#I made this in 2 minutes don't judge me T-T

[jadegr8]

I have nothing to say for myself

[hobie-enthusiast]

UNLIKELY CLASH !

— rulebreaker!hobie brown x perfectionist!gn!reader

— enemies to lovers, swearing (more than last and fuck too), mutual pining, making out, small bit of harassment, rebellious teens, confused feelings, getting together

— hobie brown was everything you weren’t, so maybe that’s what attracted the two of you together so well (pt. 2)

— here part two gang! honestly i have an idea for part three in mind but if that’s something u honestly want pls lmk asap

— part 1 | part 2 (here) | part 3

The next couple of weeks were.. odd between you and Hobie.

Even after a heartfelt confession about the pressure you felt, you still had a reputation to uphold. You kept treating him the way you normally did; ignoring him and pretending he didn’t exist.

At first, this didn't really bother Hobie. He was used to chasing after you, messing with you and poking fun at the student council president. But he was getting bored. The small bits of making you late to class or taking up your time were amusing, but he wanted more of a reaction from you.

When he started interacting less and less, you grew confused. As much as you hated to admit it, you liked the attention and small interactions.

Though it was small, being late and skipping class (very rarely at this point), made you excited. It made you feel.. alive in a way.

But all that was dissipating. And you were upset about it.

You sat in your room after a long school day, mindlessly scrolling through your computer. Your parents had asked that you try and find a prom outfit, but that became boring really quick. You could never wear something truly exciting; just some fancy outfit plain coloured with fancy hair.

A knock on your window startled you from your thoughts. Glancing out, you see Hobie looking in, motioning for you to open the window. You walk over confused, deciding to open the window.

"Brown? It's.." You glance back at your alarm clock. "..10 pm. What are you doing here?"

"Awe, come on sweetheart. After such a confession, shouldn't we be on a first name basis?" He says, inviting himself into your room.

You scoff. "One, no, as you don't use my first name. And two, you can't be here! My parents are right down the hall!"

Hobie shrugged as he looked around your room, analyzing the decor. He noticed the clean desk you had, along with a neat bookshelf of many scientific books and knick-knacks. It suited you, every detail down to the way your game console sat neatly on your TV stand, not a speck of dust in sight.

"Did you show up just to judge my room?"

Hobie shook his head. "Nah, came t' ask ya somethin'." He said, sitting on your desk chair. "Up for an adventure?"

"Excuse me?" You question, taking a seat across from him on your bed. "When?"

"Now."

You know Hobie was.. absolutely crazy in some ways. But this? Going on a random adventure on a Friday night, and asking the person he wants to go with by entering their room via window was.. not the kind of crazy you would categorize him as.

You raise your eyebrows, crossing your arms. "You serious right now?"

"As serious as I always am." He responds with a shrug. "'s up to you. We'll be gone 'till tomorrow. Either 'u're up for a challenge or not."

A challenge he says? Hobie knew that you could be riled up from being challenged to do something. Perfectionists always had to win in his eyes.

And he was right.

"Give me five minutes."

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

Next thing you knew, you were on a train from your isolated little town to Brooklyn itself. Hobie blindly led you onto a train, told you to not worry about tickets, then let the train take you both to the destination in mind.

Of course Hobie remembered what you said at the tree. He had been holding onto it for a while now. He knew you wanted to go to a city, do whatever you wanted, just for a little bit. And he was going to be the one to give that to you. Why? Well, that's a question he couldn't answer for himself.

"Brooklyn?" You questioned, looking out of the train window. "Why Brooklyn?"

"You said it under the tree. Ya wanted to go to the city, no?"

You nodded slowly, looking back out the window with a small smile. Of course you were flattered that he remembered your words. At least, you were hoping he did, you practically poured your feelings out.

Once the train stopped, you both stepped out of the station to admire the tall buildings towering over you. Hobie couldn’t help but be amused at the way your eyes shined at the new scenery. He practically came here everyday.

But he couldn’t tell you that. Not without plausible answers to the inevitable questions.

“So..” You turn to look at him, eyes still bright. “What do we do?”

He shrugs, hands in his vest pockets. “Whatever ya want. ‘s ‘ur day, no?”

"But I don't know where to go. I've never been to the city before."

Hobie's eyes widened for a moment, shocked at your words. You were really so sheltered you hadn't been to the city right beside your town? The thought alone was crazy to Hobie. He never understood why adults were so.. controlling.

He sighs, walking ahead. "Follow me then. I'll show ya ‘round."

And so you did just that. You followed Hobie around the city, taking in the sights he's showing you. All around the city, passing and weaving through people, making sure you had a nice time.

There was something you noticed. Before Hobie took you somewhere, he provided you with options on where to go. He didn't force you to go one place with him. He didn't strictly follow an itinerary. He always asked what you wanted to do, giving you full control of the day.

It was.. refreshing. This sense of freedom was exactly what you needed. To feel the fresh air of the city without worrying about impressing anyone. Hobie wasn't judging you, and you certainly weren't judging yourself.

The end of the day came quicker than your liking, and the two of you were on the rooftop of an apartment complex. The sun was setting behind the tall buildings, and Hobie brought the two of you some noodles to eat (he definitely didn't steal them).

You take a bite, setting the cup down with a sigh. "Today was.. actually really nice. I don't think I ever felt that, free before, if that makes sense?"

"Don't worry, you can say it." Hobie said, nudging your arm.

You roll your eyes with a small smile. "Mm.. guess I can. Thanks, Brown."

"Y'know, you can call me 'obie, swee'heart." He responded, shrugging. "'s better than m' last name, I think."

"I can't give you that satisfaction. Not yet."

Hobie raised an eyebrow, a shit-eating smirk crossing his face. "Yet?"

You're ready to correct yourself, but the words die in your throat. You couldn't help but like the sound of "yet". It meant more time with Hobie.. and you enjoyed that. Hobie's company was something you were starting to crave. Almost like a drug.

Hobie glanced over at you. "Gotta admit, didn't expect ya t' come with me. Considerin' 'ur parents don't know ya snuck out."

“Yeah well..” You sigh, looking out onto the building with a soft smile. “Maybe I just needed something different.” You finish, looking over at Hobie.

You’re suddenly very aware of how close the two of you are to each other. Hobie’s eyes flicker; your eyes, your mouth, and back a couple times. It’s almost like.. he was asking you for something. The longer you both stared, the more tempted he became, and you honestly couldn’t blame him.

So why did you pull away?

As soon as he started leaning in, you pulled back, clearing your throat. His eyes widen before narrowing, scoffing gently. Guess he misread the situation.

You really couldn’t tell him he didn’t.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

The next weeks Hobie Brown didn’t show up to school.

You had a feeling you were the cause. Brushing him off like that was such a dick move on your part. You knew that. You wanted nothing more than to find him and run to him, kissing him like there was no tomorrow.

But you couldn’t. You had an image to maintain. A reputation. All the trust you worked so hard to accumulate would go down the drain in an instant.

Of course.. Hobie may be worth that.

Hobie to you is worth that risk. All his rule breaking and crazed adventures are just what you need in your life. Something that gives you the freedom you longed for.

But you had to go and screw it up. And now here you were, three weeks after the incident, at your locker with a guy trying to talk you up.

“C’mon, [Name], just one night! It’ll change your life!”

You groan, slamming the locker shut. “Dude, I said no. Can you stop?”

“Why? I gotta know why!” He persisted, grabbing your wrist as you tried walking away.

You yank your arm away, trying to escape. “I don’t owe you that! Let me go.”

“Not until you-”

“Hey.”

You turn at the sudden voice, shocked at who it belonged to. There stood Hobie Brown, eyes filled with anger.

“They said, let go.” He said, grabbing the guy’s arm and yanking it away. “Learn t’ take a hint, aye?”

The guy’s eyes narrowed. “And who do you think you are, Brown? Their boyfriend?”

“As a matter of fac’-”

Then, Hobie turns you to him, bringing your lips to his. No warning, no asking, nothing. Just does what he’s been craving after three weeks of disappearance.

Everyone in the hallway around you two watched with shocked faces. Nobody could have seen this coming, not even you.

A thousand thoughts rushed through your head as Hobie kissed you, but one screamed to push away. So you did, giving him a shocked look before grabbing his arm and pulling him away from the scene. You drag him to a storage closet, shutting the door.

“Brown, what the hell was that?!” You immediately ask, eyes narrowed. “What, do you disappear for three weeks then kiss every person you were hanging out with? What the hell?”

Hobie sighed, leaning against a shelf behind him. “Guy needed t’ be taught a lesson. Made sure he won’t bother ya.”

“I can do that on my own!” You respond, shoving an accusing finger in his chest. “Where have you been?!”

“Thinkin’.” Is all he responds with.

You groan. “For three weeks? Shit Hobie, I..” You words fall short. You want to say it.. squeeze it out. “I.. missed you.”

Hobie’s eyes widened as he takes in your words. You.. missed him? He never would have seen this coming; a confession from the president in a dingy storage closet? Not on his bucket list.

Your eyes watch Hobie, doing that same pattern he did on the rooftop; eyes, mouth, eyes. You wanted to kiss him again.. feel those lips again on yours. No.. you needed it.

You know what? Fuck this perfect image.

You grab onto Hobie's vest, pulling him in to connect your lips. Your rough with your movements at first, closing your eyes tightly and latching onto him with a white-knuckle grip. Hobie's eyes widened for a moment before they showed a more prideful look, kissing you back with just as much emotion.

His hands find placement on your lower back, pulling you into him as the kiss escalates from one to many. Hobie was like a starved man, slotting his leg in between yours to support you, pushing you back against the shelf and knocking over some cleaning supplies.

That could be fixed later.

Your original intention of one passionate kiss to show him how you felt turned into many heated kisses. The bell for class was drowned out by how into the moment you both were.

“Fuck.. Hobie..” You whisper, diving back in for another kiss.

Hobie groaned in turn, pulling you impossibly closer. “Shit sweetheart.. can’t say m’ name like that.”

“Hmm.. why’s that..?”

“‘s gonna drive me crazy..”

Suddenly, the doorknob to the closet rattles, causing you both to pull away. Your eyes go wide as Hobie grabs it from where he stands, bringing one finger to his lips to make you stay quiet.

The person on the other side tries to open the door, but ultimately fails. They groan and mumble something before walking away. Hobie looks over at your expression, a small laugh escaping his lips.

“Let’s get out of here, yeah?” He whispers, planting a kiss to your jaw. “Or are ya gonna keep pretendin’ you’re too good for it?”

You sigh, rolling your eyes as you take his hand. "Nah, not this time. Come on."

some ppl who wanted to be tagged (🫶): @serenn08 | @rksses | @youronlyauthor | @dotheyevenknowmars | @xoxobabe

[aeshiiteiru]

Stars around my scars

— Sigma noticed his s/o falling into depression and comforts them

—Warnings & Notes

sfw | angst

|| Hey, hey! Sorry for the long wait, I've been quite busy, but that doesn't mean I forgot about you all!! I'm working on all the requests ^3^ (also, this was a request, but I accidentally deleted the ask! I hope the anon will still find it T^T)

|| hurt/comfort, gn! reader, self-harm, and depression!! (If you're sensitive, please don't interact!!!), I think there was some cussing, not sure, tho!, not beta read we die like bsd parents

m.list | writing rules

Sigma is a busy man. Being the manager of a big and successful Casino takes up a lot of his time, so having some alone time with you is not always possible. But even then, even while not spending as much time with you, he noticed. He noticed how distant you were. He noticed the blank expression on your face, the forced smile you gave him, and the "I'm fine," you responded with whenever he asked if something was wrong. He didn't understand what was happening at first, thinking maybe someone said something that made you feel upset. His mission was to find out what was wrong. He started observing your behavior closely, trying to figure it out himself. He could've gained that information by a simple touch, that was an option with his ability, but he knew that that would be forced and he promised himself to never use his ability on you without your consent.

That left him with just analyzing your behavior, your answers, and just trying to understand your feelings. During one of his observations, he noticed that you started wearing more covering clothes. He thought it was weird. After all, it was so hot outside. Who would want to wear long-sleeved shirts and hoodies? That's when it clicked. That was the moment he connected all the dots and started panicking. You weren't harming yourself…right? He hoped it was just his mind making him worry for no reason, but there was this feeling of distress, the feeling that he needed to confront you right now, make sure everything was actually alright. So that's what he did. He took the nearest opportunity to leave his office and find you. He didn't care that he was going to miss a meeting, none of that mattered to him. The only thing on his mind was you and the worry for your well-being.

