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twomrw · 1 year

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Catch a Falling Star - Chapter Eight

Series Masterlist

Series Summary:

Ezra Owens + Empty House = Pretty Chill Summer

Pretty Chill Summer + ‘Nola’s Best Family Restaurant = What is sleep?

What is sleep? + Spoiled Pop Star = Recipe for Disaster

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Word Count: ~6000

Chapter Summary: Ezra overcomes his fear of kids?

Chapter 8

The next day, Ezra walked into the restaurant to a buzz of activity. He went straight to the kitchen with the bags he was carrying.

"How's it going?" he asked no one in particular as he opened the freezer to put away the contents of his bag.

"They're a rowdy bunch, but it seems like they're having fun." Adalia smiled as she pulled some fries out of the hot oil.

"Sounds about right." Ezra returned her smile before continuing, "The ice cream is in the freezer and the cones are over there." He pointed to the black grocery bag on the counter.

Francis nodded in response.

"I'm going to go say hi." Ezra stepped into the doorway and almost ran right into Ada. “Sorry,” he mumbled to no response from her. She walked around him and headed into the kitchen.

“Two more burgers and fries.”

He frowned at her non-response, but he chose not to make a big deal out of it, instead making his way into the dining hall. At the sight of the bustling room, he broke into a huge grin.

"Owens!" a voice called and he spun towards it.

If it was possible, his grin grew even wider. He joined Jess and a slim, almost frail-looking woman. Her grey hair was pulled into a tight bun at the back of her head and she wore a loose floral blouse coupled with khaki capris and sandals. Bending down to her height, Ezra gave the woman a light kiss on the cheek before leaning back with a look of admiration.

"Vivian! You're looking more beautiful every time I see you."

The older woman's eyes narrowed in suspicion.

“And I see you haven't outgrown your honey tongue.”

“I don't know what you're talking about,” Ezra quipped. Turning his grin to Jess, he continued, “Do you know what she's talking about?”

Jess shook her head in amusement as Vivian reached up both hands to cup Ezra's face, a playful scowl at her mouth though her eyes softened.

“You look tired, Ezzy.”

Ezra covered her hands, his own eyes softening. “It was just pre-season bustle without Ma. I'm fine. I promise.”

“You better be. Can't have anything happening to my Coco Boy.”

Ezra groaned, gently pulling Vivian's hands away from his face but holding onto them.

He caught sight of Ada delivering food to a nearby table from the corner of his eyes.

"I thought we'd agreed to stop calling me that."

Vivian squeezed his hands, “No matter what I call you, that’s what you will always be to me.”

Ezra could feel a lump forming in his throat. He looked down at their hands, hers small and wrinkled, his rough and calloused. He didn’t know what to say. He squeezed her hands back and she offered him a soft smile, her eyes and the slight nod of her head communicating her understanding.

"You know I–" he started to say anyway when a buzzing sound filled the air.

Vivian’s head turned in the direction it was coming from.

“I’ve been waiting on a call all morning. I should get that, but when I’m done we should catch up.”

Ezra nodded, still a bit choked up. They let go of each other’s hands and she headed to her purse. Exhaling a shaky breath, he glanced around, grateful to see Jess and Ada busy serving tables. He should go help too.

Two minutes later, equipped with his apron and a notepad, he almost bumped into Ada again as she made her way back to the kitchen.

“Sorry!” They spoke in unison.

He was surprised to see genuine regret in her features, until she recognized that it was him and her scowl returned.

That was more like it. Without another word, he took a step towards the dining hall. At the same time, she took a step towards the kitchen and they almost walked into each other again. She made a sound quite like a groan of frustration and Ezra scowled. It’s not like he had done it on purpose.

They tried again to move around each other and ended up stepping into each other’s paths again.

With a tired sigh, Ada stepped aside and gestured for him to pass. A mischievous smirk spread on her lips with the sweeping of her empty hand, “After you, Sweet Cheeks.”

Ezra sucked his teeth and headed out into the crowded room. He had not made it far when she called out to him, “or should I say, Coco Boy.”

He stopped in his tracks. This was just his luck. He sighed, his shoulders slumping with the exhale. He wouldn’t give her the satisfaction of turning around. It was just a silly, sentimental nickname after all, but he hated that it was responsible for the smug look he was sure that she was giving his back.

Half an hour later, Ezra walked out into the hall with his own plate and searched the tables for an empty seat. All the kids had been fed and since it would be a while until they served dessert, he and the other workers had decided to eat now that most of the work was done.

Vivian was still on the phone, he didn’t want to disturb her. Jess and Adalia were at the bar. Ada had disappeared to the bathroom or something, but he was sure she would join them when she got back and he didn’t want to have to deal with her. He scanned the sea of kids until he stopped at a small table in the back.

A girl who couldn’t have been more than ten sat hunched over a book. She seemed to take up a lot of space and none at the same time. He pulled out a chair and without looking up she popped a fry into her mouth. On closer inspection, she could be at least twelve. Ezra cleared his throat as he sat.

“I’m not alone by accident.” She spoke, still not looking at him. “I’m not interested in conversation.”

“Well. Good afternoon to you too.” Ezra muttered. She looked up at him then and Ezra almost got up and left. She seemed to see into his very soul. Her eyes scanned him from head to toe and her expression did not change except for a slight wrinkle at the bottom left of her mouth. Ezra couldn’t help but feel that she had found him inadequate in some way.

A bit rattled, Ezra got busy with eating. Why should he care what a twelve-year old thought? He shouldn't. He didn't!

When said twelve-year old returned to her book, he let out a breath of relief. After a beat, he caught a low “good afternoon.”

He tried to assure himself that he wasn’t afraid of kids. He’d been one himself not too long ago and so of course he could still relate to them.

A traitorous voice in his head reminded him of the last insult that had been hurled at him by a preteen in his mom’s library group. He’d overheard the boy say that he looked like the human embodiment of Mr. Peabody. He didn’t even wear glasses! But that one still haunted him three years later.

He glanced up at the room only to notice that his companion had been looking at him. She averted her eyes to her book as soon as their eyes met. His eyes were drawn to her book too and at recognizing the cover he gasped.

She looked at him by instinct.

“Is that the All’s Well series?” he blurted. “I love that series!”

She offered him a curious look.

“What? You don’t like the story so far? What is that? Book…” he hesitated, “...2, right?”

She closed the book over a finger to look at the cover and nodded.

“You don’t like it?” he asked again, unable to hide his eagerness.

“Well, it’s not bad.”

“Not bad?! It’s genius! I can’t believe yo–”

“Can I sit here?”

Ezra looked up in surprise and his brain seemed to short-circuit at the sight of Ada. He blinked, finally processing that he should say something. He glanced at the spot he expected her to be as though wondering if she could be in two places at the same time. Instead, he found Francis sitting with the two ladies. He glanced at the young girl who raised an eyebrow a margin of a centimeter.

“I can go somewhere else,” Ada made to walk away.

“No! No!” Ezra shot up, pulling out a seat next to him for her to sit in. She had her phone in one hand and the plate in another. She sat reluctantly and Ezra pushed her in before shuffling his chair an inch or two away from hers and sitting down.

All the while, he could feel the little girl’s eyes flitting between the two of them. Head down, he stuffed his mouth with a handful of fries and a bite of his sandwich before looking up at the little girl.

A tiny smile sat on her lips as she read.

Ezra had no clue what to say, so he took another bite from his burger.

Ada glanced at her phone that she’d placed, face up next to her plate on the table. She took a fry and bit it absentmindedly while she stared at the phone.

She looked up and Ezra looked away. He almost groaned aloud. This was so awkward. Why did she have to sit here?

He glanced at the young girl again and was about to ask her name when he noticed how she was looking at Ada. Head tilted, her eyes searched Ada’s features. Ezra’s heart lurched into his throat when he saw recognition on her face.

“Are you waiting for a call?” she asked Ada.

It took a few seconds before she could register that someone was talking to her.

“Hmmm? Oh…no.” Ada sounded unsure of her answer.

“Mmmhmmm…” the young girl sounded like she didn’t believe her, but didn’t push it. She popped another fry into her mouth without looking, her eyes now trained on her book again.

“An email.” Ada muttered.

The girl didn’t look up.

“I’m waiting for an email,” she said a little louder this time.

“Mmmm,” was the only response Ada got.

Ezra was unsuccessful at hiding his snicker with a cough and soon that familiar scowl was turned on him. He turned back to his food and eventually so did Ada.

“What’s your name?” Ada asked.

With an exaggerated sigh, the girl shoved a bookmark in her book and tossed it on the table. Crossing her arms, she offered a fake smile, “Gem.”

Ada nodded, “Nice to meet yo–”

“Any other questions?”

Ada’s mouth hung open for a second until she shook her head slightly, eyes wide in surprise.

“Good!” Gem was back to her book.

“Shhhh! Shut up! They’re going to hear you.”

Ezra didn’t even have a chance to enjoy Ada being told off by a literal child due to the distraction. His eyes traveled to the origin of the whispers to find a table of teen girls across from them. One had her hand over another’s mouth while her friend was trying to shove her away. He watched as she slowly lifted her fingers to check if her friend would cooperate. She heaved a premature sigh of relief when her friend’s lips stayed closed, before shooting a subtle glance at Ezra’s table. It was the wrong move, because while she had been distracted for a second, her friend had gotten up and was making her way towards their table. The first girl stood and made to follow her, but realizing that Ezra –Ezra glanced around him– and apparently Ada, were watching, she hesitated and then sat back down.

“Excuse me?” the young girl asked, coming straight up to Ada and ignoring the other occupants of the table.

Ada glanced up at her with interest while Ezra took another peep at the table where the teen girl was now biting her nails.

“Me and my friends thought you looked very familiar. Are you a celebrity?”

Ada opened her mouth, no sound coming out. She glanced at Ezra and then back at the girl, “I…I”

"Because you look so much like Fiona Williams– without makeup of course– and my friend,” she pointed to the girl at the table who offered a little wave, “thinks you look more like Waveney.”

“Ummm…” Ada started again.

“I think she looks more like Ada Michelle, if you ask me, Stephanie.”

Thankfully, Ezra had already swallowed the contents of his mouth, so there were no pieces of chewed potato flying everywhere as they all turned to look at the girl sitting at their table.

Ezra held his breath as Gem turned from the girl he now knew was Stephanie to look at Ada with a quirked brow.

“I bet you get that all the time.”

Ada let out a nervous chuckle. “Wellll…”

“Nahhhh! I don’t see the resemblance,” Stephanie chimed in.

