#for coming to me months before i started to introduce me to both venti and kaeluc

[hydrachea]

Your tastes are amazing~ dunkard femboy shota? Stepbro incest? Genshin delivers! Looking forward to hearing more about your journey through teyvat

Wait till you hear about me looking forward to Zhongli because he's a dragon, which is a reptile, which means a species that lays eggs. A fact that I can and will misuse.

And it's well known among my friends that the way I like my eggs is fertilized.

[tartagliad]

Seeing you for the first time pt.2 (ft. Albedo, Xingqiu, Venti, and Razor)

summary: how they react when seeing you for the first time

G/N reader

warning(s): misspellings, grammar mistakes (?), some scenes from windblume festival in Venti's and some from Razor's lore and a little angst ig

fluff!

(A/N: hey there, I'm back..this time I wrote for the other characters, i hope you enjoyed it)

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Albedo:

You met this boy at Dragonspine

That boy literally spent 24/7 of his life in that place ._.

He was at Starglow Cavern, painting cave structures and some hilichurls

You entered the cave and continued your adventure there (finding the history about the place)

Suddenly, a bunch of hilichurls started to attacked you..

There he saw how calm you are in that position, just swaying your sword back and forth elegantly

He just stands there and didn't realise that you've finished fighting the hilichurls and stared at him

"You know..it's not nice to just stand there and do nothing" you joke

"Oh..uhh sorry, I kinda zoned out.." he blurts

"ahaha, it's alright..i can see it on your face" you said

Albedo is literally stunned by your appearance, your figure, your eyes, everything

"I'm y/n, are you always go to this place?" you asked him

"Oh uhh, yes actually..i always do some research on this place..I'm Albedo btw" he respond

"Ahh I see.." you said, after that you accidentally saw his paintings

There was a painting of hilichurls and sketches of..you fighting?

"uhh are those your drawings?" you asked him

His face flushed because he got caught sketching a portrait of you

"Uh..yeah, you were an interesting...'view' let's just say..so I decided to draw you" he confess

You actually find his drawings beautiful yet pleasing to look at

"Wow..these are beautiful" you speak

The boy is literally out of words ngl, he's used to get some compliments from other people, but somehow..compliments from you made him flustered

"a-ah..w-why thank you.." he said

"Uhm..maybe you could come and join me next time..maybe pickup some materials or sightseeing areas of Dragonspine" he adds

"Of course, I'll go with you" you said

You two always spend time together at the mountains, well.. even though you don't go there everyday..lol

You always helped Albedo on his 'unusual' experiments or even tell him your stories of your adventures

The boy loves your eyes, he literally could get lost in those beautiful pairs..

Even though he painted it or sketches it..the feel is still different compared to looking at it directly

The feel just makes his heart race..<3

"𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸, 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘰 𝘧𝘢𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐'𝘮 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶.."

Xingqiu:

Like Albedo, he always spent most of his time at a certain place, for him..the place is the library

So... you obviously met him there

He was looking for a book that he wants to read since the last couple of months

The book was actually rare that not many people knew or read it..so he's looking for it

You actually borrowed the book from the library and you wanted to returned it

He currently asking the librarian when you suddenly walk to the counter and returned it

"I heard that you want to borrow this book?" you asked

"Oh..yes, I've been wanting to read it for sometime now" he answered

"It's quite rare that people actually read this book though and yet it actually caught your attention" he added

You nodded and smile at him "Yes actually, I was reading a few pages and then I was so in to the book, i have to borrow it"

You both laughed as you leave the library

"My name is Xingqiu btw, may I ask yours?" he asked

"I'm y/n, nice to meet you Xingqiu"

There, you two talked for archons know for how long

You two sometimes switched books from your collections or maybe go out and find some interesting books

Other than reading, Xingqiu enjoys going on adventures with you

Seeing the nature around him makes him feel lighter

He really loves to read books though, but he tries to make you comfortable as much as possible around him

Maybe he'll try to take you out on a stroll around Liyue Harbor or maybe eat at Wanmin Restaurant, depending your mood

Sometimes you guys planning to pull another prank on Chongyun LMAO

He wants to make sure that you're comfortable around him and feel happy around him

All in all, he wants to see you enjoyed his company

"𝘏𝘦𝘺, 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘢 𝘨𝘰 𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘵 𝘟𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨'𝘴 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦? 𝘐 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘶 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺, 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶.. 𝘮𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘨𝘰 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘦..𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦"

Venti:

You met him at The Windblume Festival

It was your first windblume, so you're still confused about the traditions that happening around

He was in front of the Cathedral finding students for his poetry class

When he saw you, he waved at you and you approached him

"Hey there! New to the festival?" he asked

"Oh yes, I've lived in the city for awhile but i never experienced this festival before.." you answered

"Ehe, allow me to explain it. The Windblume Festival is a Festival in Mondstadt celebrating the thousand winds. Usually, the people of Mondstadt offers windblume to the anemo archon and to their special loved ones" he explains

"The people actually have to take their matters into their own hands, so they don't really have anything to get helped with" he added

"Is that why when I asked if anyone needs help, they say they don't need one?" you asked again

"Hehe, that's right" he says, "Oh, I haven't introduced my self haven't I? ehe, my name is Venti, the most popular bard in town!" he adds

"Your that bard, I've heard great things about you, my name is y/n, I'm just a regular adventurer.." you replied

He shrugged and acts a little nervous when you said that

"So uh.. want me to take you around town and see what people are doing?" he offered

"Sure, that would be nice.." you said

With that you two took a stroll around the town

Seeing people prepare gifts for their loved ones, the atmosphere feels so wholesome

You guys even took a little trip to Windrise, and he even play you a tune or two

You really enjoyed his company and he’s enjoying it too

During the festival, you guys grew closer together, and maybe you guys would perform together in front of the Cathedral

You were really happy that you have someone to enjoy the festival with

Even Venti feels a lot of joy hanging out with you

He wonders that he could be with you for a long time..

Well, whatever he is feeling, he wants to grow more closer to you :3

"𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸.. 𝘪 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳'𝘴 𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘭 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘪 𝘶𝘴𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦..𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵. 𝘞𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘢 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘴𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘊𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘧 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘯𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘦? 𝘦𝘩𝘦"

Razor:

Bless this wolf boy :")

You two met at his habitat, Wolvendom

You were currently adventuring at that place

When you're peacefully strolling around the place, you saw a bunch of wolves dead..

So you rushed to see where it was coming from

There, you saw a boy fighting against an abyss mage, boi... that thing really do like to cause trouble

The boy looked really angry despite the mage killed his wolf packs

You determined to help him and so you did..

After you two defeated the mage..he turned to look at you, "thank you... lupical, dead.." he said

This baby almost cried because he couldn't save all of them, only a few of them that are safe..

"I tried to protect them...but I failed...", he said in a sad tone

You looked at him sympathetically, "aww..it's alright..you tried your best, it's not your fault.." you said to him

He looked really sad and disappointed, but at the same time he felt kinda relieved that someone was there to help him

"Why did you come here..?" he asked, "Oh, I was just adventuring and then I suddenly found you..." you said

"My name is y/n.." you added, "I'm Razor"

"Do you come from here Razor?" you asked again, "yes..I was raised by wolves, Razor has no human family" he said

You were shocked that there's actually someone who is raised by wolves

"I see..." you said, "I think some of your wolf friends got hurt..may i help?" you offered him

Razor nodded and help you as much as he could

"There, that should do it.. they can't move that much for awhile, but they'll be alright.." you said to him

Razor was very grateful that he could find you, maybe he would be doomed if you hadn't come..

"You're strong...can Razor learn from you..?" he asked shyly :")

"Of course, I would be happy to teach you" you say

Razor smiled a little, he wanted to learn from you so that he could protect his lupical if something bad like this would happen

The next day, you came back to Wolvendom and train him

He picked up the lesson pretty quickly, and he now learnt how to use his Vision

You even teach the boy how to write and read loll v:

You came to Wolvendom couple of times, and besides train him, you helped him hunt some meats to eat

You never really force him to come and live at the city, but if he wants to visit it once or twice..you bring him there

Razor is really happy now that he learned new things from you and also has a friend that helped him..

Sometimes he wonders if he could protect you from danger too

He just didn't want to lose you like he loses his other wolf friends

Razor silently swore to him self that he will protect you from any danger that you encounter

Overall, you guys cared about each other and wanted to protect one and other, he just wishes that you'll be saver around him <3

"𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘙𝘢𝘻𝘰𝘳... 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺'𝘳𝘦 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰..𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥, 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯..."

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(A/N: AHHH this is not like I wanted in my head...I hope you liked it, leave me some suggestions what I should write next, I still have some couple of ideas, but requests are open...so yeah ANYWAYS- thank you and good day :D)

Here are the rules if you wanted to request

[eirikaanemo]

The Candy House

Venti x GN!Reader

3k Words

Warnings: eviction, manipulation, servitude, minor character 'death', temporary blindness, kiss at the end

Notes: This is NOT incest. You and Venti are strangers and are not related at all.

Getting lost in the enchanted forest was easy. The fog covering the ground, the trees blocking out the light, and the original path taking so many twists and turns made sure of that. From the chill sinking into your bones you can tell that it’s getting late. Fear settles into your heart. Who knows what lurks in these woods? All you know is that of all those who have entered these woods, no one has ever come back out.

The rumors all tell of monsters and creatures roaming in the night, devouring any unfortunate creature they may find. You can only hope that they are wrong. Perhaps if you find some sort of shelter you can be hidden and make it through the night. Unfortunately you have not been able to find any sort of shelter, anything would do at this point. And yet it’s nowhere to be found and all that’s left to do is keep searching.

Then you see a light in the distance, illuminating the silhouette of a house. Speeding up, you change course to move towards it. The closer you get, the more details you are able to make out through the fog and the dark. And the closer you are, the odder it looks. It doesn’t seem to be made of brick or wood, or any other sort of building material you have seen.

As you get even closer you find that it’s kind of made of bricks, if giant chocolate covered raisins count as bricks and dried icing counts as mortar. The windows tint the light different colors as the light passes through the semi-transparent hard candy. The front door is made of chocolate and has a gumdrop handle. The roof is made of wafer shingles held together by layers of caramel. It looks delicious.

When you approach the door it opens to reveal an old woman. Her eyes are white and unseeing but hold an unsettling glint, though her smile assures you that you are welcome. “Oh you poor dear,” she says mournfully. “Out lost in the woods at night! You must be cold. Come in, come in and stay the night. Dinner is ready and I would love to have some company. Please do come and join me!”

The thought of food makes your stomach rumble. You haven’t eaten anything all day. This is like a dream come true, too wonderful to be real, and yet it is. “I would be happy to,” you tell her and follow her inside. Just like the outside of the house, everything is made of candy. Everything but dinner, that is, thankfully. The food is absolutely delicious and you enjoy every bite.

After you help clean up the dishes she leads you to the next room over. It’s small with meager furnishings which include a comfortable looking cot. “I’m sorry, I know it’s not much,” she apologizes. “Being out here in the woods means I so rarely get visitors.”

“It’s fine,” you reassure her. “This is much better than trying to find shelter out in the woods.” She nods her head emphatically. “Oh heavens yes,” she agrees. “You wouldn’t even survive a night out there! The locals aren’t fond of strangers wandering around their forest.” The thought causes a shiver to run down your spine as she wishes you goodnight and leaves you to your thoughts.

Sleep comes easily that night but the morning is much too early. You’re shaken awake by the old lady, more harshly than you would expect from what she was like the night before. When you open your eyes, sit up, and turn to look at her she even looks different from yesterday. Gone are the sweet, soft features of an old lady and instead are the haggard, worn, and wicked features of a dark witch.

“By partaking of my food and generosity, you have sold yourself into my service.” The witch informed you. “Now get out of bed, you have chores to do and have slept in far too late.” Your eyes go wide as you remember the basic rules you’ve always been taught for dealing with the magical. Do not eat. Do not sleep. Do not accept favors. Three of many, and you had broken them. She is right, and you have no one to blame but yourself.

For breakfast you are fed bread crusts and water. Then you start on your chores. Most of them are normal things: sweep the house, do the dishes, and dust dusty surfaces for example. Oddly enough, she prepares meals despite it being one of the more risky tds for her. Then again she does have a lot of experience so there might not be as much risk as you might originally think. And apparently she doesn’t usually eat either.

