#buongiorno indeed :)

[mayasdeluca]

Buongiorno.

#station 19 #station19edit #maya bishop #carina deluca #station 19 spoilers #carina x maya #mine #buongiorno indeed :) #soft babies <333

[farfallasims]

Buongiorno Madi! (I imagine you being italian 🤭) I really hope this isn't too many questions at once; please forgive and ignore me in such cases. It's no problem, love! 🤍 May I ask where you can find Sylvia's dress, jewelry (mainly necklaces and bracelets) and shoes from the last group photo? Your way of putting together outfits is AMAZING! Absolutely outstanding! You should really look into the possibilities to start working as a stylist!

Link: https://farfallasims.tumblr.com/post/731080119154786304/and-with-the-seasons-the-brownstone-family

Buongiorno gorgeous! I am indeed Italian, although my speaking & writing abilities is a bit..meh sadly! But thank you for your kind words & flattery with my sim styling, I really appreciate it!

However, you can find the dress here, necklace here, bracelet here, earrings here & shoes here x

#wcif

[copias-sewer-rat]

THE BLOOD DROPPING FROM THE DARK ROSE IS ALWAYS THE SWEETEST

Danger is afoot...

⸸tags: PTSD symptoms, foul language, mentions of self harm and blood. Around 4.8K words.

⸸read on ao3⸸

⸸my masterlist⸸

Enjoy!

IV - LOSING MY RELIGION

There had been no rest for you when Wednesday started. There had been plenty of nightmares though. Father Tebbit’s carcass had risen from the depths of your mind, haunting you during the entirety of the night. There was no escape from him. You had heard the rhythmic sound of his cane beating in your head as he walked right behind you, in the end catching up and dragging your screaming body to the shadows with him.

You trusted Copia to take care of the situation. However, he hadn’t lived what Tebbit was able to do as you had. That was what scared you the most. Bones hurting and head aching, you managed to get up from your bed, going towards your bathroom. The image that the mirror reflected seemed haunted. Remnants of tears running through the face, purple bags under the eyes, a very messy hair that looked almost like a bird’s nest. Then, there were the hands. Some blood had come out of the wounds during the night, but nothing severe. You touched the gauze, a very light black stain laid over the part the covered the knuckles. The kiss that Copia had left there the night before had been the gentlest one that no one had ever given you, not your family, not your previous friends, not even the few exes you’d had. He was truly an oddity, at least in your eyes. Maybe there were more people like him around the world, maybe you just had the worst luck in existence.

Very reluctantly you stepped into the shower, the lukewarm water a welcome sensation. It didn’t only clean your hair, your face and your hands, but also a bit of your worry. Despite that, there was something in the back of your mind, something that you hadn’t been able to shake since the previous day. If everything went wrong, if Tebbit indeed found you, there was no other option than to escape and start over. You thought of leaving all that you had built here: your store, your friendships, your routines and your… relationships. You had been happy for a while, more than you remember ever being, and that thought broke your heart, tears falling down your cheeks, their salty taste on your lips mixing with the water from the shower. You needed to trust Copia, he was your pigeon protector after all.

When you got out of the shower you got greeted with a message from the Cardinal himself:

CC: “Buongiorno, Claire. How are you feeling?” A slight smiled rose from your lips.

Claire🌹: “Honestly? I have been better, but I have also been worse. It is an unexpected middle ground.”

CC: “That is a bit concerning, cara. If there is anything I can do to help, just ask ok?” You thought to yourself that another one of his kisses to your knuckles would make you feel much better, but your brain restrained your fingers from sending a message of the sort.

Claire🌹: “Thank you, Copia. I think I just need time to compose myself. If Tebbit fucked off from this city, that also would help my mental health a lot.”

CC: “It seems to be more difficult than that, sadly. As you said, he has lots of connections that make him untouchable. Nothing is lost however. We are working very hard to kick him out, for good.” There was a sharp feeling in your chest, almost agonizing while reading Copia’s message. You knew that Tebbit was a cockroach, a pest, so nasty and persistent that made you want to run away from your home and never come back.

Claire🌹: “I trust you… but there is a feeling in my chest that tells me that something is going to go wrong.”

CC: “We will take extra precautions. You will be safe from him, I promise.” You needed to believe him, for your sake. It had to be true. “A proposito (by the way), in half an hour or so my assistants will be picking you up to get the flowers, so be ready.” You mentally thanked Copia for changing the subject.

Claire🌹: “Oh! Then I need to hurry. You got me just getting out of the shower so I am nowhere near ready.” In your imagination, Copia was blushing at the idea of you getting out of the shower, naked, dripping water with a small towel trying to cover your body.

CC: “Then I will leave you be, cara. We will talk later.”

Claire🌹: “Sure, have a good morning, Copia.”

CC: “You too.”

With that, the phone was discarded and it was time to get ready. The choice of clothing was pretty obvious to you: jeans and a hoodie. You didn’t even try to match socks, one had little pizzas and the other was literally the pride flag. However, the idea of your face looking like one taken from a Tim Burton movie was not the most appealing, so a little makeup was needed. After trying unsuccessfully not to look like a zombie, there were still ten minutes left to spare until the cardinal’s assistants would arrive to your apartment, so you decided to make yourself a cup of coffee. There was still a little instant coffee left in the kitchen, but once it was done you regretted preparing it instantly, longing for a coffee from The Rest and Be Thankful. There was no time for that though. Nonetheless, there was time to get a bit of insight on Tebbit’s whereabouts and wrongdoings during the last few years. You would do anything you could to help Copia get the monster that was Tebbit out of the streets, hopefully rotting in a cell if you found something that was juicy enough.

Even searching for his name turned your stomach upside down, the coffee you just drank in danger of going down the drain. There were articles about how he was an upstanding member of the Catholic church, of his investigations on demonic possession, some misunderstandings he had had with a Cardinal from the Vatican for his less than unorthodox methods of exorcism. You also found some pictures of him with some outstanding members of the government, high members of the church as well as some noticeable criminals and drug lords. Those last ones truly shocked you, they were not difficult to find and in them Tebbit could be seen hugging human trash with almost entirely naked women behind them and trails of what you imagined to be cocaine on a table next to them. Of course Tebbit did not indulge in those pleasures, but he did give special permits to those who did so they could still go to heaven. Of course you could be a narc and also a catholic if you offered the right price, duh.

Tebbit’s face was making you even more nauseous, so you let it be for the time being. Just in time because you heard the downstairs bell being called. You rushed downstairs, hoping to be distracted for a few hours.

————

Copia’s ‘assistants’ were two of those silver-masked people you had seen when you first had met him a couple of days ago. You were still not used to those looks. They were in front of a very classy black delivery van. The assistants were silent, you hadn’t crossed a word with them at all so you almost jumped back when one of them spoke.

“Good morning, miss Claire. Cardinal Copia asked very fervently for us to be nice to you, so we will do just that.” Fervently? What an odd choice of word. “My name is Mountain, this is Swiss.” The person which name was supposedly Swiss just tilted their head to the side, as if to find something in you that wasn’t quite obvious at first glance. They reminded you of a black cat. You nodded and without exchanging any more words you entered the vehicle.

The van was nice, there were some seats in the back so you seated there. Swiss and Mountain sat on the front so the back felt a bit lonely. Nonetheless, the trip to Matty’s was nice. Mountain left you in charge of the music, so you pulled your trip playlist from Spotify and you three jammed to the music all the way there. You sang very low, there was not enough energy in you to give a full performance. Mountain was lightly tapping the wheel and Swiss was trying to play some string instrument made of air, probably a guitar or a bass, you were not sure from the back of the car. Curiosity got the better of you and you decided to ask Mountain and Swiss about their odd masks.

“Why? Are you curious? You would not like what is behind here, doll.” Swiss responded and you raised your eyebrow. “We are not precisely your type.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” You regretted asking just as the words left your mouth.

“Oh, don’t act so innocent. You and I know that you aren’t. The Cardinal wouldn’t have chosen you if that were the ca-.” Swiss was interrupted by a very strong punch by Mountain.

“You dumb-fucking-ass! Shut your mouth!” As much as you tried to make Swiss talk about the meaning of their words, they just wouldn’t budge. You pouted the rest of the way to Matty’s. You would ask Copia the next time you talked to him, for sure.

————

When you got to the terrain, Matty was rightfully surprised to see you with such… individuals. You introduced Mountain and Swiss, but Matty’s expression noted that he was having none of it. Once you finished talking, he asked for a word in private. Mountain and Swiss left to pack the flowers in the van.

“Jesus, Clarire, what are you doing with those… weirdos?” Matty asked, brow furrowed. You were not going to lie to him, he was too important to you, so you told him everything. He knew about certain parts of your childhood, but you had your reservations while talking about specific parts of it. You told him about Tebbit, about what had happened the previous night and about what you thought was coming your way.

“My dear girl, you should not face this alone. Let me help, let me talk to rest of the members of the committee. Fuck Shack!” Matty shouted the last part and you jumped.

“Matty, it is too risky. I don’t want you to get hurt. Please, don’t do it, stay here. I have the help of Cardinal Copia and his church, they also have their methods. I trust him.” He lowered his face, took off the glasses he was wearing and rubbed his eyes in a tired manner.

“You are old enough to do what you think best, dear. I just want to give you a piece of advice: trust those that give you the truth. That Cardinal of yours might be hiding something, you don’t know him at all.” Now it was time for you to lower your head. He was right, you had been too careless. Copia had charmed you with nice words and gentle touches, but you didn’t actually know him.

“I-I know, Matty. I-” Tears were starting to sting your eyes. “It just felt nice to find someone that cared for once. He has been so nice to me, and he is so nice to talk to… I feel like I am truly myself when I am around him.”

“My dear, it seems to me that you are falling for him…” You tilted your face upwards, the tears that were about to fall stopped in their attempt. Matty saw your slow nod to his words and then the dry laugh that escaped your lips.

“It seems that way…yes. For now is just a tiny crush, I think.” You lied.

“In that case, take care. Follow both your heart and your brain, as there is truth in both of them.” You launched forward, hugging Matty in an instant. He hugged back. Both of you stayed like that for a minute or so and then parted.

Mountain and Swiss finished putting the flowers in the van and Swiss waved at you. Matty hugged you once more before you left and you told him that you would text him later.

————

As you saw Mountain and Swiss unpacking the flowers and storing them in your shop, you told them that you needed a real coffee and offered to buy them some for their help with the flowers, which they accepted. Mountain asked for a large americano with some caramel syrup and Swiss opted for an iced peach tea.

There was a feeling of tranquility when you entered The Rest and Be Thankful. Sam waved at you when she saw you coming in and you gave her a small smile back. You had a lot of explaining to give to her. You made your order, Sam raised an eyebrow to the large number of beverages.

“Are you trying to sweeten someone up? Maybe a certain member of the committee?” Shit.

“About that… something happened…” There was a worried looked in Sam’s face when you said that. “I couldn’t talk to Mr. Shack. There was someone else with him when I tried to have a meeting about… the thing…” You needed to tell her, but you had talked about Tebbit enough for a lifetime in a single day. You decided to push through the pain in your chest and tell her the truth. “Shack has made a dangerous arrangement with a man from my past.”

“What? Claire I-” You didn’t even let her finish.

“He is a Catholic priest, a high ranking one as well, but he isn’t a good person.” Sam stopped trying to interrupt you and just listened. “His name is father Tebbit. He used to try to ‘take the demons out of me’ when I was a child. Shack has hired him to end the Satanic church that resides in this city. And I know it sounds crazy, and that I should not involve myself and you less in something like that, but Father Tebbit is bad news… I am sorry if you hate me because the hole isn’t going to be fixed, or if you think I am insane…” You were ranting now.

“I believe you, Claire. My relationship with the Catholic church isn’t the best either. I hold them plenty of resentment on my side… I cannot even imagine what you went through. I am sorry for that.” You were about to cry again. It seemed that that was the only thing you could do at the moment. “Is there anyway I can help?” Sam asked, a gentle smile on her face.

