#I’ve been doing the same bread for about 7 years now but the cake always depends on our moods

[museenkuss]

I’ve been baking and doing baking-adjacent tasks for about 5h now. I’ve had enough.

[everlarkbirthdaygifts]

Happy Birthday, king-peeta!

Happy Birthday, @king-peeta! We hope you’re having a wonderful day so far, and that you’ve got some awesome cake to look forward to later! To start your special day off right, the lovely @norbertsmom has written a story just for you!

Author’s note: Happy birthday @king-peeta. I hope you enjoy your High school au - popular!katniss and nerd!peeta fic. This fic is inspired by the movie Grease 2. Special thanks go out to my beta and my bestie, @mega-aulover.

Senioritis

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I’m leaning against my hand-me-down car in the senior student parking lot when my friend Delly pulls up in her pink convertible. She and all the other blonde haired, blue eyed cheerleaders held several car washes this past summer to raise the money to purchase that car and have it painted pink. Since the parking lot is so small, only seniors are allowed to park in it, so it’s somewhat of a rite of passage to drive to school senior year. The cheerleaders wanted to show up in style, or so Delly told me.

Delly and the rest of the squad hop out of their car with more excitement than anyone should have on the first day of school. The other girls gather around us as Delly gives me a crushing hug. 

 She releases me and asks, “What do you think, Peeta? Ready to rule this school?” The other cheerleaders cheer in answer as if she asked them the question.

 I shake my head and chuckle. “I’m not ruling anything, Delly,” I reply. A pout forms on Delly’s lips, but before she can start her rebuttal, the roar of approaching engines grabs our attention. Delly wraps her arm around my waist as we turn toward the sound. She stands up on her tiptoes to see over the other kids in the parking lot while the other girls climb up to stand on the seats of their car to get a better look. 

 A line of motorcycles is weaving its way through the parking lot, drawing everyone’s attention. As they drive past, the cheerleaders squeal and wave then start whispering among themselves, but the riders don’t seem to notice. They pull into the row to the right of us. 

 As the riders dismount, I look through the crowd for my first glimpse of the girl I’ve been staring at since kindergarten. But I don’t see the object of my hidden affection. I look away thinking of how beautiful she is with the voice of an angel, although she doesn’t sing much anymore. The Mockingjays are the popular kids at school and they all stick together. You’d think that the jocks and the cheerleaders would be tops, but there’s something about a motorcycle club that makes everyone want to be a part of it.

 The motorcycle closest to us is painted a matte black. It matches the rider’s outfit of black boots, jeans, and jacket. He removes his helmet and pulls out a comb from his back pocket and runs it through his slicked back black hair. Another rider, much taller than him approaches and slaps him on the back in greeting. The two boys could be brothers with their matching olive skin and grey eyes, but it’s a common look of the people from the Seam neighborhood. Just like most of the people from town have blond hair and blue eyes, me included. 

 I recognize the taller of the two as Gale Hawthorne, resident bad boy, and object of many girls’ affections. The cheerleaders call out “Hi Gale” in unison, but he doesn’t look their way. The other boy, Thom, looks over at us and frowns. I’m not sure what we did to deserve that reaction, but I look past him. I’m hoping to see one person in particular. 

 The next motorcycle is painted glossy black with red pin-stripes down the fenders. On the side of the gas tank is a picture of two axes crossed at the handles. The rider is wearing black combat boots, red tights, a short black skirt, and a black jean jacket. She gets off and removes her helmet to reveal short black hair tipped with red. She scrunches up her hair and makes it stand up in spikes. She looks up at the cheerleaders and gives a wide toothy smile. The girls jump up and down and wave. She quickly turns her hand around and flips them off making the girls gasp in surprise. She smirks and saunters off to link her arm with Thom and drags him toward the school entrance behind the other riders heading that way. Gale smiles and shakes his head. He watches them leave before he turns his attention to the last motorcycle that’s just pulling up. 

 The motorcycle is forest green with a golden bow and arrow painted on the gas tank. The rider is the smallest of the bunch and can only be the one and only Katniss Everdeen, my secret crush. Her worn brown leather boots are laced up to her knees over black skinny jeans. She’s wearing the same oversized brown leather jackets she’s had since the sixth grade. She takes off her helmet and her thick black braid falls down her back. 

 When she gets off her bike, Katniss looks over in my direction and we lock eyes for the first time. I hold my breath, wondering what to do next. I don’t know what I could possibly say to her if she ever spoke to me. I’m not cool like Gale or the other Mockingjays. 

 Gale leans down and whispers in her ear and her cheeks turn pink. She scowls as he drapes his arm over her shoulder. She elbows him in the side and ducks under his arm then storms off toward the school as Gale laughs and rubs his side as he struts toward the school behind her. I think I hear a few sighs from the cheerleaders as Gale walks away.

 The first warning bell goes off, so we have to start heading into school. Delly drops her arm from around my waist and joins her squad in front of her car. “See you at lunch, Peeta,” she says as the girls wave to me and saunter off. Many of the boys from the cars around us rush to catch up to the cheerleaders and follow them. With a sigh I pick up my backpack and head into school, joining the mass of students.   

 This year is my last chance to talk to Katniss Everdeen. I’m just going to have to figure out how to do it. 

 ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤

 School goes on as I had expected. No great change from years past. Freshmen get lost, underclassmen get bullied by seniors who were bullied themselves in previous years, and the teachers are already counting down to the first vacation. I share 2 classes with Katniss, so it’s not as if I never see her. She sits two rows in front of me in literature and 3 rows over in history, but I have yet to work up the nerve to talk to her.

 A few days later, Delly leans over the lunch table before the others arrive and whispers, “I know where Katniss is going to be on tonight.” Delly discovered my crush on Katniss a few years ago and has been scheming to get us together ever since.

 “So do I, Delly,” I reply. “She’ll be wherever Gale Hawthorne is.”

 “Nope,” Delly replies as she tears the lid off of her salad and starts picking out the olives. “Well, I guess, technically, yes Gale will be there, but Katniss is not with him; she never was.” She turns her head back and forth looking for eavesdroppers then gives me a sly smile. “ Katniss and the other Mockingjays are in an archery league at the rec center. They practice every night at 6 pm, with competitions every Thursday night.”

 “What am I supposed to do with this information?” I ask and tear into my sandwich. “It’s not like I can just join their league,” I say around a mouthful of food.

 “First, gross,” Delly says. “Second, you don’t need to join their league. You, me, and a few of our friends are going to work out at the rec center at 7. You’ll be showing up just as they’re getting ready to leave. It’s brilliant.”

 “I don’t know, Delly,” I try to argue, but she’s not having it.

 “We’re going, Peeta,” she says with all the authority of a head cheerleader. Usually she’s so sweet, but she can be fierce when she’s determined. “You said you want to talk to her this year. This is your chance.”

 “Okay,” I agree, but I have a bad feeling about this.

 We make arrangements to meet at the rec center since I have to work after school, and Delly has cheerleading practice.I might show up a little early just to watch Katniss before I get humiliated trying to talk to her.

 Katniss’ POV

 After dropping Prim off at middle school, I join the rest of the Mockingjays in Panem High’s senior parking lot. Johanna’s flipping off the cheerleaders as I pull up and Poor Thom is staring at them. Gale is teasing Thom about his crush on the head cheerleader, as if someone from that bubbly world would go for one of us lowly Seam kids. Johanna takes Thom by the arm and drags him into the school.

 When I get off my bike I look over toward the cheerleaders and see Delly Cartwright with her arm around Peeta Mellark’s waist. Figures they’re together. Poor Thom doesn’t stand a chance. 

 I momentarily lock eyes with Peeta, and I’m thrown back to that fateful night six years ago. After my father died, Peeta Mellark was the only person to help us. Without him, we would have died of starvation. And I never thanked him.

 Gale puts his arm around my shoulder, and he whispers in my ear, “Don’t you wish you were a cheerleader, Catnip?” 

 I feel my cheeks burn and tear my eyes away from Peeta. It’s too late to thank him now, he probably doesn’t even remember tossing me that bread. I don’t let Gale see that his statement bothers me, so I elbow him in the side and stalk off to class. I don’t know why I put up with him, but us Seam kids gotta stick together. I can’t wait until archery practice when I can shoot something. 

 School was the same as always, but after I get Prim home and we eat dinner I head up to the rec center for practice. I’m glad they have lockers to keep our equipment because I’d never be able to carry my bow case on my bike. 

 “Hey, Everdeen,” Johanna calls out to me as soon as I enter the building. She and Leevy already have their cases out of the lockers and are checking us in with reception. When I come back out with mine, Thom and Gale are also ready to go.

 Practice goes as usual. We all shoot at the same time to keep us comfortable shooting close to other people, then we shoot in order. 

 Leevy goes first, since she’s the newest member on the team, then Thom, then Johanna. 

 “If we were throwing axes, I’d be the anchor here,” Johanna gripes after her turn.

 “You’ll do great at the competition,” Leevy tells her. 

 “You just need to show up those rich kids,” Thom chimes in. That makes Johanna smile. 

 Gale is next, but he decides to challenge me for the anchor spot, so we have a shoot-out. 

 “I’ll take over the anchor spot one of these days,” Gale grumbled as we’re walking out of the archery range back into the lobby. 

 I check the clock and realize that we have only a few minutes before those perky cheerleaders get here at 7. I don’t want to run into them again. I overheard Delly telling one of the other girls in class today that she invited Peeta to join in their work out tonight. I don’t know if I could take seeing him in workout gear. He gets me so flustered at school as it is.

 “Any time, Hawthorne,” I tell Gale, because truthfully, his competitiveness keeps me motivated. I need to be my best if I’m to make the archery team at Panem U next year. I’ll need that scholarship to pay for my tuition. 

 Our first competition is next Thursday. Those rich kids from Capitol prep, with their top end equipment always give us a run for our money. 

 “Any time? How about this Saturday. I take you out to lookout point. You give me pointers on shooting.”

  “No thanks, Gale,” I tell him and push him away, because really, I don’t have time to date anyone, even if I wanted to. 

 “Seriously Catnip,” he says as he puts his arm around my shoulder. “You gotta date one of us Mockingjays. We rule this school, and since I’m the leader, and you’re the best archer, for now,” he says with a pointed look. “You and I belong together.”

 “What do you mean, I gotta date one of the Mockingjays? Since when do you think you can tell me who I can date? That’s up to me,” I tell him, because seriously, who does he think he is? “You have no say in who I spend my time with.” 

 “Yeah, you tell him,” Jo joins in. “She can kiss anyone she wants to.” Leevy nods her head in agreement and Thom is looking uncomfortable at this discussion.

 “Oh yeah? Who you gonna kiss, Catnip?”

 I wasn’t planning on kissing anyone, but Gale’s arrogance is making me mad. “I can kiss anyone I want,” I tell him. “I’ll kiss the next guy who comes into the lobby.”

 “Anyone?” Gale asks as a big smile comes across his face as he stares out the entrance doors into the parking lot. 

 I look out to see what’s made him smile and I see that creepy old security guard Cray walking up toward the door. Great. He’s always saying inappropriate things to the young girls who come into the rec center, but I’ll do it if it means putting Gale in his place. 

 I turn back and look up at Gale, “Anyone.” I set my bow case down and stomp over to the side of the door. If I catch old Cray off guard, maybe he won’t know what hit him and I can get away real quick.

 “Go get him, Catnip,” Gale taunts as he elbows an uncomfortable Thom. Leevy looks nervous and Jo just looks angry.

 I’m standing off to the side, waiting for Cray to come in. I can’t see him because I don’t want him to have any clue that I’m waiting for him. I brace myself when I feel the pressure change as the outside door opens. 

 Leevy squeals and I look over at the others. 

 I watch curiously as that smug smile falls off of Gale’s face. He almost looks angry. Jo is standing beside him laughing and yells, “Go get him, girl!”

 The inside doors open, and I step in front of the person entering. And look up into not the gray eyes of old Cray, but the brilliant blues of Peeta Mellark.

 Peeta looks down and smiles at me. He opens his mouth to speak, but before I lose my nerve, I stand on tiptoe and pull his head down to give him a quick kiss.

 Peeta’s eyes widen as he realizes what’s happening. “Oh,” he says just before our lips meet. 

 I’m about to step back and apologize when he wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me against his body, deepening the kiss. I feel my arms go around his neck and tilt my head to get a better angle. It’s the first time I’ve ever kissed a boy, and all I can register is how hot it makes me feel, warm and curious stirring inside my chest. Each kiss makes my need for more greater.

 It's the sound of Johanna yelling, “Okay, Lovebirds,” that brings us to our senses. I step back and my knees go weak as I disentangle myself from Peeta’s arms. It’s difficult to look at him so I look around and see not only old Cray at the reception desk, but the cheerleading squad is here as well. They must have come in while we were, uh, otherwise occupied. 

 The cheerleading squad is giggling and whispering among themselves and Cray is leering at them. Delly is giving Johanna and Leevy a high five. Thom is shuffling his feet. He can’t keep his eyes off Delly. 

 I shake my head and come to my senses. I can’t let anyone know how much that kiss affected me, so I pat Peeta on the chest and tell him, “Thanks.” I give Gale a smirk and pick up my bow case. 

 Gale has murder in his eyes as his stare goes from me and then to Peeta. 

 I saunter off to the locker-room to put my bow case away to a chorus of blond giggles behind me.

 Peeta’s POV

 I can’t believe my luck. I just wanted to talk to her, and Katniss Everdeen just kissed me. And boy what a kiss it was, so much more that I ever dreamed it would be. 

 I watch as Katniss walks away, too stunned to go after her. I’ll have to talk to her at school tomorrow. 

 “Congratulations, Peeta,” Delly says when she comes bouncing over to me. “I had a feeling she might like you too."

 I rub my hand across the back of my neck. “I don’t know. You think so? Why did she leave then?”

 “Oh, who knows what goes on in her mind. Don’t worry about it. You got this, Peeta.”

 “You got nothing, Mellark,” Gale barks. “She only kissed you on a dare,” he says as he stomps passed me out the door, giving me a shoulder bump as he goes by.

 “What? That kiss was all for a game?” I ask, disappointed. Of course Katniss didn’t mean it.

 “Don’t you believe him,” Johanna Mason says as she comes up. “He’s just a sore loser because she turned him down. I have watched that girl get flustered every time you’re around.” 

 Which shocks me. “Really?” I ask hopefully.

 Delly and Leevy nod yes as Jo continues, “You just have to be patient. She’s a little skittish, but brainless will come around. You’ll see. Just give her time.”

 I smile as I tell her, “Okay. I guess I can live with that.”

[shark-el]

Onion soup:

A firend of mine asked me for my Onion soup recipe. I was just gana send it to her plain simple and boring. But then I thought of a better way to waist my time that I should probably be spending doing work or researching for projects and thing. But I decided this was a lot more fun!

My idea was to be one of those annoying food blogs that tell their whole life story in an absolutely overly exaggerated fashion! One to make fun of blogs that do this, and tow because it's fun and why the hell not?!

So the idea for this started back when I was first starting out cooking and every single blog I found had a 1000 word essay about the origin of sed food. I found it extremely irritating because why do I did to know that this person's great uncle's best friends grandma's dog died in a fire in order to make this recipe?! So I would scroll down all the way to get to the actual recipe but the story just kept on going! Like about how her great great great grandfather's colleague from work had spills tea on his novel, a passion project that he had worked so hard for. I still had no idea how this was relevant at all to the spring rolls I was planning on making? And after an eternity of scrolling fingers tired and eyes full of tears I finally got to the recipe.

You'd think after all that back story and the amount I had learned about the person writing this like the fact that her great grandmother's favorite color was tangerine but specifically tangerine, and not orange because her childhood best friend had lent her a sweater that exact color and the next day she had never returned. That sweater has become a family heirloom that has been passed down ever since. Or the fact that she had avocado toast on Tuesday three years ago on may 18th at exactly 3:26 pm. Needless to say I knew a lot about this person and their family tree. It really helped me get the care and feeling I needed for my spring rolls. So that is why I'm going to be overly pretentious and do the same thing to you so have fun.

I was born at a very young age, in the evening on a hot August day. I don't remember much from this time in my life but my parents told me that I was miserable until I could do things for myself. After that I was a force to be reckoned with, nothing could stop me! There was one time when I was about 6 months old my parents had left me on the table thinking I couldn't get far, keeping an eye on me every once in a while but not paying much attention. The second I was put down I saw something gleaming in the corner of my eye, it was a delicious looking chocolate brownie. Nothing could stop me I was going to get that brownie no matter what! so I slowly started scooching my tiny baby body to the delicious looking dessert moving as fast as my little arms could take me. It had been 10 minutes of struggling from one end of the table to the other. I had finally made it! I was so close my hand was mere centimeters away from the prize. It was gonna be mine all mine! But then suddenly out of nowhere my dad's arms came and picked me up taking me away from my long awaited dessert. needless to say I was furious but I still never got that specific brownie (I've had other brownies don't get me wrong, it's just I never had that one. And at this point I don't think I'd want to since it's several years past it's expansion date).

That was my first experience with real food which might have been a core memory if I actually remembered it. Sadly this happened before i could remember it, but i'd like to think that it was the beginning of my love for food.

Over the years I started cooking it started off as learning how to make eggs and mac and cheese but then over the years I started to make more complex dishes, some worked and some didn't. Now I know that most people would rather be informed about the times that somebody failed rather than the time someone succeeded, they stand out more I guess and if you're actually sitting down to read this then I will reward you with some of my biggest cooking fails.

First off anything that involves baking, for instance there was one time I was going to bake a chocolate cake for a bake sale and well... so what happened was, I learned that I can't follow a recipe for the life of me! You may ask why I'm writing this recipe if I probably won't follow it anyway, but it's more a list of ingredients than a actual recipe. Anyway back to the story so my first mistake was I ended up putting in a tablespoon of salt instead of a teaspoon so normally this would be fine it would have just been a little bit salty, but problem was I had another mistake, I ended up putting in a tablespoon of mint extract instead of a teaspoon of vanilla extract as well, so the resulting cake was less cake tasting and more of the toothpaste variety. ( For some reason my brother loved it. He took about a handfuls. I would not recommend it with a glass of orange juice).

Another baking story, I was trying to make chicken pot pie, and filling itself is cooking. I can do that, throwing things in a pot, easy! It works! But do not, I repeat do not! leave me alone with a pie crust. my dad and I frantically tried to roll out said pie crust and not rip it, we were flailing around confused as to how dough worked. It took us about half an hour to roll out the pie crust so it would rip adds little as possible. After that day we came to a conclusion never to leave us with the job of baking ever again!

The next cooking fail I have is finally about the soup recipe. You see the first time I tried making onion soup it didn't go very well... Let me explain what happened. I was really in the mood for a nice warm onion soup and I figured you just throw some onions in a pot with some white wine and water and let it sit. Problem was we didn't have any wine, and I was too young to go to the grocery store to buy some, so instead I decided to use grape juice. Never but I mean never cook an absurd amount of grape juice, the heated aroma smelt excruciatingly unappetizing and I would not recommend it on anyone. So the resulting soup was watered down hot grape juice and stir-fried onions. needless to say it did not taste good and smelled even worse. I told myself that would be the last time I'd ever make onion soup! Years have past and and I was really in the mood for onion soup again even after that disaster, so I decided to try once again. this time with no grape juice! I looked through multiple recipes some had more ingredients than others and ended up combining a lot of them together to make my own onion soup recipe the one you see before you. And though I was scared that I'd mess it up I decided that I just really wanted some onion soup so I made it and it turned out delicious. Look at that a happy ending isn't that just great?!

I'd be surprised if you actually read through all of this if you did a good job,if you didn't then you're probably not going to read this sentence but I don't blame you it's all good who actually reads these backstories to recipes anyway?

Anyway I think I've mumbled on long enough here is the actual recipe for this soup:

5-6 onions

7-8 cups of chicken/ onion stock ( cold be parve from show mixes)

3 cloves of garlic (probably more)

1/4 cups of soy sauce

1/3 cups of white wine (optional)

4 tablespoons of oil (2-3 at the beginning and then 1-2 in middle of caramelization)

4 tablespoons of flower

1 teaspoon sugar (helps with caramelization)

Salt (to taste)

Pepper ( to taste but approx 1/8-1/4 of a teaspoon)

Instructions:

1) caramelize onions:

On medium heat Cook the onions, stirring often, until they have softened, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Increase the heat to medium high. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil (or butter depending on) and cook, stirring often, until the onions start to brown, about 15 more minutes.

Then sprinkle with sugar (to help with the caramelization) and 1 teaspoon of salt and continue to cook until the onions are well browned, about 10 to 15 more minutes.

Add garlic

2) Add Flour until mixed and quickly ( so it doesn't burn) add Add wine and soy sauce and once mixed well and incorporated

3)Add stock slowly, then add bay leaves and black pepper and salt (if needed, you can always add it later).

Bring to a summer and leve on low heat for 30 mins.

And now you officially scrolled too far, this is the point in a recipe blog where they add a bunch of links to all the recipes made by their friends families and anything else that comes to mind. Most people looking for the recipe would scroll all the way to the end trying to find it in this mess of words and unnecessary backstory told in an excruciatingly painful amount of detail. Then realize they've scrolled too far, sigh and start scrolling up again, this time a little slower.

It normally also has recommendations of foods that would go well with it, in the case of this onion soup I would recommend eating it with some garlic bread or grilled cheese sandwiches, basically all comfort foods that would spark Joy anytime you eat them.

If you're looking for aesthetic you can try making a bread bowl, cover it with cheese and broil it, which would have a whole other recipe linked in somewhere, with more details about how their great uncle's best firends associate made this same recipe for the pince of some country. But as I mentioned beforehand, I for one am not a baker and bread is most definitely a baking job. Not only is bread one of the more complex foods to bake, even if you put every ingredient precisely as the recipe mentions them, it still won't turn out right! Because ether the atmospheric pressure has changed very slightly, or the wind isn't blowing in the correct direction. Bread making is hard and I have a lot of respect for people who can do it correctly.

If you've read through all of this, damn that's dedication thank you and I applaud thee. I hope you enjoyed, and were amused.

[carrotcakesweetie]

Please, Sit and Stay for a Awhile...

We have all been a victim of it, but yet we all swear we haven't. We wake up everyday thinking we need some kind of morning routine to be more proactive, we watch makeup tutorials and product reviews, we read over endless forums on skincare and hair care and what are the best products and what celebrity uses them. We go shopping for the latest trends and the serotonin from that new outfit you've gotten lasts only about a day or two. We see pictures of girls in wigs, and we bring them to our hairdressers with unrealistic expectations. We sit in the long drive-thru lines to pay for an expensive cup of coffee, that we could have made in the comfort of our homes.

                * I find myself on the floor of the shower one day, unable to bring myself to stand and allowing the hot water to fully submerge my face. A few moments pass, and finally, I take a gasp of air. My mind riddled with these thoughts, almost constantly. I am a prisoner in my own mind. I have been a prisoner here since I was merely 11 years old. The very first year I knew what it felt like to compare myself to other women. It gets a little stale in this prison I must admit, there are so many women here that it's hard to make my way around. Sometimes I bump into women that change their outfit 7 times a day, and I don't think I've ever seen that one red-headed girl without false eyelashes on a day since she's been here, oh yeah! there is that new girl with beautiful brown eyes that I see pretty often but she doesn't eat much of anything. It's kind of impossible trying to make conversation here, sometimes I can't tell if someone is being friendly, or if they are holding a sharp dagger behind their back. Anyways... as I've stated I have been here for many and many years. The strange thing about this prison is that no matter how much time has gone past it's still the same. Different styles and colors every now and then...but the people remain the same. *

- As I stand wobbly like in the bathroom, I hunch forward over my bathroom vanity and give myself a deep look in the mirror and I ask myself why I am allowing myself to remain imprisoned in these thoughts-

                                                   *So Pause*

                In order to take control of my life again, I needed to state some ground rules

As someone who has always been guilty of maybe bending the rules just a smidge, I knew this would be quiet the challenge. However, it's frankly now or never and no in-between. I have already wasted so much delicate time and for that, it is already difficult to forgive myself. Yet I must set sail.

