#Custom Gift Boxes With Logo

[trudylalcantar-blog]

Talk to our experienced designers to help you decide on sizes, colors, and materials for Custom Gift Boxes. Our aim is to provide affordable gift boxes to satisfy your needs without breaking the bank. Request your free quote with one of the largest manufacturers of wholesale gift boxes and stand out from your competitors.

[thehousewarmingproject]

A Guide To Gift Boxes For Women

A gift basket is a collection of gifts that comes in one unit. It usually contains food, beverages, and other items that the receiver can enjoy. The baskets themselves are usually beautifully decorated to display its contents, but they are also utilized for the reason that it helps all kinds of the gifts together nicely. When it comes to getting the gift boxes for women, handmade cosmetics always top the list.

Women like taking care of the way they look, and since every person is keeping away from processed products and artificial chemicals as much as possible, the demand for homemade beauty products has not at all been higher.

If you are familiar with this, then figuring out what is supposed to give the women in your life should be pretty simple, even though the trickiest part will probably be making the actual homemade cosmetics. A typical self care box for women that is themed around homemade cosmetics usually contains bath salts or bubble baths, essential oils, body scrubs, soaps, lotions, face masks, and lip balms.

You can base the gift basket around any of these products; the only thing that you need to keep in mind is that if they contain foods that are known to be common allergens, check to find out whether the woman you plan on giving it to is allergic or not.

Even though the majority of companies sell pre-made gift baskets for women with homemade cosmetics in them, you could even opt to make one on your own by getting a pre-made package (they usually come in bags or cardboard boxes), taking the products out, putting them in a wicker basket, adding one or two other homemade beauty products, and you are done!

Unique Gift Boxes - Personalized Boxes

Nothing will make a person happier than a gift basket that is filled with so many personalized things that it would be impossible to say that the gift basket was for someone else. For instance, you can fill in the basket with photos of you two, or even objects that were personalized with your photos printed on them.

One more wonderful idea for custom gift boxes with logo is to fill them with things that have some of your favorite sayings in them. If you have not at all been together for a long time and you know what they live to say, then we guarantee that they will laugh their hearts out when they find one of your favorite jokes printed on a card inside the gift basket.

This is for the reason that it shows how much thought was put into making the gift basket as personalized as possible, and how much effort you are willing to go through just so that the person feels loved and appreciated even more than usual.

The ultimate personalized gift baskets are the ones that have those little special gestures in them that show just how much thought and effort you put into the process. If you are in search of some of the best housewarming gift boxes, do not miss to check out The Housewarming Project!

[jspackaging]

In the mysterious and affluent land of the Middle East, the hijab is a beautiful product. Now, the lid and base gift box meticulously crafted by us is specially designed for export to the Middle East market.

The gift box is luxurious style. From the high end materials to the exquisite carving of craftsmanship, every detail exudes an incomparable charm of quality. The sturdy heaven and earth cover design not only gives the hijab the most stable protection but is also a symbol of nobility. The moment the gift box is opened is like opening a door to a luxurious world, immersing people in the ultimate visual and tactile enjoyment.

Choose our customized heaven and earth gift box and let your hijab bloom with even more gorgeous brilliance in the Middle East. Let's start this customization journey where luxury and connotation coexist!

[allstickerprinting]

How Corporate Gift Boxes Can Help Boost Your Brand's Prestige in 2024

Giving away presents has been a tradition since humans built and lived in cities. While it seems that the recipient is the only person enjoying this practice, an article by the American Psychological Association shows that the giver feels happy about it as well. But there are other benefits to giving these gifts as well. Especially if you are giving presents to employees or members of your staff. You can promote your brand with minimal effort and raise morale in the office as well.

But how does this work exactly? How does your brand prestige increase by giving out little gifts and tokens to your staff and employees? That's going to be the topic of our blog today. We'll be sending some light on this and how you can use things like stickers for the custom gift box experience. You'll be able to learn a lot from the tips and tricks that we are going to provide to you, so be sure to take a look.

So, here's how those company gift boxes can help promote your brand and make it even better this 2024. Let's get started.

Strengthening Relationships

Kadoo NYC's corporate gift boxes using custom stickers

Whether you are giving out presents to your employees or even your most loyal customers, this gesture is a fantastic way for you to strengthen your relationship with them. You can express your thoughtfulness through not only the contents of the gift but also what you decorated it with. Recipients will be happy at the effort you've put into carefully designing the box according to what they like and happen to be interested in.

You can include a sticker either inside the present or place it simply on the box as a decoration. Whichever side you choose, you can create something special for the recoupment. Depending on what the occasion is, it may be wise to make use of holiday stickers to capture the spirit of the season. All the effort will be worth it once you have created more robust bonds with your employees and clients.

A Memorable Brand Experience

Thanks to the unique method you are using, employees and customers will more likely remember the event. You should be able to make a lasting impression on people who'll be receiving the gifts from you. The joy they get from your gifts ensures that your brand not only stays memorable in their minds but also brings out feelings of positivity and happiness. Try to match their likes with your packaging to make it truly unforgettable.

Along with a memorable moment, the person you're giving the present to also remembers your brand. So it's hitting two birds with one stone. If you'd like to make things even more unforgettable, you can use creative stickers. These have special features and properties that catch the attention of anyone who sees it. Try it out and see how it fits into your image of an ideal present.

Increase Your Social Media Presence

With social media being deeply rooted in our everyday lives, it is imperative that you have a social media presence for your company and brand. Customers will be able to communicate with you more quickly and share their reactions with others as well. A positive post on social media can do a lot for your business. Many customers and employees will look online to see if a company has a positive reputation.

With better concepts and design ideas, you'll be able to generate a lot of steam on your social media pages. Be on the lookout for any positive words and provide appropriate responses. People will want to hear from you and acknowledge the efforts they've made to contact you. Doing all of this can also help you build a strong connection with your patrons and employees as well.

Final Thoughts

And that's how company gift boxes can help your brand increase its overall prestige. With better brand recognition, you'll be able to attract more people and grow your business even further. Through your efforts, not only will you be able to build a strong connection with your employees, but you'll generate valuable hype around your branding as well.

[customisableboxes]

5 Benefits of Using Kraft Boxes For Packaging

Do you know that people are now more aware of the fact that climate change has impacted the world? They are now looking for eco-friendly packaging options. You, being a business owner, can make informed decisions by choosing kraft packaging over plastic packaging. There are several brands using kraft boxes for packaging and prefer to use it as a nature-friendly packaging method. You can even design custom Kraft boxes with window packaging for your brand to make a significant impact on customers. They are highly biodegradable and not even toxic, eco-friendly and don't cause environmental pollution. Even many renowned brands are using such custom size boxes for their product and the reason behind their use of Kraft packaging boxes is its environment-friendly features. Here are five compelling reasons why using Kraft boxes for packaging is an excellent choice:

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable: 

You know one of the core features of eco-friendly kraft boxes is, they are sustainable. You can recycle them, reuse them for more than one time. It's not about single-use culture and helping customers to stop showing strong reliance towards plastic use. These boxes are made from a type of paper derived from wood pulp. Its manufacturing involves  few chemicals, reduces carbon footprints, reduces pollution, saves energy and preserves natural resources.. This results in a lower carbon footprint, making packaging boxes an excellent choice for businesses committed to sustainability. 

If you are willing to show commitment towards eco-friendly packaging, would be your plus. As consumers are now more conscious about packaging and they love when they see eco-friendly packaging , it is better to use  kraft boxes that can leave an impression on your customers. 

Sturdy and Protective: 

This is not true who says that kraft boxes are not protective. You are not familiar with the reality that Custom size Kraft boxes are known for their durability and strength. They can withstand rough handling and even protect from damage during transportation. Whether you are packaging fragile items or heavy products these boxes work as magic. This not only saves money on returns but also ensures customer satisfaction. So make sure that you are these boxes that help save your delicate item and make the customer unboxing experience exceptional. 

Customization and Branding:

Eco-friendly kraft boxes are highly versatile like you can design them in any shape, size or style according to your product needs. If you want to grab your customer attention all you have to do is to make boxes extra unique and elegant that help grab the customer attention easily. You can add your brand logo, tagline or any other design elements on the boxes. It can provide unique and visually appealing packaging solutions which can leave a lasting impression on your customers. Customisation options are endless that allow even other businesses to create a memorable unboxing experience for their customers.

Cost-Effective: 

Kraft boxes not doubt are undoubtedly highly eco-friendly and aesthetically pleasing, but they are also very cost-effective. If you want to make an impression on your customer and impact on the environment you can go with this. These boxes will not harm your budget and are better than some other packaging options like plastic or metal containers. This affordability allows businesses to save on packaging costs while still maintaining a high-quality and attractive presentation for their products

Biodegradable and Recyclable: 

Kraft boxes are highly biodegradable and don't cause harm to the environment, which aligns with the growing awareness and demand for eco-friendly products. These Custom size kraft boxes are highly effective for your business and can easily be reused or recycled waste. Using kraft boxes showcase a company’s commitment towards sustainability and willingness to pay close attention to green packaging that could be your brand's huge selling point. 

[yiwuyimei]

[six-eyed-samurai]

MODERN DAY LOVER BOY

SUMMARY: April Fools Day Special with the JJK Men in Alternate universes! A/N: Happy April Fools everyone WARNINGS: None

Tattoo artist! Geto Suguru who casually tells you he'll give you a free temporary tattoo for "today's promotion for pretty girls", but when you get home and peel off the bandage he's written his number there

Tattoo artist! Geto Suguru who, once you've made it official, makes you both matching couple tattoos - not necessarily a heart and your initials, but rather the logo of the cafe you guys had your first date at stylized to become the both of you

Tattoo artist! Geto Suguru whose customers ask him who the woman in his latest art selections are and it's you (he's not afraid to flex about it)

Tattoo artist! Geto Suguru who rarely had off days because that parlour was his life, but you breathed a new meaning to it and now he closes the store with the money he carefully stored over the months for a quick vacation with you

Tattoo artist! Geto Suguru who just has to look at all the photos or selfies or whatever it was that had caught your eye you constantly bombard his phone with to get inspiration for his next art. He's been called a king at what he does but you were a goddess of art itself.

