

You turn and look at the realtor. Her name is Peggy. “I know. It was my dad's place.”

“Wow! Really? That's amazing. Does the landowner know that?”

“I'm not sure. Why?”

“Well, sometimes people are sentimental to family businesses. I can talk to him if you like, it's worth a shot.” Peggy lays down her folder on the counter. “I'll leave you with some of the information on the building. I'm sure you probably know most of it, but take a look at it and get back to me with an offer and I'll contact the owner.”

Shawn walks over from the windows and puts his arm around your waist. “Why didn't you tell me this  was your dad's place? This is going to be amazing.”

“I know, I can't wait,” you beam, taking the folder off the counter and following Peggy out of the building.

_______________

You walk in the doors of the firehouse and the place is loud and bustling. The garage and living area have been turned into a party room. It's the annual fill the boot fundraiser, where the firefighters raise money to fill one of the boots from their gear to donate to a charity. It's an adult only event that goes over quite well with the town's residents. There is food, drinks, games and even a little something special. Every year a couple of the guys volunteer to play a game where they dress up in all of their gear and attendees pay set amounts for certain pieces of clothing and gear to come off. All proceeds from the game, food, and drinks  go to “fill the boot” for the years charity. This is only your second year attending and Shawn said you had to come, that he'd be devastated if you didn't.

You're a little late, having worked an extra hour at the deli to help deep clean behind the counter. You had already promised you would or else you wouldn't have stayed. There is loud music, some catchy country band blaring over the speakers in the garage. Everyone is chatting and having a good time. You don't see Shawn right away, eyes scanning for the hard to miss giant.

“Grab a table, I'm gonna get drinks!” Mariel shouts from beside you over the music.

You no sooner get sat down then the DJ for the evening is announcing that they're going to have their next firefighter come out for the clothing bidding and that the goal is three hundred dollars. It's a steep amount, usually the guys go for a hundred or so.

“Again, that goal is three hundred dollars! And as always no touching the firefighters unless they allow it. Keep your hands in your pockets and your cash ready to donate!”

Shawn walks out of the office in his gear and you can't help the smile that spreads across your face. No wonder they were looking to raise so much. Shawn was the youngest on staff and by far the most attractive. Of course you're biased, but you see the way people stare at him when you go out. Honestly you can't blame them, but he is all yours.

Mariel sits next to you and slides you a Coke. “Is that your man?”

“Yes.” You lean back, folding your arms in amusement. You can't wait to see how fast his clothes come off.

The DJ starts the bidding with his helmet at twenty dollars. Usually it's a ten dollar item but not with this hot commodity. The helmet is gone instantly, a lady you recognize from the grocery store hands over a bill for it. Gloves fly off at twenty. Boots at thirty take a minute but someone takes one for the team to get the ball rolling. His jacket is next and you just chuckle at the crowd already getting excited.

Shawn looks to you and you just shake your head. He walks into the tables toward you and starts unbuttoning his jacket, opening it and cheering people on to donate the forty dollars to take it off. He winks at you, biting his lip. There is a taker as soon as he leans against the table of a group of college girls across from you.

The pants are next, it's just the fireproof ones but the way Shawn undoes them you'd think he was taking off his jeans already. People are getting rowdy, young ladies reaching for him. The pants donation goes fast. He returns to the front area where the DJ is calling out the next article of clothing. He is barefooted, standing up there in his blue jeans and tee shirt. Of course he has on one of his station shirts that is tight and shows off his body. The jerk. He was loving this.

Mariel lets out a whistle as the DJ calls for his shirt donation. A whopping fifty dollars. You roll your eyes and he grabs the edges, ready to pull off. A guy walks up and drops the donation into the DJ's hand. Shawn pulls the tee up and over, revealing a tank top underneath.

“Are you sure he's wasn't a stripper?” Mariel laughs.

“Nah, he's just cocky. He knows all these people want him.”

“He's just showing off for you.”

“Probably.”

The DJ announces his undershirt for fifty dollars. There's a hesitation in the crowd. It's a lot, and it's one of the top two with the best result physically. “Fifty dollars, for the elementary school to get new play equipment! Come on up, you know you want to see this hot piece of man take his shirt off. It's the best part of the evening- We got a taker!”

Mariel stands up and walks across the room with her money. “Take it off Mendes!”

Shawn throws his head back and laughs. He pulls the tank top off and the room goes apeshit. He crosses the room and hands his tank top to you and Mariel. “Too bad babe, you should have bid on my shirt. I'd have brought it to you too.”

“But I'm going to get it tonight anyway.”

Shawn leans forward and grins. “Yes you will.”

Up next is his pants and that's the last fifty dollars. It takes no time, the DJ doesn't even finish announcing it before three of the college girls come up, the money between them. Sure enough, Shawn undoes his button, zips them down and shucks them. He stands there in his dark red boxers while everyone cheers.

“That is it! Three hundred dollars and you Mr. Mendes are free to get dressed!”

“How much for the boxers?!” Someone yells and Shawn flushes. You laugh.

Shawn goes to the booth and says something inaudible. The DJ leans over to talk to Jeremy who's handling the donation totals.

“Four hundred dollars?” The DJ says quietly, but loud enough everyone can still hear on the speaker. The three men talk quietly for a moment and then Shawn steps back, walking with a smirk to the middle of the front area.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Shawn grins, hands on his hips. “For the remaining amount that we need to raise. For four hundred dollars, yes, four big ones, I will take off my boxers right here and right now.”

Your eyes go wide and you stand up. Shawn looks at you with the biggest shit eating grin on his face. You shake your head as he silently dares you to stop him.

“Do you take credit cards?” Someone yells jokingly.

Shawn saunters out into the crowd and glides his thumbs along his waistband. “No cards, only cold hard cash.”

You leave your seat and walk around to meet him. You lay your hand on his chest and walk him right back up to the front, eyes locked on his the whole time. He knew how to get you riled up. That was for sure.

“No touching ma'am!” The DJ calls out

Shawn raises his arm and waves him off, allowing it for you.

“You want me to donate it don't you?”

“I wanted to see if I could get a rise out of you.” He leans in and whispers, “It's working.”

“Do we have a donation?” The DJ asks and you look over to him. To the right you can see a table of people getting their money together. It's about to happen.

“You got your rise.” You glance down at his stomach and he chuckles.

“I did. Grab my wallet out of my jeans. There's a couple hundred in there for tonight.”

You step past him, grab his jeans and fish his wallet out. You march to the DJ booth and hand over the money.

“Ladies and gentlemen we have hit our goal!”

Shawn grabs the mic from the DJ and grins, “If you guys don't mind, I think I'll take my boxers off in front of the lady here in private.”

There's a sigh of disappointment from the crowd.

“Now now, I think she earned it since she is the sole donor.” He looks over at you and you roll your eyes. “And my beautiful girlfriend.”

An awe from the crowd erupts and they cheer as you help Shawn gather up his gear and clothes to take back into the office. The two of you squeeze into the tiny room and Shawn just laughs.

“You're such a little shit,” you laugh and shove his shoulder. “What if I didn't step up?”

“Then I guess I'd be flashing a room of people right now.”

You cross your arms and he steps close, hands on your hips.

“Honey, I'm teasing. I would have made the donation myself. You know I'm yours, I'm not going to show the goods off to the public.”

“There were enough eyes on you tonight. Thank God they can't touch you.”

“Hey,” he whispers, tilting your head to look at him. “I'm yours and you're mine remember? It's just for fun.”

“You're right,” you sigh and close your eyes. “I'm jealous over nothing. I'm sorry.”

He leans in and kisses you softly. “I forgive you. Now, you wanna see my dick?” he laughs.

“Not unless you're putting it to good use.” You smirk and he raises his eyebrows.

He growls and pulls your hips against his and gives you that look that could make you do just about anything. “I’ll have to take a rain check.”

