#reminds me of my cats when they make biscuits on me in the mornings

[snoopylovessoup]

[anonimusunnoaniswriting]

⚠️MDNI. 18+ ADULTS ONLY⚠️ 🎀Age in bio or blocked🎀

Pairing: Nanami Kento x Reader Genre: Smut, no hurt just comfort, fix it fic Word Count: 3089 Warnings: PWP, mild ddlg, soft dom Nanami, plus size reader, female bodied reader, use of the word 'cunt', no protection, pussy eating, 69, pet names, very cutesey shit. Summary: Days after the incident at Shibuya, your lover and you finally get a day of rest. But Nanami and you have missed each others company, and you take the opportunity to reacquaint yourself with each other. A/N: I reject the canon. The canon does not get to have my man Nanami Kento. This is a purely self indulgent fic. It takes place after the incident at Shibuya but veers off after the burning. Nanami Kento LIVES. He is very much alive, in our arms, being loved and worshiped. Mahito? Idk them. This goes out to all the girlies that -- like me -- have lost their sanity a little bit over this man.

There’s a faint fragrance of tea when you open your eyes. The morning light scatters through the windows which have been opened to let the crisp autumn air in. Pink curtains flutter in the breeze – the ones you insisted on having when you saw them in the shop window. You reach out to the other side of the bed and feel the sheets, the warmth of its recent occupant fast fading. 

You swing your legs over the edge and find your fluffy slippers. Another impulse buy, but this time, not yours. His. He’d noticed how you always hated your toes being cold especially when you just got out from under the covers. So, when he saw them in a shop while out on a mission, he’d picked them up for you. After swiftly brushing your teeth in the adjoining bathroom, you head outside. The warmth of the kitchen beckons you, as well as the promise of finding him, so you make your way there, picking at the remnants of sleep from your eyes. 

Your lover, Nanami Kento, stands at the stove with his back to you. “Tea’s almost ready my love.” He says, without turning. Of course, he heard you coming! His senses are as sharp as a cats. You pad up to him and put your arms around his waist feeling the broad expanse of his back against your chest.

“You should’ve woken me” Your voice is soft and still laden with sleep. He loves hearing you like this. Smushing your face into his back you take a long, deep breath. His scent is comforting to you. Like home. Like love. Like tea and biscuits. 

“I was just about to.” He replies. You can feel him moving. He’s pouring out the tea. Black Darjeeling with a spoon of honey. The perfect drink for this weather you think to yourself. You kiss his broad back, as he picks up the mugs and slides one arm over your head, manoeuvring you to come and nestle against his side. Even though it’s not winter yet, there’s a chill in the air, but Nanami foregoes a tee, opting to stay barechested. You hope he doesn’t fall sick, but know that his body runs hot, so for him, it’s nothing really to be in just his sweatpants. The incident in Shibuya had left its scars. He called his left side ‘scary’. He’d been healed of course – physically, but sometimes, you thought, there was still some healing left to be done. He would cover himself as much as possible whenever he was outside, so truth be told, for him to even show you this… The first few days had been the toughest. The fear, the pain that wasn’t really there but still was, the covering up. It had taken a lot of kisses – a lot of love, to get to this. A place where he knew you appreciated him, regardless of the way his skin looked. But a reminder every now and then never hurt.  

The two of you don’t speak much, but you don’t need to really. Five years into a relationship, some things become as smooth as breathing. Morning routines on holidays are one of these very things. Sipping tea, watching the birds fly in the sky as it gets bluer. The kitchen windows are like a small portal to a different world at this time of the day. Outside, you can both hear the people waking up and starting to walk around, up and down the street in front of the apartment. But up here, the two of you are in a little bubble of your own. You turn your head and lay a kiss on Nanami’s chest. He hums a deep rumble that you feel, despite it being soft. A kiss on your head. Another on your forehead. Nanami’s mug set back down on the counter. He places a finger right under your chin and gently tilts your head up; just enough – that he can now lower his and kiss your lips. You melt into his touch. “Min-min…” Things had been getting harder, you know this. The curses were getting tougher, the hours longer, and the time for rest was practically nonexistent. The two of you had barely had any time for each other, so today was precious. Who even knew what the future would bring… 

Nanami backs you into the counter. His hand runs down your arm and takes the mug you’re still holding to place it safely away. His lips don’t leave yours for a moment. Gentle, drawn-out touches soon turn harder and more desperate. 

“I’ve missed you baby girl.” he breathes, crashing his lips into yours. You run your hands through his hair pulling him closer. 

“I know,” you gasp out half breathless, “I’ve missed you too. So much!” He pushes his thigh between your legs and rubs his knee against your clothed crotch. 

“We don’t have anything important to do today. Do we?”

“Whatever it is, it can wait. You’re more important anyway…” 

“More than even, breakfast?” 

“Fuck breakfast…” 

He chuckles. “Good. ‘Cause there’s only one thing I want to eat right now.” Your breath hitches in your throat as Nanami says this, then dips down. It’s a good thing he had you lean against something because your knees buckle and it's all you can do to grab the smooth marble behind you for some support. With one hand pushing up the oversized tee you were wearing in lieu of pyjamas, the other circled round to grab your ass. He began to lay soft kisses all along your inner thigh; palming at your breast, eliciting a wanton moan from you which served to spur him on further. How long had it been since he had touched you like this? Been rested enough to even think about playing with you. You can’t remember. One of his favourite things to do is to trail his tongue along the lightning bolt-like marks across the fat of your thighs. He loves to feel the way you shiver at the touch. He doesn’t do this for long though – or rather, he can’t. The gentle licks soon turn to bites. His fingers toy with your nipple. You feel his nose poke at your skin while he’s biting and nipping at the fat of your thighs. They’ll be littered with dark purple marks tomorrow.  He tugs down at the boyshorts you’re wearing and starts to lick at your folds. His left hand switches to the other breast and you raise your hand to place it on top of his. He laps at the wetness that’s formed through his ministrations; his tongue going a little deeper with each lick. 

“Minmin…” There it is again. Your special name for him. No one else would dare to call him that. Not even Gojo and Itadori, to whom he begrudgingly allowed a ‘Nanamin’. He focuses on you. Your shaky breaths, the faint quivering of your thighs, your fingers clenching the countertop. With every new lick, you clasp a little tighter. A single bead of your slick runs down your inner thigh and he smirks. 

“Having trouble staying upright, my love?” His deep voice comes from between your legs. Your whimper is all the answer he needs. He straightens up and leads you to the living room couch. “I want to do this properly. I’ve missed tasting you so much.” he tells you with a sigh. 

You nod, getting on your toes to kiss him. “I wanna taste you too Ken…” comes the whisper against his lips. “Fuck, lie down please,” you beg. 

He grabs your face squeezing your cheeks and plants a small peck on your lips. “You have a filthy mouth miss. I think we need to take care of that.” 

That makes you giggle and him smile. He knows you swear like a sailor and sometimes in the bedroom, you would be punished for it. However, that didn’t seem to be the case this time. No. This time he was allowing you to have what you wanted. How could he deny his sweet girl after all? He lies back on the couch, shifting a cushion to support his head, and pulls your ass toward him. You carefully straddle his chest taking care not to knee him in the process and start to palm at his crotch. He’s already half-hard. Probably has been since he started working on you; ridiculously turned on by your bare flesh. You pull the band of his sweatpants off while he continues licking you. The new position opens you up to him much better and he hums appreciatively. “You have such a pretty pussy baby girl.” His hands grab your asscheeks forcing you closer. There’s a shift in the dynamic. You can feel it. Hands, a little rougher. Voice, a little lower. 

“It’s all for you daddy...” You offer to your dom. It may have been a while since you had had a chance to play but these were responses, now ingrained in you. 

“Good girl.” 

You know you can’t play around now. No more soft touches and teasing. Your tongue out, you lick a strip up Nanami’s length. He groans into your pussy and pushes his tongue further. You keep, licking and sucking his cock, feeling it grow to full hardness. Nanami’s fingers gently prod at your hole. “Put it in daddy!” You whine to him, needing more. “Please!” And he obliges, slowly pushing in one thick finger. You keen and drool against his length. Nanami has the sexiest hands. And his fingers are long and thick. Perfect preparation for the fat shaft in front of you. 

“Take me in your mouth baby girl,” he tells you encouragingly. So you do. Taking his cock in your mouth you begin to pump it in and out, following the rhythm he creates with his fingers. In and out, working his way deeper and deeper into your cunt. His tongue reaches to your clit and touches the nub softly. It feels almost electric.  Your lips stretch around Nanami's wideness taking him in right to the base till you gag on him. You take care not to touch him with your teeth except to perhaps gently graze. His tongue laps at your folds and he rubs your clit with two fingers. You can feel a familiar sensation building. Something that you’ve only felt alone for a while now but that feels heightened with your partner here. Without realising it your hips roll, pushing into his mouth and making his nose bump against your nub. Its filthy, you’re dripping down his face but he can’t stop either. He jerks his hips up to bury his cock down your throat. Your whole body clenches, desperately trying to keep it in. Keep in buried. You lift a hand and fondle his balls, feeling him twitch slightly in your mouth. His pace doesn’t change though. Steady as ever, knowing just how to make you cum. A little faster exactly as you like. 

You cum first. With a sharp intake of breath and a strangled cry for your daddy. Your body twitches as you ride out your high on his face. Nanami’s cock lies in your hand engorged and throbbing for release. Without waiting for a word from you Nanami taps your ass signalling you to get off. He sits upright on the couch and removes his sweatpants folding them and putting them on the coffee table in front of you. Then, he pulls you onto his lap facing him. “Sit on it darling.” he orders. You follow. Your legs feel like jelly. You’re grateful for his supportive hand making sure you get onto the couch and are in position with your trembling cunt right above him.

“Do we need lube?” He asks you. You don’t think so, but with how large Nanami is its always better to be safe than sorry.

“I dont wanna stop and I’m pretty wet but it wouldnt be a bad idea.” you tell him. He kisses you. 

“Wait here.” he says. Nanami helps you sit on the couch and strides into your bedroom to fetch it from his night stand. If you could have, you'd have followed him but you don’t quite trust your legs to move your body right now. Your complaint doesn't last long though, because when Nanami returns, you’re blessed with a view of an adonis. Long legs, muscular torso, strong arms. Your breath hitches in your throat and tears prick at your eyes. 

You put your arms out and gasp out, “You’re so fucking beautiful Minmin.” Your voice brimming with pride and adoration. Your words strike close to Nanami’s heart. He is not a man easily swayed by praise. But from your lips, he would drink every word like a parched man. You knew how much it would mean to him especially after the incident at Shibuya too; he knew you were not one to lie. To you, he truly was beautiful – the world be damned that’s all that mattered. He stalks over to you on the couch, his hand encircling your throat. Its not dangerous, but comforting. A way of showing his claim over his lover. His lips crash into yours and you can tast yourself on his face. He kisses you with fervour. His tongue glides into your mouth in a delicate dance with yours, and you reciprocate intoxicated by the heat and heaviness of his hands on you. 

