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ptergwen · 3 years

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the best gifts are unexpected

w/c: 1.6k

summary: you sort of end up with two secret santa’s this year

a/n: this is another random idea i had that i actually really love? plus it’s a christmas one and christmas is this week which is insane wow :/ happy reading y’all

━━━ ☆彡*. ｡

“ok, who wants to go first?” betty asks the group and shakes her present around.

everyone agreed to do secret santa at your mini christmas party. it was ned’s idea, which is why you’re all in a circle on his living room carpet with mystery boxes in front of you. you picked names out of a beanie mj was wearing so it would be fair. all you know is that you’re peter’s secret santa. the rest surprisingly stayed secret.

it’s a surprise because some people in the group are terrible at keeping things to themselves.

flash holds his gift bag up in the air before anyone else can answer. “me!” he quickly pulls the wrapped box out and starts ripping the paper off. betty watches on with a proud smile. she tries to cover her mouth, but you already saw. that crosses one pairing off the list. flash gasps when he sees what it is.

she got him a spider-man pop figure. it’s one of his newest suits, too. peter will definitely be blushing if you look over at him right now.

“this is so sick! he’s gonna go under my pillow.” flash grins and taps the clear spot that shows him. “why, so you can say you slept with spider-man?” mj snorts at her own joke. she’s next to you, so you elbow her side. she winces and shoots you a glare. peter smiles to himself.

“no, so he can keep me safe at night,” flash says a little too seriously. the circle goes quiet for long enough to be awkward. he puts the box behind him with an eye roll. “whatever. who had me?” betty raises her hand, beaming at her success. flash nods. “nice. thanks.” “you’re very welcome,” she says in a sing song voice.

you can feel someone’s eyes on you. you turn your head, and it happens to be peter’s. he shifts his attention back to ned the second you make eye contact. that’s odd. then again, peter is always odd.

next is ned since you’re going in order. he’s excited to open up the cardboard box until he realizes there’s nothing in it. his face scrunches in confusion. he ends up picks something up and squinting at it.

“it’s a... piece of paper?” he eyes everyone suspiciously. “turn it over, buddy,” mj says under her breath. ned hears her and does. grinning, he holds the paper to his heart. “no way! this is, like, all i ever need!” “what is it?” you furrow your eyebrows with a small smile.

“a subscription to disney plus!” you direct your smile to mj. you’re impressed. she shrugs and pulls a knee up to her chest. “dude, they have so much star wars stuff on there,” peter chimes in. ned gives his best friend a knowing look. “can you sleep over?” “nerds,” mj mumbles to you. “let them have their moment,” you defend.

betty goes after ned. she’s probably the happiest of all of you to open her gift. she texted everyone her wishlist at least three times, so it has to be something good. based on the way she squeals, it is. it’s this new eyeshadow palette from sephora she’s been wanting.

“oh my god, shut up! i love it!” she carefully puts it down and bounces up on her knees. “whoever got me this, i have to give you a hug.” peter is the one who opens up his arms. she scoots over to him on her knees, practically tackling him. he chuckles and hugs her back. “thank you so much, peter!” “of course.”

you try to laugh along with everyone else, but something stops you. it’s a green monster, and not the grinch. you’re jealous. mj just has to pick up on it. she pats your back, a smirk pulling at her lips. “relax, mrs. parker. it’s nothing.” scowling, you scoot away from her. “don’t call me that.”

“your turn, y/n,” betty chirps, sitting back down next to you. you unenthusiastically sit your heavy present in your lap. everyone watches you slowly peel the wrapping paper off, mj fake yawning. “take your time,” flash comments. “guys, come on,” peter says for you.

you perk up when your gift is finally open. you’d always thought it would be cool to have a record player. no one ever got you one before because you “didn’t need it.” apparently, the music sounds the same as it would in your earbuds. you can actually find out if that’s true now.

plus, you have something else to do during break. lots of record shopping.

“wait, seriously?” you pout at the group and set the record player down in front of you. “i’ve wanted one of these for so long. thank you.” “i got you.” ned smiles and reaches over betty to give you a fist bump. mj goes next.

she gets a book that goes inside the criminal mind from flash. he says his search history probably got him on a few watchlists.

peter is last to open his present from you. you’ve been anxious for him to open it since you added it to your cart. anxious in a good way because you’re positive he’ll like it. he’ll hopefully like you also.

he already knows you’re his secret santa since the rest of the group went. mj scoots back so you can see him while he opens it. you catch a wink from her. peter grins at the bow you put on it and sticks it on his shirt for now. you watch his whole face light up as he finishes unwrapping it.

he’s kind of amazing at photography. he takes it as an elective and practices whenever he has time. you’ve even done little photoshoots on his phone for fun. midtown lets him use a camera with pretty good quality and all the important functions. but, peter’s style is more vintage.

that’s why you got him a polaroid camera. some film for it, too.

“woah, y/n.” peter looks from the box to you. “this is so awesome. it’s a lot cooler than anything i have,” he breathes out a laugh, licking his lips. “i think it’s... my favorite present.” “ever?” you laugh. “ever,” he confirms, reaching for your hand. your heart is thumping in your ears. he squeezes your hand in his. it earns an “aw” from ned and betty in unison.

“thank you isn’t even enough. you have no idea,” peter says for only you to hear. you squeeze his hand back with a small smile. “yes it is. take some good pictures for me.” “i will,” he agrees after a few seconds. something is on his mind. mj moves up again before you can ask what it is, which also makes you drop his hand.

“dessert time,” she announces and rubs her hands together. she’s oblivious to the look of disappointment on your face. flash points at her. “someone get those sugar cookies.” “i’ll go,” ned volunteers, about to stand. peter shoots up from his spot instead. “no, i can do it. you pick a movie to watch later.”

he nudges your shoulder. “y/n, could you help me?” ned makes a face at him. “you know, we need plates and everything,” peter quickly covers up. it’s a good enough explanation for him to focus on logging into disney plus. you take the hint and get to your feet. “yeah, let’s go.”

you follow peter into the kitchen, everyone else giving ned movie suggestions. peter checks behind him to make sure no one is looking. he relaxes after that and leans back against the counter. you stand next to him, closer than usual. he’s not mad about that.

“i feel like we’ve barely talked all night,” peter murmurs and stares down at his feet. you press your lips together. “that’s cuz we haven’t.” “let’s fix that.” he taps your foot with his playfully, getting a laugh out of you. “hey.” “hi,” you say back. “thanks again for the camera. i can’t wait to set it up.” the smile is clear in his voice.

“i’m really happy you like it. i thought you would,” you admit, leaning into him slightly. he welcomes it. “i, uh, actually got a little something for you,” he starts and reaches behind him. your heart is beating out of control again. so is his, but you don’t know that. “aw, peter. you did?”

“it’s... it’s kinda stupid. i’m not sure you even want it-“ “i’ll take anything if it’s from you,” you cut off the rambling he’s about to do. he nods and pulls whatever it is out of his pocket. it goes from behind his back to over your heads. you look up and see mistletoe.

peter moves so he’s in front of you. his face is only inches from yours now, your eyes landing on his lips. he takes the same hand he was holding earlier, lacing your fingers together. “can i kiss you?” he checks, his voice soft. you wind an arm around his neck. “please.”

he presses his lips to yours so lightly, your eyes fluttering shut. it’s so sweet and so long overdue. you tug him closer so the kiss deepens. leaning his head forward, he drops the mistletoe and wraps his other arm around your waist. you’re back against the counter with him hovering over you.

your lips move easily against each other’s like it’s natural for you.

“peter and y/n, what’s taking so-“ mj turns her head and sees you two kissing. “oh, okay!” she cheers, betty glancing curiously. “get it, y/n!” ned and flash join in next. they all holler at you while you kiss. it becomes too funny, and you have to pull away so you can both laugh.

giggling, you bring one of your hands down to the bow peter left on his shirt. you pull on it. “i think you’re my favorite present.” “ever?” he repeats what you said earlier and nudges your nose. his lips brush yours in the process. “ever.”

#tom holland #tom holland smut #tom holland fluff #tom holland fic #tom holland imagine #peter parker fluff #peter parker #peter parker imagine #peter parker smut #peter parker fic

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devildomimagines · 3 years

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Flowers from the Demon Brothers

Let’s imagine the brothers find a flower dealer that specializes in human realm flowers and they get you some as a present, hoping the flowers would be a nice reminder of home. Halfway through, I realized this was getting long so the other brothers are under the cut.

Belphegor

Hellebore - Protection, anxiety relief, also scandal if you’re cheeky.

He just so happened to pass the stall and the flowers caught his eye.

He wandered over and felt the petals, they were soft and wondered how you would react if he got them for you.

Belphie bought the bouquet, brought it home, and set it up in a vase.

He was admiring his work from across the room when a wave of exhaustion washed over him. Surely he would have time for a quick nap before you were home.

The only thing was there was no such thing as a quick nap with Belphie.

When you got home, you went straight to his room like you usually did. You noticed the flowers and were marveling that they were human realm flowers in Devildom when you heard a voice from the bed, “Do you like them?”

You turned to smile at Belphie, “I do! Where did you get them?”

He shrugged, leaving it up to your imagination.

You joined him on the bed to snuggle up for an afternoon nap.

As he wrapped you up, in the shelter of his arms, you felt the worries of the day melt away.

Beelzebub

Chrysanthemum - Cheer, longevity, and happiness, even during what may be difficult times. Can also convey loyal love, hope and cherished friendship.

Beel passed the seller on the way home from the market.

He was gnawing on a lollipop when the bright colors caught his attention. Definitely not because they looked like candy on a stick like his lollipop.

Then he smelled their distinct scent. It was different than anything he had smelled in Devildom. The seller noticed his interest and came over to explain they were human realm flowers. Immediately he thought of you so he asked to buy a flower.

He walked home with a bag of food in one hand and twisting the flower in his other hand. The more he looked at it, the more he thought it looked like you: small, bright, delicate and beautiful.

When he got home he went to the kitchen to put the groceries away and found you waiting for him. “Beel! You’re late, where were you?” You looked up from your homework on the counter. Your eyes found the flower quickly and your eyes sparkled.

“There was this flower stall,” He began, putting down the bag of food, “the merchant said they come from the human realm, do you recognize it?”

You nodded but your eyes had not left the flower, “It’s called a chrysanthemum or mum for short. You probably didn’t know but humans assign meanings for flowers and that one is perfect for you.”

“What’s it mean?” he asked as he tilted his head.

“Cheer, longevity, and happiness,” you smiled up at him, “all things I would wish for you!”

He blushed and offered, “I actually got it for you, although I didn’t know it had another meaning.” He handed the flower over to you and you took it gently, smelling it with a sweet smile.

Asmodeus

Delphinium - Lightness, brightness and everything delightful. Lightheartedness and vivacity.

The wall of flowers caught Asmo’s eye at market.

The vendor mentioned the flowers were from the human realm.

Asmo ended up buying the whole thing. He was already planning on using the flowers as a background for a photoshoot for Devilgram since no one would be able to compare.

To his credit, you were the first person he texted, “MC, you’ll never guess what I got today!”

Your reply came back quick. “Hmm, a new makeup?”

Asmo enjoyed that you actually tried to guess unlike his useless brothers that refused to humor him, “Nope~ it’s something super rare! If you want to see, come to my room in an hour~”

He took the flowers home and set them up on his vanity to create a beautiful backdrop. He was just adjusting the last bunch as you opened the door. “Ta Da~”

You covered your mouth and gasped, “Asmo!”

“I told you, you would never guess!” Asmo laughed at your surprised face. “I saw these in the market today and when the trader said they came from the human world, I just had to have them!” He plucked one from the vase and brushed it along your cheek to tease, “you can have one if you help me get the perfect picture.”

Satan

Blue Salvia - Healing and thoughtfulness, spiked with wisdom. “I always think of you.”

Satan had been reading in a Cafe when the flower seller set up in front of the window.

The flowers caught his eye as he sipped his tea. They remind him of a recent book he had read.

After finishing his beverage, he went to ask the vendor about the flowers to quell his curiosity.

The vendor advised that they were from the human realm symbolizing healing and wisdom. Satan thought of you having some sniffles last week and although he wasn’t particularly superstitious he bought a few.

He hummed as he inspected the flowers on the way back to the house. He contemplated picking up a book on flowers to learn about other flowers and their meanings.

“Satan!” You called out, getting up from the couch in the living room.

“MC, I was just looking for you,” he chuckled as he watched your attention shift from him to the flowers. “I saw these while out today and got them for you.”

Your eyes grew big as you accepted the gift. “Thank you, Satan, human realm flowers in Devildom, who would have thought!” Then you got a great idea, “can I borrow an unimportant book?”

Satan’s eyebrow raised, not following your train of thought, “that depends.” You grabbed his arm and began dragging him to his room, excited you get to show/teach him how to press flowers.

Leviathan

Sweet Pea - Pleasure and gratitude, “Thank you for the time we spent together.”

Levi heard about the flower seller through social media. He scrolled through the customer photos and then found a link to the seller’s website.

It had only been a passing interest until he found the Sweet Pea. The arrangement reminded him of you both in name and looks. He placed an order to have it delivered to the house addressed to you.

When the flowers arrived and they were handed over to you, he reveled in your phases of bewilderment and curiosity.

“I wonder who sent these? It’s so rare to see human realm flowers in Devildom,” You smiled as you smelled the flowers.

After the other brothers had dispersed from the common room, Levi stayed trying to build the courage to tell you it was him that sent them.

“Levi,” he jumped at your voice, “did you see the flowers? Who do you think sent them? Maybe some secret admirer?”

He blushed deeply but somehow you missed it, “Maybe some normie,” he mumbled and looked away.

“Did you know that the Sweat Pea symbolizes pleasure and gratitude? It’s kind of like saying, ‘Thank you for the time we have spent together.’“

Levi looked back at you, you were hugging the vase with a big smile plastered on your face. He found it fitting that he was thankful in the moment and smiled himself.

Mammon

Lisianthus - Gratitude, charm, and an everlasting bond. Used with public shows of affection, sometimes used in proposals.

He was working a modeling job and they brought human world flowers on set as props. After the shoot, Mammon asked if he could take a few home and the prop master allowed it since the flowers would not keep.

You were his human, so these human flowers were the perfect gift! No one would be able to get you a better present; he was so proud.

He went straight to your room when he got back and found you lounging on your back in your bed reading a magazine, “Mammon! You should have texted me you were done, I could have met you downstairs,” you rolled to your stomach and closed the magazine as you continue, “how did the shoot go?” Then you saw the flowers in his hand and blushed, “where did you get those?”

Mammon laughed haughtily, “Surprised the Great Mammon got you some human realm flowers?”

“You got those for me?” You sat up.

“Of course,” he smiled sweetly and extended his arm with the simple bouquet.

You didn’t move right away but shook your head and stood up to accept them without a word. “Are you so amazed you’re speechless?” Mammon teased.

With a laugh and a deepening blush you answered, “It’s just... this type of flowers are sometimes used in proposals in the human realm.” Now his blush was as deep and red as your own.

Lucifer

Orchid - Refinement, thoughtfulness and mature charm. Romantic love with racy connotations.

Lord Diavolo had been raving about the approval of the human realm flower vendor to help bring another level of integration from the other realms to Devildom.

To ensure that the cart was operating respectfully, since they had Lord Diavolo’s approval, Lucifer stopped by. It seemed that the flowers were popular among the demon population. Lucifer found himself shaking his head; he shouldn’t have doubted that this venture would have ended up any different than Lord Diavolo had intended.

One particular flower caught his eye, he remembered the flower’s name: Orchid. He then remembered the first time that he saw them with Lilith on a trip to the human realm. It was centuries ago now but it made him nostalgic. Next he was thinking about you and your connection to Lilith, he wondered if you would enjoy them so he bought a bouquet.

Although he didn’t show it, he felt a little foolish walking through the streets with the flowers, hoping no one he recognized saw him, making him explain his purchase.

When he got back to the House of Lamentation, some sense told him to go through the garden, so he did. He found you laying out on the lawn on a blanket reading a book. He hid the bouquet behind his back.

“MC,” he said and you startled.

“Hello Lucifer!” You stood to greet him, your clothes a little wrinkled from laying on them, you began to explain, “I was just reading and getting some air, it was such a nice day, if felt a waste to be inside.”

“You’re not in trouble, as long as you don’t leave the property, you don’t need an escort. Actually I was calling on you for a different reason.”

You looked at him expectantly, willing to hear him out whatever it was. He took pleasure in your eagerness. He revealed the bouquet from behind his back and your face lit up. “I thought you might like these.” You nodded and took them delicately. He smiled softly as you smelled the flowers with your eyes closed and hummed in approval.

#obey me #obey me headcanons #obey me lucifer #obey me mammon #obey me leviathan #obey me satan #obey me asmodeus #obey me beelzebub #obey me belphegor #listen im soft most of the time #this is what i think about in my free time #my writing

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archivedjr · 3 years

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JORDAN RILEY FOR RIOT! MAGAZINE, feat. mickey alteri ( @sequelslasher )

JORDAN RILEY BREEZES INTO HALLOWED GROUNDS like something out of a movie — not a hair out of place, and she doesn’t miss a beat as she slides into an empty seat at the table, apologizing for running late when she’s ten minutes early. When this is pointed out, she laughs.

“I try to be fifteen minutes early to everything; anything else is late.”

Orders are placed, pleasantries are exchanged, and once a steaming cup of jasmine tea is in front of her, Riley becomes an open book to RIOT!

YOU STARTED OUT IN THEATRE. WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO TRANSITION TO FILM?

It was something I thought long and hard about. I always knew I’d make that leap eventually, but I didn’t know when, and I had lots of conversations with my agent about it. It came down to waiting for the right project to come along, and I was lucky enough for it to happen so early.

HOW DID YOU KNOW THE DEEP CUT WAS THE RIGHT PROJECT?

My agent gave me the script to read over and on the train ride home I cracked it open; I couldn’t put it down. I had plans with friends that night�� that I canceled so I could finish it. I was making notes in the margins, just immediately highlighting, annotating. It hit me at one moment that I was putting the cart before the horse and I knew I had to play Sloane. I at least had to try, or I’d regret it.

WHAT WAS YOUR AUDITION LIKE? HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO STAGE AUDITIONS?

Well, I didn’t have to prepare a song or dance. It didn’t stop Mickey from asking me to sing a few bars when he saw all the stage credits on my resume. [ She laughs. ] It wasn’t too different, honestly. They had me read my sides, and gave me room to improv a little, which was great for me because I have some improv training and I think my acting is the most fresh when I’m thinking on my feet. I was really in my element in the audition room, so any nerves I had building up just left me completely.

WHEN DID YOU FINALLY GET THE CALL?

After about six weeks from my initial audition. I did several rounds of callbacks after my first audition and then I didn’t hear anything for a couple of weeks, and I thought, well, I didn’t get it. I was between gigs at the time and took up waitressing because you still have bills to pay and food to put on the table, whether you book a job or not. I never got a formal call, either — Mickey found out what restaurant I was working at, requested to sit in my section, ordered a whole cake and asked me to write ‘Congratulations Jordan Riley, you are Sloane Whitman’ on it. I think I jumped ten feet in the air, I was so happy. I know I quit on the spot, but I think my boss understood.