________________

Three months later

The grand opening if Hot Stuff Bakery is easily one of the best days of your life. The owner of the building accepted your offer after the realtor told him your history with it. You ended up getting it for quite a bit less than you planned so you actually had a little left over to do some extra renovation to the front end.

You and your friends and family are all standing around talking, everyone is enjoying your dipping bread and muffins. The whole town has come out to see your shop and reminisce on the days when your dad owned the place. Many say it has the same charm and for that you couldn't be more proud.

“Hey,” Shawn comes around with a little white to go box in his hand. “I made you something.”

“Yeah?” You giggle, grabbing his box and opening it to find a little white frosted cupcake. It's a perfect spiral, just how you'd showed him.

“I made it at home while you were here last night. I even made a strawberry filling. But there is another surprise in there too.”

You raise your eyebrows. Mr. Fancy over here was really trying to win your heart. As if he didn't already have it. “Oh yeah?”

“Mmmhmm.”

You go over to the refrigerator case and pull out a chocolate iced cupcake. “Well, see the funny thing is, I also made you a special cupcake.”

“What? No way.”

“Yes.” You laugh as you set it down in front of him. “I'm appalled you stole my idea.”

Shawn rolls his eyes and smiles. “I guess we’re like meant to be together or something.”

“Yep. Now, rock paper scissors to see who gets surprised first?” You hold your fist up over your hand and he does the same. Three quick rounds and he emerges the victor. “Ugh! I don't wanna go first.”

“Too bad.” Shawn places the cupcake in your hand.

You dig your thumbs into the side of it. “I gotta see this filling.” You look up at him and he's just grinning. You pull the soft cake apart and out oozes some very delicious looking strawberry jam but also something hard. You pick it out of the sticky filling and realize exactly what it is. A wedding ring.

“Will you marry me?” Shawn asks taking the ring and wiping it on his jeans.

Your jaw drops. You turn and grab his cupcake. “I think your answer is in here.”

Shawn frowns, confused about your reaction. He takes the cake and opens it like you had. There is no filling in his, and a little tiny toy baby falls out onto the counter. “I... don't understand. How is this my answer?”

“What is it?”

“A toy baby? I don't get it, am I supposed to-” His eyes  widen and you can literally see his brain working. “You're pregnant?!”

“Two months!” You blurt out and everyone looks at the two of you.

Shawn drops down, hands shaking on your waist. He presses his forehead against your stomach and lets out a little cry of joy and kisses you. He stands back up, hands all over your sides and stomach. “I'm going to be a dad... I'm going to be a dad! I'm going to get married!”

Ryan and Jeremy start the congratulations, clapping loudly and everyone joins in. “You always said you were gonna marry her one day!” Jeremy laughs and you look over and back to Shawn.

“You really said that to them?” you laugh and he wraps his arms around you and spins you around.

“I did. The first day I met you in the deli, I knew I had to marry you someday.” He sets you down and cups your face. “I can't wait to be your husband, and a dad.”

“Me neither.” You grin and he bumps his nose against yours. “I love you.”

“I love you too. To the moon and back.”

You close your eyes and smile. “To the moon and back.”

End

______________________________________

Thank you so much for reading! Please tell me everything you thought, felt, or things you wanna know! I appreciate every ask and reblog I receive. Please please please leave feedback via ask, reply, message or reblog! 

Thank you again. Without amazing readers I’d never have kept writing. 

-A

[epickendall]

The Birth of the Ghost King part 4

On the last weekend of Summer vacation, Wendy is in her room, flipping through the channels on her TV. She has nothing to do for the day or even tomorrow. Wendy stopped changing channels to crime show network that is showing a documentary of an infamous serial killer in New Orleans. Finn comes phasing out of the closest and flies onto Wendy's bed and sits next to her.

"So what are you watching Wendy?" said Finn

"The Saint killer from New Orleans," said Wendy

Finn walks in front of Wendy and turns his head a bit, "you bored aren't?"

"You can see it huh,"

"Yes seeing how you been changes channels for almost an hour and you keep looking at your phone every five minutes,"

"Your very observant,"

"Well, I am a ghost cat, so it's part of my nature,"

"Finn I got nothing to do this weekend instead of waiting for the day I go to my new school, and I have to get through being the new kid in town,"

"How about your old friends from your hometown? I have to talk to them?"

"They are busy at the moment, and other suggestions or I wish either fight a serial killer,"

"How about going outside and look around at least get the surrounding area,"

Wendy smile "that's not a bad idea Finn,"

"See now you got something to do,"

Wendy gets up from her bed, and she put on her usual boots, "anything I should know about before I go, Finn?"

"Yes if you hear screaming run the other way,"

"I know that,"

"By the way can you get some fresh fish,"

"Fresh fish? I thought ghosts eat dead and rotten stuff,"

"Some ghosts do, or others don't I so happen the one still eats the living food,"

"Fine, I'll go get your fish,"

"Can you get tuna?"

"I make no promises," Wendy leaves her room

Finn looked at the TV at the moment to see the Saint Killer getting electrocuted "boy they sure show a lot of violence on television now of days," 

Wendy goes downstairs she sees her mom cleaning up a mess on the kitchen counter using paper towels, and she sees Wendy heading toward the front door.

"So you heading I see," said Rhonda

"Yep I'm taking a look of the town," said Wendy

"That's good, and you might walk across the school you're going to," 

"Oh boy I'm so excited for that," Wendy sarcastically thought "what's the name of the school,"

"Casper High,"

"Really, that the name of the school?"

"Yes I know it's ironic, but hey I didn't choose the name,"

"Well, I'm heading out,"

"If you want to stay later you have to call me before it gets dark outside Wendy,"

"I will mom goodbye," Wendy left the house

Wendy POV

I've been walking around Amity Park for a good while so far; this town is pretty okay; it has the same things as Gravity Falls like a mall, movie theater, and a park. I have to get used to not seeing a forest next to a town seeing how I'm in more of a city than a small town. Managed to find the school Casper High I'm not looking forward to it at all with homework, some lousy teacher I might get assigned to, and worse state exam. I walk away from the school before some flashbacks from my previous school year. I started to get hungry, and I look to see a burger joint called "Nasty Burger," I hope the food tasty, and they are not as bad as the sign name.

I went inside the place; it is packed with a bunch of teenagers my age, and it's kind of got 1950s retro vibe to it except for the employ red and white uniform I went up to the cash register. I order myself a cheeseburger, orange soda, and large fries, and I sat down at an empty table. As I was waiting for my food, I overheard two people two rows in front of me one of them was a Hispanic girl, and the other one sitting next to her was a blonde girl they were complaining about the food.

"I swear this place can't even get something low in calories for once," said the Hispanic girl 

"Totally know where you're coming from Paulina this had the most calories in the whole town,"

"C'mon Star let's get out of here and get something healthy,"

The two of them left the place god I can't stand stuck up and snobby people I hope to god I don't go to school with them. My food came. I get it and start to eat my food men; it tastes pretty damn good and not at all nasty from the sign outside while I was eating I head. 

"Excuse me" I looked up to see one of the employs she was African American had green eyes holding a bag that had a sandwich "can I sit here this place is packed,"

"I don't see why not," I said

The girl sat down right in front of me and unwrapped her sandwich, "never see you around, are you new?"

"Yeah, I just move her a couple of days ago,"

"Really, where from?"

"A small town called Gravity Falls,"

"Never heard of it,"

"It's in Oregon,"

"Oregon, that's a long way from here. Why did you move here?"

"I don't want talk about kinda personal,"

"Oh sorry,"

"No big deal," I shake my head and ate a couple of my fries "so what your name since we're sitting here together,"

"Valerie Grey yours," she took a bite out of her sandwich

"Wendy Corduroy,"

"Nice to meet you, Wendy,"

"You too Valerie,"

Valerie and I talk as much we can since she told me that she on her break the time we talk I like Valerie she seems pretty cool and that we're going to the same school for this year by the time I finish eating I gave her phone number if she wanted to talk some more.