Ada offered a tight smile to both young girls, Gem and then Stephanie, before she spoke directly to the second, “I’m not Fiona or Waveney,” she shrugged, “Sorry to disappoint.”

“I guess I shouldn’t have expected either of them to show up at an old place like this,” Stephanie muttered before heading back to her table, her shoulders sinking with her insult.

Ezra gasped and it was Ada’s turn to snicker. Her amusement was short-lived though when Gem put her book down again to study them.

“What’s your name then,” Gem asked, looking intently at Ada.

Ezra chewed on a few fries thoughtfully. He had to be grateful Ada had chosen a career in music and not acting, because she was practically squirming in her seat.

“Ada–” she coughed, while Ezra almost actually choked this time, “Adaline.”

He brought his drink to his lips, an opportunity to study Gem more discreetly and also soothe the irritation in his throat. From the corner of his eye, he could see Ada trying to evaluate the young girl’s reaction too.

There was no light of recognition, aha moment or “Ha! I caught you red-handed!” running across her face, but he couldn’t be sure. He only relaxed when her attention turned to him.

“And you?” she pointed her chin at him.

“Ezra.”

Ezra saw a look of mischief cross Ada’s face and he knew he had to say something before she shared one of his embarrassing nicknames with a complete stranger.

“I can’t believe you think ‘All’s Well’ is just okay, Gem.”

She shrugged.

“What’s ‘All’s Well?”

“It’s a series about a monarchy who say they’re not a monarchy, but for all intents and purposes are a monarchy and their process for choosing the next monarch.” Ezra used air quotes on the last word.

“It follows the nephew and daughter of the current monarch,” Gem snorted at his statement. “No spoilers!” he warned and she made the action of zipping her mouth closed. “And their attempt to sort of …dismantle?” he glanced at Gem who gave a noncommittal shrug, “dismantle –Yeah– dismantle the system now that it’s the heiress’ eighteenth birthday and it’s time to choose the next generation of leaders.”

“I can’t believe you’re still into children’s books, Ezra.”

“You say that like it's something to be ashamed of.”

“Because it is!”

“Just because a book is designed for a specific target audience doesn't mean it can't be enjoyed by people outside of the target audience. Take Alice in Wonderland for instance, it was intended for children, but it's still a classic. There are so many other children's books that are universally considered to be classics…the Little Prince, Anne of Green Gables—”

Gem's book was tossed against the table again with a thud, startling the other two occupants of the table.

“It's not a children’s series,” she said through gritted teeth, “You know how I know? Because I'm not a child!”

Her glower only intensified when Ezra and Ada looked at each other and then to her in confusion.

"Aren't you like 10?'

"No! I'm about to be 15 next month.” Her indignation was evident both in her tone and her downturned eyebrows.

Ada and Ezra shot each other a look of unbridled surprise.

“Huh. I’d have never guessed.” They nodded in agreement at each other while Gem scowled.

“Thanks!” She picked up her book and then proceeded to ignore them both.

Ada took the opportunity to finish off her fries. In two minutes, she was standing.

“Excuse me, I’m going to go help with the dessert.”

Ezra nodded and Gem offered an “mmmhmmm”.

Ada looked directly at the young girl and her empty plate. “You done?”

Another grunt.

Ada rolled her eyes and picked up the girl’s plate.

“You’re welcome,” she muttered.

“Thanks.” Gem said too late after Ada had left.

Ezra studied her. There was something oddly familiar about Gem, her attitude, her interests, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it yet.

She looked up at him, catching him staring and seemed surprised that he didn’t avert his eyes.

“What?” she asked, suspicion clear in her voice.

Ezra grinned. “Who's your favorite character? Do you have a favorite character? Please tell me you at least have a favorite character?”

There was a beat of silence and Ezra thought she wouldn’t answer. She looked down at the book in her hands as though it would give her the answer. She looked back at him.

“Anna.”

“Really?” Ezra was not good at hiding his surprise. She crossed her arms and he was drawn to her graphic tee. It looked like Dawters and Sons merch. His brows furrowed further. She did not look like the type to be an Anna fan.

“I thought you'd be more of a Dimitri fan.”

“Why?”

“Because he's mysterious and has that no nonsense attitude.”

“Like me?”

“Well…” Ezra tried to take his foot out of his mouth but it seemed it was too snug a fit. He sighed. “You said it, not me.”

Gem’s mouth twitched. If Ezra didn’t know better, he’d have thought it was the ghost of a smile.

He took it as a good sign. “What’s your favourite ship?”

Gem made a face of disgust and Ezra chuckled. He grinned as the ghost of a smile returned.

“I don’t believe in shipping.”

“Of course you don’t.”

“Buuuuttt…if I had to choose my favourite duo, it would be Drew and Shawna.”

Ezra’s mouth hung open. “Really?”

Gem shrugged. “They make a good team.”

“Fair enough.”

“What’s yours?”

“My favourite partner…ship?” Ezra offered a cheeky grin and Gem rolled her eyes.

“Hmmm…I’d say… Lex and Dimitri.”

Gem shot him another look of disgust. “Seriously?”

“What?” His tone was defensive.

“They’re always at each other’s throats.”

Ezra shrugged. “Who doesn’t like a good enemies-to-reluctant-friends trope?”

“Mmmhmmm.” Gem actually smiled this time as she offered him a knowing look. It was kind of scary.

“What?” This time the question hinted at both curiosity and fear.

“Oh nothing.” Gem’s smile grew more mischievous. “They do eventually put aside their differences and are able to work together.”

“Exactly!”

“What are you two talking so animatedly about?”

Vivian appeared at their table, a hand on each of their shoulders.

“We were just chatting about the book Gem is reading. It’s from a favourite series of mine.”

Vivian shook her head as she sat down. “You and your books. I wish you’d spend that much time and energy on finding a girlfriend.”

Ezra groaned as his head fell to the table with a thud. It wasn’t loud enough for him to miss Gem’s snort.

The old woman chuckled. “What? I’m only speaking the truth. Any girl would be lucky to have you.”

Ezra groaned again.

“What about that Nicholas girl?”

“Viv…” the one syllable sounded like a warning.

“So sorry to interrupt.” The trio turned to find Ada at their table, a tray of ice cream cups in her hands.

Ezra glanced around in surprise, most of the room was already licking away at their ice cream cones. He had had every intention to help out but he’d been distracted by Gem and Vivian.

He glanced up at the two women wearing matching pouts.

“Are there no cones left?” Gem asked, her tone reeking of disappointment.

“Oh there are. We just figured the adults would prefer cups.”

Ezra didn’t miss Gem’s hint of a smile at being referred to as an adult.

“I am young at heart when it comes to ice cream.” Vivian smiled.

Ezra pushed his seat backward and made to stand up, “I’ll get it.” Ezra spoke, not wanting the other occupants of the table to have to witness Ada’s temper.

To his utter surprise, Ada responded with understanding. She offered Vivian what seemed to be a genuine smile. It somehow was extended to him too.

“No no no. I’ll take care of it. Three cones coming up.”

“Thank you!” Ada’s eyes turned to him with annoyance, but her voice was still filled with sweet politeness. “My pleasure.”

Ezra closed his eyes with a sigh. This feud was exhausting and he wasn’t quite sure it was worth it anymore. When his eyes opened again, Vivian was giving him a funny look. She turned to Gem and he almost couldn’t believe his eyes when they shared what looked like a conspiratorial smile. Gem showed actual teeth!

He looked between the two with his suspicion growing rapidly.

“So… Ezzy,” Viv turned her body to face him. What about that young lady?”

He was filled with immediate panic. He didn’t know if he could outright lie to Vivian about Ada’s true identity. That wasn’t so much of an issue. Vivian knew how to keep a secret, but Gem was sitting right there, her book closed and — his eyes snapped back to her— still grinning!

“Wh—“ he swallowed turning back to face Vivian, “What about her?”

“I think you two could be great togeth—“

“Nope! Nope! Nope! Nope!” He interrupted,his head shaking furiously from side to side, as he finally understood her meaning. The relief he felt at not being found out was completely overshadowed by the disgust he felt at the idea of him and Ada in a romantic relationship.

“But she’s so pretty and sweet—“ Ezra couldn’t help it. He snorted and for some reason Gem’s grin grew.

Vivian shot him a reproachful look.

Ezra took a deep breath before opening his mouth again. “Look, Viv, if the smartest, sweetest, prettiest, most perfect girl fell from the sky, I’d still be single, because never mind the fact that she has to at least tolerate me for anything to happen, I don’t have the time for a relationship.

“Between running ‘Nola’s and my Master’s there’s barely even enough time to sleep. It’s not going to work.”

“Ezzy, I just want you to be happy” Vivian offered him a pitying look.

He was immediately on the defensive, his chin lifting in defiance, “and who says I’m not happy?”

Vivian shot him an “are you kidding me” stare and he glanced at Gem who was conveniently back to reading her book.

Leaning back in his chair, he toyed with his fingers on the table while he pulled at his bottom lip with his teeth. He looked up at Vivian again, “Fine! I’m not the happiest person right now but it has nothing to do with me being single.

“Besides, I’m not going to rely on anyone else to make me happy.”

“You’re right. Of course you’re right!”

Ezra sighed, “why does it feel like there’s a but coming?”

Vivian laughed. “Not a but. Maybe an and. I just don’t want you to miss out on something great because you’re afraid.”

“Pshh! Afraid? Who’s afraid? I’m just busy, that's all.”

Vivian patted his hand, still stretched out on the table before him. “Of course.”

He was about to ask why it felt like she didn’t believe him when Adalia showed up with their cones.

Ezra eyed the ice-cream. It looked suspiciously like cookies and cream. “Is that cookies and cream?”

“Yes!” Adalia responded excitedly. “Adaline said it was your favorite.”

Ezra clenched his jaw in an attempt to prevent himself from saying anything stupid. He hated cookies and cream. He was of the firm belief that dry desserts and moist desserts should not be mixed, so he’d deliberately bought strawberry as an alternative for people like him. That was what had been in their cups earlier. Adaline had made the switch on purpose. He glanced over at a nearby table and caught her looking at him. She was wearing a triumphant smirk.

“She must have got me mixed up with someone else,” he turned back to Adalia with a tight smile.

“In that case, I’ll have his too.” Gem reached for another cone off the tray with a grin.

Adalia, her tray empty, made to head back to the kitchen when Vivian called out to her, “Wait! Miss French!" Adalia turned. “How’s your grandfather?”