THERE’S A LOT OF HEAVY SUBJECT MATTER IN THE MOVIE. HOW DID YOU PREPARE FOR THOSE SCENES?

I’d try and isolate myself prior to shooting those particular scenes just so I could clear my head and get in the right mindset and just wholly and completely focus and be in the moment. And I think, as people in general, if you live long enough, you have some less-than-stellar life experiences. I tapped into my own and pulled from those experiences to elevate the performance as best I could. I think the audience knows when an actor is simply acting, you know, running through the motions, making sure they hit the beats, and when an actor really believes the material they’re trying to sell and is in it, and I wanted to make sure I did all I could to be in it.

WHAT WAS YOUR PROCESS OF GETTING INTO CHARACTER?

I like to think of it as ‘soft method.’ I went back to my script annotations and I just built off of that. I thought about what Sloane’s daily routine would be like — she doesn’t have one, in my opinion — and I went from there. There was day where I hopped on a bus just to see where it would take me, which, in hindsight, is a little reckless and dangerous. I also made a huge playlist of music I felt like she’d listen to and I played that when I was in hair and makeup, and I’d have it on me to listen to between scenes just so I could stay in that headspace.

WHAT WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING DAY ON SET?

I don’t want to spoil anything, but the third act is about what you would expect from a slasher movie. There’s a lot of action, a lot of things happening, one right after the other and it all takes place on one location at night. It took us weeks to shoot this sequence of just, madness happening, and there was one point, it’s three in the morning, we’ve been shooting for hours with no break, I’m covered in blood, so are some of my co-stars, and we’re just — we’re all losing our minds, a little bit. Keeping up the energy and staying in the moment was definitely a challenge, because you’re sore, and tired, and hungry, your throat is getting hoarse from screaming, but you still have a job to do and you have limited time because sunrise is in a few hours and then you can’t shoot anything until the next night, and it’s a tight schedule. We pulled it off but that was something I hadn’t anticipated.

WHAT WAS THE BEST?

Any day where I got to do my own stunts. I have a huge background in dance, I run three miles every morning, and I have some experience in self-defense, so I’m fairly athletic, fairly flexible, and the way fight scenes work, it has choreography. It’s a lot like a dance, and I thought, well, I can do that. And they let me!

RUMOR HAS IT MICKEY ALTIERI IS A PRETTY STRICT DIRECTOR TO WORK WITH. WHAT WAS THAT EXPERIENCE LIKE?

I can’t lie to you, I was a little intimidated at first — but when it comes down to it, he’s just trying to make the finished product the absolute best it can be. That’s what everyone on set wants, and when you’re all working toward the same goal, it’s hard to get upset about reshooting a scene twenty times. Especially because — he’ll have the shot, you know he will, but he wants to try something different, wants to change it up a bit, just to see what will work, and he’s really receptive to suggestions and ideas other people have. There were a few moments where we finished a scene, and it was good, we got everything we needed, but he goes, okay, let’s try this. And we try that, and it turns out to just push things to another level. I really respect that and the level of dedication there is. It was the best motivator, to be completely honest with you.

WHAT HAS YOUR LIFE BEEN LIKE SINCE FILMING? DO YOU GET RECOGNIZED OFTEN?

I’ve gotten recognized a couple of times, but it hasn’t been anything extreme yet. More often than not people have kind of double taked in the sense of, ‘I recognize you, but I can’t place it.’ Life’s been good, though. I’m originally from Ohio and I recently got to go back home and visit my family, which was great. Everyone was so excited to hear about LA and what filming was like and it was just nice to be surrounded by the people who mean the most to me.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST INSPIRATION?

My abuela. She’s the strongest woman I know; she immigrated here from Puerto Rico on her own when she was seventeen years old, and she built an amazing life for herself. She’s the reason I got into acting in the first place. I think, if I become even half the woman she is someday, I’ll have done good.

WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST THING YOU LEARNED FROM WORKING ON THE DEEP CUT?

To not be afraid of letting my guard down and just being vulnerable, both as an actress and as a person. You never really think about it, but the horror genre is home to some of the most deeply human stories you’ll see in film, and this one taught me a lot about myself — mostly, to stop holding myself back.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?

Professionally, I’ve got a stack of scripts on my dining room table I’ve been looking through and some auditions lined up. I can’t say much more than that — just that I’m excited to get back in audition rooms and see where it leads me.

Personally, I’m just enjoying the last few weeks of anonymity I have. I might sign up for a surfing class or go out for pizza and beers with my friends tonight. Either way, life’s been pretty good to me lately. I don’t have any complaints.

#EDITS.#MINE.

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iamtrebleclefstories · 4 years

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Everything They Say is True

Jo and Alex don't really broadcast their relationship to everyone. Sure, they are excited to be together, but it's no one's business but theirs. For those who don't know about their relationship status, things can get awkward very quickly.

-or-

A fic that takes place within Grey's Anatomy canon

Hi guys! This surprise fic was born out of a dream I had last night and I wrote the majority of it while on my lunch break lol. I hope you guys enjoy this little piece of jolex fluff before I post chapter 9 of Didn't Think.

-Takes place during early season 10-

“God, is being outrageously hot a requirement to be hired as an attending at this hospital?” Gia Holt whispered to the young woman sitting beside her.

Anna Vargas looked over at the group of attending surgeons sitting together at a lunch table and chuckled softly, “It would seem so. I mean look at them. If one of them asked me to open my legs, I’d do it in a heartbeat.”

“Same here,” Gia replied. “And I have absolutely no shame in saying that.”

“You know I’ve been thinking that maybe it’s a balancing act,” Anna said.

Gia furrowed her brow, “What do you mean?”

“Well,” Anna started. “Being a surgical intern is hell. We are run ragged on a daily basis. So it would be unjust if we were expected to do all this work without some sort of compensation. So, the hospital gods blessed us with eye candy.”

Gia laughed amused at her friend’s deduction, “I like how you think, Anna. But, I would hardly consider eye candy as enough to make up for the hardship of being an intern. You know we’re always on someone’s service, doing scut and everything that can’t be bothered to do. If we’re serving them on a daily basis, it would only be fair that they serviced us.”

Anna’s eyes widened as she processed her friend’s words, “Gia!”

“What? I’m being honest. How nice would it be to be taught new skills by our attendings outside of the OR?”

“You are something else, Gi.” Anna shook her head.

“Come on,” Gia huffed. “You have to have at least thought about it. I mean, you’re bi so you have your pick of whoever you want.”

“Very true,” Anna nodded. “But I don’t think I’d actually do it. Maybe a resident, but an attending? I don’t think I have the guts to do that. If you want to though, go for it. Maybe you’ll get lucky and get a surgery or two out of sleeping with one of them.”

“So which one should I make a pass at?”

Anna scrunched her face in thought, “Well first, you should probably figure out who isn’t married and go from there. I know Shepherd and Grey are hitched so hot neurosurgeon is off the table.”

“That’s a shame,” Gia sighed. “I wonder if Avery and that resident Edwards are together. I saw them making out in the hallway a few months ago. If they are I can’t blame her. I mean, look at those eyes.”

Anna hummed in agreeance, “Every time I’ve had to work with him I try not to look into his eyes so that he doesn’t see that I’m secretly melting internally. He’s definitely pretty, but I don’t think he’s what you’re looking for. He doesn’t strike me for the guy who would let you in on a surgery because you gave him some ass.”

“True,” Gia said thoughtfully. “I feel like he’s the type to give you a really nice gift after sex, but not to let you scrub in. Not that I’m looking to have sex with an attending so that I can scrub in. I’m a good doctor. I can get in on a surgery by my own merit. I just really want some hot sex with a hot guy and the guys in our class don't seem… up for the task.”

“Ooh!” Anna exclaimed. “What about Karev? The peds attending? He’s stupid hot and great with kids.”

Gia gasped, “You know what, I heard that he slept with basically all the female interns from last year’s class--some of the nurses too--so he’s not above it. From what I’ve heard, he’s really good at it too. He’s hot, got a stellar reputation in the sack, and he’s good with kids. Not that I want kids right now, but it says a lot about your character if kids like you.”

“I agree,” Anna nodded as they continued to finish their lunch. They made casual conversation before receiving pages to the pit from their resident. “You just get a page from Wilson?”

“Yeah to the pit. I wonder what happened that she had to page both of us. Did something big happen?” Gia threw her garbage away as she and Anna started running down towards the ER.

Anna shrugged, “I don’t know. I haven’t heard anything. I sure hope it’s something good. I would really love to get to see the inside of an OR today.”

*****

Jo Wilson had hoped for a light day today. It had started off as a pretty quiet day. She and Alex started their morning in the shower with some hot shower sex and then stopped for breakfast at their favorite donut shop. When they got to work, she did rounds, assigned her interns to their posts and then proceeded to perform an appy on a seventeen year old. She had just scrubbed out when she decided to go down to the pit to answer any surgery consults. She spent a few hours down in the ER when she got pulled aside into any empty linen closet. She smiled widely when she realized who it was and turned to kiss Alex.

"Hey, how's Micky? I heard you're trying to find an alternative treatment option for his Wilms tumor."

"Yeah, we couldn't get the entire thing the first time around so I'm hoping with a little bit of chemo we'll be able to shrink it enough to get good margins. And since—as of ten minutes ago—you're on my service for the next two weeks, you'll be scrubbing in with me on that and any other cool thing that comes our way." Alex grinned widely at his girlfriend.

Jo's eyes widened in glee, "Really? Wait, why am I on your service for two weeks? You didn't request me just because I let you in my pants on a daily basis?"

Alex scoffed, "Please. My friends own the hospital, I can put whoever I want on my service. But to answer your question, no it's not because you are a great lay or because I love you. It's because you're an amazing doctor and are going to become a really damn good surgeon one day. Maybe even a peds surgeon. And I don't let just anyone work on peds. Peds is hardcore. I'm not gonna let just anyone hack up a kid. I'm gonna let the best, and you are the best."

Jo grinned before kissing him again, "You are the best boyfriend and attending ever."

"I know," Alex smirked. "Okay I'm going to get lunch. Want to join me?"

"I wish I could but I just started some sutures on a lady in bed 4."

"Get one of your interns to do it. That's what they're here for."

"I would but they are currently having lunch and I'm almost done anyway. I'll come eat when I'm finished."

Alex looked at her skeptically. Knowing his girlfriend, Jo would probably forget to eat and then later in the evening he'd end up having to buy her one of everything off the menu at Joe's. "Alright, I'll see you later."

About fifteen minutes later, Jo had finally discharged the woman she had been suturing. She was about to make her way to the cafeteria when a nurse called out to her, "Dr. Wilson! There is a rig about three minutes out with a five year old girl that received trauma to the lower ribcage, upper abdomen after falling from a tree at school. There don't seem to be any breaks but paramedics are concerned with a possible collapsed lung and fluid build up in the abdomen."

" Okay, page Dr. Karev and my interns, Holt and Vargas. And have cardio on standby. "

" Right away, Doctor Wilson."

Jo sighed before gowning up and going to the ambulance bay to wait for the rig, "So much for going to lunch," She muttered to herself. Seconds later, she heard footsteps walking behind her. Turning to see her interns now gowned up she gives them a small smile before filling them in on the situation. "Vargas, go prepare trauma two and get a portable ultrasound and x-ray ready. Holt, make sure we have a peds cart ready and a chest tray for a suspected pneumothorax. I'll retrieve the patient. The ambulance is one minute out so please be quick."

The two young women nodded at their resident and ran to prepare for the little girl about to come in. When the paramedics arrived, Jo hurried and ushered the small child into the trauma room that had been prepared. She was taking the young girls vitals when Alex walked into the room.

“You paged me? What do we got?”

“Lizzie Graham, five years old. She fell fifteen feet out of a tree at recess. She’s got a pneumothorax and fluid build up in the abdomen. There isn't any evidence of fractures, just some nasty bruising. We just took her x-rays and are about to perform an ultrasound,” Jo sighed. “Her O2 levels are low and she’s got unequal breath sounds. She needs a chest tube.”

Alex furrowed his brows. He always hated this part. Chest tubes hurt like a bitch--he knew that from experience. He looked over to the two interns in the room, “Did someone contact her parents yet?”

“Yes,” Holt replied. “They are on their way to the hospital as we speak. One of her teachers is out in the waiting room.”

"Good," Alex looked over to Jo who had prepared the chest tube. Crouching down by the whimpering child, he smoothed down her hair in a comforting manner. "Hey Lizzie. My name is Dr. Alex. I heard that you took a fall today. We're gonna try our best to help you feel better. But in order to feel better, you're going to feel some pain first. The pain is going to help you breathe, so I need you to be brave for me. Can you do that? Can you be brave?"

Lizzie nodded tearfully, "Hold my hand?"

Jo's heart broke at the little girl's request, "Hey Lizzie, my name is Dr. Jo. Dr. Alex needs both of his hands in order to help you breathe but you can hold mine and squeeze as tight as you want."

They got the tube in and proceeded to perform the ultrasound, "Looks like a ruptured spleen and appendix. She might have a liver lac, but we won't know until we get in there. Holt, book an OR and prep Lizzie. Vargas, stay out here and let me know as soon as her parents arrive. Be sure to keep an eye on my pre and post-ops while Wilson and I are in surgery."

The interns nodded, "Yes Dr. Karev."

*****

The surgery went well. They ended up having to remove both Lizzie's spleen and appendix, but Alex was confident that Lizzie would make a full recovery. They were on their way out to speak to the young girl’s parents who had arrived at the hospital twenty minutes after they went in for surgery. Alex went up to the pair and motioned for Jo to follow him while the interns stood a couple feet off to the side, “Hi my name is Doctor Karev. You must be Lizzie’s parents."

The couple sprung up from their seats frantically, “Yes! How is she? How is our daughter?”

“She is doing just fine. She came in with a ruptured spleen and appendix. Doctor Wilson and I were able to remove both the spleen and appendix. Thankfully, she did not break any bones during the fall so her recovery will last about four to six weeks. I’d like to keep her here in the hospital for about a week for observation, but if everything goes well, she’ll be good to go home when the time is over.” Alex replied to the parents.

“Can we see her?” Mrs. Graham asked.

“Lizzie is in recovery right now, but I can have one of my interns take you to her room to wait for her to arrive. She will be groggy and possibly in a bit of pain, but all of that is completely normal. We will come in to check on her in about an hour to two hours to ensure everything is okay.” Jo smiled at the worried pair. She turned over to her interns, “Holt, you take the Graham’s up to Lizzie’s room? Vargas, make sure to continue to keep an eye on Doctor Karev’s pre and post ops. Both of you keep us posted if anything changes.” Both interns left to do their tasks.

“You did great in there today,” Alex complimented as he and Jo walked down the hall.

Jo grinned cheekily, “Thank you. You were a wonderful teacher as always. So, do we have any more surgeries scheduled for the day?”

"Just a hernia repair in about an hour. Shouldn't take more than 45 minutes to do. And I've been thinking, I might let you take the lead on this one."

"Really?"

"Yeah. You know how we do things; see one, do one, teach one. You've seen hernia repairs done before, and you've assisted with them, so today you lead and I'll assist."

Jo grabbed Alex’s hand and pulled him into the empty on-call room down the hall and smiled, “You sir, are doing a very good job if your goal was to get into my pants for the second time today.”

“Am I?” Alex feigned innocence. He kissed her deeply before speaking again, “Lock the door.”

*****

Laying in the afterglow had become one of Jo’s favorite parts of sex with Alex. She had never experienced such security and love as she did when she was in his arms. She snuggled closer to him and closed her eyes for a brief moment. Alex was caressing her back when her stomach growled loudly, ruining the moment.

“Dude, I thought I told you to eat lunch,” Alex chastised.

“I was going to… but then Lizzie came into the ER and I got pulled into a 4 hour surgery.”

“Jo, all you’ve had all day is a powdered sugar donut and a medium coffee. You’re a doctor, you of all people should know that’s not healthy.”

“Wow, you’re one to talk. If I can recall correctly, not too long ago I was the one getting on your ass about eating right,” Jo reminded.

“Shut up,” Alex glared playfully. “Come on. Let’s get something for you to eat. We got the hernia repair in fifteen minutes.”

They each bought a snack and went to check in on their patient before getting ready for surgery. After assuring the nervous parents, Alex looked over to the interns, “Hey, Holt and Vargas! Wilson is going to be performing the hernia removal today and I think it would be good for you to observe your resident performing a procedure. You’ll both scrub in and take turns holding the retractor and observing. We’ll meet you in the OR.”

“You know, before I was an intern, you would have never been so eager to teach. I think dating a resident has made you soft,” Jo teased as the two of them entered the scrub room.

Alex rolled his eyes as he scrubbed. They walked into the operating room and looked down at the young patient; eleven year old Hunter Miller. The interns were ready and standing around the OR table. Alex nodded reassuringly as Jo took a deep stabilizing breath, “Alright Jo. The floor is yours. You’ve got this. Don’t second-guess or underestimate yourself. Remember what I always say--”

“You wouldn’t let me hack into a kid just because you like me. You let me in on a surgery because I’m good,” Jo finished.

“Exactly,” he smiled through his mask. “Now, just walk me through everything and take the time to teach your interns about what is going on.”

She nodded and began. They were about halfway through the hernia repair when Alex felt confident enough in Jo’s abilities to begin a conversation, “So Mer wants us to go to Joe’s bar tonight. Something about Yang’s birthday and tequila shots. Doesn’t want to make a huge deal about it, but thought it would be fun to invite a whole bunch of people for shots.”

Jo looked up from her work skeptically, “Did Grey really invite me or did she invite you?”

“Does it matter?”

“Yes it matters. Grey hates me.”

“No she doesn’t.”

“Yes she does.”

“Jo, Mer does not hate you. She likes you, trust me. You know, one time she even told me she thinks you're a badass.”

Jo snorted, “Well she sure has a funny way of showing it.”

“She told me to invite you. And you won’t be the only resident. She’s inviting Ross and Edwards too so you’ll have friends. Besides, you live with Cristina so it would look really bad if you didn’t show up to her birthday shots and she saw you lounging in your sweats on the couch with a beer and a tub of popcorn,” Alex said.

“You live with Dr. Yang?” Vargas asked.

Jo and Alex looked over at the intern in surprise, almost forgetting that they were not alone, “Yeah we live in the same house. We both crash with Alex. I’m surprised he hasn’t kicked us out yet.”

“Shut up… I need the rent check."

“Wait, so you all live in one house together?” Holt asked.

“I like to lovingly refer to it as the frat house. Everyone has lived there at some point,” Jo replied.

“It used to be Grey’s house. A lot of the attendings have lived there at some point. Shepherd, Kepner, Avery, and some people who aren’t around anymore. It was always open for anyone who needed a place to stay,” Alex shared. “I bought it from her last year and kept up the tradition.”

Jo laughed, "I really don't know why you think Yang would notice if I’m there or not. It’s not like we’re close.”

“Look, I’d rather be lounging on the couch in my sweats watching old reruns of Friends or Modern Family, drinking beer too but if I have to go, you have to go.”

“They’re your best friends, though!”

“Come on Jo,” Alex pleaded. “If you go and decide to leave early then I’ll have an excuse to leave because we came in the same car this morning. Also, don’t forget you’re on my service for the next few weeks. I can make your life hell.”

