#random endeavors

OMG I...

To be honest, I’ve never really thought about that? But at the same time...I definitely feel like if Charlie was working when they get calls like that, all the other firefighters know that he definitely has to come with them to handle it.

Because Charlie was the type of kid to, like, get his head caught in a chair. Or anything ridiculous like that. And he tells these ridiculous stories of dumb childhood stunts to his coworkers all the time (you know, like you do when funny/embarrassing stories are shared at work).

And he’s pretty decent with kids and would probably be decent calming them down while the other firefighters are trying to get them out of those crazy situations.

Date: I’ll write a drabble of one character taking another out on a date.

It had been almost two months now. Kate had been aware that they had been dating for too long a couple months ago. She had tried to distance herself from him for two weeks. Only to find that she for whatever reason, she could not do so or resulted in being upset that she had canceled on him.

So then she decided to make him want to break up with her. Something that was very difficult when he already saw her at her worst and…didn’t really seem to mind. So she decided to go the opposite route and be as nice and, well, un-Kate as possible. Which also didn’t turn out well. Mostly because she couldn’t stick to it for the entirety of their time together. So it kind of resulted in her appearing to have some serious mood swings.

That had lasted the previous month and a half. Now she had finally come to a conclusion. A conclusion in which, on a very rare occasion, she asked if they could get together rather than him inviting her out. Granted, it had still resulted in going to one of her favorite restaurants, but that was beside the point.

Dinner had been normal at first. Conversation about the last few days. Fred decided what he wanted. She was stuck between a few items right up until the waitress actually took their order. He questioned her choice when it wasn’t one of the options she had mentioned before that.

Before she could get down to business—it was tricky trying to segue into the topic—he ended up asking, “So what’s wrong?” He continued before she could answer the question. “And don’t tell me nothing. Because this is the first time you wanted to go out but didn’t have a place in mind.” He rested one of his arms on the table with his other hand pointing at her. “Which means you’re thinking about something else.”

She didn’t bother to hesitate. She had been trying to find a way to bring it up anyway. “I don’t want to break up with you!”

He looked very confused but immediately replied, “Well, I…wasn’t planning on breaking up with you.”

"I know," she said with a roll of her eyes, putting her chin on her hand, "I already tried that and it didn’t work…"

Fred didn’t seem to have anything to say, lost in thought; and he merely removed his arm from the table and leaned back in his seat rather than speak. He stayed that way even once the waitress had brought them their food. Kate had already begun eating by the time he came out of his silence. “Okay, I’m really confused. Was there a plan to break up with me?”

"Sort of." Best not lie. But no reason to explain it either. "But I decided I that don’t want to."

Rain:I'll write a drabble (one) of two characters having fun in the rain

Xander tried, for the fifth time, to light the cigarette hanging out of his mouth, his free hand cradled above it, attempting to keep the rain away. And for the second time, that hand got burned. He groaned before looking back toward his companion who stood several feet away. "C'mon, Fred, be a pal. Lemme use your umbrella already."

The blond man tossed a lazy glance over his shoulder, no sympathy in gaze. "I would, but that would be supporting this little habit you have. So I think I'll stay over here 'til you're ready to head back inside." He stuck one hand in his coat pocket, readjusting his hold on his umbrella with the other.

"You became such an asshole since you started dating Kate," the older man muttered, trying yet again to light his cigarette. It was no surprise when he failed for the sixth time. "Goddammit..."

Fred gave a laugh, actually turning to face his best friend after that comment. "Well, that's just giving her too much credit. You and I both know I was like this way before we got together." He shrugged, adding, "That said, still not sure why you're still friends with me."

"Been asking myself that same thing..."

He laughed again. "C'mon, it doesn't look like that's gonna work out. Let's just go get a drink."

"Or you could lend me that stupid umbrella."

Sleep:I'll write a drabble of one character snuggling in bed with another.

It was funny, but Cassie had never pegged Stefan as the cuddling sort. He was always so prone to keep people at a distance, he almost never even hugged people unless the two were in relationship or if the other person instigated it (aka Charlie). So when they had first gotten together and slept in the same bed, that he actually did initiate such a snugly action as cuddling.

