#acts of kindness

[starseneyes]

Heart-Warmed and Teary-Eyed: Kindness Matters

I have a P.O. Box that I check once a week. Right now, I mostly use it for letter correspondence with my friend @always-coffee—a tremendous published poet and beautiful human I met by chance online.

Monday she said she mailed her latest letter. So, I stopped by the Post Office on the way home from dropping the kids at school on the off-chance it made it through USPS faster than normal.

I found no letter inside, but a flyer from the Post Office saying they were holding something for me that wouldn't fit in the box. I wondered if Ali had sent a letter that was too tall (because she has such amazing stationary). I had no idea what was about to happen.

I glimpsed the package as they pulled it from a cabinet and wondered what on earth Ali sent me. That was not a letter.

Then I saw The Golden Notebook Bookstore label and knew it was something @neil-gaiman related.

For those who don't know (normal people who don't follow Neil on social media, for example), that is the local bookstore near Neil's home in New York. He periodically signs books for them that are sold with zero markup.

I am a fan of Neil as a writer, but also as a human. I don't follow many celebrities—a side effect of my set-kid youth—but I did follow Neil last year during the WGA Strike. Been a fan of his for ages, and Neverwhere is my favorite book.

Ali knows all this, and I just knew she had done something sneakily sweet.

I rushed home with a smile on my face, trying desperately not to set off the speed-trap on the road back. Let me tell you, driving speed limit when excited is not easy for me!

When I finally whipped into my driveway and sprinted into my house, I carefully opened the package (more excruciating slowness) and tried not to cry happy tears when I saw what was inside. Wrapped tenderly in bubble-wrap rested... a book.

What You Need to be Warm is a poem Neil wrote that features illustrations from some of the best artists in the industry. That in itself is wonderful. But the mission of this little book is what is so amazing.

See, the sale of every copy supports UNHCR—the UN Refugee Agency. This book literally helps people when you buy it.

I have wanted to buy a copy for ages, but you all know I thrift and buy books secondhand. I didn't want to do that with this book.

I wanted to buy it outright to ensure the maximum amount of money went to support the cause. So, I have been waiting until we were a little more stable so I could buy it full-price, outright.

Thanks to Ali, I have a copy that was purchased outright (so it helps people in need) and it is signed!

Yes, it's a signed copy with pen bleed on the opposite page, and all.

I would never do something like this for myself. You all know I am woefully practical and doing things for myself isn't second-nature. I’m working on it, but it is slow coming reprogramming a lifetime of behavior. So gifts like this... oh, they mean everything.

I am overwhelmed with gratitude that such a kind soul would do something like this for me. Thank you, Ali.

#Gratitude #Acts of Kindness #What You Need to be Warm #UNHCR #Good People Still Exist #And Ali is one of the brightest stars shining in the dark

[spiritualseeker777]

#spiritual awakening #spiritual awareness #wisdom #acts of kindness #be kind #kindness #be good #good advice

[eloquent-edits]

🗡️ Casual kindness to cure the soul

small acts to show that they care 🗡️ fluff prompts

Character A refills character B’s water whenever they get up

B reminds A about taking medication (A often forgets to do that in the midst of strange activities)

A doesn’t think twice to move items out of the way because they know EXACTLY how clumsy B is

A slowly puts a pillow under B’s head so their neck isn’t strained in the morning

A can’t fall asleep without the tv on, but B can only sleep in total darkness, so A makes sure B has a sleep mask any time they stay the night

B makes A a small, discrete item to fidget with when they’re nervous

B keeps an eye out for collectibles that A wants and lets A know where to find them

Knowing A will be in a terribly boring work meeting, B sends A several memes to keep it entertaining

A and C are best friends and B makes sure C is involved in plans too (they don’t want to make C feel left out or like B is taking A away from them)

A reassures B that they don’t have to stay at the party if they don’t want to, the people there will be happy to see them whenever

A brings out a glass of water and a bigger hat for B, who decided the hottest day in the year was the right time to do yard work

B uses their dogs as an excuse to get A out of their house (“Arty is pouting because you’re not here… not for any other reason involving food.”)

B remembers a game that A wanted and buys it for them on their birthday (“I mentioned it once, like four months ago! How on earth did you remember that?”)

