#I was hoping someone sane would post this so I’d just have to reblog with cursed tags but no one did so here you go

[quiet-admirer]

Hey!

I was wondering about the difference in SSC and RACK kink approaches… and if I misunderstood something there or if the framing of it has changed since I’ve first came in contact with it 5+ years ago. If you want to check out my tags on the post I reblogged and want to talk about that I’d be curious and happy to chat :) If not, then sorry for the interruption. Wishing you a good day!

Hello, hope you're having a good day, too ☺️ Essay incoming, but there are a couple issues with using "safe, sane, and consensual" as a way to approach practicing kink.

[The tl;dr is that the SSC terminology is subjective and not specific enough to be useful.]

Firstly, it's vague and subjective. What does "safe" mean? I mean, vanilla sex isn't "safe" in the sense of being devoid of any risks. It's all relative; there are risks inherent in any activity, and that just means we educate ourselves about harm reduction strategies (wear a seat belt, use condoms). "Risk-aware" is more useful; it gives you an action to take: consider what you're going to be doing and make yourself aware of the risks involved in the kink you're practicing. Then you can decide if you'd like to do something to mitigate those risks or if you're okay with accepting potential consequences.

"Safe" just sends the message that if you can't make the activity safe, don't do it, which isn't very realistic. People are going to get off the ways they want to get off, but as communities, we can empower people to make informed decisions about their own sexual health without judgement if someone decides they are willing to assume certain risks. I think of it as RACK promoting critical thinking skills about engaging in your kink in the way that works for you, whereas SSC is prescriptive, assuming there's one definition of what "safe" is that works for everybody and that this definition is obvious and that to do kink "right" you have to be making sure it lives up to that definition of "safe."

Feedism and weight gain kink in particular are kinks that typically aren't given the green light under the SSC model in our culture. The Internet is full of tired, boring commentary about "who would ever make themselves fat on purpose, that's insane, you're destroying your health and killing yourself for a kink, get psychiatric help." SSC legitimizes this kind of thinking, or at least doesn't do anything to discourage it.

I'm much less generous about the use of "sane" in this acronym. "Sane," and correspondingly, "insane," are pathologizing and pejorative words used to dehumanize people who experience mental illness/mentally ill people. I disagree with the term "sane" being used in regards to kink in both directions: mentally ill/insane people (I'm using it as a reclaimed word here, hi, I'm mentally ill and insane) are human beings who deserve sexual autonomy, and kink practices should not be pathologized as indicating insanity just because the mainstream thinks they're weird.

I've also seen "sane" used to mean two different things. One is capable of giving consent, but isn't that already covered by "consensual?" And that definition, like you brought up, also often views substance use as something to be avoided, but intox and chemsex are established sexual practices that can be practiced with a RACK approach just like any other sexual stuff. "Sane" is also sometimes used to mean "woah there, let's not get too wild," but, like, why constrain sexuality to things the majority labels as "sane?" Why not get too wild? I would love to get more insane in how I express pleasure in my life! Fuck "sane," give me that risk-aware, consensual, insane shit please 🤲

In a practical sense though, it's another case of what is "sane" even supposed to mean? Some people think anything other than heterosexual post-marital missionary is insane. It's just so subjective that it becomes a useless metric.

Neither "safe" nor "sane" are cases of "you know it when you see it" when it comes to the wonderful diversity and depravity (affectionate) of human sexuality.

All right, now that I've said all that, I'm going to start sounding alarmist here, but bear with me.

A year ago my answer would have stopped there, but unfortunately, we're in the middle of a huge upswing in fascist, terfy, anti-sex purity culture that's been getting a little too real lately in the US (think banning public drag because it's "sexually obscene" with a dash of "but think of the children!", and regardless of the fact that drag performance... isn't inherently sexual performance, we're seeing demonization of non-normative sexuality being successfully used as a vehicle for suppressing non-normative gender expression).

Basically, when SSC leaves off at the vague "safe" prescription, it opens the door to anti-kink arguments of "but [insert kink] is dangerous, that means it's bad and evil!" With the way "kink-critical" arguments are a major way that fascism is making inroads into ostensibly leftist queer spaces, we gotta be deliberate with our language and fight that shit in every tiny (and big and direct) way we can.

"Sane" is even worse with the way the word "degenerate" (literal and actual 1930s German Nazism) is making a huge comeback and being applied to anyone with non-normative sexualities among other groups. So, sorry if this seems dramatic, but tying sanity in with sexuality in any way, and by extension labeling some forms of sexuality as "insane," isn't just a 'well, it's not the nicest way to phrase it,' situation when the cultural context is that freedom of speech and healthcare access are being systematically removed under the guise of arguments that equate and conflate gender nonconformity with non-normative sexuality and insanity.

I'm not blaming SSC for any of this, it just isn't doing anybody any favors in the antifascist department....

As a Mentally Ill, SSC has always rubbed me the wrong way, but it's an extra-special sore spot for me right now!

[heartxshaped-bruises]

I posted 2,408 times in 2022

That's 1,044 more posts than 2021!

412 posts created (17%)

1,996 posts reblogged (83%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@nanlanmo

@x-brokencrowns

@funnytwittertweets

@merrymusings

I tagged 2,408 of my posts in 2022

#★ qᴜᴇᴜᴇ - 802 posts

#[ answered ] - 196 posts

#★ ɪɴꜱᴘɪʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴ: ꜱᴀꜰꜰʀᴏɴ ɢᴀʀʀᴇᴛᴛʏ - 191 posts

#★ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ɴᴏᴛᴇꜱ ᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ʜᴇᴀᴅꜱᴛᴏɴᴇꜱ: ᴊᴏᴇ - 179 posts

#★ ɪɴꜱᴘɪʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴ: ᴇᴍʀʏ ʟɪʟʟɪꜱ - 164 posts

#★ ᴍᴜɴ ꜱᴛᴜꜰꜰ - 163 posts

#★ ɪɴꜱᴘɪʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴ: ᴅᴀᴠᴇʏ ᴅᴇᴛᴛᴇɴ - 148 posts

#★ ɪɴꜱᴘɪʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴ: ʟᴜᴄɪꜰᴇʀᴏ ᴍᴏꜱᴄᴏɴɪ - 139 posts

#★ ᴊᴏɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡɪʟᴅ ʜᴜɴᴛ: ᴛᴀʟɪᴇꜱɪɴ - 135 posts

#quotes - 119 posts

Longest Tag: 130 characters

#[ cara and oliver defining their relationship through coffee and alleged re-enactments of the boston tea-party in the bathtub... ]

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

OPEN TO. f // m // nb ; mutuals && non-mutuals  ​ MUSE. Rachel Dolan (test-muse) RELATION. based on this plot. rachel’s muse b and it can take literally any direction !!  

        ❛❛Wait, that’s your locker ?? Shit -- sorry. My bad...❜❜ Rachel was deeply in thoughts and barely noticed as the other approached. As soon as he registered that he was blocking their access, leaning against the blue row of lockers in the hallway, he moved aside and hoped to not fall back into a staring contest with the wall across the room. MAN... HE FELT SO OUT OF IT. He’d been up very early, unable to sleep since his stomach was growling and didn’t stop ever since he dragged himself into school. 

        All that was left in his bag was another package of sour cream crackers. The other one had served as his breakfast. At this point he had exactly 20$ left and something told him that it would be tricky to split it over the week. Actually... his whole situation was tricky as fuck. But he tried not to think too much about it or this massive headache would return. Ignoring it helped to stay sane -- or maybe he was just becoming delusional at this point. Either way -- ignoring the problem until it got worse sounded tempting enough to go with it. HIS STOMACH GROWLED AGAIN and his hand shot up, but it couldn’t stifle the sound. Although his cheeks heated a little, his voice didn’t give away any embarrassment that he felt. ❛❛Don’t worry -- if I wanted to eat someone I wouldn’t go for you. The freshmen have shorter legs. Can’t outrun me.❜❜ Not that he could afford stupid remarks -- not with his reputation. But then again, he had no idea who the other was and maybe, just maybe he was lucky enough thath they didn’t know him, either.

24 notes - Posted July 10, 2022

#4

SEND ◕‿◕ TO PLAY WITH MY MUSES HAIR

     @nanlanmo​:  ❛❛ ◕‿◕ for Tal if he's feeling open to it lol!❜❜    

                                                                        ✧･ﾟ  𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐃.

See the full post

25 notes - Posted June 20, 2022

#3

✧･ﾟ 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐊 𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒

bc my bestie and I sold our souls to him and satan.

“Why do you think we’re out here? I’m not wearing any pants.”

 “God left us in a hot car to die and I think we deserve it.”  

“What?! What are you suggesting here that we do, this is really macabre.”

“I’m gonna bring the dinosaurs back and I’m gonna make them gay.”

“Social Media was a mistake made by the mistake of humanity.”

“There’s only one solution to this: Organized Crime.”

“Is this like a malicious compliance thing?”

“Well, now you get fired and I get a giftcard -- yeihh!”

“I’d say apply cold water to the burned area, but there’s no cold water that could cure this.”

“Well, nothing brings people together like a common enemy, am I right?”

“How much of this stuff can we sneak in before they catch us?”

“I’m so disappointed, this day sucks.”

“You really know how to... uh, savor your emotions for the ‘important’ things in life.”

“No, thanks. Just sex, drugs and rock’n roll for me.”

 “You stole my pokemon-card when I was twelve, get fucked!”  

“This isn’t facepalming. This is me ripping my entire face off.”

“How can any human have so little compassion and kindness?”

“Why is this a debate?! You can solve this with two sticks!”

“This is very disturbing but also very creative. Jesus.”

“That just sounds like prostitution with extra steps.”

“Who in their right mind would do this?”

“Oh yeah! I can feel the hellfire coming all along!”

“Why must you ruin everything I hold dear in life?”

 “The only people who’d call you a good catch are probably the cops.”

“So you’re not only proving that you’re creepy, you’re also proving that you’re a complete idiot.”

“What kind of shrooms where you smoking when you made this?”

“Just because your body can physically survive something doesn’t mean that your... uh, whole being is ready for it.”

“This is where this was going?!”

See the full post

34 notes - Posted November 18, 2022

#2

✧･ﾟ  𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑

OPEN TO. f // nb ; mutuals && non-mutuals  @indiestarter​​ RELATION. arranged marriage; a more historical setting possible. our muses were required to get married in order to form an alliance between their two parties -- can either take place in their own realms / worlds for supernatural muses or between the fae kingdom and the human world. both aren’t exactly happy about it and cope in their own ways, but lately mine has been warming up more to the idea. he secretly started to like yours but so far, all of his subtle efforts came to nothing.

        ❛❛I get it -- just because we’re married now doesn’t mean that you have to like me. But instead of making this harder than it needs to be, why don’t you cut me some slack? You’re not a saint either, my lovely.❜❜ Taliesin was unnerved as he turned around to his newlywed, sneering over the all too familiar bickering that the other never quite dropped. As if it could change something about their fate. The closer the day of their wedding had come, at least he had been willing to keep a more open-mind. It wasn’t like he had jumped with joy at the decision of the king. IT WAS A DUTY, NOTHING MORE OR LESS, to make sure the truce was kept and a strong alliance was formed and maintained between the Autumn Court and the others. But if he was forced to spend his life with someone he never met before, he’d do it under his own conditions. And that’s what was partially to blame for the rather rocky start they’ve had. He had been trying to cover up his own unnerving reluctance over the matter by embarrassing them in front of everyone during the official proposal. With other mischievous digs, words and actions that only made it worse to be in the same room with them. And now, on THEIR WEDDING DAY, he realized that there was the possibility that this constant fighting would turn into a perpetual state.

        Taliesin’s face didn’t give any of the mild regret over past mistakes away as they stood on the side, the noise and music from their wedding guests in the background. Nobody here celebrated any of them, only the alliance and their truce. He brought the glass in his hand up and downed the wine in one swig, SAVORING THE TASTE and the light haze it draped over his mind. ❛❛Mhmmm... this one’s good. You should try it. In that way, maybe we still get to somehow enjoy our wedding night.❜❜  

74 notes - Posted May 22, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

✧･ﾟ A short and easy workaround for Reblogs with Beta & XKit Rewritten

Disclaimer: This also seems to work with old Legacy-Threads when reblogging with the new Beta-Editor bc XKit Rewritten doesn’t work with Legacy. The whole trimming order and process of both combined can be confusing, but it’s important so the post doesn’t get fucked up. So technically, it's also helpful for Beta-Reblogging in general.  (video below)

SO, IF YOU WANT TO AVOID DOUBLE-POSTING of your own reblog, do the following:

Hit reblog (make sure you’re using Beta).

Enter reply, whatever.

Safe to drafts.

Remove the first post with Trim Reblogs.

Safe.

Refresh drafts.

Remove your own reply that now shows twice with the Beta-Editor. You will only have one option to remove here, so that makes it easy.

Refresh.

Tadaaa.

In this way you can preserve your partner's reply if you want to, since the blockquote-format won't work like that anymore. So hopefully, reblogs with the Beta-Editor & XKit Rewritten should be easier now for you and your partners without having to move your whole Legacy-Thread to a new post after this measure. I am very nostalgic over my old stuff, so that's a reason why I don't want to do it. If you have additions or experience possible errors, feel free to add them.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS WILL ONLY WORK if your partner reblogged their response without any XKit-Extension. Just a plain reblog.

78 notes - Posted December 10, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[faithinlouisfuture]

thinking thoughts (x)

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

tl;dr: indefinite writing hiatus

First of all, I want to start this post by thanking everyone who has reached out to me in the last day and everyone who has supported me since I started this blog over a year and a half ago. You will always mean the most to me and you are what has kept me writing for so long. 

That being said, after a night of insomnia and heavy consideration, I have decided that it is within my best interest to take a break from writing for tumblr. It could be a week, a month, or more. Right now, I’m just trying to stay sane.

For those who are interested, I will explain further after the cut.

Yesterday, I woke up. Earlier than I wanted to but recently, sleep has not been easy. I’ve been laid off from work, I’m struggling with chronic pain, anxiety, and depression, and like so many others, this pandemic has made all this so much harder.

But I thought, oh, I’ll have more time to work on a fic before I get to the laundry, dishes, etc. So, I wrote about half a chapter and threw my clothes in the wash. I took a little break to eat but found it painful to stay sitting up. After folding my clothes, I chose to lay down on my heating pad and scroll through tumblr.

Then I saw it. A biker fic. Ah, this will be good. And it was because it was my work. My words. Taken from me. You likely saw my previous post on the matter. I finally received a response late last night from the plagiarist. It was evasive, full of lies, excuses, without integrity, and then they deleted without a second thought or a proper apology.

And so shouldn’t I be the bigger person? Shouldn’t I keep writing for all of the people who actually support me and my work? Shouldn’t I persevere?

But I can’t. This isn’t about just one thing. This is after months and months of harassment. I have been called racial slurs for not updating on someone else’s schedule. I took a whole fic down just so I didn’t have to think about how awful it was too open my inbox and see that shit.

But of course it continued. I get hateful people telling me I’m mean, I’m a bitch, I’m a rapist, I’m disgusting. I stand up for myself and get told that I’m in the wrong. These people have gone so far to create shell accounts to further target me.

I get told that because I’m a big blog, I need to set a standard. And so often it feels like my feelings are set aside and that in the end, I am blamed for someone else’s words. For my own harassment.

I never wrote for a number in the margin. I didn’t write because I thought I would have a huge following. My expectations were the complete opposite. I never thought anyone would read Witness. I thought it would be my only fic and I was entirely humbled by the response and this blog has gone further than I ever thought it would.

So it hurts, leaving like this, not knowing if I ever want to come back and finish everything I started. But I’m supposed to sit here and keep taking it? Let someone steal my work and keep creating? I can’t.

I won’t be entirely gone. I’m working on still replying to all those who reached out to me. I’ll probably get bored and share some gif sets, maybe read some other writers and reblog them, but I’d rather work on writing for me. Something original, something I can be proud of.

So thank you to those who have gotten me this far and to those who have stuck around this long. I hope I’ll be back but I don’t know.

Take care of yourselves and don’t be shy. You can still talk to me. I don’t bite. I’m just a writer. A person. And all I want is to be treated with respect and decency.

[saigonharrington]

nervous // g.w

Hi babes!

I’m finally posting the George fic that I was talking about and I am so excited for you to read it!

please, reblog if you like it, it helps me grow

disclaimer: my knowledge of werewolves is based only on a little internet research and the tv series named teen wolf, the episode named Anchors inspired me to write this

pairing: george weasley x werewolf!fem!reader

word count: 6k

Y/N - your name; L/N - last name; Y/F/N - your friend’s name

warnings: swearing, mentions of sex, (kind of) panicking

summary: y/n is afraid of who she became, thinking that now she’s unlikable, but her new abilities prove her wrong, making her hear the boy’s talking and... the beating of his heart

“Hey, he’s staring again.” Your friend noticed the boy, who was standing across the hall with his brother and their friends.

Who was she talking about? George Weasley, of course, the person whose heart you could hear from miles away.

You met him a while ago, wandering through the halls at night, trying to sort some things out while he and his brother were bringing their another prank to life. Of all people attending Hogwarts, you bumped into them. 

You never thought that someone, besides Prefects, would be seen in the corridors so you didn’t pay attention, focusing only on your thoughts.  No wonder you got quite overwhelmed when you hit your head with something, and it definitely wasn’t a wall.

“Are you okay?” The redheaded boy asked you, worried about your well-being. “I’m sorry, I just couldn’t take my eyes off that Zonko’s new item. Are you sure you are fine? I can walk you to madam Pomfrey.” 

“Oh, don’t worry about me.” You said, looking at the moon. “I’m heading to my dormitory, don’t want to bother you and your brother.” You nodded at him, so he told you his name.

“I’m Fred. The more handsome one. Also, the funnier one, because I’ve just made out an amazing plan. Care to join us? I swear you will not regret it. ” He encouraged you, and you didn’t want to be rude, finally agreeing to go with them. A couple of minutes more outside the dorm can’t hurt you, right?

The thing is, you spent almost the whole night preparing pranks with them and idly talking, joking about Snape and Filch. 

The problem is, you haven't talked with them since that accident. Sometimes you exchanged a few words in classes you had together but nothing more.

So then why did George have a crush on you?

You asked yourself that question many times since you first heard him confessing his feelings to Fred. Every time this boy got closer to you or touched you accidentally, his heart was beating so fast like a drum. Your heart has been just as fast as his, but he couldn’t know that. You didn’t even know if it was because you shared his feelings, or did just knowing what he feels towards you, made you that anxious. 

“I know. I’m still not able to control these new super senses. I saw him a while ago. Not to mention that his heart makes my ears hurt. ” You admitted, holding your head because all these sounds were giving you a headache.

“Well, maybe if you’d finally talk to him, your senses wouldn’t be a big problem. Perhaps if you can’t manage to control them, you should ask someone who might help you. Go to professor Lupin.”

“But he doesn’t know that I’m a werewolf. I’m still not comfortable when someone mentions that. ” You said, scared of what you’d become. You knew that sooner or later you were supposed to reach for help, but you felt insecure and didn’t want to recall that night when you were bitten.

“He’s coming over here.” Your friend interrupted your thought, reminding you of George. 

“No way, we have to run.” You started packing your bag, standing up from sitting on the bench. 

“Too late.” She added, making you turn around.

“Hello girls, how’s your day?” He asked nicely, staring at you constantly. 

“Bad.” You whispered.

“Getting better.” Your friend interrupted you, because she knew how much you wanted to walk away, and she couldn’t let you, knowing that you have to confront him anyway. 

“Great, I wanted to ask you a question.” He pointed at you, smiling widely. “Would you go on a date with me?” He scratched his back, getting stressed. You heard his heart pounding, which made you even angrier. The sound was so loud that you weren’t able to hear anything other than that, feeling like you could pass out at any moment. 

“She would love to.” Your friend took the lead, which made the boy wonder why you weren’t responding. “She’s just as stressed as you are. Sorry for speaking in her name, but she talked about you for so long. I hope you understand.”

“Oh, no worries. Meet me after the lessons on Friday. I’ll be waiting near to the great hall. ” He explained, addressing it to you, adding a short “see you later” after his brother called after him.

“You should thank me.” Your friend addressed you, asking you to sit down.

“Gosh, his heart was beating so fast. I couldn’t focus.” You told her, relaxing a bit. “And no, I will not thank you. Can’t you understand why I’m avoiding him? I thought I told you.”

“No, I can. I just think that you’re wrong. ” She told you, winking at you.

“Think about it. If he’ll find out who I am, he won’t talk to me again. I’d rather stare at him, being miles away and aware that he likes me too than admitting who I am and getting rejected, him not being able to look at me again.” You admitted, hearing your voice cracking slowly. 

“You idiot. You really think that werewolves are some type of creature that cannot function normally? You’re here for centuries, managing everything somehow, I bet that there were werewolves married to Muggles, to wizards, and many more. Don’t think of yourself as a beast, some kind of unlovable creature. That’s not what you are. You’re perfectly normal. By the way, bold of you to assume that he’s the first one to judge and won’t accept you.” She gave you a speech, trying to cheer you up.

“That’s exactly what I think. Can you blame me? I’m still not used to this, I never really talked with any other werewolves.”

“Then stop! See, you’re also prejudging him. There’s only one way to find out what he’s thinking about you. You’ll tell him the truth. But for now, we have to find Lupin.”

—

You were not ready yesterday, so after your friend spotted Lupin, you decided to hide. You wanted to be prepared for every topic that he will discuss with you, deciding that you’ll ask him to stay for a little talk when the DADA lesson finishes. 

“Can I speak with you for a moment, professor?” You asked, trying to sound quiet. 

“Yes, you may. What’s the problem, miss L/N?” 

