Alastor's deal was severed. He absolutely did not need to stay in the hotel. And yet he does. Glaring at Lucifer.
No one. Not a single soul, seemed to give two fucks that Alastor and Lucifer were severely injured.
My headcanon?
They helped each other heal. Alastor being more reluctant with it of course - his shadow watching over Lucifer. But Lucifer seeing that Alastor was mainly alone, so he let his protective side out and made sure he was okay. Making smartass jabs that absolutely annoyed Alastor.
Alastor plays and manipulates to get whatever he wants. And he stays in that hotel. Focused on Lucifer.
Summary: Natasha visits Y/N’s cozy, artistic apartment, where she’s warmly welcomed by their loyal cat, Charlie. Moved by the safe, comforting space Y/N has created, Natasha begins to reflect on her own empty, impersonal apartment. Later, Y/N visits Avengers Tower, overwhelmed by its cold, sterile atmosphere. Seeing Natasha’s lonely living space firsthand, Y/N encourages her to believe she deserves a home that feels warm and safe too. Their bond deepens with this shared vulnerability.
(Natasha’s POV)
Natasha adjusted the strap of her leather jacket as she stood in front of Y/N’s apartment door. She wasn’t exactly nervous—no, Black Widow didn’t get nervous—but something about this felt... different.
Maybe it was because this wasn’t a mission. There was no enemy to interrogate or intel to gather. No hidden exit strategy prepared in the back of her mind. This was personal.
And she couldn’t remember the last time she’d done personal without screwing it up.
She exhaled softly and knocked on the door before she could second-guess herself.
A few moments passed before she heard the soft scuffle of feet on the other side, followed by the sound of locks clicking open—two, then a chain being slid aside.
The door creaked open to reveal Y/N, bundled in an oversized sweatshirt that looked several sizes too big but impossibly soft. Their expression lit up immediately at the sight of her, and something in Natasha’s chest eased.
“You made it,” Y/N said, stepping aside to let her in.
“Of course I did,” Natasha replied, allowing herself a small smile as she crossed the threshold. “Would’ve been rude to turn down the first friend I’ve made in… well, let’s just say a long time.”
The warmth of Y/N’s apartment hit her instantly. Not just the literal warmth—though the heater hummed steadily in the background—but the atmosphere.
The space was small but cozy, with an undeniable sense of life. The walls were adorned with art—some framed, others simply pinned or taped up in a beautiful kind of organized chaos. Sketches, watercolor landscapes, abstract bursts of color, and carefully drawn character designs lined every available surface. There were shelves filled with books organized by color, rows of tiny potted plants thriving under grow lights, and strings of fairy lights casting a soft, golden glow.
It was the kind of home Natasha had never known growing up. Lived-in. Loved.
“Wow,” Natasha murmured as she took it all in. “This is… you weren’t kidding when you said you were into art.”
Y/N’s cheeks flushed slightly, and they tucked their hands into their sleeves. “It’s kind of my safe space,” they admitted. “Helps me when things get overwhelming.”
Natasha nodded, her gaze tracing over the dozens of small details that made the space feel like a living, breathing part of Y/N’s world.
And then—just as she was about to ask a question—a small, soft mrow sounded from somewhere near the couch.
She turned her head just in time to see a fluffy gray-and-white cat cautiously approach, tail held high but eyes wide with curiosity.
“Ah. And this must be the famous loyal companion you mentioned.” Natasha crouched slowly, keeping her movements calm and deliberate. “What’s their name?”
“Charlie,” Y/N said with a fond smile, kneeling beside Natasha. “He’s usually a little shy around new people, but… well, he knows when someone’s important.”
Natasha raised an eyebrow. “Important, huh?” She held out her hand, palm open and low to the ground. Charlie crept forward cautiously, giving her fingers a few tentative sniffs before—much to Y/N’s surprise—he leaned in and headbutted Natasha’s hand.
“Oh, wow. He never does that this quickly.”
Natasha chuckled, gently scratching behind the cat’s ears. “Guess we’ve got something in common. We’re both good at sensing who’s worth our time.”
Charlie gave a satisfied purr and promptly climbed into Natasha’s lap as if he’d decided she belonged to him now.
