#finished this at 4am and i gotta wake at 6

[leafbreez]

Asserting dominance

[ros3ybabe]

Daily Check-in: April 3rd, 2024 🎀

Today was a weird day. My anxiety was off the walls, and I think it's because that time of the month decided to occur, which is throwing me way off. Birth control has made that not happen for 2 years so, I was definitely caught off guard. (omg I hope that's not tmi, it's just something I gotta deal with again as a woman)

🩷 What I Accomplished Today:

Reviewed Spanish Busuu Chapters 6 and 7

Reviewed all flashcards once fully through

listened to one podcast episode in spanish

completed question set about renal nutrition from my dietitian mentor

met with an advisor regarding adding a 2nd major in finance

met with my advisor and got some good advice before adding the 2nd major

emailed the director of the Dietetic program at my college to schedule a meeting

wrote chemistry notes (need to finish and catch up with this week - I've missed both lectures)

completed a chemistry homework assignment

planned tasks for tomorrow

met with dietitian mentor

scrubbed my toilet clean

🩷 Good Things That Happened:

got an extension on my chem lab report

got confirmation of taking a make up quiz for my psyc class

took an hour nap

got excused from lecture and lab today (going to make it up tomorrow)

met most of my goal tasks

my meetings with the advisors went really well

got to talk to my dad per usual, and he was supportive of the 2nd major stuff

my boyfriend was supportive of my 2nd major stuff

met a super cute blue heeler puppy that was so cute and friendly, tho she did cut my thumb slightly but it's okay cause she's just a puppy

got 7k steps in today

🩷 What Could've Been Better:

could've managed my anxiety a bit better

could've been more productive instead of doing my "productive procrastination"

need to stop trying to do academic things while sitting in bed

need to stop trying to stay awake when I randomly wake up at 4am

need to drink more water, for sure

need to work on better nutrition

Today was a weird day. But that's okay. Weird days do happen. I know now what made it weird, and I'll adapt.

Til next time lovelies 🩷

[afortoru]

𝑩𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝑰 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒀𝒐𝒖

Pairing: Ram x wife!reader

Summary: you always try to remain calm during those days but your husband knows how to pamper you even if you don't show it, but you're not complaining too.

Genre: fluff, periods comfort

Warnings: periods, cramps, slight cursing cause of the pain

Word count: 2.8 k

Notes: this is my first fic and yes I'm so embarassed, it's not proofread so pls pls pls bare with me. Just in the afternoon I was suffering with cramps so i decided to write this and guess what I suffered more...almost had a crisis wondering would i actually finish it today. If you're reading, i lobe you soo much *mwah*.

You felt something uneasy in your sleep as you shuffle in your bed trying to go back to sleep, since you knew it's still too early for you to wake up. No matter what you did, nothing worked atlast waking you up.

You opened your eyes to see the time on the clock hanging right infront of your bed, it was little bit dark you couldn't see exactly what time is it but through your blurry vision you make our that it's 4am.

Sighing you decided to go to the bathroom to check if it's really what you think it is. Before moving out of the bed you eyes drifted towards your husband's sleeping body, oh how peacefully he was sleeping. You didn't even want to turn the lights on now since you know he's already a light sleeper. Ram's tranquilly sleeping,lost in his dream world made you smile a bit forgetting that how annoyed you were that you couldn't sleep anymore now.

Not wanting to disturb your dear husband you made your way towards the bathroom as you pull back your pallu over your shoulders. It was a bit chilly but still a sweet cold sensation was touching your skin, i could've enjoyed this only if i didn't wanted to sleep a bit more, you thought to yourself.

Pushing the bathroom door open you stepped inside, tugged your saree up in your skirt as you closed the door.

"Aah shit, here we go again…why god?", you knew your prayers won't help stop your periods and those nasty cramps. Sighing and mentally preparing yourself for the upcoming 5 days suffering plus doing the household work, it's gonna be one hell of a bloody ride.

You have always tried to stay calm trying to busy yourself with the household work during period. Not wanting to bother anyone but your husband, Ram, he had always told you to rest as he would always try to help you cope with the pain.

You came back to your room. Your were glad to see him still sleeping as you made your way towards the wardrobe to get your pads. It took you another 30 minutes since you also decided to get showered too. 

Now you're standing in front of the mirror getting ready for the day with your wet hair still tied in your red cotton towel, knowing oh so well you gotta survive the nasty cramps still wanting to keep a straight and calm expression.

Normally you could have gone to your Pooja room by now but you can't today so you decided to wake Ram up a bit early so he could do the pooja today but there's still time left for him to wake up so you decided to first to prepare the breakfast.

Entering the kitchen, you started preparing the ingredients.

"Ahh..mmm…fuck this hurts so bad" you shrieked in pain while doing your work. " Oh lord, just a little less pain would help, please….mmm….ufff damn cmon" you sighed as you felt the pain getting a bit less as you continued your work.

It's already 6 am, i should wake him up,you thought to yourself as you made your way towards your the bedroom only to find the bed empty and your husband is nowhere to found. Did he already woke up… you walked towards the bathroom, the lights were on inside and there was a sound of running water. This was enough to let you know he was already awake. 

"You woke up early today?" he said making his way towards you while rubbing his wet hair with a towel. 

You just nod while sitting sitting on the wooden sofa in the drawing room.

"Why, what happened is there something today?" he asks sitting beside you as you shifted away from him leaving him astonished. "Hey what happen-", "I need your favour" you stated cutting him off mid sentence. 

"Will you please to the pooja today?" you asked as he regain his normal expression. "Sure I will, but are you ok, is there anything you wan-", "first do the pooja, you know you can't touch me before the pooja".

He just nodded. Ram was quick to tell that you're on your periods and there's no good for him asking you more questions now. 

As he left to the pooja room, you made your way towards the kitchen to make the tea for the both of you. Your and his taste in tea were coincidentally the same. You liked it with more milk and sugar and Ram seemed like a person who would like a strong tea but he was more towards the way you had your too. Your were truly shocked to know he also likes his tea with more milk and sugar in your early marriage, maybe a little dash of malai (cream). 

You tried to divert your mind but the cramps were hella stubborn. "Aahh..uh shit" you hold on to the kitchen counter as you pressed your lips onto each other to minimise the pain but it didn't help.

"Hey, are you ok?" you felt your husband's hand on your waist on the side which wasn't covered with your saree. You shook your head to no.

"A-are you d-done with p-", he knew what were you about to ask just as he carried you bridal style and start making his way towards the hall. "W-what are you doing? put me down, the tea!" you stated as you now you clutched you hands on his shirt.

"Taking care of my wife and the tea, I'll bring it so you just lay down and let me take care of you", he put you down on the wooden sofa placed in the centre of the hall. He made you lie flat on your face, facing the sofa. 

You felt his hands on your back, massaging smoothly. "Feels good, dear wife?", you hummed as a reply. He knew exactly what makes you feels relaxed at times like this. 

You felt his hands in you your feet as you looked back, "n-not my feet, hey it's fine you don't have to massage under my feet honey" you said showing an expression of uncomfortableness but little did you know he won't listen since he's determined to take care of his wife before leaving for his work. He knew that rubbing under your feet makes you feel good during periods. 

"Don't worry my sweetheart, I know it feels good, isn't it? Plus if you're worrying about me touching your feet than don't cause you're my better half and i don't have any problem doing it" he stated calmly with a smile over his face as his eyes meet with yours telling you to just relax and let him do it.

"The tea, it must be cold by now" you stated as you suddenly remember that you left it in the kitchen since Ram said that he'll bring it later.

"Don't worry, I'll reheat it but first you tell me are you feeling ok now, I'll do massage you more if you want" he asked showing concerned to you.

"I'm fine now, you can you bring the tea now" you affirmed as he nodded and stood up to walk towards the kitchen.

5 minutes later he showed up from the kitchen not just the tea but with the breakfast."Oh god i totally forgot to serve you breakfast,maati maari gai hai meri aaj" you spoke as you palmed your forehead."Hey it's alright, i wasn't hungry anyways and how can I think about food when my has no appetite, huh bec-", "because I'm your other half, i get it Pati dev, now let's just eat cause i don't know about you but I'm hungry" you completed his sentence. 

He chuckled. After few minutes later you realised that it's time for him to leave for the police station. You stood up to take the utensils in the kitchen but then he stopped you and pulled you onto his lap.

"W-what are you doing again, you know you'll get late if-" your stopped talking as you feel him nuzzle his face inti your neck from behind. 

"Don't worry wifey, i won't get late" he stated as you could feel his hot breath on you neck, with this you decided to let this moment sink the both of you. Afterall you also needed him even if you don't show it always. 

Few minutes together before you have to push him away to get ready to leave for work.

"I wish I could stay longer with you but please take care of yourself and you call call me on the office phone if you need anything, ok ?" he stated before giving you a kiss on your forehead.

"Sure my dear husband, I will call you and only you if I need anything" you affirmed him with a gentle smile, "also Pati dev, thankyou so much for the massage, try to come early tonight. I'll miss you" with your statement Ram chuckled a bit. "Ofcourse I will, how can I not accept my beautiful wife's order as an obedient police officer" he assured you before leaving for the police station.

You were smiling at his little joke as you waved him goodbye. 

Entering the house again you checked it's 7 am, so there's another 15 hours for him to return at around 10 pm in the evening and you already miss him.

You sighed as you made your way inside the bedroom, there wasn't much work to do so you decided to take a nap.

Normally you'd cook lunch for him and send it through an office boy or sometimes you'll pay him a visit with the lunch but today Ram banned you to do anything as he said that he'll have the lunch from the police canteen. 

With so many random thoughts about your husband and your future, you never knew when did you fell in a deep slumber. Maybe it's because you wake up early everyday and still have enough strength to stay awake all day but today your body needed rest as it doesn't seem to wake up anytime soon.

You wake up with a loud knock on your main door as you try to make out how much time has passed since you have been sleeping.

"Oh my god! It's almost 5 pm!" your eyes widened realising you have been sleeping for that long. You made your way towards the door hearing the banging."Whoever it is, they are one hella of an impatient person" ,you mumbled to yourself. "Aai baba, darwaja hi tor doge kya" you opened the door to see your favourite brother also Ram's best friend, Bheem.

"Bheem bhaiya! it's you, please come in, kaise aana hua" you scanned his expressions as he looked worried.

"Behen where were you i have been knocking for so long, you got me worried" he stated in concern. 

"Oh my, I'm sorry bhaiya i slept maybe that's why I couldn't-" you were cut off as Bheem placed his hand on your forehead to check your temperature,"behen are you sick, should i take you to the near hospital" he cuts you off, concern over his speech and all over face for you.

"I'm fine bhaiya, no need for going anywhere please come in" you requested."Are you sure you're fine and you have no fever?" he asked in concern. "Haa bhaiya, I'm fine now please come in!" he's been just standing outside the doorstep even you keep requesting him to come in.

"No behna, i can't come in actually Ram bhaiya sent these mogre ka gajra for you. I'm here to just give it to you, that's all" he stated as he handed you a black polythene with the gajra inside. Your eyes widened in surprise "he send this f- for me?" , Bheem nodded with a big smile as a reply. "T- tell him I'm very thankful and i loved it but he should come home early if he wants to see me wear this", bheem chuckled "sure I'll tell bhaiya to come home early to you my little sister". 

He left as he patted your head and waved you a goodbye.

You were about to close the door as you see Bheem running towards your house, "BEHNA! listen i forgot something to tell you!" 

"Oh my god calm down bhaiya, what is it?" you asked 

"Ram bhaiya said you don't have to cook dinner and that he'll bring something tonight for you"

"Oh ok, bhaiya. Is there anything else bhaiya?" you said trying to look calm but internally you were blushing thinking about your husband's way to take care of you.Bheem shook his head as he finally left.

You had a light snack around 7 pm since your weren't hungry. Periods always makes sure to ruin your appetite whether it gives you cramps or not.

You took a shower in the evening and got fresh. Standing right infront of the mirror to get ready you took out the gajra out of the black polythene. It smelled beautiful, just like your Ram, so sweet that you always wanna keep him with you and always be with him wherever he goes. 

You put on the gajra on your hair and tucked it properly using some clips to secure it in your bun.

You were busy folding some clothes as you heard a knock on you door. Walking out of your room, you checked the time.

It's only 9 pm now, it must be someone else, you thought to yourself thinking it's not your husband. 