He found you in one of the casino rooms, sitting on the couch, observing as some players made bets. He immediately came up to you, reaching his hand out to you, hoping for you to take it so that the two of you can go into an empty room and talk. You were confused at first, looking at him and wondering why he wasn't at one of his meetings. You didn't question it, though. You just took his hand and stood up from the soft cushions. He took the lead, bringing you inside one of the empty rooms and closing the door behind him, trying to make sure you two had full privacy. "…so, why did you bring me here?" you asked, still confused. He gave you a rather sad look, trying to find the right words to start the topic. "Well, I've come to notice your shift in behavior…and your suspicious choice of clothing. Is there something wrong? Do you want to talk about it..?", he said gently, making sure not to scare you off immediately. You were very caught off guard. You didn't think he would actually notice it, considering you haven't really seen him for longer than 2 hours every three days or so.

You took a seat on one of the chairs, fidgeting with the sleeve of your hoodie. It was clear you were nervous, trying to say something, but nothing came out of your mouth. Sigma waited in silence, giving you as much time as you needed. The silence and your reaction only confirmed his suspicions. Five minutes went by, although to you, it felt like hours. You couldn't look him in the eyes, afraid he would be judging you. With a shaky breath, you finally spoke up, trying to stop this suffocating silence. "I…I'm not doing good…I've been missing my will to live, feeling numb all over my body, yet my heart always ached even though it felt empty. I've been very lonely, no one to talk to…", you explained briefly. Sigma was hurt, to say the least. Lonely? Why did you feel lonely if he was here? That's when he understood. He wasn't actually here. He didn't give you the attention you needed. He neglected you because of his work.

He felt awful, the guild building up in him. He started apologizing for not being there for you when you needed him, but you stopped him immediately. "You don't need to apologize, I understand. Besides…it's not just you. A lot has happened lately. I got kicked out of university because I was missing too many classes because of work, and I lost my job because I was always late since I had classes beforehand. I have to move out of my apartment soon because I can't pay the rent anymore and my [instert pet] died…currently, my life looks like some cheesy ass movie plot line, and that's utterly ridiculous!" you explained, noticing how stupid that sounds. Sigma tried to process all this information, trying to understand why you didn't tell him, why didn't you share your problems with him? Before he could even ask you, you already spoke up again. "Before you ask, I didn't want to trouble you. I know you're busy, and I just didn't want to burden you with my issues. "you exclaimed. Sigma was shocked, just in disbelief. Is that the impression he gave you? That you can't come to talk to him because he's busy? It was ridiculous to him, and he needed to get it inside your head that no matter how busy he was, he would always find time for you and help you with your problems.

"This is stupid. Dear, please, you can ALWAYS talk to me when things get hard for you, you don't have to pretend like everything is okay. I really didn't want to neglect you like this, and I'm incredibly sorry for making you think you can't talk to me. We can work everything out together, I'm here for you. I might not be able to help with the university, but how about you work here at the casino? I wouldn't mind having an amazing assistant. Your apartment? Move out and come live with me here in the casino. You know what my "house" part of the casino looks like, I'm sure you'll feel at home in no time. And about your [insert pet]…my condolences, I know how much they meant to you. I'll make sure to give them a proper funeral." spoke Sigma.

He gave you the hope you lost some time ago, and you couldn't help but shed tears at his words, at the fact that he cared. Sigma kneeled in front of you, taking your hands in his and looking at the sleeves. He sent you a look, asking whether it's okay for him to take a look. You just nodded slightly, allowing him to roll up your sleeves to reveal the many, many small and big cuts along both your arms. This view absolutely broke Sigma. You were scared he felt disgusted by them. You tried to pull away, but his grip on your hands remained. He finally spoke up, pure sorrow in his voice. "But…why the self-harm? What is the reason behind it?"Sigma tried really hard to understand. He wanted to know so that he could think of something to prevent it from repeating in the future. You only looked away, feeling pure embarrassment.

“It…it helped me with the numbness..it made me feel something. It was the only way for me to recognize myself as a living being." The following words just left your mouth before you could even process your thoughts. "You must feel disgusted by them, I'm sorry, I'll make sure to cover them up better…I'm just embarrassed by them."Sigma immediately stopped you by squeezing your hands again, this time reassuringly. "Disgusted? Never. And don't you dare feel embarrassed by it. It's understandable, but don't do it in the future, or ever. Understood?" he inquired, and you only nodded, tears streaming down your face. Sigma just looked at you, and his gaze was soon on your arms again.

He let out a quiet sigh and brought his face closer to your arms. He started kissing every single one of your scars with utmost care. This action left you shocked. You suddenly just felt overwhelmed with emotions. The small tears quickly turned into full-on sobs as he continued to leave little kisses on your arms, no scar left out. Once he was finished, he looked back at your face, giving you a small smile. "This doesn't make me change my thoughts about you, dear. You're still the same person I fell for, and I'll help you get through this hard time. So please, be honest with me in the future. I love and care about you." he whispered and stood back up. The two of you talked about your problems and found further multiple solutions to them. You felt so good about yourself now, seeing that there is actually someone who cares unconditionally.

Copyright © 2023 Aeshiiteiru.

[sylvia-forest]

[CN] Shaw's Small Paradise Date

⚡Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a Date which hasn't been released in EN yet!⚡

[Released Date: 1 FEB 2024]

[This date was translated with the help of Google translate ~]

[Section 1]

Some stuffy and warm air flow disrupted my sleep. I stretched and yawned, fumbling to turn off the air conditioner before slowly opening my eyes.

The sky was already clear, and the faint light leaking through the curtains was blocked by the broad figure in front of me, outlining undulating contours.

MC: Shaw…..

I couldn't help but reach out and poke his shoulder.

MC: Are you awake?

Shaw [sleepy voice]: …..Mm.

Shaw didn't turn around; instead, a nasal-toned response drifted over gently.

MC: When did you wake up? Shaw: Twenty minutes ago. MC: How come you woke up first and didn't even call me? Shaw [in a cold indifferent tone]: Wouldn't it be better to wake up naturally? MC: ……?

Seeing him continuously speaking with his back turned to me, I poked him in confusion.

MC: Shaw, are you on your phone? Why are you maintaining that posture for so long? Shaw: Nope.

...If I can't hear the indifference in his tone now, then I must be a fool.

But this early in the morning, I haven't even had the chance to annoy him, right? I couldn't help but pout.

MC: Can you turn around? It's awkward to talk like this.

Shaw [sulking×1]: Isn't this the distance you wanted? MC: ...When did I ever want this kind of distance? Don't casually slander people…..ugh!

Before I could finish speaking, the next moment, a shadow had already descended heavily upon me, rendering me immobile.

MC: Wha-what are you doing...? Shaw: What do you mean, of course, it is to judge you.

His breath tickled my forehead, making me instinctively wrinkle my nose. This action seemed to be misunderstood by Shaw as resistance, so he chuckled coldly.

Shaw [continuation×2 + sounds a little bit hurt]: I'm asking you, last night I pulled you into my arms twice, and you struggled free twice. What's the meaning of that? Shaw [×3]: Do you despise me? MC: Of course not!

I suddenly felt incredibly unjust. Just as I was about to argue with him, a vague memory flashed through my mind, causing my words to get stuck in my throat.

Last night, I did feel his hands assertively wrap around me.

And then, in a half-asleep state, it seems like... I subconsciously struggled to free myself a couple of times.

Thinking about this, I awkwardly tugged at the corner of my mouth.

MC [testing the water]: Uh, yesterday doesn't count, right? Shaw [in a cold threatening voice]: Why doesn't it count?

My mind raced as I quickly searched for reasons to justify my actions from yesterday.

MC: Because the air conditioning was set high yesterday, it was a bit hot when we were cuddled together... MC: And, um, your arm was a bit too firm and uncomfortable to rest on, so I... um, made a technical adjustment!

Shaw [sulking×4 + feeling hurt]: You mean, you feel uncomfortable when I hold you to sleep?

[T/N]: Call me insane but I'm in love with his sulky and pouty voice *bangs my head on the wall*

MC: I didn't say I felt uncomfortable, it was...well, my body didn't listen to me in my sleep… Shaw [×5]: Oh, so it was just your body instinctively moving away from me.

MC: No! Shaw, why are you like this…

Seeing the situation escalating, I didn't know how else to explain myself. Shaw had already cut me off.

Shaw [smirks]: Okay.

Shaw squinted his eyes halfway and interrupted me.

Shaw [someone is holding a grudge]: It's really my problem that I didn't take your feelings into consideration.

Shaw [finally made up his mind]: I'll pay attention next time.

As the restraints on me loosened, Shaw turned to get off the bed. I quickly sat up and grabbed his arm, blinking at him with a hint of guilt.

MC: Wait, wait, are you sure you're not just saying the opposite out of anger? Shaw: Am I that kind of person?

Shaw raised his eyebrows as he spoke, leaned over, and placed a gentle kiss on the tip of my nose.

MC: …..?!

I stared at him in astonishment, and he responded with an innocent yet subtle smile.

Shaw [reluctantly accepts the current situation + plays the part of a wounded person]: It's just one night without cuddling. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future.

Shaw [lovingly]: Besides, today is Valentine's Day. Why would I quarrel with my dear and beloved?

—

[Section 2]

Something was off. Very off.

After getting up, Shaw went about his morning routine as if nothing had happened. He even "thoughtfully" brought me breakfast from downstairs.

However, my keen intuition told me — this guy was definitely still sulking.

MC: The worst I can do is stay still tonight… Shaw: What did you say? MC: I said, Tonight, you can pull me however you want, I'll definitely stay put!

Shaw: …… Shaw [sighs]: Why are you still worrying about what happened in the morning? I forgot about it. MC: Is that so?

Shaw didn't answer my question, he just raised his hand and pushed the soy milk on the table towards me.

Shaw: Only a three-year-old child loves to pry like this. Hurry up and drink your soy milk, we should go to the antique shop after you're done. MC: Huh, are we spending Valentine's Day at the antique shop today? Shaw: I was just planning to clean up there, but if you want to spend time there, that's fine too. MC: Why clean up today?

Shaw saw that I was still confused, and a familiar teasing smile appeared on his face.

Shaw [laughs + starts teasing her]: Tsk tsk, isn't there someone who dreams of getting rich overnight every day? How could you forget that today is also the fifth day of the Lunar New Year when we welcome the God of Wealth?

MC: !!Welcoming the God of Wealth! We need to hurry and set off, or else we'll be late, what if there's traffic on the God of Wealth's route?

I instantly got excited and quickly finished the soy milk, pulling Shaw towards the door.

With one hand being pulled by me, Shaw used his other hand to grab a couple's beret from the hanger and put it on my head.

Shaw [clicks his tongue + in a low, sulking, jealous voice]: ...Who knew in the eyes of a fool, the God of Wealth is more important than 'lover'.

[T/N]: MC WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!!

—

The antique shop has been closed for less than half a month, and there was already a thin layer of dust in the room.

We quickly divided the tasks and started cleaning with our respective tools.

Before long, the various items in the store were shining with their appropriate luster and colors.

Shaw lit a stick of incense and respectfully placed it in front of the God of Wealth's altar. Then, he found a yellow paper from somewhere and spread it out on the table, picking up a brush to start writing.

Curiously, I leaned in to see what he was writing and followed along with his vigorous strokes, reading each word aloud.

MC: Inviting the Five God of Wealth to descend, humbly requesting... What is this?

Shaw: It's the invocation script for the Five God of Wealth. Shaw: Since we're welcoming the God of Wealth, we should do it properly. We need to specify our wishes, our address, the auspicious date... everything has to be written meticulously. Shaw [as a matter of fact]: Otherwise, how would the God's know who is asking for wealth? MC: Oh, I see. It's like how some people nowadays report their ID numbers when they go to burn incense! Shaw [chuckles]: That's what it means. MC: Then you quickly help me write it, may the God of Wealth bless us to win big prizes every day this year, and even pick up money while walking! Shaw: Why, the jackpot won last year wasn’t big enough?

Thinking of my experience of becoming an island owner and winning an RV last year, I raised my chin proudly.

Reference from his “Four season” event and “6th Anniversary” event!

MC: Hum hum, I am so greedy! MC: Besides, if I won a lottery, it will benefit both of us~

Shaw [in sync with her energy]: Alright, I'll help you write it. Let me keep benefiting from your good luck next year.

As I watched Shaw earnestly write down the whimsical wishes, a hint of sweetness brewed in my heart.

It felt as though some kind of power was truly born from his brush strokes, capable of conveying our intentions to the ethereal Gods.

We spread the invocation script in front of the God of Wealth statue, just after lighting the incense and making our wishes, when suddenly there were two knocks on the door of the shop.

We both turned around and faced Mr. Yan's smiling face. The other person held a pig doll in one hand and made a bow to us.

Lao Yan: Shaw, MC, Happy New Year!

[T/N]: Here Lao Yan calls them little Ling and little MC in Chinese but it doesn't look great in the EN version so gonna go along with just their names only.

Shaw [in a cheerful voice]: Happy New Year to you, old man. What's the matter? Lao Yan: There you go, just this matter in my hands.

