#thinking about the guy who threw away his girlfriend’s cute jar collection

[froody]

The original point of that post was lost but I think it’s really disingenuous and disgusting and misogynistic for men to be like “I want a girl who doesn’t have stereotypically feminine interests. I want a quirky alt girl.” and then belittle the girl they’re dating for having interests they deem weird or disgusting. You don’t want a woman, you want a Barbie doll. You’d probably find ways to demean her even if she had less unique interests. If you don’t like your chick’s haunted doll collection or taxidermy collection or bone cleaning hobby, date someone else instead of trying to change her or, God forbid, throwing away things she loves. It’s not because it’s creepy, it’s because you’re an immature little bastard who can’t stand to see your partner experience joy. You’d probably also hate it if she did something like needlepoint because you see your S/O’s interests as talking their attention away from you and giving them other sources of joy.

[shhhlikeme]

Hi there!! Welcome to the writing committee! I just wanted to say you’re so beautiful and i love what you’re doing so far! Here’s a request for you, maybe with Bokuto where him and his girlfriend sneak out for a late night snack. Thank you so much and keep it up 😊

Thank you so much babe it means a lot! 😘 Bokuto is a jewel omg. Hope this suffices!

————————————————

Bokuto & Operation: ‘Sneak My Girlfriend Out of Her Strict Parents House for Late Night Snacks’

Bokuto x Reader

——————————————

“So, your code name is ‘Sexy Thighs’. And mine is ‘Thigh Guy 6000.’” Your boyfriend Bokuto whispered seriously. He easily lifted you through your ground-floor bedroom window to join him outside.

Your heart was racing due to the slight adrenaline rush. You clung to his strong arms until your feet met the ground of your backyard. You turned and stuck an arm through your window so you could cover the open space with a pillow. You had to leave the window open so you could crawl back in upon return.

“I agreed to sneak out but I draw the line at cheesy code names—“ You whispered back to him. You dusted off your outfit and finally looked up at your sulking boyfriend. Immediately, you caved.

“Fine. We can use code names.” You whispered.

A wide smile crept up on his face and he lifted both of his arms in the air in triumph. “HEY! HEY! HEY! Operation: ‘Sneak My Girlfriend Out of Her Strict Parents House for Late Night Snacks’ has officially commenced!”

“Shhhhhhhhhhh!” You swatted your boyfriend on the arm when he whisper-yelled his famous battle cry, glaring at him to quiet down.

You loved him, but he was sooooo loud all the time sometimes.

Bokuto nodded and grabbed your hand. Holding it tightly, he crouched down by the side of your window as he motioned for you to crouch down too.

Humouring him, you did. You followed him as he glued the side of his body to the side of your house and stealthily tip toed over to the end of the brick.

“I’m going to check if the coast is clear, and on my word we make a run for it. Got it?”

You stared up at your boyfriend in the dark and only now realized he was decked out in all black, including a black beanie that covered his familiar grey and black hair. God he’s dramatic. But you had to admit he looked super cute since his handsome face stood out more without the visuals of his unique hair. You gave him a nod letting him know you were listening to him. ‘Go.’ You mouthed.

Bokuto proceeded to peer around the corner like he was in a Spy Kids movie. He leaned slightly to check but he must have seen something because he quietly gasped and whipped his body back behind the wall. He shut his eyes in fear. In an instant, his arm jutted out in front of you like a shield, pushing you flesh against the wall too in an act of protection. You panicked.

“What?!” You whisper-yelled. “What is it Bokuto?! Do you see someone???” Your life flashed before your eyes because if your mom or dad caught you sneaking out you were DEAD dead. Bokuto didn’t respond.

“Bokuto! Who is there???”

Your boyfriend stuck his nose up in the air, turning away from you in a dismissive pout. He was purposely ignoring you.

You sighed in exasperation, pinching your nose and closing your eyes. “Boku—“

“That’s not my name.” He snapped in a whisper. He shook his head childishly.

You grit your teeth together to keep yourself from stomping on his foot. “Okay. I’m sorry, Bokut—I mean: Thigh Guy three thousand–“

“Six thousand!” He corrected you.

“Thigh Guy 6000.”

You watched Bokuto’s pout transform into an ecstatic smile. You continued. “Did you see someone over there?”

He looked down at you. “Oh.....no. I was just practicing my protection pose in case I did.”

You swat him harder on the arm than the last time and he winced.

“You know, for such a small chick you are really strong.” He rubbed where you hit him.

“Poor baby.” You whispered sarcastically. “And can I just add that you don’t need to practice a protection pose for me— if my parents really were there it’s you that would need to run for your life.”

Bokuto chuckled quietly. “Sexy Thighs, need I remind you that I’m one of the Top 5 Ace’s in the Country? I think I can handle a little dash of strict parents.....”

You rolled your eyes at your conceited boy even though he couldn’t see it in the dark at 1:30am.

You watched as he peered over the edge of your house again.

“The coast is clear, Sexy Thighs. We ride east at 0600 hours.”

“We’re going west, and that’s not how military time work—“

Your boyfriend interrupted you. “Let me live, will you?! Let’s go.”

Operation: ‘Sneak My Girlfriend Out of Her Strict Parents House for Late Night Snacks’ phase one: Escape was a success ✅

You and Bokuto were able to walk downtown easily in the cool night. Summer was transitioning to fall so it wasn’t cold enough for a jacket, but it definitely wasn’t warm enough for a t-shirt. Your boyfriend looked very attractive in a his hoodie, shorts and beanie while you settled for a skin tight blue thermal zip-up, and black lululemons.

Bokuto loved when you wore leggings for obvious reasons.... and he couldn’t resist smacking your ass a dozen or so times in the 15 minute walk downtown.

Barely anyone was on the street on your peaceful night walk

You both loved it. The night sky, the quiet, the fact that you felt safe pressed against your man and he felt elated whenever he got to see his girlfriend outside of your parents’ strict ‘boyfriend time’ hours

Once you both got downtown it was flooding with College Student’s leaving the bars. It was very loud and bustling

Bokuto anxiously looked around to check if the coast was clear and you were far enough from your house so he could,

“Hey! Hey! Heeeey!” He exclaimed to no one in particular. People looked at the crazy boy screaming and you put your head down from embarrassment. “Man.” He smiled. “I hated whispering that before. So I had to.”

Bokuto took your hand in his again and pulled you in the direction of the food stands.

On the way, unfortunately, you were cat-called and whistled at quite a bit by obnoxious drunk college boys leaving the clubs

Bokuto gripped your hand tighter

He wanted to rip their faces off but he knew he couldn’t risk going to jail tonight or getting you caught by your parents

He just held you closer to him and shot death glares at the guys who backed off

You loved him omg

Past the clubs, Bokuto practically skipped to a stop in a food truck line. He was smiling again and you couldn’t help but smile too

His energy was so infectious

You asked him what food you two were getting and he just told you it was a surprise and to trust the process

Bokuto was so happy to be with you he could barely contain himself. He was bursting at the seams at the fact that you actually agreed to sneak out with him. His parents were the opposite of yours and it was hard to date you when yours had such strong restrictions but he would do anything if it meant spending time with you.

In the line, he leaned down to pick you up so you both were face-to-face

“I love you, Sexy Thighs. Y’know that right?”

You squealed when he picked you up but melted at his words. You kissed his nose.

“I love you more..” You smiled.

“You love me more, what?” He waited.

“I love you more, Thigh Guy 6000. Now put me down.”

