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[light-on-the-riverbed]

Pics or it didn’t happen

Baz

Thank Merlin uni ends at 12:30 pm, at Waterford we had 6 hours of class, that's not even counting the hours we had to spend practicing our spells and elocution (not that I needed much practice in the later years). Living among NormaIs has not been as terribly boring as I thought it was going to be. I’ve always taken Normal's words for granted, they speak the words and we make them magic. The phrase I've taken a liking to is "Pics or it didn't happen". Not because it sounds nice (I really wish they said something more clever) but because with the right emphasis you can get a perfect picture of what you are seeing right onto your phone. Thanks to that spell my camera roll is now filled with candids of Simon. Simon laughing, Simon with a messy bed head, Simon just being alive. Every day with him feels amazing even the mundane things like getting groceries or hanging out at his apartment. Almost as if Simon could hear me thinking about him, my phone lights up with his name.

4 new messages Simon Snow

My class is almost done!!!

Friday!

Still on for board games

and snacks with Penny?

                 Yes, Simon, I haven't forgotten

                 Did you want me to pick up anything

Butter and Cherries

Penny and I been trying to

figure out Chef's recipe

I think we got it >-<

                 Ah yes, but this time I'm trying them last

                My mouth still tastes salty from last time

                And I keep making sure to check that

               my tongue is there every so often

Salt and sugar look the same!!!

:P

See you soon Bae ;)

               You know I hate Normal pet names

               You’ll pay for it when I get there -__-

Simon

We've been at the flat for almost two months now and I'm starting to get a good routine. Some days it reminds me of my Normal summers in the homes but in a happy way. At least I think I’m happy (I don’t think it should be this hard to tell) Baz is over a lot more than Penny would like but I think they are growing on each other (though neither of them will admit it). They love to debate the most frivolous topics and I love listening to them, most of the time it’s about which language has the best whatever. I never pay enough attention to know the exact topic. I just love that they had so much passion for something so mundane. Baz gets this thoughtful faraway look on his face whenever he is thinking hard about what Penny is saying and I have to stop myself from kissing his nose to get rid of it. Though one time I didn't stop myself and Baz actually stuttered (I never thought I’d see the day) and he called me Simon (well yelled), which made me burst out laughing. Penny pretended to disapprove but I could see her eyes shining with amusement.

Most weekends we will all hang out together and take at least a couple of hours away from uni work. Penny and I have taken to baking as a way to spend time together and destress after the busy week of class. I love baking anything that has a ton of butter. I've finally managed to get a decent croissant (they're not perfect but you can tell what they are now). Then there was that incident with the Salty Scones, Baz took a bite and suddenly his eyes were red and crying and he was spitting out the scone and wiping his tongue. Penny panicked and spelled Baz with “Cat got your tongue” but that just made him mute, which led to an impromptu game of charades (a couple of curses might have been involved). Penny finally got him to start speaking by saying his name three times with Magic. He still watches us bake, even after that incident, though he still refuses to try anything first. Baz acts like he is too posh to help us bake (well his actual words were I don't want to get flour on my clothes) but secretly I think he just enjoys watching Penny and I bake as much as I love watching him debate.

Penny

I’ll never admit it out loud but I genuinely like it when Baz Comes over. He is one of the few people who will explore a topic (debate, whatever) with me and legitimately care. Simon also seems to glow around him it's almost as if he can breathe better around Baz. I'm happy that Simon gets to be this happy, I never thought I would see the day. Of course, I still have to act indignant every time they start to get a bit too sweet with one another because I do have my limits of witnessing their PDA. I hear the door open and Baz comes in lugging a couple bags of groceries and an overnight bag. Baz has a spare key for emergencies but honestly, it’s so he can let himself in without having to knock (he’s over often enough that it would be annoying to have to open the door every time).

“Don’t lock the door behind you”, I say as he takes off his shoes and coat and gets comfortable on a barstool. I look pointedly at the table, “Simon forgot something this morning.”

“Oh Simon, he’d forget his head if it wasn’t screwed on,” Baz said with a soft smile.

“Do you want some tea while we wait for Simon?”

“I could use a cup it’s bloody freezing outside.”

