#this should be an international holiday moving forward

[ahappyphjl]

april 28th will now always be the 🧡 day

[jobean12-blog]

The Best First Date

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x reader

Word Count: 638

Summary: You're on your first official first date with Bucky and he has you flustered in the best way.

Author's Note: This is just a little somethin' because I've missed writing this past week with all the Holiday insanity. Also. I LOVE HANDS and hand holding and smiles. Thank you all so much for reading! Much love always! ❤️❤️❤️Divider by the lovely @firefly-graphics thank you Daisy! 🥰

Warnings: soft and sweet fluff

Bucky reaches down and grabs your hand, pulling you forward. It isn’t a simple grab. One where he wraps his fingers around yours and simply tugs. Instead, he intertwines your fingers with his and smiles back at you.

His eyes crinkle at the corners and the bright blue color sparkles.

Your heart beats wildly against your chest.

When you reach the table and he takes his hand from yours to pull out your chair, it literally makes you ache.

You scoot your chair in and wait until he sits then your eyes drop down to his hand…the one that just held yours.

“What doll?” he asks.

His question pulls you from your trance and you meet his eyes. His head is tilted to the side and he stares intently.

“What?” you ask in return, feigning ignorance.

He leans back and folds his arms across his broad chest. His biceps bulge under the restricting material of his Henley and you can’t help but stare back.

“I was just wondering what you were thinkin.’ You were looking at my hands like you wanted to cut them off.”

His metal fingers twitch along his flexing bicep muscle and you lick your lips.

You feel the heat rise to your cheeks but you keep your chin up.

“I was just thinking…” you reply.

“That’s what I said,” he teases. “But I wanna know what you were thinkin’ about.”

“I didn’t realize you were this nosy.”

He smiles again. “Well when it comes to the safety of my limbs…” and he wiggles his metal fingers at you playfully, “yeah. I am.”

You giggle, pressing your hands against your thighs to stop yourself from reaching across the table and for his hand again…right or left.

“Well, I definitely wasn’t thinking I wanted to cut off any body parts…if that makes you feel any better.”

He continues to study you. “Tell me doll face.”

“Someone is pushy,” you fire back before picking up the menu and holding it in front of your face.

His long and thick fingers slide over the top of the menu and he pulls it down.

You sigh dramatically.

His eyes narrow and he leans forward, dancing his fingers closer.

“Should I not have held your hand doll? Did it bother you?”

“It definitely didn’t bother me,” you answer far too quickly.

You pull your gaze away and pick up the menu again.

You can still feel his fingers laced with yours, the rough skin of his palm and fingertips pressed against yours. The tingle that started in your hand has now covered every inch of you and your entire body trembles.

“Fine then. Don’t tell.”

He shoots you a smile that’s on the verge of seductive. Maybe even a little smug.

You catch yourself staring at his lips for a second too long and his smile widens.

“Don’t smile at me like that,” you huff.

“So no smiling and no holding hands?” he asks with raised brows. “That doesn’t sound like a very good first date.”

You purse your lips and take a deep breath.

“I like it way too much when you hold my hand and smile at me,” you say quietly but with a frustrated tone.

Your eyes drop back to the menu and you scream internally, his silence making you want to slide under the table and disappear.

The scrape of his chair along the floor makes your gaze fly up as you see him moving around the table until he’s closer to you.

His hand reaches out for yours and he entangles your fingers with his, softly brushing his thumb across your knuckles.

He smiles.

Your heart stops.

“I’d sit right next to ya doll but then I wouldn’t be able to see your face so well and you’re way too gorgeous not to look at.”  

@randomfandompenguin @hiddles-rose @goldylions @kmc1989 @blackwidownat2814 @buckysdollforlife @lizette50

[anonimusunnoaniswriting]

OfficeColleague!Suguru Geto x Reader

Angel Of Small Death

⚠️𝐌𝐃𝐍𝐈. 𝟏𝟖+ 𝐀𝐃𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐒 𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐘⚠️

🎀𝐀𝐠𝐞less and blank blogs will be 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝🎀

Pairing: OfficeColleague!Suguru Geto x Reader

Genre: Smut, Porn with plot.

Word Count: 2463

Warnings: PWP, reader is a big woman, female bodied reader, no protection, pussy eating, good ol' sex, colleagues

Summary: Geto Suguru is the bane of your existence. You hate him. He hates you. The entire office is convinced you’re going to kill each other someday. But damn if it doesn’t feel good when he fucks you senseless.

A/N: This is a collab with @ominouslywritinginmyhead. We've been cooking it for a while and it's gonna be slow but it's one of the most delicious things Saber has thought of that I know. Banner and dividers are mine.

Chapter 1

yuunicorn1010 uploaded a story to Instagram.

The first thing any viewer would see was Yuuji trying very hard not to laugh. As a fresh graduate, he’d assumed office work would be the most mind-numbing activity in the world, but Jujutsu Inc. had proved him wrong within weeks. 

Without a word, Yuuji switched the camera to reveal the messy and noisy twelfth-floor office he’d been working in since April. In the foreground was his favourite senpai Nanami, determinedly staring at his laptop and pretending that he couldn’t hear the showdown going on right behind him.

“—two-faced thieving snake, I know you stole my clients!”

“I did not steal them; I simply suggested that they might benefit more from a more, shall we say, experienced team.”

“Experienced, my ass. You couldn’t even move two steps forward with that last file!”

“And why do you think that happened? Because you interfered and had half my team on leave!”

“That wasn’t my fault; the company requires us to take our paid holidays within two years of getting them — if your team is too overworked to take any vacation days, that’s on you.”

“You think you’re so superior, don’t you? If you actually looked in the mirror for once in your life, you’d see that you’re nothing but a sneaky backstabber who should be fired by now.”

“Oh, I should be fired? Well, if I am, I’ll be sure to tell HR about your little mind games and how you had those poor interns crying—”

In the background, one would be able to hear Yuuji’s uncontrollable giggling combined with Gojo-senpai calling out to the other employees: “They’re at it again! I think Suguru’s going to win this time~”

In full view of the camera, the two team leaders stormed out of the office, leaving through different doors. Just before Yuuji turned the camera off, Gojo-senpai began to laugh like a hyena. “If anyone’s brave enough to stop them, I’ll treat you lot to drinks tonight!”

Suguru smirked. Trust Satoru to find that entertaining. Apparently, his plan of treating the office to drinks wasn’t the only one going around: according to Shoko, the entire office had a betting pool on what could happen in each of these little…arguments. They weren’t stupid enough to do it to his face — or yours, for that matter. But it was quite obvious now what that stray 1000 yen bill on Satoru’s desk yesterday afternoon had been for. 

Not that anyone was going to win by very much, especially since they had no idea what went on behind the scenes. And quite frankly, Suguru didn’t want them to know.

The two of you were lucky that the janitor had called in sick this morning, and that nobody had come looking for the mop.

“Haa—dammit, Suguru, why’d you roll your sleeves up like—like that—you can’t do this to me—shit—”

“You…really need to stop accusing me like this, angel; I’ve done nothing.” He could still feel the sting on his lower lip, where you’d sunk your teeth in, sucking on it to soothe the pain. He could still feel his fingers digging into your plush thighs before his hand slipped under your pretty black skirt, the other hand trailing up your back. Most of all, he could still smell your perfume lingering on his clothes. Sitting in his office, the shades drawn, Suguru closed his eyes. If he thought about it hard enough, he could still feel your touch, too.

You had dragged the charming Geto Suguru into the janitor’s closet after your meeting where it was revealed that a pretty important client of yours had been smoothly swiped by none other than him. Not only did he have the audacity to smile and wink at you while detailing how his team would be proceeding with the client, but the man also knowingly leaned back crossing his bare sinewy arms in front of you — something he knew to be your weakness. 

“You know how much this turns me on, you bastard. Stop acting innocent; it doesn't suit you,” you’d spat, before grabbing the very hands you lusted after and placing them over your breasts. Suguru had complied with your silent plea, kneading at the soft flesh, while you moaned into his mouth. His knee had been pressed against your crotch and you rubbed against it like a cat in heat. 

But when he’d dipped his hand to slip under the waistband of your panties, you’d stopped him, “We can’t. Not here.” He’d given you his best puppy eyes and a pout that only made your heart race – just one time wouldn’t hurt, would it?

“We’ll meet tonight, after Gojo’s drinks,” you’d promised. Fuck, he missed you already. How has it only been two hours?  Two hours since he had you in his arms. Two more hours before you could leave work, and then God only knew how long it would be before the evening drinks would wind down…well, knowing Shoko and Satoru, far too long. If Suguru had his way, he’d have cleared a meeting room on the spot and taken you on the table itself—fine, maybe that was too much. But he definitely could just skip drinks and take you home. 

However, you probably wouldn’t be too keen on that. You’d made it clear at the beginning of this—whatever this was—that for it to work, the two of you would have to keep up appearances in public. There was nothing sanitary or respectable; after all, it was just sex. Rough, lust-driven sex. Nothing mattered to the two of you beyond your bodies and the stress relief you got from making each other feel good. But Suguru would be lying if he said it was still the same for him. 

He’ll never forget how it all started.  The two of you, thoroughly intoxicated in a bar one evening after work, much like what tonight promised to be. Your peers – long gone, either to the dance floor or slumped over at your booth. Left to your own devices, he had ended up beside you. In your haze you’d rested your head against his chest, remarking how incredibly muscular it felt. He had chuckled lazily, saying, “Well at least I know all those days at the gym are paying off – although for whom…” 

Hearing him trail off, you’d raised your head to look at him and he’d felt his slacks tighten seeing your eyes – wide and doe-like – as you remarked, “You’re single? I’d never have thought! You’re like, pretty physically gifted; if not mentally.” 

 He’d bristled and shot back, “Well, what about you? I heard you crying about being dumped the other day by the coffee machine.” 

“He wanted me to quit after getting married. It was an ultimatum. And we’d only been dating a few weeks.” You rolled your eyes. 

Suguru had grimaced at that. “Yeah, all that education and time you spent building your career, only to turn into a pretty little housewife who pops out babies? No thanks. What a waste.” 

Something had flashed in your eyes as he said that. The feeling of being understood, Suguru would later realise, was a powerful aphrodisiac. You’d sat up straight and grabbed his hand.

“I’m drunk, but I’m in control of my senses enough to know that, Geto Suguru, I kind of want to fuck you right now.” 