                                                      Rule #1

      Stop Being So Judgemental: Now whether we consider ourselves to be good people or not, we are all guilty of being judgemental in some way or some form. Being judgemental to me looks like this:

Having a preconceived notion about someone or something that you don't understand or don't know right to be true. However your opinion is upmost absolutely certain, and nothing can change your mind. (Point Blank. The END. PERIOD)

Getting past this is not only crucial for your own mental well being, but it also helps you to forge better relationships with people. You are on your way to becoming a much more compassionate human being. My relationship will be thankful for it. My future relationships will be grateful.

                                                         Rule #2

Not Overreacting or Taking Things Personally: This was/is a HUGE DEAL for me. I am guilty of being a tad bit overdramatic you could say, and I had a difficult time not letting things get to me.

Not taking things as personally has helped me to understand that everyone's situation is different and that just because I might think someone has shown me disrespectful behavior, that shouldn't warrant any emotional response. Let's face it, emotional reactions are not that pleasant. It makes things uncomfortable and sometimes awkward. Overreacting at the moment can lead to regret in the future. Though I may be freaking out on the inside, I have found it much more functional to remain calm and unbothered. Though sometimes, this can lead me to seem a little dissociative, I have found it to bring a lot more zen into my life.

                                                          Rule #3

  NO MORE BEAUTY GUROS: This rule is very special and unique to me. This was the most difficult thing for me to swallow. I have made it a personal goal this year, to completely feel comfortable without makeup and in my own skin. Makeup has been nothing but a crutch for me since I was a teenager. My relationship with it is very toxic. This is not unique to me, but like many women, I have never considered myself to be beautiful without it. Whenevenever I started my minimalist journey, the hardest thing for me to part with, was my makeup. Now I am glad to say I am down to one small makeup bag and I'm looking to keep knocking it down.

     Remember this: I am not talking down about the artistry of makeup. I understand many women use it as an art form. I have just been riddled with acne for almost all of my teen and adult life and turned to cosmetics for confidence.

I feel like letting this go will be my biggest challenge to overcome in life (which is rather sad to admit), but even downsizing and progressing to a more natural look,  has honestly done wonders for me. I save SO SO much money, by not frequenting cosmetic stores and I feel SO much better about myself when I'm not burying myself in makeup and skincare tutorials before bed every night, searching for answers I'd never find. It's scary how much I was consumed with always wanting to look a certain way. The truth is, no amount of makeup would ever make me feel complete.

& ALSO MY HAIR-  After graduating beauty school, I thought for sure that I'd like to "FIXUP" my hair all of the time. I used to be very insecure about my hair texture and I often wore it short for that reason.

                 Now You'd be lucky to see my hair brushed, and Honestly, I love it.

                          A little chaos never hurt anybody, but only a little ;)

                                                          Rule #4

GOODBYE FAST FASHION, HELLOW SLOW FASHION: Good quality items Ladies!

Whenever I shop, I like to make sure I know exactly what I'm looking for. I want to make sure my clothes last, they fit well, and they are good for my skin and the environment! I used to ALWAYS look for a bargain deal. The truth is, you're spending less money now to have to replace it with more money in the near future. I like to make sure whatever it is that I buy will be timeless. This means it will never not be in style and I will always have clothes to wear for many, many years to come.

The truth is, that your clothes, your body, and your hair are the least most interesting things about you. Unless fashion is YOUR LIFE don't let it have yours.

                                                    Rule #5

  QUALITY LIFE AND QUALITY RELATIONSHIPS: We all know the famous quote "life is short"

We are always making inspiration boards, Saying "I WISH" way too often, and sometimes even "MAYBE ANOTHER TIME".

Will there be another time? One of the most common things people tend to say on their deathbeds is that they wish they would have spent more time with someone they loved. I don't want to be that person.

I think that sometimes we are so focused on the number of people in our lives, versus the quality of the relationships you already have. How many people in your phone can you call and talk to and trust them to have your best interest in mind? Ok, now how many people do you have stored in your phone?

                             YES, I DECLUTTER MY LIFE IN PEOPLE TOO.

Not everyone is going to add value to your life, and not everyone has your best interest in mind. Whenever you have fewer things bothering you and surrounding you...you start wanting more out of life and turn to the people you are closest to.

These are some of the biggest rules that have helped me with my growth and truthfully finding myself as a woman. I feel like having a simpler approach to life, is the very key to happiness. We as humans like to over complicate things, but who needs the added pressure.  If you always imagined yourself frolicking in a field of daisies on a stormy day, and coming home to a candlelit home in the middle of nowhere. Wearing long and comfortable dresses, and making homemade bread all day. Then you do it! (Maybe that's just me, but I embrace my childlike dreams) Only you are in control of the world you live in. Don't feel pressured to live everyone else's. <3

To whomever is reading this, I hope you at least can take this on with you. Learn to love the way you look (and I mean really look), learn to love both the child and the woman within you, learn to love other women and encourage them to find their true selves, and learn to not pass judgment and hopefully you will inspire someone else to do the same...we are all in search of a quality life.

                                                                     Let us escape this prison together,

                                                                                        Carrot Cake Sweetie

[purplesurveys]

1188

Have you ever shared a shower or bath with someone as an adult? I did it a couple of times with a past girlfriend, but I’m honestly not a fan of it unless I’m somewhere with a serious lack of bathrooms and it’s the only choice available. I like my space when I get myself all cleaned up lol.

What kind of pizza toppings do you like?  Different kinds of cheeses do it for me, really. If I absolutely have to pick toppings, I do like bacon, bell peppers, barbecue chicken, or onions on my pizza.

When did you first take a shot of alcohol?  I have no idea, actually. Maybe 20? 21? I never noted the year down. I don’t even know the first shot I ever took...if I had to guess, it was probably tequila.

Did you babysit for money when you were in middle school? No. I babysat because I was the eldest daughter and granddaughter in an Asian household, haha.

Who is your favorite band? How long have they been?  Paramore; 17 years, have loved them for 14.

Has the last person you kissed ever been to your house? Many times. She used to be a welcome guest.

Have you ever been to a spa?  I don’t think I’ve ever entered one, no. There’s been no reason to in the past.

When talking on the phone, do you place it against your left or right ear? Right. I don’t remember ever placing it on my left, come to think of it.

What’s your favourite Lunchables meal?  Idk, I’ve never had them. American thing, I’m guessing.

Do you like Bob Marley?  I don’t hold an opinion on him; I’ve never tried listening to his music.

Have you ever eaten at Golden Corral? Nope, I don’t know what that is, either.

Do you sit and eat dinner at the same table with your family?  Yes, we have dinner together every night. We’ve been doing it since the start of the pandemic; and, with that, since my dad has had to stay at home since he can’t report to work anyway considering the situation. I imagine we’d be back to eating separately once he can report back to his job.

Are you listening to any music right now? If so, what are you listening to?  Yeah, I’m listening to Map of the Soul: 7 and UGH! just started playing. This is such a good FUCKING album it’s absolutely insane how good it is. Whatever spirit possessed BTS throughout 2019 to produce an album this unbelievable wasn’t playing.

Who was the last person to make you genuinely smile?  Hobi, since I rewatched the Run BTS segment where he called Conan O’Brien ‘Curtain.’

Is there something you want to say to someone but can’t/won’t? No.

Do you like men who have a sensitive side?  I think it’s nice when anyone has a sensitive side and isn’t ashamed to be in touch and expressive with their emotions. Doesn’t have to apply to just guys.

Have you ever tried to get someone into a certain band/artist?  I don’t do that with any of my interests because I don’t want to potentially irritate or bore someone, or to potentially face the disappointment I’d feel when they don’t end up being enthusiastic about what I’m into. I’m totally okay with my interests just being My Thing, no need to drag other people into them.

Have you ever carved you and someone else’s initials into a tree?  Nopes.

Do you like Dairy Queen?  Just some items, like their Oreo Frappe or whatever it’s called. I’m not a big fan of ice cream cakes and I’ve never really explored their Blizzards.

Is there anyone you know with an amazing personal success story?  Andi.

Is there a song in a different language that you can sing? Well Filipino is my first language rather than English, so yes.

How do you feel about bands that use pyrotechnics in live concerts?  I’ve never experienced this other than One Direction using fireworks at the end of their concert here (and they weren’t launched from the stage either, but somewhere backstage), so I don’t really know what to feel about this other than they should just make sure they’re following safety protocols and standards to avoid mishaps.

Ever fallen down a hole?  I don’t think so.

Do you like bananas?  Not so much, but I don’t passionately hate it as much as I do other fruits. I do like some dishes that incorporate banana, like banana bread and banoffee pie. Recently I discovered Korean banana milk and it ended up tasting pretty good!

How long do you normally spend in the shower? Not even 10 minutes, usually. I've never understood how people can take such long showers. < Yeah, pretty much on the same page. The only times I take a while is if I feel like shaving, but otherwise I shower quickly. Maybe around 4–7 minutes at most.

Have you ever been a featured member on any website?  I don’t think that ever happened, at least when having featured members was still a thing.

Have you ever had any weird pets?  Nope.

Are you currently talking to/texting/instant messaging anyone?  I am not. Though I know I have unread messages from Andi...I just don’t feel like checking them right now.

Have you ever experienced insomnia?  Only when I was a teenager. It’s been a while since I’ve faced any trouble in trying to fall asleep.

Do you like egg nog? I’ve never had a chance to try it but it sounds delicious, and I would definitely take a sip the first opportunity I get.

Would you ever wear Converse with a prom/formal dress?  I don’t see why I would have to but if it’s just for funsies, it sounds pretty harmless so yeah, I would.

Do you prefer hot chocolate with or without marshmallows?  Withoooooooooout. I’ve never understood marshmallows.

How many different people of the opposite sex have you cried over?  In a romantic sense, none. But I’ve cried for other reasons, like when I mourned over my grandpa and Nacho.

Would you rather be a surgeon or mortician?  Surgeon, since there’s a tiny part in me that had always wanted to take up med school.

Would rather be a musician or a painter? Painter, if anything. I’m not creative by any means, but I feel like I’d enjoy a lot more freedom with painting.

Would you rather write your own book or make your own movie? [continued from last night] Write my own book I suppose, but I could only work with non-fiction. I’d embarass myself if I had to write something not based off of real life.

At home, do you have a trampoline? No. But this reminds me of when we’d go to Rita’s place to have meetings whenever we couldn’t hold them in school. She’s the richest one out of all of us, lives in a very old money village, big-ass house, big-ass kitchen, big-ass receiving areas (plural)...and they also have a nice trampoline in their big-ass yard. We always used to horse around in there as soon as we were done with our meetings.

When you are about to go to bed, do you put on some sort of noise?  I used to put on a YouTube video that would entertain me enough to feel relaxed and eventually sleepy, but I haven’t done that in the last few weeks. These days I usually look for a fanfic to get absorbed in, then I read until my eyes start feeling heavy.

What is your favorite Christmas movie?  Love Actually or It’s A Wonderful Life.

And what about your favorite Christmas song?  It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas makes me feel festive and fuzzy.

What is your ultimate favorite stocking stuffer?  My family doesn’t really keep up with this tradition. I remember how our grandparents would fix up stockings for us when we were much younger, but they were usually filled with candy. 

After Halloween, do you sort out all of your candy into little piles?  I never collected candy for Halloween.

When you listen to music with headphones, do you keep the volume low enough to hear surrounding noise faintly, or do you blast it?  Depends. The rare times I’m working and do feel like putting headphones on, the volume has to be just decent enough so I can still focus. If I’m not doing anything else or at least doing something that doesn’t involve too much ~brain activity~, I like my music very loud.

What did you have for breakfast this morning?  It doesn’t really count as breakfast but I’m currently finishing off the remaining two pieces of McNuggets I got last night. 10 pieces is apparently too many for my appetite, haha.

What’s the largest animal you’ve ever had as a pet?  Cooper has probably been the biggest and heaviest so far.

Do you own any kind of helmet?  We have a bike helmet here at home, but it’s not exclusively mine.

Out of everything currently in your refrigerator, what food or drink is your favorite?  I don’t memorize the fridge so I can’t tell you my favorite food that’s currently in it; as for drink, I just stick to cold water.

What’s the worst injury you’ve ever had?  Sprained ankle after I tripped at one of the parking lots in school.

Do you like the taste of cough syrup?  I’ve never had it.

What is something you like to have conversations about?  People with experiences vastly different from mine, because it lets me explore different perspectives. It’s why I always look forward to family reunions with one of my uncles - who’s a foreigner, from a very different country - since he’s able to share a lot of fun and reflective stories about his life and stuff he did in his youth, stuff I never got to experience and live through.

What all is in the trunk of your car?  The trunk used to be my trash can lmao, back when I was still driving everyday. My mom has since cleared it out since the beginning of the pandemic; I believe only a laptop bag is sitting there now.

Do you ever put fruit on your cereal? No. I don’t even eat either.

Is your heat or air conditioning currently on?  My electric fan is. I don’t turn on the aircon until the evening.

Have you ever fallen off of a horse?  Nopes.

Which do you value more, your appearance or your intelligence?  Both are important to me.

When was the last time you drove something other than a car or truck?  I don’t remember. I’ve only ever driven cars.

Were your grandparents present when you were born?  Neither set wasn’t in any of the photos from my birth, so I don’t think so...? My maternal grandparents definitely wouldn’t have been present, since my parents had been living in Manila then.

If you drink/smoke, how often do you do these things?  I vape...pretty much all day. I’m doing it while taking this survey. As for drink, I would say 1-2 times a month. Usually after a particularly grueling shift.

What do you think of fast food?  I love it. Unabashedly. I just don’t have them a lot because I don’t find it filling and the quality is obviously lower; but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like the way fast food tastes.

What website do you spend the most time on and why?  Google Suite, if it counts. I work 5 days a week; it’s pretty much an extension of me at this point.

What’s the most amount of time you’ve spent online? Is this usual for you?  All day. I’m always using the internet to do things. I used to be embarrassed of it, but these days I feel like having a connection is virtually an essential.

When it comes to travel, what kinds of places intrigue you most? Museums, historical sites, cultural sites, and spots where they show you how they do practices native to the place. I’ve always been about immersing myself in the cultures of the places I visit.

What is the farthest you’ve walked in one day and what made you do it?  I remember having to walk for a very very very VERY long time when we were in Bali - my family wanted to explore more of the city - and the weather wasn’t cooperative at all, so I ended up feeling super cranky. I remember also walking around a lot in Shanghai, but that was a slightly better experience since the city was incredibly lively and there were a lot of things to see and stop at; not to mention the weather was also kinda pleasant. The cold was biting but I would always rather be too cold than walk around with sweat-soaked clothes.

What is something important that’s often on your mind lately?  Our financial situation what with Covid affecting both my parents’ jobs. We get by enough for me not to worry too much, but I also hope my dad can get called back to his ship soon just so I can finally exhale with relief.

What about something unimportant, but you can’t stop thinking about it?  My workplace recently introduced this workout challenge thingy for the month of May that we’re invited to join to encourage us to get fit and healthy. I get notifications whenever someone’s able to exercise for the day and it makes me feel super pressured hahahaha. Since I don’t wanna be known as a killjoy co-worker I know I’ll have to take part in it, which I will start on later.

Do you like oatmeal? If so, what kinds of things do you like in it?  No. Back in elementary my grandma made me eat oatmeal every day for breakfast before heading to school, so I don’t ever want to have another bowl of it.

What was going on the last time you felt nostalgic?  My family and I were having a conversation during dinner last night and for some reason it eventually veered towards mine and my sister’s experiences from our first school and how we managed to get up at 5 AM everyday, have classes from 7 AM–4 PM, then get home from anywhere between 5–6 PM for 14 years straight. How tf did we do that and never complain???

How much attention do you pay to the movements of the stars and planets, and do you believe they influence anything?  None.

What is the most difficult or involved video game you’ve ever played?  While I love watching playthroughs, I am not skilled at video games at all and in most video games I’ve played I never made it past the first mission, unless I was playing a Nintendo game that’s already marketed for kids in the first place lol.

Which accent do you find most sexy, alluring or appealing?  There’s a certain British accent I find very pleasant to listen to, but since I know there are a lot of variations I’m just not sure which one it is. I guess an accurate point of reference would be Hugh Grant’s or Florence Pugh’s accent.

Which accent do you find most annoying, disturbing, or bothersome?  None of them.

Can you cry on cue? Is it any kind of useful?  Nope.

Does it take you a while to actually get jokes?  Sometimes.

Can you wear socks to bed or does it annoy you?  I don’t really like the feeling of socks, so no. I find them a bit itchy, and too tight.

Have you ever bleached your hair?  Never done it before.

Do you like jelly beans?  Erm, it would depend on the flavor, I guess. But they aren’t so much my snack of choice. The texture is a bit weird.

Do you have trouble sleeping when it’s storming?  Not at all, I feel a lot cozier when it’s raining hard.

Who was the last person you know that graduated? (high school or college)  Sofie posted her graduation photo not too long ago, so probably her.

Were you happy or sad when you found out your babysitter was coming?  I never had a babysitter because I was the babysitter.

Did you have a boyfriend in kindergarten?  No. I went to an all-girls school, so I didn’t even get to interact with a lot of boys until the middle of high school.

Did you ever read the Magic Treehouse series?  Nope.

Who was your best friend in elementary school?  Angela. I was also friends for a long time with a girl named Jaynie, with whom I actually started to reconnect ever since she found out I was now into BTS. I find it so cool; I don’t think I’ve talked to her since the 2nd grade, 15 years ago.

Did you ever watch The Land Before Time movies?  I didn’t.

Did you collect anything when you were a kid? Stickers. I'd put them on my dresser everywhere to the point it was absolutely covered. < Literally this entire answer; I don’t have any clue how my overly neat mom managed to never spank me for destroying her closet. I also liked collecting Pokemon cards and pogs even though I never knew how to use them. It just felt nice having large stacks of them lol.

Did you get an allowance?  Not until high school. My grandma (and eventually househelp, when we moved) fixed up packed lunches for me and my siblings. When my mom decided to stop having house helpers at home, that’s when she started giving us an allowance to buy recess and lunch ourselves.

Were you into American Girl dolls?  I was never into dolls in general. Since my sister and I were the only girls at home, we were surrounded by toys marketed for boys and that’s what I enjoyed playing with more.

Were you friends with your childhood neighbors?  We played with the neighborhood kids every afternoon but I wouldn’t call them friends. I was a very shy kid and I found them too rowdy for my liking, especially the boys.

What was your biggest fear when you were a kid?  Flying cockroaches. It’s still one of them.

Did you ever play the "Reader Rabbit" computer games?  I don’t think so.

Did your parents let you drink soda growing up? I’m pretty sure they would’ve allowed me to, but I just never liked the feeling of fizzy drinks so I never drank soda anyway.

What was your favorite kind of cake as a kid?  I think I liked mocha sponge cakes growing up, but that has changed now.

[chill-that-ur-inmyhead]

Are you currently wearing anything red?

my red nail polish

Have you had a deep conversation with anyone today?

nope

What would you say is the most disgusting thing you’ve ever tasted?

not a fan of christmas pudding but would I say its the most disgusting thing ever? hmmm probs not maybe I need to try more foods and get back to you

What was the last food you got a random craving for?

toast, but that is a daily occurrence

Has anyone/anything made you angry recently?

yes.... I arranged to stay with my friend for a weekend to which she announces that she has also arranged for another one of her friends to stay. So instead of telling her friend that she’s busy, this friend is gonna crash and it made me angry because I wanted to spend the weekend with her, I don’t mind meeting her friends but now they’re gonna be there 24/7. I made my peace with it now

Who did you last go to the cinema with?

probs the same friend mentioned above haha

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Little Big Town - Better Man

When was the last time you listened to it?

the other day

Who was the last person to say something thought-provoking?

my friend questioned our group if we think we’re fat phobic so we had an open discussion about it and it got us thinking

On your Facebook friends list, who was the last person to have their b-day?

who knows

How old were they?

probs 22 or 23

What did you/are you having for dinner tonight?

I had steak, yum

Is your best friend in a relationship?

I have a few close friends, some are dating and some aren’t, tis a mixture

How old were you 5 years ago?

17

What is something you enjoy doing, but aren’t good at?

dancing, hehe

Who was the last person you talked to, whose name started with ‘C’?

probs Cara :)

What colour are that person’s eyes?

brown

Name some healthy foods that you enjoy eating.

CUCUMBER FOREVER

What is your favourite Studio Ghibli film?

hmm haven’t seen many Studio Ghibli films but Howl’s Moving Castle was a rollercoaster, note to self: watch more Studio Ghibli creations

Do you have a favourite hair accessory? What does it look like?

yes and no, I love using sunglasses or normal glasses to push my hair back so its both a hair accessory and isn’t

What’s your favourite type of insect?

one that leaves me alone

What’s your LEAST favourite type of insect?

slugs

Who was the last person you Facebook messaged?

Laura!

What’s his/her favourite food?

I do not know haha

Did you have a good day yesterday? What did you do?

hmmm it was a stressful day, my dad and brother were driving up to join us for my grandad’s 90th over the weekend but they broke down on the M1 and took the car back to home in a lorry. mum was stressed and I was sad that we wouldn’t have use of our car to travel back in 

When was the last time you went to a fancy dress party?

have I ever? maybe when I was like 10

Who/what did you dress as?

witch?

What genre was the last film you watched? Did you like it?

FANTASY - I re watched Narnia Prince Caspian and oh wow 

Have you made a sandwich today? What did you put on it?

nope I had a salad

Do you remember the last time you overheard part of a random conversation?

nope, I do like to eavesdrop but can never remember what I hear

Did it make you feel awkward?

nah, I doubt it

What were you doing at 10 o'clock this morning?

showering

How many vowels are there in your first name?

3

What was the last song you listened to? Does it mean anything to you?

Taylor Swift - right where you left me. It reminds me of my last relationship and it’s literally just ONE moment it reminds me of because the song is about the narrator being left at the restaurant and I can just vividly see the moment when my partner and I went for korean bbq. He didn’t leave me at the restaurant and I don’t know why the song would remind me of that moment besides it being at a restaurant. Crazy how taylor works her magic

What flavour was the last cupcake you ate?

tomorrow evening I’ll be able to tell you because we have cupcakes for my Grandad’s 90th :)

When was the last time you complimented a stranger?

in a pandemic? pfffttt hardly spoken to anyone let alone a stranger

What’s your favourite milkshake flavour?

nutella and oreo

Have you had an interesting or amusing dream recently?

nope they’re all stressful and weird

Do you know how old your favourite actor is?

27

Is there anything worrying you right now?

yes

If so, have you talked to anyone about it?

I want to but I just can’t bring myself to

Is there anything you desperately want, that you can’t have?

bread

When will you next see your best friend?

a couple weeks time but we keep in touch every day

Apart from sleeping, what do you plan to do tonight?

read

What’s the age difference between your parents?

