& mirrorball.

victoria donahue. 41. journalist & editor of the chicago tribune. boston native. ☆

[victoriadonahue]

jsmnchwdhry·:

Jasmine was currently in creative limbo. The itch to concoct some new scents for her shop without much ideas on where to start for basics or even perhaps a theme. Nails tapped at her small notebook she always kept handy. Restless. “Hey, tell me some of your favorite smells. Like, in the world. Ever. One you’d like to maybe bring up and smell whenever you can in your own home, for instance.” @chicagcstart·

In her own little world, Victoria scrolled through the emails on her phone before the voice of the stranger next to her grabbed her attention. Their question startled the blonde at first, definitely not expecting to think on her feet. “Oh. Uh... I’ve always liked Lemongrass. Or Lavender. I like simple fragrances, I’ve never been someone who likes anything too overpowering.”

[victoriadonahue]

thatonezachary·:

Laughing softly, he could tell she was trying and it really did warm Zachary’s stone cold heart. The man figured he should’ve been the one trying hard, but he liked feeling like she wanted him. “I like that, yeah. The bed part with us together.” He then sighed, “Me too. I think it’s just amazing that we got this chance together because we were already great friends. It kinda elevates our relationship, I think.” He pointed to himself. Soon the man was kissing Victoria. His hands tried to wrap around her waist as he felt the romantic part in him take over. “You know I love you, right?”

Looking over the crib, he then nodded, “This one should be fine. How do we pay for it? Is there some worker that helps us around here?” Zach looked around a bit. 

Victoria was determined to make things work between them. She had feelings for him, and she wouldn’t be able to forgive herself if she didn’t give it a shot. Especially considering they now had a baby on the way. “Right? I’m glad you agree. It definitely elevates our relationship! There’s no one I want to experience this journey with more than you. Things happen for a reason, right?” The blonde smiled, leaning in to kiss Zach back with just as much passion, her arms draping around his shoulders. As they pulled back for a moment, her grin was still ever present on her face. His next admission made her beam even more. “Oh my god. You do? I love you too.”

Looking around the store, she spotted a clerk serving a few customers. “There’s one over at the counter. I assume they’ve got a certain type of mattress that goes with it, I can ask them.” She replied, pointing over to the cash register before leading the way. Once they approached the counter, a smiling store assistant greeted them. Victoria asked the questions she needed to before settling everything up. She turned back to Zach then. “We’re getting the mattress that goes with this model of crib, are you happy with that?”

[victoriadonahue]

vienna-calhoun·:

“I think I’m going to have to do another interview to really make things work out. This was supposed to be a more serious interview before the preseason starts,” she took a deep breath as she ran her hand through her hair. “Really just starting to get stressful the closer it comes.” A stressor she wished she could avoid. “I’m a sports journalist for the Chicago Blackhawks. If you watch the games, I’m that person interviewing the guys and talking to the coaches. A dream, really.”

“Ah, yes, I can relate to that. Being a journalist can be a rather stressful job, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.” Victoria agreed with a nod of her head, offering the ginger a sympathetic smile. While sports wasn’t her field, she knew the stresses of the job all too well. “Chicago Blackhawks! That’s really interesting. I have to admit I’m not usually the type to watch sport, but I can imagine that’s a really fun job, especially to be out in all the action. I’ve been a print journalist most of my life, but now I’m the editor of the Chicago Tribune. It’s always nice to meet fellow journalists.”

[victoriadonahue]

thatonezachary·:

“I don’t think i’ve done anything that’s good. I’m just trying to be a decent guy.” He didn’t take compliments well, but if the other were to notice his face right now, Zachary’s cheeks were about as heated up as food after being taken out of a microwave. “So at seven months you think you’ll be okay living alone, or should we move in together for the time being?” Unless he was already head over heels in love and proposing to her at that point. All Zachary knew was that he wanted to take care of her as best as he could and also make her feel comfortable. “That’s a given. We even seem like the happiest right now, honestly. I’m glad to hear it, Victoria.” The man then tried to wrap an arm around her and kiss her on the cheek. “I say keep using it and never stop. It’s perfect.” He usually wasn’t this vocal about compliments or things he liked on other people, but with Victoria it just came easy. “How about white and wood? Eh, pink or blue is so outdated, but if you want to wait for your room to get painted we can. I however, like that white and wood idea.”

