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robertjacobsugdens · 6 years

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Here’s my proposal week exchange fic for the wonderful @mrshiftyafsugden who asked for groomzilla Robert. Happy proposal week and enjoy!

the devil in the details

The thing, Aaron thinks, lying on his bed, Robert’s head on his chest, is that in hindsight, he should probably have seen it coming. You don’t spend the better part of four years with Robert Sugden without realizing he’s prone to extremes. So, really, in a way this is probably as much his fault as Robert’s.

It all started benignly enough, with the color scheme.

It’s not that Aaron isn’t interested in planning the wedding. It’s just that, well. It’s not exactly his territory, is it? Unless Robert wants to go for a gray on black color scheme, he’s not really sure how to contribute.

Robert, to his credit, has taken it in stride.

Ever since the proposal, he’s been spending every free minute researching the best options, something that from a distance looks suspiciously like Pinterest open on his laptop and his calculator app in hand.

Aaron hasn’t made fun of him for it yet only because a) it’s actually really sweet, and b) he’d have to admit that he can recognize Pinterest from a distance. He lives in constant hope either Vic or Liv will see Robert in action and take the mick though.

“We should go with maroon and blue.” Robert says.

They’ve been discussing the wedding on and off all evening, on the couch, Aaron lying with his head on top of Robert, a superhero movie they’re only half watching on tv.

“For the wedding.” Robert adds. “They’re sort of our colors, aren’t they?” He continues with the tone of someone who’s fully aware they’re saying something incredibly sappy.

Lucky for him, Aaron is in the mood for sappy.

“Awww.” Aaron says mockingly, but he’s pretty sure the effect is ruined by the huge grin on his face.

Aaron would never admit it, but there’s still a shiver that goes down his spine every time he remembers that he and Robert are actually getting married again. The first time around had been a surprise and he hadn’t had the chance to really savor it. Now, however, every morning he looks at the calendar app on his phone and stares at that day marked in red and he feels it. He feels the joy of it and the anticipation.

Aaron gets up to straddle Robert’s thighs. He’s barely settled when they crash into each other, mouths hungry, Robert’s hands on Aaron’s ass, Aaron’s fingers twisting Robert’s hair.

This is their life now, sometimes they remember they’re getting married and end up making out like teenagers.

Not that Aaron’s complaining.

“Here. Give these to Liv, Cain, and Paddy.” Robert says, putting a stack of papers in front of Aaron’s breakfast.

“What?” Aaron grunts.

“Pantone 1815 and Pantone 2768. Give one of each to the people in your wedding party.” Robert replies, getting coffee from the pot like he just said something that makes sense, instead of stringing together random words and numbers.

Aaron must look as confused as he feels because Robert decides to further explain. “They’re paint chips. Maroon and navy blue. So they can match their outfits to the wedding colors. I’ll pass by the Woolpack later and give them to Vic, Doug, and Vanessa.”

Aaron, who hadn’t even settled on a wedding party until this very moment, just nods and takes them.

Aaron gets a text from Vic the next day.

“Really? REALLY???”

He assumes Robert gave her the paint samples.

Aaron is enjoying a pint in the pub when Marlon corners him.

“Keep your husband away from my kitchen.” Marlon says and Aaron isn’t proud that he’s mostly focusing on the fact that Marlon called Robert his husband. He doubts it’s something that’ll ever lose its magic.

“I’m serious, Aaron. If he comes back here I won’t be held responsible for my actions.” Marlon continues, putting his hands up.

“Why? Did he criticize your grilling skills again?” Aaron asks, trying to hold back a grin at the memory.

“He’s driving me nuts. Him and his wedding cake. He might not even live to see the wedding.” Marlon replies, punctuating the threat with wild flails of his arms.

Aaron rolls his eyes. “It’s a cake, Marlon.”

“Oh, is it? Is it?” Marlon says, taking a photo out of his apron and handing it to Aaron. There, printed on some fancy photo paper and everything, is a picture of a cake. It’s blue, it’s got three layers, flecks of gold painted at the bottom of each one, and deep red flowers decorate one side. It’s a nice cake.

“- edible gold paint, real flowers. He wants ranunculi, Aaron, they’re a winter flower. It’s August.” Marlon says, putting his head between his hands, unaware Aaron hasn’t been listening.