“Woah,” Jo looked up from the patient. “That sounds a bit like coercion.”

Alex gave her an unimpressed look, “Please. I’m begging here. And you know I don’t beg. I can’t handle another night of hearing about Mer’s McDreamy issues and Cristina’s weird arrangement with her not-husband.”

Jo exhaled, “Okay. Fine I’ll go. But you’re buying everything.”

“Deal.”

The rest of the surgery goes extremely well. Jo completed the repair perfectly. The four doctors are in the process of scrubbing out when Alex spoke up again, “You know, Holt and Vargas, you should meet us at Joe’s to celebrate. Your resident just performed a hernia repair on her own on a peds patient and you both assisted. So drinks are on me tonight!’

The interns nodded in excitement and confirmed that they would be at the bar that night at seven o’clock. Alex sent them off to do a couple tasks while he and Jo went to check on Lizzie and a few of his other patients.

*****

“Can you believe it? Karev invited us out for drinks later!” Gia screeched excitedly. “This might be easier than I thought.”

“It is exciting,” Anna agreed. “We hardly ever get to spend time with everyone outside the hospital. So who knows, maybe even I will get laid tonight. You might want to wait before you make a movie on Karev, though. I am trying to figure out though, if Wilson and Karev are sleeping together.”

“Why would you think that?” Gia asked.

“Wilson is only a second year resident living with two attendings. There’s no way she could’ve moved in with them as an intern unless she was already friends with one of them, and from the conversation in the OR, I can tell that she’s not close to Yang. Her and Karev seem really close, but I can’t tell if they’re just friends or if she’s sleeping with him. I mean, he just let her take point on a surgery. Karev is known for being horrible to interns and residents. So I’m wondering if they’re friends with benefits.”

Gia tilted her head to the side, “You make a good point there. She may have already beat me to him… either way I think I’ll still try. Maybe they are sleeping together, maybe they aren’t exclusive, maybe they’re just friends. I don’t know, but Karev is hot and so am I, and we could have some really hot sex, so I’m gonna make a move. The worst he can say is no.”

They walked into the bar and saw Wilson sitting with Ross and Edwards at the bar. Off to the side, Karev was standing at a table with Yang and Grey, rolling his eyes at something they said. Doctor Grey gets the attention of the surrounding doctors before speaking, “Alright as many of you may know, today is Cristina’s birthday so we’re going to do some shots! If you are a doctor at Grey-Sloan, then please make your way over to the bar as we toast to everyone’s favorite cardiothoracic surgeon.”

A string of laughter and teasing could be heard as everyone took hold of their tequila shots and lifted them up, “To Doctor Yang.”

“To Doctor Yang!”

The atmosphere lightened up a bit and distinctions between superiors and subordinates blurred as the alcohol made its way around the room. Alex left his friends and made his wave over to where Jo was sitting at the bar and waved over Holt and Vargas. He looked over to the bartender and began to order some drinks, “Hey man. Can I get a beer for me, a vodka and coke for Jo, I don’t know what those two want but it’s on me.”

“I’ll take a martini and Anna will have a cosmopolitan,” Gia answered.

After each receiving their drinks, Alex raised his glass, “To a great day of saving tiny humans. It’s not everyday that you treat a kid that’s gonna make it, but today we did.”

The group cheered and downed their drinks. About an hour had passed, and everyone was starting to feel some of the effects of the alcohol. Alex became more flirty than usual. His statements were suggestive and oftentimes. Jo was a giggler. She found everything mildly hilarious and more often than not, lost an item or two of clothes in the process. So far, she had shed the cardigan she’d been wearing. Interns on the other hand, became more bold when drinking alcohol. Gia especially, had her inhibitions lowered and decided that she would finally make her move on Karev.

“So Karev, when was the last time you picked someone up in the bar?” Gia asked.

Alex laughed, “Honestly, I don’t remember.”

“Oh please,” Jo rolled her eyes. “I’m sure you remember. It couldn’t have been that long ago. You’d come here every other day with Avery while I was dating Jason and couldn’t hang out with you.”

“I’m serious,” Alex swore. “The last time I came to the bar and tried to pick someone up was last year before Mer, and everyone bought the hospital. I’m out of practice.”

“There’s no way,” Jo shook her head in disbelief. “You did not go that long without a bar hookup.”

“But I did,” Alex nodded.

Sensing that this might finally be her moment, Gia exchanged a glance with an equally tipsy Anna and turned to Alex, “Well, we have to fix that don’t we?”

“Huh?” Alex scrunched his face at the intern.

Jo--who had understood what was going on--burst out into laughter. She considered saying something and staking her claim on Alex, but decided to let him suffer and see what his reaction would be.

Gia smiled flirtily and placed her hand on Alex’s arm, “You said you’re out of practice, so how about I help you break your dry streak?”

Alex’s eyes widened comically as he finally caught on to what the young woman was suggesting. His eyebrows raised and he opened his mouth in shock, closing it dumbly when words failed to come out. He looked over to Jo for assistance, only to find that she was laughing so hard that tears were trailing down her cheeks. Alex laughed awkward and attempted to say something again, “Um… I’m good, thanks.”

“Oh come on, there’s no need to be shy,” Gia winked. “I know you aren’t. Your reputation speaks for itself, and I for one would not mind finding out if all they say is true.”

Alex looked at Jo with desperation in his eyes. Finally deciding to have mercy on him, she turned to her intern with an amused look on her face, “Alex won’t be going home with you tonight.”

“Why not?” Gia asked, seeming mildly offended.

“Because, tonight, Alex will be going home with me,” Jo supplied. “Just like he does every night, because I’m his girlfriend and he no longer needs to pick up random women in bars.”

Both Gia and Anna’s faces paled at Jo’s confession. Gia began to stutter her apologies to her resident when Jo interrupted her, “Holt. Relax. I get it, trust me. He’s hot.”

Alex, who had been observing the scene, felt his ears get hot, “Jo…”

“I’m serious,” Jo grinned. “No hard feelings. You didn’t know. But now you do, so if I see or hear of you making another pass at my boyfriend, you will be drowning in scut.”

Gia nodded and buried her face in her hands in embarrassment. Anna placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, “I guess I was right, huh?”

“I’m thinking I should’ve listened to you when you suggested that they might be a thing,” Gia cringed.

Deciding it was time to leave and allow the poor intern to wallow in her embarrassment, Alex pulled Jo up and started to guide her out the door. Just as the two of them were about to walk out the door, Jo stopped and gave Gia sly smirk, “Oh and just so you know, everything they say about him is true.”

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paintoverthepain · 4 years

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It wasn’t long after Alex and Forrest shared their first kiss at The Pony, in front of everyone, they started to share other firsts with each other. Alex had been struggling with himself. He needed time to adjust to his well-deserved freedom as a gay man, out and proud. Alex was still taking things slow, but Forrest was a patient soul. He never forced himself on Alex, and gave him space when needed.

“You don’t have to go through this alone. If you want me to, I will be there every step of the way.” He once said, while he stirred his milkshake around absentmindedly, not taking his eyes off of Alex. Alex had appreciated it. Dealing with the death of his father, his abuser, at the same time as he was trying to get through to Flint, was a challenge. But Forrest had been there for him, and they had shared stories back and forth about family drama, military stories, early childhood memories, musical similarities, high school angst and of course, past lovers.

“So, you and Michael Guerin are like high school sweethearts then? Kinda figured there was something there.” Forrest had said once.

Forrest had a soft look on his face as he looked at one of the photographs Alex had handed to him from a book in his shelf. There were several photos. Some of Alex and his brothers, others with him and his friends. One of them was of him and Michael.

“You guys looked so happy…” Alex raised his brows and laughed slightly before shaking his head. He stared at the photo for another minute before placing it back into the book, and down into the box he was packing up.

“Yeah, I suppose. At the time anyway… Those teenagers in that photo, were naïve and reckless, living in a fantasy bubble, shielded away from reality. Now, I don’t ever want to hide in that bubble ever again. ” He replied and taped the box shut before facing Forrest, giving him a warm smile.

Alex and Forrest shared their first milkshake at the Crashdown only a week after their first kiss. It wasn’t planned, but Forrest had accidentally ordered a large vanilla and chocolate-swirl with two straws and a cherry on top. He could have sworn he ordered just a simple chocolate-swirl, but Liz had glanced at their table once and already taken their order. Michael had been sitting at the counter, sipping to a coffee that was slowly turning cold. He had forgotten all about it because he had been too busy staring at the two men sharing a milkshake and giggling about it.

A month later, Alex had been upset and struggling with nightmares. The weather had been gloomy, and soon after, it was pouring down. Forrest had arrived at Alex’s place at around 9 pm, soaking wet from the rain, and a box of Chinese in his hands.

“You’re soaked. You can borrow some of my clothes.” Alex had offered and headed to his bedroom to retrieve said clothes. When he walked back out into his living room, he stopped abruptly in his tracks, mouth slightly open. Forrest was standing by the couch, shirtless and hair still dripping wet. The droplets fell from his hair and traveled down his neck, down his chest and down towards his sculpted abs. Their eyes met and it was a losing game for both of them. They lost track of time from the moment their lips collided and their clothes found their way to the floor. Both nervous, but burning with desire for one another.

“Are you sure?” Forrest had asked, staring deeply into Alex’s warm eyes. They were both breathing heavily already and hearts beating faster. Alex wrapped himself around Forrest, feeling his warm skin on his, feeling his heart beating atop of his.

“Yes, Forrest. I want you… I need you.” Alex said, almost pleaded. He was ready, and he wanted this. He wanted to take it a step further with Forrest, and he wanted him. Needless to say, as the two men explored new and vulnerable parts of themselves, the Chinese takeout was long forgotten.

As time passed by, they only seemed to get closer and closer. One evening, Forrest had invited Alex to a fancy restaurant to celebrate their three-month anniversary. Alex felt spoiled, and had insisted on paying for his part.

“It’s a gift, so please, accept it and let me treat you, for once.” It wasn’t up for debate, and so Forrest winked at him, and took the check. Alex still felt guilty. He wasn’t used to getting spoiled, or getting sweet goodnight-texts. He also wasn’t used to having someone to write songs with, or getting songs or poetry written about him. He wasn’t used to shoulder massages after a stressful day or falling asleep in someone’s arms while watching movies. There was a lot of new things to get used to, but it was definitely something he could get used to.

A solid half a year had passed, and their relationship was only growing stronger. They were practically inseparable at this point, but not entirely. There were days when they would go to the farmers market together, with Buffy happily shuffling along in tow, and they would bicker about which vegetables were the cheapest or what would be more practical, writing your shopping list on a note or on your phone.

“Obviously it’s more practical to write it down on your phone. It’s much faster.” Alex argued while checking if the salad was fresh before putting it in the cart.

“How is it so much faster? You write down your stuff, and you can add things later on as you remember more things to buy. It’s way more personal and you have easy access to the note as you’re walking through the store.” Forrest tried reasoning with him, while holding up his crumpled piece of paper as proof. Alex just rolled his eyes while trying to hide his amusement.

“It’s the exact same with a phone. Also, it doesn’t blow away with the wind.” Alex quickly gripped the piece of paper out of Forrest’s hand, held it up to his mouth and blew the paper at his face.

“That’s cheating, you-“ Forrest was about to reach for Alex’s phone, where he proudly displayed his shopping list, when someone cleared their throat and spoke.

“Is the honeymoon phase over already boys?” Isobel had her arms crossed and smirked at them. Beside her, Michael rolled his eyes and tipped his hat further down his face. Alex pretended he didn’t notice and just laughed along with Isobel. Michael now regretted letting Isobel talk him into leaving the junkyard for once.

It was little things like this that made it into their routine. Grocery shopping, taking Buffy on walks, milkshake at the Crashdown, movie nights with too much popcorn, watching the sun set over the desert landscape, wild nights at Planet 7 and open-mic evenings at The Wild Pony. A year had passed and Alex still found himself amazed and in awe each time he woke up next to Forrest. He almost couldn’t believe that he was allowed to be this lucky.

To celebrate their one-year anniversary, they decided to have a few drinks at The Pony. Throughout the night, they laughed and reminisced back to when they first met in the barn at the Long farm, and when Forrest totally kicked his ass in paintball.

“You totally watched 10 reasons why I hate you before that date, am I right?” Alex smirked at him. Forrest playfully nudged him while trying to hide his flushed cheeks.

“What can I say, I’m a sucker for the classics.” He replied.

The hours seemed to pass by too fast, and soon they were dancing in the middle of the crowd, singing and laughing along to the music.

Not long after Forrest had excused himself to go to the restroom, Michael found himself seated next to Alex by the bar. He had placed his hat down between them and ordered another drink. Michael had watched Alex and Forrest have a good time all evening, and maybe it was the alcohol talking, but he needed to try one last time with Alex.

“You know you’re lying to him, right?” Michael said quietly while staring into his drink. Alex furrowed his brows and turned to face him.

“What?”

“He still doesn’t know about me, does he?” Alex just stared at him with confusion written all over his face.

“Of course he does. I’ve told him everything about us, and what we used to have.” Alex replied, but Michael shook his head and took a deep breath.

“I mean, he doesn’t know what I am?” Michael asked and tilted his head slightly. Alex glared at him, not knowing what to answer.

“I made you a promise once, to keep you and your family safe.” Alex began, but was interrupted by Michael’s scoff.

“Oh, so you don’t trust your partner to keep that secret safe. I bet it would be a whole lot easier to go on with your life not having to sneak around and lie about your confidential alien research.”

“Michael!” Isobel’s voice was harsh and disappointment was painted all over her face. Alex was pale and his fists clenched. He had to find and grip onto every shred of willpower in order not to punch Michael in the face.

After that encounter, Alex had slowly but, surely let Forrest in on some of the stuff going on in Roswell. To his surprise, Forrest had his own suspicions about aliens. He was a historian and a Long after all.

“Do you think you’ll miss this place?” Forrest asked. He had his arm around Alex’s shoulder as they stared around his empty apartment. Alex shrugged slightly and rested his head against Forrest.

“Not really. I don’t have anything attaching me to this place. It just became a hideaway. I’m ready to start over, but this time, I got you by my side.” Alex said and looked up at Forrest, who smiled at stared back at him with so much passion and love written in his eyes.

They finished packing up, picked up Buffy and got into the car. With one last glance at his house, Alex smiled back at Forrest and they drove off, on their way to their new home far away from Roswell.

#roswell new mexico #forlex #alex manes #forrest long #alex x forrest #jealous michael #michael guerin #malex angst #forlex fic

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believerindaydreams · 3 years

Text

Okay I know there has to be a Boone/Arcade scene for pacing but this feels like treading water

Oh well, crossing at dawn 2.75 and then I'll be chronologically in order agsin

Boone

Don't know why now of all times, when we've finally sorted out our problems, I start having nightmares.

That time in the Legion, when I'm awake I hardly think about it. But when I sleep it grabs me, I'm wrapped in crimson that's starting to bleed and armed with a machete against men with grenade launchers and rockets.

Not that strange, it's what happened.

I get off the bunk, stealthy as I can manage; Manny's taken the top like always, he's out cold. My wife's fallen asleep on top of Veronica, hands entwined; I'd start wondering about that if the engineer wasn't so obsessed with this train. She's staying out, so the fling is a fling.

Can't complain, that's for sure.

Arcade's in the dining car, reading with his feet up; the place smells like frying fat and sugar.

"What's up?"

"Can't sleep. Didn't seem worth trying any longer."

"Well, I've got something cooking if you're sticking around. What would you normally do to unwind?"

"Practice my sniping."

"Ah. And you can hardly do that on a train, so no wonder you're stressed out."

Guess he has a point. Not many days I've spent without practicing with some kind of firearm or another. "What's cooking, then?"

"Fried Nuka-Cola balls." He's hiding behind his big book now, can't see him. "It's a classic recipe. I'm testing it."

"Can't get enough of the stuff, huh?"

"Followers," Arcade says, peeking over the top of the book, "are interested in all kinds of prewar experiences, valuable or not. Because it takes more than weapon schematics and vault doors to build a society- I think they started forgetting that, towards the end. How to live when your whole life isn't bent towards destruction. The more frivolous, silly, utterly human scraps we can salvage from the wreckage, the better off we all are."

"...so this isn't about your addiction then."

"Well, that too. Any Follower worth the lab coat can spout off nonsense to justify their actions, it's one of the first things you pick up at the Boneyard." He chuckles and tucks the book under his arm. Picks up a kind of metal net and shakes it out, then upends it over a plate. Golden balls spill out, like Manny's dumplings but smaller and less meaty. "Give those a while to cool."

"Guess I'm not going anywhere."

"Great," Arcade says, actually putting the book down. "Because I've- I have missed you, if that makes sense. Far be it from me to ever imply I miss the Sierra Madre, because I most definitely don't, but- you know what, there is absolutely no way of saying this without sounding terrible. That third rum was a mistake."

"With Nuka in it, I guess."

"...yes. Well. I could be even more drunk, but- you know what it is, I had approximately ten seconds to go from the idea of having finally, unbelievably, made a cautious attempt at opening up, to suddenly being the fifth wheel on a cart."

"There's only four of us."

"I'm talking metaphorically- Boone, it's been a lot to deal with. Manny was just that sniper in the dinosaur, Carla I didn't know at all, this is very much a case where I'm late to the party and I'm trying to get to terms with that by consuming junk food abominations and revisiting highlighted passages of the Wasteland Survival Guide. Please don't hate me for realising I'm not even the most important person in your life anymore."

The weird little fried balls are cooled off. I pop one in my mouth- kind of crispy on the outside, syrupy inside. It does taste like a soda, sort of.

"I'm not going to throw you over just because they came back."

Arcade stuffs a ball into his mouth, doesn't speak until he's done chewing. "Surviving the Enclave collapse did not, I'm afraid, do anything for my capacity to trust that a given situation will remain stable."

"...you want to fuck?"

"No. Yes. I would dearly enjoy a prolonged, imaginative and exhausting fuck, but right now I need to get to grips with this before I can get comfortable with you again. Boone, is any of this making sense?"

Wish Manny and Carla were awake, this is out of my depth. "They've told you they're glad to have you along. Don't know that me saying it helps you much."

We're getting through the balls at a fast clip. Saves looking at each other. "Is this because I shot those men at the Freeside gate? You look at me and wonder what other promises I'd break?"

Arcade blinks. Twice. "Not really where I was going with this, but carry on."

"Didn't kill 'em for my sake, when I could have turned myself in. Manny and Carla could have gone back to the Great Khans, they'd be glad to get a good soldier back and she'd stick with him if I vanished. But no way you could have gone with them, with that Legion alliance on the way. Had to make the choice, and I made it."

He slowly crushes a ball in his fingers, opens them up, looks at the dark liquid. "You're saying, cheer up, because I murdered some guards for you."

"Can't make you feel better about the others, because I'm not them. But you want to know if you matter to me? Damn straight you do."

"...I suppose that'll just have to suffice. For the moment."

Comes as a relief, when he quits talking and gets your hands and mouth sticky with soda syrup.

Action's a hell of a lot easier than words.

*****

Manny

Glory be, Veronica should have called it the Love Track. You can hardly move on this train without stumbling over somebody fucking or thinking about fucking or recuperating after the fact.

And I'm not planning to be left out altogether. Third day in I invite Arcade for a roll in the hay. Or maize husks, anyway.

