#i got home at like. 9 yesterday and had to wake up early today so.

[skarloeyspa]

traintober - day 2+3 - bridge/twins

[doudouneverte]

Next stop... Manchester

a/n: I had to rewrite it but it's okay. Feedback is really appreciated by the way

*Not my PIC*

Pairing: Chloe Kelly x Léon!Reader; Mapi Léon x sister!reader; Ella Toone + Georgia Stanway x Female!Reader (besties)

Summary:

Type: Fluff

Warning: nothing

words count: 3334

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London - Manchester. Manchester - London. Whatever the direction, it became a usual trip for you during those recent years. Well, dating a Citizen player while you played for Chelsea, and let's not talk about the fact that you played for Spain and her England, meant you had to make compromises sometimes. 

You came to the WSL in the 2017-18 season; you played for Everton after some good seasons at Athletico Madrid. There you met Chloe; everything was new for you, so she helped you install yourself in the country. She showed you a lot of places, and you met a lot of people who'd become part of the England squad. At the end of the 19/20 season, you moved from Liverpool to London, where you signed a contract with the Blues.

At Chelsea, everything was good except when you had to play in the Champions League finals against your sister and her team. Unfortunately for the London club, you got injured in the semifinal. Without  one of their best defenders in their squad, the Blues lost against FC Barcelona. Except that the other worst moments was when you played against your girlfriend; you know how good she is, and it's really difficult for anyone to defend against her (except McCabe, but she's not really defending).

After three years in the capital's club, you received some interesting offers from different clubs: Bayern, Wolfsburg, Real Madrid, and even Lyon, but you decided to join another club in blue, well, sky blue. But your girlfriend is totally unaware of that, like almost everyone else, because you wanted to surprise her.

~~~

Today was a particular day; the Lionesses should take a flight to Australia the next day, and your girlfriend decided to spend her free time with you. It was still early in the morning when your phone started buzzing next to you. It was disturbing, but you didn't want to wake up yet until the woman next to you groaned.

"Y/n, I swear if you don't tell whoever texted you to shut up, I'll throw your phone through the window." Chloe said with her head pressed harder against the pillow.

"Calmate hermosa; I'll check that." You said before grabbing your phone to see a lot of messages from more people than you expected. 

Maps[yesterday]:

¿Vienes a casa para vacaciones?(Are you coming home for vacation?)

Leila[8:30 a.m]:

The girls know

Ella[8:40 a.m]:

Please tell me you don't join the wrong side

Lauren[8:42 a.m]:

are you really coming?

I need to tell Chloe

Niamh[8:43 a.m]:

Sam and Guro are still pouting

Mama P[8:44 a.m]:

Jessie is still crying you need to do something

Mama M[8:44 a.m]:

Don't forget your sunscreen

Mama P[now]:

Magda reminds you to not forget your sunscreen

"Who are they?" The blonde was a little more awake than earlier.

"Just Magda and Pernille...and Niamh and Mapi." You replied before quickly texting, 'don't tell anything to Chloe; it's not official' to Ella and Lauren.

"Okay, now come back to sleep with me." The winger said, but you reluctantly declined the proposition.

"I really want that, but the girls are coming for lunch and I need to cook something," the Mancunian groaned and grabbed her phone.

"It's only 9 a.m."

"Yeah, I know, but I also have to call my sister and make our breakfast." You informed her and kissed her forehead before leaving the bedroom.

Chloe wanted to go back to sleep, but she couldn't without you, so she just checked her notifications and saw a text from Lauren.

Lauren[8:43 a.m]:

I have a big surprise for you

Chloe [8:57 a.m]:

???

Lauren[now]:

I heard someone say that we will pair together for the world cup

Chloe[now]:

Like always🙄

Your girlfriend knew there was something that her friend didn't tell her, but she didn't want to push her. When the winger finally came to the kitchen, she saw you cook with one of her Manchester City training kits. She approached you carefully, wrapped her arms around your waist, and landed her head on your shoulder.

"How can I help you?" She asked you.

"Just sit and look pretty." You commanded.

A few minutes later, Chole was sitting on the kitchen counter scrolling through TikTok while you were cooking. Everything was good until she found a tik-tok talking about the departure of Ona. It was not surprising at first, but the video caught her attention when the person behind it started to speculate about your possible departure to join Barcelona too. Of course, some fans had theories about you coming back to Spain after a lot of years in England.

You were too focused to not burn your breakfast and texted your sister that you hadn't noticed your girlfriend looking at you suspiciously; honestly, some theories started to gain her attention. She knew that last season you denied the offer of a Spanish team that wanted you, justifying it by the fact that you wanted to finish your contract with the Blues, but now what is keeping you in England?

"Babe? What do you think about going to Barcelona?" The winger asked you.

You took a moment to think about it. "Uh, I don't know; we need to schedule for the next season and wait until you come back from Australia, hopefully with a trophy, and I also need to ask Maps if it's good for her to let us stay in her apartment." You explained, totally unaware of the true meaning behind this simple question.

"Oh, okay." There was a little silence; she continued to scroll on her phone until you finished your episode. You turned your eyes off your phone and made your way to the blonde, leaving some kisses on her face, making the English girl giggle. "What are you doing?"

"I'm hungry." You replied.

"But you're cooking."

"Yes, and I finished it, so let's do something together." You finished your sentence with a trail of kisses from her lips to her neck.

"Babe, the girls are coming in 2 hours." She stopped you.

"I know."

"And you just cook the breakfast."

"I think I can do something in a little more than an hour, so let's have a little time for us." You said lifting her from the chair made her yelp and almost let her phone slip.

"Twenty minutes." She whispered firmly, just a few centimeters away from your lips.

"Twenty minutes." You agreed before leading her to the bedroom.

~~~

Twenty minutes later, you were both in the bathroom taking a bath, and she was sitting in front of you with her back against your chest. You were playing with her hands and the water, trying to steal some kisses between her giggles.

"Did you finish packing your things?" You asked, and she hummed to reply. "Are you sure? Did you pack some tissues? Alana said it was really cold there during this period of the year."

"Yes, don't worry. I checked everything twice." She replied, you wanted to say something, but she cut you off. "No, I'll not unpack everything to let you check." She prevented you.

You sighed and landed your head on her shoulder. "I'm just worried, mi corazon. The last time you flew somewhere without me, you almost forgot your passport." You reminded her, and she chuckled.

"Yes, but don't worry, Lauren will not let it happen again." She joked, and you nodded.

"Okay, I love being here with you, but we will have a lot of hungry girls in one hour, and I need to start to cook." You said getting out of the bathtub.

"How can I help you now?" Chloe asked again.

You thought a moment before replying, "Nothing; just stay there and look good for me." You said and gave her a little on her forehead.

"There is someone who's really looking good right now." She replied with a flirtatious tone.

"Pervert!" You shot just before taking your towel and leaving the room.

~~~

An hour later, you were finishing a paella request by almost every girl while you were making conversation with the citizen until someone rang at the door. When Chloe opened the door, she was met with none less than ten girls chatting loudly. You smiled when you heard the noises coming from the living room. You didn't have time to go to the kitchen before hearing two voices enter the room.

"Y/n!!" Georgia called you very excited.

"Why do you always look surprised to see me, knowing I almost live here?" You asked and accepted her hug.

"I missed you." The midfielder said.

"Me too, pequeña soldadera (little warrior)." 

"You still use this Spanish nickname?" 

"Always." You said with a cocky smile before walking to the other girl in the room. "Hola, I didn't think you would come." You said to Leila, your national teammates, well, not anymore because you were one of 'The 15'.

"Where do you want me to be? I mean, I'll never say no to free food and cooking by the best Spanish cooker in Manchester, no, in England." The older defender said.

"You say it because Ona came back to Barça?" You asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Maybe." She replied, almost questioning herself; you gasped and playfuly slapped her arm.

"Don't worry, Y/n, you're still my favourite Spanish cooker." Georgia said while the three of you were joining the others in the kitchen.

"You say that because you don't have any Spanish teammates in Munich." You replied, and the girls laughed.

In the living room, there were more guests than you planned. There were Ella Toone, Alessia Russo, Maya Le Tissier, Katie Zelem, and Mary Earps, your Manchester's players friends—well, it was no longer valid for Alessia—and there were Chloe's City's teammates: Alana Kennedy, Lauren Hemp, Alex Greenwood, Laila Ouahabi, Laia Alexandri, and Esme Morgan. And some pluses: Keira Walsh and Lucy Bronze were here because they were ex-city players; McKenzie Arnold, who was brought by Alana (you always liked her, so why not); and of course your best friend Georgia Stanway, who brought Leah Williamson to complete their famous trio.

"Now that I see it from here, it's a lot of people." Laila said.

"You even invited some people who don't play for Manchester." Georgia commented, referring to McKenzie and Leah. You and the defender just looked at her before exchanging a confused look.

"A veces me pregunto cómo se hicieron mejores amigos. (Sometimes I'm really wondering how you two became best friends.)" The older woman said to you.

"¿Por qué? técnicamente no es falso. (Why? Technically, it's not false.)" You replied before a body crashed against you. "Wow, calmate Ella." You said laughing a little.

"Please tell me you'll choose the right Manchester." The offensive midfielder whispered to you with a big pout.

"Uh, yes? I mean, yeah, but why do you ask?"

"The girls find an article saying that since Ona made her comeback in Barcelona, you could leave too." Alessia informed you. In the corner of the couch, almost no one noticed, but Chloe tensed when she heard what Alessia said—almost no one because Laia wrapped an arm around the winger to ease her mind.

"Okay, I don't know what you're talking about, but let's eat because it'll get cold." You avoided the question, and that didn't go unnoticed by three players.

After eating in a very good atmosphere, you spent all your time cuddling Chloe and making jokes with Leah and Laila about the fact that you weren't selected for the World Cup. Some girls decided to watch a movie, and you happily agreed. You were in the kitchen making some snacks when you heard someone clearing their throats. Before hearing some footsteps, you turned around to see Ella, Georgia, and Laila exchanging looks.

"Are you alright, girls?" You asked a little confused.

"Y/n, can we talk?" The Red Devil asked a little shyly.

"Yeah, I just need to give this to the girls." You said referring to the plate of snacks in front of you.

"Yes, of course, we will wait." Georgia said you noticed something strange in her tone, but you didn't question it. Only two minutes later, you were back in the room with the three women.

You sat beside Ella in front of Georgia and Laila. "Is there something wrong?" You asked when none of them spoke.

"Y/n, we've known each other for a long time now, don't we?" Ella asked, and you nodded.

You clearly remember the day you met her for the first time and the time you became friends. It was during the season 17/18, you just left Athletico Madrid to try your luck in England at Everton. There you met Chloe for the first time, and it instantly clicked; it was love at first sight. For Tooney, you met her the first time you played against her, when she was playing for the other team in Manchester.

For Georgia, you met her in the street of the city before you saw her again on the pitch, but she was very kind with you, and for someone who had been in a new country for only a few months, you were very grateful. She helped you progress in English, and she even gave you some advice with your girlfriend when she was just your crush.

And for Laila, you met her for the first time while you visited your sister in Spain while she was playing for Barça. When you made your first step on the senior national team, she helped you (with your sister, Jeni, and Alexia, of course) with everything and every question, and you both play as defenders, so you trained together. When she came to Manchester, Mapi made a promise to take care of you, even if it was you who helped her the most when she was still installing.

"Yeah?" You replied, a little unsure of where it would end.

"So can you be honest with us? So about earlier, you know we will not be angry if you leave." Laila reassured you.

"Yeah, I know it's just that everything is complicated, and I don't want to leave Chloe." You said. Talking about her, your girlfriend was about to make her way in the kitchen, but she stopped when she heard her name. She knew it was very bad, but she couldn't help herself.

"Is it Barcelona?" Georgia asked, and you nodded, making the midfielder grumble, "Why do they want you when they already signed Ona?" 

"Because we didn't play at the same position." You said. "But they're not the only ones who made offers. There are also Wolfsburg and Paris Saint Germain." 

"Why don't you come with me to Bayern?" 

"No, if you need to leave, you should come to Manchester City."

"Or you can join me here."

"Okay girls, let's forget about it; they gave me until the end of the month to accept it or not. Now, let's just watch a movie and chill until you have to leave." You stopped their debate. Before you could see her, Chloe quickly came back on the couch beside Lauren, and you sat on her other side.

The rest of the day, your girlfriend seemed preoccupied by something, but she refused to tell you what.

The lunch was very cool; everybody was happy, and the girls didn't split anything. The next day, the girls had to leave, and you had a flight to Spain that you couldn't miss.

