#[ face ]: hawken

[harlowcomehome]

10 songs:

“I don’t know Nickie, something feels wrong about that” Jack groaned, he was sitting on the ground listening to his album for what felt like the millionth time.

“We can continue to rework them, just tell me what you need from me” Nickie responded, frustrated but trying his best to hide it.

Jack checked his phone for the time, it was almost midnight. “Go home, we can talk tomorrow, yeah?” He was distracted responding to your texts that he had missed.

Nickie nodded, gathering his things and getting ready to leave immediately. “You going to be here alone?”

“Y/N is coming, maybe she can get my mind off things”’ he responded softly as Nickie quickly excused himself.

You had truthfully been worried about Jack for the last few weeks but you didn’t want him to know that. You knew he had a lot on his plate, and you didn’t want to add to it so you sat back and did all that you could to help him or make things easier.

He was filming a new movie, finishing up a secret album, and waiting for the release of his first movie. Anything and everything was within reach for him these days, and you’d think that would be a good thing and it was, but it was also terrifying and stressful too.

When Jack finally text you, he didn’t know you were already on your way to him. You had made food for both him and Nickie, your original plan was to sneakily drop it off but Jack let you know Nickie would be leaving so you changed your mind quickly.

When you got there, you called Jack and he met you outside.

“You got here quick” he smiled before seeing what you were holding. “You also made food?” He questioned, walking over to you and taking the bag from you.

“I was already on my way. Have you eaten today?” You turned to lock the car before looking him up and down, brows furrowed.

“I mean, I had some Doritos at noon” he nervously laughed knowing that would likely annoy you.

“Jackman!” You sighed, “Get in there and eat something.” You pointed to the studio door and he laughed, suddenly feeling the growl and emptiness of his stomach.

He leaned over to kiss you before opening the door to the studio and letting you walk in first.

“Did you decide on the track list?” You eyed him as he sat down on the couch.

“Kind of?” He pulled the coffee table closer to him so that he could eat the food you brought to him.

“Can I look?” You asked innocently, sitting in Nickie's chair which was still oddly warm.

“Yeah, hold on” Jack got up from where he was sitting and opened up what he had done already.

“Eight songs?” You asked surprised, knowing he had recorded closer to fifteen.

He sat back down, eating what you had brought him and sipping on the cold Perrier that was already previously next to him.

You read over the song titles, you had only heard a handful of them as he wanted to keep some a mystery, which you respected.

He had previously shown you a deep song, it made you both cry when he shared it and you wanted him to put it on the album.

“Where’s the Gray Hawken sample?” Your brow furrowed, and you spun around to face him. He avoided your gaze, shocked and impressed you remembered where the sample was from, and you didn’t want to call it “the Clay song” but it didn’t have a title yet.

“Jackman, where is the song about you and your brother? The one about your childhood?” You stayed in your spot, watching his demeanor change.

“I don’t think I want to, I don’t want to share it. I changed my mind” he confessed, he sat back on the couch, his elbows on his thighs.

“Jack, what’s going on?” You walked over to him, he had been stressed about this album, not only was it a surprise but it was the most vulnerable he had ever been with his fans. He was opening up about things he only talked about in therapy.

“Clay hasn’t heard it yet?” You asked knowing how private Clay was too.

“He has” he swallowed, and you noticed his hands seemed shaky.

“Baby” you scooted closer to him on the couch, he maneuvered himself so that you could lean against him. You looked up at him, caressing his beard with your new set of acrylic nails.

“Once I start letting them in, do I lose a part of myself? Am I giving up too much? Am I oversharing?” All of his inner monologue thoughts were coming to the forefront.

“Jack, you said this album would be different. Right?” You looked over at him, maintaining eye contact.

“I’ve just never been vulnerable like this, and once I do this, it’s done” he sighed.

“Put it at the end” you spoke in a demanding tone.

“But then it’s odd”

“What?”

“Nine songs, I need ten.”

You laughed remembering how adamant he was about this track list being even numbers, even though his first two albums were 15.

“Add “they don’t love it” too and make it the second song just make sure you end with “questions.” You smiled and he stood back up, going over to the equipment to rearrange everything.

“They don’t love it huh?” He smiled, moving the track list to what you suggested. You walked over to sit beside him.

“I don’t know why, I just feel like that one’s going to stick” You smiled, and he leaned over to kiss you.

“Is that your favorite?” He smirked, and you knew he just wanted his ego boosted.

“I’ll never tell” you whispered in response, knowing that they all held a special place in your heart.

[2braincellslz]

Hello! Here are some ideas for requests:

- Bucky Barnes with male reader where reader lost his voice after a traumatic event, they both live together to help each other come but one day Bucky has a brutal breakdown or a nightmare, reader tries to calm him/wake him up but nothing works, so he tries to say Bucky's name and that's the only sound that forces Bucky to open his teary eyes.

- Jason Voorhees and male reader where they have this soft moment, Jason still feels a bit weird around reader, because he thinks he's with him bc of fear, pity or Stockholm syndrome, that he's a monster and monster can't be loved by a human and vice versa, reader notices it and does the "I look at you and I see two eyes, like mine, two ears, also like mine, *boop* a nose which I also have, one mouth, here and here as well, and what else, hmmm, two hands *puts their hands against each other and see the huge size difference*, two legs, Jason is still feeling off and reader takes his hand and places it on Jason's chest "One heart. A heart that beats for me and..." *hugs Jason while standing so Jason could hear his heartbeat* "...same heart as yours, that's beating for you".

- Billy Hargrove and male reader where reader gives Billy a necklace for Christmas (reader was on vacation in California and found a sea shell with pearl) and says "One day, you'll find one there for me as well".

Sorry for such lame ideas, you can delete them if you want, totally ok with that. It's also a mess...😬

Anyway hope you'll have a good day/night. 💕

Better Late Then Never

Ship: Billy Hargrove x Male!YN

Notes: probably not my best but whatever lmao.

Billy's birthday had come and gone. He had thrown a big party at one of his friends' houses. The cops were called. It wasn't an awful birthday, like some of the other ones, but it could have been better. It could have been a lot better. Better how? Well, for starters, his boyfriend could have been there.

It wasn't YNs fault, really. His parents had surprised him with a trip not too long ago. They couldn't blame YN parents either. They don't know when Billy's birthday was and they didn't know that it would be important for YN to be there. It was just on a big quicadince. 

But that wasn't even the worst part of it all. The worst part, at least for Billy, was that he was going to Cali. he would never tell YN to his face but he was a bit salty that he wasn't in Cali with him. Or just in Cail in general. He really does miss California.

But all of that didn't matter because today was the day. Today was the day that YN was coming home. That YN was coming back to billy. 

It felt like it had been years. At least to YN it had. He enjoyed his time in Cali but he was antsy the whole flight back to Hawkens. He and Billy had planned a whole alabrote day to spend together as a kind of “sorry my parents forced me to go to Cali on your birthday.” not only was YN antsy to see his Boyfriend but while in Cali he had found this beautiful necklace. It had a small blue shell on the end of it. It was simple but YN knew that Billy would like it. 

The plane ride was never ending. Thank god YNs parents spent the extra money on the first class. It made the trip at least a little bit more bearable.

When the plane finally landed, the worst part was yet to come. Actually getting off the plane. While YN wanted to rush off the plane, his parents held him back. They wanted to wait till everyone was off the plane before they got off.

“You don't want to be shoved off the plane, do you?” YNs mom, who was sitting next to YN in the window seat. “You don't want to be rushed.”

“Mom, Billy is waiting for me…” YN sighed, fidgeting with the box in his pocket.

“I don't understand why you want to spend your first day back with him. I haven't heard great things about him from your brother.” YNs mom sighed, watching the people that left the plane.

“He's kind to me.” YN could see his mom give him an off look out of the corner of his eye.

YN knew that other people, mostly people in his family, had a sneaking suspicion that YN wasn't as entirely straight as he let on. No one said anything but it was kind of obvious.

“And you are going to be with him all day? Are you spending the night?” YNs mom asked. YN trusted their mom. If he was going to tell anyone what was going on between him and Billy, it would be his mom. She coved for him. If YN wanted to spend the night at BIlly's house, though they usually got a hotel so they wouldn't have to deal with Neil, then YNs mom would cover for him.

“Yeah, I'm staying the night.”

“Getting a hotel again?”

“Yep.” YN could see his mom smile. Even if she didn't know what was going on between him and Billy, she was happy for YN. even if Billy was just a friend.

But he wasn't just a friend. 

He was more. And his more was waiting for his boyfriend and probably getting irritated.

“Alright, let's go.”

YN and YNs mom stood up, grabbing their book bags from under the chair in front of them. 

YN practically ran out of the plane, passing his brothers and dad. He ran past people in the airport and weaving by suitcases. He ran all the way to the baggage claim. 

He looked around, panting. It took him a bit but he found him, the man that he ran through a whole airport for. 

“Billy!” YN yelled, practically knocking over the basketball player when he lunged at the man. 

“Jesus, calm down.” Billy hugged YN back. It was rather quick though so that no one would get any bright ideas.

“Hey.” YN smiled, hands itching at his side to reach back out to Billy.

“Hey.” Billy looked over YN. “You got a tan.”

“Wow, it's almost like I was in the sun for a whole week.”

Billy rolled his eyes. “Shut up, let's go get some food.” he smiled, wrapping an arm over YNs shoulders. 

Billy had grabbed YN luggage while he was waiting and, like the gentle man he is, was carrying it for YN.

“Where shall we eat?” Billy asked once you got to the car, throwing your luggage in the backseat of his Chevy. 

“It's your day, you pick.” 

“Starcourt Mall. We can eat in the food court.”

“Sounds good to me.”

YN slipped into the passenger side as Billy got into the driver's seat. Billy started the car and rock filled the car. The song was easily recognizable. “Love Of My Life.” by Queen. It wasn't Billy's usual music but it was YNs.

“Is this the mixtape I gave you?” Yn asked as Billy pulled out of his spot and drove out of the airport parking lot.

“Maybe. What did you name it? Something sappy, right?”

YN rolled his eyes. It was sappy. It made YN cringe whenever he thought about it. “Melted candy hearts or something.”

“Exactly, really really sappy.” 

“Yeah, whatever you say Mr. Tough guy.” YN let his head lul back, closing his eyes as the ballet filled his ears. YN rested his hand on the center console which was quickly held by Billy.

It was one of the few things YN and Billy could do in public, kinda, to show each other affection. No one could really see their hands while in the car so they always took the opportunity to show each other a little bit of affection. Another thing they would do would be walking with Billy's arm around YNs shoulders. To the outsiders, they just saw it as a guy leading his friend somewhere but they knew. Billy and YN knew what it really meant and it was kind of special for them. 

Billy pulled into the mall parking lot and shut down the car. He stepped out and waited for YN who quickly followed. 

Billy reposished himself back with his arm back around YNs shoulders. The pair walked around a bit before they settled down to eat some shitty Chinese food. Honestly though, it was better than the food they gave YN in first class.

“How was your trip?” Billy asked, shoving some more rice into his mouth.

“Boring. It wasn't any fun without you there to get us into trouble.” YN looked up from his tray with a goofy grin to watch Billy's face shift to fake shock.

“How could you! I thought we were friends!” Billy dramatically placed a hand over his heart.

“You hang around Eddie too much.” YN rolled his eyes, taking a bite of his orange chicken.

Billy just chuckled and turned back to his food, stuffing some more into his mouth. 

After the pair was done eating their food, they walked through the mall. Occasionally, entertaining the idea of stopping by Scops Ahoy to see if Steve would let them in the back way.

After everything the Hawkings kids have been through, no one really cared about childish things like popularity causing all rivalries to become unimportant. Sure, people still remembered what Billy has done but they also know he is working on himself. He is becoming better. He has made amends with Max. he is better.

YN took Billy's wrist, pulling him into the ice cream place. They walked up to the counter, interrupting Steve's pitiful attempt at flirting while Robin held up a shigh from the back that read ‘SOS’ in bright red.

“Steve!” YN shouted, drawing Steve's attention away from the two girls who used Steve's moment of being distracted to make their escape. 

Steve's face lit up. “YN!” he shouted back. 

“Hey! Nimrod. How many kids are you friends with?” Robin asked from the back.

YN knew Robin and Robin knew YN. basically everyone knew everyone in their big group but Robin was not one to pass up a monet to make fun of her friends.

“We are your age.” Billy smiled, slipping through the divider to get to the back with YN close behind. 

Steve jumped through the window and closed the shutters. “How was Cali?” 

“Not that great. We didn't get to go to the beach or anything, just spent a lot of time at my grandma's house while my parents ran off to have fun or something.”

“Or something?” Robin asked, ignoring the sound of Erica abusting the bell.

“Or something.” YN repeated with a shrug, sitting down at the table.

“So where are your kids, stevie? I thought they always hung around here for the free ice cream?” Billy asked, placing his hands on your shoulders. The two of you could be yourself around the gang, they all knew.

“Well first off, they aren't my kids.” 

“Yes, they are.” Robin said, cutting off Steve.

Steve glared at Robin “And secondly, they are at the movies.” 

“Speaking of movies…” YN said with a smile. 

Steve groaned and rolled his eyes. “Yeah yeah, sure.” he moved from his spot leaning against the counter and pulled open the door for the couple.

“Pretty sure they are playing Dr. Zhivago.”

YN stood up and walked out the door, thanking Steve on his way out. Billy wasn't too far behind him. As soon as the door shut, their hands were interlocked together. It might not be a long walk but might as well take advantage of one of the few moments they have alone together.

They sat down near the back, no one really sat in the back so they could enjoy their moment together. The movie had already started, about twenty minutes in, but it's not like they could complain, they did get in for free. 