"Why are we here? Cow won't need milking for at least two hours."

"Thought we could get to know each other a little better."

"Ooo-kay. Fine."

He's nervous. Forget the hay, then.

"See, I care about those two idiots out there, bless 'em, but Boone does not do feelings and Carla has been through so many kinds of hell since getting pregnant, I'm amazed she still gets up in the morning. So nobody else is going to ask this- are you feeling all right?"

"Good enough."

Wow. Boone's contagious. "Hey. If I can help, name it. I wouldn't be half as gracious about it if I was the one dumped into a three-way tangle."

"You could satisfy my incessant curiosity, I suppose." He picks up a brush and starts tending Cow; technique all wrong but they're patient animals. "How did you all agree to this, if I may ask?"

"Hmth. Sure you can ask, Boone proposed to her and she turned him down because she didn't believe that he wasn't sleeping with me. He came back to the barracks with a turquoise ring and a broken heart so bad he actually talked about it."

"Were you? Sleeping with him?"

"Not then. But we had done...so next leave, I went to Carla myself, told her it was killing my partner, that if it was me or caps or anything I had the power to change, name it and I'd do it. He'd been so happy with her...well. You met him before he got Carla back."

"I'm not sure I saw him at his worst, even so." Bless the man, Arcade's blushing.

"Could be, I wouldn't know. Well- she laughed and asked if I'd brought a ring too, and I said yes, just in case you wanted one. Nice bit of bone carving, you'd knock that off in a bored afternoon with the Khans. Anyway she suddenly took me seriously after that...she was in love, I was in love, Boone wanted both of us. And she felt better when she heard I didn't go for girls. So I went back, told Boone to try again...went storybook the second time, Carla said."

"Then you were always planning to make a life with them."

"Planning? No. I thought that she'd tell me to find my jollies somewhere else, I'd mope about it for a few months, and head back to the Khans- that was before Bitter Springs."

"So what made you stay?"

"You really don't let up with the questions, do you?" Arcade's not bad to look at, that's for damned sure. The distracted way he's brushing his hair back, for instance. But I'm not going to fuck him just because I'm here and he's here. "Cos I still wanted Boone. Because we were partnered and I couldn't have quit thinking about him if I tried. Because they were a couple of star-struck idiots and they were going to need help."

"I suppose you were right about that."

I'd just as soon forget the word Arizona, thanks. "Sure. Who else would have taught them a triple-step to dance at the Tops?"

"You know a triple-step? I thought that only- well, that only Enclave remembered that."

"Khans were from a vault, back in the day. Good exercise, and it's fun."

"Mmm. It shows."

There's a certain hunger the way Arcade says it, couldn't call it subtle. Suddenly I get to come to terms with just because I'm being polite and hands off, doesn't mean he is.

Well. I wouldn't mind being the one who gets chased, just for a change.

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virryth · 4 years

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Doctor!AU Jihoon

a hbd to Jihoon;; love him so much can’t wait to see him in Jan

tw// mentions of wound, blood, mild violence

Read Doctor!AU Junhui | More Jihoon au | More SVT au

1.7k | Fluff | Bullet | Not proofread

Vice-head chief doctor for the ER (trauma unit)

Famous for his quick, spot-on judgement for emergency care and his blunt personality

Can be reckless at times and gets scolded so many times for jumping the fence on hospital protocols

Did he maybe hit the patient with his fist in an ambulance to get their heart moving because they wouldn’t make it to the ER? Sure.

Performed emergency surgeries at the scene of the incident? A few times.

but hey his methods worked and he saved countless of patients in the end so really who’s losing

Rumored to have a criminal record

Not many people know but Jihoon has a pretty strong sense of justice, he once punched the daylight out of a guy when he found out the dude sexually assaulted his patient

Actually spent a day in jail and had to get bailed out by Wonwoo, but the other guy ended up in jail too so it’s worth it in his book

Honestly looks so good in the scrub, fills it all up, hair slicked back, clear translucent skin with the face of an angel

Possesses such a cute smile and the most pleasant laughter, one of the reasons the nurses and his fellow colleagues adore him (also very popular with the elderly)

Except when there’s an unusually busy night, catch Dr. Lee looking like hell, hair is either disheveled and messy from running his hands through them when he’s frustrated or just plainly under a rubber headband and kept out of his face

Scrubs either has specks of blood or some sort of dirt from wrestling restraining rowdy troublemaker visitors in the ER

Usually spotted resuscitating a patient while kneeling on top of a moving crash cart, or running around giving consultations for other trauma on-call attendants

Do not even breath the wrong way around him when he’s busy trying to figure out the cause of a patient’s symptoms

Dr. Lee will sit there and think until he’s found a solution

Will sometimes venture to other wards to consult with the other doctors if he has time. Jihoon can be stubborn, but he knows how valuable the experiences of his colleagues can be, especially when it’s as important as accurately diagnosing and treating patients

Both new and long-time interns are terrified of Dr. Lee from trauma unit, they all avoid him like the plague because those who worked with him have only claimed it to be one of the most stressful nights of their medical career

Some came out so shocked they ended up transferring

But;;; it’s not all bad, he’s hard on the interns because residency is the only time period where mistakes are allowed, he has to make sure they know that lives are at stake if they’re going to become good doctors in the future

The very small few who survived his supervisions all ended up learning a LOT from him because scary or not, everybody and their grannies have the utmost respect for Jihoon

The ER is the most hectic and traumatizing place in the hospital, on top of the physical strains there’s also a lot of emotional stressors that get him down once in a while

And those moments are when his true personality shine through, boy is sweet and so soft, but only to you and his close friends though, anyone else see that and he’s all hardass hauling the interns again

“He was worse in med school,” pediatric surgeon Junhui spilled at a team dinner, “one semester during exam season, he wouldn’t come back for three days and we find him passed out in the library with textbooks under his head.”

“We thought he had fainted or something, turned out he was just hungry,” medic Soonyoung chimed in, nudging Wonwoo to continue spilling the tea.

“He woke up so angry because he missed hours of study, we had to deal with that attitude for a week. He was such a d*ck.”

“Yeah, that’s my reason. What’s yours?” Jihoon countered, taking a shot.

(am i saying ‘96 line went to med school and spent their residency together yes I am)

You know the boys from way back when you were interns during your residency

In fact, on his first day of work, Jihoon was admitted to the hospital due to an explosion injury

He wasn’t even directly involved, he was just a bystander rushing in to help when he spotted multiple MVCs (motor vehicle collisions) on the highway on the way to work, and while working on the injured patients, one of the cars had exploded nearby

Still has a decent-size burnt scar on his back to this day, but doesn’t regret it one bit

Jihoon does anything and everything in his power to save people, even if he has to put his life on the line

Patient bleeding out during transit and there’s not enough blood in the ambulance? Here, take his if it matches.

Need a hand shouldering debriefs from a collapsing structure to rescue a patient? On it.

Vernon from ortho came by once, “hey dude your wrist is bleeding.”

Jihoon: cut myself pulling an earring out of someone’s throat, what’s up?”

Vernon: yikes,,, anyway still up for lunch? :D

That’s kind of his main philosophy, and yours, because you didn’t hesitate one bit when you head straight into the fire to save him

It’s because of this mild case of recklessness that you both often get sent to dispatch on evac copters to save people at extremely remote locations

And you’re amazing at it, but more often than not you both usually end up in Junhui’s pediatric ward getting bandaged up while looking at babies

Really popular with the kids by the way, everyone loves getting a piggy-back ride from Dr. Lee when he comes by

Knows all of the the long-term patients by names and is so loved by the kids it’s honestly not fair

Medic Soonyoung knows Jihoon the longest and apparently he was even more reckless way back then as an EMT, but he’s mellowed down a lot since he became a doctor

As head chief, you cut him waaaay too many slacks and all the residents know it

But they also know he’s the best in the field so they just let him do whatever

But that doesn’t mean he gets away all the time, you still scold him when needed, and Jihoon has actually toned it down a lot since you became head chief because he knows ultimately you’re the one shouldering the responsibilities for his actions

He knows you would stick up for him no matter what because of how much you value his skills, and he doesn’t want to disappoint you in any way

“You know they’re not doing this just for your skills, right?”

“Don’t do that shrink thing on me, Wonwoo, it gives me the creeps.”

“He’s right and you know it,” Junhui teased.

“Shut up.”

Jihoon is so shy about his feelings for you, hence he speaks more with his actions

Often takes you out for dinner, or brunch, or home, after your shift when you’re too tired to drive

Brings you breakfast in the morning after a night shift and tries to shoulder most of the traumatizing cases when he can

Honestly he’s still doing his job, but during breaks, he makes sure to hang around and is always ready to come in three seconds max if you ever call his name

And sure, although he puts himself in danger way too many times, you know he only wants to help

But that doesn’t stop you from worrying, his mindset of giving his all to save others is what’s gonna get him killed one day

On your day off, you often meet up and hand out, running errands and going to the movies to catch up on whatever pop-culture content you missed during the busy on-call shifts

And it’s so platonic, or at least that’s what you keep telling yourself because you honestly never know sometimes

One moment he’s resting his arm over your shoulder, softly speaking to you about what to order from the fast food menu. It’s so intimate you could hear your own heartbeats in your ears

Then suddenly he’s getting shy and conscious of how close you are

But then he holds you much a little too close to shield you from the rain as you share an umbrella

And you thought maybe that’s just who he is, he’s protective and skinship may come unexpectedly and unconsciously when he feels comfortable around people

Jihoon would say you were starting to sound like Wonwoo if he knew what you were thinking

It wasn’t until half the movie that you caught him staring

You had thought he had something to say, so you leaned in and waited

Truly, you didn’t expect to be kissed

And brief as it came, Jihoon had diverted his attention back to the big screen, picking up popcorn and chuckling when he saw the expression on your face

True to his profession, Wonwoo was the first to notice, he had been making jokes about how you two would end up together one day–a common topic among your circle of friends–and Jihoon choked on his coffee

They had kept it on the down low since the both of you had decided to keep it out of work

But things have definitely changed with the glances you noticed whenever he’s in the same room

There was so much affection in his gaze that you start to think maybe he’s been doing this for some time, it just took you this long to notice

You also find out that Jihoon is a lot more daring than you’d pegged him to be, and oh so subtle with his touches

Hand hovering on the lower part of your back to catch you in case you stumble, stolen kisses in the elevator, head touches and comforting hugs in the break room when you had time to take a breath

And yet you never got caught, it’s amazing how quick he turns back to strict Dr. Lee around the intern the moment he parts way with you

Occasionally Jihoon would join you in the empty corner near the supply’s closet, cooling your heads and leaning on each other to regain a sense of comfort and familiarity when things didn’t go well in the ER

He would hold your hand, leaning in to you and softly whispering into your hair about the gains and losses in life, sometimes about the future, where you would travel on your next vacation and what you would do together

The ER is a tricky placement, sometimes you witness the miracle of life, sometimes the end of it. It’s a battlefield almost every single day, but you wouldn’t trade it for the world

Not with Jihoon by your side.

–V

Read Doctor!AU Junhui | More Jihoon au | More SVT au

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taronfanfic · 4 years

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Fast Forward

Chapter 21

A steamy, romantic, champagne fuelled hot tub was bound to get a bit handsy. You had to make things up to Taron and he didn’t seem surprised in the slightest when your fingers delved beneath the waistband of his swimming shorts. His semi soon became rock hard at your touch, slowly working down to his balls and then rubbing your thumb over his tip. He didn’t even try to hide his grin, just relaxed back smugly and let you see how much he was enjoying it. Your other hand caressed over his chest and shoulder, up to the back of his neck as you kissed him and into the back of his hair as you started to whisper filth into his ear.

“You feel so big, it’s making me throb for you.” Taron responded instantly, dropping his arms from the sides of the hot tub back into the water so his hands could take hold of your waist and move you to straddle over his thighs. “You like that?” You hummed back as you tugged his shorts lower and set him free. There was only a hungry kiss in response as his hands dropped to squeeze your bum.

“I really want to, but we can’t, not in here.” He looked over his shoulder to see the bistro chairs left on the other side of the balcony and then back into your eyes.

“You want me to ride you on one of those chairs? Out here in the open?... Or I could bend over the railing and you can take me from behind?” Even suggesting your ideas out loud was turning you on and you knew Taron could feel you tensing your thighs in excitement.

“Fucking hell, yes. It’ll be cold but if you keep talking like that it won’t take long.”

“Come on then.” You smirked and then giggled as you stood up from Taron and climbed out the hot tub, rushing over to the edge of the balcony and then leaning out to check that no one else could see you from either side. Once you’d seen it was all clear you flattened out your back and left your arse up for Taron, feeling his fingers tug your bikini to one side. “Pull them down, halfway down my thighs so I can feel everything.”

“Jesus this is hot.” Taron commented under his breath as he followed your instructions and was then quick to push himself into you and feel your warmth surround his erection. He wasted no time, thrusting hard and fast as he held onto your hips and had you rocking with him.

“Oh, yes! Fuck. Yeah!” You cried out as every move Taron made felt incredible. He didn’t let up the pace, panting heavily behind you as his eyes were fixed to the sight of his hips slamming against your arse. You wanted to be able to take a moment to look up, to look out into the forest and remember where you were, what you were doing and how fucking good it felt, but Taron never gave you chance. This was a quickie for sure. There had been so much pent up tension between you, mostly anger and frustration but getting to release it like this was the best possible outcome for both of you. Your orgasm rushed through your body, hitting you hard and fast, and leaving you breathless. Taron lost it just after you did, spilling out in such a rush that drips landed on the decking between your feet.

“Fucking hell, we’re good.” He sighed as he supported you into an upright position against his warm chest and then pulled your bikini back up into place. “We’re definitely having sex again tonight.”

“It’s our anniversary, we’re having sex all night.”

“But we’ve got a romantic dinner to get through first so hold those naughty thoughts.” He left a kiss to your cheek before wrapping one of the large, soft towels around your shoulders and leading you inside.

You started to fill the roll top bath, adding in the complimentary bubbles and then noticed Taron watching you from the doorway through to the bedroom. An offer for him to join you was made but he declined it, preferring to admire you as you stripped bare and relaxed back into the warm water with a sigh.

“Still not tempting?”

“I was thinking I could have a shower instead.” His eyebrow cocked to the walk in shower at the end of the bath and you nodded in agreement as you realised you’d have the perfect view of him whilst he was in there. There was no need to be subtle either as you took in every inch of his skin. Watching his shoulder blades as he rubbed the shampoo suds over his hair, then taking in his chest as he turned around beneath the falling water. He caught your eye contact for a second and then smiled as he saw you look down his body to his cock, his hand deliberately stroking down his length a few times as he watched you watching him. You were in heaven. You considered getting yourself off in the bath but decided to hold onto the feelings of arousal for the rest of the night, knowing something amazing would come of it in a matter of hours. Taron appeared to do the same, resisting his semi and reaching for the soap for distraction. The rewards would be worth it.

You smiled up to your boyfriend as he offered out his hand to help you out of the bath. The thirsty kiss he left to your lips could easily have led you straight into bed, but instead you wrapped a fresh towel around his hips and sent him on his way.

“Stop tempting me, I need to be hungry not horny.”

Having taken a minute to compose yourself you walked into the bedroom to find Taron in a black pair of boxers, only now unpacking one of the weekend bags he’d brought. Your new dress was hanging on the wardrobe door.

“Y’know I was quite concerned by what you might have packed, seeing as you did most of it in the dark. These are a cute touch though.” You nudged your toe against your favourite pair of silver heels, the ones you’d worn on your first proper date with Taron, which were waiting at the foot of the bed. “So do I get any underwear or am I going commando to dinner?”

“Like I’d forget my favourite part!” Taron scoffed back as he pulled his chosen pair of knickers out of the bag and threw them at you. “Bras and dresses are a minefield so I did grab a few extras from your drawer, hopefully one of them works?”

“This one’s perfect, so don’t worry.” You reassured him with a kiss to the cheek as you collected the one you wanted. “Let me unpack the rest of this too, you’ve done more than enough today.”

“Nah-ah. Bags are off-limits all weekend for you.”

“Why? What are you hiding in there?”

“Things for tomorrow!” Taron replied innocently whilst folding his arms across his chest.

“What did we say? No more secrets, no more surprises... So what’s in the bag?”

“Argh, fine…Coats, umbrellas, wellies and your beanie too. But it might be too windy for the umbrellas so we’ll see… Go on, have a look if you don’t believe me.” He added as you looked back to him with confusion.

“It’s not that I don’t believe you, I’m just wondering why that was being kept as a surprise? I saw the map of the grounds earlier and that there was a woodland walk that leads down to the coast. I was going to suggest it tomorrow if you’d not booked us in for something else at the spa.”

“Oh. Well that’s good then… apart from the weather looking crap for tomorrow.”

“Stop trying to make everything perfect!” You teased him lovingly, reaching out for his arm and stroking his soft skin. “Whatever happens, whatever the weather does, I don’t mind one bit as long as I’m with you so stop over-thinking all of this. Why don’t you grab a few of those little bottles of gin from the kitchen and bring them back in here so we can have a drink whilst we get ready?”

“Alright, sounds good. Sorry for stressing.” His face softened as he leaned in to kiss you quickly. “Love you.”

“Love you too.”

A glass of gin and tonic was placed next to your makeup brushes a few minutes later and you spotted Taron relaxing back on the bed, still wearing only his boxers. He had an ipad in his hands and was reading the screen closely.

“We need to select what we want for breakfast in the morning. There’s this hatch thing by the front door and they deliver it to us so we can have it in bed, or on the balcony if it’s sunny.”

“That’s such a good idea! What can we pick from?”

“Absolutely everything. Croissants, toast, eggs, full English, waffles, pancakes, fruit, bread and hams, bagels… it’s never ending!”

“Wow,” You spun around on your chair to face Taron. “Get a selection then? I don’t know what I’m going to want… might depend on how much of an appetite I’ve worked up over night.”

“Naughty.” Taron sniggered. “I’m ordering the unhealthy things seeing as we’re only here for one night. I’ve also booked us a lift back up to the main house for dinner in 15 minutes so we’d better get a move on.”

You gently curled your last strands of hair, wriggled your little black dress up over your hips and secured the ankle straps of your silver heels before standing in front of the full length mirror to check you’d not missed something. Taron appeared in the view behind you, a crisp white shirt tucked into his navy suit trousers but with the top two buttons left undone and the sleeves neatly turned up to his elbows. He caught you admiring his reflection and stepped in behind you, his hands naturally resting on the sides of your hips, and nose burying in against your neck so he could inhale the sweet scent of your favourite perfume.

“Gorgeous,” He whispered. “Utterly gorgeous.”

You grabbed your jackets on the way out and walked hand in hand down the wooden bridge to the awaiting cart, ready to start your anniversary evening together.

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#taron egerton #taron egerton fanfiction #taron egerton fanfic #taron x reader

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laurenconraddaily · 4 years

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What Lauren Conrad Can’t Live Without

If you’re like us, you’ve probably wondered what famous people add to their carts. Not the JAR brooch and Louis XV chair but the hairspray and the electric toothbrush. We asked Lauren Conrad — whose brand, Lauren Conrad Beauty, launched this fall and just expanded to skin care — about the coffee maker, hair clip, and wine she can’t live without.

