#Packet & Parcel Sorting

[sheriffaxolotl]

Bleed, Survive, Remember (Chapter 7) Arthur Morgan x Reader

Start: Chapter 1 Previous: Chapter 6  Next: Chapter 8

Summary:

You stand outside for a moment, feeling the warmth of the day on your skin, before the door jingles behind you, followed by the sound of it opening and closing again. Glancing to the side, you see Arthur standing next to you. “You goin' huntin' again?” he asks. “Yeah, maybe. Ain’t decided yet,” you reply, scratching your jaw as you think over your day. “Don’t really got much planned.” Arthur seems to watch you for a moment, as if he’s weighing something in his mind, before he speaks again. “Thought you mighta been gone by now, from what you said,” he says, reaching into his satchel and pulling out a packet of cigarettes.

Chapter 7: Weight of Words

Content warning: Mention of guns

            ︻デ═一・・・・・・・一═デ︻ The air feels different this morning, a quiet stillness that follows the weight of the decision you made the night before. The letter weighs heavily in your pocket as you walk through town, the crumpled paper a reminder of something you’re not quite ready to face. You’ve avoided it long enough, but now it’s time.

The train station comes into view as you make your way down the main street, its faded sign swinging lightly in the breeze. The clatter of footsteps and the distant whistle of a departing train set the backdrop as you step inside. The post office occupies a corner of the station, sharing space with the ticket counter and the bounty board. It’s a place where townsfolk pay off their debts, buy train tickets, and send or receive mail.

You push the door open, the scent of ink, paper, and faint traces of engine smoke hitting you all at once. The clerk was hunched over a pile of letters, barely looks up as you approach. His hands move deftly, sorting through parcels like he’s been doing this for decades.

Sliding two letters onto the counter, you exchange a few words with him, paying for the postage and watching as he stamps it and adds it to the outgoing pile. Before you handed it over, your mind lingers on the words you wrote earlier: 'I’m sorry for your loss.' Simple, blunt—your handwriting looked steadier than you’d felt while writing it. You don’t know if it’ll make any difference, but at least it’s done.

The weight in your pocket is gone now, but the heaviness in your chest lingers. It’s a small act, but it feels like a step toward something—responsibility, perhaps, or maybe just closure. You wish you could do more, but you didn't have the time to ride Annesburg. The idea of traveling to the mining town causes a sick feeling to settle in your stomach.

The second letter, however, feels just as weighty. The words written to the lackey in Blackwater—the one who gave you the job and promised the payment. You’d made your decision. Now you needed to let him know where you’ve settled with the satchel. You couldn’t stay hidden forever.

Mr. T. Barlow, Blackwater.

With a final glance at the letters now in the clerk’s pile, you turn away, the weight of both letters still pressing on you. As you leave the post office, the bustling energy of the train station surrounds you. A conductor calls out departures, a horse whinnies nearby, and someone laughs loudly on the platform. The morning sun is already warm on your back as you head out toward the street.

Walking towards the gunsmith, the familiar rustling of papers catches your attention. Your eyes land on the paperboy stationed on the corner, clutching a stack of newspapers like his life depends on it. His sharp eyes scan the street, and they narrow when they catch you glancing his way.

You approach, curiosity drawing you closer. One of the headlines—“Blackwater Incident”—catches your eye, but before you can read any further, the boy’s voice cuts through.

“Hey! Don’t go readin' that for free!”

The sharpness in his tone surprises you. “Wasn't doing no such thing,” you mutter, straightening and pulling your hand back.

The boy huffs, looking unimpressed as he tightens his grip on the stack. “You’ll have to buy one like everyone else. Can’t just be readin’ all day for nothin’.”

With a glance at the paper, you take a step back, a small huff passing your lips before walking away. The moment stays with you as you make your way down the street, the town’s usual hum of life settling back around you. It’s not the scolding that lingers, really—it’s the weight of what you caught a glimpses of.

                                   ︻デ═一・・・・・・・一═デ︻

Rounding the corner, you find yourself at the gunsmith, thinking about restocking on ammunition with your extra funds. The faint tang of gun oil and metal hangs in the air, a scent you’ve come to associate with places like this. The bell above the door jingles as you step inside, and your eyes immediately catch sight of a familiar figure at the counter.

Arthur is leaning casually against the polished wood, his attention fixed on a revolver laid out in front of him. His hat sits low, but not low enough to hide the furrow of concentration on his brow. His hand rests on the counter, fingers drumming idly as he listens to the smith explaining the firearm’s finer points.

Your boots echo on the floorboards as you approach, and Arthur looks up at the sound. His expression shifts quickly, the faintest smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“Well, if it ain’t the best shot I know,” Arthur muttered in greeting, his voice carrying that familiar mix of amusement. “Didn’t expect to see you here. What’s this? Early shoppin’ for trouble?”

You arch an eyebrow, placing your own revolver on the counter as the gunsmith comes to inspect it. “Just making sure I’m still in working order,” you reply evenly, glancing at the rifle Arthur’s been inspecting. “What about you? Upgrading your arsenal?”

Arthur shrugs, his hand brushing over the stock of the rifle beside him. “Gotta keep the gear in shape. You never know when you’ll need somethin’ that hits hard enough to stop something in its tracks.”

The gunsmith, who’s been silent up until now, chuckles lightly as he picks up your revolver to check its condition. “You two seem to get along well,” he says, glancing between you and Arthur. His tone is conversational, but there’s a glint of curiosity in his eye. “Funny, though. Thought that fella who gave Tommy all that trouble was your business, miss. Didn’t peg you for the type to run with folks like him. No offence, Mister.”

The words hang in the air for a moment, heavier than they ought to be. You feel Arthur’s gaze shift to you, his expression unreadable as he waits to see how you’ll respond. For a brief moment, you’re caught off guard, unsure of how much to say—or how much to let on.

You clear your throat, giving the gunsmith a sidelong look as you lean casually against the counter. “Oh, he ain’t so bad,” you say, the corner of your mouth twitching into a faint smirk. “Only trouble I’ve seen from him is his aim. Pretty sure the sky’s got more to worry about than any man he’s pointing a gun at.”

Arthur straightens up, feigning offense as he turns to you, the faintest trace of amusement dancing in his eyes. “Now hold on,” he drawls, his southern accent drawing out the words. “That’s a bold claim comin’ from someone who’s been pickin’ off targets from the comfort of high ground.”

You tilt your head, crossing your arms. “Comfort of high ground? Pretty sure you’ve benefited from me takin’ those shots, Mister Morgan.”

The gunsmith chuckles, clearly entertained by the exchange as he continues his work. “Well, ain’t this a sight,” he says, glancing between the two of you. “Almost feels like watchin’ an old married couple bicker.”

Arthur straightens, his smirk fading for a moment as his brow furrows ever so slightly. He glances at the gunsmith, then back at you, a flicker of something unreadable passing through his eyes. A grin returns quickly enough, but there’s a different weight to it now, like he’s turning the gunsmith’s words over in his head.

“Well, I guess if she were my wife,” Arthur drawls, leaning back on the counter with an exaggerated nonchalance, “I’d be in for a hell of a lot more trouble than I already got.” He pauses just long enough to let the words settle, then shoots you a sidelong look, a spark of amusement returning. “And I reckon she’d make sure I knew it, too.”

You scoff lightly, though you feel the faintest twinge of something you can’t quite name. Heat rises to your cheeks, but you quickly brush it off, fixing the gunsmith and Arthur with a sharp look. “Careful now,” you warn, though your tone is more amused than annoyed. “Though I’d like to think I’d keep you in one piece—mostly for the entertainment value.”