“Well you know where we keep the tea and the kettle is in the wash, I’ll be nice and get a couple of biscuits together.”

“Ever the gracious host Bunce,” Baz teased.

“Hey getting groceries is hard work! Especially with how cold it is now!”

“You probably spelled them home!”

“Well yes, but I still had to go to the store.”

"Fine but the presentation of those biscuits better be sublime!"

"As if the Queen herself was coming, oh wait," I say cheekily.

Baz shoots me a look but continues filling the kettle. I go into the pantry and grab Baz's favorite biscuits and start arranging them deliberately and delicately while smiling at Baz. He rolls his eyes at me but chuckles, over the last few months he's felt more like a brother than even PremaI ever did.

"So when is Simon getting here?'' Baz asks.

“He shouldn't be long, but he wanted to play a new game so he was going to pick up a game at the shop after class."

Simon

I'm rubbish at directions, it drives Baz and Penny mad, but I managed to buy Runes and Regulations (Think American HOA meets the Families). I thought Penny and Baz would get a kick out of it. I was running a bit later than I wanted but I finally recognized the streets! (Thank Merlin!). I trekked up 3 flights of stairs (they seem to get longer every time.) and as I got to our floor I could hear Penny and Baz arguing through the door.

''How is it possible you only just learned to make a decent cup of tea you're British!''

"I've away just used Magic, or the maid would make it.''

"But Baz you're British, it's blasphemous!”

“I didn't think to do it myself until Simon started doing it, now I find it relaxing.”

“I heard my name all good things I hope,” I said walking in through the door.

Suddenly Baz lunged at my neck startling me,

“Baz, bloody hell you almost made me piss my trousers.”

He plants a kiss on one of the moles on my neck, (sometimes I think the only reason he loves me is because of my moles).

“I told you I’d make you pay for that, Bae,” he said with a smirk.

“Sorry my love, my heart, my soul, my other half.” I teased him.

“I live here too remember, a greeting would be nice."

“Hi, Penny!” I say hugging her extra tightly.

“Never mind, I give, go snog Baz,” said Penny trying to wiggle free.

“I can be bribed with Sour Cherry Scones.”

“Simon I already promised I’d help you make them, now let go."

I let her go and poured myself a cup of nice warm tea.

“Let me get warm first, I may have gotten a bit lost and now I can't feel anything.”

Baz

I sit at one of the barstools and watch Penny and Simon meticulously measure each ingredient. I like the excuse to look at Simon without him being self-conscious, he’s so relaxed and shiny from how much he beams with happiness. “Pics or it didn’t happen,” I say under my breath.

“What was that?” Simon asks.

“You’ve got flour on your nose,” I tease him

As he goes to wipe his nose he leaves even more flour on it. Penny raises her eyebrows, amused, but says nothing.

“Perfect,” I tell him and in that moment he is.

Author’s Note: Gift for @helplesshobo for the @coexchange

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A Lunch Dinner Date Gone Wrong

I was starving, we had said we were meeting at 6pm but he had run into traffic and wasn’t due to arrive until 7:05pm. At least it was a nice night out, I looked up to the full moon as the sweet night air blew around me. I really liked this guy, and I was really hoping he’d ask me to go with him tonight. Well if he ever actually made to our date. I looked down at my watch and it lit up, 7:03pm. I made myself promise not to be angry at him, I really needed this night to go well. We had been on a couple of dates and he was actually punctual, early even, besides no one can control the traffic (especially in this city).

I saw a car that looked like his but I didn’t want to assume it was his (there had been too many instances of me getting into the wrong car, or waving at strangers, not the time to think about that though). My throat felt like it was on fire I was so thirsty, I should have had a bit to drink before I ubered here, thankfully Logan stepped out of the car. When I first saw Logan I remember thinking he had some sort of a draw, he was pale (not that I can judge) but his jet black hair made him look extra pale.

“I’m so sorry I’m late you wouldn’t believe how many accidents there were on my way here.”

He pulled me in for a kiss hello but I turned my head and kissed him on the lips instead. I felt an eruption of hunger for him, but I held back, that would have to wait until later tonight, but god he smelled so yummy. The server invited us in and seated us in a nice quiet corner. I looked over the menu and decided to get a caprese salad, but passed on the garlic butter bread slices. We conversed and flirted, enjoying the nice atmosphere. I teased him sliding my foot along his leg slowly, biting my lip.