Victoria noted the man’s blush, and found it incredibly cute. She loved seeing the soft side of him, and hoped as time went on that he’d open up to her some more. “Yeah, I think I’ll be fine, but you never know. Plus, you know I prefer my bed with you in it. But let’s see how things go.” She smiled sweetly, a look of admiration in her eyes. “We are! Who would have thought that we’d be parents? I’m looking forward to experiencing this with you.” Her smile only grew as she felt him pull her close and press a kiss against her porcelain skin. “Well, if you say so, I will. I like to please.”

With a nod, she agreed with Zach’s comment, feeling as though they were on the same wavelength. “White and wood sounds perfect. I’m not one to hold onto tradition. I’m happy to go with that idea. Are you happy with this particular model of crib? There’s a few more on the other side.” She questioned with a raised brow, pointing to a few different cribs on the other side. 

[vinstage]

[victoriadonahue]

aaron-ferrier·:

“Maybe it’s because I rejected the office for so long, but I’m getting used to it now.  I miss the field a lot, but having a more regular schedule and spending more time at home has been a nice change of pace.”  He didn’t say it, because talking about it upset Lia, but he needed a less stressful job after he’d nearly died three years ago, and he couldn’t risk another heart attack.  He hadn’t cut down on smoking or drinking or started eating better, but he’d cut down on a lot the stress in his life and that had to mean something.  He smiled as she and Lia hugged, “We’re alright, she’s totally back to normal and I’m still a little scratchy, but it’s miles better than I was, you should have heard me last week, right Lia?” The little girl giggled and helped him finish setting the table. 

“We’re all set, you brought the food, so we can set up, it’s a good trade off, that and I promised Lia we wouldn’t talk shop all night.  Can I get you something to drink?”  He handed Lia a soda, since it was a special occasion, and grabbed a beer for himself, “We’ve got pretty much anything you can think of.” 

“I bet. It is rather relaxing, though. There’s a little more freedom about it, I suppose.” Vic smiled, thinking about how much she appreciated her job. From the very beginning, she knew being a journalist was her dream, and she was very proud of how far she’d come. She was aware of the difficulties Aaron had experienced over the years, and she felt for the man, unable to understand what he was going through, but she would always be there for him. No matter what. “That’s good! I’m happy you’re both on the mend. It’s no fun being sick.” The woman quipped, looking over at Lia with a big smile tugging at her lips.

Taking a seat in her usual spot, she shook her head at the offer of a drink, doing her best to refrain from spilling the beans. “Just some water, please. I’m trying to hold off from alcohol for a while.” With a light shrug, she waited for everyone else to get settled, making small talk with Lia about how school was. Vic simply adored the child, and couldn’t wait to be a mother... the maternal instincts were already starting to set in. “And what about you, Aaron? What have you been working on this week?”

[victoriadonahue]

thatonezachary·:

“Oh yeah? Is that was draws you in to bad boys?” Zachary was amused at this point because Victoria never seemed like the type to be into bad boys to Zachary, but here she was, telling him that she in fact did like that type of guy. “You keep your savings. I’ll figure out a way to get everything the baby needs, okay? Have you taken your work leave yet?” Zachary was just curious and wasn’t sure exactly how all that even worked. “It’s gonna be the best time ever. I bet we’re gonna be the happiest family on that whole beach and all the other beaches, too. Thank you for saying that to me, but don’t count me out just yet. Who’s to say I won’t want anything romantic, huh?” He chuckled softly, arching an eyebrow. “Then it’s my turn to give you compliments, too. Like how pretty and shiny your hair is. It smells nice, too. It’s like a field of flowers or something.” He shrugged, not sure what the smell of her hair was exactly, but he knew it was something nice. As he walked around in the store, he figured he’d have to get a good amount of things from here within the coming months. “Wow, that’s a lot of stuff. Okay, let’s get the crib and mattress first. Where’s that stuff at?”

“You’re so good to me.” Victoria smiled softly. She really appreciated Zach’s generosity, it meant the world to her, but she definitely knew she was going to insist on using some of her savings. She couldn’t let her lover do it all on his own. “No, not yet. I think I’ll probably take my leave when I’m around seven months. I can work until then, as long as this morning sickness settles down.” A soft laugh left her lips at Zach’s next words. She wholeheartedly agreed with the whole sentiment. They were going to be the happiest family on the beach. The blonde was going to make sure of that. “I think so too! We’ll be the happiest family in all of Chicago, I can guarantee. Oh... well, you’ve definitely given me hope there.” She felt her cheeks turn pink, completely flattered by his compliments. “Oh yeah? Well, thanks. I’m glad you approve. It’s this new shampoo I’m trying.” At that, her eyes began scanning the store in search of what they were looking for. “That sounds like a plan to me! There’s a nice one over here. What type? Are you thinking wood... or maybe something white? We should probably go neutral until we find out the gender, don’t you think?”

