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pcttrailsidereader · 4 years

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Four Months Alone of the PCT

I posted this on this website about six years ago and just recently re-read this interview from a blog called ‘The Hairpin’. The interview, with Myla Fay, a 25-year old thru hiker, is a good read and I thought worth re-posting. My favorite story was her account of the hiker who found chapstick on the ground and used it to counter crotch chafing. A few minutes later a woman walked by and asked if anyone had seen her pina colada chapstick. From that point forward his trail name was “Penis Colada.”

Myla attended Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota as did my daughter … which came to light when I forwarded this interview to my daughter as part of my desire to have her hike a section of the PCT several summers ago (which she did join me for a lengthy stretch).

By Jia Tolentino

How did you get into long-distance hiking? I grew up in Maine and spent a lot of time outside, and when I was a kid, we went up to Blue Hill every summer to hike and swim, camping in Baxter State Park and backpacking in the White Mountains. And in high school I did some incredible trips with the Chewonki Foundation: one was a 400-mile white-water canoe trip that ended in the tiny Inuit village of Kangiqsualujjuaq in northern Quebec. I always liked the outdoors, and backpacking felt like a good fit. I was also always interested in long-distance hiking as a more structured way of traveling. I spent a summer alone in India once and felt overwhelmed by all the decisions and planning involved in traveling. With hiking, your trip is organized around managing food and water and covering distance, and there’s less of an expectation for fun and relaxation. I like the part of backpacking that’s monotonous and challenging. How long had you been thinking about hiking the PCT before doing it? I heard about the PCT my senior year in college, but during and after college I was focusing on school and work: I worked as a designer in Minneapolis and New York, which I liked. Then I wanted to work on my own projects, so I moved back to Maine and set up a printmaking studio in the basement of a rural Zen Center. But it’s difficult to make any money from printmaking and it’s also difficult to live and work in isolation. I felt unsure about what I wanted to do, so I made a list of things I never regret doing. I realized that I never regret spending time outside, traveling, and challenging myself, so I decided to hike. I don’t think any 90-year-old would look back on life and regret hiking the PCT. Did you know you wanted to go alone? I might have considered it if I had known someone willing to drop everything and go hiking for four months. But I liked the idea of hiking alone anyway. Being alone is wonderful because you never have to compromise. If I felt like swimming all day, that’s what I did.

How long did it take to get ready? I only had about three months to prepare. Most people spend around six to 12 months getting in shape, dehydrating food, and planning. For me, I bought gear and read “Yogi’s Guide,“ which has advice for thru hiking—tips for hitchhiking, choosing campsites, resupplying, etc. It also outlines motel and grocery options for each town. I bought my food in towns and mailed food ahead when the next town was too small to resupply.

Do you have to be in good shape before you start a hike like this? Or could you just tough it out and get better as you go? You don’t have to be in good shape to start a hike, but it helps. It also helps to be young. No matter what shape you are in, hiking 10 to 12 hours a day is going to be hard. I thought that after hiking for a week or two I would just be “in shape,” but I was surprised that my fitness continued to improve.

I also never stopped having some degree of pain.

What was the gear you started with and the gear you ended with? Anything you packed that you realized was useless? I started hiking in desert heat and ended my trip snowshoeing through six feet of snow, but surprisingly I used most of my gear in all situations. After a month I bought a solar charger on trail to charge my iPhone, which was a real luxury. I also bought a dress from Goodwill along the way. It was comfortable to wear hiking and convenient for peeing outside modestly. I added various warm layers as I went north—a rain skirt (which is lighter, more breathable, and easier to put on than rain pants), an emergency blanket, snowshoes, long underwear, and bread bags to wear on my feet for warmth. I eventually ditched my mace, bug spray, and a mouse-proof food bag because I felt they were unnecessary, but not everyone would agree. Now that I have a better idea of what I need, I revamped my gear for my upcoming trip on the CDT. I have a post on my blog about the new gear, and also have my gear list on my website, if anyone wants to read.

What about trail food? How’d you deal with it? Did you filter your water the whole time? What are the worst and best things you’ve tried on the trail? Food was hard to plan for because my preferences and hunger changed constantly. Sometimes I had five extra pounds of food when I arrived in town and other times I ran out. One of the benefits of buying food as you go (rather than mailing it) is that you can easily make adjustments. I hiked with a girl who mailed all her food and by the end, she literally gagged every time she ate a Clif bar or oatmeal. I think having a variety of food on trail is important. I cooked ramen with PBR once when I arrived at a road crossing where someone had left a few beers for hikers. I was out of water, so I used the beer, and it was surprisingly delicious. At the end of trail, I ate snickers dipped in cream cheese and I thought it tasted like chocolate cheesecake! One of the worst things I tried was cold instant coffee mixed with oats. I was trying to pack up quickly in the morning and didn’t want to heat water. Needless to say, it was disgusting. I also once ate a spoonful of dry protein powder at night because I was starving and low on food. It felt similar to the cinnamon challenge. How much more do you end up eating than normal? What are the cravings you develop after long hikes? I ate a TON of food. Granola bars, mini pies, peanut butter, Nutella, tortillas, ramen, Cheezits, candy, muffins (squished), pop tarts, nuts, and anything else that caught my eye in the grocery store. All hikers fantasize about food, mostly about fresh fruits, vegetables, pizza, and ice cream. I daydreamed about Slurpees a lot. There is no food guilt on trail. All notions of what, when, and how much is appropriate to eat disappear. Instead of cutting calories and dieting, hikers worry about not eating enough. I ate 3,000 to 6,000 calories a day, and it was incredibly refreshing. The downside of eating so much was the stomach aches. Sometimes I would eat a whole sleeve of Oreos, which tasted delicious, then I would feel awful for a while. It’s a lot to ask of your body, to process all that food.

Did you see a lot of other solo hikers? Did traveling alone made you more open to meeting random people? Travelling alone does make it easy to meet people. Most hikers start alone, and many hike in groups for various lengths of time. When I started, I wanted to hike alone to challenge myself and rely on my own decisions. I became more open to meeting people over time, and by the end of trail I found a balance between independence and community. Who were the coolest people you met along the way? Everyone I met had an interesting back story—one couple worked in Antarctica, one girl sold her house to live out of a backpack, there were Marines who hiked to deal with PTSD, and people who left their high-paying jobs because they didn’t want to devote their lives to work. One of my favorite characters on trail was a retired guy from New Jersey. He lived years without health insurance or hot water, and took ice-cold hose showers every day at home, even in the winter. He told only one person he was hiking the PCT and always camped alone far off trail. He didn’t own a phone, but carried a small radio to listen to baseball games. Every time he went into town to buy food, he bought a glass, because he only drank beer out of a glass. He was also a scavenger. Once in town I gave him part of a cookie and he just packed it away for later. Another time he told me that he carried a cube of bouillon for an emergency meal. I told him it didn’t have any calories, and he said, “But it sure does fill you up!” I should mention that there are more men than women on trail, and most people I met were white and middle class, so unfortunately trail culture is not too diverse. How many times were you ever truly scared, and why? Most of the time trail felt very safe, but I had a couple moments of being spooked. I almost stepped on a rattlesnake. I once got lost looking for a spring at night without my pack. I got dangerously cold during a snowstorm. These situations were all preventable had I been paying better attention. Some hikers do end up in truly scary situations. One girl had a mountain lion stalk her at night, and another guy ended up lost on a snowy cliff where he couldn’t go forward or backward. Oh my god. A lot of people on trail carry a SPOT device with an emergency button that activates a search and rescue response team. They are expensive and I personally felt safe without one, but a few people did use them on trail.

What about weather conditions? You had to hike at night sometimes because of the heat, right? The PCT covers a diverse range of terrains and temperatures. In the desert, it reaches 110 degrees, and water sources are sometimes 30 miles apart. I carried 1.5 gallons of water at a time. Hiking at night is much cooler and requires less water, so many people hike early and late (resting midday). Night hiking is beautiful but spooky. Some huge bugs and rodents that come out at night. And then there was the extreme cold: I’m reading a blog post where you did sit-ups in the middle of the night to stay warm. What’s your least favorite and most favorite weather to hike in? I still prefer hiking in desert heat over the cold Northwestern weather. In Oregon and Washington, I dealt with rain, hail and snow, which is dangerous without adequate food and gear. Most people carry down jackets and sleeping bags, but down is useless when wet. When it is cold, taking breaks is not an option. I knew one couple who hiked over 24 hours without stopping because all their gear was wet and it was snowing. They would have become hypothermic if they stopped. Can you tell me some hiker code? What’s the jargon like? There are lots of phrases specific to thru hiking. Some are practical (“slackpacking” is hiking a section without a full pack, “hiker hunger” describes the extreme hunger after hiking, “vortex” is when you spend longer than expected in town). A lot of them are meant to be funny (“Vitamin I” for ibuprofen). “Cowboy camping,” sleeping under the stars, is one of my favorite terms. It’s basically a fancy way of saying “I am too lazy to pitch my tent and I doubt it is going to rain tonight.” My friend “Scrub” has a more extensive list of hiking terms on his blog.

That’s his trail name: does everyone have one? Everyone gets a trail name, usually given by another hiker. Part of the idea is that you can leave your other life behind and be someone new on trail. And there’s other stuff like this: trail angels, trail magic, what does that mean? A “trail angel” is anyone who helps you by offering “trail magic.” It could be a day hiker who gives you an apple or someone who drives you to town. There are established trail angels who help hikers each year by leaving food or sodas on trail or even opening their homes to hikers. There are also some trail magic events, where angels make burgers or pancakes on trail for a day or two. It is hard to overstate how incredible it is to come upon fresh hot food or cold sodas after being out in the woods for a few days. The terms seem right. How was your emotional state going into the hike, and during it? What was the default state of each day? I was much happier on trail than I was prior to trail. Some of that may have had to do with the endorphins released from exercise. I also gained a lot of confidence in my body and my ability to troubleshoot difficult situations. By the end of the trail, I felt I could do anything. I certainly had moments of frustration, crankiness, and misery, but I always preferred trail to home.

Wow. What did you do to pass the time? It wasn’t too different from regular life. Sometimes I listened to music or books, sometimes I worried about logistics, sometimes I wondered what to do with my life. I thought about family and friends and remembered things I had forgotten. Sometimes I played games with other hikers, sometimes I counted my steps, sometimes I brushed my teeth for an hour. What are some good stories you heard on the trail from other people? There was a huge snowstorm in Washington that coincided with the government shutdown, and some hikers decided to road walk the last 60 miles to Canada to avoid deep snow. Rangers stopped them because it was illegal to be in the park during the shutdown. So after hiking 2600 miles, they quit because of a triviality. I also heard a story about a girl who saw a mountain lion sitting next to the trail. She roared at it, like you are supposed to (you never want to let a mountain lion know you are scared), then kept walking past it only to realize that there was a switchback in the trail and she had to pass it again. And then, there was a funny story about a hiker I never met who found chapstick on the ground and used it for crotch chafing. A few minutes later a woman walked by and asked if anyone had seen her pina colada chapstick. From that point forward his trail name was “Penis Colada.” That is a great story. What was your favorite part of the trail?

The last four days on trail were my favorite. I snowshoed on fresh snow through the most spectacular scenery on trail with a boy who I like very much. It was new and exciting and beautiful and romantic. What about the least? Southern Oregon was my least favorite part. Everyone talks about how Oregon is flat and easy, but my feet were hurting so it didn’t feel easy. In my opinion, it was also the least spectacular part of trail, just woods and ponds.

What was your favorite pit stop? One of my favorite stops was Buck’s Lake, a small town in northern California. I got off trail to apply for a job. I didn’t end up getting the job, but I stayed with the most incredible trail angels. They were welcoming and made burgers with heirloom tomatoes and peach cobbler and fruit salad. They also took me out on their pontoon for sunset to drink white wine and listen to the Beach Boys.

What did you miss most while you were hiking? Fresh fruits and vegetables, and my friends and family. How did this hike physically affect your body? I lost about 5 to 10 pounds by the end, despite gaining muscle. My breasts mostly disappeared and my feet grew a full size. Women usually lose less weight than men, which is an advantage on trail. What about your hair? My hair was crazy on trail. I was trying to grow it out, but it was a bad length for hiking: long enough to tangle and too short to pull back. I had dyed it before trail and wanted to let the dyed part grow out. I also decided to stop using shampoo, in part thanks to articles like this. Needless to say, my hair was a bleachy, greasy, tangled mess. I cut it off when returned home. Before or after, did you have a lot of people telling you that they wanted to hike the PCT too? Or were people more like, "You’re nuts!” A lot of people say something along the lines of, “Wow, that’s amazing! I could never do that!” But hiking is kind of like drawing. People say they can’t draw, as if it’s a mysterious talent, but both drawing and hiking are just a set of skills anyone could learn. If you are interested in hiking the PCT or another trail, I would encourage you to go ahead and do it. I think it is almost always a positive experience, although returning to regular life is difficult. People sometimes romanticize long-distance hiking, but I was just walking. Some people work 8 or 10 hours a day on spreadsheets or washing floors and few people say that is amazing. What’s your favorite picture from your PCT hike?

