#Cursed Spirit Neighbor (Lee)

[plucky-belmondo]

I attempted to doodle Mahi in a leather jacket for you

Oh, now this, this is lovely work.

(but really, thank you lots for this!)

[lordmomohismomoness]

As of late, I have been obsessed with Webtoons. So I figured it was time to make a rec list of my favorites! Though, I couldn't narrow it down to 10, so here are my top 29! In no particular order:

Kind of Confidential by Vivian Darlin

Romance/Superhero updates weekly

-a superhero loses his powers and is saved by a supervillain on the run. Zen and Rena are my OTP and Batcat is adorable

The Witch and the Bull by Moonsia

Romance/Fantasy/Adventure updates weekly

-an a-hole who hates witches gets cursed as a bull, whose only hope is the witch whose career he just ruined

Ghost Wife by Sejung

Romance/Horror completed

-she is constantly followed by ghosts. But she does have a powerful but unsocialized demon to protect her. Bonus! This one has a sequel that just premiered!

I Love Yoo by Quimchee

Drama updates weekly

-she is a loner and down on her luck. When she meets two brothers who are complete opposites, her luck gets even worse. But at least she's not alone

The Kiss Bet by Ingrid Ochoa

Romance/Drama on hiatus

-all she wants is a special first kiss, but a little bet and some new transfer students make it really complicated

The Red Archer by IsabelleRanson

Romance/Adventure/Historical updates weekly

-a mashup of history and adventure, it's Maid Marian's turn to be a badass

The Makeup Remover by Lee Yone

Drama/Romance updates twice weekly

-after becoming a model in a make up competition, she shakes things up with some social commentary

Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe

Romance/Fantasy updates weekly

-Hades and Persephone just want to be happy. But their family is less "The Tanners" and more "Jerry Springer'

Like Wind on a Dry Branch by Dalsaeowl/Hwaeum

Drama/Romance updates weekly

-after losing everything to a plague, she starts her life over as a mage in the prince's harem. Heartwarming friendships and ugly crying included

Let's Play Mongie

Romance/Drama updates weekly

-the person that ruined her career is her new neighbor, and her love life just went from 0 to complicated

Future You by Kumokayaa

Romance/Fantasy updates once a month

-she's a time traveling assassin with no way back home, and he is a cop investigating her company. What could go wrong?

Cape of Spirits by Kris Nguyen

Fantasy/Adventure completed

-an ex prince joins his kidnappers in order to stop the spirits from destroying the world

Subzero by Junepurr

Romance/Fantasy updates weekly

-the princess and last of the azure dragons agrees to marry the prince of the crimson dragons as part of a peace treaty to end the war. But there is a lot more going on in the kingdom than meets the eye, and she has secrets of her own

Tower of God by SIU

Fantasy/Adventure updates weekly

-he climbs the tower to find a girl, but his very existence threatens the hierarchy within. This one is really long, but also AMAZING and addictive

Lumine by Emma Krogell

Fantasy updates weekly

-an orphaned werewolf is hired as a bodyguard to a standoffish witch. What they both really need is friendship

Nice to Meet You by Wishroomness

Romance/Drama updates weekly

-what starts off as an innocent prank turns into a wild romance

Little Mizzi Muffett and the Spider King by Catfish

Horror updates once a month

-something dark and evil is stirring, and she is the only one that can stop it. With the help of the spider king who has decided to make her his bride

Freaking Romance by Snailords

Romance/Sci Fi completed

-an interdimensional bisexual love triangle. Need I say more?

The Rose Prince by Samuraiflame

Romance updates twice a month

-after her twin brother's death, she takes his name and persona so that the kingdom can still pass on to her. However, the neighboring king sees right through her disguise

Siren's Lament by instantmiso

Romance/Fantasy completed

-she is stuck, half siren and half human. Now she must find a way to break the curse before she loses everything and everyone she loves

My Magical Maid by J_hp

Fantasy/Romance updates twice a month

-a witch lives in secret as the physician of the king...who hates witches

Shadow Bride by Sae In Lee/Soo Bean Lim

Romance/Fantasy updates weekly

-this one just started, but it is off to a great start: a beautiful thief who is barely getting by catches the attention of an awkward prince who is the true heir to the throne

Villain to Kill by Fupin/Enuji

Action updates weekly

-another new one. A hero gets reborn... as a villain. Now he is is trying to take down those that killed him, without losing his mind or bringing the apocalypse first

A Good Day to be a Dog by Lee Hey

Romance complete

-the only way to break her curse of turning into a dog is to get a kiss while transformed. Which would be a lot easier if the person she needs to kiss wasn't terrified of dogs

The Spectrum of Us by Sen-Chan

Drama/Romance updates weekly

-a cat in love with a wolf is complicated enough without throwing the cops, the mafia, and a tiger in the mix. Also keep an eye out for her other work Cat vs Dog which will premiere on originals soon!

My Roommate is a Gumiho by NA

Romance updates twice weekly

-after accidentally swallowing his bead, a college student moves in with a strict 900 year old fox so they can find a way to safely remove it. Hijinks ensue

That Awkward Magic by SomeBunny

Romance updates three times a month

-the jock and the loner agree to fake a relationship, and it takes the school by storm. But also, yer a wizard harry

Or: two dorks in love, but one is having a gay crisis and one is having a witch crisis

Eleceed by Jeho Son/ZHENA

Action updates weekly

-a secret agent gets stuck in the body of a fat cat and decides to mentor an optimistic kid with super speed. Wholesome, action packed, and hilarious

Act Like You Love Me! by XUANN

Romance updates weekly

-three people know each other but don't know that they know each other. It's gonna be fun when they figure it out

Great, my OCD says I'm not allowed to have 29 recs and must make it 30. But there are five I am torn between adding. We'll go with:

My Grim Romance by Gears of Rain

Romance updates every two weeks

-instead of dying, she gets a new roommate - in the form of a dramatic grim reaper who lost his powers

[98huii]

hey all! super excited to be here and write with everyone,.this is my kid—lee hanhui (or, just hui), 23, aint ever learned how to live on his own. he’s a newbie to center point (ville city in general) and has only been here for a whopping FIVE (!!!) days! originally from songpagu, seoul, he’s here because he has no choice to take over his dead uncle (distant uncle, never met him)’s apartment and photo studio (MORE ON UNCLE UNDER THE CUT TW: HE’S CREEPS). in other words he’s here with no friends or family so please be nice (: (or not!!!) you can find his about page HERE and more under the cut! please smash the like if you’re down for plots! i’m faster on disc so hmu w your tags and ill add you!

ABOUT HIS UNCLE (u can skip if u dont wanna read it) 

TW // STALKING, DEATH

lee jongsoo (46) has been living in center point for most of his life. his apartment, bought cheap off a friend, houses more than just him. though, not that he’s ever known, or ever cared about his fellow ‘housemates’ (ghosts, brO). years of sharing a space with these spirits has drastically changed his personality. paranoia racked, he’s extremely hostile and guarded to his neighbors, comes off as snappy and v unwelcoming (nosy though) but all at once prefers keeping track of everyone in center point (find him staring at you for too long etc). in turn, he’s got quite the extensive collection of snapshots of all his neighbors holed up (in his apartment, in a compartment in his photo studio). recently DIED (yay) in the darkroom of his studio, body was found by employee early morning and was cleared out before most people even woke up (bad for business yk?). it’s v unclear how he died though (it’s the ghosts man). and following his death, his properties were handed off to next of kin, his dead brother’s wife who then passed it onto his nephew. 

// END TW

ABOUT LEE HANHUI (pre-center point era)

born and raised in songpagu, hui’s of the plain jane variety that never even been on a plane (or ventured outside of busan) in his life

TW ABUSE //

standard bad drunk dad who was very hands on with childrearing growing up i.e. lots of bottles and money thrown at his feet, late night soju runs to the store etc

learned very early on how to make himself small and Unnoticeable so to not annoy his pops

// END TW

TW DEATH MENTION //

saw his first dead body when he was 7, (local homeless drunk freezes to death in the neighborhood park, sad to report it was not dad)

felt? contemplative rather than scared - idk why this literal boy scout is Deep Thinking about death but he was

dreams about the man (alive) and the man (dead) often

he had a few more incidents after that (with death) but it’s mostly just your everyday thing, yk, roadkill etcetc that he overthinks entirely 

pops finally kicks the bucket when he’s in his teens, cause of death: [REDACTED] just know ma could never look at him the same again (growing up to look too much like pops anw) 

// END TW

from there > graduated high school > kissed/slept with his first boy > got into a junior college > didn’t know what he wanted to do so enlisted after a year in after his ma remarried > after finishing his service was immediately strong armed into moving to ville city. 

NOW

since he’s only been here for five days he’s got 0 idea about what’s to come so tbh he just thinks the place is a bit Weird(?) and that he ate something bad (to have all these shit nightmares)

generally has a “strong stomach” so things like death and ghosts and blood etc doesn’t really affect him the way it should

has eaten fried egg and rice and kimchi for the last 5 days b/c a) he can’t cook b) most restaurants has cursed at him and hung up when he gave them his address lol 

started working at the studio (after “revamping” the place) and its basically getting bullied by toddlers day in and out due to the recent “discounted family photos” special they got going on (but hey, money!)

currently trying to air out and clean through his uncle’s apartment > found a suspicious amount of photos of faces that he can recognize and some that he can’t under the bed—Not. Sure. What. To. Do. With. These. Help.

who wanna be friends fr :))))

PLOTS (they’re bad)

first friend, best friend, and also only friend maybe neighbors on the same floor? maybe they met somewhere, clicked, then realized they lived together. IDK he just needs a buddy :(

don’t i know you from somewhere i’m sucker for childhood friend who moved away etc plots!!!

???? Knows you but doesn’t really know you (knows you from uncle’s photos yike)

my brain short-circuited but i’m open to anything just hmu!!!

[rolandtowen]

Prince Zuko was a harsh, entitled boy.

Firelord Zuko is a ruler who makes amends. - a study in the various side characters that Zuko came across in his banishment, and how he repays his past actions.

Read Chapter One on ao3 or under the cut! TW for referenced non-con and colonialism

[I believe @flamehotman and @flameomcfirey wanted to be tagged?]

Chapter One: Song

We will get there when we get there, don't you worry Feel bad about the things we do along the way But not really that bad We inhaled the frozen air Lord, send me a mechanic if I'm not beyond repair

- The Mountain Goats

It happened on a Tuesday afternoon.

Zuko was meeting with the agricultural council, a collection of both scholars and farmers, to discuss best practices for renewing the Fire Nations agricultural trade. For so many decades, the Fire Nation out-sourced its agriculture to land in the colonies and imported much of its food. But with the land being given back, the Fire Nation was either going to have to begin growing its own food again, or import their food at a fair price. The economic committee decided on Monday that reviving the Fire Nation farms would be far more cost effective - and of course, would create more jobs in the Fire Nation. With the war over, the number of soldiers that the military required had dropped dramatically, and there were many citizens without work. Zuko had instated severance benefits for unemployed soldiers - the ones not found guilty of war crimes of course, mostly the young recruits - but it couldn't last forever.

It was maddening. Every time Zuko unraveled one problem, he undoubtedly found or created another one. He was trying, really trying, to keep his people safe. But he also had a duty to the rest of the world. The nations that his lineage colonized, pillaged, and destroyed. He resists the urge to write to Aang, to ask him how he does it, how he balances all of the nations in every action he takes. But Aang is busy, all of his friends are, spread thin to the four corners of the world.

Uncle visits him occasionally, when the letters from staff concerned about Zuko's health pile up on his desk. One too many servants have found him, asleep at his desk, face down in treaty papers. But Uncle has his hands full. He already splits his time enough between the Jasmine Dragon and Ember Island, looking after Azula.

Azula.

She was improving, and that's really all Zuko can ask for. He sees her a couple of times a month, pours her a cup of tea, and they sit on the balcony of their vacation-house-turned-mental-retreat. Most of the time, they don't talk. Zuko won't push her; he remembers his silence in his first few months of being banished, how Uncle had to coax him to say anything at meals. Sometimes the only words he uttered in a day were in prayer before meditation. Zuko had thought to himself, speaking out got me into this mess: I'll never speak again.

He's not sure what words were exchanged between Azula and Ozai before he left her and went to burn down the Earth Kingdom, but he can guess it wasn't good. Few of his father's words were.

So they sit and drink their tea. Sometimes, on a good day, Zuko will fix up Azula's hair for her, and she'll reveal some bits of information that he files away for future examination. Something like, I saw Mom before you came with Master Katara. Or she'll double check her reality, asking, you let Ty Lee and Mai out of jail, right? and Zuko will say yes, her friends are safe, they should be visiting any day now.

As painful as seeing her may be, spending time with Azula is far preferable to sitting through an agricultural council meeting.

He looks down at the paper in front of him, a comprehensive budget list for all of the supplies needed to revitalize the Fire Nation's agricultural sphere. Dozens of machines that he's sure Sokka had a hand in inventing, hundreds of varieties of seeds that Omashu is generously selling to them, and -

Thousands of ostrich-horses.

"Councilor Yichen, can you elaborate on the number of animals in this budget? Certainly with the machines we'll provide, farmers will not need so many working livestock."

Councilor Yichen stands, giving a little bow in Zuko's direction. "Of course, Lord Zuko. While the machines will certainly boost productivity, we only have enough for one per farming village at this point. Each family needs at least one working animal, if not to plow the fields, then to transport goods. We decided on ostrich-horses on a recommendation from farmers in the Earth Kingdom colonies, who found them to be invaluable. An ostrich-horse is, in many ways, more valuable than a machine."

Zuko's stomach settles uncomfortably, but he isn't entirely sure why. "Thank you, Councilor. I understand now."

Yichen gives another little bow before he sits, and the rest of the meeting goes as planned, with the exception of a strange seed of unknown guilt now growing in Zuko's stomach.

"Uncle, do you remember when you made tea out of that poisonous plant?"

Uncle laughs, hands faltering as he pours Zuko a cup of jasmine tea. "I remember, Nephew. How could I ever forget?"

"Do you remember the girl who helped you?"

Uncle takes a sip of the warm tea. "Song. Her mother made the best roast duck." He looks at Zuko out of the corner of his eyes. "Why do you ask?"

Zuko looks out over the gardens. He's able to see the whole palace grounds from where they're seated on the second-floor balcony, watching the sun rise. As far as the eye can see, Zuko is upheld as a flawless ruler, his word taken as law. He's sick of it.

"I stole her ostrich-horse," he murmurs into his tea, taking a sip to calm his nerves. "I just remembered, in that agricultural meeting a few days ago. I - I never knew how essential those were to farmers, I just thought I was taking their ride." He turns to fully face his Uncle. "But I think I took a lot more than that."

Uncle meets his eyes with understanding. "And now you want to give it back."

"I know there's no way for me to fully apologize for how I acted in exile, but it feels like I have to try." The cup quivers a bit in his hands, and so his hands drop to his lap. "I'll need someone to watching over the Nation while I'm gone."

Uncle places one of his warm hands over Zuko's shaking ones. "I'm sure I can deal with your advisors for a few days." He squeezes his hand just slightly around Zuko's. "I'm proud to see that even in a few short months, your wisdom as a ruler is growing. Go, make your amends. The Nation will be here when you return." Uncle calls for Zuko's secretary and tells her to clear as much of the Firelord's schedule as she can for the next week. Their voices fade into the background as Zuko stares into his tea, wracking his brain to try and figure out how to track down just one girl in the entire Earth Kingdom. Sending scouts or soldiers from town to town is a recipe for disaster, and the Earth Kingdom villages have been traumatized enough. He supposes he could always call in a ride on his favorite air bison but - this feels like something he should do on his own.

If Song hates him, it might be hard for her to show it in front of the Avatar.

So he'll go alone. No friends, no royal guard. He'll come into Song's town the same way he came last time - defenseless. She can hate him if she wants, he'll give her that.

And he'll try to give back what he took from her.

He packs light, pulling an old tunic and boots from the back of his wardrobe. Though they've been thoroughly cleaned by the palace staff, the scent of campfires and smoke linger upon them. He grabs a cloak - the Earth Kingdom will be starting to chill at this time of year - and he slips out of the palace, using the servant's entrance to get onto the streets unseen.

Autumn comes quietly in the Earth Kingdom. The trees slowly lose their color, giving the last of their strength into vibrant leaves. Soldiers previously conscripted to fight in the war have either returned to their families or have gone to tend to the scorched earth where the Phoenix King made landfall. They clear the debris of fallen airships, making room for the earth to slowly restore herself.

Song envies those soldiers.

Their lives have changed with the ending of the war, but Song's life continues on, its mundane routine continuing over and over again. She cares for a small garden, crafts herbal remedies for her neighbors, and tries to make her mother comfortable. She curses the Spirits for their cruel sense of humor - her mother survives the greatest war ever seen, lives through the attempted invasion of her homeland, only to be struck down by frailty months after the end of it all. Hasn't she suffered enough? Song has whispered those words to the woods on her way to the well time and time again. Now, her body is just - stopping.

Her mother is dying and there's nothing she can do.

Song knows all living things have their time. And she's seen too many living beings go before their rightful time. But she never imagined her mother's time would be in a time of peace. Wasn't ending the war supposed to stop all this pain? Apparently not. She tries not to become bitter, knows that that's the last thing her mother would want for her, but - it hurts. And there's not a damn thing she can do about it.

The leaves from dying trees crackle under her feet.

She arrives at the well, alone. Her hometown is just barely beginning to wake up, rising from its slumber as mothers bring in dry clothes from the clotheslines and fathers begin to toil in the fields. Children run freely from street to street, with a joy that was forbidden during the Fire Nation's occupation. They're kicking at a ball, passing it from one pair of bare feet to another, and Song smiles at them. Someday, maybe.

She sets her water jug on the stone wall of the well and begins to lower the bucket before hearing the ball make impact and a man's voice grunt, "oof!". She spins rapidly around to see a young man, rear planted firmly in the dirt, one hand rubbing at his forehead while the other wipes at a watering eye. The group of children stand, frozen, and she gives them a look, and unspoken command to stay and apologize to the man they just hit with their ball.

"Here, take my hand," Song holds out her right hand, and the man takes it. When the young man meets her eyes, she almost drops him back in the dirt. He has those amber eyes, and she can just see under his loose hair - a burn scar. "Lee?!"

He stands, brushing dust from his cloak, and she catches the hints of red fabric that lie beneath. She recoils. He sighs. "Um, about that." Song sees his hands tremble against his cloak. "My name's not Lee - and I'm from the Fire Nation."

Song reacts as if she'd been slapped. She trips backwards, away from Not Lee, landing hard against the stone of the well. Her leg is aching, feels like its on fire all over again, looking into those amber eyes.