“If you’re going to ask questions, then I might stay here for a little longer than ‘ a moment ’.” You joked, secretly being scared of admitting the truth.

“Anyway. As you may know, I am a werewolf. Before you ask, I prefer not to tell you how it happened. I’m still learning, and you’re the only one that came to mind. I thought that you might help me.”

“You should’ve come earlier. Weren’t you curious earlier about your abilities and how to control them?”

“I was. But I was also too afraid to say something. Werewolves aren’t considered as the nicest creatures, I wanted to avoid gossip. I still want to. ” You started a monologue, watching closely if Lupin is paying attention to you. “The main reason for me coming to have a little chat with you is not only to ask about my abilities. I’m invested in hearing. Because I cannot understand why some sounds are clearer and come to my mind often? What makes them so?”

“Do you have something specific in your mind?” He asked, being eager to help you.

“Someone’s heart beating. I mean, I hear a lot of sounds, but this one is haunting me, even if that person is completely in a different place. Am I losing my mind? Or did this happen to you as well?”

“This person is your anchor, then. The one who can calm you down, who can help you control all of your new skills. But it might change through the years, you don’t have one anchor for eternity. Everything is based on your feelings. ” Remus explained calmly.

“Who was your anchor? You don’t have to tell me if you’re not feeling comfortable with it, after all, I’m just another Hogwarts student. ” You asked out of curiosity, wishing that he will open up to you.

“It used to be someone who was my friend. I don’t think I have an anchor anymore. ” He answered, being rather peaceful and not bothered by it, however, you wanted to comfort him, asking for permission to hug him.

“You’ll find another anchor. You said that we can have it more than once, right? I bet that somewhere there is someone special, whose ability is to calm you down. ” You smiled shyly.

“Um, eh, we’re not here to be upset. Let’s focus on your issue.” He said, wanting to change the topic. “What you need to control your abilities is physical contact with that special someone. I can’t assure you that it will work after the first attempt, but it certainly might help.

 “But that takes time, I think I was able to control most parts of it after months. Still, some things are not under my control. Anyway, don’t worry about that, everything has its flaws. If you’ll excuse me, I have an important meeting soon, I don't want to be late. If you want, we can meet again after one of my lessons.” Lupin bid you goodbye, making you leave his classroom.

As you were left alone, you started thinking about the conversation that happened seconds ago. It did not make sense to you.

How could George be your anchor? 

Sure, you had a crush on him for a while, but nothing ever happened between you two. That one night, which you spent preparing pranks with twins was fun, nothing else. You decided to not make any more friends, because you remembered how Y/F/N reacted when you said that you’re a werewolf. So you drifted away not only for your own good, but also for his. 

Why him? Why isn’t it your friend, or even someone from your family who is  your anchor? And how are you going to explain it to him? “Hey, I’m a werewolf, and you’re the only one that keeps me sane? You have to stay with me forever, otherwise I might go crazy?” 

No way. You couldn’t  see it.

At the same time, George was calmly waiting for you next to the Defence Against the Dark Arts  classroom. He noticed that you stayed for a little talk with Remus, but he also was eager to talk to you. 

Your date was supposed to happen tomorrow, and he wanted to make sure that you’re comfortable with him, and that you have something to talk about. He was afraid that maybe somehow tomorrow you guys will be stressed, so chatting the day before, no strings attached and just getting to know each other might lighten the mood. 

“Hey.” He started the conversation without thinking about it. ‘Hey’? Couldn’t you think about anything better? Something more creative? Now she will think that you were stalking her, you dumbass, he thought, standing in front of you.

Never was he that close to you, or maybe just didn’t pay attention when you were around, but now he noticed the height difference between the both of you. He found it really hard not to kneel down, so he could see your eyes gleaming. Although he considered it cute and funny, he decided not to mock it. Well, not right now, since he had other reasons to talk to you and was so fixated about it.

“Hello George, what could have  brought you here?” You asked, not bothering to look at him, because you would have to keep your head up.

“We just had the same lesson.  I sit in front of you. ” He explained, thinking that you didn’t notice that detail. If the tall, ginger boy can be considered as a detail.

“Oh, I know. But the lesson ended 20 minutes ago. ” You said, wondering if he will say what he has in mind or will just play pretend.

“Actually, I wanted to talk to you. Nothing deep, only to diffuse the tension before our meeting tomorrow. ” He scratched his head, walking slowly by your side.

“Meeting you say, and what’s that?” You teased him a little, finding it funny and adorable that he was afraid to use the word ‘date’.

“You know, when a group of people, two and above, meets somewhere. God, I was scared that I’m going to be the dumb one. Now I can relax. But I have to admit, I expected more from you. ” He joked, coping with his fear.

“Okay, so what’s the pre-meeting topic that made you come to me?”

“Actually…” He began, but you interfered.

“Shit. My friend is there.” You pointed at the end of the corridor, where she was talking with a Ravenclaw from your year. “We have to hide, I’ll explain.” You pushed him to the next door that appeared in front of you, finding yourself in Filch’s office. Great.

“Can you explain now? I thought that you like her. ” He asked out of curiosity.

“I do, but I don’t want her to interject in our conversation. Shh, I think someone’s coming. We should hide. ” You advised, being pretty sure that it’s Filch. Who else would  come to his office? You made George hide behind the huge bookshelf, noticing how little space there was.

“You know, we could also say a spell to make us invisible.” He laughed at you, trying to find a comfortable position.

“Too late. Shut your mouth. ” You both tried to stay silent, hearing the sound of someone opening the door. George was almost sitting, because if he would stand normally, his head could be seen above the bookshelf. 

His eyes were focused on you and your face in general, which made you hold your laughs way harder than you thought it would. If either  of you made a sound, you’d end up in detention, and Filch would make sure that you get the worst punishment. 

Fortunately, he only came to get one thing from his desk, so as soon as you heard the door shut, George suddenly moved, hitting his head on the shelf. 

“Shh.” You said, listening closely to the steps that were getting closer.

“Ah, Mr. Norris, I forgot about you! But you didn’t have to hit the door so hard. I hope you forgive me. ” He said to the cat that stayed in his office, but this time he took it with him.

While they were going out of the office, you had to silence the boy, who was struggling because of pain. It was not your intention to show your werewolf abilities, however, he looked as it really hurt him, wanting to scream. 

“Show me the back of your head.” You demanded, when the two of you went out of the hideaway. You slowly took his head with one hand, the other one intertwining with his fingers. He had no idea what you were doing. It was clever of you to take his hand, making it look like you were comforting him, while you took some of his pain away. Fortunately, you were wearing your long robes, so your veins were not visible. Otherwise, the boy would’ve seen how you were taking the sore, making the veins look blackish.

If it weren’t for your location and the cause of his headache, both of you would be on the way to the hospital wing. But how could you explain that George hit the bookshelf in Filch’s office? Well, you couldn’t. Good for you that the boy did not question your methods, he probably didn’t even notice the thing that you had done. 

“That was weird. But also hilarious.” George admitted, laughing way too loud, when you carefully opened the door to check what’s going on outside the office. After you made sure that no one was staring, you took his hand again, making him go after you.

While wandering through corridors, you noticed it is almost empty.

“Why is no one here?” You asked, not expecting the ginger boy to answer.

“You know, I think everyone is having classes. We’re going to be late.” 

“Oh no, we’re not going at all.” You replied quickly. “Not in the mood to get all the attention today, apparently the world is against me. We gotta be smarter, let’s play truant.” You tried to encourage George, but he already seemed to be in.

“That sounds great! Now I really do feel like we’re soulmates.”

“You doubted it? Wait, you never even mentioned that to me. ” You craved for an explanation, while George wasn’t so fond of telling you more.

“Don’t worry, it’s just a silly word. I intended to ask you something. Why didn’t you say anything when I asked for a date? Is it because you didn’t want to, or find me too intimidating?”

“Do you want the answer that will make you look bad, or do I have to take all the blame?”

“Depends which is the correct one.” He replied teasingly.

“I mean, I did think it was a little weird that you asked me, because after the pranks that night we talked only occasionally… how could I possibly be your soulmate? How could you grow to like me when you don’t know me at all? ” Yeah, you might regret that later, but you had to be honest.

“Merlin, I’m going to sound like a weirdo, but I do know you. At least I think so. You showed the real yourself that night, being careless and funny, besides in most of my classes I’m focusing on you, not the topic. I’m definitely sounding like a psycho, but you always sit in front of me or behind me, joking with your friend and I cannot help but hear more than a little and laugh quietly. I’ve liked you since that damn night and got to know you, in an unusual way, but still felt like we’re similar. That’s why I had to shoot my shot. Please don’t leave. ” He said, grabbing my hand, afraid of the vision that I might freak out.

“Can you shut up?” You replied in a harsh way, later realizing what you had done. “Shit, I didn’t mean… I just… you can speak. I’m just… Can you calm down? It sounds like your heart is going to run away from your body.” 

“Am I sweating or what?” He asked, curious how did you notice that his heart was fluttering.

“Oh no I actually… I can hear your heart beating. Very, very fast. And that you’re swallowing now the gulp of saliva, because you’re scared. I even hear professor Flitwick explaining the cheering charm to the 3rd years. And that Hagrid is coming, I think he’ll appear in this corridor in two minutes.”

“Your eyes have just changed from their natural  color. What is going on? Is something wrong? I am worried, I want to help you darling. ” He tried to comfort you, so you didn’t even notice the nickname. “Are you an Animagus? Metamorphmagus?”

“I’m a werewolf. I’m a werewolf, George. I’m so sorry, I know, I should’ve told you earlier. ” You admitted the truth, now being the one who’s afraid.

“No way! That’s so cool! I’m glad that I know! How many people know? Is this why you talked with Lupin? Can you show me your claws? And your transformation? ” The ginger got way too excited, so your job was to tone him down. 

“Shh, remember that we’re in corridors, when  we should be in classes. No one can know that we’re here. I’m so sorry for saying this, but I can’t show you. Not only is it irresponsible, but.. I can’t control anything since I was bitten. It might be because I’m that creature for the short term. I haven’t  learned to control it yet, no one was kind enough to show me. Oh wait, the only werewolf that I know and trust is Remus and I told him the news just today.”

“But you told me that you hear my heart beating...  It’s one of your abilities, right? ” He asked curiously.

“Yeah, it is. See, I either don’t know how to do things or they’re out of my control. I can smell like everything in this corridor right now, and trust me, when it’s mixed, it’s awful. I told you, I hear not only you, but even what’s happening in the charms classroom that is in front of us,” you took a deep breath, trying to gather your wits,

 “I also see the flying lessons from that window and I can recall every face of the students that are now attending that lesson. The problem is, that I don’t want to. This information is totally not needed by me, but I can’t control it.”

 “I can’t decide yet what I want to smell or hear… it’s really hard. That’s why I couldn’t answer you when you asked me on a date. I heard your heart, and it caused my headache, that’s why my friend took the lead and talked with you that day.”

“Oh, don’t worry about it! Now that I know what was happening, I can relax. Should I say sorry for the sound of my heart? I didn’t want to…”

“It’s okay.” You interjected, comforting him, while it’s you who needed the comfort. “It’s not that bad, since you consider us soulmates, me, remembering how your heart beat sounds, it’s quite romantic.” You smiled shyly, avoiding eye contact.

“Can I?” George started, but took a break, wishing that you know what he has in his mind. You didn’t, so you stared at him with interest. “Can I listen to your heart? I wish I could remember yours too.”

You nodded at him, but the boy was too awkward to start this. You took his hand, leading it slowly to your chest, getting out of your comfort zone. 

“You know, maybe you should rest your head on me. It won’t look as weird as you're almost touching my breasts. ” You started laughing, wondering if you’re  taking this too far.

“Alright then.” He got a little more confident, doing as you told him so. “And I was hoping that we were going to have sex.”

“And you’re my soulmate?? Man, I would never do it in public. In front of the charms' classroom? What if Flitwick or students… I can’t even say it. You’re something else, Weasley.” You patted him on his head, which was still resting on your arm.

“I was going to tell you something really important. But since you got too cocky, you’re gonna have to wait ‘til  our date. ” You started, feeling ready to explain to him about  the anchor. You didn’t change your mind, because you will tell him anyway. Since the two of you got way too comfortable around each other, you decided to tease him a little. 

“Oh please, don’t leave me hanging on. I can give you… something. ” He tried to convince you, taking some sweets from his pocket.

“No way, I know what you’re giving me. It’s Zonko’s hiccough sweet. Won’t happen. ” You replied, declining his offer. The bell ringing made you realize that the lesson has ended and the two of you should hide or at least make an excuse why didn’t you show up to your classes. Not only for the teachers, but for the friends' curiosity. What were you going to say? It seemed easier to just disappear than explain everything. 

“I’m sorry, but Fred is watching us and I think we have something to talk about.” George got up, waving to his brother. “See you tomorrow then? Please, don’t be late” He added, lending you a hand in case you wanted to stand up, but you kindly declined it, deciding to sit for a little longer.

“Where were you? I was freaking out until I noticed that George was also absent. Good for you that it’s the transfiguration you had missed, not potions. Snape would kill you, or make you clean his class. Now, tell me what happened. In detail, please. ” She begged you, making you sigh at that statement, knowing that you two will probably miss another lesson, talking about your new friend, or, more like, soulmate?

—

The date was about to begin in 30 minutes, you were sitting calmly in your dorm, listening to your friend’s rambling.

“What do you mean by saying that you have ‘a lot of time’? Is thirty minutes a lot? You aren’t ready at all! At least change your shirt.”

“Well, I wanted to dress up. Then I started thinking if I should wear something casual, since it’s just Friday night, and we’re staying in school, or should I wear something elegant, to make this date more serious. Next I had a little panic attack for the same reason. Finally, I decided that I’m not gonna dress up. Too much pressure.”

“So you’re going in the same clothes that you were wearing for the whole day?” She asked you, wishing you’ll decide to change.

“Yeah, I don’t want to make it official. We’ll see what is going to happen.”

“At least brush your teeth for Merlin’s sake! I bet this boy is ready for something more than listening to your heart. ” She joked, making you terrified.

“Damn, what if he really does? What If I won’t be able to control myself and change into a werewolf? That would be so humiliating.”

“No! I’m sorry, don’t panic. I think he’ll be excited to see you in that way. You mentioned that he was very cool about that. ” She tried to calm you.

“No, you don’t understand. I can’t control myself. What If I harm him? I don’t want to... If something like that happens, then for sure he won’t keep in touch with me. ” You said, pacing  around the dorm to not freak out.

“Oh trust me, this boy is weird. And he likes taking risks. I bet that he will laugh about it and get excited. ” She summed it up, wishing that it might cheer me up.

Because of her, you  finally decided to get up and change clothes. You still wanted to be comfortable, hoping that casual clothes would fit in that situation, whatever it may be that George has planned. 

After saying goodbye to your  friend, you found yourself in the corridors, walking slowly, focusing on breathing slowly. There’s no need to worry, right?

A couple of minutes later you noticed George, standing in front of the Great Hall, just as he said to you  earlier, leaning against the wall. He was looking down at the floor, bouncing his head, probably to the song that he couldn’t get rid of. You did not want to interrupt, enjoying the view from afar, but you knew you had no choice.

“Stressed?” You asked him, watching as his eyes slowly looked  upon you. “Not any longer. You came. ” He smirked, asking for permission to take my hand. “Why wouldn’t I? Yesterday was fun. ” You admitted, being curious where the two of you are heading to. 

Before you realized you were outside of  Hogwarts, George led you to the location where everything was prepared. You couldn’t help but wonder what he has in his mind. Is he worried that you may not like that? Is he excited to show you? Is it still a date or just a friendly meeting? 

Seconds later the view was starting to get familiar  the Black Lake was for sure mesmerizing, but what amazed you more was a huge, colorful blanket  with so much food on it. 

“Did you make it?” You asked, noticing that a flower crown was also laying on the blanket. “Which charm did you use?” The boy flushed at this question, feeling embarrassed.

“Oh, I didn’t use any charm. I got anxious after everything was prepared, so I had to get my hands busy. We were making flower crowns when Ginny was little, so I was worried that I might not do it properly, because it was long ago, but I’m actually proud of that one. ” George explained everything to you, starting to gain his confidence back, seeing that you liked what he had done. He helped you put it on your head, and then you sat down, looking at swans swimming in the lake.

“Do you think that we will eat everything? It looks like a feast for the whole school, or at least for one of the houses. ” The food in front of you was disappearing very, very slowly. Although George was eating all the time, the blanket was still full of all kinds of food. At first, you weren’t eager to try this food, knowing that George might have done something with it, but when he reached for the snacks, you followed his actions. 

Talking with him was really pleasant, you felt weirdly comfortable around him, but still the anchor thing was haunting you. Sometimes you couldn’t focus, thinking how are you going to explain it to him. It wasn’t that hard to make words come out of your mouth. What worried you was the commitment. Do you have to be his girlfriend immediately after that confession? Does that strengthen the bond between you two? Or will it mean nothing to him?

You could admit that you liked him. A lot. But those words sounded like you expected him to be more than your friend, and you did not want to rush things. Maybe you’ll consider telling it to him after the date? Depends on if it’s going to be good or end awkwardly? 

You decided to brush it off, asking out of nowhere.

“George, what’s like to prank people? Do you feel excited or embarrassed while making them?”

“Don’t tell me you’ve never pranked someone.” He said seriously, but seeing your face made him realize that you weren’t joking as well.

 “No way. We have to prank someone together. Get up. Plans are changed.” He ordered, making sure that you do what he told you to, and then throwing the spell that made the blanket disappear.

“Did someone get under your skin lately?” Weasley said, probably having the plan already made in his head.

“Filch is yelling at me every day. Apparently Mr. Norris is not fond of my Kneazle.”

“And you’re letting him treat you like that? We gotta do something.” 

Going back to Hogwarts was quick and exciting. You never pranked anyone but you heard a lot of stories about the twins doing it, and having a chance to make it with one of them next to you, made you hope that it’s going to be fun. George decided that you’re gonna make a potion that will make Filch speak nonsense, it is Babbling Beverage. 

To do this, you had to sneak into the potions classroom, which wasn’t the easiest task, but definitely the interesting one. 

Joking with Weasley was really easy, this boy was a comedian. Spending time with him opened your eyes, that not everything has to be taken seriously in life. He could make fun of anything, yet you felt comfortable with him, because he knew when he should stop. 

Collecting all the things needed to brew this potion  created a silence between you two,  because you focused on the responsibility to make it perfect. Considering the fact that neither of you were good in potions, doing all of this was a challenge. But you knew it was worth it. For all the things Filch said to you, offending you every day, you waited for the sweet, sweet revenge. 

Finally, feeling ready, you broke the silence. 

“George, I have to say something. Please don’t make fun of me.”

 “No worries darling. I literally came to you and asked you out even though we didn’t talk much. If you didn’t make fun of me, then I won’t do it to you.” He admitted, taking the ladle out of your hands.

“How much do you know about werewolves?” You started slowly, not wanting to get to the point so quickly.

“Not much. Just that you and Remus are the ones. And that something happens when there’s a full moon. Do you want to say that I should learn more? Because I could do that for you. ” He replied, like it wasn’t a big thing, but it made you smile wide.

“Oh, you don’t have to.” You said, not wanting to put the pressure on him. “You know, there’s a thing called  an Anchor.” You started, taking a deep breath to think what you should say.

“And what’s that?” He asked out of curiosity, wishing that you could explain everything now, because he hated living with the unawareness. “You can trust me.” He added, taking your palm in his and rubbing it slowly with his thumb.

“I don’t know how to say this. I’m nervous. It... it’s a thing, or a person... actually, it is a person, who can calm the werewolf. They don’t have to be next to the creature, just the thought of them makes the werewolf control everything, making them able to not transform into the beast... you know. ” You started messing up the words, feeling incredibly stressed, and the fact that George was staring deep in your eyes, didn’t help you at all.

“Sorry to bother you, but we have to wait one hour for this ingredient to get warmer. We can sit in the storeroom then.”   He took off his jacket, putting it on the floor to make the place a bit more cozy.

You sat next to him, staying silent, knowing that when he interrupted you, it could mean that he’s not interested in the werewolf things. “What you said about the anchor... I think it’s pretty romantic. But why did you mention it to me?” 

“Don’t make me say it Weasley. I really don’t want to. I don’t even think I can. ” You tried to make it obvious that it’s him, but he clearly wanted you to admit it out loud.

“No way, is it Snape? That’s why we’re sitting here? Or is it Filch? And you want to show him the affection through the pranks? You're a weirdo, Y/N.” He laughed.

 “And you clearly don’t know what I have in mind.” You said, getting the confidence you gained lately.

“Do you mean you’re going to change tonight? Should I run? Or try to keep you calm? ” He was asking.

“If someone’s going to be that dumb, I might harm him. Just in case. ” You tried to tease him back, not wanting to say those words.

“Can I kiss you? These threats sound so hot when it comes out of your mouth. ” He asked, so you nodded quietly, watching as he was leaning closer. “Just don’t bite me, or do it. I would be the best werewolf, and the most handsome one. ” He whispered between the kisses.

“Your heart is so freaking loud. Maybe we should stop, we don’t want you to die or have a heart attack. ” You replied, showing that you care.

“We don’t? I didn’t know that. Also, I thought that you can’t hear it anymore. Since I am your anchor, and all you do right now is think of me...” he said confidently, admitting the things you were scared to say.

“Glad you finally understood. But it doesn’t work like that...” You were eager to explain everything once more, yet George had the courage to interrupt you again.

“Shh, we will have the time for talking. I’m now stuck with you forever, to be your Prince Charming and hero when you won’t be able to control yourself. But you are able now, and the night is long…”

“Don’t be so sure.” You interjected, moving closer and deciding to sit on him.

As George said, the night was long. The two of you forgot about the potion you were making, focusing on something else.