Nanami sits down pulling you onto him once again. He makes quick work of the oversized tee you still had on. Throwing it this time, onto some surface – you did not care to notice. His lips drop down to your neck, and you feel dizzy, your whole body seems to thrum with anticipation. With one hand he deftly flicks open the lube squirting out a well sized dollop onto his cock, the other wraps around you to hold you in place. Then, throwing the bottle aside he lifts your hips and helps you sit, slowly pushing his rock-like shaft into you, inch by inch. The lube is cold to the touch and contrasts against the heat of your worked out cunt, but you are grateful for it. The feeling of the stretch as he pushs further and further in is deliciously tight,  bordering on being painful. Your fingers card his blonde hair as you slowly adjust to his length and girth. Every inch of you feels stuffed. Nanami’s lips suck and nibble at the skin of your throat. His arms hold you close making sure you won’t fall over. You move your hips. A passionate raw fucking is what the both of you want now. No niceties, no politeness. You’re both overcome with need and affection – making for a dangerous blend. Nanamis mouth drops to your breast. His lips encircle a nipple and he sucks and bites, drawing out gasps from you. He can feel your cunt convulsing around his cock with every move you make. Up. Down. Up. Down. You know his orgasm is slowly building. He thrusts up into you, driving his cock deep. Slamming against your clit. The pleasure you feel is terrible and judging by the blissed out expression on his face he feels the same way. You swear there is nothing in the whole world left but just the two of you. In that moment it becomes too much for him. Nanami lifts you up in his strong arms. Your fat thighs, spilling over his them. He keeps licking and sucking at your breasts leaving marks wherever his teeth can reach, as he carries you into the bedroom almost slamming you onto the bed as he fucks into you, splitting you open on his cock. You see stars as he buries himself into the hilt, frantic, slamming in over and over. You grab his  hair and tug on it – a silent plea for him to come up – to kiss you. He growls feeling the pull. Nanami bucks into you and kneads at your breast as he captures your lips once again. You feel his hands coax your legs up and you’re forced to spread them wider apart to accommodate his broad body. Your tummy jiggles every time he slams into you and you start to feel yourself coming to a peak once more. Nanami holds the flesh of your thighs and fucks you with a steady pace. 

“My pretty girl. My good girl.” His voice is barely over a whisper but you hear the words over your whines and moans. “I’m gonna cum babygirl. Where do you want it?” he asks. 

“Inside. Please!” you beg. You need to be filled by him. You want the feeling of him emptying inside your cunt. Nanami’s cock spasms inside your hole. You feel his release spill inside you, coating your walls. 

He lies down beside you breathing heavily. His chest rising and falling, glistening with sweat. The blissed out expression on your faces along with the heady scent of sex in the room makes the two of you feel warm. It’s intoxicating. You crawl into his open arms and nuzzle against his side, and he captures you in an embrace. “I fucking love you old man…” you whisper to him. 

He laughs. “I love you too baby girl.” Your fingers trail against the pink skin of his scars. And you lay kiss after kiss on his body as your hand wanders. There’s a smile on Nanami's face. His heart is full. Full of you, and your love… 

˖⁺‧₊˚ ♡ ˚₊‧⁺˖

When the two of you leave the bedroom the sun has risen higher in the sky. But that’s alright… You cuddled together, then had a quick warm shower. Nanami’s arms enveloping you helping you wash your hair, and of course, cleaning the mess he made. Your two cups of tea lie forgotten in the kitchen. As you enter you laugh. “Hey, we never even finished our tea!” 

Nanami smiles. “I’ll get us some more. Oh and I’ve –” he waves his phone at you, “– ordered some brunch. Sandwiches.” 

You curl up on the couch and he bring you both the freshly brewed tea cuddling into your lap. Whenever he did this you couldn’t help but feel like one of those people with a big dog who didn’t really know how big he is. Of course, you didn’t mind. He’s here. With you. Safe and protected. Nothing can hurt him here. 

He looks at you adoringly. “Baby, how about we take a trip to Kuantan? I hear they have lovely beaches.”

The End.

[89cats]

this is miss harper - she’s 7 years old and she is so very special to me in all her sass because I found her as a tiny little stray and bottle-fed her, and now she’s a silky, spunky, sassy little lady who loves to cuddle and always makes me laugh. she wakes me up by rubbing her cheek on my face and laying on my back every morning and this year she’s finally learned how to make biscuits!! she’s my best friend and i love her so much

that story reminds me of my old cat tobes 😭 she’s a special babe for sure. I feel like it’s a different type of bond when you raise them like that. ugh give her all the love for me!

[anabdaniels]

Flufftober 2023 with Agent Whiskey- Day 15- Massaging

Paring: Agent Whiskey x Gender Neutral Reader

Word counting: 410

Rating: General audiences

Warning: Mentions of Jack being a caring old brother (too adorable to not be warned)

Part 2: Flufftober Day 24.

Your backache would end up killing you someday.

Or at least, that was the thought running through your mind on that afternoon. When you fell asleep the night before, your lower back was better than ever, and when you woke up the next morning, you simply couldn't walk without looking like a goose or whining every single time you had to sit down. As always, painkillers weren't enough to leave you pain-free, but at least they could make you less miserable.

Seeing your deplorable state, of course, Jack volunteered to be your private nurse, carrying everything you needed or wanted to the bedroom, providing you with heating pads, and, not less important, putting his hands to work on your favor, massaging your sore back.

Comprehensive as only Jack Daniels could be, he patiently followed your coordinates until his hands were in the right place of your lower back, then started to massage the region the softest possible to relax your muscles without causing you any additional pain.

"I'm afraid to know the answer, but how the hell did you learn how to do this so well?" You asked with your eyes closed, relaxed with his warm touch.

"My little sister, of course." Jack answered with a soft smile, still paying attention to what he was doing "Julia was a baby that suffered with a lot of tummy aches. Thanks to my spoiling services, she would rather come with me than stay with Mom and Dad when she was sick, so I've spent a lot of nights massaging her sore stomach." You smiled while listening to him, always enchanted with how protective he was towards his sister.

"Remind me of thank Julia for that, 'cause you're working better than pain relief spray for my backache." You said in a low voice, for the first time on that day not feeling about to cry due to your lower back pain.

"Of course I am, besides the talent, I have charm. There's no way you'll not feel better." You laughed and opened your eyes to look at him.

"Why can't you just stay silent sometimes?"

"I'm being more dedicated than a cat making biscuits here and that's how you thank me?" He raised one eyebrow, trying to remain serious.

"Fine, fine. If you still massaging my back, you can make a monologue if you want to." You closed your eyes again, smiling openly.

"Good thing you said that, 'cause I was precisely planning one."

Flufftober masterlist

[miamochi-writes]

Good morning! I want you to meet my pet Lucina ☺️ I adopted her about 2 years ago, and she’s named after the Fire Emblem character, Lucina. She’s half Siamese and half Tabby so she’s a very vocal cat with her chirps and meows. She helps me relax and reminds me to take breaks when I write. Sometimes she’ll take a peak at what I’m typing. Her favorite hobby is making biscuits on blankets like the one you see in the picture. She loves Snoopy.

Also I’m pretty sure she’s a fan of Trigun, Pokemon, and Sailor Moon. Whenever I have any of those shows on she’ll watch the screen attentively and her eyes follow the characters. She says hi and says you are in for a treat this weekend with new posts ☺️🐱

[lenteur]

HIIIII OMG OMG OMG YOUR REBLOG WAS THE CUTEST THING EVER ❤️ i saw it this morning when i woke up to feed the cats and it made me smile SO WIDE <3 CAT PHOTO IS AT THE BOTTOM 🖤

please whenever you feel the need, just sleep <3 even if it's the middle of the day. try not to stay awake just to sleep at night 💔 i really hope you feel better ❤️

i honestly think idols can pull off the colour pink so well, wish i could dye mine pink but i only suit darker colours of....colours 😂

ikr <3 though i started watching 911 again and i was up til 4am watching it 👀 i know one of the main actresses of glee was revealed to be a bully behind scenes which idk didn't surprise me tbh. i used to love her as an actress but her interviews felt so off to me </3 i really hate bullies 😡😡😡

IM SO SO HAPPY YOU LOVED IT <3 i was actually really struggling with your gift because i was seeing other peoples and i felt like mine wasn't great but then i remembered you saying how the gift was us getting to know each other and that you'd be happy with anything 🖤 i'm really happy you like it <3

BESTIES 4 LYF ❤️ also!!!! tea and biscuits. my favourite snack <3 i'm gonna hopefully start watching a kdrama on friday, bc from then to tuesday, i'm off work so i'll have some time to relax 🥰

i was waiting for you to reply before i posted the gift, i didn't want to post it and then i had to let you reply to an anon. 🖤 you've been so so so kind to me and i just love you already ❤️ i'm so EXCITED to talk more!! 💎

Toffee on the left! Luna on the right ❤️

hey hey hey 💖 of course! it was a great surprise to finally know who you are 💗 now that i've looked at your blog, i can see all the little clues you left during our conversations. especially the wednesday and criminal minds stuff haha

tysm for thinking of me 💕 i am trying my best at taking care of myself but thankfully my mom is with me and she's such a huge help 💝

ah staying up until 4am to watch something reminds me of my teenage years 👀 even if i wanted to i wouldn't be able to do so now </3 which is a good thing hehe oh really? 😡 i mean i'm not surprised either but i'm getting tired of all these celebrities thinking they're better than others. it happens everywhere but, when in a group (ie a show, a group of singers, etc.), there always seems to be one who wants the spotlight to themselves. it's getting repetitive 💔 i already have a hard time getting into a show, but seeing stuff like that, it's no wonder i don't want to watch new shows anymore. i don't have time for drama. i just want to enjoy what i watch in peace, but this makes it hard sigh

i know i wrote a novel in the tags but it's really really pretty 💟 the fact that you took time out of your day to make something for me means a lot. you'll never have to worry about something like that with me 💖 and let me reiterate: our friendship is the true gift 💘

oh if you start the kdrama (or is it a jdrama? cdrama? tdrama?) please let me know which one it is 💓 i'm hoping i can start watching summer strike either tomorrow or this weekend because the premise (and all the gifs i've seen) is really interesting and i think i'll like it 💞

i had a feeling you were waiting for me to answer. i also wanted to answer the last anon message before you revealed yourself or else it would've stayed in my inbox forever hehe💕

OK. okok! i was waiting to answer the rest of your ask before talking more in depth about my new cats toffee and luna (yes, by revealing your cats to me, you are now contractually obligated to share custody of your pets i'm not kidding! jk) UM EXCUSE ME? YOU SHOULD'VE TOLD ME YOU HAD THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CATS IN THE ENTIRE WORLD!!! like they're so pretty they could be on the cover of vogue, elle, harper's bazaar, any other magazines (my fashion knowledge is limited lmao) 😻 if your friendship wasn't enough (which it is), seeing toffee and luna made this event 124877523368751222222565457426545214852485x better (won't bother deciphering this number but just know it's a lot!) wowowowooooooooooooooooooooooooooowowowowowowowowow! user lenteur is currently disfunctioning </3 cause? (Y)OUR CATS 😻😻😻

[ksqwildwest]

A Letter To A Friend

--------

Dear Friend,

I am not putting your name at the top of this letter so you don't get in trouble if it ever gets found. I know you'd tell me, "don't be so paranoid. I've got everything under control." But I do worry. And not just for myself now.