He didn’t listen to you and kept you propped up in his arms as the line started moving forward. He loved having you flushed against him like this. The guys that were cat calling you would know that you were his, and It also gave him a handful of your amazing ass.

To bystanders, the public display of affection wasn’t even that odd — you two just looked like a young couple that are very much in love

Which is true

You rested your head in the crook of your boyfriends warm neck. As much as you hated when he showed a mass amount of PDA, you were so comfortable and happy in his arms. You nuzzled into the neck and absentmindedly placed soft kisses there.

“Sexy Thighs....” Bokuto warned, holding back a groan. “You know what that does to me....”

you pulled your lips away from his neck.

“Sorry. Habit.”

Now at the front of the food stand line, Bokuto used his one strong arm to support your weight and used the other to point to the menu. You could hear him ordering

“Can we please get a number 2, a number 8, another number 2, and a number 11. Oh, and two hot chocolates please. One with extra marshmallows.”

You smiled. You’ve only mentioned that once in passing and he remembered you were a simp for hot chocolate with extra marshmallows.

He paid. 5 minutes later you heard who must be the food truck worker say,

“Here you go sir.”

Bokuto reluctantly had to put you down to collect his order.

You saw him thank the worker exuberantly and drop a great tip into the the tip jar. The worker thanked him profusely.

That’s one thing you loved about your boyfriend—his attitude was literally addicting and it spread to anyone he was near

He took your hand again and walked you to the river that was close to downtown. You noted that there were other couples here, holding hands, stargazing and talking. Bokuto found an empty bench and you both sat down

“Babe, you cold? You want my sweater?”

You shook your head. You felt absolutely fine and the hot chocolate made you feel even better. He was such a softie, always worried about you. It made you feel like royalty, honestly.

“I’m perfect.”

He smiled before unpacking the bag of late night snacks. You looked down at everything that was displayed in front of you.

You saw churros, deep friend oreo, a deep fried mars bar and caramel corn. Your favourites.

You smiled at him before leaping up to hug him. He chuckled again and ran a hand down your back.

“We don’t have a lot of time, Sexy Thighs. Your parents usually check on you at some point so we should hurry.”

Nodding, you kissed his cheek and turned your attention back to the snacks. You fed eachother and ate as much as you could until the sweets were too much.

You thanked your heaven sent bf again as you threw out all the leftovers.

You were on cloud nine it was an amazing date !!!!

Well, most of it. Bokuto tried feeding the churros to the birds who would not eat it lol

When you realized it was almost 3am the two of you rushed back to your house

Bokuto almost immediately went back into Spy Kids mode and even did a front roll to land in front of your bedroom window again.

You clasped a hand over your mouth so no one could hear you giggle.

Bokuto looked backs at you expectantly.

Knowing what he was silently asking for, you threw caution and your dignity to the wind and copied his somersault to land beside him

You beamed at eachother before Bokuto fixed your disheveled hair and leaned in kiss you—

Suddenly you were interrupted by hearing your bedroom door swing open

The two of you froze in terror as you listened to your fathers voice from outside of the bedroom window

He sounded like it was speaking from your door entryway

You both covered each other’s mouths with your hands.

“She’s dead asleep, honey.” Muttered your father tiredly. “She has the covers over her entire body like she used to do when she was a kid. She must be really tired.”

Then you heard the click of your door that signalled it was closed again.

Since you couldn’t move, Bokuto checked for you. He sighed in relief and only then did you let out the breath you’ve been holding in.

“Sexy Thighs, you are brilliant. How did you think to put pillows in your place on the bed?”

You told him you saw it in a movie and he looked at you like you were a superstar

Bokuto helped you back up into your window silently

You thanked him and you both leaned through the opening to kiss eachother goodnight.

“So I guess Operation: ‘Sneak My Girlfriend Out of Her Strict Parents House for Late Night Snacks’ was a success, huh?” He whispered onto your lips, leaning in for another kiss. He really didn’t want to leave. “I can’t wait until we move into together, Y/N. We could do this all the time.”

You smiled lovingly, kissing your boyfriends nose again. “I can’t wait either. And I also can’t wait until your next mission, Mr. Sexy Thighs 6000.”

Bokuto’s eyes lit up. “Really? Have I corrupted you?” He smirked when you mouthed ‘maybe.’

“Well I’m glad to hear that you don’t mind being my partner in crime because my next mission is called Operation: Send Your Boyfriend a Booty Pic in your Panties Because He Loves Those Leggings on You And He Wants To—“

You interrupt him with one more chaste kiss. “Goodnight, Bokuto.”

As you shut the window you can hear your boyfriend whisper-yell: “You know if you want to keep calling me ‘Sexy Thighs 6000’ I won’t complain!”

You blew a kiss his way and waved to your boyfriend through the window before shooing him away.

He salutes and you laugh as you watch him stealthily somersault out of your view.

[forksofwisdom]

Embers of the Sun - chapter 5

Not beta read!

(Chapter 4) 

Read on ff.net!

Pairing: Bella/Paul, eventual Angela/Leah

Chapter summary: Momma Renée gives good advice, Charlie might not be that oblivious to the going-ons in Forks, Paul proves himself to be handy in a pinch - featuring Bella; the amazing grocery mountaineer and dinner at Billy’s turns into an eye-opening experience.

Chapter 5

Paranoia gripped Bella on the way home from school. The looming forest around Forks seemed to mock her with the horrors she knew lay within, and Bella was pretty miserable by the time she pulled into her driveway. She sat inside her truck for a moment, her keys biting into her skin as she deliberated the chances of Edward Cullen coming to extract vengeance for whatever crime he thought Bella had committed against him. The dark woods behind her house gave her the creeps. Anything could be lurking in the undergrowth while she was none the wiser. She was a sitting duck inside her truck, so she threw caution to the wind and ran inside.

Bella hated to admit it, but that boy scared her more than any wolves that might be running around La Push.

It might seem a little excessive, but Bella didn’t feel safe until she’d locked the doors that were accessible from outside the house and made sure to fasten all windows shut from the inside. She even went as far as securing the tiny one above the bathroom sink. Her overactive imagination went wild when she discovered that the latch on her bedroom window was faulty and it provided her with the scene of Edward sliding her window open in the dead of night, his eyes black eyes and pale skin gleaming in the moonlight. Bella knew for a fact that he could crush her windpipe easily, and envisioned how he’d render her mute while he tore her flesh to shreds.

She shuddered.

The vision had no basis in reality, but it disturbed Bella so much that she tied a thread between the handle on the bottom of her window and the little cactus Renée had given her so that if anyone were to open her window, it would knock the potted plant off the windowsill.

Hopefully, the noise would warn Bella of her inevitable doom.

She changed into her warmest clothes and made herself a piping cup of tea before planting herself on the living room couch to keep vigil. Now, that she had sat down and taken some time to gather herself, Bella wondered if she wasn’t over-reacting. Edward was probably just the typical angry teen who hasn’t grown out of his cootie phase yet. Anemia would explain his pasty skin and his black eyes might have been the result of unfortunate genes. If that turned out to be the case, Bella would just have to suck it up and get used to them.

That didn’t mean she was about to try and become bosom pals with him anytime soon.

The tea burned her tongue and sitting idly with only her thoughts to keep her company was making her antsy. Bella attempted to reign in her anxiety. She scraped her raw taste buds against her teeth, biting into the place where she’d burned herself. The pain grounded her, and she put her mug down and stood up in search of a better distraction.