"How could you? I let you into my home." She braces her hands against the well, her leg threatening to give out at any moment. "Now it all makes sense, that you stole from me. That's all you ashmakers are good for." She spits, and it lands on his scarred cheek. "You take land that isn't yours, take women that aren't yours, you take lives!" Her leg finally collapses, and she sinks to the ground with her back against the well. Not Lee makes a move, and she throws her hands up. "Don't you touch me," she grits out, clutching at her leg. He stills, and she wraps her arms around herself, bringing her knees to her chest. "I pitied you, you know? I thought your mother must've been - I looked at your eyes and thought you were a victim like me, like my mother." Her whole body is trembling, but she doesn't care. "But I bet you know who your father is, I bet you're proud to have his eyes."

Not Lee mirrors her, curling in on himself, not even bothering to wipe his face clean. "I do know who my father is, but I'm not proud of him." He looks up to meet her eyes, and Song is struck by how young he looks. When she'd last seen him, he'd looked gaunt, malnourished, with sharp cheekbones. Now, his face had filled out and he looks - young? The scar makes him look older as well, but when you look on the opposite side of his face - all she can see is a kid, couldn't be older than a teenager.

And he was crying.

Stubborn as he is, Not Lee is resolutely ignoring the tears slowly falling from his eyes, but nevertheless - they fell. Song didn't expect that reaction. Tears are not what she expected from a Fire National. Anger, rage, violence - those are the things she's tasted at the hands of firebenders, but this? This is new.

"I'm sorry," Not Lee whispers, looking at his feet. "I came to apologize, I wanted to repay you for your kindness and return what I took. But I think I've overstayed my welcome." He scrubs at his face roughly with the heel of one hand. "But I am, truly sorry. I acted selfishly the last time I was in your home, and I took advantage of your compassion. And I understand that my nation has done even worse. I'm trying to make it better." He pulls his hair back with a band. "I know you have no reason to trust me, but I would like to purchase you a new ostrich-horse. And anything else you or your mother may require."

Without warning, Not Lee shifts from his seat position to a bowing one, kneeling with his head pressed to the dry earth. Song stares at him for a small eternity, before realizing that he's waiting, unmoving, for her response. For her judgement.

She lets out a small breath. "Okay," his eyes flick up to hers and her stomach twists. The way he bows is so precise - it must have been drilled into him hundreds of times before. Another thing she wouldn't have expected from a firebender. "Come to dinner."

He stands after she does and gives another slight bow. As they begin the walk back to Song's home, he offers to carry her water jug, and Song feels more weight than one lifted from her.

"What did you say your name was again, young man?" Mei pokes at Zuko's shoulder as she hobbles to the table.

"Mom, I'm sorry about her, she's getting older," Song sets a bowl of fragrant roast duck in front of him and Zuko feels his mouth begin to water.

"No, it's okay, I don't think I've actually properly introduced myself." He takes a quick sip of tea - bracing himself for whatever will happen next - and calmly sets the mug back down. "My name is Zuko," he begins slowly. "AndI'mkindoftheFirelord."

There's the sound of Song dropping a bowl in the kitchen, and Mei leans in a bit closer to Zuko.

"Sorry, dear, could you say that again? My ears aren't what they used to be."

Zuko opens his mouth to respond, but Song slowly enters the room, her eyes narrowed in on Zuko. "You said - you're the firelord?" He nods at her, waiting for her to swing a knife at him, kick him out of their home, call some earthbenders to rough him up -

Before his panic can start to set in, Song runs out the front door, slamming it behind her.

Zuko looks helplessly at Mei.

"Give her a moment." Mei brings her pair of chopsticks to her mouth. "Hmm, she still doesn't make it as well as I used to."

"What about you? Do you hate me?"

Mei sighs, putting her bowl down. "I'm too old for hate, dear. My time in this world is almost over. I can't spend it hating world rulers." She takes a sip of her tea. "But Song? She -" Mei sighs again. "She's been hurt deeply by the Fire Nation, in more ways than one. And it isn't just you. But for a long time, the monarchy has been the embodiment of everything terrible that's ever happened to her. And now you're here, standing in front of her."

Zuko nods. "I understand. And I am sorry, to you as well. I don't think I fully understood the reach of the war. I was always taught that the army acted with honor, that women and children were untouchable." He looks down at his folded hands. "I can see that was false."

"Unfortunately, you are correct." She reaches between them to refill Zuko's cup, then Song's, and hands them both to him. "Go to her. A bit of tea should help bring you some good favor."

The screen door opens and closes, and Zuko finds himself out on the porch. Song sits on the edge, absently massaging her leg, peering into the darkness of the forest.

"Can I join you?"

She shrugs, and he takes that as a yes. Handing over her tea, Zuko sits besides her and tries to find what she sees in the darkness.

For a few minutes, the only sounds are those of them drinking and crickets chirping. Then Song speaks.

"His name was Bao."

Treasured. Precious. Rare.

"That's a lovely name."

"What happened to him?" Song turns abruptly to look at him with shining eyes. "Did he...?"

Zuko shakes his head emphatically. "My Uncle and I traded him to a florist for safe passage to Ba Sing Se. The florist seemed like a good man."

"You went to Ba Sing Se?"

Zuko runs one hand down the back of his neck. "I might have conquered it, actually?"

Sing snorts. "That part I've heard about. You've lived an interesting life, Zuko."

"If by 'interesting' you mean messy, then yes." He sighs. "You had no reason to trust me. Why did you let me back into your home?"

Song laughs, tinged with bitterness. "My mother says I'm too trusting, too gullible." She swirls the dregs of her tea around the bottom of her cup. "But I think there's strength in being kind. And I really did want to forgive you. But you have to be ready."

"And do you think I am?"

She smiles softly at him. "For me, yes. But my guess is I'm not the only person you hurt in exile." She gulps down her remaining tea. "They may not be as forgiving as I am."

"I'm preparing myself for that possibility."

"Does it scare you?"

Zuko ponders it. "I think it does. The idea that I've hurt someone innocent so badly that they may never be able to move past it... that keeps me up at night."

Songs turns towards him, tucking her knees up to her chest. "We can't control how other people see us in this life. How they react to our actions is up to them - all that we can control is our response. You have to be ready to accept that someone may not be ready to forgive you, and you can't let that eat you up." She stares at him intently. "You have to confident that your own actions are enough. That they're good."

It's Zuko's turn to laugh sourly. "Easier said than done," his hand wanders to his scar. "Sometimes I'm still not sure if what I'm doing is right."

"You don't have to do it alone, you know," Song gives him an understanding look. "You need other people around you, Zuko, to remind you what's good."

He huffs, looking down at his hands, folded in his lap. "Do you want to be one of those people?"

"I think you have more than enough goodness surrounding you already. You just have to be confident enough to ask." She sighs, looking back out into the darkness. "Besides, I have to stay here with my mother. She doesn't have long."

"Are you sure there's nothing I can do? I could send my healers -"

She shakes her head, cutting him off midsentence. "It's her time." She begins to rub at her scars again. "I just didn't know how much it would hurt. We finally have some peace, and suddenly it's her time."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be, not for this. It's due to you that she'll be able to die during peacetime." Her hands come to her eyes, wiping tears away before they can spill down her cheeks. "Her biggest fear was that she'd die and leave me alone to fend for myself during the war. You released her from that fear. Of course I forgive you, Zuko. My mother's no longer scared of dying because of you."

The two of them are silent for a long time, watching fireflies flicker off and on in the trees, listening to the crickets sing.

"I'm going to find Bao for you."

Song looks up in surprise. "You don't have to-"

"I want to, I'm sure he's still out there somewhere." Zuko rises from his seat. "If you ever need anything, anything, you write directly to me. I'll tell my staff that you're a priority."

"Are you leaving?" Song stands as well. "You could stay, if you want."

Zuko shakes his head silently. "I have to get back, and travelling by night is best for a Firelord who doesn't want his identity revealed," he smiles, his scarred skin relaxing into it. With that, he pulls his hair out of its topknot, grabs his pack and swords, and starts to disappear into the night.

"Firelord Zuko?" He stops and turns back at the sound of Song's voice. She makes the sign of the flame and bows. "Thank you, for everything." He bows back, lower than protocol dictates, but he doesn't care.

Three weeks pass, and the air has turned bitterly cold.

Song again makes her daily trip to the village well, with snow crunching under her feet instead of dead leaves. The soldiers have returned from their work in restoring fields for the season, and so the village feels alive when she steps into it. Despite the chill, children still run in the street, under the watchful eye of their mothers and fathers. Song feels a twinge of longing, but she tries to focus on the happiness she feels for the children instead. Song sets her water jug on the side of the well, breathing hot air into her palms to warm her hands after touching the freezing stone.

"Excuse me, miss, are you Song?" A voice comes from behind her, and she turns to see two men dressed in red tunics.

"I am," she replies, tucking her hands into the pockets of her hanbok. "And you are?"

They bow to her. "We come on behalf of Firelord Zuko, to deliver a gift." A third man rounds the corner with an ostrich-horse on a tether. "We found him at a desert settlement, he's been well taken care of, but if there's anything you need -"

They're cut off as Song runs to throw her arms around the neck of the ostrich-horse. "Bao!" She strokes his beak, looking into his eyes. "Do you remember me?"

Bao cocks his head to the side, pupils widening as he chirps softly, and then he lets out a loud whinny, pushing his head into Song's chest. He purrs, closing his eyes and relaxes against her.

"Sweet Bao, it's really me, you're really home," Song can feel her eyes dampening, but holds it together as one of the men hands her a bit of parchment.

"A note from the Firelord. He wanted us to remind you that you can write to him anytime you need anything."

Song nods. "And tell him I said 'thank-you' again." Bao whinnies loudly again, and she adds on, "Bao says 'thank-you' too."

"Of course, miss." With a synchronized bow, the men depart, and Song unrolls the parchment.

Song,

I've followed your advice and surrounded myself with good people. It helps.

Give my best to your mother - my Uncle still talks about her roast duck sometimes. I've established a fund specially for women and child victims of the war, inspired by some of what you and Mei shared with me. Write me if you feel like you or anyone in your village wants to apply for it.

And, thank you for trusting and forgiving me. I'll try to keep earning it.

May the Spirits continually bless you,

Zuko

She tucks the parchment into her pocket, fills her jug, and finds herself back in Bao's familiar saddle after more than a year. "Come on, Bao," she says as she takes the lead into her hands, guiding them back to the empty farmhouse.

"Let's go home."

[if you read through this whole thing, go drink some water! I'll know if u don't :) ]

[ghostyosisreal]

Death by Misadventure

A Chucky series review. Episode 1. Minor Spoilers!

Good evening little spirits! I know I said a movie review was coming (it still is I promise) but I decided to start with a show! In case you didn't know Chucky is back in his very own show created by Don Mancini on SYFY and the USA network. Not only do we have Don (who has written and or worked on 10 of the films in the Childs play franchise), but we get the love of my life Ms. Jennifer Tilly (Tiffany/herself) , Fiona Dourif (Nica Pierce), Brad Dourif as the voice of (Chucky/Charles Lee Ray), and a ton of other callbacks! Now I won't be giving any major Lore lessons however, I will mention the ones I notice or feel are important enough to explain. I also want to note that I have seen the series in full already but I always feel like you have to watch it more then once to really enjoy it. So let’s get into my second run through review!

EPISODE ONE 

We are introduced to the main character Jake Wheeler a young artist who lives with his (obviously shitty) dad in the infamous town Hackensack. Know for its high and ever rising murder rate. Jake has a fascination with using dolls for his sculptures and buys a Good Guy Doll (yes it is exactly who you think it is) at a yard sale from his neighbor. This neighbor also notices a missing butcher knife from a knife block so yeah were not waisting anytime with Chuckys usual antics. From there we get a look into the kind of life Jake is living. He's bullied by his father for being gay and a constant reminder of his dead mother, bullied by his cousin (Junior) and classmates (Lexy, Juniors master I mean girlfriend) for being poor, and to top off the angst overload, he has a crush his jerk cousins best friend (Devon Evans) who for now seems nice enough. He also happens to run Jakes favorite podcast “Hackenslash” which sheds light on the history of crime in Hackensack. We get our first altercation at a family dinner between Jack, his dad Lucas and Juniors parents Logan and Bree Wheeler. Logan and Lucas are twin brothers who maybe once had a good relationship, though now it seems between Luca’s bottle and Logans maybe intentional flaunting of his own success something clearly turned sour between the two. The dinner ends after multiple jabs at Jake sexuality and a suspicious phone call between Bree and someone. Very reminiscent of the cheating mother back in Curse of Chucky. The NIGHT however, ends after Lucas smashes Jake’s sculpture into a bunch of tiny doll pieces, Jake unable to stop him while “How Villains Are Made” by Madalen Duke plays in the background. I mean if the song title says anything Jake’s seems to be getting the short end of the stick. Due to his dads fit Jake decides to sell the Chucky doll since it seems to go for about a grand on Ebay. He brings it to school where Chucky has a bit of fun murdering Jake’s Lab Frog and giving Lexy a bad high for making a GoFundMe page for “Poor Jake”. Deciding to leave Chucky at school so he dad doesn't break him Jake returns home to find a message waiting for him about the doll. He calls the interested buyer and every fan of the series must have caught on to the voice of none other than Andy Barkley. Andy wastes no time in warning Jake about checking for batteries, and thank the gods cause I mean after 10 movies he shouldn't be taking any chances. The next morning Chucky appears at the house out of nowhere and Jake does just that. After seeing no batteries he throws the doll away and heads to school to attend the talent show. Now this is is probably my favorite scene out if the entire show. During the show Lexy calls out Jake’s crush on Devon in an attempt to continue making his life a living hell (just know I HATE HER) HOWEVER a familiar voice from the crowd calls her out in return. Jake turns to see Chucky sitting in the seat behind him, he gets up and grabs the doll who appears to be whispering in his ear. Jake makes his way on stage with Chucky who then puts on the best “ventriloquist” act of all time. Chucky calls out Lexy for being a bitch and exposes her questionable porn history. Leaving the crowd laughing and Jake (and us) extremely satisfied. Later that night drunk Lucas pisses us all of again by smacking Jake around and calling him gay AGAIN, like dude it’s getting old be mad about something else. He takes Chucky and sends Jake to his room, big Mistake obviously. We get our first human kill of the series (Chucky killed Jake’s cat oop did I forget to mention that), an electrifying end to Lucas and an AMAZING cut scene left me with a feeling really great about the start of this series. 

The biggest concerns I had with the series was the quality of the effects and whether or not it would fit into or add to the already meaty Lore of the franchise. Through this first episode I feel like I can put those worries to rest. The fact that they have a real puppet on set and MULTIPLE puppeteers which were named in the credits, really gives it the nostalgic quality. We also see some amazing cinematography going on (that I promise you just gets better) and I am a huge fan of the use of a ton of split diopter shots. We also get are favorite GoodGuy just being himself, him flipping off the talent show audience and calling them all “a bunch of fuckin’ assholes” left me in TEARS. Really Brad Dourif’s laugh will never get old to me. So yeah i’m a big fan and I hope anyone reading this is gonna be in for the ride with me. If you haven’t seen the show yet what the hell are you doing here go watch it! see you next week and remember keep it Rated R 🐥🔪.

[svnthxsense]

NOTE: All of my written works, edits, etc. are protected under copyright laws. I do not allow reposting of my work, translation, or any other types of alterations. I only post my work here on Tumblr. If you happen to see my work posted somewhere else, please notify me. © 2020 (svnthxsense) All Rights Reserved

If you don’t see a member on the masterlist, it means I have nothing written for them yet :)

JOHNNY SEO: 

Winter Things 

  ↳ type: drabble   ↳ college!au, roomadvisor!johnny, christmas!au   ↳ genre: fluff   ↳ warnings: cursing

LEE TAEYONG: 

One Wish 

  ↳ type: drabble   ↳ boyfriend!taeyong, christmas!au   ↳ genre: fluff   ↳ warnings: none

Sucker for Pain

   ↳ type: oneshot / standalone    ↳ joker!au    ↳ genre: smut    ↳ warnings: fem reader, cursing, fingering, knife play (no blood or anything), sensory deprivation (blindfold), unprotected sex (wrap it up kids)    ↳ summary: despite everybody in gotham knowing that you are taeyong’s and his alone, he never gets tired of claiming you as his. hickeys don’t satisfy this desire anymore- so he supposes that carving his initials into your perfect skin will suffice.

KIM DOYOUNG: 

Snowflakes

  ↳ type: drabble   ↳ uncle!doyoung , kindergartenteacher!au , christmas!au   ↳ genre: fluff   ↳ warnings: none

JUNG JAEHYUN:

Back to You

  ↳ type: drabble   ↳ marriage!au , businessman!au , christmas!au   ↳ genre: angst, fluff   ↳ warnings: mentions of alcohol (kind of)

MARK LEE:

Shot Clock

  ↳ type: oneshot / standalone   ↳ highschool!au , basketball!au , tutor!au   ↳ genre: fluff, smut   ↳ warnings: fem reader, cursing, light choking, slight corruption (?), slight praise, oral, tiny bit of slow burn    ↳ summary: mark lee- new transfer student, star basketball player, and the shyest person you’ve ever met. he had intrigued you from the start, but his shy and awkward nature made it hard to tell if the feeling was mutual. if mark wants to make his feelings known, he’d better hurry. the shot clock is winding down.

Sing For You

  ↳ type: drabble   ↳ highschool!au , churchboy!au , christmas!au   ↳ genre: fluff   ↳ warnings: none

Mr. and Mrs. Lee

 ↳ type: oneshot / standalone  ↳ mr. & mrs. smith!au  ↳ genre: smut  ↳ warnings: fem reader, cursing, depiction of violence (guns & knives involved), (slight) corruption kink, thigh riding, teasing, handjobs, church sex, slapping (reader to mark), slightly aged up mark x reader (for plot purposes)  ↳ summary: it’s been years since you and mark have gotten married. being the top two contract-killers in the game made you a force to be reckoned with- until you’re both hired to kill each other. and for some reason, every attempt ends with you ripping each other’s clothes off.

LEE HAECHAN:

Classic

  ↳ type: drabble   ↳ recordshop!au , christmas!au   ↳ genre: fluff   ↳ warnings: none

MARK LEE:

Shot Clock

 ↳ type: oneshot / standalone  ↳ highschool!au , basketball!au , tutor!au  ↳ genre: fluff, smut  ↳ warnings: fem reader, cursing, light choking, slight corruption (?), slight praise, oral, tiny bit of slow burn   ↳ summary: mark lee- new transfer student, star basketball player, and the shyest person you’ve ever met. he had intrigued you from the start, but his shy and awkward nature made it hard to tell if the feeling was mutual. if mark wants to make his feelings known, he’d better hurry. the shot clock is winding down.

Sing For You

 ↳ type: drabble  ↳ highschool!au , churchboy!au , christmas!au  ↳ genre: fluff  ↳ warnings: none

Mr. and Mrs. Lee

↳ type: oneshot / standalone ↳ mr. & mrs. smith!au ↳ genre: smut ↳ warnings: fem reader, cursing, depiction of violence (guns & knives involved), (slight) corruption kink, thigh riding, teasing, handjobs, church sex, slapping (reader to mark), slightly aged up mark x reader (for plot purposes) ↳ summary: it’s been years since you and mark have gotten married. being the top two contract-killers in the game made you a force to be reckoned with- until you’re both hired to kill each other. and for some reason, every attempt ends with you ripping each other’s clothes off.

