#the problem with sunscreen in that I can never fully trust that I’m not going to burn anyway

[foldingfittedsheets]

Getting rubbed down with ice cubes, a thing I would normally scream bloody murder over, has revived me.

My wife asked if I preferred sweating my ass off in layers or putting on sunscreen and I sat there with a blue screen in my brain.

Eventually owned that perhaps sunscreen was preferable.

The more clothes cover me the less sunscreen has to touch my body which is great because I fucking haaaaate sunscreen. Sensory nightmare. Why am I so pale and dependent on the evil grease? A profound curse.

My beloved keeps looking at my overshirt and pants and asking, “Are you… okay?

“Yep.”

“You’re not like. Dying?”

“Nope. Feels fine.”

They look extremely skeptical about my lizard like qualities but they love me all the same.

[chiliiscereal]

May I offer a prompt of how the turtles would be with a mom friendTM? you know the type I mean? like.... I think they might benefit from that kind of friend in the group lol (also I love your stories, your such a cool writer keep up the awesome work!)

Rottmnt headcanon: mom friend TM

And thanks so much!

Mom friends are severely underrated XD

——

-Okay these boys need a mom friend badly

-but that’s where you come in!

-as the mom friend you keep them safe in many ways

Donnie💜

-starting with this guy, he never really wanted a mom friend

-when April first brought you over he was cold

-didn’t even bother talking to you

-you were determined to befriend him, even though he left whenever you tried to talk to him

-you became comfortable with the turtles quickly and the others accepted your mom friend nature

-not Donnie though

-he didn’t hate you, sure, but you were too much

-you were too overbearing and too nervous for his safety!

-you’d make him wear a helmet when he used his jet pack 

-you made him put on SUNSCREEN whenever he went outside

-you told him to be careful when rewiring a project even!

-it’s like you wanted to ruin his bad boy image

-he hated it and wanted you to stop being so smothering

-…

-…until he realized that attention and moral support comes with the smothering

-the moment he realizes that he’s all for it

-he’s no longer hiding his inventions from you so you won’t bug him, but he’s seeking you out for your advice and praise

“Hey so I made this and… I don’t know…”

“Wow you built that? It’s awesome!” 

“Really? I mean, I know, I just wanted to show you that it was.”

-praise ain’t something this boy has

-have you SEEN how his brothers react to his ideas?

-he needs this

-with praise comes affection

-I’m talking homemade snacks and questions that his brothers never ask

-you’re there if he needs a cup of coffee or if he hasn’t eaten in a while or taken a nap

-“don, it’s been two days since you slept go to bed.”

-“*hissssss*”

-“I’ll make a cup of coffee for you after...?”

-“*hisses but less intense*”

-you may be good at making snacks and everything

-very good in facts

-but the questions are probably his favorite part

“Woah what’s that supposed to do?”

“Well it’s a device that’s meant to fix all the broken McDonald’s ice cream machines.”

“That’s amazing! What did you use to build it? How does it work?”

-you’re actually trying to learn about his work!

-you’re trying to learn about him!

-he loves it

-and he loves that you’re careful to

-it’s a nice change from his brothers

-you’re someone he can depend on

-doesn’t matter if it’s missions or just being a good friend

-and I mean it when I say depend

-you’re there when he needs help rewiring something or just to simply talk about his dumb dumb brothers

-honestly April isn’t even mad that Donnie stole one of her best friends

-she knows he needs this

-Donnie fully learned to trust you after the purple dragons mishap

-you told him they were untrustworthy but his heart was dead set on that satin jacket

-when he came back to the lair, late at night, with no satin jacket and a handful of his missing tech, he found you raising an eyebrow at him from where you had sat to wait for him

-he knew from then on to trust you and your opinions, even though his often got in the way

-you can often be found sitting on Donnies bed while he works, offering your company and comments

-Normally no one else is allowed in while he works but that’s just because they don’t have anything positive to provide

 Raph❤️ 

-Raph IS the mom friend

-your mom friend energy and his mom friend energy just work together so well together

-I’m talking planning missions together, figuring new ways to trick his brothers into being responsible, cleaning the dishes, and even making snacks together

-“so the mission is tomorrow right?”

-“yep! Should we bring apples with peanut butter or pretzels with hummus?”

-“well Donnie doesn’t like peanut butter, but Mikey does, so both?”

-“awesome! And you’ve got the water covered?”

-“dude I even have caprisuns packed so we’re ready!”

-the others find it to be too much with the two of you but Raph really appreciates the help

-especially during the pizza puff episode

-oh that part nearly set you on fire with worry

-Raph had never seen you that worked up

-you had a fan for Leo, a bowl for Mikey, and a bag of fruit snacks for Donnie

-Raph has to activate his supreme mom friend energy to get you to stop hovering over them

-that meant literally dragging you away from them so they could figure things out on their own

-he’s seen you be a mom friend to them all the time

-but never once for him

-you two were like... co mom friends working together to stop the younger irresponsible three

-until Raph got separated in the sewer

-oh man you were torn with worry

-you nearly destoryed the place looking for him

-and finding him all savage like that... ack that was enough to practically shatter your heart in two

-once he stopped trying to barbecue villains and destroy his brothers you took him to the lair and helped him calm down

-you even turned on a movie for the two of you so he could relax

-it was nice to have your best friend and partner in stopping crime back

-Raph of course was embarrassed because it’s HIS job to help everyone, not the other way around

-after much assurance you had him convinced that you didn’t mind

-he was grateful to have you and your help

-he just wished you didn’t worry quite so much

Leo 💙:

-this boy is soaking it all up from the start

-someone to compliment him?

-someone to help him out?

-someone to admire his achievements?

-oh he’s all for it

-he’s showing off skateboard stunts, he’s doing flips, and he’s randomly pulling you to him and creating a portal

-usually you end up somewhere sketchy but sometimes it works out

-you always have to be ready though

-one minute you’re walking to the projector room and the next you’re in New Jersey with a sheepish looking red slider

-his only problem is now he has to be more careful with skateboard tricks

-he’s fine with a helmet but when it comes to you hovering next to him while he’s going down the skate ramp...

-eh he’s not so fond of that

-praise?

-sure

-home made gifts and cards?

-always appreciated

-but you constantly trying to protect him from things he knew how to do?

-no

-just no

-now he only feels like he can skate if you’re not there or if he goes to a skate park without telling you

-you figure out quickly and still worry that he’ll mess up a flip

-doesn’t matter if you’re watching or not

-you’re the mom friend

-your job is to worry

-you promised that you’d stop worrying about him if he can back

-you didn’t want him to feel uncomfortable in his own home!