The young girl offered a sweet smile. “He’s doing so much better,” her smile fell, “only, I don’t think he’ll be back on his feet in time for camp this summer."

Vivian nodded with concern. "I was afraid that would happen. He must be so disappointed."

"He is."

"Please let him know that we are wishing him a quick and complete recovery."

"Thanks. I will." Adalia left.

Vivian sighed. "I had suspected as much," she said to herself.

"What was that about?"

"Ohh with your Mom gone this summer we had to adjust the summer program, so we asked Mr. French to do some woodworking with them.

"He was getting ready for the program but he had a dizzy spell and injured himself and because he's diabetic he has to be very careful with even small injuries like this."

Vivian sighed again.

"When I heard about his injury I called in a favour with a friend as backup. I'd hoped it wouldn't come to this."

"Nooo," Gem groaned. It was her turn to drop her head to the table.

The action startled Ezra who turned to Vivian with a raised brow.

"I called in a favour with one of my friends from the Academy," she explained.

"Ahh…" Ezra nodded in understanding. "I take it Gem is not much of a dancer."

Vivian offered a brisk shake of her head while she mouthed the words "two left feet".

"She can't be that bad. I'm sure Anwar could work his magic–"

"Anwar is on vacation in the BLI and Erica…" Ezra took a sharp inhale at the sound of that name, "banned her from ever setting foot in her studio again."

Ezra tried to hide the mirth in his voice, "That's rough!"

Gem tilted her head up to glower at Ezra. He raised his hands, palms open in response but wasn't able to wipe the smile off his face fast enough.

"I know what Erica's like…" he offered, his tone full of sympathy. "But how bad do you have to be to get banned." The grin was back on his face.

"Ezra!" Vivian reprimanded.

Gem's head returned to the crevice of her elbows where she let out another groan.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry." Hands raised in defense again, he offered the sullen girl an apology. Her only response was to lean back in her seat and offer him a snarl.

"I was only teasing." He continued. "Besides, Erica has unrealistic expectations of non dancers. There's no need to take it personally."

Vivian nodded so somberly that Ezra almost burst out laughing this time. But that wouldn't be fair to Gem so he tamped down the laughter bubbling in his chest with a few well timed coughs.

"So I just need to find placement for Gem and everyone is set."

Ezra tilted his head to the side in thought. “What about one of those tech internships the phone companies are always offering?”

“Bleggh!”

Ezra turned to Gem with a “what are you, five?” look. She merely stuck out her tongue in response.

“The deadline for application for all of those would be long gone.” Vivian sighed again, “Woodworking was the one thing everyone was excited about.”

Ezra sighed too, “I wish there was something I could do to help, but I’m no good with a hammer.”

Vivian reached out to cover his hand, “That’s sweet of you, Ezzy.”

Ezra could not remember when last he’d felt such fear as when he looked up to find Gem looking at him, eyes bright with mischief and teeth on full display. He didn’t know what she was about to ask but he was already shaking his head no.

She turned her thousand-watt smile to Vivian. “What if I came here?”

Brows furrowed, Vivian gave Gem a confused look.

“You know my dream is to own my own hotel. This would be like an internship. A hospitality internship! Shadowing a restaurateur for the summer.” She gave Ezra a once-over and scrunched up her nose before adding, “Well, close enough.”

Ezra didn’t even have the presence of mind to feel offended, he was too caught up on the horror of having to babysit yet another complicated young woman this summer.

“Ezzy?” Vivian turned to him with the question in her eyes.

“You wouldn’t even know I’m there. I’ll be quiet. I’ll do the dishes. I’ll clean. I’ll wait tables. Anything you need done.”

“That sounds like a child labour law suit waiting to happen.”

“Nope! I’m fifteen, remember. Well, almost. We can call it an internship so it doesn’t matter. I just can’t work more than 20 hours a week.”

“I don’t know about this.”

“It’s almost tourist season and I’m sure you’ll need the extra pair of hands.”

She was right about that. He’d have extra help without the cost that came with it. Besides, he’d been a bit worried about Ada being recognized. Maybe Adalia and Gem could work out front while Ada worked in the back.

"Please?" Gem looked desperate. He knew that feeling all too well. How could he say no to that?

"Fine," he muttered and Gem practically deflated in relief. “but I need to have a chat with your parents to make sure they’re okay with it.”

“Viv, can you organize that?”

The older woman nodded. “I’ll send your dad his number,” she assured Gem.

Ezra turned back to Gem, “and you have to be nice to the customers, even if they're annoying."

The young girl plastered a cheerful smile onto her face, "Yes sir, of course sir."

Vivian let out a surprised laugh while Ezra visibly shuddered. "We open at eight," was his begrudging reply.

After the ice cream and a few group pictures, the kids were lined up and loaded onto the buses. Working together, Ezra and the team managed to clean up and pack up in half hour.

They must have both been exhausted, so it was no surprise that the ride home was quiet. Ada didn’t glance at him once. He almost hadn’t noticed, since he’d been lost in thought himself. Something Gem had said kept playing over in his mind.

They do eventually put aside their differences and are able to work together.

Lex and Dimitri do end up making a great partnership once they get over themselves. Maybe he could learn a thing or two from them.

Ezra pulled into the driveway and shut off the engine out of habit. He didn’t move from his seat.

“Ada, I–”

His voice was cut off by the door slamming. He watched with his mouth open as she skipped up the stairs and unlocked the front door, slamming it behind her. He let out a puff of air in frustration. This was going to be a lot easier said than done, but he was not about to give up.

A few hours later, he headed to the kitchen to make himself a cup of tea. He heard movement and assumed she was already there. He almost turned around and headed back to his room, but he changed his mind. No. They needed to talk and this was his best opportunity.

He leaned against the doorway and watched as she tiptoed, pushing up on the counter to try to reach the box in the top cabinet. Her fingertips grazed it and she braced herself seconds before she could slam into the counter. She tried again, this time with a little leap but she only managed to slam her shin into a cabinet below. The sound of the cabinet door swinging back and forth didn’t drown out Ada’s muttered words of anger as she stooped to nurse her bruised shin.

“Need some help?”

She spun around, noticing him for the first time. Her eyes clearly questioning how much he had seen and narrowing infinitesimally as the side of his mouth twitched.

Effortlessly, he reached up and pulled the box of tea she had been reaching for earlier off the shelf. He gestured towards the tea biscuits and she nodded. He tossed it onto the counter before grabbing a Ziploc bag, filling it with ice and then wrapping it in a kitchen towel. He gestured to the counter and she begrudgingly hopped on, stretching her injured foot out until it rested on the stool across the room.

The bruise was dark and ugly and he quirked an eyebrow at her in question. There was no way it was a new injury. Her face set, she crossed her arms in front of her, her only response. He nodded, the yelp from her first night made sense now. He placed the makeshift ice pack on the area gingerly, but still flinched when she made a sharp intake of breath.

He gestured for her to hold it in place while he made them both a cup of tea. After she moved the stool closer to support the injured part of her leg and the pack, he handed her a cup. She offered him a biscuit and he shook his head, his mug covering his mouth as he breathed in the steam.

She shrugged as if to say, “More for me.”

He took a sip of his tea and studied her quietly. The average person would think she looked pretty normal for someone who was in the middle of watching their dream career be flushed down the drain, but Ezra knew better. He was all too familiar with that pleasant mask of hers.

He knew all the chinks in her armour like the slight crease at the corner of her mouth that was the equivalent of a frown, and he could just about make out how the areas under her eyes were darker than the rest. She wasn’t sleeping either. For some reason that knowledge made him feel triumphant and he took a sip of tea to hide his smirk.

He glanced at her again as she took a sip from her mug. Her eyes fluttered closed as she let out a deep breath. Her shoulders drooped just like the corners of her mouth, pulled down from the weight of her exhaustion. Just like that, his smirk slipped off his face.

This feud they had going on wasn’t helping either of them. They both had enough on their plates already. Maybe it was time to move on. When her eyes opened, he spoke.

“Look…"

He seemed to jar her out of her thoughts. She raised an eyebrow.

“..we’re going to be stuck with each other for at least another few weeks…"

Her lips flattened into a line.

“...I say let’s call a truce,” he continued. “It won’t help either of us if we’re at each other's throats all the time.”

A lazy smile spread across her lips, slow and smug.

“I’ll do it if you can.” She shrugged.

“If I can?” The question was tinged with thinly veiled indignation.

“Yeah! I’ll take your lead. Match your moves. Though I doubt you can be civil for more than a week.”

“I wonder why that is.”

“I’d say you were raised by wolves, but it’s clearly not Aunt Lila and Uncle Elwin's fault. Your brothers are perfect gentlemen.”

His grip on his mug tightened. He took a sip.

“Whatever.”

He felt more than an ounce of triumph as her eyebrows raised at his lack of response. It would be hard, but he wasn’t going to rise to her bait anymore. He was bigger than that.

“Well...this was a nice chat. I’m off to bed.” He glanced at her shin. “You should be good to go in another five minutes. Depending on how it looks tomorrow, we might have to ice it again.”

She shot him a suspicious look, but he ignored it.

“‘Night. Hope you sleep well.”

He left with his mug in tow, a secret smile on his face.

What was that saying? Kill them with kindness. He frowned. He wasn’t quite sure he could manage that, but he sure was going to try to sicken her with sweetness.

A/N: This has been a long time coming. Just happy to get it out there. Not sure when the next part will be out but I’ve decided to keep pushing because that’s the only way I’ll figure out how this story goes.

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Series Masterlist

Twomrw Masterlist

#writeblr #original characters #enemies to reluctant friends #Ezra Owens #Ada Michelle #popstar #cafs

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monstermaster13 · 1 year

Text

Corey and Oats in..

The Amazing NZ Bird Hunt

Everyone’s favorite duo went on a lot of fascinating adventures but one adventure that was on their goal list was to go on a New Zealand bird search to make some feathered friends, one afternoon the two of them were hanging out together when Mel came to them with an announcement. ‘Guess what you two?’ ‘What? Are we going on an adventure?” ‘Yes, it’s one of our goals..we’re going to look for some NZ birdie friends that Peter Weta and Issac will just love.’ ‘That sounds amazing.’

“Will we be able to befriend them?”

“Yes…”

“That is good.”