A secretly plans a fully customized gift for B with all of B’s friends

A sets a day and time every week to hang out with B, whether it be online or in person

A and B compete to genuinely compliment as many people as they can in a day (including each other)

#writing prompts #prompts #fluff prompts #writing #prompt list #imagine your otp #cute prompts #character dynamics #acts of kindness #flavor this in any way you want #these are all platonic to me as I’ve done almost all of these with friends

[reality-detective]

Random Act Of Kindness. 🤔

#pay attention #educate yourselves #educate yourself #knowledge is power #reeducate yourself #reeducate yourselves #think for yourselves #think about it #think for yourself #do your homework #do your own research #do some research #ask yourself questions #question everything #acts of kindness #dedication

[itsstreetlove]

Kindness

A nice little story…. The eldery gentleman had dementia and this kind hearted train guard lent him his hat to have his photograph taken with his son. The guard took a photo of them and the old chap was delighted, his son too! Small things can mean a lot :)

Severn Valley Railway ~ Autumn Steam Gala 2023

#photographers on tumblr #original photographers #severn valley railway #heritage railway #acts of kindness

[lovinterstellar]

˚୨୧⋆｡ random acts of kindness to do ˚୨୧⋆｡

pay for someone's food/groceries give an extra tip give a stranger a compliment pick up trash you see buy an extra meal and give it to someone in need leave positive notes in public places bake/cook someone something just because leave a positive comment on someone's social media page/blog holding the door for someone help someone study thank a school employee let someone sit next to you at lunch

#girlblogging #girl blogger #girlblog #pinklipgloss777 #acts of kindness #xo

[jerzwriter]

When I saw the event announced, I had the very best of intentions. I was going to share my favorite fics/art, masterlists, and send personal messages to many that I hold near and dear. Unfortunately, the event coincided with the wedding of my nephew/godson/other child, and I was far too busy to do much at all. But hey, kindness is an ongoing event, right? So I'll try to do some of those things after the fact; I'm sure no one will mind. 😊

But I wanted to take a moment to send a shout-out to everyone who does their part to help keep the fandom alive and strong and who takes the time to build each other up rather than tear them down. Fandoms exist as a place where we can create, find commonality, and escape. We need more things like this in our increasingly troubled world, a safe haven... that's what this should be.

Choices was always a niche fandom, but we're so tiny now, but you can see the passion in those who remain and we're always eager to welcome newcomers who still arrive! (We ain't dead, people! lol) So...

To the creators: Thank you for continuing to share your gifts with us. You may not always know it, but your art can help someone through a rough day, bring a smile when needed, or elicit emotion that the consumer didn't even know they needed to release. Thanks for making us think, laugh, cry, lust, and fall in love with our little blorbos. You really are the best!

To the givers: Those who run events to keep this little place of ours going. To those who see someone is having a bad day and take action - it could be sending a DM, a cute ask, a funny little gif, a new creation for one of their beloved characters, or simply offering a hug and an ear - YOU are truly the backbone of the fandom and an example of what we all should be in every aspect of our lives. THANK YOU for that.

To the readers and art lovers: Your likes, comments and reblogs are the fuel that help creators going when they feel they have nothing more to give. You have no idea how much they mean and how much they are appreciated. You are part of the puzzle that makes a fandom whole, you are seen and you are appreciated!

Personally, I'd like to thank so many people, and I will in my own way in the weeks to come. Some of you have been a source of support, kindness, and inspiration that have lifted me through some difficult times this year. I only hope I was able to return that to you in the smallest of ways. I'm not naming names only because I'm always so worried that I'll forget someone and hurt their feelings, but I try to express how I feel in the moment, so I hope you know who you are, and I hope you know how much you're appreciated.

@choicesfandomappreciation Thank you so much for hosting this and other events and doing your best to make this place special for all. You are appreciated beyond words! 🩷

#choices #playchoices #choices fandom appreciation #acts of kindness #fandom appreciation #choices stories you play #thank you #🩷🩷🩷

[denticulate-blooms]

I never thought this would reach so many people or do so much good. To see where this little idea started to where it ended up I'm just in shock. I'm sitting in my hotel room crying for Jennifer May Nickel, For Oksana , For Ukraine, For the amount of kindness people have shown and spread...to see Misha Collins (Happy Birthday!) on stage with the flag I gave him this morning (he and Jennifer are also matching donations on all the flags I hid) is so surreal. Also selfish request if anyone has better pictures of him with the flag could you tag/post/send them to me? Please Donate Here:

#misha collins #supernatural #spnfamliy #castiel #creationnc #charcon #spnnc #spn con #batbrats #gotham knights #harvey dent #misha #ukraine #united24 #misha collins birthday #happy birthday misha collins #demine ukraine #random acts of kindness #acts of kindness #kindnessmatters #jennifer may nickel #for oksana

[atths--twice]

A Coffee Shop Christmas

An alternate universe in which Dana Scully owns and operates a coffee shop in which Fox Mulder is a frequent customer.