-he agreed and you did your best to keep your promise

-...

-until he actually messed up a flip

-you don’t know WHAT he landed on but it must have been sharp because there was a LOT of blood

-maybe you thought there was a lot because you were so worried but still

-you hadn’t even been in the room but you heard his shout (and crash) and you came running

-oh he was lucky you carried gauze and everything in your bag because other wise they’d have to go buy some

-you chewed him out while patching him up, much to his displeasure

-you’re both sweet and sour about it

-“I’m fine! Look, nothing’s broken!”

-“I TOLD you that you could get hurt! I TOLD you it wasn’t safe! Why did you not listen- I’m sorry does that hurt? I’m sorry!”

-“yeah it does hurt-.”

-“than you should have listened to me!!”

-for a while he’s bitter that you were just waiting for him to mess up

-clearly you thought he was just a big clutz to you

-but after a while of him avoiding you and pouting you brought it up again

-“I’m not just waiting for you to fail you know. I just want you to be okay.”

-“that’s not what it feels like! You clearly don’t trust me!”

-“life happens, Leo! Doesn’t matter how skilled you are! You’re an amazing skater but sometimes mistakes are made!”

-ha that changed his tune quickly

-“you think I’m an amazing and skilled skater?

-you just rolled your eyes and left, not saying anything about his comment

-didn’t matter

-this boy is all smiles for the rest of the day

Mikey🧡:

-he was on board from the very start

-he’s got cuddles, piggy back rides, and his own art fan/critic

-lots of baking and cooking together

-maybe even drawing if he’s lucky

-only problem?

-you don’t trust him to go out on his own

-even if it’s just to grab a video game from the store or pick up pizza

-“I’m just going down the block!”

-“what if someone sees you?”

-“I’ll be careful!”

-“just let me go with you.”

-“no! I can do this on my own!”

-you’re always offering to give him a ride or tag along just because you don’t want anything to happen to him

-that means, of course, sneaking out

-not for a long time, just enough to get some air

-but that also means you’re staying up late waiting for him to come back

-he’s your buddy!

-you can’t let anything happen to him!

-he didn’t know about it until he found you cashed out on the couch with the lamp still on

-normally you gave him an excuse about why you were still up, such as a late night snack or a movie

-but your phone and the tv were both off

-he decided to think nothing of it until he noticed that you were grumpier in the mornings

-he didn’t want his actions to affect you so he started coming back earlier

-even texting you and telling you he was fine

-you two talked and set up a deal

-he could go out by himself and you wouldn’t stay up late waiting for him as long as you had his location on your phone

-it was easier for both you from then on

[a3hihi]

sun’s up 🐚

one shot

mer!omi fushimi/reader

word count: 1863

also on AO3!

Summary: You came to the beach to study the ocean, but you didn’t expect to get to know the locals this closely. Much less a local who shows up only as you dip under the water to look at coral. Much less a local who has a shark’s tail and fins, scars running up his body, and a bright smile, and oh no he’s attractive why is this happening to me.

———

“I think it’d be nice to hold you,” Omi chuckles. He pretends to not notice the blush blooming on your cheeks.

“Uh, sure,” you mumble wittily, swaying your ankles in the water, “What makes you think that?” 

At dawn, the breeze is cool at the pier, but the wood under you is surprisingly warm. Luckily, you had your swimsuit on today, camera and notebook beside you to check on the sea life. As you stand up and reach for the ropes at your side, its bristles tickling your skin, you feel a strong hand close around your forearm.

“It’s alright, I’ve got you.”

Warm honey-toned eyes smile up at you, and you find yourself wanting to pass out right then and there.

“Easy does it.”

Omi helps you step down into the sea with him until you finally plop into his arms.  You don’t know how to fall into the water with grace, exactly, but the merman seems to pay it no mind. To your relief, he laughs a little, eyes crinkled up in what you hope is delight.

As Omi keeps you in a firm hold, arms around your waist, you’re dangling in the water, motionless as the currents brush past your legs.

“You’re so cute,” he says, laughing quietly as your hands settle on his broad shoulders. Your mouth presses into a thin, wobbly line. There’s no way he’d say that unless you’d been seeing each other for a while, and you feel yourself blush harder.

“You haven’t answered my question,” you murmur, trying to avoid his gaze. To your horror, Omi softly cups your face and turns it to look at him.

It looks like he’s smiling to himself. You assume he is, because sharp teeth glint under his lips as he holds you close.

“I mean,” he starts, curiously bashful as he hoists you up so you’re face to face (earning an “oop!” from you). “Holding you just feels fun. I like it.”

“I don’t know how to process that, Omi.” 

You came to the beach to study the ocean, but you didn’t expect to get to know the locals this closely. Much less a local who shows up only as you dip under the water to look at coral. Much less a local who has a shark’s tail and fins, scars running up his body, and a bright smile, and oh no he’s attractive why is this happening to me.

Needless to say, you’re not too sure how merfolk show affection.

“Aww, come on. Trust me a little bit?” Omi teases. 

He takes a moment, working up the confidence to nuzzle your collar. 

“I like having you close like this. I know you’re safe that way, you know?”

“Point taken,” you nod, “it’s calming.”

“Besides, it’ll help you study.”

“More like the opposite.��� You’re about to laugh, but Omi takes your hand and presses his lips to it and now you want to burst. Looking up at him means seeing his torso, too, and that doesn’t help at all.

“Ah… we need to get you a shirt.” You mumble, hiding your face in his neck. 

You feel his chest rumble to match his laugh. 

“Yeah? What’s a shirt?”

Omi knows exactly what a shirt is.

You lightly smack his chest. His laugh bubbles out even more, even louder, making you laugh brightly in return.

“Omi, seriously.” You try to rasp something out while you catch your breath. Concern flits in his eyes as he peers at you, lifting you slightly above the water.  

“I’m not drowning. It’s okay.” You pat his shoulder, your other hand resting on his cheek. The last thing you want right now is to startle him.

Waves lap at your legs as he melts into your touch. You’re glad he’s reassured, swiping your thumb at the scar on his chin. 

The both of you settle there for a while, warming water curling around you.

“Sun’s up.”

As you get out of your daze, Omi beams at you, how you look in the light. 