YN fidgeted with Billy's hand the whole time. Whether it be rubbing circles into his hand with his thumb, moving YNs promise ring to Billy's hand then back again, or just holding it. It was another one of the few moments they could be affectionate in public. Everyone was watching the movie, anyway. 

The movie ended and the pair went on to the next activity and the next. The last thing they did before turning into the hotel was bowling where YN absolutely destroyed Billy. 

Settling into the hotel for the night, Billy and YN laid in the massive bed together while watching some random documentary on TV, though neither of them were really paying attention. 

Billy had his arms wrapped tightly around YNs waist with YNs head resting on his chest. YN clinged to Billy like a baby otter clinging to its mom. 

That's when YN remembered. The necklace.

“Billy?” 

“Hmm?” Billy hummed, rubbing YNs back.

“I got you a birthday present.” YN pulled away from the warmth, sitting up on his knees.

“Really?” Billy asked, sitting up.

“Alright, close your eyes.”

Billy closed his eyes, chuckling softly.

“Ok, Now. stick out your hand and open your eyes when you feel the box.”

Billy stuck out his hand. YN fished the box out of his pocket and placed it in Billy's hand. Billy blinked his eyes open, looking from YN to the box in his hand. He pulled off the small lid and looked over the necklace.

YN watched carefully, fidgeting with his hands. He prayed to whatever god there was that Billy liked it.

“Wow… this is perfect…” Billy smiled, leaning forward and placing a kiss on YNs cheek before pulling out the necklace and putting it on.

“Does it look good?” Billy asked, playing with the small blue shell.

“You look good in everything.” Yn said, scooting forward and resting his head on Billys shoulder. 

“Someday, when I visit California again, I'll get you a matching one.”

“Vist? Don't you want to move back there? That's your home.”

“My home is wherever you are.” Billy hummed, kissing the top of YNs head.

“That's so sappy.”

“Shut up!”

[badkarmaa1313]

Steve stands at the front door to his childhood home. It has been ten years since he last set foot in Hawkens, and even longer since he ventured to the large home that once belonged to his parents. Perhaps calling it his home was too much. It was never home, just a place where he would sleep at night. Home was being with his friends, hunting monsters and taking care of the kids. Kids who were now grown, living their own lives without him.

He has felt so lonely since he and Robin moved out of Hawkens. It was nice at first but Robin eventually found a nice girl to settle down with, and Steve found himself once again struggling with the inevitably of being alone.

He found himself getting heavily into the punk scene. His hair is currently shaved on both sides, his hair curly in the middle, and dyed a vibrant blue. He had a nose ring, two lip rings and many different earrings. He wears a jean vest that reminds him a lot of his first same sex crush, the man who sent him into a Bisexual spiraling panic, Eddie Munson. If it wasn’t for Eddie he may have never realized he was into men. Part of the reason why he came back to Hawkens was to see him, show Eddie the impact he had on him. He hopes Eddie approves. Even now he feels his stomach turning at the thought of seeing those stunning brown eyes.

Steve shakes his head, he cannot bring himself to go inside the house. He walks back to his car and drives down the road. Maybe he should just run to the store, get some booze and walk around. Its not like anyone would recognize him anyways. So it’ll keep him from any awkward conversations with old friends from high school.

Hawkens is as empty as always, barely any cars on main street as he pulls up to the general store. He wishes Joyce still worked there, it would be nice to see her. Maybe he’ll pay her and Hopper a visit.

He walks into the store, pushing the collar of his vest up, purposefully showing off his patches. He has several band patches. Iron Maiden, ACDC, as well as a few pride patches he’s gathered from gay bars he goes to every once in a while. He is daring someone to say something to him. Not like he could win the fight but, something in him feels like he deserves whatever might be said. After the torture he forced others to endure during high school, he feels as if it would be recompense for his actions.

“Yo dude, nice hair.” Steve stops in his tracks when he hears that voice. Its him. It has to be. He turns on his heels, those brown eyes looking into his soul.

“Thanks Munson.” Steve cannot help but smirk down to the shorter man, Eddie being even smaller now that Steve is wearing platform combat boots.

“Do I know you?” Eddie studies his face, and Steve feels himself blush as his eyes scan his face.

“Sure do. Though i gotta say, I miss ya calling me King Steve and bowing to me.”

“Harrington? No fucking way!” Eddie’s eyes widen and pulls Steve into a tight hug. Everything suddenly feels right as Steve wraps his arms around the other man.

[ronanceisintheair]

Fake dating au where Robin finds out that everyone already thinks her and Nancy are dating because someone comes up to her, "you're Nancy's new girl right?"

Robin isn't really paying attention, "uhuh," she says slowly, fumbling with something in her locker.

The person slips a paper in her locker, "can't wait to see you two there Saturday night, Hawkins Highs cutest couple award might go to you two!"

Robin blinks out of her haze, picking up the orange paper. Of course, the obligatory high-school party to cheers in the start of spooky season. She's not even sure Nancy would want to go, considering last time with Steve...and then slowly it dawns on Robin, 'Hawkens Highs Cutest Couple'. Shit.

She slams her locker shut, not quite walking but definitely not running as she hastily makes her way to the publication room.

"What's up Rob?" Nancy looks up, sensing Robin's urgency.

Robin places the paper down, "we don't have to go... you know if," she makes a face tilting her head back and forth in exchange for entirely dusting off the past.

Nancy looks it over for several, silent, grueling moments. "It could be fun," it's more of a question, "I mean only if you're there with me, to protect me," she gives Robin this cute little glance with her eyes, mouth not truly set into a pout. "But it's up to you Robbie."

Robin's silent before sitting down, ignoring the horrible sound the chair makes as it scrapes against the floor from her hurried actions, "well Nance...for the sake of transparency and just so you find out from me and not somebody else...apparently we're being called 'Hawkins Highs Cutest Couple'," Robin bites her lip.

"Well you are really cute when you bite your lip like that," Nancy chuckled lightly.

"Nancy," Robin mutters, ducking her head to hide her blush.

"But we probably should get ahead of this...well I guess technically it's too late for that," Nancy taps her pen against her chin, "but we have to start somewhere right?"

Robin is silent, then lifts her head, "would it be so bad if they believed it?"

Nancy's eyebrows raise in surprise, then scrunch back down, "I'm with Jonathan... and yea he's like a million miles away...and that's not even talking mentally, because I have no idea where he is on that front..."

"I just meant...like for a little bit...then we could pretend break up in front of everyone," Robin shrugged, "it's not like we'd actually be dating..." she clears her throat awkwardly, "if you're not comfortable with it I understand, yo-"

"That sounds perfect actually," Nancy sounds contemplative, "it would definitely be more believable than just coming out and denying it, who knows how long the rumor has been circulating. Denial will just add fuel to the flames, a staged breakup will bring it full stop"

"Yea?" Robin asks with a breath of surprise.

"Yea." Nancy smiles, sliding the orange paper back over to Robin, "this will be our first official test."

[sapphic-haymaker]

I'm dying at how bad the obviously AI generated art in the new Hawken game looks. Do devs seriously think people aren't going to notice this stuff??

Look at her completely normal double stethoscope, her weird smooth lifeless uncanny valley face, the way her other hand just disappears. The fact that she's holding a tablet completely wrong?

I'm glad her stethoscope came back to reality and her earring morphed into a new form on her other ear in the next shot, no curing her of the "Speaking in Comic Sans" disease she's got tho.

Welcome to the Future of Gaming™

[finnwrld]

- devil's advocate -

pairing: eddie munson x reader (no prns)

word count: 3.9k

content: spoiler free, sex but no smut (i'm struggling to commit to smut), tutor troupe, swearing, smoking, drinking, my rusty writing and horrible attempt to write from the r-r-r-readers perspective 🤢 also tw the reader is good at math

summary: after hooking up with eddie munson 3 seperate times in a month and never talking about it, you somehow get stuck tutoring him.

a/n: im alive i promise. are any of my followers alive? no. but i am.

Hooking up with Eddie Munson was a one time thing. 

Ok, maybe, a two time thing.

Well, if you were being honest with yourself, it was a three time thing. Three times in one month.  

It was supposed to happen once. 

Never once did you anticipate ever speaking to Eddie ever again after walking up to him at Vicki Carmicheal’s party. When he stepped closer, his alcohol-tainted breath fanning on you, you guessed he thought the same. You didn’t even think you would remember the night when you closed the gap.

—

“Eddie Munson, stay after class.” 

Thankful that you weren't in Eddie’s shoes, you gathered your stuff to leave school for the day with the rest of the class. 

“Oh,” your teacher’s eyes left his laptop to scan over the room, “And Y/n L/n.” 

—

At the bonfire, when your blurred vision picked up the brown curls of Eddie Munson, you attempted to ignore heat that surged across your body. You blamed it on the alcohol. You blamed the way his chest wavered as he locked his eyes with you on the alcohol. Alcohol is what guided your hands under his shirt and what pushed his body flush to yours. You would blame a lot of what you did that night on the alcohol.

—

A tense silence stuffed the classroom as you, Eddie, and your teacher sat awkwardly across from each other. Eddie was intensely avoiding eye contact and you tried to keep your leg from bouncing as you all waited for somebody to speak.

“Mr. Munson,” your teacher started, “You, my boy, have the lowest grade out of any student of Hawkens High enrolled in Algebra 2.” He let his statement linger in the air, allowing the both of you to absorb his words, then, he continued.

“But, since I really do believe in you, I’ve taken it upon myself to get you a tutor until your grade has improved.” 

You could practically see Eddie's face curl up in anguish. 

“Am I not allowed to pick my own?”

Your teacher shook his head slowly, “No. I have picked out the perfect candidate.” 

—

When you heard Eddie Munson was coming to Hagan’s new years party, you couldn’t deny the flutter of excitement that had danced around your chest. His being tainted your head as you got ready, your eyes trained to how he would see you. A flash of him interrupted every blink. His voice whispered in your ear. Ghosts of touch lingered on your skin. 

When you finally got to the party, your eyes dodged every other person there, since they were desperately darting around. Music pumped through your veins as you grabbed a cup of whatever was in the punch bowl, eyes still scanning the room. Downing it as fast as you could, you let the buzz of the booze wash over you and resumed your search. A glimpse of leather, a black and white baseball tee, a flash of red. Finally, he was in frame. 

Your breath caught as his eyes slowly moved over your form, shyly meeting your own. Multi-colored lights glided across his body, his white shirt so shear the ink of his tattoos could be seen through it. Music drowned out your heartbeat. You could feel the blush that crawled up your cheeks, Eddie's own color reflected back. Carefully, you let one foot float in front of the other and walked over to Eddie. Alcohol already fusing with your body, you let your hand casually hook around his belt loop. Using your new connection, you guided him out of the house, a smirk pulling on the corner of Eddie’s lip as he let you lead.  

“Not even gonna say hi first,” he scoffed, hands raised. 

“We can talk when I’m high,” you countered, sitting down behind Mr. Hagan’s shed, and desperately attempting to cover up your flustered expression from the adrenalin. 

Eddie dawned a faux-concerned expression. “I think this drug problem is getting really serious.” 

“Shut up Munson.” 

His smirk reformed as he pulled out that stupid rusty box, and rummaged through it until he found a pre and a lighter. After straightening it out a bit, he gently placed the joint between his teeth. Each satisfying swipe of the lighter dragged your eyes down to his lips. The flame that danced over the sides of the joint lured your gaze to stray from Eddie’s deep eyes to focus on his mouth as he exhaled a puff of smoke, letting some stream into his nose.

After a couple more hits, he held the joint out to you between two fingers, glazed eyes watching the stars. You gratefully accepted it, attempting to clear your mind of the vision of the moonlight cascading down his face, sculpting each dip and grove. You breathed deep when your lips were sealed around the filter, letting the smoke fill your lungs. Each hit brought you back to him. Back to how close you were seated, how his leg felt against yours, how he'd begun to slide his hand closer to you.

His hand lingered above your exposed thigh, just grazing it with the skin of his palm. Chills swept down your legs as the cool metal of his rings brushed across your skin, and you could feel the curve of his satisfied smile at your reaction as he leaned into your shoulder. His hand carefully curled around your leg, slowly gliding its way up. 

“What are you doing Eddie,” you whispered. 

He replied lowly, so close you could feel each syllable against your skin as they left his lips, “Whatever you want me to.” 

—

The sound of yours and Eddie's shoes against the deserted linoleum of the school hallways was unnerving. Binders and spiral notebooks dug into your skin as you gripped them, hands white knuckled and clammy. You could just barely feel the denim of his jacket brush against your arm, and you half wished he would move further away as you walked. 

You had to tutor Eddie fucking Munson. Your teacher hadn’t spared either of you a moment before sending you off to the library, giving you just enough time to overthink the next hour. 

It wasn’t easy being near Eddie. You two had never interacted outside of sex, and it was difficult to interact normally, acting as if nothing had happened. But what were you supposed to say? How do you approach a conversation about that? Not even just that though, how do you approach any conversation with somebody you’ve never even spoken to outside of sex? You’ve never even had a conversation with him sober. Was he even going to listen to you teach? Would his whole view and respect for you be skewed? And how on earth were you supposed to talk to him when such a striking mix of weed and cologne permanently emanated from him. Your brain probably wouldn’t even work well enough to teach him math. 

He seemed fine. That familiar stupid smirk hung on his face as he held the library door open for you with a flourish.

The thank you said in return probably counted more as mouthing than speaking. 

Acutely aware of his intense gaze on you, you awkwardly led him to one of the old chipped tables in the corner of the library, far away from any remaining students. Your chair creaked as you pulled it out, breaking the silence you and Eddie had been drowned in since you left class. You finally unclamped your hands from around your notebooks and began to lay them out on the table busily while Eddie fished around in his pocket for something. 