 The worst thing was how easy the two of you fell asleep.

 Snape seeing you that morning, sleeping, covered with your robes, was quite surprised. And furious. He yelled at you, making you wake up, not knowing where you are and what you were doing last night.

 It was obvious that he’s going to serve detention for you.

 But what could possibly go wrong, now that you have your anchor beside you?

tagging some people: @weasleysandwheezes @nerdyblogger06 @georgeweasley-whore @georgeweasleysbabe @asimpfortheweasleys

join my 100 followers sleepover

[dw-writes]

Can I get a request for a John Kennex x Reader? Soulmate Au or maybe even that fate keeps throwing them together? You're freaking amazing BTW *Hugs*

SCREAMS YES??? I LOVE SOULMATE AUS SO MUCH!!!!!! And, I mean, look at him!! What a cutie. What a fucking smartass. I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS!!!!! Also @writerdee1701 here is some John Kennex!! ( @outside-the-government i think ive seen you reblog Kennex stuff but if not!! i’m sorry!)

A soulmate wasn’t something you wanted. You had sat and suffered and cried over thinking that you had one only to lose it because it wasn’t real and for what? Because the world – the universe? – told you that you were supposed to have a soulmate? Because the moment you turned eighteen the first words your soulmate was meant to say to you appeared on your arm?

No way.

So, after months of intensive therapy and accepting a new job in a city on the opposite side of the country, you did what any sane-but-majorly-depressed person would do: you got the tattoo covered.

You brushed your thumb over the healed black band that encircled your left arm, smiling to yourself – your sister, bless her, had suggested adding flowers, and your tattoo artist had been more than happy to include blooming flowers all around the band, even going so far as to outline them in UV ink, so that you could see the pieces that would be covered by the band itself. You tugged the sleeve of your shirt down to your wrist as you walked into the building, ready for another day at work – another case, another job well done.

You sighed and nodded at your MX-43 as you sat at your desk.

“Don’t look so excited to be here.” You looked up at the voice and felt your lips curl in a smile. John Kennex returned it and held out a second cup of coffee. You took with a grateful grin. “Dunno if you heard, but we’re workin’ a case together today,” he said, leaning on your desk.

You arched an eyebrow as you took a slow sip from your cup. It was just how you liked it, and it warmed you from the inside out. “Again?” you finally asked after another deep drink. He nodded. “You know, if I didn’t know better, I’d almost say we were partners,” you teased.

“I think the captain likes our closure rate,” he pointed out.

“Uh, you mean my closure rate,” you said as you drained your cup and stood, “You just happen to be along for the ride.”

“Oh?” he challenged.

You nodded and grabbed your things from your desk. “Yeah.”

“Those sound like fighting words,” he remarked.

You hummed. “If they were fighting words, I’d say you were there to look pretty, but that’s Dorian’s job!” you chirped. You wrinkled your nose. “You do give good hugs though, so, there’s that.” You patted his chest as you walked past him. “Let’s go!”

Captain Maldonado leaned out of her office as you and John walked past her with a shout of, “Masks!” Both of you lifted your hands and waved over your shoulders.

You didn’t mind sitting in the back of John’s cruiser with your MX, rubbing your thumb over your tattoo as Dorian and your MX rattled off the particulars of the case. You felt eyes on your face throughout the ride but didn’t look up to meet them. When John pulled up to the crime scene, he waved Dorian ahead with your MX and grabbed your arm before you walked past. It took you a moment to look up and, when you did, he was frowning.

“Where are you?” he whispered. You opened your mouth. He shook his head. “Don’t say here, or thinking about the case,” he murmured, “You didn’t hear a word Dorian said on the way here.”

You sighed. “My sister found her soulmate,” you said as you waved towards the bright light line of the ticker tape. John shoved his hands in his pockets as he walked with you. “It’s funny, she’s been living next door to him for a year while teaching in Scotland, and she didn’t know it was him until she ran into him in the hall during laundry day. He had a bird on his shoulder, this big thing, she sent me a picture of it, actually.” You adjusted your mask and pulled out your phone, opening the picture. It was side by side with another photo, one of a bird with its wing in a splint.

John nodded at it. “What’s that?” he asked.

You smiled to yourself. “Before she left, we found a bird in our building parking lot. It had a broken wing, and Maria, she’s got this huge soft spot for birds, so we took it to the vet and they walked us through how to take care of it.”

“And it’s the same bird her soulmate has tattooed, right?” he asked.

“How, how, how does it know that?” you asked, stopped short of the crime scene. You scratched at your arm through your sleeve. “She got her mark when she turned eighteen just like everyone else, and it was a, a, a set of card suits to a losing hand of poker, which turned out to be the exact same hand that Richard had when he lost a bet that ended up with him applying to college to be a teacher.” You shook your head. “I don’t—I don’t understand.”

John’s eyebrows were arched high when you finally looked at him. You ran your fingers behind your ears to adjust your mask while he carefully pulled his off and scratched his chin. “If it makes you feel better,” he said with one of those crooked, amused smiles of his, “I don’t understand it either.”

“No, it doesn’t make me feel better, John, because no one understands it,” you shot back, puffing your cheeks. You turned on your heel and stalked towards the dead body and Dorian and your MX were patiently waiting for you by.

“I’m just trying to make you feel better!” he shouted after your retreating form.

“A for effort!” you shouted back.

The case was a bust in terms of being complicated – the body was a mess, but there was a phone left behind, and a tagged post from the victim with someone else, a boyfriend, who confessed the moment he saw you rolling up to his apartment by shouting out of his window and jumping from it. He wound up with a broken leg and was sitting for sentencing.

John paused at a desk in the bullpen when the two of you returned. You glanced back quickly to find him talking with Valerie, and smiled, pulling off your mask. Dorian followed after you as you wandered back to your desk.

“What’s your mark?” he asked when you sat down.

You glanced up from setting your mask in the UV sanitizer. “That’s…” You leaned back and cleared your throat. “That’s a little out of the blue for you, D.” You shook your head, then picked up your keyboard and started to type out your report. “What, uh, what gives?”

“Saw you and John talking about soulmates earlier,” he said as he pulled up a chair. When you glanced up, he smirked. “I can read lips,” he answered.

You gently tossed your keyboard away from you and sighed. Your eyes drifted across the bullpen. John’s smile still hadn’t faded. “Do you know Chromes don’t have soulmate marks?” you commented.

“No, no, I didn’t know that,” Dorian replied.

You nodded, “Mhmm.” Then, scrubbed your hands over your face, you tilted your head back over the back of your chair. “Something about the way that the changing of genetic make-up eliminates whatever code is programed in us that makes the soulmate tattoos.” You dropped your hands. “He could pick Valerie and no one would argue about it.”

“You’re jealous,” Dorian replied.

“Not jealous,” you shot back.

Dorian adjusted his feet and leaned closer. “So, what’s your mark?” he asked again.

You wrinkled your nose and sat up, pulling your keyboard back to you. Dorian continued to stare. You turned your arm over and yanked up your sleeve. He took your wrist to turn your arm out more. “I got it covered up,” you said, stroking your thumb over a spot in the middle of the black band. “I kinda had a melt down after my mark appeared, and when I finally started to really believe that a soulmate doesn’t make a person, I got it covered.”

“So, what was it?” he asked again. He pushed your thumb aside and brushed his fingers over the band. As he did so, you felt eyes land on you. You set your cheek on your fist. The lights on the side of Dorian’s face lit up. “I see UV ink,” he said as he continued to trace the tattoo, “Flowers?”

“Moonflowers,” you answered with a shrug, “They only bloom once and in very specific conditions.”

“Like a soulmate,” he added with a smile. He looked back down at the band. “Is that a rectangle?”

You pulled your arm back and tugged the sleeve down. “Yeah,” you said. You swallowed a lump that had formed in your throat. “Yeah, just a rectangle.”

“No, there was something else—”

“Everything okay here?” You and Dorian looked up. John stood in front of your desk, glancing between the two of you with a concerned frown. You scratched your neck and nodded, motioning to your screen. Dorian stood and pushed the chair back where it belonged. “You sure?” John asked you.

You nodded again. “Yeah.” You sat back, adjusting the keyboard in front of you. “I’m gonna stay and finish this report. I’ll send it in for the both of us, okay?”

“You sure?”

“I’m sure.” You smiled. “Get outta here.”

He hesitated by your desk, knocking his knuckles against it. “Let me know if you need help, okay?” he murmured.

You stared at him. “John—”

“I’m goin’,” he sighed.

You fished around in your bag and pulled out a set of wireless headphones, then synced it up to your phone, and got to work. Valerie left with a man you didn’t recognize, and Richard walked out after her a few hours later. Captain Maldonado left shortly after them. The lights dimmed and the MX’s headed off to the elevators that took them down to the basement. You stretched your arms above your head and groaned, then tugged the sleeves of your shirt up and twisted around in your seat.

Someone pulled your headphone off. You jumped. John stepped back, holding his hands up. The set dangled from his fingers.

“Didn’t mean to scare you,” he said with an amused smile.

“Why are you still here?” you sighed, rubbing your face. You flopped back into your seat and turned to your computer. John pulled up a chair. He set the headphones down after powering them off, then slid a glass over to you. You stared at it.

“It’s bourbon,” he said with a nod to the glass. You turned your chair slowly until you faced him. “Thought you could use it.”

You picked it up. “You thought right,” you slowly said. He held up his glass. You clinked your own against it with a smile.

As John took a slow drink, he pointed at your arm. You turned it out towards him. “Dorian said it was a moonflower?”

You stopped, the glass to your lips. “Why?” you hesitantly asked.

He stared at your tattoo for a long time. Then, he gulped down the rest of his bourbon and pulled up his sleeve. On the outside of his bicep was a simple rectangle. He turned his arm out and showed you the inside of his arm. The outline of a familiar flower stared back at you. You practically threw your glass onto the desk and slid to the edge of your seat. You traced the flower with a faint touch.

“It was on my leg,” he said after a long stretch of silence. You bit your lip. “Nurse in the ICU was nice enough to draw it better for me after about a hundred ugly little sketches.” You gasped out a laugh, dazed at the fact that it was there, right in front of you. “So, what’s in the rectangle?” he asked.

You glanced up, too engrossed in the fact that your flower was tattooed on his skin. The flower you had thought a good representation of a soulmate - something you made, that was unique, that only appeared after certain conditions were met. You shook your head faintly, and whispered, “The name Reginald in your shitty handwriting.”

“You knew?” he asked.

You licked your lips and hesitantly pulled your hands back. “I dunno, I didn’t know for sure, I hadn’t seen the handwriting since I got it covered up, I—”

John cupped your face in his hands, cutting your sentence off. He leaned in, paused, then closed the gap between you both in a surprisingly soft kiss. Your eyes fluttered closed.

Soulmate or not, you couldn’t believe that he returned your feelings. You gripped the front of his shirt and kissed him back.

[waka-chan-out]

hello! i was just wondering how you started out your page, like any tips? I love your work so much 😤✋💕

well, first of all thank you very much! i’m surprised and flattered that you would ask me!

in all honesty, i don’t know how i got here. i feel like i blacked out at 300 followers and now i’m at 1.2k. but i can try to offer some tips! i know i looked at some tip posts when i was first starting and didn’t follow most of them, so i’ll let you know what’s been useful to me. obviously remember this is what worked for me and it may not apply to everybody. i acquired this audience completely by accident, so those that are actively working to build a page might give you different tips.

((keep in mind this all applies to fanfic blogs because that’s all i have experience in.))

things to do:

first of all, and this is pretty obvious: tag everything you think applies. it seems excessive in the moment but it’s the only reason anyone ever saw my stuff lmao. like for any specific character in my posts will have a whole slew of tags (and this is for my nsfw posts) like:

ushijima smut ushijima x reader ushiwaka smut ushiwaka x reader haikyuu smut haikyuu x reader hq smut hq x reader

going along with that, oh my god, come up with a tagging system. even if you don’t think you need to tag something, you probably do. so many headcanons of mine are lost to time simply because i never tagged them and now i have over 600 posts. i’m never finding that shit again. tag it.

make a masterlist. it helps you and your followers stay sane and organized. i made mine because someone requested it, so that was cool. but if you make one early it’ll make your life easier.

find one uniform way to structure your posts. i know everyone feels differently about this, but it really does make life so much easier. i’ve been doing my “post timeskip, obviously, content warnings, etc” thing since my very first post, and it just makes me feel more organized and consistent. everyone’s posts will look different, so just look at what your favorite blogs do and mush all that together. you’ll find what you like eventually.

be clear what kind of audience you want. this can change and evolve, but try to start off with some idea of what you want. don’t want minors on your page? write minors dni EVERYWHERE and keep up with blocking pages. a rules list helps with this, but of course people like to just not check those, so be firm when your rules are bent or broken.

post a variety of content. it’s so much easier to rack up notes on a headcanon or thirst post then it is anything else, especially the type of fics i write where it has a lot of banter and build up before anything else.

it pays off to have a gimmick! i acquired the most followers from my 300 follower event and that’s been so nice.

this isn’t necessarily a “blog” tip, but oh my god, learn how to structure writing. i cannot tell you how off putting it is to try to read fics when paragraph breaks are used awkwardly or there are two people speaking in one paragraph. you don’t have to be a perfect writer to write fanfiction, but please at least learn the rules of writing. if you need help, ask. google things. i’m an english major that wants to write and edit for a living and i still look shit up all the time.

write what you like. you’ll find an audience. you don’t have to cater to anyone else’s tastes or preferences. one of my first few posts was a request, and that was only after i had posted one or two things. people will find you, and it will be people that also like what you like. don’t make yourself uncomfortable just to cater to someone else’s preferences.

be patient. you won’t get followers overnight. some blogs grow quickly and others don’t. that’s just how it is. also don’t be too demanding with your followers. don’t get pouty when people don’t interact, don’t be demanding about requests. just realize that you’re a person and so are they. they aren’t obligated to read just like you aren’t obligated to write. relax and realize it’s just a blog. you’ll be fine.

edit: I ALMOST FORGOT !! be inclusive. holy shit. so many people will read your writing and though you shouldn’t write anything you’re uncomfortable with, it’s so easy to be inclusive. there are tips all over the place, but all you need to do is focus on the personality of the reader rather than their appearance. easy. i’m lucky enough to have a pretty diverse audience and it makes me so happy i could cry. i love knowing that people feel safe and included here.

what i haven’t found necessary:

making a tag list. i only made one recently, and even then i only have nine people on it. it’s not that necessary, unless you have a series that people want to see.

having a theme. seriously, don’t stress. even now i barely have a theme. it’s never been hard on me.

plugging your blog?? i don’t know if people actually do this but i saw a suggestion about it and it confused me to no end. i’ve never found that necessary, though it is nice having mutuals that reblog your stuff. still not totally necessary though. my only mutual was @tanzaniiite for the longest time and that’s literally just because i saw her follow me, saw that she was a writer, stalked her posts, and decided i wanted to follow her back. she was my 34th follower (yes i counted) and she’s still here. very much appreciated.

doing collabs. i didn’t even consider doing one until recently. they’re really not necessary.

self reblogs. another one that i think might help but isn’t necessary. i didn’t start doing these until i had acquired a larger audience. figure out what works for you, but i’ve unfollowed more than one blog just because of the sheer amount of self reblogs they do. i understand that they’re proud of their work and want it out there, but i just think there’s no way reblogging a new post every hour is necessary. obviously if you want to reblog your own content you can. but having a masterlist had made that unnecessary for me. one of my first posts had like 100 notes after it was first posted, and now it’s up to 600 when it hasn’t been on people’s pages in months. people will find your work if they want to find it.

obviously all of this is just my opinion and you should take it with a grain of salt. i started this blog randomly to post one tsukishima fic i had written for someone that i was told was good enough to post. i haven’t changed my writing structure or process since then, and i still have no god damn clue how tumblr works. it’s a lot less intimidating than it seems. i know it’s a different experience for everyone, but it’s an overwhelmingly loving community that is kind to new writers. i was lucky enough to grow fast and receive a lot of kindness, but that’s also because i put a crazy amount of effort into being kind back and posting consistently (and no one needs to be going at the pace i set towards the beginning of this blog. holy shit i was posting like every other day for a while.)

if you do decide to commit to trying to build an audience, let me know and i’d love to follow you! and if you’ll be writing (which i hope so because most of these tips are for fanfic blogs lmao) i’m always here to help with structure, beta reading, editing, etc. that’s literally what i want to do as a career so it’s never a burden on me. either way, good luck! it’s frustrating sometimes but if you have solid ideas and basic writing abilities you’ll be fine!

again, thank you so much and i’m so flattered you asked me 💞 i hope you have a lovely day darling.

[abovethesmokestacks]

Distant Connection 2/7

Pairing: Bucky x reader

Word count: 985

Rating: General audiences

Warnings: none

| Distant Connection Masterlist |

Thank you so, so much for the support and reblogs and comments on the first chapter! It’s making me maybe a teensy bit less nervous about this whole endeavour, and also excited to post again. Stay safe, and I hope you enjoy chapter 2.

Chapter 2: Introvert Olympics

“...so, I guess that’s something we need to take into account when we get to present budget issues.”

It’s day ten, new week, same face that looks from you to something on his screen or scribbles in a notebook. It’s… surprisingly easy. Even better because you haven’t been greeted by a furry butt since Alpine decided to make an appearance. James- Bucky, he said to call him Bucky and even though you haven’t it still applies - is a good collaborator. If that’s because you’re both stuck at home and trying to do the best out of a crappy situation and thus maybe having a little more patience with each other, is hard to say. But he’s knowledgeable, has a few years of project work under his belt and is happy to both take and give advice. 

It could be worse.

A ding sounds through the connection, J- Bucky picking up his phone and rolling his neck.

“Alright, time for a break. I can call you back in fifteen minutes.”

“Oh.” Why does that all of a sudden sting a little? Like he can’t wait to get rid of you. Maybe you’ve misjudged just how well the two of you mesh. “Okay. Sure.”

“Unless… you want to… stick around and have coffee together? Or tea? Coffee? I don’t know, do you drink either?” Bucky flounders, and how is it possible for him to sound so unsure all of a sudden?

“Both, actually, but I might actually go for tea. Caffeine makes me, you know, energized, and I can’t exactly run a marathon in here to get rid of the energy so I can sleep at night.”

Bucky snorts and nods, “I hear ya. So, um, gimme five minutes to get myself coffee? And maybe feed the monster?”

It’s kind of nice. Apart from the fact that the only tea you have home is the one you bought by mistake that tastes of grass, and you can tell Bucky tries not to laugh as you keep grimacing at your mug. It’s easy. There’s not really much talking, not between you at least. One of Bucky’s room mates ducks in and asks something off-screen, you think you hear Alpine meowing when Bucky goes to put away his mug. It’s a good little pocket of calm before you’re back in work mode.

The next day, he doesn’t ask. Just keeps the feed going. Coffee, terrible tea, minding each other’s business. Alpine makes an appearance on Wednesday, apparently patting at Bucky’s leg for attention and he lifts the cat onto his lap.

“He looks used to that.”

“Oh, he is spoiled, absolutely. He claimed this chair when I brought it home over the weekend before we started, and looked so betrayed on Monday morning when I wouldn’t let him nap in it,” he laughs, scratching under Alpine’s chin and the cat stretches his head up until he almost loses balance. “He’s good though. Keeps me sane. And drives me insane. But mostly the first one.”

You take a sip, grimace. Fuck, this is becoming unbearable, you need actual tea and not this… torture. “I wonder how everyone else is coping. God, I would pay to be a fly on the wall of the guy who had the office next to mine. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was scaling the walls on day two.”

“Yeah, one of the guys I live with is struggling a bit. He’s not good with working alone. I mean, he can do stuff on his own, he doesn’t need someone to hold his hand, but he’s struggling outside of the whole work environment with other people around?”

“I mean, I miss everyone, too. Kinda. I mean, they’re fun to work with. But I gotta say, this isn’t horrible? Like, having to work from home, obviously. The reason behind it is though.”

There’s a sage nod from the other end of the screen, Bucky taking a sip from his mug, and ugh, maybe you should give in and just have coffee. “I know. I was a little nervous about how I’d cope, but it’s been fine. Being a little introverted helps. Like, finally something I’m good at, just sitting at home, working quietly, not talking to anyone for a majority of the day. Well, anyone but you.”

His eyes bulge the second the words leave his mouth and he almost knocks over his mug. It’s almos a little cute. “Shit. That sounded wrong. It’s- I’m- This is good. I mean, working with you and talking with you and seeing you. Shit. What I’m saying is-” His mouth is left agape as he struggles to work his way out of the hole he’s digging himself into, while Alpine paws at him and looks highly annoed, and you laugh again, loud and pealing, and Bucky mock-glares at you.

“I’m gonna shut up now.”

“Please, don’t. This is the most fun I’ve had all week,” you say between fits of laughter. “And if it’s any consolation, I’m the same. I don’t mind this. Although between the two of us, I’m clearly a little more hardcore because I live alone.”

“What, we’re doing introvert Olympics now?”

“I might be. I think you’d be disqualified because first off you have room mates, and second, you also have a cat.”

Bucky’s face scrunches up in a smile, “Okay, fair. But I still spend a majority of my time alone, and the monster is not nearly as helpful as you’d think.”

“We’ll be fine when this ends.” You’re not sure where that comes from, but it seems the right thing to say. You have no idea for how long this lockdown will go on. Social distancing until further notice, Fury’s weekly update had read on Monday.

Maybe it is introvert Olympics after all. You look around your apartment, and for the first time, its size and its silence feels just a little unnerving.

[janedrakey131]

zukka hp au part 6

Thank you so much, everyone! I hope you continue to enjoy this au. I had a few minutes last night, so I wrote up a couple scenes for all of you. 

