this love

it's probably better off this way

[liightsups]

cal opened his mouth, about to say some witty comeback about the almighty powers of laundrune, god of laundry, but is immediately shut up when he's shoved out of the way. he let out a dramatic ' oof ' as he watched with bright, amused eyes as she started to rearrange all of his washing. he tried not to laugh, his lips pressed together in a straight line but the corners gave him away. it's when she scowled at his outfit that cal stood up straighter, looking down at his fit of the day. "you can't judge me on this, this is comfy day outfit !!" his feet were stuffed into his slippers with mis-matching socks, some comfortable shorts and sure his shirt's color was faded from his poor washing techniques.. but still. "i'll be washing clothes all day," he whined, "i'm a one-and-done kinda guy. what am i - calerella ?"

[huilovc]

calerella earned him a snarky glance, but rachel didn't let herself get too distracted from the stranger's laundry. "you need to be if you want to keep your clothes from going bad. makes you look better, saves you needing to buy more clothes when they inevitably get ruined - worth. it." she sorted them out, roughly matching colours, textures and materials. "these ones need a cooler wash, these ones could use a slightly longer one." she handed him the laundry.

"you might as well consider me laundrune, by the way. someone needed to save you from yourself."

[backtotheo]

she wasn't fine, theo knew, but he shrugged it off. far be it from him to comment on it. "you can venmo me if you want," he said with an easy shrug, pulling up the app and the qr code on his phone and showing her. he gave her a few seconds before pocketing the phone again, pulling himself up to sit on one of the washers and turning his attention back to his magazine. theo didn't glance up as he turned the page, though his mouth did twitch slightly. "about forty five minutes. an hour if you got the shitty machine." he kicked the front of the washer to a beat in his head. "lots of people leave their shit and come back. it's kinda risky but..." he shrugged again.

[huilovc]

with a barely concealed roll of the eyes, rachel scanned the code, tapping away on her phone with a petulant scowl on her face. "oh good," she sighed. "an hour..." she groaned, started pacing. "well what is there to do? what do you do? just sit around and read magazines? hm?"

this was rachel at her most intimidating; a tiny woman with fists tight, a nasty scowl and designer clothes (which she could no longer afford). "i do have things worth stealing, but if i have an hour to kill..."

[haleyatwell]

SEX AND THE CITY (1998–2004) 6.07 The Post-It Always Sticks Twice

[liightsups]

calum made an 'o' shape with his mouth and nodded a little as he came to understand why she'd been staring at the machine like that. "i'm with you, i'm with you," he said with a grin. "well.. then i'm glad i showed up when i did. do they even take card ?" a stupid question, since if rachel knew the answer then she wouldn't have had a problem in the first place. but cal's dumb, and half asleep. he always paid for his laundry with his tips so he'd never had to think about it before. he eyed his pile of laundry as he brought a hand up to rub the back of his neck. calum probably definitely could use some help. but, in an even more tragic turn of events, he made a confession: "honestly, i just -" he picked the basket of clothes that was a mix of all different colors, different materials, towels and dark jeans and white shirts alike. he then just dumped the whole thing in the machine. "and then i pray to laundrune, god of laundry, that it doesn't come out too small. or pink. or stretched. or whatever. should be fine, right ?"

[huilovc]

oh... oh no. "laun- laundrune?" her voice came out as a bit of a shriek. "laundrune can't help you with this!" unable to help herself, rachel shoved past him, pulling out handfuls of things -- she had to decide what now, but ultimately, the main thing to do is just rescue the white shirts for now. sweat beads broke out on her forehead as she throws them back into the laundry basket. it's clear that they've been through this already, a little stained and discolored, but they could be rescued.

"you need to at least put these in separately," she took the new basket and tossed its contents into another machine. "more expensive but there's no price on the longevity of your clothes. poorly laundered clothing will ruin your outfit." she looked down at his outfit, a slight scowl forming on her face. "case in point."