Arthur chuckles at that, shaking his head as he leans down to inspect a rifle. The moment passes easily, slipping back into the rhythm of lighthearted banter, but you catch yourself watching him a second longer than you should.

After a moment, Arthur speaks up again, tipping his hat back slightly as he leans closer to you. “You know,” he says, his voice dropping just enough to make it sound conspiratorial, “for someone who talks big, I don’t remember you outshootin’ me last time.”

“Must’ve been your memory playin’ tricks on you,” you fire back smoothly, meeting his gaze without missing a beat.

Arthur chuckles, his gaze lingering on you a beat longer than necessary before he straightens up and turns his attention back to the rifle on the counter. It’s subtle, but there’s something in his posture that speaks of easy confidence—a man who doesn’t let words like the gunsmith’s stick too long.

You, on the other hand, find yourself mulling over the exchange. The banter between you and Arthur feels… strange. Not in a bad way, but unfamiliar, like slipping on a well-worn coat that doesn’t quite belong to you. How long had it been since you traded words with someone without suspicion weighing heavy on your mind? Since a conversation wasn’t just about getting the job done or getting information to find another?

The thought nags at you as you watch Arthur inspect the rifle, his movements steady and deliberate. He’s still practically a stranger, just someone you keep running into by chance. And yet, there’s something about him—something in the way he moves, the way he talks—that feels… easy. Too easy for someone you barely know.

“Alright, what d’you think?” Arthur asks suddenly, breaking your train of thought as he glances your way, holding the rifle up. “Think this one’s worth my coin, or should I stick with what I got?”

You snap back to the moment, shaking off the strange weight of your own thoughts as you cross your arms and tilt your head, studying the weapon in his hands. “Looks like it’d suit you,” you say after a moment, a teasing edge slipping back into your tone. “Though I’m not sure a fancy rifle’s gonna help your aim.”

Arthur lets out a scoff at that, the sound filling the small shop as he sets the rifle back down. “You’re relentless, y’know that?”

“Someone’s gotta say it,” you shoot back smoothly, but your earlier thoughts linger, a quiet hum in the back of your mind as the conversation continues.

By the time the gunsmith hands you back your revolver, polished and ready, the tension has eased back into the comfortable rhythm of banter. You thank the man for his service, paying him, and getting a few more boxes of ammunition before giving him a nod of acknowledgment.

As you step outside and feel the sunlight on your face, you can’t quite shake the thought: for someone who’s spent years keeping others at arm’s length, Arthur Morgan feels a little too close for comfort—and somehow, you don’t entirely mind.

You stand outside for a moment, feeling the warmth of the day on your skin, before the door jingles behind you, followed by the sound of it opening and closing again. Glancing to the side, you see Arthur standing next to you.

“You goin' huntin' again?” he asks.

“Yeah, maybe. Ain’t decided yet,” you reply, scratching your jaw as you think over your day. “Don’t really got much planned.”

Arthur seems to watch you for a moment, as if he’s weighing something in his mind, before he speaks again. “Thought you mighta been gone by now, from what you said,” he says, reaching into his satchel and pulling out a packet of cigarettes.

“Eh, I’m waitin’ on a letter to get here before I move on,” you say, offering enough of an explanation to hopefully satisfy his curiosity.

With the cigarette between his lips, you’re surprised when he offers you the packet. You shake your head, declining, and watch him tuck it away before lighting a match on the heel of his boot. He takes a drag, holding the smoke in his lungs for a moment before exhaling slowly.

“Huh,” he mumbles, glancing at you with a knowing look. “Seems like we both got our reasons to stick around this place for a little longer.”

You nod, the words hanging in the air for a moment. The weight of the day starts to settle in as the quiet stretches, both of you standing there in the warmth of the sun, surrounded by the bustle of the town.

Arthur takes another drag from his cigarette, eyes on the street ahead. There’s a flicker of something in his expression, something thoughtful, but it passes quickly.

After a brief pause, Arthur exhales a cloud of smoke and looks over at you again, his expression softening slightly. He clears his throat, shifting his weight as he taps the cigarette to knock of the ash, the smoke curling upward. ��Guess I better get goin’. Got some things to take care of today,” he adds, the lightness of his voice returning as he straightens up. “But, uh… I’ll see you around. Maybe.”

You nod, though there's a flicker of reluctance that catches you off guard. “Maybe. Take care, Mister Morgan.”

With a final glance in your direction, he tips his hat slightly and walks off, the familiar rhythm of his boots tapping against the ground as he moves down the street. You watch him go for a moment, then turn your attention back to the task at hand, the weight of the day ahead settling back into place.

But even as you walk away from the gunsmith, you can’t shake the feeling that somehow, the world’s gotten just a little smaller.

                             ︻デ═一・・・・・・・一═デ︻

Later that day, you find yourself tending to Tater, brushing his coat with a slow, measured hand, feeding him a handful of oats. The familiar rhythm of the task calms your racing thoughts, grounding you in the simplicity of the moment. You had spent the morning riding further away from Valentine, scouting for a new camping spot, finding some quiet far from the bustle of the town. The land stretched wide before you, the hills rolling into the horizon like an open canvas, unmarked and vast. The air was still, broken only by the occasional rustle of the wind against the grass.

You didn’t have any particular destination in mind, just the need for space, for solitude. It had been a peaceful ride, just you and Tater, the sound of his hooves and the soft breath of the earth around you. By the time the sun began its descent, you’d found a small grove just off the trail—secluded but not too far. The trees were thick enough to provide cover, and the area felt hidden enough to make you feel safe, yet close enough to a trail that it wouldn’t take long to get away should you need to.

As the daylight started to fade, you made your way back to your camp, the fire already crackling with life, the smell of burning wood filling the cool evening air. Wrapped in a blanket, you settled beside the flames, the warmth a relief against the night’s chill. You let the fire’s glow dance across the trees, shadows flickering with the breeze. The night settled in around you, the quiet almost too perfect, too still. It was a kind of peace you rarely found, and you were reluctant to leave it behind.

But then, the stillness broke.

A rustle from the shadows, too close. Too deliberate. Your heart jumped in your chest, your body locking in instinctual tension. You felt the familiar sting of danger creeping up your spine, but before you could make a move or even react, the cold pressure of a gun barrel pressed against the back of your head. The suddenness of it stole your breath, and you froze, every muscle in your body locking. The barrel was too close, too intimate—your skin prickled as if the cold steel could reach inside you, and for a split second, everything felt impossibly small.

Your heart pounded, but your body refused to move. You couldn’t. You shouldn’t.

“Don’t make a sound,” a voice growled. Gruff, low, and steady. The words carried weight, and they froze you further.

The seconds stretched. The silence grew thick and suffocating. You were aware of nothing but the cold muzzle of the gun and the sound of your own breath in your ears.

Your fingers twitched, but you kept them still. Fight or flight—that was all your instincts screamed at you. But you couldn’t fight what you couldn’t see, and running wasn’t an option with a gun to your head. The world seemed to shrink, everything narrowing down to the feeling of the barrel pressed so intimately against your skin. The fire crackled before you, but it felt a lifetime away. The wind rustled the trees, but it sounded muffled, distant.

Your mind raced, trying to piece together any clue to make sense of this. A simple robbery? Or something worse? Your pulse quickened, but there was no shifting of weight, no sound from behind you to indicate who this was. No footsteps, no shift of clothing. The figure behind you was still, waiting for something.

Then, your panicked mind clicked on something.

His voice.