Suguru responded, “Well then, angel, that makes two of us.” From there it had been a whirlwind. You’d paid your tabs at the bar, texted your friends that you were leaving so they wouldn’t worry, and then instead of getting a taxi home, you’d hopped on Geto’s motorbike and sped off to a love hotel. Probably a stupid idea given the circumstances, but you both made it in one piece.

Despite the buzz in his body that was most certainly not from booze, he’d paid for the room and held your hand all the way up the elevator ride, desperate to touch you, yet concerned that you might not like the public display. But once you were in the room…it was all over. And not just for you.

His lips crashed into yours, rough and thirsty, drinking you in like a man lost in a desert who had suddenly happened upon an oasis. Fuck, you really were a good kisser, drawing him in deeper and deeper with your lips and tongue. Your hands were tangled in his hair, freeing it from the tight bun he sported to the office, while he tugged at your blouse, so neatly tucked into the waistband of your formal skirt. 

He’d paused for a moment to appreciate you once your skirt and blouse were off. “Damn!” he’d exclaimed with a low whistle, eyes roaming up and down your figure and resting briefly at your breasts clad in that pretty pink bra. How cute. The lace and little bow in the middle only made things better.

You’d blushed, but chalked it up to being the effect of the alcohol; thankfully, you didn’t have to think about it for too long, because Geto had dived between your legs and was already sloppily leaving kisses along your inner thigh. Your skin was so soft, and he swore he heard you giggle from how ticklish his lips felt.

Geto remembered how tight his own slacks had become, his shirt only half unbuttoned because he’d stopped you, wanting to prep you before he did anything else, desperation making him neglect his needs. He peeled your underwear off, flung it behind him, and attacked your clit. The small bud under his tongue was slurped into his mouth and gently pulled at between his lips, all while his fingers pleaded for an entrance into your hole. You hadn’t been able to stop yourself from clamping your thighs around his head, feeling the pressure building in your lower abdomen. His tongue worked wonders for you, licking up thick flat stripes. Something you couldn’t help but note your ex hadn’t bothered to do. 

Geto Suguru loved eating pussy. This was evident. 

He’d lost himself in the taste of your cunt face buried and mind far, far away till he’d felt you tugging at his hair, legs trembling around his head and you gasping “Stop, Suguru, stop!”

When he’d resurfaced, you’d fallen back onto the plush tacky red blanket, panting like you’d run a mile. Only then had he realised that you’d cum onto his face and were incredibly overstimulated. But you’d only taken a moment to gather yourself before sinking to your knees in front of him and finally freeing his cock, looking up at him with those infernal doe eyes. Your hand eagerly wrapped around it as you took his tip in your mouth, testing the waters with little kitten licks. You were determined to show him as good of a time as he’d shown you. 

So you started slow, getting a feel for his thickness and length, before gradually upping your game. It was only a matter of time before you managed to unravel your co-worker completely, and it was the gentle squeeze to his full, aching balls that made Suguru cum in your mouth with a guttural moan. You’d made a show of it, swallowing his cum down your throat and licking any spillage off your finger. 

Suguru’s eyes had darkened at that, and he’d almost ordered you to “get on the bed, I’m going to fuck you now.” You’d complied with a squeak of excitement and laid on your back, watching Suguru first yank off his work pants, then tear off his shirt, and finally climb over you while pulling down his boxers and throwing them halfway across the room. He’d reached out and opened a drawer to find himself a condom, and when he rolled it over his still-hard cock, he’d moaned — your eyes glazed over on hearing such an enthralling sound. You’d spread your pussy lips for him, glistening with your release, and Suguru had gently pushed himself into you, slowly, keeping his eyes on your face to make sure that you didn’t feel any discomfort. His gaze was calculating and contemplative, easy to see despite the low light of the room. You ran your hands through his gorgeous locks again, drowning in his touch. It was only when he bottomed out – his last few centimetres thrust in – that your mouth fell open in a silent scream. 

“Fuck. Your cunt feels amazing, angel.” The little lube on the condom, combined with your own slick, was enough for you to take all of Suguru, but it was still a tight squeeze. Definitely one of the bigger men you’d been with. 

The way you were stretched around him squeezing him tight, Suguru was loath to restrain himself, but he wanted this to feel good, for him as well as you. So he went slow and your hips bucked with each thrust, desperate to feel more of him. Soft pleas fell from your lips, “please…fa-faster…harder…f-fuck…more…please…Su-Suguru,” but he continued his pace. Only when you’d cupped his face in your hands, pulling him down for a kiss, and whispered to him, “Suguru, if you don’t move now I’m going to fucking bite you” did he chuckle, but started to pump in and out of your pussy faster and harder. 

“Is that a promise, angel?” he’d teased, and you’d hated the way your pussy clenched at his words. Unfortunately, Suguru seemed to like it.

His hips slapped against your ass with each hard thrust, and soon he was spilling for a second time that night, condom catching his release inside you. He’d pulled out and collapsed beside you, rubbing your clit with his right hand while his left arm encircled you, pulling you in for a rough kiss. The release you found from his fingers had you clinging to him desperately, moaning his name and maybe a few swear words. You wanted more. You needed more. 

You were sweaty and messy after all that, so he’d actually lifted you up and taken you to the adjoining bath, where you both soaked in the warm bubbly water for a while (once again, something your ex never gave a shit about, based on what Suguru had overheard at the coffee machine) before you had decided it was time to call it a night. Although your corporate nemesis assured you the room had been paid for till morning, you had mentioned that staying would have been crossing some boundary and had even denied his offer to drop you home on his bike. 

“You shouldn’t be riding,” you’d said, “We drank quite a bit…I’ll take a cab home, you can have the room for the night.” 

And with that, you were gone. Only the scent of your perfume and your combined sex lingered…

A/N: Hello! Thanks so much for reading. This was an idea that @ominouslywritinginmyhead came up with and hit me with so we decided why not write a Collab fic on it. We've pored over it and had several revisions and finally here it is! A small thank you to her for being a galaxy brain and dreaming up such delicious ideas. Also btw apparently in French they call an orgasm a small death so that's where that's at.

As always hearts and reblogs are much appreciated and comments will earn you kissies

[wooahaes]

right in front of you

pairing: non-idol!jihoon [trsr] x gn!reader

genre: fluff. office worker au.

word count: ~1.0k

warnings: oblivious reader.

daisy's notes: the way id get fired for getting distracted too easily w jihoon around tbh

Jihoon was… Well… Jihoon. The two of you happened to be the youngest of your coworkers, and something about that had turned Park Jihoon from Jihoon, the cute guy at work to Jihoon, partner in crime and lifeline. 

It wasn’t that everyone was rude. You respected your seniors as much as anyone else would, but you couldn’t shake the feeling that some of them were on a power trip at times. Not all of them, thankfully: just one or two members of the staff that liked reminding you that they were in charge, all while treating you like you were some kid they’d found off the street and graciously given this job to (even though you aced the interview with your own skills and your actual manager had never acted this way toward you). Jihoon would text his remarks to you, forcing you to hide smiles whenever you glanced at your phone, or he’d whisper them to you on the elevator ride out of the building, or on those coffee outings that he took you out on when he wasn’t buying you dinner. At some point along the way, your crush on Jihoon went from a surface level thing to something deeper. 

Of course, it probably wasn’t going anywhere. Jihoon was cute and sometimes he flirted with you, but he casually flirted with plenty of people from what you could tell. At least… That’s what it felt like as you stood across the room from him, watching as he charmed a few of your coworkers. He let out a warm laugh, lighting up the room more than the Christmas tree you’d watched Hyunsuk decorate with a few interns. 

“You’re admiring again.”

And of course he had to come up to you, a cup in hand half-filled with fruit punch. Hyunsuk leaned against you, watching as Jihoon dazzled the room. 

“Am not.”

“You’ve been standing here the entire time,” he said. “There’s no shame in it. You should go ahead and ask him out.” 

With a roll of your eyes, you stepped away from him, throwing away your empty paper cup. “Whatever,” you rolled your eyes. “I’m going out to get some air.”

Hyunsuk whined at you playfully, but let you go. You escaped out of the office, pressing the button for the elevator as you collected yourself. Maybe you should ask Jihoon out sometime, but… not tonight. Tonight felt far too soon to make your move. Besides.. Did Jihoon even like you like that? He didn’t seem interested in anyone at work…

The elevator doors slid open, and you stepped in. Seconds after you pressed the button for the ground floor, someone rushed onto the elevator, turning around once he was safely inside. The doors slid shut, and you were met with the reflections of yourself and Jihoon in the clean doors.

“I made it,” he said aloud after a moment, teaching up to loosen his tie slightly. He looked at you after a moment, a confident smile on his face. “I thought I’d miss you.”

You blinked at him, brows drawing together. “Huh?”

“I saw you leave,” he said. “I got caught up talking to the interns, but I had hoped the elevator was slow.”

Something about the way he was looking at you with a sense of tenderness in his eyes was enough to make your heart skip a beat. Now you felt silly: Jihoon didn’t look at other people like this. You looked forward again, not hiding your smile as you stepped a little closer to him. 

“Then I guess it’s good that it was.” 

Jihoon’s hand brushed against your own, and you took initiative to take it. “Are you heading home for the holidays?”

“I don’t think so. Are you?”

He nodded. “I’m heading back to Busan,” he said. “My family wanted to see me, and since we have the time off…”

The elevator slowed to a stop, and the doors slid open. The two of you stepped off together, Jihoon’s hand warm in your own. You ran your thumb across the back of his hand, “That sounds fun.”

“You could come with me, you know.” 

“Oh, really?”

He chuckled. “Really. If you don’t want to be alone… Then you can come with me.” He swung your arms a little, smiling. “My family won’t mind.”

As your friend or as your partner? One of those felt a little soon. Then again, you’d already met his family before. His parents came into the city a few weeks ago, and you happened to run into them as he was parting ways with them after a lunch out with them. Jihoon had waved you over and introduced you as a close friend then with this cute smile on his face that honestly reminded you of the one he’s had since the moment he ran onto the elevator and—

Oh my god. Jihoon wasn’t even hiding it. You stopped dead in your tracks, and Jihoon turned to look at you.

“Is something wrong?”

“I’m an idiot.”

