#refreshing as a spring queue!

[crescencestudio]

Is there anything non-spoilery you can tell us about the fae worldbuilding you have? I had an idea for a fic with a faerie oc but I have no idea what kinda lore to give them sdjfvbsjkd

if not thats totally okay i'll just make something up LOL congratulations on (almost) graduating by the way! I know your break won't be for resting but I hope you're still able to find the time to relax a little and can come back refreshed. Good luck!!

this is so late anon im so sorry KDSOOS the queue is backed up w all the messages yall have been sending (i am thankful for them it just takes me a while to get to ppl's messages now). hopefully this still helps u!!!

also thank u for the congrats and everything 🥲 i have Not had any time to relax since ive been trying to desperate crank this thing out..... for context ppl usually write their dissertation over the span of a couple months and i am trying to do it in the span of a couple weeks if that tells yall anything about how close to the sun i am trying to fly LDLOSOS but im hoping after i finish everything, ill be able to enjoy the Greatest Break to ever enter this plane of existence

anyways....

✨ Fae Lore

there are two courts to the fae! one is called the dawn court and the other is called the dusk court. the dawn court draws its magic from the sun and other related elements. i often associate it with warm and/or yang elements (like yin and yang). so fire and air elements.... spring and summer seasons.... even colors like red and orange and yellow and stuff.... things like that!

dusk court draws its magic from the moon and other related elements. so i associate with with colder and/or yin elements. so water and earth elements..... fall and winter seasons..... and colors like blue, purple, and other darker cool colors.

i think that's all i can rly tell u before i start diving into spoiler territory. ik it's not much KDKSKA but literally everything else i a spoiler LSLSLA

[msbarrows]

So I know I've mentioned several times since last week that I'm currently distracted by Lord of the Rings Online and not in a particularly good way; they're doing a big server merge and oh boy but did they ever screw the pooch on performing it.

The last time there was a big server merge was 2015. At that point they were shuttering a bunch of lower-population servers and keeping a bunch of the servers with higher populations, so they did it staggered; each week a different server was open for free transfers from the closing servers, then there was a period where they allowed free transfers between the servers that were remaining open, and then the 'closed' servers remained available for free transfers off for some period of time beyond that.

That is not anything like what they did this time around.

They're finally migrating from the old 32bit servers to newer 64bit architecture, and instead of doing it gradually they somehow came to the decision that a free for all would work just fine. With just four target servers; two for US, two for EU, one each normal and roleplay for each region.

Forgetting, of course, that the game has players going all the way back to the beta in 2007, and a lot of people who popped for lifetime subscriptions back then, who may sometimes go quite long without playing, but still have it as a default 'well I don't feel like playing anything else atm so I might as well play some LotRO again' game.

(Wish I had a lifetime sub, the one time I had enough money for one, it was just after my 3-month sub refreshed, and then I had a sudden monetary need a couple weeks before the lifetime would have finally processed and had to cancel it since the money would not be there.)

So anyway, since they decided to go free transfers to brand spanking new servers, current and old players are coming out of the woodwork to make sure their characters and stuff get transferred over. And since people are VERY ATTACHED to many of their character and kinship names - having had them up to 18 years - everyone wants to get to the new servers as quickly as possible to keep their original names. So it's been an f-ing madhouse, with the wizard to get your characters queued up for transfer so spammed it fails more often then it succeeds, and the queue growing exponentially faster than they can actually process transfers.

Which means today, Tuesday the 11th, they're still processing stuff that went into the queue on the morning of Saturday the 8th, and a lot of people are assuming their transfers failed (because hey, they put it in on Sunday, 48 hours ago) and are continuing to spam the wizard again to put in another transfer request. While there's still loads of people who have yet to even get in a first transfer request.

I've had the first three of my five transfers (which I placed Friday night at roughly 3 hour intervals starting to 7:30pm eastern) go through; they took around 14, 26, and 43 hours respectively.

(Multiple transfers because I play two accounts across two servers; the 1st was my kinship leaders from main account on main server, the second was main server 2nd account characters, the third - the big one - was remaining main account main server characters, and then the remaining two are my characters from the secondary server.)

My next transfer I didn't get scheduled until after noon on Saturday, and even though they have supposedly greatly increased the speed at which transfers get processed, I'm honestly going to be surprised if I see that move before tomorrow. And then probably not until the next day for the final one I got in about 3 hours later.

...assuming them shutting down the servers for a big patch on Thursday (that was originally supposed to happen Wednesday) doesn't zero out the queue.

Oh! And that patch was originally supposed to be for the next entry in a raid series, plus the start of the annual Anniversary Spring Festival.

...yeah I don't think a festival a lot of players can't even play right now is going to go over well.

[kikimatcha]

Love under Surveillance

[Pairing:] Bang Chan x reader

[Genre:] Thriller, fluff, angst

[Synopsis:] Juggling weekend gigs on cameras and runways while navigating college life felt like living in two separate dimensions. Little did you know that sharing this part of your life would become essential in stopping a serial killer who also happened to be you stalker.

As for him, all he ever knew was work. He never expected that acting out a relationship would become part of the equation. But here he was, staying in a spare bedroom, trying to put an end to the terror in New York City.

You came from completely different worlds, but fate brought us together to play roles that seemed to complement each other.

[Warning:] murder, stalking, eating disorder

Chapter 1

It's raining in NY city. Droplets of rain pour from the sky and fall onto cold concrete. Lakes and puddles start to form on the streets, washing away the dirt and trash. It's a reset of the city for another time to offer it the chance to take a deep breath. The pools of water reflect a hazy view of the grayish sky, creating a contrast to the slowly awakening city, that fight it's way out of the winter sleep.

The parks and gardens try to absorb the water and nutrition to finally call in the spring and let the first snowdrops and crocuses bloom to bring some colour into this place. It's what the city is missing to finally bloom with life again, to break free from the cold winter season. You sigh and imagine to take a deep refreshing breath, feeling the cold air refill your lungs and smelling the wet earth. Just putting life into the queue and listening to the sound of rain hitting the pavement and drops of rain fighting their way through the first leaves.

There’s just one problem-. The drops of water turn into a Whirlwind of little lightning bolts and from there into flashlights. The wet streets transform into a white-greyish floor that not even the room of a beige Mom could compete against. The facades became people, lights, cameras, tables, and seats. And finally, you see Tony in front of you. He's kneeling in front of you, at the edge of the white paper you stood on. His black outfit consisting out of a black turtleneck sweater and jeans fit in perfect with the black umbrellas that catched the light and directed it at you.

The only thing that remains is the relaxing sound of the rain pouring onto the roof. -you had no time to life on hold.

"Could you please lean a little more into your back Y/N?" Tony mumbles into his camera but his words find their way through to you. You nod slightly. “Of course.” You place your hands on your lower back while making sure with a Quick Look that the magnificent gold bracelet that hides your whole wrist is good to see. 

You couldn't deny that it looked quite good but at the same time, you couldn’t help yourself and wondered how someone would be able to pull off that thing without looking like Tony Stark was able to only get on one part of his suit. 

You couldn't help but smile to yourself, yes that damn-ass superhero obsession still haunted you but you were proud that you remembered stuff like that like a familiar language.

You took a deep breath, lengthened your spine, tilted your head slightly, and leaned into your back, while ignoring the two loud cracks your spine made and softened your facial expressions. Tony lifts his thumb. “That’s perfect”

Tony (that had nothing in common with the superhero) you currently tend to see more frequently, than your own family, lifts the camera again and starts snapping dozens of pictures while changing his position every few seconds and you start to think to yourself how often he stretches to be able to deform himself to that level. Definitely more often than you, that’s for sure. You can't help but start to think about how Ivanova would have loved him as a ballet student. It truly wasn’t a lose for her when you left the ballet school and switched it out with acting school.

On the other hand, your muscles arched, reminding you of yesterday. You were sure that you would never take a Pilates class with Monica again, especially not one day before a shooting. Yesterday was an exception that you would never let happen again. 

The way Monica at least doubled all the exercises you normally did and made you rethink your level of fitness, makes your nails curl and your stomach twist.

Still at the end of the class when hair was sticking to your face and your legs were shaking, Monica still looked like she should be on the cover of Vogue and you were sure that when that woman took off her sweatpants and shirt she would expose herself as she-hulk or Wonder Woman. Even though her long blond hair that looked like liquid honey in the sun tended to remind you more of Sailor Moon.

She indeed was right when she told you that her classes are on a more advanced level compared to your typical ones. But you couldn’t fight your massive ego that reminded you how embarrassing it would heave been to just turn around and leave.

And it didn't help that yesterday you also went clubbing with Jess afterwards. Which was another exception that wasn't on the list for redoing. Still, you needed to admit that it was funny. For sure it was but sometimes you seemed forget when to stop and where your tolerance for alcohol ends. But how could you blame yourself when that damn pina colada tasted so good and was cheap as well. The way the bartender was able to make you feel like you were on vacation with a drink fascinated you and needed to be studied, even though all your collected information seemed invalid because now the only thing that pina colada made you think of was stomach cramps and the bitter after taste of vomit.

Actually, you had no idea what really happened yesterday night but with the headaches you woke up with this morning there was a possibility that you hit your head on the bed again. But maybe there was a chance that it was better that you couldn't remember.

Back to the here and now, you felt the upcoming urge to yawn but that would stop the rain of flashing lights that Tony caused or end up in a dozen of pretty embarrassing photos, Tony would sell to Jess or Monica again.

Unlike Micheal who was yawning like an old man that would spent half of his day in a rocking chair on his veranda or watching the same movies and tv shows in an endless loop and didn't seem to hold himself back, you needed to perform right now. He stood next to a table with equipment, his phone in one hand and a coffee in the other, to refill the lack of caffeine in your bloodline. (Eventually, Jess was right and in your bloodlines was coffee because, after five minutes without it, you could already fall asleep again.)

He was yawning every few minutes and the dark prominent dark circles were not to be overlooked and made his blue eyes shine even more. But unlike you, he was most likely answering emails overnight and not the bartender. His brown hair started to become grey over the years and also his suits started to become too small, now he always left the first button of his shirts open to not suffocate. His fluffy and messy eyebrows were knitted together with wrinkles in between them while he stared at the display.

"Okay, Y/N you can go and change, I expect you to be here again in ten minutes. Lizzi, you're next." The voice echoed through the nearly empty hall and pulled you out of your thoughts.

”Of course.” You said quickly and didn't hesitate to go to Michael while a stunning woman with tanned skin, brown eyes and brown wavy hair walked past you. You couldn't help yourself and followed her with your gaze. She looked like she escaped a perfect beach or surf commercial. She was probably one of those woman that was plastered onto hundred of girls beach Pinterest boards.

It was like the sun-kissed her, her lean and toned body was gorgeous, and her cheekbones could probably cut someone open by how sharp they were. Those small little freckles that were painted over her cheeks. 

You gulped hard and tore your gaze away from her. Your hands brushed over the fabric from your dress and you couldn't stop yourself from pressing a bit harder to feel your body underneath, just to make sure everything was correct.  

You fixed your posture and walked away from the shooting. On the way, you took your old sweater and pulled it over your shoulders. You sighed at the feeling of the soft fabric against your skin. There was nothing better than a piece of fabric that it’s fabric and smell spent comfort. You would probably never find out if clothes can really smell like sunny breezes and crashing waves because you would never switch the 3x fresh breeze washing powder against anything else. 

Michael his hand came into your vision and handed you the paper cup filled with coffee without saying something or looking up from his phone, like always.

"Thank you." You took one sip out of the mug. “You’ve been booked for a run way next week in Los Angeles.” He said in his deep raspy tone. You felt droplets of happiness and excitement pour down on you mixed with hail of anxiety and exhaustion. You felt your stomach becoming queasy but ignored it and took another sip of coffee. 

Your father will not be happy to hear about that. Another two day of university getting skipped and another two days you will need to learn to keep up with that damn business major. You couldn’t hear it anymore. Another word about finances and marketing would make you reconsider all your decisions but it wasn’t like you had a choice. 

“You mean that one for Ashley?” You normally didn’t check your emails but sometimes you liked to scroll through them to be up to date and you couldn't deny that you got a little excited when you saw the email from Ashley two days ago.

Michael hits a smile and nods. “Yeah, that one. They expect us on Thursday while the runway will be on Friday.” His voice is monotone and doesn’t change an octave like usual. You nod approving before heading towards the dressing rooms 

One yawn after the other finally finds its way over your lips. You really set all your chips onto this coffee. If this bit of caffeine couldn't help you right now, who could?

The dressing room was just around the corner but before you could enter it another woman came out of it and directly ran into you. Before you even had the chance to stop yourself, you crashed into her.

(You both collided with a loud gasp, some coffee spilt onto your sweatshirt before you were able to hold it far enough away from you and take a step back to let the rest drop onto the floor and form a puddle.)

You cursed under your breath. Now you had two brown stains on your sweater, at least the red-haired girl in front of you seemed to be coffee-free. "I'm sorry, I will just wash the sweater so there's no need to worry." You said, smiling at her. She had a frowning expression written over her face and you could already imagine where this was heading. 

"Like I would care. Oh, and the next time you better watch out where you're going." She answered disparagingly and left. Normally you would be angry but this wasn't the time for it. Later you could be resentful. Still, you could hold back a tight-lipped smile that exposed your feelings at least a bit.

You entered the overfilled and sensory overloading room. Everywhere were hangers full of clothes, bags of make-up, shoes, and accessories in every colour and potential way and in the middle your blond-haired friend. 

She ran around the room like a headless chicken. Collecting some things from one side of the room to walk through it like she’s in a roundabout and place it somewhere else. It was hard to believe that she considered this chaos as her Tidiness. But the fact was that if someone dared to try cleaning or organizing anything she would get stressed and kick that person out and hand them a lifelong house ban as a farewell gift. 

