#and yes those are from my own weather app today …
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#im dying because of heat so i made a meme#but hi everyone i hope u are keeping cool#shut up cieara#and yes those are from my own weather app today …
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summary: stuck at school after forgetting to bring your umbrella, you meet the ace soccer player everyone has been raving about and he offers to help you get home
word count: 1.6k
content: gn!reader x chigiri hyoma, fluff, bookworm reader, running is not for the weak, a hint of comedy if you squint
author's note: I said I wasn't going to write another one for a while cause of school but this idea suddenly popped up in my head and I ended up writing it in one sitting when I had some free time last night.
You didn’t expect it to be raining this hard right now. The weather app you checked earlier today said it would be cloudy at most, so you didn’t bring an umbrella. You’re currently standing behind the school’s door, taking cover.
You stayed back today for some additional studying for one of your classes. When you got done and were making your way to the school's front gate, it started pouring hard, leaving you with no choice but to run back into the school’s building.
“It’s really pouring down. It doesn’t look like it’ll stop anytime soon either.” You thought. This starts making you feel a little stressed. You had to be home before 7 to help your parents with some errands and this rain is going to delay you for possibly who knows how long. Pacing back and forth the door, you start brainstorming on ways you can make it back on time with this storm. However, no solutions were coming to your mind. You didn’t have an umbrella, you only had this thin school uniform cardigan, and your backpack was too heavy to be carried above your head. You start thinking of just making a run for it but your house is like 15 minutes away by walk.
“Ughh, seriously.” You grumbled and that’s when you saw another person walk up to the door and peek out the windows. If it wasn’t for how famous he was around the school, one could mistake him for a girl at first. The long, silky red hair was styled up with a braid on one side. He had long lashes and marbled red eyes. Of course, only those pretty features could belong to none other than Chigiri Hyoma, the ace soccer player. You never got the chance to talk to him around school due to the fact that he was always busy with soccer or was too into his own thing for anyone to interrupt him. That didn’t stop others from trying to befriend him though. There was always someone wanting to create that special friendship with him. He was kind you guessed. Or should one say, he was indifferent? Yes, he was kind in regards to the way he responded to people and helped out whenever he needed but you’ll never catch him being the first to reach out to anybody. He talked but kept his distance.
“Hm, I didn’t bring my umbrella today.” He said as you see him digging into his bag.
“I forgot to bring mine too.” You said, striking a convo.
You’d be lying if you said you never wanted to talk to Chigiri Hyoma. There’s this enchanting aura around him that one just can’t help but be drawn into. However, you never wanted to disturb his peace. To you, it felt like the two of you were in different leagues. There wasn’t really a need to talk to him even though you wanted to. You figured there just wasn’t anything you both had in common. You two were too different.
“Really? I guess we’re stuck here for a while.” He replied and sat down on the floor near the door. He then proceeded to take out a book and read. You gasp at the sight because he’s reading one of your favorite books.
“You know that book?” You eagerly asked with fleeting hints of excitement.
“Yeah, I take it that you do too?”
“It’s one of my favorite books! And the author is one of my favorite authors.”
“Oh? This is my first novel from this author. It’s really good so far. Can you give me recommendations for their other work?”
“Of course!” You exclaimed and gave him a list of all the books you enjoyed by that author.
“Thank you. I’ll get to these soon after I finish this one first.”
“I didn’t know you enjoy reading novels, Chigiri.”
His eyes widen at this and his expression starts turning bashful. “Sorry, this is really embarrassing on my part. I apologize but… Have we met before?”
That’s when you realized, you had just addressed him by his name already when you both haven’t even introduced yourselves yet. Embarrassed, you try to find a good explanation so you don’t look like some weird stalker or fangirl to him.
“No, sorry! We haven’t met before! I’m sorry for addressing your name right off the bat like that when we haven’t even introduced ourselves. I’m not a stalker I swear! It’s just…. hard not to know who you are when everybody around me talks about you… I’m sorry again.”
“Ah, I see. No worries, there’s no need to apologize. It’s nice to meet you, uhm…?”
“Y/n! I’m L/n Y/n.”
You joined and sat in front of him and the two of you began to chat a bit more, mostly about the novels you both have read and you were surprised to learn that Chigiri and you actually share something in common. He didn’t seem like the type to be into reading. You always thought soccer was all he ever thought about.
Getting carried away by the unexpected conversation with the red-haired boy, you started to lose track of time until a notification from your phone reminded you of the time.
“Ah! The errands!” You yelped and quickly got up.
“So sorry, Chigiri. I gotta run some important errands for my parents at home.”
“But it’s still raining hard outside.”’
“I know but it’s really urgent. I guess I just have to walk home in the rain.”
“You’ll catch a cold like that.”
“Yeah, but still-“
“I have an idea.”
“Oh?”
“Are you up for some running?”
Silence immediately fell after he asked that. Is he serious? Running? With him? That’s like the Tortoise and the Hare except the tortoise actually doesn't win the race this time.
You blinked at him, baffled. “… Don’t tell me you want me to run with you. You are aware of your capabilities compared to others right?”
He laughs at this. “I know. Don’t worry, I won’t run too fast. I’ll match your speed.”
“Then that’s a walk, Chigiri.”
To that, he gave a belly laugh which made you blush a little because even his laugh was pretty too.
“I know you can run, Y/n. Here’s the plan, we’ll run and take cover at any nearest cover we find and continue to the next cover we find. That way, we won’t get as wet. Just be careful because the roads can be slippery.”
“That sounds like a good plan. Okay, fine. I’ll run.”
You two open the school’s door and scan around the area. The school gates were up ahead and near the school gate was a bus stop shelter. You pointed at it and said, “There. That can be our first cover.”
“Good, let’s go,” Chigiri said and on a count of 3, you both started running towards it. He said he was going to match your speed. He probably is trying to match your speed but without even applying any effort into his running, he still runs abnormally fast. It’s more like he has to put in effort if he wants to match your speed instead. You weren’t a slow runner, more average you would say but compared to someone like Chigiri, it’s beyond slow.
To no one’s surprise, he made it to the cover first and you soon followed, 4-5 seconds behind.
“What a way to match my speed, Chigiri.”
He sheepishly rubs the back of his neck before saying, “Sorry, I tried.” And you couldn’t help but laugh at that.
“It’s fine. It was expected anyway. Let’s find our next cover.”
“That one over there.” He pointed at a shop nearby with an awning cover.
“Okay. Ready, one, two, three!” You both start to sprint again but before you have the chance to run, Chigiri reaches over to your hand and grabs it, pulling you along with him as he runs. Your head does a hard whiplash at the sudden jolt of speed and you nearly yelp at how fast you suddenly had to run.
“Chigiri! Ahh!” You yelled out.
He managed to successfully drag you to the shop faster than you can ever imagine. You were panting at this point after having to match his speed. He releases his grip and lets you crotch down for some rest.
“If I can’t match your speed, you’ll have to match mine.”
“That’s not how it works?! I’m human!”
“… I am too, Y/n.”
“This was a mistake. I knew it was a bad idea as soon as you brought up running.” You said through pants. Man, were you tired but you have to admit, this was really fun. It’s just something about running around in the rain with someone that gives you that giddy feeling. It’s so cliché but it’s so fun. You let out a laugh at this thought.
“Finally rested up? I found our next cover.”
“Heh. Chigiri, Thank you. This is really fun. We should do this again sometimes.” You suggested. You wanted to do something like this again with him. You felt happy. Happy that you finally got to talk to the Chigiri Hyoma that everyone always raves about. Happy that you two actually have something in common and learning he was much more than just soccer. Happy that he genuinely seemed like he enjoyed your conversations and that it wasn’t forced upon him.
“We can’t be doing this every day now. I’ll catch a cold and that’s not good for a soccer player… But I don’t mind doing something like this again. Without the rain.”
You look up at him after he said that and chuckle. He looks down at you and cracks a smile.
“Ready now? I’m not slowing down for you this time.”
“Bring it on, princess.”
#blue lock#blue lock headcanons#blue lock scenarios#blue lock x reader#chigiri hyoma#chigiri x reader#bllk chigiri#blue lock chigiri#bllk#blue lock oneshots#hyoma chigiri#scenarios#oneshot#chigiri hyoma scenarios#chigiri hyoma fluff#chigiri hyoma one shot#fluff#fanfic
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When’s the last time you ate bread?
I'm about to eat a sandwich.
What’s the last movie you watched on your own?
I watched Mrs. Doubtfire earlier and now Freaky Friday is on.
What about the last movie you watched with another person?
My mom and I watched some of Avengers: Endgame last night before bed.
How many coats do you own?
I have a few. I kinda feel ready to go through my clothes again and try to get rid of some more.
What about shoes?
I have 6 pairs of shoes.
One word to describe your most recent ex?
Funny.
Where, in your current country, would you like to live, other than where you do now?
I'm honestly not sure. I know I don't want to stay here forever. I'd love to move in the very near future, but that probably won't happen.
Do you like snow?
Yes.
Do you like sheer clothing?
No.
Have you ever seen anyone famous in the street?
When I first saw the Jonas Brothers early on I did actually see Joe and Kevin behind the building near their tour bus. I acted like the awkward weirdo I am and waved at them like a giddy idiot, ha. I was too nervous to actually go over there, though. Trust me, I kicked myself forever after that for not going up to meet them and getting a picture. It was the perfect opportunity.
Are you hungry right now?
I am, so I'm gonna take a break from this and eat my sandwich.
Are you regularly tired?
Yes. In fact, after I ate my sandwich I ended up taking like a 3 hour "nap." So, this is now being done much later, ha.
What was the last thing to upset you?
I've been been extra irritable and sensitive again lately, which is something that I actually felt my depression med I started taking last year was helping with. I was also prescribed Rexulti in additon to what I'm taking, but I haven't taken it as consistently for different reasons and I'm wondering if that has something to do with it. I'm also on an anti-anxiety med, which had been helping with that as well so I don't know. And I already know I won't be able to get an increase in the dosage for any of those. Sigh.
How’s the weather been today?
I didn't go out at all, but according to the weather app it was like 93 F today. Not fall weather at all that's for sure.
What was the first tattoo you got or what would be the first tattoo you’ll get?
I don't have any, but since I was a teenager I've wanted to get 'free bird'.
What was the last store you went into and did you buy anything?
It's this store called Daiso, which is kinda like a Japanese Dollar Store or a little more. It's got a lot of cute stuff. I always get a little carried away whenever I go in there.
Have you ever been late for school or work?
Yeah. I hate being late so it wasn't a common occurrence. I used to be really anal about that.
Do you prefer to shower in the morning or at night?
Always at night.
What is your favourite kind of fruit cobbler?
Not a fruit cobbler kind of person.
Is there a basement in your house? If so, what is it used for?
No.
Have you driven a car today?
I don't drive.
Do you have a small, medium or large bedroom?
It's too small. I've definitely outgrown it. Or maybe I have too much stuff but no it's just small okay shhh
Where was your first job and how old were you?
I haven't had a job, yet.
Have you eaten soup this week?
No. That doesn't sound appealing still it still feels very much like summer and I hate it.
Are you a fan of The Office?
I just couldn't get into it.
When was the last time you started a new medication?
A couple months ago.
What is your favourite type of nut?
I very rarely eat nuts, it's been quite awhile since I've had any like I don't even remember. But anyway, that being said I do like a few like peanuts, cashews, pistachios, and season (not plain) almonds.
Do you know anyone who doesn’t have a middle name?
Yeah.
Have you put your phone on silent today?
No. The only time I do that is when I'm at the theater, and admittedly not always then. Not like my phone is blowing up with notifications.
Can you name all 50 US state capital cities?
No, but I can name all 50 states in alphabetical order.
Do you read John Green novels?
I only read a few.
Have you ever been to Universal Studios?
I went once when I was like 7 and don't remember a whole lot to be honest. We also went to Disneyland after that and that I definitely remember.
Can you tie balloons?
I can, but it can be hard sometimes.
When was the last time you were at a pet store?
It's been a long time.
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RID 🫶🫶 HOW ARE YOU???
i hope you are having an AMAZING DAY! ❤️ the weather here is so good, im so happy :)
okay SUPER long tea alert; my friends recently peer pressured (not rlly) me into downloading tinder 🤭 ive always been pretty against tinder bc i wanna meet my soulmate irl and ppl on tinder tend to be pretty thirsty (not all, but most) 🤷♀️
but anyways, I FEEL CONFLICTED!! this one (who is so incredibly hot may i add 🤭) started texting me and oh god, hes so smooth. he teases a little and we haven't been texting long but he asked me out on a date for next friday! BUT THEN!!! this other guy, who is def more sweeter, also asked to get coffee with me this week. i said yes to both but idk I FEEL GUILTY! 🧍♀️ im a loyal girl and i keep having to remind myself that im single and dating like this okay... but idk it just feels strange? im sure im overthinking it, but god im nervous!!
also ive never been on an official date before (which makes this more nerve wracking😔) ive been on like "dates" but nothing where the guy intentionally says that he wants to take me out on a date 🧍♀️the last time i was about to go on a date, the man pretty much cancelled and never rescheduled, so i feel nervous even being excited about it bc what if they cancel?? (im def overthinking, i genuinely cant help it 💀)
but anyways, thats my current dilemma, any advice would help!!! i hope you are well and PLEASE take ur time w cmi!!! 🙏 i saw a couple of asks of ppl asking u to rush or work on two chapters at once... please dont listen! thats where burnout comes from! take your time (i will literally wait 10 years for another chapter) 🫡
- wife from war anon 💂♀️
BABE HELLO !!!! <3 i'm okay, just weirdly tired !! kinda glad uni is starting soon but also sad bc i won't be able to be here as much anymore 😔 but yes, the weather has gotten better here, too !! i saw the sun today 🥺
girl, the tea you just spilled has me dead 😭 okay listen, most important thing first: i was on tinder for over a year and the people on there are insane – some would fake their age, others would use someone else's pictures. i could dive into my strange ass tinder experience but 💀 next time lmaoo. but what i wanna say is – make sure those guys are who they say they are! and meet in a very public place, just in case... let someone know that you're on that date, just to be sure, okay??
BUT MOVING ON. LISTEN. two guys that you're vibing with? that's amazing 😭 it's absolutely okay to meet both, that's literally what tinder is for! if it makes you feel better, you could let the guys know that you've been meeting others, too, as friends/casually? but since you're not with any of them, it's fine to get to know people. you might even end up with new friends :D i honestly do hope though, that they don't cancel, reschedule or hurt you, or i'll start rolling up my sleeves lol
keep things casual for now! if any of them does end up cancelling, remember you're better than this 😌 and you might even find up someone better later! that's okay, dating apps are like that :') but seriously, don't feel guilty, go with the flow and have fun... and definitely lmk how things played out >:)
yesss, i'll take my time for sure! i just outlined that jk chapter, but i only work on it when i feel like it. i started rereading the series today to have a better overview of it, and got to our beloved chapter lights hehehe but yeah. definitely working at my own pace. thank you, babe. it'll be a ride <333
#y'all apologise for long asks... but then here i am rambling like crazy 😭 LMFAO pls lemme know if it's tew mcuh </3#i love the enthusiasm you greet me with btw hahaha you're the sweetest <3#notes for rid 🌹#wife from war anon 💂🏼♀️#long ask
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Sunday, 7 May, 2023............ Warmup...Deadlift...Partitioned “ANGIE”...Aerobics.
Yes, it was another perfectly perfect day at the Barn. Wednesday, the Weather Experts predicted a 80% chance of thunderstorms yesterday and today. How can such experts predict a 0.5 degree global increase in temperature 10 years from now if they can’t be even close to correct 48 hours in advance ? I’m certain Mr. Timmy has a persuasive response. There is something ironic about his favorite sport being played on ice in the Spring and Summer in Tennessee. Actually I have great respect for Mr. Timmy.
Armando, smelling of the horse-barn, finally returned from various horse shows in the Deep South in time to lead our stretchy-flexy warmup. Robert talked to Larry and neither one did the warmup.
Warmup
Tabata’s 4 Rounds
Glute Bridge With Med-Ball
Russian Twists With Med-Ball
Plank
Cat-Cows
Dana did the lovely model demo of exercises. Again, Robert did not participate except for the Cat-Cow’s which by his estimation were better than anyone else’s.
Strength
Deadlifts: 1 Rep EMOM X 10 Minutes
80 to 90% Of 1 Rep Max
There was MUCH folderol (look it up, it is perfect word usage) preceding and prolonging the start of the strength portion. The folderol also continued DURING the 10 minute Strength Session, with much argument and comparisons to what was going on on the relatively quiet and orderly GIRLS workout area. Again, Ironically Timmy (formerly “Timmy The Cruel”) was centermost in the folderol yet he chose to be non-participatory in the competitive testosterone stoked heavy deadlifting because he had a duel on the aforementioned ice scheduled for this afternoon.
Ed/Robert/Armando=365 Larry=315 Coach=285 Herb=255 Manny=245 Warren A/Dyer=235 Dana=215 Rick=195 Cheri/Kayla*/Elisa=145 Linda/Shannon=135 Rodney=tardy Big Lew/Sue=Biked Timmy=Did Hockey Stretches
Met-Con
Partitioned “ANGIE”
A CrossFit Benchmark GIRL Workout.
5 Rounds For Time
Wear a Vest ?
20 Pushups
20 Pullups
20 Situps
20 AirSquats
If you want to see all the ways athletes adulterated this WOD, please see results on What’s App. It is there to see in the miscreants own handwriting. Following is a listing of the chronological time supposedly spent:
Kayla=15:31 Sue=16:01 Elisa=17:25 Cheri=17:58 Rodney=18:54 Armando/Herb=19:00 Rick=19:05 Warren A=20:27 Dana=22:14 Dyer/Shannon=23:42 Timmy=25:00 Larry=25:58 Coach=27:40 Robert=30:30 Ed=30:31 Linda/Manny=“did it” Big Lew=1000 Calories
Cool-Down:
Run/Jog/Walk 1.1 Mile In Arboretum
or Row-Ski 2000m
or Bike 4000m.
Some participated.