Jihoon could only stare at you at first, clearly confused by your confession. “No, you aren’t—”

“No,” you squeezed his hand. “I like you, too.” 

Jihoon relaxed, chuckling to himself. “I know.”

“You knew?!”

“Why do you think I kept asking you out?” 

Holy fuck. How were you so oblivious? Maybe it was because you were too caught up in thinking about your own feelings that you never stopped to consider his. “Jihoon…”

He stepped closer to you, pressing a kiss against your cheek. “There’s a cafe with hot chocolate not far from here,” he said. “I’ll buy you a cup. It’s better than the cheap stuff that Hyunsuk bought.”

You smiled to yourself, averting your gaze. “Okay,” you said softly. “But I’m buying next time.”

Jihoon guided you toward the front doors of the building, his hand securely holding yours. “I’ll hold you to it.”

taglist: @twancingyunhao

[falconcoast]

warm hands and heart | diluc x reader

day five. fireplace ft. diluc

event masterlist

the manor’s heating system is broken, it’s too cold and late to get it fixed today, and there’s a movie on the TV: the perfect situation for cuddles with your ever-so busy boyfriend. 

a/n: i bet you’re gonna be like, grace if you’re, like, gonna be late when posting your prompts everyday, you should probs move the schedule and my answer to that is no <3 sorry for the short drabble!! i had debate, church, and math final review all in one day D: happy simbang gabi!

tags: tooth-rotting fluff

wintertime in mondstadt often sent the heating system in the manor into overdrive. because of its proximity to the mountains, it was always extra chilly. you should have known that it would have broken down from overuse, but you lamented anyway.

with the snow building up, icy roads, and nighttime falling, you decided that the only solution would be to light the fireplace up. bundled up under layers of blankets, you were sprawled out on the ground. the tv was quietly playing some obscure holiday movie that you were hardly paying attention to.

“i think your skin will get burnt if you lay so close to the fire like that,” a voice announced, muffled under layers of cloth.

“hi, diluc,” you mumbled, peeking your head out from your cocoon. “did you finish up your work?”

“that i did,” he smiled, walking over to you. “i was so busy that i didn’t notice that the heating was broken. i suppose that we’ll have to figure that out tomorrow, but the fireplace will suffice today.”

as he sat by you, you raised an eyebrow. “well, considering you have no more work, and considering that i am so very comfy under these blankets,” you began, taking his hand. “i think you should come cuddle with me.”

he blushed, withdrawing his hand to cover his mouth in surprise. “that is…quite forward,” he replied, trying to hide himself in the locks of his hair.

“hehe, you’re adorable when you get flustered over small things. you can act all big and tough, but i know you’re a big softie. that’s so cute of you!” you exclaimed. dragging him to the floor, you tackled him with blankets. “and that means that we should cuddle. c’mon, there’s a movie playing and you’ve worked hard. please?”

you glossened your eyes, pouting at him. sighing, he wrapped the blanket over both of your heads. “i suppose that it would be a good way to relax,” he conceded, much to your delight. you wrapped your arms around him tightly, kissing his cheek.

“thank you!” you grinned, leaning your head on his shoulder. he reciprocated the action, wrapping an arm around his waist.

as the warmth of the fireplace warmed you up, a different, internal warmth swelled in diluc’s chest. “of course,” he breathed out, looking at you with adoration before kissing him on the forehead.

[lichtecht]

PART 24

of the dfk audiobook translation

@cnka

Kids all cheering „Uli! Uli! Uli!“

Narrator (audiobook): He’s made it.

Kids clapping and cheering

Matze, yelling: „Uli, you showed everybody!!“ Uli: „I did it!!“

Applause from the kids. The Externs look at each other.

Uli: „Yes!!“

Even Robert claps impressedly. He moves to leave.

Uli: „The wall is mine!“

Narrator (audiobook): Jo confidently walks up to Ruda.

Jo: „Kirchberg is just ours now. Or so I’ve heard.“ Ruda: „What?! Forget it.“ Jo: „Hä, hello, he's up there, or isn’t he.“ Sebi: (scoffs) „But he was secured, it doesn’t even count then!“

The Internals and Externs start arguing.

Narrator (audiobook): And again a fight has broken out between the Internals and Externs. Not a physical one this time, but the kids are yelling so loudly that Uli catches everything from above. He carefully steps forward to get a picture of the situation. But then… he steps on an unstable roof tile and falls down head first.

A gasp.

A crush as the roof tile breaks on the ground.

Narrator (audiobook): The tile falls off the roof, in front of the feet of the arguing pack, who immediately look up.

Screams and gasps. Someone, it might be Matze, yells: „Uli!“

Narrator (audiobook): He hangs helplessly on his rope. But the knot loosens and Uli is in free fall. His small body crashes onto the concrete.

Narrator (audiobook): Matze rushes to his friend.

Matze, weepily: „No, Uli, are you okay?“ Nichtraucher, yelling: „No touching!!“ (tone lowered, but still tense) „No touching.“

Narrator (audiobook): Robert is immediately on hand too.

Nichtraucher: „Uli? Can you hear me?“

muffled sounds of talking in the distance - this is kind of from Ulis PoV. ("We fucked up!" "That wasn't our fault!" "It is, we cheered him on!")

Narrator (audiobook): Uli is unconscious - he’s bleeding from his mouth and nose.

Nichtraucher, muffled: „We need an ambulance, quick.“

Loud gasp/sob from Uli when he catches conciousness for a brief moment before drifting off again

SCENE CHANGE

Narrator (audiobook): Shortly after, Martina, Jo and Matze are sitting in the hospital waiting for news about their friend. Herr Bökh joins.

Bökh: „Kids! There you are. How could that happen?“ Matze: „He planned it all so well!“ Martina: „He simply slipped.“

Bökh: „But why did he even climb up there?“ Jo: „He wanted to conquer Kirchberg.“ Bökh: „Pardon?“ Jo: „The legend says that the town will belong to the one who makes it onto the city wall.“ Bökh: „Somebody just made that up! That’s complete nonsense.“ Jo and Matze, incredulous: „What??“

Narrator (audiobook): Justus Bökh sees Robert coming out of the Intensive Care Unit.

Bökh, quietly: „What are you doing here?“ Nichtraucher: „I happened to be there.“ Bökh: „Yes, and? How- how is he?“ Nichtraucher: „He’s broken his leg and has a few contusions. He‘ll have to spend the holidays here, but it’s nothing that will last.“

The kids sigh in relief. Martina squeezes Jo's hand.

Bökh: „Thank God.“ Nichtraucher, to the kids: „Come on! You can see him.“

Narrator (audiobook): Our friends don’t need to be told twice. They run off.

Justus lets out a tense sigh.

Narrator (audiobook): Robert talks to Justus.

Nichtraucher: „It should never have come to this.“

Bökh: „How dare you accuse me like that?“ Bökh: „You’ll go back to your old wagon now, put your feet up, while day for day i fight to give these children a home and keep them from nonsense like exactly that.“

Bökh: (breathes in shakily) „I need to inform the parents now.“

Narrator (audiobook): Justus turns around and leaves. Unfortunately he doesn’t hear what Robert has to reply.

Nichtraucher: „…That’s not what I meant.“

SCENE CHANGE

Narrator (audiobook): Thank God Uli is lively again. He’s happy about his sick visit.

Uli: „This time I showed everyone, didn’t I?“ Martina: „That you’re brave? You could definitely say that." Matze: „And totally stupid! You can completely forget Sylt now.“ Uli: „But now Kirchberg is just mine! Cool!“ Jo: „…That was just a joke. A few people made it up back then.“ Uli: „Aw, man. :(“

[brightsun-and-darkmidnight]

The Angel and The Unholy

Thank you for beta reading @earthlyangelbby I appreciate it a lot! (All mistakes are still my own)

Chapter 4. Warnings/Triggers: Drug use. (Anything else let me know.)

Chapter Summary: Victoria is hell bent on waiting for the perfect time to be with Edward Munson. Fate is done waiting.

----

Victoria watched as Eddie and Nate exchanged money for the product. Looking like a handshake, but she knew better and saw the pre rolled joints in a baggie. Nate smiled at her as he put the bag in his jacket pocket, stopping to ask her if she was coming.

Victoria forced a smile, “I want to get my sister home. Send her out, please?”

“You coming back? It is about to get interesting.”

Nate looked her up and down. Making her skin prickle and she did her best to fight the annoyance. 

“I will see if I can manage. My sister had plenty to drink.”

Nate disappeared into the building, announced something, and a few cheers were heard…

She turned towards Eddie, “you staying?”

He laughed, “I’m just the supplier. They don’t like me past that. Uhh.. Are you staying?”

“No. I am waiting for my sister to get out here.”

“Do you plan on coming back?”

“No. I will be my sister’s babysitter.”

It began raining slowly, and she took the amazing excuse to make sure Eddie left too.

She smiled a little with the question. “Can I use that rain check on the ride home?”

Eddie’s smile grew, eyes lighting up. “Absolutely. Uh-Do you want to go get your sister?”

Victoria looked at the building… “Was it weed you just sold to Nathan?”

His smile disappeared immediately.

Victoria observed his face filled with worry, “I’m only asking so I know if Natalia will be relaxed or not.”

“With who your father is, your sister, smokes weed?”

Victoria shrugged, “My dad is a lawyer, not a cop.”

“Will this be a while?”

“No. She is usually quick with what she does.-”

Victoria looked towards the building. A few loud yells could be heard then they heard Natalia’s panicked voice.

Victoria looked at Eddie, “Just leave.”

Eddie grabbed her arm, “You don’t know what is going on in there.”

“That’s why you are leaving.” Victoria got out of his hold and ran into the packed room. Everyone was interested in whatever was at the center of the room.

Looking over shoulders, she noticed a few people trying to get Natalia to touch the ouija board as she verbally and physically resisted. Victoria pushed through, forcefully shoving some aside. She held the wrist of one who held Natalia’s hand towards the board. 

Victoria warned with a low tone. “She said. Let. Go.”

Surprise was on the girl’s face. Her blonde hair peeking out of the red wig, the little devil horns askew on her head. Then a brave challenge as she snickered. “Little witch needs to participate in her holiday.”

“It is a costume. Now, let go.”

Someone shouted, “Munson is here!”

Victoria glanced towards him. Internally damning her luck and easy plan to leave. 

Someone else..“The witch, the Satan worshiper, and the Devil should use the board!”