“Next in line, please,” Dana called out, smiling as a young woman and her child walked up to the counter. “Hello. Happy holidays. What can I get started for you?” 

“I want a hot chocwate,” the little boy said and Dana looked to the woman for confirmation before addressing the boy. 

“Do you want to have whipped cream and sprinkles on top of it?” she asked and his green eyes lit up as he smiled. 

“Yes! Yes! I wove sprinkos!” he said as he jumped up and down, the people in the coffee shop chuckling quietly. 

“Rainbow sprinkles, chocolate sprinkles, or red and green sprinkles for Christmas?” she asked and he frowned as he stopped jumping. He tapped a finger to his chin and Dana looked at his mother as she placed a hand over her heart; the sight of him too adorable. 

“I want wainbow sprinkos,” he said and Dana nodded. 

“Please,” prompted his mother and he nodded. 

“Pwease.” 

“You got it. Anything else? Maybe a cookie, or a marshmallow snowman?” 

“I have it, Mama? Da snowman mahshmawow?” 

“Oh, honey. I only have enough money to get the hot chocolate for you. I’m so sorry.” She smiled tightly at him and Dana shook her head. 

“Oh, there'll be no charge for it. Anyone who says marshmallow the way he just did deserves a special treat,” Dana said and the woman began to interrupt, but Dana shook her head, not wanting to hear it. “One hot chocolate with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles, a marshmallow snowman, and for you, Mom?” 

“Nothing, I…” 

“What would you like?” Dana asked softly and the woman let out a deep breath. 

“I… I… really like peppermint white mochas,” she whispered, shaking her head. “But I don’t… I don’t want you to get in any trouble for-”

“Can’t get in trouble when you’re the owner of the shop,” Dana said with a smile. “You want a venti?” 

“Yes. Thank you,” the woman said, tears shining in her eyes. “Truly, thank you. It’s been… been a long time since I’ve… thank you.” She wiped her eyes quickly and Dana nodded, ringing up a child’s hot chocolate and then discounting it by fifteen percent. 

“That will be a dollar and twenty cents.” 

“No, but it’s…” The woman looked at her and Dana smiled. “Thank you, again.” She exhaled a shaky breath as she counted out the money, all in change. 

“Thank you. That will be at the end of the bar when it’s ready. Could I get a name please?” 

“My name is Sammy,” the boy said, pointing to his chest and Dana smiled as she took the change and placed it in its proper spots in the register drawer. 

“Thank you, Sammy,” she said, winking at his mom and then looking at her barista, Jane. “A hot chocolate for Sammy with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles, a venti white chocolate peppermint mocha for his mom…” Dana raised her eyebrows and the woman nodded. 

“Sabrina.” 

“For Sabrina,” Dana said. “Also a marshmallow snowman, and two plain croissants. Thank you, Jane.” 

“You got it, Boss,” Jane said, bopping her head to the techno Christmas music that was playing softly. 

Sabrina stared at Dana, her mouth opening and then closing, tears in her eyes again. Dana smiled and nodded as Sabrina mouthed thank you and proceeded to walk down to wait for their items. 

“Next, please,” Dana called as she turned to look at the next customer and her heart skipped a beat. 

How had she not noticed he was there? 

“Good morning,” he said as he walked up to the counter with a smile and the scent of his cologne reached her nose. 

He smelled so good. 

“Good morning,” she replied, her heart now thumping in her chest at his proximity. 

“How are you today, Dana?” he asked as he laid down the armful of stuff he was holding.

“I’m fine, thank you, Fox,” she said and he grinned with a nod. 

“Delighted to hear it,” he said. “I myself am doing well.” 

“Good. I was just about to ask,” she said and he nodded again. 