Lao Yan had a look of helplessness on his face, and he patted the pig doll in his hand.

Lao Yan: I accidentally washed the doll my granddaughter sleeps with, and just bought her a new one as an apology, but the little girl doesn't want it. Lao Yan: She said this is not what she wants, she doesn't like it. Lao Yan: You young people understand these things better. How about you, MC and you, help me buy one? It's the big New Year, I don't want the little girl to be unhappy because of this.

Shaw and I exchanged a glance, clearly asking for my opinion. I pondered for a moment.

MC: If it's a doll to sleep with, then I know what kind to buy.

—

[Section 3]

Miniature floppy-eared rabbits, chubby ducks, and even anthropomorphic vegetables, insects...

As soon as I entered the doll store, I was dazzled by the dazzling array of dolls.

MC: Wow, this eggplant is so cute!! MC: This long-haired rabbit is so adorable!

I let go of the little rabbit plushie, then hugged a half-sized elephant plush toy, reluctant to let go, I rubbed against it contentedly.

MC: Shaw, this one is so soft to hold!

Shaw stood a few steps away, arms crossed, and raised an eyebrow inquisitively.

Shaw [elongates his tone]: So you like soft ones so much. MC: Huh? What does that mean?

I was a bit slow to react, and Shaw's jaw raised even higher.

Shaw [a hint of displeasure hidden in his voice]: I said, if you think it is comfortable to hold, buy it. MC [burst out laughing]: ….Pff.

— —Sure enough, you still care!

Unexpectedly, without me probing, this guy exposed his tangled thoughts that he had been holding in for half the day.

I found it somewhat amusing, unable to resist teasing him, I winked at him.

MC [starts acting]: Well, it's too soft for me. I prefer something with just the right amount of firmness when I hug it~

Shaw [shocked]: …..

Shaw seemed momentarily stunned by my comment, his lips parted and closed again, before finally tilting his head to the side in silence.

Shaw [clears his throat + pretends not to hear it and starts teasing her]: Okay, aren't you here to choose a doll for Lao Yan's granddaughter? Why are you discussing your own preferences?

Changing the subject again, how boring. I rolled my eyes and showed him the photo on my phone.

MC: I've found the one I want to buy for the kid. MC: I just had Lao Yan took a photo of the damaged doll. We'll buy the same model.

Shaw [having a hard time to believe]: Are you sure? There are so many new models here.

MC: Of course I'm sure. Didn’t Lao Yan say that this doll was for children to hold while sleeping? MC: It indicates that, in her heart, this is the softest and most familiar comfort toy.

I picked up the doll that was exactly the same as in the photo and gestured towards Shaw.

MC: No matter how good the new models are, they can't compare to the comfort of that one that holds a special place in her heart.

Shaw looked at the doll in my hand and nodded.

Shaw: You know a lot about this. MC: This is my experience. Didn’t you sleep with a stuffed animal when you were a child? Shaw: No  MC [happily]: If you have a chance, you can try it. Sleeping with a doll in your arms will make you feel at ease~

Shaw's expression once again turned peculiar, and he chuckled, then walked over to the shelf.

Shaw: I'm too lazy to try, but you seem to really want to relive the feeling of your childhood. Shaw: Why don't you choose a sleeping doll that you feel comfortable with and has moderate hardness and softness? Shaw [starts playing the role of a wounded person×1]: From now on, you will sleep with it in your arms, and you will feel at ease. Shaw [×2]: Well, I think this red panda one is pretty good… MC: Shaw!

Seeing Shaw earnestly selecting a plush toy, I quickly interrupted his soliloquy.

MC: I don't want this red panda.

Shaw turned his head, returning my gaze defiantly.

Shaw [continues with the act×3]: So, which one do you want? The rabbit, the shark, the giraffe, or maybe the eggplant, the bread? MC: Don't want any!

I reached for the nearby keychain, grabbed his hand, and slipped it into his fingers.

MC: I just want this "red panda", is that okay?

In an instant, a faint blush flashed across Shaw's face, yet he deliberately pouted his lips downward.

Shaw [carefully testing her by acting all innocent]: Weren't some people picky before? Why are they suddenly attracted to it now? MC: It's not like I suddenly took a liking to it now. I've been chasing after him for a very, very long time, planning to stay by his side for the rest of my life!

Shaw's throat bobbed heavily, and he looked down at his ring finger, then raised his gaze, staring longer into my eyes.

Shaw: Even if he's very rigid, very stubborn, and his actions are unreasonable, would you still want this uncomfortable little panda? MC: Yes. MC: Because he gives me the most comfort when he hugs, is that not okay? Shaw: Okay.

Finally, Shaw revealed his brightest smile of the day, and with a flick of his wrist, he firmly clasped my fingertips.

Shaw [in a really really good mood]: But I have to remind you, once you're bound to this little panda, there's no return or exchange.

—

[Section 4]

Even though I was bound to this "little panda," I still couldn't resist the adorable onslaught of the shop's merchandise and ended up buying several plushies.

After delivering the doll to Lao Yan's granddaughter, Shaw and I took the other plushies home.

After I got home, I happily placed the dolls on the sofa one by one, then sat among them and turned on the TV.

MC: This is the perfect sofa!

Shaw [feeling jealous]: ?How come it's perfect? They filled the sofa. Where's my place?

Shaw placed the cola on the coffee table, then discontentedly picked up a small dinosaur by its tail and placed it on the floor. He then squeezed in and pulled me into his arms.

Shaw [feeling satisfied with his action]: .....This is perfect.

The TV kept replaying the New Year's gala from a few days ago. I flipped through a few channels but couldn't find anything interesting, so I simply handed the remote control to Shaw.

MC: Is there anything you want to see? Shaw: No, TV programs are boring to begin with, and the Spring Festival ones are even more boring. MC: Shaw, you're holding a renowned TV show producer in your arms!

Shaw [acts like he just realized this fact]: Oh, how about watching a TV show produced by this well-known program producer?

Shaw, while saying so, actually picked up the remote control and switched to Loveland TV, where a variety show produced by [MC Company name] happened to be airing.

MC: Ah, don’t look—— ——

I let out a cry of dismay, trying to grab the remote control from Shaw, but he deliberately extended his arm to prevent me from taking it away.

Shaw: Why not let me see it? MC: It’s not that you are not allowed to read it, but will you read your final thesis in front of relatives and friends during the Lunar Year? MC: And when I saw the faces of these guests, I was reminded of those troubling things during the shooting again...

When Shaw heard what I said, his interest became even higher.

Shaw: I'm not interested in the show, but I'm very interested in the story that tortures you. Tell me?

What kind of person are you!

I hummed twice, slid down a bit, and rested my head on his shoulder.

MC: Just look at this middle-aged man wearing a pink tie. He was fine during rehearsals, but after the official shoot, he always likes to improvise... MC: And here, do you feel that the editing was stiff? It’s because the original challenge content was not what is being broadcast now… MC: One time, the host and the lighting technician got into an argument, and it ended with everyone's supper being spilled...

Shaw chuckled as he listened to me rambling on about my grievances, occasionally adding a comment or two to commiserate. Meanwhile, the program on the screen gradually came to an end.

This day was obviously no different from any other day, but I felt a fresh sense of comfort cuddling up with him like this.

Was it because he was listening to my worries while shooting? Or was it because the little misunderstanding in the morning was resolved?

Is it because we made a shared wish for this year together in the antique shop? 

Or is it simply because today is Valentine's Day, and our moods are just good?

I can't figure it out, and I'm too lazy to think about it. I just hope that this comfortable feeling can continue indefinitely.

Shaw: MC. MC: ….Hm? Shaw [carefully]: Do you feel comfortable like this now? MC: Hey, why are you thinking about the same thing as me?

I nodded contentedly.

MC: It’s so comfortable now. Your chest is so wide. I can lie down wherever I want~

Shaw [in a good mood + his lazy voice×1]: But didn't you notice that your hair keeps rubbing on my face?

MC: Ah? But I just moved down. Shaw [×2]: A bit further down. MC: Okay... like this?

Shaw clicked his tongue and wrapped one arm around my shoulders while using his other hand to pinch my face, moving my head to rest against his collarbone.

Shaw [satisfied]: This is more comfortable. MC: No no, I feel uncomfortable like this.

I adjusted myself with seriousness and then placed Shaw's hand on my waist before lifting my face to look at him.

MC: What do you think of this posture now? MC: You see, my legs fit perfectly on yours, and there's room for your arms too. MC: My arms can move too, and they won't block your line of sight either...

Shaw [chuckles sexily]: How come you sound like you're giving a product report?

MC: Of course, I have to explain clearly why this position is good! MC: Otherwise, what if we adjust into another awkward position that makes both of us uncomfortable? Shaw: Really.

Shaw lowered his eyes and stared at me. After a moment, he raised the corner of his mouth.

Shaw [HIS HUSKY VOICE FILLED WITH MISCHIEF]: But you seem to have forgotten to mention the biggest advantage of this posture. MC: Hmm? What advantages?

Shaw [IN A LOW SEXY WHISPER]: Kissing you is easy.

He lowered his head and easily captured my slightly parted lips.

The kiss was irresistible. The sweet breath blends into a thin mist, which quickly escapes between the lips and teeth.

I widened my eyes, and the next moment, a long leg firmly pinned down my attempt to move.

Meanwhile, that unreasonable hand firmly held my jaw, and each touch of his fingers along the side of my neck sent shivers down my spine.

Under his assault, the original position gradually collapsed. The plushies on the sofa also fell to the ground one after another in the melee, rolling around with the little dinosaur.

When our lips finally parted, I couldn't help but use my free hand to lightly pinch his arm.

MC: Why did you sneak attack again…

Shaw grinned triumphantly, his eyes filled with the satisfaction of a successful ambush.

Shaw [HIS SULTRY VOICE SKSKSK]: Calling it an ambush doesn't sound too good. Shaw [×2]: This is a lightning strike, specifically targeting the unprepared.

The protest I just uttered was swallowed back by him.

This time, it wasn't clear whose body pressed against the remote control. In the corner of my eye, the noisy scene on the screen flickered twice, then turned into a blank screen.

Suddenly, the room became exceptionally quiet, making each other's breaths and every friction of our clothes unusually clear.

The narrow sofa contained two violently beating hearts, and also contained the romance that only belonged to me and him in this peaceful evening.

My hand inadvertently brushed against his ring finger—where I had left a "trapped" mark during the day.

Now it was empty, but I knew there was no need for any ring to lock it down; this person belonged to me.

MC: By the way, Shaw…

I was immersed in the aftertaste of happiness, and suddenly remembered something.

MC: You said, now that we have adjusted the perfect sitting position, can we also find a sleeping position that is comfortable for both of us? Shaw [×3]: You're addicted to adjusting?

Shaw smiled and lowered his head, lightly nibbling on the tip of my nose.

Shaw [×4]: There's no need to adjust your sleeping position. I've already figured out how to deal with you. Shaw [DAMN HIS VOICE HERE WAS SO SEXY]: Tonight, set the air conditioning to 16 degrees. I don't believe you won't snuggle into my arms.

[T/N]: BYE BYE WORLD, IT WAS NICE KNOWING YOUUUU. Man PG do know how to quench our thirst🤭 damn I wasn't expecting the last part to be soooo hot🔥🔥

—

💍Call

[minimickzy]

Practice || Van Palmer Part 1

Guys went a little crazy and I think this will be well over 3k words so I'm gonna split it in two parts- also I swear I don't hate Jackie- she's just such an easy villain.

dialog prompts:

"Hold my hand" "Absolutely not" "We should kiss, for like practice" "I've liked you since you hit me with a rock at recess in 1st grade." "fuck you"

Characters: Van x Reader, the whole team

Word count: 1568

You had known Van since kindgerraden. You two had been table mates and caused the teacher so many headaches that she moved you to opposite sides of the classroom, which of course only made you two more disruptive. By some miracle, or curse depending on who you asked, The two of you had been in all the same classes leading up to high school, where you still ended up having a good amount together.

She had wanted to be a goalie in soccer so you had to join too, obviously. JV freshman year introduced you to the rest of your high school friend group. Everyone got along as well as you could expect for a small-town soccer team. Although there was definitely still the fair share of petty arguments and drama. 

“Come on guys, focus!” Jackie yelled in her normal peppy voice across the field. You grumbled, doing your best not to glare at her. 

This practice had fallen apart almost as soon as it started. Jackie and Tai had gotten into yet another screaming match in the locker room, splitting the team up and leaving tension hanging over all of you. 

You tried another play, which ended in Natalie completely knocking down Shanua- starting another yelling match. 

You stood with a hand on your hip. Waiting for Coach Ben to call it for the day. 

“Nice Ass lady” Van whispered as she approached you from behind before breaking into a chuckle.

