#also the editing for these next photos... listen i am so new n so fresh

[quixoti]

celebrating 4 years of strife and studying at an up and coming, theater-themed restaurant in the dsv!

#everyone say ty to the careerworlds save #also the editing for these next photos... listen i am so new n so fresh #also headcanon tht since ss is san fran n dsv is la they're close enough for a chill lil drive up #there r some other places tht are linked in my head but the tags can only hold so much #.sienna #.casper #.aria #.dominic #sims 4 #sims 4 gameplay #ngai g1

[clayfaced]

POSITIVE 20 QUESTIONS TAG GAME

ily @hopeisthewholepoint i was doing this a while ago and then the draft didn’t save so this is about 30 years late by now whopps. ily thanks for tagging me tho. ❤

1. Name 4 fictional characters who showcase your personality the best, with explanations if you want.

My girl Edrisa Tanaka from Prodigal Son bc we’re both socially awkward but at least she’s unapologetic about it. I want to say I have Sam Wilson’s humor and I too do what everyone else does just slower. Raymond Holt because I love fluffy bois and I’m down to fight anyone who says anything bad about my pets. Ben Wyatt because we’re both human disasters and I like making dumb stuff when I’m bored.  

2. Aesthetic

Playing pool terribly with friends, peanut butter and banana sandwiches, colorful rain jackets. Balloons, music playing from car radios, collecting movie ticket stubs. Painted nails, open windows, and fish stamps on postcards. The smell of fresh basil.

3. Favorite musical/play? (If you’ve never seen a musical or play, one you’d be interested in seeing?)

Come from Away. Hands down. Though I will say I saw recordings of the National Theater’s Frankensteins recently and both are very good but the Miller-as-the-creature version is especially good.

4. What is the best compliment you’ve ever received?

Okay this is a bit of an unfair question bc I die at any and all compliments. But one that I thought of today /a couple days ago/ a long time ago when i started writing this that made me happy again was when someone I'm in a club with let me borrow his camera to take pictures during a performance. I hadn't taken pictures in a while and I had so much fun and I don't really contribute to the club so I finally felt like I had purpose. It was hard to see how they came out on the camera but the next time I saw him he said they came out really well and someone else said that he's normally picky when it comes to photos but he liked mine so that made me feel even better and it was overall a very nice time. It wasn't even really the compliment (I mean, it still was but) it was also just the gesture to offer a camera when he heard I liked taking pictures. I didn't have my camera with me until after this and it really made me remember how much I liked it. Anyways he graduated and hasn't been in the club since last semester so I never see him but it made me v happy.

5. How many times have you been in love?

Miss me with that romantic love but I fall in love with friends and people and every little thing everyday.

6. Embarrassing story or fact about yourself that makes you laugh now?

Bold of you to assume I've recovered from anything embarrassing ever.

This is a bit of a cheat bc it was always funny but my middle school PE uniforms had words and definitions on the back of the shirts (no i don’t know why) and mine said “final: adj. last in place” or something like that and you know what? it was RIGHT.

7. Favorite Disney/Pixar movie?

Probably Up. Idk I don’t really have one.

8. Favorite flower or plant?

Probably triostar plants because they’re cute and pink.

9. What’s your favorite holiday?

Halloween 🎃! I love the idea that kids are going bonkers and getting candy and having a good time. And I love that it gives not-children people a chance to dress up and have fun and take themselves less seriously for a day.

EDIT: NO ONE TOLD ME I MISSED QUESTIONS 10-14. NO ONE LOOK AT THIS .LOOK AWAY. IM FIXING IT. HOW DID I MISS FIVE WHOLE ENTIRE QUESTIONS. SMH.

10. Name three things that made you laugh or smile this past week.

This meme dee just sent me a minute ago. I had a socially-distant dinner with a couple of my friends whomst I love a lot on Saturday and it was very nice to see their beautiful faces in person again and I love them a lot. Time isn’t real I don’t know what happened this week. I set up the Xbox again and I’ve played a little little bit of Assassins Creed (which Im very bad at) and Skyrim (which im only a little bad at) and that’s been fun. Bonus answer of dee, nina, and I have been watching 911: Lone Star together and it’s v v fun.

11. What song would you play to introduce yourself to someone?

That is way too hard of a question to definitively answer. My music taste varies so wildly and my favorite song is usually the one I've obsessively listened to the last. Using that logic: Bang! by AJR or Wake Me by Bleachers. Or Chris Martin’s cover of Shelter from the Storm by Bob Dylan. Yeah. The last one.

12. Name something that truly makes you feel peaceful even at your most stressed moments.

Being a passenger in a car with music playing though that doesn’t really happen when I’m stressed. I wouldn’t say peaceful because when I’m not good at that when I’m stressed and most of the time when I’m stressed I have too much stress inside of me so I would rather get it out than be peaceful. So I just put earbuds in and listen to music too loudly so I don’t have to hear anything around me and I can just sort of release all pent up energy with the music and calm down.

13. What do you, did you, or would you study at college?

I’m studying film! I’m technically undeclared but I’m hoping to declare soon. :-). Yes I’m going to be unemployed and leech off of dee for the rest of our lives thanks for asking.

14. This is kind of a weird one, but which outfit of yours makes you feel most like yourself?

Um. Definitely sneakers (by default my white ones because I only have one pair) because I like being able to Move. Same reason for my black pants bc they’re not restricting at all and comfy. And then probably my gray sweatshirt which dee will murder me for saying bc it means I have zero (0) colors in my outfit but it comfy. I like having colors but I feel more comfortable in more neutral colors.

15. What is a quote you live by?

Oof oof I don’t know. I think there are a lot of quotes I want to live by and then I forget about them so if I am living by a specific quote, it’s not consciously. I reblog a lot I like to my words tag or text tag, and this one:

 “‘Do you fall in love often?’ Yes often. With a view, with a book, with a dog, a cat, with numbers, with friends, with complete strangers, with nothing at all.” (Jeanette Winterson)

explains me very well. I don’t know that it’s something I live by because it’s just a state of my existence but it me.

16. Name the funniest playlist name you have.

I wish I had funnier playlist names. One of them is living room couch alone for a very specific mood when it's after 10 o'clock and everyone else is asleep and I'm in the living room alone on the couch and I'm not tired and time doesn't feel real. It's a good mood. I also have one called new york times which isn't funny I just like it.

17. Make a reference to an inside joke you have with someone you love with zero context.

“you know why we do this?" *snap with one hand* "because we can’t always get our arms free to do this” *dramatic arching snap with both hands* 

But that one’s not with dee ( @mrrmiracle ) so give me one sec to think of something else too. Ok here we go: 

"that Andrew Garfield movie"

18. What is a message you would give your younger self if given the chance?

Stop overthinking and start doing. You can’t sit at home sad your friends aren’t hanging out with you if you never ask them to hang out. Initiate things. Its not as scary as it seems. Also for the love of all things holy please form good habits now. Form all the good habits I have none and I’m tired.

19. Who is your favorite family member? (If you have no good blood family members, feel free to mention someone in your found family)

um my cats :// im just kidding it’s @mrrmiracle obviously.

20. What’s a secret dream of yours?

Um lol to not be alone. To be employed doing something I enjoy and make enough money to support myself. If I put lol will this sound less sad.

I’m tagging @mrrmiracle, @grayson-dick @valleydean and @daredeviil and if anyone else wants to do it just say i tagged you and i’ll edit it to include you 👀. i just get anxious tagging people bc i don’t want to annoy people and i never know who wants to be tagged or not.

#thanks for tagging me!! #ilu nina #tag game #you dont have to do it if i tag you obviously i just didn't know who to tag #uhh lemme know if you do or dont like being tagged and i'll continue or stop tagging you #not fandom

[tiaragqueen]

See The Light: Chapter 1

A/N: My first ever series! Hopefully I can finish this before the end of the year.

***

Chapter 2 Chapter 3

yandere bts masterlist | main masterlist

[Edited]

If you like my writing, please support me on ko-fi!

“Every breath you take, every move you make, every bond you break, every step you take, I’ll be watching you.” - Every Breath You Take [The Police]

          “I got a new house!”

          The message came in one day, where you were just lying around on the couch. It was your day off; something that you had long anticipated after weeks of endless meetings and a barrage of complaints. You had considered resigning a few times before, simply because the pressure was becoming harder for you to bear, but you reminded yourself that a new job might not have the same payment as your current one. You absolutely couldn’t risk losing this job – with such a high salary – and falling into poverty. The apartment rate had increased a few months ago, so it only served as a reminder that you couldn’t make a delicate decision that had the potential of ruining your future.

          “Congrats!” you texted back. You were never a fan of long reply, and your friends often complained that you could be too curt for their liking. That, and because you rarely responded to messages. You couldn’t help it, though; you preferred meeting them in person rather than chatting.

          A picture popped on the display one minute later, showing a basic two-story house amidst the plethora of verdant trees. There wasn’t anything remarkable from it, aside from a few graffiti that smeared the garage door, but nothing some splashes of paint couldn’t handle. Several holes from old age and termites adorned the door, but that was it.

          “It’s beautiful.”

          “I know.” There was a moment of silence before your phone dinged again. “You wanna come over? Feel the fresh air and the like? God knows how you deserve a little break once in a while.”

          You pursed your lips. While you had been planning to spend the rest of the weekend cooped up inside your house, there was nothing wrong from spending time with her either. Irene had been your best friend since middle school, and she was the one who introduced you to Kim Namjoon, your future employer. You could at least make an effort to indulge in her wishes; to repay her kindness for helping you through so many hardships.

          After all, what harm could be done from a simple sleepover?

          Shrugging, you agreed to her invitation and dropped your phone beside you after locking it. You huffed, staring at the ceiling as you contemplated whether you should spend the remainder of the day packing your clothes or procrastinate until there was no time left. Knowing that Irene could be scary when provoked, you quickly got up and headed to your room.

          Better to do it now than later.

          The next day, you were already prepared with everything and waited in the lobby of your apartment. Irene had promised you that she would pick you up last night. Normally, she was punctual, but it had been ten minutes and there was still no sign from her. Not even a text message. You decided to give her the benefit of the doubt and willed yourself to wait a little more despite the cram that crept up your legs.

          A few minutes later, a shiny red car pulled up in the curb. The black window slowly slid down, revealing the woman you had been waiting for. Irene waved from inside the car, her other hand holding the steering wheel.

          “Hey, sorry I took so long. There was crazy traffic back there,” she said.

          With that sheepish and apologetic smile, you knew you couldn’t stay mad for too long. Still, it didn’t mean you wouldn’t let her off the hook just like that. And because you were feeling rather playful today.

          “I waited for almost an hour, you know?” you grumbled as you put your luggage on the backseat. You called the shotgun and pulled the door shut a bit too harsh than intended.

          “Oh, come on! It wasn’t even that long.” Irene kicked the accelerator and the car began to move forward. “By the way, how was work? Everything good?”

          You groaned. “It was stressful. The clients kept complaining like, why couldn’t they just suck it up and appreciate our efforts?! God, this week was the worst.” You sighed, rubbing your temples to ease the growing stress and frustration.

          “I’m sorry to hear that. But hey, look at the bright side! You’ll get to sleep in my new house now.”

          “Yeah, I guess...”

          Irene rubbed your arm comfortingly. “It's okay. Don’t let it get to you. I’m sure next week would be the best week.”

          You hummed, half pessimistic and half optimistic at the thought. If there was one thing that you learned from being an adult, it was that you couldn't be too hopeful with the future because fate always found a way to screw it up somehow. No matter how hard you worked to prevent that, you were helpless against nature.