"Well, my break over Wendy nice chatting with you," said Valerie

"Same, oh boy, the way do you know where I can find any fish?" I said remembering about Finn and him wanting fish

"There's plenty of fish at the grocery store, why you ask?"

"I got myself a pet cat,"

"I see later Wendy,"

"Later,"

Third POV

At the same time, as Valerie and Wendy were talking over at the Fenton works, Danny is hanging out with his two friends Tucker and Sam in the dining room playing a fighting video game.

"Sam how could be so good at this game?" said Tucker

"It's not that I'm good it's just that you two suck," said Sam making a combo moves on Tucker character

"Oh yeah, about this," said Danny move his character, try to punch Sam's, but she counters him and causing him to collide with Tucker "seriously?!"

Then it was game over no surprising Sam beat Danny and Tucker flawlessly.

 "You guys should practice more because this is getting more and more boring beating you guys at this," said Sam

"Whatever," said Tucker putting his controller down

"Sam how are you handling going back to school?" said Danny

"Fine expect my parents gave me a whole wardrobe of pink and white clothes they thought I would wear different for this year," 

"That sucks,"

"I'm probably going to donate them to charity my parents don't notice,"

"For me, I'm thinking of lifting weights to get some more muscles," said Tucker flexing his arm

"Is it for health reason or girls?" said Danny

"Danny it's for the ladies of course,"

"I don't want to hear boy talk," said Sam

"Fine anyway Danny you notice about the increase ghost this past month right,"

"Yes, Tucker I notice that's why I'm paying Clockwork a visit and see what's up tomorrow," said Danny

"Do you want us to come with you?" said Sam

"No, I'm good Sam,"

"Danny, Sam, and Tucker do any of you guys want cookies," said Danny mom from the kitchen

"That my cue to eat," said Tucker getting up

"Didn't you say you wanted to do lift weights that involve no junk food,"

[chronicfangirling]

KDA In Excelsis: Ch17 (The King’s Avatar AU, CEO!Hakyeon, Gamer!Hongbin, VIXX x OCs ) Character Charts [x]

Hakyeon peered inside the training room. “Hey kids--I see you’re all still working hard?”

There were scattered hellos and acknowledgments; Hana only raising a hand as she continued her dungeon run with Hongbin and the three youngest members. Sooyeon sat up straight and said: “Hi! It’s going really well.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” He smiled at her and approached. In anticipation, Sooyeon inched her chair sideways to make room for him, but he walked right past her desk and pulled a chair beside Hana. Sooyeon frowned, scooting backwards to peek past Hana’s monitor that blocked the view.

“Farming skill books?” he asked.

“Un,” Hana muttered. “The level cap has been raised for a while, but the kids’ characters still aren’t maxed...”

“That’s enough for you tonight,” Hongbin called. “Chansik will fill in for the next runs.”

Instead of complaining as she usually did when Hongbin would run a team without her, she only murmured: “Okay.”

From her screen of all the members’ monitors, Sooyeon could see Hana’s character wander around a field, idly gathering herbs. Despite Hongbin’s dismissal, she could see him peeking over his own monitor, in Hakyeon and Hana’s direction.

“Hongbin-hyung! That skeleton nearly stabbed Yugyeom!” Mingyu scolded.

“Sorry!” Hongbin frantically tapped on his keyboard.

“Hana...” Hakyeon’s tender tone made Sooyeon lean towards Hana’s desk. “You’re worried about Jung Taekwoon, aren’t you? Don’t be.”

Did he just move closer? With what kind of eyes is he looking at her? Sooyeon leaned backwards, trying to see.

“It bothers me... that he can push us around whether in Glory or in the real world because he has money.”

She heard Hakyeon sigh. “I promise you, he’s never going to take another precious person away from Hundred Blossoms, ever again.”

His arm stretched on top of Hana’s monitor and disappeared. Is he patting her head? Is he ruffling her hair? Leaning backwards some more, her chair suddenly tipped over and she screamed. “AHH!”

She landed on the carpeted floor, more shocked than hurt. As she laid with her back on the floor and her knees in the air, she could see everyone standing up and checking on her.

“What the heck?” Mingyu scoffed, shaking his head. “Hopeless, this noona is hopeless.”

“Sooyeonie, are you okay?” Jaehwan cried in a panic, but it was actually Wonshik who came over to help her up.

Hakyeon and Hana were also staring at her, puzzled, his hand still resting on top of Hana’s head.

“Ow,” Sooyeon whined.

“Does it hurt?” Wonshik hurriedly helped her up. “Oh no...”

“Yes! I mean, no...” She scrambled to her feet. “I’m okay!”

"Since we’re all standing up anyway... why don’t we go to the convenience store?” Hongbin asked out of nowhere.

“Convenience store run! Whoooooo!” The kids cheered; Mingyu raising both hands and repeatedly high-fiving both BamBam and Yugyeom. Chansik, Jaehwan, and Wonshik were already taking their coats. But it was only when Hana smiled and started tugging at Hakyeon’s sleeve that Hongbin grabbed his coat and herded everyone out the door.

Walking in the streets, Sooyeon trailed behind, still watching Hakyeon and Hana. He was offering the end of his long scarf for her hands, but she tucked them under the scarf wrapped around her neck instead.

“My hands are cold too.” Sooyeon pouted.

Beside her, Hongbin frowned. “What? I’m not giving you my gloves.”

“I didn’t ask.” she retorted. From the corner of her eye, she noticed a stranger surreptitiously turn his camera phone on the two of them. Hongbin didn’t seem to notice, nor care, but she saw Hakyeon look over his shoulder, slowing his steps, and falling in pace beside her.

“Hey!” He smiled at them. “Sooyeon, I hope you don’t mind that we’re going further. The store at the other street is bigger and has more food and more seats.”

“Hey!” She grinned up at him. “I don’t mind! It’s nice walking together like this.”

“It’s not that far anyway.” Hongbin shrugged. His round eyes sharpened when he suddenly frowned.

Up ahead, Chansik had taken the place beside Hana, offering his coat pocket. She slipped both hands in it. But what Hongbin was frowning at was another stranger with his phone pointed at his unsuspecting teammates.

Hongbin strode quickly to catch up with the pair, jostling the unknown man into dropping his phone in the process. A single glare from Hongbin silenced the man’s indignant ‘Hey!’

Chansik made a show of welcoming Hongbin: “My friend! I’m glad you’re here!” He proceeded to transfer Hana’s hands into Hongbin’s pocket, ignoring the captain’s protests. “I need to check on the kids.” He jogged ahead, catching up to Mingyu, BamBam, and Yugyeom who were already opening the door of the convenience store.

“What are you having, Sooyeon?” Hakyeon asked.

“Ramen!” she exclaimed. “With cheese! Some kimchi? And a hot bar. Oh, but I want some dumplings too... But I kind of want some kimbap... I want to taste them all, but I can’t finish them all!” She pouted at him.

Hakyeon laughed. “You want to split food, don’t you? I’ll do it, even without you being cute like that.”

She blinked, pressing her fists against her hot cheeks. “You think I’m... what...?” But Hakyeon was already putting ramen and other food items on a tray.

As she followed him, she peeked at the other members of the team. Jaehwan and Wonshik had taken full lunchboxes, while Chansik took pizza and chicken. The kids each had trays with a pile of food, while Hana clutched at a triangle sandwich.

“Noona, is that all you’re having?” BamBam asked.

“I’m not really hungry,” she said.

“When have I ever heard that before?” Mingyu teased.

“I mean it!” she cried.

Hongbin glanced at her and put two skewers of fishcake on his tray. “Should I have them plain tonight?”