“As you always do,” he said, smiling and separating the items into groups. “Along with my usual coffee today, I also need to purchase these and some gift cards. I was selected to bring holiday gifts to the women in the HR department and I thought, "What would be better than a cute coffee mug and a gift card to this fine establishment?” Seeing as I am always here, I figured I should know that it’s definitely a treat.” 

“It’s very thoughtful of you to think of me… my shop, I mean,” she said, her face flushing as she looked at what he had selected. “Wow… all of these?” 

“I didn’t clean you out, don’t worry,” he assured her, glancing back at the shelves. “I tried to match them, but also be mindful of taking too much.” 

“That’s… that’s very considerate. But I do have stock in the back if there is something you wanted in particular.” 

“That would be great. But, before you check on that, could you do something for me?” 

“Sure.” 

He leaned closer and she swallowed as she did the same, his cologne even stronger as she took a quiet sniff. 

“That woman there, with the little boy?” he asked quietly, looking to his left with his eyes only. 

“Yeah?”

“Could I buy her a gift card and have Jane covertly give it to her?” 

“You… you want to get her a gift card?” she whispered and he nodded. 

“Broke my heart when she said she only had enough for his hot chocolate and she wasn’t able to get anything for herself. You’ve helped, now I want to do the same.” 

She pulled back and stared at him, at this man she had slowly gotten to know over the past three months when he stopped in every weekday to get a coffee. She knew he was kind, attentive, and had even helped out a couple of times when there had been a spill or a demanding customer became too loud. This was different though and it caused her to fall for him even further. 

“Yeah. I can get that for you,” she said softly and he grinned. 

“Good,” he said, taking out his credit card. “Fifty dollars, please.” 

“Fox!” she said in surprise and he shook his head. 

“Twenty five for her and twenty five for the kid. Although, I’m sure the majority of it will be spent on him.” He handed her the credit card and, with shaking fingers and a lump in her throat, she put fifty dollars onto a green gift card with Happy Holidays! written on it in rainbow colored Christmas lights. 

“I’ll be right back,” she whispered, giving him back his credit card. 

Putting the gift card into an envelope with the amount written upon it, she walked over to Jane. Whispering in her ear what to do when the drinks were ready, she slid the gift card into Jane’s apron pocket. 

“Wow,” Jane whispered. “If I was straight, that man would be joining me for dinner tonight. All I’m saying.” She gave Dana a pointed look and then gestured for her to return to the register. Letting out a shaky breath, Dana nodded and walked back. 

“That was very kind of you to do, Fox.” 

“It’s nothing,” he said, shaking his head. “I’ve seen you giving out food without charging for it, or giving someone a steep discount on their purchases. It was only right that someone else lent a hand.” 

“Still it was kind and thoughtful. Thank you,” she said. He looked at her and smiled, her stomach flip flopping. 

“Did… did you want me to check in the back for any of the items for you?” she asked as a loud Ohhhh was heard from Sabrina and Dana looked over at her. 

She had a hand over her mouth and was trying to hold back her tears, not wanting to scare or worry Sammy. She turned her head and met Dana’s eyes, believing it was her who had given her the gift card. But when Dana looked at Fox, Sabrina’s eyes widened and she drew in a sharp breath. 

“Mommy!” Sammy said. “I got da snowman!” 

“Yeah,” she breathed and walked over to Fox, Sammy trailing behind her as he held his marshmallow snowman, smiling happily.

“Sir,” Sabrina said, stopping in front of Fox. “I can’t accept this… I don’t even know you.” 

“Sure you do,” Fox said, smiling at her. “I think you just don’t recognize me in my work clothes.” 

“What?” Sabrina asked, her eyebrows knitted together in confusion. 

“I’m one of Santa’s elves,” he said quietly. “When we’re out in public we have to stay incognito, hence the suit and tie you see me wearing now.” 

“You…” 

“I’m Fox, elf number 2525. I’m glad I have that one as twenty five is my favorite number, and I got it twice. I’m also glad when I can do something to make people happy. Especially those who may have lost the holiday spirit a bit.” He smiled at her and Dana had tears swimming in her eyes as she watched them. 

“Yeah,” Sabrina whispered, her hand running over the top of Sammy’s head. “I don’t… it’s been hard. This money will be so nice to have to get him a special treat and to take a moment for us, even though I still feel like I shouldn’t accept it.” 

