#‘i don’t want kids!!!’ that’s great. you can still be normal and patient with others though. like a sensible person

[loveinhawkins]

Underneath the hum of the RV, Steve asks Eddie for directions to The War Zone.

Steve does not need directions. Eddie knows this, because when he’d shown it on the map, drumming his fingers restlessly, Steve had leant over his shoulder and muttered, “Got it,” with such confidence, like he’d committed it to memory within seconds.

Eddie slides into the passenger seat anyway.

“Isn’t this kinda… stupid?” he says hesitantly, gesturing to himself and the front window. Sure, the roads are quiet now, but…

“Don’t worry, I’ll push you off if anyone gets too close,” Steve says with mock gravity.

It makes Eddie laugh. “Thanks, very gallant of you.”

He still hasn’t given a single direction.

“You’re not, by the way,” Steve says casually, as he makes another turn.

“Uh, not what?”

“Living up to a name.”

Eddie looks away. “That was a joke.”

“Right.”

“It was.”

“I know,” Steve says quietly. “Just…” He shrugs with one shoulder. “Just so you know.”

“I do,” Eddie says, clipped. Bites his tongue—hates that he gets like this whenever…

“Okay,” Steve says, still so patient; Eddie can’t understand it. “You’re not really living up to the whole freak thing either.”

Something in Eddie’s stomach relaxes: this, at least, is slightly safer territory.

“Sorry to disappoint, Steve.”

“Yeah.” Steve heaves a huge sigh like it’s an actual problem. He’s smiling through it. “Hate to break it to you, but you’re painfully normal.”

Eddie scoffs. “S’not what others would say.”

“Fuck them,” Steve says cheerfully.

Eddie doesn’t know what to say to that. Just sits in silence as they get closer and closer to The War Zone. Feels inadequate.

He wants to say something, at least—wants to speak through the nerves that keep surging back, wants to stumble through an apology, look, I’m sorry I’m such a mess when you’re so—

“Hey,” Steve says like it’s an ordinary day, like he’s asking to borrow a pencil in class. “Wanna talk when we’re not, like, terrified out of our minds?”

But you’re, Eddie starts to think.

Then he sees Steve’s hands on the wheel, gripping tight. Recalls the sharpness in his eyes as he read the map. How he said, “Got it,” like a vow.

“Please?” Eddie says. Can’t stop the word from going up in question, you can take it back, I won’t—

Steve nods.

They’re swinging into the parking lot, and instead of him pushing Eddie off the seat, it’s more of a gentle nudge.

Eddie hides round the back of the driver’s seat, one knee to his chest.

Steve catches his eye halfway out the door. He winks. “Great navigating.”

And as Eddie waits for his return, he thinks about it. All of it. Middle school and everything that came before; dropping his plate in the cafeteria and feeling all those eyes on him, the anxiety suffocating, that they could read it on his face somehow, yeah his dad’s in jail, kid’s a mess…

Maybe Eddie will tell Steve Harrington everything.

[greelin]

idk man being violently hateful/resentful towards children for existing is weird. it’s legitimately just weird.

[jagibee]

Stray Pack

(Stray Kids x Reader)

Chapter 7

2,167 Words

A/N: This story is going at a snail’s pace and it might be going that way for a while. Sorry, not sorry!

TW: blood mention, no actual blood

…

“Gross, hyung. The magic? Are you a college bro dude bringing a girl to your bedroom for the first time?”

Chan’s jaw dropped in offense, the corners of his lips turned slightly up. “Yah! I happen to think the studio is very magical!”

Felix wrinkled his nose. “Whatever. Let’s just at least let the others meet her before we chase her away.”

The two of them led you down the hallway, Felix bouncing along at your side, eyes sparkling with excitement. Chan rested his hand on your lower back once more as you made your way to a large, sticker-covered door.

You recognized some of the stickers, little SKZOOs and miniature album covers, but some of them were quite random. A duck on a skateboard, an ice cream cone holding a cactus, a Bulbasaur with a flower crown. While they didn’t exactly match the other stickers, you couldn’t deny that they were all quite adorable.

“Alright,” Chan said, turning you from the door to face Felix. “I think it’s best if I go ahead and make sure they aren’t having a twerk battle or anything before Y/N goes in there. Stay here for a sec?”

You smiled at him and bumped his shoulder with yours. “What, I don’t get to watch the twerk battle? I think I would be a great judge.”

He pursed his lips, somewhere between suppressing a smile and on the verge of losing his sanity. “Hopefully, there won’t actually be a twerk battle happening. They might be sitting in there calmly and patiently. However, as someone who has had to deal with them for years, I know to lower my expectations.”

Felix shook his head with a smirk. “Are you kidding? As someone who has had to deal with you for years, I know you would get super crazy bored if we were calm and patient all the time. You love our chaos. But if you don’t want to traumatize Y/N right away, you can check on them.”

Felix wrapped his arms around your waist, pulling you against him as Chan slipped into the room. He shut the door gently behind him but you could hear the uproar at his arrival. Felix sighed and rested his chin on your shoulder.

Turning to him, you felt a bit of anxiety bubble up in your chest. “Is everyone in there?”

He glanced at you out of the corner of his eye without moving his head. “They should be. Normally, our recording sessions just have a few of us at a time, but…” He paused to grin at you. “It’s a bit of a special occasion.”

Before you could stutter out a response, Chan reappeared, leaving the sticker-covered door cracked open just the tiniest bit behind him.

“Okay, Y/N.” He clapped. “Let’s do this!”

He grabbed your hand and led you through the door, Felix shuffling behind with his arms still around you and trying his best to stay connected.

The room was mostly taken up by a recording room and a table full of hundreds of different buttons and switches. Two walls, however, had one large L-shaped couch against them, completely taken over by the band members.

Closest to where you were standing, lying with his head resting against the arm of the couch, was Minho. As he heard the door open, he stretched over the armrest, causing his head to go upside down over the edge of the couch. He smiled at you, eyes squinting, and you couldn’t help smiling back.

Sitting nearby with Minho’s legs tossed over his lap, you recognized Jisung. His wide eyes glanced up at you and he went to maneuver himself out from the tangle of legs, but they visibly tightened over him, locking Jisung down against the couch.

Next to him, curled up together in the corner of the couch, snoring softly, were Jeongin and Seungmin. Innie opened his eyes at the sound of the door opening and blinked slowly at you a couple times before the sleep cleared from his eyes. They widened as he sat up, jostling Seungmin and waking him up in the process.

On the opposite side of the couch, you could see Changbin spread out with Hyunjin settled on top of him, his head nestled against Changbin’s stomach with a content smile on his face. Changbin’s eyes widened at you while Hyunjin mumbled a soft “hi, noona” and turned his head to face the wall.

You giggled. “Hi, Hyunjin!” You whispered, holding up the hand still entangled with Chan’s to wave at the omega, despite the fact that he was turned away and couldn’t see.

Your eyes shifted back to Han as he wrestled his way free of Minho’s trap and stumbled over to you. Seungmin also stepped his way over Jeongin to stand next to Jisung. Changbin appeared to struggle under Hyunjin, but after nothing happened, he stopped. You were sure that he could overpower Hyunjin if he wanted to, but you couldn’t exactly blame him for not trying his hardest. If Hyunjin was laid on top of you like that, you wouldn’t even try to move.

Jisung and Seungmin stood before you, Chan, and Felix like you were deciding their fate.

Chan squeezed your hand. “Guys, this is Y/N, our new caretaker. I know you guys would like some time to get to know each other, but we really have to get this recording down, so maybe just get to know each other during? Got it?”

Jisung nodded while Seungmin muttered “got it”. On the other side of the room, evidently Changbin had gotten a bit impatient. He wrapped his arms around Hyunjin, stood up, and dragged him over to you. Hyunjin playfully struggled, but once he got close enough to you, he gasped dramatically. “Rescue me, noona!” He exclaimed, going limp and flopping over into you and Felix, who was still clinging to your back. Luckily, Hyunjin wasn’t very heavy and you managed to catch him before all three of you hit the ground.

Chan’s hand had gotten dragged along with yours where you wrapped it around Hyunjin. He sighed as Changbin froze, eyes wide and arms held out in front of him.

Jisung cackled at the other boy’s stance, relieving the tension in the room. “Yah, hyung!” He shouted with a wide, open-mouthed smile. “You can’t just throw Hyunjin at random people!”

Changbin’s jaw dropped. “I didn’t throw him! He threw himself! I’m completely innocent!”

Minho sighed, still draped half upside-down over the couch’s armrest. “It’s too early for this. Jagi, Dwaekki, calm down before I stuff Seungmin’s socks in your mouths.”

“Why my socks?”

“I’m too pretty to have socks in my mouth!”

“Why is he jagi but I’m Dwaekki?”

“Because he has cuter cheeks.” Minho smirked.

Changbin puffed his own cheeks out. “Yah, hyung, you don’t think my cheeks are cute? These cheeks?” His voice went high-pitched as he poked his own cheeks and bounced around you to Felix. You could feel the younger boy smile against your shoulder and Hyunjin shook with silent laugher, jostling you both in the process. “Yongbok, tell hyungie my cheeks are cuter than-”

A growl erupted from the corner of the couch where Jeongin had settled back down.

Everyone in the room froze until Chan released your hand to walk over to the maknae.

“Hey,” He said, holding out his hand tentatively, like someone waiting for an unfamiliar dog to sniff. “Hey, aegi-alpha. Is everything okay?”

Jeongin blinked, eyes widening before he frowned in confusion. “Not sure. Probably… too loud?”

“Okay,” Chan nodded, still holding his hand out. “Are you still okay to record today or do you want to take a break?”

Innie shook his head and then bumped it into Chan’s hand like a cat. “I’m good. Just…” He paused to wave his hand around. “Alpha-y.”

You were mentally debating whether to ask what that meant or not. On one hand, it felt like it was none of your business. On the other hand, “alpha-y” stuff was kind of exactly your business. Before either argument won, Felix bumped his nose into your shoulder to get your attention. “Since Innie’s still settling in his presentation, he’s not always sure what his alpha is trying to tell him, so when he doesn’t know why his alpha does something instinctively, he just tells us it was him being alpha-y.” His eyes shifted over to watch Chan run his fingers through Jeongin’s hair. “It’s quite cute.”

Hyunjin adjusted himself so he could see the two alphas in the corner while still leaning against you. “Isn’t everything he does cute? He could growl at me and bite me with those sharp little teeth until I bleed and I would still call his aggressiveness adorable.”

While the three of you were gazing at Chan and Innie, Minho had grabbed Jisung and Changbin and prompted them to set up for recording. The younger two had been frozen, staring at the others just like your little omega cluster, but with much less adoration and much more guilt and fear. Thankfully, Minho dragged them over and sat them down in front of the recording box, bringing Seungmin with him as well and sitting down with the beta on his lap on the far end of the couch, giving the others adequate space.

Chan murmured to Jeongin for a couple minutes before gesturing you over. You turned around and placed Hyunjin into Felix’s arms. The younger boy was all too happy to latch onto Hyunjin as you moved over to the corner.

“What’s up?” You asked softly, conscientious of how Innie said it might have been too loud for his alpha.

“Do you…” Chan hesitated. “I know it’s sort of hard to know, especially since Iyen doesn’t even know, but do you have any ideas why he would growl like that?”

Jeongin had grasped one of Chan’s hands between both of his own and was currently nuzzling against the scent gland on Chan’s wrist. Chan’s other hand was gently running through the younger boy’s hair and he peeked out from under it, sharp eyes regarding you questioningly.

You mentally pictured the scene right before the growl to try and figure it out. “Well, I’m not so sure it was the noise. Newly presented people do have more sensitive hearing, along with their sense of smell. But I think it has to do more with where Changbin was rather than his volume.”

Chan’s hand stilled in I.N’s hair. “What do you mean?”

You took a deep breath. “Felix, Hyunjin, and I were all huddled together and Changbin came over to us, which irritated Innie’s alpha.”

Chan glanced between you and Jeongin. “Why would that irritate his alpha?”

“Felix’s heat,” you answered. “I.N’s alpha is telling him not to let other alphas near Felix, though it’s hard to tell whether it’s so that they don’t take advantage of him or because he’s simply jealous.”

Jeongin dropped Chan’s hand from his face down to his lap, interweaving their fingers together, holding his hand more naturally. “But Channie-hyung was standing next to you and Yongbok. Why did I only react when Changbin-hyung got close to him?”

“He’s your head alpha,” you told him, glancing pointedly at Chan’s hand grasped between his. “You subconsciously trust him with Felix, so you don’t worry about him or get jealous.”

Chan squeezed Innie’s hand before turning back to you. “Is he going to be like this all the way up until Felix’s heat? Growling every time Changbin or Minho gets close to Felix? And maybe even during his heat, too?”

You pursed your lips. “He shouldn’t. He might be a little extra… sensitive. But his hormones are fluctuating and so are Felix’s. There will likely be a few more instances where Innie is more aggressive than usual, but it’s a bit difficult to know when and where it will happen. Also, I don’t want to jinx anything, but if all he does is growl, then it should be fairly easy to deal with.”

Chan nodded and rested his forehead against I.N’s. “We’re gonna be okay, yeah? It’s just a couple days until Felix’s heat and we’re gonna be fine, aren’t we?”

Jeongin’s eyebrows furrowed. “Hyung, I don’t want to growl at Changbin-hyung or Lino-hyung for no good reason.”

Chan’s hand slipped down from I.N’s hair to rest on his neck, thumb pressing gently on the maknae’s scent gland. “Well, I can’t promise that that won’t happen, but I can promise that we won’t get upset with you. Do you remember what your alpha-hyungs were like when Felix first presented? If we can survive that, we can survive a couple little growls from our adorable aegi-alpha.”

Jeongin giggled and nodded against Chan’s forehead. “Okay, hyung. We should start recording now, shouldn’t we?”

From the angle you were standing, you couldn’t exactly see Chan’s expression, but you could see his cheeks stretch like he was smiling. “Yeah, Innie. Let’s start recording.”

…

Taglist:

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[once-in-a-blood-moon]

Jooooo!!! Hiya!!!! Can i request solomon + tell no lie? I just think this prompt kinda suits him lmao. Lots of love!! 🫶🫶🫶

Solomon - Tell No Lie

Solomon x GN! reader

Prompt: It’s impossible to lie to your soulmate.

AN: Hi Ven!!! Much love to you as well!! 💜 Sorry for the delay, but anyways this is kind of a silly fic based on a thought I had of Solomon sometime ago, and thought it worked well with the prompt...or at least I hope it did 😅 I really hope you enjoy it! Thank you for being patient and take care of yourself!!

Warnings: Solomon referring to reader as dear, darling, and beautiful, Solomon being Solomon shenanigans (I promise!), slight miscommunication but nothing angsty, established soulmate connection/relationship

Another stressful day babysitting the Avatars of Sin, you can hardly wait to go back to Cocytus Hall where it’s significantly more peaceful and quiet…as long as Solomon hasn’t snuck into the kitchen while you were away. 

You have your D.D.D. up to your ear as you wait for the sorcerer to pick up, wanting to let him know you’re on your way and that Lucifer is escorting you this evening. You hear the faint shut of the door behind you as Lucifer joins you out under the front awning, staying quiet as he notices your ear-to-phone stance. 

The phone goes to the last ring, and you don’t think Solomon’s going to pick up – which is odd because normally he picks up in less than two if it’s you – but he does at the last second, sounding as carefree as ever. 

“Ah, hello, my dear. Ready to come back home?” 

“Yeah, though Lucifer offered to walk me back,” you reply, giving Lucifer a quick appreciative grin, which he returns as he waits patiently beside you, “we’re just leaving now.” 

The sorcerer hums softly. “I see. I’ve…had something come up, so that works out perfectly then.” You pick up his nervous tone with ease and know automatically something’s troubling him.

