home is wherever i'm with you

Alex Hsiao. Three steps closer to outer space. I work hard so I can play even harder.

[laylatbharchive-blog]

“How come you didn’t want to complain to the manager? Actually, I’m surprised nobody said a thing because I think it’s kind of rude to have your baby disturb everybody else’s day.”

[hsiaoalex]

“Because it wasn’t really their fault, you know? I mean, I guess they could’ve been like ‘hey, you’re disrupting our other patrons,’ but that might have caused a scene, and I really didn’t wanna cause any trouble in that restaurant because it’s my favorite. But yeah, I just felt like it was pretty rude because I was having lunch with a coworker and we couldn’t hear each other over the baby.”

[gamcrsteph]

“Some parents just let their babies ‘cry it out’ but in a restaurant is not the best place for that.”

[hsiaoalex]

“Yeah, I get that, but you’re right, you gotta do that kinda parenting at home, because in my experience, if there’s more than one baby in the area, then one screaming typically triggers another one, and then it gets really bad.”

[gemmahq]

“Ew!! Are you serious? I would have sobbed honestly.”

[hsiaoalex]

Eeeyup. I poured a can of soda in his backpack and ended up ruining all of his textbooks and his homework. I was really vindictive about it. 

[gabemorrison-blog]

“And you’re in the business of telling people how to raise their kids?  Do people pay you for that shit?”

[hsiaoalex]

No, I’m not, and no, they don’t. Which is precisely why I haven’t said anything to the parent in question, but if I’m not mistaken, being an American gives me the freedom to voice my opinion; the same freedom it gives you, as a matter of fact.

[hsiaoalex]

You’d think if your baby had been crying for twenty minutes straight, you might take it outside or somewhere less populated to try and see what the problem is, instead of continuing to shovel cheap Chinese food in your mouth, but noooo. I will never understand these people.

[therivermonroe-deactivated20170]

Safety and Home || River & Alex

[therivermonroe-deactivated20170]

River’s expression brightened when she heard the jingling of keys and Alex’s heavy footsteps. The heavy tension twisting her stomach suddenly released, leaving her feeling much lighter. Part of it was being alone in the house, but she also knew Alex’s tendency to speed all over town. Seeing her safe at home made her feel infinitely better. She crossed the kitchen quickly, greeting Alex with a kiss to her lips before she took the offered package.

“A calzone, hm? You definitely know your way to a woman’s heart,” she teased lightly. Still, even the smallest gesture wasn’t lost on her. Alex still thought about her at work, and that meant the world to her. “Maybe she gave you a weird look because you aren’t wearing a ring.” She tilted her head, her brows raising momentarily. “Or maybe she genuinely was interested in ‘riding your dick.’” 

Not that River minded. Other girls being interested in Alex, anyway. How could they not be? Alex was fun to be around, daring, courageous. Plus, she was probably the most attractive person River had ever met in her entire life, and she knew by how others acted, she wasn’t the only one who thought so. It didn’t matter, though. Alex always came home to her. 

“Well, I didn’t pick anything up, but I did make a cake. It’s a regular white cake, but there’s layers of tiramisu in it as well. I figured you’d need something sweet when you got home.” She set aside the package on the nearest counter-top before resting her hands on Alex’s hips. “Besides, you look like you’re getting too thin. I don’t want you turning to skin and bones on me.”

[hsiaoalex]

Alex loved watching River rush to her, and she held her arms open, taking the woman into them. As always, she smelled amazing; like home, and the kiss was returned, along with another. All the stress from the day melted away like wax, leaving her feeling refreshed. There was no ailment it seemed River couldn't cure.

"Mmhm. Bacon and steak, which is what I had, since it sounded like the best combination. Plus, I felt like it was very you. Personally, I would have added spinach, but, you know." She smiled, her hands finding River's biceps, fingers trailing down to the elbows. "Maybe. Or maybe I was just full of myself and she was actually just looking for a nice tip since she watched me pull up in a Cadillac and take off expensive sunglasses." Alex seemed to straighten up some, chest puffing like a proud peacock. She'd worked herself practically to death since she turned eighteen in order to make a life for herself that was beyond just 'comfortable,' and with this career, combined with River's, they were bordering on 'luxurious.' And Alex always took time to appreciate it (and maybe brag a little).