[rollercoasterush]

beck hated going to the laundromat so much that she avoided it until she had absolutely no clothes left. of course, this made the task of lugging all of her clothes to the laundromat even more frustrating. after multiple trips of bringing all her clothes inside, she started loading her clothes into washing machines.

she noticed a few people in the room, most minding their own business, getting their loads in. one woman caught her eye, she seemed a bit confused but beck didn't want to make any assumptions so she continued on with her own laundry. after loading all her clothes and throwing in a couple tide pods in each, she threw some coins in each machines and pressed start.

beck would typically run next door to grab some coffee while waiting for her laundry to finish. she turned to head over there when she noticed that same woman was still there, staring at the machine and looking around every once in a while and her machines weren't running. "hey, did you need some change? i have a bit left from my loads." she pulled out enough coins to get the machine going and held them out to her.

[huilovc]

rachel eyed the coins suspiciously, and ultimately, she decided that they were not going to harm her. "yes please," she quietly admitted as she took them, activating the machine and remembering how to breathe. right. yes. it's all going to be alright. "thank you," she said, looking over at the stranger. "i really appreciate it. i'm new here," she laughed nervously. "i had no idea these machines needed coins... i used to just have my own laundry and it was so much easier."

[liightsups]

he was in his own head ( as always ), humming the tune to a post malone song as he dropped his basket of shit - aka laundry - down on the bench with a thud. he took a step back, the task in front of him a mountain that he just wasn't in the mood to climb. ever. but it had to be done. he stretched his arms above his head, leaning to the side as he tried to muster up energy from somewhere. anywhere. that's when he realized he wasn't alone, eyes landing on rachel and her mini crisis. he observed for a moment, witnessing the deep breaths and wondering if he should get someone. he's not one for first aid, or a reliable apprentice in any emergency situations. the seconds ticked by, his laundry abandoned behind him as he took a side-step towards her. "... you okay ?" he looked at the scene in front of her, the machine loaded and ready to go. cal arched his eyebrow before digging into his pocket and pulling out some coins. he reached forward, silently popping them in the machine. "doesn't run on hopes and dreams, gotta put the cash in there." he tapped the coin slot as the machine buzzed to life.

[huilovc]

rachel helpfully replied to the first question with a glare, until he paid for her laundry and she was forced to answer. "i - i know. i just." she had to close her eyes for a moment, take a moment to compose herself. "i didn't have coins. i brought my card, like a normal person." she folded her arms, but couldn't hide the stress on her face. she turned to the unfinished laundry he'd walked away from, thinking - he had just paid for her laundry... "maybe you need help more than i do?" she raised her eyebrows, gesturing. "shall i help?"

[backtotheo]

theo was halfway through his own laundry when the bell atop the laundromat dinged to indicate another person had entered. he was also sprawled out across one of the benches, notebook in hand, scrawling bits and pieces of lyrics in a messy scrawl, one earbud in. he barely glanced up when she walked in, but when he didn't hear the familiar rumble of another machine, theo lifted his head slightly to peer around the store.

it was fairly empty. lots of people left their shit in the washer and went out to run other errands, but theo preferred hanging out so he could work on his music...and so his stuff didn't get stolen. he waited a respectable amount of time before pushing himself to his feet and wandering over to the change machine, feeding his card into it and collecting a couple bucks' worth of quarters before strolling across the room to feed some coins into a vacant machine. he put the last of his clothes into it with a healthy amount of detergent and closed the lid before pressing the start button. he tossed the coins in his hand before turning towards rachel and offering what he hopped was a friendly smile.

"hey. did you need some?" he popped a couple of coins into the machine she was using and indicated the machine near the vending machines at the front of the store. "they hide it from you. don't worry."

[huilovc]

the absolute gall of just helping himself to depositing some tokens. "i was fine," rachel lies through her teeth. "you could have saved those for yourself, you know." despite saying this, she finally presses the on button and visibly relaxes as the machine kicks into action. thank god, honestly.

she squints at him for a few seconds. "thanks," she says after the silence drags just a little too long. "how long does it usually take? i don't have all day."

[papcr-rlngs]

Matías knew he was lucky to have an in-unit washer and dryer, with all of the linens and clothes they went through with the flower shop, but as nice as it was, it wasn't big enough to fit some of their larger blankets like the 30 pound, king-sized weighted blanket they used on their bed every night. It was such a pain in the ass to lug it to the laundromat down the street due to its weight, so him and Gabriel took turns doing it. It was his turn this time, so here he was, sat in the corner going between reading the news on his phone and playing stupid games.