“So any plans night?” He said with his eyebrows raised.

“I don’t know you tell me,” I said with a sultry smile.

“Hmmm I think you told me you love to roller skate”

“Well yes but I was really hoping for a nice night in”

“I think that can be arranged” he whispered gruffly.

We left a nice tip and walked out to his car holding hands. I was excited I had been waiting for this all day. We listened to Hozier as we made our way to his place, thankfully there was no traffic since it was so late. We arrived at his house and I couldn’t help but to be impressed by it. We made our way in and as soon as the door closed, I lunged for his neck, only to find that there was no blood. I pulled back confused.

“Oh I thought you knew and that’s why you had invited me out when we met...”

“Wait you knew I was a vampire?!” I was appalled and embarrassed.

“Yes, oh god do you actually not like me? Did you just date me for my blood?”, his face darkening.

“I do like you! I wasn’t even planning on draining you, that’s how much I liked you!”

This was so embarrassing I can’t believe I didn’t see it before, it made sense now. I felt so awkward I could die (again). He studied my face trying to see if I was telling the truth. I definitely liked him and now that I knew he was a vampire, I could see myself actually dating him properly (its hard to date humans they’re so fragile and their life spans are so short). He seemed to come to the conclusion that I was telling the truth.

“So I’m assuming that you are thirsty considering well...” he twirled his hand pointing at his neck, “Thanks to my career, I have a stash of blood I get from a doctor friends of mine if you need it.”

“That would be great thank you,” I said keeping my eyes down, god strike me down right now.

“Hey, we’ve all been there before,” he lifted my chin eyes twinkling with amusement.

“Yes I’m sure everyone has mistaken a vampire for a human and taken a bite out of them, and then confessed feelings because in spite of everything they actually like them,” I couldn’t stop myself from rambling, and then he kissed me. I was surprised but I wrapped my arms around him as he picked me up and took me upstairs to his bedroom.

I took a sip from my cup, feeling satisfied in more ways than one. I could get used to this life, not having to hunt and especially living with my sweet, handsome, vampire boyfriend.

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An Unexpected Union

Peter cut the potatos into fourths and threw them into the rice cooker.

“Sweetie you have to tell me what you are making!”

Peter gave his boyfriend a sly smile.

“This is supposed to be a surprise, you’ll know what it is when I’m done!”

Matt stuck out his bottom lip, “I’m hungry and bored though!”

“Fine if you are bored go pick up some hydrangeas for the table!”

Peter watched him go into the garden from the sunroom kitchen windows. He loved those windows, its what had convinced him to buy the house in the first place. On days were it was raining it felt so cozy to bake something warm and brew a cup of tea. However sunny days were his favorite, he felt like he was cooking in the middle of the garden, watching birds and critters wandering through the garden.

As he wandered toward the window he smelled mint and decided some rose mint tea would make a nice apértif. He walked out into the garden and picked some mint and rose petals, he chuckled to himself as he saw Matt struggle to decided what flowers looked good enough to put on the table, but not so good that it would be a shame to take them away from the garden.

Peter watching this scene unfold, he decided that the windows were not the best part of living in this house, but that he had the privilege of living there with Matt. Peter had achieved his life long dream of domestic bliss, to and outsider his life would seem boring and common, but they didn’t know how hard it had been to get to where they were.

Peter and Matt had hated each other at first, they had met because their brothers knew each other. Peter thought Matt was too childish and whiny especially when he didn’t get his way. Matt thought Peter was too pretentious about food and had a cold, dry demeanor. Slowly the teasing turned into interest until one day Peter had asked Matt out, which surprised them both. When they announced their engagement everyone was surprised, well those who weren’t close to them were.

Matt made his way in and handed the flowers to Peter but held on playing a bit of tug-of-war before pulling Peter into a soft kiss.

“I’m hungry I’m going to make myself a sandwich,” Matt teased.

“You wouldn’t dare!”

Matt smiled and sat back down on the barstool.

“I think it takes you so long to cook because you can’t read your scribbles,” said Matt as he watched Peter squint at the recipe.

