#the customs and mentalities will be foreign to you and that's normal

[thegrapeandthefig]

Starting to think there might be a correlation between how little fiction I read and my relative disinterest for mythology.

I think it comes down to wanting to understand the daily lives and mentality of the people who created and transmitted the stories across generations so that I can understand and appreciate the stories better. Of course there are themes in myth that are profundly human and universal, but there are also a lot of elements that are deeply cultural that can go unnoticed or dismissed as detail unless you're familiar with the mentality that carried them. And suddenly there's a whole new dimension to the text or a much deeper emotional implication than what it seemed like from our modern eyes.

#i beg you to approach ancient greek culture(s) with the same respect you would approach a foreign culture today #in that they are unique and they require some effort from you #the customs and mentalities will be foreign to you and that's normal #not everything has to resonate with your experience right away or even at all

[labellefleur-sauvage]

Tempests and Urges

Chapter III of my gift for @stickyelectrons! I'm so very sorry for the delay (it was a surprisingly busy winter for me!) but I hope you enjoy!

Read on AO3

Fic summary and current chapters here

XXX

III.

Lucien had never been to the Continent. Growing up, his tutors had dutifully lectured him about the intricate and long—and dreadfully boring—histories of the Faerie kingdoms across the sea, and how foreign their lands were from those in Prythian. Lucien remembered absolutely none of it. He was the youngest son of a High Lord, with no hope of ever needing to retain this information—why did he need to know of the economic policies of Rask, or whether Vallahan was experiencing a lower crop haul than average? No, he would be much better off learning all there was to know about the six other Courts that comprised his home land, to make allies and friends with the fae who might actually benefit him later on.

He mentally cursed himself for the hundredth time just that morning and tried to remember as much information from his studies of this strange Fae land as possible. Any information would be a boon at this point. All he and Elain has tried to do was enter the great walled city of Montesere’s capital early in the morning, and been immediately stopped by the city’s guards.

“Good morning,” Elain had murmured demurely to the faes holding swords longer than her torso.

The sharp clang of the guard’s metal armor straightening met their greeting. “What business do two Prythians have in Montesere?” a guard asked in a guttural accent. Her dark sharp eyes were narrowed with distrust, her frowning lips framed with deep grooves of disgust.

Elain stared wide eyed. “Apologies,” Lucien quickly replied. “We’re here to visit the sights of Montesere.”

“Yet you come from the east, from the mountains. Very little to look at over there.”

Damn this perceptive female. Lucien put on his most charming smile. “We went hiking in the mountains. We both love nature and walking, and wanted to experience the grandeur of Montesere’s famed peaks.”

The guard cast a disbelieving look over Elain, over her physique that suggested she’d never walked that much in her life. “And both of you went on a days long hiking trip?”

Alright, if niceties wouldn’t work… “Well, I suppose I got to view more than Montesere’s natural beauty, you understand,” Lucien said conspiratorially to the guard, lowering his voice and grinning slightly. Behind him, Elain gasped in outrage.

Miraculously, the guard chuckled. “Yes, a very lucky male you are.” She stepped aside. “Tide’s blessings. Enjoy the city.”

“How dare you!” Elain exclaimed as soon as they were far enough past the city’s walls. “Implying that we—that I—!”

“What would you have me do, Elain?” Lucien asked, annoyed. “From the moment you said ‘good morning’ and not ‘tide’s blessings’ or whatever they say here, they marked us as outsiders. There aren’t too many innocent visitors from Prythian at the moment, and I had to make us appear as non-threatening as possible. It wouldn’t surprise me if there’s someone following our every move even now.” He unclenched his jaw. They needed to keep a low profile, and they’d already spectacularly failed.

Elain looked around wildly, like she might spot some cloaked figure skulking menacingly in the shadows. “Surely they have enough visitors here that we wouldn’t raise any alarm.”

“Any normal visitors to Montesere would arrive by ship. We clearly aren’t merchants or farmers, so our method of entry was already a bit unusual.”

“Well,” Elain asked slowly, “what else do I need to know about Montesere?”

A great question. Lucien spent the next several hours wracking his brain to recall anything about the local customs of this far off fae kingdom. They made their way slowly around the bustling commercial districts in the city, generally making their way towards the docks. He remembered hearing from Eris, during some stuffy meeting in his youth, that Monteserens haggled and bartered for everything, which only came to mind when Elain had purchased a small pastry for breakfast and handed over the five coins without complaint. The baker’s eyes had bulged with disbelief, then he yelled something in a foreign language to someone at another stall, who openly laughed at him and Elain.

It was no use. Lucien decided that watching people would be easier than trying to recall something Armand, his oldest tutor, had tried teaching him over 300 years ago. Montesere, being surrounded by the sea on two sides, owed much of their livelihood and wealth to the ocean, and thus, paid respectable homage to their bountiful yet cruel god everywhere. Small bowls of seawater were placed inside the entrance of every building they ventured into, for people to dip their fingers in and continuously receive the sea’s blessings, he assumed, observing a gaggle of females perform the practice when he and Elain entered a tailor’s shop. Elain was about to begin wondering the store when Lucien surreptitiously guided her back to the bowl to perform the ritual. 

She adapted easily though, gracefully dabbing the salty water on her wrists then floated amongst the racks, selecting a modest wool cloak and haggling the price down ten silvers with a satisfied smile. There was no future for Elain as a spy—she was far too kind and free with her emotions for that line of work—but as an emissary, charming potential allies and adapting to new situations…Lucien could see a glimmer of potential.

“It’s been almost an entire hour since someone openly laughed at us or mocked us,” Elain remarked drolly as they exited the shop and took a random turn down another busy street, stuffing her new cloak in her bag. “A rousing success.”

Lucien gave a half grin. “At this rate, we’ll be proper Monteserens in no time.”

Elain looked around. “Besides booking passage on a ship, what else do we need to do?”

“Find accommodation for the night, but there should be enough guest houses around town that it shouldn’t be an issue.”

Her eyes gleamed and she sent him a sideways grin. “Since we most likely won’t be back to Montesere for some time after this, want to explore and see if we can avoid being the laughingstock of the city?”

If Lucien felt like a fish out of water—damn these seafaring Fae for making him think in puns—then at least Elain had grown a pair of gills and was flourishing. Ever since she told him off after entering the city, her eyes were wide and her mouth open in near permanent wonder and awe. Lucien couldn’t blame her. The city was built onto the hills and cliffs overlooking the impressive sea and docks, with the wealthiest inhabitants living so far up the hill as to be in the clouds. 

Most fae in Montesere were wealthy, and the city shoved its opulence in its visitor’s faces. The roads were paved with hand-painted bricks of various shades of blue, so that the streets themselves resembled flowing rivers and streams that led to intricate marble fountains in different central squares. One of these squares, adorned with an enchanted marble statue of a dolphin that moved and bobbed around its pedestal on its own, held a host of fine jewelry artisans. Elain watched one Lesser fae, her gray fingers nimble and quick as she worked the fragilest of materials—opals, obsidian, sea shells—into necklaces and dangling earrings. Elain’s fingers grazed a small pearl ring, longing clear on her face, before she turned around to watch the dancing dolphin. 

Lucien picked up the ring. It wasn’t the largest pearl ring, and even had a few imperfections: it was dull, and oddly shaped. Its price tag was more modest as a result, and he certainly had enough savings stashed away in Prythian to purchase it, should he wish to.

He set the ring down. No use thinking about buying an extravagant gift for a female who said she wanted nothing to do with him after their journey, as much as his inner beast begged him to throw away all the coin Rhys had given them away on a trinket that would likely be lost should he purchase it.

They continued exploring the city and what it had to offer. The architecture was unlike anything he’d ever seen in Prythian. Buildings of all shapes and sizes made out of a sand colored stone with red tiled roofs surrounded them as they walked the city’s narrow and windy blue streets, with perfectly manicured trees and hedges lining the boulevards. High Fae in fashionable and daring outfits strolled by. A few wore ensembles that wouldn’t be out of place in Summer or Dawn, but most wore so little clothing that even Helion would be shocked. Females in scraps of nets and gauze leisurely walked the streets with equally immodest and barely clothed partners, their hair in extravagant updos and paper-thin parasols resting on their shoulders.

“Stop staring!” Elain hissed as Lucien’s eye darted to and away from the swaying hips of a curvaceous High Fae woman covered in a blue chiffon dress that was nearly see-through and resembled the ocean’s waves, her heeled boots clacking against the brick.

“Like you weren’t ogling that shirtless male that just walked by.”

“I wasn’t ogling,” Elain retorted. “I was merely…observing the vastly different fashions of the Continent.”

Lucien shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “It’s alright to look. Although,” he lowered his voice and leaned into her, noting that she imperceptibly leaned towards him, “I think that blue dress would look so lovely on you.” Her mouth formed a little ‘O,’ and Lucien walked down the street with a smile on his face.

The smell of the sea was vibrant here, but especially so the nearer they got to the docks. Lucien had little sea experience, as Autumn only had a few rocky and briny shores along its eastern coast, and he had never been to a dockyard, much less the largest in a seafaring nation. The smell of salt and fish was strong, nearly overwhelming, but tempered with enough richness and freshness that prevented him from burying his head in the crook of his arm. 

Faes of all kind—High and Lesser—rushed around the crowded docks, shouting orders, carrying cargo, and preparing their huge ships for sail. It was hot and congested. Someone knocked into Lucien as they rushed by and a throng of workers swarmed around him. By the time he fought his way out of the crowd, Elain was nowhere to be seen.

“Shit.” Lucien looked around wildly. They’d only been in the city for half a day and he’d already lost the only fae he had to keep track of. He jogged along the docks, looking for that familiar head of brown hair. How had he lost her? 

There was no trace of Elain; even her scent had vanished under the fresh smells he’d just been admiring. His heart quickened furiously as he shoved anyone in his way. Lucien had not just lost his partner on this mission, but the female who could ruin him with a few words, his—

The beating in his chest was even stronger and louder now. Not with worry, he realized after a second, but with something deeper, something he’d only felt once before: the mating bond. His chest thrummed with recognition as Elain tugged on their bond, whether she realized it or not, drawing him to her. Desperate, Lucien followed the bond to its other half.

Lucien found Elain at the far end of the dock, partially obstructed behind stacks of crates, staring up at the largest male he had ever seen. Lucien wasn’t necessarily a small male, but there were plenty of males that were taller or wider than him; the Night Court’s general, for example, or even his oldest brother Eris. Both either taller or more muscular than himself, but Lucien hadn’t lied to Elain—he was a trained warrior, and knew a fae’s strength was more than just one’s muscles. He was lean but muscular, fast, and his fire magic was deadly.

Still, Lucien wouldn’t have said no to a few more inches or an additional twenty or thirty pounds on his frame, just for some extra assurances in this instant. The male towering over Elain was at least 7 feet tall, with more tattoos covering his pale, scarred skin than was on the three overgrown bats of the Night Court. One of his biceps was wider than both of Lucien’s put together, with a thick, barrel chest and thighs thicker than a tree trunks.

Despite the fierceness lining her face, Lucien could feel Elain’s fear through the bond. The male crowded further against Elain and leered down at her. “And what’s a pretty lady like you doing here, all by yourself on the docks?”

“Let me pass, please.”

“Oh, a foreigner.” Lucien could hear the sick delight in the male’s voice. “Has anyone showed you how we welcome visitors to our lovely city?” The male reached a hand out, and Lucien struggled to quietly sneak past the crates blocking him from Elain.

Elain sneered. “I didn’t come here to look at your ugly face.”

Lucien couldn’t help his small smile at Elain’s sass, even as his heart sank and he struggled to get to her. The male’s broad shoulder’s tightened. “You wench—”

She gave the male a condescending look from head to toe. “How does any ship you board manage to stay afloat? Do they just throw you overboard to serve as an anchor?”

“You fucking bitch, I’ll make you regret that.”

Summoning his fire magic in his hands, Lucien lept up behind the male and wrapped one burning hand around the male’s mouth and another around his throat, his legs firmly wrapped around his opponent’s midsection. He held on tight, tighter than he’d ever grasped anything before, his rage at someone threatening and insulting his mate fueling his desire to hurt and maim and kill. 

Lucien smelled burning flesh, the scent so acrid that not even the calming smells of the sea could mask the terrible odor emanating from the male’s body. The fae struggled against Lucien, tried to break the death grip that was threating to suffocate him, but found no amount of muscles and raw strength could compete with a male who needed to protect his mate.

“Apologize,” Lucien demanded, ripping the hand over the male’s mouth away. Lucien didn’t need to look at his hand to know that the warm liquid staining his fingers was blood.

“S-sorry!” the male gasped. Good enough. Lucien slapped his spread hand over the entirety of the male’s face again, his flames melting the male’s fresh and sinew away from his skull. The fae’s defeated groan was one of the most delightful things Lucien had ever heard.

The male’s body trembled underneath him. He needed to finish him before his legs gave out. Lucien leaned into the male’s head, so close his lips grazed the male’s pale, pointed ear. “Get the fuck away from my mate,” he growled, low enough that Elain couldn’t hear, then lept off the male and pushed his swaying body off the docks into the sea.

It took a few moments for Lucien to calm down enough to remember himself. The sounds of the busy dock gradually drifted to his ears as he took one calming breath after another. He couldn’t recall the last time he’d lost control and his inner beast took charge like that. A frisson of emotion split through his chest, and Lucien looked to Elain.

“Elain,” Lucien said softly, her fear making him sick. Her eyes were wide and glassy, her body stiff as she stood watching him. Fear, and another, barely perceptible smell, emanated from her slight forn. He held up his hands before remembering the blood staining his flesh. Reaching over the docks to swipe his hands into the sea, he held up his clean hands and slowly approached her. 

“Are you alright?”

Elain barked a short, high pitched laugh. “Am I alright? I just watched you melt the skin off a male’s face with your bare hands! Of course I’m not alright!” She glanced into the sea. “Did you kill him?”

“I don’t care,” Lucien answered truthfully without thinking, but grimaced when Elain flinched. “I’m sorry you had to see that, Elain, but what that male was saying to you…what he was going to do to you, I couldn’t stand by and do nothing.”

“But did you have to be so, so…violent? It was ghastly, barbaric—”

“It was Fae, Elain.” Lucien took another tentative step towards the female. “That violence is within each and every fae, always lurking just under our skin, looking for any excuse to break free and punish those who threaten those we care about.”

“You’re wrong,” Elain whispered, looking devastated. “I’m nothing like that, like you. I’m not Fae.”

Her horror roiled his stomach, but better for her to face the truth now. “That’s where I think you’re wrong, Elain.” Slowly, he reached a hand out, blood still under his fingernails, and entwined his large hand with her small, clean, perfect one. She tried to pull her hand from his but he held on. “Whether you accept it or not, you’re no longer human. You’re as much Fae as I am, and you have your own inner beast waiting to escape. Cauldron, were you even aware of the things you were saying to that male, how you were taunting him?” He studied her hand and the long, slightly pointed nails on each finger. If she so desired it, she could easily rip someone’s throat out now. “Would you have said those things as a human? You’re fae now and your beast is raring for a fight. "

Elain was quiet, her lower lip trembling. “I don’t want to destroy the world or be violent.”

“Then let me be your protector, Elain.” He moved their twined hands together and lowered his voice. “A higher being connected us for some reason—take advantage of it to do want you want within reason, find yourself, with the knowledge that your mate will be nearby to keep you safe.” He darted a quick look up to Elain’s face at her small intake of breath. “Which is, I suspect, at least part of the reason why you insisted on joining me, correct?”

She hung her head. “I don’t want to give you any false promises about…us.”

Lucien’s chest ached but he gave Elain an unaffected grin. “Of course not, my lady. We’re associates journey towards a common goal, right?” He frowned. “Even if you had ulterior motives for joining me.”

Elain withdrew her hand from his grasp, her gaze cold. “You cannot fault me for trying to find my place in the world I was unfairly thrust into.”

“Fault you? Of course not. Do I perhaps think you foolish for attempting to do so during a critical and dangerous mission?” Lucien shrugged, rather than state the obvious.

Elain stepped away on wobbly legs. “We’ve already established you’re not a gentleman, so say what’s on your mind!” she snapped, all fear of him forgotten.

Lucien was glad—he’d rather see Elain furious with him than afraid of him, or afraid of herself. “Fine. While I commend your courage and need to find yourself in this new world, I think you may be in a bit over your head and are too stubborn to admit it. No, I know you’re too stubborn to admit it.”

She paused. “You don’t think me too weak to accompany you?”

“There are many things I find you, Elain Archeron, but weak is not one of them.”

They stared at each other, unmoving, for several seconds. “Everyone else always thought me too quiet and reserved. Nesta and Feyre are bold; I’m supposed to be the quiet one.” Elain cocked her head. “It’s nice, not having that expectation.”

Lucien could relate all too well to other’s idealized expectations and the pressures it created. “Well, one benefit of being fae: you’re strong enough now that you probably could have punched that male and sent him flying off the docks, so I don’t believe you have to worry about being weak.”

“I didn’t mean weak in that way.”

“I know. I don’t think you’re weak in any sense of the word.”

Elain bit her bottom lip, but Lucien could see the corners of her mouth raise slightly all the same. “You overestimate my ability to fight. I’ve never hit someone in my life.”

“That’s alright; we still need to find a ship for passage. Perhaps you’ll find some other poor soul to antagonize and I can teach you.” Lucien lightly grabbed Elain’s wrist and pulled her out of the cover of the crates. He looked around; no one was staring at them, so it appeared nobody saw—or cared—about their altercation. Lucien dropped her hand as they began walking down the docks, but Elain stayed next to him. 

“Let’s find us a ship that can take us where we need to go. The sooner it leaves, the better.”

“Any requirements?” Elain asked, her eyes wide again at the unfamiliar sights surrounding them.

“Large enough that it won’t topple over, and preferably without any holes in its hull. Truthfully, I know very little about ships.”

Elain hummed. “My father was a merchant, and worked with several different ships and crews to transport his goods to and from the Continent. That ship, for example,” pointing to a large boat to their right, “probably wouldn’t be comfortable for us.”

“Why is that?” Lucien had been eyeing that ship as an option for them, and could see no obvious issues. Its sails were intact, the hull complete, and though a bit plain, it looked clean enough.

“Look at its gangway, see how it’s all dirty and covered in…filth? That means they’re probably transporting a large number of animals, so it will be messy and smelly and loud. If there’s nothing else it will work, but…” Elain shrugged. “We could probably do better.”

“I see,” Lucien said slowly, watching as several large oxes were indeed shoved up the creaky gangway onto the boat. “Well spotted. What about that one?”

Elain looked at a ship further down the dock Lucien pointed out. It was larger than the first, its sails bright white and hull shiny. Someone had even painted the wood in bright, colorful paints.

“Definitely not. That ship has never sailed before. It’s bad luck to journey on a ship’s maiden voyage.”

Lucien hummed. Must be a human superstition. They continued leisurely strolling down the dock. “In that case, what do you recommend?”

Elain scanned the dozens of ships around them as they continued to walk, her eyes sharp and quick. Eventually her gazed focused on one ship. “That one.”

“That one?” Lucien’s eyebrows raised in surprise. It was a plain and unremarkable ship, not the largest or smallest, with no finery or distinguishing features. “What makes it suitable for us?”

Elain nodded her head to a gruff looking male studiously inspecting several crates loaded with spices. “Because the ship’s cook has ordered a large number of different spices for food. If the captain cares that much about keeping their passengers happy, they must run a decent ship. Plus, look at that trunk.” They watched as a large, painted chest was brought onto the ship. It was decorated with gold accents and had small, brass feet on the bottom corners, to protect the chest’s painted bottom. “That’s the personal chest of a very wealthy fae. Those with money don’t trust just anyone to transfer themselves or their goods long distances. We want this ship,” Elain finished, looking pleased with herself.

“How do you know that’s the ship’s cook?”

“The grease stained apron and burn scars on his arms look convincing.”

Lucien hummed. “If you’re sure…”

But Elain was already off, moving towards the male wearing his dirty apron. “Tide’s blessings! We’d like to inquire about booking passage on this fine ship.”

“Main deck, talk to the female in the blue jacket,” the male said without looking at either Elain or Lucien. He gave a grunt of dismay when he opened a black tin overflowing with a red powder. “And where is my Raskian paprika, Szechka? I know authentic Raskian paprika straight from the fields when I see it, and this shit isn’t it.”

Leaving the angry cook and his stuttering supplier, the pair walked up the sturdy gangway to the ship’s main deck. It was controlled pandemonium, much like the state of the dock: faes hurriedly carrying supplies and parcels onto the boat, performing last minute cleanings and mending. Lucien looked up to see a small winged fae hovering in midair while carefully patching a hole in the main sail. 

It took them several moments to find the female. Shorter than even Elain and even slighter, the Lesser Fae had light gray skin and black hair. She stood near the helm, watching the movement of every being on the ship with a keen eye. A cracked, brown leather notebook was in her slightly scaly hands, and she occasionally jotted something down in the book.

“Tide’s blessings,” Lucien said, approaching the woman. She looked up at them with wholly black, narrowed eyes. “We were told to speak with you concerning booking passage for ourselves on this ship.”

“Aye, I’m the one you’d wish to speak with.” The woman’s voice was soft and wispy, each word floating away on the sea breeze as soon as it left her thin lips. “We’re set to leave tomorrow morning, making our way down the coast to a neutral village in the mortal lands then back north, along the eastern and northern coasts of Prythian to arrive in Hybern 43 days after settling out.”

Lucien kept his face blank, though the ship being bound for Hybern unsettled him. Rhys was right, that the Continental Fae were indeed more comfortable with Hybern than previously thought. “Are you planning on stopping at the Slevibor Islands while making your way down the coast to the mortal lands?”

The Slevibor Islands were several small, nearly uninhabited islands along the western coast of the Continent, due west from Koschei’s Lake. The islands were near the start of the river that he and Elain would take to get to the death god’s lake. Only one small port town, rumored to be filled with dangerous pirates, occupied the islands, though perhaps the rumors held some truth to them, based on the way the Lesser fae’s eyes widened. “We weren’t planning on stopping at Slevibor, no. Very few reputable ships do.”

“And is there any way we could convince the captain to make a special trip?” Lucien asked, subtly flashing his full coin purse at the female. 

The fae pursed her lips. “Interesting that two faes from Prythian need to visit the Slevibor Islands so badly that they’re willing to pay extra for the trip.”

“Nothing that interesting, just doing a bit of travel.”

The female gave a noncommital ‘humph’ and opened her aged notebook and a quill. “Spring Court, I’m assuming?” she asked, not looking at either of them. “You, especially,” she pointed at Elain, “have the look of Spring about you.”

Elain blushed, but Lucien had to admit the fae was correct: Elain looked as fresh and innocent as many of the Spring Court nobility, especially with her wide, brown eyes and lovely hair. “Er, that’s right,” Lucien said eventually when he realized both Elain and the fae female were looking at him expectantly. “We’re from Spring. How could you tell?”

“My mother was originally from Spring.” The female continued taking notes down in her book, the quill resting against the webbing between her fingers. “She fled shortly after the old High Lord was murdered and the new one ascended. She could see the writing on the wall about the new High Lord, knew nothing good was to come from him. From what I hear from the waters, she was correct, and my sisters who remain are not prospering like they once did.”

Lucien started. Of course the female was at least part water-wraith. He knew little about the treatment of Lesser fae in the Continent, but if it was anything like Prythian, the fact that this female appeared to have a high ranking position on the ship meant she had beaten many prejudices to get this far. Unease at hearing someone talk so crudely yet accurately about Tamlin—at one time, his dearest and only friend in the world—settled low in his gut.

“My father was a merchant,” the female went on conversationally, seeing the earlier surprise in Lucien’s face. “I was born on his ship—this ship, in fact—and inherited it when he retired. Decades now.” She tapped on her notebook with her quill and looked up at them from the corners of her eyes. “How much coin do you have?”

Lucien told her, and though the female tried to remain stoic, he could smell her excitement at the sum. “We won’t stop at Slevibor, but I can have some crewmembers row you two to the Islands, provided you both pack light. No trunks. Meals are included while you’re on the boat. Depending on our timing, we may even be able to send you off with some provisions, but no promises. We’re tight on space, but I’ll find room for two extra hammocks. Any questions?”

Elain and Lucien had none, and the woman smiled, her mouth full of pointed teeth. “Then let me welcome you to the Eueteria. My name is Thetis, and I’ll be your captain. What are your names?”

Lucien and Elain provided fake names to Captain Thetis. “Oran and Phoebe,” she said, adding their names to an already long list of others. “Reason for travel?”