Kristin Ess Full Size French Pin Set $12

I’ve worked with Kristin since I was 20 — she’s amazing and her whole line is literally the only thing I use on my hair: her shampoo, conditioner, stylers, everything. My hair is pretty thick. After my first pregnancy, it all fell out. I’ve been able to hang on to a lot of it this time around, but it still has changed a lot. Kristin explained to me that the texture of your hair changes every seven years and it changes during pregnancy. So mine has become a bit thicker — I have a lot more hair than I did before — with more of a natural wave to it. I recently grew it long enough to really do a top knot again, and this French pin makes that so easy. It doesn’t cause breakage like an elastic can. I use it every single day. Even if I’m not wearing my hair up, when I get home at the end of a day, I twist it up when I walk in the door because I live with a one-year-old hair puller. I don’t even look in a mirror to do it.

$12 at Target Buy

Kinto 4 Cup Brewer Stand Set $188

The first thing I do every morning is make coffee at around 6:30. Years ago I had a Keurig in my kitchen, and when one of my husband’s best friends stayed with us, he very kindly said to me, “If I sent you more ecofriendly ideas for coffee, would you be open to them?” He got me thinking. The next weekend we were going up the coast for a wedding and we stopped in this small boutique, where I saw this little coffee maker. I was like, “Oh, this is so beautiful.” It doesn’t require anything, including filters. I got it and have used it ever since. There’s a whole process to it: I grind my own coffee, and in order to use this, you need a more coarsely ground coffee. Then I pour a bit of boiling water over it, let the coffee bloom for a minute, then pour the rest in and watch it make my coffee. It’s definitely more involved than a regular coffee maker or a Keurig, but I actually think it makes a nicer cup. It looks better on your counter, too, and best of all, it’s a little nicer to the Earth. Mine has held up for a few years. We did have to replace one piece because my husband dropped it while washing it, but other than that, it has really lasted.

$188 at Huckberry Buy

Kirkland Signature Organic Virgin Coconut Oil $16

I love this one from Costco because it’s a really good value. I do use it to cook, but I mainly use it for baths. At the end of the day, after we put the boys down, I try to take a 20-minute bath. It’s my end-of-the-day thing — I usually have a glass of wine in there, too. And I always put a bit of coconut oil in the bath while it’s running. The last thing I want to do is apply moisturizer after a bath because I’m so relaxed and tired, so putting coconut oil in there keeps my skin nice and hydrated.

$16 at Costco Buy

$23 at Amazon Buy

Health-Ade Pink Lady Apple Kombucha (6-Pack) $30

Instead of having a coffee in the afternoon, I’ve switched to having kombucha. It’s better for digestion and whatnot. I have a fridge stocked with kombucha, that’s how much I drink it. I treat kombucha almost like I would beer — I have my go-tos, but I like trying different ones, and I always come back to my favorites. This is one of them. I found it at my local grocery store. It’s sort of a middle-of-the-road one in terms of sweetness, for when I don’t want anything too sugary. It’s tasty. If I don’t want to try something new, I go for this because I know I’ll enjoy it.

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Philips Avance XL Air Fryer $300

I mainly use it to reheat things. For example, if I’m making a batch of waffles, I’ll freeze the extras, then pop one in when I want it. The air fryer defrosts and crisps it up. It also brings leftover fries back to life, which is honestly enough of a reason to own one. This model is the newer version of mine, because when I went to look up mine, I only found used ones on eBay. I guess I’ve really had it for a minute. But mine is still working well, I don’t have a reason to replace it. I got it about two years ago when I was pregnant. Some woman at a talk about how to healthily feed small children said we all needed to get an air fryer because it makes things so easy. Recently I did a Zoom wine date with one of my good friends and she texted me that she was running late; she was like, “I just finally unwrapped my air fryer from Christmas.” I responded with a short novel about my air fryer, outlining everything she needs to do and try. I’m obsessed with it.

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Sweet Laurel: Recipes for Whole Food, Grain-Free Desserts $28 now 25% off $21

Our whole family is dairy-free. We have been for years. My oldest son is actually lactose-intolerant, but we’ve all struggled with dairy, so we just cut it out of our diet. Cutting out dairy is pretty easy, but it becomes a challenge with baking. Sweet Laurel’s recipes are all dairy-free; she’s also grain-free, so it’s all almond flour. The main ingredients she uses are almond flour, maple syrup, and Himalayan salt. All of her recipes are really easy, too — I pull out cookbooks for dessert a lot, but sometimes recipes have so many steps that I get overwhelmed. The last thing I made from here was a strawberry cake for my son’s birthday. I handed him the book, told him to pick what he wanted, and he chose that. It was dyed pink with beets. You don’t taste them, they just made the whole cake pink.

$21 at Amazon Buy

Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Full Strength Exfoliating Mask $48

I love a mask that gives me instant results. I don’t have very sensitive skin, but when I take this off, my face is bright red. It does burn a little, but I don’t mind. I really feel like it’s working. I only use it once a week — I do it at night and the next morning I wake up and my skin feels great. It’s a nice refresher and takes away that dull feeling I can get. I’m trying to do as much as I can at home — I haven’t been able to get facials or see any specialist — and this is the closest I’ve gotten so far to instant results.

$48 at Dermstore Buy

$48 at Ulta Beauty Buy

Eden Brothers Organic Roma Tomato Seeds $4

We started gardening this year as a way to pass the time. I’ve gotten really into it. I mean, it’s definitely taking over our yard, which is pretty small, but it’s really fun and strangely rewarding. When I went to buy seeds, Eden Brothers had the best selection. We’re growing green beans, tomatillos, raspberries, blackberries, onions, lots of tomatoes — cherry, heirloom, and Roma tomatoes — corn, and pumpkins. Oh, and lots of herbs and stuff, too. We harvested our first corn not long ago. It was weird. The flavor was good, but I don’t know, I’m still learning. I think it maybe was overwatered. I thought gardening would be simple — it’s not, but it has been a really fun hobby. I’m sure I’ll get better with time. My 3-year-old son goes out with me every morning to check the garden. He’s way more inclined to eat something off the vine than he is off a dinner plate. And I love that he gets to see where food comes from at a young age.

$4 at Eden Brothers Buy

Avaline White Blend $20

When I heard about this wine, I was really curious. Katherine Power, one of the founders, is always coming out with different brands and she always does such a nice job with her launches. I don’t like when wine is too sweet or fruity, and I prefer organic wine — if it isn’t organic, I tend to get a headache. This one tastes amazing and has beautiful packaging. I like their white wine best; I actually just ordered a whole case.

$20 at Wine.com Buy

Lauren Conrad Beauty The Lip & Cheek Tint $20

My first pregnancy, which was four years ago, was honestly the first time when I was aware of what I was putting on my body and the effects those products could have. I transitioned all my products to clean and vegan, but I hated feeling like I had to compromise — I wanted clean lipsticks with staying power that had really great pigment and felt good. One of the reasons why I came out with my brand now, as opposed to a few years ago, is because I decided if I’m going to do a beauty line, I want to do it correctly. Everyone involved with my line really stays informed on ingredients and the market, so we can create products you can feel good about using. A multitasker is our target customer because I’m one myself. This tint is one of my favorite products for that reason. I use it every day throughout the day. It’s something you can apply to a bare base, you can layer it over light makeup and build it up. It’s about whatever works for you.

$20 at Lauren Conrad Beauty Buy

#lauren conrad #favorites #shop #2020

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walkerismychoice · 5 years

Text

Stripped Bare - Chapter 13 (Bryce X MC AU)

Book: Open Heart

Pairing: Bryce X MC (Charlie Hawkins)

Summary: Charlie decides to skip one of the group events before attending the beach party, and she prepares Bryce to meet some important guests

Rating: Mature/18+ It starts heading towards NSFW, but not quite there yet

Word Count: 2666

Charlie's alarm goes off at yet another ungodly hour for "vacation." She's so ready to take Katelyn's itinerary and tell her where to shove it. Bryce is still sound asleep, and the poor guy needs it. She hesitates to wake him, but then his eyes open up, and she doesn't have to.

"Good morning." Charlie smiles warmly.

Bryce rubs the sleep out of his eyes "Is it? I feel like death. I typically don't drink that much and never get that drunk. I apologize for whatever I may have said or done."

"So you don't remember?" Charlie inquires.

"Not much," Bryce admits. "I recall trying to keep up with Bob while you were torturing me with talk about the other strippers. And then I think you helped me back here. I promised you a strip show, but the last thing I remember is not so gracefully landing on the floor."

"Then I’m guessing you don’t remember calling yourself pretty?" Charlie asks, testing him to see if he’ll remember the rest.

Bryce chuckles. “Nope, but that doesn’t surprise me too much. That’s something I would say sober.”

Maybe he really doesn’t remember, but that might be for the best. "I know. You are so modest. You should really work on your self esteem,” She teases and they both laugh.

"Ugh," Bryce rolls over to his side and stretches. "I really don't want to get out of bed."

That's saying something coming from Bryce who is usually up before the the crack of dawn to workout. She looks him over again and gets an idea. "Then let's not get out of bed."

"Huh?" Bryce asks, clearly confused. "What about golf?"

Charlie shrugs. "Golf is just another one of those boring, rich people sports, right? The only thing fun about it is driving around in a golf cart and drinking beer."

"And I’m in no shape to be getting near alcohol this morning. But are you sure? What about Katelyn?"

"Psshhh, what's she going to do, kick me out of the bridal party? I could only hope."

Bryce laughs. "You have a point. Well in that case, let’s go back to sleep. Come here.” He holds his arms out wide.

For once, Charlie doesn’t think, she doesn’t hesitate, she just nestles into his arms and rests her head on his chest, and there’s no other place she’d rather be.

~~~

When Charlie wakes again, she’s not sure how much time has passed, but the sun is much higher in the sky. She tilts her head up to peer at Bryce who is already bright-eyed.

“How long have you been awake?”

“Awhile.” Bryce sweeps a strand of hair off of her face.

“Sorry for holding you hostage. You could have woken me.”

Bryce shrugs. “There are worse places to be.”

The soft way he looks at her, Charlie can’t help herself. She’s falling so fast. “Are you feeling any better?”

“Mostly, but I do have a bit of headache...and I’m starving.” Bryce clutches his stomach for effect.

Charlie springs up. “Why don’t I order us some room service? But first..." She retrieves some Advil and a glass of water from the other room. "...take these."

"Yes doctor." Bryce smirks and takes the pills from her. "I kind of like it when you boss me around."

Charlie shakes her head. "I'm just taking care of you like you did for me."

Bryce smiles earnestly this time. "I like that too."

He's giving her that look again that makes her melt. The one that makes her want to fall into his arms forever and run away scared at the same time. "I think there's a room service menu on the counter, I'll go get it."

It’s close to lunchtime but they are still serving breakfast, so Charlie orders an assortment of waffles, pancakes and other breakfast foods while Bryce hops in the shower. Charlie makes some coffee and the food arrives just as Bryce emerges from the bathroom in his bathrobe.

“What’s the occasion?” Charlie motions towards Bryce and his robe. “Aren’t your pecs suffocating in there?”

“I told you it’s okay to admit you want to see me naked.”

“That’s not- It’s just-” Dammit. She thought she was finally over being flustered by him but apparently not. “You just haven’t worn that yet.”

“I wasn’t kidding when I said we could sit on the balcony in our matching robes drinking coffee. And you already have yours on,” Bryce points out.

Charlie looks down as she had almost forgotten she threw her robe over her pajamas to answer the door for room service. “You are such a dork...but the weather is beautiful today. Help me bring the food out.”

There’s way too much food, but that seems to be no issue for Bryce who scarfs down three quarters of it.

“How do you eat like that and still look like you do?” Charlie marvels at Bryce.

“Why do you think I work out all the time? I like food too much to restrict what I eat.” Bryce pats his stomach with a look of contentment on his face.

Charlie glances at the time her phone. “I don’t think you’re going to have time now to get in a workout today.”

“That’s okay, I don’t think one day off will kill me. But you never know, maybe I’ll get in a workout with you tonight.” Bryce quirks his eyebrows in a manner that suggests he’s not talking about hitting up the gym.

Charlie doesn’t know how to respond to that without embarrassing herself, so she doesn’t and changes the subject completely. “So...my parents are flying in this afternoon. I should probably prepare you for that.”

Bryce waves her off. “I’m not too worried. Parents love me.”

“You haven’t met my parents. They have a very narrow view of what success is and what’s good enough for their daughter.”

“An internal medicine physician with a surgeon...I think that would fit most people’s definition of an extremely successful couple.”

“You’d think.” Charlie sighs. Even if Bryce really was a surgeon, it still wouldn’t be enough. “When you’re a CEO of a top Fortune 500 company making $30 million a year, $200,000 a year seems like pocket change. Sorry, I don’t normally like to throw the numbers out there like that.”

“It’s fine,” Bryce assures here. "It’s all public knowledge anyway. I did my research. So do you agree with your parents?”

“I mean...” Charlie tries to concisely formulate her thoughts into words. “I was obviously determined to become a doctor and make it on my own because it’s my passion, but growing up around all that wealth...There is a part of me that bought into it. Andrew was the type of guy I was supposed to marry - born and raised in country clubs and prep school, hedge fund manager on pace to eclipse my father’s salary. But I’m finally realizing he never treated me like I deserved. He saw me for who he wanted me to be, and not who I really am.”

Bryce reaches across the table and places his hand on hers. “I know I haven’t known you long, but I can see who you are, and you are pretty damn amazing, Charlie. Not because you have money, or because you are going to be a doctor, but because you are smart, funny, and you have a great heart...just to name a few things”

Charlie looks down shyly, not used to such praise. “That’s sweet of you to say, but like you said, you haven’t known me that long.”

“Look at me, Charlie.” Despite her desire to do anything but, she meets his gaze. “All those things are true, I can tell. And you deserve to hear it more.” Bryce rubs soothing circles with his thumb over her skin, and she somehow feels both comforted and flushed at the same time.

“Thank you.” Charlie finally breaks the charged silence between them. “What about your parents and your upbringing? I feel like I hardly know anything about you.”

“That’s because you aren’t meeting my parents tonight.” Bryce dodges the question, and she recalls the way he shut down when they were getting to know each other on the plane.

“Maybe I just want to get to know you better too,” she tries, hoping that’s enough to get him to open up more.

Bryce gives a halfhearted smile. ”I know your parents might not have been perfect, but they were there. They’ve had hopes and dreams for you, even if they don’t match what you want for yourself. That’s a whole hell of a lot more than I can say for mine. I really don’t want to get into everything right now, but I’ll just say that once I left home for college, I never looked back.”

There’s a lot to unpack, and so many questions, but Charlie will take this explanation for now. Bryce seems so happy and self-assured, she’d never have guessed he’d had a hard time in life. He mentioned college, but with his career now, maybe things didn’t turn out as planned or there’s more that he’s not saying, but she’s not going to push him yet.

“Well you don’t seem to need me to tell you this, but despite whatever you’ve been through, you’ve turned out pretty amazing yourself.”

“Yeah, I get that a lot.” Bryce chuckles and Charlie can’t help but laugh herself. “...But in all seriousness, it means a lot more coming from you, so thank you.”

They are sharing this incredible moment and she feels compelled to jump in his lap and kiss him senseless, but she’s still afraid to initiate just yet, and something seems to be holding him back too. It must be getting late anyway. Charlie checks the time on her phone again, and sure enough, they need to get ready to go unless they are going to miss another event. “We probably should head to the beach party soon.”

Bryce sighs. “I suppose I can’t less you miss out on any more because of me.”

“Hey, it was just as much me as you, and I’m sure we had a much better time here than we would have there. But I don’t think I’ll ever hear the end of it if we miss this too. At least this should be fun.”

“I can’t believe we’ve been in a tropical paradise for four days, and we are just now getting to the beach.” Bryce stands up from his chair and holds out his hand to help Charlie up. “Let’s do this.”

~~~

Charlie and Bryce make their way to the private, roped-off area of the beach. There’s a DJ playing upbeat music, a food tent, and a full bar set-up just for Katelyn and Landry’s guests.

“Excessive as usual, but I’m not complaining.” Bryce admits as he pops a jerk shrimp crostini in his mouth.

Charlie surveys the area and finds Katelyn standing by the bar. “I should probably make my presence known so she can mark me present on her mental attendance sheet.”

“Charlie...,” Katelyn drawls as she looks her over in the judgmental way she always does. “It’s so nice of you to finally join us. Was someone too hungover to participate this morning?”

“Actually, yes.” Bryce jumps in. “That someone was me. Charlie was really conflicted about not making it, but I was in rough shape. I’m feeling much better now though, thank you.”

Katelyn scoffs, likely frustrated she can’t blame it on Charlie. “Well, we have a lot of guests coming in at various times today. We’ll be hanging around here until it’s time to get ready for the group dinner this evening, so mingle with the other guests and whatnot. Remember the dinner starts promptly at 7, so be there by 6 for cocktails.”

Charlie forces a smile. “Will do.” She turns towards the water and Bryce follows. They find a nice open spot and spread their towels on the sand.

Bryce immediately pulls the bottle of sunscreen out the beach bag. “I assume you’ll need help with this again.”

“Sure.” Charlie lifts off her swimsuit cover-up without worry or hesitation, revealing her army green triangle push-up top with matching bikini bottoms. This time she’s excited for Bryce’s reaction, and he does not disappoint.

His mouth agape as his eyes roam over her body, he moves around behind Charlie and leans in close as he rubs the lotion over he shoulders. “You are so sexy, Charlie. It’s not fair that we don’t get to be alone until later tonight.”

Despite the heat from the sun reflecting of the sandy beach, goosebumps form across her skin. She doesn't know how to respond to that, but she doubts Bryce would expect her to, so she let's him complete the job in silence. He rubs his hands thoroughly all down her back, Charlie closing her eyes and relishing the contrasting feel of his smooth fingertips and calloused palms on her body.

When it comes time for her to return the favor, she's much less timid than just two days before. She applies firm pressure with her fingertips, working out the bit of tension in his shoulders and takes the time to commit his contours to memory. She smirks as her fingers creep outward on his lower back, and she can't resist squeezing the ticklish flesh on his sides.

Bryce yelps and twists away from her, and the devilish look on his face tells her she's in trouble. "That's it. You asked for it." Before she can make sense of what's happening, Bryce scoops her up and throws her over his shoulder, jogging towards the water.

"Hey! Put me down!" She demands, attempting to sound authoritative yet giggling at the same time. She tries to slither out of his grasp, but she knows her resistance is futile.

"Oh, don't worry. I fully intend on putting you down...just not yet." Bryce slows his pace, clearly enjoying prolonging Charlie's impending doom. He wades out until he's almost chest deep and then he gingerly tosses her into the waves as if she weighs nothing.

Charlie sinks under the surface and then shoots back up with a vengeance. "You're going down, Lahela!" She lunges at Bryce with all her might, wrapping her arms around his neck and legs around his waist, shifting her weight to try pull him off balance. As luck would have it, a brutal wave comes at that very moment, knocking him off his feet, and he takes her down with him.

Bryce shakes the water from his hair as they resurface, both of them clinging to one another with no intention of letting go. He sweeps her curls off out of her eyes, moving his hand to cup her cheek. His intense gaze never falters, and it draws her in like she has no will of her own. Bryce delicately traces his thumb over her lips, making his intention known.