Y/N looked at the sight with wide eyes, then started laughing softly. “I think you’ve just been adopted.”
Natasha ran her fingers through the soft fur, the repetitive motion strangely calming. “I’ve had worse missions,” she teased, glancing up at Y/N with a small, genuine smile.
They sat there for a while—Natasha cross-legged on the floor with a happily purring Charlie settled in her lap, and Y/N sitting nearby, their eyes soft with something almost like relief.
“Can I ask you something?” Natasha said after a moment, her fingers idly tracing circles along the cat’s back.
Y/N nodded.
“Why this place?” she asked, glancing around again. “Most people just decorate to make it look good. But this…” She gestured toward the warm lights, the carefully curated shelves of books and art supplies, the soft textures of blankets and cushions. “This feels like it’s for something.”
Y/N smiled faintly, pulling their knees up to their chest. “It’s for me,” they admitted. “For the days when I can’t leave. When everything outside feels too loud, and my head won’t stop buzzing. It’s… it’s my safe place. Everything in here makes sense to me, even when nothing else does.”
Natasha felt something heavy settle low in her chest.
She didn’t have a place like that. Not really. Her apartment was neat, minimal, efficient. But it didn’t feel.
“This is the first time I’ve ever really wanted to stay somewhere,” Y/N continued, their voice soft but steady. “For the longest time, I thought I’d never have a space that felt like home. But I built this. Little by little. For me.”
Natasha swallowed hard, suddenly overwhelmed by how alien that concept was to her.
A space that was purely for comfort. For safety.
She glanced down at Charlie, still purring contentedly in her lap.
And for the first time in a very long time, she thought that maybe… she’d like to have something like this too.
It had been a few days since Natasha visited your apartment, and the memory of that night still warmed you in quiet moments. You caught yourself smiling every time you saw the spot on the couch where she’d sat, Charlie curled contentedly in her lap as if he’d known her forever.
So when Natasha texted you—Want a tour of my world?—you weren’t entirely sure if your racing heart was excitement or anxiety. Probably both.
Now, standing in the towering lobby of Avengers Tower, you were certain it was both.
You hugged your arms tightly across your chest, the towering glass walls and sleek steel beams making you feel small and exposed. Everything here was polished to perfection—cold marble floors, sharp architectural lines, and minimalist decor that seemed almost sterile.
It was the complete opposite of your cozy, chaotic little apartment.
Before your mind could spiral too far down that path, you heard familiar footsteps behind you.
“Hey,” Natasha called gently, her voice cutting through the ambient hum of the lobby.
You turned to find her walking toward you, dressed in casual jeans and a leather jacket, her red hair pulled back into a loose braid. She looked softer out of her tactical gear, but the confident way she moved still made it feel like she owned every space she stepped into.
“Ready for the grand tour?” she asked, a faint smirk tugging at her lips.
You nodded, trying to ignore the way your heart hammered painfully in your chest. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
She led you through security—an experience that made you hyper-aware of every movement, every sound. The low hum of electronic scanners, the quiet murmur of guards communicating through headsets—it all pressed against your senses like an approaching storm.
But Natasha noticed.
She slowed her pace, kept a careful distance, and every few minutes she glanced back at you to check in. She didn’t need to say anything; it was all there in her eyes.
I’ve got you. You’re safe.
By the time you reached the private levels of the tower, the chaos of the main floors faded behind thick security doors. Natasha guided you into the elevator and pressed her palm against a biometric scanner.
The doors closed, and for the first time since you arrived, the oppressive weight of the building lifted just a little.
“Not as bad as you thought?” Natasha asked gently, her shoulder leaning against the wall of the elevator.
You let out a breath you didn’t realize you’d been holding. “Still kind of feels like I walked onto the set of a futuristic movie,” you admitted with a faint smile.
Natasha chuckled. “That’s about right. But I promise the best part is the view.”
The elevator chimed softly before opening to reveal a floor with massive floor-to-ceiling windows. The city stretched out before you, glittering under the afternoon sun.
You walked slowly toward the glass, your fingers curling against your palms to keep from reaching out to touch it.
“Wow…” you whispered.
Natasha stood beside you, arms crossed loosely over her chest as she looked out at the city she’d dedicated her life to protecting.