"A cake?" Her expression turned very childlike, the excitement all too apparent. "Nngh. Now you, my love, know exactly how to press my buttons." Leaning in, the woman nosed against River's cheek, leaving a kiss in her wake, her arms encircling her to pull her close. "Though, the only something sweet I'll ever need is in my arms right now. All the same, I’ll never say no to a cake."

[therivermonroe-deactivated20170]

Safety and Home || River & Alex

River sighed as she hung up the phone, staring out the window as the sky darkened towards night. The other end had been an automated message, saying the line couldn’t be reached, but River knew better. Her parents had blocked her number. Not changed their own, but blocked hers. Changing their own wouldn’t have been personal enough against her. She didn’t know why she bothered– maybe she figured they would eventually forgive her. That was what the church taught them, right? Then again, that church hadn’t been very forgiving towards her when they threw her out. She never told Alex about her trying to call her parents– typically only for anniversaries, or like this time, her father’s birthday. The animosity between her parents and Alex was about as likely to die as her father talking to her again. Still, she had to try, right? It was the only way to live with what happened, saying she still tried to make peace. It was frustrating at times– why should she be the one to extend the olive branch, after the hurtful words her father said? After he’d raised a hand to her? It felt wrong to be the one to continue to try and make things right. Still, it helped her sleep at night, and it helped her live a better life.

She jumped as a sudden noise came from the other side of the house, her attention stolen from the window in front of her. Her heart hammered loudly in her chest, even as her brain tried to rationalize. Chill out, River. It came from outside. Back yard. No one’s in the house.

It didn’t make her feel safe. Three locks on the door didn’t make her feel safe (especially since she’d just unlocked them for Alex to get in, though she’d have to use a key regardless), nor did the alarm system. She would never feel safe alone int he house. Just another thing stolen from them by the past. She wandered through the house quickly, every light in the house already on at that point– she had a habit of turning them and the television on when Alex was away, to make herself feel more at ease. She quickly moved to the kitchen, pushing aside the short curtains dangling over the window in front of the sink. She sighed with relief as she saw the next yard over. The neighbor’s kids were out playing, one of them holding a baseball bat. They’d probably hit the fence with the ball or something.

“Get home,” River muttered under her breath, drumming her fingers against the sink before pushing away from it, pacing nervously around the kitchen as she silently ticked away the minutes in her head.

[hsiaoalex]

Alex was racing home, trying to beat ever traffic light that threatened her with a yellow signal. Alex always raced home. When River got home before she did, she always tried to make sure she could get home shortly afterwards. Of course, there were days like today, when she had to stay later, or when River didn't work at all, and she hated those. Alex knew her girlfriend disliked being alone, and Alex was especially wary considering this was still a new place for her. Granted, they hadn't had any problems. Even the real estate agent had been kind enough to them as they went through the negotiations. But one couldn't be too certain.

The woman stared at her phone at the one traffic light that caught her, the image of the two of them out on the beach staring back at her. She hadn't gotten anymore text messages from her since the last one, and it wasn't as if she was worried or anything, but each moment spent away from River was always a little heartbreaking. Not... excruciatingly so, but nonetheless; River was the only person Alex had here. She knew the same went for River, which only made her that much more eager to return home after work.

Finally she pulled her car into the driveway, and into the garage. While waiting for the door to open, she peered out over the yard at the neighbor's kids. The neighborhood was swarming with kids now that the weather was tame, and she'd often catch River watching them as well. It caused a little bubble of nervousness to form in her stomach at the thought; not because she didn't want to raise a family with River, but only because there we so many steps in their relationship that came before adoption that she wanted to take with River, and she felt as if she were still at the bottom of the staircase, having done nothing but work to secure their financial future above anything else. Hopefully River wouldn't feel the same.

