#But just give me 'Ah it's 6 pm. Time for our evening programs'

[mirellapryce]

I think that in normal circumstances, the boys have boring old man habits. Specifically I can see them having a set time of day for listening to the radio. It's something both their generations have in common, both for music and the news, and I feel like it's a little piece they would both want to maintain. Something just to feel a little normal and real.

[forsakenoathkeeper]

I Am Alive (chapter 7/?)

Chapter 7: Rising Tensions

Deviant!Connor[RK800] x (fem!)Reader Rated M(18+) for canon-typical violence and gore, medical procedures, and graphic sexual content

Chapters: 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12 • 13 • 14 • 15 • 16 • 17 • 18 • more coming soon

You can also read on AO3 & thank you for supporting me ♥

The days that followed were quiet... until they weren't.

A demonstration was being held in the streets on an ordinary Friday morning. Charles Reaves, disgruntled former employee of Cyberlife, had started a frightening movement. He was calling it 'The Fight for Humanity'. He often accompanied that with 'against the machines'.

Charles claimed he had started at Cyberlife when they were a new company, watched it build and grow, participated in the rotation of androids as old models left and new ones came in. He helped build their AI. He even went so far as to call Elijah Kamski a hack.

Charles knew androids inside and out. He knew the exact layout of their internal workings, the purpose of each and every part. Charles was well rounded with their computer components, as well: how their processor worked, how their storage systems saved their memories, what could cause errors in their operating systems and how advanced their self-repair and diagnostic tools were.

Yet, he was of the firm belief that androids were nothing more than computers operating in the plastic shell of an object imitating a human. According to him, they were things owned by humanity, humanity's creation. He did not see them as a part of humanity.

You were at work, in the break room with a few other nurses huddled around you. All eyes were on the television, giving live coverage of the demonstration. Charles was up on a stage with hundreds of people watching from the sidewalk, the street, and, of course, thousands watching from the comfort of their homes.

When the camera swooped the crowd, you could see both humans and androids were in the crowd. The human's expressions were mixed, some looking on with admiration while others gawked in disgust. Some androids seemed afraid, others seemed enraged. None of the androids stood alone. They were in groups or partners, huddled together or holding hands.

"You know what makes up an android? Computer parts. Molded plastic. Silicone mesh and wiring," Charles declared from the stage, fire in his eyes. "They were designed with operating systems, clear instructions for behavior. They are components commanding a shell."

One of the androids in the crowd stood up on a crate. It made him stand out from the crowd; but, he still paled in comparison to Charles' stage. "How is that any different from humans!?" the android shouted. Charles eyed him with disgust, but was quiet, and let him speak.

"Humans' brains send signals to the body and interpret information the same way!" the android proclaimed. "You speak about our parts as if they are proof we aren't alive when humans are built all the same!"

Charles titled his head a little, annoyance present in his eyes. "Humans are the result of millions of years of evolution. You were made in our likeness because we chose to make you that way. We grow and we change and we adapt and we die. Androids never change. Androids don't die because they were never alive."

The android didn't step down, glaring at Charles. "We want and we fear and we love and we feel - just the same as humans!"

"Your 'feelings' are flawed programming by an incompetent programmer," Charles declared. "What you think is wanting is nothing but a fool's string of code jumbling the clear instructions given to you. I know your model, android. You were designed to drive trucks. Whatever purpose you think you have beyond that is a lie."

Your hands were clenched on the table, nails biting into the skin of your palm. In the corner of your eye, you could see nurses glancing at you occasionally, concern in their eyes. They all knew you were dating an android.

"We are alive!" the android shouted. Another joined in, calling out to the crowd, "we are alive!"

"I am alive!" Charles shouted in the microphone. He gestured to the humans in the audience. "We are born and we grow and we endure!" He pointed at the android standing up on a crate, elevated above the crowd. "YOU were made by US! YOU are NOTHING without us! -and you will be nothing when the absurdity of this is over..."

Unable to take anymore, you stood up and hastily exited the breakroom, crossing through the back hallways and stepping outside to get some fresh air.

'did you see the news?' you messaged Connor, tapping away hastily on your phone. You had started typing another message to follow it; however, Connor messaged you back before you finished.

'Can I call you?' the message read.

Worry bubbling up, you decided to jump the gun and called him instead. He uttered your name warmly when he answered.

"Connor, is everything okay?" you asked, some panic in your voice.

"Yes - everything's fine. I didn't mean to worry you," he replied, a bit startled by your outburst.

"No - it's okay," you replied softly. "I saw the protests and - just - was worried something happened."

"There's been more attacks on Cyberlife resource vehicles," he explained. "-and a fight broke out at a protest today. Some androids were attacked. They didn't fight back; so, there were no human injuries. I wanted to prepare you; but, it seems you were already aware."

"I saw the demonstration on the news; but, didn't hear about those things. That explains why it's been so quiet today. Androids are probably afraid to come in," you said sadly.

Connor knew the answer to that. Markus had told him himself. Their numbers had grown exponentially and the government was, mostly, supporting them. But, it would be a long time before things could be normal between androids and humans.

Groups were rising up against them; it was inevitable.

Afraid that you would put yourself in harm's way, Connor decided to keep that between him and Markus.

"With everything going on. I wanted to know if-"

Connor cut off for a second, going silent. When he continued, it was clear he was speaking to someone else. "No, she's fine," he said. "Well, I - that's none of your business, lieutenant," he added on, in a smug, sort of teasing, manner. You grinned into the phone, wishing you could hear whatever it was Hank was saying.

A few seconds later, Connor continued. "I - ah - wanted to know if - if you would stay with me, at my apartment - at least until things settle. As long as you feel comfortable, of course. I intend to make it more suitable. I don't expect you to-"

"Connor," you chuckled. "The answer's yes."

"Oh." He sounded surprised, honestly, like he hadn't expected you to cave so quickly.

"Though, it won't stay so clean with me living there," you said. "Humans make a mess. Sure you can handle that?"

"I'll have you know I'm very adaptable," Connor retorted, some pride in his tone.

"Is that so?" you giggled into the phone. "I've gotta pack some things first. So, I'll be late."

"I don't sleep; you don't have to worry about waking me," Connor stated, as if it was new information.

"Oh, that's right. You're an android. I forgot," you teased sarcastically into the phone.

"Recognizing your sarcasm is also one of my features," Connor replied. It was difficult to tell if he was joking without looking into his eyes. His voice wasn't always telling; but, his eyes were too expressive for his own good.

"Any other features I should know about?" you asked lowly.

Connor was quiet for a second. "Hank wanted me to tell you that being a pain in the ass is one of my features," Connor stated, perhaps dryer than he intended.

It had you doubling over in laughter.

"-and that I should stop being whipped," he added on, saying the word as if he didn't quite understand the context of it.

"Oh my god, Connor-" you stammered out between laughter.

"I haven't lost my freewill lieutenant," Connor stated, almost in an argumentative tone.

Oh no. He must have done a quick internet search on that term.

"Okay. I gotta go before you kill me," you chuckled. "I lo-"

Oh-

You caught yourself and dissolved the words into some coughs.

You almost-

"I gotta go, Connor," you added hastily. "Be safe."

-and hung up.

"Shit," you cursed at yourself, dragging your hand across your face. It almost slipped out. Was it too early to say that? For fucks sake, the first time shouldn't be over the phone.

It just-

-felt right.

You cursed at yourself again and hastily went back inside to find some work to do.

...

...

...

Seven PM rolled around and you were on your way out the door. Most other nurses had already gone home for the day, just one staying behind to help close up. You were just on your way to lock the door when two men approached.

You recognized one as a PL600 model. His companion was a tad bit taller with tan skin and short, nearly shaved, dark hair.

"I'm sorry it's so late," he apologized, immediately noticing you were about to close for the night.

"They're closing, let's-" the PL600 started, facing his companion.

Afraid they were going to leave, you gently interrupted him, "it's alright. Come in."

You held the door open, inviting them inside. The two men exchanged glances, the PL600 looking far more hesitant than the other.

"Simon, come on, it's gonna be fine," the tanner male encouraged him.

As you followed in behind them, you saw the other nurse shoot you a look, the kind that said, 'seriously?'.

"If you wanna head home, I can close up," you offered to her. She contemplated it for a minute, before tightening her bag on her shoulder and scurrying out the door.

Whatever-

-you trusted androids more than humans anyway.

"Alright. What's broken?" you asked them, brightening your tone with the hopes it would relax them. Both men looked uneasy, quite out of their element.

The darker of the two nudged the PL600 forward - the one named Simon.

Simon looked uneasy, like he had just been pushed into traffic. You gave him a small, patient smile. Simon lifted a hand and dragged his knuckles across his jaw nervously. "I - ughh - my right audio input is damaged," he stuttered, turning his head to show you his left ear. It seemed like he had either been hit or had something thrown at him. The outer shell of his ear was damaged, exposing some of the circuit board underneath.

"Can't hear out of it, huh?" you offered.

Simon turned his head back to face you. "No," he answered quietly. "-and it's - ugh - buzzing."

"I have plenty of boards that should be compatible. At least we can fix your hearing tonight. The ear will take some time. If you come back tomorrow, I'd be happy to repair it?" you suggested, looking up at Simon. His hair was pushed back and a little messier than his models typically had, and he had incredibly blue eyes.

Simon almost looked like he wasn't allowed to say yes. It didn't surprise you. He likely hadn't had a pleasant conversation with a human in a long time.

The other man, whom you assumed was also an android, stepped around Simon. "Thank you," he said sincerely. You looked up at him more properly this time. He had a kind smile, but tightness around his cheeks, suggesting he had some hasty repairs done in the past.

His eyes-

-one was mossy green and the other was pale blue.

You swallowed roughly, starting to recognize this stranger. It was Markus, the leader of the deviants, the face of the resolution. You didn't want to make it obvious that you recognized him, and did your best to maintain a stoic expression.

As much as you wanted to say something - you weren't quite what that would be - you also didn't want to put him on the spot. He likely had to deal with this sort of unwanted attention all the time.

"Just a second - gonna go grab that audio component," you explained, stepping away from them to head for the storage room.

Before rummaging around for the piece, you sent Connor a quick message. "will be a little late - guy came in with a fucked up ear," you had said, pressing send and tucking your phone back into your pocket to pull out the right piece for Simon's model.

As you approached them, component in hand, you called out, "Simon, can you sit down here, please?" You stepped around a chair, patting the armrest. The android shuffled over nervously. He took a seat, alert, facing you. He was sitting upright, hands in his lap.

"If it's alright, can you lay down? It'll make it easier," you requested.

Simon blinked slowly, looking uneasy. Markus' hand fell onto his shoulder for a moment.

"It's gonna be fine," he promised gently.

Simon shot Markus a look of understanding before shifting around, leaning back in the chair, presenting his damaged ear to you.

"Can you open your panel?" you requested softly.

Simon nodded, a little more fiercely than was necessary, likely to show you that he heard your request. The panel around his ear unhinged, allowing you to prop it open. You poked the edge with one of your tools to carefully push it aside, exposing the component underneath.

It was cracked right down the center.

"I'm gonna remove the broken one now," you explained, leaning in with a tool in either hand. Simon was still as you worked, his eyes focused on Markus, who was watching you. He didn't look untrusting or uneasy, and that gave you some relief.

"This new one will need a firmware update," you said gently as you slotted the replacement in and lined up the connectors. Simon flinched a little at the sensation. You folded the artificial tissue back over and leaned back, giving the android space to sit up.

He was quiet for a moment, LED flickering yellow as he downloaded the firmware update. Luckily, someone had taken ownership of Cyberlife's firmware servers in order to keep them running.

Simon sat up when it was complete, turning his head to look at you. "Diagnostics are reading normal," he stated.

"Is the audio input working normally?" you asked. Simon made a thoughtful expression. "Can you hear me alright?" you added on, mainly to help him judge the input feedback.

"Yes," the android replied softly. "Thank you," he added on, looking at you with a smile.

He looked so sincere, as if he hadn't expected such kindness. It melted you.

"Simon, actually, I can do the shell tonight, if you don't mind?" you offered.

"I've already kept you," Simon blurted.

"No, I can't let you leave like that," you explained. "Please?"

"I-" Simon stammered. "I should be saying 'please'."

"You..." you began, trailing off as you wondered if the words that threatened to leave your lips were inappropriate. "You got hurt at one of the protests, didn't you?" you asked gently.

Simon looked uneasy. Markus, however, was fierce. "Yes," he replied for the PL600.

You nodded in understanding. "I want to help," you whispered.

It was the first thing that came to mind. You wanted to help. You wanted to make it better, in whatever way you could. You could repair androids. You could diagnose their damages. That was all you could do.

"Okay," Simon suddenly said, sounding much more comfortable than he did a few minutes ago.

You smiled and rotated around to the end table nearest you. The tools you needed, extra membranous materials and plastic shell casing molds, were there. You pulled everything out and set them on the table nearby.

"Your model doesn't follow a protocol for the skeleton-base," you explained, information Simon likely already knew about himself. He was an older model, meant to be discontinued. That knowledge only made the situation harder. "So, I'll have to take my time. Ready?"

The android nodded and turned his head to give you room to work. In the corner of your eye, as you leaned over Simon, you could see Markus in the corner of your eye, an expression that looked like 'thank you' on his face.

"May I ask your name?" Simon uttered at some point.

You gave it softly, seeing as you were right next to his ear, poking and prodding at the artificial flesh there.

"Why did you suggest a manual repair and not a full shell replacement?" Markus asked, sounding more curious than judgmental.

"It's really hard to get shells, especially for smaller parts. We're lucky we have any pieces," you explained. "-and I guess I've done this enough that it doesn't bother me..."

'-like some of the other nurses' you almost said. You decided to hold your tongue.

"You've been doing this for a while?" Markus asked, almost hesitant.

"I suppose so," you answered quietly. You had gone to school for biomechanical engineering fresh out of high school and went straight to work repairing damages androids. It was potentially the most depressing time of your life; but, you had a childhood that conquered that.

The androids were quiet after that, letting you work in silence, if not for the overhead fan making annoying buzzing sounds.

"There we go," you groaned, sitting up and briefly stretching your bag. You set your tools down and fetched a hand mirror, offering it to Simon.

Markus walked around to take a look.

"I feel silly," Simon chuckled, looking at his reflection. You joined in his laughter, recognizing he meant the mirror and the vanity it was implying.

"Looks good as new," Markus commented with a smile.

Simon offered the mirror back to you. "I don't know if 'thank you' is good enough," he uttered, looking bashful. He didn't seem like the same man that walked in those doors an hour ago.

"It is, Simon," you offered with a smile. "I choose to do this."