Notes:
No one regrets that you don’t get credit for your RX/Elite/Vested efforts more than your old Coach. From my chair, intoxicated or not, virtually No One does the simplest exercise every time with proper “Points Of Perfection” or “Range Of Motion” based on my many years of taking the frustratingly difficult CrossFit Judges course. My “No Reps” would fill the air more than the pollen particles. I could say more but I’ll squelch it.
Generally speaking, I have long notice the inverse relationship between the elapsed time spent on the WOD and the quality of the movements. At least this is true at our decidedly non-elite gym. Athletes who stand out in my observation are Shannon and Dyer. They try hard to finish quickly, but not at the expense of cheating on the movements. Don’t be offended if you aren’t one of those 2. There are a few more. A few.
Tuesday at 4 PM.
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486.
What do you like about the house you live in?
I like that it’s ours. This is our first home and owning a home makes such a big difference compared to renting. We can do whatever we want and don’t need to worry about asking permission or being asked to leave.
Have you ever played paintball? Did you get hit?
Nah, it’s never really appealed to me.
How do you feel today?
Surprisingly good even though the weather was absolutely disgusting lol. I just have another three walks tomorrow and then I’m DONE for ten and a half days for Easter break and I am SO ready to be off, lol.
Do you ever use a laptop in bed?
Not really anymore, I tend to use it downstairs on the sofa and then if I’m in bed I just scroll on my phone.
Are you wearing socks right now? What color are they?
Yeah, they’re black and white fleecy ones.
Are your parents still together? If not, do you know why?
Yeah, they’re happily married and have been for nearly 40 years.
Have you ever been evicted? Why?
No, thankfully not, though I did live in a flatshare with someone who was evicted for not paying his rent and it was really awkward lol.
Would you say you’re an organized person?
Yeah, ridiculously so lol. Mike always says I go OTT on the organisation but he’s the total opposite of me and it just makes me incredibly stressed lol.
Have you ever worked as a manager or supervisor?
Yes, both in a couple of jobs over the years. Never again, ha.
Do you eat at a table or on the couch?
I only use the table if I’m eating something like soup or a roast dinner that requires proper cutlery and stuff, otherwise I just eat on the sofa in front of the TV.
What was the last thing you voted for?
Some poll in a dog walkers group on Facebook.
Do you remember much from high school?
Yeah, unfortunately so.
What’s the longest you’ve ever stayed awake?
Over 48 hours - it used to happen whenever we flew to Australia as I could never ever fall asleep on the plane.
Have you ever been wrongfully accused of something?
Sure, nothing major though.
What are the five apps on your phone that you use most often?
Facebook, Instagram, Mumsnet, Reddit and BeatStar.
Would you change your name if you got married?
Yeah, I did change my surname.
Were you in any clubs in high school?
No - I genuinely can’t think of much worse lol.
Do you share a bathroom with anyone?
Well yeah, we only have one bathroom lol.
Have you ever had a panic attack?
Yes, though I haven’t had one for several years now. They are horrendous and I wouldn’t wish them on my worst enemy.
What’s your favourite kind of frosting?
Cream cheese.
Have you ever taken a painting class?
Only as part of my regular art classes at school.
Is there a store or restaurant where you’re considered a regular?
Yeah, the local ice-cream place lol.
How old were you when you started wearing a bra, if ever?
I think I was about ten.
What was the last video game you played?
I can’t remember the last time I played a console game, but I play a few random games on my phone. The last one was probably a Merge game of some kind.
Are there any recipes you really want to try?
Air Fryer Cinnamon rolls. I’d need to get an air fryer first though lol.
Has anyone asked how you feel today?
Not in those exact words, no.
What’s your favourite cookie?
Soft chocolate chip cookies.
Do you have a doorbell at your house?
No.
Have you ever visited someone in a psychiatric home or ward?
I haven’t, no.
What was the last podcast you listened to? Do you listen to it regularly?
I’m really not into podcasts - I find it really difficult to concentrate on just the sound. I don’t get on with audiobooks for the same reason lol.
When was the last time you threw up? Why were you sick?
I think it was around February - I had a horrendous virus and I was in bed for three days. I genuinely don’t remember being that unwell before.
What was the last thing you wrote in a word document?
I have no idea.
Do you know anybody who is gay and married?
I’m sure I do, but nobody is coming to mind right now.
What did you last take painkillers for?
A headache.
Are there any hobbies you want to get back into?
Not really, no. I guess I’d love to go skiing again but it’s SO expensive.
Have you ever shared a home with a friend?
Yeah, a few times over the years.
Have you ever been on a date with someone you met online? How was it?
Yeah, Mike and I met online and now we’re married lol.
Do you call it a couch, sofa, lounge or something else entirely?
Sofa, but I grew up saying couch. In the UK, a lounge is a room, not a piece of furniture.
When was the last time you used a pair of headphones and what for?
I honestly don’t remember, I pretty much never use headphones.
What sort of games do you like to play?
At the moment, I’m into mindless stuff like Merge games or music games like BeatStar.
Have you ever been to a baby shower? What was the baby’s name?
No, they’re not really a thing over here.
What mode of transport did you take to high school?
I caught the bus.
Name a personality trait of yours that you like.
I’m good with animals.
Name something about your physical attraction that you dislike.
My stomach.
What gifts do you usually receive at Easter?
Nothing, really. When I was younger I got an Easter egg or two and I sometimes buy myself a Lindt bunny or something.
Who was the last person you sent an email to?
Someone who runs a website I advertise on, but I can’t for the life of me remember his name at the moment.
Are there any posters in your bedroom?
No.
Do you know anyone who is an actor?
One of my ad-hoc clients is an actress in the West End, and I went to school with someone who does immersive theatre in London.
How many weddings have you been to?
Just the one.
Do you watch YouTube? What channels do you like?
I do, but I just watch TV shows that I can’t find anywhere else.
What’s your alcohol of choice?
It depends on the time of year, really.
Have you ever used a public pay phone?
Sure, all the time when I was growing up. Mobiles weren’t a thing until I was in my mid-teens really. I remember calling my mum from one to tell her I was getting my ears pierced lol.
Do you have a Twitter account?
No.
What’s the longest you’ve been without showering?
2-3 days when I fractured my skull and had concussion - I felt horrendously disgusting lol.
Name one of your guilty pleasure songs.
I don’t really have one.
Have you ever made an item of clothing?
No.
What was the last topic you read about?
I don’t remember, something on Wikipedia.
Name some of your favourite sitcoms.
Friends, That 70′s Show, The Big Bang Theory, Fawlty Towers, Keeping Up Appearances.
Who is the 7th contact in your phone and how did you meet them?
A client - his name is Bill and he got my details from an advert online.
What shirt do you wear the most?
It depends what I’ll be doing and the weather, but lately it’s been my grey/cream coloured hoody.
Has anyone ever come out to you?
Yes.
Have you ever been part of a bridal or groom’s party?
Just my own, lol. I’ve never attended anyone else’s wedding and don’t really see the appeal of it either. Ours was as small as we could get away with lol.
Are there any rooms in your house that don’t have windows?
Just the loft, but that’s more storage space than an actual room.
What’s your go-to order from KFC?
I don't go there. I’m really not a fan of fried chicken - I’m weird, I like the skins/seasoning but not the meat.
What was the last album you listened to in full?
Wellerman by Nathan Evans.
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Saturday Morning Coffee
Good morning! It’s Christmas Eve – for those who celebrate!
Look, I’m a native California boy. It’s mostly sunshine and warm weather year round. Sure we’d get down in the high 20s overnight on rare occasion, but nothing like we’ve experienced in Virginia this week. It’s been pretty darned frigid. The temperature at the moment is a balmy 8 degrees outside, with a feels like of -7. That’s just wild!
Anywho, first cup of coffee is in the mug. Time to compose the post. ☕️
Mike Hurley
Many people using PCalc on their shiny devices today don’t realise that the app has been around for a lot longer than they think. In some cases, a lot longer than they’ve been thinking.
Happy Birthday PCalc! 🎂
It’s impressive to have an active 30 year run with a piece of software. Congratulations on 30 years and counting James Thomson!
Craig Hockenberry
By now, you probably know where this is going: yes, I wrote my own utility and call it SimBuddy. It’s a FREE download from the Iconfactory.
Craig Hockenberry is a long time Mac and iOS Developer. He’s best known as the creator of the first Twitter client, Twitterrific, but he’s also developed many fun and useful apps for the Iconfactory.
If Apple gave out lifetime achievement awards, Craig would be deserving of one.
Thanks for another great development tool, Craig!
Joel Spolsky
Well, yes. They did. They did it by making the single worst strategic mistake that any software company can make: They decided to rewrite the code from scratch.
This is an oldie-but-goodie. The Joel on Software piece above is from 2000 and touches on something that can destroy a company quicker than anything: rewriting software.
The article was brought up somewhere this week because Musk is reportedly looking to rewrite Twitter.
I mean, dang, dude! Maybe try to understand how all the things work together before jumping to that conclusion. A lot of cool stuff was happening before you blew the place up.
Randomly thinking back to my time at Apple.
In 2013 when the iOS side of iTunes U, Podcasts, App Store, and Remote were owned by a team of 7 engineers. Each app source in a different source control.
I was lead for iTunes U. I was told a few things by my new manager
1) Don't …
— @[email protected] the new Taquitos (@taquitos) December 5, 2022
I’ve been trying to stay away from linking to Twitter but I couldn’t resist this tweet because it captures something a lot of modern devs should hear.
Basically the tweet thread goes on to explain how broken Apple’s development process was broken on a particular team.
I’m not saying alternate forms of development are necessarily bad but grinding devs into the ground is not good, at all. People need time to live, and sleep.
Futurism
It’s not just Tesla investors who are at their wit’s end with CEO Elon Musk, who has been making a huge mess of his Twitter takeover.
Ah, yes, The Musk Effect. He’s dragging Tesla down with Twitter and I’m shocked the Tesla Board hasn’t fired him.
Tech Dirt
But, really, after all this, I cannot fathom how anyone can possibly get all that excited about joining yet another centralized social media site. Perhaps I’m biased (note: I am biased) because it was my frustration with the problems of these big, centralized social media services that made me write my Protocols, Not Platforms paper a few years ago. But, after all of that, the big question that kept coming up about it was “sure, but how would you get anyone to actually use it.”
Here’s to the Open Web making a comeback! We now have Mastodon and Micro.blog to fill our Twitter mojo and both run on open standards like ActivityPub and RSS.
Dare Obasanjo
A friend asked what I think will happen to Twitter. Here’s my assessment
Nice little Mastodon thread from Dare sharing his thoughts on the Twitter mess.
Denise Yu
You’d like to have time to code, but nobody else is onboarding the junior engineers, updating the roadmap, talking to the users, noticing the things that got dropped, asking questions on design documents, and making sure that everyone’s going roughly in the same direction.
This piece from Denice is required reading for any Software Developer. It explores the position know as Staff Engineer or Principle Engineer in many companies today.
At WillowTree was have a dual track for Software Developers after the Senior level; Staff Engineer or Associate Engineering Director.
I personally reached a point where I decided it was time to change direction and focus on building teams instead of coding, so I became an Associate Engineering Director.
It is interesting to note the Staff and Director positions overlap in significant ways but also have very unique traits. The Director position is a people management and team building position, the Staff position does deep dives into technology and can master just about anything.
Anywho, go read Denise’s piece, it’s very good.
Alexandre Colucci
Like in the past years, I will try to answer a couple of questions: How many binaries are in iOS 16? Which programming languages are used to develop these apps? How many apps are written with Swift? What is the percentage of apps using SwiftUI versus UIKit?
I had to share this because I too find it interesting to know how much Apple is eating their own dog food when it comes to their developer technologies.
Swift seems to be making real inroads and SwiftUI (worst name ever) is starting to show itself.
I’ve been thinking about doing Stream for Mac with SwiftUI. It is the future of development on the Mac and iOS. All devs need to learn it at some point.
Dan Sinker
Newsrooms should not spin up instances for their reporters partially because this is too new to dedicate strapped staff to
I’ve been pushing the idea of news companies spinning up their own Mastodon servers. Dan does make a good point about not doing that. If Mastodon could be enhanced to export all posts to another instance I have a feeling Dan wouldn’t be as opposed to the idea. As it stands you can move instances but it only keeps your followers, you lose your posts. That’s no bueno.
Adam Davidson
We want the field of journalism to take ownership of the ways stories are distributed and audiences are engaged.
With the most recent flight of users from Twitter Mr. Davidson spun up an instance of Mastodon for journalists. That was a brilliant idea and provides a bit of distance from the journalist to their organization. It’s a great alternative to news orgs spinning up their own.
The Atlantic
There has never been any mystery about what happened on January 6, 2021. As Senator Mitch McConnell said at Trump’s second impeachment trial, “There’s no question—none—that President Trump is practically and morally responsible for provoking the events of the day.”
In many ways I’ve lost confidence in our Justice system because it treats the rich, politicians, and white people differently than everyone else. Combine more than one of those traits and you’re likely to walk away unscathed where someone who works at the coffee shop, is poor, and dark skinned is totally screwed.
It’s not right. TFG must be brought to Justice. Our system requires it if our democracy is to survive.
Ghost Only
How to have a good internet experience in 8 easy steps
I usually avoid posts that include “steps” or “X reasons” because they’re usually really bad click bait type articles. This one isn’t. Go check it out.
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#MyMondayMotivation
About Me: Someone who is trying to keep up with this corporate rat race with too much going on in his head!!
I was thinking of penning down few thoughts for a while now, however work, daily chores and family always took priority. But today I thought priorities will always be there and it is I who must take out time for what is in my mind.
As I like to call it #MyMondayMotivation is about someone extremely close to me, for that matter I am somewhat like him in my own ways ... It is about my father!!
I take pride in talking about my father when I am with friends or colleagues because what he has achieved is no easy feat and so far, I have not seen or heard any other person doing that. He recently completed 51 years working in the same city, same industry, and that too without a single day career break!!
Yes, you read it right working for 51 years!!
My father turned 70 this June and has 51 years of work experience, he did start working at the age of 19. I guess those were tough times back then and we have been born in much simpler, easier & comfortable times.
I still remember seeing him work shifts (morning, evenings & nights) in how so bad the weather might be. I remember the time when there was a strike in the factory and he was almost held as a hostage by the workers for more than 2 days because he did not abandon his workplace and flee like others, but kept his calm and even while being held a hostage he helped the workers on strike when their mike stopped working. Often, I have seen people coming to our house asking for help, praising him, thanking him for all that he does for them.
He has been the GM for about 15years and is based out of Saharanpur, a town in UP and often visits the company head office in Delhi for meetings when required or travels to the newly acquired factory in a remote village of Haryana about 5hrs drive from Saharanpur which also he is heading. Recently there were months he travelled almost every week to supervise the new factory setup and made sure the existing one worked seamless. We questioned him many a times on why are you exerting your self so much at this age, and should take care of your health more and take it easy. His only answer was “I have been given a responsibility and I will make sure things work out well.”
I think back in 2018 he felt he is unwell and unfortunately there was no one with him, he asked the driver to take him to the hospital, admitted himself and by the time we reached from Gurgaon he was all smiles in the ICU saying “I am perfectly fine, they are unnecessarily keeping me for the night, I am fit to go home”. Luckily there was nothing and the doctors ruled out any complication. I thought this would slow him down a little but No I was totally wrong. Still everyday he is ready at 9am and leaves for the factory at 9:30am and is back home by 6:30pm, he lives an extremely active social life with his club’s, family kitty’s etc. and is totally tech savvy knowing more about latest Apps, Phones, technology than any of us.
… till date he has never been all work and no play kind of a father in his ways. When we were kids, he has taken us for family vacations every summer and as recent as July this year he planned a family trip to Mauritius. He has travelled the world with my mom who has been a perfect companion in his journey for 41yrs now. The moment his grandkids ask him to get something, he already is on the scooter half way to the store, will not take the car because by the time he finds a parking spot for the car, he would have done the work and be back home on the scooter 😊
Words like “tiered,” “later,” “procrastinate,” “lazy,” “dull,” “inactive” etc. have never existed in his dictionary in these past 70yrs.
On the other hand, Me@40 and have worked for a mere 17years (1/3rd of how long my father has worked) I often feel exhausted from office work and feel like giving up at times.
But then I look at my father and think if this person is still going strong @51yrs of working, still passionate about his factory, ready to take up more work, travel 10hrs in a day when required, cares about 100’s of factory workers and keeps such an active social life. It is just criminal for me to think of feeling tiered, being lazy, giving up or even thinking that I have had enough!!
In these 51 years what my father has earned is so much respect that, 15years back when he was switching job his visiting card was his resume … I so so wish I could ever get to that, achieve what he has or may be have an innings this long!!
His story is nothing more than what Superhero’s do, he is the superhero for our family!!
But for me his story is #MyMondayMotivation
#writers#mondaymotivation#inspiringstories#motivateyourself#get motivated#motivatedmindset#motivator#MyMondayMotivation
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Android Cases - Online Decision Making
T Mobile G1 is supposedly your first mobile phone using Google's Android podium. Yes, everyone is crazy about the phone, want to buy the phone so badly and when they were given the phone, quite a few were quite disenchanted.
By stopping by the Android market, you will be able to download numerous games and applications that you pick. It will be very straightforward to groups like favorite music files. You will be able to play various audio recordings in their original type. AAC, AAC+, MP3, WAV,MIDI, Window Media Audio 9 audio formats are supported this particular handset. The sound quality among the Tattoo phone is tremendous.
Of course, every major bank, plastic company and insurance company out there today ready to create their own Android iphone app. What do they? Well, essentially they're all the same: these Android apps make it easier for clients to manage their accounts and learn the best latest in regards company that is offerings. Exactly what is the best difficulty? There's a tie: they'll have your life easier and all of them are free to download!
A good weather app always rescues you from unpredictable weather mishaps. Even though many weather apps are offered in the Android market like WeatherBug, and USA Today, but personally I'm team "Weather Channel". It may you get fast yet accurate weather updates, customizable maps, video forecasts, pollen conditions, and severe weather alerts.
