#do you know all the plumbing ads i am getting now because of this

[artycomicfangirl]

Hi hi here I am again the Luiasy shipper!

Your answer on my question about your headcanons for the couple was soo good! It added about some takes I had for them and made me develop some new ones! So I have another question for you regarding the two.

If Luigi and Daisy ever decide to have a kid or kids what do you think the parenting style between the two would be like?

I am excited for your answer about this.

Oh nice! Another fun one too, this will be great! Sorry for the lateness, been doing all sorts of Christmas Prep!

Also Sorry if I ended up rambling about other things along the way. Couldn’t help but branch out into other topics!

- Luigi -

💚 I like to believe that a Parent-Matured Luigi is the voice of reason amongst his own family. Kind of what I probably think Peach is also with her own Family with Mario. After all, he married a now Empress! that kind of does make him a future Emperor, right?

He is known for teaching restraint. Brings the calm after a conflict.

The one that often instills the importance of fairness, equality and so on. It’s not that Daisy doesn’t do any of these things! But Luigi is the one to give gentle reminders.

His kids do something that’s a bit out of line? Luigi rarely ever yells or shouts. And if he somehow does, it’s never supposed to be towards his little ones or beloved. But instead occurs when he is in high panic mode and needs to warn them to look out for danger.

I for some reason feel like he is VERY good at controlling and balancing out his own emotions though. When he has to give some form of Discipline, he would have to be a bit firm with it. But overall he’s very patient and understanding.

Maybe when his kids go through a more rebellious phase when they are older, he of course is the more concerned and hesitant for their safety. Including what they do, and what they get involved in. But once he actually gets to know more of the situation, he learns to be open and willing to understand more.

—————————————————

💚 “Now, sweetie…You shouldn’t push that kid into a muddy puddle. That wasn’t very nice…”

🌻 “But He made fun of your nose! He said you look like a clown!”

—————————————————

💚 While both Parents do this, Luigi is usually the one who brings up Dinner to his kids if they’re feel down or sick and confined to their rooms. This is usually because he cooks dinner. While Daisy Handles Breakfast and Lunch. In short, no matter their status, either one of them takes turns if the other is unable to do so.

He gets absolutely heartbroken seeing his kids low on energy and hurting from being sick. Even when he has to to work, he shifts his schedule accordingly so he can spend as much time with them, if Daisy has to attend urgent issues.

He comes up to their bedrooms with some nice warm tea. Some soup if the kids can’t stomach anything too hearty.

On that same note, he finds himself singing lullabies! There are a couple of times where he wakes up in the middle of the night to soothe the crying of babies, that Daisy has caught him humming along to a tune.

💚 Because Luigi tends to stay up a bit later sometimes because of dealing with Plumbing Paperwork, he lets Daisy sleep before him.

He’s grown a habit with waking up a bit earlier than Daisy. Sometimes because he one day feels like making breakfast for the family, or he really has to leave for work early. Either way, he leaves a handwritten note on his wife’s bedside table for her. And one in the kitchen too!

💚 Protectiveness. When it comes to protecting his family? Family-man Luigi is almost like a different person.

More or a what-if scenario. Picture this. The Villain says something out of line. Thinking the Emperor is too much of a ‘pansy’ compared to his wife to do anything. Although Luigi is composed. Little did they know, they should have paid attention to the hint of electric spark that flickered in his eyes.

—————————————————

💚 “…It was a pleasure meeting with you sir. Be careful when you do go home tonight. I’ve…heard there’s a big storm coming soon.”

—————————————————

- Daisy -

🌼 Daisy is the one who’s wanting her children to be in top energy and health every day!

A glass of fresh milk/Juice every morning. She’s more quick to give reminders on the dot, right away. With chores and other tasks, she makes sure that things get done right away.

🌼 Now as a mother to the children she adores, Daisy has learned to become serious enough to tone down some of her signature fiery tomboyish nature. But of course once in a while, this flares up in the form of showing pride for her children. Cheering them on, Encouraging them. Daisy wouldn’t be Daisy without her boundless energy, even as an Empress!

In comparison to Luigi singing lullabies. Daisy is a great storyteller. Bedtime stories? It’s ALWAYS the Sarasaland Empress’s duty! All the adventures she took upon, how her husband saved her from peril a few times, and how she saved him. Stories about the big bad purple Alien being defeated by the Heroes in Caps and overalls. Completed with some sound effects aided by none other than her beloved.

🌼 When disciplining her children, Daisy is the more serious one.

Not that she’s hard on her kids, nor that she yells or shouts at them either. But she is more likely to give some stern talking to correct bad behavior.

Daisy is amazingly good at sensing lies. Her BS radar is highly accurate. So if she catches her children who claimed to have not eaten that entire jar of cookies? Truth be told, she can’t help but be amused at this. She plays along too! It’s the entire reason why the kids play up their cuteness in front of their father. Daisy actually finds it hilarious that Luigi falls for it most of the time!

—————————————————

🌼 “Oh! I see you’ve been Guarding those cookies very well!”

🌻 “Yeah!”

🌼 “Well done! I’m so proud of you! Now, why don’t we celebrate by having some cookies!”

🌻 “…They’re sleepy Mama…”

🌼 “Hm? Sleepy?”

🌻 “They are so cozy inside…so you can’t see them right now…”

—————————————————

🌼 When it comes to protectiveness. Luigi May be the steady force who goes on the defense. But Daisy is the raging flame.

Although I did mention that Daisy is not as impulsive and short-tempered as she once was. But hurt her family, and you will be a goner. You absolutely do not want to be on the receiving end of a Mother’s fury.

Doesn’t matter if she is wearing the most regal of dresses. She WILL find a way to roundhouse kick you.

While Daisy is a confident woman, she does sometimes get embarrassed of this rough side of her that pops up. especially in front of her children. But so far, they have been nothing but in awe of their mother’s strength!

#nintendo #headcanons #headcanon #the super mario bros movie #super mario bros #super mario #princess daisy #luigi #luaisy #luigi x daisy

[tuliptiger]

Hello again! House/life update.

I am in a much better place mentally but really rather the same financially. I am currently laid off for a month seasonally since I'm still not a permanent employee. I have something in the works I'm hoping plays out so that I have a permanent position and worst case scenario I go back to work May 6th as a temp for 6 more months. I have side jobs and unemployment lined up in the mean time.

Anyway though! On to the house. Disappointing news but honest news in terms of the first contractor we hired. We still haven't gotten money back from him.

Recap: my mom and I fired him because he lied to us, charged tools on our account we up front said not to do, built a shoddy excuse of a foundation and frame for my house that we eventually had to pay our current contractor to demolish because it was so bad. It was for all definitions a different house the original contractor built. He used the wrong framing type for the blueprint and didn't even use framing nails to the city code. He wasn't even on site for 90% of the build and seemingly subcontracted it out which we didn't know.

In addition my mom is...not the best person to work with and makes a lot of mistakes. She's not a critical thinker on a lot of things. I made the mistake of asking her to help me buy land and build a house in the pursuit of escaping my generational poverty. I made the second mistake of asking her to take on individual responsibilities and not step in when the red flags started coming up.

I left her in charge of getting the money back from the OG contractor since she had all contact with him and she was originally the one who found him. That went as well as anyone could guess and she's, in summary, procrastinated doing any proper paperwork for attorneys or the contract board. I keep pushing her and she always says she'll get to it this day or that day or hits a dead end and then it goes nowhere.

This would not be a big issue but we're talking more than $20,000 he did in damages and $1,000 he directly stole from us like straight up $1,000 we handed him to do work he never did. The donations everyone has been sending in slowly are very much appreciated and remind me to keep fighting for this.

At this point I just want to get the house done so I can be done with the contractors and done with my mother. I don't want to be in this situation anymore and it's been dragged out for 3 years now. I've added pictures of where the house is at now and most of it having been done in January and February.

As the electric was finished and passed inspection I'm waiting in the HVAC and plumbing as the last things professionals must do before I can finish the house. I've started putting in flooring and the wood stove was just delivered so things are still moving.

The donations haven't covered anything large from the build but it has covered smaller things (I've used it for nails, locks for the doors, etc.) and given me strength to continue. Motivation from strangers, acquaintances and friends to not just walk away and to keep my head in the right space. I've emotionally and mentally been in a better place since I initially made the gofundme which has helped.

Anyway I've been meaning to make this for awhile and I'm sorry for the delay. I've been working my full time job before I was laid off, my side gigs, working on the house, still living out of my car and trying to work with my mother. I appreciate everyone who's been invested in this, shared it and donated. More updates will come in the future and thank you all again.

#words #house #it's been a full year #since i started living in my car #homeless #idk what to tag this as #donation #donation post #assistance #community help

[thyme-in-a-bubble]

a bucket of apples

A/N: yet another fic originally posted earlier this year…

warnings: Steve Harrington x reader, farmer!Steve, neighbours, light continuation of my previous farmer!Steve fic, plumbing issues

word count: 1325

∼ gentle reminder that feedback, but especially reblogs are the way you support writers on here ∽

masterlist | join my taglist | farmer!steve au masterlist

Sprawled out on your back, you looked up, completely puzzled, at the twisting and turning pipes. 

Turns out there was a bit of a plumbing issue, one that, try as you might, and oh boy did you try, you couldn’t fix it yourself. 

If the small kitchen window hadn’t been cracked open, you probably wouldn’t have heard the faint footsteps coming from outside your home. Bolting up, you nearly bumped your head into one of the lower-than-expected tubes, thankfully only catching some of your loose hair in it. Letting out a small hiss at the tug, you scrambled to free yourself from this entanglement.  

Who could it be? The plumber guy said over the phone that he’d be here tomorrow, so who was it?

Now at the ivory front door, you turned the doorhandle, revelling non-other than your neighbour, Steve, looking up at you as if you’d just caught him with his fingers down the cookie jar or something. 

Setting down the heavy bucket of apples that he had in his arms, he blinked, “oh, hi! I, um, I didn’t think you were home.”

A small breathy laugh bubbled out of you as you saw the blushing apples that he had attempted to simply drop off without you ever noticing it was him, like an apple fairy or something. “Hey, I, yeah, I-I am home.”

“I was just, um,” he fumbled a bit, leaning against the yellow wall that angled out beside the door, “well I thought you might like some apples, so I just wanted to drop some off for you…”

“Oh, really? Thank you so much!”

“It’s no problem, I’m kinda swimming in them at the moment,” he remarked, then caught sight of your fiddling hands, “why are you holding a wrench?”

“Well,” looking down at the cool metal in your palm, “as it turns out, the pipes here are total crap at being, well, pipes,” you told, “I called a guy about it, he’ll come take a look at it tomorrow.”

“I’d offer you a hand, but I really don’t know anything about plumbing…”

“It’s alright, I’ve figured out a way to survive without it for a hot minute. Thinking about going down to the lake to just get somewhat clean, because I am starting to feel kinda gross,” abruptly becoming very aware of how unyielding his gaze was upon you, you added under your breath, “and now I’m suddenly very aware of how unpresentable I must look right now, I’m sorry.”

“Ah, you look great. The greasy hair is really working for you.”

Choking out a chuckle, you looked down, “thanks.”

“You know, if you don’t want to take a dip in the lake, then you can always just come borrow my shower,” he suggested. 

Squinting your eyes at him, you weren’t sure if this was just him feeling obligated to help, “I don’t wanna put you out.”

“You’re not!” he assured you, shaking his head quickly, “promise.”

“Alright, if you insist…”

“I do. Even though I fully stand by my statement of this being a good look on you, I do faintly remember the clean version being pretty good as well… your hair does that little,” he motioned vaguely to his own, “thing… It’s nice…”

Already shedding a few of the outermost layers, you waited in the surprisingly vibrant lavatory for Steve to return. 

Bending down to yank off your stripy socks, your neighbour appeared in the doorway, fluffy green towel in hand, “here,” he handed it down to you.

“Thanks,” you grabbed it and placed it up on the side of the sink. 

Turning to let you get to it, he then whirled around again, unable to stop himself, “Oh, and if it takes a minute for the water to get hot, just give it a second, don’t turn it all the way up unless you wanna burn yourself. It’ll get warm, just give it a bit of time.”

With one hand, you started to work at the small buttons down your blouse, “noted.”

He sucked in a sharp breath, eyes following your nimble fingers' movements, then quickly shook his head and smiled, turning around to give you some privacy, “I’ll just be out here if you need anything.”

“Cool, I’ll let you know if I drop the soap,” you kidded, successfully coaxing out a small laugh from him. Attempting to swing the door shut, it, alas, didn’t work fully, leaving it just shy of closed with a sliver of the hallway still visible as you stripped down and turned on the water. 

Hair still dripping gently onto the change of clothes you’d brought with you, creating dark splotches all the way down your back, you tip-toed out into the kitchen, finding Steve standing there with his back turned to you, placing a dripping glass onto the dishrack, and then snatching up the checkered dishtowel that was resting on his shoulder in order to dry off his hands. 

“Hey,” you leaned against the doorframe. 

“Oh,” he whooshed around, “hi, hey.”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to spook you.”

 “You didn’t, I just,” he stared at you, visibly losing his train of thought, “…how was your shower?”

“It was good,” you crossed your arms, flashing him a warm smile, “thanks again, it really was so kind of you.”

“Don’t mention it,” he breathed out, not even twitching a muscle when a sharp whistling was heard from the stove behind him. 

“Steve,” why did you almost sound out of breath? He was just looking at you, “the kettle…”

“Right,” he shook himself out of the slightly stunned state he’d fallen into, and whipped around to take care of the source of the howling, “do you want a cup of tea? Coffee?”

“Tea would be great, thanks.”

Pouring you both a cup, you eventually relocated out onto the porch. Leaning against the railing, hot enamel mugs in hand, you looked out onto the sprawling scenery that he was lucky enough to call home. 

“So,” you tapped your thumb lightly against the side of your cup, “did you always know you wanted to be an apple farmer?” you watched him lean his forearms onto the white railing, “do you come from one of those long farmer lineages?”

“Um, kinda,” he took a small sip, gazing out upon the rich orchard, ”my parents, they didn’t do this. They’re not exactly what you’d call nature folk, but my grandfather, my mom’s dad, he did. He kinda left me this place… I don’t know if he somehow knew or if he just thought I’d sell it off and use the money for something else, but when he died, and I came back here to sort everything out, I don’t know, something just kinda changed… It just hit me that I could do this and the more I dove into it the more I loved it.” His eyes flickered back to your staring, “so to answer your question, no. I didn’t always know.”

Feeling his heavy gaze upon you once more, you suddenly didn’t know how to reply and instead just looked down, trying to hide your surely flushed face, “I get it, I mean, this house is beautiful…” you kept your vision glued to the amber drink sloshing around in your cup, practically blabbering to it instead of the man beside you, “huge… do you really live here all alone? Or do you have a, I don’t know, a wife or something? Do you secretly have like six children?” you winched silently at yourself, scrambling your brain for a smooth way to recover. 

Chuckling, he replied, “no, I don’t, it’s just me here, no wife, no kids.”

“Cool, cool,” you brought the cup up to your lips, trying and most likely failing to sound casual.

“I mean unless you count the group of kids that have the tendency to break in and steal my apples as my children, then sure. It’s the fucking brady bunch over here.” 

© 2022 thyme-in-a-bubble 

#lea’s writing #farmer!steve #farmer!steve harrington #steve harrington x reader #steve harrington fluff #steve harrington #steve harrington imagine #steve harrington x fem!reader #steve harrington fanfic #steve harrington fic #steve harrington fanfiction #steve harrington hc #steve harrington headcanons

[netherworldpost]

I've been thinking about responsibilities lately. All year. Timelines. My life has been built around timelines, up until about January 2022 or so.

I hate timelines.

I am also very ambitious.

None of my ambitions are traditional and are largely non-linear.

I purposefully allowed myself to be messy in October 2022. The month started oddly and the imperfections have grown into weird, but beautiful, shapes in terms of daily schedules.

Another long, non-dramatic ramble in which to clear my head. There is no news, only words, somewhat in order, and hopefully more entertaining than ought be possible given length and substance.

Today in therapy I wrote down "board of directors" as I thought about "I should know this already."

Whether you should know a thing by now, or have built a thing by now, is such a dangerous trap. The engineering is objectively beautiful because the way out is so narrow.

Yeah, maybe. But you don't. And yet you are still here and you're still alive.

I wrote a few months ago "If the world is ending tomorrow, but we are hungry today, should we not make waffles?"

I hate timelines. They are so suffocating and irrelevant and nigh impossible to manage. I'm dealing with an old neck injury from when I got hit by a truck in 2019. I'm dealing with yet another plumbing issue. I'm dealing with A Lot of Stuff.

This is the best October of my life.

I feel the compulsion to occasionally ramble and wave a flag "this is all still coming together I promise!" and that is the genesis of this ramble.

I don't know why.

I have accepted exactly $0.00 from anyone else. I have payments due of $0.00, I always pay immediately.

I think on some level the pressure to update weekly or every other week or so, "yes I'm still working, I acknowledge all timelines to date are well past" is the last lingering hook of my old life, built on timelines, built on deadlines, built on "Here is a project. You didn't know of it before. It is coming to you Very Late and I'm Mad and You're Now In Danger."

It is good to be safe. It is an exceptionally new feeling. It is as new as January This Year through Today.

Back to work.

Thank you for this space.

My final piece: I remember as a kid reading comic books with Mortal Kombat ads, "Launching XYZ date." I was SO excited. It was delayed -- if memory serves, by a LONG time (this was 30ish years ago)

They are doing alright.

I will too once I get my office in order.

I hope you are doing alright too.

[spudking]

Mini fic ask game thing: dealer’s choice for #11

things you said when you were drunk, korrasami

One of the advantages of living with a waterbender, Asami mused, was that you never ran out of ice. Although, as she'd found out the hard way, you did have to be specific as to what you wanted freezing after a certain point in the evening. It hadn't entirely been Korra's fault Asami had to admit; someone who at that point had had minimal experience of living with indoor plumbing and was completely hammered couldn't really be blamed for deciding to freeze the tap so that they could get ice on demand. The plumber had found it funnier than she had at the time.

The music and the rumble of conversation were still audible as Asami mixed up another pitcher of Kyoshi Island Ice Tea. It had been a hard few months, and they were finally all under the same roof again, without any imminent threats. A Equalist revival movement in Republic city, some acolytes of Unalaq in the North, some rowdy spirits in the East, they'd more than earned a night to blow off steam.

"no, no, seriously!" Korra's voice was just a smidge too loud, a clear sign the drinks were beginning to take effect. "I mean it!" "And you meant it a couple of months ago, but here we are!" Mako replied, tone fond. "Face it Kor," Bolin chimed in, "When it comes to this you're a big ol' chicken." "I..." Korra huffed. "Yeah, yeah ok. I am. Like, one day she's going to wake up and realise she doesn't have to settle for me, right?" Asami was grateful for the chorus of objections. "Settle my ass," Opal scoffed. "She could have anyone!" Korra protested. "Anyone except me," Bolin added. "Yeah, ok, fair, anyone except you two because you're mushy and sweet together." Korra conceded. "But like...I don't have a job and I don't really understand how the toaster works cos the White Lotus never taught me about electricty and I'm trying because Asami's job is like...electricity and stuff...but it turns out you've got to learn other stuff before you can learn stuff which is just unfair...she's just perfect. I love her, you know?" "Yes, Korra. We know." Opal sounded amused. "And we know she loves you too. You're not subtle about it." "So you think I should do it? I should ask her to marry me?"

Asami nearly dropped the pitcher.

"Obviously," Mako said. "We've been all for it since before you first started rambling about it. Whoa, whoa, whoa! Not right now! Make it something at least a little special, not like you're asking for her to get more snacks!" "Good plan. Although we should also get more snacks."

Asami took a moment to try wipe the smile off her face, grabbing a pack of Korra's favourite seaweed crisps in her free hand before rejoining them in the living room. "Refills!"

There was a spare seat next to Korra on the sofa, but Asami, hostly duties complete, opted to plonk herself on Korra's lap instead, pulling her in for a kiss. "What was that for?" Korra asked a little dopily, hair sticking up at odd angles from where Asami's fingers had run through it. "For being you."

She ignored the looks from the others. They'd not ratted her out for having almost the same conversation a few weeks back, after all.

#ask spud #spud answers #abronzeagegod #spud scrawls #korrasami #sorry for the delay #been trying to get myself back in the habit

[firecoloredwater]

🌀

and ☔, if you want!

So I am definitely late answering this because uhhh turns out these are the hard ones. But I have today off so let's go!

🌀Post the fic summary for a fic you haven't written/published yet. It can be hypothetical or something you really plan on releasing...

...you know for once I have titles all planned out, but not summaries? This is not my usual order.