“Take a picture, it’ll last longer.” You smirked over your shoulder and winked at her, causing her to fan herself with her hand. “How long do you think before practice is called?” 

The redhead tapped her chin pretending to think, “I’ll give it two more minutes- either Coach calls it or Tai decks Jackie out cold.” 

You let out a snort, “If Tai takes Jackie- Shauna will be on her before she had the chance to run.” 

“I’d pay to see that.” 

“I’m sure you would.” 

She gave you a cheeky grin. 

Sure enough within 2 minutes Coach called it, telling everyone to take the rest of the day and the weekend to cool off. 

~ 

“So… Natalie, did you mean to knock down Shauna or was it just a stellar accident?” Van asked Natalie before taking a drag of the joint between her fingers.   

This was a semi-normal occurrence. Nat, Van, Lottie and you hitting a joint behind the school before leaving practice. 

“Can I plead the fifth?” You laughed as Van passed you the joint. “Besides- I barely tapped her.” 

You let out a puff of smoke before speaking up again, “Well if we’re still going to that party tonight you better watch out for Jackie's wrath.” 

Lottie giggled, “I don't think she even knows how to throw a punch.” 

Natalie finished off the joint before flicking it to the ground and stomping it into the ground with her boot. “Guess we’ll have to find out” She gave her most daring grin.

~

You went home to change and get ready, opting to waste most of your time laying on your bed zoning out to the radio. At 9:30 you went outside to wait for Kevyn to pull up. The major perk of whatever the fuck he had going with Natalie meant you all had a ride to every party. 

Sure enough, he pulled up in his semi-shitty car (not that you were one to judge) with Natalie, Van, and Lottie already loaded in. You smooshed into the back seat next to Van who like usual wore an oversized T-Shirt under her jean jacket and tan pants. 

As small town trashy as it was, most parties were either held at a few designated houses or, more often, in the woods about two miles from the school. Kevyn pulled up and parked with all the other cars, letting all of you get out. “If you want rides back I’ll only ask you once before I leave.” Kevyn locked his car before wrapping an arm around Natalie's shoulders and heading towards the bonfire. 

Lottie made a gagging sound next to you, “I just don’t get what she sees in him.” 

“I hear ya Lot. But to be fair I feel that about all her boy toys.” Van added.

You shrugged, noncommittally and started towards a keg, “I don’t know about you guys but I need a drink.” 

Lottie spotted some people from her classes and left to catch up with them, leaving you and Van alone. 

It’s not that parties weren't for you per se, but Van didn’t much care for them. She’d rather be at your place getting high and watching old VHSs than be surrounded by fellow students after what was already required for school. 

You two tended to stay off to the side, making fun of the drunk kids and freshmen who really weren’t ready to be here yet. 

You were sitting on one of the log benches, resting your head on Van’s shoulder, laughing at the stupid commentary she was providing before you heard Jackies yell ring out over the noise, “What’d you say Bitch?” You stood up from your spot, rushing towards the scene, Van hot on your heels. Jackie was pushing Natalie away from her, Kevyn trying (not well) to hold Natalie back. 

“I said, you’re a stuck-up cunt.” Natalie spat at her. 

You smacked your forehead as Van grumbled next to you, “Seriously Nat? Not helpful.” 

The two of you weren’t the only partygoers who had come to see the commotion. A circle had formed around the two. “You need to watch yourself, so you don’t end up like your trailer trash parents.” 

You could feel Van tense next to you before she jumped between them, “Okay- That’s enough, yellowjackets meeting. Right now.” 

Natalie had a fire in her eyes, Jackie's cruelty, and Van's one of disappointment. Natalie huffed but followed Van, prompting you, Lottie, Shauna, and Jackie to follow. You hadn’t seen Tai all night and assumed she probably didn’t show up to avoid being around Jackie and Shauna. 

Once you were all a small distance away from the rest of the party Van stopped and clapped her hands together, “alright- let’s talk this shit out before the ally incident from last season repeats itself.” 

“There’s really nothing to say other than the apology Natalie owes me.” Jackie started, earning the start of more yelling. 

“Hey!” Van yells over the others, “Jackie- you and Tai agreed to move on so now do it.” She rubs down her face with your head, obviously tired of this shit. “Why don’t we do what we did last year before nationals? Do the camp thing where we all have to say something nice about each other.” 

As the others protested you moved forward in front of Jackie, “Come on guys- it helped us last time! Let’s try it.” You gave Van a look, trying to show her you were doing your best. 

Nat rolled her eyes but nevertheless turned to Shauna and plastered on a smile. 

You looked back to Jackie, she seemed apprehensive. You two weren’t really close, but you were civil and had nothing personally against her. She was just very sheltered compared to Van, Nat, Lottie, and you. And you assumed Shauna but you weren’t really sure. 

“Jackie…. I think you’re a great leader.” Okay, you had to be better than that, “The way you can rally the team is impressive…. And I really love your style.”

Better right?

Sure enough, she smiled and thanked you before returning the favor.  

You and Van had each other last, which was definitely for the best because you were crossed enough that there was no way you could stay serious with her. 

She stepped in front of you and smirked, “(y/n), I've liked you since you hit me with a rock at recess in 1st grade." 

"fuck you"

She barked out a laugh and lightly hit your arm, “What? It’s true!” 

You rolled your eyes and crossed your arms over your chest, “ First of all it was an accident, Secondly I barely hit you, you were just dramatic.” 

“Mmmm, that's what you wanted Mrs. Todd to think.” 

You shook your head but couldn't help from joining in her laughter. Her laughter was contagious you swear to god. 

“Okay okay, my turn. Tell me how great I am.” 

You tapped your chin, pretending to think, “I don’t know? Maybe your rugged good looks? Your amazing sense of humor? Your seemingly unlimited supply of weed? There’s just so much to pick from. Wait I know, I love that you’re the most fucking outstanding, compassionate, beautiful person I’ve ever met.” 

It had been meant to be light-hearted, and it was. But now that the words were hanging in the air they felt a lot heavier, like more of the truth than you had intended had sneaked in. 

Both of you had fallen into a delicate silence, the rest of the team and party fading into the background. She was still smiling, more earnestly than you had seen in a long time. “Thank you.”

You give her a half smile, “It’s just the truth.” 

Natalie wrapped her arms around both of you, missing the fact that she was interrupting a private moment, “Palmer, you never cease to amaze me. Jackie actually apologized.” 

Van smiled, “that’s great.” It came out strained and you tried not to cringe.

[theromaboo]

Inspired by @just-late-roman-republic-things's toga alignment chart, I will look at images of things that have been called togas and rate them.

Up first, this specimen down below.

0/10 That is not a Party Toga Costume for Adults, that is a red scarf you've tucked into your belt. If this was what a toga was, Cato the Younger would NOT have gotten away with not wearing a tunica underneath.

Now this one below.

2/10 eBay is clearly very confused over if it's Greek or Roman, but it's certainly a step up over the previous one. This time, the scarf is not tucked into the belt (there isn't one) and is just hanging freely and honestly could kind of be a little like a toga if it wasn't scarf-shaped.

Now, this one below—oh hey that's me!

13-year-old me strikes again. Believe it or not, my French teacher will call my paenula a toga shortly after that picture was taken. I wonder what her idea of a toga was if a paenula with a hood sewn on counted.

1/10 it's literally a paenula.

Fun fact, before I sewed the hood on, it actually was toga-shaped, albeit too thick and too small.

For a second I was spooked out because I thought 13-year-old me had momentarily gained an extra ghostly finger in this picture. But no, the mirror was just dirty as fuck. Whoops!

For that one, 6/10 because it's the first one that actually resembles a toga! But I 100% draped it wrong and it was too small anyway. And so hot. I'm sweating just remembering how hot I felt taking that photo. It's not feasible to wear it if the temperature where you are is above 10°C.

But what if the temperature is below that?

I changed into a thin T-shirt and a short skirt, took out that exact paenula and wrapped it around my body, and stepped outside in the cold, Canadian night.

(it's actually obscenely hot out right now. Right now it's -6°C, which is around 20°F for you Amerians. That is extraordinarily hot for January. It's because of El Niño. Normally, at night, this time of the year, it's around -30°C, which is cold. That's like -22°F. And them usually there are a few days of at least -40°C, which interestingly is also -40°F. So -6°C right now is nothing. But it's cold enough to prove a point)

Once I was outside, I set a timer for five minutes on my phone.

Observations:

I probably should've put on footwear. My bare toes in the snow are not having a fun time right now.

My god, this thing stops wind like a brick wall. I feel wind on the exposed parts of my body and nothing on the covered parts.

My right arm is starting to get a little chilly. It's completely exposed.

My toesies...

Hmmm I've reached the half-way point and I don't really feel cold. Of course, the exposed parts of my body are a bit cold and my feet are quite numb, but the covered parts of my body are starting to get really toasty. Like, my left shoulder is actually starting to get quite hot.

One minute remaining and I'm fine. The night is peaceful and still, and quiet. The stars are bright tonight. Life is quite beautiful.

Oh. The time has finished!

This paenula-turned-toga is so warm that it actually is pretty appropriate to wear in -6°C. If I was wearing pants and a long sleeved shirt and most importantly shoes, I would've been quite comfortable outside. If the toga were longer, I could've covered more parts of my body, and that would've made it warmer too.

I don't know what I was trying to prove in this experiment but 10/10 would try again. Too bad I can't give this to Octavian because he wouldn't have to wear four tunics if he had this. It's a bit small as a toga but it's warm nevertheless. I forgot which fabric it was but it was the cheapest thick one.

I want to judge more "togas" later but now I'm tired and my feet need a warm bath. I hope you guys enjoyed!

[bg-sparrow]

BTTF Year-End Tag Game!

Thanks for the tag, @mjf-af! And thanks for loving one of my favorite fics this year, @daryfromthefuture! 🥰

This year:

How many times would you guess you watched the first back to the future movie? First film, only once or twice. After I finished basically studying it frame-for-frame for my triloogy rewrite, I took a bit of a break lol.

Did you get any sweet bttf merch? If so, what! I did! Lots! I got the complete 1989 BttF II Topps trading card collection, We Don't Need Roads: The Making of the Back to the Future Trilogy, Creating Back to hte Future: The Musical, Save the Clocktower tote, BttF Musical t-shirt, Pink Clint Eastwood hoodie, Enchantment Under the Sea Dance t-shirt, and a 10K medal from MedalChasers!

3. How many cans of Pepsi Free did you chug this year? None. Don't hurt me, but I'm a Diet Coke girl. I was heavily into Pespi in my youth, but I gave up pop for a few years, then one of my medications changed my tastebuds like whoa and I couldn't handle how sweet it was!

4. What was a favorite bttf fanfic you read this year? Don't do this to me! 😩 Tie between He Didn't Start the Fire by @daryfromthefuture, which really started all this 40s Doc phenomenon and was gifted to me in exchange for A Fracture in the Space-time Continuum. I also loved being a part of @professorsaber's r/ThePinheads: Guys, Marty McFLy really *is* a time traveller!!!

5. A favorite bttf fanart you saw this year? (please give us a link, not a screencap/repost!) My favorite this year was one that was a surprise made just for me, so it has no link, unfortunately. @daryfromthefuture drew this for my birthday way back in March of her Until I Get Home Marty and my Once Upon A Time in the West "Clint" about to be blown to bits by cake. Affectionately. :) I smile at it often and love it so much! 🥰

6. Did you create any bttf fanart or fanfic? If you did, what one(s) are you proudest of? Pfffft. Apparently, I added 22 (‽) fics to the BttF AO3 this year?? When the hell did I have time to do that?? Anyhoo, my favorite is a three-way tie and changes based on my mood: A Fracture in the Space-time Continuum (the most canon-flavored of the lot), Now I Am Become Death (my history-heavy Manhattan Project Doc fic), and Once Upon a Time in the East (#2) (because of all the personal leaps in my writing I took with this one).

7. How many times were you late for school this year? I don't attend school anymore, and being self-employed, I have the luxury of running a few minutes late (if it's more than 5 minutes, I count it as late late).

8. Did you watch any other movies/tv shows with BTTF actors in them? I watched MJF's documentary, Still. I watched about a million episodes of classic Spongebob, where Tom Wilson does a lot of voice acting. Watched Who Framed Roger Rabbit? once with Christopher Lloyd as the amazingly unsettling Judge Doom, Titanic with Billy Zane, and I think that's it. I didn't get a lot of screen time outside writing this year.

9. Was there a memorable moment you heard a Huey Lewis song this year? In September, "Hip to be a Square" came on in the grocery store, and I was reminded how much I loved that song as a kid. I'm gonna catch hands for this, but it's probably my favorite Huey Lewis song. :)

10. How many times did you fall down this year? I don't even know. Two of those falls involved my lower legs folding up underneath me as I slid down the stairs, though. The first time, I broke a toe, and the second time was down a set of brick stairs. My entire left leg was a bruise from knee to ankle. There is still some swelling in my knee a month later that makes it painful to kneel on that knee.