“...Is everything okay?” You know that a question like that is his weakness. Really…any and all of your questions are his weakness. They’re inescapable, unavoidable, and you like that you can use that to your advantage often. 

He answers a hair too quickly, probably hoping you won’t interrogate him further, while still being truthful. “Yeah! Yes. Everything is great, I think.” 

“Uh-huh… So, what is this “something,” Solomon?” 

There’s a delay in the answering this time. You can almost even hear him trying to physically restrain himself from saying anything, but it’s no use. He cannot lie to you – not that he likes to anyway, but there are things better left unsaid sometimes. 

Solomon sighs into the phone as the truth pushes past his lips, “I have a kid...” 

To say you are dumbfounded is an understatement. You’re silent for longer than is comfortable, blinking slowly and unable to formulate any questions. Once you gather yourself, you fill your lungs as you try to grapple with what he just said. 

“I’m sorry… What?!” The alarm in your voice is quite apparent, causing Lucifer to glance over in worry, wondering if he should get involved or not. 

On the other side of the line, there’s some crashing sounds and light scolding from Solomon that’s hard to make out. It seems he’s holding the phone away from him. He soon brings the phone back to his ear with words coming out in a rushed flurry. 

“I need to go, I’ll see you when you get back home!” Before you even get the chance, the sorcerer hangs up on you, and you’re left just as clueless as you started. You pocket your phone, your body tense and thoughts nervous for what you’re about to go home to. 

Lucifer picks up on this as the both of you start your way towards the iron-wrought gate. “Is everything alright?” 

You sigh in response, shaking your head as you try to sort out the conversation in your head. “Honestly…I have no idea.” 

Due to how shocked and concerned you are, with millions of questions buzzing in your head, the walk to Cocytus Hall is silent. You also feel your heart in the pit of your stomach as you wonder what this means for Solomon and yourself. Lucifer doesn’t prod you any further, which you’re thankful for because what are you supposed to tell him? 

Once you arrive, you thank Lucifer for escorting you before heading directly inside to see for yourself just what the hell is happening. 

The first thing you notice upon entering is the odd smell wafting throughout the hall. It doesn’t smell anything like the chemical warfare Solomon cooks up in the kitchen with its distinct odor, so that’s at least a relief. You venture further in, making your way to the common room to see if the sorcerer is there. 

Your foot crosses the threshold, but pauses mid-step as your eyes land on something black and fuzzy laying on the couch. 

“Me-e-eh.” 

“What the-” you start, but you recognize the sound of footsteps approaching from behind and you quickly glance over your shoulder to see Solomon with a little metal bowl filled with water. His eyes are trained on the bowl, simultaneously lost in his thoughts while making sure not to spill any, so when you clear your throat to get his attention, his head snaps up instantly.

He plasters on a cheerful smile which reaches his eyes upon seeing you home. “Welcome home, darling.” 

You say nothing, now standing with your arms crossed as you stare at him with a blank expression as if waiting for him to explain why there is a baby goat sitting on the couch. Solomon lets out a sheepish chuckle as he rubs the back of his neck, indicating that he knows you know now.

“What do you think? He’s cute, no?” 

“He’s cute, alright…” you pause, taking a peek at the little thing which is staring back at you in curiosity. You turn back to Solomon. “Is this the “kid” you mentioned earlier?” 

A beat of silence passes between you two before he replies, “...yes.” 

Your brows knit together so hard you might just start knitting a sweater with them. “Solomon, why didn’t you just tell me it was a baby goat? Wouldn’t that have been, oh I don’t know, simpler? I thought something else was going on!”

His eyes dart from yours to the bowl in his hands, feeling a bit ashamed of himself for worrying you so much. “I suppose so, but I didn’t lie to you. He is technically a kid.” 

The sound of tiny hooves clicking against the wood floor draws your attention back to the goat, who trots its way over to the two of you, looking almost expectantly at Solomon. He smiles softly as he crouches down to set the bowl of water before the small creature. 

“Here you go, little guy.” The goat sniffs at the bowl, inspecting it, before tentatively lapping at the cool, fresh water within. Solomon reaches a hand out and gently strokes its fuzzy back, gazing at it fondly. It seems the two have already bonded. You almost can’t be mad with how cute this scene is to you. 

A little smile tugs at your lips as you start again. “Where did he come from?” 

Solomon glances back up to you. “Would you believe me if I told you I honestly just found him wandering around down here in the street?”  

“I kinda have to. You can’t lie to me.” 

He chuckles in response. “Indeed I cannot. Though, you can’t lie to me either, my beautiful soulmate.” 

“Hey, you can’t just throw some sweet words my way and think you can get away with this. You really had me spooked earlier,” a faint chuckle weaves its way through your words, finding this whole thing ridiculous. Still, you can’t deny how flattered you are, because you know it’s the truth. 

He truly does see you that way. 

“I know, I know. Flattery will get me nowhere… But you can’t blame a guy for trying,” he says as he shrugs with a hint of a smirk. “Anyways, I plan on looking into some notable farms in the human realm and contacting them to see if any of them are interested in taking him. He can’t stay here, unfortunately, as this wouldn’t be a sustainable life for him. But for now, he’s ours.” Solomon stands to full height and snakes his arms around your waist. 

You grin as your hands come up to rest along his shoulders. “Ours?” 

Solomon chuckles softly with a nod. “Yes,” he pauses for a moment, glancing down at the little goat who looks back up at him and “mehs” at him loudly. “I’ll think I’ll even let you name him.” 

[istanmyman]

Teacher AU Ghost/Soap

Soap who is teaching science classes. He especially likes to teach the practical lessons where he gets to teach the kids how to cause harmless chemical reactions.

Ghost who became a PE teacher who also teaches extra classes on the side to struggling students and falls in for unavailable teachers. 

I imagine in this AU that Soap is the fun teacher who is really excited with his explanations and makes a big show out of showing his class experiments. The kids love him for this. 

Ghost is the chill but no bullshit teacher. He’ll support kids that are scared to try something challenging in his PE classes and will tell them they did a good job if it works out. 

He’s all for gentle but firm encouragement, but will also make you run laps or clean up the entire gym after class if you don’t behave. 

He’s a bit of a show off when it comes to teaching. He will throw an insane ball or do a challenging move then ask casually, “Who wants to learn this first?”

In my AU Simon starts to teach at the school before John joins the team. He didn’t particularly care about the new addition to their team, at least at first. 

John was just a new colleague like any other, until he heard the kids talking among themselves. They praise Mr. Mactavish wherever they go, excited for his lessons and loving his way of teaching. 

Simon hears about how patient and kind he is with his classes, how hard he works to keep learning fun and exciting. After hearing about the man so many times, he can’t help but be intrigued. 

It wasn’t intentional, but Simon keeps out an extra eye and listening ear for the man. He gets curiouser by the day as he watches and listens to the man's work each time he walks by John’s classroom.

One time after Simon is done teaching an extra class, he walks down the halls, ready to go home. That is until he walks past his new colleague’s science classroom. 

The man is still busy, much to Simon’s surprise. Normally he doesn’t involve himself in other teachers' business, but his curiosity as of late seems to catch up on him, when he sees John moving things around. 

Simon takes a step inside the classroom, knocking on the open door. “Mactavish?” The younger man whips his head around and upon seeing the PE teacher, he smiles. “Simon, to what do I owe this visit? I thought your classes ended a while ago.”

“Extra classes got moved to today.” Simon simply explains and John answers with a soundless “Ah.” John is in the meantime still busy with moving boxed chemicals and tubes around. 

“What are you doing?” Simon asks and John gets that excited gleam into his eyes. “Well,” He starts upbeat. “I am preparing a special class for my students for tomorrow.

I know the next chapter is usually one of the more difficult ones so I thought showing them an example of the subject we’re discussing might make it easier to understand.”

Simon hums in understanding. “I hear you do that a lot.” “Do what?” John asks. “Use examples.” Simon elaborates. “The kids can’t shut up about your lessons. They seem to appreciate the visual aid.”

John seems to outright beam at that. The pure excitement he feels about his lessons makes him look like an excited kid himself. Simon thinks the youthful energy John has is exactly what the kids need while learning such a difficult subject. 

“I’m glad they do. I like teaching them. They’re good kids.” John says with a fondness that surprises Simon. In all his years of teaching, he’s never seen anyone so invested in their job before. 

John seems to truly enjoy his career choice and he’s great at it by the looks of it. all the kids seem to truly understand what John is trying to teach. It’s an achievement that Simon can admire about the man. 

“You’re a good teacher.” Simon says before he can stop himself. John’s eyes widen a little from Simon’s honest words. He laughs a little, seemingly feeling a bit flustered from the compliment. 

Simon needs to suppress an amused smile of his own because of it. “I certainly try to be.” John answers heartfelt, smiling with a hint of red on his dusted cheeks. “Thank you, Simon.” 

Simon feels himself fluster a bit, heat running up the back of his neck. He clears his throat. “Just telling the truth.” Simon adds, trying to seem casual like always. 

He could go now, but he doesn’t particularly feel like leaving yet. “Need-...need any help?” He offers, breaking the short, awkward silence after a short moment. 

John shakes his head a little, seeming to have been lost in thought himself. “Yeah! Yeah, sure. Help would be great.” John says, quickly turning around and picking up a box, placing it in Simon’s hands. 

“Could you place one of each on the students' tables?” John already turns around before Simon can say ‘sure’. The both of them prepare the classroom for the next day. It isn’t much work since John had done most of the prep before Simon found him. 

When they’re done with putting away the empty boxes and storing the prepared chemicals, John speaks up. “Seems like that was everything.”

“You do this every day?” Simon asks and John shakes his head as he grabs his bag from behind his desk, getting ready to leave. “Not every day. I try to be home on time for dinner.”

“Got someone home who waits for you?” Simon asks. “No, but I don’t like eating dinner too late. I’m a bit of an early bird instead of a night owl.” 

The young teacher chuckles sheepishly. “What about you? Got a warm meal waiting for you at home? Now that I think about it, I probably shouldn’t have kept you here till this late.”

“Nonsense. I offered to help myself.” Simon says, walking out of the classroom after John, who locks the door behind them. “Still…” John muses unsure as they walk down the halls. “I appreciate the help.” 

Suddenly John perks up, seeming excited as he starts to ramble. “How about we go out for dinner? Since there’s no one waiting at home for the both of us, some company might be fun. My treat, of course, as a thank you.”

Simon is a bit surprised by the invitation since there’s no need to thank him. He feels like he should say no, that he shouldn’t go out with John since he doesn’t know him well enough, but there’s also a part of him that wants to go, to take this chance.

Normally he is quite hard on himself when it comes to these things, with meeting new people and making friends, since he’s known plenty of people who turned out to be not so great, but there’s something about John that just makes it so easy to relax. 

He’s been told by his boss, and old friend, Price, plenty of times to do so, but only John has made him truly want to believe again that it’s okay to open up to new people. 

He should try to make the most of this. It’s why he complies so easily to John’s idea. “You don’t need to thank me, John, really.” Simon starts. He can’t help but feel slightly amused as he notices a hint of a pout forming on the grown man’s lips. 

John already seems to think he’ll turn the offer down. The hint of disappointment in John’s eyes is almost flattering. Simon doesn’t get why the man would want to spend time with him, why anyone would want that, but It’s still nice to know that John does. 

Simon quickly continues to explain himself, wanting to fix that sad look in his eyes. “But, uh, dinner sounds lovely. Any place you have in mind?” John’s eyes seem to light up again with genuine joy at Simon’s complying. 

“I know the perfect place. There’s this nice bistro that serves really good Italian food. Unless you don’t want that of course, we could also-” Simon chuckles as John starts to ramble off again, way too worried about what Simon wants for his own good. John appears to be truly kind and seeing how admirable the young man besides him is, has been a breath of fresh air. John seems to wear his heart on his sleeve and has, thus far, been respectable and genuine to Simon’s knowledge. 

He should try to make the most of this, he tells himself. He expects that spending time with John could truly be enjoyable. It’s why he complies so easily to John’s choice of dinner. “Italian sounds great.” Simon says, cutting John’s ramblings short.

“Okay, Italian it is!” John smiles. They fall into an easy conversation as they make their way to the restaurant. During dinner they share stories, interests and at the end of it, Simon even dares to crack a few bad jokes which John seems to enjoy. 

By the end of their dinner, Simon feels comfortable and bold enough to fake going to the restroom. He pays for both their dinners before heading back to the table. “Ready to go?” he asks John who now gets up as well. 

“Yeah, just have to pay first.” He says as he grabs for his wallet. “No need.” Simon tells him. “I already paid.” John looks at him with an open mouth from surprise. “You paid? But I promised I would pay as a thank you.” 

Simon smiles. “I felt like I should thank you for the fun time. How about next time you pay?” John’s shocked expression turns into a bewildered smile. “You sneaky bastard.” He chuckles. “You’ve got yourself a deal, Mister Riley. Next time I pay. No take-backsies.” 

Simon wears a toothy, genuine smile as he holds open the door for John as they walk outside. “Well then, Mister Mactavish. I’m already looking forward to it.”

[themissinghand]

Omniscient Reader Viewpoint: A Mother’s Burden

Summary: In which Lee Sookyung is a mother of identical twins who endures and endures, until one of the twins tells her she doesn’t have to anymore. 

Note: Twins AU! What if Dokja had a twin brother who is from another world? 

Male OC!

Also, this is like my favourite Manhwa and novel ever, still can’t believe I haven’t written anything for this yet. Besides, can we give some recognition to the side characters of ORV? They’re pretty awesome too. 

Warning: Some spoilers beyond the current point in Manhwa for ORV! Contains domestic abuse and violence and cursing. 

"Kim Dokja and Kim Duri." 

Lee Sookyung is happy to call the twins her children.

"Duri. You're such a quiet child. Unlike your younger brother and your father." She says, out of breath, but is nonetheless glad that at least one of the twins aren't bawling their eyes out.

She smiles and Duri smiles too, before the baby suddenly started crying. Surprised, she quickly rocks him gently in her arms.

"Aigoo, my child, why are you crying all the sudden?"

Wails escape his lips.

"Don't worry, mommy's here."

She reassures him gently and rubs her cheeks against him.

It was all she needed to do before the baby stopped and fell asleep.

She lets out a sign of relief before she asks the nurse to help her.

When she looks back at where her husband was at, he was no longer there.

Lee Sookyung swallows the bitterness in her mouth and endures and endures.

Unlike Kim Dokja, Kim Duri is a quiet, quiet child.

Lee Sookyung is worried.

Duri rarely cries, and although it does bring her less stress, she's worried about his development. His eyes seem too old for a baby boy, and he doesn't cry or whine or ask for her at all compared to Dokja and other children.

It's odd for a baby to look at her with such eyes. 

Duri doesn’t make a sound, and never smiles after his birth. 

To her husband, Duri was an abnormality, but not enough for him to care.

It's easy to forget Duri.

That thought frightens Lee Sookyung.

"Mom." When he calls her, she jumps, because he doesn't call her often like Kim Dokja. When he does, it is always something that a child normally wouldn't say.

"Why do you stay with him?" Kim Duri is an abnormally perceptive kid. It's her fault that he is acting older than he should be, worried about things he should not worry about.

"Are you talking about Dad?" She smiles as she kneels down. She's somewhat unsettled by the way he doesn't flinch, doesn't acknowledge her wording but simply stares, patiently waiting for her answer.

"Don't worry about it, Duri. Mom will handle it. Why don’t you go and play with Dokja?"

"Do you want him gone?" It's such a scary question, but even so, Lee Sookyung doesn't show her skepticism. She shakes her head, it's a lie, but she can't leave that man yet.

(But why?)

Duri was three at the time, same as his younger twin brother, Dokja.  

"Mom. It’s okay." He breathes out. Before he smiles.

He smiles.

Lee Sookyung froze because it was such a pitiful, understanding smile.