~~~

Your holidays were pretty good; you were just enjoying life with your sister, but somewhere you were missing your girlfriend. Because the World Cup was in New Zealand and Australia, you weren't awake at the same time.

On the other side of the world, Chloe was missing you, really missing you. She could handle every time you spent your holiday in Spain with your family, but now it wasn't a holiday for her, and you should be here with your national team. Unfortunately for her, every time she thought she couldn't miss you more, Lauren James, and Niamh were talking about you.

For you, after a week and a half in Spain, you had to fly back to England before going to Australia. You arrived in Australia between two matches of the Lionesses and, more importantly, just two days before the public training.

Knowing you would come to their training session, Lauren Hemp and Ella couldn't stop teasing Chloe about how much she missed you.

At the training, everyone was more focused knowing that it was public. You successfully found a place not so far from the ground as to not be immediately recognized. Chloe nailed it pretty well; she had only one thing on her mind: finish this and quickly come back to the hotel to call you.

When training finished, the citizen stayed behind to talk with fans and take pictures. She was not alone because Georgia and Ella were following her and, most importantly, looking for you. Stopping in front of a group of girls, the three started to do as usual until something caught Georgia's attention.

"Hey, look at that," she said to Ella, holding a Manchester City shirt someone gave her.

"It's the new one." Ella commented, and the Red Devil turned the shirt to find a big surprise. The two midfielders exchanged a confused look before looking at the crowd and finally seeing you.

"No way," Georgia whispered.

"It's a betrayal." You saw Ella mouthing Being too focused on you, they didn't see their teammates coming until the shirt slipped out of the Bayern player's hand.

"Where did you find that?" Chloe asked, but she didn't wait for answers before starting to sign it. It was just after she finished that she decided to look at the back. She paused for a moment. She thought it was a mistake or just a joke until she heard someone speak.

"I hope you like my surprise." You said this after you noticed she was too stunned to speak. Hearing your voice brought the winger back to reality; she looked at you, more surprised and happy than she ever was.

She didn't wait too long before she trapped you in a bone-crushing hug. You stayed like this for a few seconds until she pulled away, immediately closing the gap between you with a lovely kiss.

"I missed you too, mi corazon." You said after you pulled away when oxygen was needed.

"But what are you doing here, and most importantly, what is this?" She asked and showed you the shirt she just signed.

"Let's just say that I have a new team, and I wanted to announce it to you before you see it on the internet." You replied.

"So it's not a joke? We'll really play together next season?" She asked like it was the most unthinkable thing in the world.

"Yes, we will." You confirmed.

"But, Barcelona, and your sister?"

"Well, yeah, I'm really impatient to play with my sister again, but I think it can wait a little longer. And technically, I'm more related to Athletico Madrid than Barça."

"I don't know what to say. It's incredible; I would never believe that this day would come." She cupped your face and pressed her lips against yours just before being interrupted by her teammate.

"Traitor!" Ella yelled, making you laugh.

"Don't worry, I have another one for you." You said before throwing a shirt at her. She made a fake disgusting face, making you laugh again.

"I only keep it because you're my best friend." The United's players informed you.

"Yeah, yeah, but don't forget you also played for them."

"Sorry, I can't hear you." She said with her hands pressing against her ears.

"Okay, now I think you need to go, but don't worry, I'll come stay there to hopefully see you lift the trophy." You said to your girlfriend before giving her a last peck on the lips.

"I already miss you." The blonde striker said.

"I know; now go and win this for us." 

"I promise."

================

[clubdionysus]

[BAD DECISION #9] White

warnings: birdie time he he. honestly just very wholesome all round, but the embers are burningggg, they’re very wet! fantastic! (1) mention of Hang Sơn Đoòng (worlds biggest cave).

soundtrack: lemon - loco, hwasa; safety zone - j-hope

wc: 6k

bd total wc: 540k (on-going)

minors dni | AO3 | series masterlist 

It's mid-morning the following Monday when Jeongguk's message lands in your inbox. The sky is free of clouds, sun beating down on the windows of the subway carriage you're in. It's above ground, crossing the river.

Summer is reaching the end of its peak, but monsoons are still a looming threat. There have been weather warnings all month, but today seems okay. You've an umbrella tucked into your tote just in case, legs crossed as you flick through your notifications on the subway.

Three unread messages sit pretty at the top of your inbox.

Jeongguk: Still on for today?

Danbi: u, me, ryan reynolds in lycra, tonight. game?

Seokjin:  such a tease, you know i love those shorts on you - if memory serves me correctly they were off far more than they were on whenever you wore them ;) you around tonight?

Jeongguk is probably the only one who needs a reply, and yet you can't help but stare at Seokjin's message for a little longer than you should.

If Danbi knew you were texting him, she'd probably confiscate your phone, like your parents used to do during your teen years. Jeongguk would probably throw all your stupid little origami birds at you. Would hope you'd get a paper cut.

It'd be deserved, you think.

Jeongguk had wasted his entire Sunday on you as a result of Seokjin's carelessness. You didn't leave until Jimin had taken a nap on the couch at just gone six, your day full of mindless chatter and harmless distractions from Seokjin. It had been nice. Comforting.

And yet when you'd arrived home, a text had been waiting from Seokjin:

heyyy, sorry I had to rush off. didn't wanna wake you. you looked toooo cute. was so nice to see you again.

It's kind of embarrassing, the way your heart seemed to settle at the sight of it; like things were as they should be once more.

You told yourself that Seokjin hadn't meant to upset you. That it was all a big misunderstanding.

He said everything you wanted him to in that message. Said sorry. Maybe he didn't give you an excuse nor an explanation, but he did give you a compliment, and that had you giggling.

Had you thinking that maybe you'd been reactive, and were too highly strung. Perhaps he was never the issue. What if it was you?

Still, it's Jeongguk's message thread you tap through to instead - yeah, just on the subway now! we're still meeting there?

You contemplate whether or not you want to tell him that you've spoken to Seokjin later. He'll no doubt ask about him, with a sneer on his lips, nose upturned at the mere thought of him.

And so naturally, you know you'll lie. "No. Not heard from him."

It's not that you want to be dishonest. Not in the slightest.

You're no stranger to a white lie or two, but Jeongguk had scooped up all of your broken pieces in the early hours of yesterday morning, and tried to washi tape them back together - only for you to run straight back to the person holding a sledgehammer.

You don't want to be reckless with the care Jeongguk's afforded to you; it's just that while Jin's got a sledgehammer in one hand, it also looks like he's got super glue in the other. It's a little bit stronger than washi tape.

Especially Jeongguk's rolls of washi tape; which are the entire reason why you're spending your day off on the subway, and not tucked up in bed, instead.

Jeongguk had devised a plan following the fall of your origami bird, but had neglected to tell you exactly what that plan was.

Had said "look, I won't lie - I can't help you with this. Gimmie the evening to think of a plan, though? I'll text you later."

He'd texted you an address by the time you'd arrived home. Told you not to search it up; said he'd meet you there at midday. Kind of felt like a challenge, and you don't like losing - so you'd done as he'd said. Other than putting the address into Naver maps to find the route, you were none the wiser as to where you were headed.

The subway leads you to the outskirts of town. Down by the river, just a little further up from the arboretum you always tell yourself you should visit more often. You're local to the city, but it's so vast that there are still areas you aren't too familiar with. This is one of them. You know what's in the general area - the arboretum, an old water park, and some museums, but you've no idea what the exact address could be.

As you climb the stairs, you're regretful of the fact you actually listened to Jeongguk. Should have looked up the address beforehand. Seen what was about; what dress code would have been appropriate.

Denim shorts hug your curves, and a little white blouse sits prettily on your shoulders. You're making the most of the summer while it lasts; skin exposed, despite the judgement thrown your way by the ajummas you pass on the street.

A mirror selfie had been sent to Seokjin before you'd left the house, in reply to his collarbone-wielding, broad shoulder-baring bed selfie. His hair had been messy, and there was a little pink mark on his neck. You're pretty sure you left it there. Didn't wanna focus on it for too long just in case you realised that you... didn't.

There had been a little tactful positioning of your phone in front of your face when you took your photo. Had been covering your eyes. Hiding the glitter.

And it's funny, 'cause it's the first thing that Jeongguk notices when he spots you.

You're looking around, realising exactly where you are, a frown slowly forming. He'd expected nothing less. You always arrive with a small frown whenever he's around - but he also always manages to get you beaming, too. It's part of the charm that comes with being around Jeongguk. Bad moods dissolve into nothingness.