I'm a sheriff! Well, technically I'm still in training, but the previous sheriff has been talking about retiring in a week since I first arrived in town and he's been walking me through each of the steps to learning how to be a sheriff. I've improved a lot so I think I might be getting closer to becoming the actual sheriff in town! I've got an entire town to protect now, and I plan on doing my best. "Karl, what the hell. Are you ever planning on sleeping?" Yes, because I have a deputy to help me. Biscuit, the cat.

I found Biscuit and Mitten, who is a lovely dog, one night after I went for a night walk and fed them some jerkey. I tried to teach Mittens to help out but after I saw them curl up next to our priest for attention and refuse to move for the local demon, I knew I would never be able to train them to do anything. But Biscuit listened to me even before I tried to train them and now that I'm trying, they're very helpful. They bring me stuff like my keys, hop onto my shoulder to ride around and even help me arrest the local bandits.

By the way, the local priest summoned a demon! It was partially because of me now that I am remembering it. I had read all the books they had in town after my first two weeks in town, stop laughing there were barely twenty books total back then, and I'd learned that there was another "cursed" book buried in town. The Priest agreed to try and translate it instead of rereading the Bible again and the next morning there was a demon in the church. They don't mess with anybody so they're basically another townsfolk at this point. "Karl, has every single bit of self preservation gone out the fucking window the moment you left your house?" That question is exactly why I am not telling you anything about the local cannibal.

I won't write about all the townsfolk, it would make it much easier for this letter to be traced back here if I did, but I will tell you about my first day in this town. To make a long story short, I saw the local bandits in the middle of robbing a young fellow running a business in town, rounded up and inspired them to fight back, and we even defeated them! Not without injuries though, the young fellow I mentioned got grazed by a bullet and passed out from fear, leading us all to assume he was dead. I actually managed to graze one of the bandits myself, nothing deadly, but it was enough for them to back off for a while. They still do quite a few things around town to drive me up the wall. "Karl, when and where did you learn to shot a gun?" About half an hour before the shoot out by the sheriff.

I know you're going to try and find me if I don't describe these bandits so I'll describe two of them. Fire, the one I shot, is the physically strongest of the bandits. He can pick people up very easily and he has a naturally friendly tone that can dip down into a deeper, more charming voice. His eye's are a warm brown that have a wild and mischievous glint to them and he's a person your eye would always be drawn to when they enter a room. He vaguely reminds me of the son of that wine company that my parents broke off with when I was younger, the one that the girls kept swooning over. I don't think Fire would like that, there are no girls in town to swoon after him anyway, so I suppose he doesn't have to worry about it.

Dice would be very disappointed to find out that his fake name here is not a dick joke of some kind. While he appeared to have a crude sense of humor and little to no thoughts running through his head when we first met, I now know him as one of the most clever, quick witted and hilarious people I've had the pleasure of meeting. He's multilingual as well, which is always a treat to hear. He never translates what he says to anyone but his voice gets such a lively and charming lit whenever he speaks the other language that I could spend hours listening to it without complaint. While there is another bandit, I will avoid describing them as to not give away too much info in case of discovery.

While I'd love to hear from you, I'm sure you've noticed the lack of a return address on the envelope. This is to ensure that, even if discovered, there is no way to directly find me. I have so much to protect now. I've really created a life of my own out here. I hope that your own life has been treating you well in my absence.