He leaves her in the kitchen, frozen in wonder. Was it her fault for being so stubborn? To stay in this abusive household?

The scars Duri holds are different. The weight of his stare doesn't come from nowhere. 

So why?

She tiptoes to the twins bedroom and sees Duri reading a book to Dokja like a good older brother. Dokja asks lots of questions, sometimes says things that don't make sense, but Duri answers them all patiently and kindly. 

Lee Sookyung is happy that Duri is mature, but why does her heart hurt so much?

When school came, Duri and Dokja were inseparable as ever.

“Bye Mom!” Dokja would always yell out before skipping ahead, dragging Duri by the hand. 

Duri only looks back briefly before tagging along. 

Lee Sookyung could only wave for a moment, before she left for her job. 

Both her children are great. 

Dokja is doing well academically, and Duri seems to do much better in athletics. Teachers would praise them in parent-teacher interviews and other parents would be jealous of her twins. 

(But they don’t see what’s behind the curtains do they?) 

“Stop it! Don’t hit the children!” 

Lee Sookyung can take it all, whether it's deception, hatred, or anger from the man who she calls husband. But she can never let her children bear the same burden. 

Beer bottles explode by the counter and she shields her children from the sharp glass shards. 

“You bitch! You stole my money! Where’s my money!?” 

It hurts so much, but she can take it. 

She was a fool to believe things were going to be better and a fool for bringing her children into this. 

Dokja was crying and frozen from fear, but Duri was abnormally calm. 

“Mom, I’ll take Dokja to the room.” 

Without another moment of hesitation, Lee Sookyung let them go, and Duri carried the sobbing Dokja to their bedroom despite the screaming of an angry man. 

“Calm down honey-” 

“It was you! You son of a bitch!” When she felt the belt whip her on her waist, a sharp pain erupted within her and she stumbled from the force. 

“You spent it on the children didn’t you?! Huh?! I need it more than them!” Lee Sookyung quickly braced for impact by protecting her head and curling herself in.

She can take it.

“I took the money.” 

Lee Sookyung immediately looked toward the familiar voice in panic. There stood Duri in his middle school uniform and he was emotionless. Behind him was the sound of Dokja pounding on the door and crying out his name.

“Hyung! Hyung! Hyung!”

“Duri! What are you doing? Go back-” Her voice was easily overwhelmed by her husband’s wrath. 

“I knew you were a demon spawn! Give me back my money, you piece of trash!” Her husband rushed over with his belt like a madman. 

“No Duri!” Lee Sookyung tried to stand up but she couldn’t, she could only helplessly watch Duri get whipped across his face with a belt. 

The loud slap ranged in her ear and she cried out in anger. 

“Duri!” 

“This is self-defence now.” 

In the next moment, Duri kicked her husband in the balls, hard. 

Then he suddenly crashed to the ground. 

“You fucking-” Her husband couldn’t even finish his words when suddenly the police knocked their apartment door down.  

Lee Sookyung didn’t know what was going on, she was immobile on the ground by shattered glass while the police restrained her husband. 

“I-I’m scared officer. Please, help me and my family escape my dad!” A plea, the first time she heard Duri so desperate, and saw tears rolled down his cheeks. 

“I have evidence! I just can’t watch him continue anymore!” 

(But Duri is not the type to cry. A dark part of her is telling her that this was deception)

“Don’t worry, we’ll take care of this. Give me what evidence you have.” Duri hands over a voice recorder and a small camera. 

But did it matter at this point? She could always talk to Duri later. Right now, her children mattered the most.

“Duri! Mom!” Dokja managed to finally run out of the room after the police officer forced the door open. He quickly ran over to her and she hugged him close.

“You devil spawn! You planned this didn’t you?! You evil little bitch-” The police quickly handcuffed her husband and dragged him away. 

“Ma’am, I’m going to need you and your children to follow us.” 

“Okay.” When Duri stood before her and extended a hand, both she and Dokja held onto it. 

“Mom, you don’t have to endure anymore.”

It took her a moment to understand what he said, and it was all she needed before tears rolled down her cheeks. 

“Mom! Don’t cry, we’re here.” Dokja comforts her while wiping away her tears despite the fact he was tearing up too. 

“Hyung! Do something!” 

“Okay.” Duri hugs her awkwardly since he never initiated a hug before, and that tugged at her heart strings even more because he’s trying.

“Thank you.” She kisses both of her twins and then wipes away her tears. 

Now, she needs to do what’s right, and she needs to take advantage of what Duri has given her.

She needs to be brave for her children.  

With both her children by her side, she took a step forward.

The interrogation wasn’t long, in fact, it was very straightforward and the police officers were very nice. They first allowed them to go to the hospital to get first aid before proceeding with the questioning. 

The police seemed to be well acquainted with Duri and Dokja, and it was then she found out that the twins had been helping other members of the community, whether it’s helping the grandma carry her groceries, or other children from bullies. 

While Dokja was very shy about it all, Duri remained nonchalant about it, saying it was what they should do.

During the questioning, Lee Sookyung muttered up her courage, and told nothing but the truth. She admitted to the evidence that Duri submitted.

With everything pointing to her husband as the perpetrator, the results arrived quickly. 

“I curse you! You demon spawn! I hope you die in the most painful way possible-'' When Lee Sookyung went to cover Duri’s ears, he pointed to Dokja instead. Lee Sookyung covered Dokja’s ears and watched Duri simply stare, uninterested. 

It was her husband’s last words before he was taken to prison. 

It felt too fast, too easy for all those years of abuse to suddenly disappear. Perhaps it was this easy, but she was simply too afraid. 

She was a coward compared to Duri. 

She was awarded decent compensation in return, and received the pity of the people around her. Duri and Dokja received praise from the police and admiration from others. 

Life returned to normal a few months after the incident, and nothing has changed aside from the fact that they were finally safe. 

Duri still did well in sports where he played a key role in helping the school win the championships, whereas Dokja came first in the entire school in language. They were still very much inseparable, where they filled in each other’s gaps and supported each other. 

Lee Sookyung had to work a lot more, but with the community’s support, she was able to work peacefully.

She was never able to ask Duri about his choice or how he planned out this whole situation, but she believed that one day he would tell her the truth. 

When that day comes, she will listen and she will believe. 

That’s a promise she told Duri, and a promise she made to herself.

“Mom.” 

Before Lee Sookyung could turn around, two hands covered her eyes. In an instant, she knew it was Kim Duri. 

“Thank you for loving me.” Whenever he says this, she knows Duri’s feeling a bit vulnerable or down about something, but he never tells her. 

So all she could do is comfort him in the best way she knew how. By reassuring him, and by giving him her time and attention. 

(The things she was unable to give before wholeheartedly)

Lee Sookyung smiled before she put her own hand on his. 

“Thank you.” For saving us. 

[morataarts]

Long post!!

Some stuff I wrote today inspired on my drawings :D

I'm not the best writer so sorry for any errors

Enjoy !

Macaque fights Wukong

Disclaimer I made this as a guide so it's not supper detailed for that

Macaque leaves the place MK and him were staying at and goes to get new tools, food and other bare necessities like clothes for MK

“Last on the list... my dojo, that kid broke the last tools we had there” he sighs as he starts collecting various weapons that could be useful in training the unstable MK that fell at his door asking for solitude and training

“Macaque”

The dojo turns a golden color lighting everything

Astral projection and the voice, Wukong

He turns around to face the voice “Wukong! Astral projection?…you must be pretty desperate to do this” he says as he turns around continuing with the task at hand

“what can i help the great king in this fine day?” He says with sarcasm in his voice

“you know damn well what im here for macaque” exasperation fills the golden monkeys voice

“No, i have no idea what you’re talking about” macaque keeps ignoring the other collecting what he needs and going through the list he has, almost completing it

“Macaque im not playing around your stupid games” slightly raising his voice “where’s MK”

Macaque breathes trough his teeth “uuuh sorry can’t tell you…” he turns around collecting the bag of weapons, swings it on his back securing the straps and looks at wukong raising a smirk “that’s confidential info, welp see you next time bud”

As macaque was leaving wukong’s voice roze “Macaque i swear if you don’t tell me where MK is i-“ wukong pointed a finger at macaque who was watching him with a growing angered expression

“you what Wukong? What are you going to do? The kid left on his own and stoped at my door looking for help” he pointed a finger at himself and fixed his bag “he was terrified of his power and of hurting anyone, for heavens sake he was scared of his own kaiju!!” he sighs “I didn’t kidnap your student if that’s what you're implying, he went to me for a reason and he wants to be alone for a reason” he points a finger this time at Wukong’s chest “leave him be and for once be something you never where” he grabs the bag he left by the door and opens a portal “patient” he leaves through the portal ending the astral projection and arriving to his place of stay with Mk

Leaving wukong back in pigsy’s restaurant speechless and with no answer for the others

_______________________________

Context to my “i miss my friends” drawing I made

“That’s it! Get into it and feel it” macaque moves quickly dodging and hitting MK “make it feel as if it was normal, as blood pumping or as breathing, remember relax into it, its a part of you”

Mk breaths and pants trying to concentrate and follow up with Macaque trying to control his glowing monkey form but suddenly “ach” Mk falls to the floor seemingly in pain holding his head

“Shit…MK!” Macaque hurries to Mk’s side and holds his arms “calm down MK!!” MK mind runs while hearing the scrolls words

‘chaos harbringer’

“stop stop STOP!”

The earth slightly shatters, tears flow from MK’s eyes

“Don’t let it control you kid, you’re way stronger than that!!” macaque screams trying to calm down MK, kaiju flowing out and forming before them “Mk listen to me calm down you are safe! You are not what you think you are! Snap out of it kid!”

Mk’s kaiju retreats and he goes back to normal breathing hard, tears still falling trough, he feels a warm embrace holding tight and he reciprocates while sobbing into macaque’s shoulder

Things calm down sometime later and they are sitting on the edge of the mountain, clothes changed and wounds cured

MK thinks of everyone back home and how they might be doing, he thinks about the choice he made a month ago to leave and get macaque to help him control something like himself

“I miss everyone macaque”

Macaque looks at Mk, worry and sadness fill his face

“Im sure they miss you as well kid” macaque looks back to the horizon, feeling Mk press up against his shoulder and on instinct he wraps an arm against Mk

Mk sniffles “you really think so?” He smiles weakly, macaque smiles back “oh I know so kid”

Macaque remembers the time when they where still staying at his house and on the middle of the night Wukong decided on astral projecting to him repeating ‘give me your location, give me your location, give me your locat-‘ ‘omg fuck off wukong’ but too no avail

It lasted all night…

Macaque shudders at the thought

he hates seeing mk like this, but he knows Mk need this time away from everything and gather his thoughts, without the pressure and the constant nagging of the world

“Well lets go have dinner, you have a long day tomorrow” macaque stands reaching a hand to mk who giggles “i thought everyday was a long one at this point” they follow arm to arm reaching their stay “well tomorrow will probably be a little bit more difficult”

“ill be ready for it!” He puffs his chest, macaque chuckles “im sure of it kid”

“Thanks macaque, for helping me”

“You’re welcome kid, anytime”

Thank you for reading 💞 :D

[dragonmama76]

Where We Fell In Love Matters

Written for @thefreakandthehair 's Summer Spicy Six Fanworks Challenge, my prompt was "rocking chair." Length: 3.5k, Rating: T

Also Posted on A03

Now 2023

“Ooof” Eddie puffed out as he lowered himself to the porch rocker.  Glancing over at the other chair he stretched out his legs and started rocking.  “Sorry, I’m late, Stevie.  Your grandchildren are running me ragged.  But I’ve got them set up with a movie and popcorn and I think they’ll stay put for now.  I remember the kids used to be a handful, no rose colored glasses here, but this generation is something else entirely.”  Feeling familiar eyes on him he continues smirking, “They are a bunch of nosy, mischievous brats who never do what they are told….”

“Grandpa Eddie!!” a small voice cries out, “Thas not true!  I’m notta cheevius brat!  I’m your little man!  You SAID!”  

“So I did, little man.  And seeing that I just set you up with a very cool movie, what may I ask what you are doing out here?”

“Auntie Robbie said not to come out ‘cause this was your special time with Grandpa Steve, but I wanted to come out to have special time with Grandpa Steve too! So I sneaked”

“Oh you did, did you?”  Eddie sighed and rolled his eyes in the direction of Steve’s rocking chair, but gathered the curly haired monster up into his lap and started them rocking.  “Well, I suppose I could share just this once.  I was just telling Grandpa Steve how much fun we had today.”

The little body settled into the warm lap and snuggled his head to Eddie’s chest.  “Mmmmm…we went mini golping!  And you won and you didn’t let ME win.”

“Golfing, yes.  And I don’t let anyone win.  I’m the best at mini golf and no one can beat me.”  Eddie grinned into his curls.

“Daddy says you never let him win either when he was little like me, but he says now if he wanted to he could beat you good.”  Eddie laughed out loud.  “Maybe he could and maybe he couldn’t, but I didn’t see him out there trying.”

“How come you and Grandpa Steve have special time every night?”

Eddie paused and looked at the boy.  It seemed like he was here to stay, so he began, “Have you ever heard the story of how your grandpa and I fell in love?  It started with a couple of rocking chairs….”

Then 1986

Steve was bound and determined to get Eddie up and outside.  The man had been staying with him for a few days after the hospital fast tracked his discharge.  The professionals reasoned he was awake, eating and drinking normally, could walk at least a few steps on his own, and (the real reason, Steve supposed) Eddie made the staff uncomfortable being a murder suspect and all.  The sooner he was out, the happier they would be.  That was all well and good, but the apartment Wayne had found for them was up on the second floor and there was no way Eddie could navigate the stairs yet.  Steve was in Eddie’s hospital room visiting when all this went down and shocked even himself when he insisted Eddie come home with him.  He was still waiting on Family Video to reopen so he had the time, his government payout had just come through, so money wasn’t an issue, and his parents were out of town indefinitely so he had the space.  Plus, his house had more than one guest bedroom including one on the first floor.  Steve made his case and all parties readily agreed to his idea.  

It wasn’t exactly what he expected.  Eddie was not a great patient.  When his pain levels were low he was great company and Steve was enjoying getting to know him without the oppressive weight of the upside down hanging over them.  They talked about music and movies and the kids and while their opinions didn’t always line up, they both enjoyed bickering like two little old ladies.  But Steve could always tell when the pain was bad because Eddie would shut down and refuse to leave his bed.  He wanted to respect Eddie’s boundaries as a guest in his home, but he also felt a keen responsibility for his well being.  Fresh air was what Eddie needed, so fresh air would be what Steve would provide.   

“C’mon Eddie!”  Steve was using his most persuasive tone in order to cajole the man into taking a few steps out onto the front porch where a double rocker packed with pillows and blankets waited for them.  It was just past sunset and the sky was still pink and creamy.  The street was quiet and the air was starting to cool down from the thick heat of the day.  

“Now listen, Eds, we’re going to sit out here for one hour every day and relax and get some fresh air.  If you want I can read to you while we’re out here or we can just talk or whatever, but you’ve got to get some exposure to the outside.  Hardly anyone ever drives by so you don’t need to worry about being seen and even in the unlikely event someone does see you and says something, I’ll be right here to protect you.”

“Fine,” Eddie groaned and then brightened, “And I can smoke?”

“Not a chance, man.  You quit in the hospital so no reason to start back up now.  If you’re good when we go back in I’ll make your favorite dinner.”  

“Mac and Cheese and hotdogs?”  Steve knew Eddie needed more fruits and vegetables in his diet, but he was dealing with a man who had the palate of a stubborn six year old so they were working up to more healthy stuff.  It wouldn’t hurt to skip the veggies this once.  

“Yup.  Now you get settled in all comfortable so we can enjoy our hour.  Do you want me to grab your book?”

Resigned to his fate, Eddie arranged the pillows so they would support his back and sides and tentatively leaned back.  “Yeah, okay, this is okay I guess. No book, we can just rock and talk.” 