He smiles, just like he always does. Waves. Throws you not one, but two peace signs. His thin lips plumpen into a pout as he wiggles his shoulders, the ease of acting childishly coming naturally when he's around you.

"Aren't you a sight for sore eyes?" He glows as if he hadn't seen you less than twenty-four hours ago.

Strolling towards you, he ignores the slight scowl that's resting on your neat brows. Just continues smiling. All doe-eyed and dainty. Hopes you won't be able to resist breaking into a smile, too.

He likes your glitter today. It's just in the corners of your eyes. Thinks you look like a fairy.

"I'm wearing white!" is all you can say, a little exasperation clouding your words, before laughter begins to tumble from your lips whether you want it to or not. "You asshole! You should have warned me!"

Jeongguk's wearing all black. A pair of shorts, a long sleeve swimming shirt and one of his many oversized black t-shirts over the top. See, he's dressed according to his plans - the plans that he neglected to share with you.

But he's a man. How much can you really expect from him? You doubt he's ever had to run home in the middle of a thunderstorm with his arms crossed over his chest to protect his modesty. Doubt his eyes have ever felt the unwelcome intrusion of sodden mascara running into them.

"Oh, chill out, Disco Ball," he banters, rolling his eyes as he twiddles his lip ring with his tongue. He comes to a stop in front of you. Pouts. Pushes his lips to the side, and his cheek slowly rises like a freshly baked loaf of bread. "It's only a little water. Worst comes to the worst, we'll just buy you another shirt."

When Jeongguk says it's only a 'little water,' he's telling a big fat lie.

You're both well aware that 'little' is hardly the appropriate word to use.

Not when you're standing next to the entrance of the largest outdoor waterpark in the city.

You don't want to say definitively, but you think it might be the largest waterpark in the entire district. Biggest you've ever been to, that's for sure, not that you really make a habit of it.

"Look," he says. "You're the one who wrote the bird, not me. Blame yourself."

"And you're the one who didn't give me a dress code," you reply with a small scoff. He's unbelievable.

It's not like he was ever supposed to see your birds. Your intention had only ever been for the pair of you to vent out your frustration; to see them in black and white and maybe colour them in.

"You could have just looked at Naver. Seen where you were going."

"You told me not to!"

Jeongguk smirks to himself, a little pleased with how much you seem to have blindly trusted him. He also thinks it's incredibly foolish, and adds it to his list of things he needs to worry about in the future. While it's him that you're mindlessly following the orders of, it's okay, he supposes. Knows you're safe. Nothing to worry about right now.

"You'll be fine, Byeol," he says, hooking an arm around your neck, rubbing his knuckles against the crown of your head. You don't even bother to scramble away, sensing his grip tighten when your back edges out from his grasp. With arms like his, you're ensnared whether you like it or not. "You bring your bird?"

He keeps his arm locked around your neck, resting on your shoulders, but stands a little straighter as you head in direction of the waterpark. His relaxed posture allows you to rummage around in your tote bag for the small piece of folded paper. It's in the bottom, a little crumpled, but still quite clearly in bird form.

Jeongguk pinches it from you as soon as you retrieve it, not seeming to care much for the fact that it's your bird. You're locked in by his arms as he strengthens some of the creases that have fallen lax thanks to the lack of attention you'd been paying when you tossed it into the bag.

"You're gonna give yourself bad bird luck," he tells you. "Gotta preserve them, Byeol, or otherwise you'll never overcome your fears."

"I'm not really sure we'll be overcoming any fears today," you mutter in response.

He takes great offence to this. Tells you to 'stop being a negative Nancy', and that 'you'll never overcome your fears with an attitude like that'. You pinch him through his shirt. He recoils away from you, finally giving you a little room to breathe.

And then he calls you a goblin.

"That's rich," you snort, peering into your bag once again to get your wallet, shooing his hands away as he brings out his own wallet from his shorts pocket. "Nah, this is on me. My fear. I'll pay."

There's an attempt from him to protest, but you just tell the cashier you're paying for two, and there's very little he can do about it. He feels bad. This is, after all, his idea. He gave you no wiggle room. You wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for him.

A bathroom? Maybe.

But not here.

"Absolutely not," you had exclaimed yesterday afternoon after reading the bird. Jeongguk couldn't stop laughing. "Stop! You'll give me a complex."

He hadn't meant to find it so funny - he was just taken by surprise. It's a reflex.

"No, no," he cooed. "It's cute. Really sweet, actually. Should have told me last night. Could have actually done something about it."

It was at that point that you flicked him on the forehead. Told him to go touch some grass. Get his head out of his ass.

And then, finally, you told him, "You're never showering with me."

In typical Jeongguk fashion, he'd just smirked. Found your defensiveness funny. "And nor is anyone else, apparently."

The bird resting on Jeongguk's stomach was laying flat, open on your words:

SHOWER WITH SOMEONE ELSE.

He thinks it's the all caps that cracked him up so much. So aggressive. So cute. A bit like you.

Showers had been one of your favourite forms of intimacy during past relationships. You'd even found it fun with casual hookups.

But now?

Feels forbidden. Tarnished. Dirty.

It's almost as if someone else running their hands over your skin beneath the water will rid you of the stain that Seokjin left - and if you're not his, whose are you?

It's stupid because you don't belong to anyone but yourself. You'd spent months resenting the removal of your identity, but now that you have the chance to reclaim it, you're still letting his mark remain.

You had told Jeongguk later that afternoon - with absolute certainty - that he'd never be facing that fear with you, only for him to say, "it doesn't have to be that big of a deal. I'll prove it to you."

And now he's trying to do exactly that.

He leads as you follow and make your way into the park. It's been a fair few years since your last visit, but it always looks the same; paint work a little tatty, white watermarks tarnishing pipes, and slightly dated equipment available for hire. In fact, you think the inflatables sitting pretty and ready for renting might be the same ones you used as a child on family trips.

"Still don't understand how on earth this is supposed to help me with my fear of intimacy," you speak softly once Jeongguk is done telling you about the tallest waterslide in the world. It's in Brazil, and he insists that he doesn't understand why on earth they called it Kilimanjaro when it's not even remotely close in height nor geographical location.

You tell him he's pedantic and he smiles as if you've just given him a gold star.

"It's helping because we're making it less scary," Jeongguk states all very plainly. Seems simple to him. His logical mind leaps from A to B, while yours is still spiralling round and round like a hula-hoop. "What do you do in the shower?"

"When I'm with someone else?" You raise a brow. "Not sure I want to say it out loud in a kid's waterpark."

"Oh, ew, no, not that part. I mean the basics," he sighs, before choosing just to answer for you. "You get wet. That's the first hurdle."

"Gguk, that's barely even the first meter," you counter. "And after that? There's still a billion hurdles left to jump."

"Well, you have to start somewhere, don't you?" He nudges his shoulder against yours, before spotting the concessions store up ahead. "See. Told you you'd be able to buy a shirt. Here."

He hands you his wallet, only for you to pass it right back.

"It's good, I'll get it."

"I dragged you here."

"And I'm the one who made that stupid bird," you laugh. "It's fine. Tell you what though, if they only have ugly shirts, you're gonna have to get one too. Can't be doing this alone."

"Watcha mean?"

"Well look at you," you shrug, as if it's plainly obvious. "You're in all black and - not that I agree with this, but - I'm sure some people will find you 'okay' looking. You know all the yummy mummies are gonna be swooning over you instead of looking after their kids."

"Swooning?" He grins with a small chortle. "Are you trying to insinuate something, Byeol?"

You gasp, and take a step away from him. "Are you saying I look like a mother?"

This, he decides rather quickly, is dangerous. You almost sound like you're flirting. It's not that he doesn't enjoy it, just that he knows he shouldn't indulge himself and yet-

"Maybe I'm into MILFs."

You've a remarkably good poker face. He can't tell if you're actually annoyed, until you look at him with a small smile. It's hidden by the sultry, tempestuous expression you're throwing his way, but definitely still there.

"So first I'm a mother, and now you wanna fuck me? Well, aren't you full of surprises?"

If there's one thing Jeongguk enjoys, it's a girl who knows how to twist words. Regretfully, it always gets him thinking about other ways they could twist their tongues. The thoughts are unsavoury. Sordid. Lewd.

But you're you.

You're off-limits, and he knows better than to play with fire. He needs to get you wet.

Just, like, not in that way.

"I'll put you under that fountain if you don't stop twisting my words," he asserts as you walk through the park. To your right is a pool, with bright slides twisting in all directions around it. Families play, and laughter prevails. It's nice.

To your left is a row of spouting fountains for kids to run through, water pitter-pattering against the warm concrete floor. They're tall enough that even Jeongguk could stand beneath them without issue. You always think they look like reverse umbrellas; water pouring where protection should be.

Puddles of water interrupt the walkway, but neither of you care all that much.

"Maybe if you got your head out your ass and stopped flirting-"

"Not flirting."

You scoff as sarcasm wraps itself around your words. "Yeah, and I'm a MILF."

He pauses. Stops walking. Laughs.

"Right," Jeongguk says. "That's it."

It's said in a tone so light and airy that you almost don't realise he's wrapping his arms around you with a grip tight enough to crack a rib. Your playful shrieks are ignored by other park visitors, chalked up to you being a pair of young lovers enjoying the frivolity of a waterpark together.

"I'm in white!" is your final cry before he pulls you under the cascade of a fountain with him.

The worst part of it, you think, is how goddamn happy he sounds, laughing at your misery.

"And I told you to stop twisting my words, Byeol," he says like the bastard he is, while you struggle against him again. Finally releasing you, he keeps a clasp on your wrists to prevent you from straying. "You made your choice."

"I made no such thing," you wail, but the stream of water has you spluttering - and then you're laughing.

Laughing just like he is; like how you imagine Galileo would have laughed when he first pointed his telescope skyward, and saw the rings of Saturn. It's unadulterated. Blissful. Pure.

Jeongguk loosens his grip on your wrists. He rests his elbows on your shoulders, using his hands to create a barrier between the stream of water and your eyes. There's glitter on your cheeks, now, forced to part way with your eyes thanks to the water pressure, and Jeongguk finds himself grinning at how you manage to look like a party even in the middle of the day.

Perhaps he's a lot more like Galileo than you first thought. Maybe he's laughing because he's looking at the stars, too.

Water barrels down on the pair of you, soaking your hair, your clothes, your skin. It's heavy, the pressure of the fountain far heavier than a shower, but you suppose the outcome is the same.

You don't want to look at Jeongguk with anything but moderate vexation, and yet there's a fond smile tugging at your lips.