That was the exact same reason why Michael wasn't tolerated here anymore.

"Hey, Monica." She turned around, exposing her claw clip that was hanging onto the last strand of her silky hair while all the other pieces were standing out, making her head look like beargrass was growing out of it.

She scanned you and stopped at your sweater. "What happened to you?" She walked to one of the cabinets and took a box of tissues out of it. It was typical for her to skip the greeting and go straight to the point. You flicked your hand. 

"It doesn't matter." You sighed but she handed you the box of tissues without an option. “Thanks.” You mumbled with a tight-lipped smile and took some tissues out of it before putting it in one of the few free spots on one of the shelves.

Without hesitation you searched for the nearest spot were you could sit to relax your legs that felt stiff like bricks.

“Having sore muscles?” Monica laughed and watched you through one of the mirrors. A groan ran over your lips. “Don’t even get me started.” You mumbled. Monica started laughing and continued her treasure hunt.

 You rubbed the tissues over the stains trying to get as much coffee out as possible while Monica was picking out all the other stuff. But as hard as you would try, the stains were still very visible. 

At least you could live with the coffee smell if it had been beetroot juice or another lavender tea it would have been your last straw. You used to actually love the smell of lavender until Jess drenched you in her lavender sleep tea and you could swear that your clothes and you yourself smelled like grandma's lavender bags she always puts into her shoes for two weeks straight. Now only the slightest bit of lavender in a fragrance stick makes you scrunch up your nose and Jess her sleep tea was exchanged with a valerian one.

"I told you that the class was on an upper level and now come here and sit," Monica ordered you over to one of the chairs she was pointing at. 

"Yes, boss." You chuckled before taking a seat. This time she handed you a bag of make-up wipes and left you alone while collecting her stuff. You started to wipe the make-up off with the cold wipes even though Monica only applied it around an hour ago. 

“You could’ve had some sympathy with me, you know?” You referred to yesterday but Monica shakes her head. 

“You don’t know how much happiness your suffering brought me.” She grins at you through the mirror. “You’re way too evil to be looking like Aurora.” 

“Call me Regina George if you want.” She said while shutting another cabinets closed. With an uncomfortable loud ‘clack’ the cabinet falls into its lock and Monica turns around to watch you through the mirror. Her eyes were directly staring at you while she cleared her throat.

“They say you’re a homeschooled jungle freak who’s a less hot version of me.”she quoted in a high pitched voice and caused you to burst out into laughter. Without another reaction she turned around and opened another cabinet.

"You knew that when you would be a bit more organized you would find everything faster and better." Chuckling you watched her searching through cabinets and boxes, just to close one after the other, seemingly not satisfied with the things she found.

"You know the drill -" but before she was able to end her sentence, a scream pierced through the halls. 

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Chapter 3: Stage Spotlight

Narrated by Lolory.

Narrator: This news spreads... In December Troupe's new drama, Lolory will play the role of the maid as a guest actress.

Online Comment: I heard Lolory was invited to play the role of princess, why maid now?

Online Comment: Jenny is a young girl. Why did they invite Lolory? It was a piece of fake news.

Narrator: I attract attention, so I have to bear criticism. I've been accustomed to these routines after working as a model.

Narrator: However, these rumors will not affect my performance.

Narrator: The next day, I prepare refreshments and drinks gracefully like Teresa and distribute exquisite desserts to others.

Narrator: Sweet puffs and cupcakes cure everyone, and joy takes hold in the boring rehearsal.

Actor A: Lolory is amazing! I heard the refreshment is very famous and you must wait in queues to buy it.

Actor B: And she treats everyone humbly... I really want to work with her a few more times.

Narrator: I catch these comments and smile elegantly.

Narrator: On the day of the first performance, I change into the costume I designed and walk slowly to the stage.

Narrator: The maid's dress swings as she walks, and the gaps in the apron reveal the dark patterns of lace underneath.

Narrator: Teresa prepares refreshments for the princess, does gardening, and sews the servants' clothes in an orderly manner.

Narrator: Her fingers smell of clean clothes, her skirt smells of flowers, and the scent of black tea comes from the tray.

Narrator: This is Teresa's grace.

Narrator: During the intermission, I can hear the discussion in the audience backstage.

Audience A: Lolory's role as Teresa surprised me! The way she poured the tea was so beautiful.

Audience B: Lolory had few lines, but her pauses and movements showed the maid's cleverness. I didn't know she was a good actress...

Narrator: This is only the first half. The interesting part of the show is yet to come.

Narrator: After Teresa finished gardening, she nods to the maids around and walks slowly into Princess Jenny's bedroom.

Narrator: No one is in the room, and the wind gently rolls up the gauze curtain, revealing a small piece of the landscape outside.

Narrator: The clear spring jumps. The birds rejoice. The verdant mountains afar extend to the sky.

Narrator: She arranges the sheets and wardrobe naturally, and casts a deep glance out of the window.

Teresa: Take a good rest, Princess Jenny.

Narrator: Her voice is so gentle and the tone is so calm, just as usual.

Narrator: Afterward, she politely leaves the bedroom and gently closes the door.

Choose "Turns out it's a monologue!"

You: Turns out it's a monologue!

Narrator: This is one of the scenes I most look forward to. Teresa wants to conceal that Princess Jenny has left the castle.

Narrator: Teresa looks the same as usual as she leaves the bedroom, but her slightly clenched fists reveal her determination.

Narrator: At midnight after a busy day, Teresa leaves the room quietly and comes to the roof of the castle.

Narrator: A firefly lands on the letter in her hand, its faint light illuminates the seal on the dark red wax.

Narrator: She opens the letter under the stars.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 4

[faefarm]

Attention Fae Friends!

An important update has arrived! We want to make sure your experience in Azoria is as smooth as possible, so we’re sending out an update for all Fae Friends on September 21, 2023 at 1PM PT / 8PM UTC. Please read more for full details on what you can expect from our newest patch.

Nintendo Switch

Fixed an issue where having "<" in your username could cause dialogue to loop during quest dialog, on Switch. (This update previously deployed to the PC version in update 1.3.2)

Improved an issue where character face detail could appear lower quality than intended on Switch.

PC

Fixed an issue causing the Cozy Cabin Variety Pack (pre-purchase bonus) to not be correctly granted in the Epic Games Store version.

Fixed an issue where some crafting stations would open directly to the queue when using a controller on PC, or playing on Steam Deck.

Allowed Q, W, A, S, and D keys to be used in custom keybindings to better support players using non-QWERTY keyboards.

Created a new input binding for a few special inputs such as Reclaim and the Coziness overlay, to allow them being remapped on PC. (By default it is bound to “G”)

Improved behavior of Almanac unlock popups so that buttons behind them can still be clicked on PC.

Fixed an issue where long quest entries could not be scrolled using the mouse wheel on PC.

Fixed an issue where right-clicking on the right side of the Almanac screen did not consistently take you back a screen, when using a mouse on PC.

Improved the profanity filter on PC to allow some more common names, such as Sam or Brad.

All Platforms

GAMEPLAY AND PROGRESSION:

Fixed an issue where players could not reliably accept shipping contracts. Please note that it is intended that you can only complete one contract from each choice of three, and will need to wait for them to refresh (every two weeks) to accept a new one.

Fixed an issue where players could permanently lose their ability to double jump if they manually unequipped their wings before using Character Customization via a Mirror, or before a wedding. Please note that it is intended behavior that double jump is only available while you have a set of wings actively equipped (and it should now correctly function that way).

Fixed an issue where casting your fishing rod or using watering can special abilities could be blocked while wearing the Cozy, Logger, and Autumn hats.

Fixed an issue where the name you set for your farm during Chapter 1 was not saved correctly.

Fixed a state where you could be left without an active quest if you completed Chapter 2, then left to a multiplayer session before completing the day.

Updated the requirements for the side quest “Versatile Vortex” to only require clearing 10 clouds of mist, to avoid player confusion.

Fixed an unusable version of the Berry Cordial being rewarded from Potion Making job quest 2.

Fixed an issue where Animal Care job quest 1 could not be completed if a chickoo had been bred before activating it.

Fixed an issue where friendship or relationship quests could take more items from your inventory than they were requiring.

Fixed an issue where the celebration animation did not play when unlocking the second and third farms.

WORLD AND ITEMS:

Fixed an issue that was blocking some nuts, greens, and mushrooms from regrowing after season changes.

Updated the names of a number of forage items to include "Wild" to make clearer that they are not grown.

Updated the name of the spring greens from "Arugula" to "Wild Spring Greens", based on player feedback.

Fixed an issue that was causing Hives to generate an unusable item "Medium Honeycomb" when placed near flowers.

Updated the name of "Small Honeycomb" to just "Honeycomb".

MULTIPLAYER AND ONLINE:

Improved the behavior on joining a multiplayer session as a client, so you will now automatically receive the correct staff and wings directly, based on the world’s progression, without having to manually claim them from the mailbox.

Fixed a crash that could occur for a client of a multiplayer session when the host put their device to sleep.

Fixed a crash that could occur when resuming the game after your device had been in sleep mode for a few hours, having previously been in a multiplayer session.

Fixed an issue that could block access to online features when resuming the game after your device had been in sleep mode for a few hours.

Fixed an issue where progress was inconsistently saved when a client left a multiplayer session.

Fixed an issue where the side quest "Wave of Emotion" could not be completed by clients in a multiplayer session.

Fixed an issue where Magic job quest 5 could not be completed by clients in a multiplayer session.

Fixed an issue where the wayshrine in dungeons could disappear after using it to teleport to a new floor, when playing as a client in a multiplayer session.

Fixed an issue where switches or other progression items in dungeons could be already uncovered when arriving on a new floor.

Fixed an issue where eating or drinking audio was played to all players in a multiplayer session.

Fixed an issue where the voice option chosen by clients in a multiplayer session was not correctly played to the host.

INTERFACE:

Fixed an issue where quest accept/redeem banners could stop displaying after playing through levels of a dungeon.

Fixed an issue where the new season banner could get stuck on the screen.

Fixed an issue where the new season banner would not appear if an animal was born on the same day.

Fixed an issue friendship and relationship quests were incorrectly showing the completion dialog when accepting them.

Fixed an issue where upgrading a tool would result in duplicate Almanac unlock popups.

Fixed an issue where the alphabetical sort order in the Storage screen was reversed.

Fixed duplicate UI elements that could appear when using the Randomize option was used while viewing the Voice tab of the Character Customization screen.

Fixed an issue that could cause an unintended screen to appear when leaving Character Customization at the Mirror.

Fixed an issue that stopped the animal interaction options from appearing after using one of them, until you moved away from and returned to an animal.

Made the expiry timer on limited-time quests more visible in the Quest Log.

Removed two unintended invalid entries that could appear in the More Info view in the Almanac.

MISCELLANEOUS:

Fixed a missing section, and other miscellaneous fixes, in the Credits.

Fixed a number of typos in English.

Fixed a number of minor reported localization issues across languages.

Thank You

Thank you all to the amazing people who submitted bug reports and were able to help us pinpoint these issues! If you spot any issues, please update us via our Discord or through our main support page.

You can also join us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Tumblr  to share your experience with us in Azoria. 

We can’t wait to see you all in-game!

Sincerely,

The Fae Farm Team

[runakamoran]

wip wednesday bits

(starting another fnaf fic between As the Sun Drowns and... all my other wips. this one won't be too long, I hope. set after "Leave/Alley" ending of SB).

He always knew he would die like this. Abandoned in a dark, deserted alley, in dirt and blood, spewing curses. But dying now, after That Night, after all the hiding, chasing, intricate planning, after everything he had done just to get out and survive - dying now was bitter, insulting and unfair.

That's why he fought. He struggled, even knowing he would not overcome the strong, skillful hands closed around his neck.

...he actually did it. He ran away, he was free. He survived until six in the morning, despite his chances being so low. He flew out from the front doors and into the streets, and ran, ran, ran until his knees gave out. The sun hadn't risen yet, and the world around was still sleeping. The cold air scratched his throat. Gregory stopped to catch his breath in a secluded corner between the office building, coffee shop and bus stop.

Spring was already coming in full bloom, but the chilly wind wasn't gone yet and reigned until sunrise. Usually he hated this kind of weather - the dampness and sudden rains forced him to change shelters frequently. But now the wind was pleasantly refreshing, cooling his sweat-soaked back. Not caring about the possibility of getting sick, he took off his hoodie, put it under him and sat down to rest.

It was almost unreal to watch the streets around waking up and coming back to life. He felt like the night would never end and his flight would continue; and yet, there he is. It was surprisingly pleasant to return and wander again under the gray open sky, among the trash-filled alleys of Hurricane.

(he was distracted, so absorbed in the feeling of freedom, he didn't notice a familiar figure in a queue nearby. A sleepy young woman, in a windbreaker and a long skirt, was lost in her smartphone and looked like she simply stopped on her way to work to grab some coffee. But under the hood, her hungry green eyes watched him closely).

However, Gregory knew he couldn’t stop. As soon as the first workers of Pizzaplex reach their workplaces, there's gonna be a big ass scandal. You see, he wasn't very... careful, trying to survive the night. And if the overturned furniture and some stolen things can be overlooked, the sight of expensive animatronics broken to pieces will cause a massive heart attack among the management. Honestly, Gregory was a bit proud of himself. Not many people his age can cause millions of property damage in just six hours!

...anyway, he better not be around when the fuss starts. Police from all over the state will probably swarm the place.