5 years

You can only have one flavour of ice-cream for the rest of your life. Which do you choose?

chocolate always

Are there any foods you’ve been craving, or eating a lot of, just recently?

I always crave yoghurt so situation normal there

When was the last time you wanted to do something, but didn’t do it?

I wanted to drive my dad and brother back from the station

Why did you choose not to do it?

I knew it would cause a fight with my mum so I let it go

When was the last time you ate an apple?

within the last week for sure

What’s the nicest thing your best friend has ever said to you?

it’s not something they say once it’s more that they keep coming back to say more nice things :)

Have you ever experienced a hangover?

yep

What was the last food or drink that you tried for the first time?

blood orange gin

Did you like it?

yes

What do your friends think of the person you’re currently interested in?

I’m not interested in anyone rn

Name one of your favourite foods, that starts with the letter ’S’

sausage!!!!

The last time you hung out with your sibling(s), what did you do?

waited for my parents in the car whilst our parents went food shopping

Who was the last blue-eyed person you spoke to?

padre

Is there a person you’d like to speak to right now?

I hope to get a response from Rena soon but I can wait

Why that person, specifically?

She has organised a party and I need more details haha

When you woke up this morning, what was on your mind?

It is spider season :/

At this moment, what are you most looking forward to?

CAKE (for my grandad’s 90th bday) and ofc seeing the extended family

Do you have any scented candles in your home? What scent(s)?

I do, sea salt, bergamot & another one from & other stories

Are you planning any special outings with family or friends?

YES my grandad’s bday dinner is tomorrow

Who were the last 3 males you talked to?

my padra, mon frere and Yao

Do you ever wear lipstick? What colour(s) do you prefer?

either nudes or deep reds, difficult to not look like a clown in the latter, that is always the fear

If you have a pet, when did you last pet him/her?

I don’t :(

Do you have a favourite Celine Dion song?

nope

Name one of your favourite foods, that starts with the letter ‘C’

chicken!

Does the person you love/like have a car? What colour is it?

I’m sure Timothee Chalamet does not sure what colour

Have you ever received a compliment on anything you’re wearing?

yes

Have you had any caffeinated beverages today?

nope

What was the last alcoholic drink you tried for the first time?

blood orange gin 

Did you like it?

yes

Have you eaten any chocolate today? What kind?

so much

The last person you kissed - are they older or younger than you?

older

When was the last time someone wanted you to do something, and you refused?

mum wanted me to not have so much smoothie but I wanted the smoothie haha

What’s your favourite feature of the person you’re currently interested in?

nobody right now but I always notice a nice smile and kind eyes

How many people have you hugged today?

loads! twas my grandad’s 90th bday - we had the whole family come to celebrate

Do you have a favourite hair colour or eye colour on your preferred sex?

I don’t

Do you remember the first CD you ever bought?

it was probably taylor swift’s 1989 album. If it was the first CD I ever bought I dont know but I sure remember buying multiple copies of 1989 to get the polaroid collection

Is there anyone on your mind atm?

not in particular

The last song you listened to - does it remind you of anyone?

nope

Is your birth year an odd or even number?

odd

Have you eaten any of your favourite foods today?

CAKE!

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

fish finger salad!! I hope I’m never too old for fish fingers

Who was the last person you Facebook messaged?

Laura

How many different towns/cities have you lived in?

4

What are your parents’ middle names?

Steven & Anne

Are your eyes the same colour as your sibling’s?

nope

How many pets do you have? Would you like any more?

I don’t have any! we used to have bunnies and I would love some more again

Do you prefer still or sparkling drinks?

depends on the mood

Is there a song you can’t stop listening to atm?

Little Big Town’s Better Man is on repeat rn

Did you have a strange or interesting dream last night?

nope

Which friend do you confide in most?

I kinda tell the world my problems hehe

Who was the first male you talked to today? What colour are his eyes?

either my dad or brother, dad has blue eyes, brother has brown

Are you wearing any accessories in your hair? Describe them.

nope

When was the last time you felt ill? What was wrong?

I caught this WEIRD bug that would just make me feel awful all of a sudden and then drained my energy. It was unlike anything I’ve ever felt it made me miss the normal cold

If given the chance, would you change anything that’s happened today?

the food came later than expected so I would change how much breakfast I had

Who was your first best friend? Do you still speak to that person?

nope

Do you like your middle name, or does it embarrass you?

It fits my name

Are you wearing anything that was given to you as a gift?

nope

Have you received any compliments about your appearance today?

yes! my auntie said I looked like a doll and how much I’ve grown since we last saw each other!

Have you ever written a song or poem for someone special?

nope

Have you ever had an argument with the last person you text messaged?

probably

What colour is your shampoo bottle?

pink

Are you attracted to the last person you Facebook messaged?

she is wonderful but I am not attracted to her in that way haha

Do you have any ice-cream in your freezer? What flavour is it?

chocolate & raspberry 

Have you spoken to any of your neighbours today?

nope

[rayadraws]

So I was listening to mr lover man by Ricky Montgomery (AMAZING SONG) and I thought omg, what if Genos got hurt so badly that he had to stay a year with kuseno to get repairs. Of course Saitama could visit, but couldn’t take Genos home, not even for holidays. And poor pining Saitama is all depressed and Genos hates himself for getting hurt and AAA the angst~

Hhhhhhhh

Tags: hurt/comfort, mild angst with happy ending, established relationship, G-rated

Genos had had several close calls. It wasn’t always easy to tell, ’cause the guy would do everything to hide it, like a sick animal pretending it was feeling fine. And it was hard sometimes to even tell what was serious when it came to him - losing an arm or a leg or both was annoying, but not life threatening in the least, like it would be for a regular person.

There was no denying it this time, though. When Saitama found him in the rubble, he felt his stomach drop. The image haunted him even days after. He didn’t even dare pick Genos up from where he laid, he was scared of making it worse, with all those... bits exposed. He just guarded him until the drones arrived and then he went home, unable to eat or read or do anything, so he went to bed at 8 pm and tried desperately to forget this day had even happened.

The phone didn’t ring until almost a full day later and when Saitama picked it up, it wasn’t Genos on the other end but his doc. Saitama had never heard him sound so grim before.

”How is he? Itching to get back up yet?”

”Saitama-kun, are you sitting down?”

It was bad. Really bad.

Kuseno had a bunch of complicated terms for it, but from what Saitama gathered basically the connection between Genos’ brain and his body had been severed, which was really dangerous, for obvious reasons. There was a risk of brain damage, but there was also apparently a risk that his brain wouldn’t correct right to his cyborg body again, or any cyborg body, if those connection points had been too badly damaged. Which would be really, really bad. Brain damage would be kinder. Without a body, there would barely be any life left for Genos, he’d be little more than a brain in a jar.

The doctor kept him in a medically induced coma for what felt like forever. At least Genos didn’t have muscles that would atrophy from lack of use in the meantime.

When he finally woke up again, they had no idea what to expect. Kuseno had warned Saitama that Genos probably wouldn’t move or say much, if anything at all. He’d been put in a new body, one that was set up more for people undergoing full body modification surgery for the first time - kinda like a bubble-wrapped edition. No weapons, no fancy scanners - as little as possible for a badly jostled brain to deal with. Just enough to be a person.

”Hey, bud, how are you feeling?”

Genos just looked at him, not moving as much as a muscle. His face looked the same as before... all this. His hair might have been a bit shorter, Saitama thought. Easier to care for while he recovered. And of course, all the cables and wires connected at the back of his neck, so thick they almost formed a pillow under his head where he laid on the table, covered only with a thin blanket.

Genos could be stoic, but he rarely tried to hide his feelings around Saitama. It was unnerving to see him so still. Saitama couldn’t even tell if he recognized him or not.

Kuseno clapped Saitama’s shoulder as he made his way towards the exit later, but he couldn’t make any hopeful promises.

The next time Saitama came to visit, things were better, thank goodness. Genos could move now, a little bit. Mostly his facial muscles, but enough that Saitama could tell he was happy to see him. Over a month since the accident had already passed at this point, so he was happy to finally see some improvement.

The third visit, Genos was in a foul mood already by the time Saitama arrived. That was unlike him (at least around Saitama). Kuseno explained he was upset because of how long his recovery was predicted to take, which he’d just been informed of.

A year.

If they were lucky.

No monster fighting. No shopping. No tracking the mad cyborg. Genos was going to be stuck in the lab for months and months, watching the world go on without him while he struggled to even move his toes.

Genos could be stoic. He wasn’t that day. Nor was he raging, though. He couldn’t control his body enough to be. The tears flowed quietly as Saitama held his head in his lap and tried to tell him that it would be okay. That his stuff would be waiting for him until he was ready. Saitama too. And he’d visit, as often as he could and Genos wanted him to. He’d bring him his favourite stuff, his notebooks and the chocolate he had hid among the frozen peas back home. The stupid plushie version of himself that Saitama suspected Genos had commissioned someone to make for him. By the fourth visit, all the things he’d brought last time were lined up so Genos could look at them whenever he wanted. He looked pleased at that, at least.

He still wasn’t speaking, couldn’t move anything below the neck. Didn’t even have his own room - lab wasn’t set up like that - but they’d made this one corner all his. Kuseno had pulled down a TV, a radio, audiobooks. A potted plant, though Saitama had no idea what kind it was. At least it added a bit of life. This portion of the lab didn’t have windows, so the doc had hung up a poster of a forest instead. It was as nice as you could make such a place. And in the middle of it all laid Genos, propped up like a grumpy-looking doll, probably wishing he was anywhere else.

About four months in, he started to talk again, which was nice, though it was hard to understand what he was trying to say most of the time. At first it was mostly grunts and sighs, he struggled to form actual words. But at least he could point and make gestures now, if you gave him time, so he could point at what he wanted. He couldn’t write yet, but he could flip the TV channels and change the radio station, giving him at least that little bit of control of his life. And he could eat and drink again, even if he spilled a lot. Must be nice though, to be able to finally do some stuff on his own at least. Saitama couldn’t imagine how bored and frustrated he must be, he was normally so active.

They celebrated Christmas down in the lab that year. Saitama had asked Kuseno if he couldn’t at least take Genos to the nearest town, just for a couple hours, but doc said it was essential Genos was hooked up to all those cables 24/7. Poor guy. But they had cake together and Genos even managed to murmur a ’murry chrysmaz’, which was both sad and cute.

Saitama got him gifts too, a book about space that looked cool and a Gudetama plushie and a hoodie that was really warm and soft. Genos gestured that he wanted to wear it immediately, so Saitama helped him out of the Qseno Tech one and pulled the hoodie over his head.

It contrasted nicely with his arms, which Saitama told him. These arms weren’t polished grey or black like most of Genos’ designs, but white with black accents. They looked so... peaceful, by comparison. Didn’t even have blasters, just soft pads for grip, almost like pawpads. Genos sat completely still as he let Saitama feel his hand over, interlacing their fingers.

Without warning, Saitama felt his eyes starting to burn. He took a deep breath, trying to will it away, but that only made it worse. He looked away, until he felt Genos’ fingers squeezing his.

”Shen...shei.”

He broke down.

It was Genos’ turn to comfort Saitama, which felt wrong, but he was so good at it. He held Saitama in his arms, resting his chin on his shoulder, until he got it all out, which took forever.

”It’s not the same without you there. It’s so lonely...”

”Clean-n?”

”If I’ve... kept it tidy?”

”Yus.”

”Uhh...”

”Shenshei!”

When Saitama dared meet Genos’ eyes, he was giving him that disapproving stare that he knew well from when he was slacking off.

”I’ll make sure the place is spotless when you return home.”

”Goo. Call Kin.”

”I guess I can invite King over.”

”Foobooki. Ban. Moomen.”

”Fine, I do have friends.”

Genos reached up to wipe a tear off his cheek. ”Yus.”

-

Inviting people over meant he had to tidy up. It was a lot and he completely misjudged how long it would take. He was only halfway done when King showed up and he tried to apologize, but King didn’t say much, just helped him with the rest. They got pizza and played video games and it was almost like normal. Apartment looked a lot less glum now, too. Wouldn’t need to be embarrassed when Genos got back home. If he could keep it up for another six months.

”I’d come earlier, if you’d only let me in, Saitama.”

”Yeah, I know.”

”You’re welcome to visit me too.”

”Yeah yeah.”

They played in silence for a while.

”You wanna talk about it?”

”It’s lonely without him.”

”Yeah. But he’s doing better, right?”

”Yeah. He can sit up now.”

”Is it taking that long to fix his body?”

”S’not his body, it’s his brain.”

”Oh.”

They went back to being quiet. After Saitama’s character had gotten his ass kicked half a dozen times, he told King to go home. He was hesitant, asking Saitama twice if he’d be okay. He promised he would be. Besides, Fubuki was coming over the next day. They were going to sort the mountains of get well-letters Genos’ fans had sent him after word finally got out that Demon Cyborg was on extended sick leave. He’d asked them to keep that stuff at the HA, but apparently they had had enough of that and were going to dump the boxes at the apartment the next morning. Saitama didn’t look forward to it.

Fubuki showed up looking very casual, for being her. Saitama wasn’t sure if he’d ever seen her in pants before, nevermind sweats, even if they were brand name. She brought food too, fruit and bread and stuff like that. But she didn’t ask any stupid questions, just shook her head at the stack of boxes of fanmail.

”We’ve got our work cut out for us.”

”Yup.”

”If you’d started months ago, it wouldn’t be this much work now.”

”Yup.”

Still, it wasn’t that bad once they got started. Most of the stuff they threw away, but they kept the treats and a few of the plushies. Saitama helped himself to one box of chocolate, but put the rest aside for Genos. Some kids had sent in drawings and those they kept too. They ate while they worked, taking care to not stain the letters.

”This one’s for you,” Fubuki said suddenly.

”Hate mail again.”

”No, nothing like that.”

”...”

”Listen. ’I read about Demon Cyborg and they say you’ve been seen walking alone in City Z. It breaks me heart to think of you being separated, you seem so close in all the photos. Please know that both of you are in our hearts. Best wishes.”

”Oh, well, that’s new.”

”We’ve all been worried, you know. For both of you.”

Saitama fiddled with the letter in his hands. ”It’s been rough. But it will be okay.”

Before he had the chance to stop her, Fubuki engulfed him in a hug.

-

He’d warned Genos that he was bringing him fan stuff today. Kuseno had encouraged Genos to read some of the letters, but he didn’t show much interest. They split the treats though and piled the plushies up on the least full shelf above the bed. The smallest one, a fuzzy cat, Saitama placed carefully on top of the potted plant. It was blooming, tiny delicate pink flowers.

”You know, I’ve never seen my cactus bloom, even after all these years,” Saitama remarked.

”Too bad,” Genos replied. His speech was getting clearer and clearer. He wasn’t chatting quite as much as he did… before all this, because it still required a fair deal of effort from him, but it was still a big improvement.

”Maybe I’ll bring cake, next time.”

”If you want.”

Genos didn’t remember his real birthdate. He didn’t remember much of the day his doctor found him either, but Kuseno did, of course. They’d picked that date as a stand-in birthday. They kept it simple, cause Genos didn’t like being surrounded by too many people and all, but they’d eat cake and Saitama always got him a little gift, usually slippers or oven mitts or something else that was practical. He’d waffled for like a week what to go for this time, especially with it being such a weird year and all. He still hadn't made up his mind .

Saitama took another letter from the pile and read it aloud. Reading vetted fanmail wasn’t so bad. They didn’t have to worry about weird or gross stuff, though Fubuki’s tolerance for allowing that had proven higher than Saitama’s.

”’In conclusion, get well soon’. That one was sweet, right?”

”I guess.”

”Oh come on, Demon Cyborg, with your ’hard exterior but fragile self within, so barely contained’.”

Genos snorted. It was like a balm, seeing him slowly return to his old self. That also meant he was getting increasingly restless, though. He’d already left his bed three times, now that Kuseno let him go without all the neck cables, once dutifully during physical therapy while supervised, twice at night when neither Saitama nor Kuseno were there to reel him in. The first of those times he didn’t get far, didn’t even leave the room, but the second he fell down a flight of stairs.

Thank goodness for his exceptionally hard head, or they might have had to put a helmet on him.

Saitama got it, though. Genos hadn’t like, lost any intelligence, or forgotten more stuff than, well, he already had. He still had his goals and interests and all that. And his body was still state of the art and ready to rock. The problem was getting the two - his brain and his body - to work together again. It was all way too complicated for Saitama, even when the doc tried to dumb it down for him, but at least Genos was going in the right direction.

The day came when Kuseno said it was okay for Genos to leave the lab for a few hours. They made a birthday date out of it, since they hadn’t had a proper date in nearly a year and his stand-in birthday was so close. It was hard to be left alone, though. People kept pointing and whispering and Genos didn’t want to deal with any of that. In the end, they bought tea and fancy cupcakes to go and then clambered into the nearest woods. Saitama had a bench or something in mind, or even just finding a nice patch of grass, but Genos had other plans.

”No, stop that.”

No response.

”Oi! Don’t!”

”Don’t worry, Sensei.”

He kept going higher. Into the damned tree.

”Genos! If you fall down your old man’s gonna skin me alive!”

”I will not fall.”

The next branch creaked worryingly under Genos’ weight, but he kept going. Slowly, but with great determination. What had gotten into the guy’s head?

There was nothing for it, then. With a great sigh, Saitama put the paper bag to his mouth, grabbing the edge with his teeth so he’d have his hands free. Branch by branch, he followed Genos up the tree.

About ten metres up, the stem of the tree split into two, leaving enough room for the two of them. With an exaggerated show of pretend-annoyance, Saitama made himself comfortable, placing the bag between them. Peering inside, he was pleased to note he hadn’t spilled anything. He looked up again. Genos was sitting with his eyes closed, hair moving in the breeze. He looked like an animal that had been released into the wild after a life of captivity. Maybe you wouldn’t think so looking at him, but Saitama knew Genos much preferred this environment to a busy city.

”Are you happy now, nature boy?” He nudged his companion in the side and handed him his paper cup. It couldn’t be more than lukewarm at this point, but his tea smelled real nice when Genos took off the lid to drink.

”Very pleased,” he all but purred.

”Can’t blame you, I guess.” And then, after a brief pause, ”I’m glad to see it. I’m glad you’re okay. You scared us, you know.”

”I know. I was scared too. And frustrated.”

”Don’t blame you.”

They didn’t say anything else. They didn’t need to. They said the rest through their actions, the held hands, the lingering gazes. The kiss, tasting of tea and pastries.

Saitama had no idea when he woke up that morning that he’d spend his afternoon kissing in a tree, but he had no complaints. Not until it was time to get down, anyway.

”We can jump.”

”Kuseno made me promise I’d return you without as much as a scratch and you already have a patch of mud on your shoulder. We’re not taking chances.”

”It will be fine.”

Somehow, it had escaped Saitama’s mind how goddamn stubborn his boyfriend was.

”How about I hold you and we jump together.”

”Sensei…”

”It’ll be like, romantic.”

”...Alright.”

Fortunately, Saitama hadn’t forgotten how much of a sap he could be.

It was a mess to stand up in the tree, nevermind getting into position, but eventually they figured it out. Genos grabbed Saitama’s shoulders and latched on, piggyback style, making sure to hold on to the bag as well, so it could be recycled back in town. Like that, they jumped down, and then continued. Apparently Genos couldn’t walk, now. Or rather, he’d decided he didn’t want to, that latching on to Saitama like a koala was better. Give that guy an inch…

When they got back inside the lab, Kuseno instantly looked worried upon seeing Genos being carried, but Saitama assured him that he was fine. He didn’t mention the tree climbing.

He was tempted to stay the night, but Genos was already really tired from the day out. Tussling his hair, he gave him a peck on the forehead and said his goodbyes, promising to be back soon.

That turned out to not be the case, but only because Genos was allowed to go home first. He called Saitama two days later, letting him know he’d be home soon. He sounded so happy, like an excited puppy. He just wanted to stop on the way and shop some stuff, so they could have a nice meal together once he was back.

Saitama never fury-cleaned the apartment with as much intensity as he did that morning.

And then, Genos stood there, wearing that baggy Qseno Tech hoodie and shining like the sun itself. He’d still need frequent checkups for a while and no monster fights for another month, at least, but he was back.

He was back.

”Welcome home,” Saitama smiled at him.

[mieteve-minijoma]

Songfic Day 14: If

Day 14: A song you’d love played at your wedding: If - Bread

Jughead and Betty throughout their wedding day

*****

If a picture paints a thousand words,

Then why can't I paint you?

The words will never show the you I've come to know.

  6:32 am - Betty

  “Good Morning Besties! Time to rise and shine, we have to get the blushing bride to the chapel on time and we’re already behind schedule,” Veronica sang, pulling back the curtains of the grande suite she’d rented for her best friend Betty’s wedding.

 “Christ Lodge, the sun is barely up, can you not?” Toni grumbled from one of the large king size beds that she and Cheryl had passed out the night before. Jellybean lay sprawled out on the sofa, snoring despite all the noise around her. 

 “No can do, Topaz. As maid of honor it is my duty to keep you bridesmaids on schedule while also making sure B has everything she needs and stays sane today. Last thing we need is Alice complaining that things are running behind,” she said, placing two lattes beside Toni.

 “V, it’s entirely too early to mention my mother. I need my coffee first before we can even go there. What time is it anyway?” Betty yawned, stretching as she spoke.  

  7:35 am - Jughead

  “Archie!” Jughead yelled across the apartment he shared with his best friend, Archie. After today, he would be moving in with his fiance -well wife- and he really couldn't wait.

 He and Betty have been together for 6 years now and he couldn't be happier with his life. They were both officially done with school and had just opened their own Private Investigation Firm. That way they could work together while also allowing Jughead to have time to work on his novel. 

 Life had been good to them and now they finally get to be man and wife. Jughead was trying not to be sappy about it all, but this was his ultimate dream come true.

 "What is it Jug? What time is it?" Archie asked, hair askew and wiping the sleep from his eyes.

 "It's almost 8, coffee’s in the pot. Have you seen my cufflinks? You know the ones Dad had made, the little silver crowns? I can't find them anywhere," Jughead was a bit worried when they weren’t on his dresser that morning. FP’d had them made for the wedding with an identical pendant made for Betty to wear as well. And his Dad didn't give him a lot of gifts growing up so these were very important to him. 

 "Yeah man, there in the box with mine and the groomsmen's in my bag ready to go to the church," Archie said in a calming voice, "Don't freak out man, as your best man it's my job to keep you calm and threaten to murder you or break your legs if you try to run."

 "I think death threats and acts of violence are a bit extreme, don't you Arch?" Jughead laughed.

 Archie rolled his eyes, grabbing a cup to pour them some coffee, "Tell that to Veronica."

  If a face could launch a thousand ships,

Then where am I to go?

  9:23 am - Betty

"V, I’m so glad you talked me into doing a massage and facial before our mani-pedis. This is literally heaven," Betty sighed, taking a sip of her mimosa while the manicurist massaged lotion onto her calves.

 "Only the best for my B. I wanted to make you feel as special your wedding day as everyday of my life has felt since you came into it," Veronica smiled, eyes glistening. Betty teared up at her best friends heartfelt words.

 "Oh, V. I love you so much," Betty pulled her into a crushing hug, being sure not to shift her lower half. She felt a tear roll down her cheek and whispered, "Thanks for always being there for me, no matter what. I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for you."

 Veronica pulled back, laughing through a sob, "Ok, enough of that. I may have gotten the best waterproof makeup money can buy, but we aren't trying to test that claim today."

 "Betty?" They both froze when they heard the voice calling from the hall. Betty let out an exasperated sigh.