Strands of wet hair stick to his face, droplets catching on his lashes and falling down his cheeks. He shakes like a dog caught out in the rain, only to continue getting drenched because he doesn't move from the fountains trajectory. It'd be so easy for him to just manoeuvre himself out of the fountain's direct line and hold you in place, but he chooses to be caught up in it, too. Chooses to be with you. Experience with you.

You'd done his bird together. Only fair for him to do yours with you.

"You still scared, Byeol?" Jeongguk asks, voice quiet beneath the water pummeling down on you both, and yet it has your attention loud and clear.

You want to banter back, say something that will get tripping on his words just like you seem to be - but the rope tied around your ankles seems to be around your tongue, too. Instead, you just shake your head.

"See," he smiles, now. Pulls a hand away from your forehead to wipe at his. Puts it back. "Are showers really that scary?"

And then you do laugh. "It's not a shower. You know it isn't even close."

His face scrunches, water catching in all of his little ridges.

He'll admit the water is annoying. Keeps having to close his eyes. It's bothersome, and it's not like he even cares for boundaries anymore at this point, so-

Fuck it.

His pinkies are against your forehead, index fingers outward. He lowers his head, mirroring you. Rests his forehead against his index fingers. Swears. Can finally fucking see.

And now that he can?

He's looking at you.

With his head angled to such a degree that your chins couldn't be further apart, you still manage to fool yourself to believe that your lashes could brush.

"It's as close as we'll get to one," he counters. "You are showering with another person."

"I'm under a stream of water with another person."

"And how is that any different to showering with someone?"

He isn't stupid. He knows the answer. Knows that you're pedantic enough to go into all the clauses and stipulations that would ever stop this from being classed as a shower - and so he doesn't let you.

Instead, he pulls away, grabbing your wrist as he does so. Leads you further into the park with a smile so big you're surprised he doesn't dislocate his jaw.

"That's the hard part done," he assures you. "You've had a shower with someone. Say thank you."

There's an acute awareness between you both that he's not helped you to overcome your fear in the slightest - but he does have you laughing as you walk through the park, absolutely sodden, without a single care in the world. You're not even bothered by the fact your black bra is visible through the soaked fabric of your shirt.

See, Jeongguk's gotten you relaxed in a situation when you know you'd typically be frantic. He's taking the pressure off. Got you giggling. Got you facing a fear, even if it's not exactly how he set out to do so, nor the fear in question.

In his defence, he really had thought his contrived little plan would count. He'd have never insisted on actually taking a shower with you. He understands why you consider them so intimate. He does, too. Something about the vulnerability really gets him. It's not even the sex that inevitably comes with one that makes him weak at the knees.

He thinks of the girl who folded paper butterflies for him, and how he'd shampoo her hair, chest pressed to her back, and the fact it was in the confines of his bathroom that he realised he was in love with her.

So, Jeongguk gets it. It's why he wouldn't even consider anything but his dumb little waterpark shower as a remedy of your insecurities. He hopes a lesson is learned even if a fear isn't overcome: you can let down your guard without giving up all of you.

What it comes down to, you think, is that Jeongguk isn't a taker. He's not a giver, either, really - but when your walls start to crack and crumble, he doesn't intrude. Stands at a safe distance. Offer you back your bricks. Most men you knew would see a weakness in your defences and claim what's yours as their own.

He's not always been this way. Used to have a 'what's yours is mine' understanding of his relationships, too.

His butterfly girl had taught him that no, just because he was given temporary access to something didn't mean it was his. He'd learnt the hard way after he'd always swapped his heart with hers, not realising she'd ever want it back.

And so while Jeongguk will never fully understand whatever you went through - not unless you choose to share it with him - he can empathise. Treat you how he wished someone would have treated him while he was still healing.

As the clouds migrate across the sky, fluffy white shapes occasionally hiding the careful watch of the sun, the day rolls into stupid competitions and races down the tallest slides in the park. The reason you'd ended up here doesn't seem to matter.

Jeongguk races you to the top of the slides again, and again, and again, just to try and beat you down them. He never wins.

Not until you hold back by just a millisecond.

It's just enough to give him a slight edge, and have him roaring in victory - "ha! suck it! loser!" - as he slaps at the water, a smile larger than Hang Sơn Đoòng eclipsing any desire you had to win. You'll let him have this one. Let him have one victory.

The haze of late-afternoon sun grazes down on the pair of you, while you lounge by the 'adults-only' pool area. A lot of families have gone home already, but sometimes it's nice to be away from the shrieks of kids messing about in the water.

You're not exactly the maternal type. In fact, Jeongguk's the one who's been pointing out how cute the kids are in their little armbands and sprout hairstyles. He's not wrong. They're incredibly adorable - you're just not that naturally inclined to go 'awww'.

It's all swings and roundabouts, though. Getting away from kids meant being surrounded by, well, some less wholesome auras.

Jeongguk thinks he notices it first; the unwelcome gaze of a middle-aged man. He's felt it for a little while. Upwards of ten minutes. Thinks you're none the wiser. Tries to figure out what's so fucking interesting. Stares him out a little bit - but is ignored.

See, the man - who is probably old enough to be your father - isn't looking at Jeongguk at all. Too busy staring at you, and that shirt of yours which is still yet to dry out. You're on your back, sunning yourself, clothes sodden and sticking to your skin.

Jeongguk thinks you look no different to anyone else in the park. It's typical to wear regular clothes in places like these. Would be more shocking if you were in a bikini. And so while yes, he has noticed the fact your bra is dark, he couldn't tell you the colour because he's been trying not to look. Actively avoiding it, actually.

Annoyance isn't something that Jeongguk's ever been able to hide well.

As he sucks in a little bit of air between his teeth and mutters a small curse to himself, you glance over.

"Hmm?" you ask.

It's not like you don't know the man's staring. You had warned Jeongguk about your attire earlier. Was always gonna happen. He just hadn't realised that this was the reason why you'd been so insistent about the fact he was an asshole for not giving you a dress code.

Realistically, you could have bought a second shirt - but the pair of you got distracted. Didn't care so much when you were laughing and joking about how you both look like rats with your hair all wet.

"Here," he says, tugging on his shirt at the nape of his neck. There's resistance, the weight of the water dragging against his skin, but he pays it no mind as he pulls the shirt over his head. You're still laying down on your back, and turn onto your front with a small grin.

"Y'know if I really was all that bothered, I'd just do this," you say, talking about your change in position. It's not that you want the man to stare - you just know he will regardless. Know that your shorts have ridden up a little, and so he's getting a whole new type of show.

Jeongguk doesn't laugh. Smiles, but doesn't let it reach his eyes. Leans over and drapes the fabric of his shirt over the top of your legs. Over your ass. "You'll burn."

"I'm wearing suncream," you purr, knowing that this has nothing to do with keeping your skin safe.

And so Jeongguk just shrugs. Considers staying silent. Chooses not to.

"He might wanna stare, Byeol," he almost growls beneath his breath, feigning indifference through his body language. "But I don't."

"You saying you can't help yourself?" You tease, to which he just rolls his eyes and lays back down.

"I can help myself perfectly well," he says, tongue flicking against the inside of his cheek. "Just didn't finish my sentence."

"Oh?" you chirp with great curiosity.

There's a boldness to the way you're engaging in conversation with him. Makes you realise that Jeongguk is just the same as any other boy. He can see you as a sexual object, apparently. Just chooses not to. It's all very interesting.

"He might wanna stare, Byeol," he repeats, crossing his arms over his torso, a defensiveness to his posture, even when he's flat on his back. "But I don't want him to."

Though his eyes remain closed, Jeongguk can hear you move to sit on your knees.

Your back is to the sleazebag, Jeongguk shirt bunching by your heels. You pull it around and bundle it in your lap, mouth resting open in a slight stare of shock.

Unspoken words beg for him to look at you.

But he doesn't. Keeps his eyes firmly shut. Grins. Just says, "Lie back down, Byeol."

The worst part is that you want to. You really do. When his voice is that low, the look on his face that cocky, you want to fold like a sheet of fucking origami paper. Have him bending you about like one of those damn birds.

But then you take a second to think, and realise you're no better than that guy who is still staring at you so intensely you're surprised he doesn't burst a blood vessel. Makes you feel bad. Guilty.

So instead you toss Jeongguk his shirt back and, as you stand, say, "I've a fear of intimacy, Jeongguk. No fear in telling men to fuck off."

He's not surprised by your response. Quite amused by it. Sits up on his elbows. Watches with curiosity as you walk away from him - and then is stunned to see you beeline for the man.

It's the kind of thing he'd see in a movie, background characters slowing to a stop, time ceasing to move except for the leading lady.

And then you're pointing. Accusing. Jeongguk's not sure of what - he can't hear you from this far away - but he knows it isn't nice. Watches the blood drain from the man's face. He's ghostly. And then it all returns, red and raw, with such a vengeance he's surprised blood doesn't start leaking from his nose.

When you turn on your heel, Jeongguk observes with morbid novelty at the scene unfolding; the intense shame on the man's face and the pure brilliance on yours.

"Men," you sigh, as you sit back down next to him. Mirroring his position, you're up on your elbows until you casually let yourself fall back into your original position. "Sorry, where were we? You told me to lie down? Done."

Jeongguk doesn't say anything. Just grins. Collapses back down, too. Doesn't tell you to cover up. Knows better.

Doesn't shut up about it for the rest of the day, though.

Relays the story to you as if you weren't there - weren't central to it - with so much animation that you think he might turn into a cartoon on the subway home.

He's still talking about it between the part where he invites you back for dinner - "Jimin's gonna be in but it's cool. We haven't eaten all day, you must be starving." - and the part where he stands by your door, taking a whole twenty minutes to say goodbye.

You've declined the offer. Told him it'd be a bit weird seeing Jimin. Wouldn't know how to explain it. Jeongguk just says "of course, yeah, you're right. Didn't even think of that. My bad."

There's a little silence afterwards. You know why. It's rejection. Not romantic, nor for anything serious, but it's still the same difference. He'd spent the day trying to help you break down walls only for you to put your bricks on top of his.

It's as he's heading down your stairs (after his fifteenth and final 'bye') that you realise how rude you've been. Just 'cause you wouldn't feel entirely welcome at his doesn't mean he's not welcome at yours.

"Hey, wait a sec! Danbi's home, but do you wanna eat here?" You chance. "We don't have much in, but I can order or we can-"

"My God, I thought you'd never ask," he grins immediately turning on his heel and back towards you. "So hungry I might die."

"You won't."

"I could."

The pair of you bicker as you enter your apartment, Danbi glancing up from the sofa. She looks at you, then looks at Jeongguk, and takes a second to place his face. Definitely knows it - and then it clicks.