LEE JENO:

Summer Lovin’ 

  ↳ type: oneshot / standalone   ↳ highschool!au , summerfling!au   ↳ genre: fluff, angst   ↳ warnings: fem reader, cursing, no happy ending, somewhat suggestive content (?)   ↳ summary: with jeno at your side, trips to amusement parks, flower fields, beaches and more became your daily routine. but then autumn came, and you were left aching for his presence again.

03:04 AM

↳ type: preview/drabble  ↳ college!au, exlover!jeno | preview to Summer Lovin’’s part 2  ↳ genre: angst  ↳ warnings: mentions of alcohol

LEE HAECHAN:

Classic

 ↳ type: drabble  ↳ recordshop!au , christmas!au  ↳ genre: fluff  ↳ warnings: none

NA JAEMIN:

Interstellar 

  ↳ type: oneshot / standalone   ↳ highschool!au, badboy!au, childhoodfriend!au   ↳ genre: fluff, angst, drama   ↳ warnings: fem reader, cursing, family issues, mentions of divorce, (almost?) motorcycle accident, mentions of blood, slow burn, two (2) make-out scenes   ↳ summary: na jaemin was no longer the boy you remembered from third grade. be was troubled, rough around the edges. but somehow, with every odd run-in you two shared, you managed to bring out the brighter side in him. you and jaemin were not star-crossed lovers, but your relationship may just become something interstellar.

Winter Wonderland

 ↳ type: drabble  ↳ highschool!au, crush!jaemin  ↳ genre: fluff, tiny hint of drama  ↳ warnings: none

WONG LUCAS:

Home For Christmas

  ↳ type: drabble   ↳ stranger!au , christmas!au   ↳ genre: fluff   ↳ warnings: none

BANG CHAN:

Santa Baby

  ↳ type: drabble   ↳ santa’shelper!au , christmas!au   ↳ genre: fluff   ↳ warnings: mentions of sex

SEO CHANGBIN:

Mistletoes & Chateaus 

  ↳ type: drabble   ↳ rich!au , badboy!au , christmas!au   ↳ genre: fluff   ↳ warnings: none

HUANG HYUNJIN:

Be Right There

  ↳ type: drabble   ↳ volleyball!au , establishedrelationship!au , christmas!au   ↳ genre: fluff   ↳ warnings: none

CHOI SAN: 

3000 Miles

  ↳ type: drabble   ↳ coffeeshop!au , college!au , christmas!au   ↳ genre: angst, fluff   ↳ warnings: none

SONG MINGI:

Christmas Spirit

  ↳ type: drabble   ↳ neighbor!au , christmas!au   ↳ genre: fluff   ↳ warnings: none

© 2020 (svnthxsense) All Rights Reserved

[stupouid]

Unity (ATLA boys x reader) Chapter 1

Prologue|Chapter 1

A/N haha lets go im bored and i have lots of ideas so here’s chapter 1. Y/N meets Sokka in this one ee-ee I hope you guys like it!

Warning: unedited, like ONE curse word.

word count: 2432 words ee-ee

Y/M/N is your mom’s name 

if you have any more questions you can say so in the replies or my askbox!

Omashu, Earth Kingdom

5 years later

You know how Azula said that things would run smoothly for Y/N because she was of royal blood? Well that was a fucking lie. Y/N and her father moved back to Omashu because Y/N’s mother had passed away. Y/N thought that because of her blood, she would at least get to meet her grandfather, King Bumi, but she was only met with dirty looks. After pushing countless questions onto her father as to why they were treated so badly, Y/N’s father caved in and told her the truth. The whole truth.

Y/N’s mother was an Earth Kingdom princess. Y/N was aware of that already, but what Y/N didn’t know was that her mother was disowned after her parents found out that she had a child with a fire nation nobleman. They were in the middle of a war, for spirits sake. How could the king's own daughter fraternize with the enemy? Flooded with embarrassment, Y/N’s mother suggested they leave Omashu, and Y/N’s father took Y/N and her mother to the Capital City in the fire nation so the young couple could get married and raise Y/N in peace. 

Y/N thought the story was sweet. Her mother gave up a lavish life in the Earth Kingdom to live in the fire nation (basically enemy territory.) But the rest of Omashu didn’t see it that way. They thought of Y/N’s mother as a traitor, and since Y/N was her daughter, they saw the young girl as a traitor too. It didn’t help that Y/Ns father wasn’t ashamed of his fire nation bloodline. Their neighbors were convinced that the L/Ns were spies. 

For the next four years of her life, Y/N lived in hell. She was severely bullied at school. She came home from school with tears in her eyes at least twice a week. Y/N was afraid to set foot anywhere near the royal palace. But she found solace in meditation. There was a large hill several blocks away from the bustling city where she sat and meditated. But all this (or at least some) came to an end when on Y/N’s 13th birthday, Mai’s father Ukano, successfully infiltrated the city. All fingers were pointed at Y/N and her father, as the recent events ultimately supported the claim that they were spies. However, they couldn’t exactly prove it and the L/Ns remained in Omashu. 

Despite having even more reasons for the people of Omashu to hate Y/N, at least she wouldn’t be alone anymore. After four long years of sending letters back and forth, Y/N finally got to see one of her best friends again. (Not that Y/N didn’t ever see Ty Lee in those four years, Y/N did watch Ty Lee’s performances in the circus every once in a while) In the next year, Mai trained Y/N in throwing knives like she promised, and also taught her how to take care of Tom-Tom, along with gossiping with her about what had happened with who and what. 

Y/N cried when she learned that Zuko had been banished from the Fire Nation for the past two years, and came to the conclusion that he was so focused on capturing the Avatar and regaining his honor that he never replied to her letters anymore. However, Y/N was surprised to learn that Zuko and Mai got together before said banishment. She wasn’t upset by this, as the two talked about how they were more like siblings to each other years before.

A month after Y/Ns 14th birthday, Mai and Y/N received a letter from Azula stating that she and Ty Lee would be in Omashu. Azula was forming a small, elite team to bring back Zuko and General Iroh to the fire nation. Y/N was confused as to why Azula would need a team to bring them back, but then realized that Zuko wouldn’t stop until he caught the avatar, and probably needed lots of people to convince him. Nonetheless, Y/N tagged along with Mai to reunite with Ty Lee and Azula. 

Hugs were shared, gifts were given, and soon it was time for the four girls to head back to Mai’s home. Once they arrived, the female warriors learned that not only did the majority of the city’s citizens had to evacuate because of a sickness called ‘pentapox’, (which Y/N had never heard of in her life) but that Tom Tom was missing and most likely being held hostage by the Resistance. Azula was furious with Mai’s father for being so careless, and Y/N and Mai were outraged that the citizens had taken Tom Tom. Azula proposed they trade Tom Tom for King Bumi and rename the city to ‘New Ozai’ because Ukano had made a fool of himself. Despite being raised in the fire nation for more than half of her life, and the people of Omashu treating her and her father like dirt, Y/N was conflicted by Azula’s proposition. Technically, Y/N could take the throne (if it ever came to that), and this was her mother’s home. But Y/N knew better than to defy Azula in anything and stayed quiet. The four girls went to bed, mostly thinking about kicking the resistance’s asses. 

Soon morning came, and the girls got ready to make the trade. The girls met with the Avatar just next to where the statue of Fire Lord Ozai would be built. Upon arriving, the fire nation girls were met with a small boy with a hat on, a beautiful looking girl water tribe girl who looked around her age, and an extremely handsome watertribe boy who had a necklace that matched hers. 

“Hey! Where’d you get your necklac-” “Hi everybody!” The watertribe started to question Y/N, but was cut off by King Bumi being lowered down by a crane in a cage.

“Azula? Is that…” Y/N was amazed. This was her grandfather?

“Sadly, it is. You can go to him while I confer with the Avatar.” Azula chuckled. Y/N ran straight to her grandfather. Aang was about to protest, but Mai said, “You brought my brother?”

Aang responded with, “He’s here. We’re ready to trade.” Mai, Aang, and Azula talked to each other for a while, and in the meantime Y/N was trying to get to know her grandfather.

“K-king Bumi?” Y/N asked the old man.

“Are you asking if I’m King Bumi? Because I am. What do you want?” The old man replied. Despite being trapped in a metal case, Y/N was still intimidated by him.

“I knew your daughter. Y/M/N?” King Bumi’s face contorted, and Y/N couldn’t tell if it was out of confusion or disgust. “Y/M/N?” he stated. “Oh! Y/M/N! My daughter! Yes! It’s been so long since I’ve seen her. She moved to the fire nation, you know. Speaking of which, you look just like her! I wonder wh-” Y/N cut him off.

“She died. Four years ago. And I’m… I’m her daughter. So you’re my grandfather.” Tears were threatening to slip out of Y/N’s eyes, but Y/N wouldn’t dare let them out. She didn’t want to cry in front of Azula and the cute watertribe boy.

“Oh. What’s your name? How come I’ve never seen you before? Why have you never visited? You know, I wasn’t the one who chose to disown Y/M/N. It was your grandmother, actually.” Y/N was shocked to hear that he didn’t hate her. She started sobbing as she said, 

“Y-Y/N. My n-name is Y/N. My mother s-said that after she was disowned she urged my father to move us to the fire nation. We lived there until she died, when I was 7.”

“Oh, you poor girl. How come you never visited? I would have been more than happy to let you stay!” Despite his crazy exterior, King Bumi was a kind and soft person at heart.

“I-I thought you would hate me! I-it doesn’t help that my father isn’t ashamed of being fire nation. And I’m so sorry that my friend’s father has taken over this place. I’m so sorry, King Bumi.”

“Nonsense! It isn’t your fault you lived in the fire nation, or that this place is conquered by the fire nation. I could never hate you because of your mother. I never even hated your mother. I just wish you came by the palace sometimes.”

“I wish I did too-” The cage that trapped King Bumi was being lifted up, and Y/N was cut off by King Bumi screaming “Whoaa! See you all later!” Panicking, Y/N screamed, “GRANDFATHER!” She then turned around, screaming “AZULA!”

Aang thought to himself, ‘Grandfather?’ Before screaming, “Bumi!” Aang sprinted forward, but Azula blocked his way, shooting her blue flames at him. This confused Y/N. Why was Azula shooting at him? The small kid jumped and then he suddenly had a glider. While taking out the glider, his hat fell off, exposing the light blue tattoos on his body. Astonished, Azula and Y/N shouted, “The Avatar!” Y/N was aware that the current Avatar would have to be an airbender, but to actually see him in person, especially when Zuko was supposed to see him, it was amazing! The thought of the Avatar returning was what got Y/N through the hard times in Omashu. She knew that with him around, the world would be at peace again. But Y/N realized, if that kid was the Avatar, that meant Azula was shooting at him.

Y/N just stood there, watching as Ty Lee and Mai charged at the two watertribe teens while they were escaping with Tom Tom. It was a lot for Y/N to take in, and she couldn’t decide who’s team she would be on. After hearing a crash, she turned around to see the Avatar removing the chains from King Bumi’s cage.

“It’s just like old times, isn’t it, Bumi?” she heard the Avatar say to her grandfather. ‘Old times?’ she thought, but then remembered that the Avatar had been missing for over 100 years. Y/N decided she should be on the Avatar’s side since he knew his grandfather, so she started running over to the two, before noticing that Azula was shooting several fire missiles at them. This gave Y/N another reason to be on the Avatars side, her best friend was about to kill her grandfather for spirits sake!

Y/N booked it for Aang and King Bumi. But Azula’s missiles were faster than Y/N. Luckily, Aang fought them off with his airbending. Helpless, Y/N just stood there, watching the two throw their bending at each other. She hears Mai nonchalantly say “How are you gonna fight without your bending?”, which meant that Ty Lee chi blocked the watertribe girl. Y/N heard the watertribe boy reply with “I seem to manage!” and she couldn't suppress her chuckle. Y/N turns around again to see the Avatar and Azula still fighting. She heard the Avatar shout, “Hang on, Bumi! Our ride’s here!” signalling that the two were about to leave. Y/N was not going to let the Avatar leave with her only relative on her mother’s side, not without her at least. So Y/N screamed, “AVATAR! BUMI IS MY GRANDFATHER! TAKE ME WITH YOU!” 

This outraged Azula, and she started directing some of her firebending toward Y/N. But after training with Azula for many years, Y/N knew her blind spots, and dodged the fire with ease. Aang heard what Y/N had said, and decided that it wouldn’t be a bad idea to take her with them. He figured that it wouldn’t hurt to take them, especially since she seemed to defy her friend for him. Y/N joined Aang and Bumi at the end of the chute the two were on.

“Im Y/N. Bumi’s granddaughter. And you’re the Avatar!” Y/N said, amazed. He looked much younger up close. “Were you friends with my grandfather?”

“Very close, actually. Before I disappeared. I’m Aang, and this is Momo!! It’s nice to meet you! I didn’t know Bumi had a granddaughter!” Aang replied, laughing. Y/N scratched the lemur between his ears. He was very adorable.

“I didn’t know either!” Bumi stated. The three laughed loudly. The laughter died down and there was an awkward silence, before Bumi said, “You should go. Goodbye, Aang and Y/N. Don't forget what I told you about jing! I’ll see you when the time is right.”

“What? Why! I only just met you! I can’t leave you!” Y/N interjected. She didn’t want to leave her grandfather behind.

“Just go. Y/N. I know you’ll help Aang with his mission greatly. And besides, Princess Azula doesn't seem too happy with you. Wouldn’t want to see how that turns out.” Y/N laughed. Hopefully she would see him again soon. She nodded at her grandfather and King Bumi let himself tumble backwards into the chute. 

“So… I guess we’re allies now, huh?” Aang stated out of the blue.

 “I guess so.” Y/N replied. “I didn’t realize that you were so young. I think I could help you guys out.” Aang nodded at this and they went to go find the two watertribe teens, Sokka and Katara.

Meanwhile, Ty Lee, Mai, and Azula were on a palanquin in the city. “So,” Mai started. “We’re tracking down your brother and Uncle now, huh?”

“It’ll be interesting seeing Zuko again, won’t it Mai? Too bad Y/N won’t be with us to see him.” Ty Lee asked Mai. The broody girl blushed at the thought of seeing Zuko again, but Azula grimaced when Ty Lee mentioned Y/N. She had saved that girl, chosen her, and she had the audacity to defy her? For some Avatar? As far as Azula knew, the Avatar was nothing more than a roadblock for Fire Lord Ozai’s plan to conquer the rest of the three nations. 

“It’s not just Zuko and Iroh anymore. Since little Y/N decided to betray us for the Avatar, we have a third and fourth target now. Don’t feel bad for Y/N, by the way. If I hear you even talking positively about her, I’ll make sure your fate is the same as my brothers.” 

taglist: @emberislandplayers​, @eridanuswave​

[plucky-belmondo]

5, 7 & 30 with Mahito

[ OTP/Selfship Asks ]

*sorry for getting to this late, I've been dealing with constant coughing today. x.x)

5. Describe their cozy night in.

Hmm~

When he's not being crazy for Cocoa Puffs, a cozy night with Mahito boils down to either watching old sitcoms or...introducing him to video games! If we're going with the latter, then we'd play Kirby: Star Allies together. Throw in some hot cocoa too, and that makes the night better!

If not a Kirby game, I end up teaching him how to play Animal Crossing. His favorite villagers would be Coco and Lucky!

7. Would they build a pillow fort together just because?

At first, the concept of pillow forts is foreign to Mahito.

However, the moment he sees me stacking up the pillows, he joins in, and finds that, despite the struggles of balancing everything, building a pillow fort is fun! Sure, it's silly, but the end result is something you'd see in a moodboard: lights, a few books here and there, more hot cocoa, and enough space for the other Disaster Curses (+Geto) to hang out in! (It's kinda like that one Ed, Edd, and Eddy episode where they were hanging out in a bush xDD)

The only downside is that Mahito cannot, and absolutely cannot, bring in transfigured humans. I'd kick him out for a few minutes if he snuck 'em in. xD

30. Your OTP gets to pick each others' outfits; what is each wearing?

I like to headcanon that Mahi would pick this outfit for me; he thinks I should wear dresses more often 'cause he says I look nice in 'em:

On my end, I would pick an outfit that reflects him perfectly, for some reason, I was thinking that a leather jacket suits him (and it'd cover up his stitches):

[papermoonloveslucy]

LIZ’S SUPERSTITIONS

October 21, 1949

"Liz’s Superstitions” (aka “Superstition”) is episode #59 of the radio series MY FAVORITE HUSBAND broadcast on October 21, 1949. This episode is sponsored by Jell-O. 

This was the seventh episode of the second season of MY FAVORITE HUSBAND. There were 43 new episodes, with the season ending on June 25, 1950.

Synopsis ~ A chirping cricket in the Cooper’s hearth is driving George crazy, but Liz is convinced it means good luck. When Liz insists that it isn't lucky to banish a cricket, George gets upset with her superstitions.

“My Favorite Husband” was based on the novels Mr. and Mrs. Cugat, the Record of a Happy Marriage (1940) and Outside Eden (1945) by Isabel Scott Rorick, which had previously been adapted into the film Are Husbands Necessary? (1942). “My Favorite Husband” was first broadcast as a one-time special on July 5, 1948. Lucille Ball and Lee Bowman played the characters of Liz and George Cugat, and a positive response to this broadcast convinced CBS to launch “My Favorite Husband” as a series. Bowman was not available Richard Denning was cast as George. On January 7, 1949, confusion with bandleader Xavier Cugat prompted a name change to Cooper. On this same episode Jell-O became its sponsor. A total of 124 episodes of the program aired from July 23, 1948 through March 31, 1951. After about ten episodes had been written, writers Fox and Davenport departed and three new writers took over – Bob Carroll, Jr., Madelyn Pugh, and head writer/producer Jess Oppenheimer. In March 1949 Gale Gordon took over the existing role of George's boss, Rudolph Atterbury, and Bea Benaderet was added as his wife, Iris. CBS brought “My Favorite Husband” to television in 1953, starring Joan Caulfield and Barry Nelson as Liz and George Cooper. The television version ran two-and-a-half seasons, from September 1953 through December 1955, running concurrently with “I Love Lucy.” It was produced live at CBS Television City for most of its run, until switching to film for a truncated third season filmed (ironically) at Desilu and recasting Liz Cooper with Vanessa Brown.

MAIN CAST

Lucille Ball (Liz Cooper) was born on August 6, 1911 in Jamestown, New York. She began her screen career in 1933 and was known in Hollywood as ‘Queen of the B’s’ due to her many appearances in ‘B’ movies. With Richard Denning, she starred in a radio program titled “My Favorite Husband” which eventually led to the creation of “I Love Lucy,” a television situation comedy in which she co-starred with her real-life husband, Latin bandleader Desi Arnaz. The program was phenomenally successful, allowing the couple to purchase what was once RKO Studios, re-naming it Desilu. When the show ended in 1960 (in an hour-long format known as “The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour”) so did Lucy and Desi’s marriage. In 1962, hoping to keep Desilu financially solvent, Lucy returned to the sitcom format with “The Lucy Show,” which lasted six seasons. She followed that with a similar sitcom “Here’s Lucy” co-starring with her real-life children, Lucie and Desi Jr., as well as Gale Gordon, who had joined the cast of “The Lucy Show” during season two. Before her death in 1989, Lucy made one more attempt at a sitcom with “Life With Lucy,” also with Gordon.