Bella had inherited the habit of baking when she felt stressed from Renée - without the tendency to turn the kitchen into a disaster zone with ill-advised culinary experiments. She found herself in the kitchen gathering ingredients to make some bread. Her dad didn’t keep his kitchen stocked for unplanned baking, but Bella managed to scavenge what was needed to make a simple herb bread. Charlie had an odd collection of spices and a packet of dried yeast that was at least a decade old but Bella made due, and soon she was punching out her frustration at handsome demon boys by punching the dough.

It was an effective anger release.

Bella was sweating by the time she finished, and the poor dough was bound to be tough after being so abused. She put it away so it could rise and was washing her hands when the phone rang. The jarring noise caught her by surprise, and Bella sprayed water down her front.

“Get a grip!” she chided herself harshly and slammed her hands down on the metal rim of the sink. Her pulse raced with adrenaline, but she quickly grabbed the phone with shaky hands, unsurprised to see the number calling. She cleared her throat and tried to calm her nerves before answering. “Hey, mom.”

“How was school, hon?” Renée’s asked without preamble.

“Fine,” Bella sighed. It was the last thing she wanted to talk about right now, but it was nice to hear her mother’s voice. Renée apparently caught her dark tone and tried to lighten the mood.

“Meet any cute boys?” she teased good-naturedly.

She had no idea.

The image of Paul wearing nothing but shorts and wet from the rain elbowed its way into Bella’s mind, and she blushed as she tried to clean her dirty mind. Edward would have been a close second if he hadn’t terrified the living daylights out of her. She knew her mother was just worried that she would a hard time fitting in, but Bella knew from experience that if she kept her expectations low, there wouldn’t be any disappointment. It had worked in her favor today because she’d been pleasantly surprised when she made a friend. It was a rarity for her to connect so quickly with another person, but Angela was one of the kindest people Bella had ever met. It was hard not to like her.

“Well, there was one, but he turned out to be a complete asshole,” she admitted, thinking of Edward. There was no harm in playing along with her mother. Bella wouldn’t mention his freaky behavior for now, but all bets were off if he tried anything. Charlie would be the first to know what kind of guy was to be her lab partner.

Bella was not the type to go boy-crazy, but she enjoyed the evenings where her and Renée would stay up late and do girl things together. Renée called those times her ‘Bella-bonding’ time. Her liveliness and easygoing nature made it feel like Bella was hanging out with her best friend instead of her mother.

‘Bella-bonding’ had salvaged their relationship, which had been rocky ever since Bella shouldered some of Renée’s responsibility after having grown tired of her ditziness. She was ashamed to admit that she’d started to become resentful of their backward mother-daughter dynamic during junior year in high school and had been tempted to move to Forks then. The stress of keeping up with Renée had taken its toll, and the floodgates had opened when Bella tried to bottle it up. Instead of turning into an argument like Bella had feared it would, her mother had shown herself to be surprisingly sensible and capable of serious discussions. In the end, Bella decided to stay in Phoenix with Renée and Phil, and it was one of the best decisions she’d ever made. Phil helped a lot with taking care of things, and both Renée and Bella had come to rely on him to balance them out. Their bond had strengthened now that Renée was free to chase after whatever caught her fancy and Bella could be herself without drowning in obligations that shouldn’t have fallen on her shoulders in the first place.

“Oh?” Renée asked, intrigued.

“I sat next to him in biology, and I swear, no one’s ever glared at me like that. He acted as if I’d stabbed him with my pencil,” Bella muttered.

“Pay him no mind, Bella. Boys like that aren’t worth your time, and he’s hardly the only guy in town,” Renée reassured her.

“Yeah, you’re right,” Bella agreed quietly. She rubbed her forehead with a sigh. It was true. Edward wasn’t the only guy who’d been on Bella’s mind. Paul was still a mystery she was eager to crack.

“I am? Do you have another boy in mind?” Renée asked mischievously.

“What- I,” Bella spluttered, too flustered to think of a better answer. “No. Yes. Maybe?”

“Now this I got to hear. Who has my girl so wound up that she can’t speak?”

“He’s just a guy I met at the beach,” Bella admitted, omitting to say Paul’s name - there was no need to get ahead of herself. “I thought he was an asshole too at first, but then he smiled at me. I don’t know. He’s just confusing.”

“Have you talked to him?” Renée didn’t bother to hide her amusement at Bella’s frustration.

“No,” Bella admitted grudgingly.

“Well, you better tell me all about him. It’s about time you got some romance in your life,” Renée said encouragingly. Her mother had never understood why Bella was so disinterested in dating. It was so different from what Renée had been like in her youth. Bella was a bit of a homebody, but it wasn’t like she was averse to being in a relationship or falling in love. It was rather that no one in Phoenix had ever shown her any interest.

Maybe Forks could be different?

It occurred to her that she was probably getting her hopes up for nothing. A guy like Paul must have a girlfriend - someone as cool as Leah, or as graceful and beautiful as Alice. How could Bella compare to that? Her mood dampened, and she wanted to crawl underneath her blanket and forget about all the boys she’s ever met. Bella tried to find an excuse to hang up on her mother. “Can we talk about it later? I need to get dinner started.”

“Sure thing, hon,” Renée said quietly, but she knew Bella well enough to recognize the tone in her voice. “I can hear you doubting yourself, Bella. You’re a smart and beautiful girl, and I’m not just saying this as your mother. I know you hate it when I say this, but please try to relax and enjoy life, honey. You spend so much time inside your head and sometimes that negative little goblin distracts you from what’s right in front of you. Put an old mother’s heart at ease and try to make some friends.”

“Really, mom - a negative goblin?“ Bella scoffed, and Renée made a pleased sound at her own wit. "And you’re not old.”

“I know, but before you know it I’ll be speeding around on a scooter while Phil tries to keep up,” she joked and succeeded in drawing another laugh from Bella.

“I love you, mom.”

“Love you too, sweetheart!” Renée said as parting words. Bella held onto the receiver for a moment after the call disconnected and listened to the white noise as she mulled over her mother’s advice.

Relaxation was the furthest thing from her mind. There were too many secrets in this small town, and she had every intention of solving some of them. She put the phone down gently and went to get dinner ready while her bread was baking.

Being eaten by wolves sounded much more heroic than dying in the middle of a biology class.

“You ready to go, Bella?”

Bella looked up when Charlie called her name from the foyer. She was laying the table, the bread and the lasagna she’d cooked was ready to be eaten.

“Go where?” she called back, and there was a pause before Charlie poked his head inside.

“To Billy’s,” he said, raising his brow when he saw the food. Bella gasped when she remembered the invite Charlie had told her about yesterday.

“Oh, no! I completely forgot!” she moaned into her hands and Charlie watched her in bemusement.

“Relax, it’s not the end of the world,” he said. Bella looked at him between her fingers and saw that he was trying not to laugh at her.

“But I made dinner!” She pointed emphatically at the meal she’d prepared, trying to get him to understand how rude and inconsiderate she’d been for having forgotten their plans.

“So? Just leave it there, and we’ll put it in the fridge once it’s cooled,” Charlie said, clearly wondering why Bella was getting so worked up about this. “We’ll eat it tomorrow.”

“Yeah.” Bella rubbed her forehead. “Yeah, you’re right. I’m being silly.”

“No, you’re not. You just had other stuff going on.” Charlie clapped her on the back and went to investigate the bread, sniffing the air. “This smells delicious.”