He noticed that there was one patron who didn't seem to be able to get the notoriously bad machine in the corner to start working. He watched her work for a few minutes, not wanting to come across rude or condescending by approaching her to help. After a bit more time past he got up and walked over to her, "That machine is notorious for not wanting to work. They really need to have a sign or something on it. I don't get why they haven't gotten rid of it yet. It's one of the only ones in this place that still takes the stupid tokens and not just a tap of the card."

[huilovc]

it had been long enough by now that she was somehow even glad to be approached. she stood still, feeling a bit like a kindergarten student with the teacher leaning over to look at her work from this man's warm energy. not that she let any of that show on her face - her cold expression was stuck as it needed to be.

"so i just picked the wrong one?" there's a whiny tone to her voice, as her exhaustion hits her. "it's just bad luck?" it feels a bit insane that she's fighting tears suddenly - she's going to make the nice man uncomfortable. she scratches the back of her neck, trying to pull herself together. "um, how do i get a token? or should i just..." she stares at the pile of dirty laundry. "move it into another machine?"

[tcddyw]

he raised an eyebrow at her comment of offense, amused at the idea that she thought he actually cared whether or not offense would be taken. it did make him think, though, about the nature of language and why he said things he simply didn't mean. he let out a huff of laughter as she conceded simply because he was making her drink. ❝ good call, ❞ he muttered, setting the vodka on the counter in front of her.

he started on the next patron's order, but listened as she spoke. cody felt his brow furrow, his eyes darting back to read how sincere she was at the mention of tragedy. ❝ i'm sorry your marriage ended. it's sad for certain. a tragedy? ❞ he pursed his lips, eyes narrowing some as his head shook a bit. ❝ my mom died and a year later, a woman i barely knew dropped a baby on my doorstep to raise on my own. everyone has to go through shit. but! ❞ he smiled, discreetly refilling the glass after she'd sucked some of the alcohol from it. ❝ that is was bars are for. was he an asshole? ❞

[huilovc]

rachel looked at the bartender, considering his own story. "okay. maybe it's not a tragedy." she frowned. "maybe it's just... a shame. or something." she span her drink, watching the liquid create a minor tornado. "you know, he was an asshole. he left me for someone else. i don't even know why i'm sad."

she drinks more, but slowly, cherishing her last drink of the night. "i should have left him first. but it's not like i was ever going to." she stared into the middle distance, thinking. "instead i'm just pitying myself. it's what i do now."

[glitchedgoalie]

breathing out a sigh of relief, ty knocked his cookie against hers in some kind of toast. "deal. i'll make sure i put all my rangers commitments into my phone calendar from now on." he crossed his heart to seal the deal and popped the rest of the cookie into his mouth as the opening credits of the movie started to roll. he leaned into his corner of the couch and got comfortable, one leg tucked beneath him and the other foot propped on the coffee table. his eyes flicked from the screen back to rachel when she spoke again.

ty shrugged. "i had practice in the morning, but that's only an hour. i did some off ice stuff after, but mostly i've been here, making sure you and the others don't starve." he angled himself slightly towards her and raised a brow. he'd worked at a sporting goods store through college, so he knew how customers could be. namely, irritating. "what was the worst one?" he reached for another cookie. "and what did you say to them?" a beat passed before he nudged rachel's knee with his own. "proud of you for dealing with 'em." it could be tough. especially for those of them who weren't considering people persons.

[huilovc]

it's what she deserves. rachel is quite pleased with this outcome, and she lets it show on her face. "starvation is a serious risk when you're not baking cookies," she teased, taking another bite. the question was quite a good one; so many customers, and so many of them had been awful.

"well... one asked for my number, but he dropped it after i glared at him. one tried to buy a jacket without the label and asked if it was free. but i think the worst would have to be the one who tried to use a seven month expired coupon and then acted like i was being sooo unreasonable for refusing it. he called me stingy!" she rolled her eyes, dramatically. "which, i am stingy, but that's just normal."