Turns out it was a singular dull pencil without an eraser. 

“Alright,” you said uncertainly, sitting down and trying to organize your brain, “Um… where do you want to start?” 

“You’re the teacher here, where should we start?” 

Of course he was gonna make this difficult. 

“Ok. Fine.” You shuffled your papers around, not really for any reason, just to bide yourself some time. “Do you have any questions about today’s lesson?” 

His face instantly slipped into a deep troubled pondering expression. One that was much too dramatic for Eddie to be serious. “What did we learn?” 

“Matrices and transition graphs,” you almost deadpanned.

Gears began to visibly turn in his head, and he muttered, “Matrices and transition graphs… ahh…”

“You have no clue what those are, do you?” 

“Not one.” 

You sighed, not even shocked, not even angry. It was honestly sort of tough to conceal your smile. 

“I'm going to be your tutor for a while, aren't I." 

He shot you a grin, “Only if I have it my way.” 

—

Tutoring Eddie Munson was alright. 

That’s what you told to anybody who asked.

In reality, tutoring Eddie Munson was much more than alright. 

You had never really ever been around somebody like him. He exuded a disconcerting aire of cocky but comforting, cool but offbeat. At every moment when you thought that he would finally upset you, he would wheel in the exact opposite direction, driving your emotions through a startlingly enjoyable route. 

Shockingly, he was pretty easy to talk to. Never once did your past encounters get brought up, which you were endlessly grateful for, and he treated you just like any of his friends, with respect and kindness, which could not be said for some of your other past hookups. He said hi to you in the halls and smiled at you from across classes, he learned your favorite music and what food you hated, he made an effort to know you. Tutoring him barely felt like work. Most of the time that you spent teaching him math was overlaid with chatting mindlessly and giggling as he tried to secretly count on his fingers. Sometimes you could waste whole tutoring sessions listening to some grand dramatic story he told as he bounded around your table, morphing into different characters and voices, putting on a full one-man show before you. 

He was also, completely and utterly, gorgeous. 

The way his hair draped delicately over his shoulder, how his necklaces dangled from his skin as he leaned over the table, when he would tilt his head to the side as he listened, the glimpses of his tattoos. Every word you spoke and every syllable you uttered had his undivided attention as you talked, big brown eyes gazing at you, taking in every feature. 

On cloud-free days, the sun would beam down through the tall library windows onto the dark oak of the table you had both claimed and would reflect off of the silver of his rings. They would glint distractingly as Eddie wrote, catching your eye at every shift. It happened so often you had now memorized his usual jewelry selections. A great ugly boar rested on his middle finger, accompanied by one skull ring on either side. On his other hand, an ornate ring with patterns that curled up the side and cradled a deep blue stone in the center.

He knew you were staring at his hands, but you didn’t care.

His unflinching reaction towards your gaze gave you just enough of a push to one day ask, “Could I… try on one of your rings?” 

His eyebrows raised in shock, “You want to wear my jewelry? This is quite out of character…”  He flashed a toothy grin at you from across the table, “I love it.”

“Thanks for reminding me how much you love the real me,” you deadpanned, ignoring the excitement that was bubbling up your chest. 

“Forever and always,” another shining grin, “Now…” he said dramatically, face suddenly darkening, “Which one will you choose… your whole reputation depends on this one decision.” He waved his hands around with a flourish. “Will you still have your student’s respect after this? Will anybody ever talk to you again? We will see..” His hands stilled in front of you, and he held them out to give you a clear view of each band.

You put one hand up to your chin, miming contemplating the choice, and let your other hand drop down to his own, taking one finger and guiding it across his knuckles. His chest completely stilled.

“Hmmm…”

Your finger came to a halt over the intricate ring with the blue jewel. Eddie’s smile reformed and he faintly exhaled as your finger lost contact with his skin. 

“Good choice,” he said, not looking up at you. His eyes were trained at his own hand, slowly twisting the band off of his ring finger. They continued to avoid yours as, to your surprise, he didn’t give you the ring after he had freed it from his own finger. 

He took your right hand in his, his skin gently curving around your own, and brought his thumb beneath your ring finger, lifting it above the others. Your chest began to heat up at the delicacy with which he delivered this, and you urgently tried to blot out the earlier instances when Eddie had held you with the same touch. It felt like he was barely grazing your skin, and yet you could feel, with a searing intensity, each joint of each of his fingers shifting under your flesh, curling and stilling around you. 

Chills shot up your spine as the cool metal of the chosen ring finally met your skin, and at last, Eddie raised his eyes to meet your own. They remained riveted on yours as his fingers guided the band down your finger and, though the ring was fully fastened, his fingers remained resting against your skin. He let them stray up, delicately brushing against you as he cradled your hand.

The raw air chilled your skin when he drew away. 

You’re grateful he didn't say anything when you left that session with the ring still fixed around your finger, because you don’t think you could’ve gone through that again anytime soon. 

That night, you slept thinking of Eddie’s touch.

—

The issue with Eddie was, despite your best efforts, he would never leave your thoughts. Every sense was occupied non stop by his smell, his voice, his gaze. Intoxicatingly, you overdosed on every part of him, eventually giving up on blocking his presence and allowing him to consume each and every thought you produced.

He seemed to know that even after you left him, he remained a permanent fixture in your mind. It was written in his smug smile and his playful jabs, the knowing. 

His presence was so constant that it must’ve been on purpose. 

Each little thing. Him using your pencil casually during school, knowing you could see. Never mentioning the ring that still lay on your finger, allowing you the chance to keep it. The glances down your being as you passed, catching him staring across the class, touches that lasted far too long. He wanted you to be thinking of him.

There were nights when you, under the golden light of your desk lamp, would open your notebook to doodles dotted around the edges of your paper, snuck in while you were focused on something else. The pages of anything you brought to tutoring were lined with cartoonish devils and creatures with many legs and sharp teeth that lined their roaring mouths that Eddie had thought up. Vines curled around the lining of the page, and a little mix-matched group of elvis and wizards dashed across the top margin. In the very bottom corner, tucked between a crude drawing of a smiling clown and an ornate sword, was a drawing he seemed to have put a bit more time into. 

The more you examined it, the stronger that recognizable heat radiated across your chest. It was a bust's profile, with the head tilted slightly down and brows furrowed in concentration, pen carefully structuring the swooping bridge of a nose and curvature of lips. 

It wasn't flawless, but there was no mistaking that it was you.

That night, you slept thinking of Eddie’s thoughts. 

—

Eddie’s math grades had actually begun to improve, and in class you watched with pride as he started to listen to your teacher, sometimes even taking notes. He would show you his math tests with a huge smile, genuinely excited to see how you would react at his new shiny high score. 

Mid-way through April, he sauntered into the library, horribly concealing the giddy expression that was forming on his face and a hand behind his back. 

You inquired, your face beginning to reflect his smile, "Something terrible happen to you, Ed?"

“Oh it’s nothing,” he said, drifting around the table as if he was wandering through a lush garden, “just… this!” and the hand that had been hidden behind his back whipped out to reveal a paper with a great red “93%” scrawled on it. 

“Eddie!” you sprung out of your chair and ran over to where he was to snatch the paper out of his hand. “This is fucking g-” 

But before you could finish your sentence, he flung his arms around you and drew you into a hug. “I’m a genius now, thanks to you,” he whispered into your ear, as you brought your arms up to loop around his back. 

“You don't even need me anymore,” you whispered back, trying to fight the urge to bury your head into the crook of his neck. 

Eddie pulled away abruptly, looking at you as if you had just slid a knife into his chest. “Don’t you try and get rid of me.” His face was inches from yours, hands dropping to rest against your hips instead of fully pulling away. You let your head tilt to the side gently.

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” 

He shook his head with a faux-anxious aire, “I’m gonna have to start failing my tests again so that you can’t escape, aren’t I?” 

You could barely even focus on what he was saying because of how vividly you were aware of how his hands rested against your jeans, how you could smell the weed in his hair and the leather of his jacket, how he hadn’t broken eye contact since he pulled from the hug. 

His smile had finally returned to his face, he had gone off on some tangent and was animatedly talking, clearly still giddy from his test score. That smile had become a very important part in your life as of late. They weren’t rare or extreme, but they were somehow better every time. 

That night, you slept thinking of Eddie’s being. 

—

Liking Eddie Munson was hard. 

Eddie Munson sticks to what he knows. Eddie Munson gets bored easily. Eddie Munson won’t ask you out. 

You knew he was going to Steve Harington’s birthday party. You didn’t know how he even managed to get invited but you knew he was going. And he knew that you were going too. 

But when you got to Steve’s house, he was nowhere to be found. You had spent the first 30 minutes, walking around and making brief conversation with people as you half-searched for Eddie. As you made your way around the house, still unable to find him, you began asking people off-handedly if they had seen the freak (under the pretext of giving him his math homework back). The few answers that you received that weren’t weird looks got you nowhere, and eventually you found yourself finally just aimlessly roaming through the upper floors of the Harringtons' house. 

It was useless. The top level was completely empty, save for a rather awkward encounter with Nancy and Steve as they were leaving his bedroom, and you knew it was time to leave. At the very least, you needed some fresh air if you weren't going to entirely go, so you returned to the first floor and into the foyer.

You flung the front door open with a huff and your eyes landed on a figure that was standing on the porch of the house across the street. Cigarette haze clouded around him, catching the moonlight in its smoke and giving him an almost dreamlike glow as he let his head hang back. Despite yourself, you let his name fall from your lips, shouting across the empty street, “Eddie?” 

He casually swung himself around to face you, eyes foggily making their way to meet your own, lighting up as they cleared. A smile had begun to spread across his face and he lifted up his hand to beckon you to him. Slowly, you floated across the abandoned road and up the few stairs to the neighbors porch, leaning over the balcony railing and basking in the cool spring night that you both found yourself in. Eddie gently leaned his back against it, taking a drag from his half finished cigarette as he did so. 

“Do you wanna go on a walk with me?” 

You didn’t try to hide the grin that tugged at your lips. “Where to?” 

“Just around,” he said with a shrug and a smile, and he set off, one hand deep in his pocket and smoke billowing from his lips. Following behind him, you quickly caught up and paced beside Eddie, melting into the mix of collonge and cigarettes that exuded from him. 

The faint murmur of music could still be heard coming from the street, pumping adrenaline and impulse through your bones as if it was the cold itself. You, again, could feel the leather of Eddie's jacket brushing against your bare arm, static branching from the skin. Lonely street lamp’s glow glinted on the shining leather and in the brown of his averted eyes. 

Eddie broke the silence first, eyes trained at the stars.

“I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately.” He let out some smoke with a puff. 

It took you a while to recover enough words to form a sentence in reply and, thankful for Eddie's avoidance of eye contact, you let yourself breath before giving an answer. 

“What… about me?” You tried to come off as nonchalant but you could tell he could hear the tenseness dripping off your voice. 

“About” and it was his turn to waver now, sucking in an uneven breath that you could only just hear, “your… whole being.”

He pushed his head into his hands and let out a laugh. An actual, honest, almost desperate, laugh. “Every waking moment I’ve ever spent with you,” he continued, “Every word you’ve ever spoken, every time you’ve ever looked in my direction.” With each word he spoke he seemed to be in less and less control of what he was saying, more and more frenzied.

You hadn’t moved. You stood stagnant, in the middle of the empty street, streetlights spotlighting you and him, blacking out the rest of the world into dark expanse, and stared at Eddie Munson as he said words you couldn’t dream of and looked at you like he never had before. 

As Eddie stood just inches before you, a lock of hair caught between his teeth, looking at you for a response with worry etched deep in his features. You knew what you wanted to say, and when you breathed in and readied to reply, you just hoped it would come out how you wanted it to. 

“Eddie,” you reached out and took his hand, “Would you go on a date with me?” 

The worry that had felt so ingrained in his face dropped at all at once, and he gazed at you, lips slightly parted and eyes wide. 

“Did you mean that?” he whispered, so softly it was barely audible.

You let your forehead meet his, “Of course.”

When he spoke again his voice came out almost strained, as if he was trying to stay calm, "Then yes, yes, yes-" and, finally, he closed the gap between your lips, cupping your face and pressing against you like it was the last thing he would ever do.

And in that glorious moment it became very clear to you, hooking up with Eddie Munson was definitely not a one time thing.

[ravenwooduk]

Week 6: Ravenwood Long-Pigs @ Disintegration

Nuffle's will be done...

This game represented the first occasion when the in-form Ravenwood Long-Pigs have faced a Skaven team in league play. The humans were missing two players who would have contributed to the battle on the field: unconventional combat-catcher Tomas Hawken, and rookie blitzer Dolph Xandersson are both recovering from the previous game.

On paper, the Long-Pigs were narrow favourites despite the bare eleven players given their superior armour and training, but the Skaven countered this with a slight advantage in terms of speed and strength.

The pre-match press conference indicated that this was going to be an offensive battle with no shortage of contact, as the team with more players on the field would be able to control the pitch and run in the scores. The heated exchanges before the first kick-off seemed to intimidate the match officials who seemed inclined to let the teams take one another out irrespective of the rules. Expecting a bloodbath, the skaven chose inducements to support their medical team.

Captain Kurgan von Bismarck was keen to keep specifics about his game plan close to his chest, he expressed a preference to defend first but explained that we have plans either way. "We need to take the initiative and let the rats react to us, if we are chasing their tails, they will out pace us and run away with the game."

The visitors won the toss and elected to kick off, leading with a talented front line of von Bismarck, Ivan Shultz and new signing  Brando 'The Mutilator.'  Regular nose guard Stefan Gundersson, took up a position deep in the defending half, presumably to bring his grappling skills to bear against the slippery gutter runners. The remaining human backfield were positioned deeper than their usual formation.