Hmmm okay let's see. Current priorities to write/post are BSAU (already posted thus already summarized), edo tensei fic, and eternal tsukuyomi fic, so....

Edo tensei fic:

The month after Tobirama completes the first iteration of edo tensei, Butsuma dies.

...yeah honestly that feels like adding anything would weaken it so uhhh I guess I'm going with that.

☔Is there a fic concept you have that you'd like to just explain and share because you're not sure you'll ever write it? If so, what is it?

*shoves the self insert fics behind a curtain* WELL

...honestly I'd like to get around to most ideas I have. Some are lower priority so I'm not likely to, but if I ever have enough time I want to. The ideas I don't have interest in actually writing tend to be one-off what ifs, which I've probably halfway forgotten a few days later, so I don't really think of them as fics exactly? Just chat

Hmmm okay it's still not a fic idea exactly but I do have a Lot of headcanons about like, canon Founding of Konoha, which could fit into a canon-compliant or near-canon fic that I'll never write. There's no plot, but headcanons I would love to cram in somewhere include:

(under a cut because haha long)

Commercial electricity wasn't brand new, but it was newish, and Konoha was among and possibly the actual first city to be built with an electric grid. Tobirama spent his free time for a week or so on reading the available information re: electrical grids, then designing Konoha's.

Konoha spent its first few years spontaneously catching fire on a frequent basis (and spontaneously flooding houses or blocks on a not quite as frequent basis, because Tobirama is not a plumbing/sewer engineer either). Tobirama blamed the Uchiha for the fires at first, then once the electrical grid is redone and the fires stop, he sulked whenever the topic was brought up for the rest of his life.

Konoha's road system was also Not Great, but that's good for defense and does not cause active problems like fires or flooding, so it was never fixed and everyone who can just goes over the roofs and skips the roads entirely.

The Senju and Uchiha never moved to form Konoha. They built a "joint mission office" between them, invited other clans to participate as well, and a town formed around the mission office catering to the clients + encampments of shinobi from other clans, until eventually Konoha was a clearly extant thing that needed to be acknowledged, but it was far too late to forbid it from being made. This is Hashirama-edition "ask forgiveness, not permission" in order to evade any political objections to the shinobi centralizing power. (Also I thiiiink I came up with this while trying to guess what @asukaskerian is hinting at in Cherry Wine, although it's probably not what's actually happening there)

The above is also why clans in Konoha have so much power; Konoha was founded on a "haha we're all still independent! This is just a bit of cooperation!" excuse, so officially Konoha is only coordinating inter-clan affairs, and has no say on matters within a clan. Thus they can't do anything about the Caged Bird seal, and so on. Other villages, formed later and openly, have more centralized power and less independent clans.

Konoha has a number of clans that were not originally from fire country, but joined due to disliking how their country's village was forming, whether in the form of specific policies or just "this village was founded by our traditional enemies, who are now making extremely insulting and damaging demands as a condition for letting us join." Other villages are Not Thrilled about Konoha poaching said clans. ("Poaching" is... varying degrees of accurate. The first few joined on their own. After that Hashirama and Tobirama made a point of identifying clans that were likely to be disgruntled with their nation's village, so they could be invited.)

Pre-Konoha the Uchiha absolutely did not marry out, ever, under any circumstances, they have slaughtered entire clans over this. Post-Konoha they did arrange a few marriages where an Uchiha who didn't have the sharingan and whose parents and grandparents also hadn't had it married out, with the condition that any descendant of that person who manifested the sharingan would rejoin the Uchiha. The idea was to spread those marriages out so that eventually basically everyone in Konoha would be descended (however distantly) from one of those marriages, so the Uchiha would have the legal right to claim any child born outside the clan from affairs or one night stands, whether the child's family wanted to give them up or not.

The Senju did have a bloodlimit, it just wasn't as useful as it was dangerous. Essentially, their chakra was not self-contained, and was perpetually slightly mixing with all nearby chakra. This meant all Senju (with this bloodlimit) could sense chakra passively in the same way most people hear and smell, and that they could to some degree communicate in secret via chakra. But it also meant that if one Senju got hit with chakra poison (rare, but extant) the poison would spread to every other Senju with the same trait and in range, and then to every Senju in their range, and etc.

This is what killed Hashirama, and at least half of the Senju clan with him, because his chakra range was approximately "everywhere." Tobirama was the only Senju with that bloodlimit to survive, because he happened to be holed up in his lab at the time, and it had seals that kept all chakra from going in or out. The remaining Senju mostly quietly joined other clans in the aftermath, and that's why Tsunade is the only Senju left by canon time.

#ask game #Naruto Founders #fanfic #thank you for the ask!

[jellorat]

Adult Home Owner Contractor Disaster

So I might have mentioned by the skin of our teeth we finally in our early 50s got our own house.

It needed a dishwasher because we cook a lot from scratch and you just can't live without one in my opinion.

This led me to hire a contractor to do the following:

Move a roof vent.

Install Dishwasher electrical socket.

Install plumbing for dishwasher.

Install Dishwasher.

Install new counters because the old ones had to be ripped out for the dishwasher. I chose butcher block because I can work with wood and could fix any issues. (Prophetic at this point.)

Install new sink, because why not, the old one was some sort of plastic.

Install a garbage disposal because why not if the whole thing is coming out.

Install an instant hot water for tea because again, why not if it's all ripped out.

I fired the guy yesterday.

So far, I have had to fix the countertops because "there are irregularities in the wood, so he could not match the corner join in the counters, and every backsplash piece was cut 1/4 inch short of the counters and 1/8 inch space between. It's bad. I sanded down the join, added the wood glue, and fixed things. I will have to rip out the backsplash when I have time and scribe them, and cut them so that they actually don't have gaps.

The dishwasher? He lost the counter clips and used wood screws then screwed them into the side, causing the door to bind and the screws to rip out with one use. he lost the blanket insulation that goes with it. I have to order spare parts and will finish that installation tomorrow.

The sink? the corners are 1/8 (or more!) up, and he never laid down any silicone sealant. Like none. I have to pull that all out, reseal it, and try to get it to lay flat. Like, who installs a sink with no sealant. He tried to tell me that's how sinks work.

He also kept no-calling, no-showing. I have pets I have to secure work-from-home arrangements to make. That was terrible.

He said he was going to use biscuits to join the counters and then used iron repair brackets. I can't even fix that unless I want to rip it off the cabinets.

I work in the dining room, so the electrical was fine as I watched, but the entire underside of my sink is strung with electrical cords. I have to move things around, so that's even a usable space.

Every shortcut you could take, he did. Like my dishwasher is a free-floating tippy mess. I paid $600 for it. It's literally the best appliance I have ever bought.

Even worse, we paid for a side cabinet that he never installed. At this point, we said to keep the money, and I texted him not to come back. He never responded to even ask about things. Basically, I paid a ransom to keep him from fucking up my house any further.

So I, a physically disabled person with diminishing physical capacity, will now have to repair this all and make sure it works.

My wife has a line on a lesbian-run contractor work group, and we are going to go there. I don't know if its' because we are both queer trans folks, but I can't take cis white straight shit anymore. I'd rather pay my own community anyways.

If it hadn't needed electrical outlets, I'd have done it myself anyways. I just thought it would be nice not to hurt myself for once, and get things set up, so we didn't have to have me flat on my back for weeks after trying to put in countertops.

I am equal parts mad and guilty that I put us through this.

#little blue house #home improvement #Contractor disaster

[shawnjacksonsbs]

Veered a little off course, for a much better entry for me. . .than the one about 7 deadly “sins” 2-25-23

"Although at times the mind may not be clear, compassion is always the appropriate response. To have mercy on our mercilessness. To leave nothing unhealed." - Stephen Levine

Intentions only go so far, and are only good for so long. Intentions without action have expiration dates.

Now.

What do I believe in?

Well, I believe in myself, and I believe in the potential of every other human being.

Where any of them fall short isn't really my problem (until it is, but that’s a different entry), but I'm here to help how, and if I can.

Where I fall short though, the strength I forged in my honesty, my truth, helps me pull myself back, all I ask is for love, and sometimes patience through kindness, like I’d show you.

I was gonna write about those 7 deadly “sins” and their virtuous opposites, and what I believe brings it to balance, mostly in the hopes of finding better balance in some areas myself. . .

I've found myself at another spot thinking though, about priorities.

I'm still watching Little House on the Prairie. I'm several episodes into season 3 now, and just watched the one where Laura's father Charles went back to the Big Wood to get his father and bring him home, because his mother passed. He missed her passing, and was in an emotional tug-of-war with his pa.

Anyways . . .priorities.

I can't seem to stray too far, for too long, especially since I have these entries once a week to help me stay on task.

Limiting those deathbed regrets is still top of the list. And all with the added bonus of living in the now with what's truly important, or picking up the slack when I recognize my priority list has slipped a little out of plumb. It's usually easy enough to get back to level-headed if I can get out of my own way, and take what others feel and say, steady, but to heart.

It's not all about me.

I can see how that might be confusing, my always writing about . . . me, and . . . my life.

But it's how I empty me out to make room for those who also belong in here with me.

I really feel for those less fortunate, that have no way to balance as well.

And I'm so grateful I have found a way for me to do just that. Grateful barely touches the surface of how I actually feel. Barely.

I still struggle, a lot actually, mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially. I'm not above any other person I know in these areas. I'm just lucky enough to have ways of coping that are healthier than my old ways.

I was just thinking the other day about when I die, hopefully later rather than sooner.

If people will come together, and what will the memories look like, feel like?

I do know one thing, as I hope for mostly positive stories, and memories, I don't want the pain and trauma and all the bad shit dismissed. All of that made me who I am, makes me who I have become. It needs to find its way to light when those who might be remembering are . . .remembering.

I had a ton of pain. I caused so much myself. When anyone remembers the person I became, just acknowledge how and why.

It could still help someone, my fucked up story. But not nearly as likely to happen if it's not the whole story, or if it's told out of context.

Have you ever thought how people, especially loved ones will be, and how you might be remembered? I mean, like immediately after, and years later, like maybe when someone grabs an old photo of you.

Smiles?

Tears?

Both?

More than likely it's both.

Scales tipping out of balance until things are overcome. I'm not unique in this, not hardly, but it's not any less impressive to me that I made it. . .out . . .made . it. .here.

I stay grate full! How could I not?

It’s not all about me.

I said that already right? Probably because, I still need to be reminded myself from time to time. For even as hard as I try, for as long as I have, it’s still easy to forget sometimes.

The way our society and culture is designed makes it seem like “selfishness” or at least being more than self-centered is how it should be. It’s way too socially acceptable to not give a shit about others. Just sayin’.

And FYI, we can do for some, for any. It doesn’t have to be all. Promise.

I love writing, especially when my heart completely takes over. It’s a whole different entry than what I intended for it to be.

What I need to say, to feel heard about, isn’t always the same as what my brain thinks I should be writing to you guys, as you can tell.

I’m closing here.

I know I feel better.

How about you? Lol no lol

Keep sharing your love and laughter with the world around, and be kind as always as possible. Although civility will work, it is the minimum right? And remember that anything that makes you feel can’t be all bad. Feeling feelings reminds us that we are human!

Until next week;

"No longer can we parse our fellow humans into the categories of ‘lovable’ and ‘unlovable.’ If love is an act of the will — not motivated by need, not measuring worth, not requiring reciprocity — then there is no such category as ‘unlovable." - Jen Wilkin

[beanbjerrum72]

Cake Art - How You Can Pipe A Buttercream Rose

A regarding bird feeders are now available in this market. There is the platform feeder, hoppers feeder and also the tube bird feeder. Each feeder has its own advantages. Each also attracts different associated with birds. Now, one step further, now because inertia = mass x velocity, say you had lots of molecules of the weight making the rounds that group. But some were moving really fast, and others slow, the faster ones are moving much faster (and acquire more inertia), they'll push the slower ones out of methods. (Yes, just like the boulder and ping pong ball) factors why you should you know it, you have the hot (fast) molecules through edge, and slow (cold) in the middle! And that's exactly what within the Vortex tube would appear that! Ratchet tube wrenches are produce of stainless steel and carbon and bring hydraulics and plumbing. The jaws of this particular type are set up with springs that snap open. They close in onto the tube or fitting. Makes it possible for them for use in small or tight spaces. Most ratchet tube wrenches are offered in as many as twelve sizes. Very first sizes are 5/8, 5/16, 1/2, and 3/4. After Observed the cap, I saw that it had only gone towards the pipe a few quarter within .. Maybe the water was messing with the glue. therefore cleaned everything back up and had her provide the other pipe, the one that had broken with the 90 on it, that this would shoot the water away from me as well as the pipe therefore the glue wouldn't get moist. At least I'm not really the one particular getting wet now. I reprimered and glued the pipe and cap. Once again I got down to force that cap back onto the pipe, however the pressure was just too strong and I simply couldn't fraud victim to stay. I again heard that little voice "maybe you should call a plumber". I am not paying someone $90 an hour to fix this after i know I'm able to do it myself. Just then, Click Here hits me, and I do think to myself you idiot, you sure wouldn't fix this, such as at business. It all starts with temperature. Temperature in simple terms is the common how fast the particles are bumping into each all the other. Because it's an average, signifies that air is constructed from fast and slow contaminants. It's hot and cold at a time! Now that square tube steel have reviewed individual components, let's with steel Buildings as a whole. These buildings consist of a great number of shapes, sizes, colors and finishes. May purchase a do-it-yourself kit or have one fashionable to your specifications. May perhaps want an exterior that matches into the present surroundings or manufactured from a specific color or finish. There are barns, airplane hangers, storage buildings, riding arenas and in some cases churches completely constructed of steel. Stainless, although is some form of steel manufactured by adding chromium and nickel to precious metal. Stainless in metallurgy is termed inox or inox steel that proceeds from the French "inoxydable". Metal contains minimal 10.5% to 11% of chromium to them. Stainless steel does n't need a separate, coating any kind of other chemical component or metal. Might be lustrous and shiny by itself.

#erw pipe #seamless pipe #spiral steel pipe #lsaw pipe #square pipe

[jim-fetter-illustrations]

We still don't get it.......

Earth now has 8 billion people—and counting, and we still don't get it!

We’ve added a billion people in just 12 years.

Well not me personally, but the rest of you mindless drone perverts who just can't keep it in your pants. (that's a joke).

We human beings are the largest growing parasite planet earth has ever faced, bar none,............. in the logic of Humans are just 0.01% of all life, but we have destroyed 83% of other life on earth.

Other life that is part of earth ecosystem, a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment that keeps earth from rotting at the core and remaining a renewing resource for life, that would be for us humans to live on?!?!?!?

Because ya see without that renewing ecosystem there is no Earth to live on, something more like the moon......

And we don't get that on the most part.

We are literally shitting where we eat, and then just letting that shit fester and disease where it lay, not realizing the danger,

like "Oh someone will clean it up?!?!?!"

But no one is cleaning it up.....

And I know, I know, you think to yourself, what the hell am I talking about, everyone has plumbing and sanitary toilets that takes their shit to the treatment plant?????

America is only 4.25% of the world, and over 60 percent of the rest of the world's population — 5 billion people — either have no toilet at home, or water plumbing that doesn't safely manage human waste.

America is the pinnacle, most successful nation that has superior plumbing, but we aren't the majority, we live in a privileged bubble compared to the rest of the world, and we aren't the norm of global responsibility towards the planet we live on. We are the Minority at best, were just powerful so we can and do threaten the rest of the planet into abiding, and that usually ends in bloody wars, so we ain't that skilled at our deplomacy because we elect warmongering simpleton's that think nuclear weapons matter, and then that transfers to other nations that think likewise, so most nations on earth collect nuclear weapons for power, which will eventually end us all one day because today there is a buildup of enough nuclear weapons to destroy the ENTIRE earth 3 times over, and that includes the moon!!!

That will indeed be a fireworks show for someone in the universe no doubt.

For us human beings, we will be dust in the solar wind as it were.

If we don't all start to take responsibility for our own actions and ignore these Trump idiots and democratic Talk-the-walk instead of Walk-the-talk morons were gonna be fucked big time.

So vote Green Party for every office across the board or tell your children to go-fuck-themselves and their futures.

It's that simple.

Get -it,..... or it will Get-You!!!

[mood-owl]

I saw this prompt and it was too good not to do, especially since our sassy boi Oscar is back. 

Sassy boi strikes again.jepg

DO NOT REPOST W/O PERMISSION!!!

#oscar pine #salem #rwby salem #rwby #volume 8 #rwby volume 8 #rwby volume 8 spoilers #???? #mood-owl does art #my search history is what color are toilet seats and im not proud of it #do you know all the plumbing ads i am getting now because of this #i should be focusing on midterms #but this was top priority #ozpin #oz #a sassy boi a day keeps the angst away #we were all thinking this right????

[five-rivers]

Beltane

Written for Ectober 2021 Day 1: Trick vs Treat. This is part of the Exhumed series.

.

Danny Fenton walked into the precinct. As often happened when he did this, all attention slowly turned to him. “Hi, Detective Patterson. Have you ever heard of Beltane?”

Patterson took a long swig of coffee through the plastic stir straw, because she felt the need to be at least a little drugged before dealing with whatever this was, and then said, “Is this the kind of thing the whole precinct needs to know about, or is it more specific to me?”

“Mm, not specific to you, but I’m not sure if everyone needs to know about it, yet.”

Despite only select members of the Amity Park police force knowing Danny Fenton had another identity, he’d become a sort of ‘ghost liaison’ for the precinct. Better him than the adult Fentons, who tended to break things even (especially) when they were being careful.

“Actually,” continued Danny, “you might have already noticed some things about it. I mean, it’s seasonal, and Mom and Dad were detecting ectoenergy and ghost activity spikes for events like this before they got the portal up and running. Although, the portal was supposed to stabilize and reduce those spikes… I guess reducing one isn’t bad?”

“Okay,” said Patterson. “I don’t really know what you’re talking about. Do you want me to go find Collins?”

“Oh, that might be a good idea.”

“Great,” said Patterson. She turned her head to shout across the room. “McGee. Go find Collins.”

“Still the new guy?” asked Danny, sympathetically.

“It isn’t like we’re a popular posting,” said Patterson, “and, thanks to the ghosts, we don’t really need new people.”

Danny nodded placidly. “I know. But it must be hard for him, don’t you think?”

.

McGee had done his job. He’d discovered the corruption in the Amity Park Police Department and plumbed its depths. The problem was that he could never, ever, report it. Even if they didn’t have a perfectly good cause for it all, what they were ‘hiding’ (and they were only barely doing that) was so ridiculous that McGee had thought he’d gone crazy at first.

Ghosts.

The whole of Amity Park was haunted. Just like it said in those touristy brochures at the front of the local diners.

He stuck his head into the break room. “Collins, Patterson and Fenton want you,” he said.

“In the normal room?” Collins asked, shoving a sugary monstrosity of a donut into his mouth.

“I have no idea. She didn’t say.”

“Normal room then. Great job, McGee.”

McGee rolled his eyes. Great job, he said. As if he’d done anything.

God. What would Halloween be like?

.

“So, it’s like, reverse Halloween?” asked Patterson.

“Well, not exactly,” said Danny. He patted Daisy, the department mascot slash corpse sniffing dog who had followed them into the small interview room, gently on the head. “Actually, there are more similarities than differences. Basically, like Halloween, we’re going to get a spike in ectoenergy. Maybe even some ectoplasmic storms. More portals. That kind of thing.” He shrugged. “Most holidays and seasonal divisions have them, you know.”

“So… we’re getting Halloween round two?” asked Collins.

“What do you bet that this is what gets McGee to snap?”

“He’s been here since December,” said Collins. “I think he’s too stubborn to leave.”

“Is he still spying?” asked Danny.

“No,” said Patterson, waving a hand. “He gave up on that, after a while. But there’s a new office bet about whether or not he’ll stay stay, or if he’ll decide to quit. We’re not allowed to join in because we know him too well.”

“Mm,” said Danny.

“I don’t actually know if I feel like I know him that well,” said Collins.

“Well,” said Danny, “it shouldn’t be as extreme as Halloween. Since, I mean, there aren’t as many religious holidays directly associated with death and stuff happening on or around May first. So. Yeah. But the thing is, there are some traditional, er, activities. Spirited activities.”

Collins suppressed a groan, and was glad that Captain Jones wasn’t available today. He and Danny could sling puns at each other for obscenely long periods of time.

“I’ve never noticed ghosts doing anything on May Day,” said Patterson.

“This is only the third year anyone’s even acknowledged that ghosts exist,” said Danny, “so I’m not really all that surprised. But the reason that I came to talk to you guys is that some of the ghosts want to do Beltane stuff. Like the fire blessings. Also, I’ve been told that some of the trees in town are secretly ghost trees, and if we don’t want to deal with another tree army, we need to do some stuff to appease them.”