There are also a couple odd chores. The most odd one being: feed and fatten up ‘[her] next meal’. When you ask her how to complete that task she mutters about how she knew she was forgetting something and releases a spell hiding a large hanging birdcage in the corner of the room. A birdcage with someone in it. There is a pile of bones beneath the cage. Human bones. You’re sick to your stomach.

At some point the witch must have left, leaving just you and them in the room. As if sensing that she’d left, the figure cracks an eye open, sits up, and stretches, then sends you a bitter smile. “I guess we’re both stuck here,” they say. A he, you judge by the sound of his voice. “Yeah,” you mutter, equally bitterly. “Tricked me with dinner and a place to stay when I really should have known better. And I didn’t even realize how badly I messed up until this morning.”

He sighs. “I tried to warn you, but she put up a spell to hide me before she went to bring you in.” He sounds so defeated. You shrug. “Thank you for trying. Don’t blame yourself though. This really is my own fault. How did she catch you?”

“Much the same as you,” he admitted. “I was searching for a treasure I had lost and found out she had it, which was true. So I came to try and get it from her but she tricked me into eating and trapped me here. Now she’s just waiting until I’m fat enough to eat it appears. I guess we’re stuck here together for now. And after she eats me, you’re probably next if allowed.”

The two of you are silent for a minute as you ponder your imminent demise and his rhymes. “Well I feel kind of bad now that I know, but I’m supposed to give you this. It’s one of my chores so I have to do it.” You hand him his breakfast through the bars of his cage. It’s a much better breakfast than your own but he wrinkles his nose at it before giving in and eating it.

As he eats you continue with your chores. Most of them are in the same area he is so you’re easily able to take care of his breakfast dishes. The two of you end up chatting while you work. He introduces himself as Venti the bard and tells you stories about his travels all over Teyvat, often times in rhymes. When he isn’t telling stories he’s singing you songs while you work to distract you from the numerous aches and pains that you’ve developed from all the work you have been doing. In return, you tell him about how you ended up in the enchanted forest in the first place.

You explain how the village has become convinced that you were a witch, even your own family. They had cast you out and now you have nowhere else to go. It was hard to talk about but oddly enough you felt better after telling Venti about it. He didn’t judge you or pity you for it, there was just a serene sort of sympathy that helped you feel heard and validated. And since you don’t really talk to strangers about that sort of thing, the two of you decide that you are friends.

A couple days pass and you notice that the witch has been testing how fat he is by feeling his finger. And the fatter he is, the more he has eaten, the closer he is to being eaten himself. Every meal has to be finished, she knows otherwise and the consequences aren’t pretty. So far he certainly isn’t fat, but both of you know it’s only a matter of time.

Then you come up with a brilliant idea. “What if,” you whisper to him after she leaves the room after checking, “you have her check that bone instead of your finger when she next checks? Her eyesight is bad enough that she probably can’t see the difference and it will buy us time while we try to come up with an idea to escape.”

“That might just work!” He declares. “And that would be just the thing to wipe off her smirk. It should buy us the time as long as she doesn’t give it too much mind. Here’s hoping it works, because the alternative will be much worse.” You slowly nod your head, “At least it’s a start.” He smiles at replies, “And it’s truly is quite smart.”

You blush at the compliment and feel your heart flutter in your chest. As time has gone by you have found yourself falling for him. It’s not any one specific thing, but a combination of many things that make him who he is: his jokes, kindness, thoughtfulness, and trying to make the best of your situation, to name a few. And it doesn’t hurt that he’s so cute.

Thankfully, the trick does work to your delight and her frustration. She started making his meals larger, but he just shared with you instead of eating it all himself. After all, the food needs to be eaten. And you may have admitted to be surviving off of bread crusts at some point. “I can’t have you dying of hunger, we need to escape together after all. And besides, friends take care of each other.” He insisted.

You swear that you fall just a little further in love with him every day. Sometimes you catch yourself staring and have to look away quickly, hoping he didn’t notice. Part of you suspects he does notice judging by the blush that dusts his cheeks you spot before you manage to look away. But if he does notice he doesn’t say anything.

Things continue like this for over a month with the witch becoming more and more impatient as time goes on. The two of you have yet to have found a good plan of escape and can tell things are getting more and more risky as time goes on. And one day, the witch finally snaps, the weight of her hunger breaking through what patience and reason she had left.

“I’m tired to waiting!” She exclaims, stomping on the floor. “I’m so hungry that I’ll just eat him, skinny as he is. And you know what? I’ll eat you too! Heat up the oven already, it’s time for me to feast.” Her gaze is fastened on you as you shakily start putting firewood in the oven in jerky motions. Both of you have gone pale and Venti has gone eerily still in his cage.

All too soon a fire is roaring in the oven. “Now check the temperature,” she orders you with a wicked gleam in her eyes. Venti caught on immediately and started silently gesturing for you not to do it. With his warning you realized what was going on. “Um, how would I do that?” You inquire instead.

“I’ve never used your oven before because you always do all the cooking.” It’s technically true, but you have used similar ovens in the past and know exactly how dangerous checking the temperature could be in this situation. But if you manage to turn it around… well, that might just work.

The witch stomps over to the oven and demonstrates how to check the temperature, leaning towards the oven with her head nearly inside. Rushing up behind her, you push her in and latch the door. There’s silence, so you unlatch the door and peek inside to find a melting gummy bear instead of the witch. “She’s a melting gummy bear. She won’t be eating anyone anymore.” You reassure Venti, who takes a deep breath out in relief. Not wasting any time, you start searching around for the key to the cage and eventually find it in the drawer of her bedroom nightstand..

He cheers with a big grin on his face. “You did it! We’re saved!” Fumbling with the keys and with a couple failed attempts you were able to open the door to his cage and he lept out. “Now I just need to find my treasure! Could you help me find it?” He requested. “Sure,” you say, already starting to look through her kitchen drawers. “What does it look like?” He shrugs. “Oh, you’ll know it when you see it,” he mentions vaguely as he works his way through checking some of the smaller rooms in the house.

After a while of searching you reach into a vase filled with flowers made of spun sugar and pull something out. It appears to be a queen from a chess set with a glowing turquoise orb set in it. “Is this it?” You question loudly so he can hear you from where he’s searching at the other end of the house. Footsteps approach as he rushes to check and his face lights up as he sees it. “That’s it!” He crows as he takes it from your outstretched hand.

He holds it close to his chest and the room flashes with a bright turquoise light. Not expecting the light, it blinded you and you dropped to your knees with a cry. You cover your eyes with your hands belatedly and try desperately to blink the darkness from your vision. Distantly you can hear him curse as he realized his mistake.

“I’m so sorry,” he apologizes. You feel him gently peel your hands away from your eyes and replace them with his own. A cooling, numbing feeling soothes your eyes. He moves his hands to the sides of your face and runs his thumbs over your eyelids one more time before you dare to try and open them.

At first you’re surprised by your restored vision as you look down at your hands. But when you look up you’re surprised for a whole other reason. Venti still looks like Venti, except for where he doesn’t. There’s a lot more skin showing than there was before, revealing turquoise tattoos on his chest and leg as he crouches in front of you. He is dressed in an immaculate white and gold outfit with turquoise accents that almost seems to glow. But most of all, he has sprouted white wings from his back.

“Huh?” You utter, very articulately, mouth gaping. Rubbing your eyes again, you try to see if that will fix your vision. Nope, he’s still there. You can hardly believe your eyes. He lets out a laugh at your reaction and it sounds like the tinkling of bells. “Am I really so amazing that it’s left you speechless?” He teases. All you can do is nod slowly, which makes him frown.

“I’m still Venti, you know,” he tells you, trying to put you at ease. “Sure, I may be Barbatos too, but I’m still your friend. There is no need for such awe. Though I’m afraid to say that it does mean that I can’t stay. I need to return home. But before I go, I can grant you one wish as a reward for all of your help.”

You gaze at him silently for a couple minutes as he patiently waits for your response. “If you have to go, then I wish for you to take me with you,” you admit. He blinks, surprised. “I would love to, honestly, but you know that means you won’t be able to come back, right? And I’d have to change you. You wouldn’t be human anymore.” You smile and nod. “I’m certain, it’s not like I have anything left here to return to anyways.”

“So be it then,” he says with a grin before he leans it and presses a kiss to your forehead. Your whole body tingles as your features change. Your ears grow longer and narrow into points at the ends. Wings sprout from your back, tearing holes in the back of your shirt. Your height adjusts to make you within an inch or two of his height. Opening your eyes after the transformation, you spy the blush dusting his cheeks as he avoids eye contact with you.

“You missed,” you tease, leaning in closer to him. His blush grows as he looks back at you, gaze getting stuck on your lips as he gulps. You can feel your own cheeks warm at the thought of what must be going through his head. “May I kiss you?” You implore, moving your hands to rest on his knees. He nods his head shakily.

Reaching up to cup the back of his neck with both hands, you pull him down to you so your lips can reach his. The kiss is simple but lingers as you pull away. He pulls you back in before you get too far. The next kiss is more passionate than the first, with an edge of desperation.

Eventually he breaks away. “We’ll need to finish this later,” he hums, nuzzling his nose against yours. “But there will be plenty of time for this in the future. We have all the time in the world now. And I want to spend every second of it with you.”

[proselys]

December Prompt Challenge - Day 2: Drinking a hot drink.

Even for December, London was greyer, colder and wetter than usual. It was damn right miserable and everyone was feeling it even if the warm confines of the building. Still, it didn’t mean everything was completely bland. Decorations had been sporadically dotted around the large room, a tall, real Christmas tree full with lights and ornaments stood in a corner. Tinsel had been laid over the dividers of the desks and on the banisters leading to the upper level. Each desk had got their own mini light up tree as well, simply to bring happiness to their occupants. 

Emily might admit she had gone slightly overboard with the decorations, but then, no one would ever know it had been her in the first place. To her unit she was mysterious, level-headed, someone who didn’t take shit from anyone and possibly a little terrifying as well. They’d admit, Emily Prentiss was a good leader and chief, but she was also an enigma and that’s exactly how she liked it to be. They knew of her time in the FBI and patches from her old Interpol days but apart from that, nothing. Her private life was a complete mystery. 

Which was why Emily had decorated the large room at two in the morning when everyone had gone home. The Christmas before hadn’t been that cheerful, and she had wanted to change that this year into something everyone could enjoy. Even if they didn’t celebrate the holiday, who didn’t love trees, lights and tinsel? (Sergio hated tinsel, but he was on the other side of the Atlantic. Oh did she miss him). 

Acting oblivious to the sudden decorations the next day with everyone else had been a silent delight for her and the mood in the room had heightened. Her secret plan had been a success. 

If she was thinking about getting everyone Santa hats, it was nobody's business. 

But even with the festivities, Emily’s mood wasn’t completely raised. She missed her wife, especially at this time of year, and the call she’d had with JJ a few nights ago about the fact they might not be able to spend Christmas together had upset her. Emily knew it was no one's fault. Schedules were hard to match up, especially being half way round the world from each other. They’d simply have to do with what they had. Emily did feel guilty however, it being her projects and cases which were making it harder to get back to the States to spend time with JJ. Hopefully they’d get to in the New Year. 

But just because the holidays were edging closer very fast didn’t mean her workload decreased at all. If anything it increased with how Emily was letting those with families have the time off they deserved. It was unfortunate their job couldn’t stop for one day, and whilst some of the unlucky ones would have to be on call Christmas Day, she had tried to make it fair for everyone. She herself had decided to come into the office that day just to relieve some stress off of everyone. Working made Christmas feel less lonely after all. 

xxx

It was a week or so before Christmas and Emily had had a meeting first thing. Walking back from it and into her office, nothing seemed out of place or unusual. Putting her bag down on the desk for a moment, she sent a few messages on her phone before noticing the venti Starbucks cup. A smile appeared on her face for a moment as she went to sit down, putting her bag on the floor and logging into the laptop on her desk.