“I don’t think so, just be careful.” It hadn’t crossed you mind, but if Tebbit found you, you were probably putting Sam and Matty in danger just by talking to them. “Thinking about it… give me your phone.” Sam blinked a few times but gave you her phone. “If anything happens, if Tebbit by any chance tries to do anything, call this number.”

“Whose is it?” Some heat rose to your cheeks, a bit embarrassed to be answering a question like that.

“Cardinal Copia, a member of the Satanic church. He is a… friend, and he is also helping me with the Tebbit situation…” Sam gave you a cheeky smile.

“So you like a man in the collar, but in an evil way, got it.” You turned from a slight shade of pink to a red tomato.

“It isn’t like that, Sam, please.” There was no use hiding your face, but you at least tried by putting your hands over your eyes.

“Ok, ok, whatever you s-” Suddenly Sam went pale. “Claire... how does that asshole of Father Tebbit look like?” All the hairs on your back suddenly rose, a chilling sensation freezing your bones.

You knew he was close, Sam didn’t even need a description from you to know it was him. Tebbit entered the coffee shop and there was a solemn air following him, as if a funeral was being held in the cafeteria. You turned, you wish you didn’t, but you turned. He looked the same as you remembered him, a short bitter old man, menacing brown orbs, receding black hairline that was turning white in several spots. Some things in him were different though, now he wore metallic frame glasses and he had grown a bit of a mustache and a goatee. There were also things that you would have liked to be different about him, like the limping you had caused him so long ago, instead you wanted him dead. The trusting cane he had sent to be handcrafted for him always by his side, the wasp in the amber looking as menacing as ever, a reminder of your failure to cause him a more serious injury.

Tebbit looked directly at you, as if he had known that you were there. He couldn’t have known, but you were sure that he somehow knew. You froze, beads of sweat falling from your forehead and neck. Maybe you could turn invisible and run if you wished it very hard… it didn’t work when you were a child, but maybe in that moment it would work…

“So… it was you who I saw yesterday running away from Mr. Shack’s office. It is good to see you again Claire.” No words could come out from you, even if Tebbit opened your mouth himself and forced you to move your vocal cords to produce any kind of sound. “Not even a ‘hello’ to an old family friend? Your parents raised you better than that, little bird.” His nickname for you almost made you puke, but you resisted the urge. “Speaking of your parents… I am still in contact with them, they miss you dearly. They will be very happy to know your whereabouts…” He stopped speaking for a second as if he were assessing his options. There was no restrain from you as you dig your nails in your hands once again, letting the blood flow down your hands, little drops falling to the pristine wooden flooring of the cafeteria. Sam took notice of your struggle and grabbed one of your hands, trying to calm you down by drawing circles on the back of your hand, but there was no use. “You know… you could even come with me to see them. I am sure that they will be more than happy to have you home again.” A scream was about to leave your mouth when Sam stepped in.

“Look, sir… I don’t know who you think you are, but my friend here is not going anywhere with you or near you. For all I know you are a drug dealer or a kidnapper, so you better get out of my establishment at once.” You looked at Sam, worry on your face. She was putting herself on the line for you. Even after everything you said about Tebbit and she didn’t even flinch at him. You wished you could have been more like her, but you were not. Tebbit still had you caged, a little bird trapped and trembling just for his amusement.

“I just told you, young lady. I am a friend of the family…” Sam’s eyes were now flickering with anger.

“Yeah, yeah, pedophiles also use that line to lure children. Do you also own an ice-cream truck by any chance?” Tebbit chuckled, but he looked annoyed. The grip on his cane tightening as Sam devilishly smiled.

“You should not annoy people that you don’t know, miss. Maybe their intentions are not the best.” Sam’s grip of your hand tightened a bit, and you slightly hissed from the pain. “Well, it was good seeing you little bird. We will surely meet soon.” Then, Father Tebbit left.

Sam looked worriedly at you and with reason. As much as you tried to, you were not able to breathe, or at least that’s what it felt like to you. Sam’s voice turned into a muffled sound. You heard words that’s sounded like help and phone but nothing else. She helped you seat on a nearby chair and then started calling someone on her phone.

————

“Hello? Who is this?”

“Hi! Em- you don’t know me, but something happened with Claire. Are you Cardinal Copia?”

“Excuse me? Who the hell are you?”

“I am Claire’s… friend, Sam. I own the coffee shop on the same street as her flower shop. She gave your number in case something bad happened. But there is no time for that! Father Tebbit has found out that Claire is in this town. He has made some disturbing comments about him getting her back to her parents and has threatened me. I told him to fuck off, but I am guessing it is not safe for her to leave the establishment alone.”

“Figlio di puttana! (son of a bitch) Ok… some of my assistants are nearby, they will pick Claire up and take her to a safe place.”

“Please, take care of her. She is very shaken up at the moment.”

“I can imagine. Grazie for calling Sam, you are a good friend to Claire.”

“… Bye.”

————

Mountain and Swiss were there to get you five minutes later. Sam was at your side, kneeling down, hand on your leg, squeezing gently. There was no memory of you getting back into the van, no recollection of your trip to the Abbey. Suddenly you were in Copia’s arms, clinging to his red cassock as if your life was about to end. Tears streaming down without any control.

With all the gentleness possible, Copia was there grabbing your side, helping you walk towards your destination. The next thing you remembered was a small room dimly lit with a small bed to the side. He let you sit on it and in an instant you were putting your hands on your face, trying to cover the sobbing mess that you had become.

Copia knelt in front of you, overwhelming worry on his face. You couldn’t tell with your hands covering your eyes, but tears were starting to flourish from his own. Sadness wasn’t the only expression on his face though, there was also unadulterated and pure anger. Anger for the man that had made you cry and feel like that. If he could, he would tear him apart limb by limb if that made you smile.

“Cara, per favore, look at me…” A sob escaped your lips but you complied his request. “Eccoti qua… Per favore non essere triste mia dolce (there you are… please don’t be sad my sweet)”. You blinked, not understanding a word of what he was saying, but it sounded romantic enough to make you stop crying. “That’s it, good girl. I am sorry about you encountering Tebbit like that, but…” He stopped speaking, not sure on how to explain what was going to happen next. He then started cleaning your hands and putting them in bandages, you hadn’t even noticed that they were there. “Listen, Claire… you are going to need to stay here in the Ministry for a few days, only until we figure out what to do with Father Tebbit. All your needs and even all your desires will be our utmost priority, I promise.” Your hands were now completely cleaned and protected as if soft white gloves were covering them.

“B-but…” Copia looked at you with big, glassy eyes as you suddenly spoke. “W- what about the f-flower arrangement, all the flowers are in m-my shop…” You managed to say between sobs. Copia laughed, a compassionate and warm laugh that made your chest flutter.

“Oh, cara. You still worry about your job even during the most unfortunate of times, you are very responsible. Adoro questo di te (I love that about you).” You blinked, once again not knowing what that last part meant, but somehow you could feel it in you. Maybe it was that your emotions were already exposed, maybe letting Copia seeing you cry a few times had made you not care about what he thought of you or maybe you were desperate for the comfort. You leaned forward just a bit, so you were at face level with Copia. Your hands went mindlessly to cup his cheeks, and you looked into his eyes. Copia’s face matched his cassock and he felt like melting butter under your grasp. His expression was that of a lost pup that didn’t know what to do. You were expecting for him to pull back, a reason to convince yourself that it was a mistake, but Copia looked at your lips and then back at your eyes with a new found hunger. Convinced, you closed the gap between you.

The kiss was gentle and sweet, the lingering aroma of coffee and mint present in Copia’s mouth. He tasted so familiar and sweet that a lonely tear escaped your eye. The newfound salty taste almost made you pull back, afraid of what Copia might have thought. Surprisingly, his response was to deepen the kiss, as if doing that he could take your sadness away, and in some way it did. When you finally parted in need of air, the look on Copia’s face was one of worry. Maybe he thought that you would regret the kiss, but you smiled at him.

“I have been wanting to do that the entire week.” His face relaxed at your words.

“…Me too, cara.” His words came with a hint of hesitation, but his expression was the sweetest. A slight smile adorning his mouth, his hair a bit messy, some of his lipstick smudged and a blush adorning his cheeks and… freckles? You were surprised that you hadn’t notice until that very moment, but you couldn’t stop looking at them. There were like a map of the night sky and you wanted to kiss every single one of them. With a newfound confidence after the kiss you proposed something.

“I don’t want to sleep alone, can you stay?” Copia blinked very quickly, surprised at your request.

“Are you sure?” Copia asked.

“I just need someone to hold me, and I need it to be you…” Copia’s red tint reached his ears.

“As you wish, mia principessa (my princess).”

You both took off your shoes, Copia helped you with yours, not wanting to reopen the wounds on your hands. He left the cape of his cassock over a chair on the other corner of the room and you took off your hoodie. Copia went back to your side and put your hoodie beside his cape.

Once everything was in place, Copia held your hand and helped you lie on the tiny bed. Your back was pressed to the wall but you didn’t mind. He soon followed you into it, his back facing the room. Very gently Copia pulled a blanket that was at the feet of the bed over the both of you and he grunted due to the effort and the little room to maneuver. Once he was pleased with how covered you both were, you reached for his hands and got even closer to him.

“Thank you, again. This time for staying here with me.” Copia sighed.

“Dear, there is no need to thank me. I would do whatever you asked of me.” Copia’s fingers gently brushed your knuckles. “I know you worry about what others think of you and about how you present yourself as a very professional and competent person, which you are, but cara, you shouldn’t worry at all if that puts your happiness in danger.” You exhaled deeply and when you were about to speak Copia continued talking. “However… I have asked Mountain and Swiss to bring all the flowers for the arrangement here, to the Ministry. You can work on it tomorrow if you desire, with help, of course.” Hearing such good news made you launch yourself forward, hugging Copia as best as you could. He hugged you back, smiling into your neck.

“You are perfect, you know that, right?” A giggle escapes Copia and he tickles your cheek with his moustache when he speaks again.

“By no means, you on the other hand…” Rolling your eyes you broke the hug to look at Copia with a serious expression.

“I appreciate the sentiment, but I am the most faulted person to exist.”

“Then we can be faulted together…”

“I would actually really like that…” You smiled.

“It is a deal then, cara.”

Everything gets silent after that, only the even sounds of Copia’s breath can be heard. You allow yourself to relax, getting closer and closer to him, setting into his broad chest, your ear close to his beating heart. The steady beat became a nice rythmic lullaby that sent you into the deepest of slumbers. For the first time in a very long time there were no nightmares, just peaceful dreams.

————

Next chapter is going to be very nice *winks without shame* and the following one is the ritual... Who is excited!?😈

Hope you enjoyed this chapter and as always let me know what you thought of it.

SR🐀

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#the band ghost #ghost #papa emeritus iv #cardinal copia #papa secondo #papa emeritus iii #papa terzo #papa nihil #papa primo #cardinal copia my beloved #cardinal copia x reader #ghost the band #ghost bc #ghost band #gonst

[cheerfullycatholic]

Angelus, February 11th 2024

Dear brothers and sisters, buongiorno!

Today’s Gospel presents us with the healing of a leper (cf. Mk 1:40-45). To the sick man, who implores Him, Jesus answers: “I will; be clean!” (v. 41). He utters a very simple phrase, which He immediately puts into practice. Indeed, “immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean” (v. 42). This is Jesus’ style with those who suffer: few words, and concrete deeds.

Many times, in the Gospel, we see Him behave in this way towards those who suffer: deaf mutes (cf. Mk 7:31-37), paralytics (cf. Mk 2:1-12), and many others in need (cf. Mk 5). He always does this: He speaks little and His words are followed promptly by actions: He bows, takes by the hand, and heals. He does not waste time with discourses or interrogations, much less in pietism or sentimentalism. Rather, He shows the delicate modesty of one who listens attentively and acts with solicitude, preferably without being conspicuous.