Smirking, Steve carefully dropped down next to him so as not to jostle the pillows and gently set them on a back and forth motion.  Eddie closed his eyes and sighed with pleasure and Steve couldn’t resist  glancing over to appreciate just how pretty he was when he was relaxed like this.  It wasn’t particularly concerning to him that he thought of Eddie that way.  Steve had known for years that he found both men and women attractive, but growing up in Hawkins he had learned early on to keep those kinds of feelings to himself.  Even when his platonic soulmate, Robin, had confessed her affinity for the fairer sex, Steve had kept his secrets.  He knew she would encourage him, but he wasn’t ready for that kind of push.  Although, the more time he spent with Eddie the more he wondered if a push wasn’t exactly what he needed.

Steve relaxed back into his place next to Eddie and couldn’t help letting loose a small sigh of pleasure when Eddie leaned into him.  His heart felt like it might beat out of his chest, but he willed his breath to slow so as not to startle the injured man.  They rocked together slowly and allowed the fresh air to wash over them like a gentle calming wave soothing their hurts and calming their souls.  

It worked so well that Eddie allowed Steve to bully him out to the rocking chair every evening to watch the sun set.  His healing wasn’t linear, sometimes he walked and sometimes Steve had to pick him up and carry him out.  But without fail their bodies fell together in comfort and somewhere along the way, hands reached out to clasp and there were soft hesitant touches.  They never spoke of it inside the house.  Each night they came in feeling shy and a bit wary of the other as they fled to separate rooms until it felt normal to be together again, laughing and teasing and bickering.  

Eventually Eddie recovered enough to move back home with Uncle Wayne.  Steve was happy he was doing so well, but if he was being honest with himself, he was sorry to see him go.  It was selfish, but his feelings for Eddie had only grown and having him around made Steve feel like maybe he could keep him all to himself forever.  Not that he had confessed any of that to Eddie.  Especially when he didn’t know if his feelings would be returned.  So instead he helped pack Eddie’s things in the morning and drove him to the apartment Wayne had set up for them.  They lingered at the door neither wanting to be the one to say goodbye until Wayne yelled at them for letting the bugs in.  Steve managed to croak out, “Well, don’t be a stranger.”  And Eddie looked at his feet and managed a, “Yeah, you too,” and shut the door.  

That first afternoon without Eddie around felt so heavy.  Steve felt inexplicably restless and spent the day washing the guest room sheets and cleaning the bathrooms trying to keep busy.  It still wasn’t enough to fill the emptiness inside and out but he pressed on.  When the sun began to set, Steve found himself almost unconsciously grabbing a pillow and throw blanket.  When he opened the door, to his surprise Eddie was headed up the porch stairs and as Steve’s heart fluttered, Eddie settled himself in the rocking chair with a shy smile.  “I’m not late, am I?  I didn’t want to miss our rocker time.”

“Is that what we’re calling it now?”  Steve grinned as he slid into the chair next to Eddie.  They rocked in unison in the quiet afternoon, hearts lighter as they leaned towards each other exchanging stories of how they had spent their first day apart.

When the hour was up, Eddie reluctantly stood and stretched.  “I’ll head out, I guess.”  

Steve found himself trying to stall, “I’m making dinner, did you want to come in -”

“I promised Uncle Wayne I’d be back for our first dinner in the new place.”

“Of course, sorry.  Tell him I said hi.  I’m so glad you both have your own space back and everything,” Steve mumbled looking everywhere but at Eddie.

“Hey, sweetheart,”  Eddie reached out and gently cradled the side of Steve’s face, “It’s okay.  I’ll - I mean if it’s okay…I’ll be back tomorrow?  For rocker time?”

“Yeah?” Steve breathed out.  “I mean, if you want.  I’ll be here.”

“Me too, baby.  It’s the best part of my day.”  and with that Eddie gave Steve’s shoulder a quick squeeze and bounded down the stairs to his van.

Steve watched him go and when he turned the corner he bolted back in the house and dialed Robin.  When she picked up the phone with a quick, “Hello?” Steve took a breath and confessed, “I’m having a bathroom emergency.”  Robin snorted and snarked, “I’m not really up to hearing about your digestive issues.”  Steve felt like screaming, “Not that kind of bathroom emergency, I mean OUR kind of bathroom emergency.”  Ever since they had been brought together by Russians and truth serum, their deepest confessions had been whispered or sometimes shouted in the comforting privacy of a bathroom, whether in one of their houses or the employee bathroom at Family Video.  “Oh, shit!”  Robin stammered, “Okay, your place or mine?”  “Mine if you can get a ride, yours if you can’t.”  “Uh…I can get a ride.”  Robin replied in a strangely vague way, but Steve couldn’t be bothered to work out her deal as he was too far gone in his own.  They hung up and Steve sunk to the floor. 

When Robin knocked and Steve opened the door he glanced out to see Nancy, Steve filed that info away for later, pulling out of the driveway.  He wasn’t sure what that was about, but today was about him.  Without speaking he pulled Robin into the downstairs bathroom and fully sat in the tub.  Robin perched on the side and waited calmly for Steve to speak.  If it was a red alert kind of emergency, she knew he would have just said so, so she could afford to be patient.  They were safe in the bathroom now and it would come out eventually.  

“Uhhhh….” Steve began.  “Ever since we came out of the Upside Down I’ve sort of been dealing with developing feelings for someone.”  

“I know.” said Robin and to Steve she sounded…sad? 

 “You do?”  he looked up, a little alarmed at being so obvious and so oblivious at the same time.   “I mean I barely knew it myself until today.”  

“Really?”  Robin asked incredulously, “It’s only natural that fighting Vecna together would bring it all back…”  

“Back?” Steve wasn’t sure what was happening, “I barely knew Eddie before everything happened.” 

“Eddie??” Robin shrieked.  

“Who did you think I was talking about?  He’s been living in my house!  I haven’t even really seen anyone else for weeks.”  

“Nancy!  Obviously!”  Robin shouted. 

 “How is that obvious?  Nancy is old news.  I mean, I’ll always love her but not like love her, love her.  That’s over and done.”  Steve shook his head.  “You know what she did to me.  I forgave her but I would never set myself up like that again.”

“Okay….okay.  I just need to reorient myself.  I thought we were going to have a very different bathroom conversation.  Eddie?  EDDIE?  I thought you liked boobies.”

“I do.  But I also like not boobies. Bisexuality is a real thing you know.”

“Is it?”  Robin asked hopefully.

“Of course it is.  Look at Bowie.  It’s why I keep saying you have a chance with Vickie.”  Steve felt like Robin’s reaction to his coming out was not exactly what he had been hoping for, but he also didn’t know what he wanted from her.  Recognition?  Excitement?  A medal?  He saw a flicker of something across her face and then it was gone.  

“So you’re definitely not still pining for Nancy?”

“No!  Why are we still talking about Nancy?  This is my big bathroom confession and I feel like maybe you are focussing on the wrong things?” 

 Robin schooled her face and got with the program. Placing her hands on Steve’s cheeks she smooshed them together.  “Look at you!  My sweet bisexual baby is having a crush.”

This was more of what Steve had expected and he huffed out a laugh.  “Might be more than a crush, Robs.”  Steve blushed and Robin gaped at him.

“Okay, then.  Well.  You’ve got to go for it.  Turn up the Harrington Charm and don’t suck this time.”

Steve ran his hands through his hair. He could do this.  He was Steve fucking Harrington and he could do this.

The following afternoon Steve spent making sure his hair was perfect, but not too perfect.  He threw on what Robin had called his slutty polo - just a touch too small so it hugged his chest and his arms, and the jeans that cradled his ass just right.  He gave himself several pep talks and was waiting on the porch when Eddie pulled up.  Steve didn’t have to overthink the wide grin that spread across his face when Eddie got out of the van.  That man was so pretty it should be illegal.  Ripped jeans and a band tee were his standard uniform, but in Steve’s mind, no one wore it better.  

Eddie seemed to sense the subtle change in the air and when he got to the rocker his gaze flicked up and down and he let out a breathless, “Hi.”

Steve’s grin widened and he shifted a little to let Eddie flop down next to him.  The rocker started it’s slow movement and Steve bravely reached over and grabbed Eddie’s hand.  He began toying with his rings and making small circles on Eddie’s palm with his thumb.  Now that he was here, some of Steve’s resolve began to crumble and he felt shy and unsure.  What if he was reading this wrong?  What if this was an insane error in judgment and he was about to ruin everything he and Eddie had built up between them?  He couldn’t look at him.  Couldn’t stand to see rejection, or worse revulsion on Eddie’s face.  

A finger under his chin lifted his face up to where Eddie was waiting, mouth a little open in surprise.  “Stevie, sweetheart, what’s going on in there?  I can hear you thinking from here.”

“I, um, I’m just glad you’re here, Eds.  I miss having you around and I’m so happy you still wanna come back here and spend time with me.”  Steve’s voice caught a little.  Damn it.  He was doing this wrong.  He had meant to be bold and brave and he was too in his head.  

“Hey, hey, hey I’m not going anywhere baby.  I always want to spend time with you, that’s why I’m here.”  Eddie’s voice was low and reassuring and Steve was grateful for the opportunity to collect himself and start again.

He inched himself closer to Eddie and slowly raised his free hand to tuck one of Eddie’s curls behind his ear.  His thumb drew a gentle line down Eddie’s jawline and he heard a sharp intake of breath.  “Eds, tell me if I’m reading this wrong and it’s totally fine.  Nothing has to change.  But - I really want to kiss you right now.  Is that okay?”

Eddie placed a firm hand on Steve’s chest and he felt his heart drop and his vision blur.  Stupid.  He was so stupid.  “Wait,” Eddie managed.  “Just, can we back up just a little?  Because my straight best friend wants to kiss me and I’m not totally sure what to do with that.”

“Uh,” Steve stammered, “Not straight?  Um, bisexual actually.  It’s okay if it’s a no though, just I know I’m not cool and I used to be a huge asshole back in high school so -” 

Steve was forced to stop as the hand on his chest fisted his shirt and pulled him so close that he and Eddie were breathing the same air.  “Yes.”  Eddie said.  “Yes I was an asshole?” Steve was having a hard time following what was happening.  “Yes, kiss me.”  And then it was happening.  

As first kisses go, this should have been unremarkable.  A gentle meeting of lips, Steve’s hands coming up to cradle Eddie’s face, tilting his head so they slotted together seamlessly.  Instead it was extraordinary.  It was brief, but charged with so much emotion it left Steve gasping for air, a whimper in the back of his throat.  “Okay?” Eddie whispered.  “More than okay,” Steve managed to say, bringing him back a second time firmer and more sure of himself.  

Now 2023

“Is this a kissing story?”  interrupted a suspicious little voice, “Mama says kissing stories aren’t propriate for me.”

Eddie jumped, having gotten lost in the swirling memories, he had forgotten about his little captive audience.  He grinned.  “Your beautiful Mama is always right and we can absolutely skip to the end past the kissing parts.  Okay?”

“M’kay!” agreed curly locks.  “Was that the falling in love part?  Did you have a true love's kiss and live happily ever after?”

“Sort of,” laughed the old man, “Never let it be said that even true love is an easy path to happiness.  There were plenty of times we argued or hurt each other's feelings.  Sometimes we didn’t even like each other very much.  But we made a promise.  You know what that promise was?”

“Was it sittin’ in the rocking chairs?”  Eddie bounced the boy up and down on his lap and smothered him with kisses, “You are my most brilliant grandchild, you know that?  Yes!  No matter what was happening with us, as long as we were both home, we sat in those damn rocking chairs and talked about our day and our family and everything we loved.  And you want to know a secret?”

The child rose to his knees in Eddie’s lap and put his ear right to Eddie’s mouth.  “Yes!”

“Even if one of us wasn’t home, the other went and sat in their own rocker and shared all about their day.  Do you know why?”

“Why?” the child’s eyes were open wide.

“Because rocker time is magic.  No matter where we are or what is happening, we can talk to each other here in these rockers when the sun is going down and the air is sweet and we always hear each other.”  Eddie’s eyes were shining now with memories and longing.

“So even though Grandpa Steve isn’t here you can still talk to him and he hears you?  And that’s why you come out every night to have special time with Grandpa Steve?”

“That’s right, little man.  And sometimes when it’s quiet and still I can hear him talk back.  Want to try?”  Eddie looked down at the child with a gleam in his eye as his youngest grandson struggled to stay still.  “Can you hear him?”

“What is he saying?”  the little boy whispered, eyes wide, mouth open.

“He says………TOSS MY GRANDCHILD IN THE POOL!”  Eddie shrieked and raised his hands as his little man screamed with joy and took off across the lawn.  Hell, his Son and Daughter in law were going to scold him again, but it had been worth it.

Before leaving to chase after the boy, Eddie turned to the empty rocking chair, “Sorry to abandon you early tonight, my love.  But I told you your grandchildren were a menace.  I don’t know who they get it from.”  As he stood to leave he felt a breeze like the whisper of a caress against his cheek.  “Love you too, Stevie. See you tomorrow.”

[ithebookhoarder]

🎄 Spending Christmas at Wayne manor (The Bat!Fam x Reader)

A/N: I said I'd be back with more Christmas content. What can I say? It's a Christmas miracle ✨ Well, more like the fact that the Christmas holidays are the first chance I've had to really sit and force myself to finish the things I've had sitting in my drafts for MONTHS... Who knew being an adult could be so time consuming 😅

Masterlist

First of all, Christmas would be a big deal at Wayne Manor. 

Like, if you don’t think Bruce is making up for all those Christmases spent alone with Alfred as a child then you have got another thing coming. 

No matter what villain decides to try and ruin the holiday with another crazy scheme, he WILL be back in time to enjoy the holidays come hell or high water. 

It has led to some great shots on TV of the Joker sitting outside the GCPD come Christmas morning, wrapped ornately in a bow. 

Each of you would have a stocking over the fireplace in the main hall, even if you don’t celebrate the holiday. It’s more of a commemorative event in the Wayne family anyway, offering everyone a rare chance to act like a normal-ish family for once and having your name up amongst everyone else’s makes you feel oddly gooey and warm inside. 

As does the sight of the MASSIVE tree sitting in the main Hall, absolutely smothered in decorations.

It’s a weird tradition, but Bruce insists that the tree is gathered from the extensive grounds surrounding the house, as it was when he was a kid. 

He enjoys watching everyone pulling decorations from the box, allowing them each to buy a new one of their own to add to the collection. 

How Alfred manages to get the star on top astounds you, but you suspect Damian (the sneaky demon) had something to do with it. 

Which is odd, as Damian hates the holidays - or so he says. 

He even threatens to try and stab Jason when he tries to put him in an ugly Christmas sweater for the family Christmas card photo.   

Still, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t love getting gifts. In fact, he tries to act aloof but you notice him smiling to himself later on, after he opens the gift you bought for him. 

“See Todd - my gift is the best. I told you they like me most!”

He’s also very proud to give you his gift in return, having prided himself on getting the one thing you most wanted after you briefly mentioned it months ago. 

“Unlike the others, I actually pay attention and remember things.” 

Like how he also remembers to avoid all the places Jason sneakily hid mistletoe in the hopes of catching people out at the holiday party. 

You are not so lucky. 

Speaking of, Jason would be banned from making drinks after his first round of egg-nog almost blinds you all.

“I’m simply putting the merry in merry Christmas!” He’d argue, but Bruce would simply glare and swipe the key to the liquor cabinet, grumbling about why he ever thought adopting annoying teenagers was a good idea. 

Alfred patiently tolerating carnage as you all try to help with baking holiday goods. Flying flour and slipping over egg yolks is practically a tradition by this point

However, you are all banned from the kitchen when it’s time for him to prepare Christmas dinner. It’s a military operation for this one man army, and you best believe he has everything broken down on a perfectly calculated schedule. 

