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whump-town · 3 years

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Happy Birthday, Hotch!

Waking up surrounded by nothing but white walls, Aaron Hotchner… feels sick. Miserably, his throat burns as he coughs up stomach acid choking on what little bile does come up. He must have passed out some time earlier but his cheek is resting on the toilet’s lowered rim so that has to be some sort of win. Better than the nothing in his stomach-- nothing in his body except pain killers that wore off hours ago and the Gatorade he’d sipped to make the charge-nurse at the hospital happy.

But at least he’s home.

Speaking of---

There’s a harsh knocking on the front door. He recognizes that as the sound that had woken him up from his toilet nap. Whoever it is-- Dave, he recognizes a moment too late-- is not happy.

Picking himself up off of the ground, knees and back and every joint in his body heaving complaint, he makes a shaky attempt to move from the bathroom.

“Hotch!”

That’s… that’s not Dave.

“Emily?” All the way from London? “What’re you--”

He’s taken aback when she throws her arms around his neck. It takes him by storm, a stumbling storm of honeysuckles and lavender and all so very distinctly Emily. He hadn’t realized how much he missed her until this moment. He entertains himself by thinking the swell of emotions in his chest is caused by the medicine in his system and not the genuine pain of missing her so desperately.

“Happy birthday,” she whispers, still rocked up onto her toes so that she’s tall enough to hug him properly. “I’ve missed you, you old bastard.” She pulls away from their hug first which in itself is a dead giveaway that something isn’t right.

He’s warm to the touch. Too warm. That’s excusable but added with the mess his apartments in and the mess he looks…

“You’re sick.”

Hotch is a very organized and predictable man. He sleeps in old t-shirts and sweatpants. The man wouldn’t be caught dead in his underwear. The closest thing to a design his apartment has is in the books he leaves propped open, print side down on various surfaces. Asides, of course, the toys left mid-play by Jack. It’s tidy and unique and very him.

The man standing before them now is not that same man.

He’s standing in plaid green boxers, absent of the shirt he thinks he might have gone to bed in. There are tissues on the coffee table, a blanket of sorts over the sociology book he’d been reading earlier this week. He’s only got one sock on and with Emily no longer holding his shoulders square he sways slightly. As if rocking with a breeze only he’s aware of.

His sleep-deprived mind having a hard time processing all of this. His birthday? Is it November? It can’t be November… Surely he’d know if it were his own birthday… wouldn’t he?

There’s a wordless exchange shared as Emily steps back and allows Dave to step close. Hotch stands still-- which speaks volumes-- as Dave presses his wrist to his forehead. With a solemn nod Dave condemns his fate, “oh he’s sick alright.”

Hotch rubs at his nose with the back of his hand, “I already went to the doctor.” Actually, he’d gone to the ER. Jessica had dragged him there kicking and screaming--- or rather, grumbling and too weak to stand (she’d said it was the same thing). He can’t remember how long ago that was.

Dave huffs at that and Hotch jumps when Morgan’s voice adds, “he’s got a prescription from yesterday.” Morgan flips the bottle around to read the label. He blows out a breath and passes it to Reid. “I have not idea what this is for, though.”

Reid scans over the whole bottle and hums, “for the flu.” He hands it back to Morgan, “you don’t recognize the name because it’s not the typical prescription doctor’s are asked to prescribe.” Reid passes the medicine to Dave, who holds his hand out expectantly. “This medication, while proven not to be as effective, won’t counteract with the blood thinners Hotch has, also, been prescribed to take daily.”

Biting his lip, Reid acknowledges his boss won’t like him further adding it could counteract with the other medications he takes for his OCD, thyroid, or the anxiety that he tells his therapist only has a tendency “flare up”. Still, those medications could cause additional side-effects.

“Here,” JJ gets tired of seeing Hotch just standing there shivering. His glossy eyes seem vacant and far off and she assumes this is why he hasn’t moved to cover himself up despite how badly his body is shaking. So, she pulls the blanket off of the back of the couch and pulls it around his bare shoulders.

Hotch blinks owlishly at her… how many people are in his apartment right now? There’s Emily who’s now taking him by the hand guiding him to the couch. He can see Reid and Morgan tossing discarded tissues into the trash can from where they’ve been left to sit on the coffee table. There’s JJ who, as he caves into the couch, pulls his blanket a little tighter around him. Dave leaves the room without comments leaving…

“I can’t believe you’re sick on your birthday.”

Garcia.

It’s sweet that she’s so concerned but…

“Is it really my birthday,” he asks, turning to Emily. Surely, this is all a part of one of her games or maybe he’s dying on the bathroom floor and this is all some hallucination. If it’s a hallucination he’d really like to imagine some pants and a shirt, please.

Emily looks so sad when she turns to him that he almost regrets having asked. “Your birthday is November 2nd, isn’t it?”

JJ takes his hand and adjusts the blankets again as he keeps sinking back into the couch. Her hands are freezing.

He nods, throat sore and head too cloudy to really want to reply.

“It’s your birthday then.”

Dave comes into the room with a handful of pills. There’s green and blue and white and at least five different pills sitting in his palm right now. It’s startling within itself to the others but Hotch takes them without question because five pills really isn't that much to him.

“Drink some more of that,” Dave says, putting his hand under the glass of water Hotch only sips before trying to put down. He guides it back to Hotch’s mouth, ignoring Hotch’s weak grunt of protest. Hotch pulls away sooner than Dave would like but he’s already looking queasy and Dave backs off, not wanting to push it.

Hotch looks around, dazed and confused, when JJ and Emily both stand from where they’d been sitting beside him on the couch. “Get some sleep,” JJ says, guiding him by the shoulders to the side so that he’s laying down.

He doesn’t want to sleep. Not with them here. Not when his guard needs to be up and he has to be the boss, the guy they can rely on.

“We’ll be here when you wake up,” JJ promises, kisses his temple.

But… it’s so hard to fight…

“Please get better,” Garcia whispers, bending down to hug him. He grunts a little, smiling despite himself when she squeezes him. It’s worth the small smile she gives back.

Emily lingers for a moment. She doesn’t hug him or kiss his head. She just runs her hand through his tangled hair, shaking her head at this whole mess. For someone so guarded, so stuck on being perfect he seems to constantly be getting himself into these messes. A drama queen, really.

And that’s the final straw. He can’t fight how soothed he is by her fingers slowly ghosting through his hair. He’s just vaguely aware of when she pulls away. Her hand moving from his hair and the blanket around his shoulder being tugged up over his shoulders. “Get some sleep, Aaron.”

And he does.

Garcia thinks it’s the cutest thing she’s ever seen in her entire life. Aaron Hotchner snores?? Why hadn’t they told her that?

“Because,” Emily comments, popping a grape into her mouth. “It’s cute now, to you, but go on a case and get stuck with that--” she throws an accusing thumb in the direction of the softly snoring couch. “Not so cute anymore.”

JJ rolls her eyes. Dave had assigned her to cutting carrots as she’d proven to be the only competent person he could trust (his words not hers). So, the farthest side of the island in the kitchen had been taken over by the girls. Leaving Reid and Morgan to fend for themselves (they’d found Jack’s connect four game and have been playing that for the last hour).

“Dave is the worst,” JJ says with a strange amount of conviction. “It goes Dave, Derek, Spence, then Hotch.”

Emily scoffs, “uh, no. Dave, definitely the worst, but Reid is way worse than Derek.” She pulls a few more grapes off the vine. She’d found the bag in Hotch’s fridge, which was startling empty. Given that she won’t go stealing Jack’s gummies, that left the grapes.

“How have things been,” she asks. She doesn’t typically feel too guilty about leaving them but seeing how things are right now… “Other than,” she tilts her head back towards the couch. To Hotch.

JJ shrugs and Garcia shares the same not displeased but nothing to comment look. After a moment Garcia softly says, “it’s not always like this but… we miss you.”

JJ nods, pausing in her carrot cutting. She stares, for a moment, at those chopped carrots. They really do miss her and how could they not? Resuming her job she tries to shake that thought away. She’s here now, that’s all that matters.

Hotch stirs on the couch, a distressed groan coming from either the mound of pillows Garcia’s stacked around him or the blankets she’s stacked on him. Either way, before anyone else can move, Derek is standing and waving for them to remain where they are.

Emily watches as Derek disappears behind the couch. His deep voice rumbles as he talks to Hotch. “Easy, easy,” Derek says, a hint of trepidation. “Come on--” Derek stands, stumbling back and Hotch’s head becomes visible for just a moment before he falls forward.

Derek stands, “Dave!”

Hotch grumbles something and the two argue for a moment before Dave can get there.

Emily stands, starting a whole wave of movement.

Dave holds up his hand to hold them off, “he’s fine.” And they see that for themselves a second later when, heavily supported by Derek’s shoulder, Hotch stands. The blanket falls off his shoulders, giving them a good view of his back. The muscles taunt with the effort he’s putting into moving.

And, as they are told, the other’s stay right where they are. They watch every step he takes, waiting on bated breath as Morgan and Hotch argue all the way back to the bathroom and even then, they can still hear the two of them going at it. Which is annoying but if Hotch is well enough to argue then he’s well enough to eat the soup Dave’s been pouring his heart into for the better part of the last hour.

“Now listen,” Dave says, hands on hips and talking to everyone sans Hotch and Morgan. “Jack is on his way with a birthday card and a chipper attitude. I won’t have you all ruining that, understood? That boy is going to be better than any medicine we could have Aaron choke down right now.”

Jack’s not stupid but it’s unlikely he’ll react well to them freaking out.

So, they’re going to be the perfectly happy little family that they are.

“If you don’t eat that soup--” Dave is standing, hovering over Aaron’s side.

Hotch raises an eyebrow in question. While his birthday might not matter to him in the grand scheme of his favorite days and things worth celebrating, it matters to them. Enough so, Dave won’t do shit if he doesn’t eat this soup. Plus he doesn’t really want to eat it. It’s not that it doesn’t smell good or even look good. He just doesn’t want to throw up.

“You’ll what,” Hotch inquires hoarsely. “Break into my house again?”

Emily glances up at that, “it’s not really breaking in if we have a key.”

There’s a hum of agreeance, the other’s happily eating Dave’s soup.

Hotch rolls his eyes but picks up the spoon.

Dave pats his back, giving Hotch a proud smile. “Happy Birthday, son.”

Hotch blushes under the attention, ducking his head as the other’s chime in alongside Dave. He shyly thanks them with a nod of his head, “thanks, guys.”

#criminal minds #aaron hotchner #criminal minds fanfiction #derek morgan #emily prentiss #david rossi #jennifer jareau #spencer reid #penelope garcia

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lilzebub · 3 years

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Through the Years (CH 1)

I have this posted on https://archiveofourown.org/works/23913232/chapters/57499045, but thought I’d share here too! Finally finished this work yesterday.

Five Hargreeves x F!reader

Summary: Number Five and the reader experience friendship and love that spans across the years and timelines. Word Count: 11k+ across three chapters.

Warnings: Violence in chapter 2, brief mention of smut in chapter 1, some angst, some language, canon divergent content

Setting her steaming mug gently on the table, she thumbed over a copy of her favorite book. “The Time Traveler’s Wife” emblazoned in large white letters across the front, the book was obviously well loved and well read. Her eyes flicked over to the calendar that hung on the wall: February 2nd 2019, circled in bright red marker. Today was one of the days, one of the final ones marked on her calendar. It was raining all day, but it would clear up by this afternoon, at least that’s what he had told her. She trusted this strange omniscience, the knowledge of things that would happen, the absolute certainty and resolve. She retrieved a second mug from the cabinet and poured a cup of rich, black coffee from the French press. He had told her she made the best coffee of anyone in any timeline, and she was inclined to believe that. Where he came from, coffee was a sparse and sought after resource. The ticking of the clock counted down the seconds, and she found herself syncing up her breathing. “Why am I so nervous?” she whispered out loud to no one in particular. A blue light flashed brightly on the opposite side of the room, and her breath hitched in her throat. The illuminated man composed himself, this time much older than she was used to. “Five?” She stepped forward, voice wavering. “February 2nd, 2019?” His face stern and weathered. Her head nodded in confirmation. Face softening, he strode towards her, wrapping her in a warm embrace. “Five, you’re filthy, is everything okay?” “Let me take a shower and I’ll fill you in.” He glided past her towards the bathroom, knowing precisely where he was going. She no longer felt hurt at the lack of affection when he first arrives, but had rather come to expect it. They had done this countless times in different locations: her parents’ home, her first apartment, once while she was on vacation. Five could seemingly always find his way to her, regardless of the time stamp. She sat quietly on the couch as the low hum of the shower started down the hall.

The first night he came in 2002 had been tumultuous. Her parents fought loudly in the living room, like they had done countless times since her sister had committed suicide. Those nights she found solace in lying on the roof of the house, staring at stars. The serenity was broken by a loud ‘pop’ from her bedroom. Wiping away her tears, she snuck back in through her window, to be greeted by the form of a boy around her age who appeared very shaken up. The girl began to scream, and the boy rushed over and placed a hand gently on her mouth. “Shhhhh. Please wait, listen. I need you to tell me the date.” He removed his hand, placing it on her shoulder. “It’s January 3rd 2002.” His mouth curved into a sly smile. “I’ll be damned, I DID IT.” Her eyes traced the emblem on the front of his neat sport jacket. “I came from two days in the past!” “You’re from the Umbrella Academy, aren’t you?” “Five Hargreeves, spatial jumper and now, officially, TIME TRAVELLER. Oh, father dearest is going to love this…”He paused, holding out his hand. “I’m sorry, I really don’t know why I showed up here of all places.” She reached out and shook his hand. “I’m (y/n),” she replied quietly, still attempting to mask the fact that she had been crying. Their friendship soon became a constant in her otherwise bleak life. He began visiting in the normal timeline, for the better part of a year. He would occasionally pop up in her room, asking what the date was: she could tell he was practicing for a bigger jump. One night, when they sat on the roof, she broke down. “I’m sorry I’m so boring. We sit up here nearly every night, I know this has to drive you crazy. You could be honing your time jumps, or literally doing anything else, than sitting up here with me. You’re extraordinary and I’m just…ordinary.” His hand brushed hers, so gently she thought she had imagined it. “Hey, you’re wrong. You’re definitely not ordinary. You’re like a beacon, or a lighthouse. If I ever get lost in the timeline, I think I’ll always be able to find you. That must be why I showed up here after the first jump!” He paused, staring at the sky. “You’re my best friend, (Y/n).” That night, he had left in another loud ‘pop’. At first light, she rolled over in her bed, noticing some items missing from her room. A picture frame that held a class photo, a necklace from her nightstand, small things that would seem mundane to an unknowing eye. Beside her head on the pillow, a letter was conspicuously placed. “(Y/n), Today I am going to attempt the furthest time jump that I’ve done yet. I know my father will protest, but I think I’m ready. If something happens, just know I’ll find you eventually. I promise. Yours, Five”

She was fourteen the first time he came back, popping up in the kitchen of her house. She marveled at how he was all at once the same, but was somehow different, perhaps a bit older. Once the shock subsided, she threw her silverware at him, unleashing her pent up anger. “You left me, Five. You left me,” she sobbed. He was unphased, standing with arms crossed. “Are you done?” he stared at her from the place she had collapsed in the floor. “You know the drill. Confirm date and time.” Five turned from her, rummaging around the cabinets. “August 15, 2004.” She hiccupped quietly, collecting herself off of the linoleum. “Do you know how to make coffee?” His facial expression didn’t change, but she could detect a hint of a smile in his eyes. Over a cup of French press coffee, he began telling her what he had been doing for the last two years. He had been recruited as a part of an organization that maintained appropriate timelines called the Commission. He dodged most of her questions, noting that his career was secretive. The question sat on the tip of her tongue, waiting for a lull in conversation. “In the future, do you see me?” He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, hands clasped around the mug. “I do.” He answered curtly. “I can’t speak to you though, it would alter the timeline. There are certain variables that have to be met…” he trailed off, a barely detectable sadness settled into his expression. “Otherwise, certain things won’t happen. The Commission says things have to happen exactly in the right order or it ruins the whole thing.” His jaw clenched. His mind goes to a particular fall day in 2014 that the Commission insisted on him traveling to, over and over again. A day in which he would love nothing more than to forsake the timeline and the Commission. “Like what?” cocking an eyebrow, her interest clearly piqued. “You’ll have to wait. Just give me a few years and I’ll have this all figured out. I’m not strong enough to jump too many times by myself. I’m only able to jump now because the Commission has given me the tools to do it with ease.” The coffee cup in front of his was empty. His arm outstretched across the kitchen table, and he grasped her hand. “Whenever I’m not on a job, I’ll come back as much as I can. I promise.”