“Thanks, we’re out of rosemary by the way.” Bella stood up and put the jug of water she’d placed on the table back into the fridge. “I’m coming. Let me grab my coat.”

“Put on some shoes while you’re at it,” Charlie called after her.

They took her truck, and Charlie offered to drive. Bella was tempted to argue but thought better of it and tossed him the key.

“I hope you don’t mind,” Charlie said as Bella was putting on her seatbelt and held up the end he’d sliced off the bread. She shook her head but was surprised when he ripped it into two and handed her the other half.

“Thanks.” She took it and bit into it. It was still warm but a bit too salty for her taste. Charlie evidently didn’t think so because he stuffed his half into his mouth and made a sound of appreciation at the taste.

“Jesus, this is good! Where did you learn how to bake?” he asked. The truck growled to life, and they pulled out of the dive.

“Just a habit.” Bella shrugged, hiding a smile.

“Well, feel free to do it again because this is excellent.” Charlie didn’t give compliments freely, mainly because it made him feel awkward, but when he did it was more often than not about food. His words still touched Bella.

“I will,” she promise.

“We’ll need to stop for gas,” he remarked after looking at the dashboard and Bella heaved a sigh. Another thing she’d forgotten to do today. Charlie looked over at her. “School go okay? You look tired.”

“It was fine.” Bella was relieved that she’d already spoken to her mother. The thought of trying to ‘Bella-bond’ with Charlie was hilarious - he would probably arrest himself before speaking to her about feelings and boys. Bella’s answer was half-hearted at best, and Charlie frowned at her, his worry evident in his gaze, so she tried to reassure him. “I made a new friend. Her name is Angela Weber.”

“That’s great, Bella.” His shoulders slumped and the pinch between his brows smoothed out. “Weber - any relation to Pastor Weber?”

“She’s his daughter,” Bella confirmed.

“He’s a good man,” Charlie said as they pulled up to the gas station.

He stepped out, and Bella sat back. She examined her fingers and fiddled with them restlessly as she remembered the conversation she’d had with Jake on the beach. It was sad to think that anyone in La Push was struggling with addiction. Everyone she’d spoken to there had been incredibly kind to her.

A sudden thought nagged at Bella. Was she a bad person for harboring the desire to meet Paul and find out with kind of person he was even though she was completely turned off by the thought of him being into drugs? It seemed so shallow to pursue her interest despite the massive issue - it was like a terrible idea to enter a relationship with the desire to change one’s partner.

Charlie climbed in, and they were back on the road when Bella realized that there wasn’t anything to backup Jacob’s claim. He’d even told her that he was just repeating rumors. If anyone had answers about any lawbreaking in the area, it would be Charlie. Bella deliberated for a moment about how to bring it up. She settled on the direct approach.

“Hey, dad. Are there any, um, drug-related problems in La Push?”

“Not that I’m aware of - what’s brought this on?” Her line of question visibly surprised him.

“Just something Jake said.” Bella shrugged, unable to meet his gaze, and Charlie sighed.

“Ah, he’s told you about Sam and those boys?”

“So it’s true? I thought you said there weren’t any drugs there.” Disappointment churned in her gut.

“I did. Sam’s got a bad rep, Lord knows why, but he’s never been in trouble with the law. Don’t know much about the other two but I’ve met Mr. Lahote - what’s his boy’s name?” Charlie snapped his finger until he found the name. “Paul or something like that - good man; he used to be a deputy in La Push. Retired now, though.”

“Really? Isn’t he a bit young to be retired? Paul appeared to be around my age.” Bella frowned.

“Poor guy got mauled by a bear about a year ago. It’s amazing the guy’s still breathing, let alone walking. Mind you, he uses a cane to get around these days,” Charlie ran a hand over his face, and Bella notices how the headlights of passing cars made her father look decades older than he was.

“That’s awful!”  The attack must have been gruesome if the trauma still hampered Mr. Lahote’s ability to walk. Bella had never seen the aftermath of an animal attack, but it couldn’t be pretty. Paul’s father must have scars - a constant reminder of the beast that had nearly killed him. Her heart went out to him. It couldn’t have been easy.

“Yeah, there seem to be a lot of bear attacks around there,” Charlie said with quiet speculation. His frustration was evident, and he let out an explosive sigh. “Never found the beast though.”

“Do you think it’s the one beast?” Bella didn’t miss the singular.

“That’s what the expert said,” Charlie revealed. “The odd thing was that he couldn’t pin down exactly what type of animal was behind the attacks. The prints we found when we searched the woods were unlike any bear tracks he’d ever seen - said they were canine looking.”

“Could it be wolves?” Bella asked after a moment of silence. Her pulse had sped up at Charlie’s admission. Whatever had attacked those people was likely still roaming free in the wood. How many unsuspecting hikers have wandered inside and come close to meeting it without being aware of its presence? She felt queasy at the thought. “I saw some paw prints outside Billy’s during our last visit.” Bella couldn’t help wondering what would have happened if she hadn’t seen them and kept going. Would she still be here today?

“You be careful around those woods, Bells. You hear me? There are plenty of creatures in there that could make a meal out of you,” Charlie warned.

“But have there been any wolf attacks?” She needed an answer to the question.

“Naw, with claw, marks the size of the ones I saw on Mr. Lahote; it could only be a bear. They were too big to be made by a wolf,” he said grimly. “Besides, wolves don’t use their claws; they bite their prey.”

Bella hunkered down in her seat and wondered if she counted as prey.

Jacob was standing on the porch when they pulled up into their drive. They returned his wave and got out of the truck.

“They’re here!” Jacob called inside and turned back to them with a smile. “Dad needs me to grab some, uh-” he apparently forgot what it was because he turned to shout inside again. “What was it you needed again, dad?”

“Salmonberry vinaigrette! And grab some paper towels while you’re there Jacob!” came Billy’s voice. “Stop blocking the doorway and let them in!”

“Sure thing, pops!” Jacob laughed and jumped down from the porch. He clapped Charlie on the back in greeting. “Wanna join me, Bella?”

“I think it’s safer if I do - you’ll probably come home with strawberry jam and toilet paper if we let you go alone,” Bella said with wry amusement and Jacob pretended to pout.

“Best not to keep your dad waiting, Jacob,” Charlie said before he went inside.

“C’mon, I’ll drive.” Jacob smiled, and they hopped into Billy’s black truck. The car was equipped with manual controls that catered to Billy’s needs and the drive to the store was laughably short. Jacob looked over at her and drawled. “How’s life?”

“Hectic,” Bella answered truthfully. Her mind was still reeling after Charlie’s revelation, but she wasn’t aware of the pinch forming between her brows that gave away her worry. Jacob raised his eyebrows and evidently thought Bella was in need of a dose of humor. He pulled up in front of the store and turned off the engine.

“Ok, we need a plan of action.” He faced her with a grimness that took her by surprise.

“What is this? Mission impossible?” Bella’s face twisted with bewildered amusement. “I thought we were going shopping?”

“I take my grocery shopping very seriously, Bella.” Jacob’s eyes glimmered with mirth, and he flipped his hair theatrically. “I can’t risk you blowing this operation if your mind isn’t in the game.”

“I’m sorry.” Bella caught on and schooled her face. “What’s the plan, boss?”

“That’s the spirit. We’ll split up to cover more ground - I’ll scout the vinaigrette, and you track down the napkins. Capiche?” He pointed his finger at her.