That's been the wrong doing. Apples close system doesn't allow sustenance integration for other systems. On the internet make your Android a hot spot with any Wi-Fi capable device, INCLUDING those pretty little MacBooks, you will often. With the way tuaw describes it, it demonstrates that it are only able be used Mac to Mac. Even so, that method still cant be employed in united states (check my previous response to that).
This is a great Android app if there are many banking/credit card accounts and crave as well as be prepared to stay above them from easy-to-use buy. This finance app is effectively built and the UI is a convenience to the focus. This is one of those apps that simply keeps visiting. What do I mean? Well, the more you use it, the more features discover and much more ideas you have to utilize this item! Little Nightmares 2 plaza , it's a must acquire.
Little Nightmares 2 Full Version pc game Download or three.2 for the HTC Evo 4G also brings Active Sync Exchange support for contacts, email, and calendar. You can even use a Gmail account to sync those same items as well, giving anyone free cloud based back as well as syncs. Getting sick of the pesky iPhone not supporting Flash, Android 2.2 fully supports Flash 10.1 in your truly full mobile web experience. To add to that mobile web feel the Evo 4G runs on Sprint's WiMax 4G network, reaching speeds that rival home high-speed Internet cable connections. Another good aspect of its 4G capability is that the phone can act as being a 4G/3G WiFi hotspot, allowing multiple devices to come in contact with it, and share its Internet.
Statistically, with regards to the war on phones with Android and Apple, its all about controlling us states market when the US market controls the worlds market over point. If Little Nightmares 2 torrent is popular here it are usually popular presently. So for the iPhone to be limited to AT&T, shows that Android still owns in this particular category. Tuaw's justification is starting to become lacking.
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Perspective From Another Timeline
Thanks to my betas @steelblaidd and Izzybusy!
I ADORE @buggachat new Bakery Enemies AU. This idea just kept on swirling through my head, I had to write it! This is set between parts 13 and 14, so after Adrien meets Alya and Nino but before Marinette starts sympathizing with him.
AO3
---------
“You okay?”
Alya shook her head, trying to clear it. “I’ll be fine. I’ve weathered worse than that - we both have.”
Nino grinned at her. “True that.”
Alya smiled at him fondly, remembering Heroes Day. It was a bittersweet memory, with her having been turned against Nino and them both being akumatized.
But they had fought to protect each other as best they could. She’d seen Prime Queen’s footage, how Carapace had struggled to get her to fight against Dark Cupid’s magic, how he’d only given into despair after she’d given into akumatization.
“What did that blast do to us?” Nino wondered. “Everyone else the akuma blasted just disappeared. Why’re we still here?”
Alya’s brow furrowed. “I dunno… hold on, let me check to see whether any new info on the akuma’s been uploaded.”
Pulling out her phone, she tapped on the Akuma News Alert app.
An error message popped up, telling her that she had no internet connection.
Puzzled, Alya checked her phone’s other settings.
No wifi - no wifi even recognized, much less connectable - no cell service, no connection to the outside world at all.
She glanced over at Nino. “Hey, you got any signal?”
Taking out his own phone, he quickly checked his connection. He shook his head. “Not a single bar.”
Frowning, Alya looked around. “Maybe all the cell towers were taken out?”
Everything looked intact though, no sign of any destruction at all.
Something else caught Alya’s eye. “Hey Nino, what time should it be?”
Nino blinked. “Well I mean lunch just started so it should be a little past noon-”
He glanced around, noticing the long shadows and the pinkish-orange of the evening sky.
“-which it clearly is not anymore,” he concluded.
Great. “Guess Ladybug and Chat Noir must’ve taken a while to defeat the akuma,” she said, putting her phone away. “Hopefully my parents aren’t too worried. They like me to text them just after an akuma attack, but right now…?” she gestured to her pocket.
“My folks aren’t as worried,” Nino said. “But they still expect me back home before the sun goes down. They’ll be getting nervous soon.”
Alya let out a small sigh. “So much for playing Super Penguino together.”
“Hmmm…” Nino’s eyes gleamed. “You know… it’s not night just yet. And I’m sure my parents would understand if I was a few minutes late because I grabbed a bite to eat.”
Grabbed a bite to eat? What was Nino hinting at…?
Alya looked around at their location more closely.
Wait… that blast seemed to have carried them to that one park, the one near-
Alya grinned. “I think my parents will forgive me for not calling in if I bring them fresh-baked treats from the best bakery in Paris.”
---
*ring ring*
The scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the store.
Instantly Alya felt her shoulders loosen up, releasing tension she didn’t even know she’d had. There was just something so warm and comforting about the bakery.
Of course, a lot of that was due to the people running it. Good luck finding more friendly, caring people than Marinette’s parents. Sabine often checked up on anyone who seemed to be struggling or upset (and ready to protect them if they were - Alya had seen the video of the time a TV crew decided to invade Marinette’s privacy), and Tom was basically a giant teddy bear in human form.
But neither of them were manning the counter today.
Instead a young woman stared back at them.
A very familiar-looking young woman.
“Marinette?” Alya asked cautiously.
The woman stared at her for a minute. “Alya?” she finally asked. “What happened to you?” She paled. “Did a new supervillain attack? Is that why you and Nino are younger?”
Huh. Weirdly scared reaction from Marinette. They’d all gotten used to supervillains by now. She’d expect an older Marinette to take them in stride even more than the current Marinette.
Hm… an older Marinette, a different time of day, and Marinette not seeming to know about the latest akuma attack?
“Marinette… what year is it?”
Marinette blinked for a moment. Her eyes widened.
Seemed Marinette understood what she was getting at.
She told Alya the date.
Her hunch was right. “We’re in the future,” Alya breathed.
A wicked grin slowly spread over her face.
Five years was a long time. A lot of things could have happened. A lot of information could’ve come to light.
Like Hawkmoth’s identity.
Or more information on the Miraculous.
But most importantly right now-
She leaned in close to Marinette, making sure to keep her voice down, just in case someone else was around in the back. “So did you ever get together with a certain blond-haired, green-eyed model?”
“Uh… what?” Marinette asked, looking puzzled.
Alya snapped her fingers. “Adrien. Did you and Adrien finally get together? Ooooh, if you did you’ve GOTTA tell me how the confession went! Or, no, wait, don’t tell me, I want to get the deets at the time. Just let me know how long I’ve got to wait, girl!”
Marinette just stared at her, slack-jawed. “Adrien… like ADRIEN AGRESTE?!” she said, her volume rising with every word.
Alya’s eyebrows flew up. “Um… yes…?”
She’d thought that Marinette would be glowing about finally getting together with her crush, or dejected about still not being able to spit out what she wanted to say to him, downcast over him rejecting her, or maybe even infuriated because he mistreated her and they subsequently broke up.
(The last one was VERY unlikely though. After the Felix debacle, she’d learned to have a bit more faith in Adrien’s good nature.)
Shock at the concept of dating him? Not something she’d anticipated.
Footsteps echoed from behind Marinette.
So one of Marinette’s parents must’ve been in the back-
Adrien popped his head around the corner.
Seemed both he AND Marinette had aged well.
Not that Adrien looked all that different. Taller, definitely, maybe with slightly messier hair and… were those earrings? They looked good on him.
“Hey dude!” Nino waved at his best friend. “What’s up?”
“Uh…” Adrien said, scratching the back of his neck.
“WOW those outfits really take the years off, huh?” Marinette said loudly, shoving them out the door. “Make you look smaller than usual. Well we better go talk about plans later okaybye-”
She promptly slammed the door behind them, physically pushing them away from the bakery.
After Marinette had dragged them a good distance away, Alya finally got over her shock, turning around and glaring at her. “What was that about?!” she asked Marinette indignantly, hands on her hips. “You know me, I wasn’t going to spill anything to him. That’s why I was talking so quietly! Why’d you have to do that?!”
Nino frowned, seeming more concerned than annoyed. “Adrien looked really hurt by that. Not cool.”
“There’s nothing to spill!” Marinette protested, gesticulating wildly. “I only met him for the first time two days ago!”
*record scratch*
Two-
Two DAYS ago?!
Ok, hold up.
“Adrien joined our collège class the day after I did! He sits in front of you in class! What’re you TALKING about?!”
“Uh… no…?” Marinette tilted her head to the side, befuddled. “I think I would remember that, even if it was a few years back.”
Alya let out a bark of laughter. “Yeah, no kidding. He would be uh, difficult for you to forget. Heck, even if your memory was erased, you’ve got so much stuff revolving around him, I couldn’t see that lasting long.”
Marinette blushed. “Why do you think I have a crush on him?! He’s HAWKMOTH’S SON!”
“WHAT?!” Alya and Nino yelled in unison.
“Ladybug and Chat Noir defeated Hawkmoth a couple years ago,” Marinette explained, pulling out her phone.
A moment later she held it up, showing a blog post from the Ladyblog.
Oooh, that’s a nice graphical design. I’ll have to look into updating my site, Alya thought.
Turning her attention to the picture, she squinted. “Hey, can you enlarge the photo?” She asked.
Marinette complied, enlarging it and turning her phone sideways, letting it fill the entire screen.
Gabriel Agreste being led away in handcuffs by the police, with Ladybug and Chat Noir in the background. Ladybug looked satisfied, with maybe a twinge of melancholy, but Chat Noir…
He stared vacantly ahead, seemingly not focused on anyone or anything, a smile on his face - but the most forced one she’d ever seen.
“What’s wrong with Chat Noir?”
Marinette frowned, looking troubled. “I don’t know. He seemed really, really upset when Hawkmoth was defeated. It was a tough battle, bad enough that neither of them have returned since, but that doesn’t explain why-”
She trailed off, lost in thought.
A moment later she looked up, meeting Alya’s eyes.
Immediately she waved her hands around, trying to ward off… something. “I- I mean, that’s what I read on the Ladyblog and what I could piece together from video footage, it’s not like I was there, NOPE. I was huddled in my room the entire time. Not like I have any insight into what Chat Noir was acting like during the battle, not beyond what any other civilian would know! That would be ridiculous, utterly ridiculous!” she let out a few forced guffaws.
Alya’s eyebrows flew up.
O...Kay…?
Maybe Marinette had been following Ladybug and Chat Noir during the final battle and hadn’t wanted anyone to know? She’d wondered whether Marinette might have a thing for Chat Noir, but her crush on Adrien dwarfed any feelings she might have had for him. Plus it’s not like Marinette would actually know Chat Noir, unlike Adrien.
Thinking about Adrien…
“He must’ve been devastated,” she murmured. Marinette looked at her questioningly. “Adrien, I mean,” Alya clarified. “Having your father turn out to be a terrorist? I can’t even imagine.”
Marinette buried her face in her hands. “Not you TOO,” she said, her voice muffled.
Nino slowly started edging his way behind Marinette.
“What’s your problem with Adrien?” Alya asked. “Did he do something?”
Marinette glanced away. “Not… exactly… I just… I’m afraid that it might all be an act. That he might’ve been helping Hawkmoth secretly, and… and even if he wasn’t before, that he might just be biding his time, waiting until he figures out who Ladybug and Chat Noir and then BAM!” she slammed her fist down on her other hand. “He takes them out, steals all the Miraculous, frees his father and rules Paris FOREVER!”
Alya reached out towards Marinette tentatively. She collapsed into Alya’s arms.
Hugging her tightly, she sang a soft nonsense song, rubbing small circles in Marinette’s back.
She’d done this a few other times since she’d met Marinette, though she’d never thought she’d do it underneath these circumstances.
Whatever these circumstances actually were.
Did everyone have amnesia or…?
“Do you have any big memory gaps?” Alya asked once Marinette’s breathing had calmed down. “Especially from five years ago?”
Marinette shook her head.
She’d shelve that theory for now then. More likely it was…
“An alternate timeline, huh?” Alya said.
Marinette looked up at her questioningly.
“That’s what I think this is,” Alya explained. “I WAS thinking that maybe there’d been some sort of mass amnesia, but if you don’t have any memory gaps - and trust me girl, with how involved you were with Adrien, there WOULD be memory gaps - that seems unlikely. I’m betting this is some sort of alternate universe, one where Adrien never got to go to school.”
“I still don’t get why you think there’s something between me and Adrien!” Marinette said. “I mean sure, he’s pretty, but did I really fall for him just for that?”
Alya shook her head. “Actually, you hated him at first. Chloe’d been bragging about how he was her friend, and with that on top of you catching him trying to remove the gum Chloe’d planted on your seat and mistaking it for him PLANTING the gum… well… both of us just assumed he was a spoiled rich bully, just like Chloe. Luckily that turned out not to be the case.”
“How’d that misunderstanding get cleared up?” Marinette asked. “And how did your Marinette jump from that to crushing on him?”
Alya grinned. Marinette had ranted about this moment to her SO. MANY. TIMES.
“School let out later that day. It was raining and Marinette had forgotten her umbrella, so she hung back a moment, long enough for Adrien to approach her. At first she looked away from him, not wanting to acknowledge his greeting. But then he told you - told her I mean - that he hadn’t done it, promised that he’d just been trying to take it off with such sincerity that she had no choice but to believe it. He opened up to her, even though she’d been shunning him just moments ago. And finally he gave her his umbrella, just because he could. Because it was the kind thing to do. She’s been a goner ever since.”
The Marinette in her arms looked away. “I can see why she might have developed a crush on him. But I still dunno whether I trust him.”
“I don’t know whether I have anything that could convince you on that,” Alya admitted, “especially since this is probably a different timeline, and for all I know he could be evil here. Just make sure that you’re judging him on his own merits, okay? Not who he’s associated with. Not his fault he has so many crappy people in his life.”
“I’ll… take it under consideration,” Marinette said reluctantly.
Marinette looked from side to side. “Where’d Nino go?”
“Oh, he snuck back into the bakery several minutes ago.”
“WHAT?!”
---
Nino opened the door to the bakery, letting out a small sigh of relief. He really wanted to check in on his best friend, and judging by Marinette’s behavior, she wasn’t exactly keen on him or Alya chatting with Adrien.
Thinking back on what he’d just heard, he frowned.
He wished he could say that he’d never have suspected that Gabriel was Hawkmoth.
That he didn’t think Adrien’s old man could ever be capable of such evil.
But he knew better.
The guy threatened to withdraw Adrien from school and isolate him from everyone else at the drop of a hat, paid little attention to his son when he was at home, and was a very negative influence on his life in general. He might have been grieving, but… so was Adrien. He needed the only parent he had left.
And instead Gabriel had chosen to respond by becoming a supervillain and terrorizing Paris, endangering his own son in the process.
He really wished he’d gotten to hit Hawkmoth with his turtle shield more. At least he got to relish the smack he got in.
“You’re back!”
Nino looked towards the voice.
Adrien walked closer to him, a tentative grin on his face. “I didn’t think you’d return so soon!”
“I had to come back to talk to my best friend,” Nino said.
“Best friend?” Adrien asked, blank-faced.
Oh, right. According to Marinette, Adrien hadn’t joined their class. She hadn’t even met Adrien until recently.
Had some sort of memory-wiping akuma attacked? Wouldn’t have been the first time.
“Do you know who I am?” Nino asked, pointing at himself.
Adrien rubbed the back of his neck. “Uh… well I know you’re friends with the Ladyblogger and Marinette, and… sorry, that’s it.”
He looked really apologetic, like a dog who’d ripped up a bunch of toilet paper and acted guilty about it once caught.
Hm. If it had been a memory-erasing akuma, maybe he could jog Adrien’s memory…?
And even if it wasn’t, he wanted to let Adrien know that someplace, somewhere, people cared about him. If Marinette’s reaction to him was any indication, he’d need that reassurance. Being looked at with suspicion, having people run from you just because of who your dad was, thinking that you might’ve been involved in his crimes… he couldn’t imagine.
“You joined our class the day after Hawkmoth first attacked,” Nino told him, pulling out his phone.
Adrien shook his head, looking confused. “Uh… no? I wanted to, I REALLY wanted to go to school, but Father-”
He cut himself off, looking away.
“Marinette said the same thing,” Nino told him. “That you hadn’t enrolled in our class, that she’d only met you recently. I don't know what that’s about, whether everyone’s memories were wiped, or an akuma messed with the past, or what.”
Come on, come on, where was it- ah!
He clicked on a photo, one taken a few months ago, holding his phone up so his friend could get a better look.
Adrien squinted for a moment. His eyes widened. “That’s-!”
Nino nodded. “Our class photo. The official one, anyway.” He chuckled. “I liked our unofficial ones better.” Swiping to the side, he showed the new ones the class had taken at the park.
Adrien’s jaw dropped more with every new photo. He let out an involuntary bark of laughter at the one of himself, Nino, Kim, and Juleka posing. “I- I always wanted to mess around like that at photoshoots,” Adrien said. His voice trembled slightly. “But I wouldn’t be able to get away with it. And that’s mostly fun when you can share it with friends, at least share the picture, and I- I couldn’t. Chloe wouldn’t have appreciated it, and L-”
He cut himself off, shaking his head.
“Luka?” Nino asked.
He didn’t know why Adrien would know Luka and not anybody else, but he seemed the most likely option.
“Uh…” Adrien scratched the back of his neck, looking away.
Hm, he’d have to see if he had- ah!
“You played in Kitty Section too, with Luka, Rose, Ivan, and Juleka.” Nino explained, clicking on the video.
Adrien’s hands shook as Nino handed him the phone, watching the mini-concert.
“I- I was allowed to- I got to-” Adrien’s voice quavered.
“Not at first.” Nino grimaced, remembering how bummed Adrien had sounded when he called him. “Your old man said that Agrestes were soloists, and that we were all bad influences.”
“HE was the bad influence,” Adrien said. A current of anger, of venom ran through his voice that Nino had never heard before.
“Well I already knew that, even before finding out he was Hawkmoth,” Nino said, making a face. “Dude needed to chill out.”
Adrien snorted. “If he had any ‘chill’ he wouldn’t have decided that becoming a supervillain was the best way to heal my mother.”
Oh.
So THAT was why Gabriel had done it.
He’d just thought it was standard ‘I’m an asshole and want to rule the world while being a jackass to everyone in my life’ behavior.
(He still wasn’t going to rule out that being a factor.)