It had started a few months after she had taken the job. Every morning someone would be kind enough to bring her a coffee on their way to work. She had found out they even had a little chart as to who would do it when, and it had been a gesture like that which had helped her relax more into the job and not feel so much like an outsider. Emily had quickly stopped buying her own drinks in the morning and would thank them whenever she saw them for that days coffee. 

There was only one small problem, however, and that was Emily wasn’t the biggest fan of coffee. Yes, she liked it, and she would never tell her team because she didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, but coffee wasn’t her favourite hot drink. No, hot chocolate was. 

Anyone who knew Emily well knew how much she loved chocolate, how she always had some in the bag just for emergencies. She even had a secret stash in the bottom draw of her desk. She loved hot chocolate, it being her comfort drink, and with the Christmas flavours here once more she was in her element. Back at the BAU, only two people had ever got her favourite order right and that was JJ and Garcia. 

So it would come as a surprise when she picked up the still warm cup and took a sip, not to find the usual taste of black coffee, but the sweet blend of chocolate and vanilla flavoured syrup. Emily was stunned for a moment, eyebrows knitting together in confusion for a moment. Garcia would have never been able to keep something like her visiting a secret, not by a long shot. Which meant…

Sure enough, as Emily looked up from her desk she was met with the striking blue eyes and blonde hair of her wife, leaning against the doorframe of her office with a grin on her face. 

“Took you long enough. I was worried it was going to get cold. I’ve been here for half an hour already.” The grin never left JJ’s face as she tried not to laugh at the shock apparent on Emily’s features. 

“Jen? W-What? What are you doing here? Why aren’t you in D.C?” Emily was still stunned, her wind whirring to catch up with what was happening. She watched as her wife walked into the office, closing the door behind her and made her way over to the desk where Emily was still sat. 

“Well, when you told me you wouldn’t make it back home, I knew I had to do something. So I thought, why don’t I come to you again this year? I asked Hotch and he agreed, and now I’m all yours for a whole two weeks and a half weeks. I had a lot of overtime to use up.” 

Without another word Emily put the cup down, got out of her chair and went around the desk, colliding with JJ with force as she wrapped her arms around her neck into a tight hug. “You’re really here for Christmas?” She asked, wanting to make sure this wasn’t just a dream. 

JJ hugged her back just as tight. It had been months since they’d last been able to touch and she wanted to hold onto Emily forever. A hand stroked through the brunette's hair, a smile on her face. “Yes, I’m really here for Christmas Em. I couldn’t leave my wife all alone now could I?” 

Pulling back slightly, Emily beamed at her before she leaned in to kiss JJ, savouring the moment as much as she could. Screw professionalism for two seconds; her wife was here and she could kiss her if she wanted. “I missed you.” She murmured against JJ’s lips. “I can’t believe how lucky I am. Having you with me for Christmas and you getting me a hot chocolate.” 

“I missed you too baby. And what can I say? We both know I’m the best. Now drink it before it gets cold, I’m not getting you another one.” But she would. They both knew she would. 

Letting go of her but staying close, Emily reached for the cup to drink from, humming happily to savour the taste and making JJ laugh in the process. 

“Will you be able to entertain yourself whilst I’m working the next few days?” Emily was already trying to work out how she was now going to have Christmas Day off, but she had a sneaking suspicion her unit was going to make her regardless. 

“Of course honey. I can find things to do, even if that includes annoying you in your huge office whilst you’re busy being the boss. I might even bring you a hot chocolate or two if you’re lucky.” JJ pressed a kiss to Emily’s cheek. 

“Oh I am very lucky. Maybe you could get me one of each of the Christmas flavours.” Emily was joking...well, half joking. 

JJ rolled her eyes fondly, but in the end she’d do anything for Emily and to see the sparkle in her eyes that was there now. And if that meant filling her with chocolate then so be it. “Don’t push your luck Chief Prentiss. Now, how about we introduce myself properly to your team hmm?” She held out her hand for Emily to take. 

Although taking it, Emily looked a little guilty, giving JJ a small shrug. “Well…” 

“Emily Prentiss, are you telling me they still don’t know you’re married?” JJ asked exasperatedly. She wasn’t surprised though, it had taken Emily a long time even with the BAU to open up slightly about her private life. 

“Maybe…” 

Rolling her eyes once more, JJ gently tugged Emily across the room to the door. “Come on, I’m going to tell them all you’re a big softie. Nice work on the decorations by the way. I know the Emily Christmas touch when I see it.” 

Emily gasped and shook her head though she didn’t really try to stop JJ. “No, you absolutely can’t tell them I’m a big softie. I’m their boss! I’m fierce and, and-“ 

She was cut off by JJ stopping in her tracks and pressing a kiss to her forehead. “I know you are sweetheart. So fierce and badass.” She cooed with a giggle. “Now come, be good and introduce me and I’ll get you another hot chocolate at lunch okay? Maybe even the chocolate mint one?” 

The unit chief had started to pout as JJ cooed at her, though she let out a gasp at the mention of a second hot chocolate that day. “Chocolate mint? You really do love me.” 

Laughing, JJ looking at her wife with such fondness and adoration. “I really do love you. Now, let’s go say hi to everyone. If you’re lucky I’ll let you have one of your Christmas presents early tonight.” With a wink, JJ pulled Emily out of the room. 

Emily really was lucky, she thought to herself. Her wife had flown across the ocean to be with her for Christmas and got her her favourite drink. She truly was happy. 

(And if her team shared knowing looks when Emily finally introduced JJ as her wife, she pretended not to notice.)

[dekinswritings]

Genshin Impact - Princess of the night

The duties of the Outrider division of the Knights of Favonius were as varied as they were plentiful and patrolling Mondstadt at night beyond its city walls was one of them. And her favorite too, nothing beat the soothing feeling of the cool night breeze, or the heart-throbbing feeling of saving a stranger from a monster. Surely, it was the adrenaline of combat, and not how beautiful her golden hair looked against the light of the moon.

Amber/Lumine. 2k. Ch1/3?

[Ao3]

The duties of the Outrider division of the Knights of Favonius were as varied as they were plentiful, but Amber bore every single one of them as its sole remaining member. When she came of age, Acting Grand Master Jean had been kind enough to re-establish the branch for her. Amber knew that, under the grand scheme of things, the Outrider division was only part of the Ordo Favonius, but that only motivated her even more to work hard and return it to its former glory. One day, her grandpa would come back to Mondstadt, and see how the division he had once started still kept on serving all of those in the region, be it its citizens or any travelers who happened to be around.

Had it been a few months ago, Amber had truly felt that might never happen, that she would not ever see him again. But after what just had happened? Dvalin, the ever guardian of Mondstadt, had turned on them; she had met a mysterious traveler and his floating companion in what had been a routinely scouting mission; and had found out that Venti, that drunk of a bard that never seemed to have a fill for liquor, was Lord Barbatos? Anything could happen next, and Amber felt as invigorated as ever to keep up her duties for the Outriders.

It was now a little over a week after the whole Dvalin ordeal had finished. Aether had said goodbye, and left for Liyue to continue on his journey. Amber would have loved to have gone with him (perhaps Liyue held a clue or two about the whereabouts of his grandpa), but she still had her duties to fulfill as an Outrider.

Patrolling Mondstadt at night beyond its city walls was one of those many duties. One always had to be on the lookout for Hilirchurl encampments; if they were too close to the city or too large, they would have to be dealt with. Abyss Mages were also a threat, as they were both dangerous and intelligent, the latter trait something that Hillichurls lacked (Amber swears there have been multiple times where a Hillichurls had slept or played with a butterfly while the rest of its encampment was being dealt with, so they either are not smart, or they simply never cared). Or Reckless Pallad needed saving. Again.

All of these were important reasons to go out patrolling, but really the one that Amber cared most about (not to say she did not care for the safety of Mondstadt and its citizens) was the fact that, as a night patrol, there was no real rush to her task. After a day of sprinting and gliding everywhere, where time was of the essence, nothing beat a walk on Starfell Lake or Starsnatch Cliff with the cool, accompanied by the night breeze and the light of the moon. Lamp grass, her favorite flower, also shone only during nighttime, which was an added bonus.

Of course, she was still on duty, so despite enjoying her night strolls, Amber always kept an eye out for danger and her bow ready to be drawn. Tonight was no different, as she walked up one of the many cliffs of Stormbearer Point. She always made a point of walking up to the highest points of them, as they served as great vantage points for the surrounding area (including the reflected moonlight on the ocean horizon!). Once she made it to the end of the cliffside, Amber held her bangs from blowing into her face from the strong breeze and peered to her surroundings.

A fireplace on one of the openings just beneath the cliffside but got her attention. Normally, people camping out in Mondstadt was not uncommon, but it took a strong body and the will of an adventurer to do it in such a far away place and with such rough terrain such as Stormbearer Point. Amber could barely make out the silhouette of a sleeping figure near the fire, but something else glowed near it... 

Amber knew that only one thing glowed and made a perfect sphere. Whoever was sleeping out there was slowly being crept up by an Abyss Mage! Taking note of how the wind blew her hair, Amber took out her Baron Bunny, looked down and closed one eye, taking aim. As she threw the Baron down, she pulled down her goggles, took a few steps back, jumped off the cliff with a leap, and opened her glider. As she slowly fell down, Amber thanked the Archons that the Abyss Mage had been the icy kind. If the glow of its shield had been orange, her only option would have been to pick up the sleeping person and run for it.

Baron Bunny was the first one to land, immediately catching the Abyss Mage’s attention. The Abyss Mage pulled out its Leyline branch wand, and with a twirl and a swing, summoned forth icicles which Baron Bunny took like a champ. After the fourth one, Baron had enough and lit itself into an explosion, taking the Abyss Mage aback and damaging its shield. Now that she had glided down to a safe altitude, Amber put away her glider and lept down with a rain of arrows. The arrows simply bounced off of the Mage’s shield, but in its confusion, Amber took the chance to focus her vision at its highest intensity and with a Fiery Rain, both destroyed the weakened shield and the Abyss Mage alongside with it once its protection were no more.

Amber let out a sigh of relief, thankful that her attack had hit just the right spots to wipe the Abyss Mage in a single volley. The crackling of the fire left by her attack helped Amber’s heart soothe down from the rush of adrenaline her body had just been pumped with, but it quickly skyrocketed again when she heard movement behind her. In a swift motion, Amber lept away, turned around and drew an arrow, only to find a blonde girl in an intricate white getup, with her hands held up in a resigning manner.

“Um, hello?” she quizzically called out with a clear look of confusion on her face.

“Don’t you know it’s dangerous out here? There are monsters everywhere, so away from the city!” Amber put down her bow.

“And also cute girls with fire Visions and trigger-happy bow and arrows.”

The sudden compliment caught Amber off guard. “D-Don’t…!” Amber cleared her throat, she could not be tripping on her words when she had to perform her duties as an Outrider. “Don’t you know I just saved you? You had an Abyss Mage creeping up on you as you slept!”

The stranger looked even more confused until she glanced at the patch of grass behind Amber on fire. “That explains that, then,” she said as she pointed at the blazes. “By the way, your boot is going to catch on fire.”

“Huh?” Amber looked behind her, and in the jump she had instinctively made just now, her foot had landed inside the fire. In the heat of the moment, she barely noticed the heat (the fire resistance provided by her Vision had not helped either), but now fully aware of it, Amber quickly jumped away from the fire and patted her boot down, making sure it had not been set ablaze.

“A-Anyways…!” There she went, tripping on her words again. “It’s dangerous out here! You should come with me to Mondstadt.”

“And… you are…?”

“Oh!” How could she forget, again?! She had completely forgotten to introduce herself in front of Aether about a month ago, and now she was doing it once more. “I am Amber, Outrider for the Knights of Favonius!” Amber straightened her back and did the Favonius salute, fist to her chest.

“Nice to meet you, Amber, Outrider for the Knights of Favonius,” The stranger repeated, putting her hand on her chest too.

“May the Anemo God protect you, stranger.” Well, Amber was planning to do the protection, but it was part of the Knight’s code to say that line.

“Please, call me…” The girl paused for a moment, before nodding to herself. “Ying.”

“Alright… Ying.” Amber was not too convinced with her name, but Ying looked suspicious right from her getup. “You’re not of Mondstadt, are you, Ying? Explain yourself.”