There's no interruptions this time, no excuse to back down, and Charlie doesn't want to fight it anymore. In an instant she crushes her mouth to his, Bryce returning the kiss with with equal fervor. Lips part, tongues collide, and hands explore. Charlie gently tugs the hair at the nape of Bryce's neck, moaning as his hands glide over her ass, up her sides, and to her breasts.

"Hey, Charlie! Bryce!" A familiar voice calls from the shore, and Charlie pushes away embarrassed, suddenly remembering there are other people around. She turns toward Kyra, who shakes her head and laughs. "If you two can take a break from sucking face for a few minutes, your presence is requested at the volleyball court.

"Umm, okay, be there in a minute," Charlie replies sheepishly before turning back to Bryce. "Well...uh, at least we put on a convincing show."

"Yep, I am totally convinced." Bryce pulls her in for one last kiss, smiling against her lips before they part and rejoin the group on land.

#playchoices fanfic #open heart #bryce x mc #bryce lahela #Stripped Bare #my fic

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akire-echo · 5 years

Text

October Drabbles

Day 29-Gargoyle

You never thought you’d be in that situation. Alone on your honeymoon, having been left at the alter by a cheating fiancée. Not only that, he’d been sleeping with your maid of honour. So what was supposed to be a whole day of you enjoying love and matrimony with your friends and family was spent with you by yourself in a locked bathroom while everyone else went home. It was the worst day of your life.

So you cashed in one ticket to Paris and got an upgrade on your solo trip. Everything had been booked too, the flights and hotel, the city tours, the macaron making demonstration. You were just going to go to all of those things by yourself.

You saw someone standing with your name out, and your supposed to be husbands name too.

“Hi, that’s me.” You said.

“Where is your husband?”

“Couldn’t make it. It’ll just be me.” You explained.

“Very good, Miss.”

He took your bags and brought you to his car. You stopped to smell the scent of Paris before getting in the car.

You knew you should’ve been looking at the beauty of the city but it was a place for lovers, and you were all alone.

Twenty minutes later you pulled up outside the hotel.

You got your bags and went to the check in desk.

“Hi, I’m checkin in.”

“Yes, we’ve been expecting you and your new husband.”

Your face fell just a little. “Right, well, it’s just me now.”

“Oh, I see. In that case, would you like to upgrade to a better room? Better views than the honeymoon suite.”

“Sure.” You watched her type and then decided to look around the lobby. It was definitely worth the money you were going to spend on it. You had definitely saved up more than enough for the wedding and honeymoon. Your ex-fiancée didn’t contribute at all, maybe that was a sign he wasn’t committed as much as you.

“Your room is ready miss. I’ve upgraded you to the penthouse suite. It has exclusive rooftop jacuzzi access.”

You smiled sadly.“Thanks.”

“Miguel will take your bags up. Enjoy your two week stay with us.”

Two weeks alone in Paris...fun.

You headed up to the room and tipped Miguel when he put down your things.

After he left, you just flopped on the bed. It was admittedly very comfy but it still was going to suck.

You decided that you’d see what the rooftop jacuzzi was like. You got into a bathingsuit, which you had begrudgingly packed. You went up the private steps to the roof. It was gorgeous. Mixed old world with new world. Beautiful new jacuzzi, but surrounded by marble and amazing statues. There was a particularly stunning gargoyle at the edge of the roof. The artistry was impeccable.

You contemplated touching it but thought against it. You still admired it for the craftsmanship.

“If only my ex had been as handsome as you.”You sighed and touched the gargoyle’s cheek.“Then again, if he was more handsome he would’ve been cheating on me since we got together.”

You lamented a little and then got in the warm jacuzzi. It was nice after the long flight. You leaned back and looked up at the sky, wondering how long you’d have to stay up to avoid jet-lag. It was only a few hours, so you could get dressed and eat somewhere. Maybe just the hotel restaurant, or somewhere close.

Or maybe you would just get room service and watch something from Netflix on the hotel tv.

You got up after a while and went back to your room to dry off. You got into warm clothes and ordered something simple from downstairs.

Then you pulled up Netflix and began watching some show to keep you occupied.

Half an episode into a new series, you got a knock on the door.

“Your room service madam.” A voice said.

You opened the door.“Thanks.”

He wheeled in the cart and set it up near the tv.

“Call when you want the dishes collected.”

“Thank you.” You tipped him and he left.

So you had a filling meal and called to have it collected before you crawled into bed. You set an alarm so that jet-lag didn’t knock you on your ass.

In the middle of the night, you woke with a start. There was a figure coming in through the window. It had the silhouette of the gargoyle from the roof. But how?

“Sorry.” It said with a gravelly voice.“I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“You...you are the gargoyle?”

It nodded.”I’m sorry...again.”

“It’s okay, what are you doing?”

“You called me handsome. And you sounded...sad.”

He had heard that stuff you said about your ex?

“You are in Paris alone?” He asked.

You nodded.“Was supposed to be my honeymoon. Are you only alive at night?”

He nodded back.“Fancy a nighttime tour guide?”

You smiled, a genuine smile.“Yes actually. Tomorrow night?”

“Of course.” He said.“I will be on the roof.”

He escaped out of the window and climbed to the roof.

You wrapped yourself in the warm blankets and went back to sleep, knowing that tomorrow night you’d have a personal escort of Paris.

#drabble #reader insert #exophilia #gargoyle

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skeletorific · 6 years

Text

I Like My Coffee Like I Like My Skeleton

The name changes. To some its known as Reaper’s Grind. To others, Bones and Brew. To still others, MarshMarrow. It depends who’s in charge that month. Regardless of the name, it is always painted in black script on a driftwood sign, carved so that it appears to be cradled by giant skeleton hands.

Most see this sign and assume its some kind of Halloween or Goth themed establishment. However, the caffeine addicted of the city know there’s no better place to get your fix. As long as your willing to put up with the quirks of the owners.

The cafe is a cozy space, varying levels of clean depending on who’s on staff. The walls are beige, with abstract murals of black paint covering the walls. Frequent patrons will notice that the murals seem to expand as time goes on. Every now and then they’ll come in to the walls completely blank, having apparently been painted over, only to start again. Rumor has it that if you squint you can make out swear words, or even bad jokes in the design. Squinting is not encouraged. There is also a shelf of books for customers to peruse or even purchase. Mostly trashy romance novels for reasons no one has ever been able to figure out, as well as joke books, science textbooks, car magazines, and, most bewilderingly, puzzle theory.

The cafe has 8 owners, usually with only two or three on staff at a time. They all look so similar that most believe they’re related. Some will even call each other “brother” or “bro”, which seems to confirm it, but everyone worries it’d be racist to ask.

Papyrus is usually on staff in the mornings, which is a good thing. He’s a bright and perky presence to start your day with, and he does his best to create a welcoming environment for those on their way to an early morning commute. He specializes in perk ups, something to get help you shake off those last remnants of sleep while preventing those midmorning crashes. He’ll usually try to coax customers into the healthier versions. “REALLY, ALMOND MILK IS MUCH BETTER FOR YOU!” He also is very good at remembering small details about his regulars. Some of them come to depend on him as a daily reminder to take their meds. Now if only he was better at remembering names...he tends to come up with nicknames for people he sees a lot and they stick with him more than their actual names. An absolute sweetheart who keeps the store spotless, but if he tries to get you to sample his latest pastry invention, politely decline.

Sans is a less energetic presence to be sure (he can usually be found asleep and propped up in some corner if no one on shift bothers to wake him up), but he’s also a well-liked staple of the cafe. He has an easy, laid-back small talk that can set even the most agoraphobic introvert at ease, and writes bad jokes on coffee cups. His coffee is mostly pretty basic stuff, but if you know him well and ask him for the secret stuff....well, you’d be be prepared to deal with the fallout. That particular menu option is the last resort of grad students trying to get through their thesis. The effects are somewhere between Red Eye and Speed. One girl reported a full week of being unable to close her eyes, by the end of which she could taste color and was carrying on active conversations in a language that she did not know. It is varying levels of legal depending on who you ask. Just dont narc. And don’t ask in front of his brother.

Its easy to tell when Red is on the clock, his motorcycle is easily the most ostentatious thing in the parking lot. So much so that he insists on a two parking spot bubble around it to avoid scratches. He also refuses to take off his leather jacket, wearing it over his uniform. No apron. Not a fuckin chance. His customer service is at best ehhh (unless he considers you attractive, in which case, prepare your flirtatious barista fantasies), but the boy makes a pumpkin spice latte so good it should be illegal. Spiced drinks as a whole are his specialty. When fall and winter roll around he brings customers in like flies to honey to get a taste of it, and it make the cafe smell amazing. Don’t tell anyone but he has a habit of “forgetting” to make people pay for their coffee when they look like they’re having a rough time. Not that he’d ever admit it, but he’s kind of a softie. Abysmal cleaning, and he’s usually making drinks for himself on the clock, but once you get to know the guy, he’s a pretty good dude. Also his music taste is fire and the cafe playlist gets infinitely better whenever he’s on staff.

Edge is a different story. While all of them technically own the store in equal parts and no one is legally in charge, it was pretty quickly discovered that mixing Edge with customer service was a recipe for disaster. So he takes on a more managerial role, dealing with finance, shipment, rent, and advertising deals. Everything needed to keep the place afloat. When he’s on shift (and he usually is), he can generally be found in the office unless the place is absolutely slammed. Though he’s not much for dealing with customers, he’s excellent at making gourmet drinks. His skills were made for Instagram. He also has just a biiiit of a soft spot for the kids that sometimes come in, and may have quietly slipped in some more child friendly options to the bookshelf, as well as a couple action figures that Red swears look familiar.

If you want a high octane burst without risking your life, Blue is your guy. I mean, the dude’s practically a walking five hour energy. He is more than generous with his definition of what a shot is, and blends in truly irresponsible amounts of sugar and sweetner for an extra kick. Kids naturally love the insanely sweet taste but it is not recommended that parents let them finish a full sized one. If Edge is on the clock he will straight up slap it out of his hands before people start bouncing off the walls. Blue is also incredibly sweet and friendly with the customers, and has amassed a decent sized collection of regulars who only became regulars due to a crush on him. He flirts shamelessly but never lets it go too far.

Stretch likes doing novelty drinks. Did someone say Unicorn Frappucinnos? The weirder and more poorly conceived the better. He also does most of the baking for the cafe. Muffet taught him a lot about pastries back underground, although it took a while to make the transition from spider carcasses to just...you know, normal flour. He switches the menu up a lot when he gets bored of making the same thing, although for some reason corndogs are always an option. The kitchen really is the best place for him. Leaving him unattended on the front tends to lead to miscief, especially if his brother is there to egg him on. He’ll loosely detach his hand only to enjoy the horrified looks when it pops off as he hands a drink to the customer. They get more negative Yelp reviews that way, but a lot of customers enjoy his sense of humor. He has absolutely tried to pull the Salt and Pepper diner bit by editing the playlist for the cafe

Black is a bit of an odd duck in the cafe. He doesn’t have the patience to sit still long enough for managerial responsibilities. He’s terrible with customer service. His drinks arent bad, but the coffee is as black as his soul regardless of what they actually ordered. Even when forced to make something a little less straightforward he makes it incredibly bitter, because to him, coffee should never be sweet! If you don’t want bitter, don’t get coffee!! some wonder why the others even bother to let him on staff. But Black’s role is vital. Its inevitable that asshole customers pop up in a coffee shop. Entitled, being a dick to either the other baristas or even other customers. And this is where Black shines. Come hell or highwater he can get any customer out in less than a minute with little to no scene, both reducing the time they’re in the store and the risk that watching the altercation might cause an anxiety spike in one of their customers. He just up and carts them out of the store, then returns a few moments later, quietly checking in on everyone involved to make sure no one was hurt or too shaken up. When asked what happens to these guys the only thing Black will ever say is “NOTHING YOU CAN PROVE”. He also keeps the place spotless. May or may not help Blue and Stretch with the pranks, though he’ll deny it to the bitter end.

While Blue may lowkey flirt with a few and Red may highkey flirt with a lot, Rus is flirting with everyone. No, seriously. Everyone. Not being creepy, but chances are you’re leaving with red cheeks that have nothing to with the hot drink in your hand. He’s fairly popular for precisely this reason, though very few have ever gotten a serious date out of it. The man makes a mean cappucinno, great herbal teas and has those smoky bedroom eyes. There’s buzz that he’s also the one responsible for the ever evolving mural, though he never confirms it. Rus takes far too many smoke breaks and doesn’t clean worth a damn but is responsible for nearly half of their consistent customer base. He has a sixth sense for creeps. If he sees a date going on where one of them is looking exceedingly uncomfortable, he can effortlessly swoop in and charm the pants off them until the other asshole leaves in frustration. If he sees someone looking nervous he has ways of subtly getting out of them what the problem is. And if he ever gets the vibe that someone is being harassed he may or may not sic Black onto them without batting an eye. Much as he seems not to give a damn about anything regarding work, Rus takes it as a minor point of pride that their cafe is a safe space for people to get away from it all, if only for a couple minutes.

Bonus:

Axe is their maintenance man who comes in whenever equipment breaks, while Crooks is the night janitor who will often come in with his brother on daytime calls. Both of them are a bit too...unstable for regualar shift jobs. Maintenance positions allows them to be on their own if they need to be and generally avoid stressful triggers. Still, Crooks loves the cafe. On his good days he helps Stretch with the baking, and when the day is really slow Blue and Papyrus will teach him how to mix drinks. Axe is a little more grumbly about it but even he admits its kind of a calm space to be in. The man drinks exculsively black coffee though so he kind of misses out on most of the menu. When he’s in a good mood he competes with Red over flirting with customers.

Special thanks to @jezziconvair who gave me the idea for a lot of the drink specialities and who Tumblr isn’t letting me tag for some reason!

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fandom-madnessess · 5 years

Link

Magnus Bane/Alec Lightwood ❆ Rating: G, Word Count: 1751 ❆ Human AU, Single Parent Magnus, Fluff, Domestic Fluff, Christmas Cookies, Holidays

For @gingerangelofthursday for the @bytheangeldaily Holiday Gift Exchange. I hope you like it, and have an amazing 2019! ♥

‘Brought the flour you asked,’ Alec says as he steps into the kitchen. He looks and smells cold and windswept, his cheeks and nose red. Snowflakes are melting in his hair.

Magnus is always happy to see his downstairs neighbour, but right now he’s most excited about the bag of flour Alec is carrying under his arm. ‘Thank you.’ Magnus takes the bag and immediately starts measuring out what he needs.

‘Hi, Alec,’ Madzie says a little distractedly. She’s sitting at the kitchen island, a huge sheet of cookie dough rolled out in front of her. She’s carefully cutting out shapes with an assortment of cookie cutters.

‘What are you guys making?’

Magnus vaguely registers the rustling of Alec taking off his coat and the scraping of chair legs as Alec sits down next to Madzie.

‘Cookies,’ Madzie says like it should be obvious.

Alec huffs out a laugh. ‘I can see that. But what for? And why this many? Are you and your dad going to eat nothing but cookies this Christmas?’

‘They’re for school, so children who don’t have money can have a nice Christmas.’

‘Charity bake sale,’ Magnus adds.

‘Ah. Do you need any help?’

Magnus can’t help but smile at Madzie’s narrowed eyes as she looks at Alec, then glances at her dad. Can she trust Alec with this? They’ve both tasted some of his cooking before and it wasn’t… great. Slowly, she hands him a Christmas tree cookie cutter.

‘You can use this one.’

‘Thank you.’ Alec glances at Magnus, eyebrows raised. Magnus quickly goes back to his dough.

They find a rhythm. Magnus makes the dough, Alec helps Madzie cut out the shapes—under Madzie’s strict supervision—and then Magnus puts the cookies in the oven. After a couple hours they have about a hundred cookies in all shapes and sizes. There are quite a few Christmas trees and Santas, but Madzie wanted everyone to have a special cookie, so there are dreidels and snowmen, and a couple other shapes that Magnus can’t really define but he’s sure his daughter has a plan for.

‘Shouldn’t we decorate them?’ Alec asks, already going for the glazing and sprinkles.

‘No!’ Madzie shouts and latches onto his outstretched arm. ‘We have to let them cool down first.’

Alec presses his lips together in a barely suppressed smile and winks at Magnus. Magnus quickly looks away, so he doesn’t betray Alec with a smile of his own.

‘Well, what should we do in the meantime?’ Alec asks Madzie, easily turning her grip on his arm into them holding hands, and follows her to the living room.

‘Can we watch a movie?’

‘Sure, but maybe let Alec pick this time, sweetpea.’

‘I pick Princess and the Frog,’ Alec says.

Madzie marches triumphantly to the television.

‘You really shouldn’t give in to her so easily,’ Magnus sighs.

‘I know, but it’s hard to say no to those pigtails.’

Magnus snorts. ‘She had you wrapped around her little finger from the first time you met.’

‘True,’ Alec chuckles. He shrugs. ‘I don’t mind. So far, she’s never abused her powers.’

‘Are you sure?’ Magnus nods to where the Disney logo is appearing on the screen.

‘It’s an amazing movie,’ Alec protests.

‘Well, while you two are going to watch your amazing movie, I’m going to clean up the kitchen,’ Magnus says, pouting. ‘All on my own. With no one to help me.’

‘Make sure to clean up yourself a little, too,’ Alec teases. Then his hand is cradling Magnus’ cheek and his thumb swipes across Magnus’ cheekbone. Heat gathers where Alec’s palm is warm against his skin, then spreads through his entire body. Magnus forgets to breath for a second. ‘You’re covered in flour.’

When Alec removes his hand Magnus barely resists the urge to chase after that warm pressure.

The kitchen isn’t too big of a mess, but he does need to make room for the decorating. After a quick stop in the bathroom to wash his face, and a change of shirt, he joins Madzie and Alec on the couch.

‘We ordered Chinese,’ Alec tells him. ‘With extra spring rolls for you. For cleaning the kitchen.’ He turns his head and throws Magnus a beatific smile.

‘Thanks. And–‘

‘Shhh!’ Madzie glares at them both, then focusses back on the movie.

Magnus raises his eyebrows and catches Alec’s eye, then quickly looks away before he bursts out laughing.

They have dinner in front of the TV. The movie ends and Madzie drags them back to the kitchen to decorate the cookies. She gives them very specific instructions for how each is to be decorated, then stage whispers to Magnus to keep a close eye on Alec. Alec throws Magnus an affronted look when Madzie can’t see him, but Magnus supports his daughter on this one. Alec needs to be watched when it comes to preparing any kind of food, since, according to Madzie, he can even mess up a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

‘Are you going to helps sell the cookies?’ Madzie asks, looking up from the snowman she’s decorating and turning to Alec.

‘I don’t think I’m allowed.’ At Madzie’s confused frown Alec explains, ‘I’m not a parent or family.’

‘Oh.’

‘Although, I could always pretend to be your dad’s boyfriend. You think that’ll get me in?’

Madzie turns with shining eyes to Magnus, silently pleading, but there’s something else there, too. Something that means she’s plotting.

‘Sure,’ Magnus says. ‘Alec can pretend to be my boyfriend to help sell the cookies.’