She waited for four more unbearable years for her best friend to come back. She was on vacation in Mexico celebrating graduation, and a bright blue light illuminated her hotel room. As was the tradition, he requested the date first and foremost. She noted his height, he was several inches taller than her now, and he had the beginnings of unruly facial hair, and appeared to be in at least late 20s. His eyes remained the same. “Handsome” she thought outrageously to herself. He closed distance, placing his hands firmly on her shoulders. “(Y/n), the world ended. I have to fix this.” His eyes were blown out, panicked. “I came from year 2032.” “Well that explains the age gap. Five, you’ve got to slow down. Do you know where you are right now?” He looked around the room, then rushed to the open doors leading to a balcony, overlooking a calm, deserted beach. Whipping around rapidly, his eyes ran over her from the bottom up. His pupils dilated: she had grown into a beautiful young adult. He couldn’t have prepared himself for how she had gotten taller, her features slightly more pointed. “Oh my God, I missed your graduation, didn’t I?” He did his best to avert his gaze, she wore a baggy shirt and underwear, hair thrown in a messy bun. A flush crept over his cheeks. Nervously, she strode over to the balcony. “Five, you’ve been gone for a while…You missed everything.” There was no anger in her voice, just a hint of loneliness. She had rehearsed the moment he would return to her for years now, knowing exactly what she would say. “I can’t believe you’re here…”she paused, noting his somber expression. “It’s all going to be gone. The world ends and I have no idea how to stop it. Do you know how long I’ve been alone out there? There’s no one left…” he thought for a moment. “I didn’t think I would ever find you again after getting kicked out of the Commission. I practiced, and worked, and slaved just to be able to jump again, but I couldn’t. Then I thought of you. Just sat there, and thought about you, and I was here.” “Wait, you left the Commission? What are you talking about??” “Shit, I’m screwing up. I can’t talk about that anymore, otherwise I’m going to muck things up even worse.” Unexpectedly, he wrapped his arms around her, burying his scruff in her neck. Whispering, he murmured, “I don’t have much time. Any minute now I’m going to revert back to where I was. I just had to see. Just had to see….” He stopped himself, knowing if he poured his heart out, it would only make things harder. She didn’t know what he knew. In a quick sleight of hand, he slipped a piece of paper into her palm. He gently pushed back from her, the cool touch of metal brushing her chest. Around his neck, he wore the necklace that he had stolen off of her nightstand, accompanied by a thin gold band. Her eyes widened. “Five, is that my necklace? What’s that ring?” He placed his hands, clad in fingerless gloves, over her flushing cheeks. “I had to take it. I needed something to keep me grounded to guide me back. My lighthouse…” He began pulling her close once more, but just before the inevitable crashing of lips, a flash of blue light took him away from her again. It felt wrong. Five laid on a filthy mattress in the middle of a wasteland now circa 2032, knowing she was back in 2008, feeling miserable and devastated. He wanted to tell her what he did in 2014, just a few years before the apocalypse, but he knew it could alter everything.

(Y/n) moved into her first apartment while attending college in 2009. She had not seen him since he came to her on the balmy night in Mexico. Unfolding a small piece of paper he had slipped in her palm that night, she noted that one of the days, scrawled in what appeared to be blue crayon, was today. Attending her classes like normal, she had a creeping sense of anxiety at the unknown nature of the significance of the date. (Y/n) chose to skip her afternoon classes, and made her way back to her apartment. Immediately upon opening the door, the scent of black coffee hit her. A sense of panic washed over her: she definitely had not brewed any coffee that day. She felt for the light switch on the wall beside her, to be greeted to the sight of Five sitting comfortably on her couch, a briefcase positioned on the floor near his feet. “Christ, Five, what the hell? You couldn’t turn a light on? Why are you just sitting in the dark?” He stood from his seated position: clean cut, with a button up shirt rolled above his elbows and dark dress pants, easily younger than he had been in Mexico. “Sorry,” he smoothed his hair back with his hands. “I didn’t mean to scare you.” She stared at him quizzically, noting the dark circles under his eyes. There were unmistakable indicators that he had been crying. “Hey, are you alright?” Her feet were frozen just inside the threshold of the door. Seeing him in this state was completely new. Five had always been fairly level headed and logical: emotions weren’t necessarily his strong suit, nor were words. His eyes darted around the room, unable to meet her gaze. “What’s wrong?” He shook his head and rushed towards her, wrapping his arms firmly around her. His chin rested atop her head, and his breathing steadied. “I just….need you.” He pushed back slightly to look her in the eyes, his own wild with a flurry of emotions. Her mouth slightly ajar, he reached up and ran his thumb across her bottom lip, an inquiry. There were no words he could use to describe what was happening, he needed to show her. Tentatively, she leaned into him, placing a slow kiss onto his lips, the answer he had been searching for. As if the flood gates had opened, he swept her up against the wall, a flurry of hands and unsure lips. It was nearing midnight, and the two laid tangled together on the couch. No words had been spoken in hours, only the praises of two human beings occupying a rare moment in time. Her fingers pressed idly on his chest, she felt his heart rate increase. She knew that time was up, and instinctively pushed herself away from him, granting him access to leave. “I don’t want to go.” He whispered as he sat up, placing his head in his hands. “But if I don’t make it back before midnight the Commission…” “Will turn you into a pumpkin? Or worse?” He peered up at her and cringed. “They’ll send someone after me. Then it will probably be worse.” He dragged himself from the couch, collecting his clothes from the floor. “Sorry I didn’t have a whole lot to say tonight.” He looked at (Y/n) sympathetically, as she wrapped herself in a blanket. “Well, I think you said plenty,” she blushed as she marveled at him, noting that he was a bit leaner and built, apparent in the ease with which he lifted her from the floor just hours before. He leaned down and kissed her, fighting back tears, and began unlatching the case beside the couch. “You’re not angry that I have to leave?” she looked down at him, his somber expression breaking her heart. She knew that somehow this was hurting him more than it hurt her. “Of course not. You have a job to do. I know you’ll always come back to me” “Okay….I’ll see you soon, check the dates.” In a flash he was back at the Commission, back pressed to the wall. He wished he could have told her that his devastation was from watching her wedding, again, and how he wished that it was him instead: it would be selfish to ruin this for her. The knowledge that she could never be his made it even more painful. He wiped the tears from his eyes, and peeled himself from the floor.

The shower had stopped running, bringing a thick silence to their sometimes shared home. Five walked out of her bathroom wrapped in a towel, and found his way to the couch, collapsing in an exhausted heap. (Y/n) brought him his coffee and sat down beside him. “So….” She started, unsure of what to say. There usually wasn’t a lull in conversation, but things had been mostly quiet for her, and she surmised, for him as well. “I’ve pinpointed the day when the world ends. All of my calculations appear to point at the same date. I just don’t know the why or the what.” He frowned, rubbing his freshly shaved cheek. “What year did you come from?” She stared down at the vortex she had created in her coffee. “Still 2032. I think I’ve managed to sync everything back up. We’re in the same timeline now, I’m just coming from…a little further ahead.” He frowned. Her hand reached out to clasp his slightly weathered hand, touch starved after months of waiting. “You changed your hair?” Taken aback by his change of subject, she recoiled, running her fingers through her hair. “Oh, yeah. I dyed it a couple of weeks ago.” “Fascinating…it suits you. I don’t think I’ve ever seen it like this before.” He replaced her fingers with his own and she exhaled, reveling in his touch. “All these numbers and figures, and I never even think about how you might be different when I see you.” Eyes pressed firmly shut, “It’s all I ever think about. How someday, you’ll come back, and decide I’m not beautiful anymore. Or you think I’ve gained weight, or my hair isn’t quite right or…” Five cut her off, placing his finger over her lips. “You have nothing to worry about. I feel sorry for YOU,” he emphasized. “I’m getting old and haggard, and you’re even more beautiful than the day I married you.” His strong hand guided her towards him, placing a firm but loving kiss on her lips.

(Y/n) sat in front of a mirror as her best friend adjusted her veil. A frown plastered her face. “I don’t think I should do this, I mean, we’ve only been together for six months. It’s kind of a whirlwind, don’t you think?” Fingers busied themselves nervously with the delicate beading of her dress, arguably one that wasn’t even remotely her style. (Y/f/n) swiveled her chair to meet her eyes. “This is supposed to be the happiest day of your life, you have to stop trying to talk yourself out of it. You finally have a man that won’t go disappearing on you, it’s literally the best thing that’s ever happened to you.” (Y/n)’s eyes welled up with tears. “But what if he comes back? What if he comes back and I’m married to someone else? I don’t know if I could live with myself.” “Five isn’t coming back. The Umbrella Academy assholes are all maladjusted, miserable people. You know this just as well as I do.” She shot back bitterly. “Just because you and Diego didn’t get a happy ending, that doesn’t mean I can’t.” Her friend passed her a tissue, expression softening. “I’m sorry, (Y/n). I’m not trying to be hard on you, I know this is a stressful day. But this is what it is. This is your happily ever after! Let’s celebrate!” She handed her a champagne flute, and toasted the bride and her bridesmaids. As she sipped her champagne, she began to wonder if Five had ever loved her at all, considering he had never said those words in any exact capacity. Maybe he simply felt comfort in her presence. Her fiancé never missed an opportunity for those words to pour from his lips, like a slow, miserable drip from a leaky pipe. He was even accepting of the fact that she did not want to sleep with him before the wedding, completely oblivious that the only reason was that the thought of another man touching her made her feel sick. Pachelbel’s Cannon in D began playing throughout the garden, and she felt her chest tighten. This wasn’t the song she wanted, but her fiancé was incredibly traditional. She chose to have no one give her away, so she would take this long walk to the altar completely alone and exposed. Her fiancé wasn’t particularly pleased with that either. Plastering on some semblance of a smile, she strode slowly, taking in all of the faces in the crowd, doing her best to not look up at the groom. She knew it wouldn’t be the absentee man of her dreams, the one she had loved since she was 12. No, that man was lost in the aether of time, with an important job of maintaining order in a world made of entirely chaos. This would be as good as it could possibly get. There was nothing wrong with her fiancé per say: he was handsome, had an excellent job and most importantly, was there all the time. Unlike Five, who could only offer middle of the night trysts where fevered hands did the talking, those fleeting moments he could break away from the Commission without being caught. Nights where he couldn’t utter a single word to her, since any moment speaking would be a moment his lips weren’t on hers. The moments that she knew he was a ship without an anchor, the only thing holding him to those hours in time were his desperate hands clinging to her. None of those stolen moments mattered anymore. Her feet planted firmly in front of the man with whom she had every intention of spending her life, she took a deep breath. The string quartet stopped. Cicadas began singing as the sun set. “Does anyone with us today have a reason why these two should not be joined in marriage? Speak now or forever hold your peace.” A bright blue light illuminated the middle of the aisle. “I do.” Five stood there in a slick black suit, looking as though he had just come from a day of work at the Commission. His jaw tense, he stood for a moment as the realization dawned on everyone in the audience. “Oh hell no,” her maid of honor stepped in front of her, “who the FUCK do you think you are? Showing up today of all days, after MONTHS of radio silence. You have DESTROYED her, give her this chance to make it right.” He closed distance, and couldn’t help but laugh to himself at the dumbfounded look on the groom’s face. He probably didn’t even know about them. “Don’t speak for her. (Y/n), please hear me out…I love you. I’ve loved you since we were kids. I should have said it sooner. I couldn’t stand by and watch the love of my life marry someone else, not without telling you my piece first.” Her expression was blank underneath her veil: there was no reading the myriad of emotions she was feeling. She stepped in front of (Y/f/n), placing her hand gently on her shoulder, giving her a knowing nod. Gently, she swept the veil away from her face, and crossed her arms, as if wordlessly telling him to continue. Five swallowed hard. “The Commission was testing me…They’ve sent me to this moment in time over and over again. I’ve watched you be with someone else no less than a dozen times now, and I can’t do this anymore. The first night we-“ he paused, deciding better than to bring up the events of that particular evening”…this is where I came from. I had just watched you marry him, and it broke me.” “But the timeline….the variables, the rules?” She gestured vaguely. “Fuck the timeline, and fuck the Commission. I quit. Nothing in this world is worth it to watch you end up with someone else. Maybe that’s selfish, maybe I’m an ass.” He shrugged, and she did not respond. Peering around the room at the attendants, they all seemed to be weighing what was going to happen next. Five stood in front of her, placing his hands on the sides of her face. “I’m a terrible romantic, always have been, but here it goes. I can’t promise you that things will be stable. Hell, I can’t promise that they’ll even be good. But I promise you, there is no one in any timeline, in any reality, anywhere, that will love you more than I do.” In a swift motion, he dropped to his knee. “Let’s get married instead, (Y/n). You and I.” Gasps and murmurs erupted from the crowd, as she turned her back on him and walked up to her groom, still dumbfounded at the altar. “Sorry…” she said in almost a whisper, removing the ring that she never particularly liked from her finger and placing it gently in his palm. From this vantage point, Five could not make out what was happening, but watched the groom’s expression change from shock to defeat. He found that he couldn’t move, frozen in time, with baited breath. (Y/n) turned on her heels, looking at the man kneeling on the floor. “Five…stand up.” She put her hands out, helping him up. “Are you ready?” His confusion was apparent. “Ready for what?” “To marry me, dumbass. This is all already paid for, if we’re going to do it, let’s do it right now.” She threw her arms around his neck. “This is all I’ve ever wanted. Marry me, Five?” Nodding, he nervously fumbled around in the pocket of his dress pants. “You’re going to think I’m crazy, but I bought this ring in 1921 in Paris on one of my first jobs with the Commission…I’ve had this for years…”He placed in on her finger, their hands steadying one another. “I’ve always known that it had to be you.” The ceremony was filled with laughter and tears, despite the grand exit of nearly half the attendants when the bride dumped the groom at the altar. The event was postponed for an hour, so Five could contact his family to attend. The reception roared into early evening marked by jovial alcohol consumption. “I know I’ve been asking a lot of big questions today, but I have one more thing I need of you, Mrs. Hargreeves.” Five murmured in her ear, surrounded by people on the dance floor. “Anything, for you. What do you need?” She replied back as seductive as she could. “I need you…” he nipped at her neck …”to….” He peppered kisses along her jaw. “cut the Commission tracking device out of my arm.” “The ACTUAL fuck, Five???” She screeched, slightly tipsy. “Yep, then we throw it in the river. After that I’m completely yours. I’ll finally be able to wake up next to you.” Weighing her options, she nodded. “Let’s do it.” The pair snuck into the bathroom of the reception hall, stumbling and giggling. He removed his dress shirt and flung it over the top of the bathroom stall door, removing a small thin blade from a holster around his ankle. Kneeling near the sink, he draped his arm over the drain, placing the blade in her hand. “You know how much I love you, right, Five?” She eyed him nervously. “I’ve always known. I love you, too. Now let’s get on with this, I’m going to need another drink after this.” He pointed at the spot on his arm, indicating the location of the tracking device. (Y/n) gently pressed the tip of the blade into his arm, creating a small incision. A sudden, sharp breath escaped his lips as he took the blade from her, digging out a small pill shaped device from his forearm. He applied a butterfly bandage, and pulled his button up back on. “Let’s start our happily ever after.”