“So inquisitive… is that how things work in this region?” Ying wondered out loud, but before Amber had the chance to answer, she continued. “I’m just a traveler, out to see the worlds. I had heard of a Dragon being sighted in Mondstadt, so I arrived not too long ago to witness it.”

Dvalin? Certainly it had to be Dvalin, very few dragons lived in the modern day. Perhaps news of the Dvalin attacks on Mondstadt had spread across Teyvat, but not of its stop. “Where do you hail from, Ying?”

“Very far away. Further away from what you can see on the horizon.” Ying turned to face the ocean, and the way the moon illuminated her golden hair made her look ethereal, like she came from another world.

“Sounds like a very long trip to come here to Mondstadt.”

“Hmm. Yeah, I guess it took a while. I’ve been traveling for so long that the journeys don’t matter too much, only what’s in the end.” For a moment, Amber could see a hint of sadness in Ying’s eyes.

Now it felt so much harder to tell her that Dvalin had kept to itself in Stormterror’s Lair for weeks now, and that Dvalin only made itself present on rare occasions.

“And what are you doing out here, Miss Outrider for the Knights of Favonius?”

“Amber is just fine. I was simply on a nightly patrol, keeping an eye out for danger and monsters, and saving people from said dangers, like I just did with you! Now, come. We should get you into the city, it’s not safe out here.”

“I think you cleared out all the monsters around her already, Amber. And besides, the Fatui are in the city, no? I… don’t like them.” Ying sighed and sat down near the fireplace. “I’m safer out here than I’ll be in there with them.”

“Well...” Amber knew very well how much more dangerous the Fatui were when compared to some lowly hillichurls or a few Abyss Mages, and the way Ying spoke made Amber feel like she had some reasons to dislike them, just like Collei. “I won’t force you to come, if you really feel that way.”

“Thanks.” Ying offered Amber a smile, one that the Outrider could not take her eyes off of. “And besides, if I ever need to be rescued, the Outrider for the Knights of Favonius will come to the rescue, right?”

Never had Amber felt embarrassed by her own title, but these past few months had been a lot of first times for her. “J-Just be careful out here, okay? I need to get back to my patrols.”

“Right, I’ll keep an eye out, Amber. May the Anemo God protect you too.”

With a salute, Amber bid farewell to the stranger she had just met, and made haste to get back to her patrol route. With her short skirmish with the Abyss Mage long over, why had the adrenaline rush not gone away? If Amber did not know any better, she would say her heart was about to fly out of her chest.

__________________________________________________________

“Did I really call myself Ying... Cute girls will be the end of me…” Ying said to herself as she rubbed the temples of her head. Standing up, she walked up to the burnt grass left by Amber and picked up the Leyline branch the Abyss Mage had left in its demise.

“I wanted to travel alone here, but someone just had to insist they had to come along…” Ying shook her head and pocketed the Leyline branch.

“Aether has made some very cute friends, hasn’t he?”

Now, Lumine just had to get Amber to rescue her again, but how will she do it next time?

[justrandomselfships]

Little steps- my self insert Fic (S/I POV) with a bunch of silly illustrations! Oh did I mention that this involves Kaeya? Well he's the main focus here even though Lisa is mentioned shit ton of times! Might write something for her focus too someday.

I finished it ages ago but I was afraid to post it- I'm not anymore and also✨ it's my birthday ✨

~~

Ever since I joined the knights I decided to write in a diary, it helped me keep track of time. Lisa told me that it can help me in various ways, like for example remembering names of the other knights, or checking my personal progress. Now that I think about it, it was long since I checked my old entries. Nothing interesting happened today anyway so I might as well read some. I don't really remember anything that was going on when I started so I suppose I could refresh my memory.

Today Lisa wanted to introduce me to someone- she probably wanted to help me by looking for training partner for me, however I had to refuse. You probably remember why was that, I got scared of meeting someone new again. I couldn't get that mess on her shoulders when she has so much to do as it is! And there was no way I'd meet them alone it'd be too akward for both of us!

I remember the exact moment I tried to come up with an excuse for future me... It kinda made me giggle how stupid I am sometimes, but let's look at something else...

I've never felt as lonely as I do now, I don’t even know why. I don’t miss anyone nor I ever craved any interactions... But to make that feeling go away I thought about talking to Amber but when I left the house she was talking to Noelle and I got scared to approach them... Instead I decided to sketch something and stay inside for the rest of the day.

I immediately looked at my sketchbook, I don't even have to look inside, I was drawing what's outside my window like always. Maybe I'll find some better memory if I keep looking?

During my patrol I got a bit lost... It was scary... But I wasn't alone, an Adventurer found me... However he got lost too. It was a bit unlucky day since I picked the wrong maps, we also got attacked a few times by monsters. I kinda feel bad for him since he tried his best to cheer me up but I stayed silent. It should've been other way around a knight shouldn't le

Bennett! How could I forget his name when I was writing this? He was such a sweetheart I obviously had to mess it up and make him feel uncomfortable... But I did make up for it! Maybe I'll finally read something positive? I somehow can't remember how exactly that went... Or if I was daydreaming about apologizing?

I decided to bake something for Bennett as thank you and apology for acting so cold towards him. But I had no idea on how to find him... Or what to say... So after thinking for few minutes I decided to talk to Katherine and ask her to give it to him. After "talking" to her I locked myself in my room out of embarrassment, I messed up again. I just said "Bennett" placed my pastries and left. Now I probably won't be able to face her for at LEAST two months.

I cringe at the memory... Gosh now this will keep me up at night for sure... I finally forgot about it and now it'll haunt me.

Wait a second... Did I really not made any progress at all!? I was trying so hard to socialize with others and get out more but I seem to still not be able to do it right. No, it's impossible. I'm good friends with Lisa! So I definitely made any progress... Or is she just so easy to talk to? Time to take a final look at something recent for a change...

Capitan Kaeya Alberich wanted to talk to me outside work... It might not sound like a big deal but somehow I just froze... I wasn't able to respond properly and he probably guessed what I was going to say, not that he ever can't do that... I might be too predictable. Either way I feel bad, my behavior was really disrespectful and I knew better than that to just ignore someone like him. I still have much to learn and I'll need to properly apologize for staying silent.

I only ever failed... There is no mistaking it. Great way to note down progress huh? Too bad there is none.

Think, what do I need to do to finally do better? I am the problem for sure but what do I really need to change? Maybe I should just start observing how others act... After all I never bothered to do that. It might help in one way or another...

Obviously there's only one place where there is a lot of people and I won't look like a total creep if I'll just listen in the conversations and look at random people... It's no other than the tavern. I'm scared to go there alone... But I don't have to!

Lisa would be willing to go right?... Then again I rely on her a bit too much and going out like this could be an opportunity to break the ice with someone else...

Jean is always busy, Amber will be way too distracting and we might end up somewhere else, Eula is too scary, Venti... I don't even know why I'm considering him.

Maybe that offer from capitan Kaeya still stands? It's from bearly 2 weeks ago so maybe if I get lucky and he happens to still be interested, I can actually go...

What am I even thinking!? I didn't even apologize for the last time... But being around so many drunk people is terrifying... However I can't bet on the fact that he won't drink too much... On the other hand he seems to handle people and I'll definitely learn something.

Screw it. It might be scary but I need to do it. Tomorrow I'll ask him! That's for sure! He's the most respectable and trustworthy person who isn't always busy and will not distract me.

~⏳

I'm scared to do it but I have to! I need to... Did I really say that I'm gonna do it today? Or should I just pretend that I never thought of it. He's probably busy today. Yup definitely that no need to feel stressed.

I haven't seen him back at the headquarters nor did I see him around town when I was coming back from my patrol- that's a good sign. It's still pretty early but I don't think that I'll see him today... What a relief!

Before I left the headquarters after finishing some paperwork I hear a voice that belongs to a beautiful librarian I am lucky to be able to call a friend.

"Hey there cutie, are you okay?"

"Just a little bit nervous that's all, nothing new haha"

"Do you need me to pass a message again?"

"No need! It's something I need to say myself..."

"I see..."

"But if you happen to see capitan Kaeya it would be nice if you could tell him that I was looking for him" out of habit I grab my hair and begin to play with it. Lisa's warm soothing voice blessed my ears as she said "No worries darling, I'll let him know" before she left and giggled to herself...

Wait... Oh no.

Why did I say anything!? Is she that magical that I can't say anything but what's on my mind.

If she happens to meet him my request will be unavoidable! Even if I tried thinking of something else Kaeya will know that I'm lying. I can't avoid him either... Can't waste his precious time...

How do I even ask him!? Do I need to change from my work clothes before I go? What should I do...

I didn't realize that I started walking in circles before someone approached me.

"Heather?"

I turn around and see the man I was thinking about all day. Dammit... I have to say it. I can't think of an excuse and staying silent is now unacceptable.

"Oh-uhm... Greetings Capitan Kaeya"

"Lisa informed me that you were looking for me"

"Oh right!... That... Haha..."

"I don't want to rush you, however I do have some business to attend to"

"I'm so sorry! I mean- since you're busy then my silly request is irrelevant"

"Come now, I believe that I should be the judge of that" his smug look made it ever so slightly more challenging to say anything.

"I just... Ugh..." I took a deep breath "Look as you know I was trying to loosen up recently and well I realized that I wasn't making any progress at all. So I remembered that one time you asked me to go to the tavern with you and I refused... I mean ignored you, which I am VERY sorry about but now I think that it was a mistake and today I wanted to ask you to accompany me but since you're busy let's just forget about everything" I felt relieved getting that off my chest.

"I don't think that will do, in fact I was heading towards the tavern so if you really want to I suppose you can join me" Oh right... I forgot about him gathering some information there from time to time. So it might work after all! He won't pay too much attention to me and I could investigate without tons of distractions.

"Let's get going then capitan" I say before he smiles softly in response "Wait do you want to get going now or-"

"Yes" he cut me off, which was fair and I'm glad he did it before I said something dumb.

We're almost there. Before we get closer I suddenly stop.

"That reminds me!" I realized I spoke out loud, as he looked at my direction my confidence dropped dead "I've never actually tried any alcohol so would you be so kind to recommend something for me? I figured that since I'm already getting out of my comfort zone might as well try something new" I said under my breath but he definitely understood what I meant judging by his facial expression and well... response.

"Absolutely" my heart skipped a beat. I desperately tried to start a conversation topic... But choosing alcohol might be something I'll regret...

Kaeya started listing few drinks I could enjoy his words were poetic as he described the beverages, however the names of the drinks went over my head. It wasn't that bad but I just felt stupid over how clueless I was. He definitely knew what he was talking about and I'm more than interested in hearing more. The more he talks the less likely I am to say something I'll regret.

"Obviously since I don't know how much you can handle I won't be forcing you to try too much too soon" he paused "Your father probably wouldn't be happy either if you returned drunk" he said teasingly. It invited me to respond less seriously.

"Oh no! This means that we'll have to do it again, how awful"

"We didn't enter yet so you can feel free to leave now before you regret spending time with me of all people" his voice was now suddenly much more hostile... Did I mess it up!?

He laughed softly "I'm sorry did I go too far? While I don't want to force you to do anything, I won't lie... I'm a bit curious to learn something new about you tonight"

We were still outside standing right in front of the entrance to the tavern if not for chatting we could hear from the inside there would be total silence.

"I'm sorry for being quiet again! It's just that you caught me off guard haha" I look away "There isn't much to know about me so I feel like I'll only disappoint you"

"I'm not so sure about that part"

"Wait... Did my father tell you anything about me!?"

"Look let's just get inside, We'll discuss it later"

Nervously I followed him yet again. The atmosphere was warm and I could see different kinds of people all over the place. We sit down.

"So did he tell you anything?" I ask immediately.

"Relax, he didn't" he seemed amused by my desperation to know. It's understandable... And I'm probably overreacting anyway. I collect my thoughts "I'm sorry"

"What are you sorry for?"

"I'm just making this into some big deal for no reason. Maybe the reason is the huge amount of respect I have for you that makes me freak out"

"I see, well I don't see the reason to be so formal now. We aren't working after all" his soft smile was enough for me to calm down.

"Thank you" Maybe it was all I needed to hear, after that everything went smoothly.