May life treat you well,

Karl J.

~~~~~~~~~~

"I'll be sure to get that letter delivered in perfect condition." Michael said as he took the envelope with a flourish.

"Thank you so much," Karl eyed the letter with a frantic energy, "I'd stay and chat but I'm late to sheriff’s practice today. Holler if you need me!" He all but sprinted out the door with a final wave.

Michael chuckled at the display. It was one of those habits from growing up in a city that new folks sometimes had, always trying to arrive on time and rushing around to get there. Never staying and chatting when a person is working. While Karl had started to learn the art of small talk on the job he still needed to learn that being half a second late wouldn't hurt anybody.

Glancing at the envelope, he noticed an obviously rushed mistake: the lack of a return address. Then again, Karl had never sent a letter out of Lazarus before so he probably didn't know what to put down anyway. It was a common hiccup on first time letters leaving town although usually the sender asked him to teach them the address so they knew what to write down the next time. He didn't fault Karl, still living by the time and not by quality of it. But a proper package needs proper postage.

Pulling out his pen, he carefully wrote down the return address for the town on the letter, making sure that the ink wouldn't bleed through and ruin the letter. He put it into the tiny pile marked "outgoing" on the side and felt a little zing of emotion. He always felt like the first letter sent out was special no matter what and it was nice to know that most folks did have someone outside of town they wanted to connect to.

The moment passed and Michael wandered off to feed his chicken wife.

The letter was sent off the next morning and it's existence fell out of the minds of both of them.

They would remember it eventually.

-------------------

Ah, the plot! Here it is! I hope you guys enjoyed the beginning of a wonderful story! :)

I'm very pleased at how quickly this came out and I think it's my favorite one yet!

[ladybirdanimalsanctuary]

Available for adoption: Lucy and Gracie! DATE OF BIRTH: March 15th, 2018 ARRIVAL DATE: November 9th, 2022 (originally March 15th, 2018) GENDER: Spayed Females ADOPTION FEE: $350 for the pair NOTES: Lucy & Gracie were kittens when they were adopted back in 2018. Unfortunately, Lucy and Gracie’s adopter’s situation recently changed and they had to return the cats to us. Lucy and Gracie are now looking for their forever home together. Here’s what their foster mom has to say: “These two kitties are sweet, affectionate and gorgeous! They are alike and different! Neither sister is shy. They are always interested in visitors and never hide when someone new arrives. They happily accept pets and scratches from any human who offers. Both are snugglers but in different ways. Gracie is the more outwardly affectionate and insistent. She will sit beside me and give many head bonks to request my attention. She will climb on me when I’m lazing on the couch. Lucy has a gentler approach. She frequently hops up on my bed and quietly sits there, purring and making biscuits, staring intently as she waits for my hand to find her. Sometimes, in the morning, she nudges me to remind me that it is breakfast time and the bowls are empty. It is hard to tell if one is more dominant than the other. There have been times when Gracie hisses at her sister and Lucy is more food motivated, regularly stealing any wet food left unattended in her sister’s dish. Both kitties are lean and athletic, lately given to running laps in my apartment. They are quick! Lucy enjoys high spaces and one of her favourite napping spots is atop the refrigerator. In addition to the height, it is likely warm and we all know how much cats like heat! Curiously, neither cat seems to be interested in my Christmas tree! Maybe because it sits on a table and more likely because looking out the window is more appealing. These girls have been perfect guests and will be wonderful members of any family that is looking for two kitties to love.” ❤️❤️ Please adopt Gracie and Lucy! Visit ladybirdanimalsanctuary.com to apply. 📸 Photos by @llucasimpson https://www.instagram.com/p/Clzie-bOqWe/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[sweetkingdomstarlight-blog]

Hello, sweetness 🥰 how about:

Texting the incorrect number but continuing the conversation.

With Bucky?

Pairings - Bucky Barnes x Reader

Words - 728

Warnings - one swear word, fatshaming a cat?

A/N - not checked so all the mistakes here are mine, bold text indicates its a text. The cat story and nickname are based on my actual cat. Tagging @bestofbucky just because she’s cute and a huge thank you to @eurynome827-main-blog for sending in the prompt, hope you like this.

“Hey I got your number off Sasha, I’ll drop my keys in tonight and explain exactly how to look after Alpine while i’m away on my trip”

You text your friend's little sister, she was going to watch your cat while you went away on a ‘team bonding’ weekend. You could think of nothing you’d rather do less than sit around a campfire with these people but it was mandatory so you were making a checklist of everything you needed to do. Logging in to possibly the millionth teams meeting that day you see your phone light up;

“Sorry you got the wrong number”

“Okay, stop messing around. I don’t have time for this. I’ll be over later, I can't leave him with the automatic feeder again, do you not remember the last time when he managed to knock the lid off and gorge himself on the biscuits?”

“I’m sorry but i’m not your friend, you got the wrong number”

“Wait, are you being serious?” you search through your bag for the post it note Sasha had given you and check, they were right, you had mixed up the last two digits and now had told some random stranger about your greedy cat.

“Oh my goodness, i’m so sorry I typed the number in wrong!”

“It’s easily done, your pet sounds awesome though. Who wouldn’t want to find a way to get unlimited food”

“He’s a greedy little shit, never wants to stop eating. I nicknamed him Godzilla because he’s so big”

“Godzilla! I wish you could see the face I'm making right now, that's hilarious. I’m Bucky by the way”

“I’m y/n, urgh Bucky if you could find a really good excuse for me to get out of a stupid work weekend I would be forever in your debt”

Your boss calls your name out just as you send the message and reminds you to be prepared for the client meeting that afternoon, you nod at him smiling your fakest corporate grin and tell him you’ll see him in a few hours. Texting back and forth all morning with your new friend you’ve established that you actually live in the same neighbourhood, occasionally go to the same coffee shop and talked about your jobs, you spend a few minutes daydreaming and wondering if you’ve been in the same place at the same time before your computer pings telling you it's time to make your way to the conference room.

Two hours you’ve been in this meeting about a meeting, you hate that you had to be here in person just because it was your account. You’ve zoned out, wishing you could be at home where you could just mute yourself and play on your phone instead. Your boss is talking about a new strategy he wants to try when your assistant interrupts the meeting with a serious look on her face “I'm sorry to interrupt but your neighbour is here, he says there's been a flood at your apartment and you need to come and let the landlord in immediately”. Jumping up panicked and grabbing your things, you apologise to the room for having to leave so abruptly.

Running down the stairs to the ground floor you see a man you don’t recognise at the front desk, he smiles as you approach and holds his hand out for you “hey, y/n? I’m Bucky, I just moved into your building last week. The damage looks pretty bad so far, they think it might take all weekend to repair. I hope you didn’t have any plans”. You grin up at him and shake his hand, whispering a big thankyou to him before turning to your assistant and asking her to cancel your weekend away and to apologise again to the team.

“I think you might be my new favourite person Bucky” you say, linking your arm through his and walking out the building, “please let me buy you a coffee to say thankyou”.

[zaynmirrors]

Fire on Fire: Part 16 (10k)

Pairing: 10k x mom!reader

                                                Chapter 16

I had made it back to Illinois with little to no problems, surprising to say the least. The dirt path in front of me stretched for what felt like miles. 

The farmhouse was well protected. Reinforced fences, and a giant metal gate at the entrance. As I continued to walk a thought hit me, what if I’d come all this and she wasn’t alive. 

I shook my head ridding the thought but not completely. I looked up at the gate unsure of how to get past as if by magic it opened, revealing a man holding a shotgun. 

I put my hands up, “sorry to bother you but I think you may have my daughter” I said trying to come off confident. 

He lowered his gun slightly and asked, “y/n?” I nodded and he gave a small smile. “Murphy said you’d be coming back, just thought there’d be more of you” 

I shook my head, “no sir, just me” He frowned but moved to the side allowing me in then he shut the gate behind us. 

From the moment he had shut that gate I was treated like family. Welcomed in by strangers who didn’t feel like strangers, strangers who had raised my daughter. 

Speaking of my daughter, Emma had grown quite a bit. She was almost three now, and her hair was long and unruly as ever. Truly it was just a mop of curls, taking after Angel. 

“Y/n dear, do you mind getting some water?” I looked over at Maggie, the woman who had been so kind to take in my daughter. Her face set with wrinkles, and grey peppering her auburn hair. 

I nodded and headed out to the well pump. Aware of the shadow I had trailing my heels. I smiled to myself and played oblivious. 

I set down the pail under the faucet and began to pump the handle until the water ran. I let go and let it fill the bucket while I awaited my attacker. 

Almost out of nowhere something small grabs a hold of my leg trying to knock me down, which some of her force caused me to stumble. 

I quickly fell to the ground and said “you got me” before hanging my tongue from my mouth causing her to giggle. Smiling, I sat up and wrapped my arms around her, pulling her close and kissing the top of her head. 

Emma wasn’t really verbal especially for a developing toddler. It reminded me of 10K who never left my mind, he was always there.I pushed the thought aside, choosing not to dwell. 

She crawled out of my lap, walking toward the barn cat she was obsessed with. Shaking my head with a smile I stood and headed inside with the bucket. “Here you go Mrs. Maggie” as I placed it on the counter. 

She said her thank you and started a fire in the wood stove, ready to boil the water to make something delicious for dinner. 

I have to say the best thing about staying here has been the home cooked meals. It’s been nice to have warm food. All the food is grown here by the hands of Davis, Maggie's husband. 

Dinner was made and ate, with light conversation and a few laughs. Maggie and Davis were the first to turn in, Emma and I following behind shortly. 

I never got much sleep though, the bed was too soft after getting accustomed to falling asleep sitting up or on the ground. 

Emma snored softly next to me, I stared out the window at the starry night sky. Listening to the silence which sometimes seemed deafening. I closed my eyes with a small sigh and tried to drift off. 

10k stood, a frown prominent on his face. His arms crossed over his chest he opened his mouth to speak but only thick crimson rolled out. The liquid covered his chin and began to drip, some fell on his jumpsuit and the rest fell to the sand. 

He began making his way towards me, a thick crimson tear falling from his eye. 

“You left me” his voice quivered, the blood making his voice wet. “I needed you” 

“I know, I’m so sorry” my stomach turned, sick at the knowledge I had done this. 

He whimpered in pain as another red tear fell, leaving a Scarlett path down his cheek to join the pool on his chin. “I needed you too!” He spat blood flying onto my face, “I’m always going to come second to her aren’t I?” His voice was emotionless, and thick with blood. 

“You know that's not-“ he cut me off, shoving me backwards I noticed my feet were on the edge of the cliff. Another push and I was done for. 

“You’re going to have to choose between me and her, so who’s it going to be y/n” his eyes pierced mine coldly, they held no warmth or comfort. They stared harsh and venomously. “Choose!” He shouted, shaking me. 

I cried out, “I can’t! I can’t!” A tear rolled down my cheek. I looked back into his eyes hoping that this time there would be some sense of home but they were still a deep black hole full of cruelty. 

“You can’t have both” 10k deadpanned, letting go. He moved further and further away, it registered that I was falling the moment I felt like I was flying. 

Inhaling sharply I awoke as I hit the ground in that torment of a dream. Emma still slept soundly beside me, and the sky outside the window was still pitch black. 

Nightmares were another reason I didn’t sleep. They were always different, but unfailingly including Emma and 10K in some sense. I figured they were from leaving 10k the way I did, but now I have no clue.  As I stared out the window I wondered what he was doing and if he was alright. If he just so happened to be staring at the sky wondering the same thing. 

I jolted awake from another nightmare, unaware I had fallen asleep again. By the looks of it Emma was already up for the day. I stretched and got myself ready.  The smell of biscuits wafted through the house, “sure smells good Mrs. Maggie” I said a smile on my face as she came into view. 