Disintegration overloaded their right flank with power in the form of the Rat Ogre and Storm Vermin, backed up by the Pace of the Gutter Runners. Gundersson kicked off short to the opposite side of the field and the game was underway. After screening to protect the ball, Kezzah scuttled the width of the field to collect the ball and retreat to a safe distance while Rat Ogre, Rok-rok Warpfire clouted halfling flanker 'Baron' Shadenfreude knocking him clean out on the first hit of the game before bearing down on catcher Amadeus Beck. After a precision block on the line of scrimmage, the home team moved to mark a channel up the side of the pitch and create a loose open cage around the ball. Unable to reach the ball, the humans closed in, inviting the Skaven to slug it out, although Beck, fearing the threat from the rat ogre stumbled while tying to withdraw to safety.

The Skaven rolled the ball in-field, forming a cage in the attacking half and blocking or dodging out of contact. With limited targets to hit, the Long-Pigs responded by surging three blitzers at the corner of the cage, flattening one rat and tying up two others, meanwhile Gundersson wrestled the rat ogre to the ground as Beserkerling Pip Chancer rushed in to finish him off with his flying knee drop. Despite the efforts to intimidate and influence the officials, Pip was sent off just as the apothecaries knife brought Rok-rok back into the reserves box.

With practiced coordination, the Skaven pack dropped two of the human blitzers, stunning Shultz and knocking out von Bismarck before repositioning further up field with a defensive screen protecting the ball carrier who scampered into scoring range. Ysstra Warpfire, who had previously knocked down Anders Gaspedal, decided to put the boot in, knocking the star catcher out but again drawing the attention of the referee who made it clear that he would not stand for  any foul play.

Outnumbered and out positioned, the Long-Pigs, brought all available players to bear, pushing in to mark the ball carrier and throwing blocks to free up players and clear the Skaven away from the action. Instead of scoring quickly, Kezzah switched sides cutting diagonally across the pitch with the Skaven moving in to tag the humans and impede their response. Again the humans closed in, only for the slippery rats to stall for time by darting back again to the opposite side where they camped on the goal line. Missing the coordination of their unconscious captain, the humans closed in again, this time closing escape lanes and threatening to move on the ball. After throwing a few blocks to reduce the visitors further, the Gutter Runner skipped over the line to open the scoring 0:1.

With Shadenfreude and Gaspedal recovering but von Bismarck still groggy, the teams set up with equal numbers, making minor formation adjustments, but both clearly used to playing shorthanded. The Skaven pack clustered back behind a spread front line, which the Long-Pigs front loaded with combatants and receivers with only Ratchet back deep to field the kick.

The Human front line exploded forward, Beck shuffled in to lend an assist behind the centre spot in the pivot position, Zwerg-Jaeger smashed his opposite number straight into the apothecaries tent. Showtime Blitzen took up an advanced position in scoring range. After collecting the ball, Ratchet pushed up the left flank behind a screen of blockers emulating the Skaven stratagem in the first half, only slower. 

The Skaven secondary dropped back into deep coverage and Rok-rok the rat ogre savaged Blitzen before ploughing into the screen of humans. In turn the humans advanced up the middle of the field forming a loose pocket for Rache and positioning two receivers in a position to equalise although Brando, tired after nearly a half of Blood Bowl, took a leave of absence which left the cage incomplete. The Skaven closed in to bring their numbers to bear and knocked the ball loose before creating such a pile up that the scoring opportunity was snuffed out.

In the second half, the Long-Pigs lined up again, a further player down with Rache back and the line of scrimmage stacked for a battle. Beck, Gaspedal and Shadenfreude darted forward while Brando continued daydreaming. The Skaven drifted left to cover the two pace men with the rat ogre dishing out a brutal attack on Beck but the tubby halfling known as the Baron was open on the opposite side of the field. With the human blitzers covering as many Skaven defenders as possible, Zwerg-Jaeger smashed the rat ogre but it was all distraction as Rache stepped up and threw the perfect spiral to Shadenfreude who tumbled into the end-zone for his second career TD. 1:1

While Martha the cheerleader entertained the crowd, Kurgan von Bismarck made adjustments to the formation, pushing all the blitzers to the front. Looking to avoid the brutality offered by the front three, Disintegration set up at the edges, which allowed Zwerg-Jaeger to punch through the line and Gaspedal to close in on the ball, even before the deep kick had been fielded. The rat ogre knocked Gaspedal to the ground and the Skaven collected the ball and waited deep, out of blitzing range. Unable to challenge for the ball, Zwerg-Jaeger swept wide to push one gutter runner up to the touchline, the remaining players covered the width of the pitch, with Gaspedal, in the roll of ball-hawk, tagged the ball carrier. 

The ball carrier wriggled free from Gaspedal to run up to half way where he handed the ball to the gutter runner that has just assisted in removing the threat posed by Zwerg-Jaeger. In turn this gutter runner stretched his legs and sprinted the ball to within a few yards of the opposite endzone. The humans tried to react to the move, recalling defenders from their zones, but the rats was just too far out of range. With players bearing down on him, he darted across the line. 1:2.

With a quarter to play and behind on the scoreboard, the humans reverted to type, receivers looking to find space, blitzers looking to break bones and the home crowd hoping that Ratchet would hold his nerve.

The ball landed in mid-field, so the boys went to work, pancaking the front line, with Zwerg-Jaeger taking another scalp to keep the apothecary busy. Beck ran deep, Shadenfreude waddled up-field and after throwing a block, Ivan Shultz set up as another target. With Gundersson as a one-man screen, Gaspedal joined the other potential receivers on the left hand side. This posed a very difficult pod to cover with the triple threat of Shultz's blocking, the Baron's dodging and Gaspedal's pace, unfortunately the lack of communication between forwards and backs had left a seam which the Skaven could dodge through.  Rache gathered the ball and moved up-field, oblivious to the threat.

Not missing a trick the Skaven spread out to put rat-bodies in the vicinity of each threat, while a trio of gutter runners shot the gap to take down Rache. With no receivers in range for his infamous option pitch, he of-loaded the ball just before contact, spiking it onto the floor just out of range of the Skaven claws just before being knocked from his feet.

Working at the full extent of their range, von Bismarck cleared a path to the ball and Shultz cut back to pressure the remaining gutter runners while Rache got up, ran flat out to scoop up the ball before launching a long pass over the Skaven to Gaspedal who levelled the score, with just enough time for another. 2:2

The Skaven came back aggressively, attacking up the left flank moving three players into scoring range and moving the ball immediately into the human's half. Some smart blocking from Stefan Gundersson opened a gap in the screen then Beck, von Bismarck and Zwerg-Jaeger combined to recover the ball. As Shadenfreude stepped in to position to receive the ball for a spectacular finish to the game, Gaspedal stumbled leaving the crowd with their mouths open. A Disintegration counter-attack pushed Zwerg-Jaeger onto the ball which popped up to Beck.

The final moments were as eventful and exciting as the rest of the game: Gundersson was hit so hard, he will miss the final match, despite all attempts by the apothecary to help him. Beck, escaped from the pile to skirt round the outside and hand the ball to the Baron, who was psyched up for the TTM. Brando, with the anticipation of the crowd maintained concentration, un fortunately the throw went awry and Shadenfreude finished the game in a small crater of his own making while the ball bobbled away...

[whatsonmedia]

Wednesday Wisdom: 5 Best Climate Change Books To Read

With COP 28 in full swing, the climate crisis is at the forefront of our minds. But how do we make sense of it all? How do we stay informed and engaged without getting overwhelmed?

This Wednesday Wisdom, we’re diving into five must-read books that offer a spectrum of perspectives on climate change. From the sobering realities of “The Uninhabitable Earth” to the rousing call to action in “All We Can Save,” these books will equip you with knowledge, hope, and the power to make a difference.

The Uninhabitable Earth By David Wallace-Wells

Wallace-Wells doesn’t shy away from the brutal realities of climate change, painting a vivid picture of a future we’re hurtling toward. He delves into rising sea levels, extreme weather, mass migration, and political unrest, showing how these issues will ripple across every facet of society. While the book is undeniably bleak, it’s also a call to action. Wallace-Wells argues that we still have time to avert the worst-case scenarios, but it will require a radical transformation of our economy and way of life. “The Uninhabitable Earth” is a challenging but essential read for anyone who wants to understand the true scope of climate change and what we can do about it.

Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generationby Paul Hawken

Paul Hawken’s “Regeneration” isn’t just another climate doomsday book. It’s a potent antidote, overflowing with optimism and practical solutions. Hawken, the environmental guru behind “Drawdown,” ditches the mitigation rhetoric and dives into a revolutionary concept: regeneration. He paints a vivid picture of a world where we heal our planet, from flourishing forests to teeming oceans, not just survive its decline. This isn’t airy-fairy idealism; Hawken meticulously presents achievable action plans, backed by experts and bursting with possibility. It’s a call to arms, not a mournful dirge. Read this book. It’s the shot of hope we need to face the crisis, not with fear, but with rolled-up sleeves and determined hearts.

This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate by Naomi Klein

In “This Changes Everything,” Naomi Klein cracks open the climate crisis like a geode, revealing its glittering potential for revolution. She argues that the fight for a livable planet necessitates dismantling the engine of endless growth: capitalism. With Klein’s signature blend of investigative fury and trenchant analysis, she exposes the corporate greed and free-market idolatry fueling our descent.

Yet, amidst the bleak portraits of disaster capitalism, she unearths a vibrant network of resistance, from the tenacious communities on the frontlines to the burgeoning “Blockadia” movement. While solutions remain tantalizingly vague, Klein’s call to action resonates loud and clear: Embrace the urgency, confront the system, and change everything. While some may find the anti-capitalist lens one-dimensional, Klein’s unflinching gaze forces us to confront uncomfortable truths. This is more than a climate book; it’s a manifesto for a seismic shift in consciousness, a call to arms for a future where humanity and planet thrive in harmony.

All We Can Save

“All We Can Save” isn’t your typical climate crisis book. Forget the gloom and doom; instead, prepare for a potent shot of adrenaline. This diverse anthology amplifies the voices of 60+ women leading the charge, from scientists to activists to farmers. Each essay is a punch of truth, courage, and practical solutions, urging readers to join the fight. You’ll find yourself energized, equipped, and ready to roll up your sleeves alongside these brilliant minds. Whether you’re a seasoned campaigner or a curious newbie, “All We Can Save” is a must-read, proving that saving the planet isn’t just possible, it’s essential… and a whole lot more empowering than you think.

The New Climate War, by Michael Mann

In “The New Climate War,” Mann exposes the fossil fuel industry’s insidious campaign to manipulate public opinion and stall climate action. He masterfully dismantles their deceptive tactics, from cherry-picking data to funding misinformation campaigns. But Mann doesn’t stop at blame. He lays out a powerful battle plan for reclaiming our planet, urging us to mobilize grassroots movements and demand accountability from those in power. This is more than a climate book; it’s a rousing call to arms, empowering readers to join the fight for a livable future.

[docrotten]

STRANGER THINGS (2022, NETFLIX) Season 4 Reaction and Review

On episode 499 of Horror News Radio:

The Grue-Crew review… STRANGER THINGS (2022, NETFLIX).

Warning: possible spoilers after the initial impressions!

Be sure to subscribe to the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel to catch all the HNR episodes.

Back with Doc Rotten once again are the scariest, goriest, bloodiest co-hosts on the 'Net.

Award-winning Film-maker, Christopher G. Moore

STRANGER THINGS SEASON 4 (2022, NETFLIX)

Set in March 1986, eight months after the events of the third season, the fourth season is split between different plotlines. Eleven is reunited with Dr. Martin Brenner to recover her powers. Joyce Byers and Murray Bauman head to Russia to rescue Jim Hopper. In Hawkens, Dustin, Lucas, Max and crew face the evil of Vecna.

Part I Available on NETFLIX beginning May 27, 2022

Part II Available on NETFLIX beginning July 1, 2022

Directed by The Duffer Brothers, Shawn Levy, Nimrod Antal

Written by The Duffer Brothers, Caitlin Schneiderhan, Paul Dichter, Kate Trefry, Curtis Gwinn

Cast: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, Brett Gelman, Priah Ferguson, Matthew Modine, Paul Reiser, Joseph Quinn, Jamie Campbell Bower

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Check out this episode!

[ukbooksdownload]

[Read] [Kindle] Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming By Paul Hawken

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Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming

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Title : Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming

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 In the face of widespread fear and apathy, an international coalition of researchers, professionals, and scientists have come together to offer a set of realistic and bold solutions to climate change. One hundred techniques and practices are described here?some are well known; some you may have never heard of. They range from clean energy to educating girls in lower-income countries to land use practices that pull carbon out of the air. The solutions exist, are economically viable, and communities throughout the world are currently enacting them with skill and determination. If deployed collectively on a global scale over the next thirty years, they represent a credible path forward, not just to slow the earth?s warming but to reach drawdown, that point in time when greenhouse gases in the atmosphere peak and begin to decline. These measures promise cascading benefits to human health, security, prosperity, and well-being?giving us every reason to see this planetary crisis as an

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[enheim-hawken]

Enheim Hawken Sheet: Minor Update

The Basics: Age: 27 Birthday: February 11th Race: Lordaeronian Human Gender: Male Sexuality: Heterosexual Marital Status: Single 

  Physical Appearance: Hair: Dark brown, nearly black.Cut short and more often than not messy Eyes: Warm dark brown Height: 6'2" Build: Lithe and athletic Distinguishing Marks: His tattoo of a thorny rose surrounded in arcane runes Common Accessories: A satchel full of notebooks, stray paper and writing utensils

  Personal: Profession: Adventurer, Arcanist, Freelance Researcher and Tutor Hobbies: Reading, sketching, chatting with friends new and old, translating texts Languages: Common, Darnassian, and bits and pieces of Draenei Residence: Nomadic Birthplace: Capital City Religion: Non-worshiping Fears: Reptiles, failure, loneliness

  Relationships: Spouse: None Children: None Parents: - Mother: Angela Hawken - Father: Dietrich Hawken (Deceased) Siblings: - Sister: Fiora Hawken Other Relatives: None known Pets: None

Traits: * Bold your character’s answer.