“Uh,” Lucien began. He didn’t think anyone would particularly care why he and Elain were joining the ship, as long as they paid, so he didn’t have a specific backstory planned. “We’re… um…”

“On our honeymoon!” Elain gave Captain Thetis a wide, eager smile at the same time she forcefully grabbed Lucien’s arm. “Newly married. Oran here,” Elain said, squeezing Lucien’s arm for dear life, “knows it’s my life’s dream to visit every inch of the Continent and like a good…husband…he’s giving me the best wedding present I could have dreamed of!” 

Lucien was positive that their new captain did not believe them. “Alright,” Thetis said slowly, looking between Lucien and Elain’s flushed and awkwardly smiling faces. “I’ll put ‘pleasure’ as your reason for travel.”

Lucien was sure his face was as red as his hair for several minutes after they provided a deposit and were given instructions for the next morning. They left the docks, each refusing to look at each other, and made their way back into town, all while Lucien wondered: why?

Why had Elain said they were newly married? She had made it clear to him that she wasn’t interested in him in that way, even if her body sometimes thought otherwise. Perhaps she simply panicked—loath as he was to admit it, the cover story of two besotted, hapless fae on their honeymoon was a decent explanation for why there were traveling alone together. 

It probably didn’t even matter, Lucien thought as they stopped at a colorful flower market. Based on the long list of people already traveling on the boat, he and Elain would be lucky to each have their own hammock in the large shared sleeping quarter. Nothing would happen. They would be on the ship for just a few days, get to the Slevibor Islands, then make the arduous journey along the river that would take them directly to Koschei’s Lake.

Directly to the most dangerous being perhaps in the world. 

#elucien #lucien vanserra #elain archeron #elucien fanfic #lucien x elain #my fics #my fic #acotar #guess who's back #with worldbuiling #if there are any errors or issues #you didnt see them

[cosmic--dandelion]

So I have a fairly unique take on Kakyoin's backstory in my own writing. I wrote his parents as straight up toxic, psychologically and sometimes physically abusive, and neglectful. My version of Kakyoin ran away from home years before he met Jotaro, spent some time in a mental institution, and instead of being stalked and kidnapped, deliverately sought Dio out on his own.

Quite a departure from the more commonly accepted "Kakyoin has nice, normal parents who just didn't understand him" interpretation, huh? So why did I write this (other than the fact that I graviate toward angsty backstories) and how does it fit what we know about Kakyoin?

Kakyoin's most obvious feature is his intelligence. All of his friends, who are (mostly) brainy guys themselves, acknowledge that he's the best, most reliable strategist in the group, and a good portion of his dislogue is info-dumping. As expected of an honor student, he's very prim and proper to contrast Jotaro's delinquent image. Yet he's also weird, socially awkward, brutally honest, and emotionally distant. I've heard him described as having no setting in between "uncomfortably polite" and "rude bastard", and damn if that doesn't fit him like glove. In battle, he's probably the scariest, most ruthless crusader and is perfectly capable of straight-up beating the shit out of his closest friends, even if he's also capable of bring the bigger person and forgiving them. Friendship and bonds are everything to him. He's caring and empathetic but has balls of steel and takes exactly zero shit from anyone. He's quite familiar with other cultures' customs and traditions, implying he's an experienced traveler. Kakyoin is very independent and has skills, knowledge, and confidence you wouldn't expect a normal kid his age to have.

I wrote a little about Kakyoin's backstory in the second fanfiction I ever wrote, "Facets" and then in great detail in "In Water". If you haven't yet, please go check them out! They are, in my opinion, quite a bit more interesting that just hearing me talk about them. Now onto spoilers, for both the manga and my own work.

So this is Kakyoin's canonical backstory. All of it. The anime isn't canon, the fighting games aren't canon, the Josuke and Hol Horse spin-off isn't canon. Only this is, plus that 19 page backstory Araki wrote for him thirty years ago that will never see the light of day.

This is it. There's a blurb on his character profile that mentions that his parents are alive, they think he ran away, and they're either "shocked " or "very worried" depending on the translation. Then he dies, and in typical Araki fashion, Kakyoin is never seen or referenced again.

The sheer amount of angst Kakyoin had over no one being able to see his stand, even compared to other born stand users, makes me think there's more to it.

In my version of his backstory, Kakyoin's parents are poor. His dad is a rather unimpressive, unambiguous office worker who's made several bad business decision, escalating tensions between him and his wife. She hails from an upper middle class background and is generally a bit snobbish and image-conscious. Kakyoin's birth just adds fuel to the flames. In addition to being another mouth to feed, he has inexplicably bright red hair and violet eyes. (In my version of the jjba-verse, born stand users just have weird hair and eye colors sometimes.) The husband decides that this means his wife cheated on him with a red-headed foreigner.

Kakyoin is a problem child. He's exceptionally bright and imaginative in a school system (remember, it's 1970s Japan) that doesn't know how to handle gifted children, and he's non-neurotypical with a troubled home life to boot. That conversation with his teacher probably happens around this time. He self isolates, but he's not causing trouble on purpose, and the other kids are intimidated, but not hateful. Yet.

Then his parents have a their worst fight yet, and Kakyoin loses control of Hierophant due to stress and almost kills his father. The man is traumatized (as you would be if you were possessed by an invisible tentacle monster only you son can see and control) and abandons his own family. The mother knows Kakyoin did *something*, but she doesn't know what. Her resentment deepens, and they continue to drift apart.

Kakyoin's relationship with his mother reaches its nadir, and now he *is* getting ostracized. He's angry at the world and starting to lash out. By age 10, Kakyoin has started seeing counselors. He is misdiagnosed as having a whole host of scary-sounding mental disorders and is forced to take powerful mood stabilizers and antipsychotics every day. After all, he spends all his time playing with someone they can't see and drawing a weird green thing that looks like a cthulhuloid abomination. The mother reaches her breaking point and surrenders him to a combination group home/"special school". This experience defined him probably more than any other event in his life before this point. It's incredibly violating and humiliating, and Kakyoin develops a complex about always having to be seen as the smartest guy in the room.

At around age 14, he runs away, desperate to find more people like him. On his travels, he hears rumors about a mysterious, beautiful man in Egypt with strange powers. The entire "family vacation" to Egypt was a lie he made up on the spot because he didn't want to admit that HE sought Dio out, not the other way around, and that he's a runaway with a checkered past.

So what about his parents? My version of Kakyoin doesn't hate them and would have at least tried to bridge the gap between them if they'd both hasn't so thoroughly cut him out of their lives. He feels guilty on some level for not being a good enough son, and he wants to believe that they still love him on some level. Hence the "I'm sorry for making you worry" line.

Are they worried? Probably. They're shitty parents, not monsters.

(The "mom has dad and dad has mom" line? The former Mrs. Kakyoin had a revolving line of boyfriends and lovers, so Kakyoin started to think of 'dad' as a temporary position in her life rather than a singular person. Growing up in a dysfunctional family with no socialization with peers who had normal ones, he has a warped view of how families are.)

So what about Dio?

This one's pretty easy. In my version, Dio acted like a friend at first, lulling Kakyoin into a false sense of security. He was a little intimidated, but not full on terrified. Dio didn't want to risk destroying Kakyoin's brain, finding it quite useful, so he basically tried to groom him so the fleshbud wouldn't be needed. Then once Dio realized that Kakyoin was going to be harder to control than his other minions, he implanted the fleshbud. Dio being Dio, he decided to scare the shit out of the poor kid, savoring his pain and horror and sense of betrayal.

I think I would probably feel differently giving Kakyoin this amount of baggage if I ever wrote anything canon-compliant. I also didn't add it to make him more of a wobbie or break him so Jotaro could fix him with the power of yaoi.

It means something to me that (my version of) Kakyoin went through all this shit and healed from it and went on to lead a long, happy, successful life.

#jjba #jojo's bizarre adventure #noriaki kakyoin #stardust crusaders #meta #my writing #child abuse #ableism #neglectful parents #backstory #character study #in water #facets #spoilers #long post

[bentleysommer90]

How To Backup Microsoft Windows Xp Home Edition

That is the outer point exactly where the eyebrow should end. Kind Love the Miracle a person simply are specialized in creating. Sooner or later.once and for all.dive right into things.get Committed to your Miracle! Goods shipped to Canada are under G.S.T. on importation. Top Bắc Ninh AZ News Such tax normally assessed in the border. But what when you are a Canadian registered for G.S.T., supplying a Canadian customer and your supplier is in a foreign country? View More: topbacninhaz.com - Top Bac Ninh AZ Reviewed by Team Leader in Top Bac Ninh AZ: NGUYỄN HƯƠNG GIANG - Nguyen Huong Giang You won't know unless you try. Assume you can do *anything* - because could possibly! You may not expect to do it yet, attempt not to set up mental blocks in grow. You can create your own profitable items, sell them well, as well as others selling them for you. You can operate a lot of websites, even host seminars, or teach others. You can. Be selected wash skin color thoroughly and dry it well beforehand to take out any lotions or oils which can prevent the wax from adhering closely to the skin. Tin Top Bắc Ninh AZ 24h

View More: topbacninhaz.com - Top Bac Ninh AZ Reviewed by Team Leader in Top Bac Ninh AZ: NGUYỄN HƯƠNG GIANG - Nguyen Huong Giang In trying to comply with tax laws for your e-business, you should find yourself falling within the rabbit-hole, going while using looking glass, and attending a Mad Tea-Party. When actually stop and think about it, any idea what your new friend's reaction is ad if when you meet as a beginner it's obvious you're not the person they thought they would be hanging out with? "Oh . hi. I see you have been dishonest with me from the get-go here, but hey, I'm still thinking we certainly have a great shot at having an open, trusting relationship for that long-term" Obviously not. Avoid showering and since it is hair wet prior to waxing. Hair absorbs the making it soft and fewer likely to stick well to your wax. Tough hair is very simple to Bac Ninh City pull off. Women often notice very own hair loss much prior to it becomes visible to others. Along with general feel, texture, and the body of their hair, they realize it is getting skeletal. If he did this true, only businesses that charge cheap prices would exist. Find relief . buy where they obtain the cheapest price. But most people are more considering getting value for their funds than to obtain a cheap. Top Bac Ninh AZ 24h As the client is required to spread their legs many embarrassing positions, acting in just a few fact way, treating it as normal, will help a person feel less self-conscious. Remember, that's your way the aesthetician views it. Top Bac Ninh AZ Tin Top Bac Ninh AZ 24h Many persons prefer of having the waxing pubic uncomfortable procedure meted out at a salon through professional. Are conscious of the resource box for a helpful article on in order to expect from what referred to as Brazilian Wax.

In some cultures pubic uncomfortable has been performed for centuries for hygiene and other the reason. Now it is becoming widely accepted all around the world and both men and women are keen to find a pubic hair removal method which suits them.

Be apt to wash your thoroughly and dry it beforehand to remove any lotions or oils which minimizes the wax from adhering closely to the skin. You ain't ever gonna get rich selling $20 items. Seriously, include some higher priced goods and services with your marketing. You're going to get less sales, but more profits. You are going to know when sell Bac Ninh City prior to try! But don't fall in the trap of selling any old thing since get a significant commission. Integrity is important, too. As well, each province and territory has its very rules. Ontario charges eight percent retail florida sales tax on many typical Internet transactions whereas Alberta is free of provincial sales tax. Next, when using the pencil still held on the nose, tilt it diagonally so going without shoes rests to the far corner of the eye. That is the outer point how the eyebrow should end. Shaving removes the tapered end for the hair the program feels sharp and stubbly when it seems apparant that again on top of the skin. This can give the sense it escalating out soon. Sugaring hair removal is quite safe as the ingredients in the paste are natural. Process, which is also contain ingredients with healing properties such as citric acid and gum Arabic. Tip: Check out some low-cost ways a person are enhance the perceived associated with your services. Then test raising your price. You shouldn't be surprised if both income and your profit margin go up. Believe it or not, being a virtual dater extended places upon the fringes of society or even in the minority. Online dating has grown up and moved in the mainstream, so you can now happily think the face-saving qualifiers of past times online are increasingly being obsolete. And, more importantly, just observe that they don't help your cause when meeting others online. View More: topbacninhaz.com - Top Bac Ninh AZ Reviewed by Team Leader in Top Bac Ninh AZ: NGUYỄN HƯƠNG GIANG - Nguyen Huong Giang Written By Author in topbacninhaz.com: NGUYỄN VIẾT KHÔI NGUYÊN - Nguyen Viet Khoi Nguyen Written By Author in topbacninhaz.com: NGUYỄN XUÂN TOÀN - Nguyen Xuan Toan

#Top Bắc Ninh AZ #Bac Ninh

[worurntas]

Effective Uses Of Neurotonix

Neurotonix is undoubtedly an cutting-edge memory-boosting menu in which helps save out of confusion coupled with bad attention. The actual seller claim in which the supplement may enhance mental capability and help you are given a whole lot more performed in each. This is just another powerful complement which has received positive assessments through the customers. One of the popular main reasons of the complement is normally its own list of ingredients number. This review can let you know whether the complement remains safe and secure and effective to improve your health. Many organizations close off these facts, nevertheless it's some patient's with the really know what this product comprises.

The makers having to do with Neurotonix get documented their products opt-in list within the professional web, and that means you determine what to count on when you buy the actual dietary supplement. They normally use a mix of 5 plant extracts coupled with 3.6 billion probiotic strains to truly benefit from the best results from the supplement. This device is made from natural ingredients and can be used adults found at ages young and old, without or with a clinical state. It is ideal medication dosage happens to be A islate daily, which needs to be put into all the butt end and then permitted burn. It is included in chewable manner. Should you click here, you can obtain a lot more neurotonix review using the web software.

Associated with the elements that are in typically the dietary supplement happens to be B.lactis BL-04 or possibly bifidobacterium lactis, and that's seen to endorse intestine health insurance and strengthen steer clear of. It is also a vital component many similar probiotics and will help prevent expanding digestive disorders enjoy Irritable bowel syndrome (irritable bowel syndrome). Aside from that it encourages dieting coupled with supports the medical of your own regions, for example the thoughts. If the online users make use of this website online, they can get information about neurotonix review. It's recognized to improve blood flow as well as enhance the assimilation of nutritional value systems.

Salivarius A2 is a fundamental substance during the program. It's been came across to assist stay away from oxidative force together with safeguard your thoughts away from sugar and carbohydrates injure. It could be a robust antioxidising that may arguments foreign bodies. The manufacturer moreover really adds a variety of other nutrients and vitamins to your program, for example lime scale and even vitamin d. These are generally required for your quality of life and well-being, people who any intellectual purpose. These devices are important for the healthiness of gorgeous and then mouth. Additionally, they are ideal for the very center as well as body's immune system. They're now able to help you have a in good health cholestrerol levels grade and lower the possibility of building heart problems. Generally if the internet surfers of the website on the web, they might get info on neurotonix ingredients.

A majority of these nutritional ingredients are usually potent for the purpose of eliminating depression and anxiety. They may also ward you from Alzheimer's disease along with age-related mental factors. New research found that others who actually feed on an excessive amount handsome are more likely to end up having reminiscence challenges in addition to forgetfulness. If truth be told, the particular Mayo Practice means restricting your main sugar usage to protect yourself from these kind of signs and symptoms. This method supplement is constucted from a blend of phosphorus and even calcium supplement which might be key for the good working of the thought processes. What's more, it possesses a blend of herbal supplements plus nutrition that actually work as a group to assist your body and mind. Dissimilar to numerous food supplements, Neurotonix might be supported by science. Their develop believe that the idea applications up to date logical realizing to aid great brain function plus memory space. Additionally it gives the 60-day money back guarantee to help you try it before you'll get it.

[stantonthygesen75]

High 5 Practical Necessities On Your Ecommerce Website

The company additionally presents a comprehensive portfolio of professional, partially responsive themes in addition to coaching opportunities for shop owners, sales companions, and software builders. Web hosting also hasn’t escaped the recognition of open supply software tasks. Numerous distributors mixed specially preconfigured hosting packages with skilled assist for in style open source net stores. In this case, users can rely on a reliable server companion for the installation, configuration, and operation of their on-line store. This normally also takes care of the maintenance of the hosting basis as well as essential updates and security features. Canada b2b e-commerce implemenation Harrison and Barthel level out that Web 2.0 just isn't a model new technology, but as an alternative an introduction of a number of new instruments on the Internet, similar to asynchronous JavaScript and XML, collectively known as AJAX. Stephen and Toubia point out that social commerce can join on-line retailers to different on-line retailers through marketplaces. They must therefore pay attention to the place they develop their artistic works. This rationalization corresponds to our second analysis question about created worth. We launched the term mental commerce to discuss with business-oriented content material creators making C2C and C2B businesses. This was placed in distinction to the same relations inside social commerce, which mainly discuss with e-auctions or group-buying . We may also be positive that key stakeholders are personally skilled in tips on how to get probably the most from content management, and that video and textual content documentation exists to train others in the future. We have the experience and expertise to make your website content administration painless. Document Management Get the proper staff to construct and implement document management together with your organization. We try to supply our clients with research that's innovative, artistic and future sensitive that will make a distinction to your organization. Follow theseuniversal guidelines and implement your accessibility commonplace to incorporate all buyers. Allow for simple edits within the checkout course of; don’t make them fear about what's going to happen if they hit that back button. Make positive your cart and checkout are mobile-friendly, not just your catalogue expertise. Caching — is a method of saving info in your browser so that you simply don’t must load every component on the page each time you refresh the page. And 40% of shoppers will abandon your website if the page takes longer than 3 seconds to populate. Ease of use in the checkout circulate — Focus on ease of use; don’t introduce unnecessary steps to finish the purchase. Consider how simple it's to add products and to upload an present product database. The following summarizes most of the primary and superior options and companies you need to contemplate when organising an e-commerce web site. Whether selling online will make up a good portion of your sales. Consolidation service is when giant organizations like banks or the submit office let you pay multiple kinds of payments by way of their website. Unlike Canadian vendors, overseas vendors weren't topic to the GST/HST. For instance, a video streaming vendor from one other country might offer a service that is similar to a Canadian vendor’s without being required to gather and remit the GST/HST from customers. The results of this taxation inequity might be unfair competitors for some vendors positioned in Canada. According to the Department of Finance Canada, the scenario could have encouraged domestic vendors to move their operations overseas and could have discouraged foreign investment in Canada. The first step within the app constructing process requires you to enter primary particulars like the URL of the website, the business for which the app is being created, and at last, choose from the net site platforms.

#e commerce implementation #e-commerce implementation #b2b e-commerce implementation #custom b2b e-commerce implementation #Canadian e-commerce implementation #e-commerce implementation Canada #b2b e-commerce implementation Canada #Canada b2b e-commerce implemenation #advantages of e-commerce implemenation

[hammondfanning67]

texstudio pdf

Have you ever asked to accomplish your money refunded after purchasing something via internet? Do texstudio Torrent do frequently involves? What are motives you've inquired refunds? Savvy marketers attempt to find out why without making truly you need not have inquired. This would be valuable information in. Anyone selling on the internet in order to be willing to provide a fair and prompt refund rule. To back up items and claims without hesitation. It is especially vital that do internet sales since the transaction is performed without viewing to "read" the salesperson and operation face to square. In most cases this uncomfortable method is permanent. Maybe it's painful. It could be costly depending over a size for this area to treated. Advised that you get professional treatment to skin trauma. Results: Permanent. Look greatest and submit a great photo of yourself to get a profile pictureprofessional. A good picture really keepin in mind a thousand words, and research reveals that you are nearly 10 x more gonna be noticed your current products post texstudio a graphic to your profile. Don't forget to take the first name. Online dating makes it easy for the shy ones out there to break the ice, because you can do all the initial observing each other from the comfort and safety of your own computer. Goods shipped to Canada are subject to G.S.T. on importation. Such tax normally assessed in the border. But what a person are are a Canadian registered for L.S.T., selling to a Canadian customer and your supplier is with a foreign country? Eyebrow hair differs in the the associated with them any kind of time given time are each morning resting or telogen position. This means their regrowth rate is slower than other a lock. It is wise therefore to avoid over plucking eyebrow flowing hair. You won't know a person try. Assume you will do *anything* - because absolutely! You may not be ready to do it yet, brand new wii console set up mental blocks in advance. You can create your own profitable items, sell them well, and have others selling them for you personally personally. You can operate a involving websites, even host seminars, or teach others. May do. The rationale behind this follows: Since countries can't collect florida sales tax on Internet transactions at their borders, the only way they can collect it (other than only a self-assessment system) is through having an online florida sales tax. Further, it is claimed that businesses in the european Union suffer a major competitive disadvantage because have got to collect Value Added Tax (VAT) but others don't.

#TEXSTUDIO

[stryhn47arthur]

Traditions Shock and International Business - Tips for Women

If it is your first vacation away from U. 求人 , maybe you are looking frontward to the brand-new, exciting experiences that will are waiting for a person. Unfortunately, if you turn up in your first of all foreign country, as an alternative of feeling fired up and full of energy, an individual may unexpectedly feel depressed, disoriented and depressed, especially if you are traveling on your own. The greater the between this overseas culture and the American culture if you're familiar with, the more pronounced these feelings might be. Typically the technical term just for this is "culture shock. inch For many Americans in foreign nations around the world, the language barrier is normally the the majority of difficult issue to be able to cope with. If you do not really know some basic phrases in the language of your respective web host country, you can feel very isolated. How would you communicate with other folks to find a place to be able to eat or come across your way about town? What perform you do for entertainment? The movies are in a foreign language and presently there are few locations available where one can interact socially easily. You instantly feel very antiestablishment. Dealing with foreign currency can even be the problem. You have got to do mental calculations every time you make an effort to purchase something. Simply how much will this cost? All of these coins look as well. How much alter should i get back again? This can be very intimidating, specifically if bargaining intended for goods is area of the culture. While a short, voluntary exposure to a new culture could be temporarily unsettling, with some understanding of what you usually are experiencing and some approaches to deal along with it, you will certainly soon start to appreciate your visit. Prior to your trip, understand up to you can easily about the culture you are going to visit. Read some books for the history and customs from the country. Traveling videos are especially helpful and quickly available from typically the library. Get a few foreign language audiotapes from the collection too and learn a few significant phrases, such as "Where's the bathroom? " "Waiter, inch "How much is this specific? " "Please, " and "Thank an individual. " You will most probably function into foreigners that speak some The english language and who wish to practice it in visitors. If an individual know some keyword phrases in their dialect they are often encouraged to test out their very own English for you. In addition learn something about meals names and substances so you will feel more secure throughout ordering from the particular menu inside a cafe. If you need the opportunity, search for out some ethnic restaurants at house and try out and about these exotic food items before you abandon. Do some sightseeing in your extra time. Make some sort of list of the major tourist attractions and discover from a journey agent how to get there from your hotel. Take a city tour after an individual arrive to get familiar yourself with the particular area. You can usually book English-speaking excursions at your hotel once you arrive. Want to keep on your own busy. Above all, no longer hide out in your hotel room moping. There are various American in addition to other internationally-known lodge chains generally in most places. The staff generally there usually speaks British quite well and even the hotel can quickly become your house away from residence if you feel comfortable in it. Look for a new hotel with a new gym, pool, jacuzzi, several restaurants, a new sundry shop and perhaps a lay where you could relax later in the day. Get hold of the business credit card of a trustworthy taxi service because well as the hotel card using its address and even phone number in the local language and be certain to keep it with you once you are out. Show that to the minicab driver when you are ready to go returning to the hotel. Some hotels even give you a taxi service to the biggest market of town as well as to the particular airport so an individual don't have to bother along with taxis. Become warm and friendly with the motel concierge who can usually have walking atlases, restaurant suggestions, theatre and museum seats, and shopping guidelines and who is presently there to make travel as pleasant as is possible. Women traveling only have the additional burden of for being an anomaly in many foreign countries wherever few women will be employed in business positions in the commercial globe. You might discover people staring or perhaps being downright rude or obnoxious. Ignore them. Emphasis on your strong points, take a handful of deep breaths, relax and move in. Exhaustion is likewise common during travel. Plane lag can be an actual phenomenon along with the increased the enhancements made on time, the more time had to adjust. Upon some trips an individual may find night and day completely reversed at home. In addition, significant cities in Europe, Asia, and To the south America are quite stuffed up and have higher level of00 of noise in addition to air pollution compared to you are often used to. When all of typically the noise and blockage begins to feel overpowering, take some time out to be able to relax. Get lots of sleep, take in lightly and drink lots of liquid, preferably bottled drinking water. Get some exercising every day also if it is just a go walking around the obstruct (if the area is safe). Provide your laptop computer. Remember your friends and family are simply an e-mail aside. Above all, keep the sense of joy. This is a great experience to end up being enjoyed; make the most of that. Feelings You May possibly Have o Depressive disorders: When you have got to handle fantastic multitudes of people presenting a foreign tongue, and with vastly different customs and even lifestyles, it is usually easy to turn out to be anxious and irascible. The resulting feeling of being helpless in order to do anything regarding your situation can easily lead to depression and an total loss of strength. o Disorientation: You could be traveling to countries where English will be not suited for street signs, office complexes, or restaurants. Strain can emerge quickly. It is not necessarily only very annoying to attempt to find the way in a good unfamiliar environment, but it can even be scary when you no longer recognize where an individual are and understand that you can't just ask any individual to enable you to. to Intimidation: Many of us enjoy to feel of which were organized and even in control over the environment. In additional countries, nevertheless , an individual may feel frustrated and thwarted from the numerous steps it might take to do some sort of simple task such as paying regarding some purchase. o Alienation: When an individual travel abroad, an individual may feel out of place, particularly if a person don't speak typically the language. In a lot of countries it is not necessarily very likely that you will be invited in order to join an interpersonal group or even be approached from a social collecting. You will much more likely be left all on your own, which may lead to you to feel rejected and doubtful about how in order to proceed. o Boredom: As a result of language troubles, you can find not many places you can actually pay a visit to in the nights or on week-ends. While you don't find out too many individuals, you may not even create messages or calls to reduce your isolation. Sightseeing presents both vehicles and language problems as do sojourns to the films and theater -- but how a lot of times are you able to see the same CNN or Sky Net programs on TELEVISION SET? o Exhaustion: An individual truly do make use of more energy doing less when a person are on typically the road. Adjusting to plane lag, reaching to the business appointments promptly, maneuvering through crowds of people on the street, finding a taxi, and haggling which has a shopkeeper over rates when you are trying to pick-up a few journal can be physically in addition to mentally exhausting. Attitude Adjustments Recognizing that any uncomfortable or even negative feelings you aren't experiencing in this new culture are usually normal will support alleviate your discomfort. It's also helpful to know that some others have similar responses. Remind yourself that you are journeying for a purpose and that you'll become going home if your job is performed. Here are several suggestions that might help ease your adjustment: to Take care of your wellbeing. Get lots of sleep and be careful concerning everything you eat and drink. Get everyday exercise. o Rest. When the sound and crowds find to you, consider some time out there for yourself. Take into account bringing a mp3 deck and also a rest tape together with you to listen to regarding twenty minutes a new day. Luxuriate inside a bubble bathtub. o Don't mope around your hotel room. Stay active: trot, swim, or join a local workout group if you have an extended stay. Take the walk through some sort of local park or even visit a museum (check with your hotel initial on which areas usually are not safe and even should be avoided). Re-center yourself by simply focusing on your own strengths and pursuing your interests. um Keep your sense of humor. Look for the amusing elements of your position. From least you will have plenty of good stories to share if you get residence. Laughter releases tension. o Know an individual are envied. Several people appreciate the exotica of some other cultures and would give their eyeteeth to be within your role. This have to bring you several sense of satisfaction. o If a person are traveling intended for an extended period of time, try bringing some things from residence to setup your room, like photos, the favorite pillow and even maybe some associated with your preferred CD's in order to play while going for walks around. o Travel with an associate. If you know someone more who is likewise traveling on enterprise, think about complementing your schedules in order to meet for dinner or even for sightseeing. This is easier to face a new environment together compared with how to face this alone.