It was even more odd when her only other boyfriend, though he was alright with cuddling, would only do so for a few minutes before he needed to move around. Such a thing had been unfortunate at the time, because Cassie was not one to move around much so she could not quite understand his predicament.

Stefan though was just the same. It was pretty much guaranteed that if fell asleep, huddled together, they would wake up almost the exact same way. She certainly didn't mind it; it was nice to wake up and feel someone's warmth. Knowing they're around without even needing to open your eyes.

1. What do they like to talk about?

Anything that isn't work, really. Because since they work together, they just kind of get sick of talking about it. They both really like documentaries and history though so I imagine they talk about those a lot.

2. What don’t they talk about?

Their families, dude. Like, Stefan's an only child; and his parents basically only had him to take over the family's company. And like, he likes his parents...? But he's not particularly close with them, y'know?

And Cassie feels kinda similar but not for the same reasons? Cassie has got three other siblings and she gets along decently with them? At least better than she does with her parents, probably. But her parents and her just do not have the same viewpoints at all.

Like whenever they vaguely reference their families the other is like "Wait, say what?"

3. What have each of them given up for each other?

Cassie gave up going to college because he offered her a job and a place to live. Like, this was wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy before they got together but I suppose it counts still?

Stefan has given up on having in-laws that approve of him. He owns a highly successful company, lives in a mansion; and all her parents can do is laugh at the fact that he has never used a gun so they buy him one for Christmas.

4. What compromises have they made with each other?

Well, having Jasper was sort of a compromise...?

But uh probably the fact that when he offered her a job and place to live, she would only accept if Kate could live there too--mostly because Kate had been sharing an apartment with her at the time and she didn't want to ditch her. Also sharing a house with just Stefan would be weird what the heck.

Stefan eventually has to compromise that he can't go on a business trip alone if it's longer than a week. Because even though Cassie can manage on her own, she doesn't like having the house to herself for longer than that.

5. Do each of them know how the other takes their tea/coffee/other?

Stefan (after a little trial and error) knows that Cassie prefers Jasmine tea.

Cassie's pretty sure it's favorite too...? He usually makes himself some too. But sometimes he has green tea so she's not entirely sure.

6. How much do they trust each other?

After living with and getting used to each other? Quite a bit. Mostly because they just come to understand one another better. Neither one of them would have expected this result initially though.

7. In what ways do they prefer to show affection for each other?

Stefan, growing up the way he did, definitely shows affection through, like, material gifts. Originally it's just like usual stupid stuff that, though she appreciates him getting it, it's not stuff Cassie really wants. Like, flowers, jewelry and whatever else. But eventually he picks up on it and actually gets stuff she likes even if he feels like they're just cheap presents. Like, those vanilla scented candles she likes. Ramen noodles since she was talking about craving some the day before

Cassie though is definitely more of a physical affection kind of person. But really only in private. Never in public nooooooo. In public, she definitely shows her affection more through teasing and poking fun at him. Don't get me wrong she'll do it in private too. But she does it a lot more in public.

8. Do either have habits that annoy the other?

Cassie really likes to make fun of the fact that Stefan has grey hair at his young age. Genetics suck. She can hardly cook anything without it burning or being under-cooked. Once she starts drinking alcohol, she does not want to stop.

Stefan has this really annoying tendency when he's working at home to just tune absolutely everything out even without music or anything to distract him. And when you're trying to get his attention? It is a tad annoying. He's a bit short-tempered. And he leaves his toothbrush on the counter rather than putting it in a cup or something. Like, really, who even does that??

9. What habits does each find endearing in each other?

Stefan's got this really sarcastic sometimes even dark sense of humor that will just make Cassie laugh every time. When she talks to him while he's reading, he'll look up over the rims of his glasses instead of lifting his chin. And a lot of times when he's really happy and can't help smiling, he'll bring a hand up to cover his mouth to hide it rather than just outright smile.