He definitely won't miss this place; however, there was something left behind so very painful to tear away from yourself. He tried not to think about Freddy, the only friend who carried him through the whole nightmare. It was pathetic, to be attached to a being incapable of experiencing and understanding human emotions. To crave love and attention from a soulless machine, just because this robot was the only one showing him kindness. He still wanted to believe Freddy was capable of more than given program, but what could he know? He's just a random waif.

He walked past a few more blocks before the sleepless night took its toll. His eyes were closing from fatigue. Adrenaline kept him on feet, but now, out of danger, exhaustion caught up on him and hit with the force of a truck. Yawning, the boy was looking for a place to sleep. It was another dark alley, lost between two apartment buildings, far enough from the roadway so its noise wouldn't be too disturbing. He fished out a fairly large box from the trash and hid under it. The cardboard bed wasn't exactly comfortable, but now it doesn't really matter. Curled up like a homeless kitten, the boy put his arm under his head and almost immediately fell asleep.

(wandering half asleep, he didn't notice a car following him. An old, unremarkable Ford drove circles around the block, as if accidentally riding past him again and again. However, in the end the boy disappeared among the residential blocks, and the clumsy car stopped in the parking lot. The woman behind the wheel had finished her preparations and now, pulling out a hunting knife, was polishing it with impatience. She was lost in thought and couldn't decide what to do next.

It's fine. This area is small. She'll have enough time to get around it and find the boy. Then, all that remains is to wait for the best moment, when the neighbourhood goes to sleep).

Living on the street taught him to sleep lightly. Even in deep exhaustion, among obscure dreams, he could distinguish the creaking of tires and the distant hum of human voices. They intertwined with strange pictures in his head.

...it seems like he was hitch-hiking оn the road again, in the middle of night for some reason. But no one stopped, rare cars whistled past, so he had to walk. A large dog was lying on the sidewalk, its head crushed. The roadkill was surrounded by white rabbits greedily gnawing on it. Noticing the boy, they hissed, baring bloody teeth.

He tossed and turned in his sleep. Someone slammed the lid of a dumpster.

(she had to prowl the area for several hours before finally finding her prey. The boy was good at hiding. If she had not wandered into this corner to throw away bloodstained clothes and used gloves, she would've never seen him. He was sleeping restlessly, securely hidden from prying eyes by a piles of garbage and bins. In his face she could see how much the last night drained him. Gray skin with wrinkles unusual for his age, deep circles under the eyes, sunken cheeks, old bandage still hunging on one. Poor thing. So tired he won’t resist for long.

The woman fished out her knife from under her skirt and sank down next to the boy. After so many long, painful hours, the chase ended. The streets were hidden in evening shadow, so no one would see her work. Her hands trembled and heart fluttered in anticipation. She was thirsty, having no taste of blood for so long.

Although, she also felt a vague sadness deep down. This intense hunt full of surprises was so exciting she didn’t want it to end. Usually her victims gave up quickly - they stumbled, made mistakes, froze in fear and doomed themselves. This boy however, was different. Not only did he survive her labyrinth, he was able to trick her, a seasoned serial killer, and escape. To jeopardize everything she had built for so long. To achieve a feat like this, you'll need a certain talent with a dash of mad luck. She had to admit, despite all the trouble he had caused, she had a certain... respect for him.

But she couldn't just let the boy live. He's seen too much.

The woman was restlessly fiddling with the knife in her hands when an idea struck her. No, an IDEA. A spontaneous, stunning and completely mind-blowing IDEA, just the way she likes it.

Biting her tongue to hold back a pleased laugh, she put the blade back in its sheath. Not today, old friend. Today she'll need a different tool. There was an emergency ampoule of propofol prepared in the car).

...weird rabbits huddled together, threw themselves at his feet, tried to bite. Small red eyes glowed angrily in the darkness. He kicked it, and the animal jumped away, whining. The whole pack backed away for a moment, but quickly attacked him again, more aggressively than before. The boy backed down and tried to scare them away, but it didn’t work. One of the rabbits sunked its teeth in his ankle. In pain and surprise, Gregory fell into the mud. The rabbits hissed and surrounded him.

The gravel crunched behind, a shadow flashed over him - someone crouched next to him. It was a young woman in a long skirt and windbreaker with the hood pulled over her face. She gently patted one of the animals. Gregory wanted to say something, but couldn't. She turned to him sharply, animal muzzle sticking out from under the hood.

The rabbit-headed girl dug her nails in his face, and the boy opened his eyes.

He didn't see, more like felt that someone was nearby. Gut feelings rarely failed him, and Gregory trusted his instincts. So he immediately got up to his feet and looked around. Another night came, everything was dark and quiet. Cars whizzed by from afar. The light of a distant lamp post barely reached the alley, only a lonely beam snatched out the shadows. Gregory leaned against the dumpster he'd been sleeping behind and looked out. The motionless figure immediately darted around the corner. He caught a glimpse of a long hem for a second.

Already frightened by the nightmare, the heart jumped and stuck in his throat. The boy backed away. Deciding not to risk it, he run in the opposite direction. The alley snaked between buildings and fences and disappeared into the darkness. He kept close to the wall and weaved his way between trash cans and drainpipes. He could already see the empty street ahead.

Someone pulled him by the scruff of the neck and yanked him back into the alley. A strong gloved hand covered his mouth and threw the head back. A needle bit deeply in the neck. Reacting quickly, Gregory did what he always does in an unequal fight. Grabbing the palm holding him, he sank his teeth into it with all his might. Surgical gloves may have helped to be more sneaky, but didn't give any protection. A faint female scream, the grip loosened. A disposable syringe fell at his feet.

Ignoring the sudden weakness, Gregory fought back, kicked and struggled as best he could. Realizing she's loosing her hold, the woman grabbed him by the hair. Turning around, she slammed the boy's head into the nearest wall.

The black sky shattered, stars and sparks scattered before his vision, the houses melted in fog. Legs suddenly gave way, but his limp body was immediately picked up. One hand covered his mouth again, the other's elbow squeezed his neck. Wheezing weakly, the boy was desperately scratching her, even knowing he had no chance. Reality was floating away, his buzzing head spinning, eyes closing on their own. Before falling into the darkness, he noticed her sharp chin, strands of blond hair on his shoulder. There was a human face under the hood after all; but what's hidden behind it was a different matter entirely.

The woman turned, looking around like a coyote on a hunt. The street stayed quiet. No one noticed their small scuffle.

[shovelbug]

How are you,??? Have you drank enough water and eaten something today,???

hey there! i've been doing better, lately. And yes, I had a really nice breakfast actually and have been drinking lots of water!

I'm still fairly busy, but my inspiration and motivation has been returning, which is exciting! I've been slowly working my way through requests. I'll probably queue them up this time and slowly release them so i'm not putting as much pressure on myself and burning myself out. I also gave this blog a bit of a refresh for spring.

Thank you for checking in, I hope you are also well!

[cleverhottubmiracle]

Ahead, all the leading spring beauty trends to know, according to the pros—plus, how to achieve them yourself.Pastel ColorsPastels for spring? Groundbreaking. “While always a seasonal favorite, this year, warm pastels are in queue to be the number one standout on faces,” Chanel makeup artist and groomer Tasha Reiko Brown says. “Warm pastels in dewy textures will take center stage, while chalky or milky tones will be passed over in favor of hues like peach, apricot, and coral. The perfect way to achieve this dewy look is to apply your eye shadow or blush in a single, diffused swipe over the eyelids and onto the apples of the cheeks.��� Keep Ilia’s Eye Stylus shadow stick on hand for this, in a hue like Nectar that’s a summery peach. Play up the color on the lips and cheeks, too; or, give the nails a flowering touch with Chanel’s polish available in a host of lively pastels.ChanelLe Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in ImmortelleIliaEye Stylus Shadow Stick in NectarRed Light DistrictRed light therapy is by no means new technology, but in 2025 the space continues innovate—with LED interest surging. For those not in the know, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose previously explained that “red light has been shown to reduce inflammation in the skin and to stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen, which can reduce and prevent wrinkles and can improve skin texture.” Other light wavelengths like blue and near-infrared offer other benefits from blemish control to reducing inflammation. This spring, take your pick from a handful of red light therapy devices available. Standouts on the market include Omnilux’s bestselling mask, which has earned the approval of board-certified nurse practitioner Dr. Catie Boucher, DCNP, FNP-C. “Aside from its 40 published clinical studies and FDA-approval, it fits seamlessly into my life,” she says. Or, opt for Currentbody’s neck and décolletage mask or hair growth helmet (read our full review of the latter, here).CurrentBody SkinLED Neck and Dec PerfectorPowder 2.0Cheek color has often been a toss up between glow or matte. Cakey matte has dominated recent years, but this spring we’re embracing the best of both worlds. “The heavy matte moment is phasing out as we lean into a more fresh approachable skin moment,” Jaikaran says. “The goal is always fresh, hydrated, and healthy skin—whether that’s through skincare or lightweight complexion products, the goal can be realized either way.” To achieve this glowy base with a blurred finish, reach for new age powders atop a creamier makeup base. Minimal finely-milled setting powders along the undereye and T-zone, or well-pigmented Saie powder blushes can achieve a soft-focus without compromising radiance.Return of the SculptWe’re sensing renewed interest in facial sculpting and depuffing; dare we say, trending upwards to the NuFace heyday? This spring, everyone’s putting their best foot forward to alleviate puffiness via a host of face massagers. Board-certified physician assistant Paula Brezavscek, PA-C is partial to Beautology Labs Cryo Toning Tools for lymphatic drainage, depuffing, and skin tightening. “These cryotherapy wands work wonders to calm inflammation, reduce fluid retention, and give your face a lifted, sculpted look,” she says. “Store them in the fridge for an instant cooling effect anytime your skin needs a refresh.” Our team, on the other hand, has a penchant for Therabody’s TheraFace wand which treats skin with cold or heat therapy.Smudged Out Liners“The softness of spring colors pairs perfectly with a soft-focus eye,” Brown says. “Smudged out brown and copper eyeliners compliment warm, pastel cheeks and lips, as they add strong impact while being softer in dimension.” Opt for a creamy eye pencil, like the Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner in Brun Agapé or Espresso or Victoria Beckham Beauty’s Satin Kajal Liner in Cinnamon, applied close to the lash line. “Then, with your ring finger or a small brush, subtly drag out the liner with a flick into a small wing. The point is to not be precise, as the result should be imperfect with soft-focus smudges. Finally, repeat this process on the bottom lash line for added, easy drama.”ChanelStylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner in Brun AgapéVictoria Beckham BeautySatin Kajal Liner in CinnamonLip Tints“Softer shades in softer textures are big for the warmth of spring,” says Brown. “Lip tints provide color in soft sheer washes so that the lips have a transparent flush of color.” Embrace a more laidback approach to dressing the lips with these moisturizing, precision-free salves in peach, apricot, or coral shades, per Brown. A lip stain is an editor-favorite, like Benefit Cosmetic’s Benetint which subtly colors the lips for several hours of wear. Or enhance your pout with Chanel’s Rouge Coco Baume for more sheer color. “Really rub the lipstick into your skin to create a soft, long-lasting lip tint.”ChanelRouge Coco Baume Hydrating Beautifying Tinted Lip BalmBenefit CosmeticsBenetint Liquid Lip Blush & Cheek TintWatercolor BlushThe blush trend of spring 2025? Watercolor flushes. “Diffused blush should mimic your natural flush, which tends to focus on the apples of the cheeks with soft edges all around,” says Brown. “The best way to achieve this look is with a high blendable, dewy cream blush, like the N°1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm in Vibrant Coral or Wake-up Pink or the Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Blush in Light Peach or Warm Pink. Begin by buffing the product onto the apples of the cheeks backwards along the cheekbone. Then, use any product remaining on your on fingertips to tap the color onto the bridge of nose and chin for a soft color balance.” Or, you could use a good powder brush to achieve that diffused finish. “Choose a loosely packed, fluffy blush brush and work in a soft buffing motion for easy diffusion. Be sure to tap the tops of the cheekbones with a transparent balm to provide an extra glow onto the cheeks,” says Brown.Valentino BeautyLiquirosso 2 in 1 Lip & Blush Soft MatteFull Body CareBody-care as a larger beauty category rose to popularity in 2023, and we anticipate the interest to continue through spring. “We’re going to be paying more attention to our arms, our legs, stomach, neck, hands, wanting to deliver the same level of care to these areas as we are the face,” says Dr. Shirazi, highlighting ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, peptides, and ceramides as essentials to find in your choice of body-care products. “Body masks and sprays are another way to rejuvenate and smooth the skin enhancing its the health and appearance.” U Beauty’s Resurfacing Compound is a great example of this—packed with peptides, exfoliating acids, and retinol to make way for softer, smoother skin. Follow this with a glistening body oil like Costa Brazil’s Kaya, rich in vitamins A and E, plus omegas 3, 6 and 9 to provide equal parts protection and radiance.Resurfacing Body CompoundBio-Tech IngredientsBoard-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD, is predicting a surge of bio-tech ingredients such as exosomes, synbiotic skincare, peptides coming to the forefront of the skin-care conversation as formulations become more wildly available to consumers—allowing offerings once relegated to clinics and dermatologist offices into the regimens of the masses, as a form of upkeep or newfound skin repair. Of the ingredients to be on the lookout for, Dr. Shirazi provides a brief explanation of their efficacy. “Exosomes are the avatars of stem cells,” she says. “The skin’s microbiome is gaining more and more respect as it plays such a crucial role in our skin’s health and well-being. Synbiotic skincare uses prebiotics to feed the nutrients to the good bacteria on your skin, making them grow and thrive.”SkinCeuticalsP-Tiox Anti-Wrinkle Peptide SerumMonotone LidsFrom twinkling shimmers to mattified washes, we’re seeing the single shadows take over for spring. Perfect for accentuating the eyes with minimal effort but maximum payoff, all it takes is buffing on your favorite hue with your fingers or a brush. Take your pick of pastels and sweet hues by Chanel for a feminine touch, or lean into mauves, grays, and chocolate browns for night.ChanelOmbre Essentielle Multi-Use Longwearing EyeshadowArmani BeautyEye Tint Longwear Liquid EyeshadowSkin Barrier BuzzSkin barrier repair has become a sort of skincare buzz word, but I actually welcome it because of its importance in your overall skin health. “Your skin is your largest organ and your first line of defense against the environment,” says Gunn. “When your skin barrier is compromised, you will notice acne, dryness, irritation, etc. More medical grade skin-care brands are now creating products containing ceramides, niacinamide, and fatty acids to help strengthen and rebuild the skin barrier. Think of it as the foundation of your house. It has to be in great shape or everything else falls apart.” To ride the skin barrier wave, pack your routine with plenty of nourishing products like iNNBeauty Project’s Extreme Cream and Dr. Barbara Sturm’s new ceramide face oil which will keep your skin glowingly soft and smooth well into summer.Meet The Experts Source link