Richard Denning (George Cooper) was born Louis Albert Heindrich Denninger Jr., in Poughkeepsie, New York. When he was 18 months old, his family moved to Los Angeles. Plans called for him to take over his father's garment manufacturing business, but he developed an interest in acting. Denning enlisted in the US Navy during World War II. He is best known for his  roles in various science fiction and horror films of the 1950s. Although he teamed with Lucille Ball on radio in “My Favorite Husband,” the two never acted together on screen. While “I Love Lucy” was on the air, he was seen on another CBS TV series, “Mr. & Mrs. North.” From 1968 to 1980 he played the Governor on “Hawaii 5-0″, his final role. He died in 1998 at age 84.

Ruth Perrott (Katie, the Maid) was also later seen on “I Love Lucy.” She first played Mrs. Pomerantz, a member of the surprise investigating committee for the Society Matrons League in “Pioneer Women” (ILL S1;E25), as one of the member of the Wednesday Afternoon Fine Arts League in “Lucy and Ethel Buy the Same Dress” (ILL S3;E3), and also played a nurse when “Lucy Goes to the Hospital” (ILL S2;E16). She died in 1996 at the age of 96.

Bob LeMond (Announcer) also served as the announcer for the pilot episode of “I Love Lucy”. When the long-lost pilot was finally discovered in 1990, a few moments of the opening narration were damaged and lost, so LeMond – fifty years later – recreated the narration for the CBS special and subsequent DVD release.

Bea Benadaret and Gale Gordon (Iris and Rudolph Atterbury) do not appear in this episode. 

GUEST CAST

Frank Nelson (Mr. Acme, from the Acme Exterminating Company) was born on May 6, 1911 (three months before Lucille Ball) in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He started working as a radio announcer at the age of 15. He later appeared on such popular radio shows as “The Great Gildersleeve,” “Burns and Allen,” and “Fibber McGee & Molly”.  Aside from Lucille Ball, Nelson is perhaps most associated with Jack Benny and was a fifteen-year regular on his radio and television programs. His trademark was playing clerks and other working stiffs, suddenly turning to Benny with a drawn out “Yeeeeeeeeees?” Nelson appeared in 11 episodes of “I Love Lucy”, including three as quiz master Freddy Fillmore, and two as Ralph Ramsey, plus appearance on “The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour” - making him the only actor to play two different recurring roles on “I Love Lucy.” Nelson returned to the role of the frazzled Train Conductor for an episode of “The Lucy Show” in 1963. This marks his final appearance on a Lucille Ball sitcom. 

Anne Whitfield (Joanne Wood)  is best remembered for her signature role as the younger daughter of Phil Harris and Alice Faye on their hit radio show.  Although she never appeared on screen with Lucille Ball, she did a 1962 episode of Desilu’s “The Untouchables.” She is best known for playing Susan in the 1954 film White Christmas. She was 11 years old in 1949 when this episode of “My Favorite Husband” was broadcast. As of this writing she is 82 years old and living in Washington state. 

Joanne is one of the many children of the Cooper’s neighbor Mr. Benjamin Wood, usually played by Hans Conried. 

THE EPISODE

ANNOUNCER: “As we look in on the Coopers tonight we see a romantic little family scene. Liz and George are having dinner by candlelight.”

Liz loves dining by candlelight, but George isn’t so enthusiastic, facetiously mistaking Liz for the pot roast. Liz begins to cry, upset that George doesn’t appreciate her romantic gesture. Liz blames the dinner’s failure on her walking under a ladder that morning. George indicts Liz’s superstitions as...

GEORGE: “Silly, sentimental, feminine nonsense!” 

He makes Liz promise to stop believing in superstitions. The kiss and make-up, although Liz still can’t help knocking wood. Liz can’t explain the superstition of knocking on wood.

LIZ: “I know. If you knock on wood, and the termite knocks back, you know the wood’s no good!” 

The roots of the superstition of knocking on wood may may be in Celtic or German folklore, in which supernatural beings are thought to live in trees, and can be invoked for protection. In these instances, people might knock on or touch wood to request good luck, or to distract spirits with evil intentions. The knocking was also supposed to prevent evil spirits from hearing your speech and as such stop them from interfering. Alternatively, some traditions have it that by knocking upon wood, you would awaken and release the benevolent wood fairies that dwelt there. In 1954, Lucy’s friend Danny Kaye released a film titled Knock on Wood. In this case, the ‘wood' of the titled refers to a ventriloquists dummy. 

Liz explains that other superstitions can be considered helpful precautions.  

LIZ: “If you walk under a ladder it might fall on you. If a black cat walks in front of you, you might trip over it.”

Black Cats have long been associated with witches and witchcraft. They were commonly known as ‘familiars’ for those practicing the dark arts. They are also considered bad luck. The superstition was reinforced by the 1934 Universal horror film The Black Cat, based on the Edgar Allan Poe story. 

The superstition that it's bad luck to walk under a ladder originated in ancient Egypt. An open stepladder or a ladder leaning against a wall forms a triangle and Egyptians regarded this shape as sacred (witness their pyramids).

George emphatically pounds the table when insisting that Liz give up her superstitions, and spills the salt. Naturally, Liz insists that he throw some over his shoulder to break the curse. He angrily rises from the table just as Katie is serving the coffee, and she spills it all over!    

When Lucy Ricardo is photo-bombing Fernando Lamas in “Lucy Goes to Sun Valley” (1958), he is banging the back of the pepper shaker. He then throws some over his right shoulder into Lucy’s face causing her to sneeze and ruin Ethel’s snapshot. Perhaps they do it differently in Lamas’ native Argentina, but the old superstition goes that when SALT is spilled throw a dash over your LEFT shoulder to blind the devil who lurks there. Here Lamas tosses PEPPER over his RIGHT shoulder!  The spilled coffee, however, is a similar result! 

Katie says she doesn’t believe in salt throwing but she does knock wood. 

KATIE: “I’m a wood-knocker, but I’m not a salt-thrower.” GEORGE: “I’m trying to decide whether to be a maid-knocker or a wife-thrower!”

Next morning, Liz tells Katie that last night George broke a mirror and stomped on it just to prove it wasn’t bad luck!  He’s now bandaging his foot. 

Broken Mirrors are considered a sign of bad luck and if you break a mirror you are in for seven years of misfortunes. An ancient myth was that mirrors have magical powers, including the power to foresee the future and are thought to be devices of the Gods. Breaking a mirror would terminate its powers, the soul would be astray form the body, and misfortunes would be brought upon the one whose reflection it last held. It was the Romans who added the seven years bad luck. This derived from the belief that it took seven years for life to renew itself.

The doorbell rings. It is little Joanne Wood (Anne Whitfield) from next door. 

LIZ: “How are you?” JOANNE: “Fine, thanks.” LIZ: “How’s your father?” JOANNE: “Fine, thanks.” LIZ: “And your four sisters?”  JOANNE: “Fine, thanks.” LIZ: “And your six brothers?” JOANNE: “Fine, thanks.” LIZ: “And your mother?” JOANNE: “Exhausted, thanks.”

Joanne has come over to return the umbrella her father borrowed. George insists it is not his umbrella and wants to open it to see the monogram. Liz warns him that it is bad luck to open an umbrella in the house. 

Legend has it that ancient Egyptians believed that opening an umbrella indoors - away from the sun - was a disrespectful act that would anger the sun god, who would then take out his wrath on everyone in the house in which the umbrella had been opened. The reason we avoid opening umbrellas indoors today, however, is that they include a metal frame triggered by a spring mechanism that allows them to open quickly—and dangerously.

George insists on defying the superstition and a hammer pops out of the umbrella and lands on his foot! 

JOANNE: “Daddy wondered where that hammer was!”

Turns out little Joanne is also a wood-knocker!   Liz reads the paper’s weather report and remarks about the disparity between the minimum and maximum temperatures. 

LIZ: “George, why is it that Min never gets as hot as Max?”

George is bothered by the sound of a cricket chirping in the hearth. Liz doesn’t want George to kill the cricket because it is bad luck. 

LIZ: “Run little Jiminy!”

For thousands of years, it has been considered lucky to have a cricket on the hearth, especially in Asian countries where crickets were once used as ‘watchdogs’: when danger approached, the cricket's chirping would stop. Superstition dictates that it's bad luck to kill a cricket, even on accident. Liz calls the cricket Jiminy after a character in Pinocchio, which was filmed in 1940 by Walt Disney. In the film, Jiminy Cricket sings "When You Wish Upon a Star", widely considered the Walt Disney Company's signature song.

George gives Liz an ultimatum: He is leaving the house until the cricket is gone. 

A commercial by Bob LeMond promotes Jell-O puddings with a quick and easy recipe for a chocolate roll.  

ANNOUNCER: “It’s been two hours since George, the mighty hunter, gave up the chase and returned to his cricket blind. Liz is still on the trail.”

Liz and Katie have been searching for the cricket all over the house, even tempting him out of hiding with a tin cricket left over from last Halloween. 

A clicker, sometimes called a cricket, is any device that makes a clicking sound, usually when deliberately activated by its user. They were originally used for training animals, but were also marketed as party favors. 

Liz develops a mysterious call and response code using her tin clicker, thinking she is flirting with him!  

The doorbell rings. It is Mr. Acme (Frank Nelson) from the Acme Exterminating Company. He is dismayed to learn that he’s been called out for a single cricket. 

The fictional Acme Corporation features prominently in the Warner Brothers Road Runner / Wile E. Coyote cartoons as a running gag featuring outlandish products and complicated contraptions fail catastrophically. The Road Runner cartoon short “Fast and Furry-ous” was released in September 1949 and introduced the Acme Super Outfit. The word ‘acme’ is derived from Greek meaning the peak, zenith, or prime.

Mr. Acme sprays a DDT bug balm in the room and charges Liz $5.00. 

In the 1940s DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) was heavily advertised for home and agricultural use. In the late 1960s and early ‘70s DDT was frequently in the news regarding its harmful effects on humans, wildlife, and the environment and was eventually banned. On “The Lucy Show” the DDTs were a long-haired pop group and on “Here’s Lucy” they were the letters of Harry’s college fraternity, Delta Delta Tau. Both times the writers were punning on the pesticide which was in the news regularly. 

Before she can pay him, the cricket chirps. He is still alive!  Mr. Acme says that female crickets make no sound so Liz’s tin cricket is useless. He adds that they can’t see from behind so he sneaks up behind the cricket with a glass jar. It evades him again. 

MR. ACME: “I’m going to resort to plan 4X!” LIZ (dramatic voice): “A deadly new insecticide?” MR. ACME: “Worse than that!” LIZ (dramatic voice): “Atomic fission?”  MR. ACME: “Worse than that! I’m going to smash him over the head with a mallet!”

In the process, the bookcase falls!  The cricket chirps.  He tries again. A lamp breaks! The cricket chirps.  He tries again. A vase shatters!  The cricket chirps.  He tries again. The coffee table crumbles!  The cricket chirps. 

He removes every stick of furniture from the room.

MR. ACME: “There are only three of us in this room. Only two of us will leave here alive.” LIZ: “I hope one of them is not a cricket!” 

George opens the door and then Joanne walks in, looking for her pet cricket (whose name is Rollo). The cricket jumps into her hand, much to the aggravation of Mr. Acme. The room is a shambles, but they intended to redecorate anyway. The end! 

In the Lucille Ball / Bob LeMond live Jell-O commercial, Liz longs to be in one of those daytime radio serials (aka soap operas). 

[organ music plays]

LEMOND: “Listen now to ‘Jell-O’s Other Pudding”. 

The title is a pun on the popular radio soap “John’s Other Wife” (1936-1942). 

Lucy plays Grandma Chocolate and Bob LeMond plays Dr. Jell-O discussing her daughter Butterscotch. Lucy then plays Little Vanilla, Grandma Chocolate’s rambunctious granddaughter. 

In the usual closing bedroom tag, Liz and George are sleeping when a neighborhood cat screeches. 

GEORGE: “What’s that?” LIZ: “Well it ain’t Bing Crosby.”

A huge multimedia star from 1934 to 1954, Bing Crosby was a leader in record sales, radio ratings, and motion picture grosses. Lucille Ball did a few motion pictures with Crosby’s ‘Road’ co-star Bob Hope. Crosby was mentioned on five  “I Love Lucy” episodes. In one, Ricky says that in Hollywood, he’s “Gonna make that Crosby look like a bum!”  Although they never acted together on screen, Lucille Ball and Bing Crosby were seen on several of the same variety shows.

Liz tells George to do something about the cat, but he doesn’t know how. Liz solves the problem by throwing something at it. 

GEORGE: “What did you throw at him?” LIZ: “Our cat!  Goodnight, George!” 

Announcer Bob LeMond reminds listeners to watch for Lucille Ball in Miss Grant Takes Richmond. 

The film had opened on September 20, 1949. 

[patioproductions]