Cassie has, what Stefan feels, is an infectious laugh; because sometimes he'll make a snarky comment and she'll laugh at it and even though he doesn't find it too funny he'll wind up laughing too. When she gets angry, she has this tendency to say whatever comes to her mind even if it's something she doesn't want to say or won't help her point at all. It's like she can't lie when she's angry. Sometimes when she tries to embarrass him, she ends up feeling more embarrassed than he does. He thinks it's kinda cute...

10. What is the division of power like in the relationship?

1. What do they like to talk about?

They like making fun of things together. It's quite beautiful really.

Okay but seriously they do talk about animals a lot just because Kate loves them so much and Fred likes them well enough too.

2. What don’t they talk about?

Fred's college days. Mostly because Fred doesn't want to talk with her about it. If you were to ask him he would say he was "a bit of a player" if you were to ask Xander or his brother, Charlie, they would tell you that it was a lot more than that.

Though really they don't talk much about previous relationships period. Mostly because neither of them had really taken other relationships seriously.

3. What have each of them given up for each other?

Light dating on both sides.

Also Kate will say she gave up living at Stefan's huge house. (Though, Stefan probably would have made her leave at some point anyway)

4. What compromises have they made with each other?

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay I've got a super cute one for this okay? Okay

So like. They had an issue when they first became a "serious" couple. Where even though Fred would say I love you, Kate hardly said it back. It wasn't because she didn't feel the same way; she just didn't understand why it needed to be said back.

So at some point, Fred finally tells her how much it bothers him. And she says, "Okay, I love you." And he just says thank you which leads her to shout, "You didn't say it back!" (And she's at least 60% genuine with that response)

Which leads them to deciding that any time one of them says I love you, the other has to say it back. Which they sometimes take advantage of in an argument. Kate also likes to do it right after Fred takes a huge bite out of his food. Fred usually gets her back for it later though.

They're both such assholes and I love them

5. Do each of them know how the other takes their tea/coffee/other?

Kate has no clue about Fred's.

Fred knows her coffee better than she does. Because he adds a little something to it and he won't tell her what it is.

6. How much do they trust each other?

Uhhhhhhhh. You know, explaining this is kinda hard.

Because neither of them are very trusting people. But they do trust each other a lot...? Like, more than most people probably would if they were in the same situation.

7. In what ways do they prefer to show affection for each other?

Kate shows her affection for Fred by calling him out on his bs mostly. It's not often that people call him out on those sorts of things and she's one of the few who actually does.

Fred is more physical affection or remembering her particular likes and dislikes as well.

8. Do either have habits that annoy the other?

It bothers Fred that he usually has to do the shopping and cooking (though, he understands the second part).

Kate gets annoyed by Fred's nagging whether it's directed at her or the twins. But especially when it's directed at the twins.

9. What habits does each find endearing in each other?

Fred really likes when Kate tells him her dreams. And he also actually likes how she repeats jokes. It was funny the first time, of course it's funny the hundredth time

Kate finds it endearing how Fred remembers everything for her so she doesn't have to. He also understands her better than most other people do without her needing to explain herself.

10. What is the division of power like in the relationship?

1. What do they like to talk about?

Each other. Does that count? I suppose I should assume it doesn't.

They like talking about aesthetics. It comes to do with the fact that Maara's a wedding planner/designer. So she has pretty great taste tbh and Xander's isn't exactly bad either. Not to mention they're both pretty good at talking about things objectively. Which makes talking about things related to beauty much more interesting.

And I mean, they talk about other things, don't get me wrong but that's something that comes up a lot.

2. What don’t they talk about?

They don't really talk how they want to raise their kids. Which is a pretty big issue. Mostly because Maara thinks it's more important to make sure they have enough money for their kids to have what they want (so she works a lot).

While Xander thinks it's much more important to make sure they spend enough quality time with their kids, even if that means they're not very well enough.

They should talk this through. But they don't and if they do, it often results in an argument.

3. What have each of them given up for each other?

...dating other people...?