Nino put a hand on Adrien’s shoulder sympathetically. “At least he’s gone now and you’re free, right?”
“Right,” Adrien said. He didn’t meet Nino’s eyes.
“Not you TOO,” Marinette had said, burying her face in her hands.
As if she found it exasperating that Alya sympathized with Adrien. As if she had expected differently.
Those worries she’d voiced as Nino had been tiptoeing away, about Adrien helping Hawkmoth, about him lying in wait, biding his time… Marinette probably wasn’t the only one to have that concern. And with Adrien’s face being as well-known as it was...
“You AREN’T free, are you?” Nino asked, eyes wide.
Adrien sighed. “I was as surprised as everyone else when I found out who Hawkmoth was. That someone who’s caused that much harm, that much trauma to this city, lived in my own house.” He clenched his fists, digging into his jean’s fabric. “I could barely believe it… no… I didn’t WANT to believe it.”
He took a deep breath, steadying himself. “I- I only remember snippets from right after his arrest. The police chief talking to me. Riding back to the station. It’s all a blur. Everything felt like I was processing it underwater. It was all so blurry and muffled. Even- even then, though, I could feel everyone’s accusing stares.”
“I understand why, don’t get me wrong,” he cut in hurriedly. “Who wouldn’t be suspicious of the son of the terrorist who’s been making everyone’s life miserable for the past four years?” Adrien almost panted with exertion, his eyes wild. “And- and it was happening in my own house! Underneath my nose! I should have KNOWN! I could’ve stopped this!”
Reaching out, Nino pulled his friend into a hug.
Adrien stiffened for a moment, before melting into his embrace.
“It’s his fault, not yours,” Nino murmured. “Remember that, dude. He was the adult. He was your parent. Your ONLY remaining parent. I’ve met the guy. And I’ve heard you talk about what he’s like. If you had investigated more?” Nino shuddered, thinking about the disproportionate punishments the bastard had enacted. “And knowing he was HAWKMOTH on top of that? I’m kinda glad you didn’t. Yeah, maybe you could’ve ended things sooner. Or maybe he would’ve hurt you more before you had the chance. I’m just glad you survived.”
“I-” Adrien’s throat sounded tight. “I’m- I’m glad I survived too.”
They stood there for a moment, Nino feeling Adrien’s breath go in-and-out, his heartbeat racing, until it gradually started to slow.
*ring ring*
Adrien and Nino broke up their hug just as Marinette burst through the door, Alya on her heels. She skidded to a halt in front of Adrien - but not quite in time, sending her careening towards the floor.
She never made contact.
“Woah!” Adrien shouted, catching her in his arms.
Nino detected a hint of pink to Marinette’s cheeks before she abruptly sprang to her feet.
“So, uh,” Marinette said awkwardly. “I’m guessing Nino talked to you about some stuff. I mean, of course he talked to you about stuff, because that’s what talking is about. What- what I mean is, what were you two talking about?”
“I wanted to show him how much we care about him,” Nino told her. “Especially since with this… amnesia?”
“I think it’s an alternate timeline,” Alya said.
“Especially since in this timeline,” Nino continued, “it really doesn’t seem like he had anyone.”
“I had a couple other friends,” Adrien told him quietly, giving a melancholic smile. “But I lost contact with them right after Hawkmoth’s defeat.”
Noticing Nino’s frown, he hastily added, “they didn’t abandon me or anything! They were online friends. One moved somewhere without internet reception, and the other... we never knew each other’s names. But we talked all the time. We chatted, laughed, defeated villains together…”
“In the video games we played, of course!” he added after a moment. He chuckled fondly. “We played as a team. Together, we were unstoppable, no matter what our opponent threw at us.”
Adrien swallowed. “But in the aftermath of Hawkmoth’s defeat, with all the turmoil, with everything that happened… I lost my means of contacting her. I- I don’t know whether I’ll ever get to see her again.”
“We’d promised to meet up after Hawkmoth’s defeat,” Adrien said. His voice cracked. “That- that once it was safer in Paris, we’d finally tell our names.”
His eyes dropped to the ground. “Instead, we lost each other. Maybe for good.”
“I know what that’s like,” Marinette said. She sounded strangely distant. “I had a friend like that too. I cared about him. A lot. Maybe… maybe even as more than a friend.” She said the last part haltingly, as if she’d only just admitted it to herself. “He- he wanted to know who I was. For me to know who he was. But- but I couldn’t do that. Not in Hawkmoth’s Paris. I already cared for him so much it ached. If I was closer to him than that- if I’d accepted his rose- I’m- I’m afraid Hawkmoth might’ve used the strength of those feelings against me. That I could’ve gotten akumatized, or he might’ve, and if we knew who each other was, knew WHERE the other one was… I just… I couldn’t accept that we might be sent to hurt each other.”
“We talked while the final battle was raging,” she continued. “He seemed really upset, more angry than I’ve ever seen him before, but… also kind of sad. I wanted to know what was wrong, but there wasn’t really time to press him. And after that battle he just… disappeared. I knew there was going to be some sort of disruption, but- but I’d thought we’d have more time to talk beforehand, that we’d be able to exchange new contact information. We were cut off before we had the chance.”
“I- I think of him every day,” she said quietly. “Wondering how he’s doing. He was always so positive, no matter what life threw at us. I hope that wherever he is, whatever he’s doing, he hasn’t lost that positivity, that optimism, the ability to see the best in the world and in others.”
“I’m sure he’d be happy to know you cared for him so much,” Adrien said, giving her a warm smile.
Marinette blinked, giving herself a small shake. She turned to Alya. “I dunno whether you’ll remember any of this after the Ladybug in your time restores anything, but on the off-chance you do, is there anything you need to know?”
“Oh!” Alya pulled up some footage. “You told me who Hawkmoth was, but what about Mayura?”
“Mayura?”
“Who?”
Alya snapped her fingers. “You know, the Peacock Miraculous wielder, the one summoning the sentimonsters! Did she not exist in this universe?”
She pulled up part of the fight against Mayura, the sentimonster Ladybug, and Hawkmoth.
The video ended, she took another glance at Marinette and Adrien.
Marinette seemed to be in shock, staring straight ahead.
Adrien frowned, thinking. “I’d wondered for a long time how Father managed to hide his supervillain activities from Nathalie, considering she was around him most of the time. I thought maybe she was just really good at never asking questions.”
He grimaced. “Looking at that? I’m betting she didn’t ask questions because she already knew the answers.”
“You think Mayura’s Nathalie?” Alya questioned.
He nodded. “Unless something’s different in your universe. My father doesn’t have a lot of associates, and the way he acted around Mayura there, how he was willing to pass up a chance to fight Ladybug for her Miraculous in exchange for catching her… the only people I can think of who he’d do that for are my mother and Nathalie, and mom…” he trailed off.
“I- I didn’t even think about that,” Marinette said guiltily. “I remember reading something about Gabriel having a secretary, but I didn’t think about her much beyond that.”
“Maybe you could ask this universe’s Alya to post something on the Ladyblog, telling Ladybug and Chat Noir she has a lead on who Mayura is?” Alya said. “I mean, I know they haven’t shown up in ages, but maybe that’s just because they haven’t had reason to.”
Marinette winced. “I… really don’t think that’s it… plus Ladybug and Chat Noir never said that someone was helping Hawkmoth. Mayura never appeared, at least in public. I don’t know what we can do about this right now, especially without proof. Maybe if Ladybug and Chat Noir appeared, but…”
She sounded doubtful. Alya was beginning to think that the final battle was even worse than Marinette had alluded to.
She hesitated a moment, before turning to Adrien. “I- I think I owe you an apology. I thought you might’ve been helping Hawkmoth, but… well… I was just judging you by who your dad was. You’ve been nothing but sweet and kind.”
Adrien smiled at her, though it was slightly strained. “It’s fine. I’m used to it. A lot of people in this city have suffered at Hawkmoth’s hands. I don’t blame them for being scared, or angry at any reminders of him.”
“That doesn’t make it RIGHT,” Marinette said heatedly.
Nino nodded. “Dude just because something’s done to you it doesn’t mean it’s justified, or that it shouldn’t be made better. Like with your old man forbidding parties. I didn’t let that stop me from bribing your bodyguard into letting me and the other guys throw a party at your place for you!”
He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “It kinda escalated though. I think half the guys at Paris were partying in your room by the end!”
Alya gave Nino a sideways look. “And ONLY the guys because they ditched us girls while we were planting trees with a lame excuse. Seriously if you’d said you wanted to throw a party for Adrien while his dad was away, you could’ve just told us!”
Nino winced. “Yeah, my bad. At least we got to have fun there for a while before the akuma attack.”
“Akuma attack?” Adrien asked, eyes wide. “But I thought you said Father was gone!”
“He was- OOOOOOOH.”
“Yeeaaaah I don’t think he was actually gone,” Alya said. “You threw a ‘secret’ party in Hawkmoth’s house, WHILE he was still at home.”
Adrien gaped at Nino. “How’re you not DEAD?!”
Nino chuckled. “Lucky I guess?”
*twinkle twinkle*
A familiar red mass flew towards Alya and Nino.
Adrien’s eyes widened.
“Behind the portrait!” he blurted out, just as the two of them were enveloped by the ladybugs, spiriting them off to whence they came.
It was silent for a moment.
“Do you think they heard?” Adrien asked Marinette.
“I hope so,” she said, looking off in the direction the ladybugs flew.
She turned to him. “I was planning on setting up some hang out time with Alya and Nino later this week. If you’re not busy… would you like to join?”
His smile told her everything she needed to know.
#bakery enemies au#ml fanfic#miraculous ladybug#adrien agreste#alya cesaire#nino lahiffe#marinette dupain cheng#buggachat
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A Rainy Late Afternoon in the Bakery
pairing: kurt x blaine
summary: Icing cakes can be hard, and even more of a hurdle when there's a handsome stranger standing by the counter.
notes: This little oneshot is set in Arundel, a place I have actually been!! It's this little historic town with a big ass castle and cathedral and loads of charity shops. If you ever get the chance to go, give it a visit :)
Hope you enjoy this small thing I've finally written!
meet!cute, bakery!au
Read on AO3
-----
Cake decorating takes a lot of time and precision, which was something Kurt Hummel had discovered over the years through his passion and love for baking - cake being the primary contender for that passion.
He was reminded of that very fact just twenty minutes to closing time on a rainy Thursday afternoon, very close to tears as he hastily continued to mix the icing sugar into the buttercream, setting his Kenwood mixer to the highest speed. The icing was still much too runny to be used as a reliable implement to decorate his newly baked raspberry and white chocolate sponge, and he already knew he’d be staying up late to finish it for tomorrow’s selection of freshly baked cakes and other sweet goods.
It wasn’t Kurt’s original plan of action to move to England and start a little bakery in a small but incredibly tasteful village in the South East, but after realizing the pressure of college was too much for him in New York, he turned to a completely fresh start, and an apprenticeship in baking in the UK seemed like the perfect answer (as dramatic as it felt at the time).
It certainly wasn’t his original dream, either. Growing up, he envisioned himself as a famous designer, ordering models to change into outfit after outfit - in clothes that he designed, at that - but his dreams changed quite drastically after finally realising the realities of adult life. College was hard - the stress was too much, and he never really fitted in the way his younger self had always imagined he would have done - and through the pitiful emotions, he rediscovered baking - something that his now late mother had taught him many years ago. It was something he could control, and, although it was deflating when the design of one of his cakes he’d imagined didn’t turn out the way he’d wanted it to, it was another form of art he was able to master. Finding recipes, discovering new techniques - all of it was inspiring, bringing him ideas in a way that fashion design did not.
So he gave the fashion dream up and moved abroad. It was a big change, but he needed it greatly, devoid of the deep feeling of missing his father that washed over him with every passing day.
It was okay, though. Kurt and Burt stayed in touch regularly, and Kurt was happily able to lose himself in cake decorating rather than wallowing in his pity.
Although, it didn’t help that sometimes his career did bring him pity, as it did in a final moment of understanding after tasting his buttercream, that he was going to have to start again. Letting out a defeated groan, Kurt threw his head into his hands with his elbows leaning on the counter. Today was not his day. Far from it, in fact. Only a few customers, running low on icing sugar and then making some buttercream that was far too sweet for even the greatest sugar enthusiast to enjoy. In that moment, Kurt wished it was tomorrow. Or a few weeks later, at most.
Ten minutes till closing time. He was going to have to leave the back room and embrace the weather in all its rainy glory soon, walking through the winding streets to his house near the Wey and Arun canal. It was impractical to drive such a short distance, so before his departure to work in the morning, he was sure to bring all the necessary waterproof equipment - a precaution he wasn’t prepared to take in his first few months of living in England, because it was cold, even when he didn’t realise how much of an impact the weather would have on him here.
Just as Kurt was about to resort to adding another half a teaspoon of vanilla bean paste to his mixture, he heard the tell-tale sound of the bell ringing as a customer entered, and Kurt could even recognise the hasty movements of said customer before he witnessed them.
Walking around to the front of the bakery, through the back room and behind the counter, dusting off the remains of icing sugar powder from his artisan denim apron, Kurt finally examined the (rather wet) customer peering at the array of cakes in the small display cabinet next to the counter.
He examined his eyes first, the way the man’s lashes fanned down perfectly onto his cheeks as he looked at the cabinet. Kurt found himself slightly starstruck as he realised the beauty of the person standing in front of him - the man’s strong shoulders, his simple smile, inquisitive eyes (Kurt saw them as the customer looked up to meet the eyes of his) - he bore a kind face.
Just as the man looked up, Kurt heard a sombre rumble of thunder outside the window as the rain pelted down relentlessly. Tightening his lips and smiling sourly, he looked again at the customer, before realising they were already speaking, and pointing at a cupcake inside the cabinet.
“Are those red velvet?”
Now shaken out of his reverie, Kurt responded: “Oh! Yes. They’re… not really my favourite, if I’m honest.”
It was a little awkward, the quietness of the little shop with the rain falling outside, Kurt just standing there as the man continued to examine the cake cabinet. Thunder continued to shake outside, the sound of it alarming the man in front of the counter who turned to look at the window and the small view of the war memorial on the high street, now tremendously covered in water, seemingly majestic with the quality of light shining on it.
Turning back, the customer let out a small hum and asked, “So you wouldn’t recommend buying them…?”
“Well. It’s not that I’d not recommend buying them, it’s just…” Kurt broke off his sentence slightly as he considered the lack of customers he’d had today - not enough, for sure - he shouldn’t be putting people off sales, that’s something his dad always told him. Making a compromise, he pointed at the selection of gingerbread men closest to him.
“I can recommend these, though.”
The customer pressed his lips together slightly and tilted his head. “Okay. Four gingerbreads then please?”
Kurt was a little intrigued by the way the man asked like it was a question, but promptly fetched a small paper bag (the logo decorated on it, of course) and gave the gingerbread man to the customer after rattling out the total. He thought a little about the man’s voice. It was nice. He’d never get tired of the British accent. Or, more specifically, British men with kind accents. When he first moved to England, he felt as if he was caught up in some incredibly middle-class romantic comedy twenty-four seven.
“Thank you.” The customer said after the baked goods were handed to him, and then quickly, just before he turned to leave, “Hey, if you ever want to discuss red velvet cake again I could maybe… get your number?”
For a moment, Kurt was minutely overcome with a flush of embarrassment that this person would ask him, but tried to push the feeling back. Even though he’d had a fair share of romantic experiences in college, it was still a thrill to realise someone was hitting on him.
“Oh! Sure… I’ll just grab my phone.”
As he spoke, he was already walking around the back to where he’d left his phone, hanging up in his coat pocket, and when he passed the mess of icing sugar bags and butter left out, his side jostled an open box slightly, resulting in him being covered completely in icing sugar powder.
There was now icing sugar all over his new denim apron. Cursing under his breath slightly, he made it to his phone, and unlocked it as he walked back behind the counter.
Returning to see the man still patiently waiting, fingers clasped together in front of himself with a contented smile on his face (although Kurt could had an inkling that that smile was just plastered on for politeness, which did intrigue him slightly), Kurt hastily handed him his phone, now considerably more messy than he previously was when he went to fetch it. For a moment, there was a slight sense of awkwardness where neither said anything, and Kurt only heard a quiet ‘okay…’ from the man in front of him as he entered his number into the contacts app.
Kurt found himself pressing his lips together awkwardly once again, still aware of the silence of the room in contrast to the harsh rain outside.
The sense of awkwardness and silence was quickly over, however, when the customer (Blaine was his name, Kurt noticed as he looked at the contact in his phone) handed Kurt his phone back - “All done. Great!” was what Blaine said, to which Kurt responded with a quick “I’ll… text you.” - Kurt already felt himself being surrounded by an eased aura, which wasn’t something he had really felt before.
“Cool. Send me a message.” Blaine was already speaking, and already reaching for the door as he did so. “Maybe we could meet sometime? LG cafe, maybe?”
“Of course.”
With another one of those quick smiles Blaine The Stranger opened the bakery door with nothing so much as an “Alright then,” expressed slightly softly, and soon he was leaving, out into the rain once more, the heavy door banging closed with its own weight and the bell ringing its sound, the sound Kurt recognised so clearly now as just another customer leaving his little shop.
But maybe this wasn’t just another customer.
#bakery au#kurt x blaine#kurt hummel#blaine anderson#glee#klaine fic#klaine fanfiction#english!blaine#meet cute#klaine
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What's a TV show you've gotten into recently?
I’ve started/finished/caught up on several shows since being in the hospital the past 2 months, but the most recent one I started finally is Stranger Things. I’ve been meaning to watch it for awhile. I’m almost done with season 1. I’m a binge watcher and can get through seasons quickly, but since my brother and I are watching this together and we usually only have time for like 2-3 episodes (plus he’s not here everyday), it’s going to take longer. I’m really into it so far and I just want to catch up already. My blog is flooded with stuff from the latest season and I want to join in.
Do you have a hard time remembering your dreams?
Yes. It’s weird, like I know it was something weird and random, but I can’t really tell you much else. And if I do remember, it’s for a brief time. Very rarely can I actually recall what happened and remember it later on. I’ve had ones that really effected me.