“So I’ve been making all of these calculations, right?” (Y/n) pulled his clothing out of the dryer and tossed it on the couch. He began getting dressed, since he knew he reasonably only had a few more minutes until he had to go back. “And since I know the exact date, my plan is to travel to just a week before, and see if I can nail down the cataclysm that causes the apocalypse. I’ll have to connect with my brothers and sisters…” She stared at him with exhausted eyes. “So if you can prevent it, maybe we can actually go back to having a normal life?” “I think so. We can finally settle down, I can assemble the bookshelves for all the books I’ve been stealing from the Academy and stashing over here, breakfast, lunch, and dinner together every night…and maybe…” “Maybe what, Five?” He turned towards her, smirking. “We can finally start a family?” a guffaw escaped her mouth, as her hands flew up to cover it. “Five Hargreeves, wanting to be a family man? I thought you ‘never wanted to bring kids into this world’ and ‘didn’t want to risk them having powers and ruin their lives’.” He shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess living through the apocalypse has given me some perspective.” His hands rubbed together rapidly, as he prepared to travel back, knowing this version of himself couldn’t remain here permanently. “I’ll see you the week before the Apocalypse, okay?” He disappeared in a haze of blue once again, and (Y/n) collapsed on the couch.

Just a few blissful years: that was all they were able to squeeze out of their marriage, before the Commission inevitably caught wind of their location. The tall blonde woman, the Handler, had appeared in their front yard, ready to strike up a deal with Five. He had two options: stay in the present, and himself and (Y/n) would be killed at a date of the Commission’s choosing. Be sent to the future and continue work for the Commission, and they would allow them both to live. Little did he know that his punishment would be far worse: they provided him a faulty briefcase, their particular method for time travel, which led to him being stuck in time. The years he spent in the Apocalyptic wasteland allowed him to regain some of his strength, and he began the time leaps that brought him back to (Y/n) in various parts of the timeline.

The final date marked on her calendar in bright red marker had arrived. “This is the last one,” she murmured to herself. “Now if the world could just not end in a week, that would be great…” Nervously, she adjusted the delicate ring that Five had gotten from Paris technically nearly a century ago. A tingling in her scalp alerted her to an intense feeling of dread that had suddenly taken root: something bad was about to happen. Maybe just the impending doom of the apocalypse, maybe something else. She was started by a knock at the door. “Well at least I know it’s not Five, since he’d just poof into the room.” She swung the door open, “Can I help….you….?” “This is bad, (Y/n). This is really bad.” Five stood before her in his school uniform: the very same he had worn when they had first met. She peered down at the young teenager before her. By all appearances, it was just some gangly fifteen year old kid, certainly not her husband; unfortunately, she knew better. Some things about him stayed exactly the same: his eyes, the timbre of his voice, the way he stared at her when he was panicking. “Something was wrong in my calculations…I’m stuck like this and I can’t jump.” “Oh…..Oh, God….”

#fivehargreevesxreader #fivehargreeves #the umbrella academy #tua #romance #angst

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god-hunter · 4 years

Text

Things Have Changed Too Much

It’s only been a month since I moved in and already so much has changed. Too much has changed! Remember how I said last time that by the end of this, we’re gonna come out in a completely different place? Well... I’m in the different place. And I hate everything about this Future/Now.

Almost everything... There are Silver Linings. And an Orange little ball of light that entered my life, 3 weeks ago. But I’m getting ahead of myself. I want to balance the good with the bad, and run you week by week as best as possible.

Forget dates, but we’re ranging from 4/12 - 5/11.

In that first week of living in my new pad, I’ve been owning the whole single bachelor lifestyle. After the pizza ran out, I had a well-stocked fridge full of frozen meat and other basic essentials, thanks to Mom. I needed to buy more pans and stuff though, so off to Target, I was.

Within those first 2 weeks, I was going to Target like, every other day. Always thinking of something new, or buying something that caught my eye. I’ll spare the details, but I will bring up furniture.

As I brought up in the last entry, I didn’t have a couch anymore... So I tried to rock that Amazon Prime, and order a quick comfy chair to get the job done, while I take my time to research and order a good couch with the correct Dimensions to get through my narrow door...

Well, ordering that fucking chair was a mistake, because it took forever to come through. So long, in fact, that I found a better thing at Target for less money and just picked that up instead.

So in week 1, in my living room, I was rocking two kitchen chairs. One served as my sitting chair and the other was a make-shift table... In week 2, I got a tufted comfy chair from Target, which was the shit. It absolutely did the job, as my back was KILLING me, once again. [This happened during my last move as well]. I’d be on the phone with my parents pretty much nightly, and my Mom told me that I’m probably doing so much without realizing it. I did do a lot within just 3 days alone. I definitely recall taking a break to recuperate.

That make-shift bed was a disaster too. My Dad pulled out the mattress from their couch and let me borrow it to give myself more back-support when I sleep. So now I had a couch and a bed to research, but I was not up for it yet.

In week 3, the original comfy chair I ordered from Amazon came, and it was.. mediocre. But paired right next to the Target chair made for an interesting make-shift Loveseat, while the other two kitchen chairs buffed around the sides to serve as end tables, almost. Soon enough, I bought an inexpensive leather ottoman from Target as well and my Living Room was starting to get a little cozy. I might have ordered my couch at that point and I was just waiting for it to come in. In another day or so, I was finally ready to look into getting a proper bed delivered. That process was a train wreck in itself, but... I found something I really liked. I took a gamble on a hybrid mattress. Half memory foam, half spring coils. Time would tell if this was a good choice, but at the very least, I was very happy with the bed frame and box spring.

That same week, something magical happened. This one merits a date. On Wednesday 4/22, I got a Kitten! It wasn’t planned, but the Ex caught word from her sister that an Orange Cat needed a home and I hit her up instantly. That day Fate intervened man. Suddenly I was a Cat Dad for real, and I couldn’t be happier in that regard. But... we’re not done...

The next day, my parents were really excited to meet my Kitty cat and see the apartment for the first time. A couch was still on its way, unfortunately. We were even half-expecting it to arrive that day, but that didn’t happen. Well... After my Mom walked up a flight of stairs to my 2nd floor apartment, she was winded and needed to sit down. This surprised us, as she didn’t look well. She was kind of gasping and didn’t even take her coat off.

After asking if she was alright, she said, “No...” and explained that she felt faint last night. She’d been having trouble breathing since the night before. This made me really worried. She didn’t think it was Covid though. Just something we’d all keep our eye on.

I got her water, and in 10 minutes she felt better. Good enough to walk around and check out my rooms. And hold the baby kitty cat. We went to his 1st Vet appointment together, which entailed a lot of sitting around and waiting in the car, since they don’t let you in. It was good to chill in the car with them while my little boy was getting taken care of.

We got back in the apartment and AGAIN, she was winded. This was bad... When they left, I felt really bad and I was really worried about Mom. Our phone calls became daily from that point on. It was definitely somewhere in this period that I was calling her and updating her about my bed purchase, which was a pain in the ass. I was definitely yelling, and upset, because my online order didn’t go through and I hadn’t figured it out yet. That next morning I was able to update her with good news that I was able to place the order on the phone and it even cost less. She was so happy for me. It was a really good conversation. She even went over all these changes I’ve been through since February, and how bit by bit I’ve been taking each of them on like a champ. She expressed how proud she was of me, which wasn’t unlike her. But... sometimes I wonder if this was precautionary... I think... I had the couch delivered, I just didn’t put it together yet. I think she knew about that. She also knew that I had a bed coming that week on Thursday that was going to be fully put together and set up for me. I remember her feeling really good about that.

Well, it was absolutely on Tuesday morning - 4/28 that I put together my couch, with minor issues, but I got it done. I was SO happy. The kitty cat was playing with the giant box and foam stuff that it came in. I filmed it for FB. It was really cute. I went to the bathroom, and I was washing my hands, I got a call from the house phone. I was really excited, because I was just about to call her!

Only... it was Dad, and he had terrible news.

That morning at 5AM, Mom had another breathing fit. [One of 3, which I had not known about!!!]. My Dad decided enough was enough. He was calling the Ambulance. She agreed. This was an Emergency and needed to be looked at.

The ambulance got there within half an hour and gave her oxygen. She immediately felt better as they took her away. My Dad was not allowed to go with her. He kissed her on the forehead and told her that he’d see her later.

My Dad received 3 phone calls that day. I think I’ll just spare the details and say that on the 3rd call, they told him that she didn’t make it...

The rest of my week was a nightmare. Nothing mattered anymore...

My Middle Brother took on the role of calling up the Hospital for as much information as possible and organizing the Funeral Arrangements for her. I was the emotional support for my Dad and Oldest Brother, who was a pain in the ass this whole time. My Middle Brother mostly had it together, but I was there for him too of course. There were a lot of Zoom phone calls late at night now. With both Family and Friends. The Cousins reached out and really made us feel better, simply by talking about it. We weren’t alone or so distant, despite our vastly different locations. We were connected.

I Zoomed a lot that week, and that’s important, but we’re not done yet.

My Mom’s Funeral Service was put on Zoom, for my friends and family to attend. The Service was limited to 10 people only. Everything sucked.

The same day we put my Mom in the Ground, the Honeymoon was officially over at the Apartment. My Landlord’s Brother took it upon himself that day to complain for a 2nd TIME that I had been zooming at night with phone calls that are so loud that its as if I’m in the same room with him.

I apologized and explained my situation. But I was more put off and upset at this. How fucking dare he!? Does he have ANY IDEA what I’ve been through!??? The short answer is no, but also... he doesn’t care. It doesn’t change the fact that I’ve kept him from sleeping for at least 3 nights in a row.

For that I apologize, but these 2 go to bed at 10PM!! I’m sorry, but even when I’m working, I go to bed at Midnight. We’re under Quarantine, dude... I get tired between 12 & 3 now...

I told my Landlord that I don’t want his brother knocking on my door to complain to me anymore. I’m standing up for myself. But the other part of that discussion was that they’re going to Soundproof the Ceiling of his room so he doesn’t have to hear me. I am taking it upon myself to do the same to the room above him, which is my studio. It was a project I was going to take on anyway, but... I never would have worked on this right after my Mother’s death...

GOD! Are you fucking KIDDING ME!!!?

These emotions are raw, folks... I’m still so perturbed by the fact that the 1st two Zoom calls were in my LIVING room. I was talking NORMALLY. I wasn’t yelling. Yes I was laughing at 2 AM. 100%. The third time was even with Headphones on!!! But again, we’re under quarantine and we’re all adults. You gotta be fucking kidding me. So that’s what I said to my Landlord in a very respectful text. We need to respect each other’s lifestyles.

That bed came in by the way... 2 days after my Mother had perished. I was numb the whole time. Here I was getting this beautiful gift and I was no longer in any mood to receive it. I couldn’t tell her about it... Same goes for the couch. Right after I set up that couch, I got the bad news, so I didn’t enjoy it at all.

Now it’s a little better. I’ve gotten over it. It’s quite comfortable actually, albeit a little small for me. I’ve definitely passed out on it a bunch already. Which is exactly what I was TRYING to do, when the Landlord’s fucking brother came at me a 2nd time about the Zoom calls. The 1st time was enough! No new information was exchanged. I already knew they were gonna do the soundproofing thing!! He was probably really trying to impress upon me that it’s disturbing and to try to not do that, but guess what. You’re not my Dad Motherfucker. In fact, you’re not even my Landlord. And then I came to find that he doesn’t even fucking pay RENT. So his Say, is NOTHING...

FUCK THIS GUY. Absolutely. Whole-heartedly.. Fuck Him.

There’s more reasons why I am saying that, which are none of my business, let alone yours. I found out a lot about him from my old Co-Worker - the very same one who hooked me up with this apartment. Which almost segues perfectly into the latest development in my life. This Co-Worker tried to set me up with a new girl that she knows. This one’s a 32 year old Single Mom, and she’s got a cute face. I don’t know the rest of her body, but I know she’s a bigger Woman. That doesn’t really bother me, but after my Ex, that kind of thing is important to me. Because if you don’t have your Health... I can’t really take care of you...

But I’m getting ahead of myself. This is truly, the newest development since about 4 or 5 days ago. My Mom has passed... I’ve been working on this Fucking Soundproofing project.. and something came over me, that... I think I’m ready to meet new people.

On paper it’s only 3 months since we broke up, but it feels like longer, because week:month ratios are funny like that.

On the Female Front, I haven’t really been trying. I had mentioned before that things have gone cold with almost all parties. When I was living alone, I fell into a pattern of playing WatchDogs2, watching Wrestling Reviews and even enjoying Manga Readings of DragonBall Super. It was becoming a reliable little routine, before the kitty came into my life. I was it’s savior, but then a week later when my Mom died... this little guy is my savior.

I never thought about it, but I really do believe that animals come into our lives for a reason now. Exactly when they’re meant to. Someone or something knew I was going to need this comfort in my life... And I’m so grateful for that. This is the sort of thing that could even get me to believe in God. But... I already believe in a higher power, so that’s enough...

::sigh::

This entire Era, really fucking sucks. Now I’m my Dad’s emotional support partner. Who counts on me and asks me to visit all the time. And... that’d be fine if he wasn’t so hard to talk to. All he wants to do is talk about himself. When she was alive, he talked about how lucky he was to have met Mom...

So now those stories are just grating, frustrating and Exhausting!

But... he needs me. And I guess I need him... The brothers need to be united too. My Oldest Brother I’m worried about. He’s always been the angriest amongst the 3 of us. And most reliant on my Mother for help.

But I was talking about Women for a second...