“Mister Morgan?” you finally asked, your voice trembling despite your best efforts to steady it. You weren’t sure what you expected, but the name left your lips like a desperate hope. You’d barely recognized the voice at first, the sound muffled around the speaker, but now, with your nerves screaming, it felt impossible that you wouldn’t know. The voice was familiar. Too familiar. But still, there was nothing.

The seconds seemed to stretch for eternity, and the pressure of the gun remained.

“Mister Morgan?” you repeated, a little louder, as though saying the name again might break the spell of confusion. But still, nothing. No shift of weight. No movement.

A tense silence hung in the air. The world around you seemed to hold its breath.

Then, a curse. Soft. Low. Familiar.

The sound of boots shifting, a slight shuffle in the dirt—slow, hesitant. The pressure of the barrel lifted slightly, but it didn’t ease the tension in your chest. It didn’t make you feel safe. Instead, it left an unsettling void behind, a space you couldn’t fill. The emptiness felt worse than the gun itself. Your heart beat harder in your chest, trying to catch up with the rush of confusion flooding your thoughts.

And still, the silence lingered.

The sound of your breath felt deafening, like it could be heard for miles. Every breath felt like it was echoing in your skull. And in that quiet, you could feel the sharpness of the moment creeping in, the weight of the situation becoming clearer by the second. This wasn’t the danger you expected. This wasn’t the threat you thought it was.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the voice came through again. Low. Raspy. A hint of something underneath that you hadn’t quite noticed before, something almost apologetic.

“I—hell, I didn’t expect—didn’t know it was you.”

The realization hit you like a wave, slow but undeniable. The voice you had feared—and hoped—not to hear, and yet, there it was. The same voice that had spoken to you a few times before. The voice of someone who had come to mean something you hadn’t fully understood.

Arthur Morgan.

Your pulse thundered in your ears, but it wasn’t fear anymore. It was confusion, disbelief. You hadn’t heard it immediately, hadn’t fully recognized it, but now, the pieces were starting to fall into place, even if your mind was still reeling.

The weight of the gun was gone, but you could still feel the ghost of it, the coldness lingering at the back of your neck. Your body was still frozen, every inch of you tense and on edge, not knowing what to do or say.

You turn slowly, the blanket falling from your shoulders as you look at the man behind you. The firelight flickers across his face, casting deep shadows that make him look almost unreal. The bandana still covers the lower half of his face, and his expression is unreadable, a mixture of frustration, surprise, and something else you can’t quite name.

Arthur is there. But this isn’t the way it was supposed to be. He wasn’t supposed to be like this—looming over you, a stranger in the most familiar way.

“I thought you were someone else,” he mutters, his voice shaking slightly. His hand grips the gun tightly, but it’s lowered now, like he’s unsure whether to keep it or drop it. “I didn’t mean—hell, I wasn’t gonna hurt you.”

The apology is awkward, rushed. Almost too late.

You sat frozen, your mind spinning, struggling to make sense of it all. Trying to make sense of him. Trying to make sense of this.

Your throat tightens, but you don’t speak yet. You can’t.

Instead, the words tumble out before you can stop them, your voice sharp and edged with confusion, a little anger, a little disbelief.

“What the hell are you doing?”                                       ︻デ═一・・・・・・・一═デ︻

I’m always open to your thoughts, comments, and suggestions. <3 I would love feedback <3 My AO3 Account

[moons-and-mobility-aids]

Sweet Things

Pairings: Poly!marauders x disabled!reader Summary: You introduce the boys to Muggle sweets, and it might be the most fun they've had all week. Tags: disabled!reader, fem!reader, no use of y/n, established relationship, fluff, muggle sweets at hogwarts, sirius is so dramatic about jelly babies, james thinks popping candy is a spiritual experience, remus gets the good chocolate, reader spoils the boys, comfort and laughter, cozy winter vibes, soft domestic moment, gentle physical affection Word count: 1.3k words. Meant To Be Masterlist

The sound of wings flapping and paper rustling pulls you from your thoughts. The fire in the grate behind you crackles softly, throwing a warm light across the room. You look up from your Charms essay, quill poised mid-air, as an owl swoops through the open window, dropping a large parcel onto your bed. It hoots at you once, almost as if to say, "You're welcome," before taking off again, disappearing into the snowy evening.

For a moment, you simply stare at the package, recognising the handwriting on the label as your mother's. A thrill of excitement runs through you. You had asked her to send along a bunch of muggle sweets for the boys to try, and you can already imagine James's and Sirius's reactions when they taste their first Mars bar or jelly baby.

Chuckling to yourself, you cross the room and tear open the brown paper wrapping. Inside is a cardboard box filled with all sorts of colourful wrappers and boxes. On top are two large bars—Fry's Turkish Delight and Galaxy chocolate, both specifically for Remus. You set those aside, knowing how much he'll appreciate the treat.

The rest of the box is a riot of colours and shapes, each promising a new flavour, a new experience. Your fingers dance over the packets, anticipation building. There's something inherently fun about this, introducing your wizarding friends to a piece of Muggle culture that's as delightful as it is inconsequential.

You pick up a pack of Jelly Babies, grinning at the thought of their bemused expressions when they bite into the sweet, fruity figures. Then there's the Sherbet Fountain—a classic—with its liquorice straw that you know will baffle Sirius to no end. And you can't wait to see James's face when he tries popping candy for the first time.

The door opens without a knock, and Sirius walks in, followed by James. Their conversation halts as they take in the sight of you on the bed surrounded by an array of unfamiliar treats.

"What's all this, then?" Sirius asks, his eyebrows rising. He strides across the room in two long steps, sitting next to you on the bed. One arm drapes around your shoulders as he leans in to inspect the pile.

"Are those... Muggle sweets?" James queries from your other side, his glasses sliding down his nose as he squints at the labels.

"Yep," you answer with a small smile. "My mum sent them. Thought you two might want to try some. Remus too, but he already knows most of these."

James's eyes light up as he plucks a colourful bag from the top of the pile. "What's this one?" he asks, shaking it slightly.

"Jelly babies," you reply, stifling a laugh at the intrigued expression on his face. "They're soft, chewy, and shaped like little people."

Sirius reaches for the packet that James offers him and shakes a couple of the tiny figures into his hand. He pops one into his mouth, chews thoughtfully for a moment, then his eyes widen in surprise. "That's... strange. But not bad."

James watches Sirius's reaction and decides to try one himself. As he chews, his initial scepticism shifts to a grudging acceptance, then delight. "It's like a gummy sweet, but softer," he muses aloud, then looks at you with a grin. "You're spoiling us, you know."

"Wait until you try this." You hold up a packet of popping candy. "Pour it on your tongue, but don't bite down. Just let it sit there."

Sirius and James exchange a glance before Sirius reaches out, taking the packet from you. He tears open the paper, revealing odd-looking sweets that resemble tiny pebbles. Without a moment's hesitation, Sirius tips the packet to his mouth, letting a few of the candies tumble onto his tongue.

His eyes widen as the candy begins to fizz and pop, and he claps a hand over his mouth, muffled sounds of surprise escaping him. "What the—" His words are cut short by more vigorous popping, and his eyes dart towards you in mingled shock and amusement.

James, never one to back down from a dare, is quick to follow suit. He snatches up another packet, pouring its contents into his mouth with a grin. The ensuing pops send him into fits of laughter, a sound so infectious you can't help but join in, your heart swelling with warmth at the sight of their joy. James throws an arm around your waist, pulling you close, his body shaking with laughter.

"That was brilliant!" he manages to say once the popping subsides. "Got any more surprises like that?"

