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iknowthekoolaidflavor · 4 years

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Tender Curiosity

As the new kindergarten teacher at Little Arbor Elementary, (Y/N) thought it would be easy adjusting to her new environment. Thomas Jefferson is more than willing to help, but there is a driving force dedicated to keep them from being together.

Word Count: 4.8k

Chapter 1 // Next

Tagging: @wreakhavoconmacroissantdiggs @daveeddiggsit

A/N: It’s finally here! I’m so excited for this series.

The first day of school for elementary schoolers will always be a day full of excitement and nerves. That proved true for you as your first day at Little Arbor grew closer.

It was quiet when you walked through the front doors. It was 7:15 am. Teachers were putting up last minute decorations and going over their lesson plans for the day one last time. You were glad that you met Angelica when you did. She spent most of the summer helping dissolve all your anxiety as she helped you finish decorating your classroom.

You smiled and waved at a couple of familiar faces as you made your way to your classroom. As you set your bags down, your anxiety began to seep in.

“Are you ready for the meeting?”, you heard from behind you

Angelica stepped into the neatly decorated classroom with a bright, welcoming smile.

“Yeah. It’s in 10 minutes, right?”

Angelica nodded as she took you in. You were still nervously looking around the classroom, fidgeting with things that weren’t out of place.

“You’re going to be amazing”, she started, “That’s why George knew you were perfect for the job. The children are going to love you”

In the three weeks that you became acquainted with Angelica, it wasn’t until last week that you learned she was the vice principal. During your interview, she was out of town. You were too ecstatic to be hired, you didn’t notice her name in the middle of the documents Washington had given you.

“Thank you”

“It’s not like you haven’t done this before”, she said reassuringly as she placed her hand on your shoulder

You turned to see her bright smile again and your worries began to fade away. It was time to head to the meeting and meet the rest of the faculty.

Before you could make it to the office, you could see two men standing in front of the door. The short one looked furious while the other man looked as if he couldn’t be bothered by him.

“Remind me why Washington hired you again”

“I’m obviously here to replace you Alexander”, the taller man stated, unbothered as he scrolled through his phone, “If you stay out here yelling at me, you’ll miss the meeting”

“That’s Thomas and Alexander. They both teach third grade social studies. They don’t like each other much, but they’re great teachers”, Angelica informed you, “They’re also quite annoying”

You couldn’t help the laugh that escaped your lips, drawing attention to you from a few feet away. Alexander continued his one sided argument with Thomas, but it fell to deaf ears. Thomas had already caught your gaze and refused to look away.

He was tall with a head full of curls that perfectly framed his face. Every curl remained in place. For a third grade teacher, his attire was far more fancier than most teachers you’ve seen around school. Thomas was in a well tailored suit, while Alexander opted for jeans and a polo.

Thomas gave you an easy going smile and you felt your heart beating out of your chest. He was easy on the eyes. The more you stared, the more you realized that you were in trouble. Angelica caught you just as you squeezed your notepad to your chest, refusing to take another step.

“Thomas”, Angelica called with a smirk, “Come meet our newest recruit”

Thomas’s eyes grew wide, knowing he had been caught ogling you in the halls by one of his bosses. He walked over to you and flashed that smile again the moment he was a few feet away from you.

“This is (Y/N)”

“The new kindergarten teacher”, Thomas greeted as he reached for your hand, “It’s nice to finally meet the teacher we’ve heard so much about”

“You’ve heard of me?”

“George and Angie wouldn’t stop talking about you once you were hired. Everyone is excited to meet you. Been a while since someone new was hired”

“Well it’s nice to meet you too. I can’t wait to meet everyone”

Thomas kept his eyes on you until Alexander decided to join the group. You exchanged pleasantries and learned more about him than you expected. For starters, he was competitive beyond compare. He just knew this year he would be voted teacher of the year once again, much to Thomas’s dismay.

“Don’t sound too cocky, Alexander”, you chimed in, “For all you know I could be teacher of year”

Alexander turned to face you, shocked by your statement, “You sound so confident for a newbie”

“How are you so sure you’ll win when you don’t even know your competitors”, you bantered, “This isn’t my first year teaching and I was also named teacher of year two times in a row”

“You’re correct”, he admitted, “I don’t know a thing about you”

“But it seems I already know everything I need to know about you”, you gave him a final glance before stepping away, “Which will make my win so much sweeter”

Alex’s jaw almost dropped as he watched you walk away. Thomas tried but failed to contain his laughter.

“You’re right, Angie”, you heard him say, “I like her already”

Thomas caught up to you, speeding by Angelica just to get the door. You thanked him as you walked by and found a seat in the office. Everyone greeted you with warm smiles. Thomas sat across from you next to a shorter man that you hadn’t been introduced to yet. He looked at Thomas just as Thomas’s gaze found your’s again, then he looked at you. You saw a small smile spread across his face as he shook his head. He elbowed Thomas and finally broke his gaze as he whispered something to him. Thomas put his head down and mumbled something under his breath.

As everyone else took their seats, George started the meeting. He started off with an encouraging speech about making this school year better than the last for the students, parents, and the faculty. There was a short conversation about making sure the parents were staying involved in the students’ academic success and how to reach out to parents. The last thing you remember was the discussion about the PTA meetings when you hear your name.

“...she is new to Little Arbor, but she’s not new to teaching. I know some of you have had the opportunity to be introduced her but let's give a warm welcome as always”

Everyone turned to you smiling.

“I know this is the first day of school for you too, so can you tell everyone a little about yourself?”

The room grew quiet as you thought of something to say.

“My name is (Y/N). I moved here from Georgia and I was a kindergarten teacher at Shady Grove Elementary for four years before I decided to move here”, you stated timidly, “It’s nice to meet all of you”

Amongst the voices asking you about moving to a different state and your experience at Shady Grove, you could hear Alexander’s voice over everyone else’s.

“She’s also been teacher of the year two years in a row. Ask her about and she’ll gladly tell you”, he spouted

“As much as you walk around here bragging about your two awards, it will be nice to hear a fresh voice talk about their successes”, Thomas quickly stated before you could say anything

Pretty soon the room started to unintentionally instigate the situation. There was talk of you dethroning Alexander’s reign as teacher of the year which he was not a fan of. Soon, they started to make bets over who would win, much to George’s amusement. Most of the teachers were voting in your favor.

“Alright. Settle down”, George chimed in with a laugh, “The students will be here in half an hour. Go forth and be wonderful and all that jazz”

On your first day as a teacher, no one ever told you you would spend just as much time consoling the parents as you did the students. You went from reassuring students that their parents would be back to telling the parents that their children would be alright.

Today was no different.

There was a sign placed in front of the classroom door for students to choose how they wanted to be greeted. Most of them chose a high five or made up a handshake with you. It helped ease them into their new environment and it seemed to put the parents at ease to see their children happy.

As the students entered the classroom, they were instructed to place their belongings in their cubbies and sit on their assigned color on the rug. So far, nine of your ten students were present. As you waited, you could hear them asking each other about their favorite colors and wanting to switch seats.

Five minutes later, a little boy with a head full of curls and a Black Panther backpack was standing in front of you, greeting you with a giant smile. You happily returned it, but you couldn’t say the same for his mother. She regarded you with a cold stare.

“Good morning”, you chirped, “You must be Ezra”

“Morning”, he said as he smiled back

“You have a choice in how I greet you. Which option sounds best to you?”

Both Ezra and his mother stared at the selections. He pointed to the circle that said hug. You squat to reach his height, ready to hug him, but his mother had other plans. You saw her yank her son back, eyeing with trepidation.

“Don’t touch my son”, she nearly yelled

“Ma’am, I wasn’t trying to--”

“I don’t care. The nerve of you new age teachers thinking you can just put your hands on other people’s children. Keep your hands off my son”

She turned to Ezra, hand still gripping his shoulder.

“She’s not allowed to hug you. Do you understand me?”

“Yes, mommy”

Ezra looked down as he walked into the room.

“Don’t you ever--”

“I heard you”, you griped, trying to go back to your calm demeanor, “You’ve made your point of view very clear. Pick up is at three o’clock”

You turned on your heel, taking a deep breath before you entered the classroom to get the day started.

The first half of the morning went off without a hitch. It didn’t take long to learn their names because there were only ten of them. So far, you could tell the sing-a-longs were their favorite activity, even if they were still learning the words.

Throughout the day, you noticed Ezra slowly coming out of the shell his mother forced him in. He volunteered to help pass out construction paper and crayons. He hugged Macy until she stopped crying when she was afraid her parents wouldn’t be back. Ezra was a completely different person without his mother present.

Without a doubt, he ended up earning the coveted position of the line leader. As you made your way to the cafeteria, a familiar head of curls turned the corner.

“Good morning, Ms. (Y/L/N)”, Thomas said with a soft smile

“Good morning again Mr. Jefferson”

Thomas’s attention soon turned to your line leader. His smile grew brighter as he greeted the students.

“Ms. (Y/L/N) chose me to be line leader today”, Ezra chirped

“That’s so cool Ez”

Ezra smiled proudly at your colleague.

“If you ask nicely, she’ll let you be line leader too”

“All I have to do is ask?”, Thomas implored now that is attention was on you, “I’ll keep that in mind next time”

“The role of a line leader is earned Mr. Jefferson. Don’t know if you’re deserving of that title yet”, you whispered only loud enough for him to hear

Thomas quirked an eyebrow and took a small step forward. He was dangerously close, but not enough to cause any trouble if someone like your bosses were to walk by.

“Pray tell Ms. (Y/L/N). What would I have to do to earn such an honor bestowed by you?”

“Not distract me in the halls while I take my students to lunch”, you quipped, “They're hungry. Shame on you for making them wait”

To Thomas’s amusement, you gave him a fake glare as you led your students to the cafeteria.

Lunch time will always be your least favorite time of the day. Every kindergarten to second grade class were assigned the same block to eat lunch. Hungry children who have yet to have recess, all in one room never sounds like a good idea to anyone and yet here you all are. The room exploded with exuberant children that you would have to endure for thirty minutes.

Some of your students had lunches packed for them, but also had money to buy snacks. As the rest of the students started to eat their lunches, you took the others to the lunch line. While waiting for your students to get out of line, you saw Thomas at the end of the line with a grim expression on his face. He gave the lunch lady a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes as he greeted her and politely asked for a turkey sandwich. The lunch lady gave him a knowing look, but didn’t press any further. Thomas stared down at the lunch as he reached the front of the line. It wasn’t until he reached for his wallet that he had time to look up to catch you staring.

“It’s not what it looks like”

“It’s exactly what it looks like”, you grinned, “It appears you have an affinity for school lunches”

“The complete opposite actually”, he responded as he tried to hand a five dollar bill to the cashier. He ended up thanking her when she gave him a stern look as she pushed his hand away.

Thomas stepped aside as you guided everyone else back to their assigned table. As you got the rest of your students situated, you had enough time to see Thomas walk to the other side of the table and place the lunch in front of Ezra. Ezra turned to see Thomas squatting in front of him. Ezra’s frown started to change into a smile as he gave him a fist bump.

“You know Ezra?”, you asked as he approached you

All Thomas could do was nod.

