#and the amount of times people said they put it on credit cards or went into debt 😬😬😬😬

[andoutofharm]

really feel you about the iowa show i had a moment on monday where i started looking at flights to milwaukee “just to see” as if i were not an unemployed college student with class in the morning. very glad to know i am not the only one lol

stay strong brothers, we must not allow our love for fob to lead us to make too many expensive mistakes 🙏 we are holding hands in this but we must not let it overcome us

[six-of-ravens]

*walks out of banking app covered in blood* did. did my budgeting.

[dreamcatchers-husband]

Jitters

Male Reader X Fromis_9 Saerom

Length: 2600+ words

Tags: Roomates, Fuck buddies, Mommy kink, Creampie

A/N- Saerom has always caught my attention so I had to make her a fic. At least a quckie.

Do you ever get the jitters? Get nervous?

People get nervous for a lot of different reasons. Job interview? Getting on a roller coaster? Riding a plane? 

For you, it was none of these. The cause of your nerves was two simple words. First date. When the girl said yes, you were beyond excited but the jitters came once you began to head home. Your shoulder hit several people as your eyes were stuck on your phone screen. After each apology, you continued the walk home, planning on what to do with your date. 

Eventually, you arrived at your apartment complex and walked to the front door. Once you passed the door, your legs brought you over to the elevator where you waited for the metal cage. Your travel up the elevator was uneventful as your legs continued to tap up and down nervously.

With a ding, your eyes looked up and saw the number 14. Recognizing it as your floor, you stepped off and rushed to your door. Once your golden metal key entered the keyhole, you turned it counterclockwise and unlocked the door. 

With your shoulder pushing it open, your feet moved forward and rushed towards your living room. Once there, your eyes began to search for a nice brown bookcase that lived in that part of your home. Once your eyes saw it, your mind took over as you pulled the doors open and found a large black safe that sat there. 

Raising your hand, the various beeps from the safe echoed in your ear. Punching The code 0124 made the green light appear as well as a clicking sound. Pulling the safe open, you found a couple of stacks of money as well as a wallet. Grabbing your black leather wallet, you opened it and pulled out a green card. 

With the card now in your possession. You fished out your personal wallet from your pants and put it in one of the slots. The brown from the wallet faded with time but you still loved how big it was as well as convenient compared to others. Just as your wallet went back into your pocket, the sound of a door caught your attention. With the door, footsteps followed that got closer and closer. Finally, a voice was heard as a figure appeared. 

“Why the hell is there so much noise?” 

“Sorry Saerom. I needed to get my other credit card.” 

“You hate using that one. You always complain about the interest rate. Is something wrong? Do you need new tires? I told you those used one-“

“I don’t need new tires, Saerom. This is great news. She said YES!”

“Who said yes? The librarian if the book you had on hold was finally returned?”

“NO. She finally said yes. I can take the girl of my dreams on a date!”

As your hand closed the metal door to the safe, your body turned around and was met with the brown-haired woman. Her outfit immediately stuck out to you as your eyes went up and down her body. The black top cut short just above her midriff, giving you the slightest tease of her amazing abs. The navy green skirt didn't do any better at hiding her body. Despite being on the shorter side. Her legs looked long and soft. They were for sure soft. Of course, you would know with the amount of times they have been wrapped around your head. 

“Oh, why are you dressed up Saerom?”

“Oh, I was just trying on some clothes for the next time we go out to get drinks. So you finally got a date with Hayoung huh?” 

“Yes! It’s even today. Look, I need to go shower so I’ll talk to you later.”

Not waiting for a response, your legs pushed forward towards your room. Your hands moved faster than you thought ever possible, removing the clothing from your body. Guess just a plain shirt and joggers helped with this also. Normally your body would be covered by a bathrobe at this point, but all reason was gone in your mind. With nothing on, your legs ran across the hallway and pushed their way into the bathroom. 

As you shut the door behind you, your arm then extended out and pulled the door to your glass shower. Turning the dial on the shower wall, the chrome wheel moved from the blue to the red section, changing the water temperature. After touching the water a few times with your fingers, your desired temperature finally arrived. 

Hoping in, the warm water began to roll off your back as you closed the door. Stepping fully into the water, your face looked up towards the shower head, and let the water pour over the rest of your body. Reaching to the left; your hand grabbed the bar of soap sitting and lifted it. As your head began to move away from the water, your hand began to raise the soap to your body until a noise caught your attention.

Looking behind you, Saerom entered the shower with you. The smirk on her face was setting off all the alarms in your head. 

“S-Saerom. What are you doing here? I need to…”

“Hey. It’s good for the environment to save water. Let’s shower quickly.”

Taking the bar of soap from your hand, the young woman began to run the white bar over her body. As the soap moved down from her arms, the bar began to lather over her toned abs and moved up. Saerom didn’t have the biggest breasts but she certainly had a pair you loved. In circular motions, the lather began to form around her perky mounds. 

A small giggle left Saerom’s mouth as she pulled your head up. Making eye contact, your roommate gave you a wink and brought the soap to your chest. Just as she did on her chest, the young woman began to rub the soap in circular motions on your body. You were about to say something until your friend spun your body around. The same action as before continued on your back. The smooth touches were very relaxing, causing you to close your eyes and get stuck in thought. 

The relaxing feeling continued until you felt a couple of nubs on your back. Saerom had her breasts on your back.  As your eyes shot open, the young woman’s arm touched your abs and began to work its way down. 

“S-Saerom. We shouldn’t.”

“Doyoon. You know Hayoung is a great friend of mine. She has a rule about the new guys she dates. No sex until 6 months of dating. This is me doing you a favor.”

Saerom’s delicate fingers finally reached your length, wrapping around it in one swoop. Your whole body jolted a bit from the sudden touch on your cock. 

“Look here, sweetie. The throbbing from your cock lets me know you like this. Why don’t you fuck my pussy one last time? Just for old time's sake.”

“B-But Hayoung w-will be here in twenty minutes.”

“Then we better get started.”

The soap on both of your bodies had already washed off in that time. Dropping to her knees, Saerom turned you around once more and looked up at you. Your roommate's hand began to move up and down, getting you harder than before. Bringing her upper body closer, Saerom brought out her tongue and inched it closer and closer until it made contact with your tip.

A quick flick to your tip sent shivers down your spine, causing a small whimper to leave your mouth. Saerom took this as her sign to continue as her tongue moved down your shaft from the left then the right, Saerom’s tongue continued to get your cock wet all over. 

Without any warning, Saerom then plunged her mouth on top of your tip and moved it down her throat. Your hands immediately took hold of your roommate's head and gripped onto her hair. All reason was gone as your hips began to move back and forth into Saerom’s mouth. 

With each thrust into the young woman’s mouth, the more your body began to shake. Taking the lead, Your friend put her hands on your legs and began to shove your length down her throat. Normally your roommate wouldn’t get to deepthroating off the bat, but Saerom knew you had a time constraint. 

Matching her movements, your hip would thrust your length into her throat as she pulled you in as deep as possible. After a couple of times, you decided to pull your cock out of her mouth and give her time to breathe. The sudden slap to your ass caught your attention and brought your vision back down. The scowl on Saerom’s face made you scared. 

“Who said to stop fucking Mommy’s face? You will stop when I say you stop.” 

The sudden warmth from Saerom’s mouth returned around your length. The constricting feeling around your rod was amazing as Your roommate vigorously moved her mouth up and down your shaft. Your hands were suddenly raised once more and brought to the side of Saerom’s head. The glare you got earlier returned. She wanted her face to be fucked. 

Not wanting to disappoint your mommy, you began to thrust with your hip once more. Just like you were slamming into her pussy, your cock continued to get constricted around. As you continued this action, a small sound began to hit your ears. Sure, you were in a shower but this sound was different.

Looking down, your eyes noticed Saerom’s hand down on her pussy. The sounds were of her playing with herself. Saerom needed this just as badly as you did right now. Bringing your hips back, Saerom let go of your legs and brought one hand up to your length. 

Your roommate's tongue returned to your tip and began to move in circular motions around it followed by some strokes from her hand. Standing back up, Saerom laid her back on the shower wall and signaled you to come closer. The air got heavy as you inched closer and closer to Saerom. 

Finally, in front of her, the young woman wrapped her arms around your neck and pulled your head to her neck. Your instincts took over as you began to pepper her neck with small kisses and bites. As you moved further and further down, you felt Saerom’s finger around your cock again. Your cock head began to feel the sticky mess leaking from Saerom’s folds. 

“Put that cock in Mommy one last time. Don’t keep me waiting.”

With a push, your tip began to plunge into Saerom’s cunt. The slick from the woman’s folds leaked onto the rest of your rod as you filled her. A gasp left Saerom’s mouth as you stood there for a few seconds. Pulling back, your strokes began to repeat little by little like you did with her mouth before. 

The warm comforts of her pussy were removed from your mind as Saerom pulled your neck back from hers. A sudden slap to the face shocked you as Saerom tightened her hold on your neck. 

“Stop being a pussy and fuck me. Or do you want your date to come here while you’re balls-deep in my cunt? 

With those words of encouragement, you brought your hips back and shoved your length down her tunnel. With your hands holding her up, your cock began to shove your length down her cunt repeatedly. With each thrust, your speed increased until you were at a steady pace, in and out of Saerom. 

The sound of grunts and moans was all that could be heard with the running water. Your constant pace was good, but not enough for your roommate. The young woman began to move her hips to match your own, filling her as best as possible. Your length could feel the construction around it as her walls tried to keep you inside her at all costs. 

“T-That’s a good boy. You always have such an amazing cock for mommy. T-The perfect length, and girth. F-Fuck even the throbbing from your length is perfect. S-Stay here. Why don’t you just fuck Mommy’s pussy forever?” 

The offer was tempting. Saerom’s pussy was something you had almost every day and it never disappointed. Still, you had to grow up one day and Hayoung was your chance at a real relationship. 

“I-I’m sorry Mommy but Hayoung is almost here and I’m really close.”

“Tsk. Fine. Then you better make me cum one last time before you do.”

Knowing you had no other option, you began to speed up your waist and move faster than before. Moving one of your hands down to her folds your length pulled out of her snatch, exposing the little nub you were looking for. Now found, your fingers began to rub on your roommate's clit as your cock continued to piston in and out of her.

The circular motions from your fingers combined with your cock’s actions caused the moans from Saerom to increase. Your grunts began to match the sounds from Saerom as both your fingers and cock increased in pace. 

“F-Fuck. You’re close sweetie, aren’t you? Me too. J-Just a bit more and you can empty those balls in my pussy.”

A slap to your ass motivated you to give it all you had left. All of your adrenaline shot throughout your body in that moment as you fucked Saerom as ferociously as humanly possible. Your hips could almost break at the rate you were shoving in and out of your roommate. A loud yell hit your ears as you felt a sudden pressure around your shaft. A rush of fluids hit your legs as Saerom began to jolt all over the place.

“F-FUCK!”

Saerom’s nails began to scratch your back as her climax was achieved. Saerom’s orgasm was the catalyst to achieve your own peak, causing you to yell as well. As your cock throbbed, ropes of semen left your tip and filled Saerom to the brim. As the twitches from your cock finished, the two of you were left panting for air. 

With a laugh, you both stood up straight and grabbed the soap again. Your shower had to be a quick one as your date would be there soon, so after 3 minutes you both hopped out. Running towards your room, you quickly entered and noticed a nice outfit placed on the bed. Saerom must have set it out while you first showered. 

Putting on the nice dress shirt and pants, you made your way to the living room and found Saerom relaxing on the couch. Your roommate was in pajamas yet it perfectly fit her curves, just like any other outfit. Standing up, the young woman walked over and began to fix a few things on your outfit. 

“OK then. You look nice. Have fun. This is your last chance to just stay here with me though.”

“That sounds fun but this is what I want.” 