‘Yesss,’ Madzie grins, casts another look between the two men, and goes back to decorating.

Magnus can’t remember the last time he had this much fun, or felt so completely at peace. He doesn’t want the night to ever end, but Madzie has school the next day, which means she has to go to bed on time.

He sends her off to put on her pyjamas and brush her teeth, while he and Alec clean up all the spilled glazing and sprinkles. She’s barely in the hallway when she turns around and fixes both men with her gaze.

‘You can each have one cookie tonight,’ she says. ‘Just one.’

‘Thank you,’ Alec says, a serious look on her face.

‘We’ll only take one each,’ Magnus promises.

Madzie nods and continues on her way.

‘She’ll count them tomorrow, won’t she?’ Alec asks.

‘Oh, definitely,’ Magnus says. ‘She’ll get up extra early to make sure she has the time to count them twice.’

Alec chuckles, and starts loading the dishwasher.

‘She’s a great kid, Magnus.’

‘I know.’

‘She’s lucky to have you.’

‘Thank you.’ It’s barely more than a whisper, and it’s a struggle to get the words past the lump in his throat.

Madzie calls for Magnus when she’s ready for bed, and when he walks in, she’s already lying under the covers, the book she’s going to read by her flashlight barely tucked under her pillow. Magnus pretends he doesn’t see it. He’ll check on her in an hour.

‘Daddy,’ Madzie starts the second he walks into the room.

‘Yes, sweetpea?’

‘What if you asked Alec to really be your boyfriend? Then he wouldn’t have to pretend to come to the bake sale.’

‘Madzie…’

She sits up. ‘You smile more when he’s here. And he smiles when he looks at you.’

Magnus sits down on the edge of the mattress with a sigh. ‘Well, we’re friends. We like spending time together.’

Madzie looks unimpressed. ‘He’s here all the time. He’s come over every day this week.’

‘Well…’ Magnus has no idea what to say. He’s getting called out on his crush by his own daughter. ‘What if it doesn’t work out?’

‘It will.’

‘And you would be okay with that? With me dating Alec?’

‘I wouldn’t say it if I wasn’t.’ Madzie’s expression goes a little sad. ‘You should be happy, daddy. You’re always happy when we’re hanging out with Alec.’

For the second time that night, there’s a lump stuck in Magnus’ throat. He pulls Madzie into a hug and presses a kiss to the top of her head.

‘You are wise beyond your years, sweetpea.’

‘I am the best at English and Maths,’ Madzie reminds him.

‘I know. I saw your report cart.’ Magnus lets her back down and tucks her in. ‘You brush your teeth?’

‘Yes.’ There are very few things that Magnus’ loves more than the exasperated tone his daughter uses when she says this.

He presses one more kiss to her forehead, and makes sure she’s tucked in tight. ‘Good night, sweetpea.’

‘Good night.’

Magnus turns off the light and closes her door. He hears the snick of the flashlight turning on before he’s taken a step.

‘What are you thinking about?’

Magnus blinks. He’s sitting next to Alec on the couch, wine glass in one hand, a cookie in the other. He’d been so lost in thought about what Madzie had said, that he hadn’t realized he’d sat down, or even come back to the living room. He shakes his head and throws Alec a small smile.

‘Nothing.’

Alec raises an eyebrow. ‘You haven’t said a word since you came back from saying good night to Madzie. Is everything okay?’

‘Everything is fine. It’s just…’ Magnus looks at Alec. He really looks, and what he sees is that Alec is perfectly at home here. He doesn’t behave like a guest; helping with the washing up without being asked, ordering food, pouring drinks for the two of them. He even has his own key. ‘It’s just something Madzie says.’

Alec doesn’t say anything, just waits for Magnus to continue.

‘She says that I smile more when you’re here. And that you smile whenever you look at me.’

A blush creeps up Alec’s cheeks, but he doesn’t look away. Instead, he smiles and says, ‘You give me plenty of reason to smile.’

Magnus feels the heat creeping into his own cheeks, but he doesn’t look away either. ‘She also said I should ask you to really be my boyfriend.’

‘Well, we wouldn’t have to lie to the other parents and teachers tomorrow.’

‘Is that a yes?’ Magnus’ heart hammers in his chest, full of hope.

‘We haven’t even gone on a date yet.’

‘Do you need a date?’

Alec shakes his head, leaning in, giving Magnus plenty of time to pull back. ‘No,’ he whispers into the space between them.

Magnus closes the distance. Alec tastes of sugar and wine. And it’s perfect.

#malec #gingerangelofthursday #shadowhunters #btadholidayexchange2018 #sh fic #my fic #my tsc

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bee-kathony · 6 years

Text

ONCE UPON A TIME | CINDERELLA AU | THE BALL

Inspired by the beautiful moodboard created by the talented @balfeheughlywed

Chapter 1: First Impressions | Chapter 2: Preparations | Chapter 3: Lavender’s Blue | Chapter 4: The Ball

“Claire blushed and felt her palms grow slick but regained her composure, remembering where she was and took a deep curtsy. She straightened, walking gently down the stairs. She could hear the crowd whisper as she came closer to joining them. And then she saw him. Him!“

Claire raced home, eager to tell her Step-father and siblings about the upcoming ball. She hadn’t heard any news of it before Jamie had told her just now. There would be a lot of preparation before the ball in just two weeks.

Walking into the lounge she grimaced, Laoghaire was playing the piano or what you could call attempting to play.

“Did you hear about the ball?” She spoke to the room and all eyes snapped their attention to her.

“Ball?!” “What ball?!” Laoghaire and Alex both said at the same time, abandoning their tasks and coming to jump excitedly in front of Claire.

“The King is throwing a ball at the palace!” She smiled, for once she felt a shared happiness with her new family. “And everyone in the Kingdom is invited!” She added, squealing internally alongside Laoghaire and Alex.

Jonathan stood from the couch, abandoning a book, “Everyone?” He asked, interest sparked across his face.

“Yes! Everyone and it’s in two weeks.” Claire twisted her fingers together, desperate to find a dress suitable enough to wear.

Laoghaire gasped, “Two weeks? Da, that’s barely enough time to have a dress made!”

She watched as Jonathan stepped closer to Laoghaire, placing a gentle hand on her arm, at least he could show a semblance of love to his own children, “You’re right,” he turned to Claire, “Cinderella, go into town and ask the seamstress to make two beautiful gowns!”

Claire couldn’t believe what she was hearing, he wanted two gowns? Obviously Alex wasn’t going to be wearing a gown, that could only mean the other was intended for her.

“Two? That’s - that’s so kind of you to think of me.” She smiled.

Jonathan scoffed, “I wasn’t. Laoghaire must have two dresses made so she can pick from them.” He placed his hand on his hip, “What? Did you think the other was for you? Don’t be foolish Cinderella.”

Claire’s heart crushed inwards, silly of her to get her hopes up.

“Oh. No, I didn’t think that at all.” She lied, controlling her features to shield them from the humiliation they had caused her.

Alex touched her on the shoulder, “Don’t forget to ask the seamstress to make me a new suit Cinderella, I’ll not be caught dead in a kilt.”

“Laoghaire, you must look your best if you’re to have a chance with the Prince, you must find him and dance with him, don’t let anyone get in your way!” Jonathan commanded Laoghaire.

Claire sighed and turned to leave the room, leaving the squealing Randalls behind.

Two weeks came and went, Claire now stood beside Laoghaire’s bed, helping her into the rather large hoop skirt. She tied it around her small waist and finished throwing layer after layer over the hoop. Claire had to try very hard to hold back her comments as she looked at Laoghaire twirling around and around the room. The dress she had chosen of the two was a green and blue, the skirts absolutely massive and the whole thing was covered head to toe in sparkles and beads.

Not in her taste.

But that didn’t matter. Once Claire arrived at the ball she would find Jamie and spend the evening with him, she looked forward to seeing him again in only a few hours.

If her stepfather would not have a dress made for her, it seemed to Claire that there was no reason why she would not try to sew it up herself.

Claire had found the remnants of an old dress that was her Mother’s stowed away in a chest in the attic, her bedroom now. She had been working on stitching it up and fitting it to her size late at night and early in the mornings.

Looking in the mirror, she was quite pleased with the work she had done and smoothed her hair one last time before joining the others downstairs.

She descended from the stairs wearing a pink chiffon dress with capped sleeves. Jonathan, Laoghaire and Alex all turned to look at her, looks of disgust written plain on their face. “It cost you nothing, it belonged to my Mother and I took it up myself.”

“Oh la la, Cinderella at the ball! No one wants a servant for a Bride” Laoghaire chimed. Alex scoffed, straightening his cravat around his neck.

Claire stood on the last step, “I don’t want to ruin anything, I don’t even want to meet the Prince!”

Jonathan was in full uniform, knee high boots and fitted with sword at the waist. “Oh and you won’t, there’s no question if you’re going. You shall stay here… where you belong.”

Her heart beat faster, “But all of the maidens of the Kingdom are invited, by order of the King.”

“It’s the King I’m thinking of, it would be an insult to take you to the palace… dressed in these old rags you call a dress.”

“Rags? This was my Mother’s, it’s lovely.” Claire flattened the fabric between her fingers.

“Sorry to have to tell you but your Mother’s taste was questionable, this old thing is so old that its practically falling to pieces.” Jonathan walked in front of her and Claire had no notion of what he would do next. He touched the sleeve of her dress, pulling on the fabric and ripping it at the seams.

Laoghaire and Alex laughed, joining in and pulling on bits of the dress until it was in shreds.

“How could you?” Claire cried, silent tears spilling down her cheeks.

“I will not have anyone associate my children with the likes of you, a servant girl. You shall not go to the ball, mark me.” Jonathan placed his hand on the hilt of his sword and turned abruptly, leaving the room. Laoghaire and Alex cackled as they walked past her, leaving her standing there alone.

Claire watched from the front steps as they piled into the carriage and left for the ball. She had only wished to see Jamie again and now that chance was gone.

Claire ran out of the door and through to the garden, stopping at the well, her knees hit the ground with a soft thud. “I can’t do this!” She cried, “I don’t have courage anymore.” She wept, her dreams crushed in an instant.

Moments later she heard the sound of footsteps approaching.

Looking up through her watery eyes, she saw the feet of someone standing beside her. Claire peered up to see who the feet belonged to.

A woman in a ragged old cloak with fiery red hair and from what she could tell, the most gorgeous green eyes, looked down at her.

“Deary, can you help me lass?” She spoke in a strong Scottish accent. “Would ye mind fetchin’ me a cup of milk? My carriage crashed down the road and yer’s is the first house I’ve seen.”

“Of course, yes, of course.” Claire stood from the well, wiping her face quickly and going to the side of the house where she knew there was a pale of fresh milk.

“Why are you cryin’?” The woman followed her around the side.

“It’s nothing.” Claire sniffed, pouring the glass and handing it to the woman.

“Nothing? What is a cup of milk? But kindness makes it everything.” This woman looked so strange, yet so familiar, Claire thought. She took the milk and drank it quickly, some of it spilling down her chin.

Claire gazed at the woman, what was this night turning into?

“Now… I don’t mean to hurry you, but you really haven’t got long Claire.” The woman said and Claire’s eyes grew wide as she spoke her name.

“What? How do you know me? Who are you?” Claire walked over to the woman to get a better look at her face.

“Who am I? I shoulda think ye’d work that one out Claire?” The woman said with a mischievous glint in her green eyes. “I’m your Fairy Godmother! Although some just think of me as a witch.” She laughed. “Ye may call me Geillis if ye like.”

Claire gaped Geillis, “You can’t be. They don’t exist, they’re just made up stories for children.”

“Fiddle faddle.” Geillis set the cup aside and and walked into the middle of the garden. “First thing’s first. Let me slip into something more comfortable.”

Claire took several steps back as Geillis produced what could only be described as a magic wand from her sleeve. She tossed it into the air and sparks flew from the tip and when Claire looked back down at Geillis she was now dressed in a very ornate and lavish silver dress.

“Mmm that’s better. Now where was I? Let’s see. What we need is somethin’ that says ‘Coach’.”

She must be dreaming, Claire thought. What a wonderful dream it was. She tossed aside the notion that none of this was real and went along with it, following her ‘Fairy Godmother’ around the garden.

“Oh that cart?” Claire pointed to a broken wheelbarrow.

“I’m thinkin’ fruit and veg… do you grow watermelon?”

“Um no. But we do grow pumpkins.”

“Oh that’ll do just fine.” Claire led them to the patch of pumpkins and Geilis picked up the biggest one she could wrap her arms around. “Lovely, oooh heavy pumpkin!” And dropped it on the ground at their feet. “Oh well let’s do it here.”

“Do what here?” Claire looked up from the pumpkin to Geillis.

“Turn the pumpkin into the carriage of course!” Of course.

Geillis flicked her wrist and more sparks shot out of the wand and aimed at the pumpkin. “Somethin’ is definitely happenin’.” To Claire’s amazement, something was happening.

“Oh take cover!” Geillis shouted and they both ran behind a stone fence. The pumpkin was growing! Claire couldn’t look away as suddenly the pumpkin burst and transformed into a beautiful golden carriage, adorned with leaves and vines.

“One carriage.” Geillis smiled, approving of her creation.

“You really are my Fairy Godmother.” This was beginning to feel like it wasn’t a dream.

“Yes Claire, I don’t just go along transforming pumpkins for just anybody. Now, where are those mice?” Geillis pointed her wand at the mice scurrying along the ground and again Claire stood amazed as the mice were changed into white horses.

Claire laughed and walked over to pet one of the horses, “Angus how fine you look.”

“Ah what next? Carriage…horses…footmen… I think I saw some wee lizards around here.” Geillis continued to transform the lizards into footmen and then their goose into a coachmen. Everything was set.

“Everyone into place! Come on.” Claire ran after Geillis and the others to the carriage now set on the path to go to the palace.

Just before she reached the carriage however Claire stopped, “Fairy Godmother…Geillis. This dress, I can’t go in this dress. Can you mend it?”

Geillis clicked her tongue and looked up and down at Claire’s dress. “I’ll make you something new!”

“Oh please don’t, this was my Mother’s and I want to wear it when I go to the ball, like she’s there with me.”

“Hmmm, well she wouldn’t mind if I cheer it up a bit aye? Perhaps a nice blue?”

Claire nodded and watched the sparks fly out of Geillis’ wand and towards her. She looked down as the fabric literally changed from pink to blue, the skirt lengthening and filling out. The dress was covered in sparkles that glittered in the light, the detail was exquisite and it was definitely the most wonderful thing Claire had ever worn.

“It’s beautiful! She’d love it.” Claire beamed from ear to ear.

“Off we go, quick! You’ll be late. In we go!” Claire picked up her skirts and began to step into the carriage.

“Wait! Lass, ye canna go in those shoes, those the best ye have?”

Claire looked down at her faded blue slippers that she wore everyday, “No one will see them.”

Geilis widened her eyes, “I’ll be quick, take them off.” Just like everything before, her slippers were transformed into delicate looking glass slippers, adorned with butterflies on the toes.

“But they’re made of glass?” Claire squinted at the shoes before her.

“Yes. And you’ll find they’re really comfortable.” Claire smiled and stepped into the shoes, completing the look. “My stepfather and my siblings?” She asked.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure they don’t recognise you.” She helped Claire into the carriage and shut the door, making sure the material of her dress was all stuffed inside.

“Oh Claire, I almost forgot. The magic will only last so long. With the last echo of the last bell at the last stroke of midnight, the spell will be broken and all will return to what it was before.”

“Midnight? That’s more than enough time.” Claire couldn’t believe it, she would get to see Jamie after all.

“Good. Off you go!” Geillis leaned to kiss her cheek before quickly taking a few steps back as the carriage launched forward.

“Thank you!” Claire shouted back to her Fairy Godmother. She wondered if she would ever see that woman again.

The ride to the palace was quick but Claire took in every moment. She didn’t know what to focus her eyes on, the way the moonlight shone off the carriage, the way her dress sparkled with every small movement or the fact that she currently was being taken to the ball being led by animals!

Fairytales were just that to Claire. Tales of make believe and magic. But looking around at all the splendour, suddenly Claire believed in a bit of magic or maybe it was indeed witchcraft.

“Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ.” Claire muttered under her breath as they rolled up the front of the palace towering high on the hill, hundreds of steps led up to the entrance.

“Why thank you Mr. Lizard,” She smiled, taking the hand of the footman and stepping out onto the cobbled road.

“Midnight,” she repeated to herself and gathered her full skirts in her hands, taking the first step to what awaited her inside the palace.

_______________________________________________________________________

Jamie bowed yet again as another name was announced. He hadn’t seen her come in and he knew he wouldn’t miss her. Jamie darted his eyes through the crowd once more, looking for that Sassenach.

“Jamie, lad, stop turnin’ yer neck so or ye’ll get a crick in it.” Murtagh laughed, patting him on the back. “She’ll show up. If ye asked her to come, she’ll come.”

“Do you think Father will approve? What am I saying, of course he won’t, she’s no’ a Princess!” Jamie threw his hands in the air, momentarily taking a step back from the balcony.

“I just don’t see why I canna marry someone like her…”

Murtagh made a hmmph sound in his throat, “Someone like her or do ye mean her?”

Jamie quirked one side of his mouth up, “Her,” he touched the collar of his jacket, it fit so snuggly, he almost couldn’t breath. “I dinna even know her name, well I know she called herself ‘Beauchamp’ but I dinna think that’s her name.” He chuckled, remembering finding her that day in the woods, fallen off her horse.

“Johnathan Wolverton Randall, Captain of His Majesty’s Eighth Dragoons,” said the announcer by the doors, calling out the names of the guests as they entered.

“Wolverton eh, sounds like a sap.” Murtagh elbowed Jamie in the ribs.

“Laoghaire and Alexander Randall,” the announcer shouted loudly. Jamie watched as the two people, one a young girl and the other a young man, he assumed were siblings, walk down the stairs.

“Jesus, Mary and Joseph!” Jamie laughed, Laoghaire had tripped on the train of her dress and fallen several steps down, she had reached her hand up to her brother and had inadvertently pulled him down with her.

“Christ, the wee fools.” Murtagh laughed alongside him, Jamie always felt better with Murtagh around to make a joke of things.

“Jamie,” he turned to greet his Da, “Has this mystery girl arrived yet?” Brian said as he sat down in his chair, overlooking the crowd.

He set his hand on his Da’s shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze, “Nah, she hasna come yet.”

“Dinna fash son. When she gets here I’m sure she’ll be bonny.” Jamie smiled, was his Da actually coming around to the idea of this Sassenach woman?

Another thirty minutes passed by with no sign of her and Jamie was growing restless.

“It’s time lad. Ye must go down and choose who to dance wi’ first.” Brian motioned for Jamie to join the crowd of people on the ballroom floor.

As Jamie walked down the stairs, he scanned the crowd once more. He dropped his head, all eyes on him, eager to see who he would choose first.

Just when Jamie took a step forward though, the door opened.

_______________________________________________________________________

Claire raced up the steps, careful not to trip on her dress, she was surprised at how easy it was to actually walk in the glass slippers.

As she finally reached the top step, she paused, “Breathe Beauchamp, just breathe,” and walked the few steps to the ballroom doors. The guards opened them for her, she put one foot in front of the other and walked in.