          “I sure hope so.” you murmured.

          The rest of the trip went in silence. Occasionally she stopped to fill the gas, and you used that chance to finish nature’s call and bought some snacks. Other than that, you didn’t make any attempt to talk and Irene was more than understanding with your situation. It was moments like this where you truly appreciated her; how she was able to predict your moods and feelings and never slip in some advice without your consent. Because you often wanted a willing ear to listen to your venting, not lecturing you like some kind of a naïve child.

          Sometimes, you considered her as more like an older sister and not just a best friend due to her caring nature.

          “Here we are.”

          You jolted awake, flinching at the abrupt exposure of sunlight. Rubbing the crust from your eyes, you yawned and groggily climbed out. You blinked – once, twice – before gazing at the building in front of you. It looked just like in the picture she’d sent; ordinary and a bit more weatherworn.

          “So,” Irene sidled up to you, crossing her arms proudly as if she were watching a showcase. “What do you think?”

          You pondered your answer for a second before nodding in approval. “Yeah, it definitely looks prettier than in the photo.”

          “I know, right?” She grinned, happy that you didn’t comment on the plain appearance despite her awareness of your little white lie. Your effort to be considerate to her feelings was much appreciated, though. “I just need to fix some things and this house will be the comfiest house in the whole country.”

          You hummed as you went to unload your bags. She helped you carry them on to the second floor, where she told you that it would be your temporary room. You didn’t mind it, although you did think that it would be a hassle to have to go up and down the stairs every time you wanted to eat. At least, the room was in a slightly better condition.

          “My room is here, okay?” Irene said, patting the first door near the entrance. “The kitchen is just down the hallway, adjoined with a bathroom. Your room already has its own bathroom, though. So you don’t need to go downstairs every time you want to take a bath.”

          You nodded to let her know that you were listening. “Of course.”

          “And this is...” You both went upstairs, where she pointed to a string that dangled on the ceiling. “Is the attic, obviously. I haven’t had the time to check it out yet. Feel free to do it. Who knows, you might find some undiscovered gems in there.” She winked playfully, much to your confusion.

          “How much is this house anyway?” you asked after she finished the brief tour. There were too many rooms for you to memorize, thus you decided to stick to the main ones. It wasn’t as if you would venture deeper, with or without her permission.

          “Oh, it was a little expensive than I thought it'd be.” She jutted out her bottom lip to express her displeasure towards the fact. “I mean, it’s kind of understandable. It is a big house, after all. Had I gotten it at a low price, I'd be suspicious. But I wished it was a bit cheaper, you know? Am I making sense now?”

          “Well, at least you managed to buy it, right?” you murmured, patting her back. You didn't want her to regret her decision. This house might not be the prettiest in the city, but at least it seemed livable. That alone was enough for you. “For this kind of house, having an expensive price isn’t strange at all.”

          “... I guess I should consider myself lucky for getting a discount in the first place.” Irene sighed, a yawn immediately escaped her mouth. “I’m tired. I’m gonna take a shower and hit the hay.”

          You raised an incredulous brow. “It's still afternoon, though.”

          “So? I’m tired and I need to sleep. You can eat the food if you’re hungry or watch the TV, just not too loud. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

          Watching her figure that disappeared down, you moved to enter your own room. It was rather spacious, with a King size bed pulled up near the window that overlooked the woods. Two nightstands adorned the bed, each has their respective lights. A cupboard stood near a door of what you assumed to be a bathroom, as told by Irene earlier, along with a few hangers attached beside it. There was also a study desk on the right side of the window, dust coated the surface.

          You made a mental note to clean up the furniture to ease her work, and because you couldn’t stand dirtiness either. Your parents used to call you messy, while in reality you just didn’t bother to clear up something that would be messed again. Of course, it didn’t mean you liked dusty things.

          But it could be done later. For now, you would spend your time relaxing and possibly binge watch some movies. Grabbing a towel from your bag, you slung it over your shoulders and walked towards the bathroom. You figured a nice, long and hot shower would go a long way to assuage the daily distress.

          While you were busy doing your things, a pair of dark eyes watched you from the darkness.

#yandere bangtan sonyeondan #yandere bts #yandere taehyung x reader #yandere taehyung #yandere kim taehyung #yandere kim taehyung x reader #yandere kpop #yandere kpop au #yandere bts au #kpop yandere #yandere bts story #taehyung x reader #kim taehyung x reader #yandere v x reader #v x reader #yandere bts series #networkbangtan

[mikey-girl12-archive]

Disappear

Word count: 1,708

Warnings: angst, cheating, mentions of bad past, mentions of manipulation.

A/N: i wrote this in 2 hours instead of sleeping. The only editing it's been through is grammar check on google docs. sorry if it sucks. this is for @musicphanpie-b (i think) who said that more logince was needed. also tagging @sardonic-soprano and @friendlyinternetmeerkat

------------------

Roman was sitting in his room staring at the wall, looking at the pictures of all of his friends. They were all smiling and roman used to think that there would never be a time looking at those pictures made him sad. Now all he sees is the lies that each one held. He couldn't help but feel like a fool as he looked at his now ex’s face in the photo. Anger filled him in a spur of the moment and he stood dashing to the wall he ripped down every picture that had his face on it. The red he was seeing faded as he looked down at the now crumpled and ripped memories. A tear began streaming down his face once again and he leaned against the wall. Sliding down slowly he looked at the roof, covering his mouth to hold in the sobs. Stupid Logan, Stupid Heart --------

Roman held his books to his chest as he entered his new school, this was his chance at a fresh start after everything he had been through at his old school. He smiled at everyone who looked at him as he walked down the hall and to the office to get his schedule. “Hi! Im Roman Princeton! I moved here from New York and I was told to come in here for my schedule?” roman asked the older woman behind the desk. With a sigh, she looked up from the book she was reading and turned to her computer. The silence had roman bouncing lightly on his feet. She tapped a few buttons before pushing away from the wooden desk and heading to the printer. “Here, im calling for a fellow senior to show you around the school. Sit in that chair, don't talk or fidget and wait for him to get here.” her voice was harsh and Roman wondered briefly how she got a job in a school. Turning he walked quickly to the seat and sat down to look over his schedule. A few agonizing minutes later the door opened to a teen in a bright blue polo with a gray cardigan over his shoulders. Roman smiled as he stood fixing his red jacket. “Hi! Im Patton, you must be Roman! Come with me” after a light handshake Roman was following the cheerful lad down the hallway. He pointed out every class on Romans schedule, explained the lunch routine, and showed him where the gym, library, and lunchroom was. “And if you ever get lonely just sit with me and my friends! We don't bite. Well, Virgil might just don't touch him until he's used to you!” Patton explained as he came to a stop in front of a group of lockers. Roman laughed assuming the other boy was joking until he saw the serious look on his face. “This is your locker-” whatever else Patton was going to say was cut off by the bell and the student filling the hallway. “-see you at lunch roman.” ----------- It had been nearly three months since the beginning of school and roman had officially become one of the ‘popular’ kids. Meaning he was seen with the famous trio and quickly became like a god in his school. Patton, Virgil, and Logan had accepted him with open arms. And roman learned that they ruled the school, but as far as he had seen they didn't abuse that power. And slowly he felt a bud growing in his heart, one that he helped grow instead of squishing. Roman had a crush and unlike before he allowed himself to fall. ------------- It had been 4 months since he had come to this school and he couldn't have been happier. He admitted his feelings to logan and the boy had returned them! Roman had friends and a boyfriend and was so well loved that nobody dared to start rumors about him. In his eyes, he had it all, until the day that a boy he had never seen before pulled him into the bathroom and locked the door. “Look I know you probably have no idea who I am but im trying to help you.” the boy spoke his face hidden in his hoodie. “Help me? What could I possibly need help with?” roman had asked confused. The boy shook his head as he reached into his backpack and pulled out an envelope. “Take my advice. The trio, they are not who you think they are. They are bad people and you don't need that in your life. Take it from a survivor.” with that he unlocked the door, shoving the envelope in Romans hand and disappeared into the lunchtime traffic. Roman looked at the envelope before shoving it into his bag. Roman had forgotten all about the awkward encounter until he reached home. Walking into his room he threw his bag on the bed forgetting that he didn't close it. His books spilled across the bed and onto the floor with a thud. Sighing he walked over to pick them up when he saw the envelope sticking out of the opening of his bag. Curiosity won as he reacher for it pulling it out and opening it. Inside the white package was pictures, pictures of logan with another boy. They looked younger maybe around 16, and it occurred to roman that these were old. Confused as to why he looked at the next picture. Unlike the first one where they were cuddled up in this one logan looked distant. The next three were screenshots of text messages. Each one shows logan becoming more and more distant from the boy. The last one showing only a single message from Logan. ‘ there never was a we. I prefer to look for love and we don't have that. We never did’ Roman laid the picture on his bed as he looked at the wall where his pictures hung. In every one he and his friends were cuddled up, laughing and smiling. Shaking his head he picked them up and shoved them back in the envelope. Opening his closet he slipped them in a box sitting on the top shelf. “Logan may not have loved you, but he loves me.” ------------- “Can you believe it! I got into acting school! I never thought this day would come!” roman cheered as he and Virgil walked down the hall. All around them were friendly faces except for the boy from that day in the bathroom. He looked at roman with pity, and he was ignored by the duo. “Your going to acting school, I got accepted to my dream school, Patton is in a cool summer program. The only person left is Logan. And he applied to all ivy league schools. You know Harvard, Yale, Stanford.” verge replied with a slight tilt to his lips. “Everything is going our way, Virgil! Nothing can stop us now!” --------- School had ended and with that summer had begun. Roman began to notice that logan was drifting away from him. All he could think about was the pictures still sitting in his closet. That couldn't happen to him, could it? With a sigh, he called Logan. His heart dropped as he heard a giggle come through the phone when he answered. There was a hushing whisper in the background causing the giggles to stop. “Sorry Ro that was my new roommate we're bonding before we move into the Harvard dorms,” Logan explained. Roman noticed that he was slightly breathless, and dread filled him. “Are you still coming to spend the weekend with me?” he asked hiding the pain in his voice. There was silence for a moment before logan hummed. “Yeah baby ill be there.” and then the line went dead. “Lo?” roman whispered into the dark but the only response was silence. ---------- Roman had been pacing his room floor all day, roman had said he'd be there hours ago and there was still no sign of him. Again Romans thoughts went back to the pictures in his closet. Hearing his door open he snapped his head to look in at his bedroom door. When it opened he moved to hug Logan stopping short. His heart broke at the sight in front of him. Logan was wearing his signature outfit. But the buttons on the shirt were undone and the tie was loose. Upon looking closer he noticed that logans neck was cover in red bruises. Tears filled Roman's eyes as he stepped away. “Logan please tell me this isn't what I think it is,” he begged. His life had just gotten good and now he was watching the facade crumble. The other boy didn't answer causing roman to look at the ground. “Was any of this real to you?” the words were quite and again they were met with silence. “Was I ever actually a choice to you? Or did you enjoy stringing me along until you got what you actually wanted?” roman looked at Logan. There wasn't a trace of regret on his face. “I should have listened to that boy, I should have known you were too good to be true!” he ripped off the bracelet logan had given him for their 5 month anniversary. He threw it at the other watching as Logan caught it with ease. He slipped it into his pocket as he turns and walked out, not a word spoken at all. Roman rushed to grab his phone dialing pattons number. The call didn't go through the voice telling him that he couldn't call a number the blocked him. Frowning he tried virgils number before it hit him. The boy had said that the trio wasn't who they seemed to be. Meaning that when he lost logan he lost them all. Blinking away the tears roman sat on his bed and stared at the wall holding their pictures. Maybe he had been blind to it at first, but now all the pieces fit. Patton had to intro him to logan. Virgil was the one who pushed him to confess his crush. They had it planned the whole time. Roman stared at the wall and for the first time in nearly a year, he wished he could just disappear.