[norajworld]

Ahead, all the leading spring beauty trends to know, according to the pros—plus, how to achieve them yourself.Pastel ColorsPastels for spring? Groundbreaking. “While always a seasonal favorite, this year, warm pastels are in queue to be the number one standout on faces,” Chanel makeup artist and groomer Tasha Reiko Brown says. “Warm pastels in dewy textures will take center stage, while chalky or milky tones will be passed over in favor of hues like peach, apricot, and coral. The perfect way to achieve this dewy look is to apply your eye shadow or blush in a single, diffused swipe over the eyelids and onto the apples of the cheeks.” Keep Ilia’s Eye Stylus shadow stick on hand for this, in a hue like Nectar that’s a summery peach. Play up the color on the lips and cheeks, too; or, give the nails a flowering touch with Chanel’s polish available in a host of lively pastels.ChanelLe Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in ImmortelleIliaEye Stylus Shadow Stick in NectarRed Light DistrictRed light therapy is by no means new technology, but in 2025 the space continues innovate—with LED interest surging. For those not in the know, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose previously explained that “red light has been shown to reduce inflammation in the skin and to stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen, which can reduce and prevent wrinkles and can improve skin texture.” Other light wavelengths like blue and near-infrared offer other benefits from blemish control to reducing inflammation. This spring, take your pick from a handful of red light therapy devices available. Standouts on the market include Omnilux’s bestselling mask, which has earned the approval of board-certified nurse practitioner Dr. Catie Boucher, DCNP, FNP-C. “Aside from its 40 published clinical studies and FDA-approval, it fits seamlessly into my life,” she says. Or, opt for Currentbody’s neck and décolletage mask or hair growth helmet (read our full review of the latter, here).CurrentBody SkinLED Neck and Dec PerfectorPowder 2.0Cheek color has often been a toss up between glow or matte. Cakey matte has dominated recent years, but this spring we’re embracing the best of both worlds. “The heavy matte moment is phasing out as we lean into a more fresh approachable skin moment,” Jaikaran says. “The goal is always fresh, hydrated, and healthy skin—whether that’s through skincare or lightweight complexion products, the goal can be realized either way.” To achieve this glowy base with a blurred finish, reach for new age powders atop a creamier makeup base. Minimal finely-milled setting powders along the undereye and T-zone, or well-pigmented Saie powder blushes can achieve a soft-focus without compromising radiance.Return of the SculptWe’re sensing renewed interest in facial sculpting and depuffing; dare we say, trending upwards to the NuFace heyday? This spring, everyone’s putting their best foot forward to alleviate puffiness via a host of face massagers. Board-certified physician assistant Paula Brezavscek, PA-C is partial to Beautology Labs Cryo Toning Tools for lymphatic drainage, depuffing, and skin tightening. “These cryotherapy wands work wonders to calm inflammation, reduce fluid retention, and give your face a lifted, sculpted look,” she says. “Store them in the fridge for an instant cooling effect anytime your skin needs a refresh.” Our team, on the other hand, has a penchant for Therabody’s TheraFace wand which treats skin with cold or heat therapy.Smudged Out Liners“The softness of spring colors pairs perfectly with a soft-focus eye,” Brown says. “Smudged out brown and copper eyeliners compliment warm, pastel cheeks and lips, as they add strong impact while being softer in dimension.” Opt for a creamy eye pencil, like the Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner in Brun Agapé or Espresso or Victoria Beckham Beauty’s Satin Kajal Liner in Cinnamon, applied close to the lash line. “Then, with your ring finger or a small brush, subtly drag out the liner with a flick into a small wing. The point is to not be precise, as the result should be imperfect with soft-focus smudges. Finally, repeat this process on the bottom lash line for added, easy drama.”ChanelStylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner in Brun AgapéVictoria Beckham BeautySatin Kajal Liner in CinnamonLip Tints“Softer shades in softer textures are big for the warmth of spring,” says Brown. “Lip tints provide color in soft sheer washes so that the lips have a transparent flush of color.” Embrace a more laidback approach to dressing the lips with these moisturizing, precision-free salves in peach, apricot, or coral shades, per Brown. A lip stain is an editor-favorite, like Benefit Cosmetic’s Benetint which subtly colors the lips for several hours of wear. Or enhance your pout with Chanel’s Rouge Coco Baume for more sheer color. “Really rub the lipstick into your skin to create a soft, long-lasting lip tint.”ChanelRouge Coco Baume Hydrating Beautifying Tinted Lip BalmBenefit CosmeticsBenetint Liquid Lip Blush & Cheek TintWatercolor BlushThe blush trend of spring 2025? Watercolor flushes. “Diffused blush should mimic your natural flush, which tends to focus on the apples of the cheeks with soft edges all around,” says Brown. “The best way to achieve this look is with a high blendable, dewy cream blush, like the N°1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm in Vibrant Coral or Wake-up Pink or the Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Blush in Light Peach or Warm Pink. Begin by buffing the product onto the apples of the cheeks backwards along the cheekbone. Then, use any product remaining on your on fingertips to tap the color onto the bridge of nose and chin for a soft color balance.” Or, you could use a good powder brush to achieve that diffused finish. “Choose a loosely packed, fluffy blush brush and work in a soft buffing motion for easy diffusion. Be sure to tap the tops of the cheekbones with a transparent balm to provide an extra glow onto the cheeks,” says Brown.Valentino BeautyLiquirosso 2 in 1 Lip & Blush Soft MatteFull Body CareBody-care as a larger beauty category rose to popularity in 2023, and we anticipate the interest to continue through spring. “We’re going to be paying more attention to our arms, our legs, stomach, neck, hands, wanting to deliver the same level of care to these areas as we are the face,” says Dr. Shirazi, highlighting ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, peptides, and ceramides as essentials to find in your choice of body-care products. “Body masks and sprays are another way to rejuvenate and smooth the skin enhancing its the health and appearance.” U Beauty’s Resurfacing Compound is a great example of this—packed with peptides, exfoliating acids, and retinol to make way for softer, smoother skin. Follow this with a glistening body oil like Costa Brazil’s Kaya, rich in vitamins A and E, plus omegas 3, 6 and 9 to provide equal parts protection and radiance.Resurfacing Body CompoundBio-Tech IngredientsBoard-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD, is predicting a surge of bio-tech ingredients such as exosomes, synbiotic skincare, peptides coming to the forefront of the skin-care conversation as formulations become more wildly available to consumers—allowing offerings once relegated to clinics and dermatologist offices into the regimens of the masses, as a form of upkeep or newfound skin repair. Of the ingredients to be on the lookout for, Dr. Shirazi provides a brief explanation of their efficacy. “Exosomes are the avatars of stem cells,” she says. “The skin’s microbiome is gaining more and more respect as it plays such a crucial role in our skin’s health and well-being. Synbiotic skincare uses prebiotics to feed the nutrients to the good bacteria on your skin, making them grow and thrive.”SkinCeuticalsP-Tiox Anti-Wrinkle Peptide SerumMonotone LidsFrom twinkling shimmers to mattified washes, we’re seeing the single shadows take over for spring. Perfect for accentuating the eyes with minimal effort but maximum payoff, all it takes is buffing on your favorite hue with your fingers or a brush. Take your pick of pastels and sweet hues by Chanel for a feminine touch, or lean into mauves, grays, and chocolate browns for night.ChanelOmbre Essentielle Multi-Use Longwearing EyeshadowArmani BeautyEye Tint Longwear Liquid EyeshadowSkin Barrier BuzzSkin barrier repair has become a sort of skincare buzz word, but I actually welcome it because of its importance in your overall skin health. “Your skin is your largest organ and your first line of defense against the environment,” says Gunn. “When your skin barrier is compromised, you will notice acne, dryness, irritation, etc. More medical grade skin-care brands are now creating products containing ceramides, niacinamide, and fatty acids to help strengthen and rebuild the skin barrier. Think of it as the foundation of your house. It has to be in great shape or everything else falls apart.” To ride the skin barrier wave, pack your routine with plenty of nourishing products like iNNBeauty Project’s Extreme Cream and Dr. Barbara Sturm’s new ceramide face oil which will keep your skin glowingly soft and smooth well into summer.Meet The Experts Source link

[chilimili212]

Ahead, all the leading spring beauty trends to know, according to the pros—plus, how to achieve them yourself.Pastel ColorsPastels for spring? Groundbreaking. “While always a seasonal favorite, this year, warm pastels are in queue to be the number one standout on faces,” Chanel makeup artist and groomer Tasha Reiko Brown says. “Warm pastels in dewy textures will take center stage, while chalky or milky tones will be passed over in favor of hues like peach, apricot, and coral. The perfect way to achieve this dewy look is to apply your eye shadow or blush in a single, diffused swipe over the eyelids and onto the apples of the cheeks.” Keep Ilia’s Eye Stylus shadow stick on hand for this, in a hue like Nectar that’s a summery peach. Play up the color on the lips and cheeks, too; or, give the nails a flowering touch with Chanel’s polish available in a host of lively pastels.ChanelLe Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in ImmortelleIliaEye Stylus Shadow Stick in NectarRed Light DistrictRed light therapy is by no means new technology, but in 2025 the space continues innovate—with LED interest surging. For those not in the know, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose previously explained that “red light has been shown to reduce inflammation in the skin and to stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen, which can reduce and prevent wrinkles and can improve skin texture.” Other light wavelengths like blue and near-infrared offer other benefits from blemish control to reducing inflammation. This spring, take your pick from a handful of red light therapy devices available. Standouts on the market include Omnilux’s bestselling mask, which has earned the approval of board-certified nurse practitioner Dr. Catie Boucher, DCNP, FNP-C. “Aside from its 40 published clinical studies and FDA-approval, it fits seamlessly into my life,” she says. Or, opt for Currentbody’s neck and décolletage mask or hair growth helmet (read our full review of the latter, here).CurrentBody SkinLED Neck and Dec PerfectorPowder 2.0Cheek color has often been a toss up between glow or matte. Cakey matte has dominated recent years, but this spring we’re embracing the best of both worlds. “The heavy matte moment is phasing out as we lean into a more fresh approachable skin moment,” Jaikaran says. “The goal is always fresh, hydrated, and healthy skin—whether that’s through skincare or lightweight complexion products, the goal can be realized either way.” To achieve this glowy base with a blurred finish, reach for new age powders atop a creamier makeup base. Minimal finely-milled setting powders along the undereye and T-zone, or well-pigmented Saie powder blushes can achieve a soft-focus without compromising radiance.Return of the SculptWe’re sensing renewed interest in facial sculpting and depuffing; dare we say, trending upwards to the NuFace heyday? This spring, everyone’s putting their best foot forward to alleviate puffiness via a host of face massagers. Board-certified physician assistant Paula Brezavscek, PA-C is partial to Beautology Labs Cryo Toning Tools for lymphatic drainage, depuffing, and skin tightening. “These cryotherapy wands work wonders to calm inflammation, reduce fluid retention, and give your face a lifted, sculpted look,” she says. “Store them in the fridge for an instant cooling effect anytime your skin needs a refresh.” Our team, on the other hand, has a penchant for Therabody’s TheraFace wand which treats skin with cold or heat therapy.Smudged Out Liners“The softness of spring colors pairs perfectly with a soft-focus eye,” Brown says. “Smudged out brown and copper eyeliners compliment warm, pastel cheeks and lips, as they add strong impact while being softer in dimension.” Opt for a creamy eye pencil, like the Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner in Brun Agapé or Espresso or Victoria Beckham Beauty’s Satin Kajal Liner in Cinnamon, applied close to the lash line. “Then, with your ring finger or a small brush, subtly drag out the liner with a flick into a small wing. The point is to not be precise, as the result should be imperfect with soft-focus smudges. Finally, repeat this process on the bottom lash line for added, easy drama.”ChanelStylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner in Brun AgapéVictoria Beckham BeautySatin Kajal Liner in CinnamonLip Tints“Softer shades in softer textures are big for the warmth of spring,” says Brown. “Lip tints provide color in soft sheer washes so that the lips have a transparent flush of color.” Embrace a more laidback approach to dressing the lips with these moisturizing, precision-free salves in peach, apricot, or coral shades, per Brown. A lip stain is an editor-favorite, like Benefit Cosmetic’s Benetint which subtly colors the lips for several hours of wear. Or enhance your pout with Chanel’s Rouge Coco Baume for more sheer color. “Really rub the lipstick into your skin to create a soft, long-lasting lip tint.”ChanelRouge Coco Baume Hydrating Beautifying Tinted Lip BalmBenefit CosmeticsBenetint Liquid Lip Blush & Cheek TintWatercolor BlushThe blush trend of spring 2025? Watercolor flushes. “Diffused blush should mimic your natural flush, which tends to focus on the apples of the cheeks with soft edges all around,” says Brown. “The best way to achieve this look is with a high blendable, dewy cream blush, like the N°1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm in Vibrant Coral or Wake-up Pink or the Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Blush in Light Peach or Warm Pink. Begin by buffing the product onto the apples of the cheeks backwards along the cheekbone. Then, use any product remaining on your on fingertips to tap the color onto the bridge of nose and chin for a soft color balance.” Or, you could use a good powder brush to achieve that diffused finish. “Choose a loosely packed, fluffy blush brush and work in a soft buffing motion for easy diffusion. Be sure to tap the tops of the cheekbones with a transparent balm to provide an extra glow onto the cheeks,” says Brown.Valentino BeautyLiquirosso 2 in 1 Lip & Blush Soft MatteFull Body CareBody-care as a larger beauty category rose to popularity in 2023, and we anticipate the interest to continue through spring. “We’re going to be paying more attention to our arms, our legs, stomach, neck, hands, wanting to deliver the same level of care to these areas as we are the face,” says Dr. Shirazi, highlighting ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, peptides, and ceramides as essentials to find in your choice of body-care products. “Body masks and sprays are another way to rejuvenate and smooth the skin enhancing its the health and appearance.” U Beauty’s Resurfacing Compound is a great example of this—packed with peptides, exfoliating acids, and retinol to make way for softer, smoother skin. Follow this with a glistening body oil like Costa Brazil’s Kaya, rich in vitamins A and E, plus omegas 3, 6 and 9 to provide equal parts protection and radiance.Resurfacing Body CompoundBio-Tech IngredientsBoard-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD, is predicting a surge of bio-tech ingredients such as exosomes, synbiotic skincare, peptides coming to the forefront of the skin-care conversation as formulations become more wildly available to consumers—allowing offerings once relegated to clinics and dermatologist offices into the regimens of the masses, as a form of upkeep or newfound skin repair. Of the ingredients to be on the lookout for, Dr. Shirazi provides a brief explanation of their efficacy. “Exosomes are the avatars of stem cells,” she says. “The skin’s microbiome is gaining more and more respect as it plays such a crucial role in our skin’s health and well-being. Synbiotic skincare uses prebiotics to feed the nutrients to the good bacteria on your skin, making them grow and thrive.”SkinCeuticalsP-Tiox Anti-Wrinkle Peptide SerumMonotone LidsFrom twinkling shimmers to mattified washes, we’re seeing the single shadows take over for spring. Perfect for accentuating the eyes with minimal effort but maximum payoff, all it takes is buffing on your favorite hue with your fingers or a brush. Take your pick of pastels and sweet hues by Chanel for a feminine touch, or lean into mauves, grays, and chocolate browns for night.ChanelOmbre Essentielle Multi-Use Longwearing EyeshadowArmani BeautyEye Tint Longwear Liquid EyeshadowSkin Barrier BuzzSkin barrier repair has become a sort of skincare buzz word, but I actually welcome it because of its importance in your overall skin health. “Your skin is your largest organ and your first line of defense against the environment,” says Gunn. “When your skin barrier is compromised, you will notice acne, dryness, irritation, etc. More medical grade skin-care brands are now creating products containing ceramides, niacinamide, and fatty acids to help strengthen and rebuild the skin barrier. Think of it as the foundation of your house. It has to be in great shape or everything else falls apart.” To ride the skin barrier wave, pack your routine with plenty of nourishing products like iNNBeauty Project’s Extreme Cream and Dr. Barbara Sturm’s new ceramide face oil which will keep your skin glowingly soft and smooth well into summer.Meet The Experts Source link