“Thank you dear, Emma’s outside helping Davis in the field” she chuckles “that girl sure doesn’t sit still for long, always has to do something” I nodded, it was true. Emma had a constant need to be doing something, didn’t matter what it was as long as she was occupied. While being here there was plenty for her to do. 

I took a biscuit and headed to the bookshelf which was one of many and plucked out a book. I made my way outside to the porch, taking a seat on the creaky wooden porch swing. This would most likely be where I spent my morning. 

It indeed was, Emma had joined me for an hour before she went with Davis to feed the livestock. Maggie had joined not too long after that propping up in her rocking chair reading a book too. 

What felt like hours went by, listening to the peacefulness of no Zs. Emma crawled into my lap ready to curl up for her afternoon nap. She made herself comfortable, falling asleep in minutes. I set the book down marking my page. Resting back I closed my eyes hoping to get some rest without a nightmare, that was wishful thinking though. 

Gasping awake I realized Emma was gone again, quickly I wiped the tear from my eye and looked around to ground myself. 

I knew they weren’t real but sometimes they just feel like they are. “Bad dream?” Davis asked as he started up the steps, I just nodded. “I think I might have something for that” with that he went inside to which I followed. We went down into the basement, where he handed me a dream catcher. 

“Our son used to swore it helped” he smiled sadly at the memory, “maybe it can help you” I gave him a small smile and a thank you as I gingerly took it. Their son was about my age from what they had told me, lost out there in the apocalypse. They had no clue if he was alive or undead. I sometimes wonder if not knowing would’ve been better. 

“Honey are you down there?” Maggies voice floated down the stairs. Davis replied with a ‘yeah is everything alright’ to which she replied, “I think there’s someone at the gate” Davis sprung into action running up the stairs, Maggie and Emma were ushered down and told to stay put with me. I grabbed the nearest thing I could use as a weapon which happened to be a screw-driver. 

“Mama?” Emma asked small as she held onto my leg. There was not fear in the voice just curiosity. 

I shushed her, “It’s fine Em, we’re fine” making sure my voice was steady and unwavering. Unsure of what was about to happen, I was thankful I got to spend some time with my daughter if we were about to die. 

“-shoot you” My ears picked up the last line as, I heard the pounding of boots above us, I glanced at Maggie who had a bat, when she had gotten that I have no Idea. 

“I know they’re here” The voice was muffled and somewhat unplaceable, it didn't sound like someone I knew. Emma dug into my leg a little more, rubbing her back I quietly shushed her. There was a loud thud causing me to furrow my eyebrows. Maggie and I shared a look before hearing Davis say “Ah shit”

Part 17

[cheri-translates]

Headcanon - phone notes

This work, 他的备忘记, was originally written by 君兮耶君兮 on Weibo, and she has given me permission to translate it!

[ VICTOR ]

Friday morning: Quarterly director’s meeting

Ensure amended report is in the dummy’s bag

Someone wants banana muffins for breakfast

Take her to the new French restaurant

Get Goldman to purchase the limited-edition lipstick at 12:00 sharp

Ran out of bedtime stories. Buy a new book.

Cat food

Don’t criticise her too much when reviewing her proposal. She takes it personally

Take out the pudding in the fridge... forget it, she has definitely eaten it already

Goodnight kisses

[ GAVIN ]

Get her octopus dumplings

Saturday: Stargazing at the mountaintop

Tracking device in the ginkgo bracelet is getting old. Change it to a better one

ysl 74... I don’t know what shade of red this is, but she likes it

She has overtime today. Bring a coat when picking her up

Milk tea + pearls + succulents + pudding (it must be warm)

It’s her... week. Buy some heating pads

When on a mission, call her every day

She has a bit of a temper when she first wakes up, but gets better after kisses

Never let her go in this lifetime

[ LUCIEN ]

The little lazy cat doesn’t like blowing her hair. Remember to blow it dry for her

Hug her tightly when she’s asleep so she feels safe

Likes snacks, doesn’t like exercising, likes drinking yogurt

She says if she gets fat, I can use homeopathy to help her “exercise”

Wake her up half an hour before the alarm rings, or she’ll be late

Make sure the little liar eats during mealtimes

Visit the oil painting museum over the weekend with my little butterfly

During her menstrual period, stop her from eating certain foods even if she acts coquettishly

Leave some documents lying around so she visits my workplace

She seems to like the term “teacher’s wife”. I should bring it up with my students when I can

[ KIRO ]

Snacks: Chips, fries, popcorn, fried chicken, biscuits, ice-cream, cake

Take Miss Chips out for a proper dinner: steak, hotpot, mala soup, sushi, seafood buffet

Supper: skewers, clam noodles, fried rice, porridge, teppanyaki, fried chicken

Locations Savin has discovered: Television cabinet, coffee table drawer, entranceway plant cabinet (T^T)

Safe locations: Apple Box’s kennel, the space underneath my bed, the fire hose cabinet in the carpark, Miss Chips’ closet (Savin will never find this one) (๑˃ᴗ˂)ﻭ

Miss Chips says she’s bringing me fries on Saturday (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ

Don’t let Apple Box and Cello onto our bed. Miss Chips is all mine!!! <(￣ ﹌ ￣)>

Next Monday, 9.09am. New song release. It’s a song I wrote for Miss Chips heheh

When Miss Chips is going through that week, eat comfort food with her

Sing songs to lull Miss Chips to sleep. Make sure she doesn’t stay up to play games, or we’ll both oversleep (-ω-、)

[ SHAW ]

Buy cola

Don’t call her fat or say that she’s old (it’s quite difficult)

Control yourself. Don’t keep channelling lighting. She’ll be afraid.

Remind her to carry an umbrella every day

Buy fake hair and scatter it around to scare her into sleeping earlier

Don’t drink cold cola in front of her during her time of the month. Drink it behind her back.

Dumb final paper

Promised to visit the antique store with her over the weekend

Maintain the dragonfly eye bead

Don’t even breathe in front of her when she’s angry

--

More translated and original works: here

--

[ Permission to translate ]

君兮耶君兮: You can - just note the source of the author

[jubilantwriter]

Jaspvid Week 2021: Day 2 - Baking

(AO3)

@jaspvid-week

Togetherness is Soft and Warm

Summary:  Based off of Ellohcee's Kiki's Delivery Service AU.

David forgets that working for Clementine means more than just making deliveries. An impromptu lesson is all it takes to remind David of how rewarding it is to create something to share with another. Bread isn't always meant to be eaten alone, after all.

Word Count:  3121

////

It's a rather slow day in the bakery today.  David blows his bangs out of his face as he slouches behind the cashier, watching as the townspeople go about their merry way.  It's a nice and sunny day out, and he's only a little bit jealous that he's in here working while everyone else is enjoying the sunshine.  Ah, well, he needs a little bit more money anyways - there was a nice looking cat dish that he wanted to get for Max since the little black cat keeps complaining about the dish he has now.  A bored sigh escapes him as yet more people walk by the bakery.  Not a single customer so far, and he's been sitting here for what feels like ages.

"Davey?"  A sweet voice calls for him from the kitchen. 

"Yeah?"

"Can you come here for a mite?"

"Okay!"  He hops off the stool happily and walks into the kitchen, the heat from the ovens blowing up against his face as he blinks in surprise.  "...Oh!"

"Oh, sorry, hun."  Clementine dusts off her hands with a laugh and gestures towards him to come closer.  "I take it's pretty borin' out there, huh?"

He fidgets with his black shirt and shrugs.  "I mean, it's not too bad.  Sometimes someone will wave at me when they pass by!"

"Hmm, do they now?"

"Yeah!  And, um, they all seem to be enjoying the sun too, and they all look so relaxed..."

Clementine chuckles as she bends down to David's level.  "Do ya wanna take a break from work for a bit?"

"N-no!"  With an embarrassed blush, he waves his hands frantically in front of him.  "I don't mind working!  Who knows, maybe someone will need a delivery soon!"

"That's very true!"  Clementine nods along, her bun bouncing as she straightens up.  "But... hm..."  She taps her chin, looking off into the distance.  Curious, David follows her line of sight and sees her staring at nothing in particular.  

"Is something wrong, Ms. Clementine?"

"Just a bit."  She cradles her head in her hand as she sighs dramatically.  "Ya see, the bread's been sellin' like hotcakes since you joined with your lil delivery service, but I haven't been able to keep up with the demand!"

"Is that so?"  He gasps and covers his mouth.  "Oh no, I'm so sorry!"

"Now now, that's not a bad thing!"  She takes his hands and lowers them from his mouth.  "It's a good thing, really!  It just means I gotta work a little extra harder to keep everyone happy."  With a wink, she lets go of his hands to reach for a spare apron.  "And since it's mighty slow out there, I was wonderin' if you'd like to help me in here instead?"

"You mean... to bake bread?"  He looks over at the roaring ovens, and then to racks of cooling baked goods that lined the walls.  "But... it looks like you've already got enough to sell."

"Don't be silly!"  She walks over to the flour covered counter and pats it.  "What I've learned in all my years of bein' a baker is that there is always someone who needs a little treat, be it a roll or a muffin or even a warm, fresh loaf."  She smiles and gestures him over, helping him put the apron on with ease.  The old thing covers up most of his dark clothes, and she adjusts the bandanna around his neck so that it too can be partially covered with the apron.  "Plus, it'll be loads of fun to bake with someone else for a change!  I know I do most of my bakin' in the morning, but it won't hurt to do some smaller batches during a slow time, don'tcha think?"

"Mmmm..."  He rocks back and forth on his heels, looking out to where the front of the bakery is still quiet and empty, and to the kitchen where Clementine is grinning with a bright smile.  With a nod, he smiles back bashfully.  "Okay, I wanna help!"

Baking bread always did seem like a lot of fun!  Whenever he crept down a little too early, he'd always see Clementine hard at work, the dough she prepared the previous night already being shaped and kneaded and worked to perfection, and the smells...

Goodness!  And now he gets to help in making such treats!

"Wonderful!"  She claps her hands together and giggles, a small puff of flour erupting from her hands as she does so.  David laughs along and stands eagerly by her side as she pulls out a dusty bowl.  "Now, we'll be startin' from scratch here, so would ya kindly get me-"

The door to the store opens as the bell jingles.  Max walks in from the front, his feline face scowling as he yowls at David.  "Hey!  You've got a visitor!"

"Hold on," he keeps the apron on as he stops Clementine from going to the front herself, "I've got this!  It'll just be a sec."

"Alrighty, hun."

He grins as he races to the front, intent on helping their customer as quickly as possible.  "Hi, how can I-!"

"Davey!"  Jasper rests his arms on the cashier's counter, grinning brightly as he does so.  "There you are!"

"Jasp!"  He runs over and hugs the other boy, the two of them laughing brightly as they part.  "What are you doing here?"

"Well, I was feeling kinda hungry, and I thought, hey!  The bakery's got some sweet bites, and I'll get to see Davey!"  

"Oh!  If that's the case, is there anything you want?"

"Hmm..."  Jasper looks around the bakery, hovering by the shelfs and displays as he sizes up all the treats.  With a grin, he turns back to David and shrugs.  "Dunno!  What do you suggest?"

"Um, lemme see..."  He walks over to Jasper's side and looks at all the baked goods on sale.  There's muffins, rolls, biscuits, sweet breads, and so on... but perhaps, because he's been living with Clementine for a good few months, despite the good quality of all the food, he can't help but think that they've been sitting out too long and gotten a bit... cold.

When he thinks of a pleasant treat, he imagines it fresh from the cooling rack, warmth still radiating off of it, but having rested long enough that when he bites into it, all of the flavors that Clementine had carefully worked into the dough comes out perfectly.  He taps his chin and looks around the bakery some more.  His gaze lingers to the back of the bakery, where Clementine still waits for him.

Maybe... if he asks nicely...

He grabs Jasper's hand, shocking the other boy as he tugs him towards the kitchen.

"W-woah!  Davey, hang on-"

"Ms. Clementine!"  His call startles the woman, her reverie broken from where she was busy petting Max as he drank some milk.  "Is it okay if Jasper joins too?"

"Hm?"  Her gaze lands on the brunet standing next to David, the boy suddenly bashful and nervous as his hand is held tightly in David's.  "...Oh!  Of course, I don't mind at all.  You know what they say - the more the merrier!"  Before Jasper can protest, she looks around and finds one more spare apron.  She quickly puts it on Jasper, the poor boy being dragged about too quickly for him to keep up with the energy of both redheads.  "There we are!"