#mikey-girl12s writing. #thomas sanders #thomas sanders fics #thomas sanders angst #sanders sides fic #logan sanders #roman sanders #roman x logan

[natasha-cole]

Focus: Chapter 2

Pairing: Chris x Reader x Rob

Chapters: 2/?

Word Count: 1,599

Warnings: None yet

Series Summary: Reader is a popular fandom photographer, having made a name for herself in large convention circuits. When an old mentor asks for her assistance at an event she’s never attended, she’s happy to agree. Not only does Chris have to guide her through the unfamiliar territory of a Supernatural convention; he may just have to show her exactly how he feels about her when the one man she never expected shows up for the weekend. Reader has grown used to fighting for what she wants, but what’ll happen when she becomes the focus of attention from the two men she admires most?

A/N: Part 2 of my collaboration with @wilde-abandon.

Since this is a collaboration, if you would like to be tagged in this particular series, please let me know. I won’t be automatically tagging my forever list because it’s honestly just a lot and I’d rather start fresh with this one.

Catch Up: Chapter 1

TWO

The moment you entered the room, you were overwhelmed by the sheer volume at which the music was playing. You took a moment to gather yourself before you easily spotted Chris, his back to you as he appeared to be fumbling with his gear that was set out on the table.

Knowing that you couldn’t necessarily get his attention by shouting right now, you moved up behind him and carefully placed a hand on his arm.

Startled, he quickly turned to face you, smiling widely when he saw your face.

He moved to stop his music that was blasting through the room before turning his attention back to you.

“Y/N! You’re here!”

“I told you I was here,” you chuckled.

“No, I know. But, you’re here. Right now.”

“I am,” you smiled.

“I really appreciate you coming to this. With all of these new events that the organizers keep adding, it’ll be good to have someone around who is capable of helping me out when I need it.”

“I don’t know how much help I’ll really be,” you admitted. “I only aspire to be as good as you someday.”

“What are you talking about? You’re amazing. You’ll fit in very nicely here.”

“Well, I did learn from the best,” you said as you gave him a playful nudge.

“I don’t know about that,” he laughed in return. “Anyway, I should probably give you the rundown. It’s day one and everything starts soon. This,” he began, gesturing at the room in which you currently stood, “is the photo op room. This is basically where I am at all times every day.”

You glanced around, familiarizing yourself with the setup. It wasn’t anything that you hadn’t seen before. You figured that if you were expected to spend most of your time in this room shooting photo ops, the weekend was going to be a piece of cake. However, you were still unsure of exactly what your real purpose here was. Chris had only mentioned you coming to help him out.

“So, what will I be doing this weekend exactly?” You asked.

“Like I said, just helping me out when I need it. I always have people helping me during ops, but I figured it would be nice to have someone who really gets photography to help out. You were the first person I thought of, Y/N. You’ve come such a long way from when we first started talking about photography, and you have an impressive resume. Now that I’m doing a photography workshop, I didn’t want just anyone stepping in for me to take over ops. The company also likes the idea of having someone cover the events. I figured, I’d have someone competent to help me out, and it would also give you an opportunity to photograph the convention. I think you’d really enjoy it.”

“Events?” You asked.

“Yeah; panels, karaoke, the concert... “ Chris trailed off.

“Karaoke? A concert? What kind of convention is this?” You chuckled.

“Well, it’s a lot different from what you’re used to to,” he said with a smile. “But, I think you’ll really enjoy it.”

“Okay. And I just get a free pass to photograph around here?”

“Yeah, you’ll have the same access that I do.”

He began to rummage through a bag until he found what he was looking for. He handed the item over to you and you recognized that it was basically a press pass for the weekend.

“You’ll need that to get into all of the events,” he explained. “It basically gives you free range to pretty much everything.”

“Everything?”

“Hey, perks of working with me,” he said as he gave you a wink.

You slipped the pass over your head, knowing that the weekend was already starting and that meant you’d be put to work quickly. It wasn’t usual for you to play second-fiddle to another photographer, especially at a convention; but Chris had easily talked you into basically playing his assistant this weekend. You only wondered what his job really consisted of at these things in which he’d need help to begin with.

Chris glanced at his watch for a moment before turning back to you.

“We have a little time,” he began. “I could show you around real quick before everything starts.”

“Sounds good,” you replied.

You followed Chris out of the photo op room, walking quickly just to keep up with him. He spoke as you walked, occasionally pointing out rooms that had nothing to do with you and introducing you to people that you’d forget the names of too quickly.

“This is the green room,” he explained as he held open a door for you.

You paused briefly, wondering if you had heard him right.

“Green room?” You asked.

“Yeah, our first stop.”

“They let us in the green room? Isn’t that usually reserved for actual famous people?”

Chris gave you a confused look, which was then quickly replaced by a sincere smile.

“Yeah, you’re gonna learn a lot here,” he replied. “Come on.”

You entered the room as he prompted you to and he stepped in as well, letting the door close behind the two of you.

“This is the green room,” he explained. “This is where everyone hangs out in their down time.”

“Even you?”

“Yes, even me.”

You glanced around the space; noting that it was definitely set up so that a group of people could hang out if they wanted to. There were couches and tables and a set up of drinks and snacks against a wall. The only strange thing was that no one was here. For a convention that consisted of what you understood to be quite the lineup of actors from the show, and was scheduled to begin in only a couple of hours; you couldn’t help but wonder where everyone was.

Chris must have read your mind because he interrupted your thoughts so that you could continue on.

“Come on,” he said as he began to walk back toward the door. “I’ll introduce you to everyone who’s here.”

“Where are they?” You asked as you followed him out.

“Most likely the theater,” he answered as the two of you walked back down the hall together.

Almost as soon as he said it, you could hear the faint sound of music playing down the hall. This time, you knew it wasn’t Chris’ playlist blasting.

Again, he opened the door for you, holding it so that you could step inside and take a peek. The large space was filled mostly with chairs, a few people sitting up in the front rows as a full band stood up on stage doing what you assumed was soundcheck. You heard the voice from one of the men on stage giving instructions over the sound system.

Chris nudged you as he stepped next to you, indicating that you should follow him. You did just that as he led you to the front of the room, your legs moving fast as you tried to keep up with his wide gait.

“You weren’t kidding about the concert thing,” you pointed out. “There’s actually a band here?”

“Yeah, they play all weekend. They’re on stage more than anyone else here.”

Just as you got close to the front of the stage, making your way around people and equipment, the band began to play again. You had to pause as soon as you heard the opening to the song they had started. Chris stopped short as well, looking at you in confusion. You studied the men on stage a bit harder, getting the feeling that you definitely recognized the song they were playing.

The man at the microphone with a guitar began to sing, and you smiled to yourself as soon as he started the first line of the song.

“Hey,” you called out to Chris, speaking a bit louder now that the room was filled with music. “Are these guys a cover band? I know this song.”

“This song?” He asked. “I mean, yeah they do covers, but this is a Louden Swain original.”

“Louden Swain?” You asked in shock.

Chris looked at you, trying to figure out why you were so surprised by the band on stage right now. You paid him no mind as you focused on the guys again, trying to piece together why in the world your favorite indie band was playing at a Supernatural convention of all places.

Truthfully, you didn’t recognize the guys at all. But then again, you had the tendency to just stumble upon random bands as you set up playlists to listen to while you edited. You were usually too busy to pay much attention to bands outside of listening to them. You had been listening to this particular band for the last couple of years and now you suddenly felt stupid as you realized this was them.

“You know them?” Chris asked as he broke you from your thoughts.

“Oh, I’m familiar with them,” you replied. “I listen to them all the time.”

“Yet, you didn’t recognize them the moment we walked in here?”

“Forgive me if I just listen to music and don’t let the people behind the music consume my life,” you said. “I’m a busy woman. I don’t really pay attention to who I listen to.”

Chris continued to watch you, amused at the way you were reacting over this realization of who these guys were.

“What are they doing here at a convention?” You asked.

“Seriously?” He laughed in return. “Oh, Y/N, you really do have a lot to learn.”

Tags: 

@arses21434 @laubeck10

#rob benedict x reader #chris schmelke x reader #spn rpf #collaboration #focus

[aileen-hollingsworth]

Ties, Baguettes & Titanics ~ #3

A/N: First challenge. Ngl this turned out long, like real long. Thanks to @prince-consort-erik for role playing Haiden. Forgive typos and stuff like that, I had little to no time to edit. There are small mentions of @sophiemoreaux, @baguette-le-chef, @alexandra-amaria, @mila-regan , a guard and fictional actors.

“No, there’s no real point to being nervous.” Sophie shrugged. “I’m just going to wait and see what happens, it isn’t that big a deal.”

I could see many of the girls nearby gave her glances full of disbelief. The how-is-she-not-nervous-about-dating-a-prince look…okay, that’s not a thing but you get the point.

I just nodded at her and eyed the other girls. I was still a bit uncertain of most of them so I didn’t really tell her (or anyone else) if I was nervous or not. I was a bit too used to keeping my opinion to myself when in a new public place, so with so many Selected in the Women’s room I had some issues talking much. If it was a ‘one on one’ conversation I had no problem—like when I’d bumped into Naomi in the library while looking for pretty editions to take photos of, or when I’d gone looking for chips in the kitchen with Mila in the middle of Viola’s sleepover—but when it was conversations with people in earshot I was too self-aware.  

When my maids asked me in my room if I was nervous I just shrugged and Anne, the oldest, frowned. “What is that supposed to mean?”

I didn’t take my eyes of my polaroid photos scattered across the floor when I answered. The palace definitely had some aesthetically pleasing books. “I don’t know. I guess I’m giddy because he’s a prince and all, but I’ve talked to well-known celebrities because of my parents before.” I picked the photos that captured the lighting better and offered them to Janet to inspect.

I’d heard the whispers around the Selected. Everyone seemed to think Haiden was shy. I didn’t want things to be awkward; I was just hoping to have a good time. “I’m trying to tell myself there isn’t that big a difference between him and, I don’t know…” I shrugged again. “Ezra Lynley.”

Janet who had been admiring the photos immediately glanced down at me. “You know Ezra Lynley?”

A Two. Star of a gazillion movies. Nice cheekbones. Most importantly, a great guy and one of my cousin’s closest friends.

I nodded at Janet, trying not to make it seem like a big deal. She shared a surprised glance with Anne. During late-night conversations I’d told them my father was a movie producer, but maybe they didn’t expect a Three to know someone as popular…which kind of made sense. My father was popular mostly between the media and the world that knew his work. Being a movie producer wasn’t “important” in comparison to being an actor or artist. Of course, actors wouldn’t get any work if it weren’t for movie producers (same way some artists wouldn’t be as good without music producers). People working on the media would recognize my father’s name immediately, but it wasn’t as common for all civilians to know who he was.

Janet sat down next to me, avoiding the polaroid photos surrounding me with a smirk. “Is he as hot in person?”

Anne scowled and I chucked.

He tripped over me. He actually tripped over me. That’s how it started.

“What the—” I grunted as something hit my legs.

As I sat up to look at the person who’d fallen next to me he said: “Lady Aileen! What… are you doing?”

Oh boy. He was lying on the grass with a confused frown. “Prince… Haiden? Oh wow, I’m so sorry….I didn’t mean to make you, um, trip.” I mumbled taking my headphones off. The rest of the piano’s melody still vaguely stuck on my head without them.