“If I’m in the cafeteria and I see that a kid doesn’t have a lunch, I just make sure they eat”, Thomas shrugged, “I know being a parent while working is tough, but it doesn’t make me feel good when the kids aren’t eating”

“I thought I had everyone accounted for--”

“Don’t beat yourself up over it. It’s alright”, Thomas said as he placed a hand on your shoulder, “Speaking of lunch, are you eating?”

“Thank you Patron Saint of School Lunches”, you laughed, “but I like to eat during nap time, when it’s nice and quiet”

“Noted. I wish my students had a nap time”

There was an empty table next to your class that you decided to occupy. Thomas pulled your seat out for you and gently pushed you in. Thomas’s easy going smile returned as you changed the subject. He would lean in whenever you brought up a topic that enticed him and add to the conversation every once in a while. As you went on about the need for teachers to adapt their teaching styles for their students, you could tell he was lost in thought. He elbow rested on the table with his chin resting in his hand. His gaze never left you and there was that soft smile that never left his face.

“Am I boring you?”, you asked

Thomas’s eyes widened.

“Not at all. I could listen to you for hours”

“Wait”, you gawked, “You teach third grade, right?”

“Yes, I do”, he stated proudly, “Best third grade class in the entire school”

“Hamilton would beg to differ”

Thomas smile deflated, “Hamilton’s students have nothing on my class”

“But aren’t all of the third grade students great?”, you asked, “Don’t pit them against each other for a petty rivalry. They deserve better”

“You’re right Ms. (Y/L/N). Where were you all those years before?”

Thomas stared at you as if you would have the answer, but there was something about the way he looked at you that implied another meaning.

“I wanted to ask you where your students were”, you continued

“Oh”, Thomas said, finally breaking him away from his reverie, “They’re at their special. Music class with Maria”

“She seems nice”

“She is. Maria’s great with kids. I think you’ll like her too”, Thomas paused and looked at his watch, “Speaking of which, I’m a little late to pick them up”

“Late on the first day of school”, you gasped, “How can you live with yourself?”

“Well, there’s this new teacher here. She’s beautiful, but I know she’ll be a bad influence on me”, he grinned as he stood up, “I wonder if I can stay away”

Without giving you a chance to respond, Thomas left to pick up his students. You suddenly realized the cafeteria was quieter than before. Most of the classes had already cleaned up and left the cafeteria. Your class was quick to clean up when they realized recess was their next activity.

The rest of the day went by faster than you thought. After recess they took a nap, then there was art with Mr. Laurens. You went to drop them off, but stayed for John’s antics. He was yet another teacher that was amazing with children. One moment they were drawing pictures of their favorite person, the next thing you knew you were assisting with getting markers cleaned off of their hands and arms.

“It could have been worse”, John laughed as he ran his fingers through his hair, “I’ve seen some things”

You couldn’t help but laugh.

“If the parents give you any trouble, they know where to find me”, John winked at you before waving to the children

With the last twenty minutes of the day approaching, you asked all of them what their favorite part of the day was.

“I liked art”, Macy said quietly

“I like art too”, you replied giving her a smile

You watched as her face slowly lit up as other students agreed with her. You had a feeling this class was going to be your favorite.

“I think I like story time”, Nathaniel cheered

“I liked music, but nap time is no fun”, Corey admitted

There was an overwhelming chorus of distaste for nap time. What you would give to be able to take a nap during the day as an adult. They’ll regret neglecting nap time when they get older.

“What was your favorite Ezra?”, Macy asked

Ezra grew quiet, deep in thought, “I really liked lunch time”

“Lunch might have also been my favorite”

With the last ten minutes of the day, you walked them through dismissal. Most of the parents arrived at three o’clock on the dot. Every time you saw a student greet their parents, your heart exploded. The moment they saw their parents, they would break into a sprint and jump in their arms, talking a mile a minute about their day.

There were a few that didn’t want to leave and they had to be reminded that they would in fact be back tomorrow morning. It felt like you were reminding yourself as well. You had a great day getting to know all of them and it pained you a little to watch them leave.

As you walked to the cubbies you realized the Black Panther backpack was still there. Ezra sat on his assigned square with his legs crossed patiently waiting to go home. A small sigh escaped his lips as he looked at the clock that read 3:35.

“It looks like we have some time on our hands”, you smiled as you sat in front of him, “What would you like to do?”

“I get to choose?”

“Of course you can”

“Mommy never lets me choose��, he said as he walked to the bookshelf

Your heart sank. His mother’s first impression had a lasting effect on you. Ezra brought you out of your thoughts when he held a book in your face.

“Chicka Chicka Boom Boom? I love this book”

“Me too”, he chirped, “My daddy reads it to me when I go to his house. Daddy lets me choose stuff all the time”

“He does”, you asked, allowing him to continue

“Yeah. He lets me choose lots of stuff”

“Like what?”

“My shirts, my pants, my shoes”, he started as he ticked the items off with his fingers, “My snacks, my backpack, the books we read, and the songs in the car”

“Your dad sounds awesome”

“He is”, he beamed

You wanted to ask him more about his parents, but decided against it as you opened the book. By the time his mother arrived, Ezra was enthralled by your animated voice. He took his time reading the letters aloud when you encouraged him to keep going. When you gave him a high five, she made her presence known.

“What do you think you’re doing?”, his mother chastised

“Reading a book”, you responded as you made a mental note for where you left off, “We can finish the rest next time”

“There won’t be a next time. I just got held up at work”

“That’s fine. No one’s holding it against you”, you reassured her

You weren’t going to hold it against her, but somehow your calm demeanor upset her more than you knew. She took a step towards you, invading your personal space.

“I don’t want you getting close to my son. I don’t know you”

“Lucky for you. You have the entire school year to get to know me then. I’m sure it’ll be a great learning experience for the both of us”

She glared at you ready to say something else when you heard a cold voice from behind her.

“Is there a problem here?”, Thomas asked from the door

“Of course not”, you responded as you took a step back, “Ezra, did you enjoy your day today?”

Ezra smiled at you, then at Thomas and his mother as he told them about his day.

“Then she read me my favorite book. She even does voices”

“Sounds like you had an exciting day with Ms. (Y/L/N)”

“I did”

You noticed a change in his mother the moment she heard Thomas’s voice. Her frown turned into a smile and she contributed to the conversation as if she wasn’t at your throat a moment ago. She grew incredibly close to Thomas.

“I’m glad you enjoyed your day baby”, she cooed as she wrapped her hand around Thomas’s bicep

Thomas froze, looking between the three of you. His discomfort seemed obvious to everyone, but her.

“Martha”, he warned, “That’s inappropriate and you know it”

Before he could yank his arm away, Martha moved her hand away with a sigh. Ezra waved as he left the classroom in a better mood. You stood in the middle of the classroom, wondering if he would be safe going home with her. Was he eating? Does she yell at him? Does his father live with him? Why is she so sweet on Thomas?

“Earth to (Y/N)”, Thomas called, waving his hand in your face, “I was asking if you were alright. Martha is more than a handful”

Honestly, you’ve never been more frustrated in your life. Usually parents waited until the third or fourth month to show their asses, but this was a new record.

“I take that as a no”, he continued, “Want to get a drink?”

This was the moment he decided to ask you out?

“I mean, some of the teachers and I are going out for a drink. You’re welcome to join us”, Thomas corrected, “First days are always a lot for everyone...even the teachers. Who would have thought teachers work hard too”

“Sure. I have to get my notes together first. You’re cutting into my planning for the night”

“I thought you turned in your lesson plans over the summer?”

“I did, but these are notes I took on the students. I want to adjust the lesson plans based on the things they like and their learning styles. This is just a rough draft because it’s only the first day. I’ll know more after a month or so”

As you looked up from your papers, Thomas was staring at you in awe.

“You’re a wonderful addition to our team. I already like having you here”

“I like being here”

Thomas smiled as he went to collect his things. He wanted to spend as much time as he could to get to know you. After he walked you to your car, he made sure he gave you his number.

“Just so I can send you the address or if you need anything else. Like a tour guide or something”

“A tour guide?”

“DC is an interesting area with a lot of history. I also know some great places if you ever want to get something to eat”

“I might take you up on that offer”

“I sure hope so”, Thomas grinned, finally finding the will to walk away, “I’ll see you in a few”

You sat in your car, trying to keep your feelings at bay, but your body failed you. The smile you’ve been fighting off broke out in the worst way possible. Being around Thomas felt like a breath of fresh air, but you didn’t date colleagues. For personal and professional reasons, since the county strongly discourages dating amongst faculty and staff.

The thoughts about Thomas ran rampant while you pulled out of the parking lot. Amongst the rest of the cars still parked in the parking lot, neither of you noticed Martha’s parked a few spots away. Her eyes were fixated on your retreating car as a frown etched into her features.

If you and Thomas were to continue on like this, then the both of you would be made aware of how far Martha Jefferson would go to make your lives a living hell.

#thomas x reader #thomas jefferson x reader #elementary teacher au #elementary au #thomas jefferson

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eleanorbloom · 4 years

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Relighting the spark. Part 03.

Pairing: Bryce Lahela x F!MC (Tesse Sterling)

Word Count: 3.4k

Warning: Bit of angst and cursing.

A/N: Hello darlings! A few weeks ago Chahnaz invited me to do a collaborative fic with her and Georgia, and after weeks working on it, I’m finally posting it! It’s cheeeeesy, a little self-indulgent amd maybe experimental, but I think I made justice to the previous work the girls did.

I hope you like it!

Part One was written by @brycelahelalover

Part Two was written by @lahamseiroshoe

Taglist: @utterlyinevitable @binny1985 @shanzay44 @choicesficwriterscreations @laiba-the-person @starrystarrytrouble @lahellacute @lucy-268 @aylamreads @cinnamonspongecake @romewritingshop

_____________

Tesse sat on the first bench she found in the locker room, feeling her stomach quivering. She wasn’t sure if she was ready for that something that had hoped—dreamed— for years.

But there was only a way to find out.

She sauntered towards her locker, changed her scrubs into a pair of blue jeans, a peach shirt, and a caramel jacket on top. Her hands were trembling while she was zipping it up. Then, she exited to the main entry and waited a few feet away from the doors.

A couple of minutes after, she heard a "hey” behind her back.

“Hey”—Tesse answered, her voice barely a whisper.

“So, did you think about my plan?”

After the kiss, she felt confused and slightly regretful for being so weak, because there were so many things both had to say. And as if ten years hadn’t passed, he could read her like a book. He proposed her to go to his place to have a proper talk without noises and intromissions.

“Yeah, and I accept.”

“Your favorite dish is still luau stew?”

Tesse froze. The question had been thrown so out of the blue, and with such specific information that it took her a while to process it.

How he could remember that? she thought.

“Y… you still remember?”

“Yeah, practically the 90% of the time it reminds me of you, if it’s not always, but I don't want to brag.”

He gave her a charming smile that made Tesse melt more than she already was.

“Wow. I don’t know what to say.”

“Yes? No? I actually hate it now?”

“Oh, that.”—Her cheeks flushed—"Yes, it is still my favorite”

“Cool, because near my place there is a Hawaiian restaurant I wanna try.”

He pulled out his phone and after a few touches he took it to his ear

“Goodnight, I would like two luau stew… Takeout… Great. By any chance do you have strawberry mochi? Really? Cool. Yes, two, please. Bryce Lahela. Thank you. I’ll be there in twenty, good night.”