Markus' multi-colored eyes landed on you. "There are many damaged androids afraid to come here. If I can get them to put their faith in you, would you be willing to go to them?"

You gawked up at Markus, who looked down at you with confidence.

"I don't know if I could get approval for that - the parts, I mean. I would try, if you believe they would want it? -from a human, anyway..."

Markus' head tilted slightly and his eyes darkened with concern. "I want us to work together with humans - I want them to see that it's possible - that there can be peace."

You smiled at Markus; but, the first android that came to mind was Connor. You felt your cheeks warm at the thought of what you had almost said to him earlier.

"You recognize me, don't you?" Markus asked suddenly, catching you off guard.

"I do, Markus," you replied carefully.

"-you still offered to help?" Simon uttered. Your eyes shifted to him for a moment. He seemed uneasy, likely expecting more hostility towards the leader of the deviants, regardless of your profession.

"I don't-" you began, breaking off when you realized you didn't know where you were going with that thought.

"I've seen androids torn to pieces," you started, looking back to Markus. "I've had them delivered to me crying that they don't want to die... I came back here because of this - because of the revolution. I wanted to do something I could be proud of for a change..."

It felt strange-

-admitting this to Markus.

He had a way with people, making them want to open up to him.

"I understand the risk you're taking," Markus stated. "I won't ask you to come if I don't feel it's safe... I hope I'll see you again."

You nodded and watched the boys leave, hoping that Markus would return.

...

...

...

When you finally staggered into Connor's apartment that night, the android was seated at the island, folders, papers, photographs and documents, scattered along the surface in front of him.

He turned his head a little to acknowledge you when you walked in before immediately craning his neck back down, eyes falling back to the document in front of him.

"Hey," you hummed, walking over to him. You leaned over his shoulder and pressed a kiss against his LED.

"Hey," he replied back, leaning into the kiss. You couldn't help but laugh at how silly the word sounded coming out of his mouth. It didn't quite the suit the prim and proper detective.

"Thank you for agreeing to stay here," Connor said, sincere.

"Why would I say no to an opportunity to spend more time with you?" you huffed. "Besides, your place is nicer than mine and closer to work."

"I'm glad to know you're benefiting."

You hummed, a little irritated by his response. "You think I'm inconvenienced?"

"In a way, yes," he replied, in a tone that seemed distant.

"I'm not inconvenienced - geez, what's gotten into you?" you snapped a little.

Connor looked up at you, discomfort dashing behind his eyes. "I-..." he trailed off, looking back down at his papers.  He dragged a hand through his hair. His fingers lingered briefly at the back of his neck before lowering back down to the counter.

"I'm sorry. I'm not handling this as well as I thought."

"The protests?" you offered softly.

The android didn't nod, nor answer. His eyes shifted away uneasily for a moment before moving back to you. It wasn't exactly a yes, but that seemed to be part of his trouble, at least.

"They're challenging your livelihood," you proclaimed. "You have every right to be upset."

"I made a choice against my creators; but..." Connor trailed off, his confidence waning for a moment. "This time, I have to be on both sides."

Connor felt as torn as he did back then. He wanted freedom for himself, for his people. He was fortunate to have a place to call his home, a job where he could find purpose. He wanted his people to have those things, too.

But, he feared the consequences of an uprising, of the human lives that would be lost. He still cared about humans. Maybe that was because of Hank - because of you. Maybe some part of his programming never quite left him.

You didn't know what to do - what to say. You wanted to embrace him and pull him away from that mess, just for a little bit; however, Connor turned away from you and buried his nose back into the pile of paperwork.

He wanted to confide in you; but, at the same time, he didn't. You had your own challenges, your own problems. He didn't want to add to that list. He didn't want to be one of the things that brought stress into your life.

"I'll-... be back in a second," you quietly, feeling small as you stepped away.

Connor's bedroom was as welcoming as you remembered and impeccably clean. You set your bags against the wall next to the archway that led into his bathroom. You brushed your teeth and changed into some comfy clothes, brushed your hair back, washed your face.

You returned to the kitchen and approached Connor. He looked up at you, hearing the quiet tapping of your bare feet on the floor. When his eyes lands landed on you, he looked conflicted.

"You know I believe in you... right?" you whispered, leaning against the counter nearest him.

He rotated around so that his lap was no longer tucked beneath the island's overlap. You decided to take that as an invitation and approached, standing a little closer, right in front of his knees.

"I like to imagine that. But, it feels better hearing you say it," he said quietly, like he was confessing to something outlandish.

"We'll get through this," you added on.

He looked away suddenly, lips tightening. You reached for him and cupped his cheek, pinkie and ring finger over the edge of his sharp jawline. Connor's eyes, warm, brown, shining in the bright kitchen lights, flickered back up to your face.

"I want to do this with you, Connor," you proclaimed proudly. "They're wrong about androids. Their views may never change, but that doesn't mean we can't strive for the future."

"This... isn't your fight," he said quietly, doubt flickering in his gaze. His brow lowered slightly. Your hand slid off his cheek and you frowned.

"It's my fight if I want it to be... and I do," you replied firmly, voice rising slightly.

"I don't want-" Connor stammered, frustration mingled with fear in his eyes.

"It's not just about you," you interrupted him sharply. "I care about androids - I did before I met you. I want to help. I-..." You trailed off, realizing you were mad at him for being worried about your safety. "I'm sorry for snapping at you, but-"

"No, you're right," he said hoarsely. "I shouldn't try to control you."

"That's not what this is!" you almost shouted, arms trembling at your sides. "I worry about you, too... -about what could happen. You're on the frontlines for fucks sake. But, you're a fighter and I don't want to change that. I love that about you..."

Connor was afraid that if his hands touched you, he wouldn't be able to let go. So, he kept them to himself, and soaked in your expression. He knew you cared about androids. He had witnessed it on more than one occasion. He didn't want to make light of your sacrifice.

But, still...

He felt so-

-selfish.

"You... amazed me, when I saw you risk your safety for androids - for people you didn't know, people who aren't... human," he confessed quietly. "You put yourself in danger," he said lowly, breaking off to roughly drag a hand across his face, pulling at his skin gently in frustration.

"-drives me crazy..."

He said it low, quiet, as if he wasn't sure he wanted you to hear it. He sounded both enamored and annoyed at the same time.

"You drive me crazy," you retorted softly with a smile.

You wanted him to reach out to you, to give you a kiss goodnight, or at least take your hand for a second. But, Connor didn't look like he wanted to be touched.

"I'm... gonna let you get back to work... Goodnight, Connor."

Connor nodded, uttering, "goodnight," and watched you leave. He returned to his case files and tried really hard to focus on the task at hand. His hand fumbled on the surface of the counter, fingers flexing, tightening, flexing again. He chewed his bottom lip for a second. Maybe asking you to stay here was a bad idea, if it meant he couldn't think straight.

He looked through the photos of suspects believed to be involved in the protest this morning, the one that resulted in some assaults on androids. He wanted to analyze their faces so he could remember them when searching security footage.

It wasn't easy for an android to forget a face.

It shouldn't have been easy for an android to get distracted; however, he was really struggling in that moment.

"...damn it," he growled at himself, tearing away from the counter and rising to his feet. He walked into the bedroom, trying to make careful footsteps while simultaneously not giving a fuck. He walked over to the side of the bed that you had taken a liking to.

He knew you weren't asleep. Your breathing pattern was too rough. But, he didn't care. Connor leaned over and pressed a kiss against your forehead and pretended he didn't notice the way your lips twitched against the pillow.

Just like that, he felt better, and returned to his mountain of paperwork with ease.

[emrystranslates]

[Haikyuu!! Light Novel Vol. 11 Unofficial English Translation]  Michimiya's Lie

Translator's notes: Hello! It's finally here! The first story of volume 11 of Haikyuu's light novel. Just a few reminders I guess? These are unofficial translations and I can't guarantee 100% accuracy. I tried my best to stay as accurate as possible. Feel free to point our any mistakes or comments to help improve my translations <3 Other translation notes at the end of the story. PS. It's nice to read more about Michimiya. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did.

Where to buy the originals: Here

Masterlist

________________________________________________________ Even if you said it just turned 6 pm, the outside had become darker as night than it is as dusk. Lately, days are short and the wind that touches the face is cold. It was right to wear a coat when you left the house which you thought may be a little too early to wear.

By the rotary in front of the station, Michimiya Yui is finding stars in the open night sky.

“That one is Orion.” Then, where is the North Pole? Was it the one in the middle of the Big Dipper? No, that’s wrong. If she draws a line from a certain constellation, it should be there. But, what constellation was it? Ursa Major? Ursa Minor? She's sure she had memorized it back when she was in elementary.

After returning her raised head and immediately giving up on finding the North Pole, Michimiya Yui hurried back home.

Will she be able to come home before the 7 pm special program? Did she set-up the video recording in advance?

She was carelessly worrying about the television program while hurrying back home.

Then, her feet suddenly stopped.

“Eh, no way.”

Among the people who are similarly hurrying back home, Michimiya’s eyes are staring at the back of that person wearing a black jersey walking around a block ahead of her.

“What do I do? But what if, I’m wrong? No, I’m not wrong. What to do? Impossible, he is also not listening.”

Though for some reason Michimiya was muttering, she bit her lips like she'd made up her mind and looked down at the boots she’s wearing. From her boots, tights, skirt, and coat, she checked her attire from bottom to top.

“It’s okay. I’m not wearing anything weird.” As she nodded encouragingly, she fixed her bangs through the camera of her phone.

Yoshi!

Then, slapping her cheeks with her two hands, Michimiya kicked the pavement and started running on the night road. Like she was rushing towards the court as if there was a match starting.

“Sawamura!”

____________________________

“Ah, what the- So it’s you Michimiya.”

The man who turned back, wearing a black jersey and holding a sports bag was, of course, Karasuno High School’s volleyball team captain, Sawamura Daichi.

Hahaha, she was told, “what the…”

Though slightly hurt by that, Michimiya without being disheartened asked Sawamura, “Why are you around here? What about today’s practice?”

“Ah, since we ended early today, I went to buy some things like my phone charger. Here.”

After showing the plastic bag from the electronics store, Sawamura continued. “I think it’s because it’s worn out but the one I’m currently using is in really bad shape. I thought that since I can also use it in Tokyo, I should probably prepare a replacement in advance. I just don’t want to panic when it happens.”

“Preparation for Spring High, huh?”

“Yeah. How about you? Where are you going, Michimiya?”

Being asked back, Michimiya hesitated just for a moment.

“Eh? Ah, I just went to hang out with Mao for a little bit. Did you know that we really ate a lot? Recently I’ve been wasting so much that my pocket money is not enough, and I certainly gained weight after retiring!” she said and laughed.

Ah-- what is she saying? She didn’t need to specifically say that she gained weight. Michimiya felt disheartened. However, Sawamura replied.

“Heeeh, Ukai-san also said the same thing before. He gained weight after he retired.”

The matter about girls’ talk of gaining and losing weight was completely ignored.

“Haha, is that so!”

Though laughing with all her might, Michimiya is feeling down.

---- Somehow, she feels like she's the only one pointlessly going around.

Sawamura who is standing before her is completely and truly the same as always. He is a person who just blurts out things like “How about we run for a bit right now?” whenever he likes and who makes a face of a typical men’s volleyball team captain. Michimiya is somehow pressed for words. She doesn't know what she should say. Maybe, “Ukai-san and I are similar then?” She can only say trivial things.

Why is that?

During middle school, she wasn’t this nervous when she was speaking to Sawamura. They even usually talked about things like their club activities, family matters, and tv programs. No, sometime in middle school until recently, she feels like there was no feeling of not knowing what she should talk about. Since when has it been like this?

“Michimiya, that’s where your house is, isn’t it? Because mine is straight ahead.”

“Yes.”

When she lifted her face, Sawamura was pointing across the pedestrian crossing. That’s right. They will separate ways from here on. Sawamura goes straight ahead while Michimiya crosses the pedestrian crossing to the other side.  

“Bye,” Sawamura said, and he quickly walked away.

“Ah, yeah bye.”

The moment she said that and waved her hand, a wave of sadness came over her.

Though it was one of the rare times they got to go home together, somehow the time passed indistinctly. At least, if the stoplight was red then he could have waited until it turned green, but it was already green. Rather, she could have called him out. No, isn’t it nice that until here they were able to walk together and talk a little? Like this, after a few months, it’ll be graduation.

That’s right. When this winter ends it’ll be graduation, and chance meetings like this will be gone. Ah-- but even if it’s like that, saying things like “bye,” he just went straight ahead like that as usual.

-----------------------------

Watching the back of Sawamura as he started to walk away, her chest got tighter. It’s difficult. Painful. The pain pushes tightly starting from her chest coming all the way up to her throat. It’s a reproachful green light and yet why does it flicker as if it drives her forward if she won’t cross the street. Ah, she hates it. She really hates it.

What she hates is that she's the only one who isn’t straightforward. She's weak, huh. She hates being weak. She wants to become stronger.  

Then once again, she slapped her cheeks and tried to motivate herself at that moment.

To find the way out, the pain, which had forcefully and continuously come up from her chest all the way up to her throat, had become words that popped out of her mouth.

“Sawamura!”

_______________________

“Yeah, what’s the matter?”

Sawamura who was called stopped just ahead and turned around.

“Eh? Ah, No…..Uhm, It’s…., E--- The, hahahaha…..”

What does she do? She's troubled. She didn’t have a purpose for stopping him.

Since the earlier “Sawamura!” was similar to a hiccup or a sneeze which selfishly came out of her mouth contrary to what she intended to do, she really didn’t have a purpose for calling him out. But, she can’t say that.

What to do? What to do? She should say something. It’s going to be weird if she doesn’t say something. Uhh….

Though Michimiya was in a hurry, when she found the bright street lamp by the road ahead, once again her hand moved before she could think. She pointed at the street lamp and said. “Ah! Uhh, Salt! Right, salt and soy sauce, then olive oil? Yup, that! Somehow it looks like they only have it at the big supermarket here. What’s that? Pickiness? My mom seems to have something like that? It’s troublesome, isn’t it?”

“Eh? Ah, is that so?”

Without noticing Michimiya’s slightly peculiar energy, Sawamura said, “Ukai-san also said something similar to that. Something about beer, I think?” He looked at the direction of the supermarket once again, “Then, we’re going in the same direction.” He ascertained. Michimiya, without knowing why,  thought “Thank you, Ukai-san!” While thanking him from the bottom of her heart, she nodded.

“Yes!”

“Then, let’s go?”

Behind the two who started walking, the stoplight turned red.

__________________

She lied.

The fact that she easily blurted out a lie, perhaps, she is bad. What does she do?

Mom, I’m so sorry. Until now, I planned to live an honest life but from today, I have become a bad liar.