“This is my favorite spot,” she admitted. “When it gets too loud… I come here.”
You glanced at her, surprised. “Even here? With all this space?”
She nodded, her lips pulling into a small, tired smile. “Doesn’t matter how big the place is. Sometimes it’s loud even when it’s quiet.”
You understood that all too well.
The tour continued after that—Natasha showing you the training rooms, the tech labs (where she made you swear not to let Tony talk you into trying any “experimental devices”), and even the rooftop landing pad where the Quinjet usually rested.
But the part that stuck with you most wasn’t any of the impressive technology or stunning views.
It was when she hesitated in front of one last door.
“My apartment’s just down this hall,” she said, her voice lower now. “I, uh… figured I’d show you. But just… fair warning—it’s not much.”
You followed her down the hallway, noting how the walls here were blank. No photos. No personal touches.
She unlocked the door and pushed it open, stepping aside to let you in first.
And instantly, you felt the difference.
The space was clean—too clean. Sparsely furnished. Functional. There was a couch that looked barely used, a bookshelf with only a handful of items on it, and a small kitchen area with spotless counters.
No art. No plants. No cozy throw blankets or cluttered corners filled with things that brought comfort.
It felt like a place someone stayed out of necessity, not because they wanted to.
Your heart ached quietly in your chest.
“This is…” you began carefully, not wanting to offend.
“Empty?” Natasha finished for you, her voice flat but not defensive.
You nodded, chewing on your bottom lip. “A little.”
She leaned against the doorframe, her eyes distant as she looked over the space.
“I guess I never really thought about making it feel like home,” she admitted. “Didn’t think I deserved something like that. And when you’ve spent your life living out of duffel bags and safe houses, it just… doesn’t feel important.”
You turned to her, your voice soft but sure. “You do deserve that. A space that’s yours. One that feels safe and warm.”
She met your gaze, something raw and vulnerable flickering behind her usually unreadable expression.
“Maybe you could help me figure out how,” she said quietly.
The vulnerability in her voice shook you more than anything else had that day.
You smiled gently. “I’d like that,” you whispered. “I think Charlie would too.”
And for the first time, you saw it—that tiny, flickering light in her eyes that hinted at hope.
In a written letter addressed to Nahilvi, the script was fine and legible, graceful, and elegant. Along with the letter were some carefully packaged satchels of velvet with damask detailing and unnecessary filigree. In each, a collection of loose-leaf. Tea, as Laeynna had promised the night before.
There were three, in total. Orchid, lavender, and lemongrass. All three, Laeynna hoped would bring some respite to the songstress in question.
Along with the carefully packaged tea, she included a few other things as well. A rather small collection of honeyed goods. Lotion and things for Nahilvi's hair, and soap. In those, a small little parchment card with a name—Perynn Everspring.
Nahilvi,
It was rather lovely having the opportunity to spend some time with you, though I imagine it was rather unexpected for us both. Books oft say that sometimes the things most rewarding in our lives, are the things we were not seeking.
I hope that these shall be of some comfort to you. For the tea, you can have them individually or even combine them together. That is quite the wonderful thing about tea. I recommend a cup of them an hour before you deem it worthy to put yourself to rest.
When next we meet, I look forward to heard more of your studying adventures. Before you know it, you will have conquered that book of yours and moved onto the next one.
And of course, I should hope that you found in me, even at least minutely, some comforts. It sounds as though mayhaps we have developed such similar habits, and as a result, have both been coloured and shaped by them respectively. My ears are always open should you need them.
With great fondness,
Laeynna
(Please forgive my late reply)
A letter arrived for Laeynna, the envelope was a light yellow and in the bottom corner was an artistically designed G clef in a slightly darker yellow. The letter inside was on stationary that matched, if one looked close enough they could tell that the treble is hand drawn. The writing on both is elegant, but not overly lavish, in a slate grey ink.
Dear Laeynna,
Thank you for the tea. I tried them individually the first night I had them, but that did not make for a relaxing sleep as I was up too often. The next night I blended them together into a single cup. They were delicious both ways but I prefer the mix I think, maybe I will play with ratios for the perfect nighttime ritual.
I hope the familial visit went well and if you wish to discuss it with someone other than Andaeros, I am happy to listen. I will likely be biased as I will find myself leaning towards your side in support, but that is what friends are for, right?