He’s not sure how humans react to seawater, but you mentioned something about skin wrinkling. He guesses you needed this special type of clothing to stay with him for longer, and he blushes at the thought. You also needed this weird ointment— sunscreen, he thinks you called it— that wasn’t too different from the lotions some of his fellow merfolk would use to stay smooth and avoid burning. He winces at the thought.  

Omi never really paid attention to skincare and all, so he should probably take a page out of your book for this one. He tries not to smile, remembering how you’d remind him to take care of himself, marvelling at the scars he’d try to hide sometimes. It’s not like he could— at that point, after all he’d done, the lighter colored lines curved all around his body. And even if he thought his hands were too rough, you’d take them in yours, run your thumb across his knuckles.

Ultimately, he remembers the shock in your eyes, seeing him underwater. It’s not his first time seeing people from other than his species, but it was most probably yours— judging by how you spluttered and how he had to rescue you from sinking.

By the time you recovered on the shore, you had to let the truth about mermaids’ existence sink in, pun intended. The one in front of you was wide-eyed, not used to seeing a human up close— at least a human he wasn’t picking a fight with, which you would later learn was an old hobby of his. (Oops.) 

You even remembered explaining what “research” was to him, watching his eyes widen as you asked to touch his tail, pointing out how much he could help with that. Obviously, you wouldn’t let any harm come to this new friend of yours, and you assured him that your crew wouldn’t either. You vibrated with excitement at how a fairytale creature was living and breathing right in front of you (and was really cute, but you wouldn’t tell him that just yet). 

It was during that time of silent study that he tried hiding a cough, clutching his side, and you realized it was your turn to take care of your rescuer. 

As the sand warmed beneath you both, you found yourselves meeting almost every day at the same spot. What started as introductions to each other’s worlds led to you learning about each other as people. Question and answer sessions turned into showing him human books and hearing his stories. If your third time washing your picnic mat was any indication, spending time there was suddenly a relief. At the same time, Omi’s friends teased his visiting the surface more often, packing shells he hoped were “someone’s favorite.”

That wasn’t his favorite part, though.

An especially bright ray of sunlight glares at you and you swat at the air, squirming.

Omi chuckles, and you hum in interest. 

“What’s so funny, mister?” 

He smiles down at you, raising a hand from carrying you to cup your cheek again. “Like I said, you’re really cute.”

The look on your face must also be funny to him, because his smile is wide, fully proud of what’s glinting under his lips. He murmurs your name, “I’m serious!”

“Ah, uh, thank you,” you sputter, feeling warmth in your cheeks and seeing him trying to stifle a laugh.

Being like this in his arms is convenient for him, apparently— he uses the opportunity to gather you in a tight embrace.

“This isn’t too tight, right?” You wrap your arms further around his neck, waving your head in a quiet no. At the warmth of his hug, you definitely needed the support.

“You too.”

“Huh?”

“I mean! You’re cute too!” You squeak, looking up at him. Big mistake— Omi softly presses his forehead on yours, nose almost bumping yours before he pulls away.

“Thank you.”

A beat passes, and you hear the ocean all over again.

“My favorite part was confessing, you know.”

It takes some time for you to close your mouth. “What?”

“Telling you I liked you. A lot. That was my favorite part of meeting you.” He shakes his head. “You’re my favorite human.”

You really wish you don’t look like a blown-up puffer fish right now. 

“Itwasmyfavoriteparttoo!”

You snap your lips closed, and you frown at Omi’s easy, amused grin. 

“Come again?”

“I liked it too! I couldn’t stop thinking about it!” You sound like you’re arguing, proving some point in a debate, and your voice shakes with laughter at that.

“Also thank you for holding me!” you yelp, and Omi gives his most recent smile for that morning. You hope you get to see it more from now on.

“Wouldn’t want you slipping.”

The fins in place of his ears flutter a bit. You’re about to ask what’s wrong but notice the warmth rising to the tan of his cheeks. Add flustering a merman to your list of achievements.

You feel yourself moving with him, realizing he’s gliding to the side. The tail under him shifts in the water as he plants you on a nearby rock. 

“There’s a merman like me who sells potions nearby.”

You tilt your head, wondering where this was going.

“I think he can give me legs for a bit. Harmless, I swear,” he holds his hands up as you begin to protest.

“Gaining legs was never really a problem for us, I promise.” “I guess the stories I’ve heard weren’t the most accurate,” you say.

“That’s why you’re the scientist.”

The water is pleasant against your leg, cooling as it hits the rocks crusted with shells beneath you. Omi hoists himself up next to you, elbow bumping yours. The sea has his hair hang damp against his forehead, dark brown under the sun.

“Why are you doing this?” you whisper, voice fond like the crabs around you are listening in. “Is there no potion I can take? How do you know it’s safe?”

“Not that I’ve heard of.” He shrugs.

“Again, trust me a little.” There’s a glint of mischief in his eyes, and you squint. “Some of us already work on the shore, if I’m being honest.”

“You’re kidding.”

“No, I’m not.”

Omi snickers as you gawk at him. Merfolk walking on legs, on land, crossing paths with unsuspecting people. At this rate, they could even be at the aquarium or in your crew.

“I’m not surprised,” you tease, crossing your arms. “One of my coworkers is suspiciously good at swimming.”

“Uh huh.”

Omi waves his tail in the water, pointed fin stirring up invisible lines around smaller fish. “I want to see you more.” 

You scratch your nape. “I’ve always wanted to show you around the boardwalk. I think actually talking to people is a nice change of pace. You’d like the crafts they make up here,” you say, remembering the objects he’s tinkered around with underwater. He deserved better equipment.

“It’s a date.” He smiles. 

You find yourself smiling back this time. “I’d like a date.” 

You peck Omi’s cheek, and both of you feel the sun reach its peak.

[wanderinginksplot]

Clone Trooper Rambles

The misadventurous mixture of an overactive imagination, a Clone Wars obsession, and a boring yet high-stress life. Basically, I’m an adult with a group of armored, highly trained imaginary friends. This is the stuff that happens.

Kix Hates My Lunch

It all started with Kix. I shouldn’t have really been shocked. Too many days in quarantine had left me bored and frustrated with the worldwide virus response, and I started thinking about how a medical professional I actually trusted would handle it. The fact that the only medical professional I trusted was a character from a children’s cartoon was also a problem, but Kix seems like he would be smart enough to get things done right.

Mistake number one.

Next, I started writing down some ideas for Kix-based one-shots. Those quickly snowballed into fully written one-shots and their number started to grow almost daily. I started reading more clone-based fics and planning out additional content of my own.