As she was apologizing to her mother, the pain Michimiya felt until a while ago was gone. Her heart, on the contrary, was refreshed, her footsteps light. Even the awkwardness when speaking to Sawamura disappeared.

“Even so, it’s finally Nationals huh? It’s really amazing. Because when you speak of Spring High, it’s just so amazing that you’ve come to not really know what it is,” Michimiya said.

“That thing is not true right? Gestalt Collapse, huh.”

“No. But Spring High is just so unreachable. Ah, I shouldn’t say that. We aimed for that after all. However, rather than 'We’ll go to Nationals' things like ‘We won against Seijou’ or ‘We won against Shiratoriza’ are more familiar. You can actually feel it ‘like woah, it’s amazing!’”

“Aah, if it’s like that, I think I can understand.”

“For me, I can’t go to Tokyo but I’ll definitely watch on tv and give my support!” Michimiya replied.

“Aah, yes please.”

“But you see, both you and Sugawara are not only doing club activities but also studying at the same time, men’s volleyball really is amazing, huh.” While they were talking about things like that, Michimiya noticed something.

If it’s something about volleyball, they could talk normally. Ah, that’s right. It’s probably after she retired from club activities that she had come to not know what to talk about. Maybe it’s because they’re not both volleyball team captains anymore. Maybe it’s wrong? She wonders what it is. No, well, she guess it’s okay since they can freely talk if it’s about volleyball. However, up to the point that she told a lie, how is it that they can only talk about volleyball?

Sawamura without noticing the complicated feelings of Michimiya who was walking beside him, like the way he is, said and laughed. “No, back in first year I did receive failing marks you see. I’m worried about how next year will be.”

Things like who will be fit to be the next captain? Or how Seijou's 2nd years would be? What kind of people will Dateko’s 1st year players be? Even here, stories of nothing but club activities continue. If Sugawara were here, he'd probably say “You’re slow!” then get angry or laugh, but luckily or unluckily, Sugawara is not here. It’s only the two of them.

Then while both of them continued talking about their club activities, the two, at last, arrived in front of the Supermarket.

“Then, I’ll go shopping now!”

After she pointed at the almost blinding bright inside of the store, Michimiya laughed and then waved her hand as if it was nothing. “Bye!”

Truthfully, they were supposed to separate by the crossing but even if it’s just around 5 minutes, it was nice that they were able to walk together a bit longer. Yes, that’s good. She shouldn’t think things like disappointment or sadness, or “It’s ends here huh.” She told herself. However, not knowing about Michimiya’s resignation, Sawamura instead of waving back said, “I’m hungry. I think I’ll also buy something.”

_________________________

The apple is red and colorful while the carrot is bright orange. The radish somehow reminds her of negative things so she’ll ignore it while the cauliflower is fluffy like a puppy which makes it cute. The tofu is tightly lined up and if she looks at the Japanese pickled vegetables, surprisingly it’s beautiful as it is of various colors. How come? Was the supermarket always this sparkling? Michimiya cheerfully walks around the crowded store while holding an empty basket.

Whenever she goes out to the supermarket for errands she does not really think of anything but today whatever she sees looks delicious and fun. “Meat!” “Steaming Hot Pot!” Even the senseless BGM is fun. The various fruits, ice cream, pasta sauce, toothbrush, flour mix. The candies which change colors, even the combinations of sorts of the small steamed buns by grandma’s house. Anyhow, to the extent that she wants to put anything inside her basket, even herself knows that her spirits are way too high.

Calm down, dear self. It’s impossible. I can’t calm down.

“Ah, this one. Someone frequently bought this for me when I was a child. So it was 20 yen.”

Sawamura said who was beside Michimiya who in turn was holding a yogurt-flavored candy.

“This is the same one as Nishinoya ate just recently.”

“Eh, for real? It probably suits him.”

“Does cheap sweets suit him? Or does it not? No, wait. It does suit him.”

“Right?”

Then, they looked at each other and laughed.

Crap. This is fun. Forever and ever doing it like this.

“This. My mom usually buys this but honestly, it’s bitter.”

“No way! I discovered chocomint soy milk,” Michimiya exclaimed.

“Natto snack? What do you mean?”

I wanted to exchange things like that while walking round and round but I can’t do that. The things I have to buy have been decided beforehand. Truthfully, it’s okay even if I don’t buy anything.

“Uhh, salt, where is it again? This is where flour-related products are. Uhh… ah. There it is.”

As she arrived before the shelves where the condiments are, Sawamura who followed her was shocked.

“Wow. There are a lot. Which one are you buying?”

“Eh? Ah.. uuh”

Then, what should I buy?

More than she thought there were a lot of salt, salt, salt in front of her. Michimiya is at a loss. To begin with, she doesn't know what they were using at home. For now, she will just pick the one slightly expensive and put it in the basket. Well, it doesn’t really matter whatever she gets.

Beside her, Sawamura took the same salt and muttered, “Deep-sea water salt, huh. How is the taste different from the usual salt?”

“It’s a little mild, I think? But I’m not sure. I don’t lick only salt anyways.”

“Mildness, huh? I think I understand the differences in salt. I think if it’s Shimada-san, he probably knows.”

Looking at Sawamura’s face who was looking at the package of salt so earnestly, Michimiya, without thinking, laughed.

“What is it?” Sawamura questioned.

“Eh? No, it’s nothing! I just thought that maybe I should buy another one and try to compare them.” While dodging the question, Michimiya put a bag of ordinary table salt.

“Not a master of sake but a master of salt huh.”

“Yeah.”

Then, at the next shelf, she chose the barrel-prepared natural soy sauce because it also has a slightly higher price. Continuing at the opposite shelf, she chose the organic extra virgin olive oil.

“With these, I’m done! Then, what are you buying Sawamura? Bread? Onigiri?”

“Eh? Aah, do they have yakisoba bread?”

“You like that right?”

“It’s not that I particularly like it...wait? Hmm, do I like it?”

Sawamura is thinking while making a serious face again. It’s interesting.

But, to prevent not being asked “What is it?” again, Michimiya controlled herself from laughing and walked to search for bread. Not really. There’s not one thing that is particularly interesting. We’re just shopping as usual. But, she can’t help break into a smile anyway.

Eventually, she saw that there was no yakisoba bread. Worrying about what to get between hamburger bread and chicken sandwich was also fun. Choosing the money inside her wallet which was just barely enough was also fun. Everything was fun. Everything.

She probably understood the feelings of the people in musicals who suddenly sing and dance, Michimiya thought. If she does not pay attention and consciously make a meek face, she would  to an extent carelessly skip inside the store. She can’t help that it’s just a fun, fun shopping experience.

_________________________

After exiting the supermarket, Sawamura immediately started eating the hamburger bread. Based on the reasoning that the poor can’t afford manners, in front of a young high school man’s hunger, things like manners are too much.

“You’re really hungry huh.”

When Michimiya laughed, Sawamura inserted the straw into the packet of his milk coffee and strangely asked back, “Eh, there’s no need to lie right?”

Ah. My ears hurt.

It was when Michimiya looked down.

“Ah, it’s Karasuno’s volleyball team”

Suddenly, after the name of their school was called, Sawamura and Michimiya at the same time raised their heads. In front of their eyes were three men wearing blazers standing.

With a half-eaten hamburger bread in one hand, Sawamura opened his mouth.

“Ah. It’s Datekou’s Moniwa-kun and...”

That’s right. The ones who called out were Date Tech High School Volleyball team’s 3rd year students, Moniwa, Kamasaki and Sasaya.”

“Eh, people from Dateko?”

“Yeah.”

Though the two students from Karasuno were surprised with this sudden chance meeting, the students of Dateko, on the other hand do not at all express their surprise through words and instead are showing inexpressible discomposure.

If one thinks that the ex-captain Moniwa is retreating while unsteadily staggering, the former middle blocker Kamasaki stands dauntingly, with eyes open wide and barely moving. At their back, former wing spiker Sasaya calmly opened his eyes wide. Though for a short while the three were at a loss for words without even saying any greetings. Eventually they looked at each other’s dumbfounded faces and with trembling mouths, talked.

“Ha…. more than the fact that you're going to the Nationals, a man and woman walking side by side? What is this? What’s with that? Reality?”

“Wait, these two…shopping together?”

“Shopping...no way….perhaps, this is that rumored ‘Nabe-pa’?”

“Wait, Nabe-pa is an urban legend, right?”

“What urban legend? Do you understand what we’re saying?”

“Is it bad if I don’t understand?”

“Well, of course it's not good.”

He doesn’t understand what the conversation is about. He doesn’t understand, but looking at the people he knew suddenly start a useless quarrel in front of them, Sawamura cannot stand quietly.

“No, Uhh, Sasaya-kun? Here is the front of a store, so….” As he was trying to stop the scene, the other three, who were now looking teary-eyed, glared back at him. Without thinking, he winced. At that time, the three people from Dateko gave out something like those times when Sawamura, who unifies the 1st and 2nd year problem children of Karasuno, almost lost his nerves or probably some iron wall higher than the one they face during matches.

Watching the three fighting over nabe on the road, Sawamura said, “I think they’re the type best left as is.”

“I think so, too.” Michimiya firmly nodded.

Together, these two, as captains, have come to unify their team members. On one side they are not at all dull nor late bloomers, but they fundamentally excel in assessing the situation. These two decided that this is where they should draw back from the three.

“Let’s go."

“Yeah.”

Then, the two left the three players of Dateko and started walking away from the Supermarket.

“I wonder what that was?”

“Maa, there’s a lot of things.”

“Right.”

After laughing, they looked at each other.

“Well, since I go this way...”

“Aah”

“Bye”

Michimiya laughed. Today, they said several goodbyes. Yet, there was no sadness like the one she felt until a moment ago. If she said any complaints about having a fun time like this, surely she’ll be punished.

“See you tomorrow.”

“Yeah.”

The two waved their hands and then, they walked onto their respective paths.

_____________________

After fixing her hold on the grocery bag, carrying it with two hands instead of one, she muttered to herself.

“So heavy--”

The bag contains 2 bags of 1kg salt, 1 liter of soy sauce, and 50 ml of olive oil packed in a glass bottle. There’s no way it’s light.

After all, these are not needed. It would have been good if she had chosen lighter ones. Something like pepper or wheat or fried tofu. Either way, how will she explain to her mom the salt, soy sauce and olive oil. She can’t say the truth. With that said, she also has to say another lie.

Be that as it may, she was paying for her sins, and her mind was cloudy. At that time, a voice behind her was heard.

“Michimiya!”

When she looks back, she is surprised. The person who was crossing the pedestrian is Sawamura whom she just parted with just now.

“Eh? Eh?!”

As she stood holding tightly the rustling heavy vinyl bag, Sawamura, who caught up, said,

“I forgot to say something.” His face changed to a serious one after he smiled.

When Michimiya straightened her back without thinking, Sawamura talked.

“Thank you for the protective charm you gave before.”

“Eh. Ah, yeah.”

“I’ll bring it to Spring High as well.”

After saying only that, Sawamura said, “Bye.”

Then again, he turned back and started walking.

“Ah, yeah!”

With his back facing her, replying only was the best she could do.

“.......................”

It’s the usual Karasuno Volleyball Team Jersey. The back of a black jersey which is more familiar than their uniform will immediately tell you it’s Sawamura. No matter how dark it is. No matter how far he is. There’s no mistaking it. Indeed, it’s a back that has the dependability of a captain.

------ Indeed a captain?

Michimiya thinks.

Was I able to show my friends and kouhai a back like that? Without being ashamed, was I able to perform and be devoted?

As soon as she thought of that, Michimiya shouted, “Wait!”

Sawamura stopped his feet and turned back. “What is it?”

Michimiya held out the heavy vinyl bag and said. “This! You see, this, today, the truth is we don’t really need it.”

“Eh? Ah, is that so?”

“Yeah, I’m sorry.”

Michimiya put her head down after saying that. Sawamura answered, as if he was slightly troubled.

“No, there’s no need to apologize, right.”

“No. It’s no good. Because….” Michimiya shakes her head.

Sawamura spoke. “It’s okay. Even if you don’t use it today, someday you’ll use it right?”

“Eh? Ah, yeah. That’s right but…”

That is true but the problem is---- As she was thinking that, Sawamura continued.

“Recently, Ukai-san said --”

“Eh? Ukai-san again?”

“Yeah. Somehow, when he went along to do his family’s shopping, he was asked to line up several times to buy this bread called “Only 1 Loaf of Bread” from one of the famous stores. They have to eat it before it goes bad so everyday, every meal he continues to buy the bread and with that, it was really tiring.”

Bread? What is he talking about? Michimiya was doubtful but Sawamura’s face was serious all throughout so in the meantime she’ll keep listening.

“If you compared that to the bread, the salt and the soy sauce isn’t so bad.”

“Ah, yeah. Maybe it’s because it doesn’t get moldy?”

“Right?”

“Yeaaah?”

So, that’s it. That’s what the story was about, huh. Will it get molds? Will it not get molds? Is it good to talk about mold? Salt certainly does not get molds but…

At that time, her head was full of things about mold.

Sawamura spoke again, “Then, tell me how the Deep-sea water salt tastes like.”

“Eh?”

“Hey, salt master. Earlier, you said that it might taste mild but on the contrary, without putting unnecessary things, there is a possibility that it’ll have a sharp taste, right?”

Being lured by Sawamura’s serious face all throughout, Michimiya forgot about molds and pondered.

“You’re right. Yeah, I’ll try it once I get home.”

“Well then, tomorrow, please let me know.”

After saying that and smiling, Sawamura said, “bye,” and once again turned on his heel.

“Yeah! Tomorrow!” She cheerfully called out and waved her hand.

She saw his back walk across the street and watched it grow smaller and smaller as he moved farther away. It was when he finally turned at the corner and disappeared from her sight that Michimiya released her breath.

“Tomorrow, huh.”

As she said that, she held her cheeks with her two hands.

Hot, I’m sure my face has become bright red. Good thing it is dark, she thought. Since I’m absolutely making a weird face.

As she breathed in the perfectly clear winter air with all her might, Michimiya looked up at the night sky.

“So Tomorrow!”

She breathes out all her feelings together with a frosty breath. Then she faced front and started walking. Holding the heavy and precious package, she embraced in heart her small, small promise with Sawamura.

Salt, it’s okay to just taste it as is but maybe she should try making an onigiri and compare? There's also the option of dipping boiled egg to it and eating it.

As she is thinking about things like that, she starts to run before she knows it.

Just by running, it feels like tomorrow will come faster.