We both agree now that we have something deeply in common, and how it partially framed our upbringing. I cannot say that I am appreciative of that fact and wish we would bond over more favorable things, yet I am pleased to have someone that understands the constraints forged within, even if they do not match exactly.
If there is ever anything I can do, even just a smile or a chuckle when needed at Fancy Cakes, I am happy to do so. You deserve to know that you are fondly thought of, or that your witty verbal sparring is appreciabled and understood. Yiu give as good as you get, if not better.
I end this letter with a gentle reminder that you are in charge of what you wish to do. Others may have preferences, but you can always say no, and sometimes probably need to. It is our responsibility to take care of our own emotional well being, and if that means drawing a line that is not to be crossed, so be it.
My Fondest Regards,
Nahilvi
A Friendly Little Picnic (Dbd The Twins x OC Commission)
For @hexheathen I hope you enjoy~
Early access to more fics and commissions avaliable on my patreon!
It took a lot of convincing but Hex finally managed to get the Twins out on their first little date together! No, not that kind of date-!
xxx
The amount of coaxing it took Hex to get Charlotte to follow her was unreal. She asked nicely, giving her a warm smile and offering her a hand to which Charlotte ignored her poignantly. Hex didn’t mean to, but she tried to bribe both her and her brother, promising something nice if they just listened to her and gave her a chance. It piqued Victor’s interest, but Charlotte remained steadfast and aloof. Then Hex begged and oh… how she begged. “Please? Please, please, please- Please?” With big, watery eyes and a quivering lip. Charlotte thought she reminded of her brother a little, when he wants something from her (or even from Hex, herself). Charlotte was already on the fence, teetering on allowing Hex to do… whatever it was that she wanted to do. There was still a language barrier between the three of them but it was made clear that she wanted nothing ill for them and tried to be good and decent… So perhaps it was time that Charlotte showed her the same kindness in return. She tried to bury the anxieties in her gut and nodded when Hex offered her hand to the Twins, not taking the outreached offering of peace but at least acknowledging it, which was more than enough for Hex, who grinned and beamed with excitement.
“Yes! We will all have a good time, I promise!” Hex was nearly bouncing in place, her rainbow hair eye-catching and something that Victor always reached out towards and occasionally yanked handfuls out when Hex or Charlotte weren’t able to stop him in time. The young woman never seemed to mind much, even if it made her eyes water from the pain.
“Hmm…” Charlotte merely grunted and kept her eyes trained somewhere other than Hex, herself. Victor seemed pleased, babbling and slapping his little palms against Charlotte’s body as Hex smiled at him. At least he’s happy… It could almost make Charlotte smile, but she was still a little uneasy.
Hex was too nice…
There was still a large language barrier between the three of them, but Hex seemed to wear her intentions on her sleeve. It irked Charlotte that Hex was always so… honest, even to complete strangers and to people that could be and are threats to her survival. She wanted to take the Twins somewhere… Charlotte was prepared to defend herself should the need arise but even she can’t ignore the fact that Hex has done nothing but be gentle and kind to both her and her twin brother…
It had taken Hex a looong time to come up with the perfect out for her and her new friends. Victor was as particular as his sister, but he seemed to have formed a connection with her after she had given them both the toy they always wanted. Charlotte seemed to want the same connection- and it was slowly forming between them- but she was scared to open herself up in the way that Victor has. Hex understood. She knows that they both have led a hard life and Charlotte has faced the brunt of it. Hex wanted to help her create some new memories, ones that were good- or at least better- and ones where she knew that she didn’t have to be alone anymore.
“Ta-da!” Hex wasn’t able to make it a big show where she would hype up the little activity that she had set up for her and the Twins, mostly because it wasn’t well hidden and Charlotte stood at a distance and already saw the “surprise” before Hex was even to show it off. It… surprised Charlotte, and though Victor had difficulties making out exactly what he was looking at, he knew it was something, merely judging from Hex’s smile and her gesturing and his sister’s change in demeanor.
Charlotte was more confused than she was apprehensive. A… blanket? On the bare ground, no less. The ground is mostly dry in this area, with a thin blanket of dried grass and fallen leaves cushioning the ground as well. The basket that was set in the middle of the blanket made Charlotte feel slightly uneasy, but then Hex rushed over to it and flipped it open. Reaching in, she produced some… food?