11. Did you get to see BTTF: The Musical? What was your experience like! I did I did I did I did I DID!! It was AMAZING! I was out the door and back home in 25 hours, and it was such a fun solo venture! I even got to meet @bri-to-the-future because we happened to be there the same day! I have detailed it extensively in this post!

12. How many times did your mom retell the story of how she and your father met? Uh, maybe once that I heard (I don't live with them anymore). It's a great story. I heard it a bunch growing up, though! My mom was a Good Student, and my dad was Just There Joking-type. They had Home Ec together. She was passing out tests for the teacher, and my dad handed the test back to my mom and said, "I don't want this." My mom just froze up because she didn't know what to do. XD

13. If you could describe your year in a BTTF quote, which one would it be? "You man enough to back them up with more than just a pie plate?" comes to mind because I'm a dreamer with ADHD. That means I spout off stuff all the time that I want to do (fics I want to write), but they're only going to get done through my actions. Starting stuff is hard for an ADHDer, even if it's something we REALLY want to do. I have to follow through or it won't happen. And I did a good deal of that this year and last year, and I'm big proud of that!

14.⚡️LIGHTNING ROUND⚡️ Did you get to: go on any trains, skate on a skateboard, ride a horse, drive a Delorean, run in the rain, go to a dance, hang up a clock, play the guitar, pull an all-nighter, read science fiction, or drive-thru Burger King this year?

15. Your future is whatever you make it! So what are you going to make of this coming year? I said this last year, but this year I'm gonna stick to it: this coming year, I'm going to focus more on reading again. I've spent the last three years going so hard with my writing, terrified if I stopped I wouldn't start again for another eight years, but I'm also confident enough to say that I'll be writing here and there again and not lose it like I did before. I want to read more in 2024 because some of my own writing is feeling stale, like I'm reusing phrases, words, scenarios, etc., and I need some new stuff to inspire the evolution of my writing. I also want to start working on something original! I will absolutely still be around (I host June of Doom after all, and I have a McFly July streak to maintain)! So keep tagging me in these awesome games!

I'm tagging everyone who hasn't been tagged yet!!! :D

[amalia-uwu]

INFIRMUM

Based on fanfiction Firsts & Seconds written by Skerbbie @skerbbie

I DON'T OWN UNDERTALE, HORRORTALE, FARMTALE OR THE FIC FIRST AND SECONDS WRITTEN BY SKERBBIE @skerbbie The rights go to the respective owners!

Undertale by Toby Fox

Horrortale by Sour Apple Studios

Farmtale by GuinongTale_AU

Enjoy!

Warnings ⚠️ : sick fic, angst, little blood, light injuries/ scratches, inaccurate medical stuff (Don't try to stay out in rain you will catch a cold!) , dizziness, (I don't know what else to add in the warnings, you can inform me! 💕)

Cover Photo Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

Chapter 1 : you are here 💙

Chapter 2: press here 💋

CHAPTER 1 :

“RAIN”

Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

🌾

🌾

🌾

He had heard in the radio that there will be a bad weather. He made sure to protect his crops and his animals. He had gathered the wheat, oat, herbs, botanical plants and wood (etc).

His animals were safe; he had added enough water and food.

He went towards the fields. By the time the clouds began gathering he had finished protecting most of his crops.

He saw the clouds approaching slowly. He kept working; he had a few more things to take care of.

The rain started a little earlier than he anticipated. When the first drops of rain fell he was still taking care of his crops.

The rain was soft. As if it was holding back and waited for Sticks to finish his job.

Once he finished, the rain grew a little stronger. He checked his animals again one last time. Everything was okay. He looked at his field. Everything seemed okay.

The rain was cold against his bones. His clothes all wet, dripping wet.

.

.

As he was returning home the rain grew stronger. It no longer held back it's power.

He started running in an attempt to go faster but slipped in the mud

Aaand came face down in rain scratching, cracking his elbows and patellas a little. He will have bruises tomorrow. Oh boy.

He got up and after 2-3 minutes he reached home.

He noticed Axe sitting  by the kitchen's window looking concerned and holding some items on his hands.

Sticks grinned. Once he was within view, Axe saw him. It was adorable how his expression went from concern to happiness, shock, concern again. He grinned at them. Axe went and opened the door.

Once he entered his home. Axe greeted him. Sticks greeted him back.

Sans was shivering and dripping wet.

Axe stretched his hands towards him. Sticks took the towels and he removed his clothes letting them in the corner "Thanks buddy! careful not to slip, I'll go take a shower."

Axe nodded. He stepped in the side. He sat in the window watching the rain. Strong wind blew and thunders lit up the sky.

.

.

.

Sticks entered his room, took some clothes, entered the bathroom and took a quick shower. When he was done  he  realized he forgot to take his shirt and flannel. He cleaned the bathroom, put on his pants and went in his bedroom.

He saw his clothes on the bed. As he went to put on the shirt, he sensed a presence.

Sticks looked over his shoulder, Axe was looking at him sternly arms crossed.

"Uhm..."

Axe kept giving him a stern look and a grunt.

"So, judging by the way you are looking at me.. You want to make sure I am okay, you gonna tell my brother I was a bad boy for staying out in rain and I am not gonna hear the end of it am I?"

Axe tried to keep a straight face but he smirked a little.

As Sticks put his black T-shirt, Axe noticed some blood on his 'elbows'.

He narrowed his eyes, uncrossed his arms and walked closer. He  gently touched with his index finger Stick's elbows.

Sticks grimaced slightly, good thing he had his back turned. He turned  around and saw Axe. Who was eyeing him concerned. Sticks spoke softly

"I was running to come here faster but slipped. It's nothing to worry about".

Axe remained silent. He exited the room. Sticks put on his red flannel and buttoned it.

Just then Axe returned. Sans saw the first aid kit in his hands. Sticks smiled.

Axe gently raised the sleeves took care of the small injuries. "Thank you buddy, now let's go eat hm?"

Axe nodded "Can.." he spoke. Sticks looked at him, his face shining at the sound of Axes voice.

He could speak but used it rarely. "Can I help you?" he asked. "Of course" he replied and smiled. Axe gave him back a small smile.

"Let's go buddy". He wrapped his hand around his shoulder. Axe blushed slightly.

They made soup. Axe boiled the water, Sans cut the vegetables, added spices, salt amd pepper.

When done.

They sat down to enjoy their meal. Axe was giving concerned looks at him. He was eyeing him from top to toe.

Sticks had dark circles under his eyes. His bones seemed paler than normal. He could feel Axe's eyes piercing him.

He said nothing. They ate in silence. Axe was eating but inspecting him as well.

Truth be told, last days were difficult..

He couldn't rest and couldn't sleep. He couldn't take a nap.

He was just tired- no. No, he was exhausted. Being caught in the rain didn't help.

When finished with their food, he picked up the plates. Axe offered to wash them "You go to rest, I'll wash them" Sticks smiled "How about I dry them? Then we both go to sleep?"

Axe smiled "fine but if you feel like you had enough go to bed!" his voice playfully stern. Sticks nodded. They teamed up to do the dishes.

When everything was tidied up they went to bed.

"Goodnight Axe" he spoke softly.

"Goodnight sticks" he tenderly replied.

Even though It was raining all evening, night and next day until the dawn. It felt like a 3 days rain. He could hear the strong winds and the thunders.

.

.

.

.

(The next day )

Sticks felt the consequences of his actions crawling all over him.

The sun rose, the birds chirped, the flowers bloomed and sans woke up feeling terrible.

He felt as if someone had drained all energy from him, his joints and his entire body ached. He coughed a little. His throat felt dry.

He gathered what little strength he had and cooked breakfast. Eggs and bacon. He drank some tea to sooth his throat.

He ate a little bit, he didn't have that much of an appetite. He took some vitamins so his body will last a little and not fall apart.

Axe was still sleeping. He checked him from the creak of their door, he smiled softly. He turned around and walked outside. He stretched slightly.

He prepared himself for the day..

.

.

Papyrus is sooooo going to kill him for not taking care of himself!

To his defense he couldn't leave years of hard work to be ruined by rain! Okay? Okay.

His body even with  that little breakfast and vitamins was still begging him to rest..

... yet there he was.. working...!

Little by little he had released the protection from almost all of his crops.

They were all okay!

Good, his sacrifice didn't go for nothing!

He checked the time 13.00 o' clock. There were clouds in the sky offering him some coolness. There was a soft breeze.

.

.

He then decided to fix his sunflowers, chamomile, and of course his red roses. It wasn't so hard.

The sunflowers were quite beautiful, they had grown taller. He admired them. When he was done fixing them. He turned his attention to the red roses.  He leaned forward slightly and sniffed their fragrance.

So beautiful. Maybe he should try to make a sweet the next days? There were quite enough blossoms.

.

.

Next check up were his chickens.

He added food and water. He took some of the eggs. His favorite one an old hen gently rubbed her head on his pants. (Note: he loves all his animals, is just that some of them express their affection a little more and had them more years so.. yeah)

He knelt down slightly and caught her in his arms. He gently patted her head.

Even his hen gave him a concerned look.

Did he really looked that bad?

He leaned forwards gently in order to put her down. He sighed "Im fine darling, just a rough week"

The hen rubbed her head on his chest as farewell and then went to eat.

He walked slowly outside to check the rest of his animals.

He checked his sheeps; Okay they had food and water.

Last but not least he visited his baby!

Brinley! He walked in and offered her a treat.

She slammed her foot on the ground and with her nose she gently pushed him out. She understood he wasn't feeling well. 

"What?" he looked at her as he was pushed out. He adjusted his hat.

"huff *whine* "

"I had work to do" he spoke crossing his hands slightly on his chest. (He had overworked). (not only he stayed outside in rain but the soft breeze against his sweating body wasn't a very good idea!)

.

.

He still needed to gather some fruits and vegetables from the crops. But they could wait another day right?

«I mean papyrus will come back in 2 days? today? tomorrow?...??... When was he coming back again?» he thought

She huffed. He offered her some food and water. Then he went to pet her. She nudge him gently with her nose, he caressed her neck gently.  She rubbed her face on his chest

As he attempted to leave he felt dizzy and tripped. He took a hold of the wood for support.

She eyed him concerned. She whined and gently touched his back. Her eyes pleading. He turned around to look at her.

"Maybe you are right Brinley. I'll just gather some fruits and vegetables and go home" he patted her.

.

As he was proceeding to leave his vision blurred and fall down. Brinley walked towards him. She whined and gently touched him with her face.

"Im fine just dizzy.. Mind if I stay with you a little?" he asked.

She knelt and curled up around him. His chest felt heavy.  "I knew I could count on you!" she huffed. "Thank you Brinley" she smiled slightly.

After around 20 minutes. He got up feeling good enough to walk.

He patted her again. He was sweating and feeling terrible.

"See ya later again sweetie!", she gently touched his chest with her forehead.  He patted her and left.

.

.

He went home and did some chores. (that's what he had planned).

Surprised, he found that Axe had cleaned the floor and dusted the surfaces. He also found the vegetables he wanted to pick up (but forgot) neatly above the table. Axe was sitting patiently.

Sans smiled fondly "Thank you bud!" he proceeded to do the laundry and eventually he started cooking. Axe helped him.

He cooked enough and for later.

When done Axe offered to wash the dishes and that he takes a shower and a nap.

He took a quick shower and fall asleep on the couch.

When Axe  was done with the dishes. He noticed that Sans had cooked enough for dinner and tomorrow. He smiled and put it on the fridge.

After he finished his jobs with the kitchen he gently went to see Sticks.

He had fallen asleep in the couch wrapped in a blanket and hugging the pillow.

Axe stood there a little admiring his beauty.

We put aside the fact he looks like- tired as heck! In Axe's eyes he is handsome.

He leaned down and gently touched his forehead, he was warm. He gently untangled the pillow and picked him up bridal style. Sticks shoved himself a little further in Axe's chest. Axe smirked and blushed.

He reached his room, gently laid him down on bed, he covered him with the blanket, turned off the lights and went to sleep.

.

.

.

.

End of Chapter 1 😘

It's quite long, so I will split it in Parts!Comments, Constructive Criticism, Feedback is welcomed! Please let me know what you think! 💕

Thank you for reading! 💙

CHAPTER 2 press here 💋

[caluski]

happy 1 year anniversary to one of the best summer albums out there that ive ever known. thank you temples for creating exotico

to properly celebrate such a joyful occasion, i have decided to rank songs of the album from my least to most favorite with a tiny bit of absolutely useless commentary. lets get to it

16. Meet Your Maker.

i dont get this song. sorry!!! no fucking idea where they were going with the instrumental... its super strange. the ONLY skip on the album for me.