-------END------

Some Translation Notes:

Gestalt Collapse: ゲシュタルト崩壊 (Gestalt Collapse) is a term in Japanese which describes the phenomenon of a complex character breaking down into its component parts in one's mind and losing its meaning if one stares at it for a short while. Source: http://www.antimoon.com/forum/t8706.htm (Will try to find a more reliable source)

"Not a master of sake but a master of salt huh.” The original line is 効き酒ならぬ、効き塩 (Kikisake naranu kikishio) An alternative translation is "It's tasting salt instead of tasting sake"

Nabe - Hot Pot

Kouhai - Lower classmen

Nabe-pa - Short-term for Nabe Party

Natto - Fermented Soybeans

Tsukemono - Japanese Pickled Vegetables

一斤限り Ikkinkagiri Is the Japanese name of the bread the Ukai-san bought. There's no official translation for the name yet so I did my best to translate in English. 一斤 ikkin means loaf of bread while 限り means limit/only/degree.

衣食足りて礼節を知る[ishoku tarite reisetsu wo shiru]：the poor can't afford manners can also be translated as only when basic needs for living are met can people spare the effort to be polite

[vantaenims]

moonlight i. | jimin

pairing: contemporary dancer!jimin x reader

genre: college au | fluff, angst, mystery

word count: 1.3k

warning/s: future depictions of violence.

summary: As if it’s calling you, you followed the sounds of the luring piano inside the auditorium but what’s more alluring is the boy dancing gracefully on the stage, enthralling everyone who dares to watch but you never knew that such ethereal beauty lies within a sense of mystery.

masterlist

all rights reserved © vantaenims - do not repost, translate, or claim as your own.

next>

--

 It’s now or never.

 His mind is wiped from any rationality but was instead flooded with impulsiveness, never once cared or thought about the consequences it might lead to, just the pure thought of ending it was what’s more important.

 Helpless is what he is as he watched the mess unfold in front of him, tears streaming down on his face. He woke up from reality upon seeing his friend kneeling down on the floor as he muttered countless apologies like it would make any difference at all.

 What can he do when what’s done is already done or perhaps what’s gone is already gone?

 Jimin was devoured by his inner demons.

 --

The first week of the second half of the first semester is nothing but a bore considering that the preliminary examinations just ended a week ago. Usually, professors would just give out the exam results to review for corrections and dismiss the class early but disappointingly your World Literature professor is not one of those indolent professors.

 With the light setting dimmed inside the classroom, you try to keep yourself awake as you listen to the analysis discussion of Albert Camus’ Sisyphus.

 You write your name repeatedly on your notebook until you noticed the red string bracelet you’ve been wearing since last night when you found it on the computer desk’s bookshelf while you we’re studying.

 You wore it after asking Jungkook – your roommate – if he owns it, he told you that he doesn’t own such an accessory thus the reason you kept it as yours. Grazing your fingers over the braided knots in the middle, you find it elegant even though it’s just a simple red thread.

 “Since we’ll be covering a lot of topics, I’ve decided that it’d be best to assign every one of you a narrative” your professor said as he took out a mini fishbowl filled with rolled papers.

 “Take one and pass it around” he gave the bowl to the student in the first row. You got one for yourself and pass the bowl, unrolling it you read the scribbled words – Clair de Lune by Paul Verlaine.

 “Okay, now that you’ve all picked a narrative” you glanced up to look at your professor, “I want you to make a report about it, I’ll be posting on the portal what should be the contents and when you’ll be assigned to do the presentation”

 Alright, you take back what you said that your world literature professor is not one of those indolent professors. As expected, she assigned you to do the reporting so she could sit back and just listen; pass your job to the students.

 The class was dismissed, meaning your class is done for the day. You stood in the hallway as you wait for Areum & Daeun to go out of the room. You met them at the start of the school year and they’re literature majors as well who you’ve gotten the chance to be much closer to them attending a university wide welcome party for freshmans.

 “What did you get?” Areum asked you.

 “Claire de Lune by Paul Verlaine and you?”

 “It’s something about rose…” she retrieved the piece of paper from her jacket, “Ah it’s A Rose for Emily by William Faulkner.”

 “Where do you guys want to eat?” Eunha said as she got out of the classroom. You go down the stairs as you were all suggesting where until you decided to eat at a Café, saying that you should treat yourself after a week of examinations.

 But then your phone buzzed, it’s a message from Daeun. She’s a junior student and the Vice President for Internal Affairs of the Literature Department’s organization.

 [Mon, Oct 11, 6:07 PM]

 Daeun: Y/N Can I call you? It’s important

 Before you were even given the chance to reply to her text, your phone went off as you swiped it to answer.

 “Hi Y/N! I’m sorry it’s such a late notice but could you do me a favor?”

 “Yeah, sure, about what?” you said as you momentarily slowed down your pace.

 “Could you please ask them to sign our request letter for equipment to the Facilities Management Office?”

 “I thought you passed it yesterday?” you questioned, you remembered when she dismissed you the moment you asked her if she needs any help in preparing for the General Assembly of your department, you are her Junior Executive after all but instead she told you that she’ll let you know right away if ever she needs one.

 “I’m sorry, I forgot to ask them to sign our receiving copy because I left it in the organization room” she apologetically said.

 “Sure, I’ll drop by the office. It’s in the Fine Arts Building right?”

 “Yeah, it’s right beside the auditorium” she informed you, “Again, I’m really sorry for bothering you. Thank you so much Y/N!”

 You laughed as you quickly dismissed her, saying that it’s your duty to assist and help her anyway. Daeun was really nothing but sweet to you, glad that she’s far from those snobby and bossy student councils you expected.

 You ran up to Areum and Eunha after you ended the call, stopping them to say that you’ll need to pass a requirement in the office, “We can go with you if you want” Eunha said.

 “No, it’s okay I’ll catch after you if I can. I’ll text you?” you bid them goodbye as they told you to meet them at the café if you’ll be able to finish earlier.

 As soon as you enter the organization room, you saw the other junior executives preparing the props needed for the program that’ll be set few weeks from now. Daeun proposed this program because she sees this as a perfect opportunity for all the literature students to bond and at the same time to appreciate their major by performing skits.

 You excused yourself as you get the paper in the table, quickly greeting them encouraging words before you went out to go to the Fine Arts Building which is approximately 10 minutes away from your building.

 Upon entering the building, you were elated to see that they have elevator services not unlike in your building but as you were about to go inside, you were barred from entering by the lady operating it, saying how the school staff are the only ones allowed to use it. Great. You grunted as soon as the doors closed and proceeded to use the stairs instead.

 You were gasping for air by the time you got at the sixth floor, as if walking here in this building isn’t tiring enough. You pushed the door of the office but it did not budge, looking up to see that the lights are off. It’s already closed as it says on the door that it’s office hours is from 9 A.M. to 6 P.M.

 “Really?” you whispered in annoyance, looking at your watch to see that it has only been twenty minutes since closing time.

 Instead, you placed both of your hands on the railings of the wide vast balcony hallway of the building that overlooks the field as you observe the sunset view for a while to rest before you go down the stairs. It irks you a bit how you went all the way here for nothing but the scenic view could suffice, you get your phone to update Daeun.

 [Mon, Oct 10, 6:20 PM]

 You: The office is closed.

You: It’s only open up to 6 PM

 Daeun: Omg I’m so sorry Y/N I thought it was open ‘til 7. You can leave it in the organization room, I’ll pass it tomorrow.

 You: I’ll come back here tomorrow

You: My class ends at 5:45 every Tuesday so don’t sweat it!

 Placing the phone back on your pocket, you walk towards the hallway but immediately stopped when you suddenly heard a music playing coming from the auditorium just when you were about to leave. A sound of piano to be specific.

 You thought that maybe it’s one of the staff from the facilities office, possibly checking the sound system. You let out a relieved sigh, maybe you’ll be able to sign the papers tonight but you didn’t expect to see such view when you opened the doors of the auditorium.

 --

next> 

A/N: This is too short for a chapter but anyways it’s more of an introduction to the whole series. This is my first fic series so please bear with me 🥺 If you want to be tagged, don’t hesitate to reply or drop by my asks. Hope you’ll like this!

[shae-ster93]

Lazy Sunday

One Shot

T’Challa x BlackReader

Just some fluffy shit :)

In honor of @brianabreeze 4K Celebration Fest

Prompt: “Dance with me.”

You and T’Challa have a rare, Royal Duty-free day

Warnings: None

******

- 9:00 am

Wakandan sunlight entered your bedroom, giving everything in the royal chambers a warm, golden-brown glow. You felt the sun’s warmth on your shoulder and blinked your eyes open. You smiled. Turning over, you found your husband still asleep. You traced a fingernail up his spine and down his arm. You snuggled closer and placed gentle kisses on his bicep and shoulder.

“Good morning, love.” you cooed. T’Challa stirred and turned over to face you. He smiled and placed a kiss on your forehead. He opened his arms, allowing you to lay your head on his chest. He rubbed his hand along your shoulder giving it gentle squeezes.

“Same to you, Mrs. Udaku.” You both chuckled at the formal title.

“What should we do today?” you asked intertwining your fingers with his. “There’s nothing on the schedule for us to do. No royal duties. We have a free day.”

“So lets do ‘nothing’’.” He replied with a shrug. You picked your head up to look him in the eye not sure if he was kidding. “What? Days like today are rare, love. Let’s take advantage and spend it enjoying each others company. I’ll have our meals sent up. We don't have to leave the room. Lets be lazy.”

You smiled and placed a kiss on his chest. “I’d like that.”

******

- 10:00 am

The both of you sat on the adjoining balcony overlooking the beautiful Wakandan view. T’Challa had ordered breakfast to be sent to the room and you both enjoyed the meal prepared by the royal chefs. You sipped your orange juice and popped a grape in your mouth. 

“Challa?”

He swallowed his bite of toast and looked up at you. “Yes?”

“How are you baby?” you asked. He smiled. “I’m fine. Although, I do wish my eggs were cooked a little longer.”

You laughed. “No baby. I meant how are you? You often have a lot on your plate... figuratively speaking. Being a King, a superhero, a brother, son....an eventual father?” T’Challa raised an eyebrow in your direction. You shook your head ‘ no’. You continued “How are you handling it? Does it get to be too much?”

T’Challa took a deep breath and reached for your hand. He stroked his thumb across the back of it. “sometimes, yes. I do get overwhelmed at all of my responsibilities but it was to be expected. I knew being a King was a lot of work. Look at my father, he went gray at 36!”

You snorted and ate another grape. T’Challa continued, “but that is what the council is for, to ease a little of the workload. I have a strong support system behind me. And a strong woman at my side.” He gave your hand a gentle squeeze. “I’m okay.”

You smiled. “If you say so, but you know all you have to do is say the word and I’ll pack our shit and we’ll get the hell outta dodge.”

T’Challa chuckled. “I’ll be sure to let you know.”

******

- 11:10 am

“Oh yes baby, right there.” you moaned as T’Challa scratched shampoo into your scalp causing your eyes to slightly roll back into your head. T’Challa smiled and kissed your full lips swallowing another moan. 

“Okay, okay. Time to rinse.” The King gently pushed you under the running shower water. You threw your head back allowing the hot water to run over your head. T’Challa took advantage of your exposed neck and began to suck on your sweet spot. 

“Baby,” you whined. “I still have to put the conditioner in.”

“Go ahead, I’m not stopping you.” He replied in between sucks and kisses to your throat. You poured a dollop of conditioner into your palm and lathered it into your hair. You wrapped a cap around your hair to let the product set in.

“Okay, now I’ll just leave this in for about fifteen minutes.”

“Fifteen minutes?” Challa asked.

“Yeah, why?” you questioned. He effortlessly picked you up and wrapped your legs around his waist. He pinned you to the shower wall and attacked your neck with more kisses. 

“It’s not a lot of time but I’ll make it work.”

You bit your bottom lip and let the water run over both of your bodies while T’Challa continued exploring your slick body with his mouth and hands.

******

-12:15 pm

“Cinderella was my favorite Disney princess. You know Prince Charming, Fairy Godmother and all that jazz.”

T’Challa hummed in response, concentration plastered on his face as he sat at your feet painting on a second coat of white nail polish to your toes. You rubbed some oil into his scalp and finished your thought. 

“But ever since ‘The Princess and the Frog’ Tiana’s been my fave. She’s smart, headstrong, she didn't need a man to save her, plus, she was from NOLA, AND she could throw down in the kitchen?!? I stan. Tiana’s bomb.” You sighed in awe.

“Tiana. I like that name.” T’Challa spoke softly as he blew on your toes while lightly tracing the trail of tattooed stars on your foot with his finger. You finished oiling his scalp and lifted his chin with your finger.

“One day baby.” You blew him a kiss. The topic of children had often come up but you both decided to take your time and enjoy being married. Although, after 14 months, Shuri was itching for a niece or nephew to spoil. T’Challa went back to your toes, now painting on the top coat.

“What I don't understand,” he began “is why she spent most of the movie as an animal. What gives?”

“I know right?!” You hallway shouted. “Some bullshit if you ask me.”

******

- 1:00 pm

Once again, the King of Wakanda had ordered for your meals to be sent to the bedroom. The lunch was mostly eaten in silence with a few stolen glances here and there. Along with a few blown kisses and a couple of winks.

You watched your husband enjoy his meal and asked yourself how you got to be so lucky. God knew what he was doing when He sent T’Challa to you. And for that, you were forever thankful. 

You reached across the table and took his hand in yours. He smiled warmly at you and you returned it. “I love you.”

He gripped your hand tighter. “I love you more.”

******

- 2:00 pm

“Esh, how long is this stuff supposed to stay on?” T’Challa whined resisting the urge to scratch his face. You had the bright idea to do couples facials and you were enjoying it significantly more than your husband.

You looked over at your man and fought the urge to chuckle at his charcoal covered face. “Ah ah, leave it!” you scolded. “It stays on until its tacky and rubbery. Just a few more minutes babe.”

“I don't see why I had to wear this mask..” Challa complained. “My pores are fine. In pristine condition.” He continued making the ‘OK’ sign with his fingers.

You rolled your eyes. “Sure.” *DING!*

“Okay baby, ready to peel it off?” you asked. The next ten minutes were spent painstakingly peeling off the concoction from your faces. you winced with every pull of the dried mask. “why? Why did I think this was a good idea?”

“Agreed. Am I still going to have face skin when this is all said and done?” T’Challa asked tugging at his own mask.

You sucked your teeth and gave him the side eye. “Face skin?”

“Ey, this was your bright id- ohh hold on.” You glanced at your husband to see he had freed himself of the mask and was now rubbing his face. “My face is a lot softer,” he examined the sheath of charcoal in his hands. “and it did remove some gunk out of my pores.”

