Take Your Time

Cora Littlewood / Twenty Eight Owner of The Hookah Shack

[littlewccd]

toughestfightcr‌:

Barter could tell her girlfriend was struggling. The nervousness was palpable. Between Cora and her own siblings, Barter had learnt not to point it out or make it into a big deal. Instead, Barter studied the sign a beat longer, grinning ear to ear.

“I love it,” she reassured, gently grabbing Cora’s wrist and leading her inside slowly. “I’ll love it more when you’re holding it up for me in the stands.” Kicking the door closed behind them, Barter lent in to peck a kiss against Cora’s cheek before moving away.

“You can set it down, I’m just watering my kids. Do you want a coffee? Tea? Then you can show me all the work you put into that bad boy.” // @littlewccd​

Relief crashed into her in the form of a wave, washing over her small form from the place that Barter kissed her cheek until it resonated throughout her entire form. This was good. This was better. She was good. Barter loved it! She couldn’t believe it. Well, she could, but anxiety couldn’t believe it before she got the confirmation that Barter didn’t think it was dumb.

She couldn’t wait to hold it in the stands for Barter. Laying it down gently on the coffee table, Cora nodding as the woman before her spoke. Her children. Amazing. Barter really did love those plants as if they could love her back and Cora could never judge her for it because she was 2000% sure those plants loved Barter more than anything else. 

“Tea, please!” Her smile passed through her words, solidifying them and Cora felt herself beginning to relax. “Do you you have peppermint?” @toughestfightcr​

[littlewccd]

florassence‌:

“So you accidentally gave your girlfriend’s sister weed,” Flora repeated stirring a spoon in her tea as she recalled the tale, “Which was her first time-apparently- so she was really out of it. That was also your first time meeting her.” She stopped stirring lifting her eyes to meet the other’s gaze. The young woman couldn’t help the way the corners of her lips lifted in an amused smile, eyes twinkling with mirth.

“That’s quite the first impression.” // @littlewccd

Cora shrugged thin shoulder, though a murmur of a smile appeared across pale lips. She chuckled, shaking her head, still not believing that it had happened. There wasn’t a bone in her body that would purposefully drug someone without their permission or knowledge, but hey, she worked in a marijuana/hookah shop, you couldn’t just eat anything that you wanted to in here. 

“S─S─Something like that.” She spoke, looking the woman in her eyes with a slight twinkle in her voice. “Wasn’t as bad bad bad bad as it could have b─been though.” // @florassence​

[littlewccd]

toughestfightcr‌:

Barter had been in the middle of tending to her plants when she’d heard the knock on the door, some moved to the living room to get a little more sunlight with music playing quietly. It was one of her tranquil moments and Barter was a little disappointed to be interrupted.

At least.. she had been until she opened the door. There was no way she could be disappointed in that face.

“Babe-” she started, but Barter had to reel herself back and read the sign. Oh that was.. that was fucking cute. “Oh my God,” Barter breathed, grinning wide as she read it. She was going to have to get use to being covered in glitter again, because that shit was about to get everywhere. “How long have you been working on this?” // @littlewccd​

Cora had been made of nerve endings and short breaths waiting for her girlfriend to open the door, the foot steps leading up to the eventuality causing an elevated heart rate only matched by an Olympic runner. She debated becoming one herself, a need that told her to run as fast as she could down the hallway until she felt like she could be safe again. The intrusive thought was just that ─ intrusive ─ Cora knowing better than to bolt when it came to Barter. 

For a multitude of reasons. Namely that Barter wouldn’t be like other people, Cora knew that for a fact. That and the security guard could most definitely run faster than Cora could ever dream of.

But the look on Barter’s face when she opened the door made it all go away. The shit eating grin that took hold of kissable lips and Cora could help but mimic the emotion that she was sharing so willingly. 

How long have you been working on this?

Oh what a loaded question that was, Cora shrugging sheepishly, though her smile did not falter. 

“Couple d─d─days, working on it here and and there.” Cora spoke through her smile, letting it carry her words along with the over all tone of happiness. “D─D─D─Do you like it?” She struggled more than she should have with that sentence, nervousness choking down words even as she knew that she had no reason to be nervous. 