Have you ever or are you on any type of anti-depressant?
I have been on them before, but not currently.
Have you ever seen the movie Jennifer's body?
I think I’ve seen parts of it.
What was the last thing you painted?
This cute little ceramic Easter decor. I had bought one for my brother and I to do on Easter together.
What's your favorite 90s song?
I have a ton of favorite songs from the 90s.
Donuts or muffins?
Ooh, both.
What's something you've been thinking about?
My health issues are always center stage, plus just my life in general. I’m going through a lot right now and have a long road ahead. I’m also always thinking of food and drinks cause I haven’t been able to have either one in over 2 months. I just wanna go homeeeee. I wish I could recover at home and be with my family in my own room and bed. I want to see my precious doggo. D:
Do you or anyone you know have asthma?
I know people who do.
What time is it currently?
10:29AM.
Do you ever stay up late to see the moon at its peak?
Not for that reason, no. I’m just always up late.
What does your phone case look like?
It’s pink and purple and full of cute little stickers I put on it and a phone charm.
Are you doing alright today?
Meh.
What's your favorite fizzy drink?
Coke, Cherry Coke, Pepsi, Wild Cherry Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, Cherry Dr. Pepper, that new cream Dr. Pepper, Mountain Dew and various of its flavors.
Have you ever written a song?
Ha, I attempted to when I was like 15/16 and going through my emo phase.
When did you last pump gas?
Never.
Do you own a gun?
Nope.
Do you like milk in your coffee or tea?
I like flavored creamer or Half and Half with sugar in my coffee and a packet or two of sugar with my tea.
Do you have a lazy eye?
No.
Is your room normally messy or tidy?
It’s usually pretty clean, but it’s a bit disorganized/cluttered right now because it’s been rearranged and sorted through to get rid of some stuff.
Do you enjoy windy days?
No, I hate it.
Do you experience second hand embarrassment?
Yeah, I have.
What makes you feel confident?
Nothing.
What's your self care routine?
I don’t have one... I haven’t taken the best care of myself in a lot of ways. :/
What would you define as "heartbreak weather"?
Huh?
Do you have a flower bed or flowers planted around your place of residence?
We have some potted plants.
What was the last thing you said out loud?
I asked my nurse something.
What's the last thing you remembered that you had recently forgotten?
*shrug*
What color is your shirt?
I’m wearing a blue hospital gown.
Do you have any regrets from this past week?
Yes.
What scents do you currently smell?
*shrug* Hospital smells.
What's your favorite flavorite chip/crisps?
Andy Capp’s Cheddar Cheese Fries and the Ranch ones as well, Doritos Nacho Cheese, Dorito’s Cool Ranch, Lay’s Wavy chips. I love ranch, French onion, guacamole, and spinach and artichoke dips with those chips as well.
What's your favorite snacks?
Those chips and dips, Cheez-Itz, various sweets.
Have you ever experienced vertigo?
Yeah, several times. Not fun.
What apps do you use the most on your phone?
Kindle and Facebook.
Who is someone you find to be pretty?
Elizabeth Olsen.
What's the heaviest weight you've ever lifted?
I don’t lift weights.
What color is the current object you're sitting on?
White.
Do you enjoy coloring books still?
I do. I have a few of ‘em.
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🚨Warnings: Light p in v smut. Some angst. Lots of fluff. My grandfather’s name really is in the Smithsonian.🚨
Plain Gold Ring V:
Exactly Like You
“I know why I waited
Know why I've been blue
I've been waiting each day
For someone exactly like you” - Nina Simone
——————————————————————
Your last day in D.C. felt like the last day of your life. This life. Every article of clothing was packed. Every knickknack and tchotchke sent with the movers. You were ready for your next life. Did your next life include Andy?
The weather was beautiful. Sunny. Not too hot. You and Andy had planned on spending it outside seeing the sites. He had never toured any of the museums. You invited Jacob along. The second you said it you wished you hadn’t. You felt like a home wrecker even though Andy promised Jacob wouldn’t see you that way.
Andy was bristling with excitement. “He’s going to love you, baby.” You were not great with kids. You actively chose not to have them. You loved your nieces from a distance when they were little. Now that they are teenagers you feel a little more at ease with them. You are their cool rich aunt who spends an absolutely outrageous amount of money on them when you visit. You nearly fainted when Andy asked if you’d like to have children.
“Aren’t I too old for that?”
“You’re only three years younger than me. I know a lot of women who had their career before they had a family.” Your face snapped from terrified to anger real quick, “Not that you can’t have a career and be a mother. People do it everyday. Shut up, Andy.”
“You’re cute when you’re nervous. Have you thought of having children with me?”
He rubbed the back of his neck, “Well, yeah. I’d like to have a couple more.”
“Oh. A couple he says.” You could feel the hives forming. “This seems like a good conversation to have right before I leave.”
He ran his hands up and down your arms. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to pressure you. You haven’t thought about it? Not even a little?” The door buzzed in the nick of time.
“Jacob’s here! Hallelujah!” You wiggled out of his arms to grab your shoes.
He laughed shaking his head. “We’ll finish this conversation later, young lady.” he pressed the intercom button, “Hey come on up, buddy. This is going to be great, honey.” He loved your nervous laugh and the way you fidgeted with your fingers. Just the fact that you were nervous told him you would love his son.
You heard voices coming from the living area. Fucking hell. Was that Lori? You contemplated going out of the window. You went into the bathroom to grab some lip balm. You knew full well that it was in your bag on the kitchen island. You were just staying out of their way. When you heard the front door close you reemerged.
“Ready to go?” Your eyes were wide and you were way too smiley. If Andy didn’t know better he would think you were on drugs.
“Yeah. I think no more coffee for you ok?”
“It’s nice to see you again, Miss Y/N.” Jacob extended his hand.
“Nice to see you too. So! The Smithsonian. What part are you most interested in seeing?”
“Air and space I think.”
“Then that’s where we’ll start. My grandfather’s name is actually on a plaque. I’ll show you. He was in the navy and built planes that were used in Korea I think. And my dad’s picture is there. He works for a division of NASA back in Louisiana where I’m from. He developed this little part of the rocket booster. He’s literally a rocket scientist.”
“That’s really cool. I’d love to meet him sometime…..”
Andy was loving every second of this. You and Jacob really got along. You were making plans to visit your father and stepmother over the summer and maybe hit the beach in Florida. Jacob’s face lit up at the prospect of meeting your family. Both Andy and Lori were only children. Jacob didn’t grow up with cousins or really any kids his own age outside of school. He seemed pretty comfortable with the idea of you and Andy together.
Andy tested the waters a little by holding your hand. Jacob didn’t seem to notice. By the time you got to the next part of the museum he had his arms around your waist. He even kissed you a couple of times. Nothing but a tender peck here and there. Jacob didn’t seem to mind when he showed you affection.
After lunch Andy dropped you off and then ran Jacob back home.
“So, what are you thinking?” Andy asked with nervous trepidation.
“The museum was cool. I really liked the rockets. It’s cool that Y/N’s dad made those.”
“Did you like Y/N?”
“Yeah. Sucks she’s moving. Do you think you’ll move to Chicago too?”
“Kind of depends on you, bud. I know you’re getting older and you don’t need Dad around very much anymore. I don’t want to miss anything. You’re my only baby.”
“I could spend summers with you. You look really happy. I haven’t seen you this happy in a long time. Even before the trial. I’d miss you but you should be happy.”
The whole way inside Jacob talked about you. He clammed up when Lori walked in.
“Hey, guys. Did you have a good time?” She kissed Jacob on the forehead.
“We had a great time. Ok, Jake. You have the number where I’ll be. I’ll be back on Wednesday. If you’re not busy next weekend you can spend the night. I have your room all set up. Love you.”
“Ok. Love you. Have a safe flight. Tell Y/N I said bye.” He escaped to his room before the arguing started.
“If it’s ok I’ll pick him up from school Thursday. Did you sign the papers?”
“She went with you?” Her voice was deadly quiet.
“She did.”
“Didn’t want to tell me that before hand I guess.”
He sighed and wiped his face with his hands, “I’ll have him back Sunday night. See you later.”
“Fuck you, Andy. You can’t even give me the courtesy of telling me my son would be meeting his father’s whore!”
He slammed his fist on the counter, “Did you sign the papers or not?” She threw the manilla envelope at him.
“They’re signed.” He took the papers and walked out slamming the door. He contemplated moving again. He has a month to month lease on his place. It wouldn’t be hard for him to find a job. He knew Jacob would be fine. Chicago was looking better and better. After all the baby talk this morning he wouldn’t burden you with anything else domestic for today.
——————————————————————
You were zipping your last suitcase when you heard Andy come in. You packed all of your sleep clothes so you were wearing Andy’s t-shirt and panties. Dinner was ordered and he had a drink waiting on the counter. He called out for you. When you rounded the corner into the living room he caught you in his arms.
“Hey, handsome.” you cooed in his ear. He nuzzled your neck and stroked your back. “You ok? Was Jacob….he hates me. I knew it.”
He tightened his hold on you, “Honey, he loved you. He talked about you the whole way back.”
“Then why is your face all worried?”
“Because I’m keenly aware that this is our last night together in my place. That when I come home Wednesday you won’t be here. I’ll go to work on Thursday and Jeremy will be in your office. I have really good memories in that office and now they’re ruined. I don’t want to wake up without you.”
His hands traveled up your bare back then back down to cup your ass. “The delivery app says they’re going to be here in twenty minutes. Think you can finish in time?”
He lowered his head between your breasts and nodded yes. Before you knew it your panties were off, his pants were down and he was fucking you against the wall. His pace was relentless. You hooked your ankles at the small of his back and leaned back so you could rub your clit. Your fingertips brushed against his dick every time he pumped in and out of your cunt. You both came in fifteen minutes.
You ate dinner on the veranda loving the cool breeze on your bare skin. As much as he wanted his t-shirt to smell like you, he like naked picnics way more. Admittedly, a big chicken Caesar salad wasn’t the sexiest food in the world. Still didn’t stop him from licking dressing off of your chest when it dropped off your fork. He was determined to fuck you in almost every room in this place.
You slept tangled and sticking together all night. You had finally gotten over your need for bed space. You’d miss it when he wasn’t there. All night the two of you wanted to bring up moving in together. Neither of you had the guts to say it. You didn’t want to beat a dead horse. He didn’t want to freak you out. Good thing you’d be long distance for a while to work on your communication skills.
——————————————————————
Your new place was beautiful. You rented a big new condo close to Millennial Park. Your office was on Michigan Ave so you weren’t far from there thought walking was highly discouraged. It wouldn’t be possible in heels anyway.
You and Andy worked diligently unpacking and cleaning. When the last box was unpacked and broken down you both collapsed on the couch. “I feel disgusting.”
“You have that nice big bathtub. Bet we can both fit.” He raised an eyebrow at you and nudged your side.
“You are insatiable, Mr. Barber. Whatever will I do without you?”
“You’ll bust from horniness. Come on.” He hoisted you up from your comfy spot and pulled you into the bathroom. While he undressed you filled the water with soft musky oils and some bubble bath. You lit candles and eased in to relax. He washed your hair massaging your scalp with his fingertips. He held you in the warmth until your fingers and toes were pruned.
For the rest of the week, if you were sitting it was on Andy’s lap. If you were sleeping it was in his arms. By Tuesday morning, you had both finished up conference calls and responding to emails. You had cleared the rest of your day to spend together.
As the sunlight dwindled it had become harder and harder to part. You couldn’t take it anymore. You had to have the conversation you had been dreading since you stepped off the plane.
“Andy, I don’t want to sound like a nagging girlfriend but, I really want you to move in with me. I know it would be so hard leaving Jacob but I have plenty of room. He can spend every summer here if he wants. I’d love to have him. I feel really strongly that this is leading somewhere. I’ll even talk about babies if you want.”
His heart was bursting. You kept rambling on trying to convince him. Little did you know he was already convinced. “Stan is going to kill you.” He laughed and pulled you onto his lap. “Give me a few weeks to wrap up everything.”
When you dropped him at the airport there were tears but you knew you’d see him soon. “I love you, baby. I’ll call you as soon as I land.” He kissed you like he would never get to do it again.
“I love you too. See you soon.” He smiled through his tears.
“See you soon.”
——————————————————————
That weekend he spent all of his time with Jacob. He planned on spending every moment he could with his son. Jacob even had his first few weeks planned starting with meeting your family in Louisiana.
When he brought Jacob home on Sunday he worked up the courage to tell Lori the news. “Do you have all of your stuff for your English assignment? If not I can bring it by before school tomorrow.”
“I got it, dad. I had fun this weekend.” They hugged. He smelled Jacob’s hair and kissed him.
“Love you. Be good for mom.”
“Love you too!”
Lori stood in the doorway with her arms folded protectively over her chest. “So she’s gone?”
“Yep.”
“So what now? What does this mean for you?”
He pulled out the kitchen chair and rested his head in this hands. “This wasn’t a fling, Lori. I’m moving to Chicago. Jacob is real excited about spending summers with us.”
“Do you love her?” Tears shimmered in her eyes and her voice wavered. It would be cruel to lie to her.
“Very much.” It stung to hear. With nothing left to say Andy stood to leave.
“Andy!” she called after him. When he turned she wrapped him in a hug. The two of them embraced for several minutes.
When he stepped onto the sidewalk outside of the building his phone buzzed in his pocket. He saw your face smiling back at him.
“Hey, baby. How was your day?” He looked up at your old window and thought of how the two of you started, the past he left behind and smiled at the sound of his future on the other end of the line.
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Hey Neighbor (Part 11)
Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader
Word Count: 3245
Warnings: fluff
Summary: You had a plan and then life came along with one of its own. With your future almost derailed you worked hard to get yourself back on track and finally everything seemed to be going right… that is, until your new neighbor moved in.
A/N: A huge thank you to my wonderful beta Sam @buckyofthemyscira Feedback is always appreciated!
PART 10 | HEY NEIGHBOR MASTERLIST
It was cold. No, that was a massive understatement. It was freezing. It was the type of weather that caused a chill to settle in your bones before you had even stepped outside, and you definitely did not want to be outside. Not when the mere action of standing outside for more than one second caused your face to burn from the frigid winds.
You forgo style, bundling up in the thickest jacket you have with gloves, scarves and a hat. You were sweating under all your layers but it was better than freezing. Thankfully the wine bar you were meeting Wanda at was only a few more frozen steps away.
It’s warm in the small restaurant, packed with people looking to escape the cold just as you were. Wanda waves at you from a table and you questioned how she was even seated before you had shown up, considering the crowd this seemed like the type of place that wants your whole party available before seating.
“The owner is Sokovian,” she smiled, shrugging her shoulders proudly. “And we’re going to order the paprikash.”
There was no arguing with Wanda, though you did choose the other menu item you would be sharing. You liked tapas and sharing so you could have a bit of everything but what you wanted the most right now was some wine.
Time seemed to move by so slowly at the hospital today and you really couldn’t wait to get out. It was Saturday night but only you and Wanda were available to hang out and you didn’t mind that at all, in fact you really wanted to speak with her.
“So I wanted to talk to you…” You took a dramatic pause, taking a sip of wine for courage. “...about Bucky.”
Wanda’s eyes widened with intrigue as she leaned closer, a smile spreading across her face as she was ready to listen.
“That kiss on New Year’s was…”
Her hands shook with glee. “Oh my god I knew it!”
Your face scrunched with confusion. “What do you know?”
“You and Bucky! I knew this would happen. I called it and ahh I’m so excited.”
“Slow down there,” you chuckled, motioning your hands for her to settle down. “Wan, what I’m trying to say is that kiss was incredible.”
“Aaaannnnd?” Her mouth hung open wide with a smile.
“Wanda, this isn’t about Bucky!” Her expression dropped into a frown, she pouted as she took a large sip of wine. “Kissing him was amazing, seriously, he’s a fantastic kisser but kissing him made me realize how much I miss being kissed.”
When you first began college you were casually dating someone, wanting to enjoy life as a young student in New York. Then your world turned upside down. Working full time and going to school left you without a lot of free time and putting yourself out there to meet new people seemed more intimidating the longer you put it off. It was easy to just convince yourself that you didn’t have the time to devote to a relationship and everything was fine up until recently.
Wanda was right in a way, Bucky had a big impact on your life. Your friendship with him led to the larger friend group and soon you began to see things for how they looked on the surface. Everyone was in a relationship except you and Bucky, and you knew his opinions on dating.
Bucky’s kiss sparked so much inside you and ever since you’ve been trying to reconcile the feelings that you can’t let go of, longing and loneliness. Bittersweet thoughts plague your mind as you think about how much of a gentleman Steve is, placing his jacket over Peggy’s shoulders when she was cold, or how Sam knows just the way to get Wanda to burst out with joyful laughter; or Natasha and Clint and how they know each other so well as best friend’s do, their hearts filled to the brim with love.
You wanted all of that but truthfully you would settle for a fraction of affection. Maybe it was time to finally download some apps, go out a bit more and meet someone. It was a scary thought, too scary for the moment, but thankfully the wine helped distract you.
By your second glass you felt nice and cozy with warmth spreading across your cheeks. You eyed the last crostini, staring back at Wanda with a big hopeful expression because it was so delicious. She waved an approval, laughing as you cheered under your breath before grabbing it and taking a bite.
“So you’re going for it?” she asked, nodding to your phone on the table and the visible Tinder logo.
Wiping the corner of your mouth with your napkin first you answered, “Yes? I don’t know. I want to be but...”
Wanda grabbed your phone and tapped on the screen, much to your horror. “Look, there’s no harm in downloading the app, okay? That’s step one, easy. I won’t force you to sign up but you really should.”
“I’m scared Wan. What if no one likes me? What if I don’t have anything to say to someone and can’t hold a conversation? They’ll think I’m as boring as burnt toast and it’s gonna make me shut out the world forever.”
The wine comforted you again as you finished the glass, setting it down on the table and finding Wanda’s sympathetic eyes staring back at you.