Another person… “It is a complete group!”

Laughter from all around telling Victoria this was not going to end well but no matter what, Natalia and Eddie were not touching that board.

Victoria dug her nail into a pressure point that made the devil girl let go with a hiss. Victoria pushed her away from Natalia and the one on the other side, an angel, who let go before being touched.

Natalia muttered, “I could have handled it, Victoria.”

“Lets go-” Victoria moved away from the center but quickly turned as Eddie moved past her.

Eddie stepped between them, “Hey, uh. Can you stop, Rachel?” His hand was stopping Rachel from grabbing Victoria.

Rachel pushed on his chest causing him to knock into Victoria. He turned, making sure Victoria was fine, holding onto her arm for a moment as she shifted to stand beside him. His arm slightly in front of her body.

Victoria kept an eye on Natalia, not bringing attention to her. She walked around, getting into Nates pocket as he walked by. 

Nate stepped forward. “You are used to Satanic shit, so play with your board. I’m sure you will be the best at getting answers.”

Rachel giggled, “Satanic involvement? Sounds like I could get a holiday celebration with the freak. He can worship me.”

Victoria moved Eddie’s arm away from her. She glared at Rachel from beside Eddie.

Out of the view she knew Natalia was already walking out the door.

Victoria turned towards Eddie, hand on his chest to push him away from the situation. “Let’s go. No one needs to touch that thing.”

Rachel demanded, “are you talking about me?”

Victoria did not respond but pulled Eddie by his jacket. She paused for a moment as they walked outside. It was raining harder than before. Natalia was nowhere to be seen, until she looked out the passenger window.

Eddie muttered, “I thought I locked it.”

Victoria asked again, “Can you take us home?”

He nodded. “Yeah…” 

Eddie started to shrug off his jacket but Victoria did not need the chivrally right now. She needed to get him away from here. So she tugged on his jacket, effectively stopping him from shrugging it off and dragging him to the van. He held the passenger door open for her, she muttered a thanks and quickly got in. She watched as Eddie ran around to the driver’s door. 

She noticed Nate and a few others watching from the door.

Natalia stated, “a gentleman. Who wants to fuck you to oblivion.” Then she chuckled to herself, as she made herself comfortable in the big space of the back. Lighting one of the joints with a flicker from her finger. 

Victoria scolded, “Natalia!”

She asked Eddie as he started the van, “Do you mind if I smoke this in here?”

Eddie looked over his shoulder, “Nah.” He did a double take before speeding away from the building, “how many did you buy?”

Natalia chuckled, waving her fingers, “a special discount.”

There was a crease on his forehead from how much confusion on his face. “You stole them?”

Natalia snorted, “I don’t know what you are talking about. -Vic, Try this.”

“Not right now.”

A cloud of smoke surrounded Victoria’s head a moment later. She coughed, then cracked the window. “Stop blowing it at me.”

“Just try it. It is good.” Natalia shoved her thumb into Eddie’s shoulder. “This guy is now my supplier. By the way, how much does this cost?”

Eddie could only respond with, “Uhh…”

Victoria looked at her father standing on the porch. Staring at the van, no doubt the smoke exiting the cracked window. 

Natalia grinned, “See you around, my new supplier.” Natalia got out with a laugh and began walking towards the house. Smoking dramatically with twirls, and blowing into the air above her as she walked.

Franklin stopped Natalia from entering, “That shit stays out of the house. Clothes immediately in the wash. -Stay out of the green house!”

Victoria sighed, “You don’t need to worry about my dad. He is strict with Natalia because she would smoke everywhere. My dad also hates the smell. With a newborn and customers visiting our house would not work really well…”

“Probably not.. You are sure I don’t need to worry?”

Victoria looked at her father, “you don’t. Thank you for the ride. Be careful on the way home.”

She got out of the van and walked to the house, hearing Eddie’s van leaving. She spoke once close to her father. “It’s a nice opportunity for a restaurant. Needs a lot of work to clean it up first. However, we might need Andy to make a few adjustments to better suit mother’s cooking style. It was a simple burger and fries set up.”

Frank asked, “how did that happen?”

Victoria knew what he actually wanted to talk about. “Those at the party had an ouija board. Tried to force Natalia to touch it, then Edward because he followed me in to get her. To get all of us away from the board I asked Edward to take us home. Natalia stole the drugs off of them.”

Frank sighed heavily. “Clothes in the wash and go shower.”

The next day by lunch, everyone was staring at Victoria, talking about her. Some even asked her about the “altercation” with varying amounts of interest and disbelief of her being involved with Eddie The Freak Munson. The only thing that she could do was tell the truth and change the subject. Everyone told her to stay away from the freak, and told her rumors, and brought up his “satanic” club.

Victoria was well rehearsed by the time Robin confronted her. 

“Dungeons and Dragons, is a board game. I mean the real board linked to Satanic rituals is an Ouija board. That was at the party and everyone there was trying to force my sister to use it. I wanted to get my sister out of there and they were using force to hold her against her will.”

“All I am saying is that it is not hard to believe that you two are dating. -I believe that you are not. But, but-! All that staring you did before is like, this big sign. For me at least. I have caught him staring at you too. Like.. Maybe it isn’t a bad thing.” Victoria scrunched her face. “Not a bad thing?”

Robbin scrunched her face back in mocking. “Yeah. I mean if you like him. The staring -All. The. Time. Buuuut- I know Steve thinks you are cute.”

“I am not interested in Steve. He is nice but,”

“He is a dingus.” Victoria giggled, “yeah. He is a dingus.”

Robin shrugged, “I am saying that the outside view looks like you and Eddie are a thing. You turn down every advancement from others, including dingus. However, you not only leave the party with him, but drag him out with you. If you haven’t noticed, this is a small town with not a lot of interesting things but stories people like to make up. Eddie is…odd, but the kiddies speak very highly of him.”

“Max does not.”

“She lives by him, he plays music loud, with the occasional police involvement. -But Dustin and Mike and Lucas do like Eddie. Eddie took them in like lost puppies. Dustin adores Eddie. So there must be something good about him.”

“What are you trying to say?”

Robin shrugged, stuttering. “I am just saying that it is worth talking about-you and Eddie. You turn down everyone but are different for him? I noticed, okay. That is all I’m saying.”

Victoria rolled her eyes, “thank you for stating I’m deserving all of the gossip.”

Robin’s mouth opened to protest, then she closed her mouth. “That’s not what I was saying but in a roundabout way I guess was-but I’m trying to say that people are going to talk now regardless of what is actually going on.”

Victoria inhaled a deep breath and held it for a moment. “Thanks for the… talk.”

Robin deflated, “I intended for it to be better.”

The bell rang and next was biology class. 

She sighed looking around the lunch room as people began leaving. “I know you meant well. I will talk to you later.”

She was questioned by everyone before class started but as soon as Eddie walked in the door they stopped. He sent a glare in her direction, she swore it was for her.

So when that class was over she hurried to her locker, hoping to be quick enough for no one to bother her. She was exhausted from all the conversations. Her mind was worn down from the gymnastics of trying to defend Eddie while simultaneously trying to keep herself in the lie of accepting everyone.

She felt the twitch of her eye from the frustration.

She did not understand what could happen now. 

Was this a way of the bond pushing her to Edward Munson? Why all of this drama? Why him?

“Victoria… hey.” Eddie quickly got to the pace beside her. “Are you okay?”

She kept walking to her locker. “Are you done glaring at me now?”

He repeated the question softly… Thinking about it when he remembered. “-I was glaring at everyone bothering you. Not at you, I promise. I’ve been hearing all the talk.”

Victoria nodded slowly. Then scoffed a laugh, “there has been a lot of talk about the same thing.”

Eddie leaned against the wall, crossing his arms with the notebook hanging from his hand. “You know… uh.. thanks. For not throwing me under the bus.”

He looked away, around the hall. Victoria glanced quickly and noticed enough people making eye contact. She resumed dealing with the book exchange of her locker.

“You did nothing wrong. You helped me get my sister home. That is the truth. I need to go. Auditions are today for solos for choir.”

Eddie looked at her, pushing off of the wall. “Good luck. I’ll talk to you later.”

The rest of the day she swore everyone talked to her about last night but everyone got the same story. The few she tutored also had to make some opinion to bring it up about Eddie. 

She tried to distance herself from Eddie. 

She tried not to think about him.

She dwelled on why she had to have him as her fated.

She felt cursed for having a fated that knew nothing and how he chose so strongly to go against conformity.

It would be easier if he was not hers.

She could keep her family safe. 

She would be happy if things were easier.

Then she was starting to not accept Edward Munson as her Fated.

She was becoming sick as she rejected her Fated.

She felt the sensation of the pull towards him worsen as the time passed. He must have felt something as well because he seemed to be around more.

She was becoming physically weaker as she willed herself to not engage with him past formalities. The mental struggle of wanting to be nicer to him and to distance herself was wearing her down and making her sick. Everyone had their opinions of how involved they were, it would be easy to fall into a relationship right now because everyone believed it. On the other hand, Victoria did not believe it was the best time. She had much more to do in order to change the views on Eddie “the freak” Munson. 

She wanted to make things easier for her family. If it was easy for her family, she could relax.

Not only was there the internal struggles within her own mind. Her family was trying to push her to at least be friendly with him.

Her family was positive he HAD to be one of the rare circumstances where he honestly had no clue about anything. That he really did not realize what he was, and how important Victoria should be to him. They wanted her to get the conflict over with Munson, talk to him, because the way things were going now, it was damaging their bond. 

It could possibly be killing her because she fought the bond.

Her skin would turn cold when near him. She no longer wanted to touch him, it was like a need. A lifeline. She remembered how it felt when they touched briefly, the pleasant warm sensation that would dance where there was contact between the two. She wanted to wrap herself around him when their hands would softly brush against the other as they shared a book for tutoring.

She still refused to be with him… There had to be a better time for him.

She needed a better time.

Victoria rested her head on the locker, feeling nausea taking over her as her head throbbed from the noisy hallway. The chill from the metal felt amazing against her forehead as the fever made her overheat. She was going to stay here for a moment, let it quiet down and regain herself. If she was late to class maybe she could get an excuse for the nurse. She would go home, eat some homemade chicken noodle soup prepared with good intentions, incantations and moon water. The soup was the only thing she could stomach but it was becoming more difficult to eat anything.