 "In here, Mom."

  9:47 am - Jughead

  "Coming!" Jughead yelled, walking towards the front door. When he opened it, he was met with the smiling faces of his father and his other three best friends.

 "Congratulations, boy," FP stepped in, hugging his son tight, "I can't believe you're actually getting married."

 "Thanks Dad, what you you doing here so early? I didn't expect you for another hour at least," Jughead said, hugging and high-fiving his groomsmen -Sweet Pea, Fangs, and Kevin- as they entered the apartment.

 "You know Alice, she was itching to leave Riverdale at 6 this morning. I held her off as long as possible but that’s like fighting a grizzly bear and well, Archie wasn’t around for back up. Is JB here?" FP asked, looking around Jug's apartment for his daughter.

 "She decided to stay over at the hotel with the girls so they could all be together to get ready or whatever they plan on doing," Jughead said, shrugging his shoulders.

 "Looks Sweets will be disappointed. He was hoping to see her before we all had to get ready," FP nodded his head towards Sweet Pea who'd spent the entire time with his nose shoved in his phone, dopey grin plastered on his face.

 It honestly used to bother him Sweet Pea and Jellybean had started dating when she turned 18 but he got over that fairly quickly. Just seeing how good they were for each other eased Jughead's mind. Besides that, Sweets looked at Jelly the same way he looked at Betty, so he knew what they had was real.

  There's no one home but you,

You're all that's left me too.

  11:56 am - Betty

  "Stand up straight, Elizabeth. We still have to finish getting you in this corset or we will never get your dress on properly," Alice huffed, pulling on the fabric. Veronica had gone downstairs to handle a situation with the caterers and all the girls had stepped out to get drinks and snacks for the rest of the wedding party, leaving Betty alone with her mother for the first time all morning.  And frankly, she was about to her breaking point. 

 She loved her mother, she really did, and ever since she and FP had gotten better but as soon as the wedding planning started she had started to nitpick every little thing Betty did or choice she made. 

 With hips like yours, would a mermaid cut dress be appropriate? Elizabeth, just because Jughead wants a chocolate cake doesn't mean he should get it, it’s your special day. Is that really the font you chose for the invitations? You’re seriously going to have your bridesmaids and groomsmen mixed up on both sides?

 It has gotten so bad that Jughead and FP had to step in to tell her that it was enough and that she needed to back off. Which she did, that is, until she arrived this morning and thought she’d try to pack months of criticism into one morning. Betty didn’t need to deal with this today, of all days, so she grabbed her phone and sent an SOS text.

 SOS... Send reinforcements to slay the dragon and save the princess...

 “Mom, I'm sure it will be fine,” Betty tried to stop the discussion but Alice was having none of it and cut her off. 

 “Elizabeth, I just don’t want those extra pounds you’ve added these last few weeks to show through because you didn’t properly shinch your corset. Now- “ Alice was interrupted by a knock at the door. 

 “Hey Alice, Dad said he needs your help. Something about his tie or something?” Jellybean smiled sheepishly but winked at Betty once Alice turned her back. Betty smiled, mouthing her thanks to her future sister-in-law.

 “I swear, I have no idea how that man survived all those years on his own without me,” Alice scoffed as she marched out of the women’s dressing area. Betty was grateful when Veronica walked back in the room, an apologetic look on her face and holding two lattes.

 “I am so sorry, B. I swear I didn’t mean to leave you alone with her this morning,” Veronica apologized.

 “It’s ok Ronnie. Jug took care of it,” Betty smiled, sipping her cinnamon dulce white chocolate mocha.

  12:02 pm - Jughead

  Betty: SOS... Send reinforcements to slay the dragon and save the princess...

 “Dad, get your woman before I have Sweet Pea hogtie her and toss her in your truck,” Jughead groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose in his frustration.

 “Oh Lord, what’s she doing this time, boy?” FP asked. Jughead didn’t answer, just handed him his phone to show FP the text from Betty. “Alright, I’ll take care of this. JELLY!” he yelled.

 “Yeah Dad?” Jellybean said, walking in from the hallway where she and Sweet Pea were talking with the rest of the wedding party.

 “We have a code viper in Betty’s room, can you handle it for us please?” Jelly nodded, running out the door.

 “Code viper?” Jughead smirked. 

 FP simply shrugged and smiled at his son. “You’ve met that woman, right?”

  And when my love for life is running dry,

You come and pour yourself on me.

 2:00 pm - Betty

 “Betty, you look beautiful,” FP choked, grinning as he walked up to her at the front of the church. She beamed at FP, tears pricking her eyes.

 “Thanks FP, you clean up well yourself,” she chuckled. She was thankful to have FP in her life as her surrogate father. After everything that happened with her father and his death, she never thought she’d have a chance to be walked down the aisle properly. But after living with FP and Jellybean her senior year, he really became the father she no longer had and she was so grateful.

 “Are you nervous?” he asked. 

 Betty shook her head and smiled, “Not even a little bit.” 

 The music began and FP offered her his arm, “Let’s make you a Jones.” Betty placed her tiny hand in the crook of his arm and grinned. This was the moment she’d been waiting for all her life.

  2:00 pm - Jughead

  The doors opened slowly and Jughead lost his ability to breathe. At the end of the aisle, standing beside his father, was the most beautiful vision he had ever seen. Betty’s dress, form-fitting until just past her hips and flaring out at the bottom, made her look like a princess in a fairytale. Her veil had tiny diamonds that sparkled like the stars in the sky, catching the light with every step she took towards him. 

 When their eyes locked, Jughead could feel the tears dripping from his eyes despite the goofy grin that was plastered on his face. He could see that Betty was as much in the same boat as he was, her smile rivaling the sunshine and her hands gripping tighter to the bouquet of wildflowers in her hands.

 As his future stepped up to stand beside him, he knew that his life was finally complete. He had loved her for so many years that he couldn’t remember a time when he didn’t. His whole life had been leading to this moment and he was speechless. Betty placed her hand in his and squeezed, grinning at him.

 “Hi Juggie.”

  If a man could be two places at one time,

I'd be with you.

Tomorrow and today, beside you all the way.

 3:33 pm - Betty

  “I met Betty in my sophomore year of highschool when my family moved to Riverdale from the city. She was my tour guide at Riverdale High and the moment we met, I knew she would be my best friend. And even though we have had our ups and downs in the past, I have never regretted a moment that I have spent with her. My life would be incomplete without her,” Veronica paused to wipe a tear from her eyes, “Oh, and Jughead is ok too, I guess.” Everyone burst into a fit of laughter.

 “In all seriousness, I have been around Jughead and Betty throughout their entire relationship and I can safely say I have never seen two people more in love. Well except for my Archikins and I,” everyone chuckled again at the nickname, “Jughead, Betty, I wish you all the happiness in the world and I know that, without a doubt, there is not two people more suited for each other then you two. I love you guys, salud!” Veronica held up her glass as everyone chapped and sipped their champagne.

  3:35 pm - Jughead

  “Thanks everyone, um, I have known Betty and Jughead for my entire. We have all been friends since we were still in diapers and our parents would bathe us together,” Betty and Jughead blushed as people giggled, “Um, yeah but we have been through a lot together. I was actually really shocked when I first found out that they were dating, just simply for the fact that I never saw it coming. No one did really. But I remember seeing them one day outside Southside High and, with the help of Ronnie, I realized that they were soulmates. And I also realized that I wanted what they have with each other. I got lucky and found my soulmate too,” he paused to smile at Veronica, “Jughead, you have always been more like my brother than anything and I am so happy for you. You deserve to be with someone who will treat you like you are their whole world, and you’ve got that person beside you. Betty, you have been my rock since we were two years old. You helped me pass the second grade, you saved my life more than once when we were younger and I will always be thankful to have you in my life. You will always be my best friend and I am so happy that you and Jughead have found the happiness you both deserve together. I love you guys, cheers!”  

 If the world should stop revolving spinning slowly down to die,

I'd spend the end with you. 

And when the world was through,

  6:26 pm - Betty

  Betty was thankful she had decided to change into a more comfortable dress as she moved with Veronica on the dance floor, dancing to cringy Britney Spears songs just like they’d done so many times before. Betty bit her lip as she looked over her shoulder to see her husband standing off to the side, laughing and having a cigarette with Fangs and Toni, tie long gone along with his coat. 

 He had rolled up his sleeves earlier in the evening, showing off all the ink that he’d accumulated over the years that Betty loved to look at. His suspenders were hanging down around his hips in their usual place, his hair falling into his eyes and Betty couldn’t help but think of how sexy he was. And better still, how he was all hers. 

 She told Veronica she was taking a break and walked over to the bar for some bottled water. As she sipped her drink, she glanced back over to where Jughead was and caught him staring at her while taking a drag from his smoke. She winked at him, biting her lip and slowly walking towards one of the coat closets near the front of the reception hall. Just before opening the door to step inside she ran the tip of her tongue around the rim of the water bottle and grinned, knowing he wouldn’t be far behind.

   7:44 pm - Jughead

  “Mmm, Betty?” Jughead pulled away panting, lips bee stung from ravaging his wife in the tiny coat closet. Her breasts heaved as she tried to find her voice, “Yeah?” she said, latching her lips to his neck, sucking a dark bruise for everyone to see.

 “Do- um, do you think they’ve noticed we are missing yet?” Jughead asked, moaning loudly at the feeling of his wife's tongue on his bare skin. A loud banging at the door startled them both causing them to jump apart like two teenagers.

 “Yes, we know you’re missing and yes, the entire banquet does know what you are doing in here,” Veronica shouted through the door. Jughead’s face turned bright red as Betty burst into laughter and threw her arms around his neck.

 “Take me to our room, husband. I have plans for you,” Betty grinned. 

 “Don’t threaten me with a good time, wife,” She squealed with laughter as Jughead threw her over his shoulder and pushed the door open to make a mad dash for the elevators. 

  Then one by one the stars would all go out,

Then you and I would simply fly away

[lovemesomesurveys]

1. What kind of textures do you enjoy most in your food? Crunchy, crispy, soft, hard, grainy, slimy, etc? I definitely don’t like hard or slimy textures. That just sounds gross lol.

2. Do you keep up any seasonal decorations outside of their season?  The Christmas decorations in my room have been up for 2 years. :X

3. Can you remember the most awkward situation you've ever been in? What happened? Way too many of those. My life is an awkward situation. 

4. Can you remember the most scary situation you've ever been in? What happened? There’s been several scary situations. I don’t feel like getting into any of those.

5. Do you do anything unusual to help you concentrate? Some people find ASMR unusual, but *shrug* It’s helpful for myself and many others.

6. Do you ever wonder what your parents were like as children/teenagers? They’ve told me stories and other family members have shared stories as well, but yeah. 

7. Do you think suicide is ever "okay?" I can’t answer this in a easy or simple way, it’s a lot deeper than that. It would require a serious discussion and I do not want to get into that.

8. Would you rather a close family member/close friend/significant other die of suicide or murder? Why is this? Wtf kind of question is this??? 

9. In your opinion, what is the worst thing someone could ever do? Rape/murder/abuse.

10. In your opinion, what is the best thing someone could ever do? That’s harder to answer cause there’s a lot of good/best things someone could do.

11. Do you think about any fellow xangans outside of xanga? I’ve seen things, like while scrolling through my dash or something, that made me think of a few of you on here.

12. What military installation is the closest to you? Hmm.

13. Do you still open your windows during winter? I don’t open my window ever.

14. How cold is too cold? How hot is too hot? When I have to layer up and can’t get warm and when I’m hot and miserable and feeling like shit.

15. Would you rather lose both legs or both arms? Why? As a paraplegic, losing my arms would have a much bigger impact on me. 

16. If you committed a crime that landed you in prison for the rest of your life, but were given the option to receive the death sentence instead, which would you choose? Why? Jeez, this survey...

17. Is there any specific album you can listen to in its entirety and enjoy every single song? There’s a few.

18. Would you rather be a famous movie star, television star, or musician? None of those, thanks.

19. If you are not religious, have you ever eaten dinner with a group of people that were and said grace before eating? How was this for you? If you are religious and say grace before dinner, have you ever eaten dinner with a group of people that weren't and didn't say grace before eating? How was this for you? My faith and relationship with God only started a few years ago, so I’ve been in the first situation many times throughout my life. I had no issue with it, I was respectful about it. I just sat there quietly until they were done. I usually even lowered my head as well, I just didn’t pray. I’ve since been on the other side and there isn’t an issue. I admittedly don’t do it often, which is something I’d like to change, but when I do I just say a little prayer in my head and then carry on. 

20. Do you think an evil Santa or an evil Easter Bunny would make a better villain in a horror movie? Evil Santa. “Ho, ho, ho, it’s time for you to go.” ha.

21. Did you ever think any fictional story-book character was creepy as a child? Do you still think any of them are creepy? Goosebump books! I loved ‘em, though.

22. Would you rather wear nothing but white or nothing but black? Is there any color you'd actually want to wear head-to-toe? >> Nothing but black, since that’s what I mostly do anyway. <<< Same. I feel most comfortable in black. I couldn’t wear all white, it would for sure get stained.

23. What physical/mental health problems run in your family? Do you have any of the same problems? Diabetes, some cancers, back problems, bad eyesight, depression, anxiety...

24. What is your mental and physical health like right now? I talk about my health, especially my mental health, all the time. 

25. If you found a suit case (with no information about the owner) with a million dollars inside of it , would you turn it into the police or keep it? Be honest. ;] Honestly, I’d think it was too suspicious and part of a setup or something. I would be afraid of risking getting involved in something I don’t want to be involved in. A million dollars is a shitload of money to just be transported around like that. Like why is it being transported around and not in a bank? I think I’d just anonymously inform the cops of a suspicious suitcase and leave it at that. 

26. Would you rather gaze at the stars or clouds? “Look at the stars, look how they shine for you and everything you do. They were all yellow.”

27. Are they any foods you used to enjoy but no longer like? Are there any foods you used to dislike but now enjoy? I can’t have spicy foods anymore, haven’t been able to for a few years now, but it still makes me sad. It’s not that I don’t like it anymore, I was obSESSED with spicy food, I just can’t tolerate it anymore cause of some health reasons. It sucks. My appetite has changed a lot as well the past few years, so I just don’t even eat like I used to. I used to be such a foodie. As for food I used to dislike but now enjoy... I can’t think of any.

28. Do you feel much older or younger than you are? Why? Both. I think I feel older cause of some physical health reasons and just feeling broken, rundown, and exhausted (no offense to older people, hell there’s a lot of older people who are doing much better than me and have a lot more energy). I feel younger, too. I’m a child at heart, but I also just don’t feel like someone who is in their 30s. I don’t know, man. It’s hard to explain. 29. Did you get along with kids that were older or younger than you? A lot of my friends were a year younger than me. I never was held back or anything, I was just a year older than most of the kids in my class for some reason.

30. Do you know any magic tricks?  Not anymore, but I dabbled a bit with card tricks when I was a kid.

31. How much would life suck for you if you had a wheat allergy? Oh, man. No cookies, cakes, donuts, muffins, wheat bread, bread crumbs (my mom uses breadcrumbs when she makes her meatballs, which I love, and I also like it on mac and cheese), condiments, salad dressing, sauces, or deli meats??? I love all those things. :( 32. Are you able to watch gory scenes in movies? Why or why not? I can handle it for the most part. The worst that always comes to mind when asked this is a particular scene in Midsommar. That was tooooo much. 

33. Do you constantly check the time? Does time seem to move quickly or slowly for you? It does feel that way. My life is very scheduled and routine. Like, I take medicine at certain times and I tend to eat around the same time. Even when it comes to drinking water and whatnot. I’ll be like, okay in an hour I’ll start on my first water bottle of the day and then around [insert time here] I’ll eat something. Time often seems to move very slowly in the day by day, but then I can look back and be like how is July already almost over?? 

34. Would you rather live in a nice house in a bad location, or a less-than-nice house in a great location? I would much rather live in a nice location where I feel safer. 

35. Have you ever been a witness to a horrible crime? What happened? I’ve witnessed a drunk driving swerving on the highway, a domestic violence situation (they were in the car driving on the highway, too!), and animal abuse. Each of those times I called the cops.

[peace-coast-island]

Diary of a Junebug

Sandwiches and charming little huts 

Walking the trails of Charm Villa is like stepping into a bright, colorful, and cute notepad. Rolling hills with vibrant green grass and colorful flowers scattered all over. On the tops of the hills are rustic and whimsical little cottages and huts, as well as shops, cafes, and a library. Take a picture and you’d think it was from a stationery set!

After sleeping in until around eleven we met up with Gutsy and Livvy at Coffee Studios for a tour of Charm Villa. Gutsy’s a college friend of Daisy Jane who just moved to the village a few months ago. Livvy’s her niece - first cousin once removed - and she and Jack - her dad/Gutsy’s cousin - own Coffee Studios. The cafe was founded by Gutsy and Jack’s grandma, then it was passed down to Jack’s mom, and after she retired her son and granddaughter now run the place.

The cafe’s best known for their sandwiches and every few months they set up a contest for a new sandwich to add to the menu. Livvy was the one who started that tradition and it got popular so it stuck. Guess what today happened to be? While Lolly, Pancetti, Biskit, and Lyman prepped for the contest, the rest of us hung around the village before meeting back around 3 for the contest.

I’ve only met Gutsy a handful of times over the years and she always leaves an impression. The name Gutsy - short for Augusta - fits her to a T. She said that she never thought her impulsiveness and wild imagination would make her a good detective and yet there she was solving crimes and saving the day. Gutsy really does remind me a lot about Jamie, except a lot more extroverted and bold. Honestly, I’m surprised that they haven’t crossed paths yet.

So far Gutsy’s enjoying the peaceful village life. It’s a huge change of pace compared to her old life. Gutsy grew up in a boarding house that also ran a stable so her life revolved around horses since forever. Her father died when she was seventeen, opening up a can of worms that led to her getting tangled up with an embezzling scheme that he was involved in and indirectly caused his death. After exposing the crime, Gutsy joined a task force dedicated to investigating crimes relating to shady underground practices involving horses like racing and such. 

Daisy Jane and Gutsy met in college when they became roommates. At the time Gutsy was considering studying to be a veterinarian but ended up dropping out a year later because the task force was starting to take over her life. In retrospect, the whole being a vet thing wasn’t meant to be for her.

Being a detective was an unexpected turn for Gutsy, one that no one saw coming - and yet, at the time, it made sense. For a while, she felt that she found her calling, especially after being betrayed by what her dad and his friends had done. Maybe, in a way, she was trying to absolve him of his misdeeds. Solving mysteries and working with horses, what else can she ask for?

But then around last year things went sour. Investigating crimes has its dangers, which Gutsy knows all too well. She can handle being a target, but when loved ones are in the line of fire, that’s where she draws the line. The birth of her daughter Lulu led to Gutsy reevaluating her life choices. Eventually she decided that it was time to move on and give Lulu a stable childhood.

That’s why she decided to settle in Charm Villa. Other than her cousins and a small handful of relatives, Gutsy doesn’t have much family. With Lulu to take care of, a journey of self discovery was out of the question so she opted to stick close to family for practical reasons. With Livvy in college and only coming home every other weekend and Jack having experience as a young single parent as well as needing help with the cafe, Gutsy knew she and Lulu would be in good hands. 

While she finds herself much happier and less stressed in Charm Villa, Gutsy does miss being around horses. As far as she knows, the nearest stable is about two hours away so she hasn’t had a chance to visit yet. Maybe when Lulu’s a little older, she says. For now, Gutsy and horses are taking a long break. 

The way she describes it is like a close relationship that has gone a bit too codependent. All her life she grew up surrounded by horses so she related to them more than people. Her views on the family she grew up with, especially her dad, have been clouded in recent years. When she put together the pieces, she didn’t want to believe it, but at the same time, it all made sense. While being a detective gave her a sense of purpose, it also showed Gutsy how deceiving people can be. She always - and still - find horses more trusting than people, so in a way she relied on them as a crutch. Do it for the horses - that was her mantra whenever she tackled a case that would push her limits. Then that led to her letting the task force take over her life to the point that she had nothing outside of that. 

Eventually it got to the point where all she cared about was getting the truth out. Right and wrong, black and white, collateral damage was unfortunate but it didn’t matter as long as what’s done is done. As a result, Gutsy ended up burning a lot of bridges, which in turn made her question if she did more harm than good.

Lulu was her wake up call, the one who turned Gutsy’s life upside down and forced her to reevaluate her future. Being a parent wasn’t in the cards for her but in the end she made her choice. While the idea of raising a kid is still terrifying for her, so far it seems to be the best thing to happen to her. After spending most of her life jumping headfirst into danger and chasing thrills, Gusty realized the weight of her actions and how one can’t always jump to conclusions or make poor judgements just to get ahead of everyone else.

Maybe it’s another attempt to right her dad’s wrongs - that’s still something she struggles with - but Charm Villa, the cafe, Lulu, her cousins, it’s been doing her a lot of good. There’s still a lot that Gutsy’s uncertain about, but getting herself out of a bad place is a good first step. After everything she’s been through, I hope she finds that peace of mind she deserves. From the looks of it, I think she’s finding her way.

Around 1:30 we headed back to the cafe to help set up for the sandwich contest. When we were done, we had time to kill so Jack and Livvy gave us a tour of the kitchen. Then we made lattes and bread, which was a lot of fun. By the time we were able to master latte art, it was time for the contest to begin!

Candy Fruit Sando by Lolly A super sweet take on the cute Japanese fruit sandwiches! To kick things up a notch, the fruits are coated with a sugary syrup for an extra crunch! Fresh ripe fruit candied to perfection, freshly whipped cream that feels like eating a cloud and a soft and pillowy brioche to tie it all together - it’s the perfect addition to any bento box! Rod - Candied fruit?! Genius! 9/10 Snooty - I just wanna take pictures of it and make my friends jealous over how pretty it looks! 10/10 Sylvana - Strawberries and cream are a winning combo! 8/10 Audie - Aesthetic and yummy - that’s a win for me! 9/10

Spa Day Sandwich by Pancetti In need of shaking up your skin care routine? No need to swap out your face mask or moisturizer when you can have a sandwich instead! All the freshest veggies guaranteed to give you a healthy glow like cucumbers and seaweed seasoned with a zesty citrus glaze on a slice of lightly toasted pumpernickel. Snooty - My skin’s already feeling great! 7/10 Sylvana - This kinda reminds me of a salad, but in sandwich form! 6/10 Audie - This was definitely inspired by a spa! 6/10 Rod - Skip the moisturizer, go for the sandwich! 7/10

The Ultimate Dessert Sandwich! by Biskit What happens when you mash a pie, cake, and pudding into one? Well, we’re about to find out with this sandwich! The bread’s kinda like a pie crust/brioche hybrid and the sauce is a rich caramel custard. In between are thin slices of red velvet cake, blueberry-ginger pie filling, and slices of yellow cake. Sylvana - If this doesn’t satisfy your sweet tooth, I don’t know what will! 8/10 Audie - Talk about indulgent! 6/10 Rod - Perfect for a cheat day after an intense workout - but only in moderation! 7/10 Snooty - Are you sure this is a sandwich? 5/10

Take a Bite of Nature! by Lyman Need a palate cleanser after having too many sweets or processed foods? Nothing like fresh organic veggies to put your body back in balance! Green, leafy veggies, rustic roots, and crisp, sweet fruit on sprouted bread - all the flavors of nature in one tasty package! Audie - Crunch, crunch, crunch! 7/10 Rod - I wonder if this will make a good post-workout shake… 7/10 Snooty - Turn the bread into croutons and add some dressing and it’s a rustic salad! 8/10 Sylvana - This is probably better than some of the stuff they sell at health food stores 7/10

[dontfeedthebear]

Today’s menu!