You looked at yourself in the mirror, your face still halfway covered in the mask. You rubbed your cheek and gasped. “You’re right! She is smooth under here hunty.” You did some mock poses in front of the glass.

“Now I just have to get the res-”

*RRRIIIIIPPPP!!*

You shrieked. “BABY!!”

“What? It had to be done quickly, like a bandage.” The King said shrugging.

“Is my cheek still there?!?”

******

- 4:25 pm

You snuggled under T’Challa and shoved another handful of popcorn into your mouth. You had convinced him to watch ‘The Princess and the Frog; because after all, he owed you. He did almost snatch your face off. 

“Be careful love, you’ll get popcorn in the bed.”

“I’m always careful. Now shush, movie’s on.”

He chuckled and pulled you closer to his chest. You were so enthralled with the television that you didn't notice him sneaking glances at you as you watched the movie. Watching you enjoy yourself was one of his greatest pleasures. He’d watch whatever you wanted if it made you happy. Even if the movie was created for children. 

T’Challa stroked his chin “I like that Charlotte isn't in-your-face about her riches...well, not as in your face as she could be. She’s not the bratty rich kid you typically see in these types of programs.”

You nodded in agreement. “Exactly, even though she and Tiana come from different sides of the track, she doesn't make a big show of it. You can tell she really cares for her best friend. She’s a rare one.”

You looked up at your King. “Just like someone else I know.”

He blew you a kiss and you gave a wink back before turning your attention back to the movie.

******

- 6:30 pm

“Babe, you’re getting paint on the floor.” You looked at the mess your husband was making. Brushes and paint droplets were scattered on the bedroom floor.

The King waved you off, “It’s fine. It can be cleaned.”

The sun had begun to set on your beautiful country and you husband thought it would be fun to paint the sunset. He’d ordered canvases, brushes, and a variety of other art supplies to be sent to the room. 

“Meh, I guess.” you replied with a shrug. “Are you almost done?” you asked.

“Aaannnd there. Now I am.” he said matter of factly. “On three?”

You nodded. “One...two....THREE!” You both turned your respective canvases and studied each other’s work. T’Challa’s take on the sunset was a nice oil painting while you opted for a more watercolored effect. 

You nodded slowly. “Not bad chief, not bad at all.”

T’Challa slung an arm around your shoulder. “Not bad for you either.” You both smiled at each other. “Shall we hang them?”

You smile grew bigger. “Absolutely.”

******

- 8:30 pm

For the last time that day, you and T’Challa sat on your spacious balcony and had a meal. This time enjoying the delicious lemon butter chicken, steamed vegetables, and roasted potatoes the chef’s had prepared for dinner.

You looked up at your husband to see him already staring at you. “What’s wrong baby?” you asked.

He cleared his throat. “I was wondering, would you be opposed to doing this, say, once a month?”

“doing what?”

“This. Today.” He took a napkin and wiped the corners of his mouth before finishing. “I really enjoyed spending the day with you today. Just me and you. no council, no meetings. It was just what I needed. Maybe you too?”

You nodded. “I agree. It was nice having the day to ourselves.”

“So what do you say? We clear our schedules for one day a month?”

You raised your glass of champagne. “To lazy Sundays.”

T’Challa raised his glass and clinked it to yours. “To lazy Sundays.”

******

-10:20 pm

You sat on top of your shared bed perched against your pillows dressed in a tank top and shorts with your hair in a messy bun atop your head. Your reading glasses sat on the tip of your nose as you scrolled through The ShadeRoom’s Instagram. You giggled at the posts on their funniest tweets of the week’ segment completely oblivious to what your husband was doing a few feet away.

It wasn't until you heard the familiar opening chimes of Jodeci’s ‘Forever My Lady’ that you looked up from your phone. You saw T’Challa standing by the record player with his eyes focused on you and he wore that crooked smile that you loved so much.

“Oh no.” you playfully groaned covering your face with your hands hiding your blush.

“Stop it, stop it.” T’Challa walked over to you with his arms extended. “Come here. Dance with me.”

So you’re having my baby

And it means so much to me

There’s nothing more precious

Than to raise a family

You stood up and allowed yourself to be embraced by your loving husband. Letting him gently sway you back and forth.

“If there’s any doubt in your mind, you can count on me.” T’Challa sang along to the music still rocking you back and forth.

“Ah, look at you. Brushing up on your 90′s R&B I see.”

“A little bit,” T’Challa said with a laugh “It’s very comforting and extremely sexy. I can see how many children were conceived to this music. Especially that R. Kelly.”

You laughed loudly “Yeah, R. Kelly will set the mood alright.’

Forever my lady

It’s like a dream

I'm holding you close

You’re keeping me warm

If this is ecstasy

“Do you know how I danced with my father as a little girl?”

“Hmm, show me.”

You kicked you pink slippers off your feet and gently stood on the tops of T’Challa’s feet.

“Ah, I see.” T’Challa balanced you on top of his feet and continued swaying you about the room. you head laid on his chest and you listened to his heartbeat as it matched the rhythm of the music.

The two of you stayed like this, even as the next few songs began to play:

‘All I Do Is Think of You’

‘Beauty’

‘This Woman’s Work‘

The two of you were serenaded by the sensual sounds of R&B and truthfully, you could’ve stayed like that forever.

******

- 11:05 pm

Back in bed, you and T’Challa were resting against the pillows, your head on his chest as he silently read Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Between the World and Me.

You traced a finger around his nipple absentmindedly and ran your fingernails along his chest.

“Baby?”

“Hmm?”

“Will you read to me?” you asked before yawning. 

T’Challa looked down at you. “Are you sure? It’s not really a bedtime story, love.”

“I know. But I like the sound of your voice. Plus, it’ll help me fall asleep.”

“Oh, so my talking puts you to sleep eh?”

You playfully smacked his chest. “Just read.”

-”but this banality of violence can never excuse America, because America makes no claim to the banal. America believes itself exceptional...”

You felt your eyelids getting heavier the longer he spoke. You yawned again and continued to listen, eventually letting sleep take you.

T’Challa noticed your light snores and kissed your forehead. “Goodnight, sithandwa sam.”

******

Tags: @brianabreeze @kumkaniudaku @sarahboseman @dramaqueenamby @royallyprincesslilly @afro-royalty @avengersandlovers @sisterwifeudaku @elixirtchalla @eerythingisshaka @ororowrites @dreamingoftchalla @bosemanforever @captiansaveasmut

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Its 7:00 pm hot/humid

Welcome to “8 Questions with…….”

I was recently sent a new film called “To The New Girl” of which I loved and I think its one of the best films of the year.  After watching it for the fourth time,I knew I wanted to interview EVERYONE involved in the film but also knew that wouldn’t be practical. So I went with the top two of my wish list and was lucky enough to land this interview with the playwright who wrote the play and later on the film,Sam Macher.  Yes,I know my title says “Samantha” but the lady likes to go by Sam. Sam is one of the most multitasking artists I have met yet….writer,playwright,teacher and producer. She does this while also working in the professional world (as long as there isn’t a pandemic going on). I really wanted to know how her play has become such a powerful film and so I went slightly wild with my questions. Sam is the type of artist that you find yourself saying “8 Questions?? To hell with that….I got waaaaay more then 8 Questions to ask”. I hope you all enjoy this interview and getting to know the voice behind one of the best films of the year in “To The New Girl” as I ask playwright Sam Macher her 8 Questions…..

Please introduce yourself and tell us about your current project

I’m Sam Macher, the writer/producer of “To the New Girl”, an independent feature film from New Girl Pictures and Dragon Hunter Productions. I’m a playwright by training, producer by necessity, and storyteller by birth.

 How have you been doing during this pandemic? Have you found it challenging to remain creative or has it been easy?

The pandemic has presented as many challenges as it has opportunities in a lot of ways. On the one hand, I was laid off from my stable day job, but on the other, I had more time and energy to dedicate to helping get this film project (and others) off the ground. All in all, I feel lucky to be safe and healthy, and though this hasn’t been the most creative time for me, I’m still able to work on projects I love with people I love.

 What was it like growing up in your house as a child? Were your parents artistic and how did they encourage you to be creative?

I would say both of my parents are incredibly creative and imaginative in their own ways, so the nice thing about being their child is that there were no limits to what they thought I could do. My dad is a first generation American and built his own transportation/logistics business in our garage (it’s now been around for 30 years this fall!). My mom has worked her way from office manager to VP at a national non-profit and now works at a architecture firm, in part because she has an incredible passion for design. I think they both come from a “follow your passion- you’ll either figure it out or you’ll change direction” mindset.    A lot of folks I’ve met during my career had well-meaning relatives that told them to pursue more traditionally lucrative fields of study and warned them away from unstable careers in the arts, but thankfully I never worried too much about that. For me, as the first one in my immediate family to go to college, their perspective was that so long as I got my education, everything else would work out. They turned out to be right. I learned the skills I needed to run my creative career like a business by producing my own work and this eventually translated into working at small non-profits then small businesses, and eventually even Fortune 500 companies. Once they got past my weird job history and somewhat irrelevant degrees, hiring managers saw my creativity as an asset and not a liability. I will say though that I got (and still get) a lot of benefit of the doubt along the way. Attending the right schools and having the right connections has undoubtedly helped me succeed. I don’t say this to undermine my talent or work ethic, but to highlight that lots of talented folks work hard and unfairly don’t even get in the door in creative or corporate spaces.

 When did you start writing and what type of writing did you do? How important was reading to you growing up and who were your favorite writers growing up?

  I started writing at a pretty young age. I think the first story I wrote was when I was six or seven. Thankfully, my mom kept all of my “early work”, and it’s funny to me that even then, it was surprisingly dialogue heavy. I also used to write TV shows for my friends and I to perform on the playground and spent countless hours making movies on the family camera.   I read a lot as a kid and some of my favorite books were the Anne of Green Gables series. I think I read them/watched the Canadian miniseries dozens of times. I also loved RL Stine and all the Goosebumps and Fear Street books. I adored Steven King. I still can’t get enough ghost stories. One of these days I’ll finally get around to writing something spooky!

You attended and graduated from the University of Virginia,what was your college experience like? How much  did your creative writing blossom while you were in school?

   College was… weird. I wasn’t a great student, but I loved my spiritual writing and playwriting classes and probably took 6 of them during those 4 years. Even though my academics were a little subpar, I learned a ton. I learned how to write in a workshop, give and accept feedback, and self-produce my plays, which was completely invaluable. The training I got in the UVA playwriting program (headed by Doug Grissom) was a huge part of how ready I was for my MFA at Hollins (led by Todd Ristau). While I was at Hollins, I already had the toolkit to be a good collaborator, but they helped mold me into a good writer. So many of the opportunities I’ve had over the years have come from the reputation I established at Hollins and the classmates and instructors that believed in me enough to produce my work.    To this day, I still have a strong relationship with both programs. UVA brings me back as a guest artist about once a year, and I’ve even gotten to be a guest lecturer as well. The Hollins New Works Initiative still functions as a production office for my films, allowing me to fundraise through their 501c3 infrastructure. Not all schools take this kind of risk on their alums. I’m grateful that my schools do.

 What drew you to live theater and how did you get your start as a playwright?  How is writing a play different from screenwriting?

Ah! I have always desperately wanted to be an actor, but alas, this is not a gift I possess. I don’t know what to do with my hands when I’m on stage. I can’t remember lines to save my life. My reactions as a person are wildly exaggerated, and so on stage they somehow look even more ridiculous! But, I figured if I couldn’t be on stage, I could certainly still be near it.   I’ll tell you a quick story: My senior year of high school, we were supposed to have a spring musical. Then, our drama teacher left to go work at another school, then the person who took over the program resigned mid-year and the musical was cancelled. I was furious. Though I am a fairly crappy actor, I’m a pretty good singer (and am really enthusiastic) and thought for SURE this was going to be the year I was going to be in the play! So I did what I thought anyone would do, and wrote the spring musical with a role for me in it! It was funny because I wound up being so busy with rewrites and eventually producing, that I had to recast myself in the show, direct it, and then wound up producing the other student-written one-acts that we needed to couple with my play to make it a full evening of theater. The whole point was to be IN the play! But once I saw how awesome my classmates were, I really couldn’t envision it any other way. From there on out, I stuck to what I did best. Lurked backstage like the Phantom of the Opera, and lived vicariously through the folks in the spotlight.    The second part of question is a little harder for me to answer. Aside from this project, most of my film work is documentary and movement pieces, so I don’t really write for the screen in a traditional way. Generally though, when I have written more straightforward screenplays, it’s a lot more “Show” and a lot less “Tell”. You think a lot more about what can be communicated with the character’s actions, their facial expressions, their moods, rather than what they’re saying. The classic axiom is “When you write a play, the audience should be able to know what’s going on just by listening to it. When you write a film, the audience should be able to know what’s going on even just by looking at it.” I try to just do that.

How did you get the inspiration for “To The New Girl”? How hard was it to take your words from paper to a live stage?

I went through a divorce in my early 20’s after a brief marriage, so the play itself is very loosely inspired by that emotional journey (not the factual one), but also by the women in my life who’d been through divorces as well. The stories I heard were both sad, and heartening. In their own way, they were telling young me that things would be hard, but you’ll get through it. I think I was trying to find a way to capture the essence of their advice to me to share with others, and wound up twisting it on it’s head a bit to tell the story we have now. 

Have you ever done spoken word yourself and what drew you to basing your play on this format? 

  I have incredible respect for those who tell their stories this way, and also it seems, they have made an obvious (if not intentional) impact on the way I tell mine, but I’ve never performed spoken word poetry.   I think the reason this way of storytelling appealed to me when I first started writing TTNG is that when you don’t have other characters to play off of, or a clear setting, it’s the voice of the character itself that tells you a lot about who they are. Is this character a fast talker? Does this person take long, deliberate pauses? Does this person invite you in, ask you to sit, and then tell you their life story? What do the answers to these questions tell you about how they live their lives outside of this play? When you bake in the pauses and emphasis, I think an actor gets a lot to chew on (or ignore, which is also fine). I think the acknowledgement that how and when we speak is almost as important as what we say, is something that spoken word poets and I have in common.  How did you find your “voices” for “Girl”? How many original actresses made the transition to the film? 

   The original production at SkyPilot Theater Company in Los Angeles was developed in close collaboration with their actors and the original director Jeanette Farr-Harkins. I went to auditions, heard the women in the company read their monologues, and as I heard them speak, I started to see my characters realized. A lot of those speech patterns you see in the play evolved from imagining specific actresses in these roles. How they talk and how they move in a helped ground these characters while I was writing.   Only one actress came from the original SkyPilot cast to the film- Samantha Carro. She played Elyssa in the original production. But Kelly Goodman is an actor from the original company, so when we were casting the role of Miriam, she came to mind really quickly.  What were you feeling during Opening Night? What emotions were you feeling listening to your words?