He pocketed his phone into the inner layer of his jacket.

“All settled. I hope you don’t mind I imposed my dinner election.”

“I don’t. I actually had been wondering if there were any good places here.”

“Yeah, me too. When I arrived last week, I tried one downtown. It was great but could’ve been better. Maybe I just got used to my favorite at Stanford.”

They took the train and chatted about their day, trying to avoid more uncomfortable topics. It still felt awkward. Tesse was having a hard time trying to accept that after years of wishing, Bryce was by his side, and would probably be back as she always dreamed.

“And how’s your family?”

“Fine, I think so. My dad’s applying for parole for good behavior, I think. Keiki is 15. But I haven’t been there since… a lot.”

“How much?”

Tesse saw how the tension invaded his whole body, as he started to scratch the back of his head.

“I don’t know, I…I’ve been busy with med school.”

“You haven’t seen her in all this time?”

He didn’t reply, but it wasn’t necessary.

“Bryce! She’s your sister, you can’t abandon her like that.”

His cheeks blushed and she could see the guilt in his eyes.

“This is our stop”—He announced, taking a few steps towards the door. Once the train stopped, they got off the train.

“Why you haven’t gone with your family? Your sister must be needing you, Bryce.”

“I’ll never forget my parents for what they did. They destroyed my life, Tesse. My life at school, even at college was a nightmare because of what they did. Hell, I left you because I wanted to protect you from that. I just can’t see them.”

“But Keiki has nothing to do with that, she was a kid, she is a teenager now, and must be living the same hell you lived, and you’re the only one who can understand her”

Bryce swallowed hard, his eyes sparkling. The thought of her suffering just like he did... It was too much for him.

“I’m sorry, I have no right to talk to you like that”

“That’s not true. You are the only one who has the right because you know how much she means to me, it’s just… I know what I’ve been doing it’s awfully shitty, but it’s different when somebody else says it.”

Tesse took his hand and caressed the back softly.

“I’m sorry, I know this is difficult for you.”

Bryce nodded and then they walked in silence, each one with their own demons, regrets, and questions.

After a few minutes, they got into the restaurant.

“Good night, takeout for two, please. Name’s Bryce Lahela”—He informed as they both reached the dispatch counter.

“Two Luau and mochi?”

“Correct”

The man behind the counter handed the bag to Tesse while Bryce took out his credit card. After a few seconds, the man handed him the receipt and Bryce folded it to put it in his wallet.

“Thank you, good night.”—Both Tesse and Bryce said before going back to the entry.

After a short walk, they entered the building. The façade showed a modern building, but it could be said it had been built about ten years ago.

“Heavens, nice place”—She said looking around the living room, decorated with a modern and sleek style, but it wasn't ostentatious.

“Make yourself comfortable” —He invited, taking off his jacket and shoes. Tesse did the same.

Then they sat in the table and started eating, sharing memories of the countless times they had luau stew for lunch at school, at his place, at hers… at their spot, even.

“Mmmhh this is so great!! It’s almost as good as the stew my tutu cooks”—She says, with satisfaction both in her words and her face. (A/N: Tutu: Grandma in Hawaiian)

“Yeah, it’s delicious. I would give it 4 out of 5 stars, anyway.”

After a few seconds, Tesse stared at him, smiling brightly, forcing herself to forget all the pain, all the rage she had feeling for a few hours, and just enjoy the moment with him, before she would be back to her senses.

“God. I missed you so much. I can’t believe fate put us together.”

Bryce slid his hand in the table to reach hers.

“Me neither. I wish it would have been sooner, though”—He let out a breath, melancholy in his eyes.

“Maybe, but you should know everything happens at the right time, Bryce.—She assured, now her taking his hand.—Maybe before this moment, we wouldn’t have been as ready or healed as now. If we really are, of course. We have a lot to talk about yet.

“Yeah.”—He looked at her, thoughtfully and then continued—“What I said earlier is true. I regret all the pain I caused, Tesse. I regret pushing you away because I knew you wanted to be there for me, but I thought I was protecting you.”

Tesse just listened to him quietly, assimilating all the words and gestures that would make her decide if he was really sorry and he was being honest and sincere about what had happened all these years.

“I realized too late that you were stronger than I thought. You were stronger than me even. I just ended up hurting you anyway, and maybe worse than what I was trying to protect you from.”

“Yes, because I never cared what people said, Bryce. I knew you, I knew you had nothing to do with what your father had done, and that was enough for me. People would always talk, but I only cared about you.”

“I know. Tesse, I’m so, so, sorry. There’s no day that I didn’t think about you and the pain I caused on you.”—He shook his head—"I… I tried to move on, but your memory always haunted me. No one was enough compared to what you gave me and how you made me feel.”

“It… It happened to me too. I never got interested in anyone after you. When you left it was like something inside me turned off. Like a bulb light had broken inside me. Some guys gave me a sparkle, a twinkle, but nothing more than that. Nothing like the light, the fire I felt with you. And… that I felt when I kissed you this afternoon.”

“Tesse...” — He whispered incredulous.

“Bryce, I’ve never wanted anything more than to be with you again. Seeing you here makes me forget everything that happened, but I know that someday, even in an hour or tomorrow, it will hit me again, and I don’t wanna hold grudges on you, feel resentment out of the blue, and ruin what we could have.”

“I know. I know this isn’t gonna be easy… But I’m willing to do whatever it takes to have you back, Tesse. Whatever it takes.”

“I know this sounds kind of… torturing, but would you tell me how has been these years for you? The good, the bad…”

Bryce was nervous, but he had promised Tesse that he would do anything to have her back, and if she wanted him to tell her how the last ten years have been, he would give her that.

He started telling her that after he moved to California, he never returned home, and hadn’t been in touch with his parents for all the hell the put him through but he usually called Keiki for her birthday, but not more than that.

Bryce also told her that most people he met at Stanford knew he was the son of a criminal and had a hard time trying to not let it get under his skin. He accepted that everything would have been easier if he had had her, she would have found the exact words to make him feel better, and her presence would have been enough to ease his pain, but he had to live with his decision, his mistake.

He told her about some girls he met and dated, but even the coolest and greatest girls never made him feel like it was supposed he had to feel. It never felt the same as with Tesse. He felt empty all those years, always feeling something was missing but he couldn’t be sure if it was her who was missing or if it was just the guilt haunting him even after all these years.

The moment he saw her he knew it has always been her who he wanted.

Once Bryce told him about his last two years, they served the dessert on the couch, talking more calmly about what had happened in the last two days, how shocked both were, and how incredibly awkward is life giving second chances.

“Do you want some more?”—Tesse said playfully, with a strawberry mocchi on her hand, and bringing it to his mouth. He took a bite looking at her invitingly. His lips brushed her fingers and Tesse bite her lips at the feeling. That was the impulse he needed to took her by the waist and pulling her into his mouth and kiss her. Both had been wanting it since they met outside Edenbrook.

It was like the mochi had turned on the sweet mode because, after a few minutes, they started sharing sweet looks, soft smiles, and somehow they couldn’t keep their hands off each other.

“You have no idea how much I missed you”—He whispers in her ear, while Tesse had her arms locked around his torso, and Bryce was just stroking her hair, feeling the silkiness of her locks.

And Tesse was feeling so peaceful, she couldn’t ask for a better place to be at that moment.

Then they would stare at each other in silence, observing eyes, noses, freckles, lips, chins, as if trying to remember how they were and if all this was true.

But then, they realized that it wasn’t only about that. They were knowing each other again. As adults, not as the teenagers they were in Maui. Because their faces, bodies, minds and maybe hearts weren’t the same they knew once.

As Tesse changed through the years, so did he. Bryce wasn’t the boy with a timid smile and long hair, who wore leather jackets and rode a motorcycle.

He was a man with a styled haircut and highlights in his locks, giving his tanned skin an irresistible shine. And he was dressing like someone who never was a rebel in his youth. And his eyes, his dreamy eyes just showed all the pain and loneliness he had lived in all these years.

Important parts of their characters had been changed too. Some defined, others accentuated and some others were just part of their grown-up, but not part of them anymore. Bryce had confidence she never had seen in him. The hell he lived at college forced him to show the world how worthy he was, that no one could undermine him for what his parents had done. But knowing him as she knew him back in school, she new that sensitive Bryce was still there, and all the flirty, self-assured looks Bryce shows to the world was a shield to his scars.

The Bryce that didn’t talk about his feelings was still there, she could tell, even he had opened to her just know. She had mastered the art of making him open more than ten years ago. She had the key, and even after all these years, the lock was the same.

They had changed, but they were the same in the essence of their cores.

The same old innocence in her heart that made her stomach flutter every time he looked at her, every time she felt his lips on hers. The same sweetness in his heart, that made him look at her like she was heaven, and show her with gestures and caresses that she still was the one.

She still could make him feel an adrenaline rush every time she kissed him, and he still could steal the same silly laughs from her with his shenanigans.

They still had their own small world of tender looks, of amused smirks, of winks and funny faces where time hasn’t passed, and they would laugh just like when they were foolish teenagers in love.

Ten years had passed, but their hearts had saved all those treasured memories to keep them alive until they would meet again, when their hearts and minds would be open and understanding enough to accept each other back in their lives, despite the mistakes and the pain. Because it was true, no one ever hurt her as Bryce did, but no one could make her feel like him neither. Even if she tried to believe otherwise, she knew no one could love her as he did. And if he was willing to make her happy and never let her go again, all those years of suffering would worth it.

“How is possible to feel the same way as before, even if we are not the same people?” —She asked, lost in his amber eyes.

“Maybe our love never changed. Maybe love it’s like home. You could change, you could grow up, but every time you go there, it feels the same and it feels right.”

“But you… you never came back home, how could you know how that feels?”

“Because you are my home, Tesse. When I kissed you this afternoon I knew. I knew why I felt so hollow and never could do anything to change it.”

She felt a light getting warmer inside her, her core enlightened. But it wasn’t a twinkle like she felt before with other guys. She had her own floodlight inside her.

And that warmth is what lulled them in that moment. They stared at each other what it seemed an eternity, observing their features, their sparkling eyes, their lips until they met again in a sweet and comfortable kiss. One of many.

She woke up in the darkness, startled. Tesse didn’t know where she was. After a few moments, she remembered her last few conscious moments cuddled with Bryce on the couch, resting over his lap while he was stroking her hair gently and they were just chatting about everything and nothing, just like old times.

Was it true or was it a dream? She felt panic that it all had been a dream, and the reality was a nightmare where Bryce wasn’t back in her life.

Suddenly, all her fears were gone as she heard a deep breath a few inches from her ear and his arms were still secured around her.

After a few moments of hesitation, she tried to move slowly to get up from the couch.

“What are you doing, Tesse?”

“I… I should get home”

“You don’t have to go. Stay.”—He said in a raspy voice.

She felt stiff. For a moment she felt nervous that Bryce would want to try things she wasn’t ready to try yet. They were adults now. But if Bryce knew her like she used to, he would never push her to do something she didn’t want. Besides, there was nothing bad about wanting to sleep together. They did it countless times in their adolescence.

“Okay”—She finally muttered.