"Oh, I have plenty," you assure him, reaching for the next item. This time, you withdraw a sherbet fountain, the bright yellow packaging crinkling in your hand. You peel back the wrapper, revealing the licorice straw nestled within the white sherbet powder. "This one's a bit different. You lick the end of the straw, dip it into the powder, and eat it that way."

Sirius' grey eyes narrow with curiosity. "And the straw? What's it made of?"

"Licorice," you reply, watching for the flicker of recognition—or apprehension—on his face.

"Licorice?" He wrinkles his nose in distaste. "You mean like those vile things Remus eats?"

Your laughter peals through the air, light and infectious. Sirius watches you, a hint of amusement playing on his lips despite his initial reaction. He takes the straw from you, examining it before giving it a tentative lick.

"Right, now dip it into the powder," you instruct, excitement bubbling within you.

With a dubious frown, Sirius dips the straw into the sherbet. The powder sticks to the wet licorice, coating it in a layer of white. Tentatively, he brings it to his mouth, tasting the odd combination. His brows furrow, the unfamiliar flavours confusing his palate.

"That's... different," he admits, passing the packet to James who's been watching with growing curiosity.

James mirrors Sirius's actions but recoils almost instantly, spitting out the licorice with a grimace. "Nope, not for me," he declares, handing the pack back to you.

Your laughter rings through the room again, more joyous than before. It fills the space between you, a reminder of the normalcy that exists even at a time like this.

The door creaks open and Remus steps inside, a stack of books cradled in his arms. His gaze sweeps across the room, stopping when he sees you, James and Sirius sprawled on the bed, wrappers and half-eaten sweets scattered around you. A soft smile tugs at his lips, his eyes gleaming with amusement.

"What have we here?" His voice is warm but laced with curiosity as he surveys the scene before him.

Your grin widens as you hold up a Galaxy bar and Fry's Turkish Delight. "A feast fit for a king—or a werewolf."

His eyes light up at the sight of the treats, and he strides over to join you on the bed, setting his books aside. He takes the offered sweets, fingers brushing against yours, and the touch sends a shiver up your spine. His lips curve into a smile as he unwraps the chocolate, savouring the rich scent before taking a bite.

"You always know how to make my day," he murmurs, leaning in to press a kiss to your temple. The gesture is so tender, so filled with affection that your heart swells within your chest.

James pulls you closer still, his arm a comforting weight around your shoulders as he leans back against the pillows. His free hand plays absentmindedly with the charm bracelet on your wrist. You glance down to see all three charms glowing faintly and something clicks into place. They've been thinking of you, just like you've been thinking of them.

With Remus happily eating his chocolate, Sirius grabbing another jelly baby, and James still amazed by the popping candy, you feel a deep sense of contentment. Despite the cold, snowy world outside, in this room with them, you're surrounded by warmth, laughter, and love. And honestly, there's nowhere else you'd rather be.

[dissvicious]

Rory asking about if Usopp got his explosives makes me imagine that this scene is a regular occurrence on the Sunny in this universe.

“Usooooop? Frankyyyyy? We got a package from the Big Top.” “Coming.” Suit up montage, Usopp pulls his goggles down and dons a pair of heavy duty protective gloves. Franky retracts his hair into a buzz cut and cracks his knuckles, brining out his finemotoric hands in the process. They both don masks before handling the package slowly and carefully, the mood of the situation changing into that of a high stakes bomb disposal movie scene. Everyone on board watches the duo nervously. Usopp approaches Franky with the parcel in hand.

“Ready?” “Let’s do this.” “One…. Two…..THREE!”

The package gets unwrapped quickly and both men lean away and avert their eyes from the delivery, like they expect a flame to just suddenly erupt from Usopps hands.

Nothing of the sort happens.

Both men peak back to the package. “All right everyone! All clear! Red just sent us a card and some sake with circus peanuts!! : ^ D” rest of the mugiwara : “WHOOOOO!”

Can never be to sure after Rory sent some mystery powder over, because he wanted Usopps opinion on the strenght of it on jt. The place stank like gunpowder and chili for a week and Sanjis eyelashes still haven’t grown back fully.

Oh I love this, thank you so much.

Gonna state that after a little while the mugiwaras could just... Guess which one of the clown family member is behind the packet.

Some messy hieroglyphs and a ton of adhesive tape? The packet is from Blaze, take the drawing in and give the biohazard food he put in to Luffy.

Straight lines, good handwriting, no cursive? That's Skye and that's probably either 1) a crush letter to Zoro, that's awkward, she'll grow out of this or 2) a long and detailed wishlist of handcrafted gadgets destined Franky because he just can't say no to his crazy niece and she knows it

Elegant calligraphy and a packet that smells like gunpowder? Brace yourself, this one is from Rory!!

Packages from the parents are totally unpredictable, tho. Sometimes bug send them drawing of a gloved hand flipping off and blame the kids, sometimes Red make them huge good old mama packages with gifts for everyone. You'll never know.

[the-haunted-office]

Two small parcels have been dropped off in the office. They've been placed just outside the door that Eisuke and his fellow yakuza friends would often use to come visit their lovely haunted office friends. One of the presents is firm, rectangular shape. It is addressed to Thursday. The other present, is a slightly larger box that is addressed to Thisday.

There is also a note that is addressed to both of them. The writing look as though it were done in a rush.

Hello my dear friends!!!

It's been hell here in Kamurocho. I'm really sorry I haven't stopped by at all recently. I hope you enjoy these gifts I've got you!

I'm missing you both so dearly and hope to catch up with both of you soon!! <3

Lots of love, Eisuke <3 <3

Thursday's gift is a ocean coloured ceramic coffee/tea cup. It doesn't have a handle, but it's thick enough that the hot liquid held by the cup wouldn't burn the user. There are two small tins in the box, one is for matcha powder, the other is for chai tea. Finally, there are a few Japanese sweets for her including dorayaki, alfort biscuits and a small variety of manju.

Thisday's gift is a soft plush toy of a Don Quijote penguin. It's super squishy and incredibly cuddly. There's also a ton of Japanese sweets in the box, including a few packets of pocky, numerous different kit-kat flavours and konpeito.

[ Eisuke / @reubyocs ]

The arrival of parcels outside the door through which some of their favorite people normally visit of course issues quite a stir throughout the Office! But none more in Thursday and Thisday, who come bustling along as soon as they hear the news of the arrival of those packages. Even Doomsday tags along - much to anyone's surprise - and together, the three of them handle these two packages in the most peculiar of ways.

Thursday opens her box, carefully removes the gifts that are inside of it, sets them aside, and then promptly sticks her head inside of the box - as much as will fit.

Thisday opens his box, carefully removes the gifts that are inside of it, sides them aside, and then promptly sticks his head inside of the box - as much as will fit.

For a moment they both look rather silly, sitting there in the hallway, surrounded by gifts, and with two different sized boxes on their respective heads while Doomsday observes them with a rather hopeful expression on her face.

And then, in a strangely coordinated motion, Thursday and Thisday both remove the boxes from their heads, set them aside, and promptly burst into tears, because what they were hoping to find in those boxes most of all was not in them.

Their friend Eisuke.

Doomsday doesn't cry, though. She picks through their gifts and inspects them, demanding they look at them while patting them both on the head with the Don Quijote penguin plushie. It does eventually get them both to calm down and Thursday brews some of the chai tea for the three of them to enjoy, while together the three of the tear into all the treats that were given to them and reminisce about their friend and wonder what all he is up to now.

They are thankful for the gifts and miss Eisuke terribly so.

And so they decide to send a gift back to him.