Mistake number two.

When I finally got the call to return to work, I was nervous. We’re busy, almost constantly packed with people and I didn’t see any real chance of that changing. Capitalism is a powerful thing to those who benefit. I was scared, wishing for a sense of confidence and security that could help me through those first few days back.

Mistake number three.

When I got to work, they were there. I saw clones patrolling the area, listened to them talk to each other, and took comfort from their presence. It doesn’t really matter how I started talking with them, but I did and Kix soon became one of the troopers I spent the most time with.

Kix is judgmental. It’s because he cares, but it’s a bit stressful. He urges me to sleep more, drink more water, wear more sunscreen. I try, but who really has the time? 

I’ll never forget the first time Kix came with me while I ate my lunch. As I pulled out a plastic baggie filled with trail mix, I could feel the horrified stare, but busied myself opening my water bottle so I could start to rehydrate in the air-conditioned space.

“What the kriff is this?” he asks (a little harshly, if you ask me).

“Trail mix,” I answer simply, silently. I never speak out loud, but the clones always seem to hear me.

“And what else are you going to eat?” It’s a dangerous question, with an even more dangerous answer.

“Nothing.”

Kix doesn’t disappoint. In fact, he pushes his chair back so he has room to stand up again and start pacing. “Nothing? Are you karking serious? Do you even know how much trail mix you would have to eat to get the calories you need? Especially if you’re going to work for the rest of the day?”

“It’s hot outside,” I explain as patiently as I can. Conversing with an imaginary medic wasn’t particularly how I wanted to spend my lunch break, but he was here and demanding answers. “If I eat too much, I’ll feel sick when I go back to work. I eat something small and drink a lot of water, then I go home and eat again when I’ve showered and cooled down.”

“You’re going to pass out,” Kix tells me, voice matter-of-fact. 

I would almost have believed him, except that… “I do this all the time, Kix. The last time I had a big lunch at work, I almost did pass out. This is what works. Trust me.”

“You’re an idiot.”

Well, so much for trust. “Your bedside manner sucks.”

“I’m trying to keep you out of a hospital bed!” Kix snaps. 

“I’m not going to pass out, Kix. I am going to get cranky if you keep pestering me about it. I have work I need to do while I’m not… working. Schoolwork. It’s due soon and I need to get it done while I have a few minutes.”

“Yeah, add stress to the mix, that’ll help everything,” Kix says snarkily. 

I can tell from his voice that he’s moving further away from me and closer to the door, but I’m focused on my phone and refuse to look at him. After he’s gone, I pop the baggie open and start to read my assignments for the week as I enjoy my trail mix in peace.

*fin*

Next | Masterlist 

A/N - for full authenticity, read all titles for this story while thinking really hard about the theme song for It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

[imagineredwood]

Request: Imagine being Emily and Miguel’s adopted daughter and celebrating your 17th birthday (adopted at 10-12 years old)

Pairing: Miguel and Emily x daughter reader  

Warnings: None really, childhood adoption but there isn’t any emphasis on why you were adopted or anything like that. Just fluff and family bonding time. 

Word count: 1.7k

  You awoke to the sound of someone knocking on your door. Opening your eyes, you looked up at the crisp white ceiling and stretched, your voice groggy as you called out.

“Yeah?”

Nestor’s voice came through the door, a cheery tone there more so than the usual when he woke you up in the mornings.

“Time to wake up, birthday girl. Mom and dad have plans for you today. Breakfast is almost ready.”

You smiled softly and yawned as you sat up, looking over at the alarm clock sitting beside you on the nightstand reading 9:00 AM.

“OK, I’m up. Thanks, Nestor.”

“No problem kid.”

You could hear his feet on the hardwood as he walked away and you tossed the covers to the side, sliding out of bed. You made your way to the bathroom and did your morning routine quickly before leaving your room and making you way out to the kitchen. You were still in the hall when the scent of vanilla hit you. There was a smile on your face already as you stepped out, Miguel out on the patio taking a phone call while Emily was standing at the counter, watching the cook assemble your breakfast. She heard your entrance and her smile was bright, immediately opening her arms to you.

“Good morning, baby. Happy Birthday.”

Placing yourself into her embrace, she hugged you tightly, pressing her lips to the top of your head as you spoke into her shoulder.

“Good morning, mom.”

She allowed you to pull away and her smile was still in place as she motioned to the two women carrying the breakfast over to the table in the dining room. Miguel walked back into the home then, his smile just as broad as Emily's. He walked toward the two of you and took you into his arms just as his wife had.

“Buenos Dias, preciosa.”

Your smile returned as he pulled away and wrapped an arm around each of you, guiding you to the table to eat. It wasn’t until you got up close that you could see just how extensive the breakfast was, every single one of your favorites assorted on the table for you to have as much of each as your heart desired. You sat down in your usual chair, Miguel pushing you in, then Emily, before finally sitting down himself.

The three of you made small talk as you ate, plates and glasses clinking, you handing Emily the milk as Miguel passed you the strawberries. It was rare that you all got to sit together and enjoy breakfast as a family. You were usually getting ready for school, Miguel in the office making calls while Emily was often out, running errands. They always found a way to make time for you, always making sure that you felt loved and wanted and valued by them because you were.

They had taken you in at 10, looking after you and they had finally adopted you fully as theirs by the time you were 12. They had done everything they could to give you a good life. They had much more money now than they did when they had first gotten you, but the money was never the focus. Miguel and Emily had, of course, started a college fund for you immediately once they came up and the material things had improved significantly but through all the money and power, one thing had always stayed the same.

Their love.

From the moment they brought you home, they had made sure you knew that you were loved. They took you out, spent time with you, brought you along with them to work whenever acceptable. Miguel would let you organize his papers, let you highlight things and feel important. Emily would buy you outfits that resembled those of hers that you liked and would take you out for lunch, having girls’ days out around town. They gave you all of themselves. They worked to earn your trust and make sure you felt that you were a part of their family and that you were their baby girl, no matter that they hadn’t been the ones to create you.

As the food dwindled and your stomachs filled, Miguel wiped his mouth with his napkin and sat back in his chair, hands clasped together in front of him, resting on the table.

“Your mother and I planned the day out to spend some time with you. We have reservations for dinner, and we’re going into town just to spend the day together. Then we have a flight tonight, we’re going to spend the week in Costa Maya.”

You nodded with a grin, questioning your dad.