Mel instructed the two of them to get ready and after lunch that’s what they did, the duo put on their special going out outfits and got their bag ready and walked over to the floating van that was parked outside. The two got in the van with Mel and went down the road, racing all over until they reached Glenfield Mall. They got out of the van and went down the escalator with Mel and once the escalator stopped, they jumped over and looked around. ‘Where shall we go first?’ ‘Toyworld.’ ‘Sounds like a plan.’ The group headed over to Toyworld and looked around in it, Corey floated over to the counter and cleared his throat. ‘Excuse me.’

“Can I help you two?”

“Yes, we are looking for some of those birds that make cute sounds.”

The guide behind the counter told them where to find the birds. As they flew over to the display with the birds, several toys came to life and greeted them. Corey saw a mini kokako bird and put his ear close to it to see if it could sing…’I cannot hear a song at all coming out of this bird.’ ‘That’s because I am not good at singing..’ the Kokako cried. ‘I’m a bird but i’m not good at singing, i’m a failure.’ ‘Don’t have that kind of attitude.’ Oats responded..’If you want we can teach you to sing.’

The kokako smiled as he nodded, he liked the idea of being taught to sing and the duo performed a musical number with him which he learned how to duplicate as they performed a song together, the kokako hugged Corey as he felt better about his voice. Oats then looked through, looking at the other birds. ‘The bigger kokako is out of stock sadly, so as much as i’d like to take this one home…sorry.’ ‘Maybe it doesn’t have to be in order.’ ‘Good thinking.’ It is then Corey saw an adorable little tui and picked the tui up. ‘Hello, Mr Tui…would you like to be our friend?’ ‘I sure would…let me join you.’

The tui flew over to them as they introduced themselves to him, the tui went in the bag and the duo left Toyworld before heading over to Paper Plus, they were disappointed when they couldn’t find any birds at Paper Plus. So they headed over to Elements and asked there, but there was only one bird there…a kiwi in rugby uniform, so they headed out and then decided to head out to the Warehouse.

They looked over at the stuffed toy isles a number of times with Oats even taking a look at the coco surprise unicorn, a magical unicorn in an ice-cream cone, the unicorn neighed as she saw Oats and thought of him as a potential parent. Oats didn’t want to break her heart, so he said he’d come back to her again soon. Corey spotted a koala hiding among the soft toys on the shelf and he hugged the koala.

Oats was tempted to take the unicorn home with him but he decided it was time to head to Whitcoulls, they headed over to Whitcoulls and searched among the soft toy section and that is where they saw a Pukeko that was eager to meet them. That’s when Oats decided he had found the right bird as he took the Pukeko and put him in the bag with the tui.

After heading to Whitcoulls the duo decided to play around as the area became a lovely forest playground they played on and took on flying forms with Oats becoming akin to a pegasus and Corey becoming half bird-like as they sang together, after playing around they headed to go and have some afternoon tea, they ordered hot chocolate with marshmallows and a lovely cinnamon roll.

When they sat down to eat they talked about all the fun they had, the tui and pukeko introduced themselves to the duo…’I am Tim and this is my pal Pedro.’ the tui explained. ‘Nice to meet you both.’ Oats loved the rolls and he also really enjoyed the pink fluffy marshmallows that came with the hot chocolate, the two of them shared the drinks and hugged each-other.

“This has been a really fun adventure.”

“Do you think we’ll get to go on another one like this?”

“I definitely think so.”

Mel called them over after they had finished and told them it was time to go home, the group went back to the escalator and they jumped back up on it before heading out to the parking lot and hopping into the floating van. When they buckled up, the van took off into the air and whizzed through the town until it arrived back home at Nile Road. When they jumped out of the van, they were greeted by their friends. They floated in through the duo and that’s where they saw Zara. ‘I’ve got some new friends to introduce to you.’ Corey responded, as the two birds flew out and introduced themselves to Zara. Zara thought the new birds were very cute as she hugged them. In addition to this, Zara brought her kokako friend over to meet the others and Corey was very excited to see this.

They celebrated and played together all afternoon and even though Jeemo didn’t come that afternoon, they all were having a good time anyway and listening to music. They interacted and played together and had all sorts of fun together.

After their afternoon playtime it was dinner-time and they had some yummy food for dinner, they celebrated and played all night, they played around and had some more fantastic adventures throughout the evening and through the night, and the fun continued. After getting ready for bed at around nine thirty that night, they put on their night clothes and brushed their teeth (the birds brushed their beaks).

They listened to music for a little bit, and when it came for them to snuggle up, they got into bed at around 40 past ten, they all snuggled up together and as Corey and Oats closed their eyes and drifted off, dreaming of a new adventure with their bird friends as the bed transformed into a magical tram car as the duo went on a fantastic adventure through a bird reserve. And thus with that, they had a wonderful night and an equally as wonderful night-time adventure, but that’s not the only adventure they’ll have.

#Monstermaster13 #Monstermaster13 presents

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fantastic-bby · 3 years

Text

ATEEZ vs. Christmas confessions

Pairing: Gender neutral Reader x Member

Genre: Pure fluff

Word count: 2.5k

Summary: When you spend Christmas at the ATEEZ dorm, they confess to you

Warnings: -

A/n: Merry Christmas!! It’s already Christmas over where I’m at, but it might be weird because I know half of the world is still only in the 24th, but I hope everyone has an amazing Christmas and Happy New Years!

Masterlist

Hongjoong

Would help you decorate a few weeks beforehand

I feel like he’s probably more excited than he would show

He just really likes christmas

He even made a v short song about it because he likes it that much

Wants to see what you think about it

Bcs your opinion matter a lot to him ｡◕‿◕｡

Still won’t admit that he likes you even tho it’s pretty obvious

Spends the night trying to stay close to you

Would probably get bullied by the other members because they all know

If anyone else got you for secret santa, he would pretty much beg them to let him have you

“Please???”

“Hyung, it’s just your luck”

“PLEASE????”

He just keeps saying please until Wooyoung gives him your name because he starts feeling bad

Would buy you cute multiple gifts but they’re all small gifts

Mingi or Yunho would purposefully hold mistletoe above the two of you

Bcs they just want him to tell you already

He’s nervous

You’re nervous

You’re both just staring at each other like ●﹏●

Until someone else Yeosang just yells at you to kiss already

You peck his cheek softly

Joong’s face is completely red

He wants to kiss you more

Pulls you away from everyone else to finally confess to you

When you say you like him back he politely asks for another kiss like the good boy he is

Seonghwa

Got you for secret santa when everyone drew names

He’s excited bcs he knows exactly what to get you

He likes you a lot and tries to make it obvious but not too obvious

Apparently it's not obvious to you bcs you brush it off a lot as friendly flirting

Puts him down a lot bcs he’s worried you don’t like him back

You do

You’re just oblivious to it

San teases him about it a lot

Wooyoung teases you about it a lot

“Whaaat?? There’s no way Hwa likes me haha Woo you’re being weird”

Hwa helps you set up the tree because everyone else planned something to finally get you two together

They’re all hiding from both of you

When you and Hwa are alone you’re just setting up the tree while listening to music

He loves the way you find the ornaments so pretty even when half of them are crumpled

Bcs Mingi bullied Jongho so he hit him with the bag of ornaments

Mingi’s lucky they weren’t glass ornaments

Anygays

When you notice that Hwa’s staring at you

(ﾟωﾟ;)

You blush ofc bcs hhhhh why’s he staring at you like that???

“I like you”

He blurts it out bcs he can’t hold it in anymore

When he realises that he said it, he blushes like crazy

You’re blushing too

You’re also freaking out on the inside

If you know that tiktok audio filled with high pitched squeaking and screaming yea that’s what’s going on inside your brain

“(Y/n)...?”

“yeAH! ◎ܫ◎”

You’re flustered

But you finally tell him you like him back too

The both of you spend the rest of the night pretty much stuck together while the other members bully you both for taking too long to get together

Yunho

AAAA I love this man

If he likes you he would be so precious and flustered about it

Gets nervous around you vvvvvv easily

Completely forgets how to act like a human around you

“Yunho?”

He screams

And it scares everyone in the room because what???

You’re staring at him like “wtf”

He’s staring at you like O_O

Can’t believe he embarrassed himself like that

Gets teased by Seonghwa

The other members knew ofc bcs he’s so bad at hiding it

You also had a feeling but you never really said anything about it

Helps you go christmas shopping for secret santa

He runs around the store like an excited puppy

Is so amazed by all the cute decorations

“(Y/n)!!! Can we get these?”

Points to random decorations and holds them out in front of your face

You let him because you think it’s cute

When you actually get to decorating their dorm he stumbles around a lot

Makes you really worried

You see him hanging the lights

The ladder starts shaking

“YUNHO???”

He fell but he’s fine because Hongjoong broke his fall he almost crushed the poor man

Confesses to you on accident

He’s talking to Mingi about it in their room and you accidentally overhear bcs the door is slightly open

“I like (Y/n) a lot”

“Yea it’s so obvious”

“That’s not helping”

Wants to confess at the right time

But since you overhear you push open their door to the bedroom and they’re both staring at you like (◯Δ◯∥)

You’re staring at Yunho

He’s staring at you

Mingi ran away

“Yun, I like you too you know”

He goes all huh

You tell him that you like him too you just never said anything about it

His face goes from O-O to :D real quick

Cuddles you for the rest of the night

Won’t let you leave his side

Yeosang

No one knows about his crush on you

He’s very secretive about it

Thought about talking to Wooyoung but he knows that man might just spill to you on accident

It’s happened before and Yeo calls him a bumbling fool because of it

Can compose himself around you

But sometimes his mind just goes into overdrive

Finds everything about you adorable

You got San for secret santa

You’re torn between buying him condoms as a joke or actually getting him a proper gift

Yeosang thinks it’s cute that you even considered buying him peppermint flavoured condoms bcs even he thinks it’s funny

“Yeosang, seriously, should I get him condoms or the plushie???”

Laughs at you bcs he finds you extremely adorable

Even tho he’s not your boyfriend, he protects you whenever the members tease you about something

You tripped over Yunho’s long ass legs while he was sprawled out in the living room, letting San and Wooyoung try and turn him into the grinch

You get covered in the weird green fur that they were using

When Yeosang hears them laughing at you

He comes up behind them all (-`д´-)

He makes them leave you alone

“Don’t laugh at them!!”

Helps clean you up too

It takes a lot of time because you’re covered in glue

“Why are they using elmer’s glue???”