“Look, see?! It’s something special, just like I told you! I’ve set up a little picnic for the three of us!” Hex wasn’t surprised that Charlotte made a slight face, but she couldn’t keep her eyes off the sandwich that Hex had pulled out of the comically cliche picnic basket.
She asked the Entity for a picnic and that’s exactly what she got… silly checkered blanket and all!
“Uh, m-maybe you don’t know what a picnic is, b-but it’s like a little meal! That you eat outside! On the ground-” Hex plopped down on the ground crossed legged, right beside the basket and when Charlotte stood awkwardly in place with no indication that she would move on her own, Hex motioned to the blanket and patted it excitedly.
“C’mon! I bet you and Victor are hungry, right?”
Yeah, they were. They were always hungry… It’s something that’s been a permanent fixture in their life that has remained a… motivation even here, long after they had been spirited away by the Entity. It rarely waned and it sometimes seemed to grow… and though Charlotte knew better than to trust anyone when it came to food, she hustled over and dropped to her knees, not quite making it to the blanket but Hex thought this was more than good enough and excellent progress was made.
“I wasn’t able to get much, but I’ve got some sandwiches and-” Hex jumped and reflexively clenched her fist as Charlotte snatched it out of her hand. She thought the twin would have bolted the moment she grabbed it, but to her surprise Charlotte only ripped the sandwich in half and handed it off to her brother, who squealed in delight as he tore into the bread with his little teeth and claws. His sister had shoved the entire half into her mouth by the time Hex had processed what just happened.
Well… it wasn’t exactly what Hex was expecting, but this is a good alternative!
“Is it good? The Entity provided it so I have no idea how good it is.” She was being honest but the food both looked and smelled fine. And neither Charlotte nor Victor hesitated in scarfing the food down…
Hex took a bite out of her own sandwich. A little dry… and stale. Not bad, though. She doesn’t even remember the last time she’s eaten anything… or the last time she’s even been hungry! Charlotte eyed up the basket, her stare shifting from it over to Hex, who was eating a little slow as she stared back at her. She pushed the basket so it was between them both and smiled, cheeks a little full of crumbly bread and sandwich meats and cheese.
“Mrrph-” She struggles to swallow the dry food but manages to do so. Sort of. “Helmp yoursemph-” Charlotte’s eyes darted between you and then to the basket.
Huh.
Why were you being so… decent to them? Though she tried, Charlotte failed to hide how her hand trembled as she snatched the basket away from Hex. She… felt bad for acting like this. Hex has been nothing but good to them, even when they used to attack her on sight… Charlotte grumbled to herself as she set the basket back down onto the… what kind of blanket was it again? Victor knew that she was getting lost in thought and upset, so he patted (more like: slapped) her cheeks with his little hands and dug his needle sharp claws into her skin.
“Suuurrr!” Victor was trying to get her attention, not only because he was still hungry, or because he was bored, but because he didn’t like to see his twin sister sad. It did bring a small smile to her face. Victor couldn’t communicate like most people, but he didn’t need to be like everyone else. They understood each other perfectly and Charlotte knew that Hex wasn’t so bad, even if every fiber of her being screamed and cringed away in fear every time she did something kind or thoughtful for them.
Charlotte sighed softly and agreed with her brother. Yeah, they were safe with her… She leans down and allows her brother to exit the cavity in her torso. Hex paused in her eating, curious to what was happening. Charlotte was surprised that she wasn’t disgusted by the act. The wound was grievous and it was difficult to look at… Even Charlotte, herself, could hardly stand to acknowledge it without her brother present in the cavity. It didn’t feel… right without him, but Charlotte wouldn’t confine her brother when he’s finally able to be free, even if it hurts her to do so.