“Got it. I won’t disappoint you.” Bella nodded with such a severe expression that Jacob broke character when he couldn’t suppress his grin.

They jumped out of the car and walked inside. The bell rang when Jacob pushed the door open, and the girl sitting behind the counter looked up from her book.

“Hey, Jake,” she greeted, and Jacob automatically headed towards her.

“Hey, Patricia.” They were most likely in the same grade, but Bella was on a mission. She wasn’t in the mood to hang around while they exchanged pleasantries. School - and Edward - had exhausted her and her human-interaction meter for the day had reached its limit.

“What kind of napkins, boss?” she asked Jacob quickly.

“One of those white paper towels on a roll.” Jacob gave her a thumbs up as she backed away, heading deeper into the store.

It was much smaller than the one in Forks, but they still had a decent variety. Bella walked past a display of a large lawn mower that was sitting on one of the metal shelves. The isles were narrow, and she searched high and low for the frustratingly elusive napkins. She had to circle the paper product section three times before she finally found them.

It seemed like fate wasn’t on Bella’s side today because the paper towels were on the top shelf and this time there was no stepping stool in sight for her to use. Bella tried jumping at first, and her fingers nudged the packet but ultimately pushed it back and out of sight. She landed with a frustrated huff and backed away, going up onto the tips of her toes to see how far back she’d accidentally pushed it. The packet was up against the wall now, and there was no way she could reach it.

Bella could feel it mocking her.

The shelves were sturdy - the lawn mower could attest to that and Bella hardly weighed as much as that monstrosity. To be on the cautious side, she tried to give the structure a little shake and was satisfied when it didn’t budge. Bella felt a thrill when she heaved herself up. She took great care of watching where she put her feet, remembering the last time she tried to reach for something inside a grocery store. It was much easier to climb instead of stretching up after an object since her weight was more evenly distributed. Or at least that’s what she thought. Bella was almost to the top and rested her right arm on the highest shelf. The paper towels were in sight, and she went on her toes to gain another inch, reaching her left hand toward them.

Almost there.

She started to slip.

Almost-

“Need a hand there, short-stuff?”

Someone grabbed hold of her thighs and lifted her up like they were doing a cheerleader routine. Bella lurched forward with a yelp but grabbed hold of the paper towels when her face pressed into the plastic wrap. She pulled back, and the hand on her butt steadied her.

“You better get your hands off my ass, Jacob Black.” Bella bit out and froze when he let out a bark of laughter. That was not Jake. She peered down and saw that it was Paul. Her eyes widened as her brain short-circuited, and he smirked up at her.

“You got a hold of it?” Paul asked her and Bella nodded mutely. To his credit, his hands didn’t linger, and he lowered her effortlessly to the ground. Bella swayed as her feet touched the floor and he steadied her. The heat of his palms melted through the fabric of her shirt and warmed her skin. Bella felt a blush crawl up her cheeks.

He let go of her but didn’t seem inclined to move back.

She blinked and gripped the packet of paper towels to her chest as she tried to register the fact that she was standing face to face with Paul Lahote - the guy who she couldn’t seem to get off her mind. He was just as attractive as Bella had predicted, even in the unflattering lighting that seemed to be universal to grocery stores around the country. She couldn’t help but admire his high cheekbones and the sharp ridge of his nose now that she was up close.

It was his eyes that got her.

They were a rich brown, and it was astonishing to Bella how beautiful they were, having always thought her own brown eyes to be rather dull. His gaze was intense, and she felt a thrill run through her as she bore the entirety of his attention. She noticed that he was wearing a shirt for once, a black t-shirt to be exact. His shoulders were broad, and Bella absently noted how fit he looked.

Paul was unfairly hot for a guy wearing jorts and sandals.

“You’re catching flies,” he said with a self-satisfied smirk, and Bella snapped her slackened mouth closed.

“Thanks for the help,” she said begrudgingly, humiliated at having been caught ogling him.

“You’re welcome,” he said and extended his hand for her to take. “Paul Lahote, at your service.”

“Hi.” Bella fumbled with her bounty and took his hand. His palm engulfed her slim hand, and he shook it with exaggerated slowness. Her brows raised at the furnace-like heat Paul radiated and wondered if her hands, which were chronically chilled, felt like the ones of a cold corpse to him. He didn’t seem to mind and was looking at her expectantly. She realized she hadn’t introduced herself and stumbled over her words. “Bella. I’m Bella Swan.”

His warmth lingered when they let go, and Bella curled her fist to her chest, trying to savor the heat.

“So, does Jake touch your ass a lot, Bella?” he asked out of nowhere, and Bella wanted to sink through the floor. Her face burned red as her blush increased.

“What? No!” she sputtered.

“Hey, I had to ask.” He shrugged, and his raised brow told her he was jesting. “It’s not every day a cute girl gets me mixed up with a pipsqueak like Jake.”

“Cute?” Bella drew up a blank at how to respond and repeated the word, her mind latching onto it. Paul thought she was cute.

“Hell, yeah.” He nodded and eyed her shamelessly. Bella stared at him. She’d never met anyone this brazen.

“Thanks?” It came out as more of a question and Paul evidently found it amusing because his stupid smirk widened.

“You’re welcome.”

Bella was woefully inept at flirtation - Paul was undoubtedly hitting on her, even a dense girl like her could see that - and tried to gain some control over the conversation. “Aren’t you cold?” she blurted the first thing that popped into her mind.

Real smooth, Bella.

“I’m hot,” Paul said, and Bella couldn’t help but laugh at how corny the line was. This turn of events was far beyond anything she’d imagined happening for their first conversation. He appeared entirely at ease while she scrambled to find something to say.

“Bella, c’mon we’re late!” It was Jacob. Her mind screamed at him to go away and let her have this moment. She widened her eyes at Jacob pointedly. Couldn’t he see how important this was? He ignored her look and glared at Paul, looking ready to march over to them.

“Thanks for the help, Paul,” Bella said, hoping to prevent the scene Jacob would undoubtedly make if he joined them. Paul didn’t seem perturbed. Jacob was a pipsqueak in his eyes, as he’d worded it, and Bella couldn’t help but agree. Paul looked like he could take care of himself in any fight, verbal or physical.

“I’ll see you around, Bella,” Paul told her and Bella liked the way her name sounded on his lips.

“Yeah, see you, Paul.” She gave him a little wave before turning around and walked reluctantly over to Jacob in half a daze. Her heart fluttered inside her chest, and she squeezed the paper towels close in an attempt to calm it. Paul Lahote had Isabella Swan cute!

“What the hell was that, Bella? ‘I’ll see you around’?” Jacob asked her in a hushed whisper. “I told you he’s trouble. You shouldn’t even have spoken to him!”

“Paul helped me reach those napkins, Jacob. He was nothing but polite to me.” Bella scoffed, trying to suppress her annoyance.

“I didn’t like the way he was looking at you,” Jacob grumbled, shooting a dark look over her head. She glanced over her shoulder and saw that Paul was still standing in the same spot she’d left him in. His face displayed his annoyance at Jacob’s interruption, but he switched gears when he noticed her looking. Paul waved at her with a grin before turning on his heel and walking out of the store. He hadn’t bought anything.

“You’re overreacting,” Bella said firmly, but Jacob looked like he was about to argue. She forced the paper towels into his chest. “I’m going to wait in the car.”