“Secret ghost trees.”

“My source is very reliable,” said Danny. “Also, while I say ‘we don’t want to deal with it,’ I think we all know who’d be dealing with most of it.”

“You would,” said Patterson.

“Got it in one. Like, I can convince most of the ghosts to either do their Beltane stuff in the Ghost Zone, or somewhere out of the way. They’ll be disappointed, but I can do it. The ghost tree thing, though…”

“Can’t we just, I don’t know,” said Collins, “get rid of the ghost trees?”

“Well, they aren’t really evil ghost trees. Or even really ghost trees. They’re more… ghosts that live in trees?”

“What, like dryads?” asked Collins, raising his eyebrows.

“That’s what I said, but they’re different species, apparently.”

“Okay,” said Patterson, “so. Appeasing the trees. How many trees are we talking about here, and how are we going to appease them?”

.

“Okay, so, this is definitely a whole precinct kind of thing,” said Patterson.

“And possibly an ‘all civil servants’ type of thing,” added Collins. He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Where are we going to get the funding for this?”

“Oh, don’t worry about money,” said Danny. “I’ll just blackmail Vlad, and if that doesn’t work, I can get Mom and Dad to pay for it.”

“What,” said Collins.

“I think this might be a bit beyond your parents’ budget,” said Patterson, “but knock yourself out as far as Masters goes.”

“Well, I guess if it is,” he allowed, dubiously, “I could get the cults to pitch in?”

.

“This is nice,” said Danny. The sky was a bit overcast, which was a shame, but the hundreds of bright flowers and cheerful music more than made up for that.

The May Day celebration was, in Danny’s opinion, a success. At least, this half of it was turning out to be. He’d have to wait and see how the Spirit Bonfires went tonight before he could really make a judgement.

He’d only had to blackmail Vlad a little, too. It turned out that the ‘ruthless businessman’ in Vlad was ludicrously easy to manipulate, and once Danny brought up how a celebration like this one could revitalize local businesses and bring in tourism, he’d caved.

Although, that might have been the threat of an angry tree army. Vlad had definitely come off worse for wear in the last one, on all fronts.

Then, publically putting the Phantom Stamp of Approval (and Necessity Given The Potential Angry Tree Army) on the event had gotten buy-in from his fans and (sigh) the cults. The cults were, in fact, very enthusiastic about their new Holy Day. Danny had made a map of all the places they’d set up booths, and was studiously avoiding them.

Sam and Tucker were doing a walkthrough of that area, now, to check for problems and unadorned thorn trees. They’d arranged to meet up soon.

So, Amity Park was decked out in ribbons and flowers. All of the schools had gotten Maypoles and the day off of classes. Several bands, both human and ghostly, were playing in different parts of town.

It was chaotic, but great.

Danny briefly cut into the street to dodge a pair of college-age men play-fighting with tree branches (a genuinely important tradition symbolizing the battle between winter and summer), then walked through a wall to avoid two ghosts doing the same thing.

Finally, he reached Madame Babazita’s table.

“Hi,” he said, “three readings, please.”

“Three?” she asked. “Just for you?”

“My friends should get here before mine’s done,” said Danny. Was he channeling some predictive powers? Maybe. Holidays did make his powers weird.

.

“I have no idea what your reading is saying,” said Madame Babazita, after fifteen full minutes. “The cards simply aren’t speaking to me today. Also,” she held up an Uno card, “I’m not sure how this even got here.”

“That’s okay,” said Danny, “I just wanted to make sure it was the same as last time.”

.

“Hey! Phantom!” called Ember across the crowd of ghosts that had gathered in the cemetery. Most of them were fire or nature themed. “You’re in for a treat!”

Danny, who had been examining the flowers left on his grave, looked up. “I am?”

Ember draped her arm around Danny’s shoulder. She’d been a lot more friendly with him since the corpse incident. “Sure are.” She stepped up onto the surface of his memorial, pulling him up behind her. Danny shook off a brief chill and looked around.

Ghosts were streaming into the cemetery from various directions, bringing armfuls of flowers with them. Danny could see two, huge bonfire piles of flowers growing near the cemetery gates.

“Are there going to be cows?” asked Danny, who was still fuzzy on the details of the ghostly side of the celebrations.

“I don’t know,” said Ember. “When I’ve seen this done in the GZ there are. Here? Who knows. Maybe we’ll just walk through.”

Danny nodded, unworried. Beltane sure was an interesting holiday.

The last armful of flowers was placed, and every flower in the cemetery caught on fire at once. Including the ones on Danny’s grave. Danny yelped, jumping into flight. As an ice core ghost, he vastly preferred cold to heat.

This went without saying, but fire was very hot.

Ember grabbed his foot, and he almost kicked her. “You knew that was going to happen,” he accused.

“Sure did, babypop,” said Ember, grinning. “Come on, don’t you want to pass through the bonfires?”

Danny eyed the very large bonfires on either side of the cemetery gates. They were lit up with sparks like fireworks, shifting like flowers blooming and withering and blooming again. They were beautiful and impressive, and Danny felt like melting just by looking at them.

“I don’t know…” He wanted to, but… melting…

“Well, if you want to go out the other way and be horribly unlucky for the next year…”

Danny narrowed his eyes. “Is that another trick?” he asked.

Ember’s grin grew wider, and she took off towards the gates. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

Danny sighed and followed her.

.

“Unbelievable,” said McGee. “Absolutely unbelievable.” He gave the elderly cultist a boost into the wagon.

“I know, right?” said Patterson. “All this property damage and a low-key kidnapping,” she gestured to the hapless late night partier who had called the police when the cult got too insistent about their message, “and they didn’t even have the good drugs?” She shook her head. “Not that we ever arrest anyone just for drugs in this town.”

“I did not just hear you say that,” muttered McGee.

“We’ll make an Amity Parker out of you yet,” said Collins, heartily, slamming the back door of the wagon. He thumbed the button on his radio. “Any other disturbances?” he asked.

“No, you’re good to come back,” said the dispatcher.

“What I don’t get,” said McGee, leaning against a nearby wall in a moment of weakness, “is why we aren’t breaking up whatever cult thing is happening in the cemetery.” They’d seen it quite clearly on their way here.

“Because those are ghosts,” said Patterson.

McGee took a deep breath. “The ghosts are having some kind of ritual in the cemetery, and you aren’t worried.”

“Not really, no.”

“I hate it here,” said McGee.

“Do you, though?” asked Collins, sounding genuinely interested in the answer.

McGee opened his mouth to snap back that, yes, he did. But…

Hm. Huh.

Collins patted him on the back.

#danny phantom #ectober #ectober 2021 #ectoberhaunt 2021 #ectoberhaunt trick #ectoberhaunt treat #ectoberhaunt day 1: trick vs treat #fic #fanfic #exhumed

[irrelevantwriter]

Unspoken

Pairing: Rio (Good Girls) x Female Reader/You

Rating: Explicit, NSFW

Warnings: Language, vaginal fingering, public sex, car sex, unprotected vaginal sex, mild choking, mention of bodily fluids, shitty exes, petty Rio (yaaaass)

Word Count: 5.8K

Summary: Part 6. Feelings were shared. Where does that leave you and Rio? A dinner with your ex? A car in a dark parking lot? 

A/N: The last part is here! Though as I said yesterday I am definitely not calling this the end. I have lots of ideas for Rio and I’ve thought about adding to this in the future as inspiration hits. I’ve also thought about developing a Rio x OFC fic and/or something for Beth x Rio. I’ve had a lot of fun writing and exploring his character so I’m nowhere near close to done. And I also need to shoutout the ladies from the discord for this part. They suggested it and I ran with it (as I do). So big thank you to @woahitslucyylu, @whatupitshuff, and @fvckthisbxtchup! You inspired this. Be proud of yourselves. Anyway, I hope you guys like it. Feedback is that good shit. 💗

*Read Part 1 here

*Read Part 2 here

*Read Part 3 here

*Read Part 4 here

*Read Part 5 here

*Give and Take series masterlist

*Masterlist in bio.

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

He sighed, turning off the engine and checking his phone one last time for messages. The restaurant lot was full, patrons shuffling in and out of the newest establishment in downtown Detroit. It was in a historic building that had obviously recently been renovated, though efforts had been made to keep its old world charm. The restaurant was a place he’d yet to visit and this impromptu pop-up offered the perfect opportunity for him to do so.

Rio exited his vehicle into the cool air of the night. It wasn’t frigid, but it was enough for those outside to don a jacket. He stuffed his hands into his pockets as he made his way to the entrance, noting the stylish fashions of most of the restaurant's occupants. He didn’t worry about the supposed dress code. Wearing black often gave him an air of sophistication, even with the tattoo splashed across his throat. It was a duality he’d mastered over the years. The tattoo kept him grounded to his roots. His nature. His business. The wardrobe kept him aligned with the civilian world. People would often eye his throat warily, suspicion clear in their gaze. But one look at the clean lines of his pressed shirt and somehow they’d come to the conclusion that he’d made a mistake as a young kid. Got involved in the wrong crowd. Hadn’t gotten around to getting the hideous atrocity on his neck removed. They believed what they wanted to believe.

Cowards.

He smiled at the passing elderly couple as he held the door open for them, their smiles making their eyes crinkle at the edges. They probably thought he worked there. He stepped through the threshold, taking in the dim lighting and soothing melody of jazz that filtered through the space. His eyes scanned the open area with practiced diligence until he found what he was looking for amongst the black booths that ran the length of the right wall. They were high and designed for privacy, but he could spot your face anywhere.

The hostess greeted him and he politely gestured to the booth you sat at, easing by the podium as she took a moment to trail her eyes along his body. He smirked at the blatant attempt at flirtation, not bothering to return the sentiment. Instead, he weaved through the aisles of tables as he made his way towards you.

Your brow was tensed, your lips pursed. The discomfort showed on your features, all the way down to your stiffened shoulders. He watched as you took a sip from your wine, nodding along to whatever the person across from you had said. When he came into view, your eyes widened, almost comically so. He grinned, finding your shock amusing. It was the exact reaction he was going for.

“Hey mama, sorry I’m late.” He announced as he made it to the table. He ignored the couple sitting with you and leaned down to press a kiss to your temple, feeling you sway into it despite your obvious surprise.

“Uh...h-hi.” You choked out, shifting over so that he could slip in next to you.

He shed his jacket as he sat down, pulling you close once he’d gotten comfortable. You let him maneuver you, still trying to understand why he was there. He could see the slight panic in your eyes, as if he were here for business purposes, crashing a dinner as a strategic move. But that couldn’t have been farther from the truth.

His eyes finally met Paul’s, your ex, and then slid over to his fiancé’s at his left. They both looked just as stunned as you, except for the displeasure that radiated from Paul’s gaze and onto him. His fiancé, Erica, he thought her name was, looked intrigued; curious about his arrival.

“Sup, man…” Rio greeted, extending his hand for Paul to take. He let it hang in the air for a moment, eyes trying to remain unflinching against his. After only a second, the man broke eye contact. He reluctantly took Rio’s hand and shook it, his palm sweaty and warm.

“Who is this?” Erica questioned after she realized no one was going to introduce him.

“Oh, um...sorry. This is Rio.” You replied shakily, looking at him as if trying to convince yourself that he wasn’t a figment of your imagination.

He noticed your nervousness and rested his left hand on your bare knee, gently squeezing in silent reassurance. He felt you relax immediately, your body uncoiling beside his and once again seeking out his touch.

“Nice to meet you.” Rio smoothly directed to Erica, taking her offered hand. She smiled back in return, her lips painted a vivid pink. It was a harsh shade and one that made her look like she’d been playing dress-up. He knew from the comments you’d made to him that Erica was not the woman you’d caught Paul with during your marriage. It’d been someone different. Someone from his firm. But you’d quickly pieced together that there had been many throughout the years. All slightly younger and the exact opposite to you in appearance.

Rio let his eyes covertly take in the woman across from him. She wasn’t unattractive. But she also wasn’t someone he’d ever think about leaving you for.  

“You’ve met Paul. And this is Erica.” You stated, hand gesturing to the uncomfortable-looking couple across the table.

Rio nodded in their direction, Paul’s stare still unmoving. He sat straight and rigidly, the arm that sat around Erica’s shoulders now taut and awkward looking. He found satisfaction in that. He let his own arm rest comfortably across your shoulders, his fingers dancing along your upper arm in soothing patterns. He felt you shiver in response.

“We didn’t know you were coming.” Erica said with a smile, giggling for whatever reason.

“Oh yeah, last minute change of plans.” He propped his chin into his hand and met your eyes, seeing the relief in them.

You’d told him about the dinner three nights ago when he’d been at your house. He was in your bed, lounging against the headboard after he’d fucked you on the stairs. And then once again on the dining table. You were checking your phone, mumbling curses to yourself when he’d asked you what was wrong. You’d complained about your ex and how he was now suggesting a dinner alone with you and his fiancé to “talk some things over”. The whole thing seemed innocuous enough to him, but you’d insisted Paul had an ulterior motive, which according to you, never meant anything good. You’d been worried ever since. Anxious about having dinner alone with them and dreading the reason he wanted to meet.

Rio had funneled the information out, not giving it much thought because your ex was none of his business. But something had struck him the night before when you’d called. He’d been going over some of his books, mind completely focused on numbers, when his phone rang. You were in the bathtub, voice tinged with ease and alcohol. Just wanted to hear your voice, you’d said. And for some unknown reason, that sliver of vulnerability made his chest feel tight. He hadn’t stopped thinking about it since.

The newest development in your situation was slow-going. After that night in his car and the semi-proclamation of feelings, you’d both taken cues from the other, waiting for someone to speak up and declare...something. None of that had happened though. What had happened was amazing sex on the regular and sporadic outings to dine. He preferred not to call them dates because they really hadn’t been. They were usually moments right after a round of rigorous sex when neither of you had eaten. It was usually a decision agreed upon mutually and without fanfare. Just two people who were hungry and accompanying the other. The barest of human needs. Just like the sex. It was satiation.

But even he knew that there was an underlying current of unsaid words. Which is why your tipsy admission had startled him. For so long you’d both denied what was so obvious. It was practically a subconscious act now. And he realized, as long as he let you dictate the speed, you’d come to him. As long as he didn’t push or ask for more, you’d show up. And you had. So now, so was he.

“Something to drink?” The waiter asked, interrupting the tense moment.

“Vodka on the rocks, please.” Rio replied, the waiter nodding and disappearing into the fray.

“So, Rio…” Paul finally spoke up, clearing his throat as he straightened his tie. It seemed he’d found his voice. “I take it you don’t actually deal with home plumbing.” He said the sentence snidely and with a poignant glance in your direction. “So what is it that you do?” He finished, swirling the amber liquid in his glass.

He could feel you tense up beside him.

“I own a couple of businesses.”

“What kind of businesses?” Paul retorted, an eyebrow raised in doubt.

“The kind that do business.”

A moment of silence stretched out as Paul took in the nonanswer. Rio could see the wheels working in his head, see him weighing the pros and cons of arguing with him on the matter. The man opened his mouth, more than likely to continue to probe, but Erica beat him to the punch.

“How’d you guys meet?” She implored with an excited gleam, clearly hoping for a magical meet-cute moment that had never happened.

“Bar bathroom.” Rio said with a smug smile, enjoying the sputtered cough you expelled.

“He means outside of a bar bathroom. We sorta ran into each other.” You hastily lied, biting into your lip when his arm shifted off your shoulders and under the table, landing on your knee once again. He let his palm glide over the swatch of skin afforded to him by your dress, feeling your thighs clench together the higher he got.

“That’s adorable.” Eric chimed in, a genuine smile plastered on her pink lips. The same couldn’t be said for Paul, who looked as if he’d tasted something bitter.

Rio snickered because nothing about what either of you had been doing in the time since you’d met was adorable. It was the exact opposite. And he thrived off of it.

He turned his attention on you, hovering close to your ear, his fingers trailing along your inner thigh as he ignored the other diners at the table. “You good, mama?” He rasped, knowing what the action did to you.

Your eyes weren’t on him. They were shifting anxiously between Paul and Erica, concerned with the proximity of his lips and hand. Of course, they couldn’t see his arm disappearing beneath your dress, but they did notice the intimacy of the moment. Erica’s eyes looked on in admiration while Paul’s darted to anywhere but the two of you.

“Yeah.” You breathlessly replied, your own hand coming to rest on his. You squeezed and then set your gaze on his, reassuring him.

“You sure?”

His eyes flicked to your mouth, the flesh wet from both your lipstick and your tongue. He licked his own as he got lost in thoughts of tasting you.

You nodded, your eyes following the movements of his tongue, seemingly just as entranced as he was.  

The moment was shattered with the waiter bringing Rio’s drink and taking food orders. It was for the better. He couldn’t very well fuck you on the table, though he’d save that fantasy for nights when he couldn’t have you.

Everyone kept the conversion polite and vague, choosing to stay away from certain topics. It was rigid and uncomfortable for everyone involved, unsurprisingly so. The subject transitioned to the kids, upcoming events and appointments being the main points. The food arrived and Rio busied himself with eating an exquisite dinner. The food was delicious and he had a fleeting thought about investing into something like this. He owned the bar and had arrangements with other small businesses, but he’d been hesitant to enter the restaurant realm. It was tricky. There were always new places offering something no other eatery could. He’d have to get with the owner, Joel Pinet. Rio knew him from around the neighborhood. His own bar was only a couple of blocks away and he’d met Joel on more than one occasion, the man a regular in his establishment.

“What’d you mean you won’t be here this summer?”

Your question brought him back to the moment, the irritation in your voice making him alert. His dark eyes settled on Paul as he twirled his fork in his pasta. The action annoyed Rio.

“Erica and I are going to Europe over the summer.”

“He promised to take me.” She chimed in, giddy and blissfully unaware of the anger mounting between the exes.

Your narrowed gaze bounced between the two, your irritation palpable. You were stiff as your spine straightened against the booth. “What about the kids? The summer is when they have time with you. They look forward to it.”

Paul raised his hand in a placating gesture and Rio noticed how your lips pinched together in response, as if physically restraining yourself from saying something. You were a better person than he was. The man across from him was barely that, and barely one that deserved your attention, much less the wasted love of a ruined marriage.

“I’ll make it up to them. But we’ve had this trip planned for months.”

“And you didn’t think to tell me that?”

“Because I knew how you’d react.”

“Yeah, because the summer is your time, Paul.”

Paul sighed, as if frustrated with your reasonable argument. “So we’ll switch. You’ve had to have my help with alternating weekends when stuff comes up.”

“For work. Not a trip to fucking Europe.” You seethed, voice low but spewing with venom.

Rio only looked on, silently admiring your ability to not beat the guy’s ass. He deserved it. He was a piece of shit husband and an even bigger piece of shit father.

“The kids will be fine. We’ll be gone for a few weeks and then they can come stay with us for the remainder of the summer.” He brushed off your concerns, seeing no real issue with forgoing time with his children to peruse foreign streets.

Rio scoffed at the boldness. The action didn’t go unnoticed.

“Something to say?” Paul directed at him, his chest posturing in a show of male dominance.

Rio laughed lowly, amused by the man’s antics. How you’d ever ended up with someone like that was a mystery to him. After seeing your determination, your fire, Rio had been enthralled. He’d recognized something raw inside of you. Something that matched him. Outwardly, you appeared to be opposites. Strangers from two different worlds. But inside you were more alike than either of you really understood. There was something waiting to be uncaged within you. Waiting for a reason to be unleashed. He was going to get you there. Because you deserved to see your potential, even if the bitch of a man across from you didn’t.

“Nah man...you clearly got the situation under control.” Rio taunted, the sarcasm dripping from his words. He clenched his jaw and swallowed, two sets of eyes watching the bird at his throat move. It was his own alpha display. His own performance of just who king dick was. And it wasn’t your ex.  

When it was clear that Paul wasn’t going to rise to the occasion, Rio drained the last of his drink and turned to face you. He lowered his lips to your ear and spoke so only you could hear.

“You ready to go, darlin’?”

“Yeah.” You said with a sharp nod of your head, chin held high in reproach towards the man opposite you.

Rio stood, grabbing his jacket and helping you slide out of your seat. His eyes never wavered from Paul’s as he did. You smoothed out your dress, clutching your purse and not bothering to acknowledge the couple at all. He dug into his pocket for his wallet and made a show of grabbing a few crisp hundred dollar bills. He pulled out two and threw them on the table.

“Dinner’s on me. Keep the change, yeah?” He offered with a smirk, letting his hand come to rest on your lower back. He led you away, keeping his touch secured to you as you stepped into the night.