With a knock at the door, Saerom pulled you closer and kissed you on the lips, one final time. Pulling back, the girl walked with you to the front door. Hayoung was familiar with your home so it was an easy meet-up place. As the door opened, you were met with the cutest girl you had ever seen, fit with a beautiful white dress. 

“Oh hi, Saerom. D-Doyoon. You look really nice.” 

“Y-You look amazing Hayoung.” 

“Well then. You two have fun and be safe out there OK?” 

“Yes, captain!”

With a nod, you made your way out the door and looked at Hayoung. 

“Let’s go!”

As you walked away with Hayoung, your mind went back to Saerom and the activities you indulged in earlier. 

You surely are gonna miss having sex for six months. 

[adore-laur]

THIRD TIME’S THE CHARM

— flashback from the dadrry universe about how you & harry first met 🍸

——

Harvelle's was where Harry went to unwind. The dive bar in downtown Santa Monica was home to an intimate, narrow bar room that had once been a popular speakeasy nearly a century ago. Live jazz music, bewitching burlesque dancers, and eclectic alcohol choices attracted people from various backgrounds to visit and escape reality for a while.

Harry was there after a strenuous ten-hour shift, his back and feet aching to the highest degree. No amount of pain pills or sleep had fixed it, so he decided to come to a place where he could drink his sorrows away and focus his mind on anything other than his premature midlife crisis. The hangover he'd wake up with tomorrow would be dire, but thankfully, he'd have the weekend to recover.

As a generous patron of Harvelle's for over a year, his designated seat was the circular stool snug against the corner of the bar. Every Friday evening after work, he'd sit down, slap his credit card in the bartender's hand, and quietly sip cocktails while he observed everyone around him dive into drunken ecstasy.

This night was different, however, because someone at the opposite end of the room caught his attention.

In a trance, he watched you sway your head to the sultry music playing while holding a martini glass filled with pink liquid. Something strawberry-flavored, probably. He flicked his gaze to your lips, which puckered around the thin straw and took graceful sips occasionally. You were... gorgeous. Effortlessly so. You had the kind of face Harry would remember for a long time, even when he was slightly tipsy.

His lemon drop martini was half empty, and his eyes drooped from either exhaustion or the alcohol coursing through his blood. Tendrils of his hair fell over his forehead, which his sunglasses failed to hold back. His sheer, patterned shirt was sticking to his skin because of the room's humidity.

Or maybe it was because of you.

There had to be a way to garner your attention from where he sat. Your body was turned away from him, the shimmering lights from the rotating disco ball dancing across your back. Harry didn't want to be the type of guy in a bar who uncomfortably invaded a woman's space and sparked a lousy conversation until he could sense boredom practically exuding from them.

So, after the band finished playing a song, Harry put two fingers in his mouth and produced a loud whistle as everyone else clapped. It worked, much to his surprise. Your head shifted to glance back at him, and Harry felt instant regret. Too annoying? Had he turned you off?

"Sorry," he mouthed for some stupid reason.

You just smiled kindly and ran your eyes up and down his figure before casually jerking your head in invitation. Harry pointed at himself to ensure he was reading your gesture correctly, and you nodded in response while patting the empty stool beside you. The bar wasn't packed since it was nearing the early morning hours, so he grabbed his martini glass and stood up before approaching you. He awkwardly sat beside you and decided he should introduce himself.

"Hello, I'm Harry," he said, holding out his hand.

You placed your hand in his and gently shook it, telling him your name. "Nice to meet you, Harry."

"Where are you from?" It had been a brutal couple of months of having minimal luck in the dating realm, so he hoped he wasn't coming across as a total moron.

"Topanga," you answered, absentmindedly twirling the straw in your glass.

Harry had already fallen in love with your voice, if possible. "Wow. That's all the way in the mountains."

Shrugging, you sipped your drink, then said, "I don't like big cities. If I could, I would live closer to the coast, but properties are so expensive there."

Harry crossed one leg over the other, trying to appear nonchalant even though he was nervous as all get-out. "Like a beach house?"

"Yes, exactly!" you said, your eyes lighting up. "Maybe with my own private beach or something. That'd be amazing."

"Sounds like a dream," he replied, placing his chin in his palm.

"And what about you? Where does a guy like you live?"

"I live in Santa Monica in an apartment complex a few blocks away."

"That's nice. Do you come here often?"

Harry didn't want to give off lonely, miserable drunkard vibes, so he chose not to fib. "Um, sometimes," he admitted sheepishly, hoping his answer wasn't too vague.

"This is actually my first time here. It's quite intimate."

Harry licked his lips, desperately fighting the urge to longingly stare at yours whenever you spoke. "Yeah, it is. They have burlesque dancers on Saturday nights."

You whistled attractively. "I'm sure you enjoy that."

"Hey," he dragged out, smiling a bit. "I appreciate their flexibility." Too far, man. Dial it back a bit. "Just kidding," he quietly added.

You downed the last of your drink and then tapped your phone screen. "Yikes, it's getting late. I should probably head home."

A wave of disappointment and insecurity washed over him. He was just getting to know you. Had he said something wrong? Was he boring you? He could be quite the awkward, clingy idiot when he was drunk, so he genuinely felt worried as to why you had to leave so suddenly.

His brain was hazy, and the words tumbled out of his mouth before he could stop himself. "Can I have your number before you go?"

You collected your purse, shooting him an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, but not tonight. Ask me again when you're sober."

Harry went utterly speechless. You hadn't said it dismissively or rudely, but it caught him by surprise nonetheless. In response, he just lamely lifted his drink in a cheers gesture as you left him alone, mysteriously disappearing through the exit and never glancing back.

——

You were running considerably late to work. A mandatory meeting was supposed to begin in less than twenty minutes, and you'd only just pulled into the parking lot of some random restaurant to pick up a cake for a coworker's birthday today. You followed the directions your boss gave you, which led to a burgundy building on the outskirts of Santa Monica. Luckily, the bakery section of the restaurant was right next to the lobby doors, so you parked your car and rushed inside.

When you pushed the glass doors open, a bell chimed, and you immediately heard something clatter to the ground, along with a hushed swear. The place was empty of people; chairs were still stacked upside down on the tables. Its modern interior design with neutral shades provided a subtle background for the colorful pastries crowding every corner. There was also a grand window display of desserts, all aesthetically and meticulously organized.

A man suddenly came shuffling out of the swinging kitchen door, his hands full of supplies teetering on each other.

Oh, it was the hot guy from the bar you went to about a month ago. What was his name again? Harvelle? No, that was the bar's name. Maybe it was Henry? Hector? Hubert? You didn't exactly remember, but you were positive it was something close.

Anyway, he seemed flustered in his oversized knit sweater and green trousers. A Styrofoam coffee cup was balanced in the crook of his elbow, and honestly, it looked like he just woke up. Yet somehow, he appeared even more beautiful than he did in the moody lighting of Harvelle's. His features were now accentuated by the pure daylight pouring through the windows.

You cleared your throat and waited by the front counter, observing him clumsily set things down before flipping through a notepad and blindly reaching for a pen off to the side. He had yet to notice you, too caught up in whatever task he was trying to complete.

After a few silent seconds, he ripped out a piece of lined yellow paper scribbled with scrawly handwriting and skimmed over it while walking forward to greet you. When he glanced up, he froze in place. His green eyes took in what seemed like every inch of your being. His fingers twirled the ballpoint pen he was holding.

"Hi," you said quietly, adjusting your purse strap.

"Hey," he replied, scratching under his eyebrow with his knuckle. "Uh, hey. Hi. What— why are you here? Sorry, that sounds rude." He took a deep breath before continuing, "I meant, how can I help you?"

You bit back a smile and took out your wallet. "I'm here to pick up a cake for my work. We're having a birthday party for someone, and this is where I was told to get it from."

"Ah, okay. Can I have the name associated with the order?"

"It's under mine, but I—"

He politely interrupted with your name unfurling from his mouth as a question. "We talked at Harvelle's not that long ago, right?"

He remembered, and you thanked the heavens that you quickly noticed his name tag because otherwise, you would have been guessing every name in the book.

"Yeah," you confirmed with a nod. "And you're Harry. You asked for my number."

His cheeks flushed pink as he rubbed his forehead with an embarrassed scrunch of his nose. "I'm so sorry about that. It wasn't the greatest first impression, was it?"

"I've had people try worse lines on me," you assured him with a laugh. "So, how much is the cake? I only have cash on me."

Harry checked his notepad. "Twenty-four dollars and sixteen cents."

You fished out a crisp twenty- and five-dollar bill, then handed them to him. He took them, his hand brushing against yours as he opened the cash register.

"Did you know there's a Carlo's Bake Shop in Santa Monica?" you asked.

"Mm-hmm. It's just around the block, actually."

"That's wild. I almost screamed when I found out."

Harry slowly smirked and closed the register with his hip, silently counting your change in his palm. "Why? It's just any old cake shop."

You gasped with wide eyes. "Excuse me? Any old cake shop? It's from Cake Boss!"

"Cake what?"

"The show that was on TLC with Buddy Valastro. Hello? Do you live under a rock?"

He tilted his head and tucked a pen behind his ear. "You're speaking Greek to me. I've no idea what you're on about."

"Never mind." You rolled your eyes playfully and began gazing at the displayed pastries. "Do you make everything here?"

"If I'm not scheduled elsewhere, then yes," he answered. "I'm usually here for the morning part of my shift."

"What else do you do?"

"I'm mostly an assistant chef in the restaurant kitchen, but sometimes I bartend or run the bakery."

"Well, everything looks delectable." You checked your watch and huffed when you saw the time. "I need to get going."

Harry snapped his fingers twice. "Shit. I almost forgot to give you your cake." He turned around and opened the see-through fridge, searching for the correct box. He eventually took a baby blue one out from the bottom shelf before setting it on the counter and taping the receipt he printed out onto the top.

"Here you are," he said, sliding it toward you before taking a sip of coffee.

You found yourself liking the way his voice sounded when no one else was around. "Thank you. Um, you forgot to give me my change."

Harry cupped both of his cheeks and slowly shook his head. "I am so sorry. It's early, and I didn't sleep much last night."

Waving him off, you said, "It's okay. Mondays, am I right?" You mentally facepalmed yourself for sounding like a loser.

"Right. You get it." He breathily laughed and handed you your change.

You put your wallet away and then picked up the cake box. "Thank you again."

"Of course," he replied with a handsome smile. "It's nice to see you again, by the way."

"Same here." You checked your watch for the second time. "I really need to go, but I'm sure I'll come visit another time to buy something for myself."

Harry gestured a thumbs up. It made your heart skip a beat for some reason. "Please do," he said. "Have a good day, yeah?"

"You as well."

You headed toward the door, and just as you were about to pull it open to leave, Harry called out, "Hey, wait!"

You abruptly stopped and turned around. "Did I forget something?"

He stuffed his hands in his pockets, clearing his throat. "No, but you told me to ask you sober, so can I— sorry, may I have your number? Please? Or we could go out somewhere?"

Your spirit sank. "I'm actually running super late right now. I'll try to come back soon, though. Promise."

Harry nodded, his head dipping low. "I understand. I'll catch you later."

"Bye," you whispered hastily before stepping outside.

When you finally got to work and sat down for your meeting, you thought about Harry the entire time.

——

Harry was bartending when he saw you again. He was topping a white Russian with cream, almost overflowing the glass, when he did a double take at your figure walking toward the counter. He wasn't expecting you at all, entirely confident that he'd never cross paths with you again after his failed attempt at asking you out a few days ago.

You were dressed in a black suit with matching heels. Your hair looked frazzled, but it was ridiculously attractive. He had to check that he didn't make the customer's drink wrong because of how many times he had glanced at you.

"Hey," you said breathlessly, sitting on an open stool in front of him. "I had a feeling you'd be working here tonight. Are you busy right now?"

Harry nervously swallowed and slid the drink down to the customer. "Hey. N-not really, why?"

You bit your lip, your teeth puncturing the soft flesh. "I just wanted to say thank you for the delicious cake. My coworkers loved it."