He can’t stop looking at the picture of the cake. It’s a proper wedding cake. It makes something warm open in his chest and he can’t quite explain even to himself why.

“Just do as he asks.” Aaron says, trying to mask the sudden swell of emotion with a shrug.

“You are aware you’re not paying me, right?” Marlon asks, eyes wide.

“We’re family we shouldn’t even have to ask.” Aaron says, going back to his beer.

Marlon huffs out something that sounds suspiciously like a curse and retreats back into the kitchen.

As soon as Marlon’s out of sight, Aaron drowns his beer and gets up. He’s been suddenly overcome with the need to go home and go see his husband.

“Aaron, can I talk to you for a moment, lad?” Zak asks, approaching Aaron like most people would approach a wild animal.

“What’s wrong?” Aaron asks, his mind already racing.

“Oh, nothing wrong, really. Marlon has been ranting and raving about your Robert lately and I just wanted to make sure everything’s fine.”

Aaron can’t help but laugh.

“I’m pretty sure this can be legally classified as child labor.” Liv says just as Aaron is coming in.

The living room is drowning in wedding favors, every surface covered in blue, gold, and red.

Sitting on the floor are Liv, Gabby, and Jacob. They seem to have a system going on, with Liv assembling blue cardboard into small boxes, Gabby putting chocolates wrapped in golden foil inside, and Jacob tying everything up with red ribbons.

“No, it can’t.” Robert replies, emerging from the stairs. “Hey.” He continues once he spots Aaron.

Robert gets close and, like always, the world is reduced to Robert’s presence, inches away from Aaron. They kiss and Aaron can barely hear the kids telling them to get a room.

“Productive day?” Aaron asks, eyeing the mess in their living room.

“Very. Almost all the wedding favors are done.” Robert replies, dragging Aaron into the kitchen.

“He says, as if he’s had anything to do with it.” Liv says, rolling her eyes.

“I’m sure you’re getting your fill of chocolate, so don’t complain.” Aaron tells her, getting a beer from the fridge.

“Are you joking? He’s been counting them all day. We couldn’t sneak one if we tried.” Gabby interjects. “It’s like working for Miss Trunchbull.”

“Who’s that?” Jacob asks, not taking his eyes off the ribbons. David is probably going to bill them for his new glasses at this rate.

“It’s a character from this old movie, from like, the 90s.” Gabby replies, pulling a face.

“He’s insane.” Aaron can hear Gabby’s voice coming from Liv’s room. He’s not snooping, he just came out to get some water and Liv’s bedroom door is slightly open.

“I don’t know. I think he’s just excited. It’s nice.” Liv replies.

“Fifty wedding favors, Liv.” Gabby whines and Liv laughs.

It’s the night before Aaron’s wedding and he’s supposed to be spending it at the Woolpack. It’s something his mom has insisted on, and hey, at least this time around Aaron knows the wedding’s happening with some advance. He’s not about to complain.

Except, he can’t sleep.

It’s been the first time in months he’s had to sleep without Robert, and between that and the excitement for tomorrow, he can’t quite manage it.

That’s why he’s been walking around for the past fifteen minutes, trying to walk himself into tiredness. So far, all he’s managed to do is find himself in front of the Mill.

He’s about to walk past it when he sees a light in the garden.

There, he finds Robert, holding his phone with the flashlight on in one hand, and trying to singlehandedly move the huge white tent covering their table for the reception.

“You need a hand with that?” Aaron asks, making Robert jump.

“What are you doing here?” Robert asks, getting closer to Aaron.

“Couldn’t sleep.” Aaron replies, putting his hands on Robert’s waist, Robert smirks.

“That what they’re calling it these days?” He asks, leaning down and kissing Aaron.

It’s a heated kiss, made even more frantic by the fact they haven’t seen each for most of the day.

Whoever decided they shouldn’t see each other before the wedding is Aaron’s worst enemy.

“Let’s go inside.” Robert says, nodding towards their home.

“Should I ask why you were in the garden at 4 am trying to move a two tons tent?” Aaron asks him instead.

“It looks better a few inches to the right.” Robert says, like this is a normal thing to be worried about in the middle of the night. “I tried calling the company, but they refused to come back for it.” He then continues.