#求人 #女性用風俗 #女性向け風俗 #宮城 #Jasmine #出張ホスト

[bankshill3]

Knockoff Burberry Watches Cartier Replica Watches Roadster Fake Gold Diamond Watch

Broadcom Inc. shares rallied in the extended session Thursday after the chip and software program company topped Wall Street estimates for the quarter and announced an aggressive new share buyback program. Thanks to a custom-made, mini WeChat program, the store provides video games, personalized experiences, and the chance for patrons to construct and spend “social foreign money,” all in a refined, futuristic environment. Exclusive 60 day trial to the world's largest digital library. Get ahold of this fabulous replica Burberry bag at DHgate. Visit DHgate.com or obtain the DHgate App to search out replica Burberry luggage that can complete your gorgeous ensemble. Dhgate is a number one buying and selling web site that caters to over 2 million retailers, small and large businesses alike. DHgate delivers high-grade replica products worldwide on each retail and wholesale prices. burberry replica Burberry Copy Vintage Check Nylon Backpack for WomenTo finish off our list, we present the Vintage Check Nylon Backpack. This basic backpack from Burberry is a bag that you’ll certainly need for an on a regular basis trip. The Vintage Check Nylon Backpack may be paired with casual, streetwear, or even corporate attires. The Burberry purse hit a method an excellent source of the primary 2000 as quickly as the likes of Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss and Tamara Beckwith endorsed it absolutely. Today, Burberry handbags are flaunted with the elite because the darling of this trend world. Burberry handbags have grown to be fairly in style contemplating the burberry london outlet retailer who who throughout the glamour world that quite a few corporations have finally started manufacturing Burberry replica purses. We shine some gentle on the shady underworld of counterfeit watches and breakdown the the reason why you want replica watches to maintain distant from phony designer goods. Rising amongst fairly a quantity of watches, the great-looking fake watches are delicately created, and the rose gold cases with diamonds additional power the posh. Burberry Replica Small Leather Cube Bag in Black for WomenCube Bag is another best-selling variant from Burberry’s luxurious bag collections. They are also a brilliant advertising software as they have excessive visibility when carried round by users. Burberry replica are best for packing gifts, particularly for company gifting. These can be found in reusable in addition to disposable variants. We do have huge range of merchandise in our personal designs as nicely for purchasers to choose from. What is your sample cost9 Sample value is predicated on the design and materials used in the product. What is your mass production lead time9 Mass production lead time 4 weeks. Burberry Lookalike – Men’s Logo Detail Cotton Blend ToteLooking for a luxurious tote bag that screams chic? Burberry’s Logo Detail Cotton Blend Tote is the solely option for you. It is reported that TB Bag captured the initials of the brand’s founder Thomas Burberry, with a simple outline that is wealthy in mental beauty. A mechanical timepiece is normally utilized in increased high quality replica watches No batteries proper right here, instead metal springs are used for power. Telling time shouldn't be the one issue that designer watches do. This is not the one function why folks want to purchase Tag Heuer Method 1, Aquaracer, Monaco timepieces. Additionally keep in mind that on Japanese watches the chronograph characteristic is often only for present. Burberry replica supplied on Alibaba.com are produced from nice materials that guarantee energy and enough carrying capability. The Quilted Lola Bag may be worn crossbody or on the shoulder with its polished chain strap, an excellent match with the quilt design of the bag. wikipedia handbags The bag has a magnetic closure and an inside slip pocket. Hi new member, simply questioning where can i find some good burberry replicas thanks. Like a clear , damp, masculinely recent in an aftershave or men’s physique wash kinda method. Fragrantica® Trends is a relative worth that reveals the interest of Fragrantica members in this fragrance over time. When the Rain Stops by Maison Martin Margiela is a Aromatic Aquatic fragrance for girls. Burberry's origins date back to nothing more and nothing less than the year 1854, making it one of the oldest trend manufacturers. It was based by a 21-year-old, Thomas Burberry, who opened his first retailer in the small city of Basingstoke, where he popularized waterproof cloth trench coats, which little by little grew to become an emblem of British tradition. Kellog says it's completely replacing about 1,four hundred of its putting manufacturing unit workers, ending a labor feud between workers and the cereal brand. “The prolonged work stoppage has left us no selection however to rent permanent alternative employees in positions vacated by striking staff,” the corporate wrote in a press release on Tuesday night.

#burberry replica #burberry replica bags

[hoffhaas26]

Mens Faux Designer Belts

In a darkish green leather with gold-toned G buckle, this can be a gorgeous various to the over-worn well-liked fashion. In fact, they’re so in style that prime road retailers worldwide are unapologetically replicating them with comparable gold-plated styles. Gucci has been making belts since the Nineteen Twenties, but in 2016 the accessory had unstoppable raise off. From sliders to monogram baggage, everyone needs a slice of Gucci. But with the massive array of outlets selling them, it’s tough to determine the place to splash your cash. Yes, every Gucci belt has a warmth stamp; if it's lacking, it's most definitely fake. Look for a metallic finish on the Black Imprime belt’s “double G” buckle. On this belt, the buckle is comprised of a daily G and an the wrong way up G. The normal G has a matte end, whereas the the wrong way up G ought to have a metallic black end. The “double G” emblem must be completely printed over the entirety of the belt. Fake Gucci belts often have clip on belt buckles, whereas genuine Gucci belt buckles are sometimes soldered onto the larger portion of the belt. None of the models of authentic Gucci belts include a button holding the belt buckle in place. If you notice any imperfections in the materials, it is a sign that you simply probably have a fake belt in your hands. Behind this fascinating image is a continuing stimulus to the event of Vacheron Constantin for 260 years. This lengthy journey began in Geneva in February 2016 and lasts for a yr all chronograph over the world. Invited Blancpain Liao Yu and the mission of the National Maritime Administration. On the afternoon of November 9, 1960, in the merry-go-spherical of Lerock residents, a black automotive drove a number of Moroccan princes ceramica from afar and stopped in front of the Tissot watch factory. When the Prince of Morocco and his wife received out of the automotive, the Princess's grace shocked everyone. With a warm smile and loads of manners, inexperienced and white scientists have a charming look. The tremendous Mark 15 IWC Spitfire has a watch diameter of 39 mm, however the arms use a extra fashionable hand and the time show is inlaid. Same 60 meter waterproof and anti-magnetic wrought iron internal shell. The Mark 15 flamethrower belt of the IWC collection is a calfskin belt, however the thick line exhibits the prevalence of the IWC collection Mark15 flamethrower belt. Vacheron Constantin and Steve McCurry are working together to interpret foreign TV reveals all over the world. "Of course they are not. Besides, I love my bag - faux or not." wikipedia belt "This could also be as a result of they feel that real manufacturers cost unfair costs. Those individuals who see themselves as being shrewd consumers prepared and able to beat the system may be more doubtless to purchase counterfeits. One on-line store is completely open concerning the truth it's promoting a pretend, cheerfully boasting that "the materials used are similar to the real ones. Trademark marks are indistinguishable to the originals". But despite the motion taken by the style home, it is nonetheless pretty straightforward to get your hands on a duplicate. Louis Vuitton is likely one of the luxurious brands with a specific team devoted to the administration and safety of the corporate's mental property rights. replica designer belts Research suggests about three million customers every year purchase counterfeit items carrying one of many top designer labels, similar to Yves Saint Laurent, Burberry or Gucci.

#cheap real designer belts #discount designer belts #real designer belts cheap #replica belts #replica designer belts

[royallison27]

Great Advice On How To Go About Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery is either considered as a miracle method to fix flaws or an unhealthy and dangerous thing to do. But the reality is, plastic surgery benefits many. It improves appearances and even has health benefits in some cases. This is because most of your health depends on how good you feel, and cosmetic surgery helps you feel good, improving your mental health as well. Learn more about it by reading here. Find out if you need to take any antibiotics. To minimize the chance of complications such as infection, your doctor will probably put you on an antibiotic course for a significant period leading up to your surgery. Consider asking Gastroenterologist for his opinion, if your fist doctor does not advice antibiotics. Confirm with your doctor how long you are going to have to be on antibiotics for after surgery. Antibiotics can make you feel a bit different, and not function properly. So you are going to want to know how long it is going to take, before you fully recover. Then you can live a normal life again. Almost all reputable plastic surgeons, and their clinics have a type of computer software that allows people to see themselves as they would look post-op. Gastro Cure Clinic is a great tool that should not be overlooked, as it allows you to visualize the changes you are considering. You can make a more informed decision. Almost all cosmetic surgeons will have a book available for their previous jobs, even for intimate changes such as breast surgery. Be sure to ask to take a look at this book so you can see the level of success your doctor has experienced in the past. This also gives you a chance to make detailed decisions about your own changes. It is very important to choose a cosmetic surgeon that has the proper certifications, to perform the procedures that you seek to get. A lot of doctors who are inexperienced in the type of service you want will offer their services to you. If you go with a doctor who has no experience, then you run the risk of the procedure not going well. Some patients lose a lot of blood during surgery. Although this is a common occurrence, if it is excessive, problems can result. You can experience bleeding both during and after surgery. If you bleed a lot after the procedure, it might get under the skin and you might have to have corrective surgery. Discuss the possibility of bruising and blood loss after surgery with your doctor. Do not hesitate to ask about any discounts your surgeon may offer. Many cosmetic clinics offer flexible prices and payment options. Some have deals that they run in order to try and attract new business or get repeat customers. You won't be aware of this unless you inquire, so be sure to ask your doctor. Don't rush into any decision pertaining to cosmetic surgery. These are decisions that will physically alter your appearance and are not easily (or cheaply) undone. Any quality surgeon, will give you the time you need to make a smart decision. If you feel your surgeon is pressuring you, you may want to consider other options as there may be financial motives behind their pushiness. If cosmetic surgery seems out of your price range, you can consider getting it done outside of the United States. Medical tourism has exploded in popularity, as the costs associated with certain procedures are sometimes half the price in a foreign country. But be careful with who you choose to do the procedure. Do your research into the surgeon's credentials prior to signing on the bottom line. Be prepared for pain. There is no way around the fact that many cosmetic surgery procedures are painful. Prepare yourself for it. Many patients report that, the most unpleasant aspect of the entire process is the pain. It may last for several weeks after your surgery. You can help reduce this a bit by ensuring that you are in good physical shape, before going under the knife. Do you have a greater understanding of plastic surgery? Plan a consultation, and see what you think. Don't be afraid because a better self image could be around the corner.

#Gastroenterologist In Somajiguda

[childlove96]

Discover On Visa Facilitation For Applicants Inoculated With Chinese Language Covid

However, because of doubts concerning the security and efficacy of China-made vaccines, Hsu said a lot of his international friends in China are willing to pay for the option of getting non-Chinese-made vaccines as quickly as they're out there in China. Zimbabwe vice president and Minister of Health Constantino Chiwenga holds up his vaccination certificate after receiving the primary shot of Sinopharm, the COVID-19 vaccine from China, Feb. 18, 2021. Refrigerated containers with provides to supply China's Sinovac vaccines against the coronavirus illness arrive at Sao Paulo International Airport in Guarulhos, Brazil, April 19, 2021. The transfer is predicated on "full consideration of security and effectiveness of the vaccines", and it's a "meaningful try and facilitate cross-border travels," he told reporters. Those who can get in, normally for work, need to indicate a adverse coronavirus test result and in addition take an antibody check earlier than boarding, in addition to quarantine for a minimal of 14 days after arrival. But now, with global vaccination packages underway, and efforts ramping as a lot as restart worldwide journey with uniform testing protocols and vaccine “passports,” Beijing’s showing its dedication to set its own standards for the resumption of journey. Holders of legitimate APEC business journey cards could apply for the M visa by presenting the unique legitimate APEC business journey card and the invitation letter issued by the inviting celebration within the mainland of China. According to the immigration insurance policies from completely different countries, recommend you consult with the immigration administration of your nation, figuring out more about the immigration insurance policies. If there isn’t any direct flights to China out of your nation, you could also choose to fly to a 3rd country first then go to China, except those nations who are not accepted to enter China via the 3rd nation by China authorities. After getting into China, you are requested to comply with the related epidemic prevention laws. For detailed procedures, please verify the official web sites of Chinese embassies in various international locations. Holders of Q1 Visa shall, inside 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of native public safety bureau in the proposed locations of residence for foreigners' residence permits. Issued to those that are members of the family of Chinese residents or foreigners with Chinese permanent residence and intend to go to China for a household reunion, or to those who intend to go to China for foster care, with an meant period of keep in China exceeding 180 days. Holders of S1 Visa shall, inside 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of local public safety bureau within the proposed locations of residence for foreigners' residence permits. The requirement that personnel aspiring to journey to China need to present double-negative certificates of nucleic acid and antibody exams stays unchanged. Visa Info There are no government closures during the vacation season. The immigration workplaces are closed December 25-26, 2021 and January 1, 2022. The immigration authority might be closed December 23, 29-31, 2021 and January 1-3, 2022. The United States has a number of visa restrictions that have an result on whether a possible customer is granted a tourist visa. Visa purposes could also be denied on the grounds of well being, a felony record or other safety causes. For instance, anybody with a big communicable disease or a bodily or mental well being dysfunction that poses a security risk won't be allowed entry into the US. Check with your meant destination’s government immigration website to find out the costs. For instance, visa application charges for visas to the united states begin at US$160. Traditional visas can either be stamped or glued into your passport. Applicants can submit their request from wherever outdoors Australia so lengthy as they have a tool that can hook up with the internet. Fortunately, it is possible to apply on-line for an Australian visa. Government places of work might be closed December 25, 2021, and January 1, 2022. Applicants ought to anticipate processing delays as a end result of restricted staff through the holiday period, each at consular posts, Office Français de l’Immigration et Intégration workplaces and local prefectures. U.S. visa application services will be offered to visa candidates by our approved companion, us-visa-info.com. Relevant varieties and requirements for the assorted companies supplied by the Consulate have been uploaded on the website for the convenience of most people. In basic, lowered workers in the course of the year-end period is predicted to delay processing. Government offices are anticipated to be closed December 24-26, 2021 and January 1, 2022. In basic, reduced workers through the year-end interval may delay processing instances. In some cases, Cayman residents applying for a visa may be allowed to send of their passport and other visa documentation by courier, as an alternative of appearing for an interview. Visacentral Service Charges A duly filled-inBank Deposit Formis to be submitted at the Bank along with the visa charges plus Baht 25.00 as bank charge . The Bank in turn will return the relevant portion of the Bank Deposit Form together with the Bank’s slip. These documents are to be submitted to the Consular Section of the Embassy along with the visa utility type. Form I-131, Application for Travel Document You should file Form I-131 to use for a refugee travel doc and appear for any required biometric providers appointment earlier than you permit the United States. If you are at present outdoors the United States, you could file a Form I-131 and apply for a refugee journey doc when you have been outdoors the United States for less than 1 12 months on the time of filing. To make an appointment to file the Form I-131A for travel documentation at the U.S. Registration form of momentary residence for foreigners. Applicants can confirm if an internet application is out there by checking their provincial Public Security Bureau’s official website. Original adoption certificate/adoption registration certificate. Complete and submit all relevant paperwork to the Notary Public Office . However, additional vaccinations could additionally be recommended for you. To decide if vaccinations are beneficial for your journey itinerary, please contact your local doctor or seek the guidance of Immunizations. Consular jurisdiction is the geographic space for which a consulate has accountability for issuing visas. Jurisdictional requirements are determined by each nation and incessantly differ. The ePassport options microchip expertise and a number of different security measures thereby making certain that Philippine passports are just about tamper-proof. EPassport issuance can also be compliant with the safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization . The Philippine ePassport has an built-in circuit inside its pages containing knowledge that are important in verifying the identity of the passport holder. These embody the non-public biographical data discovered on the info page of the passport, the biometrics of the passport holder, the distinctive chip identification number, and a digital signature to confirm the authenticity of the information saved on the chip. The chip technology allows the knowledge saved in an ePassport to be read by special chip readers at almost each international port of entry. What's The Main Objective Of Your Visit To China And Which Is Essentially The Most Acceptable Visa Class For Your Software Passport Health’s travel paperwork group will stroll you thru the visa course of step-by-step and deal with the sometimes troublesome communication with embassies and consulates. To travel to Tibet by air, highway or prepare, you may want each a China vacationer visa and a Tibet Tourism Bureau permit. To get hold of this mandatory travel document you must guide a guide on your complete trip and pre-arrange non-public transport for trips exterior Lhasa. 辦理台胞證 are accepted, which successfully means that Tibet can solely be visited on an organized tour. To be eligible, vacationers must hold a passport legitimate for a minimal of three months after entry and proof of onward travel to a third country, or to Hong Kong or Macau. Your passport, a visa application kind together with your current color picture attached, a registration of momentary residence, and your journey itinerary might be required for submission. If your utility is permitted, you may get an prolonged stay not exceeding the unique stay duration on your visa. Travel Visa Pro is particularly helpful for Chinese visas because all vacationers should apply in individual at a consulate or embassy; purposes can't be sent by way of the mail. Concierge Team members have years of expertise and may make the advanced straightforward for you. We are not affiliated with the Chinese Embassy or some other government companies. Applicants always have the choice to apply via the Chinese Embassy Visa Office in particular person. Using visa agencies is only optionally available for the visa processing but not a requirement. If you need to take pleasure in a vacation in China before deciding if working and dwelling right here is for you, then that is your greatest visa possibility for ashort-term visit. Normally, tourist visas are valid for 30 days from the date of entry however could be prolonged once, about a week earlier than they expire. Whilst sure, it is true you could convert a vacationer visa right into a Z Visa as soon as in China (if you fall in love with the place and don’t wish to waste time) do note that this option is torturously painful and could not be worth it, to be trustworthy. Unless you do manage this mammoth task, keep in mind that you cannot teach English on this visa. What Type Of Nonimmigrant Visa Is True For Me? A business visitor might be granted a visa only for a time period essential to conduct his or her business. Most such visits are approved for less than three months, although longer stays may be attainable in sure circumstances. There is another important means to obtain immigrant visas. Permanent resident standing can be obtained by a enterprise one that can make investments $1 million in a new U.S. enterprise and may create ten new jobs in that enterprise or can make investments $1 million in a troubled U.S. business and save existing jobs. The B-1 customer must intend to depart the U.S. when his/her temporary stay expires, and cannot receive a salary or different remuneration from a U.S. employer. The B-2 is the “tourist” visa with which the customer can stay as much as six months in the united states The trade is substantial based on an current buying and selling relationship, where there have been numerous transactions establishing a unbroken course of international commerce. There isn't any set restrict to the quantity of commerce that should take place, although higher emphasis is positioned on the variety of transactions over the total financial worth. The purpose of your journey is to enter the US quickly for business actions. They should make a decision, for probably the most half, on the impressions they type during the first few minutes of the interview. Consequently, what you say first and the initial impression you create are critical to your success. Officials don't have a lot of time to discuss your software; they have to make a quick decision. The consular officer needs to interview you, not your loved ones. Thus, you want to only convey family members who are making use of for dependent visas with you to the interview. If you're a minor and want your dad and mom in case there are questions, for instance, about funding, they should wait in the waiting room, and be obtainable if the consular officer desires to speak with them. I am sure I communicate for many people in displaying appreciation for the time you have put in here. Foreigners must also present proof of COVID journey health insurance that covers COVID-19 medical examination and treatment up to US $100,000 minimum. Below are some questions to assist you resolve when you ought to make a particular effort to show your “nonimmigrant intent”. Digital Visa Update System Evus Incessantly Asked Questions If the wedding took place in the United States, the NVC will ship the petition to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that points visas in the foreign-citizen spouse’s nation of nationality. If the wedding happened in a rustic that doesn't have a U.S. Embassy, or the Embassy or Consulate doesn't problem visas, the NVC will send the petition to the us Embassy or Consulate that normally processes visas for citizens of that nation. Our local consultants can help you with the immigration course of. If you work for a overseas company and are paid by this firm, you'll have the ability to work in China for up to three months. The China Business Visa is issued to applicants who intend to come to China for industrial and commerce activities functions. If travelling to China on enterprise, or arranging for an employee to take action, it's crucial that the proper visa is acquired. If your journey is short or opening a bank account in China is not an possibility, you can all the time withdraw money out of your international account utilizing an ATM in China. Just remember it's going to be more beneficial to agree to be charged within the native foreign money, not your home currency. Home Return Permit holders additionally must get hold of an employment authorization from the municipal governments in order to work legally in Mainland China. The tackle you stated above no longer settle for visa software from ordinary passport holder. They now require people to submit application by way of a spot referred to as china visa application centre. They are charging HKD $310 + HKD $240 payment for a single entry visa. Such an effective way for them to earn extra money for what is essentially the identical service. Passports And Visas The South African Government has introduced an online eVisa application system that makes the process of getting a visa easy for travellers from eligible countries, which embrace China. Taiwan’s visa coverage states that citizens who are nationals of around sixty five nations can enter the nation with out obtaining a visa. Chinese citizens that are residents of a territory exterior of mainland China are in a place to request journey permission by way of the net software. Check the list under to seek out out if an embassy visa to travel to Taiwan is required in your nationality. Travelers from the People’s Republic of China who do not meet Turkish eVisa necessities should apply at the embassy. To go to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Dubai to submit applications. 辦理台胞證 will be capable of evaluation your information to verify it is still correct, and may observe instructions in the EVUS system to make certain you have a present EVUS enrollment. Permitted stays on other South African visas for Chinese nationals rely upon the particular visa. The specific requirements for a visa rely upon the applicant’s circumstances and travel plans. Not maintain passports issued by different countries or have extra nationalities. America And China Comply With Extending Visas For Brief Although the 2 SARs are a half of China, they have their own entry laws. For instance, passport holders of over a hundred and sixty countries don’t need a visa to journey in Hong Kong. For Chinese Tourist L Visa holders, particularly those with single and double entries, remember that even a few hours in Hong Kong or Macau is counted as an exit from mainland China. Check the method to apply for a Hong Kong visa here, and a Macau visa right here. Q1 visas will have to be transformed right into a residence allow within 30 days of entering China. If a non-Chinese nationwide needs to stay in China longer than the period of keep allowed on the visa, he or she is required to submit an extension to the EEA of the municipality before his or her duration of stay expires. Approval of an extension of stay is probably not granted, by which case the traveler should depart China instantly. Chinese diplomatic missions aren't approved to extend a visa. The S2 visa is a brief term visa for applicants who're visiting a member of the family that has a legitimate residence permit in China because of work or research. If your visa application is approved, you should apply for a Taiwan residence allow at a neighborhood service heart of the National Immigration Agency within 15 days. In order to travel to China for tourism purposes, it may be necessary to acquire a visa from an embassy prematurely, although some overseas citizens are granted a brief visa-free tourist stay. With regard to resident cards or visas which have expired less than 10 years in the past, because of this the time between the expiry date of the resident card or visa and the date of arrival in Taiwan will not be longer than 10 years. If no expiry date or validity interval is given on the resident card or visa, the 10-year period refers to the time between the resident card or visa’s issuing date and the date of arrival in Taiwan. All passports which may be submitted to VisaHQ for processing are coated for as much as $500 against any loss or harm. If you choose FedEx when applying on-line, we'll even cowl your passport in transit to us and from us to you.