"Oh, thank you," he said, casually placing his arms behind his back. "I'm happy to hear that."

"I also came here to tip you." Harry followed your movements with his eyes as you took a ten-dollar bill out of your pocket, smoothing the creases against the edge of the counter before holding it out. "This is for you. You're very talented."

He accepted the money because, in all honesty, he really needed it. "That's kind of you. I appreciate it."

Harry couldn't believe he had the woman he couldn't stop daydreaming about right in front of him. His mind scrambled for a flirty gesture or pick-up line to impress you, and he ended up going for what he was best at. Jerking his chin up, he smoothly asked, "Can I make you a drink?"

You set your elbows on the counter. "What do you suggest?"

"A strawberry margarita. Isn't that what you ordered at Harvelle's?"

"It was! I'm surprised you remember."

He wanted to say it was impossible not to since he had been besotted with the way you puckered your lips around the straw, but he refrained for the sake of his dignity. "I'll make it for you right now," he said. There are also appetizers in the back if you'd like some. Jalapeño poppers are the special tonight."

You nodded eagerly. "I'd love some."

Harry walked toward the kitchen, smiling as he grabbed a steaming basket. He thought it was going well so far, and it was wild that you had visited to simply tip him.

When he came back, he set the food and a couple of napkins in front of you. You immediately took a bite as Harry started making your drink.

"I'll go out with you, by the way."

If he hadn't been working, Harry was sure he would have acted like a lovesick girl at a sleepover who was spilling juicy details about their crush while giddily kicking their legs in the air. Him? You wanted to go out with him, of all people? The burnt-out food service worker who drove a shitty Subaru and was living paycheck to paycheck?

Maybe the third time's the charm.

"Are you sure?" he asked as he stuck a sliced lemon on the rim of your glass.

Before you could reply, a customer pulled him away, waving him down. He apologetically smiled before rushing over and helping them as fast as possible. Once done, he spread his hands on the counter and tapped his fingers. "You're serious?"

You leaned forward and stared at him with a glint in your eyes. "Dead serious."

Harry blew out a sharp breath and chewed on the inside of his cheek. "Would it be lame if we got dinner here since I work literally every day this week?"

"I don't mind at all," you replied without missing a beat. "Whatever works for you."

"Cool." He straightened his posture and flung a dishrag over his shoulder. "How about this weekend?"

You hummed, quirking your lips to the side. "How about tonight?"

Harry's eyes went wide, clamminess instantly infiltrating his palms. Tonight? As in, there wasn't enough time to mentally prepare himself for a date tonight. Is it even considered a date? He was freaking out.

"Unless you're not in the mood," you added quickly. "I understand if you just want to go home after work."

He briskly shook his head. "No, no, I'm in the mood. Totally in the mood. I get off in about an hour, if that's not too long of a wait for you."

You lightly knocked on the counter three times. "Perfect. I'll sit here and watch you make drinks until then."

He just grinned and handed you your margarita. "Wave me down if you need anything."

Throughout the last hour of his shift, Harry tended to everyone in the bar while checking in on you every so often. Making sure no one tried to hit on you, for the most part. After his coworker finally arrived to replace him, he washed his hands and rounded the counter to stand next to you.

"Let's head outside where it's quieter."

You nodded and grabbed your drink as he led you away from the crowd, his hand hovering over your back. He didn't want to overstep unknown boundaries too soon.

"Where do you think strawberry margaritas are better? Here or at Harvelle's?" you inquired as you both walked to the outdoor seating area right by the beach.

"Here, obviously," Harry said with a smirk. "Why, does mine taste bad?"

You both sat down opposite each other at a circular table. "No. I'm just wondering since you're the expert."

Harry bashfully smiled, then became a little more serious. "Listen," he started, "I'm sorry again about asking for your number while tipsy. That wasn't very gentlemanly of me."

You laughed and said, "Don't worry about it."

"All right. Good."

After you ordered food and more drinks—Harry insisting that he could get everything for free since he was a loyal employee—the two of you began getting to know each other more, taking turns asking questions and falling into an easy flow of conversation.

"Do you want kids?" Harry asked on his tenth or eleventh turn, his rings clinking against his glass as he tapped it.

He watched you ponder the simple yet complicated question, wondering if asking such an invasive thing was a stupid mistake. "I'm not sure," you replied eventually. He let out the breath he'd been holding. "I'm still young, and I don't think it's a decision I can confidently answer right now. What about you?"

Harry cradled his cheek in his palm. "I definitely want babies in the future—with the right person, of course, so I guess I have to wait for that first."

Your eyes softened as you took a sip of your drink. "How many babies?"

"Hmm, maybe two. Three, if my partner doesn't hate me by then."

"Boys or girls? Or both?"

"Honestly?" he asked, raising his eyebrows. You nodded as he rested his foot on the bottom of your chair. "All girls would be ideal. I don't know why; it's just what I see for myself."

"I get that," you said, nudging your foot against his. "Daughters would be really special to raise. They make the world go round."

He hummed in agreement, subtly brushing his kneecap against yours. "I also think I could learn so much from them, you know?"

"Who, your hypothetical children?" you teased.

He chuckled and shrugged his shoulders. "Yeah, I guess. We're speaking hypothetically, right?"

"Sure. Unless you're speaking it into existence."

"With how my love life is going, it doesn't seem likely."

You made a noise of protest. "Don't say that! You're a handsome guy."

"Well, my looks only get me so far."

"You're also sweet and charming." You took a small bite of food and maintained eye contact with him. "I'm shocked you're not taken already."

"I swear it's because of my job," he muttered. "Whenever I tell someone I work in a restaurant, they look at me like I'm a disappointment."

You retracted your head. "What's wrong with working in a restaurant?"

"You tell me," he murmured around the rim of his glass.

"I think it's hot."

Harry nearly choked on his drink, raising a fist to his mouth as he coughed in shock. "Come again?"

"You're a chef."

"Assistant chef," he corrected.

"Same difference," you continued confidently. "You can cook food, you can bartend, and you know how to woo a woman. That's hot."

"Are you sure you're not just quoting Paris Hilton?"

You rolled your eyes with a knowing smile. "Maybe, maybe not. Please tell me you've watched The Simple Life."

Harry stared at you, waiting for the punchline, but you looked completely serious. "No," he deadpanned. "Absolutely not. I will never watch trashy reality shows."

"Not even The Bachelor?" you asked, leaning closer with interest. "That's my favorite franchise to watch."

"You're insane if you enjoy that," he replied, wiping a napkin around his lips. "Anyway, back to you calling my job hot. Elaborate, please."

You gawked at him. "Has no one ever told you that before?"

He blinked slowly with a straight face. "It's not like I have the sex appeal of Bobby Flay, love."

Your eyes scanned him up and down. "I'm sure it's hidden somewhere deep inside you. Do you wear a chef jacket?"

"Yeah."

"See? That's hot."

He barked out a laugh. "You're lying to me."

You mimicked his surprised expression. "I am not!"

Slightly leaning over the table, he looked at you with unwavering eye contact. "Liar."

"You don't know me."

He said in a low, self-assured voice, "I'd like to."

A heartfelt exhale escaped your beautiful lips. "Then stop assuming I'm a liar when I compliment you."

Harry breathed in deeply and glanced at your lips. One brief look at them rendered him weak, their shape curving into a smile, stained pink due to your margarita. He wanted to kiss you, but it wouldn't be very romantic to do so in public. He could kiss your cheek instead, but he already imagined how awkward he'd make it. He could hold your hand—a more subtle gesture that wasn't too bold. That sounded manageable.

So, with a single swig of his liquid courage, he went for it. His hand slowly scooted to your thigh under the table, delicately grabbing your fingertips with his own. He rubbed his thumb along your knuckles and set his fingers underneath your palm so you were holding hands, fingers not interwoven but holding nonetheless. You'd gone quiet; whatever you were about to say was lost in the intimacy swirling in the air.

Harry squeezed your hand and said, "Let's walk down to the beach."

"Okay."

Harry let go and stood from his seat, then pulled you up with him before leading you to the sand. The sun had fully set, yet several campfires and tiki torches lit the way to the shore. There was barely anyone out, which was perfect for Harry since he planned to kiss you senselessly. At least, he hoped so. He might chicken out, which was highly likely considering his heart nearly gave out whenever you looked at him.

"Can I kiss you?"

"Pardon?" Harry's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. Damnit, you beat him to it.

You took off your heels and started walking toward the water. "You heard me."

"Yeah, I-I did," he stammered, sliding his shoes and socks off as he strode up to you.

His black work shirt almost caught fire from the tiki torch with how fast he walked toward you. The waves calmly met the shore, and he admired you step into the shallow water, the Ferris wheel and pier merely twinkling lights in the background. The nearby flames danced off the reflection of the ocean as well as your skin, and he swore he'd never experienced such a magnetic pull toward someone before. He followed you like a puppy on a leash, digging into his pocket for a mint he secretly grabbed. He popped it into his mouth.

Eventually, he faced you with the water rising just below his knees. You were staring at him with a particular look, and he took it as his cue to initiate the first move. "Do you want to kiss me, or should I kiss you?" Harry asked nervously.

You placed your hands on his hips and said, "Just kiss me, please."

So he did. He ducked his head down to mold his lips onto yours, feeling them immediately find the shape of his and move beautifully against his bottom lip. He tasted strawberry residue, weakening his knees with each soft pull. His hands gently held the sides of your neck, and he used his thumbs to tilt your jaw. He wanted to open his eyes and savor how you looked, but he was so caught up with how fast his heart beat and how euphoric he felt touching the woman of his dreams.

When you finally ran out of breath and pulled away, Harry rested his forehead against yours and made a noise somewhere between a whimper and a groan.

"Was that okay?"

He shook his head in disbelief but quickly turned it into a nod so that you didn't think he was saying no. "Yes. That was the best thing to ever happen to me."

You laughed and kissed the corner of his gobsmacked mouth. "I'm honored."

Harry stared at you, mesmerized by every square inch of your face. "I feel like we were always supposed to meet," he murmured, more to himself than anyone else.

"Me too," you said sincerely.

He really hoped he didn't mess things up.

——

[lomlkenji]

༊*·˚ home | luke patterson

★ summary : after the fight luke and his mother had, he came to you. his home. 

★ warnings: angst, fluff & mentions of fighting. 

★ word count: 1.2k

── ⋆⋅☆

YOU WERE FLOODED WITH BLANKETS AS YOUR WHOLE FOCUS WAS ON THE LAPTOP PLACED ON YOUR LAP. you were watching your favourite Tangled with a pint of chocolate ice cream in your hand. 

your family were passed out, tired from all the barbecue you guys had earlier. with game night accompanying it, everyone went to bed in defeat — all except your father.

while they were sound asleep, you were watching your favourite disney movie. the concept of Tangled marveled you. 

you were one of those people who's into rom-coms or just plain romantic movies, but also refuse to actually be in a romantic action in real life. 

it's just that every time someone has tried to set you up with a guy, you never feel comfortable enough. 

also because you picked on every single flaw that they have and make it as an excuse that they're 'not the one'. 

there's this one guy, who is almost perfect. so, it's hard to find his flaw, but when you see it. you immediately think that it's a huge deal. 

basically he has two separate wallets, one for his large amount of credit cards, and one is for his wad of cash. 

but honestly, it was just to cover your feelings for the boy that has been with you since kindergarten. 

at first you didn't realise it, but you always feel all happy and giddy when he's around or when he makes eye contact with you. 

at first you thought it was just a phase that maybe you will get over. 

oh how wrong you were. 

those feelings just grew stronger by the minute. you become more aware of your appearance when he's around and always making sure that he's okay, etc. 

when you ranted to your best friend, she immediately told you that you were totally in love with him. 

but with him being in a band and having a huge gig at the orpheum — his dream place to perform — you couldn't tell him everything going on. 

he probably doesn't like you back and you will just bring more stress to him than what's already there.

you didn't even realise you were aggressively shoving ice cream in your mouth in a depressing manner. 

it's not that you were sad, actually you were, but you brushed the feeling off telling yourself that you're just being childish. 

but you were supposed to feel like this right? 

an idiot in love? 

or was that just propaganda? 

will you ever be so called 'in love'? 

the sounds of the voices in your head couldn't be tamed but that proves wrong when the song, I See The Light filled your ears. 

the sound immediately brought a smile to your face as the scene where eugene and rapunzel were on the yacht. 

but it was interrupted by a knock on your window. 

you jumped slightly and furrowed your eyebrows, confused but alert. the only person that would be coming through your window is luke. 

the boy we are crushing on? come one keep up! 

but it doesn't make sense, with christmas being around the corner, shouldn't he be spending time with his family? 

you put down your pint of ice cream nightstand beside your bed as you walk towards the window, opening it. 

and there stood luke patterson with a bag and guitar over his shoulder. 

his eyes were bloodshot red, his figure trembling as sniffles came out of his nose. 

you wasted no time taking his hand pulling him in. he dropped his things and instantly wrapped his arms around you. 

his face buried in the crook of your neck as sobs wracked his body. 