Extroverted / In Between / Introverted Disorganized / In Between / Organized Close Minded / In Between / Open Minded Calm / In Between / Anxious Disagreeable / In Between / Agreeable Cautious / In Between / Reckless Patient / In Between /  Impatient Outspoken / In Between / Reserved Leader / In Between / Follower Empathetic / In Between / Apathetic Optimistic / In Between / Pessimistic Traditional / In Between / Modern Hard-working / In Between / Lazy Cultured / In Between / Uncultured Loyal / In Between / Disloyal Faithful / In Between / Unfaithful

 Additional information:

Smoking Habit: Never Drugs: Rarely Alcohol: Occasionally

Contact Information  ––– –

Feel free to DM me on Tumblr if you want to roleplay or just chat! Feel free to ask for Discord or Bnet if you’d prefer those!

[themagicalshrimp]

Is that who I think it is?

[greyias]

From the protective sibling starters: “I’d never let anyone else talk shit about you. Only I can.”

Draike Highwind had a public image to maintain. As he was forcibly ejected from Carrick Station’s VIP Lounge and the swanky party he’d managed to sweet talk his way into, he took care to appear in control of the situation. His humiliating exit had been witnessed, much to his consternation. In an attempt at cool nonchalance, he straightened his jacket and ran his hand through his hair.

Sadly, his convincing performance did not seem to work, and his brother-in-law came sauntering over, sporting an amused smirk that Draike would gladly wipe off the other man’s face. He made one last attempt to pretend he hadn’t seen the spy, hope springs eternal and all that, and tried to head for the bar opposite his pursuer—but was intercepted before he got halfway there.

How did the man move so damn fast? Must have been the SIS training. Or the (supposed) Jedi training. Either way, it was unnatural.

“Smooth moves, Highwind.”

“Shut it, Shan!”

He really wasn’t in the mood.

Of course, Theron Shan was as perceptive as he was annoying, and he immediately noticed the shiner that was already making its presence known. He quirked a brow.

“So—” Somehow he drew the word out into multiple syllables, “I take it this means you’re making friends?”

Normally, Draike would have the perfect response ready, some zinger that would sink in and wipe that smug look off the spy’s face in a matter of seconds. Unfortunately, there was something about the arch of Theron’s brow, the throbbing behind Draike’s eye, and the casual question that transported him back over three decades...

“This isn’t how you make friends, Draike.”

Draike attempted to stare sullenly at the ground, but his mother’s firm grip on his chin prevented him from completely avoiding her stern, yet disappointed, gaze. It was a look he was all too familiar with, as was the heavy sigh she let out as she carefully examined the purpling around his eye.

“Just wait until your father sees this—you know how he feels about fighting.”

He snorted an angry breath, but knew better than to say anything. He’d heard some variation of this lecture a thousand times before. Instead, he just fumed as she continued her long diatribe. Don’t get into fights, Draike. Watch your temper, Draike. Stop picking on your sister, Draike. He was always doing something wrong, and the underlying cause almost always seemed to be the same.

Her.

His annoying little sister.

Because he thought it was hilarious to tug on her pigtails, causing her cheeks to puff up with indignation and turn the most hilarious shade of red. Or because she caught him breaking one of the house rules and found the nearest adult to tattle to. Or simply because he said something to her that made her cry (such as making fun of when she’d loudly proclaim her status as a Jedi).

“Why did you feel the need to punch Drice Hawkens?” Vainas asked. “Aren’t you two friends?”

Friend was a funny word with Draike. Having friends from his community on Dantooine proved to be a double-edged sword for him. It was nice that he could share in the everyday lives of his peers, and it was fun to be in a position of authority with a bunch of boys his age in a society where he had to take orders from adults most of the time. But there were always going to be some people in any group with whom he wouldn’t want to associate if given the choice. In a small community, you couldn’t be choosy about who you hung out with unless you wanted to spend all of your time bored out of your mind because there was no one else to socialize with. He didn’t mind being the center of attention, whether it was through accepting crazy dares, telling stupid jokes, or finding any other means he could think of to break up the monotony.

He’d have to chase off his “little shadow,” as he called her, about half the time he was with them. He didn’t need her ratting out what he and his pals did to break the boredom and pass the time. Even worse, if some of his antics inspired her, she might try to imitate him and end up hurting herself. That would land him in a world of trouble, more than anything he or his friends would get up to. So maybe he didn’t always do it in the nicest way, and maybe he felt a twinge of guilt when Grey’s face fell when she was told to leave. But it was for her own good.

Draike hadn’t noticed her stalking their small group today. She appeared to be becoming sneakier with each passing day. She seemed to know exactly when he’d look back over his shoulder and melt into the shadows before he could see her. Drice had spotted her just as they were about to climb the fence into the shipyard and had whirled on the little girl, calling her an annoying tag-a-long among other choice words.

A peculiar sensation rose up in him, something he had never felt before. Something hot, molten, and blinding. He’d seen her face fall a thousand times before, those big blue eyes welling up and watering. And the sight had inspired nothing other than annoyance, but the moment those tears spilled down her cheeks at Drice’s words, that odd feeling took over. He was jumping off from the fence he had been attempting to scale and was shoving the other boy away with some choice words of his own. Things had kind of escalated from there.

Draike’s mother’s patience seemed to wear thin as the silence continued, so he finally offered the only explanation he could think of: “I’m not friends with jerks.”

Except he hadn’t said “jerks”.

His mother’s brow furrowed with suspicion and condemnation. She had the uncanny ability to tell when he was lying, in the same way his younger sister could shadow his every move. He could see twin blonde pigtails peeking out from behind the door as his mother dabbed more kolto on the cut above his eye, a guilty expression on her little freckled face.

“Draike...” His mother drawled his name out in her most disapproving tone.

Under her astute gaze, he shifted, suddenly uneasy in his own skin. Despite her stern demeanor, the penetrating gaze had a gentleness to it. She’d always had that effect on him, as if she could see right through his bluster and every wall he tried to build. It was almost as if she could see right into his soul.

After dinner, he had been sent to his room to think about what he’d done. Draike stared at the ceiling, contemplating his life and how things could have gotten so out of hand when he actually tried to do the right thing for once. His door creaked open and bare feet padded across the floor. He looked up to see his sister sneaking in with a plate, which she placed on his nightstand. With a start, he realized it was her portion of dessert — her favorite — and she had brought it for him.

His hand snaked out and grabbed her wrist as she tried to sneak back out of the room without saying anything. She came to a halt and turned to him with a cautious, inquisitive look. He said nothing and simply broke it in half, offering her the larger piece. The tentative smile she offered him almost made up for the black eye and lecture.

Draike blinked back to the present, surprised at how far his mind had wandered. He hadn’t meant for it to. It was just one of those things that happened now and then when he let his thoughts wander.

He and Grey had never spoken of the incident again, and Draike would have rather been tortured than admit it aloud... but it was one of his favorite childhood memories. The quiet, companionable silence of two siblings defying authority and, for once, enjoying each other’s company.

Theron lifted an eyebrow to Draike. “So the reason you got thrown out was—”

“No reason,” Draike snapped.

Their argument was cut short when the VIP Lounge’s burly bouncer forcibly escorted another person out of the establishment. The individual stumbled but turned around to glare at Draike, but the security guard shoved them in the opposite direction. Angry shouts echoed in his wake, but the only thing that could be made out in the drunken slurred speech was something distinctly foul and unsavory about the Alliance — or, more specifically, its commander — and Theron’s face twisted into a scowl, as if he was ready to finish what Draike had started.

Finally, Theron glanced at his brother-in-law, who was stiffening in his seat. “So, you got thrown out... for no apparent reason?”

“Some people just deserve a good punching,” Draike shrugged nonchalantly.

Theron’s hard stare softened as he motioned to the bartender for the smuggler’s next drink. It was a double of the most expensive thing on the menu, because why waste generosity? Miraculously, Theron said no more, just raised a glass in salute to their mutual understanding and common ground.

No talked shit about Draike Highwind’s little sister.

...except maybe Draike himself.

[darkhymns-fic]

Needless Concerns

After the surprising reveal of Hawken and Nema escaping their punishment, it's only natural for everyone to want to take a moment and breathe.

This is where Aegis and Kanata reflect on their parents, on the cruelties of what had been and what could have been, on the pains that resurface, no matter if the grief is even deserved. But lending an ear is what friends do for each other.

Fandom: Tales of Crestoria Characters: Aegis Alver, Kanata Hjuger, Hawken Alver, Nema Alver, the Crestoria party Rating: G Word Count: 6621 Mirror Link: AO3 Notes: Written after reading Chapter 10! The title comes from the skit between Aegis and Kanata in the chapter, and I wanted to explore more about their family circumstances.

--

He had never felt such exhaustion before.

It was almost something out of a fairy tale book, the way the red-haired woman had appeared out of thin air, startling even the Great Transgressor. In truth, Aegis had barely been listening to her, her words shifting around his ears like white noise. Already, he was mapping the grave plots for his parents, the hurt there still fresh, but a sting that only pricked at him if he prodded it for too long. He was at that strange balance between numbness and outright despair. A careful balancing act he had to endure.

And like a fairy tale, the woman revealed the faces of his parents from nothing– the parents that should have been dead the moment their Stains of Guilt were branded across their skin, that had been bound for the Enforcers to take their punishment on for speaking good of him and-

He couldn’t finish the thought without breaking down.

“Aegis?” his father spoke, a broad-shouldered man whose own virtues had been impressed upon him since an early age. A man who had spoken on Vision Central with such conviction in his voice, that it both heartened Aegis and made him feel such guilt that he wished he could have been half the man his father believed him to be.

He spoke to him with such raw pain, but with such bright joy which made his voice crack, that any feeble walls Aegis had put up around himself then crumbled into dust.

I can’t…believe this…

Soon, he was like a child again, having woken up from nightmares with only the arms of his mother and father to soothe him away to sleep.

That was all it was, wasn’t it? Just a nightmare.

--

Orwin’s voice was, surprisingly, the most sensible out of them all. “We should give them some space,” he said, with a tone that felt so out-of-place, but tempered the emotions all the same. “Parents need their time with their kid, y’know.”

Vicious just shrugged to that, already walking down the road, his back to the group. “Fine by me. Not like I’m good with this sappy crap anyway.”

“Oh, must you?” Yuna called after him, shaking her head. It didn’t change much, as he was already some distance away, making the woman sigh. “A barbarian, through an’ through, ‘az always.”

Still, few words were said. Aegis’ sobs keened through the air, their mix of relief and desperation so deeply felt in one’s bones, only to be quieted by the hands of his only family. It was too private a scene to even look at, and so it didn’t take much prodding from Orwin to give the Alver’s their moment. Misella showed a rare pity in her gaze before she stepped back, and Kanata lingered for a while until her hand gently guided him away.

There were things they must do, but such a moment demanded its time and respect.

“It sounds like you have experience in this sort of thing,” spoke Ivis to Orwin, and her presence was like a strange puzzle piece that they couldn’t find anywhere to fit.

Orwin looked to her with a curious glance that was a far cry from his stated perceptions of her when she first appeared, a line forming between his brows. “These parents put themselves on the line for their son, and nearly lost their lives because of it. We all thought they were goners… Nothing complicated about what they all need right now.”

The woman merely smiled, the strangeness about her all the more apparent. Perhaps it was something noteworthy, but how could anyone focus on her after what they’d been through?

Kanata kept looking towards Aegis, his weeping more subdued, more held in as he buried his face in his mother’s shoulder, as his father’s arms wrapped around them both.

The gentle squeeze of his hand took his attention away. “Hm?”

“Kanata…” Misella spoke, and the knowledge was there, in just the utterance of his name. “Are you thinking of…?”

He shook his head quickly, placing a smile on his lips. “Don’t worry about me. We should… just keep thinking of Aegis. He’ll need us afterwards, I’m sure.”

The warmth of her hands were like the gentle flames of a fireplace, that he hadn’t realized he squeezed back before making himself release his grip.

Memories may come unbidden, but this was not the place. This was not the time. Someone around here must be allowed to heal.

--

“You must tell us all about what happened after you left Medegal,” spoke his father. His voice still carried that same baritone that Aegis had heard rumble through the screen in the plaza, but quieter now, with a smile that lifted his mustache high. “Look at you… You still carry on your Knight’s emblem with such strength.”

“Please, I’m sure he would rather rest after today.” His mother’s voice was always of reason, and just the familiar tones of it was nearly enough to send Aegis to tears. But he persevered, holding them back, now only holding both of his parents’ hands in his, instead of clinging to them like some scared, lost child.

Strange he had rarely felt anything but.

“I will explain… everything,” he promised, gazing back at them as if they would vanish before his sight at any moment now. After all, what if this wasn’t all but some grand illusion he was being subjected to? Or what if he was merely seeing ghosts in his imagination, wishing so desperately for his parents to be alive and well?

After all that had happened, all he could do was question, and hold back their hands so tightly.

“Careful!” his father laughed. “The dry weather makes my bones ache more than usual. They can’t stand up to such a steely grip!”

“R-right, I’m so sorry, Dad. I mean, Father.” His hands had barely stopped shaking since he’d seen them, but his gaze couldn’t help but shift to the Stains of Guilt on both of their forearms, the intricate designs of them too blatant to be denied.