While she waited in the same position, she held the fifth Jasper Crystal of the week in her hand and focused on it, trying to will her illness away and onto the crystal. Feeling it crack in her grasp as her body chilled instantly giving her a warning Eddie was near.

“Are you okay?” That familiar, beautiful, deeply concerned voice beside her. 

He has asked her that a few times over the last week. Many people have but he checked on her more the worse she got. Trying to fight the bond with him near made her worse.

Victoria sighed heavily, defeat weighing down on her fast. She saw herself in the bathroom mirror just a moment ago and she looked terrible. Her voice was hoarse,  “No.”

“You need help getting to the nurse?”

“No. I’ll be fine.” She stood without the support of the locker. She tried to walk away from him. Felt an intense lightheadedness flood her brain, his hands holding onto her, steadying her. 

Damn fated bond was literally throwing her at him.

“Jessus Christ! You are burning up.” One arm wrapped around her that she grabbed onto, the other hand touching her forehead, then cheeks.

Victoria sighed pleasantly, “You feel good.”

He grabbed her bag, slinging it on his shoulder. Then sweeping her up as she swayed again. “I’m taking you to the nurse. Then when she releases you, I'll take you home-or to the hospital.”

“No hospital.” Victoria groaned as he walked quickly to the nurse’s office.

“You don’t have insurance?”

“We don’t go to the doctors.”

“Well now you are.” He struggled for a moment but got the door opened. He set her on her feet, but still holding her arms.

The nurse noticed them immediately, asking in a rush, “What is going on?”

Eddie answered, “I think she is sick. Burning up, and was dizzy. She hasn’t been feeling well for a while now.” He helped lay her down on the bed, being careful then stepping out of the way so the nurse could examine her.

“I’m fine.” Nothing could fix her situation unless she would convince Edward to hold her for a while. 

She imagined he would without hesitation.

The nurse told Eddie to leave, he was reluctant but did go outside of the office.

Victoria let the nurse take her temperature and stayed quiet otherwise.

“You have a fever. A high one.. I need to send you home so that you do not pass on this illness. When the fever is gone longer than 24 hours without medication you may return.”

“Okay… I’ll go home.”

“Do you have a way home?”

“Yeah.”

She took the slip from the nurse to the front office to be excused, having the bare necessities in her book bag, then went outside. She stood at the payphone and looked for change, thankful to have just enough for a quick call home. However, no one answered. Her mother did say they were planning to deliver many orders today. She sighed heavily as she took the change and threw it in her bag to deal with later as she turned around. 

Bumping into someone who held onto her arms to steady her. “I will take you home.”

Victoria jumped back with a gasp, “Jessus Christ! What are you doing out here Eddie?! You need to go to class!”

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. -I was planning on skipping the rest of the day anyway.” Victoria furrowed her brows, then closed her eyes in frustration… “Edward Munson, go to biology.. and take notes for me?” She opened her eyes, silently pleading with him.

“I already snuck out of school. I doubt I would get back in easy.” He chuckled a little, his dimples showing for a moment. “Are you walking home?”

Victoria exhaled steadily, looking up at him. His hands are still holding onto her arms “...I don’t know the correct answer.”

“No, is the correct answer.”

Victoria stated, “I’m not walking home. uhh-My dad is actually getting me, the nurse called him.”

Eddie hummed, “okay. I’ll sit with you. Make sure you don’t pass out.”

Victoria could not help how her shoulders slumped when the defeat hit. She is blaming the lack of deception on her illness.

The way his lips turned up slightly let her know he caught her lie. “How long are we going to wait?”

Victoria bit the inside of her lip and pouted as she looked away. “Will you come back?”

“Sorry?”

“If you take me home will you come back to class?”

“I was planning on leaving after checking on you. Taking you home is an additional stop. Which is not a bad thing, I really don’t mind.”

“Where else were you going to go?”

“Just pick up more… supplies. I already have a list of distributions to deal with.”

Victoria felt surprise on her face before understanding. “Oh…” She stepped back and Eddie held his hands out a moment longer than needed.

“I know we didn’t talk much before the town brought you into the spotlight I shine in. It’s not the best lighting compared to what you are used to... I’m sorry..”

Victoria’s face moved on its own as she felt all the negative emotions hit her at once. The rumors apparently spread so vastly in such a short time of a week.. Everyone thought of her in a tainted way, no matter how much she distanced herself from Eddie.

“I.. Jesus. Can we go to my van and talk? You look ready to pass out. I promise that I’ll drive you straight home, and drop you off.”

Victoria looked at his feet, setting her jaw and nodded. “Okay..”

He grabbed her bag and slung it over his shoulder as he helped her across the parking lot during her dizzy spells. Opened her door and made sure she was situated before shutting it. He rushed around to his door. Turned the key and then quickly turned the volume down drastically as Victoria visibly jumped.

He laughed nervously. “Sorry… Kind of only me usually. And I love music, ya know?”

“Black Sabbath is worth listening to loudly. Just not with a headache.”

With a smile he pulled out of the parking lot quickly, jolsting Victoria.

She held onto the door to brace herself. Then her head as she got dizzy. “Slower please? Head hurts.”

He took his foot off the gas, slowing gradually. “Right. Sorry, again.”

It was silent for a few moments. 

“So… uh… I figure that is embarrassing, to hear what Rachel said, us together... Then this whole town is talking about it, and I’m really fucking sorry. I’ve got bullshit from it and I promise I told everyone it’s not true. That we don’t have sex, the truth that we don’t talk outside of school. Anything I have to deal with is probably nothing compared to what you have to deal with, people thinking you are with the freak of the town. Ya know, me with an angel like you.”

Victoria snorted, “angel?”

“I think it fits well, actually-” 

Victoria laughed, laughed harder than she has in a while, making herself go into a violent coughing fit. Her? An angel? She practiced witchcraft. Has inflicted harm to others. Has hunted animals for food that she later enchanted. She would kill for him, she would curse this whole town and inflict pain for all eternity on everyone that has harmed him in any way. Her being an angel was unbearably amusing.

Eddie pulled over immediately, rubbing her back and holding her hand, the soothing touches were enough to focus on to calm herself down.

“You are hilarious.” She smiled at him after a final small cough escaped.

“Hey, I’m being serious.” Both of his hands held hers..

She scoffed but only made him a little more insistent.

“You are the nicest person I know, you help everyone. You made Dustin and Mike free cookies. Fuck, you stood up for me to Nate that one time. You are telling everyone good things about me, and trying to reason with everyone about my club. I don’t know the last person who defended me. -With brutally sharp words too. Showed how smart you are -other than all the scholarly book stuff.”

Victoria simply stated. “Nate made it easy to state he admitted he is dumb. Everyone else needs to stop being close minded.”

She took her hands away as she began to cough. 

She considered for a moment, what if she never defended him as a fated and just as a nice friend. She had a violent shiver as her body felt like it was dumped in an icy lake. 

With her teeth chattering, “can we go?”

Eddie nodded, “I think maybe you should go to the hospital.”

“No hospital. I just need… Some medicine. We have plenty.”

Victoria watched as his knuckles turned white around the steering wheel. She wondered why, but maybe he felt the need to comfort her. Maybe it was just the pull of the bond. It was a common thing between fated that they had instincts and intuition of the other so well that sometimes they did things without a single word spoken.

Once at her house, she offered a kind smile, “thank you for bringing me here.”

His eyes looked at the house, she knew he saw that the lights were off. “I.. Let me walk you in.”

“You don’t have to. Really I’m fine.”

He rose an eyebrow. “I remember you not being able to walk. It looks like no one is home.”

Victoria could not say another word. Eddie already shut off the van, and was walking around to help her out of the car. She felt…happy. Relieved that he was so insistent to care for her. She wanted him to take care of her. She wanted to be wrapped up in him. She clung to his arm because she needed support. She was still trying not to accept him, even as his hands hovered over her as she unlocked the door. 

Roxy was on the couch with a sleeping bell. She looked in confusion… “What is going on?”

Victoria stepped into the house, “I got sent home from being too sick…”

Roxy’s eyes looked at Eddie. “Shouldn’t you be in school still?”

Eddie looked thoughtful for a moment. “I wanted to make sure she got home. She is kind of clumsy right now. I uh.. Didn’t want her walking home.”

Roxy nodded slowly… Looking at Victoria. “How are you feeling?”

Victoria bit her tongue for a moment as she put a hand on the wall for a moment. “Worse. Fever now.”

Roxy sighed steadily from her nose. Thoughts running through her eyes. 

“Eddie… Can you stay for a moment? I am going to go put Bell in her crib and heat up some soup for her. I can get you a bowl for your trouble.”

Victoria rolled her eyes just before closing them as she had a stabbing pain through her brain.

Eddie looked at her, “if that is okay.. I can’t stay too long.”

Roxy stood Bell in her arms, “sit with her for a moment. I will be back.”

Eddie gently grabbed Victoria’s arm, helping her over. He sat close enough once they were seated. He looked around, “It’s nice in here..”

Victoria nodded, grabbing a blanket off the couch. “We keep the downstairs nice because it is often visited by people buying some stuff. There is still a bedroom for staying guests on this floor. The upstairs is our personal area. Just bedrooms and a bathroom but only we go up there.” She looked at Eddie, fighting the bond as she stated. “You can leave. You don't have to stay here.”

“I can stay for a little bit. I want to make sure you are okay.”

Victoria sighed as she put her head back. She felt another strong chill go over her body.

Eddie sucked in air, “you really don’t look good.”

The back of his hand touched her forehead. Then her cheeks. 

Victoria couldn’t help the humm that happened.

Eddie was staring at her when she opened her eyes. “You are burning up.”

“Yeah… Your hands feel nice though.”

He laughed for a brief second. 

The door opened, and Victoria’s father stood there.

Frank asked, “Victoria, are you worse?”

Eddie took his hands away from her quickly. “She has a fever now and is dizzy too. I brought her home. I..uh. wanted to make sure she was okay.”

Frank nodded.. Thinking. “Thank you for that Edward Musnon. I owe you a favor for getting her home safe.”

[lovebvni]

(https://www.tumblr.com/lovebvni/747038166156034048/hi-abyss-thank-you-so-much-for-doing-a-reading)

Hi! This is me again! Gonna be sending you my thoughts on your reading since I feel it's the best way to thank you. Apologies that this is going to be long, I just have a lot to say and your reading resonated deeply with me.