“What time do you have to be back at work? That way we can plan to be back-”

Miguel shook his head, silencing you.

“I’m completely free today. Everyone knows. No working, no meetings, no phone calls or conferences. Just spending time with the two most important people in my life for your birthday.”

It was rare that Miguel took time off like that, halting everything when he was such a busy man. Quickly hopping up from your seat, you started making your way back to your room.

“Well let me go get ready then.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``

Emily reached over and smoothed down a strand of hair that was moving wildly in the breeze. Her hand lingered on your hair for a moment as she looked at you proudly before she pulled away.

“Is it good, honey?”

Looking up at her you nodded, a mouthful of your favorite dessert from that restaurant not letting you respond. Both she and Miguel laughed softly, and Miguel took a sip of his scotch before looking at you intently.

“We’re so proud of the woman you’re becoming. We know it wasn’t easy, having your life change so drastically at such a young age, but you adjusted and worked with us every step of the way and we love you more than anything.”

You looked at your dad from across the dinner table, the candlelight illuminating the tears that had started to gather there. Emily reached over and took your hand in hers, squeezing it.

“You have been such a great addition to our life. Having you as our daughter has been a blessing and we can’t imagine not having you with us. Happy birthday.”

She reached over to brush away as a rouge tear, the three of you with bright smiles as she pointed to your plate.

“Finish up. We have a flight to catch.”

It was a beautiful day, the sky bright blue without a cloud in sight. The sun was shining, the white sand almost glittering. Ripples of clear and turquoise water ebbed, a soft foam left on your skin as the waves, washed over your feet. You walked around almost aimlessly, simply enjoying the view, stopping every now and then to reach for a seashell. The water was just right, comfortable with just the right coolness to refresh. Somewhere off in the distance, you saw the fin of a dolphin protrude before it jumped out of the water before disappearing one again. It was the most relaxed you think you had ever been, and you looked back at the shore to find both Emily and Miguel watching you from under the large umbrella, smiles on their lips, their fingers interlaced. Miguel held up a sandwich and you grinned, the water sloshing around your ankles as you walked out of the sea and back to them.

When you were close enough, Miguel patted the spot on the blanket in front of him and you sat. He handed you your sandwich, pulling the rest of them out while Emily grabbed the bottles of juice and chips. The three of you sat and ate, discussing the view and the city you were going to walk tonight. You talked and laughed, the sound of waves and seagulls in the background and before long, you were all finished eating. You made a move to stand and Miguel stopped you.

“Nope. You just finished eating. Sit with us for a little while.”

With a roll of your eyes, you plopped yourself down beside them.

“You know they say that’s a myth, right?”

Miguel simply hushed you and you looked over at Emily for support, only to find her trying to rub sunscreen on her back. Taking the bottle from her hand, you smiled.

“Let me help, mom.”

You helped her with her sunscreen and then reapplied some to yourself. Relaxing your shoulders, you looked forward, back at the water. Off to the side was another family, two parents with a small child. The father held him up moving him through the water as though he was swimming and helping him with the movements while the mom stood a few feet in front, motioning for him to come to her. He tried but went under slightly, the father bringing him back up before urging him to try again. It took a few minutes but eventually, he got the motions down right and was able to swim the five feet to his mother who grabbed him and lifted him up excitedly. You smiled yourself as you watched the family celebrate and you poke out loud without referring to either of them specifically.

“Do you wish that you had been able to do things like that with me? Like be there and help me with all of my firsts?”

There was a moment of silence and you kept your gaze forward, wanting to give them the privacy to think and respond. It was Miguel’s voice that answered, always having been good at choosing his words.

“There’s no doubt that we would’ve loved to be the ones to witness your first steps or your first words. We would’ve loved to fight over whose title you would say first, or who would get you to hold your own spoon. It would have been nice, but those things aren’t as monumental. You know which ones are?”

Looking back at him, you found him looking at you with a smile.

“When I taught you how to drive. Buying you your first car. Watching you graduate from high school. When we see you off to college. Watching you get married. Meeting our grandchildren. Those are the more important things, and guess who’s going to be there for those too?”

With a smile of your own, you nodded in understanding.

“You guys.”

He gave you a wink and a single nod.

“That’s right.”

Emily nodded and leaned over to kiss your forehead, agreeing with Miguel as she pulled you back to rest against them.

“We may not have been there for the beginning, but we’re going to be there until the very end.”

[itsmarianstories]

⏳Anonsecrets⌛

[Jikook Social Media Au]

When Jungkook breaks up with Jimin without explanation Jimin doesn't understand what's going on. He's hurt and angry, but that anger quickly turns into something else when he suddenly receives a message on his anonymous twitter account where he posts other people's confessions...

Part 4

(A/N: I highly recommend listening to this song while reading! I wrote this while listening to it as well

Also I'm really sorry for the late update but I had my last three exams this week and wanted to focus on that 💜)

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

When Jungkook opened the door Jimin was, indeed, crying. The older looked just as miserable as Jungkook felt. Of course he was scared, of course he missed Jimin, of course he wanted him by his side. But the guilt and fear for his boyfriend were bigger than his own so he had decided to suck it up. He still wished he could take everything back and return to Jimin hating him. Because he was scared anyway, at least he wouldn’t have to deal with the guilt. But he fucked that up too. Now his ex boyfriend was standing in front of him with red, puffy eyes, a stubborn pout and small fists clenching in his sweaterpaws. Jungkook wanted to crumble down and sob.

Instead he just turned and walked back into his apartment, not trusting his voice to stay steady. He heard Jimins soft steps behind him and how the door closed. Jungkook sat down on the couch, burying his face in his hands.

“Jungkook,” Jimin said, barely a whisper as he stood in the middle of the living room. It was dark because black, stormy clouds covered the sun and Jungkook couldn’t be bothered to switch the lights on.

Jimin didn’t know where to go from here. He asked to see Jugkook on a whim because he missed him so much and just after all the new revelations he had the urge to but now that he was here he didn’t know what to do. He wanted to hold Jungkook and tell him it would be okay but, would it really? How could Jimin support Jungkook when he felt like breaking down himself?

“Who knows?” Jimin asked eventually, cautiously sitting down next to Jungkook while keeping a certain distance.

...

“Now you.” Jimin stared at him for a while.

“You didn’t tell anyone? Not one?” Jungkook sighed.

“What difference would it make?” The younger asked and Jimin felt tears well up in his eyes all over again. He didn’t know what to say. He wasn’t even surprised. Jungkook was never the type to bother others with his problems, especially not the ones dear to him.