Not even Bruce is brave enough to get in the butler’s way.

Meanwhile, Tim would be busting the festive tunes out, knowing which songs people really hate and making sure to blast them on repeat. 

He’s also the one trying to get you all to play a game or something, even if he full well knows Monopoly has been banned in this house for a reason. 

Dick ends up trying to be the peacemaker after world war three nearly breaks out after a rather heated round of charades. 

Thankfully, dinner would interrupt you all and peace would reign long enough for you all to devour the feast Alfred has put together.

You even hold it together long enough for Bruce to attempt his usual holiday toast, before he eventually gives up after being heckled one too many times. 

You then follow dinner with a movie marathon together, whilst Alfred insists on cleaning up after everyone. You have a usual list of movies that you all can agree on watching, cued up and ready to go. 

To be honest, it’s probably the best part of the day as everyone sits there, drowsy from a full belly, and laughing at some cheesy movie playing on the screen. 

It’s never a surprise that you all end up passing out later in the evening. In fact, Bruce and Alfred think it’s the most magical moment, watching you all asleep on one another (they have taken many a picture to treasure the rare moment)

They also tuck you all under blankets with a fond smile, before wishing you a very merry Christmas. 

[taiyaki-translations]

A Gift to Spring Breeze - 5

Author: Mitsuki

Characters: Tori, Subaru, Mao, Arashi, Eichi, Mika

Translator: taiyaki-translations

Mika: Nnah~ It’s been busy all afternoon, but I can finally take a break~♪

To be honest, because I had’ Naru-chan by my side as an assistant, I was able t’ feel a little less nervous… 

Arashi: Oh my, I think Mika-chan did a great job today. When you were teaching everyone how to make those handicrafts, you were the gentle and patient “Mika-nii.” 

Although the snack making area run by “2wink” was very lively, there were still a lot of people who chose to learn how to sew plushies and make other simple handicrafts from Mika-chan. 

This shows that you are more popular than you think you are. So please show a little more confidence ♪

Mika: Ehehe, thank ya kindly Naru-chan…♪

……

Arashi: …Mika-chan. You look like you’ve had something you’ve wanted to say for a while now?

Mika: Hm… Well, I wanna apologize to Pretty 5 for lyin’ before… 

I didn’t want my personal affairs to affect everyone’s mood while shoppin’, but instead I made you worry about me for so long. ’m really sorry!

Arashi: Don’t worry about it ♪ As long as Mika-chan realizes, it’s fine. For us, it’s more troubling if an important friend is going through something but doesn’t say anything to us.

Tori: Uh huh! When my sister had that marriage meeting that time, didn’t my seniors actively share my worries with me? So, I also worked hard to help organize and oversee the charity fair this time!

And with this opportunity, I also bought a set of Eichi-sama’s treasured teacups! I’ll be sure to care for them as if I were Eichi-sama himself, they’re priceless!

Arashi: Haha, I feel like Tori-chan is somewhat similar to Aira-chan in this way. 

Mao: Hello~ Kagehira, nothing unusual happened during the handicrafts activity, right?

Mika: There were no problems~♪ Or rather, everyone’s enthusiasm to participate gave me a shock, and the materials I ended up bringin’ were not enough. 

The kids in my hometown are definitely gonna be happy receivin’ so many thoughtful New Years gifts… This was definitely somethin’ I couldn’t have done by myself. 

Ikkun, thank ya kindly fer yer help in comin’ up with such a good idea ♪

Mao: Haha, no need to be so formal with me~

You also worked hard, Kagehira. The producer and Tenshouin-senpai just bought everyone a lot of snacks from the stalls, and Yuzuru also helped prepare drinks. You can try them in the rest area.

Tori: Ehehe, then I’m going to go and treat myself to some sweets~♪

Arashi: Oh my, Tori-chan, wait for me~ I’ll go to the producer with you ♪

Mika: Speakin’ of which, why is Tenshouin—...senpai here!? Didn’t that guy already graduate?

Eichi: My my, no matter what you say, I can be regarded as an alumni of Yumenosaki. Kagehira-kun, it’s sad hearing you say that. 

Mao: Ahaha… Actually, some of the things for this charity were provided for by the Tenshouin Conglomerate… 

Eichi: Ahem. I just heard that a charity flea market was going to be held here. I thought it sounded interesting, so I decided to participate. 

After all, I’ve spent a considerable part of my life in the hospital. It’s regrettable that I haven’t had a lot of chances to experience a normal youth as a student. So I’m seizing every opportunity I can now to make up for it ♪

Mika: Seein’ as Tenshouin-senpai also made gifts fer the kids, I’ll let it go… Anyway, the charity fair will be endin’ soon.

Eichi: Wrong. The most exciting part of the event has just begun ♪

Mika: ……?

(Wait a minute, I’m hearin’ some familiar voices from afar, callin’ out “Mika-nii”...)

(But there’s no way. The kids should be waitin’ fer me back home?)

—Huh!? Is this just my imagination? Is that really everyone runnin’ and jumpin’ towards me? 

No no, of course I’m happy t’ see ya all… But you couldn’t have used yer pocket money t’ take the shinkansen to sneak over and see me again, right? 

Hmm…Ya received free tickets in the mail back at home, ‘n when ya got off the shinkansen, they also took ya onto a chartered bus to get here? 

But who would have taken the initiative t’ invite ya over? Could it be… (looks over at Mao)

Mao: It’s um, it’s… (looks at Eichi silently)

Mika: (...What? How is it possible? This person is suddenly actin’ all kind-hearted, what on earth is he up to!?)

Eichi: Haha, Kagehira-kun, your thoughts are displayed clearly on your face. 

It was indeed me who arranged to have the children sent to the academy, but the people who made the suggestion were Mao and the producer.

Mao: …Actually, after listening to Kagehira talk about the orphanage the other day, the producer and I both felt that the kid’s biggest wish was to see you. 

So, this would be the best New Year’s gift for them, right~?

Mika: Um, um… I, I don’t even know how to begin t’ thank ya fer this… 

Subaru: Hey, Mikki~ Now’s not the time to be crying!

“Hello kids! New Year’s is coming soon. We will celebrate with you in advance here with singing and dancing ☆”

Mika: Eh!? When did Akehoshi-kun suddenly appear? Please don’t hug me so tightly~? And when did music start playin’?

Subaru: Ahaha, let’s not worry about that for now! Look, the kids are clapping their hands happily and looking at us expectantly! 

♪~♪~♪

Mika: (...That’s right. Seeing the kids like this, I immediately remembered.) 

(When Oshi-san was about t’ graduate, I finally found my dream ‘n what I wanted t’ express in this world as an idol—) 

(I wanted t’ be the light in the hearts of these kids. I want them t’ know that the stars in the night sky can be caught…!) 

♪~♪♪

Mao: ~......♪

(As expected of Subaru, he brought everyone into his rhythm in the blink of an eye.)

(Of course, all of this is what we arranged in advance. It seems that Tenshouin-senpai deliberately kept Kagehira in the dark.) 

(In name, Yumenosaki’s student council were the ones solely responsible for hosting and organizing this charity event.)

(Many things that needed financial support, such as picking up the children from the orphanages, supervising and transporting the donations, and other such tasks were done under Tenshouin-senpai’s instruction.)

(In exchange, the agency arranged for professional videographers to focus on filming ES’s performance, especially those of idols under StarPro, at this charity event.) 

(Including the scenes of the idols happily getting along with the kids, it will be included in news reports that will be broadcast in the near future.)

(After discussing it with the producer, we figured that this would not have any negative impact on Yumenosaki and the orphanage in Kagehira’s hometown, so we accepted this condition.) 

(In this way, they can create a positive and caring image of the agency, increasing its influence in the idol industry— this is probably what Tenshouin-senpai was planning on, right?) 

Eichi: (Mm. You’re right, Mao.)

(But that’s just the basics of what you can achieve by organizing a charity event. You’re missing out on a very important point.) 

(“Valkyrie” once made a splash at the Antique Fair a while back and won over a lot of new fans.)

(Therefore, using the orphanage that Kagehira-kun used to live as a starting point is sure to add a lot of excitement to the story.) 

(Although it is taking advantage of Kgaehira-kun’s popularity, it’s fundamentally a win-win. After all, he is the main protagonist of this event.) 

(“Valkyrie” is a unit that gives the world an impression of “noble art”, and has an inaccessible aura. However, the warmth that Kagehira-kun naturally shows in front of the children will show a so-called contrasting charm.)

(In any case, if you only consider the immediate benefits, you can’t be considered a shrewd businessman. Actually, I am investing in the future of the idol industry.)

(Kagehira-kun is like a hero to the children at the orphanage. There are many children who will aim to be like him and aspire to become idols.)

(Just like when I stayed in that dark hospital ward all day long and the figures of those idols on TV were like the dazzling sunshine outside the window, it brought me new hope at the time—)

(These children who have come all this way, their eyes full of longing and hope, are trying their best to absorb the heat and light released by the idols right in front of them.)

(Although technology in this era is developing rapidly, no matter what other methods are available, none of them can replace the real experience of seeing a live in person.) 

(I believe that today’s scene will be like the warm spring breeze that will melt the winter snow, gently pouring rain onto those young hearts, so that the seeds nurtured within them can take root and sprout—) 

(And then one day, more idols will emerge in this world who can bring happiness and smiles to people.)

♪~♪~♪

Directory | Previous

[the-lil-exorcist]

Sign Lessons|| Ariadne & Lil

TIMING : About two weeks ago

LOCATION:  A Coffee Shop

PARTIES : @ariadnewhitlock, @the-lil-exorcist

SUMMARY: Lil, having noticed earlier Ariadne practicing ASL offered to teach her more signs. The two meet up and talk and decide to make this a regular thing.

CONTENT WARNINGS: Very light Family disfunction warning.

Lil didn’t often offer people to teach them languages. One, she knew a suspicious amount of them which really couldn’t be explained by her schooling or anything else. It wasn’t magical though, Lil had just learned them the old fashioned way spending a lot of time with her head in books translating them. 

Still, Lil always found an exception, when she saw someone trying to learn ASL. Maybe it reminded her of when she was younger, learning it alongside Jonas and their mother so she can always talk to him.  She had spent a lot of her early life trying to get the other kids to learn it too, so Jonas wouldn’t feel alone. So, when she saw Ariadne trying to sign to her when she was absentmindedly ‘talking’ to herself she couldn’t help but offer to teach the other more. 

So now she was here, waiting patiently at a coffee shop hoping that the expresso she ordered would wake her up despite it being the afternoon. After this she had to go deal with a haunting - she was pretty sure it was a haunting at least. While pondering her eyes glanced at the other and Lil waved. “Hey - I hope you found me easily enough. I’ve got some of the books I was talking about too if you wanted to borrow them.” 

—

Her mother had spoken French to her ever since she could remember, but Ariadne found learning most other languages difficult. Except that signing had seemed good - something she could get a handle on more easily than Italian or Greek or anything along those lines.

When someone had come across one of her practice sessions and offered to help her learn more, Ariadne couldn’t help but agree practically without a second thought. Which wasn’t necessarily like her, but she needed something to do, and school wasn’t a very good distraction for her, so she figured that learning something she wanted to, something she wasn’t going to be graded on, was the best route to go.

She’d found the coffee shop without any sort of trouble, and spotted Lil sitting down. “I - yes, I do - did. I found you.” Great start, she thought to herself. “I’d love to see the books, but I’ve found that sometimes I learn better from practical, visual practice - experience - if that’s okay?”

—

Lil gave the other a smile which seemed easier than normal at least of late. She wasn’t usually particularly gloomy - something that might shock people seeing her appearance and job- but constantly thinking of her family and their fate had caused it to be harder to not show it on her face. Still, she figured for a little bit she was allowed not to think about all the people she needed to find. If she kept acting desperate to find them she was going to burn herself out and then Jonas would have to pick up the pieces. Again. 

Lil chuckled slightly and nodded, “Yes you did.” Lil tried to keep the other from feeling embarrassed moving the books over to her side of the table and nodding. “Of course. If you actually want to use ASL the books aren’t going to be as helpful then actually talking in the language .” Lil shifted so that her hands were now in front of her so she could start signing. 

“So - I think a good place to start is to sign the alphabet to me just so I can see your movements. Whenever you're confused or don’t know a sign you can always sign that way so it’s a good place to start.” Lil paused, realizing that the other might have already known that and continued hoping that she didn’t offend Ariadne , “I’m sure you already knew that - but I really like making sure the basics are taken care of.”  

—

“No, it’s okay. I really appreciate that you brought the books, still. It’s nice that you’re so thorough about this.” It certainly helped to calm her nerves. At least as much as was possible, which wasn’t necessarily saying all too much, but she’d take anything. Ariadne nodded again. “I’d love to practice actually talking. I think that might be why I like dance so much? I don’t have to read to understand what I need to do…” her voice trailed off.

“Yes, okay.” She offered a careful smile, “oh - please, no - it’s okay. I have heard that, but hearing it from an expert, like you, is extra wonderful. You can tell me if I’ve got the alphabet down.” Ariadne hoped that she did, at least. However, even if she made mistakes, Lil seemed to be the sort of teacher who would correct them kindly.

She began signing her way through the alphabet - “sometimes I got a bit messed up on Q, but I think I’ve maybe got a handle of it, now?” Ariadne looked up. “How am I doing? I can also sign the basic ‘Hello, my name is Ariadne,’ and some other stuff - I just like the idea of knowing sign. It’s such a beautiful language. So thank you, again, for taking the time to do this.”

—

“Ah I appreciate that,” Lil said, her hands moving to something close enough to what she was saying. Although Lil wouldn’t say she was perfect at signing and speaking, she did often do it for Jonas, if only the most consequential words so he knew what others were saying.  “Oh, are you a dancer then?” Lil said, tipping her head to the side a little not quite knowing what she might or might not expect from her would-be student. The other seemed graceful enough that she would believe it. 

Lil couldn’t help getting a little red at the ears being called an expert and she shook her head, “Ah - I wouldn’t say I’m an expert but that’s nice to say - Okay let's see.” She said trying to focus on the other’s hand movements and the nice words. After all, she was only this good because she wanted to talk to Jonas. 

“You’re doing well,” Lil said with a smile still focusing on her hand movements not looking at Ariadne. “I see what you mean for Q, especially going from P. Try moving your middle finger up while you bring your pointer finger down to transition that one smoother.” Lil said, showing with her hand what she meant, slower than she normally would go through the alphabet. “ It’s also okay not to have them go quickly either. It seems like you got all of them down though. Just slow it down a bit so it doesn’t blur into the next letter.” 

At the statement Lil nodded and said, “Sure. I can teach you some vocab. I also like the language a lot too. It’s my favorite thing that I’ve learned.” She said what she was saying although the signs were slightly delayed. “Part of it is knowing the sentence structure of ASL, it’s a bit different than a speaking language - so although it looks correct it can seem weird when you’re ‘listening’ to it if that makes sense? Also Hi Ariadne, I’m Lil.” She said laughing slightly, signing her greeting to the other slower then she would normally, carefully spelling Ariadne’s name. 

—

“Oh, of course.” Ariadne watched Lil’s hands - in awe of the ease with which she managed to sign and speak. “I - yes, I suppose I am? I’ve been dancing practically since I could walk, but I’m not like an actual professional or anything. It just makes sense to me, I guess?” She only wished that more of her life could make sense, but that was neither here nor there, right now. It certainly wasn’t helpful to let her thoughts travel in that direction when she was very much trying to focus on being in the moment.

“Relative expert?” A shrug, “you’re very good at this, is all I mean.” The other seemed to want to move away from talking about herself, which was certainly something Ariadne could appreciate. Or relate to, in the very least.

“Thank you,” she watched Lil’s hands. “That makes a lot of sense,” she copied the movement, making sure to take her time this time around. “Yes, I think I got a little nervous, but not rushing is important - though when you can speak it more, it makes sense to go quickly, right? At least sort of?” Ariadne let herself offer the other another cautious smile. 