[besttimetogo2]

The Big Apple's Best Bites: Picking the Perfect Time to Visit New York

New York City, a vibrant metropolis pulsating with energy, offers something for everyone. But with distinct seasons and ever-changing events, picking the best time to visit New York can be tricky. Fear not, intrepid traveler! This guide will help you savor the Big Apple at its finest, taking into account weather, crowds, and special interests.

Spring Awakening (April-May): Spring paints New York in a palette of blooming flowers and refreshing breezes. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, this shoulder season offers comfortable temperatures for exploring iconic landmarks like Central Park or venturing beyond Manhattan to Brooklyn Bridge Park. Hotel rates tend to be more affordable compared to peak summer, and you'll encounter shorter queues at popular attractions. Plus, spring brings vibrant events like the Tribeca Film Festival, showcasing the latest cinematic gems. Hence, April to May is the best time to go new York.

Summer in the City (June-August): New York in summer is a kaleidoscope of activity. Long, sunny days are perfect for catching a rooftop concert, picnicking in Bryant Park, or soaking up the rays on Coney Island beach. Baseball fans can cheer on the Yankees or Mets, while theater lovers have their pick of Broadway shows. However, be prepared for soaring temperatures, humidity, and larger crowds, which can translate to pricier flights and accommodation.

Fall Foliage Fantasy (September-November): As summer's heat fades, New York explodes in a riot of autumn colors. September – November is another best time to go new York. Central Park becomes a blaze of fiery oranges, reds, and yellows, offering a breathtaking backdrop for leisurely strolls. The crisp fall air is invigorating for exploring, and crowds start to thin after the summer rush. Be sure to pack a light jacket for evenings with a slight chill. This time of year also ushers in exciting events like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a quintessential New York experience.

Winter Wonderland (December-March): New York transforms into a winter wonderland during the holidays. The city twinkles with festive decorations, and iconic landmarks like Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park become magical with their elaborate Christmas markets. While the weather can be chilly (pack those gloves!), winter offers a unique charm, with cozy cafes to escape the cold and a chance to experience a snowy Central Park, a sight straight out of a Christmas movie. Prices tend to be lower compared to peak seasons, making it a budget-friendly option.

Beyond the Seasons: New York City is a cultural melting pot with a vibrant calendar of events year-round. If there's a specific activity you're interested in, plan your trip around it. For art enthusiasts, there's always a captivating exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art or MoMA. Foodies can indulge in the world's most diverse cuisine during the annual NYC Restaurant Week.

The Final Bite: Ultimately, the best time to go new York depends on your preferences. Summer boasts long days and vibrant energy, while winter brings festive cheer and potentially lower prices. Consider what you want to experience in the Big Apple, and let this guide help you take a delicious bite out of the city that never sleeps.

[goblogger]

Top 6 Must-Do Activities in Amsterdam

Amsterdam, the vibrant capital of the Netherlands, is a city that seamlessly blends historical charm with modern dynamism. Whether you're an art enthusiast, history buff, or simply looking to enjoy the unique atmosphere, Amsterdam has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore six must-do activities in Amsterdam, providing insights into ticketing options for each to help you make the most of your visit.

1. Visit the Keukenhof Gardens

Known as the "Garden of Europe," Keukenhof is one of the world's largest flower gardens. Although technically located just outside Amsterdam, it's a must-visit for anyone traveling to the city during spring. Keukenhof showcases a dazzling array of tulips, daffodils, and other flowers, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.

Keukenhof Tickets Amsterdam

To make your visit smooth, it’s advisable to purchase Keukenhof tickets Amsterdam in advance. Tickets are available online, often including options for combined transport from Amsterdam. Prices typically range from €18 to €30, depending on the package. The garden is open from mid-March to mid-May, so plan your visit accordingly.

2. Explore the Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is the most famous museum in the Netherlands and houses an extensive collection of Dutch art and history from the Middle Ages to the present day. The museum's highlights include masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh.

Rijksmuseum Tickets

Purchasing Rijksmuseum tickets online is recommended to avoid long queues. Adult tickets are priced at around €20, and children under 18 can enter for free. Various passes, such as the I Amsterdam City Card, offer free entry, so consider these options if you plan to visit multiple attractions.

3. Marvel at Modern Art in the MOCO Museum

The MOCO Museum (Modern Contemporary Museum) offers a refreshing contrast to the classical art found in the Rijksmuseum. It features works by contemporary artists like Banksy, Andy Warhol, and Roy Lichtenstein, providing a modern twist on Amsterdam's rich artistic heritage.

MOCO Museum Tickets Amsterdam

Moco Museum tickets Amsterdam can be purchased online, and it's often best to do so to skip the lines. Prices for adults are around €16.50, while students and seniors can enjoy discounted rates. Combo tickets with other museums, like the Van Gogh Museum, can also offer savings.

4. Experience History at the Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is one of Amsterdam’s most poignant and visited attractions. This museum is the actual house where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II, and it offers a deeply moving insight into their lives during the Holocaust.

Anne Frank House Tickets

Due to its popularity, it’s essential to book Anne Frank House tickets well in advance. Tickets are only available online and usually sell out quickly. The standard ticket price is around €14 for adults, with discounts available for children and young adults.

5. Wander Through the Van Gogh Museum

Home to the largest collection of Van Gogh's paintings and drawings, the Van Gogh Museum is a must-see for art lovers. The museum provides a comprehensive look at Van Gogh’s life and works, featuring iconic pieces like "The Starry Night" and "Sunflowers."

Van Gogh Museum Tickets

To avoid long lines, it's best to purchase Van Gogh Museum tickets online. Standard tickets are priced at approximately €19, with free entry for children under 18. The museum also offers guided tours and multimedia guides for an enhanced experience.

6. Discover the Unique Charm of the Heineken Experience

The Heineken Experience offers a fascinating tour through the history of one of the world's most famous beer brands. Located in the original brewery, this interactive museum provides a fun and educational journey through the brewing process, along with beer tastings.

Heineken Experience Tickets

Tickets for the Heineken Experience are best bought online to secure a time slot. Prices are around €21 for adults, which includes two drinks. Combo tickets with other attractions, such as a canal cruise, are also available for those looking to bundle their experiences.

Conclusion

Amsterdam is a city brimming with culture, history, and beauty. From the serene gardens of Keukenhof to the moving exhibits at the Anne Frank House, each attraction offers a unique glimpse into what makes this city so special. By planning ahead and purchasing tickets online, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to each of these must-do activities. Whether you're an art aficionado, history enthusiast, or simply looking to soak in the city's atmosphere, Amsterdam has something to offer everyone.

[railrecipee]

All Aboard the Flavor Train: RailRecipe Gastronomic Delights on Rails

In the hustle and bustle of train travel, there's a hidden gem that promises to turn your journey into a culinary adventure: food in train by RailRecipe. It's not just about getting from point A to point B; it's about savoring every moment along the way, starting with a delectable meal delivered right to your seat.

Let's talk about the ordering process first. Gone are the days of standing in long queues at the station or settling for bland, pre-packaged meals. With RailRecipe, the entire process is as smooth as silk. Simply whip out your smartphone or hop onto your laptop, and with a few clicks, you're greeted with a tantalizing array of options. From traditional favorites to international delights, RailRecipe's menu has something to satisfy every craving and palate.

Once you've made your selection, it's time to sit back, relax, and let the culinary magic unfold. As the train chugs along its path, a team of skilled chefs springs into action, meticulously preparing your meal with the freshest ingredients and utmost care. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty biryani, a cheesy pizza, or a refreshing salad, each dish is crafted to perfection, ensuring that every bite is a burst of flavor.

But it's not just about the food; it's about the experience. Picture yourself nestled in your seat, the rhythmic clack of the tracks lulling you into a state of tranquility. As you unwrap your meal, the aroma wafts through the air, tantalizing your senses and whetting your appetite. It's a moment of pure bliss, a culinary journey that transcends time and space.

And the feedback from satisfied customers speaks volumes. They rave about the convenience of online ordering, the quality of the food, and the impeccable service provided by RailRecipe.

"I was hesitant to try train food, but RailRecipe has completely changed my perspective. The online ordering process was a breeze, and the meal exceeded my expectations. It's like dining in a restaurant, but with a view!"

"RailRecipe has made my train journeys so much more enjoyable. The variety of options on the menu is impressive, and the food is always fresh and delicious. I can't imagine traveling without it now!"

"Kudos to RailRecipe for elevating train travel to a whole new level. From the ease of ordering online to the prompt delivery of meals, everything about the experience was top-notch. I'll definitely be using their services again!"

Indeed, Food in Train with RailRecipe isn't just about filling your stomach; it's about feeding your soul. It's about creating moments of joy and delight amidst the chaos of travel, turning a mundane journey into a memorable adventure. So the next time you find yourself aboard a train, don't settle for subpar meals or lackluster snacks. Treat yourself to a feast fit for a king with RailRecipe and embark on a gastronomic odyssey like no other.

[engaardesque]

HAIIII ITS ME , GUNNY or KING !! MY NAME ON THIS BLOG WILL CHANGE A LOT SO JUST KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR MY BIO !!!

PLEASE DONT SPAM REBLOG UNLESS WE'RE MUTUALS !!!

ALL MY TAGS ARE BROKEN !

horror blog : @dxnielcainz ( reanimator archive )

pokepasta blog @discordiacordis ( art and reblogs )

ASL archive ( one piece 1 ) @revolutiionarys

zoro archive ( one piece 2 ) @gladiiiusakes

FUN TAGS :

🪚id like to play a game . <- saw tag

💉🧪how dare you judge my work . <- reanimator tag

🛤right on schedule!!🛤 <- submas tag !

🛸i dunno ; lucky guess ?🛸 <- x files tag

🦯the devils go nothin on me my friend .⚖ <- daredevil tag

🟢•ONE• ← hfjone tag ( subtags r character names )

groovy.🏚 ← evil dead tag

let me talk to my agent . . .🐾mattys chatlog <- talktag

refeshing as a spring queue! ← queue of course

FAVE SAWPOSTS :

a lot like the bible . <- fave saw post 1

trauma poetry . <- fave saw post 2

a bath . <- #3

the law of holes . <- #4

ROSEN AND GILDEN . <- #5

GUILT . <- #6

GLITCHMET MASTERPOST .