This is a campsite on an exposed ridge in northern California. The sky was smoky from a nearby fire, but I could see well enough to watch a meteor shower. It’s hard to choose one photo, but that was a good night.

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joiesomer · 5 years

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Who: Somer & Jeff ( @xjefferxx )

Where: Rainault house, later Somer’s room

When: 31 August 2019 - 3 Sept 2019

Notes/Triggers: many npcs, some nsfw

Somer glanced over at Jeff, smiling a bit. The blond was still asleep after doing half the driving, but he knew that Jeff wanted to look his best when they finally got to the Rainault house. The Welcome Center was forty-five minutes back, and they were already in the outskirts of Nashville. "Jeff," Somer said, quietly, then again a bit louder, "Jeff. Wake up. Did you still want to change clothes?"

Jeff had driven the early part of the morning, so he was catching up on sleep when Somer woke him. he stretched a bit and nodded. "yeah and I need to get the flowers too." Sitting the chair up so he could see around him a bit more. "How far until we're at your home?" Smiling to Somer as he leaned over to kiss this cheek.

"Maybe another forty-five minutes? Depends on traffic. I guess we could detour to the Whole Foods for the flowers, unless you're okay with Publix." Somer glanced at Jeff, smile deepening at the way his hair was smashed flat on one side. "You've got seat marks on your face, blondie."

Jeff rubbed his cheek. "I've never been to a Publix but I think it will work." he nodded to him and smiled. "I just want to give a good impression on her and Autumn and Spring." Reaching into his bag on the floor, jeff pulled out a shirt that was a nice light button up. He took off his tank and put it on, winking to Somer. "You like this one right?"

"Don't distract me while I'm dri~ving," Somer sing-songed. The interstate suddenly broadened and got a lot busier, and he sat up straight, concentrating. "You think you're ready?"

"I'm not distracting you, I'm just changing my clothes while you drive," Jeff responded, slipping off his sweats and then pulling on a pair of nice looking jean shorts along with his converse. Tossing his hair a bit, Jeff nodded. "Alright, beyond flowers I'm ready. Yeah, I think they'll love me."

Somer growled out the window at other drivers. "That, right there, that definitely makes it clear you are a dancer. Changing in the front seat of my car without a bit of concern," he said. Finally he took an exit off the interstate and went up a busy main road, then parked at a grocery store. "Do you want me to come in there with you?"

Jeff winked. "It does come in handy, yeah. Why were you growling though?" He asked, fixing his hair a bit more. Parked, Jeff nodded. "Yeah, come in and you can pick out some snacks that we'll have for just us. I'd love to learn more about you in that way, but as for flowers, I have an idea of what I want for each of them."

"Stupid Nashville drivers," Somer grumbled, turning off the car. "With the amount I'm going to eat this weekend, I may need a whole new wardrobe when we go back." They went in hand-in-hand. "You pick out the flowers; I'll go get the snack. Do you want anything in particular?"

"Hot cheetos and cheezits. Those are my jam." Jeff kissed the back of his hand then smiled as he went the direction of the flowers. He found a bouquet of yellow roses, a small one of daisies and one more of lilies. Exactly what he was looking for. He was on his way to meet Somer when he saw something and just grabbed it, keeping it hidden for now.

Somer pretended to gag. "You have no tastebuds," he informed his boyfriend over his shoulder, marching down the aisles to get the hot cheetoes. He didn't bother to get any cheezits, because he knew there were already boxes of cheezits at home, including his favourite white cheddar ones.

Jeff decided to buy what he had in his hands first. Now carrying the bags, he came up behind Somer and kissed his cheek. "So what do you think? I bought them already, but we'll get snacks ... where is yours?"

He grinned at Jeff. "Already at home, dork. Trust me, I don't need to come home with any more food. Mama will ask me if I think she doesn't feed me enough." He grabbed a single mounds bar at the self-checkout, then led Jeff back out to the car. "Now you're ready?"

Jeff chuckled some, "Well then I'll save these for the drive back. Yes, we're ready." Slipping back in, Jeff leaned over to steal a kiss. "Now even more ready," he whispered, sitting back again.

Somer blushed in a way he hadn't done in a while, missing the ignition a few times with the key. "Behave," he mumbled. It only took ten minutes to get from the grocery store to his family home, and he turned into the driveway slowly. A little teal convertible already sat there, and Somer parked behind it.

He turned the car off, but didn't make any move to unbuckle or get out. Blindly he groped for Jeff's hand. "It's going to be okay," he said firmly, though it wasn't clear if he was reassuring Jeff or himself.

Jeff held his hand, smiling. "It is, it's going to be great and amazing. They love and I love you ... how could anything go wrong?" Kissing his cheek once more. "Also I will behave as much as I can but it's hard when all I want to do is always hold you and kiss you."

Somer laughed, looking fondly at Jeff as the garage door began to rattle open. He squeezed his boyfriend's hand and climbed out of the car to immediately be enveloped in a hug by a small plump dark-haired woman. He leaned his head on his mom's shoulder, hugging her back tightly, and was barely let go before father and twin were hugging him too. "Your aunt Anne and uncle Russell will be here later," his mom informed him, ineffectively trying to gesture all of them into the house. "But the girls are here. Even Spring wants to meet him. Come inside out of the heat, come on, we'll get your things later." Her gestures impartially included Jeff.

Jeff climbed out with the bag of flowers in his hand. He couldn't help but appreciate seeing Somer with his family. He smiled as he walked in behind the rest. Inside, Jeff waited until they were in the living area to offer the flowers to her. "These are for you, Mrs. Rainault." Holding out the roses for her. "I also have some flowers for Autumn and Spring too ... you have a lovely home." Smiling to her then to Somer.

"How sweet!" Somer's mom accepted the flowers, burying her face in them to smell them, and smiled brilliantly at Jeff. "You're so sweet, darling. You must call me Jeannette, and this is Glenn, and Winter." She carried off the flowers into the kitchen, leaving Jeff surrounded by other Rainaults.

Somer came and took his hand, looking around as if he dared anybody to say anything. Winter's grin acquired a smug tilt, but he didn't say anything as Somer introduced Jeff as "This is my boyfriend Jeff Sterling."

The brunette girl on the couch bounced up and clapped her hands in delight, then came toward Jeff to hold them out to him. "I'm Autumn, and that's my sister Spring." Blonde Spring gave Jeff a little wave, her eyes big and a little anxious-looking.

"Thank you, Jeannette. I'll tell my mom she raised me right." Jeff squeezed Somer's hand as he held it. "Nice to meet you all, Somer has told me some things about you all." Seeing the shy girls he held out the daisies. "These are for you Spring and the lilies are for you Autumn." He held out the bouquets.

A delicate pink flush crept up Spring's cheeks, and under Somer's encouraging smile she came up to Jeff to accept the flowers. "For me?" she whispered. "Thank you." She gave him a quick, bright smile and fled to the kitchen with both bouquets.

"Wow," Winter murmured, eyebrows raised. "You're making an impression, Sterling." He looked back at the blond, green eyes dancing the same way Somer's did. "Has he got a sister?"

Somer whacked his twin in the arm.

"Yeah, for you ... you're welcome." Jeff grinned, kissing Somer's cheek. "Well what can I say, Winter? A gay boy knows how to treat a girl right and yeah, I do but she's a bit young for you. She's 16," he teased Winter.

"Damn," Winter said, grin widening. "Wife husbandry."

Somer smacked him again. "Just for that you have to carry my bag," he informed his twin.

Winter stuck his lower lip out, but took the keys. "I see how it is. I'm just your slave now," he sighed. "You've found a better man than me." He went back out, and Somer looked up at his dad.

"Be nice," the redhead instructed his father, then followed his twin, abandoning his boyfriend.

Jeff chuckled to see the twins interact as they were. It was nice. Somer seemed so happy and in his element. He kissed his boyfriend's cheek before Somer followed. Turning to the man, Jeff held his hand out. "Nice to meet you sir."

There was a flicker in Glenn's gaze as Jeff kissed his son, but he shook the blond's hand firmly, without any games. "Sterling, hm. Welcome. Get you anything to drink? Jette's put you in the guest bedroom upstairs." His steady gaze dared Jeff to say anything.

Jeff shook his hand. "Thank you. Sir. No thank you. I'm okay for now. Oh okay, sounds good to me." Jeff knew that parent trick. He wasn't going to say anything. "I imagine you have questions for me, sir."

"If you know the questions why don't you just go ahead and give me your answers." Glenn's stern look vanished like the mask it was, and he clapped Jeff's shoulder with a smile. "Relax, son."

Jeff grinned as the man seemed to lighten up. "Honestly I don't know the questions, just kind of know there are questions."

"We'll see what comes up."

Somer struggled back into the house draped in bags, as if he'd tried to carry it all at once, and pretended to collapse in a heap on the floor. He gave his dad the side-eye. "Were you nice? I want to keep him, not have you scare him off."

Jeff smiled walking over to help with the bags. "Yes he was nice. Let me help you carry these upstairs. Your dad says I'm in the guest room."

"Hmmm," Somer said noncommittally. He cut his eyes over to his dad, who raised an eyebrow, then slung his bag over his shoulder again and led Jeff up the stairs. "I told you we wouldn't be sharing a room," he murmured. "But you've got your own bathroom." His own room faced down the stairs, the door open and the room filling with early afternoon light. The walls had a few cat posters on them, painted a cheerful pale yellow, and a round, fluffy lump in the middle of the double bed suddenly acquired dark ears and sharp teeth as a cat yawned hugely.

Jeff followed him up the stairs and into the room. "Well we can still cuddle all day and I think once they see that we're not up to something then they'll let us share a bed ... or you can just sneak in." He wrapped his arms around his boyfriend's waist from behind. "But I have to ask, if Winter had a girl here, would they be allowed to share a room?" he asked, smiling a bit more as he saw the cat on the bed. "Who is that?"

"Winter had a girlfriend, senior year, and no." He leaned back against Jeff for a moment, then pulled away to climb on the bed and hold his hand out to the cat. He was subjected to a careful sniff, then the cat rolled over to show its belly. "This is Helios. You can come pet his belly."

Jeff nodded. He just wanted to make sure that there wasn't some double standard there. Smiling, Jeff stepped forward to let the cat smell him before he touched his belly. "He's very soft. Why didn't you bring him with to school or is he more a family pet?"

Helios sniffed at Jeff's hand, licked a finger, then flopped again. "I didn't want to take him to college," Somer said, scratching the furry chest. "He's a homebody, really. He doesn't even like to go outside, and he whines a lot when he has to go to the vet." Somer rolled over on the bed, sprawling uncannily like the cat. "God I'm tired."

Jeff chuckled, moving to sit on the bed and putting Somer's legs in his lap as he started to rub his boyfriend's feet. "Well why don't you take a nap then? I'll just go put my things in the room I'm staying in if you show me where it is."

The redhead flapped a hand at the door. "Right out the door, left hand door. Blue room." Helios rolled and reached out a soft paw to hook it over Jeff's leg. "Oh, dear, you may not be allowed to leave."

Jeff chuckled some, seeing his boyfriend be so lazy. "How upset would they be if we napped together with the door open?" Wondering if they could at least do that after the long drive. "I don't mind being made to stay."

Somer yawned, trying to cover it with one hand. "Dunno," he shrugged through the yawn. Pulling a pillow out from under the covers, he curled up around it with a sigh.

Jeff sighed some as well. He wanted to cuddle him but he knew they might get upset so he just sat there with Somer. Watching as he started to drift, one hand still rubbed his feet, the other petting Helios.

About five minutes later Autumn came up the stairs, peeking in. "Oh there you are. Not tired? Or just trapped by cat?" Somer made a soft snore, and she muffled a giggle. "You don't have to sit there with him; we're going to watch Winter play Bayonetta in the playroom."

"No I'm tired, just don't know how they'd react if I cuddled him to sleep ... " Jeff slowly got up and smiling to Autumn. "I'll come with you, love to see how good Winter is after all." He held back a yawn as he shook it off. "Just let me put my things in the spare room." Carrying his bags, he set them in the room then followed behind Autumn.

She cocked a cool eyebrow, but didn't say anything, just pointed him to the comfy couch ranged under the tall windows at the back of the house. Spring sat curled in a round chair nearby, a laptop in her hands. Autumn sat at her sister's feet.

After about ten minutes Somer shuffled out, still drowsy-looking, with a jade blanket wrapped around his shoulders. He yawned, then snuggled into Jeff's side, one arm wrapped around him.