"What- what are we doing?"  Jasper finally manages to get a word, looking at David bewildered as the other boy grins and tugs him towards the counter.

"We're making bread!  Or something!  Actually, I'm not too sure."  He looks over to Clementine as she begins setting the ingredients on the table.  "What are we making?"

"Well, it can be anything you'd both like."  She hums thoughtfully to herself as considers the options.  "We can make something small, like biscuits and cookies.  Or we can make something filling, like pies if I've got the ingredients for it.  Or we can just do something simple!  Like a bread of sorts."  

"Hmmm..."  David taps his chin and looks to Jasper.  "What do you think?"

"Mmm, how about something sweet?"  Jasper meets David's gaze and grins.  "I think sweet breads are pretty stellar!"  

"I'm okay with that!"

"Sweet bread it is then."  

Clementine is incredibly patient with them as they bumble their way through her instructions.  Flour is spilt here and there, but she merely laughs it off and helps them make the right measurements.  David is intent on following her instructions through and through, though Jasper tries to have his own little ideas once in a while.

"Jasp!"  David bats away a giggling Jasper as he holds an orange up in his hands.  "We don't need that!"

"Hmm... actually."  Clementine holds her hand out and Jasper places it into her hand.  "I think we can do something with this."

"Like what?"  Jasper's mischief changes to genuine curiosity as she takes a tiny looking grater out.  

"Well, oranges are sweet, aren't they?  And the rinds of these fruits make for a lovely smell."  She rubs the rind against the grater, producing a zest as Jasper and David ooh and ahh next to her.  "Why don't you keep this up for me, Jasper?"

"Yes ma'am!"  He dutifully takes the orange from her and mimics her actions, his tongue sticking out a bit in concentration.  David can't help the giggle that escapes him as he watches Jasper work.  The brunet looks over at his giggle and makes a confused grin.  "What's so funny?"

"You were making a funny face, like this!"  He mimics Jasper's earlier look, earning a laugh from the other boy as he then makes a more exaggerated face.  This draws a stronger laugh from David as they continue to make faces at each other.  

"Now now, no horsin' around!  We still have bread to make," Clementine chastises, but her tone is anything but harsh as she smiles fondly.  "We still got plenty to do!"

"Yes, ma'am!"  

The rest of the time is filled with aimless chatter as the two boys follow her instructions, mixing the fresh orange juice and zest into the dough.  Jasper at one point managed to smear some flour on David's cheek, resulting in David smearing some flour on his face in retaliation.  Before they can start chasing each other around the counter, Clementine has them watch her knead the dough before letting the boys each take their turn.  Jasper is all gusto as he pushes and pulls the dough energetically before getting tired.  David takes over, and he tries to be more precise than Jasper, making sure the dough isn't too sticky before looking over to Clementine for her nod of approval.  When she dubs it done, she takes the dough and places it to the side and covers it.

"And now we wait for it to rise."

"Won't it take long?"  David looks out the window and frowns, the sun setting in the distance as worry sets in.  "Jasper, will you be able to stay long?"

"Mmm... well, I think I can push it until a little after eight."  He folds his arms behind his head and smiles wide.  "I should have some time until then!"

"That we do.  Why don't we bake some other things like cookies?"

"Yeah!"

Baking, as it turns out, is much more exciting than he anticipated.  There's something amazing with being able to make something from scratch with his own hands.  Sure, he's made eggs and pancakes before, but he's never truly baked.  And having Jasper next to him adds to the fun as the boy turns to do silly things that make David laugh.  For instance, trying to juggle a few eggs before one of them lands on his head.  Or even mixing the batter a little too fast and getting bits of it all over his face and apron.

Whatever Jasper does never fails to bring a smile and a laugh to David's face.  Nighttime comes far too quickly, and by the time Clementine pulls out their final batch of muffins and cookies, Jasper makes a startled jump as he checks the time on his watch.

"Shnikes!  It's super late!"  He rushes to pull the apron off in a panic.  "Aw man, my mom's gonna kill me-"

"Hold on, let me help!"  David unties the knot from behind and takes the apron from Jasper.  "There we go!"

"Now just a min," Clementine says as she walks to the front of the bakery, grabbing a paper bag and dropping a few of their recently baked goods into it.  She hands it to Jasper with a smile.  "For you and your ma."

"Oh, thanks," he says, fumbling to reach into his pocket to pay.

"No need, hun!"  She begins pushing Jasper towards the door as he stammers and tries to argue.

"But I gotta pay-!"

"Sweetheart, you helped make the treats, you don't gotta pay a cent for them!"  With a chuckle, she gently pushes him out the door and winks to David.  "Now why don't y'all say goodbye real quick while I go clean up and close the shop?"  She waves to them as she retreats back to the kitchen, leaving David and Jasper by themselves.  Jasper grins easily, holding the bag with one arm as he turns to face David.

"Honestly, I didn't think I'd be baking today when I came to get a snack," he says lightly, making David laugh awkwardly as he rubs his arm, "but I had a lot of fun!  It's... kinda nice to learn something else for once."

"Yeah, and it was nice to hang out with you here in the bakery.  I know I haven't been around much since I've got to do my deliveries and stuff but...  I promise to hang out with you more!"

"Nah, don't sweat it."  Jasper winks easily as David looks away with a blush.  "If anything, I'll just come find ya myself!"  

"Like today!"  They both share a laugh before Jasper shuffles his feet awkwardly.  

"Well," he says with a soft smile, "guess I'll be catching you on the flipside later?"

"Of course!  I miss flying with you, especially since the weather is so nice right now..."  He sighs, disappointment settling in as he realizes that he'd been spending more time working and training than he did taking time for himself.  A small voice reminds him to be careful, before he burns himself out again.  Before he can dwell anymore on his thoughts, a hand lands on his shoulder as Jasper's crooked grin greets him.

"We can do it whenever you're free.  I'm always willin' to wait for ya, no matter how long it takes.  You know me, I won't get upset."

"...Of course not."  A smile finds its way back to David's face.  Jasper always did have that special talent of cheering David up.  

It's probably why...

"Oh- shoot, I really should go now."  Jasper backs away quickly when he realizes the time yet again, awkwardly running backwards as he waves to David.  "We'll fly again soon!  See ya later, Davey!"

"Bye, Jasp!"  He waves to his retreating figure until he can't see him no longer.  As he walks back into the bakery to lock up, he finds that the entire place feels... more empty than it usually is.  Max coils around his feet, looking up at David with an unimpressed look.

"Stop moping," the cat says, stretching himself out as he leads David back to their room, "it's not like he's gonna be gone forever."

"Still..."  He sighs softly and looks around the kitchen, Clementine already gone now that their mess has disappeared.  "I kinda miss him already."

"Oh YUCK, that's DISGUSTING."  Max makes a hacking sound, making David chuckle at his dramatic antics.  

"What?  It's not wrong to miss friends after they leave!"

"Sure.  Friends."  Max quickly walks away, looking over his shoulder to glare at David.  "Now hurry up!  I wanna fucking sleep."

"Max!"  He follows after the cat, a little thought tugging at this thoughts.  "We talked about this- OH NO, THE BREAD!"

-----

Clementine wraps up the loaf in paper and slips it into the bag.  It's a start of another day, and he's actually got a few deliveries to make.  She smiles as she hands him a slip with a name and address.  

Jasper McFadden.  

She winks and pats his shoulder.  "It's still gonna be warm if you manage to fly as quickly as you normally do."

He blushes and hugs the delivery close to his chest.  "Right.  Um, see you later, Ms. Clementine!"  

"Fly safely now!"

He runs out of the store and quickly settles himself on his broom, concentrating with an ease that comes second nature to him.  The lift off is seamless, and he launches himself high into the air, already soaring towards his destination.

As he circles around the familiar neighborhood, a voice calls out to him from high walls as the brunet signals him down.  "Davey!"

"Hey!  I've got a delivery for you!"

"What's it?  I don't remember ordering anything."  Jasper takes the offered bag from David and pulls out a nicely braided loaf.  The soft sheen and sweet smell of oranges immediately has Jasper widening his eyes.  "Oh!  This is the bread we made yesterday!"

"Yeah, Ms. Clementine wanted me to deliver your fair share."  He stays on his broom as he hovers by Jasper.  "It should still be warm so you should try a slice!"

"Hmm, actually," Jasper looks up at David with a mischievous smile, "do ya have any other deliveries to do?"

"Um, no I don't think so."

"Sweet!"  He holds up the bread to David's eye level and gestures him down.  "Wanna try some with me?"

His heart soars at the suggestion, and he lands all too quickly as he stumbles into Jasper.  The other boy catches him easily and laughs as David straightens himself out.  

"I take it that you wanna eat some?"

"Yes!"  He grins brightly, already looking forward to spending more time with Jasper.  The scent of the warm bread wafts between them as Jasper leads him towards his house.  As they tear into it with jams and butter, the softness of the bread shows of their combined hard work, and Jasper makes a show of pointing out each little bit of zest that he made to his mother and David.  The bread is fluffy as he pulls the braid apart to eat it.  Perhaps its his bias to freshly baked goods, or maybe just simply the fact that he made it himself with Jasper and Clementine - whatever the reason may be, David just can't help but think that this bread is the sweetest he's ever tasted.  

[thenightling]

The Morning-Starbucks

The Morning-Starbucks

Disclaimer:  This is my attempt at Coffee shop AU.  Characters from The Sandman were created by Neil Gaiman for DC Comics.  I do not own them.  The concept for this fan fiction was inspired by a conversation with “Destruction’s Beard fleas” on The Sandman Discord server. Some of the drink ideas also came from them.  

Further note:  I do not believe Morpheus went to Hell after his death in The Sandman: The Kindly Ones.  In fact I’m fairly certain he’s spending his afterlife in Hob Gadling’s dream, now free from the burden of having to be Dream of the Endless.   This AU is a “What if” Morpheus went to Hell and was condemned to work in a Starbucks until he came to terms with his own past and self-loathing. _______________

                                  The Morning-Starbucks

“A Barista?” Morpheus asked with a blank expression on his gaunt, pale, face. His black eyes were like pools of dark water with a star floating in the middle of each as the reasonable facsimile of pupils. The pink-skinned demon in front of him smiled viciously. The smile reminded him of Lucifer Morningstar. And in fact, had he not been so thoroughly aware that Lucifer had quit his position as King of Hell, he would swear that this was Lucifer in disguise. “That’s right.” The demon said, sounding a little too gleeful about the situation. “You will be serving coffee, aiding mortals to wake up from sleep and shake away the trappings of dreams. Isn’t that a delightful fate for the Sandman?” Morpheus, the former lord of the realm of dreams, frowned at this prospect. “You believe this would torment me?” He asked. “Oh, I know it will. ‘Ex-Dreamlord.’”

The demon faded and Morpheus looked around at his new private Hell.

Morpheus stood behind the counter. He wore his elegant, black, robes and his hair was still wild and dark. He wore the green apron with some indignation. An annoyed looking woman walked up to Morpheus with her cup in hand. “Excuse me. I ordered a cappuccino. This is… Chamomile tea?” She was not entirely sure. Her voice was joined by another. The other voice was a man who stood behind her. “Are you sure this isn’t decaff? I could swear this is decaff!” The truth was Morpheus only served decaffeinated beverages. He had no interest in helping mortals wake up. An annoyed looking girl with blue hair and cat-eye spectacles crinkled her nose. “This tastes like Celestial Seasonings’ Sleepy Time Tea. I asked for espresso!” The woman with the chamomile tea was looking at the name scribbled on the cup. “I said my name is Janet Smith.” “You did.” Morpheus said simply. “Then why did you put the name “Janet Scheinhaus?” “Because that is your true name. Or do you fear that your bill collectors will somehow learn you spent eleven dollars on a ridiculously expensive beverage?” The woman looked angered. The blue haired girl’s eyes widened with righteous horror on behalf of the other woman who had apparently also mistakenly received some sort of decaff tea instead of her desired beverage. “Would you do this to a trans person with their name?!” “Certainly not.” “Why not?” “Because trans people usually discover their true name later in life. A true name is not necessarily a birth name. It is the name you most heavily associate with yourself. A deadname is not a true name, however Janet Scheinhaus, personally, does consider herself to be Janet Scheinhaus, so that is her true name. She merely is afraid those she owes money to will learn that she likes over-priced coffee.”  Morpheus explained. The blue haired girl was taken aback. Janet looked annoyed. She slammed the exact amount of cash down on the counter for the drink even though she never got the chamomile tea switched to a proper cappuccino. And she stormed out.