Too bad her anxiety didn’t agree with that statement. // @toughestfightcr​

[littlewccd]

xanabrokcn‌:

Black coat and face obscured with a wide brim hat, William had made his way through the streets, eyes always peeled for cops. For competition and clashing mobsters. His hand never strayed too far from his gun, people parting as he walked to give a wide birth. Even unrecognised there was an air of unease around the man.

Slipping into the shop, William lifted his hat, eyes locking on the woman behind the counter. Her friendly smile was met with a blank face, eyes hard and cold as he approached her. He didn’t care for her spiel or her all too friendly front. Didn’t care to try and match it either.

“I’m looking for someone,” William told her simply, ignoring her questions as he slid a picture towards her. It was of a pretty dame, unaware of the her photo being taken, a cigar lifted to her lips. “Apparently, she comes here for her decently priced Lucky’s too. When was she last in?” // @littlewccd​​

Cora clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth as she took in the picture. Yeah, she knew her. One of the regulars, stopped by for the long stem lucky’s that were hard to come by. Cora had a box under her counter for her at this very moment. While the woman had never been much of a chatter, always keeping to herself, Cora had grown strangely attached to her in their shared moments. 

Still, a guy looking as this one did with a picture of her, obviously candid, did raise some suspicion of why she had always remained so quiet in nature. Almost made sense, in a sad poetic kind of way. 

“Don’t think I’ve ever seen her. Can’t remember.” She shrugged, eyeing him. “Got anything that can help jog my memory? Maybe sweeten to my favor.” She had her fair share of people come looking for others, only turning away the cops. If he had the funds, she wouldn’t mind selling out the girl. At the end of the day, it was all business. // @xanabrokcn​

[littlewccd]

toughestfightcr‌:

“Why would I need to? I mean, if there’s no riffraff hanging around of late,” she offered, a crooked grin slipping across her face. She knew people didn’t like cops. Namely because people liked to break the rules. Some a little more than others. And maybe Barter let a few things slide, a woman of questionable values. But the jobs she did stick to she did very well.

Taking the offered case, Barter opened it and plucked one out, raising it under her nose to smell. Pressing it slightly, she gave a hum in satisfaction. Not stale at least. “Tell you what,” Barter started, setting the cigar back in place and closing the case, “whatever you recommend. Lady’s choice.” // @littlewccd​

She was charming. Cora was not easily charmed, but this cop, she had something going for her. That’s more than likely how she was able to shake people for info, or at very least, get chummy enough with them to make them talk. Seemed like a formidable tactic to say the least, Cora could see how it would work over time. 

“Hmmm...” She mulled over the choices for a moment before clicking her tongue and kneeling behind the counter. A quick rummage into the depths of the counter, she pulled forth the specialty ones that she saved for special customers. Setting them on the counter before the woman she motioned towards them. “These are the absolute best on the market, in my humble opinion. Real taste to them, can really get the hints of the soil the tobacco was grown in. Subtle earthy tones with hints of fruit.” // @toughestfightcr

[littlewccd]

toughestfightcr‌:

Barter had sauntered in, all confidence and critical eyes studying each and every patrons. Some met her gaze with familiarity, others uncertainty. Some broke out in a sweat but stayed all too quiet. Uncomfortable but aware they weren’t who Barter wanted. Turning back to the owner, Barter offered a pleasant smile. People were more open and cooperative if Barter was friendly, and Barter very well couldn’t force information out of the questionably innocent.

“Just checking in,” Barter insisted casually, hands stuffed in her pockets. “But I could always do with a few more cigars. As long as I have the cash, I’m welcome, right?” // @littlewccd​

“ ‘Long as you ain’t running up on my paying customers, then yes, suppose you are.” Cora set down the container that she had been cleaning, moving more so that she was actually manning the counter. “Got a brand you want? Got some fresh imported today, it’s the good stuff.” She pulled out one of her more expensive cases, showing it to the officer. 