I start feeling proud of myself... Maybe I can change after all? Either way it only shows that I have to write it down! And once I was back home I did just that.

Today I had enough courage to take a step in right direction! I went to a tavern with capitan Kaeya. It was fun and for the first time in years I wasn't that scared. It wasn't totally perfect but it was definitely worth it.

[forever-more-never-again]

A Different Kind of Family

Requested: Anonymous

Word Count: 1737

Warnings: None

Pairing: None

Request: How about a avengers x cast reader where u have to go through the audition process similar to Tom Holland’s and u maybe have a screen test where there’s a portion of the script where it’s either in a different language or you have to do a trick (like Holland lol..) and the Russo’s and stuff are there and u get the part and maybe some first day on set fluff. Maybe a friendly athletic competition between the reader and some of the male cast members and the reader (female) wins... <3

Masterlist

“Sorry!” You yelled back at the woman you had almost tripped, not breaking from your run.

You were so late. So, so late. Your alarm clock had not gone off this morning and you scrambled. You couldn’t miss this audition. Not after your agent had worked so hard to get it for you.

Knowing how much you loved the Marvel Universe.

The doors practically came off their hinges as you burst into the office.

“I’m here!” You panted, leaning over, your hands on your knees as you caught your breath.

“[Y/n] [L/n], I presume?” A scornful woman's voice reached your ears.

Feeling heat in your cheeks, you looked up at the receptionist and saw the dislike on her face.

Dredging up your courage, you walked up to the desk, “Yes. I apologize for being late. Is there any chance that the Directors could see my audition today?”

The woman sighed as if you had asked for the moon, but clicked on her computer before picking up her phone and waiting. Holding up a perfectly manicured nail at you, she pursed her lips.

“Yes. Your Ten o’clock is here at Noon. Do you still wish to-” She was cut off abruptly by whoever was on the other line.

Grimacing, she listened. Her eyebrows pinching together in anger and frustration.

“But sir...Yes. Okay.” Hanging up, she faced you, “Room 213. They’re waiting for you.”

You smiled, not letting her get under your skin, “Thank you.”

Walking down the hallways, you reviewed the script in your head. You had poured over it the past few days until you had it memorized.

Room 213. You knocked politely before clicking the handle and opening the door.

“Hello? I’m [Y/n] [L/n]..is this-?”

Three men turned at your entrance.

“[Y/n]! Thanks for joining us! Your agent only told us great things. Why don’t you get situated up by the screen and we’ll do a quick read-through before we move to the stunts?”

You nodded along to the words, but your attention was on the third man. Chris Evans was standing in front of you, smiling, in a stretched grey t shirt.

“Hello. [Y/n], right?” Chris stretched a hand out towards you.

You shook yourself out of your stupid and reminded yourself to act professionally. Shaking his hand you nodded, “Yup. You’ll be reading with me?”

His laugh was so pure.

“Yeah, Joe and Anthony asked me here today.” He looked over at the two middle aged men sitting behind the table.

“Well...let’s get started. Since I was late. I’m sorry for that…” You bowed your head slightly at the men.

Joe laughed you off, “Nonsense. From what we’ve seen of you onstage and what your agent told us, I think it will be worth the wait. Why don’t you take it from page 16?”

You filed through the pages in your mind until you found the scene he was talking about.

Mulling it over, you nodded and got into position across from Chris Evans.

Captain America:(Looking sternly around the room) Hydra has gone too far this time. Using children as a shield so that we can’t openly attack.

[Character]:(maintain eye contact) I thought I knew what they would do next...It’s my fault we failed the mission.

Captain America:(Walk over, place hand on shoulder) We don’t place blame. You told us what you knew. And it did help.

[Character] walks away, muttering

[Character]: Ich dachte, wir hätten es diesmal (I thought we had them this time)

“Alright, we’ll stop there!” Anthony called out.

You squinted, sure that you had messed up on the translation. You had practiced the German words, but they still felt odd and tough coming out of your mouth.

“Chris!” Joe called the actor over with a wave of his hand and the three men huddled up.

You shifted your weight, wondering if you were done, if you were supposed to leave, or what.

When you decided to leave, and reached the door, the three men broke apart and scanned the room.

“[Y/n]!” Chris was smiling.

You paused, turning back to them. “Thank you for the opportunity to Audition.” You bowed your head again.

“[Y/n].” You raised your head as Joe said your name. He was smiling as well. He shared a look with Anthony before looking at you again, “Welcome to the Marvel Universe.”

It took a moment for his words to register. You bounced, your excitement threatening to break through, “Wait! You mean?”

Chris came over and wrapped his arms around you in a hug, “Welcome to the cast! You got the part!”

~~

Two months later, you were walking onto the set for the first time. Your eyes wide and your whole body practically vibrating with anticipation.

You thanked all that was right in the world that your alarm clock had actually gone off. It wouldn’t do to be late to auditions and the first day on set.

“Hey! You must be [Y/n]! Chris told us about your audition!” A man you recognized from the movies and news walked around cameras to you, a broad smile on his face.

“Hi! Yes, you must be Sebastian.”

The man laughed loudly, “Please, call me Seb! So..you’re going to be playing my Hydra counterpart. You ready?”

You bounced, “Yes! I’m so excited! This is a dream come true!”

“I’ve heard that before.” Another man walked up.

Sebastian pounded his back, causing the man to stumble, “Awe, Come on Anthony, be a little more happy for the new cast mate.”

Anthony smirked at you, “Welcome to hell. Enjoy your stay.”

You couldn’t help the giggle.

“Are you boys trying to taint the newbie already?” Scarlett Johansson walked up to the group, dressed in her black widow outfit.

“Oh my gosh...Scarlett! I’m a big fan!” You held out your hand, shaking the laughing woman’s hand.

“So young and energetic.”

“I see you all met [Y/n].”

You whirled around, “Hi Chris!”

Chris Evans walked over with the rest of the cast with him.

“Everyone, meet [Y/n]. [Y/n] meet...everyone.”

The next few minutes was chaos as people introduced themselves and asked you a million questions.

Your smile was going to break your face if you weren’t careful.

“Alright. Let’s put you to the test.”

You turned with a confused look at Sebastian and Anthony, both were wearing a scary looking smirk.

You hesitated, “A test?”

Seb nodded sagely, “To prove that you belong in the Marvel Universe.”

Now you were more confused, “But..I already got the part…?”

Tom Holland put an arm over your shoulders, glaring playfully at the two grown men, “Don’t fight it, [Y/n]. It’s just them pranking you. You’ll get used to it.”

You nodded. “Alright.”

Anthony paced before you, “I challenge you to beat Chris Evans in a coffee race.”

“A coffee race?”

Chris piped up, smiling, chuckling, “Why me?”

Sebastian ignored him as he took over Anthony, “You two will race to get a specific order that me and Anthony will text to you as soon as you leave here. First to return with the correct order, wins.”

You laughed, “This is just your way of getting free coffee...isn't it?”

Tom Holland laughed beside you, “My first time on set, they had me run and buy a carrot cake. This is most definitely them trying to get free coffee.”

You thought it over, then shrugged. Turning to Chris, you outstretched your arm for a handshake, “May the best cast member win.”

Chris shook your head, flexing his muscles a little to show off, “Oh, you’re on.”

Soon bets were being placed, money exchanging hands.

Anthony and Sebastian pulled out their phones.

Anthony yelled out, “Ready! Set! Go!”

You took off with a laugh. Racing out. You knew the perfect coffee shop. It was a block away, you had scooped it out earlier that week.

Chris ran in a different direction, but you couldn’t focus on where he was going.

Your phone dinged with an incoming message and you read the text.

[Unknown] 9:58am: Your order is a Caramel Macchiato, Venti, Skim, Extra Shot, Extra-Hot, Extra-Whip, Sugar-Free. Good luck :)

You smirked.

Bursting into the cafe. You startled the barista. A young teen.

Running to the counter, you laughed, “Sorry! I’m in a race and I have to order this.” You showed the kid your text message.

He got a knowling gleam in his eye and smiled at you. “Well let’s make sure you win then. Stacy! Veronica! Get up here and help!” He yelled to the backroom.

Two young women walked out and once you explained to them what was going on, they were full of laughter and rushing around the machines to get your drink done.

Only ten minutes had gone by when your drink was presented to you, two paper cups to prevent you from burning yourself.

“Thanks! I’ll tell you guys how it goes if I see you later!” You yell back as you run out of the cafe.

Breathing hard, you burst back onto set, hand holding the coffee outstretched. “Got it!”

Everyone had been standing around talking. They froze and turned to you, shocked, “How did you get back so fast? Did you drive?” Anthony asked, suspiciously.

You shook your head, right as the door banged open behind you and a sweaty Chris Evans ran in, covered in spilled coffee.

“[Y/n]?” He asked, surprised to see you there already.

You muffled a giggle, “What happened to you?” A giggle slipped out.

Chris sighed, “I spilt the first cup, so I had to run back and reorder it.”

Sebastian walked forward, taking the cup from you, “Which Cafe did you go to?”

You waved in the general direction, “The one on the street a block over. It’s pretty small. I nearly missed it when I was exploring earlier this week.”

Everyone shared confused looks, “There’s a cafe that close and you guys never realized it?” You asked, realization dawning on you.

You started laughing, and soon everyone else joined in.

“Well. Thanks [Y/n]. You won me fifty bucks!” Tom Holland patted your back as he headed towards the set.

“Alright guys! We’re ready for you!” Anthony and Joe Russo yelled.

“Welcome to the Marvel Universe, kid. It’s a different kind of family...but it’s a good one.” Chris smiled at you.

FOREVER Taglist:(Strike through means I couldn’t tag you)

@sxph-t @mialeelavellan @rainydaysrnevergrey  @platonic-plots @sociallyawkwardcircus-freak-hi @ayyidkeither @mcuimxgine @mythixmagic @chas-z @thefridgeismybestie @strangersstranger

Avengers Taglist:

@jadepc

[tisfan]

Ooohh holiday prompts! Either 'invitation' or 'parade' for Winteriron please!

“Hey,is this Bucky Barnes, from Bucky’sBroken-heart Blog?” the voice onthe phone was chipper, excited, and spoke as if the guy had drunk entirely toomany venti frappes in a row.

Bucky held his cell phone away fromhis ear for a moment to glare at the screen. What the hell? Okay, so his phonenumber technically was listed in the bio section of his blog, but who the fuckever looked at that, and for that matter, why the hell was someone calling himabout his blog? Most people who bothered to call him were bill collectors andhis mom.

“Yes?” Bucky said.

“You sound uncertain,” the mansaid. “You answer ‘how to get over your ex’ letters on the internet?”

“Yes,” Bucky said, again. That muchwas true, he did do that. It had started as a joke, really, him screaming intothe void about his journey to get over Alexander Pierce, and then later makingdark humor jokes about his ex, and then later, answering self-help sort ofquestions from other people with similar problems.

He’d ended up being able tomonetize bitching about Alex in a public forum, and somehow, that had ended upbeing the best revenge ever.

“This is Tony Stark, DJ with WBAC,the Wayback FM, 98.3 on your dial for your smiles,” the man said, “and I’d loveto have you come in for an interview on our morning show, for the localcommute… we’d compensate you for your time, of course.”

Bucky held the phone out again,stared blankly. “Did I get an invitation to do a radio show? Is that what thisis?” Did people even listen to the radio anymore? Bucky was a Pandorasubscriber, and his friend Steve was constantly arguing that Spotify was betterif you liked Indie bands. (Bucky didn’t, really. He liked music that he wasfamiliar with, so he could just tune it into the background and sing, insteadof having to look up lyrics online – and while he was thinking about it, hefelt bad for people who used to listen to the radio before the internet, andmaybe he should be jotting these things down, because music was a big thing inboth relationships and post-relationships, and there were certain songs he’dlistened to after Alex proved himself to be a cheating bastard of a boyfriend…and maybe he should pay attention, because the guy on the phone was asking ifthe call had been dropped.)

“Sorry,” Bucky said. He wasn’t,really. Who the hell talked on the phone these days, either? “I got lost in myown thoughts.”