As you opened the door your eyes widened in amusement seeing Ram standing in front of you. He was holding one big black polythene and one small one. You were so happy to see him come early for you that you almost jumped to hug him but his firm arms were quick to hold you in his embrace.

Ram smiled as he kissed your forehead, still hugging you."How are you doing, are the cramps hurting alot?" he asked but you ignored his question as you said, "I missed you, thanks for the gajra though, they are beautiful!".

Ram already noticed the gajra on your bun, " not as beautiful as you, my love" he said as he patted your head, making you blush in his broad shoulders.

"Should we go in now, i know you're hungry look I bought all your favourites for dinner" he spoke looking at you.

You two walked in and Ram plated the dinner after he got fresh asking you to just sit and let him serve you. You keep telling him that he can atleast let you serve it but no he won't budge. 

After eating you pleaded him to atleast let you do the dishes. So you two did it together, still better than him doing all this by himself. You knew his job was very tiring both physically and mentally. You always try to give him with maximum rest when he's home, most of the nights as he lays his head on your lap telling you about his day is something both of you loved to do.

You were sitting on the edge of the bed waiting for him to join you in the bed as Ram entered in the a room with a bowl and spoon in his hands.

"Gulab jamun for my sweet gulab jamun, my dear wife!" he exclaimed making you smile at the sight of your favourite dessert. You looked at him so in love that you couldn't explain, you really wanted to kiss him all over his face so you did. As he sat beside you on the bed, you set the bowl aside as pulled him in a soft kiss. Now it was his turn to be surprised. He was amazed with a sudden shower of love from his wife, he didn't thought much before he held you close and kissed you back pressing his lips over yours, you both closed your eyes and the feeling you two were sharing was the most valuable thing you could ever ask for. 

You pulled back as you rest your head on his shoulders and you both started laughing softly, his hands still holding you close to himself. 

"So was it the Gulab jamun, cause if you kiss me like this I won't hesitate to bring it for you everyday", you chuckled at his words hitting him slightly. "No dumbo, it's you, it's cause I love…and also the gulab jamun" you joked making him chuckle.

He fed you the gulab jamun as you both finished eating it and settle on the bed to finally dooze off in each others arm.

You know he'll always fight everything that would ever try to hurt you and if it's something like periods, he'll do the most corniest things to make you feel good afterall a little bit of cringe is ok when two souls are so in love with each other.

Tagging my babies: @lotus-n-l0ve @vijayasena

This is the first fic i posted yall, I'm emotional sobs

[janeaustenprotagonist]

"when did this happen?"

"it's hard to say-"

I know the exact moment it happened.

October 15th, around 4am. I jolt awake, sitting up with tears streaming down my face--

alarm blaring, 6:30am. you turn to turn it off, then kiss me wake me up,

"hey babe, we gotta get up"

"oh fuckola"

"I know, I know"

you sit up and turn on the lamp.

"I'm gonna go wake up the girls"

"thanks love, I'll be out in a moment"

I get up and it flashes to the kitchen, I'm making eggs with strawberries and toast with butter. two little brunette girls are sitting at the table as you walk over to me and ask help tying your tie. you help me plate breakfast for everyone as I pour us some more coffee. we all sit at the table and eat.

"bingo, you gotta eat something please"

"no"

"what if I put sugar on the strawberries?"

"maybe"

you get up and grab the sugar to put on the younger child's strawberries.

"here you go mal"

after the girls finish eating, they go off presumably to their room.

"HEY YOU GUYS GOTTA LEAVE SOON LET'S GET OUR SHOES AND COATS ON!"

"BOOO"

"god do I know it"

it flashes to you helping the two beautiful girls tie their shoes. you're incredibly patient with them, teaching them step by step how to tie their shoes as I sit quietly and watch. you turn around and ask, "how do I look"

"like the sexiest man alive"

you kiss me, the girls in the back start giggling and shouting "EW"

"I gotta run, I love you see you tonight"

"okay I love you, text me when you get the girls dropped off and when you get to work"

"I will- tell mommy goodbye"

"BYE MOMMA"

"BYE MOMMY I LOVE YOU"

"bye girls have a good day at school"

"what are we having for dinner tonight".

"it's a suprise"

"OHHHHH OKAY BYE MOMMY"

they leave and then it flashes to me making tortellini and fish for dinner, I hear the door open and three sets of footsteps, two specifically racing down the hall past me.

"GIRLS YOU GOTTA TAKE YOUR SHOES OFF AT THE DOOR"

"SORRY MOMMA"

"SORRY MOMMA"

the two sets of footsteps run past me again, presumably to take their shoes off at the foot and then back past me again to their room to play. a sexy man follows behind but stops at the entrance to the kitchen, leaning against the doorframe.

"hi"

"hi"

"tortellini with...?"

"lemony alfredo, cod, and asparagus, and of course green beans for the girls"

"sounds delicious. should I get some wine out for us?"

"I'd love that"

you take the spatula from my hand and place it on the counter before grabbing my waist, spinning me around, and kissing me passionately. the years of marriage and two kids haven't changed anything, we're still the stupid college kids we were when we met.

breathlessly, "jesus christ babe"

"I couldn't help myself"

"I wasn't complaining"

"red or white, my dear"

"rosé, I'm feeling bougie tonight"

"bougie is right"

it flashes to us all eating dinner as a family. then you and I cleaning up, I'm putting the food away and you're washing dishes. the girls are watching bluey in the living room. our nightly routine. after the kitchen is clean, you go and help get the girls ready for bed. I come in and give them kisses goodnight then you read them a bedtime story that they've been begging for. I sit in the doorway and watch as they fall asleep to your voice, just as I did back when we first met. you quietly leave, turning off the lights and shutting the door behind you.

"markiplier tonight?"

"help wanted 5 is out I think, does that sound good?"

"you get it up and I'll get the ice cream"

"deal"

it then flashes to us cuddling on the couch. empty ice cream carton on the floor, half drank glasses of wine accompanying it. markiplier is playing in the background as we fall asleep, together.

--i look over at you, sleeping soundly. I try to cry as quietly as possible. not to long after I hear,

"are you awake?"

"unfortunately"

"hey, are you crying? what's wrong?"

"nothing just a weird dream"

"wanna talk about it?"

I shake my head no.

you adjust your head so it's now on my pillow, you grab my hand and begin rubbing your thumb over my hand to comfort me.

I adjust my body, laying back down so I can look at your face. as soon as I do, you grab my waist pulling my body towards yours.

we fall back asleep, together.

that's when it happened.

[ceruleanmage]

Welp I gotta wake up in 6 hours,,, rip to me

But tomorrow is the day!!!

Goodnight my friends

[redsector-a]

On the bright side: I can has the internet again thanks to a coworker giving me a ride to get a new router. :)

On the down side: My body decided that I pushed it entirely too much the last two days because I haven’t done anything today but cough. And feel kinda crappy. And cough some more. Take a nap. And, you guessed it, cough some more.  

Hopefully I can manage to sleep better tonight than last (while nowhere near as bad as it was Wed into Thurs it wasn’t the best) and then tomorrow I can go see WW and accomplish something.

On the other bright side: I managed to get a few hundred words of the sequel to Indelible written while at work yesterday. Pickles gets the first word, as she should.

[bucky-iss-bae]

Smirking Idiot (Bucky Barnes x Fem!Reader)

A/N: So, I just wrote this up whilst taking a break from applying for jobs and having interviews bc apparently that's what happens when you leave university. Although I have no clue what I want to do, making money is something. 

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Fem!Reader

Fandom: MCU/Marvel

Prompts: “You look like hell.”  - “What are you doing here?” - Non-Avengers AU

Warnings: Hella amounts of swearwords - arguments??? 

Word count: 1950ish

I want to hopefully write more shit like this to just gain confidence and get better so hope you all enjoy xoxo

Masterlist Fandom list

Getting home from work on a Friday evening was supposed to be the best feeling, yet you still felt like shit. Mainly because your plans for tonight had been cancelled only hours before. You felt frustrated, another night with a bottle of wine, and watching trash TV with your roommate... hopefully.

“Hey hun, you good?” Wanda asked once you threw your bag down and kicked your heels off,

You pulled a face at her and shook your head, “Honestly, want to cuddle up on the couch and drink a bottle of wine, have a tub of Ben and Jerrys, and maybe, just maybe, fall asleep there and worry about being wine hungover tomorrow along with a bad back”

“Wow, looks like you’ve got all your plans sorted out. Did you do a BuzzFeed quiz to decide what your plans are for a Friday night?” She asked laughed,

You snorted at that, “May as well have that’s how last minute it is” you walked across to your room whilst talking to her, but left the door open just so you could hear here. You’d changed in front of her a hundred times before so now wouldn’t make any difference,

“What happened to date night? Thought you and Bucky were going out, and then probably back to his place?” She asked coming to stand in your doorway,

You had already stripped down to your underwear and grabbed an oversized top to throw on before putting on some shorts,

“So did I” You grumbled, “But he’s tied up in work. Got a lot to sort out at the gym, and I just don’t care at the moment. Well clearly I do, he fucking bailed on me like an hour ago, I now need to cancel the fucking reservation, and I was so excited to eat there as well. It literally got me through the whole day” You wanted to rant and rave because it seemed like Bucky forgot who you were.

“Have you spoken to him since?” She asked,

You shook your head, “Nope. I’ll talk to him later. When I’m not as pissed I guess, but how about you? What are your plans?” you asked walking out of your room and towards the kitchen, you were feeling a sandwich right about now,

“Welll....” She dragged out, “I invited Vis over”

I looked across at her over the fridge door and smirked slightly, “So, either I be a cock block, or a good girl and sit in my room, ensuring I have my earphones in. And making sure I have everything I need so I don’t need to leave my room, and if I do need to leave, well I’ve got a fire escape I’m sure I can figure it out.”

“Without me sounding like a terrible friend, preferably the latter?”

You couldn’t help but snort at that, a smile still on your face though, “Sure babycakes. What time is he getting here?” You asked,

“About half 7ish” She said looking up at the clock

You looked up at the clock groaning at how late you realised it was, it was half 6, and you could tell the evening was going to drag.

“I might just go bed after eating this” You decided,

Before half 7 came around the two of you watched a bit of TV and caught up for a while before you went back to your room. You did feel a little disappointed at how abruptly your plans got cancelled, you got a text from Nat asking if you were ok because Wanda told her you were feeling a bit shit, you were fine and she offered to take you out after her shift ended or if you wanted to join her at work. You declined knowing that her bar wasn’t going to close till late and sitting alone at a bar would probably feel worse than being at home would be. What you also found frustrating was that the two of you had been together for nearly three years, yet at the moment it felt like your relationship was going nowhere.

You two had talked about moving in together but it never felt like the right time, with you working your way up at work, recently becoming a team leader, and with him opening his own boxing gym you were both constantly busy. You took time out for one another but lately, it had become less and less. You sometimes complained about it to the girls, but then felt bad because they’re friends as well, both you and Nat became friends with Bucky at the same time. But then at the same time when you two were together, things were perfect. Better than perfect. You trusted Bucky with anything and everything, he was, is, your best friend. But that just makes feeling the way you do now worse because you’re pissed with him.

You ended up falling asleep quicker than expected, hating that you don’t even fall asleep that early on work nights.

**

Getting woken up by someone knocking on your window rather than your door was enough to put anyone in a bad mood, as well as scaring the shit out of them.

You glared at the window, grabbing the baseball bat from next to your bedside table. The sun was only just rising, and who the fuck would be knocking on your window at this time,

You pushed your curtains to the side, one hand holding the bat ready to swing, your left hand pulling at the curtain.

Crouched down looking around was your dear boyfriend. The one you’re extremely pissed off with. You crossed your arms and narrowed your eyes at him waiting for him to realise that he had in fact woken you up,

He rose his hands again ready to knock on the window but paused when he saw you stood there.

He had a sheepish smile on his face and motioned towards the window for you to open it up,

You huffed and rolled your eyes but opened the window, “What are you doing here?” You bit out,

“To see how you are... how everything’s been?”

“Everything is fucking splendid thanks for asking. How’s work? Isn’t the place caving in without you?” You couldn’t help but ask,

He opened his mouth ready to say something but sighed, “Can I come in, or you going to make me sit in the cold?”

You pretended to think about it for a minute, before motioning your head for him to come in, “I’m still pissed at you”

“Really sugar, I hadn’t noticed”

“No, no pet names James,” You said putting emphasis on his name, but he just stared at you with an amused smirk, “Also, do you hate me that much that you had to come here at, what time is it, what the fuck, 4am? Really?”