***

Guitarist! Gojo Satoru who spots you in the crowd as he drums, a surprised look in your eyes and upon your once irritated face at how your best friend had dragged you here as he stuns you with his skills

Guitarist! Gojo Satoru who secretly hopes you would show up after the show for an autograph, who's over the moon when he discovers the person you're with has backstage passes, if only to meet his bandmate Geto

Guitarist! Gojo Satoru who adds in smaller writing his number to the poster you ask him to sign, and in fact gives you an autographed Polaroid of himself for free and with a sly smile while the rest of his fan girls groaned in jealousy

Guitarist! Gojo Satoru whose first date with you is to a karaoke and teaches you drums, showering you with whatever you want with his money - that premium gelato? Sure! VIP room? Why not! Nothing but the best for the true idol in his eyes.

Guitarist! Gojo Satoru who from then on always dedicates his songs to a "my pretty muse" that no one knows, except he always engages in eye contact with you

***

Piercer! Yuta Okkutsu who smoothly, kindly comforts you when you start having doubts about your piercings, assuring you it would only hurt for a moment and he'd never dare to cause suffering to such an angel

Piercer! Yuta Okkutsu who claims it's a free gift but hands you a box of heart shaped earrings with his number scribbled inside and a nervous ask out to coffee sometime

Piercer! Yuta Okkutsu who's now the reason you somehow ended up with two more piercings at the top of your ears, him hopefully suggesting you could match with him

Piercer! Yuta Okkutsu who can't stop blabbering about his beautiful girl to his other customers, leaving them forgetting about the uncomfortable stings and wondering who such a beauty would be

Piercer! Yuta Okkutsu who gifts you the engagement present in the form of custom designed earrings with both your initials in it, be decked wth your favourite colored gem

***

Graffiti artist! Inumaki Toge who, in his pining stage for you, started spaying a hell lot of red and hearts and Cupid's arrows into his artwork

Graffiti artist! Inumaki Toge who had no idea you were a fan of his work...and was extremely flustered to find out you discovered his not so secret crush on you when you saw the love song quotes spray painted under a painting of someone who looked suspiciously too similar to you

Graffiti artist! Inumaki Toge who helps you sneak out of your bedroom at night after throwing pebbles at your window and both of you run off on skateboards to colour the streets the same bright shades of your teenage love

Graffiti artist! Inumaki Toge who wasn't good at apologising after fights or misunderstandings, so he borrowed others' words to quote and paint somewhere he knew you'd see, with a bouquet of wildflowers left there if you did happen to actually see it in the flesh

Graffiti artist! Inumaki Toge whose biggest artwork was not the bridge he had covered with slogans last month but in fact, the gigantic canvas of you and him racing into the night with streaks of spray paint exploding behind you

***

Ghost Hunter! Yuuji Itadori, the self acclaimed "Myth Buster", who went around to various most haunted places in his hometown to explore and prove that in fact, ghosts DO NOT EXIST, which he kept trying to convince you, his skeptical one-man camera crew, of, although your ongoing bet was that if he could you'd give him a kiss

Ghost Hunter! Yuuji Itadori who was often requested to do rituals or demon summons to provide evidence for his theories that "ghosts" were just people's imaginations being sparked up by even the most mundane of things by fear, but one of the reasons he really refused was because he didn't want anyone else butting on you and his time - besides, ain't no way was he using you as a sacrifice

Ghost Hunter! Yuuji Itadori who finally works up the courage to confess that he wanted to take this friendship to higher levels ironically on Halloween...even more ironically after he grabbed your hand and dragged you out of the haunted house screaming.

Ghost Hunter! Yuuji Itadori who declared himself your lucky charm against the supernatural and promises that he'll protect you from whatever came from beyond the grave (he didn't believe it ghosts but sure did in protecting you) and used the excuse to stay over at your house at night

Ghost Hunter! Yuuji Itadori who tells you in the spookiest way possible to meet him at the latest haunted expedition, but when you get there it's all set up with fairy lights, a movie and a picnic to celebrate your one year anniversary as a couple

[koiiiji]

wedding hc series

Sangho would like to see something simple and elegant on you, something not… too much, because don’t worry, your ring, necklace, bracelet, and heels would shine bright enough to scream how expensive it is. Sangho is man of few words when it comes to feelings, he rather show his love for you with engagement ring - when he proposed (not like you cared and paid attention) you noticed that there are no brand logo on the small box, later you will learn that this ring was custom made - Sangho went directly to the jeweler and chose stone himself. honestly it was huge act of love and care, he spent a lot of time out from his work just on visiting jewelers and having a look on millions of diamonds, just to came up with the one he gifted to you.

so fairly enough he left all wedding preparations to you, just letting you know his wishes for cake, some design thoughts and number of people who he wants to see in guest list from his side (Hwangyeon was in question and Aria cried on your wedding bc finally some sane person entered their family)

got idea from tiktok but i never liked their ideas and vibe so i came up with something by myself✨💗

and im too lazy and don’t have enough inspiration to write full fic🥹

let me know what character is next (lookism included!!)

[britt-kageryuu]

Donnie is mid stream one day playing a cozy game, because he wanted to have a more chill stream. Large mug of coffee he grew and brewed himself.

Shelldon: Hey D, someone wants to know what you're drinking!

Donnie: Well, it's just some coffee that I got, custom blended, from a small business. They also had some nice tea, or at least that's what my brother says.

Shelldon: They want to know where you got it from.

Donnie: (secretly self promote my side coffee/tea business, or...) well they haven't fully set up yet, they don't have enough stock to sell yet. They gave us some stuff for helping them move in.

Shelldon: Do they have a name at least?

Donnie: Shelldon, are people in chat actually interested in my coffee, or is someone bribing you to turn this into a not sponsored advertisement?

Shelldon: ... it's called The Caffeinated Turtle, D is drinking the 'Supernova Electron' blend!

Donnie: Shelldon!

Shelldon: B offered me some new graphics!!

Donnie: Shelldon, I'm the only one who can upgrade your system, and I just said there isn't enough stock to sell anything yet!! There isn't even a site or store to order from!!

Shelldon: Well M said they wanted to convert a train car into a café.

Donnie: Don't make promises we can't keep!!

The chat is spamming emotes, and questioning what's going on. Donnie puts Shelldon in time out, and attempts to calm down and continue the game.

Then a little jingle plays, and a poster graphic rolls down with a logo for The Caffeinated Turtle Coffee and Tea.

Donnie: Whoever is doing this, I will password lock all your devices for 2 months!!

Chat is still confused especially since emotes of the logo just unlocked.

Donnie screams, puts the stream in 'Break Mode' to track down who's messing with his stream.

The chat wonders if this is real, or the most elaborate sponsored marketing stunt ever.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Masterpost

Donnie has also on many occasions tried to not fully connect the stream to his Genius Built company, but has plans to 'get sponsored' by his company, but can't find a good excuse just yet.

The other brothers were 'gifted' an AI for their streams, if only to monitor them, and make sure they don't say too much. She/They're named River, they're based on a softshell, coloured teal, she looks similar to Shelldon, but doesn't 'float' she swims in the air or walks along the bottom of the screen, she tends to smack the chat box with a fan to symbolize someone getting banned.(yes this is my oc I wanted a way to integrate her in)

[elizabethwritesmen]

but now i'm your daisy

╔══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╗

Part 1 I once was poison ivy

Older!Firefighter!Steve x reader

Synopsis: After a lifetime of running from your feelings, it's hard to face the ones you have for Steve. Fortunately, he doesn't give you much choice, and they're stronger than anything you've ever felt, anyway.

Warnings: SMUT 18+, unprotected, a little bdsm if you squint (consensual bondage and choking but nothing extreme), angst, talk of manipulating men and talk of drunk driving, very long chapter but the end is worth it (;

╚══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╝

My name is whatever you decide And I’m just gonna call you mine I’m insane but I’m your baby

The bath helped ease my aches more than I thought it would, but I still felt horrible when I got out. I groaned at the thought of how long it would take for the pain to go away. Knowing Steve was coming over, though, was a good distraction. He told me he’d be there around 7 so I took a long nap and woke up at 6, rushing to get ready.

Considering the only state he’d seen me in was freshly wrecked and a mess, I wanted to look good. Of course, I wouldn’t mind him seeing me freshly wrecked and a mess again. But for a much better reason.

I curled my hair lightly and shook it out until i had beachy waves, then put on light makeup. I didn’t want to do a full face, I was running low on time and energy, so I just filled in my brows, dabbed some blush on my cheeks, put mascara on, and finished off with glossy strawberry chapstick. My body was shaking with the need to rest by the time I was done, so I didn’t bother looking for a nice outfit. I just pulled on a tank top and a comfy pair of shorts and went with it.

Not long after I finished, I heard his knock at my door. I opened it to reveal him standing there, jeans and a v neck where his work clothes once were. His hair was neatly combed back, one perfect strand falling into his face. He was even more handsome than I realized, all cleaned up and fresh. He even smelled good, the same cinnamon from before stronger now and filling the space around us.

“Hey,” he smiled, one hand in his pocket and the other holding a bag, presumably full of food.

“Hey,” I grinned back and sidestepped, “Come in.”

“Thanks,” he took my invitation, stepping past me. I lead him to my kitchen, gesturing for him to set the food down on the bar.

“I brought mexican food, I hope that’s okay. Just some tacos and queso. I wasn’t sure what you’d want, and everyone likes tacos, right?”

“Yes,” I giggled, “Everyone likes tacos.”

“Oh, and I remember you saying something about losing a cheesecake in the wreck, so I got you another one.” He pulled a box from his bag. Not just a small to go box, either. A full sized cheesecake with the logo from a local bakery on it. I’d been there before, I knew their stuff was pricy.