“Oh no, you can’t give back an elf’s gift. Those are the rules,” Fox said and Dana laughed softly, wiping at her eyes. 

“Do elves accept hugs?” Sabrina asked and Fox nodded, opening his arms and hugging her. 

“Here are your drinks and croissants,” Jane said, placing the cups and a small bag onto the counter. 

“Oh,” Sabrina said as she stepped back and laughed out a sob. “I forgot all about them when you handed me that gift card. I got so flustered. Thank you. Thank you to all of you. You really changed my day. Changed both of our days. Sammy, can you say thank you to everyone?” 

“Dank you,” he said, giving them a sticky smile. 

“You’re welcome,” they all said and Sabrina took his hand, smiling at each of them as she picked up the bag and the drinks and walked out of the coffee shop. 

“Okay. Enough tears,” Jane said, rubbing Dana’s back. “I’ll get your drink ready, Fox. You want the usual or you want me to surprise you?” 

“You know what? Surprise me,” he said. “Just no-”

“Hazelnut,” Jane and Dana said simultaneously and he nodded as he pointed at them. 

“And I’ll go see what we have in the back if you tell me which items you want,” Dana said, blowing her nose on a napkin and letting out a deep breath. 

Five minutes later, four bags hanging from his arms that were each filled with a ceramic coffee mug, a travel mug, a bag of limited seasonal coffee, and a twenty five dollar gift card, Fox picked up his coffee and bade them goodbye. 

“Oh, wait,” he said, taking a taste of his surprise coffee. “Huh… that’s delicious, Jane. I want that tomorrow.” 

“You got it,” Jane said, winking as she began to make the next order. 

“See you both tomorrow. Thanks for your help, Dana.” 

“And for yours,” she said, the words she wanted to say to him feeling trapped in her throat. 

He nodded at her with a smile, walked out the door and headed toward the bus stop as Dana sighed, feeling like a failure. 

“Slipped past you again, eh?” Tom, the older gentleman who arrived nearly as soon as the coffee shop was open, asked as he came up to the counter for a refill. 

“I’m… I’m working on it, Tom,” Dana said, taking his cup and filling it with his usual half decaf and half regular coffee, her cheeks burning. 

“Huh,” Tom said, his tone disbelieving. 

“It’s complicated. He’s a customer,” Dana said, setting his cup down and staring at him. 

“True. But still,” Tom said, nodding his thanks as he walked back to his table and his laptop. 

Dana chanced a glance at Jane and saw she was watching her with a kind smile, but her eyebrows were raised in obvious agreement with Tom. 

The bell above the door jingled and Dana was happy for the distraction.  

“Welcome in. Happy holidays. What can I get for you?” 

____________________

“See you tomorrow,” Dana said to Jeff and Corinne, the mid-shift baristas, as they walked past her, buttoning their coats. 

“See you, Dana,” they both said and she smiled as they walked out the door. 

“I’ve got everything done in the back, lights off, doors locked,” Miguel, the late shift barista, said as he came in from the back untying his apron and tossing it into the small laundry cart. 

“Great,” Dana said, smiling at him. 

“Everything done out here?” he asked just as the bell above the door jingled and they both looked over in surprise. 

“What?” Dana asked as she stared at Fox, who had never been in the shop twice in one day and especially that late at night. “What are you doing here?” 

“I’m-” Fox began, his gaze moving from Dana to Miguel, who had moved quietly but quickly to stand beside Dana. 

“Everything okay?” Miguel asked, touching her arm. 

“Oh! Yes. It’s fine. This is Fox. He usually stops by in the morning.” 

“Ohhh. This is Fox,” Miguel said, his hand moving from her arm and Dana felt her face flush, sure she was about to be outed, knowing he had been discussed amongst everyone working in the coffee shop. “You’re the one who bought the gift card this morning for that woman.” 

“Guilty,” Fox said with a grin and Dana let out a sigh of relief at how Miguel had identified him. 

“Good man,” Miguel said, sticking out his hand. “Nice to put a face to the name.” They shook hands and then Miguel turned his attention to Dana. “What else do you need me to do before we close up?” 

“Oh, you’re…” Fox said, seeming to realize the place was empty and the lights were low. “You’re closed.” 

“Technically not for two more minutes,” Dana said with a forced laugh. “But yes. We close at eight.” 

“I didn’t realize,” Fox said. 