He just shrugged at that and threw himself on your bed, still staring at you with that same smirk, you hated it. That’s a lie you fucking loved it, he just got under your skin, the way he did before the two of you got together. But right now you hated it because he knew he was getting under your skin, he knew that you were pissed at him, but he also knew that you would probably forgive him soon enough,

“Really really” He replied back, “Nothing wrong with wanting to see my girl right?” He asked,

You couldn’t help but roll your eyes and throw your arms up in the air, “You are so annoying. Wow! What about when I want to see you huh? What about when ‘I want to see my man’ I can’t even go on a date with you at the moment, everything is work, work, work. Then we all go out, but its more about a drink with the boys and then you cancel on me an hour before I have to leave work. I then had to cancel our reservation. Do you know how much I was looking forward to eating a good fucking steak and dessert! But no, because we only see each other when it suits you, and then, then I was in bed for half 7, how early is that, and I was asleep before 9. What the fuck is up with that! Because I was pissed and upset, and annoyed. And now you woke me up early which is even worse. But I just...”

During your rant he sat up a bit straighter, sometimes you wondered whether he even listens to what you have to say.

“I’m sorry sweetheart. I was just busy with work. I wanted to see you as well ya know, why do you think I’m here”

You just stood there your arms still crossed against your chest, “I don’t know. To annoy me some more”

“Of course sugar. Cause’ that’s my life aim, to constantly try and annoy you” He said raising his eyebrows at you,

“Bucky” You groaned, sitting beside him,

“Y/N” He groaned back, “You know I prefer when you say my name like that when we’re in bed. Not when you’re trying to start an argument with a baseball bat in your hands” He said reaching over to grab the bat from your hands, instead your jaw just dropped as you stared at him,

“Trying, trying to start an argument. How am I trying to start an argument? You started it when you bailed on us last night for your precious work!”

“I know, and I said I’m sorry. I mean... how about I make it up to you. We’ll go for breakfast together. Grab some nice food. My treat. We’ll have date night tomorrow night as well. The gyms closed on Saturday nights anyway”

“It’s going to take more than just breakfast to make it up to me Bucky” You mumbled feeling defeated,

“I know sweetheart. But I gotta start somewhere right” He asked putting his arms around you and kissing your shoulder,

“Starting by waking me up at 4am is not the best way to start” You reminded him,

He just chuckled against your shoulder at that, “Yeah, after finishing up at the gym about half 2, I went home, showered then went for a run and somehow ended up here”

You spun your head around to face him, another glare set on your face, “James Buchanan Barnes. Have you not slept?” You asked sounding more like a mother than a girlfriend,

He just grimaced at you, “I have a reasonable excuse”

“Uh huh, what’s that?” you asked,

“I mean, I pissed off my girl last night. And I wanted to make sure she’s good, ya know what I’m sayin’”

You shoved his shoulder, “I hate you, why do you make me feel bad?”

“How’d I make you feel bad?” He asked, his smirk back on his face, “Because of all the shoutin’ you done at me despite not having slept in over 24 hours”

“Yes James! Exactly why, but this explains why you look like hell”

“You still love me though Sugar.”

“Mhmm, I do still love you, but no more bailing on me”

“I’ll pinky promise it” He mumbled sticking out his pinky finger, you chuckled and intertwined your pinky with his.

“Now lay down, you need to get some sleep before we go out for brunch” You told him pushing him onto your bed. He took you down with him and you ended up with your head on his chest, and your legs intertwined.  

“Love you” He mumbled,

“Love you too” You replied back smiling a little to yourself as the two of you drifted off to sleep.

A/N: So, I want to write up a Bucky x Reader Fic, but like I just, I want to make sure it’s perfect. Like planning the storyline and everything like that. I just want to push this blog farrr because I’m enjoying sharing my writing. 

But any feedback will be greatly appreciated xoxo 

[dekuinthelake]

Happy Birthday Bloodborne

Seeing as it’s the 5th year Bloodborne has graced this mess of a planet with it’s omnipotent light I figured write a little thing about how much the game means to me. I’m going to get fairly personal so if you don’t like that kinda thing feel free to skip.

The first time I beat BB I didn’t think much of it, honestly. I’d had a rather basic playthrough where I didn’t see pretty much any of the optional bosses or do any of the story. I did as Gehrman suggested and just hunted some beasts. I took a break from it for a while and didn’t return to it until my life started getting... Difficult. 

My parents a year prior had gone through a rather turbulent divorce. In the wake of this, my sister and her boyfriend moved in so we could all help my dad pay for his house if only just barely. At the time we all knew even with four of us we didn’t make the type of money to help make payments and the inevitability of him loosing the house was a constant and looming stress. Worse still, my sister only agreed to move in if she was added to the mortgage, meaning she could threaten to sell on a whim, a privilege which she started using to strong arm me and my dad in to behaving a certain way. Her boyfriend was verbally abusive towards everyone, but especially condescending to her. Tension grew between all four of us, but especially between me and the boyfriend. I could ask my sister if she wanted to go out to lunch and catch up and she’d respond, “Let me ask my BF”. His control over her became apparent and the wedges he was intentionally drawing between her and our family was impossible to ignore.

All the while I was working a 4AM shift at a Zoo in the winter and barely getting any daylight or human contact since I had to be in bed so early to wake up for the drive. I cleaned a mile of glass in the dark every day non stop, only to have it be dirtied the moment the park opened. No matter how hard I worked to keep the park as clean as I could, even to the point of putting on dust masks to knock down spider, the higher ups weren’t happy with our companies work. As our contract was rapidly coming to an end, rumors began to circulate that we might not have it renewed if things didn’t improve. Worse still, someone had been stealing from the supply closet. Supposedly only the managers knew the code, and this sparked massive distrust in the Zoo staff towards our department to the point keys were taken away and our lives were made harder by no longer having access to vital shortcuts around the park which made getting from place to place take even longer in the miles long local. 

This futility and rage sparked the most obsessive play through of a game I’ve had to date. Undeniably, these situations were hopeless and lonely, and Bloodborne is a game that understood exactly how I was feeling. The Hunt is, after all, an eternal nightmare. No matter how many beasts, kin, or humans you kill, it’s an unending loop of uncertainty and oppressive danger. The tenuous state of things in Yharnam was uncomfortably familiar. Only in the game, it was far easier to focus on the things I could control.

The weapon I wielded. The stats I chose to upgrade. Which path I wanted to explore. The fluid combat enabled more split second choices every second, helped in large part by a generous stamina bar. More so than Dark Souls, Bloodborne expects you, the player, to take charge. You either commit to an aggressive plan and kill the beasts, or you die. 

When I first started, I played extremely cautiously and likewise did not have a lot of success. On new game +1, however, I began to realize that vital element. Hesitate and you die. Commit entirely and live. The more I played, the more I meditated on the very nature of what this game was communicating to me. 

In my actual life, I hadn’t come out as trans yet and it was something I was viciously debating internally. Earlier that year I tried to commit suicide. I half came out in the hospital, telling the ICU nurses my name was Mike. But even in the psych ward I was terrified to speak to social workers and groups about those feelings... Being that I had 6 hours completely alone and in the dark, it gave me time to listen to a lot of media by trans people. I distinctly remember one video where a trans woman was describing what dysphoria feels like and openly sobbing. I was starting to understand the core of why I hated myself, my body, and my current situation so much. 

But I was afraid. Even after the epiphany that I wanted to come out, I had a lot of doubt on if I could afford HRT, if I could commit to it, and what people would think. I worried starting T and in turn second puberty would bring back my horrible temper that I had going through it the first time. When I say I had rage problem, that’s putting it mildly. I’ve punched people before just for touching me when I was younger, and with the situation between me and my sister’s boyfriend getting more tense by the day I was rightfully concerned it might erupt in to actual physical violence. 

And so... I continued to come home from being alone all to spend most of my time alone playing Bloodborne. It was a great game to keep my mind off of things because of how much focus it demands to play. Funny enough, once you get good at it, the beasts are also a great punching bag.

A lot can be said about how Blood Vials aren’t the best method of healing. Having to stop boss attempts because you need to go farm some red Estus isn’t great design. However, running around that first part of Yharnam with the beast claws just shredding through citizens like a wild animal is possibly the most cathartic thing in my life at the time. It made me feel powerful, unstoppable, and like I was in complete control. I knew exactly how to handle the big pats one by one, and eventually I got skilled enough to just run into that big mob by the tree and stop people anyway because of how good the audio queues are at letting you know when you gotta dodge. I spent hours in both this location AND Chalice Dungeons farming for Echoes and consumables to the point that controlling my character in Bloodborne feels as natural as walking. 

I started beating the game faster and faster. I was on +5 difficulty and working on the DLC by myself when things escalated... 

At this point, I knew staying at my dad’s house wouldn’t be possible. The verbal fights between me and my sister were getting more and more prevalent. More than that, I knew it was time to come out and I didn’t feel secure doing that in an environment that was actively hostile. The plan was to save up, move out with two friends... But moving out came far faster than I had anticipated. 

A few days after my birthday, we had a family meeting. I don’t remember what sparked it, but we all sat around and voiced our complaints with each other. When it was my turn to speak, I brought up the fact my sister’s boyfriend had been intentionally isolating her on top of in general just being a jackass to her. He’d make her get things for him, call her stupid when they played games... The works. I don’t remember what he said that sparked it, but I remember the feeling... A really familiar feeling I hadn’t had in years. My pulse thundered in my neck so hard I couldn’t hear anyone over it. I started yelling incoherent shit. My sister stood in front of him because I was aggressively stepping forward. It was that temper I thought I’d knocked coming back. If she hadn’t gotten in the way, I’m absolutely sure I would have pummeled that man. I hadn’t felt that way since I strangled a kid in school to the point he nearly passed out.

 It was then I knew I had to leave. By nature, I’m violent. I hate it. But the decisiveness which I’d slowly been building helped me find the courage to admit this.

I took off in my car and just hauled ass to the highway. I had a bloodborne CD I’d been playing on my way to and from work. It sounds silly, but larping I was just a hunter during those crushing morning shifts was helping me keep going. Sure it was hopeless, but I felt bad ass to keep trying. I needed to have an unbreaking will to deal with this dilemma. Having so recently made a second attempt to kill myself, I had this powerful urge that no matter what I couldn’t end up there again. So, I decided not to beat myself up about it and just accept that I had to move on and away from what little family I had left.   I remember not really thinking words. I listened to Gehrman’s music on repeat with the windows rolled down going 78 miles an hour and just... Screaming. Literally screaming as loud as I could in to the night. Over and over again until it hurt just to breathe. 

Even though I felt betrayed by the people I thought were closest to me there wasn’t anything I could do but endure. 

Eventually I arrived my current roommate’s parent’s place where they were living at the time. I told her and her husband what happened. We went to the store for something. I got a call from my dad saying my sister was threatening to move out and apparently had yelled at him for not keeping me in line despite the fact at one point he’d physically gotten up and started yelling in my face to calm down. That was it. I asked my friend’s parents if I could move in temporarily and... That was that. 

The next day we gathered up all my things. I had to leave my dogs which was possibly the most agonizing part. 

But that night? I beat the orphan of Kos by myself on +5 on my computer monitor plugged in the wall and set on a box. Doing that was this weird extreme elation. It’s like I’d defeated two massively difficult, seemingly impossible tasks in one day. I’m glad I had help with the moving, though. Unlike Kos, that would have been impossible alone haha.

That weekend passed and I went back to work at the Zoo as normal. After I finished my shift, however, every employee in my company was called to a meeting. This was it. We all knew what was coming. We were to be laid off in December, giving us 3 months to find new work or apply to the company that was taking over the contract. 

In the wake of this news, moral plummeted. No one really tried that hard. I was coming in high to work every day and drinking with a coworker during our shift while we tired our best to continue work. That last month I worked there was a weird drug addled haze of extreme emotions mixed with ignoring them in favor of listening to VaatiVidya lore breakdowns of Bloodborne. 

I was going home and spending hours on art inspired by the general vibe of the game and my impossible to digest feelings. I’d lost my job, home, and family. I don’t know if I would have survived without both Bloodborne and my art as an outlet.