[tcddyw]

she didn't need to be at the laundromat; there were facilities in the apartment building, but cassie would rather not have to take her laundry up and down four times when she could just get it all done in one go. so she found herself here often, sitting on the tables and scrolling through her phone as she waited for her clothes to finish. today she found herself people-watching more than anything else. people were interesting. angry, sad, happy, frustrated; all the emotions could be found in a place like this.

a woman had caught her eye. she'd just finished packing all of her clothes into a washer, but looked lost as to how to start it. she wasn't the first, and cassie doubted she would be the last. the brunette watched her for a moment more before sliding from her spot to the floor. digging into the pocket of her shorts, she walked over and produced a handful of quarters.

❝ here, ❞ she said, offering the other woman a warm smile as she dropped the quarters into their slot and pushed them in. ❝ i always bring an extra few bucks just in case someone needs it. this place hasn't updated to a card reading system yet. probably too cheap, honestly. don't worry, you're not the first person i've helped. you're not dumb, i promise. ❞

[huilovc]

rachel was overwhelmed by quite a few feelings in response to this kindness. gratitude and stubborn hard-headedness battled within her. she tempered herself, and managed instead to get something relatively in the middle of the line.

"oh," she started, forcing a smile as the machine bounced to life. why did she have this absurd instinct to be rude? she swallowed it down. "thanks for that," she said. "i know i'm not dumb. i'm just... new to this." she grimaced. "i guess i'll need to start carrying coins around, then, shouldn't i?" she wanted to smile - that's the polite thing to do. but she just didn't have it in her.

[tcddyw]

he watched her as she leaned against the bar in thought. he used to try and keep track of who was who – in fairness, easier to do at a smaller bar – but he could never keep up anymore. some people stood out, whether with their orders or the way they were dressed. while this one hadn't stood out before, she certainly would now with how heavily she was propped against the wood. he considered telling her no.

❝ vodka on the rocks, you got it, ❞ he replied instead, offering her a friendly smile. ❝ must be the first night out in a while. no offense, but you look completely plastered. ❞

[huilovc]

rachel paused as she contemplated those words. "so because you say no offense, i'm meant to not be offended, right?" she looked him dead in the eyes, stern, but she couldn't hold it for long - a giggle escaped her. "well...... alright. i won't be. since you're getting me a drink." it was perfect logic, as far as she was concerned. "i'm new here," she explained as she watched him prepping her drink. "i used to be a stay at home wife in a big house in los angeles. and now i'm here. have you ever heard anything so tragic?" her words came out as a sigh. "so i'm allowed to get a liiittle drunk, for now."

[glitchedgoalie]

though he was still seeing a few stars from his encounter with the kitchen counter, ty managed a quick nod. "yep." he popped the p for emphasis, his smile only growing when rachel went for a cookie. he popped the one he was holding into his mouth and chewed thoughtfully, a happy kind of sigh following as he tasted the right combination of flavors. it was always a bit of a risk trying a new recipe and he was glad this one had worked out.

"alien it is," ty agreed, plating up a combination of the cooled chocolate chip and strawberry cheesecake cookies and bringing them with him to the couch. he flopped down heavily on one end of the couch and clicked the television on, handing the remote off to her as he went. "hey," he said, waiting for rachel to meet his gaze before continuing. "i'm really sorry we had to postpone. but i'm glad you have time for me now."

[huilovc]

tyler was... ridiculous. it was hard not to enjoy his shenanigans, the way he probably had a massive bump forming on his head and he'd just worked overtime over - what, her being a little pouty? rachel relented, allowing herself to smile at him. she made her way to the couch, depositing herself beside him and settling in under the blanket they kept nearby. "i'll forgive you," she stuck up her chin. "this time. so stay on your toes, hm?"

she took a cookie and began chewing on it as she turned her attention to the tv. "were you busy today? beside making way too many cookies," she poked her tongue out. "i had some of the worst customers, but i think i'm getting better at dealing with them."