She considers asking why the fuck your favourite barman is following you in. He's known within the confines of your apartment as the Barman That Smiles (more commonly referred to as BTS boy), Jeongguk's name a secret just for you to know. Danbi doesn't realise all of those nights you waste are the bar are wasted on him, nor does she realise he's the reason you snuck off the other night.

What she does wonder, however, is if this is all part of your master-get-revenge-on-Seokjin-plan.

Instead of voicing any of these queries, she settles on "what are we having for dinner?"

You shrug. "Ask Jeongguk. He's paying."

He raises a brow as if to question your assertion - only for him to cough up the bill for the pizza delivery that feeds the three of you through a Deadpool rewatch.

When he leaves, Danbi tells him he has to come back next week for Deadpool 2. You grin as you walk him out.

"She just wants you to pay for more food," you tell and he nods. Says he knows.

But then he calls back over to Danbi, "See you next week."

She does a little cheer, and it's all very sweet. They get on well. His humour is welcome in your apartment, and so is his presence. Danbi also hopes it means she'll get more free drinks next time she's at the club.

"She'll play you like a damn fiddle if you let her," you warn just out of her earshot.

"Good," he grins. "We can double date with you and Jimin."

You tell him to fuck off - but also insist that he lets you know when he gets home. The way you care about him is so casual that it feels as if it's been this way for years.

As he heads on home, Jeongguk kind of hopes it will be. Hopes it's the kind of friendship that stands the test of time. Worries that he shouldn't take the flirting too far - but then he's distracted by the little fleck of glitter on the top of his hand. His thoughts are lost, a smile unwinding on his lips as he strolls back to his place.

The skies are void of stars tonight, and yet, for the first time in months, Jeongguk's eyes are full of them.

AO3 | MASTERLIST | NEXT

[observeowl]

You belong to another world S.J

Scarlett Johansson x Reader

Summary: After a drunken night, R breaks up with Scarlett

Your POV Scarlett and I have been dating for about 3 years now. Things are going well but I am starting to feel I’m not good enough for her. Scarlett is an A-list actress and gets all the attention while I am just an office staff who works 9 to 5. I can’t afford the things she likes. I also don’t know what she sees in me. How can I dare to stand next to her? She deserves someone better than me. Someone who is worthy. 

My friend sent me home from the club and I am struggling to open the door with my keys. But before I managed to slot the keys in, someone opened the door for me. 

“Babe! I came back from work and you’re not here.” Scarlett hugged me and I didn’t return it. “Babe, are you okay? Are you drunk?” Scarlett noticed I was acting differently. 

Fuck it. 

“Let’s break up.” 

“What?” Scarlett lets go of me. “You’re joking right?” I can hear her voice shake. 

I feel bad but it had to be done. “I’m not. I’m serious.” I turned away from her and walked back to my house. It breaks my heart to see her break down. Perhaps somewhere in my brain I still had my reservations, that’s why I kept my house vacant. So that I always have a place to run back. Such a coward. 

Scarlett POV What just happened? Did I do something? Did she just leave? Why did she want to break up all of a sudden?

I was left standing there in shock as I watched her getting further and further away. I was so happy a moment ago and now it came crashing down. I dropped to my knees and as her back left my sight, realization started to set in that she was not coming back. Tears started falling down my face as I screamed in agony. Was these 3 years for nothing? 

The next day, I still had filming to be done so I picked myself up from bed and dragged my feet to set. It was a tough day on set since I couldn’t get into the mood. The schedules got delayed and things got pushed back because of me.  I feel bad but I’m not in the mood to do anything. My mind kept drifting to Y/N.

“Scarlett, are you okay? You seemed out of place today.” Chris (Evans) came to check on me during the break.

“Yup. Just tired.” I replied.

“Tired? Didn’t you go back early yesterday?”

“I stayed up late.” It wasn’t a lie. I couldn’t sleep after Y/N left. Even though when I travelled overseas and had to sleep without Y/N I was fine. It was different sleeping in a room that was filled with so many memories with her but without her presence. 

“The director is calling for us, let’s go.” 

After the shoot I decided to find Y/N, I wasn’t going to allow her to end things without an explanation. I went to her office but they told me she didn’t go to work today. I headed to the only other place I knew where she could be. I knocked on her door but there was no answer. I took the spare key and entered her house.

“Y/N?” No reply. I walked over to the kitchen and saw all the empty bottles of alcohol on the table and floor. Did she drink all of this in a day? I walked further in and saw her lying on the floor. 

“Oh my god! Y/N!” I got to my knees and shook her. She was pale and cold to the touch and unconscious. I picked her up and drove her to the hospital. Ugh, why did she have to drink so much alcohol? 

As soon as I arrived, the doctor took her and did a series of checks. After about half an hour, they finally came out to explain the situation.

“She had a mild onset of alcohol poisoning. Thank goodness you brought her in early. After flushing out the alcohol with some IV drip she should wake up no problem.” The doctor explained.

“Thank you so much.” I rushed into the room and saw her lying on the hospital bed. Her skin was so dry from the alcohol and I could even see the scratches on her arms. I don’t understand, she was the one who broke things up, why was she in this state?

Your POV I felt like someone was hammering a nail on my head as I woke up. The blinding light was not helping at all. I tried to speak but my voice was so hoarse due to my dry throat. Suddenly a glass of water came to my view and I turned around to look at the person, Scarlett?

“Scarlett?” I took the glass of water from her. “You were unconscious in your house.” 

I’m not going to lie, it’s nice seeing her again. But I remembered what I did. I broke up with her. “What are you doing here?”

“Why did you break up with me? I need a reason.”

“I don’t love you anymore. Simple as that.” I gave her an answer very easily.

“Then you have to give me back something you took from me.” I don’t understand what she means. What do I have that she wants? It’s more probable that I get things back from her since I was staying in her house. I don’t think that I have anything that is hers.

“You meant like the necklace and such? They should be in your house.”

“I meant my heart.” 

“Scarlett…” I sighed. 

“Why? Why? I don’t understand why you would break things up. I don’t believe you don’t love me anymore. It can’t just happen suddenly.” She stood up and started pacing the room.

“It didn’t. You and I aren’t meant to be together. You belong to another world. You belong to the world of light. I can’t give you the things you want. I can’t give you things you like. It would be boring with me… You should find someone who can give you everything.” I told her the truth.

“But you are what I want. You’re priceless. No amount of money can buy you. You make me happy, not the others. You don’t have to get me anything. I just want you.” Scarlett said very quickly. 

“YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW SCARY IT WAS WHEN YOU LEFT ME ALONE. YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW SCARY IT WAS TO SEE YOU LYING DOWN UNCONSCIOUS.” She took a deep breath. “I thought I was going to lose you...” She let out a couple of tears.

“I’m sorry...” 

“Please don’t do this again. I love you too much to lose you.” I nodded. “Let’s go home shall we?” I nodded again. 

We got home with me using a wheelchair because I was still too weak to move around too much. As soon as Scarlett set me in the living room, she went to get me a glass of water to hydrate me. When she came back, she saw me with tears streaming down my face. “Y/N! Are you okay?” 

I looked up at her. “I’m sorry… I’m sorry…” I shook my head. 

Scarlett pulled me closer to her into a hug. “You’re here. You’re here. No one is leaving.” 

[saskiahaggens]

฿ØⱤĐɆⱤⱠ₳₦Đ 🂡 ~ 𝙿𝚊𝚛𝚝 9

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Word count: 1816

Getting up early was a pain in the ass. Fortunately, you had packed your stuff for the trip yesterday. When you and Arisu left, everyone else was still sleeping. It was unsettling that he had no problem waking up early.

You left a note for your friends while Arisu packed his stuff. When you started your journey to the arena Arisu was last night you crossed a tourist information. You didn't waste the opportunity and walked inside to take a map. It would be helpful to mark the locations for the others.

Arisus' enthusiasm after waking up vanished soon. The map had to have shown him how unlikely it was that he would discover anything today.

"How far are you with the glasses?" he asked suddenly.

You could tell he did it to avoid falling asleep while walking since his voice lacked interest.

"So, I'll have to figure out how to charge it. Aside from that, it's quite decent. I'm relieved you were able to bring yours. It's just a little unfortunate that we have only one left."

"Even if you just have one, they might be beneficial. I'm glad you're on our side. I'm glad to have you on our side. As an enemy we would have a problem, with your talent."

"You are really intelligent. I wouldn't want you as an enemy, either."

"We'll get out of here once we locate the beach. I want to go home with all of you," He smiled at you "Oh, there's the arena over there."

"So, do you remember where they went from here?" you said when you got closer.

"They went that way and then turned left."

You nodded and walked in the given direction. It was quiet between you two, and while it wasn't uncomfortable, you wanted to learn more about Arisu.

"How did you first meet Karube and Chota?" you inquired.

"Well, I met Chota long before we became friends. He was in my class, and I didn't like him at first. Once I was angry at my father. I destroyed one of his windows. He had taken the blame for me, and as result, I spent more time with him, and we became friends." Arisu gazed at you, perhaps expecting a reaction.

"If you ask me, that's a cute story. Taking the blame for a stranger. He is a great friend.'"

"You think? We eventually ran into Karube. He rescued us when a few guys beat us up."

Arisu didn't go further into detail and you didn't ask him. None of this should be your business, but you were glad he told you a little bit about himself.

"So, how about you? What about your friends?"

"Not really. People never truly despised me, but they definitely wouldn't mind if I disappeared. You're the first true friends I've ever had."

Arisu remained silent. He met his friends by happenstance. He was far more fortunate than you. His hands gradually slip into yours. This behavior shocked you, yet you did not retract your hand. He tried to be considerate. Isn't that what friends do?

"Just a random idea, but how about we go up there and watch the sunrise?" you said, pointing to a nearby skyscraper. "The doors shouldn't be locked, and even if they are, what will they do?"

"Do you realize we have to walk up there? The elevator is destroyed."

"You're welcome to remain here, couch potato, but I'm heading up there. This may be my final chance to see it ", you muttered as you walked into the building.

Arisu didn't want to leave, but he promised to keep an eye on you. So he didn't have much of an option.

"How high do we have to go?" Arisu questioned.

"You've barely reached the third floor. It won't be as tiring if you quit talking. Now hurry up otherwise it will be afternoon when we arrive," You called out.

You weren't the fittest person either, but seeing the sun rise far above the ground had you practically running up the steps. Arisu grinned at your childish behavior, but then he remembered he had a lot more steps to climb, and the smile faded. He was only hoping you wouldn't go to the rooftop, because he'd definitely die before he did.