“Steve,” I sighed, “You didn’t have to do that.”

“I wanted to,” he shrugged, opening my fridge and slipping the box in.

He was just so nice. He wasn’t like the other men I dated. He didn’t bring me cold gifts and nice dresses or custom jewelry. He brought me a full sized expensive cheesecake because I was sad about losing mine. I felt warm, like my stomach had melted and turned to a puddle. It was honestly scary. I looked at him and felt more than I ever had with any other man. I’d dated guys for months on end before and they didn’t spark the reaction Steve gave me. It was intimidating. What was even more intimidating was knowing I wasn’t good enough for him. He deserved someone who hadn’t done the things I’d done. He deserved someone pure.

“I’ll go get your jacket,” I cut into my own thoughts and rushed out of the room, fearful that the dam would break and tears would spill over. My emotions with him were high. Maybe it was the way he took care of me. Nobody had ever done that before in my life. Sure, I’d never wanted for anything, but being financially taken care of and having someone take care of you are two different things.

I returned with the garment in hand a moment later and he slung it over the back of his bar chair, taking a seat.I pulled two plates from my cabinet and grabbed the one across from him while he laid all the food out between us.

“I got chicken and beef. I didn’t know which you’d want. There’s two of each.”

“I’ll take a chicken and a beef, and you can take a chicken and a beef,” I offered, and he nodded, splitting it onto the two plates. He set the queso in the middle and spilled some chips onto each plate.

“I know this probably isn’t as extravagant as the date you were on last night, but I hope you like it,” Steve smiled at me, seeming shy all of a sudden.

I furrowed my brows, chewing through the bite I’d taken of my taco and swallowing as quickly as I could. “I don’t need extravagant, Steve, this is perfect for me. In fact I think this is the sweetest thing any man has ever done for me.”

“But it’s not fancy, and I’m sorry. I’d like to do better one day, if you’ll let me.”

I sighed, giving him the most pitiful look I could manage, “I’ll let you, Steve. I’d love to go on another date with you. But I don’t want or need anything fancy. I’m more of a lowkey girl.”

“That’s not the idea I got from the dress you were wearing last night,” he pointed out. And he was right. It was custom made, tailored just for me, and it cost that man about $4000.

“I…” I started, unsure of how to proceed, “I didn’t buy that dress. The man I was out with bought it for me.”

“Oh,” confusion filled his face. He thought it over for a moment before concluding, “So you have a sugar daddy?”

I couldn’t help the snort that came through my nose. It was funny, really, to hear it put into those words.

“Not quite,” I explained, “There’s not really any… sugar involved. Just… I didn’t have a lot of advantages growing up, but I had so much ambition. I made the best grades I could but college is expensive and they only got me so far. Now I’m waitressing, but it still doesn’t cover everything, I mean I have a mortgage and a car note, insurance, tuition. Sometimes I go on dates with men who like to help me.”

“Why do they help you without any.. you know… sugar?”

“Because I make them feel good about themselves. And they don’t know there’ll never be anything physical, so they hope for it.”

His silence spoke volumes. I should’ve kept my mouth shut, but I didn’t want to lie to him, and it was the second time he’d pressed me about it. I don’t know why people say the truth sets you free. The truth felt like a horrible ball of pitch black nothingness, sucking the energy out of the room.

“You can go if you want, I understand,” I whispered, too afraid to speak up.

“No,” he rushed out, “It’s not that, I just… I don’t know how to be right now. You understand that I can’t take you to those nice restaurants, or buy you elaborate gifts. I can’t do any of the things you’ve said.”

“I know,” I nodded frantically, “That’s not why I’m here with you right now. I… Steve, you’re different.”

“Different how?”

“Look, I know you probably don’t understand and you might be judging me but I haven’t always had a choice. When I was a teenager, older men were always trying. Trying so hard, it was creepy. I went so long without giving in, but one day I just didn’t have the money to get anything to eat and my parents wouldn’t help me. They said they’d already done too much for me, you know, raising me and all. I let one of the men take me to dinner, and then it happened again. And again, and again, until dinner turned into nice parties and fancy dresses and paid bills. I know I should be ashamed, and believe me, I am, but I can’t change any of it and it’s gotten me to where I am now.”

“Sweetheart,” Steve hummed, that soothing tone back in his voice, “You don’t have to be ashamed of what you’ve done to survive.”

Tears were flowing down my cheeks. He brushed them away with his thumbs, keeping my face in his rough hands.

“I’ve never wanted more, Steve. Never. I’ve never looked at a man and felt anything but indifference. But like I said, you’re different, and I just… I’m scared.”

“It’s always scary the first time you give up your power. I felt the same way the first time I ran into a burning building. But I haven’t regretted it, and I hope you don’t regret meeting me.”

“I don’t. I really don’t.”

“Then don’t worry about anything else.”

We finished eating and he helped me clean up. Or rather cleaned up everything for me.

“You didn’t have to wash all of my dishes,” I huffed.

“It hasn’t even been 24 hours since that truck hit you. You’re not lifting a finger, I’m here to take care of you.”

My eyes hit the floor at his words, not able to look into his anymore. He kept saying that, and it wasn’t just talk. He was making sure to do it, and to do it well.

“You keep saying that,” I breathed out, a small giggle following.

“Because I mean it.”

“I know.”

He stared at me for a moment, the look in his eyes heavy and intimidating, before putting the last dish away.

“Let me take you to dinner Friday night.”

My eyes widened at his sudden words, and I couldn’t fight the frantic nod that followed. “Please.”

“I know you’re probably sick of dressing up, so we can go somewhere more casual if you want.”

“I’ve never dressed up for you.”

His eyes darkened and he stepped closer to me, brushing my hair behind my ears.

“You wanna dress up for me, huh?”

“Yes,” I whispered, leaning into his touch, “Wanna look pretty for you, Steve.”

“You look pretty without trying. But I’d love for you to look pretty for me.”

“Steve,” I whined, “Please. I’ll wear whatever you want me to wear, just kiss me.”

He obliged with a groan, cradling my head in his hand carefully and letting the other one fall to the small of my back. I arched into him, pressing my mouth into his, wanting more and wanting to be closer.

It ended entirely too soon, and I stood dumbstruck, dazed and kiss-drunk.

“I’ve got work early,” he whispered, “I should probably go. But I’ll pick you up Friday at 7.”

I nodded, walking him to his truck. He pressed me up against the door and kissed me one more time before climbing in.

“See you Friday,” he winked.

“Can’t wait,” I smiled, breathless. My heart was racing, my mind full of him.

“I’m not leaving til you get inside safe,” he told me, and I nodded, springing into action.

Echoes of your name inside my mind Halo hiding my obsession I once was poison ivy but now I’m your daisy

Good morning pretty girl. Just got to work.

The message was sweet and simple, and it put a smile on my face as soon as I woke up.

I quickly responded,

morning stevie, be careful saving the world today

And from that moment on, we didn’t skip a beat. Never did more than a few minutes pass between messages.

I called the insurance company and they set up a rental car for me until they could finalize my claim and get me a new car. One of my coworkers, who happened to live close to me, offered to take me to pick up the rental, and I graciously accepted. When she picked me up, she had flowers and a “Get Well Soon” card signed by everyone at the restaurant. Along with a message from my boss, I had the next two weeks off to recuperate and more if I needed it. I was grateful to have such a nice work environment.

I didn’t tell Steve about the car. Instead, I decided I wanted to surprise him. I stopped at the store on my way home and got the ingredients for homemade baked macaroni and barbecue chicken. I whipped it up, a large helping of both because I imagined a bunch of firemen would be pretty hungry, and packed it all into passenger seat.

I put on light makeup again, and slipped on jean shorts and a low cut t shirt with a pair of matching sneakers. My hair was still wavy from the night before, so I didn’t bother with it.

I was relieved to see that both fire trucks were there when I pulled into the parking lot. My tummy was knotted up as I worked up the courage to step out of the car. The knots unraveled though, as I jumped, a knock on my window startling me.

I turned to see Eddie standing there, gesturing for me to roll it down.

As soon as I did, he commented, “Nice wheels, insurance kicked in?”

“Not quite,” I shrugged, “it’s a rental.”

“A nice one, too,” he observed the car, looking every corner over. “Came to surprise Steve, huh?”

“How do you know he didn’t know I was coming?”

“Because he’s been bugging me about you all day, saying he wishes he didn’t have to wait til Friday to see you.”

I blushed, “Yes, I’m here to surprise him. And I brought all of you some food.”

“You sure do know the way to a fireman’s heart. Here I thought Steve only liked you for your looks.”

“Will you help me carry the food inside?” I asked, rolling my eyes at him and fighting a laugh.

He ended up carrying all of it, and I followed behind him.

He lead me into a small dining room where two men sat, laying the macaroni and the chicken out on the table and searching for dishes and silverware.

“Billy, can you get the rest of the guys? Don’t tell them why, she’s here to surprise Steve and I want his live reaction,” Eddie instructed one of the two men, and he nodded, doing as asked.

Moments later, five more guys were filing in. Steve was the last of them, and he looked tired. I couldn’t help the twinge I felt in my heart. But then his eyes landed on me, and everything changed.

His eyes brightened and a smile overtook his face, “What’re you doing here?”

“Well I accidentally made all this food and didn’t know who else to give it to,” I shrugged jokingly, erupting a laugh from Eddie.

“Yeah right,” the long haired man smirked, “She came to smooch you up, Steve.”

“Eddie,” Steve warned, cheeks heating at the looks he was getting from the other firemen. He then turned back to me, “Wanna go somewhere and talk for a minute?”

I nodded, grabbing his outstretched hand and following him to the fire trucks. He sat on the back of one and I joined him.

“Extra food, huh?” he smirked. I nodded, “So you’re telling me you didn’t make all this on purpose so you could see me again?”

“Well,” I hummed, “Maybe I did. What about it?”