She wrinkled her nose. “Plain broth isn’t that good.”

“Tteokbokki sauce is the best, isn’t it?” He took a bowl of instant tteokbokki and popped it in the microwave. “Dumplings in the ramen?”

She shook her head. “Cheese?” he prompted. She nodded.

Yugyeom motioned at Hongbin, and pointed at the assortment of triangle kimbap.

Hongbin’s hands hovered over the rack. “Tuna mayo?” He passed it over when Hana wrinkled her nose. “Not stir-fried chicken... Bulgogi and spam of course.” He took two of each.

Mingyu grinned, putting a box of brownies on Hongbin’s tray. “Dessert is necessary too. We should microwave them later, and put ice cream on top.” Hana’s eyes lit up.

“Sometimes, you’re pretty useful,” Hongbin muttered.

“That means a lot to me, hyung!” Mingyu exaggeratedly clutched at his heart, gasping.

When they all sat down at the tables outside the store, Sooyeon was completely content despite the cold, gawking at Hakyeon as he sat close to her and set up their shared food.

At the other table, Hana had ended up with both Hongbin’s gloves and ramen, after he had offered her one chopstick-full of noodles. A corner of his mouth quirked up as he chewed on her ignored triangle sandwich, watching her eat tteokbokki and fishcake in between mouthfuls of ramen.

Mingyu returned from the store with a fresh bowl of ramen and placed it in front of Hongbin. “I knew this would happen.”

“I was mistaken. You’re one hundred percent useful.” Hongbin said.

“Tell me something I don’t know,” Mingyu snorted. “Was it delicious, Hana-noona?”

She looked at the empty bowl and then at Hongbin and gasped. The kids laughed as Hongbin smirked, wiping his thumb upon a drop of soup from the corner of her lips. “It’s fine.”

“I meant it, I wasn’t that hungry!” Hana denied. "It just smelled really good so...”

“I also got extra triangle kimbap.” He placed a bulgogi-flavored piece in front of her.

“I’m telling you, I’m not that hungry!” she insisted.

“Okay, okay,” Hongbin sing-songed, handing her a bottle of strawberry soda.

Chansik grinned at Hakyeon. “Remember how Hyogi would always take her word for it, but she’d stare at his food, and he’d end up giving her half of it?”

Hakyeon chuckled. “Good thing Hongbin always knew to take extra food or poor Hyogi would’ve starved.” He offered Sooyeon a piece of kimbap and she took it, trying not to giggle. “If you want more food, we can get more. It’s not good to go hungry while working.”

“I know,” she cooed through a mouthful of kimbap. I’m relieved that Hakyeon can talk about Han Sanghyuk easily, despite everything...

But I guess the person that no one talks about is Sooji... I really wonder...

[zombiemaids]

i’m so happy to be back in love with food again. no longer am i hellbent on making my portions as small as possible to starve my body and achieve maybe a few pounds less in weight for the payback of dizziness, stomach pain, and a bent temperament. i think i’ve finally fallen in love with my body - the soft curves of my breasts and hips and thighs, my arms and calves (oh, my calves! strong enough to kick any man to the moon and back), my neck and feet and the three rolls of fat that come out to play whenever i sit down or bend over (and they made their presence known - i have three permanent lines on my stomach from them.)

i love fresh bread and mashed potatoes and chicken in peanut sauce and salted fries and greasy fast food burgers and almond milk and rich chocolate cake and apples and breaded cod steaks and raw carrots and tuna straight from the can and yoghurt of all flavours. i love orange juice, plain water, and even soda sometimes. i’ve stopped worrying about what and when i eat in front of others, and i don’t care that my sandwiches are packed full anymore. it’s a nice feeling to eat for health instead of starving yourself and gorging on whatever’s put in front of you. and it’s an equally nice feeling to eat ten rocky road bites that you found in the cupboard. all i’m saying is, food is so good, and soft squishy body parts are so good.

[imjustthemechanic]

Glockenspiel

Part 1/? - Transmission Part 2/? - The Sandhill Hotel Part 3/? - Piccadilly Part 4/? - The Future Part 5/? - Too Late Part 6/? - The Mystery of the Missing Time Machine Part 7/? - Underway           

Peggy had been to the little airstrip near the village of Heathrow a few times during the war.  They’d been working on improving it into a real airport but hadn’t finished before VE day, so work had scaled back to a more leisurely pace, and the new London Airport had opened in 1946.  Seventy years later, the airport had swollen to cover more area than Peggy remembered the entire down as having.  There seemed to be positive miles of faded tarmac and undulating glass buildings, while any remnants of little Heathrow had been devoured as London itself grew inexorably bigger.

Toulouse breezed them through the buildings through Members Only entrances and VIP lounges and such things.  When a woman asked to see their passports, Toulouse just gave her a handful of banknotes, and they kept walking.

“Do you often fly without papers?” Peggy asked quietly.

“I never did that before, actually,” Toulouse replied with a smile on her face.  “I didn’t think it would work!  I almost want to report her for taking bribes, but then I’d be reporting myself, too.”

Everything else had changed so much, Peggy wasn’t sure what to expect from the inside of the airplane.  The cabin was larger and longer than anything she’d seen before, but to her surprise the seats were actually significantly smaller, the ceilings lower, and the leg room less.  It looked bad enough in business class, and when she looked down the aisle to where the economy passengers were boarding, she found them packed in like commuters on a subway train.  It was almost a shock that nobody had to stand.

“Flying used to be a luxurious way to travel,” she commented as she sat down.  Like the cars, the airplane had a seat belt.  She buckled it, just in case.

“Things stop being nice when normal people start being able to afford them,” said Toulouse.

“Did you call your father to tell him where you’re going?” Peggy wanted to know.

“I’m twenty-eight,” Toulouse told her.  “I don’t have to do that anymore.  He wouldn’t answer anyway,” she added with a sigh.  “He only answered the other night because I had Harvinder tell him it was an emergency.  I did tell Prince that I’m going to America with some friends.  If he asks why, I’ll say I’m visiting Junior.”

“Who’s Junior?” asked Howard.

“My oldest brother.  He died when I was still in school, and he’s buried there.”  Toulouse shrugged.  “It’s not the right time of year, but it’s a good excuse, I guess.”

The plane’s takeoff roll was much more gentle than Peggy remembered such things being, and its ascent far quicker.  She had to swallow repeatedly to make her ears pop, and it seemed like no time at all before they were sailing along to the muted roar of the jet engines, with the Bristol Channel glittering in the sunlight below them.  Looking out the window on her left, Peggy could see Cardiff, and she spotted Swansea before clouds moved in, blocking the view of the landscape below.  She settled back in her seat then.  It was going to be a long flight, and even without the clouds there would be nothing much to see outside over the ocean.

Toulouse had her laptop with her, and once the plane reached cruising altitude, she set the computer u on the tray table in front of her and began typing furiously.  Howard, in the aisle seat, took an interest.

“What are you working on?” he asked.

“My master’s thesis,” said Toulouse.  “I’m taking women’s history, and I’m specifically writing about Parliament Joan.  Her real name was Elizabeth Alkin.  She ran her own publishers, distributing propaganda for the Parliamentarians during the English Civil War, and used her connections to find and discredit people who were printing for the Royalists.”

“An ancestor of yours?” Howard asked Peggy.

“No, but something of a role model,” Peggy replied with a smile.  She’d first heard of the woman during her teens, from the other ladies in the codebreaking office, and had immediately set out to read all she could about her. 

“People think of her mainly as a spy,” Toulouse said, “but she also had to be a businesswoman, and she wasn’t very good at it to start with.  I was at the National Archives because they’ve got some of her letters there, written in her very own handwriting.”

Peggy nodded.  “It is magical, isn’t it?  When you get to touch something from the past, knowing who held it before you?”  She thought of some of the things the SSR had recovered after the war.  There’d been famous art, and mystical artefacts, and things that had to have come light-years across the depths of space to be there.  With some of them she knew who had held them before her, but there were others she could only wonder about.