#台胞證

[versadies]

Congrats on 3k! Can I get miso soup (thoma), jade parcels (unrequited love), sakura mochi (angst) with dango milk (normal/non-au). I would like the sauce to be mustard (drabble).

Thank you in advance. You can ignore this if you want/get too busy!

‿୨♡୧‿︵ BON APPÉTIT MY FELLOW CUSTOMER! ︵‿୨♡୧‿

name of order: why not me?

date: thoma (with kamisato!gn!reader)

spices: angst/no-comfort, unrequited love, rejection, reader is kinda desperate for thoma to love them and its unhealthy

ingredients: you thought the two of you are just meant to be. just like what everyone said.

chef’s note: tysm for requesting, hope you like the angst !

3k milestone event

today is the day, it seems.

for the last two years, you’ve been helplessly in love with the housekeeper of your home, infatuated from his kind and carefree personality as you make sure to spend some time with the well-known fixer despite the possible opinions of your peers around you.

you could care less, who would even notice the fact that the middle child of the kamisato clan is often seen with thoma?

so when the traveler and the ever-so illustrious paimon found out that you have feelings for the housekeeper, they just had to convince you to try and confess to him, stating how they’re confident that the housekeeper would surely love someone like you back as well.

even your precious younger sister convinced you that thoma loves you back, often finding ways to keep you and thoma spend more time together much to your embarrassment.

what made you finally take the leap was when miss hina wrote back a reply to your letter and said it’s worth a shot to confess — which led you to where you are now, waiting for thoma in amakane island while wearing your kimono.

the moment you found out from your dear brother that thoma has taken a day-off, you immediately wanted to use this chance to invite him to go to amakane island and watch the fireworks show that yoimiya gladly prepared just for your confession.

if people mean it when they said that thoma likes you back, then surely there’s nothing to be worried or scared about… right?

you could feel butterflies at your stomach and the urge to scream at the thought of thoma saying yes to your confession and dating him afterwards, showing others how you two are just meant to be–

“y/n?” your heart instantly flutters from the sound of his voice, causing you to turn around and see the chief retainer walking towards you with a smile on his face. how could a smile be so infectious? you thought to yourself.

“took you long enough to come here.” you said jokingly, watching as thoma looks away in embarrassment.

“sorry,” he comments, scratching the back of his neck. “i was helping out a snezhnayan foreigner with directions.”

you could only smile in understanding. “it’s fine, i can’t blame you for helping out. what matters is that you arrived, right?”

thoma looks back at you, nodding in response. “well you’re right.. shall we go now, then?” he offers his arm for you to hold, causing your cheeks to warm from his gesture.

“…with pleasure.”

to your relief, no one in the island could recognize you, giving you more chances to talk to thoma without anyone bothering you regarding matters about your clan. you mentally took note to yourself to thank ayaka later for the wonderful suggestion of taking your crush to the fireworks show.

to your dismay however, the more the two of you take each step towards the cliff, the more nervous you’re feeling inside, fidgeting your fingers as you come closer and closer—

until the both of you finally stood in front of the wonderful view of inazuma city.

this is your chance.

“..thank you for spending time with me here, thoma. i apologize if i ruined your plans for your day off.” you spoke up, smiling apologetically to thoma, who shook his head in response.

“there’s no need to apologize, y/n.” he said reassuringly. “i’m glad that i have someone to spend time with today. i would’ve spend the whole day helping other people in ritou to keep myself busy.”

feeling the familiar warmth forming in your cheeks once more, you instantly looked down at your lap to hide your reaction from thoma, who seems to be oblivious.

there’s no going back now.

“..hey thoma?” he hums in response. “i have something to tell y..”before you could confess, the words died in your throat when you suddenly hear the familiar sounds of fireworks, causing you and thoma to look up at the view and see your beloved friend’s hardwork.

it was indeed beautiful. just not as much as the awe look plastered on thoma’s face.

you hesitated on confessing for a moment, until you remembered your encouragement from your friends. you and thoma are just meant to be, one of them said with a smile.

you took a deep breath and close your eyes for a moment.

this is it.

“..i like you thoma.” you spoke up, causing thoma to look away from the fireworks with his eyes widened in shock.

“what?” he asks.

you let out a nervous laugh. “i uh, like like you. not in a… friend way, if you know what i mean.”

you watched as thoma stayed silent, his attention was no longer on the fireworks show. you mistaken his silent as awe and disbelief, causing you to continue your confession.

“for.. all my life, i’ve always been a third choice to most people. as a middle child, i don’t have anything to do for my clan. but with you, i feel as though i’m just as important as my siblings and a first choice for on—”

“i’m sorry… i don’t think we’re just meant to be.” he spoke, causing you to stop talking and process what he just said.

…what?

you stared at thoma with your mouth agape. “i..i don’t understand.”

you watched as the man in front of you gives you a sad smile, your heart sinking deep into your stomach in realization. “i’m sorry, y/n. i truly am… but i don’t think this is going to work o—”

“is it because of what people think if you and i court one another?” you interrupted, not letting thoma finish his sentence. “if that’s your only reason— i-i can just kick myself out from my clan and change my identity! they’ll surely—”

thoma was in disbelief from your willingness. you’re willing to do that just to be with him? “y/n— gods, no. i don’t mean it like that.”

you felt your hands shaking, trying to ignore the ridiculous ache in your heart. “then why.. why are you rejecting me? i.. i thought you like me back— if it’s because of my status, i can make my rank higher! i’ll make sure i’ll be more higher than my broth—”

you suddenly felt the chief retainer’s hands on your shoulders. “y/n stop! i don’t want you to do any of that for me!” he exclaims, now terrified and concerned of your desperation.

you terribly felt silent, thoughts running in circles in your head in confusion. what did you do wrong? didn’t everyone said that thoma likes you back? was it all… a lie?

“i… i’m really sorry, y/n.” thoma said, letting go of your shoulders with a sigh. “i just don’t like you that way. even if you’re a powerful person, a general, or something else, i still wouldn’t return the feelings. i’m too.. busy for that, you know?”

you slowly looked away from his pitiful gaze, gripping the hem of your kimono tightly as tears starts to form in your eyes. “…i just thought that you and i were meant to be. i’m sorry.”

the housekeeper looks away from your figure as well, scratching the back of his neck with a frown. “it’s… it’s fine.. thank you again for uh, inviting me here.”

without another word exchanged between the two of you, thoma took this opportunity to stand up. “i hope we can still be friends after this. i do hope you’ll find someone who will love you just as much as you love them.”

and then he left.

you continued to sit throughout the fireworks show until the very end, letting tears falling down from your eyes the moment thoma left your side.

it hurts. it hurts so much. how to make it stop?

your mind continues to replay the words that thoma told you, causing your heart to ache again and again. did everyone else really lied about thoma liking you back? did you just broke your friendship with the most important person of your life because of your overwhelming love?

you could no longer have the courage to face him the next day. how does one face the person who rejected them and act like everything’s fine when in reality you’re breaking from the inside?

you let out a shaky sigh, your tears have gone dry a long time ago.

perhaps the traveler’s offer in going to liyue isn’t a bad idea after all.

#yea im adding quotes in my event fics because of aesthetic #def not based on my experience 🤩‼️ #genshin impact x reader #genshin impact #genshin impact fanfiction #genshin thoma x reader #thoma x gn reader #thoma x reader #thoma x you #tohma x reader #tohma x you #genshin x you #genshin angst #genshin x gn reader #genshin impact angst #genshin impact x gn reader

[crimsonfic]

Kyojuro Rengoku- Delectable Fire

Foreign Chef Y/N

8 Chapters

Subjects: Fluff, Smut, Angst, Blood, Slight mention of abuse, Mature Language

Chapter Eight

Chapter Includes: Fluff, Suggestive Language, Mature Language

7.9k words

The Rengoku household was completely different from the way it used to be. Mr. Rengoku stopped drinking, he was kinder, and he spent time with his family regularly. It was beautiful to see them grow and heal together.

You had gotten better. It had only taken a week as predicted for you to stop feeling pain and discomfort from movement but it was a really hard week. How attractive Kyojuro is was one of the first things you noticed about him but that week it was glaringly apparent and so difficult for you. All you wanted to do was touch him and all he did was apologize. He continuously promised to make it up to you and he did. As soon as the week was up. He was much more careful than usual but eventually you got back to how you used to be.

Mentally and emotionally you were back to normal too, almost completely done with having nightmares and feeling anxiety at night. You were able to sleep alone again at home when it was convenient. You felt safe and loved which had a huge impact on that.

Your mom finally met Mr. Rengoku and it was so funny. She was reluctant to like him at first but after seeing how happy Senji was, and learning that he loved you so dearly she accepted him. But only after she threatened him, and it really did make him fearful. To this day you still don't know what she told him, as neither of them told you what was said. You had only witnessed her whisper to him and then the look of fear in his eyes afterwards.

She opened another store and she was able to hire workers. She only served handheld food and desserts like she did in the stall but it was highly successful. She lived with Genji and things were great with her. She was able to visit more often so you saw her more.

Your heart was so full and happy you sometimes found yourself smiling for no reason. Kyojuro no doubt having the biggest influence on that.

Also, Yoshi and Kyojuro had sat down face to face with you, making sure the air was clear and that they could get along. You even went together to one of his comedy shows and Kyojuro laughed louder than most people, apparently making everything funnier.

—————

"Relax Yoshi." You patted his shoulder as he sat at the booth bouncing his legs nervously.

"I can't. I really can't handle his stare."

"He's not going to glare at you. He might not even look at you."

"Isn't that weird?"

"Maybe, but sometimes he doesn't look directly at people when he's talking to them"

"Why?"

"Ask him." You shrugged.

"No thanks." You laughed at his response.

"Try to relax. I'll be back over shortly."

"Please come back as soon as he does."

"Okay." You smiled as you went to check on your other customers.

You went to the kitchen and started preparing the dessert some customers requested. You were only halfway done when you noticed Kyojuro was already sitting at the table with Yoshi. He was facing you and you could see he was looking at Yoshi.

Uh oh I've gotta hurry or Yoshi will be so mad at me. You thought.

———-

Kyojuro sat in the booth across from Yoshimatsu.

"Hello." Kyojuro said simply as he sat down.

"H-hi." Yoshi responded simply.

Kyojuro noticed that he wouldn't look him in his eyes. To him a telltale sign that he likes you, and couldn't face him.

"How has your day been so far?" He asked him.

"It's been fine. I didn't do anything really. H-how about yours?" Yoshi finally looked at him, but quickly looked away.

"It has been great."

"T-that's good. Anything eventful happen?"

"Yes."

"Care to share?"

"It would be inappropriate to do so."

"Oh. Okay. I understand."

"Do you?"

"I....uh...think so." Yoshi tugged his ear nervously.

"Hey guys. You’ve finally met." You said sitting in the booth next to Yoshi, as Kyojuro was sitting on the end of his side.

"Yeah, finally." Kyojuro said.

"You introduced yourselves right?" You asked.

"I already know who he is."

You felt Yoshi look at you, before looking down at the table.

"Yoshi, this is Kyojuro. Kyojuro this is Yoshimatsu." You introduced for them, knowing that Yoshi wouldn't ever say Kyojuro's name if it wasn't directly given to him, just out of courtesy.

"Nice to officially meet you." Yoshi said a smile on his face although he looked timid and uncomfortable.

Kyo didn't say anything so you decided to go ahead and offer facts Kyojuro probably wouldn't himself.

"Well...um...Kyojuro is a......swordsmen. And Kyojuro, Yoshi is a comedian."

"That's really cool! That takes a lot of hard work." Yoshi tried.

"Indeed."

"It takes a lot of hard work to be a comedian too. Lots of confidence and creativity." You said nudging Yoshi's shoulder as his face had fell at Kyo's short response.

He looked at you and nodded. "Thanks y/n."

"Oh, do either of you want something to drink, snacks maybe?"

"Sure." Yoshi nodded.

You looked at Kyojuro and he simply smiled at you.

Getting up you hurriedly went to the kitchen grabbing whatever snacks you had prepared, and a pitcher of iced tea. Slapping them on a tray you quickly made your way back to the table. Once you put them down you excused yourself to check a customer out. It took you a minute to get back to the table because you had to remove the dishes and clean the newly vacant table. When you reached the table you caught a glimpse of the glare Yoshi told you about before Kyojuro relaxed. Your mouth dropped open in surprise. You'd never seen that look on him before.

"Sorry it took a while."

"No worries." Yoshi said lifting his head from his glass to look at you.

You've never been mad at Kyo before but his behavior would upset you if he didn't start being kinder to Yoshi, because he literally was shaking in his boots right now.

"Okay, let's get this out. This is painful. Kyo, what do you need to say?" You initiated.

"Have you let go of your feelings for y/n?"

"I....I don't have feelings for her."

"Anymore?"

"He said-" you began to defend Yoshi’s response but was interrupted.

"Anymore correct." Yoshi shifted in his seat.

You almost gasped but quickly shut your mouth. Anymore? What?

"So you don't want to sleep with her?"

Yoshi choked on the air he was peacefully inhaling before Kyojuro spoke and you were about to faint. He was being so unlike himself.

"You do not have to answer that. In fact, don't answer that." You said patting Yoshi's back.

"I have a girlfriend. And I don't like y/n, of course when I first met her it was obvious she's gorgeous and I was attracted to her, naturally, but she's my friend. My good friend. And I respect her. It's in the past."

You still couldn't believe Yoshi liked you even a little bit because he never showed it, but you liked his answer. He never crossed a line and has always been genuinely friendly. He was being honest, and he didn't even have to tell Kyo all of that.

All Kyojuro could think about however, is that he didn't answer his question. But he decided to let it go when he saw the look on your face.

"You have a girlfriend? Well why didn't you start with that?" Kyojuro laughed. His usual and boisterous laugh filling the whole restaurant.

You sighed.

"Maybe we can double date sometime." Kyojuro said.

"Sure. Sounds like fun." Yoshi replied. "I should probably get going." He added turning to look at you.

"Yeah, come on I'll walk you out." You said standing.

"Nice meeting you Yoshi. Maybe we can come to one of your shows soon." Kyojuro smiled at him as if he's not the reason he's leaving.

"Yeah absolutely." Yoshi nodded getting out of his seat.

When you walked outside with Yoshi you sighed deeply. "I am so so sorry."

He shrugged once. "It's okay. He fooled you. He hid his monster side from you."

You immediately broke out into laughter. "I see. I can't believe he asked you that. Are you okay?"

"Yeah I'm fine."

"You're better than me. I'd be in shambles."

"You're right, I am better than you." He snickered, making you hit his arm playfully.

"Will you bring your girlfriend by one day? I’d love to meet her. Maybe I can make you a romantic dinner?"

"That would actually be really cool. You're not mad at me that I didn't tell you I had a girlfriend?"

"Of course not. You don't have to tell me everything."

"That's why we're friends. You're so chill. Sorry I stopped giving your establishment business but I'll start coming back more."

"Good! And it's alright as long as you follow through."

"We won't actually be going on double dates though right?" He asked looking worried.

"Oh no. Never. I'll third wheel though."

"I won't." Yoshi clarified in opposition.

"And I understand that." You laughed.

You said your final goodbyes and then went back inside.

"Kyo, I really didn't like that." You said as you walked by his table to go in the kitchen.

Just a few seconds later he came in behind you, walking close to you, and stopping you from turning away after you dried your hands.

"Are you upset with me love flame?"

"You embarrassed both Yoshi and I. I didn't like that you were so rude, I didn't want to know that he used to like me, and asking that sex question? Like what the hell was that? I just really didn't like it. Oh and the way you look at him? I saw that."

He looked solemn as he took in what you said. "I....I think I was jealous. It's no excuse, but.....I just felt weird inside, and unlike me too. I will apologize to him. I promise. And I am so sorry for disappointing you, and embarrassing you. How can I make it up to you Sweet Pea?" He asked.

"By being kind to him after you apologize."

"I promise I will. But what can I do for you?"

You shrugged your shoulder. "I'm fine now."

He sighed. "You're making me feel more like a jerk."

"Well you did act like one, and it was so gross. Yuck. I don't ever want to see anything like that from you again Kyo." You semi pouted.

"You won't Sweetest. I promise."

"Okay." You patted his chest.

That's what led to you going to one of Yoshi shows and to Kyojuro laughing like it's his first time ever hearing a joke. It was maybe his way of showing he was putting in effort to be kind to him.

————

You had spent more time with Tengen and his wives. You would consider them your friends now. Suma came to eat at your restaurant a lot now a days, and whenever you needed a favor from Tengen you brought them muffins.

Mitsuri visited sometimes, either to see you or get advice from Kyojuro. She was still sweet as ever. She saw your mom a lot, still visiting her when she had to patrol her area. Always leaving messages to be passed along of well wishes.

Spring was now approaching and you were excited about it. Watching the trees across from your shop trying to gauge when their flowers would bloom was how you spent your mornings. You were running slightly behind on your daily tree watching today though because you were deep cleaning your seating area. Your plan for today was to thoroughly clean your shop which could easily take more than one day, but that's why you started early.

You took your first break a bit after noon. You were making yourself a light lunch when the door opened.

Gasping, you looked up at your clock. It was too early for him to be back.

"Love flame." Kyojuro's voice called from the doorway behind you.

"Kyo!" You smiled, taking the skillet off of the heat before you turned around.

When you did you were met with your favorite bright eyes, flame colored hair, and smiling face.

Walking into the kitchen Kyojuro closed the distance between you, his arms opening to embrace you as soon as you took a step toward him.

He sighed heavily as he held you in his arms for a tight but comfortable warm hug. Your arms wrapped around his neck as you pushed yourself into him, not caring if you knocked him over, though you couldn't.

"Hi Sweetest."

And you were crying. The short lines spoken, the feel of his arms, his voice, his sweet and warm scent was all it took for your happiness to pour out of you.

"I missed you so much." You told him, your voice muffled from where you had your face pressed into his neck.

"Aw, I missed you too honeybun." He said quietly, now rubbing his hands up and down your back in comfort before squeezing you back into him.

"You're back early."

"Yes. I couldn't wait to see you so I finished as quickly as possible." He replied.

"I'm so happy to see you."

"Me too." Kyojuro laughed lightly.

After a a good minute of embracing you decided you made him stand there enough.

"Go sit, let me feed you. I'm almost done." You said as you pulled back from his embrace with a smile.

Laughing Kyojuro nodded. "Okay baby."

Your insides melted at his words. It never gets old. After all the months you spent together he still gave you butterflies.

You turned away back to the stove to finish cooking. Kyojuro sat at the table he usually sits at, so that he could watch you through the opening. He loved seeing you focused. You were so beautiful. Eyebrows slightly furrowed as you cooked.

When you joined Kyojuro at the table he smiled more brightly before thanking you and eating. After finishing, he sat back in his chair just staring at you.

"Do you want more?" You asked him.

"No I'm fine."

Your eyes widened. "Really?"

"Yes." Kyojuro laughed. "I'm just waiting on you."

"Oh, sorry if-"

"No no, take your time sweetheart, it's no problem."

"Okay."  You smiled. "How was the trip back home?"

"It was fine. Just fine."

"Oh okay, I see."

"How was your week?"

"Oh you know. Same old same old."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah." You confirmed with a smile. When you finished Kyojuro stopped you from clearing the dishes by grabbing your hands and pulling you to your feet.

Once you were up, Kyojuro swept you up into his arms before carrying you upstairs.

You laughed but settled in to him with a smile. Wrapping your arms around his neck and hugging yourself to him. You would've protested, but since it's been a while since you saw each other you would let him carry you all the way upstairs.

He didn't set you down until he made it to your bathroom. He grabbed the small stool and pulled it near the shower, then he grabbed your hand and made you sit on it.

When he started to undress you felt bad. You could see how tired he was in his expression.

"Kyo you know you don't have to shower right now, we can just get in bed."

He shook his head no. "I'm gross."

"You don't even smell."

He made a face at you before he laughed lightly. "You're just saying that because you like me."

You smiled, but still quirked an eyebrow at him playfully.

"You mean love you?"

"Oh yes. Absolutely. Forgive me." He joked, placing his hands over his heart.

You nodded, letting your eyes rake over his body. Whether he was "gross" or not, he didn't look like it.

Noticing you looking, Kyo shook his head in mock judgement before stepping into the shower. When the water turned on you heard him give a deep sigh, making you smile.

You sat quietly, playing with your fingers as you waited for him to finish. He didn't initiate any conversation which told you just how tired he was.

When he finished, you handed him a towel just as soon as he stepped out. He smiled, thanking you while you were busy drooling at him. The water running down the planes of his abs, his strong broad shoulders, his muscular legs.

"You sure know how to make a man feel desired." He laughed as he dried himself, effectively destroying the images you were admiring.

Laughing lightly you responded. "Glad I could help."

After wrapping the towel around his waist he held his hand out to you. He pulled you from the bathroom into your room. He put you in front of the bed, telling you to stay put as he found shorts for himself in your cabinet. Then he came back to you and pulled your dress off of you. Satisfied he got into the bed with you, holding your hand the entire time he positioned you. You were laying in his arms, your head nestled below his chin while one arm supported your head, the other intertwined with yours.

"Sweet Dreams King Kyo." You smiled.

"Thanks Queen Honey Lips."

You immediately erupted into laughter, causing him to follow, though it was lighter. He was very tired and you knew he would be out in just a few minutes.

Quieting down, you listened to the beat of his heart, and his steady breaths. closing your eyes you relaxed into him, getting comfortable. It's possible you wouldn't fall asleep but that's okay. You had no problem laying with him until he wakes up.

After about 5 minutes he was out. You kept your fingers tangled with his as you closed your eyes simply basking in his presence.

—————

Kyojuro flexed his fingers, before pulling them from between yours and letting them rest against your palms.

"You didn't sleep?" He asked quietly, voice lowered from sleep. His eyes were still closed.

"No. I think I was too excited." You whispered just as quietly, a smile on your face.

"Yeah?" He chuckled softly.

"Yeah." You laughed, using your hand to massage his fingers, knowing they were probably stiff from being bent for so long.

"That's rather cute."

"You know what's really cute?" You asked.

"What?"

"The way you were smiling in your sleep so often."

His cheeks started to redden and it made you gasp. Kyo hardly ever gets embarrassed, let alone blushes. In fact you've never seen him blush once ever.

Recovering from your shock with a smile you asked "what were you dreaming about?"

A low almost embarrassed chuckle left his mouth. "Oh...um.....well..." he trailed off briefly. You sat quietly waiting. It must be something difficult to say since he blushed because of it.