15. Giallo

it's okay honestly. well its fine, but nothing more than that for me. I dont exactly dislike it, chorus is just kind of strange. but in general it's not bad! just not something i feel anything in particular for.

14. Time is a Light

they tried something else with this one, but i am not sure w h a t were they going for exactly. chorus feels like an echo of gamma rays, but the rest is... well. but i do really like gamma rays so its not that bad. feels a little too long tho. what's up with the last minute feeling so... um, can this be over already?

13. Oval Stones

we're getting to the good ones!!!!! oval stones is really pleasant. i like how chill it is compared to most of the album.

12. Slow Days

again the chill one. actually i find it weird that its not the closer of the album. it would be a perfect closer! listening to it really slows you down (not in a bad way) so its strange to have oval stones + slow days followed by crystal hall. im not crazy about albums doing that, kind of throwing you off the rhythm... my perfect album order would be sorted in the way that wakes you up, and then calms you down by the end.

11. Head in the Clouds

okay, i do understand why it's after crystal hall - obvious interpolation going on there, down to the very same lyrics ("can you feel it coming down?") and i do LOVE preludes, interludes, whatever, transition tracks in albums, that is GREAT. but my issue is once again with the slow, slow, fast, slow pace again. if not slow days, i think that would also be the perfect closer.

10. Inner Space

i don't really have anything to say about this one. its good! i like it a lot! but for some reason, despite being like, in a bit of a calmer tempo, it makes me a little bit anxious. not in a bad way exactly, its just a good song for when im troubled about something.

9. Movements of Time

THIS SHOULDVE BEEN THE OPENING TRACK!!!!! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!!!!!!!!! WHAT!!!!!! its literally the PERFECT opening track for this album. its SETS UP the mood. HOW IS IT A CLOSER???? and i love the ... organ sound that they have going on in this one?? its really cool.

8. Crystal Hall

oh ohhhhh this is where it starts getting really hard to rank them.... Crystal hall is really good but also really short!!! why is it so short? under 3 minutes???

7. Gamma Rays

yeah i understand why this is the most popular. i mean i dont think its the best, but yeahhhhh.... its so good. literally perfect for "soaking up the rays"!!!!

6. Cicada

a big fan of so much reverb in this one. it especially makes the album so... summer specific, reverb is so summery! maybe because of how it makes everything sound like a song played on an open air music festival.

5. Liquid Air

if it couldn't be movements of time, i understand why liquid air made it as the opener. theres the anxious vibe going on again - which i do really like, in general im enjoying the theme of this album although im not really the lyrics kind of guy. and this one, its strange because its almost 6 minutes long, but it doesnt feel too long. or repetitive.

4. Fading Actor

ouuughhhhh this one is one of my absolute faves. it actually grew on me SO much, because at first i didnt pay any attention to it. but once i got it, it hit me sooooo hard, it remained on repeat for like MONTHS after summer ended.

3/2. Exotico + Sultry Air

i cannot i CANNOT judge them separately. in my heart they come together as one. and yet, they are two different tracks, which makes me love them even more. im really obsessed with the way it is composed, just absolutely amazing. the BRIDGE is especially the reason why i adore it so much. its SO good. and then theres sultry air!!!!! its the PERFECT postlude, like literally i think my favorite postlude in any album ever. like end credits to a movie. no notes!!!!!!

1. Afterlife

yeahhhhhhhhhh the only reason i even gave the album i listen in the first place. love at first sight!!!!!!!!! absolutely stunning. love the tension building up followed by the amazing bass... and okay i do have issues with the order of this album, but i do get why they put it by the end - its a truly perfect payoff even for the weaker parts of the album. best listened to on full volume... once had the joy of listening to it on a real good quality professional speaker set and my god. its like its MEANT to be blasted from the roof of a building. god i hate the fact that its produced by sean ono lennon. it had no right to be this fucking good.

[jamieswife-2]

This is my first story so please dont judge!

Warning: Smut, Swearing.

Jamie and I have been keeping it "on the low" for about 2 years now and going sort of on and off when hes on tour. Since I live in Toronto I don't see him that often, and when I do its normally a quick backstage thing. This time, I want it to be different. I want Jamie to know how bad I missed him and how badly i NEED him. Its around 6:40 at night and I have to get ready for the concert. I do my skin care and slip a matching lacey black lingerie set on underneath a tiny black satin dress. I threw my hair up into a high ponytail and used gel to slick back my fly aways. If I was going be tyring to seduce Jamie tonight, i need to look HOT.

I got into the limo my bestfriend Juno reserved for us and started driving towards the stadium. I made sure i drowned myself in victorias secret bombshell perfume and put some last minute dark red lipstick on and before I knew it we were there. "Bloody hell, this stadium is huge." Juno said breaking the awkward silence. "Yeah no shit sherlock!" I said nudging him playfully. We stepped out of the limo and holy shit there were so many people there I felt like I was going to throw up, as we were walking towards our seats suddenly a whole bunch of thought came rushing to my mind. What if he found someone new? What if he dosen't want me? What if hes changes? but my mind went blank as Jamie walked out onto the stage in his black t-shirt, black leather jacket and tan jeans with a black hat over his long blonde hair. Everyone began to cheer but I stood there speechless with my mouth wide open as I stared at his V-line which showed because of how low rise the jeans were.

As he began to sing paralysed he was all sweaty his hair was wet with sweat and his shirt, leather jacket and hat had been removed and I had a clear view of his glossy 6 pack and I swear for half song he was staring at me. I couldnt stop thinking about what would happen after the concert and played out all the possible outcomes and before I knew it, the concert was over. I practically ran backstage into Jamies arms, "Hello, love!" he said chuckling. "New dress?" he asked. "Um, yeah actually!" I replied. Me and Jamie went out to eat and then we got in his limo. "Where to?" The driver asked. "12345 acorn street, please." Jamie replied. My face visibly drooped. Did he not want to kiss, or… you know. "Whats wrong love?" Jamie asked noticing my face. "Nothing." I answered. Suddenly I felt a hand gently lay on my thigh. "Jamie what are you-" I asked before being cut off by Jamie "Shh darling.".

When we got to my apartment building Jamie walked me to the door and as soon as the limo left our lips practically smashed together and Jamie picked me up and placed my legs around his hips. As we were making out and standing infront of the elevator we had to stop and act cool as we waited with 6 other people. Jamie bent down a bit and put his hand under my dress and stared to rub my clit in a circular motion. I had to fight my moans back as my eyes rolled back into my head. He started to hit the perfect spot every time snd I was approaching my high. "Try to hold the cum for me princess." he whispered into my ear making my legs feel weak. As we got to our floor he removed his hand from my underwear and we walked to my apartment. As soon as we got into my room he pinned me against the wall and started to passionetly kiss me and slowly kissed his way back to my clit and he immediatly started to lick it and oh my god. It felt like heaven. After a bit it felt to good and I couldn't help but moan. "You like that slut?" he said. In a way that offended me but at the same time made my toes curl.

He threw me onto the bed and took my underwear off and I helped him unzip and remove his jeans and almost instantly his length was inside of me and I moaned like a boom box speaker. "Darling you are taking me very well, better than most." He said while thrusting in me and speeding up. WHAT? No. Fuck that. Better that most?! I moaned again. What does he mean by that. I knew he found someone new. "Fuck Y/n, im going to cum. Can i cum in you love?" Jamie asked. I ignore what he said as he did it anyways. I hopped off of him and changed into a stain pajama set and got into bed and Jamie just put his boxers on. He tried to cuddle me but i turned away.

"What did I do sweetheart." Jamie asked in the most innocent voice ever. "Nothing just go to bed." I responded sassily. "Princess tell me." Jamie said in a whiney voice as he spooned me and placed kisses all over my neck. "Its what you said. Better than most?" I said. "Baby your the only one I have ever talked to or had sex with in 2 years. Trust me darling I have no reason to be with anyone else but you gorgeous." Jamie said sounding almost poetic. "Do you really mean that?" I asked. "Of course love!" he said as he kissed me and then i turned and layed my head on his chest and fell asleep in peace.

[lisystrata]

Made a small translation of the comic about Cesare and Jane

@cesarescabinet I am ready to translate this comic for you. I regret not doing it right away. Immediately I apologize for the grammar, syntax and punctuation, I do not know English well.

slide 1. Dr. Olsen: "Jane?! Francis?!" Jane: "Father!" Dr. Olsen: "Well, well, princess!" … "I just got some devastating news, Francis. Devastating. Do you have any thoughts on who might be the culprit [the killer]?" Francis: "Got a clue, Dr. Olsen"… "Yesterday Alan and I visited the Holstenwall Fair. A little fun, as you can imagine… We wandered into a certain "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" where Cesare the somnambulist predicted Alan's imminent death." Dr. Olsen: "In that case, we should check this place first. Let's get the police clearance and then pay a visit to this Dr. Caligari."

Author's words: "Such was Dr. Olsen, chairman of a hundred councils, master of a thousand brotherhoods. His life was a series of important decisions that everyone else had to face."

slide 2. Knock Knock! Francis: "Open up, Caligari! Open up, or I swear I'll kick that door down!"… "Come on! We know you're in there!" Caligari, who has been spoon-feeding a somnambulist, looks around frightened. Caligari: "Wait a minute, good gentlemen! Give me just one minute!" (opens the door and asks through the crack) "To what do you owe such an honor?" Dr. Olsen: "I suppose you yourself know very well the reason why we are here" … "We want to check your somnambulist" … "You can see for yourself that we have a warrant with the seal of the chief of police, and also in in full order signature and seal of the administrator of the Department of Politics".

slide 3. Caligari: "Formalities aside! Please. You can examine Cesare. But I think you should know who he is." Dr. Olsen: "Caligari, we really know who he is!" Caligari: "Listen, Francis! I have something to tell you. Sleepwalkers don't dream. They are in the slow sleep stage. They usually describe themselves not as 'Sleepers' but as 'Meditators'." Francis (apart aside): "I never understood why he told me all this. His phrases sounded like a kind of side note, to which the writer will return later to confirm his most strange fiction with it." Dr. Olsen: "Caligari, wake up your somnambulist. I think we need to talk to him for a bit."

slide 4. Caligari invites Jane to enter his booth. Jane: "I'm not at all sure that my father would have approved of my agreeing to enter the van of the 'smiling stranger', as you call yourself." Caligari: "Fear not! Enlightenment awaits you here!" … "Your father is an educated man. I'm sure he would like you to move in circles of enlightened people. Just consider this a formal prologue to the main action, and me as your escort" … "Now … Are you ready? Are you ready to meet the omniscient? Are you ready to see "the person beyond the information bubble"? Are you ready to meet… Cesare, the somnambulist?" The closet doors swing open, Jane sees Cesare sleeping in front of her and recoils in surprise.

slide 5. Caligari: "Yes, he is terrible. Terrible enough" … "Of course, a person should not be judged by his appearance, but by the breadth of his mind. Isn't that what your intellectual friends would say?" Jane (puts her hand up to Cesare's face with curiosity and sympathy): "Yes, but…" Caligari won't let her touch the somnambulist. He intercepts her hand when she almost touches the young man's cheek. Coming to her senses, Jane screams. Thus, she awakens Cesare. He opens his eyes and looks at her in complete bewilderment. Horrified by his shocked look, Jane runs out of the booth screaming loudly.

slide 6 needs no translation, Cesare glides along the wall like a shadow — he goes to Jane's house.

slide 7 needs no translation, Cesare enters the girl's bedroom, creeps up to her bed and swings with a stiletto. At the last moment, for some reason, he woke up. The realization that he just nearly killed a man makes him feel turmoil. He drops his blade and covers his face with his hand, regretting his wicked intentions. He is then attracted to the sleeping woman. He looks at her face and remembers her sympathetic gesture towards him in Dr. Caligari's booth. Cesare's hand, in an absurd, unaccustomed movement, reaches out to repeat Jane's gesture already addressed to her. But as soon as this happens, the girl woke up.

slide 8. Jane wakes up and sees the face of Cesare leaning towards her above her. In the semi-darkness, she cannot recognize his emotions and is simply frightened by the sudden appearance of "this monster" in her boudoir. Jane (screaming and squealing): "Noooooo! Daddy, help me! Daddy!" Dr. Olsen jumps up from his pillow. Dr. Olsen: "…what?! Jane?!" The face of Cesare, who is fighting the girl fighting off him, is distorted by a grimace of rage and gambling madness. Dr. Olsen: "God forbid! She's the only one I have left!" Dr. Olsen runs to his daughter's bedroom. Jane: "Let me go!" Exhausted, the girl loses consciousness in the arms of a somnambulist. Grabbing her under the arm, Cesare hurriedly leaves the room through the window. The doctor sees how the kidnapper, along with his burden, gets out onto the roofs. He calls after them. Dr. Olsen: "Please leave it! If you fall… If you drop her…" Cesare does not obey and goes further and further away. The doctor looks after them. Dr. Olsen: "Nooooo!"

slide 9. Neighbors flock to the noise and screams that come from the Olsen family's apartment. Voices: "What? Where are they?" … "Where the hell did they both disappear to?!" … "Olsen! They're over there, above you!" … "He [the somnambulist] climbed [on the roof] over the lashes of ivy! Ivy!" … "Yes! They are there!" … "He's getting to the [other] roof!" Hugging and holding the kidnapped Jane, who is still fainting, Cesare looks desperately over his shoulder at the chase.

slide 10. Losing strength, the somnambulist overcomes the bridge. The distance between him and the crowd of pursuers is shrinking. Crowd: "We almost caught up with him!" Cesare's legs give way. He drops Jane to the ground and kneels beside her. In the end, he still manages to stroke her cheek with his fingers. Thus, he seems to return to her that sympathetic gesture towards him, which she wanted to make at the fair, but was stopped by Dr. Caligari. Silently saying goodbye to her, Cesare runs on and hides in the thorny thickets. The pursuers stumble upon a fainting Jane. Dr. Olsen: "Oh, Jane! Thank God you're okay!" Cop from the crowd: "Everyone follow him! Into the thicket!" The crowd is on the heels of Cesare. One of the policemen gets stuck in thorns. Stuck Cop: "Those damn spikes! Looks like I'm stuck!"