“Do you know a lot of languages?” She nodded again, “it does make sense. It’s a different language, even if it uses some of the same words as English.” She hoped that didn’t come off as too uneducated, or rude, or anything like that. Hi, Lil - Ariadne signed back, pausing for a moment before she signed nice to meet you. Speaking, she added, “or continue to meet you, I suppose.”

—

“I mean you don’t have to be an expert in something to be it. I can’t say I’m an expert in knitting - but I would consider myself a knitter,” Lil said, her hands signing the words slightly after again, getting used to doing it. 

“Ah - My brother is Deaf, and well we talk everyday so I guess that’s more it. I can’t say I’d be like an expert translator,” Lil said, shrugging lightly. After all, she decided when she was a kid she wasn’t going to make Jonas read her lips. She always imagined it would be exhausting, and she just wanted to be able to talk to him freely. The fact that it made it easier to communicate with what ghosts were saying to her was honestly just secondary. 

“That’s it,” Lil said with a smile - stopping herself from telling the other not to thank her. It was something her mom had drilled into all of them not to do - and since Lil had a track record of working with supernatural it’s always been something she took seriously.  She wasn’t looking to be bound by a fae after all. “Yeah you’ll get a little faster when you get more comfortable, but like some people talk slower some people sign slower too. It’s more so that your hand signs and face convey the same thing.” 

“I know a few,” Lil said, being slightly vague knowing that some of the ones she knew weren’t exactly normal. She genuinely did love languages but her dad was more concerned about the utility of them. “Exactly. It’s near enough - but not the same.” Lil laughed and signed Nice to meet you too back. “It’s fun talking in ASL to people so it’s no problem at all. Do you have any topics you’d like to know vocab for?”

__

“Oh - yes, I think that makes sense. You have a nice way of looking at things.” She followed the other’s hands again, in awe as she spelled out words just as she continued to talk. Ariadne nodded.

“That makes sense. I know French because my mom’s family is French, and sometimes it’s easier to talk to my grandparents that way.” She shrugged in unison with Lil. “Oh - yeah, and I’m not going to ask you to translate - promise.” Ariadne nodded. “I don’t have any siblings - I - well, just a cousin. Can I ask you if you like having a brother? You don’t have to answer, if that’s too much of me to ask, since I’ve only just met you.” And she knew that too many personal questions would cause her to freeze up, so she didn’t want to risk inflicting discomfort on someone else, least of all someone who was so ready and willing to help her out.

“Yes, I remember hearing that - about how important it is to have facial expressions in addition to the actual signs, because the two combined are what really make it work, right?”

“I find that what I know so far is really fun to use, so I can imagine so.” Any topics that she wanted to know? Ariadne thought for a moment. “How do you sign ‘you’re safe’? Is - uh,” she signed out thank you for being my friend, “is that right, for ‘thanks for being my friend?’ I figure that might be nice to know. Um. Honestly, anything you want to teach me? Music, maybe?”

__

Lil smiled at that, not usually known for her general outlook being something to be proud of, and said, “I appreciate that.”  At the talk of French Lil’s eyes lit up a little, but she wondered if she should share that she also knew French. She probably didn’t speak it well enough for someone who spoke French to want to talk to her in it. Still she said softly, “I - actually know some French too. Not as well as ASL though.” 

At the question Lil couldn’t help but be a little taking aback and thought for a moment, “No that’s fine. Yeah I love having my siblings. My brother - he’s actually my twin - and I are really close. The other two - well we were really close and I love them a lot, but it can be hard.” Lil thought about it for a moment and wondered where Jude and Jane were now, and if they thought the same about her. They must still love her - even if she made Jane upset when she left. Jude always kept their feelings off of their face, but surely they still thought about Lil as their little sister right? Hopefully when they reunited Lil could confirm that. 

Focusing back on Ariadne, Lil nodded and said, “It’s not exactly like how you think about tone with speaking languages - but it is similar. It’s how you can figure out if someone’s being serious or joking -you know.” 

Lil, tilted her head at the question and signed You are safe - slowly so the other could see the signs. At the question and signing Lil nodded signing You’re welcome - I’m glad to be your friend. “Yes you did it right!  And sure I can do that. Do you mean lyrics to songs or how to sign words like ‘music’?” 

___

“So basically, you’re a language genius, is what you’re telling me?” Ariadne offered her companion a small smile. “I - in case that sounds like I’m making a mean sort of joke, I’m not - that’s just - English class was hard enough in school for me, and again, the French is just because of my mom, so I’m just extremely super impressed by you.”

Ariadne listened carefully to Lil’s response. “My cousin and I are - were super close. We - well, he goes to college here now, but we’re not quite as much like siblings as we used to be.” Her face fell for a moment, though she did her best to quickly shake herself out of it, focusing back on the present moment. Because right now was a time filled with excitement - when she could learn just for learning’s sake, without having to worry about grades or other classmates. She could still remember begging her parents to homeschool her once, briefly, though that possibility have never been especially feasible, given both of their jobs.

“Oh, yes, okay. I think I get it.” She nodded. “It makes sense, since there’s no talking in the way we are right now, but tone of voice is still wicked important.” Ariadne pressed her lips together for a moment, deep in thought and concentration.

You are safe, she did her best to copy Lil’s movements. Thank you. Ariadne offered her a small smile. “Oh, how to sign words like music and stuff like that. If that’s okay?”

___

“I- I mean I don’t think so. It's not really odd in my family. Well I might know a few more than the others now, but a lot of them are polyglots.” Lil said, stuttering through the compliment, shaking her head slightly and laughing. “You’re fine. I think it’s impressive when anyone knows more than one language no matter how they learned it.” 

Lil frowned slightly listening to Ariadne, and specifically what she didn’t seem to be saying. She wanted to say something, about how siblings sometimes go through it. After all - her and Jane’s relationship was more akin to being strained then what it was before. Still, she didn’t want the other to feel like she was prying, poking at something tender. “Even when - I don’t see eye to eye with my big sister, I know she still loves me and I love her. I think you might see the same thing with your cousin. I don’t want to pry - but if you ever want to talk about it and come up with a plan I’d be happy to help.” 

Moving back to learning Lil nodded and said, “Exactly. That’s how you can tell if something’s a joke or if the other person is mad or something.”  Lil thought for a moment and started moving her hands. “This is how you sign ‘music’. And funnily enough Song kinda looks like you're leading an orchestra.” Lil said with a bit of a smile again, singing slightly after she spoke, “What’s your favorite kind of music? Pop? Country? Classical? Rap?” After each choice Lil paused a second so Ariadne could follow.

___ 

“I still think language genius works.” Ariadne nodded, “even if it’s common in your family, it’s not so common for most of the rest of us, so…” you are a genius, and I mean that. Except she didn’t want to put too much pressure on Lil, or make any part of the situation awkward or uncomfortable. “Well, thanks. It makes talking with my grandparents easier, and that’s worth everything to me…”

She looked up at Lil, “oh?” The last thing Ariadne wanted was to bring up something difficult. Even if she had her difficulties with her cousin, causing someone else pain from it left a sour feeling in her stomach. “You’d want to help me?” That was unexpected. Not because Lil seemed anything but entirely wonderful and lovely, but rather because Ariadne didn’t want to ​​foist her problems onto someone else. But if Lil wanted to help… “I might. Is it alright if I keep that in mind, maybe bring it up again at a later point?” She fiddled with her hands. “It’s okay if not, though - there’s no pressure of anything.”

They’d moved back to discussing signing and she kept her gaze on the other woman, carefully listening to every bit of her explanation. “Right, okay - perfect.” Ariadne copied Lil’s hand movements. “That’s pretty cool. Then - uh, conduct? What would that be, if song sort of looks like that?” She paused at the next question. “Classic Rock? Indie? Uhh… I like ABBA and Fleetwood Mac and Patti Smith and people like that. But really, again, anything you want to teach me is wonderful.” ‘It makes me very happy.’ She signed.

___ 

Lil chuckled at the insistence raising her hands slightly as if to give in to the idea. “Fair enough. I won’t fight you on it.” Lil nodded at the idea saying, “Same with me and my brother - he can read lips really well, but I wanted to actually talk to him you know? Where neither of us were struggling to understand the other. I think it’s awesome you learned to talk to them.” After all, no matter how well Jonas adapted to the world- learning how to speak slowly or read lips - there was always an inherent struggle there. Jonas wouldn’t admit it, but she was pretty sure he was uncomfortable.  Lil didn’t want that, at least when it came to him talking to her. 

Lil nodded and said softly, “Yeah if I can - I didn’t mean to jump into any conclusions, but if I can I do want to help. So yeah, bring it up anytime you need to.” Maybe part of it was the guilt Lil felt in the back of her throat. Maybe if she had tried harder with Jude and Jane they would have called her before - but Lil didn’t want to think about herself right now. After all, not every family was like hers and Ariadne deserved help not because of Lil’s guilt, but that she ought to be helped. 

“Yeah like a little conductor,” Lil said smiling. “ Conductor would be bigger like this.” She said showing the sign, making it bigger then it had been previously. Signing slightly after Lil said, “This would be the sign for classic rock and Indie. - That’s some pretty great music. Mostly with music I try to explain what the lyrics sound like if it’s different then the beat. Jonas usually can feel the music itself when I have it on - he’ll put his hand on the speaker, but sometimes the beat is different - at least I think so.” Lil smiled at the sign and replied “I’m glad. I’m happy to teach too.” 

_ 

“I mean, I don’t want to cause a fight, I just think people who do good things should be appreciated for that.” She took a small sip of her drink. “That’s all.” Ariadne nodded as Lil moved back to the discussion about her brother. “I mean, again, I don’t really think it’s, like, noble or whatever. Just something to do for people who I love.” Still, a smile couldn’t be helped. There was something about someone like Lil (someone who seemed so effortlessly cool) being in agreement with something she was doing that continued to make her feel more at ease.

“No, it’s okay - I think I was just a bit surprised at the offer, is all.” Ariadne looked down at the table. “I appreciate it. A lot. You’re very kind, and this is probably overselling all of this but - the offer’s nice, even if I don’t follow through.” Which she knew she might not, but she’d think about that at a later date.

“Oh.” Ariadne smiled back. “I like that -” she copied the signs, “but that makes sense. All of this.” More than a lot of things made sense right now, and so she was grateful to have something like this to hold onto. ‘You’re a better teacher than most people at the college,’ Ariadne signed back, a small, mischievous smile appearing.

–

Lil chuckled at the thought that they were actually fighting. “Fair enough.” Nodding at the thought she couldn’t help but agree. At the end of the day, she really only cared to learn languages because she wanted to talk to people. Jonas had been the most important of the people she wanted to talk to, but the fact remained it was that simple instinct that made her keep on the studies even when they got hard. She might not be the best conversationalist, but there was something in her that did want people to feel heard. 

“That’s no problem at all,” Lil said with a softer smile. “- But really if you ever need anyone to just listen even. I’m not always good at solutions, but sometimes you just gotta let it out.” It didn’t feel exactly like kindness to Lil, but she didn’t want to elaborate on it. After all, there was no actual proof that Lil could resolve anything any better than Ariadne could alone. Even so, she would try her best. 

“Great. I’m glad it’s making sense,” Lil said, feeling pretty happy that it was going well. At the signed compliment Lil chuckled and signed back ‘I will be sure to keep that in mind if I ever enroll that I will have to teach them first.’ 

–

“I mean, even having you offer to listen means pretty much the world to me, so.” It did - there was not a single piece of exaggeration in her words. “Just - knowing someone else cared.” Ariadne sighed contentedly for a moment, “and if you ever want to talk to me. I can - also listen. If you want. I like to think I’m decent at it.” Plenty of people had talked to her for a long while when she was little, in her dad’s store.

“It is.” Her smile turned just slightly mischievous. ‘You really would.’ “But in all seriousness, yeah, you’re miles better of a teacher than most I’ve had. Except maybe my mom, but I never had her as a teacher, so…” Ariadne let her voice trail off. ‘Again sometime?’ she attempted to sign. ‘Us. This. Teach and learn?’

–

Lil smiled at the thought. She wasn’t sure what to make of the feeling, but it was nice that someone wanted her to listen and even offered to listen to her. Lil wasn’t exactly known for her friends, so even the offer touched her. “That sounds nice. I appreciate that.” 

Lil laughed and replied, “ I’m glad. That seems like a great short list to be compared with.” At the sign languages Lil nodded and responded “Yes. I would love to teach you more.” After all, Ariadne seemed like she would be a wonderful friend, and while it probably shouldn’t be the focus of her time right now, it was just nice to have a potential friend. 

[brown-little-robin]

37: Storm Front

part one | previous | next | masterlist | ao3 version

“You WHAT?!”

Morlo looms over Max, white mane bristling like a lion’s. Thad watches with great interest. It’s morbidly satisfying to see someone trying to intimidate Max.

“…have a plan,” repeats Max, “To give Thad… an artificial… lightning rod.”

“Get out.”

Max opens his mouth, and Morlo shouts, “GET OUT! I am a doctor, darn it, and I am going to talk to my patient ALONE!”

Max is gone in a streak of white.

Morlo clenches his fists, then unclenches them. He looks down at Thad, concern looking very strange on his great crooked-nosed face.

“You scared him off,” Thad says, intrigued. He’s never seen Max back down like that.

“Yeah, well, I oughtta do a lot more than that,” Morlo growls, bushy eyebrows coming down into a scowl again. “For the love of—well, anyway.”

The big man looks at Thad for a minute, frowning, then says: “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

Morlo hesitates, wavering back and forth as if he’s deciding what direction to walk. Then he says, “Sit on the table. I want to talk to you.”

Thaddeus goes to the tall medical table and sits down. It’s easier to look Morlo in the face way up here with his feet dangling in empty space.

Morlo clasps his hands behind his back. He leans toward Thad, looking at him closely. His eyes are gray-blue, paler than Max’s, like a clouded sky.

Thad looks away.

“Inertia…”

Inertia’s eyes snap back to Morlo’s.

“Thad,” Morlo corrects himself. “Uh… kid. I really need you to work with me.”

Inertia licks his lips. He could kill Morlo right here and now. Mercury isn't here to stop him.

“Yes, sir.”

Morlo’s frown deepens.

“How… do you… feel… about this… lightning rod thing?”

“Fine.”

In his carefully softened growl, Morlo says, “I’m no psychologist, but I’m pretty sure that ‘fine’… never means fine.”

“So what?” Thaddeus looks away again. “It doesn’t matter how I feel. I need this.”

Morlo leans closer.

Thad stares determinedly at the refrigerator. His heart is beating fast.

“Stop avoiding the point. How. Do you. Feel.”

“Scared! Obviously! Stop looming and maybe I’d feel better!”

To Thad’s surprise, Morlo backs up immediately.

Thad stares at him.

“Sorry,” Morlo grunts.

Thaddeus doesn’t like this. He wants it to go back to normal, how Morlo treated him like an athlete, not a fragile child.

“Just run the tests!” he orders shrilly.

Morlo gets a glimmer in his eyes. “Fine. On condition.”

“What?” Thaddeus snaps, already knowing the answer.

“You have to tell the truth.”

Tell the truth. The price of Doctor Morlo’s essential medical information. Information and advice which could potentially be life-saving. Still, Thad hesitates.

“…Fine.”

“You promise?” Morlo presses.

“Fine. I promise.”

His belly experiences a sinking feeling. He wraps his legs around each other and swings them tensely.

Clearly trying his best to be gentle, Morlo asks, “How do you feel? About this lightning rod thing?”

Thad takes a breath, feeling sick.

“Not… great.”

Morlo nods. “Good. Good job.”

Thad can feel his cheeks heating up. His throat hurts.

“But I need it,” he says, his voice coming out strangled.

“Why?”