Like I said, most of the novelty of keeping in touch has faded. My Social Distancer, might still want to go on that catch up date when this is all over, but when we talk, I don’t feel the warmest of vibes from her. I feel like I annoy her, which is the worst thing to ever bring up to a girl you’re talking to. Almost the same goes for Canada Girl. She’s practically off my radar, we talk so infrequently. The vibe is definitely cooler, and fuck knows if she’ll ever want to really come over like she said she did. Zombie Mama is really sweet, but we barely talk. She receives my messages very warmly and has definitely still expressed interest in getting me out of the house when this is all over. So I love it. I’ll absolutely take her up on that. In the exact contrast, you won’t be hearing about Bakery Girl anymore... I decided to hit her up again for the first time since she found out about the news. I tried to have a normal conversation/re-ignite flirting, but Nope. It was a short conversation that dwindled fast. And when I brought up that I’d like to stay in better touch and text more if that’s okay, she absolutely said, “Aww that’s sweet, but I’m such a terrible texter. I’m not the one, lol.” That terminology was so weird. Did she catch my vibe? Was she politely letting me down?? I caught that vibe and didn’t make it a conflict. But I did say, “In other words don’t count on you?” And she was like, “Yup, lol.” ::shaking my head:: What the fuck ever... [I also looked it up and that’s absolutely a thing that girl’s say when they’re not interested, so... fuck it.]

I actually shared that with Original Crush Twin, who was surprised, but also reassured me that she wasn’t looking for anything and always just sort of did her own thing anyway. I’m not broken up about it. It’s just annoying. If anything it’s given me more of a direction.

I can pretty much forget about everyone else. Gamer Girl is just a friend, Green is a bad idea and way too Polyamorous... Significant Party has had their own problems with the other half and I’ve stayed out of it. I’m there, but it’s none of my business. When they found out my Mom died, they were very supportive and told me to call whenever I needed. I haven’t needed to vent at 6 AM, although the gesture was really sweet. However, one night of flirting wasn’t really received due to bad timing from their own drama and... I just can’t with that right now. That’s the type of shit that fucked up this relationship last time. But they know how I feel and we’ve been in touch a lot this week. We’ve definitely been naughty in other ways, so... I think our Open Friendship is just fine But now I have other things going on. And I need to start focussing on moving on.

Which brings me to new girl. We’ll call her Mama Girl. Its too soon to tell how much chemistry we actually have. This person has a 3 year old and Dad is out of the picture, although it’s not without its own drama apparently. I’m still learning her. As my Co-worker said, she’s definitely sweet and silly. She laughs at basically everything, so she seems easy going enough. But as she is a Mother, she’s busy for most of the day. At around 9:30 the kid goes to bed, and that’s when it’s go-time to talk. We have a window until about 11. Sometimes she’ll push to midnight to stay up, but she’s already shot by that point and is quick to excuse herself for the night. One thing that I like about her is that I know when the conversation is over... But last night, I found out that this bitch is moving in 2 years! Like Away, not to another town. So should I even bother???

Right now I’m taking it with a grain of salt. She’s a new person to talk to, is a self-proclaimed open book, has a million stories and is happy to hear mine. She knows about Mom thanks to good old Facebook... She apologized for the news and said she’d never mention it again unless I wanted to talk about it. She’s really sweet. And she sends little hearts when I say things she likes, or even when she says goodnight. Last night she used the emoticon with all the hearts around it when saying goodnight, so... I guess that's something, lol.

So not only does she like my pictures, but I guess she likes me. She definitely likes the company and talking to another adult. I can only imagine what it’s like to deal with a 3 year old all day.

But I can certainly say that waiting for 9:30 for whatever minimal conversation we can squeeze out is a fucking drag. So... I’m trying to take it in stride. It’s not like we can actually go out anyway... This Social Distancing World we live in is indefinitely prolonged until further notice.

But... Today is a new week. I’m on my 7th week of Unemployment, I’ll have had my kitten for 3 weeks this Wednesday, my Mom hasn’t been with us for 2 weeks - tomorrow, and I’ve been split from my Ex-girlfriend for 3 months. I’ve had a place of my own for 1 month, and soon I’ll have known this new girl for a week...

Who knows what the future will hold...?

I’m not excited for it. At all...

Finances are no longer a Fear... My Mom’s investments had investments... She is leaving us Well Off!

But that is hardly a silver lining at this time...

My New Normal is going to suck. The World is in peril. And I swear to God, every time I actually think about it, I swear I want to just crack. I feel fucking defeated man...

But, it’s not over. And each day, I remind myself that too. And somehow I find it in me to move on. One fucking moment at a time...

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buckyscrystalqueen · 6 years

Text

Half Blood, Whole Heart: Part 21

Pairings: Jax x Reader, sister Winchester!reader- SOA/SPN Crossover

Warnings: Swearing, fluff, angst.

Word Count: 2,892

A/N: So I decided to repost my novel- the story that someone stole from my old blog and put up on Wattpad. PLEASE don’t be an asshole and steal my stories. It CRUSHED me when it happened and almost ran me off Tumblr.

Half Blood, Whole Heart Masterlist Aesthetic by @ravenangel33

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jax didn’t say a word the entire 22 hour drive to Kansas. The two of you sat in near silence; the only noises made were the radio in the truck and Thomas talking away as he flipped through his books and played with his toys in his lap from the passenger seat. Although no words were said, the truck was thick with emotion and Jax refused to let go of your hand. As the bunker finally came into view in the full moon light, Jax followed Dean’s flashlight gestures past the Impala to park the trucks down in the garage. Sam met you inside with a giant smile.

“I was wondering when you would come and visit. Didn’t think it would be under such shitty circumstances.” You gave him a tired smile and a hug as Jax got your sleeping son out of the truck.

“Sam, this is Lyla and you remember Ope. This would be my half brother, Sam. Dean is the oldest…”

“Hey! You didn’t tell me you were bringing one of the Saffron Sisters!” Dean said as he came out into the garage. You decked him hard in the shoulder and shook your head.

“And obviously he is the most tactless as well. Help with the bags, dick.”

“Asshole.” He grumbled as he rubbed his shoulder.

“Jerk.” Sam said as he whacked his older brother on the back of the head.

“Bitch.” It took a minute to get everything collected from the trucks before the boys led you inside. The library you stepped into was huge but the first thing you noticed was the large display of knives.

“We are gunna have to do some Thomas proofing.” You said as you followed your brothers toward the bedroom. Jax took a look around and whistled.

“Yea, that’s an understatement.” Sam pointed out his room to everyone and moved a few doors down to another room.

“This would be (Y/N) and Jax. Right across will be Thomas once we clear it out.” He said as he opened the door and put the bags on the floor.

“And Opie, you’re down here.” Dean said as he stood at the end of the hallway pointing to a door to his right. “We tried to give everyone space away from each other but despite how big this place is, it’s kinda hard.”

“It’s not super long term.” You told them as you flipped on the light in your room. “Just long enough to wait out the heat then up to Bobby’s for a bit.”

“Can’t stay too long in one place until we see the full fall out of the RICO case.” Jax said as he came back into the hallway.

“What’s a RICO?” Dean asked.

“Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations.” Jax, Sam and Opie said in unison. You couldn’t help but giggle. Dean looked at Sam, still confused.

“Way for the government to punish organized criminals. Original use was in the 70’s to go after the Mafia…”

“Alright, I get it. No need for the history lesson.” Dean said as he brushed off his brother. "Well. It’s the middle of the night and we have a case tomorrow few hours away. Two bathrooms; one is first door on the left here.” He said as he pointed to his left. “I’m three doors down on the right same way. 2nd is back that way.” He gestured down the hall behind you. “One door before Sam but across the hall. Kitchen is that way as well. Just keep walking you’ll see it. I’m going to bed.” He turned on his heel and strolled down the hall without another word.

“He still does that?” You asked Sam who simply rolled his eyes.

"Just like dad. ‘That’s mine. Ice machine down the hall’.”

“I heard that!” Dean called out, his muffled voice slightly echoing off the stone walls.

“Idiot. If I’m not up, wake me before you leave.” You asked Sam. He nodded as he gave you a quick hug.

“I’m glad you’re safe. All of you.” He said as he clapped Jax on the shoulder. You all said good night before heading off to bed.

“I feel so guilty.” Jax said as he set up the pack and play you were grateful you thought to grab. You sighed as you dug though one of his bags to find a shirt to wear to bed.

“So do I baby. If we had another choice, you know I would take it.” He nodded solemnly as he took his sleeping son out of his car seat and laid him down for the night. He quietly looked down at his son and ran his hand over his head; letting it rest on the base of his head.

“If we get caught…” You walked over and wrapped your arms around his waist.

“We won’t. Crowley made sure our murders were all as legit as possible, this bunker doesn’t exist on any kind of records anywhere, Sam is gunna give us official public identities and change the registrations on both of the trucks and the bikes. We ride out the heat and go from there. I know it’s not how you wanted it, Jax but we got out in one piece.” He wrapped his arms around you and sighed as he held you close.

“Just… tell me we did the right thing.” You nodded and took a step back. With a small smile you pointed into the playpen.

“Our sons will grow up with both parents in their lives and we got our best friends out alive, too. We did the right thing for us and that’s what you have to focus on or this will eat you up inside. I know how you are, baby. Just keep reminding yourself you did what was best for your boys and your wife.” He nodded as he pulled you back into his chest.

“Couldn’t have done it without you.” A smile crossed your face and you sighed.

“And I’ll keep doing it… Always.”

——

You laid in bed all night, listing to the unfamiliar sounds of the bunker as you replayed the last 48 hours in your head on repeat with Jax tossing and turning next to you. It took him hours before he finally pulled your back against his chest and fell asleep; but that same sleep seemed to avoid you no matter what you did.

Around 6 am, you heard the faint beep of an alarm clock. You smiled to yourself, knowing it was just Sam getting up for the day. You gave it a couple minutes to let him start his morning routine before you gently removed yourself from Jax’s warm embrace. As your feet hit the floor, you heard another distant alarm go off.

‘Ain’t no rest for the wicked.’ You thought as you crept across the room and headed into the dimly lit hallway. You followed the smell of fresh coffee toward the kitchen and you were a bit surprised to see Dean up and not Sam.

“Since when are you the early bird?” You asked him as you leaned against the door frame. Dean glanced back at you and chuckled.

“Since I lived with you. Had to get up early to get to the shop and it just kinda stuck. You look like shit.”

“Thanks, dick. Between worrying about Jax and the guys back home and listening to him toss and turn all night long, I didn’t sleep for shit.” You heard feet shuffling down the hallway and you looked over to see a zombie version of your brother.

“Well look at you, sleeping beauty.” He groaned as he ran his hand through his messy bed head.

“Coffee?” He grumbled. Dean pointed to the pot and handed him a cup.

“Button, you want one?” Dean asked as he grabbed you a cup. You smiled and shook your head.

“Can’t. Apparently caffeine is not good for you when your pregnant.” Dean looked up at you with his eye brow arched as Sam grumbled ‘congratulations’ as he walked past you and headed to the table.

“Again? What, one wasn’t enough?” You rolled your eyes and pushed off the door frame to look for something to drink in the fridge.

“Why are you such an asshole?” You asked rhetorically as your looked at a seemingly endless supply of beer. “And why is there nothing to drink in here?”

“Apple juice; middle shelf behind the kale.” Sam said as he leaned against the wall by the table. He had already downed at least half his coffee and seemed a little more awake. You scrunched up your nose at the idea of kale and moved it out of the way to grab the apple juice.

“Just so you know, I’m going to the store at some point to stock shit for us.” You told them as you sat down across from Sam and leaned back against the wall. “Thanks for taking in us strays.”

“You’re our sister; what did you think we were gunna do, let you die?” You yawned and nodded as you unscrewed the cap of the apple juice.

“I actually didn’t think you were going to answer Crowley’s call. I never know if y’all are on the outs or not.” You took a drink as Dean poured himself another cup of coffee and brought the pot over to fill Sam’s.

“I still think it’s weird you two are all buddy buddy. So what happened, anyways?” Dean asked as he put the pot back and sat down next to Sam.

“Long fucking story. Short version? My mother-in-law tried to make a demon deal to kill Lyla and I so she could have Jax and Tommy all to her self, my father-in-law tried to hire Crowley, the cartel assassin to kill Jax, and the news bomb of the RICO case against SAMCRO.”

“Wait… were you working for the cartel?” Sam asked, now apparently fully awake as he turned to look your way. You shook your head.

“I wasn’t. I’m just an old lady that supports her husband’s endeavors, kept the house clean and raised the kids.” You said repeating bullshit words Gemma had said to you years ago jokingly.

“Oh, for the love of…” Dean started to say loudly and you hissed at him.

“You wake my kid and I will kill you and if you wake Jax, he’ll kill you. Sun ain’t even up yet; to early for yelling. No, not working for the cartel. It was a temporary means to an end that went south. Jax and I had been talking about how to go about him getting out and us leaving Charming and the deal they had was gunna make us good money.”

“You could have just run a plastic scam.” Sam said as he got up to refill his coffee again.

“Jax wanted out of the outlaw life and didn’t wanna start a new one outside of Charming as an outlaw with scams.” You took a sip of apple juice and sighed. “Not like we are gunna have a choice on that one here for a bit though, unfortunately.”

“So what are you gunna do from here?” With a heavy sigh you ran your hand through your hair and turned toward the table to rest your elbows on it.

“Honestly, not a fucking clue. We had less than an hour to pack and skip town. I figured coming here would be the safest place to ride out the storm then maybe up to Bobby’s to work for him. We gotta start over completely and stay off the government radar since all five of us are technically dead. Canada or Mexico was an idea that crossed my mind to get over seas but I don’t wanna be that far away from you two and I also don’t want to raise my sons in a foreign country.”

“Sons? How do you know…?” Dean asked.

“Crowley told me. It’s fitting though; I grew up with boys and now I’m raising boys. Full circle.” You heard a soft, sobbed ‘mommy’ that seemed to be coming closer and you smiled. “And I already love the fact that Tommy is a total mama’s boy.” It took a moment before your exhausted husband poked his head around the corner into the kitchen.

“Sorry. He wants you.” You got up and pouted at your son as he stretched toward you and sniffled.

“Watsamatta baby boy?” You asked him as you held him to his chest. “Fresh coffee. Dean made it.” He nodded and tried to stifle a yawn as you sat back down.

“Thanks… and thanks for doing this for us, guys. Sorry for dumping this shit on your door step.”

“Forget it.” Sam said and waved him off. “After all the shit we’ve dropped on you two the past few years; this is nothing.”

“We’re used to running from the law.” Dean said as Jax sat down next to you and raised his cup in thanks.

“Well I know I can speak for all of us when I say we are grateful and owe you one.” The boys nodded and stayed quiet for a moment, letting their coffee wake them up a little more.

“So what are you hunting?” You asked as you situated your son on your lap a little more so he could fall back asleep.

“Wraith down in Oklahoma. Son of a bitch is tearing through a community college.”

“That’s the wrist thing, right?” Jax asked as he glanced over at you.

“Yep. Tricky little fuckers. Ugly as hell too.” Sam said.

“Are you two idiots gunna need backup like the last time?” You asked from behind the apple juice container with a smug smile on your face.

“Listen here. We did not need backup; I had that shit totally under control.” Dean quipped. You and Sam both cocked your eyebrow and looked at him.