I haven’t written anything in so long though, so I’m sorry about the quality. Also, if someone is OOC, I’m sorry, I really tried. I need to rewatch atla at this rate. But feedback is always appreciated! I’m tagging anyone currently on the tag list, but if you missed it or just saw it, please let me know on the tag list post and I’ll add you in for future posts. (If you’d like me to reblog and tag you on this one, that’s also an option, but please comment or DM me so I know exactly who would like that.)

Also, if you couldn’t tell, I have no idea what I’m doing. So if I left someone off the tag list by accident or put it in a weird spot, I’m sorry! It’s possibly because I had to google how to make one yesterday XD But if I missed you, please tell me! I swear it wasn’t intentional. If you have any other suggestions or questions, let me know!

If you’d like to catch up:

part 1 part 2 part 3 part 4 part 5 part 6 part 7 part 8 part 9 part 10 part 11 part 12 part 13

If you would like to join the tag list

And with that, hope you enjoy :)

October 31 1981

There’s a suspicious bump.

The minister really does not like suspicious bumps.

But working in the Ministry of Magic for as long as he has, eventually he stopped jumping at every single one. He calls that progress. His wife says he’s finally lost whatever survival instincts he used to possess.

The minister doesn’t care overly much though. Today’s a happy day! The Avatar defeated Lord Sozin! He should be drafting congratulatory letters for the poor kid. Speaking of the child, he needs to find out where they are. And also who they are. There’s an astounding lack of information on this baby.

There’s a suspicious fwoosh and two masked wizards stand before him.

The minister is a calm and collected man. So, of course, he screams.

“None of that now,” says the older man with absolutely wild grey hair. “Stop screaming, Minister. We’re not here to hurt you.”

The minister wasn’t born yesterday, and his mother has reliably informed him that he isn’t a complete imbecile. He continues screaming.

The other intruder nudges the other and sighs. “You’re scaring him.”

“No, really?” Lunatic One groans. “I didn’t notice over all the screaming. Silencio. Honestly, he supposedly went toe to toe with Sozin in the Wizengamot for years. You’d think he’d have more guts than this.”

The nicer interloper (but still Lunatic Two) sighs again. “One who knows when to retreat will live longer than those who stay to fight past their abilities.”

“No, no, nope, we are not having your little philosophical riddles today. They just make my head hurt. You’re only here to make sure I don’t get bored and decide I want to wear his spine as a necklace.”

The minister’s eyes must pop out of his skull a bit.

“Just get to the point, my friend, so we can let this nice man enjoy his evening.”

“Nice man? He’s a politician. They’re all crackpots,” necklace man says.

The minister privately wonders why his friend bothers to sigh again when he clearly isn’t surprised.

“You’re a politician, too.”

“Yes,” the crazy one replies sagely. “I’m a crackpot. It means I wear the stench of insanity with pride and can identify it elsewhere.”

“Anyway,” the same man continues, but this time clearly directed towards the minister. “Simple request. Don’t look for the Avatar. No, no, no, I see you shaking your head at me. Just don’t look for them, or I’ll be back for my new bony accessories.”

His calmer friend looks the minister in the eyes. “We will keep the Avatar safe. But if Sozin’s followers find out where the child is, they’ll be dead before their next birthday. Do you understand, Minister?”

The minister likes to think he’s good at reading the room, so he nods a bit frantically. With them taking care of the child, that’s one less thing for him to worry about. And he gets to keep his spine. He’s rather partial to it now that he thinks about it. Anyway, it’s a win for everyone.

“Excellent.”

And then the two men are gone. 

Hurray for delegating responsibilities.

Today was enitrely too exciting for his delicate sensibilites. The minister pulls out the biggest bottle of Firewhiskey he owns and Floos home. Maybe he’ll get that takeout his wife likes today. She always deserves nice things, but especially today in exchange for all the blubbering he’s about to do.

oOo

“Did you really have to scare him so thoroughly, Headmaster?” Iroh asks once they’re safely back in the Headmaster’s office.

Headmaster Bumi throws his head back and laughs. “Fear is healthy! It keeps the blood pumping. The masks just added to the overall effect. And it’s not like I’d actually follow through. He just needs some character building. But at least that’s done. The kid’s with a friend of mine tonight. You’ll take the child to the orphanage tomorrow then?”

Iroh nods. “We’ll check in on him sometimes?”

“Of course,” Bumi says, looking scandalized. “What do you take me for? If he isn’t being treated well, prophecy or no prophecy, I’ll raise him myself. We don’t tolerate child abuse in this house.”

Iroh is extremely alarmed by the idea of Bumi raising any child, let alone the Avatar. But he is relieved they’re on the same page. At least now he doesn’t have to plan a kidnapping. Finally, after a long, but successful, night, Iroh leans back and enjoys his freshly brewed tea in peace.

Bumi’s chewing breaks the comfortable silence.

“Want a biscuit? They’re lemon poppy seed.”

Moderate peace then, but he thanks the Headmaster and enjoys his biscuit.

oOo

September 1, 1990

Sokka kind of assumes that he’ll be extremely bored during his first year of Hogwarts. He isn’t friends with anyone in his year yet, and Katara is a year younger.

Out of the limited number of other wizarding families he’s met, he hasn’t gotten along with many of the other kids. They were all either too dull, too old, or too annoying.

So Sokka has to admit he didn’t see this coming.

The boy in front of him is cool.

He’s already changed into pressed black Hogwarts robes with a red tie, so Sokka assumes the boy is maybe a second year Gryffindor. His black hair is neatly pulled out of his face, and there’s just a hint of the hair piece holding it up. Sokka’s busy staring at the rings on the boy’s fingers, a clear sign of an elemental magic user. But he’s too far away to figure out which element.

Sokka doesn’t really care though. People are people. It can’t hurt to ask if he can sit there.

So he screws up his courage and opens the door to the train compartment.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

Sokka blinks. This boy isn’t very friendly, but he presses on.

“Everywhere else is full,” he says, lying through his teeth. “Mind if I join you?”

Five full compartments can be rounded up to all of them. Sokka’s a man of science. He would know.

The boy doesn’t answer for a beat, looking him up and down. Then he sneers. “Wolf’s tail, all that blue? You must be another Water Tribe peasant.”

Sokka can feel the blood rushing in his ears. Of all the compartments he had to walk into, it had to be a Fire Nation one.

“And you must be half troll with manners like that,” he bites out, before slamming the compartment door shut and walking away.

That was terrible. But it’s too late to go back and properly insult the other boy, so Sokka angrily walks away.

oOo

That’s all for now!

A few more things: 

I’m trying to make my life easier with dates for this au, so Halloween 1981 is when Sozin tried to kill the Avatar. Aang’s birthday is just going to be so late in the year that he got bumped to the year below. So we’re going based on Sokka’s years in school, first year starting in 1990. If something I’m doing doesn’t make sense or I’m completely contraindicating something, please ask! There’s a really good chance I’ve missed something. 

Also, any and all commentary or jokes made by characters about being insane and so on will not extend to actually poking fun at a character’s mental health. If they’ve got an issue that’s bothering them, that’s that. In this case, I think random people appearing in your office would scare you. And Bumi just sounds like someone who assumes everyone is as sane as he is. 

Lastly, say hello to one of the few straight characters we have. The minister was just a fun OC I made up, so I don’t have any corresponding atla character in mind for him. I was going to give him a name, but it just felt better having him be this random competent leader with a badass wife. 

If you’d like to catch up:

part 1 part 2 part 3 part 4 part 5 part 6 part 7 part 8 part 9 part 10 part 11 part 12 part 13

If you would like to join the tag list

@delievia @assyouwishh @aphrcditeee @theoneandonlyredrobin @dongdingheresthething @bring-back-wally @zuko-just-wants-his-honor @youcant-escapefate @iwillgodownwiththisship27 @animegeneral17 @uglybutuwu @cocoa-hooves @errvaaa

[lothiriel84]

Just a few random considerations after my latest rewatch of series 1 of BBC Ghosts last night. 

Ghosts vs. the living

It’s extremely interesting that while as a rule humans are completely unable to see/hear ghosts, (some) animals are in fact shown to be able to sense the presence of a ghost, to the point of attempting to interact with them - see Tali (?) the dog barking up at Robin, and then wanting to be petted by Pat. 

It remains unclear whether that’s down to some kind of sixth sense specifically possessed by animals (dogs? bears? any animal at all?) as opposed to humans, or it somehow implies that the animal in question had a scrape with death at some point in the past. (Although the latter doesn’t sound very likely when it comes to Barclay’s dogs, or I should hope so, at least.)

Another interesting point is how often exactly do dead animals turn into ghosts. So far, the only animal ghost (or should that be ghost animal?) we’ve been shown is Button House’s resident pigeon - could that be because animals don’t often have any real unfinished business barring their access to whichever sort of afterlife is reserved to their kind? (But more importantly, was Arthur Shappey right in believing heaven is, in fact, full of otters?)

Schrödinger’s (attempted) murder

As I mentioned elsewhere - probably in the tags while reblogging someone else’s gifs, to be honest - I believe Julian being genuinely unable to tell whether he successfully pushed Alison out of the window or she basically lost her balance and fell as a consequence makes for a much more interesting scenario. 

To be absolutely clear, that would make no difference when it comes to him being guilty of attempted murder; he is shown to have no qualms whatsoever about killing Alison, and when all is said and done, it hardly matters whether his goal was reached by his own hand or through dumb luck (plus a non-indifferent dose of carelessness on Alison’s part).

All I’m saying is, think back of how much trouble he had with pushing a vase which was comparatively not all that bigger than a cup. And even if he did know for sure - admittedly, he might be capable of feeling the reaction of the object he pushes against, should he succeed in doing so - I, as a viewer, would very much rather be afforded a little room for doubt. Not for the sake of Julian’s character, but as I feel it somehow raises the stakes of this particular storyline.

Alison as one of the coolest characters ever

Not only does Alison figure the whole seeing-dead-people situation mostly by herself - with a little help from the ghost therapist at the hospital, but she could have easily written off the entire episode as yet another of her alleged post-traumatic hallucinations - but more importantly, her reaction when she realises she’s effectively stuck with a haunted house as well as a potentially bankruptcy-inducing mortgage is one of the coolest moments in the entire series. 

I dare say most people would be inclined to lose the plot a little bit, when faced with such simultaneously dire yet completely absurd circumstances; Alison, on the other hand, simply unbuckles her seat belt, gets out of the car, and confronts the ghosts head-first. And not only that, but she’s smart enough to call them out on their real reasons for haunting her, to the point they actually confess what they really want from her. (Which sums down, in most cases, to trivial requests such as being allowed to watch war documentaries, or having an incriminated portrait removed from a room.)

Forget her questionable choices when it comes to financial matters, she’s a feisty young woman capable of handling a herd of recalcitrant ghosts, and that’s more than can be said of almost any other character in the show. 

The Captain and the morality of choices

It’s hardly a mystery the Captain is a bit of a bastard, and we all love him for that. Right at the beginning, he is presented to us as someone who would make a show of wanting to ‘say a few words’ about the dearly departed just so he could immediately proceed to ‘bagsy her room’. I’d say his general mindset could be summed up as something close to the end justifies the means - with the caveat that we actually know very little about him aside the military persona he chooses to present himself as all the time. 

If I had to hazard a guess, facing everything life death throws at him as a military campaign could either be a subconscious defence mechanism, a habit so deeply ingrained he couldn’t shake it off if he wanted to, or something he elects to do as a way to cope with the listlessness that comes with being stuck in limbo (potentially) for eternity. And, quite possibly, a combination of all three. 

The main thing is, rules are important for him, but so is winning whichever military campaign he embarked upon at each particular moment in time. When his plan to enroll the plague victims as his new army fails, he resorts to strategic subterfuge in order to win the war; as they say, all's fair in love and war, and more often than not, battles are won by military tactics rather than such things as a superior army. He is very much the Odysseus of Button House, with the significant difference that he’s not so much attempting to conquer an enemy city as he’s fighting to take back control of an outpost he used to be in charge of.

In this (probably unfortunate) parallel, I’m afraid the poor Kitty serves as the infamous Trojan horse. (Juan Domingo, please, we’re not getting into this all over again.) The Captain knows Alison trusts her, and his subterfuge will therefore go undetected until it’s too late; and yet, remarkably enough, he still decides to offer Kitty a choice on the matter. Admittedly, he’s already counting on the fact that Kitty is neither particularly smart, nor in any way prepared to give up on Alison anytime soon - however, he still offers her a choice, and I feel like that is very much relevant to his character. He is, for all intent and purposes, tricking Kitty into fooling her friend/the person she loves; but while he’s concealing all the important facts from her, he’s not robbing her of her choice entirely. 

(Should Kitty have decided to prioritise Alison’s happiness over her own, I daresay the captain would have come up with yet another plan to overcome the temporary setback. Neither scenario makes him any less of a bastard, but he’s still a man of principles after his own fashion, and that’s how I choose to read him, regardless.)

A final note on Robin

I’ve made no secret of how Robin is my favourite character by far, just as I believe he is for a significant portions of fans of the show. As mischievous as he loves to be - which is, all things considered, a comparatively tame reaction to being stuck as a ghost for an incredibly long time, with very little hope of ever moving on - his pranks are mostly harmless, and he is at heart the kindest, most emotionally mature of all the ghosts. (Yes, even when he’s scampering around, marvelling at the builders’ equipment. If anything, it’s a sign of his natural curiosity and intelligence; we are, after all, repeatedly shown he is particularly good at problem solving as well as playing what basically boils down to blindfold chess.)

As often as the other ghosts tend to remark upon his language skills or lack thereof, they should probably pay more attention to all the occasions in which Robin’s brains made the difference, and I’m including his emotional intelligence in that category. As others pointed out before me, he’s a trickster with a heart of gold, and the only sane man among what is basically a swarm of squabbling children. 

And he faces all of that armed only with his peculiar brand of humour, and his enthusiasm for new things to discover, including - why not? - new ways to scare the living daylights out of Alison, just for the fun of it. 

[missdaviswrites]

Fic Writer Intro--MissDavis

I just got back from @ficwritersretreat2019, where we talked about ways to support and promote other fic writers. One idea was to write introductory posts for ourselves, then reblog each others’ posts to spread the word to all our followers. Below I have tagged the other writers who went to this year’s retreat, but even if you’ve never been, feel free to introduce yourself and your own writing. If you tag me, I'll reblog your post, too! 

I’m MissDavis and I've been writing BBC Sherlock fic since shortly after s3. Most of my work is Johnlock with some occasional Johnlockary thrown in for good measure. Here’s the link to all of my writing. If you’re looking for something specific, here’s a breakdown by ship and length, along with summaries from AO3:

Johnlock:

Long fics (50-100+K):

Breakable rated E After John is seriously injured, Sherlock struggles to figure out how to help him, keep himself sane, and maybe, just maybe, get their life back to the way it’s supposed to be. Part 1 of the Breakable Not Broken series.

Full Court Press  rated E College basketball AU: Sherlock is the team’s best shooter. John is the team’s best ball-handler.

Side Effects rated E WIP, currently 10/17 chapters now complete! Sequel to Breakable. Life is a lot better for Sherlock and John than it was a year ago. Yes, John still can't walk and Sherlock is still on antidepressants, but they're married now, and almost everything else is back to their version of normal. They have a dog. Sherlock's solving cases again. But when Moriarty learns of their marriage, he escapes from prison and takes it upon himself to make their lives miserable. Is Sherlock really up to the challenge of catching a criminal whose only goal is to make sure that he and John don't live happily ever after?

Mid-length fics (10-35K):

Chaperones  rated T "You want to pretend to be a couple so we can chaperone a trip to Disney World with Rosie’s class and you won’t have to share a room with a stranger?“

Christmas With You rated T Watch Sherlock, John and Rosie over the years as they celebrate the season as only they can.

Welcome Christmas  rated T Join John and Sherlock at Baker Street as they celebrate Rosie's first Christmas and beyond. From Rosie crawling around the flat as they tiptoe around each other en route to their first kiss, to a happy retirement with a young grandson who wants to be just like Grandad and Papa, this fic shows how Sherlock and John celebrate Christmas together through the years.

Breaking Christmas rated M Join me in some established relationship Johnlock as I attempt to make Sherlock and John participate in some Seasonal Fucking Cheer. Ficlets that are part of the Breakable Not Broken series.

So This Is Christmas rated T Sherlock, John and Rosie celebrate the Christmas season with the rest of their family. It's not always perfect, but they all do their best. Most of the time. AKA the Christmas ficlets that include Eurus.

Clutter-Free rated E 5 times John made Sherlock clean up the flat and one time he didn’t have to.

Short fics (2K-9K):

The Librarians of Baker Street  rated E Sherlock is a cataloguer who's forced to work the reference desk once a week. Which he hates. Or at least, he used to hate it, until the library hired a new reference librarian. Guess who?

Just a Touch rated E John has trouble falling asleep these days. There’s one thing he can do that always seems to help, but he’s stuck in this hotel room with Sherlock and doesn’t think he’ll get the chance. How will he ever find relief and a good night’s sleep?

If You Lead Me rated M Enough time has passed since Mary’s death that John is finally ready to start a new relationship. With Sherlock, he hopes. But given Sherlock’s stated aversion to romantic entanglements, John is a bit worried about being rejected, and doesn’t know how to proceed. Fortunately, there’s someone who can help him along.

Sherlock Is Actually a Cat Person rated E John brings home a kitten. Sherlock is not okay with it.

The Last Time Alone rated E But it wasn’t enough, not for John. He needed more. He needed someone to hold besides a child, and someone to kiss on the lips and not just the top of the head. He needed sly looks across the dinner table and to know if he put Rosie to bed early he might emerge from her room to find a candle lit and dessert served just for two.

The One Where No One Proposes rated G Sherlock inherits his parents’ wedding rings. It’s ridiculous that they mean something to him. He doesn’t plan to do anything with them. Sentiment.

Equal Footing  rated E Sherlock had certainly never shown any interest in women’s footwear, or in seeing John appear as anything but fully male. But five extra inches—that opened up all sorts of interesting possibilities.

Very short fics (under 2K):

Dirty Laundry rated E If they got far enough along, John knew he would stop noticing the steady clanking thump of the washer, but so far he’d been unable to keep himself from being distracted.

A Boyfriend in Need rated G John's in medical school now, but it's Sherlock who's taking care of him today. A sequel to Full Court Press.

Rosie and the Rainbows rated M Sherlock isn’t exactly opposed to Rosie joining the Girl Guides, but he doesn’t really see the appeal, either. It ends up being much worse than he imagined.

To a Better Year than Last rated G After the life-altering events of the last twelve months, John is more than ready for the new year to begin. Short sequel to Breakable, from John's POV.

Training  rated G Sherlock had terrible running form; they would have to work on that later. For now, John just ran, happy that for once Sherlock was the one chasing after him.

Honey Bee rated G Rosie gets stung by a bee. It’s not a big deal, except that it is.

He Sees You When You're Sleeping rated T Sherlock and John return to the Holmes’ family home for Christmas to find that Mummy has redecorated.

Wrong Disc rated G Two years later and DVDs that Mary made before she died are still showing up every now and then. Thankfully.

The Cute One  rated G "This post says that whenever there are three people, there must be one who's the clever one, one who's the cool one, and one who's the cute one.” Rosie looked from John to Sherlock and back again. “So which of us is which?”

Better  rated G Sometimes the world just calls for a bit of comfort. A 221B ficlet.

Let's Go on a Family Holiday (& Then Not Leave the Room) rated T Sherlock looked up, noting that John’s bare chest lacked the glossy sheen of suncream that he had been anticipating. A 221B ficlet

Johnlockary

Could Be Fun 36K words, rated E This is the first fic I started writing when I got into the Sherlock fandom. John, Sherlock and Mary embark on a new stage of their relationship. Nine chapters of smut and snark, canon-compliant through series 3.

The Life We Choose 16K words, rated M Based on the "30 Days of Sherlock Challenge,” a series of ficlets from the points of view of Sherlock, John, Mary, and, of course, Alice Watson: I have three parents. Some of my friends have three, too, or even four, but none of them has three who all live together, which makes me the luckiest out of all my friends.

Imagine the Christmas Dinners 15K words, rated M A series of Christmas-themed ficlets, featuring Sherlock, John and Mary over the years, with appearances by Baby Watson, Mummy Holmes, Mrs. Hudson and Lestrade.

Better Off Together 9K words, WIP, now complete at 16K! Rated M What if everyone lived happily ever after? Yes, I’m still writing this, maybe 1 or 2 chapters left to go!

An Afternoon Interruption 7K words, rated E Still the only John/Sherlock/Mary/Sally fic on AO3!

The Clothes You Once Wore  4K words, rated E Mary took a deep breath and conceded to herself that maybe she did want to put on the assassin outfit and tie him to the bed and have her way with him. Maybe Sherlock had just known it before she did. Possibly my favorite short fic I’ve written.

Got You Pegged 2K words, rated E Sherlock could think of six different ways they could make it fit using common household items he had in the flat, but he didn’t think he could wait that long.

The Space Between 2K words, rated E This one is really more Johnlock than Johnlockary. Written as part of the Come At Once 24-hour porn challenge.

Safe Not Sound   2K words, rated E "Oh, come on. I'm willing to put up with all this 'gun safety' nonsense you and John are insisting on, the least you could do is give me what I want in return."

Brand New Day 1500 words, rated T Breakfast, babies, and three people trying to do their best.

While You Were Sleeping  1K words, rated E “We—” Mary started and Sherlock pressed his fingers a bit harder against her leg. She inhaled. “He’ll wake up.”

Storage Space  695 words, rated M Sherlock has his own space at John and Mary’s house now. The first fic I ever posted!

Bed rated T It’s a bit tight, but they all fit. A 221B ficlet.