It is a wonderful way to love, and how it would do us good to imagine it and assimilate it! Let us also think of when it we happen to encounter people who act like this: sober in words, but generous in action; reluctant to show off but ready to make themselves useful; effective in helping because they are willing to listen. Friends to whom one can say: “Do you want to listen to me? Do you want to help me?”, with the confidence of hearing them answer, almost with Jesus’ words: “Yes, I will, I am here for you, to help you!”. This concreteness is so much more important in a world such as our own, in which an evanescent virtuality of relationships seems to be gaining ground.

Let us listen instead to how the Word of God provokes us: “If a brother or sister is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled’, without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit?” (James 2:15-16). The Apostle James says this. Love needs tangibility, love needs presence, encounter, it needs to be given time and space: it cannot be reduced to beautiful words, to images on a screen, momentary selfies and hasty messages. They are useful tools that can help, but they are not enough for love; they cannot substitute real presence.

Let us ask ourselves today: do I know how to listen to people, am I ready to meet their requests? Or do I make excuses, procrastinate, hide behind abstract or useless words? In real terms, when was the last time I went to visit someone who was alone or sick – everyone can answer in their heart – or when was the last time I changed my plans to meet the needs of someone who asked me for help?

May Mary, solicitous in care, help us to be ready and tangible in love.

#angelus #pope francis #vatican #catholicism

[phantomdoofer]

Chapter 17 - Grudges, Part 1

Trigger warning. Just... trigger warning.

Peppino stood in front of the oven. He scratched at the rampant stubble on his cheek. It had been two weeks since the attacks, and everyone in the town was on edge. While the cold had loosened its grip, the icy fog still showed up daily. Everyone was a nervous wreck. Several more attacks had happened, only blunted by the fact that no one went out without a Toppin alongside them now. No more deaths, at least. Peppino had narrowly dodged a few himself. The only thing that seemed to stop the horrible things was a strange reluctance to enter buildings.

Peppino was hardly sleeping. He'd forgotten to shave so many times now he was in danger of looking like his brother. Not that anyone else is different. The police were stretched to the limit, patrolling day and night. Vigi seemed to be more coffee than cheese these days - his arm had grown back in short order, but that was small consolation.

Peppino glanced across the street. Noisette's was quiet these days - both for lack of customers and fear of attracting attention. Peppino's own business was slacking again, though his deliveries were through the roof. He refused to do them after dark, however. I'm not risking anyone, even for my business.

Tower Town and La Crosta were cities under siege.

Mushroom piped a little noise, trying to cheer Peppino up. He idly scratched its cap, thinking. We have to find a way to break this. There were no leads, however - nothing so far had given them a single clue where the monsters came from. Even Giuseppe's vaunted secret connections were coming up blank.

The door opened, and the man himself appeared. Speak of the devil. "Buongiorno, Seppe. What brings you out in this?"

Giuseppe walked to the counter, Sausage hopping off to greet Mushroom. "Mio Dio, Pino, you look like hell."

Peppino looked his brother over. "You're-a one to talk." Indeed, his brother's mustache and beard were even bushier than usual. His hair looked mussed. Looks like he just rolled out of bed. Or forgot to roll into it.

Giuseppe flippantly waved his hand. "Too busy trying to find out where this nut is." He leaned over exhaustedly. "Not that I've had any luck. Nothing. No one has a clue. Even Anita's underworld connections are clueless."

Peppino slammed a hand down. Giuseppe jumped. "Porca Puttana, fratello, we have to find-a something! We can't-a live like this!"

"I know, I know!" Giuseppe grabbed the sides of his head, his eyes bleak. "Even the government is clueless, though! These things are starting to turn up other places, too! Did you know there was an attack on the Italian capitol yesterday?"

Peppino was stunned. "Why didn't-a I see that on the news?"

"They kept it quiet," Giuseppe said, "trying to quell panic. But it's getting worse." He shook his head. "That's the fifth capitol that's getting attacked now. No one knows where they're coming from."

Peppino matched the motion. "Come on, fratello, think! Monsters don't-a just appear from thin air, do they? Except... in... the Tower..." Peppino's voice trailed off.

"The Tower... that only appeared... when it wanted to be found..." Giuseppe's voice trailed off as well.

The looked at each other in surprise. They spoke in unison.

"The Ruins."

~~~~

Peppino had called in the Tower Bosses, just in case. Peppino, Noise, Pepperman, Vigilante, Gustavo, Brick, Fake, and Giuseppe stood outside the crumbled remains of the Tower. Purple stone walls and pillars stood everywhere.

Noise flicked a cigarette away. "So why are we here, fat man? Figure you can't handle ol' Pizzahead alone?"

Giuseppe shook his head. "Most of us were the first targets. Everyone here was involved, except me. And since I was attacked at the same time, I'd be willing to bet he wants me here, too." He walked to a particular spot, and opened a hidden trapdoor. "My team found this right before I moved here, but they said they didn't find anything. Got a hunch that'll be different now." He pulled a handful of flashlights out of a bag and gave them out. "Stay together. No telling what we'll find in here."

Below the trapdoor was a set of solid stone stairs. The dim light seemed reluctant to enter - the shadows were thick within a few feet. As the group walked, they shone the light around. "None o' this looks familiar," Vigi said, "and I thought I explored the whole place." He turned to Fake. "I know you got around, any o' this look right?"

Fake shook their head. "Nnno. We explored as well, and we never found this. Somehow it was hidden from us."

Noise snorted. "Youse guys remember that ol' Pizzaface said no one could find this place if he didn't want it found, right?" He growled. "Guess he didn't want us findin' this. Creepy as hell."

Gustavo patted Brick - the rat was shivering. "Something's not right. Brick was never this scared in the Tower. Not even at the top."

Peppino turned. "Do you-a think she can pick up what-a the Toppins do?" The Toppins had one and all refused to come into the Tower ruins. "Badbadbad," Cheese and Pineapple had both repeated. Kind of wish I'd listened to them.

Gustavo touched the rat's head, and she turned and nuzzled his hand. After a moment, he nodded. "She says this place feels unnatural. Threatening. Like it's angry we're here."

All of them felt a chill at the words. How can a place feel hate?

Suddenly they could all feel it - pure malice on the air, like a stink. Peppino shivered. "Whatever's-a going on here, we should be-"

BWIP

~~~~

BWIP

"-care...ful...?" Peppino trailed off. He recognized the feeling from his previous visit. We just got teleported.

Behind him, Noise looked around in a panic. "Uh, just you and me here, big guy. Great. Where'd the rest of 'em end up?"

Peppino grimaced. "Wherever they are, I wish I hadn't-a ended up with you."

"Fuck you too, fat boy."

Peppino snorted. "I may hate-a your guts, you little-a gremlin, but this is serious. I'd-a work better with pretty-a much anyone else."

Noise looked thoughtful. "Which is probably why Pizzamug put us together."

Peppino raised an eyebrow. "Good point." He looked around. "Well, it's-a obvious he's here. Let's try to find-a the others."

As they walked, Peppino looked back at Noise. The little man was walking slowly, looking around. He had a Noise Bomb in each hand. He's terrified. "I don't-a think I've ever seen you this scared, Noise."

The yellow-suited man growled. "Listen, pasta paunch, Pizzahead freaked me out before I found out he was psychopath. If he's back, and mad at us, I'm gonna blow shit to hell if I catch even a whiff of him."

"Capisco," Peppino replied. Seeing the little man so unnerved would normally have made him happier. But in this situation...

The two crept along the dark hallway, checking every shadow.

~~~~

BWIP

"...what in the hell?" Vigilante said. He clutched his head. He'd only experienced the feeling of a teleporter once, but it gave him a migraine.

He looked around. The dark hallway was empty, except for himself and...

Brick nosed the cheeseslime, obviously distressed. Her eyes were wide, and she was whipping her head around, searching.

"Just you and me, looks like, girl," Vigi said. He pulled his sidearm. Not risking it anymore, with Pizzahead around.

Brick turned and looked at him. She squeaked pitifully, and clenched her paws. She looked ready to cry.

Aw, hell, don't have time for this, Vigi thought. He held out his free hand. "Listen, girl, I'm sure he's somewhere else, that's all. We just gotta find him."

She looked mournfully at him, then stood up and struck a stolid pose, squeaking confidently at length.

Wish I understood what the hell she just said. Vigi shook himself. "Aight, let's see what we can see. Stay together, ya hear?"

The rat nodded.

~~~~

BWIP

Gustavo winced. Great, a teleporter. "Hey, Brick, you all..."

He turned. Brick was gone. In fact, everyone was gone except for... "Pepperman? What happened?"

The giant pepper was picking himself up off the floor. "I... don't know. My head is positively swimming." He looked around. "Where's everyone else?"

Gustavo shook his head. "Think we got teleported away." Be safe, guys. "Any of this look familiar?"

Pepperman looked around. "No. Of course, I never ventured as far as the others. I'm afraid other than my dashing good looks, inestimable charm, and massive strength, I won't be much help to you."

Gustavo rolled this eyes. If egos were weapons, we could level the tower right now. He chastised himself. Being away from his companion had him edgy. "I can't sense Brick. Too far away, or something else?"

Pepperman shrugged. "With the technology in the Tower, could be both. We could be on the other side of the world."

That thought chilled Gustavo to the bone. "Let's hope not. Come on, let's see what the can find."

~~~~

BWIP

Giuseppe immediately threw up his hands in a defensive position. Teleporter! He scanned around. The room was different, a long hallway. It was just him and Fake.

Fake was down on all fours, growling softly. "We smell him. We smell him here."

Giuseppe's hair stood up a bit. "Pizzahead?" And now we're separated. Wonderful. He pulled this firearm. He knew all too well what the insane Ninda was capable of.

Fake whipped their head around, trying to keep everything in sight at once. "We're not sure where, but the smell is everywhere." Their hands reflexively formed into claws. They climbed onto the ceiling. "We will stay up here. If an attack happens, we will defend you."

Giuseppe snorted. "I'm not exactly defenseless, you know."

"We know," Fake replied, "but he has planned this. We leave nothing to chance. Be ready to fight."

Giuseppe nodded. They've got the right idea. "All right, I'll take point. Keep your eyes open."

"Agreed."

~~~~

A distorted figure stated at monitors. Each one displayed one of the four groups. They grinned, their face twisting horribly with the motion. "I hope they enjoy the playgrounds I've prepared for them. This will be so much fun!"

Their voice cracked and echoed as they cackled. The figures around it, each twisted and monstrous in their own way, shrunk away in fear. Their master tended to spread the "fun" around.