At noon, rather than attend to the people waiting in the queue, Morpheus slowly plucked the little sugary candies off of the decorative and over-priced biscuits (cookies) and other confections available in the glass display case. He was replacing them with melatonin chewable gummies.

Some time that evening people were starting to notice their lattes were just warmed milk. A teenage girl, who was hoping to force herself to stay awake to study for a test, went to front counter. She was polite. “Sir? Um, excuse me. You forgot the shots in my latte.”

Morpheus looked at her and said simply.* “No, I didn’t.” before turning his back to the girl and heading into a back room as if he had something important to do there. He truly didn’t.

At midnight a figure walked into the semi-deserted Starbucks. This was someone that Morpheus recognized. A figure that resembled himself but his hair was white, as were his robes. It was the current lord of The Dreaming. Daniel looked around with eyes that were like pools of black water, with stars floating in the middle. He stepped toward Morpheus. “There you are. Have you had your fun?” “Fun?” “Yes. It’s hard not to notice nearly an entire collage town falling into a deep slumber when most of them only slept four to five hours out of every two days. Come on. You’ve proven whatever point you were trying to make here.” Daniel offered him a pale hand. “Once The Sandman, always the Sandman.” Morpheus considered. “I do not wish to be Dream of The Endless anymore. That is why I...” Daniel raised his hand as he interrupted him. “But you would rather be a barista?” “Not really. No.” “You are no longer Dream of The Endless but you are still you. It’s time to go home. Hob will dream of you, you can remain there. Won’t you be happy in Hob’s dream?” Daniel was grateful that a certain Nordic God who loved mischief had caught wind of the unfortunate former dreamlord and how he was coping with his current situation. He would have to thank Loki later for having told him about Morpheus's situation. “Perhaps… But there is one last thing I must do here first.”

The blue haired girl with the cat-like spectacles had eagerly taken the position behind the counter. She knew her way around coffee and was very eager to earn her first pay cheque. All was going well until a very shaky looking young man, clutching a cup walked to the counter. He looked like he had just consumed caffeine for the very first time and perhaps he had. “I don’t understand. Why doesn’t this taste like the Venti blonde roast filter coffee I ordered yesterday when that Robert Smith looking dude was working here? Yesterday it tasted like warm half-and-half (Half cream / half milk) and was white and...”

The girl sighed. This was going to be a long day…

The End

[jovialyouthmusic]

Two’s Company - Changes

A polyamorous fanfic based on The Royal Romance

With Drake’s help, Lucy arranges a way to jog King Brad’s memory after suffering from trauma induced amnesia.

Word Count 3661

A/N No smut here, just fluff and a little drama. But still No under 18s please.

7 Diving Down

Brad elected to be the one to go back to bed with Lucy. His stomach was still a little full after his midnight feast, but he soon fell asleep. He was woken by Lucy stirring. She groaned and turned to a tin at the side of the bed, getting out a dry biscuit and sitting up gingerly to nibble at it. Groggily Brad sat up too.

‘I can get you some water’ he offered. Lucy nodded.

‘Thanks. I’ll try not to get any crumbs in the bed, but if I don’t do this I end up dry heaving. First trimester sucks’ Brad padded to the bathroom to get the water. It was pretty obvious from her expression of misery and her pale cast that Lucy wouldn’t want to ‘have fun’ as Drake put it, at least not for a while. He sat next to her on the edge of the bed and took her hand, stroking the back of it.

‘What can I do to make you feel better?’ he asked. She waved her hand weakly at the head of the bed.

‘You can rearrange these pillows to start with’ she said ‘Oh, and ask the kitchens to get me some ginger tea. I forgot to put it out last night’ Brad couldn’t help but smile as he plumped up the pillows so Lucy could sit up a little better.

‘I’m not surprised. We were all a little preoccupied last night’ She rolled her eyes.

‘You don’t need to remind me. That was pretty spectacular’ A smirk flickered across her face. Just then there was a knock at the door and Drake poked his head into the room, fully dressed. Seeing that Lucy was awake, he came in and clambered onto the bed to plant a kiss on her forehead. She grimaced and wrinkled up her nose.

‘You stink of toothpaste’ she grumbled.

‘Wow, your sense of smell is pretty acute, I rinsed pretty thoroughly’ Drake remarked. ‘If Brad’s happy taking point, I was going to go to the stables and check on the new foal’  

‘Of course. Lucy’s safe in my hands. Just ask the kitchens to send up some ginger tea before you go’ Brad asked.

‘Sure thing, your majesty.’ Drake gave him a mock tug of his forelock, slid off the bed and left.

‘Anything else you’d like me to do?’ Brad asked gently. Lucy nestled back into the pillows and sighed.

‘You can massage my belly’ she said ‘Not that I’m showing or anything, I just find it soothing.’ She pulled down the bedclothes and Brad placed his palm on her skin, gently circling. She moaned happily ‘Oooh that’s just what I needed. Drake is too hamfisted, he’d make me puke for sure’ she sighed.

‘I’ll look into what massage oils are safe for pregnant women’

‘That would be just perfect. Oh – just a bit higher there…’ She closed her eyes in bliss.

‘Did we – do anything like this before?’ Brad asked. She laughed softly

‘You do give a great shoulder and neck massage’ she replied. There was a tap on the door and a muffled voice.

‘Your tea, your majesty’

‘Just leave it outside, I’ll get it in a moment’ Brad called out.

‘Gladys told me to let you know you’ve some papers to see to this morning’ the voice went on.

‘Okay, I’ll wait until Drake gets back from the stables’ he called. He smiled ruefully at Lucy ‘Sorry about that. Apparently the work of a monarch is never done. I can run you a bath if you like’

‘No, just bring the tea, I’ll take a bath later. I really need to get dressed and moving about’ Brad fetched the tea and she sat sipping it for a while, and he offered to lay her clothes out. She directed him what to fetch, and before long she was up and dressed.

‘Let’s walk down to the stables and meet Drake’ she suggested ‘Then you can hand me over and go back to your papers.’

‘Are you sure it’s safe for you to be there?’ he asked ‘You know, around animals?’

‘I’m pretty sure that just applies to cat litter.’

‘I’ll do some research’ Brad said solemnly. Lucy let out a peal of laughter.

‘That’s so typically you.’ she exclaimed, but Brad smiled sadly.

‘I wish I could remember…’ he started with a hitch in his voice, but Lucy hugged his arm and kissed his cheek.

‘It’s okay Brad, really it is. We’ve just got a new beginning, that’s all. You’re still the sweet considerate guy I fell in love with’ She held his gaze and wrapped her arms around him, bringing her mouth close to his before kissing him on the lips. She pulled back, arms draped around his neck. ‘I’ve got some ideas to help you remember. You got a few things from that pasta last night, didn’t you?’ He nodded in assent.

‘I did – and you know when we’re in bed I remember other things’

‘See - that’s a start. I read somewhere that strong emotion can trigger memory – and so can taste and smell, so maybe it’s touch in that case. Maybe it shows how good we are together – you know – in bed’ she nudged him and he pressed his forehead to hers.

‘I’m head over heels, Lucy’ he whispered.

------

Lucy didn’t want breakfast even though she was feeling better, so Brad asked the kitchen to make up a couple of bacon sandwiches and they set off for the stables. Drake was busy grooming Phoenix, watched by her foal, who was growing fast.

‘Hey Drake, I bought you some breakfast’ Brad announced, holding up the paper bag he carried. Drake grinned and stopped what he was doing, going to Lucy to give her an affectionate kiss and wrap a protective arm around her shoulders.

‘Thanks Brad, I was just thinking it was time to eat.’ He let go of Lucy and lead the way over to a stack of haybales, hauling a couple down for them all to sit. ‘Nothing for you, Luce?’ he asked. She shook her head.

‘No, I’m just about holding it in with the smells of the stable’ she replied. Drake did a mock double take.

‘I’ve always found the smells in here kind of comforting – you know, leather and fresh hay’

‘And dung and horse breath’ she grumbled ‘It doesn’t usually bother me but…’ she rubbed her belly. Drake tutted.

‘Well let’s hope it wears off before Baby makes an appearance’ he said, then fell silent as he made short work of the food Brad had brought. Brad was still eating as Drake stood up again. ‘Time to let Mom and baby out’ he said, and went over to the stalls to lead Pheonix out. Little Star followed, prancing on her spindly legs, and Lucy smiled indulgently.

‘Mind if I go with Drake?’ she asked. Brad waved his sandwich at her.

‘Of course, Lucy. I’ll go and see to that paperwork when I’ve finished this’ She smiled and sprinted to catch up.

‘Careful there, Luce, don’t want to spook Mama’ Drake cautioned ‘I’m not so sure you should get too close to her’ She sighed heavily.

‘You don’t need to wrap me in cotton wool’ she grumbled ‘But I get your point. I can pet her over the fence once she’s in the paddock.’ Drake opened the gate and lead the mare in, and the foal gambolled after her. The gate closed, the mare stood still and lowered her head to nuzzle the little creature. Lucy leant on the fence, adoration in her eyes, Drake by her side gazing at her and smiling fondly.

‘Look at her – she’s so sweet and gentle’ she said ‘I wonder how it will be when our little munchkin arrives’ She turned to Drake, worry etched across her face ‘What if I don’t bond? Does all this come naturally? How will I cope with the birth? Will it even get that far?’ Drake put his arm around her shoulder, and she turned and buried her face in his chest, taking a shuddering breath. He squeezed her tight.

‘You’re overthinking things, Luce. Phoenix didn’t have any problems, and we’re just sophisticated animals after all.’ He kissed the top of her head ‘And you’ve got both me and Brad to take care of you and the baby – and I’m sure the doctors and nurses will watch you very carefully’ He laughed softly ‘To say nothing of all the staff here and at the Palace. They’ll be queuing up to help’ He felt Lucy shudder again.

‘There’s a lot of pressure’ she said in a small voice ‘After all, this is the Royal Heir we’re talking about’ She looked up at him ‘and I so want to have your baby too. What sort of life will our children have?’

‘One full of joy and love’ Drake said reassuringly ‘You know I’ll take all of them camping, and teach them to make a fire and roast marshmallows, no matter if they’re mine or Brad’s. He’ll protect all of us from any unwanted attention - and don’t forget the whole of the King’s Guard’ She sighed and leaned into him, looking over at the mare and her foal,.

‘Talking of the King’s Guard, we should call and find out how Sophia’s getting on. She’s close to delivering, isn’t she?’

‘Sure is. You can practice holding babies when she’s had the twins, she and Bas are going to need all the spare hands they can get’

‘Bastien never does things by halves - oh, they can come and stay for a while’ Lucy said, her eyes brightening ‘Then I can have cuddles any time I like’

‘They’ll probably appreciate nappy changing too’ Drake laughed. ‘You can’t have all the best bits. Maybe we should go and visit Savannah too, you can find out first hand what toddlers are like’

‘We haven’t told anyone yet’ Lucy pointed out ‘We should probably discuss that with Brad’

‘Sure, let’s not rush into anything. What do you want to do now?’

‘I’d love to go for a ride, but I’m guessing Brad would throw a fit and tell me it’s too dangerous’

‘Well, you do have a track record of falling off horses’

‘It was just the once’ Lucy scowled.

‘And I don’t want it to be repeated’ Drake scolded ‘Remember how devastated you were when you thought you were pregnant?’ Lucy shivered.

‘Okay, point taken. How about a walk along the trail by the river? We can’t get in trouble doing that’

‘I’m sure Brad would disagree, but I think it’s pretty low risk. How about I call the kitchens and have a picnic lunch delivered to the lodge up on the ridge? Brad can join us if he’s finished, and we can drive back together, or stay overnight if we want to push the boat out.’

‘Oh, now that would be good. We could fire up the hot tub’ As she spoke, Drake looked sheepish. ‘What is it now?’ she asked testily.

‘I think maybe that’s off the menu for you, Valois.’ he said, rubbing the back of his neck. She slumped.

‘Now I’m officially pissed’ she grumbled. ‘No alcohol, no riding, no hot tub. What next, bread and water only?’ Drake hugged her again, leaning back against the rail and pulling her with him.

‘Don’t you worry, we’ll come up with some treats’ he mumbled into her hair, kissing the top of her head. ‘Me and Brad, we’ve got you’

-------