He gave me an awkward grin and adjusted his glasses. “N-No, it’s all right. What are you doing anyway?”

What was I doing here? I blinked without saying anything, and then snapped back into focus. “Oh, you know getting some fresh air before our— ”  My eyes widened as I tried to figure out how long I’d been here in the gardens. “Oh wait, what time is it? Tell me I didn’t forget about our date…”

“Date?” he mumbled still confused, but then something seemed to click into place in his thoughts. “Is it really?”

I raised an eyebrow, smirking. “You forgot about it?”

He laughed awkwardly, and my smirk widened. “Well, so did you apparently.”

“Well, I kind of lost track of time so it’s different.” I chuckled.

“I would’ve remembered eventually.” He countered. Then looking down at my headphones and sitting up he added: “Uh, what are you listening to?”

“Just some music samples.” I turned up the volume and pressed one side of the headphones to his ear. “Piano can make such a beautiful sound.”

“They sound nice. You like music then?”

“Yeah. If being a princess doesn’t work I gotta make a life out of it.” I said winking.

“What instruments do you play?”

“Oh, I’m not precisely one with many instruments. Just piano, guitar and basic ukulele…but music producers don’t usually need to know how to play an instrument, you know. Knowing how to play some—like I do—is kind of a plus.”

“Oh, so you’re a producer. What’s that like?”

“Umm, I don’t think I can qualify as a professional producer just yet, but I will get there hopefully. It’s mostly getting to choose what tracks sound well together…like for example figuring out what’s the best moment in a song to let violins join the drums and the piano.”

“That sounds crazy. I could never do something like that.”

I waved a hand dismissively. “Of course you could. You just need to learn how to listen to the music.” You need to actually pay attention to how it sounds. Feel it to your core.

“Trust me that talent is far away from mine.”

“And what may that talent be?” I asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Breathing.”

Very funny. “Oh wow, that does sound very complicated. Got any tips on that?”

“Well, it gets harder when you run, so you have to do it more.”

I pretended to nod thoughtfully. “True, true. What happens when you’re under water though?” I said trying to keep the ridiculous game on. He didn’t seem so nervous.

“You can try to breathe, but usually it doesn’t work, so I’d advise against it.”

“Gonna keep that in mind if I ever find myself under those circumstances.” I smiled, rolling my eyes amused.  “Any other talents you’d like to share?”

“Eating, for one. But I also do incredibly well at sleeping.”

“You are such a talented prince it’s actually shocking.” I said, trying to sound serious.

“I know, the country should be so pleased.”

“Yeah, you should already be King to be honest. I mean, I’m good at eating and breathing, but sleeping is rather hard to handle.”

“Oh, most definitely.” He finally couldn’t keep it up and laughed. “How did we get on this topic again?”

I laughed too. “I don’t know, I’m just trying to break the ice here, I’d say I’m doing pretty well in a very strange way.” Strangest way possible.

“I’d say so for two people who forgot their own dates and ended up in the palace garden after I tripped over you.”

“Yeah,” I looked up at the sky confused picturing his fall. I’d been with my eyes closed and missed the incident. “How did you not notice me on the ground? I had my headphones on, what’s your excuse?”

“I’m wearing glasses. And I don’t usually expect for girls to be lying down in the middle of a garden.”

I brought a hand to my chest pretending to be offended. “Why not, it’s a perfectly normal thing to do.”

“Apparently. I must be so unsocialized.”

He makes up words. Nice. “Obviously,” I said reaching for his glasses and placing them on my nose “it’s practically etiquette for ladies to do it at least once a week.”

“I can’t see now.” He said, slightly squinting in my direction.

The fact that he didn’t seem bothered by my lack of consideration for his personal space was a good sign. It meant he was relaxed. I continued, squinting through his glasses. “You got some heavy lenses I see…at least you look cute with them.”

I was pleased to hear him laugh at that. “I usually wear contacts.”

“Makes sense, I usually never see you wearing these” I replied, making the glasses move up and down on my nose. “I thought it was a fashion statement or something.”

“Nope, I’m just blind as a bat.”

I placed the glasses on the top of my head like a headband to see him properly. “Bats have great hearing though.” I kept talking as I waved a hand in front of his eyes in an attempt to tests his sight. I was hoping to be annoying actually. I myself used glasses, but just to read. “Maybe being a music producer wouldn’t be as hard as you think.” I raised three fingers. “How many fingers am I holding?” He gave me a serious glance, but I could see the corner of his lip twitch. “Quick Haiden, you’re life depends on your answer!”

“It’s three, I’m not that blind.”

“WRONG IT’S THREE.” I corrected him.

This time his face broke into a confused smile. “Is there a difference I’m not getting?

“The accent of course.”

“Accent? Well, I didn’t know that was a factor.”

“…Well I had to correct you in some way so now it’s a factor. You have to say it like you’re about to drink tea with the Queen of England.” I explained, raising a pinky as I zipped tea from an invisible teacup.

“I didn’t realize. I only know how to have tea with two queens.”

I’d forgotten about his aunt, Queen Sabine of France, for second so he had to clarify, but then he laughed and started talking in a British accent as his face faked smugness. “I come from a long line of blue bloods.”

I tried to do my own impression. “Is that so? Well, so do I, your Highness.��

“That is an awful accent, I can’t lie.” He cooed amused.

I shoved him. “Shut up you fancy pants, I do a great accent.”

“Wow, assaulting the prince tsk tsk.”

I bit my lip and narrowed my eyes at him but quickly recovered with a: “Tripping over a lady tsk tsk.”

“Stealing my glasses tsk tsk.”

“Insulting my accent tsk tsk,” I am running out of tsk-tsks “which is very good by the way.”

“Nay.”

“Whatever,” I said, dramatically flipping my hair. “I know my own talent.”

“Well then. I’m offended.”

“Because of my superiority?” I winked.

“Obviously.”

“Don’t feel intimidated by my talents Haiden, I am a very normal girl…” I paused, realizing that wasn’t entirely true. “Most of the time.”

“What’s the rest of the time?”

“Well, wouldn’t you like to know?” I said, tauntingly.

“In fact, I would very much.”

I smiled looking up at the clouds in the sky. One actually looked like a scrunched man’s face yelling. “It really depends.”

“Ask me a question, Lady Aileen.”

I looked over at him, curious about his choice of words to carry on with the conversation, but then looked back at the yelling-man cloud. What did I want him to tell me? “It’s not a question but tell me about something you love.”

It didn’t take him long to pick something. “I love my sisters.”

I knot formed on my throat at the words, but I still smiled at his choice. “I bet they love you too.”

“Hopefully.”

I laughed. “Hopefully?”

“I always wonder.”

I shook my head with a faint smile. “That’s some trust you’ve got in them… why the doubt though?”

“I don’t know. They’ve never said they didn’t love me, but it’s something I always naturally wonder.”

Sam’s face popped up in my head but I pushed it away. “Haven’t they ever told you they do?”

“Of course they have, but… I don’t know. Sometimes I wonder if they’d rather have someone else as a brother.”

I sighed. I never do even though I should. “If you love them as much as you say I doubt they’d want anyone else, I can tell you that.”

He shrugged and I desperately wanted to stop Sam’s words from flooding my thoughts so I smirked and suggested: “Well, since it seems I won’t convince you about that, how about we officially start our date? Believe it or not, I actually had something planned…unless you’ve got any other ideas.”

“I don’t know, I’m rather comfortable on the ground.” He admitted, padding the grass as if to emphasize his statement.

I rested my elbows on the grass, keeping the upper half of my body upward. “Am I not boring you with trivial conversation?”

“I don’t know, it always seems like things unplanned go better.”

“Suggestions then?” I actually wanted to give my plan a try for once, so when I noticed his hesitation I wiggled my eyebrows and inquired: “Or maybe you’d like to go on a treasure hunt…or is it scavenger hunt? Either way you get the idea.”

That spiked his interest. “Ooh, how would we do that?”

“Well, it’s simple. I make a list of things we need to find. We look for them together. There’s a catch to it though.”

“Oh?”

“I gotta make it interesting somehow.” I said grinning. “First rule is we can’t ask for permission to take the object.”

“I can work with that.”

No hesitation. Good. I nodded in approval. “Second rule: Every time we find an object we have to make a guess about each another.”

That confused him. “A guess?”

“Like for example…I think your favorite color is green. I don’t know if it is, I’m just guessing.” After the mention of his favorite green tie on our interview I was hoping to get that right.

“Seems easy enough. And it’s blue by the way.”

“Dang it I thought I had it right.” I mumbled, mostly to myself. That meant the green tie being his favorite probably had a backstory then. “Anyway, that’s how it works.”

“Alright, then.” He stood up offering me a hand. “Where to first?”

“We need an autographed book.” I said accepting the help. “Also, I forgot to mention, if you guess correctly you get a compliment or a truth.”

“Oh, well, now I’m very entertained.” He stated and actually seemed on board with the idea. “An autographed book, huh? I have at least 10 in my room. Come on, let’s go.”

The door of his room stood in front of us and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t curious about how it looked inside.

“Um, could I ask you something?” He pondered.

“Sure. I’m all ears.”

“Can you… not tell anyone you were here? I don’t want people getting jealous or the wrong idea…”

“Are you kidding me?” I began with a smirk. “I’m not telling anyone, that’ll get us both killed. Plus we don’t need ‘Exposing Illea’ to go around saying lies.”

He laughed at this. “All right.” He didn’t hesitate again when he opened the door and pulled me in. “Um, pardon the mess.” He immediately went to a book shelved corner and started looking at a particular section.

I slowly walked over to him taking a look around. There was the bed, the bookshelfs in the corner, what seemed like an entrance to a closet, then another door (most likely the bathroom) and also a desk filled with papers and more than one kind of writing tool. He even had ink and a…feathery pen thing.

I was in the middle of saying it wasn’t that bad when I reached him and had to stop to stare in awe at his bookshelf. I’d seen incredible books with different editions on the palace’s library but these were another level. “Oh my God…” I practically whispered as I reached for the book with the oldest looking cover. I stared at every detail. The engraving on the front, the golden ink of the title, the pages tinted with age. “Why did I not bring my camera, these hardcovers are gorgeous.”

“1st Editions. One of the perks of being famous.”

I couldn’t contain my smile as I held up the book for him to see. “You can practically smell the ancient.”

“Why don’t you keep it?”

I had to do a double take of his words in my mind before smiling again. “And here I was about to call you greedy for hoarding all the prettiest books from the library.”

“Got to make sure no one takes it.” He smiled, and then took the book from my hands to flip it open. “And look, signed by the author.”

I peeked over his shoulder to look at the signature. “Well, would you look at that…” I ventured, tracing the dark ink with my fingers. “Pretty.”

He glanced down at me, still smiling, and I decided I liked his smile. “What’s next?”

I told my mind to ignore the closeness between us. “Since we’re already in your room I’d say a green tie. I already know you’ve got one.” I pressed, in remembrance of my interview.

“What are you planning to do with it?”

“It’s part of the list, just trust me.” I shrugged.

Too my surprise he accepted that as a good enough reason and went into his closet. He came out with a green tie on a hanger. My dad usually just had his stashed together.

“Fancy.” I teased.

“Why, thank you. What next? Do I get a compliment yet?”

I laughed. “Not yet. First the guessing, hopefully I’ll get this one right…” I looked him up and down tapping my chin thoughtfully, trying to come with something good. “Okay, I think you’re that person that starts flirting a lot when drunk.”

“I-I… don’t know.”

Stuttering again. “Hmm, that’s not fair, I want a compliment.”