“I—” surely a fellow ex-enemy will understand? “I’m-gonna-hurt-him. Joseph. If I’m not connected to him.”

“How do you know?”

“I just know!” And then he flinches, remembering his promise to be honest. “I tried. To hurt him. I almost hurt him. I don’t remember.”

Morlo frowns. “Come again?”

“I don’t know,” Thad snaps. His whole body is stiff. “I. I blacked out or something. And then I was about to hurt him.”

“How?”

“I had his shirt,” Thad confesses, and holds out his hands. “I was gonna—I dunno. Drag him through a wall or something.”

He blinks, and the sight of his pale hands abruptly makes him sick. He grabs the stiff material of his pants, squeezes so tight his wrists hurt.

Morlo is watching him, thinking about it, Thad guesses. Thad clenches his jaw and pulls his entwined legs up until his heel touches the bottom of the bed.

Morlo says, “If you’re attacking people, seems like staying with Max a little longer would—”

A skitter of electricity down his spine. “I can’t! I’ll die!”

Immediately, angrily, Morlo asks, “Is he hurting you?”

A single incredulous laugh tears out of Thad’s throat.

“Max? Hurting me? No. No no no. I just can’t live with him. I mean—I tried to kill him! I was created to kill him!”

Thad puts his face in his hands, abruptly overwhelmed. He was created to kill Max. Why is he living in his house?

“Yeah.” Doctor Morlo clears his throat loudly. “Have you ever thought he maybe forgave you for that?”

Thad doesn’t answer.

He never even apologized. But… but clearly Max has forgiven him. Holds no ill-will towards him. Max welcomed him into his home.

But Thaddeus is still a killer. Inertia or not.

“I can’t… keep… doing this. I don’t want to live like this.”

“Like what?”

“Wondering if I’m going to hurt someone.”

Morlo sounds very, very tired when he says, “Lightning rod’s not gonna fix that.”

Thad looks at him, teeth bared in a pleading kind of snarl.

“It has to!”

Morlo shakes his head. “Kid… it might make you more stable. I know you’ll feel safer when you can get back from the speed force if, and don’t do this, you ever get lost there again. But worrying you’re going to hurt someone… trust me. That one doesn’t get fixed by magic.”

Thad can’t. He can’t deal with any more bad news.

“Run the tests,” he orders.

Doctor Morlo huffs.

“You ever think before you order people around? There are no tests. This artificial lightning rod thing has never been done before.”

Thad gapes.

“You made me tell the truth for this?”

“Yes,” Morlo growls. “Because I need to know about you. I’m your doctor. I need to know if you’re serious about this. Do you really want this operation, or is Mercury pressuring you?”

“He’s not. He keeps telling me I should reconsider, but I—I don’t care what you say; I won’t be safe until I have it. I want it.”

Morlo frowns at him.

“You could get hurt.”

Thad looks at him flatly.

Morlo groans. “If—if!—Max says yes, you can try. But you have to have a back-up magician with you in case it goes wrong. And me. And every speedster on the planet has to be there too.”

Morlo doesn’t look like he’s kidding.

“That’s excessive!”

“What do you know about the speed force?” Morlo demands. “Listen, boy. Speedsters are the speed force. If something goes wrong, it’s very possible that all of your kind, working together, could fix it. Do you want to gamble your life on the possibility that nothing will go wrong when you try to influence the force that creates the possibility of change in the universe? Do you really want to meddle with that force with no backup plan?”

Thad is silent.

He died in the speed force. He knows how dangerous it is. He just… feels like he’d rather risk dying again than have Wally West and Bart Allen looking at him while he’s vulnerable.

Morlo lets out a huge gust of air. Thad twitches.

Morlo tells him, “You have to keep safe. I don’t care how scared or guilty you are. Stay safe.”

Thaddeus snarls silently. Morlo can’t tell him what risks not to take! He’s Thad’s doctor, but he’s not in charge of Thad’s life.

Morlo comes closer, frowning at Thad.

“I care about you.”

Thad flinches.

Morlo’s expression does something Thad doesn’t understand.

“I do,” he insists. “Thad. For my sake. Be safe.”

Thad snorts, recovering his composure.

“Like you wouldn’t be glad to be rid of me, ‘Doctor’,” he teases.

But Morlo’s eyebrows come together in a deep frown.

“Don’t you dare,” the man growls. “You can joke around with me, but do not say that. Suicide is not a joke.”

“Who said anything about suicide?” Thad asks, startled.

“Death jokes,” Morlo growls. “Don’t make them. You’re not replaceable.”

And Thad—

Thad doesn’t know what to do with that.

Morlo called him irreplaceable, meaning… if he dies in this operation, Morlo will want him back?

“Fine,” Thad says, far too shaky. “I—you can call Bart. I’ll be safe.”

“Good,” Morlo says, and it isn't praise; it’s sheer relief. “Good.”

[fancoloredglasses]

The saga of Al’s leap (The hologram has turned!)

  [All images are owned by Universal. Please don’t sue me or alter my past...though if you did, how would I know?]

One of the great things about Quantum Leap is the various stories that can be told and the various roles that can be done centered on a single actor (or should I say a single actor playing a character being an actor)

This review is about an episode (the finale for Season 3) where Sam Beckett revisits a number of his former roles...just before the script gets flipped to start Season 4!

If you would like to watch the episode, it’s available on Roku TV.

We open to Sam leaping into...

(Thanks to Quantum Leap Clips)

Roll the opening credits!

We open to Butch bringing “Sam Bedderman” (AKA Sam Beckett) back to the main psych ward after Sam (normally I would put quotes around whomever Sam has leaped into, but given he has the same name as Sam, there’s no point) has been recovering for 4 hours! Butch the orderly gives a not-so-veiled threat that he’ll do the same to anyone else.

One of the other patients, a man named Tibby, comes over to accuse Butch of trying to kill Sam. Butch (the sadistic bastard) says he could if he wanted to, and if he does it would be because of Tibby. After Butch leaves, Tibby takes a close look at “Sam” and sees Sam!

Then Al shows up, happy that Sam gets to use his own name (where was he four hours ago?)

Then Sam wakes up, scared out of his gourd (especially toward Nurse Chatam and Butch) due to his shock therapy. What’s more, he doesn’t recognize Al and thinks he’s in the room, which isn’t helping his case with Nurse Chatam, who is trying to calm him down. Fortunately, Al manages to calm him down and sorta-kinda explain things before the attending physician, Dr. Masters, enters the ward.

Eventually, Sam says he’s not “Sam”, but “Samantha”!

No, Sam isn’t going questioning his gender (though given how many times he’s been a woman...) The shock treatment scrambled his memories more than normal and he thinks he’s...

...Samantha Stormer, a woman he Leaped into in the episode What Price Gloria?

That’s when Tibby starts talking with Al. So now it’s dogs, kids, and crazy people who can see him! Al tells Tibby not to say a thing or they’ll throw him in a rubber room. Fortunately for Tibby, he believes Al.

Dr. Masters things “Sam” is suffering from Multiple Personality Disorder (he’s not completely wrong) and puts him under observation. Al manages to talk “Samantha” into telling Dr. Masters enough to make him go away.

Once Sam is able to send Dr. Masters away, Al does his best to explain to “Samantha” (and apparently Tibby) what’s going on at tells his team to get Dr. Beeks (the team’s psychiatrist...and believe me, Sam’s gonna need a LOT of therapy if he ever gets home) to help him sort out how to fix Sam’s brain.

Tibby asks Al about his future, to which Al promised to do so...

...as soon as he gets back from finding Dr. Beeks. In the meantime, Al asks Tibby to keep an eye on Sam.

Meanwhile, Dr. Masters is fascinated by Sam Beederman’s new condition. He’s considering drugging Sam to learn more.

Thankfully, there’s at least one person on the staff who’s actually trying to help the patients. Unfortunately, Dr. Masters brushes off Nurse Chatam.

Later, Al returns and Tibby once again asks about his future. Al says he’s the reason Sam’s here. Unfortunately, Sam’s not exactly himself right now, so Al decides to take up the slack.

With a bit of questioning, Al finds out Tibby was brought (and left) by his parents due to him having chronic headaches that he still gets. Al reveals that when he’s released (in 7 years) he winds up homeless. Hopefully that can be changed!

Then Sam wakes up as an orderly comes to move him to an observation room. Fortunately, he longer thinks he’s Samantha (that’s good) Unfortunately, he now thinks he’s...

...Jesse Tyler, a black man he Leaped into in the episode The Color of Truth. (that’s bad) What’s more...

...whatever the shock therapy did to Sam’s brain weakened his connection with Quantum Leap, making it harder for Al to stay in touch. If Sam doesn’t Leap soon, he may be trapped in 1954 forever!

Later, once “Sam” “Jesse” Sam (this is gonna get confusing) is moved to observation, Dr. Masters runs him though a Rorschach test and Sam has a flashback to that leap...

...where “Jesse” knew how to treat “his” granddaughter who was dying after a hit-and-run. Dr. Masters asks how “Jesse” could know that (of course it’s because, in addition to the six PhDs Sam Beckett has, he also has an MD. Did Sam ever have a social life...or sleep?) and of course “Jesse” has no idea.

Sam asks for water, and an orderly brings it in. Three guesses which one.

The trauma of seeing Butch triggers yet another of his earlier Leaps to manifest.

This time he becomes Vietnam combatant Herbert Williams from The Leap Home. [Quick note: following Sam’s Leap, Williams earned the nickname “Magic”, worked his way to Admiral, became the head of the restarted Project Quantum Leap, and was played by Ernie Hudson of Ghostbusters fame in the 2022 series]

“Herbert” freaks out, seeing Butch as part of a Viet Cong ambush! Even after Dr. Masters sends Butch away, Sam is still in fight-or-flight mode. Al manages to talk him down and convince Dr. Masters to send him back to the general population.

That night, Al tells Sam that, in order to help Tibby, Tibby needs to learn how to read. Problem is, Sam is no condition to do that, so...

(Thanks to My Music)

This is enough to change history in Tibby’s favor, but Sam hasn’t Leaped.

The music wakes Sam up. The good news is that he’s not reliving Magic’s memories any more. The bad news is he now thinks he’s...

...Air Force test pilot Capt. Tom Stratton, who was Sam’s very first Leap in the pilot (heh) episode.

What’s more, Sam’s connection is getting worse with every new personality.

That night, Sam’s dreams are filled with visions of previous Leaps until he wakes as...

...prize fighter Clarence “Kid” Cody from the episode The Right Hand of God.

Al has brought Dr. Beeks with him (He has to maintain physical contact to Sam can see her)...

...and she theorizes that Sam needs another round of shock therapy to reset his brain so he can Leap. Needless to say, Sam is not happy about this. However, Al call upon his years as a Naval officer to get Sam to agree to this plan.

The next morning, yet another of Sam’s former leaps comes to the fore. This time...

...Jimmy LaMotta, a man with Down’s Syndrome from the episode Jimmy.

The doctors on the outside of the observation room speculate why Sam Beederman would be acting this way when Al shows up and says it’s time.

Al goads Sam into getting violent to the point that he needs to be restrained and they prepare him for shock therapy.

Needless to say, Al is heartbroken by this. However, this is Sam’s only chance to get out of this Leap.

In the shock therapy room, Al tells Sam he needs the same power levels as before. That’s when Nurse Chatam reveals that Butch gave an unauthorized treatment. As the doctors verbally berate Butch for doing so, Sam begs Nurse Chatam to light him up...

(Thanks to Back21978)

...which brings us to the second half of our saga. For whatever reason, Roku does not have this one episode available out of the entire series, so you will need to breach the paywall at Amazon if you would like to watch it.

Following the cold open (which replayed the above clip after the Leap) and the opening credits, Al is screaming for Gushie (the head programmer, played by comedian Dennis Wolfberg, who died shortly after the series ended)

Meanwhile, Sam is enjoying life as a hologram. Al is trying to beat his handlink into submission, but to no avail.

Sam theorized that, since they switched places, the Leaps would occur within Al’s lifetime. Sam asks Al when he was born so he can get a baseline for when they might be, but Al can’t remember (meaning Al’s memories are as screwed up as Sam’s usually are) Sam asks Al what his last name is.

Uhhhh...yeah, your memories are screw up, Al.

Al keeps screaming for Gushie, but since he’s not the hologram he can’t access Quantum Leap through the handlink.

Oh boy...

Without the handlink, Sam has no way to communicate with Gushie. He’s effectively as trapped in the imaging chamber as Al is in the past!

Unfortunately, Al’s constantly screaming for Gushie to open the door to the Imaging Chamber has attracted the attention of one of the locals.

The local milkman calls Al “Tom” and starts filling in a few of the gaps. Apparently “Tom” was released from a German POW camp after 3 years (so at least they know it’s in the mid-1940s. Yes, you can see the date by scrolling up a bit, but Sam can’t)

A bit more awkward questioning reveals that Tom’s girlfriend Suzanne thought he was dead and moved on, and the wedding is in two days (damn, she moves fast!)

Sam is becoming increasingly concerned because (1) he can’t figure out what Al’s supposed to do without Ziggy (which he can’t without a handlink) and (b) Gushie should’ve figured out something was wrong and opened the Imaging Chamber door by now. Al says there was a lightning strike about the time of the last Leap, which might be why they switched. San guesses the lightning strike caused an error, causing Ziggy to seal the Imaging Chamber. It’s possible to override the error...using the handlink (it always comes back to that, doesn’t it?)

Thanks to the magic of calendars, Sam figures out the date Al has Leaped into, but he’s no closer to figuring a way out of the Imaging Chamber.

Then Suzanne shows up, making things even more awkward. Of course, things go downhill since Sam seems to have gotten Al’s lecherousness when they switched places and is encouraging Al...until “Tom” accidentally proposes to his ex and she says yes! There’s just the little problem that she’s already engaged.

Speaking of the fiancé (Clifford)...

...he shows up to see the woman he’s about to marry playing tonsil hockey with her ex! Eventually, Al challenges Clifford to take their disagreement outside.

Well, that didn’t take long!

Later, “Tom” is driven to his old house...

...and Sam is not getting tired of scaring the crap out of Al for a change.

Sam tells Al he knows how to get out of the Imaging Chamber: all Al has to do mail a letter to the address for Project Quantum Leap to be delivered on the actual date (which Al conveniently remembers) with instruction on how to override the Imaging Chamber lockdown!

[Quick note: I know “mailing a letter to yourself in the future” is a common time travel trope, but according to the USPS, it’s not possible at least in modern times. No clue about in the past before machines did most of the sorting]

When Al gets ready to mail the letter, Sam’s memory returns. As soon as Al drops the letter in the mailbox...

Sam rushes through the door to...

...his wife, Donna!

Once the tearful reunion is over, Gushie congratulates Sam in escaping the Imaging Chamber. Sam then asks Ziggy for information about Al’s Leap, but Ziggy doesn’t have that information, as Sam wasn’t born in 1945. Sam has Ziggy start downloading news files from that year so he can figure out what Al needs to do.

Meanwhile, I don’t think Al’s too worried about what he’s supposed to do.

And back in the present, I’m not sure Sam is either. Sam is mad at Al for not telling him that he was married. Donna says it would’ve made it harder for him to do what he had to in his Leaps (given how many times he fell for a woman in a Leap, I can’t argue)

Just as things start getting too hot for the network censors, Ziggy chimes is and says that Tom and Suzanne...

Oh boy...

Sam rushes back to the Imaging Chamber to find...

Sam has Al excuse himself so he can brief Al on the original history. Al says that the last thing Suzanne wants to do right now is kill herself, which means it must’ve been murder

About that time, they hear Suzanne scream! Al rushes off to find Suzanne unconscious as...

CLIFFORD, YOU RAT BASTARD!

In a flash of desperate inspiration, Sam rushes back to the Project hub...

...and Leaps back to 1945...

...replacing Al as “Tom” (sending Al back to 1999)...