“It really is,” Toulouse agreed.

“Your family must be very proud of you,” said Peggy.  The words came out quite automatically, and it was only once they were already spoken that she remembered what Toulouse had already said about her father.

Toulouse sighed.  “I haven’t spoken to my mother in four years,” she said.  “And Daddy just says it’s good I��m keeping occupied.”

“I’m sorry,” Peggy said.  Her own father had died of a heart attack when she was only seven, and her mother had never had much money, but she had good memories of both as loving parents.  She looked at Howard – he didn’t talk much about his family but she had the definite impression that they’d never understood him.  He would be more qualified to commiserate with Toulouse about this.

“They don’t know what they’re missing,” Howard told her.  “Someday they’ll come to you begging for a favour, and you’ll be able to tell them to stuff it.  It’ll feel great.”

Peggy shut her eyes.  She could feel the headache coming on already.

The people who ran airlines knew that twelve-hour flights were deathly boring, and attempted to fill the time by showing movies.  The movies themselves, unfortunately, were absolutely dreadful.  There was one about a robotic policeman and another about a haunted doll, and Peggy got no more than ten minutes into either of them before she removed the little speakers she’d been given to put in her ears, and tried to sleep instead.

She doubted she’d be able to nod off, but she must have, because she woke hearing Howard and Toulouse talking quietly.

“So when I say he’s buried there,” Toulouse was telling him, “it’s more that he’s got his name on a monument, because they didn’t find his body.  Daddy hasn’t been to America for years because of it.  Whenever he has something to do there, he sends Cass.”

“Cass is… brother number two, right?” Howard asked.

“Yes, in between Junior and Prince,” said Toulouse.

“No sisters?”

“Just me,” Toulouse said.  “I’m the girl.”

Peggy closed her eyes again.  During the war she’d had a sense that things were getting better for women.  There’d been a new appreciation for their traditional roles, as well as for their ability to work at what were considered men’s jobs.  She’d stayed at the SSR because she’d wanted to finish what Steve Rogers and Sergeant Barnes had started, but also because she’d honestly thought she’d be useful and welcome there.  The men who worked there had other ideas.  They’d thought that with the war over, it was time for the women to go home.If she’d thought about it, Peggy would have hoped that seventy years would have resulted in some progress.  Yet here he was, sitting next to a young woman who was evidently much more intelligent and accomplished than her taste in hair dye would lead one to believe, but whose family didn’t care what she did because she was the Girl.  It was really terribly depressing.

They arrived in Toronto at nine in the evening local time, and during the layover they were able to get something to eat that wasn’t airplane food.  The cost of the sodas and sandwiches absolutely appalled Peggy and Howard both – nine dollars for tuna fish on white bread! – but Toulouse paid it without comment.  Apparently inflation was another one of the things that had simply gone on uninterrupted.

Flight schedules hadn’t changed much, either.  Their departure from Toronto was delayed, so it was closer to four than two-thirty when they finally reached Los Angeles.  A small bus took them from the airport to the Sandhill Hotel in Playa Del Rey, where all three of them collapsed into bed.

They had separate rooms within the suite this time, thank heavens, so if Howard and Toulouse had any more sex, Peggy at least didn’t have to listen to it.

Toulouse had sent their things to the hotel laundry overnight, so in the morning Peggy and Howard were able to put on clothes that were probably cleaner than when they’d bought them.  A woman came to drop them off while the group was having breakfast.  Peggy and Howard were sitting in their hotel bathrobes, and Toulouse’s outfit today was tight-fitting polka-dot leggings and a shirt with something on it that was quite unidentifiable – it had cartoon eyes and a smile, and a shape that Peggy chose to charitably assume represented a curl of chocolate ice cream.

The hotel employee, a brunette in her mid-twenties, kept looking at Toulouse out of the corner of her eye as she spread the clean clothes out on the bed.  Finally she straightened up and said, “before I go, I have to know – aren’t you Toulouse Sandhill?”

“Yes!” Toulouse replied, pulling out her wallet to give the woman a tip.  “And you’re… Madison,” she read off the nametag.  “Nice to meet you.”

Madison held out a wrist.  “I’m wearing your perfume!” she said.

Toulouse sniffed it.  “You are!  I’m so glad you like it!”

“Is it true that there’s a giant apocalypse bunker under this hotel?” Madison asked eagerly.  “I’ve never actually gone looking for it but I’ve seen websites about it, and people think it’s some sort of New World Order type thing.”

“I have no idea,” said Toulouse, but the idea didn’t seem to startle her.  “I’ve never been here before.  I can ask Cass about it, if you like.”

“No, no, I figured you wouldn’t say,” Madison replied, with a knowing smile.  “It was so cool to meet you!  Thanks for the tip!”  And she scurried out.

Peggy sipped her tea thoughtfully.  “You didn’t mention an apocalypse bunker,” she said to Toulouse.  Wasn’t it just a coincidence that an ‘apocalypse bunker’ was exactly where she and Howard had to go?

“I didn’t think of it,” said Toulouse.  “I don’t even know if it’s real.  Like I said, I’ve never been to this location before, but I know the Americans have apocalypse bunkers all over the country.  There’s a big one under the Stanley Springs Hotel in Tennessee, that was built for the government to hide in during the Cold War.  I’ve never been there, either, but they give tours.  I saw a YouTube video about it.”

“You said this hotel was ten years old,” Peggy recalled.  “When did the ‘Cold War’ end?”

“I was a kid.  Let me see…”  Toulouse grabbed her phone to look it up.  “1991 was when the Soviet Union fell apart, and I definitely know that the Playa Del Rey opened in 2006, because Junior had been in charge of the project and there was an eight-month delay after he died.”

“That’s fifteen years,” said Peggy.  Who built a bunker against a threat that had ended fifteen years ago?  She looked at Howard, to see what he thought.

He could tell where she was headed.  “You think maybe our clue is here in the hotel?” he asked.

That was an oddly reasonable hypothesis.  Knowing that they’d been involved with the Sandhill family on their little adventure through time, Peggy and Howard might well have left the time machine plans here, where they would be easily accessible without breaking any laws.  Or would they?  By 2006 Peggy would be retired and Howard would be dead, and with the building of the hotel delayed by the death of the owner’s son, all sorts of things might intervene.

“It could be,” she said.  “I don’t know.”  They could bury something here ahead of time, but how could they be sure it wouldn’t be dug up and lost when the hotel was built?  Then again, if it were here to find, that by itself would be their answer…

Howard pointed his breakfast fork at Toulouse’s phone.  “While we’re here, what’s that Internet got to say about die Glocke?”

“How do you spell it?” Toulouse wanted to know.

Howard told her, and she entered it in her search engine.  Her eyes darted back and forth over the results that came up.  “Okay, it says there was some Polish guy who wrote a book about it… according to him it’s supposed to be a weapon that kills every living thing for miles around, and it was built in a Nazi base near Wenceslaus Mine.”

That name made Peggy perk up.  “I’ve been to Wenceslaus,” she said.  “I was there with Steve, but there was nothing in it.  Somebody had warned them we were coming, and they had time to clean it out.”

“Warned them you were coming?” Toulouse asked.  “Like as if somebody came back from the future to tell them?”

At the time Peggy hadn’t thought of that – why would she? – but now it seemed worryingly plausible.  In that case… “Die Glocke can’t be the time machine itself, because Zola said they were searching for it, but yes, very like that.”  She took a bite of bagel and thought about it.  “I wonder whether perhaps they transmitted the entire contents of the base to the future, and now they’re hoping to get a machine in the right place at the right time to pick it up.”  In which case they were planning to materialize their superweapon right in the middle of London.