She stood at the top of the stairs, all eyes turned up to look at who this beautiful creature was.

Claire blushed and felt her palms grow slick but regained her composure, remembering where she was and took a deep curtsy. She straightened, walking gently down the stairs. She could hear the crowd whisper as she came closer to joining them. And then she saw him. Him!

Jamie parted the crowd, now standing before her. He bowed, his hand over his heart, “Your servant ma’am,” and then extended his hand to her.

“Would you have the first dance wi’ me?” He asked, his heart soaring.

“Yes. I will,” Claire smiled and took his offered hand in her trembling one.

As they walked forward to the middle of the room, the crowd made a circle around them.

“Hello, Jamie.” Claire said as he placed his other hand around her waist, pulling him as close as her dress would allow.

“Hello, Princess.” Jamie smiled and began to lead them in a dance. The music started and they spun and swayed. All eyes were on them but their eyes were only on each other.

Claire could hear Jamie humming along to the song which made her relax. Jamie then grabbed her waist with both hands and lifted her high into the air above him, eliciting ‘aahs’ and ‘oohs’ from the crowd. She felt so light, so free when she was in his arms.

“I was worried ye wouldna show.” Jamie admitted as he pulled her back close to him, spinning them around the outside of the circle.

Claire gave his back a gentle squeeze, “I almost didn’t make it. But I’m here now.”

Soon the dance ended and Jamie released her and bowed. The rest of the crowd rushed in and everyone took a partner as the music began again, this time a much more upbeat tune.

Jamie was supposed to dance with more ladies, take turns with everyone there but he couldn’t bear to not be near her. He didn’t ask for the second dance but grasped her hand in his once more.

Claire spotted them across the room just then, her Stepfather and siblings. She laughed when she noticed that Laoghaire was dancing with Alex, it seems she couldn’t dance with anyone else but her own brother!

“What is it Sassenach?” Jamie asked, a smile creeping on his own face.

“Oh just someone getting something they deserve.” Jamie followed her gaze over to where she was looking and saw the two people that had fallen down the stairs.

“Och, I saw them fall down the stairs earlier, come to think of it, so did everyone else.” He loved to see her smile.

Jamie had led them to the back of the crowd, “Come wi’ me.” Hand in hers, he walked quickly through the back door of the ballroom, away from the crowd, away from the noise. He just wanted to be with her.

The first room they came to was a room filled with portraits.

“So you’re the Prince.” Claire didn’t ask him, only said it as a statement.

“No’ the Prince. I’m only a Prince.” He laughed, wanting to reach out and take her hand in his again.

“But your names not really Jamie?” Claire crossed the room, taking in every portrait.

“Oh it certainly is, well, it’s James but everyone calls me Jamie.”

“But you’re no apprentice.” She spun to face him, this time she was the one who reached for his hand.

“I’m an apprentice monarch… still learnin’ my trade.” He squeezed her hand in his and then looked shyly down at his feet, “Forgive me. I thought ye might treat me differently if ye knew. I mistook ye for a good honest country girl. Now I see you dinna want to overrule a plain solider.”

“Little chance of that.” Claire said and he met her gaze.

“No more surprises?” He asked. It seems she was a Princess after all, her dress and presence simply oozed with the air of a Princess.

“No more surprises.” Claire shook her head quickly and then turned them to face the largest portrait hanging on the wall. “Is that you Jamie?”

“Aye, I hate myself in portraits, don’t you?”

“No ones ever painted my portrait,” Claire said and she felt Jamie’s eyes on her then.

“No? Well they should.” Claire blushed and bit her lip as he pulled on her arm, leading them out another door.

“Won’t they miss you at the ball?” Claire turned to see if anyone was in fact following them but didn’t see anyone.

“Maybe, but let’s no’ go back just yet.” Jamie gripped her hand tightly as he led them outside.

“Why don’t you want to go back? What’s wrong?” Claire sensed that there was something more that Jamie wasn’t telling her.

“Och, when I go back, they’ll try to pair me off with a lass of their choosin’. Ye see, I’m expected to marry for advantage.”

“Oh, well who’s advantage?” Claire asked.

“That… is a good question.” Jamie sighed next to her.

“Surely you have a right to your own heart Jamie.” As she said this, Claire reached out and placed her hand over his heart.

Jamie was sure she could feel just how fast his heart was beating just then.

“I must weigh that against the King’s wishes, he’s a wise ruler and a loving Da.” Jamie pulled her hand to his mouth and placed a delicate kiss against her knuckles.

“Perhaps he’ll change his mind.” Claire said hopefully.

“I fear he doesna have much time to do so.” His eyes watered thinking of his Da’s latest diagnosis.

“Oh Jamie,” Claire pulled him into her arms, hugging him with all the strength she could muster.

“Thank ye Sassenach.” He kissed her forehead and they both blushed. Jamie didn’t even expect himself to do that.

“Follow me, I want to show ye somethin’” He grinned and then walked through a wall of vines. He held them aside for Claire as she entered.

They stood in a garden, surrounded by thousands of flowers and other plants, Claire could even hear the sound of a small waterfall somewhere nearby.

“Oh it’s beautiful!” She exclaimed.

“It was my Ma’s garden. I’ve never shown this to anyone before.” Jamie smiled sheepishly at her.

Claire spotted a giant swing hanging from a large tree just across the garden and then looked over at Jamie and smiled, raising her eyebrows in question.

“Aye.” Jamie answered her unspoken question and led them to the swing. “Sit and I’ll push ye Sassenach.”

Claire was careful not to trip over the many layers of her gown as she sat down. She felt her heart in her stomach as Jamie’s strong hands came to her waist.

He pushed against her gently and she began swinging back and forth. The night was lit with stars adding the magic of the evening.

A few more pushes from Jamie and Claire was soaring even higher. “Oh!” She gasped as she felt her slipper slide off her foot and fall to the ground below.

Jamie reached for the swing and slowed her down to a stop. “I’ll help ye Sassenach.” He urged her not to move as he came to kneel before her. Claire held out her foot for him as he picked up the glass shoe.

“Is this glass?” He eyed the shoe with a worried expression, “How do ye walk?”

“Carefully.” Claire joked and he slid the shoe on with ease.

Jamie stood and pulled her to her feet then, his arms finding their place at the small of her back. “Sassenach, I’m so glad ye came tonight. Yer all I can think about, all I dream about.”

“Oh Jamie, I have thought of nothing else but you. With everything that has happened to me in these last few months…you… have always been the constant.” Claire’s heart raced and pounded in her ears.

He leaned closer to her and she thought just then her heart was going to burst.

“I very much want to kiss ye?” He asked, “May I?”

And then her heart did burst, “Yes, you may.”

Jamie bent his head, closing the space left between them and gently pressed his lips against hers.

This was her first kiss. And it was with a Prince. It was with Jamie.

Claire wrapped her arms around his neck, desperate for him to come closer and he did. The kiss was slow, their lips moving in time with one another, anticipating the other’s desire and every move.

If Claire didn’t believe in fairytales before then she did now. Standing here under the stars in a garden filled with beautiful flowers, kissing a handsome man that comforted her and eased her soul.

Claire never wanted the kiss to stop but pulled back from Jamie as she heard the sound of clock. “Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ! I almost forgot. It’s midnight.”

“Yes, it is.” Jamie said, curious of her to note the time.

“I’m so sorry, I had a lovely time but I must leave.” Claire squeezed his hands one last time and looked up at the clock, sure enough it was midnight and she needed to leave before she was transformed back to the plain girl she was before.

“But - but Sassenach! Where ye goin’?” Jamie shouted, stunned at her abrupt departure.

“I’m sorry!” Claire shouted back at him, already racing out of the garden. She found her way out of gates and to the front stairs where she spotted her carriage waiting for her.

“Oh Christ!” She said and began the long journey down the stairs. As she made it almost to the bottom of the steps she heard Jamie shouting after her, “Sassenach, wait!”

“Oh Jamie, I’m sorry.” She whispered to herself and dared a glance back at him.

When she turned back her foot caught on the step and her shoe slipped off. Claire bent to pick it up but noticed the footsteps sounded closer, Jamie was coming after her. She abandoned the glass slipper on the step and raced to the carriage, making it in the nick of time.

“Go!” She shouted and off she went, leaving the Prince, Jamie standing at the bottom of the steps, clutching her glass slipper in his hands.

#jamie fraser #claire fraser #claire beauchamp #prince jamie #cinderella au #once upon a time fic #outlander fanfic #outlander fanfiction #jamie and claire at the ball finally #bibidi babidi boo #fairygodmother #geillis duncan #mclairefras

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sarahrl82 · 3 years

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This will be a beginners guide from a very eager to learn beginner! I found my first article on the healing power of Crystals and gemstones about 3 years ago. I was so intrigued and wanted to learn as much as I could about these incredible gifts from earth! In this blog post I will share with you all of the most important and most FAQ’s about crystals.

We will discuss how to utilize crystals. Crystals can have an incredibly positive impact on our emotions, overall health and happiness.

A brief history and break down of healing crystals.

Crystals, whether they are considered to be “precious stones” or “semi precious stones” have been used by a variety of cultures/faiths dating back to biblical times. This is a general and more literal explanation of what a crystal is:

” A Crystal or crystalline solid is a solid materials whose constituents ( such as atoms, molecules, or irons) are arranged in a highly ordered microscopic structure, forming a crystal lattice that extends in all directions”. Single crystals are usually identifiable by their geometric shape, consisting of flat faces with specific, characteristics orientations.”

The word “Crystal” derives from the ancient greek word (Krustallos) meaning both “ice’ and “rock”

Whether they are formed by magmatic, metamorphic processing or the precipitation from water. (which is what creates the different types of druses or quartz) They are extremely beautiful and miraculous creations!

Some general basics on healing crystals.

Crystals and gemstones have been known not just for their unique beauty. They’re also known for the healing energies that are inside of these incredible stones. In ancient times crystals were used to distinguish royalty, honor the dead, safeguard villages and homes. They were used for common ailments, assisting in fertility & for spiritual ceremonies.

Some of the most common healing crystals and their meanings & uses.

The 7 essential types of Crystals that are associated with Chakras are:

Amethyst -crown Chakra

Carnelian-sacral Chakra

Yellow Jade- solar plexus

Green Aventurine- heart Chakra

Lapis Lazuli- throat Chakra

Clear crystal- Third eye Chakra

Red Jasper- root Chakra

whether I am working, walking the dog or at an appointment in a waiting room my crystals are always with me.

You don’t have to practice Reiki or use crystals in any one specific way. There are limitless uses, ideas and preferances in which people use and benefit from their crystals.

A few ways you can use and feel the benefits of Crystals are:

Keeping a crystal with you in your pocket, purse or on your desk,

Holding a crystal in your hands. Keeping it close to your skin such as, wearing it on a necklace or bracelet

Having crystals on your desk or in your workspace

Putting a crystal(s) on your night table or dresser in your bedroom.

Placing certain crystals under your pillow (or inside your pillowcase) for a restful and peaceful nights sleep.

Placing crystals around your home and office/workspace

How to know which healing crystals are right for you.

There are many different kinds of crystals and crystal families. Just knowing a few basics will help you choose your first crystals. With time and experience you will learn which crystals are right for you.

I have found some very powerful and meaningful crystals in a wide variety of places! One surprising place where I found the Citrine pictured above was on the WISH shopping app!! Now hear me out, before you say “they’re probably plastic” they are not! I was able to find these authentic and beautiful crystals at such a crazy low price because I always follow a few simple steps when I shop on wish! I wrote an entire blog post on how you can shop smart and score awesome products too!

For comfort and help easing your anxiety, a Rose Quartz, Amethyst or Lapis Lazuli are all great in those areas.

My rose quartz tower helps ease my anxiety and stress so that I can focus and write!

For prosperity or business ventures Citrine, Aventurine and Pyrite will all help with wealth, optimism, abundance and confidence.

My Citrine are always on my desk, in my workspace or with me in a cloth pouch when I attend meetings and seminars, It is my extra motivation and confidence when it comes to my business!

To work on self confidence, emotional health and self love. Rhodochrosite, Rose Quartz, Moonstone, and Malachite are all powerful & inspiring crystals.

Practicing self care is NOT selfish. I am no expert and definitely NOT a doctor or scientist!

Okay, so obviously I am not here to give anyone medical advice. I am not qualified to do so, however I can share with you things that have helped me tremendously. I hope that maybe, they will help you too! Crystals have helped me with my anxiety, PTSD and the tremendous grief of losing my mom in 2014.

My mom at 18 years old. Just wanted to share because it’s one of my favorite old pictures of her!

She was my best friend! In my journey to try to make my way through the pain and grief I found an article about crystals! I thought to myself “I will try ANYTHING” I started out with a set that was specific to Virgos. Since I was new to the idea of healing crystals. There was a set on Etsy for my Zodiac sign and I started there.

My very first crystals I found this set on Etsy and felt like it was a really simple way to get to know crystals and start learning more about them and myself!

Although, I have read hundreds of articles & blog posts. I still can’t resist putting every book on crystal healing in my Amazon cart! I am still learning so much! That is also something I truly enjoy!

There is so much to learn about these magical and beautiful creations! Sometimes, I feel like a sponge. I just wants to learn and soak up every bit of knowledge I can.

I want to share a few of my absolute FAVORITE go to sources! These are my TOP recommendations on where you can learn about the power & uses for healing crystals.

This book is a MUST HAVE if you are new to healing Crystals or just want to learn a little more! You can CLICK HERE to check it out on Amazon!!!As a busy mom of two little wild thangs (AKA teenage boys) having even a few minutes with my healing crystals or a good book is pure heaven!!-boymomandblingCLICK TO TWEET

The Sage Goddess is absolutely AMAZING!! She is an endless source of information, guidance, resources, and incredibly reasonably priced Healing Crystals for purchase. She has classes and FREE resources. Plus she also has Groups for learning all there is to know about Crystals, gemstones, Astrology and so much more! You can check out all that the Sage Goddess has to offer by CLICKING HERE. (It will open in a new tab so you won’t lose your place here!!) To check out her YouTube channel CLICK HERE

Crystal Healing Author, Krista Mitchell is another Favorite of mine. Her Instagram is so inspiring and informative! I recently read her book “Change your energy” (Healing crystals health wealth love and luck). I was totally addicted after the first few pages! She also has an amazing blog. I love to use as my go to reference for everything that is Crystals related! You can check out here Instagram HERE! You won’t be sorry!

Ethan Lazzerini is an ACTUAL expert, unlike me. He is an endless resource of everything and ANYTHING Crystal related! His blog is truly astonishing! He has so much information its crazy! He presents everything and teaches in a way that makes it so it is not at all overwhelming or intimidating. I have recently been learning about Crystal Grids. Grids are a really great way to focus your energy and intention with your crystals. You can really supercharge your intention. Using sacred geometry, different crystals and a grid you can make yourself. You can check out Ethan Lazzerini’s blog HERE . His, is the book I am currently reading now. It is called “Crystal Grids Power” ( Harness the power of crystals & Sacred geometry for manifesting abundance, healing & protection). It is available now on Amazon and where all books are sold.

LOCAL SHOPS ARE AWESOME!!!! There are 3 local shops near my home that I found simply by searching “healing crystals near me”on google! I bet you also have at least a couple local shops near you, although you may not know it yet. I absolutely recommend searching for shops near you. It is always a great thing to support your local small businesses! Especially right now with all of the uncertainty small business owners are facing in the midst of this pandemic! You can also reap the benefits of shopping local! It really is a wonderful experience to get to know your local shop people. You can often find one of a kind pieces and some really great prices too! Here are a few of my favorite local shops. If you are ever in Ohio, in the Cleveland area I hope you will stop in and check them out!

Goddess Elite is a local shop in North Olmsted, Ohio that I first found about 3 years ago. I bought my first items from their website and picked up my order at the store. The staff was so incredibly welcoming and went out of their way to make sure all my questions were answered. Very kind and friendly staff! Goddess Elite is about 10 minutes away from my house. It has been there for over 20 years and I had no idea! That is why I can’t stress enough to SEARCH YOUR AREA!!! It is so simple to use the “near me” search option on Google and find your hidden gems! (Pun INTENDED) You can check out the Goddess Elite Website by clicking HERE

New Moon Witch is a local shop in Lakewood Ohio. I found this shop about 2 years ago. I loved the wide variety of crystals and the friendly and very knowledgeable staff. This is another “hidden gem”. Just minutes away and I had no idea until I searched for shops near me! You can check out the New Moon website HERE.

Bear Soul Studio and rock shop is also in Lakewood. I found this shop more recently. I visited for the first time just a couple of weeks ago. This shop also had very kind, friendly and helpful staff. I felt so peaceful and at ease just being there. The crystal selection was amazing! It is a smaller shop, but WOW do they have a huge selection!! Truly stunning crystals and very reasonable prices too! You can check out the Bear Soul website HERE.

A few Crystals that are, in my opinion important and essential in beginning to work with healing crystals.

Garnet- Energy, health & passion

Rhodonite-Power, generosity & hidden talents

Carnelian-Confidence, vitality & motivation

Rutilated Quartz- guidance, healing & strength

Agate- healing, power & emotional and physical strength

Peridot- beauty, insight & positivity

Jade- wisdom, peace & prosperity

Bloodstone-self worth, health & courage

Turquoise-healing, luck & communication

Aquamarine-truth, peace & mediation

Lapis Lazuli-wisdom, clarity & enlightenment

Amethyst-spirituality, intuition & cleansing

Labradorite-Magic, imagination & consciousness

Smoky Quartz- grounding, humility & natural

Tiger’s Eye- Fortune, success & optimism

Onyx- protection, healing & block negativity

Terminated- Quartz- luck, balance & perspective

Jasper- supreme nurturer, emotional healing & wholeness

Using Crystals has taught me so much about myself! I want to continue to learn and grow. My goal is to help others who may be curious about Crystals but unsure where to start.

I created this little space for meditation,prayer, journaling and having quiet time to truly feel and connect with my crystals. This area is my special space inside my “Cloffice” my home office & walk in closet combination!! To see more of my DIY attic to Cloffice project CLICK HERE!!

How I use my Crystals in my daily life, both with my day to day routine and work.

I think of my crystals as a source of strength, comfort, inspiration and motivation. Whether they are in my pillowcase (for a much needed restful nights sleep) or on my desk (for concentration and inspiration) my beloved stones are never far away.

Feeling the affects of the crystals for me, has been a sense of comfort, peace, strength and inspiration. It can be as simple as feeling the motivation and “pick me up” I need to complete my daily tasks. Crystal healing has made a huge impact on my emotional & physical well being.

There will always be debate on how, why and “IF” Crystals can actually “heal”. For me, however it is as simple as knowing how I feel. I personally FEEL better and felt a difference in my overall mood and emotional state.

So I don’t really need to prove or explain that to anyone who thinks otherwise. I do, however fee it is important to at least share my own personal experiences. My hope is that it may also have the same positive impact on you too!

Do you already have a Crystal collection started? Which Crystals and stones have impated your life? I would love to know which Crystals you’re currently working with. Tell me your thoughts and most used Crystals in the comments. You can also message me directly on Facebook and Instagram!

I would love to hear from you! If you found this post helpful please share! Know someone who is interested in learning more about Crystals? Be sure to send them this post!

#healingcrystals #crystals #metaphysical #crystals and gemstones

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