“Oh, well, that happens to the bestof us. Anyway, come on down to the studio – is Wednesday two weeks fromtomorrow too early –” pause “–great, we’ll do that, Wednesday at 6am, andwe’ll work you in. Compensation, I said that, right? Write you a check and feedyou donuts. Great! See you then!”

Bucky sighed. Apparently he wasdoing a radio interview. At least he probably didn’t have to dress up.

Turned out that Tony Stark, themorning DJ, was actually pretty funny, even if Bucky resented the fuck out ofhaving to get up early in the morning to listen to the show. (What the fuckeven was morning? He was a blogger for fuck’s sake. He didn’t do mornings!)He and his co-host, Pepper Potts, did a rapid patter that was entertaining andslick. And, a point in the station’s favor; they didn’t do the typicaldumb-guy, smart-girl routine. In the days that Bucky managed to wake up enoughto listen to the show, Pepper definitely came across as the sane host, and Tonywas the crazy guy who was up for anything, but neither of them wascondescending to the other, even in jest.

Tony did have a group of excitablefans that called themselves the Tony Stark Defense Squad; every day that Buckylistened, at least one of them called in to the show, usually to gush about anevent Tony had attended, or how sweet, smart, and brave Tony was. There wassome history there that Bucky wasn’t getting, obviously.

And there were no punch-down jokes,which Bucky appreciated. He’d had his entire sexuality made out as a punchlinefor a lot of his life, so not hearing any cracks on women, gays, people ofcolor, etc, made him pretty happy. (Well, as happy as he could be at seven inthe damn morning. Tony better have quality donuts. And coffee.)

By the time Bucky was ready to goon the show, he had to admit, he kinda had a little bitty crush on Tony Stark.Which was entirely doomed, he knew that. Everyone had heard the phrase “a facefor radio” and Tony probably didn’t look anything like what Bucky wasimagining. And, of course, the real Tony probably wasn’t much like radio Tony,even like Bucky wasn’t entirely like his blog persona.

The one who had his life togetherand who dared to give advice as if he was qualified for it. But whenever hisreaders wrote to tell him how much just having someone that listened, andcared, about their heartbreak, helped them, he couldn’t give it up. No matterhow much of a faker he felt he was.

He arrived at the station, day ofthe interview, a little early. He wouldn’t confess under threat of torture thathe’d mapped out his route twice on google maps, and had made the drive once,just to make sure. Bucky didn’t usually… go places. He had his routine downthat included getting a local service to deliver his groceries (he bought wayless Twinkies if he didn’t walk past the display, not to mention chips andstring cheese.) and going out maybe twice a month to anyplace that wasn’tClint’s house, or Steve’s place, or sometimes he did things with Nat when shedecided he needed some sort of cultural exposure, but she always drove for that.

“Hey,” Bucky said to thereceptionist, a skinny kid with a large nametag that read Peter.“I’m James Barnes, I’m here for–”

“Yeah, yeah, Mr. Barnes, I know,I’ve been waiting for you, thank God you’re here, Mr. Stark’s been climbing thewalls, well, you know, not literallyclimbing the walls, but… let’sget you down to the white room and we’ll do some quick publicity shots whileyou’re still fresh. Mr. Stark tends to frazzle people, so just– yeah, thisway, come on…”

Peter led Bucky down the hall to aroom with a huge light-box. A woman with a comb and a makeup kit did a fewquick adjustments before Peter shooed her away with a “photoshop is a thing!”admonishment. He took a few dozen pictures, headshots, and dynamic poses andthen had Bucky jump into the air a few times to get “action” shots.

Bucky was panting for breath and alittle sweaty by the time Peter directed him to Studio Four. Of course. He wasabsolutely not at his best when he was introduced to the most beautiful manBucky had ever seen.

Why the hell was this guy a radiodisc jockey? He could have been a movie star. Perfect face, gorgeous hair,adorable little goatee. And oh, holy fuck, when he turned around to introduceBucky to the co-host, Pepper, Bucky’s gaze was drawn down to the most beautifulass in history. Like, there should be a monument to that backside.

Pepper, when she shook Bucky’shand, smiled, her eyebrows up, as if she knew exactly what Bucky was thinking.And didn’t exactly disapprove.

“Welcome to the morning show,” shesaid. “Sit down, I’ll get you a donut. Here, look over this list, Tony’s selecteda bunch of breakup songs to play around your interview, let me know if any ofthem are triggering for you, and I’ll strike it off the list. We’ll be on afive minute delay during the interview, so if there’s a question you’reuncomfortable with, or something you don’t want to talk about, just say so, andwe’ll delete that. We’re here to promote you, and entertain our listeners, notmake anyone unhappy.”

“Does everyone around here drinkhigh octane?” Bucky whined, just a little bit plaintive. There was way too muchawake and go-go-go for this early in the morning.

“Yes, yes, we do. Coffee is awonderful thing, divine invention and all that,” Tony said. He pressed a cupinto Bucky’s hand. “And here’s yours. I don’t know how you like it, but we’vegot all the fixings back here. And you’ll sit there; chocolate donut okay? Ofcourse it is, what kind of heathen doesn’t like chocolate, well, aside fromPep, but she’s every sort of heathen, so that answers that question.”

“Yeah, okay, chocolate, yeah, that’s…you’re fine, I’m–”

Tony smirked. “I know I’m fine,” hesaid, winking. “You’re not so bad yourself. Next time, warn a guy, like wow. Iwas expecting a little more basement dweller, little less underwear model.”

“Tony,” Pepper said, shoving herco-host playfully. “Do not flirt with him.”

Tony pouted, giving Pepper, andthen Bucky, an enormous set of brown bambi eyes. Bucky could absolutely havedrowned in those eyes. “Why not? He’s cute. I want one.”

“Well, you can’t have one,” Peppersaid, firmly. “He’s a guest, stop bothering him.”

“I don’t get an opinion, here?”Bucky asked. He couldn’t help grinning. It’d been a while since anyone flirtedwith him at all, much less someone as knock-out gorgeous.

“See? See, it’s fine, we’re fine,come on, interview first, flirt later. Flirt during. Something. We’ll figure itout.”

Bucky nodded. “Yeah, okay. Flirtduring. That’ll be good. I’m off my game here, so by all means, let’s get meall flustered during my first official live broadcast.”

Pepper laughed. “Okay, you’ll dogreat. And I’ll just… stay out of the way.”

Tony flicked a switch in the boothand Little Mix’s Shoutout to my Excame on. “Good lead in, don’t youthink?”

“Sure,” Bucky said.

“Great. Sit down, get comfy, andwe’ll get started,” Tony said. 

[jasminwiniarski]

1st bean interview

Established

With Mark Ashbridge and Bridie (Bridgeen) Barbour

Mark and Bridie opened Established together back in December 2013, in Cathedral Quarter Belfast. The premise for opening the coffee shop was around feeling that there wasn’t any really great specialty coffee focused cafés in Belfast. Having a passion for coffee, customer service and food, and being stuck with the idea for a while, they decided it was time to open the coffee shop that they felt they needed themselves.

Did you learn the craft before you opened the coffee shop or as you went along?

A little bit of both. They brew coffee at home, and they met back in 2004 when they were both working in Starbucks. They’ve worked separate jobs after that, but the working in a coffee shop gave them some training around being aware of coffee origins and the service aspect with putting systems and processes in place. 

“Ultimately you always just pushed a button and got a coffee.”

Mark had a passion for what was happening beyond just pressing the button.

Brewing coffee at home was the main learning curve over the next few years. This included watching videos, reading blogs and visiting forums where people were just nerding-out about coffee.

At the end of 2012 it was decided: “next year, let’s make it our goal to actually open this café.”

This led Mark to put himself in the Irish Barista Competition back in December 2012. As he was working an office job at the time, he didn’t have the hands on experience with an espresso machine as he never had one at home.

“I need something to drive me to learn or even to make me learn and that seemed like a good way to do it”

He watched a few Barista competitions online, then just threw himself straight into it. He started phoning friends who had cafés and just reached out to people in general asking if he could use their coffee machine for an afternoon or after they closed just to get a bit of practice.

He finished 4th in the Irish Barista Championship in 2013.

That gave him a little foot in the door in the coffee competitions world.

He then won the Irish Aero Press Championship a few months later. 

He then went on to Melbourne to the world Aero Press Championship that year and he finished 4th. 

“4 was the magic unlucky number that year” 

But it was really fun and a big learning experience.

It was an unorthodox way of learning, but that way he got to meet people from all over the place. Coffee Angel, Roasted Browne and 3fe to name a few. That’s where he also got to work for a few hours. The big problem at the time was that there were no places like this in Belfast.

“Going down the rabbit hole”, it’s a very 21st century approach. 

What does your favourite cup of coffee look like?

“Black and well extracted.” He answered without hesitation, “There’s so much that has to come together to make a great cup of coffee that it’s hard to put it into one thing.” He added.

He’s not a big fan of flat whites, as it’s not what he was brought up with at home. Coffee for him is what his parents introduced him to at home. Always filtered, freshly ground coffee, hot water,  freshly brewed. Understanding roast levels. Well roasted coffee, then well brewed.

“Filtered coffee is kind of my big thing, and I’m often dissatisfied with coffees that I make and we make at home”.

Mark’s coffee journey started at home, and so did mine. 

There was always this social aspect to coffee, do you see this going away, now that people work on their laptops from coffee shops?

This is the part where Bridie joins the conversation.

“It’s a bit of everything and that’s what we’re trying to provide, always trying to have that little bit of everything.” Especially with Belfast being so small, you can’t really target just one specific customer type.

Working in their own café they noticed how diverse their client base is, both age and career wise.

At the very start it’s a battle, you want as many people to come in as possible and if the café is empty that’s a huge barrier for the customer. From the business point of view you want a diverse base of customers, that’s the whole point of coffee. You come in for a cup and might end up having a conversation with a total stranger. It’s the service element, both of them assure me that they are chatter boxes and are very happy to do that. “the café feels at it’s best when everyone chips in, customers and staff”

They’ve been really lucky to see little families grow, you start with a woman coming in for a cappuccino every day and then she orders a decaf for the next few days, children that’ve grown up there. “We have so many loyal customers from all different types of backgrounds, and that’s something we never want to lose, it’s what created the environment in there.”

“what we do is serving great coffee, with great food and they do it with great service., who does that not appeal to?”

They worked really hard from the service perspective to make sure that people were comfortable, wether they know much about coffee or not. The staff is ready to start a conversation with you if you want to find out more about coffee, but they are not patronising you. But no matter what, the customer will get good coffee. 

Mark and Bridie spend a lot of time in coffee shops themselves, especially when they travel. 

“it’s the first place you go to”

When people say they love coffee, everyone has their own little routine, their own idea of what coffee is, whether that’s someone who puts two teaspoons of instant coffee instead of one, or orders a venti white chocolate Mocha with cream, or Kebele Konga from Ethiopia brewed in a v60. Those are 3 different things, but they’re all coffee. And you can’t say to someone that no they don’t really love coffee because they put too much sugar in theirs or because they don’t drink it black. 

A lot of their customers drink black americanos in the morning because that bitter taste is what their association is in the morning time before they go into work. And established totally appreciates that that’s what you want to drink. They understand people’s preferences and their little morning routines.

Their routine in the morning is to drink black filtered coffee.

looking at other people’s habits and understanding them, like some people want to talk in the morning, others don’t and you some people don’t want to to look at them in the eye. And that’s the service they want to provide, looking at people individually and how they drink their coffee, they’re just happy that they picked them and put that trust into them that they’re getting the coffee they want to drink with a good service along the way.

It was a bit of a shock to people when they first opened, especially since there used to be another coffee shop down the street that was charging 90p for a coffee. People started coming in out of curiosity for a cup or two. 

“And amazingly after they drank coffee with us 2 or 3 times when they back to the other place and you see them walk past with a cup from the other place, but then they’ll come back in and you joke that you saw them with the other cup and they say ‘i can’t drink that anymore, like you’ve ruined me.’” 

That became their little thing that they want to ruin people from bad coffee. They don’t judge people for what they drink but you can’t go backwards. When you’re used to drinking 3£ wine and then you go out and buy a £20 one it’s over. 

It’s one of those things with coffee, you can’t go backwards.