“That was winter 1944, wasn’t it?” Howard said.  “If they’ve had the time machine that long, then we’re in trouble, because just returning to 1948 won’t be enough to stop them.”

“No, it won’t.”  Peggy groaned.  “This just gets more complicated by the hour!”

“So what are you gonna do?” asked Toulouse.

She thought about it a moment.  The hotel might be worth checking out, but they didn’t actually know if it even existed.  The Sierra bunker still seemed the most obvious choice.  “We’ll stick to the original plan,” she decided.  “If there’s nothing in the bunker, we’ll come back here and look.”

[sorbet--shark]

Living With Lycanthropy

Sorry about this being late and all but I’m back!

The night after Logan had observed Virgil transform, Patton decided that he wanted to help Virgil, both in his wolf form and his human form. Patton, being a vet, had the most experience with animals, so when Roman and Virgil walked out of the basement one morning, Patton exclaimed, “I’m going to train you!”

“Excuse me, what?” Virgil said startled.

“At night!” Patton explained excitedly. “Then you won’t have to be locked in the basement every night!”

“Patton,” Virgil sighed, “I wouldn’t want to hurt you, last time…” The last time Patton had been there when Virgil had transformed was the night when he had pushed Patton into the wall, and Virgil hadn’t let him be there when he was a wolf since.

“Yeah,” Patton protested, “Well this time will be different, you were surprised to see us that night, but Roman and Logan have told me about how you act as a wolf, and, Roman, back me up.”

“It’s true,” Roman piped up, “You aren’t some wild and dangerous beast, you’re basically a little puppy.” Virgil glared daggers at Roman.

“Logan,” Virgil said, Logan looked up from his coffee, “What do you think?”

“Huh? About what?” Logan asked.

“You know…” Patton trailed, “If it would be a good idea to…”

“Oh right,” Logan said, a look of understanding dawning on his face, “If it would be valuable to try to train Virgil as a wolf in order to make his condition more manageable?” Patton nodded. “Well, yes, yes I do.”

“Urggg ok fiiine,” Virgil whined, defeated. How could this happen? Virgil questioned, Patton still has a nasty bruise from last time, he can’t get hurt again. But regardless of Virgil’s persistent efforts to stop Patton, Patton walked hand in hand into the basement. Virgil felt his anxiety grip him as he writhed in pain, and lost his human form. He tried to hold on, but his humanity slipped away until all that was left was wolf.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Patton wanted to rush up to his partner as he writhed in pain. He wanted to comfort him, but new that it would probably make things worse. So he sat and watched Virgil as he transformed. He couldn’t pinpoint the exact moment that he stopped being Virgil. Well he still is Virgil. Patton remembered Logan saying, He still has all of his memories when he transforms, and some of the same habits and behaviors, but he’s just… different…. Virgil was backed into a corner of the room, whimpering, with his tail tucked between his legs.

“Awww, Virg,” Patton cooed, “I’m not going to hurt- you aren’t going to hurt me. Do you want a treat?” Patton pulled out a bag of dog treats from his pocket and tossed Virgil one. Virgil looked at it for a moment before quickly darting out to get it. By the end of the night, Patton was able to pet and cuddle Virgil without scaring him. The two fell asleep around three or four, and didn’t stir even after Virgil turned back into his human self.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Several days passed, and Patton continued to train Virgil at night. Virgil didn’t remember much of it during the day, but he liked how happy Patton was when it went well. Remy and Emile had invited Virgil and his partners over for dinner, and though Virgil was quick to reject, they managed to set up a lunch picnic.

So Virgil, Roman, Logan, and Patton piled into the car with a bowl of watermelon slices, potato chips, and some of Logan’s signature brownies. Virgil grinned at Logan as he took a brownie out of the container. Logan was such a lovable nerd, he would go on for hours talking about the science behind baking, as his students knew. Logan taught the Chemistry of Cooking class at the local high school. Virgil snapped out of his thoughts and enjoyed Roman’s singing to the radio and Patton’s rambling until they got to the park.

Remy and Emile were already there, and were setting up the sandwiches and sodas on a nice checkered blanket as Logan parked the car. Everyone exchanged greetings and sat down, helping each other to set up the meal.

“Ooh what sandwiches did you make?” Patton squealed excitedly.

“Here’s a few chicken salad sandwiches, some chicken bacon avocado, roasted chick pea gyro for me since I’m vegetarian, Tuscan tuna,” Began Emile as he pulled out handfuls of sandwiches from a bag.

“Basically, we’ve got enough food to feed an army,” Remy drawled dropping a cooler onto the ground, “And, we’ve got soda, water, and iced coffee.”

“Awesome!” Patton exclaimed, “I can’t wait to start eating.” As everybody started eating and the conversation continued, but Virgil drifted off into his own thoughts. He smiled at his boyfriends and friends from high school getting along, as he bit into a chicken bacon avocado sandwich.

“So, Virg,” Remy asks innocently, “What were you doing in the forest by my house naked the other day?”

Virgil choked on his sandwich and began to cough violently, causing Patton to rush over with a water bottle. Logan and Roman exchanged a nervous look, and Emile glared at Remy. “Rem, we said we wouldn’t bring it up.”

“We’re sorry Virg,” Emile says, “We didn’t mean to upset you, we were just confused when you showed up, though we’re always happy to see you.”

The rest of the meal was uneventful, though Patton kept holding Virgil’s hand, giving it small squeezes. Despite that, Virgil was filled with a deep dread, even as he drove home with his boyfriends in silent.

[ricandhaiz]

Blindsided, Chapter 3

The day was warm and sunny with a slight wind as Nic made his way to the university’s main plaza to meet Allie. Given the burned portions of skin’s hypersensitivity to the sun, he’d opted to wear a long sleeve denim shirt and jeans with a baseball cap. While navigating through the throng of students coming and going to campus, he noticed that most of the people gathering for the men’s acapella group’s lunch time performance were women. He spotted Allie and Charlie sitting on a patch of grass underneath a large jacaranda tree not far from the arched gateway separating the upper and lower portions of the plaza. Charlie wagged his tail and barked in acknowledgment as he approached them.

“Nic, is that you?” Allie asked.

“You weren’t kidding when you told me this show was popular with the girls,” Nic replied as he sat down next to her. “I’m surprised there aren’t more men here. This place is practically swarming with women. I think I’m outnumbered three to one, which are great odds for any single guy who’s looking to pick up a girl.”

Allie smiled. “You think so?”

“Absolutely,” Nic replied as he thought about what his pre-accident self would have done in this situation. “It’s their loss, I guess. Lucky for me, I’m already sitting next to the prettiest girl on campus.”

“Wow,” Allie exclaimed, giggling. “You do have a way with words. My B.S. meter is usually pretty good at spotting a player a mile away but the way you just said that almost sounded believable.”

“You think I’m lying?” Nic replied.

Just then, a petite brunette wearing a red t-shirt and jean shorts arrived with arms laden with food and drinks. She greeted Allie with a warm hello as she bent down and handed her a can of Coke and a tuna sandwich. She turned to Nic as she sat down next to Charlie and said, “You must be the guy that Allie’s been talking my ear off about. You’re Nic, right?” Nic glanced at Allie, who was blushing. He nodded. She extended her hand to him and said, “Hi, I’m her roommate, Nicole.”

He shook Nicole’s hand and said, “I can’t imagine what she could’ve said about me. I’m really not that interesting.”

“Oh please,” Nicole replied with a dismissive wave of her hand. “Your name rang a bell as soon as she mentioned it, so being the overprotective and nosy friend that I am, I took the liberty of looking you up on the internet. You’re one of the Spanish soccer players who got into that horrific car accident in L.A. two years ago, right?” Nic nodded again, feeling decidedly uncomfortable with the direction the conversation was taking. “It was all over the news.”