“I don’t know,,,”

You two spend quite some time in the bathroom just trying to clean your previously cute sweater

Yeosang decides he’ll just throw it into the wash in the morning

Lets you wear that really big grey hoodie of his bcs he thinks you look so (♥ω♥*)

The way it pretty much engulfs you completely

He tells you before you leave his room

“I like you a lot, (Y/n)”

You’re honestly surprised

Didn’t expect him to like you back because he’s just that good at hiding it

You tell him you like him too

He pats your head while feeling all c:

Spends the rest of the night helping WooSan turn Yunho into the grinch

San

He tried to make it really obvious that he likes you

You just never seemed to notice

Flirts with you a lot

Compliments you a lot

Calls you cute a lot

But you just blush and brush it off

He’s all pouty because he thinks you don’t like him back

He forces Jongho to give him your name for secret santa

“Please”

“But hyuuuung”

“GIVE ME THE DAMN NAME”

Jongho’s lowkey sad bcs he knew what he wants to get you but doesn’t know what to get for Hongjoong

San goes all out

Buys you a HUGE gift

Like it’s actually HUGE

The box is almost the size of Yunho

You’re kinda scared of the large package when you see it

But when you open it you’re all UWU because it’s a giant teddy bear

There’s a cute note hanging off of the tag saying it’s from San

Draws a cute c: on the note

He tells the others he has a plan to confess to you

He asks Yeosang to hold mistletoe above the two of you

Yeosang thinks it’s dumb

So he asks Seonghwa instead

He also thinks it’s dumb

(｀Д´)

San asks all of them to help

Hongjoong offers because he wants to be nice (also bcs he knows that if San asks Wooyoung, he might throw the mistletoe at the two of you and accidentally hurt someone in the process)

Hongjoong gets Mingi to help bcs he’s tall

Mingi hangs the mistletoe from the ceiling

Almost gives Joong a heart attack in the process bcs he almost slipped off the ladder

San’s excited

Mingi accidentally slips anyway and almost brings down the whole ceiling with him

Everyone’s terrified

Mingi gets up and reassures everyone he’s fine despite almost destroying the whole dorm

San’s frustrated bcs now he has no excuse to just kiss you

Instead, Yeosang shoves you two into the closet and locks the door

Forces San to confess or else he’ll tell you himself

He finally tells you

You go “ohhhhh” bcs now you realise his flirting was actually flirting and not just San being playful

You apologise for being so oblivious

San finds you so adorable he just kisses your nose

You love it

Spends the rest of the night trailing you like a puppy and makes hot coco with you

Mingi

Mingi’s like Yunho

Becomes an absolute mess around you

Doesn’t know how to handle his feelings

Finds every inch of you insanely adorable

He pretty much does everything for you

“Mingi, can you help me with—”

“Okay :D”

“I didn’t even say what it was…”

It was just baking cookies

He helps you decorate the cookies

He messes up a lot

The snowmen cookies don’t look anything like snowmen but you find them so cute

Mingi makes you laugh a lot bcs he likes hearing you laugh

Purposefully messes up the cookies to show them to you

“(Y/n)! Look!”

He managed to turn the santa hat into traffic cone

You find it so cute

Mingi’s just an absolute bundle of sunshine around you

When you’re all decorating the christmas tree

Jongho hands you the star to place at the top

But you can’t reach it because the tree’s so tall

Yunho offers to help but Mingi shoves him aside asks him to let him do it

He stands behind you

“I’ll carry you”

“Wait—no—”

You don’t have any time to process that he’s lifted you onto his shoulders

You’re surprised at how easily he carries you

Almost bumps your head onto the ceiling because he’s so tall

“Mingi!! Careful!!”

He has to squat slightly so that you don’t get hurt

When he brings you back down he has the biggest smile on his face

“I like you”

Your face changes from :D to (꒪⌓꒪) real quick

Mingi thinks you don’t like him back

Gets sad for a moment

It’s not that you don’t

You just didn’t think he liked you back and now you’re so flustered your brain pretty much short circuits

“Nononono”

He visibly deflates

You explain that you like him back

His group members cheer for him bcs goddamn you both took so damn long to confess

He spends the rest of the night clinging onto you

“Mingi, I have to pee”

“Bring me with you”

Wooyoung

He doesn’t want to make it as obvious that he likes you but he can’t help it

When you’re around he gets so excited his volume goes all the way up

You find it adorable

You know he likes you and you like him too

You just wanna see how far he goes before he finally confesses to you

He helps you cook dinner

You accidentally burn yourself while cooking and he’s all “!!!”

Maybe he went a bit overboard

Tries to wrap your entire hand in bandages

“Woo, I promise I’m fine. It’s just a burn”

Still offers to run out and buy something to soothe the burn

It’s not even that serious, your hand just grazed the frying pan lightly

Wooyoung only calms down when you reassure him for the hundredth time

Keeps an eye on you while you continue cooking but loosens up after a while

He feeds you the food to taste (＾▽＾)

Chases you around with a wooden spoon because you pranked him

When he catches you

He can’t bring himself to hit you really hard

So he just

Taps your arm with it

When it’s time to unwrap presents

You realise that Wooyoung was your secret santa

He got a picture of the two of you framed

It’s a picture you both really like

Wooyoung LOVES the picture

Every time he sees it he just gets all (♥ω♥ )

It was the first time you went to their concerts after you became friends

Jongho helped take the picture at the time

Wooyoung also had a cute lil sticky note on it that was basically his confession

You find it so endearing

When you turn to him he’s smiling really widely but he’s obviously really nervous

You tell him you like him back and his smile somehow manages to widen

He pretty much grabs you and pulls you into a bone crushing hug

He’s honestly a child at heart and he’s so cute

You spend the rest of the night teasing the other members with him and pranking them

The other members found it cute at first

Now they hate it

Bcs somehow you just managed to make his pranking more intense

Jongho

Doesn’t know how to deal with his emotions

Gets really quiet around you because he doesn’t want to say something that could embarrass him

You feel like he doesn’t like you as a person in general from how quiet he is

Either way, you needed his help to carry some stuff from your car into the dorm

“Jong, could you help me carry some stuff?”

His heart flutters at the thought of you asking him first

So he helps you

It’s still silent because he really doesn’t want to make a fool out of himself

You’re kinda scared because you knew he was really strong and you didn’t want torture the others with carrying the bags filled with various christmas decorations

All of you decorate the living room together

Jongho’s kinda sad that you don’t stick by his side

He wonders whether you don’t like him either and starts feeling discouraged because he was supposed to play you a song he wrote

He had Hongjoong help him

Hongjoong finds Jongho really cute and he couldn’t say no

He has to reassure Jongho that you do like him because you’ve told Hongjoong before

“I don’t think they hate you”

“They don’t talk to me much T-T”

“Just try it”

Jongho still doesn’t know how to feel

Brings out his guitar and starts feeling real nervous

You watch him intently

When he’s done, you’re both blushing like crazy

Pulls you away from the others to talk to you about it

“You were so quiet I thought you didn’t like me,,,”

Now he feels bad for being so quiet

He explains that he just felt really nervous around you

You find that adorable

He cuddles you for the rest of the night

He’s so strong he legit doesn’t let you go and you can’t escape

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batteredoptimist · 2 years

Text

@songs-in-nature liked for a Muriel starter!

Oh, Coco was mad at him. The kind of mad that made the bark on Muriel’s skin stand out like the scales on a pine cone. The extra problem with that was that he knew he deserved it. A bit of mischief went a long way, but the mess he’d created for Coco to clean up was quite a lot more than that.

In his determination to steer clear of his normally emotionless friend and superior, Muriel had made himself good and scarce. That involved traveling to parts he hadn’t been to in a long time, and then being surprised when they’d all changed out from under him. He supposed that’s what tended to happen when one went away for a few hundred years.

He’d stumbled upon the young woman by accident, and since it wasn’t like him to let the chance to socialize pass him by, had offered her a wide easy grin. There was a faint tang of magic in the air.

“Hey there, lassie. Didn’t expect to see anyone like you around here.”

#songsinnature #c.muriel #[q]

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ithinkilikeit-reactions · 4 years

Text

GOT7 “They realise they’re in love with you”

GOT7 Masterlist Group Masterlist

Jaebum:

“It got turned down again.” Jaebum said, entering your place with no hi’s or hello’s. “That man is impossible to please.” He added, dropping his bag on the table and looking at you with his hands on his hips. You smiled at him sympathetically, it was ridiculous at this point the standards his boss was using against him. You could feel his frustration.

“Come here.” You said with your arms extended and waiting for him to dive into you. Jaebum smiled before wrapping his arms around you and joing you on the couch. “It sucks that he turned it down again, but I just know you’re going to work even harder and make something absolutely amazing.” You pet his hair, comforting him in the best way you could. “You’re right.” He looked at you with smile as you continued to pat his head. Jabeum just watched you as you encouraged him, stroking his hair and face while mumbling sweet words.

He loved that no matter how down, or angry he was, one look at your face and he knew everything would be okay.

Mark:

Meeting his family was a task, it took to being in a certain level of a relationship to get that far with him. Well, you were there and it seemed he was more nervous than you were. But the nerves went away seeing how calm you were, talking to his mom and making his dad laugh.

It was a rare thing to see his whole family on one page about a person, but they were. They were on one page about you. “Y/N’s really great.” His mom smiled, patting his back as he helped with dishes. You were enjoying coffee and a conversation with his dad and Mark could hear your laughter. “I know, I knew bringing Y/N here was the right decision.” He said and put the last plate away. With a sigh and a smile, he looked at him mom and she pat his back.

Hearing your laughter, seeing the way you and his family got along made him realise just how special you are.

Jinyoung:

“You have two really good options. I don’t know how I can help you pick.” You said, moving your hands over his shoulders and down his chest. Jinyoung sighed at the feeling, grabbing your hands and pulling you against his back tighter. “This drama is like something I’ve done before and love and this one is a whole new type of character.” He explained and gestured towards the 2 scripts in front of him.

A few hours later you were sat in front of him, reading lines off of the script dramatically. “But.... I love you.” You read dramatically and he had to choke back a laugh. “Jinyoung! Don’t laugh! You asked for my help.” You laughed and he smiled. “Yeah I did, and I think I made my choice with the drama’s. I’m chosing the other one, if I have to act this scene with anyone else than you I won’t be able to stop laughing.” He chuckled, pulling the script out of your hands. “Well, nice to see I was helpfull.” You smiled, leaning forward to kiss him.

Jinyoung loved that you could make him laugh in any situation, even with tough decisions.