Arisu discovered your bag pack on the 10th floor. You must have placed it there for him to find. Because there was only one exit from the stairwell, he walked through it while bringing your bag. He found you in some sort of conference room facing the window and therefore the sunlight. When Arisu arrived, you had placed two chairs in front of the window. He sat next to you, letting the bags fall to the ground. He breathed heavily, but since you were too, he didn't try to hide it.

"T-this was awful," Arisu sighed.

"Yeah," you said. "We need to get in shape. Otherwise, the games will be an issue."

You watched the sunrise. You attempted to chat with Arisu once, but he was lost in thought, so you left him alone. The city was completely black, with barely a glimmer of sunlight lighting up the skyline. Before the fireworks, the entire building and streets were alive; full of people and blinking lights; today it was silent and dark. Eventually, when you let your eyes wander over the many roof, you noticed something.

"You see this?" you questioned abruptly, jolting Arisu out of his daydream.

"What exactly do you mean?"

He was caught off guard by your suddenly and unexpectedly moving.

"There," you said, pointing out the window.

Arisu jumped up in response. "I'd seen this resort before, but I just assumed it was another arena."

"Where is the map?" you inquired, hastily searching your bag. "We began here, walked down this street, and are now in this building. The hotel must be located in this area…", you pointed out places on the map.

"The Beach," Arisu said, referring to the hotel's name. "You found it."

"All right, let's go. We must inform the others." stuffing the map back in the package.

Arisu stopped and pointed outside. "Why don't we start by watching the sunrise? We finally know where we need to go, and they are most likely still sleeping. I also don't want to come all the way up here for nothing."

"Technically, you did not, but you are right. It's quite comfortable here. Do you want something to eat?"

You handed Arisu a chocolate bar after he nodded. Before leaving the camp, you packed a few random things you fond. You were thanked by the boy. Watching the sun was a lovely experience, but when it was around 6 a.m., you decided to return.

"Have you discovered anything?" Shibuki inquired as you came into few, and you nodded, bringing out the map.

"So, what can I say? We found it."

"Wait, really?" Karube stood up from the campfire and snatched the map from your hands.

"Yes. Here," You explained it. "They have electricity."

"You are an absolute genius!" Chota approached you and embraced you.

Usagi smiled at you both and handed everyone a plate, after you sat down around the fire again. You ate while contemplating what to bring with you. The beach had power, so there was no need to bring food or warm clothing. Except that you should leave everything behind for the time being. You didn't know what was going to happen next, so you hid everything, except the glasses from the seven of hearts, and the cards you had won.

The trip was amusing. Arisu, Chota, and Karube were having a great time racing around and gently pushing each other. Instead, you spend your time chatting with the females. It was nearly like a normal school day. A class having a good time on a field trip or anything.

"You are a climber?", asked Shibuki.

"Yes, that seems to be the only way for me to be free. Do you two have any hobbies?" Usagi inquired after replying.

"Not on my side, but Y/n is brilliant at creating stuff."

"I wouldn't call it a hobby. It's entertaining, but if I want to feel free like Usagi, I'd go swimming. I practiced holding my breath for two or three minutes so I could watch fish swim around. Being underwater seems like a different universe."

"That sounds wonderful. Before I forget about it. What I wanted to know was how you located the beach. We've been walking for a while now. There's no way you could have gotten here and returned with Arisu so early.", Shibuki asked you.

"We were watching the sunrise when we saw some light in the distance, so we checked the map and found the hotel."

"Watching the sunrise together is nice. That sounds romantic," Usagi smiled and nudged your arm.

"You think? Sunset, in my opinion, is more romantic. How about you, Y/n?"

"It depends on who you're watching it with. I believe they can both be equally romantic," you thought about it.

"Is there something between you and Arisu then?" Usagi questioned.

"Or perhaps between you and Karube. If I remember correctly, you and him watched the sunset together."

"I-," you tried to speak, but you didn't know what to say.

"Huh? Y/n is your fever back?", asked Arisu when he noticed your red face and stopped his little game with his friends.

The girls merely laughed, but you shook your head swiftly. "We should be almost there," you remarked, looking at your map, trying to change the subject.

"That way," he pointed at a hedge as he and Karube made their way through it. The rest of you immediately followed, and as you emerged from the bushes, you were greeted by a swarm of people having a good time. The atmosphere no longer seemed like Borderland. This location does not appear to have 'the answer'.

You were instantly spotted by others. You certainly stood out among all of them in their swim wear.

"Hey you! No matter if you just wandered in or if you were looking for us, you are definitely new. Follow me.", a man commanded. "If you want to join the beach you have to see number one."

The man wore dreadlocks and was extremely muscular. He began to lead the way, but paused briefly to ensure you followed.

You were first hesitant if you should. This was your last chance to change your mind. Karube was not as concerned as you were and followed him. You couldn't just leave him behind, so the rest followed as well.

The man led you to a sun lounger where a guy with unkempt blond hair was drinking. He must be number one since he began to yell once the guy introduced you.

"Welcome to our ideal utopia. The beach! Here we hold all the answers you seek."

[stormboundscholar]

Let's continue!

Day 14/100 of Productivity

Hi everyone! Welcome back to my blog.

I had some stuff to do yesterday afternoon, so I sadly couldn't study. I counted that as a rest day, and I decided to continue studying today. Let me tell you how my day went.

Well, I woke up to a nice morning. Even though it was the weekend, I still needed to go to school because we usually have a couple of extra lessons on Saturdays. I picked some nice clothes and went to school at around 9 am.

We had 4 periods of maths, so I was a little busy at school. Two of those periods were spent with geometry and two were with some basic equations. They sent us back at around 12:30 pm, and I got back home at 1.

I would have liked to say that I started studying right away, but I had some trouble getting into the right mindset. I sadly spent too much time on social media, so I only began to study at 3. I was also a bit slower than usual. I guess I lost my concentration yesterday and I struggled to continue.

I studied for around 6 hours at total. I actually sat for 8 hours in total but I wasted too much time. My mind just drifted and I couldn't work properly! That was sad. Still, I managed to study 3 hours of physics, 2 hours of Biology and 1 hour just doing some homework.

Overall I managed to study for 6 hours today. It is a bit sad that I wasted a ton of time, but at least I am back on track. Hopefully I can wake up early tomorrow and make up for today!

That was all for today. Good night everyone, and good luck!

[edoro]

it feels like my fatigue has been getting worse lately... i had to get up early twice in a row (early for me = pretty much anytime before 9 or 10am, in this case it was 8am and 7am respectively) for appointments, and each day i was too useless to do anything else for the rest of the day, even with taking my stimulant + consuming a bunch of caffeine + taking a nap when i got home

i managed to do very nearly five consecutive hours of work yesterday, plus a bunch of house cleaning, and now today i can't wake up and feel groggy and brainfoggy despite having gotten a solid 8-9 hours of sleep, taken my stimulant, and had the equivalent of about 4 cups of coffee, so despite NEEDING to do more work i just really can't manage to make myself do it because i don't feel capable of exerting the mental effort to perform the tasks + sustain attention for any meaningful period of time

idk it is just... incredibly frustrating lmao. i hate how easily fatigued i am and how overwhelming i find even the slightest amount of work or effort, especially having to apply it consistently over time. it uhhh really makes it hard to like, live, because i need to make money but am really not capable of working enough hours to make enough money to live on, and the stress of barely scraping by makes it a lot worse

and you know my leasing office really doesn't care about things like "sorry, i was exhausted and the idea of working made me want to die" when it comes to not being able to pay the full amount of my rent, so, lmao

[survey--s]

579.

Yesterday.

1) What was the weather like? Did it change your plans in any way? It was really nice actually - blue skies and sunshine. My plans would have been the same regardless though.

2) What did you do yesterday, anyway? Worked, did the food shop, sorted a bunch of housework, had a shower and then just chilled at home.

3) Did you eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner? What did you have? Yeah - breakfast was toast with vegemite, lunch was...leftover chicken nuggets and dinner was fish cakes and potato dauphinoise. Hardly the healthiest day lol.

4) Did you do some form of exercise? What? Yeah, three hours of dog walks.

5) Who did you spend the most time with? Mike, Louise and Sarah.

6) What television shows or movies did you watch? Keeping up with the Kardashians lol.

7) What time did you get up and go to bed? I got up at half seven and went to bed at midnight.

8) What was the best bit about yesterday? The weather was amazing and work was actually really good - just nice easy dogs.

9) What about the worst? Uh, nothing bad really happened yesterday, I have to say.

10) Did you talk to anyone on the phone? Who? Why? Nope.

Today.

1) What time did you get up? Around eight.

2) What are your plans for today? Today is over - I spent the morning visiting my parents and doing some shopping, plus we went for brunch and I caught up with some of my old colleagues. Then it was back home and I took a bath and since then I've just been chilling out online and watching TV.

3) Have you eaten any meals yet? What did you have? I had pancakes with bacon, creme fraiche, maple syrup and berries for brunch, a few crackers with pate for a snack and then sweet potato fries with BBQ sauce for dinner, plus some chocolate coated raspberries.

4) Are you planning on seeing your friends or boyfriend/girlfriend? I spend most of my day with my husband.

5) Does your favorite television show air today? I never watch live TV.

6) Have you spoken to your parents yet? Just my mum.

7) How many texts have you received? A handful.

8) Are you planning on going to bed early? I'll go up to bed after this survey probably but that doesn't mean I'll be going to sleep lol.

9) Have you done anything remotely productive today? Sure - a morning out, some housework and some shopping.

10) How much money did you spend so far? Are you planning on spending more later? £20 and no. I didn't even intend to spend that lol.

Tomorrow

1) What time do you have to get up tomorrow? Whenever I want to - probably around 8-9ish though, I don't really like sleeping in too late.

2) What do you hope the weather will be like? I don't really care as my plans are to do as little as possible lol.

3) Is there anything you’re dreading about tomorrow? Nope.

4) Is there anything important you need to do, or can you just relax? I plan on just having a chill/lazy day.

5) Do you have plans to see your friends? Nope.

6) What do you hope will happen tomorrow? I hope I get a decent nights' sleep, but otherwise I'm not really too fussed about what happens tomorrow.

7) Are you going to wake up at home, or somewhere else? Home.

8) If you don’t have any plans, what do you think you’ll end up doing? I'll be sleeping in and just relaxing at home.

9) Do you have to get a work out in at some point? No - Sundays are my day off from that kinda thing.

10) Will you be working or studying at all? Nopeeee.