Paul wasn’t anywhere in sight when she made it out onto the parking lot, and Bella climbed up into Billy’s truck and folded her arms across her chest. She was tempted to sulk at Jacob for having cut her time with Paul short, but the excitement of having spoken to him was too high. He’d called her cute!

Jacob joined her before she had time to analyze the exchange any further. He sighed and drove them to his house before speaking. “I just don’t want you to get hurt. You’re my friend, Bella.”

Bella thawed and punched him lightly in the shoulder. “I know, Jake, but I’m a big girl. Try to dictate me again, and you’ll regret it.”

“Ouch, the girl’s got claws,” Jacob said, clutching his shoulders and stumbling out of the car. Goofball. Bella laughed, and they went inside to showcase their bounty.

“Hey, dad. We got everything you wanted,” Jacob said, waving the grocery bag over his head when they entered the kitchen.

“Good,” Billy said. He was sitting at the dining table with Charlie, his trademark hat absent for once. His long hair was tousled, and he bore a slightly frazzled look.

“Mind if I grab a beer, Bella?” Charlie asked. Bella shook her head, and he snagged the six-pack Billy had placed on the counter. “You want one, Billy?

“No, I’m good. I have an early meeting with the Council tomorrow,” Billy said with a shake of his head.

“Oh, yeah?” Charlie sat down again and faced him. Jacob and Bella hovered by the kitchen counter, exchanging a glance when Billy exhaled wearily.

“We’ve been discussing mitigation plans in case of a hazard.” He gave a wan smile.

‘Hazard?’ Bella mouthed at Jacob, but he shook his head and looked away.

“Anything dire?” Charlie asked, taking a sip of his beer.

“Congress finally listened to our concerns about the high tides and rising Quileute River. They’ve set aside land for us on higher grounds, but it’ll take us years to scrounge up the money we need to fund the move.” Billy rubbed his forehead and Charlie lowered his beer with a nod of understanding. This didn’t appear to be news to him.

“How bad are things looking?” he asked Bill quietly, shooting a glance at Bella who was listening with open curiosity.

“Our school is well within the inundation zone, and we’re going to start running Tsunami drills. We can’t be unprepared if it happens - it could wipe out an entire generation if it should happen during a school day.”

“I didn’t know things were this serious,” Bella breathed. This was terrible - children were at risk!

“It’s the politics that’s making things so difficult,” Billy agreed.

“I didn’t know the tribe was still active,” Bella admitted and flushed at how ignorant her statement sounded.

“The Quileute Tribe is a sovereign nation.” Billy’s tone had taken on an educational note, and Bella listened with rapt attention. “We make decisions on how best to balance community and tradition. We help protect our sacred and ceremonial areas including the preservation of historical artifacts.”

“Billy here is the Chief,” Charlie said in a small attempt to lighten the mood.

“That’s Head Chairman Black to you, sir!” Billy laughed and slapped him on the back.

“I didn’t know that,” Bella admitted.

“That’s enough politics for the day,” Billy said. “Jacob, can you lay the table while I get this darned fish ready for eating?”

“I got you, pops.”

“Can I help with anything?” Bella asked.

“Can you get me a lemon from the fridge?” Billy asked her as he backed from the table. Bella nodded but felt weird about rummaging through the contents of their fridge. It felt like a violation of their privacy in some way. Billy picked up on her discomfort.

“I trust you more with that fridge than Jacob! Feel free to act like you’re at home, Bella. After all, you’re family!” Billy laughed like he was enjoying a private joke. Jacob rolled his eyes at Bella.

Dinner was delicious; salmon and roasted potatoes accompanied the vinaigrette her and Jacob had bought. Desert was apple pie and whipped cream, courtesy of the Clearwaters.

“This was one heck of a meal,” Charlie said, patting his belly with a sigh. Bella agreed.

The shrewd light in Billy’s eyes hadn’t dimmed throughout the entire evening, and he paid more attention to Bella than she’d expected, asking her all kinds of questions. She did her best to answer them, but she feared that her face was stained a permanent red from all the attention she was receiving today.

“It might be good for you to meet more people your age,” Billy said with a nod of encouragement. “There will be a barbeque here next weekend if you’re interested in coming. There won’t be a lot of people - only a couple of family friends. The Clearwaters will be there.”

“Wait, there is?” Jacob asked through a mouthful of pie. His cheeks bulged comically, and Billy sent him a look of despair.

“Chew your food, Jacob. And yes - Sam’s organizing it.”

“As in Sam Uley?” Bella asked. Her interest was piqued. It was very likely that Paul would be there. Billy nodded.

“Of course, you’re invited as well, Charlie,” Billy said, and Charlie raised his beer can in salute. They turned their attention back to Bella. “What do you say, Bella? Are you interested in joining us?”

Did she want to spend an evening with Sam and Paul? Bella didn’t have to think for long.

“Yes, I would be honored to.”

Next chapter: The gym teacher let Bella loose in class, and now she’s sporting a black eye. Bella goes to Sam’s barbeque and realizes that it’s her birthday.

[theartificialdane]

Galactica, part 233

In this April has her work cut out, Alaska comes home, Bianca takes a meeting and Violet struggles with a simple request.

Thank you @veronicasanders @toriibelledarling and @samrull ❤️

“And remember-”

“Perfection in the job puts pleasure in the work. I know Miss.”

“That’s all.”

April was pretty sure she had seen Fame smile to her as her boss left the design floor, but she honestly couldn’t be sure, her brain one giant black hole, the mountain of work in front of her suddenly seeming larger than Everest. April had jumped on the opportunity the moment Trixie had mentioned her. She wasn’t really a clothing designer, not like Violet or Betty or even Alexis. She did jewerly, which was her strength, but unlike her coworkers, she knew how to not overdesign and to keep her lines clean, something Marie Claire apparently wanted from Galactica now, even though it wasn’t their brand at all.

April looked at the collection she had in front of her. Ivy had helped her earlier, the two picking out earlier scrapped Galactica creations and some of Aprils rejected sketches. If April was honest, she couldn’t really believe why Ivy hadn’t been promoted yet, the redhead always around, picking up pieces and fixing everything, the woman acting like Raja’s right hand that you weren’t afraid of getting slapped by, but Ivy had told her several times that she was perfectly happy where she was.

April took a deep breath, carefully collecting her flying thoughts. It was late at night, the floor mostly empty except for the light in Trixie’s office that was still on, the quiet sounds of a piano sailing out of there, Ivan most likely sleeping in his high chair while Trixie did all the paperwork for design that he was so far behind on. It comforted April to know that her boss was close, that she could always go ask him, and even the fact that there was an infant at her work place as well. Design had been so deprived of joy when Bendela was their boss, April afraid to smile and laugh and even dance with Yara and Alexis as she often did on her breaks, but all of that was gone now, Trixie’s good mood, Ivan’s babbling and even the pure panic that could explode on the other side of the room if Violet’s dog had eaten something from the floor of the cafeteria, which made the little dog more hazardous than a bio bomb.

April sat down, a miniskirt in front of her in the colors Violet had been working on, her friend’s sketches and fabric samples laid out in front of her. April grabbed her sewing machine and got to work, Trixie keeping her company even though they might as well have been in two different worlds.

***

ALASKA: Just landed…

JINKX: OMG YAY! Just got home from the matinee…

ADORE: I MADE DINNER!

ALASKA: ????