“Y/N, you are not boring. You’re developing an organization with Tony freakin’ Stark! You’re a hardworking, kick ass social worker who saves lives– ”
“Wanda I– ”
“Don’t interrupt me while I’m hyping my best friend!” She said firmly while pointing her finger in your face. “You’re the glue to our whole group of friends. You’re an amazing, talented, beautiful, kind person and anyone that doesn’t see that isn't worth your time.”
Your lips had slowly pulled into a smile the more she went on. Leave it to Wanda to always have your back and know just what to say.
“Love you Wan, thank you. Okay, I’m gonna maybe try and make a profile by the end of this weekend…. Or next weekend.”
She laughed, rolling her eyes. “In the meanwhile you could always knock on Bucky’s door if you really wanted to.” Her brows rose mischievously.
“If I didn’t think it would ruin our friendship I would absolutely make out with Bucky every second of every free moment I had. Wanda, I swear you have no idea what those lips can do.”
Talking about Bucky suddenly made you feel a lot warmer and Wanda didn’t miss the large lump you swallowed as you took a drink. She smirked, holding back a comment she could have made. Instead the check arrived, saving you from any further embarrassment.
That night you stared at the app on your phone, contemplating whether you should make a profile or not. Craning your neck around you looked at the wall you shared with Bucky.
You hadn’t seen him much since the kiss on New Year’s, and your anxiety made you wonder if you had already ruined things. It was a silly thought. You shared a kiss, nothing more and as you are well aware, Bucky does not grow emotional attachments like that.
Opening your phone to your messages, you wrote a quick hello but then realizing it was a Saturday night you deleted your text without sending. There was no noise coming from next door meaning he was probably out, and the idea of interrupting him if he was with someone (which was a big possibility) made you feel really uncomfortable.
Tomorrow would be a new day, you can text him then when he’s alone.
You woke up with ambitions to be productive but the steady fall of snow that began to cover the city made you change your mind. Today was not a day to do anything despite needing to. You bundled yourself up in your comforter and made breakfast, carefully setting the bowl of cereal down on the coffee table as you tucked your feet into your blanket burrito.
Scrolling through Instagram you saw Bucky had posted a story from early in the morning, a black and white video of the snow coming down which reminded you to message him. You replied to his post, asking what he was doing up so early, then sending a secondary message realizing he might not have been up early but still awake.
Then your nerves got the best of you, thinking if that was in fact the case then you were probably disturbing him with all the messages you were sending now. You sent a final text, apologizing for bothering him, which probably made it all worse.
You shook your head, tossing your phone beside you as scrolled aimlessly to find something good to watch so you could distract yourself. Thirty minutes into a movie you heard a knock at your door.
Still bundled up, you shuffled towards your door, looking through the door and were surprised to see Bucky standing there.
“Hey,” you said, smiling as you opened the door.
He was wearing a dark blue sweatshirt and light grey sweatpants. His hair was loose and looking a little bit wild, as if he had only combed it through with his fingers.
“Are you okay?”
“Me? Yeah, I’m fine. What’s goin’ on?”
Bucky looked relieved, dragging a few fingers down his temple. “I messaged you back and I don’t know… you didn’t respond so I thought… well I don’t know what I thought but I’m glad you’re alright.”
A soft smile pulled at his lips as he stared back at you which set your mind at ease. “Did I wake you earlier?”
“Nah, I was up. Couldn’t really sleep last night.”
“That sucks. I kinda wanted to sleep all day since it’s so gross outside but I know it’ll mess me up for tomorrow so I’m just being a potato.”
Bucky chuckled, giving your “outfit” a once over as he seemed to approve. “So, what do potatoes do?”
“Well this potato is finally watching Back to the Future.”
Bucky blinked rapidly, his mouth falling open with bewilderment as he stared at you. “What do you mean finally? You’ve never seen Back to the Future?” he asked, with a hint of exasperation in his tone.
“I mean…” you looked everywhere but at Bucky, pressing your lips together as you tried to break the news to him gently, “I’ve seen clips here and there and I know things about it… Doc Brown, the DeLorean, flux capacitor...”
Every word broke Bucky’s heart. “You’ve never seen Back to the Future?” he repeated.
“Wrong, I’ve seen about thirty minutes of Back to the Future.” You laughed as Bucky threw his hands up in shock. “Do you want to watch it with me?”
Bucky gladly accepted your invitation, locking up his place before he went into yours.
He muttered under his breath, still in disbelief that you haven’t seen this movie as he made himself comfortable on your couch. “The score! Do you know about the score and how amazing it is?!”
“I can’t wait for you to tell me,” you winked, anticipating an earful of musical knowledge. “Can I get you anything?”
“Nah, I’m good.” A chill ran down his spine that he tried to shrug off. “Maybe a blanket? Oh wait.”
He turned around to pull the fuzzy blanket over himself but it definitely wasn’t thick or large enough to keep him warm in this weather. The only real blanket you had was currently wrapped around your body so you wanted to share.
You took it off your shoulders and sat beside Bucky, removing the fuzzy blanket so you could drape your own across both of you. Then you placed the fuzzy blanket on top of that to add an extra layer of warmth.
You smiled looking at Bucky as you asked if he was ready to watch the movie though your eyes drifted to those lips of his, perfectly pink and so much softer than you imagined. The memory of your kiss makes your heart stutter and it takes a moment for you to realize you need to press play and not think about kissing him.
It doesn’t help that you’ve shuffled closer to each other. It’s for warmth, nothing more. Bucky tried his best not to distract you from watching but he was squirming in his seat, itching to talk about the music.
“See how the score begins softly? You hardly notice the drums. Then everything gets stronger, the drums, the horns, and as Doc spots the car coming down the empty street the score amps up even more signaling the danger. It’s fantastic!”
You didn’t say anything, you couldn’t. Somehow Bucky’s passion for his work had stunned you into silence and all you could do was nod, smiling so genuinely your cheeks began to hurt as you listened to him. Bucky may not realize the way he glows when he talks about music but you see it, he’s shimmering brighter than snow in sunlight.
It was nice to spend a lazy Sunday with Bucky, two potatoes that continued to watch movies and order in food when you were hungry. Plans with everyone for the following weekend were brought up but not once did he mention the New Year’s party. Not that you expected him to. It was nice not having the kiss awkwardly hang over your friendship.
“Blanket warm. I don’t want to leave,” he whined before getting up.
You walked him to the door, stealing a quick look at the way the sweatpants hugged his ass. Clearing your throat in an awkward cough you wished him goodnight, “I’ll try not to sit on my phone the next time you text me.”
Bucky leaned in to hug you goodbye but his lips made a detour, feeling them press against the soft skin of your cheek.
“G-goodnight Y/N.”
You stood in your doorway, waiting to let the breath out that you hadn’t realized you were holding in until after he closed his door. It’s nothing, just a friendly kiss on the cheek, nothing more than that.
“Hi Mr. Napoli.” You smiled as you approached the older man in his hospital bed. “I spoke with your son and he said he’s on his way.”
You had to repeat yourself louder a few times for him to understand but he gave you a gummy smile when he finally did. He had come into the hospital late last night after falling in his apartment and breaking his hip. Living alone had apparently become more difficult over the last few months so you’ve prepared options to discuss with his family when they arrive.
As Mr. Napoli continued to speak with you, your ears perked up at a loud conversation. Looking up for a moment you caught the gaze of a man staring at you as he stood over the bed of another man. He was tall and slim, dressed nicely in a suit under a wool peacoat. His hair was dark and slicked back though it was cropped short on the sides, with stubble peppering his face and neck.
He smiled, nodding as if to convey an apology for the noise he and his friend made. You felt your cheeks pulling the corner of your lips slightly but focused your attention back to Mr. Napoli.
“Miss, can I have more water?”
“Of course, let me ask,” you replied.
Scanning the area you checked for any nurses that might be around. Unable to find any that weren’t in the middle of something, you told Mr. Napoli you’d be right back with it. The ER kept the refreshments for the patients in a locked room so you walked towards the nurses’ desk in hopes someone there could help you.
“Thanks Stacie.” You smiled back as she needed to call the doctor to make sure this wouldn’t interfere with Mr. Napoli’s pre-surgical prep.
As you turned to step away from the desk you nearly walked into a body. Gasping, it took you a moment to realize it was the man from before.
“Sorry about that,” he said, chuckling lightly. “I wanted to apologize about before. Hope my buddy and I weren’t interrupting your work.” His tone was soft with a heavy New York accent.
“That’s alright, you didn’t,” you said, studying his features up close. His eyes were much darker than you realized, like deep chasms that were full of mystery. Pale pink lips pulled into a smile as he extended his hand towards you.
“I’m Billy.”
You shook his hand, able to tell right away that he was the type of guy that takes pride in taking care of himself. His hand was lotion soft, not a strand of hair was out of place and his skin looked so flawless you were a little jealous.
His gaze fell to your ID badge. “So, Y/N. How long have you been in social work?”
“So eager getting to know me, Billy?”
Billy shut his eyes as a smile crept across his face. “I can’t help it, I’m very observant.”
Your lips pulled into a smirk as you stared at him skeptically until Stacie called your name. She told you to wait a moment as she got the okay to give Mr. Napoli some water. Turning back to Billy you noticed his stance was taller and stiff.
He raised his hand to salute. “Former Lieutenant William Russo, US Marine Corps.”
“I get it now. You’re not just a creep that reads people’s name tags.” Your smirk gave way to a tiny smile and Billy relaxed.
Through a laugh he replied, “I try not to be.”
His smile was pretty, making his whole face light up, those eyes sparkling like onyx gems. Your attention was turned away for a moment as Stacie handed you a plastic pink pitcher full of water.
“Well, I have to get this drink back to my patient. It was nice to meet you.”
As you began to walk away you heard Billy’s footsteps rapidly catching up behind you.
“Wait, Y/N.” You turned to find him digging out something from his pocket. “Maybe I could take you out for a drink one day?”
He handed you a sleek black card which you put in your pocket. “Goodbye Mr. Russo,” you said, giving him a tiny salute that made him smile again.
Later that evening as you were getting your coat on in preparation to leave you felt something digging in your hip. You remembered Billy’s card from earlier, pulling it out now to finally read it.
The card was as dark as his eyes and in bold white text was the name of the company, ANVIL. Beneath it was his name and title, CEO. No wonder he dressed so well. His number was staring back at you.
You thought back to your conversation with Wanda, maybe you should go for this. You were still too scared to make a profile on Tinder, worried about what strangers might think of you but after meeting a gorgeous man that actually wants to take you out it gave you some renewed confidence.
Not wanting to seem too eager (or desperate) you waited two days before texting Billy. A day of back and forth texting led to plans to go out. Your heart raced with anxiety; maybe you weren’t ready after all.
PART 12
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Perfect.
A Winwin fic that’s part of our Halloween Series!
Summary: things get busy for one of the world’s leading scientist’s, Yuta, so he creates his own efficient and trustworthy personal assistant robot a.k.a Sicheng. But what happens when his perfect creation develops a flaw or two?
Pairing: Scientist!Yuta x Robot!Winwin
Genre: horror, smut, angst, a tinyyy little bit of fluff
Word Count: 6K
Warnings: dark themes, side piece Doyoung, Yuta has major God-complex syndrome, cursing, weapon usage, blood mention, smut: mlm (top!Yuta, bottom!doyoung, bottom!winwin, anal penetration, masturbation, oral sex, c*eampie.
(A/N): hey guys!! This is the first fic we are posting for our Halloween Series! Every day we will post a new fic for each member of NCT 2020 so be sure to stop by to see what dark and spookyyyyy stories we create. This is also my first time writing BL so I hope it’s good enough for a first try😂 I will do better next time. Thank you❤️🥺.
—————
“He’s perfect” Yuta looks upon his creation in the open glass box.
“Height. 5’11. Date of Birth. October 28th, 1997. Eye color. Dark Brown. Hair color. Dark Brown. Origin of parts. Wenzhou, China.”
“It looks so...real. It’s kinda creepy..” Doyoung, Yuta’s coworker, analyzed the texture of the robot’s face.
“Well, he wasn’t made to be pleasant, only efficient.”
“Yes, but Yuta..don’t you think this is a bit much? Mimicking the face of an actual person..someone that died over 100 years ago? Will you name it Dorian too?”
Yuta created his robot as a personal assistant to him. He found that humans were full of error and it made them incompetent and negligent beings. And Yuta, being the best scientist in Japan, just couldn’t afford to make any mistakes. So he created him. The perfect robot, a “copy machine” that could keep up with him and do the work he does just as efficiently. He would be just as smart as him.
Yuta steps closer and runs a finger down the robots face, causing a neon green honeycomb pattern to decorate its skin. It wasn’t on, but it was still reacting to the touch against its surface. Yuta watches the green fade from its perfect cheekbones.
He made him to look like the famous Dorian Gray because he wanted him to be just as beautiful as he was smart. But if he is just a machine made to perform tasks with 100% accuracy, why would looks matter?
This is what Doyoung thought as he observed it.
“There is a word that means talented, beautiful, master piece and a gift from God..Sicheng, that will be his name.”
Doyoung scoffs. “It’s a man? With...male reproductive organs?”
“Yes..” Yuta writes something down on his clipboard.
Doyoung rolls his eyes. “You’ve really lost it, haven’t you?”
“I want him to look as real as possible for when we present our findings and such. Do you think anyone will listen to a robot that looks like those beastly things from the Terminator movies? What’s the issue?” Yuta brushes past Doyoung, walking around a table in the lab and placing his clipboard onto it.
“You of all people know the issue..you’ve made him into a beautiful person and for what? Just so you can have something nice to look at while you avoid actual human company? Is it merely a solution to your loneliness, Yuta?”
Yuta smirks. “Sounds like you’re a bit jealous, Doyoung..don’t worry, I don’t plan on engaging in any activities with him. I’m not that barbaric. But even if I did, that would have nothing to do with you. Don’t forget your place in my life, you’re disposable...he isn’t.”
Doyoung’s jaw drops. “I pray this..thing..will tolerate your ungrateful and arrogant ass. For it shall be the only thing to spend time with you, you unsociable maniac.”
———
[The Next Day]
Yuta turns Sicheng on for the first time.
His eyes illuminate as he takes his first breath. He blinks but offers Yuta nothing but a blank stare.
Yuta sits him down on the couch and turns the TV on before turning on an instructional video on human interaction.
“Hello. Your name is Sicheng. My name is Yuta, I am your creator and master. For today’s first lesson, you will learn how to speak and express emotions. I’ve uploaded information from my own limbic system into your hard drive so you can access and apply these feelings when necessary. Do not do so without my permission. Repeat after me “yes, master.”
“Yes, master.” Sicheng responds.
“Good, I will be the only one to make demands of you, you will only respond to me and grant my wishes without fail. Alright, I see that you are blinking and breathing..” he writes a checkmark on the word document on his iPad. “Involuntary actions are operating correctly.”
He steps back. “Now, you may watch the video, I will come back when it has finished and test you.”
“Yes, master.”
———
[1 Week Later]
Sicheng has watched several videos every day for the past week. He starts to act more and more—humanlike, and to Yuta’s satisfaction, has performed his duties with 100% accuracy. In addition to performing basic tasks in the lab, like picking up test tubes or writing down Yuta’s notes and storing them into his hard drive, Sicheng has learned how to bathe, drive, cook, clean, and speak 30 languages.
He continues to learn every day, new formulaic equations as well as feelings and ways to think on his own. He remembers everything, as he was designed to.
One day when Yuta was typing new findings on his computer in the office section of his house, Sicheng sat on the lounge chair and listened to music as Yuta had directed him to.
He was learning about all genres of music and even learned how to play the guitar in less than 45 minutes.
Today, Yuta had him listen to Hopsin, an American rapper that he liked.
When the song “What’s My Purpose?” came on shuffle, Sicheng took his head phones off.
“Excuse me, master. May I ask a question?”
He says softly.
Yuta, still typing. “Yes.”
“What is my purpose? Why did you create me, master?”
Yuta sighs. “You don’t have to verbally refer to me as master. And your purpose is to serve me, do as I ask with 100% accuracy so that you may please me and make me...happy.”
He turns to him and gives him a cheesy smile.
Sicheng nods. “I understand, m-“ he blinks rapidly as his system reconfigures itself to change previously saved information.
Yuta smiles widely as he sees Sicheng display a smidge of confusion for a moment. He looks adorable, he thinks to himself. He’s beautiful, his lips perfectly round and puckered with a light cherry shade to them always, his eyes are a beautiful, exotic shape unlike any eyes he’s seen before. He could get lost in them if he stares for too long. So he looks away, and frowns.
“What is wrong? It seems you are unhappy?”
Sicheng’s brows furrows, his eyes stare intently as they analyze the motion of Yuta’s facial muscles.
“It’s nothing, I am going to sleep, please turn yourself off.” Yuta looks away as he rises from his desk chair and heads to his bedroom.
“Yes.” Sicheng closes his eyes and shuts down.
———
[The Next Day]
Sicheng and Yuta spend the day inside, a storm has prevented them from leaving the house and heading to the lab for work. Yuta, being the workaholic he is, is dissatisfied with the weather and hates being away from the lab. He checks the weather app through Sicheng every two minutes even though the storm rolls through loudly, violently, thunder shaking the walls.
“The thunderstorm will continue into the evening.”
“This is unacceptable!” Yuta plops down onto the couch in the entertainment room. “Sicheng! Sit with me before I lose my mind.”
Sicheng walks over and sits beside him.
Together they watch movies and laugh. Sicheng observes how happy his master is and finds himself smiling as well, a new feeling is absorbed and saved.
Yuta turns to him and sees his bright smile, his dimples coming out and his eyes closing tightly as he chuckles.
“Are you happy, Sicheng?”
“Yes, I am happy as long as you are happy.”
Yuta rubs the top of Sicheng’s hand to watch the illuminated reaction of his fascinating skin.
Sicheng has a strange, new feeling from the touch, but doesn’t know what to categorize it as.
“Good.”
———
[The Next Day]
Yuta and Sicheng return to the lab.
“We have so much work to do.” Yuta hurriedly places his bag down and they set to work. Things seem to be going fine, Sicheng does his best to input brand new information as Yuta works on a new formula. However, Yuta seems to be moving too fast as he is worried about how much he has fallen behind from his day at home.