The figure turned and waved a hand. One of them burst into flames. They didn't even have time to react before they were a pile of stinking ash. "Don't worry, children. You'll have your fun soon enough."

~~~~

Giuseppe crept along the darkened corridor. It was still of debris. Lots of places to hide. Or be hidden. It also prevented him from getting up to speed - he didn't have Peppino's acceleration. Probably by design. He shook his head. Can't believe I didn't think about a trap. Too tired, I guess.

Above, Fake crept along the ceiling. They had been deathly silent the entire way - Giuseppe couldn't hear the faintest sound from them. They were moving in a very predatory way, creeping from shadow to shadow, slinking along like some malicious cross between a big cat and a snake.

The fact they were doing this on the ceiling just added to the anxiety factor.

Suddenly, Giuseppe saw something on the ceiling he recognized. He waved at Fake, making a "stop" motion.

They obliged, tilting their head inquisitively.

Giuseppe pointed at the object, then pointed at Fake, making a motion like he was pulling off a bit of himself and rolling it into a ball.

Quietly Fake spit out a glob, balled it, and dropped it to Giuseppe. Just like a wad of dough. Giuseppe tossed it at the object.

A virulent green ray shot out and the ball vaporized, then the object sparked and fell apart.

Fake dropped down beside Giuseppe. "What was that?"

"We called 'em biomines. They're only set off by biological matter getting too close. Figured your dough would count. Good thing it did." Giuseppe shivered. "Evil little things. Thankfully they pretty much always give out after one use. Lost too many people to them over the years."

Fake looked thoughtful. "Then you won't like that we can see several more ahead, on the walls, floor, and ceiling."

Giuseppe sighed. "Well, think that's up to you. Not like I can snap off my fingers and toss 'em."

Fake grinned. "We could snap them off for you, if you like."

"Very funny."

A few minutes later, the passage was full of sparking, smoking debris. Giuseppe carefully searched. "Nothing. You see anything else, Fake?" Silence. "Fake?"

He turned. Fake was sprawled on the ground, unmoving. "Oh, merda." Giuseppe trotted over and flipped them over. They're not breathing... do they even breathe? "Fake," he said, shaking their shoulder. "Fake! Say something!"

Fake weakly turned their head. "We used... too much... so tired..."

Giuseppe's heart clenched. Without a word, he grabbed them and tossed them onto his back. They're so much lighter...

Fake looked up weakly. "You... why? Why are you doing this?"

Giuseppe grimly trudged through the gloom. "I'm not leaving you behind. I'm not losing anyone else if I can help it."

Fake sensed there was more to that than was being said. "But... we are... extra. Expendable. No one needs us. Why do you care?"

Fake felt a shiver pass through the big man. "Fake, never say that around me ever again." He shook his head. "I saw... too many people toss away their lives for "the greater good" over the years. Dozens. Maybe hundreds." Giuseppe faintly heard the sound of bodies hitting the floor, the sizzle of energy beams, the rumble of an overloading engine.

And bodies. So, so many bodies.

He shrugged Fake higher up on his back. "Besides, who said no one wants you? You really think Pino would let you stay in his pizzeria if he didn't care? Do you think he'd put up with your pranks?"

Fake considered. "He invited us to Christmas dinner."

"Exactly. Not exactly a wide invitation." Giuseppe was quiet a moment. "I don't think Pino would want you to be left behind."

Fake considered this. "We're sorry. We never really considered it." They thought a moment. "Your fear of leaving someone behind... there's more to it than that. Something deeper."

The big man shuddered again. "I lost a lot of people that way over the years. The worst was... a little kid. Couldn't have been more than ten. A refugee. Didn't know til later he was the deposed president's son. We were trying to get him to the border, but they had vehicles, and we were on foot. Even I couldn't outrun them yet. The kid kept telling me to let him go, that they only wanted him." He paused. "Suddenly the kid lets go of my hand, and runs back. I didn't even feel it at first. I was too focused on running." He sniffed. "Before I could catch up, those bastardos gunned him down. Like... like he was nothing. In the end, his sacrifice didn't matter. They caught us, and we had to fight our way out." He sniffed again. "He gave it all up... for nothing."

Fake was silent. "We're sorry for bringing up such painful memories."

Giuseppe paused to wipe his nose. "Ah, forget it. But... no heroic sacrifices. I don't think I can handle any more."

"Deal."

Giuseppe felt the ground tremble. "Uh oh." He jogged to the side, and laid Fake down.

"Something... is coming..." Fake muttered.

Giuseppe looked grimly down the hall. "Yeah. Figured. Try to stay out of sight, all right?"

Fake nodded and crawled behind a rock.

Giuseppe jogged to the other side and hid in a small cleft in the wall. He started working up his rage. He hated doing this. Always feel burned out afterwards. But it was useful for activating his powers when he needed them.

Down the hallway loped... something. It was at least twenty feet tall, or would be if it stood straight. It looked to have multiple limbs. It crawled along, weaving it's head around, obviously searching. For us.

As it got closer, Giuseppe realized... It's Fake. A giant Fake... but horribly, horribly changed. Multiple eyes dangled from its face. It's mouth extended much too far - it's entire face was split. A sickly yellow tongue lolled out, practically dragging the ground. It had four arms, and they ended in vicious claws. Its body was covered in things that shouldn't be there - eyes, teeth, fingers. Its back legs had far too many joints, and it didn't even have feet.

Giuseppe had never seen anything like it. Talk about nightmare fuel.

The thing raised its head and snuffled, searching for them. Great. And me without de-scenter. It had always been a problem of his during stealth missions - he had a strong scent.

It was only a matter of time before the thing found him.

As Giuseppe worked himself up to charge, the thing suddenly whipped it's head towards -

Fake! As weak as they are, they'll have no chance!

That was enough to make his anger burst. In a flash, Giuseppe charged the beast, slamming into its side.

The creature emitted a horrible gurgling shriek and fell on its side.

Giuseppe pummeled it quickly, but seemed to do nothing. It's made of dough, too!

Suddenly the creature stood and opened it's mouth wide at him. A strange rumbling sound filled the air...

"Look out!"

Fake appeared from nowhere and tackled Giuseppe out of the way just as a huge blast of heat came from the thing's mouth. Giuseppe smelled burning rubber and baking dough. His shoe soles had partially melted, and Fake's feet looked crispy.

The wall behind them spewed melted rock.

"Figlio di puttana!!" Giuseppe yelled. He was shaking. It reminded him of the weapons the Demons had used in Inferno.

Giuseppe grabbed Fake and ran for it.

The giant clone roared and gave chase.

Giuseppe frantically dodged as smaller bursts of hot light melted rocks around them. He was fighting not to panic. "I can't dodge this thing forever! I don't have any weapons that'll take it down! You have any suggestions, I'm all ears!"

Fake nodded. "It is dough, like us!" They yelled. "Tough, but if blown apart it may not hold together! If you throw me at it, I will distract it while you get up to speed, then you will ram it!"

"Are you out of your goddamn mind?!?" Giuseppe said. "It'll kill you! You're too weak! I'm not sacrificing you! I'm not sacrificing anyone! Not again!"

Fake grinned. "Do not worry! We have an idea! There will be no sacrifices today! Trust us!"

Giuseppe turned this head. Fake looked completely serious. "Promise me!"

"We promise!"

Giuseppe nodded, turned, and charged at the beast. He juked as it fired several small blasts at them - the smell of poisonous gas and hot rock was choking. As he ran past, he hurled Fake on the beast's back.

The creature warbled in surprise. Fake grabbed it by the sides of its grotesque head. "HUNGRY!" Fake yelled... and bit into the beast.

The giant shrieked as Fake began devouring its doughy flesh.

Giuseppe, still turning in the distance, heard the bloodcurdling cries. Whatever they're doing, that thing really doesn't like it! He dug down and pushed himself beyond his limits. His eyes turned wild. Not again! No sacrifices! NOT AGAIN!

The room shook. A sonic boom echoed as Giuseppe broke the sound barrier.

Seeing the shockwave, Fake leapt upwards. "Addio, abominio!"

Giuseppe flashed underneath, and the creature exploded.

Skidding to a stop, Giuseppe turned. The walls were laminated with burnt dough. The smell of bread was almost overwhelming.

Fake crouched on the ceiling, looking enormously pleased with themselves.

As Giuseppe panted and caught his breath, Fake dropped down beside him. He obviously was feeling better. "What... what did you do?"

Fake looked smugly at their fingernails. "We saw they were made of dough, like us, and realized... we could distract it and replenish ourselves at the same time. So we started eating it."

Giuseppe shivered. "That's... that's a bit fucked up, Fake."

"We know. Normally we wouldn't do such a thing anymore. But we would not have survived." Their expression turned serious. "Sometimes it is kill or be killed."

Giuseppe looked at Fake grimly. "True. Doesn't mean I like it."

~~~~

Brick picked her way through the rubble of the huge room, Vigilante on her back. "Better if can get a good view, right?" He'd said, and she'd seen the wisdom in it. Not that it had helped much, though. The room was so huge even Vigi's telescopic sight couldn't see the walls, or ceiling.

Brick considered. She might be a rat, but she absorbed everything she heard. She recalled something she'd heard someone discussing. "This place can be bigger on the inside - a lot bigger. You could fit a whole city on a floor of this place."

Seeing this, Brick believed it. Her senses were scrambled - it was telling her she was in a small room and outside at the same time. And nothing her nose told her made sense.

She was relying on the cheeseslime on her head to guide her.

Vigi scanned the terrain, looking for any clue of where to go or what to do. Every time he tried to use his Sight, he got dizzy. The images were confusing. Swear this place is designed to fuck with me. How am I supposed to aim when I can't damn well see right?

He closed his eyes, remembering his days with Grandpa John. Just close yer eyes and visualize, Vigert, his grandpa had said. He opened his eyes again... but things still felt just as distorted. He snorted. "Somethin' messing with me in here. How about you?"

Brick nodded. She was nervous, interacting with the cheeseslime. Like all of her kind, she loved cheese with a passion, even an obsession. But cheeseslimes were not food, they were people.

The smell was driving her crazy, even so.

Suddenly a strange device popped out of a rock nearby. "Gun!" Vigilante yelled.

Before Brick could react, it fired on her.

Brick doubled over in pain - her hunger had increased immensely. Food! FOOD!

Vigilante picked himself up from where he'd dove, hoping Brick would be able to get out of the way. He turned and saw her doubled over. "Ah, no," he said as he oozed up to her. "Where ya hit, girl-"

Suddenly Brick snapped at him. He jumped away. "What the hell?" He looked at her as she stared at him... Red eyes. She's droolin. Aw no... He remembered the Giant Rats, back in the Tower. They'd looked like that. Pizzahead had kept them hungry, and they'd eat anything. They especially liked Cheeseslimes. He'd had to put quite a few of them down. He'd hated doing it - they were just following their instincts - but they were a menace.

Brick had the same look they'd had. She advanced on him, slowly. Food, food!

He pulled his sidearm out and pointed it at her. He trembled. He hated putting down animals. Grandpa had always had to do it. It's a kindness, Vigert, he'd said. They're just a ball of pain and rage at that point. It's mercy.

But she's not an animal. "C'mon, girl," he said, "snap out of it! Don't make me do this!"

She continued stalking towards him. Food. Food. The thought filled her mind. So hungry. So tasty!

No! A tiny part of her screamed. Friend, not food! Not an animal!

Vigilante cocked the hammer of his pistol. He was trembling so hard, he wasn't sure he'd even hit, if he did shoot. "Brick! Please! DON' MAKE ME DO THIS!"

Brick paused. No. She shook her head.

Vigilante realized what the motion meant. "Yeah! Fight it, girl! Don't let it win!"

The inside of Brick's head was chaos.

Food FooD

NO

HuNGry

NO FRIEND

FEED KILL

NO

NO!

The red left her eyes.

Brick collapsed to the floor, writhing and squealing in agony. She thrashed around - her pained squeals made Vigi's heart ache. Then she started banging her head against a rock.

Vigi was horrified. He oozed over. "Stop! STOP! YER GONNA KILL YOURSELF!"

Brick looked up at him. There were tears in her eyes. Her expression said it all. Good. I want to die.

Vigi's heart clenched. "Naw, naw, girl. Don't be like that. You fought it. You beat it. You didn't let Pizzahead win." He patted her head. "You beat it."

She stared at him for several seconds. Then she squeaked piteously, and wrapped him up in a hug. Vigi felt tears dropping on his hat.

He patted her back. He was trembling. Damn you, Pizzahead. Damn you for what you almost made us both do.

Continued...

#pizza tower #my stuff #pizzatower #pizza tower au #peppino spaghetti #peppino #pizza tower fanfic #pt #tower town au #tt au #the noise #gustavo pizza tower #gustavo #gustavo and brick #brick the rat #pepperman #the vigilante #fake peppino #pizzahead #giuseppe spaghetti

[writingmaneskin]

Handwritten - An Ethan Torchio Story || Chapter One

Pairings: Ethan Torchio x OC Character

Summary: Words are magic and when one author pours their heart and soul into something, the Universe just...answers.

Contains: Fluff, chaos, comedy, cussing //let's be real, it's mostly chaos//

Words: 2.4k

A/N: This is set in the HIWTHI universe. You don't need to have read HIWTHI to read this, but it will be easier to understand the dynamics.

I want to give my eternal gratitude to three very special people. @queendorkula for being you, for being the chaos that you are, just everything. To @moonlight-simp for making this gorgeous cover and to @idyllicbutterfly for encouraging me to not give up on this.