Other Ships or Ship-free

All We Have  5K words, rated T, Gen. My angsty, pre-series 4 interpretation of what might have happened to a third Holmes brother.

One Night, Twenty Weeks 4K words, rated E, Mary/Molly. Mary has a problem. Molly helps her out.

Actually, the Baby Sits on You 3K words, rated G, Gen. Sherlock watches the Watsons’ baby for the first time.

Tea for Three 2K words, rated E, Mrs. Hudson/Mrs. Holmes/Mr. Holmes. Mrs. Hudson had been with many men over the years—older, younger, single, divorced, married and seeing her on the side either secretly or openly—but this was the first time she had ever been with a man while his wife lay right beside them.

Tiny Little Pieces 1594 words, rated G, John/Mary. They watched to the end of the DVD; Sherlock smiled and winked at them and John flicked off the screen again. “So. That’s Sherlock.” He gave her a smile that was even more forced than the one Sherlock had just displayed. “It’s funny. I’d almost forgotten what he sounded like.”

Not in the Job Description 1,505 words, rated E, Sherlock/Sally. The case has Sherlock stumped, and John’s not around to help him focus. Someone has to step up and help him clear his mind.

Once He Is Gone 1K words, rated T, Gen. John is fine at Sherlock’s funeral. Of course he is. Why wouldn’t he be? He’s been to funerals for so many of his friends. Why would Sherlock’s be any different?

When Mary Met Sally 766 words, rated G, Gen. Sally stops by Baker Street with a case but finds out that Sherlock isn’t home.

Kick  Gen, rated G. Mary is pregnant, John’s not speaking to her, and Sherlock’s still in hospital. A 221B ficlet.

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

Tagging: @hubblegleeflower @pipmer @pippn-frodo @totallysilvergirl @daringlydomestic @prettyrealisticjohnlockfanart @cumberqueer @addictedstilltheaddict @disaronnus @weneedtotalkaboutsherlock @quantum-sparrow @blogstandbygo @amindamazed @fearlessdiva930 @onwallsiwrite

and tagging *anyone* else who wants to share--really, feel free to promote your fic!

[sandersideslibrary]

A Librarians Book

Written for the 2019 Reverse! Big Bang! The image description that prompted this [Virgil standing on a cliff at night, overlooking the water]

Beach side town, small but quaint, a summer tourist town, was a port city, historical relevance and attraction, was always a place where people congregate. There are Stories here, of ghosts and good folk, of summer love and loss. And Virgil's just a part of that

Yay! Its finished!

This has been my active writing project for the past 3 months and i am quite happy with how this has turned out. I literally finished typing this up after my final today, so if there are any spelling mistakes please let me know, if there is anything that should be tagged in regards to triggers or squicks, also let me know.

the drawing that inspired this 13000 W behemoth is @panicjester on tumblr, check out the work, it's pretty neat! And this whole thing was hosted by @sanderssidesfanfiction, the whole reverse event should be reblogged to @ss-reverse-bang , this is also posted to my Ao3, Stedler2 (k9cat) 

it counts as being posted on the day if its before 12, right?

The Librarians Book

Virgil saw a leaf fall on the ground yesterday, half brown and not dry enough to crunch. He wished it was crunchable, because it would have been a distraction for a moment. He’d be alone till the temperature dropped to single digits once again, when winter truly would be in the air. But right now, it was just Autumn, and he was alone.

His town was a small seaside location, pretty coastal views mixed with historical events made for a pretty secure tourist location. Summer was always the busiest with festivals and crowded sands, spring was quite nice also. Mostly for the flowers that bloomed and the renewed interest in going outside. Winter was chilly, but never biting cold. The waves grew choppy and dark, but it was a peaceful time where everyone and everything rested for a while. Yet Autumn, was just Autumn, dead leaves and dead grass. The end of some really nice days and the start of some gray skies that covered up the stars.

He still went to the cliff like usual though.

The cliff was actually a really nice location, just outside of the between where sandy beaches started and the protected port laid, all within walking distance of his home and his work at the library. It wasn’t a very popular location. There were multiple stories of how people saw ghosts or seen weird stuff going on up there, and it was generally warned to just not go there.

Virgil liked the stories, he didn’t mind them at all, and he found them quite fun. It was also good on the part that it kept tourists and locals away more often than not.

He just wished Autumn was a little less lonely though. A particularly chilly wind gust cut through his jacket, pricking his skin with goosebumps and numbing his fingers on his ukulele. He sat on the rock watching the sun set, waiting for the stars to shine, and to bring him a friend.

A Scholars Story

Virgil was incredibly excited that morning when he read that his thermometer said it was only plus 9 degrees outside.

Single digits.

Winter was here.

He bundled up in his thick hoodie and pulled a toque over his ears. It was a quick walk to his work at the library with a bound in his step. The day passed relatively quickly and he self checked out a couple new books about astronomy that had come in during the summer. It looked to be a perfect night for stargazing. The sun was slowly setting as he made his way to the cliff. The forecast called for a clear night; he couldn’t wait to look at the stars.

The water shimmered with the last days light, a golden sunset in all the words. The breeze was light but the smell of the sea nipped at his nose all the same with the chill. The large flat rock was still slightly warm from the sun’s kiss, and so he settled there till he saw the first twinkle of star shimmer in the inky black night sky. The gently lapping waves way below a calm pattern and reflecting the moons borrowed light just like the water did the sun.

He looked to his right and found Logan there, telescope supported on its stand like usual, head turned upwards as usual, gazing to the stars above them.

“Hey Lo.”

“Greetings Virgil.” He replied, not looking away from the stars.

“Anything new happening?”

“For me, it has been the same. You know that. But I suppose you are asking that so that I may ask you in return. It has been a while, has it not?”

“Just been a year, like any other. The library did get some new astronomy books on over the summer, and I did check them out, so what do ya say?”

“New books? What kind?”

Virgil smiled at the piqued interest in Logan’s voice. “Two are some advancements in the field and new discoveries, and one about poetry actually, which one?”

“It never fails to amaze me how much your age had furthered the study of the stars, especially when I was only ever able to look through a telescope. But new poetry just for the stars, please read me that one first.”

“I still think you were born in the wrong time Logan,” Virgil said as he pulled out the slim book, plastic gold foil of the cover slightly crinkling at being moved.

“You have said that before, but I have no qualms on such sentiment. If it were not for me and my forefathers your world would not be what it is today.”

“I guess, but I hope you remember what I read about Pioneer 10, it’s part of the title for the first poem.”

“I believe I do, but if I don’t, I know you will remind me.” Logan didn’t look away when Virgil started to read the book aloud.

“Okay,” Virgil cleared his voice. “Pioneer 10, I Here You...”

~*~

Most of Virgil’s evenings were spent that way in the winter. It never truly became to cold, never below freezing, but close enough and especially at night, to want a thicker coat and gloves. Sitting on the largest rock of the circle that was facing, pointing out to the sea to watch the sun set, and if he was lucky, on clear nights Logan would be there, and Virgil would read. The nights of overcast and drizzles were lonely, with Virgil going back to his home after work, knowing Logan wouldn’t be there when the stars couldn’t be seen.

~*~

The moon was half way to waning and the lights of the town were low, and there was not a cloud in the sky. The cold air nipped at his ears and redden his cheeks for him, and he shivered a little bit. It was a perfect night for stargazing, or for reading a book by flashlight.

“Virgil.” Logan interrupted his reading, and Virgil looked up from the textbook he was reading aloud. “You are shivering, and it is getting quite late at night. You should go to your home.” Logan kept his eyes on the sky.

“It’s not that cold out-” Virgil tried to defend himself, just as a large bout of shivers ran through him at the wind gust. “Plus, you’ll still be here. And in just an old coat too.”

“You know that I do not feel the cold, and my attire makes absolutely no difference in whether I will be here or not. Even if you think it is centuries old, it still looks quite nice. I can not say the same for your jacket.”

“Hey! At least I can keep updated with the fashion of the times, and, I don’t want you to feel lonely.” Virgil spied a hint of a smile playing on Logan’s lips.

“I appreciate your concern. But as I have told you before, I do not really get lonely. I was here was before you found me, and I am sure that I will still be here when you can no longer come.”

“What do you mean by that?” Virgil asked, almost sounding offended.

“It is only logical that as time goes on, you develop. Life evolves, and I have to admit, as much as this small town has grown, it is still a small town, and you are bright Virgil. I can not help but see you go far beyond this place. This world could use a mind like yours.” Logan’s voice held a hint of melancholy, eyes never straying from the stars.

“So, you’re saying I’d just jump ship on this town and never come back?”

“Well, not exactly-” Logan attempted to backtrack.

“That’s what it sounds like, but honestly, I enjoy it here. It’s quiet, it’s fun here during the summer and no one else that lives here knows how to manage the library properly or the museum. So, it’s safe to say that I’ll be here for some time. Plus, I’d like to see Halley’s Comet too.”  Virgil smiled, fixing the hood on his jacket.

“I just do not want to see you stuck here like me,” Logan admitted. “As I said, I don’t really get lonely, but I do know that it has been a long time for me. And I am worried I may never be able to leave. I do not want that for you.”

Virgil was quiet for a moment before replying. “Logan, you know I can’t get stuck here like you. I’m alive, your…” Virgil trailed off for a moment, Logan unable to look away from the stars, hummed a low note.

“I promise I won’t get stuck here. If an opportunity pops up, and I’ll let you know if I plan to move, okay?” Logan nodded. “And even if I do move, I’ll make sure to be here with you for the comet.”

“When is the next date again?”

“I think it’s around 2061, every 75- 76 years. So, another 40 years or so till it’ll be here. Not that long in the scheme of time.”

“That would be nice, to not be here, and finally get some rest.” Logan said quietly, almost whispering into the quiet night.

“Yes, it would, wouldn’t it? I can’t imagine how long it has been for you.”

“Nor could have I if I were in your shoes. I do not really get lonely, but being alone for a long time can, mess with someone’s thinking. I do not know how sane I would be anymore if you had not seen me. It is easy to drift and loose yourself if there is nothing to ground you.”

“I’m glad I didn’t freak-out, and that’s what friends are for, keeping each other sane.”

“You consider us friends?” Logan sounded perplexed at the idea.

“Well, yah, why not? We talk, we hang out, social peers as you would probably say.”

“I suppose we do fit the criteria for friends. But answer me this one question please.”

“Okay, shoot.”

“You have more than just me as a friend, correct? Other people you socialise with?”

“Where did that question come from? I called you my friend?”

“Virgil, you are avoiding the question.”

“Well, I guess I do. There’s Remy. They work at the café on Main street.  And I guess there’s Dee, he, well. He’s more of an acquaintance than anything. Why do you wonder?”

“It is the middle of winter, end of the year, and holidays, you do celebrate, do you?” Virgil half shrugged; Logan took that for his answer. “And I just wanted to know that you had family to spend time with. Or at least will not be completely alone for the few days.”

“Oh,” Virgil trailed off, the wind blew and he shivered, clouds could be seen on the far horizon. They gathered low, dark and brooding. “I heard on the forecast that there’s supposed to be a storm rolling in, and it might get cold enough to actually snow. Instead of freezing rain and sleet.” Virgil started on the new topic.

“Really, that would be an interesting phenomenon to see.” Logan replied.

“It would cloud over the sky though. You wouldn’t be out to see it.”

“Maybe it will last long enough for me then, stay frozen on the ground.”

“You still can’t see it that way either though. I’ll take a photo for you, and show you it then.”

“Yes, that would be nice. Photography is such a wonder. Your time has surprised me in more than one way.”

“Ya, I guess it has.” Virgil stayed till the clouds rolled in and Logan was no longer there.

He shivered all the walk home.

~*~

The storm hit hard early morning. Enough that the roads were horrendous to drive and it was way to slippery to walk. For a place that never received snow that often, four inches of white wet frozen snow halted the town, especially with a hidden ice rink under the fluff.

Virgil took many photos for Logan. I looked like a frozen wonderland, with snow and ice stuck to everything. By the time the clouds cleared away for an empty night sky, ten days has passed. The snow had gone to mush, mostly frozen piles of ice and scraped up dirt and leaves from shovels were left.

Logan said the photos were aesthetically pleasing as Virgil held up his phone in front of his gaze.

~*~

It rained over the holidays. Virgil wished he could have visited Logan this year.

~*~

New Years Eve had clear skies. The town was planning fireworks, to be set off from a barge in the pier, and everyone was planning to go to the boardwalks to watch.

Virgil went to the cliff. He packed a blanket to sit on, and a thermos full of coffee.

“Is it New Years already?” Logan asked from his spot as Virgil laid out the blanket. “Time goes so quick, yet so slow.”

“Yes, it is, they’re planning on setting off the fireworks at midnight, so not that long.”

“Fireworks, those are the colourful pyrotechnics, correct?”

“They sure are.” Virgil huffed a laugh at Logan’s wondering. “They’re setting them off from a barge just a little way in the water.”

“Why are you here then?”

“What do you mean?”

“Why are you not with your community? Should it not be more fun to view them with everyone else?” Logan sounded befuddled.

“Because I want to be with you, you are a part of the community, and you shouldn’t be alone.”

“I am not much more than a story Virgil. I do not know how much that makes me a part of the community.”

“Well, I think you are part of my community. If you’re a story as you say, then there’s no one better to be here than a librarian. Plus, the fireworks would be really cool to see from here, if nothing less.” Virgil shrugged. “How are you tonight, any resolutions?”

“I am the same as always Virgil, and I am not really in any position that I would be able to fulfill a resolution. But I know I can ask you the same. How are you, any resolutions?”

Virgil held back a laugh as Logan parroted his phrasing back at him. “I guess I’m okay. Funding for the library is a little tight right now, but the fiscal year end is coming soon, so a new budget should soon be proposed. Work stress is just being put on top of regular stress, and just a little more anxious than average, but its nothing worrisome right now. For resolutions, I guess darker eyeshadow? I’ve, I’ve been looking at stuff like that, trying to gain confidence and better self care. But I’m already doing that, so it’s not really a resolution, but more of a goal I’m working toward.”

“That sounds like a very well planned out goal, and I think you will be quite successful, since you are already perusing and actively working towards your goal.”

“Thanks, teach, that’s nice to hear from someone else.”

“You are welcome, you do not-” A pop and bang interrupted Logan, bright colours from the fireworks lighting up the sky beside the stars as they shot up before fizzing out. Cheers and music could be heard echoing off the water from the docks.

Virgil quickly checked his phone, 12 on the dot. “Happy New Years Logan.”

“Happy New Years Virgil, I have a question.”

“Okay.”

“Is the custom of kissing a loved one still in practice?”

“Yes, it is. Thinking of someone?”

“In a sort. He is now long gone, and I never really understood the wants of passion, but I miss greatly his company.”

“You never really have talked about your life before.”

“I honestly do not recall much. Being as I am, there is not much of me left to remember. I knew I left for research, to study the new land and stars, and that I said I would be back, but time has faded memories a lot. I know I liked his smile, and I thought his eyes were pretty, but I can no longer remember his face. O think sometimes, that if I had not met you Virgil, I would have been long gone a while ago, wandering, and lost. Even recently, I find myself forgetting integral parts of who I was. It is quite disconcerting to say the least.”

“Hey, its okay if your lost, I was lost once too, in a way. Not like you, but still lost, and I had people to help me. I’ll be here to help you; life sucks a lot less now.”  

“That is very kind of you to say, thank you.”

“No problem, I’ll always be here to help.” Virgil replied, sitting beside Logan, watching the stars while everyone celebrated down below.

~*~

The rest of the winter faired a lot nicer, the occasional rain melted away the rest of the snow piles, and Virgil made trips up to the cliff as he could at night when the skies were clear enough for Logan to be there.

Today, grey clouds arrived late afternoon, bringing scattered drizzles and Virgil was disappointed.

He finished reading the last book the other day, and he was excited for the new read, getting into some writing by Steven Hawking, but that won’t happen till the skies cleared. Which made enough time for Virgil to visit one of the two cafés in town.

“Bonjour!”  Remy called from behind the counter. “The usual Virgil?”

“Hello,” Virgil responded with his own greeting. “No, actually. Just a mug of hot chocolate, please.”

“What? No coffee this time? Girl, what’s happenin’ to you?” they laughed.

“Dunno, I feel like I might get to sleep earlier in to night today.” He said as he found change to pay for the drink.

“So, no three am treks to the cliff tonight then? What do you do out there anyways? I know I stay out late sometimes and wander the town, but that cliff is a hecka weird place.” Remy moved behind the counter once he ringed in the price, steaming milk and mixing the ingredients. Virgil just shrugged his shoulders.

“Its more like 12 o’clock walks, and I just read, watch the stars, play music, not much really.”

They shook their head as they handed over the finished drink, whipped cream drizzled with chocolate and confetti sprinkles finished it off. “Even with all the stories of ghosts and kind folk, you still go up there. I swear, one day you’ll go up and never come back down.”

“I haven’t disappeared yet, but if I do, I’ll let you know, kay?” Virgil smirked.

Remy glared. “That doesn’t even make any sense, that sentence!”

“You just don’t see the world like I do. I’d let you know if I’m gone.”  Virgil picked up the mug with a gesture, saying thank you, effectively ending the conversation and finding a comfy seat by the window, watching the rain drip down outside.

~*~  

The weather had warmed up greatly, and plants were starting to green up. The slow transition from winter to spring was starting.

Virgil got a couple more nights with Logan in, and he left him with a smile and a promise for tomorrow night to finish the chapter they were currently in the middle of. On the way home, night lit by stars and the moon, he saw a prairie crocus peeking out of the small green leaves that nestled the purple petals. The first flower of spring. Virgil knew he wouldn’t see the Ghost again till next winter. He wasn’t sad, he’d see Logan again next year, but this also meant that he’d see another friend he had not seen in a year.

A Fae’s Tale

Virgil forced himself to wake up way early, just after sunrise, getting a scant few hours in.

It would be worth it.

He packed his backpack with a blanket and a small stuffed dog, and a lunch bag packed with honey, apples, sliced cheese and crackers, just enough for a small snack for two.

The walk up to the cliff was a little nippy, the wind giving a cool breeze off the ocean. It was pretty out now that the sun had risen and early morning gulls were starting to squawk and call about.

He found Patton like he always did, crouched over a purple crocus that was peeking out from the dried grass. Their attention was solely focused on the first bloom of spring as he walked around the ring of rocks to the largest one at the crest of the cliff, right beside where Logan usually stood. Virgil set down his bag, small smile creeping over his face as he watched Patton and called out to him.

“Hi Patton.” The response was immediate as they looked up. Large smile bright and rosy, and cheeks kissed with freckles by the early morning sun. They bounced up and bounded over to the edge of the ring, almost stepping over but gracefully catching themselves before they did.

“Hi Kiddo! Long time no sea, right?” they giggled out, and from the closer distance he could see each freckle and smell the waft of fresh strawberries and wet grass, earthy and simple and it always made Virgil forget what he was going to say next. Patton was just, different.

“Uhh, ya, since, since the last day of spring, right?” Virgil stammered out, and he saw their bright smile fall. “What? Did I say something wrong?”

“Yes! You didn’t laugh at my pun! Long time no sea, sea, like the water behind you, and I saw you after a long while. You’re no fun if you don’t get my jokes!” they pouted.

“Oh. Oh!” Virgil gasped in realization. “I get it now. That was a really clever one. It went right over my head. Do you accept my apology?” He asked. He watched Patton tilt their head thoughtfully, fluff of golden hair falling over their honey brown and emerald green eyes. A moment passed before the sun returned their smile. “Of course! Apology accepted. I wouldn’t want anything happening to my favourite human, would I?” they teased, bouncing up and down in place on their toes. Virgil hoped they were teasing at the last statement, sometimes it was difficult to tell what was supposed to be a joke and what was actual talk. He smiled and nodded anyways.

“Since it really has been quite some time, and its your first day of spring, I thought I would visit you for a little bit, till I have to go to work at 9. I’ll have to leave in a little bit, but would you care for some breakfast with me? But if you want to, that is, as friends?” he asked carefully, experience making it easy to step around and follow the rules.

Patton’s smile relaxed. “Oh, I would be delighted.”

Virgil pulled out the lunch bas and they both sat down at the rock like at a dining table. The tense air dispersed as formalities were met. Virgil pulled out the food, mixing and matching the toppings on the crackers.

Patton giggled as they picked up a cracker with all three toppings placed on top, it sounded like bells chiming in the wind. “Your foods are always so interesting and funny. But they’re still good.” They ate the cracker in one bite.

“What’s so funny about my food? I thought you liked cheese.” Virgil asked as he chose his own cracker snack.

“Oh, I do love cheese, don’t worry about that,” they picked up a few slices and ate them to prove that point, smile a bit sharper than should normally be. “But its funny how you get it. Apples aren’t in season yet, and the honey isn’t from the local flowers. Its just. Funny.” They shrugged a shoulder and picked up another cracker.

“I guess it is funny in a way, but that’s how everyone had food these days. I go to work at the library and earn money, and I use that money to pay for things I need, like food. And those who make food makes a lot of it so we all have some all year long, till it grows again.” Virgil answers.

“I know that, silly. We have markets too, but the food is always in season, and stuff never goes to waste, and we don’t put it in silly boxes like you guys do either. Its funny, those who make your food are very silly.”

Virgil nodded. “Ya, they are really silly,” he picked up a cracker, and then put it back down, somewhat fiddling with how the apple slice and cheese were layered on top of each other.

“Did I say something wrong now?” he could here Patton’s smile fall again. Virgil glanced up and their eyes were looking right at him, he couldn’t not tell the truth.

“No, you didn’t, it just reminds me that there’s not much I can do to stop other people from being, silly, with stuff as important as food, and it’s a lot to talk about on such little sleep.”

“Oh, I apologise-” Patton spoke.

“Already forgiven.” Virgil replied before they had even finished.