[secretswiftymarvelfan]

Burnin’ Up - Firefighter!Chris AU (Part 8: Boiling Point)

Summary: As you and Chris spend more time together, things begin to boil over

Word Count: 8k

Warnings: Fluff! Angst! Child abandonment! Language! Cop vs Firefighter Rivalry! Talk of Child Neglect! Talk of Character Death! Language! Idiots who won’t admit their feelings! Let me know if I missed anything

Dividers by @firefly-graphics​

Meet the Characters!

Series Masterlist / Masterlist

Part 8: Boiling Point

You were walking down the street heading towards your favourite coffee shop to meet Ben. It was a bright sunny day and despite the usual early start, you had a spring in your step. You just felt happy, you weren’t sure why so just put it down to the nice weather and the lack of depressing cases to work on.

“Well hello stranger, you seem pretty chipper this morning,” Ben says with a lopsided grin as you meet him outside the coffee shop.

You just shrug “guess I got a goodnight’s sleep last night”

“well, I did not so let's get some coffee,” Ben says linking his arm with yours and leading you inside the coffee shop.

“Late night last night?” you ask as you queue up.

“yeah, I only got home a couple of hours ago,” Ben says stifling a yawn.

Your jaw drops as you look back at him “you were out drinking until 5 am?!” you ask astonished.

“God no, I spent the night somewhere,” Ben says shaking his head “can’t you see the post-sex glow” he adds smirking as he gestured to his face.

“hm now that you mention it” you hum “so tell me about them,” you ask nudging him with your elbow.

“well it was a pretty wild night” Ben starts making you raise a brow at him “so I first met this girl in the club down the road from mine, she was part of a bachelorette party and we made out in a dark corner of the club, she was a bit touchy-feely but I wasn’t really complaining” he shrugs.

“so she ditched the party to spend the night with you?” you ask making Ben gasp playfully.

“rude!” he says hand to his chest.

You roll your eyes at him “you know what I mean, I’m surprised the party let her go that’s all” you say.

“I know, they didn’t, they pulled her away pretty soon after” Ben explains shaking his head.

“wait so who did you go home with?” you ask confused.

“well I decided to head to the gay bar and met this super cute yoga instructor” Ben smirks shrugging his shoulders.

“oh god was his name like ocean or something?” you laugh shaking your head.

“no his name was Matt, and he’s super fit and super great in bed” Ben smirks wriggling his eyebrows.

You laugh nodding your head “that is always a bonus, so are you gonna see him again” you ask him.

“yes I am, we talked this morning, actually exchanged numbers, nobody left a note or anything,” he says giving you a pointed look, you rolling your eyes at him “and we’re seeing each other this weekend”

“hey the note was a good idea, the wind just had other ideas,” you say stepping up to the counter “I’ll have just a tea please,” you tell the barista before looking over at Ben.

“double americano with cream,” Ben says placing his order “you’re only going for a tea? You’re usually 70% coffee” he comments as you get out your card to pay.

You shrug your shoulders “woke up pretty refreshed this morning, no point having caffeine if I don’t actually need it” you reason, quickly paying for the drinks and moving off to the side to wait for them.

“yeah you have been pretty chipper the past couple of weeks, ever since that storm a couple of weeks back” Ben comments leaning against the counter.

“Yeah I guess, the weather’s been pretty good since then so I’ve been in a good mood,” you say shrugging your shoulders.

“so this good mood has nothing to do with you spending the night at Evans’ house,” Ben asks arching a brow as he collects the drinks, passing you yours.

You shake your head taking a large sip before answering “no, I told you nothing happened” you say as the two of you walk out of the coffee shop.

“and I told you, that I just don’t believe that,” Ben says giving you a pointed look.

You sigh shaking your head at him “nothing happened, we just watched a Disney movie together and both ended up falling asleep” you tell him.

“and did you wake up on the opposite side of the bed to each other,” Ben asks knowingly.

“no… but that doesn’t mean anything,” you say shaking your head.

“I think it means more than you’re letting on, I think you like him” Ben smirks nudging you in the side.

“no we’re just friends” you state shaking your head.

“Are you sure? You don’t sound so convinced” Ben says arching a brow at you.

You sigh shaking your head “i- I don’t know”

“look I know you had a rocky start and you’ve seen the ugly side of him but I’ve never seen you happier, you’re like this whole other person ever since you guys became friends again,” Ben says stopping to turn and face you.

“I dunno benny, even if I did like him, there’s no way he could like me back,” you say shaking your head “he’s seen the worst of me too, it was my fault we got into all this mess, nobody would want to be with me after seeing that” you point out.

“if that was true you guys wouldn’t even be friends now” Ben states.

“I guess, but I dunno” you sigh shaking your head as you continue walking towards the precinct.

“look just next time you hang out with him try and see if you can see any evidence of him liking you back,” Ben says jogging to catch up with you.

“you realise that is easier said than done” you point overlooking over your shoulder at him.

“just try okay? For me?” Ben says stopping you once more with a hand on your arm.

You let out a long sigh before nodding “yes okay, but that doesn’t mean anything will happen” you agree reluctantly.

“as long as there’s a chance I’m good” Ben grins before linking his arm with yours once more and walking off.

When you arrived at the precinct everyone greeted you with a wide smile on their faces, thanking you as you passed.

“why is everyone thanking you?” Ben whispers as you get into the elevator.

“I have no clue” you whisper back equally confused as he was.

As the elevator door opens onto your floor you instantly spot pink boxes all around the bullpen. There were loads, at least one on every desk. You knew exactly what those pink boxes were, your suspicion was confirmed when you saw Hitchcock grabbing a doughnut out of one.

“What is with all the doughnuts? Did someone do a bust on a shop or something?” you say as you toss your jacket over the back of your chair.

“what are you on about?” Diaz called back “you’re the one who organised it all”

“what no I didn’t” you state shaking your head.

“Y/N, look,” Ben says nodding down to the pink box on your desk, a white envelope on top.

You pick up the envelope and rip it open, inside you find a small pink post-it note. You instantly recognise the writing and roll your eyes as you read the note.

Since I know you secretly love doughnuts, I thought I���d treat your squad on your behalf.

0-1  to the firefighters ;)

You shake your head chuckling “oh it's on Evans” you mutter.

“what is it?” Ben asks looking over your shoulder at the note.

“Chris has just started a prank war that he won’t win,” you say as you instantly start thinking of pranks you could pull on him.

“The choice of paper says a lot,” Ben says as he moves round to his desk, sitting down and grabbing a doughnut.

“what do you mean, it's just a pink post-it note,” you say confused.

“just like the pink post-it note that you wrote your number on and then went missing, starting all this off?” Ben supplied with a shit-eating grin on his face.

You roll your eyes at him “you’re thinking too much into this, it’s a very common office supply” you say shaking your head.

“I dunno,” Ben says shrugging his shoulders “to me it looks like he’s pulling your pigtails again” he smirks.

“no, he’s not, it's just a friendly rivalry,” you say shaking your head as he sat down.

“ah, ah, ah what did you say? You promised you’d keep an eye out for evidence that he likes you, this is some pretty good evidence” Ben points out.

“fine but we both know you can’t convict a criminal on one piece of evidence alone” you rebut crossing your arms over your chest.

“true, bet you can’t wait to get him in some handcuff though” Ben smirks winking over at you.

“ew benny you’re disgusting” you groan shaking your head at him.

“Oh shut up and eat a doughnut, you know you want to” Ben laughs nodding down to your box.

“fine but only because I don’t want them to go to waste” you say opening the box.

As you glance down at the box you try to contain the smile on your face when you realise it had all your favourite types in there. You knew ben would say Chris curated that box specifically for you, but you weren’t going to give him the chance. You didn’t need to give him more ammunition.

A couple of days later it was one of your days off, one you decided to use productively by cleaning your apartment and sorting through your closet in the hope to try and have it somewhat organised.

you had also decided to make some brownies, which you were just getting out of the oven when you heard your phone ringing. Quickly putting the tray down on the side you grabbed your phone, confused for a moment when you saw it was Chris calling you. as far as you were aware he was at work, and surely he wouldn’t be calling you if that was the case.

“hey is everything okay? I thought you were at work today?” you ask once you picked up.

“uh yeah I’m fine, I’m just at the station at the moment, I need a favour,” Chris asks his voice surprisingly quiet.

“What kind of favour?” you ask confused.

“can you just swing by the station? I need your help with something” Chris asks you.

You narrow your eyes suspiciously “this isn’t a trap is it to prank me again is it?” you ask sceptically.

Chris chuckles gently “no it's not, I know the rules of a prank war, I cannot prank you until you prank me back, which if you’re not gonna I guess that means I win,” Chris says.

“oh I’m definitely pranking you back Evans, I’m just taking my time, lulling you into a false sense of security” you smirk making him laugh once more, except it wasn’t his usual loud boisterous laugh it was really quiet.

“you know by telling me that it kind negates the point” Chris points out, his voice quiet.

“true, look Chris is everything alright? You’re really quiet” you ask him.

“yeah, I just need your advice on something, it's kinda an emergency,” Chris tells you.

“like my advice or police advice?” you question.

“police advice, look I know it’s your day off today but I really need the help,” Chris asks a pleading tone to his voice.

“Chris if it's something serious you should just call dispatch,” you tell him.

“I know but I need this advice off the record” Chris explains.

“Why have you broken the law or something?” You ask your brows furrowing.

“no, look I’ll explain it once you get here, please?” Chris pleads once more.

“Okay fine I’ll be there as quick as I can” you relent with a sigh.

“thank you, and I’ll buy you a doughnut to make up for it” Chris smirks making you groan in annoyance.

“you’re an ass Evans” you grumble hanging up the phone.

You sigh shoving your phone into your back pocket before turning off the oven and grabbing your trainers. As you slipped them on you began to wonder what on earth Chris could need your advice on, it was definitely a legal issue and one potentially very serious. You just hoped no one was in serious trouble, particularly Chris.

When you arrived at the station you had barely stepped in the door when Dodger came running over to greet you. The pup bounced excitedly until you crouched down to give him some fussing.

“Hey bubba, where’s your dad?” you ask scratching Dodger behind the ear.

Dodger instantly runs off towards the red metal stairs, pausing at the bottom of them to look back at you before running up them. You let out a small huff of a laugh at his Disney-like behaviour before following after him.

As you get to the top of the stairs you spot all the crew sitting together talking in hushed tones. You could see Chris but he had his back to you, as you walked over Jamie and a couple of others greeted you with a smile.

“Hey thanks for coming in,” Jamie says walking over to you.

“it's okay, what’s happened?” you ask following her back over to the guys.

As you reach the group you turn to look at Chris, your eyes widening in surprise when you see the small little baby in his arm. You couldn’t work out whether the baby was just really small or if Chris’ large biceps were making it look small.

“hey,” Chris says smiling up at you from his spot on the couch.

“um hey… why have you got a baby?” you ask pointing down to the child in question.

“This little guy is what we need your help with,” Chris says smiling down at the baby.

“right okay…” you say scratching your head “so what happened?”

“We have this baby drop box, it’s the first in the state, mothers who feel they can’t look after their child can drop it off here in a safe space without fear of prosecution” Jamie explains as you move to sit down.

“yeah, the save haven law,” you say nodding your head.

“exactly but we don’t think this baby is younger than a week,” Paul tells you crossing his arms over his chest.

You sigh looking back over at the baby, even though he looked really small he didn’t look like a baby that had been born in the last week. You watched for a moment as Chris gently rocked the baby in his arms, soothing it back to sleep. A small smile crept onto your face as you watched him, he was a natural at it, you’d seen him with his niece and nephew and were blown away by how much of a natural father he seemed but this was a whole new level. He looked up from the little boy, a smile on his face when his eyes met yours, you returned his smile before clearing your throat reminding yourself why you were here.

“right and the safe haven law require the baby to be left at a maximum of a week old, which means if the mother is found she’ll be prosecuted for child neglect” you sigh nodding your head slightly.

“exactly, so this kid is clearly too old for that law, but otherwise is perfectly healthy so we don’t want the mother to be prosecuted just because she couldn’t handle it” Chris explains, his voice low so as not to disturb the baby.

You nod your head in understanding “I understand, the law was designed to protect those who had unwanted pregnancies, due to rape or other reasons, but it doesn’t really protect those who go into it with the best intentions and then can’t handle it” you explain shaking your head slightly.

“Yeah, we were just saying how the limit should be raised to a month at least,” Steve says, you and the rest of the crew humming in agreement.

“right well, was the baby left with any documentation at all?” you ask them glancing around at the group.

“no it was just on its own, nothing with it” Chris explains.

“Okay, and there’s no CCTV footage of the mother leaving the station?” you question.

“no the box is specifically placed in an area where the mother can have anonymity” Paul explains.

You let out a long sigh nodding your head “okay, so right now there is no way to track the mother down to actually charge and prosecute her” you say rubbing your hands together “so when you take this baby to the hospital, what they’ll do is call the police they’ll ask for any CCTV footage you have and maybe ask for witnesses” you explain.

“but isn’t that unfair on the mother? If they do find her” Chris says his brows frowning together.

“Unfortunately yes, but there’s a high chance they’ll never find her, there’s very little evidence to go on and unless her DNA is in the police database they won’t be able to get details that way” you explain with a sigh.

“that’s good, I just didn’t want her to be prosecuted because of some minor detail like the date, especially if she didn’t know about that rule” Chris sighs looking back down at the baby, his fingers gently running over its chubby cheeks.