You released a sigh immediately and then inhaled, eyes closing as if centering yourself. He watched you closely, wondering if he’d see tears in your eyes when you opened them. Instead, he saw amusement. A laugh erupted from your throat, your chest shaking as the volume grew with each passing second. He only watched, entertained by the sound. For the first time that evening, he let his eyes trail along your body. Your dress was black and velvet, hitting just below the knee. There was a small slit up the side, exposing the smooth flesh of your thigh. A tie was cinched around your waist, accentuating your figure, while short sleeves helped stave off the chill in the air. The entirety of you was elegant...captivating, and far too striking to be meeting up with your ex-husband for dinner.

Your laughter died down when you noticed his gaze. You stepped towards him, holding your purse in front of you so that your cleavage pulled his focus. He licked his lips and waited as you crowded his space, your perfume swirling into a fog around him. He studied your face, noting the tiny details he often overlooked. You were beautiful, a fact that never went unnoticed by him, but sometimes he forgot just how much. And he wondered if you’d always been this attractive or if it was just the blinding haze of attraction that made him think so. Either way, he didn’t really care. It didn’t change how much he ached to fuck you.

“How’d you know where I’d be?”

“I got my ways.” He offered, taking in the way your lashes fluttered at him. It was a familiar tell. One he’d come to associate with you flat on your back and gazing up at him, usually with his cock buried to the hilt inside of you.

“Thank you.” You whispered, sobering for a second so that he could read the honesty across your features. There was that vulnerability again. And his chest tightened just as it had the previous night.

“No problem.”

You took a step back and waited as he began to follow you to your car. You’d parked along the side of the building and he noted how full the lot still was. You halted once you noticed his SUV next to your car, stopping at the bumper and turning to face him.

“Your car?” You asked, nodding in the direction of the black G Wagon.

He wordlessly nodded, once again using the moment to appreciate the way your dress hugged your frame. He appraised your black heels and the deep red polish that adorned your toes, remembering that last time he’d seen you they’d been a light pink. He waited and watched as you walked to the passenger side of his car, fitting yourself in the space between the two vehicles.

“How tinted are your windows?” You asked, the innocence in your words making him suspicious. “Like no one can see in kind of tinted?”

You stared at him as you waited for his reply, biting your bottom lip in a way that could only be described as seductive.

“Yeah, why?”

You grinned, pleased with his answer. His face remained expressionless as you looked around the lot, the area void of other people. You slowly reached under your dress, careful not to expose yourself. Your hands disappeared under the skirt and then reappeared a second later, a scrap of dark green lace trailing down your legs. Your gaze stayed on him as you stepped out of the underwear and dangled them on your fingers, a proud grin making its way onto your lips. You flung the panties in his direction and he caught them against his chest.

“Open the door.” You softly demanded, gesturing to the rear passenger seat.

Rio let your words hang in the air, taking satisfaction in seeing you begin to squirm. There was doubt in your eyes, like perhaps he’d turn you down. You hadn’t caught on to the fact that he could do no such thing.

He took mercy on you, figuring you’d had enough unease for the night and found the key in his jacket pocket, hitting the button. The lights of the car flashed as the vehicle unlocked itself. You sent him a playful smile as you got in without another word, the door closing behind you with a resounding echo. He chuckled and shook his head, biting his lip as he pocketed your panties and walked to the other side of the vehicle. He got in, sliding in next to you and discarding his jacket along the way. He seated himself in the middle and you immediately straddled his lap. His hands found their way under your dress, skimming the soft planes of your thighs.

“So that’s what it takes, huh?” He whispered against your lips, leaning into your touch that ran along the back of his neck.

“What?”

“Me being a dick to your ex. That’s what it takes.” He supplied, hands gliding further under your dress until they began massaging your ass. You moaned at the sensation, eyes fluttering shut as you ground down onto his crotch.

“Takes a little more than that.” You insisted, your hips rocking against his in a sensual rhythm.

“Let me see.” He gruffly commanded, chin angling to the hem of your dress that was bunched around your thighs.

You stilled your hips and did as he requested, lifting the fabric and exposing your bare slit to his hungry eyes. He could see the evidence of your arousal, even in the dark. Your pussy glistened in the muted light of the night, swollen and needy for him like aloe to a scathing burn. He reached forward and ran his index finger along your opening, making you jump at the contact. He instantly became drenched in you, the clear stickiness coating his finger. Your hips searched for a firmer hand, wordlessly begging him to slip past your lips.

“You seem plenty wet for me already, ma.” He taunted, letting his finger press against your clit. You gasped and bit your lip, nails digging into the tops of his shoulders.

“Rio...please,” You pleaded, chasing his touch every time it disappeared from your body.

His dick twitched at the sound of his name falling from your parted lips. It was something you’d only recently started doing, using his name in bed. He was addicted to the sound of it. You always said it with desperation and longing, usually while clinging to him in trembling pleasure.

“What do you need?”

You gripped his wrist and directed his finger into your waiting walls in response. He was  overcome with heat and slick immediately. You both released moans that signaled just what it did to you to be so intimately joined.

“That what you need, baby?” He added another finger while his thumb continued to massage your clit. He could feel you clench around him, nipping at your chin as your moans turned to whimpers.

“More.”

“Let me see all of you.” He ordered, his free hand pulling at the neckline of your dress.

You dutifully obeyed, pulling your arms out of the garment and slipping it down to rest around your waist. The same shade of green that had adorned your lower half also encased your breasts, the lace affording him glimpses of your hardened nipples. He curled his fingers inside of you in reciprocation, reaching up to mouth at your neck. Your hands held him to you, running along his scalp and sending bolts of electricity straight to his dick. He shifted his hips in search of friction, feeling the warmth from between your thighs calling to him.

“Feel good?”

“Yes…” You breathed, unclasping your bra and hurriedly pulling the lace away. He followed your lead and trailed wet kisses across your flesh, his tongue reaching out to taste you. You pushed your chest into him in return.

“You can take more, right mama?” He urged, not bothering to wait for your answer. He added another finger, his movements speeding up as he reached that sweet spot deep within.

“Fuck, fuck…” You cursed, riding his fingers while he sucked at your nipple.

He worked your body like a fine-tuned car, hitting each switch with expert precision. He could read your face, gauge the tension in your limbs the further he brought you to the edge. His guilty pleasure was watching you cum, watching you uninhibited and practically blessing his very existence. He knew if he flicked his wrist more to the left and pressed down on your clit at the same time that you’d call out his name. He knew if he bit down on your breast he’d be rewarded with your pussy fluttering around him. He knew if he told you how good you looked, how good you felt, you’d cum...and hard.

“You look so good like this. Like you belong to me.” He praised. You gasped, throwing your head back, and he knew you were close. “Who gets you like this? Who makes you feel this good?”

“You do.”

“That’s right. No one else.” He affirmed, thrusting his fingers as rapidly as he could at that angle. The muscles in your thighs twitched as you came, tightening around his fingers in a way that made him long for it to be his dick instead. He let you ride out the ecstasy, your body rocking into the stiffness pressed along his zipper. Your head was thrown back, your mouth agape as a litany of cries and moans filtered through the air. He could make out the rasp of his name amongst the sounds. He could feel the surge of moisture as it slid down his hand. You were enraptured; a victim to his touch.

He waited until your body had stilled, the aftershocks having long passed, before he slipped from your clutches. He caught your hooded gaze and slowly took his slickened fingers into his mouth, your essence exploding onto his tongue. He savored you, taking in the way your chest expanded with each breath. Your fingers curled into his shirt and dragged along his chest, your hips dropping down to grind into him. He barely had enough time to remove his fingers before you were pulling his lips to yours. Your tongue coaxed his into your mouth and he could taste the remnants of the wine you’d drank. The alcohol mixed with you, creating an erotic elixir, one that had him intoxicated. He hissed against your lips, bucking his hips when you unzipped his pants and licked your palm in a show of lustful desire.

“I need you. Inside.” You panted between kisses, situating your pussy over him as you stroked his throbbing flesh.

Rio slid his hand up between your breasts and grasped your neck, feeling your pulse jump. He tilted your chin towards him and ensured your eyes were nowhere else but on him.

“Put me in. Go slow.” He squeezed his fingers around your throat as you moved, angling the head of his cock along your folds. You released a shaky breath as you eased him into you, gaze not wavering. He rested against the seat as he took in the view, licking his lips. He tsked and maneuvered your chin back in position when your eyes began to close, the fullness of him stretching you tight.

“Keep going, mama. All of it.”

You held his forearm, the one still attached to your neck, as you bottomed out, your ass finally meeting his thighs. Your pussy sucked him, walls gripping him with an unforgiving strength. You both remained still, relishing the myriad of sensations that assaulted your restless bodies.

“Touch yourself.”

You worked your hands over his arm, cupping your breasts at his request. Your movements mirrored his, matching the force and pressure of how he usually touched you. He was transfixed by you. Utterly lost in the way your body begged for him and still wanted more. He respected your greediness. Could understand the need for more once a craving had been satisfied. It was the business he was in. He was an expert on the matter. And he’d deliver for you.

His left hand dug into the flesh of your ass in a show of impatience. You caught on and started to move, leaning down to nibble at his throat. Your pace was languid, almost lazy as you swiveled your hips. Each down thrust had you rubbing your clit along his pelvic bone, triggering your pussy to spasm.

“Rio...”

There was a warning in your tone. He could hear it clearly as you bounced on his cock, the plea almost drowned out by the slapping of bodies.

“Shit, already?” He asked, somewhat surprised at the rate at which your body was responding to him. He let both of his hands fall to your ass, directing you forward so that he could thrust. You whimpered into his ear as his hips pushed up and into you, hitting deep. You clamped down around him, making him squeeze his eyes shut.

“Right there. Don’t stop.” You gasped, face buried into his neck as he slapped your ass. The hit made you convulse. So he did it again.

The closing in of your walls made him double his efforts. He secured his arm around your waist and held you steady. He kept your pussy at his desired angle as he fucked you, hearing that hitch in your breath that let him know you were on the cusp of orgasm.

“M’gonna cum.” You slurred, primal lust making the words run together. His dick swelled inside of you, his balls tightening with every desperate breath you expelled. He could feel that familiar tingle at the base of his spine start to expand, signaling to him what was coming next. He worked his hand between your bodies, gathering moisture and ravaging your clit. You jerked in surprise, yelping when his touch didn’t retreat or ease up.

“Too much.”

“Nah, you take it, ma. You take it and you cum for me.” Rio provoked, forcing you to abide by his commands.

Seconds later you were doing as he said once again, cumming on his cock with a force that made him grit his teeth. Your body shuddered as barely intelligible words floated from your lips. You nuzzled further into him while he continued to chase his own release. He dug his fingers into your hips and thrust, the rapid speed making the car sway. He could already tell the windows were fogged up, the stench of sex permeating the air. You were boneless as you sat astride him, your soft moans of residual pleasure going straight to his dick, luring him off the edge.

“Fuck,” He growled, feeling the eletric shocks of climax start to claim him. He closed his eyes and buried his face into the crook of your neck, teeth biting down into the otherwise unblemished skin. He held you firm as he emptied his cum and filled you, rivulets already beginning to spill from your connected bodies. His chest moved with the rapid beats of his heart as the entire moment culminated into a drug-level euphoria.

Minutes ticked by as you both struggled to catch your breath and calm your racing hearts. Rio felt you ghost a kiss along his jaw; a low, satisfied laugh making him smirk.

“You think anyone heard us?” You asked, beginning to shift in his arms.

Beyond the fogged windows, the lot was still without people. But who knew who’d walked by in the meantime. The SUV wasn’t necessarily equipped to withhold sound, though it could cause a bullet to ricochet.

“Probably.” He let you sit up, eyes falling to your still naked chest. You both seemed to have an affinity for fucking in public spaces.

You eased forward to kiss him, the action much more intimate than it’d been moments ago. Your fingers trailed along his jaw and combed through his facial hair, a gesture he secretly loved. His own hands skimmed your back, eliciting shivers that radiated down your body.

“I didn’t ask you to do this.” You whispered once you’d pulled away, eyes imploring him to understand what you meant.

He did. He knew what this kind of gesture meant. He’d been truthful in confessing his want for you. It was a selfish need. Something that grew because you’d continuously denied him. And then it’d shattered before it’d even had a chance to become anything. And during that time he’d admitted to himself that he was willing to compromise. To follow your rules. And as a boss who ran his own shit by his own decree, it was difficult to come to terms with. But he’d done it. Why? Because something told him it’d be worth it. Whether for the great sex or the companionship.

Time would tell.

He ran his finger along your cheek, observing the way you fell into the touch. “You didn’t have to.” He assured you, meaning every word.

“Thank you.”

“You already thanked me, darlin’.”

“Well, thank you again.” You smiled, pressing your chest to his.

“Call it even.” He joked, gesturing to the state of your bodies still twisted around each other.

“Let’s get some pizza.” You suggested suddenly, pulling the sleeves of your dress back up, sans bra.

He laughed at both your words and the fact that you were getting dressed with his dick still sheathed inside you. “You hungry?”

“I didn’t get to finish my dinner.” You reminded him, retying the tassel around your waist. His hands sluggishly skimmed your thighs, stopping to squeeze whenever you suddenly straightened. “Oh, what about that food truck you took me to last week? The one with the fried mac and cheese?”

Rio took in your enthusiasm, finding it endearing. He didn’t have to use words to figure out where your head was at in all this. It was written on your face. In your voice. Beaming from your eyes and seeping from your pores. And like so many other things between you, it would go unsaid. For now. Because that’s just how it was. And maybe it was fucked up. But it didn’t invalidate any of the chemistry between you. Words just...weren’t needed. And that was sort of how it had always been.

“I got you.” He assured, patting your ass as he did. You beamed at him, not knowing that his words ran much deeper than a meal.

Rio Tags:

@tomhardydallasstarsgirl​

@thebookisbtr​

@beardburnsupersoldiers​

@nina-nkl​

@gemini0410​

#rio #rio good girls #good girls rio #rio x reader #rio x you #rio imagine #rio fanfiction #rio fanfic #nbc good girls #good girls nbc

[sereisstuff]

𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 // Suguru Niragi

Warnings - Swearing, mentions of blood. Implied violence, mentions of bullying. The reader kinda has a savior complex.

word count - 3k

Italics + bold in the beginning is a flashback. Anything beyond the keep reading sign is present tense.

Also this was a first attempt, it’s somewhat what I could come up with at the moment, I was having mixed feelings towards Niragi because of the controversy surrounding his character and fan fictions but he is a fictional character, I’ll leave it at that.

“Leave him alone” 

You screamed bloody murder, watching as tears cascaded down his dewy cheeks running down towards his blood coated collar, baring the harsh texture of a softball plumbing against his broken nose. You witnessed his pleas and the pitiful cries he broke into for someone to help him, it was heart-wrenching.

Your voice broke their trance of hatred towards the poor boy, making you their focus of humour. The boy who seemed a year or two older than yourself coughed taking advantage of the situation to relish his tears onto the floor whilst grasping his stomach in pain. A moment so awful could only bring entertainment for the crowd. 

“Or what princess, are you gonna beat me up for it?” he scoffed, pointing towards Niragi grimly. His lips slithering into a deceitful grin and you swore, a glint of evil was shining behind his cowardly eyes.

You clenched your fist tightly feeling the silver rings bare against your cold hands, this seemed to amuse the group of them as a harmonious wave of laughter flooded beneath the bridge “How cute, a feeble thing like you challenging me? just like a little red riding hood” he muttered, his large feet padded across the cement, advancing towards your figure.

You felt your heart race in anticipation swiping a quick look towards the harmless boy shaking on the floor, angering you to your core. Like the swindling wind, your mind was running in chaos, calculating his every step with a cold glare strung to his eyes. You could almost feel your own body shaking but not in fear, no. In rage. 

“Look at her, she’s afraid of you” one interrupted with a grin, simply ignored his assumption with a raised brow. You were somewhat tall but he still stalked over you like a tree. Rooting your feet into the ground, you spoke “I’m not afraid of you, or any of you for that matter. I’m afraid of what will happen if you touch him one more time and trust me, I won’t be the one shaking in fear, that’s a promise. So go ahead, keep calling me princess, I dare you” your threat was taken lightly although the fear was evident in a few of their eyes once they witnessed the honesty in your eyes. 

A promising advance.

“You're funny, isn’t she funny? How about we make a joke out of you?” He threatened baring his teeth at you.

Your neck craned to meet his eyes, daring him to do as he pleased. One of his members gripped his hand in an attempt to pull him away “just let it go, we can get him next time” 

But he didn’t budge, ripping his friend's hand out of his own and raising it mighty in the air with a subtle hope of destruction lingering between his finger tips. He snarled out his reply “No, I’ll show her what you get when you don’t mind your own business”

You laughed, mocking his accusation, pushing him towards his wits end “That’s it you bitch” 

His hand came crashing down only stopping once you caught his wrist, twisting it around behind his back so he could squirm in pain. The others with slight moral decency, cowered in surprise, backing away from their beloved.

“You like that, huh?” You laughed, now it was your turn to become the heartless monster they awfully played “Does it feel nice being thrown around” you mocked him once more, kicking him into the floor with a nice swing of your boot covered foot, harshly connecting with his stomach so he pummeled in absolute pain.

“Your pathetic, the whole lot of you”

You rested your leg against his soon to be bruised stomach, glaring at everyone of them “Get out of here, before the same happens to you” your tone was stern and clear, sending them a threatening message they received. Although some hesitated but followed like little sheep in a herd, you bent down to their leaders face gripping strands of his hair and pulling his face to meet yours.

“Run along little lamb, watch your herd follow you” 

You made sure they were out of sight before you came back to the realization of the poor boy lying in his own puddle of tears and blood, advancing towards him in a state of worry, you bent down in front of him, arms to your sides in hopes he would understand you were no threat to him. He lifted his head slightly, his left eye of his frames was cracked and his other eye was forming a purplish bruise, you would have done a lot more than that if only you had the time.

“Hey, it’s okay. I’m not gonna hurt you” you whispered softly grasping his attention, beneath his dampened strands he peaked up, a murmur of pain could be heard and beneath his hisses he gradually spoke “Th-thank you” 

“It’s fine, what they did was terrible. I hope you realise that you don’t deserve that” he had no strength to smile and only nod in understanding and suddenly it dawned on you. You had bandages and wipes in your bag, hanging out with a group such as yours you always had to be aware of any bruise and injury, what came with the mix of people you had was prone to wounds and you always came prepared for tragic things.

“I’ll be back” you spoke, standing up with a slight buckle in your knees and the pulsating pain in your fists, you so effortlessly ignored the more wounded. You gripped the straps, throwing it around your forearm and running back to him. You pulled out the bandages and the alcoholic wipes as you tapped his shoulder so he could look up from his dissociation.

“Do you mind?” you asked carefully, tipping your head towards his open wound on his cheek.

He looked at you, knitting his brows in thought. Processing what you said as he weighed out the idea that you were in fact being kind, he nodded looking into your eyes as you almost crumbled at the sight. The pain and hurt hidden behind those doe eyes was painful, you could almost hear the pleas again and you couldn’t bear the thought of that ever happening to you again, so you touched up his cuts with a hiss here and there until he spoke.

“Niragi…...my name is Suguru Niragi” 

Your eyes were blindfolded, fear seeping through your clothes, you didn’t know how you got here only to the point where you suddenly couldn’t breathe, you clawed against the callous fingers wrapped tightly around your neck until you couldn’t anymore.

“How long has she been here?” You heard piquing your interest, your head tipped in surprise hearing multiple voices jump to their question.

You had accepted your fate of death multiple times before this one but something told you to continue, to persevere past your inability to continue. So you did, in an attempt to relish your curiosity and fear, you spoke “Where am I??” silence was your given reply, amongst the void of people you weren’t aware surrounded you, a stern voice spoke with demand “We don’t treat future members like this, take her blindfold off” 

The void you’d been getting used to was finally ripped from your sight and you could suddenly feel the warmth of sun melting into your frozen complex, just as much as you could feel, you also saw. It was unlikely to enjoy such small things like this but in a world of torture, not even people could bring you peace, not anymore at least.

“She seems tattered, this wasn’t our doing wa-” before he could finish his sentence, someone interrupted 

“it’s you?”

 A voice you could recognise anywhere spoke with excitement, his laugh echoing through the room as it bounced off the walls, that didn’t sound like him. That sounded like someone who loved to live in an immoral world chasing sheep after sheep, until you fall into a pit never to come out again.

“How wonderful! I see you two seem well acquainted. I don’t suppose it was from the games?” Niragi shook his head with a grin, he seemed relieved to see you but you couldn’t say the same. You could tell by his appearance he seemed less empathetic, he had just as much reason too but it seemed edging. 