“It’s sweet,” he smiled, “Nobody has ever done something thoughtful like that for me.”

“Somebody should’ve a long time ago,” I mused, “You deserve thought. ‘ts why I think about you all the time.”

He blushed, letting out a chuckle, “Oh yeah? Guess it’s a good thing I found you.”

“You didn’t find me, I wrecked my car to get to you,” I laughed. Our banter felt special. It felt right.

“Sureeee, you probably begged that SUV to hit you. All so I’d have to take care of you.”

“Exactly,” we giggled for a minute and then settled into a comfortable silence.

Finally, he broke it with a sigh, placing his hand on my knee carefully, “I don’t want to wait until Friday to see you again. Let’s go to dinner tomorrow night instead.”

“Tomorrow night would be perfect!” I exclaimed, grinning wider than I ever had, heart beating so loudly I swore he could see it.

“Pick you up at 7,” he leaned in and kissed my cheek, “Now let’s get back to the guys before they have an excuse to make dirty jokes.”

And we did. His coworkers were all nice, and they all seemed to like me. I liked them too. They had plenty of sideways remarks and jokes about Steve and I. They told me he’d never brought a girl by or even told them about a girl before. He blushed so hard I just knew they were telling the truth. They also told me he hadn’t stopped talking about me.

By the time I left, I was on cloud 9, my heart fluttering in my chest. The only thing on my mind was Steve, Steve, Steve. I couldn’t think about anything else. He’d made an irreversible mark on my heart.

The next day, I raided my closet, desperately looking for something to wear. I tried nearly everything I owned on before settling on a cream satin mini dress. I had on the cutest pair of black underwear I owned and slipped a pair of fishnets on over them. I didn’t need a bra with that specific dress, the bosom was tight and pushed me up perfectly with no help. All that was left was shoes.

I wanted so badly to wear heels. But I was still sore and weak, and wasn’t sure how well I’d be able to walk in them. I shrugged it off, finding my favorite pair anyway, black closed toe louboutin stilettos.

I washed and curled my hair, and put on a full face of makeup, finishing it off with eyeliner and a red lip tint. I wanted him to be able to kiss me without worrying about getting it all over his face. I painted my nails black and finally I was done. I was pleased with what I saw in the mirror. I only hoped he felt the same way.

When he knocked on my door, it felt just like the first time. I took a deep breath, checking my teeth in the entryway mirror then letting him in.

The way he looked at me sent shivers down my spine. His eyes raked me over like a starving man with a meal, stopping on every curve, admiring every inch.

"I.." he stuttered out, seemingly lost for words, "I knew you were gonna look good, sweetheart, but I didn't know you'd look this good." He stared at me some more, then muttered a "Fuck," as if he couldn't help himself.

"You look good too, Stevie," I bit my lip, taking him in almost as hungrily as he did me. He was wearing a nice pair of jeans and a white button down with a sports coat over it. His nice boots matched.

He cleared his throat, easing some of the tension between us. "You ready?"

I nodded, grabbing my small purse from the table beside me and following him outside.

I let out a breath as I stumbled over my own two feet, almost falling flat but Steve caught me by the arm and set me upright.

“Sorry,” I huffed, “I wanted to wear these shoes so bad but I guess I’m still too sore to walk in them. I’ll go change.”

“Don’t,” He shook his head rampantly, his arm sliding around my waist and holding me up like he had before. “I’ll help you walk in them. You wore them for me, I don’t want you to have to change out of them.”

I smiled at him and let him lift me into the truck. He slid the heels off of my feet and set them gently on the floorboard beside me, promising he’d put them back on when we got to the restaurant and explaining that he just wants me to be comfy. I giggled, heart warmed by the gesture.

We chatted the entire car ride about nothing in particular. The conversation flowed so easily we could’ve gone on about the weather for an hour. Finally, we pulled into a small parking lot with a red brick building in the center. It looked unassuming, just a small sign above the door with its name. Other than that, nothing stuck out about it at all and it was pretty tiny compared to other restaurants.

“It does look like much but just wait,” he winked, coming around to my side and slipping my shoes back on as he said he would then pulling me out of the truck. I leaned on him the entire walk in and, to my surprise, he was right. The inside was not what I expected.

The place was small, but it was advantageously so. There were about ten tables altogether, all round black metal with ornate chairs pushed under them and red tablecloths. Everything was bathed in warm lighting and there was a small chandelier above each individual table, casting a glow on the fancy gold centerpieces. Water glasses were set out next to bread plates and silverware, and menus were neatly stacked at each seat. I’d been to enough restaurant to recognize a fancy one, and that’s what it was, but it was also quaint and homey. The kind of place you dress up to feel comfortable at.

“This place is perfect, Steve,” I commented, taking everything in as the hostess lead us to a two seater corner table. Next to it was a window with a view of an enclosed patio garden, warm fairy lights strung up highlighting an array of purple and red flowers. “Fantastic,” I whispered, to myself mostly but Steve smiled anyway.

“I made reservations for the best table here,” he chuckled bashfully, his hand rubbing the back of his neck.

“The best table here for me? Steve, this is too much, you didn’t have to go through all this trouble.”

“Just tell me you love it.”

“I do.”

“That’s all I wanted to hear. Now look at your menu, they’ve got a lot to choose from.”

I did as he asked, a shy smile crossing my face. I liked the more demanding side of him. Still gentlemanly but firm and unyielding. He wasn’t going to let me complain about being spoiled. He just wanted me to be happy.

“Hello,” the waiter smiled, his attention focused on me. “I’m Max, I’ll be taking care of you. What would you both like to drink?”

“I’ll just have diet coke, please,” I smiled softly as I ordered, and he kept his eyes on me for a moment before slowly turning to Steve.

“Same here.”

Max left us to look over our menus and Steve snorted.

“What?” I asked, eyebrows furrowing.

“The waiter has a little crush on you.”

I rolled my eyes, “You’re silly. No he doesn’t.”

“He just looked you up and down, and that wasn’t a friendly smile, it was an ‘I want to see you naked’ smile.”

“Well. Too bad for him, I’m not available,” I shrugged, sending him a wink.

“Not as long as I can help it,” he smiled back, turning back to his menu.

Max brought our drinks and took our order, and I started to think Steve was right. He was paying a lot of attention to me, and the looks he was giving me were more flirtatious than they should’ve been.

“Is there anything else I can get for you, ma’am?” he asked me, ignoring Steve completely.

“I’m okay,” I politely smiled, trying to ignore the way his eyes held me in place, my skin crawling due to his blatant ignorance of the man across from me. But when he simply smiled and walked away instead of asking Steve if he needed anything, just as he had asked me, I’d had enough. “Excuse me? Are you not gonna ask my date if you can get anything for him?”

“Oh,” Max’s eyes widened as he feigned shock, “I just thought since you were okay, he would be okay.”

“Well, this is a shocker so stay with me, but I’m actually not a mama bird spitting my food into his mouth. If he needs something he can tell you himself. So ask him.”

I turned to Steve and his expression sent me reeling. His eyes were dark, heavy on me, his lips parted just enough for me to catch a glimpse of his perfect teeth, the same ones I wanted to rake over me and mark me up.

“Sir,” Max cleared his throat, “Is there anything you need?”

“I’m good, thanks. I think I have what I need right here.”

The waiter looked thoroughly uncomfortable at this point, so he took his leave, and my eyes didn’t leave Steve’s for a second. The mood shifted, and I didn’t see how it could possibly go back to normal.

“You gonna do that every time a man flirts with you?” he asked me.

“Next time I’ll say you’re my husband. That should scare other men away,” I hummed, not really thinking through the words. I realized what I’d said right after it came out of my mouth, though, and briefly wondered if I’d screwed up. This was a second date, much too soon to joke about marriage. He would probably say something awkward, or take his leave. He would probably think I was some lunatic looking for a mail order man or something. Oh God, my brain ran wild.

“Good girl,” he cooed, smirk turning the corner of his lips upwards, and I gasped. I felt every inch of my body heating up and suddenly I just wanted to go.

“Steve,” I whined, desperately and needy. A plea of his name was all he needed to call the waiter over.

“We’ll be taking our food to go,” he informed, and goosebumps littered my skin.

Max nodded awkwardly and mumbled a “yes sir,” shuffling off to the kitchen to do as Steve asked.

The implication was pretty clear, but I was worried that I was wrong and he wanted the food to go because he wasn’t enjoying himself. It would be pretty embarrassing to assume he wants to take me home and him feel oppositely. “Did I do something wrong? Are you wanting to leave?”

“You didn’t, but I do. I think the food will taste better after.”

“After what?”

“Wait and see,” he winked.

The table was filled with tense, electric silence for a few minutes until finally the waiter brought a bag full of food and the check. Steve paid, leaving a 20 on the table as a tip.

“He was so rude to you, why are you tipping so much?” I asked.

“I always tip. Even if the service sucks.”

Fuck, that was hot.

He grabbed my hand and helped me out of my seat, walking me to the truck carefully and lifting me in like he did the first time. Only this time, he leaned in and captured my lips in a slow burning kiss.

“Steve…” I whispered as I pulled away, “Where are we going now?”

“Back to my place,” he stated, as if it were obvious.

“What are we gonna do there?”

“We could watch a movie,” he thought for a second, “Or I could take you in my bed.”

“Second option sounds good,” my eyes widened, giving him a once over. He chuckled, closing my door and getting on his own side.

“You’re really cute, you know that?”

I blushed, staring at my lap until my cheeks turned to their normal color.

It was a 20 minute drive to his house. We didn’t talk much, I think we were both too nervous to know what to say, but he played slow music at low volume and it only seemed to make the mood more ambient.

“Here we are,” he said as he pulled through a black iron gate into a secluded and dimly lit driveway. The house was two story but still very small, bathed in warm lighting from lamps above each window. It was red brick with black wood accents and a black roof. It was nice, the kind of house that comes straight out of a catalog. He had a little garden on the side, and I thought briefly about how it would be a perfect place for fairies and gnomes.