“And why then, do you have such little sleep?” Patton’s sweet-sounding voice asked.

“I- I stayed up really late last night, but I also woke early to see you, so, so I didn’t get much sleep.” His words felt like they were sliding out of his mouth.

“Aww, that is so kind of you, kiddo, but I’d really rather you have a good night’s sleep and feel good the rest of the day than not feel good at all. You humans need sleep to keep healthy, right?” their voice was like sweet cinnamon rolls and honey dripping. He nodded his head earnestly. Patton’s smile returned sharply. “Okay then, can you promise me that you’ll do better to get a good night’s sleep?”

“I- I don’t-” Virgil tried to blink the fogginess out of his eyes, the world cleared up around him a little bit.

“Oh, please Vee, for Me?” their smile was a little to sharp looking.

“I’m sorry, I can’t make any promises, you know what Patton.” Virgil leaned back, rubbing the magic out of his eyes.

Patton seemed to deflate a little, shoulders sagging. “But I want you to be happy. You are so tired that my pun flew over your head. That’s not happy. You don’t feel happy at all right now.” Their voice had lost its syrupy sweetness.

“No, its not, but it's also promising to do something that I know I can’t keep. I don’t get sleep easily sometimes, even if I want it.” Virgil sighed, his own shoulders sinking.

“That’s no fun at all.” Patton pouted.

“No, its not.” Virgil agreed. “I can’t promise you anything, but I can say that I’ll try to do better though, get back on an early bedtime schedule, okay?”

Their smile returned and Patton nodded. “Those words are good for now.”

“What was that voice thing you did Patton?” Virgil asked.

“Voice thing?”

“Ya, when your voice-” A sharp buzzing ring interrupted Virgil and they both jumped at the alarm. Virgil fumbled to pull his phone out of his pocket, silencing the alarm. “I have to go now; I start work in half an hour.” He moved to pack away the unused snacks. He left the finished crackers where they were though. Virgil was just about to stand up, slinging his backpack over his shoulder when Patton called out.

“Wait! I think I have something better than just words.” They took a moment, looking around at the purple crocuses near the rock, and plucked one, the delicate stem held between their fingers and then tucked behind his ear when Patton beckoned Virgil to lean forward. His purple dyed hair complementing the flower, and Patton pecked a quick kiss on his forehead. “There, now you’ll have a good day, and a good night’s rest, okay?” Patton beamed.

“I can’t make any promises, but I can try my best.” Virgil answered, smile playing across his own lips.

“That’s all I ask for!” Virgil stood up. He knows he has to leave now or else the would both get stuck talking and laughing with each other.

The rest of the day went pleasantly well, despite his lack of sleep. And the flower did not wilt one bit. Virgil fell asleep easily and early that night.

~*~  

Waking up the next morning was easy, even if the sun was rising earlier each day.

He only had the stuffed puppy he forgot to give on hand today as he made his walk up. The ring of rocks was empty when Virgil made it to the top of the cliff. All the crackers he left were gone. He placed the stuffed dog on the rock. He sat and watched gulls fly around and squawk at the waves and at the docks below the cliff for a while.

His phones alarm buzzed and he left for the library.

~*~

The purple flower still hadn’t wilted, and Virgil still had an almost to easy time falling asleep. The consistent sleep schedule really helped easy the dark shadows under his eyes, even though they didn’t fully go away. The stuffed animal was gone the next morning when Virgil arrived, even though there were no traces of Patton having been there.

The next couple days were the same. Virgil walked up to the cliff with no Patton there.

~*~

The flower was completely dried the next morning, wilted and brown. That piqued Virgil’s attention, and he was glad it was his day off. Virgil packed his backpack with the usual snacks and a blanket, and made his way to the cliff. The sun was bright early morning, a couple puffy white clouds whisked across the sky with the breeze carrying the salty smell of the ocean and the sweet perfume of the blooms that had sprouted up all over the field the cliff supported.

Patton was in their circle looking at the flowers that had sprouted up all around, wild daisies, lilies and other flowers he couldn’t identify were in all different stages of popping up from the ground, sprigs of green between dried brown.

“Hello Patton!” He called out causing them to look up. A bright smile stretched across their face.

“Hi Vee! Its lily to see you again!” they called out, skipping up to the large rock. Virgil noticed the crown of flowers weaved through their curly hair, it looked really cute on them.

“It’s lovely to see you again also Patton.” Virgil replied, catching the word play. Patton bounced and clapped their hands.

“Yay! You got it! It’s always a lot more fun when you get my puns.” Virgil sat down, prompting Patton to do the same, they immediately leaned forward, propping their head in their hands. “How are you?” they asked.

“Pretty okay, my sleep has been mostly consistent, the flower has wilted though, but it was nice while it lasted. Work has been annoying though. My co-worker Dee has not been helpful at all this past week, we are doing inventory and checking the condition of the stacks, and he’s not really doing a good job of it. And I don’t know if its because he doesn’t know how to do it properly or if he just does not like this work or if he’s mad at me for some reason, and it’s just, frustrating. Some of the assistants are complaining too and so… it’s just a small mess.” Virgil vented, running out of steam at the end. Patton didn’t blink the entire time, focused on Virgil.

“I thought something was feeling sad, want me to help?”

“No thank you Patton, there isn’t much anyone can do about this.”

“Don’t say that Kiddo! There is a lot you can do, even without my help! I can feel that this is making you frustrated, and it’s making you not happy in a place that usually has you feeling content. Let me help?” Patton’s voice took a honey hint at that last sentence.

“Well, I, Uh-” Virgil stuttered.

“Please, I can help make it better, but only if you let me, and let me help you.” Patton’s smile was gentle and their words sounded like caramel.

“I, I- No, I can’t let you Patton.” Virgil shook his head, clearing away the fuzziness. “And you got to stop that speech thing your doing.”

“Speech thing?” Patton sounded confused, and the sweetness to their words were gone.

“Yes, where whatever you say sounds so good, like candy, or something soft and it makes my head feel so weird, I don’t like it at all. And for the work thing, it stays that, a work thing. If it goes on any longer, I’ll talk to him and if that doesn’t resolve anything then I’ll be asking the director and we’ll sort it out from there. Okay?” Virgil explained.

“Ohh, okay.” Patton agreed. “I’ll leave your work thing alone.” That was the closest Virgil was ever going to get for a promise from Patton. “The word thing, its something I learned recently actually. It would translate to your language as ‘silver tongue’, it’s just a, really persuasive way of talking to others, I guess.” Patton tried to explain.

“Oh, that does make sense in a way, but it makes me feel really uncomfortable when you use it.”

“So, you don’t want me using it on you then?” They asked

“Yes,” Virgil nodded. “that is a firm boundary there. I’m just curious though, what can silver tongue all persuade a person to do?”

“Oh, lots of things Kiddo. Lots of other folk use it to ask for people's names, or to convince them to dance with them and other little things like that.” Patton shrugged a shoulder, leaning back from the rock.

“Oh, but you already know my name, so why use it?” Virgil sounded confused.

“I know that I have your name, but you can use it for more than just asking for a name, like asking permissions to help with something, especially if the person is stubborn and won’t accept help. Or you could be able to help calm someone down, by convincing them to not be angry, or to not be worried or scared. Lots of things. And I thought that if you were feeling really, really sad, that I could help you feel nicer for a bit. But you don’t like the feel of it so I won’t do it on you. I’d like you to be happy, but when you feel like it.” they extrapolated.

“Okay, that does sound really useful.”

“And that’s why I wanted to help! You could get Dee to not be a problem, and then you wouldn’t be sad.”

“You said you would not interfere, and I still do not want you to be involved either, lets just drop this topic, okay?”

“Okay, I won't bug you about it anymore.” Patton agreed.

“Thankyou,” Virgil pulled out his phone, it was only a few hours left till noon. “Do you just want to lay back and watch the clouds? I brought a blanket and I could use the relaxation.”

“Sure, you always make up such interesting shapes.” Virgil pulled out the blanket from his backpack and unfolded it with a toss, the fabric parachuting into a ruffled pile. Patton giggled and dragged the corner that landed on his side out, fitting the blanket half and half between the rocks.  

They laid out side by side, and Virgil sighed as just the waves splashing below filled the air with sound besides the gull’s cries. It was peaceful. And if he dozed off for a bit under the sun, and woke up just after noon with no Patton in sight, and another crocus tucked behind his ear, that was okay.

~*~

One morning it was raining and Virgil held an umbrella all the way up the cliff. Patton was dancing, practically frolicking around in the falling water and grass that swayed in the wind. It was a beautiful sight, and even though he had to refuse their offer to dance Virgil still got wet spinning and jumping around in the wet. The spring flowers seemed to dance alongside them.

~*~

Virgil didn’t realize but Patton’s humming was like silver, in a good way though. It was glistening and smooth, and very, very pretty. He barely twitched as a new section of his hair was taken up and moved, locks of purple dyed strands being braided and weaved with the stems of the assorted wild flowers around them. Patton naming each and every one of them and speak singing the good properties and meanings each bloom meant, soft and gentle in between the lilting and wandering notes.

Sometimes, when Virgil payed enough attention, Patton’s humming sounded familiar, the wandering tunes echoing melodies of old songs sang by generations ago. Lullaby’s and folk tunes that were almost forgotten, but were remembered enough for festivals. Most times though, the music would sit in his ear, snippets of phrases and measures collected there till he wrote them down and plunked them out on his ukulele. Sometimes the music was nice, sometimes, it was better left played once.

Patton giggled, and Virgil cracked open one eye, seeing the bright eyes sparkle and freckles that splatter across their cheeks over top of him as he was reclined over the rock. He raised his brow, a silent ponder asked.

They shook their head, smile bright with another giggle. “Oh, its nothin’ kiddo! You just look so cute! Just good enough to gobble up!” they giggled again, and they caught the concerned look on Virgil. “Oh, don’t worry, I won’t eat you, you’re safe from being eaten, I’d rather my favorite human be beside me, than inside of me.”

It took a moment for Virgil to find his voice. “Well… that’s comforting.”

“It is! Oh, I’m glad! Your flower crown is almost done, just lean back again and then you’ll match me!”

Virgil leaned back and closed his eyes against the bright mid morning sun. It was another few moments until the hands let up.

“Okay, you’re done, and you look so cute! Do you like it?” they asked.

Virgil sat up carefully, not wanting to mess up their hard work. He pulled out his phone and swiped to the camera. The white, light pink and purple toned flowers blended well with his dark brown and dyed purple colours, it really was beautiful. “This, this is really great. I love the colours; they go well with yours.” Patton’s flowers were mostly bright pink and yellow with the occasional blue bloom peaking through. It was quite an ethereal sight really, with the way the suns light lit up their cheeks and made their curly hair shimmer.

“Now since you have a crown, you can be a princess beside me, or a lord, what would your place be? For your gender, what are the words again?”

Virgil laughed lightly, finding the question humorous. “I don’t think I’d have a place of any significance, let alone be a prince, Patton.”

“Oh, don’t be silly! You’d be super important! You have all these stories and you always bring really neat stuff. You’d be a story keeper, and the lil’ ones would come up to you asking about the human world and you would explain it so well. Your important kiddo! Super important!”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I’m not so sure…” Virgil ducked his head, trying to hide away the blush that was creeping across his cheeks.

“Well, I am very sure that you are important, since you are important to me. The court would love you; you could play your music for us and I’d get to dance with you. And we could play the day away and you’d never have to worry about not getting enough sleep. Oh! And you’d get to try my food, once you taste it, I’m sure you’d never want to leave. What do you say?” Patton gushed, and Virgil was speechless for a moment.

“Wow, uh, that- that’s really flattering, and it sounds wonderful. But, Patton, you know I can’t go over with you. As much as I would like to, I have made my own commitments and promises that I can’t break. When would I come back if I left with you?” Virgil asked.

“Well, I guess if you wanted to, spring and autumn would work.” Patton answered.

“Why then?

“Because I’m spring, I’m able to be here because of spring, and autumn because that’s your season, it just fits. And that’s when we’d be able to come here, in the morning, and then the evening.”

“No summer and daytime, no winter and night?” Virgil implored.

Patton shook their head no.

Virgil sighed. “Maybe in a different time of my life, but I can’t say anything right now. I’m sorry.” He said softly, seeing how Patton’s smile morphed into a sad look.

“I know,” they replied. “It’s just that I don’t want to lose you. You humans are so fragile and delicate and I can’t stand the idea of me not being able to help you. Sometimes, when you come, you feel so sad. And its really heavy like a storm cloud overtop or like a deep weight on your chest, and no matter how many puns I make your smiles don’t reach your eyes and your laughs are hollow. And then that makes me sad, and it stays that way for weeks until you feel better. Sometimes you are angry, or frustrated. Sometimes that’s at other people, but its also directed towards yourself, and you just make yourself feel worse. I don’t want that for you. Please don’t cry, if you cry, then I’ll cry, and that won’t make you happy.” Patton pouted, moving to reach over the rock between them, but Virgil was sat back just far enough away out of Patton’s reach.

Virgil shook his head; his sweaters sleeves bunched over his hands and was wiping away the tears that tracked down his cheeks. “Sorry,” he mumbled.

“No, don’t be sorry, I made you cry, I never want you to cry.” Patton implored.

“It’s not your fault, I’m the one here that’s emotionally constipated and has a messed-up brain chemistry. General social anxiety can really mess over a person. It’s not your fault.”

“But I said stuff that made you cry!”

“But its things that are true. I am sad a lot of the time. I get so anxious at the thought of interacting with people, and then when I do interact with people, I’m not familiar with, I always mess up. But I know I could be doing better and I know I can do better, but it doesn’t always go well. So yes, I am frustrated at myself, and there are people at work that are not always the best to work with, and its very draining and my spoons for social interaction gets eaten up so quick its ridiculous. You just, reminded me of the truth that I try to forget sometimes, and I forget it easily when I’m up here. It was just… a small shock, I guess you could say.” Virgil fiddled with his hoodie’s sleeves, finding dry spots and rubbing away the salty tears as they escaped from his eyes. Patton had their own tears falling from their eyes. They held their arms out motioning for Virgil to get closer, as they moved to sit on their edge of the rock. Virgil sat down mirroring Patton.

“Oh kiddo, why didn’t you let me know before? I can help with that type of stuff, all you needed was to ask.”

“The thing is though Patton, I can’t ask for your help. I hate to say it but that the truth. I can’t rely on someone to fix all of my problems for me. I need to work on it myself if I want to truly get better, and be able to keep being better.”

“You have those other people helping your brain make the proper things, what is so different to me than that?”

“Other people?” Virgil was confused at the wording.

“Ya, you said one time that they had to check up on you, or that you were going to check up with them.” Patton tired to explain better.

“Oh, doctors, you mean doctors. They tell me how I am able to help myself, and help me get to a functional level, which is what my medication does. And if I stop the medication I fall back, they don’t do it for me, they just help me get there. I have to work at getting better, it doesn’t just happen for me.” Virgil explained, and Patton’s face just looked crumpled, they sniffed.

“That’s no fair, you humans are so silly sometimes. When someone in court gets sick, we have all the different types of magic that helps them get better really soon. You should be able to get better really soon also, and not have to work really hard to do it.”

“I hate to say it, but that’s the way it is right now. We have to work hard to get a lot of things better right now.”

“I hear you; I just want to help you though.”

“You do help me though.”

“I do?” Patton sounded hopeful at that statement.

“Of course. You make me laugh with your puns, and smile when there’s a good joke or you being happy. I forget about worry and stress and stupid work things when I’m up here, and I visit you. I enjoy your company, and seeing you does make my day go nicer. You’re my friend, and just that alone helps me.” Patton smiled, and it was like a weight over them was lifted off their chests. Patton leaned towards Virgil and Virgil leaned towards them, meeting in the middle of the rock, shoulder to shoulder.

“I am very happy to hear that I am able to help now, and just to let you know, any flowers picked from this cliff will stay pretty for you, okay?”

“Oh, uh, okay.” Virgil nodded, drying the last of the tear tracks on his cheeks.

~*~

The first true thunderstorm of the season happened at night, glass windows reverberating and rattling with the force of the soundwaves. Virgil sat by his bedroom window and watched the downpour hit the earth. The spring blooms and the sweet-smelling buds off his apple tree disappeared under the rains force. Lightning flashes illuminated the world for split seconds, and he wondered how Patton would dance to such percussive beats if he was here during the night. He wondered if Patton would be there in the morning with all the flowers almost gone.

~*~

“Is there any more cheese Vee?” Patton asked through a mouthful of aforementioned cheese and crackers.

“I’m pretty sure you ate the majority of it today.” Virgil replied, lifting his backpack to look inside. He shook his head. “Nope, there is none left.”

“Aww, you should bring even more next time.”

“Pat, that was a 500-gram block of cheese, you do understand that cheese costs money, right?”

“Sure, I do kiddo! You have money, you said that’s how you guys work your markets, right?”

“Yes, but it’s not that simple. Cheese is expensive, I have to pay a lot of money to not get much actual cheese in exchange. It takes a lot of time and work to make good cheese and for me to get it, I need to pay for that.”

“Oh, that seems weird, anybody should be able to get nice stuff, and not for those who have a lot and can buy it. anybody should be able to pay for it.”

“I know, that is… something we humans really need to work on.”

“Then why don’t you humans work on it?”

“Because those who have the money for the nice stuff are also usually the ones who are influential to the rule makers and are also able to make rules, so its not easy to work on it when some people don’t want it to change.”

“Oh…”

“Yah,”

“Then why don’t you do it?” Patton asked, scooping honey onto an apple slice.

“Me? Why do you say that!?” Virgil replied shocked at Patton’s statement.

“Why wouldn’t you be? You’re special, you’d get lots of people listening to you and then you’d fix stuff, and then you’d be able to buy more cheese.”

“Patton, it, doesn’t work like that. It would take so much work, so many people to go through, and lots of them have money, and I really don’t. I’m just a librarian from a small port town, practically a tourist trap, no one would listen to me.”

“If you keep saying bad things about yourself, I’m gonna fight you! You’re a story keeper kiddo, that so important! But more importantly, you are a storyteller, and you know what, those who tell stories gets to make them. Those who make the stories, and tell the stories get to change the story how ever they want too, so that it ends how they want it. Tell your story how you want it to be Vee!” Patton replied brightly, big smile on their face as they munched down on the apple slice.

Virgil shook his head, a look of disbelief on his face. “It just does not work like that Patton.”

“Why can’t it?”

“Because!”

“Because why?”

“I don’t know? Societies stupid!”

“Then change your society.”

“Its not that simple!”

“Why can’t it be?”

“I don’t know! It just is!”

“I don’t know why you keep doubting me kiddo, you’re special, you can do this stuff.” Patton looked and sounded irritated. Virgil let out a low breath, trying to calm down from the heated exchange.

“Why do you keep calling me special? I’m just a librarian.” Virgil spoke up after a long moment of silence, voice low and doubtful.

“I don’t know why you keep saying that you aren’t.”

“It’s because I’m not special! That’s why!”

“That’s not what I see.” They implored.

“What do you see then?” Virgil huffed, crossing his arms and leaning back.

“When I look, I see one who can see more than what a usual person does. Understands that life is beyond what people think, and for all the worries that grip your heart and play with your mind, you do not let them corral you. You still walk the land and give balance to your season.”  Patton said seriously, not looking away from Virgil. Eyes seeming to look deeper than just his appearance.

Virgil broke the eye contact, ducking his head. “Wow, that was not what I was expecting.”

“What were you expecting then?”

“I don’t know, something like how I’m ambitious, or charismatic or a ‘natural-born-leader’ or something similarly stupid like that, the things teachers give out on report cards.”

“Those things don’t really matter actually, it’s the life inside you that counts, and your life is so special and wonderful, and I want you to be happy.”

Virgil shook his head. “I don’t know if I believe that right now Patton.”

“Believe what part of it?” they asked.

“The part where I’m special. Ya I see the ghost the here during the winter and I semi regularly affiliate with the kind folk, and I have not yet been eaten, so I’m lucky in that sense. I don’t think that’s special, it’s just normal for me.” Virgil shrugged his shoulders, not really sure what else to say.

Patton smiled, soft and light. “That’s okay, I guess thinking yourself normal is easier than being special. I’m glad you believe that I want you happy, because your working hard for your happiness and you deserve it.”

Virgil nodded; a small smile appeared.

Patton hummed, and changed the topic. “Do you want to dance?” they asked.

Virgil looked up, “You know I can’t dance.”

“I know you can dance, but you can’t dance with me. But that’s not what I’m asking.”

“Then what are you asking?”

“I’m asking if you want to dance. Do you want to dance?” Patton asked, “Not with me, but beside me instead. I know you can’t come inside the ring, but you don’t have to, to dance with me.”

“Are you sure?” Virgil asked.

“Of course, we can go toe to toe, my side and your side, and dance. Just one dance, please?” they asked.

“As long as I don’t step inside, okay?”

“Okay.” Patton agreed.

They both stood up and stepped close, each on their own sides of the ring and joined hands. It was a little bit awkward with no proper music, but Patton giggled and Virgil had a blush creeping across his cheeks. They started humming, sweet and lilting, melody floating through the air and they stepped side to side, swaying back and forth in spot. Just like high schoolers on their first dance. It was a sweet moment, until Virgil’s alarm rang, cutting through Patton’s humming startling them both out of the dance.

“You have to leave?” they asked.

“Yes, I need to get going, if I stay any longer, I’ll be late, and I don’t really want that.” I’ll see you later, okay?” Virgil bent down, and picked up his backpack and the garbage from the snacks leaving the assembled crackers on the rock.

Gulls cawed as he made his way, waving to Patton, who was left standing at the border from there broken dance.

~*~

Virgil laid a paper on the table beside Dee in the breakroom. I was not a surprise that he was in the breakroom. He glanced up from his phone.