[victoriadonahue]

vienna-calhoun·:

“On today’s episode of ‘What did Vienna Say” I accidentally said that one of the players pounded the other against the wall. And I didn’t realize it until the player laughed at me and asked if I should think that sentence over. My face turned red and I had to walk away so I can face palm myself,” she sighed as she shook her head. “Please tell me I’m not the only one that said something weird today.” @chicagcstart·

A grimace graced Victoria’s face as she listened to the redhead, and was able to completely to feel the embarrassment they were going through. “Fuck. That’s awkward. It happens to the best of us, though. I can’t even count how many times I’ve accidentally said some very questionable things.” She laughed softly then, trying her hardest to push those memories back into the forgotten crevice of her mind. “I can promise you’re not. There’s almost 3 million people in this city, there’s definitely been some worst mishaps today. What is it you do for work, anyway?”

[victoriadonahue]

thatonezachary·:

“See? I had a feeling you were much cooler than you let me think. Who needs those jocks anyway. A bad boy would have taken care of you better.” He smiled at Victoria, just enjoying their time talking and getting to know her more. “Don’t be sorry. You had a genuine question and I wish I had the answer for you. As of now though, I think I could buy double of the things we need. It wouldn’t hurt because if something breaks, we would have a back up.” He scratched the back of his head before holding the door open to the place and moving aside so Victoria could step in first. “Yes, you are. Oh, I think you will be, just as i’ll be there for you forever, too.” The man shrugged while feeling a light blush overtake his facial features. “We are even going to have great family holidays. I think you’ve given me the family i’ve always wanted.” He was grateful for Victoria in his life. “Oh stop it. Come on, you know I never get these much compliments and now you’re turning me into a soft guy.”

“Of course I am! I’ve always been cool. I agree. Bad boys are way more fun, too.” Victoria giggled, wagging her brows a little at her own joke. It was so effortless being with Zach, she could truly be herself around him, and actually enjoyed it. It didn’t feel forced unlike some of her past relationships. “We’ll see how things go. I’ve got my savings for this too. I didn’t really know what to do with it before this news so I’m glad it can be put to good use. Plus, it will be fun when we get to decorate the nursery.” A grin tugged at her lips then, thinking about the memories that were going to be made. She thanked Zach when he opened the door for her, internally noting how much of a gentleman he was. “Family holidays! That’s going to be fun. Taking our little one to the beach as they grow up... I honestly can’t wait. I’ll always be your family, Zach. That’s a promise. Even if things don’t work out romantically between us.” Seeing the blush creep upon the man’s cheeks only brightened her mood even more. “But I love giving you compliments! Because you deserve them.” None of that was a lie, either. She would shower him with praise all day and night if she could. “So... I assume a crib is what we should look for first? I have no idea what to look for.” She stated, pondering where to even begin. She was out in the deep end at that point, but it was relieving to know she wasn’t alone. It took a moment before she fished her iPhone out of her bag, quickly opening up a parenting website for new parent. “Okay, so, according to BabyCenter, the vital items we need are crib, a mattress, a nursing chair, baby monitor, clothes... and the list goes on.”

[victoriadonahue]

thatonezachary·:

“Lovely? You’re being funny, Victoria. We might’ve been more than friends. I would have tried to get you from all those football players. I’d have made them jealous.” He shrugged. “Hold on, move in together? You keep dropping big news on me. I’m surprised i’m still standing.” Zachary joked as he shook his head, continuing to walk to the store. “Consider me surprised hearing about your dad. I think the world of you, too. In fact, you are my world because I have nobody else.” He told her honestly. “Look at us, all working and stuff. I bet our kid will be proud of us.” Zach then reached to hold the other’s hand, then tried to place a kiss on her cheek. “You can always hold my hand. I will never say no to you. I promise.”