In the background of the picture you can see the black silhouette of Cesare, who, in complete exhaustion, loses consciousness and then rolls down into the abyss.

[frozen-fountain]

Weird Questions for Writers

…All.

Alright, everyone else go home, I guess. I'll be doing this in stages over the next couple of days because, as much as I enjoy talking about myself, I do still have to write this afternoon. Thank you!

What font do you write in? Do you actually care or is that just the default setting?

Basic Times New Roman, more out of familiarity than anything. I keep meaning to try the Comic Sans trick that supposedly makes it easier to focus, but I don't know if I can bear to look at that all day.

2. If you had to give up your keyboard and write your stories exclusively by hand, could you do it? If you already write everything by hand, a) are you a wizard and b) pen or pencil?

I don't relish the thought of those wrist cramps, but yes, I think I would. I can't stand the thought of just keeping it all in my own head.

3. What is your writing ritual and why is it cursed?

I usually end up doing it early afternoon, after lunch and a few minutes of pacing or stretching to clear my head. I'll also play with my cat for a while beforehand, as if he's tired from being a fearsome hunter he's less likely to get up on the clackboard to help me (results may vary). Then I procure something to drink, pick out something to listen to, and freewrite some word association for a bit if I'm not in the right headspace.

While I have a vague goal in mind for where I'd like to write up to, these days, I only make myself do a single sentence per day. It's usually much more than that, but just that sentence absolutely has to happen every single day if it's really all I can manage. When I'm done, I try to leave at a point I'm actively excited to get back to and have a clear picture, so it's easier to pick up the next day. Usually I jot down a few notes to help.

It's cursed because a lot of the music I enjoy probably is, and because the aforementioned notes have sometimes been things like "toilet paper" or "[character] on her Caravaggio bullshit" and I'm left just sitting there trying to work out what any of this was in reference to, or why Past Froze thought it was going to be helpful.

4. What’s a word that makes you go absolutely feral?

Susurrus. I try to limit it to one use per story, and maybe one per chapter if I'm feeling extra indulgent.

5. Do you have any writing superstitions? What are they and why are they 100% true?

Not a superstition I actively believe, but every time I think a fic might do well it's met with silence, whereas the ones I assume are for me and an audience of three end up performing way better than expected. I don't judge success on external factors and will write what I want to say regardless, but it's a nice reminder that whatever niche oddness you're cooking up might have more of an audience than you realise.

6. What is your darkest fear about writing?

It's more a fear about myself, which is that my ability or lack thereof to execute an idea doesn't matter, because what I have to say in the first place is of no interest or value whatsoever and no amount of minutely crafted phrasing can change that. (Needless to say, I would never think this of another person, no matter what they were trying to tell me.)

7. What is your deepest joy about writing?

That I do it anyway. That, regardless of how it does or doesn't impact on the world outside of me, I experienced something that made me feel strongly enough to take the time to attempt to recreate it in words. And when, after minutes that feel like hours of agonising over which words to use, I find some that hit the exact resonance and well of allusion I was hoping for? It's about the most accomplished I've ever felt.

8. If you had to write an entire story without either action or dialogue, which would you choose and how would it go?

I'd choose the all-dialogue option because that would be a bigger challenge for me, and also because I have a great model for how to do it in The Fall by Camus. So I'd reread that and pick apart how it was done in a way that worked; I can picture the setting of the novel so clearly even though it's only described in ways that feel naturalistic for characters who are walking through it. I'm guessing this would remain a shorter piece, and I'd have a specific reason for zooming in so completely on what's being said to the exclusion of all else, and I think this would be a great medium for an unreliable narrator. The negative space around what isn't said would have to be as intrinsic a part of the story as anything that makes it onto the page. I think it'd be a really interesting experiment, some time.

9. Do you believe in ghosts? This isn’t about writing I just wanna know

I believe many, many people have experienced things we currently (and most certainly always will) lack the scientific method to understand and quantify. I'm about ninety percent sure I had a premonition once. I also believe what we say and do resonates, in ways that are hard to track and trace, beyond the moment where they occur. I'm not sure whether this means I believe there's a non-corporeal part of us all that lingers after the physical body reaches its planned obsolescence, and that sometimes this remnant is able to reach out and touch the living from time to time, but it's something.

10. Has a piece of writing ever “haunted” you? Has your own writing haunted you? What does that mean to you?

At least a fragment of everything I've ever read or written lives under my skin. Even if I hated it or even if I can't remember anything about it besides that splinter that stood out the most. All I've lived - and not lived, especially when I might have had the chance to - is waiting over my shoulder and following me along the corridor, whether as a warning or a tormentor or a guide.

[kornymaggotboi]

I need to vent... Again...

So, I watched the Gen Z react to Slipknot video again, and I have things to say.

I tried to watch it a few weeks ago, but I couldn't bear it, because it was just pissing me off, so I only watched a minute or two of it.

I rewatched it today, and my god, I hate this.

For the record, I am a Gen Z (I'm not proud of it, I'm just saying) and I'm a total Maggot, I adore Slipknot.

I have all their albums, including ...The End So Far and Mate Feed Kill Repeat, I have 8 Slipknot T-Shirts, my room is full of masks and Slipknot posters, my name for everything is Maggot or Maggot Boi, I know how to play five Slipknot songs on piano (I'm a very basic pianist, so I only know how to play Snuff, Iowa, Wait And Bleed, Vermillion Part 2 and What's Next) and my cat was almost named Maggot, but my parents made fun of that name so it ended up being Bean.

Needless to say, I wasn't entertained with those brats shitting on Slipknot.

Especially that kid with the curly hair, he honest to god made my blood pressure rise, every time he said that Slipknot isn't music.

I know for a fact he said "Limp Bizkit has music, this isn't music" just to piss off Metalheads who bitch about Nu-Metal (I actually like Limp Bizkit, don't judge me, I don't judge you).

And hearing them whine about the masks and the screaming seriously pissed me off... WE GET IT!! SLIPKNOT WEARS MASKS AND ARE LOUD!! STOP BITCHING ABOUT IT!!

They clearly picked Gen Z's who just don't like metal, which is fine, but when you go out of your way to pick Gen Z's who don't like metal, and make them react to metal, it makes it look like all Gen Z's hate metal, which is so unfair.

If they just titled the video "Non-Metalhead Gen Z's react to Slipknot" or something like that, I wouldn't care as much.

I know I sound like a typical sensitive snowflake by getting worked up over something this stupid, but it's not the fact these kids don't like Slipknot, it's the fact that REACT are just giving other generations ammo to fire hate at Gen Z's.

The thing is, Gen Z are already seen as dumb and sensitive by other generations, so this just gives them more reasons to hate us.

We're not sensitive snowflakes who get offended by everything (some of us are, I won't deny there are Gen Z's who actually are sensitive snowflakes who get offended by everything) we're human beings too, we have flaws like literally everyone, and it feels shitty to constantly be put down assholes who don't know shit about us.

Sorry for the rant, I just needed to get this off my chest.

[maguro13-2]

The Dark Picture ~ Origins of the Ink Demon : Operation Drawcia Semi-Finale (2/10) ~

Adeleine : It's quiet. Too Quiet.

*footsteps approaching*

Adeleine : So much for the greater goods. I don't know if this is gonna work, but at least I got my brush in gear to get myself prepared for a fight. So much for everything in common, but who was controlling the heartless Medusa?...(gasped in shock) !? (dodges Yo-Yo) A Yo-Yo? Could that be kirby?

??? : So, you're the creator of that witch Drawcia, I presume that the seekers of truth would able to witness this much power.

Adeleine : You must be the King of Spins that isn't Beyblade, Nofix.

"Nofix : The King of Spin"

Nofix : Should've figured that the heartless villain Medusa had the same energy as me, I always do something like that in person.

Adeleine : I heard that you died during a battle with the B.Ichi Trio three years ago before they started the investigation.

Nofix : You catch on quick. But let me tell you something, girlie. I lived for one reason and I have a purpose that I was the one who created the heartless version of the original witch Medusa Gorgon.

Adeleine : Wait, a sec. So the Medusa Lair's located within each of the planet, it was you! Ansem ordered both you and her trying to destroy this girls' life, and of course, destroying this entire planet!

Nofix : Well, what do you know. We villains of the Ohkuboverse are always under the influence, but I was under the influence of Darkside Death, the heartless who was controlling Shotaro the Dokeshi as a puppet.

Adeleine : Wait just a darn minute, all of this heroism, all of this influence, a heartless named Darkside Death has made go under the direct influence of Shinra Kusakabe or Demon Vibe!? Now I understand why the author of Soul World created you, you were written to destroy and kill people! You have no rights to think about what you've done about! Vilains like you in every story are crazy and of course being a total psycho! I hope the day that heartless villains like you would be a real pain in my ass.

Nofix : What a coincidence of having you around, girlie. You know that children shouldn't be here and you might just run along, little girl.

Adeleine : I'm no girl anymore, I'm a little lady. And don't expect to judge to anyone who will suffer the pain of truth or consequences, it's like an alternate version of Truth or Dare. But I dare you kill someone, I triple dog dare ya to do it so!

Nofix : Always on the bright side, eh? Can't decided to think what's right or wrong? Well, why don't we take spin on the newest Mario Kart or I'll make you for taking a spin-off your head!

Adeleine : !?

Nofix : (chuckles) Huh?

*DBZ SFX : Jump+Energy Shot*

Nofix : Son of a b*tch!

*DBZ SFX : Explosion*

Adeleine : Ngh!

Waddle Dee : Adeleine! We finally made it just in time!

[Jaden Yuuki's theme by Yutaka Minobe plays]

Adeleine : Guys! Right on time!

Riboon : Adeleine! It's so great to see you again, as in "Long time no see".

Adeleine : Well...You guys haven't changed a bit. It's about time that I needed long-awaited reunion!

Nofix : Oh great! It's Nintendo again!

Waddle Dee : You must be the villain who was controlling Medusa's Heartless or working with the heartless Medusa under orders of Darkside Death!

King Dedede : The Jig is up, Murderer! Time to think what's rightfully ares!

Meta Knight : You're not getting away that easily!

Ribbon : So, I heard the whole thing. You and Ansem set the whole Medusa thing up for Demon Vibe. I won't let omniciders get away of destroying everything in their path. They'll be nothing to live there on Earth and without, who says heroism can be in developement when you apathy for villainy?

Nofix : I cannot believe that I am surrounded by third-parties. I knew the day that this would come into a sudden realization.

King Dedede : It's all over for you, bud! You only one weapon that is a Yo-Yo like Kirby has!

Kirby : (holding his Yo-Yo)

Ribbon : You know you're outnumbered, but it's gonna take a long moment to bring the luck out of your life. So what it'll have to be for you, Punk? Defeat or Demise?

Nofix : We'll see about that.

Ribbon : ??

( Nofix throws away his Yo-yo)

Nofix : Get a load of this action! Haaaaaaaaaaaah!

*DBZ SFX : Energy Ball*

Nofix : (chuckles) I shall make you all and your friends disappear! WITNESS THE RAW POWER OF DARKNE--*DBZ SFX : Energy Ball Impact* (gags painfully)

Adeleine : What?

Nofix : Who...the f**k?

Xigbar : Not this time, Hombre. You're not picking anyone without a fight. It's my turn to pick with them. You have no idea who you're dealing with.

Nofix : I thought...we had a deal. I was going to finish this b*tch off.