In the following months, I had gotten to New Game +7 and started recording myself trying to kill bosses without healing. Even though to this day no one watches these attempts but me, making them was frankly vital to keeping me distracted and focused on something I could control. 

There was a time where I didn’t think Ludwig +1 was beatable but... Here I am two years later happily having 100% Bloodborne and beaten every boss on +7, most of them without even needing to heal. 

The biggest lesson I took away from this game was persistence and decisiveness. The Souls series in general made me realize something huge that to this day has helped me fight my depression back. I’m a stubborn fuck who will grind and grind and grind until I finally achieve victory.

Fight for the progress you want to make. Things seem hopeless a lot, but you have to keep going. With effort, you can change anything you want to in your life.

Two years later, I’ve been doing HRT for 1 year and 3 months. I just had top surgery done. I’m working a job I like that’s got normal daytime hours and pays more than any work I’ve ever had with benefits. I don’t think I would have had the tenacity to stick to these things without realizing a fundamental aspect about my personality thanks to the help of Bloodborne specifically. 

I can endure, learn, grow, adapt. 

Thank you, Fromsoft. I hope this conveys a shred of what this dumb little game means to me. I needed Bloodborne so much when I moved out. I’m so glad it exists.

[1-1snailxd-art]

Libraries are for Meetings

Master List ----- Chapter 5 

Chapter 6 - The art of living in a library

Warnings: there is some threats/blackmail made towards Virgil

Summary:  Despite the unusual evening, Virgil's morning is very routine as he continues his life as normal. Logan and Patton, on the other hand, are finding out what it is like to be separated from your closest friend when you need them the most. (Lots of Royality and platonic Logicality energy)

Note: reading on mobile can remove the paragraphing. Use desktop site or visit my Ao3 page if it bothers you as much as it bothers me.

EDIT: Art by @the-pastel-peach has been added to this chapter. Pass your appreciation to them. Please don’t repost the art anywhere (with or without credit). If you want to share the art, reblog this post.

______________________________

Virgil’s alarm sounded at 4am, the screen barely lighting the reading area as he opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling.

“Do correct me if I am wrong, but I think you are in a dark place too, Virgil.”

Sitting up, he ran his fingers through his oily hair as Logan’s voice replayed in his mind.

“Should you need a guide to find your path again, I would be happy to provide the service.”

 Groaning, Virgil finally silenced his alarm and set about his morning routine. Boil water. Pack up makeshift bed into duffel. Make coffee and instant noodles (beggars can’t be choosers). Use kitchen sink to wash hair and face, before moving on to the small bathroom for a half-arsed attempt at bathing (a washcloth and baby wipes proved effective between Virgil’s stints at a motel).

 He had just finished tidying the kitchen when his next alarm sounded for 5am. Grabbing his duffel and backpack, Virgil disarmed the alarm before setting it to rearm as he left. His duffel was heavier today as he walked in the morning breeze to the laundromat. Routines like these helped Virgil immensely; they made him feel normal, despite his circumstances. Not to mention, the laundromat was a warm sheltered place he could work in until the hour became more reasonable.

 *************

 The apartment was too quiet when Logan’s alarm went off. To say he woke up would be an insult, as he barely managed to get a wink of sleep all night. The apartment felt cold and empty as he shuffled out to the kitchen in his dressing gown and placed a cup under the coffee maker. Normally, at this time, music would be flooding the apartment and Patton would be heard singing from the bathroom while Logan prepared breakfast prior to going out jogging. Without Patton, Logan couldn’t bring himself to turn on the stereo, cook his usual breakfast or even jog. Had he not been so sleep deprived, Logan might have realised how mentally unhealthy his choices were; but sitting at the table with a cup of black coffee and buttered toast, he was just a shell of his normal self.

 Despite the change in routine, Logan still managed to get himself ready for the day and was about to leave for work when his phone chimed in his pocket. Seeing Patton’s name and face on the lit screen left Logan feeling confused overall. Yes, he missed having his friend around, but seeing his face reignited his frustration. It was the perfect form of emotional torture, and Logan took his time walking to his car as he considered how to respond to Patton’s message.

  *************

 On the other side of town, Patton was waking up in Roman’s arms. It was different. His last boyfriend had been too rigid for Patton’s liking, and waking up with Roman was different to the more platonic bed sharing he had had with Logan and Jason.

In that moment, Roman had one arm carefully laid across Patton’s middle and the other  was tucked neatly under his pillow. Patton could feel his breath against the back of his head, soft and rhythmic. Though he was comfortable and happy, Patton could still feel the ache in his heart for Logan and he questioned how his friend was doing.

 Carefully reaching out to the side table, Patton slid his phone and glasses down next to him and adjusted the phones brightness settings before angling it toward his face.

No new messages

Nibbling at his bottom lip, Patton looked at the time and considered whether to message Logan or leave him alone. As time ticked on, he finally built up the courage to send a message.

 Pats: morning Logan.

Pats: im sorry again for yesterday.

Pats: I hope you slept ok.

LogieBear: *seen*

 Patton held his breath as he watched the ellipsis appear and disappear with no new messages coming through. Roman stirred behind him, yawning and releasing his partner as he combed his fingers through his hair.

“Morning P.B.”

Propping himself up, Roman could see the screen that held Patton’s attention. Anger started to bubble in his gut as the seconds dragged on. He was just about to grab the phone when messages finally started coming through, and Patton’s body relaxed against him again.

 LogieBear: morning Patton. Thank you for your message and apology. As I said yesterday, I forgive you.

LogieBear: but I would still like some space today if possible.

 Roman lent forward, pulling Patton closer towards his chest; fearing he was about to see Patton break again.

 LogieBear: Do not forget to eat today. Take care of yourself. I love you.

 To Roman’s relief, Patton giggled and quickly typed a response.

 Pats: I 💜 you too

LogieBear: Have a good day Patton (and Roman)

 “Oh, pass me the phone.”

Roman reached around to take the phone from Patton’s hands, using the other hand to pull the hood of the onesie over Patton’s head.

“Ha-ha-Hey,” Patton giggled, “what are you do-oo-ing?”

“Just letting Logan know what he is missing out on.”

Roman quickly snapped a picture of the pair; Patton peeking out from his hood and Roman pulling his usual selfie face with his tussled hair. Yanking the hood down over Patton’s eyes again, Roman sent the photo and a message for Logan.

 Pats: *image sent* 

(art by @the-pastel-peach - Please don’t repost)

Pats: luv ya specs

 As Patton finally escaped Roman’s arms and hood, he grabbed at his phone and groaned.

“You are such a tease, Roman.”

The phone chimed as Logan’s reply came through and Patton hid his phone.

“What did he say? Come on P.B, share with the class.” Roman rolled onto his back, pulling Patton down so his head was laying on his chest.

 LogieBear: I will be sure to provide you with this when I see you next, Roman. Clearly you require it.

LogieBear: *image sent*

 Patton held his phone with his finger on the lock button as Roman took in the image of Logan with the book ‘Talking for Dummies’ in front of half of his face. 

“Oh no-“ Patton quickly locked his phone as Roman reached out for it; now laughing hysterically. “Why does he even have that in his car?”

“We-we fff-ff-found it,” Patton was struggling to speak through his laughter. “For y-oooo.”

“Oh, is that how it is, is it?”

Roman grabbed Patton, tickling his sides and causing his laughter to increase in volume.

 Katie started bashing on the door as the two continued their childish game.

“Would you two keep it down or cut it out! The third party is uncomfortable.”

“Get your mind out of the gutter, it’s PG in here!” Roman called back.

“Oh, well if that is the case,” The door swung open and Katie threw two white paper bags at the pair. “Breakfast is served.”

“Thank you, Katie!” Patton beamed as he sat up and peered at the pastry inside the bag.

“Gotta make sure my boys eat.” The smile dropped from Katie’s face suddenly, as she fixed Roman with a stern look and pointed finger. “You need to get your butt into gear today. You have class in an hour and work at 12. Don’t. Be. Late. I’m not covering for you again, got it?”

Roman nodded, pastry already in his mouth, “-ot it.”

“And you are cooking dinner tonight, Roman; no takeout.” 

“I’ll make sure he gets everything done. You can count on me, Kaaaatieeee.”

Katie smiled at Patton’s attempt to rhyme. “Thanks, Patty Bear. Hopefully your influence will rub off on Roman eventually.”

“Not if my influence rubs off on him first,” Roman joked, rubbing his shoulder against Patton.

“Ew. Mind. Gutter. I’m out.” Katie turned to leave, “catch you later, boys.”

“Bye Katie!”

“Later bitch- I mean witch.” Patton gave Roman a disapproving look and elbowed his side. “I mean I love yooou…happy?”

“Very,” He kissed Roman’s cheek before climbing out of the bed and heading for the bathroom.

 Roman lent over to his other side table and grabbed his phone to find a new message from Logan.

 Specs: thank you for helping Patton through this. I know the timing isn’t great.

Princey: don’t stress over it, Logan. Take all the time you need. We’re ok.

Specs: thank you Roman. I will see you soon enough.

Princey: C ya

Specs: 🤦

 Roman shook his head; regretting the day he showed Logan the face palm emoji. To that day, it was the only emoji they could get the man to use on a regular basis. He knew how much the other hated text speech and took great joy in ensuring their messaged conversations had some form of grammar or spelling error. He didn’t have a chance to continue to mock the other, as Patton came back in and held his arms out.

“Time to get up, my prince. I promised the queen you wouldn’t be late today.”

“Ah, yes,” Roman accepted Patton’s hands and climbed out of bed, “and we wouldn’t want to upset the queen of hearts or it would be off with our heads.”

Patton giggled and graced Roman with a gentle kiss on his lips; pulling away when Roman started to embrace him. “Get ready for class now, Roman.”

“Awwwww,” He whined, pouting and dropping his arms dramatically.

“If you are going to get greedy, I might have to sleep in the spare bed next time.” Roman crossed his arms and continued to pout. “Off you go, kiddo.”

Roman played up his childish behaviour as he grabbed his clothes and headed into the bathroom to shower. Patton glanced around the room, still in the onesie. Once he heard the shower turn on, he set to work tidying the room and found some of Roman’s clothes that he could borrow for the morning.

  *************

  The sun was warm against Virgil’s freshly washed hoodie, as he laid on the grass in the park; duffel acting as a perfect pillow for him to lay on. It wasn’t often that the weather was right for moments of bliss like this, and Virgil wasn’t one to miss an opportunity to get reacquainted with vitamin D. Unfortunately, his moment of reprieve was short lived as his phone chimed with alerts.

 Email - funds successfully transferred from acc629 to …

Email - Account Alert: available balance below $50…

New message - Ben: Hey Asshole, your 20 short o…

 ‘There goes my day.’ Virgil thought, sitting up and pulling his notebook out of his backpack.

Logging in to the banking app on his phone, Virgil started assessing his limited money flow. His pay from the library was the only constant influx of funds he had, and he had it carefully split to save towards paying his phone bill and  paying Ben and his aunt. Any money he made from repairs, was also split between those three goals and he got whatever was left.

Carefully analysing his notes, he knew money was tighter that fortnight, but he was certain that the correct amount had been sent to Ben.

 Ben: Hey Asshole, your 20 short on your payment. Pay up

Virgil: I just checked my accounts and everything looks fine on my end.

Ben: you forgot about interest bitch

Virgil: that wasn’t part of our original agreement

Ben: I changed my mind

Virgil: you can’t do that. That’s not fair.

Ben: I don’t give a shit about fair. You should have thought about that before you punched me.

Virgil: I can’t afford an extra $20. I’m barely surviving as it is.

Ben: not my problem, unless you need me to come and have a chat at that little library of yours.

 Virgil’s blood chilled at the thought. He wasn’t sure of Ben’s full intentions. Was he implying that he would tell Katie who he was? Would he come and damage the library? Would he hurt Katie?

It wasn’t worth the risk and he watched his tiny $30 drop to $15 as he transferred some money to Ben.

 Virgil: that’s all I can do right now. Give me a day or so and I’ll send you the other 5.

Ben: you better.

 $15 wasn’t an ideal, amount at all. The $30 was going to be hard enough, but he could have at least had one day in the comfort and safety of a $10 motel without worry. $15 would barely get him extra food, or even extra supplies to fix anything. Not to mention none of his former ‘friends’ had responded to his requests to stay over for at least a night. That left his options for the weekend as either, use the library or spend it on the streets.