“Dude… I was handcuffed to a hospital bed about to get lobotomized and you were nearly drooling on yourself you were so poisoned. You most definitely did not have that shit under control.” You and Jax laughed and Dean glared at you.

“Shut up.” Sam glanced over at the clock and sighed as Dean finished off his coffee.

“Well, while I would love to continue this little chat, we gotta get going. I’ve got a card going for groceries so I’ll leave it here for you.” Jax opened his mouth to interject and Sam shook his head. “Nope. First trip is on us. Welcome to the bunker gift. I know the top cabinet to the right of the doorway has our stuff in it but feel free to use any of the other ones and feel free to move stuff around in the fridge if you need it. Thing is huge and probably full of nasty left overs. We’ll be back day after tomorrow.”

“Help yourself to the beer… well, not you, Button. And have fun Thomas proofing the bunker. Keep him away from the buttons in the room with the map table. We don’t know what more than half of them do yet.” Dean chuckled as the two of them got up from the table.

“Oh, and if you go to the end of the hall past Dean’s room there is a screen room with a projector TV. I’ll email you directions on how to work it.”

“Can you write down the Wifi password if there is one? We gotta pick up new phones in town today so texting is out.” You asked as you leaned back against the wall with your son peacefully sleeping on your chest.

“Yea, you got it. Text me when you get one you plan on hanging on to so I have the number.” You nodded at Sam and he gave you a small wave as your brothers left the kitchen. With a sigh, you picked your legs up and laid them across Jax’s lap.

“You look tired, babe.” He said as he rested his hand on your shin and lightly rubbed it back and forth. You nodded as you leaned your head back against the wall.

“Couldn’t sleep. Worried about you and the guys.” Jax sighed and nodded.

“Yea, same. It’s for the best though; there is nothing we could do to stop it, right?” He asked unconvincingly. With a small nod, you leaned forward and pushed his hair behind his ear.

“We did what we could. We saved our sons; at the end of the day, that’s what matters the most. And trust me, it’s not easy for me to say that either. Those guys were a family to me, too.” You cupped his chin in your hand and smiled. “Let yourself have a second chance, Jax. You deserve it. Take your time to grieve your loss but grow from it; use what the MC taught you and be a better man because of it. You have such an amazing heart, baby and right now, the world is at your feet.” He nodded subtly as he reached up and moved your hand to his cheek.

“Just don’t leave me… I need you.” You shook your head slowly as your head tilted to the side.

“I’m not going anywhere, Jackson Teller. You’ve been stuck with me since the day you picked me up in Nevada.”

Part 22

#Jax x Reader #Half Blood Whole Heart #SOA/SPN crossover

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therewillalwaysbeapril · 4 years

Text

Chapter 4: Sixteen Hours

6:30 AM The alarm rang abruptly in the stillness of the morning, a rude shrill noise, splintering our warm, nocturnal embrace and throwing us both into the coldness of the day.

“April, we gotta get up”, I said, mumbling as I shook off the last remnants of sleep. She groaned softly, rolling over and pulling the covers away. “Hey, get up. Geee-tta UGH-PUUUU! Get TU DA CHOPPAH!” I did my terrible Arnold Schwarzenegger impression loudly and poorly, adding in a loud grunt for full effect.

“Argh, I need muh clothes, my boots, my motorcykalll”, she said, in the same bad Austrian accent without opening her eyes. “Come ONN, do it. Do it Nah-OW!”

Stumbling out of bed, vision still blurry, and nearly tripping over the corner of the blanket now fallen to the floor, I reached over and grabbed from the basket the first item of clothing on the pile of clean laundry that we neglected to fold from the previous night. I pulled open the top drawer of her dresser and felt around for a bra. I threw both toward the bed as I made my way to the bathroom. April put on her top as she stood up. Hair a mess and eyes barely open, April exuded a dreamy, other-worldly quality as she floated from the bed to the sink wearing the dark red floral patterned shirt dress I had bought for her the weekend before. I blow dried my hair into a more presentable state and shaved as she washed her face and finished combing her hair.

I packed April’s belongings into her backpack for her, the both of us hurrying downstairs to my car. After stopping by a McDonald’s drive-thru on the way, we ate Egg McMuffins sitting in the early traffic heading toward Downtown LA. I looked at her as she opened a ketchup packet.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be careful!” she said, laughing as she carefully squirted the ketchup onto her hashbrown.

Briskly walking up the parking lot escalators and half-skipping across Pershing Square, April got to the bus stop just in time as the vehicle screeched to a halt. “WESTWOOD/SANTA MONICA” said the display. A quick kiss goodbye and she was off to class.

8:00 AM The office was dark as I stepped out of the elevator. Walking toward my desk, I was greeted by lights flickering on as motion sensors began to stir. Fresh cup of coffee in hand, I left the kitchen for the far side of the floor toward my favorite viewing spot.

The Los Angeles morning was peaceful when viewed from high above. Cars moved slowly down Broadway; I could hear their distant honking noises in the early rush hour. Construction workers below near Third Street walked carrying their equipment, passing by the shops just beginning to open in Grand Central Market. From my hawk’s nest I saw a cyclist zipping down Grand Avenue past the Museum of Contemporary Art, in front of which a food truck was beginning to set up shop. My breath and the steam from my coffee fogged the glass as I stepped closer to look at the crowd of people gathering by the Broad. The early light bathed my city in a warm amber glow, thawing its sleepy commuters as a new workday began. Flecks of gold and saffron twinkled as the dawn bounced from the stirring skyscrapers and automobiles, blinding me. I, too, was beginning to wake as I finished my coffee.

With my headphones on, back at my desk, I continued sketching out the wireframe concepts from the day before. Wireframes are the foundation of plotting out designs for interactive products such as apps and websites. They are a high level way of designing ways in which someone can use a product and the organization for which types of information and interaction appears on which screen, before a designer has to focus on the finer details such as animations, visual appearances, and the style of smaller items such as buttons. Even though the other designers created wireframes in programs I was also familiar with such as Adobe XD or Sketch, I always took great care in sketching out early ideas neatly on paper. I felt there was a purity in shaping ideas away from a computer, a kind of humility in making things with my hands.

8:30 AM The office is still dim as I make myself a second cup of coffee. This was one of those sluggish days; I felt slow to start, and was glad to still be the only person in the office. There was less pressure this way. I returned to my desk and cleaned up my lines with an eraser, reinforcing others with a Sharpie. Boxes with crisscrosses represented images, various other shapes representing icons and call-to-actions. Simple line patterns signified text, clearly showing the underlying grid to the layout. Adding final touches, I drew an outline of an iPhone over all of the screens before using a green colored pen to create the markings that showed how a user interacted and navigated from screen to screen. I felt pride for the cleanliness of my draft, as I never knew whether the second draft in the computer would be made by myself or a different designer. Finished, and satisfied with my work, I walked over to the simple Kanban board on the far wall and moved the task’s corresponding post-it note from the column labeled “in work” to the column labeled “done”.

Aside from a few coworkers from accounting, the floor was still mostly deserted. Sitting back and listening to the rest of Bach’s Goldberg Variations on my headphones, I fidgeted at my desk for a while. Impatient, I walked back over to the job board and grabbed one of the tasks from the column labeled “backlog” and moved it to “in work”. This should keep me occupied, I thought.

10:00 AM Standup was always kind of fun. Normally I have always preferred to work alone, with headphones on, lost in thought as I built designs and mockups, in an almost-meditative state of flow. However, I liked my coworkers very much, and it was also nice to see everyone at the beginning of the day and update one another on our work progress in the morning as we created the pieces of our product together. I enjoyed this kind of organized interaction that afforded me boundaries and space to create.

<Walalala..>, texted April. It was her way of greeting. Warm and cheerful, albeit at times a little silly, it was a greeting that I had come to love. It would also be a salutation I would receive less and less over time until I would not see it at all. <What you doing?>, she added.

<Lol. You should pay attention! I’m pretty tired too. I don’t think I woke up yet>

<Haha, I miss you a little too.>

<Pfft, you still need me to remind you?>

<Ha, you should pay attention in class. Your mom will kill me if you fail because of me>

11:00 AM Sketches spread out on the table before me, I began to create the second round of digital wireframes. As much as I enjoyed sketching, this step was also one of my favorite things to do. The useful aspect having hand sketches was their looseness — from a high level perspective, during this stage there were still so many possibilities. Creating the first digital wireframe versions, despite their inherent roughness, narrowed down those possibilities. To do so felt like taking a camera lens and turning it slowly into focus. At this stage, it was not a crisp focus, but much more recognizable as a coherent direction. The process was therapeutic as it was methodical; moving through it step by step, there was room to make improvements on the fly, perfecting each idea. However, today, my process of refinement would be interrupted by a different task.

There needed to be a version of our project for a new client, said marketing. A simple mockup of our app must be made in the style of our new client, a baseball team. The refinement of the new screen designs would have to wait. Grumbling to myself a little, I closed the program and neatly piled the sketches into my drawer.

<Heyyy, why u ignoring me?>

<Sorry, some other stuff came up at work>

<I’m sorry. Would you feel better if you ate something? What are you gonna get for lunch?>

<Expensive grass, haha>. “Expensive grass” was April’s name for salad. They always cost more than they should, she would remark.

<btw…>

<what’s wrong?> Nothing good ever happened when April said “by the way”.

<We’re not breaking up. We can make this work>

12:00 PM It is lunchtime. Mood now sour, I didn’t feel like leaving the building. After informing my deskmates that I was taking my lunch break, I grabbed a stale bagel from the kitchen and microwaved it with a slice of cheese. Taking that and a diet soda from the fridge, I returned to my viewing corner.

We had only recently moved into the forty fourth floor of the building from six floors above. The company had now grown bigger and the fiftieth floor was not enough space. However, it was only the design, marketing, and accounting teams on this floor, leaving most of it empty. In fact, we only occupied one corner, leaving the other three quiet and deserted. I enjoyed taking walks around the empty areas, sometimes even bringing my cello to work and practicing in one of the empty rooms during breaks. Today though, I only wanted to look outside and think.

Now midday there was visible smog in the Los Angeles air. Protestors were forming on Grand Avenue. I looked closer, curious as to the reason for this group. I could not make out the writing on their signs. A car accident was visible further down on the 2nd Street intersection, blocking it off. The authorities closed off one of the lanes, backing up traffic. A bus awkwardly took up both lanes as it attempted to merge into the available space. An adjacent driver made a rude hand gesture out of his window. I sighed, feeling exhausted as I learned against the wall near the window. I sat on the floor as I drank my soda and looked out of the floor to ceiling window, thinking. The conversation I thought of was not with April, but one with someone else, from a different day, in a different language.

•••

<Yeah, I took her to the airplane museum the other day.>

<Well, she kept asking me to stay over, and then I had to stay with her after she crashed her car. Lately though, she tells me she just doesn’t like it when I’m away. It feels weird, but I’m really happy with her and I love her, so I guess I’m not complaining. She’s been coming to work with me and taking the bus to school too>

<Hey, you should pace yourself. All couples need their space from time to time.>

<Maybe? Sometimes I go to work and five minutes after I leave she texts me that she misses me. I think she’s very sweet.>

<Okay, I’m just looking out for you. What if she turns out to be one of those possessive types?>

<Hey! I knew it!! Is that why you didn’t answer any of my calls or texts last winter in China?>

<Sorry. I guess it’s just weird, what happened between us.>

<Well, nothing happened between us!>

<I know! Well, I don’t know. You are one of my best friends, and what happened affected me very deeply. It may have been nothing to you, but it was definitely something to me.

<I’m sorry about that. I really am. I was as confused as you too. I never meant to be cruel. I hurt you, and I ended up hurting myself too.>

<I’m glad we’ve moved past it and we’re still friends>

<Yes, I remember. And I will keep my word. I just need to figure this out. She’ll come around eventually. I really think the two of you would become great friends.>

<Well, you gotta figure it out eventually, because this is just awkward what you’re doing>

•••

1:00 PM I snapped back to reality as my phone alarm went off. It was time to go back to work.

The caffeine was beginning to wear off. Still debating whether or not I should have a third cup of coffee, I flipped through the Android Material Design Guidelines online, pondering what visual branding treatments were acceptable within Google’s design parameters. Writing down the correct color hex values on a notepad, I began to change colors on app elements in Photoshop, reskinning the interface. The phone beeped again, as another text message arrived from April.

<I’m sorry. I want to stay with you too. But I’m so worried>

<About what?>, I answered.

<Yeah, but what if we DO break up eventually? You’re not a doctor and I’m supposed to marry a doctor.>

I stopped working. Taking off my glasses, I sat back in my chair, rubbing my forehead. I was getting very tired.

, I texted back.

<There’s nothing wrong with what I do. I am a designer and I’m good at it. I make a decent salary and I like my life>

<It’s different>

<Well that’s just your viewpoint. We’re just different, I guess>. I saved my work and walked to an empty conference room.

<Why do you even love me?>, I texted. My thumbs began to sweat. Typing was becoming difficult.

<I’m getting back to work>

I stomped back to my desk, angrily chucking my empty soda can into a nearby wastepaper basket. A couple of coworkers stared.

3:00 PM For the next two hours, I tried my best to focus on creating more animations. More interactions. I compared the mockups I made against the Android and Apple guidelines. So far, so good. Sending the finished mockups back to marketing, I went back to the kitchen and made myself the third cup of coffee.

I chugged the hot beverage, nearly searing my throat. I went back to designing the wireframes. There were only three hours left in the workday, and I originally wanted to have had this perfected at the end of the day.

<Are you done with class yet?>. There was no answer from April.

Frustrated, I placed my phone face down on the table and returned to the designs. These have to get done, I thought. So little time. Fuming, I angrily threw the boxes together on the computer screen, connecting the button hotspots together as violently as someone could inside a digital space.

“Hey are you ok?”. It was Julie, who sat across from me behind my monitor. “I can hear you breathing from here”

“I’m fine”, I said. I sat back in my chair and looked at what I’ve made. It was sloppy and nowhere near the level of detail that I have been known for around the office.

“Take a break man. I just got an email that we have until the end of the week for these screens now”

“Oh…”

“Yeah. You can just chill”

“I think I’m gonna take a walk then.”

4:00 PM I looked at my watch as I waited in the elevator. Who does she think she is, I thought. So what if I’m not a doctor? Life can’t only be about status. I was so mad. That is such a shallow way of thinking! And it wasn’t me who started all this. I was just minding my own business working. She was the one who had to bring up Taiwan, and her parents’ crazy expectations for who she should be dating.

I walked outside briskly in the shade of the tall buildings. It was much louder now that I left the lobby. A street performer was beating a drum across the intersection. A crazy person was yelling about the end of times on the other corner. Good. Noisy enough that no one could see how angry I was.

And I hated the way she texted. How am I supposed to always be at her beck and call? I have a job to do; I can’t be there to simply answer every time she worries about crazy hypotheticals. I was doing fine today, I should’ve simply not answered. And now that she’s finished ruining my day, she’s stopped texting and has gone back to whatever she’s doing leaving me to pick up the pieces. Every single month, we have to have some fight about something completely stupid like this. Every single month —

Oh.