His mother caught the direction of his gaze, and absently rubbed a free hand over the mark. “It appeared… so suddenly for us. As if it had always been there.” She sighed sadly, the setting sun turning her hair to sapphire. “A strange thought, I suppose.”

Just like that, the guilt instantly returned. But he swallowed it down so that he wouldn’t choke on its very meaning.

“It matters not,” spoke his father. “I will bear a hundred of these marks if it means I will defend my son! Hell, they may slam one right on my very face and I won’t bat an eye!”

“Now that’s being a little ridiculous,” yet even through his mother’s chastisement, Aegis couldn’t help but shiver, even through the guilt. Or perhaps even because of it.

For what kind of son was ecstatic that his own parents would lay their lives for him with barely a thought?

“Perhaps…I did go a bit overboard just then,” came the apology, but his father had always been so quick to talk, so quick to give his own perceptions, especially when it had to do with justice…

Aegis’ eyes were still wet from tears, but he attempted to meet his parents’ faces with bravery, as if he had just gotten back home to Wigaseya for a quick visit. “Please, I would also like you to meet my companions. It will help me better to tell you what has happened since my… departure from the knighthood.”

It’s the best he could say of it, as if it were just a simple early retirement, or a difference in a career path. But he couldn’t bear the brunt of their disappointment, even though he knew they must be feeling so with him, somewhere deep inside their hearts. They were just too kind to simply let it show.

Of course, when he turned around, many of his companions seemed to have… wandered off? They were still around, but some like Vicious went walking down the road. (Where the hell is he going?!) He could hardly think on him though, as he felt the eyes of Kanata and Misella on him, standing within the fields near each other, sharing their glances towards him occasionally.

A tugging of his hand, and he turned back to meet his mother’s eyes that were a match of his own. “Aegis, I’ve been meaning to ask you… You still like those books of yours, yes? The, um…” She seemed to have trouble placing the name, using her free hand to tap at her husband’s shoulder. “You should know them, right? It starts with an ‘A’, I’m sure.”

“Oh, right!” His father snapped his fingers. “The Avalon series! Yeah? Wait, no.” Forehead scrunched, the man placed a hand on his chin, thinking quite heavily. “You read them so much as a child, I should be able to recite them with barely any trouble!”

Aegis was stunned at this turn in conversation, but he supplied the help his parents so desperately needed. “It’s the Avalanche series, if those are the books you mean.” He chucked, feeling a little self-conscious all the sudden, despite such novels being of great work, but what a time to discuss them now… “The… Silver Mechaknight Avalanche series, to be more specific…”

At that, his mother had let go of his hand, but only to clap her hands together joyfully. “Ah, I knew it! I had a feeling it was something like that. I wasn’t sure, but-” Then she reached through a deep pocket within her dress, something that must have weighed her down earlier, going by the thickness of its make. But she held it out to Aegis with a bit of pride in her eyes. “Here it is! When we heard the news on Vision Central, I just had to take this with me. Maybe it was foolish, but I remember how your eyes would always light up as you read these by the fireplace. And, maybe I could have said so on Vision Central and convinced everyone that you didn’t do those crimes…”

Aegis stared, a mixture of feelings welling up in his chest. A bit of mortification that his mother had seriously considered waving around his book in front of an angry crowd, but also touched that she would even recall such a long-ago memory. He reached out to take the book in his hands, the cover of it faded, and the spine a bit cracked from how often he had opened it when he was young.

“Ah, I do remember those books now. And how much you liked me doing the voices!” His father grinned, then puffed out his chest as he thought back on such ancient words. “Now, what was one of them? I think it was something like, ‘Platinum Extension Beaaammmm!!’”

Aegis heard a sharp stutter and cough from the distance. The deepness of it reminded him of Orwin, who probably jumped at the suddenness of his father’s voice that reverberated in the air like a great echo.

“Ah, too loud, Hawken! You would always go overboard that the neighbors would start complaining.”

“But Aegis loved it when I did it that way! Right, son?” Then as if realizing what he’d just done, the man chuckled and scratched at his cheek, his brand burning as bright as shadow in the light. “Ha, but here I am, treating you as if you’re a child and not a man.”

“No, no, that’s not-” Aegis started, stopped, his voice clogged with emotion. “That’s not…”

Here they were, having just been exiled out of the village that they made their home in for their entire lives in just a single day, having just been bound by the very neighbors that they spoke of with so little hesitance, those same neighbors he had been so intent on killing, that had made him see absolute red…

His parents were forever branded as criminals on the run, alongside him, and yet, all that they truly worried about was preserving his most favorite book that one could get for a measly few Gald at a nearby shop.

He could barely read the title, his eyesight once again getting blurry.

“Oh no, was this the wrong one?” His mother asked with such sincerity it was like barbs to his chest. “I should have gone for the blue cover, but we were in such a rush and-”

“Please, it’s too much. I mean, It’s fine!” Aegis said, holding the book close, smiling as another tear left him. “I promise you, it’s fine…”

He wiped away his tears with the back of his hand, smiling now, but more genuine than before. “Let me take you to my friends. I want you to meet them more than anything.”

--

As the night deepened, the silhouette of the Great Grassvalley Tree painted itself against the sky like a darker shadow, branches so impossibly tall, leaves reaching up to touch a place thought to be unattainable, a place where only the gods could reside.

To think such a great tree existed, and to think it could have been so easily destroyed, all in an instant.

But that had apparently happened to the Great Pasca Tree, according to Ivis. They should be hurrying, but still the weight of everything was almost so much – so they decided a night was what they could afford themselves. Just one night, before the next day with all its trials started again.

Kanata couldn’t help but keep staring at the tree before him, remembering the singed bark inside, and the deep gouges made into the wood from destructive artes, like wounds that were difficult to heal. He wondered if Milla was doing alright in there, if she needed help. But she had always been so capable, and even with all that he learned, he did still feel so small.

He was separate from the others who sat before a quickly-built campfire. From that distance, he heard the laughter of new voices, and just glanced behind to see Aegis’ parents huddled near him. For people who had just lost their home and their way of living, they radiated such positive energy that seemed to infect the entire group. Even a grumpy Vicious who still half-whined about not having any booze nearby, seemed to let his shoulders relax as he sat nearest the flickering flames.

The light shone brightly against the dark Stains of Guilt on their forearms, Hawken never bothering to roll down his sleeves to hide it away, and Nema pointedly not touching it. Newly-minted Transgressors, like the rest of them. And all because they wanted to protect the reputation of their only son.

Kanata had to excuse his presence for a moment, politely declining Misella’s questions as he left the warm firelight and retreated into shadows. It was only by chance that he decided to look up at the great tree, knowing where they must head off to next. By tomorrow, they would need to leave. But, would that mean Aegis’ parents would join them? Or would Ivis? He almost wished he could ask Milla for help on this.

He must have stared at that same tree for a long time, seated atop the fresh-dew grass. He hadn’t heard the footsteps at all until they were accompanied by a voice.

“Kanata, you’ve been sitting here by yourself?”

He jerked around, seeing Aegis standing behind him. His friend held a clay bowl in his hands, one of the provisions that he remembered Aegis had insisted on buying on one of their supply trips when he soon joined their group. “You all don’t plan to eat out of your hands, do you?” he had questioned, though had done so when Misella had tacitly been tearing seasoned meat off the bone with her teeth at the time…

Kanata quickly got to his feet. “Aegis! I was just… thinking, that’s all.” He scratched the back of his head, needing something to do with his hands. “And, I figured you would want to keep speaking with your parents.”

Aegis looked like his usual self again, albeit without the thread of irritation that would line his forehead over something a certain someone (Vicious) had done with their supplies and/or money. He walked up to Kanata and handed him the bowl, which the other couldn’t help but accept.

“My mother made us some chili. It’s the kind I would have when I was younger, as this was all we could, well, afford most of the time. Here, this is your share.”

“Oh… thank you.” Kanata looked down, somehow impressed at a simple bowl of chili, the heat of it warming up his fingers through the bowl. “It smells very good!”

Aegis looked quite pleased at the compliment, eyes seeming to shine from the moonlight overhead. “I can’t tell you just how many bowls I would have of this back as a child. It’s a recipe I still need to perfect myself, I just need to get the order of the spices right.”

Kanata blinked. “Oh, you mean like that overly spicy stew you made for us two weeks ago? Is that what this is supposed to be?” He now looked to the chili bowl with a bit of concern.

“It wasn’t overly spicy! You need a reasonable amount of spiciness to warm you up adequately!” Aegis blinked, then cleared his throat. “Erm, anyway… This is much better, I promise you.”

While Kanata still felt wary as he gazed at his meal, he knew he shouldn’t reject it, and had a spoonful of it. He smiled as the food hit his tastebuds.

“Wow, this is really amazing! I hope you can finally learn how to make this recipe so we can have more of it later!”

“Of course!” Aegis said, before pausing. “Although I… didn’t think my earliest attempts were that off the mark, but your criticism is noted.”

Kanata was still going through the rest of the bowl, careful not to spill a drop on his clothes, but something about the warmth of the meal made his chest feel oddly tight. He had only eaten it halfway before he felt he had to stop.

Aegis’ expression was of worry. “Is something wrong?”

“No, just…” Kanata didn’t know how to put it into words, or if he even could. But the weight of a cooked meal from a parent made him find at least something sufficient to say. “I’m just… so relieved.”

This only served to confuse Aegis even more. “Kanata, you’ve truly lost me.”

“I mean, relieved for you!” Kanata faced Aegis with more light to his eyes, his feelings finding their way to his throat, though almost a bit too loudly. “That you could still have this! That you didn’t lose…” He quieted a bit, hesitant, but already said too much. “That you can still have them in your life.”

There was no need to specify who he meant. Aegis became quiet, his gaze flickering away from Kanata to the two figures by the campfire. They seemed to be busy chatting with Yuna, who held out her camera for them, like it was of great interest.

“…I know,” Aegis said finally, subdued. “It is incredibly lucky that they are still alive. If Ivis hadn’t found them…” He trailed off, but the meaning was clear. “You’re right. Even this simple bowl of chili would not exist at this moment.”

Kanata looked to the food he held, and felt such a welling of guilt. Why did he even bring it up in such a way for Aegis to confront?

“…But Kanata, just now you also sound so pained. Why?”

He could almost feel the burning in the back of his right hand. Searing, almost unbearable.

Aegis took the bowl from Kanata’s hands, setting it carefully on a nearby stump before speaking again. “Kanata? Talk to me.”

For Aegis to offer some comfort after what he’d already been through, it only served to make Kanata feel much worse about it. But he owed more to Aegis than just thick silence.

“I keep thinking if my father was anything like your parents, just how…different things might have been.”

There was the shameful, selfish thing that he let free. Kanata couldn’t take it back now. But something, about the way they had held Aegis close with tears in their eyes, the image of it would not leave his head. To be filled with happiness and relief, but also…

Yet when Aegis spoke, it wasn’t with contempt or anything of the sort.

“I think I understand a bit now. The pain of losing a parent.” He paused, finding the right words. “Even though they are here now, for a while, I felt that same grief.”

“But…it’s not the same. It shouldn’t be.” He gritted his teeth. “I shouldn’t grieve, should I?”

Aegis didn’t reply.

“My father was an awful man. Selling children to strangers, and hurting Misella… even after all that, I still can’t help but think of him. He was still a father to Sonia, and he was still a father to me, in some ways…” Kanata shook his head. “But after all he did, why should I grieve for something that was never there in the first place?”

Was it the words of Aegis’ father playing through Vision Central that nestled themselves into Kanata’s head, lauding his child? Was it his mother’s pleads, begging for compassion, only to be followed by pain when brands of their guilt showed on their skin?

It was unnerving somehow, for Kanata could not imagine his father ever doing something so similar, and knowing now, with certainty, that he wouldn’t. It had not been in his nature at all.

A hand clasped his shoulder, making him start and raise his head.

“Kanata, it’s not a sin to wish that your father had been decent.” He emphasized this, and Kanata felt anger from Aegis, but not directed at him. “It’s not a sin to wish that he hadn’t made you go through such pain because you had no choice.”

It felt wrong for Aegis to try and comfort him, after everything today. But Aegis’ parents were alive and smiling, and Kanata… he still remembered the spilling of hot blood on his hands, his hands gripping the hilt of the blade so tightly. He said he would carry his sin, but some days, such words felt like a horrible lie on his tongue.

“A parent should want only the best for their child. My father taught me that, as well as my mother. They have given everything for me, and would have even given their lives.” Aegis’ anger slowly left him, like sand through a sieve. “I’m only now realizing how rare such a thing is.”

Kanata shook his head. “Aegis… this shouldn’t be about me.”

“Nonsense. I’m your friend, and I want to help you. Because that’s what friends do for each other, remember?”

Kanata paused, hearing the echo of his own words. Why did it sound like it meant so much more coming from Aegis’ mouth?

“Besides,” Aegis continued. “You’ve also helped me. You stopped me from making a terrible mistake. I… would have never been able to look my parents in the eyes if I had truly killed those people.”

Wigaseya was a harsh memory, but at the forefront of it was Vicious, guns in hand. Kanata was not sure if he truly deserved the praise. “It was Vicious who did–”

“But so did you. All of you did.” Both hands were on Kanata’s shoulders, Aegis meeting his eyes with such conviction. “You didn’t want me to suffer even more guilt… I understand that now.”

Kanata felt his burden in the sword he carried, how at times it would make his arm shake just from wielding it. The weight of a life he had taken away, no matter how deserving.

Aegis had his own sin already. He didn’t deserve more.

“I am…extremely lucky to have the parents that I do, and to have friends like you.” Aegis gave another squeeze on Kanata’s shoulders before finally letting go. “To think that I attacked you all just for trying to get me to my senses.”