“exactly, and if they do find her she can use that in her defence, or the baby might not even be as old as we think, he could have been born late making him seem older than he is, either way, I think the mother is most likely safe from prosecution” you sigh nodding your head.

“good, while I wish this little guy wasn’t going into the care system I’m glad her life isn’t getting ruined” Chris sighs sadly.

“yeah and hopefully he’ll find a great home soon, cases like these usually take priority,” you say reassuring him.

“I guess” he sighs before looking back up at the crew “Jamie can you go call this in”

“on it, let's give the little guy some space too,” she says glancing around at everyone.

The rest of the crew nod in agreement all dispersing leaving just you and Chris behind with the baby. You stand up from your seat moving to sit next to Chris on the couch, watching over his shoulder as the baby stirred in his arms letting out a big yawn before snuggling down further.

“you’re a natural at this,” you say quietly nodding down to the baby.

Chris lets out a small huff shaking his head slightly “it's nothing, just had practice with my niece and nephews” he says.

“it's really not, you’re gonna be a great father one day,” you tell him gently.

You feel him stiffen beside you, his head quickly turning to look at you. you see a strange look in his eyes as he scans your face, his eyes meeting yours for a moment before he quickly looks away.

“I dunno” he mumbles under his breath.

“do you not wanna have kids?” you ask him.

He lets out a long sigh as he looks back down at the sleeping baby, his face softening for a moment as he looked down at him, almost as if he was picturing what it would be like.

“I dunno” he repeats shaking his head “a long time ago, yeah I did, I wanted it all but now-“ he starts before cutting himself off.

“what changed if you don’t mind me asking,” you say gently.

“I got older, things didn’t work out the way I wanted, feels like it’s something that just isn’t meant to happen” Chris sighs shaking his head.

“I understand, it might still happen though, you just need to meet the right person,” you say as you look down at the little boy.

When Chris doesn’t answer you look back up at him to find him already looking at you, that strange look in his eyes back and stronger than before. You felt your heart beating in your chest as your gazes met and remained on each other for what felt like an eternity. It felt like a silent conversation was happening but you didn’t understand a word or were just too scared to admit you did.

“do you wanna hold him?” Chris asks his voice barely above a whisper.

“uh yeah sure,” you say clearing your throat.

You shifted slightly on the couch gently taking the little boy into your arms as Chris passed him over. A warm smile appeared on your lips as you looked down at the little boy, he wiggled for a moment in your arms before settling down once more.

“looks like I'm not the only natural” Chris comments with a lop-sided grin.

“let's not get ahead of ourselves,” you say looking over at him with a playful smirk.

Chris laughs gently as he reaches over, his long large fingers gently tickling the boy's stomach making him squirm in your arms, a gummy smile on his face.

“so what about you? do you want kids?” Chris asks.

“I dunno, maybe… it’s a scary prospect really, with me not having my own mother around while growing up, and thinking of balancing work too” you sigh shaking your head.

“I’m sure you’ll have plenty of support around you to lean on,” Chris says gently “I know when Ethan was born the entire family helped out, it was an embarrassment of riches for Carly”

“I don’t really have any family left,” you say your voice quiet.

“but you have lots of friends, myself and my family included,” Chris says his hand moving to rest on your lower back “you have a lot of people who love and support you”

Your heart hammers in your chest at the word love. Your heart desperately wanted Chris to have meant it romantically, your head telling you it could only be friendly. You couldn’t trust your own voice at that moment so you kept your mouth shut and just nodded your head.

“Hey um,” Paul says interrupting the moment, “dispatch says to take the baby to the hospital in the aid car because they don’t have a team spare at the moment”

“right yeah of course,” Chris says clearing his throat, removing his hand from your back and rubbing his hands over his trousers.

“sure um here you go, do you guys want me to accompany you?” you ask passing the baby back to Chris and standing up.

“oh no we’re fine, dispatch says they’ll have someone waiting at the hospital for us,” Paul says shaking his head.

“yeah and it's your day off, you should be at home relaxing,” Chris tells you “I’m sorry for calling you in”

“no, no it's okay, I was happy to help, and look I know it's all a bit up in the air but it’ll work out, the baby will find a new home and the mother can go about her life without worry” you reassure him.

“thank you, I’ll um text you later or something” Chris nods giving you a small smile.

“yeah sure, talk to you later, bye Paulie,” you say giving him a quick wave before heading out.

For the rest of the day you tried to focus on the jobs you needed to do but it was impossible, your mind was solely on Chris. Replaying and analysing every moment, not only from today but from the last few weeks, from the moment you became friends again. The more you thought the more you couldn’t deny you had some really strong feelings towards him, a fact that was only solidified when he texted you a picture that night. It was of you and Chris at the fire station sitting on the couch as you held the baby, Chris's arm around you. You were smiling warmly down at the baby while his eyes were firmly on you. it was the perfect scene and one that made your heart soar, wishing it was real.

Chris: Paulie sent me this and I thought you might like to have it too

Y/N: thank you, it’s a really sweet picture

Chris: yeah, and I know I didn’t say it earlier but I think it proves you’ll be a great mom too x

You felt yourself well up at his words, a watery chuckle escaping your lips because you were definitely head over heels for Chris, praying he felt the same.

It was late into the evening and the fire station was quiet. The rest of the crew had already gone up to the sleep quarters to get some rest and hopefully not be disturbed by a call coming in. Chris however was sat on the couch in the common room, wishing he had a bottle of beer to hand to calm his mind.

He’d just sent you the photo that Paul took of you and him with the baby. When Chris first saw the photo he was annoyed that it had been taken in the first place, knowing Paul would just end up teasing him with it. But the more he looked at the photo the more he liked it, it made the dream of having a wife and kids seem more realistic which was equally terrifying and exhilarating.

“Hey I thought you might still be up” Chris heard someone say behind him.

Looking over his shoulder he was surprised to see his dad standing leaning against the door frame.

“dad what- what are you doing here?” Chris asks confused.

“I heard about the call in about the Baby wanted to check you were okay,” His dad says walking in and moving to sit in the chair adjacent to Chris.

“I’m fine dad,” Chris tells him rubbing his hands together “have-have you heard anything about it?”

“yes the little boy is perfectly healthy, the cops tried to track the mother down using DNA but it was a dead end, child services have officially taken over the case and found him an emergency foster home already” His dad sighs.

“so they’ve dropped the case against the mother?” Chris asks.

“yes, she, whoever she is, is safe from prosecution” His dad nods reassuring him.

“good, I just hope she’s safe from everything else, I just kept wondering what led her to this situation, was it an abusive partner? Was she raped?” Chris sighs running his hands over his face and beard.

“We don’t know and we will never know… all we do know is she made the right call leaving the boy here where he’s safe and she can carry on her life, hopefully for the better,” His dad says leaning forward to put a hand on Chris’ shoulder.

“Thanks dad” Chris sighs giving his dad a small and grateful smile.

His dad gave him a kind, warm smile back before squeezing his shoulder. Chris was glad both his parents were who they were despite everything. He knew he could rely on both of them for support when he needed it, he had already been planning on visiting his mom once his shift was over. His father had paid a visit knowing Chris would want to know what happened to the baby after they dropped it off at the hospital.

However, it was all tinged with sadness when he thought about you, knowing you would never have support like this from your father. Chris’ family had rallied around him when they found out he responded to the fatal RTC, you had no one, at least not until Chris turned up.

“dad, can I ask you something?” Chris asked quietly.

“sure son, anything,” His dad says nodding his head.

“ma said you told her about the fire that killed the commissioner's wife… what happened there? what went so wrong?” Chris asks.

His dad sighs sadly “it was just one of those jobs, one that no matter how hard you try you can’t save everyone” he starts shaking his head “our station was already responding to another fire when we got redirected to it, we tried to get there as quick as possible but we hit roadblock after roadblock” he sighs.

Chris remained silent as he listened to his dad recount the story, he had no idea he was part of the crew that responded that night.

“by the time we got there the entire house was in flames, we got in as quick as possible but she was already gone, we tried re-sus but it didn’t work” his dad sighs dropping his head sadly.

“was the commissioner home?” Chris asks him.

His dad shakes his head “no he was out on night patrol that night, he arrived on the scene just as we called time on his wife”

“shit” Chris mumbled under his breath.

“yeah something changed in him at that moment, he wasn’t my friend anymore, he became cold, everything had to be perfect and his way” His dad sighs making Chris’ eyebrow rise in surprise.

As far as he knew his dad had always hated the commissioner, he never heard him say a good thing about him. So to hear they were once friends was something Chris never thought would happen.

“you were friends? I thought you hated him?” Chris asks astonished.

“yeah we were, we often responded to the same jobs, just like you and Y/N, we built up a good rapport, but after that fire he became unrecognisable, he blamed it on us, and still does” His dad sighs shrugging his shoulders.

“and was it?” Chris asks cautiously.

His dad shook his head “no we did everything we could, there was a formal inquiry and everything, everything that went wrong was down to a matter of chance, the traffic, the longer response time, the hair straightener that short-circuited and the hairspray bottle that acted as an accelerant, but he just couldn’t accept that”

“and what about you two? The friendship you had, it just ended like that?” Chris asks.

“no, it took a little while to completely breakdown,” his dad says shaking his head “Me and your ma tried to help out, but then he snapped, I snapped back and that was it, you ma wasn’t very happy with me but you know he said some pretty hurtful things and like you, I got defensive and said some things I never should have said,” his dad says giving Chris a small pointed look.

“really?” Chris says surprised.

“Yeah, where do you think you got it from? Me and you are more alike than you probably realise” his dad says with a small smile.

Chris froze slightly when he heard that, his entire life all he’s heard is how similar to his father he is, and to begin with he loved that. His dad was the best role model he could ask for. But then his parents' marriage broke down, he saw how his dad broke his mom’s heart, and he didn’t want to be like his father anymore. Chris didn’t want to break his wife’s heart, he didn’t want to tear his family apart. He swore to himself that he wouldn’t be like his father, but he still heard it, people comparing him to his dad, and with every failed relationship it felt more and more impossible.  

“no I know,” Chris says clearing his throat.

His dad gives him another warm smile “but yeah part of me feels bad for saying what I did, but another part of me isn’t because of the person he became, he became a monster, constantly berating other officers and people around him, he isn’t well respected in the force, he’s feared. He’s good at his job, I’ll give him that, but the damage he left in his wake…” his dad says unable to finish his sentence, shaking his head.

“I hate him” Chris mutters shaking his head “Y/N hasn’t told me much, but what I do know is heart-breaking, she grew up with only him, he put poisonous thoughts in her head, acted like a stranger rather than a father, she grew up in a toxic home, unloved,” Chris says beginning to rant before letting out a shaky sigh, dropping his head into his hands.

“I know, it’s one of your mother’s regrets that she didn’t do something to help, but from the outside, everything looked fine” his dad sighs shrugging his shoulders “but despite everything, I think she’d grown into a pretty incredible woman, surrounded by the love of friends”

“even though she slapped and potentially took away my ability to have kids?” Chris asks with a small smirk.

“yeah, but you deserved it” his dad smirks as he stands up from his chair “it's late you should get some rest in case a call comes in,” he says putting a hand on Chris’ shoulder “and I know you’re worried about her, but I think with you around she’s in a pretty good place”

“I’m just a friend,” Chris says looking up at his dad.

“I think we both know you’re more than that” his dad winks “now go to bed”

Chris chuckles nodding his head “yes sir” standing up from the couch to hug his dad “thank dad”

His dad pats his back, waiting for Chris to pull out of the hug when he was ready “it's nothing, see you soon” he smiles before heading out.

Chris bounded up the stairs of your apartment block in a hurry. He was kicking himself for being late, despite the fact, that there was nothing he could have done to prevent it.

“Hey sorry I’m late” Chris called out as he opened the door to your apartment, kicking off his boots.

“it's alright, I was running behind anyway” you called back from the kitchen.

“really? I thought you had today off” Chris frowns as he walks into the kitchen, helping himself to a beer.

“I did but I had some errands to run and lost track of time,” you say walking over and grabbing the beer from his hands and taking a sip, smirking up at him “so what made you late?” you ask him passing his back his beer bottle.

“just a crazy job, took us longer than expected to get back to the station to clock off” Chris answers moving to lean against the counter next to you watching as you stirred the pot on the hob.

“What kind of crazy?” you ask raising a brow at him.

“a bunch of teens went into this old abandoned house that is supposed to be haunted” Chris explains with a small chuckle.

“and was it?” you question holding back a laugh.

“no, well guess it depends on if you believe that sort of stuff, but one of the kids snuck off and hid in the walls trying to scare the other kids” Chris continues to explain as he sips at his beer.

“wait, wait, wait let me guess!” you exclaim holding your hand out to silence him, making him smile back over at you.

“the kid got stuck in the walls and ultimately scared off his friends” you guess, with a hopeful look on your face, biting your lower lip slightly.

Chris took a moment just to watch you, your hands clasped together the excited look on your face as you waited to see if you were right or not. Seeing you happy was one of his favourite sights, your bright eyes and brilliant smile. He wanted to always see it, and take away anything that made it disappear.

“yep, and it wasn’t easy to find where he was either because the house just carried his voice all over” Chris laughs gesturing around his face.

“that is pretty crazy but I’ve dealt with crazier” you smirk giving him a sidewards look as you returned to the meal you were cooking.

“oh yeah?” Chris says crossing his arms over his chest and arching a brow “what kind of crazy?”

“how about a loose zebra?” you say tilting your head slightly.

Chris furrows his brows in confusion “a what?” he asks surprised.