Jeff sat down on the couch to watch as Winter played. He was quite good. He was very focused on what was happening until he saw the jade blanket and felt something close to him. Smiling, he shifted some and slowly moved Somer to his lap to hold him better. Jeff kissed his cheek. "Still sleepy?" he asked softly.

"Mhm." Somer breathed out slowly and subsided back into sleep, holding Jeff like a giant teddy bear. Jeannette came up the stairs a while later and smiled indulgently at the quintet. "I need someone to help me chop vegetables for tonight."

Jeff smiled, rubbing his back a bit. He wasn't sure he could move when asked about cutting veggies. He wanted to help but Somer was very much wrapped up around him. "I'd love to help but what do I do with sleeping beauty?"

"You do seem to be stuck." She came over and smoothed Somer's hair. "Somer, sugar, can you let me borrow your boyfriend?" The redhead made a sleepy, grumpy sound and clutched Jeff tighter.

Jeff chuckled lightly and dared to kiss him softly on the lips. "Somer, baby, I need to go help your mom." Trying to stir him some. "I'll be back as soon as we're done okay?"

With another grumble, Somer pushed himself away from Jeff -- but not before stealing another kiss. He never bothered to open his eyes, just flopped over onto the other end of the couch. Spring caught Jeff's eyes and gave a little smile, eyes dancing.

Jeff smiled into the kiss. "Love you," he whispered before getting up. Seeing Spring look at him, he winked to her and followed Jeanette down to the kitchen. "Where do you want me to start?"

She handed him a bag of Brussels sprouts and pointed to a cutting board with a knife on it. "Halve those, please." She sprinkled some salt into a pot on the stove and checked the oven. "So tell me how you met."

Jeff nodded, taking the bag and starting to cut the Brussels sprouts. "He made an accidental post about boys he thoughts were cute, I was on it. We were already talking and I just told him that I thought he was cute too."

"So he finally admitted it," Jeannette said, plopping frozen fish on a baking sheet. "One or two, Jeff?"

"Admitted it? Oh, yeah ... I feel bad I didn't notice last year." Blushing a bit, Jeff looked away. "One please."

"He never wanted to disappoint us," Jeannette went on, sliding one tray into the oven. "But he just insisted on hiding his interest in boys." She smiled at Jeff. "You're obviously good for him. Hand me that box of macaroni please?"

Jeff nodded some. "Yeah, I know. But I mean, I was glad he made the post ... very glad." Handing the box to Jeannette, jeff smiled a bit bigger. "I try to be. He's good for me too ... good to me."

She poured the pasta into the boiling water on the stove. "How are those Brussels sprouts coming?" With a wink she added, "He thought he was hiding it, but a mother always knows. Tell me what you're studying!"

Jeff cut the last one and brought the cutting board closer to her with them on it. "All done." He smiled. "Sounds like my mom, she knew I was gay before I did. I'm studying Musical Theater, I would study dance but I know how to dance already."

"Thank you." Jeannette spread the sprouts across yet another baking sheet covered in olive oil, then eyed the oven timer. "What kind of dance? So you've been dancing all your life then? Are you planning to go to New York after graduation?"

"Welcome." He moved to be out of her way as he sat on a bar stool. "All sorts, yeah, since I was 3. My mom said I was dancing in the womb." Licking his lips, he shrugged. "That was part of my dream but now, my dream has changed since meeting Somer."

"Aaaww," she cooed. "I bet you were an adorable little boy." The oven timer beeped, and she pulled the fish out and replaced them with the Brussels sprouts. "You'll have to show me some pictures some time." She paused to stir the pasta, then came around to hug Jeff around the shoulders. "Of course my creative boy found another creative boy."

Jeff hugged her back. "My mom would love to show you pictures, also I guess you and her have something in common ... you like creative names? Her and her sisters are very creative, I think it skips generations. My mom is Rain and her sisters are Stormie and Windy."

"Oh!" Jeannette put a hand to her mouth and giggled. "So your children will be ... ?"

"I'm not sure, but I'd like the idea of alternative names, I mean my siblings and I are kind of average but it's up to Somer as well." He giggled a bit. "I want to marry him one day, he's kind of the reason I've been feeling more myself and less, just kind of existing."

"Hmmmm," she said noncommittally, very like her son. "Time will tell." She didn't look like the thought bothered her, with the small smile on her lips. "You run along upstairs and tell the children it's almost time for dinner."

Jeff nodded; he could only hope she liked the idea of it all. He did love Somer and want to share his future with him. Going back up the stairs, he found them all waiting. "Dinner is almost done," he said, smiling to see his sleepy head still on the couch.

After dinner, Somer tugged his boyfriend back up the stairs to curl up on the couch again. He was a little more awake than he'd been before dinner. Jeff seemed a little hesitant to cuddle, but the redhead was not having any of that. Even while he was playing Dynasty Warriors, or peering over Spring's shoulder and discussing her Stardew farm with her, he kept Jeff's arm around his waist, or sat in Jeff's lap.

Jeff held his boyfriend without much regard for anything when it was just the kids together. He knew none of them really cared as he kissed Somer's cheek and held him tighter to him. It was just concern for upsetting his parents that kept him from being as affectionate as he wanted to be. He hated having to hold back.

Finally, Somer put down the controller, leaning out of Jeff's hold to rest his chin on his twin's head. "Miss you," he mumbled. Winter reached back and gripped his shoulder for a moment.

"Go to bed, Somer," was all he said. "I'll be here tomorrow."

Jeff sat back, letting them have their moment. Though should it make him jelaous as it did? He shook it off though, it was his twin after all.

"We should get some more sleep ... " Jeff whispered to him and held back his yawn.

"Listen to your boyfriend," Winter said. He turned off the electronics, while Somer hugged his cousins and saw them down the stairs, then went to his twin and hugged him for a long moment. The brunet leaned his head against the red one for a second, then looked at Jeff. He winked at the blond, held a finger to his lips, and pointed to Somer's room.

Jeff looked at Winter, confused, then nodded with a smile. He found his way to Somer's room and sat on the bed to wait for him. Thankfully they had all already put their pjs on. Smirking, he waited for Somer to come in.

After a minute Somer stumbled in from the joined bathroom, and blinked at Jeff. "What are you doing?" he asked sleepily. He crawled into the bed, pushing at his pillow, and then peered down at the foot of the bed. "Where's Helios?"

"Sneaking in to cuddle you while we sleep." Jeff shrugged to him. "I'll sleep over the blanket with another blanket so they can't get too worried and get to cuddle you all night." Jeff looked around, smiling as he showed the cat all cuddled to him.

Somer smiled, reaching across Jeff to scritch the cat's head. "Clearly you're stuck here," he murmured. "Helios won't let you go. Get under the covers, blondie."

Jeff smirked, sliding under the covers. He waited for Somer then pulled his boyfriend close. "Hey," he whispered into the dark of the room.

He snuggled close, smiling. "Hey," he murmured back. "So?"

"So ... what?" Jeff kissed his cheek and jaw softly before kissing his lips. "I like your family. Your dad scares me some but I like them," he replied, rubbing his love's back as he kissed him again slowly.

Somer failed to answer, too busy returning slow kisses. He understood Jeff's reticence, but to barely have a real kiss all day made him sad. He deepened the kisses, pulling Jeff drowsily closer.

Jeff smiled against his lips. He had been waiting all day to kiss him like this. Their tongues tangling a bit and tasting him fully. "I love you," he whispered there.

"Mhmm." With a sweet sigh, Somer cuddled down into Jeff's arms, tucking his head under the blond's chin. "Love you." Purring rose from the side of the bed, and he giggled sleepily. "Helios says time for sleep."

Jeff yawned, then nodded in agreement. He was tired after all that driving and the day itself. It was good to be there and more than anything, it was good to hold his love in his arms as they both drifted off to sleep.

~~~

A loudly cleared throat woke Somer up the next morning. He lifted his head, heart pounding, feeling Jeff's arms around him, and discovered it was Winter, poking his head out of the bathroom. "You two look adorable," the brunet whispered, slipping into the room. He perched on the edge of the bed.

Jeff stirred a bit but didn't move when Somer moved or when the felt the bed shift. He just held him closer, nuzzling in as well. He was tired and had no interest in waking up just yet.

Winter snickered. "He's turned you into a teddy bear." The green gaze turned more serious. "Is he being good to you?"

Somer stroked his fingertips over Jeff's skin, smiling. "So much. Too much, sometimes. Even when I'm falling, he's there trying to catch me."

Jeff hummed a bit in his sleep, stirring enough to move around, but not enough to wake. He knew there was voices but it all seemed to bleed into his dreams.

"Are you being honest to him?"

Somer's face fell. "As much as I can be. He's got problems of his own, Winter. I can't ask him to carry all of mine too."

"Hmph. And now you're going to tell me that it's okay, you're strong, you can carry yours and his."

"I can!"

With Somer's voice raised, Jeff woke up and looked between the twins. He wasn't sure what he had missed, but he stretched a bit and then looked at his boyfriend. "You okay? Everything okay?"

Somer smoothed Jeff's hair, turning to kiss his cheek. "Shh," he murmured. "Everything's fine, bl--babe. Winter's just being a pest."

"Mmmm." The brunet leaned over onto Jeff's legs. "What are your intentions with my brother?"

Jeff kissed him quickly. "Okay. Okay." He yawned and sat up looking at Winter. "To marry him one day. Why do you ask?"

All the emotion seemed to drain from Winter's face. He pushed himself up and over to sit directly on Jeff's legs, despite Somer's grabbing hands. "I'm sorry?"

"Winter!"

"You've known my -- /my/ -- twin brother maybe a month, and you've decided you're going to marry him? You?! Have you even asked him?" With every hissed question Winter leaned closer to Jeff.

Jeff looked at Winter and didn't move or respond. "Yeah. I kind of have and no we haven't talked about it fully yet. But I hope maybe he could feel the same." He looked at Somer. "I don't expect you to know right now so don't think I am. Just know my hope is to one day maybe marry you and make you happy for the rest of your life in every way you'll let me."

"You have lost your damn mind," Winter said, his drawl thickening. He threw up his hands, and Somer lunged at him, knocking his twin flat on the bed.

"Be. Nice," the redhead growled. "I'm not going to have you ruin this nice weekend trip for us. We're twenty-one now, and I can take care of myself. So you tell Jeff you're sorry. Now."

Jeff sat back, just staring for a moment as Winter was pinned and Somer held him there. He wanted to pull him off but he just stayed back and let them figure it out. Jeff tried his best to hide the bit of fear he suddenly felt.

After a second of the two staring at each other, Winter went limp. "Fine. You're right. Jeff, I'm sorry. I was out of line."

Jeff nodded. "It's fine," he replied softly. "I get being overprotective."

Somer let him up, and Winter scrubbed his hands through his hair. "Well, overprotective older brother came in here to tell y'all to decide if you want to get caught."

Jeff nodded some, kissing Somer's cheek. "I don't want us to get in trouble, so you tell me what you think we should do?" He wanted to do whatever Somer thought was best.

"But I don't want to decide," Somer whined.

Winter slipped off the bed. "How old did you say we were again?" he shot over his shoulder.

Somer flopped back into the bed, then rolled over and buried his face against Jeff. Then he put his arms around the blond and held on. "Mine."

Jeff held him back, kissing his hair. "I think as long as they see we're awake we shouldn't be in trouble." He smiled, kissing his lips softly. "All yours."

"No 'm decided. 'm twenty-one now, old enough to decide to cuddle my boyfriend wherever I want." Somer yawned. "'s too fuckin early."

Jeff grinned, holding him still and kissing him softly. "Okay, I like your choice ... Winter kind of scared me with all that ... I hope I didn't scare you talking about well ... you know." he blushed then, trying to look away from Somer as best he could.

Somer sighed, half-frustrated and half-sleepy, and cracked one eye at Jeff. "'s too soon. You know that, right? Way too damn soon. 'n' you know how I feel about fast. But," he opened both eyes, lying in Jeff's arms, "you've said it now. So I guess I have to accept it."

Jeff sighed as well. "I know that but I promised you I would never lie and so I won't lie now. I'm not talking about it being any time soon, just a thing that could happen one day," he said, rubbing his nose past Somer's. "So nothing to think or worry about now, promise. Why don't you get some more sleep?"

Somer kissed him quickly to get him to stop babbling. "You sleep too."

~~~~

It was midafternoon; Jeff had just finished setting up the hammock, along with Somer's dad's help, that he had bought for the family. Laying back in it now, he swung a bit and waited for Somer.

Somer pulled the door shut, balancing a half dozen cans in his arms. "Oh, that looks good," he said, winking at Jeff. He piled the cans in the cooler, came over, and plopped himself down on top of Jeff. "Hey baby."

Jeff omphed as Somer plopped in his lap. He smiled though, his forehead to his boyfriend's. "I'm glad you like it. Seems your parents at least like me ... not so sure about Winter anymore. But I mean you like me right?" He gave Somer puppy eyes.