 Breakfast: 1 overeasy egg, slice of toast, 1 tsp butter, 1 nectarine, cup of coffee with 1tbsp milk + 1tsp sugar. (304 cal) Lunch: 6 veggie pizza stuffed mushrooms over a bed of brown rice. (241 cal) Dinner: Cream of wheat, 2tsp brown sugar, 1/2 grapefruit. (295 cal) Snack: Pickled cucumbers and peppers (30 cal)

TOTAL: 870 cal.

Yes, I am having ‘breakfast’ for dinner. Why? I work night shift, and that ‘dinner’ is actually going to be had at about 7:00 am.

My way of doing things is going to be weird to most people that read this, since I live my life like a nocturnal little gremlin. I’ve never been big on eating in the mornings, I’ve always been a night owl who slept in past breakfast time... I just can’t seem to make myself eat in the morning and if I do, it definitely can’t be anything heavy like burgers or chicken. It just feels wrong.

Some people might ask: “What fad diet are you following?”

The answer is: None... I’m simply eating normal food at the correct portion size. (and counting calories because there’s no losing weight without math apparently.)

I got the idea to diet when I was browsing an antique store and found a really pretty dress from the 1950′s. Waist sizes were an average 11 inches smaller than average waistlines today.

Most old clothing is pretty small, and while it’s to be expected since the 20′s-40′s were a period of scarcity and doing without, the 1950′s were actually an upturn. People had money and they were consumers again! Yay capitalism!

It was also a period of dubious culinary experimentation. I will never, ever let an ‘aspic’ touch my lips. Leftovers are fine. Jello is fine. Together? They make the worst matrimony of both spongy and slippery textures. I imagine it’s a lot like eating boiled slugs gone cold and I will not waste food or time on such revolting endeavors...

So how did they stay so skinny, despite eating jello molds of foods laden with lard, butter, sugar, gluten and everything bad that today’s diet gurus preach against? Simple. Serving sizes were smaller and people actually ate from 7 food groups not the 4 we have today. There were also more veggies and fruit in their diet! Shocking concept I know.

Our food pyramid has changed drastically from that 1950′s model and several times in the last few decades. The 1970′s brought on the beginning of the end to tiny waistlines: the lowfat, high carb diet came into fashion and our waist lines exploded. Turns out that lowfat isn’t exactly the healthiest diet after all. (Not to mention that insipid eggs & wine diet that Vogue reprinted. How vile the bathrooms must have smelled afterwards!)

I have noticed while studying about diets that the trend is to idolize one ‘superfood’ or to gravitate to one type of food group. Atkins, Fruitarianism, anyone? That shit has to stop. We are omnivores, evolved with the teeth and everything. We need a balanced diet, which means a rotating plate of protein, fats, starch, vegetables and fruits. The fad diets need to end, because they are literally killing people. Talk to a doctor if you want to go on a special diet. Not some holistic nutjob though, please. 

Anyway...

My mother was an awful cook. She was the product of a household that just cooked to fill your stomach up and not really about making something that tasted good or was actually good for you. Quantity was the name of the game in my grandmother’s household. I barely remember her meals whenever I visited, most of it was boxed or frozen. My mother continued that trend, sadly.

I associated home cooked meals with rubbery, overcooked chicken, dried out fish fillets, tough as leather pork chops and chewy, stringy cuts of beef. So I lived off sandwiches and snacks like chips, cakes, and cookies. Not to mention my biggest weakness: Soda. I drank liters of the shit at a time and I could not tell you if I ever drank a glass of water as a kid and not be made a liar. I’ve probably permanently damaged my kidneys and liver from filtering coca-cola for years. (how my teeth survived this long is a miracle!)

I always hated pork and fish. I was extremely picky about beef too. Chicken was on thin ice, but I only liked it fried or smothered in cheese. I ate a lot of pasta, rice, and bread.

It clicked for me when I went to dinner at a friend’s house and her parents cooked salmon. I was paralyzed with the fear of being rude but salmon was the number one fish I despised. It was like eating tuna from a can but served hot and with a strong biting aftertaste. So I took a small portion with the intent to gag it down and fill my stomach with some rice.

Imagine my consternation when the salmon was soft, delicate and not ‘fishy’ at all. It tasted of butter, lemon and salt and I think I ate two helpings of it. Puzzled, I asked them what kind of salmon it was-- they said frozen sockeye, which really confused me because that was the same thing my mother used.

Eating my mother’s salmon the next week confirmed my fears: She couldn’t cook and I didn’t hate certain foods. I just couldn’t stomach her cooking. I think mom had a deep fear of food poisoning, which is why she cooked every piece of meat in our house to death. I never asked why and I never told her how I felt and she lives in ignorance of her failing every day. (My siblings know though, I caught their blank 50 yard stares when we visited her a few months back and had to eat her shoeleather porkchops.)

I was not confident in cooking for myself either, because I didn’t have anyone to teach me. Youtube wasn’t around at that time-- and even if it was I didn’t know about it. Ah, the infancy of the internet... I’m so glad the information highway has expanded today because now I have taught myself quite a lot of things besides how to actually cook a slice of meat or bake a cake.

Times have  certainly changed, sometimes for the worst. But a free and open internet is one thing I hope never changes, because I want to learn how to sew next.

[everlarkficexchange]

Love the Sunrise

Author: @hutchhitched

Prompt 7: Peeta opens his bakery back up after the war. There are, as expected, lots of female customers who would like to get a little too close to Peeta for Katniss’s comfort. Sensing her jealousy, Peeta sets out to prove she has nothing to worry about (can be rated M, if you please!). [submitted by @albinokittens300]

Rating: M

Summary: Katniss doesn’t like being jealous, but Peeta has a way of reassuring her about his devotion. (canon compliant, post-Mockingjay)

  Two years after the war

The sun has already risen when I leave the house. I’m later than normal, but I’ve been fighting a stomach bug for the past few days that’s slowed me down. I want to get back to the forest and am discouraged I’ll have to wait another day before losing myself in the quiet there. Instead, I’m headed to the bakery, a place I tend to avoid as much as possible because of the sheer number of people I’ll see there. It doesn’t help that most of them are women who fawn over Peeta.

Our relationship is complicated. It has been since the day he threw me that loaf of bread in the rain when we were ten. Before we were reaped, before the Games, and definitely before the war. They’re all over now, all swept away in the aftermath of the revolution and the influence of the Mockingjay, an identity I still resist.

Peeta is mine, and I am his.

Do I love him? Yes, but it’s taken years to admit it to myself. Months and weeks and countless moments passed before I let myself put words to what he means to me. He knew long before I did, but he waited, patient as always, for me to meet him where he was.

Peeta’s always been steady; otherwise, he’d never have survived the hijacking and made his way back to me. He finds solace in his work, kneading bread and frosting cookies and cakes as he did before his world was upended. He doesn’t talk much about his family, but I know he misses them. He honors them in his products and by rebuilding the bakery as an exact replica before it was firebombed. Firebombed because I blew up the arena in the Quarter Quell.

I hate going to the bakery, but it’s not because Peeta’s there. It’s because I hate being confronted with how much people admire him when they’re suspicious of me. Panem loves Peeta, but only District 12 understands who I am and why the boy with the bread came home to help the Mockingjay heal her wings.

As expected, the bakery is busy. Women crowd the counter, and Peeta addresses each of them in turn, smiling and nodding as he takes orders and accepts payment. The women titter around him, and my hackles rise. My predator instincts are on alert, and I glare when his eyes meet mine. He nods for me to cross behind the counter and head to the office in the back where I know he’ll join me when the rush dies. I fume while I wait for that to happen.

“Katniss?” he calls when the store quiets. He stands in the doorway and watches me. “No hunting today?”

“Not unless I can take out some of those old birds.”

He grins at me, and I steel myself. I love his smile and the way his eyes crinkle up at the corners when he does. That blue still strikes me as the most calming color I’ve ever seen other than the evergreen of the woods beyond the fence. His shoulders have broadened since we returned home, and his limp is barely noticeable now that he’s had some corrective surgery here in District 12. He’s become a man in the past few years.

“Don’t tell me you’re jealous,” he teases and crosses the room to kneel beside me. “You know I’m only doing my job, selling bread, cookies, and cakes, to the poor women of the town.”

“Poor women!” I yelp, but he leans in to kiss me before I can protest more.

His mouth slides over mine gently, and his hands cradle my face tenderly. His lips seduce me, and his scent—still cinnamon and dill—soothes my ruffled feathers.

“I’ve only ever had an eye for one type of beauty. It’s my weakness. You’re my weakness.”

He’s right, I know. It’s why Snow took him, why I almost lost him, and why I should trust him now.

“I don’t trust them.”

“But you trust me.” I nod and tug him closer. “But it wouldn’t be bad if I proved my devotion to you more often.”

He coaxes a smile from me and then another kiss and then another until we’re both panting. The sensation warms me, but I can’t quite smash that kernel of doubt that plagues me. The one that reminds me I’m nothing special—only a fatherless girl from District 12 who isn’t particularly pretty.

“Words are your thing,” I remind him plaintively.

“And actions are yours,” he returns. “We’ll have to develop some habits.”

“Habits?”

“Rituals. Traditions. Whatever you want to call it,” he answers. “Whatever will help you understand how much you mean to me.”

“Do you think that will help?”

He kisses me again and tugs the zipper down on my shirt so he can take my nipple in his mouth. He sucks and licks until I have to bite my lip to stay quiet. My fingers curl in his blonde hair, and I press against him. Just when I’m about to beg him to close early and take me home, he pulls back and winks.

“I think it’ll help.”

I choose to believe him, and I’m floating as I return home. That night we start creating our rituals—building on the work we’ve already done in the plant book and our book of memories. And Peeta’s right. It changes everything.

Five years after the war

Buttercup stretches in the afternoon light slicing through the window and striping the living room floor. Her purring rumbles through her, and I stop to rub her stomach with my foot. She curls around it and nuzzles her nose against my toes before nipping at them softly. It’s strange that she’s one of the best things in my life when we used to hate each other so much.

I swallow hard at the lump that builds in my throat. I’d trade this mangy feline in for my sister in a heartbeat if that were possible, but that’s never going to be feasible. I won’t have Buttercup forever, and she’s already survived longer than I imagined she would. I suddenly feel guilty for even thinking about bargaining with her presence.

I turn when I hear the door open, and my lips curve into a soft smile. Peeta crosses to me and pulls me into his arms, cradling me against him until our heartbeats match. It’s become our ritual when he returns home from work—finding each other again every day the way we’ve always searched for each other.

He loves me. Everything he’s ever done has shown that (hijacking excepted), and I’m still surprised every day when I realize it’s not an illusion. What he and I have together is real, and it’s lasted the tests of war, murder, torture, death, and the depths of depression.

“How was your day?” I ask against his neck. He smells like cinnamon and dill, the way he always has. It’s comforting at the same time it makes me want to rip his clothes off and taste every inch of his skin.

Peeta lifts my chin and brushes his lips against mine. “My day is always good when I come home to you.”

It’s what he says every evening, and it still makes my heart swell.

“Lamb stew’s on the stove, but it’ll keep,” I whisper as his hands caress my back.

“I’m not hungry for dinner.”

He undresses me slowly, savoring every second and guides me to the couch while carefully stepping over Buttercup. She opens one eye as we cross the room and then flees as Peeta’s shirt hits the floor. His bare chest ripples as he unbuttons his pants and pushes them past his hips. Reclining on the cushions, I lick my lips before he covers me, warming me with his body and making me feel alive.

Slowly but surely, we resurrect each other. I find solace in his arms, and he clings to my promise to accept him as he is. I hate that he still feels his mind is fractured, split into dozens of pieces that don’t always organize themselves in exactly the right way. He works constantly to resist regression into the dark place that’s still convinced I’m a mutt set on killing him when what I really want is to heal our brokenness together.

“Katniss,” he chants as his hips rock against mine. I tell him I love him as he strokes. My legs wrap around his waist, and he twists so I’m riding him. His eyes darken to navy as he watches me, his face pained from the only kind of torture we’ll ever experience again. I don’t have words, so I allow my actions to speak for me. I lavish him with all the passion inside me until I’m on fire, burning brighter than the sun, as we rock toward the finish.

I cry out when it happens, and he joins me. Our voices harmonize the same way our bodies seek and complement the other. One hunger is sated, but then our stomachs rumble.

“Welcome home,” I sigh and kiss the underside of his jaw. “I missed you today.”

“I missed you, too. Sae came in for some cookies. For her granddaughter, I think.”

“I ran into Thom in the meadow when I got back from hunting. He said he’d stop by tomorrow.”

He kisses my forehead and slips out from under me. He covers me with a quilt from the back of the couch and heads to the kitchen.

We pass the evening together, eating and talking, avoiding hard topics and constantly remembering our losses. He smooths out my hair and re-braids it as we chat. I curl his ashy blonde waves around my fingers and trace the raised veins in his hands and arms, admiring the strength there. Kneading dough remains his focus this many years after the war, while his artistic talent has remained latent while our district still struggles to rebuild. His fingers trace my curves, and I’m struck with an idea.

“Why don’t you sketch me tonight?”

He stills at my suggestion, but I can feel his energy. He’s excited by the idea, and I’m grateful I was both able to express it and am eager to make it happen.

We climb the stairs to our room, and he arranges me on the bed before grabbing his pad of paper and charcoals. The sheets are rumpled around me, but I’m comfortable and confident as his eyes devour my form. Several minutes later, he’s started and abandoned at least three attempts when he begins to narrate what he’s doing.

“I love drawing your legs,” he admits. “The way your thigh curves into the hollow behind your knee is gorgeous.”

“Thank you,” I whisper in return. His gift with words lulls me into erotic fantasies as he describes the arc of my neck and the swell of my breasts. I can almost feel him stroking me as his hands caress the paper and bring me to life.

He fills page after page until he tosses his work aside and simply observes me. He hardens as he does, and I’m desperate for him. He doesn’t respond, but he does run his hand across his chest and down to his groin. My eyes widen as he grips himself and tugs several times.

I watch his face, and it’s a work of art. His cheeks pinken, and his lips part with whimpered groans that shoot straight to my core. I want him so much, and it still surprises me that I can both have him and that there’s no threat of us being torn apart. So many lost days, and I don’t want any more of them.

I’m emboldened by him and grateful we’re safe and can explore what feels so new between us, even though it’s existed for years. It takes several more of my pleas before he’s ready to join me in bed.

He gives me what I need, and I return the favor. Buttercup joins us, curling up on Peeta’s feet as our breath calms. I’m content. We nap for a while, but he wakes me with his need. Sometimes he wants to please me; other times he’s desperate for release. No matter what, I’m happy to participate. We share, take, and give in equal parts until we’re finally sated and drift into a deep sleep as the sun rises outside our window.

[insert-geeky-things-here]

Here and Gone Again - Chapter 2: C’mon, It’s Getting Late

Chapter Summary: It’s well into Amelia’s 18th birthday party when the girls go for a walk when things start to go amiss. From lights in the sky to whispering’s in the dark, this certain few begin to believe that they might be going crazy.

Warnings: Light Cursing

Word Count: 3,084

Chapter: 2/?

Almost three and a half hours later and the party was still going strong. Brielynn had stopped by at the beginning  of the party for a surprise visit and stayed for a couple hours afterwards before she had to head home to her family that she was going to stay with for the weekend. Everyone was talking to one another with their cups filled with soda or plates with cake and half-eaten pizza slices nearby. The cold air that seeped in from the window mixed well with the warm air of the shop that had been partnered with an apartment in the back and it happened to be that the latter of the two that Amelia’s family and friends now sat around in. To everyone in the room, it felt like bliss; it was a moment that everyone wished to live in forever.

Minutes soon turned into hours when Elena, Amelia’s sister who was a year younger than her glanced at her phone when a notification popped up on her screen. 7:03 pm, it read. A brief sigh escaped her as she looked up at the slowing party. Getting up, she walked over to her sister who was lying on the couch whose attention focused towards her phone screen and plopped onto the couch completely disregarding the disgruntled yelps coming from her older sister.

“God dammit, Ellie!” Amelia yelled. “I was just about to beat my high score on Crossy Road!”

“Well, sorry! I just came to tell you that I have homework to do, so I’ve decided that I’m going up to the house,” Elena said as she adjusted herself so that she had her head resting on her sisters stomach. “You know you’re incredibly short, right? Like, really short?”

“Gee, thanks...” Amelia scoffed as she pressed the pale blue play button at the bottom of her phone screen. “I mean, It’s not like I’ve always been like this or anything...”

Smiling, Elena stood, patted her sisters head gingerly, and headed towards the door that would lead her to the main house.

“Bye! Don’t invite any boys over and do anything that you’re not supposed to do!” Elena Sadie as she have a small smile from over her shoulder.

Soon after that, Amelia’s family had trickled you to the main house one by one, leaving the five girls alone in the apartment that  had become a place for many birthdays and parties. Looking outside, Artemis could see that the sky was still decently lit and the wind was blowing a warm air in, slightly hinting at the summer months that had long since passed, but the shadows from the mountains and the trees had gave the air a tinge of a brisk and refreshing fall that she had long awaited. The group of five talked for another half hour or so when Artemis got the urge that compelled her to explore the lands around her. Hopping off of her spot on the counter, she grabbed everyone’s jacket, individually throwing them at the person it belonged to, eventually doing the same with everyone’s shoes. In confusion, everyone looked at Artemis. After putting her own jacket and shoes on, she grabbed her water bottle and filled it with leftover soda.

“Artemis, what’s going on?” Layla inquired.

“I’m going on a walk and I’m going to make you guys come with me,” She answered as she tied her hair up in a simple bun.

Smiling, the other girls threw on their jackets and shoes, almost running to the door with any other supplies such as any small snacks and water bottles that they would need on their walk in their arms as the sound of gravel soon hit their ears. The air felt damp with the oncoming storm, which was refreshing compared to the normal fall air that the girls had when the season started.

As the gravel turned to dirt which eventually turned to leaf and dandelion covered grass, their little adventure that seemed like an epic quest to them had begun.

✧❈✧

The group was walking peacefully together with Hope walking in front of them as she silently lead the way down the path that she had become so familiar with, subconsciously listening for anything that sounded out of the familiar noise of the forest. After all, it was what she was bread to do. When the group entered a small clearing with a mobile camper that had come with the house, Hope trotted over to where the sunlight broke through the trees, assessed the areas, and laid down. Not far from the camper in a couple of the massive trees was a treehouse that was built a short time after the main house was built. The stream that ran through the property bubbled from the fall rains nearby.

“Most of everyone at the house don’t come down here often,” Amelia smiled. “So I kinda adopted it as my own little place to go to for fun.”

“For fun? I would live down here all the time!” Artemis exclaimed as she ran to the base of the stairs that had built into one of the trees. “Can I?”

Amelia nodded silently before nodding towards the others that they could go into the treehouse as well, she had headed towards the camper.

“I’m going to get some stuff real quick. I’ll be up in a sec,” Amelia shouted from over her shoulder.

The door to the camper opened with a gentle whine of the old, rusted hinges. On the outside, it looked old and weathered and uninhabitable, but on the inside it was homey. Since it appeared as such, the camper door was always left unlocked. However, because no one ever came down there besides Amelia and the rare visitor, only bottled water, granola bars and some instant things were kept down there just in case Amelia or whoever else was down there could snack on anything if they needed it. Grabbing some stove-top popcorn, peanut M&M’s, and some pretzels, she turned towards the door when an array of ding’s came from the phone in her back pocket.

“Shit, what is it now?” She said as she saw Artemis’ name that the top of the screen, numerous texts following after. They looked normal at first, but when she opened the texts they were all random figures that shot straight lines and curved around themselves with the infrequent dot or two above each symbol. There were different groupings of these, almost as if they were trying to form words. “The fuck? Since when do smartphones text in Tengwar?”

Then a text in English popped up. It was asking Amelia if she knew where the entrance to Arda was. Then another popped up that she needed to know right then or the entire group would be at risk. Confusion plagued her thoughts before a knock came at the trailer door. Turning, Amelia saw that it was Artemis with a slightly worried look on her face.

“Everything okay? You weren’t answering my calls,” Artemis obviously looked concerned, but beheld complete oblivion to the texts she had sent moment prior.

Amelia shook her head, confusion bringing her brows together like a drawbridge.

“Why were you asking for the entrance to Arda in the texts you sent me? You know 100% its fiction, right?” She countered before her eyes looked up from her phone. “And why the everlasting fuck would we be at risk if I didn’t tell you?”

In turn, Artemis was confused because she knew that didn’t send any texts to anyone, especially Amelia, in hours. She had no clue as to what Amelia was talking about and none of it made sense to her. Hell, she hadn’t even thought about her phone until after she’d left school, and that was almost four hours ago.

“What do you mean? I didn’t send you any texts. Not since yesterday,” Artemis defended only for Amelia to shove her phone into her hands.

“Look. You started sending me texts in Tengwar, which is a form of elvish,” Amelia was slightly flustered now, not believing a thing. “A-and I should mention that elvish in any form--”

“Isn’t compatible with any smartphone? I know. Not to mention that it’s fictional too,” Artemis interrupted  without even looking at Amelia’s phone screen.

The two had a stare down before Amelia nodded down to her phone in Artemis’ hands. As Artemis began scrolling through the texts the two shared, only for her to see nothing in any form of elvish, whether it be in Tengwar or not. Sighing, Artemis shrugged her shoulders and handed the phone back.

“I don’t blame you for seeing what I may or may not have sent you, but regardless…” She trailed off and ran her fingers through her hair and turned to opened one of the cupboards only to pull out an Ouija board. “The others were wanting to play.”

✧❈✧

Laughter emitted from the girls as popcorn amongst other assorted snacks flung everywhere while a compilation of turbo rare Vines played in the background. Each and every one of them were bundled up in blankets and hoodies while they were rolling around on the floor, wheezing with laughter as the Vines continued to get more and more comical. In honesty, they weren’t sure if it was because of the delirium due to lack of sleep or if the compilation was actually funny or not. Either way, they were having the time of their lives. Once the girls were able to calm themselves, a silence overtook them. It wasn’t awkward or forced, they just lied there with their happy gazes cast to the ceiling. Then Layla sighed.

“Are we ever gonna play with that Ouija board?”

Amelia shook her head.

“I wish we could, but I wouldn’t recommend playing after midnight,” Amelia rolled to her side and picked up a piece of stray popcorn before popping it into her mouth. “Witching hour and whatnot. Wouldn’t want to risk anything.”

“Right. And it’s almost 2 am,” Layla’s voice was thoughtful and thankfully understanding.

With the rest of the group understanding, Layla and the others sat up and gathered around in a circle with each individuals stuff in hand. Then, Amelia yawned deeply, goosebumps tickling her skin as a cool breeze came in from an open window nearby. The others laughed.

“Someone’s tired,” Artemis said as she wiped the sleep from her eyes.

In truth, they were all tired, even if they would’ve like to have admitted it or not.

“Everyone ready?” Amelia yawned while the others nodded their heads.

Everyone began to stumble out of the treehouse door and began to climb down the ladder. Amelia had stopped momentarily to look up at the moon and stars before the clouds would eventually block her view. The moon had cast a silvery light across the landscape. As she watched it, she saw several deer prance across it, only to look at them with a confused look on her face when she had noticed they stopped to look at something. But what? The sky? Then, a portion of the silver stricken sky had turned a mixture of purple rocketing towards the earth. The deer scattered as their flight or fight response kicked in as the object crashed just within the tree line across the field.