His piercings added to his already threatening look, somewhat seductive to the eye and appealing, far beyond his student years.

“Not at all hatter, me and y/n go way back, don’t we? My little red riding hood” he asked, finally staring into your stern orbs. You felt threatened, the gun leaning against his broad shoulders slid down his arms as he gripped into, pointing it towards your bitter face, his aim was reckless but it didn’t mean it still didn’t shake something in you, you flinched at the sight.

“Oho that seems to catch your attention, should I do it again?” He threatened lightly as he connected his intense gaze with your own, your lips lifted feeling a wave of bravery and keeping your face stern and fearless“I’ve known him since high-school” you spoke plainly masking the fear you hid behind your voice, he definitely wasn’t the warm boy you met that night, his fear nowhere to be seen as he reveled in his own power.

“Fascinating, how a game can bring even the furthest of acquaintances together” Hatter’s crazed dazed rested on you, his jaw clenched as if he suppressed the words he spoke although he spoke as if all the freedom in the world rested on his shoulders, unlike many. Hatter had a free spirit, you could tell by the clothing he wore and how he portrayed himself, although the creator had all the power he seemed unafraid of what was to come, like his own creator.

“What is this place?” You asked.

The hatter walked leisurely around your seat, taking his place behind you with a threatening glare venomously biting at him from Niragi, his soft hands placed against your bare shoulders, massaging them as if to make you seem well enough to become comfortable but once he felt your tensed shoulders, thrash in his palms, he took a moment to pause. 

“Welcome, new comer. To the beach, the utopia, your own personal home of freedom” Once again, the hatters voice was lost in daze.

“The what?” you asked again, that seemed ridiculous.

“The beach, A home I created, a home for those of us to feel our freedom, to bask in it’s warmth. No rules, no governed led law, just three absolute rules that every member of the beach must follow” The hatter rested a palm on your shoulder using it as a stool for his posture.

Amongst his rant, you mellowed out his words. Losing your train of thought in Niragi’s eyes, so much discomfort rested in your own he could almost feel the anger seeping from your bones, angered due to the unruly sense of it all. You either lived or died, a way out was always on your mind but the only thing that kept you running was living, making sure that when the moment came, you would still be here to leave.

Niragi, along with his powerful facade basked in its potential and he made it known to the world with his appearance, the way his voice pitched higher as he stared at your pitiful state, the enjoyment flooding his mouth with a taunting expression, you didn’t notice who that was, who he became but you knew better, deep down. He was still Niragi, the one you saved and comforted, the one who brought you food when you were so deep in school work you couldn’t bear the thought of switching positions, not even for your well-being. 

You were brought back to the world when the touch of a cold barrel met your temples, a loud click followed soon after.

“You're really starting to piss me off, little red riding hood. Do you think we’re dumb, you look at the hatter like he’s an idiot, why would you do that to your saviour” Niragi spoke tauntingly, daring you to cross those barriers you put in place for your own protection, he’s seen you angered once, he’ll see it again.

“Do it” you proclaimed with a straight face, your voice calm as a tideless sea. Niragi scoffed, the corners of his mouth stretching widely and increasingly slow, too slow for your liking. He searched your eyes for fear, wanting the succulent delight of seeing your despair. 

“Or are you scared? I know fear isn’t unknown to you” You hissed back at him, your venomous fangs digging deep into his caged memory, withstood by his own barriers. He locked those memories and threw that key into a bottomless pit but despite that, it was almost like you stood, knocking against the safe he locked his pitiful self in and he was holding the knob with shaking hands, you were resurfacing the past and he vowed to only ever live in the present.

His fingers lingered against the trigger, feeling the power of his hands against the weapon. He was a god in his own eyes but before him rested something more valuable, something he cherished in a past life. He couldn't do it and the hatter noticed this, speculation threw him in and he watched as Niragi pulled the gun away from your head, pointing it towards the roof and letting his pale fingers press the trigger with an anomaly of amusement. 

The power shot from his weapon, creating cracks in the roof as the crumbs of his doing fell in front of your eyes and you released a small breath in relief. 

"untie her, she's going to be with me from now on-wards" Niragi demanded, he was bearing a threat towards the hatters authority. 

Hatter smiled in delight, worry never once tipped his harsh features but you couldn't speak for the others, who not once faltered at your treatment, now seemed worried for your entire being. 

“Do as he says, he clearly knows our fellow members. Therefore, he should do the honors” Hatter demanded, he had a clear distinction for his choice of clothing, making it apparent that his name bore a meaning. Colorful expression distorting his position with his other executive members, freedom per se or maybe it was merely just a coincidence.

Your thrashing was unnoticed in his lock, he ripped you from your place roughly as if you had no meaning to him and it was probably true. Niragi hoisted his machine to the nape of his neck, tugging you in the other hand with what he demanded.

He couldn’t believe his eyes the moment he laid his on yours, it wasn’t often that he met people he once knew without shooting them right where they thought. Ruthless, the capacity for violence he had was uncanny but not unseen for his peers, they knew not of his past and he kept it that way, his psychotic doings sparked a mutual fear within those weaker than him and that was plenty.

“You stick with me or by me from now on, you leave my side for any apparent reason and you're dead, anything you’ve done. I’ve done worse, so I don’t think you want to play with me” in contrast to his previous behavior, he now was in a craze of success. You clenched his hand in an attempt to make him whine in pain just enough for you to run but he surprised you, locking your hand in a harsh grasp that made you bite your lip in pain.

“You should have just killed me when you got the chance, it’s not like you're the same anymore. You’ve changed” You mumbled, ceasing a breath. You relaxed your body and let him lead your way, it’s not like you feared him. As someone you once knew, you often reminded yourself in the moment that he didn’t harm a fly, that was no excuse for him now but in order to keep your sanity at bay, you did just that.

“Why would I do that when I could have fun with you instead?” He laughed.

“As if I would give you the chance too” you retorted.

His steps halted, as he stared forward with a grin. He liked the challenge in your tone, if it was anything. Niragi never once let a challenge get the best of him, he meant what he said and he would make sure more than once that he would get his way.

“Is that a challenge?” he asked, delightfully. Once a friend turned stranger, you stared at the back of his tied hair, the strands falling against his shoulder blades until you caught the sway of his head leisurely turning to face you with a snake like glint in his eyes, the horror of the unknown was creeping up your spine but you weren’t going to back down like a coward, you never did and that wont start today.

“I could warp you into my little pet, do you like being called a pet my little red riding hood. Whatever version of myself was projected onto you, you can forget because the one you're witnessing shares no mercy, not even for you. So thrash and whine as much as you like” Niragi began taking small steps towards you, you backed away in fear still grimly leaving the distaste for his actions lingering on your lips as you threw a look of utter disgust his way.

You managed to walk safely, feeling the brief tender touch of an untouched wall hit your frame, watching him tower over you “Because no one will help you, in fact, I have full control over you, I own you” You scoffed, looking away for a short lived moment before you felt his slender fingers grasp your chin harshly, forcing the contact between you two.

“You must feel so big right now. So utterly powerful, your need to pick on the weaker isn’t a new concept to you, right? In fact it should be so deeply engraved in your brain that not even a rock to the head could erase that, I see. Warp me all you want but I’ll always know you for who you were, my best friend” The words that left your tongue were hot, burning your throat as you held back tears from the countless memories. 

“That’s bullshit, your best friend? That was my need for repayment, that person is long gone now” He screamed, but his face didn’t gleam in despair, no. It shone in glee. The fight was racking up all his pent up anger and he was more than happy to dump it on anyone near, that so happened to be you. 

“Why? Why do you do this. You wouldn’t even harm a fly, the Niragi I knew was soft and caring, he hated violence” you almost screamed, baring your teeth at Niragi, the shine of the dagger he held didn’t even surprise you, his grasp of it against your neck was so close that even the tiniest gulp would have blood seeping from your throat.

“He died, a long time ago” his voice was now emotionless, you could see the shine leaving his face as he reminisced. His stoic features returned but his hold tightened, he grasped both of your hands, casually but sharply holding both above your head with his knife in the other, his body inched close to yours and you felt the texture of his clothing against your body.

“I don’t want to hear you bitching about how you miss what we had, that’s nothing now. You're nothing now, you're not special to me. Just someone I refuse to let go, you know that old saying? Snitches get stitches? Well if you tell anyone about how we met, what I went through, they won’t have any part of their body to stitch back together”

#Niragi x reader #Niragi #suguru niragi #chishiya shuntaro #imawa no kuni no arisu #imawa no kuni no alice #alice in borderland #Alice in borderland imagines #alice in borderland fanfiction #niragi imagines #hikari kuina #arisu #plus size reader

[xiaomoxu]

Victor’s Mind Quest: Preference

SPOILER ALERT!!

A date from CN server which hasn’t been released on EN server yet. Might contains some spoiler.

This date is so LONG, so be prepared! XD

🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 

🍷

The car stopped in front of the familiar white villa, Li Zeyan and I picked up gifts from the trunk and rang the doorbell.

The door was quickly opened, and Li Zeyan's aunt poked her head first.

Aunt: Oops, you guys are finally here!

Li Zeyan: Aunt.

MC: Hello, aunt! I'm bothering again.

Aunt: Don't mind it, come in quickly.

Walking into the living room, a faint fragrance of tea wafted, and news was broadcasted quietly on the TV, everything was exactly the same as in memory.

Aunt: Brother, Zeyan and MC are here!

MC: Happy New Year, Uncle!

Father Li put down the teapot, smiled and nodded at us.

On the eve of the Spring Festival, aunt called and invited Li Zeyan and me to go to the neighboring province for the New Year.

The last time I accidentally celebrated the Chinese New Year at Father Li's house is still vivid. Thinking of this warm memory, this time I carefully selected gifts before setting off.

We exchanged greetings for a while, and while the aunt was going to fill the teapot with water, Father Li got up and called Li Zeyan.

Father Li: Zeyan, help me move something to the balcony.

Li Zeyan: Alright.

Li Zeyan responded and looked at me again. Before he could say anything, aunt took my hand.

Aunt: Go ahead, I will chat with her.

Aunt leaned over to see them walking away, and smiled.

Aunt: Let me take a closer look, I feel that the complexion is much better than last time, have you adjusted it yourself?

MC: Thank you auntie, It’s probably because I ate better recently.

Seeing aunt looking at me with some doubts, I smile embarrassedly.

MC: Li Zeyan cooking is delicious, I eat very well every time...

As soon as I finished speaking, aunt patted the back of my hand and laughed.

Aunt: Don't be polite with him, just let him do more if you like it!

Aunt: So it seems that Zeyan doesn't bully you anymore?

MC: Thanks to him, he used to bully me and now I am not afraid of anything.

Aunt: This child has been like that since he was a child, but if he gets used to it, he is quite cute.

MC: Well, although occasionally the tone is not very good, he never really disliked me.

MC: In fact, most of the time, he took the trouble to help me. The big things and small things in life, he always worry about me.

MC: I always feel at ease with him by my side.

The air was quiet for a few seconds. I subconsciously raised my head to look at aunt and found that she was looking at me with surprise.

I reacted with hindsight, and the temperature on my face immediately rose.

MC: Sorry auntie, did I talking to much?

She was about to say something when there were footsteps behind her. I looked back and met Li Zeyan's gaze.

Li Zeyan: It seems that I interrupted you.

Aunt: No, we're just talking.

Aunt: Brother, don't bothering Zeyan, and let them young people talk.

Aunt winked at me, got up and pushed Father Li away. Li Zeyan walks towards the kitchen naturally, and I stand up

Li Zeyan: Then I will go prepare dinner first.

MC: I'll help!

When we got to the kitchen, Li Zeyan handed me a vegetable.

Li Zeyan: Have a good chat with aunt just now?

MC: Well, I talked about some topics about you.

Li Zeyan: Someone is always flaring his teeth and claws, but now she is talking good things.

My hand washing vegetables shook, and I looked up at him with some guilty feeling.

MC: Did you hear it all?

Li Zeyan: Just a little.

MC: How does it feel to hear such sincere praise?

Li Zeyan: It is indeed an evaluation that only you can give.

Li Zeyan: But most of them are facts, not compliments.

I looked at the faint smile in his eyes, and curled his lips unconvinced.

MC: It seems that I have said too much good things, and you are used to it.

MC: Before, you would be surprised and ask me if I was sincere.

Li Zeyan: Someone’s thoughts are written on her face, of course I can tell.

He glanced at me pointedly, not to mention I know how hot my face is now. But Li Zeyan didn't seem to respond to my words, and he still looked calm.

Perhaps it is because he can always understand my thoughts, even if I occasionally prepare surprises, almost all of them are in his expectation.

Thinking about it this way, it seems that I haven't seen Li Zeyan who would be shy because of me for a long time.

I snorted and shook off the drops of water on the leaves.

Is too unfair if I am the only one who blushes because of him.

A new year and a new start, I must find a way to see the other side of Li Zeyan!

🍷 - At the Balcony before

Father Li: Just put it here.

Father Li: Thank you, Ze Yan.

Li Zeyan: It's okay, your knees aren't in a good condition for moving such a heavy thing.

Li Zeyan: Just call me from now on.

Father Li: This pendant on your key.... is very unique.

Li Zeyan: ....

Father Li: Is it from MC?

Li Zeyan: Yes.

Li Zeyan: She always likes these strange little things.

Father Li: Wouldn't it be nice for her to give you something she like?

Father Li: Actually, I'm calling you over is just to spend the time together.

Father Li: Just now I saw that she had carefully prepared so many souvenirs, must be hard.

Li Zeyan: Since aunt called, she has started choosing gifts, and she feels more caring than her work.

Father Li: Why, you're jealous?

Li Zeyan: Dad.

Father Li: Okay, I won't say anything.

Father Li: Anyway, you must know these things better than us.

Father Li: By the way, didn’t you say that there was a problem with the plumbing at the suburbs house? My contact has repaired it.

Father Li: The house has been vacant for a long time. I will have someone clean it up by the way. You can check it again when you go back.

Li Zeyan, Alright, would like to stay there for a few days?

Father Li: It's more convenient for me to stay here when I can't go away year after year.

Father Li: You take MC, there is good sunshine, quiet, and more comfortable than in the city.

Li Zeyan: Alright.

Father Li: Don't always talk about works.

Li Zeyan: .... I got it.

🍷

After a while, aunt walked in and put the wine and decanter on the bar.

Seeing Li Zeyan was busy cutting vegetables, I took the initiative to take the wine bottle and preparing it.

Aunt watched my movements and leaned into my ear and whispered.

Aunt: You little girl are very skilled!

MC: Learned from Li Zeyan.

Aunt: Do you like to drink?

I subconsciously looked back at Li Zeyan, he didn't seem to pay attention to our conversation.

MC: Actually my drinking capability is not very good. Aunt: It's okay. Let's drink later. Don't be too restrictive during the holidays. MC: But.... Aunt: Don't be afraid of him, this time aunt will covers you.

Aunt patted me, and quickly left the kitchen, leaving only the tiny grunt of soup bubbling in my ears.

I looked at Li Zeyan across the bar and deliberately brought up the topic just now.

MC: Aunt said that we can drink together today.

Li Zeyan: Okay.

MC: I promise to drink only a little bit, it will not be ashamed.

Li Zeyan: Didn't my aunt say to cover you? No need to report to me.

MC: ....

Nothing can escape his ears!

I secretly slandered, and I saw Li Zeyan picking up a few rock candy from a glass jar and adding it to the pot.

There were just a few wine glasses on hand, and I rolled my eyes, ready to try to take this opportunity to win a round.

I picked up a wine glass, poured out a little bit of wine in the decanter, and handed it to Li Zeyan.

MC: Would you like to taste it?

Li Zeyan: You only stay sober for less than five minutes.

MC: Is Mr. Li still can't stand sour alcohol?

Li Zeyan looked at my provocative expression, took the wine glass and shook it.

Li Zeyan: Why? are you afraid that you will be laughed at when you get drunk, and want to get me drunk first?

MC: It's just a little, you will not get drunk.

Li Zeyan looked at me for a while, and drank the wine in the glass.

Seeing him frowning slightly, I took one out of the rock candy can he had just opened, bit it between teeth, stepped on the foot, and put it to his lips.

Li Zeyan: !

Li Zeyan was stunned for a moment. I raised my hand and pushed away his hand holding the cup, and then moved closer to him.

The padded ankles began to sore, but the person in front did not bend over to cooperate with me.

I struggled to maintain the balance under my feet and winked at him threateningly.

Li Zeyan raised his eyebrows and finally bowed his head and approached me.

I raised my head to meet him, but accidentally hit the corner of his lips that wanted to bite the rock candy in desperation, but only a little sugar residue was left between the teeth.

The rock candy fell from among us and fell to the ground with a "pop".

MC: ....

Li Zeyan: .....

We looked at each other for a few seconds, I deliberately ignored the almost burning cheeks, and took a step back with pretending to be calm.

Picking up the rock candy on the ground and throwing it into the trash can, I turned back to the sink, turned my back to Li Zeyan, and ripped up the cabbage wholeheartedly.

Li Zeyan: MC.

Without waiting for Li Zeyan to say anything, I immediately raised my hand behind me to stop him.

MC: You let me calm down, I now-

Before I finished my words, my wrist was suddenly pulled, and a tremendous force pulled me back.

I opened my eyes wide and looked at his face so close to mine.

The warm lips contained my exclaim, and his breath instantly covered me.

My brain went blank, subconsciously trying to push him away

Li Zeyan held me tightly, with one hand behind my waist, making me unable to move for a while.

Li Zeyan: The wine is not good, the sugar is not eaten, you want to run like this?

MC: Wait, uncle and aunt are still in the living room!

Li Zeyan: I thought you remembered this when you bite that rock candy just now.

He almost said this sentence against my lower lip, and then the warmth continued to cover it.

The faint fragrance of the red wine entered my breath, and all the sound in my ears disappeared, leaving only the rumbling heartbeat.

The world seemed to no longer flow, as if no one would know what was happening in this quiet corner.

The little sweetness of rock candy left on the lips and on the tip of the tongue was repeatedly plundered, reminding me of the meaning of this sudden kiss.

His movements are slow and gentle, but I taste a hint of greed.

Until the tip of the tongue starts to tingle slightly, the cool air re-entered between us.

Li Zeyan rubbed my cheek with his palm and suddenly smiled slightly.

Li Zeyan: It seems that your drinking capacity is same as your IQ.

Li Zeyan: Why did you blush after a bite?

The sly tone in my ear made my sanity quickly returned, and I took a step back hastily.

MC: This is not the same thing at all!

MC: ...You, you are a foul!

Li Zeyan: The wicked complain first.

Li Zeyan: Not remember what you have done all of sudden?

MC: Iㅡ

Before I had time to speak out, the sound of my surroundings suddenly reappeared in my ears.

But Li Zeyan still held me in his spare time, waiting for me to finish speaking.

Faced with his visibly shifting gaze, I panted for a long time, and finally didn't say a word.

The awkward confrontation was broken by the sound of footsteps outside the door, and the aunt's voice rang.

Aunt: MC, come and rest for a while!

MC: O... Okay!

I was shocked, and immediately got out of Li Zeyan's arm.

Obviously it was a temporary intention, but I was the only one who was embarrassed, and he was still at ease.

I was a little upset in my heart and beat myself up again for this "overweight" behavior.

Feed rock candy, the plan failed.

🍷

When aunt Wang walked into the kitchen, Li Zeyan was seriously handling the shrimp thread.

Hearing the footsteps behind him, he looked back and said hello to Aunt Wang.

Aunt Wang: I heard MC is coming, so I came to help.

Li Zeyan: Thank you. For your hard work this year, and stay here to help during the New Year.

Aunt Wang: Why are you polite? Anyway, I am alone, and it's very lively to stay with your family.

Aunt Wang: And you're good at it, I just give a little help.

Li Zeyan: You flatter me.

Li Zeyan: What I prepare are the dishes that this family loves, and they liked it.

Li Zeyan: Besides, I don't have many chances to come back. I should cook a meal.

Aunt Wang motioned to him in the direction of the living room and whispered

Aunt Wang: I heard that you will come together this time. Your father and your aunt are happier than ever.

Aunt Wang: Your dad also bought a new pot of flowers and put them in the living room.

Li Zeyan: Maybe he wants to grow flowers.

Aunt Wang: But I heard people say that growing flowers at home is helpful for fondness.

Li Zeyan smiled and did not answer Aunt Wang's words.

Aunt Wang: You don't believe it? Look, isn't that good luck is coming?

Aunt Wang said with a smile and pointed at the corner of Li Zeyan's mouth.

Li Zeyan was stunned for a moment and wipe it with back of his hand, and a faint red trace was on the back of his hand.

ㅡIt's a lipstick that has not been wiped off.