“You ready?” he raised a brow at me. The look on his face was heavy, but so was mine as I nodded slowly.

He opened my door for me as per usual, and helped me all the way to his front door. As he unlocked it, I took in even more details. He had one of those big welcome signs beside his door, the vertical ones. He had two rocking chairs with cushions on them and a small table, two coasters. It didn’t seem like a single man’s home, it definitely had a woman’s touch.

“Who decorated, Steve?” I asked as he got the door open.

“Oh, my friends, Nancy and Robin.”

“Were either of them your girlfriend?” I asked curiously as I followed him in.

“Nancy was in high school but that was 18 years ago,” he shrugged nonchalantly, “We haven’t even thought about each other that way since. Just friends. She’s married now with a couple kids.”

“Neat,” I forced out, not knowing how to respond. The thought of him with another girl made me want to throw up, but I plastered a smile on my face.

“Baby,” he smirked, “I promise. I haven’t had feelings like this for anyone in a really long time. It’s been a couple years at least, and even that wasn’t like this.”

“I haven’t either,” I commented as I pulled off my shoes and kicked them to the door. My toes wiggled comfortable in their new found freedom.

“Well then…” he looked deep in thought, his nerves on his face like a novel, intricate and beautiful and twisty, “I’ve run from things like this in the past. I know you have, too, and I know you’re probably scared. But I want to be with you, really, I do. I want to go on more dates and I want you to keep some of your things at my place and I want all of my sheets and clothes to smell like you all the time. I like you, a lot, really, I do. It feels like more than just… I don’t know how to explain it, all I know is I don’t want to run from it or push it down. I don’t want to risk losing it. So will you?”

I let him ramble, face stoic though I wanted to smile. I could tell he was overthinking by the tremor in his voice.

“Will I what?”

“Be with me?”

“I’m with you right now, Steve,” I giggled. He huffed and ran a hand through his hair.

“No, I mean, will you be with me. Be my girlfriend. Anything, I just want you to stay tonight and tomorrow and whenever else you want.”

“I’m with you right now, Steve,” I repeated, more emphasis on my words, “As far as I’m concerned I was yours the second you picked me up off the road. Your girlfriend. Whatever you want me to be.”

The grin that spread across his face was wide and contagious, and he wasted no more time, taking three big steps towards me, backing me into the wall behind me. His lips landed on mine in an excited rush, teeth and tongue clashing.

We kissed like that for a moment before he turned me around, lifting me onto the table on the opposite wall. He pulled me to the edge, my hips meeting his, meshing together like they were meant to be that way. I let out a shocked moan, tugging his hair, pulling him closer, and he groaned.

His mouth found its way to my neck, leaving wet kisses down the column of my throat and grazing his teeth in the crook.

“Please,” I hummed, pulling his face back up to mine. As we kissed, I pushed his jacket off his shoulders and started working on the buttons of his shirt. I whined, unable to undo a single one of them, too preoccupied with his mouth and he chuckled, patronizing me.

“It’s okay, baby,” he breathed out, “I’ll take care of it. I’ll take care of you.”

I moaned as the words passed through his lips, loving the way they embraced me. He didn’t miss a beat, smirking at me and sliding his hand up my thigh to where I needed him most, pressing down just rough enough to send a jolt through my whole body.

“That’s what you want, huh? To be taken care of?”

I nodded rapidly, leaning in to kiss him again, desperate and rutting against his hand.

“Easy, pretty girl, I’ve got you. I promise.”

He finished the buttons on his shirt and let it fall to the ground with his jacket, and I almost fainted at the sight. He was perfect, all tan skin and chest hair, taut and warm and ready to be touched. He pulled me off the table and before I could even react, he spun me around, bending me over it.

“This dress is so nice, don’t wanna rip it,” he cooed, his hand starting at the back of my neck and making its way down to the zipper of my dress. he tugged until it fell completely open, sliding it down each arm and onto the ground, leaving chills in his wake. “Fuck, baby, you’re so perfect,” he groaned, his hand finding the area between my shoulder blades and pushing me right back down.

His hips met mine, grinding against me in a slow and torturous way.

“Please, Steve, need you,” I gasped, rutting my ass against his bulge, needy and desperate.

“I know, baby. Turn around for me.”

I did as he asked, facing him, looking up to meet his eyes. He ran his hand up from my hip to my throat, pressing lightly on both sides, and my breath caught.

“You like that?” He asked, pulling me closer to him with the hand that was cased around my neck.

“Yes,” I whispered, pulling him closer, wanting more.

“Such a good girl for me,” he praised, “Come on baby, let’s get you to bed.”

He lead me down the hall to a staircase, and I began following him up, but by the fifth stair my legs were ready to give out.

“Steve,” I whimpered, leaning on the wall for support, struggling to hold myself up.

“Fuck, I forgot you’re hurt. Here,” he rushed to my side, winding his arms under my ass and lifting me into his arms. I squealed, wrapping my legs around him.

“Please don’t fall!”

He rolled his eyes as he carried me the rest of the way up the stairs. When he got to the door at the end of the hallway, he pressed me against it, his lips finding mine again. I was rutting my hips against his, unable to create the friction I wanted. He quickly noticed, opening his door carefully so he wouldn’t drop me and walking me to his bed.

I expected him to drop me or even throw me on it, but he laid me down gently, not releasing his hold on me until I was flat on the mattress. He crawled tentatively on top of me, towering over me, yanking his belt off one handed and in one fluid motion. The other hand was on me, feeling anything he could reach, eager and needy.

“Fuck,” I moaned, more turned on than I thought I’d ever been. I began pushing off my fishnets, but he stopped me, holding my wrists above my head with one hand and ripping the tights with the other. “Steve!!”

“I’ll get you a new pair,” he shrugged, then ripping the lace of my panties, “of both.”

I sighed, leaning back as his fingers found the place I needed him most. They rubbed slow circles that turned into quick motions, then they slid right where I wanted them and I cried out. I was so wet I could hear it, and his eyes widened.

“All this for me?” he asked, and I nodded tentatively, “My good girl.”

“Your good girl,” I agreed, and a dark look settled on his face as he began sliding his fingers in and out faster. “Please Steve, want you now.”

“Anything for you,” he smirked, climbing off the bed and stepping out of his pants and boxers. My jaw went slack at the size of his bulge. It felt big but I had no idea it was that big.

He climbed back on top of me, grabbing me by the hips and pulling my core flush to his. The contact had me reeling, my head falling heavily back into the mattress under me.

He hooked one of my knees into his elbow and lifted my leg, teasing my entrance slowly. I shuddered, a plea heavy on my lips, but he shushed me before it could come out.

“I promised I’d take care of you, and I’m going to,” he said, his voice low and gravely, sending shivers down my spine and straight to my center.

He pushed in slowly, letting out a groan as my walls clenched around him instinctively.

“Fuck, you’re tight. So perfect for me,” he whispered as he pushed further, then pulled back.

It only took three slow thrusts for him to set a steady pace, and I was a mess. A puddle on the bed under him, useless and ruined already. I rotated my hips up to meet his with every motion, helping his rhythm along, my walls fluttering around him steadily.

“Please, Steve, harder,” I groaned and he obeyed, pushing even farther, hitting exactly the right spot that made me see stars.

It wasn’t long before I felt a knot in my stomach, an urge I had repressed for too long, and I moaned, breathy and desperate. “‘m gonna cum,” I hummed.

“Not yet, you’re not,” he stated. His hands found mine, pinning them above my head onto the mattress, his lips meeting mine in a frenzied kiss. His hips didn’t stop for a moment, the rhythm speeding up but not breaking. “Keep these here,” he demanded, letting go of my hands and using one of his to balance. The other started rubbing slow circles on my clit.

“Fuck Steve can’t hold it please” I managed to say in my messy state, and he nodded, his lips finding my neck, latching on and sucking. I knew there’d be a mark there and it put me even closer to the edge, wanting to be his. Wanting him to claim me.

“Cum with me, baby,” he whispered, and that’s all it took for the band to snap. My walls clenched right around him, my eyes shutting as my head fell once again. I felt him release inside me, warm and wet, but he made no move to pull out or roll over. He just laid on top of me and stared at me for a moment.

“What?” I giggled, in a giddy haze. I was sure nothing could bother me then. The moment was perfect.

“You’re perfect. I know I said it, but I really meant it.”

“I was just thinking the same thing!”

He smiled and pulled out, laying beside me.

“That was good.” His comment threw me off guard, and I full belly laughed.

“Yeah,” I said in my fit of giggles, “I hope so. I was planning on doing it again.”

“How about in the morning, on the kitchen counter after I make you breakfast?”

“I couldn’t imagine a better time,” my smile was huge and contagious, filling the room with buzzing energy.

“Well then let’s get some sleep so it’ll come faster,” he grinned back, climbing out of bed to grab a wet towel, a T shirt from his drawer, and a pair of boxers. He slipped his own boxers back on on the way back into bed.

He went to work cleaning me up with the towel and my heart swelled, watching him.

“You didn’t have to do that,” I pointed out, and he chuckled.

“What part of ‘I’m gonna take care of you’ don’t you get, Y/N?”

“Oh, sorry, you’re right,” I rolled my eyes, “Carry on. Throw in a nice facial and massage while you’re at it.”He sent me a glare and I laughed, “Kidding.”

“Put these on,” he instructed, handing me the shirt and underwear, and I did as he asked. “I’m gonna go put our food in the fridge real quick so we can eat it tomorrow.”

He left and was back moments later, and we settled in. He pulled me tight to his chest and I’d never felt so safe as I drifted off.

-

The next morning, I woke up to an empty bed and the smell of fresh pancakes. I climbed up, padding my way into the kitchen to see a shirtless Steve slaving away at the stove. I pranced behind him and gave his ass a little tap, laughing when he jumped and the pan splashed, ruining the pancake he was working on.