JINKX: She’s such a liar

ADORE: JK but I ordered pizza. Or…I mean I’m gonna order pizza. Like right now. Since I just thought of it. <3 <3 <3

ALASKA: LOL. I bet the two of you haven’t eaten salad since I left either.

JINKX: I had a smoothie for breakfast?

ALASKA: Naughty babies

ADORE: WE NEED YOU

*

Alaska opened the door, thanking the doorman, who followed her with her suitcase, down the hall to Jinkx’ enormous bedroom. Jinkx burst from the bathroom, wrapping her in a hug, burying her face in Alaska’s tangled blonde hair. “Oh my god, I missed you so fucking much.”

“Me too…” Alaska tilted her chin up and caught her lips in a kiss.

“How was the shoot?”

“It was awesome, actually. Where’s Lil Bear?”

“I think she’s napping in her bedroom.”

“/Her/ bedroom?” Alaska raised an eyebrow. “She’s still living here?”

Jinkx shrugged. “Yeah?”

“Hasn’t it been almost 3 weeks? Is she planning to stay here permanently?”

Jinkx considered this. “We haven’t talked about it, but–”

Just then, Adore flew into the room, tackling them both, so they all fell into a heap onto the bed. “LASKY!!” She covered Alaska’s face with kisses.

“Hi, sweetie. How’s it going?”

“So good, now that you’re back!” Adore crawled on top of her, burrowing into the space between her girlfriends on the bed.

Jinkx giggled, nuzzling Adore’s shoulder. “Hey, so, we were just talking, and I know you’ve been here for a few weeks. I’m guessing that your pipes are fixed by now…right?”

Adore looked up at Jinkx with a slightly guilty expression, like a kid who had their hand in the cookie jar. “Um…yeah…I’m sorry, I just–”

“Well, I don’t think you should go back to that apartment. Shit’s always breaking and anyway, I’m getting used to having you here. I’d miss you if you left now. So…if you want to move in for real, the room is yours.”

Adore’s beautiful eyes widened with joy. “Really?!”

“Yeah. Definitely.”

“Oh my god, Jinkxy, you’re the fucking BEST!” Adore threw her arms around Jinkx’s waist and wrapped a leg around her hips, thrilled.

Alaska bit her lip. “I’m gonna go start dinner,” she announced, sliding off the bed.

“Okay…” Adore replied, voice muffled against Jinkx’s shoulder, as the two of them giggled.

*

Alaska stood at the counter, chopping vegetables, water for pasta heating on the stove. Jinkx came up behind her, sliding her arms around her waist, kissing her shoulder. Alaska shrugged her off. Jinkx snatched a carrot from the cutting board and moved to look the taller girl in the eyes, leaning on the counter. “Okay, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“Alaska…”

“You just like, decided to ask her to move in with you? Just like that? You didn’t think that was worth a discussion? With BOTH of us?”

“I…I don’t know. I guess not?”

Alaska scoffed and turned back to the cutting board, hacking away at a zucchini.

“I mean…she needs to live somewhere. And…her apartment is a shit hole. Your apartment is nice.”

“Right.”

“Would you…I mean, would you want to move in too?”

“Not out of pity!”

“What if wasn’t out of pity? What if it was because you’re so fucking cute, I can’t stand you not being here all the time?”

Alaska looked up, eyes narrowed. Jinkx pouted her lower lip. “And when did you come to this startling realization?” Alaska challenged.

Jinkx ran a finger lightly up Alaska’s arm. “The day I met you.” She gazed deep into Alaska’s eyes, hypnotizing her. “I really need you…/we/ need you…”

Finally, Alaska broke, unable to keep a straight face any longer. “Well. I mean, if you /really/ need me.”

Jinkx pulled her in for a soft, deep kiss. “So, so much.”

Alaska giggled, as Adore padded into the room, barefoot, holding the pizza box. “You’re not gonna make us wait for the grown-up food to be done before we have pizza, right?”

“No, boo, go ahead. We’ll call it an appetizer.”

Adore grinned and opened the box. “Party.”

“Hey, guess what? Lasky’s gonna move in, too.”

Adore’s mouth dropped open in delight. “Really?!” Adore ran to the other girls and flung herself at them, jumping into Alaska’s arms. “Omigod, this is gonna be awesome! Like Three’s Company meets the Golden Girls, but like, gayer. And sexier…”

Alaska giggled. “I mean, let’s hope so. Yikes.”

“Wait are you gonna give up your apartment? ‘Cause I know like 20 people who would want it. It’s rent-controlled, right?” Adore asked excitedly.

“I haven’t–”

“No! You know what you should do, keep it and sublet, you’ll make a /killing!/” she exclaimed.

“Can we like, not make this about real estate?” Alaska requested.

Adore nodded. “Oh, okay, right.” She went back to hugging both girls, peppering them with kisses, still holding the slice of pizza in her hand.

Jinkx snuck a bite of Adore’s pizza, murmuring. “You’re totally right about that apartment, by the way.”

“Guys!” Alaska whined.

“Sorry…”

***

Bianca knocked on the door to Nina’s office. “Hey Garcia, got a minute?”

Nina cringed slightly but gestured to her guest chair. “Of course…boss.”

Bianca entered, sipping a steaming mug of coffee. “Did you get those sketches I sent over from April?”

“Yes. I think she’s on the right track. It’ll make the shoot more fun and lively, that’s for sure.”

“Yup, I agree. We should see some actual samples tomorrow.”

“Alright.”

“So…I wanted to run another idea by you.” Bianca smiled, flashing her dimples, attempting to charm her prickly employee.

“Go ahead.” Nina folded her hands.

“So, okay, I was looking around at the last Klan rally–I mean board meeting, and I started to think you might have a point.” She grinned again.

“Nice to see you’re taking this seriously, Bianca.” Nina rolled her eyes and opened a folder on her desk.

“I am! Sorry, I am. Okay, so listen…what do you think of a diversity fellowship program…like, we can work with HR to provide mentoring for current and future hires if they are part of minority groups, and like, you know, actively recruit? I can’t promise we won’t have any political hires, but we can combat that by taking steps to bring in a more diverse group when it’s possible.”

Nina stared at her. “You’re really serious?”

“Yeah! I mean, I was sort of hoping you’d help me run the program. What do you think?”

“I think it sounds great. Frankly, I’m shocked that you came up with it.”

Bianca laughed. “Actually, it was Courtney’s idea. You know…the one who’s making me soft?”

Nina smiled sheepishly. “Well…apparently I wasn’t wrong. Two years ago, you’d never have even considered something like this.”

“Times are changing, Garcia! Keep up!” Bianca rose from her chair. “I have Linda in HR working on a proposal for us. Let’s meet later this week to discuss it some more, okay?”

“Yes ma’am…”

***

“Violet, are you coming to bed?”

Sutan looked into his office that had somehow been turned into an explosion of fabric in true Violet style, Frida happily napping in her little blue basket with a piece of silk that she had most likely stolen from the bags upon bags upon bags Violet had dragged to his place. Sutan fastened his bathrobe, his body warm and relaxed after his shower.

“Violet?”

Sutan smiled. Violet couldn’t hear him at all, his girlfriend so focused on the bottom of the dress she was working on. She was technically ignoring him but Sutan couldn’t get himself to be mad, his apartment so filled with life after he had started dating Violet. Sutan had originally made the office space when Raja moved out, her and Raven’s clothes easily filling the entire room, and as he had no idea what to do with it he had turned it into an office/workout room that he never used.