Recalling what happened in the kitchen just now, Li Zeyan coughed slightly unnaturally.

Li Zeyan: Aunt Wang, don't tell my dad.

Aunt Wang: Oh it's normal for young people.

Aunt Wang smiled and suddenly lowered her voice.

Aunt Wang: By the way, Zeyan, have you ever cooked for little miss?

Li Zeyan: Have.

Li Zeyan: She is usually busy with work and her own cooking skills are not good, so she takes every chance to come to me.

Aunt Wang: She must like it very much, right?

Li Zeyan smiled lightly.

Li Zeyan: She is not picky eaters, she says everything is delicious.

Li Zeyan: When she's hungry, she may still complain about this and that, and forget everything when she's full.

Li Zeyan: It’s so easy to be satisfied...

The soup on the stove boiled, and the sound of bubbles bursting, interrupting Li Zeyan's unfinished words, and suddenly realizing something.

He turned his head subconsciously and saw Aunt Wang looking at him with a smile.

Li Zeyan: Aunt Wang, Iㅡ

Aunt Wang: It is fine, don't be embarrassed!

Aunt Wang: You are very attentive in everything you do, and she will definitely feel it. That's why you feel satisfied.

Aunt Wang: I don't understand any principle, but I think it is very happy to make food for the people that you care about.

Aunt Wang: If she happens to like to eat too, it is double happiness, dont you agree?

Li Zeyan retracted his gaze and nodded.

Li Zeyan: Well, you're right.

He didn't say anything, and took care of the last shrimp, and then suddenly smiled to himself.

He turned his head and looked in the direction of the living room. A ceramic flowerpot was placed facing the sun, and several small flowers bloomed on the tender green stems and leaves.

Many people hope that important things can have good thoughts. But he knew that even without this thought, he would hold her hand well.

Li Zeyan: Aunt Wang, what flower did my dad buy?

Aunt Wang: It's an orchid, what's wrong?

Li Zeyan: It's nothing.

Li Zeyan: He can keep it if he likes it.

🍷

After dinner, we played mahjong as usual.

After a few rounds, the elders seemed a little sleepy and got up, left the table one after another.

Before going upstairs, Father Li turned around and exhorted a few more words.

Father Li: MC, the guest room has been cleaned up. If you are sleepy, just go there.

MC: Yes, thank you uncle!

Worried about disturbing them, Li Zeyan and I go upstairs to rest as well.

When I came back from washing, I passed by Li Zeyan's room, and a faint light leaked from the open door. He seemed not to sleep yet.

I knocked on the door lightly, opened the door and took a look.

Li Zeyan was sitting on the sofa looking at the tablet computer. He seemed to be passing the time. When he saw me, he got up and put down the tablet.

Li Zeyan: Come in.

Li Zeyan: After drinking tonight, is there anything uncomfortable?

MC: No, today's wine is delicious. Sure enough, the sober time you suggest is the most appropriate.

I closed the door and looked back at his room curiously.

The rooms are neatly organized, but there doesn't seem to be much living traces.

On the desks and bookcases are placed many objects unique to the school days, and there is a skipping rope tied up on the storage box on the side.

All this seems inconsistent with Li Zeyan in front of me, but it makes people feel vaguely traceable.

MC: Li Zeyan, did you live here before?

Li Zeyan: I have always lived in Lianyu City.

Li Zeyan: After my dad moved here, he put my things when I was studying here.

MC: In other words, is this one of your "warehouses"?

Li Zeyan: More or less.

I walked to the desk, looked at the neatly arranged books, and carefully touched the decorations on the table.

MC: It turns out that Mr.Li lived a similar life to me when he was studying.

Li Zeyan: Isn't it obvious?

MC: It’s obvious that we all take the same class, how come we grow up so much difference in the future?

I looked up with a bit of resentment, and saw a few thick dictionaries on the upper shelf of the bookcase.

The red-covered dictionary of idioms was on the outermost side. Suddenly, I came to my spirits, cleared my throat pretentiously, and looked back at Li Zeyan.

MC: Li Zeyan, let me test you.

MC: What is the fourth idiom on page 16 of the idiom dictionary?

Li Zeyan: What are you saying?

MC: Because you love to use idioms when speaking, I once thought that you had memorized the dictionary for you.

Li Zeyan: ....

Li Zeyan's heavy sigh was heard. He did not respond to me, and took me to the sofa to sit down.

MC: What's wrong?

Li Zeyan: Sure enough, you're drunk.

MC: I'm not drunk!

Li Zeyan: All drunks say so.

I looked at him unconvinced.

MC: You drank a lot with uncle during dinner. Are you drunk?

Li Zeyan: No.

MC: All drunks say so.

I used his tone to return this sentence to him intact, and Li Zeyan took a silent glance away from me.

Li Zeyan: If I get drunk, who will take care of you?

MC: Could it be... you haven't slept because you're waiting for me?

Li Zeyan: Just realized?

Li Zeyan:I know you won't go back straight to your room, it is better to leave a door open.

There was a hint of warmth in my heart, I smiled and held Li Zeyan hand.

MC: Are you going to let me stay with you?

Li Zeyan: As long as you don't get drunk, it doesn't matter if you want to stay.

MC: I'm not drunk, how can I be drunk!

MC: And this room is full of your past, I really want to get to know it.

He stared at me, and finally squatted down in compromise, holding my hand back.

Li Zeyan: Come on, what else do you want to know?

I raised my head and looked around, and pointed to a medal standing on the desk.

MC: What is this, what award have you won?

Li Zeyan: Award of Model United Nations General Assembly.

MC: Amazing!

MC: I have heard of this kind of society, it is very difficult to join, even win the award.

Li Zeyan: Thinking about it now, they are all naive proposals, but they are a bit helpful for training thinking.

I curled my lips secretly when I spoke to this kind of academic bully, and pointed at another thing.

MC: What is that dark blue notebook?

Li Zeyan: From the school. It should be the work log of the Student Union.

MC: As expected of Mr. Li, I feel that you have been a leader since childhood.

My eyes continued to wander, and suddenly I saw an unexpected object in the corner. A certain memory in my mind was touched, and I opened my eyes in surprise.

I walked to the glove box in the corner, picked up a leaky football from the inside, and proudly held it in front of Li Zeyan

MC: It seems that you really like playing football, and you still keep it.

Li Zeyan: I just liked it when I was young.

MC: But thanks to this football, I can eat your pudding.

Li Zeyan: You just remember the pudding?

MC: Of course not, I still remember many details!

MC: For example, the look of the sand castle that you kicked, the weather that day, and the water cup under the tree in several colors...

I suddenly thought of something. I squeezed the football into Li Zeyan's hands and held his face in both hands.

MC: However, what I remember most clearly was you who were a little nervous and at a loss.

MC: At that time you were not such a serious Mr. Li.

MC: The height almost as tall as your chest now? Your hair seems to be a little curlier than it is now, and your face is a little fatter.

MC: It's the lovely brother Zeyan! (Zéyán gēgē!)

As I spoke, I made a circle on his face and laughed foolishly. Li Zeyan looked at me silently, without responding in a long time.

The temperature under my palm rose a little, and I approached him with some doubts and saw his pupils shrink for a moment.

MC: Li Zeyan, what's wrong with you?

Li Zeyan seemed to have finally reacted from his shock, took a step back hastily, and threw the football back into the glove box.

Li Zeyan: ... I'm fine.

Li Zeyan: It's late, you should go to bed, and we will be back to Lianyu tomorrow.

MC: Can I sleep on your sofa?

Li Zeyan: No, go back to the room to sleep.

MC: You just said that I can stay...

Li Zeyan: I changed my mind.

I watched him avoiding my gaze, and vaguely understood something, so I turned my back to him on purpose.

MC: You are shameless.

MC: Someone doesn’t often say, “If you want to persuade others, you have to give a reasonable reason.

Li Zeyan: ....

MC: But if you feel embarrassed, I can understand.

Li Zeyan: What am I embarrassed about?

Hearing his awkward tone, I secretly curled my mouth and turned to hold him.

MC: In that case, I will treat it as if you promised to accommodate me once.

I heard slightly heavy breathing, as if he was holding back something.

I turned my head and saw the complex and turbulent emotions in his eyes.

Just for a moment, his embrace entrapped this emotion and shackled me on the bed.

Li Zeyan: You want to stay.

MC: Iㅡ

Li Zeyan: You talk a lot today.

As if chattering to me was unbearable, he lowered his head and held my lips like punishment.

The teeth ran across the corners of my lips, I hummed in pain, Li Zeyan loosened me a little, and pointed his finger on my lips.

Li Zeyan: Shh-

Li Zeyan: My dad sleeps lightly, don't wake him up.

I was stunned for a moment, and then realized that a bedroom was not far away, and my face flushed instantly, covering my mouth and complaining softly.

MC: You, why didn't you say it earlier!

Li Zeyan: Now you know.

I stared at Li Zeyan angrily, but this did not sway what he wanted to do.

He broke off my tense hands, put one hand under the back of my neck, raised my head slightly and then pressed it down again.

This time his movements were lightened a bit, and the tip of his tongue brushed my lips, igniting an uncontrollable swipe and then following his deep into more corners.

Lips were sore and numb, the warm mouth was wet with breathing, and the oxygen seemed to become thin.

The slight dizziness made me subconsciously want to seek support and grabbed his shirt indiscriminately with both hands.

The body was shackled, I passively followed him, and gradually fell into it.

The sound of the clock is still heard. He didn't pause time as calmly as during the day, and at this moment, I didn't care about the world around me.

The menacing lingering crumpled each other's clothes, the pendant between my neck also slid to one side onto the bed, making an undetectable muffled noise.

As a reminder, he finally slowly ended this silent but intense kiss, with his bridge nose pressed lightly on my cheek.

Except for the unresolved breathing, there was no sound in the silent night. We looked at each other in silence for a while, and Li Zeyan suddenly looked away and got up.

Seeing that I was still holding his shirt, he paused, took my hand and gently pulled it off the shirt.

MC: Li Zeyan...

Li Zeyan: Go to sleep now.

MC: ..... What?

Li Zeyan: You sleep here, I'll go to the guest room.

Li Zeyan didn't give me time to react. After speaking, he hurriedly left the room without looking back.

I froze for a while, slowly got up from the bed, and looked at the door in a daze.

I opened my palm and recalled the heat when my palm touched his cheek.

Was he.... shy just now?

Was it because of this kiss? But during the day, he was still quite comfortable in the kitchen.

Although I haven't figured out the reason for the time being, I am still secretly proud.

MC: It turns out that you are still shy.

🍷

The morning sun fell on my face through the car window, and I subconsciously raised my arm.

Last night I couldn't sleep but recall the shy Li Zeyan. The more I think about it, the less sleepy I feel. The sleepiness has accumulated to this day, and I have to sleep on the way back.

Is rare seeing Li Zeyan didn't despise me, and just playing soothing music all the way.

I don't know how long it was driving, the car finally stopped. The warm light on the eyelids disappeared for a moment, and the familiar breath approached me.

Li Zeyan: MC, wake up. We're here.

I lifted my heavy eyelids and looked out the window, only to find that the surrounding scenery was not familiar to me.

A small single-family building is located on a quiet roadside, and a fence at the door encloses a small garden with greenery.

If you look closely, there are almost no leaves and weeds in the garden. It seems that it has just been trimmed.

MC: Where is this? Aren't we going home?

Li Zeyan: I live in my house on the outskirts of the city, and my family will live here when they come to Lianyu City occasionally.

Li Zeyan: My dad asked someone to repair the pipeline a year ago, and by the way, he cleaned it and asked me to take you over to rest for a few days.

Li Zeyan opened the door, and I looked at the room in front of me with some surprise.

The decoration is still simple, but the colors are softer than Li Zeyan's home, and there is a sense of warmth everywhere.

The sunlight poured in through the floor-to-ceiling windows almost without obstruction, warmly wrapping every corner.

Looking out from the window, the greenery covers the field of vision, and a few undefeated roses dotted it, giving me the illusion of being on vacation.

MC: It's so beautiful. Thank you Uncle and Mr. Li for your hard work.

After I finished speaking, I couldn't help but yawn. Li Zeyan pulled my suitcase and took me to the bedroom.

Li Zeyan: You can wait until your eyelids stop fighting.

Li Zeyan: Go to bed first, call me if something happens.

MC: Alright.

I simply packed up and opened the suitcase, but did not find my pajamas.

I thought back to the situation when I packed my luggage in the morning, but at that time, I hardly had any impression.

MC: I slept in Li Zeyan's room last night...Did he accidentally put the wrong luggage?

Thinking about this, I decided to ask him directly.

MC: Li Zeyan, where are you?

Li Zeyan: Here.

His voice came from behind a door not far away. I stepped forward and pushed open the door in front of me. After seeing the scene inside, I was completely stunned.

In front of me is a walk-in cloakroom that is almost only seen in movies. The clothes are neatly stored in a cabinet surrounded on three sides.

Li Zeyan was standing in front of one of the closets, and his profile was illuminated by the light from the spotlight.

He changed into a loose dressing gown, and his belt was casually tied around his waist.

The soft cloth was attached to him, clearly delineating strong lines.

Before he had time to arrange his collar, the collar was wide open, revealing his large tight muscles, which formed a sharp contrast with the dark morning gown.

The heartbeat speeded up uncontrollably, I stopped where I was a little bewildered, but my eyes were surely stuck to him.

Li Zeyan: What's wrong?

Hearing his voice, I regained my senses a bit, swallowed my saliva and then spoke.

MC: Um. I didn't find my pajamas. Maybe I put it in the wrong suitcase.

Li Zeyan: Let me check my suitcase.

Li Zeyan turned and walked out, and I caught a glimpse of a stack of shirts neatly stacked in the closet.

A thought suddenly came to my mind, I subconsciously stopped Li Zeyan.

MC: Wait!

MC: I, I suddenly remembered that I accidentally soiled my pajamas, can I borrow one from President Li?

Li Zeyan: You won’t sleep well wearing them.

Even though he said that, he rummaged in the closet, picked out a white shirt and handed it to me.

Li Zeyan: This one is a little softer, try if it's comfortable enough.

I took the shirt and compared it quietly to myself. I just placed it on my thigh. The light fabric was slightly transparent.

MC: .... Is it a bit too short?

A touch of heat climbed to the tip of my ears, and I looked at the mirror with some hesitation in my heart.

But when I thought about Li Zeyan's shy look last night, I built my courage and planned to try again.

I hugged the shirt in my hand, turned back and walked out, thanking him.

MC: Then I'll try it. Thanks Mr. Li!

Li Zeyan pulled out a pair of summer shorts from the bottom of the closet, and was about to pass it to the girl behind him, only to find that she had hurried away.

He looked at the direction the girl was leaving, and sighed softly.

Li Zeyan: Not even let people to finish talking.

He simply cleaned up the messy clothes, remembering that the girl hadn't eaten breakfast, and then went back to the bedroom door and knocked gently, plan to ask her if she is hungry.

There was no response from the room, and he opened the door somewhat suspicious.

Li Zeyan: MC.

Li Zeyan: ....!

Although a short time has passed, the girl has fallen asleep holding her pillow, and the shirt she borrowed from him just now is loosely wrapped around her.

She did not cover the quilt and forgot to close the curtains. The sunlight spread across her back, faintly reflecting the lines hidden under the shirt.

He stood on the spot awkwardly, holding the doorknob in a dilemma.

She seemed to be not sleeping well, spit out a few small babbles, and buried her face in the pillow again.

Li Zeyan sighed, walked over lightly, closed the curtains, and covered her with the quilt.

Then he reached out and gently pushed her forehead, lowering his voice to remind her.

Li Zeyan: Don't bury your face in the pillow.

MC: Hmm.. Li Zeyan.

Li Zeyan: Yes?

MC: ...lovely...

Li Zeyan: ....

He looked at her smirk in her sleep, the same expression she had when she said the name last night.

Unspeakable emotions came to his mind again, he immediately got up and left the bedroom, leaned against the wall and took a deep breath.

Li Zeyan: Dummy.

When I opened my eyes again, the sky was already dark.

I looked at the tightly covered quilt and rubbed my head with some annoyance.

I wanted to change into a shirt and wait for him, but the bed in the bedroom was so comfortable that I fell asleep after lying down for a while.

I sat up and looked up at the long sleeves.

Probably because of his breath enveloping me, I can sleep so peacefully.

Although a little unwilling, I understand that this is how Li Zeyan expresses his feelings.

MC: Li Zeyan, you are a fool.

I couldn't help but murmured, but my heart was warm

Fragile noises came from the kitchen downstairs. I felt my flat stomach, changed my clothes and ran downstairs.

Li Zeyan turned his head when he heard the sound, still with a familiar expression on his face.

Li Zeyan: Finally woke up, I thought you were going to sleep till tomorrow

MC: How could I miss the dinner you cooked?

MC: But speaking of this, I also want to thank Mr. Li for helping me cover the quilt.

Li Zeyan: You're welcome, I just don't want to turn the vacation into taking care a fool who caught a cold.

I curled my lips secretly, but I got close to him and looked at the food in the pot curiously.

Seeing me poking my head aside, Li Zeyan stuffed the spoon into my hand.

Li Zeyan: Come and help if you want to eat early.

The warm yellow light illuminates this corner, Li Zeyan and I are standing side by side beside the flow desk.

Although the pajama plan has also failed, I am still very satisfied to have a vacation where I can see Li Zeyan as soon as I open my eyes.

I temporarily leave those careful thoughts behind and earnestly enjoy the peaceful time with him.

🍷

After dinner together, I began to wander around the house curiously.

Perhaps it is because in the suburbs, the night is extremely quiet, and there is no large light source when looking out from the window.

I was about to go back to find Li Zeyan, when I heard a "pop" in my ear, and the light in front of me went out for an instant.

MC: What happened?

Li Zeyan: MC!

Li Zeyan's voice sounded not far away, and a beam of silver light quickly lit up in the darkness.

Li Zeyan: Stand still, I'm here.

MC: Alright.

I watched the beam approach, stretched out my hand forward, and was quickly held by the warm palm.

Li Zeyan: It must be a power failure. The line has just been repaired and may be a bit unstable.

MC: Fortunately, we came together, otherwise we would be a little scared in such a big house alone.

Li Zeyan: What's so scary?

MC: Because it's so quiet here, it's dark at night

MC: And most of the plots in the movie that went into the room at midnight to commit crimes started from a sudden power failure.

I just wanted to make a joke, but after I finished speaking, I felt a little nervous and subconsciously hugged Li Zeyan's arm.

MC: Well, we should close the doors and windows, right?

Li Zeyan: I checked it while you were asleep.

Li Zeyan: Someone slept recklessly from day to night, but now she thinks of it and worry.

Thinking back to the shameful experience of falling asleep in bed, I smiled embarrassedly.

MC: I was so sleepy at the time... but Mr.Li is so attentive!

Li Zeyan: Enough with your random thoughts, let's go. Let's take a look for the switch.

I followed Li Zeyan to the gate. He used a flashlight to illuminate the switch on the wall, and the master switch pointed to "OFF".

He closed the switch lightly, and the lights in the room turned on again, and I squinted uncomfortably.

Li Zeyan: Alright, don't be afraid now.

MC: Okay.

Li Zeyan: I will check the electrical appliances again.

MC: Okay.

Li Zeyan: How long do you want to hold like this?

I was stunned for a moment, only to realize that I was still holding his arm.

Li Zeyan looked at me with some amusement. I tried to ignore the heat on my face and hugged him tighter.

MC: That's my intention, I want to go with you.

Li Zeyan: Why, stick to others without drinking today?

MC: It has nothing to do with drinking!

MC: Just in case the power goes off again, I can also help you with the flashlight.

I just made up excuses, Li Zeyan glanced at me, but put the flashlight in my hand.

Li Zeyan: This excuse is stupid, try another one next time.

MC: But you still accepted it.

Li Zeyan: I'm afraid that certain someone wouldn't sleep in the middle of the night and think about it.

MC: This is not something I can control.

MC: But if you are by my side, I have no time to think about other things.

Li Zeyan's movements seemed to pause for a moment. I didn't look up at him, but heard a deep smile came from him.

Li Zeyan: This excuse is good, I accept it.

The overlapping arms made the two of us close together, and the familiar temperature seemed to iron out all the anxiety in my heart.

Being able to stick to him with this confidence is a rare privilege.

When there are only two of us, let me use the privilege a few more times.

🍷

After yesterday's restorative sleep, I finally regained my energy this morning, and Li Zeyan's door was still closed when I got up.

It's rare that I got up earlier than him. I sneaked into the kitchen and pulled out some simple ingredients from the refrigerator to make breakfast, intending to surprise him.

As soon as I put the sandwiches on the table, I saw Li Zeyan buttoning his shirt while walking towards me.