His face fell as he recalled all the news clippings about the accident that his abuela had shown him when he had first returned to Spain. “Have you talked to anyone else other than Allie about me?” Nicole shook her head. Relieved, he added, “I’d appreciate it if you could keep what you’ve learned about me to yourself. It was a very painful period in my life and it took a long time for me to come to terms with what happened. I had to undergo months of physical and psychological therapy to get to where I am now. During that process, I decided that I needed a fresh start. That’s why I came here to study.”

“Of course,” Nicole replied contritely. “Mum’s the word.”

“Have many people asked you about your accident?” Allie asked as she popped the tab on her soda can.

Nic paused, then said, “It hasn’t really come up in any of the conversations I’ve had with my professors and classmates. I think they’re savvy enough to realize that it’s a sensitive issue for me and have chosen to respect my privacy in that regard.”

“Allie tells me that you’re in an MBA student,” Nicole said in a tentative voice. “Do you know where you’re going and what you want to do after you graduate?”

Nic sensed that her question had a lot to do with her concern for Allie and where a possible relationship with him might lead. In an attempt to assuage her concerns, he replied, “My family has been in the wine business for generations. Naturally, my papá would like to pass the business on to me once he retires but nothing’s set in stone. I could decide to stay here after I graduate. It’s too early yet for me to say for sure one way or the other.”

“Some of the articles I read said that your father also played professional football,” Nicole said.

“Yes, he did,” Nic replied, grateful that the focus of the conversation had at least temporarily shifted away from him. “He was one of three goalkeepers chosen to be a part of the Spanish national football team at both the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups. He played for Real Madrid and Barça for years before he retired in the early 2000s.”

“Is he the reason why you decided to be a footballer too?” Allie asked.

“In part, but it was mostly because I loved playing the game too. My madre told me that I was playing with footballs even before I learned to walk.”

Allie then asked him, “Did people often compare you to your father?”

“All the time,” Nic replied as he reflected on his padre’s storied football career. “I didn’t mind. Most of the time, it just motivated me to work harder, especially since I’m two inches shorter than he is. Most goalkeepers are usually at least six feet tall.”

“Was he very involved in your sports career?” Allie asked.

Nic reflected on her question, then said, “He only gave me advice when I asked for it. He made it clear to me early on in my career that he wanted me to succeed on my own merit.”

“I bet your mom’s mighty proud of what you’ve accomplished,” Allie said. “Not many people have the skill or the talent to make it to the professional level of football like you did.”

“I’m sure she would have been,” Nic replied slowly. ���She died of breast cancer when I was a teenager.”

Allie gasped in surprise and bit her lip. “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have—”

“There’s no need for you to apologize,” Nic interjected. “You didn’t say or do anything wrong.”

After a brief pause in the conversation, Nicole leaned in as she placed her hand on Allie’s shoulder and said, “Well, now that Nic’s in the picture, maybe Conner will finally take a hint and go and find someone else to bother.”

“It doesn’t sound like you like him much,” Nic chimed in.

“No, I don’t,” Nicole replied matter-of-factly. “And neither does Allie but she’s just too nice to tell him to buzz off.”

“Is that true?” Nic asked.

Allie sighed. “He’s all right, but what irritates me most is his tendency to treat me like an invalid who can’t do anything for herself.”

“He’s such a tool,” Nicole said, shaking her head as she took a bite of her ham and cheese sandwich. “I know he’s a family friend and all, and that your aunt and his mom are close but that doesn’t mean you should feel obliged to put up with him like you do.”

“I know,” Allie said. “But it’s not like I haven’t tried to—”

“But nothing,” Nicole cut in. “You need to stop beating around the bush and tell him to back off, especially now that I’m not going to be there to help run interference for you.”

“You’re leaving?” Nic asked.

“My boyfriend recently got an advertising job in L.A. and asked me to go with him. I graduated this past spring and have been working as a nurse at the university hospital. I’ve already got a few interviews lined up so I don’t think I’ll have much of a problem landing a job.”

“It’s a great opportunity for both of them,” Allie said with a touch of sadness in her voice despite her obvious effort to sound upbeat. “Nicole’s been dying to move to a big city like L.A. ever since we met my freshman year here.”

Nicole nodded. “Hilton City’s alright for a college town but I can’t see myself living here long term. I need to be in a place with a faster pulse, you know what I’m saying?”

Nic glanced at Allie and said, “What does this mean for you?”

Allie shrugged and patted the top of Charlie’s head. “I can’t afford the apartment we live in on my own so I’m probably going to have to move back in with my aunt and uncle for a little while. I’d rather find another roommate but that’s tricky, especially with me being blind. Nicole’s the best. It’s probably going to be near high impossible to find someone like her on such short notice.”

“Where do you live?” Nicole asked.

“My friend, Matt, helped me find a room in a house just two blocks from the south side of campus. I live with an elderly couple whose son recently moved out. They rented out his room to me as a favor to Matt.”

Nicole’s eyes seemed to widen in apparent excitement. He wondered why. She asked, “Are you obligated to stay there for the entire school year?”

“No,” Nic replied.

She quickly followed that up with a few more questions. “Do you smoke or drink?”

“No, and a lot less than I used to.”

“Are you neat? I mean, like, do you tend clean up after yourself or are you the type that leaves his stuff lying around the house?”

“I’d like to think so.”

“Have you had roommates before?”

Nic shook his head, then swiftly added, “But that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t be a good one.”

Nicole paused, looking thoughtful as she tapped her finger to her cheek. “Would you mind having to share space, like a bathroom with someone, if you had to?”

“What’s with all the questions?” Allie cut in.

Nicole nudged her in the ribs and said, “Isn’t it obvious? I’m trying to find out if Nic would be a good replacement for me.”

“What?” Allie asked, appearing utterly confused.

“Can you just see it?” Nicole replied, clapping her hands together in delight. “Trust me. I have a sixth sense about these things.”

For a moment or two, Nicole’s suggestion rendered both Nic and Allie speechless.

“Well, say something!” Nicole said. “You know I’m right.”

“Umm…I don’t know. My aunt might not approve of me living with a guy.”

Nicole rolled her eyes and said, “Your aunt needs to bring herself into the twenty-first century. People of the opposite sex live together all the time. Isn’t that right, Nic?”

“Yes, I suppose so,” Nic replied cautiously.

“What do you think?” Allie asked.

“I don’t see why not.” Nic replied as his eyes darted back and forth between Allie and Nicole. “But I’d only do it if you’re one hundred percent okay with it.”

“Really?” Allie asked, sounding slightly off-kilter. Nic was finding it hard to gauge whether Allie agreed with Nicole’s assessment of the situation or not. But then she said, “Before you commit to anything, you ought to come by our apartment and take a look around first.”

“Are you doing anything this afternoon?” Nicole asked expectantly.

“I have an accounting class at two o’clock, but I could drop by any time after that,” Nic replied.

Nicole answered, “Why don’t you swing by at six? Allie and I will make spaghetti.” She patted Allie’s knee, adding, “Sound good?”

“Are you sure?” Allie asked, furrowing your brow as she turned her head in Nic’s direction. “We’re just getting to know each other. The last thing I want to do is make you feel like I’m pressuring you into moving in with me out of some misguided sense of obligation or pity.”

Nic placed his hand over Allie’s and gave it a squeeze. “Believe me, if I do agree to do it, feeling sorry for you definitely won’t be the reason I say yes.”

Just then, a member of The Warblers spoke up. He thanked the crowd for coming and then announced their opening song, “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

Nic was grateful for the diversion. As the very real possibility of living with Allie began to sink in, he couldn’t help but think of this unexpected turn of events as the best stroke of luck that he’d encountered in a very long time. Although there was a part of him that was wary of being exposed to possible disappointment and heartbreak, the desire to love and be loved was much stronger. And so, he decided to keep an open mind and see how things would pan out later this evening.