Thursday dresses up Mae, who is a little over a year old now, and gets a picture taken with Mae, herself, and September, the three of them, all standing in the Office flower garden that Timmy has worked hard on growing. Then she picks some of those flowers and has Mae help her (sort of) press them into a journal that Thursday has kept about all the weird shit that has happened at the Office over the last year. She thinks Eisuke will like this very much.

Thisday likes the picture idea, and so he decides to get dressed up too, and puts on whatever of his suits or outfits that Eisuke has liked the most, and gets a photograph taken of him in that. He gets it put into a nice frame and spends a lot of time decorating it himself with little glue-on jewels and everything. It's a piece of bling to be reckoned with by the time he's done with it. But wait! There's more! Because there's always more when a Day's involved. He also gets Doom's help into procuring some really nice To'Ak Chocolate and caviar and Dubai's truffles and something called "swallow's nest" that Thisday honestly doesn't even know what it is but apparently is some super expensive delicacy and so it's going into the gift box. He really just thought it would be amusing to get some of the most high end things out there and see what Eisuke thought of them, because Eisuke is the most valuable person to him.

And now Doomsday... well, of course she and Eisuke have never really gotten along. Eisuke probably isn't even aware yet that she's been revived through a series of fortunate or unfortunate events, depending on how you want to look at it. Point is, there's a lot about her he doesn't know, and that's very much her fault for antagonizing him when they first met. Part of her regrets that. Most of her doesn't. But the part of her that does can't help but wish to make amends, as that part of her wishes to grow, pushing up through the decaying soil of the rest of her, like a little shoot of growth reaching for the sun. That little part of her dumps a bunch of different colored shiny glass rocks she found at the glass rock beach into a box, without any sort of organization or packaging, along with a note that just says Let's hope none of these are cursed, hehehehe - Doomsday, before sealing it up. All of them are, in fact, cursed... with good luck. Doom tested each of them herself.

With that done, it's time to write their collective note, which they each write in turn.

Eisuke,

We miss you terribly! Come back to us immediately! Or, you know, as soon as you can. There's no rush. OR MAYBE THERE IS. We're kidding. The only rush is that we miss you, but that's a given. We understand that you have lots to do and that's okay! We hope it's going well for you despite the fact that you said it's been hell. We hope that was a joke or an exaggeration, and if it wasn't, well, shit, man, it better get better or else we're gonna have to charge in there and start fucking up some shit! (squinty eyes)

Thursday - Seriously though, Eisuke, I hope you're doing well! I miss your face! I just can't play Tetris without you here - it's not right, man. You know what I mean? I mean, I can, but it's weird. You know I met someone from another planet who had never heard of Tetris, and they don't allow computers and computer tech on their world, so I had to like, draw him a picture and explain it by hand? It was wild! Try playing Tetris without an actual console to play it on. It's just not the same. But anyway, it's all in that journal I gave you, so you'll see what I mean. I hope you get a kick out of some of the things in there. The multiverse is something else, isn't it? Love you!

Thisday - What can I say other than I miss you, Eisuke? Well. I love you, I guess? Is it too soon for that? Wait, no it's not, Thursday said it! So I can say it too. I mean, I know she said it in a different way than how I mean, but I can still say it too. I hope it's okay for me to. It's how I feel, at any rate. But yeah. The gifts! I hope you like them. I thought you might get a kick out of it, hehe. Some of it might look and smell really weird but I swear to you none of it is rotten! It's just weird rich people shit! If it tastes awful you should blame them for having weird taste! When we get together we'll go get some actual food, haha. Anyway, love you, Eisuke. Take care.

Doomsday - THAT NOTE INSIDE THE BOX WAS A JOKE, THE ROCKS ARE NOT ACTUALLY CURSED. I MEAN, THEY ARE, BUT THEY'RE CURSED WITH GOOD LUCK, YOU'RE WELCOME.

When everything is all packaged up and ready to go, the three Days stand together in front of the door that takes them to Kamurocho. They put those boxes into the doorway, and give them a good push, and then close the door.

And then it's time to get back to work.

Which isn't really work. It's just goofing off. But it'll do until it's time to see their friend again.

[kootiepatra]

#FFxivWrite2023 - Day 23: Suit

Through the time he had been working with the Scions, Estinien had slowly begun emotionally opening up more, and to more people. But he was nonetheless a serious sort overall—a wry sense of humor, to be sure, often at Alphinaud’s affectionate expense—but he was level, focused, low-maintenance, and practical. It was rare indeed to see his eyes lighting up with anything approaching excitement. Yet nonetheless, Keimwyda believed she recognized just that as he sat himself down at one of the Rising Stone’s tables, a large package in his arms.

The box looked a bit battered, and was plastered all over with labels and postage marks. It had been on quite the journey, it would seem. It was a little hard to decipher from this distance much more than that, but she was pretty sure she recognized a stamp that resembled Kugane Tower.

Keimwyda could not help but glance up curiously from her book at the sight, but Estinien was not proffering information, so she let him be. He was never too fond of people being nosy. She was never too fond of intruding. But this man rarely even packed for his journeys, and had scant few actual possessions to his name. What would he possibly be voluntarily importing from clear across the seas?

She watched out of the corner of her eye as Estinien broke the seal and lifted off the lid, looking inside the parcel with apprehension—and then relief. It would seem the contents arrived safely.

Her curiosity was killing her, and so she at last decided to speak up. “Something good?” she asked.

“Indeed. I had thought to pick it up the next time business took me to the Far East, but—well, there never is the time one would hope, is there? I am glad it arrived before I had to depart for Thavnair.”

He reached into the box. She could hear the crackling of a waxed packet being torn open. A salty, fishy aroma filled the air.

“Would you care for a piece?” he asked, retrieving a shriveled tentacle from the box and extending it towards her.

Ah. The famous dried squid. She summoned all of her self-control to prevent herself making a face.

She had no doubt the stuff was good. It was bought and sold and snacked upon by many, many people, after all. But—Keimwyda had not even seen the ocean until well into adulthood. And the freshwater fishing around the Shroud harbored no creatures such as these.

While her journeys had exposed her to all manner of new cuisines, and expanded her palette substantially, she found the sight of these delicacies—erm, challenging. She had fought many tentacled beings of varying degrees of sentience, but had not yet mustered the courage to eat one. Her mind had a way of wandering back to the Tam-Tara deepcroft to look at them. 

She should at least try it one day, she thought to herself. But at present she was not feeling so adventurous.

She smiled at Estinien and shook her head. “Not at the moment, but thank you.”

He shrugged and took a bite of it instead, clearly seeing it as her loss. “Suit yourself.”

[commercialpackagingsuppliers]

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Speak with the leading vendors of the products required for packaging various objects and make bulk or specification-based purchases.

Source

[adventures-in-a-world-of-fiction]

I've had an idea and it's a bit too late to implement it for this year given we're already on 20th November, but I thought I'd share it to see if people think it would be worth trying next year.

Clear-out advent calendars.

Basically, I go through my home and find things that are unused/in a good-as-new condition that I don't particularly need or want, and package them up into advent calendars. I could wrap the items up into pretty, numbered parcels and stick the whole lot into a box and ship it to someone. I could sell these calendars for an amount that covers postage and the cost and time involved in wrapping the items up nicely, maybe rounding up by a couple of quid as a token payment toward the cost of the items. It could potentially be a bargain for the people buying the calendars because I wouldn't be charging anything like the value of the items, but I get to clear out my clutter without having to stand in the cold at a car boot sale or similar. And hopefully everyone would have fun with it and if they didn't like/want to use an item for any particular day, at least they wouldn't have paid much money for it.

I could do them by category, so people have a rough idea of the sort of thing to expect.