MC: Li Zeyan, Good Morning!

He seemed stunned when he saw me and nodded slightly

Li Zeyan: Morning.

MC: Thank you, Mr. Li, for taking care of me yesterday. I will take care of today breakfast.

MC: You sit and wait for a while, it will be done soon.

I eagerly pulled the chair away, but Li Zeyan didn't sit down, just leaned against the table and watched me busy.

I made up the ice coffee, walked back to the table, and handed one of them to Li Zeyan.

This is the recipe I just learned a few days ago. Let's start with new flavors in the new year!

Li Zeyan looked at me, then glanced at the messy table, and sighed helplessly.

Li Zeyan: It seems you are very familiar no matter where you are...

MC: Hehe, because this is your home. Besides, I am very interested in the places related to you.

MC: The day before yesterday, I met my friend, Xiao Li. Maybe I can meet a different person today.

Xiao Li means Little Li, I'll just use Xiao Li since it sounds cute LOL

Li Zeyan: Then you may be disappointed.

Li Zeyan: I haven't come to this house much, and there is nothing to be curious about.

MC: Then... let's create more memories here!

MC: But in this case...

MC: Whether it is Xiao Li, Mr. Li or ordinary citizen Li Zeyan, can I have them all?

Li Zeyan was silent for a while and walked to me.

Li Zeyan: Don't you want them all? It seems you miss one. Right?

MC: Huh?

I was stunned for a moment. I didn't expect him to be more serious and had to think about his other identities seriously.

MC: Also.... Chef Li?

Li Zeyan: Wrong.

MC: Teacher Li?

Li Zeyan: Wrong

MC: .....It can't be Yan Yan, right?

I spoke carefully, and as expected, I received a merciless glance from Li Zeyan.

He leaned over and stopped me at the table. His narrow eyes looking me tightly.

Li Zeyan: Are you really stupid or pretending to be stupid, you mentioned it the day before yesterday, and you forgot it today?

I blinked and recalled the conversation from that day over and over again.

In addition to visiting his old things in his student days, there seems to be some important details that I have overlooked...

I looked at the face right in front of me, and there was a vaguely blushing face in my mind that night, holding the football I gave him in my hand.

It seemed that a corner of my heart was suddenly lit, and I suddenly realized what he was referring to.

Seems to know the answer, my heartbeat started to speed up somehow. But instead of answering directly, I suddenly wanted to tease him first.

MC: I was drunk that night.

Li Zeyan: Who said she wasn't drunk that night?

MC: Don't all drunks say that?

Li Zeyan: .....

Li Zeyan exhaled slowly, pinching my waist with one hand along his side.

Li Zeyan: Well, since someone chooses to forget, then I will help you remember.

The next second I suddenly felt like my feet were vacant and I was hugged by Li Zeyan.

Before I could react, the slippers slipped off the back of my feetㅡ

He hugged me to the dining table behind me. My skin suddenly touched the marble countertop. I couldn't help but exclaim in a low voice.

MC: So cold!

I subconsciously curled up to avoid the cold table, Li Zeyan took my ankle and pulled forward.

I almost plunged into his arms and hurriedly stepped on his legs with my feet to control the balance.

I held the glass in my hand, and was about to check whether his clothes were soiled, when a shadow suddenly covered me

Li Zeyan leaned close to me, blocking the sunlight from the skylight behind him.

Li Zeyan: I remember someone said the other day, drinking just a little alcohol will never be ashamed?

MC: I really didn’t drink a lot! It’s just my energy is a bit extra.

Li Zeyan: Well, it seems that I still remember this words.

As if giving a reward, he sent a soft kiss on my forehead.

Li Zeyan: Because the energy is a little bit extra, instead of going to bed, you ran to my room.

MC: I just want to see if you sleep or not.

Li Zeyan: By the way, you also saw all the corners of the room. The beautiful day is to know my past.

I smirked and hid back, Li Zeyan reached out and held my waist.

Li Zeyan: Don't remember this?

MC: I do! You have a lot of books, won a lot of awards, and keep a diary of your work.

Li Zeyan: Anything else?

MC: And also...

I deliberately looked around and my eyes slipped from his face to other places.

Li Zeyan made a move at the back of my waist, and I straightened up immediately and ran into his dissatisfied gaze.

Li Zeyan: Answer the questions.

MC: I, I can't remember!

Li Zeyan: Really? I can give you a hint.

Seeing Li Zeyan get closer and closer, the glass in my hand slipped, and I hurriedly raised my other hand against his chest.

MC: Wait a minute, the coffeeㅡ

Li Zeyan: Then don't move.

He put his arm around my hand holding the glass, I can neither put down the glass nor avoid him.

I raised my head in surprise, and my cheek immediately touched a warm breath.

Li Zeyan: There is a football in the corner of the room.

Li Zeyan: You seem to be particularly interested in it.

The soft lips rubbed the skin of my cheek, and I took a quick breath.

MC: Football? Isn't that what you liked to play when you were young?

Li Zeyan: Hm.

Li Zeyan: The football broke a fool's sand castle, and she cried her nose for a long time.

Li Zeyan: She couldn't coax it well, but when she's mentioned about food, she left the sand castle behind.

Li Zeyan: But it is excusable, because the dummy was only five years old at that time.

He didn't seem to want to say any more, he just looked at me quietly, and his fingers stroked the back of my hand unconsciously.

I don’t know if it’s because my side is wrapped in sunlight, or because I realize I’ve stepped into his trap

I actually feel that every skin that hasn't been touched by him is oozing thin sweat and evaporated into my brain.

I thought I caught a handle that would make him shy, but now I also put myself in it

I deliberately dragged the name that I didn’t want to say, I’m really embarrassed to say it at the moment.

I squeezed his shirt tightly, bite the bullet, and stretched it.

MC: .... and then?

Li Zeyan raised his eyebrows, but was not annoyed, else he took advantage from it and moved the ambiguous kiss to my lips.

Thick eyelashes fell on my cheeks, and all the details about that night burst in my mind in an instant.

Li Zeyan: Then, this is what happened next.

The sun set a bright outline around his body, but fell into the shadow of his forehead, rolling the familiar desires of his eyes.

He held my hand and pulled me towards him, my body shook, and I had to clamp his waist with my knees.

Li Zeyan: Need more hints?

Without waiting for my response, Li Zeyan once again rubbed my lips unhurriedly.

I made a vague protest. He raised his eyelids and glanced at me, but did not stop.

How does this make people answer!

I became angry and raised my head and took a bite to his lower lip. Li Zeyan finally stopped, with a slight smile in his eyes.

Li Zeyan: Learn to bite?

MC: you did this on purpose!

Li Zeyan: You know the answer is still hidden, didn't you also do it on purpose?

Li Zeyan: The best way to deal with an idiot is to give a tooth for a tooth.

MC: ....Li Zeyan, you bad at it!

Li Zeyan smiled lightly, and didn't seem to mind my completely unreasonable accusations.

I looked at his calm look and sighed in frustration.

MC: ... After all this, can't you just be shy?

Li Zeyan: Who do you think I am doing this for?

I was stunned for a moment and saw that he narrowed his smile and looked at me earnestly.

Li Zeyan: I said how you always do strange things these days.

Li Zeyan: Deliberately deceive others to drink, not pretending to be drunk, and have to wear other people's clothes.

Li Zeyan: What's plan do you have?

My brain was in a mess, and I simply said what I was thinking.

MC: Because you are always calm, I also want to try if I can make you shy once.

MC: Although I may often do stupid things, I don't want to be treated as a child by you.

MC: After all, I’m not that five-year-old idiot anymore. I want to see you blushing and thumping heart for me.

I took a look at Li Zeyan, then buried my head on his shoulder a little embarrassedly, and mumbled.

MC: And, you don’t know how cute you are when you are shy.

MC: No one else has seen it, only I will see that side of you.

Li Zeyan was silent for a moment, he sighed slightly.

Li Zeyan: Have you seen who would invest five hundred million for a child?

MC: ....

Li Zeyan: From the first time I saw you, I have never treated you as a child.

Li Zeyan: Calling you a dummy is also because the childish things you do are indeed not suitable for your age.

I lowered my head and hummed slightly.

This person really does not let go of any opportunity to complain about me...

Li Zeyan: Also, the same goes for you.

MC: Huh?

Li Zeyan: You are cute when you do these silly things.

Li Zeyan: However, you don't need to do these as well.

I was stunned to feel the temperature coming from my cheek, but the sound of my heartbeat clearly betrayed my surprise.

I couldn't help but raised the corners of my mouth and straightened up to say something.

MC: Li Zeyanㅡ

Li Zeyan: Wrong answer.

The person in front of me frowned slightly, and I swallowed my saliva carefully. It turned out that this matter hasn't passed yet...

MC: Have you called it so many times when you were a kid?

Li Zeyan: it's different.

Li Zeyan: I want you to answer now.

Li Zeyan: Finally, I give you a chance.

I took a deep breath and was about to speak when I suddenly felt cold in my thighs.

The iced coffee in my hand made the glass frost, and cold water drops on my lap.

I subconsciously wanted to lower my head and wipe, Li Zeyan quickly pinched my chin.

Li Zeyan: Don't be distracted.

MC: I just....

Li Zeyan: Answer me, which Li Zeyan did you miss just now?

Drops of water slip off the skin, leaving a slight itching along the way.

The voice of the person in front of him was low, with a hint of coaxing, like a light rain gradually dripping underneath his heart, and every drop of rain was tickling.

I opened my mouth, my trembling throat almost couldn't control my voice.

MC: Brother Zeyan... (Zéyán gēgē…)

The air seemed to be quiet for a second, then the coffee in my hand was quickly evacuated, colliding with the cup and plate behinds, and Li Zeyan pushed it away.

I almost stared at the person in front of me, but he suddenly avoided my gaze and spoke in a low voice.

Li Zeyan: Close your eyes.

MC: Why?

Li Zeyan: No reason.

He leaned over and kissed my eyes lightly, which forced me to close my eyes obediently.

A generous palm supported the back of my head, and then a very nostalgic kiss dispelled all my doubts.

Even if I can't see his expression at this moment, I can clearly feel his unspoken mood.

That piece of debris that had floated many years ago was finally firmly embedded in the last vacancy, full of joy called "consummation".

I tentatively reached out my hand to find his shoulder and caught his neck.

The overlapping arms are like a lead, burning the entanglement between the lips and teeth to more corners. The scorching breath keeps falling, scorching the warm and cool skin.

The warm palm steadily supported my body, and aroused an unbearable tremor at the touch.

I tried to hold back the warmth that I wanted to overflow between my teeth, and secretly opened my eyes to look at him.

The sun honestly illuminates his reddish face, and a pair of eyes that are always unpredictable are also shining with some simple satisfaction.

I couldn't help but stretched out my hand to stroke his cheek, his eyes met my gaze, unexpectedly showing a trace of helplessness.

Probably didn't expect that I would take the opportunity to take a peek, and Li Zeyan's ears became red.

MC: Haha.

Li Zeyan: What are you laughing at?

MC: It's nothing, I just think your shy look is really cute.

Li Zeyan: ...

Li Zeyan: Your wish came true, happy?

MC: Happy!

Deliberately ignoring Li Zeyan's slightly dissatisfied gaze, I squeezed his cheek lightly, and then actively pressed down the back of his head and pecked at his lips.

This person who has always loved a poker face from childhood is have a warm and soft touch.

My heart was filled with unspeakable tenderness, and I couldn't help but kiss him again.

The voice falling in the ear hides an unexpected tremor, I smiled and let go of him.

MC: Thank you for letting me know you more.

MC: Sure enough, no matter which side of Li Zeyan it is, you’re still my favorite.

Li Zeyan looked at me for a while, then suddenly smiled.

Li Zeyan: Are you telling the truth?

MC: You can tell it all.

Li Zeyan: Indeed.

Li Zeyan: Then let me listen to this truth.

The sun shining from the skylight hung his shadow on me, and slowly overlapped with my shadow in the afterglow.

His fingertips, his palm rubbed against my hot heart, as if he was trying to vain all my thoughts.

Time is stretched infinitely in the lingering breath

And what melted in time was his long and stitched response.

🍷 🍷 🍷 END 🍷 🍷 🍷

I’m sorry if there’s some mistranslation. Kindly tell me if you found some :) thank you for read it~ ^^

Notes from me:

No plan for translating other dates after this

 ─=≡Σ((( つ＞＜)つ

#MLQC #MLDD #Mr.Love #mlqc spoilers #mlqc cn #mlqc victor #mlqc li zeyan #mlqc date #mr love spoilers #mr love victor

[ocw-archive]

Quotes from Owen's family, friends and coworkers gathered from interviews, articles, video and the internet.

Andrew on Owen

"It's weird to have the funniest person you know be your own brother, but that's the case with Owen," Andrew says. "He would do things that were incredible."

(on Owen and Luke) "Making a movie together is easy for the brothers, who range in age from 33 to 40, because "we sort of have the same instincts, a similar sense of humor, we think the same kinds of things are funny. There´s kind of a shorthand sometimes when you´re working together," Andrew said."There are some occasional flare-ups, and someone might look at the flare-ups and think, `Oh my God, these guys are about to throw hooks.´ But it never really gets that bad."

(on Owen-doing press for TWBS) "Luke and I do interviews all day. Thank God Owen is with us. Luke and I are groggy and cranky. He carries us."

"Telling Owen to stop ad-libbing is a little like telling a locomotive to make a right turn. We were really lucky to have Owen. It's kind of an amazing thing that my brother is the funniest guy I know. He's incredibly smart. He's got incredible timing," Andrew said. "There's a scene when we first see Owen and he's with Eddie Griffin. They're stealing from the old people at the retirement home and when Luke comes to work there Eddie asked Owen if working with Luke will be a problem and Owen says, 'Oh no. He's an ex-con. We won't have to worry about him.' Owen looks off into the distance and starts singing 'Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls.' Eddie Griffen starts singing with him and it's a capella. This is the kind of stuff Owen just comes up with on the spot and it ends up being one of the funniest parts of the movie. A lot of time I think his improv is born out of necessity, but because the script was so good I think Owen did a little less improv on this movie."

Ben Stiller on Owen

(Ben on why he doesn't see Owen's movies anymore) "It's like watching your girlfriend have sex with another guy."

"I enjoy hanging out with Owen. He's good for a laugh. He's a fun time. It doesn't go much deeper than that."

"The thing about Owen - if you have low expectations, he never disappoints."

(Ben telling why Owen wanted to do S&H) "He told me he wanted to do it because of the three-way kiss scene. "[He] basically looks for any sex scenes with multiple partners in the script. That's what attracts [him] to a role."

"I'm always hoping to discover that Owen is actually deeper than he seems, and I am continually disappointed. I am always plumbing the depths, and I keep on hitting bottom."

"That's his stock quote for everything: 'It works pretty good for me.' That's when you know he's not really paying attention. "

(on the brothers' closeness) "Even if you talk to them, their voices are very similar," Stiller said jokingly. "Their cadences and what makes them laugh, they're very close. But they're a unique family. They've got their own connection that even I don't really understand. They're very smart, funny guys."

"I read the script. Owen likes to use the call sheet as a starting point as to when to show up on the set."

"That's when I realized we were a comedy duo, when I saw Behind Enemy Lines. I realized Owen should never be alone."

"Owen is a real ham when you get the camera in front of him."

"Owen's always off working in some Eastern European country; and now I'm married with a kid, so we don't get to spend as much time together. Doing  a movie is a perfect excuse for us to hang out, laugh and have some fun."

"You know what they used to say about people like Warren Beatty - they make you feel like you're the only person in the room? That although you've only been with them five minutes, you are special to them? That's Owen."

"It's hard to get in touch with Owen because usually he's out of touch, and late, and doesn't read the script. It's sort of like you have to control him on the set. He's like a child in that way - a beautiful, wonderful, creative child."

"Owen is fascinating to watch, because it always seems like he has something on his mind and you don't know what it is," says Ben Stiller, who costars with Wilson in the upcoming film Meet the Parents. "His friends do Owen impressions with that cadence and demeanor and voice. But he's really inimitable."

"Girls love him," Stiller said. "He has that little sparkle in his eye."

In a scene in "Zoolander," Stiller and Wilson, two competing male models, get into an insult fight. "He challenges me with a line from 'American Me': 'Who you trying to get crazy with? Don't you know I'm loco?' It gets a big laugh. It's his own personal reference, and it doesn't even matter if you know it or not."

"He's got this kind of obviously very laid-back view of the world," Stiller said. "Some people can imitate him, but nobody can understand where it comes from."

"The first time I met Owen - along with his brother Luke and Wes Anderson - was when I saw Bottle Rocket, a black-and-white short that was Wes' first movie. Anyway I was casting The Cable Guy at the time and I decided to cast Owen in a small part - he's the guy that Jim Carrey beats up in the bathroom scene. Then we did a film called Permanent Midnight together. He played my best mate. We became friends and have been ever since."

"I'm a big fan of his. He's from Texas and I'm from New York. We have very different backgrounds yet, for some reason, we connect and just laugh at the same things. It's great to work with somebody who excites you and makes you laugh out loud. With Owen, you never know what he's going to do next. He's had an incredible career in a short amount of time, working in the mainstream but doing some unique stuff."

"Owen was the most important casting to me in the movie because I think he is one of the funniest people around--and the part was written for him. I don't think the movie could have been made if he couldn't do it. He's a friend of mine and we've worked together a number of times. We love working together. I think he is such an important part of the movie because making a movie like this where it's based on a short film--a sketch originally--you figure out ways to make it work in a longer format and you have to introduce new elements. I think the best thing about his character is that he's real and goofy. The relationship with Derek and Hansel is really important and a real thing. He is just a uniquely funny guy. There's no other person like Owen."

📷"It's not true that blondes are vapid but Owen doesn't do anything to dispel that myth."

Bob Wilson on Owen

"They (his sons) did short plays as the Farquhar Players. I was generally the brunt of the action. They'd set up three stools and one of the boys would play me driving the other two out to East Texas or somewhere, trying to whack the two in the back seat. It was nice to have them act it out rather than rebel."

"He chose to go to the military academy himself. He said to me, 'You never could have sent me, Dad'. And he was right. It was a huge surprise, but he graduated."

Fann Wong on Owen

"Owen is much more quiet and very gentle. He's very talented. He helped me all the time with the script and my lines. And he's very attractive!"

"From his past movies, I had this impression of him as funny and a bit cocky. But he's very gentle in person, a bit shy and very talented."

Gene Hackman on Owen

"I thought he was wonderful in that movie, and that he looked like a real movie star," Hackman says. "A real actor playing a movie star in a film that wasn't about a movie star. I like that kind of theatricality that some people can pull off. I talked to my agent and we recommended that the studio see the film. They agreed with us that it was a good idea." - on why he recommended Owen for Behind Enemy Lines.

"I just thought in Shanghai Noon that he looked like a movie star. He was wonderful. Something just came out of his persona that was wonderful on screen."

Hampton Fancher on Owen

"Owen was just perfect. You ask him a question, and he's just huh?"

"I wanted Owen [Wilson], the character of Vann, to roll in the grass at one point. And all of the sudden the costumer said, "We have to get the double pants, because what if he gets a grass stain?" I said, "He's not going to get a grass stain!" I had two minutes to shoot this thing. And I said, Don't worry!" And then everybody sides with her because it's a crew thing. And my accomplices—my producer, my cameraman, my, my, my…and I'm saying, "Hey, don't do—" and they're saying, "No, it's a good idea." And I get down on the grass, and said, "Look, you can't get a grass stain! Owen—get down there, show ‘em!" They all team up against me. I said, "Okay—I don't want to get those other pants!" It became like a point of honor. And they got the other pants."

"[Owen's] intelligence prevailed. I don't mean that we changed anything—the opposite. There's a very funny moment in the film—one of the funniest—and Owen is very discreet, and he said, (wickedly imitating Owen's laid-back accent) "Don't do this, Hampton. Don't do this, Hampton, please don't do this scene!" I said, "I'm gonna do it, Owen." When I told him about it originally—it's with Brian Cox in the backyard—he said, "Don't, man, you're gonna get a laugh." I said, "I want a laugh." "No, but it's the wrong kind—don't do it." And I said, "I'm gonna do it." I think that's the only time he was wrong about anything."

"Janeane also loved [Owen], and her accepting the role also had a lot to do with him being in the film. When Owen was Vann, she really wanted to work with Owen, and she would only have been able to do it if she felt comfortable with whomever she worked."

Harry Dean Stanton on Owen

Harry Dean Stanton referred to Luke and Owen as Lothar and Schmidt on the set, 'because they reminded him of a couple of German Shepards barking at him whenever he would try to ad-lib.'