“Fine, maybe you’re right, I’ll give you a compliment anyway.”

I smiled victoriously and waited.

“I like your freckles.”

I raised both eyebrows for a second. “Oh, wow thanks! Sometimes I forget I have them if that makes any sense” I laughed, but was pretty sure I’d failed at hiding my blush. “I really like them too though.” I paused to reach for the green tie and then placed it loosely around my neck. “Okay, your turn to guess.”

“All right, I think you’re a little self-conscious about yourself, but you try not to be.”

Pffft… “I—” well…I was going to deny it, but looking over at him I realized there was really no point in lying. Not if we wanted to see if we could work. “—don’t know… maybe… Just as a defense mechanism.”

“Hey, it’s all right.”

“I know.” I really did. It was just annoying to know that some of the media liked making little things a lot more complicated than they originally were. “When people look at you all the time it’s kind of necessary. I can’t imagine how it is for you being a prince and all.” I shrugged. “I’m just the daughter of a movie producer and a retired actress.”

“No, I think you’re a lot more than that.”

That caught me off guard and I looked over at him again with curiosity.  “How so?” I mumbled slightly flustered.

“You underrate yourself. You act as if you’re no one, but I know there’s someone in there that’s deeply passionate.”

I stared at the ground thoughtfully for a few seconds. Why did people think he was shy?  “You are better with words than I gave you credit for.” Then staring at him I clarified: “Though I wouldn’t say I underrate myself…I just” it took me a moment to find the right words “I don’t know, I guess I learned it’s better if I hide some of my cards from the public sometimes.” Learned it the hard way.

“You don’t need to hide from me.”

I smiled up at him and reached for the book in his hands. “Lucky you, I wasn’t trying to do so yet.”

“Yet?”

I rolled my eyes amused. Nothing gets past this one. “Or ever. As for your compliment…” I leaned in to give him a kick kiss on the cheek. “I like your occasional stutter.”

He blushed and I giggled at the sight. “I—Uh, thanks.”

“See? Adorable. Now, next object is….a Baguette from Chef Baguette’s kitchen.”

He only seemed slightly surprised. “Well, this’ll be fun.”

“It’ll be great; if he finds out we’ll blame it on you.” Then I placed the book on his bed, reached for his hand and led him out.

“So are you going in or am I?” He asked once we were in front of the kitchen.

I rolled my eyes and dragged him in. “Team work Haiden…think Mission Impossible.”

“Alright, we die together.” He whispered as we entered and I couldn’t avoid grinning. Man, am I liking this kid.

I dragged him all the way behind a counter and we sat on the floor. I was glad I’d forgotten about the date. All of the sneaking around would have been a lot more complicated in a dress. “Okay, your moment to shine. Where are the baguettes?”

“On the bread cabinet.”

I covered my mouth trying not to laugh. He was so on board with my ridiculous ideas it was an unbelievable but pleasant surprise. “Okay….” I peeked over the counter looking for the acclaimed cabinet, but the kitchen was way too big. “Uhh, where is the bread cabinet? I just know where he hides his chips so far.” I smirked over at him when I saw the curious grin he gave me. “Long story.” Mostly Mila and I searching every single cabinet in the middle of a sleepover.

“In the very back of the kitchen. In a safe.”

I snorted a laugh and then immediately covered my mouth. I looked back at Haiden blushing, but grinning all the same. “I promise I don’t always laugh like that.”

“I hope you do.” He said raising an eyebrow in amusement. Then he shook his head and gestured me to follow. “Let’s go.”

We started making our way to the back of the kitchen in a crawl and then I whispered. “I can’t believe he has a safe for his baguettes.”

“His name is Baguette. What do you expect?”

“I wonder if Azalea has a safe filled with Azalea’s on her house then.” I snickered.

“I wonder if Britain has Great Britain under lock and key.”

At that I burst out laughing. I quickly covered my mouth realizing my mistake, but it was a bit too late. “Did you hear that?” Baguette’s thick accent echoed in the kitchen.

“We better get in and out of here fast.” Haiden mumbled and then we crawled the rest of the way to the bread cabinet. There was in deed a safe next to it, a lock keeping the insides out of our reach. I was about to ask what we were going to do about that, but Haiden was one step ahead. “Do you happen to have a hair pin on you?”

I raised both eyebrows impressed. He had some pretty interesting talents he had forgotten to mention earlier. “Such a professional spy, please teach me your ways.” I smirked before taking a pin out of my hair. Lucky him I used pins to secure my braids sometimes.

It didn’t take him long to pick the lock. After a minute or so it clicked and fell off. Haiden’s face beamed at me with pride. “Voila. A baguette for the lady.” He announced, handing me a baguette from inside.

“Such skills, you underrate yourself.” I said taking the baguette.

“VHAT ARE YOU TWO DOING ERE. ZIS ES PUNISHABLE BY DEATH!” Baguette had finally seen us and started making his way toward us.

“Uh oh.” I smiled.

“Oh, we better go.” Haiden sputtered, standing up and pulling me with him to an exit.

A bubble of laughter erupted inside me and I couldn’t suppress it as we ran. The smell of different foods flooding my nose as we passed different areas of the kitchen, cooks and other staff members staring at us with confusion as we ran past them with Baguette yelling in the distance. “Ef someone es trying to steal ze baguettes, you vill feel ze wrath of Baguette Le Chef! I vill get you!”

“We better get outta here.” Haiden blurted as we ran. We reached the exit and it took us into the servant’s quarters. I noticed how there was an exit to the palace in there and made a mental note of it. Then, with my free hand, I grabbed a random napkin from a servant carrying a platter full of them. It was one of the fancy shmancy cloth ones.

“What next, My lady?”

I presented the napkin to him. “Well, I just got the napkin that was also on the list… and we have the baguette.” At that I was pretty sure I could still hear Baguette grumbling in the distance. “Uh… let’s get out of here and then do our second round of guessing.” I laughed again and Haiden joined me, dragging me further into the servant’s quarters.

“The maids are probably wondering why their future monarch is running around with a little redheaded girl.”

“Don’t forget I’m carrying a baguette and wearing your green tie.”

He gave me a glance and immediately stopped running. I almost stumbled with him, but then he looked at me and reached for the tie. He untied the loose knot I’d made and replaced it with a perfect one instead, so that it was placed neatly around my neck. “There, now it’s perfect.”

I grabbed the end of the tie assessing his work and smiled. “Oh, how have I survived without your fashion sense.”

“Obviously. So are we going to guess yet?”

“Yes, you go first now.”

“All right. You’ve… never had a boyfriend.”

Ouch. I gasped pretending to be offended. “Haiden Schreave, why would you ever think that? You are lucky enough to get to date me.”

He laughed. “You’re practically a child.”

Oh, you want to play like that huh? “You’re barely older than me honey.”

“You’re still a minor.” He said matter of fact-ly, but then in a teasing tone he added: “And you’re tiny.”

HOW DARE HE CALL ME TINY? “No,” I poked his chest “you’re tall, there’s a difference.”

He still seemed amused as he stared at the finger I’d used to poke him. “Did I get it right, though?”

I crossed my arms in front of my chest. “Technically…no.”

“Technically?”

“Well, the media kind of expected me to have a boyfriend so I had one…for a while, but we were really just friends.”

“So not technically.”

“We agreed to be a couple for a while so people would stop asking why we were single” I shrugged. “Mutual agreement.”

“So technically or not technically?” He questioned and I struggled to give an answer as I thought of Josh.

We went out to get dinner or watch movies, in rare occasions we even did picnics to make it more “romantic”. We’d been like that on my last months in Angeles before moving to Dominica. We used my temporary move away as an excuse to break up peacefully.

It mostly started because paparazzi wouldn’t stop asking if there was anyone special out there I hadn’t told them about, and because everyone was expecting Josh to date the co-star of the movie he was working on. It was common for actors and actresses to ‘fall in love with each other’ to help the publicity of their own movies, but Ellie Foster made it pretty clear she would “never in her life date a Lynley again.” Josh was not any more interested either. After all she had broken up with his older brother just because she thought he didn’t “act like a Two with all the painting he did.” It wasn’t that she wasn’t smart or pretty, she was just too…condescending.

With me and Josh dating however, people would stop asking me about nonexistent secret boyfriends and stop suggesting him and Ellie become a couple. It was a win-win situation as stupid as having to do it was. Since that moment on I became Josh’s permanent companion on movie premieres—which to be honest happened a lot even before we became “a couple”. We kept regularly seeing each other on set whenever I was there with my parents and we hung out a lot out off set as well. Considering we were already close friends, it was mostly acting like the love we shared was a romantic kind of love… so it wasn’t all a charade. We really did have fun and enjoyed each other’s company. I even thought I might like him for a while…but by the end it was always pretty platonic.

“I don’t know…what would you consider technically?” I asked Haiden.

“I don’t know depends on what you consider dating is. For example, I don’t consider that we’re dating. I believe we’re both in a mutual contract at this point, but I wouldn’t say dating.”

That’s certainly interesting. I raised my eyebrow. “So this is not a date?”

“Mm, technically no. I like to call it a “Rendezvous with a possible spouse”. But legally, I’m supposed to call it a date.”

I laughed at the name he used. “Okay, okay, at what point would it be a date then?”

“When we mutually agree it is…I barely know you. It’d be weird to say we’re dating along with 29 other girls.”

I nodded tapping my chin as I examined him. I agreed with what he was saying, but I hadn’t been expecting those to be his thoughts. “True, it’s kind of weird…” really weird actually. “I’m beginning to think this Selection was not entirely your idea.”

“Oh, it definitely wasn’t.”

I thought about the rebels who had killed the second Azalea. “Hmm…any particular reasons the country needed it right now?”

“Not really. I was just of age and jolly ol’ dad decided it was time.”

“Okay, well hopefully I survive here long enough to get a real date with you then. And also I guess I technically haven’t had a boyfriend.”

“Trust me, I think you will.” He said it without stuttering, but then he seemed to realize he’d said it aloud and cleared his throat. “And wonderful, I’m right.”

I grinned trying to let him know his comment had not gone unnoticed. “Let’s see, a compliment… You’re a lot funnier than you think you are, or than what you pretend to be at least.”

“Why, thank you, Lady Aileen. You’re turn now.”

“Hum, I’m pretty sure you write. I don’t know what, but you do. I mean, with that bookshelf and the bunch of papers on your trashcan… that is practically overloaded with paper balls may I add.”

He laughed. “You got me.”

“Yes! Now a compliment, plus a detail. Is it novels? Songs? Short stories? …poetry? I’ve heard everyone blabbing about how much you love it.”

“Nope, no details. I am not contractually obligated. As for your compliment… I like that you talk back to me.”

“I’ll figure out eventually, but what do you mean I talk back to you?”

“You don’t brush off anything. If I’m wrong you definitely make sure I know.”

It was a simple compliment, but nonetheless pleasant. “Ahh, well I’m glad you don’t hate me for it,” I winked “someone’s gotta do it. Now, we’re almost done with the list. Next thing requires me to get my camera from my room.”

“All, right,” he said gesturing toward a door near us “after you.”

I opened the door and called for Janet and Anne, but no one replied. I entered and for once they weren’t there. Haiden slowly walked in behind me, double checking no one saw him enter.

“You´re scared to get caught in my room as well?”

“Of course.”

I started moving and picking up the polaroid photos I’d left on the floor and around my desk before I’d left for the gardens. “Why? I get your room, but…well…this is kind of your property.”

“Don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea.”