It was refreshing to have Lucy to himself for a while, Drake realised as they wound their way along the trail by the river. He didn’t have to think about what was happening between him and Brad. Lucy really was the glue that held them together now. If it wasn’t for her they might never have discovered their feelings for each other – but if they had, he’d have run a mile, so they had her to thank for that. But just now, the fresh air, the joy of striding out, the sunshine and birdsong was just what he needed. He half wanted Brad to be there to experience it rather than him driving along the forest trail to meet them at the cabin. There was something about reaching a destination on foot that was grounding and settling.

Lucy didn’t know that one of the King’s Guard had been assigned to follow them at a discrete distance, so he wasn’t going to suggest that they take a stop for some outdoor hanky panky. He knew Brad was rather partial to risky outdoor sex, but he was a little more cautious and didn’t want to traumatise young Parker, who was doing a good job in remaining unseen. Besides, the day before had been pretty active in that respect and they needed to pace themselves.

‘Can we stop for a moment?’ Lucy asked ‘I could do with a drink’

‘Sure thing. There’s some rocks ahead we can sit on and watch the water’ They carried on a little further to where a few trees overhung the swiftly flowing water, the rocks interrupting the flow and breaking it up into little eddies and cascades, the boulders worn smooth by many wet winters. They settled down and Drake opened his rucksack to get a bottle of water out. He handed it to Lucy, who sipped at it as she gazed at the water.

‘It’s so beautiful out here’ she said ‘Are we any closer to opening it up to walkers?’

‘We have to have security in mind’ Drake replied ‘Some parts closer to the Manor have to be fenced off, no matter how much we’d like to share all this with the public. Brad suggested limited access, so there can be days when it’s closed and we have it to ourselves’

‘I suppose that makes sense’ Lucy mused ‘After all, we’re not really sure if we cleaned up completely after Anton, or if there’s anyone else with a grievance’ Drake picked up a smooth pebble and skipped it over a smooth stretch of water.

‘That’s the price you pay for privilege. There’s always someone who doesn’t agree with the way things are run, or simply wants to cause trouble.’  She turned to face him, sorrow on her face.

‘I’m sorry Drake, I forgot your father paid the ultimate price. That must be hard to live with. I wish I’d known him’

‘He was a good man – brave and selfless. But I don’t think Mom ever forgave him. I wonder if she ever thought of leaving him when she realised just what his job could cost her’ Drake leaned across to retrieve the water bottle, and put it back in the rucksack. He stood up. ‘We should move on’ he said shortly, obviously not in the mood to continue the conversation, and with everything else going on in their lives, Lucy didn’t think it was wise to press him further. He reached out to offer his hand to help her up, and they continued on the trail.

It was an hour or so before they got to the top of the ridge where the cabin overlooked the little valley, and Lucy’s cheeks glowed with the exertion. An SUV was parked next to it, and Brad came out to welcome them, putting his hand to Lucy’s upper arm and kissing her on the cheek.

‘I’ve only just got here’ he said ‘Cook put something together, and I made sure it’s all safe for you, Lucy’ She made a face.

‘Oh great, you just became the Food Police’ she grumbled. Brad looked hurt.

‘There’s fresh sweet potato and red pepper soup, a few different bread rolls, a selection of hard cheeses and a couple of soft ones – safe of course – and pickles, salad, boiled eggs. There’s plenty to choose from, and fresh fruit to finish’

‘Well I suppose that’s okay then’ she huffed.

‘I only want the best for you and the baby, my Queen’

‘Oh come on, stop belly aching and let’s chow down’ Drake interrupted ‘I’m starving’

‘And I’m not going to sit and do nothing while you two put it out’ Lucy asserted ‘I’m quite capable of pouring out a couple of bowls of soup, so don’t tell me to sit down’

‘Yes, your highness’ Drake grinned.

--------

When they had finished eating, Brad drove them back down to the Manor, noticing the longing look she gave the hot tub as she passed it. He thought that maybe he would draw her a nice warm bath with a few pregnancy friendly oils in later on, which he’d already asked the staff to source.

‘Do you boys mind if I get in touch with Hana to arrange to meet up with her?’ Lucy asked as they walked back into the grand entrance hall.

‘Of course not – you go ahead. Were you thinking of telling her the good news?’ Brad asked.

‘What do you think? Lucy replied ‘The staff already know, and they’ve been told not to say anything, but it’s way too early for any official announcement’

‘I’d trust Hana to stay quiet’ Drake said, and Brad nodded assent.

‘Drake’s right, Hana’s very discreet. If you want to tell her, feel free’

‘Thankyou’ Lucy said, giving Brad a kiss on the cheek. ‘Are you busy this afternoon?’ Brad sighed.

‘I have a telephone conference, but I’ll be free for dinner.’ Lucy smiled mischievously.

‘In that case, I’m going to ask Drake to take me into town. There’s a few things I need for later on.’ Brad raised his eyebrows.

‘Later on?’ he asked quizzically.

‘It’s a surprise’ she said archly, taking Drake’s arm. He looked as nonplussed as Brad, and shrugged as the King angled his head in query.

‘Just a little something to jog your memory. As soon as you’re done with your call, let us know’

‘Okay’ Brad said cautiously.

‘Good, that’s settled then’ she said cryptically ‘I just need to change – Drake, see you back here in half an hour’

-------

Brad put the phone down and pulled his fingers down over his face in frustration. He’d had to be prompted in a few minor details that had vanished from his memory, so at least he knew it wasn’t just Lucy he’d forgotten. He got up and poured himself a whiskey before getting his phone out and texting Lucy. It was a few moments before she rang him back.

‘Brad – all done now?’

‘Yes, Lucy. Now what’s this big surprise?’

‘It’s not quite ready yet. I’m going to ask you to stay in your study a little while longer. I’ll call you when things are ready. Oh, and don’t order anything to eat – that’s all part of the surprise’ Brad pulled at his ear nervously.

‘This is all very cloak and dagger. Is it a murder mystery?’ A peal of laughter rang down the line.

‘Don’t be silly. I told you, it’s something to help you remember’ Brad wandered over to the window and looked out.

‘Lucy, there’s another car in the drive. Have we got visitors?’ He heard her curse softly under her breath, and thought he heard another voice in the background.

‘No questions. Stay where you are and wait for me to call’

‘And if I need the bathroom?’ he asked cynically. He heard Lucy scoff.

‘Stop nit-picking, Brad. Just call and let me know and I’ll hold off for a few minutes’

‘Okay’ Brad replied. He heard the voice again and she giggled.

‘It won’t be too long, Brad – promise. Less than an hour’ The line went dead, and Brad paced the room before he remembered his whiskey, and sat sipping it thoughtfully. He decided to make a few notes for his secretary back at the Palace before opening up his phone and looking through photos he’d taken over the last year or so. It was full of pictures of Lucy – some sparked fragments of memory and others drew a blank. In frustration, he switched to playing a mindless game for some time before a knock came at the door. Gladys poked her head around it.

‘Your majesty, if you’d like to follow me’ she said ‘the Duchess wants you to change before we move on. Your clothes are laid out in your room.’ Puzzled, Brad followed her. When they were in Valtoria she called herself Duchess rather than Queen.  True to what she had said, a suit, white shirt and a blue cravat were laid out. He frowned in puzzlement. There was nothing special about the outfit, and he couldn’t remember wearing that shirt with that cravat before, but he dutifully changed. Once outside the door again, he followed Gladys downstairs and to a door off the hall he thought went to the cellars, but he couldn’t say he’d been through it. She gestured, standing aside.

‘If you’d like to go through, Sir’ she gestured.

‘Very well. Thankyou, Gladys’ he said solemnly. A small smile played across her lips as he opened it to reveal a set of stone steps leading down. Faint music came up the dimly lit stairwell, and he caught on to the handrail to descend. There was another door at the bottom, and he knocked. Nobody answered, so he threw it open to reveal what he could only describe as a stage set. Improbably it was arranged as a bar with a couple of booths, music playing and two men sitting at one of the tables. Images and sounds started to nudge the back of his mind.

But standing with her back to him was a waitress, dressed in work clothes. And her hair…he caught his breath. It was Lucy, holding a small notepad and pencil. He swayed slightly as she turned to greet him, and half remembered fragments jostled and swam around in his head. He staggered and leaned heavily against the door jamb. Drake stood up in consternation, and so did…

‘Max – what – what are you doing here?’ he croaked. Fog swirled around in his brain ‘Where - where’s Tariq?’ and everything went black.

@sirbeepsalot @fluffyfirewhiskey @katedrakeohd @dcbbw @camillemontespan​ @kingliam2019​ @notoriouscs​ @texaskitten30

[quietnqueer]

I’m too quiet & I’m too queer

I’m too quiet and I’m too queer for the straight 9 to 5 workaday world. 

I was reminded of this when I interviewed for a job on Tuesday. Fool I was. As soon as they said how they sometimes like to just get together for a chat over a cup of tea and some biscuits, I knew I couldn’t do it, I couldn’t go through all that again.

Gut punch. Heart pull.

That expectation of sociability, that emphasis on team ‘bonding’, the getting to know one another, having to reveal yourself - I recoil from it, it terrifies me.

Why?

Do I have social anxiety?

Am I shy?

Yes, that’s part of it.

But it’s mainly because I’m just not like the majority of people; or at least not the majority of folks I cross paths with in my professional life anyway; where all the chat’s about camping trips with the kids, and spending the weekend pottering in the garden; where everyone is straight, and coupled up with kids.

As an aro/ace loner, a queer feminist spinster, I am an alien alienated from all this. I don’t get it. And the thought of telling people about me, speaking the truth of my life, my reality… I can’t do it. The heteronormativity is so brick heavy, I just can’t imagine being able to admit to my asexuality or my aromanticism, to tell people that I just don’t experience sexual or romantic attraction.

I have this niggle that I ‘should’ though: that I should be more open, I should be less shy. Why can’t I just be more goddamn normal?! It would be so much easier if I did have a partner, a kid, a cat, a social network, then I’d be able to join in with the chitty-chat with co-workers on a Monday morning in the kitchen.

That’s not who I am though. I’m too quiet, I’m too queer.

I’m a solitary.

‘And that’s okay!’ I tell myself, But I really struggle to believe this, even after all this time, even after having swallowed a ton of introvert power! and aro/ace pride.

FFS! What do I think I have to prove? I know I can get and hold down jobs in the straight world, it’s all I did for a decade up until nearly two years ago. I’ve pitched in and played along, laughed at the right jokes, chipped in with just enough titbits, fronted it out at the office do’s and Christmas lunches.

None of it was real though, none of it was me. I was only ever half-there, always uncomfortable, always disconnected. An alien alienated. I hid, I lied, I faked it, forced it, and fooled everyone enough into believing I was normal; a little shy yes, but I was still quite young;  there was still time for me to grow up and settle down, to start coming in with stories about my new man and the babies I was planning to have.

I knew none of this would ever happen though, because it isn’t who I am.

I’d always end up leaving before too long, just before it would start to seem weird how this woman they worked with never seemed to mention going out (on dates) or being interested in anyone.

Going back to 9 to 5 office life would be an act of self-destruction. It would kill me. And I tell myself - that’s okay! It’s okay to be a quiet queer naturally solitary soul not made for that world. There are other ways, other things I can try; and I am trying, I really am. It’s hard though. And sometimes my inner child will stamp her feet and cry ‘it’s not fair!’ Why can’t I just find my context, my people? Am I always going to have to fake smile, compromise and lie in order to earn a living? (Fuck capitalism).

Gremlins from my childhood tell me I should fix this, fix me. My shyness was always posed as a problem when I was younger. I was made well aware thank you very much that I needed to be able to ‘get on with people’ when I grew up, when I got a job. The thing is though (Mum); I have managed to! I did grow up, get jobs and become a ‘valuable member of the team’. I learnt how to speak, learnt the right noises to make, and I was always ‘alright’, always turned up on time wearing a smile, willing to assist to serve to please.

It was all just a performance though, everyday a pull against my heart strings on some level.

Constipated guts sluggishness.

Head hollow.

I know, I just know, because I feel it bone-deep at a cellular level, that I’m just a misfit, and therefore I never will just happily shinily 100 per cent smilingly rub along with straight folk in a straight job in the straight world. I can fake it, play pretend, but it’s not me. I don’t belong there.

I’m too quiet and I’m too queer.