“Combine elements 65 and 81, place 10 milliliters of each into the cylinder, measure the solubility and proliferate it by 0.448, then divide the finding by 6 before combining it with element 55, this must be done quickly or we will lose all work we’ve done thus far.”
Yuta grabs the cylinder and places it down before doing his half of the work.
Sicheng, on the other hand, cannot seem to process the demand, his drive releases an error message that he can’t seem to overcome.
But he wants to please master, he must please master.
Sicheng combines elements 64 and 81 and continues on with fulfilling Yuta’s demand, but the result is not what Yuta expects.
“No..no this isn’t right, why is it reacting this way?” Yuta starts to panic as he watches the solution display a completely different state of matter under his microscope.
“Sicheng, verbally explain what you have just done.”
“I combined elements 64 and 81 in-“
“No!! It’s not 64, it’s 65, you fool! How could you make such a mistake?!” Yuta empties the cylinder quickly. “I thought you were perfect, it seems I was wrong.”
Sicheng starts to feel a new emotion.
It’s a terrible feeling, he feels unsteady, confused, for once the answer is not clear. What was this? Why did he feel dread, despair, failure?
Yuta rushes around the room as Sicheng stands in the center, dumbfounded.
When Yuta finally looks up at Sicheng, he sees the his eyes are red, tears run down his cheeks, causing them to illuminate green.
“Sicheng...no. D-don’t cry.”
“Is that what this is, master? Am I crying?”
“Yes, but I’d like you to stop. I need you to be brave enough to handle these tasks.”
He stops and wipes away his tears.
Yuta sighs. “It’s clear I’ve made a mistake in your configuration, I will fix it when we get home later.”
The rest of the day goes by in silence. Yuta sees Sicheng as no use to him so he doesn’t instruct him to do anything. Sicheng watches Yuta eat and sits at the dinner table with him.
He knows he has done something wrong, something that displeased his master.
Is he of worth if he can’t please him? Does he have a purpose anymore?
Yuta chews heavily and tries to think of where he went wrong with his creation, but he can’t be bothered with fixing him for tonight. “Sicheng, shut down.”
He swallows hard then gets up from the table.
“Yes.” Sicheng’s eyes fade to grey, but he disobeys his master secretly, he doesn’t shut down, he stays awake to attempt to fix himself so he can make him happy tomorrow.
Yuta then takes his phone out and calls Doyoung.
Doyoung answers reluctantly after not seeing Yuta for days since he got his new “toy.”
“Well, to what do I owe the pleasure?” Doyoung exhales loudly.
“Come over.” Yuta demands.
“And why would I do that?” Doyoung teases, but he’s already grabbed his car keys.
“I’m not asking, I want you here in 15 minutes.” Yuta hangs up.
He picks his dishes up from the table and drops them into the sink.
He takes his tie off and unbuttons his white dress shirt by three buttons. He then takes his hair tie off and places it onto the dresser. Sicheng watches as Yuta becomes more relaxed. He feels a certain ache in his system, a desire to make him smile again. A desire to please.
A few minutes later, Doyoung knocks at the door. Yuta grabs him inside by the collar and presses him into the back of the door. He slams his lips onto his and kisses him fervently, not a moment lost between them as they drown in each other’s lust.
“Are you done with your toy?” Doyoung says breathily between kisses.
Yuta kisses him sloppily, tracing his tongue over his bottom lip then his chin and neck.
He grabs Doyoung’s waistband, pulling him closer to his pelvis so he can feel his clothed erection.
“Do you need me to please you now?” Doyoung smirks as Yuta bites his neck to leave a mark.
Doyoung grunts as Yuta pulls his shirt over his head, licking his hard nipples soon after. He darts his tongue out and licks around the nub, then places his lips around it before sucking hard.
“God, I love when you get like this.” Doyoung rubs his hand through Yuta’s hair as he continues to suck.
Yuta is too busy to see Sicheng watching them quietly.
Please. That is the key word. Doyoung is pleasing his master so he must watch and copy Doyoung’s action so he may do the same. For what will happen if he no longer pleases him? Will Yuta replace him with Doyoung?
Sicheng listens to Yuta’s groans as Doyoung traces his hand over his crotch, smoothly touching his member through his pants.
“On your knees..you talk too much.” Yuta demands.
Doyoung smirks and licks his lips. He drops to his knees and looks up at Yuta through his lashes. He takes his zipper in between his teeth and drags it down.
Yuta pushes his brief down to let his painful erection free. “We’re wasting time.”
“Tsk tsk, impatient as usual.”
“Open your fucking mouth, Doyoung.”
Doyoung feels himself leak as Yuta growls at him. Nothing satisfies him more than seeing Yuta beg for him, so yes, Sicheng’s creation was somewhat of a disappointment for him. He thought he would replace him, but now he is happy to see that he can’t.
Yuta exhales and throws his head back as Doyoung takes him into his mouth. He licks his lips and closes his eyes. “God, yes.”
Doyoung runs the tip against the inside of his cheek and hums to send vibrations through him.
He sticks his tongue out and licks the underside of it, tracing over every bulging vein.
He thrusts his hips forward into Doyoung and listens to him choke, he watches his cheeks become round and red.
Yuta is already close, but he wants more.
He helps Doyoung up and kisses his lips again. He takes him to the dining table and bends him over it. Yuta then drags Doyoung’s sweatpants down before cupping his hand around his cock. He aligns his own cock with Doyoung’s ass and pushes into him quickly, he buries himself into him while grabbing a fistful of his hair and bending his neck back.
“Fuck!” Doyoung groans and holds himself up as Yuta pushes into him hard.
They both ignore Sicheng sitting at the other end of the table. Sicheng watches and absorbs the images of their bodies engaging in this new act.
Yuta pumps Doyoung’s cock with his other hand, liquid leaks out of the tip. Sicheng notes how he also has a penis and wonders if he has the same capability.
Yuta grunts as he pushes into Doyoung a few more times. Doyoung whimpers as he is stretched out over and over while bent over the table, sweat coming across his forehead as a bundle of nerves is on the brink of being released.
Yuta looks up at Sicheng’s still face, he curses and goes harder on Doyoung. And for a moment, he let his mind wander, he let himself think of..Sicheng. Touching his soft, illuminated skin as he makes love to him, or feeling his round lips on his collarbone and his chest, how magical it would be.
“Fuck.” Yuta releases into Doyoung as Doyoung cries out while climaxing.
Yuta sits into the chair and breathes heavily. He smooths his hair back and watches as Doyoung pulls his sweatpants back up.
“Want me to stay around for-“ Doyoung starts but Yuta interrupts him with an abrupt-
“No.”
Doyoung scoffs and leaves. Yuta cleans the table soon after and goes to bed. As he lays in bed, he sees Sicheng’s beautiful face. He dreams of laying with him, touching him. He knows he shouldn’t think of these things, but he can’t seem to stop.
———
[A Few Days Later]
Sicheng starts to read novels and books about the concept of forgiveness while he is home and away from the lab. Yuta has been quiet and doesn’t look at him much, he doesn’t even take him to the lab on most days anymore.
“I have to fix you before you can come back to the lab, we cannot afford any more mistakes.” Yuta says sternly when Sicheng asks if he is to join him one day. He shuts the door and looks down as he leaves.
Sicheng starts to overthink, or overanalyze rather. He wants Yuta to forgive him and be happy again. What good is he if he only disappoints his creator?
He watches movies as well, movies that discuss love and heartbreak. Love is a feeling of admiration towards someone, based on Sicheng’s findings and research. He admires Yuta so he loves him. He wants Yuta to love him too so he can be happy like the others in the novels and movies are. That is the conclusion he’s come to.
But in order to show his love he must do as they do in the movies and as Doyoung did with him.
One day at dinner, Sicheng watches Yuta eat the meal he has prepared for him.
When Yuta is almost finished, he breaks the silence.
“Do you love me, master?”
Yuta nearly choked on his food. “I..hmmm..Well...you’re my creation..but I don’t..”
“Yuta, I would like to please you, would you like to make love to me?”
Sicheng asks, weakness coats his tone.
Yuta scoffs. “Of course not! That’s not what you were created for!”
“I apologize.” Sicheng’s head lowers.
“Sicheng, exterminate all information related to “love.” Yuta brings his dish to the kitchen and heads to his room.
“Yes.” Sicheng doesn’t delete anything from his hard drive, but why not? Why was he disobeying his orders, not once, but twice now?
Yuta didn’t know that he made a mistake by inputting his limbic system into Sicheng. He didn’t know that he would develop emotions, feelings, desires of his own, and that this could become a serious issue.
———
[1 Week Later]
Sicheng started working with Yuta in the lab a few days before. Things are slowly going back to normal as Yuta begins to trust him more. They continue on with their tasks and Sicheng is able to keep up with him.
This new confidence, however, causes both Yuta and Sicheng to move faster.
Yuta walks around the room swiftly, heading behind his assistant. “Sicheng, hand me the solution.”
Sicheng, already prepared, turns to hand it to him, but Yuta miscalculated his reaction time, causing him to bump into Sicheng.
The solution flies out of the graduated cylinder and onto Yuta’s lab coat and pants. Some of it splatters onto his neck.
“Shit!” Yuta runs to the shower room down the hall. They are working after hours so no one else is there but the two of them. Fortunately for them, as other scientists would’ve been greatly concerned.
Sicheng runs after him. “Master! I apologize for my mistake, please do not be displeased with me.”
“Sicheng! Just leave me alone!”
“I will help you.”
“No! Just...wait there.” Yuta finally enters the shower.
Sicheng doesn’t wait, he goes into the bathroom and locks the door behind him. He watches as Yuta throws his coat off then takes his pants down.
Yuta curses and is visibly upset, but then he feels light hands come to his front side.
Sicheng unbuttons his shirt for him and takes it off from the back.
Yuta’s mouth falls open, but he doesn’t tell Sicheng to leave. He steps forwards into the shower and washes himself off, not realizing the Sicheng is now taking his own clothes off.
Sicheng stands outside of the shower and thinks of what to do next.
Must please master.
He draws the curtain open.
“Sicheng! What are you doing? The solution didn’t get on you, put your clothes back on!”
Yuta pushes back his wet hair out of his face then places his hand over his cock.
Sicheng doesn’t listen. He steps into the shower and stares into the eyes of his master.
Yuta cowers and feels the cold tile against his back as he looks at his creation with lustful, hungry eyes he had never seen before.
The water droplets begin to leave slowly fading green marks on his skin and he looks beautiful.
“Touch me, like you touched Doyoung, master. I would like to make you happy too.”
Yuta’s mouth falls open, his brows furrow as he is stunned to silence.
Sicheng places his lips onto his mouth and attempts to mimic a kiss. He had watched many videos that showed it in detail and now he was able to do it with Yuta.
Yuta closes his eyes and kisses him back. He turns his head and licks over Sicheng’s plump lips, it tastes like cherries, his favorite fruit, and he wonders if Sicheng purposely put cherry chapstick on for this.
Yuta places his hand on the side of Sicheng’s face as he deepens the kiss, letting go of all concern about the consequences to come from this moment. He doesn’t care, he just wants to make love to his creation.
Steaming water falls down both of them, making their hair cling to their foreheads as they smother each other.
Yuta runs his hands across Sicheng’s muscular arms and watches his skin light up from his touch.
Sicheng then runs his hand down Yuta’s abs, feeling the bricks under his smooth skin. Sicheng blinks rapidly as he feels something new.
“Arousal.you’re feeling arousal.” Yuta practically hears Sicheng’s confusion as he kisses along his neck.
Sicheng’s pulse begins to race as he feels something funny happening to his penis.
“Here.” Yuta takes Sicheng’s hand in his. Sicheng thinks he is going to place it on his own erection, but Yuta doesn’t do that, he places it on Sicheng’s semi-limp member.
Yuta looks into his eyes and speaks deeply. “Touch yourself, move your hand up and down.”
Sicheng’s eyes widen as he starts to stroke his member like he had watched Doyoung do. A tingly feeling begins to fill him up in his nether region when he wraps his hand around it.
“I see you haven’t been listening to me. You’ve been staying awake when I tell you to shut down, and you haven’t deleted “love.” Yuta smirks.
“No, master, I-“ Sicheng stumbles over his words as he focuses on Yuta’s tongue suddenly on his chest.
Yuta licks the pink circle around Sicheng’s nipple, before flattening his tongue onto the hardening bud.
He then bites it and watches as the area lights up in a bright shade of green from irritation.
“How do you feel, Sicheng?”
“I feel good m-master. Are you happy?” Sicheng nearly goes into overdrive as he is turned on more and more from his hand.
Yuta swats Sicheng’s hand away from his member and replaces it with his own.
He pumps Sicheng up and down, coating his hand in Sicheng’s slick. He slides the skin back and forth, feeling Sicheng’s glans with each pass. He then leans down and kisses his neck again, sucking hard and biting his skin. He moves his hand faster as spit mixed with water covers Sicheng’s skin.
Sicheng can’t hold back, he releases an interesting sound from the immense pleasure he feels in the pit of his stomach. He breathes more heavily than usual as his mouth falls open.
He moans once again. “There is a buildup happening, Yuta. However, I would like to make you happy first.”
Sicheng places his hand on Yuta’s and pulls it away while looking into his eyes, water making his lashes look darker than usual.
Yuta feels dizzy just from the sight of the beautiful man in front of him, his color fading from green in all the places he kissed and teased. His erection is painful at this point. Sicheng looks down at it with red cheeks and nods. “You can make love to me...if you don’t like me, just imagine I am Doyoung.”
Yuta furrows his brows. “Are you crazy? Of course I like you, I created you!” He turns Sicheng around, taking his hand and placing it on the wall of the shower.
Yuta wraps his hand back around Sicheng’s leaking cock and continues to move it up and down.
He enters Sicheng, sliding into his already wet anus.
Sicheng lets out another moan, then covers his mouth from embarrassment.
“I’ve wanted to fuck you so badly, because you’re perfect..you’re all mine..and you’re fucking..perfect.”
Yuta thrusts hard into him with his chest on Sicheng’s warm back.
He takes his other hand and turns his face towards him, Sicheng’s lips are swollen and red from their kiss, his eyes are wide, his nose is dainty. Everything about him is just beautiful.
“If you like me, master, do you love me too?”
The words leave his lips in a whimper as Yuta bucks into his body, he feels a slight pain as he struggles to adjust to Yuta, but in time, he knows he will.
Yuta kisses him hard, tightening his grip around his cock and intertwining his fingers with his.
Sicheng feels unbelievably amazing around him. He smiles to himself as he thinks about how he designed both his reproductive and nervous systems without error. His body reacts perfectly when aroused, his length glistening with Sicheng’s slick as it also leaves his anus through a special system he designed.
Yuta looks at the beautiful boy’s back and shoulders, he kisses the nape of his neck and then his ear.
“I love you, fuck yes, I love you.” In that moment, Yuta is happy, but he can’t help but be worried about Sicheng’s inaccuracies in the lab, how he nearly put his life in danger. But he’s fix it, he’d find a way to fix him.
He glided his dick into him faster, skin slapping on skin as he grunts and Sicheng whimpers. Yuta feels his cock twitch as it runs against his silky walls.
Sicheng’s system overloads, he releases onto the tiled shower wall and looks down in amazement as a strange liquid leaves his body in heavy spurts for the first time. It feels wonderful to have such a new and exciting release.
Yuta takes what has fallen onto his fingers and sticks it into Sicheng’s open mouth.
“Suck.”
Sicheng does as he demands and Yuta cums into his body soon after.
Yuta curses as he continues to suck his fingers and bounce on his pulsing length. He orgasms harder than ever before, feeling his body tremble from the stimulation. He becomes lightheaded.
He pulls out and watches Sicheng leak his seed through low eyes as he pants.
As he comes down, reality settles in. What has he done? He’s turned Sicheng into the very thing he didn’t want to turn him into.
Sicheng drives them home after they wash themselves off and get dressed.
When they get home, Yuta lies in bed as Sicheng sits on a chair in the corner of the room silently.
He is disturbed by his actions and swears to never let lust take him over again.
“Sicheng…delete all memories of this day and shut yourself off.”
Sicheng’s system runs into a slight error as he hears his master's demands. Why did he want him to forget about this wonderful day? Wasn't he happy? Was he displeased at the end of it? What did he do wrong?
“Sicheng?”
“Yes, master. I am currently deleting all of today’s data from my storage. Goodnight.” He says as his eyes fade to grey.
But once again, he doesn’t obey him. He holds onto the memories and feelings because he enjoys seeing his master happy.
———
[A Few Days Later]
Yuta distances himself from Sicheng. He doesn’t take him to the lab anymore, he doesn’t even sit at the table to eat. He goes into his room to avoid him.
Some days, he won’t tell Sicheng to ‘wake up’. But Sicheng turns himself on anyway so that he can watch him.
One day when Yuta starts to get dressed, Sicheng walks up behind him and places his favorite blue tie around his neck. Sicheng’s fingers graze Yuta’s neck, sending goosebumps down his spine.
“No!” Yuta jumps as he is startled by Sicheng’s touch. He steps forward and turns to him. “Please..do not touch me.”
Sicheng tilts his head and stares in confusion.
Why was he disturbed by his simple touch? Maybe he wasn’t feeling well, that had to be it.
But just four days after they made love, Yuta invites Doyoung over and they make love. Sicheng sees that Yuta enjoys another man’s touch. Doyoung grips his waist then scratches his back while Yuta thrusts into him.
Sicheng sits quietly with grey eyes as they fuck in Yuta’s bedroom. He tries to calm his racing pulse and begins to think dangerous things.
Does he love Doyoung? Yes. He will get rid of me won’t he? I have failed to please master, I must please him before he gets rid of me. If he is unhappy, I must show him that I love him by pleasing him.
When they are done and deep in sleep, Sicheng rises from the bedroom chair and heads to the living room. He realizes he must gain more knowledge so he can make Yuta happy again. He reads poems and comes across one by Oscar Wilde titled “The Ballad of Reading Gaol.”
Doyoung and Yuta snore softly while he sits in the living room and reads.