"shh shh i'm here. it's okay, you're okay, we're okay" you softly said as you rubbed his back making him relax. 

"i- i- they- we-" luke tried saying but getting his voice getting caught in his throat. 

"hey, hey it's okay" you softly pulled away and put your hands on his cheeks, wiping away some of his tears. 

you gave him a small smile "we have all the time in the world" you assured him. 

he nodded and brought you back in a hug, but this time his arms were around your neck, and your arms were around his torso. 

suddenly luke slowly moved forward which made you move backwards. 

your legs hit the bed as you fall down with a yelp bringing a chuckling luke down with you. 

you moved a bit, so your head met the pillows as his head rested on your stomach. 

this wasn't unusual for you guys, with knowing each other since kids, you guys often cuddle and sometimes even sleep on the same bed. 

your fingers continue to massage his scalp as his breathing slowed down and his body stopped shaking. his grip on your waist tightens every so often. 

"you're watching Tangled again?" he softly asked as he looked at the laptop beside you, trying to distract himself. 

"yep" you chuckled before continuing, "you wanna talk about it?" you softly asked the vulnerable boy. 

he nodded and took a moment before opening his mouth. "me and my mom got into a fight, " he started, his voice hoarse and you can practically hear him shaking. 

you rubbed your hand up and down his back, encouraging him to continue. 

"she was mad, saying that i'm wasting my time on the band, and she said that it's not important and i- i-" he stuttered with sobs. 

"shh shh it's okay, take your time" you encouraged him. 

he took a deep breath before continuing, "i didn't know what i was thinking but i packed up my clothes and just bolted away on my bicycle. and i have nowhere to go" he sobbed, pulling you closer as if you were an anchor and the only thing that will keep him grounded. 

your heart broke hearing him. "hey hey, it's okay you can stay here as long as you like" you said to him, a small smile on your lips. 

"really?" he looked up to you, sad eyes making you melt and devastated at the same time. 

you nodded, "of course. but promise me you'll talk to her after your performance at the orpheum" you told him. there is no way in a million years that you would let luke and his mom get into a fight and just break like that. 

you know how deeply luke loves music, but he loves his mom too. emily is an amazing human being, always being so sweet and kind. their bond is not just something to be broken. 

"i promise" he nodded and started to draw shapes on your side.

the action brought butterflies to your stomach, but you tried to cover your flustered state as you said to him, "it may not feel like home, but we can make it work" 

"i'm always at home when i'm with you" he mumbled quietly. 

your eyes widened as you stiffened. but it went unnoticed by luke as he pulled you tighter to him. 

he lazily lifted his head up and kissed the corner of your lips. he didn't say anything more after that. your heart flutters with thousands of thoughts invading your head. 

you feel like you can run five laps without stopping. 

you feel like screaming from the top of your lungs. 

but luke's snores alerted you that he's asleep and of course tired.

you beamed at the boy. "you're my home too luke" you whispered and kissed his head as you let sleep consume you with a smile on your lips. 

reblog for a kiss <3

[noroi1000]

"Gomen'nasai" chapter 03

Gomen'nasai | ←Previous chapter • Next chapter→

"Haha! So you're saying you started playing Digimon out of boredom? When I was a teenager I loved it!" he said, drinking a second glass of coke while he bought you a third drink.

"I only recently started. But it's pretty cool. Time flies easily." You said, wiping your mouth after drinking the entire drink in one go.

His hand reached for a piece of pineapple that was on the glass for decoration and ate it.

"Hey!"

"What? I like sweet. And I didn't eat dinner." He laughed, knowing you were already slightly drunk.

Any quiet drunk person can turn out to be the life of the party.

For now, you smile more often.

"One more?" he asked, pointing to the glass.

"No! That's enough for me!" You said, your hands out in front of you as you stopped him.

"Maybe water? Or juice? Drink?"

"I've had enough to drink today. Enough." You smiled at him.

"Can I get the bill?" asked the bartender.

"Yes." you replied and reached for your wallet, waiting for the amount to be given.

But before he could say how much to pay for your drinks, the white-haired man waved at him.

"We pay together!" he said with a smile.

Well... He only took two glasses of Coke... You probably took enough money from home to pay.

"How much?" You asked, waiting for the bartender to put his drinks on the bill.

But before he could say, a credit card appeared in front of him as White Hair handed it to him.

"I guess it doesn't matter how much I pay. Don't you think so?" he chuckled as he watched the man use his card to pay for what you both drank. He gave him the card back and put it in his wallet which he then put in his pocket. "Do you want to go somewhere else?"

Placing his hand on your back, he took his thin jacket and led you to the exit.

Why does he treat you so well?

First he starts talking to you. Now he paid for you.

"Thank you for paying on one bill. How much money should I pay you back?" You asked as he took a breath of fresh air as he stretched slightly.

You were there for at least two hours. You talked and drank your drinks.

"You say that to every guy when he pays for you?* he laughed briefly.

You turned your head slightly to the side.

If there was a guy you went out with somewhere before him...

"Actually, I forgot to ask how old you are."

He knew. But...

"...24." you replied.

"Ooh?? I'm 28! We're the same age!"

"I thought you'd be older."

"Why?"

"You have white hair." You laughed.

You certainly have a nice smile.

When he met you, he somehow thought how on earth you could be a curse user.

"Just because I have white hair doesn't mean I'm an old man! Can you see that I have some wrinkles??"

"You are one big walking wrinkle!"

"You're hurting me." He put his hands over his heart dramatically before laughing. "So, do you want to go somewhere else?"

"I need to buy something at the supermarket." You said, nodding in that direction.

He remembered that this was where he was supposed to bring you to Jujutsu High.

And you want to go there of your own free will?

You were just his mission.

The man he was going to take to his death.

Because his superiors ordered him, he was to kidnap you and hand you over to them. So they can execute you. Execution for nothing. You've never killed anyone. Only one person died, but you didn't kill him. It wasn't your fault.

You suffered as much because of what you did as the people who, according to the elders, are your 'victims'.

But still, you were sentenced to death.

You had a nice smile. Especially when you started smiling at him sincerely after those two hours.

An image flashed in his mind of how your dead body would lie in Shoko's office later anyway. Then you won't smile. So why did he start thinking about what your smile looks like??

Shesh... He could have just thrown you unconscious into the car instead of waiting until the moment when he would regret getting rid of that smile.

"You know, Satoru, you're really the first person here who's been this nice to me." You said suddenly. Your small smile didn't disappear from your face.

Shit... Why did he have to spend time with you and get to know you...

"To the people who know me in this town, I am a witch. Some of them really wish I wasn't here." You said quietly, looking at the ground.

"Why are you telling me this?" he asked, feeling a pang in his heart at your confession.

He just has to take you to your death.

And now he finds out that your life is neither easy nor pleasant.

He wanted to be a teacher to know that young sorcerers would not die young. You were young. You were 24 years old. And you didn't have the same life among non-sorcerers as among sorcerers.

From the very beginning when he saw you, you were only supposed to be a curse user that he would catch and bring to his execution.

"Why am I telling you this?? ...Because I thought you'd like to know who you've just been talking to all this time. So you can find out the truth about someone you paid for drinks for." Your soft smile remained on your lips as you said this, looking into his eyes.

You were really honest.

You didn't know he was a sorcerer. You didn't know why he came here. You didn't know who exactly he was.

You didn't know that you were just talking to the person who came here to take you by force to death at the hands of someone else.

His throat tightened with guilt.

You were unaware of the threat that stood before you.

And yet you didn't suspect anything after he lied about not specifically looking for you.

"Why a witch?" he asked to keep the conversation going.

"... You really want to know...?"

Not knowing any of his movements or hearing a word, you sighed.

"I have a special skill where they can tell someone to say something, and that person will do it. Many people want to use my skills, and I do it to make a living. I don't want to hear what their goal is. I just do what they want and I don't want to know more. Once a person died at the hands of a person who wanted me to ask this man to go to Hokaido... And the rumor that I killed him became popular very quickly. People are afraid that I will 'bewitch' them, rob them and kill them."

"But you didn't do anything," he said suddenly.

You looked at him with a small spark in your eyes.

"You're not the one who killed him. You're not the one committing these crimes. These are people who are just paying you to do a small favor for them. Nothing more."

"... Do you really think so...?"

A small tear fell from your eye.

This is the first time someone has told you this...

His fingers rubbed your cheek, drawing away a tear.

He used his fingers to guide your face towards him.

"Really!" He gave you a kind smile that warmed your heart.

"Isn't that our goal, Gojo-san?"

"She won't run away."

"But -."

"This is my mission. I decide what we do."

These are just rumors. He believes you are innocent. After all, he doesn't like it when someone dies at the hands of his superiors for no reason.

[theeminentlyimpractical]

Something I think is often missing from the “shop local” refrain is the importance of consistency and building community in a local economy. I go to two local farmers markets pretty much every weekend, and have for nearly a decade at this point.

Today I went for a small handful of stone fruit and a pastry. I ended up coming home with a bag full of eggplants, carrots, and a massive amount of kale simply because one of the farmers (Gali) wanted to get rid of stuff. I didn’t even buy anything from her this week.

When markets were closed during the pandemic a baker (Joseph) saw me driving and backed up in traffic to say hi. He also razzes me across the market if I’m late, because it makes people stare and he thinks it’s funny. Recently I told a farmer (Mark) that I had been going to another market and he said “WOW. I see how it is,” as if I was cheating on him. One of the beef ranchers (Sarah) texted me a recipe after we got to talking. The pork farmer (Steve) has been in bad health lately, so a bunch of us are putting together a care package for him and his wife.

I pay cash (cash is king, baby) so if I don’t have enough I’ll often be extended an informal line of credit bc they know I’m good for it the next week, the way credit was initially intended to be used! Credit card fees eat into their already meager profit line, so it is above all a sign of respect to their hard work to take the time to withdraw cash to have on hand.

Of course, the deals aren’t the point. I didn’t set out intending to get free stuff. It is a byproduct of a mutual relationship, a sense of shared community, built over years. I got some sprouts today from a new-ish vendor, and saw that a few trays were almost empty, so I just told them, “fill me up with whatever you want to get rid of,” and they were delighted. Take the time to care, instead of treating it as a purely transactional relationship. Build community through commerce, and rote errands become moments of human connection.

[nightcall99]

Dreams from 17.2.24

Dream 1: This dream concerns Mort. In the dream, my parents got wind of the fact the we know each other, that we're in some kind of relationship and they want to capitalize on it. It doesn't feel like I am in contact with him regularly, or at all. My parents went to the bank on my behalf, to request a credit account to be opened. The person who would pay off the account at the end of each month would be M. I really, really do not want to go along with this, but I do. It seems like they've been nagging me about this for awhile ever since they heard that I'm talking to this person and have implored that I take advantage of the situation. I feel really uncomfortable since I don't want anything tethering me to this person but I try to let it go because it's what my parents want for me.