How to Choose the Perfect Adirondack Chair - Clone

Take a seat in the chair that epitomizes lazy summer days. The Adirondack chair, with its signature sloped seat and expansive armrests, beckons you to sink in and savor the sunshine. This icon of outdoor furniture promises unmatched comfort and timeless style. But not all Adirondack chairs are created equal. With the plethora of options now available, from materials to colors and accessories, choosing the perfect chair for your patio or deck can seem downright daunting. Fear not, we’ve got you covered. In this definitive guide, we’ll delve into the fascinating history of how this classic chair came to be, trace its evolution through the decades, and explore the many varieties available today. You’ll discover tips for selecting the ideal Adirondack companion based on your space, style, and budget. By the end, you’ll be able to picture your dream chair, poised in the perfect spot and primed for creating blissful memories of summer. So grab your sunglasses and sunhat, and let’s embark on the quest for your perfect throne for outdoor lounging! A Brief History of the Classic Adirondack Chair Picture it - the summer of 1903 in the tranquil Adirondack Mountains. A New Yorker named Thomas Lee found himself enamored by the unique angled seats favored by the area’s Native American community. Thomas was struck with a moment of inspiration (or maybe delirium from the summer heat!) Armed with a maverick spirit and perhaps a tad too much free time, Thomas decided he would design the perfect outdoor lounging chair. What transpired over the next months was a whirlwind of sawdust, splinters, and plenty of head-scratching. Thomas’s wife Mary watched in bemusement as the piles of wood scraps grew ever higher on the porch. The reciprocating saw buzzed from dawn to dusk. Hammer blows and explicit curses in equal measure rang out from Thomas’s workshop. But finally, after testing over 20 painstaking prototypes, Thomas emerged triumphant. His creation - christened the “Westport Plank Chair” - featured a generously sloped seat, a slanted backrest, and flat armrests wide enough to balance a frosty glass of lemonade or the latest beach read. Thomas had unknowingly crafted what would soon become the most iconic outdoor chair design in history. The Adirondack chair was born! Neighbors clamored for their own after trying Thomas’s prototype. By the 1930s the chair’s fame had spread far beyond the sleepy town of Westport, cementing its legacy under the fitting name - the Adirondack chair. Key Points - The origins of the Adirondack chair date back to 1903 in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. - The iconic design includes a sloped seat, contoured back, wide armrests, and slanted rear legs. - Adirondack chairs are available in a range of materials like wood, plastic, and composite wood lumber. - Consider style, color, size, accessories, and maintenance requirements when choosing a chair. - Add comfort with chair cushions, ottomans, pillows, and shade options. Materials Used for Adirondack Chair Construction The materials used to construct Adirondack chairs have a significant impact on their appearance, comfort, durability, and pricing. Here are the most common options: MaterialProsConsWoodNatural appearance, Ability to stain/paint, ComfortableExpensive, Requires regular maintenancePlasticInexpensive, Low maintenance, Variety of colorsLess comfortable, Fades and cracks over time, FlimsyComposite WoodDurable, Vivid colors, Realistic wood grain, Low maintenanceHeavier than plastic, Less comfortable than woodAluminum/SteelDurable, Weather-resistant, Easy to clean and storeHeats up rapidly, Not as comfortable, Industrial aesthetic not for everyone Composite Wood Composite wood also referred to as poly lumber, resin, composite lumber, or HDPE (high-density polyethylene) lumber, combines the look of wood with the durability of plastic. HDPE lumber is a synthetic resin made from recycled plastic, like milk jugs, that creates solid, comfortable, and weather-resistant outdoor furniture built to last a lifetime. While more expensive upfront than traditional wood, composite wood/lumber offsets its cost through exceptional luxury, comfort, and resilience. Key benefits of composite wood include: - Easy maintenance using just soap and water - Sturdy construction that stands up to wind - Resistance to weather, water, rust, and UV damage - Comfortable, stylish, and luxurious furniture - Often made from recycled plastics like milk jugs - Available in a wide variety of colors - Manufactured to endure for decades HDPE lumber has a high density and tensile strength, giving it impressive durability. It has excellent chemical and moisture resistance. The lightweight feel makes HDPE furniture portable while still maintaining strength. HDPE lumber has high heat resistance thanks to its high melting point. Yet it can be easily molded when heated to create versatile furniture pieces. The affordable production, recyclability, and moldability of HDPE make it an ideal composite wood for quality outdoor furniture. Brands like POLYWOOD use proprietary HDPE lumber to create Adirondack chairs designed to be left outside year-round without wear. Composite HDPE lumber marries the natural look of wood with the low maintenance and durability of plastic. This high-performance material creates weatherproof, comfortable, and stylish chairs built to be passed down through generations. Popular Styles and Designs Beyond materials, Adirondack chairs are available in an array of styles to match any aesthetic: Classic The traditional Adirondack profile features contoured seats and backs, wide armrests, and slanted rear legs. These classic chairs have excellent comfort and remain the most popular style. Folding Folding Adirondack chairs offer incredible convenience for storage and portability. Look for quality hardware and thick, sturdy timber that can handle repeated folding and unfolding. Rocking For soothing motion, rocking Adirondack chairs mimic the smoothness of antique rocking chairs. Rockers are excellent additions to porches and patios. Loveseat Loveseat Adirondacks allow you to relax alongside a partner or friend. Look for wide seats with a shared armrest in the middle. High Back High back Adirondack chairs feature extended backrests and head support for maximum upper body comfort. The high backs envelop your head and neck. Ottoman Ottomans give you a place to kick up your feet and take pressure off your legs. Look for matching ottomans with cargo storage, trays, and cushioned tops. Swivel Swivel chairs rotate 360 degrees to view different parts of your yard. Ball bearing swivel joints allow smooth rotation. Reclining Reclining chairs let you shift to multiple positions, much like indoor recliners. Reclining chairs maximize comfort and customizability. Adirondack Chair Height and Size Adirondack chairs vary in terms of height and dimensions. Consider the following size options: - Standard chair height: Around 36-38 inches - Tall chair height: 42 inches or taller - Wide chair width: roughly 30 inches across - Deep chair depth: 30+ inches from front to back - Seat height: Ranges from 15-18 inches above the ground - Seat width: Varies from 20-24 inches wide Standard chair dimensions suit most people. But if you’re taller or shorter than average, focus on the seat height and overall chair height measurements. Ideally, your knees should sit slightly below your hip level when seated. For shorter individuals, a footstool can make standard sized chairs more comfortable. Also consider the width and depth dimensions, especially if you plan to lounge and recline. Leave at least 3 feet of clearance around chairs so they don’t feel cramped. Adirondack Chair Color Selection Adirondack chairs now come in a rainbow of colors to make a bold statement. Here are popular color options by material: Wood chairs: Traditional wood stains, bold paint colors - Teak: Natural light brown - Cedar: Reddish brown hues - Pine: Natural blond wood colors Plastic chairs: Vibrant solid colors or multicolored patterns - Whites, bright blues, reds, greens - Contrasting two-tone color combos Composite Wood: Natural wood replicates or bold solid tones - Faux wood grains, gray washes, whitewashed - Lucite casts that expose decor items like seashells Metal chairs: Powder-coated paints and enamels - Glossy reds, sunny yellows, deep greens - Metallic golds, bronzes, and pewter Accessorize and Enhance Your Adirondack Chairs You can customize Adirondack chairs with furniture and accessories for added comfort and style: - Ottomans: Extendable footrests that match your chairs. Choose storage ottomans to stash blankets or gardening tools. - Cup holders: Attachable or built-in holders keep drinks from spilling. Look for holders sized for mugs, cans, and bottles. - Tray tables: Small foldout tables give you space for food, drinks, books, and devices while lounging. - Cushions: Thick chair pads and pillows boost comfort. Waterproof cushion covers protect foam from moisture. - Canopies: Retractable shades block sun and rain so you can sit outside longer. Side screens provide privacy and wind protection. - Wheels: Optional wheels underneath allow you to freely reposition heavy chairs. Wheels make storing chairs a breeze. The Many Benefits of Adirondack Chairs Beyond sheer comfort, what makes Adirondack chairs special? Ergonomic Design Adirondack chairs conform to the body for proper spinal alignment and lumbar support. The angled back keeps the spine, neck, and head in a neutral position for hours of pain-free sitting. Weather Resistance Adirondack chairs made from wood, plastic, and poly lumber hold up well against sun, rain, and snow. Their slanted seats prevent water pooling. Fade-resistant materials retain their look season after season. Low Maintenance Materials used in making composite patio furniture, like plastic, composite wood, and aluminum require little upkeep. An occasional rinse with a garden hose keeps most Adirondack chairs looking like new. For wood chairs, resealing every year or two maintains their integrity. Customizable Style From materials to colors, you can find Adirondack chairs to match any aesthetic. Vibrant paints and cushions allow you to redesign your space each year. Year-Round Use Enjoy your Adirondack sanctuary in all seasons by adding weatherproof cushions in spring and summer and cozy blankets in fall and winter. Enduring Quality Adirondack chairs stand the test of time thanks to their sturdy builds. Hardwood chairs can easily last decades when properly maintained. Synthetic chairs also endure through all weather conditions. What’s the Cost for Quality Adirondack Chairs? Budget-conscious buyers can find basic Adirondack chairs in the $ to $$ range, usually made from less expensive woods, plastics, and wicker. Hand-crafted hardwood chairs run from $$ to $$$. Here are the average price ranges based on materials: - Plastic chairs: $ to $$ - Wood chairs: $$ to $$$ - Wicker chairs: $$ to $$$ - Composite chairs: $$ to $$$ - Metal chairs: $$ to $$$ With wood chairs, factors like weather resistance and wood grades impact pricing. Higher-quality pine and cedar cost more than lower grades. Do keep accessories in mind. Cushions, ottomans, canopies, and side tables will add $150 to $500 more to your total outdoor furniture investment. Prime Destinations For Your Adirondack Chairs An Adirondack chair invites relaxation almost anywhere outdoors. Consider these idyllic backyard spots: The Patio or Deck Placing Adirondack chairs around a patio table makes for an intimate dining and lounging area. Arrange chairs facing the patio for conversation and community. The Garden Nestle chairs along winding garden paths and amidst flower beds and vegetation. Surround yourself with the restorative sights and scents of nature. The Poolside Set chairs around the pool perimeter for casually supervising swimmers or just enjoying pool views. Use composite side tables for holding refreshments and sunblock. The Fire Pit Circle composite Adirondack chairs around a backyard fire pit to enjoy cozy evenings outdoors. Turn chairs to face the warmth and glow of crackling flames. Caring for Your Investment: Adirondack Chair Maintenance Adirondack chairs are built to withstand exposure to the elements. But some basic maintenance will keep yours looking pristine for years. Here are some easy ways to care for your chair. Thorough Cleaning Plastic and wood chairs benefit from a deep clean twice per year. Use a mild detergent and a soft bristle brush to remove grime, mold, and mildew that accumulate outdoors. Rinse chairs thoroughly. Sealing and Staining Reseal unfinished wood chairs each year before winter. Apply penetrating oil sealants that soak into wood grain instead of forming a film on the surface. This maintains the natural look. Lightly sand chairs before resealing. Staining also protects wood and adds color. Use semi-transparent stains to provide protection while allowing the wood’s texture to show. Hardware Checks Check for loose bolts, screws, and nails once per season. Tighten hardware promptly to prevent further loosening. Lubricate moving parts like hinges and swivels to prevent squeaking. Covering Use weatherproof chair covers in fall and winter. Make sure covers allow airflow and don’t trap moisture against wood. Storage Store wood chairs in covered outdoor sheds or garages during winter months. Keeping chairs fully sheltered preserves their condition and minimizes maintenance. Adirondack Chair Alternatives While traditional sloped Adirondack chairs have incredible comfort, the low seat height doesn’t work for everyone. Here are some alternatives offering similar relaxation: Porch Swings Swinging gently has an inherently calming effect. Doublewide swings comfortably seat two and encourage conversation. Stylish canopy swings create an enclosed escape. Patio Sofas and Loveseats Deep, outdoor sofas provide comfort for lounging and napping. Loveseats are cozy for pairs. Gliders and Rockers Soothing gliding motions can relax the day’s stresses away. Gliders and rockers come in endless shapes and sizes, with some wide enough for two. Final Thoughts on Finding Your Perfect Chair We’ve explored the storied history, designs, styles, and benefits of Adirondack chairs. When evaluating your options, consider your budget, space, personal needs, and style preferences. See if you can test chairs in person for a sense of true comfort. And don’t forget small details like drink holders that make lounging more pleasurable. Most importantly, envision where your Adirondack chair might transport you mentally when you need a getaway. Picture sinking into its embrace with a cold drink as your only care in the world. With some thoughtful selection, an Adirondack chair can become your personal sanctuary - a place where serenity is just a lean back away. https://youtu.be/alnJ3QvLTCg?si=kD-JHDzYqoFccWf7 Article Summary Video Read the full article

[immortalbutonlybyname]

Reviewing Dramas I have watched part 3

My rating system goes like this: 1- Did not like, 2- Enjoyed but probably wouldn’t watch again, 3- Enjoyed and would watch some episodes again (or for movies may watch again), 4- Enjoyed and would watch again, 5- Loved 

TV Series

Pinocchio: 4/5

Trigger warning: Suicide, Victim blaming, attempted murder, actual murder

Pinocchio is about a kid who, after a massive tragedy blown up and twisted by the media causes his mother to attempt a murder suicide by throwing them both in the ocean, gets washed ashore a small neighboring island and takes on the identity of a old man with dementia’s deceased son. Him along with his “niece” who has Pinocchio syndrome, where one will get uncontrollable hiccups whenever they lie, must work to become reporters for two different goals and find themselves facing a giant conspiracy and a question of fact versus impact in media. I really enjoyed this show, it was especially nice how each episode was named after a children’s story. I began this show because I really loved Lee Jong-Suk’s acting in High School 2015 and I was not disappointed. The episodes had a lot of painful scenes but also plenty of funny scenes to balance it out. It kept my interest really well throughout and I don’t remember an episode where I was bored. It does have darker themes so I would be wary of those if you are sensitive to such themes.

I Can Hear Your Voice: 4/5

Trigger Warning: Attempted murder, Actual murder, Victim blaming

I Can Hear Your Voice follows a woman who witnessed the murder of a father and the attempted murder the victim’s son, despite her fear she decides to testify as a witness. Her statement and evidence as a witness gets the criminal a guilty sentence, effectively making the murder wish to seek revenge. Years later, she is a lazy, cold public defense attorney who does not care for her clients and lacks manners, the young man whom she saved from the murderer and helped is actually a telepath and they meet again. The two of them, along with a former police officer turned lawyer, work together to help those who are truly innocent while also protecting themselves once the murderer has finished his sentence and begins to seek revenge. This show was great, it was funny, sad, annoying, and cute. I watched this one shortly after Pinocchio and it was kind of similar in feel but personally a little more interesting in my opinion. There were a lot of moral dilemmas that not only the characters but I as a viewer struggled with. I even got on my group chat with my friends and asked them about the issues and they struggled as well. I liked a lot of the characters, including the female prosecutor who is the main’s rival. Overall a really great show, definitely worth watching.

Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency: 5/5

Warnings: Forced suicide, OCD/Nervous habit/ possible hint to self-harm warning.

Flower Crew is about a former, escaped slave who becomes a member of the most sought-after marriage agency in Joseon era Korea after her husband disappears before their wedding leaving her with many debts to the aforementioned agency. She soon finds herself in a very sensitive situation of pretending to be noble and going through the queen choosing tests to save her slave brother, all while trying to decide if she loves the cold, stand offish leader of the marriage agency or if her heart is still after her missing fiance. The best thing about this show is that each character gets their backstory and closure they needed. Usually with shows, my favorite characters (as they are usually the secondary ones) never get the closure or even backstory they deserve. In usual my review fashion, I will not lie to you, I found out about this show about a week before the first episode aired and decided to watch it as it aired mainly because Park Ji-hoon was one of the main actors in it, and he didn’t let me down, he was a proper cringey asshole but I loved him so much. I was worried as the show progressed that he wouldn’t have a proper backstory and only the few hints they threw at me that I would have to piece together, but I was more than pleased when his arc finally came. It was definitely worth the wait and while waiting I ended up loving all the other characters and actors/actresses involved in this show. Definitely would recommend however, dark themes are a regular.

Beating Again (aka Falling for Innocence): 4/5

Trigger Warning: Heart conditions

Beating Again or Falling for Innocence depending on where you watch it, is about a stern, cold hearted man with a genetic heart disease and a kind but serious secretary whose father betrayed the main character’s father when they were kids making them enemies.  After a set of coincidences, the main character goes through a heart transplant and ends up with the heart of the secretary’s husband. Shortly after the transplant he begins to experience new mannerisms and personality traits that were once the husbands as well as finding himself falling for his secretary. Throughout the show they work to fix his past mistakes, trying to find out what exactly happened to the secretary’s husband, all while figuring out if he is the one in love or if it is his heart who loves her. I really enjoyed this drama; it was more on the serious side most times but had some great humorous moments as well. It also did an amazing job at pissing me off towards the end, most kdrama’s do but this ish was next level anger. I saw it on YouTube and decided to watch it while bored one day and I was not disappointed it was such a great show.

Who Are You School 2015: 2/5

Trigger Warning: Attempted suicide, HEAVY Bullying, Depression, Victim blaming,  

Who Are You School 2015 is about two long lost twins, one living the life of a pretty well off school bully and the other still living in an orphanage and being ruthlessly bullied. After the bullied twin attempts suicide by jumping off a bridge, the adopted twin who just happened to be nearby due to a school trip saves her. The bullied twin wakes up with amnesia and gets mistaken as the adopted twin, but as she gains her memory she discovers that while she lived the twin who saved her died in her place leaving her with not only guilt for surviving but also with the blame of the death of a friend from her sisters past. This story deals with finding who she truly is and coming to terms with her past while also trying to find the truth behind her sister’s past. This was a good show, however it took me forever to finish as the content messed with my own mental state if I watching too many episodes at one time (and I am a perfectly healthy person mentally so please be careful when choosing to watch), a few episodes was okay for me but when I first attempted to binge it was not a very good idea. I did honestly watch it for Yook Sungjae as I loved his performance in Goblin and while I knew what I was getting into, I did not expect it to affect me as much, his acting is great as usual and his story line just broke my heart. This show also does have a love triangle and it’s honestly the worst written most dissatisfying love triangle I have probably ever personally seen, so, there’s that. Once again very good show, however, practice caution if you are at all sensitive to these topics.

A Korean Odyssey: 5/5

Trigger Warning: Jump Scares, Anorexia, Self-Harm (sort of)

A Korean Odyssey is loosely based off of the famous Chinese story A Journey to the West. It follows Jin Seon Mi, a young girl who can see ghosts and Son O-gong, a former monkey deity reduced to the status of a common monster after being punished and kicked out of the spirit realm. After Seon Mi frees O-gong from the marble mountains she is cursed with the fate of Samjang, a human who must protect the world from evil spirits. If the Samjang is devoured, the monster who eats her becomes incredibly and uncontrollably powerful. O-gong wants to eat her to gain this power, however a deal made to get Seon-Mi to release him from the mountains, stops him. In fear of O-gong, Seon Mi, with the help of the demon king, gives the monkey deity a Geumganggo, a magical bracelet which makes it impossible to go against the words of or hurt the one who has gifted it, with an unexpected side effect, he is now uncontrollably in love with her. Now Seon Mi has to deal with saving the world from horrible destruction all while dealing with a head over heels and hating every second of it, deity meanwhile questioning both her feelings for him and his true feelings for her. I absolutely love this show. It is my favorite kdrama to date, I am actually watching it a second time with my friend and we are about halfway through, then a few days ago started watching it over again with my older sister so I would say this was deserving of a 5 ranking. I really love all the characters honestly (minus the main bad guys but no spoilers, if you’ve seen it you know who they are) they are all equally assholes and precious children who must be protected. I have to admit though, my favorite story line was the devil king and my favorite character has got to be the shopkeeper’s grandson despite his lack of scenes. I have never seen or heard of One (Jung Jae-won) before this show but I love him so much now. I actually watched this for Hong-ki (notice a pattern, but hey, at least I am honest in my biases.), but I finished this show with more favorite characters than I thought was possible. It does have ghosts and demons which can be creepy to some, but as someone who has yet to be affected by scary movies such as The Ring, and the whole Conjuring series, it really just looks to me like those demon snapchat filters so it’s not actually scary. Overall an amazing show, definitely recommend, 110% worth watching.

Korean Movies

Secretly, Greatly: 5/5

Trigger Warnings: Graphic images of gore, Mass suicide mentioned, Suicide, Death and Loss

Secretly, Greatly is about three North Korean spies who were sent to South Korea and are given disguises as a fool, an aspiring singer, and a high school student. They soon become accustomed to South Korean lifestyle and find happiness in each other, wanting to live their lives happily instead of spying for North Korea. After an information leak of all the identities of the North Korean spies they must stick together to survive while being hunted down by both sides. It’s a movie about finding family and happiness even in the toughest situations, questioning where one’s loyalty lies, and the strength of the bonds between those who have nothing but each other.

Northern Limit Line: 2/5 and 5/5 explained below

Trigger Warning: Graphic images of gore, Death and Loss, Actual funeral footage,

Northern Limit line is a movie based of the true story of the North Korean attack of South Korean naval ships during the 2002 FIFA World Cup. It follows the crew members on one of the navy patrol boats, from when Corporal Park Dong-hyuk joins, to after the attack. This movie is really great, and I still love it. The ONLY reason I am giving this a 2/5 is because it messed me up for three whole days afterward. I was an emotional wreck; I had no previous knowledge of this attack and the extent of my knowledge of the movie going in was that it was based off a true incident of a North Korean attack. While I don’t regret watching it, I would probably never watch it again unless I really really wanted to and had like 3 days of free time to be emotionally damaged simply because of the heavy content of the movie thus the 2/5. It is rather graphic with quite a few shocking scenes and even real clips of the actual funerals of the fallen crew members and their families grieving. I cried, and honestly still feel like crying as I am writing this. I did lots of research on the incident afterward as well to further understand the content of the movie. Every actor did amazing in portraying the highs and lows of serving in the South Korean navy and the eventual close friendship between all of the crew only made it even more tragic. If you are able to handle the heavy material of this movie, I highly recommend it as it truly is an amazing and sad story that everyone should see at least once.

The Con Artists: 4/5

The Con Artists is about Ji-hyuk, a thief that specializes in safe-cracking who teams up with the young genius hacker Jong-bae, and the planner Goo-in for their biggest mission yet, to steal $150 million from Incheon Customs in 40 minutes. This show was pretty good, I liked all the twists and turns as the movie basically took you on a roller coaster ride throughout. At one point I was thoroughly pissed off, but I was played, and it only made the movie better. If you are looking for plot twists galore, you are in the right place with this one. I can’t really say much about it without giving any spoilers (that’s how elaborate it is) so I shall end this review here. Highly recommend!

Taiwanese Movies

Secrets in the Hot Springs: 5/5

Trigger Warning: Death and Loss, Jump Scares, ghosts

Three teens who have begrudgingly, at least to two of them, become friends go to one of the characters families hot spring to help run the place during school break, strange and hilarious things begin happening around them. They now must figure out the secret behind the mysterious hot spring. Personally, I feel this movie is so underrated, so much so I can not even find a gif for it so, have a picture. I decided randomly to watch this movie after boredom scrolling through Netflix one day and I am so glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed it and did end up watching it again the day after. It’s really cute, if not a little awkward at points, and definitely hilarious. I didn’t find it exactly scary because the humor really distracted me. Some of the humor might not land exactly right with some people, like the constant mention and jokes of two of the boys being in a relationship together when neither were gay. I personally didn’t mind these and see them simply as a culture difference, but some may be a little more sensitive to these materials. Overall, I recommend this movie to anyone who wants a funny, slightly suspenseful, feel good movie to watch.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 4

Part 5

[maree-ff]

Adjustments

[CAMILA]

Walking through the classroom door I hit the lights, taking in the flashbacks of my last day at work before going on leave. This transition back into the working field after really getting to know my newborn baby won’t be easy. This morning it took me 45 minutes just to put the baby down so I could get ready for the day. Andre did not pester me or make commentary on my behavior.  I think he was mute for quite a few reasons but only one stands out the most. He’s become an extremely compassionate person. Andre watched over and cared for me from the moment he came home up until now. He knows how attached I’ve become to our new baby and getting acquainted with motherhood once again. Which is why leaving this morning was a major heartache for me. Pregnancy became that much lifelike with him around to soak up the last few months alongside me. Not to forget about how nurturing, strong and level headed he was while I was going through labor.

“Mrs. Reese?” A tender voice spoke out from behind me.