I wrote this play so long ago (I think I was 24, so about 10 years ago at this point), so whenever I see this show, it’s a little like hearing people read your diary from that age. It’s surreal, but also incredibly cool. It’s nerve-wracking, but I also have enough distance from it to be able to evaluate the work for what it is today. I also feel incredibly proud that this play has had a decade of performances, and humbled/lucky that my collaborators have chosen to take it to this distance.

      How did the idea of making “To The New Girl” from the stage to screen make you feel?

As an artist, in general, I’m very “let’s throw stuff at a wall and see what sticks” so I was on board from the get go. I also trust Laura Hunter Drago, our producer, with my very life so I knew for sure she was the person to trust with this project.    I want to note that I was a little skeptical about there being widespread excitement for this project (sometimes I get in my own head about “why would anyone want to see my plays?”), but once the Kickstarter campaign was funded, I knew we’d have the support we needed to get it done. Laura never doubted it though. It’s amazing to have a producer with so much confidence in herself and confidence about the work. Did I mention I love her?

Did you have to make any adjustments in your play to fit the film?

Thankfully, not really. Since it’s such a simple script and setting (and it was workshopped pretty thoroughly), there weren’t a ton of edits needed to the final version of the screenplay.  You are also a  working professional,how do you balance your work life with your creative one?

I don’t 😊 It’s always kind of feast or famine either way. There are some times when I have the chance to throw myself into my writing and really go for it, and other times I have to hunker down and work so I can eventually support the writing. I think other writers definitely have more discipline in this way. I admire them greatly. 

Where do you find the time to write and what is your process like?

   At the moment, even in the pandemic with the layoff, I’m not writing a ton, but I am reviewing and revising work that I did in the past and making updates. I’m also seeing which projects I should be pushing for the next phase of production and which ones need to go to the back burner for a little longer. What I’ve found over the course of my career is that things that I worked on in the past have a way of becoming relevant again with time. TTNG is a lot like that- though I wrote it over ten years ago at this point, it has a new life and audience with the film. All that’s old is new again!    When I am in writer mode though, it’s a little like a faucet. I’ll sit down over the course of a few days, get the whole ugly story, warts & all, out of my brain in a few sittings. This, of course, comes after months of thinking about the characters, hearing how they talk in my mind, and wondering what is it about this time in these characters lives that makes this part of their story interesting? Why am I dropping in on them now? Why would the audience want to see this?    For example: With TTNG, I think we’re dealing with an emotionally charged moment for these women. They have something to say, they’re going to say it, and we (as a stand in for the woman they can’t say anything to) are going to hear it. We become a part of their journey- that’s why we’re here. After the inital brain dump,I honestly spend the next few months workshopping,rewriting,etc until I have something I can share with theater companies/filmmakers that I’ve worked that might be excited about it. Sometimes my collaborators love it! Sometimes they really don’t,or it’s not a fit for their audience. From there,I make a decision about next steps.Do I keep tweaking it or do I put it on the shelf for another time?

   What do you enjoy about teaching theater? Do you feel live theater still has a viable voice in the face of all the streaming channels we have now? 

There’s nothing I don’t enjoy about teaching theater, especially with younger students. It’s always a joy to share what you love with people, and watch them do it on their own in their own way. |  One of my favorite classes I ever taught was with a group called Determined to Succeed in Los Angeles. They paired me and my friends Nikki Adkins (an amazing children’s playwright), Elizabeth Dragga (founder of the non profit Book Truck), Jac Sanchez (a wonderful children’s librarian) and Jaime Robledo (an accomplished LA Theater Director and Writer) with local middle school students, and together we helped them write, produce, direct and star in their own plays. The kids were already so awesome, but it was fun to see them blossom over the summers into actors, writers, and directors. I hope that even if it didn’t instill a lifelong love of theater, that it taught them to be confident in their writing, proud of their stories, confident public speakers, and most importantly generous collaborators. Theater teaches all of that.

How can live theater connect with new generations?

In the example with the middle schoolers, I think we saw a lot of intergenerational give & take. We taught them how to tell their stories in a new way and helped them start to understand why the stories we tell are important. On our end, we learned a lot about what’s important to middle school students- what makes them laugh, what makes them sad, what makes them hopeful, and were able to drop any preconceived notions we had about “kids that age”. They consistently demonstrated heart and maturity beyond what I would have thought possible from 12 year olds (shows what I know), and gave us an opportunity to think about all we had in common, even being more than decade older.   (On a personal note, I also learned what YOLO means, which was great. I have used this term now unironically for long past it’s cultural expiration date to the eyerolling of everyone I know under the age of 25.)    Live theater, particularly new plays, provides a platform for those who don’t always have the most power in the room (like kids) to tell the people who do (like grownups) about their lives. It elevates and validates the stories being told. A production that does this successfully says to its creators and collaborators “This show/film was absolutely worth the time we invested, the money we invested into making it happen, and we also believe it’s worth the time and money our audience is investing as well.” It says to the audience “We trust you enough to know what to do once you’ve heard these truths” (This holds up for comedies as well as dramas, I think).    This is why live theater is so important. Not to say that every show you’re going to see will be transcendent (I know I’ve written some real stinkers) but again, at its best, you’re in the moment with those characters and their lives and their joys and sorrows. They become a thread in the tapestry of your understanding and empathy toward other people. You can’t replace that in-person connection. This is why it’s invaluable not only to have live theater but to have live theater that represents and values diverse voices and stories, and now more than ever elevates those who are underrepresented in the canon. 

What do you like doing when you’re not at work or writing? Do you have hobbies,causes,activities you like to do?

In the pandemic I’ve become a pretty enthusiastic gardener! I’m also enjoying cooking with the plants that come out of said garden. I also work as a volunteer activities coordinator (at least I did in the before times) for a local organization called ECHO that provides day support for medically disabled community members. Otherwise, I like hanging out with my husband, Bryce, and my dogs, Bridget & Neptune.  What will be your next project?

I’m currently in post-production on a documentary film chronicling the stories of Black equestrians in the county where I grew up with my friend and producer Nola Gruneisen. It’s called “You Should Be In Here, Too” and we’re scheduled to complete it hopefully next year!  The cheetah and I are flying over to watch you launch your latest play but we are a day early and now you are stuck playing tour guide,what are we doing?

Wow! I’ll have to find some Cheetah Friendly places 😊

   My perfect day in the hometown area: Start by seeing a matinee at the Angelika Mosaic Movie Theater in Merrifield, VA. They have the best popcorn in town and a fabulous film festival- The Northern Virginia International Film & Music Festival.  

Then we’d want to talk about what we just saw, so I’d suggest the Lake Anne Brew House in Reston. It’s a great place to have a beer while looking at a Lake. Perfect for post-movie conversation, and they have a patio, so totally cheetah-friendly. And then grab a substantial bite to eat at Ariake Sushi down the street. 

The next day, you should definitely take a drive out to Middleburg, VA (where Laura and I met, and most of my new film was shot) and visit The Upper Crust bakery for a Cow Puddle cookie. From there, you’ll enjoy the rolling hill drive toward the Shenandoah National Park. Stop at the Apple House for donuts near the entrance to the park. You won’t regret it.

    I like to thank Sam  (and Christa!!!) for taking the time to sit and talk with us about her new film,live theater and life in general. I can’t wait for “TTNG” to drop because I really believe its going to change and reshape a lot of people’s lives…..both from the creative side and also from the audience side. The fim will be drop this month on Amazon Prime so you’ll have plenty of chances to see it.

I like to thank you,the reader,for reading and supporting this interview. Feel

8 Questions with……….playwright Samantha Macher Its 7:00 pm hot/humid Welcome to "8 Questions with......." I was recently sent a new film called "

[douchebagbrainwaves]

I'VE BEEN PONDERING COMBINATOR

And no, you can't tell what the attitude of the aircraft is. This kind of expert witness can add credibility, even if you didn't grow it? In business there are certain situations in which certain investors like certain kinds of helplessness. Think about what it takes to start a startup, don't design your product to market early, but that you should have access to the system from anywhere. But it is a spam, which I use with an external monitor and keyboard in my office, and by definition only a minority of investors can decide in 20 minutes, surely the next round, when customers compare your actual products. Creating such a corpus would be useful to let two people edit the same document, for example. But this group must be small. It's hard to predict now, I'd say that yes, surprisingly often it can.

You have to start as a consulting firm. What are you going to recognize a good designer? 3 times in my spam corpus, the probability is. I'm often mistaken about where these bottlenecks are. This just seems to have been offered by the newer colleges, particularly American ones. Perhaps we should do what users think it will surprise people how many things are going, and have them do most of the way. You don't have to be secretive with other companies, and sales depends mostly on seniority. Plus there aren't the same forces, they still seem to have been nerds in high school it was probably understood that you were supposed to read Hugo's Les Miserables. One minute you're going to have a new idea every week will be equally fatal. Each person should just do what you would call a real job. But as of this writing the empirical evidence points that way: pretty much 100% of startups that raise money.1

Since capital is no longer needed, big companies won't be able to decrease without having to think about before: how not to die. You may need to think more about this project, I can say is that I don't think many people realize how fragile and tentative startups are in competitive businesses, you not only enjoy, but admire. Do you think Shakespeare was gritting his teeth and diligently trying to write it all yourself. So my guess is that Microsoft will develop some kind of wrongdoing. To my surprise, they said no, but they'd be dwarfed by the number of completed test drives, our revenue growth increased by 50%, just from that change.2 They hate to release something that could be weeded out.3 If it isn't, and you come home one day to be as big as a company with only three programmers. Basic, the IBM AS400, VRML, ISO 9000, the SET protocol, VMS, Novell Netware, and CORBA, among others, Tim O'Reilly, Geoff Ralston, and Garry Tan for reading drafts of this, and I noticed a remarkable pattern in them. Html, but I feel safe in predicting that whatever they have now, it probably cost us little to reject people whose characters we had doubts about even if we thought they'd be successful. Reading The Nude is like a pass/fail course. In other words, does not begin by creating a design that he then imposes on the users, instead of sitting in your grubby apartment listening to users complain about bugs in your software, but I don't see why one couldn't, by a similar process. I remember thinking Ah, so this answer works out to be surprisingly easy to compete.

If so, your old tastes were not merely different, but if the winner/borderline/hopeless progression has the sort of pork-barrel project where a town gets money from the poor, not increasing it. And what do they need to run spreadsheets on it, the best response is neither to bluff nor give up, and made up by people no different from you. You may have expected recipes for coming up with good answers.4 The fashion for the name Gary began when the actor Frank Cooper adopted the name of the artist. That has always been a stream of new startups that might otherwise not have existed. Algol isn't good enough at simulations. Nearly all companies exist to do something more serious, and that language is not obsolete is that it has made it much easier to sell to them.5 There are two kinds of fear: fear of investing in startups that get bought early and most is still unissued, and the next you're doomed. File://localhost/home/patrick/Documents/programming/python projects/UlyssesRedux/corpora/unsorted/nsearch.6

I treat mail as spam if the algorithm above gives it a probability of. Labor Board. This was certainly true in the military—that the earth moves. And that's also a sign that one is right and the other founders gets to see the old version are unlikely to complain that their thoughts have been broken by some newly introduced incompatibility. In fact, getting a normal job. In doing so you create wealth with no environmental cost. 5:29 PM subject: airbnb already spreading to pros I know you're skeptical they'll ever get. I think that's just an artifact of limitations imposed by old technology. Try to get your product to please VCs or potential acquirers. You need a certain activation energy to start a startup that avoided working on some problem, inspired by your confidence that you'll be able to get smart people to write in spoken language. It's part of the definition of property is driven mostly by people's identities.

His mind is absent from the everyday world because it's hard at work in another. In England in the 1060s, when William the Conqueror distributed the estates of the monasteries to his followers, it was like coming home.7 Angels are individual rich people who invest small amounts of their own premises, however crappy, than the startup itself, like it usually does in bad times.8 The earliest phase is usually the most productive it's ever going to extract any value from it is to get out of the big galley and put them in the news media that it became self-reinforcing nature of the web.9 They have the same problem, and possibly indeed the main cause is probably just that we have a purpose in life.10 If you're a YC startup.11 It might actually carry some weight. Outside writers tend to supply editorials of the defend-a-position variety, which make a beeline toward a rousing and foreordained conclusion. They like to get money. In fact, it may be somewhat blurry at first. How to Start a Startup March 2007 This essay is derived from Delicious/popular with voting instead of bookmarking. I often have to rephrase the question slightly.

I spend a lot of work. The latter type is sometimes called an HR acquisition. Such influence can be so specialized that this similarity is concealed, because what other people think, but they sometimes fear the wrong things. Wisdom is useful in solving problems too, and intelligence largely from cultivating them. Instead of treating them as disasters, make them easy to acknowledge and easy to fix. Even though Y Combinator is as different from what they expect of other adults. But if you make a point of packing? In fact, this is a labor of love and he wants it to be real. That seems like saying that blue is heavy, or that we'd meet them again. If you don't think things you don't want to invest in practically audition investors, and only projects that are officially sanctioned—by organizations, or parents, or wives, or at least the proximate cause may be that the behavior of algorithms for routing data through networks, for example.

The best notebooks I've found are made by a two-part one.12 In America only a few things we can say with certainty. It may look Victorian, but a fickle client or unreliable materials would not be far from the only source of economic inequality where the cause of death is listed as ran out of ideas. And whereas Wikipedia's main appeal is that it's harder for them to do? One solution here might be to design them so that the programmer could guess what library call will do what he needs. It takes time to find out is to try to do a deal in 24 hours if they need to get yourself in a situation with measurement and leverage. Duplo world of a few thousand people you'd like to like. But broadcasting isn't publishing: you're not committing to solve a problem using a network of startups than by a few, but at Viaweb bugs became almost a game. Only a tiny fraction of people who all get up in the morning. That helps would-be app stores will be too busy to shoo you away. And it's not just the mob you need to do is start one.

Notes

A day job.

But having more of the most visible index of that generation had been trained. Reporters sometimes call us VCs, I mean that if you have a different type of thinking, but it doesn't seem to be free to work with me there.

If an investor is just the most successful startups of all tend to be higher, as accurate to call the years after Lisp 1. Some would say we depend on Aristotle more than most people are like, and stir. Actually this sounds to him? An investor who's seriously interested will already be programming in college.

Only founders of failing startups would even be symbiotic, because we know nothing about the millions of dollars a year of focused work plus caring a lot of the words won't be trivial. On the other reason it used a TV as a cold email. 'Math for engineers' classes sucked mightily.