“Let’s get to the bed.”

Bryce guided her to his bedroom with a king-size bed and two nightstands; a desk full of medical books and two doors, the first one to a walk-in closet and the second one to the bathroom. The room was clean just as she thought it would.

“I’m gonna use the bathroom”—She said, sautering towards the second door, holding her purse on her hand.

She looked at the mirror while she was brushing her teeth, trying to comprehend all that had happened in the last hours. Bryce Lahela was back in her life. She could have him if she wanted, but it wasn’t a decision she could make now or in a few days, it would take weeks and even months before she would feel ready and free of grudges and pain to finally make a choice. And for that, she had to be brave, take a step forward and try. Maybe things in her life would finally be happy for her.

There was only one way to know.

By the time Tesse was back, Bryce was with shirt and bottoms on and had already opened the bed and turned off the lights, just a tenuous light over the nightstand was on.

“I thought you would want to change into something more comfy” — He said pointing out a par of bottoms and a shirt.

“Thank you”—She said, and then he went to the bathroom.

Tesse changed her clothes into the white shirt and a red bottoms. It looked bigger on her, just like ten years ago, or maybe bigger. Bryce was a bit taller and very muscled compared to what he used to be, so he probably was using one or two sizes bigger.

Then she just laid down in bed and waited anxiously for Bryce to come back to the room.

“Are you comfortable or do you need another pillow?” —He asked, standing in front of her.

“I’m okay, but I’ll be better when you’re here with me.”—Just that small gesture made all her anxiety go. He was the same Bryce Lahela she had fallen in love ten ywars ago. How that could be possible?

He chuckled, amused.

“You’re so cute, Tesse, you know that?”—He said, laying by her side and taking her in his arms.

“I think so, you used to tell me that a lot.”

“And I don’t plan it to be different now.”

“Aww”—She glanced up at him and brushed her lips into his. Then he locked his eyes into hers, smiling tenderly.

“I just want to hold you as much as possible, so I can believe this is real.”

“I hope all this is real. Would be a real nightmare if I wake up one day and you’re not here, and you’re not sorry and you never really cared after you left.”

“How could I not be sorry? How could I not care about you, Tesse?”

“You wouldn’t be the boy I loved. The man I love.”

“Precisely. I’m just an idiot who pulled you away, but I always cared.”

He rested his lips on her temple.

“Bryce?”

“Yeah?”

“I really hope this works.”

“Me too, Tesse.”

And they would make their best to do so.

_____

#bryce lahela #bryce lahela x mc #bryce x mc #bryce x casey #bryce #open heart #open heart choices #playchoices #choices #oh choices #choices stories you play #choices fanfiction #Oh fanfic #fanfic #open heart fanfiction

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geekgemsspooksandtoons · 3 years

Text

Not Alone

This is a story set within my Bioshock Rebirth AU. A reimaging/reboot of the Bioshock franchise. https://geekgemsspookyblog.tumblr.com/post/626141727587270656/bioshock-rebirth-timeline-this-is-a-timeline-of-an Just as a heads up if anyone is wondering about the context. I’ve had some stories in my drafts for a long time now and I’m finally publicly sharing them.

It was probably about 8 pm. Nearly all of the kids were sleeping or were going to sleep. Considering Archie has trusted Tenenbaum despite Atlas saying he shouldn’t. But Atlas decided if Arch trusts her, then he trusts his best judgement. But Archie didn’t reveal where Tenenbaum’s safehouse was at. Just in case considering Atlas and even some of his supporters were against Tenenbaum. He tried not to speak of her.

Yet considering Brigid’s determination to help the children. Archie could see that. Just with Atlas saying don’t be a poor judge of character. Considering Brigid was responsible for what happened to these girls. During this night, Archie managed to get very nice food from the poorer parts of Rapture. Mainly from Daisy Fitzroy who was surprised by the amount of food he asked. He didn’t judge him. She liked the young man.

He got some freshly made chicken, salad, whatever he got. Funny enough Mac & Cheese, fries, and strangely popcorn was in Rapture. Which was just kind of weird but he didn’t try to question it. It wasn’t anything fancy but Elizabeth and Brigid appreciated it. They all sat at a table in a room where they closed the door to not awaken any of the children. Luckily Brigid had drinks and some food left. It was difficult hiding here. She tried her best even with her little ones helping in case. But she did not to put them in danger. It felt nice she could count on someone like Archie who could bring more food. For this dinner and whatever else.

The three of them just sat down at a small table. Using the silver wear they had.

“Thank you Archie for bringing this food.” Elizabeth told him before she ate a piece of chicken.

“Yeah it’s no problem. Thought I’d help bring some more considering Tenenbaum was almost out.” He told her.

“Yes thank you Archie. I deeply appreciate it. The children haven’t had some...better food for a bit. Whatever it is...I appreciate you took your time and risked getting these.” Brigid told him.

“Oh it’s fine. But I’m grateful nobody was shooting me. I was keeping a low profile.” he told her to make sure they knew that it was fine. The three just sat there and ate. All eating the food politely. There wasn’t much talk until Elizabeth asked Archie a question.

“Hey Archie, since you are from America, where do you live at?” She asked him.

“Oh I’m from Alabama, Georgia.” He answered her question.

“How is it?” Elizabeth asked.

“It’s a alright place....it looks nice at night at times.” He answered that question.

“Georgia huh.....so your state is....kind of close to here?” Brigid told him.

“Yeah it is....which is a surprise.” He told her considering how Rapture seemed kind of near Georgia. Despite it’s near Iceland.

The man didn’t talk much. Brigid seemed kind of interested. To join in the conversation with Elizabeth.

“Do you do anything there? Yet what city do you live in?” Brigid asked him.

“Oh I’m from Atlanta. It’s again nice there. When I’m not in service. I am mainly by myself.” He answered her question and continued. “I am usually in my apartment, I go to the movies. You know like a cinema. I go out at times....but I’m usually in my apartment” He told her.

“By yourself? Do you have any family?” Elizabeth asked him.

The man didn’t answer right away. The women just looked at him.

“Umm no I don’t. I did have a family. A mom and dad....they were great....but they're gone.....something about their boathouse disappearing at the ocean.” Archie explained. He just looked down at his plate of food.

Brigid didn’t say anything and just had some widened eyes seeing the man. Elizabeth was surprised by the answer.

“Oh...I’m sorry that you had to bring that up” Elizabeth apologized to him.

“Oh it’s fine. You wanted to know just....it’s weird living without parents. If I recall I moved away after graduating high school.” He told her. “I feel like....they were the only people I interacted with. But I do socialize with some people.” Archie explained.

The two women looked at him in surprise. With Brigid not wanting to ask him. The man was silent. He was still looking at his plate. It was like that for a good 15 seconds. Brigid decided to finally ask him.

“Archie.......are you mainly by yourself?” She asked the young man.

This was a question that strangely bothered Archie. Brigid could tell by the man’s body language. They didn’t wanna push him into answering it faster. He seemed...almost shy. Trying to think of the best possible answer that wouldn’t sadden them.

“..I mean some guys in service talk to me. They're nice but.....I have no close relationships. Everyone really respects me....yet sometimes they....don’t seem to want to talk to me.” Archie told her. “....if you want a simple answer with me not trying to hide it...yes I am mainly by myself.” He told Brigid.

They haven’t seen the man this quiet. Whenever there wasn’t danger. He seemed kind of lively, but nervous. But it’s no wonder he was so reserved.

The man that seemed to risk it so much for this young woman, saving Little Sisters, and trying to survive in Rapture. He clearly exhibited signs of being an introvert. But what was really the case was a young man who seemed anti-social. Yet he clearly qualified to be where he’s at.

He was focused, raw at what he does. But due to his shy personality and other things. It seemed like the death of his parents affected him.

“Do you have any friends?” Elizabeth asked him.

“......no I don’t really have friends...especially close friends.” Archie answered her.

Her face with confusion now turned to sadness. “I’m sorry I asked that.” Elizabeth told him.

“Hey it’s okay...it’s something I don’t really think about.” He told her. To make sure she didn’t feel guilty of what she said. Brigid just looked at the man. She felt guilty asking if he was mainly by himself.

“I’m sorry too.” Brigid told him. She put her right hand on his left hand. “It’s okay.....don’t feel ashamed” Brigid told him, wanting to show him comfort in the situation. Because this wasn’t like where he be nervous to look at Elizabeth doing something like reading a book. The young man felt strangely shame and sadness explaining his life.

There was another reason she wanted to comfort him. Hearing about this surprised her. She didn’t want to ask any personal questions. But learning about his life. It feels empty, these were the side effects. The side effects of what he was actually.

“Please don’t feel guilty.” Archie told her. He didn’t want them to worry about him. He always made sure people around him were feeling fine. Especially Elizabeth, to make sure she was calm and alright. Because he wanted to make sure someone like her after being sheltered for so long knew somebody was looking after her.

“I just want you to know you're not alone here...don’t forget that.” Brigid told him. Elizabeth watched this and decided to put her left hand on his right hand. The women gave him warm smiles. This was something he felt he never had happened to him in a long time. There were people that wanted to comfort him. He mainly kept giving back to people but never asked for anything. This was something he genuinely loved.

“Thank you....both of you.” He gave them a warm smile. There was comfort in that moment that he had something he hadn’t have in years. Which was a family or people that wanted him to feel better.

Being stuck in Rapture was maybe the worst thing that happened in his life. But during all of that. This felt like a beautiful moment. Something to remember what he was fighting for. To get these two, the kids, and whoever else out of this city he honestly disliked.

He never went to Paris, he didn’t learn another language. But he wouldn’t mind having to learn French and maybe Elizabeth teaching him. That was something he wouldn’t mind when he finally gets her out of here. Maybe Tenenbaum can be there, and whoever else. He haven’t felt this close to people in so long. It was a beautiful thought, and he wanted to keep them safe.

#bioshock #bioshock rebirth #bioshock au #archie wynand #elizabeth comstock #brigid tenenbaum

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cadexfox · 4 years

Photo

✗ Oh hello, death, have you seen [ CADE FOX ] who looks a lot like [ DOMINIC SHERWOOD ]? He is a [ 27 ] year old [ MALE ] who is also a [ HUMAN/HUNTER ]. He is described as [ + PLAYFUL, + RESOURCEFUL, + STRONG ] but also [ - IMPULSIVE, - RECKLESS, - IRRITABLE ].

TW: Death, TW: Murder, TW: Torture, TW: Injury, TW: Kidnap, TW: Burns, TW: Grief... i think that covers them, there’s basically just a wash of tragedy under the read more, you have been warned.

soooo, family history? hunters. dad died when he was 8, mom at 11 and sister at 17

1 living sister ( youngest, rhiannon fox, TAKEN )

1 living brother ( oldest, niko fox, TAKEN )

1 dead sister ( second oldest, maeve, NPC )

niko is pretty much his best friend too, they’ve gotten through some shit together

so, are you ready for the tragic event of cades life?? yikes

picture it, a hunter in love. he met a girl in highschool, he was only 15 but it was literally IT for him. when he pictured his life, she was in it.

for imagery, this was her ( click here ) and her name was georgina

plus, to find a girl you could trust enough to share secrets with was rare. and since he actually saved her life by beheading a vampire in the school gym, he didn’t really have a choice but to tell her

he told her about him and his family, about the things they hunted. it seemed like a fair warning to give her once he knew they were getting serious.

she didn’t run. yay. happy cade.

over the next 8 years they grew up together and in love. she didn’t have any family of her own ( system baby ) so she pretty much became a part of his, wherever they travelled, she came too.

they came as a package deal, honestly

cade trained her to hunt, to defend herself so she always knew how to stay safe. granted this wasn’t really the life he wanted for them but it was the life they had, they both understood. you couldn’t turn your back on hunting knowing how many more innocents would die if you did, ama right?