“At least tell Namjoon and Yoongi, they deserve to know.” Jimin tried but he already knew Jungkooks answer.

“They live on the other side of the planet Jimin, why would I worry them for nothing?” Jimin jumped from the couch in frustration, bringing his hands up to pull on his hair.

“Because that’s what intimacy is, Jungkook! You have to share things with people. Wouldn’t you want to know if it was one of us?” Jungkook just stared at him with wet eyes.

“It hurts, Jungkook. Being pushed out all the time. I’m not sure if I even know you at all. Relationships are not just about coexisting, it’s about sharing things, a life, the good and the bad, joy and pain.” Jimin turned away from the other and silently cried into his hand. It was too much, it was all too much.

Jungkook stood up and stepped behind him, pressing his face into the space between Jimins shoulders.

“I’m terrified.” The younger admitted. “I'm already so scared but I don’t think I have even fully realised it yet. Sometimes I forget about it and then I wake up in the morning, suddenly remembering and I don’t even want to get out of bed. I’ve always been so careful. I took care of my health, I did sport, I ate healthily, I never smoked, I made sure to apply sunscreen... why me? Why now?” Jimin turned around and wrapped his arms around his ex boyfriend, hugging him as tight as he could.

“It’s not fair.” Jimin stated. “But life has never been fair to you. You went through so much, you are so strong. If anyone can get through this it’s you.”

“I have a chance on full cure of 6 percent, Jiminie.” Jungkook said, his voice strained and tired.

“I don’t care. I will stay by your side, I will not leave.” Jungkook hugged him a little closer and Jimin slowly led them towards the bedroom.

[highfivecalum]

Here With Me {LH} 2

Previous Chapters: One

***

TWO DAYS PASSED AND Neena had barely left Michael and Amy’s house, too busy catching up on sleep and trying to figure out what the hell her next move was. She was waiting to call Ruby, to tell her she found a safe place to live, but she didn’t want to. Not yet. She didn’t want to jinx it and Neena wanted to be absolutely sure that this was the place she wanted to live, to stay, to make a new life without Ben. She knew when she found a house that she liked, that suited her, she would stay. And then she would call Ruby.

“Hey Michael?” Neena caught Michael’s attention, who was standing over the stove flipping the omelette he was making Neena and himself. “Have you talked to your parents yet about helping me find a place to live?”

“I did, actually!” Michael transferred the omelettes from the stove top to two different plates and placed Neena’s in front of her, she thanked him before squirting sriracha onto her plate and cutting a piece of her omelet off. “My mom has an opening from two to three today and she has two houses, both a few blocks away from here, that she wants to show you. They’re pretty cheap, too.”

“Would you mind coming with me? I don’t know my way around here yet.”

“Of course!” Michael smiled happily. “I would ask Amy to come, but she’s at work until later, so it’ll just be us. That okay?”

Neena nodded her head. She knew Michael wasn’t threatening, if anything, he was the nicest person she’s met and the complete opposite of threatening. Neena didn’t know him well, but she knew that he was a person she could trust, and she was sure that she would come to trust him, along with Amy.

The pair finished their omelettes and washed their dishes off before going into their separate bathrooms to shower and get themselves ready. It was mid-June, so the sun was scorching and hotter than Neena had ever experienced. She was used to living in Michigan, where it was usually in the eighties. She wasn’t used to the ninety, almost one hundred degree Florida sun.

Neena settled on a backless sundress and a pair of sandals and slung her purse over her shoulder. She met Michael at the front door and the two of them got into his car, which Neena was extremely thankful for, because she was not in the mood to walk. That got her thinking; she needed a car. Badly. But money was tight and she needed a home and a job before she could venture off into car buying. One small step at a time, Neena thought.

“This is it!” Michael parked his car behind a white BMW, which Neena guessed was his mother’s and the two of them walked up the few stairs leading to the front porch and inside of the smaller house. It was old, dusty, and a little rickety. It would definitely need some work. Too much work. “Hi, mom!” Michael gave his mother a quick hug before pulling away and pointing to Neena. “This is Neena. She’s new here.”

“Hi Neena. I’m Karen. Nice to meet you.” The two shook hands and Neena looked around. There were holes in the walls, she could hear mice running around under the wooden floorboards, and the bathroom made Neena cringe. Neena knew that if she choose this house, it would need too much work done, and she didn't have close to that kind of money. “So? What do you think?”

“We hate it.” Michael answered for Neena in an instant. “What about the other one?”

“Much nicer than this one. A little bit more money, but I think it’ll be worth it.”

The three of them drove to the next house, only five houses down from the first one, and Neena’s eyes lit up at the sight of it. It was a small white house, small but bigger than the first, and had a screened in front porch which she adored. The inside looked brand new, only a few dents here and there and little dust, but nothing too major. The bathroom was clean, the kitchen full functioning, and the bedroom thankfully bigger than the size of a walk-in closet like the last.

The house came fully furnished, which surprised Neena and surprised her even more when Karen told her that it didn’t add to the cost of the house. It would only need some minor touch ups; painting, cleaning, new doorknobs, and some new lights, but other than that, it was perfect in Neena’s eyes. It was home.

“I love it.” Neena smiled, genuinely, for the first time in weeks. “How much is it?”

Karen and Neena talked pricing while Michael turned the car on and got the air conditioning cranked up. Neena paid cash, all cash, which surprised Karen, but she wasn’t one to judge or ask questions. Money was money and that’s all Karen cared about, along with finding her new client a home she would love and make her own.

Michael drove Neena back to he and Amy’s shared house so she could get her stuff, which was only the one duffel bag she brought with her and a few blankets, pillows, sheets, and towels that Amy and Michael were nice enough to give to her. The couple didn’t know much about Neena. They knew she didn’t talk a lot, wasn’t very open about herself, and they knew something was up considering Neena moved to a town across the country, by herself, with only one duffel bag to her name, but it wasn’t their business to ask, and they knew that.

“Thanks for everything, Michael.” Neena spoke through the rolled down window and Michael waved her off like it was no big deal, but to Neena it was. “I’m serious. I owe you.”

“It’s no problem, Neena, really. Just promise me one thing?” Neena nodded. “Don’t be a stranger. Next time we go out you should come with us. And if you need anything, we only live a few blocks away, so don’t hesitate to show up, alright?”

“Got it. Thanks again. Tell Amy thank you, too.”