Victor didn’t hesitate to tear open (literally) the basket and start rummaging through its contents. Wicker shards showered the blanket but Hex didn’t mind. Unsurprisingly, he immediately found and shoved some cake into his mouth by the handful. Charlotte scolded him a little, but it was half hearted. She couldn’t be mad at her brother… Not over this. “What would mother think?!” She asked him and Victor turned to look at her with his sugar-icing covered face and pretty much said:
I dunno-
She would be happy, Charlotte thinks. Even when Victor screamed and threw a small temper tantrum over being pulled away from the basket, it did nothing to sour the growing warmth that spread inside of her. Hex laughed a little, not at them but because it was pretty funny. Charlotte couldn’t help but to smile a little, herself. Hex fished out a (now slightly stained, thanks to Victor) handkerchief from the basket and offered it to Charlotte.
“I know he wouldn’t like it if I did it…” Charlotte got the idea. He won’t like her doing it either, but Charlotte is used to getting bitten and scratched by her twin brother. And with a little compromise of extra desserts if he doesn’t eat like a ruffian Victor only complained about getting his face wiped instead of attempting to take his sister’s fingers off.
For a moment, Charlotte was able to let go of the apprehension that was associated with being near anyone that wasn’t her brother. To her, Hex wasn’t just ‘another’ and she certainly wasn’t ‘more of the same’, instead Hex was almost… familiar. Someone still on the outside but no longer a faceless thing to loathe and fear. She wasn’t quite a friend yet… but she was close. Very close. A part of Charlotte wanted to get a little closer to her… Just a little bit, enough so that she could clearly see Hex’s face so she could memorize her features… but she knew she wouldn’t lose her anywhere in the Entity’s realms. Her hair and clothing make her stand out so much…
Hex caught Charlotte staring at her but didn’t want to bring any attention to it. It wasn’t the blank death glare that she used to give her the first few times they met in trials and it wasn’t the look of confusion that bordered on pity that she would give her after she would pry Victor off a downed and bleeding Hex. It was like… she was seeing her for the first time. Not an enemy, not a threat, not just a survivor or an other, just… Hex. Charlotte actually felt her cheeks turn upwards when her twin reach out to Hex, who reciprocated the gesture without hesitation or fear, even when his claws pricked her skin enough to draw tiny pinpoints of blood to the surface of her skin.
This was the first time that the Twins have spent time with someone other than their mother that was actually enjoyable. Even Charlotte could admit that she was glad that she followed Hex to this nice little grove of trees somewhere in between everything else in the realms. She’s still a little confused about the point of a ‘picnic’ and why there needs to be a basket and a blanket, but really she doesn’t really care. Hex fed them both and she asked for nothing in return. Even after she packed everything up (the best she could, as ruined as the basket was after Victor’s attack) she didn’t want anything from them. She only hoped that they had a good time and that they could do this again sometime soon.
Charlotte would like to do this again… As would Victor, who couldn’t stop talking about the good time they all had together and who kept pestering his sister as to when they would see their ‘pretty coloured friend’ again. Charlotte promised him that it would be soon…. She wanted to see Hex again as much as he did.
Genre: Some fluff, some angst. Mostly slice of life. Budding friendship.
Word Count: Over 2k+
Summary: The Reader, still coming to terms with being asexual and starting a new life, meets someone who can help her go further.
AN: This is my first time writing an Asexual character so please bear with me.
Another year another change. And the newest change had just arrived in the mail. Sooner than you had expected it too. Though you had been looking forward to getting it you didn't expect it so fast.
It seemed as if life had been nothing but changes ever since the pandemic had started. First was having to start a whole new career. Then it was having to move yet again. Then it was the fact that your relationship you had been in since college blew up in your face.
The first changes you had been able to handle with as much grace as you could muster up. But breaking up with your ex had been even tougher. You two had been through so much together, but you had begun to realize that it wasn't working anymore. Not to mention you had begun to realize that the typical parts of a relationship didn't appeal to you. And it had become more difficult to hide.
It finally came to a head after your ex overheard you telling a friend at a party that you just didn't enjoy sex. Not with him. Not with anyone. Though you loved being around others, it was just that one act that didn't do it for you.Not matter what you tried, nothing came together. Your ex took it as a big insult and it turned into a huge argument.
Through many tears you tried to explain to them that it wasn't anything to do with him but that you had come to realize the physical aspects of relationships just didn't appeal to you. No matter how hard you tried to explain it, your partner only got more offended until they stormed out.
As if that hadn't been enough, your previous partner went around telling everyone about how awful you were. And that sleeping with you was a chore.