I thought again about ‘Exposing Illea’ implying me and David seemed a bit too close. David. My cousin. “Fair enough I guess. I am sorry for the mess as well” I said, still picking up photos from what to him probably seemed like random places. “Anne and Janet do a better job at cleaning really, I just told them not to move some stuff. I don´t want them to accidentally misplace things.” I had a weird way of organizing my pictures.

He laughed. “It looks perfect.”

I smiled and placed the pictures neatly on my desk. “Of course you´d say that considering how your trashcan looks.” I teased, approaching my new bed to kneel in front of it and look for my instant camera under it.

“You know you have plenty of storage in other places rather than the bed.”

“Yes, but no one serious would look under the bed. It´s ridiculous to hide something there…well, unless they are looking for something very important, then they would turn the room upside down.” I took out the camera from under the bed. “Would you ever think of looking under the bed?”

“Um, yes. That’s literally the first place people who have something to hide put things.”

“Fine,” I said rolling my eyes. “I’ll look for a better place….” To be honest I wasn’t trying to hide it there, I just didn’t want people using it without permission. It was a special gift. If I placed it somewhere else—where people might just pick it up while in my room to look at it—I would find myself trying to politely take it back without showing I was bothered by them grabbing it in the first place.

“Take it from a professional spy.” Haiden quipped.

I stood up and remembered how he opened the lock back in the kitchen. “You owe me a hair pin by the way, but you have to teach me that trick.”

To my surprise he took the hair pin from his pocket, but held it high above his head, out of my reach.

You little—I placed a hand on my hip and looked at him with narrowed eyes. “Against what you have established, I am not a child, so I will not behave like one…” I said it as eloquently as possible.  Heather would be proud. Then I waited for a couple of seconds, expecting him to give ot back, but he didn’t and I was bored and I am Aileen. He’s already seen how intense I am. I sighed. Heather might not be as proud. “Oh who am I kidding, that´s no fun.” And then I tackled the prince.

He gasped as we hit the ground. “Oh, God.” Between laughs he stuck the pin on his hair and shoved me aside. “You’ll never get it now.”

I stood after him. “That’s not fair! Why are you so tall?!”

“Because taller is better!”

“Pfft, I doubt so,” I argued, reaching for the blanket on my bed and throwing it over his head in an attempt to stop him “it makes you a bigger target!

He laughed but kept on walking and crashed into a wall. Didn’t really protest though. “You’re not getting this pin.”

I snorted a laugh, but didn’t care for it at the moment. “Be careful where you’re going, and I’m getting that pin!”

Before I could do anything however he spun around and unraveled himself from the blanket. In seconds he was tying it around me. “No wait!” I tried to stop him, but failed and then ended up tripping over the blanket and bumping into the shelf I had. Because of the tangled mess we were with the blanket, we both ended up on the floor, next to each other. We had burst out laughing as soon as we hit the ground. I hadn’t heard him laugh that hard all day.

“You should let me keep the hair pin.”

I took part of the blanket from my face and proclaimed dramatically: “MY HONER DEPENDS ON GETTING THAT PIN!” But just then the carton box I’d placed on the shelf we bumped into finally tipped over and fell. All of my little paper swans and planes showered on us and the empty  box landed on Haiden’s head.

“Well, this is inconvenient.”

I laughed again. “I like origami.”

I unraveled my hands from the blanket and took the box off his head. He smiled down at me and I took the opportunity to reach for the pin. “And so my honor is restored…”

He backed away and wrapped his hand around my wrist before I could grasp it. “Not so fast.”

I tried to hold him still, biting my lip in concentration in an attempt to reach for it with my other hand. “Is it so hard to make you stay in one place?”

“I never stay in one place.” He chuckled.

“Pfft, well first of all that’s a lie.” I kept reaching for the pin and he kept laughing, trying to stop me from getting it, playfully elbowing me away.

“No it isn’t.”

“Oh really, how do you sleep then…” The door creaked and from the corner of my eye I realized how it slowly opened, I glanced back at Haiden with wide eyes. We were on a corner between my bed and shelf, surrounded by a bunch of origami figures, a tangled mess in blankets. It didn’t get any more random than that. I immediately reached for the blanket and untangled it just in time to throw it on top of him. Anne came in with a batch of towels in hand. I was glad the blanket was for a king size bed. Big enough for a prince. Get it? No? Fine.

“Lady Ai—” she stopped midsentence looking at both of us. “Uh…who’s that?” She gestured at the blanket-covered Haiden with her head.

“Oh hey Anne! It’s just Mila.” Silence ensued as Anne frowned and Haiden remained silent. I cleared my throat before elbowing him on the ribs. “Don’t be shy Mila, say hi.”

He only squeaked a little. I could tell he was trying not to laugh. He’d be a horrible actor.

Anne seemed very confused. “Umm..”

“Yeah, uh,” my voice cracked a little as I avoided bursting into laughter “that’s how Mila says hi apparently.” I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes. This was ridiculous. We were ridiculous.

“O-okay..?” I could tell Anne knew something was off but I only stood and tried helping Haiden up as well, making sure the blanket didn’t fall off.  “Umm yeah we…” I eyed the room for a sec and then reached for a pillow as an idea formed in my head. “We were going to have a sleepover. At her room.” I shoved the pillow at Haiden’s chest. “Right Mila?”

He squeaked in agreement. I did my best not to laugh again. What kind of girl squeals to talk Haiden?

Anne raised an eyebrow. “It’s the middle of the day, why would you have a sleepover right now? And didn’t the last one end up with a burnt bush in the gardens?”

“We’re just getting ready…And yes there was a burnt bush, but Mila and I were some of the few that tried to stop them.” This was true. Remembering that night I leaned to whisper in Haiden’s ear and said: “By the way if it weren’t for us and Elaine your room might have been the one lit up.”

He laughed lightly and whispered back. “Well, thanks.” Then he cleared his throat and slouched down to my height. As if that would go unnoticed now. There was really no point in keeping this going probably, but we did.

Anne squinted at us. “Well Mila, you sure are tall…”

Haiden did a girly giggle in response and I snorted a laugh.

“Yeah,” I cleared my throat and waved a hand in dismissal. “It’s the vitamins!” Then I dragged him out of there, in the rush I accidentally made him bump into a wall. “Oops, better wacth where you’re going Mila.” I snickered, getting him past the door. “Bye Anne! I’m sorry for the origami mess, I’ll clean it up, don’t worry about it.” Then I pushed him outside. “Oh! Almost forgot” I went back in and grabbed the camera. “Perfect. Let’s go.”

He tossed the blanket onto a chair in the hallway. “Well, that was close.”

“That’s the worst impression of a girl I’ve ever seen.” I smirked.

“Well, I’d hope so.” Haiden emphasized and it took me a second to get it before laughing.

“Oh, shut up. Also, now you owe me one for saving your royal behind,” I extended my hand in front of him “so I wish for my honor back.”

“Maybe next time.”

I huffed, not willing to fight for the pin on the palace’s halls as well. “Fine, I’ll trust you with it…for now.”

“Great, because my next option would be to swallow it and my digestive tract could not handle that.”

I made a face. “Ew, that’s my honor you’re talking about.” Then I shook my head and held up the camera. “Now next item! We need a selfie with a guard.”

“I can do that.” He reached for something in his pocket and took out a walkie talkie.

Oh wow. “Modern.” I intoned.

He gave me an amused glance and started talking into the walkie talkie. “Knox, you there?”

I hovered next to him and yelled: “Hey Knox, how you doing?”

There was only static for a second, then a gruff voice finally spoke up. “Uh, Prince Haiden, I’m here, but who’s that?”

“Oh, no one.” He said rolling his eyes and I shoved him. “But, could you come to my room. I need help with something.”

“Uh, all right I’ll be there soon.”

When the walkie-talk was over I elbowed him. “No one? Excuse you, Mr. you underrate yourself, I am not no one.” Then I reached for the blanket and threw it over his face again. Me being petty. “Who’s Knox by the way?”

“A guard. Like you wanted.”

“I figured that, but aren’t you worried he’ll see me in your room?”

“No, Knox knows me and he’s no snitch.”

“A friend then?”

“Sort of. Let’s go.”

Once we were back on his room he asked: “So… are you having fun?”

“Are you kidding? Today has been great, one of the best treasure hunts I’ve ever had.” I said, laughing as I sat on the edge of his bed to wait for Knox. “I was actually worried I’d scare you with my…Aileen-ness.” I shrugged at my own creation of random words. “But I realized it was better for you to see it from the get go.”

He chuckled. “Definitely not. I haven’t had this much fun in a long time.”

That was the best outcome I could have wished for. “Glad I could help.”

Then someone knocked on the door and Haiden walked over to it. “Knox, glad you could come.”

A guard with dirty-blonde hair came in and glanced at me. “Am I interrupting something?”

I couldn’t avoid snickering. “Yeah, we were about to passionately make out Knox, you just ruined the moment.”

He slowly walked out of the room again. “Well, don’t let me stop you.”

I tilted my head at him and raised an eyebrow at Haiden. “He doesn’t have a good sense of sarcasm does he?”

Haiden shook his head and replied: “Oh he knew what you were saying. Very well.” Then he gestured at Knox to come back in.

I frowned, slightly confused about what that meant, but I didn’t get a chance to question it as Haiden explained we needed a selfie. When he gave Knox my camera part of me cringed inside, just a little…I had been the one to give Haiden the camera in the first place though—prepared for both of them to be holding it— so it was fine.

Knox laughed and grabbed camera. “Don’t mind if I do.”

I ran over to stand behind him and poked my head over his shoulder. I had to stand on the tip of my toes because he was practically as tall as Haiden, if not taller. “Ugh, why are you all so tall.”

Knox took the picture and tossed the camera at Haiden. I chewed the inside of my cheek to stop myself from reprimanding him for throwing it with such disregard. “Lemme know if you need any more eye candy, babe.”

Wait… “What?

He was out of the room before I could question him again.

“Anything else left?” Haiden asked with a laugh.

I frowned at the door for a few seconds after Knox left, and then turned to look at him. “Well, I was hoping you could choose the last item.”

He gave that a thought. “Up for a challenge?”

I raised my eyebrows mischievously. “You’ve spent a whole day with me, what do you think?”

“Lady Alexandria’s hair brush.” He smirked. “Or comb, whichever.”

My mouth fell open and I raised both eyebrows. Oh my, he’s even more intense than me. I didn’t even mention how he’d gotten her name wrong.

“Or would her soul be better?” He added, mimicking the mischievous smile I’d had a few seconds ago.

I slowly grinned as my brain wrapped itself around his idea. “Oh wow, going for the big leagues. You sure you wanna get in the way of Alexandra’s hair? That could get us killed.”  I was only partially joking with the last statement. Apparently she tolerated me so far, but I wondered if she was just acting like that because she recognized my dad’s last name. My dad hadn’t worked with her before, but she might know about him if she recognized movie producers.

“It’s too big. She won’t see us.” He joked, dismissing my concerns. Then he tilted his head. “You coming?”

I bit the inside of my cheek thinking it through. It was risky, but I couldn’t deny I wanted to go. If someone ever went into my room to get something as simple as a comb under these circumstances, and then told me about it, I would find it strangely hilarious. I knew other girls would too… but Alex? I didn’t have her entirely figured out yet.  “I’m going to regret this…” I sighed “but at least she doesn’t already hate me. I might survive this.” Probably.

I followed him and he grinned. Most of my concerns diminished after I grinned back.

“You knock and see if she’s in there.” He whispered when we were almost by her room.

I walked the rest of the way to her door and knocked, calling her name, claiming Azalea was looking for her. No one replied so I gestured for Haiden to come. It seemed like the coast was clear. The door wasn’t locked—which I found rather odd considering I always made sure mine was—so we just opened it. Haiden mentioned the maids and I poked my head inside, asking if there was anyone there. After I said I was looking for Alex and got no reply we went in.