ANYWAY, let’s skip to them being 24, so they’re still pretty fresh-faced, ya feel. the pair left to scope out a potential hunt in Georgia

three mutilated bodies and one of them was actually an old friend which is why they got the call from his brother ( who had an idea that cade and his family dealt with weird shit like this )

so there they were, sat on the sofa in the dead friends mothers home, asking questions, trying to get a feel for what kind of creature they were dealing with, but something was OFF

where was the brother? why hadn’t he answered his phonecalls when they rang to say they were arriving?

his instincts were twitching and there was alarm bells going off in his head. this woman, the other? she smelt funny. what was that? sulfur?

when the dots finally connected, he was visibly tense. they weren’t armed, they weren’t expecting a fight. they’d only came to gather information

he kept his cool, trying not to alert the possessed mother he was onto her but of course, it was too late for that when three other demons appeared from nowhere

everything went black, he awoke chained down in the basement opposite his girlfriend, holy shitballs

as it turned out, the ring leader demon had plotted this entire thing to get them here, she wanted information

info he didn’t have, might i add

for whatever reason, she believed it was him and his family who exorcised her demon lover ( ffs, right )

queue the torture, queue the grief every time she burned his girlfriend with a hot iron for not answering her questions

how could he? he didn’t have the answers but she didn’t believe him

with every shriek from his girl, his heart broke just a little bit more

by the time the day was up, there was barely an inch of her skin that hadn't been fried ( and the smell was so bad he felt sick )

this was it, wasn’t it? he’d broken his wrist trying to slip the chains, only to be caught

so, 28 hours later? the demon relented. she believed him. but did she let them go? nah. she steered the hot iron poker SLOWLY through his girlfriend's throat until that last bit of life left her eyes

her screams, her pleas and cries for him to help her pretty much haunt him on the daily

the love of his life was dead and he was trapped there with her mutilated body, being burned himself just for the amusement of the demons

this went on for a day and a half until niko came to his rescue

though the severity of his injuries had put him in a state that was barely conscious, he was in no right mind to help, but luckily his brother was smart and he did manage to send their asses back to hell

the first thing he did when niko freed his chains was drop to his knees in front of his girlfriend's body and he BROKE

such blood-curling yells of grief and pain that somehow felt so much worse than every one of his third-degree burns

he was a shattered man, who quite honestly didn’t want to get back up off that floor, if it wasn’t for niko and rhiannon, he’d have laid down to die right there

the weeks after were a blur. he didn’t speak, not a word during his recovery. he walked out of the hospital once he was able to move ( against all the doctors wishes ) they wanted to do skin grafts but honestly? he didn’t care it wouldn’t really make a difference to him now

the months after saw a drastic change to his personality. he’d already lost both parents and a sister which took its own toll, but he had HER, she was his sounding board, the one who kept him upright ( for the most part ) without her? not even his siblings' influence did much to keep him from letting his grief eat him up

his eyes held a sadness he couldn’t hide, his behaviour was erratic. gone with the playful prankster, he changed into a reckless prick for a while, to be honest

no regard for his safety, he’d skip out, hunt alone, drink too much, start fight that didn’t need to be started

this went on for a whole year until something ELSE happened. his extreme behaviour almost got a hunter friend killed. it was a wakeup call

he began to make a conscious effort to pull his shit back together and get his life back on track, which wasn’t and still isn’t easy

he still has dark days and a lot of them to be honest, but at least he’s back to being level headed ( most of the time )

over the next two years, he slowly started coming back to himself, regain that playful side, the charm, the general kindness

basically, he just got better at hiding his inner turmoil, or drowning it in alcohol and random one night hook ups

the physical injuries healed, littering scars across his front and back which NOW, as of 3 months ago, have been covered by tattoos. symbols, markings, all strategically placed to cover the worst of the burns

with strange supernatural happenings on the rise and whispers in the hunter community of an apocalypse, the call was made to a couple old friends, the winchesters

so, cade and niko are clued in and ready to stand and fight, save the world and all that crap, ayy

i think i covered everything i wanted to?? let’s GO

#armhq:intro #about #triggers at the top #my tragedy

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deans-baby-momma · 6 years

Text

The Padackles Link-Chapter 6

Summary: After unflattering news is reported, Drea decides its time to tell her story.

Somewhere in the US, two weeks later

I was standing in line at the convenience store, waiting to pay for my purchases and tank of gas when I first spotted it. A tabloid cover alluding to the fact that there was “Trouble in Paradise So Soon: Danneel Ackles seen getting cozy with mystery woman while husband Jensen looks on”.

Since learning their last name, I had kind of become stalker-ish when it came to my famous friends. I would read almost anything that had to do with Jensen and Danneel Ackles. Not that I didn’t fully trust them by now, but it still amazed me that two celebrities had stopped on the side of the road to help a stranger with car troubles.

That day had definitely changed my life and I was grateful. I had a friend, two, in fact who seemed to care and were concerned for me. I hadn’t had many friends before our move to Georgia for Chad’s promotion and hadn’t really gotten around to making any when I lived in Georgia, before or after Chad’s death. Most of my family were gone so that had just left Chad. And he was the bestest of best friends a girl could have asked for.

Now someone was causing my new buddies problems and I sympathized with them. No one wanted problems in their love lives, married or just dating. Thankfully in our 6 years of being together, Chad and I had never had any major issues, nothing that couldn’t be resolved with talking it out.

Stepping up to the counter, I place my bag of chips, candy bar and soda to pay. The cashier looked up with a smile but faltered. “You’re her!” she exclaimed, surprising me. What was she talking about? I’m who?

“I’m sorry,” I apologized. “I think you have me confused with someone else.”

“No, you are her. The woman in the pictures with that actress.”

Now my interest was definitely piqued. “What pictures? What actress?”

She grabs the tabloid off the rack and flipping it open to a page filled with pictures that I recognize; the gala. I notice pictures of people I had spotted that night. Pictures of celebrities posing, smiling for the camera. But right in the middle is what stuns me. There in glossy color is a snapshot taken of Dani holding my hand as Jensen walked in front of us, looking clueless.

Not that that was what happened. Not in the least. But the printed picture showed proof of the existence of an affair. Yea, right! I laugh at the picture and look up at the cashier who is perplexed at my reaction. “They have it all wrong. That was so innocent. I got lost in the crowd and Dani grabbed my hand to help me keep up. That’s all it was.”

The cashier doesn’t look convinced. She actually glares at me before scanning my items and taking my money. I go ahead and buy the magazine too; I want to see what the article had stated.

At the hotel three towns over, I lay on the bed reading the article and shaking my head at just how wrong their information is.

Last week at the gala held in San Francisco, we got a glimpse into what could actually be problems in the Ackles’ recent marriage. Jensen and Danneel (Harris) Ackles were wed on May 15, 2010 at the Crescent Hotel in Dallas, TX. Dallas is Jensen’s hometown. Now, just a little over a year it looks like the honeymoon might be over for the newlyweds. Danneel was captured holding hands with an unknown female companion as Jensen seems oblivious Who is this woman? Who is she to the Ackles? More importantly, who, or maybe what, is she to Danneel?

As soon as I finish the article, I pick up my phone and text Dani.

<Hey! Have you seen the latest issue of Rise Weekly? >

<No, why?? >

<Really? Why am I always the last one to know? :) >

<Yea, you’re having a sordid affair. >

<What? I wasn’t holding hands with anyone. > <Oh wait, so you and I are an item now? Hot damn!! >

Laughing at her response, I decide to play along.

<Yea, who knew I could land a sexy as sin celebrity just by running over a nail. >

<Omg! I gotta call Jay. This is just going to break his heart. >

Understanding her sarcasm, I respond in jest.

A few minutes later, as I am eating my dinner and watching a rerun of Three’s Company, my phone dinged, alerting me to a new message. The number is unknown but I open it anyway.

<So, you’re trying to steal my wife? You homewrecker you! >

It’s Jensen; Dani must have given him my number.

<Yea, sorry about that. Just couldn’t control myself. You know how hot she is! ;) >

<LOL! Okay, call me schooled. But seriously, everything okay? >

<Yes, Jensen. I’m fine. Chilling in my hotel watching reruns of shows made before I was even born. Such a thrilling life I lead. >

<Well, now you have my number. If you need anything, call me okay? >

<Okay, I will. >

<Yea? >

The next few days were uneventful. I was enjoying some time outside of the confines of my car. Spending the day visiting the town’s shoppes during the day and sleeping in a warm comfortable bed at the hotel at night. I was content. No one knew who I was; no one recognized me from that gossip rag. Life was fair. Unfortunately things were about to change.

I was sitting on the bed, flipping channels trying to find something to watch when my eyes caught a glimpse of a familiar face. Jensen was walking through a parking garage and apparently someone had shoved a camera in his face. I turn up the volume and listen.

“Jensen. Jensen, headed home?

“Yes. Going home to my wife.”

“How is Danneel? How’s married life?”

“She’s good. It’s great. No complaints.” He smiles that charming smile

“Who’s the mystery woman? Is it true Danneel is cheating on you with another woman?” Jensen face morphs into annoyance. “No comment.”

“Ok. Thank you Jensen.”

The view on the television changes to what looks like a newsroom with people sitting around talking; one man standing. He speaks when the camera points to him.

“So no news on the mystery lady? No statement from either Ackles camps?

Another man answers, “No, but we are looking into it. As of right now, though, she remains a mystery.”

I feel violated. Some gossip entertainment show is trying to dig up information on me? Because I was spotted with Jensen and Danneel? Is a simple friendship not valued anymore? All these questions run through my mind but what really worries me is that if my story is dug up, how will they spin that? I lost my husband so I ran away? I’m having an affair with a woman because my husband died? The fear of what rumors could be spread makes me aware of one thing: it is time to tell my story to Jensen and Danneel.

I pick up my phone and find Dani’s contact info. Instead of texting, I decide to call. This is too personal to be done via text. She picks up on the second ring. “To what do I owe the pleasure of an actual phone call my dear?”

“Dani,” I try to keep my voice level but it breaks, alerting her to my distress.

“What’s wrong? Her voice serious now.

“It’s time.” That’s all I say and with the almost inaudible gasp I hear, I know she understands.

“Where are you? How long will it take you to get here?”

“Colorado Springs. I can probably be there in a day?”

“Okay. Jensen is on hiatus now so he’s home. Come here and we’ll talk okay?

“Yea, see you then.”

We hang up and I start packing the few things I have to pack. The faster I get on the road, the faster I get to Dallas, the faster I can finally tell them my story. I’m on the road within an hour, trying to visualize how they are going to take my sad news. I can’t dwell on it though. It is my story and there’s nothing I can do to change it.