Xigbar : Did you really think destroying the whole planet was gonna be your idea? Yeah, I don't think so. Not in millions of years, perhaps.

Nofix : (gagging) All of you...(gagging) are...(gagging) a bunch of...(coughs out blood) p*ssies. (converts into a Neoshadow)

*DBZ SFX : Collapses*

Xigbar : Another one bites the dust. Too bad the dust has already bitten him.

Kirby's group : I don't think that isn't a good line.

Adeleine : Hey, umm, thanks. But what's the deal? This bastard was gonna finish me off.

Xigbar : Xemnas's orders, I was sent here to take this sicko down. Yeah, he was no good for the so-called Ohkuboverse.

Adeleine : Yeah, I see that. So, ummm...What are you in here for?

Xigbar : This. (Ado appears from behind) He told me that he knew about the Dark Picture, but the kid's got a point, she knows what the Dark Picture.

Ado : Adeleine...

Adeleine : ...Ado.

Ado : I know who created the Dark Picture. the Ravenous Ink Demons were the ones who created, but I believe it was Inky Albarn who created it. Drawcia knew about that portrait, it was made by her beloved consort Bendy himself!

Adeleine : Bendy...as in Bendy the Ink Demon!? But isn't that cartoon guy dead! But how did you know Inky Albarn created the Dark Picture.

Ado : Because, the Dark Picture was her prized posession and it has been just revealed that the dark picture was covered in darkness. But after a small trace light hit the portrait, it is clear the Dark Picture isn't the dark picture, it's actually a big wedding photo of her, his consort Bendy, the King, Sammy, and their friends.

Adeleine : So...the Dark Picture that everyone talking about is just a big wedding photo, then who really created the real one?

Xigbar : I'll tell you who really created the Dark Picture. The Artist that created the Dark Picture was not the queen did it, it was someone else and it had to be somebody who knows about the Dark Picture. It's the same person that framed the Ink Demon Queen for her betrayal and is the one that is making messes all over the planet.

Adeleine : So if Inky Albarn was the not only one that created the dark picture while the other was a wedding portrait, then who is the Dark Picture's true creator? Who tricked the Queen of the Ink Demons that framed her for creating the Dark Picture!? Who did it!?

Xigbar : Chill out, little lady. All you gotta do is to say "please".

Adeleine : Please, I want to know about who is the Dark Picture's, who is the one that framed Inky Albarn.

Xigbar : (chuckles) Banished Half of Medusa Gorgon, the witch of a trio that betrayed witchkind. They're the ones who were behind all of this. Ansem has been controlling them since the real ones have been imprisoned for more than 700 years.

Adeleine : Hold the phone, a witch named Medusa did it? What the hell's going on?

"Meanwhile..."

[Senator - Akira Yamaoka]

Medusa (?) : Sisters. Thank you all for coming to our meeting. I have the latest report on the current situation. These wretched heroes of Humanking and Witchkind are finally making their moves driving out the enemy intrusion from all heartless. The Defense line on the Salem boundaries is safe and sound. Hope we get some extra credits for that.

Arachne (?) : Interesting. I agree that we may find results on the double status that all of it's powers will increases the path on those choose to save all life on this planet and I believe things are about to get even faster than we thought before.

Shaula (?) : Precisely, it's all coming to the point of where to get things started with all the villainous deeds. You didn't think that our original halves that we expelled from their hearts would may change the subject that we're ready to make this planet suffer.

Arachne : They have only begun to questioning about the balance between light and darkness is keeping it right or wrong, but it's us that is tipping the scales, the hatred between the two races was nothing more than being pawns in a corrupt game by the heartless itself.

Medusa (?) : All the better if they do. The more disturbing matter of fact is that they've begun to question the hardships of creating factions to dispose of the other. So there's nothing to worry about the planet's problem. Remember we're almost done analyzing the heart and soul of a long lost "Dokeshi" who has been defeated once by the kid named Shotaro. Once the Dark Picture is completed, we can finally undo the future that is Shinra Kusakabe. It is the time for the revolution of our ultimate dream.

Shaula (?) : Indeed, sister. (shifts into a distorted voice) There's nothing that we can do about it! (chuckles)

Axel : (spying) So that's what they're up to. The Gorgon Witch sisters are the banished halves of the real ones. They're planning on destroying the entire planet. No wonder humans and witches were being an arrogant species. I gotta tell the others about this. (runs off)

"Who are we kidding?"

"No seriously, this is no joke to us."

"The ones who created the Dark Picture we're the banished halves of the real Gorgon Witch Trio."

"What was Maka Albarn thinking about battling someone who isn't someone?"

"Nobody messes Real World AU. Those banished halves of the Gorgons really gotta go...and I mean it now!"

~ Mission 26 : True Colors of Darkness ~

[yourgamemasterthewhiterabbit]

The great regular sleep experiment 2024 part "accident prone"

T~T

So yesterday was rough. And eventful.

I can't blame forgetting to check if things were open on Monday on the poor sleep because I never fucking remember Victorias day or labour day or whatever other monday things are inexplicably closed.

But yesterday, groceries done or not, not only did I forget a bunch of stuff while doing groceries, again, which for me isn't normal [I have a system for groceries], but I injured myself a lot and got covered in cherry related acidic beverage in two separate incidents.

First, I dropped a cherry cola pack at the store on my way out and ended up walking home covered in cherry cola. I don't drop my groceries, no matter how much it seems like I should.

And then last night happened.

Just after checking my window fan was secure... it fell down and knocked -what would usually be an empty cup but was currently filled with 7 frozen cherries and a liter of cold water with a bit of lemon juice- all over my keyboard and blue yeti mic, and myself.

So I had to flip and unplug my keyboard due to it being full of sticky water.

And it finally shorted out the half broken cord for my blue yeti.

So I finally had to dig out and plug in my speakers. Which mean moving my computer... Which meant putting a glass glass in the sink, which meant reaching over the last glass glass I broke to do it because I had to lift my chair out of the way of everything to get my speakers out of the drawer [don't ask], which meant cutting my finger.

Like a small paper cut but like made with glass and very enthusiastic about bleeding while I am trying to plug something in behind my computer.

This was not 20 minutes after the last time I cut myself... Because all day my flesh had been sticking to this poster frame I have with bristol board in it taped to the side of my filing cabinet [as a whiteboard], and then like... Violently tearing off sharp pieces of plastic whenever I moved? And so now there was this big jagged edge of plastic right next to me that seemed like -surely- it was out of the way and I could deal with the whole thing later... But no, I went to sit down and somehow -from completely the opposite angle you would expect- cut my arm to bleeding on the -only vaguely sharp for plastic- edge.

This was on top of everything deciding all at once that it needs to obsessively try to fall out of other places, such as the small freezer on the top of my fridge, the counter next to my desk, and the fucking window sill with the fan in it...

AND!!! My fucking, the goddamned pj pants I just sewed up the knee of re-tore 4 SEPARATE times! Last night!

And my injuries from last monday or whatever and the moving of things from saturday are still only half healed.

Unless the universe is trying to deliver me cherry scented death by any excuse of physics imaginable [cherry scented inconvenience maybe??] I have to think that this must all be coordination issues and knock on effects from being too tired to judge anything properly.

Anyway I had to take two separate "I am sticky with something containing cherry specifically" showers yesterday which I imagine the neighbours didn't care for.

baptize me in fuckign cherry juice idk...

So I need to replace my blue yeti cord, if not take it apart and fix both jacks, if it still works right at all. I do not have a mic until I do.

The jack on my fiox3 is still so worn it won't play music to headphones.

My headphones are on their last included cord and have mo pleather left

My graphics card is failing and my case needs repairs...

All around there's a bunch of tech I -really- need to repair or replace unless I want it to all fail on me at once at the most inconvenient possible time...

And anyway I didn't fall asleep until after 2 am. I woke up at my alarm and snoozed it like 20 times before getting up...

[am12whisper]

Around age 10, I got me one of those little fiberglass Sears bow beginner kits. Of course, the first month I went around the neighborhood sticking arrows in anything that could get stuck by an arrow. cardboard boxes, trees… I tried the neighbors cat, but he was a fast rocket after I popped a dud under his tail. Come to think of it I never did find that arrow and he steered me a wide berth after that day… anyway… did you know that a 1968 Ford Galaxy tire will take 6 rounds before it goes down? Tough sun-of-a-gun, especially pulling the shafts out!

Welp… that got boring, so being the 10 yr. old John ‘Damn’ Wayne fan that I was, I quickly advanced to taking strips of cut up T-shirt doused in lawnmower gas tied around the end and was sending flaming arrows all over the place… Fort Apache is under attack! One summer afternoon, I was shooting flaming arrows into a large rotten oak stump in our side yard. I looked over, under the carport and see a shiny brand new can of starting fluid (Ether). The light bulb went off in my head.

I grabbed the can and set it on the stump. I thought that it would probably just spray out in a disappointing manner. Let’s face it, to a 10 yr old mouth-breather like myself, (Ether), really doesn't "sound" flammable.

So, I went over to my friends house, who was gone on vacation and ‘Borrowed’ some of this black powder his dad showed us. He made a trail with some of the stuff and lit it for us one day to show it was flammable and it was cool to watch it snake forward as it burned. The grass still hasn’t grown back…

At this point, I set the can of ether on the stump and opened up the plastic lid on the can of the black powder. My intentions were to sprinkle a little bit around the (Ether) can, but it all sorta dumped out on me as I struggled to get the lid off. No biggie, a Van Camps can of this black magic dust and 16 oz (Ether) should make a loud pop, kinda like a firecracker you know? But dang, I could make that sound with a hammer and a red roll of my cap gun caps…

So then I reasoned… You know what? Screw that… I'm going back to the house for the other can.

Yes, I got a second can and dumped it too. Now we're cookin'.

I stepped back about 15 feet and lit the 2 stroke arrow with my grandpas old Zippo. I drew the nock to my cheek and took aim. As I released I heard a clunk behind me, as the arrow launched from my bow. In a slow motion time frame, I turned to see my dad getting out of the truck... OH!!CRAP!! He just got home from work. So help me God it took 10 minutes for that arrow to go from my bow to the can. My dad was walking towards me in slow motion with a ‘What In THE Hell!’ look in his eyes. I turned back towards my target just in time to see the arrow pierce the starting fluid can right at the bottom. Right through the main pile of black powder and into the stump.

Oh HOLY CRAP!!!!.

When the shock wave hit, it knocked me off my feet. I don't know if it was the actual compression wave that threw me back or just reflex jerk back from 235 fricking decibels of sound. I caught a half a millisecond glimpse of the violence during the initial explosion and I will tell you there was dust, grass, and bugs all hovering 351 feet above the ground, as far as I could see. It was like a little low to the ground layer of dust fog full of grasshoppers, spiders, a worm, Auntie Em, Almira Gulch on her bicycle and Toto, too! and all rising to the heavens… Jesus wept…

The daylight turned purple. Let me repeat this... THE STINKING DAYLIGHT TURNED PURPLE. Jimi was present and accounted for!!

There was a big sweetgum tree out by the border going into the vacant lot about 20 feet away from the stump…

Notice I said "was". That son-of-a-gun got up and ran off.

So here I am, on the ground, blown completely out of my PF Flyers with my Hang Ten T-Shirt shredded, my dad is on the other side of the carport having what I can only assume is him being transported back into the Ia Drang Valley, Vietnam, Republic of…

ECHO BRAVO CHARLIE YOU'RE BRINGIN' EM IN TOO CLOSE!! I SAY AGAIN! CEASE FIRE. DAMNIT CEASE FIRE!!!!!

His hat has blown off and is 30 ft. behind him in the driveway. All windows on the east side of the house are blown out and there is a slow rolling mushroom cloud about 2000 ft. over our backyard. There is a Sears (don’t judge, Sears was the shiz back in the day and you drooled over the catalogs too. Shut up…) tractor lawnmower parked upside down on the other side of the yard looking like an upended turtle…

I wish I knew what I said to my dad at this moment. I don't know… I know I said something. I couldn't hear. I couldn't hear inside my own head. I don't think he heard me either... not that it would really matter. I don't remember much from this point on. I said something, felt a sharp pain, and then woke up later. I felt a sharp pain, blacked out, woke later....repeat this process for an hour or so and you get the idea. I remember at one point my step mom had to give me mouth to mouth resuscitation and Dad is screaming "Bring Him back to life so I can kill him again". Thanks Mom.

One thing is for sure... I never had to mow around that stump again, Step Mom had been griping about that thing for 2 years and dad never did anything about it. But baby I stepped up to the plate and handled Bidness.

The neighbor sold his muzzle loader a week or so later…(ie what the black powder was for). I still have some sort of bone growth abnormality, either from the blast or the beating, or both.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, get your kids into archery folks. It's good discipline and will teach them things that will leave a lasting impression on their lives… and bodies. Good day!