I squealed initially and spilled some of my tea on the floor. The sting from the water against the tops of my feet made me tear up but I didn’t release them. Spinning around slowly I made eye contact with one of my quietest students.

“Good morning, Lee. How are you?” I asked him.

“I’m okay. Sorry if I scared you. I didn’t mean to.” He said timidly.

I assured him that I’m fine and that he didn’t scare me. I don’t have the heart to tell this sweet boy that he did in fact scare the hell out of me. My classroom isn’t even filled yet and I already feel that my nerves are getting the better of me. 

---------  --------

Time seems to be moving at a rather fast pace now. Half of the day is already gone and I received my routine visits from both Zoe and Kenja. Seeing them reminded me of Jorden and although the sadness returned, the girls put a smile on my face.

After recess was over, I pushed through the remainder of my lesson by forcing my sadness deep down inside. My students don’t deserve any inconsistency in their education. The minute the bell rang out, my room alongside neighboring classrooms and hallway were instantly filled with noise. Standing from my desk I removed my cardigan, set it on top of my laptop, and went around the room for a sweep.

“Mrs. Reese?!” I turned around on my heels with three pencils, a notebook, and halfway zipped pencil pouch in hand. I moved so quickly I dropped half of what I was holding.

“Dammit..” I cursed under my breath at my clumsiness and bent down to pick up the items. “What’s the matter Claudia?” I asked.

“I still can’t read the big clock.” She whined.

Going over to her desk I assisted her in gathering her things and talked her through the review lesson on time we went over today. My fill-in for the last few months has really done a great job on staying up on the lesson plan I set up for my kids. Even at home, carrying Jorden to full term I still made sure my babies here at school were taken care of. From what the substitute told me, Claudia is still struggling to read time. I went as far as writing her parents a note explaining to them what exactly Claudia is having issues with.

Once Claudia felt confident that she will get the hang of this lesson, I sat down at my desk to read everyone’s journal entries. There was complete silence in my room until I heard feet closing in on my position. Still focused on these journal entries I picked up my favorite pen and highlighter, going in with this editing.

“Mama, you coming home late today?” 

My head turned to the left and when I saw Zoe standing in the doorway I dropped my pen. I turned around in my chair, stood up and went over to where she stood. With her wrapped up in my arms I felt this sensational urge to weep but our location prevented that. 

“I missed you, my love.” I sniffled. Even after a long day of playing and running around, Zo still smells like home. 

“But I came to visit you two times today. Mom, are you okay?” She asked. The concern in her voice tickled me red. 

Scaling back from our hug I walked her to my desk so I could sit back down. 

“Mommy..what’s wrong? Why do you look so sad?” She questioned with a little more authoritative tone. 

“I’m not sad, Zo. I’m really tired but I’m not sad. And no I’m not coming home late. In fact..” taking a breather I stood up and began gathering my belongings. “Wanna take a trip with me? We can surprise daddy and Kenny with something they’ll both love.” I know that enticing children is a horrible parenting tactic. Especially since I get on Andre, all the time, about spoiling them with material things. However the incentive for her to come home with me is baked goods. 

“Can we go to Ann Marie? Please mom? Say that we can go, please!” Zoe began to guilt trip me about the last time we were supposed to go to the bakery. Together we left the school grounds after I received confirmation that Divya picked up Kenja this afternoon. The drive into downtown LA was an absolute mess. Cars and pedestrians at every turn, not to mention it began to rain just as Zo and I made it inside the shop. 

“Mommy..the umbrella.” Zoe complained, standing close to me. 

“We’ll be alright love bug. I’ll cover you with my jacket before we walk out. Tell me what you want.” I said to her. I granted Zoe the pleasure of getting her favorite muffin and a small cake just for her. I was sure to get Kenja’s and her daddy’s  favorite treats as well. When it came time for me to pick something I froze. 

My drastic change in diet has really hindered my food palate. I chose many months ago to eat to live. I chose to nourish my body with food from the earth not only for my benefit but for my little boy too. 

“If you’re struggling with the main menu we do have a specialty menu you can look at.” The girl behind the counter spoke up. 

“Yes, I’d like to see that one. Thank you.” Accepting a laminated booklet with all kinds of alternatives I felt my eyes widen. “I’ll be damned.” I chuckled quietly. 

“Can I see? I want to look too, mom.” Zoe quizzed frantically. 

Squatting down to her level I read off some goods that caught my eye. Thanks to Zoe I picked out more sweet treats than I bargained for. The girl boxed up our food beautifully and then we went home. The rain lightened up just as I got settled behind the steering wheel. My eye caught the brightest rainbow I’ve seen since the day of my mother’s funeral. 

“It’s grandma and her special rainbow, mommy, look.” Zoe said. 

“Yeah baby, I see it too. It’s pretty right?”

“Uh huh.” She mumbled 

Choking back a mass in my throat I discreetly thanked my mother for the sign of good faith.

——--  ——--

“Alright, all done.” I yawned. Setting down Kenja’s brush and spray bottle I hung my head low with my eyes closed. My body began to sway and when I felt the cushion of her bed underneath my head I remained still. 

“You can sleep here, I don’t mind..” 

I opened one eye up to see Kenja taking the braid out of my hair. A weak smile and airy chuckle later I felt a presence nearby. Shifting slightly I felt my spirit come back to life. Here Andre stands in the doorway of the room with the baby cradled in his arms. I’ve been home tending to the girls for over an hour and I’ve yet to lay eyes on my baby. 

“Is he asleep?” I yawned again, making the girls and Andre laugh. 

“Same state that you’re in now. Come on..” he encouraged me. 

I rose slowly from Evelyn’s bed and stood on my feet even slower. I’m worn out beyond measure. This first day back was brutal on my body. Turning around on my feet I went to tuck the girls into their beds. It’s getting to that time of night where I have to flip the switch in my brain. I tended to my kids and students all day so now is my time to end my night with my best friend and our bundle of joy. 

“Good night my loves, I love you girls so much and don’t ever forget that.” I passed my love to the girls and left the room, stripping out of second change of clothes. I swapped the sweats and hoodie for one of my robes and sat down at the edge of the bed. Andre passed the baby to me and when I laid my sights on him I let the tears go. Too many hours have passed since I’ve held and loved on my little boy. “I missed you so much baby. So so much.” I whispered to him, smothering his face in warm kisses. 

“I can already tell how your first day back went.” Andre voiced, adjusting the temperature in the room.

Sighing tiredly, I crossed my legs and laid back against the bed. “I missed the two of you so much. Being here was all I could think about. The girls came to visit as usual and that really helped. Anyway, how was your day?”

“Quiet. I didn’t take him anywhere. We just hung out around the house. I let him sleep after you left and surprisingly he was knocked out for five hours straight.” Andre stretched out beside me, removing my earrings and my eyelashes. “Why are you still playing around with these? You have beautiful eyelashes that don’t deserve to be covered up.” 

Smiling from the pit of my belly I felt my body tremble at his passive aggressive attempt to poke fun at me. Andre is the most supportive man I know but when I toy with different makeup looks and tools he gets a kick out of making commentary. 

“I like to switch things up, Dre. You know that. I guess you’re right though, they are quite uncomfortable.” Peering at my baby I lifted my hand to stroke his cheek. 

“Switch with me. Go get ready for bed because it’s getting late and you need to rest.” He and I traded places, granting me the peace and quiet I’ve been yearning for all day. Lifting my head toward the shower head I embraced the pounding water, pushing my hair back. 

“Mmm…” I groaned. “Hahh…” my mind is slipping between reality and a dreamland. Life has been gracious to me and so has the Lord. Life has also been cruel to me on numerous occasions. The spattering water against the floor and my feet reminded me of the waterfalls in Puerto Rico. 

“Camila,” I heard over the water. 

“Yeah?” Turning around I leaned forward to let the water penetrate my back muscles. “That feels so good, mm..” 

“I’m just checking on you. Go on with your shower, I’m not going anywhere.” He snickered. “Can I ask you something babe?”

Rolling my eyes I began to take this shower seriously. “Of course.” 

“How are those stitches treating you?” 

Andre mentioning the most painful part of labor and delivery struck a nerve. I truly felt like I was dying when I felt my skin rip apart. “Umm..” as I rinsed the suds from my body I took a seat and delicately fanned my fingertips over my stitches. Even the slightest touch still raises the hair on my body and brings me discomfort. 

“Cam, what’s wrong baby, talk to me..” I jumped at the sound of Andre’s voice and stabbed myself with my fingernail. 

“Crap..” I shuddered. “It’s healing...slowly but surely. Did you get the pain meds I asked for? Along with everything else?” Sighing in defeat I wiped away the tears and sped up this shower. Stepping out I accepted the towel from Andre’s hand. “Gracias.” I smiled. 

“Always and yes I have everything that you asked for. Everything alright in there?” He smirked. 

“The stitches still haven’t dissolved and I stabbed myself. I’m okay I promise but I’m still not-”

Andre stroked the crown of my head and bent forward to kiss my cheek. “Camila, I know how much pain you’re still in.” He began. 

Gulping down the slight formation of bile I looked him in the eye. 

“I care about your health and well-being beyond my sexual needs and desires. I care about your sexual needs and desires before mine, you know that too. I was there behind you, watching you bring this little boy in the world. Meaning that I will never forget how difficult it must’ve been for you. We will get back to our old selves in time. I’m not rushing nor am I growing impatient.” 

I felt the corners of my mouth turn up. “Thank you for all that you do. Your patience and commitment is unmatched.” I said genuinely. 

If I want to have a healthy state of mind I’ve got to refocus. With Andre taking unexpected time off to be home with Jorden, this is the break I need to reinvent Camila Maree. 

[theradioghost]

what books did u get ? i rly need to get back into reading more now school is over

oh man. so I’ll give you what I bought & then I’m also gonna throw in some similar books that I have already read just because I can actually vouch for the quality of those

(brief note that my main qualifications when I was looking for books, besides not wanting YA, was that 1. they were not about straight cis white men and/or 2. they had particular appeal to one of the areas of sf&f that I have a particular fondness for and/or 3. they cost under five bucks. so there’s a lot of diverse lit, and a lot of novellas, and a lot of urban fantasy wizards who are also detectives/rebellious angels and or demons/necromancy/dragons/stuff that is explictly Lovecraftian adaptations but takes the piss out of Lovecraft/anything on this list/anything published by Tor)

new books that I have read:

(coming back to update this as I get through these books)

the Lovelace & Wick series by Jennifer Rainey – this is the Demon Husbands one I’ve been yelling about. Two gentleman demons in love – a Faustian tempter and a bringer of catastrophes – are growing increasingly dissatisfied with the work they do for hell, while also being forced to contend with new and dangerous enemies. Set in a vaguely-steampunk 1890s Massachusetts. Also includes monster-hunting steampunk scientist lesbian wives.

Deadline by Stephanie Ahn – fourteen months after a disastrous failed ritual, disgraced blood witch Harrietta Lee gets offered a ridiculously lucrative job quietly recovering a stolen artifact for a young member of a powerful magical family, and promptly finds out that this is too good to be true. Also she keeps meeting scary, hot women. Instantly the only wisecracking urban fantasy PI named Harry that my heart has any room for. (This one’s a bit Spicier than my usual fare but the author actually includes a list of content warnings including page numbers at the front of each book, which you can view with the preview option on the Amazon page.)

Hammers on Bone by Cassandra Khaw – A kid hires London PI John Persons to kill his stepfather. The first catch is that the stepfather is a Lovecraftian horror. The second catch is that Persons is too. This is like, the noir-est horror I’ve ever read and that’s something I am very into. 

The Haunting of Tram Car 015 by P. Djeli Clark – An urban fantasy police procedural set in an alternate 1912 Cairo, in which two government officials are sent to deal with a strange, malevolent spirit in the midst of political upheaval as Egypt’s women demand universal suffrage. There’s a free short story prequel to this on tor.com called “A Dead Djinn in Cairo“ that’s worth reading first.

Three Parts Dead by Max Gladstone – high fantasy with a black protagonist, in which Tara Abernathy, a disgraced magic user and rookie associate in an internationally renowned necromancy firm, is assigned to resurrect a city’s murdered patron fire god – but first, with the help of a chain-smoking priest and a vampire-addicted servant of Justice Herself, she has to track down his killer.

River of Teeth by Sarah Gailey – in an alternate history where the 1910 “Hippo Bill” passed, Winslow Remington Houndstooth, an ex-rancher out for revenge, is hired to travel north with a ragtag crew – a con artist and pickpocket, a demolitions expert with a proclivity for poisoning, the most dangerous contract killer in the country, and the very man who ruined his life – and take on the dangers of the massive swamp that was once the Mississippi river, a place ruled over by deadly feral hippos and a homicidal riverboat gambling king.

or, essentially, a swamp-based heist Western with a cast including a British-East Asian bisexual man, a black nb person, an unashamedly fat woman, and a pregnant Latina lesbian, and also their pet hippos. Listen just go ahead and get the version with both stories in it

Silver in the Wood by Emily Tesh – Tobias has lived in the woods as long as anyone can remember; long enough that the nearby town tells stories of the Green Man, the spirit-king of the forest, who dwells in the trees. These stories are truer, and far more dangerous, than anyone but Tobias knows – so when friendly, handsome, curious Henry Silver buys up the neighboring Greenhollow Hall and starts investigating the local folklore, Tobias will have to decide whether to sacrifice the only life he has known for centuries, or the first person he has loved in all that time.

not-new books that I have read:

idk if you don’t know about the Wayfarers series, the first of which is The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet, but it is an absolutely stellar bit of sci-fi very much based around ideas of found family and discovering your own identity and place in the universe and love and compassion and stories based around sweet slice-of-life stuff in a scifi universe with lots of fun aliens and it is so very queer and so very heartwarming and all three books (which each have different casts, although the characters in all three are connected to one another and sort of cameo across all the books) are fantastic.

Urban Dragon by J.W. Troemner – Dragons are supposed to be ruthless, unpredictable, deadly, selfish creatures. So why is it that Rosa Hernandez seems to be able to keep her best friend Arkay in check? How did Arkay, a shape-changing dragon with lightning at her command, end up being found alone and starving and with no memory of her past by a homeless woman? And as evidence mounts that someone is hunting down supernatural beings, who can they trust? (I stumbled across this while looking for urban fantasy on TV Tropes and BOY am I glad I did. Good if you like close friendships between queer women or the enemies-to-lovers trope)

The Merry Spinster by Daniel Mallory Ortberg – of course I was going to read Daniel Ortberg’s short story collection, are you kidding me. Not “””darker””” fairy tale retellings, but fairy tales as often very surreal, psychological horror. Read this if you want to totally ruin “The Velveteen Rabbit” for yourself.

The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker – historical fantasy set in the early-20th-century Orthodox Jewish and Middle Eastern immigrant communities of NYC, about the strange friendship that springs up between a bitter jinn trapped in a mortal body and a masterless golem living among humans. and it gave me feelings.

The Ballad of Black Tom by Victor LaValle – a retelling of H.P. Lovecraft’s short story “The Horror at Red Hook” from the perspective of a black man. One of the better pieces of horror I have ever read.

Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff – a very different take on a similar concept to The Ballad of Black Tom, wherein a mid-century black Midwestern family find themselves mixed up in the plans of a bunch of cultists and set out to disentangle themselves from this whole cosmic-horror mess. Apparently Jordan Peele is adapting this into a TV show, so I’m stoked for that.

new books that I have not read:

(& also a couple that are just books I want, and some that I just haven’t read yet but got free from the Tor monthly ebook club, which is very much worth joining)

Armed in Her Fashion by Kate Heartfield– I’m just going to let the official blurb speak for this one because there is absolutely no way I could improve on it

The Black God’s Drums by P. Djeli Clark – New Orleans-based steampunk fantasy about an airship captain and a stowaway who talks to orishas.

Rupert Wong, Cannibal Chef by Cassandra Khaw – Apparently several authors have written standalone works in this series, and Cassandra Khaw’s aren’t chronologically the first, but I love Cassandra Khaw and “chef for ghouls and pencil-pusher for the Ten Chinese Hells is forced to solve an inter-pantheon murder mystery” just sounds so good to me.

Bones and Bourbon by Dorian Graves – Cursed half-huldra PI is forced to help out his little brother and the demon who shares his body, and then everything goes wrong. Feat. carnivorous unicorns.

Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Cordova – reluctant bruja attempts to rid herself of her magic and instead plunges her entire family into magical trouble. YA.

Robbergirl by S. T. Gibson – WLW retelling of The Snow Queen from the perspective of the bandit princess. YA.

Passing Strange by Ellen Klages – slightly-fantastical historical lesbian noir novella set in the burgeoning 1940s gay club scene in San Francisco.

The Black Tides of Heaven by JY Yang – admittedly caught my eye because the cover art reminded me of Moribito, which I adore. East-Asian-inspired epic fantasy which I believe has a nonbinary protagonist.

Rosemary and Rue by Seanan McGuire – I’ve been neglecting getting around to October Daye way, way too long considering how much I love Seanan McGuire and urban fantasy, but my mom started reading this and that pushed me over the edge because damn it, yes I want to read her take on the Wizard Detective genre that I have such a weakness for.

The Traitor Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson – this was recommended to me in a Tumblr post listing interesting, diverse fantasy, and I’ve been into high fantasy political intrigue lately.

The Paper Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg – came across this in a Twitter thread about fantasy worlds with unconventional and interesting magic systems. A newly graduated student of magic is bitter about being sent to learn paper-crafting magic rather than working with metal, until Murder Stuff Happens. YA.

Miranda in Milan by Katharine Duckett – queer fantasy sequel to The Tempest, with Miranda as protagonist.

Witchmark by C. L. Polk – post-WWI gaslamp fantasy MLM romance about a male witch in hiding, working as a doctor; the reviews seem to indicate people think it’s more ‘delightful’ than ‘literary’ but apparently it is pretty fucking delightful.

In the Vanisher’s Palace by Aliette de Bodard– East Asian WLW retelling of Beauty and the Beast and also one of them is a dragon.

Winter Tide by Ruthanna Emrys – another one of the rash of new Lovecraft adaptations that are turning perspectives around, this being one where the citizens of Innsmouth are the protagonists. Also has a really good short story prequel you can read for free on tor.com.

also I just feel like mentioning that I’m stupidly excited for Gideon the Ninth by Tamsin Muir to come out this fall because the review they’ve decided to put at the top of every blurb is “Lesbian necromancers explore a haunted gothic palace in space!” (not my exclamation mark) and I don’t know how anyone could more perfectly craft something to my tastes.

[callunavulgari]

Scrapbook 2020 | Pt. I

Reminder:

Normal font - Indifferent/Neutral Italicized font - Enjoyed bold font - Loved with an asterisk* - All time favorite (bracketed titles) - Re-watches/Re-reads strikethough - Disliked

Goals are: read seventy-five books, finish five video games, write something novel-length and write something original. These last two goals CAN be combined. So you know, nearly the exact same goals from last year.