In all honesty, she really didn’t pull these out but for cops and business men. Truthfully, no one else could afford them. “If ya got a taste for the finer things in life, I can grab one from the back that might suit your fancy.” // @toughestfightcr​

[littlewccd]

“You ain’t gon find no one in here that ain’t supposed to be, bull.” Cora spoke from where she perched on the side of the counter top, cocking her head to the side as she watched the woman. “ ‘Less you’re here to purchase a cigar or two, ain’t nothin’ here for ya.” She shrugged thin shoulders. “Ain’t caught nobody on the lam here in a while. Not since those speakeasies went busy.” // @toughestfightcr

[littlewccd]

Cora stood with her back against the counter, polishing in the inside of a jar that she had only recently sold the last loose tabacco out of. She smiled, true as ever, glad to be able to make a living in beautiful years such as these and she nodded as an almost stranger walked through the doors of her establishment. 

“What can I do ya for?” The smiled stayed on, glued into place or something, as the woman moved to lean forward against the front counter, continuing to wipe the inside of the jar. “Got the best cigars on this side of the Tin Pan Alley. Need a decently priced pack of Lucky’s? I’m the best you’re gonna find.” It was the spiel she gave most times a newby walked through her doors, but hey, sometimes to shoot the shit with the old folks, she throw it in a time or two for them. 

[littlewccd]

Had she taken too long making this? Maybe. Was she nervous to show it to Barter? More maybe. Was she going to do it anyway? Hell yes. Cora stepped up to the doorstep of her girlfriend, a broad yet tight smile on her face as she took a deep breath.

In her hands, facing the door, was a large sign made of poster board and way too many green sparkles. Barter’s name was very carefully drawn on it, along with the symbols from her sports of choice, Cora having spent far too long going back and forth between the google images that she found and the first three attempts of this sign, trying to get it right. Sizing the symbols so that they would all fit was tiresome but worth it for her multi-talented girl.

It had to be perfect, after all.

Cora shifted the sign to be held in one hand before she knocked. // @toughestfightcr

[littlewccd]

jfc-jinx:

Her attention trained itself on her newly painted hands, taking in the bright color. Pink had always been one of her favorite colors-people believed it was too soft to make bold statements. Clearly they’d never met her. In all fairness, black was usually the color she went with as it went with everything, but Cora had asked and she really could not say no to her. A satisfied smile graced her lips as Ae-ra gave a satisfied nod.

“Looking great so far. You do this often? Paint your nails?” // @littlewccd​

Cora shook her head at the question, glad that the woman at least liked what she was doing. She moved onto the other hand and began to paint as she tried to formulate thoughts before they poured out of her. Her speech impediment wasn’t as bad as long as she planned and followed through, so she smiled and began to speak. 

“N─Not really, but Dinah let’s me paint hers from ti─time to time!” She was excited about this fact, excited that anyone let her do their nails. “Oh, and S─Sora.” She really hated messing up names.

[littlewccd]

💅

meme // accepting // @jfc-jinx

find it here!

[littlewccd]

Cora was diligent as she worked, the smile on her face never fading. She had never thought that Ae-ra would have agreed to this but that didn’t mean the she wasn’t happy with the outcome! As she finished the last nail on her partner’s hand, she beamed. The bright neon pink complimented Ae-ra well. 

“O─One hand down, wh─what─what do you think?” // @jfc-jinx

[xkaera-deactivated20250630]

just edibles || c&b

[littlewccd]

blcsscmcd:

“Have you had lunch yet, Cora?” Blossom checked the time on her watch-it was later in the afternoon that she expected. Their talks must’ve gone on longer than she initially thought and now that the thought of hunger was well in her mind, she could feel her stomach ready to growl for some food. Placing her hand on her stomach to try and dissuade it, she straightened up in her seat offering the other a smile, “Shall we go get lunch?” // @littlewccd

Cora was more than willing to go get lunch, there was no doubt about that. “I have─ I have some things h─h─here if you would like to eat here.” More than wanting to get lunch, she was all about saving money. With how much she had put into The Hookah Shack, it had been getting hard to keep up with a social life and the expenses that come with such a thing. “Unless there is s─s─somewhere specific you would like to go go.” // @blcsscmcd​

[xkaera-deactivated20250630]

that 70′s song || c&b

[littlewccd]

blcsscmcd:

“I guess it’s just my history talking,” A pause, a moment of silence, then, “Or I’m refusing to supply your demands?”