“Well, that’s because you’re not usually here at night, right?” Miguel asked and Dana cleared her throat. 

“Right,” she agreed. “Well, you can head out, Miguel. I’ve got whatever else needs doing out here covered.” 

“You sure, Boss? I don’t mind staying.” He gave her a smile, one she knew well as his teasing smile. “I could finish the small amount that’s left and you could speak to Fox.” 

“Thank you,” she said, placing a hand on his back and nearly pushing him toward the door. He grabbed his coat and scarf from the back of a chair, chuckling softly as he nodded. 

“Night, Boss. See you tomorrow,” Miguel said, pushing the door open. “Pleasure to have met you, Fox.” 

“You as well,” Fox said, waving at him and smiling. 

Miguel nodded at him and then looked at Dana, raising his eyebrows. Though he said nothing further, she heard everything he was not saying. 

She locked the door as he left, waving goodbye as he shivered and put on his coat and scarf before turning left and walking out of sight. 

“I hate to hold you up,” Fox said when she turned around. 

“You’re not. I still do have some things to take care of here.” 

“I could help? Make it faster?” He smiled and she drew in a breath through her nose. 

“Why did you come back tonight?” she asked softly. “I’ve never seen you here this late.” 

“Ahh, well,” he said, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. “A few reasons… but um…” He put his hands in his coat pockets as he rocked on his heels. “The women loved their gifts today.” 

“Oh, that’s great. You made good choices.” 

“Well, you helped.” 

“Hmm,” she hummed with a nod. 

“I wanted to tell you that they loved them.” 

“You could have told me that tomorrow when you came in,” she stated and he nodded. 

“I could have. Yeah. But…” 

“But?” she asked, her heart beating faster. 

“I wanted to tell you tonight. I wanted… I wanted to see you again,” he said softly and she pressed her lips together to stop from smiling. 

“Why?” 

“Because…” He sighed and shrugged as he gestured with his hands in his pockets. “Every day when I come in here, I work up the nerve to ask you something and every day I leave without doing it.” 

“Ask me what?” she whispered. 

“If you’d… if you’d like to have dinner with me. Or drinks. Or a walk in the park. Or… see a movie. Whatever you’d like to do,” he said softly, shrugging again. 

“You do?” she whispered and he laughed softly. 

“Yeah. And every day I chicken out. I…” He took a hand out of his pocket and rubbed it across his mouth. “I talk myself into it and then I tell myself that this is your business, where you work, and men asking women out at their place of business can be creepy and weird. I didn’t want to make you feel weird or uncomfortable, so I…” He looked at her and shrugged. “I leave without saying anything and then I kick myself over it all day.” 

“Well, I-”

“But today,” he continued, beginning to pace, and she raised her eyebrows. “Today when I gave the women their gifts and they all exclaimed over them, they asked where this coffee shop was and when I told them about it and you, it got really quiet. I thought maybe they didn’t like the gift or something and then Aurelia, this amazing woman who has been there forever, laughed and said that now it all made sense.” 

“What did?” Dana asked as he stopped pacing and looked at her with sheepish eyes. 

“She thought… that I had bought them here because we were dating,” he stated and for a second she stopped breathing. 

“Sh… she did?” she asked and he nodded. 

“I told her that wasn’t the case and they all looked at each other and asked me why the hell not? I… I laughed it off and said it wasn’t like that, but I…” He sighed and gave her a half smile. “I wished it was like that and I knew I only had myself to blame. I left their office determined to stop by here on my way home, but I forgot I had a late meeting and now… now I’m keeping you when you should be leaving. I feel like I’m making a huge mess of this and-”

“Fox,” she interrupted, stepping toward him. “You’re not the only one to blame. I… I also thought… I wanted…” 

“What?” he asked, his expression hopeful. 

“I thought saying something would be odd since you're a customer, but I…” 

“You what?” he asked, stepping closer to her. 

“I wanted to ask you if you’d like to see a movie. Or get dinner and drinks. Or take a walk in the park,” she said, shrugging and smiling slightly. 

“Yeah?” he asked, grinning happily. 

“Yeah,” she said with a nod. 

“Well, that’s… that’s…” 

“Yeah,” she agreed and he laughed quietly. 

“I know it’s rather last minute,” he said and her smile grew. “But, would you like to have dinner with me tonight? Or-”

“Take a walk and look at Christmas lights?” 