"We....in my dream....we had a child. And he um....well he was perfect. A very dutiful and sweet child. And he uh.....he looked exactly like you...." He spoke timidly.

You would be lying if you said this wasn't a surprise. You weren't expecting it to be something like this, but hearing the uncertainty in his voice made you smile.

"He looked like me? Not like you, Senji and your father huh?"

The smile that grew on Kyo's face was brilliant. "No, exactly like you, but with my eye color." He chuckled as if remembering something. "He was telling us that he wanted to be a chef just like you one day."

You laughed lightly. "Oh really?"

"Yeah."

"I guess I can understand your smiling. Sounds like he was perfect." You joked.

"Yeah." His smile wavering a bit.

"You okay?" You asked.

He didn't answer right away. He looked troubled honestly. So you waited. Even taking your eyes off of his face in case you were adding pressure or making it difficult for him to speak.

After a few minutes he finally spoke, but he didn't answer your question.

"Do you want......kids someday?" He asked quietly.

Your ear was right beside him but he still was so quiet.

You thought carefully about your answer. Did you? You weren't sure. Truthfully you've never pictured yourself as a mother. You couldn't remember a single time you even thought about it. Knowing that the world was vastly different from what you once thought, it was difficult to imagine. However looking at Kyojuro you felt something inside you that was almost hopeful.

"I don't know." You answered. It was the most honest answer you could give. "Do you?" You asked back.

"I am uncertain as well." He replied. "I think the thought of being a parent scares me. It's a big job. It can be rewarding, but terrifying too. But I think.....if I had a child with you....I just....can't imagine feeling anything other than pride and happiness. You make me so happy I'd feel honored to hold such a position and share something so beautiful with you."

You tried to speak past the lump that appeared in your throat.

"Yeah?" Was all you could say.

"Yeah." He nodded.

Having kids was part of life. All living things do it. It's one of the most innate things in the universe; Reproducing. But it scares you. What if you couldn't protect your kid? What if your kid didn't like you? What if you didn't like them? What if it was too hard?

But what if it made you the happiest you've ever been? What if your kid was your most favorite part of living? What if they loved you? What if they were happy?

It was both scary and exciting.

People have raised children since the beginning of time and they keep doing it so it can't be so bad right? There's so many good and beautiful people in the world....but there's bad people too. Demons, monsters, and who knows what else.

Would you ever be able to stop worrying if you had kids?

You felt Kyojuro's thumb rub between your eyebrows.

"We can talk about something else Sweetest." He said softly as he continued trying to ease your thoughts and smooth your wrinkles.

That's when it hit you. You were really selling yourself short.

The love you felt from Kyo. The love you felt from and for your mom. The exciting life you've lived with your mom. You got to see the world in a way others may not even be able to dream of. Your life was good, and you have so much more positive experiences than negative. If your mom hadn't had you because of uncertainty then you wouldn't have been able to experience these things. You'd never felt her love, you'd never met Senji and Kyo, and that hurt to even think about.

You thought back to Kyo's words and that lump immediately appeared back in your throat. "I love you."

His eyes softened as he looked down at your face. "I love you too."

"I think, I need more time to think about it. To actually imagine it, before I can say yes or no for sure. It's not something I would want to be indifferent about." You told him after a few moments of silence.

"I understand Sweetheart." He kissed your forehead. "Honestly....if it wasn't for my dad, I might not have given it much thought either. I felt the same as you not too long ago. I think I had that dream because it's been on my mind a lot lately." He chuckled.

"Your dad?" You questioned.

Kyo buried his face in your neck. "Yeah. He's got it in my head."

"Kids?" You laughed. "Your dad has got you thinking about kids?"

"Yeah." He laughed quietly.

"That's very interesting, elaborate." You smiled.

"I don't know."

"Why? Are you afraid to tell me? Is that why you're hiding from me?" You laughed ruffling his hair.

He nodded his head.

"Now I'm dying to know." You laughed.

"It's kind of embarrassing." He mumbled.

"That's okay."

"No I mean it might feel embarrassing to you too."

Your brows quirked. "Okay?" You were really curious to know what he and his dad have been talking about now.

Kyo lifted his head to look at you. When your eyes met he smiled but then quickly dropped his head back.

"You remember when he was massaging your feet and ankles when you were bed ridden?"

"Yeah."

"And how I've started to do the same at least twice a month?"

"Yes."

"Well.........he was checking for swelling because he was hopeful you were pregnant. And we have sex so often I felt I should keep my eye out too just in case." He said in a rushed mumble but you heard him. Your face began heating up at the thought of Mr. Rengoku wondering if you were pregnant. I mean he was in the room when the doctor was there. And I did throw up and pass out. He probably thought I was with child straight away, you thought to yourself.

At your silence Kyojuro lifted his head to look at you.

"I'm sorry. Are you mad?" He asked.

"Why would I be mad?"

"I-I don't know."

You bit your lip as so many thoughts flooded your brain, making it difficult for you to even respond. Kyo continued watching you, silently moving his hand down to your hip, rubbing circles there.

"Are you okay?" He asked after a minute of you not speaking.

"Let's make a deal." You said sitting up.

"Okay." He nodded, sitting up with you.

"After you....save the country and all the demons are gone, let's have a kid. I'll be ready." You were playing with your fingers when you said this, eyes in your lap.

Kyojuro placed his hand under your chin, turning you to look at him.

"Sweetheart. Could you say that again but looking at me this time?"

Pushing the butterflies that were so wild in both your stomach and chest away you began to repeat what you said, making sure to hold eye contact.

"After you save-"

But you weren't able to get your sentence out. Kyojuro was kissing you fervently. In just a matter of seconds you were almost breathless, but kissing him back just the same. Your body responding on its own. The longer you kissed the hotter you got. He was sending tingles all through out your body to the very tips of your toes.

After another minute Kyojuro pulled away from you with something like a low grunt leaving his mouth. "If we didn't have somewhere to be I swear I'd have you on my tongue until you couldn't speak." He said gliding his thumb over your bottom lip softly.

You couldn't even begin to form words after what he just said to you. Forget speaking, you don't think you could even move. Does he not realize that all he had to do was say it for you to be completely ruined?

He got up from the bed, heaving a deep sigh before stretching. His muscles rippling and bulging in front of you.

He turned around to look at you, a small smile gracing his lips before holding a hand out to you.

"I'm sorry. Can you get dressed?"

You took his hand, letting him pull you up until you were standing beside him. "Yeah...w-where are we going? What should I wear?" You asked.

"It's a surprise. And anything as long as you're comfortable."

"K." You nodded.

————-

Turns out he bought tickets to a play. He once promised to take you someday since you've never been. Turns out though, it was a double date, which completely surprised you because you would've never thought Kyo would reach out to Yoshi on his own. Kyo was on his best behavior, exceptionally kind and friendly to Yoshi. You would never be able to guess he ever once not liked him. You had dinner together after the play where you were able to get to know Yoshi's girlfriend Rin. Right now you and Yoshi were lingering behind while Rin was showing Kyo the fishes in this large beautiful pond you were walking past.

"I never would've thought I'd say this, but I'm really having a good time." Yoshi said laughing.

Laughing as well you replied "I knew you would."

"Yeah, you and only you. You know, I thought about saying no when I got his letter, but when I saw that he was paying for everything I couldn't say no."

This only made you laugh harder. "He's really nice. I won't speak of his evil ways anymore." He added looking over to Kyo and Rin.

"Good. Rin is really nice. I'm not sure how you managed to pull someone so sweet and normal." You joked with him.

"Yeah yeah yeah." He smiled.

"She's really pretty too. Good job Yoshi." You winked playfully at him.

Laughing he nodded. "Thank you, thank you."

"Eh hem?" You fake cleared your throat.

"What?"

"Compliments for Kyo?" You smiled.

"Oh, um....he's nice looking I guess." He smiled at you after rolling his eyes.

You copied his response from earlier. "Thank you, thank you." You said with a nod of your head.

"It's really you that's the catch. Like how Rin is mine. Don't forget that."

"Eh, I wouldn't be so sure. He's amazing. And you are fantastic. Maybe we're all the catch." You said.

"We can't all be the catch y/n, that's not how it works." He laughed.

"Fine, they're the catches and we're the stragglies."

"Stragglies?"

"Yeah. It's why we've congregated over here, and them over over there. Us stragglies got to stick together." You smiled.

"Oh I see. You're saying we're the ugly ones?" Yoshi joked.

"Basically?"

You both laughed obnoxiously before Kyojuro came over.

"You may be ugly but my Love Flame certainly is not." Kyojuro smiled. He held a huge bouquet of beautiful flowers out to you. They were fragrant and there were so many it was difficult for you to wrap your whole hand around the base.

Gasping at how beautiful they were you replied "Thank you baby. Where did these come from?"

"Look Yoshi, aren't they gorgeous?" Rin asked walking up to him showing off her own bouquet. Hers was much smaller than yours but still lovely.

"Babe, why didn't you get me, I would've got them for you."

"Oh, it's okay, Kyojuro bought them for me." She smiled almost shyly.

Kyo is so sweet, and you think it was very nice of him to do that but you weren't sure Yoshi would feel the same in this circumstance.

"Oh." Yoshi replied, his eyebrows furrowing slightly, but you could see that he tried to keep his face neutral.

"Don't worry I got something for you too Yoshi." Kyo smiled before handing him a single flower. He was laughing as he spoke and you couldn't help but to as well.

"Oh you shouldn't have." Yoshi joked, making Kyo laugh louder as he patted his shoulder.

You grabbed Kyo's other hand, pulling him closer to you. Immediately he kissed your hand before wrapping his other hand around your back.

"You need me to carry those for you?" He asked with a smile.

You nodded your head. "I do." you laughed.

As he took them out of your hand, he kissed you, lightly sucking on your bottom lip before pulling away. He did it so quick you had no time to deepen the kiss even if you wanted to.

"So, did you see any cool fish?" You asked, needing to distract yourself from the way Kyojuro was looking at you.

"Yeah, we did." Kyo answered which made Rin chime in too.

You all started walking again as she completely geeked out about the kinds of fish they had in the pond. Yoshi had the most amused adoring smile on his face as he listened to her talk. You couldn't wait to tease him about it.

Not too long later you all came up on a dessert stall on the edge of the neighborhood you were in. "Let's get something?" Rin asked Yoshi to which he nodded.

You all sat together at a bench table after getting treats. You didn't want anything but that didn't stop Kyo from feeding you some of his. After giving you a bite of his dango he smiled you.

You smiled back leaning into him. When his hand carefully slid underneath your butt before softly squeezing, your eyes widened, followed by a laugh.

"I love you gumdrop." He said quietly before kissing the top of your head.

"I love you-hey!" You said cutting your own self off at the little realization you had. "Do you call me that for any particular reason?"

He nodded and softly patted your butt.

You started laughing when you realized what he meant. You should've been realized that as he usually only called you gumdrop when his hands were there.

"Is every name specifically in reference to something?" You asked with a smile.

"Not exactly. Not every one. Though you already know it's always something sweet because you taste-". You cut him off by putting your hand over his mouth.

"Right. I got that part." You mumbled hoping no one could hear your conversation.

Kyojuro only laughed loudly, your hand doing little to quiet him. "Are you having a good time love muffin?" He asked when you moved your hand.

"I am. Are you?"

"Yes. Lots." He smiled taking another bite of his dango. You watched him eat, smiling as he chewed, per usual.

After swallowing, seeing that you were looking at him, Kyo leaned forward to kiss you. When you felt him gently suck on your bottom lip a shiver ran down your spine, mortifying you. You wanted to scream "not now." But Kyo quickly stated you had something on your lips. You only knew he was lying when he whispered in your ear "So sweet."

He wasn't talking about the dango at all. Before you could say something to him you heard Rin quietly say to Yoshi "you should kiss me like that."

Which made Kyojuro laugh loudly in his usual boisterous manner. Yoshi's ears turned pink as he said "baby please." In a hushed whisper. You were blushing yourself. Kyojuro was being so forward right now. You couldn't truthfully say that it was unusual considering he had no shame and didn't get embarrassed but he did take care not to purposely get you flustered or embarrassed around people. He didn't seem to care right now, which made his earlier words pop into your head.

No wonder he was acting this way.

"Oh y/n?" Rin asked a little while later when she and Yoshi had finished their treats, sitting at the bench across from you.

"Yes?" You asked giving her your full attention.

"Yoshi said you're a chef, and that you would make a us a special dinner if we asked."

"Yes. I am and I will." You smiled. "Have you thought of a date?"

"Yes actually." She leaned forward gesturing for you to come closer. She whispered in your ear how Yoshi didn't like surprises so she told him she would tell you they wanted to do it on his birthday a month from now but it really wouldn't be just for his birthday, she had a very special gift for him and she would need your help to present it to him.

"Sounds perfect." You said. "I'll be free."

"Great."

You sat back in your seat before pulling a card out of your small bag with your shop info on it so she could visit or write you.

"You know my favorites." Yoshi said. A knowing look on his face.

"Of course!" You nodded. You couldn't wait to hear what the surprise was.

"Do you guys want to play a game?" Rin suddenly asked.

You were inclined to say yes but you looked at Kyo before responding.

"Sure." He answered.

"Yeah why not?" Yoshi answered.

"Okay, it's a question game that can help people get to know eachother better." She started.

The game started off slightly generic, questions you expected to be asked, but you noticed that the more it progressed, while you, Yoshi and Kyo were asking random questions, Rin was asking more risqué questions. For example she asked how many people have you all slept with. Something you've never even asked Kyo, and something you don't talk about with friends.

"Um.... 4." Yoshi said scratching his head. Rin turned to look at Kyo.

"Two." He said quickly, stuffing his mouth with more of his treats.

When she set her eyes on you you wanted the floor to swallow you up. Should you lie? Yeah, maybe you should. Sounds better than telling the truth. But Kyo was listening, and you wouldn't want to lie to him. Before you could further stress yourself out you responded.

"6." You said quickly. "What about you?"

"That's quite a number. But two for me." She smiled.

Yeah, you should've lied, You thought to yourself.

"Rin." Yoshi said quietly to her.

"What? It's a harmless comment. She's a beautiful girl we shouldn't be surprised."

You definitely should've lied. You started playing with your fingers in your lap when Kyojuro started rubbing circles on your hip and low back, offering you silent comfort.

The worst question she asked was what would you rate your partner on a scale of 1-10.

"You first." Yoshi said.

Laughing she looked up in the air like she needed to think about it. "I'd say, an 8."

"Okay, a 8 for me too." Yoshi said

You couldn't believe she would ask that question in front of Yoshi. It just seems like a really problematic question, embarrassment aside.

She looked expectantly at you.

"A ten."

"10....thousand." Kyojuro winked at you, making you smile.

"Oh in case it wasn't clear I meant strictly in the bedroom."

"No. No no no. No. Anyway what's your favorite colors?" Yoshi said changing the subject.

"But you already know my favorite color." Rin whined.

"I don't know theirs, so." Yoshi set his eyes on you, a pleading look in his eyes.

"Red." Kyojuro tapped the side of your hip gently.

"Mine too." He smiled at you.

"Oh great." Yoshi rolled his eyes playfully.

"Yours?" You laughed at him.

"Black."

"Yuck." Rin said with a shake of her head.

"And yours?" Kyo asked her.

"White." She smiled brightly.

"Like that's any better. It's not even a color." Yoshi said.

You started to feel better as Yoshi's question shifted the mood. You relaxed knowing Kyo and you wouldn't ask any embarrassing questions.

When it came back to Rin's turn you unconsciously tensed up.

"Have you ever swapped partners?"

"What?" Yoshi asked. "Baby, what's up with these questions?"

"Nothing I'm just curious." She said shrugging her shoulders.

"Have you?" She looked at you first.

"No." You answered.

"You?" She looked at Yoshi.

"No." He replied.

She turned to look at Kyo.

"No."

"Me either. Would you ever?"

There had to be some world record for how quick someone's eyebrows could jump up after hearing something shocking, and you and Yoshi probably just broke it.

Kyojuro stuffed his mouth full of food, as he looked at Yoshi.

"Would you Yoshi?" She asked him turning to look at him since Kyojuro didn't respond.

"I-I don't know." He answered. You could see the look of panic on his face. He looked like he thought there was a right and a wrong answer but he didn't know which was which. "But um....it's not your turn to ask a question. It's mine."

"Oh, sorry. I didn't realize I spoke out of turn." She giggled behind her hand.

"Excuse me." Kyo said standing from his seat and walking up to the stall's counter.

"You um, ready to go baby?" Yoshi asked her quietly.

She nodded her head leaning into him, as if she was gonna kiss him. You adverted your eyes, looking down at your feet. She had completely changed by the end of this night. You knew Yoshi was eager to get home after the questions she asked. She embarrassed the poor man. You didn't look up until you heard Kyo's voice. "Ready Sweetest?"

"Thanks again Kyojuro." Yoshi said after you stood from your seat. "We had a great time. We appreciate the invite."

"You're welcome. It was fun!"  He smiled politely at him. "Nice meeting you Rin."

"You too Kyojuro. Bye y/n." She smiled and waved before you all went your separate ways.

After a few minutes of walking in comfortable silence Kyojuro broke the silence. "So Rin was interesting."

You immediately began laughing. "Very!" You agreed. "I think she might have a crush on you."

"I think she has a crush on you!" Kyo said.

"Me? No way, it's definitely you." You laughed.

"You remember the 'she's a beautiful girl, we shouldn't be surprised' remark?" He laughed.

You both were laughing so loudly, walking hand in hand.

"Yeah, but it was the 'Me either, would you ever?' as she looked deep into your eyes that sold it. Her crush is definitely with you." You laughed uncontrollably.

He was laughing with you for a while before he almost abruptly ceased, stopping his stride.

"What's wrong?" You asked.

"Are you mad at me?"

"What?" You asked confused. "Mad at you for what?"

"I probably shouldn't have bought her those flowers. "

"No, it's fine Kyo." You laughed.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. There's no reason to be mad."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

"Are you sure? I feel.....weird."

"Don't. You bought all of us flowers. So I'm pretty sure it wasn't that that made her crush on you. We don't even know if she actually has a crush. Let's not read into it, okay?" You squeezed his free hand gently.

"Okay. You're right." He nodded.

"I'm pretty sure if she is though it's because of your hot body and handsome face."

His eyes widened. "Oh no!"

You couldn't help the obnoxious laugh that exploded out of you. It's not just him acknowledging he's hot that's funny but the actual fear in his eyes that it could make her crush on him.

"What should we do?" He asked.

You couldn't respond you were drowning in laughter.

"I truly don't see the humor here Sweetest."

He stared at you, the surprise in his eyes slowly disappearing as the seconds passed.

"Sorry Kyo." You sighed as you got yourself under control.

Sighing as well, he began walking again. You walked in silence, mostly because Kyo was in deep thought and you were trying not to joke about her crushing on him.

———

You made it home, and was in the process of taking off your shirt when Kyojuro stopped you by holding onto your wrists gently.

"Honey, you know I only have eyes for you right?"

"Of course baby. I know that." You smiled at him despite the small flutter in your chest at how distressed he seemed.

"Are you sure you're not mad at me? Because the more I think about it, I probably shouldn't have bought her anything."

"Yes I'm sure I'm not mad. It was very sweet of you. In fact I thought it was cute."

"You did?"

You nodded your head. You know him. He's so kind, seeing her right there probably eyeing the flowers he probably didn't want her to feel left out. Nothing more nothing less.

"Yes. It's all fine. Don't worry Kyo. Besides, you got me that really huge bouquet which speaks volumes."

He smiled and nodded his head. "Okay Sweetest."

He wrapped his arms around your waist and kissed your forehead.

"You look very beautiful tonight."

"Thank you. So do you." You smiled at him.

"Thank you."

"Mmhm." You replied.

You remember what I told you before we left?" Kyo asked you gripping onto the hem of your shirt.

"Yes." You whispered. The change in your voice making him smile.

"I'd like to get started with that, is that okay?"

"Mhm." You nodded.

He pulled your shirt over your head, letting his hands trail down your torso until they reached the waist of your skirt.

He grabbed your skirt and underwear pulling them down together. After you stepped out of them he picked you up abruptly, making you squeak in surprise as you wrapped your arms around him. He smiled at your response but carried you to the bed and laid you down.

"Do you know how long I've been waiting for you?"

"Mhm." You mumbled before his lips connected to yours. Slowly and passionately kissing you. Softly sucking on your bottom lip before deepening the kiss again and letting his tongue swirl with yours.

"Do you know how much I love you?" He asked leaving kisses across your jaw over to your ear.

"Yes."

"Do you know how badly I want you sweetest?"

"Yes."

"Good." He smiled before placing one kiss against your neck before moving down your body until he was exactly where he wanted to be.

"Mine?"

"Yes." You whined getting antsy with him laying there just looking at you.

He smiled before pressing a kiss to your 'lower' lips, smiling after hearing you make a noise of disapproval.

"I love you." He said, waiting for you to start speaking before he let himself delve into you.

—————

When he told you that he would make it so you couldn't speak, he meant it. He spoke so lewdly to you the entire time, asking you questions when he knew it would pull a big reaction out of you. When you were finished, taking all you could take and giving all you could give, he smiled at you so sweetly and tenderly.

"I love you so much."

"I love you too." You mumbled out breathlessly

He kissed your forehead before moving so that he was laying behind you, with you pulled against his chest. He kissed your shoulder repeatedly.

"I'm sorry for tiring you out."

You would roll your eyes playfully if you had the energy to do so. He wasn't sorry. He wanted you to be like this.

"Mhm." You mumbled, which he chuckled at.

He nestled his nose into the crook of your neck. "I know that I keep saying it, but I love you. I'm looking forward to our future together."

You could feel and hear his smile. He could really make your heart implode with all of the love and happiness he radiates. You love him too. Much more than you could put into words. He never for a second made you question that, and when you think back to when you first met you could even see it then. He wanted to know you, he wanted to have a relationship with you, he was caring and so open with you. He was the proof that falling in love at first sight was real.

With all of the energy you had left you turned over to face him. Wrapping your arm around his waist and hugging him. "I love you too Kyo. And I can't wait to see what our future looks like together either. You're my favorite person ever." You mumbled.

He laughed lightly again, returning the hug before he kissed the top of your head again.

You both sat comfortably in silence, enjoying your embrace before Kyo spoke.

"Sweetest?"

"Yes?"

"What if........you're pregnant already?"

You didn't answer right away. You had to really let your heartbeat quiet back down before you responded, because Kyo sounded hopeful.

"Then.....we'll be okay. And I'll be happy because we'll be experiencing it together." You told him with his beautiful words from earlier at the front of your mind. You knew everything would be fine.

Kyojuro squeezed you tighter. "Okay."

"Why?" You looked up at him.

"Oh, your ankle just looks....a little swollen from here." He laughed a bit.

Your eyes widened before you started laughing. You don't know what's funnier, that his dad taught him this or that he was actually looking at your ankles all this time.

You couldn’t help but look down at your legs to see for yourself. You gasped, because you didn’t expect them to look any different but you saw what he meant.

You pushed your legs between his, out of sight.

"Go to sleep and stop looking at my ankles baby." You smiled with a nervous laugh leaving your mouth.

"Okay, I'll try." He laughed, as he squeezed you a little bit tighter and kissed the top of your head.

"Ok."

"Goodnight Sweetest."

"Goodnight Kyo."

“I really love you.” He added after a few seconds.

“I really love you too.”

******

#kyojurofanfiction #kyojuro x reader #demon slayer kyojuro #demonslayerfanfic #demonslayerfanfiction #kny kyojuro #kny fluff #kny fanfic #kyojuro fluff #kimetsu kyojuro #kyojuro rengoku #flirty rengoku #flirtykyojuro #flame hashira #flame pillar #rengoku x reader #rengoku x you

[blacksunscorpio]

December Astro Forecast

Happy Sagittarius season, Stargazers! We're only 29 days from the start of the new year and the energy of Jupiter/Saturn's run through the zodiac will be a doozy. You might already be feeling the effects with the eclipse energy permeating the skies. So without further ado, let's take a look at what these next few weeks have in store for us.

December 1st — Moon Enters Scorpio and Neptune Goes Direct

Now, when Neptune’s Retrograde, this causes veils to be lifted and a few unsavory reality checks to hit you. So, during the time he was retrograde, things like the sleeping state/somnia cycles, altered states of mind including but not limited to: being high, drinking, catatonia, etc. Were all things many of us might've been struggling with. When he's asleep those monsters under your bed come out to play. However, now that Poseidon's clocked back in again, we may be able to catch those precious Z's we've been missing out on. Temperance and moderation regarding spirits [libations not entities, lol] could be more in check for you, and synchronicities from the universe could be harassing you incessantly now. Don't be surprised if soulmate stuff [including your friends] come about now that Neptune's energy is back to normal.