Somer rolled his eyes. "Winter thinks he has to protect me from myself. He's getting better about it, but ... " He shrugged, then delicately licked the tip of Jeff's nose. "He'll get over it."

Jeff wiggled his nose with a grin. "You licked me? I'm yours? Yeah, I know how that is, just wish he wouldn't have freaked out so much ... anyways. I have my favorite Rainault right here." He kissed him then, softly and slowly.

Somer lost himself in kissing Jeff back -- until a jet of water smacked him in the ear, tracked up to his temple, and sprayed over his head. He broke away with a yelp, looking around wildly for the culprit, and all but fell out of Jeff's lap. "Autumn!!"

Jeff pulled back, trying to keep Somer from falling but he missed it. He smirked to see the girl with a squirt gun. "You sure you want to start that?"

The brunette just grinned at him, producing another water gun, and sprayed him. Then she bolted around the corner of the house. Somer scrambled to his feet and hissed at Jeff, "Come on!" He went the other way, headed for the garage.

Jeff followed behind and then smirked as he was laughing. "Can you cover me to get me inside? I kind of got us some squirtguns and something for Spring as well," he whispered to Somer. "Ready?" Jeff already in the stance to take off for the door.

"I was heading for the cache in the garage," Somer whispered back. "You can get in the house from there. I'll commandeer a spigot and hose for us. Go, go go!"

Jeff ran with Somer, slipping inside and going casually up the stairs. With the guns in his hand, he also grabbed the balloons. Quickly he was back with Somer and filling them all. The balloons he filled and dropped into a bucket. With his squirt gun on his hip, he set the bucket down by Spring. "Bombs away," he smirked to her and took off to find Autumn and well, maybe Winter too.

Spring grinned up at him, picked up one, and promptly lobbed it at him. Somer defended his boyfriend, and she shrieked with laughter, chasing them back around the corner with a pelting of water balloons. Somer grabbed Jeff's sleeve, pulling him between two prickly holly bushes. "Winter likes to snipe from the front door," he whispered. "If you go round the other side, where Autumn went, we can get him from both sides."

Jeff followed his instructions, smirking and winking as he slid past Spring again; this time she missed him. He was in place and ready for the take down. He watched Somer's count then suddenly they were both soaking the boy as much as they could. Laughter filled the air.

Winter flailed, trying to figure out whom to shoot first, and failed to return water on anyone. A soft giggle behind Jeff betokened Spring, and as they were all occupied with each other she bombed everyone with cheerful disregard. Winter took one to the face and stumbled backward to fall on his ass in the front lawn, laughing and trying to protect his eyes while he sprayed around indiscriminately. Somer promptly betrayed Jeff to defend his twin.

Jeff was laughing then felt the water on him. "Oh you're so getting it." He chased after Somer now. "Come here, baby," he called still going after him. He had stopped now to grab the hose and then sat back in the bushes to wait. He was ready to take them all out if he had to.

"I'm not stupid," Somer called back, creeping through the flower beds. "I know perfectly well what you're planning!" He made his way back to the garage and refilled the water guns from the tub of water he'd left there. Unfortunately for him, his sneaking attack on Jeff was exposed when Autumn pounced on him, dragging him out of cover and yelling "Jeff! Jeff I've got him!" He flailed, laughing so hard he could hardly breathe, and tried to twist around to be able to soak her to no avail.

Jeff jumped up and soaked his love a bit before getting Autumn as well. "This family has no loyalty in water fights, I love it," he joked and ran away. "Catch me if you can," he called to Somer with no regrets as Spring threw balloons. Jeff sprayed her once, hearing a giggle, but still he ran to hide from Somer a bit.

Somer declined to chase his boyfriend, shaking the water out of his hair and trying to get his breath back. Instead he borrowed a few balloons from Spring with a wink, and set about laying a trap for Jeff.

Somer wasn't coming, Jeff concluded. So that meant he was up to something. Well, he could play that game too. He walked lighter then air back towards everyone and he was low to the ground. Truly, he was just looking for a way to go make out with Somer for a moment.

Leaning out of the upstairs window, Somer grinned. There was Jeff, thinking he was hiding. The redhead weighed a water balloon in his hand, then dropped it on the blond head and withdrew back into the house.

Jeff stood slowly and shook the water off. He made a face up to the window and set his guns down. "I forfeit. You win," he called to his boyfriend then made his way back over to the hammock and sat down. He needed to dry off a bit.

Somer waited for Jeff to come find him, but after five minutes with no blond, wet, gorgeous boyfriend he gave up and went looking. The redhead spotted Jeff quickly and went outside to cuddle up against him. Glenn came out right after him with the lighter fluid, starting to bustle around the grill. "Were you defeated, boys?" he asked with a laugh. Somer blew a raspberry and fluffed Jeff's soaked hair.

Jeff swung there a bit, just enjoying that he was cool in the Tennessee sun from getting wet. Once Somer appeared and was there with him again, he wrapped his arm around him and nuzzled his cheek. Jeff shrugged to answer the man, just kind of wanting to soak in his boyfriend more.

Somer shifted to kiss Jeff, ignoring his father. The hammock rocked gently, and he could smell the charcoal starting, and the end of summer flower smells, and damp Jeff. He kept kissing the blond, even when he heard Winter come over and throw himself on the grass at their feet, and when he heard Spring come over and curl up on a lounge chair nearby.

Jeff gladly kissed him back, shifting a bit so it would be easier for them. He didn't hear or feel anything beyond the feeling of Somer pressed to him. He could smell the aromas but his attention and focus was on the boy that had his soul and heart. Also, how he was finally getting to really kiss him that day.

Somer had no idea how much time had passed, but it was more than enough time for the grill fire to get going and for his shirt to be dry. He leaned against Jeff, smiling. "Did you get your revenge?" he whispered.

Jeff smiled to see Somer there when they pulled apart. "Mostly, yeah," he whispered back, nuzzling along his jaw some and kissing the skin there. "How are you feeling?"

Somer took a deep sniff of the air, closing his eyes, then tilted his head toward his dad. "Hungry."

Glenn chuckled. "Well, then, go tell your mother the fire's ready, and then you can start bringing out the plates and sides."

Somer kissed Jeff's cheek quickly and wriggled out of the hammock. "Kay."

Jeff stood as well. "I'll help. More hands make less the work." His hand laced with Somer's as they walked back into the house.

"Mooom," Somer hollered as soon as he got in the house, "dad says the fire is ready." He tugged Jeff through the dining nook to the kitchen to find his mom loading plates with raw meats and veggies.

"Here, Jeff, will you take the hot dogs and bratwurst out?" Jeannette handed him a full plate. "Thank you, and Somer if you can get the hamburgers, and there you are, Spring, carry the buns please, thank you ... the beans are about to go in the microwave."

Jeff took the plate. "Yes ma'am," he replied, kissing Somer's cheek before he left. He was feeling better now that he had had a good moment of just holding and kissing his boyfriend. Stepping back outside, Jeff walked to the grill, still with the plate in hand. "Here you are, first sets to go on." Smiling a bit to Mr. Rainault.

He pointed with the tongs at a nearby table. "Put it there please." Somer came out and set his plate on the table, and gestured to Jeff. They went back in and loaded up again with chips and dip, raw veggies, and hummus.

"Yes sir." Setting the plate down, he went back in with Somer and grabbed what else needed to be carried out for everyone. It was kind of nice, even though it was kind of hot outside. "I'll follow you," he stated to his love.

The food started to hit the grill, and everyone settled on the back patio, the shade of the house making it cooler than in the full sun. Autumn waited til Jeff sat down before casually occupying his lap. "Mine now." She grinned.

Jeff sat there and suddenly had a lap full of not his love. Looking up to Autumn, he lifted a brow then looked to Somer to see what he'd do.

"Hey!" Somer turned around, then glared at Autumn. "That's my spot."

She beamed at him. "But he's so sweet! And his lap is comfy! I'm keeping him now."

The redhead poked out his lip. "Mine. Off."

Jeff smiled to Somer then shrugged to Autumn. "I have a brother I could maybe hook you up with?" Offering his younger sibling up so he could have his lap for his gingerbread.

The brunette clearly thought it over. "He's not here, though. And I would need to see pictures." She looped her arms around Jeff's neck, and Somer snarled softly.

"Autumn," he gritted. "Stop pawing my boyfriend. Now."

Jeff put his hands up, showing he wasn't touching her. "I can show them to you but hunny, I'm very gay so you're not going to get much out of me ... so would you please move?"

With an expression very like her cousin's, she got up and flopped on the grass at his feet. "Won't share, so mean." Spring reached down without looking and cuffed her on the back of the head. Somer just blew a childish raspberry at her.

Jeff pulled Somer into his lap as it was free now. Having him there, he kissed his cheek and jaw. "Much better," he whispered into his ear.

Somer leaned into Jeff, snuggling. "God, that smells so good," he sighed. His stomach growled softly. "What do you want to drink?"

"Hmm a cola please?" he asked, kissing his cheek again. "It does smell so good. Do you want to get us one plate and then you can sit on my lap while we eat?"

The redhead shook his head. "I'm gonna need my own plate, babe." He patted Jeff's knee. "I don't share my dad's food with anybody. Not even you." He got up, fetching their drinks, then deliberately put Jeff's icy drink on his neck, and giggled.

Jeff pouted but he understood. Feeling the cold, Jeff yelped then glared at him. Oh, he'd be getting him back later for that. "I think your dad still doesn't like me though ... "

"I like you fine, son," Glenn said, flipping the burgers. "You keep making Somer light up like that and we won't have any problems. Now come over here and hold the plate for me."

Jeff blushed, standing then and holding the plate. "Yes sir. Just wanted to make sure." He held the blush still as he made a face to Somer.

Somer just grinned at him. If his dad had a problem, that would have come up while they were sitting over there very obviously kissing each other into a state of insensibility. Glenn piled the hot dogs and sausages onto the plate Jeff held, then gestured for him to put it with the other food. "Burgers in five minutes."

Jeff carried the plate over, setting it where he was told to. Coming back over, he sat on Somer's lap as if it was nothing, but only for a moment. Only long enough to drop a small ice cube down the back of his shirt. Standing, he giggled and moved to sit in another chair.

"Nghh! Gah! You bastard!" Somer leaped up, slapping at his back and shaking his shirt. "Jesus Jeff, oh my god fuck that's cold!" He glared at his boyfriend, and dropped deliberately heavily onto Jeff's knees.

Jeff pouted a bit, pulling him back and kissing his neck and cheek. "I'm sorry baby," he whispered, "I'll warm you up again." Kissing at the back of his neck still.

Somer shivered, not from the remnants of ice. "Behave," he murmured. He patted Jeff's knee, then got up and started to fill a plate. Very quickly he was piling things around each other, cole slaw and chips and pickles and baked beans and two hot dogs. Relish and ketchup went on the dogs, and Somer licked some relish off his finger.

Jeff smirked. He'd save the other kisses for later when they were alone again. Getting up as well, he filled his plate and sat down at the table by Mrs. Rainault and Somer. "This all looks so good, I can't wait to taste it all."

The redhead's mouth was full, but he gave a thumbs up. Winter crowded in on his other side, potato salad and a burger overflowing his plate. "Naptime after this?" he asked.

Jeff ate slowly, taking his time and moving some things on his plate. He raised a brow but stayed quiet. His mind was still playing the scene from the morning a bit. Though nap time with Somer would be nice.

About two thirds of the way through his plate Somer slowed down, stretching out his legs. He stuck another chip in his mouth, then blinked and shook his head a bit.

"Here it comes," Spring whispered with a giggle.

He held up a hand, sniffed, then emitted an enormous burp.

jeff looked to Somer with his eyes huge. "Well that's new," he laughed, then looked at Spring. "Does he do that a lot with you guys?" He laughed and pushed his own plate away. He could have eaten more but right now, he was distracted by those around him.

Spring shook her blonde head, tapping her plate. Glenn leaned back a bit and scratched his head. "I'm gonna need a beer, I think." A can of yuengling promptly appeared before him. He cracked it and drank contemplatively, for a long five seconds. Then he set the beer down, and provided a counterpoint burp.

Looking between the two men, Jeff just sat there and enjoyed it really. He woudn't be part of it, but he could enjoy it all as he was right then. Sipping his soda, he made a funny face at Spring to see if she'd laugh again.

The laugh was in her face, though she didn't make a sound this time. She pointed across the table at Winter, who stood up and thumped his chest a couple times. Picking up his soda can, the brunet finished it off. Everybody seemed to hold their breath, and Winter offered a burp that broke off in the middle. Immediately Autumn shook her head, saying, "No, that's no good, nope, you fail this year. Sit down."

Jeff was just still enjoying it. He was with the family when Winter failed as he did. He grinned a bit, leaning his head on Somer's shoulder for a moment. It was rather nice even if it was an odd tradition to him. Everyone had their own after all.