“Can I help you?” Dee did not sound interested in his offer one bit.

“No, not really anymore. I’m just here to let you know that three employees have filled out grievance reports against you, and I just finished filling out one. The director will be following up on the reports, and so if you want to keep this job, you better get your act in gear.”

“What? Are you serious?” that got his attention, he was still trying to look casual but failing with the concern showing in his eyes.

“Of course, I am serious. Why would I lie about something like this? Its not like my dog died, even though I don’t have a dog.”

Dee just glared as he picked up the paper, scanning the sheet with seeming disinterest. “I hardly see a reason to make such a big fuss about this. A couple days late, and I called in for a few yes, but aren’t we allowed a couple days here and there, anyways?”

“We’re allotted those days for when we are sick, or have family emergencies, or other similar events. Not because you feel like you don’t want to work that day.” Virgil took back the page. “I really hope the director is throughout in her follow up. And your break has been done for the past 25 minutes, and I know the books wont re-shelf themselves.” Virgil turned and left the break room, hiding his shaking hands and trembling shoulders. He could have a mini breakdown in his office before having to go back onto the floor. He breathed and counted to 4,7,8, trying to recall the melody Patton hummed earlier during their dance.

~*~

Patton didn’t show up the next week, and the blazing sun decided it was time to start raising temperatures. All the trees blooms were gone, and summer was here.

A Player’s Play

Summer came in strong over the course of a couple days. The rain had made the grass green and leaves were starting to bush out on shrubs and trees. The nights never got to cold anymore and the days were growing much longer, and the sandy beach just outside of town proper began to be populated during the weekends and warm afternoons. But what signaled to Virgil that summer was here was the construction of the outdoor stage in the square, just across from the library. The festivals and summer tourist attractions the town put on always included theater, which also meant that the theater company would be arriving soon. And with that, the arrival of someone not seen in a year’s time.

It was noon, bright and warm with a slight breeze ruffling the trees leaves. Virgil was spending his lunch break watching the stage curtains be hung and attached when a van pulled up and parked.  He couldn’t help the excitement and small smile when he recognised a few of the faces that stepped out of the vehicle. And he couldn’t help the large smile when he saw Roman step out of the van, bright and laughing.  

He looked around for a moment, pulling sunglasses on under the suns warm light, he paused when his gaze met Virgil’s, and it seemed like forever they looked at each other after such a long time apart. As if the actor could no longer spend a second apart, he ran across the square.

“Virgil,” He called out once he got closer, stopping short of landing on the librarian. Virgil stood and let Roman engulf him in a brief but welcomed hug. “Virgil, hi! Its been forever, hasn’t it?”

‘Hi Roman, its been a year, like it always had been.” He shrugged.

“Yes, a year, but years can be measured in many ways, and I feel like I have missed to many moments with you already, to many cups of coffee not shared, and I do not want to waste any now that we are here together.” Roman replied.

“Wait, is that a /Rent/ reference?” Virgil laughed, “You nerd.”

“I have to admit it is, but its theater geek to you, you emo.”

“I’m not that emo, just enough so I don’t offend the old people and I don’t scare away the kids.”

“I guess you go the position, then?”

“Yah, I did, just two weeks after you left last summer actually. Its- its been different, but nice. A little more pay, a little more freedom with my schedule. Its still work though, and there’s still a lot to stress about sometimes, but I’m getting better at managing and all that stuff. How about you?”

“Oh, not much really, I’m still here again. A few auditions that went okay, a few that didn’t, a callback that didn’t line up. You know, the usual stuff. It sounds like you have it pretty stable here though.”

“Ya, I guess, I-”

“Hey Roman!” One of the cast members called across the square, they both turned to look. “Come get you luggage, lover boy! We’re checking in soon!”

“Lover boy?” Virgil questioned, crossing his arms.

Roman laughed, that’s just Val, don’t worry about her, she’s practically a sister to me. And like any good sibling, teasing is abound to happen.”

“Okay, but don’t let me hold you up, I don’t want you getting into any more trouble that you already do.”

“Excuse me, I do not get into trouble, as a noble prince I am always on my best.”

“So, you’re a prince then?”

“Yes, and also a knight, and a townsperson. A couple different things this year. I think you’ll like the plays we put on this season.”

“I can’t wait to see them, but you better go.”

“Yes, I should, where will I be able to find you?”

“Where I’m always found. My lunch break is done soon also, would tomorrow work for you? In the evening, late afternoon?”

“I’ll make it work.” Roman answered and tuned, Virgil watched him walk across the square back to the van. Virgil went back inside.

~*~

It was late afternoon as Virgil walked up to the cliff. The sun was bright and the breeze as he crested the walking path was warm. The long grasses had finally greened after the spring rain and now late season wild flowers were starting to show their colours.

A flight of gulls took off from the beach below and he watched the swirling white spirals the birds flew as they settled, startled, and resettled on the sand below. Once again waiting till another little kid runs up and screams them into flight again.

Virgil settled on the rock, and watched the clouds drift by.

The sun was getting low when he heard the brushing step of someone walking through the grass, he turned and saw Roman. He was reminded of just how much a year can change a person.

Roman already seemed to have tanned a bit, lightly sun-kissed and he seemed more confident in the way he carried himself, shoulders strong but relaxed, a quiet confidence. And in looking at his shoulders, he seemed more well defined, muscles toned and strength added to them. Yet he was gentle with his every move, soft and doing his best to not crush and sprouting flowers. And the way his smile lit up his face and the way his eyes sparkled in the low sunlight, never changed.

Roman had always amazed him.

He sat down beside Virgil on the rock, and a settled quiet sat with them. They watched the sunset, purples and reds colouring the sky around them.

~*~

The stage was completely built, curtains and the lighting rigs were hung, and the backstage wings cordoned off from the sitting view of the audience. Virgil had a side view of the square from his office, his window showing a world that was a balance on two sides. One where the suspension of disbelief was held and the actors became the characters they portrayed, and the other side where masks fell off and everyone showed their true nature, it was a duality that enthralled him. it was a duality he wished he could play too also, but being able to see Roman rehearse was almost just as good.

He looked dashing in his prince costume, white fabric and red sash, gold details shining in the sunlight. He couldn’t hear what was being said, but he could see with the gestures and reactions from the princess on the stage and the rest of the crew, the words and scenes must be hilarious. Roman and the other actors did well to keep their faces on. Virgil glanced at the clock; he just had a half hour left.

He finished his tasks and clocked out, waving goodbye to the front desk people before exiting the cool air of the library to the warm air of outside. The afternoons breeze carrying the salty sent of the ocean and the leaves of the trees rustled. He made his way to the mainstage to the gate and followed it along till he got to the edge of the stage. Everyone now was in a circle, talking and people had scripts out taking notes and nodding along to who seemed to be the director.

He caught Romans eye was he glanced up, and the serious look he had melted for a moment, brief smile gracing his face before he focused back to the group. It was another few moments until they were dismissed and a couple more after that till Roman appeared from behind stage, back in his street clothes and sunglasses.

“Hey.” Virgil called.

“Wheat.” Roman called back with a laugh. Virgil shook his head and bumped his shoulders with Roman as they walked down the sidewalk even though the actor was a couple inches taller than him.

“Stop it, you know what I meant.”

“I know, I just like seeing you smile, bright as the sun, and your eyes twinkle like stars, and the small laugh that escapes sounds like wind chimes and beauty, just like you.” Roman complemented, nudging Virgil back.

“Oh, stop that, I’m nothing like that.” Virgil shook his head.

“On the contrary, I could describe a thousand things and they would not be as beautiful as you.” Roman cajoled, but he saw the sower turn of Virgil’s lips, a pinched expression showing. “Hey,” he said softer. “You know I just want you to be happy, right?” He saw Virgil nod. “Then can I ask you a question?”

“What question?”

“Do you trust me?”

“Trust in what?”

“I don’t know, do you trust me?”

“I guess I do, why?”

“Because trust me when I say that I really do want you to be happy and I hope that I am able, one day, to be beside you, helping you to be happy, and that if you want to, you’ll be by my side, just as I want to be by yours.” Roman brushed his hand against Virgil’s as they walked, and they let their fingers tangle together.

“That sounds like a lovely idea, I just don’t know if we’ll ever get there though.”

“I think we will, even if we ever only meet in the summer, we’ll still have each other if we don’t get anywhere else. Sometimes, I think about us, and if this is as far as we get, I think I’ll be content with that.”

“Really? No more grand gestures of romantic declaration?”

“Well, I wish for that, but if this is it, then that’ll be okay, because we made what we have work, and I won't trade that for anything else if that means not knowing you, cause you’re amazing, just the way you are.” Roman sang the last part of the sentence, cracking a smile out of Virgil.

“What, are you going to serenade me now? I thought the flattery was enough.”

“My dear, nothing is enough for you, why don’t you sing with me?”

“I- I, no, not here at least.”

“Do you still play the ukulele?” Roman asked.

Virgil nodded, “Ya, I still pick it up occasionally.”

“Then if you’re not comfortable singing, then we could duet, featuring you on your ukulele, and I can sing. I know there are a few good covers that transpose too the fingerings you need on the internet, if you’re up for that?”

Virgil shrugged, bumping shoulders once again with Roman. “Maybe. Hey, do you want some ice cream?” He asked, gesturing to the shop across the street.

Roman smiled and tugged their joined hands, Virgil was gladly pulled along.

~*~

It was a week later that Virgil found himself at the cliff again, plucking at the uke, staring at messy scribbles of cords and key progressions scribbled on loose leaf, a melody half developed as Virgil looked at it. the waves crashing below were a good white noise to fill the silence between the sounds. He put down the small instrument when he heard the steps of an approaching person.

He turned and saw Roman, picnic basket in hand, walking around the outside of the rock circle to him.

“I thought a mid-day lunch would be nice.” the actor called out, and Virgil beckoned him closer.

“Where did you get the basket from? And where’d you get all the stuff from?”

“I have my ways Virgil, and this small town has a decent grocery store despite its size,” Roman sat down beside Virgil. “I don’t get why people don’t like this cliff; it has an absolutely beautiful view.”

“There’s stories about this place, and small towns seem to not want to chance pissing off a ghost of disrespect the good folk.” Virgil answered.

“That is absolutely ridiculous,” Roman shook his head. “If you don’t want to piss anybody off, then just ask nicely, be respectful, and pick up your garbage after you. It’s not that hard.”

Virgil smiled at Romans answer. “I know, that’s that I do at least, but when people ask and I answer, they don’t seem to listen, even though I’m giving the answer.”

“I know, such a folly that people won’t believe what is outside of their comfort, but hey, at least we get to be here in peace.”

“I guess, what’s in the basket?”

“I’d thought you’d never ask,” Roman flipped the top up. “I got something simple, sandwiches, and a cooler bag full of popsicles. So, we better eat before the melt on us.”

“We could have just bought some on the way back, instead of having them melt.”

“I know, but I think we needed something cool for such a hot view.” Roman waggled his brows, getting a snicker out of Virgil who snatched a wrapped sandwich out of the actor’s hands.

“You are ridiculous.”

“And you love it. But I know, it’s an understood thing.”

~*~

“Mon amour, you are so beautiful today.” Roman said out of the blue.

“Hah! If you are going to speak French, go talk to Remy.” Virgil replied.

“Remy?”

“Ya, they work at the coffee shop on Main.”

“Gasp! Are you cheating on me?” Roman threw a theatrical hand against his chest.

“If cheating consists of me buying coffee, then yes. But I thought you had said it wouldn’t work between us.”

“I never said it wouldn’t, but that we should be open to possibilities around us.”

“Ah, I haven’t.”

“Haven’t what?”

“There’s been no other possibilities, there’s not really anybody else here.”

“Oh, … well, the same for me actually.”  Roman admitted.

“We are stuck, aren’t we?” Virgil asked.

Roman hummed and wrapped an arm around Virgil’s back. “I guess we are quite a pair, one day will be the right time, and we’ll figure ourselves out.”

“One day?” Virgil’s tone held disbelief, but also a little bit of hope.

“I promise, we’ll figure ourselves out.”

“I hope so, it gets lonely when you leave.”

“You do have other friends, right?” Roman asked. Virgil shrugged his shoulders.

“Some, I got Remy, others come and go too.”

“Oh,” It was quiet for a moment. “You’re still able to come to the play on Friday, right? You have the night off?”

“Yes, I’ll make it work.”

~*~

The evening was warm, it was always warm during the summer. The afternoons bright sun had bled out, spreading warm colours across the sky, painting the white clouds pink and throwing fire into the sky. It was perfect for seeing open air theater.

Virgil’s seat wasn’t the first row, but it wasn’t the back, but he knew that it was one of the good spots from the way Roman had smiled when he handed the ticket over. The play was a comedy, side splitting laughter echoed out through the square and even Virgil lost himself in the antics on stage. He cheered extra loud when it was Romans turn to bow before curtains.

~*~

Summer got busy. Really busy. Planning and arranging tours for the museum and scheduling events for the library seemed to be an everlasting job. Roman was busy in the afternoons preparing for the evening production, and before they knew it, the summer festival was in full swing wasn’t the small town was once again a tourist destination. The cliff still stayed empty, even when they were able to sneak off together on rare shared days off. Ice cream was usually melted and gone by the time they made their walk up.

~*~

Virgil had his head in Romans lap, the actor was resting his back against the rock, humming a melody that shifted and floated just as much as his own wandering fingers on his ukulele. Virgil had his eyes closed so he didn’t see Romans expression as he let out a sigh at the end of a phrase. He stopped his plucking and cracked open an eye seeing Romans fond gaze.

“What?” he asked.

Roman shook his head. “I dunno, nothing really. You just seem happy right now, and its nice.”

“I do?”

“To me, you seem happy. You’re more relaxed, and there’s a way that you hold yourself that just projects that you are more comfortable. Its nice.”

“Oh, it’s been something I’ve been working on for some time, I even counted it a little bit to a new year’s resolution to make a commitment.”

“Well, I think you have everyone beat on that resolution part.”

“Nah, I bet there’s some people from last year who’re still going, what about you?”

Roman shrugged a shoulder. “I did my best; I’d tried to draw or write something at least once a week. I got busy and forgot about it. I still try to do it though.”

“It’s the thought that counts.” Virgil plucked out a cord, hands shifting on the neck. It was peaceful on the cliff, still, not a shift in the wind at all. The flowers were like observers to the only two there.

“There’s only a couple more runs of the play, and the festival is done in a couple more days.” Roman spoke up.

“I know.” Virgil replied. “How long do you think you’ll be in town for then?” Usually the company stayed a week after the were officially done performing, helping set down and pack up everything for the road.

“I’m not sure actually, depends on the managers and how quickly everything gets done. They both want to be gone by August 2nd.

“So not much time left then.”

“There’ll be just enough.”

“It’s never enough.”

“I know, but I am always happy to make the most of any time with you.”

“You’re a sap, you know that, right?”

“Ah, I may be a sap, but I’m your sap. And I’ll have you know you wouldn’t have it any other way.” Roman laughed and his fond expression returned.

“Here, hold this.” Virgil lifted his uke to Roman, and he got up after the actor took it. he stood up and started looking at the flowers around them.”

“What are you looking for?”

“Just a little somethin’.” A victorious smile broke out as he found a bright red flower, just on the inside of the ring. He crouched low at the edge and reached in, plucking the bloom. He sat back in front of Roman and brushed back his bangs, tucking the flower in behind his ear.

“There, I hope it stays pretty for you.”

“And you call me a sap.” Roman chucked.

Virgil shrugged and tried to hide his blush.

~*~

The festival ended with at party. The part of the town square that wasn’t occupied with the stage was in use as a dance floor, and small booths selling an assortment of treats and souvenirs lined the border. It was hectic and Virgil stayed more to the edge than not, happy to watch Roman be happy with is cast members.

A Woman settled almost too close for his personal bubble, but before he could move, she spoke.

“You’re Virgil, right?” Her tone was light, curious sounding more than anything.

“Uh, yah.” Was his eloquent reply.                  

“Nice to meet you, I’m Val, one of Romans cast mates.” She stuck out her hand to shake.

“Oh, hi.” Virgil accepted the shake, at a loss for what to say. She looked at him, and gave a nod, and as if happy with what she found.

“Roman always seems so excited to come here, and he’s always in a good mood when he’s here, and I guess you’re a part of the reason?” She gave a sly grin.

“Oh! Uh, we haven’t- uh, well, not really- but, uh…” Virgil floundered, cheeks flushing pink, and he tried to hide behind his drink.

“Don’t worry, I’m not here to give you the shovel talk, you seem like a sweet guy, and you make Roman happy. I just wanted to see what’s he’s so happy about. He’s like a brother to me, and I know he can take care of himself. Sometimes he gets in such a funk, it’s nice to know that there’ll be someone who can help him out of it.”

“Oh, uh, thankyou? Roman really is wonderful. He’s a constant, even though he’s only here for a little bit.”

“He mentions it sometimes, ideas on settling down, and he always has a look in his eyes when he speaks about it, it’s the same one he gives you. I hope you both make it work.”

“Yah, me too.”

“It was nice meeting you Virgil. I hope you have a good night.” She waved and stepped away.

“You too.” He called after, and he watched her disappear into the crowd.

Roman found him halfway to midnight, giggly and half drunk, insisting to go to the cliff for the fireworks.  

They made the walk up just in time, the display was just as wonderful as the new years one. Though Virgil didn’t watch this one either, enthralled by the uninhibited excitement Roman displayed.

~*~

The set down was quick, and it was all too soon that they stood hands tangled together, and Roman pecked a good-buy kiss on his forehead.

~*~

It was two days later that Virgil saw a leaf from the tree fall, edges slightly browned and dry. For all he was concerned, it was Autumn now.

~*~

It was evening. The wind on the cliff had a cool chill to it, Virgil just hunkered down more into his hoodie. Cold fingers finding chords and plucking notes. He hummed for a bit, finding words to fit over the melody.

“Hum, hmm, cause baby, I’m a dark star,” he plucked notes, happy with the words, he scribbled them out on the page. “But I’ve got stories I could tell you, if I want to- dark star, dark star.”

He looked to the sunset, seeing the reds and purples mingle with the dark blue of the encroaching night sky, and dance on the crests of the light blue water.  

He’s just waiting for Logan and winter now.

~*~

Fin.

[cloudparadox]

Remnants || Chapter 1 - A Familiar Face

Summary: AU in which Tim can see things others can't.

As he got older, it became less and less, to the point where he thought his "ability" had disappeared completely, until one day it comes back full force and Tim is forced to come clean to his family about it, which ends up putting more strain on their already delicate relationship. And then there's Jason who'd never really been about delicate. 

Words: 1686

Warnings: Angst, death, ghosts, teeny tiny bit of gore (nothing explicit), mental health issues, bad parenting

Pairing: Tim Drake x Jason Todd (eventually)

Notes:  So this is my first Jaytim fanfic and also first Batman-related fanfic altogether. I'm absolutely not sure about anything here, really, but I'll try my best. This first chapter just kind of happened, but I really like it, so I thought I'd get my shit together and actually post it, rather than letting it sit forever in my drafts. I'm sorry for any spelling errors or the likes. Thank you for every like and reblog and especially comment! I appreciate it <3

Taglist: @sweeetsummerchiild  (please tell me I remember correctly that you told me to tag you for this >.<)

Tim had been but a young child, a tiny little thing, with chubby cheeks that bloomed cherry-red at the smallest amount of affection and attention, when he saw the first one.

The first ghost. Spirit. A revenant. Spectre. Whatever you wanted to call them. The dictionaries had fed Tim many words for what he was seeing.

His younger self had been naive enough to tell his mother about it later on. About the woman that was never noticed by anyone, always trying to get them to see her. The woman had then realized he could see her when she caught him staring. She was nice. In fact, she was the first ghost that talked to him. She was beautiful and young. Too young to have died. Not much older than his own mother.

It was weird. Some ghosts looked utterly horrifying. Torn, bloody clothes, wounds all over their skin, or worse. One ghost, he remembered in vivid detail. He had aimlessly wandered through a creepy alleyway that Tim and his parents walked by one evening, in late December. One of his eyes was missing and he was so thin and so frail, barely older than forty, maybe.

How he died, Tim didn't want to know. Mother often told him about the bad people in this city. Father did, too. What terrible things they did and that only people who did said bad things suffer because of it. 'Bad things only happen to bad people, Timothy'

Tim didn't believe that, not even as a young child. Maybe it was his intelligence that he was so often praised for, or maybe just the fact that he just knew differently, that he'd seen things that proved that statement to be false.

But this woman looked nothing like that. Not a single injury, no blood, nothing. In fact, she looked eerily familiar, yet Tim's tired brain failed to catch up properly at the moment since he'd just woken up to see a ghost in his own room.

Her smile made Tim's insides feel all fuzzy, as did the warmth in her green eyes as she beckoned him to come closer. Not once before had a ghost followed him into his house.

"Don't be afraid." her voice made the boy jump which caused her to smother a grin. "I won't hurt you. I am just here because I'm running out of time, and I think you're the only one who can help me with this."

"B-but I-. How am I supposed to help you, ma'am?"

The way he addressed her made her laugh. It was gentle, almost sounding like the faraway Christmas bells he loved listening to in the evenings. "You can call me Mary, sweetheart."

Tim's cheeks flushed brightly at the nickname and he allowed himself to relax and ease himself back on his bed, kicking his legs a little to get rid of the remaining tenseness of his body.

The woman- Mary, continued. "I don't have much time left, sweetheart. I know I'm not supposed to be here anymore. But I need to make sure it's alright for me to leave." her smile dimmed and she gingerly sat down on his bed, how that worked Tim didn't want to try and figure out right now, and brushed some of her dark hair behind her ear in a way that poked and tugged at Tim's brain because her face seemed so familiar and-

"You're Mrs. Grayson, from the-"

"Circus. Yes. I'm surprised you remember."