“Can’t you see I’m cooking here? And all you’re worried about is groping me. I’m not a piece of meat you know,” he joked.

“Sorry, sorry, you’re right. I’ll behave myself,” I shrugged, playing along, turning my back to walk to the other side of his counter but as I did I felt a slap on my own ass.

“Hey!” I squealed, jumping out of his reach. Soon, we were in an ass slapping war, pancakes forgotten, giggles filling the room.

In one swift motion, he caught me in his arms, keeping me in place, not budging an inch.

“I’ve got you right where I want you,” he smirked, pressing his forehead to mine, our noses brushing.

And I wanted to be where he wanted me. I wanted the moment to last forever. Maybe it would.

All of the time I spent surviving, and Steve was the first man to show me how to live.

[sailorstar9]

When Dealing With An Unreasonable Contractor...

F/N was the third generation of a sweets shop; the Raku-ame was once a Japanese-style sweets shop under her grandfather. However, after F/N's father graduated from the famous culinary institute in Portland, the Raku-ame became a store that made both Japanese and Western-style confectionery. The shop had many regular customers because it offered original branding and full-order packaging.

“I want 20 boxes of doriyaki with our logo.” a long-time customer placed their order.

“I want 30 boxes of assorted Western sweets for year-end gifts.” a middle-aged housewife ordered.

“Thank you very much for your patronage.” F/N bade the customers farewell after each sale.

The business was thriving, with orders constantly coming in.

As the third heir to Raku-ame, F/N was put in charge of the storefront; the clients loved her as a surrogate granddaughter.

But, there was one company that was a pain: Wide Wedding. It's the largest wedding hall in the prefecture, taking orders for wedding cakes and sweets, as well as pastries that were served at the cafe nearly every day. The Raku-ame was also asked to make sweets to serve at the dessert buffet during the reception.

F/N had known Wide Wedding since her father's generation; the person-in-charge in the beginning was mild-mannered and soft-spoken, generally a good person who took Raku-ame's convenience into consideration. But, after the predecessor retired, things started to go wrong. Ikeda, who was newly put in charge, was a man who looked down on the Raku-ame workers, calling them 'subcontractors'. Ikeda, who was the son of the director, had been acting arrogantly and F/N and her father father did not have a good impression on him. Since Ikeda was put in charge of business dealings, it made things difficult as he would often demand a lot of unreasonable things.

“I received an order to put an original branding on a drawstring.” Ikeda slammed a piece of paper with a design on it onto the Raku-ame's front counter. “Use this design.”

“This is for next next week's wedding, right?” F/N gave the wall calendar a quick glance. “It might be a little difficult...”

“You're a subcontractor and you're talking back?” Ikeda fumed.

“We'd need a special mould for the branding and it'll take at least a week for that specific mould to be made by a craftsman.” F/N argued.

“Then, why don't you just get on with it?” Ikeda fired back. “I asked you to do it, now you guys adjust it and make it work. Don't think just because you're cute I'd cut you any slack. I should warn you, my client is a well-known blogger. So, if you offend them, you'd never know what they might write on their blogs. My company's creditability is at stake. Make sure you brand it with this design. If you don't do as you're told, I'll cancel the contract. If we cut you off, it would be a huge blow to your business, wouldn't it? Then do it.”

Left with no choice, F/N's father had to ask the craftsman to make the mould on a super-express basis, managing to the delivery date.

After that, Ikeda continued to impose even more reckless demands.

“I'm going to ask for additional gifts.” Ikeda returned to Raku-ame once again.

“How many?” F/N asked, taking out a notepad.

“A hundred.” Ikeda replied. “They said they wanted to distribute them to clients who will not be attending. Get on with it.”

“When is the delivery date?” F/N asked.

“It's a weekend wedding, so two days.” Ikeda answered. “If you refuse, I'll ask another sweet shop to do it for me. I won't use your place from now on, if you're okay with it...”

“I understand.” F/N sighed. “We will make it on time.”

F/N's father and the other employees were angry, but knew that if they lost the contract with Wide Wedding,their sales will drop dramatically. So, they persevered and worked overtime and managed to meet the delivery deadline.

“If you can do it, don't say it's impossible from the beginning.” Ikeda scoffed at the delivery person.

After that, Ikeda kept asking for a change of the wedding cake's design at no additional costs, saying 'The customer's request has changed'. He even started to interfere with the ingredients, insisting 'Keep the price the same, but use better ingredients'.

As expected, F/N and her father were running out of patience; no matter how big the client was, there were boundaries that must be kept. After a family meeting, it was decided that they should renegotiate their contract with Wide Weddings.

“The weekend gifts; they were all cancelled.” Ikeda informed one day before the wedding, shrugging. “A client had a falling out. The wedding was cancelled.”

“We've already finished the products and there's only the wrapping left.” F/N protested. “If you cancel at this point, we'll have to charge you a cancellation fee.”

“Who cares about that?” Ikeda snorted. “I'm also in a rush because of a sudden cancellation, so don't bother me anymore.”

“That's not going to happen.” F/N stood her ground. “The cancellation fee is written in the contract. You get the cancellation fee from the customer. You can at least pay us the cancellation fee from there.”

“Shut up.” Ikeda barked. “I'm on the edge of my seat because of a disgusting customer. I've placed many orders from you. Stop making a big deal out of one cancellation. If you keep talking back to me, all future transactions are off the table. Now cancel the order.”

“I understand.” F/N gave Ikeda a calm smile. “If you insist that much, we have no choice. We cannot do business with anyone who does not pay the cancellation fee. We will not do any business with you in the future.”

“Do you know what you are saying?” Ikeda was puzzled. “If that's what you want, fine. I'll report your rudeness to my superiors and all business with you is off the table. You're going to pay for this. It's too late for regrets.” he spat out and left.

F/N knew Ikeda probably blew the whistle to either his boss or his father, saying that Raku-ame was to blame for everything. That month ended Raku-ame's contract with Wide Wedding and the reason F/N and her family wasn't panicking was because...

“You look stressed.” Chigiri entered the Raku-ame, bringing the Blue Lock contenders along with him.

“Hyoma...” F/N blinked at the redhead's surprise visit.

“Ikeda giving you trouble?” Chigiri guessed.

“What was your first clue?” F/N sighed.

“Take a break.” Chigiri planted a quick kiss on F/N's fringe. “I'll take over from here.”

“Say, F/N.” Mikage Reo addressed the Raku-ame heiress after everyone's purchases were packaged. “Chigiri mentioned your shop is the most reputable, long-established sweets shop in Kagoshima and the Mikage Corporation is looking to expand into Kagoshima. We intend to build a wedding hall here, therefore we're making the first move and inviting you as a full-time staff member.”

“Let me call my father out.” F/N retreated back and got her father out.

And with that, Reo made his pitch to F/N's father, with F/N's father handling the final contract signing weeks later.

[trudylalcantar-blog]

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[hevexns-realm]

Boys Fashion headcanons in my ✨AU with no name✨

Sonic: Y2K inspired style, may not be exactly how it is back in the day, but it’s pretty damn close! Tank tops, baggy jeans, Air Forces, and sometimes brings a boom box with him. For the more feminine style, arm and leg warmers, multiple belts and jelly bracelets, and yes, a fur hat. However, it’s synthetic and the only one he owns. It’s actually a gift from amy!

Shadow: he’s usually going to be wearing some kind of biker-esque style. Leather boots, slightly baggy Jeans, fluffy leather coat, etc. However, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t wear other styles outside of missions. Particularly more gothic attire, and even a few good drag queen looks too! (Headcannon I saw on here and I’m running with it-)

Silver: hm.. I honestly say the soft boy aesthetic from 2020-2021 would suit him when he’s not on missions! Soft sweatshirts, a good pair of white slacks, and maybe some white sneakers too! Add a cute satchel and we’re good to go! ^^

Knuckles: same as sonic, but just the masculine parts. Baggy jeans, tank top or short sleeved shirts, and some of his tribe’s jewelry and other accessories to match with the outfit!

Tails: I’d say the steampunk look would suit him best, after all, he’s a mechanic and an engineer! It makes sense why he’d prefer something like steampunk! (Simplified or not is up to you!)

Mephiles: My personal favorite of these headcanons so far. Anything Princey and gothic? He will give it a try! However, goth academia and goth ouji seem to be his favorites! Lots of intricate and beautiful lace, black slacks, masculine corsets, and a cute black and purple parasol to match! (I’ve had this headcanon for a hot minute!)

Scourge: We all know that he has this punk-like style with the leather jacket and sunglasses, but I wanna add onto it! Baggy jeans with sewn on decals from his adventures, a few tattoos, and usually no shirt, to show off his scar. However, if the place does require a shirt, he just either zips up his jacket or wears a white T-shirt.. he probably won’t be happy about it though! ^^||

Nazo: hm.. this is actually a tough one, as I didn’t really think about his general wardrobe. However, I feel like he’d have something for just about every occasion. Something simple and year-round like button up shirts and slacks or dark jeans. Because you can do a lot of styling with those alone, like add on a waistcoat and a suit jacket over the shoulders, and some simple, yet classy gold jewelry!

Seelkadoom: Now, you think that it’d be easy to give seelkadoom a hybrid style between shadow and sonic! Well, you’re half right. While that’s his base style of leather jackets and boots mixed with some jeans, the man fluctuates his style like his customers do with alcohol at the casino he works at! Not to mention work dress codes as well!

King (my OC): he’s kind of the same as nazo, but instead of more quiet luxury, he’s wearing more brand names. Like gucci T-shirts, Louis Vuitton jackets with their LV logo on it, Nike sweatpants, etc. He also sometimes wear those cheap looking $200+ cosplays you see on the internet. He mainly does this to get girls’ attention, but yeah. He’s basically all about being on trends and finding things to turn into trends, whether the others like it or not.

Girls will be next, sound off your headcanoned styles in the comments/reblogs! 🖤

[leclerced]

Maxes Birthday gifts to Oscar and Lando are custom lingerie sets for bunny to wear for them, like for Lando he gets her a fluorescent yellow set with his logo stitched somewhere on the panties.