“Ah, no no!” Kanata flailed slightly, the white linen around his hand flying with the motion. “You shouldn’t feel bad about that! I was able to dodge most of your attacks anyway! A lot of your moves are very easy to read after a while.”

“…I’m honestly not sure if I should feel relieved or insulted, so I’m going to let such a comment on my fighting stature slide for now.”

The wind picked up then, making Kanata shiver. He heard the rustle of the leaves overhead from the great tree, catching the scent of pine and…perhaps something else. The mana that the tree harbored, could he be sensing that too?

“Kanata, would you want to spend more time with my parents?” Aegis asked then, the question so sudden it made Kanata give a small yelp at the prospect. “Uh, why did you just make that sound?”

“I didn’t mean anything bad by it!” Kanata tried to wave off, then worried he was indeed making it sound like something quite bad actually. “Just… I wouldn’t want to interrupt your time together with them.”

Aegis chuckled. “You’ve barely spoken with them all this time. I think it would be good. And… I think after Wigaseya, they could use some new friends as well.”

In Aegis’ words, there was a small plea, one that Kanata would be a fool to ignore. Once again, Aegis needed help.

And friends were supposed to help each other. Kanata should at least follow his own words.

Maybe the warmth in his chest was trying to tell him so.

“Okay… yeah, of course!” Kanata smiled. “I’d actually want to learn a bit more of your mother’s recipes-”

Maybe the gunshot in the air shouldn’t have startled them both, but still Kanata lost his words, and Aegis flinched so violently that he summoned his Blood Sin in his hand, turning so quickly to his right.

Vicious was already laying an arm right on top of his head, twirling one of his smoking guns in his hand. “Hey! You guys fall in a pit or what? Where the hell you two been?”

“Oh, Vicious!” Kanata greeted, happy to see Vicious despite the man dangerously waving his guns right near his face. So he unconsciously moved out of its line of sight, just in case. “Um, what are you doing here?”

Vicious raised an eyebrow, completely ignoring Aegis struggling underneath his stance. “Knighty boy’s folks started worrying about his ass, so I thought I’d do come get him. Also, not good with all that family stuff, they give me the willies.”

“Get off me already!” Aegis shoved the arm aside, getting rid of his Blood Sin in the process. “If you simply wanted me to come along, you didn’t need to shoot off your weapons like a madman!”

Vicious cackled, then proceeded to invade the other’s personal space and clap a rough hand on Aegis’ head, mussing up his silver hair with glee. “Had to make sure you were behaving! Don’t want to have to take away your toy again, do you?”

“That’s- That’s quite enough!” Aegis shoved the other man back, already back to trying to fix up his tousles and curls. “I thought we were under attack, that was the only reason I had my weapon out.”

Though the conversation from tonight must have had Aegis reconsider, for he then continued in a quiet voice, “Still, I do thank you for the quick thinking on your part, taking away my…” He swallowed. “It was for the best, because if I had…”

“Huh, you still hung up on that actually?” Vicious blinked, then shrugged. “It was no sweat. Knew you weren’t a killer at heart so I did what I could. Also, it was pretty much a gamble anyway.” Vicious started cackling again, but the implication sent something pale over Aegis’ cheeks.

“What. A gamble? I don’t…”

“Didn’t even think I could really do that! Take away one’s blood sin and all. Never had to before!” Vicious whistled low, shaking his head. “Might’ve been a real mess otherwise. Heh. Gotta say I surprise even me.”

“Y-you… You didn’t even know that-!?” Aegis stuttered, choked on his words until he resolved to just glare at Vicious. “Are you insane?!”

“What’s got you all pissy? Turned out fine, didn’t it? If it didn’t work, I’d have just shot you as a Plan B!” Vicious grinned again, this time slapping Aegis on the shoulder. “You should owe me with a free round of drinks!”

“I would never! And where do you think I have that kind of money!?”

“Sooo just get your folks to pay it then. See? I think ahead!”

“Are you seriously asking that after they’ve just been exiled from my village? What is wrong with you?!”

“Eh? Yuna’s the one trying to get your mom to cash out on some sleeping pics of yours, so why you blaming me?!”

Aegis looked like he was about to have a heart attack at that very moment. “Please tell me you’re joking.”

“Um,” Kanata tapped Aegis’ shoulder, then pointed towards the campfire. “I see Yuna with her camera out so I think Vicious is telling the truth…”

Sure enough, Yuna was there, seated on the same log as his mother and father, waving around what looked like a sepia-toned photograph in her hand. Orwin and Misella seemed to be just as fascinated as they gathered around her findings. It was hard to tell from the distance, but it was definitely of a person, and from the shape, looked like one who was curled around a pillow and in some blankets…

“Oh, Aegrouch! Did you also want a copy?” Yuna winked at him as she gleefully shouted. “Your mère already wants several!”

Aegis gaped for a few seconds before immediately running off to the scene. “Why are you taking pictures of me while I sleep?!” he yelled, his voice high-pitched. “And why are you trying to scam my own parents?”

Kanata and Vicious watched as Aegis ran off, his voice rolling along with the wind. The scene felt very familiar, almost surreal after all that had happened.

After a moment, Kanata heard Vicious sigh, like he had held in a breath for too long. “Vicious?” he asked.

“That guy’s been on edge all day. Good to see him finally go back to his old annoying self.” Kanata knew Vicious would never admit it, but the sincerity in his voice was genuine, almost heartfelt. Violet eyes flicked to him. “What’d you say to him anyway?”

“Ah… not much at all,” Kanata said with a soft chuckle. “He had more to say then I did, really.”

Vicious stared before giving a grin, then reached up to mess with Kanata’s own hair, brushing several blond strands over the boy’s face. “Well, whatever you did, keep doing it! As long as I don’t have to do the boring talks around here.”

“Vicious, you’re gonna tangle up my hair, this takes so long to fix!” Kanata pleaded, until a thought made its way to his head. “Hey… were you just messing with Aegis before? About not knowing if taking away his Blood Sin would work?”

At that, the Great Transgressor laughed, further putting Kanata’s hair into a tangled frenzy. “Hey, gotta keep knighty boy on his toes!”

--

The campfire continued to flicker, the flames like that of a thoroughly spent fireplace, as those around it decided to finally sleep for the night.

Much of Aegis’ evening had been locked in negotiations with Yuna for the pictures, until he had to promise that he’d share any future Gald earnings to be given to her in exchange. It aggravated him since, of course, Yuna knew he’d be loyal to such a promise, no matter how much of it was caused by blackmail.

So, he was grumbling here and there as he helped put away some supplies, packing their provisions safely, doing all he could to fall into the tasks to not worry about the next day.

Questions floated into his mind as he worked; of where could he take his parents to, now that they no longer had a home, the very home that he had grown up in? Would Ivis know a place for them to stay? Would he stay with his parents to ensure that they were safe?

None that he knew the answer to just yet. Perhaps that was just another failing on his part.

In his motions, he came across some packed kibble that had been for Meakyu – and was suddenly reminded of the little creature. He realized he hadn’t seen him in quite some time.

“Meakyu?” he called out, hoping that just the mention of his name would be enough. “Did you want dinner?”

As if on command, he heard the familiar sound of the animal, accompanied by his mother’s laughter.

“He’s so adorable!”

Aegis looked to his left where the campfire was. His parents were huddled near the orange-furred animal who stood upon a log, and appeared to be demonstrating… some kind of punching motions? And doing so to both his father and mother’s delight.

“Ha! This tiny creature has a lot of spark to him!” His father laughed, watching Meakyu do his best to give a double-punch to the air, followed by a kick.

“Kyu! Kyu kyu!”

“Do you think Aegis taught him this trick?” his mother asked. “He’s always been so good with animals.”

Awkwardly carrying the bag of pet food in his hand, Aegis walked up to them, just as little Meakyu nearly fell off the log from attempting the motion of a roundhouse kick. “So, you’ve met him as well.”

His mother raised her head, the firelight catching off her hair, like the waves in a sea storm. “Ah, Aegis! Is he yours? He reminds me of the little puppy you wanted to adopt, but couldn’t because of your father’s allergies.”

His father gave a little sniffle, then edged his seat a little further to the right on the log. “Hm, he’s not a new type of dog breed, is he?”

“He’s not a dog! Or, well, I assume not.” Aegis naturally sat with them, as if he was curled up by the crumbling fireplace on the floor, like he used to do at home. “We found him in the Nation of Sin. …He’s the only survivor that’s left of it.”

Meakyu was attempting to stand up again, rubbing at his whiskers, then turned to Aegis as he spoke. “Meakyu?”

Aegis smiled. “He’s been part of our group since. Me and Kanata share the pet duties of feeding him.”

“Oh, that boy,” his mother said with a nod. “How sweet he is. He asked about my recipe for tonight. Also, he wanted to know how I get my hair to shine like this, I suppose?”

“…I can’t say I’m surprised.” He could only now imagine Kanata with his mother’s hair and wasn’t sure how to feel on the prospect.

“Aegis,” spoke his father, and when he turned to face him, he was reminded of when he’d sit on his knee, upheld by a strength he admired. His father’s arms still looked as strong as ever, only now with the Stain of Guilt that seemed to engulf his very skin.

“Ah, sorry, I know that there is a lot that I…need to make up for,” Aegis replied by instinct. He still had never mentioned what had happened in Wigaseya, and didn’t know when he even could. But his father shook his head.

“I can’t fathom what you need to apologize for. From what I’ve heard from you and your friends, you have always lived a righteous life.” His father clenched his hands, and only then did Aegis notice something else. Around his wrists, a red, splotchy mark, looking so similar to a rope burn…

Aegis turned, seeing that on his mother’s own wrists. The memory resurfaced, even if the torrid emotions remained as placid as it could.

“When they tied us both up, I had never before wanted to bash someone’s head in until then.” A closing of the eyes, his father taking a deep breath. “Our neighbors, those we considered our friends… they tossed us out like we were nothing but waste.”

“And those orbs…” His mother spoke next, her voice betraying that similar sadness. “Once they ruptured, it was like the glass stuck into us and made…these. They saw that, and suddenly, we just weren’t even human to them.”

“Nema,” but she shook her head at his father’s words.

“You felt it too. Their looks of hatred on us… And, you must have felt that as well, Aegis.” She reached out to grasp at her son’s gloved hand, holding it tight. “This system, what we have been following all this time… it truly is awful, isn’t it? It makes us eat each other alive. But that’s why you continue to fight.”

“I’m…” Aegis struggled, and oh, was he going to weep once again today? But he heard the sincerity from them both, and even small Meakyu was looking up at him with wide, green eyes. “I just… I can’t let more people die. And yet, I almost lost you both. And… I almost…”

A pat on his shoulder, the grip strong and comforting. But no reproaching words. His father had never reprimanded him for letting his tears show.

“We have our moments of weakness, but Aegis…” He smiled, the wrinkles crinkling around his eyes. Only now did it hit Aegis on the age of his parents, on their own mortality, and how it could have ended so violently were it not for the kindness of a stranger. “We are still so proud of you.”

The backdrop of the stars behind his father was startling, it rendered Aegis speechless. But he felt their hands on him, warm and alive. They were alive.

He treasured that more than anything.

--

“Kanata…” Off by the Great Grassvalley Tree, Misella’s grip was steady as they both strolled in the grass, watching the swaying of the giant boughs overhead, hearing the wind make the leaves dance and whisper. “Do you feel any better today?”

“A  bit…” Kanata scratched at his cheek, feeling a blush rising to them. It wasn’t the same place as that field full of brightblazes, but the span of the night sky made Misella’s hair come to life. He did all he could to not just reach out, content to just see her, to stand by her. “Still, I should be helping Aegis more then he should need to help me.”

Misella shook her head, the petals of the flower he’d given her still as vibrant as back then. The campfire was far off in the distance, but its light danced at their backs, along with laughter, and the curious deep voice of a man who kept shouting off what sounded like strange lines from a book. “You did, by letting him know he can be your friend too.” She closed her eyes. “I approve of his conduct.”

“Misella, it’s not a test….” he said with a laugh. But Kanata felt his heart warm up, still going over the finer details of Nema teaching him to secret to luxurious hair on a budget, and remembering how not just her eyes, but her smile resembled that of her son.

Whatever the next day would bring, Kanata knew they all had each other to find their way to a brighter dawn.

[ravenwooduk]

Week 3: Ravenwood Long-Pigs vs Florida Men

Pluck just ‘ain’t enough!

In the pre-match briefing the coaching staff used the predictions from Goblin Gambling as a motivational tool to inspire the Long-Pigs players. “We are facing a solid, if a bit scaly outfit in the Florida Lizardmen, on paper they are bigger and stronger than us, with thicker armour and a big guy with sharp teeth but we have a slight numerical advantage and the edge on pace. We will have to bring our skills from the practice field to bear if we are to cause an upset here. Our secret weapon for this game is unconventional catcher Tomas Hawken, he loves getting stuck in to contact and is and the pace and mentality to take on any on the Florida Roster.”

Having re-worked defensive formations special for the game and signed Blitzer Dolph Xandersson the night before the game to add a little bulk the the lightweight human team, the Long-Pigs were delighted to win the toss and elected to kick off.

Halfling Tin Pot Buffet-Runner kicked the ball deep, behind a formidable line of greater lizards. After some aggressive blocking by the Sauri, two humans were down with Ivan ‘sick note’ Schulz pushed around and only upright because of his intense contact training on the blocking sled. The ball was recovered neatly and a lightweight cage formed behind the scales screen.

Rather than engage the wall of scales head on, a brace of players swept round either flank of the wall to harrass the lighter Skink and Chameleon Players and force them to fight or flee. Gaspedal worked his way in to cover the ball carrier while Hawken and Rache dropped back so as not to be out paced should the skinks break from their protective screen. A few blocks were thrown but only where the odds favoured the home team.