"Anybody else?" Jeannette asked. "Jeff?"

Jeff shook his head. "No thanks, I mean I can burp but not like these two." he chuckled.

Autumn narrowed her eyes. Somer ate another chip, and another, somewhat nervously, while his dad calmly finished his beer. "It's Somer this year," she proclaimed finally. "Sorry, Uncle Glenn, showmanship counts. You're just a bit too casual."

Jeff smiled to his boyfriend softly. It seemed he won. "When did your uncle burp?" he asked of Somer, his brow furrowed.

Spring reached out and patted Jeff's arm, then shook her head. She firmly pointed at Glenn, then folded her arms.

Jeannette laughed. "We've got a tie so far. Winter, since you failed /so/ miserably, as consolation I'll let you vote."

Winter pretended to deliberate much longer than Autumn, even going so far as to stand up and circle the two competitors. Then he clapped Somer on the shoulder. "I have to go with my brother."

Jeff nodded; now he understood. He was still remembering the Rainaults' first names. He blushed a bit, shrinking a bit in his spot on the bench.

Jeannette leaned forward, looking like she was going to think, and promptly said, "Too much drama. I vote for my husband." Then she smiled at Jeff. "That makes you the deciding vote, sugar."

"Oh no no, I plead the fifth. I don't want to choose. I don't want to end up with that on my shoulders." Jeff shook his head. "No thank you."

"If you don't it's a tie!" Jeannette protested, laughing. Autumn contributed pleading eyes, and Spring murmured, "Please?" Somer looked at his boyfriend, poking his lower lip out a bit.

Jeff sucked on his lip. "Okay fine but I want this known that this has nothing to do with Somer being my boyfriend but I agree, he had more style. Sorry, sir. Yours was just more of a dad burp."

Everyone exploded in laughter. Somer leaned over and put his forehead on the table, still laughing so hard his face hurt. "Oh god I love you!" he gasped.