“I think you would have, too. I wasn’t that into the jocks. I preferred the bad boys, and I suppose I still do.” Victoria chuckled, a wicked grin blooming upon her features as she kept her eyes on him, watching his every move. “I know, I know. I’m sorry. We can take this as slowly as you want. We’ve still got a while before the birth.” The journalist reassured gently. If Vic was anything, she was incredibly organized. She looked at the finest details of everything, and often came across as rather pedantic. All she wanted was for everything to be in order in not only her career, but her personal life too. “I am? Now that’s probably the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me. I want to be here for you forever. I’m always going to be on your team.” She meant that more than anything. “They will be! We’re going to give them a great life and we’re going to be an amazing little family. I know that for sure.” As she felt Zach’s hand take hers, she practically glowed. “Same with you. I can’t resist those eyes of yours... and your charm. It’s almost intoxicating.”

[victoriadonahue]

thatonezachary·:

‘Yes, I was. Is it not believable?” He joked around, even laughing a bit hard. Zach was amused at this conversation and where it was going. “We should check it out then. I want to start getting the big stuff, like the most important things first.” He told her, soon giving her a soft grin. “Well people look at where i’m from and how my family wasn’t really the best, then they look at my face and figure I am rude or a bad guy. Plus my smoking and how I like to dress? I am kinda like a nightmare for parents.” He shrugged. “Sure, i’ll stay over. Would you hate me if I left early for work though?”

“I mean... it’s not unbelievable, but I still think you would have been lovely. I was a cheerleader and president of the debate team. You think we would have been friends?” Vic questioned playfully, winking at him in a teasing manner. She was a natural flirt, and couldn’t help herself when she was around Zach. “Let’s go then. Though, the question is... do we have separate nurseries in our own homes? Or do we... move in together for when the baby arrives? I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be overwhelming... I know this is moving so fast. Two weeks ago, if someone told me I was pregnant, I would call them crazy.” She sighed as she ran her fingers through her blonde hair, slowly beginning to walk towards the store. “I really don’t think my parents will care about that. If it makes you feel any better, my dad is a heavy smoker. I think they’ll surprise you. I can promise you I’ve had some horrific boyfriends. You are amazing, Zach. I think the world of you.” A laugh left her lips, shaking her head. “Not at all. I have to be at the office by 7:30 anyway. I think that works out well.” Her focus then drifted down to the ground, watching her own feet as she walked before gazing back up at the taller man. “Is it okay if I held your hand?”

[victoriadonahue]

thatonezachary·:

Zachary was right because he thought it was a typical soon-to-be-dad answer. “I knew it. Hopefully he wouldn’t be a troublemaker like I was. If so, we might have our hands full.” The man widened his eyes before chuckling softly. “Well how about we go get some furniture for the baby room? I don’t know exactly what we’re gonna need, but you can tell me, right?” The man was excited and he was glad he had put some money away in his savings account just in case a long time ago. “Victoria, i’m saying this cause I like you…but parents usually don’t like me.” He ended up shaking his head. “Something for lunch, huh? I’m not turning that down at all. Can I drive you home?”

“Oh, you were a troublemaker, were you?” Vic smirked, suddenly picturing a younger Zach wreaking havoc. Frankly, she found it rather adorable. “That sounds like a perfect idea. There’s a furniture place on the next block, I’ve heard they’ve got some good stuff for nurseries.” She suggested whilst gesturing in the direction the store was located. “Why? I don’t see how there’s a problem... you’re a good guy. One of the best. Don’t doubt that, please. I think you’re wonderful.” Every single word she said was one hundred percent genuine. She didn’t like when the man was self-deprecating, it stung her heart to think he underestimated his worth. “I would love that. Did you want to stay over tonight? We can have the night together...”

[victoriadonahue]

theoneandonlybuzz·:

“Eh, it’s all right! I guess she made up for it in other areas. I can do a handstand with one arm.” Buzz smiled brightly, and while these things were in no way related, he seemed satisfied with the experiences he was allowed to have. “I like it. I think it has to do with the cocoa content or something. I dunno. Almonds are pretty good, though! I used to watch this movie when I was a kid, and the lady started freakin’ out ‘cause she thought the almond in her cupcake was a flea. I thought that was pretty weird. Almonds don’t look like fleas.” He sighed, losing himself in this tangent before perking back up. He matched her laugh with his own. “I mean, I’m sure there must be people who do like it, or they wouldn’ make it! It is sickly, though. Like…that pink medicine you used to get as a kid.” He shuddered. “The kind with, like, the Oreo bits is okay, though. I don’t know if that’s actually white chocolate, but the cookies kind of help.”