To all three of you, for always letting me scream about my wips, helping me develop them, supporting me through writing. I love you <3

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Taglist: @queendorkula , @idyllicbutterfly , @moonlight-simp , @maneskings, @iosonoarina, @unaballerinascalza, @itsmaneskinbitch, @crisssis, @mywritingonlyfans, @hiraetheral, @homesicam, @ilwiwbysmv, @bieberhoodforever, @vita-thrasher, @ethaneskin, @theimpossiblehologramtree, @dubist-immerinmeinengedanken, @immrbrightsideeee, @butkutee, @8iunie, @sunflowerpumpkinpie, @ventvnni, @l0standn0tf0und, @dpaccione, @elvirabelle, @cuzimitaliano , @daddystevekemp, @torchiosfries, @shehaddreamstoo, @guesswhoispathetic, @iamtashaquinn, @h1pp1eth1ngs, @alexxavicry, @inloveppp, @ccweasley

Something in the air carried the promise of a good day lying ahead. 

It was especially good because it combined two of his favourite activities - dining with the family and it was also update day. Victoria and Thomas had already arrived, bringing coffee for him and they were fumbling in the kitchen as Ethan was sat on the balcony, refreshing the page frantically waiting for an update.

He remembered months and months ago, receiving a text from Victoria’s sister with a link to a page “I think you’d like this. I am pretty sure that some of these are inspired by you.” 

His curiosity had gotten the best of him and he’d fallen into a rabbithole of stories - some of them indeed having characters reminiscent of him. 

It hadn’t been until the author - Aurora - had been asked to share their favorite songs, and he’d seen them sharing Le Parole Lontane that he’d suspected that Vic’s sister might have a point. 

He waited and scrolled, waiting for something to happen. waiting, only to notice that the past few days, there had been only silence.

**

A loud bang came from the kitchen, followed by Victoria's laughter. He didn't even want to deal with the mess. The bang drew his attention only for a moment before he dived right back into reading a comfort story. Seeking closeness to this complete stranger whose art had had such an impact on him.

The doorbell rang and Victoria ran to get it.

"Buongiorno!" Eli's melodic voice sounded. Ethan looked up from his phone and smiled as Eli, Damiano and Dante made their way into his apartment.

"Hello, hello." Ethan gave Dante a hug and smiled at his parents. "The children are making a mess in the kitchen, please deal with it." Ethan looked to Eli for support. Eli giggled and pressed a kiss to Dami's cheek before heading towards the kitchen. 

The little boy ran to his papa, leaving the drummer's hands free to start refreshing again.

"What are you buying?" Damiano asked, while playing on the floor with his son.

"Why do you assume I am buying something?" Ethan glanced above the phone before refreshing again.

"You look even more serious than usual." Damiano shrugged. 

"It's fine, Dami." Ethan wanted to slam his phone on the table. Sometimes updates were late but this was getting under his skin. He needed to know.

Ethan had been reading and lurking from the shadows for almost a year now. Sometimes, when he found himself needing some extra love, he would revisit a story of Aurora's,the words never failing to soothe him.There was something in those words, something that made him slow the fuck down and breathe.

Vic had teased him one day for printing out a copy of one of his favorite stories and both her and Thomas had called him a fanboy for going as far as annotating and having the stories available on hand.

He hadn't reached out, hadn't known what to say without sounding like a cliche but he was tempted to send a message just going 'I hope you're okay."

Maybe the person behind the words had slowed down. Maybe there was a perfectly same explanation to all of this. Maybe he was freaking out over nothing.

**

This was the first day of the rest of her life. 

Aurora woke up in her new apartment and looked around at the boxes containing her belongings. She hadn't had the strength to do lots of unpacking - the past few days and months had taken their toll on her, with the final straw being the move. She would need time to come back from all of that.

She made her way over to the apartment's small balcony and lit a cigarette, the noise of the city filling the silence.

Aurora had finally made it to safety. She exhaled and tried to allow the thought to sink. There would be no more guilt tripping, manipulating, no more pain. No more bending over to please everyone, no more self-abuse. 

Hopefully.

Aurora looked at the stacked laptop and phone, knowing that she should let her best friends know that "Surprise, I now live in Rome!" but she wasn't ready. She wasn't ready to tell them the harsh reality of the past months. Tom was busy working on a new production project, Eli was busy being there for their new family. 

There was another thing too - Auri's writing. A site started as an outlet for emotions, an outlet for their creative energy. A compilation of pain and hope for a future that would be full of love, of safety, of healing.

She picked up her small stack of journals and her favorite pen, ignoring the responsibilities that waited for her, not trusting herself to publish what she really wanted to.

**

Ethan sat in the living room and Vic had joined him, trying to get him out of the gloomy mood.

"Edgar, who is up your ass? Talk to us!"  Vic almost yelled, feeling frustrated by this unusually gloomy situation.

He ignored her, not wanting to snap at his best friend. Instead he grabbed his laptop and opened the site there, willing for anything to appear.

Eli opened the kitchen door and walked into the living room, accidentally seeing the page that the drummer was looking at. 

"Is that Auri's blog?" Eli asked.

"Wait, this is over a blog?" Vic raised her voice again. "I can't! Not the fanboy stuff again, Edgar!" 

Eli looked between their two friends and smiled.

"Care to share with the class, Eth?" Eli sat down next to him. Ethan blushed.

"How do you know about this blog?" Ethan asked carefully, the edge of his tone slowly disappearing.

"This is my best friend's site." Eli's smile grew into a grin. "Auri would lose her shit if she knew." 

His blush deepened.

"They haven't updated the blog and it's update day." Ethan tried to be casual.

"You are adorable, let me text them." Eli kissed his cheek before grabbing their phone and sending the text while Ethan felt like he was about to have a heart attack.

**

Ink stains smeared along their hands, the ink mixing with their tears as the pain slowly seeped out of Aurora and on to the pages of the battered journal. 

Reality reeled her back in when her phone started going off. Text after text from Eli.

"Your works have found their way to the people that inspired them. " Said one of the texts, accompanied by a picture of Ethan on his laptop.

The phone slipped out of Aurora's hands, as her mind once again tried (and failed) to catch up. Oh, they would murder Eli.

"The text was seen. I am willing to bet that Auri is just bluescreening." Eli announced through giggles to Ethan, a blush rising on his face again.

A notification came in.

"Do not tell me you showed off the blog." Eli knew that Auri was losing her shit.

"Oh no, he was already all over it when I got here." Eli replied quickly.

The reply came in the form of a vanishing selfie of Eli's best friend staring blankly. Eli started laughing again.

"Are you causing chaos again?" Dami went to kiss their cheek.

"When are they not?" Ethan replied for Eli.

"How many times have I told you to come to Italy so I can introduce you to everyone?"

Aurora saw the text and their knees gave in. Eli didn't know about the move and lying to them would bring nothing good.

Another text came in.

"My bestie is not a coward, just get on a damn airplane and come see me."

Now or never.

"... funny you should say that. I was planning on surprising you."

"You don't have to surprise me, cucciola. I just want to introduce you to the family." 

Auri took a deep breath.

"I landed in Rome yesterday and I have been trying to organize my apartment before we celebrated!!!"

They could do this. Put a brave face on for Eli. Be around them without showing just how broken they felt. 

"Brilliant! Give me your address so I can have a car pick you up."

Aurora's stomach sank. Meet everyone.. today??? How??

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN PICK ME UP, I AM A MESS." 

"I just told Dami to count you in for dinner. Everyone wants to meet you!"

Auri bluescreened again for a moment.

"What do you mean everyone?" 

Eli replied almost instantly. "Got your address off Snapchat. The driver is on his way to you and should be there in 20 minutes."

"ELI, I AM A MESS. HE IS READING THE BLOG. I CAN'T SHOW UP THERE. ABSOLUTELY NOT."

"Your stalling is not working. 15 minutes."

"Are you trying to give me a heart attack?"

"... maybe."

Shit, crap, fuck. Auri found a pair of baggy pants and an oversized off-the-shoulder t-shirt and ran to the shower to get ready.

"HE IS ON THE BLOG."

Eli was having so much fun.

"Yes, and it's adorable. You should have seen him bluescreen when I told him I could introduce you two."

Auri almost dropped the phone again.

"Accept the car ride or I am getting him to pick you up himself."

"Can I step in front of the car?"  - Auri's response made them laugh.

"Sure, I'll make sure Ethan meets you at the hospital. While you look like a mess."

"I look like a mess now."

Oh, this chaos monger. 

Aurora saw a car park outside and sent a picture to Eli who only sent a thumbs up.

Ink stains on their hands, heart racing out of their chest, they locked up the apartment and headed out.

A FaceTime call came in as soon as they got in the car.

Eli showed everyone gathered there as Thomas played with Dante, Dami tried to distract Vic from making more chaos with her chaotic twin and the baby… and Ethan who was still on his laptop.

Aurora stared in complete disbelief.

“I am not pranking you. I am inviting you to a family dinner.” Eli insisted then smiled at Auri before them saying loudly. “Everyone say hi!” 

Ethan looked up, still distracted, thinking that Eli was just talking to their mum. He smiled at the camera, did a little wave and blew a kiss, causing Aurora to start crying. 

“Aww…” was all that Eli managed to say before Auri flipped them off and hung up.

The driver, having picked up on their trustee’s tension drove slowly, giving  Aurora time to calm down. 

“Fuck you.” Auri texted to Eli. 

“No need, Dami has that covered ✌🏼.” 

Ever the menace.

“Go stick those fingers somewhere.” 

“Come here and I will, unless someone else beats me to it.” Eli’s response came quickly.

“Oh please, as if.”

 “I’m well aware of who you want, Auri. I will see you very shortly.” 

Damiano watched as his partner was giggling at the phone. 

“How much chaos should I expect?” He pressed another kiss to their cheek. Eli simply passed him the phone to read through the conversation, in turn making him howl with laughter.

“You are the one who manifested this, I stayed out of it, like you requested.” Eli wrote to Auri finally.

“Hey, I should be the thing that you are doing.” Dami whispered in Eli’s ear, snapping their attention to him.

“He has not seen my face, so he really has no clue who I am or what I even look like.” Aurora tried to reason.

“It’s adorable that you think that this matters. He is clearly obsessed with your art and he is your little fanboy.” 

“Chaos monger.” 

The driver pulled up to the building and Auri sat in the seat without moving.

“It will be okay. They are good people.” Or at least, that’s what Aurora understood from the driver’s fast-paced Italian.

“Grazie.” Was all she managed. He led them to the door and rang the doorbell before driving off, leaving her and her anxieties to the mercy of their favorite person.

Eli didn’t manage to outrun Dante to the door but they picked him up and held him close when their best friend got out of the elevator.

“Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii.” Eli grinned at Auri, the happiness and the relief of them being there mixing with the adrenaline of the chaos they had just made causing them to be as hyperactive as one could be.

“Send the child to his papa so he doesn’t become a witness to a murder scene.” Auri gritted out, making Eli laugh even harder. 

The height difference between the two of them made Auri look like more of an intimidating puppy than anything. But Auri was ready to throw hands at the chaos that they’d just experienced. 

Eli put down Dante and whispered something that Aurora didn’t quite get before the child ran off and Eli pulled them in a bone-crushing hug only for Auri to pinch them hard on the side, causing them to laugh even harder.

“You will pay for this.”

Eli ignored the funny threat and led their best friend to the living room area where Ethan was still willing to summon something to the blog.

“You can stop doing that, there won’t be a post since the author is standing right here.” Eli announced to Ethan who finally looked up.

Aurora’s knees were ready to give in.

There they were. The people that she’d looked up to for inspiration for so long, the people who had become her best friend’s family. Him.

“What did you say?” Ethan closed the laptop.

“This is Auri, the author you fanboy over. Auri, this is Ethan, the inspiration behind your words. I will leave you two to try and process this.” Eli smirked and stepped out of the room quickly, satisfied with the chaos that they had just created.