Jeff chuckled as well, shrugging. "I mean, it is. It reminds me of my dad."

~~~~

Somer folded another dirty shirt haphazardly, shoving it into his bag. "Ready to go back to school?" he asked Jeff quietly. He didn't entirely want to go; home always felt safe to him, a place where he didn't have to be around people unless he wanted to. But he knew he didn't have a choice.

Jeff had just put in his last shirt then nodded to Somer. "Yeah, I'm ready to go back but it was nice being here, spending the weekend with you and your family." Sitting on Somer's bed, he brought him over to stand between his legs. "Are you sad to go?"

"A little," Somer admitted. "It's hard to be in a place where there's so many strangers, you know? Even though there's a lot of people I know, it's still hard to meet new people." He shrugged. "But I can't just hide in my parents' house forever. I have to grow up, even though I hate it." He leaned forward, resting his forehead against Jeff's.

Jeff smiled up to him, leaning in to kiss his nose softly. "Well I get that but we do need to finish our degrees," he chuckled a bit then kissed him. "We should load up and head out, thank your parents and all."

"Meeehhh," Somer said in a complaining tone. "No wanna. Wanna sleep." He pretended to fall asleep right there, slowly sliding until he was resting against Jeff's shoulder and trying not to giggle.

Jeff laughed. "Okay then I guess I'll have to carry you and the bags down the stairs and to the car. Your mom will be so sad, she has all this food packed for us but I can't carry it all." He pulled back to look at Somer a bit.

Somer wobbled, laughing, and caught himself on the edge of the bed. "Yeah, okay, I guess I'll carry myself." He grinned at Jeff, then zipped up his bag. "Did you get everything? It's going to be a pain in the ass if we leave anything behind."

"Yes, I got it all," he smiled, "checked both rooms twice even just to make sure." He was thankful that they hadn't been caught sleeping together; it had been helpful to make sure they actually slept after all.

"Okay," the redhead slung his bag over his shoulder and led the way downstairs to add it to the pile of things they were taking back. "Time to load the car, then."

Jeff grabbed his bag and some others as he carried them out to the car and came back. He saw the family there, smiling to them all. "Thank you for this weekend, it was great. I really enjoyed meeting everyone."

Jeannette gathered him into a hug, squeezing tight. "We were so glad to meet you," she told him. "Be careful driving back, you call me if you need anything."

One by one hugs were exchanged between everyone. Spring pulled Jeff and Somer into a hug together, and daringly kissed Jeff's cheek before blushing and darting back into the house.

Finally Somer laughed, pushing at his mom's shoulder. "Okay mom, we need to get on the road now. It's a long drive."

Jeff hugged them all back. He couldn't help the huge smile on his face. "I'm glad I met you all. You are all so nice." He blushed from the kiss to his cheek from Spring.

The redhead nudged his boyfriend over to the passenger side. "Shhh," he said, eyes dancing. "If you don't stop talking, she won't stop, and then we'll never get out of here!" Finally, after just a few more delays for hugs, kisses, unnecessary admonishments, and declarations of 'I love you!', they were on their way. Somer blew out a sigh. "That's always hard," he said. "I'm no good at goodbyes."

Jeff chuckled, giving them all one more goodbye. They were on their way back, Jeff in the passenger seat for this part of the ride. He held Somer's hand and kissed the back of it. "Thank you for taking me to meet them."

"I love you," Somer said. "I love you, and I wanted you to meet them, and now you belong to us." He grinned at Jeff, setting the cruise control. "You've been adopted."

"I love you too and well, I can handle being a Rainault as long as you can handle being a Sterling." Jeff kissing his knuckles. "Does it make me bad that I just want to get back and like take a shower with you? I miss touching you."

The redhead shook his head, a wry smile on his face. "I don't have any idea how to be a Sterling. I'll just have to keep being a Rainault for now." He shifted a bit in the seat, face turning dull red. "I don't think it makes you bad but this is gonna be a rough drive if you keep reminding me of that." The Southern accent still flavoured his tone.

Jeff licked over his lips. "Well then I won't remind you of how it feels to be pressed together kissing and nothing between us," he whispered with a wink. He knew it was mean a bit but maybe it would be a drive to get home faster.

"Jeff," Somer growled. "This is an eight hour drive. I cannot have a stiffie the whole time. I will die. Or I'll kill you. Please stop torturing me." For all the low growly tone it was still clearly a tease, and his green eyes laughed at his boyfriend."

Jeff smirked. "Hmm okay, fine. I'll just sit here and dream about it while you drive." He shifted in his seat. Though he really was just going to enjoy the view since he had slept through most of it before.

Somer bit his lip, trying to calm his hormones down. Sometimes Jeff had the worst (best) timing. "You do that. Sit over there and be quiet." Instead he turned on the radio, surfed through a couple stations, and gave up. "Can you get the usb stick out of my computer bag and put it in?"

Jeff reached back, pulling out the stick and handing it to Somer as he yawned and dared to remove his shirt to only have his wife beater on. "There, so much more comfy." Leaning back again, as he let his eyes close a bit. The sun felt good on his skin as the ac kept him cool.

"I hate you," Somer mumbled as Jeff took his shirt off. "You are the worst. I'm gonna lock you in my room." He relaxed back a bit, humming softly to the music.

Four hours later he stopped for gas, shoulders creaking. "Do you think you can drive for a little while, blondie? My head's startin' to hurt."

The four hours seemed to pass fast. As they got gas, Jeff nodded. He took the chance to pin his love to the car and kiss him in the way they had been holding back. "You sleep okay?" he whispered to him, kissing behind his ear. Taking the keys, he topped off the tank and slipped into the driver's side.

Somer nearly slid bonelessly down the side of the car when the blond finally let him go. He went inside and grabbed a bottle of soda, then deliberately stuck it between his legs when he settled into the passenger side. Maybe that would help. Maybe.

Jeff smirked, reaching over to hold his hand as he drove. "You should drink some, it would help your headache." He was truly trying to be the caring boyfriend he was at the core.

"Not having to pay attention to the road is helping my headache," Somer riposted. The way you just kissed me is helping my headache too, he didn't say. He tipped the seat back a bit, arranged himself to relax, and said, "Nobody can hear you but me. So tell me what you think of my family."

Jeff smiled, kissing his knuckles. "Well I love your mom, she's very fun and sweet like you. Your cousins are kind of amazing, kind of hoping to get to know Spring more. Your dad ... well I was and still kind of scared of him and breaking his rules and Winter ... well he hates me so yeah."

Somer stared at him, confused. "What are you even talking about? Dad likes you! Everyone likes you! I thought Autumn was going to steal you away for Spring. Seriously. What are you talking about, dad's rules? We didn't break any rules."

Jeff cringed a bit at the slight rise in his voice. "I know he likes me but he still scares me and I'm talking about how he made me feel like I couldn't do more then peck-kiss you without upsetting him or how it felt like it was some big thing to cuddle you when we slept. Those rules."

The redhead hadn't thought about it that way. "That's ... just the way things are. It's not really a rule ... " He opened his mouth to go on, stopped, then said, "We made out for a solid ten minutes while he was building the fire Sunday."

"Yeah, we did but you had to start it ... I didn't try anything with you out of fear," jeff explained. "Ok but for me, that's not how things are. It's odd to me and when your dad said those things to me, I got intimidated about making sure they liked me so I tried to stick to it even if for me it all seemed silly ... and then with Winter. He just ... I think he hates me and I'm sorry, baby, but I'm not going to change what I said to him, even if it upset him."

" ... you're overreacting ... " Somer said slowly. "Dad -- nobody ever said we couldn't kiss or cuddle. Not at all. I don't know where you got that idea. Or this idea that Winter hates you." The redhead shook his head. "He's ... just trying to protect me from myself. That's all. It's got nothing to do with you."

Jeff sighed. "Yeah, okay," he replied. He wasn't going to argue. He asked and Jeff had answered. "It's just how it felt to me. Just how I felt and I mean, I get how Winter is but there is a line and getting in my face for being honest, it was a lot for me. I'm not overreacting, I'm reacting as I do at times because of what I have."

Firmly, Somer said, "I promise, none of them hate you. Everyone liked you. I promise. Next time we go, it will be easier." He could see Jeff pulling away from the argument, and he didn't know how else to persuade him. "Winter always thinks he has to protect me, and he goes too far sometimes." Looking down at his lap, the redhead admitted, "You startled us both with that -- about wanting to marry me. We ... talked about it. He really is sorry, but I told him I would carry that to you, because he thinks you're afraid of him now and he doesn't know how to fix that. Fixing things is my job."

Jeff reached out to take Somer's hand, kissing the back of it. "I trust you. I love you and hey, it's my job to fix things too."

The redhead smiled. "I know. Winter just has to get used to having help with me and my insanities. And I /know/ dad likes you because he asked you to help with the grilling." He shifted so he could watch Jeff's profile, gaze lingering on that up-tilted nose he loved so much. "Love you. After we get back I'll give you anything you want, okay?"

Jeff smiled over to him. "All I want is you, in my arms to kiss and hold and do everything I was holding back from ... sorry I was holding back so much. I should have been better about just asking," he said, giving him a soft and loving look.

"I was holding back a little too," Somer admitted. "It felt strange, to be, um, physical in my parents' house. Even if I am twenty-one now. But we can do anything you like." He laughed. "Even if all you want is to lie in the bed and sleep."

Jeff smirked. "Oh I mean I do but there is a shower to take together first and whatever comes while we're in the shower, which I mean, I hope is you. Loving making you scream and cum." Winking now, they were closer to school already.

Somer giggled. "Do I get to do that to you too?" He stretched out his legs, letting his tshirt ride up just a bit and show some tanned skin. "You know I don't really mind lying still for you but I like to know ... "

Jeff shook his head a bit then reached over to tickle Somer's exposed belly. "Well I mean, I wouldn't mind a good touch or two." Licking his lips with a wink.

The redhead smacked Jeff's hand gently and scolded, "No. You drive. No touching. We're not that far from school." Having gotten exactly the reaction he wanted, he smugly tugged down his shirt and closed his eyes. "Wake me up when we get there."

"Okay baby." Jeff went to humming along to the music. It was rather peaceful while he sleeping. The drive was calm and he was just more than ready to have him in his arms once more.

Despite his intent, Somer actually fell asleep through the last part of the drive, not even waking up when they began to encounter city traffic. The weekend had been a bit more stressful than he wanted to admit, and he hadn't slept as well as usual.

Jeff just enjoyed the music and as they arrived at the school, he smiled to see Somer was still sleeping. He unloaded their things into Somer's room and finally came back. Leaning down, he kissed him like it was a disney movie.

It took Somer a minute to realise the lips against his own were real and not just a part of his dream. He moaned softly, and smiled into the kiss. "Jeff? Are we there?"

Jeff grinned. "Hi Sleeping Beauty. Yeah, we're here." Scooping him up, Jeff carried the boy bridal style as he kicked the door shut then set him on his feet. "Feel better?"

"Mmmmm." Somer smiled again. "I'd call you my Prince but Benji might hurt me." He resisted being set down, keeping his arms looped around Jeff's neck. "Nooo, don't let go," he whined, and tried to climb the blond like a tree.

Jeff chuckled. "Oh so you want me to carry you now? Well alright." He smirked, carrying him into his room then setting him on the bed. "You want to take a shower with me or are you going to sit there?" He smirked again, already stripping.

The redhead didn't bother with an answer, just waiting until Jeff had finished taking his pants off until he tackled him with kisses. "No shower. Just kisses."

Jeff chuckled, kissing him back. He smiled as his arms wrapped Somer's waist. "But I want to shower ... I want to shower with you."

Somer drifted his kisses along Jeff's jaw, hands wandering. "That can wait ... " he whispered. Fingers linked in the waistband of his boyfriend's boxers, he pulled back toward the bed. "Come on."

Jeff was about to whine more when Somer started to touch him and make him smirk a bit as well. "Hmm okay but I get my Somer touching in the shower." He really wanted to get sexual with his love there as it felt like it had been so long.

He was about to push Jeff onto the bed when he paused. "I have a better idea." With a sly little smirk of his own, Somer tugged the blond's boxers straight onto the floor, and pointed to the papasan chair. "Sit there," he instructed. "Lean back, but on the edge, okay?" Then he grabbed the cushion from his desk chair and dropped it on the floor.

Jeff did as he was asked. "Still going to take you in the shower," he said, though his eyes filled with lust to see what Somer could be up to. He wondered a bit, his cock twitching as well.

Half-knelt, Somer froze, looking up at Jeff with big eyes and a faint blush. "I-is that so?" he said. He swallowed visibly, thinking of the usual way that was meant. Then he knelt up on the cushion, reaching out to wrap his hand around Jeff's cock.

"Yeah, going to touch you and making you feel good as the shower washes over us." Touching his cheek softly, then leaned down to kiss him. Feeling his hand on his cock, he moaned a bit, licking his lips. "Hmm god, I missed this."

The redhead drew back from the kiss slowly, eyes drifting open. He licked his lips in turn, then bent and wrapped his mouth just around the tip of Jeff's cock. Slowly he sucked, hand slipping lightly up and down. He wanted to make Jeff crazy, make him beg for more, or make him just take more. Tease him until his boyfriend decided to make him submit.

Jeff sat back, fingers in Somer's hair as the boy seemed to suck and stroke how Jeff liked. He didn't mind him doing this right now, it was kind of relaxing for him.

Somer took in more, head starting to bob as he blew Jeff to full hardness. He'd done a little research since that first time, when Jeff was sleeping or at rehearsal. Now he tried to put that to use, one free hand wandering to tease his boyfriend's balls, tracing over all the soft skin there.

Boy did he know what he was doing now. Jeff gripped his hair more, trying not to pull too hard. "Fuck baby, you are doing so good. Faster now," he told him, watching and feeling to see if Somer would listen.

The redhead made a funny sound that was half-moan, half-growl, and failed to respond to Jeff's instructions. Instead he drew back just a little, holding only the head in his mouth, and licked around it, like some kind of delicious popsicle.

Jeff looked down to him. Oh, so he wanted to play like that then. "Somer, please ... I've waited days for this, I don't want to play. I just want you." He looked to him, meaning every word. He understood Somer's want to play but he wasn't wanting to play, he was craving to get off and get his love off in loving ways. Not teasing ways.

Somer gently pulled away with one last delicate lick, and looked up at Jeff. "I'm right here," he tried. "You don't want me to make you feel good?" He kept stroking, lightly, not wanting Jeff to come down.

"No I do, of course I do." Jeff smiled to him, moaning some. "I love when you do ... just no teasing or at least, less. I've been craving you for days."

A soft chuckle answered him. Somer lowered his head, but a teasing twinkle could be seen under his eyelashes. "Then you should take what you want, blondie," he murmured. He bent his head to suck on his boyfriend again.

Jeff shook his head. "Don't want to take, just want to give ... want to give to you and let you give to me," he said, trying to explain himself a bit better.

Somer mumbled, "I'm giving myself to you." He stopped, pulling his shirt over his head, and discarded it to the side. His hair stuck up wildly as he returned to the task of getting Jeff off, taking it more seriously now.

Jeff's eyes became more lustful to see him shirtless. It was just something about seeing him that way that made his heart beat faster. "Fuck, you're sexy baby," he whimpered to him.

The biggest problem, Somer was finding, with blowing Jeff was how to answer when the blond spoke to him. All he could do was moan, hands wandering again. The way Jeff was sitting, he couldn't finger him the way Jeff liked to do him, and he wasn't even really sure his boyfriend wanted that. But the skin in that area was supposed to be very sensitive, so Somer explored, looking for ways to push Jeff over the edge.

Form the first time they had done this, Somer was better than before. Touching him more and making the pleasure pulse through him faster. He had been holding back, not wanting to come so fast even though his body was ready to. He couldn't hold back though, not anymore. Warning Somer that he was about to cum, Jeff moaned his name as he came.

He managed to grab his shirt when Jeff warned him, and sat back, grinning up at his boyfriend. His jaw ached a bit, and his knees, but that was fine. That was just fine.

Jeff moaned as he came down, pulling Somer up and into his lap to kiss him. "Have you been practicing and didn't tell me?" he smirked, kissing him softly as his hands ran over the boy's sides.

"Mmmm." The redhead didn't like the fact that Jeff was naked and he wasn't, but he was held quite firmly. "No. Just reading." He smiled, rubbing his nose against Jeff's. "Did you like it?"

Jeff nodded. "Are you kidding me? You were so good and so hot. Just need to work on swallowing for me," he smirked, then picked him up to carry to the bathroom. Jeff set him on the counter. "Clothes off, your turn," he murmured, kissing behind his ear as he knew Somer loved.