December 4th — Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius

This shit right here. Right here this shit. This behemoth celestial occurrence has probably been running roughshod over you all already. Collectively, we’re likely feeling tired, dehydrated, moody, and this weird little thing with your libido might be overactive. More than a few of you might’ve noticed tensions high at work, customers or clients sounding agitated or patience running thin. Don’t try to run from it and you’re certainly not alone. Just remember you are still in control of your decisions and how you respond to what comes at you. Everything is a choice and Sag/Jupiter is the ruler of wisdom. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of what’s naturally available to us during this time. In addition, don’t be afraid to open yourself up to things you might’ve written off. Might be a good time to respond to that guy/girl you left on “read” in your DM’s or take that staycation/vacation you’ve been putting off.

December 12th — 12/12 Portal

Another portal opening. This gateway will open up a much needed cleansing of old ways. A time for letting go and sacrifice. In tarot, the number 12 is the card of the Hanged Man who represents letting go and release. You’ll find that this day is pretty much a magnet for manifesting. Lots of luck here.

December 13th — Mars Enters Sagittarius

Mars enters the jolly but philosophical sign of the Archer for the next six weeks. Get ready to get a cosmic injection of thrills and ragers. Seriously, Mars in this sign is what Dreamworks action/adventure films are made of. You might find yourself fueled by wanderlust and passion. You might even download Duo-Lingo and try your hand at that foreign language you’ve always wanted to learn. Just be mindful not to be too impulsive. As Mars is a fire planet and Sag is a fire sign, our drive might burn to strong to quickly. Use Jupiter’s wisdom to think before you act. 

December 18th — Full Moon in Gemini 

Gemini energy ruling the moon here means you might find your mental faculties going a mile a minute. Everything will interest you and everyone will be a source of curiosity. Very friendly/social energy. Since Mercury is the ruler of Gemini, you’ll intellectualize your emotions today and everything will be quite cerebral. You might even find you’re a chatty Cathy. Just don’t dry snitch on yourself. Not everyone needs to know your business. Those of you who practice/who plan on doing full moon rituals might find that spells regarding the mind or just increasing cleverness might be ideal during this time. In addition, those of you who may have natal placements in Gemini, pay attention- you might find this energy quite potent that day.

December 19th — Venus Retrograde in Capricorn and Chiron Direct

Venus takes a sabbatical in the Earthy and Saturnian sign of the seagoat. During this time, you’ll find that there will be a bit of internalization of everything the planet stands for. Themes tend to play out inwardly and affect psychological states. Therefore, expect matters related to the five senses, financial and material possessions, love, fertility in the literal and figurative senses, harmony and justice, aesthetics, relationships, and negotiations to be at the core of your thoughts. However, this is also a time to use discernment [which may be easier since Saturn is all about rationalization as apposed to emotion]. Sense and sensibility. Now is the time to set healthy boundaries with the people you love. It’s okay to say "No."  It might be a challenging time for relationships but you are not responsible for other people’s feelings or their happiness. Now, this is not a free pass to be cruel but if you are labeled a “bitch” for sticking up for yourself and your mental health, so be it. Be a bitch. Do what you want. You’ll get more respect but laying down the law and taking care of you.

December 21st — Winter Solstice [Sun in Capricorn]

Blessed Yule to those who celebrate! Solstice is a time when the sun rises on the exact same latitudinal (declinations) degree. So this is the only time of the year that the sun actually stops it’s movement northward and or southward in our sky. It makes sense that time is literally stopped when Father time, AKA, Saturn starts running the show. Make that wishlist for 2022 because Father Karma will be blessing us with what we discipline ourselves with/focus on moving forward. The work we’ve done or have been doing we’ll be reaping the rewards for. In addition, what you haven’t been taking care of or what you’ve neglected might catch up to you so take care to tighten up wherever you’ve been slacking. Huge activations in consciousness. Turn your focus towards our long term goals, career, public image and prestige. 10th House things, which Saturn/Cap rule.

December 23rd — Saturn Square’s Uranus

This time brings restrictive change or unexpected changes. Can be a frustrating time when these two outer planets are at odds. Stay open minded. Stay patient and flexible, what may seem like a challenge at first might actually be an opportunity cloaked as a ‘headache’. Use this time to rid yourself of things that are limiting you in life. Delete those numbers. Mute/block/restrict/unfollow whoever you have to. You may also realize what bad habits or outdated belief systems are blocking your forward progression. Don’t force change- just try to adapt. This time in particular isn’t the time to overreact to or resist things that come at you. Creativity may also feel blocked at this time so utilize a well-thought out, methodical and calculated approach to things.

December 25th — Venus Conjunct Pluto

Merry Christmas to those who celebrate! During what should be a merry time, we have Venus retrograde in Capricorn conjuncting transformative Pluto for the third and final time [there will also be a conjunction between these two planets on Dec 3rd and 11th.] Those of you with this natal placement might know exactly what to expect >:). For the rest of you, expect intense and obsessive feelings to come to the forefront, especially in matters regarding love. There can be a strong boost in the sex drive but some clinginess and possessiveness as well coming from or being projected onto you. Exes may come back confessing their wrongs or an old flame who may not have graduated to significant other may contact you for some cold hard lovin’. Choice is yours.

 December 28th — Jupiter in Pisces

Jupiter in it’s home sign of Pisces [Yes, I said that right- Jupiter is the ancient ruler of the fishes] will bring good luck and opportunities through creativity, intuition and compassionate energy. Random acts of charity could come back to you ten-fold. Pay it forward at the coffee shop or give that homeless man on the turnpike the other-half of your sandwich. ‘Tis the season, you know? Idealism, and tenderness will be rewarded richly. Plus, Altruism is good for the complexion ;).

December 30th — Mercury Conjunct Pluto

Time for deep talks. Those topics you’d never though you’d be able to discuss with anyone. Serious topics while at the same time getting to the bottom of what really fuels you and what your goals are. Why you’re ambitious about what you’re ambitious about and all that that implies. This is also a good time for detective work as these two planets fusing together energetically are the stalker investigative placement, lol. Just be curious, not invasive ;).

#Horoscopes #my writing #astro forecast #December #Sagittarius season #Capricorn season #solstice #solar eclipse december 2021 #witchblr #astroblr #bruja tips #Venus conjunct pluto #venus retrograde #Full moon in gemini #hope this helps you all <3 #astro tumblr #astrology

[puckinghell]

Not A Typical Christmas Story | Elias Pettersson

Summary: You’ve never loved Christmas, and there’s nothing that can change that; especially not your best friend’s grumpy Swedish friend who you don’t even like. However, when you’ve gotta be forced into the Christmas spirit to write a Christmas story for class, there’s only one person who is willing to try and help you. Words: 14k (I’m SO sorry) Note: Here it is, a Christmas story in November. Honestly I’m nervous to post this, I’ve never put so much of myself into a story, but here we go. I loved loved loved writing this and I hope you guys like reading it. Also, the cliche scenarios were stolen from a random blog post. 

--

“You’re such a fucking Grinch.” Brock takes a sip from his hot chocolate. There’s murmur in the bar around you, and he’s muttering, but you still hear him clear enough.

“Hey,” you protest, lightly hitting him on the arm. “I’m not a Grinch. Just because you put up your Christmas decorations in October and have been singing All I Want For Christmas Is You since July, doesn’t make me the Grinch for not doing that.”

Brock raises an eyebrow. “You literally just said you hate Christmas.”

“I did not.” You stubbornly cross your arms. “I said I hate Christmas stories.”

“That’s basically all there is to Christmas,” Brock brings in, and that’s probably fair enough.

Apart from the food, presents, family time, decorations…

Fine. Maybe you don’t like any of those either. But not liking Christmas is not the same as being a Grinch: you’re completely fine with letting everyone enjoy their festive December, as long as they leave you out of it.

Which is exactly why you’ve been complaining to Brock. And as your best friend, it’s literally his duty to listen to you; unfortunately it also means he’s gonna make fun of you. Just a little bit.

“I just don’t get why I have to write a Christmas story,” you mope, a little pathetically. “There’s so many Christmas stories in the world already, Boes. And they’re all the same! The foreign sports car breaks down in a blizzard and the city slicker gets stuck in a bar with a bucktoothed chicken strangler with an IQ of 7 whom he decides, through love or delirium, he cannot live without. Or the sadistic Christmas-hating miser of the pathetic backwoods town, who makes his money grinding the faces of the poor, is inspired to a change of heart by a teary-eyed child who bears a striking resemblance to his dead daughter, and donates all his money so that the ghost town can continue its wretched, grimy, poverty wracked existence.”

At that, there’s a muffled snicker from the side of the table. You’d almost forgotten that Elias was there, to be honest.

You raise your eyebrow at him. “What? You’ve got a better Christmas story?”

Elias raises an eyebrow back, but doesn’t answer. He usually doesn’t. Brock says he’s talkative enough when you’re not around, although you for the life of you do not know what you’ve done to earn his judgment.

“Don’t bite Petey’s head off,” Brock chides. He’s always trying to keep the peace between you two, and sometimes you feel bad that he has to police his two best friends.

Today is not one of those days.

“He’s laughing at me!”

“Because you’re being ridiculous.” Brock sighs. “It’s just a Christmas story, Y/N. You’ll write it, you get a grade for it, it’s done. How hard can it be?”

It’s clear that Brock has no idea how hard it can be to write a decent story. Sometimes, you wonder if he can even really write or read: maybe he’s just memorized a bunch of words and called it a day.

You let out a grumble and drop your head on the dingy, sticky table in the rundown bar that Brock and Elias are so keen to go to, probably because they never get recognized there. Not surprising, considering the fact that the age of the average customer is above 85.

Normally, you like your creative writing course. People told you to get electives you thought were actually fun, as your normal college courses are taxing enough, and you’ve always been a writer.

Or, well, been a writer… You write. You wouldn’t call yourself a writer: you’ve never published anything and you can’t be a writer before you make money from it. But you like writing. There’s at least a hundred half finished Word documents sitting on your laptop at any given moment.

But this project isn’t fun at all. All the students in your course were excited to get to write a Christmas story. It is December, after all, and most people have gotten properly into the Christmas spirit by now. However, you’ve never liked Christmas – for reasons that you will not think about with Elias’ judgy eyes on you – and you usually write scary stories, so this is not up your alley.

“Hey,” Brock’s voice sounds, and it’s gentle now. He’s probably noticed you’re actually having a mental breakdown over this. “It’s just one stupid story, and it doesn’t even have to be good. Just write about like, animals that can talk.”

Elias snorts again, and this time you can’t even blame him.

You lift your head only to shoot Brock a glare. Brock raises his hands in helpless manner, rolling his eyes as he goes.

“I’m trying to help.”

“I’m going to get beers,” Elias says suddenly. It’s the first thing he’s said all hour, you think, and the sound of his voice almost startles you. “I think you’re more helpful when you’ve got a beer, Boes.”

He’s not wrong, but you won’t tell him that. Instead, you stare at his retreating back, disappearing towards the bar.

“Why do you hate him?” Brock says, and he sounds a little accusing.

“I don’t hate Elias, just as much as I don’t hate Christmas,” you tell him, before you realize that that technically doesn’t speak of your innocence, so you try a different tactic. “He doesn’t like me either! He never talks when I’m around.”

“Cause you make him nervous!” Brock exclaims. He pushes his now empty mug towards the side. “You’re always making snappy remarks at him.” He stares at you with big blue puppy eyes, his bottom lip pouting out. “I wish you would just get along. I love you both and it’s very annoying to have to always be in the middle of you.”

In reality, it’s not like Brock really has to be in the middle of anything. If it was up to you, you would simply not ever see Elias, and you’re pretty sure that’s the only thing you and Elias would ever agree on. But Brock somehow always brings you together: like how today he’d forgotten to mention his teammate’s presence when he asked you to come out for a drink.

But you don’t blame Brock, not really. You think there’s another universe in which Elias and you could be friends. You’re very similar, in a way: you’re both not from Vancouver, both don’t have your family around, and you share a similar sharp sarcastic humor and a love for teasing Brock.

The first time you met Elias, you were hopeful. Brock was, at that point, your only friend in Vancouver, and the two of you had become best friends like you’d grown up in each other’s pockets. If Brock liked this guy so much, you figured you’d like him too.

But Elias hadn’t seemed to feel the same way. You met at one of Jake’s parties and Brock had introduced you with the statement that you were going to be beerpong buddies, because he’d already promised Troy.

Elias’ eyes had been a little too intense, as they traveled across your face. You could feel them burn into your skin like lasers, and when his eyes finally met yours it had felt like being hit by the entire universe at once.

“Oh,” he’d said, and it had been filled with… not even disdain. You could’ve handled disdain, because you could’ve called him out on that. But this had been indifference, that you’d heard in his voice, and that was something you didn’t know what to do with.

He’d not said anything else all evening. 

Ever since then, you’d put stone after stone into the wall you build between you and the quiet Swede, every single time he so much looked in your general direction. Nothing big ever happened between you: you hadn’t had any huge fights or massive blow outs.

It was just indifference, that ate at you until it became reluctance and then annoyance, and it’s that same thing you can read on Elias’ face now when he quietly sits in a corner, listening in on your conversations with Brock.

Yes, it would be easier for Brock if you and Elias could become friends, or at least friendly enough.

“Sorry, Boes,” you tell him with a sigh. “I just don’t think it’s ever gonna happen.”

--

“Is there a reason you’re not wearing a shirt?”

You raise your eyebrow at Jake, who opened the door wearing black jeans, a Santa hat, and literally nothing else.

"I lost a bet,” he says solemnly, opening his front door further. You stomp the snow off your boots on his porch, then move past him into the house.

It’s freezing cold outside and Jake’s house is lovely and warm, which makes you happy to be there if only to enjoy the heating. It’s not like you don’t have heating at your flat, but the electricity bill is high enough every month without you turning the thermostat up as high as it goes, so usually you try to keep warm with sweaters and blankets.

Brock told you to dress pretty though, so you wore a dress to Jake’s party. Which means it’s a good thing he’s got the heating going.

“You look lovely,” Jake smiles, taking your coat from your hands. Having him act like such a perfect gentleman in the outfit he’s wearing makes you laugh, and he shoos you inside when he notices.

You like Jake. In fact, you like all of Brock’s friends – except the one, of course – and that’s the only reason you said yes to coming to this party. It’s not like you’re against parties, but it’s a Christmas party: and despite the fact that it’s the first week of December, you’ve already heard enough Christmas music to last a life time.

“There she is!” Brock hoots, when he spots you. He opens his arms and you give him a quick hug, saying hi to Bo and Holly, who he’s standing with. “I have a brilliant idea,” Brock says however, before you can even ask the Horvats how they’re doing. “And you can’t say no right away.”

That definitely means you’re gonna wanna say no right away.

“I’m not promising that,” you hum. Just at that moment, Jake appears with a glass of prosecco that he hands you, and you send him a grateful smile. He disappears just as quickly, which is probably the better option considering what Brock’s about to say.

“I think you should make an actual, real effort to get into the Christmas spirit this year.”

“I don’t think so,” you immediately answer, but Brock waves away your protests with a wave of his hand.

“That’s not the part you’re gonna wanna say no to.”

“Oh dear,” Holly laughs, and you glare at Brock.

“What, then?”

“I think you and Petey should get in the Christmas spirit together.”

The sentence is bizar enough that you burst out laughing. Surely he’s kidding.

“Are you drunk?” you ask, then, turning to Bo: “Is he drunk?”

Bo shrugs. “Not yet, I don’t think. Tipsy at most.”

“Think about it,” Brock says. There’s a glint of excitement in his eyes, which promises nothing good for you. “You’re staying in Vancouver this Christmas, right?”

You don’t say anything: the answer is yes, and Brock knows that, because he’s been trying to convince you to come back to Minnesota with him for a month. However, as you’ve told him every time, there’s no way his girlfriend would appreciate that, and you don’t like being a third wheel. Or - but you haven’t told him that - a charity case.

“And so is Petey!” Brock proclaims. He motions somewhere to the left, where the Swede is probably hiding between all his teammates, trying to stay as far away from you as possible. “So both of you have to stay here in Vancouver, alone, during Christmas. And he loves Christmas, and you don’t, but you have to write that Christmas story and it would be so much easier to do that if you actually celebrated Christmas, so he can teach you how.”

Your best friend isn’t making a lot of sense, and there’s too much information to process so quickly. First of all, you didn’t know Elias would be alone for Christmas, although you suppose it makes sense that he can’t go back to Sweden just for 2 days of Christmas. Secondly, you don’t need someone to teach you how to celebrate Christmas: it’s not like you don’t know, and much more that you choose not to.

And third: fuck. You’d basically forgotten about that Christmas story.

“It’s a brilliant idea,” Brock says proudly and a little smug. “And I haven’t told Petey yet but I know he’ll be down.”

This time, you respond: you start laughing hard enough that Brock’s smile slips off his face.

“I really don’t think he will,” you giggle. You reach out, patting Brock’s arm with a smile. “Boes, you’re a sweetheart, but stop worrying about me. My life isn’t bad because I don’t like Christmas.”

It’s bad for some other reasons, like financial debt and family misfortunes, but not because of a lack of reindeer ornaments and bad mulled wine.

Brock pouts. “But…”

“No,” you cut him off. “I can write that Christmas story just fine on my own, thank you. And if you’re worried about Elias, you can ask him to Minnesota.” You take a step back, glancing at your empty prosecco glass. “I’m gonna get another one of these.”

As you’re making your way to the kitchen, you can still hear Brock’s sputtering.

Although Jake’s house is filled with people, the kitchen still seems quiet. It’s not until you’ve let the door fall closed behind you though, that you notice movement in the corner.

“Oh,” you say, a little annoyed to be caught off guard. “It’s you.”

Elias barely glances in your direction. “Just getting some water.”

Elias’ style is always a little funky, and if you didn’t dislike him so much you would’ve appreciated how daring it is. This time, though, you literally can not help but laugh at him.

“Nice sweater,” you say, and it doesn’t even come out as sarcastic.

Elias looks down at his sweater like he didn’t even notice he was wearing it. It has a reindeer stitched on, except the reindeer looks… Well. Baked.

“Quinn got it for me,” Elias says, and he sounds a little sheepish, which is not a tone you hear from him often. “He’s got the same one.”

“A little co-dependent,” you tease, and it comes out too light and easy for it to be directed at Elias. He looks a little surprised, too, at how jovial it sounds.

“You look nice,” he says, then. He’s looking at you now, and you can feel the weight of his eyes press against your skin.

There’s something about Elias’ gaze that makes it feel like your lungs are constricting, and you don’t know what it is. You could blame it on the fact that his eyes are the kind of piercing blue that authors would compare to the ocean or maybe the summer sky, but Brock has blue eyes too, and you never feel like that when he looks at you.

“Uhm, thanks,” you bring out. The awkwardness settles over the kitchen like a heavy cloud of fog, but for some reason your first instinct isn’t to just run out of the kitchen, like you usually would.

This is definitely Brock’s fault, for making you feel bad about Elias being alone in his sauve but empty apartment in Vancouver on Christmas, when he apparently loves the holiday so much.

“Brock thinks you could teach me how to love Christmas,” you blurt out, and Elias looks nothing short of utterly baffled by your statement. You sigh, and explain. “We’re both in Vancouver around Christmas and apparently you love Christmas and I don’t, so he thinks you should teach me how to love it. He thinks it would help me write my story.”

Elias seems to ponder that for a second. When he speaks, his voice is tentative. “Do you think it would help?”

Your first instinct is to, once again, call out no and laugh it off, but for some reason you don’t. Elias sips his water like he’s prepared to wait for your answer, and you give yourself some time to think.

Realistically, getting into the Christmas spirit, or at least getting an idea of what other people feel when they’re in the Christmas spirit, could really help you pull off this story. You’re good at putting yourself in other people’s shoes, which is how you manage to write characters you don’t necessarily see yourself in.

When you wrote a story about a doctor, you talked to your friend who’s in med school about it for a week. Now, you wanna write a Christmas story. It wouldn’t be an awful idea to be around someone who loves Christmas.

“Maybe,” you admit. “But you don’t have to do it, I know you’re probably busy…”

Elias shakes his head before you’ve finished your sentence.

“When hockey goes on break, and all my teammates go home for the holidays, I won’t have anything to do.” He shrugs: it looks careless but in the most forced manner, like he’s trying to hide just how much it does matter. “We could do something, I guess.”

I guess. It’s not really the most enthusiastic response you’ve ever had, but then, this is not normal for you and Elias.

“You know what the ultimate Christmas plot is?” Elias says then, a little hint of a smile tugging at his lips. “A Christmas party is in fear of flopping thanks to a lack of Christmas spirit, but is rescued by some energetic soccer mom with no life.” He grins. “I could be the soccer mom.”

To your own surprise, you burst out laughing at his description. You didn’t think he was really paying attention when you were describing cliché Christmas plots in the bar with Brock, but maybe Elias pays attention to more than he admits.

“Fine,” you hear yourself say, and you honest to God have no idea where that came from but you know Brock is gonna shit himself with excitement when he hears. “When hockey goes on break, you can be the energetic soccer mom and try to bring me into the Christmas spirit.” You smile. “It won’t be an easy task, Pettersson.”

Elias raises an eyebrow but there’s nothing judgmental about it, this time.

If anything, it’s a challenge.

He sticks something out to you: it’s your glass, now filled again with prosecco, which he somehow managed to fill up without you even noticing.

“It’s on,” he says simply, and when he raises his water glass in the air, you don’t even hesitate to clink it.

--

“Shopping is not a Christmas outing,” you say, stubbornly crossing your arms. “And I really don’t think this is gonna get me into the Christmas spirit.”

“What do you mean?” Elias deadpans, as he yanks a shopping cart free from all the others. “Middle aged housewives fighting over discounted wreaths? There’s nothing more Christmassy than that.”

You snort. “Right. It’s just gonna be spoiled crying kids who want toys that they already have and parents pretending it’s Santa who spoils them so they don’t have to take responsibility for their kids being rude drama queens.”

Elias laughs. He pushes the cart into the department store, and you reluctantly follow him.

“That’s another storyline,” he says.

“The unexplained dilemma of parents who do not believe in Santa, and yet we, the wise audience who knows better, are left to wonder where they think these toys came from? ‘Psst, honey, Santa’s not real, so from whence came these marvels?’”

“I don’t know half of what you’re saying.” Elias holds up a string of Christmas lights. “But we’re getting these, honey.”

It comes out sweet like caramel and too serious to be anything but sarcastic, so you push the cart into his heels. Elias simply laughs and continues on his way.

The department store is busy, which is exactly why you usually try to avoid going there in December. You’d think Elias, being Elias Pettersson, would also try to avoid crowds, but it’s like people don’t see anything but Rudolph; nobody recognizes him as he skillfully pushes his way through the crowds, putting stuff into the cart that you barely know what to do with.

You’re thankful for it. It would be awkward if people did recognize him, and it’s strange to notice that that would be the thing to do it; there’s no awkwardness now, with him making snarky remarks at the quality of the ornaments or the fact that Canadians apparently love what he calls the ‘tacky’ side of Christmas.

In fact, you almost find that you’re enjoying yourself. It might as well be a Christmas miracle after all.

“When was the last time you had a tree?” Elias asks.

Your brain short circuits for a full five seconds, and then when you answer Elias stares at you as if you’ve grown a second head.

“Uh, probably when I still lived with my parents and they got it?”

“We’re changing that right now.” He spins on his heels and speed walks in the direction of the trees, too fast for you to protest.

You think of the last time you got a Christmas tree and an involuntary shiver makes its way down your spine. There’s a good reason you don’t like Christmas, and the tree plays a crucial part in it.

But Elias doesn’t know that. So you can’t even blame him for looking excited when he somehow manages to find you the perfect size tree for your apartment – even without ever having been in your apartment.

“This one,” he says smugly, but when he notices your expression, his face falls. “What’s wrong?”

You swallow. You could tell him, now, tell him about the last time your dad went to get a tree and never came back.

But that’s a long time ago and there’s no reason for Elias to know that. He’s not your friend, and he’d probably not even care. If anything, he’d feel sorry for you, and that would be even worse.

“That one is fine,” you tell him, and you promise yourself you just won’t put it up.