Jackson:

You watched as seemingly random things were thrown into the blender with a disapproving stare. “I thought you don’t have schedule until later today?” You asked, knowing Jackson fixed this smoothie as a quick meal. “Yeah, that’s right. Why?” He asked, looking at you with big eyes. “That means, you have time for a real breakfast.” You said and moved to remove the food items from the blender. “But this is quick and easy.” He explained and you shook your head, cutting him off.

“It might be quick and easy, but it’s important that you take the time that you can spare to properly take care of yourself. Sometimes that means eating breakfast and not drinking it. Now sit down, I’ll make breakfast.” You poked his chest and turned to pull out some pans. Jackson stood frozen, in surprise and not really knowing what to do because he knew you were right.

He loved how you made sure he took care of himself, physically and mentally. That means a lot to him.

Youngjae:

Nice weather, not to hot, not to cold, but just right and absolutely perfect for taking a long walk with Coco. You ended up sitting in the park, the small dog in your lap with Youngjae’s arm around you. It was absolutely perfect, it was one of those small cherishable moments made even better with Youngjae’s laugh.

“I see an ice cream vendor... I’m gonna get us some.” You said, standing up and handing him Coco. With that you disappeared, only to reappear shortly after with 2 cones completely filled. “Eyyy, what flavor did you get?” Youngjae called as you approached. “The strawberry looked really nice and I-” You paused, watching the ice cream fall out of the cone. He started laughing as you handed him his ice cream and walked back to the vendor for a new one with a head hung in shame.

He loved having calm days with you and he loved that you could smile so easily, your happy energy was just unmatched to him.

Bambam:

He wasn’t anticipating you being over at his place when he got home, he also wasn’t expecting the smell of a super familiar meal either. “Baby, what are you doing here?” He asked, seeing you in his kitchen. “Just felt like surprising you.” You said and stirred the pot filled with soup.

“It smells like Tom Yam Kung in here.” Bambam remarked, moving to stand by as you stirred. “Wow, you’re right on the money.” You commented and pressed a quick kiss to his lips. “You’ve been missing home lately so I called your mom and she walked me through making it. I hope it tastes right.” You remarked, lifting the spoon for him to try. He looked at you with wide eyes before going to taste it and he hummed. “I wasn’t expecting coming home to this, but I’m so glad.”

It meant the absolute world to him that you took the time to do sweet things like this, to make him feel better.

Yugyeom:

Maybe it was the way you were goofily dancing, maybe it was the way his hoodie swallowed you up or maybe it was the way you were still up with him in the practice room at 3 a.m. He laughed as you watched yourself in the mirror, agressively swinging the sleeves of his hoodie around.

Yugyeom walked up behind you, wrapping his arms around you to stop you movements and he put his chin on top of your head. “Aren’t you tired yet?” He laughed and you joined in. “I am so tired, you have no idea. But you’re still practicing so I’m keeping myself preoccupied so I don’t fall asleep.” You explained, being still for the first time in a few minutes and allowing a yawn to slip through. “I’m here to support your practice! I can’t do that while I’m asleep.” You added, looking at him through the mirror.

Yugyeom loved that you were so supportive of his passion, that you were willing to sacrifice your sleep schedule for his even if he wished you didn’t. It meant a lot to him.

A/N: My GOT7 mood was triggered by their comeback news and I haven’t been here in a long time. I love it here.

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alexbaxterart · 2 months

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Time for another Coco Surprise Cone toy! This is Mego the rainbow uni-lion! He reminds me of Ty's Layla; maybe someday I'll have both toys and they can be friends :3

#lion #plush #plushie #plushies #plushiecore #toycore #stuffed animals #coco cones #coco surprise cones #illustration #digital art #alex baxter

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breanime · 4 years

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What are the boys reaction to having a sassy baby girl

Billy Russo: He loves it. His baby girl always makes him laugh, and he loves that she can surprise him with the things she says. She had a lot personality since birth, and he loves seeing her grow and blossom. “Don’t call me a baby,” she demands one day, wearing only a diaper and Billy’s suit jacket, “I’m not a baby, I’m a big girl!” “You’re a big girl?” He laughs back. “You can’t even read yet.” “Yes I can,” she argues, opening a book upside down, “it says words!” Billy nods. He couldn’t argue with that.

Logan Delos: Logan often foregoes work, sits down, and interviews your daughter. “How old is Daddy?” He asks. “Seven!” ‘How old is Mommy?” “Four!” “How old are you?” “I’m your baby,” she giggles, rolling her eyes, “you know how old I am!” Logan laughs, leaning down and kissing her chubby little cheek. “You’re right, you’re right. Daddy knows how old you are,” he chuckles. She wraps her little arms around his neck for a hug. “Daddy, you pretty but you stupid!”

Jax Teller: Jax is so in love with his baby girl and her fierce little attitude. For Halloween, she said she wanted to be him. So now she was swaggering around in a mini-kutte with shades and a backwards hat on. “Lookin’ good, darlin’,” she says to Jax with that patented Teller smirk on her face. He’s laughing so hard, he’s crying. She goes over to you and says “want a ride, darlin’?” and then proceeds to walk around the clubhouse and flirt with everyone she saw. Yup--that’s definitely his kid.

Coco Cruz: “Daddy eats all the cereals!” was the first thing you heard when you got out of your car. Coco and your daughter were on the porch, facetiming with Letty, who was laughing her ass off at her baby sister’s antics. “Daddy eats all the cereals, and he can’t read!” She went on, her little voice making you smile. “Daddy has hair like a girl! Daddy only has two shirts! Daddy has drawings all over him!” You quickly join Letty, laughing as Coco sighs. “Why you gotta roast me, querida? Daddy has feelings, you know.” “Daddy has feelings!” She points at him, mocking him, and you have to take a breath, you’re laughing so hard.

Angel Reyes: Angel absolutely adores his sassy baby girl. He sat at the table with EZ, watching as she looked up at you, frowning, with her little hands on her hips. “No no,” you said, wagging your finger, “Daddy is mine!” “No no no,” your daughter interrupted, putting a hand up to silence you, “Daddy is mine! He’s my Daddy! You don’t even live here!” “What? Yes I do!” “No no no, you live outside!” Angel and EZ had tears in their eyes. “Go back outside Mommy!” Your daughter took your hand and led you to the door. “But come back before dinner!”

Miguel Galindo: Miguel sat in his chair at his desk with your daughter on his lap. “What are you two doing?” You asked as you walked in. Your baby was on the phone, babbling away. She put her chubby little hand over the speaker and said “I’m working, Mommy! I have to pay bills!” Miguel laughed, and you did too. “I’m very important,” she went on, “I’m very very busy and very important,” then she went back to her ‘call’, “I want answers NOW!” She demanded, and you raised an eyebrow at your husband. Your baby girl was a Galindo through and through.

Nick Amaro: “Ms. Maria,” your baby girl looked over at Zara’s mom, her eyes squinted as she was being held by her father, “why are you so mean?” You and Nick both stared over at your daughter, and Maria’s mouth dropped. Zara was unaffected. “I--I’m not mean,” Maria said back, eyes darting between you and Nick and your baby, “you think I’m mean, sweetheart?” “You yell at my Daddy on the phone a lot,” your daughter answers, tilting her head, “I think you need a nap.” Zara nods in agreement, her hand in Maria’s. “Baby, that’s--” you start, but Maria interrupts. “You know what, you’re right,” she sighs, looking over at Nick, “I’m sorry. I... I’ll work on that.” “Okay,” your baby says brightly, “start working now!”

Johnny Tuturro: Johnny absolutely loves how sassy and active your daughter is. “Daddy, this is gross,” she says, pushing her plate away. “What? Baby, that’s ghetto scramble! It’s good!” He says back while you laugh. “It’s gross,” she repeats, making a face, “Daddy, it’s too ghetto!” You and Johnny both laugh at that. “I don’t even know how to respond to that,” he confesses. “Only Mommy should cook,” your daughter adds, “She’s good ghetto. Daddy is bad ghetto.”

Rio: Rio spends as much time as he can with his kids, and he loves how smart your baby girl is. So when she’s on his lap, eating an ice cream cone at the park when Beth--pushy and impatient as always--walks up, he already knows his daughter ain’t going for it. “I called you five times,” Beth starts. “He has a wife!” Your daughter interrupts, glaring from over her ridiculously large cone. Beth freezes, and Rio chuckles. “She knows, mamas, it’s okay.” “My Mommy is the prettiest girl in the whole wide world--after me, right, Daddy?” Rio nods. “That’s right.” Beth clears her throat and forces herself to smile. “I know all about your Mommy, she’s very very pretty, but your Daddy and I are partners,” she looks over at Rio, “and it’s very rude not to call people back.” “You’re rude,” your baby quips, not missing a beat, “you just walked up and didn’t even say hi!” She looks up at Rio. “Daddy,” she reports, scandalized, “she didn’t say hi!” “I know, baby,” he says back, kissing her nose, “that’s not very nice is it,” he looks over at Beth, his eyes hard, his baby girl wearing a matching expression on her little face, “But she’s still learning. She’s gonna say ‘bye’ right now.” Your baby grins.

*******************************************************************************************

Thanks for reading! Please let me know what you think! I hope you like this one, I feel like I could have written this forever, especially Rio’s, haha.

Everything Taglist: @sweetybuzz25 @mrsjaxtellerfan @rhabakoli @encounterthepast @realduckvader @justvnash @knowles-morgan @ateliefloresdaprimavera @evanlys19 @nyxxnoxx @carlaangel86 @luminex3 @jigsawlover10 @gollyderek @otomefromtheheart @lexxierave @amethyst09 @falsehopesndreams @a-dorky-book-keeper @witchygagirl @glimmerglittergirl @nich0lasmatthews @ben-c-group-therapy @felicity-x0 @amirra88 @yourfellowangel @vibranium-soul @xserenax-13 @woahitslucyylu @gemini0410 @ktiz90 @theoceanhathsolace @starrynite7114 @my-rosegold-soul @papa-geralt-of-cirilla

#Billy Russo x reader #logan delos x reader #jax teller x reader #coco cruz x reader #angel reyes x reader #miguel galindo x reader #nick amaro x reader #johnny tuturro x reader #rio x reader #bre's boys #bre's boys preferences

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sciencespies · 3 years

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The Ancient 'Eye of Sauron' Has Been Discovered, And It's an Undersea Volcano

https://sciencespies.com/nature/the-ancient-eye-of-sauron-has-been-discovered-and-its-an-undersea-volcano/

The Ancient 'Eye of Sauron' Has Been Discovered, And It's an Undersea Volcano

Looking like the Eye of Sauron from the Lord of the Rings trilogy, an ancient undersea volcano was slowly revealed by multibeam sonar 3,100 meters (10,170 ft) below our vessel, 280 kilometers (174 miles) southeast of Christmas Island.