That had led to an exceptionally long week of soul searching and spending time alone. As you processed your exes’ words, it made you realize that there was so much of yourself that you would push aside to try to make him and others happy that it was time to start making you happy.
So, you made a list of steps. One of the first ones was to go through your social media and get rid of all the mutual friends that you had with your ex that you didn't really like. Another was to change all of your handles and delete pictures of times in your life where you were only putting on a fake smile.
Once that was done you decided to go through all through all of your things and get rid of the things that didn't really make you happy anymore. Some items you sold, some you donated. You were surprised at how free you felt after you had gotten rid of so many different things that you didn't really like.
Even though you had gotten rid of so much you didn't like, you decided that you needed to take it a step further and find a smaller place for you. With so many having moved lately you were able to find a smaller place that was more to your style, and you could decorate it to your own taste and not to somebody else's.
But to do that, you are going to have to look around and find pieces that spoke to your heart and soul.
now that it was Saturday and you had your first day off, you had some time to go look around. Though you were dressed, you still debated putting on that one last piece. The one that had just arrived that morning via a special delivery.
Thinking there was no time like the present, you opened the package. Reaching in you pulled out something large wrapped in purple, gray and black tissue paper. Carefully you unwrapped it and your momentarily stunned to see how beautiful it was. It was a beautiful bracelet with gold inlay Underneath And on top of the bracelet and even lines were the colors of the asexual pride flag. It was even prettier than the picture.
Slipping it onto your left wrist you smiled to see that fit you perfectly. You quickly grabbed your phone and took a picture.
As you went to post it on Instagram, you froze. You remembered how you still work quite out to your family as being asexual. After the disaster that had been coming out to your ex and your friends, you decided to hold off on coming out to your family. So, the photo was going to wait.
Ready to get the day started you left. You made a list of local antique and secondhand shops to visit. Your budget wasn't very big, so you knew you'd only be able to pick up a few pieces to start with. But if you could find just a few you could always get more later.
3 hours and three shops later, you were ready for a break. All you managed to find that appealed to you was a small Victorian style lamps and an Edwardian print in a frame that was going to need a bit of work.
Seeing a small bistro nearby, you decided to check it out. Walking in it had a bit of minimalist décor but it was still genuinely nice. Spotting a sign nearby that advertised a 1/2 sandwich 1/2 soup as a lunch special, you walked up to the counter and ordered the special along with a cup of with a cup of white chocolate mocha. After paying for your order, you looked around for a place to sit, taking a small table near a window that overlooked the whole street.
You looked around to the other patrons as you waited for your order. Most were just sitting quietly on laptops or staring at their phones. As best you could tell, the lot of them were either college students or young professionals.
One stood out to you. Sitting only a few feet from you, there was a young blonde woman. Dressed in a long green trench coat and black pants, Her Blonde hair was pulled back and what looked to be a braid from where you were sitting. She wore an almost annoyed expression on her face while she looked through her phone. Most startling to you was the dark lipstick on her mouth, so dark it matched her trousers. Though it was startling in a way it looked as if it suited her quite well.
You could only guess what was causing her to have an annoyed expression. Perhaps her day at work wasn't going well. Perhaps something else was going on. No matter what, you envied her lovely jacket.
Before you could guess your food arrived. Looking down at the delicious club sandwich and the tomato bisque, Along with the steaming heart cup of white chocolate mocha, You briefly forgot about the lovely blonde and focused on your food, which was rather delicious.
As you ate, you glanced out the window to watch others go about their day. Many couples were out in about, several of them holding hands and being affectionate. Those bits of affection you found sweet, they were one of the few things you enjoyed about being with someone. You hoped one day you could meet someone who would be OK with just that and that alone. But you were beginning to think it wasn't going to happen in this universe or any other.
Thinking of that drew your attention back to your bracelet. Bringing it up, you marveled at how beautiful it was. But it Brought up feelings of sadness as well. Asexuality wasn't something that whole lot of people knew about let alone understood. Even you yourself were still trying to learn more about it. Though you had found a bit of a community online, It would be nice to find at least one person Offline who understood you.
"You have that one too?!" Came a deep voice with a heavy Russian accent.