[lindsayrises]

A bunch of complaining.  Feel free to scroll past.

i.

am.

so.

fucking.

tired.

end of the school year (4 more days).  assessment time.  report card time.  it’s fucking ridiculous how many tests FIRST GRADERS have to take.  It’s so fucked up.  do i procrastinate?  yes.  so is some of this (below) an issue i created for myself?  yes...but only some of it.

Last thursday night (ok, I guess Friday morning):  up until 2:30 (working/cleaning my house).

Friday:  work.  home.  pack.  drive halfway to st. louis.

Saturday:  drive the rest of the way to st. louis.  family time.  lunch.  visiting my brother’s family’s future home.  high school graduation.

Sunday:  drive back to lincoln.

Monday:  i think i got to work around 6 or 6:30 a.m.  I think I left around 8 p.m.  i brought work home with me and worked until 1:30 a.m.

Tuesday:  work from maybe 7:00-5:00, run errands, do a journaling “thing” (workshop?  i don’t know what to call it).  go to sleep at 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday:  it’s worth mentioning that i cannot keep the days straight this week.  like, at all.  i have to consciously think about what day it is.  ok.  yesterday:  work from 6 or 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Take work home.  work until 4 fucking o’clock this morning.  sometimes i wake up at 4:00 a.m.  I was hesitant to go to sleep because i was afraid i’d oversleep.

today:  work 7:30-4:30.  therapy.  run to two stores (to buy items to reward students who are doing a good job.  AKA buying shit to fill up my god damned prize box to bribe my students.  desperate times....).  i actually planned on going back to work on report cards.  instead, i went back to work just to pick stuff up to work on them at home.

Food today

breakfast:  1/4 of a plain bagel.

lunch:  10-ish doritos

dinner (at fucking 8:45 p.m.):  taco salad and chips and salsa.

that’s it.  that’s all i’ve eaten today.

we have four days of school left.

i’m having all sorts of mixed emotions about not coming back next year.

there is so much that needs to be done before 9:00 tomorrow morning.  report cards are due at 4:00 tomorrow afternoon.  I have NEVER submitted my report cards late.  It might happen tomorrow.  it’ll take a miracle to get everything done.

One of my students will be gone the last three days of school (next week).  i planned on having a lot of things to send home with him.  but i haven’t had a chance to put things together.  I better make a list so I don’t forget.

I have very little left to give.  

4 more days.

so now it’s approximately 9:45.  I’m going to sleep for a few hours and then get up really early (3:00?) to get shit done.

i haven’t even begun to work on packing/moving my stuff out of my classroom. that’ll have to wait until next week.

[now-we-say-c0ral]

November 12, 2023

This day has been so lazy for me. I'm crying, literally, the weekend went by so fast now I'm back to working. Fuck this shit. The difficult thing really is waking up and getting to the station. Work is work and sure there're bad days but the most difficult thing is getting myself up in the morning.

Romney and Nico got everyone up for some lunch. They made beef stew and some fish dish both of which were delicious. I was about to go to the gym today but decided that it would be best not to because I need a proper rest day. I just played Diablo 4 the whole day. I was so unproductive. I was supposed to cook dinner but Ed cooked instead because he wanted to eat some beef stirfry for work tomorrow. He was out and climbed but he still made dinner and lunch for tomorrow. He's such a kind man. I don't know what I did to deserve him. I should be more lenient and not react when I'm mad and tired and have to think things through before I do or say anything. He's so gentle with me.

November 11, 2023

Woke up around 9am today. Finally! My day off! Just stayed in bed until like 11am and played a bit of Diablo 4. We went to Canning Town around 12pm after finishing breakfast. I kind of forced Ed to go to the gym with me. I was planning to do chest and legs today but only ended up doing chest because Ed didn't like working his legs out. It was a good workout!

We went to Morrisons and got some groceries for the week. We went back home and I just played Diablo 4 the whole day. Tier 4 is a bit challenging for me considering that I don't have the best armour and I'm trying to farm for them the best I can.

We had some mixed grains and fish yesterday after saying that we weren't hungry and only wanted some protein shake. Ed's cooking is my favourite.

We watched Take Care of Maya on Netflix and it was really a sad story about families and their children being wrongfully medically adopted by the system. Today was a good day!

November 10, 2023

LAST DAY OF WORKING THIS WEEK! FINALLY! I got up super late from bed despite waking up a bit early. I got an Uber thinking that it would get me to work earlier but I didn't anticipate London traffic to be really bad.

I was with Rosie, JP, and Ate Socel in the morning doing Orthopaedics in Th14. It was a good list. We didn't do much but to remove metalworks. In the afternoon we were taking care of sets and they thought me how to fast track and make loan sets for orthopaedics.It's something that I don't really intend learning because it adds responsibility and accountability when shit goes wrong but here we are. Went out to Tortilla with Lene after work and had a few margaritas. We intended to go out and have a night out January next year. I'm excited about that! I want a nightout with friends.

Went home and slept immediately because I was really drunk. Woke up around 1am to Ed cuddling me.

November 9, 2023

It's a Thursday and I'm not in that horrible person's list! Thank the heavens. I'm not even exaggerating. I'm so thankful. I'm assigned in Th6 doing ENT with Cathy and Xavier.

We did some cochlear implants and some MLBs and it was such a good day. Sure it was busy but I wasn't tired at the end of the day! There's really something different about working other specialities from doing orthopaedics. I just know that it isn't for me and that I don't see myself doing it. Finished the shift around 5:30pm and went to the gym and did some back, arms, cardio, and abs.

Went home around 8:30pm and ate dinner with Eddie. It was a good day. We made up as I bought some Lola's.

[ferdiesnini]

Happy 64th birthday Daddy!

I’m a day late posting this year. I didn’t get to buy a cake yesterday. The thing is, my body clock makes it so that I’m awake in the wee hours, and asleep during the day.

I talked to Meann from 12 midnight up to about 3:30 in the morning. It started with us greeting you a happy birthday and then reminiscing about the past. Remembering the cake you got her for one of her birthdays as a grade schooler and how you barred her from going out the front door because the cake was outside. How you allowed me to go through so that I can light the candle and how you carried the cake inside afterwards.

How you’d always say “mukhang masarap yan ah” when you see us eating something to signify that you want some, and how you’d say “di masarap!” after finishing a plate of food, even if nasimot lahat.

I got to sleep for about an hour and then woke up to help your son in law get ready for the day. After he left for work, I looked through the cakes for sale on the food app in the but not a lot of options since it was early and so I decided to get back to it in the afternoon. I fell asleep afterwards. So when I woke up, it was almost 5pm and the only thing I could think of is dinner. Remembering I still have a salad bowl which I purchased the night before, I was covered for the night and was completely disoriented and forgot that I was thinking of getting a small cake for you, or maybe even a slice. Since it’s only me and my husband at home, cakes usually don’t get finished unless I eat most of it, which at this stage and in my age, wouldn’t really be a good idea. I’m trying to get back to eating healthier. Remember how stick thin I was growing up even when I ate like a construction worker? I’m still a foodie, but after passing 30 I started gaining weight. It is very hard to get back to how I weighed before. Can you imagine, I’m at 70kgs right now. That’s me after losing 2kgs Dad. I hope to go back to at least 56, hopefully 52.

Should we just share the cake I’ll surely receive for my birthday in several days? Unless I lose my fight with cravings later and ultimately purchase a slice, or a small cake— we’ll share that one, okay? Anyway, if you see the cake I’m sure you’ll say “mukhang masarap yan a!” Hehehe.

Oh, also… I’m not 100 percent sure but the baby girl who lives across from us, Lily— I heard it was her birthday last night (she was talking to her grandpa). So you might share the same birthday. Even with that my brain didn’t compute to remind me that it was November 9 and I was supposed to get you a cake. But anyway, what’s important is that I remember now.

We love you Dad. Still waiting for you. Happy 64th birthday Daddy!

⭐️🌕🌖🌗🌘🌑🌒🌓🌔

November 15 Update

It’s my birthday today. It’s 7:20 in the evening and from our side of the family, it seems only Meann remembered it’s my birthday. Mom sent a picture of Tita Jane’s only daughter’s wedding but forgot to greet me. It’s alright though.

I woke up this morning with the sounds of activity in the kitchen. I realized it was my husband preparing his birthday surprise but decided to stay “asleep” to allow him to proceed with his plans. At some point, something fell so loud that I can’t just ignore it and had to wake up. By the time he approached with the cake, I turned my head towards him and he protested that he wasn’t ready yet 🤣 cos apparently, there’s still several things he haven’t set up yet.

He then proceeded to go back to the kitchen and handed me two bouquets of flowers.

And then brought in a sturdy paper bag with the word “switch” on it. Under it is an apple with a bite.

It’s an apple product. I wondered if he got me an apple watch because it’s the only thing in the apple store that I can think of that I don’t have yet. Although, I never really asked him for one or hinted at it, especially since I very much prefer the cheap version of it that I can get online for like, a thousand peso. If that breaks I wouldn’t feel so disheartened. But a watch that costs almost as much as an older version of an iphone or macbook— I don’t really think it’s worth it.

I opened the bag and I found a box for an iPhone 14.

He bought me a second phone because I whenever we go out, I would have to switch my simcard out of my iphone to get internet connection. Now my second sim has a new permanent home.

He also played some birthday music on TV via Spotify

And at some point we slow danced to it together. Not specifically the song on the picture but some other song in the playlist— that is also about birthdays.

And as promised, I share with you my cake Daddy.

It is a mocha chiffon cake with some buttercream frosting. Do you remember how I would always bake a mocha chiffon cake on everyone’s birthdays when I was a junior and senior in high school?

My husband asked me to lunch this coming weekend to celebrate my birthday. We’re inviting Mom and the siblings. David asked me to also invite my friends but I’d rather not. I realized one of them, the one I was closest to in senior year— never really appreciated the amount of affection I have for them, and my efforts to help them by sending information when they need it, were basically made to look ridiculous. Imagine how much effort I placed on writing them long letters back in the day after graduating high school, and her talking to one of our male classmates, you know him, the one I used to have a crush on, to basically make it seem like I just have a lot of things to say for no reason. Based on what she told us that she said to him— when the guy asked why I “was like that” when I sent a message to a group chat to tell him off after questioning her sexuality and surmising that maybe she was a lesbian, she replied that she doesn’t know, that I just write long things and it’s just that I’ve always been like that, I write paragraphs.

When the truth was, she complained to me and our other friends about him commenting on and questioning her sexuality. I basically defended her. And she knew hours before I sent that message that I will defend her, that I’ll take care of it— just like I always did for all of them cos they couldn’t confront people unless I start it. Anyway. I’m just tired of them at the moment. I told my husband I’d just see them next year.