“Wha–? Did, what?” She spluttered as she pointed in the direction where the object crashed. “Did, you not ju–? Light?”

The others hadn’t seemed to have noticed seeing as most of them had already climbed down the ladder. Amelia’s shoulders sagged as a sigh of exasperation left her. How did they not see it? It lit up the entire sky!

“Did any of you see that?” Amelia asked as she looked back at the field to where the object lay.

The others shook their heads with no clue in the world as to what Amelia was talking about. Could this be what part of the sleep deprived part of her looked like? Or was she going crazy? Was it both?

“No, but one thing I do see is one tired adult. C’mon now, it’s late,” Tanya yawned. “We can check out whatever you saw in the morning.”

In the distance, the purple glow still shined while beams of it seeped through cracks in the trees, but now it pulsed to a beat she couldn’t hear. Upon looking closer, she saw silhouettes of four figures emerging from the tree line. Two of them looked short with a sturdy build, one was of average height and build, while the last one was tall and lithe. The figures parted when something large on four legs began sauntering between them. Together, the group walked with surety, like a man on a mission. In the blink of an eye, a flash of colors appeared before Amelia’s eyes within a flash of a second. She closed her eyes at the bright away but opened them when it became unbearable. But that’s the thing, instead of seeing a horizon of trees and mountains, to moon, the stars, and that pulsating purple light, she saw the same silhouettes from just a moment prior. Now that they were up close, she could see what they looked like; or, who they looked like.

They were her friends, but they looked… different. And by different, they were, no… how? She took a step back. The something she saw wasn’t just something, it was a smilodon, but it wasn’t for long. The thing that was a cat had literally morphed itself into her but this version of her was taller and looked like a fighter. This version of her looked like she had fought in a war she never wanted to fight.

✧❈✧

She woke to the gentle breathing of her friends when she saw Amelia sitting straight up in the makeshift bed made out of blankets and pillows, eyes closed, her figure rigid and stiff. She wasn’t aware of any sleep-related things that plagued her friend such as sleepwalking or night terrors, so this was all new to her. Quietly crawling over to see if she was okay, Artemis sat parallel to her friend, facing the opposite direction so then she could look at Amelia. An ethereal silver moonlight was casted on the two friends through the dense clouds, trees, and partially covered windows. It wasn’t until then that Artemis noticed that Amelia was muttering some strange language that seemed to roll off her tongue with a grace that gave off an airy feel.

“Gil-galadsuil hitha-ial,” Amelia breathed as she continued to repeat the same phrase over and over, her eyes glowing from under her faintly opened eyes. “Gil-galadsuil hitha-ial.”

Panicking, Artemis woke the others, not knowing what to do. She bit her lip as the others slowly began to wake from their slumber. Each one grumbled a different complaint about how it was too early or how they needed more sleep, but once they were awake and saw how worried Artemis looked, not to mention that their friend was still speaking words that they didn’t understand. Layla sighed angrily, unhappy that she was woken at such an unnaturally early hour.

“Have you tried Google Translate? I heard that’s useful,” Her tone was low with impatience and displeasure, a combination that typically meant trouble with her.

Artemis’ shoulders sunk in conquest, sighing as she did so.

“I did. It didn’t work. None of it made sense,” Artemis rolled her eyes, exhaling through her nose. “You’re welcome to give it a try.”

A silence overtook the small group of friends that were still awake, each one of them trying to think of something to help they’re friend. Minutes had passed when Artemis finally noticed that there was something different about Amelia. Besides the now visible and unfamiliar scars that varied in size were scattered across Amelia’s face and arms, there was slight purple glow coming from her eyes. Grabbing her face, Artemis called for a light to be cast onto the pale, freckled face and body of her friend. A scar had vertically cut itself through Amelia’s left eyebrow and onto her cheek and left a small valley where the skin was once unified. Other scars were scattered across the blonde’s face such as one that rested along her jawbone with one that crossed over it and one that started from the crease of her smile line to her lip. The ones on her arms included the imprinted memories of rope burns and fire to spiked chains and cat-o-nine tail whips. They were all scars that she had never had before.

“H-how? How is this…?” Lucia stuttered as she watched Artemis try to use the small light that she was given for various tests to see how Amelia’s pupils that were hidden behind a dull glowing light.

Tanya shrugged as a response knowing that none of them could give a proper answer. Amelia kept muttering the same words over and over again so much that it had almost became background noise as everyone in the room tried to think of what to do. Everyone had become so lost in thought that they hadn’t noticed that Amelia had completely opened her eyes and stopped her chanting altogether until Artemis had let out a yelp when Amelia had used one hand to grab the scruff of her shirt while the other went to her chin and moved it to make Artemis look into her eyes.

“We have been waiting, child…” Amelia croaked in a voice that would only come from ones deepest nightmares. All the light coming from the window had all but disappeared, making the only light emanate from the eyes of Amelia. “Far too long have we waited for this moment.”

Not even a moment later, the whole room erupted in a bright purple light and all went black.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A/N: I’m so sorry for all of the time skips I did in this chapter and for the eight month wait you had to endure. I just was really excited to actually get to the main part of the story and wanted to get this chapter over with. I spent a lot of time writing this chapter so then you guys could enjoy it. Also!!! HAPPY HOBBIT DAY!!!! Since I had finished this chapter within the last week, I thought that it would be a nice touch to post it today considering what day it is. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Tag List:

@pancakesause195

@phantomxqueen3

@calicoskatts

@tolkien-fantasy

@pistachiozombie

[fandima-moved-read-pinned]

Would it be awesome to see you do all 100 asks? Yes. Will you do them? We shall see.

Wanna bet 

1: when you have cereal, do you have more milk than cereal or more cereal than milk? - More cereal than milk! 

2: do you like the feeling of cold air on your cheeks on a wintery day?- No, actually. I hate the cold ^^' And if there's cold air on my cheeks then it's on my nose and that's no good 

3: what random objects do you use to bookmark your books? - Usually a post it note! Not very random, but it's normally what I have on hand. 

4: how do you take your coffee/tea? - Depends on my mood! Sometimes I'll take my coffee black, other times ill add a fricc ton of creamer, whipped cream, and sugar. Also sometimes I mix coffee with hot chocolate and it's amazing. 

5: are you self-conscious of your smile? - Very. 

6: do you keep plants? - Always. I still have the carnations from Valentines Day (which surprisingly haven't died yet) 

7: do you name your plants? - Nope. 

8: what artistic medium do you use to express your feelings? - just a mechanical pencil or a graphite pencil. They usually end up being sketches. But if I like how it looks I'll go over them in pen. 

9: do you like singing/humming to yourself? - Yes and no? I'd do it more often but I don't want anyone to hear me. Especially my mom. 

10: do you sleep on your back, side, or stomach? - Side, always facing the wall. 

11: what’s an inner joke you have with your friends? - The only one I can think of off the top of my head is *slap slap slap* *jumps out window*. No I will not explain. 

12: what’s your favorite planet? - Pluto! Or Make Make. Make Make used to be my favorite because me and my brother would pronounce it wrong on purpose. But Pluto is ver pretty. 

13: what’s something that made you smile today? - seeing my brother's reaction to his birthday present from me! I made a little felt monkey with bushy eyebrows (I needle felted it) 

14: if you were to live with your best friend in an old flat in a big city, what would it look like? - Probably very messy. But also it would constantly smell like food! 

15: go google a weird space fact and tell us what it is! - Mars is shrinking. It is Smol. 

16: what’s your favorite pasta dish? - Fettuccine Alfredo with Shrimp! It's what I usually ordered at Olive Garden until I found out that it was expensive and was probably stressing out my parents. 

17: what color do you really want to dye your hair? - Don't laugh okay but pink! I want to dye the bottom half of my hair bright freaking pink. Like hot pink. 

18: tell us about something dumb/funny you did that has since gone down in history between you and your friends and is always brought up. - That time I slapped a guy twice for picking me up. That guy was my best friend. He picked me up from behind and I sorta whipped around and slapped him. The first time he didn't put me down, he just laughed. So I slapped him again. He got the hint. 

19: do you keep a journal? what do you write/draw/ in it?- I don't. I tried a while back, but I figured it would be easier just to talk to people about my issues instead of writing them down. 

20: what’s your favorite eye color? - Green. Or dark brown. 

21: talk about your favorite bag, the one that’s been to hell and back with you and that you love to pieces. - Not sure what this means, sorry. I've got this pencil pouch that has a tree print on it that I've used for a few years now even though it has a hole it it. Does that count? 

22: are you a morning person? - No. I wake up at 5:30 am on weekdays and usually don't get out of bed until I have ten minutes to get ready and leave. 

23: what’s your favorite thing to do on lazy days where you have 0 obligations? - Stay in my room and draw! Although I don't have lazy days. Every time my mom comes upstairs I immediately start cleaning because if I don't she'll yell at me for being lazy. 

24: is there someone out there you would trust with every single one of your secrets? - Yes. Take a look at who sent this ask. Also my other two online friends! One of them I spam with worms on a string and the other I just know I can trust and I don't know why. 

25: what’s the weirdest place you’ve ever broken into? - the only place I've broken into is my own house. I had to climb the backyard fence to go through the back door because me and my brother forgot our keys. 

26: what are the shoes you’ve had for forever and wear with every single outfit? - My plain black tennis shoes. I need to get new ones because these ones are old and barely fit but every time I mention it, it's like I never said a word. 

27: what’s your favorite bubblegum flavor? - Candy Cane! 

28: sunrise or sunset? - Sunset! I get to see the sun setting behind the Rocky Mountains and it's really pretty. 

29: what’s something really cute that one of your friends does and is totally endearing? - exist 

30: think of it: have you ever been truly scared? - Yes. I'd rather not talk about it. 

31: what is your opinion of socks? do you like wearing weird socks? do you sleep with socks? do you confine yourself to white sock hell? really, just talk about socks. - socks can burn in hell for all I care. I hate socks. I only wear them if I have to (like while wearing shoes) 

32: tell us a story of something that happened to you after 3AM when you were with friends. - I remember being at a sleepover a few days before I moved (this was in South Korea) and I woke up at 3:34 am (yes I remember the time don't ask why) because one of my friends was playing Megalovania on the keyboard. Then she turned around and asked who the hell took her pretzels. They were under her pillow. 

33: what’s your fave pastry? - c w a s o a n t (with jelly inside!) 

34: tell us about the stuffed animal you kept as a kid. what is it called? what does it look like? do you still keep it? - I still have this stuffed animal now (I have all of my stuffed animals. I haven't brought myself to get rid of them). It's a little pink blanket with a bunny head named Squeek. Not Squeak. I didn't know how to spell that. 

35: do you like stationary and pretty pens and so on? do you use them often? - No. I don't have any. 

36: which band’s sound would fit your mood right now? - https://youtu.be/7TqLXIBG-6g   not a band but still

37: do you like keeping your room messy or clean? - Messy! It may sound strange, but I can't find anything when it's clean. It also feels empty unless I've got stuff all over the floor. 

38: tell us about your pet peeves! - When I tell remind someone of the rules and they say "okay" and continue breaking them. Like we aren't supposed to put pans in the dishwasher because it ruins the pans. Yet my brother always puts them in there. I remind him and take it out, and he says "okay" and puts it back. I also hate it when I ask someone to stop doing something (usually when it's making me nervous or upset) and they ask "WhY?" in a really annoying tone and keep doing it. I ALSO hate it when I'm in charge and yet no one listens to me. 

I also don't like it when no one says thank you. It makes it seem like they don't appreciate me. 

39: what color do you wear the most? - Grey. I want to wear colorful clothes but the last time we went clothes shopping and I asked for pastel colors, I walked out of the store with grey, light grey, brown, and dark blue clothes. 

40: think of a piece of jewelry you own: what’s it’s story? does it have any meaning to you? - I have a locket that I made for my seventh birthday. It has little charms in it (a rose, my first initial, a heart key, and a birthday cake) and it's gold. I love it and I don't know why. 

41: what’s the last book you remember really, really loving? - There's a book series that I don't remember the name of but it's about a girl who is forcibly turned into a siren by three other sirens. She has to eat human hearts to live. It's kinda gorey, kinda romantic, lots of action. I love it. 

42: do you have a favorite coffee shop? describe it! - Unfortunately no, I usually get coffee at a gas station ^^' 

43: who was the last person you gazed at the stars with? - My dog Freyja! Whenever I take out trash, she comes with, and when the sky is clear I like to point out the starts with her before we go back inside. She's very sweet. But I can't stargaze for more than a minute. 

44: when was the last time you remember feeling completely serene and at peace with everything? - Last year I went on a trip to Florida to stay with my grandparents for a week. I remember waking up one morning with a beautiful view of the ocean and the sound of waves crashing onto the shore. My grandparents have an apartment of sorts that faces the Atlantic and you can literally go down the stairs and go swim in the ocean if you want to, it's like a two minute walk, not even. I love the ocean and the sound of waves and seagulls is always calming to me. But my house is very loud and there's no peace here. 

45: do you trust your instincts a lot? - Yes. When I have a bad feeling about something, I address it. It's not always true, but I don't want to risk anything. 

46: tell us the worst pun you can think of. - Sorry, I don't know many puns. I guess I'm just not a pun-ny person. 

47: what food do you think should be banned from the universe? - fucking macaroni with bread crumsb that shit is nasty af 

48: what was your biggest fear as a kid? is it the same today? - Storms, especially tornados. Now my biggest fear is death. Whether I'm the one dying or its someone I care about. 

49: do you like buying CDs and records? what was the last one you bought? - Not really, I don't have money to buy anything ^^' Even when I do have money, I spend it on art stuff. That reminds me that I need to fix my radio. 

50: what’s an odd thing you collect? - Fabric. I have so much and I don't even use it. But when I see a nice fabric, I get it (if I have money). 

51: think of a person. what song do you associate with them? - 'Old Timer Rock and Roll' (probably not the name of it) always reminds me of my dad. One day we were driving in his Jeep, just us two, and I mentioned that I wasn't a fan of the music on the radio. We ended up compromising and that song was the first one on the radio station that we switched to. 

52: what are your favorite memes of the year so far? - I am unfortunately not up to date with the memes. Although the ones where it's like "you've mc-ed your last Donald" or "you've ratted your last tatouille" always make me exhale aggressively. 

53: have you ever watched the rocky horror picture show? heathers? beetlejuice? pulp fiction? what do you think of them? - None of the above! I've been wanting to watch Heather's though. I just never get around to doing it. 

54: who’s the last person you saw with a true look of sadness on their face? - My brother. Not the same one from before. 

55: what’s the most dramatic thing you’ve ever done to prove a point? - nothing, sorry. I'm not very dramatic. 

56: what are some things you find endearing in people? - when they pour their heart out about a certain subject that they love. I know a lot of people tend to bottle up their opinions but when someone trusts me aniugh to tell me all about it, it's just sorta nice. 

57: go listen to bohemian rhapsody. how did it make you feel? did you dramatically reenact the lyrics? - I just sorta spaced out for the first have then did a little dance for the rest of it. I love the line "I see a little silhouetto of a man" and it's more upbeat and the music just makes me dance a little 

58: who’s the wine mom and who’s the vodka aunt in your group of friends? why? - bold of you to assume I have a group of friends 

59: what’s your favorite myth? - There's this one I heard as a kid that involves a faceless girl on the side of a highway who tries to steal faces. 

60: do you like poetry? what are some of your faves? - I can't think of any off the top of my head, but poetry is nice! 

61: what’s the stupidest gift you’ve ever given? the stupidest one you’ve ever received? - I don't really remember. I try to only give gifts that are meaningful. 

62: do you drink juice in the morning? which kind? - nope! I usually drink milk! 

63: are you fussy about your books and music? do you keep them meticulously organized or kinda leave them be? - I usually leave my music to its own devices, but all the books are organized by series and genre. 

64: what color is the sky where you are right now? - Blue! Just any other afternoon sky. 

65: is there anyone you haven’t seen in a long time who you’d love to hang out with? - My older brother. We don't get to talk much. 

66: what would your ideal flower crown look like? - Colorful, with a few white flowers! 

67: how do gloomy days where the sky is dark and the world is misty make you feel? - Those are usually the days that I don't feel anything. 

68: what’s winter like where you live? - The weather is all over the place. A little snow, then the next day, it's like 60°F. Not even joking. It snowed Friday and Saturday was warm. 

69: what are your favorite board games? - Monopoly and Battleship! 

70: have you ever used a ouija board? - No, but I really want to. But my dad won't let me. 

71: what’s your favorite kind of tea? - I don't really drink tea, sorry! 

72: are you a person who needs to note everything down or else you’ll forget it? - Nope. I'll forget it anyway. I usually set alarms for certain things but then I don't do it. 

73: what are some of your worst habits? - Biting the inside of my cheek and scratching/pinching my arm when I'm nervous. 

74: describe a good friend of yours without using their name or gendered pronouns. - kind, a good listener, talented, and understanding 

75: tell us about your pets! - We have four dogs. There's Emrys (the dog I've posted pictures of before), Cirilla (a husky German Shepard mix, very sweet), Cayde-6 (a Rottweiler mix I think, super energetic, loud, and steals food off the counter even when someone is watching), and Freyja (a German Shepard mix, puppy, also very sweet! She knows the phrase 'give hugs' and she always comes with me to take out the trash for whatever reason). I also have a Guinea Pig (who I want to get a friend for because she's lonely, but my parents keep saying no) names Neo. 

76: is there anything you should be doing right now but aren’t? - Working on my Someconsious series, cleaning, and probably checking in with some friends. 

77: pink or yellow lemonade? - Pink 

78: are you in the minion hateclub or Fan club? - Hate club. I don't like them. They're just annoying and bright and their language is stupid to me. 

79: what’s one of the cutest things someone has ever done for you? - One of my exes surprised me with a cars and roses out of nowhere. It wasn't Valentines Day, it wasn't my birthday, he just went out of his way to do something nice for me when I was having a rough week. 

80: what color are your bedroom walls? did you choose that color? if so, why? - They're a sort of off white. I want to paint them light lavender or pale blue but my parents have only painted the living room and refuse to paint anywhere else for whatever reason. I know we can afford paint, I know we have time. They just stopped caring. 

81: describe one of your friend’s eyes using the most abstract imagery you can think of. - Not sure what it means by abstract, but I'll try. Her eyes are similar to the bottom of a small river. The brown in the middle with green rings on the edges remind me of a river I used to go fishing in back in Oklahoma. 

82: are/were you good in school? - I'm okay. I have all A's and B's, but I have easy subjects that aren't very hard. 

83: what’s some of your favorite album art? - I don't really listen to albums, my music taste is mostly individual songs. Even then I don't really pay attention to the art. 

84: are you planning on getting tattoos? which ones? - I want to get a quote of sort on my ankle. Something in another language so I can tell them it means something mysterious and deep when in reality it's the description of a toaster oven that hasn't been cleaned since 1995.

85: do you read comics? what are your faves? - I read a few webcomics if that counts! I like Castle Swimmer a lot! Gay fish bapeys are best fish bapeys. 

86: do you like concept albums? which ones? - I don't know what those are, sorry 

87: what are some movies you think everyone should watch at least once in their lives? - The Princess Bride and the Last Unicorn. But I'm biased because they're both a part of my childhood. 

88: are there any artistic movements you particularly enjoy? - not in particular! 

89: are you close to your parents? - I'm only close with my dad. My stepmom can go fuck herself. She just told us that's she'll be making a schedule for the next two weeks because there won't be school. One of the weeks was spring break anyway! We aren't missing much! 

90: talk about your one of you favorite cities. - I like Palm Beach in Florida! It's fairly quiet, right next to the ocean, and filled with retired people who are all really nice. 

91: where do you plan on traveling this year? - Nowhere, we don't travel much. I really want to go to Florida again though. 

92: are you a person who drowns their pasta in cheese or a person who barely sprinkles a pinch? - I don't add cheese at all! It sort of ruins the texture for me. Especially the grated sprinkle cheese stuff l. I hate now it feels. 

93: what’s the hairstyle you wear the most? - I just keep my hair down. I don't like it in any other way. 

94: who was the last person you know to have a birthday? - My brother. His birthday is today! 

95: what are your plans for this weekend? - cry a lot cry some more lose feelings for a few hours draw watch YouTube art videos then try not to yell at my mom like I did last week

96: do you install your computer updates really quickly or do you procrastinate on them a lot? - I just get it over with so I can do whatever needs to be done. Or I schedule it for when I'm not going to be using it. 

97: myer briggs type, zodiac sign, and hogwarts house? - INFP-T/Mediator, Scorpio, and Hufflepuff 

98: when’s the last time you went hiking? did you enjoy it?- A few weeks ago. And no, I did not enjoy it considering I was supposed to be working on an important project that day. 

99: list some songs that resonate to your soul whenever you hear them. - Where We Started, If You're Going Through Hell, and We Like to Numb (a mix of We Like to Party and Numb) 

100: if you were presented with two buttons, one that allows you to go 5 years into the past, the other 5 years into the future, which one would you press? why? - Future. In five years I plan on being in college and I want to see what I should be prepared for and if my interests have changed. 

This took me at least an hour and a half. Thank you though! I 

[purplesurveys]

1052

surveys by lets-make-surveys

1 - Who was the last person to knock on your door? Were they there to see you? Nina usually knocks briefly in the evening to let me know it’s time for dinner. Other than my ex in the past, I don’t let anyone stay in my room for long. Knocking and peeking into my room is enough.

2 - Have you left the house yet today? If not, do you have plans to leave the house later on? No, as it’s only 10 in the morning and I don’t really have a reason to be out somewhere this early. I might go out to buy presents for more relatives, but that’s only if I feel productive enough today. We’ll see.

3 - What’s your favourite brand of chocolate? What type of chocolate bar from that brand is your favourite? The older I get the more I feel like gagging from the idea of chocolate bars lol; they’re all just so sweet. These days my top three would be Hershey’s cookies and cream bar, Whittaker’s chocolate peanut butter bar, and Twix bars. I also love Reese’s, but they aren’t bars.

4 - Have you ever met someone in person who you first met on the internet? Do you have plans to do that anytime soon? Yes, I’ve done this before and I’ve recounted the stories on here multiple times. As for the second question, yeah I technically do? I’ve only met my workmates online so far, so I’m constantly looking forward to the opportunity to finally meet them all in real life.

5 - What was the last thing you used a blender for? I’ve never used a blender. We don’t even own a blender.

6 - Have you ever got into an argument with a stranger on social media? Do you remember what it was about? Yeah, but I don’t even remember what it was about anymore...I do know it was this year, and the person deleted the comment that I replied to not long after.

7 - When was the last time you cracked your joints? Is that something you do often? Now that you reminded me, I just did. I do it at least once a day, whenever my fingers start to feel tight and tense.

8 - What time is it right now? If you weren’t doing a survey, what else would you be doing right now? It is 1:52 PM. I’d be heading to the mall to buy more presents, but I don’t feel like getting out of bed yet. I’d also do embroidery, but my online orders are taking a while to arrive :( My online shopping app says I'll be getting them by Jan 3rd, but the shipping tracker says it’s already being shipped from China to here so I’m looking forward to receiving it this week. I hope that’s the case; otherwise it’ll miss the point of being my hobby this Christmas break.

9 - If you had ten minutes to run around an empty supermarket and fill your trolley for free, what’s the first aisle you’d go for? The fancy meat/fish section. Then I’d go to the condiments/spice section, then frozen food, then chips.