Everything has already been set up and all I have to do now is go with my parents to the bank to attend an appointment where I am to collect the credit card itself. Before we leave, it seems like I already have the CC and am able to use it (even though I don't see a physical card, and never do in this dream). I use it to pay off a bill or something, the total was $9.90.

During the appointment, the bank people want me to sign off on this new account. They don't ask any questions about the relationship I have with this person, and why it would warrant him being the one to pay off the account. I can feel the employees feel sorry for me, or are even worried that something untoward is going on. All I know is that the energy surrounding this 'relationship' is really gross and I'm glad they're no prying. They ask me what signature I'm going to use to sign the back of the credit card with. I am shown a piece of paper that has a couple of variations of my signature on it, but it looks a little off. They allow me to practice signing my signature on this same paper and I can do it as many times as I please. I put my signature all over the page but there's some flick of the wrist that just isn't happening. None of the signatures feel or look right but I let it go.

Then they hand over the card even though I see no card but I guess it’s more symbolic than anything. Before I leave, a male employee asks me if I've been here before and now the bank is not a bank, but a pharmacy. They said, We have records that you were here at 13 or 14 years old for some anti-inflammatory medications. I say, Yes that's when I had my wisdom teeth removed. I feel glad they brought this up because it made things seem less shady, like I am a real person and everything. Then they get me to sign off on the charge that I already paid before leaving to get here. On the paper, the amount is a dollar less ($8.80 instead of $9.90) that it was, but I don't mention it. They seem to think I haven’t used the card yet.

When I leave I still feel really apprehensive about all of this. I log into this new bank account to see if it really is linked to his name. It doesn't say it anywhere that he is the transactor but then I click into this section where I can see his personal bank account transaction history. He bought something today. I can see two charges for some random everyday items. I feel mortified (lol) about this. Does that mean he can see all my purchases too? That’s an invasion of privacy, even if he is the one paying them off.

I decide that I'm not going to use this card at all. In fact, after a few months when my parents have forgotten all about it, I’m going to cancel the card completely.

Dream 2: I'm at home in the kitchen with my siblings and we are preparing two fruit pies before we have to leave to go somewhere. During the process, I get the order of steps wrong. After rolling out the pie dough, instead of it putting it back in the fridge to firm up again before assembling, I accidentally put the pie dough in the oven. It get crispy and golden brown really quickly and there's not much I can do about it now. And the pie dough isn't even pie dough anymore, it's turned into puff pastry. I continue on as normal anyway, I lay the puff pastry into the pie dish and put in the cut strawberries and some other fruit that's unusual to put in a pie, I think it's grapes. I pour in some kind of white batter that's very liquid in consistency.

We are finishing by continuing to put in the fruit, making sure it's evenly distributed across the two pies. It gets put into the fridge to set, seems like it's going to be a cold pie now. While the pie is sets and before we leave, I realise that I am hungry. Since I can't eat the pie yet, I take something else out of the fridge to reheat and eat. I have to hurry since we have to go now. (My siblings, mother and I). I think we're going to a concert (Taylor Swift comes to mind, since she is in Melbourne right now on her tour and there's been a lot of news surrounding it)

[lys-9-10]

Excerpt from Ch. 5 of my fic "In which Enjolras spurns Grantaire's affections and Éponine gives him a piece of her mind... possibly prompting him to reconsider"

Enjolras had never witnessed a family movie night before. His rich, stuffy family wasn’t exactly one to spend their evenings in such a way when he was growing up — More often, Enjolras would be left to the maid’s care while his mother and father wined and dined important men. As such, Enjolras didn’t have a comparison point to judge whether the Thénardiers and Grantaire’s behaviour was normal. 

He didn’t know whether it was normal for Gavroche to jump on Grantaire’s back in the middle of a tense scene and start howling. He didn’t know whether it was normal for Azelma to huff in frustration over the developing romance and snidely comment that the female lead “has better chemistry with her gay editor than with this guy”. He didn’t know whether it was normal for Éponine to be watching the movie stretched out across the couch, with her head in Grantaire’s lap.

Enjolras found that he spent more time watching the interactions between the people on the couch than the people on the screen. As such, it almost took him by surprise when the credits music came on and Grantaire clicked the tv off. 

“Well that’s that,” Grantaire said. “I say eight out of ten.”

“Six and a half,” Éponine contributed.

“Three,” said Azelma.

“Sixteen over pi,” Gavroche quipped cheerfully.

Grantaire tweaked Gavroche’s nose, then turned to Enjolras, smiling. “Enjolras?”

“Oh. Um. Seven.” Immediately after speaking the random number, Enjolras chastised himself for his disingenuousness. “I beg your pardon. I confess I’m not sure what to rate the movie.” 

Grantaire chuckled. “No sweat, E. Consider yourself pardoned.” 

Gavroche clambered closer to Grantaire on the sofa and began tugging on his arm. “What now?” he asked eagerly. “Jenga?”

“Bonanza,” Éponine said. 

“Balderdash!” Azelma chirped. Enjolras frowned — for he had no idea what any of these strange words meant. 

“Hang on,” Grantaire interjected. “Before games — Zelma, why don’t you show Enjolras the new dance shoes we bought with his gift card?”

Azelma smiled brightly. “Sure!” She hopped off the couch and went to fetch the shoes. 

Enjolras felt oddly flustered. The suggestion that Azelma show him her shoes made him feel as though he was being put in the spotlight. And while he was perfectly comfortable with the spotlight when delivering eloquent speeches or commanding the attention of a rally... in this family setting, he was quite out of his depth. 

Azelma returned a moment later, proudly wearing a pair of black lace-up shoes with a slight heel. “They’ve got suede soles for just the right amount of traction,” she told Enjolras. “Ideal for spinning and gliiiding...” She struck a pose on the last word and slid a couple feet across the floor. Then she grinned and extended both her hands to Grantaire. “Come on Grantaire, let’s demonstrate for him!”

Grantaire smiled and gently nudged Éponine, who was still lying with her head on his lap. She sat up and Grantaire pushed himself off the couch. As he drew near to Azelma, he took her right hand in his and placed his other hand on her upper back. Then, the two were gliding and twirling about the room, to whoops and cheers from Éponine and Gavroche. They appeared to switch dance styles a number of times, displaying everything in their repertoire. Enjolras didn’t know anything about dance styles, but when the graceful floating of the Waltz became the energetic pulses and kicks of the Lindy Hop, he was astute enough to remark the change. It was truly delightful to watch, and Enjolras found himself smiling in spite of his initial discomfort. 

Finally, Grantaire twirled Azelma into him and dropped her in a low dip.

Éponine and Gavroche clapped enthusiastically — and then Gavroche turned to his older sister with an impish grin.

“Okay, Ép’s turn!” he said, giving her a firm shove in the back so that she staggered forward. Azelma promptly stepped away, making room for Éponine. The latter looked rather stunned. “What? I don’t da—” 

But she was cut off by Grantaire who, laughing, promptly swept her towards him and began whisking her about the room. She shrieked, and at first tried to tug away. But Grantaire’s hold was firm and he continued carrying her with him through every step, even as her resistance caused her to stumble dreadfully. “Relax,” he said, smiling down at her with eyes that shone with fondness. “If you just relax, it will be easy. I’ve got you.” Éponine scowled up at him and opened her mouth to retort — but then he gave her right hand, which was clasped in his, an affectionate squeeze. “Come on,” he said. “Trust me.” 

She hesitated a moment — and then, the muscles in both her face and her body softened. Soon she was smiling as Grantaire moved her, much more easily now, through steps that she knew nothing of. 

It was indeed much improved after she relaxed; there was much less staggering and jerkiness as Éponine resisted Grantaire’s lead. Even so, however, it was not nearly as esthetically pleasing as watching Azelma and Grantaire dance. And yet... despite that inferiority, Enjolras found his chest tightening with emotion as he watched this pair, in a way that it had not while watching Grantaire dance with Azelma.

Whatever this was... whatever Éponine and Grantaire had... he wanted it. 

He wanted it on that day Éponine had stormed into the Cafe, enraged over her friend’s mistreatment, and ranted about everything that made Grantaire so wonderful. He wanted it when Grantaire packed up coffee for Éponine at Le Cafe Musain. He wanted it when he saw Grantaire doing Éponine’s grocery shopping. When he saw him putting away her dishes as though her apartment was his own home. When he saw how he interacted with Azelma and Gavroche, like he was an integral part of the Thénardier family. And he wanted it now, as he saw Éponine and Grantaire laughing and dancing and simply exuding sheer happiness.

Enjolras scarcely admitted feelings of a yearning nature to himself. Perhaps even at that very moment, he was not truly admitting them to himself. All the same, they showed on his face... Which was why, when Grantaire finally dipped Éponine to end the dance, his expression of simple joy faltered as he caught sight of Enjolras.

“Um...” Grantaire released Éponine and tugged awkwardly at his ear, his eyes fixed on Enjolras’s wistful face. “Do you... wanna try?” Uncertainly, he extended a hand towards Enjolras.  

A hot flush rose promptly to Enjolras’s face. His yearning expression vanished and was replaced with something much harder. “No thank you,” he said, and there was a chill in his voice that had not been there since he’d banned Grantaire from the ABC Meetings. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and made a show of checking the time. “I should head home,” he said stiffly. “Thank you for inviting me to your movie night.” And then, without further ceremony, Enjolras walked briskly to the door and exited. 

Grantaire was left staring at the closed door, devastation all across his face. Éponine was left staring up at Grantaire, wearing much the same expression. 

“I...” Grantaire passed a shaky hand over his eyes. “I made him uncomfortable. I didn’t mean... I wasn’t hitting on him, I just...”

“Fucking bastard.” Despite the aggressiveness of Éponine’s words, her tone was more stricken than angry. In fact, tears thickened her voice and shone in her eyes as she spoke. “It’s not your fault, Taire.” She stepped closer towards him and hugged him fervidly. When she spoke again, her voice was low and bitter. “Once an asshole, always an asshole, I guess.” “Don’t.” Grantaire pushed Éponine away from him... something she couldn’t recall him ever having done before. “He’s not an asshole. I just made him uncomfortable.” 

Grantaire stalked towards the door and gathered his coat, while all three of the Thénardier siblings stared after him in shock. 

“I should head out too,” he muttered, avoiding eye-contact with any of them. “Good night guys.”

------

“Ponine? You wanna come to bed?” Azelma gazed in concern at her sister, who was sitting with her knees tucked up in the couch, staring glumly at the tv screen where Lorelei Gilmore and Luke Danes were bantering.

“No thanks, Zelma.”

Azelma sighed and bowed her head. “Ponine... I know you and Grantaire don’t fight often. Still, I’m sure that you two will make up just fine. It’s not like you guys can live without each other.” 

Éponine chuckled — a slight sob colouring the sound. She looked away from the tv screen to offer Azelma a grateful, if a little watery, smile. “Thanks, Zelma. Have a good sleep, yeah? I’ll join you in a bit.”

Once Azelma was gone, Éponine rested her forehead on her knees, abandoning any pretense of watching the show. She knew Azelma was right — she and Grantaire would be okay in the end. She just wished tonight hadn’t happened. She wished Grantaire hadn’t stalked out of the apartment angry with her, for the first time in their eight years of friendship... And even more, she wished she hadn’t had to see Grantaire get his heart stomped on yet again... Éponine had witnessed Grantaire’s heart being stomped on by Enjolras too many times to count — on a near daily basis, previously. But it was so much worse this time. It was so much worse after Grantaire had been pouring everything into being kind to Enjolras and just trying to make him happy... After Enjolras and Grantaire actually seemed to be getting on good terms... After she, Éponine, had started to believe that she’d misjudged Enjolras, and maybe he wasn’t an asshole after all. 