“I like think of it as my personal alphabet, plus it keeps my secret recipes secret.”

“What is does is make dinner take forever!”

The kettle whistled almost if on cue, Peter poured the water into the clear teapot over the mint and rose petals.

“Here I made a small apéritif, since I know you’re so impatient,” said Peter teasingly

“Babe, you know me so well, its not my fault it smells amazing,” said Matt as he took a sip of tea.

Peter smiled whisking the eggs in the bowl until they fluffed up, he took a ladle filled with mashed potatos and dipped it into the egg. The oil sizzled ast he dropped the mixture in. After a few minutes everything was done, he plated the gâteau aux pommels de terre, adding a dollop of salsa on top of each torte.

“These are so yummy! The fried egg is so crispy and goes amazing with the mashed potatos, and the salsa give it a nice kick!”

Peter couldn’t imagine spending his Saturday any other way.

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Chasing the Enemy

Cassandra was tired, it had been 3 years, 3 fucking horrible never ending years. That man had killed her love, she had trusted him and because if that she had lost everything. She had escaped her life as an assassin, her destiny had been to die. Then one fateful night she had met him and everything changed. Her life had been a big empty, cold, cathedral and Jamie had been the sun, filtering through the rose windows. Suddenly her life was warm and full of color, a life worth living.

A singing bystander pulled her from her thoughts, suddenly she was aware of the clicking of heels that had been following her for a bit too long, she ducked into a French bakery and queued up. She saw the woman continue on her way, Cassandra decided it was her past demons making her paranoid. She ordered an ash colored macarón and continued walking, while munching on the tiny pastry.

She was headed for his apartment, a bit of confidence and a sweet smile is all it took for the doorman to let her in. As she made her way to the elevator she noticed the lobby was very tastefully decorated, except for a parakeet yellow couch, which she found tacky.

Three years had of searching and planning had come down to this, the elevator dinged and she stepped out. The hallway seemed to stretch out forever, then suddenly she arrived. Apartment 413, she gave the door the short loud knocks, she heard footsteps approach the door. The deadbolt clicked and as soon as she saw the door open a crack she shoved her way in. The man stared at her shocked.

“Cassandra?”

“You should really check if someone is actually dead after you shoot them, Jamie.”

With that she shot him in one leg then the other and let the door close behind her.

“I loved you Jamie, I gave up everything for you, and we were happy together! Who knew you could be bought so easily?”

“I’m so sorry Cassandra, I’ve regretted it every single day!”

Cassandra collapsed and hugged her knees and sobbed, her heart like a hammer in her chest. She sat for what seemed like an eternity. She had no reason to live now, she couldn’t even kill Jamie, he was passed out from the pain, but not dead. She got up walked to the fridge and pour herself a glass of red wine. She took a swig and walked towards his bedroom, she simply didn’t care anymore. She crawled into his bed and decided to let fate takeover.

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Drama In and Out of the Lab

She had been working on solving this issue all morning. It wasn’t of international importance or even national importance but to her it felt like life and death. This was the first time she had to deal with a problem like this, she was a world renowned microbiologist for goodness sake, it shouldn’t be this hard to come up with a solution!

Everything had started with a small favor, Grey had just moved to the city, and his housing plans had fallen through. She had wanted to take a few extra trips this year so it made perfect sense to offer him one of the guest rooms in her house. Grey had accepted almost immediately, unlike hers, his career was just starting to take off. Her house was much nicer than any accommodations he could find in his price range. She hadn’t planned on having to persuade him, but she was still surprised he accepted so easily.

She could pinpoint the day it happened, Grey had been on the telephone with his father, catching him up on his move and just the matters of the day. Seeing the softer side of him, made her heart flip inside her chest. Grey was usually so stern and professional at work. As time passed it was harder to keep her feelings hidden, she felt she was standing over a deep trench and was in danger of falling in at any moment. Between sharing microscope at the lab, and sharing meals at home they had grown closer.

Now almost a year and a half had passed since they had started living together. She took a breathe and decided she needed to go to the rooftop garden to clear her mind. Heights usually calmed her down, something about seeing the world from a higher perspective helped all her problems seem small. As she took in the city she felt an arm pull her behind an ivy covered lattice.