10 - Aside from Tumblr, what websites do you visit the most and why? YouTube, because I find videos a soothing distraction; Twitter to keep me updated on local and international news; Reddit for quirky posts; and Wikipedia so I can continue learning trivia I’ll never have to use but want to gain anyway.

11 - Has COVID had any impact on your Christmas plans this year? What’s going to change or be different to normal? My dad is home for Christmas this year, which is one silver lining from Covid. But my relatives living abroad who usually fly back to the Philippines for the holidays obviously won’t be able to this year, so we’re not gonna have a packed family reunion like we normally do. Everything else is the same, but I think the biggest thing about this whole thing is that I can barely feel Christmas coming this year. I think it’s going to feel like such a plain Friday this week; and that makes me a little sad.

12 - What’s your favourite flavour of cake? Are you any good at making that kind of cake? My favorite flavor is chocolate, but my favorite kind of cake (which I enjoy a lot more than general chocolate cake) is cheesecake. I cannot make either, nor can I bake at all.

13 - Do you prefer sweet or sour candy? Sweet. I hate any sour foods with a passion lol especially sour candy; it is my absolute least favorite taste. I don’t find anything enjoyable or fulfilling about it.

14 - What colour is your favourite fruit? Is this a fruit you eat often? Already made my feelings for fruit clear on this blog, haha.

15 - Is your favourite restaurant an independent place or a chain? What is it that you love about it so much? It’s a chain, like most popular restaurants here. Independent places are a little hard to come by, to be honest. They make the best katsu I’ve ever had; and I also like that despite being a chain restaurant, the ambience is still quite sophisticated and date-friendly so I always feel like I’m treating myself whenever I eat there.

16 - Are you genuinely a fan of Starbucks or do you think it’s all hype? I personally enjoy everything about Starbucks. I like their coffees, their Frappes, the ambience in their coffee shops, their playlists, and their line-up of mugs and tumblers. I’ve always felt right at home in their shops and out of all the cafés I’ve been to, it’s always their baristas that have been the nicest.

17 - Do you own a Christmas jumper? What design/pattern does it have on it? No, I don’t.

18 - What’s your favourite fit/style of jeans? I was obsessed with mom jeans throughout 2020.

19 - What was the last non-essential item you spent money on? Overpriced coffee and a sandwich.

20 - Are you currently under any COVID-related restrictions where you live? Are people generally following the rules? Public places are super strict with requiring everyone to wear a face shield and face mask; before entering any establishment, people’s temperatures are taken and everyone’s also required to take a contact tracing form. Anyone under the age of 21 still isn’t allowed to go out for the most part, though I think there are some exceptions now because I see kids younger than me already going on out-of-town trips again. Some places that are big on tourism like Sagada, Batanes, and Baguio are still closed off from the public; those that have since reopened, like Boracay, follow strict protocol and everyone going there is required to undergo a swab test. Everyday Filipinos follow the rules; it’s the politicians and police force who don’t, which feels disgusting to say.

21 - What did you last leave the room you’re in to do? A package arrived for me so I had to pay for it. It was the phone case I ordered for my cousin.

22 - Have you ever read any self-help books? Did you find them useful? No. I don’t really believe in that genre, so I never felt pulled to buy a book.

23 - What’s your favourite programme on the Food Network (if you watch it)? If you don’t get that channel, what’s your favourite food/cookery show in general? All things Gordon Ramsay, man. MasterChef, Hell’s Kitchen, and Kitchen Nightmares are all *chef’s kiss* The Great British Bake Off is also great and something I like watching when I want to wind down :)

24 - Do you still watch cartoons? From time to time.

25 - Who do you know with the most number of siblings? Would you ever want to live in a huge family? My grandpa was one of nine siblings, if I’m not mistaken. I’m not sure if I know a bigger set than that. Unless my family was filthy rich, I would not want to have such a big immediate family.

26 - Are you a fan of garlic bread? Sure. I tend to ask for others’ too, heh.

27 - Do you own any personalised clothing? What’s the reason for getting it? No, not a fan. Two years ago we had a huge family reunion on my dad’s side and we had to wear these cheesy shirts that said “[Last Name] Reunion” with some cheesy motto at the bottom. My parents hated it, which made me feel better about my own feelings about the shirt lol.

28 - Is anyone else in the same room as you right now? What is that person up to? No, it’s just me here.

29 - What colours are you wearing right now? Does your wardrobe contain a lot of those colours? White, maroon, and scarlet. I have a lot of white and maroon; not so much of scarlet as I find the color too bold.

30 - Do you like adding condiments to your food? If so, what are some of your favourites? Yes. My food always needs to have soup, condiments, or sauces; otherwise I tend to feel the dish is too dry. I like mayonnaise, banana ketchup, hot sauce, and lechon sauce.

--

1 - What have you been up to so far today? Is that a typical thing for you to do on this particular day of the week? I’ve taken a couple of surveys and started binge-watching segments of my newest Korean reality show discovery, 2 Days 1 Night. The breakout actor from Start-Up and the newest love of my life HAHAHA is a cast member on the current season of 2D1N so I’ve been all over the show today. It’s hilarious; I can hardly believe I’m only discovering the show this late.

2 - Did you get a decent night’s sleep last night? How many hour’s sleep do you consider a decent amount? It was around five hours, which isn’t a lot to me. I usually sleep 7-9 hours these days, but I might wreck my body clock during the holiday break because I want to keep being awake and do the things I haven’t been able to do because of work.

3 - What is one silly thing that really gets on your nerves? Seeing pickles in a burger.

4 - Who was the last person you saw who wasn’t family? What did you guys end up doing together? The friendly Starbucks barista from yesterday; her name was Princess. We didn’t do anything lol, she just took my order and was super friendly about it, and she also gave me the Starbucks planner that I chose to redeem.

5 - Do you prefer hot or cold drinks overall? Cold. I avoid hot drinks now haha. Ever since I had that incident with the takoyaki, I’ve been too scared to let any hot food or drink touch my mouth.

6 - Do you own a decent set of waterproofs? If so, what do you use them for the most? If not, do you think that would be something you’d find useful? I don’t know what this is referring to, and I’m too lazy to Google right now. I’ve only ever known this word as an adjective, whoops.

7 - Do you have any plans for the rest of the day? Take more surveys, and maybe have another cup of coffee. I’ll also have to get started on a daily report I submit for work every weekday morning so that my load will be lighter tomorrow. Our office is technically on shutdown until January 4th, but some clients require a daily report every day and I’ll have to shoulder that with another co-associate. It sucks, but at least it’s the only thing I’ll have to do for the next two weeks.

8 - How often do you get your hair cut? When hairdressers were closed due to COVID, did you try cutting it yourself at home? I only go to the salon once a year, and I already did it this 2020 when I chopped off my hair and got bangs. Yeah, whenever my bangs start to get too long I either ask my mom to trim them or I do so myself.

9 - What did you wear the last time you left the house? Is that different to what you’re wearing at the moment? I walked Cooper half an hour ago and I just stayed in the same clothes I’ve been in all day, which was a tank top underneath an oversized hoodie and a pair of shorts.

10 - Would you rather have a relaxing beach holiday or a more active holiday in the mountains? The beach would be perfect right now, but I think my answer changes every time this is asked and I’m pretty sure I picked mountains the last time HAHAHA. I just realized being in the mountains would give me the same cooped-up feeling I’ve been having from staying at home for such a long time, and it might not be the best and healthiest trip for me...the beach definitely sounds more freeing and therapeutic.

11 - Do you know how to tie a tie? Nah, never learned. I’ve never been good at tying anything up, period.

12 - How old were you when you first had a sleepover at someone’s house? Did you miss home? I was 15 or 16; I’m not entirely sure anymore. Not at all, I was so excited to have been allowed to go to my first sleepover.

13 - How often do you spend time with your extended family? Under normal circumstances, we’d visit my grandma and cousins on my mom’s side once every few months or so. It was pretty regular since they’re just a stone’s throw away. But obviously we’ve since had to drastically cut our get-togethers back, and I’ve only seen them around three times since the beginning of the year. My dad’s family lives pretty far south, so I only get to see them once or twice a year even in pre-Covid days; not much of a difference there.

14 - When you get up in the morning, do you have a set routine? No. I just wake up feeling dread and have no choice but to wait for the weight in my chest to subside.

15 - Do you remember the last time you cried? Were they sad or happy tears? Yesterday in my car, in the mall parking lot. Sad tears.

16 - What do you have planned once you finish this survey? Look for another one. I misseddddd taking surveys and I plan on taking a crap ton of them this Christmas break. I may also be called for dinner, so there’s that.

17 - What was the last thing you cooked? Did you cook from scratch or just heat something up? I dunno if it counts as cooking, but I just made the DIY ramen kit that I received as a Christmas gift from the branch I was originally an intern at. Everything was already prepared in the kit and all I needed to do was boil water for the noodles and prepare the broth. Turned out surprisingly good.

18 - Are you a fan of hot chocolate? Do you like it plain or do you prefer to add things like whipped cream or marshmallows? I love hot chocolate and will order it sometimes, but given my aforementioned fear of hot beverages I always wait for it to considerably cool down hahaha. I like my hot chocolate plain.

19 - What caused your last injury? Cooper’s nails.

20 - How many tattoos and piercings do you have? Do any of them have an interesting story behind them? Just a piercing on each of my earlobes. No interesting stories...yet.

21 - What kind of flowers do you like the best? When was the last time someone bought those for you? I like peonies, though I’m not sure if my ex ever gave me a bouquet that included those.

22 - What’s the smallest thing you’ve ended a relationship over? I’ve only been with one person and I dated her twice, but I was never the one who ended the relationship either time so can’t really answer this.

23 - Would you rather order a starter (appetiser) or a dessert? Or would you be able to manage a full three courses? Three-course meal, pls. I’ve only experienced it once, when my parents treated me to dinner during my cruise gift for my 18th birthday; it was great and every dish was made amazingly well.

24 - How do you get most of your news, if you pay attention to it at all? I catch the evening news every weeknight because we keep the telvision turned on during dinner. I also get to read articles on social media.

25 - Have you or a member of your family been diagnosed with COVID yet? None that I know of, thankfully. It’s always been someone that a relative knows, but so far none of us have gotten it.

26 - Are you a vegetarian? If so, what persuaded you to stop eating meat? If not, is it something you’d ever consider? No. I have been considering it for years, but I truthfully don’t know if I could give up meat.

27 - Do you prefer rice or pasta? Rice.

28 - Is anything you’re wearing a gift? Who bought it for you? No.

29 - What’s the dominant colour in the room you’re in at the moment? I guess white, since my walls are white and that’s the first thing you see when entering my room.

30 - Did you do laundry yet today? If not, do you need to do any before you go to bed? Not my chore to do, but it was already done a few days ago.

[pitterpatterpot]

A Lion’s Pride - Chapter 4

7.

“Would you like to have dinner with us?”

Gavriel pauses in folding paper, halfway through flattening a crease. Evangeline sits across from him on the table, startlingly serious as she looks at him expectantly, folded paper in her own hands. Gavriel had promised to help her learn how to make paper animals, a skill he picked up from a foreign country, understanding Evangeline’s joy of learning new skills. So far they’ve made paper crowns, straw boats and other creations, Evangeline readily taking up any challenge he faces her with. Next, he’s thinking of teaching her how to make a raft. And maybe Aedion as well; you’re never too young or old to earn.

“I’d love to come to dinner,” Gavriel smiles brightly, fondness bursting in his chest at the way she smiles back. “In the city or here?”

“The city,” Evangeline waves her hand. “Lysandra says she’s bored and wants Aedion to take us to one of his favourite places.”

“Of course I’ll come,” Gavriel fixes a small fold. “When is it?”

“In an hour.”

Pausing, Gavriel looks at her, Evangeline solely focused on the small crane in her hand. “I see. And, I have to ask this, do they both know I’m coming?”

Looking Confronted, Evangeline places her crane down, frowning. “Of course. Aedion wanted to ask you himself, I overheard him and Lysandra, but he was worried you’d be busy or wouldn’t want to come.”

At once there’s a flare of happiness at his son, and exasperation.

“I’ll never be too busy to come out to dinner,” Gavriel fondly tugs one of her braids with a gentle touch. “I wouldn’t miss it.”

“That’s what I said,” Evangeline rolls her eyes. “For adults you all overthink things quite often.”

Chuckling, Gavriel nods. “It appears we all do. Thank the gods we have you here to decipher everything.”

She smiles brightly, going back to her crane. Sorting through the colourful stacks of square paper Gavriel points out a needed fold, already contemplating whether or not the large lake behind the city, a little ways into the forest, would be a good area for raft building.

~~~

“Why is Gavriel here?” Aedion whispers to Evangeline, sitting down next to Lysandra and across from her, Gavriel absent to order.

“Lysandra said I could invite him,” Evangeline frowns.

Brows raising, Aedion slowly turns to shifter, who simply sips at her drink.

“I like Gavriel,” Lysandra offers as explanation, raising a brow. “Besides, I don’t know what he said but you haven’t had as many nightmares since-“ “Thank you, Lysandra,” Aedion gently cuts her off, eyes flicking to Evangeline, who studies her menu while muttering under her breath. “But you couldn’t have told me?”

“I wanted it to be a surprise,” Lysandra shrugs. “You went out with my uncle and I last week. I was thinking that when he comes back from his meeting with the traders we could all go out to dinner or lunch together, the five of us.”

“That sounds nice,” Aedion stares at her. “Lovely. But you could have told me that Gavriel was coming instead of me meeting him in the bathroom? I had no idea why he was there!”

“That was just bad luck,” She hisses back, shrugging. “And, as I’ve already said, it was supposed to be a surprise!”

“Stop arguing!” Evangeline scowls at them, placing down her menu. “Gavriel’s here so just enjoy it! And you wanted him to come; you were just too embarrassed to ask.”

Aedion settles in his chair at that, glaring at Lysandra as she smirks.

Rejoining them at the table Gavriel takes a seat next to Evangeline, smiling once he realises that she’s folding the napkin into the shape of an animal. He bows down to help her during a few intervals, Aedion and Lysandra chatting across from them, occasionally stopping to peer at what they’re doing. Soon a little red rabbit sits on the table, Evangeline grinning brightly.

“So that’s why paper animals have been filling everyone’s offices,” Aedion grins, leaning forward. “Aelin’s been bragging about the multicoloured animals littering her office all week. She’s quite proud of having more than Rowan.”

Evangeline beams brightly, Gavriel following suit. The pure amount of crafts that have been littering the table as of late is outstanding.

“They’re quite good,” Lysandra admits. “Do you know how to make a ghost leopard?”

“Gavriel’s the best at making the more difficult animals,” Evangeline smiles brightly at the old man. “He can make the best leopards, wolves and penguins.”

“Penguins?” Aedion’s eyes strangely lights up. “I read about them. Do you know what they look like from drawings or have you seen any?”

“I once saw some when travelling in an arctic land,” Gavriel explains, remembering the wobbling little birds that crowded around him. “They were funny little things, very curious.”

His son’s entire face lights up. “Arctic birds that can swim but now fly. I heard they act like children.”

“They do in a way,” Gavriel gives a tiny smile, trying to fight the twitch of his lips. “Do you like them?”

“Ever since I first read about them,” Aedion grins widely. “Penguins, and hippos. Although I’ve actually seen hippos.”

“And here I was thinking ghost leopards are your favourite,” Lysandra rolls her eyes, yet smiles herself.

“Oh,” Aedion chuckles, smirking, lowering his eyes at her, “trust me, they are.”

Rolling her own eyes, Evangeline turns back to Gavriel. “Can you teach me how to make penguins next? You make them perfectly, and Aedion always loves the funny little animals you teach me to make. He keeps them all on the dresser by the bed; both mine and yours.”

Darting his eyes to the side Gavriel raises his brows at his son, who is blinking at something to the right, not quite looking at his father or Evangeline. Lysandra, on the other hand, grins wickedly, sending them both a wink.

“I’ll teach you as many funny little animals as you want,” Gavriel promises. “You pick up things like this very quickly.”

Evangeline nods, sitting straight with pride. “Thank you, you’re a very good teacher. Aedion’s good at things like this too; he makes the best flower crowns.”

“Really?” Gavriel turns to his son, who shifts in his seat.

“When we were traveling Aedion would make them from wild flowers for me,” Evangeline explains, “and now he gets my favourite flowers from the garden and sometimes surprises me with them.”

“You’ll have to teach me, then,” Gavriel smiles at his son, “in exchange for a penguin.”

A smile twitches wider on Aedion’s face. “In exchange for a penguin.”

The food is simple, not overly complicated, yet the spices and herbs have been handled in such a way that the flavours of the meet and sauce burst on the tongue. All the bread is light and fluffy and salted, some slices containing olives that give a burst of flavour. Needless to say they tear into the food like wolves (or a lion and leopard in Gavriel and Lysandra’s case).

“How often do you come here?” Gavriel asks Aedion once the chef comes out to greet him, exchanging a few friendly words before leaving again.

“This place has been open for years,” Aedion swallows. “It’s lamb is the best since it’s so fresh and they gain the best assortments of spices and herbs. It’s one of my favourite meals.”

“I see why,” Gavriel takes a bite of the meat, the tastes rolling over his tongue as the soft meet falls apart in his mouth.

The rest of the meal goes smoothly, conversation flowing easily between all of them. Evangeline listens to Aedion’s suggestions and orders a dessert consisting of a thick slab of custard with crispy pastry on the top and layering of pastry on the bottom soaked in what smells to be some kind of almond and citrus syrup.

“Manners,” Lysandra snorts, watching Aedion pull a top layer of pastry off the dish, shoving the square into his mouth as it drips syrup.

“There’ just so many ways to eat it,” Aedion shrugs, smirking as Evangeline copies his method. “I like to eat some of the top bits first since they’re the crunchiest.”

Rolling her eyes, Lysandra dips back down into her cake, Gavriel doing the same with his rolled pastry cradling vanilla and chocolate custard in the centre.

“Can we go see the markets?” Evangeline asks once they finish, prepared to pay. “It’s always lovely at this time.”

Indeed, the sun is just beginning to set, glazing the city in pinks and gold that will soon try to indigo. Lanterns are turning on in the markets, people both closing up stalls yet turning on window lights. It’s a treat, to walk through the city and see the actions of the persevering and resilient people.

“I don’t see why not,” Aedion easily agrees. “We can walk back to the palace through the markets and take in the sights.”

It’s a pleasant walk, Aedion lifting Evangeline onto his back at one point to dramatically save her from the puddles, exclaiming that they can’t have the smallest person in the group drowning. Watching them yell and squabble, Evangeline booming out her loud laughter as she gently pounds at Aedion while he carries her around, places smiles on both Gavriel’s and Lysandra’s faces.

Giggling, Evangeline allows Aedion to lower her to the ground, flushed and out of breath. “That was fun! It’s like when you throw me!”

Lysandra turns to her young ward. “Throw you? When does Aedion ever-“

“Lysandra look, boots!” Aedion chastely pulls her towards a shop window, black fur-trimmed winter boots on display.

“Could you cary me?” Evangeline asks Gavriel, examining him as if contemplation his climbing worth.

“Of course,” Gavriel replies, and easily allows the young girl to climb onto his back as she did with Aedion, holding onto her legs as she loops her arms around his neck.

Such an overwhelming wave of protectiveness and affection for the girl washes over him that it snatches away Gavriel’s breath for a moment, returning again with splendid warmth as she rests her cheek against his shoulder. Lysandra and Aedion run around together just a little further up the street, Aedion twirling Lysandra around, the moonlight beginning to shine off the cobblestones. he watches his son, who’s golden features are highlighted with the dim glow, dip and twirl Lysandra, who’s pale skin and glossy black hair shine in the light.

He’ll hold this moment close to his heart, for however long he has left.

“You really love Aedion, don’t you,” Evangeline whispers, cheek warm through Gavriel’s shirt and jacket.

“I do,” he swallows thickly, the words seeming like a silent mid-night promise. “I love him more than I thought it was possible to love anything. That’s what it can be like when you become a parent; you just feel this overwhelming devotion to this precious thing that holds a piece of you, that’s a product of you.”

“You should tell him you love him,” Evangeline suggests just as quietly. “Just tell him outright. I think it would make him really happy. I’m glad to have you as a grandfather.”

“Maybe I will tell him,” Gavriel watches his son dip his love one more time, a smile adorning his features and blue eyes bright as he does so. “And I have to say that you are a magnificent granddaughter.”

He feels her smile against his shoulder, and it’s all he can do to keep from spinning the young girl around in his arms and throwing her in the air.

They continue their walk, Evangeline deciding to descend from Gavriel so she may walk and talk with everyone without glancing over Gavriel’s shoulder. It’s not long before they pass an area that Gavriel usually frequents, filled with stores that he likes to visit to at once complete errands and find paper with different patterns for Evangeline and him to use.

“Excuse me? Lord Gavriel?”

Gavriel smiles at the woman in her early-forties, brown hair yet to grey and hazel eyes bright, that’s stepped in front of him. It’s easy to recognise her as a female that serves at one of his favourite shops, Lucia, always eager to aid him in the finding of crafts.

“Lucia,” Gavriel smiles. “How are you tonight? Closing up for the day?”

“Oh! Yes,” Luca shifts to the side, glancing at him again. “You see, I was actually wondering if, perhaps, you had any plans tomorrow? Around lunch? I-I quite enjoy our conversations and was wondering if you’d like to continue them over a meal with me?”

For a good minute, Gavriel’s mind blanks. He has been propositioned by females before over the years by those brave enough to ask, yet it’s been a little while thanks to the war and rebuilding of the country. Also, he has no idea what the hell to do with Aedion, Lysandra and Evangeline staring at him from behind the female, Lucia completely unaware of their audience.

Aedion, Lysandra and Evangeline all stare at Gavriel, who appears to be frozen as he stares at the woman in front of him. He doesn’t move. He doesn’t blink. It’s as if his mind has been shut off. Giving a delicate cough Lysandra breaks Gavriel from his trance, nodding towards Lucia, green eyes wide.

“Yes,” Gavriel blink at her, replying on instinct.

A smile blooms across her face, wiping away the lingering anxiety. “Excellent! I close at twelve, so meet me then!”

She throws him another beaming smile as she leaves, ducking down the street.

They stand in silence.

“Holy fuck.”

“Aedion!”

“What? It’s not as if Evangeline doesn’t know worse!”

~~~

“Aedion!” A pounding sounds out on the bedroom door, both Aedion and Lysandra jumping to their feet.

“What is it?” Aedion flings open the door, pulling on a white shirt as he does so.

Lysandra closely follows suit, unabashedly undressed and fully prepared to shift.

“I need you to come with me,” Vaughan orders, addressing Aedion. “It’s not an emergency, but we do need your presence for a private discussion. No need to get dressed or overworked.”

Aedion blinks slowly at the fully dressed and presentable fae. “It’s three in the morning.”

“We’ll explain later,” Vaughan shakes his head. “Just come as you are; it won’t take long.”

“I’m going back to bed,” Lysandra mumbles, shuffling back under the covers. “Scream if anything bad happens and you need me.”

He gives her a thumbs up before following Vaughan, glowering at his back the entire way, dressed in only soft, long black pants, a white shirt and his hair ruffled. Not exactly fitting for the warrior prince of the north, but it’s not like anyone’s awake to see.