MOVIES

January

My Neighbor Totoro

(Matilda)

(The Mummy)

The Pacifier

(Moana)

Lion King (2019)

February

Hereditary

(The Lion King 2)

Kiki’s Delivery Service

March

(Tangled)

(Zootopia)

(Lilo and Stitch)

(The Swan Princess)

(The Swan Princess: Secret of the Castle)

(The Swan Princess: The Mystery of the Enchanted Kingdom)

April

Onward

(Your Name)

(Frozen 2)

Happy Death Day

Promare

May

(Free Willy)

(Star Wars: The Last Skywalker)

(Free Willy 2)

(The Road to El Dorado)

(Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron)

(Prince of Egypt)

BOOKS

January

The Secret Commonwealth | Philip Pullman [Fin]

The Great Hunt | Robert Jordan [Fin]

Wanderers | Chuck Wendig

The Dragon Republic | R.F. Kuang

February

Wanderers | Chuck Wendig [Fin]

The Dragon Republic | R.F. Kuang [Fin]

Runebinder | Alex Kahler [Fin]

The Book of M | Peng Shepherd [Fin]

Call Down the Hawk | Maggie Stiefvater [Fin]

(The Diviners | Libba Bray) [Fin]

(Lair of Dreams | Libba Bray) [Fin]

(Before the Devil Breaks You | Libba Bray) [Fin]

King of Crows | Libba Bray [Fin]

Gods of Jade and Shadow | Silvia Moreno-Garcia [Fin]

The City of Brass | S.A. Chakraborty

March

The City of Brass | S.A. Chakraborty [Fin]

Legion | Brandon Sanderson [Fin]

Taproot | Keezy Young [Fin]

Mooncakes | Suzanna Walker, Wendy Xu [Fin]

Loki: the God Who Fell to Earth | Daniel Kibblesmith [Fin]

The Lost Future of Pepperharrow | Natasha Pulley [Fin]

The Hazel Wood | Melissa Albert [Fin]

The Black Tides of Heaven | J.Y. Yang [Fin]

Gideon the Ninth | Tamsyn Muir** [Fin]

Loki: Where Mischief Lies | Mackenzie Lee [Fin]

American Royals | Katharine McGee [Fin]

River of Teeth | Sarah Gailey [Fin]

We Are Okay | Nina LaCour [Fin]

Where the Crawdads Sing | Delia Owens [Fin]

A Memory Called Empire | Arkady Martine [Fin]

April

The Dream Peddler | Martine Fournier Watson [Fin]

The Dragon Reborn | Robert Jordan [Fin]

The Glass Hotel | Emily St John Mandel [Fin]

On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous | Ocean Vuong [Fin]

The Unhoneymooners | Christina Lauren [Fin]

(Captive Prince 1 | C.S.Pacat)  [Fin]

(Captive Prince 2 | CS Pacat)  [Fin]

(Captive Prince 3 | CS Pacat)  [Fin]

The Flatshare | Bath O’Leary [Fin]

A Study in Brimstone | G.S. Denning [Fin]

May

Sky In the Deep | Adrienne Young [Fin]

House of Salt and Sorrows | Erin Craig [Fin]

The Sparrow | Mary Russell [Fin]

Here and Now and Then | Mike Chen [Fin]

Burn for Me | Ilona Andrews [Fin]

The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms | N.K. Jemisin [Fin]

Mister Monday | Garth Nix

PODCASTS

January

King Falls AM, Eps 35-75

February

King Falls AM, Eps Live Special-84

The Penumbra Podcast | Juno Steel and the Tools of Rust

(Zero Hours - Ep 7)

March

King Falls AM, Eps 84-100

April

(The Magnus Archive, s1)

The Magnus Archive, s5

Welcome to Night Vale

The Bridge

The Adventure Zone

May

The Magnus Archive, s5

TV SHOWS BY SEASON

January

The Great British Baking Show, s7, s6

Lost In Space, s2

The Magicians, s3, s4

The Untamed

February

The Untamed**

The Terror, s2

March

Guardian

Haikyuu

Westworld, s3

April

The Great British Baking Show, s6

Westworld, s3

Jeopardy 

The Guardian

May

Motherland: Fort Salem

(Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Buzzfeed Unsolved: Supernatural

Buzzfeed Unsolved: True Crime

Watcher Entertainment

She-Ra, s5**

The Guardian

(Avatar: The Last Airbender)

VIDEO GAMES

January

Pokemon: Shield (30 hrs) [Fin]

Monster Hunter World: Iceborne (10 hrs)

February

Monster Hunter World: Iceborne (30 hrs)

Transistor [Fin]

Plague Tales: Innocence (15 hrs)

Civ VI (France- FIN, Victory)

Assassin’s Creed: Origins (20 hrs)

March

Kingdom Hearts 3

Luigi’s Mansion [Fin]

(LoZ: Breath of the Wild)

April

(LoZ: Breath of the Wild)

The Outer Worlds

Oxenfree

May

Final Fantasy 7 Remake

Shadow of the Colossus

DELIGHTFUL FIC

January

A Miracle in Thunder by LazyBaker | Stranger Things | Harringrove | 4.5k | Christmas morning, Steve’s pulling into a nearly empty parking lot to open Family Video on his own.

The White Wolf by norgbelulah | Castlevania | Alucard/Trevor/Sypha | 6k | Trevor and Sypha travel back to the Belmont Estate and Castle Dracula, unsure of what they will find there.

Stainless by Fahye | The Untamed | Lan Zhan/Wei Wuxian | 6.5k | "I'm starting to feel," says Lan Xichen, "that this was a counterproductive suggestion."

sleep in your bed by copperwings | The Untamed | Lan Zhan/Wei Wuxian | 12k | or; Wei WuXian has a tendency to fall asleep in places where he shouldn't. Lan WangJi disapproves.

by the grace of a ride along by brawlite | The Witcher | Geralt/Jaskier | 5k | They shouldn't so often find themselves in situations like this. And yet.

this line bisects by adspexi | The Queen’s Thief | Attolia/Eugenides/Costis | 1k | The rumors around Costis' status as a royal favorite haven't quieted down. The king doesn't seem to mind.

Be kind by longnationalnightmare | The Magicians | Quentin/Eliot | 10k | It was absurd how much Eliot meant it— you’re cute—so cute Eliot wanted to swallow him whole.

Reclaimed by betts | Star Wars | Reylo | 14k | Or: After the passing of new legislation, Rey and thousands of other omegas are rescued from the abusive grasps of their alphas. She gets adopted by a new alpha and braces herself for the cruelty she’s grown used to. But Ben isn’t like other alphas, and Rey slowly warms to his kindness.

Make a list of things you need by longnationalnightmare | The Magicians | Quentin/Eliot | 10k | “Whose wedding?” he asked, and only stopped assessing the room when Eliot failed to answer. “El, who’s getting married?”

seldom all they seem by Fahye | The Untamed | Lan Zhan/Wei Wuxian | 24k | or, one hundred and thirty-three principles of the Gusu Lan, pertaining to the state of marriage

love is touching souls (surely you touched mine) by ToAStranger | Harry Potter | Harry Potter/Tom Riddle | 34k | Voldemort is dead. It's Christmas, and Harry's just opened a gift from Fred and George Weasley.

back to back by serenfire | The Witcher | Geralt/Jaskier | 13k | (Or: If Yennefer gets to be improbably naked in canon, then I am making Jaskier equally, if not more, naked. It's equality.)

You're a Story (I Can Follow) by Page161of180 | The Magicians | Queliot | 20k | The Monster's been defeated, Quentin is dead, and Eliot has a quest of his own--if he can trust himself to complete it. An Orpheus and Eurydice remix.

Lover's Touch by Rizandace | The Magicians | Queliot | 25k | Q gets cursed, and Alice can't help. Magic forces Q and Eliot to cuddle and talk about their feelings.

Possession by yaskween | The Magicians | Queliot | 9k |  “Honestly? I don’t mean to be rude,” Eliot started, having trouble meeting Quentin’s eyes again. “But I don’t think I can handle being this close to you right now.”

You In My Head by stele3 | The Magicians | Queliot | 5k | Apparently, the Monster hadn’t cared much about hydration. Eliot hasn’t been this parched since Ibiza 2012.

fall through by sarcasticfishes | Buzzfeed Unsolved | Shane/Ryan/Sara | 8k |  “Sorry man, our flights are grounded because of some freak storm. Waiting to see if we can get one out tomorrow,” Shane reads aloud, and Sara pouts down at the screen.

with them indiana boys (on them indiana nights) by ToAStranger | Stranger Things | Harringrove | 5k | The thing is, when Billy first saw Steve Harrington, he knew.  

The Genius of the Western River by Siria | Buzzfeed Unsolved | Shane/Ryan | 14k |  Shane’s totally working on being flippant about all those times he joked about Ryan’s godlike physique, never suspecting how true those jokes might be—the two of them just have to defeat a supernatural serial killer first.

I was born to blanket you in flowers by MyFandomCausesHanaji | The Untamed | Wei Wuxan/Lan Zhan | 5k | “I have folded a thousand paper flowers for you.”

A Temporary Favor by oxymoronic | Stranger Things | Harringrove | 30k | It’s barely three days since El closed the gate when Hopper tells him he wants to rip a hole in space and time to rescue Billy Hargrove. Steve thinks it’s the dumbest thing he’s ever heard.

February

it’s a long way forward (so trust in me) by suzukiblu | The Witcher | Geralt/Jaskier | 25k | “Does that stop heat?” Jaskier asks curiously, absentmindedly tuning his lute as he speaks. He hadn’t thought anything could, but, well . . . witchers and their potions.

Love as You Are by thisgirlsays22 | The Witcher | Geralt/Jaskier | 16k | Jaskier didn’t want to marry just any noblewoman--no matter how comely she may be--he wanted adventure and many loves, but most importantly his biggest, greatest love of all.

GERALT'S A SOFT BOI send tweet by relenafanel | The Witcher | Geralt/Jaskier | 2k | WIP |  “Hey, so this is where you ended up,” Jaskier said, sliding into the chair across from Geralt in the sad truck-stop diner 50 kilometres outside of the backwater swamp-dump reporting an infestation of drowners.

The Rule Of Opposites by entanglednow | Good Omens | Aziraphale/Crowley | 6k | In which they are opposing forces, not designed to touch, anathema to each other. Crowley refuses to accept it.

have you noticed I’ve been gone? by suzukiblu | The Witcher | Geralt/Jaskier | 12k | Jaskier is a very good kisser, and almost kisses Geralt often enough, which is a damn sight closer than most people get. Even when he’s paying for it, he doesn’t get kissed enough. Jaskier gets close, though.

Chattoter Trending by DragonBandit | Pokemon | Leon/Raihan | 2.5k | Neither Raihan or Leon have told the greater public about their relationship. Then Raihan posts the wrong picture to Chattoter.

from me to you by Ceta | The Untamed | Wei Wuxian/Lan Zhan | 14k |  Wei Too Cool ✓ @wei-wuxian correct me if i’m wrong but i’m pretty sure that’s a love song @LanWangJi #AtFirstSight

Do it Again by thisgirlsays22 | The Witcher | Geralt/Jaskier | 7k | By the twentieth time Geralt has gone through the loop, he decides to just throw himself off the cliff’s edge after Borch.

March

The Absolutely True Story of the Yiling Patriarch: A Manifesto in Many Parts by aubreyli | The Untamed | Wei Wuxian/Lan Zhan | 20k |  “Love?” he croaks, then clears his throat and tries again. “Lan Zh— uh, Hanguang-jun, in love?”

bend all the rules by brawlite | Stranger Things | Harringrove | 14k | Billy knows that it’s a bad idea to hook up with his old high school rival and certified Straight Guy™, Steve Harrington -- but Hawkins is real bleak during the holidays, and Billy’s just trying to make it through winter break without dying of boredom.

April

Probability Engine by @kaikamahine | The Watchmaker of Filigree Street | Keita/Thaniel | 22k | The worst part about knowing you will have to shove Merrick Tremayne into the path of an oncoming cannonball is that you genuinely enjoy the man's company. Unfortunately, this becomes something of a recurring theme.

rare the man who'll hold to faith by Fahye | The Untamed | Wei Wuxian/Lan Zhan | 13k |  "There is the mark of our bargain, and here is the challenge," said the Yiling Patriarch.

a stone to break your soul, a song to save it by rikke | The Untamed | Wei Wuxian/Lan Zhan | 180k | When the entire cultivation world turns against Wei WuXian, Jiang Cheng comes up with a plan to save him and arranges a marriage between his brother and the Second Jade of Lan, Lan WangJi.

a prize for rotten judgement by sarcasticfishes | Buzzfeed Unsolved | Ryan/Shane | 10k | “You’d drive each other crazy. You sit together at your office all day, and then you’d be commuting home together, eating dinner together, watching TV together, going to bed — well, not together, but you get it, right?”

Linger in the Sun by etymologyplayground | The Untamed | Wei Wuxian/Lan Zhan | 39k | "Tell Lan Zhan that I'm weeping uncontrollably," Wei Wuxian says to the juniors. "Tell him I'm truly pitiful and he needs to do everything I say until I'm well again."

Every ridge hand-picked by the late sun’s slant light by wildestranger | The Guardian | Shen Wei/Zhao Yunlan | 7k | “Long time, no see,” he says.The Black Cloaked Envoy blanches.

If Life Was A Movie We’d Have A Better Soundtrack Than This by galaxysoup | The Guardian | Shen Wei/Zhao Yunlan | 46k | The first time Shen Wei meets Zhao Yunlan is when he innocently steps out of his Monday morning office hours and is immediately slammed into by 180 pounds of cop pursuing a suspect on foot.

Sex, Science, and True Love: A Rigid Analysis of the Practical Applications of Dual Cultivation by aubreyli | The Untamed | Wei Wuxian/Lan Zhan | 24k | WIP | “The Lans are far too boring and repressed for something like this,” Wei Wuxian said, with the authority of one who had been resoundingly ignored by a Lan for the past month. “Can you imagine Lan Wangji dual cultivating?”

and so my heart beats wildly by lily_winterwood | The Untamed | Wei Wuxian/Lan Zhan | 106k | “You know, you’re the one to beat this year,” Jiang Cheng offers helpfully, having seen the glare from right next to him. “Hanguang-jun’s been through juniors with the rest of us, he knows all of our tics. You’re an unknown variable, since he’s never competed against you before.”

Weird and/or Wonderful by beethechange | Buzzfeed Unsolved | Shane/Ryan | 12k | Or: During the filming of an episode of Weird and/or Wonderful World, Ryan tosses a shoelace and a wish in an ancient magical wishing well. Mistakes are made.

one good thing by Yuu_chi | The Untamed | Wei Wuxian/Lan Zhan | 26k | Wei Wuxian has been haunting his childhood home for three years. He's perfected the fine art of scaring away all the tenants, and has grown used to living with the dying flowers in the garden as his only company.

  stay with me, go places by beethechange | Buzzfeed Unsolved | Shane/Ryan | 16k | “Never have I ever,” Shane says, feeling his way delicately around the syllables, making nice with all the consonants and vowels, “hooked up with a friend at a wedding.”

once more with feeling by sarsaparillia | Oxenfree | Alex/Jonas | 26k | Alex, stumbling through the time-stream.

hey boy, take a look at me by weakspots | Buzzfeed Unsolved | Ryan/Shane | 17k |  Ryan is 27, for Christ’s sake, and he’s not exactly hideous, so there’s really no reason to spend his money on a dude — a dude — whose face he’ll never see but whose livestreams he’s been jerking off to for roughly 4 months now.

Warm Blanket by surveycorpsjean | Promare | Lio/Galo | 19k | He wonders if Lio remembers.

spend some time with me (i really like your company) by fencer_x | Promare | Galo/Lio | 73k | Galo Thymos is the worst hostage ever, and Lio regrets kidnapping him with every waking breath.

times that are broken can often be one again by sarcasticfishes | Buzzfeed Unsolved | Ryan/Shane/Sara | The moment the lights come on, Shane senses that something is wrong.

my age has never made me wise by idrilka | The Untamed | Wei Wuxian/Lan Zhan | 63k | “We hear that His Excellency might be married by summer’s end,” the merchant’s wife says and Wei Wuxian freezes, his heart in his throat. “The Gusu Lan sect has been buying enough red silk and brocade that the merchants in Caiyi can’t satisfy the demand.”

May

The Shops on Morning Street by mikkimouse | Castlevania | Alucard/Trevor | 7k | Trevor Belmont, former monster hunter and current florist, is tasked with looking into the proprietor of the new tattoo parlor across the street, much to his annoyance.

Sarva by rageprufrock | Guardian | Shen Wei/Zhao Yunlan | 5k | Or, 一切. At work, in public, Shen Wei is meticulously, seamlessly polite. In bed, he's something else.

Heartbeat by quackers | Buzzfeed Unsolved | Ryan/Shane | 66k | So the guy Ryan sits next to at work is a vampire. That's no big deal, right?

Soup-pocalypse and The Great Curry Cataclysm by SquadOfCats | Harry Potter | Draco/Harry | 104k | Eleven years after the war, Draco Malfoy leads a quiet, boring, and perfectly respectable life, thanks very much. Or, at least he does, until a sudden and very unexpected veela awakening causes him to throw soup all over Harry Potter in the middle of the Ministry cafeteria.

until you fit beneath me (and you’re breaking like a wave) by beethechange | Buzzfeed Unsolved | Ryan/Shane |  In which Shane Madej succumbs to the mortifying ordeal of being known—but not before being a real butthead about it for many thousands of words first.

there is no such thing by gh0stly | Buzzfeed Unsolved | Ryan/Shane | 10k | A simple investigation turns serious as Ryan suspects the black dog of Hawthorn road isn't the only demonic entity to have followed him home.

oracle bones by orphan_account | Avatar: TLA | Zuko/Katara | 3k | The foreign, pictorial characters that bracelet Zuko's left wrist have never been covered in any of his lessons. He cannot read them.

Third Time's A Charm by quackers | Buzzfeed Unsolved | Ryan/Shane | 31k | Shane can't help but fall for the hot young lifeguard that stars in his Baywatch inspired daydreams, but he has a secret that no one can know. Not even Ryan.

Milk and Honey by quackers | Buzzfeed Unsolved | Ryan/Shane | 18k | Sure, the fae were real. Everyone knew that.Ryan being fae? As likely as ghosts existing.

Technically-Terrestrial by quackers | Buzzfeed Unsolved | 60k | Nearly forty years ago, the disgraced group of an alien race found refuge amongst the population of Earth.And now Shane Madej, who is more-or-less human, kind-of-actually-an-alien, has to convince his terrified best friend Ryan that he's not about to abduct him.

play me like a love song by sky_somedays | Buzzfeed Unsolved | Ryan/Shane | 10k |  Shane is Ryan's beleaguered history TA. Ryan won't stop suggesting insane theories.

one word from you by mme_anxious  | The Untamed | Lan Zhan/Wei Wuxian | 5k |  Wei Wuxian manages to get himself cursed and Lan Wangji just wants to be helpful. 