[fandomfictions-journal]

to introduce this. im Fandom Fiction, or Conf. I usually go by the latter. This is, my ‘writing shitdump’. Nothing here is tagged, nothing will ever be linked to this. If someone finds it, dear god, but like, you had to dig so good job. Or you stumbled into it and have no idea what im on about. Tumblr is a weird place. but i digress. 

Ill begin with saying this is gonna be depressing as fuck cause its meant to just be where i dump/ramble about shit to get it off my chest to maybe help myself get over things. so fuck it. your warned. 

im conf. i work a midnight shift stocking at walmart, and im a fan of almost everything, i say that not exaggerating. yogscast, rooster teeth, a lot of anime and tv shows, cartoons like adventure time, rick and morty, all kind of shit. im into every fandom in at least a small way. 

i used to pride myself in being easy going and care free, but well, b ythe paragraphs above you can probably guess thats all gone tits up. i started playing on a mianite fan server after binging 40 hours of streams in 3 days. there i met someone ill just call Red. no relation to name or usernames. we were put in some tough spots together due to some shit that went down story wise, with us robbing the most powerful players in the server of over 800 hours of grinded items. these tight spots facilitated a need for direct communication, so we started skyping and shit and talking for like 10 hours a day. that kind of lead to us both getting crushes on one another but we were too dumb to say anything. 

i let it sit too long and she moved on, which fucked me up a lot, but fuckin life so i tried moving on too. thats when i met someone ill call Ears, again no relaion to name or username. she had a crush on me that i didnt know about for ages cause im dense as fuck, but eventually with help from Red she set up an elaborate item hunt to reveal it to me, and we started dating. was awesom, i was starting to feel like my old self again, we talked for 10-ish hours a day every day for almost 9 months straight, we never fought, we always got along and had the same interests and sense of humor. 

i was going through a rough patch because my grandma died, and i stopped talking to her at all for around a month. i was just not interested in anything at all for that time, games, youtube, movies, anything. we started talking again, but i had a feeling things were just, not going well. i found out she had erped with a few people, which, we played on an RP server so its like, all IC and its multiplayer lego so who cares, but it kind of ate at me. i convinced myself it was stupid and trivial an that i had no right be to upset over it, which was a bad move, it made things so much worse. i kept up the act mostly though, acting like i was fine. but it all went to shit at once, she broke up with me out of the blue (it felt like), a bunch of friends destroyed all my work and left, telling me to kill myself and shit repeatedly, everythign just fell apart. 

i held on, rebuilding more out of spite than anything, but once that wore off i was just left kind of mechanical. i did my usual things, continued working o nthe server, but it was hollow. i stayed that way for about 6 months, but eventually Ears came back, she had genuinly missed me and wanted to get back together aftersome time just talking and being social again. i had internalized too much shit over the last 8 months though, i was a bit of a wreck. i kept up the illusion of happiness still, but i could never make myself break down and tell her.

i finally did start to really let it g othough. my constant doubts about not being good enough, or that shewould leave again faded until i had convinced myself everything was back to how it had been. then of course life has to come in and kick me in the dick. she left me again, it wasnt as bad this time though, we are still friends even now, though i still cant make myself open up about any of this. but it was like the rug was pulled out from under me as i was just getting my footing. and it fucking sucks. 

its been another 6 motnhs and im still, a mess. normally with these things, its in waves. so ill be depressed then fine then depressed then fine etc. it slowly gets better. this time its kind of just, slowly gotten worse to the point that im like, really fucking bad off. i cant hold conversations for more thn a few minutes, i space out, i dont eat, or sleep.. the only thing ive eaten in the last, 50 hours ish, is a small bowl of reheated chicken noodle and 3 hershey’s kisses. 

every time istart feeling better i randomly just become even worse than i was before, ive like, thought about how i could probably OD on ibuprofen and nobody would find me for a day or so.  had to put real effort into, not..

i just, wanted to... do this because i feel like putting things out there in writing can help. can make it feel like ive vented even if noboy hears. i can just scream into the void and fucking hope it works. or some edgy shit. 

ive got no motivation to do literally anything so im like fucking willing to try literllally fucking anything. 

fuck me, thats the story so far. catchy upy venty bullshit. i just want to go back to how i was before. cause fuck this this sucks. 

-conf 

[eirikaanemo]

My Celebrity Childhood Friend

Warnings: minor character death, sad feels

Venti x GN!Reader

2k Words

Many years ago, when you were eight years old, you had two very close friends. Their names were Venti and Himmel. The three of you did everything together. You were very close. All of you thought your friendship would be forever and that you would always be close. But, unfortunately, that's not what happened.

One day you and Venti received the news that Himmel had passed away. It was really difficult for both of you to accept the reality of his death, grieve, and move on with your lives. In the end, you couldn’t even help each other. Spending time together only reminded you of how Himmel wasn’t there anymore.

Eventually Venti just couldn’t take it anymore. So his family moved out. Losing Himmel had hurt, but losing Venti too reopened the almost healing wound in your heart. He didn’t even say goodbye because he thought he’d chicken out if he did. And so there you were, friendless, hurt, and feeling very, very alone.

Your only solace was in practicing the piano. The three of you had all been learning instruments and playing together before. The idea was to become a band of sorts together and play music professionally. Himmel played violin, Venti played guitar, and you played piano. Playing the piano was all you had left of them, so you continued playing and practicing it.

Years pass and you move on as much as you can. You make new friends and try new things. Piano is still important to you but you do new things now too. But even with all of this, there’s a part of you that left with Venti and Himmel. The hurt in your heart is no longer a gaping wound. Yet the pain has never truly gone away.

Then one day you hear a familiar voice on the radio. That voice and guitar combo sounded very familiar. It was a good song and you enjoyed listening to it, but you just couldn’t get the feeling of familiarity out of your mind. However, once the radio host introduced the song, you immediately understood. “And that was Soaring Bird by The Bard. Venti really did himself proud on this one…,” they continued, but you were no longer listening.

Venti was on the radio! What could this mean? You hurriedly took out your phone and ran a search. There he was, Venti, also known as The Bard, is a singer/songwriter who rose to fame after a stint on a television talent show a couple months ago. Well, what do you know? Your childhood friend has followed your childhood dream.

Part of you feels left behind, but you accepted that had happened years ago. So instead you decided to be supportive! Suddenly you have a new favorite singer and you just have to have all his albums. Physical copies, so you can display them. Your bedroom walls are covered with posters.

You now have more The Bard themed t-shirts than you have regular shirts. There’s a concert of his you can go to? You’re there. You promote him with everyone you know. If you hadn’t converted your friends to the truth of Venti supremacy they probably would have gotten sick of your antics by now. Instead they’re almost as invested as you are.

When he finally releases a new album you are thrilled. It’s been almost a year since he released his last one and you’ve been starving for new content. You are first in line to the store to buy the album and listen to it as soon as possible. Track one through four are fantastic and you enjoy them a lot! But then track five starts to play.

It’s more melancholy and nostalgic than other songs he has written. And then you hear the words. The words touch your heart, soothing and healing some of the pain that has remained. At the end he takes a moment to dedicate it to his childhood friend, to you. Not by name, but you know what he means by “my old childhood friend”. You’re tearing up.

I’m sorry I was too blind to see

That you were suffering as much as me

You were left behind, I was moving on

And you were left to carry on

It wasn’t right, it wasn’t fair

That I chose to just leave you there

We’re not really close now, are we

But I just want to say I’m sorry

You listened to it over and over again, crying in your room. Maybe it was stupid but that was something you didn’t even know you’ve been wanting to hear for years. Knowing that he felt bad about leaving you behind and hearing an apology from him meant the world to you.

And it just so happens that the song he dedicated to you is your friends’ new favorite song. If they didn’t know about your history with him before, then they sure know now. You’re still struggling to not cry every time it plays. Sure, maybe some of your dirty laundry was now being aired all around the world. But that wasn’t important.

What was important was that your heart was finally able to heal. You were truly able to feel happy again, for the first time since you were eight years old. Life had color again. There was more of a bounce to your step. Your friends noticed that your smiles even seemed more real now.

So when you learned that Venti would be doing an album signing event, you just knew you had to go. And you knew just which album you wanted to have signed. Now all you could think about was getting the album signed. How would he react to seeing you again? Would he recognize you? You really hope he does. It would really hurt if he doesn’t.

All of a sudden you’re now worrying if this is a good idea at all. Your friends managed to convince you to go, but you were really close to not going at all. And even now that you’re here at the signing you’re half considering running away. But instead you steel your courage and get in line.

You try not to think about it as the line slowly creeps forward. Making small talk with those around you in line might help, but you’re too nervous to even try social interaction. You’re twentieth in line, then tenth, then fifth, then second. Now it’s your turn and you approach the table he’s sitting at to sign the albums.

He’s wearing a white button up shirt, green slacks, and a green beanie with a flower on it. He’s dyed the tips of his braids teal and wears some light makeup to bring out the color of his eyes. You suddenly feel very underdressed as you anxiously walk up and hand him the album.

“Hi Venti,” you say softly. “It’s good to see you again.” He looks up sharply and freezes for a second, wide eyed. “Oh my gosh!” He exclaims, jumping up out of his seat. “It’s so good to see you again! It’s been so long!” You smile, feeling more comfortable and sure of yourself now that you know he recognizes you.

Someone behind him clears their throat and sits back down. “I can’t really talk right now,” he admits, sheepishly. “We don’t want to hold up the line, but hold on a sec.” He opens the album and scribbles something on the inside of the opaque cover. “That’s my number,” he whispers quietly to you. “Text me later, okay? I’ll get back to you when I can.”

You nod and move on, only realizing he didn’t actually sign the case until you were down the hall from where he was signing. Laughing a little, you sit down on a bench and pull out your phone. That was such a Venti-like thing for him to do. Sometimes he would get so excited that he’d forget what he was supposed to be doing.

Opening your texting app, you typed in his number and sent him a message.

You: Hi! Is this the right number? I’m the one you wrote song number five about.

It took a couple hours for him to reply. Which is very understandable considering how he was probably signing albums for a while.

Venti: Yes! This is the right number! It’s so good to hear from you again :)

Venti: And I’m so glad you heard that song

Venti: I really am sorry about leaving like that

You: I won’t lie and say that it’s fine, because it really hurt that you left like that

You: But I really appreciate your song that you wrote for me. I cry every time I hear it

Venti: Oh no! I didn’t mean to make you sad :(

You: Happy tears, Venti. They’re all happy tears

Venti: Oh, okay, that’s good :)

Venti: Want to come eat lunch with the staff and me?

Venti: They’re all really curious about you

Venti: The mysterious childhood friend I wrote a whole song about

You: Sure! How do I find you?

Venti: You don’t! Where are you? I’ll send someone to pick you up ;)

You send him your location and wait around for someone to come pick you up. After a while a nicely dressed woman approaches you and gestures for you to follow her. She leads you to a car and drives you to a restaurant. A waiter takes you to one of the closed off rooms for group events.

Approximately two seconds after the door is closed, you are hug tackled to the floor. Venti cheerfully cheers your name right into your ear. You grumble good naturedly and swat at him until he laughs and gets off you. He offers his hand, you take it, and he helps you stand up. Some chuckles from the staff tell me they’re just as amused as he is by the situation.

This sets the tone for your lunch. It’s lighthearted and you have a great time getting to know each other again. He introduces the staff and they admit they’ve been curious about his childhood friend he wrote a song about. You enjoy eating lunch with them a lot, and all of you are disappointed when you have to go.

You continue to chat as long as you can while preparing to leave. As you’re gathering your stuff to go, you come across the album that he never actually signed. “Oh yeah,” you laugh. “Venti, you never actually signed my album!”

“Whoops! I’ll sign that right now.” He declares. “Though I must admit that I feel a little awkward signing stuff for you.” Finishing writing with a flourish, he hands the album back to you. “But I guess I better get used to it,” he continues. “You better bring the rest of the albums next time!”

Your smile is so bright that he has to squint for a moment.. “I’m looking forward to it already.” You say. “See you later?” He beams right back. “Yep! I’ll let you know the next time we can meet up!”

The grin stays on your face all the way home.