With those thoughts in his mind,  Virgil packed up and left the park. He had a new daily plan in mind; drop duffel off at library, revisit local businesses to check on work availability, return to the library to test his gaming system rebuild. While he walked, Virgil searched all the University social pages to see if anyone was seeking computer support. All social anxieties had to be pushed aside; he didn’t have the luxury of dwelling on things like that now.

  *************

 Logan sat at the pet store counter, scribbling notes as he completed his reading assignment for the day. He had finished restocking the shelves 15 minutes prior and wasn’t in the mood for organising anymore of the store. The sound of the doors sliding open had him quickly shutting his books and putting on his best customer service face. He didn’t need it though as Roman appeared at the counter.

“Looking good, Roman ,” he grinned as the other approached in a stained subway uniform.

“Hilarious,” he held out a bag, “want a sandwich? Or 3?”

“What’s wrong with them,” his question was all in jest; Logan knew Roman wasn’t the sort to pull harmful pranks. He gladly pulled out a sandwich though, as Roman hoisted himself up to sit on the counter.

“So, get this, I added the wrong slices of tomato to one, the other had too much lettuce, and - and- the final one,” Roman was holding his arms out like it was the most dramatic thing that had ever happened to him. “She asked for olives, then suddenly remembered she didn’t like our olives, and I couldn’t just pick them off because they had already ‘tainted’ her sandwich.”

Logan smirked as Roman sighed and started to eat. “Sounds like it was a busy day for a poor, misunderstood, sandwich artist.”

“Take pity on me, Logan. The world is unforgiving and will never understand me.”

Logan rolled his eyes as Roman bent over backwards and draped his arm across his forehead.

“I don’t even understand you.”

“My point exactly,” sitting up, Roman readjusted himself on the counter so he could eat more easily. “So, what is happening?”

“I’m eating a sandwich with a drama queen, while I wait for my shift to end.”

“Wow, I couldn’t see that with my own eyes. Seriously, spill.”

 Logan sighed and put his sandwich down, wiping his hands on a napkin.

“Virgil is working on saving more of my files, I’m looking at getting a second-hand laptop, and Julie is making a cake for the anniversary.”

“Nice dark ending there,” Roman softened as he looked at Logan, “I was ignoring that invitation, too.”

“I understand why she wants to do it, but I…” Logan screwed up his face as he tried to find the right words, “I’m not sure I’m ready to turn the anniversary into some weird … party of sorts.”

“Yeah, but I don’t think it’s going to be all cake and karaoke. I’m pretty sure Julie just wants everyone to come together again.”

“I guess…I can see your reasoning. You are much smarter than you look, Roman.”

“I’m not sure if that was meant to be an insult, but I’m going to take that as a compliment.”

 The store doors slid open and Roman quickly jumped off the counter as customers entered. Logan wrapped up his sandwich, and Roman quickly did the same.

“I should get this one to Patton, he’s been avoiding food again.”

Logan paused and looked sadly at the ground as he stepped around the counter, “I hadn’t noticed. I guess I’m probably not helping either.”

“Don’t worry about it, Logan.” Roman roughly pulled Logan into a hug; Logan keeping his hands down by his sides. “Just, don’t forget to take care of yourself. All jokes aside, I care about you too.”

Squeezing his eyes shut to suppress tears, Logan returned the hug. “Same to you, Roman. Same to you.”

 Separating, Roman headed out the door with his bag of sandwiches while Logan headed over to check on the customers in the store. The pair were only just beginning to explore the boundaries of their friendship; especially since he and Patton had started officially dating. Not that Logan cared to admit it, but Roman was maturing from the brat of a boy he had first met six years ago.

  *************

  Katie strode over to Virgil's self-proclaimed office, using the master keycard to gain entry, and found Virgil groaning with his forehead on the desk.

"Tough day," Katie enquired, causing Virgil to jolt upright in his chair.

"Jeez, Reels, way to scare a guy out of his skin."

"Well 'a guy' deserves it for ghosting my messages all day," Katie perched herself on the edge of the desk and looked down at Virgil with her arms folded across her chest. "Where's my recap on the evenings events?"

"Why don't you ask, Logan." Virgil grumbled, tapping a few keys on his keyboard to activate a new program, "he's your friend."

"Ouch. I thought we were friends too." Virgil shrugged and Katie shoved his shoulder, "don't be like that, Sparks. Come on. Talk to me. What's going on? What did that nerdy idiot do?"

 Sighing, Virgil lent back and ran his fingers thoughtfully through his hair.

"The, as you put it, 'nerdy idiot' did nothing wrong."

"So, what's with the sour puss look today then?"

Shaking his head, it took all of Virgil's self-control to not start crying on the spot. "I may have overreacted to something Logan said aaaand I'm kind of regretting it now. There. Happy?"

"Hardly."

"Gah!” Virgil threw his hands in the air, causing Katie to roll her eyes at the overly dramatic expression. “What else do you want? If you want a play by play, you're not getting it from me. Go talk to Logan."

"Why don't you?"

"Wha - I - you-" Katie smirked, raising a knowing brow as Virgil stumbled over his words. Virgil frowned as he took in Katie’s expression. "I hate you right now."

"Oh, I know." She mused, sliding off the desk. "Don't hide from everything, Virgil. You're right, I'm not going to get a play by play of last night, and nor do I want it."

"So, what is it that you want then?" Virgil was genuinely interested in Katie's response and couldn't hide the intrigue from his voice.

"Honestly, I want to see both of you stepping outside of your work zones. You spend so much time locked in here Virgil, and you wouldn't believe how hard it is to get Logan out of his study hole. It was nice to see my two workaholics’ go out into the wild."

"I can't see that becoming a regular thing, Reels." Lowering his head, Virgil tried to forget how nice it was to be out with Logan: despite his anxieties throughout the evening.

"Says who?" Virgil looked up to respond, but Katie cut him off. "It was your first time meeting each other, and honestly, it wasn't under the best circumstances. Don't let those first impressions be your only impressions. Take a chance, Virgil." Katie walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder, causing him to look up through his lengthy bangs. "I took a chance on you and I am yet to regret that decision."

"Fine."

A small smile pulled at Virgil’s cheeks as he realised just how highly Katie thought of him. The moment was short lived though, as he remembered he was abusing her trust.  

 "That's a good lad. So, what are you gonna do?" Suddenly sitting back on the desk, Katie propped  her chin up by resting her elbow on her knee.

"Well...um..." Virgil glanced around as he thought, eyes landing on a USB that ignited his memory. "I still haven’t returned the files I managed to salvage."

"Perfect," Katie exclaimed so loudly that Virgil jumped at the sound. "Now, you have some options for Thursday's. Logan doesn't have class on Thursday, so he works at the pet store from 8 until 1, then he would go to the labs and study, and then he usually heads to the university track field around 4."

"Jeez, stalker much." Virgil was slightly concerned with the fact that Katie had Logan's whole routine memorised.

Katie simply shrugged, "I keep tabs on where my boys are. When I don't..." Katie's expression saddened so fast, Virgil's heart skipped a beat. "...bad things happen." 

_______________________________

End Note

Soooo, I have to go back to work next week 😭 I got so much story planning done over the past 3 weeks. I'm going to miss having so much creative freedom. If things get slow, it's because work started badly (sorry in advance). If anything does happen, I'll be sure to put it on Tumblr.

Next time: Logan's nightmares. Does Virgil make a friend? More platonic logicality. Nice feelings, but dark thoughts.

EDIT: I do hope you enjoyed the art. It was a lot of fun to work with  the-pastel-peach to bring that scene to life.

UPDATE: again, please don’t repost the art by Peach. Reblog this post. Respect the artist and give her some love 💜🐌

_____________________________

Chapter 7   — Master List

What else have I done:

The Perfect Ring (oneshot - analogical proposal)

You Promised (oneshot - prinxiety angst/injury/near death)

Sides of a Hero (Completed Fic - sides are fusions of impulses and aspects of Thomas. Virgil has a depressing past that he is forced to face thanks to Deceit and Rage. Was canon compliant at the time of completion)

The Shield to your Sword (WIP - A fantasy/magic au - Prinxiety (Royal Roman and orphan Virgil - they’ll admit to their love eventually), Virgil angst, non binary, healer Logan, *spoiler* Patton) 

Check out my other blog for random fandom reblogs and stuff @snail-giggles

[xyliane]

self-indulgent killugon au #917: baker au

it all started with this quote from an interview with nicole byers, host of nailed it! (which is an excellent netflix show and everyone should watch it for hilarious baking fails):

and I turned to @ikarikari​ and @trashsketch​ and went “killugon baker au.” and in the interest of amassing everything in one place as best as possible, I’m just going to write a bullet pointed list for this AU and no one can stop me.

first off: gon works at a bakery palm owns. killua has been going there on his way to work for several weeks

he and palm are...confrontational: killua has not had his coffee, palm is just generally antagonistic because she’s been up since 3:30am. they get along really well

the first time gon meets killua is when he hears a customer (killua) arguing really loud one morning when he’s had maybe 2h of sleep. he comes out to toss the asshole on his ass, but then palm laughs. so gon immediately likes the guy, because it’s hard to make palm laugh especially in the mornings

but one morning gon’s working the register, and he’s basically a human ball of sunshine who gives killua a smile and a free shot of espresso, and killua immediately has a crush

palm usually works storefront in the morning rush for a few reasons:

this is a bakery, not a cafe--if you want a morning pastry, fine, but this isn’t a spot for hanging out. if you wanna hang out you gotta deal with Angry Bakery Owner

gon gets hit on all the time. he’s actually fantastic as a cashier but palm also has a stack of “call me ;)” napkins that leorio comes in weekly to burn

(leorio finds it cathartic to help someone while he’s in his first year of Actual Doctor M.D.’ing)

gon finds it incredibly awkward but he’s also gone out with a few customers that palm doesn’t immediately run off

killua manages not to hit on gon because that’s Rude and alluka and nanika would be Displeased

he does, however, run into gon after they both finish work, and drags him off to a semipro sports game he has to go to for work reasons--he does a lot of business exec stuff and this one would have meant too much mingling. but he and gon end up having a lot of fun together!

gon really appreciates not being hit on at work, and killua turns out to be really interesting! for one, killua’s a lot nicer than palm makes him out to be (killua: whAT SHE IS WAY WORSE), and killua’s really cool even when he’s undercaffeinated!

killua learns that hot baker isn’t just hot, he’s pretty smart in a weird way and he’s funny and has a habit of regularly surprising him, whether with food or sharp observations or just being gon

the next day there’s a little cupcake with his name on it waiting by the register

killua: why does this have my name on it

gon, from the back: it’s for you killua!

palm: no

killua: but it has my name!

palm: you owe me $1.75

killua, mouth full: too late

they do manage to actually go out on a friendly date or two before killua shows up for his morning caffeine and propositions gon via baked goods

he has been working up the nerve to ask gon out himself for awhile, but he rolls up all smooth while gon’s on a break between morning rushes and after successfully getting a date, goes “bring something you want me to eat off you tonight”

gon basically bsods. there is no gon home. 

killua manages to saunter off before hyperventilating 

once gon’s recovered, palm (who has heard everything and is torn between knives and laughing really hard) basically goes “here are your options MAKE THIS”

so that night gon shows up with a box of chocolates and a cake with a "haha palm overheard and I think she has weird ideas but I'm down if you are" and killua cancels their dinner plans immediately

MORE CHARACTER STUFF UNDER THE CUT BECAUSE I HAVE LOST CONTROL OF THIS AU

killua’s a business exec in the city. his office building has a kinda high-end hipstery cafe on the first floor, but accidentally gets off a stop early one day and stumbles into palm’s bakery desperate for caffeine

she uses ganache in her mocha lattes and killua refuses to go anywhere else ever again

he’ll take the extra 10min walk it takes to get to work, she uses REAL CHOCOLATE

gon used to play rugby, and he still stays in shape by weightlifting and biking to and from work for his 4am-2pm shift

he also was in prison for 6 months for assault before he started working for palm: he worked as a bouncer while playing rugby, and one night he broke up a really nasty bar fight that led to him punching a cop in the face

the cop was trying to break it up, gon was trying to break it up, everything went wrong

gon’s from a poor background and is an islander, and he ended up getting more blame than he should have

the one good thing is palm was also at the bar that night (got off because she did not punch a cop, she just punched assholes). she writes gon going “hey that was the shit end of the stick, hmu if you want a job when you get out”

gon also volunteers at mito’s dog shelter. 

this is entirely because I want gon to be napping in piles of puppies

he takes killua there for a date after they’re both done with work and killua has to wake him up with doggie kisses

palm’s a better baker and decorator than gon (that’s why she’s the owner and the one who does cakes and stuff), but gon gets really good at baking bread--helps that mito had him kneading bread when he was a kid

killua: so that means you’re good with your hands

gon: yes?

killua: I mean--your hands, they’re. talented?

gon: I like touching you too, killua

palm: NOT IN MY BAKERY YOU FUCKS

gon is still in really good shape, but now that he’s not playing rugby or in jail, he gets a little pudgy over the muscle

killua, who runs marathons and probably does crossfit or something, absolutely loves this, but also is Very Worried about getting fat

then again killua exists on caffeine and sugar alone, so gon brings him lunch shortly after they start Officially Dating and it’s 90% vegetables and killua is all “YOU WORK AT A BAKERY GIVE ME SUGAR”

gon threatens to take away his caffeine

this au exploded and I love it it’s very sweet and saccharine and I needed some fluff. 