Neena and Michael waved to each other and Neena happily let herself into her new home. It smelled a little musty, so Neena was planning on going into town and buying a few candles and some flowers to spruce the place up, but first, she had to make a phone call.

Neena called Ruby on her pay as you go phone and waited anxiously as the phone rang. It went to voicemail and Neena figured that Ruby was at work, so she left a message. “Hi Ruby, it’s me. I’m somewhere safe. And I think I’m going to like it here. Send the money whenever you can, no rush, and call me back when you get this, okay?”

Neena gave Ruby her new address and phone number that was written on the back of the shitty phone and ended the call. Neena sat at the small dining room table, looking around at her new home. Her chin was rested on her knees that were brought up to her chest and she sighed. This was her life now and she had finally come to terms with it. She was okay with it. She just hoped she liked it.

***

A full day went by and Neena hadn’t gone outside since. She was too busy unpacking, even though she only had six shirts, six pairs of pants/shorts, a few dresses, and three pairs of shoes shoved in her duffel bag, so there wasn’t much to unpack. She cleaned up, got rid of all the dust, and opened all the windows to get some fresh air. She was beyond thankful for the working washer and dryer in the small hall closet. She washed the sheets, blankets, and towels that Amy and Michael had given her and made her bed.

Neena knew she couldn’t go another day without a shower and she needed at least some type of food to get her through her days, so she got herself dressed in a pair of shorts and a plain shirt and was on her way into town. She gave herself a pat on the back for wearing her Nike sneakers instead of the sandals she had been wearing. Neena hated the feeling of sweaty feet, but she would rather have that than a painful walk to and from the main town.

It was a long walk, but it wasn’t awful due to the wind blowing the trees and Neena’s hair around, and the smell of the ocean wafting into her nose. Neena loved the smell of the ocean and sunscreen. She had only been to the beach once in her life when she was sixteen. Her and her parents made one trip to South Carolina. Neena’s mother had fallen ill and she had never seen the beach before, and that was on her bucket list before she passed, so the three of them went to South Carolina and Neena remembers it as one of the best times of her life.

There were people out and about, children everywhere since it was their summer break, and Neena smiled fondly at all of the families. It made her miss hers, but she tried not to dwell on it, since she had been missing them for a while now. After her mother's passing, Neena and her father's relationship faltered, so for almost seven years now, she had been missing how her family used to be. Neena was just glad that other people could experience what she once, but no longer, had.

She reached the local shop that Michael and Amy told her about and walked in, happily welcoming the air conditioning that was blasting. The door was propped open, so the bell didn’t ding when she walked in. Neena grabbed a basket and slowly walked around the shop, eyeing everything and taking everything in. It took twenty minutes to walk around and find everything she needed.

When Neena was done, her basket was full with shampoo and conditioner, body wash, a few small candles, and some random snacks. She was relying on Ramen Noodles and was happy to see that they had multiple flavors, not just beef and chicken.

“Hi!”  A small girl popped her head up and climbed onto the stool that was in front of the register.

Neena’s eyes widened at the girl, but she smiled widely at her. She was adorable; tanned skin with freckles on her nose and shoulders, unruly blonde curls, and the brightest blue eyes Neena had ever seen. She couldn’t have been older than six. “Hi there.” Neena placed her basket on the counter, careful not to block the little girls view.

“Did you find everything okay?”

“I did. Thank you.” Neena smiled. “Aren’t you a little bit small to be running a store?”

The little girl giggle and Neena couldn’t help but giggle along, the sound was infectious and Neena missed being that small. “I don’t run it! My daddy does. He’s somewhere.” The little girl pressed a few buttons on the cash register and the drawer popped open. “I’m Keely. What’s your name?”

“I’m Neena,” Neena shook Keely’s small hand and Keely stared at her. “What?” Neena laughed. “Do I have something on my face?”

“No,” Keely shook her head, her curls bouncing around in the process. “You’re just pretty.”

“Thank you,” Neena laughed. “So are you.”

“Keely,” A male voice sounded. “Where’s your brother?” The man looked up from the clipboard in his hands and raised his eyebrows. He wasn’t aware there was a customer. A customer that he had never seen before. “Oh, hi. I’m sorry. Can I help you?”

“I already did it, daddy.” Keely rolled her eyes at her father, whose name Neena did not know and wasn’t planning on staying long enough to learn, and she stifled a laugh. “Your total is twenty-five dollars.”

Neena handed her two twenties and Keely expertly put it in the cash drawer and gave Neena her change. Neena thanked the young girl and put her change in her wallet. “Do you need help getting those to your car?” The man pointed to the two bags that Neena had yet to pick up.

Neena shook her head, barely even glancing at the man in front of her. “I don’t have a car. Thanks though.” Neena turned to Keely with a smile. “It was nice to meet you, Keely.”

Neena looked up to offer the man a small smile, but he was turned around now, so she smiled once more at Keely before exiting the shop and making the trek back to her house. It was a struggle to carry the two heavy bags back for twenty minutes and Neena wished she had a car, or a bike or something, but she would have to get used to walking in the meantime.

Neena took a much needed shower and cooked herself a packet of Ramen Noodles. She sipped the cheap five dollar wine from the store and stared out the window. She was bored already. She had been in Bayside for a total of four days and she hadn’t done anything remotely fun, too busy focused on getting herself settled.

Neena let out a huff and thought to herself, I need a fucking job. That was her next mission.

***

Taglist: @cosmocalum @wrappedaroundcal @hereforlukescruff @glitterprincelu @astroashtonio @irwinkitten @irwinvalentines @kinglyhood @swiftmusicinmymind @jetblackyoungblood @old-zeppelin-shirt @cantbehandled-ever @in-paper-dreams @kaxseychill @catchinqcalum @roselukes @monsteramongmikey @calteahood @queen-of-daydreaming @alotof1dlove @mysteriouslycali 

[elaniadventuresinlondon]

Thankful and delighted

I recently asked a friend to pray for me because he kept showing up in my dreams as if he has some advice for me but I couldn’t remember it when I woke up, so I messaged him asking if he happens to get any words for me id love to hear, and his words totally blew me away! He said he had been praying for me and actually wanted to share some things with me. Wow thank you God for those who can hear from you. Anyways he asked what are some things I have been most thankful for, so this post is for you!

Here are some things I’ve been so thankful for:

1. Father God has richly supplied for all my needs. My ark fam, my lodging, a new computer, fresh food, more health, the most beautiful location, even enjoyable work to do!