The tree gets your mood down but Elias doesn’t seem to notice. He collects some more stuff, like a throw blanket with Christmas pattern that you actually don’t mind, because you’re always cold and a person can never have too many throw blankets.

He also puts in an ornament with the Canucks logo, which you want to use to slap the smirk off his face, and a Rudolph pluche toy with a red light up nose.

“Like you, when it’s cold,” he teases, flicking your nose, and you wonder if you could use the Christmas lights to strangle him.

Finally, when you approach the end of your trip, you realize a teeny tiny problem.

“Uhm, Elias?” you ask, “I think we may have gotten too much.”

Elias rolls his eyes. “Brock said you don’t have any decorations, so this is the perfect amount.”

And it would be – if you wanted Christmas decorations – except…

“I can’t afford this,” you snap, and you can feel your cheeks heat up, and maybe the tips of your ears as well. God, this is embarrassing.

Elias’ face softens, and that kinda just makes it worse.

“You’re not paying for it,” he says, not unkindly. “This wasn’t your idea.”

“It wasn’t yours either,” you remind him. Granted, a bill like this would hardly break the bank for Elias, but you’re not about to let him pay for you just because he feels bad. You let Brock buy you dinner sometimes but that’s it, and only because he actually likes your company and because he always wants to eat at stupid fancy restaurants.

This is Elias. He doesn’t value your company, and he’s not your friend, and you won’t let him pay for you.

Elias doesn’t say anything, eyes searching your face for something. You’re not quite sure what he finds, but finally, he speaks.

“Consider it my Christmas gift to you,” he says. “You can pay me back by making me lunch, cause I’m hungry.”

And strangely enough, the thought of spending another two hours with Elias doesn’t make you wanna hurl, or throw yourself in front of oncoming traffic. In fact, you’re surprised to note that you actually had fun on this trip, and it was mostly thanks to Elias’ dry commentary on the other shoppers, of which not one sentence failed to make you laugh.

You don’t believe in Christmas stories, like the one where some weird technical glitch in the matrix gets fixed just in time for the Christmas tree in the center of town to light up, just as the guy and girl figure out their complicated emotional differences.

But maybe you can allow yourself to not actively dislike Elias’ company, at least while you’re stuck with it.

--

There’s exhaustion settled deep inside your bones, like your feet are made of concrete as you somehow manage to drag yourself up the stairs. You don’t usually mind living in a bit of a shit hole building, considering the fact that it’s very cheap – but on nights like these you wish there was an elevator you could take.

Working out in the morning before taking a double shift at the coffee shop you work at was a bad idea.

It takes you a few seconds to find your keys in your bag. It’s late enough at night that you can’t really see much; there’s lights in the hallways but most of them don’t really work, the flickering glow of them barely enough to illuminate the ceilings.

When you open the door, you instantly notice there’s something wrong.

Or, wrong… That might not be the right word. The word that comes to mind, actually, is fuck.

You’d forgotten all about Elias.

After buying all the Christmas decorations, he kept bothering you about putting them up. You hadn’t really been planning to, and unfortunately Elias knew you well enough to somehow know that.

Nobody reads you as well as he does, like his blue eyes pierce right through your skin and stare straight into your heart. It’s one of the things you find most unsettling about him. Keeping things close to your heart has always been your way to cope, but it felt impossible to do that with Elias around.

He’d kept asking you if you were gonna put up the decorations and you kept waving him away, until he finally decided he had enough.

“I’m coming over tomorrow,” he’d said – or, threatened. “Brock gave me your spare key, so you don’t have a say in this. I’m putting up the tree.”

“Don’t you dare,” you’d answered, making a mental note to deal with Brock’s traitorous ass later. “I can put up my own tree.”

You could, you just weren’t planning to do it.

“You could, but you won’t,” Elias had said, unimpressed. “So be there or don’t be there, I’m doing it.”

You had totally meant to be there. You weren’t as much of an asshole that you would let him do all the work after he also paid for it, and he was technically doing you a favor. But then your colleague asked you to cover her shift, and, well…

You forgot. And clearly, Elias hadn’t.

In the corner of your tiny little living room is a pine tree. There’s no ornaments in it except for the Canucks one that Elias bought you, but there’s what seems to be about a thousand lights in it, and it must’ve taken him hours to put those in.

It’s not even just that. The Rudolph toy is sitting on your bookcase, there’s candles on your dining table and on the couch is the Christmas throw blanket.

Under the blanket is Elias.

His head is resting on the arm of the couch, blond hair a little messy. His eyes are closed, eyelashes fluttered against his cheekbones, and he looks strangely peaceful.

You feel something settle in your stomach.

You imagine him sitting on your couch, waiting for you to come home because he wanted to see your reaction. You can imagine his little smug grin as he took in his work, way too proud with a simple string of lights in a Christmas tree. And maybe, maybe, he even thought about you celebrating Christmas here with the place looking exactly like this, and maybe that made him smile.

And then you didn’t show up. 

You wonder if you should wake him, to kick him out of your apartment, tease him for waiting for you, or even to say thank you. But his chest is rising slowly with every steady breath, and you’ve never seen Elias look so tranquil, so at peace.

For some reason, waking him feels like a crime.

So you step closer and tug the blanket a little more over his shoulders. You tell yourself it’s because the place gets so stupidly cold at night, and you can’t have him get sick and have a miserable Christmas because Brock would kill you, but you know it’s not about that at all.

It’s about the fact that coming home to a cozy, decorated apartment after the exhausting day you’ve had was actually pretty nice. And it’s about the fact that for some reason, Elias’ sleeping figure on your couch makes the place feel more like home than it has ever before.

And maybe it’s because the night is dark, and Elias can’t hear or see you, but when you whisper: “Goodnight” into the quiet living room, it sounds a lot like thank you.

--

When you wake up, there’s the smell of pancakes in the air. It’s a smell you would recognize anywhere, and it startles you awake too quickly for it being so early in the morning. You nearly jump out of bed and follow your nose towards the kitchen.

If anyone would’ve asked, you would’ve bet money on it that Elias would’ve woken up on your couch annoyed as hell, and booked it out of there as soon as his legs could carry him. But somehow, like a mirage, he’s standing at your stove, making pancakes.

Are you dreaming?

“Am I dreaming?” you ask out loud, and Elias swirls around on his heels.

“Don’t scare me,” he snaps, annoyed, but the annoyance flows away within seconds. “I was hungry.”

“So you made pancakes?”

Elias laughs softly. “I can’t make much else with what’s in your kitchen. You need to go grocery shopping.”

You really do, but you can’t think about that right now. Not when Elias is standing in your kitchen like he owns the place, like it’s normal for him to be there.

It very much is not. So why doesn’t it feel wrong?

“Uhm.” If he’s here, you figure you should at least be polite. “Do you want coffee?”

He waves towards your coffee machine. “I already put it on.”

You stay quiet as you make the coffee, a little too aware of the way Elias moves pancake after pancake from the pan to the stack, movements relaxed and almost lazy. It’s Sunday morning and it’s not that late, but it feels like it could be one of those mornings that stretches out endlessly, dark grey clouds outside your apartment as Vancouver slowly wakes up.

Neither of you speak until you’ve sat down at the table, pancakes and coffee in front of you. It’s awfully domestic and you don’t know what to do with it: it’s become easy to snap or snark at Elias when Brock’s there as a middle man and Elias looks like he’d rather cut off both his legs than spend another minute in your presence, but it’s not like that now.

Now, Elias seems quietly content to sit in your kitchen eating pancakes that he made on your stove while you were asleep. Now, Elias seems completely comfortable scrolling through his phone while you stare at him. And this Elias, you have no idea what to do with.

“We’re gonna do something Christmassy today,” Elias says, between two bites of pancake. “I’m just trying to figure out what.”

You raise an eyebrow. It’s been only a week since Brock had the awful idea to make Elias teach you how to be in the Christmas spirit before booking it to Minnesota, and so far Elias has seemingly put way too much time and effort into it, while you haven’t even put one word in your empty word document, that you ironically titled ‘Not a typical Christmas story’.

Then you remember the night at Jake’s party, and how Elias said he wouldn’t have much to do once all the guys went home to their families.

Suddenly, you feel for him. You know what it’s like to be lonely.

“The Christmas market isn’t on today,” Elias continues, oblivious to your mental dialogue. “But we’re going there soon. And we need to watch a bunch of Christmas movies.”

You hesitate. Are you really going to do this?

“I might have an idea for today.”

Apparently you are.

Elias’ eyes finally focus on you, expression curious. He doesn’t say anything but he’s clearly waiting for you to continue, so you take a deep breath and go for it.

“I’ve never gone skating.”

An hour later you’re at the local outdoor ice rink, and it’s not until you see the crowd that you realize this might’ve not been your smartest idea. It’s Sunday, it’s December, it’s not awfully cold: you think at least 1/3rd of Vancouver is at this rink.

“Uhm, I might not have thought this through,” you state a little bashfully. You can already see a few Canucks jerseys on the ice, and although you can’t see the back that well you wouldn’t be surprised if a bunch of them carried the number 40.

Elias shrugs. He seems unbothered, but then he mostly does. You can never really read him, and it’s one of the things you find most unnerving about him.

“It’ll be fine,” he says. “I’m wearing my glasses.”

He is wearing his glasses, which he rarely does. You’re not even sure he needs them or if they’re just a fashion statement. He’s also wearing a hat, so maybe he’s thought this through more than you.

But surely just glasses and a snapback won’t stop Vancouver from recognizing the Canucks biggest star?

Apparently, it does.

Elias goes to rent the skates, because he couldn’t be bothered to go back to his apartment to get his own. He’s put them on within 20 seconds, while you’re still struggling to wiggle your foot into the first one.

He laughs and you shoot him a deathly glare.

“Don’t laugh at me! We can’t all be professional hockey players.”

“I don’t think you need to be a professional anything to lace up a skate,” Elias answers dryly. He turns to face you, then pats his leg. “Give me your foot.” 

It’s embarrassing to make Elias tie your skates, but it would be more embarrassing to ignore him and then spend 20 minutes struggling with them. So you swing your foot into his lap. 

Long fingers work swiftly around your laces, and suddenly your skate is tied, fitted closely around your ankle. Elias pats your shin, then holds out his hand for the other foot. 

You swing your second leg into his lap. 

“I don’t know how you do this so fast,” you mutter. You can feel the flush on your cheeks and you hope Elias assumes it’s because of the cold.

“I’ve got many talents,” Elias deadpans, and you can’t stop yourself from laughing. 

“Juggling, unicycle riding, and lacing skates?” 

Elias nods. There’s a smile tugging at his lips. “All very important skills.” 

Finally, you put your skates back on the floor and waggle towards the door to. the rink. Elias has jumped onto the ice before you can even think about moving. 

You stop. Is this really a good idea? You could break both your legs here.

“Don’t be scared,” Elias says, correcting guessing the root of your hesitation. He’s gliding on his skates with ease, shuffling back and forth the way hockey players always do during the anthems.

Because he’s waiting. For you. Because you’re going skating together.

This is the weirdest fucking thing that’s ever happened to you, kinda like a fever dream; and that’s enough motivation to step onto the ice.

You stumble a bit, and Elias reaches out to grab your elbow to steady you.

“Careful, it’s slippery.”

“Unsurprisingly,” you mumble beneath your breath, and Elias’ grin goes a little wicked before he promptly lets go off your elbow and slides back.

Bastard. But the ice is slippery and you’re not steady on your skates, so you scramble forward only just enough to reach Elias again, wrapping your hands tightly around his arm.

“Do not let go,” you hiss.

“Do not be a smartass,” he shoots back, but thankfully he doesn’t move away again. Instead, he carefully takes both your hands away from his arm and takes them into his own, turning so he’s skating backwards and pulling you along.

If you don’t have to move your own feet, moving is a lot more fun, and you feel yourself loosening up. Every now and then you stumble, but Elias’ grip on you is firm and he never wavers, even when you yank on his hands to pull yourself upright again.

You’ve always noticed how graceful Elias is on the ice. There’s something about him when he skates that has always caught your attention, even if you would never admit that to him. But without the hockey gear, it’s even more clear how elegant he moves.

You, not so much.

“You better not be laughing at me,” you grumble, a little annoyed that you have to cling onto Elias as a lifeline in order not to break your neck. 

Elias raises an eyebrow. “I never do that.”

It should sound sarcastic but it really doesn’t, and you wonder if he’s momentarily forgotten every single interaction you’ve had with him over the past year.

Your expression must speak volumes because he rolls his eyes. He swiftly moves, so he’s skating next to you instead of in front.

He’s still holding your hand.

“I never laugh at you,” he clarifies. “I laugh because you’re funny. It’s different.”

And, oh. That does something to your stomach, something that you probably shouldn’t be thinking about right now.

Elias doesn’t seem to want to dwell on it either, because suddenly he pulls his hand away, skating a bit to the front to where you can’t reach him.

“You can do it on your own,” he calls over his shoulder, a cheeky smile playing around his lips.

And it turns out you can: you don’t fall, you keep moving – albeit a lot slower than Elias – and it’s actually kinda fun.

You can do it on your own, but. It was more fun with Elias next to you, anyway.

--

When Elias texts you to tell you you’re going to the Christmas market that night, you haven’t seen him in three days.

But you’ve been texting. He’s been sending you stupid Christmas songs that you mostly don’t listen to, and Christmas movies you’d prefer to never see. You send him ideas for cliché Christmas stories that you can almost hear his disapproving snort for. 

Santa becomes a prima donna and holds Christmas hostage until his ego is stroked in the form of songs written in his honor by reindeer who are willing to give their very lives for the cause.

Elias’ answer comes swift.

No. That has definitely been done before and also, someone could call animal services.

When Brock asks you how you’re liking your time with Elias, when you FaceTime him during dinner, you fall into silence.

What are you gonna tell him? That you smile every time you see his name pop up on your phone? That you have no idea anymore why you didn’t like him all that time? That you now understand what he meant when he used to say “Petey just needs a little time”?

“It’s going,” you hum noncommittally, chopping another carrot.

Brock laughs. “You’re so full of bullshit. I can literally see you trying to hide a smile. You realized I’m right, didn’t you?”

“You need to shut up,” you tell him without any heat. “We’re civil. He’s bored, I’m in the middle of writer’s block crisis. We’re not getting married, Boes, it’s just better than doing nothing the whole week you’ve deserted me.”

“Sure,” Brock drawls, and it doesn’t sound like he believes you at all.

“How’s the pups?” you ask, and Brock laughs because that wasn’t even slightly subtle for a topic change. He clearly decides to let you, however, starts talking about Milo’s new habit of burying people’s gloves in the yard.

The thing is, you don’t really wanna talk about Elias with Brock when you don’t even know yourself what you think of him yet. Fine, you don’t hate him, that’s clear. You’ve realized his air of indifference is just a shield, a wall that crumples as soon as he laughs. His teasing remarks are familiar now, feel friendly the way they feel when they come from Brock, and you’ve realized he’s one of the funniest, smartest, and kindest people you know.

But Brock would just push it into something it’s not. When he comes back, you’ll probably go back to being ‘Brock’s friend’ instead Elias’, and you wouldn’t be surprised if everything goes back to the way things were. Maybe with less animosity, but when Elias has a bunch of different people to choose from, why would he choose to hang out with you?

But for now, he doesn’t have any other people to hang out with and he does choose to hang out with you, and you’re hit once again with how weird that is when you step into his car the next evening.

“Dude, it’s way too cold to be going outside,” you grumble, shutting the door of his car behind you. Inside the car it’s warm and cozy, and Elias has an amused expression on his face when he turns to you.

“Good evening,” he deadpans, “I’m good, thank you, how are you?”

“Right.” You can feel your cheeks flush and hope he thinks it’s because of the heat in the car. “Sorry.”

Elias laughs. “It’s not that cold,” he chides, pulling the car into the road. “You just didn’t dress properly.”

You look down at yourself. You thought you’d dressed quite warm, but there’s an icy chill in the air that promises a chance of snow, so maybe it’s not warm enough. You didn’t even take gloves, you realize now, or a hat.

Well.

Elias is grinning while he stares ahead at the road, and you kinda wanna smack him except for how it also makes you smile. He’s dressed a lot warmer than you, and with the scarf almost up to his chin and a beanie on his head there’s not much risk of him being recognized anywhere.

“I brought extra gloves,” Elias says, then. “You’re not gonna be able to enjoy it if your hands are cold.”

You can’t help but laugh. “Elias, not to be a downer, but we’re going to a busy market that revolves entirely around Christmas, and I don’t like Christmas or crowds. I don’t think I’m gonna enjoy myself either way.”

“We’ll see,” Elias says simply, and it sounds like a promise.

It’s easy to keep up the conversation on the way there, light teasing from you and genuine interest from him. It’s comfortable, both the warmth in the car and Elias’ laugh next to you, and when he parks the car you almost don’t wanna get out.

At least he does have gloves for you, and he gives you a scarf, so you’re not that cold when you step out into the night air.

The Christmas market is busy, hoards of happy people looking for some Christmas cheer. You stick close to Elias’ side: if you lose him in this crowd, you’ll never find him back.

At least it’s pretty. The sky is already dark but the Christmas market has been lit up with seemingly millions of lights in every color imaginable.

“I don’t think purple is very Christmassy,” you say, flicking a purple light hanging off the stall that Elias is browsing.

“I prefer the white ones,�� he answers, eyes kept firmly on the handmade ornaments in the stall. “They look like stars.” He turns, holding out an ornament. It’s a glass star, and it reflects the lights like a kaleidoscope.

It’s, objectively, beautiful. You don’t have to like Christmas to love it, but when you reach out for it, Elias laughs and pulls it out of your reach.

“I thought we decided you’re not to be trusted with glass.”

He’s referencing a time long ago, when you were hanging out with Brock and he happened to be there, and you dropped a glass and Brock had made a whole spectacle of it.

To be fair, you hadn’t really put Elias in the memory you keep of that day, because he was simply there: as Brock’s friend, as someone who happens to linger in the background. He’s lingering in the background of many memories, you realize now, but you’re starting to realize you prefer the ones where he’s front and center.

You walk past more stalls, filled with either tacky Christmas stuff – you buy Brock some socks with Santa on them because you can’t not – or handmade things, which you actually like looking at. Elias buys some things for his parents – “I’ll send them to Sweden,” he says, and he looks a little too sad so you start chatting about how Rouss kinda resembles a reindeer, somehow.

You’re walking past the food stalls when Elias asks: “How’s the writing going?”

You freeze. That’s not a question you were ready for, and it leads to the inevitable urge to blurt out the truth. “I haven’t started. I just don’t think I can.”

Elias’ eyes on you are thoughtful, like he’s searching for something in your soul. If he tries hard enough, you think he’ll look right through you: nobody has ever made you feel so open, so visible, as he does.

“Brock didn’t tell you why I don’t like Christmas, did he?”

“No,” Elias admits, “but I figured it was a better reason than red is not your color.”

“Hey!” you protest, stepping to the side so you can bump your shoulder against his. “Red is totally my color!”

It’s not, but Elias doesn’t push it. Instead, he smiles warmly, and suddenly you want to tell him.

“When I was young, my parents used to fight a lot. One day, two weeks before Christmas, they got into a massive fight. I listened to them from my bedroom and then my dad came upstairs and told me he was going to find me the perfect Christmas tree. He got in his car and went to get the tree, or so I thought. I never saw him again.”

You sigh. “It’s not, like… I’m over it, mostly. I just can’t help but feel that same feeling every year around Christmas. It’s like hoping for something you know will never happen. Like you’re reading a book and the happy ending never comes. ”

“That’s why it’s hard to write the story,” Elias hazards a guess. He looks curious, but he doesn’t look like he feels bad for you, which is what you would’ve disliked the most.

He points to one of the stalls, then. “They make the best hot chocolate in town. Want one?”

You nod, following him towards the stall as you continue talking. “It is. But I do also find Christmas stories boring to write. It’s always the same concept, just in a million different ways.”

Elias smiles. “That’s the fun of it, no? You know the happy ending always comes. It makes you feel good.”

“It’s boring,” you repeat, stubbornly. “The girl from the big city with a job paying upwards of 8 figures goes back to her hometown for Christmas and somehow falls for some high school fling who still lives in a basement, but makes a mean cup of hot chocolate and says thing like ‘What can I say? I was stupid.’” You cross your arms. “You can’t tell me if we took the Christmas element away you would voluntarily read that story.”

Elias laughs. “Some people would. Isn’t that basically the story from The Notebook?”

“Have you ever watched The Notebook, Elias?” you frown, and he shrugs.

“No, but Brock said it made him cry.”

Which isn’t surprising, because a lot of movies have made Brock cry. You wonder what Elias would do if you put on The Notebook on your upcoming Christmas movie night.

Elias turns around, then, two steaming cups of hot chocolate in his hands. He smirks when he hands it to you.

“What can I say? I was stupid,” he quotes, and you can’t help but giggle as you take the cup from him.

“You didn’t make this, you just paid for it. It doesn’t count that way.”

“After this we should probably go,” he says then, glancing at his watch.

The words sink into your stomach like a heavy stone of dread; you don’t really want to go home, and the realization hits you like a ton of bricks. You’re happy, right now, and if ‘feeling Christmassy’ basically translates to feeling happy, well…

It’s not Christmas, though, that’s got you feeling this way. You could care less about the pine trees and the tacky music and the reindeer and the big man with the white beard and red hat.

You care more about the blonde man beside you, staring into the distance with the brightest blue eyes, and the way he somehow always makes you laugh.

Damn it. How much you hate it when Brock is right.

--

With Brock telling you how much Elias likes Christmas movies, and Elias having pushed you for this Christmas movie marathon for days on end, you were expecting a bit more excitement from him when it finally happens.

You can tell something is wrong from the moment you open the door. He’s standing with his hands in his pockets, and when he smiles at you it doesn’t quite reach his eyes.

“Hey,” he says softly, moving past you into your apartment.

“I hope you’re ready to rewatch the same exact movie with only minor differences all night,” you joke, but Elias doesn’t even look up as he methodically pulls off his coat, kicks off his shoes and pitter patters into your living room.

He scoffs when he sees your tree, still empty except for the Canucks ornament that he got you.

“Really?” he asks, and for the first time in a while you can’t tell if he’s joking or actually upset with you.

This is the Elias that you knew before, the one that you didn’t like because you could never reach him, guarding his heart like a fort. But this time, you know what it’s like to have the other Elias, and you already miss having that Elias in your life.

“Sorry to disappoint,” you bring out, and it comes out a bit shaky. Elias turns around and his face softens slightly.

“I didn’t mean that.” He sighs. “I nearly canceled this.”

Your heart sinks.

“I get grumpy when I’m not feeling good and I don’t want to take it out on you.” He sinks down onto your couch, kicks his feet up on the coffee table like he’s been there a million times before. “But I didn’t wanna cancel, so. I didn’t.” He sounds almost helpless, like he’s not sure if he should be saying what he’s saying.

But your traitorous heart lifts immediately. If he didn’t want to cancel, it means he wants to be here, and that’s really all you need to know.

“Well, I’m gonna make popcorn, then,” you say, keeping your voice light. “You pick the movie. I don’t care. They’re all the same anyway.”

Elias rolls his eyes, but it’s good natured. “They’re not the same!” he calls after you as you disappear into the kitchen.

“Every Christmas movie ever was written by someone who didn’t know what to write,” you tell him, knowing he can still hear you from the kitchen – the benefits of living in a tiny apartment. “Writer’s block? No problem. The solution: a little bit of Christmas magic. ‘We can’t pay the rent’, ‘I’m sick’, ‘My boss is making me work on Christmas’. Poof, with a jingle of bells, problems solved in the form of a generous benefactor, aspirin, or a hit man.”

“If that’s the case, why can’t you write a Christmas story?” Elias calls back teasing, and you give him the finger through the wall.

He might not see it, but you’re certain he can feel it.

You take the popcorn and walk back to the couch, letting yourself drop onto it next to Elias. You misjudge the distance a bit, causing you to sit a little too close to Elias for it to be strictly friendly; but Elias doesn’t budge, so you don’t move either.

You’re pressed against Elias shoulder to thigh, and you can feel his body shake when he laughs.

“I like this cliché,” he says, nodding towards the television. “Let’s see if you can guess it.”

You watch the movie in relative silence, eating popcorn and enjoying the warmth of Elias body against yours. You have to admit you lose focus every now and then: the movie isn’t that bad, but it’s hard to focus on anything with Elias so close. Every now and then, when something funny happens, he exhales a sharp breath of laughter, and sometimes he hums as if he’s agreeing with what’s happening on screen.

He smells nice, too, and finally you get tired enough that you get a little brave: you let your head drop against his shoulder, tugging your feet under yourself.