 It was five till six when Nic looked up at the number on the white door and compared it to the piece of paper upon which Nicole had scribbled her and Allie’s apartment number and address earlier that day. It had been a pleasant and relatively short walk from the university library to their two-bedroom ground floor apartment. He’d stopped and sat on a park bench for a little while so as not to arrive too early and amused himself by watching children feed the ducks which were congregating at the edge of a small pond.

He knocked. A tall, sandy-blond haired man wearing a black t-shirt and shorts opened the door. For a second, Nic wondered if he was in the right place and was about to take a second glance at the paper in his hand when the man said, “Are you Nic? I’m Brandon, Nicole’s boyfriend. Come on in.”

Nic smiled and waved at Nicole and Allie, who were in the kitchen with Charlie, and followed Brandon to the living room. He was immediately struck by how neat and tidy the apartment looked. He glanced at an assortment of flowers in a glass vase on the coffee table and saw numerous pictures of the girls with friends and family hanging on the walls and side tables. He thought these things gave the place a decidedly homey feeling. Brandon motioned for him to take a seat on a red futon which had multicolored throw pillows on each corner.  As he sat down, his eye fell on a picture of a man in a fireman’s outfit holding a little brown-haired girl in his arms.

“That’s Allie and her dad,” Brandon said, following Nic’s line of sight. “I think Nicole told me that that picture was taken just a week before he died.”

“What happened to him?”

“He was one of the hundreds of firefighters who died on 9/11 at the Twin Towers. Allie was five.”

Brandon asked Nic if he wanted a beer. He said yes. The sound of pots and pans clanking and clattering in the kitchen filled his ears as the smell of freshly baked bread and pasta wafted through the air. He glanced at the forty-inch flat screen T.V. against the wall directly opposite the futon and the bookcases on either side of it which were filled with even more pictures, textbooks, audiobooks and CDs.

After returning to the living room with a beer in each hand, Brandon handed one to Nic and plopped onto a white bean bag next to the futon. “Nicole tells me that your thinking about moving in with Allie.” Nic nodded. “She’s a sweet girl, and Charlie’s the best. The neighbors are all right and the landlord’s usually pretty responsive to the girls whenever they’ve had a problem. Personally, the only thing that I think is kind of annoying about this place is how thin the walls are.”

“I’m a pretty deep sleeper so that shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Good. I was told that dinner will be ready in a few minutes. Would you like to see Nicole’s room?”

Nic shook his head. “I can wait. I wouldn’t want to do that without her being right there with me.”

“Not a problem. She’s the one who told me to ask you.” Brandon stood up and motioned for Nic to follow. “Let’s go.”

Brandon led Nic down a short hallway and then flicked on the light to the room furthest back. He stepped aside to give Nic a chance to take a peek inside. It was small bedroom with a closet which contained a twin bed, desk and dresser. He pointed to a door opposite the closet and asked, “Where does that lead?”

“The bathroom,” Brandon replied. “Did the girls tell you that you’re going to have to share it with Allie?”

No, not exactly, he thought as he tried to recall everything that Nicole had said to him earlier that day. He replied, “We really didn’t have much time to talk particulars before The Warblers’ set began.” After a brief pause, Nic asked, “Do you think Allie will have an issue about living with a roommate of the opposite sex?”

Brandon shrugged. “I doubt she would have asked you in the first place if she did. But…”

“But what?”

“Her uncle, Big Mike, might look at you sideways and give you the stink eye at first, but I’m guessing that even he’ll come around once the dust settles and he gets to know you better.”

Wonderful, Nic thought as he leaned against the doorframe and stuck his hands in his pockets. Just then, he heard light footsteps heading in his direction. He turned and saw Nicole coming toward him. She patted him on the shoulder and said, “I’m so glad you’re here. Allie’s been beside herself ever since I opened my big mouth and suggested that you move in with her.”

Nic frowned. “Is she having second thoughts?”

“God no. Just the opposite. She’s worried that I might’ve scared you off and that you’re going to say no.”

“Nicole has that effect on people,” Brandon chimed in, grinning. “Is dinner ready?” Nicole stuck her tongue out at Brandon before answering in the affirmative. Brandon replied, “Let’s get some chow. I’m starving.”

Nic sat down next to Allie, who was already seated at a square shaped wooden dining room table. Her long, wavy brown hair was down, and she was wearing a floral summer dress with sandals. Nic reached out for Allie’s hand and said, “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you.” Allie blushed.

Brandon placed a large bowl filled with spaghetti and meat sauce in the middle of the table. Nicole came up behind him holding glasses of champagne. She placed one in front of each person, and then looked over at Nic and asked, “So, what do you think?”

Nic felt Allie’s grip on his hand immediately tighten. She leaned over to Nic and said in a low voice, “You don’t have to decide this very minute if you’re still not sure what you want to do.”

Nic smiled and said, “I think your apartment is very nice and I can’t think of a single reason why I shouldn’t say yes.”

Allie beamed. Nicole let out a cheer, then said, “Just give me a sec. I’ve gotta run back and get the champagne.”

When Nicole returned, she promptly filled every person’s glass to the brim. Brandon stood up and said, “A toast, to roommates old and new.”

Everyone clinked their glasses together. As Nic raised his glass toward his lips, he felt profoundly grateful to be in the company of these down to earth and friendly people. While the others filled their plates, he glanced at Allie and then up at the ceiling. He silently said a prayer of thanks. After more than a year of self-imposed isolation, he finally felt that now was the time to take a chance and let someone special into his life and heart.

[formeryelpers]

Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe, 155 W Center Street Promenade, Anaheim, CA 92805

Okayama Kobo Bakery, which has a location in Japan, opened in Anaheim last year. They make their baked goods with 100% Hokkaido flour. The Japanese flour gives their pastries and bread a lighter texture. The bread is handmade, additive and preservative free, and baked fresh daily.

Everything looked good. They had baked donuts, curry pan, various sweet and savory buns, Japanese sandwiches, croissants, panini style buns, Danish, French toast, cookies, cinnamon rolls, loaves of bread, etc. Japanese beverages are available in the refrigerated case (Calpico, Ramune, tea, ume soda, yuzu soda).

* Tuna melt panini ($3.50): It was small, the size of a bun, but with a good amount of tuna salad. The cheese was melted on the outside of the bun to give it a nice crispy saltiness. The bun was drier than I expected and the tuna salad was saltier than I expected as well.

* Red bean salt & butter roll ($2.25): It looked like a big Pillsbury crescent roll. The roll was soft and light with a slight crunch. It was filled with a sweetened chunky red bean paste – quite nice and more delicate than the usual red bean bun.

* Curry pan ($3.25): Baked bread filled with Japanese beef curry and topped with panko crumbs. It was mostly curry sauce and a few veggies but the curry was too salty. I did like the crunch of the panko on top of the bun.

* Mini chocolate croissant: Very nice, slightly crispy layers with a long strip of dark chocolate in the middle

* Kimino Yuzu soda ($3.50): Similar to lemonade but carbonated and not as sweet, plus yuzu tastes different than lemon

It’s not my favorite Japanese bakery but the pastries are good. I recommend the salt & butter rolls – the light, airy quality of the dough is evident and the crust has a light crunch. They have baked donuts, French toast, sweet and savory buns, croissants, and sandwiches.  

For coffee, they have espresso drinks made with Groundwork Organic coffee which is local and decent. They have tea, kombucha, and nitro cold brew.

The place is adorable, of course. Look for the giant hanging baguette outside the shop. They worked with a local artist to come up with adorable mugs and stickers. They even had their own washi tape with illustrations of bread.

They also own the beer place, so you can sit in there too (it’s connected to the bakery). Two-hour free parking in the parking structure with validation. Free 90 minute street parking if you can find it. Free wi-fi. Prices are surprisingly reasonable.

4 out of 5 stars

By Lolia S.