She turned to face the other party, her brows furrowed in mild confusion as she couldn’t figure out which one it was. It wasn’t as if Blossom was trying to reject or even meaning to say a flat-out no, it was just sometimes she was so rooted in her behaviors and habits that she acted out before she really thought about it. Not that she would ever tell anyone. Ever. // @littlewccd

Cora was somewhat of an advice giver on the daily, something that came with the job when you worked at a hookah shack. People came into to get rid of their problems, and because of this, Cora often ended up carrying them. So as Blossom began to speak, Cora simply nodded, letting her finish before mulling over the options. Nodding to herself as she came to a conclusion, she formulated sentences before speaking.

“I believe it to be y─you’re history, Blossom.” She thanked herself for not messing up a name. “But, simply, that is for y─you─you to decided.” // @blcsscmcd​

[littlewccd]

dinahjuniper:

dinah is thankful that, for once, she has a day off- no work, no class, just her and the track and the sweet ability to do anything. however, she doesn’t know what to do with herself when she’s not busy- all her friends work during the day, and she hates to intrude. so she still, despite not having to be there, winds up at hatter’s. it’s nice to just sit down and try the drinks she’s been making for so long that she can pick it apart piece by piece and savor each layer.  

in fact, her poor companion is having to listen to her dissect her drink carefully. “you know, the cardamom is actually rather subtle,” she tells them, gesturing to the pink latte in front of her. “the rose really takes charge in the flavor. it’s a good balance, i think.” she pauses and blushes, like she only just realized that she’s dominating the conversation. “sorry! i just… get swept into trying this stuff. i’m sorry!”

Cora was a quiet type, anyone who held more than a two minute conversation with her knew that much. Speech impediment in one hand and a soft spoken disposition in the other made a beautiful cocktail of 2/3 unable to speak and 1/3 not wanting to. Often, it was up to the other party within her conversations to carry the dialogue, something that the young woman hated putting on other people. This usually landed her in the category of people watcher, something that she was just fine with.

But things were different when it came to Dinah. There was never a moment where Cora felt as if she wasn’t welcome at the table with this woman, with this beautiful soul of a best friend. Faces split in half with smiles, they shared too much together, something that Cora was forever grateful for. This was one of those moments, when time passed too quickly and at the same time not at all. Dinah’s words were well informed as well as informative and Cora was drinking them in, taking them for what they were worth. And then, Dinah had the audacity to apologize.

“T─T─That’s okay, Di. I love to l─listen when you talk.” She offered a kind smile. 

[toughestfightcr]

Domestic Starters || @littlewccd

“Thanks for taking care of the laundry.”

“You’re welcome, babe,” Barter answered back, leaning over the back of the couch to press a kiss to Cora’s temple. It was often a surprise to most people when Barter performed basic housekeeping. Like someone who looked like her didn’t know how to take care of a damn house. Growing up with a single-parented family of five, helping around the house came naturally.

Pulling away, Barter took the last of the dirty clothes to the laundry and started setting it to go. “It’s not exactly hard. But if you want to reward me for it, I’m not going to say ‘no’,” Barter teased, a grin stretched across her face as she spoke. Hey, who could blame her?

[littlewccd]

A warmth spread through her, starting from her temple and working it’s way around her body. She just loved feeling this... warm. Safe? Maybe. Protected? A little. The fact that Barter was doing her laundry for her? The fucking best thing since sliced bread, and a lot of things have happened since then.

Light red peppered her cheeks at Barter’s teasing, the smile that she had saved for only this woman and Dinah. One that was softer around the edges, that offered an afterglow of sorts. Cora practiced her next sentence in her mind before saying it, almost getting it off without a hitch because she didn’t feel rushed. “Well... you know, I do enjoy r─rewarding you.”

[littlewccd]

text | cora (✿◠‿◠)

mabel: [image]

mabel: i'm gonna die for this moth cat

cora: you will die a good death!

cora: a death worth having

cora: that cat looks like it would get along amazingly with my cat