What Éponine should be doing right now was comforting Grantaire. He should be curled up next to her on this couch and they should be bingeing Netflix while she rubbed soothing circles on his back. 

Instead, she was watching their show by herself and he was at home, alone in his heartbreak and likely stewing in his anger towards her. 

It was wrong. Everything about it was wrong. And she hated it. 

Suddenly, Éponine heard the front door open — and there stood Grantaire. 

“Hullo,” Grantaire said quietly, as she stared at him in shock. 

She cried out and rocketed to her feet. Within an instant they’d crossed the floor, meeting each other halfway. She collapsed into him and his arms engulfed her. 

“I’m sorry, Taire,” she sobbed. Tears promptly soaked his shirt as she pressed her face into his collarbone. 

Grantaire shook his head. “No, I’m sorry. That was awful of me to snap at you and storm out like that.” 

“It was awful of me to talk trash about your crush. I know that wasn’t the first time… I’m so sorry, I’ll be better.” 

Grantaire dropped his face into her hair. “I forgive you, Ép. I know it’s coming out of a place of caring about me.” 

“Doesn’t make it okay.” 

“Perhaps not. But it does make it easy to forgive.” 

She whimpered gratefully. For a moment, she simply breathed him in. When at last she spoke again, her voice was cracked with emotion. “Thank you for coming back.”

“Course I came back, Ép. I’m just sorry it took me so long.” 

It had taken him a total of ninety minutes. 

“I should have gone after you.”

Grantaire lifted and lowered a shoulder. “Maybe. Or maybe I shouldn’t have left to begin with.”

“Are you okay? Enjolras —” 

“Shhh. Don't worry. We don't need to talk about Enjolras right now.”

Éponine hesitated, but then murmured acceptance and nuzzled her face in Grantaire's shirt.  “Will you stay tonight, Taire?” 

“Sure, Ép.”

-----

When Azelma woke the next morning, the first thing she did was roll over and check Éponine’s bed. It was still empty. Azelma’s face crumpled in concern. She pushed herself onto her feet and, wrapping her robe about her, headed out into the living room. 

As she suspected, Éponine was asleep on the couch. But she wasn’t alone. 

She was slumbering on Grantaire’s chest, his arms wrapped firmly around her. Her hair was a wild, frizzy, red disaster, covering most of her face and some of Grantaire’s. But Azelma could still see her sister’s slack mouth — and she could see the puddle of drool that mouth had left on Grantaire’s shirt. All in all, it was a fairly unattractive sight… yet Azelma’s heart leapt at it. 

She couldn’t help but hope, as she gazed at the entangled sleepers, that Éponine and Grantaire had figured things out last night beyond simply resolving their dispute.

Read the whole fic on AO3

Read all my Grantaire & Éponine best friend fics here

[dreamsofthejackal]

Kentucky Fried Chicken

It was night and I was at a KFC in the middle of nowhere. It was a franchise owned by my best friend Dan and he was failing because he had so few customers.

He was trying to get me to do work for him for free. I was desperate for money but I said I’d do some work in exchange for food. Even that he was reluctant to give me. All I wanted was a bucket of chicken for two hours of work. I really wanted the chicken.

Dream analysis

Up until recently Dan was my real world business partner. Since covid hit business has been going downhill because my health has deteriorated from long covid. I was responsible for trade orders, talking to people on the phone and getting large orders in but many places shut down during covid. By the time I start getting trade orders in Dan was spending the money for the materials needed for them on other things so the orders got delayed. It forced me to have to lie to the customers which I hate, I built up relationships with the customers by being honest and lying to them put an additional stress on me I couldn’t handle.

Desperate for money to pay the bills Dan was asking friends and family for money but unable to find it he threatened to kill himself, he told his family he’d taken an overdose, paramedics were called, then the police. He’d locked himself in work and they had to break in.

After taking him to hospital he talked them into releasing him blaming me being sick and putting additional pressure on him. This happened on the Friday, on the following Monday I came into work to get my surf and leave, I no longer wanted to work with him because he was spending all day in his office worrying about the money problems instead of making the orders. That’s when he told me I was fired and that the 25% share of the company he’d given me in exchange for investing in the company (he talked me into getting credit cards) was no longer mine and he’d removed me as I director.

I went home trying to build up my own business from there but my health has been so bad even looking after myself has been nearly impossible. I’ve got to the point where I’m struggling to afford food especially fried chicken, one of my favourite foods. Normally I just get the supermarket oven bake stuff but last weekend I had completely run out of food in the house and by the time I was feeling well enough to drag myself shopping the supermarket was closed. The only place open was the local KFC so, I blew £20 of my shopping budget on a chicken feast.

Come this Thursday and I get a phone call from the business next door to Dan’s work saying the police had broken in again and the fire brigade were also there wanting to know what chemicals were in the building because Dan had ‘doused’ the stairs with something. So I drive in and find out that he couldn’t afford the rent, had threatened to kill himself again and when the police turned up and tried breaking in he had hung himself in his office. They were able to get to him in time and cut him down. He’s now in medical protection for the next month.

I think the dream is the manifest of my fears about what Dan did to me, for nearly 6 years following my mothers death at the height of my depression he’s tricked me not only into working for him for free but actually tricking me into paying to work there too, wracking up massive amounts of debt. But after all this, all the stress, the money problems and trying to fight for the business I care less about my best friend than a bucket of fried chicken.

[pbandjesse]

I feel a little out of sorts. A little frustrated. I am trying not to fall into anger but it's hard. It's mostly about tomorrow. But at least most of today was really nice.

I woke up after an alright sleep. James came and laid with me for a few minutes before we had to get up. They made the bed and I got dressed.

I was excited to wear my valentine's Halloween sweater. But really I should have put another shirt on under it because I was cold!! It was so chilly today!! I ended up wearing socks and leggings and boots. And was still a little chilly. I would be fine but man. It was surprising.

We left here and got me breakfast before heading to the museum. It was drizzling. And would be on and off rain all morning. The wind was pretty strong as well. James and Stanley would come out and put the sides down and that helped a lot. Made the day a lot more pleasant and a lot less blustery.

I was pretty focused on my knitting today. But I would spend a good amount of time talking to Ginny. She apparently loves to travel and we were just talking about that and wedding stuff and she is so nice. I got a pumpkin roll and an apple cider donut. I would jokingly run away and tell her James would come out and pay later. And of course they did come out to get their pastries and we laughed about me running away. And later one Ginny would be one of my 3 sales. She bought my beaded "have a nice day!" totebag. Made me feel good and I gave her a little discount.

I had some nice conversations and got to see cute babies. I did my knitting and had lots of people watch me and compliment me and it is very easy to make me feel all proud of myself and my work when that happens. It's nice to share this type of knitting too.

I would space it out well and would finish my last row right around 12. I had had a nice chat with Helen about possible alternatives to flowers because she is going to be cleared out because of another wedding she's doing. And I talked to Stanley for a bit about my fiber works. And I chatted with Bob the blacksmith for a long time. Got to tell him about my bronze casting background and I think I impressed him with my patina knowledge.

Around 11 Anne decided, based on vender feedback, that we should close early. Didn't have to tell me twice. So at noon we all packed up. My stuff takes like 2 minutes to put away so I waited until I saw someone else putting things away. And then I was off.

I got all my stuff in my box and loaded up the wagon and over to the car. I went in to say goodbye to James and remind them to print our stickers. And then I headed home.

When I got back here I brought my knitting up. Grabbed the mail. And pet Sweetp for a bit. I have a heating pad in the couch for him because I'm worried he will be cold.

And then I changed and got in bed.

I spent a while brushing out my bear. The little windbreaker I got him came and so I wanted him to not look as scrungly. It's not perfect. But using a file card and a cat brush got most of the mats out. And the little windbreaker looks so cute. I did end up ordering a black hoodie off of Etsy since I couldn't find one anywhere else. I will later the two so he can have a hood again. Which I think looks better.

I still stand by the colts being funny because that used to be the football team in Baltimore before they were stolen in the night. James looked at the shirt and said that it was a funny way to spell Baltimore. Which is fair enough.

I worked on some knitting stuff. Experimenting with the yarns I have. A lot of mine are either to thick or to loose. I was able to make a few more tubes I will attempt to make into plushies. It's fun to try stuff.

I would start trying to sleep. I ended up looking at advent calendars and I am excited that this year I actually was able to order the jam Advent calendar!! It is usually sold out by the time I remember it but I used the Amazon gift card the dentist gave me and the Cashback I had on my credit card so it's basically free. I'm really excited.

And then I slept. I slept to long honestly. James was home from work when I woke up and we laid in bed together. Which was very nice. They felt very cold so I hope I warmed them up a little.

Then we had dinner in bed. And watched videos. Eventually I went to work on cutting out the stickers they printed but the ink didn't stick to the paper and just flaked off and I was so upset. At first I thought they just didn't dry and had rub off because of that but if I ran my finger on them it just came right off. Super disappointed. So I ordered a different brand of paper to try out. We'll see what happens I guess.

I was really uspset then. And then got more upset when the street fair tomorrow still hadn't emailed me. The last one I did have me a 72 hour out email and a 24 hour out, and then a day off. This fair started on Friday and they never even confirmed they got my application!! The only reason I know they did is because my name is on the website. But I don't know anything. I had emailed them twice this week but no answer. So I finally set them a Facebook message since they had been posting photos. And whoever runs it did message me back but just said the vender coordinator would take care of it in the morning. What does that mean?? I don't even have an address. Or a spot number. Or anything!! I don't even feel comfortable with going with how the rain is going to be. And I'm going to be alone.

I have basically decided that I will wake up at 8 tomorrow. And if they don't send an email by 9 when load in is supposed to start I won't go. I really don't want to go anyway but I feel bad wasting $60 on the table fee. It basically wipes out my profit from today. But like also. It's a really long market, 9 am load in, goes until 6pm. And it is going to rain literally all day.

So I am just not feeling my best. I feel just this side of angry. It isn't a nice feeling.

I did get to test more yarn tonight. And hang out with James. And I got a shower. But I have a lot of tension in my jaw. And I don't know how to make it stop.

I hope you all feel okay and are taking care of yourself. Stay safe. And be careful. Goodnight everyone.

[shop-korea]

Even Eggplant Haters Will Love This Korean Spicy Garlic Eggplant! 

AARON - AND - CLAIRE

DEAR - KOREAN - GIRLS - OF - SEOUL,

NEW - BROWSERS - HDG - HAPPY - DOING - GOOD

WILL - NOT - ALLOW - SHOPIFY - WEBSITES

NOT - ALLOWING - SHOPIFY - CANADA - AND THEIR

EMPLOYEES

MY - TOKYO - JAPAN - MALE - SCIENTISTS - WILL

HELP

BANKING

HDG - BANKS

24/7 - HOLIDAYS

FREE - BUFFETS - INSIDE - 24/7 - ALL - AGES

YOUR - SIGNATURES - 5 REQUESTED

ONLINE - 5 SIGNATURES - ASKED - SO

WE - CAN - REGISTER

MOBILE - TEL - APP

FINGERPRINTS

2ND - FINGER - REGISTERED

FOR - WITHDRAWALS - KIOSKS

NEAR - IT - INCREMENTS - REAL - PRETTY

$20 - $5 - $10 - $1 - $100

PUT - YOUR - SIGNATURES

PUT - IN - KIOSK - USE YOUR - 2ND FINGER

THEN - NAME - OR - NICKNAME - SHOWS

BRAND - NEW - CASH - ONLY - GIVEN

NON-FLAMMABLE - ONLY

THERE - CARDLESS

SO - THEY - TOLD - ME

CAPITAL ONE, N.A.