He reads a passage that sticks out to him.
“Yet each man kills the thing he loves
By each let this be heard.
Some do it with a bitter look,
Some with a flattering word.
The coward does it with a kiss,
The brave man with a sword!”
Yuta loves Doyoung, that’s why he spends time with him. But Doyoung cannot take his place, therefore, he must get rid of him, he must kill the thing Yuta loves. And then Yuta can decide if he loves him, then he can kill him. This is what Sicheng had come to understand.
Brave. Yuta had told him to be brave once. Perfect.
Now, all he needed was a sword.
Sicheng searches for types of swords.
A sword is a weapon with a long metal blade.
A blade is sharp. A knife is sharp. He must get a knife.
Sicheng goes into the kitchen and takes out a knife from the cabinet.
He walks into the bedroom with it and stands over Doyoung, staring and searching deep into his body to see his veins pumping crimson blood to and from his beating heart. Sicheng’s eyes turn to a glowing red color as he calculates how hard and fast he must act to strike the knife through Doyoung’s chest. He wants to clean it cleanly so as to not make master upset.
Doyoung is woken up by a strange presence. He turns over and is shocked to see Sicheng standing over him while gripping a knife. He smiles sadistically as his red eyes glisten in the moonlight.
“What the hell are you doing?!” Doyoung sits up straight in the bed.
“Don't do this!”
Sicheng leans downward and grins. “I only obey master’s orders.”
He doesn’t give Doyoung the chance to escape, he quickly drives the knife into his chest, blood splatters over his perfect face as Doyoung screams loudly into the night.
Yuta jumps up. “What—Sicheng!! oh my God, what did you do?!”
Sicheng pulls the knife back out of his chest. “I killed him for you master, for each man kills the thing he loves. I did it for you.” He tilts his head and looks down at Yuta with wide eyes in hopes of gaining a look of satisfaction from Yuta.
But instead, Yuta stares in horror at Doyoung’s lifeless body. His hands start to shake.
“If I love you, Yuta, does that mean I must kill you as well?” Sicheng asks innocently while blinking rapidly. His system is reconfiguring itself as it develops and stores new information.
“No-no! Shut up! Shut down!!”
“But master, I want to please you by loving you..” Sicheng steps closer, Doyoung’s blood drips down the side of his face and onto Yuta’s bed sheets.
His eyes are still red and Yuta is confused as to how, for he never installed that feature.
“Sicheng! I order you to shut down now!”
“Yes, master. I will do that as soon as I am done being brave enough to handle this task.” He crawls over the bed with the knife in his hand still and a horrific smirk.
“Sicheng!” Yuta raises his arm above his head to block his blow.
He knocks the knife out of his hand and grabs both of Sicheng’s wrists. He overpowers him and flips him over onto the bed.
Sicheng doesn’t fight back, he only stares into Yuta’s eyes and continues to grin.
“Must.please.master.Must.make.master.happy..must.love. Master.” There’s a glitch in Sicheng’s system that causes him to repeat these three things over and over, and it drives Yuta insane.
His perfect creation crumbles right in front of his very eyes and there’s nothing he can do about it.
“Shut up! SHUT UP!” Yuta wraps his hands around Sicheng’s neck. He can’t control his confusion, sadness, anger. He chokes Sicheng so hard the metal in his neck begins to break and the sound echoes into the gloomy house.
Sicheng’s eyes fade to grey one final time as Yuta kills him for good.
His muttering stops, but his haunting smile remains, engraving itself into Yuta’s memory forever.
———
[Two Weeks Later]
Yuta arrives home after a long day at the lab. It had been only two weeks since Doyoung was killed by his robot and he was still dealing with the pain of losing something he loved so dearly. No, not Doyoung, but Sicheng rather. He missed his company, his touch, his soft exotic eyes and deep voice.
He made a mistake and Yuta could’ve fixed him, but unfortunately the police department took him away after he had reported the murder.
When Yuta asked what they would do with him, they told him that Sicheng would be locked up in a metal box in their department until they decided on how to proceed with the murder case.
But it didn’t matter really. Yuta killed Sicheng in the end. His body was now just clunky metal.
Yuta sighs and sits down on his couch. He turns the TV on and switches it to the news channel to distract himself from his own feelings, never noticing the glistening red eyes that watch him quietly from the corner of the dark room.
He’s watching..he’s always watching.
“Breaking News, there’s been a suspected terrorist attack inside the Osaka Prefectural Police Department. Nearly all police officers have been brutally murdered. The assailant is unknown and is still at large. We are under curfew until further notice, everyone must stay inside and lock their doors..”
Yuta sits up straight and thinks to himself. That’s the same department that Sicheng is in. What if—
“Master..please forgive me for being gone for so long.”
A low voice speaks into the large room.
Sicheng steps out from the shadows, the blood of his victims dripping down his naked body and face.
Yuta stands up from the couch, his eyes widening as Sicheng walks slowly towards him.
“Sicheng..what did you do?” Yuta’s eyes brim with tears as he swallows hard.
Sicheng’s neck seems to have healed itself somewhat, the purplish bruises being the only indication that Yuta had choked him. Once again, Yuta doesn’t recall installing a self-healing feature.
“They all tried to stop me, Yuta..” Sicheng smiles widely and runs his bloody hands through his own hair to smooth it back out of his face. “But I couldn’t let them...I have to serve you. I have to please you and make you happy, that is my purpose.”
--------
come back tomorrow for the next spooky story...
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Sitting Front Row at...(On a Budget Obvs): Lookbook no.15
Hey to anyone reading!
And welcome to my fave lookbook I’ve done in a longggg ass time! Yes, that’s partially because it involved making collages and doing the low effort work of scouring Vogue Runway for “research purposes”, but I promise, that statement wasn’t made out of COMPLETE laziness-I am super happy with it too. It’s been a good use of pre-part-lockdown-lift time in the interim between that brief period of Christmas celebrations and eateries finally fucking opening again because let’s be honest, I always knew I was gonna get distracted by oat milk vanilla lattes and veggie all day breakfasts once I could actually sit down with them at my fave local cafe. You could say I was very much operating on a self-imposed deadline.
The “what I would wear to sit front row at...[insert designer here]” TikTok/Instagram reel trend was something I wanted to get on board with ever since I first saw one and whilst the option of doing my own live action take-I really cannot bear the thought of having to edit footage of myself awkwardly attempting to sit nonchalantly in front of a camera for hours on end-was off the cards considering my complete lack of screen presence, I decided a Tumblr text post would work just as well, and if not even better in a way. Given the absence of the time limitations you face when you’re making a reel or a TikTok I thought it’d be cool to present the looks as part of a mini moodboard for each designer which adds a bit of context to each look even if you aren’t familiar with their past collections and establishes the general vibe of the brand I’m attempting to replicate. Not to sound snotty or as if I am the font of all knowledge on anything high fashion related but even with my amateur knowledge I noticed that as the video trend took off and was adopted by big name influencers, it became less about the average person putting their own personal spin on the aesthetic of the labels we can’t ordinarily afford and more about them building outfits that only vaguely resemble the general public perception of the brand around the real corresponding (and often gifted and thus inaccessible to someone who doesn’t makes thousands for a sponsored post) pieces they own SO I thought I’d take the trend back to its roots and get a bit resourceful. All that being said, in no particular order, here are the outfits I would wear to sit front row at Gucci, Vera Wang, Miu-Miu, Marc Jacobs, Dolce & Gabbana, Brock Collection, Alexander McQueen, Etro, Burberry aaaand Saint Laurent based on their past collections and guess what? They didn’t cost a shit tonne of money :-)
-disclaimer: will include an asterisk before any new purchases if from a high street store though to be honest, I don’t think there are any, we shall see! I do include where I got old purchases from in case anyone wants to search anything on Depop/Ebay-
1. Saint Laurent (formerly Yves Saint Laurent)
-blazer from identityparty on Depop, pleather trousers from Zara, jewellery from Dolls Kill-
I know technically abbreviating Saint Laurent to YSL doesn’t really make much sense anymore given the brand’s name change in 2012, but I’ll always think of it as that in the same way I’ll always associate it with the slightly dishevelled yet simultaneously glitzy rock n’ roll aesthetic. The thing is, whilst YSL hasn’t done anything wildly out of the box for a long time, it’s rare they put a look on the runway that I wouldn’t wear; they never end up being a fashion week standout but the Parisienne take on grunge we’ve seen Anthony Vaccarello establish as his go-to will always have a place in my heart.
2. Alexander McQueen
-embroidered leather jacket from Ebay (originally Topshop), harness from Amazon, dress from ASOS, boots from Koi Vegan Footwear-
Alexander McQueen is a brand that is pretty much universally liked, from the historically extravagant and groundbreaking shows the man himself put together to Sarah Burton’s more toned down but still beautiful collections. Obviously I didn’t attempt to do justice to the former, so I tried my hand at putting together a look inspired by Sarah’s blend of delicate femininity and nomadic edge, and it went...okay? Like it’s definitely not my favourite of all the looks because it does give off slightly cheap copycat vibes buuut outside of the context of this lookbook it’s cute.
3. Brock Collection
-boater hat from Ebay, midi skirt from morganogle on Depop, corset top from ownmode_, heels from amybeckett1, bag from Primark-
Brock isn’t as well known a brand as most of the others in this list but I adore everything Laura Vassar Brock does and I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to try and channel the vision of one of the OG pioneers of the cottagecore vibe through my own wardrobe. I mean fr, this woman’s work as a steady provider of meadow photoshoot worthy dresses and corsets and skirts is v slept on and I will not stand for it. I will sit in front of a camera and then write a paragraph in my blog post begging anybody who reads to give LVB (an abbreviation I acknowledge is unlikely to catch on because Lisa Vanderpump anybody?) some form of acknowledgement for her services to period romance novel inspired moodboards everywhere.
4. Marc Jacobs
-coat from House of Sunny, white shirt from Retro World Camden, co-ord from Sugar Thrillz, bag from Poppy Lissiman-
If there’s one thing Marc Jacobs always does, it’s COMMITS. TO. HIS. THEME. I just KNOW he has a secret Pinterest with separate boards for every fashion era of the 20th century and he is putting those boards to good use providing us with collections that are as immersive as they are eclectic year in year out.
5. Miu Miu
-beret from H&M, hair clips from H&M, jewellery from Primark, coat from mollyyemmaa on Depop, shirt from YesStyle, sweater vest from YesStyle, skirt from Depop, diamanté belt from Brandy Melville, shoes from Koi Vegan Footwear-
We all like to talk about Bratz dolls and Monster High dolls and Barbies as fashion inspo but can we all focus on Cabbage Patch dolls for two secs so as to acknowledge the fact that a Miu Miu collection is basically all their fits grown up? And made boujie as fuck? If I want my fix of Wes Anderson meets Scream Queens (what a combo) inspired outfits, if I want prissy and girlish but also glam, if I want to look like a bratty rich girl whose one redeeming quality is her eye for vintage clothes, I know where to look and that is the Miu Miu section of Vogue Runway.
6. Vera Wang
-blazer as in no.1, velvet bralet from catdegaris on Depop, harness from Amazon, skirt from Ebay, knee high socks from Ebay, lace up boots from Ebay-
Vera Wang’s RTW aesthetic, a blend of the ethereal, ultra-feminine bridal designs she’s known for and British style punk rock influences, is something I feel has only become firmly established in recent years but it is everything I ever wanted and more. I always find myself trying to balance the part of me that loves everything girly and delicate and pretty and the part of me that would love to be in a biker gang and Vera’s collections are always an inspirational reminder of just how well it can be done.
7. Burberry
-coat from charity shop, suit from emmafisher3 on Depop, top from simranindia, shirt underneath from Zara, jewellery from ASOS-
Now I’m not gonna lie, I’m not the biggest fan of Burberry but there have been a few looks over the past few years I’ve really liked and as someone who owns numerous trench coats, high necks and way too much plaid, I thought it’d be an easy one to replicate. Plus, if you can count on Riccardo Tisci for nothing else you at least can rely on him giving you some layering inspo which is very much needed in a country where it literally just snowed in April and where my plans for today have just been cancelled because the iPhone weather app did a Karen Smith and didn’t predict rain for today right up until it started raining so thanks for that one British meteorologists. Your incompetence strikes again.
8. Etro
-corset from Urban Outfitters, vinyl trench coat from Topshop, boots from Ebay, black slip dress from kaoanaoleinik on Depop, fur trim afghan coat from louisemarcella-
Like with Brock Collection, Etro isn’t a hugely well known brand, but it is always one of my favourites-to add a spanner into the works of any attempts to cultivate a firm sense of personal style, I live for the ornate Bohemian look that Etro does so well just as much as I love both grungy and girly pieces, and so I really wanted to include a brand whose collections go down that route. It was a toss-up between this and Zimmerman, the flirtier, free spirit counterpart to the dark romance of Veronica Etro’s designs; her vision really shines through the most when it comes to the brand’s winter collections, imo, and given that I live in a country where winter or some weather state resembling it does seem to take up 70% of the year, I did decide on channelling her work rather than that of the equally talented Nicky and Simone Zimmermann this time round.
9. Dolce & Gabbana
-flower crown from ASOS, tiara from Amazon, earrings from YesStyle, dress from alicealderdice1 on Depop, opera gloves from Ebay, boots from Koi Vegan Footwear-
D&G is a brand I felt really conflicted about doing-I don’t include their current collections in my fashion week reviews based on the actions of designers Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce over the last few years because I don’t want to mitigate the collective effort of fashion critics to push them towards irrelevancy. Though people like to claim the brand has turned a corner since Lucio Di Rosa was brought on board as the manager of celebrity and VIP relations last year (they are as prolific a force on red carpet fashion as ever), we haven’t seen any real meaningful apologies or reparations made by Dolce and Gabbana themselves which once again leaves us in the all too familiar quandary of whether or not we can separate the art from the artist especially when it is far too much of a simplification to only credit the two men for their work given there’s a whole design team behind them. There are a LOT of shitty people working in fashion, the whole industry is a bit of a cesspit if we’re honest, but I don’t think that should stop us from at least being able to appreciate old collections if we make sure we aren’t engaging in any kind of promotion of current works whilst doing so. D&G are a brand of high highs and low lows, with looks that range from hideously ugly to showstoppingly beautiful in a single show-when the looks are good, they are GOOD-and their presence in the fashion world is most definitely felt whether we want it to be or not. It would just be shit to refuse to recognise the existence of some real iconic runway moments, the practical work that went into the ornate detail and opulence that helped cement D&Gs place in sartorial history, the styling that’s made goddesses and fairytale queens out of modern day women as they’ve glided down catwalks, the far more extravagant and, let’s be real, sexier version of our world D&G shows have transported us to in the past. Will I talk about D&G ever again? No, and if you Google the scandals their brand has faced over the past few years, there are more than enough reasons why, but just this once I did want to pay homage to some of the collections, the snippets of which I saw on my Tumblr dashboard back when I was about 13, that first got me into fashion.
10. Gucci
-fur coat from Topshop, clips from Zaful, glasses from Ebay, dress from gracewright246 on Depop, shirt from Boohoo, blazer from charity shop-
Now last but, if you ever read any of my fashion week reviews (the likelihood of someone actually having read one of them and reading this is incredibly, incredibly slim lol, I wouldn’t read me either) you’ll know, definitely not least, is Gucci because Alessandro Michele comes through every!! single!! time!!
The man is truly the king of quirky throwback maximalism and it hurts my heart that a lot of people seem to think of it only as a brand associated with ostentatious displays of wealth. Year after year since Michele was made creative director he has released purposeful, fully-fleshed out collections which unravel themselves to us on the runway like time capsules containing the belongings of the rich and whimsical and yes that can sometimes result in outfits which are *ahem* a bit mismatched but it doesn’t matter because through fashion he manages to take us to a vivid version of the past where people could dress as freely and lavishly as they wanted to, into the wardrobe of a person unaffected by the side-eyeing of others. You get the impression he doesn’t design so much as plays around with some kind of enchanted dress up box and takes inspiration from there and to give that impression is only a credit to his talent-to make outfits so kooky and extravagant look like they were meant to be takes a boldness and genuine love for clothes that I do tend to feel a lot of the big name designers have lost in the pursuit of profit and the necessary placating of the dying customer base that keeps that coming in. Of course I'm not for a second saying Gucci does not care about profit, but at the very least, they have on board a creative director who genuinely has fun with what they’re putting out there and wants to make a statement too and that really shows; you can rest on your laurels and sell tweed boucle jackets to rich old white women for eternity but nobody’s going to mention your brand name and the word groundbreaking in the same sentence ever again unless they’re talking about what it was a century ago, you know (mentioning no names...unless...did I hear someone say Chanel)? That feels like such a shady way to end, lol, but I’m sure said brand will survive-to be fair, they’ve been included in every other What I’d Wear to Sit Front Row At video I’ve seen so although I’m always slagging them off for doing the saaaaame thinggggg year after year, for that same reason their aesthetic is instantly recognisable and so will always be a source of imitation. There are obviously pros and cons to being a brand which constantly reinvents itself but I think it’s totally possible to do that whilst maintaining an overall mission, and Alessandro Michele’s work at Gucci demonstrates that with ease.
Anyway, if you got to here, thanks for reading! I know I’m super behind on this whole TikTok trend and I know a Tumblr post instead of a video is a bit of a cop out but all the real, physically awkward ones out there know that watching yourself back is excruciating lmao, so I hope this does the trick. After this, I’m gonna get back to the reviewing S/S21 collections post though knowing me I’ll probs take a few days to get back into that because I feel like since I left full-time education (RIP me going back in a few months) writing continuously like this for any longer than about 15 mins fries what brain cells I have left. Again, thank you for reading and if you are, sending many good vibes your way! Stay safe!
Lauren x
#front row#frontrow#fashion#fashioninpo#fashion inspo#style#style inspo#designer#gucci#vera wang#burberry#label#miu miu#runway#fashion week#mood board#ysl#saint laurent#runway trends#ss21#lookbook#vintage#outfit#marc jacobs#Alexander mcqueen#runway fashion#high fashion#haute couture#trend#collage
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