Almost 14 hours later, I pull up to the Ackles residence, primed and prepared to recount the depressing story of Chad and Audrea Murphy.

@xxdragonagequeenxx @waywardlodging @darlingpeanut

#jensen ackles #daneel ackles #jared padalecki #genevieve padalecki #thepadackleslink #jensen x ofc #jensen x drea #daneel x ofc daneel x drea

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imamotherfuckingstar-lord · 7 years

Text

The One, Part 3

Jim Kirk x Reader

Warnings: angst

Summary: It had been years since you had last since Jimmy. The two of you were highschool sweethearts, until you parted ways. After a horrible breakup with your two timing ex-fiance, you transfer to the U.S.S Enterprise. Finally coming face to face with the boy you left behind. Can the two of you work alongside each other in peace? Or will the past come back to haunt you?

Masterlist

It had been two months since your arrival on the U.S.S Enterprise and you had slipped into a familiar routine on the ship. Working with Dr. McCoy had proven to be demandingly pleasing and quite time consuming. You hardly saw Jim, a few glimpses here and there, but for the most part he kept to the Bridge. And you kept to the Med Bay, for the most part.

You walked into Leonard MCcoy’s office, just as he was pouring himself a glass of whiskey. He looked up and grinned at you, offering a glass of your own.

“I’m off duty,” you proposed holding up your sketchbook. “So yes.”

Leonard chuckled and motioned for you to take a seat. “How was your day off? Miss the sickening diseases these people keep getting?”

You laughed and took the glass he slid toward you. “No so much, I was just coming back from the observation deck. I was getting some drawing done.”

“Drawing?”

“I’m not just an amazingly proficient nurse. I studied art for many years, until I decided nursing was my calling.” You took a sip of the whiskey and made a humming noise. “Oh, that is good.”

“Right? Picked it up on our last shore leave,” Leonard smirked setting his glass down. “So are you going to show me these drawings of yours?”

“Sure,” you handed over the spiral sketchbook and leaned back into your seat. “Mostly just drawings of home.”

“Hmm,” Leonard responded, flipping through the pages carefully. He landed on a ink drawing of an old pickup truck, he delicately ran a finger along the hood of the car. “I use to have one like this when I was 18, back in Georgia.”

“Really? That was my baby. My old man gave it to me when I turned 16.”

“So three years ago?” Leonard teased.

“I am not that young, I’m the same age as Jim,” you retorted with a soft smile.

“Speaking of which, have you talked to him much?”

“Smooth, Doctor,” you chuckled shifting in the chair. “I hardly have time to even talk to you, let alone our Captain.”

Leonard gave you a hard stare before glancing back down at the sketchbook. “If you say so.”

You downed the rest of the whiskey, making a sour expression before standing up. “Well, thanks for the drink. But I’m going to go grab some lunch, want to come?”

The handsome doctor shook his head and kindly declined. “Enjoy your lunch.”

“Thanks and hey keep it,” you nodded at the sketchbook. “The drawing, you should have it.”

Leonard looked at you in disbelief, he started to shake his head but quickly smiled. You watched him skillfully tear the page out of the book and hand it over to you. “Sign it, just in case your nursing skills go to hell and you have to fall back on your drawing career.”

Laughing you take a pen off his desk and sign the corner of the page. “Here you go. A Y/L/N original.”

He grinned and thanked you again. You left the office rolling your eyes and feeling lucky to have found a good friend in Leonard McCoy.

“Bones, there you are,” Jim waltzed into his friend’s office with a huge grin on his face. “Scotty’s having drinks in his quarters later tonight.”

Leonard looked up from his PADD and pointed to his glass of whiskey. “I’ve already had a few.”

Jim smirked and sat on the edge of Leonard’s desk, much to his dismay. “Will you get off!”

“So touchy, Bones.”

“Yeah. Yeah. So what time should I go down to Scotty’s?”

Jim’s eyes wandered around his room and shrugged. “Around 6.”

“Sounds good. Need to finish up these damn reports.”

“Mhm,” Jim responded, his eyes moved down to the desk. His body stilled when he saw a drawing lying on the desk. The artist’s lines and style were recognizable, he had seen them so many times. And the subject of the drawing shook him, Jim hadn’t seen that pickup truck in so long. Leonard noticed how quiet Jim had gotten and glanced up from his PADD. His eyes watched Jim’s lips form a nostalgic smile and his eyes soften at the drawing.

“She gave it to you, huh?” Jim asked quietly, lifting the drawing from the desk. He noticed your signature and quickly placed the drawing back down.

“Yeah, she was in here earlier today,” Leonard replied nonchalantly. “She’s really good.”

“I know, I remember.”

“Don’t move, Jimmy!” You laughed and tilted his head with your fingers. “I’m almost done, just relax.”

“I am relaxed, what’s more relaxing than spending the day with my girl?” His blue eyes smiled at you, as you warned him not to move. The two of you were sitting in your blue pickup truck, parked down by the high school. It was a hot evening in June and Jim had skipped out on his job to spend some time with you before you were off to a month long art course in San Francisco. Truthfully, he didn’t want you to go. Jim selfishly wanted you to himself, but he knew that you were meant for more than living in some small town. He watched out of the corner of his eye, the way you hummed softly as you sketched away. Jim pulled at his shirt as he clinged to his sweaty chest, you groaned at his movement, but had a smile on your face.

“Let’s go swimming,” he looked out toward the high school. “We can hop the fence, they keep the pool clean for the public.”

“Breaking and entering?” you put the finishing touch on Jim’s mouth and closed the sketchbook. “Sounds good to me, you delinquent.”

15 minutes later, after Jim talked you through climbing the chain linked fence surrounding the pool, the two of you stood over the deep end. The sun had now gone down, there were no lights on, so the darkness started to surround the pair of you. Jim threw off his shirt, tossing it aside and started to unlace his shoes.. His blue eyes lifted toward you and he smirked. “What are you waiting for?”

At that point in your relationship, the two of you had gotten intimate and you had seen his bare body plenty of times. But you had never skinny dipped with him, so you smiled coyly and shrugged. “I was just seeing if you were going full frontal.”

Jim laughed and unbuckled his pants, pulling them down. “Full frontal it is.”

Smirking like a damn fool, you quickly dispense the clothing on your back and reached out to Jim’s hand. With his eyes on yours, he smiled softly. “I’m ready when you are.”

“So Jim, I’ll meet you down at Scotty’s. I’m going to go check up on some patients.”

The Captain jerked from his thoughts and stood up from the desk. “Sounds good, Bones.”

You were three drinks in, sitting next to Uhura and Ensign Hayden, who had dragged you from your quarters to join the small gathering. The three of you dived into a conversation easily, so when Uhura asked why you had transferred, you told her about Ranin.

“It’s his loss. Men are idiots sometimes,” she took a sip from her drink and rolled her eyes.

“Yeah, sometimes,” you replied with a soft smile.

“So since you’re single now, any guys on the ship you have an eye on?” Hayden asked with a sly smile. “You have been spending a lot of time with Dr. McCoy.”

“He’s the Chief Medical Officer, I’m his head nurse,” you laughed. “He’s a good friend.”

“Sure,” Hayden retorted. You sent her a glare, but her eyes were fixated forward. You followed her line of vision right to Leonard and Jim, who were walking into the room. Jim was smiling at something the doctor was saying and your heart ached for the boy he once was. You looked down at the drink in your hand and listened to Hayden whisper that she had the biggest crush on the Captain. “Tonight’s the night, ladies,” she announced confidently. “He’s going to be mine.”

Your eyes shot up at the attractive woman and you hated the pang of jealous you felt in your chest. “You have no chance, “ Uhura stated. “Jim’s reputation does not precede him.”

Hiding a smile, you looked up at Hayden who had a frown on her face. “What are you saying?”

“Uhura’s saying that Jim doesn’t sleep around,” you answered taking a sip from your drink.

Hayden huffed and stood up, “I can be very convincing.”

She walked away, toward where Jim stood next to Scotty. Feeling betrayed by the jealous you felt, you turned to Uhura with a fake smile. “She’s a go getter, that one.”

“She doesn’t stand a chance, Jim doesn’t fool around with his crew member.”

Your glanced over at Jim, who was talking to Hayden. She had her hand on his forearm and was leaning into him. It had been years since you had last seen Jim and he had indeed changed, but you recognized that look on his face. He was being polite. You couldn’t help but smile in victory, but it quickly faded when his blue eyes meet yours. Jim’s lips pulled into a small grin and he said something to Hayden. She slowly released her hand from his arm and he walked toward you.

“This stuff Scotty has isn’t too bad,” Jim stood in front of Uhura and you. “Mind if I take a seat?”

“Go ahead, Jim,” Uhura motioned to the empty seat next to you. Your mouth dried as his knee touched yours, your eyes peered down at your drink. Jim watched you lift it to your mouth and chug down the rest of the alcohol. He could tell you were nervous and a little part of him delighted in that fact.

“How’s everything in MedBay? Bones tells me you’re a real contender,” Jim smiled softly and you hated him for it.

“Lee’s an amazing doctor, he’s been a big help.”

“Spock’s here, be right back,” Uhura got up and left the two of you alone. You shifted in your seat and couldn’t make eye contact with Jim. The two of you hadn’t been this close in so long, it was starting to hurt.

“You’re nervous,” Jim stated cooly. You meet his gaze and were immediately assaulted by his baby blues. Blue eyes that you recognized, even if the boy they once belonged to was now a man. A man you hardly knew now, but if you looked long enough you show the person you loved once.

“I’m good,” you answered with a smile.

Jim lifted his eyebrow and chuckled. “You were always such a bad liar!”

“I am not!” you retorted with a grin, letting go of any apprehension.

“Oh, come on! Remember that time you tried to surprise me for my birthday. Terrible liar!”

“You weren’t surprised?” Your mouth gaped open in shock and you playfully smacked him on the arm.

Jim let out a loud laugh and rubbed at his arm. “I’m sorry! It was a good not suprise suprise.”

“Well I was a 16 year old kid. Kinda hard to plan a romantic day out with no money.”

“I haven’t had a better birthday since then,” Jim confessed taking a sip from his drink.

“A trip to the lake and terrible homemade food? And you haven’t had a good birthday since then? I pity you Jimmy.” Instantly you regretted letting that name slip from your lips, but Jim’s face said differently.

He lit up and smirked at your flushed face. “No one calls me that anymore.”

Your lips part to tell him that it felt nice to say, but Leonard had waltzed up with a bottle of whiskey and offered a refill. Jim held out his glass first, his eyes flickered at you for a moment before he brought down his drink. Leonard looked to you, so you held up your drink. The doctor tipped the bottle and poured a good amount in, when he was pulling away his eyes widen.

“You have a tattoo! How come I never noticed?”

Your hand shot back down to your side, eyes avoided Jim. “I guess you aren’t as observant as you thought, Lee,” you said smoothly. “Relax, It’s just a tattoo.”

He snorted and rolled his eyes. “Or you’ve been hiding it.”

“Why would she hide it? It’s just a tattoo.” Jim pointed out in a matter of fact tone.

Sensing tension, Leonard cleared his throat and looked at you. Your lips were shut tightly and your eyes were focused on the floor.