Auri tried to think of how to diffuse the situation, their heartbeat going off so loudly, they were sure that it was audible at this point.

“Hi. I am sure that Eli is full of shit. They started getting laid finally, after all. I am Auri and I have no clue what they are talking about, surely you are just busy!” 

Ethan tried to keep his cool. 

“I really love the stuff you write.” Was all he managed to get out, causing the person sitting opposite him to turn bright red.

“I - …” 

#ethan torchio #ethan torchio x you #ethan torchio x reader #maneskin #ethan torchio blurb #ethan torchio fanfic #damiano david #thomas raggi #vic de angelis #handwritten

[ayliamc]

Italia

Day 5 - The Smell of the Ocean

Steps walked: 16,283

Flights climbed: 13

Vehicles ridden: 3 (two by land, one by water)

Points of interest visited: 3

Leonardos spotted: only bastardizations in tourist swag

We took our time having breakfast and checking out of the hotel, opting for comfort and taking a taxi to the train station rather than the metro. We got to marvel at the skill and audacity of Italian drivers as he cut through solid walls of traffic to get us to the station with plenty of time to spare. We strolled directly onto the train for the nearly three hour ride to Venezia. ‘Twas a relatively uneventful train ride, mostly pleasant, aside from the little boy who sat next to me for 30% of the ride who watched stuff on his phone with the volume on.

We arrived in Venezia, a sinking city, hungry. We tried two cafes at the train station who reportedly sometimes had vegan croissants but no such luck. Dan was noticeably worried because as my hunger grows, my moods become more mercurial. I insisted I’d be ok and that we could head to our hotel and maybe we’ll find something on the way. I was determined not to be the problem, as I usually am.

It was a half hour walk through Venezia to our hotel and along the way we passed a Chinese restaurant listed on Happy Cow (our vegan restaurant finder app, a necessity for every traveling vegan). I was not about to resist another break from Italian food so we had a very satisfying lunch there and I have no regrets about our first stop in Venezia being to a Chinese restaurant.

The rest of our walk to the hotel was uneventful, providing us a nice walking tour of the city, encumbered only by our luggage.

Some observations/thoughts about Venezia:

* For all intents and purposes, there are no roads. No cars. No vehicles. We walked exclusively through alleys, for lack of a better word. Ranging from wide to impossibly narrow, weaving with no apparent rhyme or reason thru the multi-story ancient buildings housing apartments, hotels, restaurants, and shops. Modern kitsch sold from crumbling brick store fronts and tourist traps next to local markets.

* How could anyone live here? It’s just fine to visit. Kind of surreal to experience. But people live their lives in this city where Amazon deliveries are brought by rolly cart and courier and emergency services take a boat to the nearest canal. Their day-to-day is spent navigating through a sea of tourists who seemingly outnumber them.

* It feels less like a real place where people live as it does a run down amusement park where there’s only one ride: a 30 minute gondola ride that costs €80. It’s all in need of a good scrubbing to get rid of that algae/fish/sea salt smell.

* You pay for water at restaurants here. They don’t do tap water.

Our hotel was directly next to a canal and gondola “start point”, of which there are many. The gentleman who ran the hotel greeted us at the door and was outrageously friendly and nice and Italian. “Buongiorno! Ciao! Welcome! You have-a my favorite room-a!”

‘Twas indeed a very nice room with windows that overlooked a canal. We unloaded our bags and went for a walk to the Piazza San Marco and the Doge’s Palace and meandered around, taking in the sights and sounds. Without having much interest in actually paying for admission to any of the museums or historic landmarks, there wasn’t a whole lot for us to do.

And here we are sighing at the bridge of sighs.

We eventually found ourselves in a gondola not far from our hotel (but not the one right next to the hotel entrance). I’d noticed that all the gondoliers were male and I did a bit of googling to confirm that in Venezia’s history, only one “female” gondolier has ever existed, and even then not really. Alex Hai became the “first female gondolier” a few years before he came out as trans. As far as I can tell, he still works as an occasional gondolier but by appointment only. He also works as a filmmaker. So we couldn’t support any women or trans-men, and were left with a traditional gondolier. He was still great and pointed out a few things on our half hour tour. My initial thought that 30 minutes was too short a ride was replaced after about 20 minutes when I decided “yeah, 30 minutes is plenty.”

Many of the gondoliers chat with each other as they pass, their long oars on the right of the boat while they use their left leg to kick off the building walls on either end of the narrow canals. It seems like an exhausting job. I don’t know how they do it. But it’s fun to watch.

We had some time to kill before our reservations. (Too late we discovered there’s exactly one vegan restaurant in all of Venezia and it was far and required reservations which we had not made. An email revealed to us that they were fully booked for the night. Our next best option was a very expensive restaurant that had a vegan menu.) We wandered aimlessly through our little corner of the city while I marveled at some of my aforementioned observations and went to our reservations a half hour early. They seated us immediately on their patio* and we immediately became aware that we were much too poor for this restaurant. We ordered two dishes each, aware that one dish would not be enough food despite the cost. Anyway it was all good. Not as good as the best meal I’ve had, and not good enough to justify the cost. But quite tasty. We had a nice leisurely dinner, hampered only by the French woman sitting next to us who lit up a cigarette right after we had our appetizers. Europeans, amiright?

I’ve also been starting to respond to every dog sighting with an ever increasing yearning for our babies back home. The best part of a vacation is knowing you’ll be ready to finish it at the end. We’re about halfway there, and that feels right.

Our hotel had given us a complimentary bottle of wine which was a sweet, mild Chardonnay which we happily enjoyed before bed, falling asleep to the sounds of splashing water and boats passing by in the canal below our window.

*the alley behind the restaurant

[changingplumbob]

York Household: Chapter 9, Part 1

New shorter parts trial starts now. Time to catch up with the Yorks and let Kelly do some evil deeds.

The Yorks are Italian so if you see them using words that don't look like English it's Italian, or what google assures me is Italian. Caro/Cara: Dear Buongiorno: Good morning Piccolo: Little one Tesoro: Treasure Nonno: Grandfather Nonna: Grandmother Si: Yes Grazie: Thank you Per Favore: Please Buon Compleanno: Happy Birthday

It may be summer but Tartosa is cloudy and ominous. In the smaller house Deanna sleeps tucked up with her girlfriend Paris. Inside the main house Kelly is sleeping soundly and dreaming evil dreams. Upstairs Aaron and Calista are curled together, waking up.

Aaron: Tesoro

Calista: Hmm

Aaron: Time to get up

Calista: Mmm hmm

Aaron: I think the nectar making equipment arrived in the night

Calista: Si? Guess I should start planting

Aaron: I can help

Calista: No, the fridge is empty. Could you cook per favore?

Aaron: As you wish *kisses*

Kelly eats breakfast first, happy in the mood the dark clouds are setting. I do have outside lights but (and this is a pet peeve of mine) if you turn them on during “daylight” hours they are 0% illuminating.

Calista: Buongiorno caro, sleep well?

Kelly: Can’t talk ma, have ideas to draw *races off*

Calista: At least someone is tolerating this cloud

Deanna: Buongiorno ma. I got in to the distinguished physics degree!

Calista: Brava! You start today?

Deanna: Start studying today but it won’t be classes for another couple of days

Calista: Your pa will be so pleased

Indeed Aaron is pleased! Three kids all completed or enrolled in distinguished degrees, he knows he’s done something right. Kelly… may take more encouraging for his academics. Aaron begins making a roast. Kelly has a sleepover scheduled for tonight so he’ll have a house of hungry kids. Calista goes upstairs to the terrace and starts planting some strawberries and grapes. It will take them some time to grow but then they should be able to start trying to make Nectar.

Paris: Morning babe

Deanna: Huh? Buongiorno baby, got plans?

Paris: Not really… Maybe you could take me to lunch?

Deanna: Sorry, I can’t. I’ve got a bunch of pre class work to do. Maybe tomorrow? Or Monday?

Paris: It's a date. Good luck studying, I know you’ll do brilliant

Art finished, Kelly’s latest whim is done. The next one may be a bit tricky, become enemies with someone. While he has several sims who dislike him, they normally run off like cowards before the relationship can sour to enemies. Bike out, he rides down to see who is around the neighbourhood. Ah ha! Target spotted at the beach. Josephine Fairchild I apologise for what Kelly may do.

Kelly: Excuse me! Miss?

Josephine: Yes? Is something the matter kid?

Kelly: You can’t swim here. It’s against the law

Josephine: What are you talking about?

Kelly: You have to be a 5 or above to swim here. You lady, are the most zero sim I have ever seen

Josephine: Oh you rude child! What is wrong with you?

Kelly: Some things but nowhere near as much as what’s wrong with you!

Josephine: Excuse me?

Kelly: Sorry but I can’t excuse you for looking like a trainwreck

Josephine: I- what? I look put together! At least I did when I checked the mirror

Kelly: Are you ducking blind? Your mirror is clearly lying. That hat wouldn’t be worn by anyone over the age of 25 and don’t even get me started on your poor choice in swimsuit. It’s an abomination!

Josephine: But everyone likes polka dots!

Kelly: Don’t take my word for it. See how there’s no one else swimming here? Your swimsuit scared them off

Josephine: Put a sock in it kid. What are you? 12? You should have been taught to show respect to adults by now

Kelly: Respect?

Josephine: Yes!

Kelly: Do you mean like… acts of kindness?

Josephine: I mean not targeting strangers with your malice

Kelly: I see. Let me give you an apology gift. That would be respectful right?

Josephine: Yes it would

Josephine: It’s not too late to turn your life around kid, gain some manners and- oh my watcher! The smell!

Kelly: *laughing manically* Oh that was too good! Can’t believe you thought I was just going to give you something nice when I don’t even know you

Josephine: You seem to have no trouble giving disrespect

Kelly: Thanks, I pride myself on it

Josephine: You’re such a brat

Kelly: *still laughing* What an insult! A brat! I’m sure I’ll be in tears over it, but not sad tears

Josephine: You’re a real piece of work kid

Kelly: At least I’m not an embarrassment!

Josephine has had enough. She turns and leaves the beach.

Kelly: Only disliked? Oh come on watcher I want an ENEMY. Who’s making all these sims that would rather go sleep than be treated to my brand of evil? They are weaklings! Give me a challenge

Previous (Nishidake) ... Next

#sims 4 #the sims #the sims 4 #simblr #my sims #ChangingPlumbobStorytime #R0901 #CalistaYork #AaronYork #KellyYork #DeannaYork #ParisPearl

[drifting-wreckers]

Kaisarion, Chapter 4: Put on the Smiles

Papa Emeritus IV x OFC: romance, religious fanaticism, drama, NSFW, MDNI, fate/destiny

Rosalyn heard her name, though faintly registered that it wasn’t her name, at least not really. She responded to it, nonetheless, turning into the warm sun and shielding her eyes to meet a sweet, familiar green. The face those eyes belonged to was blurry, though whoever it was, she could feel a vivid joy that blossomed in her chest at the sight of them. Her lips moved, and somehow she knew she wasn’t speaking English, but still understood every word.

“Antoni! Good morning!” Suddenly she was giggling as strong arms wrapped around her and lifted her up enough to spin her in a circle. The blurred features of his face started to sharpen. “Put me down!”

“Good morning to you, my dear,” he murmured into her ear, his voice like honey as he did as she so-playfully demanded, though his hands lingered on her waist for just a hint longer than was proper. The pair both blushed lightly, and the flutter of her chest suggested a young, innocent love had blossomed between them. “You’re well this morning? You certainly look it.”

She swatted playfully at his chest, adjusting the basket on her hip. “I am well, indeed, though even better now that I see you’ve escaped your books for a little while, Scholar Antoni,” she teased, though her tone held nothing short of pride. His own grin was sheepish, although something seemed to dawn on him, lips parting as he held up a finger and then promptly started digging through a satchel at his side.

“Speaking of books, the professor passed this on to me for you. She said it is an excellent book all like-minded women should read!”