You meet up whenever you can after that, though your schedules don’t always match up enough to allow it. Video calls are common when he goes on tour. It’s like the two of you never split. And eventually your friendship becomes something more.

“Hey, could I ask you a question?” Venti asks you over a video call one night. He’s acting a little funny, nervous with a dash of hope and excitement. “Would you like to go out with me sometimes? Like a date?” You chuckle, amused. “Venti, you’re on tour right now. It’s not like we could go out to dinner or something.”

“You’re right that we can’t go out to dinner together, but we could eat at the same time over a video call! I’ll even call and order food for you or something!” Venti plans. “Sure,” you agree. “I think I’d like that.” He pumps his fist in the air. “Yes!” He shouts. “I’m gonna make this the best long-distance date ever!”

And so he does.

[opepin]

may: week one

01: it was an interesting morning. i worked out in the yoga studio today because hillary and daniel were sleeping in the living area. i finished my hip hop cardio and when i started my hiit workout, a lady came in to spin and she just watched me suffer LOL. i made it though! then i showered and started my work day. i just needed to mentally prepare myself and write some notes to prepare myself for my customer call. phil was not going to be on it so i was pretty much solo. i think i did alright though. hillary and daniel packed and left before my call and then later, hillary told me that they missed their flight because spirit moved up the flight time and they had to catch tomorrow’s -__-” wtf spirit? i started doing laundry so it’s a good thing i didn’t wash their towels yet! i did start washing the bedsheets and pillowcases though. meh. haha. i think they can sleep with the sofa pillows and without the sheet for one night, right? x__x;

my day was very chill and when they came back, daniel and hillary took my car to fat cat and i got on my standup. they left me some cajun fries, which were sooo delicious. i snacked and talked to hillary while daniel fell asleep on the couch. hillary eventually fell asleep and then i went back to work. kevin came back and then we talked a bit before daniel and hillary woke up. daniel took like a 3 hour nap. damn. bae and i went to the yoga studio and she did cardio kickboxing with me. right after the workout, she downed a ton of water O_O” haha. kevin was cooking oyakodon at this time while daniel was watching dota streams in the apartment. we came back, ate, chatted, and then hillary and daniel did dishes while me and kevin went back on our computers. he gamed and i did a bit of work before showering, making the bed together, and me sleeping at around 11 pm. zzzzz. it was a nice chill day with the bae and phanpy :)))

02: i took it “easy” and did very little jumping during my morning exercise. then i washed up, ate breakfast, and said good bye to hillary and daniel! :) they were awake but still a little sleepy haha. i sat at john’s desk for the morning and was anxious to see when he would come in and felt a tad bit bad that he had to sit at my desk for a bit. i happened to be in a call when he came in and needed to talk to steve. x__X; we went to tenoch and i got a pollo torta. it was better than last time so i think tenoch is a bit better than i had initially thought. steve and haowei really liked it. i was very productive today and cole helped me set up actions in photoshop to fix something very tedious that i had to do. it was luls seeing him use photoshop though. i finished all of my work at around 4:40 pm and then took it easy until 5 pm. i walked to cvs with cole on the way to south station and i introduced him to all-dressed ruffles! apparently, they are a flavor in the east coast that’s here to stay ahha. he really liked them. boo yah!

i took the train home and then ate fruit and decided to gorge myself on snyder’s honey mustard pretzel pieces T_T it was a terrible choice because i ended up with a stomach ache and it was a bit harder to do my ab workout. i showered and then i made dinner. kevin came back, i played some bravely default and finished the episode of reign i watched while daniel and hillary were here, he cooked some veggies, and then we ate dinner without watching tv. it’s been an eventful weekend and start of the week so we needed to reset a bit. it was a fun weekend though with bae and phanpy <3 kevin gamed and i went to sleep at around 11:30 pm. i wasn’t sure if i was going to work from home -- my heart rate has increased these past few days so i might be a bit sick or getting sick? or maybe i’m stressed? i think the true cause is that i’ve been working out a bit too much with not enough rest. so it’s a toss up of whether or not i’m gonna feel up to it in the morning. 

03: it was such a nice morning T_T the weather seemed great outside but my body was super sore and my stomach was not feeling too hot. i decided to work from home. i also skipped on my morning workout because everything was sore basically. i’m taking it sort of easy today in terms of working out. i started my morning by watching the latest episode of jane the virgin and then woke up kevin. then he left for work and i did some work~ i spent the day moving around and splitting my 30 minute workout that i was supposed to have in the morning, into 15 minute sessions. it was a pretty chill day again because i’m kind of in between projects but a lot of new things are gonna happen for me in design mainly so i’m excited about that. i did a 25 minute dance routine to keep my exercise pretty light today and then showered and made rice and defrosted shrimp. when kevin came back from work, we went outside to chill in the courtyard. i played bravely default and he read a book on his kindle. it got chilly so we went back inside after finishing the grapes we brought out with us. 

then we chilled some more and kevin started cooking. i grinded so hard today. i’m now level 84 and i bought the golden egg and golden whatever it was so i get more job points and exp. we ate dinner while watching some gordon ramsey videos and then we basically wrestled for a bit because he said i made too little rice and was complaining about it and i said he eats too much and then he said i was trying to starve him LOLOL. i got real worked up and then calmed down, gamed, got ready for bed, and went to sleep at around 11 pm. zzzz.

04: i woke up pretty tired today but i did my workout and i wasn’t exhausted from it like i usually am? woot for progress! the video that i followed was one of the ones i had to pause at 3 sets and then continue with the last one, but now i can do it all in one go! after that, i showered, ate cereal and toast and then went on my way to work. i felt pretty dead though so i don’t know if it’s still because i’m not resting? or if it’s something else??? i haven’t been sleeping well again... even though i’m sleeping earlier, waking up earlier, exercising earlier, etc. @_@; it might be kevin’s gaming that’s disturbing my sleep now or maybe i should stop going on my phone right before bed...ahhh, i don’t know -- i’ll test it out. sigh. i thought this was going to be better; i mean, it is in a way but i want this to help balance my life out.

the day was pretty busy and i got a headache because of the new project i’m working on. i forgot how tedious it is to sort through a bunch of unorganized data... well, kind of organized but not organized on a super clean level. i had a bunch of mini chats with mathew about both of our projects -- we helped each other out. i took a walk after eating lunch and then went back to work. cole had to vent a bit so when he was done with his last meeting of the day, we headed to starbucks and he vented and got a venti chai, which he demolished even before we got back to the office o_o he also kindly got me the honey chocolate that’s in starbucks right now. i’m so glad i have a friend like cole :D we finished up the bit of work we had and then headed to south station and took our trains home. i snacked a bit and then did my workout. i also prepped ingredients for dinner and then kevin messaged me saying that he didn’t know his belay class would be so long. so he got back late and i just ate bread for “dinner.” i ended up eating the stir fried noodles anyway but not as late because i wanted to see if that was bothering my sleep. i slept at around 12 am because i was going to wfh tomorrow and i just gamed before sleeping.

05: i was very all over the place today. i managed to do my hiit workout in the morning and then work on my new project the entire day. i took a lot of breaks though to move around, game, and also read! i got my botm in the mail and just started reading it like crazy. now i have a game and a book to read :) my stomach was also just all over the place because i kept feeling nauseous and then gassy and then hungry and the cycle kept repeating. merp i don’t know what’s wrong?! i need to get more fruit for the upcoming week though haha. kevin got back home and we just cuddled and rested after a long week of work. then i did a new 30 minute work out and found out during the workout that one move just hurts my hip like crazy. i don’t know if i like this new video. then i showered while kevin cooked and we had a pretty late dinner while watching supernatural. the characters in supernatural are pissing me off now. @_@; we did a good amount of reading and then gamed for the rest of the night.

06: we got out of bed around 11 am and then i went straight to kickboxing. i was sore from yesterday so i didn’t do my best at it but still got it done ;) then we ate breakfast and chilled for a bit until it was time to get our massages! i got a great deep tissue massage focusing on my legs and then a bit on my back. then we went into the steam room for the first time to try it out! it was basically a shower room with a steam system built in and it was super foggy when we got in. o__o; the temperature rose from 80 to 105 before we rq’d. after getting out of there, we felt so relaxed and refreshed though. we also showered because we thought it would be a bit gross to steam and then leave rather than utilize the shower there too haha. we got boba from oh my tea after; i got the jujube tea and kevin got the mango smoothie! the mango smoothie was the best mango smoothie we’ve ever had... so good. we came back home and chilled. i gamed for a bit; i’m finally getting the vampire asterisk! then i finished reading my book of the month, ‘since we fell’ (it was aiight), and then we took the ‘t’ to back bay to meet up with jenny and her friends.

i met jenny’s friends: effie and monica, and kevin and jenny’s mutual friend from northwestern, derrick. we had to wait 45 minutes get seats at a restaurant called, ‘the salty pig’ so we just talked inside a mall. the service at the restaurant was below average and the wait for the food was too long and not worth it. the food portions were TINY as well. i was excited for their gnocchi but it was super mushy and too sweet. we won’t be coming back here. after dinner, we walked over to ‘the beehive’, a jazz bar/restaurant. there were no available seats and everyone was pretty tired. we did stay there until 12 am though and near the end, we managed to get seats. kevin got poutine and ate at the bar counter while standing lulz. we just talked and then we walked effie and jenny back to effie’s apartment and then derrick went the opposite way to get his bike, and kevin and i took the ‘t’ back home. i drank a pimm’s cup at dinner and by the time we got home, my stomach hurt (it could have also been some of the cheese i ate) and i had a pinching headache. kevin started meal planning with me and i just had to ko on the bed after using the bathroom x_x; i woke up at 2 am, brushed my teeth, and went back to sleep. kevin was finishing up a game and went to sleep at around that time as well.

07: i woke up feeling a lot better! my back was sore from the massage but that means she worked her magic on it. we got out of bed at 10 am. i went to shower, kevin ate breakfast, i ate cereal, started reading ‘ready player one’ while kevin used the washroom, and then we headed to kam man, lucky fortune, and bj’s. apparently, all the produce was fresher this time (maybe because we went there early). then we went to get asian buns from the bakery at lucky fortune as well as some red plums. we stopped by bj’s to get english muffins and then unpacked everything, filled water bottles, and headed out. we stopped by a mcdonald’s because we were craving it. i got 4-pc chicken mcnuggets and an order of small fries and kevin got a mcdouble and mcchicken. both were mcpick 2′s so everything was just $5. <3333 we ate as kevin drove to the hammond pond reservation to meet up with matt and megan (sp?). the boys were outdoor climbing today and we came along to watch, enjoy nature, and take pictures of them ;P

megan used her cool lens attachments for her iphone to take pictures and they were so high quality! it got super chilly but i took a short walk around the place. the reservation is right next to a large movie theater and strip mall so the views weren’t all that great / no hiking trails were defined. i had to pee when we got there but kevin and i got there late so we felt bad for making them wait T_T nearing the end of the climb, i could not hold it in any longer. walking to the car made me want to pee my pants and i felt like i had super bad cramps. kevin rushed to say goodbye to them and then hurriedly drove me over to the strip mall and went outside to ask if there were restrooms i could use. we stopped at a cupcake shop and when i went in, the cashier said someone was in there -__-” then kevin went to the place next door and luckily, no one was in there and i got to finally pee. tmi, but i literally had so much pee, i had to like push it all out @_@ LOL anyway, kevin used the restroom as well and then we drove back home. kevin went to shower and i just chilled, snacked on some snyder’s, and continued reading ‘ready player one.’ then i did laundry and continued reading the book and playing games. the book is really interesting to me so far. it’s very sao-eqsue and log horizon-esque... oh and dot hack-esque ahah.

kevin cooked and i was about to clean the bathroom, but i was talking to winston about staying over at his place when we head to new york for my birthday. winston initiated a video chat with us so we got to catch up :) kevin was still cooking but it was nice to hear from winston <3 we talked while we ate dinner and then winston went back to reading and doing his thang. kevin washed dishes and i folded clothes and then we booked our amtrak tickets (omg thank you, effie for all the tips and tricks for going to ny for cheap!!!) and then i started looking for a hotel (we decided with winston’s encouragement to get a hotel instead) and then i got tired and i went to bed at around 12 am.