"Patience!" Somer laughed. He wrapped himself around Jeff as he was carried, loving the tickle of wild blond hair on his cheeks. He shuddered with delight as his boyfriend kissed him, feebly pushing against his shoulders, and managed, "How'm I s'posed to do that with you ~aaah~ right there?"

"Very carefully," he chuckled, but stepped back long enough for him to disrobe as he turned the shower on. Seeing his boyfriend naked, he drank him in. Their bodies pressed together, Jeff's lips were back latching on to his neck.

Somer moaned. "Blondie ... " He staggered a bit, lightheaded, and clung to Jeff. Somehow they managed to get into the shower, although he wasn't entirely sure how, and he gratefully leaned against the wall. He turned his face up to Jeff's and begged, "Please?"

Jeff had him against the wall of the shower as the water rushed over them. With his plea, Jeff sank to his knees and started to kiss along his thighs. "Hold on, I don't want you to fall." Putting the boy's hands in his hair as he licked up his cock then sucked on the head of it.

As soon as the blond started to suck on him, Somer cried out raggedly, fingers tightening in his hair. His hips jerked, and vaguely he wondered how Jeff kept that from happening. He just wanted to sink into that hot, wet mouth, feel all that perfect soft pressure around him. "God, Jeff," he groaned. His feet slipped a bit farther apart.

Jeff held his foot in place with one hand as he used the other to guide Somer's cock for a moment. Once he was sure it was good to go, he started to suck down on him a bit more. Taking him fully in as he hummed a tune around his cock.

Somer panted, head tipped back against the wall and eyelashes making dark curves on his cheeks. He couldn't stop his hips jerking, thrusting down Jeff's throat. "Blondie, oh god, blondie," he moaned. His head spun.

Jeff just kept at it. How he missed this picture and those moans. How he missed seeing Somer falling apart because of him and what he could do to him. He wasn't going to let time pass without doing this again.

The redhead wasn't sure if it was because it was Jeff, because he was still so new to these sensations, or even because they'd gone a few days without much touching, but it didn't take much at all for the blond to have him riding the edge. "I'm gonna," he gasped out, knees trembling. "Jeff 'm gonna."

Jeff just doubled down when he started to warn him. He wanted him to cum, to taste him and make him feel all the pleasure he could before he just held him for the night with no barriers.

Groping, Somer rested a hand on Jeff's shoulder as his legs wobbled again. The water splashed up into his face, but he barely noticed, a rushing in his ears as he came in Jeff's mouth.

Jeff moaned, tasting him as he came. He lapped it all up, swallowing around his cock. When he knew Somer was all done, Jeff slowly stood and held him as he kissed his cheek and jaw. "Fuck, I missed that," he told him, still holding him close.

The redhead still trembled from the aftermath of pleasure, arms wrapped around Jeff's slim body. His voice was a bit raspy as he said, "You know, the things I was reading said," he stopped, blushing, and tried again, "they said if you ... if you finger me during that it's. Better." He sighed blissfully. "Though I think I might just explode if it got better."

Jeff chuckled. "Oh I bet it does but I'll save that for another time. Right now, I just wanted to do this." Kissing him softly once more. "I love you and I missed this," Nuzzling his jaw and cheek. "Missed holding you like this more then I even knew I could."

Somer shifted them slowly, until the water was pouring down his back and over his shoulder and he had Jeff against the wall. "I want you to just kiss me," he whispered. "Just hold me, just kiss me."

"I can do that." Jeff kissed him back, holding him close. The kiss was slow and easily moving as their lips and tongues danced together.

#c:jeff #para: jeff.#;para #para: 8.31 labor day

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blue91212 · 3 years

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history of me being on social media/other websites

a overdue post that was supposed to be done on my 6 year youtube anniversary (February 26, 2015) however i never got around to doing that until now

i have been on the internet for a long time, even before my ytp/ytp tennising carrer!

either 2011 or 2012:

like any other people, i found youtube, i have no idea what i first watched there though.

either 2012 or 2013:

i found scratch, when people were doing those “klasky csupo robot” thing, i even wanted to do something like that back then, if i recall correctly, i didn’t have an account there.

2014:

i created my Miiverse account, which would be the first ever online account i ever created. (however Miiverse, as we all know, shut down in 2017, but there is Archiverse which is what i use to see what i posted back then). after that, i got my laptop for the first time in a while, and that is what i used to create my scratch account. i posted a few projects on there which would go on until 2018. i also created an xbox account as i got an xbox 360 (slim) in December 2014.

2015:

2 months after i created my scratch account, i created my first google/youtube account. i posted a few videos on there, from logo edit videos to tennis videos (also sprout videos as well). however in 2018, for some weird reason, i wiped some of the videos off of it, i don’t know why. there is only 1 video on the account. 4 months later after i created that youtube account, i created another account which is basically my old archive account. i posted the same exact style of videos, some used youtube video editor (as we all know, got rid of in 2017). july came, and the account eventually would become “Bettie Conklin the object thingy” and would until 2018 when i rebranded the account into an extras account.

about that laptop i mentioned in the 2014 section, it turned out after a month of me owning it, i fell for a scam on it.

2016:

2016 would be the starting point of the channel i used to own called “LanceAnimaniacs”. i used the account “Bettie Conklin the object thingy” for a few months, then in March of 2016, i created “LanceAnimaniacs”, then i left the “Bettie Conklin the object thingy” account in the dust for a few years. some of my 2016 stuff i uploaded to archive_ bin. i was hated quite a bit for liking another user which i will not mention. december of 2016 was quite interesting, as i stopped uploading for about 5 months until may 2017.

2017:

i started uploading again in may 2017, as expected, people noticed that i came back, june 2017 is when i met some of my friends, @system-128, cheezit, minion game, and others. july 2017 was absolutely the worst part about 2017, as i got hated a ton more, and i lost some friends in the same year. august and september 2017 was worse, again, got hated a ton more, i did lose some more friends. i created a discord account in august. however in october 2017, things got a little better, i got some of my friends back. november/december 2017 was also quite interesting, as i sticked to tablet entirely instead of a phone. i also got a kindle fire in december. december was also the starting of a collaborative self tennis that @system-128 did, mricencycl.

2018:

2018 was alright. i started uploading a ton more to mricencycl and my main channel, however in july 2018, an incident happened when videos on mricencycl were getting deleted, i, myself, tried reviving the r1k, however it feel through. a successor to mricencycl, missadaxio, was created. i was asked if i want to join it, i said yes. and look where the mr1k is at now! december of 2018 is when i finally got a laptop, which is the one im currently typing this post on.

2019:

2019 was kinda alright. started uploading vegas pro videos, which is the editing software i use for my main content. in august 2019, in a youtube chat, i started getting harassed(?), which eventually led me to qutting for a while. a month later, i created “ApproximateOstrich” (Blue91212) and basically the first video i uploaded was explained why i moved to this account, however i still used LanceAnimaniacs until november 2019, when i announced i was deleting the LanceAnimaniacs channel, in the form of a video i uploaded having the words “goodbye”. there were people that reuploaded the videos on LanceAnimaniacs, so thank you guys who reuploaded them! december 2019 is when i uploaded a few rounds to the mr1k, when we started uploading to it again... until the 21st of the same year and same month when we got locked out of the account. that we considered the “Account Lockout”.

forgot to mention, my style changed in september 2019, when it became Jaxxie’s old style.

2020:

2020 was probably not the greatest year for me. i had to reset the laptop im currently typing this on to fix the taskbar issue. however in april 2020, we got access to missadaxio again! and i started uploading rounds on it. may 2020, one of the people failed to cancel missadaxio when we got locked out of it. a few hours later after that happened, we got access to it again. september 2020, the laptop had a bug where every time i started it up, the taskbar would freeze for a couple of minutes, then it would go back to normal. but then would freeze again, then go back to normal, but then would freeze yet again and then go back to normal. i tried looking up fixes and there were no relevant results. in november 2020, my editing style changed, from effect spammy style to a different style.

2021:

the current year, mediocre for me. improved my art style, using firealpaca as my main art program. the same year, i also got interested in Olive the Ostrich (which is the show in my profile picture). because of the show interest switch, i still connected with the Bluey community.

god this post took hours to do :/

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greenofallshades · 7 years

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I saved this for when I had the time because I liked the questions, and because it was sent by a friend, @rapid-apathy. So I had a long rainy weekend and was able to do it. I’ve been holding onto it forever. You’re supposed to answer the questions you like, delete the ones you don’t, and add your own to make 100. I didn’t bullet mine but this is close to 100 either way, I guess.

So here’s a little tell-all, if anyone wants to know. I’m tagging some unsuspecting souls so you guys can shake your fists at me and say well, fuck, it’s Monday, so naturally. (Seriously, no one feel obligated to do it..pretending you never got tagged is perfectly fine, lol).

@simcoedefensesquad, @abewoodhullturncoat, @cupric-solution, @enouementonism, @thesnakeinthegarden, @zaggyswag, @080939, @teagrounebulous, @dolfinsatdawn, @west-coast-happiness

The meaning behind my url: greenofallshades, Green is my favorite color and adding the last part made it sound vaguely...interesting, or something.

A picture of me: will post one soon.

How many tattoos i have and what they are: none

Last time i cried and why: During the TURN finale, lol, but does that count? Before that, a fight with my husband.

Favorite band: Impossible to pick one, just cannot. Also I’m one of those people who when you ask me to pick my favorite something I freeze and can think of nothing.

Biggest turn offs: Pretentiousness, number one by far. Also people who drop hints instead of asking for something, game-playing instead of being direct, and braggarts.

Top 5 (insert subject): Top five cookies! Girl Scout Thin Mint, soft baked chocolate chip, M&M cookies, Nutter Butters, and Oreos.

Tattoos i want: *shrug* none

Biggest turn ons: strong arms, hairy chest

Age: old lady by Tumblr kid standards, I guess

Ideas of a perfect date: Sitting in front of a fire in an empty tavern with a 6'3" ginger Queen's Ranger, drinking to the point that I'm not drunk but feel good, and he gets loose and starts telling me stuff no one else knows, then getting on his horse with him (me in front, being held securely by him) and riding out to a secluded cabin in the woods only he knows about, where we spend the night having wild sex and getting as loud as we want.

Life goal: Not to have any huge regrets on my deathbed when it comes to people in my life.

Piercings i want: none

Relationship status: married

Favorite movie: Can't pick one but I love Bram Stoker's Dracula, Pulp Fiction, Gladiator, Goodfellas, Thirty Days of Night. Not into chick flicks very much. Also a couple of old movies---Rebecca (a total mind fuck) and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, which I STRONGLY rec. It's a middle-aged married couple who have company over and spend the night drinking and cursing and tearing each other apart with complete viciousness.

A fact about my life: I'm boring but okay with it

Phobia: Any and all bugs, especially flying ones. I wish I could make all of them extinct, including butterflies.

.Height: 5'5"

Are you a virgin? A what?

What is your shoe size? 8

What’s your sexual orientation? straight

Do you smoke, drink, or take any drugs? Wine sometimes....red. Used to like white, can’t stand it now, and beer makes my throat close up

Someone you miss: My parents...they had me very late in life and they're gone now.

What’s one thing you regret? Not being a better daughter

First celebrity you think of when someone says attractive: Samuel Roukin, are you shocked?

Favorite ice cream? french vanilla

One insecurity: Body image. I had an eating disorder when I was a teenager and body issues will stay with me until I die.

What my last text message says: From me---I might answer late because we’re doing late dinner. To me---How does she afford it

Have you ever taken a picture naked? Taken one, no---taken one OF somebody, yes

Have you ever kissed a member of the same sex? No

Have you ever slept naked? Yes

Have you ever stole money from a friend? No

Have you ever gotten in a car with people you just met? Yes

Have you ever been in a fist fight? No

Have you ever had feelings for someone who didn’t have them back? Yeah, I think everybody has

Have you ever been arrested? No

Have you ever made out with a stranger? Yes

Have you ever laid on your back and watched cloud shapes go by? Yes

Have you ever been lonely? Yes

Have you ever been to a club? Clubbing and dancing, so much fun

Have you ever felt an earthquake? Yes, in Virginia it's a rare thing and I thought Jesus was coming back.

Have you ever touched a snake? I've held snakes...they're adorable.

Have you ever ran a red light? Yes, and it was stupid as hell because my husband witnessed a horrible accident when someone ran a red. A man was ejected out of his car into the air came down, and hit the pavement, dead. DON'T RUN RED LIGHTS

Have you ever been in a car accident? Yes

Have you ever cried yourself to sleep? Pretty sure I have

Have you ever sang karaoke? No and never will for the mercy of the world

Have you ever done something you told yourself you wouldn’t? Oh yeah...for example today I told myself I wouldn't touch the box of Cheezits in the pantry.

Have you ever laughed until something you were drinking came out your nose? No, but I've laughed so hard I retched

Have you ever slept with someone at least 5 years older or younger? Yes

Have you ever dream that you married someone? Yes and I woke up and it was true.

Have you ever got your tongue stuck to a flag pole? No, but points for a question that made me shudder.

Have you ever ever gone to school partially naked? *side eye glance*

Have you ever brushed your teeth? *second side eye glance* I hope to hell

Have you ever ever too scared to watch scary movies alone? Yes....I cannot watch Thirty Days of Night alone, even it's daytime

Have you ever been pushed into a pool with all your clothes on? No, and it's a good thing, because you don't push a woman who has naturally curly hair into the water or your ass is going to have consequences.

Have you ever been told you’re hot by a complete stranger? Yes

Have you ever broken a bone? Just a toe

Have you ever been easily amused? Lol, every damn day...wouldn't have it any other way.

Have you ever laughed so hard you cried? Many times

Have you ever mooned/flashed someone? No

Have you ever forgotten someone’s name? Yes, embarrassing

Have you ever give us one thing about you that no one knows I never have and I am not going to have creeps following this blog, lol.

What was your last dream? I dreamed Samuel Roukin played a biker in black leather. Are you seeing the trend here?

Would you be up for interplanetary travel if it was a thing? Hard pass...I will stay safe on my couch with my fleece throw.

If you could travel back in time, where would you go? Omg. Again, can’t pick but I’m leaving this question up because it’s a good one.

Do you prefer tech or real books for reading? I like both, but prefer books

Do you dread doctor visits or do they not bother you? They make me anxious

Favorite fashion decade of the twentieth century? 1940s

Are you wearing nail polish and if so, what color? Manicure, Essie Watermelon; pedicure, OPI I Vant To Bite Your Neck

Are you into working out or no? I've always worked out, but I'm so burned out now

Do you have a temper? Yes

Do you have one item you treat yosef with, and if so, what is it? Josie Maran whipped argan oil

Do you eat meat? Yes I am a happy carnivore

If yes, how do you like it cooked? Well done and y'all can drag me for that all you want

Ever had a boss or a teacher you absolutely hated? Oh yeah....a bitch boss who loved making lives miserable. She snatched my engagement ring and hid it for a day so I would think I'd lost it, then gave it back at the end of the day and laughed. I was frantic. I wish I could have a do-over with that bitch.

Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate? Coffee

Do you wear makeup? Yes

If you wear perfume, what's your scent type/favorite fragrance? I like fresh/clean scents...love Versace VersenseScented

Do you have a girl crush? Yes

Candles, wax melts, or incense? Wax melts....I have a shameful amount of those bitches. Walmart, $2, too cheap to pass up.

Favorite season of the year? Fall, fall, fall, then winter

Fanfic---do you prefer smut or fluff? Smut, but well-written fluff about the right character (GUESS WHO) is good too

Do you like taking selfies? Why or why not? I hate it. Old body image issues, not photogenic, etc.

Do you want children? We can't, but we'll be okay.

Do you prefer lots of friends or just a few good friends? Just a few, not interested in crowds of pseudo-friends

Introvert or extrovert, or mixture of both? Mixture...can and do initiate conversation with strangers but I'm an only child and I need solitude to be sane

Ocean/beach or mountains? Ocean, if it's cold, cloudy, and the water is wild and gray. Otherwise mountains.

Morning person or night person? Morning...first cup of coffee makes me annoyingly wired.

Do you initiate conversations with strangers? Yes

Milk or dark chocolate? Dark