“I’m sorry you hurt your ankle on my shoe this morning I promise to put them away from now on.” Grey whispered into her ear as he hugged her from behind.

“I shouldn’t have yelled at you, my temper got the better of me.” she responded softly.

She couldn’t believe she had fretted over this all morning. This had been their first big fight and she hadn’t known how make up. Was the solution really this simple?

Grey made sure there were no bystanders around and kissed her softly. She knew she was forgiven, she wrapped her fingers in his hair to let him know he was forgiven too. She felt the guilt slide away now replaced with something sweeter.

[light-on-the-riverbed]

A Family Mystery Uncovered

This Sunday had been full of dust and decluttering. Elisa’s abuelita was moving from her family’s hacienda for a bit while long overdue renovations took place. Elisa and her sister had been tasked going through almost 150 years of items in order to prepare the house for the construction crew. In order to pass the time they had the tv on with a marathon of their favorite telenovela Teresa.

“Elisa! Mira lo que encontré!”

“What did you find Lulu?”

Lulu held up a notebook.

“Its bisabuela’s notebook!”

It was not a secret that a bit of magic ran in the Villareal’s blood, Abuela saw ghosts, Lulu had feelings about events, not quite premonitions, but in dreams the events became clearer. Elisa’s gift was a bit more subtle, her teas always did their job whether it was getting you to sleep or getting ride of a sore throat, same for her dishes, her caldo got rid of the worst maladies and her arroz con leche left you feeling happy for the rest of the day.

Elisa’s curiosity got the best of her, she stopped cleaning and put her hand out demanding the notebook.

“Déjame ver, you’re not being careful Lulu”

“I’ll let you see if you swap rooms with me, hermanita preciosa”

Lulu had a mischievous smile she knew Elisa was almost done.

“Ah si como no, how about I help you and promise to make horchata. When we take a break it’ll go perfect with the island breeze.”

“Fine!” Pouted Lulu handing over the notebook.

Elisa flipped through reading the steps for limpias, what plants bring the best luck and even what times were the best to pick what herbs (Elisa made special note of that). Then she saw bold phrase,

“Tlachia ipan in tepantli amatl serían in tonatiu”

“Ey Lulu ven.”

“Que quieres?”

“Just come! You know Nahuatl right?”

“A bit, the grammar is a bit off but it says look behind the wallpaper near the sun.” Said Lulu handing back the notebook. After finding the spot they spent hours pouring over the books and notebooks they found.

“It seems our gifts come from the Goddess Ichpochtli, Lulu recuérdame ponerle un altar, to give her thanks.”

[light-on-the-riverbed]

A Strange Request at a Piano Bar

Ivy was having one of her rare nights out around town. She didn’t normally enjoy piano bars, she found them a bit cheesy and repetitive, no matter where you went they always played the same 5 songs. She twirled side to side on her barstool as she absentmindedly drank from her apple martini. She caught herself humming to Should I Stay or Should I Go when she felt someone sit down on the stool next to her. She hoped this wasn’t someone’s awkward attempt at flirting she put on a mask of nonchalance and kept humming. A small whisper of “fuck ow” piqued her curiousity as she looked over she was met with a sharp set of eyes the color of sasafras.

He smiled and said, “Sorry about that, but I think I sprained my ankle, sidewalks can be a bit tricky. Didn’t mean to startle you though”

Ivy realized her face still had a look of surprise from finding out that the curly haired stranger was actually quite handsome. She quickly collected herself and a gave him a teasing yet flirty smile,

“You didn’t startle me, I was just surprised to hear a curse and not a pick up line.”

He gave her a juvenile smile, “Sorry but I have more pressing matters at hand, my buddies and I were headed home home for the night.”

“A bit early for that isn’t it?”

“Well while I like going out I could do without the carnival this area turns into after 10pm. But that’s beside the point, I need to figure out how to get myself home”

Ivy looked down at the guy’s ankle and it was indeed very swollen and it was the color of copper in oxidation.

“I don’t want to cause controversy but would you...ummm...well...mind taking me home?”

Ivy looked at his puppy dog face and couldn’t help herself.

“That depends...”

“On what?” He asked.

“On if you take me out for coffee sometime.”

“Its a deal,” he said with a wink.