Thank you so much for confirming my gut feeling I'm on the right path. It's taken me nearly 3 years at this point to adopt this mindset I have now, to find something that finally works and clicks with me and feels right. I absolutely will ground myself further into it and stay consistent. I feel that's what I need most right now, the belief and consistency into this energy and mindset I have going, and I'll see the rest unfold along the way.

The song you got for the shufflemancy and your interpretation of it is, not gonna lie, echoing VERY close to a song that's present in the OST of the video game world I'm shifting to. I'm keeping things a little more vague for personal reasons, but you taking this song you got as me "pulling my trigger" in regards to the anger and frustration I have is seriously making me internally go "!!!! just like my friend in that reality". I am so taking this as another indirect sign for me that I'm making the right decision to experience that particular reality. That said, the shufflemancy song itself does resonate with me, especially after looking into the full lyrics. I am someone who tries to keep my anger down and under control as I was never allowed to express it growing up despite always wishing to express it. I do also feel very beholden to the past and I do not want my past experiences to cloud my path going forward. So, this is confirming I need to let myself feel this anger, let it out and express it for once, and move forward.

The winter note is interesting for two reasons. First reason is, winter is my favorite season and I tend to feel most like myself during those months. The winter holidays have always been my favorite and I simply love the energy in December, especially. So the December note is very much sticking out to me. The second is a little more interesting and derived a from a certain feeling I get. Generally I'm open to my exact "entry point" into the main reality I'd like to experience (the video game derived one), but I've mainly been alternating between fall and winter based off vibes and what feels right for me to focus on grounding myself into at the time. Currently I've been focusing on it being fall when I become fully aware of being there despite it not feeling 100% right, but I will also be interpenetrating this as a good suggestion I should go for it being winter instead!

Overall, I'm open to the exact timeframe I'll experience a full shift, and if it happens around December here based on your reading, I'll embrace it. That said, I have a feeling if I put genuine work and thought into my journey, consider the notes and advice you gave me, I can accomplish it much sooner. No matter what, I just have a gut feeling it WILL finally be this year so long as I stick with this mindset I have. My experiences and near full shift have proven to me this is an experience I can have. Also, I will look into chakra cleansing meditation! While I don't personally feel drawn to full on chakra work, certain meditations have served me well before and it would be good to, again, let negative things out and new energy in.

Thank you, Abyss. This means a lot to me. Take care!

OF COURSE OMG!! I LOVE U SO MUCH AND YOUVE COME SO FAR!!! YOURE GONNA REACH THE SHIFT N UR GONNA DO IT!!

PERSIST PERSIST PERSIST!! ITS GONNA HAPPEN!! IM SO EXCITED!!

[cheeyathebard]

Welcome to my Nightmare

Pitch Perfect SpookFest Day 2

A fluffy little Halloween tale!

According to Beca Mitchell, her best friend Chloe (with her soft, red hair... infinitely kind, piercing blue eyes... amazing body... and need to give people hugs and affection all the time), was the one person who brought her the most joy in her life.

After her parents’ divorce, teenaged Beca had decided to not let anyone in again because it was too painful when they inevitably let her down.

Except Chloe never had.

Ever.

And now Beca found herself sucked into the redhead’s perfection; which was so fucking scary, it was nightmarish!

“Here, I brought you a beer. You looked like you could use one when you came through the front door,” Chloe said as she bounced into Beca’s bedroom and dropped onto the bed next to her, handing her a yellow cup. She was dressed in short shorts and a tank top that left very little to the imagination. Not that Beca was looking or anything. Because ogling your incredibly gorgeous best friend would be creepy.

“But...” Beca looked at the cup she’d taken without thinking. “This is your special cup. Don’t YOU want to use it?”

“Meh,” the older woman shrugged, then leaned forward and kissed the brunette’s cheek. “You know I don’t mind sharing my cup with you.” She beamed a smile then and rested her head on Beca’s shoulder. “Now, want to tell me what’s going on?”

The younger woman blinked. “What do you mean?”

“I MEAN,” Chloe said pointedly. “That I know you better than you know yourself... and I know you love Halloween... but you’ve been squirreled away up here alone this evening while the rest of the Bellas have been finishing the decorating of the house. Something is clearly wrong.”

Beca immediately retreated behind her ‘I’m definitely not in love with Chloe’ wall. “Nothing’s wrong, Chlo.” I’m not in the least bit upset that you kissed that stupid guy at that stupid costume party last night, dammit! “I guess I’m just not feeling it so much this year.”

“Halloween is totally your favorite holiday. Why aren’t you feeling it?” The redhead tilted her head then. “Wait... are you missing Jesse?”

“NO!” Beca exclaimed, then cleared her throat sheepishly. “No... well... maybe I miss my friend, Jesse. But I don’t miss him as my boyfriend.”

“Good,” Chloe muttered but then quickly changed the subject as the brunette looked at her in surprise. “I think you should come downstairs and help me finish decorating the Halloween tree.”

Beca snorted. “Only Chloe Beale would feel the need to have a Halloween tree. I should have seen it coming.”

“Hey,” the redhead pouted playfully. “Be nice or I’ll take my cup back.”

“I don’t feel like being nice,” Beca said, descending into a sudden sulkiness that was ridiculously dramatic, even for her.

“Hey,” Chloe said again, this time gently. “I know there’s something wrong, Beca. You can talk to me, you know.”

“Actually...” the younger woman murmured. “I... I can’t talk to you about this. I’m sorry, Chloe.”

Light blue eyes lowered for a long moment, then lifted slowly. “You can tell me anything,” the older woman said. “Even if you might think it’s something I... may not want to hear.”

“Thing is...” Beca said slowly. “I really don’t think it IS something you’d want to hear.” I’m bisexual and in love with you. How’s that for a mic drop, Bestie?!

“God... sometimes you’re so...” Chloe got up off the bed, pacing agitatedly. “ANNOYING!”

“Annoying?” Beca shot back indignantly, hand pressed to her chest.

“YES! ANNOYING!” the redhead reiterated. “You’re sooo closed off sometimes and it drives me crazy!”

The brunette blinked disbelievingly, then waved her hands around like a lunatic. “NOT EVERYONE IS SUNSHINE AND KINDNESS AND GODDAMN PERFECTION ALL THE DAMN TIME, LIKE YOU ARE, CHLOE!!”

“AND MY TRYING TO SPREAD HAPPINESS IS A BAD THING?! REALLY????” Chloe’s fists were perched on her hips and her face was pinched in a scowl. Beca had never seen anything as hot in her life and overwhelming heat moved through her, robbing her of her internal filter.

“YES!” she yelled back, emotions finally snapping.  “IT��S A NIGHTMARE BECAUSE YOU MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO NOT FALL IN LOVE WITH YOU EVERY DAMN DAY!!!” There was sudden silence in the room and the redhead’s hands slowly fell from her hips as her face gentled and a little smile lifted her lips. Beca froze, staring like a deer in headlights as she realized what she’d said. ”Um...” she whispered then. “I’m sorry... I...”

But Chloe was already moving closer and cupping Beca’s face between her palms. “Welcome to MY nightmare,” she grinned, then closed the distance between them to leave a lingering kiss on the brunette’s lips. But one wasn’t enough, and she went back for more, leaning into it as she felt Beca respond with a flick of her tongue. The kiss deepened and, after long moments of gasped breathing and quiet moans, they stood in each other’s arms with their foreheads pressed together and eyes closed for a long span of pounding heartbeats. “So... maybe we can make it a dream come true?” Chloe added then, as she gazed at the younger woman, blue eyes speaking volumes.

“Yeah... I’d... I’d really love that, Chlo,” Beca replied with a tiny nod, totally drowning in the loving regard.

“Me too,” the redhead grinned, wrapping her arms soundly around the smaller woman and rocking them gently. “Happy Halloween, Bec.”

Beca melted into her, dropping little kisses on her neck as she curled her hand around its nape and softly caressed. “Happy Halloween, Chlo.”

[loturazine]

Merch, Merch & More Merch!

It’s been a hot minute since the last update, but boy is there some stuff to cover!  As of today, all merch has been received, as well as the NSFW books!  Everything for the zines is in! 

I am waiting on packaging materials to arrive - and assuming I have measured correctly and everything will fit, packing of boxes (and then the shipping) should be on the horizon very soon.  We’ll update again once we start shipping boxes, too, so you will know when to start looking for emails.

Q. Will we get tracking information? A: Yes - as the packages are packed and shipped, tracking information will be added to the orders, which folks should be notified of via email. Q.  I don’t have tracking info! A:  Don’t worry - there will be a lot of orders. This shipping part is a one-mod operation, so I’ll be doing them in manageable batches.  I might not have gotten to you yet.  We’ll do a final update once everything has been shipped; if you STILL don’t see a shipping notification by that point, check in with us.  Maybe there was a typo on the email address or something.  We’ll get you sorted.

Q. I want to know about leftover merch.  What’s the numbers - will there be any? A: There are some.  For the standees and charms, there are both regular leftovers and some B-grade leftovers.  We’ll do the latter at a discount.  We will also have leftovers of the pins, washi tape, sticker sheets and both books. The B-grades have very, very minimal damage, such as a slight dink in the corner - but we’ll be transparent about what to expect with these once those orders go up.

Q. Will this arrive by Christmas!? A: Tentatively I am aiming to get these boxes into folks hands by the holidays.  Domestically, I think that is doable, short of an unforeseen delay.  International orders - I don’t know, and given that once it hits the post, it’s out of my hands entirely, I wouldn’t want to make promises this close to the holidays on either front.  But - I am hoping, yes.

Q: What carrier will you be using? A: As of now, doing preliminary pricing, we’ve found the best rates via USPS, and will be using that for most, if not all orders.  All orders will include tracking information - this is both for my sanity and your anxiety.

Q: Okay - so.  Got any pics? I wanna see the goods! A: You got it - here’s some images from my holiday packaging bonanza - enjoy!

So!  I definitely have my work cut out for me getting everything wrapped up - and then once he shipping boxes arrive we should be ready to move forward.  Updates will follow!  

Thank you to everyone who has been so kind and patient as we pulled this large project together - and big thank you to the generous artists and authors who have donated their labor and love to make this possible!