Victoria’s eyes widened in disbelief, taking a moment to register what she’d just heard. “Seriously? That’s certainly impressive. Doesn’t it hurt? You know, putting one’s body weight onto one arm? I can’t even begin to know how to do that, so I’ll leave it to you.” Nodding, the woman tilted her head slight as she watched the other speak. “People put almonds in cupcakes? I’m not judging, but I haven’t heard of that combination before. Look at me learning all these new things today!” She shook her head, a grimace forming across her face at the thought of that sickly flavor she loathed so much. “I agree. I think the cookies balance it out, but it’s still not my first choice. Ugh... I never thought the mysteries of chocolate would be such an intriguing subject.”

[victoriadonahue]

thatonezachary·:

Zachary couldn’t believe just how happy he was right now. To be here, sharing this experience with one of his best friends was something he never imagined, but he was glad they were having a kid. Besides, seeing the look on Victoria’s face, just noticing her how she cried made him happy.

After getting out of the appointment, the man looked at her and said, “It might be a girl. I don’t know. I wouldn’t mind a boy. But I guess that’s a typical soon to be dad answer, huh?” He then chuckled softly. “Are you busy later today? I’m still nervous about meeting your parents.”

There was nothing in that moment that could sour Victoria’s mood. “I thought you’d say that... that would be cute, though. A mini Zach running around would be precious. I am happy either way. I just can’t wait to meet this baby.” She cooed happily, looking up at him proudly. “I’ve got the whole day free. So, I’m all yours if you need me. I understand. It will be fine, though. I’m sure they’ll love you. I mean, my dad’s protective but he’s a good judge of character, so you don’t have anything to worry about.” She couldn’t help but laugh at her next words. “Plus, I like you. So, they will too. But as for now... we could go to my place and I can whip something up for lunch? I’ll have you know I am a great cook. I’m a woman of many talents.”

[victoriadonahue]

stella-fuentes·:

“When it’s cooked into things, that’s different, it’s not just on it’s own, it’s in shit, and that helps mask the taste. I don’t even have much of a sweet tooth, but if I’m gonna eat chocolate, that bitter shit ain’t gonna cut it.” Stella was known in her family for her strong opinions, and it didn’t matter what the topic was. “That’s exactly what I mean. Who the hell comes up with that shit? No one needs that. Chocolate is fine just as it is, no one needs to fuck with it. The fact that there are people out there that get paid to come up with these whack ideas, it just blows my fucking mind.”

“Exactly. It’s rather baffling, if I’m being honest.” Victoria replied plainly, a look of disdain present on her face as she thought about the topic at hand. “I occasionally like sweets, but I’m picky. I don’t get how people can actually eat it for enjoyment. You couldn’t even pay me to eat a whole block of it.” A laugh left her lips at the brunette’s reply. “It’s just so pointless. Plus, I bet they are paid pretty well too. Sometimes that makes me wonder why I studied so hard to get a degree.”

[victoriadonahue]

Telling Zach about her pregnancy had turned out far better than expected, and after a long discussion, Victoria was completely elated about their impending arrival. She understood it was all happening very fast, and didn’t want to completely overwhelm her lover. Although, she still wanted him to be involved in every step of the journey, and taking him to the first ultrasound was the best place to start.

It all felt like a dream. She truly couldn’t believe her eyes at the sight of their tiny baby on the monitor... this was really happening. They were going to be parents! Vic was unable to hold in the tears to flowed in those moments. Surreal was definitely one way to describe it.

As she stopped out of the clinic, the blonde held the printed copy of the scan proudly. She looked up at Zach then, her grin widening. “I know I’m only two months along, but any guesses on the gender? I don’t care about either way, but my first guess is girl. That’s what my instincts are telling me.” — @thatonezachary​.

[victoriadonahue]

stella-fuentes·:

“Dark chocolate is trash. There’s no two ways around that. Anyone who tells you that they actually enjoy that shit, they’re fucking lying. White chocolate is alright, just depends on the brand. But, you really can’t go wrong with milk chocolate.” Stella said with a nod. “What I’ll never get is why brands think it’s necessary to go and make all these weird fucking flavours. There’s no need for all the weird combinations that they come up with. Just keep it simple, don’t over complicate it.”

“Thank you! Finally someone who understands. I’ve tried to like dark chocolate, I really have, but I’m just not into the flavour. I prefer it when it’s cooked in things, because the flavour isn’t as bitter.” Vic shrugged, chuckling a little as it hit her that she was actually having a serious conversation about chocolate, of all things. “I agree. I have never seen so many combinations in my life. The other day I saw milk chocolate infused with pretzels. I’m starting to wonder if companies hire stoned college students to come up with these flavours.”