Neither of them had to give up anything super significant, really.

4. What compromises have they made with each other?

Though Maara's not fond of it, she let's Xander smoke his cigarettes but doesn't let him do so in their house.

They also compromised that Xander has to do most of the cooking (since he's home more often) but Maara has to the grocery shopping in exchange.

5. Do each of them know how the other takes their tea/coffee/other?

Xander knows Maara likes her coffee with a splash of cream.

Maara...is pretty sure he likes Lattes. But he actually prefers cappuccinos oops.

6. How much do they trust each other?

Pretty much 10/10 for both. It happens when you grew up as close as they did.

7. In what ways do they prefer to show affection for each other?

They both prefer physical affections. But they also have a habit of making things for each other to show how much they care.

8. Do either have habits that annoy the other?

Maara is incredibly annoyed by Xander's smoking habit. But it's also pretty annoying to come home from a long day at work only to find your husband passed out on the couch, the house a mess, and no food on the table. He also holds onto grudges pretty easily.

Xander gets annoyed by how much of a workaholic Maara is--when she was pregnant with their oldest, she continued to work even in her ninth month of pregnancy, insisting that she could manage. She has a tendency to steal all of the blankets while they sleep. And she always needs to put on make-up before going anywhere. Frankly, he does not understand that even a little bit.

9. What habits does each find endearing in each other?

Maara plays with her hair when she's busy thinking. Though, she also plays with hair in general hers, her daughters', Xander's... He's always thought her fascination with it was endearing.

Xander has this tendency to chew on toothpicks while he's cooking or bartending. Maara's not entirely sure where he picked it up though.

10. What is the division of power like in the relationship?

It had been odd when she had felt a bit off a few weeks before. It became concerning when she realized her period hadn’t happened yet. It was scary when she took the test—not just once but three times just to be sure. It was nerve-wracking to tell her husband when it was something they had both previously agreed on preventing.

It was terrifying, though, when they finally went to the doctor and had it confirmed.

They had thought that maybe, just maybe, the tests were a false positive. Maybe this was something they could just laugh off later, talk about how silly they were for thinking it could be. They had made sure to take precautions after all. And yet there they were, sitting alone together in the OB/GYN’s room, trying to figure out what to say to each other once they had heard the door click shut behind the doctor a few minutes ago.

Cassie was not sure what to do. The last thing she wanted to do was speak. But every time she looked back over at her husband, he was still sitting in that nearby chair, his hands covering the lower part of his face while his eyes stared across the room. The only sound he made being the occasional release of breath. What could she possibly say?

Hadn’t they agreed, even before getting married, that kids were out of the question? That they did not want to have them?  And yet, even with that thought still holding true, Cassie’s folded arms pressed down on her stomach as she felt it churn—this was different from the nausea that the pregnancy had brought. How was she supposed to tell him that…despite how sure she had seemed back then, she felt different now? It was only these feelings that finally urged her to speak. “What do you think we should do?”

For the first time since the doctor had left, Stefan looked back to her, his back straightening and his hands slowly lowering back into his lap. It reminded her of back at work, when something came up he didn’t expect, he would sit and mull over it before coming to a decision and use these very same movements before delivering it. “I…think it’s your decision.”

Oh, one of the few times she gets the final say and she has totally conflicting thoughts. Thankfully, it turned out that he had more to say. “I know,” he continued, returning his gaze to where it had been before, “that I said I didn’t want kids but…I was more thinking about keeping from having them if we could manage it. I wouldn’t really mind having one in this situation…”

He stood up, making his way toward her, his fingers reaching out for hers. She didn’t even have to think about extending her hand in return. She needed the stability he was always so willing to offer. “But you’re the one who would have to deal with it first. So if you don’t want to go through with this, you don’t have to. If you do, that’s alright too.” His free hand joined the connection they had made to each other; her hand now firmly placed between his own. “No matter what you want, I’m with you. One hundred percent.”

She could not keep her feelings contained. Maybe she could blame it on the hormones later. But all she could do when he had finished was cry.