-Mod Crystal

[taurussoulastrology]

Mercury Retrograde & Internal Balance

From 12/13 thru 1/1 is the actual retrograde period. This is a hybrid retrograde, being that it travels thru 2 signs during its shadow period and its actual retrogradation. 11/25-1/20 Sagittarius and Capricorn.

Take this Mercury retrograde as a gift. Do not fear it or despise it. This is how we should look at any retrograde planet, but this one in particular because this happens during the holidays, where we tend to hibernate a bit, and the calendar new year, where most people do their resolutions anyhow!

Remember, retrograde is about 'RE'! REview REmember REnew REspond REact REquire REly REcover REcuperate REalize REstrengthen REstrict REthink REevaluate REstructure REprogram

Look to the houses this hybrid retrograde is happening in to review anything that needs rethinking over the past 3 months.

Introspection is the perfect word for this particular Mercury retrogradation. By definition, introspection is the examination or observation of one's own mental and emotional processes.

With Mercury ruling our thought process and communications and the retrograde period that wants us to reflect, there's truly no better word! Looking back and reviewing this past year is a productive and proactive way to work with the energy of the universe rather than let it become just another door that stays locked and closed. Facing these thoughts and letting yourself go through & process all the feelings is healthy. It may be uncomfortable, but that's life. Life is uncomfortable and messy. Facing what you've been avoiding internally will only help you move forward, no matter how uncomfortable and messy it will be!

Besides the darkness, there is also light inside of you to reflect on and bring to the surface. Reflect on the good equally as much as the bad. To be able to integrate your dark and light is ABSOLUTELY a necessary part of moving forward! I know it's not easy to do. I know reviewing, reflecting, and bringing your dark into your light is difficult and feels scary af, but I also know from experience how necessary it absolutely is! Being a 12h Pluto rising, I was born with a darkness inside of me that practically had taken me over for a huge part of my life! I was too afraid to let my uniqueness come thru because I didn't want to be different from everyone else. Hiding who I truly was. It took extreme trauma before I got to the place I am now. So it is VERY possible for you to face it, transmute it, integrate it, and transform!

Use this energy from this Mercury retrograde and integrate your dark and light. Bring back the balance within through introspection.

Review, revise, reflect, reconsider, rethink, renew, rewrite, and you will be rewarded.

Imagine starting off 2024 as your true self... Contemplate which of your goals (Capricorn) has been achieved versus the ones that didn’t work out and why. Reflect on the growth (Sagittarius) that you’ve had and give yourself the space to integrate it all. With the energy of Sagittarius brings, the optimism and forging a new life path, in combination with the responsibility and structure that Capricorn brings in, it is a true opportunity that should not be wasted.

That's what this Mercury retrograde is all about. Introspection and opportunity. Don't waste it. Don't look at it like a burden. Use it to your advantage. Shine and flourish from it!

#Mercury #Retrograde #Introspection #Shadowwork #Astrology #AstrologyPost #AstrologyCommunity

[elizevanniekerk]

Why We Celebrate Women's Day: A Tribute to Resilience and Revolution

Throughout history, women have been pillars of strength, resilience, and innovation, though their achievements and struggles have often been overlooked or underrepresented. International Women's Day is not just a celebration of women, but an acknowledgment of their profound impact on society and a call to action for gender parity.

The Historical Roots

International Women's Day traces its origins back to the early 20th century. On February 28, 1909, the first National Woman's Day was observed in the United States, organized by the Socialist Party of America. This marked the beginning of a global recognition of the challenges women faced and the rights they deserved.

In 1910, Clara Zetkin, the leader of the 'Women's Office' for Germany's Social Democratic Party, proposed an idea: a celebration every year in every country on the same day as a form of international solidarity in the struggle for equal rights. The very first International Women's Day was thus celebrated on March 19, 1911.

More Than Just a Day

The celebration of Women's Day isn't about offering women a single day of acknowledgment. Instead, it's a powerful reminder that every day, women are battling stereotypes, breaking barriers, and making strides in every field imaginable. From science and technology to arts and humanities, women continue to shatter glass ceilings.

Achievements and Challenges

While Women's Day is an opportunity to celebrate the numerous achievements of women globally, it is also a day to highlight the ongoing challenges women face. Gender disparity, wage gaps, limited access to education, health issues, and violence against women are just a few of the many challenges women face daily. The day reminds us of the importance of continuous advocacy for women's rights and gender equality.

A Universal Celebration

Today, International Women's Day is celebrated in various forms across the world. It's an official holiday in several countries where women receive gifts, and celebrations are held in their honor. Meanwhile, in other nations, the focus is on protest and political action.

Moving Forward

While we have come a long way since the first Women's Day was celebrated, there's still a considerable journey ahead. The day serves as an urgent reminder of the work that remains. Gender equality benefits us all, leading to more inclusive economies, societies, and holistic growth.

In celebrating Women's Day, we don't just recognize the struggles and accomplishments of women in the past but also spotlight the pioneers, innovators, mothers, daughters, thinkers, movers, and leaders of today. By doing so, we hope to inspire and empower the next generation to push the boundaries even further.

In the end, every day should be a day where we acknowledge, uplift, and stand in solidarity with women everywhere. International Women's Day is a clarion call to action, ensuring that the flames of change continue to burn bright.

[mariacallous]

After a year of war, audiences around the world are used to seeing news from Ukraine nearly every day. They have seen the horrors of the conflict, and the surprising resilience and success of the Ukrainian resistance. But sometimes the view of the actual people and society beneath the military conflict is lost. Ukraine is more than just a place where a war is happening. The country moves forward and faces corruption, emigration and economic issues, and questions of pay and gender-based rights, just like anywhere else.

I cover all these things as a reporter based in Kyiv. One change I’ve noticed over the past year is that people’s desire for justice at home has not diminished. If anything, it has got stronger – and rightly so, since most citizens are risking their lives to fight the genocidal threat posed by Russia. People have such a personal stake in Ukraine’s future, they are more sensitive than ever about what kind of country we are becoming, and how things should be after the war.

Two recent events illustrate this shift. The first was the reaction to videos of wartime parties in Kyiv, made by young Instagram influencers, that allegedly showed women being raped while intoxicated. When the Ukrainian TV presenter Yaroslava Kravchenko drew attention to the videos on her own Instagram page, there was immediate outrage – not just at the incident itself, but at the fact that people could behave this way in wartime.

Ukraine’s authorities haven’t always taken gender-based violence as seriously as they should, but the outrage prompted the authorities to make swift arrests. President Zelenskiy thanked the police in one of his nightly televised addresses. “When society cares and is united, we can do a lot together,” Kravchenko posted on Instagram.

The second incident, which is better known internationally, was the exposé by an investigative journalist of corruption at the ministry of defence, which was found to have bought food for the military at almost three times market prices. Corruption scandals are nothing new in Ukraine, but as with the Instagram videos, this one prompted similar widespread outrage and demands for action.

At the same time, there are more obstacles to justice than ever – not only because of the external threat from Russia, but because the war has thrown up internal barriers and tensions between the Ukrainian authorities and the people they are supposed to represent.

While Ukrainians place their highest degree of trust in the army, the Ukrainian government is not always applauded for its actions. The government has used the state of emergency to push through reforms that had previously been subject to intense public scrutiny and opposition. This includes the temporary removal of collective bargaining agreements over issues such as pay and holidays for employees of small and medium-sized companies, and a law on urban planning that gives almost unlimited rights to property developers, with little public oversight.

In 2019, when the same government tried to pass a bill that would have stripped workers of many of their basic rights, trade unions opposed it with mass protests. This bill is back too, but trade unions will have a harder time fighting it this time around because protests are now banned under martial law.

People are willing to tolerate some unpopular measures – for instance, an increase in criminal penalties for soldiers who disobey orders, and a cut to some military benefits – since there is a general understanding among Ukrainians that internal conflict might benefit Russia. But holding the government to account and demanding better, even during tough times, is a Ukrainian tradition.

Despite the ban on protests and public gatherings, some citizens have been working to draw attention to injustices that might otherwise be overlooked amid the war. One of the most prominent is the campaign by the families of prisoners of war, who feel they are not being listened to by the authorities. Information about the fate of Ukrainian PoWs is tightly controlled and families are told not to draw attention to their loved ones in case it increases their value in prisoner exchange negotiations with Russia.

Many families believe this is an excuse for inaction: “If we remain silent, they will leave our Ukrainian prisoners there,” I was told by Angelika Kalashnikova, the sister of a captured soldier from the 93rd brigade, when I reported on the issue last year. The families of PoWs have found each other through social media, and organise rallies to put pressure on the authorities.

Last year also saw a successful strike by miners in western Ukraine, protesting over the government’s decision to reappoint managers who had previously been accused of corruption and dismissed. And just like in the UK, healthcare workers have been campaigning against austerity measures in hospitals after market-driven reforms led to closures and redundancies last year. There may well be more protests if wider proposals to cut the salaries and numbers of state employees go ahead.

The way that Ukrainians fight for a better country during wartime, even with limited options for influencing decision-making, gives hope for its future. People have tried to preserve their right to protest. Notably, a petition for the legalisation of same-sex marriage gathered more than 28,000 signatures last summer – the threshold beyond which the president must formally consider a proposal.

As Ukraine continues to be argued over in international capitals, such initiatives are a reminder that ordinary Ukrainians – and not just their leaders – should have a right to decide their country’s future. Journalists are a part of that fight, too. Despite the war, I and my colleagues have continued to report on grassroots activism and investigate corruption. Our independence must be guaranteed.

Fighting for change in Ukraine during wartime doesn’t undermine its integrity, and shouldn’t be used as a tool to argue against Ukraine’s independence. It is a basic right in an independent country, which people have put their lives on the line for.

[machinesandman]

For many the Holiday Season could be a source of enjoyment. And yet for many others? It was almost bitter sweet. Decoration and snow, sounds of music or others laughter, couldn’t chase away a chill that was soul deep.

Shaska sat atop a high building, her internal lights flicked off to stay hidden among the shadows and out of sight. Gazing about at the city below, the people moving about, laughter, clebration, and every gleaming glow from the seasonal displays and decorations scattered about shops and peoples personal homes or apartments. Yeah, sure, it looked nice. And the joy people had was a reassurance that doing what she did, what ALL of them did, was worth it... But it didn’t bring her any joy. Just at least an ounce of reassurance.