QR CODE - CARDLESS - WITHDRAW - ONLY

CARD - DEPOSIT - AND - WITHDRAWAL

YOU - USE - MAGNETIC - STRIPES OF - DEBIT

AND - CREDIT - CARDS - 2 - ENTER - DURING

AFTER - HOURS

CVS - PHARMACY - WALGREENS

2 - MAKE - DEPOSIT 

USE - MOBILE - APP - ENTER - AMOUNT - FOR

DEPOSIT - THEN - RECEIVE - BAR - CODE - AS

YOU - GO - 2 - CASH - REGISTER - GIVE - THE

BAR - CODE - THEN - CASH - AMOUNT - AS - IT

IS - CREDITED - RIGHT - AWAY

BY - EXIT - AND - LOGIN AGAIN

INSTANT - CREDIT

SO - HDG - BANKS

24/7 - NO - SUPERVISORS - ALL - WORKERS

HAVE - FULL - AUTHORITY

TONGUES - 2 - ENTER

AMENDMENT 1

FREE - EXERCISE - OF - RELIGION

APP - SPEAK - TONGUES - 500 BILLION - TAX

PAID - SING - TONGUES - ANOTHER - TAXES

PAID

SINGERS - AT - OUR - BRANCH - LOBBY - AT

ALL - TIMES - FREE - BUFFETS

HDG - BUSINESS

WE - WILL - PAY - ALL - YOUR - CREDIT - BILLS

END - YOUR - CREDIT - CARDS

PAY - ALL - YOUR - BILLS - OUR - SYSTEMS 

WILL - HELP - WHEN - YOU - NEED - 2 - SPEAK

2 A - PERSON

BUT - OUR - WEBSITE - APPS

ENTER - YOUR - DEBTS - WE - WILL - PAY ALL

HDG - BANKS

UNLIMITED - DEPOSITS

WE - WILL - B - LIKE - SWISS - BANKING

WRITE - ANY - CURRENCY

ALL - ACCOUNTS - WE - WILL - TRANSLATE

2 - HIGHEST - CURRENCY - THEN - EXCHANGE

2 - GIVE - YOU - MORE - MONEY - DAILY - TAX

PAID - ALSO - WE - WILL - GIVE - YOU - 100%

INTEREST - TAX - PAID - FREE - 24/7 - HOLIDAYS

THUS - $100 - YOU - GET - ANOTHER - $100 BUT

TAX - PAID - WILL - HAVE - RECORD - OF - ALL

THE - TAXES - PAID

PAY - YOUR - TAXES - WITH - US - IN - PERSON

OR - BY - WEBSITE - OR - BY - APP - VOICE

ACTIVATED - MANY - LANGUAGES

SO - UNTIL - THE - ABOVE

ILLEGAL - PROSTITUTION - 2 - GET - OUT - OF

YOUR - STATES - IN - AMERICA - UNTIL

DESERT - LAS VEGAS - NEVADA

PROSTITUTION - LEGAL

COMMUNITY - PROPERTY - STATE

AS - I - LOOK - AT - THE - GAY - MEN - BRICKELL

DOWNTOWN - MIAMI - AS - THEY’RE - SPANISH

SPEAKING - AS - MAJORITY - OVER - 400,000

PEOPLE - NOT - 2 - MANY - WHITE AMERICANS

IN - MIAMI - FLORIDA - I - WANTED - 2 - PUKE

ABOUT - PROSTITUTION

SO - I - MIGHT - BE - DOING - THAT - BUT - ME

WILL - GO - 4 - LESBIANISM - INSTEAD - WILL

BE - ILLEGAL - PROSTITUTES - WITH - YES

WOMEN - REMEMBER - GYNECOLOGISTS 4

ALL - THE - WAY - PAPS - SMEAR - CLEAR - 4

ENDING - POSSIBLE - CERVIC - CANCER

FOR - NYMPHOMANIACS - OVERDONE 2

INJECTION - NEEDED - PER - YEAR - ONE

SO - TOPIRAMATE - 50 MG

REMOVES - BLOOD FLOW

ESPECIALLY - THOSE - ON - BIRTH CONTROL

SO - MIGHT - B - ILLEGAL - PROSTITUTE - OR

LEGAL - PROSTITUTE - ONLY - 4 - FEMALES

I - JUST - WANT - 2 - VOMIT - ABOUT - MALE

PENETRATION - MAKES - ME - VOMIT - WILL

B - PROSTITUTE - WITH - LESBIANS - WITH

WOMEN - I - WILL - B - PROSTITUTE - AND

LEGAL - OR - ILLEGALLY

CAPITAL ONE, N.A.

NO - PHOTO - ID - YOU - CAN’T - ENTER

YOUR - ACCOUNTS - THEREFORE - YOU

WILL - NOT - B - ABLE - 2 - PAY - BILLS

ALSO - I’M - HUNGRY - RIGHT - NOW

SO - FASTING - 7 - 10 BUSINESS DAYS

EXLUDING - WEEKEND - NO - FOOD - 2

BECAUSE - HISPANIC - RETARDED SON

AND - PRUNE - BAG - WOMAN - SAID

THEY - WILL - KILL - ME - IF - I - EVER

GO - BACK - 2 - SW 2 ST - AND - NEAR

SW 2 AV - GETTING - FREE - FOOD AS

THEY - WENT - UNDER - THE - BRIDGE

WHERE - I - WAS - NEAR - BOX VAULT

STORAGE WEIRDOS - ON - SW NORTH

RIVER - DR - AND - SW 2 ST

SO - LEFT

GOING - 2 - GET - MY - FLIP - FLOPS AT

HOMEWOOD - SUITES - BY - HILTON

BLK - SIZE 7 - WAS - ON - SALE - ME

USE - BLK - ZIP - TIES - WHEN - MY

FLIP FLOP - THE - R ONE - TOP - CAME

OFF - SO - USE - ZIP - TIES - AND TIED

AND - TIED - BETTER - THAN - VELCRO

TAPE - SO - PRAY - I - CAN - MOVE YES

INSIDE - MY - APT - TODAY

MIDTOWN - MIAMI

I - CAN’T - PAY - ON - THE - FIRST - IF I

CAN’T - MOVE - THIS - SEPTEMBER - 4

HAD - MY - CARD - SENT - 2 - MY - NEW

APARTMENT - ADDRESS

JESSICA - 3P - 5P - MON - 2 - FRIDAY

FLAKEY - ALSO - BLACK - POWER 2

I - WASN’T - MUGGED - WHEN - ME

SLEPT - AGAIN - 101 W FLAGLER ST

MAIN LIBRARY - HUGE - WALL

LESS - MOSQUITO - BITES

BOUGHT - PINK - DUFFLE - WATER

PROOF - AND - PUT - BLK - TRASH

BAG - ON - FOR - RAIN - THAT WAS

LIKE - FOR - MY - BACK - USED THE

BLK - UMBRELLA - BECAUSE - LOTS

OF - LIGHTS - 4 - EASIER - 2 - SLEEP

USED - THE - TIE - WENT - AROUND

MY - SPRAYER - DOLLAR - TREE

SW 8 ST - LITTLE - HAVANA

CITY - OF - MIAMI - JOANA - BLK MOM

TWINS - NEVER - RETURNED - MY YES

BLK - PURSE - WALKING - STICKS - MY

BOILER AND - BEEF RAMEN NOODLES

GETTING - TOMORROW

CAMPBELL’s - CREAMY - CHICKEN AND

BACON - CARBONARA - NUTELLA - YES

COOKIES - TUNA - SALAD - CRACKERS

SOUP - TOMORROW - HUB - LOCKER

SO - TIRED - RIGHT - NOW - WILL USE

RESTROOM 

GOING - 2 - GET - UMBRELLA - 2ND FLR

THEN - HEADED - 2 - JESSICA - 3P - EDT

WILL - SEE - IF - TODAY 

MONDAY - 16 SEPT 24 - ALLOWED - TO

START - APARTMENT - 1 BEDROOM

SHE - SAID - WITHIN - 7 DAYS - AND

NOW - 16 DAYS - IN - SEPTEMBER?

JESUS - IS - LORD

‘ASK - AND - WE - SHALL - RECEIVE’

‘TODAY - MY - MOVIN’ DAY - HOPING

[myshoppingadventures]

My Shopping Addiction

I know I haven’t done much of anything with this blog. But my shopping adventures has been really a roll coaster of emotions. In the last three years I developed a shopping habit to the point of recurring debt.

I never thought I would fall into the credit card trap but now I am in a hole. A hole that depleted my savings & left me at square one again. Especially during a time where the economy has triple everything. And my dream of owning my first property seems even further away.

It’s actually started during my last job. Five years ago I was in a good place with my job, my relationship (well at least I hoped) & my finances were stellar. Not anywhere over middle class but not broke either. But I had a budget, I was occupied being happy & when I did shop it wasn’t out of control. If I didn’t need it, I knew how to walk away. For travel & special occasions I saved then spent. Also I was in an balanced economic & situation where I could save & spend.

Then in 2020 I got fired because my job was laying off people & putting all the work on the rest of us & I couldn’t come into work without the look of pure unhappiness. So three strikes of mistakes & they wanted me to quit & give them two weeks but I told them to fire me instead.

Next month my ex girlfriend broke up with me, officially anyways. And it devastated me. I was so in love with her. I was disrespectful to her at the wrong time but she didn’t really love me to begin with either. So during that wrong time I lashed out. I should have left her after our first lease was over. After the first break up. #Lesbiandrama

When all that happened back to back, Covid was still present & annoying; I decided to fuck off a lot of things. I had a nice saving & decided to live in my car. I didn’t want another boss. I was fed up with corporate America. So fed up with having face to face with management & corporations that could care less about you. Our lease was also ending & I didn’t want to pay rent for nobody else. I didn’t want another relationship. I was tired of falling for someone that didn’t never love me in return. It was a waste of my time & I don’t want to feel heartbroken ever again.

So I made the leap to be single & houselessness in my car. I didn’t want to go back to my mother’s in my home state. I still had to pay my car note & insurance & didn’t want to leave Atlanta. Even though I wanted to travel. I thought I just travel in my car. But I ended up taking money from my 401k & saw all that money all at once in my checking account & I went crazy shopping. Emotional shopping.

I took a lot out to pay off my car note. But I decided to stay up North at the time & I needed to get a check to pay my car note in the amount of more than $5000. But I ended up buying food, shopping at Windsor & bought mostly ever summer dress they had on the rack. I just went on a spending spree like I had just won the lottery.

I tried to rationalize with myself that I can make the money back once I got a job I liked. I told myself the dream of getting a rental property was over. I was with my old company for five years & it disgusted me that I had to start all over again. To get any kind of home loan you have to be on the job at least two years. I said welp. I am not ready for a job right now. So I spent my savings.

Then I reopened my credit card. I started for one reason, I needed my car’s tire changed. I got a blowout. At this time I didn’t have the money & I lived in my car so I justified it as I needed the work done to live in my car. Then I used it for a rental car because I didn’t want to put miles on my car to Florida because at this point I have been constantly driving for Amazon.

I didn’t remember how fast money goes. I developed a habit/high of walking into a Marshalls or TJMaxx everyday because either I was bored in my car or didn’t want any people to see me in my car or I didn’t know where to go. I created a daily shopping habit for months. And it adds up, $20 here, $80 there, sometimes over $200. It was bad.

Since then I finally gotten a position of employment I enjoy. But it came too late. I depleted my savings. Still hadn’t paid off my car & I have two huge credit card debt. And now I am paying rent which I avoided for two years & went shopping instead. In fact I used that excuse. I said to myself “Well this money would have went to rent anyways”.

Living in my car didn’t have me save for anything. It’s one of those harsh life lessons that I wish I could go back & change. I definitely have to start from rock bottom again. Now with debt.

One would think to be smarter or doing better. But addiction mean addiction. I don’t need a therapist, I just have to believe & change my behavior. I have to want to save & build up my finances!

But, at the same time, I never saw the point of working just to pay bills. I can get me a little, tiny, make-myself-feel-good-present budget & also put into savings what I spend. But the rising cost of rent, food & gas & credit card bills makes me fucking upset. You would think the restraints of those factors should help curve my spending. It doesn’t. I still get carried away & don’t save. But honestly, I can do better. I just need to do the best I can & push myself to be better.