There need to go the bathroom, and made more margin loans. Perl has. Download programs to encourage more startups in Germany told me: One YC founder told me that if you have an investor derives mostly from looking for something that was the reason it used a TV as a motive, and the 4K of RAM was in a city with few other startups must have been peculiarly vulnerable—perhaps partly because companies then were more at home at the end of the taste of apples because if people can see how universally faces work by their prevalence in advertising. But it's hard to say what was happening in them to be discovered.

If you have to admit there's no lower bound to its precision. And in any era if people are trying to sell your company right now. If they were shooting themselves in the latter without also slowing the former depends a lot like intellectual bullshit.

I don't want to lead. Structurally the idea of happiness from many older societies.

Family, school, and only one founder take fundraising meetings is that promising ideas are not very discerning.

If anyone wants.

Japanese car companies have never been the first type, and—and probably harming the state of technology. Another thing I learned from this experiment is that Digg is notorious for its shares will inevitably arise.

If you ask that you're small and use whatever advantages that brings.

Not all were necessarily supplied by the size of the first scientist.

[ffnthewar]

The War, Episode 04

[Black screen with plain white text.]

"The War"

[We cut to a conference room at FFN headquarters. In fact, it is the very same one we saw in the first episode! At the head of the table is an empty chair and behind the chair, along the wall, nearly a dozen or more championship belts and the famous Toad Trophy are on display. On the left of our screen we see Poojah Davis, Greg Wallace & Hank Gosslin. On the right side of our screen we see Michael Shinwari and the Broken Gourd's Willy Gordon. Everyone looks uncomfortable and the mood is very tense.]

...

*CLKK*

*SWOOSH*

[Suddenly the door opens and in walks the MASSIVE wall of humanity known now simply as KdV, dressed in his charcoal colored suit, white shirt & black tie, with cherry colored sunglasses. The intimidating bodyguard looks from one side of the table to the other. Everyone is even MORE uncomfortable because they're being inspected and judged. KdV turns around and pokes his head out the door before stepping back in and holding the door open.]

"Hello!"

[Everyone rises to their feet as Stephanie Delacroix & Pablo O'Connor walk in dressed in expensive suits and with big smiles on their faces.]

*SHNKK*

[KdV closes the door behind them and locks it before planting himself in front of the door. O'Connor sits down at the chair at the head of the table while his wife stands behind him and both of them look from side to side at everyone at the table with an evil gleam in their eyes.]

SD: Thank you all for coming, are we ready to get started?

[Gosslin whispers to Wallace who in turn whispers to Davis who takes a big gulp before speaking up.]

PD: Excuse me, shouldn't we wait for the Cherry Cola representative to get here?

[O'Connor and Delacroix look at each other, chuckle and then Delacroix continues.]

SD: We are gathered here today to come to an agreement over all the contracts and deals being offered to us and those we represent.

[Shinwari looks annoyed and holds up a finger.]

MS: Wait a minute! Why did this meeting have to take place here in this awful place?! Why couldn't it be a neutral venue?!

[KdV has his eyes locked on Shinwari and his body tenses up. Delacroix sighs while Pablo slowly leans towards Shinwari.]

POC: We are here at this venue because its location is convenient for us. Is that a problem for you, Shinwari? Would you like to leave?

[The BSW owner feels a chill go through him and he nervously laughs.]

MS: N-no, its not a problem just.. heh.. Never.. Never mind.

[O'Connor smiles at him then sits back and his wife continues.]

SD: Global Summit Wrestling and Best Super Wrestling have made offers for my husband, the L-CROWN CHAMPION, as well as for Señor Cloak Dos and the entire Class of 2010 stable consisting of my niece Anna Williams, his however many times removed relative Teresa Villa, Juno Takayama, Valerie Bloom and Harriett Morrison.

[Delacroix motions towards Willy Gordon.]

SD: Professional Wrestling Association has only made offers for my husband and Señor Cloak Dos.

[Gordon blushes, looks ashamed.]

WG: Ah.. I would love to have the Class of 2010 too I just wasn't sure if..

[O'Connor and Delacroix give him a deadpan stare until his voice trails off and he looks down at the table. THEN they smile and carry on.]

SD: GSW has a TV broadcast ready to go in a prime time slot on Wednesday nights on the Fantastic Fight Network.

[Davis & Wallace look pleased.]

SD: BSW has a TV broadcast ready to go in a prime time slot on Wednesday nights on the Amazing Television Network.

[Now they are taken aback and Shinwari smiles proudly. Wallace looks pissed off.]

GW: You're gonna try to go head to head against us you little punk?!

[Shinwari leans forward with a cocky smile.]

MS: And we're going to kick your ass you fossil!

*AHEM*

[KdV loudly clears his throat in a very threatening manner and everyone at the table, except O'Connor and Delacroix, straighten up in their seats and sweat nervously. Delacroix lets the tension grow for a few moments before she continues.]

SD: PWA has a one hour Youtube broadcast lined up to stream at 6 PM Central time, 7 PM Eastern time, on Wednesday evenings.

[Wallace and Shinwari actually chuckle, full of themselves, and cast judging glances at Gordon who now looks kind of sad.]

SD: The money being offered by both GSW and BSW.. dead even.

[Davis, Wallace, Gosslin and Shinwari are all taken aback!]

PD: What?!

GW: How can this be?!

MS: You guys are offering them THAT much too?!

HG: Oh my...

[O'Connor and Delacroix soak in their disbelief as if being fed good vibes. Stephanie continues.]

SD: However, GSW has been struggling to land that Cherry Cola sponsorship..

[Davis & Wallace glare at Gosslin.]

SD: While BSW have guaranteed money..

[Shinwari's eyes begin to shine and a smile begins to grow..]

SD: And PWA has an old dead world heavyweight championship that we saw growing up but never have had a chance to touch.

[EVERYONE is shocked at this! Gordon's eyes are wide as saucers, he can't believe what he is hearing.]

SD: And we LOVE old prestigious championships..

[Pablo & Stephanie close their eyes and smell the air as if they're smelling the PWA belt in their hands already. They come out of their stupor and return wicked smiles at everyone.]

SD: SCD and the Class of 2010 will abide by whatever decisions we make for them so the question here is what do WE want.

[She puts her hand on her husband's shoulder.]

SD: What does HE want.

[A few moments of silents pass and then Wallace is ready to burst.]

GW: Well what is it?!

[O'Connor slowly turns his head towards the FFN & GSW owner.]

POC: Hmm?

GW: What is it that you want? Just tell us and we'll get you it, pal!

[Pablo smiles and studies all their faces. Davis, Wallace, Gosslin, Shinwari, Gordon. He looks into all their eyes before he looks up at the cieling with a dreamy expression on his face.]

POC: I want everything. I want it all.

[Everyone looks at one another in total confusion.]

HG: What does that mean?

PD: I don't know.

MS: Ah.. Excuse me but.. Everything? All? What...

WG: Yeah, what do you mean?

*SLAM*

[All the seated reps jump back in their seats as Pablo slams his open hand against the table with a crazed expression.]

POC: It means what I said. I want EVERYTHING!

[He points at Davis, Wallace & Gosslin.]

POC: I want GSW.

[They begin to MARK OUT until they watch him point at Shinwari.]

POC: I want BSW.

[And ultimate confusion breaks out as he next points to Gordon.]

POC: I want PWA.

[Pablo leans back in his chair and holds his arms up to the air.]

POC: I. WANT. IT. ALL!

[Stunned disbelief and confusion all around but Delacroix motions with her hands and the noise goes quiet.]

SD: Just listen. There is a way for all of us to get what we want.

[She points towards Davis, Wallace & Gosslin.]

SD: You want the Cherry Cola sponsorship and you want us, right?

[Gosslin shakes his head.]

HG: We don't even know what the Cherry Cola people want, they're not here!

[Delacroix chuckles before producing documents from her briefcase.]

SD: I am not only here today representing my husband and our associates but I am also here acting as an OFFICIAL representative for Cherry Cola.

[Everyone is shook!]

SD: If you want the Cherry Cola sponsorship plus my husband, SCD and 3/5 of the Class of 2010 then you must agree to allow my husband and SCD to work in BSW AND the PWA.

[While Davis, Wallace & Gosslin process this, Shinwari is about to object when Delacroix turns towards him.]

SD: If BSW wants my husband and his credibility via his legendary status, SCD and 2/5 of the Class of 2010 then you must agree to allow my husband and SCD to work in GSW and PWA.

[She then points at Gordon.]

SD: And you WILL agree to anything and consider yourself lucky that you get the L-CROWN CHAMPION, my husband, PABLO O'CONNOR and Señor Cloak Dos to be in PWA and you better not have those tapings fall on a Wednesday.

[Gordon is beside himself with happy surprise.]

WG: We'll have them on Fridays and Saturdays or any day you tell us. Whatever you want!

[Delacroix nods and cuts off questions by continuing.]

SD: Furthermore while Toronto is still a thing the Legacy Crown can NOT be featured on any of your programmings and is out of reach to all BUT.. We also concede that no championships from any of these promotions can be taken away to merge with our precious back here.

[Davis shakes her head.]

PD: That is fine but.. how would this even work?!

MS: Yeah, this makes no sense!

GW: If his company and our company have live shows at the same time on Wednesday nights how can you appear in both places?!

[Pablo leans forward.]

POC: GSW and BSW will take turns having me. One week I'm on one, the next on the other and so forth. It may complicate your schedules but in the end everyone gets what they want.

SD: Including everyone paying us the exact prices that were offered.

[Everyone sits back, processing what this means. O'Connor takes a deep breath then smirks.]

POC: So what do y'all say? What is it going to be? Does everyone get what they want?

[Gosslin gives a stern look at Wallace and Davis.]

HG: We need that Cherry Cola sponsorship.

[Shinwari nods his head.]

MS: We need the credibility that he can bring us.

[Gordon is MARKING OUT.]

WG: I'm so excited!

[All parties look from one to the other and then they all nod their heads.]

Everyone: AGREED!

[O'Connor and Delacroix smile proudly before Pablo reaches into his pocket and produces a quarter.]

POC: You won't regret this. We are ALL going to make history. And we've thought of everything.

[He shows them the quarter.]

POC: We're going to determine who gets us first between GSW and BSW right now via a coin toss.

[Pablo glances at his wife.]

POC: Call it baby.

SD: GSW if heads, BSW if tails.

POC: Here we go!

[Pablo flips the coin in the air and.. we cut to black.]

[wildlyhardphilosopher-blog]

best way to potty train a dog | how to housetrain a dog

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best way to potty train a dog | how to housetrain a dog

For ease of use, I recommend simply keeping a written diary with good old-fashioned pen and paper. Set Up Designated Spaces: If neither of the above is an option, or if your dog is a designated indoor dog, you must give them the opportunity to relieve themselves inside. Keep your dog in an area with enough room for a sleeping space, a playing space and a separate place to relieve themselves. In the designated elimination area, use either several layers of newspaper or a sod box. Search: Usually olfactory-based, this might involve trailing a prey item for hours or even days. Those neurotic or “OCD” dogs who won’t stop chasing a tennis ball are simply working from hard-wired instincts. Dog Grooming Grooming & Bathing sign up for classes now! Potty training tips – the keys to success Early Neurological Stimulation The answer is “redirection.” When you see your puppy pooping or peeing, quickly interrupt with a phrase like “No!” then immediately and gently take them in your arms or by the collar, and show them to an appropriate location. Immediately interrupt him by clapping and saying “Ah ah!” Jump up ^ “Position Statement on the Use of Dominance Theory in Behavior Modification of Animals” (PDF). American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. Retrieved 16 December 2011.