[oflcvers]

Hi! Your Stefan imagine was so sweet c: I was wondering if you maybe had any dating Stefan headcanons you wanted to share? Thank you!!

DATING STEFAN BUTLER INCLUDES:

what a good man you’ve landed urself kid

such a sweet boy with a lot of love to give

even if it’s very difficult for him to fully express it all

it takes him a while to warm up and trust when it comes to an intimate relationship but once he’s in my god, a very good man

your safety, happiness, and health is always his priority

random checkups and phone calls in the wee am hours just to ‘hear your voice’ and ‘make sure you’re alright’

it could be 4am and he’ll call you after taking a five minute break from his monitor

and you can’t be too angry at him bc hey, his intentions were good

even if his call pulled you outta rem sleep

and then you guys just,,, talk for however long until one of you falls asleep

he’s super supportive of you and everything you want to achieve, y’all are each other’s cheerleaders at all times; your support system is just incredible

2, 4, 6, 8; who does he appreciate? you, mate

you love having stefan tag along to do errands with you, whether it be as simple as food shopping or going to the dry cleaners

and he loves being able to be with you too, even for something so mundane

not a lot of pda, it makes stefan a little uncomfortable. hand holding is the staple tbh

a typical date night is staying home, snuggling up on the sofa, and having a movie marathon

potentially trying to cook dinner together too

the first night you two give up and order in but after that, there’s a newfound determination to get it done

after a few kitchen mishaps, you and stefan finally nail a mean dish of bangers and mash

stefan is literally so proud like ‘love,,, can you believe it we made something so good’

and y’all chow down before throwing yourselves into a star wars movie marathons

stefan can get jealous but,,, it’s more him being anxious and insecure of himself and his worth to you

like he’ll see people trying to hit on you when you’re in a crowded place like a bar or concert when he slipped away to get drinks or something

and he won’t barrel in like some caveman and reclaim you for the world to see

he’ll kinda shrink and just get so fucking anxious like ‘am i?? what they deserve?? they can do just so much better, right?? are they just settling with me??’

and just sulks away until you realize he completely disappeared

you gotta pull him out of the bouts immediately

you just know when he gets like that and you reassure him just how much you love him and how unyielding that love is

god he is so weak for you, man

you guys could be dating for years and stefan will still look at you so awestricken and in love sometimes

when he thinks you aren’t paying attention he just,,, stares and he can’t help it

once he’s in love he’s just??? so in love???

like ‘wow holy hell this person loves me??? and for who i am???’

it’s a true revelation for stefan tbh it shakes him to his core that you still want to be with him and wake up next to him and just,,, wow completely floored

you two have a sex life, but it isn’t ravenous

just the right amount of dicking to me

the first few times are a lil awkward, but the bedroom soon fills with relieved giggling once you realize that both of you don’t know how the fuck to approach it all

stefan’s head game is mediocre compared to his fingering tactics

two fingers and you’re fucking gone

when you dirty talk stefan’s entire face blows up red

he fucking loves it tho, along with being praised

jesus h christ tell him how good of a boy he is and he’ll cum right down your throat or in your palms

also yeah, yank his fucking hair out too while you’re at it

his favorite position is reverse cowgirl man, to ride him or be rode he fucking loves being able to watch your face

and once you finish you fall into a comfortable silence while you intertwine your bodies together

and just pass out in each other’s embrace

moral of the story is that stefan butler is a catch of a boyfriend thanks for coming to my ted talk exits are in the back

[the-canary]

Languages of Saints - C.R (7/10)

Summary: A deal isn’t supposed to involve feelings, right? (Reader/Carter Baizen).

Prompt: “Did you enjoy yourself last night?”

A/N: for @imcarterbaizen​ old challenge. shout out to my bff @ilsa-faustus because i know nothing about high end brands, and she helped picked the clothes for this. please don’t take the person wearing the dress as an actual visual of the main character, it is simple a reference for you to make a basis out of.  

Masterlist

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 

Feedback is always appreciated.

It’s easy to let work pile up, to let it be the only thing that dominates your mind to and back home from work. Numbers and words are easier to handle the people and emotions, you tend to ignore those until the fester and it’s too late -- work is always there with a straightforward answer in its numbers and it doesn’t talk back. You can disconnect with it and it doesn’t hurt like when a person stops interacting with you, maybe that’s why you could handle Rocio so well. Roci was forest fire that hid after she burned herself out and didn’t come back until she was some semblance of her former self -- for all the insane schemes she had put you through the years, she had never showed you that softer side of her personality -- and you never had either.

Okay, maybe that wasn’t the complete truth. There bits here and there, like the garden party, where you would stand by your best (and only) friend if it was called for. And in the same, twisted sort of way -- Rocio tried her best to protect you too. Though, it was too damn early to be sending her cryptic text messages when you had work in the morning

Don’t do it. You’ll just get hurt in the end.    

You move from your bed, as Monsieur makes a loud meow at the interruption to his sleep. You check the time again to see that it’s 4am. You groan and wonder what she means, roll around a bit more -- forgetting all about the message and going back to those strange dreams filled with cold numbers and equally as icy blue eyes -- not that you remember anything when your real time to wake up when morning comes around.

However, Carter Baizen isn’t the same type of rich person as Rocio. He likes poking and prodding at people in his own way until he finds something that bothers them. It had taken him a long while, but once he had found a weakness of yours; he went in for the kill. You were a natural workaholic and while it was something that he admired, it was also something he exploited after the gala event incident. No, it wasn’t that he made you work more, but in his own cheekiness of mentioning how he could ruin the events leading up to gala.

Since agreeing to being his plus one, it had opened some type gate to him trying to get a rise out of you. In the events you needed to attend, he was always dressed to the nines in Hugo Boss suits, but the moment someone turned around he was always making some type of slide remark and he did in moments where the possibility of getting caught was high. At this point you weren’t sure if he was trying to make you mad or trying to make you laugh. As in the current moment, Carter Baizen had taken you to a quick dinner with some “very”  important people in downtown Manhattan.

Personal assistant could be added to your resume at this point, but you weren’t sure that the scantily clad woman next to the man was here for the same reason as you. The man was complaining to the waiter about his steak when you hear a small murmur above the classical music.

“Always does it,” you glance to your right side to see sparkling blue eyes and a wagging eyebrow and you put two and two together. This man of high status complained about his steak to get it cheaper all the time. You don’t know why, maybe it’s the lack of sleep, the way he shakes his head with a silent laugh, or just how ridiculous the situation is that it has you letting out a snort, catching everyone’s attention as you grab your handkerchief pretend to sneeze.

“Excuse me,” you manage to say, as the man simply scolds you before going back to talking with Mr. Baizen. You can’t help the smile that blooms on your face for a moment, one that you try to hide behind the wine glass, as the meeting continues.

However, after everything is said and done, after the drunk business man and his “date” leave, Carter Baizen can’t help but let out a loud laugh into the humid New York air as your shake your head.

“What an idiot,” Carter lets out with while placing his hands into his pockets, you just shake your head but can’t help but agree silently, not that you would ever tell him. However, as he runs a hand through his hair with laugh lines around his eyes, you can’t help but think it looks good on him compared to all the other times you have interacted with him.

“You’re child, Mr. Baizen,” is all you’ll say on the subject, as he keeps laughing.  

The second time you think Carter Baizen is playing with you is when you come back from lunch and have a beautifully suited woman sitting on your desk. Her blonde hair is flowing to her shoulders. She’s wearing a pure white suit and accessories all over her hands and neck that you are sure cost more than you’ll ever make. However, the thing that stands out most are her high heels that shine gold in the artificial light, you pause momentarily out fear at the entrance of your office door, as beautifully painted brown eyes stare at you. Her mouth twitches just a little as you duck your head in.

“Umm, where you waiting for me?” you ask timid to stare, much less speak to such a stylish woman. It was easier with Rocio after years of friendship, but this woman was something all together. She drops down her legs from the desk and smiles.

“I’m Cameron,” she explains as you close the door, “One of Carter Baizen’s personal stylists, but for today I’ll be handling your dress attire for the gala.”

“I don’t think I need help dressing up,” you freeze up mortified at the attention and money suddenly being placed into what you wore, something that you still aren’t used to even after that shopping spree, “I’m sorry for wasting your time.”

“Ah, he said you would say that,” Cameron just keeps smiling while pulling out her phone and relaying a certain message, “Mr. Baizen says: Tell my lovely date, that I am personally paying for your services. It is a waste of your time and my money not to have her at her best, especially with so many potential donors for the children’s hospital. If not I could find someone with --”

“Please stop ,” you groan out, as she gives you a pointed smile, “So what do you need of me?”

“Your body,” she states as your eyes grow wide at her tone. She stands up, heels echoing on the linoleum, and crosses the distance between the two of you before pushing you outside once more, “And for you to do everything I say without a fuss.”

“I-I can try,” you say nervously as she drags your across the office and into the elevators. It isn’t much of a scene, but Cameron’s outfit and you just being out is enough to have a few eyes staring at you. Nick looks on from the water cooling station before waving at you to have a good whatever it is you’re doing.

“Thanks!” you yell back, as the blond chuckles behind you. You’re a little fearful over her next words as she takes you to the elevator -- where she is leading you, you have no clue.

“Just watch, we’ll have Carter Baizen graveling at your feet, sweetie.”

You don’t know if you should be excited or angry at the man who you are sure will be laughing about this later.

 Carter Baizen isn’t sure why he is feeling so nervous as he walks around the large hallway leading to the gala he is too attend this evening. He is perfection in a black on black Armani suit with his hair slicked back in just the right angle. He had his selling pitch ready for anyone that is even hesitating to give tonight with the charm amped up to 10x more than usual. Nothing could get in his way tonight, except that his date wasn’t here yet. Cameron had messaged him that there were few problems with the original dress and she was getting a new one last minute. It meant that you didn’t come together as planned, now he was waiting with no updates -- something that drove him a little stir crazy. He’s about have a very angry phone call with one of his favorite stylists, but then he hears it.

“And who are you with, miss?” the maitre d asks.

“I’m Mr. Carter Baizen’s plus one,” there is an unusual pitch to the voice that is usually so sarcastic and fiesty with him, but Carter at this point knows it by heart. Blue eyes look up and freeze at the sight in front of him. Hair pinned back with just a bit of makeup but bright red lips. They match your knee-length dress and jacket in its red-and-black combo with red heels to finish the combo.

He’s mesmerized, making a reminder that he needs to give Cameron extra the next time he sees her. He gets tunnel vision for a moment, as you get closer to him -- a worried look on your face.

“I’m sorry, something happened to the Chanel dress last minute. Cameron found this though,” you sway a little to emphasize the new dress and smile, “I think it looks better though.”

“Yeah, it looks great,” he tries to says as nonchalant as possible before grabbing your hand, though you give him a look that causes him to laugh, “None of that tonight. Smile and sell what you gotta for those kids, but not everything.”

His joke causes you to shake your head but he can feel you ease up just a little at you take your first steps into the large and highly decorated ballroom . Your eyes growing for moment.

“Mr.Bai--” you start, only to have him cut you off.

“ Tut tut , it’s Carter for tonight,” he reprimands you, which causes you to frown as blue eyes stare at your red lips for a moment. He knows for sure they are going to be a distraction for the rest of the night. But, instead of listening to whatever fears you might have due to fully emerging into the world of the filthy rich and famous of NYC, he just grabs your hand tighter and pulls you head first into the shark den. It was a bit harsh, but he knew you had it in you.