“Then dinner?” he asked hopefully and she laughed. 

“Yeah,” she agreed and he nodded. 

“What do you need to finish here? How can I help to speed it along?” he asked and she laughed, her heart racing with excitement. 

In no time, they were leaving the coffee shop and stepping onto the still busy streets, despite the hour. She adjusted her scarf and hat, letting out a breath that swirled around her like fine mist. 

“Main Street?” he asked. “Check out the store windows? There’s one store in particular I really like.” 

“The Company store?” she asked, knowing most people liked the windows they created, but something about them always felt too… modern to her. 

“No, although they are nice, just not to my liking. Too unfeeling or something,” he said as they began to walk towards Main Street. 

“I think that too,” she said with a nod. “The ones at Jasper and Company-”

“But Jasper and Company-” he said.

They both stopped walking and stared at each other. He grinned and she bit her bottom lip as she smiled back. 

“They’re nostalgic,” he said and she nodded. “Like you’re in someone’s living room and sharing Christmas with them.” 

“I completely agree,” she said and he grinned again. 

“Well then,” he said, offering her his arm. “Let's delve into a bit of nostalgia.” 

She laughed as she slid her arm through his and they continued walking down the street, talking about everything and nothing all at once. 

______________

“Next in line please,” Dana called out as she handed Jane the cup for the next order. 

She grinned when she saw Fox standing there, as always in awe as to how he seemed to sneak in without her knowledge. He grinned back as he approached the counter, a small bouquet of daffodils in a glass vase held in his hands. 

“Good morning,” she said, taking the vase from him and shaking her head. “What can I get for you?”

“The usual please. And also…” he said, leaning forward to give her a quick kiss. She smiled when he pulled back, grinning like a fool. 

“You are too much,” she whispered and he shrugged. “Thank you for the flowers.” 

“Thank YOU for the past three months,” he said quietly and she leaned forward, giving him another kiss. 

“I love you,” she whispered and he nodded. 

“I feel the same,” he said and she laughed. 

Setting the vase out of the way, she put in his order and rang him up. 

“Three dollars even, please,” she said and he shook his head. 

“You know, I thought there would be perks to sleeping with the owner, but I guess not,” he mumbled as he took out a ten dollar bill and handed it to her. 

“There are,” she said cheekily as she finished his transaction and handed him his change. “You get to sleep with the owner. Coffee still costs money.” 

“Yeah,” he said with a grin. “Capitalism. Am I right?” She laughed as he put his change in the tip jar and leaned toward her again. “One more kiss before I go?” 

She grabbed the lapels of his coat and pulled him closer, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him soundly. Jane wolf whistled and Tom laughed as he clapped appreciatively. 

“That one good enough for you?” she whispered as she pulled back and Fox stood frozen in place for a few seconds. 

“Yeah, that… hmm,” he said, stepping back and clearing his throat. “That’ll do it.” 

“Good.” 

“Your usual is ready, Fox. Once you can function again, that is,” Jane teased. He huffed out a breath, gave his whole body a shake, and walked over to pick up his drink. 

“Thank you, Jane.” 

“Uh huh,” she said, glancing at Dana and smiling. 

“Well,” Fox said, walking towards the door. “Well…” 

“See you later,” Dana said, waving at him with a smile. 

“Yes. Yes, you will,” he said, still looking a bit dazed. 

“Bye,” she said and he nodded as he walked out the door, Tom laughing softly from his table. 

Dana looked down at the bright yellow daffodils, smiling as she stroked her fingers across their soft petals. 

Two women laughed as they entered the coffee shop and her attention was diverted. 

“Hello. Good morning,” she said, feeling happy beyond what she could ever have imagined. “How can I help you?” 

#the x files #alternate universe #coffee shop #holidays #modern setting #acts of kindness #caring #Friendship #feelings realization #christmas lights #first dates #developing relationship #love #love confessions

[the-purvashadha]

A Gentle Reminder

Don't beat yourself over "not doing your best enough". When we talk about doing "your best" or "our best", it usually means, "the best the person is capable of given their circumstances". It surely does not mean THE BEST, and everyone's 'best' isn't always same. Heck! Even your best may differ from time to time, because circumstances change. That's why be kind to yourself, the way you'd be towards another person trying their best.