Sutan walked over to Violet, the girl bent over and Sutan remembered how he had come over when she was working on her first piece for Galactica, how she had disappeared from earth for over a week and he had been worried she had broken up with him and had forgotten to tell him, but in reality she was just working. Sutan bent down, gently giving Violet’s cheek a kiss, the woman finally looking at him.

“Oh, Sutan, hi, what are yo-”

“Are you coming to bed?”

Violet looked at him, her big brown eyes a little confused. “Already? What’s the time?”

“It’s almost midnight.” Sutan smiled. He could practically feel how Violet’s fingers were itching to continue working, but he also knew that she had a shoot the very next day, and that the majority of everything was done.

“I just nee-”

“Come on mata indah, no arguing. You have a big day tomorrow, and you have to do your best. Don’t you want to make me proud?”

Violet nodded, and Sutan turned the lamp off, completely missing the grimace Violet made when he mentioned the big day, his girlfriend following him to the bedroom while Frida still snoozed underneath the table. As Sutan took Violet in his arms, the two snuggled together in bed, he fell asleep quickly, but Violet stayed awake, a slow anger simmering in her belly.

Violet knew Sutan properly hadn’t meant anything by it, but wasn’t it enough that he didn’t trust her abilities as a designer and had asked a friend of his to do her a favor? That was humiliating enough in itself, but the fact that he asked about it? Made sure she went to bed on time? Told her to make him proud? Violet scoffed a little and moved, Sutan’s arm falling down so it laid on the bed, Violet turning her back. She was cold, but it didn’t matter as she fell asleep, thankfully free from her boyfriends strangeling arms.

***

“Pick up pick up pick up.”

Patrick paced around the hotel room, phone to his ear, as Shannel stepped out of the shower.

“Who are you calling?” she asked, seeing how agitated he was.

Patrick looked at her, a small smile on his face as he saw Shannel’s towel covered wet body, the mischief in his eyes making Shannel adjust her towel slightly. “My ex wife; she hasn’t been answering any of my messages or calls since we last spoke.”

“She’s not your ex wife,” Shannel corrected.

“Might as well be. She’s been an utter nutcase, or, even more of a nutcase than she usually is. I don’t know what’s going through her head. The divorce was her idea.” Patrick sighed and hung up, the man gently pinching his own nose, like a headache was threatening to come through.

“Are you sure of that?”

“Why wouldn’t I be sure of it? She was the one who asked me to move, she’s the one who told me I couldn’t see my dog, and now she won’t even let me pick up a stupid pair of cufflinks.” Patrick threw himself on the bed. “I really like those cufflinks, I wore them the day I closed the the biggest property deal of my career. They’re good luck links.” Patrick covered his eyes. “If I know her right she probably threw them down the garbage disposal.” If Patrick had been a small child, or generally anyone but the man he was, Shannel was sure he would have thrown a tantrum, instead he picked his phone up, ready to call again. If she was honest, it was one of the things that she liked best about him.

Shannel laid down beside him, gently taking the phone from him. “Or…maybe you’re totally misreading the situation…”

Patrick sighed, turning towards her, playing with a lock of her still-damp hair. “How so?” Shannel could feel he wasn’t convinced, but she was still going to make her case.

“I mean…look, it’s not like I speak for all womankind here, but she hasn’t talked to you since you mentioned divorce. So maybe, just maybe…she doesn’t want one?” Shannel thought it was ridiculous, but from what she knew about Fame through her godmother Chad and what Patrick himself had told her it didn’t seem that unlikely.

“Well…then she should SAY that.” Patrick sighed and rolled his eyes. “I just want the cufflinks. I have a meeting tomorrow and I need them.” Patrick sat up, ready to get dressed and go to his old address, but Shannel gently held him back.

“What if she did?”

“What do you mean?”

“Putting aside your wife’s enormous ego for a second, and assuming she had the ability to admit she was wrong and wanted you back…I mean you’ve mentioned about 70 times that all of this was her idea. So…if she did want to get back together…what would you want?” Shannel’s fingers were resting lightly on his chest, face trying to remain impassive, trying to keep a neutral expression.

“I…don’t know. Honestly, I don’t know.”

Shannel smiled sadly. “That’s not true, Patrick. You do know. You’d want her back.” She rolled away and began to brush out her long hair.

“I’m not as predictable as you think.” Patrick smiled, and Shannel laughed a little, both of them knowing he was lying.

“Oh no?”

“No. I mean, yes, I love her, of course, but…things can’t go back to how they were.” Patrick crossed his arms. “I’m not some spineless creature that always bends to her will.”

Shannel leaned over and kissed him on the forehead. “Yeah, well. Some people are better than others at getting what they want.”

***

“Julia, come on, we’ll be late for school.”

“No…”

“No?”

Detox looked at his daughter, Julia, sitting at the table, a pile of chicken nuggets and ketchup in front of her. Detox knew that Juju would most likely be furious with him since he had given in and not forced the kids to eat breakfast, but with a fussy Grace, a moody Kelly and a wife that was in Los Angeles, Detox had given up before he even tried. Owen had slept at a friend’s the day before, and Detox had just praised himself that he hadn’t had to pick his son up in the middle of the night, Kelly had gone to school, not even talking to him as she took a single apple, Grace getting walked by the babysitter they had found.

“Well, I don’t care.”

Detox picked up her up, Julia dropping the chicken nuggets, and then hell broke loose. The little girl kicking and screaming

“No no no no no no no no no!!”

Detox got taken aback, totally surprised that his daughter was fighting him, Julia usually the easy child compared to everyone else.

“Julia, what’s-”

“No no no no no no no no!”

Detox sat Julia down, dropping to his knee so he could look at her, her eyes filled with tears, her hair in weird pigtails. Now that Detox sitting in front of her he could see that the pigtails were uneven. He had assumed that the babysitter had done them since Detox had been busy with Grace, but now that he looked, really looked, he could see that Julia’s clothes didn’t really match either, something neither Juju or the sitter would ever allow.

“Julia, who did your hair?”

“I did…”

Detox looked at the little girl, surprised by her answer. “So Becca didn’t help you at all?”

Julia shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes again and Detox did the only thing he could think of, which was to pull her into a hug. “I miss mommy.” Detox almost didn’t hear it, Julia’s voice so low, but that was when everything fell into place. Oh course Julia missed Juju, the twins both their mama’s little babies.

“I miss her too.” Detox kissed Julia’s hair, the little girl clinging to him and Detox picked her up, his phone already in his hand, ready to call Robbie and tell him that he would come in late.

***

“Roxy, do me a favor, and put these in the safe for me?” Fame said, handing over a small box.

“Sure…should I ask what it is? We usually input all the contents of the safe in the spreadsheet.”

“Ummmm…just put ‘PB personal’ in the spreadsheet. They’re a pair of cufflinks that Patrick is obsessed with at the moment and I don’t want them in the apartment, if he stops by when I’m not home.” Fame smirked. “He’s being such a child about them. Lucky cufflinks. I mean, did you ever hear of anything so ridiculous?”

Roxy smiled, thinking to herself that the only thing more ridiculous than lucky cufflinks was WITHHOLDING lucky cufflinks. “No, miss,” she said sweetly.

“Thanks, dear. Is this my coffee?” Fame asked.

“Yes, miss.”

She made a horrible face. “This tastes like 1% milk, Roxy. You know I only drink skim.” She dropped the cup in the trash, then called over her shoulder as she sailed into her office. “Fix it, immediately.”

“Yes, miss!”