As we entered I looked over my shoulder at Haiden. “My guess is you’ve never had a girlfriend.”

“Please, you’re not even trying.”

For a moment I thought that meant I’d guessed wrong, but when I asked if it was a real girlfriend he said: “Nope.”

I was confused by this. “Technical like mine then?”

“Nope, not technical. Just nope.”

I realized then I’d misunderstood his initial reply.  “Then I’m right! I thought you said I wasn’t trying because I guessed incorrectly, now I get it…” He laughed at this  and I shrugged with a smile. “It’s a fair guess, for all I know you might have had one.”

Haiden almost seemed baffled by the suggestion. “You’ve known me this long and you think I’ve dated before?”

He said that as if we’d known each other for ages which made my smile widen. I pushed him playfully, heading for the vanity to look for the comb. “Now, who’s underrating themselves? You got some tricks up your sleeve.”

“Tricks, really?” He seemed amused by the idea and I smirked.

“Well, yeah. You’re funny, dare I say even bold considering what you just picked for us to get now.” I added, gesturing at the room. “Smart, nice…I could probably list a couple more, but compliments aren’t free in this hunt, remember?”

He laughed. “I suppose so. It’s my turn isn’t it? Well, I’ll say you’re very funny, cute when you don’t try too hard, and not afraid of a challenge.”

“Jeez, now I try too hard.” I chided, shaking my head with a smile. Then I finally turned to look at the vanity in search for the comb. I made sure not to touch anything since I didn’t want to move things out of place; I wouldn’t want people moving all of my stuff around. I also didn’t pay much attention to any of the objects that I saw. I just concentrated on the shape of a comb and looked over the stuff on the vanity. As I did I clarified: “For the record, I don’t try too hard, I just like being dramatic. It is second nature…when I’m not in public.”

He shook his head, laughing. “No, that was a joke. You’re cute most of the time.” He paused only for a second. “You and your small, redhead self.”

I didn’t look back at him but my smile widened again. “Thanks Haiden, don’t forget freckled…” Then I saw the comb behind a couple of different perfumes. I reached for it carefully and slowly turned around to show it to him. “Well, look at what I found.”

“Well, let’s get out of here.”

After that there was only one thing left. Proof of the hunt.

With all the items on Haiden’s bed I picked up the napkin and started folding it to make a swan.

“You know napkin origami?”

“First of all, I’m pretty sure it’s called napkin folding not napkin origami.” I laughed, finishing the swan. Then I held it dramatically in my hand for him to see. “And secondly, yes, I know a bit…more than most people at least.”

Between a fake cough he mumbled: “Napkin origami sounds cooler.”

I only gave him a sideways grin before reaching for the book and placing the swan on top of it. Then I placed the comb to rest on the swan alongside the instant picture with Knox. I placed it all in his hands. He gave me a questioning look, but didn’t ask anything. I took a step away to look him up and down, and then decided he needed to hold the book in just one hand. He would need the other one to hold the baguette.

I made him raise his hand up as if the baguette was a sword and then, realizing my blanket was there, I added it as a cape over his shoulders. Then I pictured the frame in my head. “Hmm, yeah, this works.”

“This is a tad uncomfortable.” Haiden claimed, but the smile on his face was genuine.

I quickly reached for my camera and snapped a picture without really checking the frame, then hurried to help him with the book. “Any other posing ideas were I may actually angle the camera?”

He didn’t say anything for a second but then he jumped onto the bed and made a ‘draw me like one of your French girls’ pose from Titanic.

Oh, my freaking chips. I burst out laughing, and because I was trying not too I snorted again.

“Make me beautiful.” He cooed and I flat out lost it.

I was pretty sure my face had turned as red as a rose from laughing. The whole thing was perfect for a blackmail photo to tease him with later, but I couldn’t hold the camera steady because of my laughter. After a while I finally managed to snap the picture of him with the rest of the items on the bed. Haiden laughed with me and placed the baguette on his mouth like one would a rose during a tango. I leaned on a bed post clutching my stomach, still laughing.

You know how sometimes you laugh and you’ve been doing it for so long it starts hurting? Like you are struggling to catch your breath, but you just can’t stop? It was one of those moments. This was Prince Haiden? The shyest member of the royal family?  “You would make a perfect Rose.” I joked.

“But where are your brushes and paint?”

Oh holy macaroni. My laugh immediately returned full on. “Oh my, must have misplaced them…” I sputtered, even though I was dying inside as I said it, and my stomach hurt from laughing, and I was probably a freckled tomato.

He sat up and I could tell he wasn’t going to stop. It was like he didn’t want me to stop laughing. “And are you my Jack?” He alluded.

I was so taken aback by that one I actually slipped from the post onto the bed. My laughter still echoed through the room. I tried to calm down and raised an eyebrow at him. “Would you like me to be?”

He reached for my cheek and I knew my blushing involuntarily intensified (if that was even possible), but then he held out the baguette to me and said: “Hold onto this and don’t let go.”

THIS NERD. I started laughing again but after a moment I cleared my throat and grabbed the tip of the baguette. Then in the most serious way possible: “Haiden, this Baguette isn’t big enough for both of us.”

“Then…” he paused to sniffle “one of us must leave.”

He pushed me off the bed.

“Whaa..” I wrapped my hand around his wrist just in time to bring him down with me. We both started laughing again on the ground. When we finally calmed down I looked at him and clicked my tongue. “Great Haiden now we’re both gonna die from hypothermia.”

He hummed. “Finally.”

I snickered and nudged him before staring at his ceiling. “You’re so dramatic.” Maybe even as much as I am. I took a bite from the baguette and couldn’t blame the chef for having them under a locked safe. I offered Haiden a piece. “Want some before we freeze to death?”

He accepted the offer. “I wonder what Baguette is thinking right now.”

“Hmm, maybe he’s considering what poison to use on our dinner…Or planning world dominance, you know.”

“I’ll have it treated, don’t worry.”

I smiled over at him. “Haiden saving the day.”

“Always. So are we going to guess again? One last time?”

“Oh! Yes, we’re missing one. You go first.”

“All right, um, you have conflicted feelings about me.”

Maybe. “Hmm, depends on what you mean by conflicted.”

“But I’m right.” He cajoled.

“I don’t know.” I rolled my eyes, smirking. “We haven’t even had our first date yet remember?”

“Oh, right.” He chuckled softly. “How could I forget? Maybe someday we’ll have that first date.”

I kept staring at the ceiling and started fidgeting with the green tie that was still around my neck. “I have to admit today could have been a pretty good date.” I only dared to look at him from the corner of my eye, but I noticed him lean closer to me. 

“Well, maybe our first real date will be even better.”

I turned my head to face him. His brown eyes stared intently at my own and I found myself moving my head closer to his as well. “It better be or I’m holding you responsible.” I said, smiling softly.

“I’ll be sure to make it worth your time.”

“Good.” This time I smiled coyly. “My guess is you feel attracted to me right now.”

“Possibly.”

My lips turned into a thin line. “Does that mean I get a compliment?”

“Sure.” It took him a couple of seconds to come up with his reply. “You make me…rethink things.”

“Things like…?” I ventured, hesitantly.

“Things.”

I pressed my lips together again, but then smiled with a nod. “Things. Okay. Well, I guess you get a compliment too….” I had to take a moment to pick mine as well. “You make me feel comfortable in a sense.”

“I’m glad.”

“Me too.” I said, staring back at the ceiling.

“So… this is the end, I guess.”

“So…who’s going to return Alexandra’s comb?”

“Mm, stick it in a potted plant.” He suggested.

I glared at him. “She’ll know its missing…I guess I could tell her I was near her room and in need of a comb and just borrowed it.” Not entirely a lie.

“No, don’t tell her anything.”

“Yeah, she’d probably kill me.” I smirked. “Though it was your idea…Maybe I’ll give it to her maid.”

“Probably a good idea.”

“Yeah, that way no one gets killed.”

We stayed silent for a while after that, just casually lying on the floor, as if it were completely normal. It wasn’t an uncomfortable silence however. It was the kind of silence you agree on just to give someone else company. Does that make sense?

I wasn’t sure how long it had been by the time I sat up, but I knew our little rendezvous was reaching its end. I hovered over his face while he was still lying on the ground and the tie swung near him. “Any chance you’ll tell me the story behind the green tie before this is over?” I said, still curious about why it was his favorite tie. That was probably the vaguest most interesting thing he’d mentioned during my interview.

Haiden smiled and reached for the tie when it swung near his ear. “We better save something to talk about for next time.”

I grinned wondering what crazy ideas we would have during our second date. “A story for next time then.”

I moved aside and he sat up too. “We should probably go.” He said, standing up.

“Are you walking me to my room?” I asked, picking up the book with the other things from our treasure hunt. I was happy to take that beautiful book with me.

“I had a lot of fun today.”

I snapped a surprise picture of him then. Last picture of the day. I grinned at his smile on the instant picture that came out.  “One of the best not-so-quite dates I’ve ever had.” I handed him the picture for him to see.

“If this is not a date, then I’d love to see a real one someday.”

“Agreed…Mutual agreement. When we mutually agree we’re having a date then it will no longer be a…” I paused trying to remember his exact words. “What did you call it? Rendezvous with a possible spouse? It sounds like we might reach the agreement sooner rather than later. Can’t wait to see how that turns out.”

We smiled at each other.

“Thank you for your time Haiden.” I did a dramatic curtsy.

“What are you doing here?” Janet asked when she came out of the closet.

I looked up from Haiden’s pictures and gave her a puzzled look. “Umm, this is my room…?”

“Anne said you were having a sleepover with Mila tonight.” As if called upon, Anne appeared on the bathroom’s doorway.

“Oh, yes. We were organizing a couple of thing…we’re done now. We’re not meeting up again until later.”

“Okay. I’ll have your clothes ready then.”

I nodded thinking I’d dodged a bullet, but then Anne spoke up. “Why are you wearing a tie?”

I placed my hand on the knot without thinking and then looked back at her. She was giving me a very suspicious glare. How had we forgotten about the tie? “I’m—trying to make a fashion statement.” It sounded more like a question than an answer.

Janet tilted her head in confusion.                                                            

Anne raised both eyebrows as if unimpressed with my excuse. “Wasn’t your date with the prince today?”  

“Uh…” Busted.

She shook her head and walked over to sit on my desk’s chair. It seemed like she was waiting for an explanation. “You know, Lady Mila seems to have very prince-like shoes.”

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#haiden schreave #ugh no time for editing #selectionoc #fic #not a challenge

[fukette]

Other Things To Boycott Instead Of Netflix's Dear White People.

In this modern-day, digitized province of unsolicited dick pics and Trump sponsored displays of nationally demoralizing idiocy that we call the Internet, it's easy for some things to get lost in the melee. For example, I recently just got around to watching BET's New Edition biopic and gluten-free goddamn. I had always assumed that the group was just famous for giving Black America Bobby Brown, providing me a reason to stand in the wind covered baby oiled-chest to toe in silk pajamas with the shirt unbuttoned while singing Can You Stand The Rain, and providing the soundtrack to your mother's first disappointing sexual experience. But apparently shit was more real than Atlanta housewives when the sangria and cocaine run out when (SPOILER ALERT) Bobby Brown made people want to punch him and everyone went broke.

But, I digress.