Sorry for complaining to you on our birthday week hehe. Anyway, that’s where I am now.

I love you Daddy. I thank you and Mommy fo having and raising me.

My hopes are always the same. We still wait for you. Happy birthday to us, and Cha.

Nov 16 update:

Apparently Mom sent me a greeting yesterday which I didn’t receive. So I told Meann to have it resent to me tomorrow since it’s still my birthday anyway (my Chinese calendar birthday, that is.)

[alecsnotalex]

Hello, world. Me again. I feel like a good sign of me not being too depressed anymore is when I barely get to journal. But that sucks, because I don't want to look back here and only see depressing shit. And also, I want to actually keep a journal so that I'm gonna do.

Today was a good day. I started my day early, at 4 am. I woke up, and decided I wanted to finish my reading, and so, I did. I finished my reading on Helfert for my COMM 410 class. Finished around 6:20, and then I skated to work. I only worked three hours today cause we're back to working 19 hours, so I worked til 9:15 and it was a good shift. Not too busy, and we're training new people too.

So after that, I went home, borrowing a laptop with me. I took an hour nap, and afterwards, I woke up around 10:30, made some carbonara for me and Lorran. Today was a busy day for him too, and yesterday, he worried a lot about not being able to go to caf to eat at all, so I also made him 3 musubis. I love making food for him.

At 1:00, we headed for the library, and I renewed my laptop, and Lorran had to go to work. At 1:30, I headed to class, and had a great discussion, although I liked COMM 251 a lot better. But overall, it's still good. I am happy I got to read the reading material fully before the start of class, and I plan to do it again later.

After class around 2:30, I went back to the library, and I tried to study, but to no avail. I guess I was just too tired, I met with Lorran a bit and bummed around the library for 2 hours. Taleah and Kaleigh were inviting me to go to the beach, but I didn't feel like going because I had to work on my presentation on Musser for Thursday. So I told them I couldn't, and then went home at 4:30, taking a nap til 7. Around 7:30, I woke up and tried to work on things at the hale comlab, and at 8, I chatted with Taleah and Kaleigh on instagram, and found out it was Kaleigh's birthday!

Around 8:30, Taleah and Kaleigh came and brought smores cookies and rice and chicken which was perfect because I fell asleep hungry and woke up hungry. Kaleigh went home around 9:30, and I stayed with Taleah walking around and chatting til 11:11, we also saw Isa and chatted.

It was a fun day, although I wish I got to say goodbye to Davis' dad and brother, and I wish I got to spend more time with Lorran. But that's okay.

The only thing I need to do, is get the reading done for Musser and take notes. Then wake up again at 4:30 later to spend 1 hour each on readings on POSC350 and POSC358.

Til then,

I am still alive. Surviving.

[mdaah]

What if we have another Nibling story?

Context: Another 2 of my niblings came to stay this past weekend (a different 2 from the last story) Also, I now have a job which means that most days, I am working from early afternoon till late evening.

My mum planned a few things to do over the weekend, mainly activities for the niblings as I wouldn’t be present most of the time.

On the Saturday, whilst I was working my mum took the niblings to the cinema, whilst my dad stayed at home with my brother. They would be gone from around 6 till I finished work so Dad was instructed to have a curry for tea (this will be important later) Everyone has a good time, Saturday done.

Sunday however, is where things go wrong. Mum planned for us to go to a park in the morning but she overslept. Dad didn’t wake her up, with the excuse “I didn’t know you wanted to go out, and if you did you should have got up yourself” , despite knowing the plan. The morning is wasted and time for me to work. Mum drops me off, has a coffee and stays for a while. During this time, my dad decides ‘hey niblings, let’s go to a playground that we can walk to!’ (That is an imagined sentence as I wasn’t there)

Context: this ‘playground’ is not the park that my mum planned to go to, is about 1/2 an hours walk from our house and doesn’t contain any play equipment whatsoever.

Context: these two of my niblings are quite picky eaters so any mes my mum prepares for them are specifically planned

My dad phones my mum and askes her to pick them up. By this point it is around tea time so my mum goes to prepare 2 burgers for the niblings, but only finds one…

Mum(m): I swear there were two burgers here

Dad(d): I had one for tea last night

M: but I told you to have the curry!

D: but I only finished putting [brother] to bed at 9:30 and couldn’t be bothered to make the curry

M: but you knew that I had them saved for the niblings!

D: you never told me that they were serving a special purpose!

M: I literally went shopping for bits for the niblings yesterday! Did you not think about that?

…So yeah, he ignored my mum’s instructions, and of course it wasn’t his fault!

After the niblings finished tea they went to meet with their parents so they could go home.

When my mum, dad and brother got home (around 9) my brother wanted to watch tv. Straight away my dad was like ‘ok let’s go’, but mum interrupted and said no since it was at least 2 hrs past my brothers bedtime and he had to get up early the day after.

Also, at some point during the day, my dad received a phone call from his daughter (my half sister and the mother of the niblings from the previous story) who is in holiday who said that she and her kids could come up to ours for the day next week. Without checking with my mum to see if we already had plans, he suggested doing something that would leave us with little time for me to prepare for work.

Context: my half sister used to be a hair stylist and a while ago I asked her to dye my hair, due to our current jobs, it’s been hard to find a time where we were both free. The scheduled day is one of the only times we are both free. My mum later asked my dad…

M: what about mdaah’s hair?

D: she can do it after

M: no, mdaah has to work!

…meaning that my hair shall remain un dyed for a while longer.

So what have we learned today? My dad is lazy, unable to take responsibility for his actions, out of touch with the local area, disregarding of pre-made plans, and is a bed-time breaker in order to watch tv, and is wilfully ignorant of my work shifts.

[survey--s]

686.

1 - When was the last time it snowed where you live? Do you like snowy weather or is it just a pain? There's about a foot of snow outside at the moment. I love it but it is a pain with work - at the moment my car is stuck in it so I've had to cancel two jobs tomorrow already.

2 - Are you expecting any parcels in the mail right now? Yeah, it was due yesterday but with the snow I doubt it'll be here for a while yet.

3 - How long is it until your birthday? Do you have any plans for the day? A week. We're going out for lunch but otherwise I don't really have any plans. I'll be buying myself some more wax melts too.

4 - What was the last thing you had to drink? Apple juice.

5 - Do you need to do any laundry right now? No, I always do all my laundry on Friday so I have the weekends free.

6 - Who was the last person you got a notification from on social media? Is this person a close friend of yours? Rosie and no, not really. She's more my mum's friend but she added me on Facebook 'cause she likes seeing all my animals, haha.

7 - Do you regularly buy things on credit? If so, how much do you owe on credit cards right now? I do use my credit cards for big online purchases but I have more in savings than I owe. I currently owe about £1500.

8 - When was the last time you got a call from an unknown number? Did you answer or call them back? Yesterday and I didn't answer or call them back.

9 - When was the last time you got off work early? What was the reason and did you do anything fun with your extra free time? Thursday last week because I had a cancellation due to illness. I just enjoyed the extra hour of free time.

10 -  What do you typically eat for Christmas Dinner? Are you the one who cooks or does a family member do the cooking? We do a roast chicken with stuffing, pigs in blankets, Yorkshire puddings, carrots, peas and gravy, and then crumble or chocolate log for dessert. I cook and Mike washes up.

11 - What time did you wake up this morning? Did you get out of bed right away? Just before 6am and no, I didn't get out of bed until about 8ish.

12 - Do you have any plans for the weekend? Are these plans typical for a weekend or are you doing something different? We've actually been snowed in all weekend which is definitely not typical. I've just stayed at home and played with the dog in the garden, lol. He's loving it.

13 - Would you like to work a job that involves going in and out of other people’s homes all day? (Like care work, painter, decorated etc.) I guess I do that at the moment. I actually quite enjoy it but then mostly my customers aren't home so I don't need to actually speak to them, hah.

.14 - When was the last time you had an injury? Was it a minor cut/scrape or something more serious? What happened?  I honestly don't remember.

15 - Do you ever watch movies or TV shows that require you to read subtitles? Sometimes, but I can't remember the last time I did.

16 - What accents are your favourite? Scottish, Irish, Australian, Jamaican.

17 - How many people have you texted today? Are these people friends, family members or something else? My mum, Mike, Louise and Suzanne. They're friends and family.

18 - Are you any good at DIY? What was the last DIY project you finished? Nope, haha. I can paint stuff but that's about the extent of it. The last thing I painted was a bookshelf during lockdown when I was bored.

19 - When was the last time you had a haircut? When was the last time you dyed your hair (if you ever have)? I had a haircut a few months ago. I haven’t dyed it for about 3 years.

20 - Do you prefer wearing tight-fitting or loose-fitting clothes? Tight-fitting bottoms, loose-fitting tops.

21 - Are you currently warm, cold or just right? Is the heating or air conditioning on to contribute to that feeling? Just right. The heating has been on and I'm wearing a hoody and sitting under a blanket too. It's -1 outside though!

22 - What was the last piece of good news you received? Was it expected? That a customer was home tomorrow so I don't need to worry about getting to their dogs. It wasn't unexpected but I needed to confirm.

23 - What colour socks are you wearing right now? They're grey with white around the toes and at the top.

24 - Do you prefer hot coffee or iced coffee? What about hot tea or iced tea? Hot coffee, iced tea.

25 - What are some of your favourite Christmas songs? What time of year do you start listening to Christmas music? Cold December Night, Mary's Boy Child, Fairytale of New York, Driving Home for Christmas, Christmas Lights, Stop the Calvary. I listen to it all year round but mostly from mid-November.

26 - If you see cats wandering about in the street, do you stop and fuss them? Hah, yep. Nothing better than a strange cat making friends with you!

27 - Speaking of cats, do you own a cat? Are they a particular breed or just a moggie? Would you ever want a specific breed of cat at all? We have three moggies - two black and one ginger, all boys. I love the idea of owning a Savannah or a Maine Coon but they're so expensive and Savannah's especially need specialist homes.

28 - When was the last time you moved furniture around to clean behind or underneath it? Do you need someone’s help in order to do that? Yesterday to clean around the cat tree and table. I didn't need anyone'e help but it's just a job I don't do very often.

29 - Do you have any medications that you need to take daily? Is this something you’re going to have to do for the rest of your life? No, thankfully not.

30 - Do you know how to start an open fire and keep it burning without using loads of wood? Is this a skill you use on a regular basis at all? Yeah, I don't need to do it much anymore but we had no heating in our house a couple of winters ago so it became an essential.