And for Oscar it’s a set that’s the same shade of blue as the one on his helmet with this number or initials on the panties. 

i kept almost adding something ab their initials being woven into the lingerie, and bc max has them custom made, the ones he gifts bunny all have a little tag inside with his logo.

also i misread this as max getting bunny lingerie sets for them for her bday then reread it and realized so i fixed it but i kinda liked what i originally wrote so its at the end.

i think their birthdays is the one night they'd always get to be alone w her if that's what they wanted. and they do. bc as much fun as it is sharing her, they both like a bit of alone time with her too and they'd wanna go all out on their birthdays.

oscar wouldn’t really be excited for his birthday like, he’s excited bc he knows bunny will do something for him but that’s it. he’d be expecting normal gifts and that’s exactly what he would get until they get back to the hotel they’re staying at and bunny says she forgot something then leaves before he can ask what she forgot. bunny comes back in a robe and oscar’s sitting on the bed surfing the tv snd he’s like, “lose your clothes on the way back?” and she says “no, i was just getting max’s present for you.” and drops the robe and oscar’s like, “hang on do you mind if i call max real quick? i need to thank him and also ask him to have another made bc im about to destroy that thing fucking you in it.” suddenly he's looking forward to every birthday and christmas, doesn't even have to tell max what he wants because he knows him too well at this point.

with lando, she puts it on ahead of time and is wearing it all night just waiting for him to be done with his birthday party at the club and finally take her home. he'd be all bubbly and drunk and touching and kissing her on the drive home. would barely get inside before he's stripping her out of the minidress and then stands there in shock, like is it that really is his logo woven into her lace set?? he'd blink at her and just mumble, "max?" she's giggling and nodding as he picks her up and carries her to their couch. he wouldn't be able to make it to the bed after seeing the set, telling her how good she looks in his colors, with his logo on her like a brand. she'd tease him about getting it tattooed just to see his reaction and he'd go crazy, whimpering in her mouth that she should never damage her perfect skin but also seeing his initials on her body permanently… just the thought would send him reeling.

ab her birthday!

max doing custom lingerie for lando and oscar is so sexy, like a thank you gift for letting him borrow bunny so she could thank him for the party. he would make it a surprise, like when he’s done w her and takes her back to them the next morning he’d casually mention it, “oh yeah i have something in the backseat! almost forgot.” and bunny’s excited bc more gifts?? from max?? it’s been a week since her birthday and there’s still more?? she’d give him another thank you kiss and ask if he wants to come in and he’s like “no i think they’ll want some alone time with you once they see what i got them.” and she’s like oh this is for them?? and he’d just grin and tell her to get inside before she gets him in trouble.

they’re awake and waiting in bed for her, so she sets the boxes on the bed they’re cuddled up in and crawls between them to open them. as soon as she opens the first box and reveals the lingerie in lando’s color with his logo craftily woven into the lace, oscar is pulling what is clearly his box from underneath it and roughly untying the ribbon, eager to see what max dreamed up this time. it’d be a new favorite and he’d make sure max knows how grateful he is for the gift next time they’re with bunny together.

[thisismeracing]

https://www.tumblr.com/thisismeracing/737177411791257600/httpswwwtumblrcomthisismeracing7364627668739?source=share

bono!reader head-canons (pt. 4) (glad yall like this insanity)

constantly falls asleep w/out taking her earrings out. whether it be when taking a nap or falling asleep while working in bed those earrings are staying in. so mick has taken up the mantle of taking them out and putting them back in her jewelry box

had those glow in the dark stick on stars on her childhood bedroom ceiling and maybe she still does in her grown up bedroom that she shares with mick

gets a cartilage piercing on the ear that doesn't have her piercings dedicated to working for merc. and the jewelry that she puts in it is a small “47” stud that she got custom made. her piercings represent her biggest achievements in life and her being able to let herself be loved and be in love took a lot of work to get to, so it absolutely gets acknowledged in what she considers to be an achievement

calls james allison “allie” because when she says james she means vowles, and when james a. came to merc in 2017 she needed a way to differentiate the james’.

has an orange cat [purely based of this tt: https://www.tiktok.com/@mildwestsami/video/7136290369683131690] im leaning towards either diesel or luna for the name, but i can be persuaded into considering other ones. those are just the two that seem the most fitting atm

carries her cat like a baby and buys mini furniture for said baby

i think it would be funny if this cat was a stray that was roaming around a gp and she decided to adopt them after checking if they had a microchip and owners

steals micks hoodies/sweaters and they have a bartering system where if she wants one of mick’s newly purchased article of clothing she has to give him one of his old ones back to secure the new one. great economically for her, not so much for this boy

pulls mick in by his belt loops when she wants him close to her

loves being close enough to her lover that she can feel and hear the rhythms of his breathes

having her head resting on top of her papa’s chest where his heart is, listening to the beats of his heart will, without fail, soothe her. it started when she was a smol babe but just because she’s a grown up now doesn’t mean that it wont work

her team headset is covered in small stickers around the merc logo

ok so the jewelry she has in her first cartilage piercing she got for being hired at merc is this [https://www.etsy.com/listing/729980335/arrow-earringscartilage-earring-16g?click_key=198d47f7f1895e88c7eef3638427353c6eef89af%3A729980335&click_sum=65e3a9a5&ref=user_profile&pro=1&frs=1]

has a guest room just for her in certain team members houses [lew, the wolffs, james v,]

i could also see drivers having a room for her (seb, kimi, jense, nando)

constantly tries to persuade (poach) hannah schmitz from working at rb to merc

i could see her meshing well with oscar

her first australian gp she got gifted a small koala plush from one of the drivers (im leaning towards michael) and for the years following it’s been a tradition for all of the drivers who wanted to participate to nominate and vote who would get her a new plush to add to the collection. the only rules being it has to be a koala and it cant be one she has already gotten in years past. best believe there have been fights for the privilege of being the koala giver

[and with that i will end this segment of head-canons, yes i breached the second google doc page again i dont want to talk about it]

happy new year and i can't wait for the 2024 season to start so i will grace the inbox with more bon

(also yes i know this isnt in the usual bulleted list format that i usually do for these hcs but i dont have the patience to re-format this ask on my phone cause tumblr decided to delete my bullet points)

☕️

prev

omg yes to everything sagksjgksdjg I won't even add, just appreciate this whole ass headcanon <3

tiktok link (it says unavailable for me :/)

i think it would be funny if this cat was a stray that was roaming around a gp and she decided to adopt them after checking if they had a microchip and owners // like corinna did w a dog during the Brazilian gp *crying into my hands*

piercing link

*virtual hug* its perfect

[jsprnt]

Healing Hearts PT.2 | Virgil van Dijk

Would a fresh start bring you more than just a new job?

WC: 2.892

Summary: Y/N L/N is a very skilled and praised physiotherapist. A certain event pushing her for a fresh start, as a physiotherapist for Liverpool FC. One question always being in the back of her mind: Will she be able to let go of her past and allow herself to experience new things?

I am awoken by the blaring sound of my alarm. Why do I always have to wake up when my bed gets so comfy? I groan, fighting the urge to snooze my alarm, checking the time while at it. It's six now, two hours to make this face look like it has seen more than four hours of sleep.

I check my messages before washing up. Walking out to the bathroom to put on my outfit. Some 90's style jeans and a body hugging cropped shirt. Nothing too much, I'll have to wear my scrubs anyway. I make my bed and do some breathing exercises to calm my nerves, meeting new people was still a big challenge for me. I finish eating breakfast and turn on the coffee machine for a nice frothy cup of coffee. Admiring the view behind my window as I sip the last bit of my coffee. The city is not entirely up yet, people still enjoying their last minutes of sleep before going to work or school.

Walking back to my room for the best part of my morning, doing my make up! I apply my base carefully. First day means first impressions, I can't go overboard, not yet. I curl my long lashes, coating them with mascara. Lining my lips with brown liner, some lip balm on top for a subtle look. I take out my jewelry box, grabbing my usual gold necklace. It was custom made, adorning my name, a graduation gift from my mom. I look into the mirror, humming a song in satisfaction as I do my hair. I grab my bag, stuffing it with things I might need throughout the day. Finally, putting on my Nike dunks and leaving my house.

I walk downstairs to my car. Thankfully my dad had arranged for it to be imported from Spain a couple weeks ago, when I accepted this job. My dad had a thing for paying for my things, maybe it  was to make up for our strained relationship or something. Either way, I wasn't going to refuse his help, it benefited us both anyways. He'd feel like a present father, and I'd feel like he cared.

I jump into my car, the dashboard lighting up. I run my hands around the steering wheel for some comfort before I hit the road. The leather soft as I trace the Mercedes logo, I loved this baby. My G-class never failed to make me feel like the bad bitch I am. I told you working hard and spending hard had its perks. I turn on the navigation system, hoping it would take me straight to the training grounds without any issues.

I turn on some music, trying to drown out my nerves and thoughts. It was never too early for some Drake. I try to pay special attention to my surroundings, since the more I memorize, the faster I can get used to this route. My navigation system pings as it tells me I've arrived. I scan my surroundings, being greeted by a security post. I drive up to it, turning my music off and rolling my window down.

"Good morning, I'm here for the new physiotherapist job." I flash the security guard a smile, he is an older man, his hair graying slightly. I might as well get friendly since I'll be here almost everyday from today onwards. "Morning to you as well. Could you some show me some sort of identification, please?." I can't help but stare at the man, his scoucer accent making it hard for me to understand right away, I should get used to it quickly. I nod quickly pulling my ID from my wallet. He looks at it, scanning through a list, probably a list of staff? His eyes light up as he, I presume sees my name on the list. "Welcome, Dr. l/n, I'll call up the head coach so he can greet you at the door." He gives me a kind smile, handing me my ID back. "Thank you, I appreciate it." I shove my ID back into my wallet, driving into the training center parking lot as the gates open for me. I park, collecting my bag as I jump out of my car. Though, not before fixing my hair and make up.