DELIGHTFUL FANVIDS

January

A Tribute to 2019 Cinema

Geralt & Yennefer | Wicked Game

chaos | Yennefer of Vengerberg

Yennefer of Vengerberg || SURVIVOR

The Multifandom Mashup 2019

Multifandom Mashup 2019

Natural ][ Multifandom

Yennefer Of Vengerberg | Here I Am

destiny [The Witcher]

star wars || war pigs

THE WITCHER || IN THE END [Happy New Year!]

Sucker [Jaskier & Geralt / Humor]

The Witcher || War Pigs

Lee Scoresby ][ Rebel Just For Kicks || HDM

Jaskier & Geralt || Hold on

February

The Art of Cinema

Jaskier & Geralt || Hold on

Jaskier || Oh No!

The Witcher || River

Geralt Of Rivia || Old Town Road

Multifandom | Glitter & Gold

Everybody knows | Multifandom

Merlin | Survivor

March

xue yang & xiao xingchen (the untamed MV) | hold on

Wei Wuxian | The Yiling Patriarch

The Untamed | Devil from Heaven

陈情令-The Untamed (2019) | but I'm only human | Yiling Patriarch

wei wu xian & lan wang ji (the untamed MV) | they don't know about us

Wangxian || Us Against the World (The Untamed)

Wei Wu Xian & Lan Wang Ji | A Thousand Years (The Untamed FMV)

hannibal || the way you are

Wei Wuxian & Lan Wangji | Bury our Love《陈情令 The Untamed》

The Untamed FMV | Wei Wuxian & Lan Wangji | 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁𝓎

The Untamed MV - Rule the World

𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘴𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘺 || wei wu xian 陈情令

陈情令 | The Untamed - I Will Carry You

wei wu xian & lan wang ji (the untamed MV) | beautiful mess

The Witcher | Geralt Of Rivia

Kylo Ren & Rey | I Know You

Miles Morales | Whatever It Takes

EGO - Wei Wuxian

Wei Wuxian | Rebel Just For Kicks

Geralt of Rivia // Glitter and Gold

Glitter & Gold ][ TUA

Eliot Waugh - Let It Happen

Jaskier ❤️️ Everybody Loves Me

April

DJ Earworm - YouTube Sings Dance Monkey (100 COVERS)

Khan ][ Believer

Roman Sionis | Black Mask ][ Bad Guy

(Star Wars) Kylo Ren | Redemption

(The Witcher) Geralt of Rivia | The White Wolf

Sirius & Regulus | Black Flies

The Marauders | HOME

(Marvel) Thor | The New Path

(Marvel) Tony Stark | My Legacy

A Song of Ice & Fire

(GoT) Daenerys Targaryen | My Reign is Over

Harley Quinn ][ Feeling Good

Multifandom II You'll Always Be A Monster

Haru & Rin || Deep Blue

Star Wars - Anime Opening 1 (A New Hope Arc)

It's hard

Severus Snape

Marvel || BLUE MONDAY

never surrender

May

[AMV] In The Name of Love [Yuri!!! on ICE]

Catra & Adora | I love you, I always have (+S5)

Sherlock ][ Bohemian Rhapsody

(Marvel) Avengers | Catastrophe

DELIGHTFUL MUSIC

January

There She Goes - Sixpence None the Richer

Don’t You Forget About Me - Simple Minds

Devil Side - Foxes 

Medhel an Gwyns - Anna Dudley

A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square - Tori Amos

Toss A Coin to Your Witcher - Witcher OST

Smile For the Camera - UPSAHL

Fail We Must Sail We Must - Unloved

It’s Not You, It’s Me -Unloved

Bill - Unloved 

Cry Baby Cry - Unloved

Sigh - Unloved

Teeth - 5 Seconds of Summer

My Dear - The Castros

Us - Regina Spektor

Houses - Great Northern 

Beautiful Dreamer - The Magicians Cast

Graveyard - Halsey

Imperfections - Celine Dion

Premonitions - Vaults 

Jagwar - Shells

Nice To Meet You - Niall Horan

Handsome and Wealthy - Migos

Thunder - Shaed

6 Underground - The Sneaker Pimps

February

Land of Yesterday - Anastasia Original Broadway Cast

You’re Somebody Else - Flora Cash

Masterpiece - Vargas & Lagola

Everybody Knows - Sigrid

Fly Me to the Moon - Frank Sinatra

Cringe - Stripped - Matt Maeson

Black Out Days - Phantogram

You Don’t Get Me High Anymore - Wakey!Wakey!

Pep Talk - Judah & the Lion

Ag Bruach Dhun Reimhe - Eithne Ni Uallachan

Grave Digger - Matt Maeson

Hidden Lakes - Shearwater

Maker - Anjimile

The Untamed sountracks - vocal and instrumental

Cut My Lip - 21 Pilots

Cancer - 21 Pilots

Strawberry Fields - The Beatles

March

Infinity - Jaymes Young

Chadelier - Sia

No Time to Die - Billie Eilish

South of the Border - Camila Cabello & Cardi B

Moondust - Jaymes Young

April

2020 playlist

May

2020 playlist

POSTED FIC

January

a different kind of danger in the daylight | Shades of Magic | Kell/Lila/Holland | 6,930 words | Sleeping with Holland was never part of the plan. 

February

love will have it's sacrifices | Teen Wolf | Sterek | 7,719 words | “So,” Allison starts, biting her lip. “You’re telling me that you think your roommate is a werewolf.”

March

Teeth | The Witcher | Jaskier/Geralt | 2,368 words |  “You wrote a song about my teeth,” Geralt says.

April

Lithium | Kingdom Hearts | Axel/Roxas | 378 words |  The grass is cool and faintly damp, still springy under your palms.

the thrill of knowing how alone we are | Stargate Atlantis | Rodney/John | 1,077 words | “Right now, I really don’t know if I want to kiss you or shove you off the damn bridge.”Rodney, who is, in fact, on a bridge right now, has never had the best sense of self preservation, because he snaps right back, “Oh good, can I pick?”

i hope you lose your way | Kingdom Hearts | Sora/Riku | 1,725 words |  The last summer that he and Sora were together, truly together, before the inexplicable pull of adulthood drew them further and further apart until that thread finally snapped, they went on a road trip.

ephemeral | The Untamed | Lan Zhan/Wei Wuxian | 2,353 words | “Composing is what suits me now,” Lan Wangji says, his voice like a shrug. “In a year, it may be dancing.”

May

fifteen flares inside those ocean eyes | Stranger Things | Billy/Steve | 4,108 words | As Steve watches, the man arches one of those eyebrows and asks, “Are you trying to get eaten by a shark?”

WIPS | UNPUBLISHED | ORIGINAL

January

N/A

February

N/A

March

N/A

April

The Untamed, ephemeral, 2148 words

May

Untitled Mermay Fic | Stranger Things | Harringrove | 3.367 words

FANMIXES/GRAPHICS

January

All the 8tracks imports

February

N/A

March

N/A

April 

N/A

May

Writing Playlist

[froneypupbee]

Good evening ☕ I’m glad you could stop by for a visit :: ೖ(⑅σ̑ᴗσ̑)ೖ :: Can I interest you in a story? ☁ last updated: July 1st, 2020

✎「 UPDATED 」dreamfics » It’s The Little Things :: 04  

☁ d r e a m f i c s          ❧ a series of plot lines derived from occasional & inconsistent dreams

「 NCT 」

❀ Hors-d'œuvre » ft. dong sicheng      ✎ status: unreleased

↳ In which the narrator takes their father out for a birthday dinner to a restaurant where they discover they are not welcome. After their hostile experience, however, a friendly bystander offers a sign of reconciliation.

「 SVT 」

❀ It’s The Little Things » ft. chwe hansol & boo seungkwan      ✎ status: in progress          table of contents: 01  || 02 || 03 || 04

↳ In which the narrator moves to a new city and befriends their neighbors in less than 24 hours.

❀ You Reap What You Sow » ft. svt ot14      ✎ status: unreleased

↳ In which the narrator is haunted by several evil spirits and falls victim to one of their many curses: an apocalyptic storm that looms over their residence and targets their acquaintances as hostages. In an attempt to escape the foreshadowed disaster, they are separated from their companions and find themselves stranded in the Garden of Eden, where members of a certain foundation arrive to their aid.

「 MONSTA X 」

❀ Heartstrings » ft. shin hoseok & chae hyungwon      ✎ status: complete

↳ In which the narrator wakes in a vast emptiness and cannot recall their identity. The only clues they’re left with are identical doors and a set of instincts that act as instructions for the maze. However, there is more beyond those rooms than any can expect, and in a realm they are unfamiliar with, they may lose all sense of who they really are. 

❀ Help, I’m A Skeleton In My Roommate’s Closet » ft. chae hyungwon, yoo kihyun, im changkyun      ✎ inspired by Japanese TV Series Good Morning Call & MX’s Fantasia          status: unreleased

↳ In which the author is sent to Shibuya by her mother to study abroad. When moving into her new residence, however, she encounters a boy her age unpacking his belongings in her living room. After both parties claim that they were assigned the condominium by their private university, she attempts to consult with the landlord in charge, who offers little to no help to the matter. Since class is only days away, the two are forced to live together as additional student housing is no longer available until the next season. In the meantime, the author must accustom their daily life to revolve around an individual she has a hard time getting along with.

「 CROSSOVERS 」

❀ Insurgence » ft. kim jungwoo & exo ot9      ✎ NCT 127′s Superhuman x EXO’s Obsession          status: unreleased      

↳ In which a meteor unexpectedly impacts planet Earth, and instead of wiping the entire population, it exposes them to dark matter, granting supernatural powers. The public refer to these individuals as Superhumans, who are capable of abilities beyond anything humane. As they attempt to annex the rest of the world by endangering all unaffected humans, including the narrator, them and their loved ones must escape and find a permanent safe haven where they can continue the rest of their lives. Little do they know, some do not realize they are vulnerable to the dark matter that has already plagued the entire planet, and in this world where any remaining life heavily depends on survival of the fittest, it is impossible for the narrator to trust anyone, even themselves.

☁ c o l l a b s

❀ Say Goodbye For Now » ft. mark lee & lee donghyuck      ✎ in collaboration with @brightstarhoshi          status: in progress          table of contents: 01  || 02

↳ Diagnosed with terminal cancer, Mark Lee is met with the heart wrenching truth that he has less than a month to live. His first decision is to face closure with his best friend, Donghyuck, who struggles to accept the reality of their future. What starts out as an early farewell turns into Donghyuck suggesting they spend their last few months together by following Mark’s bucket list from when he was fourteen. As Donghyuck is aware that the list ranges from domestic to insane objectives, there is one item that slightly intrigues him—falling in love.

 ☁ Disclaimer: All rights reserved under froneypupbee © 2019

[miserycollections]

Building 17 Part 3

I was told that writing about what happened would help me cope.

I wasn't going to write this part. I was just going to write about meeting the Gentry, or the history of spirits, and hope that everyone would forget.

But I have to cope.

And nothing else has helped.

No one will believe me anyways.

He saw to that.

...

Here's what happened.

Prudence offered my blood to the spirit that was holed up in Building 17, and the vines retreated to let us in. Lee Anders wrapped silver cord around my wrist and Prudence's, then put a magical shield that looked like it was thrown together in some dark garage im under an hour over himself.

Lee Anders rushed in. Didn't even wait for me and the Oracle. I thought he wanted this to be over with.

I was stupid to believe that.

When we entered, the halls had been reclaimed by nature. The lights had been destroyed, so everything was only illuminated by glowing motes of spore. Moss covered everything, and the vines has broken inside and trapped the walls and lockers in the world's most uncomfortable death hold. Red flowers bloomed along the lengths of these vines, spewing out the light motes. Lee Anders was nowhere to be seen, but he only had one direction to go.

Building 17 was one of the shorter buildings, so we came across the first body pretty quickly. The vines had wrapped around his throat, and spewing from his mouth was one of the red flowers. I stopped Prudence when she tried to step forward.

"That's Colem. He's....fine." I grimaced. I still wasn't used to seeing his dead body. And I could only imagine him trying to scream, trying to claw away at the vines as they crushed his throat--

I closed my eyes and turned away.

The second body wasn't too far away. We probably would have missed it, were it not for the faint "....help....help me please..."

"By the Ten," Prudence covered her mouth. "She's still alive."

The girl with the pink hair who fixed the internet was being pinned to the wall near the ceiling by her ankles, waist, and wrists. A single shoot speared her thigh, and was budding. The girl sniffed, and tried to reach to us. "Help me...please..."

Prudence drew her knife, but the vines must have...sensed it somehow, because the shoot going through her thigh twisted, drawing a gasp from the girl. Prudence lowered her weapon. "Shit...."

I rolled my sleeve up and removed the bandage. "Help me up."

Prudence dropped her knife and grabbed me by the hips, lifting me towards the girl. I grit my teeth as I shoved my fingers into the cut, then smeared my blood onto the shoot going through her leg. It retreated, and the girl's eyes clenched shut. I started to paint the vines holding her up with more of my blood.

"How did you know that would work?" Prudence asked.

"It got us in here..." I thumbed over the vine holding her waist, and the girl fell to the lockers with a groan.

Prudence cursed and set me down, then uncerimoniously dragged the girl from the lockers into her arms. "She needs help now...." My neighbor looked at me. "Stay here. Don't move until I get back."

I was about to protest, but the girl was limp in the Oracle's arms. So I swallowed my fears, and nodded. Prudence held the girl with pink hair close to her body, and carried her out. Once she passed Colem's body, I couldn't see her anymore.

I waited for her. The light from the spores wasn't enough; I could barely see. And what I could see, I didn't want to. Destruction. Blood. Bodies that we had missed, only visible when the spores wandered into a classroom.

Colem was staring at me.

There was a twig snap. I looked around, wondering where it came from.

Another snap. Closer. I quickly scoop up Prudence's forgotten knife and point it towards our destination. Where Lee Anders had run off to.

Snap.

The principal stepped from the shadows, hands in his pockets. "Mr. Page?" He looked around. "Cautiousness, Wisdom, Judgement....?"

"What?"

"Your neighbor."

"Prudence? She left to help a student."

"Ah." Lee Ander's gaze drifted. He wasn't focusing on me....more like something behind me. I glanced over my shoulder. There was nothing there.

"Follow me, Mr. Page."

I didn't like the finality in his voice. He sounded like a doctor who was telling his patient that nothing could be done anymore.

"I don't want to."

Lee Anders frowned. "Follow me, Mr. Page." There was a sudden weight to his words that pulled me forward, no matter how much I told my legs not to move.

We seemed to walk for an eternity. I held the dagger close to me, and watched Lee Anders's back; when we walked into a patch of darkness, I still felt myself being pulled towards him.

Suddenly, a pinprick of light broke the darkness. I had to squint against it, but I couldn't stop from approaching its source.

I gaped. "Is that....?"

"The Spirit Seed." Lee Anders smiled wickedly. A pale rose that was larger than my body cast its light on us; it hurt to stare, but I couldn't look away. "A single string of the spiritual world pushing its way into the real world to take a form that our minds can comprehend." The principal let his hand hover over the petals, but he didn't touch them. "And soon, it will open and spit out a Spirit proper."

"Shouldn't we....shouldn't we get rid of it?" I readied the dagger. "Before the spirit comes out?"

"After all the trouble I went through to get it here?! No chance!"

"You what!!"

"Spirits raise the vibrations of the Prana field. Having even one nearby lets one accomplish great feats of spellwork!"

"You--you destroyed a building! You killed students and maimed others!"

"These things always have a small measure of risk! As well as some sacrifice."

I felt myself step forward. "What? No, stop--"

"Unmisted blood is a rare delicacy. Your presence here really is a blessing."

My hands shook as I tried to cling to the dagger, but my hands flew open and it sunk into the grass. "I thought you weren't going to feed me to the spirit!"

"I lied."

"You're supposed to protect your students!"

"The needs of the many outweigh the pining of the few."

My eyes widened as the flower bloomed, and out stepped a wolf, who had wispy flesh and possessed blue eyes that trailed light. It had a gash in its size that leaked some kind of dark green fluid. It looked emaciated, and kept its head low as it trudged forward.

My hands rose into the air, and Lee Anders bent down to scoop up the dagger, and sliced one of my palms open. I clenched my eyes shut and tried to close my hand, but it refused to obey.

"I offer you this unchanged sacrifice. Pure human."

I tensed. "I don't want to die!"

"He is--what the fuck?"

I opened my eyes at the outburst, and....the cougar was approaching. It rubbed its muzzle against my hip, and I dropped to my knees. I flexed my hands, and they responded. I could control them.

The cougar strode forward and nuzzled the wolf, who closed its eyes and returned the gesture.

Lee Anders stared at the exchange. "Cougar, what's going on?"

The cougar lifted its paw, and used its teeth to rip it off. It was already regrowing when she threw the extremity at the wolf's feet. It snapped it up, and swallowed it in a single gulp. The gash on its side closed, and the cougar began to lick away the green fluid.

Lee Anders put his hand on his hips. "Cougar, you have some explaining to do."

I winced at his carefree voice, and the cougar glanced between me and Lee Anders. Then she rose on her hind legs and clawed Lee Anders' cheek. He fell to the ground. "Gah! Son of a whore!"

The cougar nudged the wolf with her muzzle, and they walked back the way they came. Lee Anders sat back up, pulling his hand away from his cheek. It was already healed. "Hey, come back!" He shook his fist at the duo. He sighed.

The flower eventually vanished, leaving the motes to be the only source of light. I immediately ran away from the man who tried to murder me. The hall seemed much shorter now.

I ran into something and swung my good hand at it. "No!"

Prudence wrapped her arms around me. "Hey! Hey what's going on?"

I looked up at her, then buried myself into her grip and broke down. She didn't push forward, and simply led me out of the building.

....

The next day was the worst day of my life.

The only positives were that Prudence and her Sisters excommunicated Lee Anders from the Church of X--he wasn't allowed to call on their help ever again.

A local newscast called Lee Anders a hero, and said that he went in to Building 17 by himself to drive out a rogue Fey and reopen the classes. I had gone to some of the students to ask what had happened, and they all claimed that Prudence and I were never even there. I had thought, okay, most of them weren't even paying attention.

But then I went to visit the girl with the pink hair, whose name was Ashes Kane, didn't remember. She said that after Colem died, Lee Anders came in and pulled her down.

Everyone's memories were altered. The only one who remembered was Prudence.

I didn't go to school for a few weeks after that. Whenever I was about to go, I broke down and panicked. Hence the...the therapy.

....

This is the only true record of what happened.

After the event, only one thing really brought me comfort.

I was sitting on my porch, clinging to a mug of coffee that had long since become cold. Micah Prince was walking home and glanced over at me and saw that I was there. He came over and took a seat next to me.

"Haven't seen you in a while." He took out a candy cigarette and started chewing on it. "I'm starting to miss your hounding and questions."

I simply stared at my coffee at the time. Micah sighed. "What happened to you man?"

I shook my head. "You won't believe me."

He held the box of candy out to me. "Try me."

I looked over at him, took one, and told him the story. The story I told all of you.

[End of Building 17]