Finally, she exited the car and, with a package in hand, hurriedly made her way through the garage into the house. She made sure to make a lot of noise, jingling her keys and plodding about on the kitchen's tiles like an elephant. "Riiiiveeer!" she called out in a sing-song voice, hanging up her keys and pulling her blazer off. Thankfully she didn't have to look for her, finding her girlfriend right in the kitchen. Grinning brightly, Alex ruffled up her own hair and draped her jacket across the back of a nearby chair. "I went to this amazing place for lunch, it was delicious." She held up the package, which smelled garlicky and looked a little greasy. "They had the most amazing calzones, oh my goodness. I had to bring one for you. The waitress thought I was gonna eat both of them and offered the second one for free if I did, but I said 'whoa, hey, jump off my dick lady, I'm a married man,' and she gave me a weird look and the check."

[romcomcoop]

Job Applications|| Lulu &

[romcomcoop]

Lulu was blown away about how easy that was. The application the man was holding was the first one that she filled out the night before. She though because she was drunk pieces would have been left out. “I think I can manage the phones and a few notes,” Lulu said with a smile. She took a sip of her coffee and then pushed her papers to the side. 

“I was a waitress before, so going into an hourly job I’m slightly worried that the pay wouldn’t cover my expenses,” Lulu said cautiously, “I was making about twelve and hour after all was said and done with tips. Is that something you would be able to match?”  She knew that entry level jobs were notorious of not paying well, and because she didn’t have previous experience in the field she wasn’t sure what to expect. 

[hsiaoalex]

Alex loved it when something they could do made someone else happy. It was even more beneficial when they didn’t have to do much to achieve it. Alex retrieved a pen from the inner workings of their blazer and scribbled a few notes on the documents they’d been presented with before turning them over. “Good. Pay starts out at eleven fifty an for the first month, and satisfactory work bumps it up to fourteen.” Pausing, Alex shifted through the papers again before pulling out an information sheet, detailing the workings of the company they worked for, as well as directions and all that. “Orientation is on Monday, at eleven AM.”

Alex’s smile remained unwavering as they leaned over the table. “I’ll even give you a tour and introduce you to everyone, and let you know who’s bad side to avoid and all that good stuff. That is, of course, if you decide you want the job.” Their expression turned to one that could only be described as ‘playful pleading,’ like a puppy who wanted the toy in their owner’s hand.

[gemmahq]

“I’m so sorry to disappoint but that isn’t what happened.”

[hsiaoalex]

Maybe next time. Though, I’m not sure why I was rooting for this kid to rub his snot in someone’s hair, considering some kid blew his nose in mine when I was eleven. Worst school day of my life.

[salemodonnell-deactivated202010]

Where do you get cookable lizards?

[hsiaoalex]

... You know what, I don’t know. I honestly just assumed she hunted for them out of her garden. 

[romcomcoop]

Job Applications|| Lulu &

[romcomcoop]

Lulu laughed at the thought of the man trying to battle it out for a good place in the sun. “I’m southern and a bit scrappy because of it. Just be thankful I took etiquette classes,” Lulu joked after the handshake. Then when her last name was read off a piece of paper her face took a new turn of kindness. “Yes it is. I guess you are one of the many people that got my resume and application today?”

Lulu was hopeful to get employed quickly. Bills stacked up quickly and she only had so much stashed away in savings. Hopefully the man in front of her would just fall in love with her on the spot and offer her a job that would cover her bills and add a little more to savings. She could be hopeful right? 

[hsiaoalex]

“I think I might pay to see you take someone else on,” Alex quipped with a bit of a teasing tone and a flirty smile to match as they leaned back in the chair. “I feel like you’d take anyone out in no time.” Returning to the matter at hand, however, Alex peered over the page in their hand. “Yes, actually. My supervisor asked me to give you a call and schedule an interview, but as it would be, fate has dropped me right at your feet. It was meant to be, you and I.”

Alex chuckled and leaned forward, propping their elbows on the table. “It’s just a simple bookkeeping job. Well, assistant bookkeeper, which is essentially a glorified secretary. So long as you can type, write and use a phone, you’re perfect for the job and I won’t have to look through the application pool for anyone else.” Alex smiled brightly. “And we can tell my boss that I gave you a very elaborate interview which you aced completely.”