Craft/sewing supplies - Fat quarters of fabric in a pattern that doesn't appeal to me that I got in a bundle because I wanted a couple of the other fabrics in the bundle, packet of beads that I bought because "ooh shiny" and then never used, supplies I bought to try out a new craft in a moment of enthusiasm only to find it wasn't for me, etc.

Stationery - I have a lot of very nice notebooks that I don't use because I do pretty much all of my writing on my computer, a handful of mechanical pencils (I have so many mechanical pencils - I'm not entirely sure why), pack of unopened Christmas cards because I will buy them from the charity cards display in the library and then not use most of them, etc.

Jewellery - I have beadwork items that I've made and then not done anything with, and ones that I've either bought or been given over the years but don't wear.

Completely random - just whatever else I uncover while doing a clear out and maybe bits from the other three categories where I don't have enough to do a full 24 days

I'm pretty sure I could do a calendar for each of those four themes that has enough stuff in it to feel satisfying.

This idea was inspired by watching advent calendar unboxing videos on YouTube and there was one where someone bought mystery box calendars of Esty where it looked like the seller(s) bought some really cheap stuff from Poundland to throw in, or one had little packets of instant coffee and tea bags that looked like they'd just raided a hotel room they'd stayed in. Someone made a point in the comments about the cost of the calendar basically being for the time taken to wrap everything up nicely (plus the Etsy cut for those ones) and it got me thinking that I could put together a much nicer advent calendar just using things I have but don't use. I would want to be honest that that was what I was doing though.

I wouldn't make enough of them to be worth setting up an Etsy shop or doing listings on some other platform that would take a massive cut, so I would just list them on a Tumblr post and ask people to message me to pick one and pay for it through Paypal. The first person to message asking for one of them would get it.

Do you think it's worth doing?

[inspirehub]

Exploring the Different Types of Shipping Jobs Available in 2024

With the growth in globalisation and e-commerce, shipping job positions are also growing and give vast entry points into all lines of engagement for anyone seeking employment. From international logistics and courier services to food delivery jobs, the number of available opportunities is enormous. This paper highlights the kinds of shipping jobs in 2024 by guidelines on different roles and requirements, including benefits of every type, for example, the introduction of Zomato delivery partner and flexible jobs across other platforms like Awign.

Classification of Shipping Jobs

1. Local and Urban Delivery

Food Delivery Jobs: One of the best ways for those seeking flexible work in food delivery is to become a Zomato delivery partner or sign up for other networks such as Swiggy and Uber Eats. Partners typically focus on a defined region, completing delivery orders and ensuring the food is delivered as fast and as promptly as possible.

Grocery delivery jobs: The more such platforms as Zepto and BigBasket increase, the more the grocery delivery jobs need. The main duty is to deliver groceries within a given area of locality, mostly with faster delivery speed than in the case of parcel services.

2. Courier and Parcel Delivery

E-commerce Deliveries: It hires thousands of delivery executives for meeting their demands in e-commerce, primarily at Amazon, Flipkart, and Myntra, to home and office deliveries full time or part time.

Traditionally, courier services: Logistics companies like Blue Dart, DTDC, and DHL also employ individuals in courier jobs. The job offers available under this position include the delivery of documents, packets, and parcels, with options available on local and intercity bases.

3. International Shipping Roles

Freight Forwarders: Those jobs fall into freight forwarding, which centres on coordination in terms of international shipments, doing customs work, arranging transportation, and making sure goods get to their destination on time. Positions vary between desk-based jobs and working directly with shipping lines and customs agents.

 Maritime Shipping Jobs: This one is perfect for those who will enjoy traveling abroad. Maritime careers involve occupations related to cargo vessels, tankers, or container vessels. They may need such trained cadets or engineers and navigators should obtain the relevant certificates and qualifications to work as deckhands.

4. On-Demand and Gig-Based Delivery Jobs

They provide gig-based delivery jobs, like Dunzo, Rapido, and other local player services. Their jobs enable people to choose tasks according to their convenience. Gig-based delivery jobs are best suited for people who need to earn on a flexible basis, starting to pick up jobs as they start coming.

Specialised Delivery Work: This is another gig work that involves prescriptions, liquor or electronics. Such a job would be best for delivery workers who are interested in particular delivery work

5. Warehouse and Logistics Support Jobs

Warehouse Workers: Warehouse jobs in the logistics chain are meant to process, sort, and prepare shipments. Some of these jobs include warehouse people, pickers, packers, and organizing shipments for dispatch.

 Logistics Coordinators: Coordinators of logistics oversee the developments in a supply chain, track shipments, harmonize schedules, and ensure smooth delivery processes. Usually, they would be more administrative-based jobs that might require working with suppliers, drivers, and customers.

Advantages of Shipping Jobs

1.  Variety of Options

Shipping jobs offer many diverse roles across sectors ranging from local delivery to international freight, catering to a wide range of interests and skills.

2. Flexibility  in choosing working hours

Delivery and gig-based shipping jobs have the advantage of flexible working hours, which the students, part-time earners, and those with other commitments find very convenient.

3. Guaranteed and incentivised income

Jobs from established companies, especially in e-commerce and food delivery, often have a regular income. Most jobs also offer bonus incentives during peak hours or for extra deliveries.

4. Advancement to Senior Positions 

Most shippers and logistics firms are often staff-conscious, where the same people advance workers to leadership positions or teams, such as team lead, supervisor, or logistics manager, among many others.

5. Local Shipping Jobs

For those interested in shipping jobs in their local regions, some employers offer local routes that cut down on time and resources in getting transport.

Skills Required at the Shipping Job Levels

1. On-Time Management

 Most the shipping jobs are time-bound, which go to deliver the products. When the deliveries are done, they should be on time in order to meet deadlines, and to ensure that the delivery is on time.

2. Easy Navigation

  Delivery executives make their planned route by the help of navigation application. Therefore, so much knowledge about such applications can save the delivery time as well as prevent congestion in traffic.

3. Communication Skills

Other than all this, clear communication is also required in the careers of shipping, like the time when handling customer inquiries or coordinating with colleagues in logistics.

4. Physical Endurance

Many shipping careers that include jobs such as warehousing along with delivery jobs require a lot of physical functions and endurance.

5. Attention to Detail:

This is a crucial part of shipping jobs since orders should be ensured to be correct, parcels correctly labelled, and all paperwork in order to avoid the high cost of mistakes.

How to Get Shipping Jobs in 2024

1. Job Boards and Company Websites

All the shipping jobs are advertised in job portals like Naukri, Indeed, and LinkedIn. Interested candidates can find direct work opportunities by applying on company websites like Amazon or Zomato.

2. Gig Apps and Platforms for Flexible Work

Flexible shipping jobs can be procured through gig apps Dunzo, Zepto, and Amazon Flex. The websites allow customers to pick an assignment of their choice—flexible, part-time, or even on-demand work.

3. Networking and Referrals

Good networking advice is to request references from friends who may already be working in the field. Companies often reward employee referrals.

4. Local Community Boards and Social Media

 Many shipping jobs, gig work opportunities, and parcel delivery jobs are posted on local community boards, Facebook groups, or WhatsApp networks.

Awign: The Other Shipping Job in Town

Awign allows a refreshing take on shipping jobs through project-based opportunities in the logistics and delivery sector. Unlike regular companies following plans to deliver, such work is instead done based on projects, whereby they partner with various brands offering them short-term assignments. From parcel delivery up to gathering data and other fieldwork jobs, these are what they offer.