“Don’t forget to smile,” he chuckles quietly as the first old, wealthy couple makes its way to the two of you.

 Carter knows that there might some ramifications in letting you go on your own to talk to people here and there throughout the event. You were fresh meat for them without the cynical nature some rich people had. There was also the chance that someone might get too touchy-feely with you or someone talked in a certain way about your relationship with him because there were also rumors floating around when it came to him. But, he believed in your level-headedness and natural charisma that seemed to shine in the oddest of moments, plus he knew by now that you cared deeply about cause like this.

Nevertheless, he always stays close to you and as he watches you work your magic on the Livingstons, then the Winthrops, hell even the old Vanderbilt heiress falls under your spell as he watches each one of them head up front and make a donation after talking to you. You just might be even better than him, as he watches you laugh and talk to a certain famous news anchor. And for a moment he wonders it this is just all naturally you or something you have cultivated from knowing Rocio for so long. Eventually after talking and mingling, you end up sitting in one of the many side tables, jacket resting on the chair, as he comes to your side.   

“So, how are you enjoying yourself?” he asks, as you look up from your small tray of finger food with a tired smile, though the effect from hours before still hasn’t faded away. He grabs your hand and drags you to the large dancing space. You groan in annoyance, but say nothing, which Carter considers a win as he slips a hand around your waist and you place a hand on his shoulder, frown in place like always. He’s just getting used to it to live with it.  

“It’s nice, I guess,” you explain after a smile, as the song dies and a new one begins. It isn’t the same as the garden party. There isn’t any joking around as the soft jazz music plays and he drags you just a bit closer.

“But, not your thing?” he asks, as you shake your head. You bit your lip in thought for a moment, as blue eyes zoom into the action before you start talking once more.

“Hmm, I’m sure that some people would love this glitz and glamour, spending time dancing and eating the best food while wearing an expensive dress,” you look down motion to said fancy thing before admitting the truth, “But in all honesty, I would rather be eating Thai with Monsieur right now.”

“Monsieur?” he has heard everything you had said, and while he mull over it later, Carter asks about the thing strange in that statement.  

“Ah, my pet cat,” you clarify as he nods, though ready to add something. However, you beat him to the punch, “And yes, I’ve already heard the old cat lady jokes.”

He laugh as you look away in embarrassment but then think about everything you had said on how you would rather be relaxing than putting up pretenses, and he can’t help but agree. So instead of going back to the table were your jacket is placed, he starts heading toward the entrance. In your confusion you protest just a little, though thankful that all your important stuff in a small pocket on the side of the dress as Carter Baizen drags you from the gala event --clock close to striking midnight-- and to god knows where.      

 You never make it an easy job for Carter Baizen to have you enter his car, as you frown and complain that you aren’t going anywhere without knowing to which borough he had in mind. He can’t help but reminisce to the party all those months back and grin before letting you know that you were heading to Brooklyn for some real food -- something your stomach greatly approved of. This lead to you and the Carter Baizen to be sitting in your formal wear on a bench on the side of of the Brooklyn Bridge with a pizza between the two of you. It’s silent for a long while, as both of you take your fill, though you try your hardest to make sure the dress doesn’t get any food on it. The silence eventually bothers Carter too much, as he asks the first thing that pops into his head, while staring at the murky waters not that far away.

“So, do you enjoy this type of stuff,” he asks as you turn to look at him, searching for a further explanation, “Charity, helping people?”

“You’re really are a rich boy,” you say with a little malice, as if you had an old anger for something you couldn’t stop years ago, “But, not everyone has the type of money to have preventative care or to pay for their medicine.”

“Who?” he can’t help but ask because he knew the everyone at Baizen Co. had a pretty good healthcare packet compared to other companies, especially you. So, it had to be something connected to your past and it go him curious.

“Doesn’t matter,” you cut him off from learning anything about the part of your life, before taking a bite of pizza, closing off this part of the conversation, “Nostalgia won’t bring the things you love back.”

“How noble of you,” he bites back like a child, as you frown.

“Ah… thank you for the backhanded compliment,” you bite back and he can’t help but be caught off guard that you are calling him back on his attitude in your own way.  

“I didn’t mean like that,” he gives a weak excuse as it’s your turn to have that particular grin on your face, in order to push back the unpleasant thoughts of what you had just talked about.

“Hmm,” is all you say as a response.

“You’re a tough one to crack,”  he admits in annoyance, before running a hand through his hair as it to emphasize his exasperation towards you even more. Though, he should know that the feeling was mutual by now.   

“Would you want it any other way?” you start before going off, while pointing at him with annoyance in your voice, but not much else as when he first meet you,  “Or do you enjoying having those young ladies falling at their feet, calling you nicknames, what are they --Saint Carter, Car Car -- while none of the work gets done? I’ve known you long enough to know that you appreciate efficiency over anything else.”

“Ah, you have me there,” he states with a shiteating grin on his face at your little tirade, leaning back onto the bench, full from the meal as he adds on,“Spitfire.”

“Now that’s a compliment, Mr. Baizen,” you nod, before adding much to his surprise, “So, got any good stories to tell?”

“Like what?” he asks while turning just to look at you -- more carefree than usual underneath the moon and streetlights that he wished he had a camera to capture the moment.  

“Like Texas or Machu Pichu?” you tease, remembering what Rocio had told you once from her own stories,  and hopeful to move the discussion into something happier, “Maybe even that Bass famous rivalry?”

“You really wanna hear about all that?” Carter asks, a curious uptick in his voice as he wonders why you would want to know about all the stupid things he had done back in his youth. You just shake your head and laugh.  

“Entertain me,” ( It’s a date isn’t it?) is the thing you want to tack on, but shut your mouth at such a thought, regardless of anything else this man was your boss ahead of anything else.

You pause even more staring at the pizza in your hand, as Carter starts telling you stories that have you laughing at his antics and the general attitude that all these rich people had, but you could see how this allowed Mr. Baizen to con them, though things didn’t always end up well for him as times either. And while you enjoy the rest of the night, you can’t help but think towards the end  -- when the hell did your view of Carter Baizen change?  

Don’t do it. You’ll just get hurt in the end.    

You hear Rocio’s words ringing in your head, completely unaware that said man was looking at you like you have hung yp all the stars in the sky.

Part 8

[noblechaton]

Invent It All Again (Day 2)

In which Adrien contemplates baking a cake

I had this idea while working on Day 1 and just couldn’t resist

Also, if u happen to have any ideas/requests/etc. for days 3-5 (and 7), feel free to pass ‘em along and maybe/hopefully I’ll be able to do ‘em!

AO3

——————

Adrien tied the string of his apron tightly and planted a hand on either hip with an unsure, yet determined smirk in the corner of his lips as he studied the table he’d filled with various ingredients and tools for the last half hour.

“Alright.” He muttered to himself, eyes darting from the egg carton to the bag of flour to a stack of pans. “How hard can it be?”

“Knowing you” His half-conscious Kwami stuck his head out of the apron pocket he’d been sleeping in. “It’s probably gonna be pretty hard.”

“Hey, I’m a good enough cook.” Adrien pouted. “I can...Totally figure this out, this time.”

“You said that last year.”

“And I made...Something edible.”

Plagg lowly laughed. “You mean those doorstops were edible?”

“Well, maybe it was just the edges, but-” Adrien scrunched up his face. “I know I can do it, this time. I watched a video last night and everything!”

“Are you stuck on repeat or something?” Plagg’s chuckling didn’t stop Adrien from collecting a mixing bowl. “Cause I coulda sworn you said that last year, too.”

“Yeah, well, just you wait” Adrien pulled a few eggs out and cracked one on the edge of the table. “Because this is gonna be my best cake yet.”

“That’s a pretty low bar, kid.” Plagg smugly hummed. “Don’t you know someone who like, does this for a living anyway?”

Adrien deposited another egg and reached for the bag of sugar. “Yes, but one: she’s probably not awake at 4am.” He cracked the shell and tossed it into the trash. “And two, I have to be the one who makes it. It’s gotta be special, Plagg.”

The Kwami scoffed. “Kid, anything you do for him is gonna be special. It don’t matter if you make a mess in the kitchen or buy something from the store, it’s you he appreciates.”

Adrien felt himself lightly blush but shook the feeling off. “I know that, but...I wanna make him something nice.”

Plagg shrugged. “I’m just sayin’.”

“I…” Adrien’s mind slipped into deeper consideration, the words setting in just as he broke his final egg. “Er, well, I already kinda started, and I don’t want to waste any of this, so…”

“So make him breakfast, you’re good at that.”

“At 4am? He’s not usually up until like, 6.”

“Hey, that’s your fault.” Plagg stretched out in his pocket-turned-bed. “I know I didn’t wake us up at this awful hour.”

Adrien looked over the table again until he felt himself sigh. “Maybe I can...Put the eggs in the fridge, and…” He thought aloud, tapping a few fingers against his chin. “Yeah, that’ll work. That’s a good idea, Plagg.”

The Kwami smirked up at him. “Anytime, kiddo.” Plagg let out a prolonged, overdramatic yawn. “Anyway, I don’t get paid enough to be up this early, hope we still have a house when I wake back up.”

Adrien stepped over towards the counter and pulled a container out of the drawer to pour the cracked eggs into.

“Night, Plagg.”

———————————————–

Nino stretched out in his otherwise empty bed, the lack of warmth reminding him exactly what day it was, as if Adrien would ever let him forget.

It had become something of a tradition since they’d moved in together for Adrien to sneak off in the middle of the night to try and do something, typically try to bake a cake, for his birthday, though each time ended up being a spectacular, vanilla-icing covered mess.

But that was never a problem, not to Nino anyway, as he truly believed that it was the thought that counted. Plus, he’d usually get to clean his boyfriend up and snuggle with him in the living room afterwards, so that was a definitely bonus.

This time, however, something was off.

“Huh.” He sat up in the bed for a moment, briefly wondering if he’d just slipped into a dream.

While there was a chance that was the case, the distinct lack of anything burning or any fire alarms going off in the house eventually pulled him off the mattress and into his blue and red robe.

There were a few possibilities that ran through Nino’s mind on his way out of the bedroom and down the stairs.

One was that Adrien simply ran out and bought a cake for a change, though he didn’t know of any bakeries that would be open at 6:30 in the morning.

The second option was that Adrien had simply passed out on the couch, either before getting his hands dirty, or before he’d managed to turn the oven on.

Nino fastened the fabric belt loosely around his waist and considered that maybe, just maybe, Adrien had finally been successful and was sitting down at the table with candles burning and a smile on his flour-coated face.

None of these would prove to be the case, however, as he’d figure out as soon as he rounded the corner and caught a whiff of sizzling, perfectly cooked bacon.

“Morning!” Adrien called from the kitchen, not turning his attentions away from the pan for even a moment. “Give me just a second.”

Nino covered a yawn while the table came into view, a plate stacked with pancakes and some eggs being the centerpiece of an otherwise nicely decorated space.

“What’s, uh...Going on?” Nino mumbled and stepped up behind his boyfriend.

Adrien flicked the heat off and turned to tonged the strips of bacon onto the plate. “It’s your birthday is what’s going on.” He turned back and pecked on Nino’s cheek.

“Yeah, but…” It seemed to be taking a while to process.

“I know, it’s not a cake.” Adrien playfully smiled. “But, hey, it’s something, right?” He pulled a chair out and offered it to Nino.

“It’s...Not burnt, that’s for sure.” Nino lowly chuckled and took his seat while Adrien washed his hands.

“Yeah, Plagg kinda...Talked me out of it, this year.” Adrien rubbed the back of his neck one his hands were dry. “So I figured I’d try something else.”

Nino looked over the admittedly ridiculous stack of pancakes for a moment, then over the much more reasonable amount of scrambled eggs and bacon.

“I...don’t know what to say.” There was a twinge of red along his upper lip that was soon covered by a subtle grin that formed once he looked back to Adrien.

"You don't have to say anything at all." Adrien stepped over and gently kissed on Nino's lips.

Nino felt his heart flutter in his chest to the same rhythm it always did when Adrien kissed him, and his eyes were slow to reopen as if to savior the sweet sensation that had been so affectionately laced onto his mouth.

"Er, well, if I could say something" He eventually managed to chuckled himself back to reality. "Honestly...There are a lot of pancakes here for just one person."