The woman had been throwing herself more into her work lately, especially in the lab. Being far more cautious and under the radar with her cryptid nights. So bad in fact that the only reason she was out here at all was because Elec and Cut Man had fucking insisted. So now there Shaska sat, helmet off and set next too herself, hair blowing in the cold wind as the dropping tempts nipped at her ears and cheeks.

“Ironic.” She muttered, propping one arm up on her bent leg that had hooked onto the building’s edge. Watching those below. Doing what she’d planned to do, earlier in the year. Give gifts, exchange them. Well thought out and personalized ones. A few she had already made! But now... Her mood had been so soured and low, with events one after another piling up. and then the nail that had really put her into this mode- the falling out. That’s what it felt like anyway. And hadn’t really told anyone about it either, keeping it quiet and internalized as it should be. Avoiding any Reploids mostly at least. Those she knew well enough.

Had to avoid X, he was involved indirectly, because Zero. And her and X were already close- god, when that truth later got out... And Axl too, that’d be worse. There just hadn’t even been a good time to talk about anything- too little too late now. So much for those gifts she made, left to gather dust in a corner of her lab.

“... Would be useful for upgrade parts.” The tired voice muttered, eyes squinting through falling snow. It wouldn’t be fun to use those for upgrades on herself, what so ever. Constantly using those or seeing them as a damn reminder. Maybe better to toss em. Not like they’d be used anyway. Better to be the quiet cryptid like the early days and not risk being too close. At least that way, it’d keep other people out of danger more easily, and keep herself from being too attached. The Robot Masters however- that was different, she couldn’t detach there. Better to have the upset you know, than the one you don’t, however that saying goes.

An irritated sigh escaped her then with a rough hand running through wild bangs, further messing them up. “I’m such an idiot, doing this to my self. God I’m stupid sometimes.” Not much to do for it now than fly about in quiet with muted lights. The helmet shoved back on her head, and taking flight once the seal had been formed. To silently patrol, and take in the world around her. Still turning, still breathing. Alive and moving forward.

[ericsonclan]

A Christmas Comfort Film

Summary: Brody starts getting overwhelmed by the holiday season so Mitch helps her try to calm down with her favorite Christmas movie.

Word Count: 1312

Read on AO3

Everything was stressing her out. No matter how much Brody took deep breaths and went over the steps to calm down, her anxiety wouldn’t leave her alone. She began to pace back and forth in the apartment as she made a mental checklist of everything that had to be done in the next few weeks. It was not the happiest time of year for her currently. In fact, Christmas always had a tendency to stress Brody out. She loved the holiday a lot and each year it was always a ton of fun but there was just so much to do. The sheer amount of items to do on her list only seemed to grow with each year. She blamed all the hyper extroverts she had been befriending lately over the last few years. Her feet whacked against the floor as she ran her fingers through her hair. The speed of her movement made Oreo and TNT’s eyes widen. Both kittens wiggled their butts, back and forth ready to pounce on the moving target. Brody was completely unaware of their mischievous intent until she felt TNT’s sharp claws in her foot.

“Ow! Fuck! TNT!” Brody yelled and watched as the kitten’s eyes widened, ear tucked down and back arched before scampering off. Oreo looked over at his brother then up at Brody, a pathetic-sounding meow leaving his lips.

“Fine, you can stay but you’re on thin ice, buddy.” She pointed her finger at the striped kitten but Oreo wasn’t fazed at all as he headbutted against her leg.

“What’s got you in a mood, Brodes?” Mitch strolled over with his usual teasing smile until he spotted his girlfriend’s expression. “Shit, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing!” Brody internally winced at the volume of her voice but she couldn’t seem to rein it in. “It’s just that everything is getting so fucking busy and everyone wants to do everything with me! Ruby keeps texting about what day we should make Christmas cookies, Louis wants to go Christmas caroling on Saturday but I already promised Sophie and Renata that I’d help them go shopping for White Elephant gifts for the Christmas work party and-” Brody was cut off her verbal spiral when her phone dinged with a text. Her shoulders instantly tensed and her breathing became uneven.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck.”

“Hey, it’s gonna be okay. You don’t have to answer that right away. People can wait.”

“It’s Ruby.”

“Okay, Ruby can fucking wait. Right now we’re gonna forget about all of them and focus on you. What do you want to do?”

Brody stopped her pacing when she heard her boyfriend’s question. She thought for a few seconds before her lips parted.

“I wanna watch a Christmas movie.” “Okay, then that’s what we’re gonna do,” Mitch walked over to the couch and worked to get the side pillows propped up. After that was done he disappeared into a different room for a minute. “Do you want your weighted blanket or the snowflake blanket?”

“The snowflake,” Brody sat down on the couch and worked to take a few deep breaths. She kept glancing over at her phone that was on the kitchen table, wondering if she should send a quick text. Before she could decide though Mitch had returned and worked to wrap the seasonal blue and white blanket around her. He leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her forehead then got to work getting the movie set up.

She didn’t even have to say which movie she wanted; Mitch knew. A few seconds passed before Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas music started to play over the menu screen. Mitch grabbed the DVD remote and made his way back to the couch where Brody was laying down. As soon as he sat down Brody scooted closer and cuddled up next to him. His arms soon wrapped around her, slowly brushing up and down her arms as he pressed a button and the movie started. The sounds of bells hummed from the TV as the logo of The Cat in the Hat showed up on the screen. The cartoon cat wiggled his eyebrows as the opening song began. The title of the movie appeared in front of a snowflake just as a small meow could be heard. Looking over, Brody spotted Oreo staring up at them with big eyes.

“Want him on your lap or not?”

“He can come up here,”

Mitch awkwardly shifted his weight to be able to pick up the kitten without messing with couch snuggles. Oreo was plopped down onto Brody’s lap and immediately the kitten began to purr loudly until his brother cried out as well. TNT was in the same spot as Oreo once was, waiting for his chance for cuddles.

“What about TNT?”

Brody shook her head. “No, I’m mad at him for attacking my foot.”

“Okay, you heard her, guess you don’t get cuddles for being shitty.”

Mitch’s answer did nothing to deter the young kitten who jumped up, fully believing he’d make it before he tumbled back down.

“Aww, baby. Mitch, help him up.”

“That didn’t take long,” Mitch teased but listened to his girlfriend and got the other kitten up on the couch as well. It took no time at all for the kittens to settle down and soon the couple returned their attention to the film just in time as the opening credits finished.

Animated snowflakes began to drift down from a dark blue background as the camera panned from snow-covered tree to snow-covered tree. The singing of the Whos started while they stood in a circle around a tree to bring it back to Who-ville. Brody started to hum along to the song as the Whos worked on the Christmas decorations, bopping her head lightly to the rhythm of the music. Her anxiety slowly began to slip away; she had a feeling it would as soon as Mitch set up this movie. This had always been her favorite Christmas film. Brody couldn’t remember how many times she had seen it, probably dozens of times by now. She knew each scene by heart and had the whole thing memorized, so much so that she had a tendency to quote movie lines as they were being said.

“Every Who down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot but the Grinch,” Brody spoke and waited for the dramatic music notes to play before continuing. “Who lived just north of Who-Ville did not. The Grinch hated Christmas the whole Christmas season. Oh please don’t ask why, no one quite knows the reason.”

Mitch watched in silent amusement. He always enjoyed hearing his girlfriend’s rendition of the lines. It made the movie better for him. Sure, he had always enjoyed the movie growing up - Willy had been a sucker for it - but there was something special about watching it with Brody.

It felt like no time had passed before Mitch could sense Brody’s shoulders lose their tension. Her breathing had become steadier and she was completely relaxed as she leaned against him. Her soft smile never seemed to leave her lips during the entire movie and that proved true during the iconic song too. Once it started she began to sing along, nudging Mitch to join her. It took him a few seconds but he quickly joined in.

“You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch,

You really are a heel

You’re as cuddly as cactus

You’re as charming as an eel

Mr. Grinch

You’re a bad banana with a greasy black peel!”

Mitch and Brody had hit lower notes with the last part, holding onto them for far too long. Both of them shared a look, smiling and laughing for a minute. All the stress and worries that came with the holiday season melted away in that moment and Brody finally started to feel the simple joys that came with Christmas.

[etiquettecruise]

5 Ways to make your next vacation in Washington DC special

The traveling industry is again regaining its former glory after two years of pandemic lockdowns internationally. 2023 is the year of newer possibilities for this business and travelers from across the globe are showing interest to travel to international destinations to enjoy their vacations just like in older times! You can also make your forthcoming vacation special by buying packaged tours or pre-booking flights and hotels or buying sightseeing like day trips from Washington DC etc. to avoid the rush. Honeymooners or couples seeking romantic gateways are guided accordingly to decorate their tour accordingly. Washington DC attracts international tourists throughout the year. So, if you’re off to enjoy an exciting tour to the United States, start with the capital city!

Here are the five ways to make your upcoming Washington DC vacation special:

Design your itinerary first

Designing your itinerary for your upcoming Washington DC vacation is important. The search engines will serve you with the necessary information about the places you can explore including the activities, flights, rental cars, hotels, and so on at DC.

Buy packaged tours  

You can get the help of AI-based tour operators online, ready to design your itinerary including the flight availabilities and hotels so that you can move forward to book accordingly. Tourists seeking a 100% hassle-free touring experience prefer buying packaged tours. Nowadays, you can find many companies online selling packaged tours including flights, stays, and meals. Choose a reputed and highly recommended company and buy the packaged tour to avoid the rush.

Book business class or first class flight tickets 

If you travel internationally then buying business class flights or first class flights is a must. When it’s a special vacation that you plan and are ready to experience luxury or minimum comfort then buy business class flights.

Book your stay

Living in Washington DC is expensive. However, you can book a decent stay at a plush hotel. Book your stay in a resort or a villa with a pool and a nice view.

Explore the local culture-sightseeing tours with guides a might

You should explore the local area where you visit to know the food, culture, heritage, and vibrant people. Either rent a car or book day trips from Washington DC or a sightseeing tour package and a boat sightseeing package to enjoy your holidays. Buying guided tours will save your time and energy. Go for one on one service if you want privacy. Travelers have the option to pre-book one-to-one tours or small private group tours to explore the magnificent sightseeing in the US capital. Booking a local river ride or a cruise tour can also add extra spice to your vacation. The boat tours at night can unwind the glamorous Washington DC to international tourists.