...and gives Clifford what for, sending him hurtling down Lovers’ Leap.

Fortunately, while Sam was in 1999 he updated the retrieval program, giving him a chance to return home.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t work, meaning Sam is once again trapped in the past.

Back in 1999, Donna tells Al not to mention her to Sam until he’s able to come home as we return to the status quo and the credits roll.

[rize-is-writing]

If your still taking matchup request can I get a romantic one for genshin impact or bungo stray dogs? I would like to get both, but if you only want to do one then please do genshin impact! I’m a minor and don’t have a preference for female or male match. My pronouns are she/they.

Appearance wise I have brown hair??? I was blonde, but accidentally permanently dyed my hair black. It looks brown now that the blonde is growing in 🤔 I have blue eyes, and tend to wear glasses. My ears are pierced as well as my septum.

I am a Leo! I’m not a talkative person or a people person, but that changes once I get to know you. The closer you are to be the more mean I will be to you (as a joke ofc 🫶). I really do care for people, but honestly it’s quite hard to show it (hugs are the way to go fr). I’m a great listener and always listen to what my friends tell me. Even go out of my way to help them to the best of my ability. Since i’m naturally a quiet, antisocial person I don’t speak to people about my problems. If I ever were to speak to someone about it, it’s normally my closest friends. It’s probably obvious I don’t like social gatherings. I’m quite sensitive tbh 🧍‍♂️

I don’t think I have a lot of hobbies tbh. It normally just consist of the same things. I play video games a lot, the main game being genshin impact. If I’m not playing video games I watch anime, read manga, or…. sleep. Normally I wouldn’t watch TV or movies, but if I ever watch movies they are normally Studio Ghibli movies (Studio Ghibli supremacy 🧎‍♀️💪). When I’m not able to do any of that, or just don’t want to do any of that I listen to music. I like to space out and daydream when I listen to music. My last hobby is…….. theatre. Definitely doesn’t fit in with my personality. 🤝

This seems long, apologies for that. 🤧 Thank you though!

I found your match! Come to meet them, c'mon c'mon!

No worries for talking at first, Kenji definitely does all the work at first! In fact I think that among crowds or any kind of social gathering, he would back you up without hesitation at all. He's just like that, trying to protect you at any cost from feeling uncomfortable! For sure a sweet guy to be with I guess. Also very affectionate as well, probably would either be the one to start them or just wait for you to, but that would also be the thing he would do the most as well!

I don't see him having much of hobbies as well, being born and raised in rather rural place and doesn't have much knowledge about the city life or other things. But I'm sure he would be the kind of guy to bring you at the country side to relax together. Or watch studio Ghibli stuff together. I think he has a big studio Ghibli aesthetic on him, change my mind. So I think he would absolutely love them if you make him watch some!

A fellow theater kid, I feel like Yun-Jin's idea of dates is either bringing you around to watch some opera spectacles or just give you a ticket.

She is patient and kind, would definitely wait for you to be comfortable around her before starting anything, such as hugs and affection, definitely won't feel bothered by you "insulting" her jockingly, if that means that you are being closer together. Sure, wouldn't exactly retaliate but would be for sure endeared by the way you show her affection.

Once you begin to hug, I feel that Yun-Jin can become a force of nature on that! She is an affectionate person, and not afraid to show it. Ready to back you up as well when you feel nervous around people, either keeping you close or taking you away from the scene.

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 208: Open Your Heart

On her way to school the next day, Ren got a text.

Takemi: Hey, can you stop by the clinic this afternoon?

Takemi There’s some stuff I’d think you’d be interested to know.

Ren: Of course.

Takemi: Great!

Takemi: See you then.

Ren put her phone away, and continued to school.

After school, she walked into Takemi’s clinic, and saw her as she was treating a patient. The patient was a young girl, and she looked up at Takemi and asked “Hey Miss Doctor? Um, there’s this boy I like, but my friend says I can’t like him because she liked him first. Is that true?”

Takemi smirked. “Not at all. Your friend is just trying to dissuade you. Besides, you can’t help who you like.”

“I guess that’s true,” the kid said. “Thanks.”

“No problem,” Takemi said. “Alright, everything looks normal. You’re good to go for today. Come back in a week to see where you are then. Oh, and while your friend might have liked him first, asking him first is the real strategy.”

The girl smiled. “Thanks doc!” She and her parents left the clinic.

Takemi noticed Ren had entered. “Oh. How much did you see?”

“I think just about the tail end of it,” Ren answered. “But I don’t know how long that check-up was, so maybe most of it?”

Takemi sighed. “Well, she seems to be healthy; healthy enough to engage in that kind of talk anyway.” Ren chuckled. Takemi smirked back. “Step into my office.” Ren did just that.

As they were seated Takemi looked at Ren intently. “I saw Miwa the other day.” Ren was surprised and interested. Takemi smiled. “She’s doing well. She never stopped believing in me, even though I stopped believing in myself. Sounds like someone else I know.”

“Eh heh heh,” Ren chuckled nervously.

Takemi smiled. “You know I told you that the hospital offered me a position, right?” Ren nodded. “Well, I’ve decided to accept…” Ren’s eyes widened. “...on the condition that I can continue working here as well.”

Ren sighed. “You nearly gave me a heart attack there.”

“Well, this would be the place to do it,” Takemi joked. “But in all seriousness, working with the hospital will bring so many new possibilities, but working here has shown me how much I love being a doctor, and why I wanted to be one in the first place.”

Ren smiled. “Well, it’s nice to hear that you’re sticking around too.”

Takemi looked at her, mischievously. “About that…” Ren was concerned. “You played a big part in me staying here.”

“Oh, uh, well, thanks…” Ren said, nervously. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Hm,” Takemi said. “While it’s true that having you as a guinea pig proved invaluable to my research, if Oyamada was still breathing down my neck, none of this would have happened. So thank you.” Ren was confused. “For being a Phantom Thief as well.” 

Ren was stunned. “What makes you think that?”

Takemi smirked. “It was something that Miwa told me. She said that ‘The Phantom Thieves must really like you’. For that to happen, they would have to know the ins and outs of what happened. And that person would either need to look at what had happened, and probably come out of it in favor of Oyamada, or seen it all first hand because they’ve been my kind little guinea pig. And in my mind, I think I’d go with Occam’s Razor” Ren started sweating.

Takemi chuckled. “Don’t worry. I won’t say anything.” Ren sighed, relieved. “I mean, you’ve done so much for me. It’s the least I can do. Well, also selling your medicine as well.”

“Right…” Ren said.

“Although, it is nice,” Takemi said. “It makes me feel part of something bigger. Be it medicine, reforming society, or the human body itself, the best results come from when people, or organs, can work together. So thanks for letting me be a part of that as well.”

Ren smiled. “Thanks for being there for me too.” Takemi smiled back.

I am thou, thou art I

Thou hast turned a vow into a blood oath.

Thy bond shall become the wings of rebellion and break the yoke of thy heart.

Thou hast awakened to the ultimate secret of Death, granting thee infinite power…

Death-Tae Takemi: Rank 10

“By the way,” Takemi asked, “not to get too gossipy, but is there anyone you like in particular? You’re still young after all.”

Ren got embarrassed. “Well, um, actually, I’m kind of seeing someone…”

“I see,” Takemi said. “I don’t know where you are in your relationship, but I do also have some condoms, just in case.”

“Ren grew even more embarrassed. “Oh, uh, I think we’ll be fine… Partially because we haven’t…you know, but also because I don’t think my girlfriend could get me pregnant.”

Takemi was a little surprised. “Oh. I see.”

“You’re not mad?” Ren asked.

“Like I told that girl, you can’t control who you like,” Takemi replied. Ren chuckled. “But also, there are other things to worry about when it comes to matters like that. I think I’ve got a pamphlet here for you to look over.” She started fishing around. “Ah here it is!” She gave it to Ren.

“Thanks,” Ren said, red as a tomato. She smirked. “Well, what about you? Are you seeing someone? Or interested?”

Takemi smirked back. “Well well. Clever girl. To be honest, I kind of let this whole ordeal swallow me a bit. But now that I’ve crossed this threshold, I think I might be willing to put myself out there again.”

Ren nodded. “I see. Glad to hear that.”

“Thanks,” Takemi replied.

“Oh, uh, and thanks again,” Ren said, awkwardly waving her pamphlet.

“Hm hm. No problem,” Takemi said. “Now, is there anything else you’d like?” Ren bought some medicine, and headed home for the night. Despite the awkward turn at the end, she enjoyed that meeting with Takemi immensely.

Once Ren got home, she was greeted with a somewhat distracted Futaba. “Um, is everything OK?” Ren wondered.

“Huh?!” Futaba said, alerted by Ren’s presence. “Oh. Yeah. Umm… Well, actually, there is something I want to talk to you about.”

Ren nodded. “By all means.”

Futaba gestured to her room “Step into my office.” Ren nodded and entered, with Futaba following behind her.

Once inside, Futaba sighed. “Are you sure you’re OK?” Ren asked.

“Well…” Futaba started. “Remember my promise list?” Ren nodded. “Well, when I was doing it with my mom, I’d tell her that I’d done everything…when I didn’t…”

“How come?” Ren inquired.

“It’s…complicated…” Futaba said. “It started back in elementary school. I was alone reading a book, as usual, but then someone came up to me and asked me what I was reading. We talked for a bit, and pretty soon she became my first friend. Her name was Kana-chan.

I told mom about it, and she added ‘Get along with Kana-han’ onto the promise list. And I did. For a while anyway. However, one day, her diary slipped out of her hands, and I read it.”

“What did it say?” Ren asked.

Futaba hesitated. “...It was filled with…these accounts of her parents making her do stuff. Like, wearing specific clothing and getting photos taken of her.”

“Oh!” Ren replied, surprised and appalled.

“Kana-chan freaked out,” Futaba continued. She grabbed her diary as soon as she could. I started crying and saying ‘Sorry’ over and over again, but… She and her family moved soon after. I haven’t seen her since.

But despite that, I told my mom I was getting along with her. I…I didn’t know what to do. I don't know what I could have done. I feel so…” She took a deep breath. “I…I think I have to try and reach out to Kana-chan again. Otherwise, what has this all been for? I’ve been trying to break out of the past, but I can’t let go without at least trying to make things up with her.”

Ren smiled. “Well, whatever happens, you know I’m here for you, right?”

“Of course!” Futaba said. “It’s like, I knew what I needed to do, but I needed to hear it out loud, and I figured you’d be the best person for that.”

Ren chuckled. “Well, I don’t mind being your soundboard. But what about Sojiro?”

“Well,” Futaba said, “you know I love Sojiro to pieces, but…I’m worried that things may have gotten worse for her. I think if they have, I want to try and rescue her as The Phantom Thieves. So I just want you to be prepared on that front.”

“Gotcha,” Ren nodded. “Well don’t worry. I think the others will be on board as well, if that is the case.”

“Right,” Futaba said. “But I want to look into some things. To make sure it’s true, you know? As much as I want to save her, I can’t bear the thought of accidentally making things worse again.”

“Of course,” Ren said. “Just say the word, and we’ll be there.” Futaba smiled.

Hermit-Futaba Sakura: Rank 6

“Kids! Dinner’s ready!” Sojiro called out.

Ren smiled. “You don’t want to do research on an empty stomach, do you?”

Futaba giggled. “COMING!” she called out. She and Ren went out to eat dinner, before turning to their rooms for the night.

[handelplayssims]

It is 6AM! It is evidently the holiday of TV Season Premire, a holiday only teens care about! Anyway, I’m actually around to do some gardening around the house! The gardening of plasma fruit and the other strange plants that work for vampiric drinks. I tend to sell the wolfsbane and the mosqito trap though. Only the plasma fruit do I really need. Annnd we got work with Omar alongside the kids going to school. Been an age.

Okay here’s a thing that’s been bugging me. Omar was going to work in his casual outfit. I tried to get him to modify his career outfit but he was still in his everyday one. I think it’s a vampire thing. So now we’re just going to switch one of his everyday outfits into a doctor one. ...our doctor thing wants us to run a treadmill test and we can’t do that on children. All of our patients are children! And I didn’t get the diagnosis right on the kid. It was a 50/50 shot since all I saw was the fever. House call popped up so at least I can do that to make the day better. And maybe get adults waiting in line when I come back.

...all of the house patients are not sims of this household. Ha. All three got examined and medicine and then it’s back to the hospital. Still nothing but kids back there. Alas. At least we got the kid treated for her illness. There we go! We got a lady with an illness. ...and she despises Omar. FUN. Since it’s near the end of his workday, we’ll just run some tests before heading off.

We return home and both Tamarra and Harrison are off at their other jobs. Fun! Oh and Roxana is thirsty. Let’s mix up a plasma jane for her then. Let’s see. Selena wants to become enemies with her father Omar. Glorious! Well, I was just going to have her shout forbidden words and then discipline her and then the Sims decided to be even more mean to each other. Great. Wonderful. And trying to teach manners didn’t work. Ah what fun. Welp, time to see if being mean does raise social and yep! It does. Anyway, now Selene is in time out and Omar is just going to do a punch downstairs. Boxing thing set up after all.

Ha! Roxana wants to have a child but alas, she is vampire. Which I mean, she could, there’s nothing to say vampires in the Sims 4 can’t have children, I just find it weird that she can in the first place. She did have Emile and Selena but at this point, I made her ‘infertile’ by making her not be able to have children in the sexuality settings. You gotta have some drawbacks to being creatures of the night!

...WOW. Roxana’s second whim is to be mean to a child, as apart of her childish trait. WELL NOW. I’m going to put her into a playful mood and then impishly pester Selena. That seems about right. She jokes but jokes in a way that actually hurts her kids feelings. Hmm. She got disciplined again for being mean...I could have her apologize but she likely thinks her parents are too weird with their strange hissing. So another insult! And we’re up to level 5 social! Now let’s let Roxana put her to bed. Oh and Omar and Emile also watched tv alongside them. Just weren’t apart of the conversation.

Let’s see. Oh geez. We’re having a lot of vampires pop on by our doorstep. THEY KNOW. But hey, it’s not as if Roxana and the rest of the family wouldn’t mind. Time to say hello and befriend these other vampires! Annnd Tamara is now a vampire. Fun! Once we’re done with this day, we’ll move her out elsewhere. Honestly, I would stick her in Del Sol Valley, if it weren’t for the fact that A) vampire, and B) it’s a rather extremely sunny area.

Anyway, I did my usual thing of pulling up outfits from the main sim into the normal sim and turning them black! Very simple. I don’t really use dark mode much anyway. Now let’s see...I don’t much like getting abilities until we have a good selection of weaknesses to choose from but at least the first tier is free. Let’s pick up detect personality and occult disciple to start with. Her first whim is to...become enemies with Jeb. Could do but we have a vampire gathering going on! I’ll at least set up Roxana to try to teach Tamara the basics of vampirism.

Right. One of the things for Omar to do is to go into full parent mode. So I’m gonna cheat the system and have Harrison shout forbidden words and then discipline him and then cheat that until he gets to go into full parenting mode. There we go! And now his need decay will slow down a lot for 2 hours. And considering he’s on the cusp of thirsty, that’ll help. Let’s see. Last thing is to have a child with three positive character value traits. I hope Harrison will count for this. Anyway, he’s ageing up this time so normally, I would rotate off of that aspiration but I might as well keep it on. Besides which, he still needs that empathy up! Let’s see...you know, we can still volunteer, even at this time. Let’s get that empathy up!

And with Emille, the always sleeping, finally waking up, and Roxana training her new protege, we head towards-

Neighborhood Watch!

Forgotten Hollow: The Goode household moved out.

And let’s get Tamara into a new home! Until she can meet the money threshold for Del Sol Valley, she’s gonna stick in San Myshuno. In the last low-cost apartment available. Which is not a good apartment at all to linger in so GOOD LUCK!