For anyone seeking diversity, the Awign platform allows the opportunity to work on various projects and, at times, with strict deadlines, hence placing more management over the participant's schedule and control over it. The system by Awign perfectly satisfies any individual seeking exposure to a bigger scope of shipping jobs away from being confined to a long-term contract.

Conclusion 

There exist thousands of jobs in shipping and a host of different responsibilities and qualifications for each. Be it local delivery, food shipping as a Zomato delivery partner, or warehouse support, there's almost always a fitting position for almost every lifestyle and preference. Many jobs allow for flexible working hours, competitive pay, and chances to grow or take on responsibility, thus rendering the field a very rewarding one for people at any stage in their careers.

Shipping jobs range from managing large e-commerce companies to project-based opportunities through Awign, bringing in a steady income and developing skills. You would be able to know the options and where to find them in order to seek the best shipping opportunity for your career aspirations.

[faebaex]

Piece of Cake!

Request:

Student Name: Máire "Mor" Cian

Gender: Female

Dorm: Diasomnia

Scenario: Growing up, she didn't learn how to cook - noblewomen were forbidden from the kitchen, her father insisted. But for her dorm fellows and those in her year (second), she wanted to break free of those old notions. Visiting the vice leader of Heartlabyul, with his help, she whipped up one lovely Victoria sponge to share with Diasomnia while managing a decent, uncomplicated but decadent fudge to parcel out to the other second-years...

-✨️ Anon (Had to try both my OCs, if you're up to it... Happy Valentine's!)

author note: sorry for the wait! this was a really cute concept, also sorry i don't know why Jade turned out so mean, he was just in a silly goofy mood today i guess. also also some accidental Trey, because i got a little carried away when setting the scene („• ֊ •„) your OC is really cute and i hope you enjoy!

characters: Trey Clover, second years, Diasomnia dorm x F!Reader (platonic or romantic, however you fancy)

“Oh… Not quite…”

You looked down at the mixing bowl, staring down at the powdery white mixture that filled the bowl. Looking back up at Trey, who was looking back at you with a kind but strained smile, you furrowed your brow in confusion. “Did I do something wrong…?”

“Ah well…” Trey’s smile falters only slightly, valiantly trying to keep a calm expression, “well you see, the next step would be to pour out the caster sugar but that’s… Icing sugar…” He gently explains and your face falls when you look down at the packet in your hand, clearly labelled ‘Icing Sugar’. You groan in frustration, feeling like an utter fool for making such a silly mistake, and Trey immediately jumps to console you, a heavy hand falling on your shoulder and he gives you a good natured shake. “Don’t worry, don’t worry, I made all sorts of mistakes when I started baking.” You look up at him, a forlorn expression on your face at his placating, not believing him one bit. Trey gives you another pat on the shoulder before beginning to guide you more closely through the steps, clearly now aware that you require his undivided attention.

Despite that, you make several more mistakes before you are done with your creations. There is a particular incident with the eggs which results in time wasted picking eggshell out of the mixture, and Trey has to make a mad dash across the kitchen at one point to grab the salt out of your hand, which you had somehow mistaken for baking powder. But regardless of your near constant kitchen mishaps, your and Trey’s combined efforts result in a fluffy Victoria sponge and a simple, yet tasty looking batch of fudge. Trey gives you a smile that makes his eyes wrinkle at the corners as he grabs the icing sugar, guiding your hands to help you sieve the icing sugar over the top of the Victoria sponge as a finishing touch. “Now this is what we use the icing sugar for.” Trey remarks with a chuckle, taking a step back to admire the pieces that you had baked together, “you did great!” He assures, a kind smile on his face as he watches you beam at your creations. You felt a surge of pride run through you as the sight of your baking, feeling that your first time in a kitchen had gone well, despite its… Challenges. Riding on your high, you even considered applying for the next Master Chef program next time applications opened.

“Thank you so much for your help, Trey!” You beamed at him as he began packing away your creations into boxes for you to take back to your dorm with you. He gave you a light smile, folding the boxes closed securely. “Not at all. You’re welcome in the Heartslabyul kitchen whenever you want to do a spot of baking again. I heard Lilia has a very… Curious taste in ingredients, so it would probably best you didn’t get influenced by… That.” He gives you an awkward smile, packing your baking boxes into a paper bag for you to carry home. You say your goodbyes and you leave the Heartslabyul dorm, a warm feeling in your heart as you head back to your dorm, preparing to hand out your homemade treats to your classmates the next day…

Riddle Rosehearts

Surprised that you are gifting him some fudge! Sure, he knew you were in the Heartslabyul kitchen with Trey for a long time yesterday afternoon, but he never expected to receive anything out of it.

Thinks it is just as a courtesy because he let you use his dorm’s kitchen, and will blush if you tell him that you made some fudge specifically for him.

He will compliment how it looks and smells and tell you he looks forward to eating it later.

It will be his tea time snack later that day!

Ruggie Bucchi

Free food? Say no more!

Ruggie is usually suspicious when people try to give him something for free, but you look so earnest and proud of yourself when you try to hand it over to him, it would be rude to say no, riiiight?

If he knows you don’t have much experience in the kitchen, he’ll cheekily offer to be your exclusive taste tester, with the low low fee of a portion of the food you cook/bake.

He’s super happy about receiving it though and will probably devour it right there and then in front of you.

He will compliment the taste and sneakily suggest that you try your hand at making doughnuts next time.

Azul Ashengrotto

Ngl this is literally his worst nightmare.

He does not have the extra calories available for this surprise.

Plus it goes entirely against his creed to accept something from someone and potentially leave himself open for return favours later on.

So initially, he will try to refuse it.

Eventually, and very, very reluctantly, he will accept it. His customer service smile has all but crumbled at this point.

He will give you a free drink coupon for the Lounge as a trade off (nothing over 10 thaumarks of course) and then he will excuse himself.

The fudge probably sits on his desk untouched in the VIP room or Floyd snags it and eats it.

Spends way too much time ruminating over why you’d give him that so is probably glad if Floyd eats it tbh.

Jade Leech

Well, aren’t you an amusing one?

He will happily accept your gift, even if his smile seems a little ingenuine.

He won’t eat the fudge in front of you, preferring not to be observed by you when he tries the fudge.

But he will take the opportunity to gather intel talk to you about baking and delve more into your background.

What a lovely info gathering opportunity you have offered him, so kind of you.

If Jade finds out about your noble ties, don’t be surprised if the fish mafia try to blackmail you one day about telling your father about your kitchen activities.

However, the next day Jade will tell you how delightful your fudge tasted, and his smile seems more genuine than it did before.

Floyd Leech

Is already draping himself all over you before you can even offer him the fudge.

Delighted that you made him a little gift!

He literally will not wait for you to finish talking before he’s ripping into the packaging and taking a big ol’ chomp out of the fudge.

Gives you a fudge-caked smile too as he chews away like a carnivore.

Will compliment the fudge in his own weird way, like saying how good it feels to sink his teeth into it, or something.

He’s like a feral animal, now that you’ve given him food once he’s probably going to bother you every time he sees you. Good luck.

Kalim Al Asim

He’s so happy you thought of him but also so so sad because he can’t eat it!

But he doesn’t want to make you sad so he still accepts it but his smile does drop a little because he’s sad he can’t try it.

He will settle for sniffing it really enthusiastically because he feels like that’s a totally normal way to appreciate your baking.

He’s definitely going to try to use this as an excuse to throw a party with you as the guest of honour. Then you can both eat lots of food together!

He will finally let you go free once you convince him that you already have other plans that day.

Jamil Viper

Really surprised that you are giving him something, as he’s usually trying to fly under the radar.

He seems to appreciate it though, and will accept it without much fuss.