“Figured it out, yet?” Elias asks softly.

“Yep,” you answer. The movie is nearing the end but you figured it out within the first ten minutes. “Basic physics, not to mention common sense, are thrown to the wind as Christmas repeats every day, disappears from the calendar, or is hurled into the past or future.”

Elias doesn’t respond, and suddenly you wanna know.

“Are you okay?” It’s probably a weird question, and very out of the blue, so you hurry trying to explain. “Cause you came in very sad, and like, if you don’t wanna talk about it with me that’s fine but I think it’s good to talk about things sometimes so if you wanna…”

“I’m fine,” Elias says, cutting you off, but it doesn’t sound dismissive. It sounds a little amused, and when you turn to look at him, you find him smiling. “Worried about me?”

And it’s the strangest thing, but you are. “A little.”

Elias’ face softens. “I promise I’m okay,” he says. He reaches out, then, places his hand on yours and squeezes. “I just talked to my parents before I came here, on Skype, and they were talking about Christmas and it sucks that I can’t see them for the holidays. But it is what it is.” He shrugs. “I sulk for a bit and then I move on.”

You never really go home for the holidays, but you understand how awful it must be to be stuck alone in Canada with your whole family in Sweden.

You blame the quiet, late night energy for what comes out of your mouth next.

“I think I could be convinced to make you a Christmas dinner if you ask nicely.”

Elias laughs, and his hand is warm when you turn your palm up and he laces his fingers through yours.

“If I ask nicely, will you watch another movie with me right now?”

You pull the Christmas themed throw blanket over your legs before letting your head drop against Elias’ shoulder once again.  

“You don’t even have to ask.”

--

“I have an idea,” Elias says through the phone, and you don’t quite recognize the tone in his voice at first. “Well, it was Brock’s idea, but I think it’s a good one.”

Anything that was Brock’s idea immediately fills you with doubt, and you frown. “What?”

That’s when you realize: Elias sounds excited.

“Brock knows someone with a cottage, about two hours from here. It’s in the forest and it’s supposedly very Christmassy. We should go for a night.”

He sounds quietly pleased, and you don’t have the heart to tell him no.

“Okay.”

Objectively, though, it’s an awful idea. A Christmassy cottage in the forest also sounds like it would be very romantic, and you’ve finally come to terms with the fact that what you feel for Elias is definitely not just friendly comradery at this point. Feeding this feeling would not be smart, considering the fact that it’s almost Christmas and after that you’ll most likely never spend time with Elias like this again.

Sure, he might be at parties with the other Canucks or Brock might invite him for drinks with you, but it won’t be like this. You’re not stupid enough to think this will last: that would be a real Christmas miracle, and Christmas miracles don’t exist.

“Sometimes I wish I could read your mind.” Elias’ voice startles you despite the fact that his words come out softly. It’s been quiet in the car, apart from the low murmur of the radio in the background, for a good fifteen minutes.

You’re on your way to the cottage and your thoughts are going a million miles per hour.

You look over at Elias. He’s staring ahead at the road, one hand on the wheel and the other in his lap. He looks relaxed. Comfortable.

“It’s usually nothing interesting,” you say, and you thank the universe that he can’t know what’s going on in your mind.

“Are you thinking about your story?” he asks, and you weren’t, but it’s as good an excuse as any.

“I’ve gotta email it to my professor in four days,” you admit. “And I haven’t put a single word on paper yet.”

You’ve tried, that’s for sure. You’ve spent hours on your laptop, staring at a Word document. You’ve typed sentences and deleted them, tried to outline the story or just wing it while typing. Nothing works, nothing feels right when it stares back at you from the screen.

Elias hums noncommittally. “I think you think about it too much,” he says. “Just don’t worry about it. And write what you know.”

You scoff. “I don’t think anyone wants to read a Christmas story about a father who bails on his family, Elias. Nobody likes sad Christmas stories.”

He smiles. “Any sad Christmas cliches on your list?”

“Each and every event, whether holiday related or not, is tainted through the loss of a dead relative. Example: “Can I have a glass of water?” “Your, uh, *swallow*, your grandmother used to drink water.””

Elias laughs before reaching for the radio and turning up the music. You never listen to Christmas music, as a rule, but somehow you don’t hate it now that it’s blasting through his stupid sports car, the world flying past you through the window.

The drive is filled with Elias humming along to Christmas music and you laughing whenever he pulls a face at one of the lyrics. You spend at least 30 minutes debating if ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’ should still be allowed on the radio – no – and whether or not Michael Buble is the king of Christmas – in Europe, apparently yes.

By the time you reach the cottage, you feel a lot more positive.

Until you see it.

“Uhm,” you bring out, staring at the place in front of you. Elias barks out a laugh, but it sounds mostly disbelieving.

“When Brock said ‘cottage in the forest’, I pictured something different,” he says sheepishly.

“I guess this shows the power of speech?” you offer. “Like, ‘cottage in the forest’ and you think of this beautiful rustic romantic getaway. But this is more ‘cabin in the woods’: I think we’re about to get murdered.”

Elias raises an eyebrow. “Romantic?” he repeats, an amused tilt to his voice, and you nearly get back in the car.

Way to put your foot in your mouth.

Luckily for you Elias doesn’t dwell on it. Instead he wanders inside, where at the very least it looks a little better.

It’s cold, and there’s no working electricity, but there’s a fireplace and a billion candles, and it’s decorated quite cosy. Maybe even Christmassy, if you really squint: although you’re happy to notice there’s no tree.

It’s easier than you thought it would be, to spend an evening in some dodgy cabin with Elias. It’s easy to chat about everything and nothing, to cook dinner with him. How domestic it feels to tease him about how slowly he chops the mushrooms, while he somehow makes sure your wine glass is always full.

Silence doesn’t fall until long after dinner. The fireplace is on, fickle candle light giving the room an orange glow. You’ve somehow ended up with your feet in Elias’ lap, although you can’t remember how they got there: you’re painfully aware of the heavy grip of his hand around your ankle.

The wine has given your brain a nice fuzzy feeling, has softened up the edges around your thoughts. And all you can think, now, is how nice this is: to have Elias right there next to you, blue eyes fixed on the ember flames burning in front of you.

“I’m glad that Brock kept forcing us to hang out,” you say, without thinking. Elias glances over at you.

“Forcing us?” he repeats, as if he’s not sure what you mean.

You shrug. “Come on, Elias, we didn’t like each other before this. You probably didn’t want to hang out with me as much as I didn’t want to hang out with you.”

The words hang heavy in the air for a second. If you didn’t know any better, you’d swear you saw Elias flinch.

“Actually,” he says tightly, and your heart does a traitorous swoop. “Brock never forced me to come. I always asked. If I knew he was gonna see you, I asked to come along.”

The words hit you like a freight train. You can feel your heart beating in your chest. But surely there’s no way you’ve been wrong all this time?

Brock did say Elias didn’t hate you.

“But… I thought you didn’t like me.” Your voice sounds small in the quiet room. It feels different here, so far away from the city: when the night is so silent all your thoughts sound so loud.

Elias shrugs. He doesn’t look upset, per se, but his face is carefully closed off and you know now that’s not a good sign.

“I know you thought that,” he says, voice flat. “I know that first night I came off as rude.” His smile is wry. “I was nervous, I didn’t really speak English, and you’re very pretty. I guess it was a recipe for disaster, on my end, so it doesn’t surprise me you didn’t like me.”  

You can feel the blood rush to your cheeks, your heart pounding in your throat. You’re hearing his words but they sound almost foreign, and you can’t quite believe he’s really saying them.

“I’ve always liked you, though,” Elias adds, almost as an afterthought, carelessly like it doesn’t matter. Like he doesn’t know what that does to you, your mind going into overdrive.

You’re not an easy person to like. That’s not you being hard on yourself, you just know you judge too harshly, react too quickly. You go into downwards spirals of negative thoughts, you put opinions into people’s mouths, and most of all, you don’t believe in happily ever after.

People, in your experience, don’t stick around for people who won’t promise them happily ever after.

But Elias is here, having brought you to this cabin, having pushed and pushed to be around you: and you didn’t even notice. You thought he was just doing Brock a favor, you thought he was just bored. He’s not been very outgoing about his affections, but you can tell that they’re there; from the way he’s put up your Christmas tree to how he always listens to every word that falls from your lips. No, he’s not been very outgoing about with his affections but he’s been plentiful with them, and you just didn’t notice.

“Elias,” you start, but the sentence dies on your lips when he turns to face you, suddenly a lot closer than he was before.

“What about now?” he asks. You must look as confused as you feel, because he clarifies right away. “What do you think about me now?”

There’s nothing unsure about the question, and you think the answer is been pretty clear. You wouldn’t be here if the answer wasn’t clear. But despite that, despite that he seems to already know what you’re gonna say, you wanna say it anyway. You think you have to say it anyway.

“Now I like you,” you tell him, sitting up straighter. “I really like you, Elias.”

The last thing you register is the pleased smile tugging at the edges of Elias’ mouth, and then his lips are against yours.

The kiss is soft but not hesitant. Maybe he’s giving you time to think about it, this way, if this is what you want: but in that moment there’s nothing you want more, nothing but a fierce desire to trace your hands down his body.

As soon as your fingers touch his arm, Elias deepens the kiss. He kisses exactly how you would expect him to; giving you everything, no trace of doubt or hesitation.

There’s nothing frantic about it, nothing scary. With every second that ticks by you fall a little further into it, your mind a lovely shade of blank – with the exception of the boy in front of you, like all your nerves screaming his name.

“Hey.” Elias’ voice is soft as he pulls away. He doesn’t take his hands away from where they’re laying against the bare skin of your back. “We don’t have to go further.”

He’s giving you an out, you realize, a second to gather your thoughts. You could pull away now, you could put some space between the two of you.

You scoot forward, moving even more into his lap, and carefully curl your hand around his jaw. He leans into it slightly, and your heart screams with how much you want him.

You don’t answer. Even as a writer, you realize that words are sometimes overrated. Instead, you press your lips against his, placing your heart in his hands as you kiss him once more.  

--

It takes about two hours after you get back to your apartment for the reality of it all to comes crashing down at you.

The night at the cabin was wonderful; magical, even. If you would write the perfect Christmas story, it would be a lot like that.

Except you’re not writing a Christmas story – you should, of course, but you haven’t started and that’s because Christmas stories are unrealistic.

You and Elias, your story - no matter how wonderful – is unrealistic. What were you thinking? That Elias, being who he is, would simply… What? Become your boyfriend?

He’s Vancouver’s biggest star, everyone’s favorite person. You’re just another lonely writer who lives mostly in their own brain. You’re just someone else who is hard to love; like your parents, like your sister, like all the friends you’ve seen get their hearts broken.

You call Brock.

“Wow, calm down,” are the first words that come out of his mouth when he finally speaks. You’ve told him most of the story by then, sentences coming out in shallow breaths and tears already burning in the back of your throat. “What the hell do you mean ‘hard to love’? That’s bullshit.”

“It’s not.” You swallow. “Brock, it’s not real. What I’m feeling. People fall in love all the time and they all believe that’s it, their perfect story, but how often does that story end up a tragedy?”

“Y/N…” He sounds mostly sad. “You can’t live like that.”

But your mind was made up long ago, so long ago when you were just a child. When you saw the tragedy that was your parents love story, and then later it was only settled deeper, when you saw your friends get hurt, when your sister got cheated on.

“I can’t make myself the protagonist of my own tragedy.”

“Petey isn’t going to break your heart.” Brock’s voice is sharp, and you realize this is not a fair position to put him into: how can he be honest to you when that means breaking Elias’ trust?

“He won’t mean to,” you whisper. “But it’ll happen. It might not even be his fault. I’ll probably break my own heart somewhere along the line. But happiness doesn’t just come along this suddenly, Boes.”

“What is it does?” Brock asks, and you don’t have an answer.

What if it does is less scary what if it doesn’t, and the next few days when Elias calls, you don’t pick up the phone.

--

You shouldn’t have opened the door.

“You’re avoiding me.” Elias sounds... hurt. You don’t think you’ve ever heard him sound like that. You’ve learned that when he’s upset, he mostly sounds indifferent; locks his emotions behind a wall for nobody to see.

And maybe it’s a testament to how well you know him, now, that you can pick up on the change in his voice. Or maybe it means he’s decided to let you in.

God, you hope it’s not that last one. Hope he didn’t make that mistake.

You sigh. “I’m sorry, but…”

“Don’t.” Elias cuts you off by pushing past you into the apartment. He stands glaring at you in the middle of the living room, arm crossed. “You’re not doing this.”

You have to.

“It’s just not gonna work,” you try. There goes the crack in your heart, bursting open like someone squeezes it with an iron fist.

You’re doing this to yourself. But that’s better than the alternative: better than having Elias do it way further into the story, when there’s something to destroy.

There’s nothing to destroy, now. There’s only the prologue to the story, and now the epilogue. A story with no middle won’t be remembered.  

“That’s not true.” Elias isn’t backing down. “You can’t tell me nothing this past month has meant anything to you.” He frowns. “Does this have anything to do with your Christmas thing? Would it be different if this had happened in January?”

You laugh, but there’s no humor there. If only it was that simple.

“This has nothing to do with Christmas, Elias. This just isn’t real. There’s no happy ending to my storyline, and I’m not dragging you down with me.”

You let your eyes fix on him, on the way he stands there stubbornly, still fighting for something. For you. If only it made a difference.

Elias doesn’t say anything, for a while. Finally, voice timid, he says: “You’re gonna throw this away because you’re scared.”

You are scared. But that’s not why you’re doing this.

“Damn it, Y/N.” Frustration rings clear in Elias’ voice, now. “I know you feel what I feel! You can’t just ruin that because you’re not brave enough to say what you want!”

“It doesn’t make a difference, Elias!” You’re hurting too, and you can hear your own voice getting too loud.

“I wanna live in a world where people don’t get hurt, and everyone’s got enough money and nobody ever has to skip a meal!” You swallow, hot tears pricking behind your eyes. “I wanna live in a world where people don’t get in the car to get a Christmas tree and never come back, and I wanna live in a world where Santa’s real, Elias, but that’s just not reality. That’s not how life works.”  

Elias’ eyes are dark, his jaw tense. You know you’re not gonna like what he’s got to say before he’s even opened his mouth.

“Maybe not,” he says tightly, “but you live in a world where people can choose to love each other. It doesn’t have anything to do with Santa, or magic. None of those things are real, but love is real, and you can choose to believe in that.”

He grabs his jacket, is walking towards the door before you can even comprehend what he’s saying. At the door, he turns around. His eyes shine with sadness.

“I want to love you, but you have to choose to believe that, too. And if you can’t, then I guess it won’t ever be real.”

When the door closes, the last piece of your heart breaks in two.

--

“Merry Christmas!”

Brock’s voice is bright and cheery. He’s clearly only just woken up, his blond hair a mess and Milo passed out in his lap.

“It’s not even Christmas yet,” you tease. You curl your legs closer to yourself, your coffee in one hand and your phone in the other. It’s nice to see Brock, even if it’s just over FaceTime.

Getting your heart broken is even worse when you can’t really talk about it to your best friend, because you also broke your best friend’s other best friend’s heart.

It’s a complicated issue, is the thing.

“It’s Christmas Eve tonight,” Brock says, rolling his eyes. “That’s basically Christmas. Are you still moping?”

“Hey,” you protest. “I’m not moping. I’m sad. It’s different.”

You have been moping, a bit. The first two days after your final talk with Elias, you didn’t even really come out of bed. You just sat there and you wrote.

That’s the only good thing to come out of this, you think. You somehow not only wrote your story, it’s maybe the best story you’ve ever written.

“I know. I’m sorry.” Brock’s voice is gentle. “You can talk to me, you know? I won’t use anything you say against you or tell Petey or whatever. He’s been talking to me too.”

Your heart does a somersault. If Elias has been talking to Brock, Brock probably already knows everything; in a way, you can’t believe he’s still talking to you if that’s the case.

More than that, though, it brings an opportunity. To find out what you’ve been wondering since Elias stepped out of your apartment.

“Is he alright?”

“Are you?” Brock counters, like that matters.

You stare at the coffee in your cup. It’s too hot to drink still, little puffs of steam climbing through the air.

You’re not doing so well, admittedly, but that’s probably fair. You were the one to broke off the story, in the end. And you hate to admit it to yourself – and you definitely won’t admit it to Brock – but you’ve been wondering if you made the right choice.

“I wrote my Christmas story,” you say, instead of answering his question. “Handed it in yesterday.”

Brock lets you change the subject. “Cool. What did it ended up being about?”

You sigh. “It was about me.”

Brock raises his eyebrows, interest clear in his eyes. He doesn’t push you, and you’re glad for it. You need a moment to find the words.

“I wrote about a girl who hates Christmas because it reminds her of things that she’s lost. And I wrote about how scared she is of gaining something because that means she can lose it again.”

Brock’s voice is soft when he speaks. “But someone teaches her? In the story?”

He knows you too well. You laugh quietly. “Yes, someone takes her through all these Christmas cliches to make her realize why they’re cliches. It’s not because of the act itself. It’s because you spend time doing it with someone you love.”

“She loves this person, the one that teaches her,” Brock hazards a guess.

There’s no longer any doubt that he knows exactly how you feel about Elias.

“She loves him but that scares her even more. Because if she loves him, she could lose him. And Christmas has always been the time to remind her of loss and heartbreak. So she assumes it’ll just end in hurt this time too.”

“It doesn’t have to,” Brock says.

And you know. Somehow, writing the story, you realized that. Because as you wrote about this girl, that was exactly like you, you found yourself not wanting to give the story a realistic ending. You wanted to make it right, wanted her to end up with the person who taught her how to love Christmas and how to love him.

So you did. You gave your story a happy ending. And in doing that, it’s like you gave yourself permission to want a happy ending for yourself, too.

But there’s just no way. Life isn’t a fairytale, and the Christmas cliché where the girl who throws it all away gets back her perfect boy by stealing Santa’s microphone in the mall and making a grand speech about how pushing him away was the biggest mistake of her life, simply isn’t real life material.

“It’s not too late, you know.” Brock’s sitting up straighter, almost as if he wants to come through the camera and tell you in person. “If you wanted to change the ending. You could. He’d let you.”

Your heart starts beating faster and it has nothing to do with the caffeine you’re drinking.

All this time, you’ve been wondering. Wondering if it’s too late.

“How would I do that?” you ask. “Hypothetically.” 

Brock’s grin is so bright you nearly have to close your eyes. “Send him the story,” he says, without thinking about it; the jerk probably has been thinking about this since you started telling him what it’s about. “You should send him the story. Kinda like a message in a bottle.”

When you say goodbye to Brock, his eyes are fond when you tell him “Thank you” and mean it. Without him, you don’t think you would’ve had the courage, but now it feels like the only possible ending comes with you taking your Word document and putting it in an email.

--

To: [email protected]

Attachment: Not a typical Christmas story.pdf

Message:

Elias,

I’ve tried to write this letter a million times, to tell you what I should’ve said that night. I can’t say I’m not scared what you’ll think, but who am I to know what the future holds? If my heart was paper I’d fold it, throw it to the wind and hope it’d end up in your arms. So here it is, my paper heart, in the form of the most cliché Christmas story of them all. The one where everyone ends up with their perfect happily ever after.

Signed with love from me to you,

Y/N.

--

There’s three rapid knocks on the door, and then silence.

Your heartbeat speeds up like you heard gunshots instead. Within seconds you’re on your feet, almost running to the door.

There’s only one person that could be at your door on Christmas morning at 9am, right?

When you open it, something heavy dissolves in your stomach, a sense of comfort falling over you like crawling into bed after an exhausting day.

“Elias,” you breathe.

For a second, you just stare at him: he looks like he’s barely slept at all, dark circles surrounding his eyes, which somehow seem more blue than they ever have before.

“Merry Christmas,” Elias says then, thrusting something forward. You grab it in reflex.

It’s the glass star, the ornament from the Christmas market. The one that you had told Elias you found beautiful, the one that reflected all the lights like a million little stars. The one that reminded you, even, of Elias’ eyes.

It’s still beautiful. And suddenly there’s tears running down your cheeks, warm against your skin.

Elias frowns. He looks a little worried, unsure; as if he shouldn’t be here. But God, he is here, on your doorstep, and he brought you this ornament, and you know that it has to mean what you think it does.

“I’m sorry,” you bring out. “For everything, I…”

You can’t finish your sentence, because Elias steps forward, his arms outstretched, and you launch yourself at him like a missile. He catches you easily, presses you against his chest and buries his face in your shoulder.

“I read the story,” he mumbles. You can barely make out the words, but they hit you like a ton of bricks anyway. “You believe in Christmas miracles now?”

You can hear the smile in his voice as he asks, because he already knows the answer.

“I don’t know,” you admit. You pull away a little, but keep your arms firmly locked around Elias’ waist, and his hands remain on your back. “But you’re here, so. I think I might have to start.”

Elias laughs, moving closer again to press a kiss against your head. You can feel his lips move against your hair when he speaks. “What about us? You believe in us, now?”

You don’t answer him, but you think he can tell from the way you kiss him, anyway.

--

You tug the blanket tighter around your shoulders, smiling down at the opposite end of the couch. Elias is talking in Swedish and you don’t understand a word he’s saying, but you can tell that he’s happy, smile bright and eyes fixed on the laptop screen in front of him.

He’s been talking to his family for the past hour, and watching him has been a great source of entertainment for you. He blushed when his brother mentioned your name, and finally he did introduce you to them.

“This is Y/N, I’m forcing her to watch Christmas movies with me all day and then bake cookies,” he’d laughed, and you didn’t tell him that there’s nothing you’d rather do.

“Jag älskar dig, hejdå,” Elias says, and then he finally closes the laptop. “Hey,” he hums, poking your thigh with his toe, “my mom said she can’t wait to meet you, so. Be warned.”

You laugh. “I would love to go to Sweden. I read something about cakes.”

It feels natural, to crawl over to the other side of the couch and lay down between Elias’ legs, head resting on his chest. You can hear his heartbeat under your ear and it’s enough for your eyes to close on their own accord.

It’s not like you’ve had much sleep the past few nights. But now, you think you could finally sleep peacefully, knowing that Elias is here and he’s not leaving.

His hand moves down your side, sneaking under your sweater, fingertips soft against your skin.

“It’s snowing,” he says, suddenly, and you open your eyes to look out the window.

Indeed, there’s little flurries of white powder fluttering through the grey Vancouver sky.

“That’s too much,” you roll your eyes. “The great grandmother of Christmas cliches.” Elias raises a questioning eyebrow, so you explain. “As the final crisis is resolved, everyone runs out in the street on Christmas Eve to discover that it’s snowing! In Nigeria! During a drought!”

“We’re in Vancouver,” Elias deadpans, and it’s only because you know him so well that you see the mischievous twinkle in his eyes. “And it’s not Christmas Eve, it’s Christmas Day.”

“Minor details,” you shrug, placing your head back on his chest and closing your eyes again.

“We’ve gotta decorate this sad excuse of a tree.” You can hear the smile in Elias’ voice as he talks. “Two ornaments does not make a Christmas tree.”

“Later,” you hum, curling your fingers into his sweater. “We’ve got all day.”

Elias laughs. “The tree is supposed to be decorated before Christmas, typically.”

You can’t help but smile at that. “We’re not a typical Christmas story, though.”

“Maybe not typical, but still pretty good.” His arms tighten around you and you can feel him press a kiss into your hair.

“Pretty fucking good,” you agree. “If you get me off this couch today it’ll be a Christmas miracle though.”

You shouldn’t have said that: no sooner than the final word leaves your lips you’re being lifted into the air, legs dangling helplessly as Elias throws you over this shoulder. Your giggles come out a little hysterically. 

“I told you miracles are real,” he grins, unceremoniously carrying you towards the bedroom.

You’ve just come from there, but you’re really not against the idea of going back.

“What about the tree?” you squeal, lightly slapping his shoulder.

“Tree can wait,” Elias decides, as he dumps you onto the bed and lets himself fall over you, leaning on his forearms so he doesn’t crush you.

“Tree can wait,” you echo in agreement, and you let your body relax into the mattress as Elias kisses you. When he tries to deepen it, you turn away just slightly, keeping your nose pressed against his cheekbone. “Hey, Lias?”

“What?” Elias mutters, sounding a little annoyed to be denied another kiss.

You smile. “Merry Christmas.”

His laughter sounds bright.

“Merry Christmas, babe.”

#eeek im nervous about this one #elias pettersson #elias pettersson fic #elias pettersson one shot #nhl fic