April had complained about being tired. April had experienced stomach pains during class. I counted the days since the last time I remembered similar complaints. There were many things I remembered for her. April could be so forgetful.

“Twenty-seven, twenty-eight….”, I counted in my head. I knew what she was going to need.

I stopped at the Rite Aid on 5th and Broadway. Quickly making my way through the aisles, I picked up a pack of Ibuprofen, a box of what appeared to be feminine pads, and a bottle of water. The cashier handed me the items in a paper bag after I made my purchase. Strolling further south, I began to think about what transpired.

Did she really mean all that she said? Perhaps a deeper question was, WHICH of what she said did she actually mean? You can’t tell someone you love them for who they are but also want to change them, I thought. Girls just say crazy things during their time of month right? I checked my phone.

Still no answer.

This is bad, I thought. Perhaps I was too harsh. Her car is in working condition. She chose to take the bus because she genuinely wanted to spend time with me. And now she’s probably on the bus home, in pain. All for me. I’m such a jerk, I thought.

Ducking into Bottega Louie on 7th, I bought a box of half dozen French macarons. They were rather pricey, but came in a beautiful box and were, I had heard, delicious. The small rigid box was not unlike jewelry packaging, with beautiful calligraphy and gold speckles dotted throughout its powder purple surface. It was a small gift that was sure to brighten up anyone who was having a less than perfect day.

6:30 PM The workday was now over as I closed my work laptop and packed away my things. The bus from UCLA arrived as I waited on a bench in Pershing Square.

“Hey what took you so long?”, I asked as I took April’s bag from her.

“I had the most horrible day!” she said.

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize I sounded so mean—

“No, not you! My period started and I forgot to bring pads so I had to use tissues. And my phone died, and then the bus had to take a detour. So I needed to get off and wait for another bus, but I couldn’t use Google Maps and I’m so tired and I just want something to eat”

“Well, first things first I guess”

I handed her the box of macarons and discreetly showed her what was in the paper bag. “Let’s find a bathroom,” I said.

She looked into the paper bag. She looked at me. She started giggling, the happiest I’ve seen her all week.

“What? What is it?”

“Have you never bought pads before?”

“Well, no, but I figured you needed them. Was I right?”

“Those are panty liners, not pads!”

“Oh.”

“It’s okay, I’ll be alright. Cmon, let’s eat”

•••

8:30 PM After April had a chance to change, I took her to a nearby Hong Kong styled cafe. It would be nice to have some porridge, she said.

As we sat down and waited for our food, by reflex I folded April’s chopstick wrapper into an origami chopstick stand, as I have always done since our first date. I looked out the window into the dark.

The San Gabriel traffic outside was a lot calmer compared to the city. It was quiet and I could just make out the sounds of crickets. A high school couple walked out of the boba shop across the street, laughing to themselves, carefree. An elderly man picked out a newspaper from a box near the entrance. I felt a soft caress on my forearm.

April handed me a crudely folded flower made from a chopstick holder.

“I’m sorry about today. I keep forgetting how to fold that fancy origami, but I want to thank you for taking care of me.”

She smiled the familiar funny smile.

•••

9:30 PM As we walked in the darkness at a nearby park, digesting our meal, I stayed quiet. How can I make all nights like tonight?, I thought. Is there really an expiration date to our happiness?

Perhaps reading my mind, April said, “I don’t know what we’ll do if I really have to leave…”

I looked at her and kissed her forehead.

“Whatever”, she added. “If I have to go back to Taiwan, I guess I’ll just get another boyfriend, and it’ll be a doctor this time! HA HA!”

I did not laugh.

I let go of her hand and walked a few paces ahead, sullen.

“I’m kidding!” April grabbed my arm. “I really do love you, alright?”

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mostleemorethansmut · 7 years

Text

February 3rd

Matt slipped out at 11:37 to go run and get some chocolates for Stephanie. That was on February 2nd. Now, it was February 3rd.

Stephanie was having a bad day, but then again, a man who fell down Mount Everest would probably be having a better day than she was. At least that metaphorical man had a chance to view the top of the world before falling to a painful decline; Steph didn’t even get that lucky.

All in all, it was the little things that added up. Like waking up without her husband’s arms around her(a note on the fridge was saying that he was out looking for a job), accidently sleeping in, not having breakfast made when she walked out of the bedroom(which wasn’t anything she expected, but it didn’t help her mood), having a car that wouldn’t start for twelve minutes straight so she was late to work, seeing that her Starbucks that she usually drove through if she needed an extra something was congested beyond belief, and the doors closing and locking her out milliseconds before she reached them.

No, today wasn’t a good day. Nor did work try to change any of that. It began with another arduous stack of papers plopped on her desk. Stephanie stared at the papers. The papers stared back. They seemed to be at an interpass, and, since she lacked a box of matches, the papers won this battle. Stephanie began her daily drudge through the paperwork. Just filling out sheets, cross-checking, cross-referencing, crossing before saying a prayer for strength, and working hard to not fall asleep on the job.

It could be said that Matthew was also having a bad day, but that wouldn’t be entirely accurate. Unlike Stephanie who was visited by the ‘Bad Luck Fairy’ last night, Matthew’s bad luck was entirely of his own doing. Nothing, like, say, a previous obligation, made him get up at zero dark thirty in the morning and drive away. He could’ve waited, but he chose not to; and was having a bad time of it as a result.

MatPat went back to pressing his face against the glass then stood and looked at the man behind the counter. “You’re sure you don’t have any.”

The man shook his head.

Matt groaned and dragged his hands over his eyes. How the heck did every store that could have chocolates in a thirty mile radius suddenly run out of caramel filled centers? He slumped into a chair next to the window by the entrance of the small one-room chocolate shop. What was he gonna tell Stephanie?

“But,” the man began, “we do have another shop downtown a ways, who I know got an order in this morning.”

Matthew stood up excitedly. “Really? Can you get me the directions?”

Stephanie had a working relationship with the fan. It cooled her off, it stayed put thanks to duct-tape, and it didn’t blow away her papers. The fan was small, but powerful, and was clamped to the side wall of her office space. It was aimed at her head and really only pushed her hair back a little bit when it was pointing directly on her; otherwise it just cooled her off. It was supposed to spin back and forth, but with a bit of duct-tape she could hold down the button to keep it still. But, like all working relationships, things can go awry if one party disagrees. Thusly, this had to be the day that the fan betrayed her.

It was shortly after everyone had filed out to go to the cafeteria. Most people liked to go early, but Stephanie always packed a lunch, so she could spend a bit more time on her work. So, once the last person was safely out of earshot, the fan broke forth its fury. The duct-tape holding it in place snapped and the fan began turning, making all five hundred sheets of paper scatter across the floor.

Stephanie tried to grab at the papers, but her efforts were futile. Soon enough all of the papers were in a new location. Her first attempts at wrangling them up didn’t work. Everytime she got them in even close to a similar position, the fan just blew them away. So, Steph turned off the fan and proceed to clean up the papers in the inhumanely hot work environment. Finally, she had them all in a large pile. She could organize them and then-

The woman looked at the clock. There wasn’t enough time. Flat out, not enough time. By the time she got to the cafeteria everyone would be standing and leaving. Steph looked around to make sure no one was watching, then she pulled out her lunch and ate it on the spot. She smiled at Matt’s little scribble of a silly face and the words, “have a great day, honey.”

Her smile faded hearing the growing voices from down the hall. She quickly shoved all of the food she could manage into her face, watered down what she could, and scrunched up her bag and hid it away. She was able to swallow and hide the evidence before anyone returned to the room. Stephanie hoped that she didn’t get in trouble.

Stephanie did get in trouble.

Matt sprinted into the store and quickly a bag of caramel filled chocolates off the shelf, ignoring the surprised cries from the fourteen year girl he barged past to get the gift. He ran to the counter and checked out the one single item. Matt tapped his foot and looked at the clock as the incredibly slow cashier played with the machine; dropping a five for the two and a half dollar item. Matt grimaced, noticing the time.

He had a job interview soon. He had enough time to drop the chocolates at home, or get lunch from McDonald’s. Neither was in the way. He bit his bottom lip. He knew what he had to do. He grabbed the spare change, receipt, and his wallet and sprinted out to the car. Then he ran back inside, grabbed the chocolates too, and ran back to the car.

All of hopeful joy had been taking from Stephanie’s life. She was called into the office and was given a harsh lecture about eating on the job by her boss. A very long lecture, that ran ten minutes into another meeting Stephanie had to attend.

She moved as fast as she could to the meeting room, not having any time to stop at the bathroom. She was utterly embarrassed when she came in. Everyone stared at her as she panted and slowly walked over to her seat. Stephanie looked and felt like a wreck. Her mascara was bleeding down her face, and she let out hiccups from leftover crying every few seconds.

During the meeting, someone asked for her paper pertaining to their schedule. Stephanie clumsily fished through her briefcase and pulled out the paper she’d been given last week. The paper was promptly given back to her, stating that it wasn’t finished. Steph blushed. She’d meant to finish it after lunch that day. She apologized and scribbled out the paper. It wasn’t hard work, but the fifteen silent seconds that she spent writing felt eternal.

When the meeting finally ended and everyone trickled out Steph just sat there, working on not crying. She returned to her desk, and looked at the mountain that laid before her.

“Well, thank you for seeing me, Mister Patrick.”

“No problem,” Matt responded automatically. “I’m glad to apply.”

The man stood up and shook the theorist’s hand. “We’ll get back to you.”

Matt gulped once he’d cleared the building. “My stomach grumbled during the interview?” he criticized himself mentally. “I should’ve-” He didn’t finish the thought.

He disagreed with the idea. It was worth it. All of it. He caught a bus heading back home. He didn’t actually get a call back for that job, but if it was because of his stomach, that was alright.

Stephanie set the last piece of paper into the stack. Done. All of it. She picked up her purse and briefcase, locking the door behind her like the secretary had instructed. The sun was set by the time she got home. Totally depressed, she dropped her bags on the floor the moment she arrived home. She walked over to the kitchen to grab some food- wait what was that on the counter?

Sure enough, on the counter, with a little sticky note on it, was a bag of caramel chocolates. She loved caramel chocolates. The note read, “Stephanie, happy third day of Valentines.”

Stephanie was sitting on the couch when she heard the door open. She expected to hear some criticizing. Some jest of her leaving her stuff in the doorway. But all she heard was Matthew come into the other room. “Hey,” he greeted.

Stephanie flew up and gave him a kiss, her mouth still tasting of chocolate. “Chocolates?” she offered.

Matthew shook his head. “They were for you,” he argued. He took her hand and led her back to the couch. As they curled up he said, “you left your purse and briefcase in the doorway.”

Stephanie nodded into his chest. “I know,” she admitted.

Matt frowned. “Then why didn’t you do something about it?”

She chuckled. “I’ll take care of it next time.”

“Fine,” submitted Matt. “Say, you wanna have dinner?”

“No. I just wanna stay like this. Why? Are you hungry?”

Matt was still pretty empty from skipping lunch. “I can wait,” he lied, snuggling up to his wife.

#matpat #Matthew Patrick #stephanie patrick #stephew #stephpat #fluff #angst #game theory

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ivorydragoncat · 4 years

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Hex: Origin

“It was a dark and stormy night… no…”

“Dear diary… no that’s too cliché…”

Ivory’s pen hovered above the yellowed parchment as she stopped in thought. How was she going to start this diary? And for that matter, something she pondered often, how does one start a diary at all without it sounding incredibly cliché? She’d taken the therapists advice of writing her experiences down during her transition and after having to break up with… “no, better not think about that”. It was quite a while ago that happened, she’d changed a lot as a person, and while her journey of self-discovery was in essence complete, she had simply continued writing diary out of habit. Now, as her experimental hobby had finally started to take shape and give result, she’d decided it had to be documented in its entirety. As if looking for help she glanced a bit to a very dark corner of her room, where the imminent sunset seemed unable to penetrate the shadows, and where a rather long lizard-like tail solemnly rocked side to side in a sleepy motion. It was weird, like this thing’s darkness seemed without origin… “Ah! That’s how I start it!” She exclaimed out loud, making the pile of shadows jump.

The pen hit the paper again, this time with determination. She had to write this whole ordeal down, it was too good to not be shared!

Origin of Hex, Day 1 - October 1st

“In the absence of my partner, I have since a few months back taken up studies of the arcane arts. There are such fascinating things to be found when one decides to glance through space and try to see things as they truly are. Such knowledge and such odd abilities I have already found, it is to be studied further in my hopeful future, but for the time being I’ve decided to take look at basic summoning magic. After cleverly concocting a simple binding glyph that I’ve since painted on my paw, along with some very stylish looking robes hand-tailored for me and imbued with arcane essence, I’ve thrown out all of the books on arcane magic out the window, and delved into summoning a familiar, or perhaps for me a pet would be nice… it can get awfully lonely around here in the evenings, especially if I’m not meeting any friends. Anyways, I am going to update further once I progress in my pursuit! I am sure this will be absolutely fine”.

Origin of Hex, Day 6 - October 6th

“I have figured out a supposed way to summon a pet and bind it to me using the simple holding glyph I constructed. The circle has already been drawn on my living room floor, and if everything goes alright I should have myself a cute fluffy cotton spirit to aid me in my research… and mental stability. All I need now is a bit of cotton, but I’ve run out of white and pink for my robes… I’ll have to use dark purple. No idea why I bought that… the paper I found on it talks about certain risks when using different colours of cotton, but I have not bothered to read them, what’s the worst that can happen? A dark-purple fluff-tailed cotton spirit? That’s no problem at all!”

Origin of Hex, Day 10 - October 10th

“I have done it! But, the result is not what I had been expecting. I seem to have miscalculated a rune or two… regardless, I simply must recount the event in detail! It was amazing! Here follows how I summoned my… pet? Well, I don’t even know what to name it yet… it’s not a cotton spirit that’s for sure!”

Ivory was standing in her small living room of the 2nd story apartment of hers. There was only a kitchen, a bathroom and a smaller room which had acted as her study and bedroom. The entire place had been decorated with lovely hues of pale and dark pink, green and mellow blues, along with the main colours of the walls and floor that were warm orange and pale yellow. The living room was relatively barren; a sofa that had temporarily been shoved aside to make room for the giant dark purple glyph that had been smeared on the yellow wooden floor in the center of the room, exactly where the old carpet would usually be. The walls had some bookshelves with different books on magic and some fantasy stories, and a coffee table had been stuffed beside the wall-mounted large TV which was probably her most expensive possession along with the computer in her study/bedroom. She liked the apartment, it was incredibly cozy. It would be such a shame if she destroyed it with what she was about to attempt, and a short-lived pang of anxiety came over her, but not enough to make her stop. She lifted her hands above the glyph, a wide stance for stability, the other hand gripping her outstretched one. She was wearing short-shorts along with some striped tights, a white blouse and her very nice pink half-length cape swept to one side. She did indeed look like some kind of modern white witch, but that was nothing Ivory was aware of in the moment.