#positive thoughts #positive attitude #positive quotes #positive mindset #positivity #positive #self worth #self love #radical self acceptance #radical self love #self love tips #self help #self empowerment #be kind to yourself #acts of kindness #optimism #optimistic #positive vibes #positive reminders #self healing #self forgiveness

[tabney2023]

Pay It Forward: God is going to give you more than you asked for! THANKS FOR TIPPING.

#payitforward #postitforward #acts of kindness #kindness matters #life tips #gratitude #thankful #law of attraction #manifestations #sharing happiness #positivity #positive thoughts #positive thinking #positive attitude #positive vibe #spreadgoodvibes #abundant life #giveback #believe in love

[spiritualseeker777]

#good advice #guidance #acts of kindness #kindness

[flowercrowncrip]

A nice story from Pride because I love disabled queers and allies with all my heart.

A total stranger taught me to crochet. We talked about how nice it is to create stuff and how hard it can be with hand impairments. I talked about losing the ability to knit and how much that sucked. And how I wanted to crochet but wasn’t sure if I could cause I’ve only really got a thumb on each hand that I can move and didn’t want to buy a fancy hook without knowing if I’d be able to use it.

And then she let me try her fancy economic crochet hook that I could actually just about hold. Then she taught me how to make a curly little crochet worm. My first one was shit but my second one looked right!

And then she said I could keep her fancy hook — for free to keep. I could have burst into tears she was so lovely

She’s also convinced that she’s seen a hook online that would suit my impairment better (apparently you can mould it to your hand shape). She’s going to send the link to my co worker (who she knows) if she finds it.

People are good! People are kind! People want to make the world better!

#acts of kindness #disability #physical disability #crochet #actually disabled #pride

[feverdreamsandlucidnightmares]

Do you ever think about the last time someone in your life went truly out of their way to care for you? To help you? Like truly above and beyond, just because they love you. For me, the last time was when I was 18. I’d gotten injured doing ballet and was on crutches for 2 months and my arms were bruised as hell from trying to get around campus on them. My best friend at the time gave me piggy back rides after our shared classes so that I didn’t have to be more tired and in pain just to get home. It’s still one of the kindest things anyone has ever done for me.

There are smaller kindnesses, too, of course. Someone sharing their food. Showing up to something important to you. Cleaning up your mess for you just to be kind. Just so you don’t have to. Sitting with you through an anxiety attack.

We have to bear so much alone. I’m an adult and no one takes care of me when I’m sick or injured except me. The only person responsible for me is me. It’s so lovely when people care loudly anyways. Not because they have to, just because they want to.

#what if community was the whole point #finding spaces to love and be loved #care #love #acts of kindness #acts of service #friendship #love langauges #growing up #fever’s vibe check #feverdreamsandlucidnightmares

[ashblurt]

a birthday gift

today is my birthday, as a gift to me give a stranger a compliment call a friend that you haven’t spoken to for a while let a fellow driver merge into your lane handwrite a letter to a friend give someone a hug send flowers to someone for no reason leave a nice note on someone’s car reconnect with an old friend lower your headlights give your favorite book to a friend make a cup of tea for a family member introduce two people who you think would get along put a positive note in a library book give someone a “just because” gift

and lastly please be kind and gentle with yourself and take this moment to forgive yourself for all that you haven't already, remember that you are human after all

#acts of kindness #birthday gift

[fen-the-space-dragon]

Y’ALL

KIDS ARE FUCKING AMAZING (<- a rare statement from me)

So I have one of those video doorbells and I’m sad I’m not home for Halloween so I was watching trick or treaters and some kid noticed that someone was watching through the doorbell. THEY LEFT ME CANDY. DUDE. THIS KID WHO CAME TO GET CANDY JUST LEFT CANDY FOR ME JUST CUZ THEY KNEW I EXISTED. So I told my parents and they went to go see if the candy was actually there and if so, grab it for me

GUYS LOOK

This is the picture my mom sent me. I’m reverse trick or treating from like forever away apparently. I love this kid sm I don’t even know who they are but they just made my entire day

There is good in the world, and it’s in the form of little kids giving out candy while trick or treating. Seriously this kid made me cry tears of joy I’m not joking

#there is good in the world #halloween #trick or treating #from like #forever away #they just gave me candy cuz they saw the doorbell was on #i’m so happy rn #acts of kindness