He’s a bit of an avid cook himself, so he’ll likely analyse the flavour in his head but keep his thoughts to himself.

He’ll feel a bit smug later that day when Kalim hands over the fudge you gave him, now he has two of your little gifts.

May slyly set some extra sweet aside for you that he’s made for Kalim and leave them for you without a note, but you could probably guess who they were from if you thought about it hard enough.

Silver

A welcome surprise for him to wake up to!

He’ll give you a gentle smile when he wakes up from one of his accidental nap to find you sitting beside him with a package full of treats.

He will happily eat it, savouring anything that hasn’t been made by his father.

He will compliment your baking, telling you how you did such a good job.

As you are both from Diasomnia, it’s likely he knows something about your circumstances.

He’s very curious when you tell him jokingly to keep the fudge a secret from the rest of the Diasomnia dorm, as you have a surprise for them later on. He will promise to keep it a secret though.

You hurry back to your dorm after your club activities, eager to set out the surprise cake for your dormmates. You had already sent Lilia on a mission to find Malleus and bring him back to the dorm, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he kindly went off to fulfil your request. You placed your bags haphazardly on your bed with a promise to tidy them later as you quickly grabbed the cake box and rushed out of your room, wanting to get to the dorm lounge before any of the others got there. Unfortunately, Silver and Sebek were already waiting in the lounge, the latter lamenting his inability to find Malleus and walk him back to the dorm. You placed the cake box discreetly on the lounge table, giving Silver a knowing smile as you waited for the arrival of Malleus and Lilia. You were grateful that they soon arrived, knowing how difficult it could be to find Malleus sometimes, especially if he did not want to be found.

Soon, all four of them were staring at you expectantly and you suddenly found yourself overcome with shyness, clasping your hands in front of you for something to do with your hands and looking down as you began to speak, stuttering over your words. “Um… I-I decided to try baking for the first time and I made a cake that I wanted everyone to try…” Hesitantly, you lift the lid on the cake box and reveal the lovely Victoria sponge cake to the group…

Malleus Draconia

Ngl you are worried at first because his mouth is just pressed into a thin line as he stares at the cake with a blank stare.

But then as soon as you begin slicing up the cake and passing around slices for everyone, he perks right up.

He’s getting to share a cake with everyone, instead of it being forced to be all his? What a splendid experience you have afforded him.

He is more than happy to tuck into the cake, complimenting its texture and flavour.

He has suffered through Lilia’s cooking too so he’s definitely savouring this as much as he can.

Tbh more than the cake he’s just overjoyed to be included in something, so he definitely appreciates you for that.

Lilia Vanrouge

He thinks that its great that you are breaking free of old traditions and trying new things.

Tells you how proud he is of you and encourages you to continue expressing your individuality (thanks batdad).

He’ll give you his blessing to use the Diasomnia dorm kitchen as you please and offer to bake with you sometime.

Don’t do it bestie.

As for the cake, he thinks it tastes good but could definitely benefit from a boost in nutrition!

He starts talking your ears off about what ingredients you could add to give it a little more ‘oomph’, Silver is trying to pry him away from you…

Silver

Surprised and impressed that you made a full-sized cake along with the fudge you had already prepared!

Just like Lilia, he’s really proud of you too.

He will compliment the cake and how you did a really good job on your first ever baking attempt. He thinks you are a natural at it (little does he know).

As promised, he doesn’t mention the fudge and gives you a gentle smile when you wink conspiratorially at him.

Sebek Zigvolt

This boy is always hungry so he’s so happy when he’s handed a large slice of cake.

But he’s even more excited to eat it when the cake receives Malleus’ blessing.

Even the young master is impressed by your cake? You should be honoured, human!!

He’s pretty much devoured the cake in a few bites and loudly proclaims how good it tastes.

(Half because he genuinely thinks it tastes good and half because Malleus said it was good so who is he to disagree with the Prince!)

Too shy to ask for seconds and will blush when you give him another slice.

[pityroadart]

Hey, what is your process when making collages? How do you collect things for them, how do you decide on quotes and what to draw/paint on and such? I really enjoy them :)

Hello! That's a very good question, I do it so automatically that I'm not entirely sure myself — but since I caught myself in the middle of a cut-and-stick sketchbook session, let's dive into it.

First up, I collect scraps like a trash magpie. Always have done, always will. Any paper items that I enjoy the colour/shape/texture of. Nowadays I tend to enjoy things with bold primary colours or black and white, pages from old maths textbooks or encyclopedias, flyers from local exhibitions, fragile tape and shipping labels from parcels, scraps found on the floor, old shopping lists, slips of paper from inside medicine packets or covid tests etc, anything that jumps out at me.

I collect these things in the pocket at the back of my sketchbook, or in a drawer (I have a whole drawer dedicated to scraps — some picked up from six or seven years ago, and some from last week). I hoard them like some sort of paper-loving dragon.

Other things I like adding are washi tapes, stickers, cinema tickets, drawings (whether straight in the sketchbook or stuck in), and anything else flat enough to fit in there.

Here are a few older sketchbook pages (from about 2014) showing some other types of scraps I've collated and used, and I think you can see where my current style has grown from.

The second part of your question is: but how do I put them all together? Again it's pretty much instinctive by now, but here are a few things I look for:

- Do I have a theme for the page? Is there a central object I want to build around? For the recent star trek pages I shared here, I'd been to see TMP and TWOK at the cinema and glued my tickets into my sketchbook, so I knew I wanted to theme the page around them

- Is there a colour palette? Either I pick colours from my central object, or I decide on a colour palette myself. Nowadays I keep my colour palettes very limited - one or two bolder colours and a range of cream/white/black/grey - but previously I've set the palette as pastel rainbow colours for example, when those were the colours I was more drawn to

- What words, symbols or drawings do I want to add? This can be lyrics that have been stuck in my head or that fit the theme, phrases I've come up with, fragments of found poetry clipped from textbooks, drawings that fit the theme (e.g star trek screencap thumbnails in the first example), etc. They don't have to fit the theme perfectly, or make sense to an external viewer - the important thing is that *you* want them on your page

This image below is a fragment of an as-yet-incomplete page - in which I swatched some leftover watercolour paint onto the page, found it complimented the colour of a sticker from a parcel perfectly (the small circular sticker), then I added an interesting-looking image from an old encyclopedia, which reminded me of a line from a Mountain Goats song: "the low pressure system brings the breezes in", and I wrote out another line from that same song on kraft paper and stuck it in. So it makes sense to me, or maybe someone familiar with the song, but to the average viewer it just looks kinda cool and/or they enjoy the line I've written out.

Then the next thing is to stick everything together! I'll confess, I rarely do this in one sitting - I currently have multiple pages I'm working on, one started the other month and almost complete, one started two weeks ago, and one just started today. I add to it whenever I get an idea or find a scrap that fits. But I used to do the pages in one sitting, and that absolutely works too.

As to how I decide what goes where on the page, that's just intuitive! I've made collage-y type art for at least fifteen years now (and longer if you count playing 'cut and stick' with old magazines as a kid), and I've very much learnt what sort of compositions please me, and how to tell if something feels too cluttered or lopsided or too spacious. But the beauty of this part is it's all personal preference! Shuffle your scraps around before gluing them down, and see what works for you.

Sometimes I add text or drawings first and use scraps in between, sometimes I stick the scraps down first and fill the gaps with text or drawings - there's no one way to do it! And hey, if there's something you don't like, you can always tear it out or stick something over it, that's the joy of mixed media.

Anyway this was a bit long-winded but I hope it makes at least a little bit of sense. Go forth and play with scraps!