She closed her eyes and started chanting, and very soon the glyph started pulsating with a mild glow, and the scroll with the summoning spell written on it started levitating. After a few sentences, wind swept all around her and she opened her eyes, not expecting the gust when she had kept her windows closed. A rumble could be heard, and the wind seemed to spiral together and center on the glyph. She kept going, and out of nowhere autumn leaves started appearing and following the wind’s circling motion. She watched in terrified excitement as the whirlwind got more and more intense, until the entire room was caught in the vortex and books along with a dangerously fast oak coffee table started swinging around. Ivory started thinking that this might’ve been a mistake when looking at the massive pillar of purple glowing red and orange aand yellow autumn leaves that towered in front of her, when it all stopped dead in its tracks as she finished reciting the spel. The wind disappeared, all the items flopped to the floor and the leaves all settled into a pile on the now ash-coloured burnt out glyph on the floor. ‘

Ivory slumped down on the floor, tired out of her mind, thinking that the spell must’ve failed “Did I use enough cotton?” When the leaves rustled, and a dark purple tail sprung out of it, straightening and then flopping back down. The arctic fox watched with intense curiosity and uncertainty, when the leaves all went flying as the creature turned around on it’s back, looking at Ivory confused, with hooves close to it’s chest and hind hooves sprawled out, but with no reproductive or even waste organ to be seen. It had a lizard-like body, two shades of dark purple, with what resembles goldeny orange autumn leaves randomly “stuck” to its body. It had hooves like a horse, but long ears like a rabbit and likely the cutest skull-mask for a face Ivory had ever seen. For a moment the two looked at each other in pure awkward confusion, then the creature sprung up on all fours and rushed towards Ivory, who got startled and started holding up her hand to defend herself with the immobilization spell, thinking “Ok, I’m a reckless idiot, I should’ve never tried this so early! I’m done for now”, when the creature stopped before her and started licking her on the snout, with a mouth that seemed to be hidden behind the mask, and.. purring? Ivory could also hear something in her mind, it was communicating with telepathy. “M-master?”

Ivory sat back in her chair, reliving that moment as she had wrote it down. It was a very fond memory she realized, now, looking back, even with the ruined living room.

Hex, Day 15 - October 15th

The creature of darkness, now named Hex due to its witch-like appearance, is according to the my bestiary a shadow lizard. I have yet to understand why it appeared instead of a cotton spirit, but nonetheless I doubt I will attempt much more summoning in the future as cleaning up the living room has been quite the hassle, especially with Hex running about the place. It’s a very curious creature; It has many abilities that pertain to its dark origins, it can often walk through walls seemingly unaware of the fact that there even is a wall there, I also learnt the hard way to not stare into its skull mask for too long, as it can mesmerize you and make you stuck there until Hex decides to leave, and on that note the mask cannot be removed. I tried and he did not like that, hissing at me and raising its leaves, which seems to be a reaction to being threatened. Through its jaw Hex seems to be able to consume any amount of food, or anything for that matter, and while it always gets stored in his seemingly endlessly stretchy stomach, it always ends up being digested in a maximum of a few days, and since I have never seen it defecate, I can only assume the food is directly transformed into some kind of energy. He seems to not grow nor gain or lose weight either, regardless of how many times he is immobilized by his large stomach, which strengthens this hypothesis”.

“I have had to contain him many times, as he has the behavior of a dog. He once almost ate the neighbor’s pet and I had to pull it from his jaw while restraining him with my spell, and since then after Mrs. Peggins got her memory erased and told her pet got caught in a spiky bush and should be fine, I’ve had to put up a ward around my apartment to keep Hex from leaving, and when we go out disguise him as a common forest flufftail. All in all however, I am taking a liking to my new friend and I think I may keep him for the time being. Who knows, he may become useful in future pursuits of magical nature!”

Ivory leaned back again, and decided that it had been enough writing for today, as the sun had been down for a long time already, and Hex needed dinner. When she thought that, she looked to her side to see Hex scuttle up beside her and put his front hooves on Ivory’s thigh. “Oh come here you big purple cutie!” She lifted Hex up by his smooth stomach and put him in her lap, as he started purring when she rubbed his still after lunch rounded and smooth belly, his tongue slipping out his toothless jaws in relaxation. “Yeah, Hex.” Ivory whispered softly to the skull mask lovingly staring up at her. “Even though you’re not a cottonspirit, I must say you are one hell of a good pet”.

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Heeeyy people! Whew, long time since I spoke here! This blog is just a collection place to dump my stories and stuff on, but I feel like I should adress you guys a bit every now ande then! Hope you’re having a lovely and spooky halloween evening, cause I sure as fuck am not, and as such I am trying to be a bit spooky at least and bring you this halloween special, set in the same universe as Life of a Panda, but detailing the origin story of my halloween-themed OC, Hex! More info about him can be found on my amino which Is linked in my bio, so go check that out.

In other news, more LoaP has been written and is in a post-production state, as well as plans for a sequel to this one, an NSFW story featuring Aron and Hex, and a new series named Ivory’s Inquiries, which may hit the internet around christmas or later in winter. Regardless, enjoy your halloween snacks and spooks and I’ll see you guys next post,

-Ivory Out-

#hex #oc #short-story #shortstory #halloween #halloween story #halloween special #furry #fursona #fox #arctic fox #furries

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airoasis · 5 years

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Two adults, two kids, zero waste | Bea Johnson | TEDxFoggyBottom

New Post has been published on https://hititem.kr/two-adults-two-kids-zero-waste-bea-johnson-tedxfoggybottom/

Two adults, two kids, zero waste | Bea Johnson | TEDxFoggyBottom

Translator: Maria Boura Reviewer: Rhonda Jacobs The average American generates one ton of waste yearly. My household: one jar of waste per year due to the fact 2008. Our trip started back in 2006; we learn some books, watched some documentaries. And what my husband and that i located fairly made us sad occupied with the future we were going to go away behind for our kids. So it gave us the desire to alter our approaches. I acquired tremendous stimulated in looking for waste-free choices. I attempted lots of things like canning and people – some matters were just right strategies; others, now not so much. Canning was once a excellent inspiration, however I don’t suggest using stinging nettle for your lips in lieu of lip plumper. It rather hurts, think me. I do not advocate making use of moss in lieu of bathroom paper both. You see, moss dries, so the next day you grow to be with – you realize those scouring pads? Sure, now not very fine. I do not propose that. I additionally tried making use of "no poo," which is a method of washing your hair without shampoo.You’re supposed to wet your scalp, massage some baking soda in, after which rinse it with apple cider vinegar. However after six months, let’s just say that the oil of my hair migrated down to right here, and i stopped up with frizzy ends. Not really the hairstyle I was looking for. But I think I hit rock backside, when one night time I went to put down next to my husband, and he looked over, rolled his eyes, and stated, "i’m so tired of you smelling like pickled herring, Bea. (Laughter) it’s quite now not sexy." So that is when I realized that perhaps I had long gone too some distance, and possibly I should to find a further substitute to shampoo. Finally this trial and mistake, we observed balance. We found that for Zero Waste to be sustainable in our family in the long run, all we had to do used to be follow five ideas so as.Now, don’t you guys even dare feel that we bury our waste in our backyard, or we throw it in other humans’s cans, or within the public bins. The primary rule is to refuse what we wouldn’t have. We have now simply learned to assert "no"; we are saying no to unsolicited mail, we are saying no to single-use plastics, we say no to freebies. For in these days, in this consumerist society, we’re the objectives of many purchaser goods. But whenever we accept them, we create a requirement to make more. At any time when we take a free plastic pen from a convention, it is a method for us to assert, "Please, drill extra oil from the ground to create a substitute, and the replacement can be created." The 2nd rule of the Zero Waste way of life is to cut down what we do need.So in our dwelling, now we have long gone by means of a decluttering system. The great thing about decluttering is that it lets you share the things that you don’t relatively use or want with other people. It boosts the second-hand market, which is tremendously essential for the way forward for Zero Waste. In my kitchen within the old days, I used to have a jar full of utensils. I had about ten picket spoons, unless i spotted that I only have two hands. And when I stir, I handiest need one hand. What is the factor of having ten wood spoons? One is ample. It is a photograph of underneath my sink. This is a area that was stuffed with cleaning merchandise considering that I was taking note of what the entrepreneurs tell us. They inform us that for each and every software, we want an extra product. To scrub the home windows, we’d like a product; to clean the flooring, another product; the bathroom, one other product; and we emerge as with a cabinet stuffed with poisonous products that we do not really need.We discovered that we will clean our entire house just with white vinegar and castile cleaning soap. That is our bathroom, and our medication cabinet. So this represents all the merchandise that we need in our bathroom. For illustration, to brush our enamel, we with ease sprinkle baking soda on a moist toothbrush. On my eyes, i take advantage of burnt almonds; on my dermis, i use cooking oil; and on my cheeks, i take advantage of cacao powder. The one challenge with making use of cacao powder on your cheeks is that you have a chance of getting attacked by way of puppies when you stroll down the street, but it hasn’t happened but.This is the master bedroom. And this, the closet that I share with my husband. Now, in a natural closet, folks handiest use 20% of their garments. They maintain the opposite 80% for the "what if." "What if…?" What if we have a job interview? What if we have now a marriage ceremony to move to? What if we’re going to drop extra pounds? What if we’ll achieve weight? What if, what if, what if? What we have carried out in our home is figure out what our 20% is, and we have now let go of the other eighty%. So in my case, i have one pair of shorts, two skirts, two dresses, two pairs of pants, seven tops, and one sweater. Having less does not mean that you have less options. In truth, these 15 portions permit me to create greater than 50 appears. My youngsters are minimalists too. That is my youngest son’s bed room. And as you can see, all of his wardrobe can fit in a lift-on. As a matter of fact, every of our wardrobes can slot in a lift-on. What the beauty of that is? If we want to go away for the weekend, every week, a month; all we have to do is pull out our elevate-ons, we throw our wardrobes in it, we zip it, we’re out the door, then a cleansing provider comes in, cleans the condo, after which we’ve got folks that come, employ the apartment out, and become purchasing our vacations.Do not go considering that we’re seeking to, or we disguise matters in different closets. That is our linen closet, and that is our storage. The 1/3 rule of the Zero Waste way of life is to reuse. And in our dwelling, reusing approach swapping some thing that is disposable for a reusable substitute. So this glass jar filled with handkerchief is what has changed the tissue field. No need for disposable sponges, or paper towels. We simply use rags, a wooden scrubby, and a steel scrubby. No need for disposable meals storage gadgets.We’ve got changed them all with glass jars. And we also have been equipped to get rid of meals packaging quite simply by going to the store with a package manufactured from reusables. So we store the bulk aisles of the grocery store. After which when I’m home, I switch the dry goods into glass containers so this is what our pantry appears like. And that is what our fridge looks like. We even buy our wine in bulk; we simply get our bottles refilled at a winery. The 2d rule of reusing is to purchase second hand.All our wardrobes are bought 2nd hand. Yes, even my sneakers. 5 bucks. Thank you, thanks. (Applause) i know I scored on these, i am mindful of that; I certainly scored. Now, for the gadgets that we are not able to find in a thrift retailer, then we fall again on areas just like the flea market. That’s where I purchased these chairs. Or repeatedly eBay for the relatively specified items that we want. The fourth rule of the Zero Waste way of life is to recycle handiest what we cannot refuse, minimize, or reuse. So the Zero Waste subculture does now not mean recycling more, it really approach recycling less, because of waste prevention in the first position. With this lifestyle, we now have discovered that we will have to avert plastics at all fees, on account that no longer simplest are they poisonous to our wellness when they’re being manufactured, they may be also toxic to our wellness when we are simply making use of them. Various the meals packaging virtually leaches into our meals.We’ve got additionally discovered that only a few plastics have the chance of being recycled, and those that do have a risk of being recycled are changing into an object that is no longer recyclable. So we take into account plastics as a fabric that is intended for the landfill. So we attempt to prevent it at all costs. And instead we prefer glass, steel, cardboard, paper, and typically wood, like the toothbrush you saw previous, considering the fact that we are able to compost them.Rot is the final rule to the Zero Waste tradition. At present we no longer only rot – compost fruit and veggie scraps however we also compost our butter wrappers. Butter is the only meals that we buy in packaging. Now we buy it in a waxed paper packaging on the grounds that we can compost it. However we also compost flooring sweepings, dryer lint, even our hair. Genuinely, it can be extra my boys’ hair. I don’t compost my hair, I recycle my hair. I let it grow right down to here, and then I get it reduce, and then I send it to an organization that makes wigs for melanoma patients. No longer so long ago, had I heard a few Zero Waste family, i would have idea to myself, "Oh boy, these folks have to be whole granola.I’m definite they are living within the boondocks, and i am sure she doesn’t shave." good, I wore a skirt today for you guys so which you could examine for yourselves. I shouldn’t have hair on my legs. (Applause) i would perhaps even have concept, "good, she ought to be a stay-at-home mom with way an excessive amount of time on her arms; she customarily issues about her waste all day, or makes a bunch of matters from scratch. That is now not the case; i’m a full-time official, and the one matters I make are my cosmetics, and very few of them. We discovered that the Zero Waste lifestyle isn’t just good for the environment however it is also been exceptional for our health, seeing that we’ve got been equipped to do away with all toxins from our lives, and we’re means less ill than we was once before. We also discovered that this Zero Waste subculture saves a ton of cash – 40% on our total finances. This is on account that that, one, we devour way, means, method less than earlier than. However after we buy whatever, it is only to switch whatever that wishes to be replaced – a shoe that has a gap in it, or a T-shirt that is too small.And once we purchase that alternative, we purchase it 2nd hand, which by using definition, fees much less. But we additionally buy our meals in bulk. Do you know that while you purchase an object in a package deal, 15% of the price covers the fee of the packaging? So when you buy in bulk, you’re making an computerized 15% savings. However sooner or later, we now have replaced anything that is disposable in our home for a reusable alternative. So that implies that our cash is no longer invested in throwaways, in a landfill. We now not throw our cash away. We’ve got alternatively, invested in reusables. And they’ve translated into cumulative financial savings over time.They’ve even allowed us to put in solar on our roof which allows us to save even more. But to me, the nice part of this subculture is voluntary simplicity. Given that it can be made time in our existence for what matters most: a life centered on experiences rather of matters. A life based on being alternatively of getting. As a family, because of this way of life, we’ve been capable to do things we would have by no means concept feasible earlier than. We have now been able to snorkel between two continents. We now have been ready to experience our bikes between San Francisco and la.We have now been in a position to go ice-mountaineering on a glacier. But my favourite photograph is almost always this one. I consider it represents the Zero Waste lifestyle to a T, when you consider that it is translated into a subculture full of absolute happiness. And if you have a young person, you know the way tough it’s to position a smile on their faces. In the end, , Gandhi mentioned, "Happiness is when you suppose, what you say, and what you do are in concord." The Zero Waste way of life has completed exactly that for me.Now, the little French au pair who came to the USA on the age of 18 would have on no account thought that sooner or later she’d be launching a worldwide motion. Seeing that at present, countless numbers and hundreds of thousands of folks throughout the world have launched into this tradition. My booklet and my weblog have even stimulated persons to open Zero Waste shops everywhere. Like Marie, who opened the primary Zero Waste store in Germany. And there may be Gerard, who, after reading my booklet, realized that there was a have to convey again available on the market products bought in returnable containers. After which there is Anne, I imply, seem at that retailer. How cute is that this mobile, little Zero Waste retailer? And you understand what we all have in usual? With ease the regret of now not having started prior. So i would encourage you guys to feel about this. What do you ought to lose by means of embarking on the Zero Waste way of life? Who knows what you would discover about yourselves? Possibly…Absolute happiness? Thanks. .