[heather-summers-deactivated2016]

“What I need is a popcorn that cooks in the microwave properly. I know how to use a microwave, and I can make plenty of things in it correctly, except popcorn.”

[hsiaoalex]

Actually, I completely understand. It either won’t pop all the kernels, or it’ll burn if you leave it in two seconds longer than you have to. It’s honestly a hit and miss ordeal. You should try an air popper instead. Never worry about burnt popcorn again.

[jfctessa-blog]

“as long as it won’t leave me laying on the couch thinking i’m dying, than it’s good enough for me,” tessa said with slight relief. “could you write out some directions? or even lead the way? i still get lost in these streets sometimes.

[hsiaoalex]

“Dying of happiness, maybe, but not of e. coli or anything.” Alex grinned brightly. “I could show you, if you want. I’ve only been here about three months now, but when it comes to finding good food, I’ve got a great nose for it. And I’ll never forget how to get to it. Again, probably the nose.”

[romcomcoop]

Job Applications|| Lulu &

[romcomcoop]

Lulu looked up from her stack of papers and up at the person who was speaking to her. I took her a second to understand the question, everything about the person in front of her was new. In a small town like this Lulu was sure that she had been with everyone worth her time, but this new guy looked like he would be fun. “Oh yeah, Let me move my bag,” Lulu said reaching over to the other side on the table and grabbing it making room for the guy. 

Lulu eyed him over and took a sip of her coffee. He was new. His features of hit face were soft and feminine but the way he carried himself gave Lulu the impression of importance.   “So I don’t think we have met, I’m Talula,” she said offering her hand. Lulu was always nice and open with everyone, but that’s because most people have been here their whole lives.

[hsiaoalex]

This girl was pleasing to the eye, and Alex always reveled in the company of pretty people. So, they smiled brightly as the woman made way for them to sit, and Alex did so accordingly, setting their coffee down on the table top. "Thanks, I thought I was gonna have to fight someone for a chair. Not you, of course, I don't think I could handle you." Alex's smiled turned a bit crooked, their expression giving away the flirtatious undertones of the statement.

When the woman offered her hand and her name, a quizzical expression replaced that flirty one, though Alex took the hand and shook it. "Alex. Talula, huh? That's an interesting name." Pursing their lips, Alex thumbed through their own documents, scanning the name on the application. "Your last name wouldn't happen to be Harlow, would it?"

[hsiaoalex]

Texts: River ←→ Alex

River: Something you will never be, dear.

River: People don't know how to drive anywhere. Remember the Walmart parking lot back in Topeka? That spot where everyone ALWAYS took the turn down the wrong side of the median? I still don't know how they managed to do that every single time, or why no one just put up a wrong way sign.

River: SORRY, WOULD WRITING IN ALL CAPS BREAK THE TENSION? GET HOME, I WANT YOU NOW. ...Nope, that just seems more demanding.

River: You've got seven minutes now, by the way.

Alex: Oh yeah, you mean that one where we almost got into that head-on because those backwards people couldn't understand basic traffic laws? Yes, good times

Alex: Nothing gets my motor running like all caps, mmm

Alex: I'll be there in six

[heather-summers-deactivated2016]

“Yes, that’s burnt popcorn that you smell; in case you didn’t already know, I’m a terrible cook. I have a law degree from Yale, yet I can’t make popcorn.”

[hsiaoalex]

“Haha, I’m sorry, that is pathetic. But also kinda cute, in a weird way. Do you need someone to teach you how to use a microwave?”

[jfctessa-blog]

                               ‘ i’ve had bad chinese food three times now from three different places, so i desperately need some good suggestions on where to eat. ’ tessa practically begged the other person. being new to a town had it’s downsides and not being able to find a good place to eat was high on that list.

[hsiaoalex]

“Oh, you should try this place called Double Happiness. It’s delicious. Not fully authentic by any means, but still worth the price. I’ve only been here a few months and I’ve already been there several times.”