This was on day 12 of our voyage of exploration to Australia’s Indian Ocean Territories, aboard CSIRO’s dedicated ocean research vessel, the RV Investigator.

Previously unknown and unimagined, this volcano emerged from our screens as a giant oval-shaped depression called a caldera, 6.2 km by 4.8 km across. It is surrounded by a 300-m-high rim (resembling Sauron’s eyelids), and has a 300-m-high cone-shaped peak at its center (the ‘pupil’).

(Phil Vandenbossche & Nelson Kuna/CSIRO, Author provided)

Above: Sonar image of the ‘Eye of Sauron’ volcano and nearby seamounts on the sea bed south-west of Christmas Island.

A caldera is formed when a volcano collapses. The molten magma at the base of the volcano shifts upwards, leaving empty chambers. The thin solid crust on the surface of the dome then collapses, creating a large crater-like structure. Often, a small new peak then begins to form in the center as the volcano continues spewing magma.

One well-known caldera is the one at Krakatoa in Indonesia, which exploded in 1883, killing tens of thousands of people and leaving only bits of the mountain rim visible above the waves. By 1927, a small volcano, Anak Krakatoa (“child of Krakatoa”), had grown in its center.

In contrast, we may not even be aware of volcanic eruptions when they happen deep under the ocean. One of the few tell-tale signs is the presence of rafts of light pumice stone floating on the sea surface after being blown out of a submarine volcano. Eventually, this pumice stone becomes waterlogged and sinks to the ocean floor.

Our volcanic ‘eye’ was not alone. Further mapping to the south revealed a smaller sea mountain covered in numerous volcanic cones, and further still to the south was a larger, flat-topped seamount.

Following our Lord of the Rings theme, we have nicknamed them Barad-dûr (‘Dark Fortress’) and Ered Lithui (‘Ash Mountains’), respectively.

The ‘Eye of Sauron’. (Phil Vandenbossche & Nelson Kuna/CSIRO, Author provided)

Although author J.R.R. Tolkien’s knowledge of mountain geology wasn’t perfect, our names are wonderfully appropriate given the jagged nature of the first and the pumice-covered surface of the second.

The Eye of Sauron, Barad-dûr, and Ered Lithui are part of the Karma cluster of seamounts that have been previously estimated by geologists to be more than 100 million years old, and which formed next to an ancient sea ridge from a time when Australia was situated much further south, near Antarctica.

The flat summit of Ered Lithui was formed by wave erosion when the seamount protruded above the sea surface, before the heavy seamount slowly sank back down into the soft ocean seafloor. The summit of Ered Lithui is now 2.6 km below sea level.

But here is the geological conundrum. Our caldera looks surprisingly fresh for a structure that should be more than 100 million years old. Ered Lithui has almost 100 m of sand and mud layers draped over its summit, formed by sinking dead organisms over millions of years.

This sedimentation rate would have partially smothered the caldera. Instead it is possible that volcanoes have continued to sprout or new ones formed long after the original foundation. Our restless Earth is never still.

But life adapts to these geological changes, and Ered Lithui is now covered in seafloor animals. Brittle-stars, sea-stars, crabs, and worms burrow into or skate over the sandy surface. Erect black corals, fan-corals, sea-whips, sponges, and barnacles grow on exposed rocks. Gelatinous cusk-eels prowl around rock gullies and boulders. Batfish lie in wait for unsuspecting prey.

Our mission is to map the seafloor and survey sea life from these ancient and secluded seascapes. The Australian government recently announced plans to create two massive marine parks across the regions. Our expedition will supply scientific data that will help Parks Australia to manage these areas into the future.

The voyage of the RV Investigator around Christmas Island. (Tim O’Hara/Museums Victoria)

Scientists from museums, universities, CSIRO, and Bush Blitz around Australia are participating in the voyage. We are close to completing part one of our journey to the Christmas Island region. Part two of our journey to the Cocos (Keeling) Island region will be scheduled in the next year or so.

No doubt many animals that we find here will be new to science and our first records of their existence will be from this region. We expect many more surprising discoveries.

Tim O’Hara, Senior Curator of Marine Invertebrates, Museums Victoria.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

#Nature

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deliciouspeanutpersonashoe · 3 months

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Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Coco Cone Surprise Plush Fliss Flamingo Bird Stuffed Animal (B5).

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imagineredwood · 5 years

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Hc where coco cone home earlier than he told his s/o and Letty to surprise them but when he gets home he sees them in cocos bed asleep and holding hands. I feel like his heart would melt at the sight of both his girls finding comfort in each other while he’s gone

He would love it. He’s really developed as a character and as a father this season and he seems to really be trying to get his priorities straight. Making sure that Letty has a good stable, safe home is important to him and I think him seeing them like that, seeing that not only do they trust and like each other but that they count on and depend on each other the way family should be able to do would affirm his choice in both his SO and bringing her around Letty. He would see that she’s a positive female figure that Letty needs while still being humble enough to take comfort from her as well and lean on each other when he isnt there with them. I think there would be some guilt as well there though for feeling like he should be with them more. There’s the years he lost with Letty and he doesn’t want her to feel like hes skipping out on her again and h also doesn’t want his girl to feel Iike hes backing out or leaving the responsibility on her. Overall though, i think it would warm his heart and he would be finally proud of the family that he has.

#coco cruz #letty cruz #mayans mc #preferences #leticia cruz

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monstermaster13 · 1 year

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Corey And Oats in…

The Unicorn With The Sweetest Heart.

Everytime a new equine member of Oats’s family gets added it is always a special occasion and he goes all out to make sure our friends of the equine variety get the special royal treatment to help them ease into their roles as family members and the story of Prince Whinnius is no exception. Prince Whinnius was a unicorn prince that came from a kingdom inhabited by candy/treat themed animals…he lived inside a candy corn castle with his little brother and with his mother, he was ready to explore on his own and he knew that there was one horse he wanted to be friends with, and that was Oats. A couple of weeks ago, our two friends Corey and Oats were in their Nile Road house when Mel told them they were going on an adventure, a mall adventure to be exact.

“Yaaaay…we’re going on a mall adventure.”

“We certainly are, we’ll have lunch and then get ready.”

“Sounds like fun.”

Corey and Oats had some nice food for lunch before getting ready, getting a blue bag ready and putting on their socks and shoes. Oats dressed up nice as he applied some pink eye-liner around his eyes, a couple of hours later a floating van manifested outside and the duo and Mel headed over to the van and hopped inside it. The van took over and headed over to Milford mall, the two of them and Mel got out of the van and entered when they arrived at the mall and that is when they made their way into the mall to explore. They explored around the store until they arrived at the Warehouse.

Originally they were supposed to locate a cute little koala but they could not see the koala so they decided to head over to the stuffed toy isles, as they did they took on a number of colorful forms and that’s when they made another turn and headed towards the Zuru cone coco surprise display and that’s where Oats saw Whinnius, he was a pink furred unicorn with a rainbow colored mane and tail, big sparkly brown eyes that made him look innocent and cute, silver colored hooves, a silvery horn and a white muzzle.

He was sleeping in his ice cream cone bed which was also a shell as he yawned and looked over at the duo, he neighed as he saw Oats. ‘There’s the horse I was telling you guys about, he’s royalty…he’s beautiful. And I want him to look after me.’ Whinnius jumped off the display and magically floated over to the duo.

“Good afternoon to thee and thy, I am Prince Whinnius. The candy unicorn.”

“Ah yes, you are the unicorn i’ve been looking for.”

“At least we meet, I get to meet the legendary Oatsie.”

Whinnius affectionately hugged Oats and cuddled him as Oats introduced him to Corey, the duo headed over to Mel. ‘We found him.’ ‘Meet me at the checkout.’ Mel hurried over to the checkout as the duo and Whinnius followed, Whinnius hopped onto the checkout counter as Mel paid for him and he went for a ride in the blue bag as the duo and their friend/owner left the store.

But they weren’t going to leave the store just yet as they looked around the stores and even paid a visit to a few stores and got to play around in the playground area, riding on the rides and even trying their hand out at dancing. After playing around for a few minutes or so, they decided to have a nice drink at one of the restaurants, Mel ordered hot chocolate drinks with marshmallows for herself and her friends.

“Whinnius, you are going to love our house.”

“Yeah, it’s fantastic…all sorts of friends live there.”

“Sounds awesome.”

The trio enjoyed their hot chocolate drinks and marshmallows and Whinnius even demonstrated what his ‘special power’ was, as he made marshmallows materialize in front of him as well as chocolate sauce and crackers and he made smores with his magic. ‘You can do that?’ ‘I can do all sorts of food magic, but treat magic in particular.’ ‘You must show our friends this ability when we get home.’ ‘Oh I most definitely will.’ After they finished their drinks it was time for them to go home, they headed back in the elevator and headed back to where they were before as they left the mall.

After leaving the mall, the group headed back into the floating van and raced back home to Nile Road where their friends were waiting for them. When they arrived back at Nile Road, they got out of the van and headed home, that’s where Corey saw all of the other microbes and greeted them as he removed his shoes and Oats did the same. Mel removed hers as she helped Whinnius to adjust to his new home. They had some afternoon tea as they all played together and had a lot of fun.

A couple of hours later…at around 4 that afternoon, they had finished getting ready for the arrival of Jill to take them home. But before that, Oats decided that Whinnius should be a cast member of the gang at the house so he assigned him to stay at the house, Whinnius spent a great deal of time undergoing a special unicorn induction ritual which included being trained by Oats and using his powers, when he built up the confidence he needed he broke out of his ice cream cone shell and hugged the lovable horse. At around four thirty that afternoon, Jill arrived and everyone was ready to go home.

Mel and Jill got the bags ready and headed home with all the microbes, Corey, Prince Ceeyoates the Seahorse, their new NZ bird friends and Oatsie (and mini Oats) along with their tuatara and weta friends and all went home to their main house in 28 Rosemary Avenue, but along the way they stopped to see the sea (the ‘sea that weed’ as Ratty often put it), and when they arrived back at 28 Rosemary Avenue, they set everything up and they had fun on the computer as they played Webkinz as well as writing some new stories and listening to music, when it came to dinnertime…Oats galloped over to the dinner table and had a delicious meal made by Jill and Mel.