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batterymonster2021 · 5 years

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Two adults, two kids, zero waste | Bea Johnson | TEDxFoggyBottom

New Post has been published on https://hititem.kr/two-adults-two-kids-zero-waste-bea-johnson-tedxfoggybottom/

Two adults, two kids, zero waste | Bea Johnson | TEDxFoggyBottom

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statusreview · 5 years

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Black Friday Home Decor Deals (& What We’re Buying)

As is the tradition, I’ve scoured the Black Friday sales (is it me, or do they start earlier every year?) and rounded up my favorite home decor & furniture deals. And John already grabbed some tech items (he’s been waiting for this sale for a while). Our kitchen stools are under $96, our daughter’s bedroom rug is $350 off, and these velvet pillow covers are just $10! Our TV is also 42% off ($250 off!!), the smart plugs John loves are 58% off and his FBAT (favorite backpack of all time) is 65% 0ff. And so much more.

Stuff We Already Own (& Love!):

These are all things that we have bought with our own money, lived with, and love. And thanks to these crazy sale prices, you’re gonna get a better deal than we did. Let’s start with items you’ve probably seen around our Richmond house:

1 / Our Master Bed: Marked down to $599 from $900 (33% off)

2 / Emily Jeffords Art: Price depends on size, but Minted’s doing 20% off any art order over $150

3 / Our Foyer Pendant Light: Marked down to $223 from $298 (25% off with code CELEBRATE)

4 / Our Faux Magnolia Garland: Marked down to $60 from $80 (25% off)

5 / Our Bedroom Chandelier: Marked down to $339 from $399 (15% off)

6 / John’s Office Desk (we’ve had this for 10+ years!): Marked down to $339 from $399 (15% off)

7 / Decorative Ceramic Houses: Marked down to $12 from $15 (20% off)

8 / Our Foyer Console Table: Marked down to $322 from $380 (15% off + free shipping)

9 / Our Kitchen Island Stools: Marked down to $96 from $160 (40% off)

10 / Our Daughter’s Bedroom Rug (in gray): Marked down to $539 from $899 (40% off)

11 / Our Favorite Oversized Vases: Start at $25 – enter FREESHIP65

12 / Our Faux Gingko Branches: Marked down to $6.50 from $13 (50% off!)

13 / Our Dining Room Chandelier: Marked down to $339 from $399 (15% off)

14 / Our Living Room Chairs: Marked down to $145 from $170 (15% off)

15 / Our Daughter’s Inlay Mirror: Marked down to $320 from $770 (58% off)

16 / Our Office Chairs (in gray): Marked down to $300 from $400 (25% off with code OHWHATFUN)

17 / Our Favorite Gold Frames: Buy 1 Get 1 50% off

18 / Our Faux Eucalyptus Branches: $14.50 down from $24.50 (40% off)

There are also lots of deals on stuff that we’ve got in our beach house and have started filling the duplex with (like some lights I’m crazy for). And there are some BOSS deals in here too.

1 / Beach House Living Room Rug (ours is natural/ivory color): 6 x 9′ size is $169 down from $199 (15% off with code TAKE15)

2 / Beach Downstairs Bathroom Mirror: Huge (almost 2′ wide) and $39.99

3 / Beach House Living Room Chandelier: $179 down from $299 (40% off)

4 / Beach House Front Bedroom Rug: 8 x 10′ size is $598 down from $798 (25% off with code CELEBRATE)

5 / Duplex Foyer Globe Pendant: $105 down from $120.99 (13% off)

6 / Beach House Desk Clock: $14.99 (the wood + brass looks fancy for the price)

7 / Duplex Exterior Wall Lanterns: $96.87 for this HUGE size (they’re 20″ high!)

8 / Beach House Front Bedroom Blanket: $34 down from $40 (15% off)

9 / Beach House Living Room Bookcase: $296 down from $349 (15% off + free shipping)

10 / Beach House Office Lamp: $24.99 (looks really good for the price)

11 / Beach House Kitchen Island Pendants: Marked down to $126 from $267 (53% off)

12 / Beach House Front Bedroom Sconce: Marked down to $32 from $57 (43% off)

13 / Beach House Kitchen Art: $199 for GIANT size + free shipping + buy one get one 50% off

14 / Beach House Favorite Beach Towels: $19 with free shipping

15 / Beach House Kitchen Hardware: $16, 15% off orders of $100+, 20% off orders of $500

16 / Duplex Master Bathroom Light: On sale for $145 (looks even better in person)

17 / Beach House Kitchen Benches: $83 down from $130 (25% off) + 15% off with code TURKEY

18 / Duplex Kitchen Pendants:$104 down from $139 (25% off) with code THANKFUL

19 / Beach House Middle Bedroom Rug: On sale for $524, down from $698 (25% off with code CELEBRATE)

Tools & Technology We Own/Love:

Thanks to John’s deep obsession with watching all things tech for deals throughout the year, he already jumped on a bunch of them for himself this morning since they’ve never been lower. So here are the items we’ve already purchased and used (many for years & years) and still LOVE.

1 / John’s Laptop Bag: Marked down to $69 from $200 (65% off)

2 / Our Go-To Cordless Drill + Battery: Marked down to $79 from $99 (20% off)

3 / Our Favorite Stick Vacuum: (re-bought this for the beach house!) Marked down to $90 from $130 (31% off)

4 / Our Bedroom Phone Chargers: $40 (it’s not marked down but they’re super durable & look great)

5 / Nest Thermostat E: Marked down to $139 from $169 (18% off) – bought ’em for the duplex!

6 / Vintage Style LEDs in Soft White: $29 for a 4 pack

7 / Our Favorite Cordless Nailer: Marked down to $109 from $180 (39% off)

8 / Our 55″ Smart Roku TV: Marked down to $350 from $600 (42% off)

9 / Our New Miter Saw + Collapsible Stand: Marked down to $400 from $600 (33% off)

10 / Apple Watch Series 3 with GPS & Cellular: (John got one as a belated b-day gift) $329 down from $409 (20% off)

11 / Our Roku 4 Streaming TV Box: Marked down to $100 from $130 (24% off)

12 / Our Favorite Smart Light Bulbs: $55 down from $70 (21% off)

13 / Echo Dot 2nd Gen: $20 down from $40 (50% off)

14 / Our Favorite Smart Plug: Marked down to $17 from $40 (58% off)

15 / Our Handy Pressure Washer: $90 down from $130 (31% off)

16 / Our Favorite Sound Machine: Marked down to $15 from $30 (50% off)

17 / Our Cordless Leaf Blower: Marked down to $150 from $170 (12% off)

18 / Our Cordless Trimmer: $85 (click “tool only” if you already have a battery)

19 / Our Go-To Drill & Driver Set: Marked down to $8 from $10 (20% off)

House Stuff We’re Buying / Eyeing:

I’m mainly checking out rugs, accessories, and a few pieces of furniture – and these are the things I’m loving most with the best prices right now. A glass doored cabinet for $67?! Big rugs like this and this that are 40% off?! A gorgeous armchair for $185?! Yes please.

1 / Rattan Headboard: marked down to $466 for a queen & $304 for a twin

2 / Color Block Hand Towels: $14 each, get free shipping with code SAVEMORE

3 / Tassel Sham Set: $36 down from $39 + 20% off if you join Urban Outfitters Rewards (free)

4 / 8.5″ Mercury Glass Tree: $10 (this isn’t marked down but I got one and it’s AMAZING! They light up!)

5 / 20″ Mercury Glass Tree: $20 (also not marked down but these are so beautiful)

6 / Linear Ombre Rug: 9 x 12″ was $899, now $539 (40% off!)

7 / Chunky Knit Throw: Marked down to $21 from $30 (30% off)

8 / Velvet Pillow: Marked down to $24 from $27 (10% off)

9 / Woven Cat Basket: Marked down to $63 from $79 (20% off)

10 / Faux Fur Beanbag: Marked down to $165 from $228 (about 30% off)

11 / Glass Accent Cabinet: Marked down to $67 from $130 (40% off + another 15% off w/ code TURKEY!)

12 / Handcarved Coffee Table: This is still pricey but so gorgeous & 40% off ($700 from $1099)

13 / Oak Tripod Floor Lamp: Marked down to $76 from $80 (5% off)

14 / Rattan Arm Chair: Marked down to $127 from $150 (15% off with code TURKEY)

15 / Tassel Hand Towel:$23 down from $30 (25% off)

16 / Water Hyacinth Basket: $19 (not on sale but great price)

17 / Cat Ring Dish: Marked down to $5 from $20 (75% off!) – such a cute gift!

18 / Set of 2 Decorative Mugs: $8 down from $16 (50% off) – also a cute gift idea w/ hot cocoa or tea

19 / Mini Waffle Maker: $9.99! (comes in mint, pink, & white – so tempting for the duplex)

20 / Brass Bird Bookcase: This is still pricey ($999 from $$1600) but it’s 40% off & stunning

21 / Geometric Carved Coffee Table: Marked down to $110 from $130 (15% off) + 15% more off of that w/ code TURKEY

22 / Diamond Indoor / Outdoor Rug: 9 x 12″ marked down to $539 from $899 (40% off)

Not everything we’re keeping an eye on falls into a soft blush color scheme (it was fun to organize things that way, though – ha!) so here are the other home deals I’m loving:

1 / Plaid Welcome Mat: $13 (great price for this cool design)

2 / Navy Campaign Nightstand: $299 with free shipping

3 / Chevron Rug: 5 x 7′ is marked down to $110 from $130 (5% off + 15% off with code TURKEY)

4 / Indigo Indoor / Outdoor Rug: 9 x 12′ marked down to $539 from $899 (40% off)

5 / Black Round Mirror: Marked down to $45 from $50 (10% off)

6 / Decorative Basket: $20 (not marked down but great price)

7 / Black Pendant Light: $41 down from $69 (40% off)

8 / Mini Footed Planter: $12 (20% off by joining Urban Outfitters Rewards or buy 1 get 1 50% off anything)

9 / Plaid Pillow Cover: Marked down to $26 from $35 (25% off with code THANKFUL)

10 / Wood Arm Chair: $185 down from $230 (5% off plus 15% more with code TURKEY)

11 / Set of 2 Upholstered Dining Chairs: $276 down from $460 (40% off) – $138 each!

12 / Rattan Accent Cabinet: Marked down to $180 from $200 (10% off)

13 / Overdyed Rug: 4 x 6′ marked down to $40 from $50 (5% off + another 15% off with code TURKEY)

14 / Faux Fiddle Leaf Fig: $179 with free shipping (use FREESHIP65)

15 / Striped Beach Towel: Marked down to $15 from $18 (these are so cute even at full price!)

16 / Brass Pivoting Wall Sconce: Marked down $48 from $60 (20% off)

17 / Velvet Pillow Covers: Marked down to $10 from $29 (66% off)

18 / Printed Pillow Cover: Marked down to $40 from $88 (55% off)

19 / Flannel Sheet Set: Marked down to $14 from $20 (30% off)

Can’t Forget Small Business Saturday!

Here are some of our favorite Etsy shops with lovely (and personalized!) hand-made wares. Not everything’s marked down, but it FEELS SO GOOD to have original art and handmade stuff in your house. Really puts a personalized spin on any space. And can you resist that sweet personalized birch candle holder?! Also: support small businesses year-round!

1 / Handmade Pillow Cover: $69.99

2 / Leather Wall Strap: Marked down to $11 from $13 (15% off)

3 / White & Wood Modern Light: Marked down to $231 from $257 (10% off!)

4 / Colorful Art Prints: Starting at about $21! We LOVE her stuff and own 2 original paintings!

5 / Cheeky Key Dish: $17 down from $22 (20% off)

6 / Camping Mug Candle: $22 down from $28 (20% off) – 4 scents & designs!

7 / Faux Leather Pillow Cover: $29 down from $32 (10% off)

8 / Handmade Graphic Pillow Cover: $34

9 / Pretty Face Vase: $14

10 / Turkish Towel Throw Blanket: Marked down to $25 from $31 (20% off!)

11 / Vintage Kilim Rug (5×10′): Marked down to $299 from $500 (40% off!!)

12 / Brass Elephant Bookends: $35

13 / Illustrated Family Portrait: Starts at $65, depending on number of people

14 / Vintage Indigo Pillow Cover: $44 down from $52 (15% off)

15 / Personalized Birch Candle Holder: $20

16 / Gray Wood Decorative Beads: $14

17 / Modern White Vases: $14 (these are so delicate and lovely)

18 / Leather Key Holder: Marked down to $16 from $20 (20% off) – free personalization!

19 / Colorful Letterboard: $30.99 (we have this one in pink at the beach house & love the other colors too)

Coupon Codes & Sales That Are On Now:

Ok, I’m off to eat my weight in turkey and grab at least a handful of things on this list (John already bought our Nest thermostats for the duplex and his belated birthday Apple Watch – such a deal! he saved $80!). But before I go, here’s a rundown of the sales & codes I’ve found so far:

Crate & Barrel –Up to 40% off furniture + 20% off sale prices

Target – Lots of markdowns with an additional 15% off all online furniture with the code TURKEY

Pottery Barn – 25% off sitewide + free shipping with code THANKFUL

PB Teen – 25% off with code OHWHATFUN

Serena & Lily – 25% off everything with code CELEBRATE

Anthropologie – 30% off everything on their site (starts Friday)

CB2 – 15% off full priced items + free shipping with code SAVE15

Minted – 20% off holiday cards, gifts, art, and home decor over $150 or 15% off everything with the code: BF2018

World Market – 40% off furniture with code FURNDEAL

Rejuvenation – Up to 25% off, depending how much you spend

Wayfair – Up to 80% off

Overstock – Up to 70% off + free shipping

McGee & Co – 20% off everything with code THANKYOU

West Elm – Up to 30% off + free shipping with code SAVEMORE

Annie Selke – 25% off everything with the code CYBER18

Urban Outfitters – Buy one, get one 50% off

Old Navy – 50% off your entire purchase

Banana Republic – 50% off regularly priced items

J. Crew – 40% off your purchase using the code “TOGETHER”

Gap –50% off everything with code BLKFRIDAY + an extra 10% off online with TREAT

Hope you guys are all soaking up lots of family time (and all the delicious fooooood) this holiday weekend. And feel free to tell me on Instagram or Facebook if there are any major deals I’m missing. You know I love to submerge myself in them hot-tub style and pretend to splash around in them a la Scrooge McDuck.

Psst – For all the exact paint colors & links to all of the furniture & accessories that we have in our house, this page has you covered – and if you’re looking for items we have already bought and lived with and love, this page has all of those things corralled for ya.

*This post contains affiliate links*

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Black Friday Home Decor Deals (& What We’re Buying)

Stuff We Already Own (& Love!):

1 / Our Master Bed: Marked down to $599 from $900 (33% off)

2 / Emily Jeffords Art: Price depends on size, but Minted’s doing 20% off any art order over $150

3 / Our Foyer Pendant Light: Marked down to $239 from $298 (20% off)