“you heard me, we got a call saying there was a zebra loose in someone’s backyard, turned out it had gotten loose from a private collection and when we looked into it further this collection had no permits it was all illegal, links to the illicit trade and everything, to date it’s one of my biggest busts,” you say proudly.

“no way” Chris huffs in surprise “what happened to all the animals?”

“they got rehomed to different sanctuaries and zoos across America, one Tiger even ended up moving to this sanctuary in the UK,” you tell him as you turn off the hob and begin serving up.

“poor tiger, moving from beautiful Massachusetts to rainy old England” Chris chuckles shaking his head.

“I doubt he cares too much, the sanctuary sends me photos and he’s looking good, much better than before” you smile to yourself as you plate up the food.

Chris smiles over at you “do you usually keep in touch with people from old cases?” Chris asks as he helps you carry the plates over to the table.

“If I can, it's nice to see how people are and make sure they’re okay, especially those whose cases while they got solved still lost a lot” you sigh as you sit down.

“Are there many of those?” Chris asks brow arched in concern.

“no, thankfully not, but there’s definitely more than I’d like” you sigh looking down at your plate, pushing your food around.

Chris sighs gently, watching the cloud darken across your features. He reaches over to take your hand in his, thumb gently brushing over your skin. He watches as your eyes widen slightly, darting to your joined hands before finding his. He panics for a moment that you didn’t want him touching you, that you didn’t feel the same as him, but just as he goes to pull his hand away your eyes soften and a small smile appears on your lips.

“Hey, don’t beat yourself up over it, you’re the best cop I know and they know you would have done everything you could,” he tells you softly.

“Thanks Chris,” you say your voice barely above a whisper.

“it's nothing, now c’mon let's eat because this looks and smells delicious” Chris smiles nodding down to his plate full of food.

“well I don’t know about that, your mom said how much you like Italian food but I doubt my meatballs compare to hers,” you say shaking your head.

A smile appears on Chris’ face as he can’t help but think you made this specifically for him, after hearing how much he liked this sort of food. He wasn’t sure if he could think of anyone who’d done that before, his girlfriends in the past would cook what they wanted, usually something that left him still hungry.

“well it is a pretty tough competition but so far it's looking good” Chris comments as he loads up his fork.

He sees you watching him closely as he takes his first bite, anxious to see what he thought and if he was honest this was probably the best plate of meatballs he’d ever had. He felt almost guilty to admit it because he was a sucker for his mom’s cooking but yours were also incredible.

“This is amazing,” Chris says shaking his head as he takes another large bit.

“you’re just being kind,” you say with a bashful look on your face.

“nope, honestly if you held a gun to my head and asked me to pick a favourite, these or my ma’s, I’d be dead because I couldn’t possibly choose,” he tells you shovelling more food onto his fork and into his mouth “seriously where did you learn to cook like this?”

You shrug your shoulders “my grandma taught me a bit when I was younger but I guess I kinda learnt on my way, I’ve been cooking a long time” you say as you start eating.

Chris furrows his brows at this, swallowing his mouthful before speaking “what do you mean?” he asks.

“well my grandparents couldn’t always look after me, so I’d be home alone a lot my father would leave things I could easily put in the oven or microwave like pizza bagels but they got boring after a while so I started cooking for myself and him” you explain keeping your eyes set on your plate in front of you.

Chris had to stop himself from snapping his fork in half in anger when he heard this, keeping his voice level as he asked “how old were you when you started cooking?”

You shrugged your shoulders slightly “I dunno, 7 maybe?” you answer.

Chris dropped his fork against the plate making you jump slightly, he muttered an apology as he ran his hand over his beard, grabbing his beer bottle and almost downing the entire bottle in one go. Ever since the conversation he had with his dad about your father, he’d done a bit more digging himself, asking people what they thought of the commissioner, and none of it was good. He’d secretly hoped that there was at least a few years before you had to fend for yourself, emotionally and physically, and hearing that wasn’t the case pissed him off to no end, especially when you talked so casually about it as if this was the norm.

“wow,” Chris says clearing his throat as he picked his fork back up “that’s um young” he comments going straight back to eating.

“I guess, but I enjoy cooking so I’m glad I learnt it,” you say a small smile on your face, your eyes lifting to meet his.

Chris felt his anger begin to dissipate as he looked back at you, because he could tell you were genuinely happy about it, and telling the truth. A small smile pulls at his lips as he looks at you, nodding his head.

“always a silver lining” he swallows, his voice cracking slightly.

Silence falls between the two of you as you continue to eat, Chris desperately trying to think of something to say, a change of topic but his mind was drawing a blank. Only able to think about the idea of you home alone cooking at such a young age.

“garlic bread?” you offer finally breaking the silence, holding the plate out to him.

“yeah sure thanks,” he says grabbing a couple of pieces.

“So how are things at the station?” you then ask him.

“good, we haven’t had too many call-outs this week which is nice but does mean killing time though which is proving difficult because our TV remote has vanished into thin air,” Chris says shaking his head, he glances back over at you to see you poorly trying to conceal a smile “wait…. Did you…. no you couldn’t have…. Did you?” he stutters.

You let out a laugh, reaching over to the side and grabbing your handbag and pulling out the station’s TV remote “I was wondering when you were gonna notice” you chuckle.

“we noticed!” Chris exclaimed, “I just didn’t think it was you!”

“that’s the best kind of prank, the small untraceable ones, I was gonna sneak it back next week, leave it somewhere super obvious so it made you lot think you were going mad” you smirk victoriously.

“you’re evil” Chris mutters shaking his head in disbelief.

“evil genius” you correct making him throw his head back laughing.

“we’ve been going crazy, we had no clue what to do with ourselves!” Chris laughs shaking his head.

“try reading a book!” you laugh.

Chris smiles shaking his head as he held out his hand for the remote “thank you, but you do realise this means I can retaliate now” he points out as you pass him the remote.

“do your worst Evans” you smirk.

“oh, you’re gonna regret saying that” Chris laughs shaking his head.

Once the both of you finished eating Chris cleared up all the plates, despite your protests and washed up everything. Telling you to leave him to it since you cooked dinner and to go pick what movie to watch tonight.

Once he placed the last plate on the drying rack he grabbed a towel to dry his hands before opening the fridge to grab another bottle of beer for himself and you. As he walked out of the kitchen he found you sat with your legs crossed on the couch, blanket over your legs book in hand.

“I hope you aren’t expecting me to read the book the movie is based on” Chris comments as he passes you your beer.

“hm?” you hum looking up at him “oh this? It's nothing,” you say closing the book and dropping it onto the coffee table.

As you do so Chris gets a better look at it, realising it was a textbook for the lieutenants' exam. He furrowed his brows at this since you’d only been a sergeant for a couple of months now.

“lieutenants exam already?” Chris asks picking up the book, giving it a once over “I didn’t realise you could take it so soon”

“you can’t,” you say shaking your head “I still have to be a sergeant for at least a year before applying but I thought I better get a head start,” you say shrugging your shoulders.

“isn’t that a bunch of extra work and stress you don’t need,” Chris says shaking his head.

“I guess but let's be honest I should probably already be a lieutenant by now, doing this just means I can get there sooner,” you say fiddling with the blanket on your lap.

Chris’ jaw clenched unbearable tight hearing that, what you just said wasn’t you being ambitious, it was words that had been put in your mouth. And Chris had a pretty good idea who.

“Who told you that?” Chris states keeping his voice as level as possible, hands clenched into fists.

“no one,” you say quickly shaking your head, looking up at him your eyes widening.

“bullshit!” Chris snapped making you flinch “it was your father wasn’t it?” he demands his anger towards your father getting the better of him.

“yeah but so what! He’s just trying to get me to be the best I can possibly be!” you argue.

“no, he’s not! This isn’t him encouraging you! it's him pressuring you and I can’t understand why you don’t see how crap of a father he is!” Chris exclaims hand running across his forehead as he began to pace in front of the TV.

“because he isn’t!” you defend looking up at Chris from your spot on the couch in disbelief.

“yes, he is! All I’ve heard from you and everyone else is how cruel and horrible he is! How he’s feared in the police force! He should have been done for child neglect and abuse!” Chris shouts turning back to face you.

“he’s not abusive! He’s an asshole but he’s never hit me or anyone else!” you argue standing up from your seat on the couch.

“no, but he’s coercive, ridiculing, verbally abusive! How the hell don’t you see that! He treats you like a stranger! Not a daughter!” Chris exclaims gesturing over to the photo of you and your father “he doesn’t love you!”

“fuck off Evans! You know nothing about my family!” you growl, rage burning in your eyes.

“no but I know what a real loving family is like and it’s not that!” Chris retorts.

“get out!” you state pointing to the door.

“Y/N c’mon you have to see this” Chris scoffs shaking his head in disbelief.

“I said get out!” you scream “go before I arrest you for trespassing”

Chris scoffs shaking his head, storming past you grabbing his shoes and jacket as he went. He open the door with so much force it could have broken from the hinges, leaving it open as he stormed out of your apartment and down the stairs. He heard you slam the door shut behind him, the sound echoing through the halls and down the stairwell. It made Chris pause for a moment, considering a moment to stop, go back and talk it out properly, but the moment passed and his anger returned. Leaving him storming down the street, seething for the rest of the night.

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[levi-supreme]

Hi REIII

Can i request Levi taking me to a park at night to see the cherry blossoms for your Valentine's event? Ty😘

Hi Megan my dear!!!!! Thank you for this lovely request!!! I'm sorry I took forever, but yay that it's still hanami and sakura season right now, so this date will be absolutely fitting for the occasion <3

I wrote this in a non-Japan context so it would be more relatable for you hehe. Also, since you didn't mention any outfit, here's your outfit that I chose for your lovely date!!

Rei’s Ask Games: Valentine’s Day Special (closed!!)

It was finally spring, and everyone was basking in the beauty of the season. Cherry blossom products were being sold everywhere, and the flowers were also in full bloom. Every year, Levi would bring you out on a flower viewing date, but this year, Levi decided to switch things up and bring you out for a night flower viewing at the local botanic garden instead.

Knowing that it might be cold at night, you wore a soft blush pink cardigan over your dress before putting on your lip gloss, preparing to leave the house. It was a white floral dress you bought last year, but you never had the chance to wear it. Levi was already waiting for you by the door, coincidentally matching you in a white button shirt and light pink trousers.

"You look lovely, sweetie." Levi chimed as he saw you come out of the room, unable to hide the small smile on his face. You bashfully looked away and wore your shoes, not forgetting to praise how handsome he looked as well.

Smiling, Levi took your hand and walked you to the car, driving to the botanic garden. It was only 6:30pm when you both reached, yet there was already a long queue outside the entrance.

"Good thing you bought the tickets early, love," you mentioned as Levi took out his phone, looking for the e-tickets that he already downloaded, "I can't imagine trying to get a ticket at the very last minute." Levi grumbled and complained that even so, it was too crowded for his liking. You giggled after hearing him.

Soon, the both of you gained entry into the botanic garden, and one of the staff gave you both a pamphlet for the night flower viewing event. The pamphlet had a map of the entire event's layout, the timeline of performances, and also a list of things to do and good spots for taking photographs.

"Are you hungry? We can try out the bento dinners first before the performance." Levi gestured towards the food stalls nearby and you nodded. Levi ordered a miso chicken bento for you while he got himself a salmon bento with cherry blossom dressing. You found an unoccupied table underneath the cherry blossom trees, the beautiful flowers forming a sea of pink above you. The sky was gradually turning darker as well, and the bright pink flowers formed a lovely contrast with the evening sky. Taking out your phone, you snapped a few photos of the scenic view and sent them to your closest friends. Soon, Levi came back with your dinners.

"Mmm, this tastes so good!" You marvelled after eating. The chicken was seasoned perfectly, and the side dishes were tasty and refreshing. Levi's salmon was really fresh and good as well, despite him commenting about the weird combination of cherry blossom sauce and salmon. Once the both of you were done, you took a walk around the garden, looking at all the blossoming flowers.

"Levi! Over here!" You cheered and ran forward, standing underneath a cherry blossom tree. "Take some photos for me, please?"

"Tch, I was already planning to do that, brat." Levi smirked before taking out his phone, getting you to pose nicely before snapping photos of you. After you were satisfied with the photos, you and Levi continued walking around the garden, taking lots of beautiful photos of the flowers and scenery. There was a small pond in the middle of the garden, and around the pond were display boards explaining the significance of flower viewing, the best time to watch the flowers, and also how to differentiate between the cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, and peach blossoms. There were many patrons taking photos, and you got a passerby to help you and Levi take some photos as well.

At around 15 minutes to 8pm, Levi and you started walking to the main event area where there would be a cultural performance of traditional Japanese folk dance and traditional Japanese music. The both of you managed to get decent seating and at 8pm sharp, the emcee started introducing the performers and the cultural performances started. It was an eye-opener and you thoroughly enjoyed the performances.

Before leaving for home, Levi brought you to the other side of the garden where there were bonsai plants and other souvenirs for sale. Levi told you to take your pick, and you excitedly looked through the wide range of products on sale. After 20mins of shopping, your basket was filled with bottles of cherry blossom jam, notebooks, fridge magnets, keychains, and also a few photo frames. You also took some postcards to gift to your friends as well. Levi even chose a small bonsai plant to display at home. The both of you left the garden with cherry blossom-patterned paper bags.

"Today was absolutely amazing, love, thank you," you beamed as Levi entered the car after keeping the bags in the boot, giving him a swift kiss on the cheek, "I had so much fun." Levi helped you buckle up before planting a soft kiss on your forehead.

"I'm glad you did, sweetie." Turning on the ignition, Levi drove out of the parking lot with your hand in his. "Next year, let's come back here again, hmm?"

You gave him a huge grin, "for sure."