After dinner they played music and continued to play until it was time to get ready for bed, and once it was time to get ready for bed, the duo helped the microbes get in the green bag while Corey and Oats organized the plans for the upcoming week. They put on their night-clothes when they went into the bedroom and brushed their teeth in the bathroom, the NZ Bird duo slept in the computer room with Peter the Weta and Issac the tuatara, while all of the others including Ceeyoats the seahorse snuggled up in the bed together. The group all snuggled up together in bed, listening to classical music as they had sweet dreams that took them on a magical adventure.

At the Nile Road house…Whinnius was getting ready for bed himself as he brushed his teeth with his favorite bubblegum toothpaste, and after putting his own pajamas on, he used a spell to make a floating bubblegum bubble materialize which he used to travel to Zara’s room, and where he snuggled down in Zara’s bed. He drifted off and had nice dreams about all of his friends. And thus with that our adventure comes to an end.

But just because one adventure has ended doesn’t mean another won’t start, there are more adventures to come. Stay tuned for ‘Oats and the Unicorn Princess’ ‘Oat’s Magical Flower Garden’ the 2022 halloween spooktacular, and many more adventures coming up.

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harringrovehouse · 5 years

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AU where Steve’s Mother is from a small town in the Northern most part of Alaska and they’re just a little too much into Christmas.

Steve takes Billy ‘home’ the second year they’re together, because now Steve’s sure Billy’s the one, the person he’s going to spend the rest of his life with and Steve wants his extended family to get to know Billy. So he takes Billy with them to Derevnyasanty, Alaska to the village his grandparents own. It’s rustic, and red and everything is covered with wreaths and holly, and all the residents are much shorter than the standard American. Steve talks Billy’s ear off about his four Aunts and their nine daughters.

“Dancers! All nine of them! It’s nuts man, let me tell you how many times I had to watch their routines growing up!!” Billy watches Steve ramble with a dopey smile on his face. “I have to warn you that my Nana, Mary, she’ll probably try to force feed you milk and cookies the second you get inside the house, we can work those off later, and my Aunt Noel will need our help checking her many, many lists! She’s got one for every member of the family, sorry. I hope Auntie Christy isn’t gonna ask you to dress up as Santa with me, they think it’s funny cause I’m the only boy. Every year I get this huge red coat and this massive black boots but we go to the local children’s clinic and I get to play ‘Santa’ for the day so it isn’t too bad. Aunt Carol is in charge of the deer, she makes sure they’re all penned up for the night and by the time we get there she will just be starting to round them up, can’t wait to see you rope a deer.”

“Just after my body, and at Christmas none the less.” Billy winked and Steve snorted, leaning into the wheel as he laughed.

“My Aunt Tinsel is the youngest, so her kids are pretty young too. They always need help repairing gifts and she’s also in charge of wrapping for the older kids so she’ll definitely need our help at some point.” Steve tossed Bilyl an apologetic look as he turned the car down brick road.

“Tinsel?”

“Yeah. Like the decorations. My family is pretty into Christmas, all my Aunts are born in the summer but they all have Christmasy names. It’s weird but kinda cool.” Steve shrugged. “Even my mom’s name is Christmas themed. She’s Eve, and my Aunt Christy is Christmas. They’re twins.” Billy opened his mouth to ask why on Earth anyone would name their babies Christmas Eve when Steve turned the car again and they came to a stop in front a huge white gold gate. It stood open, a clear invitation that anyone was welcome. Billy stared in awe at the gate, marveling at the beautiful red ribbon that wrapped around the bars, making the whole gate look like a million dollar candy cane. “They never close the gate, I don’t even think the pinpad works anymore.” Steve smiled as he continued up the drive.

Billy marveled as the large main house came into view. It was a huge stone and log cabin, it’s many windows adorn with lights and bushy wreaths. Tiny candles sat on each sill, a bussle of holly under them. Steve beamed at him and Billy stared back, this was a damn winter wet dream.

“Come on, we’ll grab the bags later!” Steve smiled wider and Billy wondered when his cheeks became so red.

“Wear your scarf babe! You’re cheeks are so rosy.” Billy followed Steve out of the car, tightening his scarf as he made his way towards the red front door. A huge pine cone wreath hung between the stain glass panels set in the door. The heavy smell of baking hung around the house, and warmed Billy’s insides. Behind them Steve’s mother and father climbed out of their own car, Eve Harrington smiling ear to ear as she rushed forward, throwing the door open for them.

“Mama! Papa!” She called out. “Tinny! Carol! Christy! Noel!” The sound of dozens of voices chattering away stoped and then an explosion of noise happened, and what seemed to be hundreds of people decended upon them. Billy let out a small yelp as a wave of hands pulled Steve and Eve into the house, leaving him and Jack Harrington standing on the porch.

“Don’t relax just yet.” Jack sent Billy a dark look. “They’ll realize we’re here any second.” And sure enough, a woman slightly older than Eve turned to look at them. Her huge amber eyes widening as she detatched herself from the huge group and made her way to them. She beamed at Billy, and gave Jack a curt look.

“And this must be Billy! Our little Stevie new turtle dove!” Billy nodded, he’s never heard anyone refer to someone’s boyfriend as their ‘turtle dove’. “Hi Jack Frost, blow into to any foreign ports lately?” Billy tired not to snort at the look Jack Harrington gave his sister in law. “Come in! Mama is just finising dinner, once that’s done we’ll put the deer away and then we can eat.” So this must be Aunt Carol, the deer hearder.

Billy followed Aunt Carol into the house, eyes wide as he took in the many, many pictures on the walls. Images of a young Steve sitting a top a man dressed as Santa’s knee, pictures of young Eve and her sister playing with some deer, a huge red wood sleigh filled with boxes and boxes of gifts sitting outside a hospital surrounded by the family and a few of the patients. They looked like such a happy family, it made Billy feel like an imposter.

“Aren’t they lovely!” A warm voice whispered in his ear, and Billy jumped. Behind him stood a plump woman, her grey hair tucked under a limp red cheifs hat. Nana. “We take one every year! The one from last year us above the mantle, come on.” She lead Billy through a maze of halls and into a massive living room. A fire roared in the harth, and a massive 10 foot tall Christmas tree sat in the corner. Presents of every color sat under and in it’s heavy branches. Steve and his mother sat surrounded by people in the middle of the room. Their eyes sparkled, and their skin glowed. Everyone in the room looked like something out of a water color Christmas card. Billy’s mouth fell open, as he watched the scene. “It’s so wonderful to have everyone here for Christmas.” Nana said as she tucked her hands into her apron. “Come help me bring out the coco Billy, then I’ll have them all introduce themselves to you properly.” Billy nodded, following Nana into the kitchen. Where a little over a dozen people were working.

They were short people, and Billy felt bad for staring at them until he saw their ears. Pointed ears, that stuck out under their hair and hats. Elfs? One of them smiled, and handed Billy a tray before returning to her large pot. No, people wearing costumes, right! Nana began loading cup after cup onto the tray, smiling as she dropped different colored marshmallows into each of the cups.

“And a blue one for Billy, you’re favorite color.” Billy wrinkled his nose in embarrassment, Steve didn’t need to tell his family everything about Billy! “Come on now dear.” She lead him back into the living room and guilded him to an ornate coffee table and helped him set the tray down. “Okay, now the fun begins!” And then she starter calling out names. The youngest to the oldest. It started with a small girl, Joy, no older than two, who pushed herself up onto shaky legs and waddled over to her grandma. Billy handed her a small sippy cup filled with warm milk and a sinlge pink marshmellow. Five more girls followed little Joy, Faith, Hope, Ella, Fae, Nicole, before Billy was handed his cup, and then Steve, who got a cup shaped like a Santa. His family giggled and Steve blushed, sipping his coco happily nonetheless. Next the last three girls were called, Mary, May and Dove, then their mothers, Tinsel, Noel, Eve, Christmas and Carol. Finally Nana took her cup, blowing softly at the steam. Six cups remained on the tray, Billy glanced down at them wondering for the first time were the husbands and fathers of these girls were. “They’re in the den downstairs dear, watching the game of all things!” Nana laughed. “Papa is in his work shop right now, I was actually wondering if you and Stevie would take him his coco and remind him that dinner is almost ready. He’s so busy at the moment, but his family still needs him.” Nana lifted the only lidded cup and set it in Billy’s free hand.

Steve disentangled himself from his manu aunts and cousins and made his way over to Billy. “Let me guess, we’re on workshop duty?” Nana laughed softly.

“Well someone needs to stay here and make sure the ham doesn’t burn!” Steve pressed a soft kiss to her cheek before taking the cup from Billy and motioning for him to follow.

“My Granddad’s workshop is in the back yard. He builds toy prototypes for a company based in Anchorage.”

“He makes toys?” Billy asked, carefully avoiding a second smaller tree in the hall that lead to the backdoor. A pile of boots lay next to the door, coats of every color and size lay on the bench next to the huge pile, Steve picked through them before eventually finding his and Billy’s.

“Yeah. Toys of every kind! Some stay here in the US, others go overseas to like Japan and stuff.” Billy shrugged his coat on, taking the cup back from Steve who shrugged his coat on while Billy waited by the back door. “You’d be surprised how in demand toys are.” Steve lead him out of the backdoor and down a stone path, to a second even larger cabin. Smoke billowed from the many chimneys and music could be heard from just behind the doors and windows. Steve didn’t even bother knocking, just pushed his way inside. Billy followed at a slower pace, every bit of Steve family home was amazing. This workshop was filled with toys, old toys, new toys, pictures of toys that dated to the victorian era if Billy was correct.

His mind whirled. Steve’s family was in the toy making business, had been for apprently hundreds of years, they employed short people with ears so pointy they could probably pop balloons, they were obsessed with Christmas, had a freaking deer in their yard. This had to be a joke, Billy turned to smile at Steve who seemed utterly clueless that Billy’s mind seemed to be playing tricks on him. There was no way, Steve’s familt wasn’t, they couldn’t be.

“Oh! There he is!” Steve said pointing up the winding stairs to a figure. A figure all in red, with heavy boots on and a fuzzy hat.

Billy watched, mouth open as the man turned around to face them. His cheeks red, and his smile huge. His belly shook as he laughed, a latge booming ‘Stevie!’ echoed around them followed by what could only be described as a ‘hohoho’. Billy felt Steve take the cup of coco from him, which was good because Billy was sure he was about to faint as he watched his boyfriend cross in front of the many workers to embrace Santa Claus.

#harringrove #billy hargrove #steve harrington #LOOK AT THIS CRACK!!#this was a dream #and i couldn't resist #sorry!!!!

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