Rosalyn chewed on her bottom lip slightly, blush darkening. “…you told the lady Hypatia about me?”

Antoni gripped the book in both hands between them, his own cheeks warm as he, at first, avoided her gaze, but then bashfully met it. “…of course…of course I did…I mean what I say when I tell you my first order of business upon completing my studies is to marry you…”

She couldn’t control her broadening grin though she tried, nearly embarrassed by the happiness such a simple thing brought her. Overwhelmed with emotion, she glanced around the market and discreetly took his hand and led him to a quiet side alley where she promptly tugged at his robes until he leaned down and kissed her. Between the sweet touches, she giggled. “I love you, Antoni…”

His smile was genuine and sweet, emphasizing his strong jawline as he kissed her once more, his mustache tickling against her upper lip. “I love you more everyday…” He said a name, though she couldn’t hear it as the clear image started to fade sideways as his left eye turned white…

Rosalyn sat at her computer in the library, the dream floating through her mind curiously once again. It had been a week since she had woken up from it, dazed and with the intense emotion still welled in her chest. She’d never had such a vivid dream before, never had one stir emotions in her so intensely. Much of the details had faded, though the sentimentality wouldn’t leave her: sweet, young love in its purest form. She had wanted to talk to Jessica about it, but hadn’t exactly figured out how to say anything. What was she supposed to say? She had a hyper realistic dream that she was in love? It would have been less embarrassing had it been a wet dream about…

“Buongiorno, cara. How are you doing?”

Speak of “Hot Satan Man” and he shall appear. She couldn’t help the smile that graced her lips at the sound of his accented voice. They had quickly fallen into a comfortable routine in the week or so since he had first visited the library. Notably, all of his subsequent visits were conspicuously without his brother. As he had mentioned, he seemed to have only come in during the week (had she asked her weekend employees? Maybe…), and never made any effort to seek assistance from anyone but her. She had also noticed that he had started to occasionally allow himself to touch her: a greeting on the shoulder, a guiding hand on her back, offering his hand to help her down the stairs. They also had a tendency for quiet conversation, and his research seemed to include more and more questions directed at her, more flirting…

She immediately looked up from the monitor, blue eyes meeting green and white with a grin. “Good morning to you, Copia. I’m pretty good, and yourself?”

His smile was sincere. “Good, good, thank you. You have time for me today?”

“You know I always do,” she winked, glad Jessica wasn’t the one working with her today.

Copia chuckled to himself, pleased that she had started to reciprocate some of his flirtation the more time went on. It had certainly emboldened him some as he slowly but surely felt things out. He watched her go to the drawer the archive key was kept in, unable to help admiring the fitted v-neck shirt she wore tucked into loose fitting pants. When she ducked out from under the desk as usual, he noted she wore those cursed heels again that made her hips really sway when she walked and made it damn-near impossible for him to avoid looking at her ass…

They settled in the archives as usual, and Rosalyn made herself busy tidying up instead of sitting out of sight of him at the computer. Admittedly for Copia, her more frequent presence and the sound of those damnable heels was incredibly distracting…

Rosalyn had kept one headphone in her ear, listening to an upbeat rock song as she shuffled amongst the stacks. She dusted the shelves and books, hips shimmying as she mouthed along to the lyrics. The song was a recent favorite of hers, and led her to twirl in place in time with the rhythm guitar.

…blissfully oblivious to the fact that Copia had found his way to where she was buried amongst the stacks and watched her with immense delight. He had been drawn to the aisle by the sound of her intermittent humming and was glad he had decided to investigate. She was typically quite professional around the library (ignoring the occasional flirtation), though he had gotten glimpses of her playfulness in the last week. This, though…adorable was the only thing that came to mind. Her hips wiggled a bit, those delightful lips forming lyrics to whatever she was listening to. He watched her roll up onto the balls of her heels to get leverage to reach the duster in her hand up to the top of the shelves. He watched her face scrunch as a cloud of dust followed the duster and she rocked back again and his chest warmed. The things he would give to just grab her waist and hands and spin her into his chest…

It wasn’t until she started to consistently hum to the vocal line that he slowly approached her and cleared his throat gently. “Ah…Rosalyn?”

She flinched and turned to face him, cheeks warm as she fumbled with her phone to silence the music. “Oh, um, sorry about that! Something I can help you with?”

There was a pause, the glimmer in his eyes changing just slightly and making a heat pool in her abdomen unexpectedly.

“Ah, si, actually…I think I’m done for the day but, ah…I did have…eh…” he hesitated a moment, meeting her expectant gaze and pushing forward. “…you are not working this weekend, yes?”

She blinked and nodded. “Yeah, I’m off this weekend…”

He cleared his throat, gloved hands coming together in front of him a bit nervously. “Would…would you maybe…care to get dinner with me…? On Saturday, maybe? Or, ah, Sunday would work too, if that’s better for you…I can definitely do either day if…if you are free.”

Rosalyn stared at him a moment, letting the surprise soak in first as his nervous, genuine gaze held hers. His smile seemed to start to grow, and she realized that she, herself, had started to grin without realizing it. “Yes!” she blurted to both of their surprises before she tried to tame her enthusiasm. She really did try, but found it much harder than she expected it to be. “Er, I mean, um…y-yeah…I think…I think that would…that could be nice.”

There was a pause, and they both just grinned rather stupidly at each other in the silence for a moment. “Ah…so…which day works best for you?”

She was blushing again. “Oh! Oh right! Um…yeah,” she laughed at her own foolishness. “Saturday…Saturday would be good for me.”

His chest soared with both immense relief and triumph. “Six? Seven?”

“Six-thirty?”

He chuckled and nodded. “Si, that should be fine for me.” Again, they stared rather dumbly at one another as if still in disbelief that they were in agreement. “I will be stuck in meetings tomorrow so won’t be able to, eh, come by the library…perhaps I should…get your…phone number? And we can finalize the details?”

She bobbed a nod, chewing on her bottom lip as he pulled out his phone and extended it towards her. She tucked the handle of the duster under her arm and took the initiative then to close the distance between them, keeping unexpectedly and unnecessarily close so he couldn’t help but be enveloped by the warmth and femininity of her perfume. He nearly groaned.

With his confidence climbing, he gazed down at her head as she typed into his phone. “You act as though a beautiful librarian such as you does not, eh…get asked out much.”

She nibbled on the inside of her lip as she finished inputting her contact information and then glanced up at him coyly through her eyelashes. “…very rarely do I ever get asked out by someone I want to say yes to.”

He could have kissed her then; in fact, he caught himself drifting towards her and had to catch himself when those sweet lips of hers parted in anticipation. She passed the phone back into his hands, his focus dragged from her mouth and back to her eyes and they both held their breaths for a moment. That smile that melted him shone through one more time.

“I suppose we should…head back upstairs if you’re done researching…”

He cleared his throat and nodded. “…yes, most likely…lead the way.”

There was that warm, gentle hand on her back as she turned and led him back up the stairs, hanging the duster on a hook on a wall behind the stairwell before continuing upward. She locked the door behind them and strolled casually alongside him with her hands folded behind her back. As they approached the front desk, the smile remained plastered on her face. “Well…have fun with your meetings tomorrow. I’m sure they’ll be thrilling.”

He chuckled at her obvious sarcasm. “I can think of eight hundred things I would rather be doing, including being holed up here in your archives.” She giggled lightly, and he cast her a sidelong glance that had his chest tightening. “I will talk to you soon…” he leaned somewhat closer to her ear, his voice a whisper that raised goosebumps along her arms and sent a shiver down her spine. “…and I will see you Saturday.”

She blushed. “See you Saturday, Copia…”

His fingertips just brushed hers before saying his final goodbye and heading towards the door. She watched him go, cheeks still warm as she chewed on her lip, giddy like a teenager who just got asked to prom by her crush. This somehow felt like more than a crush, already…maybe because she wasn’t a damn teenager anymore? And maybe because Copia stirred something in her she hadn’t really ever felt before. Her expression started to change and her brow furrowed slightly as something dawned on her: the feeling was rather similar to the dream she’d had…

Someone cleared their throat rather irritably, successfully crushing her reverie. Her head whipped over to the older woman who stood with several books in hand, clearly displeased. Rosalyn offered the woman her professional smile. “Checking out?”

The irritable side eye the woman cast her felt incredibly condemnatory and scrutinizing. “Yes…if you’re quite finished.”

Rosalyn quirked a brow for a moment but ducked behind the counter nonetheless, fingers gliding to login quickly before scanning the books the patron had unceremoniously dropped onto the desk. “Well, this one will be due in three weeks and this one four,” she spoke, back to her customary professionalism.

The grey-haired woman hummed for a moment in response. “…you should be careful of the company you keep.”

Irritation spiked in Rosalyn’s core in a hurry as her mouth pursed into a frown. “Excuse me?”

“These filthy Satanists are ruining the town as it is, they shouldn’t be allowed to ruin the library, too.”

It took everything in the librarian’s professional demeaner not to roll her eyes. “One thing to consider, ma’am, is that this is a public library. It is not within my means to refuse service to anyone as long as they’re being respectful and breaking no rules.” The next sentence slipped past Rosalyn’s filter. “And the ironic thing is, every member of that church has been nothing but the utmost respectful and…nonjudgmental.”

Indignant, the woman scoffed at Rosalyn’s pointed stare as she swiped both books off the counter. “Unbelievable that you would allow yourself to be seduced by such a hedonistic apostate! I’ll pray for you to be guided back to His light before Satan gets to you!”

The smart-assed response on the tip of her tongue wanted to correct her that she hadn’t been seduced yet, but she quite looked forward to it. Alas, instead, she managed to reign it back to the simple eye roll she had restrained earlier. “Have the day you deserve, ma’am.”

The woman huffed, swiped the books back into her hand and stormed to the front door. Rosalyn watched her go, professional mask dropping to a discontented sneer.

Of course the “good Christian” woman made certain she had some prying, disapproving comments to make on a stranger’s life and choices. She wasn’t raised in a particularly religious household, though had been dragged to various masses and things with her grandparents. Even as a child, she remembered the sermons of love and acceptance the pastors would preach, and then remembered overhearing the whispers and gossip of the various parishioners immediately afterward. Judge lest not ye be judged, but talk all the shit about your fellow man. The hypocrisy had left a sour taste in her mouth as far as religion was concerned, and her foray into academics certainly hadn’t helped. She had never felt the comfort, camaraderie and faith others seemed to in the church setting, and so had never found herself pulled more into it. And she didn’t feel like she had missed much if those were the type of people she would be saddled with.

If the Satanists she’d encountered were representative of their group, she’d pick them every time.

~

AO3 Link

#my fanfiction #my writing #the band ghost #the band ghost fanfiction #Papa Emeritus IV x OFC #Papa Emeritus IV #Papa Emeritus III

[pointreyesjournal]

Culotte Mouillée : ep196

Cheyenne: Baby, wake up.

Me: What’s wrong?

Cheyenne: I think the boat is moving.

I yawn, rub my eyes and look at my watch.

Me: It’s high noon. We must have left port while we were sleeping.

Cheyenne: I was dreaming that I was in a waterbed that was sloshing around, and when I woke up I was completely disoriented.

Me: We’re sailing for sure. Let’s get dressed and go on deck before we get seasick.

Cheyenne: I can’t. I’m all sticky from last night.

Me: Okay, let’s take a quick shower, then go topside.

Cheyenne: Good plan!

The boat is moving, and it is rolling. But with 115 feet of waterline it’s not rolling much. But it is heeling to port a fair bit, so we’re definitely under sail. Showering on a moving sailboat presents challenges. The shower is tiny, maybe four square feet, and it’s leaning 20 degrees. So you have to prop yourself up against the wall and use the showerhead like a wand. And there’s no room for any hanky panky. It’s a single serving shower stall.

…

We’re dressed and headed for the deck. When we round the corner at the intersection of the hallway and the kitchen we can see Filet putting together a fancy lunch of cold cut sandwiches, with fresh fruits and sparkling waters.