"But- You- that was months ago! I- how?" his voice became smaller as he tried to take in the fact that someone he'd seen dying, seen the death of, was here, in his house, his room, sitting on his bed and asking for his help.

"It's been that long?" a frown worked its way onto her face and Tim felt bad for telling her.

"I'm sorry." Tears gathered in his eyes as he recalled that night, the one that was supposed to be happy, and it was, if only at the start. He thought of the screams, the blood, about the young Dick Grayson crying over his parent's bodies and-

"Don't cry, silly. You have nothing to be sorry for. If anything it should be me apologizing. No child should have to see that."

Dick had to, Tim thought bitterly. More proof that what father said was wrong. None of the Graysons were bad people. "But, how can I help you? I'm just a kid."

Mary sighed and it was heavy, like she was hesitant to go on. "I know. And I'm sorry that I have to burden you with this, but- I need to know what happened to my son. I need to make sure it's okay for me to leave, that he's fine and not-" the woman choked on the words and Tim's little heart hurt, his chest feeling heavy.

"You couldn't find him." It wasn't a question but she nodded anyway. "Dick was adopted by Bruce Wayne." Coincidentally they were basically neighbors. Something like that, with more distance. "I didn't meet him or anything, but he seems fine. Happy, even." Well, as happy as a boy who lost his parents could be. "I'm sorry," he said again. Why, he didn't know. There was a lot of reason to be sorry.

"Thank god. I- I thought-" she stopped, clearing her throat and wiping at a few tears that had dropped. "I know this is a lot to ask for, but can you keep an eye on him?" the request shocked Tim and it must've shown on his face. "Just make sure he's not- not in any danger at home? I doubt anything would happen to him there, but..."

"Okay. I promise," he swore, already debating how and what and where and thinking about all the ways when Mary shocked both him and herself by carefully touching his shoulder. "How are you-?"

"I don't know, sweetheart. I've never been able to touch anyone, even by accident. It was just a reflex to reach out. But I guess you're just something special, huh?" her soft smile was back and Tim's cheeks were once again crimson. It made her laugh, in a way she hadn't since that day. "Thank you, for this, Timothy."

"You can call me Tim if you want." In his head, he sent out a silent plea that she would because with his parents it was always Timothy and Timothy was everything they wanted him to be and not always what he actually was. "You don't have to thank me, though. I didn't really do anything."

"You did, sweetheart. I know my place isn't here anymore. But I could not leave without making sure Dick is safe and thanks to you, I know that now. Know where he is. So, thank you, Tim."

The emphasis on his preferred version of his name made him grin before it faltered. "You're leaving then?"

"I have to. I'll just make sure to see my son one more time, now that I know where he is. Maybe I'll finally see his father again, wherever I'm headed to after...moving on."

"Are you scared?" Dying and then having to leave for the unknown sounded terrifying to him.

"Not anymore." she got up from her seat next to him, green eyes alight with hope and love and more Tim couldn't identify. "You're a very special boy, Tim. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I'm sure you'll do lots of good in the future with that bright mind of yours." she playfully tapped his head before gently ruffling his messy black hair. "Goodbye, Timmy."

Tim blinked and she was gone with a last smile directed at him. "Bye," he whispered after what felt like an eternity.

Tim had shared some of this occurrence with his mother after a lot of debate. He definitely regretted doing that.

Some of the dictionaries also told Tim that he might simply be insane. He knew the word well after all father used it a lot when he talked about other people, especially from work. But that would mean Tim was a bad person, and he couldn't be bad just because he saw things others didn't, right?

That's what he told himself throughout his mother's scolding, his father's lecture about not ruining the good family's name and then the regular meetings he had with a "specialist". That didn't help him at all. The man had declared him completely sane. That day, after the doctor had told him he wouldn't come back as it wasn't necessary, father had a long talk with him. Tim had managed to hide his tears well behind his bangs, only speaking up to agree with what his father said. Something along the lines of 'my son will not be one of those crazies'.

Tim wondered if his father knew about mother's own struggles. She was sad a lot. Sometimes it seemed like she wasn't there with them at all. Her body was, but her mind wasn't. Mother loved him, that he was sure of. Her hugs were always so warm. Even if they became rarer and rarer over time. Now his parents were gone more and more, leaving him alone in this big, cold house. Mrs. Mac was still there though. Sometimes. Not enough.

Still, he kept seeing the ghosts. He started calling them Fades at one point. Now he learned to ignore most of them, save for the ones that took note of him. Most didn't.

He tried to pretend he was normal. That he couldn't see these things. Sometimes it worked. Most times it didn't, not in the beginning anyway. Tim didn't want to be crazy. He didn't want to make his father mad, didn't want to disappoint him or make his mother even sadder.

He had tried explaining it, tried to find actual help, but no one listened. He was alone with his fears and nightmares, kept captive by what others didn't know, didn't see, or simply didn't want to acknowledge.

Maybe it was no fear, but madness.

And Tim learned over time, if you're crazy, you don't exist anymore.

[tiredwritersworld]

Memories of Kandomere

Following my 100 followers celebration post I got this wonderful request from @luvroffictionalcharacters for 19 from the prompt list and it comes in at just under 2000 words! I hope you enjoy it my lovely, it’s been a really interesting experience writing from this perspective and I hope I was able to capture and convey the emotions I was going for. For any of you reading this who want to request anything my ask box is always open and if you follow this link it will take you to my 100 followers post which will hopefully give you an idea of the fun things I’m doing to celebrate you all. As always enjoy, leave a comment, reblog if you loved it and remain buoyant! ^_^* - L

"I just needed to hear your voice."

Memories of his voice flooded my mind as I stood in the middle of the now empty apartment. The floors were completely bare, no curtains hung on the windows, everything was gone but the thing that I noticed more than anything else, the thing that really got under my skin, it was quiet. So quiet it was deafening almost. A place that was once full of so much life, laughter and music. A home. And now it was empty. I can't help but look back on that day, my mind is logical and I want it to stay that way, not to give into the memories but my heart wins out. You see it was the day that changed everything.

"You need to make a choice Tammy." He'd said, he looked so frightened and it almost broke me to see him like that. It was our first proper argument, I've never regretted anything more than that, I walked out, left him there a mess. He had called earlier that day and I could hear it in his voice, the way he said my name, something was wrong. Things had changed between us, feelings grew and there came a point where I realised I didn't want to spend my life with anyone else but him. It was terrifying really and I often wondered what kind of a life we would have together, all evidence pointed to a good life. He was a good man, strong, sturdy, smart and kind. We were good together and I was sure he felt that too.

I thought back to before I knew him and couldn't remember ever being as happy as I was when I was with him, that wonderful, beautiful man. Kandomere arrived shortly after that, as soon as he was through the door he was on me. He nearly knocked me over and probably would have were it not for his hand planted firmly on my lower back holding me to him. His hands were everywhere, exploring every part of me and I remember it so well, the moment I got lost in him too. The way he smelled, the way his muscles felt pressed against my soft skin. His hair was like silk as I let it fall through my hands, his kisses were almost desperate and not knowing why, I returned the desperation, needing to feel him inside of me. It was more passionate than all other times and now, looking back I know why. He was afraid, frightened to ask me his question, afraid of my answer and terrified it would change everything and it did.

                                                                       *

I laughed to myself as I remembered the way that she spoke back then. She was full of confidence and my stomach flipped. I had never expected her. She still looked the same, still fit perfectly in my arms and I hers. Her grey eyes were always so inquisitive and yet knowing. I'd known from the very first moment we spoke that I loved her. She was so efficient, so clever, so logical and throughout our budding relationship I grew to learn to let go of it all, to trust in her knowing that she would not falter. She was so strong and the relief that I felt was overwhelming. Relief in that strength she carried that I'm not ashamed to admit, carried us both on more than one occasion.

She was surprised almost when I'd asked her out to dinner. She looked around her as though I was mad, but she had never been more beautiful, her short hair a mess, her hands and face covered in dirt and possibly some blood. But luckily for me she saw through my madness and agreed to let me take her out to dinner. "It was the best decision I ever made." She once told me. There were so many sleepless nights. She never admitted it but I knew she worried for me and as selfish as it is I was happy for that. Happy to have someone in my life who cared enough to worry, who knew enough to know I wasn't always strong. It was the last thing I ever could have expected, that Tammy would be the first face I wanted to see when I wake up and the last before I would close my eyes.

Montehugh had been the one who put me up to it, I was content for things to remain as they were, not happy about it of course but content. But my partner decided I needed to take things to the next level. He regaled me of the time he had proposed to his wife, he had his own concerns but assured me that nothing in this world mattered more than that moment. The look on her face when he asked and the tears of joy in her eyes when she had said yes. Weeks turned into months and I was beginning to suspect she may actually say yes. Montehugh droned on endlessly, the way she looked at me, the way she spoke, all the little things she did like ironing my shirt in the morning when she didn't really need to, or cooking me dinner when I promised I would cook for her, he wasn't an expert but he knew more than I did and so I decided to buy her a ring. Customary in her traditions, I was told this moment meant a lot to women and well, he was right. I smiled as I picked up my phone and saw her pretty face smiling back at me. "My love." I said and heard her sigh, she sounded almost relieved. "I just needed to hear your voice."

                                                                      *

I knew he was driving too fast, he always did and it was confirmed when he arrived not 15 minutes later, a drive that would take any sane person at least 30 minutes. He didn’t knock, I can’t remember the last time he knocked when he turned up at my apartment, it was a long time ago though that was for sure.

For a long moment he hesitated in the doorway, I watched his eyes wander over the place and I could see it in him too, a hint of sadness. And it was sad, I was sad, to be leaving a place I had called home for such a long time and while the prospect of being with him was wonderful to say the least, I almost didn’t want to give the place up.

“It feels cold, you’re not cold are you?” He asked stepping toward me and I shook my head, a small smile on my lips that I'm certain didn’t quite meet my eyes.

“Its just so empty. The gas has been shut off, no central heating.” I replied and he gave a nod of understanding. He took another step inside, his shoes sounded against the hard wooden flooring and echoed loudly throughout causing me to shiver slightly.

“I moved your dresser in. The paints dry now.” He said after a long while. He wanted to fill the silence and I adored him for it.

“It's dry that quickly?” I asked, I knew it was fast drying paint but I wanted to add something too to the conversation.

“Yes. The painters stayed until it was done.” He confirmed and I nodded in response.

A smile, a genuine smile began to work it’s way across my face, that familiar feeling of warmth spread through me, the one I only got when I thought of him. I wrapped my arms around my waist and closed my eyes enjoying the feeling. Being with him was like getting into a warm bed after a long winters day. It was safe, nurturing and pure comfort. There was once a time I had thought him cold, before I knew him of course. He wasn’t cold, he was an observer, a man who watched people rather than spoke. He could learn everything he needed to know about a person with a single glance and not a single word exchanged, but I knew I had given him a run for his money and I smiled even more at that thought.

I felt his arms wrap around my waist holding me firmly against him and sighed happily as I leaned my head back against his shoulder. He pressed his lips to my neck and kissed me lovingly.

“It is sad no?” He asked and I gave a nod.

“Yes. But I think I’ve made the right choice.” I replied, I knew that I had. It made more sense for us to move into his apartment, for now anyway he had said, in a year or so we would look at somewhere else but his apartment was bigger than mine and much nicer. ‘rich bastard.’ I had thought to myself on more than one occasion. It was closer to work for him and even closer for me too. At one point he had suggested that I could give up work, he would take care of me and I could stay home and write and create to my hearts content. He once told me that he would never forget the look on my face when he had suggested it and he wouldn’t dare suggest such a thing again, I laughed as I remembered that and I felt him smile too against my neck.

“Memories?” He whispered against my ear causing shivers to run through me and goosebumps to raise on my skin.

“Lots of memories.” I replied and turned myself in his arms to face him. “And not all about you.” I lied and he frowned down at me, his eyebrows furrowed as he poured.

“I'm offended.” He teased and I stuck my tongue out at him.

“No you’re not, liar.” I said and he chuckled as he swayed on his feet holding my stomach against his.

“You’re right I'm a liar. And we are going to be very late my sweetest of hearts if we don’t get a move on.” He said and I winced. The party was tonight, our engagement party. It was damned stupid of us to throw it today of all days but it was looking to be a good night. Our families would be there, friends and even a few work colleagues including Nick. I couldn’t help but smile devilishly at him remembering the look on his face when I’d invited Nick. He was my friend through who just happened to be a colleague and also the first orcish police officer on the LAPD. Not exactly my fault. I knew his annoyance was due to the incident that we never spoke of and not born from any kind of racism (despite the despicable emblem he wore that went into the bottom drawer as soon as I had anything to do with it.). He didn’t know exactly how much I knew of the incident and I wasn’t going to let on just how much I did know any time soon. “Tammy, love are you ready?” He asked gently.

I looked around us, from the window I would sit by whenever I had something serious to think about, to the coffee stain on the floorboard and then I looked back to him.

“I think I am.” I said sniffing back tears. He pulled me into him then and kissed my forehead and then I pulled away and took his hand in mine walking out of the apartment for the last time.

’Be brave Tammy.’ I said to myself and took a deep breath in as I locked the door and pushed the key back through the letterbox. ‘Be brave.’

I gotta say I wasn’t happy with this when I started writing it but I am damn happy with how it turned out! I love Tammy & Kandomere they’re total cuties together <3

Kandomere tags - @ladyinthefrozenlake

[tabithasomeday]

Why am I here?

I found trans tumblr through reddit at the end of 2015. Seeing trans women out there kicking life's ass gave me hope that I could some day do a little ass kicking of my own. I started posting early on to document what I hoped would become my transition. And if I wasn't able to transition (which was a real possibility), to at least have a little bit of Tabitha out there in the world in some form. During that long period of uncertainty, the women I followed here helped keep me sane. I guess I was living vicariously through their posts.

But, more importantly, they were reminding me that being trans is not a bad thing. They weren't miserable because they were trans, They were out there living their best lives. They strengthened my flame just by sharing their lives.

So when my situation resolved, and I was finally able to start the process of becoming me, I was determined to pay it forward. To put myself out there to show that transitioning, even at my age, can be a good thing. A wonderful thing. To share my happiness, my light with others who might need it. That's the why of this blog.

I'd be lying, though, if I said that was the only reason I post so much. I have to admit, I like the attention I get, too. I feel sort of embarrassed about that, then annoyed at myself for being embarrassed. There's nothing wrong with enjoying attention. It's human nature, and I'm as susceptible to the lure of positive feedback as the next girl. When those like and reblogs come in, it feels good.

And thirdly, it's a kind of therapy[1] for me. Sometimes I don't realize truths until I say them aloud, or write them down. But I need to be communicating with someone, even if that someone is a theoretical person who might some day read what I'm writing. I've never been able to keep a journal, or a diary. I might write an entry or two, but it falls by the wayside. And when I do write, it's usually just a bland recitation of events. When I'm trying to communicate with someone, or someones, it can become something more. I'd say more than haf the time when I go off on one of these long rants, I discover something new in the process[2]. That's pretty valuable for me.

So, to every person out there who's following me (unless you're secretly a chaser or a porn blog that I've somehow missed purging), thank you. Thank you for reading, for looking, for liking and reblogging. And thanks for the kind words in replies.

[1] I go to real therapy, too, I recommend it for everyone, if you can swing it. [2] It didn’t happen with this one. Oh, well.

[wrestlinghasmelike-blog]

NXT Takeover: Brooklyn/Summerslam Recap and Feelings- August 18th-19th, 2018

What a weekend for wrestling, huh? And what a fantastic one at that!

This weekend we got both Takeover: Brooklyn and SummerSlam events, and I think they both delivered so well. There were a couple things that weren’t great, but overall, I think both events were phenomenal. I’m gonna give a couple of brief comments on what I think should be mentioned, but if I missed something you wanted to know about, let me know!

Thanks for checking out this post! Please give it a like and a reblog, and as always, feel free to leave a comment or reply with how you thought the shows were! I’d love to hear from you. Thanks!

Let’s start with Takeover...

Wow, another fantastic NXT pay per view. I’ve been so behind on watching NXT, but I made sure to catch myself up with some of the storylines coming into this weekend. I think the ones I was most involved in were the Ricochet/Adam Cole and the Velveteen/EC3 stories. Those guys are so great at telling stories, ESPECIALLY VELVETEEN. I also thought those two matches were the best on the card! Granted, the whole card delivered, but these were the two that really took me away.

Undisputed Era def. Moustache Mountain to retain the titles

-this was a really fun match to watch. Kyle O'Reilly is so expressive; when that guy sells a bump, he fucking sells it. I’m really impressed with him and Roddy and what they can do. I think joining this team has really helped Roddy along in NXT. He wasn’t doing much after Drew got injured and Bobby Roode was called up, but now he’s one-half of the tag champs and living large.

Moustache Mountain are also phenomenal athletes. Tyler Bate is so young, buT SO GOOD RIGHT?! That guy is my age and he’s killing the game. I hope they get another chance to fight in the near future.

Shayna Baszler lost her title to Kairi Sane

In a rematch from the Mae Young Classic last year, Kairi and Shayna took each other to the limit in this emotional bout. Shayna has been wanting people to forget about her loss to Kairi last year, calling it a fluke, and saying that Kairi cannot do it again.

Surprisingly, Shayna was actually putting on a good match! She hasn’t really been the best in NXT, but it looks like she’s been putting in a lot of work on her ring skills and it shows. She was pretty okay when she first debuted in NXT, and she was leaps and bounds ahead of Ronda when she came to WWE, so there’s that.

Kairi is the only women’s champion in WWE that I care about right now...

Tomasso Ciampa def. Johnny Gargano in a Last Man Standing 

This was another great match, and these guys could tell a million stories and have a million matches and I bet you people wouldn’t get tired of it.

...except me.

I already am not a fan of Gargano. He’s just too over-hyped for me, and I don’t see why to be honest. The guy has some great in-ring ability and can really tell a story with his body, but something misses the mark for me. 

Tomasso, on the other hand, is one of the best characters WWE has right now. That guy is so hated and I love him for it. He’s the ultimate heel. I hope he has a long title run.

Overall...

Takeover was great. Whoever’s doing the booking and storyline work for these guys should be the one for Raw and Smackdown. Of course, there were a few misses, but really another great show in Brooklyn. 

SummerSlam

I think that this was the best pay per view of the year for the main brand. I also think this was the first weekend that I thought both shows were on par with each other. Usually, NXT out does the main brand by miles, but I thought they were shoulder to shoulder at least. There were a few matches that I didn’t care for at all. But again, this was the first double pay per view weekend that I thought one show didn’t outdo the other.

Both Tag Division Need Work

Both the B-Team and the Bludgeon Brothers defended and retained their titles at SummerSlam. I thought both matches were just mediocre and not worth being on the pay per view.

It’s always the same for the B Team; they get a lucky win and everyone goes nuts. It’s fun seeing these guys be goofy and being the underdogs, but can we see some real competition again?

The same goes for the Bludgeon Brothers. All we see is them just beat and barrage their opponents, and then the match is over? The New Day, while old and stale, should’ve won at SummerSlam. WWE needs to stop making the bigger guys this unstoppable force. It’s boring, and frankly, it’s unfair.

The Return of the Demon King

OK SO LIKE THIS MATCH WASN’T VERY LONG BUT HOLY FUCK HE’S BACK HE’S BACK

The Demon King returned to Brooklyn last night to take on Baron Corbin, and while the match was only like, 95 seconds (?), this was the right way to utilize the Demon. He needs to be this supernatural force that no one can take down, and that’s what he did on Sunday. 

And you can bet your ass that my ass was crying at his return. I almost snapped on my brother’s girlfriend for getting mad and making fun of me. Fam, don’t ever let anyone make you feel bad for getting emotional over something that you care about. You have a right to be excited or happy or sad for something you care about, it’s why you care about it, right?!

Becky Lynch SNAPPED

OH FUCKING FINALLY

Becky, Carmella, and Charlotte Flair all competed in a triple threat match for the Smackdown Women’s title, and everyone had a feeling going in that Charlotte would once again win the title. And she did. 

BUT THEN BECKY SNAPPED

Becky, after hugging and congratulating her once best friend, slapped her in the face and threw her around the ring and over one of the announce tables.

God, that was a good song. Play it on repeat for me.

Becky should’ve won the title this weekend, but this “heel turn” was almost as satisfying.

I really don’t want to talk about the Ronda match, but like I said earlier, Kairi is the only women’s champion in WWE right now...

...someone get that transphobic, racist woman away from that title please and thank you.

Samoa Joe could be my daddy??

Reviving their old TNA rivalries, Samoa Joe and AJ Styles put on a clinic on Sunday. This turned personal a few weeks ago when Joe brought AJ’s family into the mix, which is a feature that I love and hate. When it’s done right, I love it, but when it’s done out of context and too harshly, then I hate it. Joe did it right, and he incorporated it all throughout the match. 

HE CALLED HIMSELF DADDY AND I STARTED SWEATING

AJ retained the title in the end, but Joe walked away with a look in his eye that told me this story isn’t over. Thank god for a good Joe program.

Roman brings it home

We finally have the Universal Title back home, which means we can finally get some good storylines and matches again.

I was convinced that Braun would’ve cashed in his money in the bank contract, but he didn’t! I really don’t care who won, as long as it wasn’t Brock. 

There wasn’t much to say about this match, but at least Brock didn’t win.

Overall...

I really liked SummerSlam. I think it was the main brand’s best pay per view of the year so far. With only a few blunders (ronda winning and the tag matches) I really thought this was a great show! I’m excited to see what the fall term brings us in WWE. We have the demon king back, and the title is back home.

Thanks for reading! Please give this a reblog and spread it around! Thanks!