I take in my surroundings, so this is what I'll be partially calling home now. I notice some other, what I presume to be staff walk into the training center. I walk in as well, immediately being greeted by the huge Liverpool FC emblem. I hold onto my bag tightly, trying to contain my nerves.

I look to my right, the reception. The woman behind the desk looks up, flashing me a smile as I go up to her, sitting down on the chair in front of her desk.

"Hi, I'm y/n l/n. I'm here for the physiotherapist job." She stares at me for a moment, before typing something on the computer. "Nice to meet you! I'm Clara, welcome to our family. I'll call down our head physio, just a second honey.”

Her response warms my heart as I nod. So far, I think I'll feel quite comfortable here. She picks up the phone, though her expression changes into one of surprise as she looks behind me, over my shoulder. "Oh, he is here already."

My eyes follow hers, being greeted by a man, around his 50's. He walks up to me, extending his hand to me. "Welcome Dr. l/n. I've heard a lot about you, nice to finally see the woman being so highly spoken of by my colleagues." I smile and grab his hand in a firm handshake. "It's an honor to finally meet you, Dr. Woods."

He chuckles, before letting go of my hand. "Let's talk more inside, the boss wants to meet you as well." I turn back towards Clara, mumbling a quick thank you to her, before following Dr. Woods inside the training center. I glance around, it’s is even bigger in real life. I had watched some YouTube video's of the club just to prepare and calm my anxiety, but seeing it in real life was very different. We stop in front of an office, the label reading 'Manager'. I raise my eyebrows in surprise. I'd already be meeting THE Klopp. I rub my hands together trying to get rid of that anxious feeling.

Dr. Woods knocks on the door loudly, the door is opened a couple of seconds later, revealing Klopp.

"Hey, I'm here to introduce our new physiotherapist." The doctor informs. Klopp looks at me, giving me one of his famous smiles. "Right of course, come in." He opens the door wider, we both walk in. He ushers us to sit down on his red sofa's. He sticks out his hand, we shake hands as he introduces himself, with that all too well known German accent. "It's always nice to greet new members of our big family. Welcome, I'm Jürgen Klopp." I introduce myself as well, his eyes light up in recognition as I tell him my name. "I've heard very great things about you Dr. l/n. I'm very happy to see you here."

"No it's an honor for me, this club is amazing and I'm happy to contribute to the team." I reply, my worries and nerves had been washed away just like- that. I just know that this was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

We start chatting about how I've adjusted to living here, my education and my experience before they start asking different questions.

"So that means you speak how many languages?"

Dr. Woods asks curiously.

"Well my native tongues would be Dutch since I was born and raised in The Netherlands and Turkish, since I'm half Turkish. I'm also fluent in English as you can hear." We chuckle. "Though I do speak some Spanish and Catalan since I worked at FC Barcelona for two years, as you know."

"Great so you'll have no problem with speaking to the players huh? Especially our very loved Dutch players." We laugh at Klopps comment. I secretly hope that too.

Our conversation comes to an end as Klopp suggests I meet the players. He checks his watch, before looking at me. "Players will come in any moment now. They'll start with warming up." Dr. Woods chimes in. "It will be a recovery day since the team played a match yesterday as you may have followed."

Oh yeah I did. I watched it just so I could take notes on the players, the draw at the end was kind of disappointing. Though, it was better than losing.

"Right, I did watch it. Just to study a little before I do see the team play in real life."

"You're impressive Doctor, doing homework before even starting to work." Klopp says. "Oh it's nothing really, just prepares me for what I might encounter as I start working here." I dismiss.

We stand up after a short while, Dr. Woods taking me to put on my scrubs. I mentally pray they have pink ones, both of my former clubs did have them. He walks up to a machine, telling me exactly how the scrub dispenser worked. I nod, pressing some buttons before choosing my size. The scrubs are a- dark red? Well, at least they are part of the club colors. Dr. Woods leads me to the woman's staff changing room. I walk and change quickly putting my hair up in a claw clip.

I walk out of the room after putting my stuff in my locker, and installing a code on it. "I'm ready."

I tell him, he looks at my scrubs for a second. "Red looks great on you Dr. l/n, part of the family already." We chuckle before he leads me to the gym.

A sudden wave of nervousness hits me. I had known that the players were very friendly, still I couldn't help but feel like an unsure inexperienced intern again. We walk into the gym, it's big with plenty of space for calisthenic training like, push-ups and burpees. I look around seeing some the worlds best star players. I've worked some of the best football players like Lewandowski and Frenkie de Jong, but this still felt super insane.

I notice Klopp walking in as he calls for the players to gather around to introduce me. I glance around, they all give me a kind smile as Klopp tells them I'll be their new physiotherapist starting this new season, and of course he couldn't help but mention I'm Dutch. "Nice to meet everyone, I look forward to working with you all." I give them a smile, my dimples on full display. Suddenly, one of the players walks up to me, I immediately recognize him, who wouldn't? It's the caption of the team, well of his national team too. Virgil towers over me, sticking out his hand, his tall frame couldn't be compared to what you see on TV or the pitch. "Welcome to our team y/n, or should I call you doctor." He flashes me a beautiful smile, making me shake his hand and smile in respons. "Hi, y/n is fine, it's good to be here." Other players come to greet me as well, not to forget Robertson, who has to crack a joke about another Dutch person joining the club. "You'd think it was planned huh." We laugh and chat for a bit before Klopp redirects the attention back to him.

"Alright everyone, it's recovery day so take it easy and tell our doctors if something's up as they assist you."

Dr. Woods turns to me, telling me to follow his lead as I slowly start getting the gist of how everything works here. I nod at him, watching as he talks to the players about any soreness they're experiencing.

The day progress quickly as lunch time hits, we walk into the canteen. Seems like players and staff eat at the same time just like in Barcelona.

I walk through the the buffet as I'm greeted by Gakpo.

"Dus je bent echt Nederlands?" (So you're actually Dutch?) he asks in Dutch, full of curiosity. "Natuurlijk, geboren en getogen. Net als jij." (Of course born and raised. Just like you.)

He gives me a cute smile before we continue speaking in Dutch as we fill up our plates with healthy and delicious food.

He invites me to sit with the team. I glance at him wondering if it is a good idea. Well I did sit with the players at Barca too. "Are you sure?" I ask. "Yeah, look around players sit with staff at every table." I take a glance around, he was right staff and players were sitting together at every table. Chatting and laughing together. "Okay then, I'll sit with you guys."

He leads me to a table, already occupied by Trent, Virgil, Joel, Andrew and new star transfer Dominik Szoboszlai. "Doctor, very nice of you to sit with us." Virgil chimes in. "Well I couldn't refuse when Cody offered, we're practically already family based on the fact that we're Dutch hm." The table erupts in laughter, as we glance at Cody. "Of course the Dutch lad steals the doctor before we get to know her." Trent teases, his Scouse accent thick. "Where did you work before joining us?" Robbo asks, shoving a spoonful food into his mouth. Everyone at the table turns to me for my answer.

I clear my throat before answering. "I first interned at Ajax, I got a three year contact there after graduating. Then I got offered a position at Barcelona, worked there for two years." They nod in acknowledgement. Before Cody mentions something. "Oh you're the famous pretty doctor?!" I stare at him confused. "What do you mean?" "Well the national team players used to always talk about a pretty doctor working at Ajax." I raise a brow at his words, glancing at Virgil to confirm, since he also is apart of the national team. "Can't lie Doctor, they did talk about a pretty Doctor." I give them an impressed look. "I guess that would be me?" I chuckle.

We chat some more as everyone chimes in, though some of their faces turning confused. "Wait how old are you then?" One of them asks. "Oh I'm twenty-five." I reply. "Wow, you're pretty impressive for someone so young." Joel says. I thank him as we all continue eating and chatting in between bites.

Recovery training had gone by fast. I had gotten much more familiar with team and how they operate. Klopp dismisses everyone, as we all walk back into our designated changing rooms. Though, I'm quickly stopped by Dr. Woods. He tells me he'll make sure someone adds me to the staff group chat, as well as the group chat the entire club is in. We then bid each other goodbye as I enter the female staff changing room. I take a minute to sit down and to take it all in, that really just happend huh.

I change quickly putting my outfit back on and discarding my scrubs into the laundry basket. I do a quick make up refresh and hair fix before I grab my bag and take out my car keys. I walk through the hallways slowly, looking around for things I might have not seen yet. I’m totally in my own world before I hear my name being called. I turn around, I'm greeted by both Trent and Dominik, seems like they had been getting along nicely since Dominik had transferred here.

"Are you going out?" The new star asks. "Yeah, you guys aren't?" I lift a brow at them. I can see small smirks on their faces, they look like schoolboys hiding something. "Oh yes, we're leaving just now." We chat a little before we walk outside, saying goodbye to Clara at the reception. I notice other cars had parked right next to mine. "Bye doctor, we'll see ya tomorrow, right?" The Scoucer says. I nod "See you guys!" They wave before they both get into their respective cars.

I unlock my car, climbing in before closing the door. I place my bag onto the passengers seat, leaning back for a second. First day: survived.

Sadly, my peace is interrupted by a loud car horn. I raise my head and lower my window, it's the car next to me? I squint, it's an English car so I can see who it is from my seat. The person lowers down his windows as well. It's Virgil?

"What's wrong?" I half shout, so he can hear me through the loud engine of his car. "Nothing just wanted your attention." I chuckle, man these football players never got tired of teasing people. I roll my eyes playfully, before starting my car. I wave at him, before driving my car out of the parking slot.

I get home rather quickly, my speakers playing my favorite songs loudly. I enter my house, feeling fulfilled. I throw myself on my couch after washing up. I reflect on the day, the players and staff were amazingly kind. Though, that small interaction with Trent and Dominik was weird, why were they so smirky?