On deck, the sun is bright and the wind is blowing solidly. Henrik is at the helm and the captain is trimming the main sheet. Henrik looks majestic behind the giant steering wheel of the yacht.

Henrik: Good morning lovely humans! I trust you slept well.

Cheyenne: Yes indeed. Thank you Henrik. Where are we?

Henrik: We’re sailing east toward San Remo.

He points past the port side of the boat.

Henrik: You can see the coast there.

We’re a couple of miles off the coast. Being the Med, there are big yachts everywhere. In the distance I see the distinct three mast design of The Black Pearl, the 106 meter sailing superyacht. It makes our boat look like a dinghy by comparison. There’s always a bigger ship on the horizon in the Med. C’est la vie. We’re sailing to enjoy, not impress.

Solleone has a bimini top with a windscreen so passengers can enjoy sailing on deck, but stay out of the breeze. That is where we find Autumn, Floody and Beri.

Beri: Good morning lovebugs.

Autumn: I see that you’ve made it topside at the crack of noon. Comfy down there?

Cheyenne: Very.

Captain Jean-Luc: Alexa! Eeze time for lunch s'il vous plaît!

Me: I wonder if the Captain realizes it sounds like he’s yelling at an Amazon Alexa every time he does that?

Cheyenne: That is going to drive me fucking nuts.

Alexa appears at the top of the companionway with a large platter of sandwiches and fruits. Filet follows her with sparkling waters, warm and sans ice of course. We’re in Europe, home of the warm Coca-Cola. Yuk.

Alexa: Buongiorno, I see we are all awake bright and early today.

Cheyenne: The jet lag is kicking my ass.

Floody: Jet lag? Is that what you two were doing at 3am? Jet lagging?

Alexa: Signore Floody makes a joke, yes?

Cheyenne (to Alexa): Nous faisions l'amour.

Alexa: Yes Signorina Cheyenne, we all know you were making love.

Cheyenne: Oh, wow, were we … 

Floody: Loud?

Autumn. Very loud.

Alexa: Oui, very loud. But I enjoy it. It gave me, how you say “culotte mouillée”

Cheyenne: Wet panties?

Alexa: Oui! Hahaha, It gave me wet panties.

Captain Jean-Luc: Alexa! Please, let zee guests enjoy zee lunch s'il vous plaît!

Alexa: Okay guests, I must go.

Filet and Alexa disappear below deck and we enjoy lunch. Beri puts dijon on a sandwich and shuttles it aft so that Henrik can have a bite to eat while at the helm. San Remo comes into view and I swear I can see “Il Poggio” cut into the hillside. Cyclists must race up and down il Poggio at the conclusion of each year’s Milan-San Remo cycling race.

Me: You speak French?

Cheyenne: Some. I took it in High School.

Me: I forgot that Europeans have a much more relaxed attitude about sex. Alexa seemed a little …

Cheyenne: Inappropriate?

Me: I was going to say “turned on.”

Cheyenne: Maybe she heard, but I don’t need to hear about it. A little discretion would be appreciated.

Me: I’ll chat with her about it after lunch.

Cheyenne: Careful, she might get “culotte mouillée” again.

…

We spend the entire day sailing east. It’s 100 miles exactly from Monaco to Portofino, our destination. Today is our day to make the longest passage of our journey, so we all take turns at the helm. Cheyenne and I team drive for a nice portion of the afternoon. It’s an amazing feeling having this much yacht under your control.

We arrive in Portofino harbor well after dark and drop our anchor. We pushed super hard to reach harbor in a single day, and we’re all thankful that we’ll be sleeping on beds that are horizontal and stationary.

#novel #romance novels #sailing #mediterranean #nautors swan #portofino #san remo

[hologramcowboy]

Buongiorno! Want to ask if you watch big sky and what you think of sexy beau 💕💕

Ps: sorry for my English, I love you blog❤️

Your English is fine, thank you for the love and for the beautiful question. 💕

I only started watching Big Sky to see Jensen's performance. Beau's character seems to be written to support the female leads. I love that and, though the show needs to work on being inclusive, I look forward to seeing how Beau's arc will play out. He seems to have chemistry with the lead which is always great to see as chemistry is key. I love that Jensen is trying to be more dynamic in his performances, there's a lot of vitality he puts in and that's refreshing. I still feel he would benefit greatly from getting some private offset or onset coaching from an Acting Coach that knows their stuff. I would love to see him reach a new level acting wise but in order for that to happen he needs consistent, high quality training. Last but not least, Beau is indeed attractive and I think his appeal is one of the main reasons Jensen was booked for this role. They needed a likeable Sheriff that had the right combination of charm and dynamic action.

#Jensen and Big Sky #hologram cowboy #hologramcowboy

[simp-per-ethan]

scuSATEMI?..

A very buongiorno indeed 🥵

#måneskin #maneskin #ethan torchio #daddy 🥵

[cheerfullycatholic]

Angelus, March 3rd 2024

Dear brothers and sisters, buongiorno!

Today the Gospel shows us a harsh scene: Jesus drives the merchants out of the temple (cf. Jn 2:13-25), Jesus who expels the sellers, overturns the money changers' tables, and admonishes everyone, saying, "Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace" (v. 16). Let us focus a little on the contrast between house and market: indeed, these are two different ways of approaching the Lord.

In the temple conceived as a market, in order to be right with God, all one had to do was to buy a lamb, to pay for it, and to consume it on the altar coals. One bought, paid, consumed, and then everyone went home. In the temple understood as a house, on the other hand, the opposite happens: we go there to encounter the Lord, to be close to Him, to be close to our brothers and sisters, to share joys and sorrows. Moreover: in a market, all prices are negotiated, whereas at home, there is no calculating; in the market, one seeks one's own interests, at home, one gives freely. And Jesus is harsh today because He does not accept that the market-temple replaces the house-temple, He does not accept that our relationship with God is distant and commercial instead of intimate and trusting, He does not accept that selling stalls take the place of the family table, that prices take the place of hugs, and coins replace caresses. And why does Jesus not accept this? Because in this way, a barrier is created between God and man and between brother and brother, whereas Christ came to bring communion, to bring mercy, that is, forgiveness, and to bring closeness.

The invitation today, also for our Lenten journey, is to build a greater sense of home and less of a sense of the market in ourselves and around us. First of all, towards God, by praying a lot, like children who knock confidently at the Father's door without getting tired, and not like greedy and distrustful merchants. So, firstly, by praying. And then by spreading fraternity: there is great need for fraternity!

So, let us ask ourselves: first of all, what is my prayer like? Is it a price to be paid, or is it a moment of trusting abandonment, without looking at the clock? And how are my relationships with others? Am I capable of giving without expecting anything in return? Can I take the first step to break down the walls of silence and the voids of distance? We must ask ourselves these questions.

May Mary help us to "build a home" with God, among us, and around us.

#angelus #vatican #pope francis #catholicism

[aloy97]

ITA:

Eldarya: Buongiorno !In effetti, dovrai ricreare un nuovo account! Il numero di monete antiche che riceverai sarà basato sull'inventario di ex custodi brasiliani e americani (attivi dal 2016), è impossibile per noi trovare il numero esatto che avevi prima della perdita del conto, motivo per cui abbiamo deciso basarci su un Manaa medio di un giocatore attivo dal 2016 7 min Come Rispondi 1

ENG:

Author Eldarya Good morning ! Indeed, you will have to recreate a new account! The number of ancient coins you will receive will be based on the inventory of former Brazilian and American custodians (active since 2016), it is impossible for us to find the exact number you had before the loss of account, which is why we have decided to base ourselves on an average Manaa of a player active since 2016 7 min Like Reply 1

#eldarya #eldarya rambles #eldarya rants #eldarya a new era

[evisconti]

@dariccardo​ said  :   By the looks of it, it didn't seem like today was going to be a very productive day.. which is understandable, the sun was particularly hot today so most people remained inside their homes to avoid getting a bad burn, except a few children outside and a couple of elderly people who came in and ordered an espresso. Riccardo gazed down, focusing on the empty cup he was cleaning before his attention perked up at the sound of the door opening. " Buongiorno. " he greeted, his green eyes focusing on his guest. Uh --- wait, wasn't that the one guy who's constantly fucking around on his red vespa around town? Well .. good to know. ( dariccardo 😛😛😛 )

              it  was  INDEED  the  vespa  rider    ――    in  fact  ,    ercole  had  even  RIDDEN  UP  to  the  bar  on  his  vespa.    with  so  much  FREE  TIME  on  his  hands  nowadays  ,    he’d  been  allowing  himself  to  POKE  AROUND  town  ,    notice  things  he  HADN’T  seen  before      [  .  .  .  ]      probably  the  most  PRODUCTIVE  he’s  been  since  BEFORE  the  last  race.    today  ,    his  ESTABLISHMENT  of  choice  was  the  BAR.    it  didn’t  look  like  ANYTHING  particularly  special      (    he  had  never  NOTICED  it  before    )      but  after  watching  people  walk  IN  AND  OUT  all  day  ,    he  decided  he  should  GIVE  IT  a  visit    ―――    grace  whoever  RAN  the  place  with  his  presence.

                    ❝    BUONGIORNOOO  !!    ”      his  entrance  was  grand  ,    SLAMMING  the  door  open  with  WIDE  ARMS  announcing  his  presence.    ercole’s  greeting  ROARED  over  the  barkeep’s  ,    completely  UNCARING  that  he  rudely  interrupted    ――    why  SHOULD  he  care  ?    he  was  MUCH  MORE  important.    clearly.

            he  quickly  SAUNTERED  his  way  to  the  bar  ,    plopping  himself  in  one  of  the  SPINNING  stools  and    ――    once  he  had  rotated  around  to  FACE  the  other    ――    propped  his  elbow  on  the  countertop.    a  chin  RESTED  endearingly  in  his  palm  ,    gaze  LOCKED  on  the  employee.    now  that  he  got  a  GOOD  LOOK  ,    an  interest  PERKED  in  him      [  .  .  .  ]      an  eyebrow  RAISED  as  ercole  glanced  him  over.      ❝    so  ,    what’s  the  SPECIAL  today  ?    are  YOU  on  the  menu  ?    ❞

#COMIN IN HOT ALREADY #dariccardo #* 🛵 xii. ` . ☆ﾐ LEANIN’ ON YOUR VESPA ‚ DIRTY LITTLE WHISPERS ́ - ヽ asks . #* 🛵 i. ` . ☆ﾐ CHAMPION COMING THROUGH ! ́ - ヽ ic .

[hermionediangelo]

10.06.2019 | UNIVERSITÁ DI VERONA | @matthiaswarren​

Each beat of her heart pulsed another shot of anxiousness through her, wave after wave, each seeming larger than the last until her unease threatened to consume her. Harriet pushed herself into a standing position before she drowned in her thoughts - exhaling a modicum of them in deliberate, slow, breathing - as she began to walk around the office she had been directed to wait in. Curious that such a small space could tell her so much about the person whom she knew very little about, the most intimate detail she knew was his preference for ammunition. Very little indeed.

I just need to come to terms with it was what she told Easton. I have no inclination to see him again was what she told Vivianne. Harriet herself was the one who had chosen to pick determinedly at the emotional scab she had been left with until it fell off, having come here with the intent to stop the blood flow before she would bleed out. Amber hues glossed over the spines of books that stood to attention on the shelves, as though one might hold the answer to the question she desperately wanted answered so she didn’t need to ask.

Abandoning that conquest, Harriet had just lowered herself into the chair again when the door opened minutes later, turning her head to meet the sound of the person entering the office. Her own hand clamped firm on her thigh, reminding her not to bold like a frightened animal, even though her heart pounded frantically against her rib cage. “Buongiorno, Matthias,” her voice doesn’t betray the nervous energy that seems to vibrate inside her ear drums and Harriet is grateful for it. “Dobbiamo parlare.” We need to talk.

Now or never is the last thought that crosses her mind before she turns around to face him.

#d: 100619 #l: universitá di verona #p: matthias