What do you post on your blog? Mostly Simcoe stuff, other TURN material, with some Walking Dead, Vikings, and The Strain. Occasionally fashion, quotes, etc.

Is it hard for you to apologize when you're in the wrong? If I know I've done wrong or hurt someone I have no problem apologizing. I wouldn't want it to be otherwise. And if I ever piss off any of y’all, let me know.

Love at first sight? No. Like/compatibility that turns into love, yes.

Best/funniest Halloween memory? A couple, I guess. The first was a party when my hairstylist friend did my make up and I went as a gypsy. It was perfect, the hair, the armloads of cheap bangles and the huge earrings, a white peasant shirt with a flowing multicolored skirt, etc.

The second is one I was only told about, and it happened years ago, but I laugh when I think about it. My father-in-law(to be) was home alone and a flood of kids kept coming to the door. He gave out all the candy, then started throwing in cans of Beanie Weenies, and when they were gone, he started handing out money. Finally he said to hell with it, turned off the light, and went to bed.

Did your first crush work out or was it unrequited? Unrequited

Do you like old movies---and by old, I mean OLD old? Yes, I've even watched a couple of silent movies. The main thing about old movies that bugs is me the ever-present music.

Do you tan or burn? Burn---don't care about tanning/lying in the sun with the heat beating down on me. I like myself pale, anyway.

Do you think people deserve second chances? Generally yes. Hard to say no considering how many times I've fucked up. But child molesters, that kind of thing--hell no.

What animal would be cutest if scaled down to the size of a cat? A T-Rex

Do you have any weird food likes/dislikes? I hate cheese, esp. melted. (Ikr?) Also white creamy foods...cream soups, mayonnaise, etc

.What's the funniest real person's name you've ever heard? Andrew Lincoln is really Andrew Clutterbuck

#asks #long ass asks #more than you ever wanted to know about me

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tatooedlaura-blog · 7 years

Text

Twenty-second Christmas

the series is as follows so far:

First … Second … Third … Fourth … Fifth … Fifth Christmas, Part 2 … Sixth … Seventh … Eighth … Ninth … Tenth … Eleventh … Twelfth … Thirteenth … Fourteenth … Fifteenth … Sixteenth … Seventeenth … Eighteenth … Nineteenth … Twentieth … Twenty-first … Twenty-second … Twenty-third

———————–

I have to mess with the timeline again but I need another Christmas in here before Maggie dies so I’m putting one in and shifting the rest of the timeline … sue me … 8^)

&&&&&&&&&&&&

Maggie had lay down the law with his previous year’s Christmas gift. It was a smartphone, a simple one, one without a camera on it, one attached to her cell plan, one that she insisted he keep on now because she was getting old and if she fell, he would be the first one she’d call and he needed to be reachable at all times.

He tried to argue but she shut him down, good-naturedly and with mother’s love abounding but still, she told him to be quiet and do as he was told. He’d fought her but she was more stubborn than her daughter had ever been and much scarier so he relented, taking her at her word that she’d be calling him at random times just to check that it was on.

It didn’t annoy him.

It made his heart beat a little faster, however, at the prospect of something on in his house at all times that wasn’t ‘firewall-paranoid-Frohike would be proud, technologically protected from everyone in the world who was not him or Scully or Maggie’. He did, once he got home, stare at it for a long while, power it down, felt the crushing guilt of having turned it off, turned it back on, plugged it in in his office, shut the door, went to bed, returned five minutes later to retrieve it because he had sudden visions of Maggie falling down the stairs, Maggie burning the house down, Maggie getting in an accident, Maggie showing up to read him the riot act for having turned it off in the first place.

It took until the next morning for him to use it to call her with one simple response to the whole situation, “why wouldn’t you just call Scully? She’s closer and can sign forms and stuff and won’t need to wait for a cab to get to you.”

Maggie honestly had no idea it would take him this long to figure that out and she laughed, “just leave it on, Fox, for me.”

He did.

Now he called her like a normal human being, she called him and somehow, Scully began calling him … not often but at least once or twice a week, sometimes just to see if she had any mail there or if he was doing okay or if he needed anything …

Scully’s standard mode of caring when she wasn’t sure if she could handle admitting she cared.

He accepted the erratic thud of his heart when he saw her name flash on the caller ID and the second thud as he hit the accept button. It returned to its normal beat two minutes later when she deemed the conversation over, having satisfied some nameless need buried deep inside for another few days.

He accepted this, too.

&&&&&&&&&&&

They hadn’t eaten a meal together in nearly two years but Maggie had called about a dripping pipe and Mulder had come, even though it was a Wednesday and Scully had dropped by unannounced because it was Wednesday and not Tuesday and the moment she saw him, soaking shirt with a wrench in his hand and he saw her in a messy ponytail, keys dangling from the Apollo keychain held precariously in her teeth while she tried not to drop her purse and what looked like Maggie’s mail, her mother/his adopted mother felt a spark in the air, a flutter in the ozone, a blip on the radar and breathed a sigh of relief because, regardless of what may have happened between them in the last 24 months, the magic was still there, sleeping but stirring awake once again and palpable in her freezing living room.

“Dear, would you shut the door, please? Fox is going to freeze solid and I don’t think he’ll enjoy that.”

Scully quickly gathered her senses, dropping keys and mail, shutting door, opening door again to retrieve dropped keys before finally standing up, blowing stray hair from her eyes with a sudden puff upwards, “sorry. I just … wasn’t … sorry.”

Maggie nearly giggled but managed to contain her glee at her two people finally in a room once again, “it’s fine. Come on in. We were just about to have some dinner. Fox came over to fix a pipe that was dripping.” Twisting her hands gently, “old things don’t grip quite as well as they used to.”

Mulder scrambled out of the way, “yeah, sorry. Come on in. I’ll head out in a minute, just need to find a dry shirt.”

“Fox, I promised you dinner and you are staying. I’ve made your favorite so you don’t have much of a choice in the matter.”

Shrugging but smiling, he looked at Scully, “she really enjoys ordering me around.”

Returning the smile before quickly looking away, “she does it out of love.”

“She must adore me something fierce then.”

Tentatively touching his arm as she passed, “she does.”

Dinner itself wasn’t as awkward as it could have been but there were definitely moments, moments of dead air that pressed down, compressing the spine and shoulders, back hunching involuntarily under the weight of the silence. Scully excused herself to the bathroom in one moment … Mulder to blow his nose in another … both stood in unison for the third to bolt then both smiled shyly for a moment before turning their looks to a Maggie simply shaking her head, “we need some dessert and music. Dana, go find a decent station on the radio for me, please.”

All in all, it was a happy night, all three parties going to bed at ease with the world.

&&&&&&&&&&

Maggie had her normal, raucous Christmas with the family, sans Charlie and Bill but with enough grandchildren and grand nieces and nephews to fill her house to cacophonous capacity. She had invited Mulder but he was nowhere near ready for that and politely declined, telling Maggie he’d be around on the 27th with her gift and to help her clean behind the oven and refrigerator. Instead, he settled with an orange cat on his lap, a bag of Cheezits so if some got on the animal, he’d never know and six bottles of ice tea and root beer.

Nearly asleep, with the cat ninja-like attempting to steal snacks from the open box, he startled awake at the sound of a quiet knock on the front door. Jerking upwards, the cat, the crackers and two empties clattered to the floor, the yowling cat jumping immediately to the coffee table to give Mulder a piece of her mind at the disturbance.

He ignored the cat, optioning to panic at the midnight rapping at his entryway. Peering cautiously through the front curtain, he saw Scully’s car and pulled the door open immediately, “what’s wrong? What happened? Is Maggie okay?”

His intruding presence, inches from her, panic look on his face made her smile, arms automatically going to his chest, pushing him back slightly into the house and out of the freezing wind, “we’re all fine, Mulder, I promise.”

Next he pulled her further in, shutting the door, softest touch of coiled steel to her forearms, “are you sure?”

“Yes, honest, I swear to you. She’s fine. I’m fine. Everyone’s fine. I left there about a half-hour ago and everybody was just going to bed.” Still bundled in her coat and knit rainbow stocking cap with the tassles on top, her pink cheeks peeking through her matching rainbow scarf, “I just wanted to come wish you a Merry Christmas.”

Studying her for another second, he deemed her honest and let out a sigh, “you scared me.”

“I’m sorry. Truly. I didn’t think. I should have called to warn you.” He saw the doubt at her side excursion creeping into her eyes, which began darting around the room, then angling towards her escape, “I can go though. Sorry … sorry again.”

Finally smiling in her direction, “get in here. I need help drinking my root beer.”

Raised eyebrow met crinkling forehead, “root beer?”

“No liquor for me anymore. Interferes with the meds.” Shoving his hands in his pockets, he nodded over his shoulder, “me and Flab share us some of that fine New England root beer every so often. Keeps us young.”

Hearing her name, the cat jumped from table to couch to end table to chair back to Mulder shoulder in silence, perching as if she were queen of the kingdom and Mulder was her throne. Scully laughed, “Flab?”

He scratched the cat’s chin, “Flab.” Finally remembering the rest of his manners, “shit, sorry. Would you like to stay?”

Great debates raced through her mind, even as she was shrugging out of her coat, stuffing scarf and hat into her sleeve, “for a little bit.”

&&&&&&&&&&

Twenty minutes later, they were settled on the couch, Scully on one end, Mulder on the other, Flab stretched to maximum capacity in the middle, head pressed against his thigh and feet pushed against hers. The TV was on but mute and making the darkened room glow blue, “so, don’t hit me for this but I can’t ask your mom and I’ve been wondering for awhile now … what the hell happened with Charlie?”

Scully could only shrug, picking at the label of the bottle in her hand, “nobody really knows. Mom won’t tell me, Bill talks to him occasionally and can’t get anything out of him, Sarah, while she loves us and is around all the time, we’ve stopped asking because it just makes her cry and that bothers the kids and so … we just … ignore it, I guess. The kids bring him up sometimes and we all are fine with that but usually it’s just to say what they used to do with him or something he would have liked.” Turning her head and resting it on the couch, “I hate to say it but it’s like he’s died and we’ve moved on but he’s still alive and we don’t know how to move on.”

Moving his hand to touch her automatically, he discovered his reality a moment too late and instead of hanging there like an idiot, he nonchalantly dropped his hand to pet Flab instead.

Scully was not an idiot and knew what his hand movement had been about though she couldn’t fault him since her body anticipated the touch, craved it and standing up, she turned, then sat on the table, knees touching his, bottle still in hand, although not for long. Setting it down beside her, she let her fingers float over his denim, loose fitting cotton over hard thigh. She didn’t move any further up than just past his knee but it felt warm and comfortable and right.

“Scully?”

“Nothing’s going to happen, Mulder. I know it can’t but I haven’t touched you in centuries.”

His hand drifted to cover hers, digits between digits slipping in divots and dips. Fingerprints circle knuckles, palms against backs as his thumbs finally settle softly against wrists, “I miss you everyday, Scully. Every hour, every minute, every second, every millisecond and whatever the hell comes after that.”

She couldn’t begin to echo the sentiment, even come close to how much she missed him. Needing to break eye contact with him before she came apart completely, she looked around the room, letting the emotions settle, “not decorating this year, I take it?”

Beginning small circles on the softest skin known to man, he felt the delicate tendons under her skin, the underside of her wrist his sole dream in that moment, “I haven’t decorated since you left. I didn’t see any point to it. Have you decorated?”

Truth bubbled up, threatened to pour forth in a torrent of painful, hurtful words but a quick intake of air shored up the dam, “no. Haven’t been in a Christmas mood the last few years. I do well at Mom’s but I go home and I don’t want that there.”

“You don’t want what there?”

Shit, she couldn’t stop it now, “I don’t want that sense of permanence, the notion that I’m going to be there long enough to have to go out and get more decorations, pack things up and put them within easy reach for the next year. I’m not ready for that. I want a place that is mine but I’m not ready to call it my home yet. Decorations are for a home, Mulder, not a stale apartment in the city.” Tears pricked her eyes but always the expert at pushing through them, she blinked rapidly, although not fast enough to hide them completely, “I will someday but not yet.”

Checking the clock and seeing they still had about a half-hour, he squeezed her wrists lightly, “what do you think about decorating now? We could put up all our regular stuff and make this place look like it used to.”

Suddenly, she missed him so much her chest ached, a stabbing pain across her breastbone reminding her she did indeed have a heart, still broken but very much there. Fighting the logic racing through her brain, she nodded, “I’d like that.”

&&&&&&&&

Slipping into old habits instinctively, Scully set up the tree while Mulder hung stockings and garland. Both quietly placed ornaments until Scully came across the one her mother had made him. With a smile, “I knew she made you one, too! She didn’t answer me when I asked but she had that ‘I’ve got a secret’ look on her face.”

“What color is yours?”

“Red, white lettering.”

He scooted just a little closer, brushing shoulders with her, “you should have bought yours with you. We could have added it to the collection.”

“Maybe next time I come by.”

Mulder wanted to smile at the prospect of her coming by again but he couldn’t look forward to it, knowing disappointment would set him on edge so he chose to continue staring at the tree, feeling her warmth, her energy, the life he had once and would give almost anything to have again.

Scully felt it, too and nudging his hand with hers, no commitment, no expectation, just touch, “you got any hot chocolate around this place?”

“I think I got some on my last shopping trip. Flab likes to drink it with me on our Saturday dates.”

Following him to the kitchen, “you have a standing date with your cat on Saturday nights?”

He knew she wasn’t judging so he told her over his shoulder as he rummaged through cupboards, “yeah. We have tuna salad, carrots, biscuits and hot chocolate or steak, baked potatoes, spinach and hot chocolate. We eat on the couch and she gets to share and then she gets to lick my mug when I’m finished. After that comes brushing and then she falls asleep while I watch bad sci-fi.”

Deciding the past wasn’t as forbidden as she thought it was when she knocked on the door, “that sounds surprisingly like our Saturday date nights used to be as well.”

With a glance at her hair, “speaking of brushing, what happened to your hair? I mean, it looks good but it’s not the right color suddenly. I noticed earlier but forgot to ask.”

Self-consciously touching the strands against her shoulder, “yeah, so I was at the hospital and Methylene blue sprayed on me and dyed my hair a lovely shade of splatter-pattern Cobalt and it wouldn’t wash out so I had to bleach my whole head and then the woman who went to dye it back to my regular color did something and it came out like this. It’s paler than it used to be but I’m getting used to it.”

Reaching out to feel it, “are we mentioning the straw feeling?”

With a smile, she batted his hand away, “we are not and I was also informed that if I try to color it again in the next six months, it’ll all fall out of my head so I’m living uncomfortably with it until further notice.”

“Good to know.” As he pulled the hot mugs from the microwave, he handed her one, “I’m liking it, if that’s any consolation but I gotta say, I would have liked to have seen you as a blonde again. It’s been awhile.”

“Well, next time someone tries to turn me into a Smurf and I have to bleach, I’ll be sure to call you.”

Grinning, he nodded, “I’ll be waiting.”

Mugs in hand, they headed back to the couch, where they proceeded to sit until well after 3am, when half-asleep on his end of the couch, he suddenly remembered, “shit! Aren’t you due back at Maggie’s in two hours?”

Scully, more than half asleep on the other end, grunted quietly, “then I’ve got an hour and a half to sleep. Be quiet.”

Flab, happy to snuggle on the lap of the strange lady invading her home for the evening, stretched, kneaded, wiggled and purred her way to sleep, notifying the stranger, in no uncertain terms, she wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

“I don’t think the cat was going to let you leave anyways.”

“My kind of cat. G’night, Mulder.”

“G’night, Scully.”

&&&&&&&&&&&

Baffled as to how she got out of the house without disturbing him, he awoke to Flab on his lap, the Christmas tree lights still on and a new ornament on the tree.

Well, new to the tree but matching the one Maggie gave him the previous year. She’d smuggled hers over, sneaking it onto the tree before disappearing to her Christmas morning chaos. Picking up his puddle of cat, he held her, showing her Scully’s ornament, “that’s your mom’s. She’ll be back someday I hope but for now, I think we should decide to have truly enjoyed last night then move on to breakfast. What do you say … eggs? Pancakes? Tuna?”

The cat simply purred, licking his hand for a moment before going back to sleep.

He kissed the top of her head, “Merry Christmas, animal.”

“Mmmrrrorr.”

#msr #saturday nights dates with the cat #dropping by #christmas series #my writing #xfiles fanfic #xf fanfic

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