Syd The Kid, of The Internet fame, recently released her solo album that is so imbued with a studiously crafted yet well-balanced atmosphere and unabashed charisma that I've relegated listens only to instances in which I need to supplement my confidence. Like, say, the next time I eat $8 pork shoulder enchiladas at Taqueria Del Sol, blow up the toilet stall like ISIS trying to ask Al Qaeda to prom, and then exit said bathroom by calmly walking past the line of waiting people not caring that they're all within the Poop Waft Danger Zone, but with all the chill and self-assuredness of Billy Dee Williams as he steals your girl the moment you step away to grab her a pineapple Bacardi and Coke.

Lastly, I just found out that we'll soon be able to listen to Prince on platforms other than the 'Participation Award' of streaming servoces, Tidal. Does this mean that I'll soon be able to put on all the car seat concerts I want while stuck in gridlock traffic on I-85? Gifting any passerby's that gawk at my pitch-perfect rendition of When Doves Cry with an unblinking, 'no CVS brand lube necessary' eye-fuck? I dunno. Maybe. Catch me on the interstate at around 5:30pm sometime and we'll find out.

Hmm, what else? Oh yeah!

Every motherfucker on the Internet missing a chromosome, but still able to access a 4Chan message board are wildin dafuq out over a 30-second teaser clip of Netflix's Dear White People.

Fuck it, maybe there's more to it than what the visuals, monologue, and every other aspect of the teaser leads me to believe there is. Perhaps I'm simply just not perceptive enough to discern the subtextual rallying cries of White Genocide® present in the clip who's message, I believe, can best be summed up with the statement "White People Who Wear Blackface: What The Fuck,Man!?!" Granted, I am genetically predispositioned to several cognitive impairing disabilities plus I'm the only person I know that genuinely enjoys eating Tapioca pudding so, it goes without saying, that my critical thinking skills are more fucked than the bathroom glory holes at a Young Republicans Retreat. That being said, the furor over a simple show would have you think that minorities are instituting outlandish policies by which White People should have to abide by under threat of White Genocide®. No one in their right mind would advocate legislation that stipulates that White People should have to compete in underground bare-knuckle boxing matches in order to qualify for Google Fiber. No person of color would mandate that White People should be taxed for every documented instance of them saying the words 'non-frap soy decaf' while placing a coffee order. It would be ludicrous to propose that anyone in possession of a playlist that features Father John Misty, The Chainsmokers, and Meghan Trainor be placed on a no-fly list and have their family members surveilled indefinitely. So maybe being quick to label a show that no one has seen and who's message you are clearly misinterpreting as hate speech against whites could be seen as deceitful at best and SO not Raven at worst.

Although, if it's just a matter of periodically feeding the beast with a steady diet of ultimately futile yet amusingly preoccupying outrage then I will indeed bid on that glass menagerie of hand-blown fuckery by providing some outrages of my own. Be sure to let me know know how trend-worthy these are because if none of them garner a significant amount of retweets from the alt-right community then, what, I'm just some reactionary fuckwit anonymously insulting strangers who disagree with me even though my own sensibilities can be best described as 'softer than Moroccan baby shit'?

How dare you even imply such a thing?

Boycott against niggas that feel comfortable commenting on the Instagram photos of women they've never met with some deeply personal shit that only serves to make people uncomfortable as fuck. (i.e. 'Glad you had fun at PCB this weekend:) BTW, your smile is just as beautiful as your mother's. Remember? You posted a pic of her 36 weeks ago. Also, I see in the background that your door is unlocked. Is that like an everyday thing or just a mulligan for today?)

Boycott against people who fail to recognize the superiority inherent in pizzas topped with pineapple and ham. I'm not saying we should base an entire eugenics program on this one trait, but I'm not NOT saying it either. You feel me?

Boycott against whoever thinks it's acceptable to use the enlarged font on their Facebook status to announce anything other than an immediate death in the family, a growing concern that you may have been shot, and a spoiler-free reaction to the newest episode of The Magicians. (It's an amazing show. Fight me.)

Boycott against push-up bras. Despite however narrow-minded and ignorantly misogynistic it sounds, THEY. ARE. LIES. Untruths coupled with ergonomic design. A 67% cotton-based fiction of mammories. Structurally sound falsehoods capable of making a man inattentively rear end the Toyota Camry in front of him thereby making him late for work and therefore obligated to listen to his sentient semen latte of a manager go on about the importance of timeliness. I swear to White Jesus, if I have to sit through just ONE more of those lectures, I'm not exactly sure of what I'll do, but I'm confident in saying that it will be a day annually commemorated both for its horror and the revelation that you indeed can kill someone just by pelting them with two day old cranberry scones.

Boycott against whatever sadist placed the volume button perilously close to the 'share' button on porn sites. I want to quiet my shame, not broadcast it like the goddamn bat signal. What person outside of Charlie Sheen's Barebacked Fuck Palace is jerking it, stops, then thinks to themselves "Wow, I sure would like to share this video of a 3-legged Bosnian GILF and the Verizon Amphitheatre full of men just waiting for their turn to penetrate her with all of my closest friends, family, and casual acquaintances." Do you want to be uninvited from future backyard BBQs and Secret Santa gift exchanges? Because that's how you get uninvited from future backyard BBQs and Secret Santa gift exchanges.

Pokemon GO. The era has since passed. The window has closed and shall forever remain closed. If your family still gathers around the fireplace Sunday evening for pleasant conversation and familial warmth then, with all due respect, fuck you. To be specific, fuck your mother. And, while we're at it, fuck your ain't shit grandmother, fuck Lil' Jessica and her bullshit Crohn's Disease, and DEFINITELY fuck Grandpa Abraham. Who just last week channeled his inner Amos and Andy by calling his waiter at IHOP 'Colored George' even though his waiter's name was actually Jackson and, judging by the fact that Abraham's Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity Pancakes had some Rooty Tooty colored balls rubbed on it like shea butter, Jackson was none too pleased about it..

Boycott against trial periods for WinZip. How come I'm the only nigga in all of human existence to be stiff-armed for the premium version at the MOMENT I try to unzip the collected Ebooks of Michael Crichton? I told them, this is what will happen when Trump gets into office, but nobody listens to me.

Boycott extra pulp, homestyle orange juice. Because it burns like chlamydia-brand battery acid if you have cavities.

#Netflix #Boycott #DearWhitePeople #AltRight #Conservative #Outrage #Bullshit #ReallyBruh!?!

[allthetimenews]

Treatment and Recovery Made Us Stronger as a Couple

Originally posted on Caron

If you or someone you know is suffering from or at risk of an alcohol addiction, take the next step and reach out to a Caron specialist at 877-920-4849 or contact us online.  

It’s almost that time of year again. February 17th, my sobriety date. This year marks 11 years in recovery. As I sit in my home office, a France cycling guide on my lap, I focus on the photo Chantal gave me last year to celebrate my 10-year anniversary while we were cycling in Myanmar.

I love both the photo and the frame. Chantal and I are in Chile, wearing French cycling jerseys, a volcano in the background and a group of fellow adventurers just out of view. We are fit, smiling and doing what I love most: exploring. That’s the gift of recovery in my life, right there in that photo with a cycling chain that holds together my 24 hour, 1 year, 5 year and 10 year AA coins.

When I left my career as a CEO of a Fortune 500 company, I had no idea that moving across the country, my mother dying, and an acrimonious divorce would send me into free fall. I lost my grip on life, myself and my drinking. But it was a private war because I was that high-functioning alcoholic.

Just as I started my new life with Chantal in a home that was so us, elegant and eclectic, with paintings and sculptures we had each collected during our own expat lives from cultures as different as Russia, Thailand, France and Mexico, I could not put down the drinks. Vodka seeped into my morning juices. My private war turned into an all-out battle between us, hidden behind the appearances we kept. Neither of us understood what was happening, individually or together.

I remember telling Chantal, sitting in this same chair all those years ago, that if I could not bring my mountain bike to Caron, I would not go! I came that close to not going into treatment.

I got sober and still am, but recovery, that was an entirely different thing. That part took 30 days at Caron, AA, therapy (lots of it—as a good CEO I fired at least four of them and negotiated my way out with the last) and a few AA sponsors. I followed Chantal to couples’ communication workshops, I agreed to retreats, went to Shamballa meditation, journaled, went back to Caron for its Breakthrough program, joined a men’s group, let my frustration loose in kickboxing and walked the dark road of guilt to the center of my soul and back. I made painful choices, like delaying our wedding, resisting medication and rebelling mostly against myself.

Those four coins on the frame, I earned them with a lot of sweat and often silent tears. I don’t like what this disease has done to me, my three children and ex-wife and especially to Chantal.

But in some crazy way, it’s also given me my life back. Recovery has given me the ability to love Chantal in a way I didn’t know before. From the quiet moments listening to the loon on the dock in Quebec, to the parties we’ve had mixing our neighbors, friends and AA networks, to hiking Patagonia, to introducing Chantal on stage when she launched her first book, to mentoring a Thai young man, to being a Rotarian and living my life fully. That’s life on life’s terms.

As I edit my manuscript for my next book, Love Without Martinis, while Bill plans our next cycling trip to France, my eyes drift to our wedding photo on his desk. I smile every time I see it. I love the way the photo captures our gusto for life. Bill looks so handsome in his tuxedo, and I look healthy in my wedding dress. We are sitting on my red Honda motorcycle at the top of the Art Museum stairs with Philly at our feet.

Bill was four years sober and I was almost two years into remission from ovarian cancer. We had already navigated so much together. I felt ready to say I do. Two years after that, I was not so sure anymore, and one year after that, I was seriously considering a divorce.

I was resentful of all my time in therapy, fed-up with Al-Anon and exhausted with the chaos of our blended family that wouldn’t blend. The promise of recovery was falling short. At the same time, I could not give up on my conviction that Bill and I had the possibility of exploring life together in a magical way. Some days I disliked him as much as I loved him and felt the same about myself.

I was struggling to understand the collateral damage that addiction caused. I was still learning to separate Bill’s substance use disorder from the man I loved. I was stuck in my personal growth and kept asking myself, how did I get here? I put myself through law school, worked for one of Canada’s best law firms, developed into a solid negotiator and built a global legal team as general counsel. How did I get here?

It took the same perseverance, the same determination and even harder work than my career to untangle the hold that Bill’s addiction had on my soul and in my life. Without the support of Caron’s Family Education program, Al-Anon, people who had walked the path before me and the close friendships, I may still be caught back there somewhere.

I know now, in a way that I did not before Bill, that we embarked on this path, that our love is strong and fragile, and that it can withstand, but recovery cannot be taken for granted. I also know that I love the life we have created together. The support he gives me when I write. How much fun it is to get all muddy on the trails and then get dressed up to go see dance at the Annenberg with him. How he hugs me when I choke up because my great uncle Terri is gone. That we have some private jokes and he calls me Blue Eyes. I can think of a hundred more reasons why our life together is worth all the effort we put into our relationship and our recovery.

We both agree with Earnie Larsen:

“The core of recovery is becoming a person increasingly capable of functioning in a healthy relationship.”

About Caron – Pennsylvania Addiction Treatment

The first thing you might notice when you arrive at Caron Pennsylvania is the inspirational view from our private, mountaintop locale. Even more inspiring are the many success stories of patients and families who come here to start fresh. Caron Pennsylvania blends addiction rehab and behavioral health treatment with the latest evidence-based practices and historically proven treatment modalities. We believe our success is grounded in our ability to apply a multi-disciplinary, integrated approach to true healing for every individual and family we treat.

Contact Caron – Pennsylvania Addiction Treatment

243 N Galen Hall Rd Wernersville Pennsylvania 19565 United States

800-854-6023

Website: https://www.caron.org/locations/caron-pennsylvania

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