[jwittekchatter]

Newest Jeff FM with Tana #114 - Part 1

-Tana said she’s going back to Hawaii in 8 days. They filmed the pod last week so is she spending Thanksgiving with this new guy? She said she’s going back for peace. I wonder when the Italy trip was pushed because Brooke said the thing about her being gone until the 7th about a week ago.

-She’s drinking a Happy Dad. She said she feels like she fell in love with the Hawaiian guy she just met (talking in with a soft voice). Jeff’s acting jealous and said he commented on her tiktok to give the people what they want and she said she hated it. But then made a TikTok replying to it. That’s she’s since deleted. (It’s giving whiplash)

-around 10:00 she said someone asked her if they sleep together then describes what she thinks sex with Jeff would be like. Steven asked if he slept with anyone while he had his eye messed up after the accident and he said yeah. She said Jeff is going to cut this and he said no he’s not cutting anything anymore. (Hasn’t he said before he was celibate for like a year after his accident because he was so depressed and self conscious?)

-she said she lost an SD card for a brand deal that was worth $100k! The fact that companies are so desperate they’ll have her as a spokesperson while so many of us make so little doing actual jobs is annoying

-She said people tell her she’s thriving when she’s sober but she’s miserable the whole time. And if she’s sober at a social event she wants to get out of there.

-He said he went to Friendsgiving since he didn’t go to Halloween where everyone was drunk but this was worse as far as the drinking.

-He said he had fun for the first 20 minutes he was there. She said then he was there for hours with her. Then he brought up his comment about “black, gay friend”. She said she left it up on purpose and didn’t care what people would say about it (yikes)

-He said whenever Imari and Tana are wasted and gang up on him, saying they need stuff he just gives them his credit card. Wtf?!! They aren’t his kids. She suggested they get pedicures on the pod but they didn’t.

-Some billionaire boy toy of Tana’s ran in the marathon too and Tana made a group chat for them (gc = Tana, Jeff, rich guy). He brought Jeff to his hotel room and gave him some supplements for the race that helped. Jeff said he didn’t stay in the city, he stayed in Staten Island (surprised to hear that). I’m guessing this was only for the day of the race though. We’ve seen how he’ll do whatever possible to spend the least amount of time with his parents as he can

-Around 23:00 in the group chat I forget but probably he said “whoever does better in the race gets to bang Tana”. Then Jeff did better and wrote for her to get ready for him. Jesus 🤢 earlier he said “I been coulda had that shit“ referring to Tana. Crude way to put it but he’s right. If he wanted to sleep with her he would’ve a year ago.

-she said at the start that he turned into a character because he was down or moody before they filmed and was different once filming started

-at 26:36 and he’s talking about the first time he had sex since his accident and how he kept thinking about his eye. Steven asked if his eye throbbed and he said yes.

He just said he powered through and now he’s doing good. No time frame but that could’ve been P.

-Around 27:00 they’re talking about how Tana says the online edits of them are getting out of control. He saw them talk about it on Cancelled.

-Steven asked if Jeff got drunk would he hit on Tana and Jeff said maybe. Tana said “give him an Ambien in here and he would.” So how messed up does he get on Ambien?

-Said he just filmed Charlotte’s pod (DeAlessio I’m guessing). He’s talking about ketamine therapy and how he doesn’t want to do it. Charlotte said she tried MDMA therapy. He really isn’t interested in these new alternate ways. Ketamine therapy isn’t exactly like doing k like the drug right? That’s what he’s thinking and why he’s against it but couldn’t he just research that?

-At 33:00 Tana said she’s doing horribly and that’s why she went to Hawaii. Said she’s working on a book and wants to self sabotage herself by calling people out and they’ll hate her (yeah right 🙄). She wants to get so much hate it’ll force her to retire and leave this career (as if she’d ever leave. She’s too attention obsessed.

-She really sounds very over LA and is in a down mood when talking about her life for the last ten years there. At 35:37 she said that’s why she likes Hawaii and NY. Jeff said he thinks that’s why he’s feeling good because he’s been around his real friends and family in NY (barely his family, come on now). She says she has great real friends (I question that because her main friends are sketchy AF but she doesn’t know any better I guess).

-At 35:40 Oscar either says “when you were going to do The Simple Life thing” or “when you do…” please don’t let Kentucky still happen omg. Jeff said in his live that they’re going to do two series coming up. anons listen and write in what you hear him say

-She said she’s so grateful for the Jeff friend group. 36:40 said Jeff is a part of her book because he signifies (her word) her finding passion again in her life. Give me a break, he treats her like shit

-37:36 Jeff says people say he has worse friends now and don’t like them but they saved him and brought him out of a hole. Brought his passion back (he literally just is rude to them all the time so I don’t see that as passion). He’s very happy with everyone in his life right now. She appreciates them because they see her for her and still like/love her. (Maybe the boys do but Jeff doesn’t at all).

-Oscar asked if they want to read Reddit hate comments but they didn’t

-38:58 Jeff: “I just try to be as like honest as possible.”

...

[recentlyheardcom]

'It’s outrageous': Dave Ramsey revealed the real reason Americans are going broke — and it's not inflation. 3 simple steps to fix your finances nowRecord-breaking inflation rates may have throttled Americans’ budgets over the last year, but Dave Ramsey says you can’t blame high costs for all your financial woes.On a popular episode of The Ramsey Show, host Ramsey stated that household debt is at an all-time high — not because inflation is increasing the price of essential goods like groceries, but because of how consumers have responded to these price changes.Don’t miss“Let’s be clear here. The debt is not because of inflation,” Ramsey said during the episode. “The debt is because you wussed out and refused to cut your freaking lifestyle to offset inflation.”What Ramsey says is holding people backYou can save enough for retirement by putting $100 per month in a conservative growth fund from age 25 to 65, Ramsey said, but for that to work, “You can’t have a $750 F-150 payment. You can’t have a student loan that’s been around so long you think it’s a pet.”He added: “All you do is work for these stinking banks that have better furniture and bigger buildings than you do.”Ramsey went on to state that debt has become normalized in America if not throughout the world. It’s now a huge obstacle for those seeking to save money and put that cash toward retirement.Yet, instead of paying back debt, consumers seem to be using credit cards and other loan methods to continue funding their daily spending, Ramsey said. Rather than cut back during inflation, consumers chose to make up for the shortfall by borrowing money to maintain their lifestyles.Story continuesRamsey stated that people’s continual reliance on consumer debt has kept him in the financial advice-giving business for the last several decades and will give him job security for several more.That’s why it’s a great time to remind Americans about Ramsey’s baby steps to secure your finances and kick debt to the curb.Create a $1,000 emergency fundRamsey's guidance here is to start an emergency fun with $1,000. He's since come out to say that was never meant to be enough for Americans. However, even as you work to pay down your debt, this is the bare minimum amount you should have put aside, because life happens.Down the line, you can start contributing far more to this fund. But, if you're suddenly hit with a big medical bill, a broken-down vehicle or some other emergency, you’ll want that $1,000 available to avoid losing all the steam you’ve gained on your debt payments.Read more: Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now use $100 to cash in on prime real estate — without the headache of being a landlord. Here's howPay off all debt (except the house)Granted, almost no one has hundreds of thousands of dollars available to pay off their mortgage in one go, but by using the snowball method Americans can pay down the rest of their debt in a reasonably quick period of time, Ramsey claims.To do this, list your debts, from student loans and car payments to credit cards. Order them from the smallest balance to the largest, regardless of interest rate, Ramsey says. Start making the minimum payments on everything except that little loan, putting everything you can toward it. The smallest loan is often a credit card balance, which is helpful, as it’s usually also the account with the highest interest rate. Repeat with the next smallest balance, then the next, until you’re debt-free.Achieving this is going to require you to cut back spending, Ramsey says — so it may be time to re-evaluate what’s actually necessary in your life.“When you actually consider the way we all live, it’s outrageous,” Ramsey said. “Our lifestyles are outrageous.”Create a fully funded emergency fundNow, stop for a minute and celebrate. You’ve paid off your debt! This is a huge step that deserves congratulations. But there's still so much more to do. You can start investing and saving toward long-term goals. Before any of that, however, you'll want to circle back and top up your emergency fund.

Ideally, you should have between three and six months of expenses put aside for your household. This means you’re going to have to go back and look at what you’ve spent over the last three to six months. On the bright side, by now you may have already cut back on expenses dramatically. Even better, you’ve created a habit of paying down debt on a consistent basis. So, now you simply put the money you were using on debt toward savings.Once this emergency stash is funded, you’ll be protected should one of life’s enormous surprises — like a layoff or long hospital stay — comes your way. If you’re lucky, this won’t happen and you can use your emergency fund as income down the road. But having it available will give you peace of mind.“You just have to look in the mirror and tell yourself, ‘Boy, we buy some really stupid stuff,’” Ramsey said. “Don’t be a victim. You’re not a victim. You’re a victim of the person in your mirror.”What to read nextThis article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

[lifesucksdiary]

What’s happening lately in my life

Guess what? Calob messaged me on Langmate. He apologized that he ghosted on me. He said the longer he waited, the harder it was for him to message back. And he went on and said it was childish. I said I don't remember haha

After I tried my best to move on from him, sometimes I doubted my own meaning to exist(just for a few minutes), my students were worried about me if I was okay, I even tried reading books or studying real estate law to get my mind off of my own grusome thoughts.

Back when he dissappeared from my life suddenly, I checked his messages every hour every day every week. I blew up his phone lol After I had no response, I realized that I had to block him everywhere, distract myself all kinds of ways possible. And I finally feel checked out from him. I started working at a new job, and it has been five months now. I feel tired but feel great to have my own income that at least support my basic needs. Sometimes not enough but I have side gig to last me until my next paycheck comes in. I can buy myself my own clothes, food, some items I find cute at flea market. I can drive myself around the town whenever I want. I found my new hobby which is writing letters to my friends outside Japan. I watch movies here and there. I refocused to myself and see what make myself happy and well.

Here are two aspects of myself I changed this year.

First thing I had to change was my debt situation.

I had credit card debt of about 1 million yen, my sister paid for my pension which she told me after she paid 200000yen. My brother borrowed me 150000 yen.. I was seriously in helpless situation. My brother took me in at his company to work as a waitress for three months, which helped me pay off to my sister. Now I paid off my one credit card that had 4000USD on it, and I cancelled it. What I am left with is about 2500USD debt on my other credit card which I cancelled as well yesterday.

I am more than grateful for my family who willingly helped me survive. I should have taken cared of myself already to have emergency fund and a job. I still do not have my own place because I still want to live abroad. I do not want any long term housing contract. I feel like a very dumb person but I feel much better than before for having reduced the amount of debt this year.

The second thing I had to change was my relationship with men of my interest.

Long story short, like Calob,and D, I revolved my life around them. I enjoyed so it was not forced at all. But the problem was that I did not have my own foundation because I was always changing my plans to match their time and location. That led me to not being able to progress my career, thus no raise or in depth experience in one industry. Now I put myself first before anybody. Sometimes it is tempting because it looks easier to imagine being a housewife who works part time outside and get to stay indoor with someone you love's money to have your basic needs covered. But in reality, I did not feel the total freedom to spend somoene's money. I always felt like I owed them and I felt useless and small. I felt obligated to do things for them and always my wants and needs last.

Now that I have my own job that lasted for five months, I am already making a progress at the company. I assist my manager's tasks whenever she is not in the office. Management was something I was always interested in, and call center job is what people say I am good at.

I did not know in the past four years after Covid lay off, I was doing something meaningful. But today writing these out made me figured that I did actually made a progress. It was definitely a trial and error but I totally am a better version than before.

My skin is better too! I fixed my acne problem! All over my body. Face, neck back butt, it took me about a year to fix them.

I have experience in online customer support position for total of about a year, on-site tech support for one year, clerical staff for a few months. I hope these experience help me be in a better position in the future.