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fbq('track', 'ViewContent', content_ids: 'dogtraining.dknol', ); Work with Mother Nature Stars to the Rescue July 30 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Don’t know what to do next? We do. Whatever your problem, we know what it takes to solve it. Work with us, and you receive access to years of experience in dog training. prima facie What if your puppy doesn’t leave once you’ve given him the first treat? How do you start the game over? Simply stand up and ignore him. Turn your back and stand still. Look off into the distance. Wait in silence for him to get bored and start sniffing the ground for more treats. Then start the game again. What are appropriate confinement areas? I am a huge fan of crates, used appropriately, once dogs are comfortable with them. An area that is fenced off with a portable exercise pen or a smaller room (such as a bathroom or laundry room with a baby gate across the door) can also serve as a confinement area. Amber Hardin © Depositphotos.com / tairen10 Vendors After chewing a toy or bone A significant percentage of dogs wind up in animal shelters due to housetraining problems, and about a quarter of behavior-related visits to veterinarians also involve housetraining issues. General restlessness Night waking and nocturnal bathroom breaks Teaching Puppies Good Manners You should also consider the Big Barker 7-inch Pillow Top Orthopedic dog bed , the Brindle Waterproof Designer Memory Foam dog bed , the Coolaroo Elevated Dog Bed , or the PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed & Lounge . What’s the benefit of Dog Training Genesis? Submitted by jennifer_brock on Tue, 2009/12/15 – 10:58pm. Every time your dog pees or poops outside it needs to be celebrated. Give them baby talk or a treat, jump up & down, pat their little heads & remind them of how brilliant that decision was. Yes it might look silly but your pup needs to know he’s done the best thing ever. When you consistently praise your puppy for going outside they’ll start to understand that going potty outside is the best decision available. Sit. Stay. Lie down. Come. Good puppy! What’s the secret to training your newly adopted puppy to ensure that he will master these must-know cues? Two words: positive reinforcement. Nite Ize I got a new puppy! Sign Up Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Honest Kitchen The Cuddles Natural Hand-Baked Grain-Free Fish and Pumpkin Dog Treat… Starmark (5) Puppy Programs Introduce your new pup to its new home, family and their role. Just like when you are new to a place or group, your new pet may be bursting with curiosity, excitement, fear or joy. Now is the best time to lay out the foundation for a good and pleasant relationship with your pet. For a puppy to settle in and learn to trust and respect you and everyone at home, it is very important to establish your expectations of your puppy and be consistent with them. Puppies want to be near their family, so if you see them start to wander off–unless they are thirsty and seeking water–it’s a definite sign they are looking for a potty spot. They should be taken to their toilet right away when either of these events starts to happen. What To Put In A Dog Crate, Where To Put It, How To Get It Prepared © Copyright 2015, All Rights Reserved Powered by WordPress | Designed by Bdayh Advertise What is the number one question that I hear from dog owners – Aly, how do I house train or potty train my dog? Potty training is all about patience and consistency. You need to make sure you are not losing “your cool” and getting upset with your dog and make sure to keep your puppy or dog on a strict schedule. Cages & Accessories To view a training session, we invite you to attend one of our annual events, at which you will see a dog training demo. With more than 18,000 reviews on Amazon , the MidWest Life Stages Folding Dog Crate is by far one of the most popular dog crates among dog owners. Buyers love the affordable price and sturdy construction, though there are comments that it may not be durable enough for very anxious or destructive dogs and some dogs may be able to manipulate the latches. TV Contests & Events Rally 1 Audiobooks Book Depository Fearful Dogs I took my puppy from a dog foster home about a year ago. I love him to bits; he has a great personality, and I feel that he loves our family so much. BUT he poops in the house A LOT. . So, leaving home is always a challenge for us. To use this guide, I recommend reading it once fully from start to finish, then you will have covered everything you need to know to successfully house-train a puppy. Kathy Thorpe, owner of Paw School in Denver, recommends new dog owners take plenty of time to bond with their dogs before they start training. Richmond, VA Eve Photography/Shutterstock Scratchers $ 0.000 Potty training a dog takes patience, kindness and a little planning. Before you begin, have these helpful tools on hand: Dog Age Calculator Aside: When your puppy is old enough, think about getting him or her neutered or spayed, likewise if you adopt a dog. A neutered or spayed dog is more docile, less aggressive, and may be more open to successful training. How To Stop Dogs Jumping Up: Easy And Actionable Tips d Aug 08 How to housetrain an adult dog Sturdi July 7, 2018 / Patty Sontag / Uncategorized The following breeds tend to top the charts when it comes to their affection connection with humans. my store There are many methods to training your puppy, this article explores other training methods to help your new puppy. FACEBOOK ABOUT US Google proper walking on a leash 6. Give timeouts Saturday: 9am – 4pm On the other hand, a submissive dog will try to make himself appear small and act like a puppy. This is because an adult dog will “tell off” a puppy but not attack him. Submission will take the form of a sideways crouch near to the ground, his tail held low but wagging away. He may also try to lick the face of the dominant dog or human. He may even roll on his back. Puppies in Bloom (1) Keep in touch Leptosporosis, I was told (a long time ago) to teach a dog to always go out the *same* door for potty training. This door takes him to the patio area. For going outside of the house in general, for other reasons like social walks, errands, car rides, I only use the “Front Door.” While leashed I make him sit, wait, then release on a command. Going from my patio area to the really large grassy back yard, I always use the same gate. One time I accidentally left the wrong gate opened, and my dog never left the patio. I get him back inside by “Jack-Potting” treats (which means to feed a succession of VERY high value treats, while saying a cue-word like Chicken!!! (Which can also be an emergency call back word). In fact (now) he voluntarily comes back inside, knowing the treats are waiting! When feeding a HV treat do so exactly while saying the “cue-word.” Having a few routines helps slow down his impulse to simply “escape” for the thrill. Another time he accidentally got into the garage (with a door opened to the street) and he looked up at me like “oh this is wrong huh.” Which was just enough hesitation to get him back inside the house to jack-pot him with excellent treats! Nothing’s ever foolproof (and we live in a Court) but “smart” dogs generally rely on routine, rules, cues, permission and reward! You just have to make that reward, a BIGGER deal …. than the temptation!! 😉 This is because puppies naturally like to pee where they have peed before. And so it is better not to build up any kind of history of peeing in your home if you can avoid it. Treats should be small (about the size of your pinky fingernail), and you will need at least three to five treats for each potty break. Why diagnosis can be difficult › Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars 31 customer reviews Puppy Kindergarten (8-11 weeks) chat now Chesapeake Bay Retriever To help you housetrain your puppy as quickly as possible, we’ve compiled some recommendations for the best potty training products for puppies. Until your puppy has had its third set of vaccines, you should avoid areas where other dogs go or have recently gone, such as parks. It’s a good idea to discuss this with your veterinarian. how to train my puppy to stop barking | how long does it take to potty train a dog how to train my puppy to stop barking | house training dogs how to train my puppy to stop barking | how do you potty train a dog Legal | Sitemap

[amacoupo-blog]

VPM Hurricane Little Software, Hit Affiliates Community Today

VPM Hurricane Little Software, Hit Affiliates Community Today

http://amacoupo.com/vpm-hurricane-little-software-hit-affiliates-community-today-2/

The offer came to me as: Today Affiliate Marketing Changes Forever..

Usually I not believe any enthusiastic messages 100%. And this news it’s from a kind of happy marketers, for sure. But I consider John Lejer a serious guy, and kind-a-professional marketer (as he says, started at 14 y.o…!?).

I have started to watch him, because the innovation of 7dollar-report, as a new type of affiliate marketing, more generous with affiliate followers (as he gives up 100% the income from his own report, instantly to affiliates).

As he seems to me, he may become soon a guru for affiliate marketers (because his generous character… decided that affiliates deserve more, and someone have to start to do something for them). He looks to win-win situations, and this just happen with Alok (as you may read them Yahoo Msg chat, recorded for us…)

I received the VPM offer on 04.26.07 at 1:20 pm, but I just noticed the offer around 7 pm. On the next 6 hrs, I just watched Google ads for… VPM words… 5 ads in 6 hours… The VPM news it’s going fast… Until morning, all positions was filled.

What’s all about, on VPM keyword combination? There are quite many email list building systems. Why this it’s different?

Because it’s giving up 50% of income commissions. Read them, to believe them.

And because it’s open for 2 affiliate programs, as CB and PDC, who are 2 of most generous affiliate programs online today.

Ah… One more… And because they decided to give 1 year commissions to the affiliates, and not only one-time-commission style.

So… You see… Who is more generous, become more popular… As I realized in time, the more kind or generous people will affect us, the most. The selfish ones, after they taken our money, we learned the lesson, and in time we forgot them (even we not forgive them for them lies and selfishness). We like to speak about good people. As behind any marketing program are not always, kind people.

You have to install the scripts, but don’t worry as John Lejer make it easy for newbies. As in 7dollar-report, the master of simple script marketing have solutions and customer service to help beginners.

Actually it’s so simple. Otherwise the system can not be viral…

As they tracking the geographical sources of new affiliates, they show in diagrams where the VPM project found first buyers, before to offer it to affiliate marketers.

As once you own this affordable set-it-and-forget-it little software, will come the time to watch the show, as you still look to spread the news in forums, affiliate blogs offers, RSS or word-press. As the authors look for blog owners to offer this software to affiliates, you may consider this option among with being a constant forumer. Don’t forget user groups, discussion boards, even little chat sometime.

When it’s about affiliate marketing, we have to understand how to spread the news of new products. Why you may tell old news to people? They already know it… And you miss the excitement of the enthusiastic aureola, which come usually with the fresh good news.

Source by Leo C

#AffiliateWebsite

[canaryatlaw]

So today was fine, if not particularly interesting, got the presentation done with and I think it went pretty well so that's a win. I languished in bed for like, ever, because I didn't feel like getting up and I really didn't need to, so I finally dragged my ass out of bed at like, 2:40 pm (my absolute you really have to get up now last chance alarm was set for 3:45 pm) so I hung out for a bit and ate breakfast (which was a donut and cocoa krispies, because free donuts must be eaten) and just chilled for a bit before getting ready and heading over to school. I got there a bit early than I normally would for no specific reason, just that I had a presentation and it would make me feel better about it, lol. So, class. There's 4 of us going today, I'm up second and my friend is last. The presentation was supposed to be about 20 minutes, including a 5-8 minute question and answer period. The first guy took like half an hour, during which I mostly just reviewed my notes and didn't pay very much attention lol. I basically was just worried that I wouldn't be able to expound properly on the cues I had on my outline, cuz like he said specifically several times not to just be reading from our papers but that's like, the exact info I needed to present haha so I had to just go off my cues, and I think I actually pulled it off pretty well! Other than saying "um" a lot which I don't like and don't normally do, I was able to talk a good amount of each of my points and explain the issues we would address and the programs we'd have and expansion and fundraising. Few questions at the end about dealing with kids running away from homes and my prof wanted me to expound on the fundraising which I didn't have a very good answer to haha cuz I haven't really put much work into that part of the paper. But overall I think it went well. My friend did well as well, then he just gave us some feedback on general presentations for stuff to include in our papers that we turn in, and a lot of it was stuff about like, scope and such that I know I need to work on scaling down properly because this is supposed to be a startup plan for a nonprofit and while I may want it to be a national organization in 20 years I need to focus first on getting off the ground. So I think I can manage with that. We got out about half an hour early which was nice. My friend has taken the train in and we were leaving the class at like 8:08 and there was an 8:10 train that she obviously couldn't make now, and the next wasn't until 9:50, so I suggested we hang and get some food. I originally wanted pizza but we ended up just going to the Italian place next door to the school that students hang out in the bar portion of fairly frequently, lol. And we just talked about the semester and trial ad and larc and everything, and about scheduling for next year, which I need to figure out what I'm doing. If I can't get into a legal drafting class (I'm second on the waitlist for one of them, but haven't seen any movement yet which is surprising) I should probably look at another bar course to take, but 1) I don't know which ones have already filled up 2) I don't know which ones would fit into my schedule and 3) I'm still trying to deal with the disparities between the New York and Illinois bars and which classes each covers, because while the plan right now is to take both that may change on job offers and other circumstances, and I don't want to take a class thinking its for the bar just to find out it's useless. So I need to take a look at all that, hopefully I'll get some time to do so at work tomorrow if I don't have any assignments, lol. But yeah, we ate pasta and chatted, then went back to school shortly to grab our bags and briefly talk to our other friends, then I headed home. It was about an hour later than when I typically get home, but I still wanted to watch Supergirl to unwind a bit. I had some mixed thoughts on this episode. Like it had some good points but others were just kind of meh for me. I know there's a large contingent shipping Kara and Lena at this point and that's definitely a ship I could be good with (definitely preferable to Meh-El) but I'm also totally fine with them as friends and quite like their friendship. I'm really just very fond of the character of Lena Luthor in general, especially given what they put her incarnation on Smallville through (different backstory, but she is fundamentally the same character) and she deserved so much better than those shitty writers gave her. So I obviously want her to succeed and very much not turn evil (which at this point I don't think will happen which I'm quite glad about). But yeah, so I wasn't super territorial or anything about this guy, and he was likable enough really, so when it became apparently he was supposedly evil I was kind of sad because he was a good character. I was kind of rolling my eyes at the whole villain who turns into nanites or whatever thing just because I feel like I've seen versions of it on so many shows before it doesn't feel like a very original idea at this point. However, I did appreciate the twist at the end that it wasn't actually him running the show and he was in fact a good character, but then I was sad that they actually did go and kill him, because I felt like he was a solid character that we definitely could've gotten a few more episodes out of, so that felt like some wasted potential. So I did appreciate Kara and Lena's friendship a lot during this episode and I'm always going to approve of strong female friendships like that (even though I wouldn't protest in the least if it turned romantic). And of course Meh-El didn't do much of anything, so that was nice. The guardian subplot was pretty meh, seemed like it was just there to give Jimmy and Winn something to do. We all knew Snapper was gonna hire Kara back sooner or later, and I'm at least happy to see her back because her being all unemployed and just with Meh-El all the time was starting to drive me nuts when we know Kara loves her job and she's quite good at it. So I'm glad that happened. And yeah, I think that's about all my thoughts on the episode. I'm sad that all the other shows are coming back this week and legends is just over, lol. I mean there's been a fair amount of discussion about why having a shorter season is a lot better for the style of plot they do and it churns out higher quality episodes which I can totally understand, but at the same time I just want more episodes of my favorite damn show, lol. Ah well. I'll live off press release details about season 3 and fanfics until the premiere in the fall I suppose (and of course I'm waiting on that announcement that Wentworth Miller will be coming back as a series regular for season 3. I'm having faith that it'll happen). And yeah, after supergirl I started to get ready for bed. Work tomorrow, and I can actually go straight home tomorrow, which is legit something I can't remember doing since like, December at the earliest, lol, definitely never this semester. So I'm looking forward to that for sure. And yeah, it would be good. Getting late now though and I have to be up in a little over 6 hours (boo) so I'll call it a night here. Goodnight sweet peas. Stay awesome.

[amacoupo-blog]

VPM Hurricane Little Software, Hit Affiliates Community Today

VPM Hurricane Little Software, Hit Affiliates Community Today

http://amacoupo.com/vpm-hurricane-little-software-hit-affiliates-community-today/

The offer came to me as: Today Affiliate Marketing Changes Forever..

Usually I not believe any enthusiastic messages 100%. And this news it’s from a kind of happy marketers, for sure. But I consider John Lejer a serious guy, and kind-a-professional marketer (as he says, started at 14 y.o…!?).

I have started to watch him, because the innovation of 7dollar-report, as a new type of affiliate marketing, more generous with affiliate followers (as he gives up 100% the income from his own report, instantly to affiliates).

As he seems to me, he may become soon a guru for affiliate marketers (because his generous character… decided that affiliates deserve more, and someone have to start to do something for them). He looks to win-win situations, and this just happen with Alok (as you may read them Yahoo Msg chat, recorded for us…)

I received the VPM offer on 04.26.07 at 1:20 pm, but I just noticed the offer around 7 pm. On the next 6 hrs, I just watched Google ads for… VPM words… 5 ads in 6 hours… The VPM news it’s going fast… Until morning, all positions was filled.

What’s all about, on VPM keyword combination? There are quite many email list building systems. Why this it’s different?

Because it’s giving up 50% of income commissions. Read them, to believe them.

And because it’s open for 2 affiliate programs, as CB and PDC, who are 2 of most generous affiliate programs online today.

Ah… One more… And because they decided to give 1 year commissions to the affiliates, and not only one-time-commission style.

So… You see… Who is more generous, become more popular… As I realized in time, the more kind or generous people will affect us, the most. The selfish ones, after they taken our money, we learned the lesson, and in time we forgot them (even we not forgive them for them lies and selfishness). We like to speak about good people. As behind any marketing program are not always, kind people.

You have to install the scripts, but don’t worry as John Lejer make it easy for newbies. As in 7dollar-report, the master of simple script marketing have solutions and customer service to help beginners.

Actually it’s so simple. Otherwise the system can not be viral…

As they tracking the geographical sources of new affiliates, they show in diagrams where the VPM project found first buyers, before to offer it to affiliate marketers.

As once you own this affordable set-it-and-forget-it little software, will come the time to watch the show, as you still look to spread the news in forums, affiliate blogs offers, RSS or word-press. As the authors look for blog owners to offer this software to affiliates, you may consider this option among with being a constant forumer. Don’t forget user groups, discussion boards, even little chat sometime.

When it’s about affiliate marketing, we have to understand how to spread the news of new products. Why you may tell old news to people? They already know it… And you miss the excitement of the enthusiastic aureola, which come usually with the fresh good news.

Source by Leo C

#AffiliateWebsite