Vaughan takes him to a room where a fire place flickers, filling the carpeted room in warmth. Rowan, Lorcan and Fenrys all stand around the room (well, Rowan and Lorcan are, Fenrys is sprawled on the end of a couch pressed against the wall). The thing that annoys him most is the fact all of them are immaculately dressed, as if it’s ten in the morning an they’ve had plenty of time to bathe and prepare instead of it being three in the fucking morning.

Without waiting Aedion heads straight to the couch, dropping down on the side opposite Fenrys, bringing his legs up to stretch out across the piece of furniture as he reclines back on a pillow, clutching a second one against his stomach to give his hands something to do (he should have brought some weapons. They all have weapons. He feels under-armed).

“So,” Vaughan sits in an armchair, clasping his hands. “We heard some very interesting news.”

“Apparently Gavriel was asked to meet for lunch today by a female,” Rowan raises a brow by the fire. “Is this true?”

Slowly, Aedion blinks once again, head still aching from being awoken so abruptly from such a deep sleep. “I… You all got ready at three in the morning to discuss my father’s love life?”

“It’s been years since Gavriel has accepted any kind of invitation,” Lorcan muses, eyes narrowed as if assessing a possible enemy. “Not since…”

At once all four of the males look to Aedion. Holding his head up high, Aedion meets all of their gazes one by one, eyes narrowed. He may be a little, well, grumpy, at being woken up at three in the morning.

“Gavriel should be here soon,” Fenrys looks at the clock. “We told him to come twenty minutes after we brought you here so it would give us plenty of time to have a chat.”

Gripping the pillow in his hands, Aedion’s eyes flicker to each of the former cadre members. “Why do you need twenty minutes to talk to me at three in the morning?”

He may be a little hung up on how fucking early it is. Aren’t old people supposed to need to sleep?

“It’s just that it’s been a few years-“

“Decades more like it-“

“-since Gavriel spent time with a companion,” Rowan continues on, glaring an Fenrys’ interruption. “What can you tell us about her?”

“In her early forties, brown hair, hazel eyes, owns a store that holds craft items,” Aedion immediately lists. “Gavriel’s meeting her at her store in Serf’s Street for lunch.”

“And have you spent any time with her?” Lorcan questions. “Have you held conversations with her?”

“Aren’t you supposed to be in Perranth? Why are you even here?”

“I flew here after Fenrys sent word using magic. Now answer me.”

“No,” Aedion growls. “I have not talked to her.”

“Right,” Rowan nods seriously. “Aedion, you should understand that Gavriel, after your mother, took little interest in finding other partners-“

“-Very little interest-“

“-but now he may be finding himself interested in another person-“

“-who could make him happy-“

“-though your relationship with him has been growing-“

“-so there’s nothing to worry about-“

“-and I’m sure you can positively encourage his new relationship-“

“-you’re still his favourite-“

“FENRYS,” Rowan growls, snarling at the other male. “STOP TALKING. FOR FUCK’S SAKE, STOP TALKING.”

“I’m going back to bed,” Aedion points to the door, preparing to stand from where he’s sunken into the couch, already nearly asleep again thanks to the soft surface.

His first night without nightmares, where he may actually be able to get a decent, full-night’s sleep, and it’s ripped from him thanks to this bullshit.

“Don’t go,” Fenrys crosses his arms, growling in annoyance. “The main message is that were worried about Gavriel since he hasn’t done this in a long time, and we hope you don’t feel threatened.”

“Threatened?” Aedion scowls at him. “Why the rutting hell would I feel threatened?”

“It’s just,” Vaughan clears his throat, obviously uncomfortable, “if you think that Gavriel will forgot about your mother by finding interest in another female-“

“I wasn’t thinking that,” Aedion snaps. “I’m not worried about any of that. I’m an adult, not a child; Gavriel can see whoever he damn likes.” “Well, good,” Rowan nods, frowning. “But, there’s also something else we realised none of us have discussed with you.”

“You mean your ridiculous waking times?” Aedion responds dryly.

“No,” Rowan releases a breath. “We realised that we never told you that we were available if you ever needed support.”

“What did Gavriel tell you?” Aedion growls, tensing, eyes narrowing.

He wouldn’t. His father wouldn’t tell others of how Aedion panics, of how his breath occasionally is stolen from his chest by his pounding heart. Gavriel wouldn’t reveal how much Aedion actually struggles with certain subjects, how memories can wash over him to the point where their gravity brings him to his knees. But if his father was to tell anyone, was to one day collapse under the strain of being Aedion’s father, who better for him to talk and complain to then his fellow former-cadre members? His oldest comrades?

“What?” Fenrys blinks at Aedion, head cocking in a purely lupin movement. “Gavriel hasn’t told us anything. What’re you going on about, boyo?” He grins, leaning in close. “You two hiding a secret?”

“Please let me leave,” Aedion closes his eyes, resting his head against the couch.

It’s too early for this shit. His head aches, his body is tired (he may be training a tad too much, but it helps the thoughts in his mind go blank) and guilt curdles in his stomach at his belief of Gavriel’s betrayal.

And, technically, he needs to be up and ready for the day in another three hours, even though he went to sleep at one. So he’s going off two hours of sleep, was rudely awoken, has to try to navigate the cadre’s codes and deal with Fenrys. That last one grates on his nerves more then anything.

“No,” Rowan outrightly refuses his request. “What we mean is that we served by Gavriel for years-“

“Hundreds of years-“

“FENRYS I SWEAR TO THE GODS-“

“Fine!” The golden-haired male holds up his hands. “Fine. Please, continue.”

Glaring, Rowan momentarily closes his eyes, sucking in a deep breath. “Gavriel is our friend, and as his son, we hope you know that we’re willing to support you should you ever need it.”

“Within reason.”

All three fae males growl at Lorcan, who simply shrugs.

“Alright,” Aedion easily agrees. “Now, goodnight-”

“What are you all doing here?”

Gavriel scans the room, from Rowan and Lorcan standing by the fireplace to Vaughan sitting in an armchair and Fenrys lounging on a couch. The couch that his son is sprawled on the other end of, dressed in sleepwear, a pillow cliched against him, blue eyes bleary and blond hair mused, very nearly asleep. Gavriel resists the urge to grab a blanket and tuck it around his son, knowing that the gesture will not be well received by his son while in the presence of the others.

“I’m going to bed,” Aedion says sullenly. “Have fun with your friends.” But then he realises that his father is properly dressed and equiped for the day. “Why the hell are you all so dressed and ready so early in the morning?”

“I assumed this would be a political meeting of some sorts,” Gavriel bunches his brows, analysing Aedion. “How much sleep have you had?”

“Not enough,” Aedion mumbles, shuffling to his feet. “And next time any of you want to talk do it during lunch.” He turns away, shaking his head and muttering as he steps out of the room. “I am so done with you people.”

With that he slams the door behind him, the five fae still able to hear him muttering through the door.

“Isn’t his generation wonderful?” Fenrys comments lightly.

“So,” Gavriel turns back to his companions, “why did you drag my son out of bed so early in the morning and then call me here?”

“Don’t worry, the boyo will still get his sleep,” Fenrys rolls his eyes. “We heard you had an outing today.”

“So you decided to tell me to meet you at three in the morning?” Gavriel rubs at his face. “What did you do to Aedion?”

“Nothing,” Vaughan says placatingly. “We just told him we were available if he ever needed support for anything. So, tell us about this female.”

Gavriel looks at the four fae males staring at him expectantly, and shakes his head. “Goodnight.”

“But-“

Gavriel continues walking through the door. “Goodnight,” he says once again, and shuts it behind him.

~~~

“Should we be doing this?” Fenrys asks as they monitor the shop. “Gavriel will probably spot us.”

“If he does then we’ll say we’re shopping,” Lorcan snaps. “Why are you the one having doubts now?”

“I don’t know, I just-“

“What are you all doing?”

The four fae males turn from where they crouch in the alley way, Aedion standing in the other end, blinking at them.

“Hey boyo!” Fenrys is the first to react, standing up and waving. “What are you doing here?”

“...I went for a walk with Lysandra...”

“Where is she?” Rowan asks casually, as if he isn’t a king suspiciously crouching in an alley way.

“She went back, I wanted to get some fruit…” Aedion looks at each of them in turn. “What are you doing? Are- are you seriously spying on Gavriel?”

“Be a good boy and go back to the castle,” Fenrys scowls, waving him away with a hand. “We’re handling this, no need to worry about your pop.”

Aedion stares at him, then turns to Rowan. “You’re the king, do you seriously not have better things to do?”

“Why are you buying fruit?”

“Because I couldn’t go back to sleep and have been working since three in the morning, and I want breakfast and I’ve finished all my work,” Aedion’s face clouds over. “Lysandra and Aelin banned me from intervening and trying to help with their work. Aelin said she wanted me to relax, and that I was tiring her out and boring her just by being around.”

“Then go back home and take a nap,” Fenrys waves his hand again. “Go on, shoo. Gavriel will probably be attracted and more interested in your scent then ours.”

Aedion spends another good minute starring at Fenrys, then snaps his gaze to Lorcan. “What’s wrong with him?”

“He’s stressed about doing this,” Lorcan deadpans back.

“Then don’t do it!” Aedion snaps. “Gods. To think you’re all the ancient warriors. Aelin does less idiotic things then this.”

“Gavriel is constantly caring for others,” Vaughan draws Aedion’s attention. “Over the years he’s looked out for each of us, he’s been our soundboard in the middle of arguments and has always held resilience. We’re worried about him, and want to make sure he’ll be alright with doing something like this for the first time in years.”

Aedion assesses him for a moment, then sighs and nods. “Fine.”

“Aren’t you curious?” Fenrys raises his brows. “Your father is interested in a female you don’t know. Aren’t you wondering how it’ll go?”

“Yes,” Aedion scowls, “but unlike you I have the sense to ask him later tonight.”

With that Aedion leaves the four fae males in the alley, all of them turning back to the task at hand. They watch as Gavriel enters the store, chatting with the female inside before they both exit, Gavriel holding the door open for her then standing to the side as she locks it. They descends down the street, ready to find a meal to share together. With their lethal grace the four fae males follow them, ready to at least assess the female for a few minutes themselves.

~~~

“So why are your friends following us?” Lucia asks, sipping at her lemon drink, the ice clinking in the glass.

“I think they’re just curious about you,” Gavriel chuckles, aware of the four pair of eyes watching them.

“And where are they now?” Lucia leans forward, grinning.

Gavriel leans forward, also smiling. “Vaughan is on a roof to the left behind me, Lorcan on a rooftop to the right, Fenrys is pretending to be interested in a store behind you to the right, and Rowan is trying to avoid attention by staying in the alley ways, attempting to listen in. I think Aedion was with them a little earlier before, but he left after two minutes. I don’t think he was a part of it. I just can’t believe that they’re all still at it after two hours.”

“It’s been fun, though, dragging them through the city,” Lucia smirks, giggling slightly. “His Royal Majesty was nearly found out at one moment.”

Gavriel can’t help but smile back, the joy of the day brimming inside of him. “He was. It’s much harder for him to hide and just walk around then the rest of us. When Aelin goes out with Aedion she has to either keep her hood up or stick to the quieter streets, or try to get lost in crowds.”

“Aedion as in Aedion Ashryver?” Lucia tips her head to the side. “I see him walking around quite a bit. You’d think he’d be busy with work, but he always did seem a little irresponsible.”

Pausing, Gavriel contemplates the situation. “What do you know of him?”

He hasn’t told her yet of his relation to Aedion, seeing as how Lucia doesn’t seem to know. He should tell her that he has a child, but it seems like a little detail best left for later. Besides, he has a feeling that if Lucia did know she wouldn’t be so open in her opinion of Aedion.

“Don’t you know Aedion?” Lucia asks.

Gavriel gives another smile, a little forced, yet smoothing it over with charm. “Not very well. Tell me what you think of him; I have some thoughts of my own.”

He can see the tension leek from her. No longer is she talking to an official who may be mad at her opinion, but instead a person who may share the same opinion as her, someone who it shall be safe to complain to.

“It’s just,” she lowers her voice, tucking her words under her breath, “he always seemed so irresponsible, and was always breaking rules. Not to mention how arrogant he seems. It’s a little inappropriate, don’t you think, for him to act that way considering how he whored himself? You’d think he’d have a little more shame, but I suppose it’s not his fault considering that his mother wasn’t able to control herself either.”

The words shock Gavriel to the point where his mind blanks. Not noticing, Lucia continues on.

“I suppose the boy was raised in a rather horrible environment, and none of us know the real him all that well,” she muses.

That helps Gavriel relax slightly.

“I mean, no wonder the boy was twisted enough to not be able to choose between females and males,” Lucia clicks her tongue. “He must have been so confused, especially with no proper male role model to teach him to properly like females. It’s no wonder he whored himself to both genders.”

And the tension is back. Slowly, Gavriel casually removes his hand from his glass, knowing that if he keeps it in his grip he may very well break it.

“When you say twisted…” Gavriel clears his throat, “you mean…”

“I know the previous king preferred males,” Lucia sighs, “but that’s fine. At least he knew what gender he liked. But for someone to be so confused that they can’t just pick one is awful. I mean, it honestly all just becomes so much more confusing and complicated when people can’t be bothered to decide. At least Aedion Ashryver has finally managed to pick a gender and is with a female now.”

“But you do understand that he can still be attracted to males, yes?” Gavriel pushes, voice low and incredulous. “He doesn’t just magically become not interested in a gender anymore.”

“Well he’s picked one now,” Lucia frowns. “At least there’s that. I heard the boy found his father so hopefully he’ll help reprimand the boy on the mistakes he’s made and set him on the right path.”

Something slick and sick rolls over in Gavriel’s stomach. He has a feeling that Lucia’s definition of ‘mistake’ differs from his own.

“Aedion’s my son,” Gavriel says the words with pride, allowing them to fall with honour. “I’m his father.”

He watches the colour of her skin begin to drain, her mouth opening and closing as if trying to reclaim the words. “I…”

They both sit there, Lucia flushed and Gavriel wincing, both looking away from the other.

“I’m sorry,” Lucia sounds choked. “If I had known I would have…”

“Kept your opinions to yourself,” Gavriel gives a forced smile. “I know. It’s fine, Lucia. You’re entitled to your opinion.”

“I don’t think I can be with someone who has a child that’s so…” she obviously hesitates to find the right word, “confused.”

“I don’t think I can be with someone who classifies my son’s preferences as a ‘mistake,’” Gavriel agrees, some of his agitation leaking through.

“Right,” Lucia looks away, hand inching towards her bag. “Again, I’m sorry, but…”

“Right,” Gavriel nods, pushing his chair back. “Thank you for the invitation. I have had a lovely time.”

“Me too,” Lucia nods as she stands. “Thank you.”

With that she walks down the street, Gavriel going in the opposite direction. He ignores the eyes of his friends on him, knowing that there’s at least a small chance that one of them managed to hear their conversation. Hopefully over the noice of the crowd and their distance they were unable to make out most of the conversation.

~~~

“Why were you all watching me?” Gavriel raises a brow at the four males standing in the end of the alley way.

“Gavriel!” Fenrys splits into a grin. “Were just shopping for-“

“Cut the bullshit, Fenrys.”

“Yeah, we were watching you.”

“We just,” Rowan hesitates, “uncertain of how it would go.”

“It’s been a while since you went out with anyone,” Lorcan scowls, crossing his arms defensively. “We wanted to see who caught your attention.”

“We know we may have intruded upon your personal space,” Vaughan raises his hands, “but we honestly wanted to see how it would go and if you’d need any help.”

Gavriel places his head in his hand, closing his eyes. “Need any… Next time you’re all worried about me, just ask instead fo stalking me during a date.”

“We weren’t stalking,” Rowan denies, crossing his arms as well. “We were observing a target.”

“Besides, wouldn’t you be worried about Aedion on his first date?” Fenrys points out.

“One, Aedion is with Lysandra and even if he was young enough to go on a first date I fully believe in his abilities to take care of himself,” Gavriel lists dryly, running his eyes over them. “Two, this is not my first date; I’m over five hundred years old and trust me when I say I have experience. Three, I am fully capable of taking care of myself.”

“We know,” Vaughan sighs. “We’re sorry for intruding, and for how it ended.”

Gavriel shrugs, attention wandering slightly. “Don’t be. I’m not sure it was going to go anywhere. It’s been years since I’ve had a serious relationship.”

Not since a golden, bold beauty that danced under the stars with him, bellowing a laugh her son, their son, now holds in his throat.

“Maybe it’s time to move on?” Fenrys suggests gently, quietly, dark eyes looking to Gavriel with worry. “None of us could work out why you were so devastated, but it’s been years. You’ve spent time with companions, we know, but none of them were real relationships.”

Not that it was easy to form relationships with Meave as a ruler. It’s one of the reason why Gavriel was so disappointed when Lorcan ended his relationship with that kind, smart fae female. Although he much rather prefers Elide for him now that he’s had the pleasure of meeting the wonderful woman and travelling with her.

“I know,” Gavriel clears his throat, glad suddenly for their presence, their support. “But now that Aedion’s here, now that I know what she’s gifted me with, I think I’ll focus on family.”

“We understand,” Rowan nods, voice quiet. “I think that’s all that’s really left to focus on now.”

A new court, one where they don’t have Meave lording over their heads, keeping them apart from one another. A new court where they can truly strengthen their bonds, and no have to hide their support of one another out of fear of their queen seeing it as possible treachery.

“Thank you,” Gavriel says honestly, smiling at all of them. “For all you have done, and all we shall do for one another.”

Even Lorcan smiles back.

“But for gods sakes, please stop dragging my son out of bed at three in the morning.”

~~~

“So, boyo,” Fenrys grins at Aedion, “turns out you won’t be gaining a step-mother.”

“Why?” Aedion has his head in his hands, voice weak. “Why do you all meet at these times? What have I done to you?”

The clock on the mantel on top of the fire place reads two in the morning. Giving up on all professionalism Aedion this time curls up entirely on the couch, resting his head on a pillow and prepared to sleep if he needs to. Next time he’ll bring a blanket; the fire is nice, but the solid weight of a blanket helps keep him grounded during the night (and he could use it to smother Fenrys. Or Rowan. Or any of them, really.)

“We do it because other people are likely to be asleep,” Vaughan explains. “There’s less of a chance of being heard in on.”

“I’d like to be asleep like those people. I should go do that.”

“Either way we thought we should let you know that what Lucia said is of no matter,” Rowan says, voice firm and sure. “Gavriel assured that in his actions and words.”

Blinking slowly, Aedion sits up. “What did Lucia say to Gavriel?”

At once all four of the males share panicked glances. Aedion feels the tension that slowly spears through the room, as noticeable as someone slowly ripping a thick sheet of paper to reveal a fact lurking behind it.

“We though you, uh, talked to Gavriel?” Fenrys leans forwards, inching closer to Aedion on the couch. “About how lunch went?”

“No,” Aedion narrows his eyes. “He told me it was fine.”

Fenrys sits back, all the males either shuffling away slightly or sinking lower into their seats. Rowan taps his fingers on the armrest, unable to look at Aedion, and the wolf of the north narrows his eyes at the un-characteristic fidgeting.

“What happened?” Aedion pushes. “I- Did Lucia say something about me?”

“You know what? Here’s a blanket,” Fenrys quickly grabs one from the rooms closet and shoves it in Aedion’s arms. “Why don’t we tell you a story about the good old and you go back to sleep?”

“How old do you think I fucking am?” Aedion sits up properly, throwing the blanket back at Fenrys. “Tell me what happened?”

“Nothing,” Lorcan insists, voice hard. “Gavriel would have told you so if it was of any consequence.”

“Yet you woke me up at three in the morning, again, to tell me that what she said doesn’t matter?” Aedion growls through gritted teeth.

“Ask Gavriel,” Fenrys slowly begins to stand. “It’s his business. Really, Aedion, you shouldn’t go poking around in it.”

“His busi- YOU FOLLOWED HIM FOR THREE HOURS TODAY!”

“Learn from our mistakes, boyo! Be better then your elders!”

“I AM BETTER THEN YOU, YOU EARLY-RISING ASSHOLES!”

~~~

“Did Lucia say something bad about me?” Aedion asks, sitting besides Gavriel on the lip of the palace gardens fountain.

The flowing of the fountain water is the only sound as Gavriel looks to Aedion, a blue piece of folded paper in his hands. Slowly, Gavriel places it down on the fountain lip, face grave. “Who told you that?” Gavriel clasps his hands, sitting forward.

“Fenrys, Rowan, Lorcan and Vaughan,” Aedion resists growling, trying to keep his voice at the same even pace as Gavriel’s. “Why did you tell me it was fine when apparently it went horribly?”

Gavriel sighs. “Because in a way it was fine. I had a lovely day with her, even if we decided not to pursue a relationship. We parted amiably and it has no grand effect on our lives.”

“I just,” Aedion stares down at his closed fists. “I wanted to apologies if my… reputation, was the reason why you were unable to form a relationship.”

Something sick churns in him at the idea of that. He knows people question his right to stand by Aelin, and he’ll never forget the words Darrow once spitted in Aelin’s face, outing Aedion as a shameful ally to have. Never has he cared of what other people think of him, more then ready to dirty his hands and reputation for Terrasen, but now that the war is over there’s the issue of how his standing position affects those around him. Guilt curdles in him at the though of anyone commenting to Evangeline of who the people who raise her truly are, of having people spit at her that Lysandra and he are whores. of having Aelin have to defend him at every turn, people questioning her judgement as queen. Of Gavriel being shamed for siring such a deceitful, horrible mistake, or, worse, being ashamed of Aedion himself.

“Aedion,” Gavriel sighs again, the sound of annoyance nearly causing Aedion to flinch, “trust me when I say that it wasn’t Lucia’s opinion of you as much as why her opinion of you was the way it was.”

“I don’t…”

“She had some very twisted,” Gavriel’s mouth curdles at the word ’twisted,’ “views on what was wrong and what was right in terms of who people should prefer when it came to gender, as well as some other topics we didn’t agree on.”

“Oh,” Aedion clears his throat. “Was it about how I…”

“Partly,” Gavriel admits. “In truth, she had some very strong opinions concerning you and other topics that I didn’t agree on. Trust me when I say that it was fine, Aedion, and that all is cleared.”

“Right,” Aedion nods. “I just want you know that if someone, for some reason, dislikes me then you shouldn’t allow that to ruin your relationship with them. plenty of people dislike me, or at the very least have heard about my history-“

“Aedion,” Gavriel interrupts, “I’m not going to form a relationship with people who clearly dislike someone I love.”

Love.

The word makes Aedion’s breath hitch in his throat, his heart stutter and hands clench. He suddenly can’t look at his father, tears sprinting unaided into his eyes.

“You don’t need to say anything back,” Gavriel murmurs, holding out a small blue penguin, “but I feel as though I need to say it. I don’t care what your past contains; you are my child, and with that come unconditional love.”

Unconditional love.

Ignoring the tears rolling down his cheeks Aedion takes the penguin, smiling at it. “I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have anything to apologies to me for,” Gavriel answers just as softly. “I know you have your own demons to face, but I need you to know that I’m not one of them, that I’d rather love and support you then strike fear into you.”

Aedion accepts the hand on his shoulder, quickly wiping away his tears. “Your friends are assholes when it comes to waking people up. I’ve started to leave blankets in random rooms.”

“I know, it’s come in quite handy,” Gavriel stands, offering Aedion his hand. “Come on, let’s go and see if we can convince Lorcan to stay a little while longer to help tell you stories about our past missions.”

Clasping Gavriel’s hand, Aedion accepts the support. “I’d like that.”

"Great. We'll build the raft tomorrow, I just need to find Evangeline a net."

"...I have no idea what the hell that means."