“Well, it’s a nice tattoo,” the doctor offered, but you could feel yourself breaking. And you were not doing that in front of either men. So you stood up quickly and walked out the room drink still in hand. Once in the corridor, you let out a sharp gasp and held a hand over your mouth. Jim must have had seen the tattoo and if he had, then he knew it was inked in. That you blacked out his initials and by the way he spoke, it must have hurt him. But you had to do, it was a necessity.

“Y/N,” Jim spoke from behind you. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“It’s fine,” you muttered closing your eyes tightly, fighting back tears. Ones that had no right to be there. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be upset.”

“Why are you?”

“I don’t know,” you admitted turning to face him. He stood there hands at his sides and a hard expression on his face. “But I know I don’t deserve to be hurt.”

Jim sighed and rolled up his gold commander sleeve, revealing the star tattoo with your initials. Your heart dropped and tears fell down your face. He still had it, he never filled it in. “Jim.”

“Don’t worry about it, it’s just a tattoo right?” His shoulders gave a small shrug and you quickly wiped the tears from your eyes.

“I came here to work, not to drudge up the past,” you professed stepping away from Jim, prepared to walk away.

“Of all the ships you could have transferred to, you expect me to believe it was just a coincidence?”

“I’m not going to apologize for wanting to work on the best ship in the Fleet,” you argued, tears drying from your eyes.

“Why are you even here? Weren’t you supposed to be a famous artist by now?” Jim bellowed out, anger filled his veins.

“Low blow, Jim,” you hissed clutching the drink in your hand. “I’m here because I’m a damn good nurse.”

Jim shook his head violently. “That wasn’t the plan! You left to study art and you’re a nurse! A nurse!”

“We were kids, Jimmy!” you yelled, throwing a hand up in frustration. “We were two 17 year old punk kids! What did you expect? We’d get married? Have kids? Never leave that damn town!”

“I was expecting you to come back!” He roared out, you froze at his admission. The two of you stood quiet, neither knowing what to say next. His face soften in regret and you brushed a strand of hair from your face.

“Not trying to interrupt confession time, but you two do realize everyone inside can hear?” Leonard appeared at the door, sending sympathetic looks at both of Jim and you. You quickly walked over to him and handed him the drink. “Tell Scotty I said thanks for the invite. I’m headed to bed. See you in the morning, Doctor.”

“Y/N,” Jim whispered softly, stepping forward to you. But Leonard grabbed his arm and sent him a warning look. He sighed and brought his hand back down.

“Night, fellas,” you echoed out, walking away from the two men. Away from the pain you heard in Jim’s voice, the pain you put there.

Tagging: @captain-almighty @whovianayesha @evilrocknroll @hope-mundane@indierockukbond @feelmyroarrrr @mysterymegal @protontippens @supernaturallymarvellous@rayleyanns @bucky-laufeyson @dracsgirl @enaishungry @all-things-nerdy @dr-dean @ladyxdezi @infinity1321 @run-with-the-fandoms @kristaparadowski@curlyhairedblueeyedangel @kitchenwitchsuperwhovian @fantasticimpaladoctor@omgikwangminwoo @usynthpunk @darkchocolaterey@stargirlhorse @tiny-sam-is-my-jam @uss-lesbian @serenityspiral @fizzylollipop12 @ghostlydetectivenerd@pretty-with-andorian-shingles@musingsongbird @andrastesflamingtitties @daughterofthebrowncoats @caffiene-nights @brownbuble @spinsterlocity @mysteriouslyme81 @raversam @ababyinatrenchcoat @fandomheadrush @amy-longhurst1699 @chunkymonky11 @randomlittleimp @mspseudonymwho @cassidy-the-crazy-mofo @harleenquinsellovesj @imoutofmyvulcanmind @irony-is-my-life @iwillstaywiththemforever @yourtropegirl @woodlandfoxtea

Forever tags: @my-amazing-nerdyness @naih-reedus @maciiiofficial @casownsmyass @adorable-assbutt @jade-taillia @fangirlextraordinaire @indominusregina @feelmyroarrrr @my-rainbow-wonderland @myhopeisinfinite @girl-next-door-writes @policeofficerdean @dontbeamenacetotheforce @melonberri @theothergirl2212 @superisatomboyuniverse @xloudwhocares @crownie-sr @darkmystress00 @castieltrash1 @hannahsakorax3

Want to be tagged? let me know!

#The One #james t kirk #james kirk #kirk x reader #james kirk x reader #star trek #kirk #captain kirk #star trek imagines #imagine #imagines #starfleet

338 notes · View notes

jeremystrele · 5 years

Text

10 Top Tips From Creative Small Business Owners

Small Business

Fiona Killackey

Nicolle Sullivan and her team at Cultiver. Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.

It’s been almost two years since we launched this monthly Small Business column, and today, we’re distilling some of the best tips and advice from creative small business owners, to inspire, motivate and educate you for the business year ahead!

From networking and money matters, through to gaining international stockists and hiring staff, there’s advice for every business owner (or freelancer!), no matter which stage you’re at.

Cultiver talks the importance of SEO and utilising analytics daily. Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.

On Staying Motivated

‘The best advice I could give would be building and keeping in touch with a network of fellow business owners, and advisors. Talking through issues, asking for feedback, getting inspired by speaking to others – all this helps to overcome the challenges of being a sole business owner,’ tells Nicolle Sullivan of Cultiver.

‘I also include in this people I follow, through podcasts and blogs, learning from their shared experiences and taking comfort that some frustrations are not just mine alone. I’m excited to make new connections in 2019, and learn more from them, as well as “paying it forward” with others just starting their business.’

Jeremy Wortsman of Jacky Winter Group and Creative Mornings Melbourne. Photo – Amelia Stanwix for The Design Files.

On Networking + Meeting New People

‘You just have to go [to events]!’ says Jeremy Wortsman of The Jacky Winter Group and Creative Mornings Melbourne.

‘Running your own business is full of things you don’t like or want to do. I still have to clean the toilets sometimes and run software updates on laptops, not because I love doing those things, but because it’s vital to keeping the business going. Networking and meeting people is the same – avoid it at your own peril.

My biggest piece of advice, however, is that you don’t need to attend other events to network. You can always just start your own, and it doesn’t need to be a large thing. Even a small irregular meet-up of 2-3 like-minded people can have huge impacts. There’s so much support for niche events at the moment and sometimes the more focussed you can make something, the more relevant it can be for you and others.

If you do attend/host an event to network:

1. Don’t think about what this person can do for you, but what you can offer them. Going into any interaction with a spirit of generosity, no matter what the circumstances.

2. Educate yourself broadly! If you are networking properly you will probably be meeting lots of people outside your industry. It helps knowing who people are and what they do before you meet them.

3. When going solo to an event don’t be afraid of silence or awkward moments. Challenge yourself to put your phone away and just sit with the unbearable awkwardness of being alone and see what happens.’

Cassie Lucas (far right) and the Firecracker Event team! Photo – Emily Weaving for The Design Files.

Firecracker moved to a much bigger HQ later in 2018. Photo – Emily Weaving for The Design Files.

On Scaling Your Business

‘Go for it. And pace yourself. You don’t have to do it all yesterday,’ tells Cassie Lucas of Firecracker Event.

‘It helps me when I break it down. Put it into a 12-month plan, then break that down into 3 months and then monthly. This makes all the things you’d like to do feel very achievable and less overwhelming. I re-jig my plan all the time as things change.

Save. Save some energy, some time and some cash (for yourself and for that rainy day).’

Line Paras, ‘boss lady’ of bookkeeping, payroll and business support agency, Counting Clouds. Photo – Amelia Stanwix for The Design Files.

On Managing Your Money

‘When people are just starting out they can jump the gun and be reactive rather than proactive, and not always consider the big picture first when making financial decisions,’ says Line Paras of Counting Clouds.

‘Business management, bookkeeping and accounting should never be an afterthought. Doing your own books will not make you more money! Doing what you do best – running your business, moving and shaking, making your art, selling your wares is what will help you make a profit and probably/hopefully it is also what makes YOU happy.

At a minimum, anyone in business should aim to save 15% of your earnings each week for GST and tax. Keep your receipts and get a bookkeeper’.

Abigail Forsyth of KeepCup. Photo – Amelia Stanwix for The Design Files.

On Hiring New Staff, Contractors or Suppliers

‘Do your research and call some people, tells Abigail Forsyth of KeepCup.

‘We talk about finding the gold nuggets in any conversation, they are always there if you are listening. Ask questions. Be curious. How much? How long? What works? What doesn’t? Once you have spoken to a few potential suppliers you can start to decode the language of the industry you need help in. Who will actually be doing the work? Ask for references. Call them.

There’s nothing wrong with getting three quotes to get a feel for what the market pays. It’s a fair rule of thumb, that you get what you pay for, if the expectations are clear.

Ask yourself:

1. Are they [the person/agency applying for the role] genuinely curious about the opportunity? Can you have a robust commercial discussion about an issue, because the best outcome requires your input and theirs.

2. Is there an alignment of culture and values?

3. What are the metrics of success? Is it transparency about that?

…Understand that whilst experts can contribute skills, no one can match your passion for your own business.’

Becca Stern of Mustard, which launched in February 2018. Photo – Bronte Godden of Lazy Bones.

On Launching A Product-Based Business

‘I always come back to the words: Done is better than perfect.,’ admits Becca Stern of Mustard.

‘Mustard is evolving fast. We don’t have everything fixed and final. Being a small business means you can and need to be agile and there’s a strength in moving quickly and responsively.

From a very early stage, I committed to telling anyone I met about Mustard (sorry for the random locker rants!). Although the plan wasn’t fully formed and the products weren’t even in existence, I put it out there and grew from the response. If you wait for perfect, you’ll be waiting forever.

Ask lots of people for their opinions, advice, and experience. Ask as much as you can! Then… ignore a good chunk of it and go with your instinct! Having a clear vision of the brand you are creating helps you filter all that information and take what is really useful. Take what you need and discard the rest.’

Georgia Perry. Photo – Amelia Stanwix for The Design Files.

The bulk of Georgia’s business transactions are carried out online, with customers spanning across the globe. Photo – Amelia Stanwix for The Design Files.

On Securing International Stockists

‘Firstly I think a good way to look at it is – buyers are always on the hunt for cool new products to fill their shops with,’ explains Georgia Perry. ‘You could be doing them a massive favour by reaching out and showing them something they haven’t seen before. If you can get them to open an email you’re halfway there.

Secondly – buyers/store owners are insanely busy people, so you want to do everything you can to make it easy for them to want your stuff. This means eliminating any barriers to purchase like long boring biographies, low-res product photos, or not including a wholesale price list.

You need to make your selling tools clear, concise and easy on the eye. If you can’t do it yourself, enlist a friend who can to take some product photos or help design a lookbook for you. Just a couple of pages will do.

Then – just be friendly and persistent! Our other motto is “It’s never a no until it’s a no!” People are busy so don’t be put off straight away. Maybe they missed your email or mailout. Drop them a friendly follow up message, but also – respect their decision if they politely decline, and then move on to someone else.’

The Gordon family of Robert Gordon Australia. Left to right: Kate Gordon, Sam Gordon, Robert Gordon, Barbara Gordon, Bobby Gordon, and Hannah Gordon. Photo – Sean Fennessy.