2. I’m thankful He has helped remove tensions of distrust that I was struggling with for a while. God challenged me to remove the walls of distrust I had erected to keep my mind safe from the differences I felt in our beliefs. But when I asked God why can’t I trust them? He said “because you don’t know them fully.” And when I asked “do you trust them?” He just said, “I love them very much.” Jesus has taught me that it’s possible to extend love without trust. That I had it wrong for thinking that trust was a prerequisite for love. God has really transformed my heart in this area and I feel so much clearer and lighter and happier! Praise the Lord!

3. I’m thankful to be living with folks who care so much about their health and what they eat. At first, I honestly judged my friends for being food elitists. I saw a parallel of how elitist I may come across when I only speak of how amazing it is to walk with Jesus and never invite soomeone and show them how they too can taste and see for themselves, the goodness of God. I was tired of “hearing” about all the great things they are doing to preserve their life by eating healthy and eating beautiful things. I thought “that life is only for the rich. What about all the poor people who can’t afford to eat like this? What a privilege it is to eat organic. I’ll just eat ramen because it’s cheap and I like it.” But God tapped my shoulder and told me I was judging and told me that I could eat healthy too, and that poor people can eat healthy too if I just feed them. God encouraged me that if I wanted to see the kind of care for others that I wanted to receive that I must learn how to fast and to give up my delicious healthy food to feed those who are hungry, and give drink to those who are thirsty. So I did, and I realized how much grace God gives each person everyday to live and move and have their being. I was filled with grace! I had grace to not eat, grace to give, grace to not judge, and grace over myself. And I felt God taught me how much he provides for his sheep and how much he desires them to be healthy. God gave me my body and I wasn’t stewarding it as much as I could. This is one gift I actually am super thankful for - that God has transformed my thinking of stewarding my body and health. It’s not selfish to eat healthy and take care of it. I can live on very little or a lot. And if that very little helps my body and does not harm it, then I am being a good steward. I can do both, live healthy and care for those who cannot make healthy decisions just yet. And if I preach good news, then the more powerful thing to do is to bring people in to experience it themselves.

4. God has given me more vision over my life than I previously had. I came with no plan, no agenda except to “come and see” to “follow him” wherever He was leading me. Meeting the folks here has opened my eyes to what it looks like to collaborate and build the kingdom of God together, globally. It looks like believing that one of our purposes is to redeem and reconcile the land and people back to God. It looks like introducing people to each other, even if they are across the world and saying hey you two should meet and God has knitted something similar in your hearts and share encouragements with each other. It looks like hopping on calls with people around the world to tackle problems that the Body of Christ has the ability to tackle yet we have given our strength and efforts to the man with money, instead of the King who desires heaven on earth and His will to be done. I haven’t had conversations like this in a while. I feel like I have received more sight, more vision, more collaboration across the global Church, more innovative possibilities of what it looks like to be missional and use our talents, giftings and calling to heal the bride and make her whole, unified and ready for the coming day!

5. I’m thankful I’ve been able to explore more of my artistic side here. I began designing some things for a friend, and started a 30 drawing challenge. Then started an Instagram! Check it out here if you want to see my doodles. This has awakened me to possiblities that I can be an illustrator and I can learn new tricks. 😂

6. I’m thankful for the many possibilities of what I can do here. One of the funniest things I have been doing is giving haircuts. It definitely seems that wherever I go, I give haircuts. I thank my mom for passing on her expertise to me and teaching me from highschool how to cut hair. I literally have customer bookings from people in the building I’m living in. I’m actually very excited to get to know random folks and share my story and hear theirs as well. Wow God you’re so good!

7. I’m thankful for the weather. Last time I came to London it rained so much and it was so windy and cold. I came at the same time last year... so I packed 2 rain jackets, 5 sweaters, 1 tank top, 1 shorts and 1 skirt. The point being I packed for cold weather. But when I prayed if I should go or not, God kept showing me blue skies and sunny days and nice clouds. I had no idea that it would be the reality of the weather im in now! It is blazing hot here! And I’ve been doing all the summer things like buying sunscreen, getting sunburnt, wearing the same one pair of shorts and the same tank top everyday. Lol but I’m so thankful my friend told me about Depop! I have since bought several summery things. Hehehe ����

🌈 I drew the clouds I see everyday.

8. Thankful for the people here. At first it was hard for me to like the folks here haha. Can I be that honest? I really had my guard up. I’m the only Asian girl in the circles I’ve been in.  I didn’t like how some people spoke about things, accusing me of bringing Corona to the country, etc. I felt like I was among immature believers who were offensive and didn’t know it. But God told me he loved all of these people and even those who said racist things to me, as I too have spoken racist things and needed forgiveness. And he forgives me, and has seen me change; so I should forgive others too and believe they can change too.

He began to show me how much I need to speak with a thought-filled global heart posture. So more grace has entered in and I have begun to like the folks here. In the house church, I mentioned how I have no context for anyone and was wondering if people knew each other’s stories, and they didn’t! So we have been sharing our personal testimonies and it has been revolutionary! I feel like wow God you’re so crazy! These peoples lives are so crazy! And you brought everyone to this group? It makes me quite excited about the global body of Christ and how fun it will be in heaven to swap stories!!! Truly it was be jaw dropping.

9. I’m thankful for my Ark fam. This is the first trip where I felt so connected even while being away. Most trips, I don’t hear from a single person but this trip, because of corona times, I’ve been able to be “present” as if I had never left. It’s been something I’ve always desired and I’m so thankful I now have a context for keeping in touch despite time zones and locations.

10. The future. I’m thankful that while I don’t know what will happen, I believe God has my best in store. It’s a daily surrender of expectations but I feel God’s hand on my future like he has it. And I can let go. I can ask and dream and ask, and dream bigger. Thank you God.

[sinead-smith-3]

I am allergic to sunscreen. Can't trust any of them, even the baby ones. I am also paler than an Irish vampire with no ability to tan. So, I carry a parasol everywhere with me in the summer. It's rainbow with a toucan on the handle. Helps shield my delicate skin without grease or extra layers.

The more clothes cover me the less sunscreen has to touch my body which is great because I fucking haaaaate sunscreen. Sensory nightmare. Why am I so pale and dependent on the evil grease? A profound curse.

My beloved keeps looking at my overshirt and pants and asking, “Are you… okay?

“Yep.”

“You’re not like. Dying?”

“Nope. Feels fine.”

They look extremely skeptical about my lizard like qualities but they love me all the same.