"And who said you were eating alone?" Adrien giggled while he retrieved a plate of his own before sitting down at the table. “I can’t let the birthday boy sit by himself, now can I?”

Nino lightly rolled his eyes and slid his plate over for Adrien to take as much as he wanted, sharing a smile with him before digging in for a few moments.

He might not have been the best baker, but if there was something Adrien was good at cooking, it was pancakes. Part of Nino wondered why he ever bothered with making a cake, that's how good they were.

Regardless, for as appreciative as he was of Adrien's...attempts, this breakfast was leagues and bounds ahead of any of them. Though, as he sat his fork down, Nino felt as if something was missing.

"Y'know" He muttered after finishing his latest bite, a noticeable grin curling in the corner of his lips as he looked over at his boyfriend. "I guess I am...Kinda disappointed.

“Hm? How so?” Adrien leaned in with his own, unflinching smirk.

Nino warmly chuckled. “I don’t get to clean the frosting off of you this year.”

"Oh?" Adrien’s eyes narrowed, an idea quickly forming in his mind that set him onto his feet.

"I didn't mean you had to-" Nino stifled a giggle, watching Adrien go to the fridge, pull out a piping bag and aim it at his face, unable to finish his thought before Adrien squeezed the frosting at himself.

“There.” Adrien's hopped back into his seat with a glob of blue colored, butterscotch flavored glaze on his nose and his glowing smile still on his face. “How’s that?”

Nino shook his head and huffed out a laugh while he collected some of the icing and sucked it off his fingertip, his face lit up with a playful, loving smirk of his own as he found himself staring into Adrien’s shimmering, light green gaze.

“Perfect.”

[extraterrestrial-hippie]

🔥

like 6 months after we moved into our apartment, half of our building caught fire (a small apartment fire had already happened not 2 weeks prior, same building side). Luckily, I was up at 1 am just messing around due to insomnia, and I hear people running upstairs and people shouting "FIRE, GET EVERYONE OUT" so I quickly hid all of our questionable shit just in time for a cop to knock on the door, I whipped that sucker open, freaked him out because it was like 2 seconds after he knocked that I opened the door. He was just like "Uh... well the buildings on fire how many people are in your apartment?" I said 3 people, 2 cats. "Get them all out as soon as you can."

I said okay, heart going mile a minute now, I run and shake my roommate awake and I'm like "We have to go, the building is on fire!" I start collecting some things(its January so it's FREEZING in Colorado). Walk past my roommates door, the bitch still sleeping! I wake her again, she's like "wait you're serious? i thought this was a prank!" (i'm a notorious prankster gfd, so she thought i was crying wolf lol) I'm like "NOT THIS TIME WE GOTTA GOOO"

She leaps out of bed, woken out of dead sleep and now in crunch time. I put my cat in his carrier, our other cat does not have a carrier as they usually go to the vet at different times so we're like "one should be enough." Dumb. She gets ready, my boyfriend is getting ready, I'm grabbing shit and stuffing it in my purse, i don't even have a bra on.

In 4 minutes everyone was ready to go but the question remained, "what do we do with the last cat?" I looked at my roommate, reached downed and picked up the cat, shoved her into her arms. Grabbed my keys, and we were out. We went to my car and put the babies in there. We didnt get to leave the parking lot until 6am, but the Firefighters did ask if we needed anything from the apartment, make it quick and make it easy they said. "There is a littler pan in my closet, its the room straight from the door, and my roommate's keys are right inside the door." no clothes, no hygiene products, no food, my roomate didn't even get to grab her glasses. They got those things for us and did a head count. We didn't get back into our apartment for a week.

We had no clothes, work uniforms, cat food, litter, food, soap or a n y t h i n g but our pjs and our cats. Luckily, I had lived with my uncle for a couple months and he LOVES cats so I called him up and asked if we could crash there since this happened, of course he obliged because he loves my cat man. The night of the actual fire at about 4am we called a friend and thank GOD he answered and gave us the okay to crash there for the night.

Our cats are so good, they ONLY used the litter box in the car, they didnt go to the bathroom on the seats or anywhere else. They cried at us until we got free of our parking lot and went to pick up cat food, its about 4am at this point. Put our food and water for em, they eat and drink, then lay down and sleep in the car. We got some food, shampoo, conditoner, the basics, and a caffeinated beverage. I drove to my uncles the next day (who lives 5 minutes away hell yeah) Cats settled in just fine, house is way better than car.

My roommate and I called our Managers (i have 2 jobs, one with the same manager as her, we'll call her Shannon), it was early so we both left messages at our workplaces. Shannon actually called my roommate in the morning to YELL AT HER FOR TRYING TO CALL HER SO EARLY IN THE MORNING LIKE WE DIDNT HAVE ENOUGH SHIT TO DEAL WITH and my roommates like sorry we were letting you know PLENTY in advance that we were unable to get to work since we had NOTHING? This bitch also asked for a SIGNED COPY FROM OUR LEASING OFFICE TO PROVE WE WEREN'T LYING since there had been a small apartment fire like 2 weeks earlier and they wouldnt let us in our apartment for the day. We were just like, "seriously? its on the news," she wasnt kidding. Our leasing office was even like, "really? that's a little extreme." Like no shit, you should meet Shannon, yikes. My roomate (after getting bullied by shannon at 8am) still had to attend work that morning; shannon upon her arrival said "sorry if i added any extra stress to your morning but seriously, no calls before 7am". I called my other job (i care for the elderly). They were all worried and offered if we needed a place to stay or shower that we could come to the office and they'd get some snacks (we have showers and beds to train caregivers on transfers and repositioning), the owner also offered his service and sent me a nice email. They also all saw it on the news and said "Well, we're going to put this in our list of valid excuses to call out of work!" THATS👏 HOW👏YOU👏MANAGE👏A👏POOR👏SITUATION👏 -_- Once Shannon saw it on the news, she was like "Lol, i didnt believe you! But now i do, that sucks." Thanks, SHANNON.

After 2 days our apartments gave us an emergency pack (still have it, GREAT idea to have) with some toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and other necessities. We had to buy a complete new set of outfits, the stress from the situation was enough to make both my roommate and i start our periods in the car that morning and at one point my boyfriend snuck past caution tape and guards to get everyones work uniforms, menstrual cups for his babes, and a few other necessities so that we could still make money to buy all of the extra expenses lol (my hero 🖤). Our coworker invited my roommate for a shower before work and had everything she needed including an extra uniform, had breakfast, lunch, and coffee ready for my roommate when she got to work, and went to the grocery store after she got off to get us some supplies, also our hero 🧡.

They told us they expected arson when it happened but they never got back to us, but the guy responsible woke up his immediate neighbors and they said it was probably his wood stove. Shit eventually ended up working out, it's now October and they're still not finished fixing the building. The 6 apartments dehoused were rehoused in different units or moved. We're back, the cats are back, I'm just like damn good job team.

Moral of the story: If you think you're prepared, you're not, buy 2 cat carriers if you have 2 cats, insomia wins this round, getchu a man who isnt afraid to break in and get you period stuff. Also, work is hard to deal with sometimes but take care of yourself first. And HAVE A GO BAG THATS SHITS A LIFESAVER.

Thank you for coming to my FIREtalk

[shrinkingwmn]

A cat in a booster seat.

A playboy bunny image made out of snow.

A lot of Tim Hortons.

A carnival in transport.

A couple stops at Peter’s Drive In.

A best friend’s wedding.

And of course…food. Lots and lots of yummy food.

Those are but a glimpse of what made up my little May vacation.

I drove one province over to attend, and take part in!, my best friend’s wedding. I say “I” but it was really “we” since I go nowhere without the cat. He spent his 13 hours in a booster seat designed for dogs (don’t tell him that!) because there is a serious lack of travel items designed for cats.

Silent protest – something he is very very good at!

Sidenote: if anybody has start up money and wants to invest, I have some great ideas for a range of products to make travelling with your cat easier, lol.

Back to the trip!

On the way there we saw pieces of a carnival being transported who knows where, a muffin disaster at a Tim Hortons in Golden BC, a Playboy Bunny logo made out of snow on a mountain, oh, and there were a couple escape attempts by the cat when silent protest was deemed too calm of a way to show his displeasure.

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I have been trying oh so hard for six months or so to not screw up so I would be able to fit in my bridesmaids dress and yay me, I fit! I did however get so caught up in the day I forgot to get a full length picture of me in the dress, sigh. So the best you’re gonna get is this selfie…

Gratuitous selfie.

I’m not going to share pics of the wedding, because well, that would be a lot of people to track down to ask if they are ok with their pics going on this blog and ain’t nobody got time for that! 😉 Rest assured, it was beautiful. It was an outdoor ceremony at a mansion, pictures were done on location and also in an area with a great city view as the background. The reception was in a hall that I and others helped decorate the day prior. I gotta say, my friend is quite the savvy shopper. She got the place looking exactly how she wanted without breaking the bank.

Instead of a wedding cake there were doughnuts from some fancy bakery. Brilliant idea if you ask me!

I didn’t actually get to eat my doughnut, *pout*, as a drunk groomsman took it out of my hand as I was about to take a bite and ate it. Ate my doughnut. The doughnut that belonged to a lady who’d be dieting for 6 months. I’m impressed I didn’t jump him like a crazed animal.

Instead I ate a slice of pizza, that was second dinner, and oh my god was it goooood! Handmade crust by the caterer that was hired, seriously best crust I’ve ever had. I ended up eating a couple bites from three different slices, which makes me sound like a jerk but it is actually that the servers were just too darn efficient.

See, I had a slice, took one bite, someone was all “you’ve got to come dance!”, so I put the pizza down (on a plate I mean), went and danced, and when I came back it was gone. So like any normal person I used this as an opportunity to try a different kind of pizza, grabbed a new slice, took a bite, and basically the same thing happened, except I think it was me that was all “I love this song, I must dance!”, and yeah, when I got back the rest of my slice was gone. Not to be thwarted I grabbed a third slice, ate the crust first (the crust is the best part and I’d not managed to eat any of it yet lol), had a couple bites of the part of the slice that had toppings, and then threw it out so I could go dance.

Have you figured out yet that I like to dance? 😉

I decided in total that equals to me eating one full slice, right?

I spent the day after the wedding wanting to die lol Hung over and sun stroked, my poor body was having none of it and I basically slept the day away on my parent’s couch. Aren’t I such a stellar example of being a grown-up! lol

Once I was feeling better things were pretty normal for one of my trips there. Visited with friends. Did some shopping. Chilled with the parents.

Granted, there was the day where a slice of cheesecake was both my breakfast and lunch which was pretty awesome…

From the Spinelli Italian Centre Shop. Go there. It’s worth it!

But ya know, other than cheesecake overload things were pretty normal.

The return trip was fairly uneventful. The cat and I finished our audio book, he didn’t seem at all surprised by the ending. 😉 We got a milkshake at Peter’s Drive In, which if you are ever in the vicinity of Calgary AB you must must must go to Peter’s.

Best. Milkshakes. Ever.

And no, I didn’t get a picture, I was too busy driving and drinking the milkshake to take one. 😛

We got home super late, I took care of essentials – like putting the milk and wine in the fridge and having a shower, then we crawled in to bed where we both slept the way only travel weary people and cats can. I woke up briefly around 10 am (we went to bed at 4am so no judging!), looked at the time, said “nope”, rolled back over and went back to sleep. The cat didn’t even bother to wake up, he just stayed asleep until I got up at 3pm. Neither of us care for the whole waking up part of our day, we are well matched like that lol 😛

We wake up under protest, daily.

There ya have it! Our little road trip sadly is over, but we have memories and pictures, and a little more body fat, to remind us of all the fun we had. We are both back to routine, me with my two jobs and dragon boat practices, he with all his cat chores. The only big thing that is a constant reminder of the trip is the suitcase I still haven’t put away but I’m determined to do that tomorrow!…says the woman who has been putting it off for 6 days…ah well, it’ll get done eventually! 🙂

The May Vacation A cat in a booster seat. A playboy bunny image made out of snow. A lot of Tim Hortons.

[whentherewerebicycles]

cool cool.. so it’s almost 4am but I just sent in my course descriptions... in 6 hours I gotta wake up and deep clean my entire house and run one million errands and maybe finish my diss (hahahahahahahahahaha yeah right). the good thing is this is usually when I wake up and can’t fall back asleep so maybe I’ll just sleep right through the rest of the night!!