One of the caging skinks fell to injury but Gaspedal’s threat was neutralised by star saurus Frox and the cage reformed to the visitors left, this time with Sauri and Kroxigor forming the pillars. Bold skink sss cut up the open channel and into scoring range, with thrower Rache in hot pursuit.

The saurus blocker duo Zitz and Learherhead, standing shoulder to shoulder presented quite a puzzle for the Long-Pigs blitzers. They had been isolated from the cage which weakened it considerably, but the humans could not afford to commit three players per saurus as they needed to prevent the ball advancing upfield and stop any scoring threats. Gaspedal continued to threaten, being knocked down time and again for his trouble and Rache embarked on a personal quest to beat Chupathingy into the ground. The with minor casualties on both side, stalemate was broken when a brutal blow from Long-Pigs captain Kurgan von Bismarck sent Leatherhead off the field for treatment freeing up enough manpower to surround the cage and take the ball. Sensing the inevitable onslaught, Chupathingy dodged into the end zone and chameleon Gibbles darted free to close the gap and pass for the score.

The roar of the home crowd and the mountain breeze conspired to spoil the pass which drifted in field in front of Rache. With receivers able to take the ball out of reach of all Florida players and no one to interfere with a go ahead end to end touchdown in front of the home fans, Rache fumbled the pickup, the first of several handling errors from the Long-Pigs thrower. A block later saw Rache knocked back and the chameleon recovering the ball and passing to open the Florida account 0:1 at the second attempt.

The Bloodweiser-infused recovery buffet saw all the home players available to play while the Lizardmen were fielding a reduced team. Having squandered the chance to take the lead, it was important for the Long-Pigs to get on the scoreboard while trying to reduce the effectiveness of the Florida Men for the second half. The humans went about flattening the three-man front line while sending three receivers down field, the two extra players were held back to protect Rache (or protect the ball)

The Lizards responded by knocking out Beck and flanking the other two receivers to counter the scoring threat. With some solid blocking and a big hit from Hawken to remove the coverage for top scorer Johan Blitzen who gathered the long pass and sped over the line with time left for either team to score again. 1:1

Another restart although this time one more of the skinks had recovered, reducing the deficit. The Long-Pigs used the same defensive formation that had served them so well earlier in the half and the Lizards set up a front-heavy strategy to drive forward immediately.

Baron Shadenfreude’s kick fell short and the instinctive chameleons reacted while the ball was in the air, immediately scampering across the backfield to hand the ball to the swifter skink Chupathingy who burst forward behind a blitzing saurus.

Not wanting to leave anything to chance, the home side prepared a counter attack and surrounded the ball carrier before big hitting Rufus Zerg-Jaegar smashed the skink from his feet and into the apothecaries tent. The ball bouncing neatly to Tin Pot, ready to spearhead the counter attack.

Seeking revenge for the loss of Chupathingy, Karma and Frox combined to hit the poor halfling so hard that it split his trademark helmet in half ending his short life with the ball bouncing to Karma. Simultaneously the front line exploded knocking out another halfling and Kroxigor Spikeyboi seriously injuring von Bismarck. Unable to regain the lead, the lizards closed in on every available opposing player.

Flying back from his advanced position, Amadeus Beck and Zwerg-Jaeger put Frox down to open a line for Tomas Hawken to blast Karma from his feet with the ball bobbling in field. As the half came to a close, Rache had to evade the two Sauri flanking him, gather the ball and launch a pass to one of the receiver, he fell at the first hurdle and the half finished 1:1.

The second half saw the humans empty the bench with all available players taking the field against a depleted seven lizardmen. The ball was kicked deep and some timekeeping anomaly reduced the second half game time. After some tame blocking, Blitzen made a move forwards with Rache and Hawken dropping back but again fumbling the ball. The visitors dropped into a zone defence with one saurus advancing to sack Rache.

With Gaspedal free and Blitzen in scoring range, Rache gathered the ball at the second attempt and traversed the field, only to miss throw the pass which flew out of his hand and handed behind him, close to the Long-Pigs goal line leaving the rest of the team flat footed and dangerously close to their scaly opposition.

The covering saurus closed on the ball with chameleons Karma and Gibbles breaking from coverage to advance on the ball while the remaining players hit their nearest opposition player, knocking several down and injuring Stefan Gunderson. Beck and Hawken combined to relieve the pressure on the ball and Rache barely managed to evade the incoming players to recover the ball and position himself deep with dump off options either side. A sea of scales descended, knocking Rache to his back (not before he flicked the ball to Tomas Hawken) and surrounding ball carrier and nearby support players.

Some agility from Shadenfreude and Beck set up Dolph Xandersson to clear a way for Hawken to dodge free and take the ball out of range of the lizards, but he stumbled leaving the ball on the floor and stunning himself on the Astrogranite. The Sauri cleared Dolph of the ball and Karma scooped up the ball to take the lead 2:1.

With time against them, the Long-Pigs set up to try and score quickly to draw level and to hope for a miracle in order to win. Tying up potential defenders with Rache passing early to Blitzen who cut upfield to assist with a block taking the ball into an advanced position. The Kroxigor cut a gap for Zits to plant a bell-ringing sack on Blitzen whose last action before being taken off the field was to lay the ball down out of easy reach of any of the defending players. Rache gathered the ball and handed it to Amadeus Beck who ran clear to bring the game back level at 2:2.

Almost all knocked out players recovered on both sides as everyone wanted to make the difference between winning and losing. The Long-Pigs split their team with some angling to deny the Florida team any scoring opportunity and others hoping to recover the onside kick.

The Florida Men wanted it more and burst forward as the ball was kicked with the kroxigor and sauri arcing round to screen block the defenders and create a running channel for Gibbles, the intended scorer, Karma secured the ball but the effort of closing the gap to pass meant the ball did not reach its intended receiver.

With no time left to score and the only opposing player in scoring range Spikeyboi the Kroxigor, Baron Shadenfreude called the players in and with several assists, the angry halfling pitched the crocodilian beast into the crowd.

Despite beating the spread to earn a draw against a stronger team, the Long-Pigs players were disappointed not to win. The hope is that the fans will not turn on Rache who was nominated man of the match, it is hoped that this will boost his confidence for future games.

With the captain out for the next week, the debate has begun for who should replace him in week four. The Baron has been vocal in pushing his own candidacy but it is more likely to be Anders Gaspedal, cool in contact and willing to put himself on the line, rookie thrower Rache has some of the attributes required, but he probably needs to focus on his own performance.

RIP Tinpot Buffet Runner

Video by Grumpy Gorg

[queer-and-dear-books]

Title: True Letters From a Fictional Life

Author: Kenneth Logan

Genre: YA Fiction | Romance | Friendship | Drama | Mystery | LGBTQ+

Content Warnings: Homophobia | Racism

Overall Rating: 8.4/10

Personal Opinion: James Liddel has lived his whole life pretending to be something that he’s not. Straight. Because that’s what everyone around him expects him to be. So in order to cope, he writes letters to people in real life talking about the truth but never sends them out. But maybe he should. Maybe the truth would set him free. In this easy-paced novel, you’ll find yourself hoping everything works out for James as his fictional life and his real life collide.

Do I Own This Book? No.

Spoilers Below For My Likes & Dislikes:

Likes:

- Okay, I have to talk about the ending. James has lived his whole life trying to imitate what everyone expects of him, a straight boy. Even when he’s not dating Theresa, his mom keeps a photo of them on the fridge, a permanent reminder to her son of the future that she wants for him even though in reality, he’s gay. He’s gay and he’s scared because lots of people talk shit about Aaron, the openly gay kid. His best friends used homophobic slurs, his older brother fakes a lisp, his dad says kids don’t know their sexualities, and his mom pitied Aaron’s parents because they have a gay son. It’s really no wonder why he’s terrified of not blending in. Of not being what everyone wants him to be. But in the end, though his mother is still processing that her son is not who she thought he was, she put a Polaroid of James with his boyfriend on the fridge instead and it means so much. The fact that the final chapter was a talk with the younger brother about being queer and why it’s not a thing to be ashamed or afraid of is so important too.

- I really enjoy the humor. It’s clearly a defense mechanism for James, to deflect by making jokes when someone asks him an uncomfortable question. He has had a lot of time acting as he said. But I like how easily his friends fall into that banter too. It flows so naturally and I see why he gets along so well with Derek and Hawken. 

- Hawken is also such a cool kid. He’s so chill about finding out that James had a crush on him and he’s secure enough in his own sexuality to try glitter makeup and kiss James on the lips. He’s a good guy and I like that he was there for James during the letter fiasco. He also gave a lot of good advice when it came to coming out. Clearly, he’s got a good relationship with his gay brother.

- Derek is a good friend too. I can see why his faith made it difficult for him to understand queer people. I do think he should’ve been a tad more understanding as a minority but I guess from his POV, he’s a guy who has had to face adversity but he overcame it by blending in and being nice to others. At least, to those that he believes deserve it. But the thing that really makes him a good friend is that he decked Mark without hesitation when Mark said “which one of you is the man.” And he also found James after James ran away from home and was there for him when he felt alone.

- Luke is such a good older brother too. He made jokes but he obviously loves James and cares for him. When he gave his brother a hug in the middle of the trail and let him know his sexuality didn’t matter to him, I loved him. And the fact that he invited a bunch of people over to show James that he had a good support group was just so nice of him. He wasn’t at all skeeved by Topher kissing his brother and he even called Hawken cute. Also, during the final chapter, when they were talking with Rex, the way Luke kept dying with laughter really had me losing it. Especially when Rex assumed James’s boyfriend was Hawken just like Luke did. Also apparently, Rex kissed a boy? I’m glad James and Luke reacted very subtly in that instance.

- Kim is such a good friend too and it’s wild to me that she was the second person James ever came out to. Not to mention, the only person he intentionally came out to. She took it rather well considering Theresa was her best friend. She didn’t out James and she wanted him to feel comfortable around her. She also talked to him about Topher which I bet made him feel normal, being able to talk about his relationship with someone else. I hope she and Derek really get together.

- James has such a distinct and intelligent voice in this story. Even in his writing too. The letters were such a great plot device and I had no idea that Abraham Lincoln used to do that to vent about cabinet members before talking to them. It’s wild because it’s almost a therapy technique. But I do like that James soon decided to give some of those letters to people toward the end. He learned more about communication and how the truth can set you free. Breyer, his English teacher, probably helped a lot with that too.

- James and Topher have a really cute relationship. I don’t think it’s going to last but I like how much James likes Topher. They’re good for now. For his very first gay relationship, they’re good.

Dislikes:

- Honestly, in the first 60% of this book, it felt like I was just reading about a ton of microaggressions stacked on top of one another rather than a story. I mean, we have a random cashier being racist to Derek, we have Derek calling Aaron a fairy, we have Aaron calling Hawken a “retard,” and casual f-slurs and homos being tossed around too. It is fucking wild and it bothered me so much that this was taking place in 2016 in liberal Vermont. Granted, I know the rural areas are a bit more conservative and Kenneth Logan was probably writing more from his experience as a youth but damn, this was a lot to deal with. I am glad though, that when James was officially out of the closet, he had more support than jeers. And I like his friendship with Aaron too.

- Theresa, yo, what the fuck. She really stole his letters and sent them out without permission! I do think Aaron should’ve gotten that letter because he deserved an apology, no matter what form it came in. And it was a good thing Hawken already knew everything before he got his letter. Man, a lot of people shipped them together. I get Theresa wasn’t out to ruin his life but what she did was still completely unwarranted. And it was never her right to do that. I get she was hurting from the revelation that James wasn’t attracted to her but damn.

- Mark is worse than her though. I get that he has his own baggage to deal with (absent mother and an abusive father) but wow, he’s a disgusting bigot. My biggest quandary though is how he and Hawken were best friends before. I mean, Hawken is super chill and open-minded and Mark is literally calling track and cross-country runners “faggots” and not real athletes. And Hawken really thought this was the dude who was cool with gay people since he knew about Hawken’s brother. He clearly misjudged Mark and I am glad that he dumped Mark as soon as he revealed his true colors. Mark doesn’t deserve any kindness from Hawken.

- Also James broke into a house and literally didn’t face any consequences? Hell, Mark barely got consequences for almost killing Aaron. That was fucked up too. And bruh, Aaron getting so relentlessly bullied in the cafeteria was just brutal and wrong. Stupid ass baseball team and their toxic ass masculinity. But yeah, James just broke into a house and let a cat run out? That made me feel a lot less sympathy for him.

- James? Not the most rootable main character. He did lead on Theresa. I’m not saying I don’t get it but the fact that he was dating Topher for real while also indulging her with dates and some kisses was wrong. Not to mention, his own internalized homophobia stung. The way he talked down about femme gays is gross. But you know, I sorta but not really get it? It was because he had felt threatened by Aaron’s confidence to be himself. 

- Also fuck James’s dad for saying Aaron was targeted for being femme. Shut the fuck up. Let men be however they fucking want to be. But also, thank you for being more accepting of your son than his mother. Granted, it’s the bare minimum but still. The bar is low.

- I feel like I didn’t address all the casual microaggressions enough, it was gross. Such a diverse cast of characters and yet not a single one of them was without at least one microaggression. Except, I think, Kim and Topher? But in the case of Topher, some things he did raised some red flags for me as to how he’ll be as a boyfriend. But he did get better over time for me and he was so patient with James. I just wish he texted back quicker because it gave me anxiety every time it was pointed out that he didn’t respond to James. But I think that’s just a sign that James was more into Topher than Topher was into him. Who knows, maybe he’ll fall in love or maybe they’ll break up and move on to someone new.