[huilovc]

starter: open where: clean laundromat

well, this was embarrassing. rachel had piled all her clothes in the machine, inside-out and sorted by color, sprinkled in just the right amount of detergent, and now she stared at the device which refused to turn on.

it was obvious she'd never used one of these before, wasn't it? everyone else had come in, started the laundry, and left. and now she'd been here suspiciously long, clueless as to how to do this. she'd never used a laundromat before. there was a coin slot, but no one carries coins anymore. surely there's a way to use her card, or her phone... but where is it?

she took slow, deep breaths. she was just missing some obvious sign or something, right? the information would be somewhere on the walls, or the machines, or... she wouldn't need to ask for help. that would be the worst case scenario.

[thehobbitchronicles]

books made of magic, fairytales, poems and love

[glitchedgoalie]

ty was used to having roommates, only they were normally teammates. it was part of the reason he'd answered a craigstlist ad for roommates in the first place. while he loved the guys, he also was ready to live somewhere that didn't constantly smell like wet dog and that had real furniture. in hartford, he and the guys had used a piece of plywood on top of milk crates as a coffee table, so this place was definitely an improvement. and he got to meet new people who weren't just hockey robots. so it was win/win in ty's book.

he and rachel hadn't clicked right away, but that was fine. ty was almost always in the living room during his downtime and when he'd been halfway through one of the fear street movies, rachel had folded herself into the opposite end of the couch and the rest was history. they'd made a habit of weekly movie nights, so he felt awful when his alternate captain had reminded him about a season ticket holder event he had to go to the night before. he'd immediately shot off a text to rachel littered with apologies and exclamation points, but he got the itchy feeling that that wasn't going to cut it.

so, as soon as he got home from morning skate and showered, he got to work. he remembered from a late night conversation with brooklyn nine-nine in the background that rachel loved strawberry shortcake. he didn't know how good he'd be at that, but he found a fairly simple strawberry shortcake cookie recipe online that couldn't be too difficult. he put on his pregame playlist and started baking.

two hours later, he was just taking the last batch out of the oven. he was so into what he was doing and distracted by the imagine dragons pumping through the one earbud he was wearing that he smacked the top of his head off the counter as he stood up, nearly dropping the cookie tray in the process. wearing an apron with a lobster on the front and a pair of oven mits, ty held up the cookies like a peace offering. "yeah. there's some chocolate chip over there, too." he slid the tray onto a cooling rack and plucked one of the already cooled strawberry cheesecake cookies from the rack, popped it on a napkin, and offered it to her. "you can pick the movie, if you want." and since it was technically ty's turn to choose, this was better than an apology.

[huilovc]

that smell was intoxicating. rachel had to hold herself very firmly, had to fight hard not to smile. letting her pick the movie, too - honestly, talk about sucking up.

but despite that, she was losing the fight against that damned smile. "chocolate chip, too..." she glanced over at the pile. the chocolate, still slightly melted, glinted in the kitchen light. that wasn't even fair. she nodded to herself, depositing her handbag on the bench as she walked over to examine them. tentatively, she picked one up - purely for science, of course.

and, of course, it was delicious. she thought about it. it was the wrong day. movie night was meant to be last night. but, well, since he was offering...

"you know, i've been wanting to rewatch alien." she turned to look at him, trying and failing not to be sheepish. "sounds like fun, right?"

[huilovc]

starter: @glitchedgoalie where: hits different house

rachel was tired, and cranky, and her body ached as she grew accustomed to the new normal of working a retail job. smile more, they kept telling her. you need to be welcoming. she didn't know how to be welcoming, and she had a killer headache, and last night had been supposed to be movie night, but it wasn't.

she was ready to give tyler the silent treatment for that. she steeled herself outside the door, knowing he'd be so apologetic and so eager for her forgiveness, but she couldn't just dole it out just like that. she'd been looking forward to movie night, and she couldn't stand inconsistency in people. she opened the door and was immediately met with the intoxicating, wafting scent of strawberry shortcake cookies. oh, he pulled out the big guns. this would be challenging.

she walked into the kitchen, looked at ty squarely, suspicion all over her features. "you're baking," she greeted. already fighting a smile - dammit, he'd probably notice that. "what's that about?"