That sentence made you jump. Looking up you saw it was the blond woman in the green coat. Her expression had gone from annoyed to thrilled.
"Um yes?" You stammered, unsure of how to proceed.
The blonde quickly took the seat across from you. Before you could say anything, she took your arm in your hand. She moved it around a bit examining your bracelet.
Once she was done, she pulled up the left sleeve of her coat to show hers. She not only had the same bracelet, but you could see she also had a small ring with the asexual pride flag in the center.
"I just got mine the other day. When did you get yours?" She asked, keeping her gaze on you.
"Just today. It's my first pride piece." You said, your voice a bit low as you brought your arm back under the table.
"I couldn't decide which piece I wanted more. So, I bought them all." The woman explained with a shrug. She then quickly opened her jacket to show you her shirt. Sure enough, it bore the pride colors as well.
"I envy you." You confessed.
"Why?" She asked surprised.
"Well, you seem so...comfortable with it." You explained, still not believing that you were having this conversation with a stranger.
"Where I am from, I couldn't find these things easily, let alone wear them without trouble. Since I live here now where I can, I wear them everywhere. " The woman explained. "Besides, after all I've done, I'm not going to let this stop me."
"What is it that you do?" You asked.
"Its..."
"Complicated?" You guessed
"Very." The woman nodded.
Deciding to change the subject, you asked. "So, how long have you been out?"
"Out as in...?" The woman looked confused
"Out as in..Out as..asexual." You said.
The woman shrugged and replied. "I never really came out as it were. I just decided to start wearing the flag and let it speak for itself. Those who get it, get it. Those that don't, that's on them. "
You nodded silently, wishing you had this woman's nerve.
"How about you?"
"Well, I am not really out. I mean, some friends know. My ex does. But not my family. " You murmured. "Most don't get it. Most don't want to."
The woman leaned forward a bit. "Then why get the bracelet?"
"I guess because I was tired of not being true to myself." You answered, hoping that would satisfy here.
"I get that, more than you might think ". She spoke softly. She sat there quietly a moment and then got a strange expression on her face.
"How would you come out? " She asked.
"Well.." You said nervously fiddling with the bracelet "I thought about taking a picture of my bracelet and posting it online. But I am not sure if I am ready."
"In my experience, if we wait until we are ready, we might not ever do the things we want to do." The woman said. You couldn't really argue with that statement.
"What if I did it with you?" She asked, suddenly eager.
"Do what?" You asked, wondering what she had in mind.
"Take a picture with you, showing our bracelets?"
You almost said no. The idea of finally putting it out there was terrifying. If you put it out there all the questions would start coming your way again. Perhaps you would lose more people if you did.
But looking at the woman's excited expression, you wonder that maybe, Just maybe, Others might be more accepting than you thought. After all, what was the point of having a pride bracelet, if you weren't going to show how proud you were To finally be open to be yourself.
"Okay. Lets."
With a big smile the woman moved her chair over to your side of the table. As you got your camera ready, she moved over close to you and put her arm up on the table, showing her bracelet and ring. Once your camera was ready you brought up yours as well.
The both of you flashed a big smile as you took several pictures. Looking at them, each of them looked perfect.
Deciding to go with one random one, you uploaded it to Instagram.
"Um...how should we caption it?" You asked.
The woman reached over and typed "True to ourselves #asexualpride".
With that she hit the post button. Mere seconds later, it was up. It was out there.
Before you could say anything else, a cell phone rang. The woman quickly reached into her pocket and pulled a phone.
"Belova...right." With that, she hung up the phone with an annoyed expression.
"Work?" You asked.
"Unfortunately. " She said as she stood up.
"Well, good luck." You said, sad to see her go. "It was nice to meet you...Belova...?"
With a playful smirk, she said "It's actually Yelena. Yelena Belova. I'll see you around."
You could only watch in awe as Yelena rushed out the door. You didn't know if you would see Yelena again, only that you hoped you would.
With nothing else to do now, you finished your lunch. As you left the bistro, you took out your phone again, went onto Instagram and shared the post to your Facebook page. You could only hope for the best now that it was out there. If you lost some, you lost some. But if you gained more that understood and accepted you, that would be fine too.
Either way, today was another day of learning to be true to yourself. And it was a good day.