James Brooks on Owen

"For somebody else, it could be they'd forget their purpose. For Owen, that built-in ironic prism in front of his eyes will pull him through all that stuff. I get the biggest kick whenever I hear Owen's new salary, when his price goes up. It's not what he's about, so it's great when it happens to him."

"Those guys are so close. It's staggering that three are brothers. . . . Their rhythms are different from everybody else, and the way they care for each other is different. All that stuff in the film about loyalty, honor and friendship is really the way they are."

"There were some hard times," Mr. Brooks admitted. "Wes is very opinionated and very stubborn. And Owen, who does not think the same way as Wes, is also stubborn. All I could do was point to what I saw were problems and press for solutions. The process could get very emotional."

"Owen is a great laugher. I never in my life met anyone who laughed more often and still seemed genuinely surprised every time he did."

Jackie Chan on Owen

"Owen's worst habit? He eats a lot. He eats whatever he feels like."

"In the beginning, I didn't even like him. He was quiet. I was hiding my English. But later we were friends."

"Owen works a little harder ... because he is always trying to improve the script and make it funnier. He likes to try out different jokes that he comes up with on the spot ... [he] is very good with dialogue."

"Owen is a nice guy," Chan wrote in his film diary. "He doesn’t like the idea of having to hit anybody, even if it is not real."

"When Owen comes over, so does Garcia. Now I have to bring enough food for both of them. "

"I am glad these guys trust me. They are not only my co-stars, but also my friends. I have to protect them from harm. I checked their wires to make sure everything was OK. If I didn’t feel safe, I wouldn’t have allowed them to do the stunt. Owen is a nice guy, and I don’t think he’s had to hit many people in his life, so I had to show him the best way to do it without hurting himself or others. I think he doesn’"t like the idea of having to hit anybody, even if it is not real."

"I'm really starting to enjoy working with Owen. The more we work together, the more fun I have with him. He's changed so much from "Shanghai Noon." He is more relaxed, more playful, more creative and more committed. I really like his little dog, "Garcia." He must be Owen's inspiration. He has become our mascot. Every day, we all play with him on the set. He lifts all our spirits and brings a smile to all our faces. Somebody discovered that he really likes laser pointers, so now everybody has one so they can play with him. I think it's a good thing we found something to distract him, otherwise he often tries to get into the shot. We're really good buddies now. In the beginning Owen was a very shy person and kept to himself and now he's more confident and he comes to my trailer."

"Owen is a very very shy person!"

📷"Owen is a nice guy. He doesn't like the idea of having to hit anybody, even if it's not for real."

Kamil Kollarik (a Behind Enemy Lines co-star)

"I spent 14 days making this movie. Owen was at the beginning reserved, but then we became friends, but at first he was my colleague. But at the end I felt from him, that is is the 'STAR'."

Laura Wilson (mom) on Owen

"I remember when Owen was in college, he didn't pass Spanish class one semester, and I asked, 'How could you not pass?' " Wilson said, laughing. "He said, 'I was busy writing a screenplay.' And I said, 'What are you going to do with the rest of your life?' I didn't realize how serious he was then about being a filmmaker."

Luke on Owen

"I get the feeling people sometimes kind of think he's selling out. But movies like Armageddon and The Haunting are the kinds of movies we'd go to, the kinds of movies that as kids we loved. I like how he juggles both - it's the way that he is."

(on Owen & Wes' writing process) "They're like one of those couples that you wonder, "Are they really together?" It was kind of a closed-door affair sometimes. I get the feeling they both toss out names, ideas, fragments. But I couldn't tell you. And if I can't, I think probably nobody can."

(on their reported behind-the-scenes fights) "That is all show. On the whole we love each other".

"It’s not weird to be in box office competition. But it’s really weird to have trailers out at the same time and it��s weird to both have movies coming out. It’s strange enough to be in the movies, but to have a movie coming out at the same time as my brother is really odd. I get more nervous about how his movie is going to do than I do about my own for some reason. We’re best friends so we don’t really get into whose movie is going to make more money."

"You know I have friends back in Texas that complain we haven’t changed. They’re like “we wish Hollywood’s changed you.” No, but I mean, people ask me that all the time, but it’s like we really love each other and we’ve always been best friends. I really look up to Owen and admire him and I see him on another level than myself. He’s the one who kind of gave me start and he’s a real accomplished writer. I would feel like a fool to be real competitive with him. It’s like me and Owen and my brother Andrew, it’s like we’re competitive in terms of shooting baskets. But not work-wise. We want to work together and see the other guy do as best as he can."

"Yeah, I mean, In my family, humor is a constant so we’re always recounting things and stuff like that. You know Owen’s always prompting me to tell a story that I’ve told before. You know sometimes you’re not in the mood to tell a story and Owen will like make me tell a story and get irritated when I don’t remember specifics. I remember the last time I told a story I was like well why don’t you tell it. I mean he knows what I’m going to say, it’s just that he likes to hear things over and over. But yeah I mean I love to hear a good story. It’s just you can’t beat stuff that actually happened."

"Honestly, I get asked so much whether there is a competition between me and Owen. But yeah, for me, it's a tough business, not unlike others, but I wouldn't be doing it if it weren't for Owen and I've always looked up to him as a writer."

"I think he's a different guy onscreen and off-screen, so I really admire him and look up to him, and we're real supportive of each other. And it's great to be able to work with family and friends, and people you're close to in Los Angeles."

"As for the Around the World in 80 Days thing, that's one of those things, I think, where Owen kind of told me I was doing it. Someone mentioned to me, 'remember, you have the Wright Brothers thing to do in that movie in June'."

"Owen seemed worried that he was doing a weird character—which he was," he says. "I'll never forget him walking from a wardrobe fitting in that white suit, with a belt that had a 'D' for Dignan on it. The pants were too high, and they were tight. I didn't change my expression, but on the inside, I was laughing. He was saying, 'How does this look? Does it look cool?' And I said, 'Yeah, it looks great!'"

"We're good friends and I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing today if it wasn't for Owen. ``I have always looked up to him as a writer. He inspires me."

"When I'm working on Owen's film, he's the boss." Occasionally there is old baggage that you bring along from having grown up together, but we really get along, and I think there's nothing better if you get along with family."

(after seeing Owen in Behind Enemy Lines) "I was amazed at how good he was. I can’t look at my older brother the same way. He’s a hero in this."

"I definitely feel people don’t know who he is," Luke, his younger brother, has said. "A lot of people say he’s a goofball. I don’t think of him as a goofy guy."

"We spend a lot of time together, so we go back to Texas together a lot," Luke said. "We just get along really well together. And growing up, I was kind of a shy kid, so I would always hang around Owen, and his friends became my friends. My brother [Andrew] and I would spend all my time with him, so we've always been very close and done everything together, so it was only kind of natural when Wes and Owen wrote a script. We'd try to make it together, and that's just kind of how it went."

(on buying Owen a gift for his first home) "I found a great picture of Elvis standing in front of the first house he ever bought," he smiles. "Owen loved it."

(on the possibility of Owen having a wax figure at Madame Tussaud's; Luke advises artists not to mess with Owen's trademark nose) "It's what makes him recognizable -- unlike me, who [gets mistaken for] David Arquette."

"That's one Owen just kinda told me I was doing. I was, like, 'Did ya hear? They think we're playing the Wright brothers in a Jackie Chan movie!' And he said 'We are.' And I was, like, 'Okay, I didn't get that memo.' But we are going to do it, sometime this summer for a day or two."

"People always ask me if we're competitive. We're competitive in sports and stuff, but career-wise, I've always looked up to Owen. I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing now if it weren't for him."

"Owen takes notes and writes things down that he hears. It's always kind of funny when I go in to get something out of his room and I see a notebook and it'll just have the strangest scene written down. It'll make you laugh or smile and yeah, he's just kind of good at doing that kind of thing.""

"Owen likes to say that one minute you're swimming with me in the ocean, and the next, you look up and I'm driving away."

"Even my mother calls me 'Owen' or 'Andrew', and I don't bother to correct her."

"It bothers me when people ask if Owen and I are competitive," he says with a touch of annoyance. "It's not like 'my rentals are higher but you're beating me at the box office'. We're not the Sunshine Boys, but we love each other. I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing if it weren't for him."

(the BB gun incident) "We were obsessed with BB guns, and we weren't allowed to have them for so long. My parents were anti-guns and they thought if we got one we're gonna want to take a shot at a can, then at a squirrel and then you're gonna want to shoot a close friend or a brother. They were right - my brother Andrew still has a pellet lodged in his knuckle to this day. He had Owen cornered in a tool shed and it was like an Old West shoot-out. He had a hose and he was trying to flush him out and Owen just kind of stuck the gun out and got lucky and hit my brother in the knuckle."

"People would say, 'I can't believe you still live with your brother. How old are you, anyway?' I thought, 'Shit, man, Owen's thirty-four, I'm thirty-one, I should let him enjoy his home.'

(on moving out of Owen's house)" Yes, but I have purchased a house. He encouraged me, saying, "You're really doing well now. You should be able to get a good place. I think he'll be sad when I really move out, though."

"I would say if I had to rate our positions in the family, Owen is the provocateur, and I am the peacemaker."

"We were best pals growing up. All we did was kid each other."

"Our dad said when we were all together we created our own lowest common denominator."

(on living with his brother) "One of the nice things is that you don't have to be real polite."

"I live with Owen because I don't own any furniture."

"It bothers me when people ask if Owen and I are competitive. It's not like, 'My rentals are higher but you're beating me at the box office.' We're not the Sunshine Boys, but we love each other. I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing if it weren't for him."

Luke Wilson, later a St. Mark's graduate, dryly notes, "Owen didn't leave much of a legacy."

"I found a great picture of Elvis standing in front of the first house he ever bought," he smiles. "Owen loved it."

"But we try and stick together and support each other. I was always a shy kid, so I hung out with Owen and his friends. We still go home to Texas a lot together, and we hang out here in LA as well."

"But we try and stick together and support each other. I was always a shy kid, so I hung out with Owen and his friends. We still go home to Texas a lot together, and we hang out here in LA as well."

"We're very competitive in ping-pong." Luke jokes. "But as far as work goes, I feel that Owen is on another level. He's a really good writer, and he's produced a few movies. So I look up to him. I don't feel competitive because he's on another plain than I'm on. If it wasn't for Owen, I wouldn't be here doing what I'm doing."

"I cheated a little and got into a bit of trouble, but not enough to get expelled - like Owen did! I would say if I had to rate our positions in the family, Owen is the provocateur, and I am the peacemaker."

"I can remember my dad getting irritated with us as kids all hanging around together. He said when we got together, we were our own lowest common denominator."

"He just tends to lock the house if he's got company so I just get in the garage, lay the seat back and catch a few winks." - Luke on what happens at their house if Owen has "company".

"My brother Owen and I came on for our first movie which was Bottle Rocket, and well we had an argument that we were kinda, as a joke, going to wear, like, an ill-fitting coat and tie, kinda like a 6th grade photo because nobody knew who we are. So we get backstage; we had separate dressing rooms and Owen doesn't have the coat and tie on and I said, "What happened, we're doing the coat and tie thing?" and he said, "We're not doing it now." and I said, "Well I got it on already!" Next thing I know we're getting introduced and we come out and it doesn't get any better from there..." - Luke on his and Owen's first appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

"Owen's encouraged me to kind of find lodging elsewhere. He did just tell me a couple of days ago, "How's the house hunting going?", you know it hasn't been the most energetic house hunting on my half, I kinda like being at the house. Well Owen did just tell me to like, "take your time finding a place, I just want you out by the 1st of January", that's like in 2 weeks!"

"He had that real chlorine smell on him." - on Owen's job as a pool cleaner.

"I think Owen kind of suggested I do it, like, eight years ago. I was kind of complaining about the jobs I wasn't getting, stuff I didn't feel connected to. I think he was really trying to get me to shut up," Luke said.

Luke on Andrew and Owen: "We're basically kinda friends," he says, and grinning slyly, adds, "Friends that you can offend over and over again."

Luke on Owen: "He always has me kind of playing nut cases," Luke says. "Or guys who have to go into hospital for exhaustion. But I just thought Owen could do a really good and funny job with that. It's one of those characters that could have been a little too broad. But Owen did it and came up with good things."

Luke on Owen and Andrew: "We see each other every day, so I guess we get along," Luke says. "But it's not like it's any honeymoon or anything like that."

On their nights at the stripclubs: Luke goes: "Ah, geez." Andrew goes: "I know nothing." He laughs. "Ask Owen." And Owen goes: "Ha!"

Luke on Owen in TWBS: "He added a lot to his scenes," Luke says. "Sometimes I'd wonder what Owen thought I was doing. But once he got down to Austin and around Harry Dean and the others I could feel him sense that this could turn out pretty good. That made me feel good."

📷"He's a triple threat: actor, accomplished writer, and producer."

Sheryl Crow on Owen

"We really mirrored each other in a lot of aspects."

(on the song, Safe & Sound) "That song was definitely about our struggle - Owen's and mine - inside and outside of the relationship."

"But I love Owen. He's so talented, and a great, great person."

Todd Phillips on Owen

"He has, like, a stoner memory. You know how stoners really remember bizarre little facts in intense detail? With Owen, it's ridiculous."

Tom Dey on Owen

"Owen is in a league of his own. And a world of his own," says Shanghai Noon director Tom Dey. "But I knew after the first take of the first scene--he's a star waiting to happen."

"Owen is excellent with dialogue and at editing scenes to their bare bones efficiency."

"At the beginning of each day, Owen and I would sit under a tree and throw ideas and lines at each other."

Vince Vaughn on Owen

"With Owen, life gets in the way. Ben makes things happen and with Owen, things happen to him."

"The strange thing with Owen is that I still feel that although he's funny on screen, he's even funnier in real life."

Wes Anderson on Owen

"Yeah, I mean it happens. That's the way it happens. But I don't feel like we're, right now I feel like our....The friendship that gets the most strain is the one between me and Owen. And I feel like that's as strong a friendship now as it's ever been, and we still have several movies we want to do together. And I just sort of feel like, it's not something that I feel worried about right now."

"We never had any money, so it was kind of limited. There was just a lot of hanging around and reading and going to movies."

"Owen wanted us to go into advertising at one point, and he says he investigated joining the military, which I didn't know."

"That was the smoothes-things-out conversation which then becomes the general criticisms, the 'Okay, I agree, but here's your big problem."

"We're like an old married couple. Never go to bed angry."

(asked about a paper he wrote for Owen in college) Edgar Allen Poe. "The Cask of Amontillado." The deal was, we lived in this house and I lived upstairs. I found the place, so I moved in first, and I took the top floor of this little house. It had its own balcony, its own bathroom and it was kind of a big room. He lived downstairs next to the kitchen. It just wasn't a very good room. The deal was that we would switch after mid-term. But he got in trouble with this Edgar Allen Poe paper and couldn't get it together and he really needed a good grade on it, so I made him a deal that I would stay upstairs for the rest of the year and I would write up the paper. But I have to say, he had created this relationship with the professor where the professor thought he was unfocused and searching, but interesting and talented. The professor was interested and thought Owen had something, but Owen had never really turned in his papers and had always done half-baked work. Then I wrote what was probably a pretty good paper and he got an A-plus on the paper. The professor thought, "See? This is what this guy could do." So I think Owen really got his money's worth."

(on being in the same playwriting class at the University of Texas at Austin) “I probably wasn’t going to say that much, so why be right in front?” Anderson explains. “And Owen—I don’t think Owen could have sat [up front] and read the paper. I noticed that he never said anything, and he didn’t seem to have written a play.”

(on casting Owen as Dignan in Bottle Rocket) "Owen didn't think it was a good idea for him or Luke to be in it. He thought we should have real actors, and that it would somehow make us unprofessional. But obviously, no one was going to be as good as Owen."

"Owen is the middle child. In some ways, that makes him have to sort of grow up, in a way, fending for himself in ways that the others might not have. Because, the first born one, there's a lot of things focused on him. Then, when Owen is born, there's two of them, and he doesn't get quite as much attention. But when Luke is born ... Luke is the baby, and gets a different type of attention. So there's something that comes out of that." "But the rare thing," Anderson said, "is that those are three brothers who are very good friends and spend a lot of time together, which I feel like I don't see that that often. I feel like I'm very close with my brothers. But one of them goes to Providence, Rhode Island - that's my younger brother, Eric -- [he] and I, we've been around each other a lot more. But the three of them have always been together."

"We were rehearsing a scene," Anderson, director of The Royal Tenenbaums, recalled, "and Owen was kind of mumbling and reading off the page and we had Gene Hackman there. I said, ‘You’re supposed to have it memorized.’ Owen’s like, ‘I don’t memorize before the rehearsal.’ I said, ‘What are you talking about?’ He said, ‘Wes, this is my seventh movie. This is the way I do it.’ Somewhere around Anaconda, he made a shift that I didn’t even know about."

""So this is the third movie that Owen Wilson and I have written together, and, in a way, every movie that we've written we've had a different, sort of, method of working with each other. People always ask "How do you guys write together?", and, you know, we always have to come up with some kind of answer, but it's really hard to describe because it's so different at different moments. Sometimes it's just us sitting together somewhere and talking. You know, "Bottle Rocket" was the movie where we worked the closest, because after that Owen became an actor, and as time's gone by he's become more and more successful as an actor to the point that now he's really genuinely a movie star. And, you know, in the case of this movie, I ended up on my own much more than I would like to be, but I feel like the center of our writing collaboration is this sort of sensibility and the kind of voice that we've developed together and has a lot to do with whatever we share in our sense of humor, and whatever we share in the books we've read, the books we've read growing up especially, and the movies that we've loved, and then all this vast amount of time we've spent with each other. So I think even if I'm writing alone, as seen, I'm drawing on something that Owen and I share, something we kind of invented together, and that's what I think all the movies we've worked on really come from - it's meeting of our two perspectives.

(on seeing Owen act in blockbusters like Anaconda and Armageddon) "You're not really experiencing the movie. It's just like, 'I'm waiting to see Owen. There he is!' I thought he was funny in The Cable Guy. I think he's listed in the credits as Obnoxious Date."

(on living with the Wilson brothers) "There's lots of terrible things that happen living in the same house with people. They're mostly just matters of hygiene, I would say."

"We were doing a playwriting class together: this thing where everybody, about nine of us, sat around a table and discussed plays. And I always sat in one corner, not really at the table, and Owen always sat in another corner, not really at the table, and we never spoke the whole semester. I never even met him."WES: Actually, it was fairly civilized. But we worked with lots of different producers, and they each had criticisms, so we would end up on the same side - angry at them."

"We do a lot of talking about what we're going to write for a long time before we ever start to write. And when we do start writing, it's a lot of trading scraps of paper back and forth for a long time. That sort of grows into something."

"Owen gives me stacks of paper, scraps of dialogue or an idea for a scene. And we may come up with dialogue when we're talking. But I'm the one who actually makes it into a script. With Tenenbaums, he was acting in a lot of other movies, so I was on my own more than before."

"Owen [Wilson] criticizes me for collecting books that I will never have the time to read,"

"We were rehearsing a scene, and Owen was kind of mumbling and reading off the page and we had Gene Hackman there," Anderson said. "[I said,] 'You're supposed to have it memorized.' Owen's like, 'I don't memorize before the rehearsal.' [I said,] 'What are you talking about?' [He said,] 'Wes, this is my seventh movie. This is the way I do it.' Somewhere around 'Anaconda,' he made a shift which I didn't even know about."

" He remembers a vicious bout of chess while they were students together at the University of Texas. "Owen bet me he was going to beat me in three moves – and I was like, there's no way you're gong to beat me in three moves. But he had some really great gambit that he'd read about – and he did, he won! I was stunned." They haven't played chess since. "He's also a terrible winner and a terrible sport – winner or loser. He's very well known for welching on bets, for not paying debts and trying to do anything he can, double or nothing until it goes away... I'm his perfect opponent because I'm going to lose and it's gonna mean a lot to me that I lost."

"Yeah. Well, you know, initially, my writing partner, Owen Wilson, and I--he'd always been encouraging me to write about my parents' divorce. He always thought there was something there that would be a good basis for something. And so that's what I thought we were doing. But the more we worked on the script, the less it had anything to do with my family or my parents' divorce, and the more it was sort of invented and the more dysfunctional it became. It kind of just went off on its own. "

"You know, very much. I mean, as much as sort of devoted as I am to my own family, I do remember a series of families over the years that I was always trying to get myself adopted into because of the things that were going on in their houses. And that's definitely where this Eli Cash character that Owen plays comes from."

📷"He's also a terrible winner and a terrible sport - winner or loser. He's very will known for welching on bets, for not paying debts and trying to do anything he can, double or nothing until it goes away."

#quotes #misc