“Did you call them at 10 pm?” Aaron asks, because Aaron knows his soon to be husband.

“It’s bad customer service!” Robert says like it personally offends him that those poor blokes who spent most of the afternoon setting the whole thing up won’t come back in the middle of the night to take it down and rebuild it a few inches to the right.

“Robert, relax. It looks amazing.” Aaron says, looking Robert in the eyes.

“I just want it to be perfect.” Robert says, eyes softening. “For you.”

“For me?” Aaron asks.

“I wanted to give you the whole big wedding thing. Money’s been tight recently, but you deserve it.” Robert says, his hands moving up and down Aaron’s arms.

“Robert, I’m marrying you.” Aaron says, one of his hands coming to rest behind Robert’s neck. “That’s all I want. This, all this, the suits, the garden, the cake, is beautiful and I love it. But I’d marry you in a dumpster behind a McDonald’s.”

“Good thing we paid for almost none of this then.” Robert replies and Aaron laughs. Marlon and Vic might not speak to either one of them for the next few years, but it’ll have been worth it.

“Come on, let’s go inside, let me show you how happy I am to be marrying you.” Aaron says, taking Robert’s hand in his and leading him into their home.

#text #mrshiftyafsugden #proposal week ficlet exchange #aaron x robert #writing*

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brandyjanell · 4 years

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Let's Get Cozy w/ LIV The Collection

Who is the Creator?

My name is Olivia Castro and I am born and raised in Cleveland. I am the owner of a sustainable, fine jewelry brand called LIV the collection and I am also a fashion blogger and stylist.

What is “LIV The Collection”?

LIV the collection has been a lot of things and is currently developing into so much more! LIV the collection is a collection of rare, handpicked jewelry pieces that are vintage, antique and estate jewelry. Being "green" is really near and dear to my heart so I really wanted to start a jewelry line that utilized that aspect and was just good for our world. My blog is called LIV the look which is where I focus on modern vintage looks. That is truly the base of it all. I love to be trendy and on point but I also love vintage fashion. It's a great way to create a sustainable wardrobe and just simply have pieces that are truly one of a kind. I know that when I put together a look on my blog that no one will have seen it before because I am not just wearing Fashion Nova or Forever21 but timeless, statement pieces from the past. I bring that concept to life in my business. As of now, I curate a collection of vintage, antique and estate jewelry but this year we will also have a collection of my own designs as well! I am super excited to share this with you in this interview as I haven't really shared it with many people yet.

How long have you been interested in building your own jewelry line and how important is it to you?

So my business hasn't always been jewelry but has more like evolved into it. I graduated from Capital University in 2016, got married and moved to California that same summer. It really was a crazy whirl wind experience especially graduating without a clear direction for what I wanted to do with my life. I basically took that year to figure it out. My amazing husband worked full-time and let me take time for myself (which I literally have never done ever). My greatest skill was always being a creative but I just didn't know what to do with it. As a girl, I wanted to be a fashion designer and I always wanted to have my own business so I just went for it. It sounds easy when saying it now but it was really hard and really scary. I felt like I couldn't fully put myself out there so I started with baby steps. I first opened an online boutique called Medusa's Vintage Boutique which turned into a Depop shop where I sold modern vintage clothing. Medusa's then turned into my first blog called Awaking Olivia which then turned into LIV the look where I focused on styling my own modern vintage looks. As I started to put myself out there more and more I decided to just truly go for it and in September I launched LIV the collection. It really has been the best thing I have ever done. It's only been open for a few months now but I have been met with so much love and encouragement from the community so I am super excited for the future and just to keep growing!

Has any fashion icons, or any particular pieces inspired you?