On Collaboration

‘The biggest advice I’d give to anyone considering collaborations is to respect your brand – does the collaboration work in favour of that?’ asks Kate Gordon or Robert Gordon.

…Honestly, not all collaborations work. They can be super costly and when there are too many people involved or too many “mouths to feed” as Dad would say, it’s hard to justify.

…We tread carefully into each collaboration and don’t take them lightly.’

Abigail Crompton of Third Drawer Down (left) speaks to her email marketing coordinator (right). Photo – Amelia Stanwix for The Design Files.

Third Drawer Down has amassed a global following of art lovers. Photo – Amelia Stanwix for The Design Files.

On Great Customer Communication

‘My advice would be to decide whether you want to be a trend or part of tradition. From there comes everything, including your tone of voice and how you communicate with your customers,’ says Abigail Crompton of Third Drawer Down.

Also, embrace the things that go wrong and learn from them – or laugh at them! If our website shopping cart hadn’t have gone down without our knowledge back in the early stages of launching, we wouldn’t have received a phone call from Sarah Jessica Parker in New York who was awake and online shopping at 2am because she was up with her newborns! We actually got chatting and found out she was an online customer of ours through that call, and she visited the store when she was in Melbourne! We had a photo taken and now I think she is my BFF!!!!’

Mark Rubbo (managing director and co-owner) and Joe Rubbo (Carlton bookshop manager) in the newly renovated Readings store. Photo – Caitlin Mills for The Design Files.

On Facing Competition

‘Our industry, including Readings, was hit really badly by the likes of Amazon and Book Depository. Prices of overseas books in Australia were really distorted,’ explains Mark Rubbo of Readings.

Book Depository was offering books at a third of their Australian price. I did a lot of lobbying with the Australian distributors to get them to bring their prices down. We went early online, and kept on investing more and more (we still are); initially, we tried to match our competitors especially with free freight – we haemorrhaged money but our sales grew amazingly. We had to introduce a small freight charge; we lost a lot of sales and still lose money but not nearly as much.

We’ve had to be more creative with our offers, differentiating ourselves from those that offer the cheapest price; I see our online as another form of marketing and a way of building our community digitally.

So my advice would be to be different and DO NOT try to beat the competitors on price. If you are different you will build up a loyal core.’

Fiona Killackey is business consultant, author and mentor for My Daily Business Coach.

You can sign up to her weekly email full of small biz insights and tips here or purchase her new ebook, all about goal setting and having a great business year here.

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mysteryshelf · 7 years

Text

BLOG TOUR - Big City Heat

Welcome to

THE PULP AND MYSTERY SHELF and the May Mid-Month of Mystery Week!

DISCLAIMER: This content has been provided to THE PULP AND MYSTERY SHELF by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. No compensation was received. This information required by the Federal Trade Commission.

Big City Heat: A Brack Pelton Mystery

by David Burnsworth

on Tour April 24 – May 26, 2017

Synopsis:

Lowcountry bar owner and ex-Marine Brack Pelton heads to Atlanta in the wake of a panicked 3 AM phone call. A woman is missing and Brack’s friend Mutt is in danger. Brack’s old flame, investigative news correspondent Darcy Wells, now lives there and is set to marry another man. If Brack was honest with himself, and he usually wasn’t, he’d realize that the missing woman isn’t the reason for his visit. His Semper Fi buddy Mutt can handle himself just fine.

When Brack and Mutt team up to find the woman, the Atlanta underworld revolts, the two biggest players target them, and people start dying. Most people would size up the situation, call it impossible, and walk away. But most people are not Brack Pelton. Impossible situations are his specialty. He made it through Afghanistan and when the military commanders mistook suicidal tendencies for leadership qualities they promoted him. Can Brack succeed at finding the woman, protecting his friend, and winning the girl without destroying the Capital of the South? Not since Sherman’s march across Georgia has the city of Atlanta been in this much danger.

Book Details:

Genre: Mystery Published by: Henery Press Publication Date: April 25, 2017 Number of Pages: 212 ISBN: 9781635111996 Series: A Brack Pelton Mystery Book, 3 Purchase Links: Amazon 🔗 | Barnes & Noble 🔗 | Goodreads 🔗

Read an excerpt:

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me… Psalm 23:4

Atlanta, Georgia, Wednesday night, Mid-May

Brack Pelton waited in his Porsche by a no-parking zone in a very bad part of the city and watched someone he thought he knew well climb out of an old Eldorado convertible. The man entered a ramshackle building with a neon beer mug shining through its one dirty window.

Easing away from the red-marked bus stop, Brack found a better location down the block and pulled in. Before getting out of the Porsche, he woke Shelby, his tan mixed-breed dog slumbering in the backseat, and pulled a forty-five from the glovebox. He verified a round was chambered.

Shelby licked his lips and gave a quick bark as Brack slid the pistol down the back waistband of his cargo shorts.

Patting his dog on the head, Brack asked, “Ready?” A needless question. Another bark affirmed Shelby’s stand on things.

“When we get inside, your job is to find Mutt. Okay?” Shelby licked his face. Brack knew that as long as their target hadn’t escaped out some back door, Shelby would find him. Mutt was one of his favorite people. Brack’s too. That was why tracking him like this went against everything he believed in doing.

Mutt was the one who often rode shotgun with Brack as they’d right Charleston’s wrongs. Now Mutt was the one in the crosshairs. Thanks to an early morning phone call from Cassie, Mutt’s girlfriend, a life depended on answers his friend would give. The forty-five wouldn’t come out unless trouble came up.

The barroom’s rusty screen door screeched open. Shelby darted ahead, already focused on his objective. Brack entered a time warp. Uncanny how even the sour bar wash fragrance and cigarette smoke were the same. Through the old familiar haze, he imagined Mutt standing behind a peeling Formica counter pouring drinks to patrons who could barely afford their rent. Somehow, Mutt had managed to replicate his termite-infested watering hole three hundred miles west of where his original joint stood before some spoiled neighborhood brat burned it down.

“You lost?” A very large African-American man wearing a soiled wife-beater chalking a pool cue confronted the white newcomer.

Meeting his gaze, Brack said, “No. I’m looking for a loudmouth Marine named Mutt. If he’s here drinking, the rounds are on me. If he owns this place, I’m going to beat the life out of him.”

“Big talk coming from someone in yo’ shoes,” he said. Four other men flanked him, two on each side, all with arms folded across their meaty chests. Five soiled wife-beaters in a row. A worn-out AC unit clicked and sputtered, failing to condition the polluted air in the establishment.

Shelby seemed to take longer than usual to find Mutt. Only one thing could sidetrack him. But no women had ever been present in the original Mutt’s Bar in Charleston. They’d been afraid to enter the place.

Maybe Atlanta women were different. Casually Brack removed the half-smoked cigar he’d been saving in his pocket and lit it. The only faithful friend he had left at the moment was his own adrenaline. Brack was angry at Mutt and wouldn’t mind working it out of his system on these five gentlemen facing him.

Three more joined them. Okay, these eight gentlemen.

Brack felt more gather behind him. His wayward dog better have a real good excuse for not warning him.

Taking a drag on the stogie, he exhaled a cloud of smoke to add to the carcinogenic fog. “It’s going to be a bad day for some of you.”

Chuckles echoed around the room, undoubtedly at his expense.

Mutt pushed his way through the gathering mob. A few inches over six feet, he’d replaced his boxed Afro with a close trim since the last time Brack had seen him. His clothes were of a more recent vintage, another change, and to Brack’s untrained eye, quite stylish.

“Opie, you always got to do things the hard way, don’t ’cha?” Brack couldn’t decide if he wanted to punch him or shake his hand. The fact that his friend sported a bridge that replaced his missing front teeth also caught him off guard.

Shelby was not with Mutt. From behind, Brack heard the gruff words, “You want us to take this cracker out back, Mutt?”

Mutt knew as well as Brack did that they were greatly outnumbered. But Brack figured Mutt also knew that a few of his patrons would spend the next few weeks in the hospital if things went south.

Before either of them could say anything, a husky female voice came from somewhere in the crowd. “You got the prettiest dog.”

All the men turned in the direction of the voice. Through a break in the undershirt line, Brack observed a heavyset black woman in a way-too-tight purple body suit. Clearly she’d fallen in love with his dog. Her extra-long orange day-glo fingernails scratched behind his ears.

Sitting on his haunches with closed eyes, Shelby flapped his tongue and panted in what Brack recognized as pure bliss. Two other women wearing similar attire also gave Shelby their full attention. Brack was about to get pummeled by eight or more hulks itching to right the wrongs of their world, yet his dog had managed to pick up what looked like all the women in the establishment.

The spokesman for the wife-beater ensemble said, “We ain’t finished wit you, white boy.”

Brack turned back to him. Mutt got between them. “Easy, Charlie. He’s my brother.” The men looked at each other as if Mutt and Brack could possibly be related. Of course, they weren’t in the traditional sense.

“Summertime” by Billy Stewart began to play somewhere in the room. A real classic.

Circling Shelby, the women moved their ample hips to the beat. The dog, in plus-sized heaven, spun around, not sure which lady to kiss first.

A fourth woman Brack hadn’t noticed until now came from behind the bar to stand beside Mutt. Almost as tall as Brack, with dark brown skin, a buzzed haircut, and toned figure bordering on muscular. Her inked-up arms momentarily distracted Brack.

The man Mutt called Charlie said, “I don’t care who you think he is. He ain’t got the juice to come in here talking about beatin’ you up.”

Mutt turned to his old friend. “You said you was gonna beat me up?”

“Something like that.” Brack cocked his head. “I get a call begging me to drive here from Charleston. It’s Cassie. She’s scared half to death because some men threatened her, and she doesn’t know what you do when you leave her house late at night. Put yourself in her shoes.”

The woman bartender looked at him. “You must be Brack.” Mutt interrupted. “Opie, I’ma tell you like I tol’ Cassie. What I do is my bidness. She ain’t got no right to ask.”

Charlie moved in like he was about to throw a punch. Before Brack could react, the toned female bartender grabbed Charlie by the shirt collar and said, “You really don’t want to do that.”

Mutt said, “Easy there, Tara. We all friends here.” She didn’t let go. Charlie backed off. Brack dropped what was left of his cigar on the floor, crushed it with his foot, and turned back to Mutt. “You better tell me what’s going on, or I will beat the ever-living daylights out of you.”

***

Author Bio:

David Burnsworth became fascinated with the Deep South at a young age. After a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tennessee and fifteen years in the corporate world, he made the decision to write a novel. He is the author of both the Brack Pelton and the Blu Carraway Mystery Series. Having lived in Charleston on Sullivan’s Island for five years, the setting was a foregone conclusion. He and his wife call South Carolina home.

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Tour Participants:

Giveaway:

This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for David Burnsworth and Henery Press. There will be 1 winner of one (1) $15 Amazon.com Gift Card and 5 winners of one (1) eBook copy of Big City Heat by David Burnsworth. The giveaway begins on April 22, 2017 and runs through May 29, 2017. This giveaway is for US residents only. Void where prohibited by law.

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BLOG TOUR – Big City Heat was originally published on the Wordpress version of The Pulp and Mystery Shelf

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