I have a few fashion icons that basically formed my style over the years. The first is 90s/early 2000s Gwen Stefani. She was just such a bad ass and I loved her rebelliousness. I remember dancing in my basement to Just A Girl as a kid and feeling so empowered by her. As I grew up I would watch her videos and they were so creative and intriguing and it would just give me such a throwback fashion direction. I think she was the one who really made me start looking for vintage pieces. The next icon for me is Lady Gaga. She is a total icon all together and when I was in high school I was obsessed with her! She just was so cool and just a bold woman and that is how I wanted to be. I loved that she was edgy and a rocker yet totally wore classic, pieces that are as timeless. If you look close enough a lot of those pieces are vintage too! This may sound like the weirdest collection of fashion inspo but the last is Kim Kardashian! She really helped me become comfortable with showing off and loving my curvy, petite body. I remember watching the show and Kanye telling Kim that her body was her accessory. I had never thought of it that way so after that I started to simplify my style and make my body by accessory. Before Kim, tall, thin people dominated covers and the fashion industry; she was one of the first to break that barrier. I love being able to look to her for how to style a small curvy frame. I also just love that she is always on the cutting edge of fashion yet also is into neutrals as well. So from Gwen I got my vintage love, from Gaga I got my edginess and from Kim I got my sexy neutrals!

What are your short term goals and where do you see your brand in five years?

This is such a great questions because I am a virgo and I am all about those goals! For this year I have two major goals for LIV the collection. The first is to feature my own designs! I am really excited about this and super nervous all at the same time. It take a lot of vulnerability to show your work and your art to the world, especially when you're expecting people to buy it and cherish it, so my goal is to launch my own designs with confidence and really put myself out there. The second goal I have for LIV is to do a city tour! Our plan is every couple of months to do a pop-up shop in a different city. As of now we have Washington DC planned as our first stop in the spring so keep an eye out for more details on our website and social media! In five years, I see my brand as a Cleveland powerhouse. I see myself having a working studio with a show room that I can rent out to local photographers and small businesses to use and a space for me to throw events and hold pop-up shops of my own. I also really want to give back. I would love to have internships and mentorship programs for women of color so they can get business experience (I just have to get a little more experience myself first!).

On days where you aren't feeling motivated, what motivates you?

My family is what motivates me most. I come from really humble beginnings and I am a first generation college student, which are both things that I am really proud of. On days where I am not feeling it, I really just think of what a privilege it is to be where I am. I work from home, I have a dope life, a sexy husband, a kick-ass apartment and literally the coolest job in the world. The only thing in life I want to do is to make them proud and give back that opportunity to others. I will say though that this isn't always a good thing for me as a lot of times of do things for other people instead of myself and end of putting myself last. So although putting myself first is something I am working on, at the end of the day, all I want to do is be and do what the generation before be didn't have the opportunity to. That gives me all the fuel I need.

What advice would you give someone that's interested in starting a similar brand?

1. Be authentic. You cannot create for a place that is defensive. You cannot create from a place that is insecure. People can sense that in your work and in your art. You have to be vulnerable and really put yourself out there. People respond to that and that is what will keep their attention.

2. Only listen to your intuition. This may sound a little crazy but for a long time I would listen to other people. I always just thought they knew better than me and what they were talking about. I gave them credit simply because they were older than me or they were a parent or they were smart. Today I only listen to myself. My intuition is my guide. My gut is my guide. Yes I do take in advice from others but I always take everything with a grain of salt. At the end of the day only you know what is best for you and remember that your intuition never lies to you.

3. Know that if you succeed, it will only because of you. That is the beauty of business. It is the greatest equalizer. You can be given everything in life and still not be successful at your own business. You can be given nothing and be super successful. Or even vice versa! The only way it can work is if you make it work. No one will help you. There is no right way. There is no guideline or cook book. There is only you, your tools and what you can do with them.

What do you do to stay cozy?

Cozy to me is all about a state of mind. As a fashion blogger I am usually styled in my favorite look. Some people may think I am overdressed, doing too much or uncomfortable but staying cozy to me is all about what you feel inside. Confidence is everything. I am cozy when I am confident. Whether that is when I am shooting styles for my blog, in full glam doing a photoshoot for LIV the collection or wearing sweats with my husband watching Netflix. As long as you are confident in yourself, you can be cozy anywhere!

Social Media?

Blog:

LIV the look

Olivia Castro (@littlelivslook) • Instagram photos and videos

littleliv (littlelivpinterest) on PinterestBusiness:

LIV the collection

@liv_thecollection • Instagram photos and videosLIV the collection (livthecollection) on Pinterest

#Fashion #Jewlery #livthecollection #blogger #fashionblog #fashionblogger #accessories

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